bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improved JPEG Coding by Filtering 8 × 8 DCT Blocks
Authors: Iqbal Yasir , Kwon Oh-Jin
Published: July 2021

The JPEG format, consisting of a set of image compression techniques, is one of the most commonly used image coding standards for both lossy and lossless image encoding. In this format, various techniques are used to improve image transmission and storage. In the final step of lossy image coding, JPEG uses either arithmetic or Huffman entropy coding modes to further compress data processed by lossy compression. Both modes encode all the 8 × 8 DCT blocks without filtering empty ones. An end-of-block marker is coded for empty blocks, and these empty blocks cause an unnecessary increase in file size when they are stored with the rest of the data. In this paper, we propose a modified version of the JPEG entropy coding. In the proposed version, instead of storing an end-of-block code for empty blocks with the rest of the data, we store their location in a separate buffer and then compress the buffer with an efficient lossless method to achieve a higher compression ratio. The size of the additional buffer, which keeps the information of location for the empty and non-empty blocks, was considered during the calculation of bits per pixel for the test images. In image compression, peak signal-to-noise ratio versus bits per pixel has been a major measure for evaluating the coding performance. Experimental results indicate that the proposed modified algorithm achieves lower bits per pixel while retaining quality.
Modeling of the Turkish Strait System Using a High Resolution Unstructured Grid Ocean Circulation Model
Authors: Ilicak Mehmet , Federico Ivan , Barletta Ivano , Mutlu Sabri , Karan Haldun , Ciliberti Stefania Angela , Clementi Emanuela , Coppini Giovanni , Pinardi Nadia
Published: July 2021

The Turkish Strait System, which is the only connection between the Black Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, is a challenging region for ocean circulation models due to topographic constraints and water mass structure. We present a newly developed high resolution unstructured finite element grid model to simulate the Turkish Strait System using realistic atmospheric forcing and lateral open boundary conditions. We find that the jet flowing from the Bosphorus Strait into the Marmara creates an anticyclonic circulation. The eddy kinetic energy field is high around the jets exiting from the Bosphorus Strait, Dardanelles Strait, and also the leeward side of the islands in the Marmara Sea. The model successfully captures the two-layer structure of the Sea of Marmara. The volume transport at the Bosphorus is around 120 km3/year which is consistent with the recent observations. The largest bias in the model is at the interface depth due to the shallower mixed layer.
Tissue- and Liquid-Based Biomarkers in Prostate Cancer Precision Medicine
Authors: Meehan James , Gray Mark , Martínez-Pérez Carlos , Kay Charlene , McLaren Duncan , Turnbull Arran K.
Published: July 2021

Worldwide, prostate cancer (PC) is the second-most-frequently diagnosed male cancer and the fifth-most-common cause of all cancer-related deaths. Suspicion of PC in a patient is largely based upon clinical signs and the use of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. Although PSA levels have been criticised for a lack of specificity, leading to PC over-diagnosis, it is still the most commonly used biomarker in PC management. Unfortunately, PC is extremely heterogeneous, and it can be difficult to stratify patients whose tumours are unlikely to progress from those that are aggressive and require treatment intensification. Although PC-specific biomarker research has previously focused on disease diagnosis, there is an unmet clinical need for novel prognostic, predictive and treatment response biomarkers that can be used to provide a precision medicine approach to PC management. In particular, the identification of biomarkers at the time of screening/diagnosis that can provide an indication of disease aggressiveness is perhaps the greatest current unmet clinical need in PC management. Largely through advances in genomic and proteomic techniques, exciting pre-clinical and clinical research is continuing to identify potential tissue, blood and urine-based PC-specific biomarkers that may in the future supplement or replace current standard practices. In this review, we describe how PC-specific biomarker research is progressing, including the evolution of PSA-based tests and those novel assays that have gained clinical approval. We also describe alternative diagnostic biomarkers to PSA, in addition to biomarkers that can predict PC aggressiveness and biomarkers that can predict response to certain therapies. We believe that novel biomarker research has the potential to make significant improvements to the clinical management of this disease in the near future.
Identification by MicroRNA Analysis of Environmental Risk Factors Bearing Pathogenic Relevance in Non-Smoker Lung Cancer
Authors: Izzotti Alberto , Coronel Vargas Gabriela , Pulliero Alessandra , Coco Simona , Colarossi Cristina , Blanco Giuseppina , Agodi Antonella , Barchitta Martina , Maugeri Andrea ,   CT-ME-EN Cancer Registry Workers, Oliveri Conti Gea , Ferrante Margherita , Sciacca Salvatore
Published: July 2021

MicroRNA and DNA adduct biomarkers may be used to identify the contribution of environmental pollution to some types of cancers. The aim of this study was to use integrated DNA adducts and microRNAs analyses to study retrospectively the contribution of exposures to environmental carcinogens to lung cancer in 64 non-smokers living in Sicily and Catania city near to the Etna volcano. MicroRNAs were extracted from cancer lung biopsies, and from the surrounding lung normal tissue. The expression of 2549 human microRNAs was analyzed by microarray. Benzo(a)Pyrene-DNA adducts levels were analyzed in the patients’ blood by HPLC−fluorescence detection. Correlations between tetrols and environmental exposures were calculated using Pearson coefficients and regression variable plots. Compared with the healthy tissue, 273 microRNAs were downregulated in lung cancer. Tetrols levels were inversely related both with the distance from Etna and years since smoking cessation, but they were not significantly correlated to environmental exposures. The analysis of the microRNA environmental signatures indicates the contribution of environmental factors to the analyzed lung cancers in the following decreasing rank: (a) car traffic, (b) passive smoke, (c) radon, and (d) volcano ashes. These results provide evidence that microRNA analysis can be used to retrospectively investigate the contribution of environmental factors in human lung cancer occurring in non-smokers.
Causes and Effects of Sand and Dust Storms: What Has Past Research Taught Us? A Survey
Authors: Opp Christian , Groll Michael , Abbasi Hamidreza , Foroushani Mansour Ahmadi
Published: July 2021

Barren ground and sites with low coverage by vegetation (e.g., dunes, soil surfaces, dry lakes, and riverbeds) are the main source areas of sand and dust storms (SDS). The understanding of causes, processes (abrasion, deflation, transport, deposition), and influencing factors of sandy and dusty particles moving by wind both in the boundary layer and in the atmosphere are basic prerequisites to distinguish between SDS. Dust transport in the atmosphere modulates radiation, ocean surface temperature, climate, as well as snow and ice cover. The effects of airborne particles on land are varied and can cause advantages and disadvantages, both in source areas and in sink or deposition areas, with disturbances of natural environments and anthropogenic infrastructure. Particulate matter in general and SDS specifically can cause severe health problems in human respiratory and other organs, especially in children. Economic impacts can be equally devastating, but the costs related to SDS are not thoroughly studied. The available data show huge economic damages caused by SDS and by the mitigation of their effects. Management of SDS-related hazards utilizes remote sensing techniques, on-site observations, and protective measures. Integrated strategies are necessary during both the planning and monitoring of these measures. Such integrated strategies can be successful when they are developed and implemented in close cooperation with the local and regional population and stakeholders.
Spatial Targeting of Agricultural Support Measures: Indicator-Based Assessment of Coverages and Leakages
Authors: LaFevor Matthew , Ponette-González Alexandra , Larson Rebecca , Mungai Leah
Published: July 2021

Agricultural support programs distribute payments to farms based on a diverse set of policy objectives. Adequate targeting of this support to priority areas is key to efficient and effective policy. We evaluated the targeting strategy of a national-level program in Mexico that distributed support based on seven criteria that prioritized poor smallholder farming communities at high risk of cropland failure. We used a series of logistic models to assess the coverage and leakage rates of the program’s targeting strategy and found rates of about 80 and 20 percent, respectively. We also found significant differences between the targeting priorities specified in program rules and the observed distribution of support measures. In general, the program favored arid and semi-arid regions at high risk of soil erosion but neglected smallholder farms in high-poverty regions with elevated rates of cropland failure. Our findings highlight the continued lack of financial support for smallholder agriculture in Mexico, despite program rules and priority statements that stress the vulnerability of this sector. This study also illustrates the important role of spatial targeting in better aligning agricultural support payments with stated policy priorities. This alignment is often overlooked in ex-post assessment, but it is critical for improving targeting precision, equity, and overall policy effectiveness.
Residential Mobility and Post-Move Community Satisfaction: Empirical Evidence from Guangzhou, China
Authors: Mao Sanqin , Chen Jie
Published: July 2021

In the last few decades, urban communities in China have experienced unprecedented social and spatial changes under the heightened mobility, which is induced by urban redevelopment and expansion. Prior works of community satisfaction of Chinese urban residents gave little attention to the influence of past residential mobility experiences, which is insufficient to capture the dynamics of urban community in a rapidly changing environment. The paper attempts to address this deficiency in the literature by including characteristics of a resident’s last mobility experience in the model to understand the resident’s community satisfaction based on a city-wide survey in Guangzhou, China. The two-level linear hierarchical regression analysis substantiates the importance of the last mobility experience in a resident’s satisfaction with current community. It reveals that those experienced the “upgrade” relocation from informal communities to formal communities, or former work unit compounds to developed commodity housing estates, will be more satisfied with the community than those did not have such experience. It also reveals that the effects of a resident’s personal and socio-economic characteristics on the resident’s community satisfaction also heavily depend on his or her most recent mobility pattern. The findings in this paper have both policy and practical implications for informing community governance and urban planning in China and worldwide.
Exploring the Relationship between Combined Household Housing and Transportation Costs and Regional Economic Activity in Virginia
Authors: Sanchez Thomas W.
Published: July 2021

Transportation is the second-largest expenditure category for households, accounting for nearly 20 cents of every dollar spent annually across the U.S. Only housing costs exceed transportation, and combined they represent a substantial burden on households. A primary economic connection between housing and transportation costs is related to the tradeoffs that households make in terms of residential location and what they have left of their household budget to spend on other needs. Families are forced to spend thousands of dollars annually on owning and operating private vehicles, forego wealth creation, and the ability to enjoy other benefits of homeownership. This analysis examines combined housing and transportation costs at the state level to regional economic performance. It contributes to the literature by testing the geographic scope of household expenditure burdens at this scale. Along with previous literature, this analysis provides evidence about the connection between the local and regional economic vitality and the burden of the combined effects of housing and transport on households. Overall, the results suggest that, from 2008 to 2018, these household cost burdens were a function of economic activity, household characteristics, and location in the state of Virginia.
Institutional Design, Prosecutorial Independence, and Accountability: Lessons from the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG)
Authors: Michel Verónica
Published: July 2021

In 2007 the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala began working to support the work of the Public Prosecutor’s Office to investigate and prosecute cases of corruption. In this short article, I address three questions: What was the design of CICIG? What were its results? How did the institutional design contribute to the impact it had in Guatemala? To answer these questions, I first discuss the problem of impunity and provide an interdisciplinary review of the factors that impact when a state punishes crime. In the following section, I briefly explain the institutionalist framework that guides my analysis of the work of CICIG and explain the theoretical importance of institutional design in the functioning of prosecutorial organs. In the third section I describe the institutional design of CICIG, its impact, and its limitations. In this section I explain how key characteristics in its design made this international commission a creative solution against impunity in a context where prosecuting state agents for human rights violations or corruption was virtually impossible. I conclude this article highlighting some key lessons from CICIG on matters of institutional design.
Response of Controlled Cell Load Biofilms to Cold Atmospheric Plasma Jet: Evidence of Extracellular Matrix Contribution
Authors: Labadie Maritxu , Marchal Frédéric , Merbahi Nofel , Girbal-Neuhauser Elisabeth , Fontagné-Faucher Catherine , Marcato-Romain Claire-Emmanuelle
Published: July 2021

Aim: Study of the biocidal effect of a cold atmospheric-pressure plasma in ambient air on single-species bacterial biofilms with controlled cell density, characterized by different extracellular matrices. Methods and results: Two bacterial strains were chosen to present different Gram properties and contrasted extracellular matrices: Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 15442 (Gram-negative), and Leuconostoc citreum NRRL B-1299 (Gram-positive). P. aeruginosa biofilm exhibits a complex matrix, rich in proteins while L. citreum presents the specificity to produce glucan-type exopolysaccharides when grown in the presence of sucrose. Plasma was applied on both surface-spread cells and 24-h grown biofilms with controlled cell loads over 5, 10, or 20 min. Surface-spread bacteria showed a time dependent response, with a maximal bacterial reduction of 2.5 log after 20 min of treatment. On the other hand, in our experimental conditions, no bactericidal effect could be observed when treating biofilms of P. aeruginosa and glucan-rich L. citreum. Conclusions: For biofilms presenting equivalent cell loads, the response to plasma treatment seemed to depend on the properties of the extracellular matrix characterized by infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, or dry weight. Significance and impact of study: Both cell load standardization and biofilm characterization are paramount factors to consider the biocide effect of plasma treatments. The extracellular matrix could affect the plasma efficacy by physical and/or chemical protective effects.
The Role of Oral Contraceptive Pills in Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Cohort Study
Authors: Montero-Vilchez Trinidad , Valenzuela-Amigo Andrea , Cuenca-Barrales Carlos , Arias-Santiago Salvador , Leyva-García Ana , Molina-Leyva Alejandro
Published: July 2021

There is a need to establish the role of antiandrogens as an alternative or concomitant therapy for hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). Thus, the objectives of this study are (1) to assess the effectiveness of oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) at week 12 in HS women, and (2) to describe the clinical profile of patients receiving oral contraceptive pills (OCPs). A prospective observational study was designed. This study included 100 participants, 50 women with HS who started OCPs for the first time at our HS Clinic and 50 participants without OCP treatment. The main outcome of interest was the percentage of reduction in total abscess and inflammatory nodule (AN) count at week 12. Thirty-three women received combined OCPs and 17 non-combined OCP. HS patients with OCPs treatment were younger (31.7 vs. 40.9 years, p < 0.001), thinner (28.62 vs. 33.35 kg/m2), and have a higher number of areas affected (2.32 vs. 1.38, p = 0.02) than those without OCPs. After 12-weeks of treatment, it was observed that the percentage of AN reduction was higher in HS women receiving OCP than in patients without OCP (53.9% vs. 38.42%, p = 0.049). It was observed that OCP prescription (β = 3.79, p = 0.034) and concomitant therapy (β = 3.91, p = 0.037) were independently associated with a higher % AN when controlling for disease duration, concomitant therapy, and treatment with/without OCP (R2 = 0.67). The factors potentially associated with the percentage AN reduction at week 12 in HS women treated with OCPs were disease duration (β = −1.327, p = 0.052), concomitant therapy (β = 11.04, p = 0.079), and HS worsening with the menstrual cycle (β = 10.55, p = 0.087). In conclusion, OCPs might be effective for improving AN count in women with HS. Women whose HS worsens in relation to the menstrual cycle and have a shorter disease may benefit more from the therapeutic effect of OCPs.
Mixed Cation Halide Perovskite under Environmental and Physical Stress
Authors: Larciprete Rosanna , Agresti Antonio , Pescetelli Sara , Pazniak Hanna , Liedl Andrea , Lacovig Paolo , Lizzit Daniel , Tosi Ezequiel , Lizzit Silvano , Di Carlo Aldo
Published: July 2021

Despite the ideal performance demonstrated by mixed perovskite materials when used as active layers in photovoltaic devices, the factor which still hampers their use in real life remains the poor stability of their physico-chemical and functional properties when submitted to prolonged permanence in atmosphere, exposure to light and/or to moderately high temperature. We used high resolution photoelectron spectroscopy to compare the chemical state of triple cation, double halide Csx(FA0.83MA0.17)(1−x)Pb(I0.83Br0.17)3 perovskite thin films being freshly deposited or kept for one month in the dark or in the light in environmental conditions. Important deviations from the nominal composition were found in the samples aged in the dark, which, however, did not show evident signs of oxidation and basically preserved their own electronic structures. Ageing in the light determined a dramatic material deterioration with heavily perturbed chemical composition also due to reactions of the perovskite components with surface contaminants, promoted by the exposure to visible radiation. We also investigated the implications that 2D MXene flakes, recently identified as effective perovskite additive to improve solar cell efficiency, might have on the labile resilience of the material to external agents. Our results exclude any deleterious MXene influence on the perovskite stability and, actually, might evidence a mild stabilizing effect for the fresh samples, which, if doped, exhibited a lower deviation from the expected stoichiometry with respect to the undoped sample. The evolution of the undoped perovskites under thermal stress was studied by heating the samples in UHV while monitoring in real time, simultaneously, the behaviour of four representative material elements. Moreover, we could reveal the occurrence of fast changes induced in the fresh material by the photon beam as well as the enhanced decomposition triggered by the concurrent X-ray irradiation and thermal heating.
Tailings after Iron Extraction in Bayer Red Mud by Biomass Reduction: Pozzolanic Activity and Hydration Characteristics
Authors: Wang Yaguang , Liu Xiaoming , Li Yong , Li Dongsheng , Zhang Wei , Xue Yang
Published: July 2021

Bayer red mud (BRM) is a kind of solid waste with high hematite content, and its effective utilization is difficult due to the special physicochemical properties. In this work, Fe2O3 in BRM was reduced to Fe3O4 by biomass, and iron concentrate and high activity tailings were obtained after magnetic separation. The pozzolanic activity and hydration characteristics of the tailings were systematically studied. The results showed that the relatively stable polymerization structures of Si-O and Al-O in BRM are destroyed under the effect of biomass reduction at 650 °C, and some fracture bonds and activation points are formed in the structures. The aluminosilicate phases in the BRM were easy to transform into the active substances of Si and Al. The pozzolanic activity of tailings is greatly improved, and its pozzolanic activity index is 91%. High polymerization degree of gel and ettringite are formed since more active substances and alkali in the tailings promote the hydration reaction of cement-based cementitious materials, which made cementitious materials have dense matrix, good mechanical properties, and environmental performance. This work has realized the full quantitative utilization of BRM and provided a feasible way for the resource utilization of BRM.
Diagnostics of Large Non-Conductive Anti-Corrosion Coatings on Steel Structures by Means of Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy
Authors: Jaśniok Tomasz , Jaśniok Mariusz , Skórkowski Artur
Published: July 2021

This paper proposes a testing methodology for barrier properties of large non-conductive anti-corrosion coatings on steel structures. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was adapted to in situ testing of steel structures by using a prototypical flexible measuring probe and a gel electrolyte that filled the probe, to take measurements on any surface regardless of its position. The first stage of the testing methodology was to perform time-consuming impedance measurements and quick electromagnetic measurements of coating thickness at selected test points. The results were used to determine correlation relationships between the logarithm of the impedance modulus for the coating at a measuring frequency of 0.1 Hz measured with the EIS method and the average thickness of the coating measured with an electromagnetic thickness gauge. Quick electromagnetic measurements were performed in the second stage to specify thickness of the other surface of the steel structure coating. The barrier properties of this coating were identified on the basis of the determined correlation.
VIAM-USV2000: An Unmanned Surface Vessel with Novel Autonomous Capabilities in Confined Riverine Environments
Authors: Tran Ngoc-Huy , Pham Quang-Ha , Lee Ji-Hyeong , Choi Hyeung-Sik
Published: July 2021

Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs) have witnessed an increasing growth in demand for development due to their compactness, mobility and maneuverability, which make them well-suited for environmental monitoring on narrow water in Vietnam in particular and in general at several similar tropical regions. However, current surface vessels are limited to operation on open water only. In this paper, we design a USV, namely, VIAM-USV2000, equipped with advanced autonomous capabilities to satisfactorily carry out missions in confined riverine environments. More specifically, our prototype is designed to follow a smooth B-Spline path that is self-planned to meet the limiting curvature and avoid static obstacles. Moreover, the vessel is capable of avoiding dynamic obstacles by an advanced Set-based Guidance mechanism. Simulated and experimental results at a local lake prove the effectiveness of the proposed capabilities, thereby paving the way for the extensive deployment of USVs in many real-world applications.
Synthesis, Crystal Structure and Magnetic Properties of 1D Chain Complexes Based on Azo Carboxylate Oxime Ligand
Authors: Zeng Min , Chen Xi , Kou Hui-Zhong
Published: July 2021

Two carboxylate-bridged one-dimensional chain complexes, {[MnII(MeOH)2][FeIII(L)2]2}n (1) and {[MnII(DMF)2][MnIII(L)2]2·DMF}n (2) [H2L = ((2-carboxyphenyl)azo)-benzaldoxime], containing a low-spin [FeIII(L)2]− or [MnIII(L)2]− unit were synthesized. Magnetic measurements show that the adjacent high-spin MnII and low-spin MIII ions display weak antiferromagnetic coupling via the syn–anti carboxyl bridges, with J = −0.066(2) cm−1 for complex 1 and J = −0.274(2) cm−1 for complex 2.
SARS-CoV-2 Spread Forecast Dynamic Model Validation through Digital Twin Approach, Catalonia Case Study
Authors: Fonseca i Casas Pau , Garcia i Subirana Joan , García i Carrasco Víctor , Pi i Palomés Xavier
Published: July 2021

The spread of the SARS-CoV-2 modeling is a challenging problem because of its complex nature and lack of information regarding certain aspects. In this paper, we explore a Digital Twin approach to model the pandemic situation in Catalonia. The Digital Twin is composed of three different dynamic models used to perform the validations by a Model Comparison approach. We detail how we use this approach to obtain knowledge regarding the effects of the nonpharmaceutical interventions and the problems we faced during the modeling process. We use Specification and Description Language (SDL) to represent the compartmental forecasting model for the SARS-CoV-2. Its graphical notation simplifies the different specialists’ understanding of the model hypotheses, which must be validated continuously following a Solution Validation approach. This model allows the successful forecasting of different scenarios for Catalonia. We present some formalization details, discuss the validation process and present some results obtained from the validation model discussion, which becomes a digital twin of the pandemic in Catalonia.
Modified Flower Pollination Algorithm for Global Optimization
Authors: Abdel-Basset Mohamed , Mohamed Reda , Saber Safaa , Askar S. , Abouhawwash Mohamed
Published: July 2021

In this paper, a modified flower pollination algorithm (MFPA) is proposed to improve the performance of the classical algorithm and to tackle the nonlinear equation systems widely used in engineering and science fields. In addition, the differential evolution (DE) is integrated with MFPA to strengthen its exploration operator in a new variant called HFPA. Those two algorithms were assessed using 23 well-known mathematical unimodal and multimodal test functions and 27 well-known nonlinear equation systems, and the obtained outcomes were extensively compared with those of eight well-known metaheuristic algorithms under various statistical analyses and the convergence curve. The experimental findings show that both MFPA and HFPA are competitive together and, compared to the others, they could be superior and competitive for most test cases.
Differential Games for Fractional-Order Systems: Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman–Isaacs Equation and Optimal Feedback Strategies
Authors: Gomoyunov Mikhail I.
Published: July 2021

The paper deals with a two-person zero-sum differential game for a dynamical system described by differential equations with the Caputo fractional derivatives of an order α∈(0,1) and a Bolza-type cost functional. A relationship between the differential game and the Cauchy problem for the corresponding Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman–Isaacs equation with fractional coinvariant derivatives of the order α and the natural boundary condition is established. An emphasis is given to construction of optimal positional (feedback) strategies of the players. First, a smooth case is studied when the considered Cauchy problem is assumed to have a sufficiently smooth solution. After that, to cope with a general non-smooth case, a generalized minimax solution of this problem is involved.
The Yield of String Sign in Differentiating Mucinous from Non-Mucinous Pancreatic Cysts: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Sbeit Wisam , Kadah Anas , Shahin Amir , Khoury Tawfik
Published: July 2021

Background and Objectives: The diagnosis of pancreatic cysts is mostly based on a combination of morphological appearance and fluid analysis of amylase and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). We aimed to assess the capability of the string sign in differentiating mucinous from non-mucinous pancreatic cysts. Materials and Methods: All patients who were referred for endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) for pancreatic cysts assessment from 2015 to 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Results: Our cohort consisted of 112 patients. Of them, 92 patients (82.1%) had mucinous cystic neoplasms (group A) and 20 patients (17.9%) had non-mucinous cystic neoplasms (group B). The average age in groups A and B was 71.3 and 60.4 years, respectively. String sign was positive in 47 patients (51.1%) and negative in 21 patients (22.8%) in group A, while in group B, string sign was negative in 19 patients (95%). String sign showed significant correlation with the diagnosis of mucinous cystic neoplasms (OR 64.2, 95% CI 8.1–508.6, p = 0.0001). Cytology confirmed mucinous cystic neoplasms that included 32 patients; the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of string sign for mucinous cystic neoplasms were high, reaching 93.8%, 85.7%, 96.8%, and 75%, respectively, with an excellent accuracy rate of 92.3%. Conclusions: The string sign is highly accurate for predicting pancreatic mucinous cystic neoplasms, and should be used as an important aid for improving diagnostic accuracy.
Experimental Investigation of the Effects of Irradiating Schemes in Laser Tube Bending Process
Authors: Safari Mehdi , Alves de Sousa Ricardo J. , Joudaki Jalal
Published: July 2021

The laser tube bending process (LTBP) process is a thermal non-contact process for bending tubes with less springback and less thinning of the tube. In this paper, the laser tube bending process will be studied experimentally. The length of irradiation and irradiation scheme are two main affecting process parameters in the LTBP process. For this purpose, different samples according to two main irradiation schemes (Circular irradiating scheme (CIS) and axial irradiating scheme (AIS)) and different lengths of laser beam irradiation (from 4.7 to 28.2 mm) are fabricated. The main bending angle of laser-bent tube, lateral bending angle, ovality, and thickness variations is measured experimentally, and the effects of the irradiating scheme and the length of irradiation are investigated. An 18 mm diameter, 1 mm thick mild steel tube was bent with 1100 Watts laser beam. The results show that for both irradiating schemes, by increasing the irradiating length of the main and lateral bending angle, the ovality and thickness variation ratio of the bent tube are increased. In addition, for a similar irradiating length, the main bending angle with AIS is considerably higher than CIS. The lateral bending angle by AIS is much less than the lateral bending angle with CIS. The results demonstrate that the ovality percentage and the thickness variation ratio for the laser-bent tube obtained by CIS are much more than the values associated with by AIS laser-bent tube.
Development of a Rotary Ultrasonic Motor with Double-Sided Staggered Teeth
Authors: Yang Xiaohui , Zhang Dongdong , Song Rujun , Yang Chongqiu , Mu Zonggao
Published: July 2021

Based on the conventional structure of traveling wave ultrasonic motor, a rotary ultrasonic motor with double-sided staggered teeth was proposed. Both sides of the stator could be used to actuate the rotors to rotate and output torque. Moreover, the staggered teeth in the stator could be dedicated to accommodating the piezoelectric ceramic chips. Under the excitation of two alternating voltages with a 90° phase difference, a traveling wave could be generated in the ring-like stator. Then, a rotary motion could be realized by means of the friction between the rotors and the driving teeth of the stator. The finite element method was adopted to analyze the motion trajectories of the driving tips. Moreover, the experimental results showed that the load-free maximum speed and maximum output torque of the prototype were 99 rpm and 0.19 N·m at a voltage of 150 Vp with a frequency of 28.25 kHz.
Microfluidic Airborne Metal Particle Sensor Using Oil Microcirculation for Real-Time and Continuous Monitoring of Metal Particle Emission
Authors: Yoon Jong-Seo , Park Jiwon , Ahn Hye-Rin , Yoo Seong-Jae , Kim Yong-Jun
Published: July 2021

Airborne metal particles (MPs; particle size > 10 μm) in workplaces result in a loss in production yield if not detected in time. The demand for compact and cost-efficient MP sensors to monitor airborne MP generation is increasing. However, contemporary instruments and laboratory-grade sensors exhibit certain limitations in real-time and on-site monitoring of airborne MPs. This paper presents a microfluidic MP detection chip to address these limitations. By combining the proposed system with microcirculation-based particle-to-liquid collection and a capacitive sensing method, the continuous detection of airborne MPs can be achieved. A few microfabrication processes were realized, resulting in a compact system, which can be easily replaced after contamination with a low-priced microfluidic chip. In our experiments, the frequency-dependent capacitive changes were characterized using MP (aluminum) samples (sizes ranging from 10 μm to 40 μm). Performance evaluation of the proposed system under test-bed conditions indicated that it is capable of real-time and continuous monitoring of airborne MPs (minimum size 10 μm) under an optimal frequency, with superior sensitivity and responsivity. Therefore, the proposed system can be used as an on-site MP sensor for unexpected airborne MP generation in precise manufacturing facilities where metal sources are used.
Evolution of Sedimentary Basins as Recorded in Silica Concretions: An Example from the Ionian Zone, Western Greece
Authors: Pe-Piper Georgia , Piper David J. W. , Bourli Nicolina , Zelilidis Avraam
Published: July 2021

Chert concretions in thick limestone successions preserve a more complete paragenetic sequence of diagenetic minerals than their host limestone and interbedded shale. The goal of this study was to test the possible presence of a high-temperature mineralising system in the Ionian basin of western Greece. Upper Cretaceous chert nodules were sampled at Araxos, where rocks are highly faulted and uplifted by salt diapirism, and on Kastos Island, on the flanks of a regional anticline. Chert concretions have microporosity produced by recrystallisation of opal to quartz and fractures produced in the brittle chert during basin inversion. Diagenetic mineral textures were interpreted from backscattered electron images, and minerals were identified from their chemistry. Diagenetic minerals in pores and veins include sedimentary apatite (francolite), dolomite, Fe-chlorite, Fe oxide-hydroxide mixtures, sphalerite, barite and calcite. Sphalerite is restricted to Araxos, suggesting that inferred basinal fluids were hotter and more saline than at Kastos. At Araxos, the Fe oxide-hydroxide also includes minor Cu, Zn, and Ni. Whether the transported metals were derived from sub-salt clastic rocks and basement, or from enriched Mesozoic black shales, is unclear. The effectiveness of this novel approach to understanding fluid flow history in thick limestone successions is validated.
Current Applications of Magnetic Nanomaterials for Extraction of Mycotoxins, Pesticides, and Pharmaceuticals in Food Commodities
Authors: Targuma Sarem , Njobeh Patrick B. , Ndungu Patrick G.
Published: July 2021

Environmental pollutants, such as mycotoxins, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals, are a group of contaminates that occur naturally, while others are produced from anthropogenic sources. With increased research on the adverse ecological and human health effects of these pollutants, there is an increasing need to regularly monitor their levels in food and the environment in order to ensure food safety and public health. The application of magnetic nanomaterials in the analyses of these pollutants could be promising and offers numerous advantages relative to conventional techniques. Due to their ability for the selective adsorption, and ease of separation as a result of magnetic susceptibility, surface modification, stability, cost-effectiveness, availability, and biodegradability, these unique magnetic nanomaterials exhibit great achievement in the improvement of the extraction of different analytes in food. On the other hand, conventional methods involve longer extraction procedures and utilize large quantities of environmentally unfriendly organic solvents. This review centers its attention on current applications of magnetic nanomaterials and their modifications in the extraction of pollutants in food commodities.
Anti-Inflammatory Comparison of Melatonin and Its Bromobenzoylamide Derivatives in Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-Induced RAW 264.7 Cells and Croton Oil-Induced Mice Ear Edema
Authors: Sangchart Pimpichaya , Panyatip Panyada , Damrongrungruang Teerasak , Priprem Aroonsri , Mahakunakorn Pramote , Puthongking Ploenthip
Published: July 2021

The pineal gland is a neuroendocrine organ that plays an important role in anti-inflammation through the hormone melatonin. The anti-inflammatory effects of melatonin and its derivatives have been reported in both in vitro and in vivo models. Our previous study reported the potent antioxidant and neuroprotective activities of bromobenzoylamide substituted melatonin. In silico analysis successfully predicted that melatonin bromobenzoylamid derivatives were protected from metabolism by CYP2A1, which is a key enzyme of the melatonin metabolism process. Therefore, the anti-inflammatory activities of melatonin and its bromobenzoylamide derivatives BBM and EBM were investigated in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages and croton oil-induced ear edema in mice. The experiments showed that BBM and EBM significantly reduced production of the inflammatory mediators interleukin-6 (IL-6), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and nitric oxide (NO) in a dose-dependent manner, but only slightly affected TNF-α in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages. This suggests that modifying melatonin at either the N1-position or the N-acetyl side chain affected production of NO, PGE2 and IL-6 in in vitro model. In the croton oil-induced mouse ear edema model, BBM, significantly decreased ear edema thickness at 2–4 h. It leads to conclude that bromobenzoylamide derivatives of melatonin may be one of the potential candidates for a new type of anti-inflammatory agent.
Stable and Effective Online Monitoring and Feedback Control of PCDD/F during Municipal Waste Incineration
Authors: Xiong Shijian , Shang Fanjie , Chen Ken , Lu Shengyong , Tang Shaofu , Li Xiaodong , Cen Kefa
Published: July 2021

For the long-term operation of municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI), online monitoring and feedback control of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin and dibenzofuran (PCDD/F) can be used to control the emissions to national or regional standards. In this study, 500 PCDD/F samples were determined by thermal desorption gas chromatography coupled to tunable-laser ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TD-GC-TLI-TOFMS) for 168 h. PCDD/F emissions range from 0.01 ng I-TEQ/Nm3 to 2.37 ng I-TEQ/Nm3, with 44% of values below 0.1 ng I-TEQ/Nm3 (the national standard). In addition, the temperature of the furnace outlet, bed pressure, and oxygen content are considered as key operating parameters among the 13 operating parameters comprising four temperature parameters, four pressure parameters, four flow parameters, and oxygen content. More specifically, maintaining the furnace outlet temperature to be higher than 800 °C, or bed pressure higher than 13 kPa, or the oxygen content stably and above 10% are effective methods for reducing PCDD/F emissions. According to the analysis of the Pearson coefficients and maximal information coefficients, there is no significant correlation between operating parameters and PCDD/F I-TEQ. Only when there is a significant change in one of these factors will the PCDD/F emissions also change accordingly. The feedback control of PCDD/F emissions is realized by adjusting the furnace outlet temperature, bed temperature, and bed pressure to control the PCDD/F to be less than 0.1 ng I-TEQ/Nm3.
An Analysis of Oxidative Changes and the Fatty Acid Profile in Stored Poultry Sausages with Liquid and Microencapsulated Fish Oil Additives
Authors: Kawecki Krzysztof , Stangierski Jerzy , Konieczny Piotr
Published: July 2021

This study deals with the fatty acid profile and oxidative changes (TBARS) in vacuum-packed (VP) or modified-atmosphere-packed (MAP) finely-comminuted poultry sausages with liquid fish oil and microencapsulated fish oil (MC) additives. An analysis of omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) showed that their content in the samples with the fish oil additive decreased from the initial value of 0.22 g∙100 g−1 of the product to 0.18 g∙100 g−1 (MAP) and 0.17 g∙100 g−1 (VP), respectively. After in vitro digestion, the total EPA and DHA content in the sample with microencapsulated oil amounted to 0.17 g∙100 g−1 of the product. The TBARS values showed the VP samples with both forms of the fish oil additive had the lowest values on the first day of storage. Storage of the samples for 21 days caused a slight increase in the degree of lipid oxidation. The research indicated that the forms of the oil additive did not have a negative influence on the sensory features or the physicochemical properties of the sausages. The EPA and DHA levels in samples with liquid fish oil and those with oil microcapsules were sufficient for the sausage producer to declare high content of these fatty acids in accordance with the current EC regulation.
Human Evolution and Dietary Ethanol
Authors: Dudley Robert , Maro Aleksey
Published: July 2021

The “drunken monkey” hypothesis posits that attraction to ethanol derives from an evolutionary linkage among the sugars of ripe fruit, associated alcoholic fermentation by yeast, and ensuing consumption by human ancestors. First proposed in 2000, this concept has received increasing attention from the fields of animal sensory biology, primate foraging behavior, and molecular evolution. We undertook a review of English language citations subsequent to publication of the original paper and assessed research trends and future directions relative to natural dietary ethanol exposure in primates and other animals. Two major empirical themes emerge: attraction to and consumption of fermenting fruits (and nectar) by numerous vertebrates and invertebrates (e.g., Drosophila flies), and genomic evidence for natural selection consistent with sustained exposure to dietary ethanol in diverse taxa (including hominids and the genus Homo) over tens of millions of years. We also describe our current field studies in Uganda of ethanol content within fruits consumed by free-ranging chimpanzees, which suggest chronic low-level exposure to this psychoactive molecule in our closest living relatives.
Associations between Food Preferences, Food Approach, and Food Avoidance in a Polish Adolescents’ COVID-19 Experience (PLACE-19) Study Population
Authors: Guzek Dominika , Skolmowska Dominika , Głąbska Dominika
Published: July 2021

Food preferences are among the strongest predictors of the food choices of adolescents. These are associated with appetitive traits (food approach and avoidance) to some extent. However, no research has been conducted so far analyzing the association between food preferences and appetitive traits of adolescents. The aim of this study was to evaluate the associations between food preferences and appetitive traits in adolescents (aged 15–20 years) within the Polish Adolescents’ COVID-19 Experience (PLACE-19) Study population. The PLACE-19 Study was carried out in a population-based sample of 2448 secondary school students sampled across the country (random quota sampling). Food preferences (including the preference for vegetables, fruit, meat/fish, dairy, snacks, and starches) of the adolescents were assessed using the validated Food Preference Questionnaire (FPQ) while their appetitive traits (hunger, food responsiveness, emotional overeating, enjoyment of food, satiety responsiveness, emotional undereating, food fussiness, slowness in eating) were assessed using the validated Adult Eating Behavior Questionnaire (AEBQ). The k-means clustering was performed to identify the homogenous clusters of respondents based on their preferences, and linear regression was performed to determine the relationship between food preferences and appetitive traits with a model adjusted for sex and age. Based on their preferences, three homogenous clusters of respondents were defined: low-preferring respondents (low preference for all food categories), respondents preferring snacking foods (low preference for all food categories, except for fruit and snacks), and high-preferring respondents (high preference for all food categories). The low-preferring respondents showed the lowest values for all appetitive traits (p = 0.0008), as well as the lowest total score (p = 0.0001), except for food fussiness, for which they showed the highest value (p = 0.0008). All preference scores were positively associated with traits such as hunger, food responsiveness, enjoyment of food, and emotional under-eating, while negatively associated with food fussiness (all p < 0.05). The largest amount of variance was observed for preference for dairy (14.6%; R2 = 0.146, p = 0.008) and snacks with respect to enjoyment of food (16.2%; R2 = 0.162, p = 0.008), for vegetable with respect to food fussiness (22%; R2 = 0.220, p = 0.008), and for meat/fish with respect to enjoyment of food (19.9%; R2 = 0.199, p = 0.008) and food fussiness combined (19.1%; R2 = 0.191, p = 0.008). These results support the association of food preferences with both food approach traits and food avoidance traits.
A Crosstalk between Diet, Microbiome and microRNA in Epigenetic Regulation of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Guz Małgorzata , Jeleniewicz Witold , Malm Anna , Korona-Glowniak Izabela
Published: July 2021

A still growing interest between human nutrition in relation to health and disease states can be observed. Dietary components shape the composition of microbiota colonizing our gastrointestinal tract which play a vital role in maintaining human health. There is a strong evidence that diet, gut microbiota and their metabolites significantly influence our epigenome, particularly through the modulation of microRNAs. These group of small non-coding RNAs maintain cellular homeostasis, however any changes leading to impaired expression of miRNAs contribute to the development of different pathologies, including neoplastic diseases. Imbalance of intestinal microbiota due to diet is primary associated with the development of colorectal cancer as well as other types of cancers. In the present work we summarize current knowledge with particular emphasis on diet-microbiota-miRNAs axis and its relation to the development of colorectal cancer.