bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On Mass Spectra of Primordial Black Holes
Authors: Kirillov Alexander A. , Rubin Sergey G.
Published: December 2021

Evidence for the primordial black holes (PBH) presence in the early Universe renews permanently. New limits on their mass spectrum challenge existing models of PBH formation. One of the known models is based on the closed walls collapse after the inflationary epoch. Its intrinsic feature is the multiple production of small mass PBH which might contradict observations in the nearest future. We show that the mechanism of walls collapse can be applied to produce substantially different PBH mass spectra if one takes into account the classical motion of scalar fields together with their quantum fluctuations at the inflationary stage. Analytical formulas have been developed that contain both quantum and classical contributions.
The Role of Biosecurity in the Control of Campylobacter: A Qualitative Study of the Attitudes and Perceptions of UK Broiler Farm Workers
Authors: Royden Alexandra , Christley Robert , Prendiville Alison , Williams Nicola J.
Published: December 2021

Campylobacter is the leading cause of human bacterial diarrhoeal disease worldwide, with poultry meat products contributing to a large proportion of cases. Due to the ubiquitous presence of Campylobacter in the poultry farm environment, biosecurity is the main area for intervention to prevent colonisation of commercial broiler chicken flocks. However, research has repeatedly demonstrated that farmers' uptake of biosecurity recommendations is often poor. This study explored farmers' attitudes towards biosecurity and identified barriers to effective implementation of biosecurity protocols. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 1–3 members of staff on each of 16 broiler farms; 6 owned by, and 10 contracted to, 3 different UK poultry integrators. In total, 28 interviewees participated, including farm owners, managers, and workers, with a range of industry experience. Thematic analysis of the interviews revealed high levels of recognition amongst broiler farmers of the importance of Campylobacter and the responsibility of the whole farm-to-fork chain within the poultry industry to reduce Campylobacter contamination of chicken meat for the benefit of public health. Participants' self-reported awareness and implementation of biosecurity has improved significantly following the industry-wide focus on Campylobacter control. However, there are frustrations with the industry's approach to tackling Campylobacter and the heavy burden of responsibility that has been put on interventions at the farm-level. There was also scepticism amongst participants as to the effectiveness of current biosecurity measures in the reduction of Campylobacter. Nevertheless, the interviewees' recognition of the benefit of improved biosecurity on broiler health and welfare and other important targets, such as reducing antimicrobial usage, leaves a legacy of which the UK broiler industry can be proud. There is scope for further farmer education about the evidence supporting biosecurity interventions, particularly in the control of Campylobacter, and a need to establish more effective channels of communication. Furthermore, to give all players within the industry agency and investment in industry targets, contributions from all levels should be permitted in the design of future biosecurity interventions. Biosecurity compliance may be improved through collaborative efforts, such as participatory and co-design practises, to facilitate knowledge co-creation and exchange.
Proof of Concept: Game-Based Mobile Learning—The First Experience With the App Actionbound as Case-Based Geocaching in Education of Veterinary Neurology
Authors: Nessler Jasmin , Schaper Elisabeth , Tipold Andrea
Published: December 2021

Case-based learning is a valuable tool to impart various problem-solving skills in veterinary education and stimulate active learning. Students can solve imaginary cases without the need for contact with real patients. Case-based teaching can be well performed as asynchronous remote-online class. In time of the COVID-19-pandemic, many courses in veterinary education are provided online. Therefore, students report certain fatigue when it comes to desk-based online learning. The app “Actionbound” provides a platform to design digitally interactive scavenger hunts based on global positioning system (GPS)—called “bounds” —in which the teacher can create a case study with an authentic patient via narrative elements. This app was designed for multimedia-guided museum or city tours initially. The app offers the opportunity to send the students to different geographic localizations for example in a park or locations on the University campus, like geocaching. In this way, students can walk outdoors while solving the case study. The present article describes the first experience with Actionbound as a tool for mobile game-based and case-orientated learning in veterinary education. Three veterinary neurology cases were designed as bounds for undergraduate students. In the summer term 2020, 42 students from the second to the fourth year of the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover worked on these three cases, which were solved 88 times in total: Cases 1 and 2 were each played 30 times, and case 3 was played 28 times. Forty-seven bounds were solved from students walking through the forest with GPS, and 41 were managed indoors. After each bound, students evaluated the app and the course via a 6-point numerical Likert rating scale (1 = excellent to 6 = unsatisfactory). Students playing the bounds outdoors performed significantly better than students solving the corresponding bound at home in two of the three cases (p = 0.01). The large majority of the students rated the course as excellent to good (median 1.35, range 1–4) and would recommend the course to friends (median 1.26, range 1–3). Summarizing, in teaching veterinary neurology Actionbound's game-based character in the context of outdoor activity motivates students, might improve learning, and is highly suitable for case-based learning.
Pacjent nie współpracuje” – socjopragmatyka
(nie)porozumienia w ochronie zdrowia
Authors: Kiełkiewicz-Janowiak Agnieszka
Published: December 2021

Communication between patients and medical professionals is characterised
by frequent misunderstandings due to medical, psychological, and relational
considerations arising to a large extent from unfamiliarity with specialised
medical language. Such processes can be exemplifi ed by the phrase pacjent nie
współpracuje (lit. the patient is not cooperating), which has a specifi c meaning
in medical language and can be interpreted by patients as evaluating them
negatively. Understanding in this communication must be reached through
negotiation of the meaning of specialist words, expressions, and phrases.
Pacjent w centrum rozmowy
na przykładzie prac studentów kierunków medycznych
Authors: Doroszewska Antonina , Drozdowska Iwona
Published: December 2021

This paper presents the main assumptions of patient-centred care, which
emphasises the importance of getting to know and taking into account the
patient’s perspective throughout the treatment process. The aim of this study is
to demonstrate how communication skills, which are taught as part of classes
in medical communication, facilitate the provision of patient-centred care.
The paper discusses selected communication skills and presents fragments of
students’ assignments demonstrating the practical application of the acquired
skills. The studies provide examples of utterances fostering the exchange of
perspectives and building of a common look at the patient’s problem and
reinforcing the patient’s sense of being in the centre of care.
Intravenous Acetaminophen Does Not Provide Adequate Postoperative Analgesia in Dogs Following Ovariohysterectomy
Authors: Leung Jessica , Beths Thierry , Carter Jennifer E. , Munn Richard , Whittem Ted , Bauquier Sebastien H.
Published: December 2021

(1) Objective: To investigate the analgesic effects of intravenous acetaminophen after intravenous administration in dogs presenting for ovariohysterectomy. (2) Methods: 14 ASA I client-owned female entire dogs. In this randomized, blinded, clinical study, dogs were given meperidine and acepromazine intramuscularly before induction of anesthesia with intravenous propofol. Anesthesia was maintained with isoflurane in oxygen. Intravenous acetaminophen 20 mg/kg or 0.9% NaCl was administered postoperatively. Pain assessments were conducted using the Glasgow Pain Scale short form before premedication and at 10, 20, 60, 120, and 180 min post-extubation or until rescue analgesia was given. The pain scores, times, and incidences of rescue analgesia between the groups was compared. Blood was collected before and 2, 5, 10, 20, 40, and 80 min after acetaminophen administration. Acetaminophen plasma concentration was quantified by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The acetaminophen plasma concentration at the time of each pain score evaluation was subsequently calculated. (3) Results: There was no significant difference in pain scores at 10 min, highest pain scores, or time of rescue analgesia between groups. In each group, 3 dogs (43%) received rescue analgesia within 20 min. (4) Conclusions: Following ovariohysterectomy in dogs, there was no detectable analgesic effect of a 20 mg/kg dosage of intravenous acetaminophen administered at the end of surgery.
Within-Breath Oscillatory Mechanics in Horses Affected by Severe Equine Asthma in Exacerbation and in Remission of the Disease
Authors: Stucchi Luca , Ferrucci Francesco , Bullone Michela , Dellacà Raffaele L. , Lavoie Jean Pierre
Published: December 2021

Oscillometry is a technique that measures the resistance (R) and the reactance (X) of the respiratory system. In humans, analysis of inspiratory and expiratory R and X allows to identify the presence of tidal expiratory flow limitation (EFLt). The aim of this study was to describe inspiratory and expiratory R and X measured by impulse oscillometry system (IOS) in horses with severe asthma (SEA) when in clinical remission (n = 7) or in exacerbation (n = 7) of the condition. Seven healthy, age-matched control horses were also studied. Data at 3, 5, and 7 Hz with coherence > 0.85 at 3 Hz and >0.9 at 5 and 7 Hz were considered. The mean, inspiratory and expiratory R and X and the difference between inspiratory and expiratory X (ΔX) were calculated at each frequency. The data from the three groups were statistically compared. Results indicated that in horses during exacerbation of severe asthma, X during expiratory phase is more negative than during inspiration, such as in humans in presence of EFLt. The evaluation of X during inspiration is promising in discriminating between horses with SEA in remission and control horses.
Beef from Calves Finished with a Diet Based on Concentrate Rich in Agro-Industrial By-Products: Acceptability and Quality Label Preferences in Spanish Meat Consumers
Authors: Angón Elena , Requena Francisco , Caballero-Villalobos Javier , Cantarero-Aparicio Miguel , Martínez-Marín Andrés Luís , Perea José Manuel
Published: December 2021

Conjoint analysis was used to estimate the relative importance of some of the main extrinsic attributes and quality labels of beef in three Spanish cities (Córdoba, Marbella, and Santa Pola) in a study performed with 300 individuals. Consumers were segmented according to their frequency of consumption. Willingness to pay for different meats was also calculated from the conjoint analysis results. Consumer liking of beef that had been finished with an alternative concentrate rich in agro-industrial by-products and aged for three different durations as compared to conventionally finished beef was also evaluated using the same consumers. The most important attribute for Spanish consumers was the price (28%), followed by origin (25%), animal welfare certification (19%), protected geographical indication (14%), and organic agriculture certification (14%). Most consumers preferred beef from Spain at the lowest possible price and with the highest number of quality labels. Consumers were willing to pay a premium of 1.49, 3.61, and 5.53 EUR over 14 EUR/kg for organic certification, protected geographical indication, and animal welfare certification, respectively. Sensory analysis revealed that, for regular consumers, beef finished with an alternative concentrate rich in agro-industrial by-products offered several hedonic advantages (color, flavor, and tenderness) when compared to beef finished using a conventional diet, while occasional consumers did not find any difference between the two kinds of meat.
Dietary Supplementation with Fumaric Acid Improves Growth Performance in Nile Tilapia Juveniles
Authors: das Neves Suzane C. V. , da Silva Suzianny M. B. C. , Costa Gisely K. A. , Correia Eudes S. , Santos Alexandre L. , da Silva Lilian C. R. , Bicudo Álvaro J. A.
Published: December 2021

Organic acids have recently been identified as promising replacements for antibiotics in aquafeeds that promote fish growth and feed efficiency. This study evaluated the inclusion of fumaric acid (FA; 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 30 g/kg) in diets (350 g/kg CP; 3.4 kcal digestible energy/g) of Nile tilapia juveniles. Fish (average weight 1.7 ± 0.1 g) were distributed in three 40 L aquaria per treatment (13 fish/aquaria) in a completely randomized design. Over 35 days, the fish received the experimental diets three times daily to apparent satiety. The maximum weight gain, feed efficiency ratio, and protein efficiency ratio were recorded in fish supplemented with 14–15 g/kg FA. After 28 days, Enterobacteriaceae was registered only in the gut of tilapia without FA augmentation. Gram-negative bacteria in the fish gut decreased (p < 0.05) in fish receiving 17 g/kg of dietary FA, increased after this level. The intestinal villi height and width were affected (p < 0.05) by FA levels and feeding time. Thus, inclusion of 15 g/kg of FA was effective in promoting growth, improving intestinal morphometry, and decreasing negative gut bacteria of Nile tilapia juveniles after 35 days.
Monolithic 3D Inverter with Interface Charge: Parameter Extraction and Circuit Simulation
Authors: Ahn Tae Jun , Lim Sung Kyu , Yu Yun Seop
Published: December 2021

We have simulated a monolithic three-dimensional inverter (M3DINV) structure by considering the interfacial trap charges generated thermally during the monolithic three-dimensional integration process. We extracted the SPICE model parameters from M3DINV structures with two types of inter-layer dielectric thickness TILD (=10,100 nm) using the extracted interface trap charge distribution of the previous study. Logic circuits, such as inverters (INVs), ring oscillators (ROs), a 2 to 1 multiplexer (MUX), and D flip-flop and 6-transistor static random-access memory (6T SRAM) containing M3DINVs, were simulated using the extracted model parameters, and simulation results both with and without interface trap charges were compared. The extracted model parameters reflected current reduction, threshold voltage increase, and subthreshold swing (SS) degradation due to the interface trap charge. HSPICE simulation results of the fanout-3 (FO3) ring oscillator considering the interface trap charges showed a 20% reduction in frequency and a 30% increase in propagation delay compared to those without the interface trap charges. The propagation delays of the 2 × 1 MUX and D flip-flop with the interface trap charges were approximately 78.2 and 39.6% greater, respectively, than those without the interface trap charges. The retention static noise margin (SNM) of the SRAM increased by 16 mV (6.4%) and the read static noise margin (SNM) of SRAM decreased by 43 mV (35.8%) owing to the interface trap charge. The circuit simulation results revealed that the propagation delay increases owing to the interface trap charges. Therefore, it is necessary to fully consider the propagation delay of the logic circuit due to the generated interface trap charges when designing monolithic 3D integrated circuits.
Assessment of the Durability of Threaded Joints
Authors: Bazaras Žilvinas , Leonavičius Mindaugas , Lukoševičius Vaidas , Raslavičius Laurencas
Published: December 2021

The article deals with the determination of the resistance to cyclic loading of the threaded joints of pressure vessels and defective elements according to the failure mechanics criteria. Theoretical and experimental studies do not provide a sufficient basis for the existing calculation methods for the cyclic strength of the threaded joints of pressure vessels. The short crack kinetics in the threaded joints, a shakedown in one of the joint elements of pressure vessels, i.e., in the bolt or stud, has not been studied sufficiently. The calculation methods designed and improved within the study were based on theoretical and experimental investigations and were simplified for convenient application to engineering practice. The findings could be used to investigate the shakedown of studs of a different cross-section with an initiating and propagating crack. Value: the developed model for the assessment of durability of the threaded joints covers the patterns of resistance to cyclic failure (limit states: crack initiation, propagation, final failure) and shakedown (limit states: progressive shape change and plastic failure). Analysis-based solutions of plastic failure conditions and progressive shape change were accurate (the result was reached using a two-sided approach; the solutions were obtained in view of the parameters of the cyclic failure process in the stud (bolt) and based on experimental investigations of the threaded joints).
Improvement of Wheat Grain Yield Prediction Model Performance Based on Stacking Technique
Authors: Li Changchun , Wang Yilin , Ma Chunyan , Chen Weinan , Li Yacong , Li Jingbo , Ding Fan , Xiao Zhen
Published: December 2021

Crop growth and development is a dynamic and complex process, and the essence of yield formation is the continuous accumulation of photosynthetic products from multiple fertility stages. In this study, a new stacking method for integrating multiple growth stages information was proposed to improve the performance of the winter wheat grain yield (GY) prediction model. For this purpose, crop canopy hyperspectral reflectance and leaf area index (LAI) data were obtained at the jointing, flagging, anthesis and grain filling stages. In this case, 15 vegetation indices and LAI were used as input features of the elastic network to construct GY prediction models for single growth stage. Based on Stacking technique, the GY prediction results of four single growth stages were integrated to construct the ensemble learning framework. The results showed that vegetation indices coupled LAI could effectively overcome the spectral saturation phenomenon, the validated R2 of each growth stage was improved by 10%, 22.5%, 3.6% and 10%, respectively. The stacking method provided more stable information with higher prediction accuracy than the individual fertility results (R2 = 0.74), and the R2 of the model validation phase improved by 236%, 51%, 27.6%, and 12.1%, respectively. The study can provide a reference for GY prediction of other crops.
Estimation of the Tapered Gutenberg-Richter Distribution Parameters for Catalogs with Variable Completeness: An Application to the Atlantic Ridge Seismicity
Authors: Taroni Matteo , Selva Jacopo , Zhuang Jiancang
Published: December 2021

The use of the tapered Gutenberg-Richter distribution in earthquake source models is rapidly increasing, allowing overcoming the definition of a hard threshold for the maximum magnitude. Here, we expand the classical maximum likelihood estimation method for estimating the parameters of the tapered Gutenberg-Richter distribution, allowing the use of a variable through-time magnitude of completeness. Adopting a well-established technique based on asymptotic theory, we also estimate the uncertainties relative to the parameters. Differently from other estimation methods for catalogs with a variable completeness, available for example for the classical truncated Gutenberg-Richter distribution, our approach does not need the assumption on the distribution of the number of events (usually the Poisson distribution). We test the methodology checking the consistency of parameter estimations with synthetic catalogs generated with multiple completeness levels. Then, we analyze the Atlantic ridge seismicity, using the global centroid moment tensor catalog, finding that our method allows better constraining distribution parameters, allowing the use more data than estimations based on a single completeness level. This leads to a sharp decrease in the uncertainties associated with the parameter estimation, when compared with existing methods based on a single time-independent magnitude of completeness. This also allows analyzing subsets of events, to deepen data analysis. For example, separating normal and strike-slip events, we found that they have significantly different but well-constrained corner magnitudes. Instead, without distinguishing for focal mechanism and considering all the events in the catalog, we obtain an intermediate value that is relatively less constrained from data, with an open confidence region.
Recovery and Characterization of Orbital Angular Momentum Modes with Ghost Diffraction Holography
Authors: Huang Yanyan , R.V. Vinu , Chen Ziyang , Sarkar Tushar , Singh Rakesh Kumar , Pu Jixiong
Published: December 2021

Orbital angular momentum (OAM) of optical vortex beams has been regarded as an independent physical dimension of light with predominant information-carrying potential. However, the presence of scattering environment and turbulent atmosphere scrambles the helical wavefront and destroys the orthogonality of modes in vortex beam propagation. Here, we propose and experimentally demonstrate a new basis for the recovery of the OAM mode using a holographic ghost diffraction scheme. The technique utilizes the speckle field generated from a rotating diffuser for optical vortex mode encoding, and the fourth-order correlation of the speckle field for the efficient recovery of the associated modes. Furthermore, we successfully demonstrate the complex-field recovery of OAM modes by the adoption of a holography scheme in combination with the ghost diffraction system. We evaluate the feasibility of the approach by simulation and followed by experimental demonstration for the recovery of various sequentially encoded OAM modes. Finally, the efficacy of the recovered modes was quantitatively analyzed by an OAM mode analysis utilizing orthogonal projection scheme.
A Whole-Slide Image Managing Library Based on Fastai for Deep Learning in the Context of Histopathology: Two Use-Cases Explained
Authors: Neuner Christoph , Coras Roland , Blümcke Ingmar , Popp Alexander , Schlaffer Sven M. , Wirries Andre , Buchfelder Michael , Jabari Samir
Published: December 2021

Background: Processing whole-slide images (WSI) to train neural networks can be intricate and labor intensive. We developed an open-source library dealing with recurrent tasks in the processing of WSI and helping with the training and evaluation of neuronal networks for classification tasks. Methods: Two histopathology use-cases were selected and only hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stained slides were used. The first use case was a two-class classification problem. We trained a convolutional neuronal network (CNN) to distinguish between dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor (DNET) and ganglioglioma (GG), two neuropathological low-grade epilepsy-associated tumor entities. Within the second use case, we included four clinicopathological disease conditions in a multilabel approach. Here we trained a CNN to predict the hormone expression profile of pituitary adenomas. In the same approach, we also predicted clinically silent corticotroph adenoma. Results: Our DNET-GG classifier achieved an AUC of 1.00 for the ROC curve. For the second use case, the best performing CNN achieved an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.97 for the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) for corticotroph adenoma, 0.86 for silent corticotroph adenoma, and 0.98 for gonadotroph adenoma. All scores were calculated with the help of our library on predictions on a case basis. Conclusions: Our comprehensive and fastai-compatible library is helpful to standardize the workflow and minimize the burden of training a CNN. Indeed, our trained CNNs extracted neuropathologically relevant information from the WSI. This approach will supplement the clinicopathological diagnosis of brain tumors, which is currently based on cost-intensive microscopic examination and variable panels of immunohistochemical stainings.
Development of a Vibration Technique Based on Geometric Optimization for Fatigue Life Evaluation of Sandwich Composite Structures
Authors: Menegozzo Marco , Just-Agosto Frederick A. , Serrano Acevedo David , Shafiq Basir , Cecchini Andrés , Valencia Bravo Joaquín M. , Vaidya Uday K.
Published: December 2021

A major obstacle to obtaining cost-effective experimental data on the fatigue life of sandwich panels is the prohibitive amount of time and cost required to carry out millions of cycles. On the other hand, vibration techniques applied to sandwich geometries fail to match the stress patterns that are obtained from standard flexural fatigue tests. To overcome such limitations, a vibration-based fatigue technique is proposed, which entails the use of sandwich specimens whose geometries are optimized to reproduce the stress distribution observed during three point bend loading while vibrating at the first resonant frequency. The proposed vibration technique was experimentally validated. The results, compared with the average number of cycles to failure at different stress ratios obtained via the Three-Point Bending test, showed high levels of accuracy. The proposed method is robust and time effective and indicates the possibility of attaining fatigue lifetime prediction of a wide class of composite elements, such as sandwich panels.
Differences in the Effects of Calcium and Magnesium Ions on the Anammox Granular Properties to Alleviate Salinity Stress
Authors: Kim Yeonju , Yu Jaecheul , Jeong Soyeon , Kim Jeongmi , Park Seongjae , Bae Hyokwan , Rhee Sung-Keun , Unno Tatsuya , Ni Shou-Qing , Lee Taeho
Published: December 2021

Divalent cations were known to alleviate salinity stress on anammox bacteria. Understanding the mechanism of reducing the salinity stress on anammox granules is essential for the application of the anammox process for saline wastewater treatment. In this study, the effect of Ca2+ and Mg2+ augmentation on the recovery of the activity of freshwater anammox granules affected by salinity stress was evaluated. At the condition of a salinity stress of 5 g NaCl/L, the specific anammox activity (SAA) of the granule decreased to 50% of that of the SAA without NaCl treatment. Augmentation of Ca2+ at the optimum concentration of 200 mg/L increased the SAA up to 78% of the original activity, while the augmentation of Mg2+ at the optimum concentration of 70 mg/L increased the SAA up to 71%. EPS production in the granules was increased by the augmentation of divalent cations compared with the granules affected by salinity stress. In the soluble EPS, the ratio of protein to polysaccharides was higher in the granules augmented by Ca2+ than with Mg2+, and the functional groups of the EPS differed from each other. The amount of Na+ sequestered in the soluble EPS was increased by the augmentation of divalent cations, which seems to contribute to the alleviation of salinity stress. Ca. Kuenenia-like anammox bacteria, which were known to be salinity stress-tolerant, were predominant in the granules and there was no significant difference in the microbial community of the granules by the salinity stress treatment. Our results suggest that the alleviation effect of the divalent cations on the salinity stress on the anammox granules might be associated with the increased production of different EPS rather than in changes to the anammox bacteria.
Effects of Three-Directional Seismic Wave on Dynamic Response and Failure Behavior of High-Steep Rock Slide
Authors: Ge Ziwei , Liu Hongyan
Published: December 2021

The landslide triggered by earthquakes can cause severe infrastructure losses or even fatalities. The high-steep rock slide is the most common type of landslide in the earthquake area. In an earthquake, the ground moves randomly in all directions, two horizontal directions (East-West (EW) direction, North-South (NS) direction) and one vertical direction (Up-Down (UD) direction). Even though extensive studies have been carried out on the earthquake-triggered landslide, the effects of each single seismic wave and the three-directional seismic waves are not considered. This study aims to evaluate the effects of different types of the seismic waves on the dynamic response and failure behavior of the high-steep rock slide. To investigate the effects of each single seismic wave and three-directional seismic wave, this study presents a numerical model with four types of seismic waves, e.g., East-West (EW) direction, North-South (NS) direction, Up-Down (UD) direction, and three-directional wave (EW_NS_UD). The numerical results revealed that the types of the seismic waves have significantly different effects on the dynamic process, failure behavior, run-out distance, velocity, and deposition of the high-steep rock slide.
Microencapsulation of an Extract of Sechium edule (Jacq.) Sw., with Antineoplastic Activity
Authors: Salazar-Aguilar Sandra , Ruiz-Posadas Lucero del Mar , Cadena-Iñiguez Jorge , Soto-Hernández Marcos , Santiago-Osorio Edelmiro , Aguiñiga-Sánchez Itzen , Cisneros-Solano Víctor M. , Aguirre-Medina Juan F. , Olivera Álvaro D.
Published: December 2021

Microencapsulation is a technique used in pharmaceuticals as an administration vehicle. Encapsulating secondary metabolites for therapeutic purposes has been promoted recently. Microencapsulation based on chitosan was developed for the methanol extract of cv. Perla negra (S. edule (Jacq.) Sw.) (Cucurbitaceae) fruits to evaluate its viability as an administration vehicle and to assess the possible negative interaction between the extract and chitosan. Microencapsulation was performed by coacervation, implementing a method with constant sonication. The microparticles obtained were registered by means of Scanning Electron Microscopy. The presence of the bioactive in aqueous medium was recorded for release tests, measuring with spectrophotometry its concentration as a function of time. The assessment of the biological effect of the microencapsulated extract was done on the HeLa cell line and control cells (lymphocytes). Microspheres with an average size of 20 µm and a loading capacity of 98% were obtained. The highest concentration of released extract was 24 µg mL−1 at 23 h. The mainly chitosan-based microspheres did not affect the antiproliferative activity of the extract of cv. Perla negra and proved to be a potential vehicle for its therapeutic administration. The empty microspheres made with chitosan also showed to have an antiproliferative effect, and those loaded with extract showed cellular inhibition (statistical IC50) of 8 µg mL−1 without affecting the lymphocytes. Chitosan does not interfere with the biological activity of the metabolites incorporated into the microspheres since they retain their inhibitory activity on proliferation in tumor cells, thus constituting a potential vehicle for the therapeutic administration of fruit extract.
Efficacy of Instruments for Professional Oral Hygiene on Dental Implants: A Systematic Review
Authors: Baldi Domenico , De Giorgis Luisa , Menini Maria , Motta Franco , Colombo Jacopo
Published: December 2021

Professional oral hygiene is fundamental to prevent peri-implant disease. Appropriate instruments should be used in patients with restorations supported by dental implants: they should be effective in deposits removal without damaging the implant components surface. The aim of the present study is to investigate and summarize the results regarding the efficacy of oral hygiene techniques described in the literature in the last 10 years in patients rehabilitated with dental implants not affected by perimplantitis. The present systematic review was conducted according to guidelines reported in the indications of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA). The focused question was: “Which are the most effective instruments for professional oral hygiene on implants not affected by perimplantitis?”. The initial database search yielded a total of 934 entries found in PubMed®/MEDLINE and Cochrane Library. After full text review and application of the eligibility criteria, the final selection consisted of 19 articles. The risk of bias of included studies was assessed using the Newcastle Ottawa scale (NOS) and the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Curette, scalers and air polishing were the devices most frequently investigated in the included studies. In particular, glycine powder air polishing appeared to be significantly effective in reducing peri-implant inflammation and plaque around implants. The application of the more recent erythritol powder air polishing also yielded good clinical outcomes. Further studies are needed to improve the knowledge on the topic in order to develop standardized protocols and understand the specific indications for different types of implant-supported rehabilitations.
Optimal Management of Reactive Power Considering Voltage and Location of Control Devices Using Artificial Bee Algorithm
Authors: Shokouhandeh Hassan , Latif Sohaib , Irshad Sadaf , Ahmadi Kamarposhti Mehrdad , Colak Ilhami , Eguchi Kei
Published: December 2021

Reactive power compensation is one of the practical tools that can be used to improve power systems and reduce costs. These benefits are achieved when the compensators are installed in a suitable place with optimal capacity. This study solves the issues of optimal supply and the purchase of reactive power in the IEEE 30-bus power system, especially when considering voltage stability and reducing total generation and operational costs, including generation costs, reserves, and the installation of reactive power control devices. The modified version of the artificial bee colony (MABC) algorithm is proposed to solve optimization problems and its results are compared with the artificial bee colony (ABC) algorithm, the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm and the genetic algorithm (GA). The simulation results showed that the minimum losses in the power system requires further costs for reactive power compensation. Also, optimization results proved that the proposed MABC algorithm has a lower active power loss, reactive power costs, a better voltage profile and greater stability than the other three algorithms.
An Overview of Bioactive Flavonoids from Citrus Fruits
Authors: Addi Mohamed , Elbouzidi Amine , Abid Malika , Tungmunnithum Duangjai , Elamrani Ahmed , Hano Christophe
Published: December 2021

Citrus species are one of the world’s popular fruit crops, cultivated all over the world for their economic and nutritional values. Citrus, like other fruits and vegetables, are an important source of several antioxidant molecules (polyphenols, ascorbic acid, and carotenoids) that can inhibit the harmful effects of free radicals on the human body; due to their functional values and health-promoting properties, Citrus species are considered valuable fruits not only in agri-food industry, but also in pharmaceutical industry. Flavonoids are among the major constituents of polyphenols found in different parts of Citrus fruits (skin, peels, seed, pulp membrane, and juice). Flavonoids have different biological properties (antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial activities). Several studies have also shown the health-related properties of Citrus flavonoids, especially antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammation, anti-aging, and cardiovascular protection activities. In the present review, attempts are made to discuss the current trends of research on flavonoids in different Citrus species.
Experimental Evaluation of Recycled Aggregates, Washing Water and Cement Sludge Recovered from Returned Concrete
Authors: Diotti Alessandra , Cominoli Luca , Plizzari Giovanni , Sorlini Sabrina
Published: December 2021

In this paper, a new innovative technology for the treatment of returned concrete is proposed. This method is based on the application of physical–mechanical processes that allow to obtain new quality products: recycled aggregates, microfiltered water and cement sludge. Specifically, by means of a mechanical system equipped with buffer and Archimedes screws, fine (d < 5 mm) and coarse (d > 5 mm) aggregates are obtained. The water coming from the washing process is sent to a microfiltration process, where a filter membrane separates the liquid phase (microfiltered water) from the solid phase (cement sludge) and no type of potentially toxic additive is added. In this context, this paper investigates the feasibility of using all these components as new raw materials for sustainable concrete production. In particular, according to the requirements imposed by technical standards, an experimental program was developed, aimed at evaluating the physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of the analyzed materials. The results showed that both recycled aggregates, the microfiltered water and the cement sludge can be used to produce new structural concrete. In particular, it was proven that also the cement sludge, which generally represents the most critical component destined for disposal, can be reused as filler in the partial replacement of sand.
Diversification of Time-Varying Tangency Portfolio under Nonlinear Constraints through Semi-Integer Beetle Antennae Search Algorithm
Authors: Katsikis Vasilios N. , Mourtas Spyridon D.
Published: December 2021

In finance, the most efficient portfolio is the tangency portfolio, which is formed by the intersection point of the efficient frontier and the capital market line. This paper defines and explores a time-varying tangency portfolio under nonlinear constraints (TV-TPNC) problem as a nonlinear programming (NLP) problem. Because meta-heuristics are commonly used to solve NLP problems, a semi-integer beetle antennae search (SIBAS) algorithm is proposed for solving cardinality constrained NLP problems and, hence, to solve the TV-TPNC problem. The main results of numerical applications in real-world datasets demonstrate that our method is a splendid substitute for other evolutionary methods.
Parasomnia: Sleep against Capitalism
Authors: Marques António Figueiredo
Published: December 2021

Parasomnia (2019), a site-specific participatory performance by Patrícia Portela (PT/BE), addresses sleep in its biological and cultural meanings while retrieving its historicity. Sleep is one of the last resistance gestures against capitalised lives, opening a gap for social change through the aesthetic dimension as an extension of arts in politics. Parasomnia raises awareness for empathy and unproductiveness by inviting spectators to take a massage and eating delicacies. Bodily senses are therefore a way to activate potentials and becomings. Often understood as weaknesses and vulnerabilities, the actions elicited—contemplating, caring, and resting—bring up a strength and a capacity to arouse the imagination and fabulation as political acts. It is also argued that dimensions such as fantasmatic, cyclicity, and subjectivity are key social outputs of Parasomnia. Allowing for a pause in a continuous stream of goals, of connectivity and consumption, and without commodification purposes, sleep may return us to a sense of our own interiority made of several layers: like a fall into the sleep that enables alterity to emerge inside the self.
Air Pollution Associated with Total Suspended Particulate and Particulate Matter in Cement Grinding Plant in Vietnam
Authors: Thai Tinh , Bernatik Ales , Kučera Petr
Published: December 2021

Air pollution associated with suspended particles has become a significant concern in Vietnam recently. The study aimed to (1) investigate dust sources; (2) measure concentration levels of Total Suspended Particulate (TSP), Particulate Matter (PM) fractions; (3) identify silica levels and the correlation with respirable particles at a cement grinding plant in Vietnam. A total of 312 samples (52 TSP, 160 PMs) at 13 processes were measured using the direct-reading dust meter. The silica composition was analyzed in a certified laboratory using the X-ray fluorescence (XRF) technique. SPSS version 26 for Window was used to analyze the data. The operations of the cement grinding plant created multiple dust sources from the jetty to the cement dispatch process. The TSP levels ranged 0.06–38.24 mg m−3, and 40.38% (n = 21) TSP samples exceeded the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) for an 8-h working shift. Besides that, there was a wide range and significant concentration levels of PMs in the cement processes. The levels of PMs were PM1 (0.00–0.06 mg m−3), PM2.5 (0.01–0.83 mg m−3), PM4 (0.02–4.59 mg m−3), PM7 (0.03–16.94 mg m−3), and PM10 (0.04–26.85 mg m−3). The highest mean levels of PMs factions were measured at the pre-grinding process. The inefficient operation of the dust collector contributed a significant factor to the dust dispersion in this process. The silica’s mean (SD) composition in respirable dust was 20.4% (0.86) and was not significantly different amongst the processes. There was a significant correlation between the levels of respirable dust and silica exposure in the cement grinding plant (r = 0.99). The improvement of indoor air quality is needed to prevent health effects on cement workers.
Climate Change in Bosnia and Herzegovina According to Climate Scenario RCP8.5 and Possible Impact on Fruit Production
Authors: Trbic Goran , Popov Tatjana , Djurdjevic Vladimir , Milunovic Igor , Dejanovic Tihomir , Gnjato Slobodan , Ivanisevic Marko
Published: December 2021

This paper presents the results of research on possible climate change in Bosnia and Herzegovina according to the climate scenario RCP8.5 and its potential impact on fruit production. Climate change analyses are based on expected fluctuations in air temperature, precipitation and climate indices. The results indicate pronounced climate change, which refers to an increase in annual temperature to 5 °C, and a decrease in annual precipitation of up to 30% and in the summer season (June, July, and August) and up to 40% by the end of the XXI century. In addition, an increase in the number of summer days and a decrease in the number of days with the appearance of snow can be expected. Reducing the number of days with snow and snow cover can cause a decrease in underground aquifers with water during the winter and spring seasons. These changes can have a serious impact on the problem of drought and water deficit, which can have direct consequences for the agricultural sector in Bosnia and Herzegovina, especially for fruit production. These findings show that fundamental changes in agriculture and an approach to land treatment and water resources management, as well as fruit production planning in changed climatic conditions, are needed.
Mapping Atmospheric Mercury in Lampung Province, Indonesia Using Bark of Multipurpose Tree Species
Authors: Rendra Tedy , Riniarti Melya , Yuwono Slamet Budi , Prasetia Hendra , Widiastuti Endang Linirin , Bakri Samsul , Taufiq Azhary
Published: December 2021

The use of mercury in gold refining causes air pollution and results in the contamination of multipurpose tree species (MPTS). Tree bark has properties that cause it to store mercury for quite a long time. The purpose of this study was to determine mercury contamination of MPTS and map the mercury contamination distribution in the atmosphere using tree barks as bioindicators. Sampling was performed using purposive sampling. The mercury concentration was obtained by atomic absorption spectroscopy, and the highest THg contents were analyzed using a scanning electron microscope. The analysis was carried out by gauging total mercury (THg), distance, elevation to THg, and interpolation of THg at the research site. The results showed that there were 10 types of MPTS trees whose bark could accumulate mercury. The bark of the Tamarindus indica tree stored the greatest amount of THg (74.4 µg dry weight (DW)), followed by Persea americana (58.7 µg DW), and Annona muricata (44.2 µg DW), respectively. This result was influenced by the roughness of the bark and the location of the plants. No correlation was found between distance and elevation to THg on tree bark. The mercury interpolation in the atmosphere showed that mercury moves from the purification point to the southeast of the purification location.
Snowpack Distribution Using Topographical, Climatological and Winter Season Index Inputs
Authors: Hultstrand Douglas M. , Fassnacht Steven R. , Stednick John D. , Hiemstra Christopher A.
Published: December 2021

A majority of the annual precipitation in many mountains falls as snow, and obtaining accurate estimates of the amount of water stored within the snowpack is important for water supply forecasting. Mountain topography can produce complex patterns of snow distribution, accumulation, and ablation, yet the interaction of topography and meteorological patterns tends to generate similar inter-annual snow depth distribution patterns. Here, we question whether snow depth patterns at or near peak accumulation are repeatable for a 10-year time frame and whether years with limited snow depth measurement can still be used to accurately represent snow depth and mean snow depth. We used snow depth measurements from the West Glacier Lake watershed, Wyoming, USA, to investigate the distribution of snow depth. West Glacier Lake is a small (0.61 km2) windswept (mean of 8 m/s) watershed that ranges between 3277 m and 3493 m. Three interpolation methods were compared: (1) a binary regression tree, (2) multiple linear regression, and (3) generalized additive models. Generalized additive models using topographic parameters with measured snow depth presented the best estimates of the snow depth distribution and the basin mean amounts. The snow depth patterns near peak accumulation were found to be consistent inter-annually with an average annual correlation coefficient (r2) of 0.83, and scalable based on a winter season accumulation index (r2 = 0.75) based on the correlation between mean snow depth measurements to Brooklyn Lake snow telemetry (SNOTEL) snow depth data.