bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pathological Neuroinflammatory Conversion of Reactive Astrocytes Is Induced by Microglia and Involves Chromatin Remodeling
Authors: Villarreal Alejandro , Vidos Camila , Monteverde Busso Matías , Cieri María Belén , Ramos Alberto Javier
Published: June 2021

Following brain injury or in neurodegenerative diseases, astrocytes become reactive and may suffer pathological remodeling, features of which are the loss of their homeostatic functions and a pro-inflammatory gain of function that facilitates neurodegeneration. Pharmacological intervention to modulate this astroglial response and neuroinflammation is an interesting new therapeutic research strategy, but it still requires a deeper understanding of the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms of the phenomenon. Based on the known microglial–astroglial interaction, the prominent role of the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway in mediating astroglial pathological pro-inflammatory gain of function, and its ability to recruit chromatin-remodeling enzymes, we first explored the microglial role in the initiation of astroglial pro-inflammatory conversion and then monitored the progression of epigenetic changes in the astrocytic chromatin. Different configurations of primary glial culture were used to modulate microglia–astrocyte crosstalk while inducing pro-inflammatory gain of function by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure. In vivo, brain ischemia by cortical devascularization (pial disruption) was performed to verify the presence of epigenetic marks in reactive astrocytes. Our results showed that 1) microglia is required to initiate the pathological conversion of astrocytes by triggering the NF-κB signaling pathway; 2) this interaction is mediated by soluble factors and induces stable astroglial phenotypic changes; 3) the pathological conversion promotes chromatin remodeling with stable increase in H3K9K14ac, temporary increase in H3K27ac, and temporary reduction in heterochromatin mark H3K9me3; and 4) in vivo reactive astrocytes show increased H3K27ac mark in the neuroinflammatory milieu from the ischemic penumbra. Our findings indicate that astroglial pathological pro-inflammatory gain of function is associated with profound changes in the configuration of astrocytic chromatin, which in turn are initiated by microglia-derived cues. These results open a new avenue in the study of potential pharmacological interventions that modify the initiation and stabilization of astroglial pathological remodeling, which would be useful in acute and chronic CNS injury. Epigenetic changes represent a plausible pharmacological target to interfere with the stabilization of the pathological astroglial phenotype.
The Anti-Obesity Effect of Traditional Chinese Medicine on Lipid Metabolism
Authors: Fan Qijing , Xu Furong , Liang Bin , Zou Xiaoju
Published: June 2021

With the improvement of living conditions and the popularity of unhealthy eating and living habits, obesity is becoming a global epidemic. Obesity is now recognized as a disease that not only increases the risk of metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes (T2D), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), cardiovascular disease (CVD), and cancer but also negatively affects longevity and the quality of life. The traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) are highly enriched in bioactive compounds and have been used for the treatment of obesity and obesity-related metabolic diseases over a long period of time. In this review, we selected the most commonly used anti-obesity or anti-hyperlipidemia TCMs and, where known, their major bioactive compounds. We then summarized their multi-target molecular mechanisms, specifically focusing on lipid metabolism, including the modulation of lipid absorption, reduction of lipid synthesis, and increase of lipid decomposition and lipid transportation, as well as the regulation of appetite. This review produces a current and comprehensive understanding of integrative and systematic mechanisms for the use of TCMs for anti-obesity. We also advocate taking advantage of TCMs as another therapy for interventions on obesity-related diseases, as well as stressing the fact that more is needed to be done, scientifically, to determine the active compounds and modes of action of the TCMs.
Mice Lacking GABAA Receptor δ Subunit Have Altered Pharmaco-EEG Responses to Multiple Drugs
Authors: Grotell Milo , Abdurakhmanova Shamsiiat , Elsilä Lauri V. , Korpi Esa R.
Published: June 2021

In the brain, extrasynaptically expressed ionotropic, δ subunit-containing γ-aminobutyric acid A-type receptors (δ-GABAARs) have been implicated in drug effects at both neuronal and behavioral levels. These alterations are supposed to be caused via drug-induced modulation of receptor ionophores affecting chloride ion-mediated inhibitory tonic currents. Often, a transgenic mouse model genetically lacking the δ-GABAARs (δ-KO) has been used to study the roles of δ-GABAARs in brain functions, because a specific antagonist of the δ-GABAARs is still lacking. We have previously observed with these δ-KO mice that activation of δ-GABAARs is needed for morphine-induced conditioning of place preference, and others have suggested that δ-GABAARs act as targets selectively for low doses of ethanol. Furthermore, activation of these receptors via drug-mediated agonism induces a robust increase in the slow-wave frequency bands of electroencephalography (EEG). Here, we tested δ-KO mice (compared to littermate wild-type controls) for the pharmaco-EEG responses of a broad spectrum of pharmacologically different drug classes, including alcohol, opioids, stimulants, and psychedelics. Gaboxadol (THIP), a known superagonist of δ-GABAARs, was included as the positive control, and as expected, δ-KO mice produced a blunted pharmaco-EEG response to 6 mg/kg THIP. Pharmaco-EEGs showed notable differences between treatments but also differences between δ-KO mice and their wild-type littermates. Interestingly mephedrone (4-MMC, 5 mg/kg), an amphetamine-like stimulant, had reduced effects in the δ-KO mice. The responses to ethanol (1 g/kg), LSD (0.2 mg/kg), and morphine (20 mg/kg) were similar in δ-KO and wild-type mice. Since stimulants are not known to act on δ-GABAARs, our findings on pharmaco-EEG effects of 4-MMC suggest that δ-GABAARs are involved in the secondary indirect regulation of the brain rhythms after 4-MMC.
Acute Effects of Different Blood Flow Restriction Protocols on Bar Velocity During the Squat Exercise
Authors: Wilk Michal , Trybulski Robert , Krzysztofik Michal , Wojdala Grzegorz , Campos Yuri , Zajac Adam , Lulińska Ewelina , Stastny Petr
Published: June 2021

The main goal of the present study was to evaluate the effects of different blood flow restriction (BFR) protocols (continuous and intermittent) on peak bar velocity (PV) and mean bar velocity (MV) during the squat exercise at progressive loads, from 40 to 90% 1RM. Eleven healthy men (age = 23.4 ± 3.1 years; body mass = 88.5 ± 12.1 kg; squat 1RM = 183.2 ± 30.7 kg; resistance training experience, 5.7 ± 3.6 years) performed experimental sessions once a week for 3 weeks in random and counterbalanced order: without BFR (NO-BFR), with intermittent BFR (I-BFR), and with continuous BFR (C-BFR). During the experimental session, the participants performed six sets of the barbell squat exercise with loads from 40 to 90% 1RM. In each set, they performed two repetitions. During the C-BFR session, the cuffs were maintained throughout the training session. During the I-BFR, the cuffs were used only during the exercise and released for each rest interval. The BFR pressure was set to ∼80% arterial occlusion pressure (AOP). Analyses of variance showed a statistically significant interaction for MV (p < 0.02; η2 = 0.18). However, the post hoc analysis did not show significant differences between particular conditions for particular loads. There was no significant condition × load interaction for PV (p = 0.16; η2 = 0.13). Furthermore, there were no main effects for conditions in MV (p = 0.38; η2 = 0.09) as well as in PV (p = 0.94; η2 = 0.01). The results indicate that the different BFR protocols used during lower body resistance exercises did not reduce peak bar velocity and mean bar velocity during the squat exercise performed with various loads.
Rice Seedling Growth Promotion by Biochar Varies With Genotypes and Application Dosages
Authors: Liu Minglong , Lin Zhi , Ke Xianlin , Fan Xiaorong , Joseph Stephen , Taherymoosavi Sarasadat , Liu Xiaoyu , Bian Rongjun , Solaiman Zakaria M. , Li Lianqing , Pan Genxing
Published: June 2021

While biochar use in agriculture is widely advocated, how the effect of biochar on plant growth varies with biochar forms and crop genotypes is poorly addressed. The role of dissolvable organic matter (DOM) in plant growth has been increasingly addressed for crop production with biochar. In this study, a hydroponic culture of rice seedling growth of two cultivars was treated with bulk mass (DOM-containing), water extract (DOM only), and extracted residue (DOM-free) of maize residue biochar, at a volumetric dosage of 0.01, 0.05, and 0.1%, respectively. On seedling root growth of the two cultivars, bulk biochar exerted a generally negative effect, while the biochar extract had a consistently positive effect across the application dosages. Differently, the extracted biochar showed a contrasting effect between genotypes. In another hydroponic culture with Wuyunjing 7 treated with biochar extract at sequential dosages, seedling growth was promoted by 95% at 0.01% dosage but by 26% at 0.1% dosage, explained with the great promotion of secondary roots rather than of primary roots. Such effects were likely explained by low molecular weight organic acids and nanoparticles contained in the biochar DOM. This study highlights the importance of biochar DOM and crop genotype when evaluating the effect of biochar on plants. The use of low dosage of biochar DOM could help farmers to adopt biochar technology as a solution for agricultural sustainability.
Cadmium Accumulation Involves Synthesis of Glutathione and Phytochelatins, and Activation of CDPK, CaMK, CBLPK, and MAPK Signaling Pathways in Ulva compressa
Authors: González Alberto , Laporte Daniel , Moenne Alejandra
Published: June 2021

In order to analyze the effect of cadmium in Ulva compressa (Chlorophyta), the alga was cultivated with 10, 25, and 50 μM of cadmium for 7 days, and the level of intracellular cadmium was determined. Intracellular cadmium showed an increase on day 1, no change until day 5, and an increase on day 7. Then, the alga was cultivated with 10 μM for 7 days, and the level of hydrogen peroxide, superoxide anions, and lipoperoxides; activities of antioxidant enzymes ascorbate peroxidase (AP), dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR), and glutathione reductase (GR); the level of glutathione (GSH) and ascorbate (ASC); and the level of phytochelatins (PCs) and transcripts encoding metallothioneins (UcMTs) levels were determined. The level of hydrogen peroxide increased at 2 and 12 h, superoxide anions on day 1, and lipoperoxides on days 3 to 5. The activities of AP and GR were increased, but not the DHAR activity. The level of GSH increased on day 1, decreased on day 3, and increased again on day 5, whereas ASC slightly increased on days 3 and 7, and activities of enzymes involved in GSH and ASC synthesis were increased on days 3 to 7. The level of PC2 and PC4 decreased on day 3 but increased again on day 5. The level of transcripts encoding UcMT1 and UcMT2 increased on days 3 to 5, mainly that of UcMT2. Thus, cadmium accumulation induced an oxidative stress condition that was mitigated by the activation of antioxidant enzymes and synthesis of GSH and ASC. Then, the alga cultivated with inhibitors of calcium-dependent protein kinases (CDPKs), calmodulin-dependent protein kinases (CaMKs), calcineurin B-like protein kinases (CBLPKs), and MAPKs and 10 μM of cadmium for 5 days showed a decrease in intracellular cadmium and in the level of GSH and PCs, with the four inhibitors, and in the level of transcripts encoding UcMTs, with two inhibitors. Thus, CDPKs, CaMK, CBLPKS, and MAPKs are involved in cadmium accumulation and GSH and PC synthesis, and GSH and PCs and/or UcMTs may participate in cadmium accumulation.
What Should I Trust? Individual Differences in Attitudes to Conflicting Information and Misinformation on COVID-19
Authors: Filkuková Petra , Ayton Peter , Rand Kim , Langguth Johannes
Published: June 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic constitutes a novel threat and traditional and new media provide people with an abundance of information and misinformation on the topic. In the current study, we investigated who tends to trust what type of mis/information. The data were collected in Norway from a sample of 405 participants during the first wave of COVID-19 in April 2020. We focused on three kinds of belief: the belief that the threat is overrated (COVID-threat skepticism), the belief that the threat is underrated (COVID-threat belief) and belief in misinformation about COVID-19. We studied sociodemographic factors associated with these beliefs and the interplay between attitudes to COVID-19, media consumption and prevention behavior. All three types of belief were associated with distrust in information about COVID-19 provided by traditional media and distrust in the authorities' approach to the pandemic. COVID-threat skepticism was associated with male gender, reduced news consumption since the start of the pandemic and lower levels of precautionary measures. Belief that the COVID-19 threat is underrated was associated with younger age, left-wing political orientation, increased news consumption during the pandemic and increased precautionary behavior. Consistent with the assumptions of the theory of planned behavior, individual beliefs about the seriousness of the COVID-19 threat predicted the extent to which individual participants adopted precautionary health measures. Both COVID-threat skepticism and COVID-threat belief were associated with endorsement of misinformation on COVID-19. Participants who endorsed misinformation tended to: have lower levels of education; be male; show decreased news consumption; have high Internet use and high trust in information provided by social media. Additionally, they tended to endorse multiple misinformation stories simultaneously, even when they were mutually contradictory. The strongest predictor for low compliance with precautionary measures was endorsement of a belief that the COVID-19 threat is overrated which at the time of the data collection was held also by some experts and featured in traditional media. The findings stress the importance of consistency of communication in situations of a public health threat.
Perceived Teacher Autonomy Support and Students' Deep Learning: The Mediating Role of Self-Efficacy and the Moderating Role of Perceived Peer Support
Authors: Zhao Jingxian , Qin Yue
Published: June 2021

The purpose of this research is to test the mediation effect of self-efficacy on college student's perception of teacher autonomy support and students' deep learning, and whether the peer support perceived by students can moderate the relationship between perceived teacher autonomy support and deep learning. A survey of 1,800 college students from a provincial undergraduate normal university in Guizhou Province in China was conducted through the revised Perceived Teacher Autonomy Support Scale, Deep Learning Scale, Self-Efficacy Scale, and Perceived Peer Support Scale (Mean age = 21 years old, SD = 1.34). Data use SPSS23.0, AMOS22.0 for descriptive analysis and correlation analysis, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), moderation effect, and mediation effect analysis. The research results show that after controlling for gender, major, and grade, self-efficacy partially moderates the connection between perceived teacher autonomy support and deep learning of college students. Moreover, perceived peer support mediates the relationship between perceived teacher autonomy support and students' self-efficacy.
The Combined Effect of Safety Specific Transformational Leadership and Safety Consciousness on Psychological Well-Being of Healthcare Workers
Authors: Irshad Muhammad , Majeed Mehwish , Khattak Sana Aroos
Published: June 2021

Occupational health researchers have begun to realize that the psychological well-being of healthcare workers who are providing treatment against COVID-19 is deteriorating. However, there is minimal research conducted on it, particularly in the context of leadership. The current study aims to fill this important gap by identifying critical factors that can enhance the psychological well-being of healthcare workers. We proposed that safety specific transformational leadership enhances psychological well-being among healthcare workers, and COVID-19 perceived risk mediates this relationship. Furthermore, the safety conscientiousness of healthcare workers was proposed to be a boundary condition that enhances the negative relationship between safety-specific transformational leadership and COVID-19 perceived risk. Data were collected from healthcare workers (N= 232) treating COVID-19 patients in the hospitals of Pakistan through well-established adopted questionnaires. The discriminant and convergent validity of the data was tested through confirmatory factor analysis by using AMOS statistical package. The mediation and moderation hypotheses were tested by using PROCESS Macro by Hayes. The results showed that safety specific transformational leadership enhances psychological well-being among healthcare workers, and COVID-19 perceived risk mediates this relationship. Moderation results also confirmed that safety conscientiousness moderates the relationship between safety specific transformational leadership and COVID-19 perceived risk. This study offers implications for both researchers and practitioners.
Inside the Clockwork of the ECHO Factorial Trial: A Conceptual Model With Proposed Mediators for Prevention of Emotional Problems in Children
Authors: Ingul Jo Magne , Martinsen Kristin , Adolfsen Frode , Sund Anne Mari , Ytreland Kristin , Bania Elisabeth Valmyr , Lisøy Carina , Rasmussen Lene-Mari Potulski , Haug Ida Mari , Patras Joshua , Collins Linda M. , Kendall Philip C. , Neumer Simon Peter
Published: June 2021

Having interventions that are not only evidence-based and effective but also cost-effective and efficient is important for the prevention and treatment of child and adolescent emotional problems. A randomized clinical trial (RCT) tests the total interventions effect but does not address specific components of the intervention. In this article the hypothesis and a conceptual model of the ECHO study are presented and discussed. The ECHO intervention consists of three different components each containing two levels of intervention. By using a cluster randomized factorial design, children aged 8–12 at 40 schools across Norway will be randomized to eight different experimental conditions investigating the optimal balance between effect, cost-effectiveness, and efficiency. The article presents the design and the different components being tested and discusses how optimalization can be reached through this innovative design. The article also discusses how interventions can be improved by investigating and understanding the mechanisms of change within psychological interventions. For each of the three components in the study we consider the mediators that could be active within the intervention and how the study investigates such mediation. The results will contribute to a better understanding of how psychological interventions work and how we intend to optimize the EMOTION intervention.
Did the UK COVID-19 Lockdown Modify the Influence of Neighbourhood Disorder on Psychological Distress? Evidence From a Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Teo Celine , Kim Chungah , Nielsen Andrew , Young Thomas , O'Campo Patricia , Chum Antony
Published: June 2021

Background: National lockdown in the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic severely restricted the mobility of residents and increased time spent in their residential neighbourhoods. This is a unique opportunity to understand how an exogenous factor that reduces mobility may influence the association between neighbourhood social environment and mental health. This study investigates whether the COVID-19 lockdown may modify the effect of neighbourhood disorder on psychological distress.

Methods: We tracked changes in psychological distress, using the UK household longitudinal survey across the pre-COVID and lockdown periods in 16,535 adults. Neighbourhood disorder was measured along two subscales: social stressors and property crime. Fixed-effects regression was used to evaluate whether the widespread reduction in mobility modifies the association between the subscales of neighbourhood disorder and psychological distress.

Results: The effect of neighbourhood social stressors on psychological distress was stronger in the lockdown period compared to the pre-COVID period. Compared to the pre-COVID period, the effect of being in neighbourhoods with the highest social stressors (compared to the lowest) on psychological distress increased by 20% during the lockdown. Meanwhile, the effect of neighbourhood property crime on mental health did not change during the lockdown.

Conclusion: The sudden loss of mobility as a result of COVID-19 lockdown is a unique opportunity to address the endogeneity problem as it relates to mobility and locational preferences in the study of neighbourhood effects on health. Vulnerable groups who have limited mobility are likely more sensitive to neighbourhood social stressors compared to the general population.
Flagship Species: Do They Help or Hurt Conservation?
Authors: Moynes Emily , Bhathe Vishnu Prithiv , Brennan Christina , Ellis Stephanie , Bennett Joseph R. , Landsman Sean J.
Published: June 2021

Many of the plants and animals we love, and even more we do not know about, are in serious danger. Species extinctions are occurring at alarming rates. But how do we prevent extinction from happening? One strategy is to first make people aware of what is going on. If people know which plants and animals are in danger, they will be more likely to support measures that protect those species. We can do this by drawing attention to problems facing species that people are familiar with, like African lions, Siberian tigers, and humpback whales. Sadly, this strategy ignores many weird and wonderful creatures most people may know nothing about! More importantly, it prevents us from protecting other important species and the environments in which they live. It is time to re-think our approach so that we can protect as many species and habitats as possible!
3D Laparoscopy-Assisted Operation to Adult Intussusceptions During Perioperative Period of Liver Transplantation: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Gao Qing , Yuan Shuo , Li Yang , Chen Chao , Liu Xiaosun , Yu Jiren
Published: June 2021

Adult intussusception during the perioperative period is defined as an extremely rare condition, especially when it emerges within short intervals of laparotomy, which may be explained as an unphysiological peristaltic function of the bowel without any lead points. Accurate diagnosis and therapeutic schedule predict a satisfactory outcome. Here, we introduce the case of a 32-year-old man who had symptoms of abdominal pain, no gas emission, and defecation shortly after liver transplantation. Intussusception was definitely diagnosed by abdominal CT, and then reduction was operated successfully by three-dimensional laparoscopy-assisted operation. There were no other complaints, and no secondary lesions were detected during the postoperative rehabilitation process in the hospital and over a follow-up period of 6 months. Relevant literature has been summarized subsequently. A promising minimally invasive surgery along with minimal secondary trauma was presented by laparoscopy in this rare case, providing the potential remedy for perioperative intussusception in the adult.
A Comparative Study on Changes in Total and Differential Milk Cell Counts, Activity, and Expression of Milk Phagocytes of Healthy and Mastitic Indigenous Sahiwal Cows
Authors: Alhussien Mohanned Naif , Panda Bibhudatta S. K. , Dang Ajay Kumar
Published: June 2021

Milk somatic cell counts (SCCs) have been used as a gold standard to monitor mammary health as well as an indicator of raw milk quality. The present work was undertaken to compare the changes in the milk SCC, milk differential leukocyte counts (DLCs), phagocytic activity (PA) of milk neutrophils and macrophages (by nitroblue tetrazolium assay), extracellular trap formation (PicoGreen assay) and mRNA expression of various genes in milk neutrophils and macrophages (reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction), and milk plasma cortisol concentration (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) in healthy, subclinical mastitis (SCM), and clinical mastitis (CM) cows. Milk was collected from healthy, SCM, and CM cows grouped based on their SCCs and California mastitis test with eight cows in each group. Milk SCC was estimated by SCC counter, and DLC was done after staining the milk slide under a microscope at 100×. Total SCCs in healthy, SCM, and CM cows were on an average of 128.30, 300.3, and 694.40 × 103 cells/mL, respectively. Milk DLCs indicated a lower percentage of macrophage and lymphocytes and a higher (p < 0.05) percentage of neutrophils in SCM and CM compared to healthy milk. The percentage of mature segmented neutrophils was lower, whereas immature band neutrophils were higher (p < 0.05) in the SCM and CM groups as compared to healthy cows. The viability, in vitro PA, and extracellular trap formation of neutrophils were lower (p < 0.05) in SCM and CM milk samples as compared to healthy samples. However, the PA of macrophage remained unchanged in all the studied groups. The relative mRNA expression of Toll-like receptors (TLR2, TLR4), myeloperoxidase, and interleukin 2α (IL-2α) receptor (CD25) were minimum in healthy samples and increased (p < 0.05) with the progress of mammary inflammation. However, CD44 decreased (p < 0.05), and CD62L remained unchanged in mastitis as compared to healthy cows. Plasma cortisol concentrations were higher (p < 0.05) in mastitis as compared to healthy cows and were negatively correlated with the number of milk macrophages and the functions of milk phagocytes. Estimation of total SCC, milk DLC, and activity of milk phagocytes is essential for effective control and prevention of incidence of mastitis in dairy cows.
Combining Optimization Methods Using an Adaptive Meta Optimizer
Authors: Landro Nicola , Gallo Ignazio , La Grassa Riccardo
Published: June 2021

Optimization methods are of great importance for the efficient training of neural networks. There are many articles in the literature that propose particular variants of existing optimizers. In our article, we propose the use of the combination of two very different optimizers that, when used simultaneously, can exceed the performance of the single optimizers in very different problems. We propose a new optimizer called ATMO (AdapTive Meta Optimizers), which integrates two different optimizers simultaneously weighing the contributions of both. Rather than trying to improve each single one, we leverage both at the same time, as a meta-optimizer, by taking the best of both. We have conducted several experiments on the classification of images and text documents, using various types of deep neural models, and we have demonstrated through experiments that the proposed ATMO produces better performance than the single optimizers.
Using Machine Learning for Quantum Annealing Accuracy Prediction
Authors: Barbosa Aaron , Pelofske Elijah , Hahn Georg , Djidjev Hristo N.
Published: June 2021

Quantum annealers, such as the device built by D-Wave Systems, Inc., offer a way to compute solutions of NP-hard problems that can be expressed in Ising or quadratic unconstrained binary optimization (QUBO) form. Although such solutions are typically of very high quality, problem instances are usually not solved to optimality due to imperfections of the current generations quantum annealers. In this contribution, we aim to understand some of the factors contributing to the hardness of a problem instance, and to use machine learning models to predict the accuracy of the D-Wave 2000Q annealer for solving specific problems. We focus on the maximum clique problem, a classic NP-hard problem with important applications in network analysis, bioinformatics, and computational chemistry. By training a machine learning classification model on basic problem characteristics such as the number of edges in the graph, or annealing parameters, such as the D-Wave’s chain strength, we are able to rank certain features in the order of their contribution to the solution hardness, and present a simple decision tree which allows to predict whether a problem will be solvable to optimality with the D-Wave 2000Q. We extend these results by training a machine learning regression model that predicts the clique size found by D-Wave.
The Possibilities of Using Common Buckwheat in Phytoremediation of Mineral and Organic Soils Contaminated with Cd or Pb
Authors: Domańska Jolanta , Leszczyńska Danuta , Badora Aleksandra
Published: June 2021

The results of this study provided accurate guidance on the possibility of using common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) in phytoremediation practices for mineral soil or organic soils contaminated with Cd or Pb. Based on a model pot experiment, the tolerance of buckwheat to elevated contents of cadmium and lead in organic and mineral soils was examined. The soils were differentiated into neutral and acidic, and amended with metals at doses of 10 mg Cd kg−1 DM and 100 mg Pb kg−1 DM of soil. The growth, development, biomass, translocation coefficient, and tolerance index (TI) of the tested plants were examined. The use of metals caused a weakening of plant growth and development, as well as intensified chlorotic and necrotic changes to the buckwheat leaves. The application of Cd caused a statistically significant decrease in shoot biomass. The plants growing in organic acidic soil were most vulnerable to Cd toxicity. The (TI) values confirm the generally low tolerance of buckwheat to Cd, except for the treatment in organic neutral soil, and the high tolerance of this plant to Pb in all the studied soils.
Optimization Design of Spray Cooling Fan Based on CFD Simulation and Field Experiment for Horticultural Crops
Authors: Hu Yongguang , Chen Yongkang , Wei Wuzhe , Hu Zhiyuan , Li Pingping
Published: June 2021

In recent years, horticultural plants have frequently suffered significant heat damage due to excessive temperatures. In this study, a horticultural spray cooling system was designed, consisting mainly of a jet fan and spraying system. CFD simulation technology and response surface methodology were used to optimize the design of the jet fan, which improved the thrust of the fan. The length of the inlet section was 300 mm, the length of the outlet section was 300 mm, the length of the cone section was 450 mm, and the diameter of the outlet was 950 mm, where the thrust of the jet fan was 225.06 N. By establishing the CFD model of spray cooling in a tea field and designing a L9 (34) orthogonal experiment, the effect of the spray parameters on the maximum temperature drop and effective cooling distance was studied, and the best parameters were selected. The simulation results show that the optimum parameters are a spray flow rate of 4.5 kg/s, a droplet diameter of 15–45 μm, a droplet temperature of 298.15 K, and a nozzle double circle layout. Based on the simulation results of the optimized jet fan and spray parameters selected, a spray cooling test bench was established. Field test results show that when the initial ambient temperature was 310.05 K–310.95 K, the maximum temperature drop of the spray cooling fan was 9.1 K, and the cooling distance was approximately 36.0 m. The temperature drop decreased with increasing distance from the fan. This study is of great significance to protect horticultural plants from extremely high temperatures.
Equipment Performance, Costs and Constraints of Packaging and Transporting Rice Straw for Alternative Uses to Burning in the “Parc Natural l’Albufera de València” (Spain)
Authors: Torregrosa Antonio , Giner Juan Miguel , Velázquez-Martí Borja
Published: June 2021

Rice straw is a residue that causes significant environmental problems, as burning it causes CO2 and ash emissions, while buried waste can cause issues associated with eutrophication. The extraction of straw from fields for alternative uses may contribute to solving these problems, but research into its economic viability is necessary. The straw can be used for crop mulching, biofuel, bedding for livestock, and so on. In this study, we analyse the work carried out by straw harvesting machines (rakes, balers, bundlers, and loaders) and calculate the costs of packing, road-siding, and transportation of the straw from the rice fields to stockage points in the producer area, as well as to locations outside of the rice production area, in order to assess the viability. The costs of all elemental operations were calculated. The costs of all the operations included between raking and unloading in the producer area stocking point ranged between 28.1 and 51 EUR t−1. These costs were compared with the price of rain-fed cereal straw (wheat and barley), which is the most abundant, noting that the years in which rain-fed cereal straw reached high prices, rice straw could serve as a competitive product; however, in years when the former is cheap, it would be necessary to subsidise the harvesting of rice straw.
Automating Uniformity Trials to Optimize Precision of Agronomic Field Trials
Authors: Jones Marcus , Harbur Marin , Moore Ken J.
Published: June 2021

Plot size has an important impact on variation among plots in agronomic field trials, but is rarely considered during the design process. Uniformity trials can inform a researcher about underlying variance, but are seldom used due to their laborious nature. The objective of this research was to describe variation in maize field trials among field plots of varying size and develop a tool to optimize field-trial design using uniformity-trial statistics. Six uniformity trials were conducted in 2015–2016 in conjunction with Iowa State University and WinField United. All six uniformity trials exhibited a negative asymptotic relationship between variance and plot size. Variance per unit area was reduced over 50% with plots 41.8 m2 in size and over 75% when using a plot size >111.5 m2 compared to a 13.9 m2 plot. Plot shape within a fixed plot size did not influence variance. The data illustrated fewer replicates were needed as plot size increased, since larger plots reduced variability. Use of a Shiny web application is demonstrated that allows a researcher to upload a yield map and consider uniformity-trial statistics to inform plot size and replicate decisions.
Results of Laboratory Studies of the Automated Sorting System for Root and Onion Crops
Authors: Dorokhov Alexey , Aksenov Alexander , Sibirev Alexey , Sazonov Nikolay , Mosyakov Maxim , Godyaeva Maria
Published: June 2021

The roller and sieve machines most commonly used in Russia for the post-harvest processing of root and tuber crops and onions have a number of disadvantages, the main one being a decrease in the quality of sorting due to the contamination of working bodies, which increases the quantity of losses during sorting and storage. To obtain high-quality competitive production, it is necessary to combine a number of technological operations during the sorting process, such as dividing the material into classes and fractions by quality and size, as well as identifying and removing damaged products. In order to improve the quality of sorting of root tubers and onions by size, it is necessary to ensure the development of an automatic control system for operating and technological parameters, the use of which will eliminate manual sorting on bulkhead tables in post-harvest processing. To fulfill these conditions, the developed automatic control system must have the ability to identify the material on the sorting surface, taking into account external damage and ensuring the automatic removal of impurities. In this study, the highest sorting accuracy of tubers (of more than 91%) was achieved with a forward speed of 1.2 m/s for the conveyor of the sorting table, with damage to 2.2% of the tubers, which meets the agrotechnical requirements for post-harvest processing. This feature distinguishes the developed device from similar ones.
Exploring the Relationship between Information-Seeking Behavior and Adoption of Biofertilizers among Onion Farmers
Authors: Kassem Hazem S. , Alotaibi Bader Alhafi , Aldosri Fahd O. , Muddassir Muhammad
Published: June 2021

Recently, there has been increasing concern about reducing and replacing chemical fertilizers with biofertilizers to enhance soil fertility and maintain agroecosystems and sustainable agricultural production. Given that knowledge of biofertilizers is information-intensive, the lack of information-seeking behavior (ISB) might be the primary constraint for farmers adopting biofertilizers. This study aimed to analyze how ISB influences farmers’ adoption of biofertilizers, using a sample of 228 onion farmers in Al-Ahsa Governorate, Saudi Arabia. The results indicate that most farmers had a moderate level of ISB. The most frequently accessed sources were mobile applications, extension institutions, and progressive farmers. The results of cluster analysis show that farmers’ ISB differed significantly according to their main occupation. Among the onion farmers, 35%had adopted biofertilizers. The findings also reveal that farm size, attitude toward biofertilizers, the credibility of information sources, and the usefulness of the information positively and significantly influence farmers’ adoption of biofertilizers. It was concluded that understanding the relationship between adoption and ISB could assist policymakers in focusing on knowledge diffusion when designing extension programs and advisory services to facilitate better usage of biofertilizers.
Lack of Evidence That Bird Feeders Are a Source of Salmonellosis during Winter in Poland
Authors: Frątczak Martyna , Indykiewicz Piotr , Dulisz Beata , Nowakowski Jacek J. , Janiszewski Tomasz , Szeptycki Jan , Wilczyński Jarosław , Tryjanowski Piotr
Published: June 2021

Bird feeders are known to be a transfer site for many important bird pathogens, such as zoonotic Salmonella spp., known to be widespread among wild birds in Poland. The aim of the study was to investigate (1) whether feeders can be a source of Salmonella spp., (2) whether the risk is the same for feeders located in cities and rural areas and (3) whether there is a different level of contamination with Salmonella spp. between old and new feeders. Data were collected in the period 12 January–28 February 2018 in four cities in Poland and nearby rural areas. In total, 204 feeders were sampled. The samples from feeders were taken after a 2-week period of feeding birds. Material for analysis consisted of the remains of food and feces. We did not find the presence of Salmonella spp. in any of the tested samples collected from bird feeders. Therefore, the estimated value of the 95% confidence interval for the binary data was 0.000–0.018. Reasons for the isolation of Salmonella spp. from feeders not being successful lie in the low intensity of bacterial shedding by infected wild birds and low survival of bacteria in the environment in bird feces—which are still not well studied.
Antinematode Activity of Abomasum Bacterial Culture Filtrates against Haemonchus contortus in Small Ruminants
Authors: Nazish Asfa , Fozia  , Khattak Baharullah , Ali Khan Taj , Ahmad Ijaz , Ullah Riaz , Bari Ahmed , Asmari Majid M. , Mahmood Hafiz M. , Sohaib Muhammad , El Askary Ahmad , El-kott Attalla F. , Abdel-Daim Mohamed M.
Published: June 2021

Haemonchosis is a parasitic disease of small ruminants that adversely affects livestock production. Haemonchus contortus is one of the most prevalent nematode parasites that infect the abomasum of small ruminants. This parasite reduces milk production, overall growth and sometimes causes the death of the infected animals. The evaluation of the biocontrol potential of some abomasum bacterial isolates against H. contortus is investigated in this study. Out of which, three isolates—Comamonas testosteroni, Comamonas jiangduensis, Pseudomonas weihenstephanesis—show significant effect against the nematode L3, adult, and egg hatch inhibition assays. Various concentrations of metabolites from these bacteria are prepared and applied in different treatments compared with control. In the case of adult mortality assay, 50% metabolites of C. testosteroni and P. weihenstephanesis show 46% adult mortality, whereas C. jiangduensis shows 40% mortality. It is observed that decreasing the concentration of bacterial metabolite, lowers nematode mortality. The minimum nematode mortality rate is recorded at the lowest filtrates concentration of all the bacterial isolates. The same trend is observed in egg hatch inhibition assay, where the higher concentration of bacterial culture filtrates shows 100% inhibition of H. contortus egg. It is concluded that the effect of bacterial culture filtrates against H. contortus is dose-dependent for their activity against nematode L3, adult, and inhibition of egg hatchment.
Plasmatic Oxidative and Metabonomic Profile of Patients with Different Degrees of Biliary Acute Pancreatitis Severity
Authors: Silva-Vaz Pedro , Jarak Ivana , Rato Luís , Oliveira Pedro F. , Morgado-Nunes Sara , Paulino Aida , Castelo-Branco Miguel , Botelho Maria Filomena , Tralhão José Guilherme , Alves Marco G. , Abrantes Ana Margarida
Published: June 2021

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is an inflammatory process of the pancreas with variable involvement of the pancreatic and peripancreatic tissues and remote organ systems. The main goal of this study was to evaluate the inflammatory biomarkers, oxidative stress (OS), and plasma metabolome of patients with different degrees of biliary AP severity to improve its prognosis. Twenty-nine patients with biliary AP and 11 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. We analyzed several inflammatory biomarkers, multifactorial scores, reactive oxygen species (ROS), antioxidants defenses, and the plasma metabolome of biliary AP and healthy controls. Hepcidin (1.00), CRP (0.94), and SIRI (0.87) were the most accurate serological biomarkers of AP severity. OS played a pivotal role in the initial phase of AP, with significant changes in ROS and antioxidant defenses relating to AP severity. Phenylalanine (p < 0.05), threonine (p < 0.05), and lipids (p < 0.01) showed significant changes in AP severity. The role of hepcidin and SIRI were confirmed as new prognostic biomarkers of biliary AP. OS appears to have a role in the onset and progression of the AP process. Overall, this study identified several metabolites that may predict the onset and progression of biliary AP severity, constituting the first metabonomic study in the field of biliary AP.
Effect of the Sintering Temperature on the Compressive Strengths of Reticulated Porous Zirconia
Authors: Lee Chae-Young , Lee Sujin , Ha Jang-Hoon , Lee Jongman , Song In-Hyuck , Moon Kyoung-Seok
Published: June 2021

Porous ceramics have separation/collection (open pore) and heat-shielding/sound-absorbing (closed pore) characteristics not found in conventional dense ceramics, increasing their industrial importance along with dense ceramics. Reticulated porous ceramics, a type of porous ceramic material, are characterized by a three-dimensional network structure having high porosity and permeability. Although there have been numerous studies of porous zirconia, which is already widely used, there are insufficient reports on reticulated porous zirconia, and it is still challenging to improve the compressive strength of reticulated porous ceramics thus far, especially considering that too few studies have been published on this topic. Therefore, we prepared reticulated porous zirconia specimens using the replica template method. In this study, the compressive strength outcomes of reticulated porous zirconia were analyzed by controlling the PPI value (25, 45, 60, and 80 PPI) of the sacrificial polymer template, the average zirconia particle size (as-received, coarse, intermediate, and fine), and the sintering temperature (1400, 1500, and 1600 °C). Consequently, we confirm that it is possible to prepare reticulated porous zirconia with a wide range of strengths (0.16~1.26 MPa) as needed with an average particle size and while properly controlling the sintering temperature.
Comment on Maraveas, C. Concrete Silos: Failures, Design Issues and Repair/Strengthening Methods. Appl. Sci. 2020, 10, 3938
Authors: Tu Phung , Vimonsatit Vanissorn
Published: June 2021

Current silo analysis and design methods developed from Janssen’s theory focus mainly on the flow of the granules inside the silo by assuming that the overall silo structure is infinitely rigid. A silo structure during discharge is technically a time varying mass dynamic problem, where the properties of the overall silo structure and the discharge rate and material properties also contribute to the development of the load. The physics of a silo system requires equilibrium between the granules inside the silo, the silo structure as a whole and the surrounding air. The established scientific principles and experimental data require fulfilling such equilibrium to accurately predict the dynamic loads during discharge. This correspondence explains how the equilibrium between the granules inside the silo, the silo structure as a whole and the surrounding air can be achieved to better predict and control the dynamic loads generated by the silo discharge process.
Ocular Melanoma: Current Concepts
Authors: Caltabiano Rosario , Russo Andrea
Published: June 2021

Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most frequent intraocular malignancy in adults, affecting the iris, choroid, and ciliary bodies [...]
Standalone Behaviour-Based Attack Detection Techniques for Distributed Software Systems via Blockchain
Authors: Aljihani Hosam , Eassa Fathy , Almarhabi Khalid , Algarni Abdullah , Attaallah Abdulaziz
Published: June 2021

With the rapid increase of cyberattacks that presently affect distributed software systems, cyberattacks and their consequences have become critical issues and have attracted the interest of research communities and companies to address them. Therefore, developing and improving attack detection techniques are prominent methods to defend against cyberattacks. One of the promising attack detection methods is behaviour-based attack detection methods. Practically, attack detection techniques are widely applied in distributed software systems that utilise network environments. However, there are some other challenges facing attack detection techniques, such as the immutability and reliability of the detection systems. These challenges can be overcome with promising technologies such as blockchain. Blockchain offers a concrete solution for ensuring data integrity against unauthorised modification. Hence, it improves the immutability for detection systems’ data and thus the reliability for the target systems. In this paper, we propose a design for standalone behaviour-based attack detection techniques that utilise blockchain’s functionalities to overcome the above-mentioned challenges. Additionally, we provide a validation experiment to prove our proposal in term of achieving its objectives. We argue that our proposal introduces a novel approach to develop and improve behaviour-based attack detection techniques to become more reliable for distributed software systems.