bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Concentrate Levels in Prepartum Diet on Milk Performance, Energy Balance and Rumen Fermentation of Transition Montbéliarde–Holstein Crossbred Cows
Authors: Yang Zhantao , Dong Shuangzhao , Zheng Yuhui , Kong Fanlin , Lv Jiaying , Sun Xiaoge , Wang Yajing , Cao Zhijun , Wang Wei , Li Shengli
Published: April 2022

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of three rates of prepartum dietary concentrate feeding on the milk performance, energy balance, and rumen fermentation of Montbéliarde–Holstein crossbred cows. Eighteen transition Montbéliarde–Holstein crossbred cows with similar days of gestation (258 ± 12 day) and body weights (622 ± 44 kg) were selected and randomly divided into three groups. In the prepartum period, the addition of concentrates accounted for 0.3% (low concentrate, LC), 0.6% (medium concentrate, MC), and 0.9% (high concentrate, HC) of the cow’s body weight. The forage was corn stover, which was fed to the cows ad libitum with free access to water. Postpartum, all of the cows were fed a common lactation total mixed ration. The experimental period lasted from 21 days prepartum to 28 days postpartum. The energy balance (EB), net energy intake (NEI), and dry matter intake (DMI) of the HC group were greater than those of the other groups (p < 0.05). Likewise, the non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), β-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA), and total bilirubin (TBIL) in the blood of the LC group had significantly higher concentrations than they did in the other groups (p < 0.05). Moreover, the increase in the level of dietary concentrate had no significant effect on the rumen fermentation parameters (p > 0.05), and the total intestinal digestibility of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), and ether extract (EE) in the HC group was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than it was in the other groups during the prepartum period. In conclusion, the administration of the MC diet in the prepartum period had no negative effect on the performance and rumen fermentation of postpartum dairy cows and can satisfy the energy needs of prepartum dairy cows. Therefore, under our experimental conditions, the 0.6% prenatal concentrate feeding amount was the most appropriate for Montbéliarde–Holstein crossbred cows.
Returning a Shelter Dog: The Role of Owner Expectations and Dog Behavior
Authors: Powell Lauren , Lee Brittany , Reinhard Chelsea L. , Morris Margaret , Satriale Donya , Serpell James , Watson Brittany
Published: April 2022

Millions of animals are adopted from animal shelters in the United States each year, although some are returned post-adoption, which can decrease both the animals’ chances of future adoptions and the owners’ willingness to adopt again. In this study, we investigated the impact of adopter expectations for ownership and animal behavioral problems on post-adoptive dog returns at a large animal shelter in South Carolina. Between June–September 2021, 132 dog adopters completed a survey about their expectations for ownership through Qualtrics. Twenty-nine adopters returned their dogs to the shelter within three months of adoption, with a median length of ownership of eight days. Owners completed follow-up questionnaires about their perceptions of adoption and dog behavior at two days, two weeks, and four months post-adoption. Categorical principal component analysis revealed three factors pertaining to adopters’ expectations for ownership. Independent t-tests showed returning owners had significantly higher expectations for dog behavior and health (t = −2.32, p = 0.02) and the human–dog bond compared with non-returning owners (t = −2.36, p = 0.02). Expectations for ownership responsibilities did not differ between the groups. Two-thirds of adopters experienced dog behavioral problems post-adoption, although training difficulty decreased significantly between two days and four months (F = 5.22, p = 0.01) and nonsocial fear decreased between two weeks and four months post-adoption (X2 = 10.17, p = 0.01). Shelters may benefit from utilizing adoption counselling to ensure adopters understand the potential for dog behavioral problems in the early stages of ownership and develop appropriate expectations for the human–dog relationship. Post-adoption behavioral support may also help some owners to overcome behavioral difficulties as their dogs adapt to the new environment.
The Impact of Herbal Additives for Poultry Feed on the Fatty Acid Profile of Meat
Authors: Jachimowicz Karolina , Winiarska-Mieczan Anna , Tomaszewska Ewa
Published: April 2022

Researchers often found that herbal additives to chicken feed can favorably alter the fatty acid profile of the meat. The most desirable effects of diet modification comprise an increased content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and a reduced content of saturated fatty acids (SFA) in the breast and thigh muscles. A modified fatty acid profile contributes to improvement in the quality of poultry meat, which is reflected in its increased consumption. However, it may be problematic that PUFAs are oxidized easier than other lipids, which can have a negative impact on the sensory traits of meat. By contrast, herbs and herbal products contain antioxidants that can prevent the oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids and cholesterol present in animal-origin products and increase the antioxidant potential of the consumer’s body. This paper aims to review the influence of herbal additives for broiler chicken diets on the fatty acid profile of poultry meat. Special attention was paid to changes in the content of SFAs, MUFAs, and PUFAs, but also alterations in the omega-6:omega-3 ratio. The presented reference literature supports the statement that herbs and bioactive components of herbs added to chicken diets can improve the quality of broiler chicken meat by altering the content of fatty acids.
Morphology and Chemical Coding of Rat Duodenal Enteric Neurons following Prenatal Exposure to Fumonisins
Authors: Kras Katarzyna , Rudyk Halyna , Muszyński Siemowit , Tomaszewska Ewa , Dobrowolski Piotr , Kushnir Volodymyr , Muzyka Viktor , Brezvyn Oksana , Arciszewski Marcin B. , Kotsyumbas Ihor
Published: April 2022

Fumonisins (FBs), including fumonisin B1 and B2 produced by the fungus Fusarium verticillioides, are widespread mycotoxins contaminating crop plants as well as processed food. The aim of the experiment was to determine whether the exposure of 5-week-old pregnant rats to FBs at 60 mg/kg b.w. (group FB60) or 90 mg/kg b.w. (group FB90) results in morphological changes in the duodenum of weaned offspring, particularly the enteric nervous system (ENS). In addition, the levels of expression of galanin and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) in the ENS were analysed by immunofluorescence in the control and experimental groups of animals. No significant morphological changes in the thickness of the muscle layer or submucosa of the duodenum were noted in group FB60 or FB90. In group FB90 (but not FB60), there was a significant increase in the width of the villi and in the density of the intestinal crypts. Immunofluorescence analysis using neuronal marker Hu C/D showed no significant changes in group FB60 or FB90 in the morphology of the duodenal ENS, i.e., the myenteric plexus (MP) and submucosal plexus (SP), in terms of the density of enteric ganglia in the MP and SP, surface area of MP and SP ganglia, length and width of MP and SP ganglia, surface area of myenteric and submucosal neurons, diameter of myenteric and submucosal neurons, density of myenteric and submucosal neurons, and number of myenteric and submucosal neurons per ganglion. In both groups, there was an increase (relative to the control) in the percentage of Hu C/D-IR/VIP-IR (IR-immunoreactive) and Hu C/D-IR/galanin-IR myenteric and submucosal neurons in the ganglia of both the MP and SP of the duodenum. In addition, in groups FB60 and FB90, there was an increase in the number of nerve fibres showing expression of VIP and galanin in the mucosa, submucosa and circular muscle layer of the duodenum. The results indicate that prenatal exposure to FBs does not significantly alter the histological structure of the duodenum (including the ENS) in the weaned offspring. The changes observed in the chemical code of the myenteric and submucosal neurons in both experimental groups suggest harmful activity of FBs, which may translate into activation of repair mechanisms via overexpression of neuroprotective neuropeptides (VIP and galanin).
Antiamoebic Properties of Metabolites against Naegleria fowleri and Balamuthia mandrillaris
Authors: Siddiqui Ruqaiyyah , Boghossian Anania , Khatoon Bushra , Kawish Muhammad , Alharbi Ahmad M. , Shah Muhammad Raza , Alfahemi Hasan , Khan Naveed Ahmed
Published: April 2022

Naegleria fowleri and Balamuthia mandrillaris are free-living, opportunistic protists, distributed widely in the environment. They are responsible for primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) and granulomatous amoebic encephalitis (GAE), the fatal central nervous infections with mortality rates exceeding 90%. With the rise of global warming and water shortages resulting in water storage in tanks (where these amoebae may reside), the risk of infection is increasing. Currently, as a result of a lack of awareness, many cases may be misdiagnosed. Furthermore, the high mortality rate indicates the lack of effective drugs available. In this study, secondary metabolites from the plants Rinorea vaundensis and Salvia triloba were tested for their anti-amoebic properties against N. fowleri and B. mandrillaris. Three of the nine compounds showed potent and significant anti-amoebic activities against both N. fowleri and B. mandrillaris: ursolic acid, betulinic acid, and betulin. Additionally, all compounds depicted limited or minimal toxicity to human cells and were capable of reducing amoeba-mediated host cell death. Moreover, the minimum inhibitory concentration required to inhibit 50% of amoebae growth, the half-maximal effective concentration, and the maximum non-toxic dose against human cells of the compounds were determined. These effective plant-derived compounds should be utilized as potential therapies against infections due to free-living amoebae, but future research is needed to realize these expectations.
Empagliflozin-Enhanced Antioxidant Defense Attenuates Lipotoxicity and Protects Hepatocytes by Promoting FoxO3a- and Nrf2-Mediated Nuclear Translocation via the CAMKK2/AMPK Pathway
Authors: Wang Yangyang , Ding Yipei , Sun Pengbo , Zhang Wanqiu , Xin Qilei , Wang Ningchao , Niu Yaoyun , Chen Yang , Luo Jingyi , Lu Jinghua , Zhou Jin , Xu Naihan , Zhang Yaou , Xie Weidong
Published: April 2022

Lipotoxicity is an important factor in the development and progression of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Excessive accumulation of saturated fatty acids can increase the substrates of the mitochondrial electron transport chain in hepatocytes and cause the generation of reactive oxygen species, resulting in oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, impaired triphosphate (ATP) production, and fracture and fragmentation of mitochondria, which ultimately leads to hepatocellular inflammatory injuries, apoptosis, and necrosis. In this study, we systematically investigated the effects and molecular mechanisms of empagliflozin on lipotoxicity in palmitic acid-treated LO2 cell lines. We found that empagliflozin protected hepatocytes and inhibited palmitic acid-induced lipotoxicity by reducing oxidative stress, improving mitochondrial functions, and attenuating apoptosis and inflammation responses. The mechanistic study indicated that empagliflozin significantly activated adenosine 5’-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase alpha (AMPKα) through Calcium/Calmodulin dependent protein kinase kinase beta (CAMKK2) instead of liver kinase B1 (LKB1) or TGF-beta activated kinase (TAK1). The activation of empagliflozin on AMPKα not only promoted FoxO3a phosphorylation and thus forkhead box O 3a (FoxO3a) nuclear translocation, but also promoted Nrf2 nuclear translocation. Furthermore, empagliflozin significantly upregulated the expressions of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and HO-1. In addition, empagliflozin did not attenuate lipid accumulation at all. These results indicated that empagliflozin mitigated lipotoxicity in saturated fatty acid-induced hepatocytes, likely by promoting antioxidant defense instead of attenuating lipid accumulation through enhanced FoxO3a and Nrf2 nuclear translocation dependent on the CAMKK2/AMPKα pathway. The CAMKK2/AMPKα pathway might serve as a promising target in treatment of lipotoxicity in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.
Considering Commonsense in Solving QA: Reading Comprehension with Semantic Search and Continual Learning
Authors: Jeong Seungwon , Oh Dongsuk , Park Kinam , Lim Heuiseok
Published: April 2022

Unlike previous dialogue-based question-answering (QA) datasets, DREAM, multiple-choice Dialogue-based REAding comprehension exaMination dataset, requires a deep understanding of dialogue. Many problems require multi-sentence reasoning, whereas some require commonsense reasoning. However, most pre-trained language models (PTLMs) do not consider commonsense. In addition, because the maximum number of tokens that a language model (LM) can deal with is limited, the entire dialogue history cannot be included. The resulting information loss has an adverse effect on performance. To address these problems, we propose a Dialogue-based QA model with Common-sense Reasoning (DQACR), a language model that exploits Semantic Search and continual learning. We used Semantic Search to complement information loss from truncated dialogue. In addition, we used Semantic Search and continual learning to improve the PTLM’s commonsense reasoning. Our model achieves an improvement of approximately 1.5% over the baseline method and can thus facilitate QA-related tasks. It contributes toward not only dialogue-based QA tasks but also another form of QA datasets for future tasks.
A Client-Centered Information Security and Cybersecurity Auditing Framework
Authors: Antunes Mário , Maximiano Marisa , Gomes Ricardo
Published: April 2022

Information security and cybersecurity management play a key role in modern enterprises. There is a plethora of standards, frameworks, and tools, ISO 27000 and the NIST Cybersecurity Framework being two relevant families of international Information Security Management Standards (ISMSs). Globally, these standards are implemented by dedicated tools to collect and further analyze the information security auditing that is carried out in an enterprise. The overall goal of the auditing is to evaluate and mitigate the information security risk. The risk assessment is grounded by auditing processes, which examine and assess a list of predefined controls in a wide variety of subjects regarding cybersecurity and information security. For each control, a checklist of actions is applied and a set of corrective measures is proposed, in order to mitigate the flaws and to increase the level of compliance with the standard being used. The auditing process can apply different ISMSs in the same time frame. However, as these processes are time-consuming, involve on-site interventions, and imply specialized consulting teams, the methodology usually adopted by enterprises consists of applying a single ISMS and its existing tools and frameworks. This strategy brings overall less flexibility and diversity to the auditing process and, consequently, to the assessment results of the audited enterprise. In a broad sense, the auditing needs of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) are different from large companies and do not fit with all the existing ISMSs’ frameworks, that is a set of controls of a particular ISMS is not suitable to be applied in an auditing process, in an SME. In this paper, we propose a generic and client-centered web-integrated cybersecurity auditing information system. The proposed system can be widely used in a myriad of auditing processes, as it is flexible and it can load a set of predefined controls’ checklist assessment and their corresponding mitigation tasks’ list. It was designed to meet both SMEs’ and large enterprises’ requirements and stores auditing and intervention-related data in a relational database. The information system was tested within an ISO 27001:2013 information security auditing project, in which fifty SMEs participated. The overall architecture and design are depicted and the global results are detailed in this paper.
Assessment of Fish Health: Seasonal Variations in Blood Parameters of the Widely Spread Mediterranean Scorpaenid Species, Scorpaena porcus
Authors: Ferri Josipa , Matić-Skoko Sanja , Čož-Rakovac Rozelindra , Strunjak-Perović Ivančica , Beer Ljubić Blanka , Topić Popović Natalija
Published: April 2022

The measurement of haematological and biochemical parameters is essential for monitoring the health status of wild fish. More specifically, blood parameters provide crucial information on the physiological changes that occur in fish in response to various fluctuations in their environment. This study presents reference ranges and seasonal variations for 15 blood parameters of the black scorpionfish, Scorpaena porcus, as a species of high value for ecosystem monitoring in the Mediterranean. The mean haematocrit (HCT) values differed significantly between seasons, with the highest value recorded in winter. In addition, six plasma parameters varied significantly during the year. Cholesterol (CHOL), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) concentrations were notably higher during the spring/summer period and at their lowest levels in autumn/winter. On the contrary, levels of glucose (GLU) were highest during autumn and lowest during the spring season. The post hoc Tukey test revealed that there were significant differences in HCT values for winter vs. spring, in CHOL for spring vs. all other seasons, in NEFA for summer vs. autumn and summer vs. spring, in GLU for spring vs. summer, in AST for autumn vs. spring, in ALP for winter vs. all other seasons and in SOD for summer vs. all other seasons (p < 0.05 in all cases). A total of nine blood parameters showed a significant relationship with fish size throughout different seasons. Our results suggest that monitoring blood parameters may serve as a useful biomarker, and we provide a reliable basis for the future monitoring of the health status of the investigated S. porcus. Considering significant seasonal variations, the use of season-specific reference ranges is recommended for this scorpaenid species.
A Non-Anthropomorphic Bipedal Walking Robot with a Vertically Stabilized Base
Authors: Virgala Ivan , Miková Ľubica , Kelemenová Tatiana , Varga Martin , Rákay Róbert , Vagaš Marek , Semjon Ján , Jánoš Rudolf , Sukop Marek , Marcinko Peter , Tuleja Peter
Published: April 2022

The paper deals with the proposed concept of a biped robot with vertical stabilization of the robot’s base and minimization of its sideways oscillations. This robot uses 6 actuators, which gives good preconditions for energy balance compared to purely articulated bipedal robots. In addition, the used linear actuator is self-locking, so no additional energy is required for braking or to keep it in a stable position. The direct and inverse kinematics problems are solved by means of a kinematic model of the robot. Furthermore, the task is aided by a solution for locomotion on an inclined plane. Special attention is focused on the position of the robot’s center of gravity and its stability in motion. The results of the simulation confirm that the proposed concept meets all expectations. This robot can be used as a mechatronic assistant or as a carrier for handling extensions.
Influence of Twist-Angle and Concentration Disorder on the Density of Electronic States of Twisted Graphene
Authors: Bobenko Nadezhda , Chumakov Yurii , Belosludtseva Anna
Published: April 2022

In this paper, we present an approach that makes it possible to describe, from unified physical considerations, the influence of rotation-angle and concentration disorder on the density of electronic states of two-layer twisted graphene. The electron relaxation time and the density of electronic states near the Fermi level are calculated by considering the multiple elastic scattering of electrons by impurities and structural inhomogeneities of the short-range order type. An analysis is presented of the change in the contributions to the density of electronic states from electron scattering on foreign atoms with variations in the defectiveness of the structure, impurity concentration, temperature, and the external electric field magnitude. It is shown that the formation of short-range order areas by foreign atoms in the first coordination sphere relative to the surface of the material can lead to the opening of a gap in the density of electronic states of twisted graphene. Point defects and short-range order regions formed by foreign atoms in the second coordination sphere lead to metallization of twisted graphene.
Dynamic Analysis of a Wiper Blade in Consideration of Attack Angle and Clarification of the Jumping Phenomenon
Authors: Zhao Zihan , Yabuno Hiroshi , Kamiyama Katsuya
Published: April 2022

Automobile windshields are typically curved, creating an oblique angle of attack between the wiper blade and the windshield. This attack angle means that the wiper may jump off the windshield while wiping, causing a chattering noise and preventing the rainwater from being fully wiped off the windshield. Thus, it is important to examine the dynamics of the wiper blade under friction. In this study, the relationship between the attack angle and the jumping phenomenon is clarified through dynamic analysis. We introduce an analytical two-link model corresponding to an actual wiper blade that considers the exchange of dynamic and static friction between the windshield and the blade. The dynamic friction is assumed to be negatively correlated with the relative velocity, and the static friction is described by a set-valued function. As the motion transitions from the stick state to the slip state, the equation to be solved changes. Hence, the initial condition after a transition must agree with the final condition before the transition. Because the governing equations are nonlinear and the solution is highly dependent on the initial condition, the transition time and corresponding state variables are vital. The slack variable method is used to obtain the exact transition time and initial conditions. The sign of the normal force acting on the blade from the windshield determines the occurrence of the jump phenomenon. A larger attack angle makes the jump phenomenon more likely. However, the jump phenomenon does not occur when the motion of the blade reverses. Experimental observations support the theoretical description of the wiper blade.
Sorption Potential of Different Forms of TiO2 for the Removal of Two Anticancer Drugs from Water
Authors: Tolić Čop Kristina , Mutavdžić Pavlović Dragana , Duić Katarina , Pranjić Minea , Fereža Iva , Jajčinović Igor , Brnardić Ivan , Špada Vedrana
Published: April 2022

Anticancer drugs pose a potential risk to the environment due to their significant consumption and biological effect even at low concentrations. They can leach into soils and sediments, wastewater, and eventually into drinking water supplies. Many conventional technologies with more effective advanced oxidation processes such as photocatalysis are being extensively studied to find an economical and environmentally friendly solution for the removal of impurities from wastewater as the main source of these pharmaceuticals. Since it is impossible to treat water by photocatalysis if there is no sorption of a contaminant on the photocatalyst, this work investigated the amount of imatinib and crizotinib sorbed from an aqueous medium to different forms of photocatalyst. In addition, based on the sorption affinity studied, the applicability of sorption as a simpler and less costly process was tested in general as a potential route to remove imatinib and crizotinib from water. Their sorption possibility was investigated determining the maximum of sorption, influence of pH, ionic strength, temperature, and sorbent dosage in form of the suspension and immobilized on the fiberglass mesh with only TiO2 and in combination with TiO2/carbon nanotubes. The sorption isotherm data fitted well the linear, Freundlich, and Langmuir model for both pharmaceuticals. An increasing trend of sorption coefficients Kd was observed in the pH range of 5–9 with CRZ, showing higher sorption affinity to all TiO2 forms, which was supported by KF values higher than 116 (μg/g)(mL/μg)1/n. The results also show a positive correlation between Kd and temperature as well as sorbent dosage for both pharmaceuticals, while CRZ sorbed less at higher salt concentration. The kinetic data were best described with a pseudo-second-order model (R2 > 0.995).
Respiration Rate Extraction of Moving Subject Using Velocity Change in FMCW Radar
Authors: Lee Jin-Mo , Song Heemang , Shin Hyun-Chool
Published: April 2022

We propose a novel approach to determine the respiration rate of a moving subject, in terms of the velocity change, by using a frequency-modulated continuous-wave radar. In conventional methods, the respiration rate is determined by considering the variation in the distance between the targets and radar; however, these methods are vulnerable to the subject’s movements. The proposed approach estimates the respiration rate by considering the velocity, instead of the distance. An experiment was conducted to measure respiration in several subjects performing various movements. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method is more robust to the subject’s movements compared to conventional research methods, and can more accurately estimate the respiration rate.
Global Cost and Carbon Impact Assessment Methodology for Electric Vehicles’ PV-Powered Charging Station
Authors: Krim Youssef , Sechilariu Manuela , Locment Fabrice , Alchami Amalie
Published: April 2022

To deal with the issue of climate change by moving towards sustainable development, electric mobility is one of the most beneficial approaches, offering users relatively low-carbon transport means. Based on a life cycle assessment, this paper investigates a calculation methodology of carbon impact and global cost for a photovoltaic-powered charging station (PVCS) for electric vehicles (EVs). The PVCS is equipped with a PV system, stationary storage, charging terminals, and connection with the power grid. This methodology has two main objectives. The first one is the estimation of the global cost of the PVCS under 30 years of lifespan, including the costs of investment, exploitation, maintenance, and externalities. The second one is the calculation and assessment of the carbon impact of the PVCS and comparing it with a grid-powered charging station (PGCS). According to the analysis of the results obtained, the carbon impact of the PV system is largely responsible for the global carbon impact of PVCS. Thus, levers of action and scenarios are proposed to reduce the global carbon impact by using more recent data and recycled materials for the most emitting elements of CO2. The proposed scenarios allowed a reduction in the carbon impact of the PVCS compared to the PGCS, where scenario 4 has the lowest carbon impact. For recent PV panels having a greatly reduced emission coefficient of 0.012 kgCO2,eq/kWh, and a recycled infrastructure, the PVCS has a 32.1% lower carbon impact than that of the PGCS.
Comparative Studies on the Antioxidant, Antifungal, and Wound Healing Activities of Solenostemma arghel Ethyl Acetate and Methanolic Extracts
Authors: Abdel-Motaal Fatma F. , Maher Zainab M. , Ibrahim Samah F. , El-Mleeh Amany , Behery Maged , Metwally Asmaa A.
Published: April 2022

Various herbal compounds are used for medical purposes due to their safety, as there are no or minimal side effects. This study was performed to assess the wound healing and antioxidant activities of ethyl acetate (EtOAc) and methanolic extract (MeoH) of Solenostemma arghel (S. arghel). Their antifungal activities were also evaluated against isolated swabs of equine wounds. They underwent GC-MS analysis for the characterization of both extracts. For wound healing evaluation, forty-five male albino rats were divided into three groups; the control group was treated with normal saline, and the other two groups were treated with S. arghel EtOAc and MeoH extract gels, respectively. The wounds were examined clinicopathologically and immunohistochemistry on the 3rd, 7th, and 14th days post-wounding. GC-Ms analysis of S. arghel recorded fifty-one volatile organic compounds (VOCs) within EtOAc extraction and thirty VOCs in MeoH extract. VOCs represented in EtOAc extract showed higher antioxidant activity and better and faster wound healing than VOCs of MeOH extract. The treated groups showed improved wound healing clinically and pathologically in comparison with the control group as they decreased the wound surface area (WSA) and percent (WSA%) and increased the wound contraction percent (WC%), epithelization, fibroblast proliferation with neovascularization, and reduced the inflammatory reaction. Moreover, the treated groups showed higher expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) compared with the control. The EtOAc extract showed higher antifungal activity against Penicillium funiculosum, P. jensenii, M. cinctum, and Candida albicans, which were isolated from infected clinical equine wounds, than MeOH extract. The treated groups showed improved wound healing clinically and pathologically in comparison with the control group as they decreased the wound surface area (WSA) and percent (WSA%) and increased the wound contraction percent (WC%), epithelization, fibroblast proliferation with neovascularization, and reduced the inflammatory reaction. Moreover, the treated groups showed higher expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) compared with the control. Additionally, the two extract gels showed promising healing of equine wounds. In conclusion, the study recommended the use of S. arghel EtOAc extract as it was proven to promote wound healing compared with MeoH extract.
Microchannel-Embedded D-Shaped Photonic Crystal Fiber-Based Highly Sensitive Plasmonic Biosensor
Authors: Mawa Nijhum Jannatul , Ahmed Tanvir , Hossain Md. Anwar , Atai Javid , Hai Nguyen Hoang
Published: April 2022

An improved design of a D-shaped photonic crystal fiber (PCF)-based refractive index (RI) sensor is proposed that uses the surface plasmon resonance phenomenon. The sensor consists of a large semicircular open channel that is inserted at the upside of the D-shaped PCF. A thin plasmonic sensing layer is deposited on the interior surface of the channel to excite the surface plasmon wave that eliminates the requirement of additional effort to fabricate a well-polished sensing layer of the D-shaped sensor. The sensor’s optical properties are numerically explored by the finite element method. The sensor is optimized to detect the RI of biological and biochemical analytes in the range of 1.33 to 1.44, shows spectral sensitivity as high as 63,000 nm/RIU with a spectral resolution of 1.59 × 10−06 RIU, and maximum amplitude sensitivity of 1439 RIU−1 with a resolution of 6.94 × 10−06 RIU. It is also found that the sensor’s linearity parameter is very high with a large figure of merit of about 839. Additionally, the sensor’s fabrication tolerance is studied by varying its structural parameters. Therefore, high sensing parameters with a wide detection range make this microchannel-based D-shaped PCF sensor an appropriate device for the application of biological and biochemical analyte detection.
Analysis of Negative Skin Friction on a Single Pile Based on the Effective Stress Method and the Finite Element Method
Authors: Wu Yuedong , Ren Yuzhe , Liu Jian , Ma Lu
Published: April 2022

Negative skin friction (NSF) of piles in recent filling or soft area is an important effect factor of pile bearing capacity. Since field experiments on NSF are time consuming and it is difficult to large surcharge loads in experimental research, a unified calculation method of pile positive/negative skin friction was established based on the effective stress method for investigation. The closed-form analytical solutions for calculating the pile skin friction corresponding to the plastic and elastic state were derived respectively. Meanwhile, the axial load of a single pile under different distribution forms of the pile skin friction was deduced. The calculation method was verified by comparing with an in-situ test. Furthermore, a computer model, which was established by the finite element method, was used to study the effect of the friction coefficient, consolidation time, consolidation pressure, drainage condition, and pressure ratio on the distribution of NSF and the location of neutral point. The results show that the effect of the friction coefficient, consolidation time, and pressure ratio on the NSF were significant. The friction coefficient increased from 0.05 to 0.4, the position of the neutral point rose by 22%, and the drag load of pile shaft was obviously increased. The effect of consolidation pressure and drainage conditions on the neutral point were relatively less, but they had a great influence on the distribution and magnitude of NSF. Furthermore, under different consolidation pressures, the normalized maximum axial load, Fmax/p, of the pile shaft had a good linear relationship with the pressure ratio, n, and the slopes were the same.
Improving Air Quality Standards in Europe: Comparative Analysis of Regional Differences, with a Focus on Northern Italy
Authors: Robotto Angelo , Barbero Secondo , Bracco Pierangiola , Cremonini Roberto , Ravina Marco , Brizio Enrico
Published: April 2022

The study reports a consistent comparison of emission inventories, concentration trends, and PM source apportionment in different European regions and, mostly, a thorough investigation of meteorological parameters influencing atmospheric pollutants’ dispersion. The study focuses on the reasons why Northern Italy still has difficulties complying with EU air quality standards for PM10 and NO2, despite strong emission reductions. The study demonstrates that, in the colder seasons, wind speed, PBL height, and atmospheric pressure in the Po basin are three to five times less efficient at diluting and dispersing pollutants than those occurring in regions north of the Alps. Since air quality standards aim at countering health impacts, it is advisable to consider atmospheric particulate toxicity in addition to PM10/PM2.5 mass concentration as a limit value. A discussion is reported about PM toxicity factors depending on source-specific aerosols and PM composition. We obtained PM toxicity factors that can vary by 10 times (according to carbonaceous content) across Europe, suggesting that, even at the same mass concentration, the effects of PM10/PM2.5 on human health are significantly variable. Modern PM source apportionment and reliable toxicity and epidemiological analyses represent the correct tools to build a new consistent health metric for ambient PM.
Revisiting a Mei-Yu Front Associated with Heavy Rainfall over Taiwan during 6–7 June 2003
Authors: Chen Yi-Leng , Wang Chuan-Kai , Tu Chuan-Chi , Hsiao Feng , Lin Pay-Liam
Published: April 2022

During 6–7 June 2003, a Mei-Yu jet/front system over Southern China is characterized by appreciable horizontal temperature contrast below the 850 hPa level (>8 K), where the cold, dry, postfrontal northeasterlies converge with the warm, moist southwesterly flow, and above the 400–hPa level (>18 K) associated with an upper-level front. The frontal baroclinic zone tilts northward with a slope of ~1/100. During the passage of a midlatitude trough, the upper-level jet/front system advances southeastward. The thermally direct circulation across the subsynoptic low-level jet (SLLJ)/Mei-Yu front system, coupled with dynamic forcing aloft on the equatorial side of the entrance region of a subsynoptic upper-level jet (SULJ), provides a favorable environment for the development of a frontal cyclone over Southern China. A southwesterly marine boundary layer jet (MBLJ) develops between the deepening Mei-Yu frontal cyclone and the West Pacific Subtropical High (WPSH). The MBLJ transports moisture from the northern South China Sea (NSCS) to Southern China. All three jets (SULJ, SLLJ, and MBLJ) interact together during the deepening of the Mei-Yu frontal cyclone with positive feedback effects of latent heat release. On 7 June 2003, as the Mei-Yu front arrives near the Taiwan area, the warm, moist, and unstable air associated with the MBLJ decelerates as it approaches the Central Mountain Range (CMR). The warm, moist, and unstable air is orographically lifted by the CMR and enhances the vertical motion already present with the frontal zone. A region of widespread heavy rainfall develops, with a maximum of more than 350 mm/day, over a region extending from the southwestern coast of Taiwan to the windward slopes of the CMR.
Exponential Multistep Methods for Stiff Delay Differential Equations
Authors: Zhan Rui , Chen Weihong , Chen Xinji , Zhang Runjie
Published: April 2022

Stiff delay differential equations are frequently utilized in practice, but their numerical simulations are difficult due to the complicated interaction between the stiff and delay terms. At the moment, only a few low-order algorithms offer acceptable convergent and stable features. Exponential integrators are a type of efficient numerical approach for stiff problems that can eliminate the influence of stiffness on the scheme by precisely dealing with the stiff term. This study is concerned with two exponential multistep methods of Adams type for stiff delay differential equations. For semilinear delay differential equations, applying the linear multistep method directly to the integral form of the equation yields the exponential multistep method. It is shown that the proposed k-step method is stiffly convergent of order k. On the other hand, we can follow the strategy of the Rosenbrock method to linearize the equation along the numerical solution in each step. The so-called exponential Rosenbrock multistep method is constructed by applying the exponential multistep method to the transformed form of the semilinear delay differential equation. This method can be easily extended to nonlinear delay differential equations. The main contribution of this study is that we show that the k-step exponential Rosenbrock multistep method is stiffly convergent of order k+1 within the framework of a strongly continuous semigroup on Banach space. As a result, the methods developed in this study may be utilized to solve abstract stiff delay differential equations and can be served as time matching methods for delay partial differential equations. Numerical experiments are presented to demonstrate the theoretical results.
Deep Learning Approaches for Video Compression: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Bidwe Ranjeet Vasant , Mishra Sashikala , Patil Shruti , Shaw Kailash , Vora Deepali Rahul , Kotecha Ketan , Zope Bhushan
Published: April 2022

Every data and kind of data need a physical drive to store it. There has been an explosion in the volume of images, video, and other similar data types circulated over the internet. Users using the internet expect intelligible data, even under the pressure of multiple resource constraints such as bandwidth bottleneck and noisy channels. Therefore, data compression is becoming a fundamental problem in wider engineering communities. There has been some related work on data compression using neural networks. Various machine learning approaches are currently applied in data compression techniques and tested to obtain better lossy and lossless compression results. A very efficient and variety of research is already available for image compression. However, this is not the case for video compression. Because of the explosion of big data and the excess use of cameras in various places globally, around 82% of the data generated involve videos. Proposed approaches have used Deep Neural Networks (DNNs), Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs), and Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), and various variants of Autoencoders (AEs) are used in their approaches. All newly proposed methods aim to increase performance (reducing bitrate up to 50% at the same data quality and complexity). This paper presents a bibliometric analysis and literature survey of all Deep Learning (DL) methods used in video compression in recent years. Scopus and Web of Science are well-known research databases. The results retrieved from them are used for this analytical study. Two types of analysis are performed on the extracted documents. They include quantitative and qualitative results. In quantitative analysis, records are analyzed based on their citations, keywords, source of publication, and country of publication. The qualitative analysis provides information on DL-based approaches for video compression, as well as the advantages, disadvantages, and challenges of using them.
Hair Follicle-Related MicroRNA-34a Serum Expression and rs2666433A/G Variant in Patients with Alopecia: A Cross-Sectional Analysis
Authors: Maher Shymaa Ahmed , Ismail Nader Ali , Toraih Eman A. , Habib Alaa H. , Gouda Nawal S. , Gomaa Amal H. A. , Fawzy Manal S. , Helal Ghada M.
Published: April 2022

Alopecia areata (AA) is a type of immune-mediated alopecia. Recent studies have suggested microRNAs’ (miRNAs) implication in several cellular processes, including epidermal and hair follicle biology. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) can modify gene expression levels, which may induce an autoimmune response. This case–control study included 480 participants (240 for each case/control group). MicroRNA-34a gene (MIR-34A) rs2666433A/G variant was genotyped using real-time allelic discrimination polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Additionally, circulatory miR-34a levels were quantified by quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR). On comparing between alopecia and non-alopecia cohorts, a higher frequency of A variant was noted among patients when compared to controls—A allele: 28 versus 18% (p < 0.001); A/A genotype: 9 versus 2%; A/G genotype: 39 versus 32% (p < 0.001). A/A and A/G carriers were more likely to develop alopecia under heterozygote comparison (OR = 1.83, 95% CI = 1.14–2.93), homozygote comparison (OR = 4.19, 95% CI = 1.33–13.1), dominant (OR = 2.0, 95% CI = 1.27–3.15), recessive (OR = 3.36, 95% CI = 1.08–10.48), over-dominant (OR = 1.65, 95% CI = 1.04–32.63), and log additive (OR = 1.91, 95% CI = 1.3–2.82) models. Serum miR-34a expression levels were upregulated in alopecia patients with a median and quartile fold change of 27.3 (1.42–2430). Significantly higher levels were more pronounced in A/A genotype patients (p < 0.01). Patients carrying the heterozygote genotype (rs2666433 * A/G) were two times more likely to develop more severe disease grades. Stratified analysis by sex revealed the same results. A high expression level was associated with concomitant autoimmune comorbidities (p = 0.001), in particular SLE (p = 0.007) and vitiligo (p = 0.049). In conclusion, the MIR34A rs2666433 (A/G) variant is associated with AA risk and severity in the studied population. Furthermore, high miR-34a circulatory levels could play a role in disease pathogenesis.
The Effects of 21-Day General Rehabilitation after Hip or Knee Surgical Implantation on Plasma Levels of Selected Interleukins, VEGF, TNF-α, PDGF-BB, and Eotaxin-1
Authors: Idzik Maciej , Poloczek Jakub , Skrzep-Poloczek Bronisława , Dróżdż Ewelina , Chełmecka Elżbieta , Czuba Zenon , Jochem Jerzy , Stygar Dominika
Published: April 2022

Rehabilitation in osteoarthritis (OA) patients aims to reduce joint pain and stiffness, preserve or improve joint mobility, and improve patients’ quality of life. This study evaluated the effects of the 21-day individually adjusted general rehabilitation program in 36 OA patients 90 days after hip or knee replacement on selected interleukins (IL) and cytokines using the Bio-Plex® Luminex® system. Serum concentrations of almost all selected anti/pro-inflammatory markers: IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA), IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IL-13, IL-15, and of some chemokines: macrophage inflammatory protein-1 alpha (MIP-1α/CCL3), and RANTES/CCL5, and of eotaxin-1/CCL11, the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) significantly increased, whereas basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF basic) significantly decreased after the 21-day general rehabilitation. The levels of interferon-γ induced protein 10 (IP-10), MIP-1β/CCL4, macrophage/monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1/CCL2 (MCAF)), granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB), and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) remained unchanged. There were no changes in pro-inflammatory cytokines levels: tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and IL-12 (p70)) after the 21-day general rehabilitation, indicating the stable and controlled inflammatory status of osteoarthritis patients. Significantly higher levels of anti-inflammatory factors after 21 days of moderate physical activity confirm the beneficial outcome of the applied therapy. The increased level of IL-6 after the rehabilitation may reflect its anti-inflammatory effect in osteoarthritis patients.
GroEL—A Versatile Chaperone for Engineering and a Plethora of Applications
Authors: Yurkova Maria S. , Fedorov Alexey N.
Published: April 2022

Chaperones play a vital role in the life of cells by facilitating the correct folding of other proteins and maintaining them in a functional state, being themselves, as a rule, more stable than the rest of cell proteins. Their functional properties naturally tempt investigators to actively adapt them for biotechnology needs. This review will mostly focus on the applications found for the bacterial chaperonin GroE and its counterparts from other organisms, in biotechnology or for research purposes, both in their engineered or intact versions.
Star Polymers as Non-Viral Carriers for Apoptosis Induction
Authors: Fus-Kujawa Agnieszka , Sieroń Łukasz , Dobrzyńska Estera , Chajec Łukasz , Mendrek Barbara , Jarosz Natalia , Głowacki Łukasz , Dubaj Kamila , Dubaj Wojciech , Kowalczuk Agnieszka , Bajdak-Rusinek Karolina
Published: April 2022

Apoptosis is a widely controlled, programmed cell death, defects in which are the source of various diseases such as neurodegenerative diseases as well as cancer. The use of apoptosis in the therapy of various human diseases is of increasing interest, and the analysis of the factors involved in its regulation is valuable in designing specific carriers capable of targeting cell death. Highly efficient and precisely controlled delivery of genetic material by low-toxic carriers is one of the most important challenges of apoptosis-based gene therapy. In this work, we investigate the effect of the star polymer with 28 poly(N,N′-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) arms (STAR) on human cells, according to its concentration and structure. We show that star polymer cytotoxicity increases within its concentration and time of cells treatment. Except for cytotoxic effect, we observe morphological changes such as a shrinkage, loss of shape and begin to detach. We also prove DNA condensation after star polymer treatment, one of the most characteristic feature of apoptosis. The results indicate that the use of STAR triggers apoptosis in cancer cells compared to various normal cells, what makes these nanoparticles a promising drug in therapeutic strategy, which targets apoptosis. We demonstrate highlighting potential of star polymers as an innovative tool for anti-cancer therapy.