bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using Assessment for Learning: Multi-Case Studies of Three Chinese University English as a Foreign Language (EFL) Teachers Engaging Students in Learning and Assessment
Authors: Wu Xiaoming (Molly) , Zhang Lawrence Jun , Liu Qian
Published: September 2021

Student engagement is an important issue in learning and teaching given its positive effects on students' learning outcomes. Assessment for Learning (AfL), an assessment and pedagogic innovation, if done well, can fully engage students in the learning and assessment process. Adopting a multi-case design, the present study explored how Chinese university English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers used AfL to facilitate student engagement in their classrooms and what factors influenced their AfL practices. Three EFL teachers were recruited on a voluntary basis from two universities in Northwest China. Data collected from semi-structed interviews, stimulated recall interviews, and classroom observations suggested that teacher participants demonstrated differed assessment practices, representing Assessment of Learning (AoL), convergent, and divergent AfL, respectively. Three factors: teacher assessment literacy, teachers' beliefs about the relationship between goal orientation and motivation, as well as a trusting relationship between teachers and students, were identified as contributing to teachers' different assessment practices. Our study calls for teacher educators' efforts to equip teachers with necessary assessment-related knowledge and skills, encourage teachers to negotiate learning goals with students, and help teachers establish a trusting environment in their classrooms, if AfL is to be fully embedded in classroom instruction.
Remote Work Decreases Psychological and Physical Stress Responses, but Full-Remote Work Increases Presenteeism
Authors: Shimura Akiyoshi , Yokoi Katsunori , Ishibashi Yoshiki , Akatsuka Yusaku , Inoue Takeshi
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Remote work was widely promoted in 2020, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the effects of remote work on psychological and physical stress responses and presenteeism of workers remain unclear. This research aims to provide empirical evidence of the implications for people and organizations of this new scenario of working from home.

Methods: A two-wave panel survey of before and after the pandemic was performed to investigate the effects of remote work on these aspects among office workers. A total of 3,123 office workers from 23 tertiary industries responded to a questionnaire. Participants were surveyed about their job stress conditions and sleep practices in both 2019 and 2020, who had not done remote work as of 2019 were included in the study. The effects of remote work on psychological and physical stress responses and presenteeism were analyzed by multivariate analysis, with the adjustment of age, gender, overtime, job stressors, social support, and sleep status.

Results: The multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that remote work was associated with the reduction of psychological and physical stress responses independently of changes of job stressors, social support, sleep disturbance, and total sleep time on workdays. On the other hand, remote work of 5 days a week (full-remote) was associated with the reduction of work productivity.

Conclusion: Promoting remote work can reduce psychological and physical stress responses, however, full-remote work has the risk of worsening presenteeism. From the viewpoint of mental health, the review of working styles is expected to have positive effects, even after the end of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Role of Socioeconomic Status, Family Resilience, and Social Support in Predicting Psychological Resilience Among Chinese Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Qiu Yuan , Huang Yingying , Wang Yuxin , Ren Liya , Jiang Hao , Zhang Liping , Dong Chaoqun
Published: September 2021

Objectives: Evidence regarding the possible influence of social factors on psychological resilience among maintenance hemodialysis patients is scarce. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship among socioeconomic status, family resilience, and social support, and psychological resilience among Chinese maintenance hemodialysis patients.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the hemodialysis centers of three comprehensive hospitals in China from September to December 2020 using convenience sampling. Two hundred fifty-eight patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis were investigated using a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Chinese version of the Medical Outcomes Study-Social Support Survey (MOS-SSS), Chinese Family Resilience Assessment Scale (C-FRAS), and Chinese version of the Conner and Davidson resilience scale (CD-RISC).

Results: Maintenance hemodialysis patients reported a low level of physical resilience, with a score of (58.92 ± 15.27). Hierarchical linear regression analysis showed that education level (β = 0.127, p = 0.018), maintenance of a positive outlook by the family (β = 0.269, p = 0.001), positive social interaction support from the family (β = 0.233, p = 0.002), and tangible support (β = −0.135, p = 0.037) were significantly associated with psychological resilience.

Conclusion: SES, family resilience and social support may be potential predictive factors of psychological resilience. Interventions to improve the family resilience and social support may be beneficial to promote the psychological resilience of Chinese maintenance hemodialysis patients.
Co-design of Guidance for Patient and Public Involvement in Psychedelic Research
Authors: Close James B. , Bornemann Julia , Piggin Maria , Jayacodi Sandra , Luan Lisa Xiaolu , Carhart-Harris Robin , Spriggs Meg Jo
Published: September 2021

Within the context of scientific research, patient and public involvement (PPI) is defined as research performed “with” or “by” patients and members of the public, rather than “to,” “about”, or “for” them. When carried out systematically and thoughtfully, PPI has the potential to strengthen the quality and impact of research by fostering accountability, transparency, and relevance. There exist numerous guidelines, frameworks and tools for supporting PPI, however, these do not account for the unique challenges faced in psychedelic research. This paper describes the co-design of guidance intended to help build, evaluate and improve PPI in psychedelic research. A steering group was formed to design and run a co-design workshop alongside public collaborators. Insights from this workshop were analyzed and refined into a comprehensive and readily usable guide for planning PPI specific to the field of psychedelic research. Core values emerging from the process focused on the essential importance of trust, learning, purpose and inclusivity. It is hoped that this guidance will be a starting point for incorporating PPI in future psychedelic research, so that it can grow and adapt as this burgeoning field of research progresses.
The Impact on HIV Testing Over 6 Months When Free Oral HIV Self-Test Kits Were Available to Truck Drivers in Kenya: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Kelvin Elizabeth A. , George Gavin , Romo Matthew L. , Mantell Joanne E. , Mwai Eva , Nyaga Eston N. , Odhiambo Jacob O. , Govender Kaymarlin
Published: September 2021

Background: Studies suggest that offering HIV self-testing (HIVST) increases short-term HIV testing rates, but few have looked at long-term outcomes.

Methods: We conducted a randomized controlled trial (RIDIE 55847d64a454f) on the impact of offering free oral HIVST to 305 truck drivers recruited from two clinics in Kenya. We previously reported that those offered HIVST were more likely to accept testing. Here we report on the 6-month follow-up during which intervention participants could pick-up HIVST kits from eight clinics.

Results: There was no difference in HIV testing during 6-month follow-up between participants in the intervention and the standard of care (SOC) arms (OR = 1.0, p = 0.877). The most common reasons given for not testing were lack of time (69.6%), low risk (27.2%), fear of knowing HIV status (20.8%), and had tested recently (8.0%). The null association was not modified by having tested at baseline (interaction p = 0.613), baseline risk behaviors (number of partners in past 6 months, interaction p = 0.881, had transactional sex in past 6 months, interaction p = 0.599), nor having spent at least half of the past 30 nights away from home for work (interaction p = 0.304). Most participants indicated a preference for the characteristics associated with the SOC [preference for blood-based tests (69.4%), provider-administered testing (74.6%) testing in a clinic (70.1%)]. However, those in the intervention arm were more likely to prefer an oral swab test than those in the SOC (36.6 vs. 24.6%, p = 0.029).

Conclusions: Offering HIVST kits to truck drivers through a clinic network had little impact on testing rates over the 6-month follow-up when participants had to return to the clinic to access HIVST. Clinic-based distribution of HIVST kits may not address some major barriers to testing, such as lack of time to go to a clinic, fear of knowing one’s status and low risk perception. Preferred HIV testing attributes were consistent with the SOC for most participants, but oral swab preference was higher among those in the intervention arm, who had seen the oral HIVST and had the opportunity to try it. This suggests that preferences may change with exposure to different testing modalities.
An Adaptive Mechatronic Exoskeleton for Force-Controlled Finger Rehabilitation
Authors: Dickmann Thomas , Wilhelm Nikolas J. , Glowalla Claudio , Haddadin Sami , van der Smagt Patrick , Burgkart Rainer
Published: September 2021

This paper presents a novel mechatronic exoskeleton architecture for finger rehabilitation. The system consists of an underactuated kinematic structure that enables the exoskeleton to act as an adaptive finger stimulator. The exoskeleton has sensors for motion detection and control. The proposed architecture offers three main advantages. First, the exoskeleton enables accurate quantification of subject-specific finger dynamics. The configuration of the exoskeleton can be fully reconstructed using measurements from three angular position sensors placed on the kinematic structure. In addition, the actuation force acting on the exoskeleton is recorded. Thus, the range of motion (ROM) and the force and torque trajectories of each finger joint can be determined. Second, the adaptive kinematic structure allows the patient to perform various functional tasks. The force control of the exoskeleton acts like a safeguard and limits the maximum possible joint torques during finger movement. Last, the system is compact, lightweight and does not require extensive peripherals. Due to its safety features, it is easy to use in the home. Applicability was tested in three healthy subjects.
The CO2 Human Emissions (CHE) Project: First Steps Towards a European Operational Capacity to Monitor Anthropogenic CO2 Emissions
Authors: Balsamo Gianpaolo , Engelen Richard , Thiemert Daniel , Agusti-Panareda Anna , Bousserez Nicolas , Broquet Grégoire , Brunner Dominik , Buchwitz Michael , Chevallier Frédéric , Choulga Margarita , Denier Van Der Gon Hugo , Florentie Liesbeth , Haussaire Jean-Matthieu , Janssens-Maenhout Greet , Jones Matthew W. , Kaminski Thomas , Krol Maarten , Le Quéré Corinne , Marshall Julia , McNorton Joe , Prunet Pascal , Reuter Maximilian , Peters Wouter , Scholze Marko
Published: September 2021

The Paris Agreement of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change is a binding international treaty signed by 196 nations to limit their greenhouse gas emissions through ever-reducing Nationally Determined Contributions and a system of 5-yearly Global Stocktakes in an Enhanced Transparency Framework. To support this process, the European Commission initiated the design and development of a new Copernicus service element that will use Earth observations mainly to monitor anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. The CO2 Human Emissions (CHE) project has been successfully coordinating efforts of its 22 consortium partners, to advance the development of a European CO2 monitoring and verification support (CO2MVS) capacity for anthropogenic CO2 emissions. Several project achievements are presented and discussed here as examples. The CHE project has developed an enhanced capability to produce global, regional and local CO2 simulations, with a focus on the representation of anthropogenic sources. The project has achieved advances towards a CO2 global inversion capability at high resolution to connect atmospheric concentrations to surface emissions. CHE has also demonstrated the use of Earth observations (satellite and ground-based) as well as proxy data for human activity to constrain uncertainties and to enhance the timeliness of CO2 monitoring. High-resolution global simulations (at 9 km) covering the whole of 2015 (labelled CHE nature runs) fed regional and local simulations over Europe (at 5 km and 1 km resolution) and supported the generation of synthetic satellite observations simulating the contribution of a future dedicated Copernicus CO2 Monitoring Mission (CO2M).
Human-Centered Design Science Research Evaluation for Gamified Augmented Reality
Authors: Vasilevski Nikolche , Birt James
Published: September 2021

As augmented reality (AR) and gamification design artifacts for education proliferate in the mobile and wearable device market, multiple frameworks have been developed to implement AR and gamification. However, there is currently no explicit guidance on designing and conducting a human-centered evaluation activity beyond suggesting possible methods that could be used for evaluation. This study focuses on human-centered design evaluation pattern for gamified AR using Design Science Research Methodology (DSRM) to support educators and developers in constructing immersive AR games. Specifically, we present an evaluation pattern for a location-based educational indigenous experience that can be used as a case study to support the design of augmented (or mixed) reality interfaces, gamification implementations, and location-based services. This is achieved through the evaluation of three design iterations obtained in the development cycle of the solution. The holistic analysis of all iterations showed that the evaluation process could be reused, evolved, and its complexity reduced. Furthermore, the pattern is compatible with formative and summative evaluation and the technical or human-oriented types of evaluation. This approach provides a method to inform the evaluation of gamified AR apps. At the same time, it will enable a more approachable evaluation process to support educators, designers, and developers.
A Systematic Review of Spatial-Temporal Scale Issues in Sociohydrology
Authors: Fischer Amariah , Miller Jacob A. , Nottingham Emily , Wiederstein Travis , Krueger Laura J. , Perez-Quesada Gabriela , Hutchinson Stacy L. , Sanderson Matthew R.
Published: September 2021

Sociohydrology is a recent effort to integrate coupled human-water systems to understand the dynamics and co-evolution of the system in a holistic sense. However, due to the complexity and uncertainty involved in coupled human-water systems, the feedbacks and interactions are inherently difficult to model. Part of this complexity is due to the multi-scale nature across space and time at which different hydrologic and social processes occur and the varying scale at which data is available. This systematic review seeks to comprehensively collect those documents that conduct analysis within the sociohydrology framework to quantify the spatial-temporal scale(s) and the types of variables and datasets that were used. Overall, a majority of sociohydrology studies reviewed were primarily published in hydrological journals and contain more established hydrological, rather than social, models. The spatial extents varied by political and natural boundaries with the most common being cities and watersheds. Temporal extents also varied from event-based to millennial timescales where decadal and yearly were the most common. In addition to this, current limitations of sociohydrology research, notably the absence of an interdisciplinary unity, future directions, and implications for scholars doing sociohydrology are discussed.
The Incompatibility of Motherhood and Professional Women's Football in England
Authors: Culvin Alex , Bowes Ali
Published: September 2021

There has been an advancement of professionalisation of women's football globally. Professional women's football in England has grown exponentially since the inception of the Football Association (FA) Women's Super League in 2011. This article offers an examination of the gender-specific needs of women as professional footballers, focusing specifically on the distinctive aspect of maternity policy. Sportswomen often feel compelled to make the difficult decision between motherhood and an athletic career. Contracts have become an essential component of the work-life of professional women footballers. However, these contracts pose questions regarding organisational intentions and motivations. This study draws on 30 semi-structured interviews with professional women footballers in England. Our key considerations include contracts, employment, motherhood, and athletes' bodies. This examination will develop our understanding of the complexities associated with professional football as a career choice for women.
Outcome of Pantalar Fusion With Femoral Head Allograft in Avascular Necrosis of Talus
Authors: Ramu Thiru Karthikeyan , Bajuri Mohd Yazid , Hayyun Muhammad Fathi , Mazli Norliyana
Published: September 2021

Background: Avascular necrosis (AVN) of the talus is a challenging condition that is caused primarily by trauma. The severity of the talus fracture determines the risk of AVN. Severe osteonecrosis with the loss of talar integrity can be treated with arthrodesis and structural bone graft.

Method: This study shows the experience of pantalar arthrodesis using hindfoot arthrodesis nail, screw fixation, and femoral head allograft in four patients.

Result: All patients were satisfied in terms of pain and function after an average of 4 months postsurgery. Limb length discrepancy was <1 cm and hindfoot fusion was achieved by 3 months. The mean score for SF-36 physical function and AOFAS hindfoot score at a 2-year postpantalar arthrodesis was 88 and 80.8, respectively.

Conclusion: Hindfoot ankle arthrodesis, with the usage of femoral head allograft, can be successfully used for the treatment of traumatic AVN of talus.
Improvement of Torque Estimation for Series Viscoelastic Actuator Based on Dual Extended Kalman Filter
Authors: Wei Hui , Xiang Kui , Chen Haibo , Tang Biwei , Pang Muye
Published: September 2021

Adding damping such as viscoelastic element in series elastic actuators (SEA) can improve the force control bandwidth of the system and suppression of high frequency oscillations induced by the environment. Thanks to such advantages, series viscoelastic actuators (SVA) have recently gained increasing research interests from the community of robotic device design. Due to the inconvenience of mounting torque sensors, employing the viscoelastic elements to directly estimate the output torque is of great significance regarding the real-world applications of SVA. However, the nonlinearity and time-varying properties of viscoelastic materials would degrade the torque estimation accuracy. In such a case, it is paramount to simultaneously estimate the output torque state and viscoelastic model coefficients in order to enhance the torque estimation accuracy. To this end, this paper first completed the design of a rubber-based SVA device and used the Zenner linear viscoelastic model to model the viscoelastic element of the rubber. Subsequently, this paper proposed a dual extended Kalman filter- (DEFK) based torque estimation method to estimate the output torque and viscoelastic model coefficients simultaneously. The noisy observations of two Kalman filters were provided by motor current-based estimated torque. Moreover, the dynamic friction of harmonic drive of the designed SVA was modeled and compensated to enhance the reliability of current-based torque estimation. Finally, a number of experiments were carried out on SVA, and the experimental results confirmed the DEFK effectiveness of improving torque estimation accuracy compared to only-used rubber and only-used motor current torque estimation methods. Thus, the proposed method could be considered as an effective alternative approach of torque estimation for SVA.
Do Digital Climate Services for Farmers Encourage Resilient Farming Practices? Pinpointing Gaps through the Responsible Research and Innovation Framework
Authors: Simelton Elisabeth , McCampbell Mariette
Published: September 2021

Digital climate services can support agricultural management decisions under uncertain climatological conditions and may contribute to achieving the ambitions of the fourth agricultural revolution. However, do they encourage social and environmental aspects? Our analysis builds on the four dimensions of the Responsible Research and Innovation framework and evaluates, among other things, which production systems are promoted in climate service apps; how the services contribute to or challenge (inter)national targets for sustainable development, ecosystem restoration, and climate resilience. From a longlist of apps, we present the best documented ones as case studies: nine weather-based and two non-weather-based digital services. We target apps of relevance for Southeast Asian smallholder farming systems, where both supply of and demand for such apps have this far been limited in contrast to the access to phones, and where particularly the supply of apps is poorly documented. The key findings point out several gaps. First, digitalization in Southeast Asia’s farming system is driven by foreign investments, while partnerships with public agencies, in particular national Met Offices, were rare. Services were developed for farmers but not necessarily with farmers, thereby overlooking needs and social factors such as (digital) literacy and trust. While some of the weather-based apps included more than one crop, they primarily support single solutions and none of them targeted mixed or integrated farming systems. This calls for developers of digital climate services to innovate applications in an inclusive manner, and to support governments in achieving their commitments to global climate, biodiversity, and sustainability goals. Difficulties in generating comparable information about the reviewed apps regardless of the study’s geographical focus demonstrates a need for more transparent means and protocols for users to assess and compare digital climate services.
Prospects for Use of Biological Control of Insect and Mites for the Food Industry in North America
Authors: Hervet Vincent A. D. , Morrison William R.
Published: September 2021

There are a number of strategies used to mitigate and control insect infestations in stored products and stored product facilities in North America and globally. Fumigation remains one of the main techniques used, particularly in bulk grain. Other techniques are also utilized effectively, such as the use of extreme temperatures and the use of biological control agents, but are mainly restricted to organic products and to Europe, respectively. Here, we review the past research conducted in the field of biological control for pests of stored products in North America and in Europe, its past and present successes in Europe, its challenges, and what we can learn from them to develop biological control as a viable option to problems of insect pests of stored products in North America.
Integrated Horticultural Practices for Improving Apple Supply Chain Sustainability: A Case Study in the North China Plain
Authors: Jiang Shan , Yang Chen , Guo Yu , Jiao Xiaoqiang
Published: September 2021

Apple production provides smallholders with low economic benefits, while high environmental emissions limit the sustainability of the apple supply chain. Furthermore, coordination to achieve greater economic benefits and environmental protection, thereby improving the sustainability of the apple supply chain, remains underdeveloped. Here, we have analyzed the current status of the economic benefits and environmental emissions of the apple production process and explored the level of collaboration within the apple supply chain, based on an analysis of farmer horticultural practices for high production, high economic benefit, and low environmental emissions, in combination with substance flow analysis. Our study showed that compared with traditional practice, high-yielding, high-efficiency practice allowed fruit yield, partial productivity of nitrogen fertilizer, and economic benefit to increase by 33%, 61% and 49%, respectively, while soil nitrogen residue levels decreased by 13%. The improvement and adoption of technology in the apple-planting process significantly improved the sustainability of the apple supply chain: the economic benefit increased by 63%, while the nitrogen footprint decreased by approximately 68%. Additionally, the application of integrated nutrient management technology in the apple planting process significantly improved the sustainability of apple production, thereby synergistically improving the economic and environmental impact of the apple supply chain.
Soluble Starch Synthase Enzymes in Cereals: An Updated Review
Authors: Irshad Ahsan , Guo Huijun , Rehman Shoaib Ur , Wang Xueqing , Wang Chaojie , Raza Ali , Zhou Chunyun , Li Yuting , Liu Luxiang
Published: September 2021

Cereal crops have starch in their endosperm, which has provided calories to humans and livestock since the dawn of civilization to the present day. Starch is one of the important biological factors which is contributing to the yield of cereal crops. Starch is synthesized by different enzymes, but starch structure and amount are mainly determined by the activities of starch synthase enzymes (SS) with the involvement of starch branching enzymes (SBEs) and debranching enzymes (DBEs). Six classes of SSs are found in Arabidopsis and are designated as soluble SSI-V, and non-soluble granule bound starch synthase (GBSS). Soluble SSs are important for starch yield considering their role in starch biosynthesis in cereal crops, and the activities of these enzymes determine the structure of starch and the physical properties of starch granules. One of the unique characteristics of starch structure is elongated glucan chains within amylopectin, which is by SSs through interactions with other starch biosynthetic enzymes (SBEs and DBEs). Additionally, soluble SSs also have conserved domains with phosphorylation sites that may be involved in regulating starch metabolism and formation of heteromeric SS complexes. This review presents an overview of soluble SSs in cereal crops and includes their functional and structural characteristics in relation to starch synthesis.
A Promising Predator-In-First Strategy to Control Western Corn Rootworm Population in Maize Fields
Authors: Pasquier Antoine , Monticelli Lucie S. , Moreau Adeline , Kaltenbach Benjamin , Chabot Candice , Andrieux Thibault , Ferrero Maxime , Vercken Elodie
Published: September 2021

Western Corn Rootworm is a pest of maize that mostly damages roots. Many alternative strategies have been explored to control this species, with little or non-lasting success, and it remains a threat to maize production worldwide. Gaeolaelaps aculeifer, a soil-dwelling predatory mite that inhabits the first few centimeters of the soil, showed high predatory potential against WCR larvae in the laboratory. In this study, we explored the efficiency of G. aculeifer against WCR in more realistic contexts. First, we infested maize plants isolated in pots in a greenhouse with WCR, and tested the impact of different densities of mites on plant protection. Using standard indicators of WCR population presence and impact, we confirmed that G. aculeifer has the potential to control WCR at densities starting from 100 mites/plant. Then, considering that the release of a large amount of biocontrol agents at WCR emergence might be too costly and constraining for large-scale implementation, we tested the efficiency of a predator-in-first strategy in a maize field infested by WCR. The goal was to introduce fewer G. aculeifer combined with Aleuroglyphus ovatus eggs as an alternative food source in order to let the mite population grow in the field and reach sufficient density at the critical stage for protection. This strategy gave comparable results to pesticide on all indicators examined in our field trial, highlighting the potential to sustainably manage this pest.
Evaluating the Protein Value of Fresh Tropical Forage Grasses and Forage Legumes Using In Vitro and Chemical Fractionation Methods
Authors: Salazar-Cubillas Khaterine C. , Dickhoefer Uta
Published: September 2021

The objectives of the present study were (1) to assess the adequacy of the in vitro and chemical methods to predict post-ruminal crude protein supply (PRCP) from fresh tropical forage, and (2) to identify PRCP supply predictors. Twenty-three fresh forage grasses and 15 forage legumes commonly used in domestic cattle feeding in the tropics and subtropics were incubated in the rumen of cows to determine ruminal crude protein (CP) degradation. The PRCP supply was calculated from in situ rumen-undegraded CP and in vitro organic matter digestibility (i.e., reference method), from ammonia-nitrogen release during in vitro incubation (i.e., in vitro method), and from the concentrations of chemical CP fractions (i.e., chemical method). The adequacy was evaluated using error-index and dimensionless parameters, and stepwise regression was used to select PRCP predictors. Adequacy ranged from poor to moderate (0.53 to 0.74) for the in vitro method being lower for forage legumes at a slow rumen passage rate (0.20), and even poorer (0.02 to 0.13) for the chemical method. Hence, the in vitro method can estimate PRCP supply in tropical forages with moderate to high but not with slow passage rates. Equations developed in the present study appear to predict PRCP supply with reasonable adequacy.
Nitric Oxide Prevents Fe Deficiency-Induced Photosynthetic Disturbance, and Oxidative Stress in Alfalfa by Regulating Fe Acquisition and Antioxidant Defense
Authors: Rahman Md Atikur , Kabir Ahmad Humayan , Song Yowook , Lee Sang-Hoon , Hasanuzzaman Mirza , Lee Ki-Won
Published: September 2021

Iron (Fe) deficiency impairs photosynthetic efficiency, plant growth and biomass yield. This study aimed to reveal the role of nitric oxide (NO) in restoring Fe-homeostasis and oxidative status in Fe-deficient alfalfa. In alfalfa, a shortage of Fe negatively affected the efficiency of root andshoot length, leaf greenness, maximum quantum yield PSII (Fv/Fm), Fe, S, and Zn accumulation, as well as an increase in H2O2 accumulation. In contrast, in the presence of sodium nitroprusside (SNP), a NO donor, these negative effects of Fe deficiency were largely reversed. In response to the SNP, the expression of Fe transporters (IRT1, NRAMP1) and S transporter (SULTR1;2) genes increased in alfalfa. Additionally, the detection of NO generation using fluorescence microscope revealed that SNP treatment increased the level of NO signal, indicating that NO may act as regulatory signal in response to SNP in plants. Interestingly, the increase of antioxidant genes and their related enzymes (Fe-SOD, APX) in response to SNP treatment suggests that Fe-SOD and APX are key contributors to reducing ROS (H2O2) accumulation and oxidative stress in alfalfa. Furthermore, the elevation of Ascorbate-glutathione (AsA-GSH) pathway-related genes (GR and MDAR) Fe-deficiency with SNP implies that the presence of NO relates to enhanced antioxidant defense against Fe-deficiency stress.
Antioxidant Activity and Cytotoxicity against Cancer Cell Lines of the Extracts from Novel Xylaria Species Associated with Termite Nests and LC-MS Analysis
Authors: Wangsawat Niwana , Nahar Lutfun , Sarker Satyajit D. , Phosri Cherdchai , Evans Andrew R. , Whalley Anthony J. S. , Choowongkomon Kiattawee , Suwannasai Nuttika
Published: September 2021

Xylaria species associated with termite nests or soil have been considered rare species in nature and the few which have been reported upon have been found to act as a rich source of bioactive metabolites. This study evaluated 10 ethyl acetate extracts of five new Xylaria species associated with termite nests or soil for their antioxidant activity, and cytotoxicity against different cancer and normal cell lines. DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities of the extracts demonstrated strong capacity with low IC50 values. The highest observed activities belonged to X. vinacea SWUF18-2.3 having IC50 values of 0.194 ± 0.031 mg/mL for DPPH assay and 0.020 ± 0.004 mg/mL for ABTS assay. Total phenolic content ranged from 0.826 ± 0.123 to 3.629 ± 0.381 g GAE/g crude extract which correlated with antioxidant activities. The high total phenolic content could contribute to the high antioxidant activities. Cytotoxicity was recorded against A549, HepG2, HeLa and PNT2 and resulted in broad spectrum to specific activity depending on the cell lines. The highest activities were observed with X. subintraflava SWUF16-11.1 which resulted in 11.15 ± 0.32 to 13.17 ± 2.37% cell viability at a concentration of 100 µg/mL. Moreover, LC-MS fingerprints indicated over 61 peaks from all isolates. There were 18 identified and 43 unidentified compounds compared to mass databases. The identified compounds were from various groups of diterpenoids, diterpenes, cytochalasin, flavones, flavonoids, polyphenols, steroids and derivatives, triterpenoids and tropones. These results indicate that Xylaria spp. has abundant secondary metabolites that could be further explored for their therapeutic properties.
Selenium-Catalyzed Reduction of Hydroperoxides in Chemistry and Biology
Authors: Orian Laura , Flohé Leopold
Published: September 2021

Among the chalcogens, selenium is the key element for catalyzed H2O2 reduction. In organic synthesis, catalytic amounts of organo mono- and di-selenides are largely used in different classes of oxidations, in which H2O2 alone is poorly efficient. Biological hydroperoxide metabolism is dominated by peroxidases and thioredoxin reductases, which balance hydroperoxide challenge and contribute to redox regulation. When their selenocysteine is replaced by cysteine, the cellular antioxidant defense system is impaired. Finally, classes of organoselenides have been synthesized with the aim of mimicking the biological strategy of glutathione peroxidases, but their therapeutic application has so far been limited. Moreover, their therapeutic use may be doubted, because H2O2 is not only toxic but also serves as an important messenger. Therefore, over-optimization of H2O2 reduction may lead to unexpected disturbances of metabolic regulation. Common to all these systems is the nucleophilic attack of selenium to one oxygen of the peroxide bond promoting its disruption. In this contribution, we revisit selected examples from chemistry and biology, and, by using results from accurate quantum mechanical modelling, we provide an accurate unified picture of selenium’s capacity of reducing hydroperoxides. There is clear evidence that the selenoenzymes remain superior in terms of catalytic efficiency.
An Unrecognized Fundamental Relationship between Neurotransmitters: Glutamate Protects against Catecholamine Oxidation
Authors: Wang Wenping , Wu Ximing , Yang Chung S. , Zhang Jinsong
Published: September 2021

Neurotransmitter catecholamines (dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine) are liable to undergo oxidation, which copper is deeply involved in. Catecholamine oxidation-derived neurotoxicity is recognized as a pivotal pathological mechanism in neurodegenerative diseases. Glutamate, as an excitatory neurotransmitter, is enriched in the brain at extremely high concentrations. However, the chemical biology relationship of these two classes of neurotransmitters remains largely unknown. In the present study, we assessed the influences of glutamate on the autoxidation of catecholamines, the copper- and copper-containing ceruloplasmin-mediated oxidation of catecholamines, the catecholamine-induced formation of quinoprotein, catecholamine/copper-induced hydroxyl radicals, and DNA damage in vitro. The results demonstrate that glutamate, at a physiologically achievable molar ratio of glutamate/catecholamines, has a pronounced inhibitory effect on catecholamine oxidation, catecholamine oxidation-evoked hydroxyl radicals, quinoprotein, and DNA damage. The protective mechanism of glutamate against catecholamine oxidation could be attributed to its restriction of the redox activity of copper via chelation. This previously unrecognized link between glutamate, catecholamines, and copper suggests that neurodegenerative disorders may occur and develop once the built-in equilibrium is disrupted and brings new insight into developing more effective prevention and treatment strategies for neurodegenerative diseases.
FirmHunter: State-Aware and Introspection-Driven Grey-Box Fuzzing towards IoT Firmware
Authors: Yin Qidi , Zhou Xu , Zhang Hangwei
Published: September 2021

IoT devices are exponentially increasing in all aspects of our lives. Via the web interfaces of IoT devices, attackers can control IoT devices by exploiting their vulnerabilities. In order to guarantee IoT security, testing these IoT devices to detect vulnerabilities is very important. In this work, we present FirmHunter, an automated state-aware and introspection-driven grey-box fuzzer towards Linux-based firmware images on the basis of emulation. It employs a message-state queue to overcome the dependency problem in test cases. Furthermore, it implements a scheduler collecting execution information from system introspection to drive fuzzing towards more interesting test cases, which speeds up vulnerability discovery. We evaluate FirmHunter by emulating and fuzzing eight firmware images including seven routers and one IP camera with a state-of-the-art IoT fuzzer FirmFuzz and a web application scanner ZAP. Our evaluation results show that (1) the message-state queue enables FirmHunter to parse the dependencies in test cases and find real-world vulnerabilities that other fuzzers cannot detect; (2) our scheduler accelerates the discovery of vulnerabilities by an average of 42%; and (3) FirmHunter is able to find unknown vulnerabilities.
Diagnostic Modelling for Induction Motor Faults via ANFIS Algorithm and DWT-Based Feature Extraction
Authors: Mohamed Menshawy A. , Hassan Mohamed A. Moustafa , Albalawi Fahad , Ghoneim Sherif S. M. , Ali Ziad M. , Dardeer Mostafa
Published: September 2021

This paper proposes an Adaptive Neural Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) model for diagnosis of combined Inter Turn Short Circuit (ITSC) and Broken Rotor Bar (BRB) faults in a Squirrel Cage Induction Motor (SC-IM). The signal of the stator current is obtained from a really healthy and faulty SC-IM. Experimental tests have been set up using a 1.5 Hp/380 V three-phase SC-IM with different combined ITSC and BRB faults under different loading conditions. Before entering the model, the Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT) pre-processes the stator current signal. The DWT generates data sets in order to evaluate the proposed technique. ANFIS based on DWT is used successfully to diagnose the most relevant faults very effectively. In addition, ANFIS based on the DWT method has been compared to ANFIS and ANFIS based on an auto-regressive model, finding that the proposed method achieves higher efficiency than the previous one. The proposed ANFIS based on the DWT model classifies entirely different states of combined ITSC and BRB faults with high accuracy.
Novel Supervisory Management Scheme of Hybrid Sun Empowered Grid-Assisted Microgrid for Rapid Electric Vehicles Charging Area
Authors: Arfeen Zeeshan Ahmad , Abdullah Md Pauzi , Sheikh Usman Ullah , Azam Mehreen Kausar , Sule Aliyu Hamza , Fizza Ghulam , Hasan Hameedah Sahib , Khan Muhammad Ashfaq
Published: September 2021

The spread of electric vehicles (EV) contributes substantial stress to the present overloaded utility grid which creates new chaos for the distribution network. To relieve the grid from congestion, this paper deeply focused on the control and operation of a charging station for a PV/Battery powered workplace charging facility. This control was tested by simulating the fast charging station when connected to specified EVs and under variant solar irradiance conditions, parity states and seasonal weather. The efficacy of the proposed algorithm and experimental results are validated through simulation in Simulink/Matlab. The results showed that the electric station operated smoothly and seamlessly, which confirms the feasibility of using this supervisory strategy. The optimum cost is calculated using heuristic algorithms in compliance with the meta-heuristic barebones Harris hawk algorithm. In order to long run of charging station the sizing components of the EV station is done by meta-heuristic barebones Harris hawk optimization with profit of USD 0.0083/kWh and it is also validated by swarm based memetic grasshopper optimization algorithm (GOA) and canonical particle swarm optimization (PSO).
Advances in Magnetic Nanoparticles Engineering for Biomedical Applications—A Review
Authors: Baki Abdulkader , Wiekhorst Frank , Bleul Regina
Published: September 2021

Magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (MNPs) have been developed and applied for a broad range of biomedical applications, such as diagnostic imaging, magnetic fluid hyperthermia, targeted drug delivery, gene therapy and tissue repair. As one key element, reproducible synthesis routes of MNPs are capable of controlling and adjusting structure, size, shape and magnetic properties are mandatory. In this review, we discuss advanced methods for engineering and utilizing MNPs, such as continuous synthesis approaches using microtechnologies and the biosynthesis of magnetosomes, biotechnological synthesized iron oxide nanoparticles from bacteria. We compare the technologies and resulting MNPs with conventional synthetic routes. Prominent biomedical applications of the MNPs such as diagnostic imaging, magnetic fluid hyperthermia, targeted drug delivery and magnetic actuation in micro/nanorobots will be presented.
Kisspeptin, Neurokinin B, and Dynorphin Expression during Pubertal Development in Female Sheep
Authors: Aerts Eliana G. , Harlow KaLynn , Griesgraber Max J. , Bowdridge Elizabeth C. , Hardy Steven L. , Nestor Casey C , Hileman Stanley M.
Published: September 2021

The neural mechanisms underlying increases in gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion that drive puberty onset are unknown. Neurons coexpressing kisspeptin, neurokinin B (NKB), and dynorphin, i.e., KNDy neurons, are important as kisspeptin and NKB are stimulatory, and dynorphin inhibitory, to GnRH secretion. Given this, we hypothesized that kisspeptin and NKB expression would increase, but that dynorphin expression would decrease, with puberty. We collected blood and hypothalamic tissue from ovariectomized lambs implanted with estradiol at five, six, seven, eight (puberty), and ten months of age. Mean LH values and LH pulse frequency were the lowest at five to seven months, intermediate at eight months, and highest at ten months. Kisspeptin and NKB immunopositive cell numbers did not change with age. Numbers of cells expressing mRNA for kisspeptin, NKB, or dynorphin were similar at five, eight, and ten months of age. Age did not affect mRNA expression per cell for kisspeptin or NKB, but dynorphin mRNA expression per cell was elevated at ten months versus five months. Thus, neither KNDy protein nor mRNA expression changed in a predictable manner during pubertal development. These data raise the possibility that KNDy neurons, while critical, may await other inputs for the initiation of puberty.
Text Mining for Building Biomedical Networks Using Cancer as a Case Study
Authors: Conceição Sofia I. R. , Couto Francisco M.
Published: September 2021

In the assembly of biological networks it is important to provide reliable interactions in an effort to have the most possible accurate representation of real-life systems. Commonly, the data used to build a network comes from diverse high-throughput essays, however most of the interaction data is available through scientific literature. This has become a challenge with the notable increase in scientific literature being published, as it is hard for human curators to track all recent discoveries without using efficient tools to help them identify these interactions in an automatic way. This can be surpassed by using text mining approaches which are capable of extracting knowledge from scientific documents. One of the most important tasks in text mining for biological network building is relation extraction, which identifies relations between the entities of interest. Many interaction databases already use text mining systems, and the development of these tools will lead to more reliable networks, as well as the possibility to personalize the networks by selecting the desired relations. This review will focus on different approaches of automatic information extraction from biomedical text that can be used to enhance existing networks or create new ones, such as deep learning state-of-the-art approaches, focusing on cancer disease as a case-study.
Performance of Affinity-Improved DARPin Targeting HIV Capsid Domain in Interference of Viral Progeny Production
Authors: Sornsuwan Kanokporn , Thongkhum Weeraya , Pamonsupornwichit Thanathat , Carraway Tanawan Samleerat , Soponpong Suthinee , Sakkhachornphop Supachai , Tayapiwatana Chatchai , Yasamut Umpa
Published: September 2021

Previously, a designed ankyrin repeat protein, AnkGAG1D4, was generated for intracellular targeting of the HIV-1 capsid domain. The efficiency was satisfactory in interfering with the HIV assembly process. Consequently, improved AnkGAG1D4 binding affinity was introduced by substituting tyrosine (Y) for serine (S) at position 45. However, the intracellular anti-HIV-1 activity of AnkGAG1D4-S45Y has not yet been validated. In this study, the performance of AnkGAG1D4 and AnkGAG1D4-S45Y in inhibiting wild-type HIV-1 and HIV-1 maturation inhibitor-resistant replication in SupT1 cells was evaluated. HIV-1 p24 and viral load assays were used to verify the biological activity of AnkGAG1D4 and AnkGAG1D4-S45Y as assembly inhibitors. In addition, retardation of syncytium formation in infected SupT1 cells was observed. Of note, the defense mechanism of both ankyrins did not induce the mutation of target amino acids in the capsid domain. The present data show that the potency of AnkGAG1D4-S45Y was superior to AnkGAG1D4 in interrupting either HIV-1 wild-type or the HIV maturation inhibitor-resistant strain.