bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Foraging Behavior of Bottlenose Dolphins in the Shannon Estuary, Ireland as Determined through Static Acoustic Monitoring
Authors: Carmen Mathijs , Berrow Simon D. , O’Brien Joanne M.
Published: March 2021

The Shannon Estuary in Ireland is home to a resident population of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and is designated as a Special Area of Conservation under the EU Habitats Directive. It is an important industrial area, with numerous deep-water berths for shipping. Despite its high conservation value, there are few published studies on habitat use or foraging behavior of the Shannon dolphins throughout the year. The present study assessed the year-round presence and foraging activity of bottlenose dolphins at different locations in the middle and inner estuary using static acoustic monitoring. Dolphin presence was found to decrease with increased distance from the estuary mouth, i.e., where the estuary meets the Atlantic Ocean, while at the same time, foraging was found to be considerably higher in the upriver areas, suggesting the inner estuary was an important foraging area. Model predictions for seasonal, tidal and diel foraging were highly variable across locations, indicating that changes in dolphin behavior occurred over relatively small geographical scales. These results indicate that conservation efforts should consider the Shannon Estuary as a dynamic aggregation of habitats and future development initiatives should attempt to mitigate disturbance to the dolphins during important foraging periods on seasonal and diel scales.
Evaluation of Groundwater in the Coastal Portion of Guasave, Sinaloa for White Shrimp Farming (Penaeus vannamei) through VES, Chemical Composition, and Survival Tests
Authors: Espinoza Ortiz Mauro , Apún Molina Juan Pablo , Peinado Guevara Héctor José , Herrera Barrientos Jaime , Belmonte Jiménez Salvador Isidro , Ladrón de Guevara Torres María de los Ángeles , Delgado Rodríguez Omar
Published: March 2021

We studied the potential of white shrimp farming with groundwater from the coastal aquifer of Guasave, Sinaloa. The use of water from the aquifer in aquaculture represents challenges due to variability in the quality of groundwater. We did twenty-three vertical electrical soundings (VES), performed to guide the search for continental groundwater, obtaining the resistivity of the saturated formation (Ro) and a relationship with resistivity of aquifer water (Rw) = 0.4478 Ro + 0.8371. We obtained ionic content and nutrients from shrimp farming water. Also, a positive correlation was found between the electrical conductivity of the aquifer water (inverse of Rw) with chlorine, sodium, magnesium, and calcium ions in 34 water samples. The analysis of ions and ammonia-nitrogen, nitrates, phosphates, potassium, manganese, and calcium were used to select suitable sites to perform in two shorts bioassays: natural aquifer water and adding KCl and Mg2Cl to simulate diluted seawater. In most natural waters, survival of larvae was higher than 60%, and in simulated seawater survival improved only in two sites. Building the Rw-Ro relation allowed us to infer the quality and suitability of water and the positioning of the most suitable place for drilling. Finally, Rw relation with dissolved ions allowed us to estimate aquifer water quality and reduce uncertainty.
A Review of Recent Machine Learning Advances for Forecasting Harmful Algal Blooms and Shellfish Contamination
Authors: Cruz Rafaela C. , Reis Costa Pedro , Vinga Susana , Krippahl Ludwig , Lopes Marta B.
Published: March 2021

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are among the most severe ecological marine problems worldwide. Under favorable climate and oceanographic conditions, toxin-producing microalgae species may proliferate, reach increasingly high cell concentrations in seawater, accumulate in shellfish, and threaten the health of seafood consumers. There is an urgent need for the development of effective tools to help shellfish farmers to cope and anticipate HAB events and shellfish contamination, which frequently leads to significant negative economic impacts. Statistical and machine learning forecasting tools have been developed in an attempt to better inform the shellfish industry to limit damages, improve mitigation measures and reduce production losses. This study presents a synoptic review covering the trends in machine learning methods for predicting HABs and shellfish biotoxin contamination, with a particular focus on autoregressive models, support vector machines, random forest, probabilistic graphical models, and artificial neural networks (ANN). Most efforts have been attempted to forecast HABs based on models of increased complexity over the years, coupled with increased multi-source data availability, with ANN architectures in the forefront to model these events. The purpose of this review is to help defining machine learning-based strategies to support shellfish industry to manage their harvesting/production, and decision making by governmental agencies with environmental responsibilities.
Invasive Fungal Diseases in Children with Hematological Malignancies Treated with Therapies That Target Cell Surface Antigens: Monoclonal Antibodies, Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors and CAR T-Cell Therapies
Authors: Kyriakidis Ioannis , Vasileiou Eleni , Rossig Claudia , Roilides Emmanuel , Groll Andreas H. , Tragiannidis Athanasios
Published: March 2021

Since 1985 when the first agent targeting antigens on the surface of lymphocytes was approved (muromonab-CD3), a multitude of such therapies have been used in children with hematologic malignancies. A detailed literature review until January 2021 was conducted regarding pediatric patient populations treated with agents that target CD2 (alefacept), CD3 (bispecific T-cell engager [BiTE] blinatumomab), CD19 (denintuzumab mafodotin, B43, BiTEs blinatumomab and DT2219ARL, the immunotoxin combotox, and chimeric antigen receptor [CAR] T-cell therapies tisagenlecleucel and axicabtagene ciloleucel), CD20 (rituximab and biosimilars, 90Y-ibritumomab tiuxetan, ofatumumab, and obinutuzumab), CD22 (epratuzumab, inotuzumab ozogamicin, moxetumomab pasudotox, BiTE DT2219ARL, and the immunotoxin combotox), CD25 (basiliximab and inolimomab), CD30 (brentuximab vedotin and iratumumab), CD33 (gemtuzumab ozogamicin), CD38 (daratumumab and isatuximab), CD52 (alemtuzumab), CD66b (90Y-labelled BW 250/183), CD248 (ontuxizumab) and immune checkpoint inhibitors against CTLA-4 (CD152; abatacept, ipilimumab and tremelimumab) or with PD-1/PD-L1 blockade (CD279/CD274; atezolizumab, avelumab, camrelizumab, durvalumab, nivolumab and pembrolizumab). The aim of this narrative review is to describe treatment-related invasive fungal diseases (IFDs) of each category of agents. IFDs are very common in patients under blinatumomab, inotuzumab ozogamicin, basiliximab, gemtuzumab ozogamicin, alemtuzumab, and tisagenlecleucel and uncommon in patients treated with moxetumomab pasudotox, brentuximab vedotin, abatacept, ipilimumab, pembrolizumab and avelumab. Although this new era of precision medicine shows promising outcomes of targeted therapies in children with leukemia or lymphoma, the results of this review stress the necessity for ongoing surveillance and suggest the need for antifungal prophylaxis in cases where IFDs are very common complications.
Volatile Organic Compound from Trichoderma asperelloides TSU1: Impact on Plant Pathogenic Fungi
Authors: Ruangwong On-Uma , Wonglom Prisana , Suwannarach Nakarin , Kumla Jaturong , Thaochan Narit , Chomnunti Putarak , Pitija Kitsada , Sunpapao Anurag
Published: March 2021

Soil microorganisms are well studied for their beneficial effects on plant growth and their impact on biocontrol agents. The production of volatile antifungal compounds emitted from soil fungi is considered to be an effective ability that can be applied in biofumigants in the control of plant diseases. A soil fungus, Trichoderma asperelloides TSU1, was isolated from flamingo flower cultivated soil and identified on the basis of the morphology and molecular analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), rpb2, and tef1-α genes. To test T. asperelloides TSU1-produced volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with antifungal activity, the sealed plate method was used. The VOCs of T. asperelloides TSU1 inhibited the mycelial growth of fungal pathogens that were recently reported as emerging diseases in Thailand, namely, Corynespora cassiicola, Fusarium incarnatum, Neopestalotiopsis clavispora, N. cubana, and Sclerotium rolfsii, with a percentage inhibition range of 38.88–68.33%. Solid-phase microextraction (SPME) was applied to trap VOCs from T. asperelloides TSU1 and tentatively identify them through gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/MS). A total of 17 compounds were detected in the VOCs of T. asperelloides TSU1, and the dominant compounds were identified as fluoro(trinitro)methane (18.192% peak area) and 2-phenylethanol (9.803% peak area). Interestingly, the commercial 2-phenyethanol showed antifungal activity against fungal pathogens that were similar to the VOCs of T. asperelloides TSU1 by bioassay. On the basis of our study’s results, T. asperelloides TSU1 isolated from soil displayed antifungal abilities via the production of VOCs responsible for restricting pathogen growth.
Globalization and the Outbreak of COVID-19: An Empirical Analysis
Authors: Farzanegan Mohammad Reza , Feizi Mehdi , Gholipour Hassan F.
Published: March 2021

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between the extension of globalization and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) case fatality rate (CFR) calculated on 28 July 2020 in more than 150 countries. Our regression analyses show that countries with higher levels of socio-economic globalization are exposed to higher levels of CFR. The positive association between the level of globalization of countries and their COVID-19 fatality rate remains robust, controlling for cross-country differences in economic development and demographics, health care costs, health care capacity, quality of governance and continental dummies.
How Does Online Brand Community Climate Influence Community Identification? The Mediation of Social Capital
Authors: Zhang Ning , Zhou Zhimin , Zhan Ge , Zhou Nan
Published: March 2021

Although online communities with a supportive climate encourage members to participate and exchange their information openly and freely, participants may perceive the community to be unsafe without proper control. Do controlling climates also contribute to the accumulation of social capital in online brand communities (OBCs)? The purpose of our study was to investigate how controlling and supportive climates jointly influence community identification, and to examine the mediating effects of social capital and the moderating effects of community age. A conceptual framework was proposed and tested with data collected from an online survey of 481 online brand community members. We found that both controlling and supportive climates had positive effects on social capital (trust and norms of reciprocity), which exerted a partial mediation between community climate and community identification in the OBCs examined. Developing a community climate was particularly effective in generating trust in older communities. This research contributes to the community literature and has important implications for community climate management. We identified the boundary conditions of the community climate-trust association.
The Clinical Influence after Implementation of Convolutional Neural Network-Based Software for Diabetic Retinopathy Detection in the Primary Care Setting
Authors: Li Yu-Hsuan , Sheu Wayne Huey-Herng , Chou Chien-Chih , Lin Chun-Hsien , Cheng Yuan-Shao , Wang Chun-Yuan , Wu Chieh Liang , Lee I.-Te
Published: March 2021

Deep learning-based software is developed to assist physicians in terms of diagnosis; however, its clinical application is still under investigation. We integrated deep-learning-based software for diabetic retinopathy (DR) grading into the clinical workflow of an endocrinology department where endocrinologists grade for retinal images and evaluated the influence of its implementation. A total of 1432 images from 716 patients and 1400 images from 700 patients were collected before and after implementation, respectively. Using the grading by ophthalmologists as the reference standard, the sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) to detect referable DR (RDR) were 0.91 (0.87–0.96), 0.90 (0.87–0.92), and 0.90 (0.87–0.93) at the image level; and 0.91 (0.81–0.97), 0.84 (0.80–0.87), and 0.87 (0.83–0.91) at the patient level. The monthly RDR rate dropped from 55.1% to 43.0% after implementation. The monthly percentage of finishing grading within the allotted time increased from 66.8% to 77.6%. There was a wide range of agreement values between the software and endocrinologists after implementation (kappa values of 0.17–0.65). In conclusion, we observed the clinical influence of deep-learning-based software on graders without the retinal subspecialty. However, the validation using images from local datasets is recommended before clinical implementation.
Coupling Molecular Dynamics and Micromechanics for the Assessment of Friction and Damage Accumulation in Diamond-Like Carbon Thin Films under Lubricated Sliding Contacts
Authors: Hakala Timo J. , Holmberg Kenneth , Laukkanen Anssi
Published: March 2021

Diamond-like carbon (DLC) coatings have proven to be an excellent thin film solution for reducing friction of tribological systems as well as providing resistance to wear. These characteristics yield greater efficiency and longer lifetimes of tribological contacts with respect to surface solutions targeting for example automotive applications. However, the route from discovery to deployment of DLC films has taken its time and still the design of these solutions is largely done on a trial-and-error basis. This results in challenges both in designing and optimizing DLC films for specific applications and limits the understanding, and subsequently exploitation, of many of the underlying physical mechanisms responsible for its favorable frictional response and high resistance to various types of wear. In current work multiscale modeling is utilized to study the friction and wear response of DLC thin films in dry and lubricated contacts. Atomic scale mechanisms responsible for friction due to interactions between the sliding surfaces and shearing of the amorphous carbon surface are utilized to establish frictional response for microstructure scale modeling of DLC to DLC surface contacts under dry and graphene lubricated conditions. Then at the coarser microstructural scale both structure of the multilayer, substrate and surface topography of the DLC coating are incorporated in studying of the behavior of the tribosystem. A fracture model is included to evaluate the nucleation and growth of wear damage leading either to loss of adhesion or failure of one of the film constituents. The results demonstrate the dependency of atomistic scale friction on film characteristics, particularly hybridization of bonding and tribochemistry. The microstructure scale modeling signifies the behavior of the film as a tribosystem, the various material properties and the surface topography interact to produce the explicitly modeled failure response. Ultimately, the work contributes towards establishing multiscale modeling capabilities to better understand and design novel DLC material solutions for various tribological applications.
Microstructure Refinement of a Transformation-Induced Plasticity High-Entropy Alloy
Authors: Yi Hailong , Wei Daixiu , Xie Renyi , Zhang Yifan , Kato Hidemi
Published: March 2021

High-entropy alloys (HEAs) have attracted extensive interest due to their unprecedented structure and mechanical performance. We recently proposed a series of novel corich twinning induced plasticity (TWIP) and transformation induced plasticity (TRIP) HEAs with superior tensile properties at room temperature; however, the hot deformation behavior has not been reported. Here, we investigated the dynamic recrystallization behavior and grain refinement of a representative TRIP-HEA, compressed at temperatures of 1123–1273 K with strain rates of 0.1–0.001 s−1. We characterized the impact of the temperature and strain rate on the grain structure evolution. A constitutive equation was constructed to reveal the correlations between the flow stress, strain rate, temperature, and strain. The apparent activation energy was estimated to be ~385.7 kJ/mol. The discontinuous dynamic recrystallization played an important role in the grain refinement, particularly at a relatively higher temperature and a lower strain rate, and the volume fraction and morphology of the recrystallized grains exhibited a strong dependency on the Zener–Hollomon parameter. The study provides guidelines for the grain refinement of HEAs through thermomechanical processing.
Oxidation of Cysteinate Anions Immobilized in the Interlamellar Space of CaAl-Layered Double Hydroxide
Authors: Timár Zita , Hung Truong Ngoc , Pravda Cora , Kónya Zoltán , Kukovecz Ákos , Sipos Pál , Varga Gábor , Pálinkó István
Published: March 2021

L-Cysteinate-intercalated CaAl-layered double hydroxide (LDH) was prepared by the co-precipitation method producing highly crystalline hydrocalumite phase with a well-pillared interlayer gallery. The obtained materials were characterized by X-ray diffractometry, IR as well as Raman spectroscopies. By performing interlamellar oxidation reactions with peracetic acid as oxidant, oxidation of cysteinate to cystinate in aqueous and cysteinate sulfenic acid in acetonic suspensions occurred. The oxidations could be performed under mild conditions, at room temperature, under neutral pH and in air. It has been shown that the transformation pathways are due to the presence of the layered structure, that is, the confined space of the LDH behaved as molecular reactor.
Highly Porous and Superabsorbent Biomaterial Made of Marine-Derived Polysaccharides and Ascorbic Acid as an Optimal Dressing for Exuding Wound Management
Authors: Vivcharenko Vladyslav , Wojcik Michal , Palka Krzysztof , Przekora Agata
Published: March 2021

There are many modern wound dressings that have promising properties for repairing skin damage. However, due to various types of wounds and the problems they cause, there is still a great demand for new, effective healing strategies. The aim of this study was to create superabsorbent wound dressing made of marine-derived polysaccharides (agarose and chitosan) using the freeze-drying method. The secondary goal was its comprehensive evaluation for potential use as an external superabsorbent bandage for wounds with high exudation. Due to the well-known positive effect of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) on the healing process, biomaterial enriched with vitamin C was prepared and compared to the variant without the addition of ascorbic acid. It was shown that the produced foam-like wound dressing had a very porous structure, which was characterized by hydrophilicity, allowing a large amount of human fluids to be absorbed. According to in vitro tests on human fibroblasts, biomaterial was nontoxic and supportive to cell proliferation. Vitamin C-enriched dressing also had the ability to significantly reduce matrix metalloproteinase-2 production and to promote platelet-derived growth factor-BB synthesis by fibroblasts, which is desired during chronic wound treatment. The material has features of the eco-friendly wound care product since it was made of naturally-derived polysaccharides and was proved to be biodegradable. Importantly, despite degradable character, it was stable in the chronic and infected wound microenvironment, maintaining high integrity after 8-week incubation in the enzymatic solutions containing lysozyme and collagenases. The obtained results clearly showed that developed biomaterial possesses all necessary features of the external dressing for the management of exudate from both acute and chronic non-healing wounds.
Helmet Phthalocyaninato Iron Complex as a Primary Drier for Alkyd Paints
Authors: Honzíček Jan , Matušková Eliška , Voneš Štěpán , Vinklárek Jaromír
Published: March 2021

This study describes the catalytic performance of an iron(III) complex bearing a phthalocyaninato-like ligand in two solvent-borne and two high-solid alkyd binders. Standardized mechanical tests revealed strong activity, which appeared in particular cases at concentrations about one order of magnitude lower than in the case of cobalt(II) 2-ethylhexanoate, widespread used in paint-producing industry. The effect of the iron(III) compound on autoxidation process, responsible for alkyd curing, was quantified by kinetic measurements by time-resolved infrared spectroscopy and compared with several primary driers. Effect of the drier concentration on coloration of transparent coatings was determined by UV–Vis spectroscopy.
Energy Performance Assessment of Innovative Building Solutions Coming from Construction and Demolition Waste Materials
Authors: Fraga-De Cal Beatriz , Garrido-Marijuan Antonio , Eguiarte Olaia , Arregi Beñat , Romero-Amorrortu Ander , Mezzasalma Giulia , Ferrarini Giovanni , Bernardi Adriana
Published: March 2021

Prefabricated solutions incorporating thermal insulation are increasingly adopted as an energy conservation measure for building renovation. The InnoWEE European project developed three technologies from Construction and Demolition Waste (CDW) materials through a manufacturing process that supports the circular economy strategy of the European Union. Two of them consisted of geopolymer panels incorporated into an External Thermal Insulation Composite System (ETICS) and a ventilated façade. This study evaluates their thermal performance by means of monitoring data from three pilot case studies in Greece, Italy, and Romania, and calibrated building simulation models enabling the reliable prediction of energy savings in different climates and use scenarios. Results showed a reduction in energy demand for all demo buildings, with annual energy savings up to 25% after placing the novel insulation solutions. However, savings are highly dependent on weather conditions since the panels affect cooling and heating loads differently. Finally, a parametric assessment is performed to assess the impact of insulation thickness through an energy performance prediction and a cash flow analysis.
Microstructures and Mechanical Properties of Deposited Fe-8Cr-3V-2Mo-2W on SCM420 Substrate Using Directed Energy Deposition and Effect of Post-Heat Treatment
Authors: Jeong Ye Eun , Lee Jun Yeop , Lee Eun Kyung , Shim Do Sik
Published: March 2021

In this study, the Fe-8Cr-3V-2Mo-2W tool steel powder was deposited on the SCM420 substrate through the directed energy deposition (DED) process. This study focuses on the mechanical properties of the deposited Fe-8Cr-3V-2Mo-2W and the effect of heat treatment on it. The changes in the microstructural characteristics of the deposited region due to heat treatment after deposition were observed. The influence of heat treatment on the mechanical properties was then analyzed accordingly and hence, the hardness, wear, impact and tensile tests were conducted on the deposited material. These properties were compared with those of the commercial tool steel powder M2-deposited material and the carburized specimen. In the deposited Fe-8Cr-3V-2Mo-2W layer, an increased martensite phase fraction was obtained through post-heat treatment and the amount of precipitated carbides was also increased. This increased the hardness from 48 to 62 HRc after heat treatment and the wear resistance was significantly improved as well. The amount of impact energy absorbed decreased from 11 J before heat treatment to 6 J after heat treatment, but the tensile strength significantly increased from 607 to 922 MPa. When compared with the M2-deposited surface, the Fe-8Cr-3V-2Mo-2W deposits had 3% lower surface hardness and 76% lower fracture toughness but exhibited 56% higher tensile strength. When compared with the carburized SCM420, the Fe-8Cr-3V-2Mo-2W deposits exhibited 3% higher surface hardness and wear resistance, 90% lower fracture toughness and 5% higher tensile strength. This study shows that surface hardening through DED can exhibit similar or superior mechanical properties when compared to carburizing.
A Review on Multiscale Bone Damage: From the Clinical to the Research Perspective
Authors: Buccino Federica , Colombo Chiara , Vergani Laura Maria
Published: March 2021

The investigation of bone damage processes is a crucial point to understand the mechanisms of age-related bone fractures. In order to reduce their impact, early diagnosis is key. The intricate architecture of bone and the complexity of multiscale damage processes make fracture prediction an ambitious goal. This review, supported by a detailed analysis of bone damage physical principles, aims at presenting a critical overview of how multiscale imaging techniques could be used to implement reliable and validated numerical tools for the study and prediction of bone fractures. While macro- and meso-scale imaging find applications in clinical practice, micro- and nano-scale imaging are commonly used only for research purposes, with the objective to extract fragility indexes. Those images are used as a source for multiscale computational damage models. As an example, micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) images in combination with micro-finite element models could shed some light on the comprehension of the interaction between micro-cracks and micro-scale bone features. As future insights, the actual state of technology suggests that these models could be a potential substitute for invasive clinical practice for the prediction of age-related bone fractures. However, the translation to clinical practice requires experimental validation, which is still in progress.
Feeling Machine for Process Monitoring of Components with Stock Allowance
Authors: Denkena Berend , Bergmann Benjamin , Witt Matthias
Published: March 2021

To realize the increasing automation and flexibilization of production, it is necessary to monitor component-specific characteristics under fluctuating production conditions. Signals with a high correlation to the process quality have to be evaluated. In machining, the process force is an important measurand, which is sensitive to changes in the process. Feeling machines with force-sensitive machine tool components are therefore a promising signal source to monitor the machining. However, the force is also sensitive to non-critical process fluctuations such as stock allowance. Consequently, it is necessary to perform signal pre-processing and generate features that increase the robustness of the monitoring. In this paper, the material-specific cutting force was investigated for the first time concerning its suitability for process monitoring of parts with a stock allowance. The sensitivity of confidence limits was evaluated based on the normed bandgap. For the investigation, face turning processes of 20MnCr5 were carried out. The results show that the use of material-specific cutting force improves the sensitivity of the confidence limits to process errors. In this context, the feeling machine can be used to substitute the dynamometer for process monitoring.
Optimal Hardware and Control Co-Design Applied to an Active Car Suspension Setup
Authors: Haemers Michiel , Ionescu Clara-Mihaela , Stockman Kurt , Derammelaere Stijn
Published: March 2021

For complex systems, it is not easy to obtain optimal designs for the hardware architecture and control configurations. Every design aspect influences the final performance, and often the interactions of the different components cannot be clearly determined in advance. In this work, a novel co-design optimization method was applied that allows the optimal placement and selection of actuators and sensors to be performed simultaneously with the determination of the control architecture and associated controller tuning parameters. This novel co-design method was applied to a state-space model of a downscaled active car suspension laboratory setup. This setup mimics a car driving over a specific road surface while active components in the suspension have to increase the driver’s comfort by counteracting unwanted vibrations. The result of this co-design optimization methodology is a Pareto front that graphically represents the trade-off between the maximum performance and the total implementation cost; the co-design results were validated with measurements of the physical active car suspension setup. The obtained controller tuning parameters are compared herein with existing controller tuning methods to demonstrate that the co-design method is able to determine optimal controller tuning parameters.
Blockchain Technology for Winning Consumer Loyalty: Social Norm Analysis Using Structural Equation Modeling
Authors: Pérez-Sánchez María de los Ángeles , Tian Zhuowei , Barrientos-Báez Almudena , Gómez-Galán José , Li Hanliang
Published: March 2021

Remarkable changes have taken in social operation mode and consumers’ behavior mode because of the foot ban during the pandemic spread of COVID-19. Digital technologies such as Blockchain have shown potential in gaining competitive advantages for enterprises in such situations. This study aims to provide an insight into how to gain consumer loyalty through the use of modern and efficient Blockchain technology. In contrast to the current literature, this study combined the technology acceptance model of planned behavior theory, social exchange theory to explain the loyalty of an online travel agency (OTA) consumer. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from citizens in Hangzhou, a city full of technological innovation atmosphere. Using structural equation modeling with SmartPLS©, responses from 1403 citizens were analyzed. Social norm was discovered to have a positive and significant association with the consumers’ attitude toward technology and thus enhancing the perceived usability and hedonism of OTA application, which can increase consumer loyalty. The findings suggested OTAs may gain consumers’ loyalty through adopting Blockchain technology, and local governments have played a key role in creating such an environment. New technologies have become essential professional and social tools for society. The technological environment and Blockchain within the tourism sector are fundamental elements of China’s economic engine.
Some Fixed Point Results of Weak-Fuzzy Graphical Contraction Mappings with Application to Integral Equations
Authors: Jabeen Shamoona , Zheng Zhiming , Rehman Mutti-Ur , Wei Wei , Alzabut Jehad
Published: March 2021

The present paper aims to introduce the concept of weak-fuzzy contraction mappings in the graph structure within the context of fuzzy cone metric spaces. We prove some fixed point results endowed with a graph using weak-fuzzy contractions. By relaxing the continuity condition of mappings involved, our results enrich and generalize some well-known results in fixed point theory. With the help of new lemmas, our proofs are straight forward. We furnish the validity of our findings with appropriate examples. This approach is completely new and will be beneficial for the future aspects of the related study. We provide an application of integral equations to illustrate the usability of our theory.
Statistical Estimation of the Kullback–Leibler Divergence
Authors: Bulinski Alexander , Dimitrov Denis
Published: March 2021

Asymptotic unbiasedness and L2-consistency are established, under mild conditions, for the estimates of the Kullback–Leibler divergence between two probability measures in Rd, absolutely continuous with respect to (w.r.t.) the Lebesgue measure. These estimates are based on certain k-nearest neighbor statistics for pair of independent identically distributed (i.i.d.) due vector samples. The novelty of results is also in treating mixture models. In particular, they cover mixtures of nondegenerate Gaussian measures. The mentioned asymptotic properties of related estimators for the Shannon entropy and cross-entropy are strengthened. Some applications are indicated.
Comparative Analysis of Conventional and Emerging Technologies for Seawater Desalination: Northern Chile as A Case Study
Authors: Saavedra Aldo , Valdés Hugo , Mahn Andrea , Acosta Orlando
Published: March 2021

The aim of this work was to study different desalination technologies as alternatives to conventional reverse osmosis (RO) through a systematic literature review. An expert panel evaluated thermal and membrane processes considering their possible implementation at a pilot plant scale (100 m3/d of purified water) starting from seawater at 20 °C with an average salinity of 34,000 ppm. The desalination plant would be located in the Atacama Region (Chile), where the high solar radiation level justifies an off-grid installation using photovoltaic panels. We classified the collected information about conventional and emerging technologies for seawater desalination, and then an expert panel evaluated these technologies considering five categories: (1) technical characteristics, (2) scale-up potential, (3) temperature effect, (4) electrical supply options, and (5) economic viability. Further, the potential inclusion of graphene oxide and aquaporin-based biomimetic membranes in the desalinization processes was analyzed. The comparative analysis lets us conclude that nanomembranes represent a technically and economically competitive alternative versus RO membranes. Therefore, a profitable desalination process should consider nanomembranes, use of an energy recovery system, and mixed energy supply (non-conventional renewable energy + electrical network). This document presents an up-to-date overview of the impact of emerging technologies on desalinated quality water, process costs, productivity, renewable energy use, and separation efficiency.
The Influence of Particle Shape, Powder Flowability, and Powder Layer Density on Part Density in Laser Powder Bed Fusion
Authors: Haferkamp Lukas , Haudenschild Livia , Spierings Adriaan , Wegener Konrad , Riener Kirstin , Ziegelmeier Stefan , Leichtfried Gerhard J.
Published: March 2021

The particle shape influences the part properties in laser powder bed fusion, and powder flowability and powder layer density (PLD) are considered the link between the powder and part properties. Therefore, this study investigates the relationship between these properties and their influence on final part density for six 1.4404 (316L) powders and eight AlSi10Mg powders. The results show a correlation of the powder properties with a Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC) of −0.89 for the PLD and the Hausner ratio, a PCC of −0.67 for the Hausner ratio and circularity, and a PCC of 0.72 for circularity and PLD. Furthermore, the results show that beyond a threshold, improvement of circularity, PLD, or Hausner ratio have no positive influence on the final part density. While the water-atomized, least-spherical powder yielded parts with high porosity, no improvement of part density was achieved by feedstock with higher circularities than gas-atomized powder.
The Effect of Metal Ions on the Growth and Ferrous IronOxidation by Leptospirillum ferriphilum CC Isolated from Armenia Mine Sites
Authors: Khachatryan Anna , Vardanyan Narine , Vardanyan Arevik , Zhang Ruiyong , Castro Laura
Published: March 2021

The aim of this study is to investigate the potential of newly isolated strain Leptospirillum (L.) ferriphilum CC for bioleaching of pyrite and chalcopyrite in pure or mixed culture with other iron- and/or sulfur-oxidizing bacteria. In this paper, kinetics of ferrous iron (Fe2+) oxidation by newly isolated strain Leptospirillum (L.) ferriphilum CC was studied. The effect of initial Fe2+ in the concentration range of 50–400 mM on bacterial growth and iron oxidation was studied. It was shown that microbial Fe2+ oxidation was competitively inhibited by Fe3+. The influence of copper, zinc, nickel and cobalt ions on the oxidation of Fe2+ by L. ferriphilum CC was also studied. Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) for each metal ion were determined. The toxicity of the ions was found to be as follows: Co > Zn > Ni > Cu. The comparison of iron oxidation kinetic parameters of L. ferriphilum CC with other strains of L. ferriphilum indicates the high potential of strain L. ferriphilum CC for biogenic regeneration of concentrated ferric iron (Fe3+) in bioleaching processes of ores and ore concentrates. Bioleaching tests indicated that the newly isolated L. ferriphilum CC can be a prospective strain for the bioleaching of sulfide minerals in pure culture or in association with other iron- and/or sulfur-oxidizing bacteria.
New Insights into Sulfide Inclusions in 1018 Carbon Steels
Authors: Rieders Nathaniel , Nandasiri Manjula , Mogk David , Avci Recep
Published: March 2021

The role of heterogeneous phases in the localized corrosion of materials is an emerging area of research. This work addresses the detrimental role MnS inclusions play in the localized corrosion of carbon steels. We report the results of surface and bulk characterization of MnS inclusions in 1018 carbon steel, using a high-resolution integrated Auger nanoprobe. It is shown that the surface morphology and composition of the inclusions are highly heterogeneous. MnS inclusions are found to be nonstoichiometric and to contain a highly O-enriched surface layer. Some inclusions are covered with a thin (approximately 5 nm) layer of Cu2S. The bulk composition of “MnS” inclusions is found to include 5–7% Fe and O, and these inclusions are believed to occupy Mn and S positions within the “MnS” lattice. Interfaces between “MnS” and host ferric grains are highly disordered. We hypothesize that pitting initiates and develops at these interfaces through a galvanic coupling between the strained and the unstrained ferrite grains.
OS-PCA: Orthogonal Smoothed Principal Component Analysis Applied to Metabolome Data
Authors: Yamamoto Hiroyuki , Nakayama Yasumune , Tsugawa Hiroshi
Published: March 2021

Principal component analysis (PCA) has been widely used in metabolomics. However, it is not always possible to detect phenotype-associated principal component (PC) scores. Previously, we proposed a smoothed PCA for samples acquired with a time course or rank order, but hypothesis testing to select significant metabolite candidates was not possible. Here, we modified the smoothed PCA as an orthogonal smoothed PCA (OS-PCA) so that statistical hypothesis testing in OS-PC loadings could be performed with the same PC projections provided by the smoothed PCA. Statistical hypothesis testing is especially useful in metabolomics because biological interpretations are made based on statistically significant metabolites. We applied the OS-PCA method to two real metabolome datasets, one for metabolic turnover analysis and the other for evaluating the taste of Japanese green tea. The OS-PCA successfully extracted similar PC scores as the smoothed PCA; these scores reflected the expected phenotypes. The significant metabolites that were selected using statistical hypothesis testing of OS-PC loading facilitated biological interpretations that were consistent with the results of our previous study. Our results suggest that OS-PCA combined with statistical hypothesis testing of OS-PC loading is a useful method for the analysis of metabolome data.
Remote Recognition of Moving Behaviors for Captive Harbor Seals Using a Smart-Patch System via Bluetooth Communication
Authors: Kim Seungyeob , Jeong Jinheon , Seo Seung Gi , Im Sehyeok , Lee Won Young , Jin Sung Hun
Published: March 2021

Animal telemetry has been recognized as a core platform for exploring animal species due to future opportunities in terms of its contribution toward marine fisheries and living resources. Herein, biologging systems with pressure sensors are successfully implemented via open-source hardware platforms, followed by immediate application to captive harbor seals (HS). Remotely captured output voltage signals in real-time mode via Bluetooth communication were reproducibly and reliably recorded on the basis of hours using a smartphone built with data capturing software with graphic user interface (GUI). Output voltages, corresponding to typical behaviors on the captive HS, such as stopping (A), rolling (B), flapping (C), and sliding (D), are clearly obtained, and their analytical interpretation on captured electrical signals are fully validated via a comparison study with consecutively captured images for each motion of the HS. Thus, the biologging system with low cost and light weight, which is fully compatible with a conventional smartphone, is expected to potentially contribute toward future anthology of seal animals.
Soil Bacterial Community Diversity and Composition as Affected by Tillage Intensity Treatments in Corn-Soybean Production Systems
Authors: G. Shanmugam Shankar , Buehring Normie W. , Prevost Jon D. , Kingery William L.
Published: March 2021

Our understanding on the effects of tillage intensity on the soil microbial community structure and composition in crop production systems are limited. This study evaluated the soil microbial community composition and diversity under different tillage management systems in an effort to identify management practices that effectively support sustainable agriculture. We report results from a three-year study to determine the effects on changes in soil microbial diversity and composition from four tillage intensity treatments and two residue management treatments in a corn-soybean production system using Illumina high-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA genes. Soil samples were collected from tillage treatments at locations in the Southern Coastal Plain (Verona, MS, USA) and Southern Mississippi River Alluvium (Stoneville, MS, USA) for soil analysis and bacterial community characterization. Our results indicated that different tillage intensity treatments differentially changed the relative abundances of bacterial phyla. The Mantel test of correlations indicated that differences among bacterial community composition were significantly influenced by tillage regime (rM = 0.39, p ≤ 0.0001). Simpson’s reciprocal diversity index indicated greater bacterial diversity with reduction in tillage intensity for each year and study location. For both study sites, differences in tillage intensity had significant influence on the abundance of Proteobacteria. The shift in the soil bacterial community composition under different tillage systems was strongly correlated to changes in labile carbon pool in the system and how it affected the microbial metabolism. This study indicates that soil management through tillage intensity regime had a profound influence on diversity and composition of soil bacterial communities in a corn-soybean production system.
Gut Digestive Function and Microbiome after Correction of Experimental Dysbiosis in Rats by Indigenous Bifidobacteria
Authors: Gromova Lyudmila V. , Ermolenko Elena I. , Sepp Anastasiya L. , Dmitrieva Yulia V. , Alekseeva Anna S. , Lavrenova Nadezhda S. , Kotyleva Mariya P. , Kramskaya Tatyana A. , Karaseva Alena B. , Suvorov Alexandr N. , Gruzdkov Andrey A.
Published: March 2021

In recent years, great interest has arisen in the use of autoprobiotics (indigenous bacteria isolated from the organism and introduced into the same organism after growing). This study aimed to evaluate the effects of indigenous bifidobacteria on intestinal microbiota and digestive enzymes in a rat model of antibiotic-associated dysbiosis. Our results showed that indigenous bifidobacteria (the Bf group) accelerate the disappearance of dyspeptic symptoms in rats and prevent an increase in chyme mass in the upper intestine compared to the group without autoprobiotics (the C1 group), but significantly increase the mass of chyme in the colon compared to the C1 group and the control group (healthy animals). In the Bf group in the gut microbiota, the content of opportunistic bacteria (Proteus spp., enteropathogenic Escherichia coli) decreased, and the content of some beneficial bacteria (Bifidobacterium spp., Dorea spp., Blautia spp., the genus Ruminococcus, Prevotella, Oscillospira) changed compared to the control group. Unlike the C1 group, in the Bf group there was no decrease in the specific activities of maltase and alkaline phosphatase in the mucosa of the upper intestine, but the specific activity of maltase was decreased in the colon chyme compared to the control and C1 groups. In the Bf group, the specific activity of aminopeptidase N was reduced in the duodenum mucosa and the colon chyme compared to the control group. We concluded that indigenous bifidobacteria can protect the microbiota and intestinal digestive enzymes in the intestine from disorders caused by dysbiosis; however, there may be impaired motor function of the colon.
Improvement of Atopic Dermatitis by Synbiotic Baths
Authors: Noll Matthias , Jäger Michael , Lux Leonie , Buettner Christian , Axt-Gadermann Michaela
Published: March 2021

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a widespread chronic inflammatory dermatologic disorder. This randomized, double-blind study aims to evaluate the effect of synbiotic baths with a defined mixture of six viable lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and prebiotics, without bacteria and prebiotics and placebo baths without prebiotics and bacteria to treat AD patients over a period of 14 days. Therefore, AD patients were randomly assigned into three groups using synbiotic (n = 7), prebiotics (n = 8) or placebo baths (n = 7). Severity of AD was evaluated over time by using severity scoring of atopic dermatitis (SCORAD) and by patient questionnaires. In addition, microbiome on eczematous skin surface was sampled by swaps from each patient before the bath treatment, and after 9, 11 and 14 days of bath treatment. Thereafter, nucleic acids were extracted and the bacterial 16S rRNA gene was amplified via PCR for subsequent amplicon sequencing. Results showed a significantly reduced SCORAD over time of AD patients after daily synbiotic or prebiotic baths. Moreover, AD patients after daily synbiotic baths had a significantly improved pruritus and skin dryness and their bacterial microbiome was enriched by LAB. Taken together, a synbiotic bath is a promising topical skin application to alleviate AD.
Nosocomial Pneumonia in the Era of Multidrug-Resistance: Updates in Diagnosis and Management
Authors: Xu Elena , Pérez-Torres David , Fragkou Paraskevi C. , Zahar Jean-Ralph , Koulenti Despoina
Published: March 2021

Nosocomial pneumonia (NP), including hospital-acquired pneumonia in non-intubated patients and ventilator-associated pneumonia, is one of the most frequent hospital-acquired infections, especially in the intensive care unit. NP has a significant impact on morbidity, mortality and health care costs, especially when the implicated pathogens are multidrug-resistant ones. This narrative review aims to critically review what is new in the field of NP, specifically, diagnosis and antibiotic treatment. Regarding novel imaging modalities, the current role of lung ultrasound and low radiation computed tomography are discussed, while regarding etiological diagnosis, recent developments in rapid microbiological confirmation, such as syndromic rapid multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction panels are presented and compared with conventional cultures. Additionally, the volatile compounds/electronic nose, a promising diagnostic tool for the future is briefly presented. With respect to NP management, antibiotics approved for the indication of NP during the last decade are discussed, namely, ceftobiprole medocaril, telavancin, ceftolozane/tazobactam, ceftazidime/avibactam, and meropenem/vaborbactam.