bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Autophagy Machinery in Human-Parasitic Protists; Diverse Functions for Universally Conserved Proteins
Authors: Sakamoto Hirokazu , Nakada-Tsukui Kumiko , Besteiro Sébastien
Published: May 2021

Autophagy is a eukaryotic cellular machinery that is able to degrade large intracellular components, including organelles, and plays a pivotal role in cellular homeostasis. Target materials are enclosed by a double membrane vesicle called autophagosome, whose formation is coordinated by autophagy-related proteins (ATGs). Studies of yeast and Metazoa have identified approximately 40 ATGs. Genome projects for unicellular eukaryotes revealed that some ATGs are conserved in all eukaryotic supergroups but others have arisen or were lost during evolution in some specific lineages. In spite of an apparent reduction in the ATG molecular machinery found in parasitic protists, it has become clear that ATGs play an important role in stage differentiation or organelle maintenance, sometimes with an original function that is unrelated to canonical degradative autophagy. In this review, we aim to briefly summarize the current state of knowledge in parasitic protists, in the light of the latest important findings from more canonical model organisms. Determining the roles of ATGs and the diversity of their functions in various lineages is an important challenge for understanding the evolutionary background of autophagy.
CH3SH and H2S Sensing Properties of V2O5/WO3/TiO2 Gas Sensor
Authors: Akamatsu Takafumi , Itoh Toshio , Tsuruta Akihiro , Masuda Yoshitake
Published: May 2021

Resistive-type semiconductor-based gas sensors were fabricated for the detection of methyl mercaptan and hydrogen sulfide. To fabricate these sensors, V2O5/WO3/TiO2 (VWT) particles were deposited on interdigitated Pt electrodes. The vanadium oxide content of the utilized VWT was 1.5, 3, or 10 wt.%. The structural properties of the VWT particles were investigated by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy analyses. The resistance of the VWT gas sensor decreased with increasing methyl mercaptan and hydrogen sulfide gas concentrations in the range of 50 to 500 ppb. The VWT gas sensor with 3 wt.% vanadium oxide showed high methyl mercaptan and hydrogen sulfide responses and good gas selectivity against hydrogen at 300 °C.
Early Microbial–Immune Interactions and Innate Immune Training of the Respiratory System during Health and Disease
Authors: Nino Gustavo , Rodriguez-Martinez Carlos E. , Gutierrez Maria J.
Published: May 2021

Over the past two decades, several studies have positioned early-life microbial exposure as a key factor for protection or susceptibility to respiratory diseases. Birth cohorts have identified a strong link between neonatal bacterial colonization of the nasal airway and gut with the risk for respiratory infections and childhood asthma. Translational studies have provided companion mechanistic insights on how viral and bacterial exposures in early life affect immune development at the respiratory mucosal barrier. In this review, we summarize and discuss our current understanding of how early microbial–immune interactions occur during infancy, with a particular focus on the emergent paradigm of “innate immune training”. Future human-based studies including newborns and infants are needed to inform the timing and key pathways implicated in the development, maturation, and innate training of the airway immune response, and how early microbiota and virus exposures modulate these processes in the respiratory system during health and disease.
Assessment of Psychopathology in Adolescents with Insulin-Dependent Diabetes (IDD) and the Impact on Treatment Management
Authors: Lica Maria Melania , Papai Annamaria , Salcudean Andreea , Crainic Maria , Covaciu Cristina Georgeta , Mihai Adriana
Published: May 2021

Assessing mental health in children and adolescents with insulin-dependent diabetes (IDD) is an issue that is underperformed in clinical practice and outpatient clinics. The evaluation of their thoughts, emotions and behaviors has an important role in understanding the interaction between the individual and the disease, the factors that can influence this interaction, as well as the effective methods of intervention. The aim of this study is to identify psychopathology in adolescents with diabetes and the impact on treatment management. A total of 54 adolescents with IDD and 52 adolescents without diabetes, aged 12–18 years, completed APS–SF (Adolescent Psychopathology Scale–Short Form) for the evaluation of psychopathology and adjustment problems. There were no significant differences between adolescents with diabetes and control group regarding psychopathology. Between adolescents with good treatment adherence (HbA1c < 7.6) and those with low treatment adherence (HbA1c > 7.6), significant differences were found. In addition, results showed higher scores in girls compared with boys with IDD with regard to anxiety (GAD), Major Depression (DEP), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Eating Disturbance (EAT), Suicide (SUI) and Interpersonal Problems (IPP). No significant differences were found regarding the duration of the disease. Strategies such as maladaptive coping, passivity, distorted conception of the self and the surrounding world and using the negative problem-solving strategies of non-involvement and abandonment had positive correlation with poor glycemic control (bad management of the disease). The study highlighted the importance of promoting mental health in insulin-dependent diabetes management.
The Impact of COVID-19 School Closure on Child and Adolescent Health: A Rapid Systematic Review
Authors: Chaabane Sonia , Doraiswamy Sathyanarayanan , Chaabna Karima , Mamtani Ravinder , Cheema Sohaila
Published: May 2021

School closures during pandemics raise important concerns for children and adolescents. Our aim is synthesizing available data on the impact of school closure during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on child and adolescent health globally. We conducted a rapid systematic review by searching PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar for any study published between January and September 2020. We included a total of ten primary studies. COVID-19-related school closure was associated with a significant decline in the number of hospital admissions and pediatric emergency department visits. However, a number of children and adolescents lost access to school-based healthcare services, special services for children with disabilities, and nutrition programs. A greater risk of widening educational disparities due to lack of support and resources for remote learning were also reported among poorer families and children with disabilities. School closure also contributed to increased anxiety and loneliness in young people and child stress, sadness, frustration, indiscipline, and hyperactivity. The longer the duration of school closure and reduction of daily physical activity, the higher was the predicted increase of Body Mass Index and childhood obesity prevalence. There is a need to identify children and adolescents at higher risk of learning and mental health impairments and support them during school closures.
Bedtime Oral Hygiene Behaviours, Dietary Habits and Children’s Dental Health
Authors: Kitsaras George , Goodwin Michaela , Kelly Michael P. , Pretty Iain A.
Published: May 2021

Background: Oral hygiene behaviours as well as dietary habits before bed can affect children’s dental health resulting in higher prevalence of dental disease. Dental disease can affect children’s health, development and even school performance. If left untreated, dental disease can progress and it can lead to extractions under general anaesthetic causing further distress for children and families. Consistent and appropriate oral hygiene behaviours and dietary habits can prevent dental diseases from occurring in the first place. Objective: This cross-sectional study examines the relationship between oral hygiene behaviours, dietary habits around bedtime and children’s dental health. Methods: A total of 185 parents with children between the ages of 3 and 7 years from deprived areas participated in the study. Data on bedtime routine activities were collected using an automated text-survey system. Children’s dental health status was established through examination of dental charts and dmft (decayed, missed, filled teeth) scores. Results: In total, 52.4% of parents reported that their children’s teeth were brushed every night. The majority of children (58.9%) had dmft scores over zero. In total, 51 (46.7% of children with dmft score over 0 and 27.5% of all children) children had active decay. The mean dmft score for those experiencing decay was 2.96 (SD = 2.22) with an overall mean dmft score of 1.75 (SD = 2.24). There were significant correlations between frequency of tooth brushing, frequency of snacks/drinks before bed and dmft scores (r = −0.584, p < 0.001 and r = 0.547, p = 0.001 respectively). Finally, higher brushing frequency was associated with a lower likelihood of a dmft score greater than 0 (Exp(B) = 0.9). Conclusions: Despite families implementing oral hygiene behaviours as part of their bedtime routines those behaviours varied in their consistency. Results of this study highlight the need for additional studies that consider bedtime routine-related activities and especially the combined effects of oral hygiene practices and dietary habits due to their potentially important relationship with children’s dental health.
Poor Glycemic Control Can Increase the Plasma Kidney Injury Molecule-1 Concentration in Normoalbuminuric Children and Adolescents with Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Ahn Moon Bae , Cho Kyoung Soon , Kim Seul Ki , Kim Shin Hee , Cho Won Kyoung , Jung Min Ho , Suh Jin-Soon , Suh Byung-Kyu
Published: May 2021

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a serious microvascular complication in childhood diabetes and microalbuminuria has been a solid indicator in the assessment of DN. Nevertheless, renal injury may still occur in the presence of normoalbuminuria (NA) and various tubular injury biomarkers have been proposed to assess such damage. This case-controlled study aimed to evaluate plasma and urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) levels in diabetic children particularly in those with normo- and high-NA stages and determine their role in predicting DN. Fifty-four children/adolescents with type 1 and 2 diabetes and forty-four controls aged 7–18 years were included. The baseline clinical and laboratory characteristics including plasma and urinary biomarkers were compared. The plasma KIM-1 levels were significantly higher in diabetic children than in the controls and in high-NA children than normo-NA children. Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) was identified as a significant risk factor for increased plasma KIM-1. The optimal cutoff for HbA1c when the plasma KIM-1 was > 23.10 pg/mL was 6.75% with an area under the curve of 0.77. For diabetic children with mildly increased albuminuria, the plasma KIM-1 complementary to MA may help increase the yield of detecting DN. Our findings also suggested an HbA1c cutoff of 6.75% correlated with increased plasma KIM-1.
Association between Proton Pump Inhibitors and Hearing Impairment: A Nested Case-Control Study
Authors: Kim So Young , Lee Chang Ho , Min Chanyang , Yoo Dae Myoung , Choi Hyo Geun
Published: May 2021

This study investigated the association of previous use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) with the rate of hearing impairment. The ≥40-year-old population in the Korean National Health Insurance Service-Health Screening Cohort was enrolled. The 6626 registered hearing-impaired patients were matched with 508,240 control participants for age, sex, income, region of residence, and index date (date of hearing impairment diagnosis). The prescription histories of PPIs were collected for 2 years before the index date. The odds ratios of the duration of PPI use for hearing impairment were analyzed using conditional logistic regression. Subgroups of age/sex and severity of hearing impairments were additionally analyzed for the relation of PPI use with hearing impairment. PPI use for 30–365 days was associated with a 1.65-times higher odds of hearing impairment (95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.47–1.86 for 30–365 days of PPI medication). PPI use for ≥365 days was also related to 1.52-times higher odds of hearing impairment (95% CI = 1.35–1.72, p < 0.001). All age and sex subgroups demonstrated a positive association between PPI use and hearing impairment. Severe hearing impairment showed consistently higher odds of a relation with PPI use. PPI use was associated with an increased rate of hearing impairment.
Climate Change, Ecosystem Processes and Biological Diversity Responses in High Elevation Communities
Authors: Seastedt Timothy , Oldfather Meagan
Published: May 2021

The populations, species, and communities in high elevation mountainous regions at or above tree line are being impacted by the changing climate. Mountain systems have been recognized as both resilient and extremely threatened by climate change, requiring a more nuanced understanding of potential trajectories of the biotic communities. For high elevation systems in particular, we need to consider how the interactions among climate drivers and topography currently structure the diversity, species composition, and life-history strategies of these communities. Further, predicting biotic responses to changing climate requires knowledge of intra- and inter-specific climate associations within the context of topographically heterogenous landscapes. Changes in temperature, snow, and rain characteristics at regional scales are amplified or attenuated by slope, aspect, and wind patterns occurring at local scales that are often under a hectare or even a meter in extent. Community assemblages are structured by the soil moisture and growing season duration at these local sites, and directional climate change has the potential to alter these two drivers together, independently, or in opposition to one another due to local, intervening variables. Changes threaten species whose water and growing season duration requirements are locally extirpated or species who may be outcompeted by nearby faster-growing, warmer/drier adapted species. However, barring non-analogue climate conditions, species may also be able to more easily track required resource regimes in topographically heterogenous landscapes. New species arrivals composed of competitors, predators and pathogens can further mediate the direct impacts of the changing climate. Plants are moving uphill, demonstrating primary succession with the emergence of new habitats from snow and rock, but these shifts are constrained over the short term by soil limitations and microbes and ultimately by the lack of colonizable terrestrial surfaces. Meanwhile, both subalpine herbaceous and woody species pose threats to more cold-adapted species. Overall, the multiple interacting direct and indirect effects of the changing climate on high elevation systems may lead to multiple potential trajectories for these systems.
Effect of Glass Bubbles on Friction and Wear Characteristics of PDMS-Based Composites
Authors: Lee Sung-Jun , Kim Gang-Min , Kim Chang-Lae
Published: May 2021

The purpose of this study is to improve the mechanical durability and surface frictional characteristics of polymer/ceramic-based composite materials. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)/glass bubble (GB) composite specimens are prepared at various weight ratios (PDMS:GB) by varying the amount of micro-sized GBs added to the PDMS. The surface, mechanical, and tribological characteristics of the PDMS/GB composites are evaluated according to the added ratios of GBs. The changes in internal stress according to the indentation depth after contacting with a steel ball tip to the bare PDMS and PDMS/GB composites having different GB densities are compared through finite element analysis simulation. The elastic modulus is proportional to the GB content, while the friction coefficient generally decreases as the GB content increases. A smaller amount of GB in the PDMS/GB composite results in more surface damage than the bare PDMS, but a significant reduction in wear rate is achieved when the ratio of PDMS:GB is greater than 100:5.
Physicochemical Properties and Biological Activity of Active Films Based on Corn Peptide Incorporated Carboxymethyl Chitosan
Authors: Wang Liyan , Lei Liang , Wan Kang , Fu Yuan , Hu Hewen
Published: May 2021

Active films based on carboxymethyl chitosan incorporated corn peptide were developed, and the effect of the concentration of corn peptide on films was evaluated. Physicochemical properties of the films, including thickness, opacity, moisture content, color, mechanical properties, water vapor permeability, and oil resistance, were measured. Biological activities of the films, including the antioxidant and antibacterial activities, were characterized in terms of 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging activity, reducing power, the total antioxidant activity, and the filter disc inhibition zone method. The results indicated that the incorporation of corn peptide caused interactions between carboxymethyl chitosan and corn peptide in Maillard reaction and gave rise to the films light yellow appearance. Compared with the Control, the degree of glycosylation, browning intensity, thickness, opacity, tensile strength, antioxidant activity, and antibacterial activity of films were increased, but the elongation, vapor permeability, and oil resistance of films were decreased. The films based on corn peptide and carboxymethyl chitosan can potentially be applied to food packaging.
Facial Treatment with 3-O-Cetyl Ascorbic Acid for Improvement of Skin Texture: Uptake, Effectiveness, and In Vitro Carcinogenicity Assessment
Authors: Doi Natsumi , Yamada Yoshifumi , Toyoshima Misaki , Kondo Yuki , Nakaoji Koichi , Hamada Kazuhiko , Tatsuka Masaaki
Published: May 2021

Ascorbic acid (AA) is a water-soluble vitamin that is found at high concentrations in normal skin. The important and well-known benefits of using AA in skin health include the stimulation of collagen synthesis and the assistance of protection against photo-oxidative damages. To maintain stability and improve drug delivery to the active site, a variety of AA derivatives have been chemically synthesized. Among these compounds, we focus here on a lipophilic derivative, 3-O-cetyl ascorbic acid (3-CetylAA), which remains poorly characterized for cosmetic applications. Uptake analysis in three healthy human volunteers’ skin was conducted using a serial tape-stripping technique detecting 3-CetylAA (on average, 128 ± 27 pmol per µg) in the stratum corneum after a 5-h topical treatment when treated with 25 mM 3-CetylAA-containing cream for 13 days twice daily and continuously. Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) imaging of vertical cryosections of pig skin revealed the presence of 3-CetylAA in the epidermal layer after topical treatment with 3-CetylAA-containing cream. In sun-exposed human skin, 3-CetylAA improved the texture after treatment with 25 mM 3-CetylAA-containing cream for 4 weeks or more when used twice daily or continuously. An in vitro transformation assay using BALB/c 3T3 A31-1-1 cells demonstrated that 10 µM 3-CetylAA, which is the same concentration exhibited in vitro biological activities in another lipophilic AA derivative, 2-O-octadecyl ascorbic acid, was non-carcinogenic and did not potentiate the UVC-induced transformation frequency when applied for 3 days after UVC irradiation. These results demonstrate that 3-CetylAA is a promising candidate as a lipophilic derivative of AA for cosmetic purposes.
Detection of Degenerative Changes on MR Images of the Lumbar Spine with a Convolutional Neural Network: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Lehnen Nils Christian , Haase Robert , Faber Jennifer , Rüber Theodor , Vatter Hartmut , Radbruch Alexander , Schmeel Frederic Carsten
Published: May 2021

Our objective was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of a convolutional neural network (CNN) trained on multiple MR imaging features of the lumbar spine, to detect a variety of different degenerative changes of the lumbar spine. One hundred and forty-six consecutive patients underwent routine clinical MRI of the lumbar spine including T2-weighted imaging and were retrospectively analyzed using a CNN for detection and labeling of vertebrae, disc segments, as well as presence of disc herniation, disc bulging, spinal canal stenosis, nerve root compression, and spondylolisthesis. The assessment of a radiologist served as the diagnostic reference standard. We assessed the CNN’s diagnostic accuracy and consistency using confusion matrices and McNemar’s test. In our data, 77 disc herniations (thereof 46 further classified as extrusions), 133 disc bulgings, 35 spinal canal stenoses, 59 nerve root compressions, and 20 segments with spondylolisthesis were present in a total of 888 lumbar spine segments. The CNN yielded a perfect accuracy score for intervertebral disc detection and labeling (100%), and moderate to high diagnostic accuracy for the detection of disc herniations (87%; 95% CI: 0.84, 0.89), extrusions (86%; 95% CI: 0.84, 0.89), bulgings (76%; 95% CI: 0.73, 0.78), spinal canal stenoses (98%; 95% CI: 0.97, 0.99), nerve root compressions (91%; 95% CI: 0.89, 0.92), and spondylolisthesis (87.61%; 95% CI: 85.26, 89.21), respectively. Our data suggest that automatic diagnosis of multiple different degenerative changes of the lumbar spine is feasible using a single comprehensive CNN. The CNN provides high diagnostic accuracy for intervertebral disc labeling and detection of clinically relevant degenerative changes such as spinal canal stenosis and disc extrusion of the lumbar spine.
Rosette-Forming Glioneuronal Tumor of the Fourth Ventricle: A Case of Relapse Treated with Proton Beam Therapy
Authors: Cacchione Antonella , Mastronuzzi Angela , Carai Andrea , Colafati Giovanna Stefania , Diomedi-Camassei Francesca , Marrazzo Antonio , Carboni Alessia , Miele Evelina , Pedace Lucia , Tartaglia Marco , Amichetti Maurizio , Fellin Francesco , Lodi Mariachiara , Vennarini Sabina
Published: May 2021

Rosette-forming glioneuronal tumors (RGNTs) are rare, grade I, central nervous system (CNS) tumors typically localized to the fourth ventricle. We describe a 9-year-old girl with dizziness and occipital headache. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a large hypodense posterior fossa mass lesion in relation to the vermis, with cystic component. Surgical resection of the tumor was performed. A RGNT diagnosis was made at the histopathological examination. During follow-up, the patient experienced a first relapse, which was again surgically removed. Eight months after, MRI documented a second recurrence at the local level. She was a candidate for the proton beam therapy (PBT) program. Three years after the end of PBT, the patient had no evidence of disease recurrence. This report underlines that, although RGNTs are commonly associated with an indolent course, they may have the potential for aggressive behavior, suggesting the need for treatment in addition to surgery. Controversy exists in the literature regarding effective management of RGNTs. Chemotherapy and radiation are used as adjuvant therapy, but their efficacy management has not been adequately described in the literature. This is the first case report published in which PBT was proposed for adjuvant therapy in place of chemotherapy in RGNT relapse.
SalivaSTAT: Direct-PCR and Pooling of Saliva Samples Collected in Healthcare and Community Setting for SARS-CoV-2 Mass Surveillance
Authors: Sahajpal Nikhil S. , Mondal Ashis K. , Ananth Sudha , Njau Allan , Ahluwalia Pankaj , Newnam Gary , Lozoya-Colinas Adriana , Hud Nicholas V. , Kota Vamsi , Ross Ted M. , Reid Michelle D. , Fulzele Sadanand , Chaubey Alka , Hegde Madhuri , Rojiani Amyn M. , Kolhe Ravindra
Published: May 2021

Objectives: Limitations of widespread current COVID-19 diagnostic testing exist in both the pre-analytical and analytical stages. To alleviate these limitations, we developed a universal saliva processing protocol (SalivaSTAT) that would enable an extraction-free RT-PCR test using commercially available RT-PCR kits. Methods: We optimized saliva collection devices, heat-shock treatment, and homogenization. Saliva samples (879) previously tested using the FDA-EUA method were reevaluated with the optimized SalivaSTAT protocol using two widely available commercial RT-PCR kits. A five-sample pooling strategy was evaluated as per FDA guidelines. Results: Saliva collection (done without any media) showed performance comparable to that of the FDA-EUA method. The SalivaSTAT protocol was optimized by incubating saliva samples at 95 °C for 30-min and homogenization, followed by RT-PCR assay. The clinical sample evaluation of 630 saliva samples using the SalivaSTAT protocol with PerkinElmer (600-samples) and CDC (30-samples) RT-PCR assay achieved positive (PPA) and negative percent agreements (NPAs) of 95.0% and 100%, respectively. The LoD was established as ~60–180 copies/mL by absolute quantification. Furthermore, a five-sample-pooling evaluation using 250 saliva samples achieved a PPA and NPA of 92% and 100%, respectively. Conclusion: We have optimized an extraction-free RT-PCR assay for saliva samples that demonstrates comparable performance to FDA-EUA assay (Extraction and RT-PCR).
Predicting Polysomnography Parameters from Anthropometric Features and Breathing Sounds Recorded during Wakefulness
Authors: Elwali Ahmed , Moussavi Zahra
Published: May 2021

Background: The apnea/hypopnea index (AHI) is the primary outcome of a polysomnography assessment (PSG) for determining obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) severity. However, other OSA severity parameters (i.e., total arousal index, mean oxygen saturation (SpO2%), etc.) are crucial for a full diagnosis of OSA and deciding on a treatment option. PSG assessments and home sleep tests measure these parameters, but there is no screening tool to estimate or predict the OSA severity parameters other than the AHI. In this study, we investigated whether a combination of breathing sounds recorded during wakefulness and anthropometric features could be predictive of PSG parameters. Methods: Anthropometric information and five tracheal breathing sound cycles were recorded during wakefulness from 145 individuals referred to an overnight PSG study. The dataset was divided into training, validation, and blind testing datasets. Spectral and bispectral features of the sounds were evaluated to run correlation and classification analyses with the PSG parameters collected from the PSG sleep reports. Results: Many sound and anthropometric features had significant correlations (up to 0.56) with PSG parameters. Using combinations of sound and anthropometric features in a bilinear model for each PSG parameter resulted in correlation coefficients up to 0.84. Using the evaluated models for classification with a two-class random-forest classifier resulted in a blind testing classification accuracy up to 88.8% for predicting the key PSG parameters such as arousal index. Conclusions: These results add new value to the current OSA screening tools and provide a new promising possibility for predicting PSG parameters using only a few seconds of breathing sounds recorded during wakefulness without conducting an overnight PSG study.
A UAV-GPR Fusion Approach for the Characterization of a Quarry Excavation Area in Falconara Albanese, Southern Italy
Authors: Saponaro Annamaria , Dipierro Giovanni , Cannella Emanuele , Panarese Antonio , Galiano Angelo Maurizio , Massaro Alessandro
Published: May 2021

The characterization of a quarry site which is suitable for railway ballast aggregate production represents a big challenge for the mining industry. The knowledge of structural discontinuities within local geological materials is fundamental to guide mining operations, optimize investments, and guarantee quarry security. This research work presents an innovative methodology for the subsurface investigation of a quarry excavation area down to a depth of about 50 m in Falconara Albanese, Calabria, Italy. The proposed methodological approach incorporates photogrammetry, drone technology, and GPR data acquisition and processing. Photogrammetry represents the first step for obtaining a 3D topographical model reconstruction of the whole quarry, helping to detail the acquisition approach and properly plan the subsequent drone survey. In particular, two 120 MHz antennas have been mounted on the drone and two profiles have been acquired above and across the quarry. Results show the presence of fractured material and demonstrate the applicability of the method for identification of areas that are more suitable for railway ballast production. The presented method is therefore capable of detecting subsurficial fractures at a quarry site by means of a relatively fast and cost-effective procedure. Results are achieved within the framework of an industry project.
Reply to Pessoa, P.; Arderucio Costa, B. Comment on “Tsallis, C. Black Hole Entropy: A Closer Look. Entropy 2020, 22, 17”
Authors: Tsallis Constantino
Published: May 2021

In the present Reply we restrict our focus only onto the main erroneous claims by Pessoa and Costa in their recent Comment (Entropy 2020, 22, 1110).
Correction: Gill, R.D. Does Geometric Algebra Provide a Loophole to Bell’s Theorem? Entropy 2020, 22, 61
Authors: Gill Richard David
Published: May 2021

Corrections are made to my paper “Gill, R.D. Does Geometric Algebra Provide a Loophole to Bell’s Theorem? Entropy 2020, 22, 61” [...]
Invariant Quantum States of Quadratic Hamiltonians
Authors: Dodonov Viktor V.
Published: May 2021

The problem of finding covariance matrices that remain constant in time for arbitrary multi-dimensional quadratic Hamiltonians (including those with time-dependent coefficients) is considered. General solutions are obtained.
Tomographic Description of a Quantum Wave Packet in an Accelerated Frame
Authors: De Nicola Sergio , Fedele Renato , Jovanović Dušan , Man’ko Margarita A. , Man’ko Vladimir I.
Published: May 2021

The tomography of a single quantum particle (i.e., a quantum wave packet) in an accelerated frame is studied. We write the Schrödinger equation in a moving reference frame in which acceleration is uniform in space and an arbitrary function of time. Then, we reduce such a problem to the study of spatiotemporal evolution of the wave packet in an inertial frame in the presence of a homogeneous force field but with an arbitrary time dependence. We demonstrate the existence of a Gaussian wave packet solution, for which the position and momentum uncertainties are unaffected by the uniform force field. This implies that, similar to in the case of a force-free motion, the uncertainty product is unaffected by acceleration. In addition, according to the Ehrenfest theorem, the wave packet centroid moves according to classic Newton’s law of a particle experiencing the effects of uniform acceleration. Furthermore, as in free motion, the wave packet exhibits a diffraction spread in the configuration space but not in momentum space. Then, using Radon transform, we determine the quantum tomogram of the Gaussian state evolution in the accelerated frame. Finally, we characterize the wave packet evolution in the accelerated frame in terms of optical and simplectic tomogram evolution in the related tomographic space.
Disclosure of Non-Current Tangible Assets Information in Private Sector Entities Financial Statements: The Case of Lithuania
Authors: Kanapickiene Rasa , Keliuotyte-Staniuleniene Greta , Teresiene Deimante
Published: May 2021

The research aims to examine and evaluate the accounting information disclosure (AID) quality of the non-current tangible assets in the annual financial statements of private sector entities of Lithuania and identify characteristics of these enterprises that have an impact on the AID quality. The research model of the AID quality in the financial statements is created. Based on the national accounting standards’ legal requirements, the original checklists were structured, and the disclosure quality indexes (DQIs) allowing evaluation of AID (both mandatory and voluntary) quality were formed. The empirical results show that Lithuanian enterprises’ AID quality was sufficient and average during the investigation period. The significant AID quality change was not observed during the short term (2007–2008), i.e., when Lithuania was going through a significant change in the economy, where the rapid growth was followed by the financial crisis. In addition, it was investigated whether significant changes were observed during the long term (2007–2016) when Lithuania was transforming from a developing to a developed country. The results show that during this period the disclosure of mandatory (for all enterprises) and voluntary information did not change significantly, while additional (for large and medium) AID quality increased. Multiple panel regression analysis showed that the enterprise’s characteristics (such as its size, debt-paying capacity, indebtedness, tangible assets, and profitability) appeared to have a statistically significant effect on the AID quality. The research findings could contribute to helping shareholders, potential investors or creditors, financial analysts, and other stakeholders when making decisions in regard to the evaluation of the AID quality as well as helping regulators to increase standards for information transparency and comparability.
Can Pre-Service Biology Teachers’ Professional Knowledge and Diagnostic Activities Be Fostered by Self-Directed Knowledge Acquisition via Texts?
Authors: Kramer Maria , Förtsch Christian , Neuhaus Birgit J.
Published: May 2021

In a diagnostic context of reasoning about instructional quality, scientific reasoning skills can be described as diagnostic activities, which require professional knowledge. Different approaches to enhance pre-service teachers’ professional knowledge (PCK, CK, PK), as well as diagnostic activities exist. However, results about their effectiveness are still inconsistent. We systematically investigated the effectiveness of self-directed knowledge acquisition via texts on PCK, CK, PK, and diagnostic activities of 81 pre-service biology teachers following an experimental design. Paper-pencil tests, measuring PCK, CK, and PK, and the video-based assessment tool DiKoBi Assess, measuring diagnostic activities in the context of diagnosing instructional quality, were used pre and post an intervention. Intervention included four treatments on self-directed knowledge acquisition via texts on (1) PCK, (2) CK, (3) PK, (4) combination PCK/CK/PK. Treatment (5) served as control. Mixed ANOVAs showed large time effects for PCK and CK, but no interaction effect concerning knowledge facets between time and treatment for any of the treatments. Time effects might be due to pre-service teachers’ scientific reasoning on biology instruction that activated knowledge. An ANCOVA showed no significant effect of treatment on diagnostic activities either. We conclude that scientific reasoning about instructional quality is more effective for knowledge acquisition than text-work.
Interpersonal Meaning: Verbal Text–Image Relations in Multimodal Science Texts for Young Children
Authors: Koutsikou Maria , Christidou Vasilia , Papadopoulou Maria , Bonoti Fotini
Published: May 2021

Verbal text and images constitute the principal semiotic modes interacting to produce interpersonal meanings in multimodal science texts for young children. These meanings relate to pedagogical perceptions about children’s learning. This study examined verbal text–image relations regarding the interpersonal meaning dimensions of address (the way the reader is addressed), social distance (the kind of the relationship between the reader and represented participants), and involvement (the extent to which the reader is engaged with what is represented) in multimodal text excerpts from science-related books for preschool children. The sample consisted of 300 randomly selected units of analysis. For each unit, the verbal and the visual content was analyzed along each dimension, and the relevant verbal text–image relation was determined. Results indicated that regarding address and involvement, relations of convergence appeared significantly more frequently than relations of complementarity and divergence. Concerning social distance, relations of complementarity and divergence were observed more frequently than relations of convergence. Results are discussed in the context of the Systemic Functional Grammar and the Grammar of Visual Design, in the light of the socio-cognitive perspective on science teaching and learning. Implications for the selection, design, and use of multimodal science texts for young children are also discussed.
Application of Logistic Regression Algorithm in the Interpretation of Dissolved Gas Analysis for Power Transformers
Authors: Almoallem Yousuf D. , Taha Ibrahim B. M. , Mosaad Mohamed I. , Nahma Lara , Abu-Siada Ahmed
Published: May 2021

Dissolved gas analysis (DGA) is one of the regular routine tests accepted by worldwide utilities to detect power transformer incipient faults. While the DGA measurement has fully matured since the development of offline and online sensors, interpretation of the DGA results still calls for advanced approaches to automate and standardize the process. Current industry practice relies on various interpretation techniques that are reported to be inconsistent and, in some cases, unreliable. This paper presents a new application for the advanced logistic regression algorithm to improve the reliability of the DGA interpretation process. In this regard, regularized logistic regression is used to improve the accuracy of the DGA interpretation process. Results reveal the superior features of the proposed logistic regression approach over the conventional and artificial intelligence techniques presented in the literature.
Autonomous Vehicles Technological Trends
Authors: Talavera Edgar , Díaz-Álvarez Alberto , Naranjo José Eugenio , Olaverri-Monreal Cristina
Published: May 2021

One of the technologies widely considered to be the most promising for reducing a number of traffic-related problems, including traffic jams, safety within and outside of cities, among others, is the autonomous vehicle [...]
Is There a Predisposition towards the Use of New Technologies within the Traffic Field of Emerging Countries? The Case of the Dominican Republic
Authors: Alonso Francisco , Faus Mireia , Esteban Cristina , Useche Sergio A.
Published: May 2021

Technological devices are becoming more and more integrated in the management and control of traffic in big cities. The population perceives the benefits provided by these systems, and, therefore, citizens usually have a favorable opinion of them. However, emerging countries, which have fewer available infrastructures, could present a certain lack of trust. The objective of this work is to detect the level of knowledge and predisposition towards the use of new technologies in the transportation field of the Dominican Republic. For this study, the National Survey on Mobility was administered to a sample of Dominican citizens, proportional to the ONE census and to sex, age and province. The knowledge of ITS topics, as well as the use of mobile applications for mobility, are scarce; however, there was a significant increase that can be observed in only one year. Moreover, technology is, in general, positively assessed for what concerns the improvement of the traffic field, even though there is a lack of predisposition to provide one’s personal data, which is necessary for these devices. The process of technological development in the country must be backed up by laws that protect the citizens’ privacy. Thus, technologies that can improve road safety, mobility and sustainability can be implemented in the country.
Design of a Charge Pump Circuit and System with Input Impedance Modulation for a Flexible-Type Thermoelectric Generator with High-Output Impedance
Authors: Koketsu Kazuma , Tanzawa Toru
Published: May 2021

This paper describes a charge pump system for a flexible thermoelectric generator (TEG). Even though the TEG has high-output impedance, the system controls the input voltage to keep it higher than the minimum operating voltage by modulating the input impedance of the charge pump using two-phase operation with low- and high-input impedance modes. The average input impedance can be matched with the output impedance of the TEG. How the system can be designed is also described in detail. A design demonstration was performed for the TEG with 400 Ω. The fabricated system was also measured with a flexible-type TEG based on carbon nanotubes. Even with an output impedance of 1.4 kΩ, the system converted thermal energy into electric power of 30 μW at 2.5 V to the following sensor ICs.
Transmission Analysis in Human Body Communication for Head-Mounted Wearable Devices
Authors: Muramatsu Dairoku , Sasaki Ken
Published: May 2021

As society ages, wireless body area networks (WBANs) are expected to increasingly improve the quality of life of the elderly and disabled. One promising WBAN technology is human body communication (HBC), which utilizes part of the human body as a transmission medium. Communication between head-mounted wearable devices, such as hearing aids, is a potential HBC application. To clarify the HBC transmission mechanism between head-mounted wearable devices, this study analyzes the input impedance characteristics of the transceiver electrodes, transmission characteristics, and electric field distributions around and through a detailed head model. The investigation was performed via an electromagnetic field simulation. The signal frequency had less effect on the transmission characteristics and electric field distributions at 10, 20, and 30 MHz. However, the transmission mechanism between the head-mounted wearable devices was influenced by the number of electrodes in the transceiver. Moreover, the transmission characteristics between two-electrode transceivers were improved by impedance matching. Finally, the availability of the proposed system was evaluated from power consumption and human safety perspectives.
Applying Artificial Intelligence to Predict the Composition of Syngas Using Rice Husks: A Comparison of Artificial Neural Networks and Gradient Boosting Regression
Authors: Wen Hung-Ta , Lu Jau-Huai , Phuc Mai-Xuan
Published: May 2021

The purpose of this study is to utilize two artificial intelligence (AI) models to predict the syngas composition of a fixed bed updraft gasifier for the gasification of rice husks. Air and steam-air mixtures are the gasifying agents. In the present work, the feeding rate of rice husks is kept constant, while the air and steam flow rates vary in each case. The consideration of various operating conditions provides a clear comparison between air and steam-air gasification. The effects of the reactor temperature, steam-air flow rate, and the ratio of steam to biomass are investigated here. The concentrations of combustible gases such as hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and methane in syngas are increased when using the steam-air mixture. Two AI models, namely artificial neural network (ANN) and gradient boosting regression (GBR), are applied to predict the syngas compositions using the experimental data. A total of 74 sets of data are analyzed. The compositions of five gases (CO, CO2, H2, CH4, and N2) are predicted by the ANN and GBR models. The coefficients of determination (R2) range from 0.80 to 0.89 for the ANN model, while the value of R2 ranges from 0.81 to 0.93 for GBR model. In this study, the GBR model outperforms the ANNs model based on its ensemble technique that uses multiple weak learners. As a result, the GBR model is more convincing in the prediction of syngas composition than the ANN model considered in this research.
The Effect of Electric Bridge Lighting at Night on Mayfly Activity
Authors: Durmus Dorukalp , Wang Julian , Good Shawn , Basom Benjamin
Published: May 2021

Phototactic and polarotactic aquatic insects, such as mayflies, can be drawn to electric lighting on bridges at night. Past research investigating the effect of light intensity, polarization, and spectrum on mayflies suggests that a combination of different techniques can reduce the number of mayflies attracted to bridges. Here, various lighting strategies are systematically tested on Veterans Memorial Bridge in Pennsylvania to investigate the effect of lighting on mayflies and address safety concerns caused by their mass crowding. Isolated trials on different parts of the bridge tested the effectiveness of correlated color temperature, chromaticity, ultraviolet radiation, shielding, and polarization. Results indicate that mayflies were more attracted to ultraviolet radiation, blue and green light, and polarized light than other lighting conditions. Shielding was minimally effective in reducing the number of mayflies on the bridge when supported by the change in light source spectrum. While the correlated color temperature did not result in a statistically significant impact, the spectral power distribution of the light sources was a major influencer for mayfly activity. Future research should investigate the effect of radiant intensity and timing on mayfly activity. Smart solid-state lighting systems and controls can also be used to adjust the light levels when needed to reduce adverse effects on aquatic insects and aid traffic safety.
Renewable Energy Generation Gaps in Poland: The Role of Regional Innovation Systems and Knowledge Transfer
Authors: Zarębski Patrycjusz , Krupin Vitaliy , Zwęglińska-Gałecka Dominika
Published: May 2021

Aim of the research is to analyze regional gaps in terms of renewable energy generation across Poland. For this purpose, four types of regions were outlined based on two indicators: the existing renewable energy generation capacity and the current regional energy demand revealed through the number of residents. This classification allowed to reveal regions in Poland that have distinct features of energy gaps and peripherality, while also more successful regions with renewable energy surpluses and distinct sustainable energy potential. For each of the region type key potential systemic problems in terms of renewable energy generation development were given. To understand how peripheral regions and regions with energy gaps could be supported in their development of renewable energy generation the regional innovation systems, social networks, knowledge and technology transfer and diffusion were substantiated. Results of the research can serve as an aid in development of national and regional energy policies, helping to understand peculiarities of local renewable energy generation and the influence of enabling environment peculiar to the specific region, including the regional innovation systems and intensity of knowledge transfer and diffusion.