bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Feeding Regimes and Postmortem Aging on Meat Quality, Fatty Acid Composition, and Volatile Flavor of Longissimus Thoracis Muscle in Sunit Sheep
Authors: Yang Zhihao , Liu Chang , Dou Lu , Chen Xiaoyu , Zhao Lihua , Su Lin , Jin Ye
Published: November 2022

The effects of different feeding regimes on antioxidant activity, meat quality, fatty acid composition, lipid oxidation, and volatile matter production in the longissimus thoracis (LT) of Sunit sheep at 0, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h postmortem were investigated. The results showed that the activity of antioxidant enzymes, tenderness, water retention, and percentage of unsaturated fatty acids were significantly higher in the pasture-fed sheep (PF) than in the concentrate-fed sheep (CF) (p < 0.05). During postmortem aging, antioxidant activity, water retention, and the proportion of unsaturated fatty acids decreased in the PF and CF (p < 0.05), while malondialdehyde (MDA) content, the proportion of saturated fatty acids, and the content of flavor substances resulting from fat oxidation increased. After 24 h of LT muscle aging, the pH and shear force of the meat started to increase and the color stabilized. The differences between shear force values and lipid volatile flavor substance content of sheep meat under different feeding regimes disappeared with increasing aging time. PF had better oxidative stability and fatty acid composition. Postmortem aging changed the oxidative stability of sheep meat, thus affecting meat quality and fatty acid composition and consequently meat flavor composition, while aging also eliminated to some extent the differences caused by feeding regimes.
Spectrophotometric Methods for Measurement of Antioxidant Activity in Food and Pharmaceuticals
Authors: Christodoulou Marios C. , Orellana Palacios Jose C. , Hesami Golnaz , Jafarzadeh Shima , Lorenzo José M. , Domínguez Rubén , Moreno Andres , Hadidi Milad
Published: November 2022

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the application of antioxidants in food and pharmaceuticals due to their association with beneficial health effects against numerous oxidative-related human diseases. The antioxidant potential can be measured by various assays with specific mechanisms of action, including hydrogen atom transfer, single electron transfer, and targeted scavenging activities. Understanding the chemistry of mechanisms, advantages, and limitations of the methods is critical for the proper selection of techniques for the valid assessment of antioxidant activity in specific samples or conditions. There are various analytical techniques available for determining the antioxidant activity of biological samples, including food and plant extracts. The different methods are categorized into three main groups, such as spectrometry, chromatography, and electrochemistry techniques. Among these assays, spectrophotometric methods are considered the most common analytical technique for the determination of the antioxidant potential due to their sensitivity, rapidness, low cost, and reproducibility. This review covers the mechanism of actions and color changes that occur in each method. Furthermore, the advantages and limitations of spectrophotometric methods are described and discussed in this review.
2D-LiDAR-Sensor-Based Retaining Wall Displacement Measurement System
Authors: Kim Jun-Sang , Lee Gil-yong , Kim Young Suk
Published: November 2022

The displacement of retaining walls is measured using inclinometers in order to evaluate the safety of the wall. However, inclinometers have three problems: they (1) are difficult to install, (2) have local displacement detection, and (3) are measured using manpower. Consequently, a two-dimensional (2D) LiDAR sensor-based retaining wall displacement measurement system that facilitates installation and three-dimensional (3D) displacement detection (more economically feasible than inclinometers) was developed in order to overcome the aforementioned limitations. The developed system collects 3D point cloud data about the retaining wall by rotating the 2D LiDAR sensor 360° at a constant speed. Laboratory experiments were performed using a simulated deformation model to evaluate the displacement measurement performance of the system, which had a root-mean-square error of 2.82 mm at approximately 20 m. The economic feasibility of the system was analyzed, which revealed that the system was economically feasible, with a benefit/cost ratio and breakeven point of 3.52 and 2.71 years, respectively.
Three-Dimensional Dubins-Path-Guided Continuous Curvature Path Smoothing
Authors: Park Sungsu
Published: November 2022

This paper presents an efficient three-dimensional (3D) Dubins path design and a new continuous curvature path-smoothing algorithm. The proposed 3D Dubins path is a simple extension of the 2D path and serves as a reference path generator to guide the proposed smoothing algorithm. In the smoothing algorithm, the reference path is approximated by several cubic Bezier curves to generate a parametric path that simultaneously satisfies curvature continuity and maximum curvature requirements. The algorithm also provides a criterion to select a required number of Bezier curves to strictly meet the maximum curvature constraint. Therefore, our algorithm can be used for 3D path-following applications in many areas such as aerospace and robotics. The numerical simulation results show that the proposed algorithm produces a continuous curvature path that passes through all waypoints with a slight increase in path length compared with the original 3D Dubins reference path.
A Methodology to Evaluate User Experience for People with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Valencia Katherine , Rusu Cristian , Botella Federico , Jamet Erick
Published: November 2022

People with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have an affinity for technology, which is why multiple studies have implemented different technological proposals focused on the development of skills in people with ASD. Studies have evaluated the user experience (UX) and/or usability of their technological proposals through different evaluation methods, so they can be friendly and usable for users with ASD. However, the evaluation methods and instruments used do not consider the specific characteristics and needs of people with ASD, and furthermore, details are lacking in their implementations. To formalize the UX evaluation process, we propose a three-stage methodology to evaluate the UX in systems, products and services used by adults with ASD. The methodology considers in its processes, evaluation methods and instruments the characteristics of people with ASD so that, through the UX evaluation, the satisfaction and perception of these users about the system, product or service evaluated is improved. This proposal has been validated through the opinions of experts with knowledge in UX/Usability and ASD in two instances, which have contributed to specify, restructure, and improve the methodology.
Fuzzy MLKNN in Credit User Portrait
Authors: Zhang Zhuangyi , Han Lu , Chen Muzi
Published: November 2022

Aiming at the problems of subjective enhancement caused by the discretization of credit data and the lack of a multi-dimensional portrait of credit users in the current credit data research, this paper proposes an improved Fuzzy MLKNN multi-label learning algorithm based on MLKNN. On the one hand, the subjectivity of credit data after discretization is weakened by introducing intuitionistic fuzzy numbers. On the other hand, the algorithm is improved by using the corresponding fuzzy Euclidean distance to realize the multi-label portrait of credit users. The experimental results show that Fuzzy MLKNN performs significantly better than MLKNN on credit data and has the most significant improvement on One Error.
Holarrhena pubescens Wall. ex G. Don Extracts Inhibit LPS-Irritated Oxidative Stress in Dendritic Cells
Authors: Yin Yinyan , Zhou Bangyue , Bai Lirong , Feng Danni , Qin Tao , Li Chunmei
Published: November 2022

Holarrhena pubescens Wall. ex G. Don (H. pubescens), belonging to the Apocynaceae family, is distributed in deciduous forests of the tropical Himalayas. H. pubescens is an important traditional medicinal plant, especially its seeds and barks. Therefore, we assessed the antioxidant capacity of H. pubescens extracts in Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced dendritic cells (DCs) for sepsis treatment. Our results indicated that H. pubescens extracts with different doses (25 μg/mL, 50 μg/mL, 100 μg/mL) reduced the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, and weakened the nitric oxide synthases (NOS) activity and nitric oxide (NO) level in LPS (100 ng/mL)-irritated DCs. In addition, H. pubescens extracts decreased the oxidized glutathione (GSSG) production but increased the reduced glutathione (GSH) production, thereby preserving the cellular reductive status owing to the raised GSH/GSSG ratio. Furthermore, H. pubescens extracts strengthened the antioxidant enzymes activity in LPS-induced DCs, such as glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Finally, we found that H. pubescens extracts significantly improved the expression of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and the heme oxygenase 1 (HO–1) in LPS-irritated DCs. These results indicated that H. pubescens extracts suppressed the LPS-irritated oxidative stress in DCs via Nrf2/HO–1 signaling pathway, providing a potential strategy for sepsis therapy.
Post-Stroke Gait Classification Based on Feature Space Transformation and Data Labeling
Authors: Burduk Robert , Rojek Izabela , Mikołajewska Emilia , Mikołajewski Dariusz
Published: November 2022

Despite scientific and clinical advances, stroke is still considered one of the main causes of disability, including gait disorders. The search for more effective methods of gait re-education in post-stroke patients is one of the most important issues in contemporary neurorehabilitation. In this paper, we propose a transformation of the feature space and definition of class labels in the post-stroke gait problem to more efficiently study related phenomena and assess gait faster. Clustering is used to define two class labels (improvement and recurrence) in the data labeling process. The proposed approach was tested on a real-world dataset consisting of 50 patients (male and female, aged 49–82 years) after ischemic stroke who participated in a gait rehabilitation program. Gait in the study was described using speed, cadence, and stride length and their normalized values. Ten treatment sessions (10 therapy days) were conducted over two weeks (10 working days). The same specialist took measurements, and hence inter-rater reliability can be neglected. Machine learning methods, support vector machine and quadratic discriminant analysis were used to classify post-stroke gait for three cases with different class labels. The proposed novel approach, characterized by its speed of execution and accuracy of classification, may be helpful for screening, better targeting, and rehabilitation monitoring. The proposed approach minimizes clinical testing and supports the work of physicians, physiotherapists, and diagnosticians.
Technical Debt Prioritization in Telecommunication Applications: Why the Actual Refactoring Deviates from the Plan and How to Remediate It? Case Study in the COVID Era
Authors: Stochel Marek G. , Wawrowski Mariusz R. , Chołda Piotr
Published: November 2022

This paper focuses on application of a technical debt prioritisation technique in telecommunication software managing a fleet of devices for a video surveillance system. Technical debt for this application was gathered, categorised and prioritised according to the Continuous Debt Valuation Approach (CoDVA), previously proposed by the authors. The following research question was posed: Is prioritising technical debt reduction based on CoDVA effective (i.e., executed as per plan, bringing tangible benefits)? The outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic caused unprecedented disturbance to the engineering organisations worldwide, therefore the technical debt identification phase had to be adapted to cope with a switch to forced working-from-home mode. This was achieved by applying the Wisdom of Crowds method, ensuring broad participation of engineers, and providing a fairly complete picture of the accrued technical debt. Nevertheless, the actual technical debt reduction activities did not follow exactly the expected guidelines. The three main causes of this phenomenon were discovered: continuous refactoring approach, sizing of technical debt items, and the broadened scope of refactoring activities. Therefore, as a result of this case study we propose to adopt a specific broadened definition of technical debt and follow a few rules for defining its scope and granularity.
Geochemical Assessment of Mineral Resource Potential in a Hg-Sb-Pb-Zn Mining Area: The Almadén and Guadalmez Synclines (South-Central Spain)
Authors: Barquero José Ignacio , Lorenzo Saturnino , Esbrí José M. , Rivera Sofía , González-Valoys Ana C. , García-Ordiales Efrén , Higueras Pablo
Published: November 2022

The geochemical data from surface soils are often neglected or questioned when prospecting for ore deposits within active mining districts due to the “background noise” produced by anthropogenic pollution derived from mining activity. Large datasets on a national and international scale offer interesting possibilities to discover prospective zones. In the present work, data from the Geochemical Atlas of Castilla–La Mancha were treated in an area with an intense history of mining Hg, Pb, Zn, and Sb: the Almadén and Guadalmez synclines and the Alcudia Valley. The sampling grid was densified to adapt it to the scale of the main geological formations, and a cluster analysis was carried out to establish the relationships between the variables and a factor analysis to distinguish between geogenic and metallogenic factors. The results showed very high concentrations of some elements of prospective interest in local background areas: Hg (51 mg kg−1), Pb (1190 mg kg−1), and Sb (45 mg kg−1), with high variation coefficients. Cluster analysis unveiled a relationship between most of the local ore-forming metals (As, Sb, Hg, Pb, and Ag) with a clear correlation between Hg and organic matter, suggesting a notable contribution of Hg in soil. The factor analysis highlighted five factors, three geogenic and two ore-forming elements. Despite Hg being the main candidate to form a separate factor, its aerial deposition and a large number of outliers in the Almadén syncline contributed to integrating the element into a geogenic factor. Instead, factors F4 (Pb and Zn) and F5 (As and Sb) delimited the prospective areas in both synclines far from the known and the exploited mines. Some of these areas coincided with discovered mineralized zones, specifically in the area SE of a derelict Sb mine, confirming the usefulness of these datasets and statistical tools in areas with recent mining activity.
Sensitive Electrochemical Detection of 4-Nitrophenol with PEDOT:PSS Modified Pt NPs-Embedded PPy-CB@ZnO Nanocomposites
Authors: Faisal Mohd , Alam Md. Mahmud , Ahmed Jahir , Asiri Abdullah M. , Jalalah Mohammed , Alruwais Raja Saad , Rahman Mohammed M. , Harraz Farid A.
Published: November 2022

In this study, a selective 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) sensor was developed onto a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) as an electron-sensing substrate, which decorated with sol–gel, prepared Pt nanoparticles- (NPs) embedded polypyrole-carbon black (PPy-CB)/ZnO nanocomposites (NCs) using differential pulse voltammetry. Characterizations of the NCs were performed using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Energy-Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Ultraviolet–visible Spectroscopy (UV–vis), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM), and X-ray Diffraction Analysis (XRD). The GCE modified by conducting coating binders [poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate; PEDOT:PSS] based on Pt NPs/PPy-CB/ZnO NCs functioned as the working electrode and showed selectivity toward 4-NP in a phosphate buffer medium at pH 7.0. Our analysis of 4-NP showed the linearity from 1.5 to 40.5 µM, which was identified as the linear detection range (LDR). A current versus concentration plot was formed and showed a regression co-efficient R2 of 0.9917, which can be expressed by ip(µA) = 0.2493C(µM) + 15.694. The 4-NP sensor sensitivity was calculated using the slope of the LDR, considering the surface area of the GCE (0.0316 cm2). The sensitivity was calculated as 7.8892 µA µM−1 cm−2. The LOD (limit of detection) of the 4-NP was calculated as 1.25 ± 0.06 µM, which was calculated from 3xSD/σ (SD: Standard deviation of blank response; σ: Slope of the calibration curve). Limit of quantification (LOQ) is also calculated as 3.79 µM from LOQ = 10xLOD/3.3. Sensor parameters such as reproducibility, response time, and analyzing stability were outstanding. Therefore, this novel approach can be broadly used to safely fabricate selective 4-NP sensors based on nanoparticle-decorated nanocomposite materials in environmental measurement.
SOI-FET Sensors with Dielectrophoretic Concentration of Viruses and Proteins
Authors: Naumova Olga , Generalov Vladimir , Shcherbakov Dmitry , Zaitseva Elza , Zhivodkov Yuriy , Kozhukhov Anton , Latyshev Alexander , Aseev Alexander , Safatov Alexander , Buryak Galina , Cheremiskina Anastasia , Merkuleva Julia , Rudometova Nadezhda
Published: November 2022

Quick label-free virus screening and highly sensitive analytical tools/techniques are becoming extremely important in a pandemic. In this study, we developed a biosensing device based on the silicon nanoribbon multichannel and dielectrophoretic controlled sensors functionalized with SARS-CoV-2 spike antibodies for the use as a platform for the detection and studding of properties of viruses and their protein components. Replicatively defective viral particles based on vesicular stomatitis viruses and HIV-1 were used as carrier molecules to deliver the target SARS-CoV-2 spike S-proteins to sensory elements. It was shown that fully CMOS-compatible nanoribbon sensors have the subattomolar sensitivity and dynamic range of 4 orders. Specific interaction between S-proteins and antibodies leads to the accumulation of the negative charge on the sensor surface. Nonspecific interactions of the viral particles lead to the positive charge accumulation. It was shown that dielectrophoretic controlled sensors allow to estimate the effective charge of the single virus at the sensor surface and separate it from the charge associated with the binding of target proteins with the sensor surface.
Global Association of COVID-19 Pandemic Measures with Cancer Treatment: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Teglia Federica , Angelini Marco , Casolari Giulia , Astolfi Laura , Boffetta Paolo
Published: November 2022

Importance: The COVID-19 pandemic has put a serious strain on health services, including cancer treatment. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the changes in cancer treatment worldwide during the first phase of the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak. Data Sources: Pubmed, Proquest, and Scopus databases were searched comprehensively for articles published between 1 January 2020 and 12 December 2021, in order to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis conducted following the PRISMA statement. Study Selection: Studies and articles that reported data on the number of or variation in cancer treatments between the pandemic and pre-pandemic periods, comprising oncological surgery, radiotherapy, and systemic therapies, were included. Data Extraction and Synthesis: Data were extracted from two pairs of independent reviewers. The weighted average of the percentage variation was calculated between the two periods to assess the change in the number of cancer treatments performed during the pandemic. Stratified analyses were performed by type of treatment, geographic area, time period, study setting, and type of cancer. Results: Among the 47 articles retained, we found an overall reduction of −18.7% (95% CI, −24.1 to −13.3) in the total number of cancer treatments administered during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the previous periods. Surgical treatment had a larger decrease compared to medical treatment (−33.9% versus −12.6%). For all three types of treatments, we identified a U-shaped temporal trend during the entire period January–October 2020. Significant decreases were also identified for different types of cancer, in particular for skin cancer (−34.7% [95% CI, −46.8 to −22.5]) and for all geographic areas, in particular, Asia (−42.1% [95% CI, −49.6 to −34.7]). Conclusions and Relevance: The interruption, delay, and modifications to cancer treatment due to the COVID-19 pandemic are expected to alter the quality of care and patient outcomes.
Graphene Oxide Decorated with Ag and CeO2 Nanoparticles as a Catalyst for Room-Temperature 4-Nitrophenol Reduction
Authors: Taratayko Aleksey , Kolobova Ekaterina , Mamontov Grigory
Published: November 2022

Catalytic reduction of nitroaromatic compounds (NCs) into corresponding aminoaromatic compounds (ACs) addresses two challenges: enhancing of the manufacture scale of ACs as valuable chemical intermediates and removal of NCs as widespread wastewater pollutants. Among the noble metal catalysts that feature low-temperature activity, chemical stability, and nontoxicity, silver-containing catalysts are attractive as cost-efficient and easily prepared compositions. This paper is devoted to the design and study of efficient and environmentally benign Ag- and CeO2-containing NCs reduction catalysts supported on graphene oxide (GO). The silver- and/or ceria-containing catalysts are synthesized using deposition-precipitation onto GO prepared by oxidative treatment of graphite. The catalysts and support are characterized by XRD, XPS, TGA, N2 sorption, Raman spectroscopy, and UV–VIS spectrometry. The influence of state and the interaction of the active components on catalytic activity is thoroughly estimated in 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) reduction into 4-aminophenol (4-AP) at ambient pressure and room temperature. Nanosized Ag and CeO2 particles with sizes up to 30 and 5 nm, respectively, in the GO structure are obtained. The co-deposition of Ag and CeO2 onto GO promotes the stabilization of silver in the catalyst. The Ag-CeO2/GO catalyst demonstrates superior activity in the synthesized series (kapp of 1.615 and 3.674 min−1 for as-prepared and pre-reduced samples). In addition, the Ag-CeO2/GO catalyst retains good stability and a low leaching degree of the active components that makes these compositions efficient in NCs’ reduction into corresponding ACs.
Rapid and Simple Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of Benzoxazoles Catalyzed by [CholineCl][Oxalic Acid]
Authors: Pham Phuoc Thi , Nguyen Hai Truong , Nguyen The Thai , Nguyen Linh Ho Thuy , Dang Minh-Huy Dinh , Doan Tan Le Hoang , Pham Dung Duc , Nguyen Cong Tien , Tran Phuong Hoang
Published: November 2022

Microwave irradiation has been used to enhance the reaction yields and selectivities for organic transformation. In this paper, microwave irradiation (MW) was investigated for the environmentally benign synthesis of benzoxazoles through the cyclization of 2-aminophenols and benzaldehydes using deep eutectic solvent (DES) as a catalyst. The [CholineCl][oxalic acid] was easily synthesized from choline chloride with oxalic acid and used without further purification. [CholineCl][oxalic acid] catalyzed the synthesis of benzoxazoles to produce the desired product in a good to excellent conversion and selectivity under MW irradiation. The presence of [CholineCl][oxalic acid] helps to promote the rapid heating transfer from microwave irradiation into the reaction mixture. The [CholineCl][oxalic acid] can be recovered and reused several times without a considerable degradation in catalytic activity.
Enhancing Concrete and Mortar Properties and Durability Using Pristine Graphene Particles
Authors: Chetty Kirthi , Watson Michael , Raine Thomas , McGurgan Todd , Ladislaus Paul , Chen Jun , Zhang Shuai , Lin Liangxu , Jiang Guangming
Published: November 2022

The usage of industrially generated graphene was explored in this work, with an emphasis on dosage effects on durability, as well as the mechanical and microstructural properties of both concrete and mortar (0%, 0.1%, and 0.2% in concrete and 0%, 0.07%, and 0.15% in mortar). Based on the mix design for wastewater infrastructure, the results showed that adding graphene to both concrete and mortar enhanced 28-day compressive strength by 10%–20%, with the best admixture level being 0.02%–0.1%. Graphene reduced the AVPV of mortar by 11.7%, and concrete by 19.3% at the optimal dosages, likely by reducing the number or size of pores in the paste. The 0.2% and 0.15% graphene reinforced concrete and mortar showed significant sulfate resistance, by reducing 62% and 60% of extension respectively, after exposure to a sulfate solution for 16 weeks.
Comparison of Dopant Incorporation and Near-Infrared Photoresponse for Se-Doped Silicon Fabricated by fs Laser and ps Laser Irradiation
Authors: Du Lingyan , Liu Shiping , Yin Jie , Pang Shangzhen , Yi Hao
Published: November 2022

Se-doped silicon films were fabricated by femtosecond (fs) laser and picosecond (ps) laser irradiating Si–Se bilayer film-coated silicon. The surface morphology, impurity distribution, crystal phase, and near-infrared photocurrent response of fs-laser-processed and ps-laser-processed Si are compared. With the same number of laser pulse irradiation, fs laser induces quasi-ordered micron-size columnar structures with some deeper gullies, and ps laser induces irregular nanoscale spherical particles with some cavities. Compared with the fs-laser-produced Se-doped layer, ps laser irradiation produces a Se-doped layer with better crystallinity and higher doping concentration, resulting in a higher photocurrent response for picosecond laser-processed Si in the near-infrared band. The changes brought about by ps laser processing facilitate the application of ultrafast laser-processed chalcogen-doped silicon for silicon-based integrated circuits.
The Tip of Dendritic Crystal in an Inclined Viscous Flow
Authors: Starodumov Ilya O. , Titova Ekaterina A. , Pavlyuk Eugeny V. , Alexandrov Dmitri V.
Published: November 2022

We study the flow around the tip of a dendritic crystal by an inclined stream of viscous incompressible liquid. The tip shape is chosen accordingly to recent theory [Phil. Trans. R. Soc. A 2020, 378, 20190243] confirmed by a number of experiments and computations [Phil. Trans. R. Soc. A 2021, 379, 20200326]. Our simulations have been carried out for a 0, 30, 60, and 90-degree flow slope to the dendrite axis. We show that the stream inclination has a significant effect on the hydrodynamic flow and shear stress. In particular, a transition from laminar to turbulent currents on the upstream side of the dendritic crystal may occur in an inclined hydrodynamic flow. This leads to the fact that the heat and mass transfer mechanisms on the upstream and downstream sides of a growing dendritic crystal may be different.
Electron and Hole Mobility of SnO2 from Full-Band Electron–Phonon and Ionized Impurity Scattering Computations
Authors: Li Zhen , Graziosi Patrizio , Neophytou Neophytos
Published: November 2022

Mobility is a key parameter for SnO2, which is extensively studied as a practical transparent oxide n-type semiconductor. In experiments, the mobility of electrons in bulk SnO2 single crystals varies from 70 to 260 cm2V−1s−1 at room temperature. Here, we calculate the mobility as limited by electron–phonon and ionized impurity scattering by coupling the Boltzmann transport equation with density functional theory electronic structures. The linearized Boltzmann transport equation is solved numerically beyond the commonly employed constant relaxation-time approximation by taking into account all energy and momentum dependencies of the scattering rates. Acoustic deformation potential and polar optical phonons are considered for electron–phonon scattering, where polar optical phonon scattering is found to be the main factor which determines the mobility of both electrons and holes at room temperature. The calculated phonon-limited electron mobility is found to be 265 cm2V−1s−1, whereas that of holes is found to be 7.6 cm2V−1s−1. We present the mobility as a function of the carrier concentration, which shows the upper mobility limit. The large difference between the mobilities of n-type and p-type SnO2 is a result of the different effective masses between electrons and holes.
Management of High-Water-Cut and Mature Petroleum Reservoirs
Authors: Andersen Pål Østebø , Djurhuus Ketil , Askarinezhad Reza , Solbakken Jonas S.
Published: November 2022

An increasing number of oil and gas companies reach their economic limit after years of production, exhausting the support of natural-pressure drive mechanisms in the reservoir and the benefits of water or gas injection [...]
A Numerical Study on an Oscillating Water Column Wave Energy Converter with Hyper-Elastic Material
Authors: Li Xiang , Xiao Qing
Published: November 2022

A model different from the traditional WEC, known as the flexible wave energy converter (fWEC), is numerically modeled in this paper. The fWEC is believed to be more efficient and has a greater range of operation when compared with the conventionally rigid WEC. A fully coupled fluid–structure interaction (FSI) tool is developed for the research performed in this paper. This tool is able to accommodate the dynamic interaction between the flexible membrane structure of the fWEC and the surrounding fluid. In this research, both linear-elastic and hyper-elastic materials are examined for their use in the fWEC. The fluid flow surrounding the fWEC is solved by a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method. The deformation of the hyper-elastic structure within the fWEC is modeled using a finite element analysis method (FEA). Both the hyper-elastic material of the fWEC and the free surface wave contribute to the overall nonlinearity of the numerical simulation. To tackle this problem, a robust coupling scheme is implemented by an advanced coupling library. With this tool, the flexible deformations within the fWEC structure can be accurately captured. The degree of these deformations can then further be examined, allowing the overall effects on the fWEC energy output to be determined. The simulation results show that the peak deformation of the hyper-elastic material is four times that of the linear-elastic material. This suggests that the fWEC would perform better and generate greater power using the hyper-elastic material compared with the linear-elastic material. Additionally, because a wide range of wave conditions are studied, it can be concluded that unlike conventional WECs, the efficiency of energy harvesting of such an fWEC is not sensitive to certain wave periods. Such findings are supported by both the detailed flow fields captured and the structural stress–strain analysis results from this simulation.
Structural Health Monitoring of Repairs in Carbon-Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composites by MWCNT-Based Multiscale Sensors
Authors: Hu Wenlong , Sun Zijie , Yang Lulu , Zhang Shuzheng , Wang Fangxin , Yang Bin , Cang Yu
Published: November 2022

The precision maintenance of delaminated carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer composites calls for the high demand of continuous, in situ monitoring of the damage-repair process along with the in-service status of the repaired region. Moreover, the repaired region faces a high risk of re-damage; therefore, in-service monitoring is highly desired. However, the current repair process lacks the in situ monitoring function, leading to the mechanism and evaluation of the repair approach being unclear. Here, we implanted multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) at the interface between the carbon fiber and resin matrix of the damaged region to achieve in situ monitoring of the repair, compression, and seawater-immersion processes. By depositing both the coupling agent and MWCNTs at the interfaces, a high recovery efficiency of 85% was achieved, which was independent of the delamination pattern shapes. The electric resistance changes of MWCNT-modified panels could effectively identify the resin permeation and solidification processes and could be used to in situ monitor the structural health of the repair region when it is subjected to the compression and seawater immersion tests. This strategy, combining high-efficient repair and precision maintenance, demonstrates potential in the structural applications of carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer composites.
Transcriptome Analysis of the Ovaries of Taihe Black-Bone Silky Fowls at Different Egg-Laying Stages
Authors: Xiang Xin , Huang Xuan , Wang Jianfeng , Zhang Haiyang , Zhou Wei , Xu Chunhui , Huang Yunyan , Tan Yuting , Yin Zhaozheng
Published: November 2022

The poor egg-laying performance and short peak egg-laying period restrict the economic benefits of enterprises relating to the Taihe black-bone silky fowl. Ovaries are the main organ for egg production in poultry. Unlike that of mammals, the spawning mechanism of poultry has rarely been reported. As a prominent local breed in China, the reproductive performance of Taihe black-bone silky fowls is in urgent need of development and exploitation. To further explore the egg-laying regulation mechanism in the different periods of Taihe black-bone silky fowls, the ovarian tissues from 12 chickens were randomly selected for transcriptome analysis, and 4 chickens in each of the three periods (i.e., the pre-laying period (102 days old, Pre), peak laying period (203 days old, Peak), and late laying period (394 days old, Late)). A total of 12 gene libraries were constructed, and a total of 9897 differential expression genes (DEGs) were identified from three comparisons; the late vs. peak stage had 509 DEGs, the pre vs. late stage had 5467 DEGs, and the pre vs. peak stage had 3921 DEGs (pre-stage: pre-egg-laying period (102 days old), peak-stage: peak egg-laying period (203 days old), and late-stage: late egg-laying period (394 days old)). In each of the two comparisons, 174, 84, and 2752 differentially co-expressed genes were obtained, respectively, and 43 differentially co-expressed genes were obtained in the three comparisons. Through the analysis of the differential genes, we identified some important genes and pathways that would affect reproductive performance and ovarian development. The differential genes were LPAR3, AvBD1, SMOC1, IGFBP1, ADCY8, GDF9, PTK2B, PGR, and CD44, and the important signaling pathways included proteolysis, extracellular matrices, vascular smooth muscle contraction, the NOD-like receptor signaling pathway and the phagosome. Through the analysis of the FPKM (Fragments Per Kilobase of exon model per Million mapped fragments) values of the genes, we screened three peak egg-laying period-specific expressed genes: IHH, INHA, and CYP19A1. The twelve genes and five signaling pathways mentioned above have rarely been reported in poultry ovary studies, and our study provides a scientific basis for the improvement of the reproductive performance in Taihe black-bone silky fowls.
Transcription Analysis of Liver and Muscle Tissues from Landrace Finishing Pigs with Different Feed Conversion Ratios
Authors: Wang Zhixin , He Yingzhi , Tan Zhen
Published: November 2022

The efficiency of feed utilization determines the cost and economic benefits of pig production. In the present study, two pairs of full-sibling and two pairs of half-sibling female Landrace finishing pigs were selected, with each pair including individuals with different feed conversion rates, with liver and longissimus muscle tissue samples collected from each group for transcriptome analysis. A total of 561 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), among which 224 were up-regulated and 337 were down-regulated, were detected in the liver transcriptomes in the high-feed efficiency group compared to the low-feed efficiency group. The DEGs related to phosphorus and phosphate metabolism, arginine biosynthesis, chemical carcinogenesis, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, the biosynthesis of amino acids, and drug metabolism-cytochrome P450 in liver tissue were also associated with feed efficiency. In total, 215 DEGs were screened in the longissimus muscle tissue and were mainly related to disease and immune regulation, including complement and coagulation cascades, systemic lupus erythematosus, and prion diseases. The combination of gene expression and functional annotation results led to the identification of candidate feed efficiency-related biomarkers, such as ARG1, ARG2, GOT1, GPT2, ACAA2, ACADM, and ANGPTL4, members of cytochrome P450 family, and complement component family genes. Although the novel feed efficiency-related candidate genes need to be further evaluated by a larger sample size and functional studies, the present study identifies novel candidate biomarkers for the identification of functional SNPs underlying porcine feed efficiency.
Population Genetics of the European Roma—A Review
Authors: Ena Giacomo Francesco , Aizpurua-Iraola Julen , Font-Porterias Neus , Calafell Francesc , Comas David
Published: November 2022

The Roma are a group of populations with a common origin that share the Romani identity and cultural heritage. Their genetic history has been inferred through multiple studies based on uniparental and autosomal markers, and current genomic data have provided novel insights into their genetic background. This review was prompted by two factors: (i) new developments to estimate the genetic structure of the Roma at a fine-scale resolution have precisely identified the ancestral components and traced migrations that were previously documented only in historical sources, clarifying and solving debates on the origins and the diaspora of the Roma; (ii) while there has been an effort to review the health determinants of the Roma, the increasing literature on their population genetics has not been subjected to a dedicated review in the last two decades. We believe that a summary on the state of the art will benefit both the public and scholars that are approaching the subject.
Absence of Testicular Estrogen Leads to Defects in Spermatogenesis and Increased Semen Abnormalities in Male Rabbits
Authors: Dewaele Aurélie , Dujardin Emilie , André Marjolaine , Albina Audrey , Jammes Hélène , Giton Frank , Sellem Eli , Jolivet Geneviève , Pailhoux Eric , Pannetier Maëlle
Published: November 2022

Estrogens are steroid hormones produced by the aromatization of androgens by the aromatase enzyme, encoded by the CYP19A1 gene. Although generally referred to as “female sex hormones”, estrogen is also produced in the adult testes of many mammals, including humans. To better understand the function of estrogens in the male, we used the rabbit model which is an important biomedical model. First, the expression of CYP19A1 transcripts was localized mainly in meiotic germ cells. Thus, testicular estrogen appears to be produced inside the seminiferous tubules. Next, the cells expressing ESR1 and ESR2 were identified, showing that estrogens could exert their function on post-meiotic germ cells in the tubules and play a role during sperm maturation, since ESR1 and ESR2 were detected in the cauda epididymis. Then, CRISPR/Cas9 CYP19A1−/− genetically modified rabbits were analyzed. CYP19A1−/− males showed decreased fertility with lower sperm count associated with hypo-spermatogenesis and lower spermatid number. Germ/sperm cell DNA methylation was unchanged, while sperm parameters were affected as CYP19A1−/− males exhibited reduced sperm motility associated with increased flagellar defects. In conclusion, testicular estrogens could be involved in the spermatocyte–spermatid transition in the testis, and in the acquisition of sperm motility in the epididymis.
Differential Expression of lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA and Their Related Functional Networks in New-Onset Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus among Chinese Rural Adults
Authors: Song Yu , Nie Luting , Wang Mian , Liao Wei , Huan Changsheng , Jia Zexin , Wei Dandan , Liu Pengling , Fan Keliang , Mao Zhenxing , Wang Chongjian , Huo Wenqian
Published: November 2022

Increasing evidence suggested that the expression and inter-regulation of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), microRNA (miRNA), and messenger RNA (mRNA) were related to the development of diabetes. Based on bioinformatics analysis, this study aimed to comprehensively analyze the dysregulated RNA molecules related to new-onset type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Twenty-four patients with new-onset T2DM were included as cases, and sex- and age-matched participants were included as controls. The differentially expressed lncRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs between the two groups were screened by RNA sequencing. LncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network and enrichment analysis were used to reveal the RNA molecules that were potentially associated with T2DM and their early changes. A total of 123 lncRNAs, 49 miRNAs, and 312 mRNAs were differentially expressed in the new-onset T2DM (fold change ≥ 1.5 and p value < 0.05). Functional analysis revealed that differentially expressed RNAs were likely to play essential roles in diabetes-related pathways. In addition, the protein–protein interaction (PPI) network screened multiple hub mRNAs, and lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA networks showed that a single miRNA could be related to multiple lncRNAs, and then they coregulated more mRNAs. SLC25A4, PLCB1, AGTR2, PRKN, and SCD5 were shown to be important mRNAs in T2DM, and miR-199b-5p, miR-202-5p, miR-548o-3p as well as miR-1255b-5p could be involved in their regulation. In conclusion, several new and previously identified dysregulated lncRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs were found to be vital biomarkers in T2DM. Their alterations and interactions could modulate the pathophysiology of T2DM. Those findings may provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of T2DM.
Conflicts of Interest and Emissions from Land Conversions: State of New Jersey as a Case Study
Authors: Mikhailova Elena A. , Lin Lili , Hao Zhenbang , Zurqani Hamdi A. , Post Christopher J. , Schlautman Mark A. , Post Gregory C. , Shepherd George B.
Published: November 2022

Conflicts of interest (COI) are an integral part of human society, including their influence on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and climate change. Individuals or entities often have multiple interests ranging from financial benefits to reducing climate change-related risks, where choosing one interest may negatively impact other interests and societal welfare. These types of COI require specific management strategies. This study examines COI from land-use decisions as an intersection of different perspectives on land use (e.g., land conservation versus land development), which can have various consequences regarding GHG emissions. This study uses the state of New Jersey (NJ) in the United States of America (USA) as a case study to demonstrate COI related to soil-based GHG emissions from land conversions between 2001 and 2016 which caused $722.2M (where M = million = 106) worth of “realized” social costs of carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) emissions. These emissions are currently not accounted for in NJ’s total carbon footprint (CF), which can negatively impact the state’s ability to reach its carbon reduction goals. The state of NJ Statutes Annotated 26:2C-37 (2007): Global Warming Response Act (GWRA) (updated in 2019) set a statewide goal of reducing GHG emissions to 80 percent below 2006 levels by 2050. Remote sensing and soil data analysis allow temporal and quantitative assessment of the contribution of land cover conversions to NJ’s CF by soil carbon type, soil type, land cover type, and administrative units (state, counties), which helps document past, and estimate future related GHG emissions using a land cover change scenario to calculate the amount of GHG emissions if an area of land was to be developed. Decisions related to future land conversions involve potential COI within and outside state administrative structures, which could be managed by a conflict-of-interest policy. The site and time-specific disclosures of GHG emissions from land conversions can help governments manage these COI to mitigate climate change impacts and costs by assigning financial responsibility for specific CF contributions. Projected sea-level rise will impact 16 out of 21 NJ’s counties and it will likely reach coastal areas with densely populated urban areas throughout NJ. Low proportion of available public land limits opportunities for relocation. Increased climate-change-related damages in NJ and elsewhere will increase the number of climate litigation cases to alleviate costs associated with climate change. This litigation will further highlight the importance and intensity of different COI.
Trait Acceptance Buffers Aggressive Tendency by the Regulation of Anger during Social Exclusion
Authors: He Conglian , Mao Jixuan , Yang Qian , Yuan Jiajin , Yang Jiemin
Published: November 2022

Social exclusion has led to increased negative emotions and aggressive behaviors, two outcomes that are correlated with each other. Thus, the down-regulation of negative emotions appears to play a crucial role in reducing the tendency for aggressive behavior. However, this assumption has not yet been tested. To this end, a total of 397 undergraduates reported their aggressive tendencies, state emotions and trait acceptance by completing corresponding questionnaires, and a recall paradigm was used to induce experiences of social exclusion. The results showed that in the context of social exclusion, (1) trait acceptance was negatively correlated with negative emotions and aggressive tendency but was positively correlated with positive emotions; (2) negative emotions, rather than positive emotions, were positively correlated with aggressive tendency; (3) increased trait acceptance buffered the experience of anger, which is, in turn, related to reduced aggressive tendency; (4) trait acceptance also downregulated the feeling of sadness, which is, however, related to increased aggression; (5) the mediator of sadness was smaller in effect size than that of anger. Taken together, these results suggest that negative emotions are associated with aggression in the context of social exclusion, and the habitual use of an acceptance strategy was conductive to decreasing aggressive tendencies by decreasing anger.
Association of PM2.5 and Its Chemical Compositions with Metabolic Syndrome: A Nationwide Study in Middle-Aged and Older Chinese Adults
Authors: Guo Qian , Zhao Yuchen , Xue Tao , Zhang Junfeng , Duan Xiaoli
Published: November 2022

Studies on the association of PM2.5 and its compositions with metabolic syndrome (MetS) were limited, and it was unclear which was the most hazardous composition. In this study, we aimed to investigate the association between PM2.5 and its compositions with MetS and identified the most hazardous composition. In this study, we included 13,418 adults over 45 years across 446 communities from 150 counties of 28 provinces in nationwide China in 2015. MetS was defined based on the five indicators of the Joint Interim Societies, including: blood pressure (SBP (systolic blood pressure) and DBP (diastolic blood pressure)); fasting blood glucose (FBG); fasting triglyceride (FTG); high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C); and waist circumference (WC). We used chemical transport models to estimate the concentration of PM2.5 and its compositions, including black carbon, ammonium, nitrate, organic matter, and sulfate. We used a generalized linear regression model to examine the association of PM2.5 and its compositions with MetS. In this study, we observed that the average age was 61.40 (standard deviation (SD): 9.59). Each IQR (29.76 μg/m3) increase in PM2.5 was associated with a 1.27 (95% CI: 1.17, 1.37) increase in the odds for MetS. We indicated that black carbon showed stronger associations than other compositions. The higher associations were observed among women, participants aged less than 60 years, who lived in urban areas and in the Northeast, smokers, drinkers, and the obese populations. In conclusion, our findings identified the most harmful composition and sensitive populations and regions that required attention, which would be helpful for policymakers.