bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uniformly Frustrated XY Model: Strengthening of the Vortex Lattice by Intrinsic Disorder
Authors: Maccari Ilaria , Benfatto Lara , Castellani Claudio
Published: November 2021

In superconducting films, the role of intrinsic disorder is typically to compete with superconductivity by fragmenting the global phase coherence and lowering the superfluid density. Nonetheless, when a transverse magnetic field is applied to the system and an Abrikosov vortex lattice form, the presence of disorder can actually strengthen the superconducting state against thermal fluctuations. By means of Monte Carlo simulations on the uniformly frustrated XY model in two dimensions, we show that while for weak pinning the superconducting critical temperature Tc increases with the applied field H, for strong enough pinning, the experimental decreasing dependence between Tc and H is recovered with a resulting more robust vortex lattice.
Estimating the Competitive Storage Model with Stochastic Trends in Commodity Prices
Authors: Osmundsen Kjartan Kloster , Kleppe Tore Selland , Liesenfeld Roman , Oglend Atle
Published: November 2021

We propose a State-Space Model (SSM) for commodity prices that combines the competitive storage model with a stochastic trend. This approach fits into the economic rationality of storage decisions and adds to previous deterministic trend specifications of the storage model. For a Bayesian posterior analysis of the SSM, which is nonlinear in the latent states, we used a Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm based on the particle marginal Metropolis–Hastings approach. An empirical application to four commodity markets showed that the stochastic trend SSM is favored over deterministic trend specifications. The stochastic trend SSM identifies structural parameters that differ from those for deterministic trend specifications. In particular, the estimated price elasticities of demand are typically larger under the stochastic trend SSM.
Analysis and Verification of Traction Motor Iron Loss for Hybrid Electric Vehicles Based on Current Source Analysis Considering Inverter Switching Carrier Frequency
Authors: Lee Jin-Hwan , Kim Woo-Jung , Jung Sang-Yong
Published: November 2021

In this study, a current source analysis method considering the inverter switching frequency is proposed to improve the precision of loss analysis of a traction motor for a hybrid electric vehicle. Because the iron loss of the traction motor is sensitively influenced by input current fluctuations, the current source analysis using the actual current obtained from an inverter is the ideal method for accurate analysis. However, as the traction motor and inverter should be manufactured to obtain the real current, the traction motor is generally designed based on an ideal current source analysis. Our proposed method is an analytic technique that fits the loss of a traction motor similar to the actual loss by injecting harmonics of the same order of the inverter switching frequency into the ideal input current. Our method is compared with the analysis of the ideal current source to assess the difference in loss. In addition, a test motor was manufactured, and an efficiency test was conducted to compare the efficiency and verify the effectiveness of our method.
Identification of Grid Impedance by Broadband Signals in Power Systems with High Harmonics
Authors: Buchner Matthias , Rudion Krzysztof
Published: November 2021

Grid impedance is an important parameter and is used to perform impedance-based stability analysis for the operation of grid-connected systems, such as power electronics-interfaced solar, wind and other distributed power generation systems. The identification of grid impedance with the help of broadband signals is a popular method, but its robustness depends strongly on the harmonic disturbances caused by non-linear loads or power electronics. This paper provides an in-depth analysis of how harmonics affect the identification of grid impedance while using broadband measurements. Furthermore, a compensation method is proposed to remove the disturbing influences of harmonics on broadband impedance identification. This method is based on exploiting the properties of the used maximum-length binary sequence (MLBS). To explain the methodology of the proposed method, the design basis for the excitation signal is discussed in detail. The analysis from simulations and a real measurement in an industrial power grid shows the effectiveness of the proposed method in compensating the disturbing influences of harmonics on broadband impedance measurements.
Functional Materials for Waste-to-Energy Processes in Supercritical Water
Authors: Maxim Florentina , Poenaru Iuliana , Toma Elena Ecaterina , Stoian Giuseppe Stefan , Teodorescu Florina , Hornoiu Cristian , Tanasescu Speranta
Published: November 2021

In response to increasing energy demand, various types of organic wastes, including industrial and municipal wastewaters, or biomass wastes, are considered reliable energy sources. Wastes are now treated in supercritical water (SCW) for non-fossil fuel production and energy recovery. Considering that SCW technologies are green and energetically effective, to implement them on a large scale is a worldwide interest. However, issues related to the stability and functionality of materials used in the harsh conditions of SCW reactors still need to be addressed. Here we present an overview on materials used in the SCW technologies for energy harvesting from wastes. There are catalysts based on metals or metal oxides, and we discuss on these materials’ efficiency and selectivity in SCW conditions. We focus on processes relevant to the waste-to-energy field, such as supercritical water gasification (SCWG) and supercritical water oxidation (SCWO). We discuss the results reported, mainly in the last decades in connection to the current concept of supercritical pseudo-boiling (PB), a phenomenon occurring at the phase change from liquid-like (LL) to gas-like (GL) state of a fluid. This review aims to be a useful database that provides guidelines for the selection of the abovementioned functional materials (catalysts, catalyst supports, and sorbents) for the SCW process, starting from wastes and ending with energy-relevant products.
Real-Time Data Acquisition and Processing System for MHz Repetition Rate Image Sensors
Authors: Mielczarek Aleksander , Makowski Dariusz Radosław , Gerth Christopher , Steffen Bernd , Caselle Michele , Rota Lorenzo
Published: November 2021

An electro-optic detector is one of the diagnostic setups used in particle accelerators. It employs an electro-optic crystal to encode the longitudinal beam charge profile in the spectrum of a light pulse. The charge distribution is then reconstructed using data captured by a fast spectrometer. The measurement repetition rate should match or exceed the machine bunching frequency, which is often in the range of several MHz. A high-speed optical line detector (HOLD) is a linear camera designed for easy integration with scientific experiments. The use of modern FPGA circuits helps in the efficient collection and processing of data. The solution is based on Xilinx 7-Series FPGA circuits and implements a custom latency-optimized architecture utilizing the AXI4 family of interfaces. HOLD is one of the fastest line cameras in the world. Thanks to its hardware architecture and a powerful KALYPSO sensor from KIT, it outperforms the fastest comparable commercial devices.
Thermal Performance of Integrated Direct Contact and Vacuum Membrane Distillation Units
Authors: Criscuoli Alessandra
Published: November 2021

An integrated membrane distillation (MD) flowsheet, consisting of direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD) and vacuum membrane distillation (VMD) units, was proposed and analysed in terms of thermal performance and water recovery factor, for the first time. The same lab-scale membrane module (40 cm2) was used for carrying out experiments of DCMD and VMD at fixed feed operating conditions (deionised water at 230 L/h and ~40 °C) while working at the permeate side with deionised water at 18 °C and with a vacuum of 20 mbar for the DCMD and the VMD configuration, respectively. Based on experimental data obtained on the single modules, calculations of the permeate production, the specific thermal energy consumption (STEC) and the gained output ratio (GOR) were carried out for both single and integrated units. Moreover, the calculations were also made for a flow sheet consisting of two DCMD units in series, representing the “traditional” way in which more units of the same MD configuration are combined to enhance the water recovery factor. A significant improvement of the thermal performance (lower STEC and higher GOR) was obtained with the integrated DCMD–VMD flowsheet with respect to the DCMD units operating in series. The integration of DCMD with VMD also led to a higher permeate production and productivity/size (PS) ratio, a metric defined to compare plants in terms of the process intensification strategy.
Recyclables Collection Route Balancing Problem with Heterogeneous Fleet
Authors: Książek Roger , Gdowska Katarzyna , Korcyl Antoni
Published: November 2021

Nowadays, robust and efficient solid waste collection is crucial to motivate citizens to participate in the circular economy by sorting recyclable solid waste. Vocational vehicles, including garbage trucks, contribute significantly to CO2 emissions; therefore, it is strongly recommended, and in the European Union it is mandatory, to replace conventional-fuel-based garbage trucks with electric ones. For providing sustainable and energy-efficient solid waste collection with a heterogeneous fleet, in-depth mathematical computations are needed to support solving complex decision-making problems, including crew rostering and vehicle routing, because the distance and capacity of electric garbage trucks differ from conventional-fuel-based ones. However, the literature on solid waste collection using electric garbage trucks is still relatively scarce. The main contribution of this paper is developing an optimization problem for balancing travel distance assigned to each garbage truck of a heterogeneous fleet. The problem is based on specific requirements of the Municipal Solid Waste Management in Cracow, Poland, where the working time of routes is balanced and the total time of collection service can be minimized. For the problem, an MIP program was developed to generate optimal crew schedules, so that the hitherto network of segregated solid waste pickup nodes can be served using a heterogeneous fleet in which the share of electric garbage trucks is up to 30%. We study the impact of the changed composition of the fleet on modifications in crew rostering due to the shorter range of an electric vehicle compared to a conventional-fuel-based one.
A Highly Accurate NILM: With an Electro-Spectral Space That Best Fits Algorithm’s National Deployment Requirements
Authors: Calamaro Netzah , Donko Moshe , Shmilovitz Doron
Published: November 2021

The central problems of some of the existing Non-Intrusive Load Monitoring (NILM) algorithms are indicated as: (1) higher required electrical device identification accuracy; (2) the fact that they enable training over a larger device count; and (3) their ability to be trained faster, limiting them from usage in industrial premises and external grids due to their sensitivity to various device types found in residential premises. The algorithm accuracy is higher compared to previous work and is capable of training over at least thirteen electrical devices collaboratively, a number that could be much higher if such a dataset is generated. The algorithm trains the data around 1.8×108 faster due to a higher sampling rate. These improvements potentially enable the algorithm to be suitable for future “grids and industrial premises load identification” systems. The algorithm builds on new principles: an electro-spectral features preprocessor, a faster waveform sampling sensor, a shorter required duration for the recorded data set, and the use of current waveforms vs. energy load profile, as was the case in previous NILM algorithms. Since the algorithm is intended for operation in any industrial premises or grid location, fast training is required. Known classification algorithms are comparatively trained using the proposed preprocessor over residential datasets, and in addition, the algorithm is compared to five known low-sampling NILM rate algorithms. The proposed spectral algorithm achieved 98% accuracy in terms of device identification over two international datasets, which is higher than the usual success of NILM algorithms.
Socioemotional Wealth (SEW) of Family Firms and CEO Behavioral Biases in the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Authors: Bukalska Elżbieta , Zinecker Marek , Pietrzak Michał Bernard
Published: November 2021

Agreed upon by the UN member states, Agenda 2030 assumes joint action for long-term sustainable development. These actions are focused on the implementation of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), where actions are assumed to lead to the suppression of negative externalities of human activity. It is stressed that the objectives of sustainable development can only be achieved through deep institutional changes in most dimensions of the economy, including the entrepreneurship dimension. Entrepreneurship plays a pivotal role in the sustainable transformation of the community, as the related activities of companies are the source of the desired structural changes. Entrepreneurial projects make the biggest contribution to the objectives of sustainable development through research and development, investment in new technologies, and innovation. The biggest threat to sustainable entrepreneurship is firms’ aggressive corporate financial strategy, which most often results from CEO overconfidence and aggressive financial behavior. The aim of the article is to indicate differences in corporate financial strategies regarding the status of the company (family or non-family) and CEO characteristics (overconfident or non-overconfident). The fulfilment of this aim by analyzing a selected EU member country (Poland) found more aggressive behavior of overconfident CEOs in non-family firms. It was also found that family firms are a fairly coherent group of companies that implement a more conservative corporate financial strategy regardless of CEO characteristics. We can state that family power can curb CEO overconfidence and its impact on aggressive financial strategy. This means that family firms are much more able to create sustainable entrepreneurship and contribute to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within a market framework.
Examining the Impacts of Economic, Social, and Environmental Factors on the Relationship between Urbanization and CO2 Emissions
Authors: Ding Yang , Yang Qing , Cao Lanjuan
Published: November 2021

This study examines the relationship between urbanization, economic growth, industrial transformation, technological change, public services, demographical change, urban and natural environmental changes, and carbon emissions using a dataset of 182 prefecture-level cities in China between 2001 and 2010. Specifically, this paper differs from previous studies in two aspects. First, the extant literature has focused on how economic processes accompanying rapid urbanization affect carbon emissions in urban areas but gives little attention to the other dimensions of urbanization, including social and environmental changes, which may have important effects on carbon emissions. We assessed the effects of 17 key processes accompanying urbanization in a full range of economic, social, and environmental dimensions on carbon dioxide emissions in urban areas. The results showed that social processes accompanied with rapid urbanization had distinct effects on carbon emissions, compared to economic and environmental processes. Specifically, improvement in public services, indicated by education and cultural developments, reduces the increase in carbon emissions during urbanization, while economic growth and urban construction reinforces the growth in carbon emissions. Second, we examined the impact of various urbanization processes on carbon dioxide emissions using a unique dataset of 182 prefecture-level cities that covers a wide span of regions in China. The results of our analyses on the city level have important implications for the formulation of comprehensive policies aimed at reducing carbon dioxide emission in urban areas, focusing on different urbanization processes in economic, social, and environmental phases.
Hexagonal Grid Computation of the Derivatives of the Solution to the Heat Equation by Using Fourth-Order Accurate Two-Stage Implicit Methods
Authors: Buranay Suzan Cival , Arshad Nouman , Matan Ahmed Hersi
Published: November 2021

We give fourth-order accurate implicit methods for the computation of the first-order spatial derivatives and second-order mixed derivatives involving the time derivative of the solution of first type boundary value problem of two dimensional heat equation. The methods are constructed based on two stages: At the first stage of the methods, the solution and its derivative with respect to time variable are approximated by using the implicit scheme in Buranay and Arshad in 2020. Therefore, Oh4+τ of convergence on constructed hexagonal grids is obtained that the step sizes in the space variables x1, x2 and in time variable are indicated by h, 32h and τ, respectively. Special difference boundary value problems on hexagonal grids are constructed at the second stages to approximate the first order spatial derivatives and the second order mixed derivatives of the solution. Further, Oh4+τ order of uniform convergence of these schemes are shown for r=ωτh2≥116, ω>0. Additionally, the methods are applied on two sample problems.
Human Impact on Antler Conformation in Western Red Deer (Cervus elaphus elaphus Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: Bartosiewicz László
Published: November 2021

A stray find of red deer antler from Sweden with the braincase was collected due to an apparently pathological deformation, the strongly retarded right antler. Measurements of the complete left antler inspired the analysis of general antler conformation in order to place this archaeological specimen in a zoological context. This stray find and another prehistoric antler from Sweden as well as three complete prehistoric antlers from Hungary were metrically compared using measurements of over 17,000 trophies of extant red deer from Hungary. The results confirmed that the stray specimen from Sweden and prehistoric antlers from Hungary were similar in that they were stouter (smaller length measurements but greater circumferences) than their 20th century counterparts. Most of their measurements fell within the ±1 standard deviation interval of the means of extant trophies. The pathological lesion on the studied stray specimen directed attention to the role of human selection. Twentieth century record trophies show a significant increase in antler weight and “quality” as defined in the international trophy grading system. While these morphometric observations cannot be taken as a proxy for absolute dating or precise contextual identification for the stray find central to this study, its size and apparent lack of consistent human selection (pathological deformation, “archaic” antler proportions) point to possibly early origins, prior to major human influence.
Alutiiq Fish Skin Traditions: Connecting Communities in the COVID-19 Era
Authors: Palomino Elisa , Pardue June
Published: November 2021

The Alutiiq, Indigenous inhabitants of the coastal regions of Southwest Alaska, created garments made from fish skins, especially salmon, expertly sewn by women from Kodiak Island. Traditionally, Alutiiq education focused on acquiring survival skills: how to navigate the seas in all weathers, hunting, fishing and tanning animal skins. Today, many Alutiiq people continue to provide for their families through subsistence fishing, honouring the ocean and navigating difficult times by listening to their collective wisdom. This paper describes the series of fish skin tanning workshops taught by June Pardue, an Alutiiq and Inupiaq artist from Kodiak Island that connected participants in Alaska Native communities during the COVID-19 isolation months. Through an online platform, June passed on expert knowledge of the endangered Arctic fish skin craft, assisting participants in coping with the pandemic crisis by tapping into their knowledge of the natural world, cultural resourcefulness, storytelling abilities and creative skills. Brought into the digital age, the fish skin workshops strengthened connections among Alutiiq and Alaskan craftspeople while establishing new connections with an expanded network of fashion designers, museum curators, conservators and tanners. Finally, the paper highlights how fish skin Indigenous practices address the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) regarding poverty, health and well-being, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, decent work and economic growth, social inequality, responsible consumption and production, climate change and maritime issues.
Role of Oxytocin and Vasopressin in Neuropsychiatric Disorders: Therapeutic Potential of Agonists and Antagonists
Authors: Cid-Jofré Valeska , Moreno Macarena , Reyes-Parada Miguel , Renard Georgina M.
Published: November 2021

Oxytocin (OT) and vasopressin (AVP) are hypothalamic neuropeptides classically associated with their regulatory role in reproduction, water homeostasis, and social behaviors. Interestingly, this role has expanded in recent years and has positioned these neuropeptides as therapeutic targets for various neuropsychiatric diseases such as autism, addiction, schizophrenia, depression, and anxiety disorders. Due to the chemical-physical characteristics of these neuropeptides including short half-life, poor blood-brain barrier penetration, promiscuity for AVP and OT receptors (AVP-R, OT-R), novel ligands have been developed in recent decades. This review summarizes the role of OT and AVP in neuropsychiatric conditions, as well as the findings of different OT-R and AVP-R agonists and antagonists, used both at the preclinical and clinical level. Furthermore, we discuss their possible therapeutic potential for central nervous system (CNS) disorders.
Human-Centered Explainable Artificial Intelligence for Marine Autonomous Surface Vehicles
Authors: Veitch Erik , Alsos Ole Andreas
Published: November 2021

Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) for Autonomous Surface Vehicles (ASVs) addresses developers’ needs for model interpretation, understandability, and trust. As ASVs approach wide-scale deployment, these needs are expanded to include end user interactions in real-world contexts. Despite recent successes of technology-centered XAI for enhancing the explainability of AI techniques to expert users, these approaches do not necessarily carry over to non-expert end users. Passengers, other vessels, and remote operators will have XAI needs distinct from those of expert users targeted in a traditional technology-centered approach. We formulate a concept called ‘human-centered XAI’ to address emerging end user interaction needs for ASVs. To structure the concept, we adopt a model-based reasoning method for concept formation consisting of three processes: analogy, visualization, and mental simulation, drawing from examples of recent ASV research at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). The examples show how current research activities point to novel ways of addressing XAI needs for distinct end user interactions and underpin the human-centered XAI approach. Findings show how representations of (1) usability, (2) trust, and (3) safety make up the main processes in human-centered XAI. The contribution is the formation of human-centered XAI to help advance the research community’s efforts to expand the agenda of interpretability, understandability, and trust to include end user ASV interactions.
Optimal Energy Control of Battery Hybrid System for Marine Vessels by Applying Neural Network Based on Equivalent Consumption Minimization Strategy
Authors: Kim Seongwan , Kim Jongsu
Published: November 2021

This paper introduces an optimal energy control method whose rule-based control employs the equivalent consumption minimization strategy as the design standard to support a neural network technique. Using the proposed control method, the output command values for each power source based on the load of the ship and the state of charge of the battery satisfy the target of energy optimization. Based on the rules, the load of the ship and the state of charge of the battery were the input in the neural network, and the outputs of two generators were recorded as the output values of the neural network. To optimize the weights of the neural network and reduce the error between the predicted values and results, the Bayesian regularization method was employed, and a single hidden layer with 20 nodes, 2 input layers, and 2 output layers were considered. For the hidden layer, the tansigmoid function was applied, and for the activation functions of the output layers, linear functions were adopted considering the correlation between the input and output data used for training the neural network. The propulsion motor was fitted with a speed controller to ensure a stable speed, and a torque load was applied on the propulsion motor. To verify the accuracy of the neural network learning, a generator–battery hybrid system simulation was conducted using MATLAB Simulink, and the neural network learned values were compared with the generator output command values obtained based on the load of the ship and the battery state of charge. Additionally, it was confirmed that the generator command values were consistent with the neural network learned values, and the stability of the system was maintained by controlling the speed, voltage, and current control of the propulsion motor under various loads of the ship and different battery charge statuses.
Differentiation of Crystal Cells, Gravity-Sensing Cells in the Placozoan Trichoplax adhaerens
Authors: Mayorova Tatiana D.
Published: November 2021

Trichoplax adhaerens are simple animals with no nervous system, muscles or body axis. Nevertheless, Trichoplax demonstrate complex behaviors, including responses to the direction of the gravity vector. They have only six somatic cell types, and one of them, crystal cells, has been implicated in gravity reception. Multiple crystal cells are scattered near the rim of the pancake-shaped animal; each contains a cup-shaped nucleus and an intracellular crystal, which aligns its position according to the gravity force. Little is known about the development of any cell type in Trichoplax, which, in the laboratory, propagate exclusively by binary fission. Electron and light microscopy were used to investigate the stages by which crystal cells develop their mature phenotypes and distributions. Nascent crystal cells, identified by their possession of a small crystal, were located farther from the rim than mature crystal cells, indicating that crystal cells undergo displacement during maturation. They were elongated in shape and their nucleus was rounded. The crystal develops inside a vacuole flanked by multiple mitochondria, which, perhaps, supply molecules needed for the biomineralization process underlying crystal formation. This research sheds light on the development of unique cells with internal biomineralization and poses questions for further research.
Alcohol Consumption Pre and Post COVID-19. Implications for Health, Underlying Pathologies, Risks and Its Management
Authors: Baker Julien S. , Supriya Rashmi , Tao Dan , Gao Yang
Published: November 2021

Research indicates that individuals who experience increased levels of stress often report increased alcohol consumption and consequently misuse [...]
Relationship between Public Service Satisfaction and Intention of Continuous Residence of Younger Generations in Rural Areas: The Case of Jeonbuk, Korea
Authors: Lee Kyung-Young
Published: November 2021

This study examines the population decline of younger generations in rural areas, the factors that influence the intention of continuous residence, and how these influences differ based on regional economic potential. Previous studies on intention of continuous residence lack some discussion of the role of local governments. Therefore, satisfaction with public services provided by local governments was considered as a main factor. Specifically, this study analyzed the effect of public service satisfaction on intention of continuous residence and compared this influence according to regional economic potential. This study selected respondents aged between 25 and 49 years in Jeonbuk Province, Korea. Data were collected from 980 people through an online survey, and multistage stratified sampling based on the number of residents by district and resident ages was applied to the sample design. To test the hypothesis, the study conducted a moderating effect analysis using the categorical moderator reflected by regional economic potential. The empirical analysis shows that housing support and residential environment management of public service satisfaction had positive effects on intention of continuous residence. Housing support services in particular had a stronger influence. In addition, the effect of housing support on intention of continuous residence was further strengthened in regions with low economic potential. The results of this study provide policy implications for developing countries facing a population decline in rural areas due to regional disparities between urban and rural areas.
Spatial Analyticity of Solutions to Korteweg–de Vries Type Equations
Authors: Bouhali Keltoum , Moumen Abdelkader , Tajer Khadiga W. , Taha Khdija O. , Altayeb Yousif
Published: November 2021

The Korteweg–de Vries equation (KdV) is a mathematical model of waves on shallow water surfaces. It is given as third-order nonlinear partial differential equation and plays a very important role in the theory of nonlinear waves. It was obtained by Boussinesq in 1877, and a detailed analysis was performed by Korteweg and de Vries in 1895. In this article, by using multi-linear estimates in Bourgain type spaces, we prove the local well-posedness of the initial value problem associated with the Korteweg–de Vries equations. The solution is established online for analytic initial data w0 that can be extended as holomorphic functions in a strip around the x-axis. A procedure for constructing a global solution is proposed, which improves upon earlier results.
Buffalo Milk as a Source of Probiotic Functional Products
Authors: Vargas-Ramella Márcio , Pateiro Mirian , Maggiolino Aristide , Faccia Michele , Franco Daniel , De Palo Pasquale , Lorenzo José M.
Published: November 2021

In the past two decades, consumption of food has been accruing due to its health claims which include gastrointestinal health, improved immunity, and well-being. Currently, the dairy industry is the sector where probiotics are most widely used, especially in fermented milk, cheese, yoghurt, butter, and dairy beverages. Although, it is still necessary to face many challenges regarding their stability and functionality in food. Considering the increasing demand for healthy products, it is necessary to develop strategies that aim to increase the consumption of functional foods in order to meet probiotic usefulness criteria and the consumer market. This review aimed to promote the utilization of buffalo milk considering its probiotic effects as a functional food and natural remedy to various ailments, emphasizing the potential of innovation and the importance of milk-based products as health promoters. The intake of probiotics plays an important role in modulating the health of the host, as a result of a balanced intestinal microbiota, reducing the risk of development of various diseases such as cancer, colitis, lactose intolerance, heart diseases, and obesity, among other disorders. However, further studies should be carried out to deepen the knowledge on the relationship between raw buffalo milk, its dairy products microbiota and consumer’s health beneficial effects, as well as to implement a strategy to increase the variety and availability of its products as a functional food in the market.
Expansion Microscopy Reveals Plasmodium falciparum Blood-Stage Parasites Undergo Anaphase with A Chromatin Bridge in the Absence of Mini-Chromosome Maintenance Complex Binding Protein
Authors: Liffner Benjamin , Absalon Sabrina
Published: November 2021

The malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum undergoes closed mitosis, which occurs within an intact nuclear envelope, and differs significantly from its human host. Mitosis is underpinned by the dynamics of microtubules and the nuclear envelope. To date, our ability to study P. falciparum mitosis by microscopy has been hindered by the small size of the P. falciparum nuclei. Ultrastructure expansion microscopy (U-ExM) has recently been developed for P. falciparum, allowing the visualization of mitosis at the individual nucleus level. Using U-ExM, three intranuclear microtubule structures are observed: hemispindles, mitotic spindles, and interpolar spindles. A previous study demonstrated that the mini-chromosome maintenance complex binding-protein (MCMBP) depletion caused abnormal nuclear morphology and microtubule defects. To investigate the role of microtubules following MCMBP depletion and study the nuclear envelope in these parasites, we developed the first nuclear stain enabled by U-ExM in P. falciparum. MCMBP-deficient parasites show aberrant hemispindles and mitotic spindles. Moreover, anaphase chromatin bridges and individual nuclei containing multiple microtubule structures were observed following MCMBP knockdown. Collectively, this study refines our understanding of MCMBP-deficient parasites and highlights the utility of U-ExM coupled with a nuclear envelope stain for studying mitosis in P. falciparum.
Phlebotomus papatasi Antimicrobial Peptides in Larvae and Females and a Gut-Specific Defensin Upregulated by Leishmania major Infection
Authors: Kykalová Barbora , Tichá Lucie , Volf Petr , Loza Telleria Erich
Published: November 2021

Phlebotomus papatasi is the vector of Leishmania major, causing cutaneous leishmaniasis in the Old World. We investigated whether P. papatasi immunity genes were expressed toward L. major, commensal gut microbes, or a combination of both. We focused on sand fly transcription factors dorsal and relish and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) attacin and defensin and assessed their relative gene expression by qPCR. Sand fly larvae were fed food with different bacterial loads. Relish and AMPs gene expressions were higher in L3 and early L4 larval instars, while bacteria 16S rRNA increased in late L4 larval instar, all fed rich-microbe food compared to the control group fed autoclaved food. Sand fly females were treated with an antibiotic cocktail to deplete gut bacteria and were experimentally infected by Leishmania. Compared to non-infected females, dorsal and defensin were upregulated at early and late infection stages, respectively. An earlier increase of defensin was observed in infected females when bacteria recolonized the gut after the removal of antibiotics. Interestingly, this defensin gene expression occurred specifically in midguts but not in other tissues of females and larvae. A gut-specific defensin gene upregulated by L. major infection, in combination with gut-bacteria, is a promising molecular target for parasite control strategies.
Hand-Carried Ultrasonography Instrumentation in the Diagnosis of Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction
Authors: Severino Marco , Caruso Silvia , Rastelli Sofia , Gatto Roberto , Cutilli Tommaso , Pittari Laura , Nota Alessandro , Tecco Simona
Published: November 2021

Internal derangement (ID) in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is defined as a mechanical problem of the joint that interferes with its function. It is attributed to an abnormal interaction among the articular disc, condyle, and joint eminence. The aim of this study is to evaluate diagnostic efficacy of non-invasive hand-carried ultrasonography instrumentation (US) to provide high-level images for a correct diagnosis of ID. Twenty-eight ID patients, 15 female and 13 males, were examined both clinically and by MRI images in order to achieve a diagnosis of ID (using Helkimo index). Then, they were submitted to US examination with a 12 MHz transducer by using hand-carried instrumentation by a clinician that was blind to their diagnosis and clinical data. TMJ US examination was performed with the mouth closed and mouth open, with proper technique. Each position was then evaluated with two different orientations of the transducer. US showed acceptable results in identifying bone structures. Lower values of diagnostic efficacy were obtained for disc position during joint movements with respect to MRI images. MRI still represents the gold standard for the identification of joint structures. If not corroborated by clinical and anamnestic data, the diagnostic efficacy of US in identifying the position of the disc during opening and closing jaw movements appears limited than compared to MRI.
Thermo-Optic Phase Tuners Analysis and Design for Process Modules on a Silicon Nitride Platform
Authors: Alemany Rubén , Muñoz Pascual , Pastor Daniel , Domínguez Carlos
Published: November 2021

In this paper, we present a systematic design for manufacturing analysis for thermo-optic phase tuners, framed within the process modules available on a silicon nitride platform. Departing from an established technology platform, the heat distribution in various micro-structures was analyzed, both in steady and transient states, employing a 2D heat transfer model solved numerically. Multi-parametric simulations were performed on designs combining trenches and substrate undercut, by varying their position and dimensions. The simulation results were compared to a reference conventional fully-clad cross-section. Deep air-filled trenches are shown to reduce the power consumption up to 70%, alongside a thermal crosstalk phase shift reduction of more than one order of magnitude (0.045 π rad/mm), at the expense of a slightly lower bandwidth (11.8 kHz). The design with trenches and substrate undercut lowers the power consumption up to 97%, decreases two orders of magnitude the crosstalk (0.006 π rad/mm), at the cost of less than one order of magnitude in bandwidth (0.9 kHz). In the works, we selected three different heater materials (Cr/Au, Al, poly-silicon) offered by the fab and four different heater widths (2.5 to 7 μm). Their combinations are related to performance, reliability and durability of the devices, strongly linked to temperature, current density, and Omegaic resistance. The different figures of merit defined, and the methodology followed, can be mimicked by future designers to take design decisions at bird’s eye.
Preparation of Eu0.075Tb0.925-Metal Organic Framework as a Fluorescent Probe and Application in the Detection of Fe3+ and Cr2O72−
Authors: Yin Jie , Chu Hongtao , Qin Shili , Qi Haiyan , Hu Minggang
Published: November 2021

Luminescent Ln-MOFs (Eu0.075Tb0.925-MOF) were successfully synthesised through the solvothermal reaction of Tb(NO3)3·6H2O, Eu(NO3)3·6H2O, and the ligand pyromellitic acid. The product was characterised by X-ray diffraction (XRD), TG analysis, EM, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and luminescence properties, and results show that the synthesised material Eu0.075Tb0.925-MOF has a selective ratio-based fluorescence response to Fe3+ or Cr2O72−. On the basis of the internal filtering effect, the fluorescence detection experiment shows that as the concentration of Fe3+ or Cr2O72− increases, the intensity of the characteristic emission peak at 544 nm of Tb3+ decreases, and the intensity of the characteristic emission peak at 653 nm of Eu3+ increases in Eu0.075Tb0.925-MOF. The fluorescence intensity ratio (I653/I544) has a good linear relationship with the target concentration. The detection linear range for Fe3+ or Cr2O72− is 10–100 μM/L, and the detection limits are 2.71 × 10−7 and 8.72 × 10−7 M, respectively. Compared with the sensor material with a single fluorescence emission, the synthesised material has a higher anti-interference ability. The synthesised Eu0.075Tb0.925-MOF can be used as a highly selective and recyclable sensing material for Fe3+ or Cr2O72−. This material should be an excellent candidate for multifunctional sensors.
Multiple Damage Detection of an Offshore Helideck through the Two-Step Artificial Neural Network Based on the Limited Mode Shape Data
Authors: Kim Byungmo , Kim Chanyeong , Ha Seung-Hyun
Published: November 2021

A helideck is an essential structure in an offshore platform, and it is crucial to maintain its structural integrity and detect the occurrence of damage early. Because helidecks usually consist of complex lattice truss members, precise measurements are required for structural health monitoring based on accurate modal parameters. However, available sensors and data acquisition are limited. Therefore, we propose a two-step damage detection process using an artificial neural network. Based on the mode shape database collected from 137,400 damage scenarios by finite element analysis, the neural network in the first step was trained to estimate the mode shapes of the entire helideck model using the selected mode shape data obtained from the limited measuring points. Then, the neural network in the second step is consecutively trained to detect the location and amount of structural damage to individual parts. As a result, it is shown that the proposed procedure provides the damage detection capability with only a quarter of the entire mode shape data, while the estimation accuracy is sufficiently high compared to the single network directly trained using all mode shape data. It was also found that, compared to the network directly trained from the same data, the proposed technique tends to detect minor damages more accurately.
Displacement Estimation Error in Laser Scanning Monitoring of Retaining Structures Considering Roughness
Authors: Seo Hyungjoon , Zhao Yang , Chen Cheng
Published: November 2021

Point clouds were obtained after laser scanning of the concrete panel, SMW, and sheet pile which is most widely used in retaining structures. The surface condition of the point cloud affects the displacement calculation, and hence both local roughness and global curvature of each point cloud were analyzed using the different sizes of the kernel. The curvature of the three retaining structures was also analyzed by the azimuth angle. In this paper, artificial displacements are generated for the point clouds of 100%, 80%, 60%, 40%, and 20% of the retaining structures, and displacement and analysis errors were calculated using the C2C, C2M, and M3C2 methods. C2C method is affected by the resolution of the point cloud, and the C2M method underestimates the displacement by the location of the points in the curvature of the retaining structures. M3C2 method had the lowest error, and the optimized M3C2 parameters for analyzing the displacement were presented.
Single Commercially Available IC-Based Electronically Controllable Voltage-Mode First-Order Multifunction Filter with Complete Standard Functions and Low Output Impedance
Authors: Jaikla Winai , Buakhong Unchittha , Siripongdee Surapong , Khateb Fabian , Sotner Roman , Silapan Phamorn , Suwanjan Peerawut , Chaichana Amornchai
Published: November 2021

This paper presents the design of a voltage-mode three-input single-output multifunction first-order filter employing commercially available LT1228 IC for easy verification of the proposed circuit by laboratory measurements. The proposed filter is very simple, consisting of a single LT1228 as an active device with two resistors and one capacitor. The output voltage node is low impedance, resulting in an easy cascade-ability with other voltage-mode configurations. The proposed filter provides four filter responses: low-pass filter (LP), high-pass filter (HP), inverting all-pass filter (AP−), and non-inverting all-pass filter (AP+) in the same circuit configuration. The selection of output filter responses can be conducted without additional inverting or double gains, which is easy to be controlled by the digital method. The control of pole frequency and phase response can be conducted electronically through the bias current (IB). The matching condition during tuning the phase response with constant voltage gain is not required. Moreover, the pass-band voltage gain of the LP and HP functions can be controlled by adjusting the value of resistors without affecting the pole frequency and phase response. Additionally, the phase responses of the AP filters can be selected as both lagging or leading phase responses. The parasitic effects on the filtering performances were also analyzed and studied. The performances of the proposed filter were simulated and experimented with a ±5 V voltage supply. For the AP+ experimental result, the leading phase response for 1 kHz to 1 MHz frequency changed from 180 to 0 degrees. For the AP− experimental result, the lagging phase response for 1 kHz to 1 MHz frequency changed from 0 to −180 degrees. The design of the quadrature oscillator based on the proposed first-order filter is also included as an application example.
Virtual Reality-Based Therapy Improves Fatigue, Impact, and Quality of Life in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis. A Systematic Review with a Meta-Analysis
Authors: Cortés-Pérez Irene , Sánchez-Alcalá Marcelina , Nieto-Escámez Francisco Antonio , Castellote-Caballero Yolanda , Obrero-Gaitán Esteban , Osuna-Pérez María Catalina
Published: November 2021

Patients with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) have a high level of fatigue and a reduced quality of life (QoL) due to the impact of multiple sclerosis (MS). Virtual reality-based therapy (VRBT) is being used to reduce disability in PwMS. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of VRBT on fatigue, the impact of MS, and QoL in PwMS. Methods: A systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted through a bibliographic search on PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and PEDro up to April 2021. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with PwMS that received VRBT in comparison to conventional therapy (CT) including physiotherapy, balance and strength exercises, and stretching or physical activity, among others; or in comparison to simple observation; in order to assess fatigue, MS-impact, and QoL. The effect size was calculated using Cohen’s standardized mean difference with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Results: Twelve RCTs that provided data from 606 PwMS (42.83 ± 6.86 years old and 70% women) were included. The methodological quality mean, according to the PEDro Scale, was 5.83 ± 0.83 points. Our global findings showed that VRBT is effective at reducing fatigue (SMD −0.33; 95% CI −0.61, −0.06), lowering the impact of MS (SMD −0.3; 95% CI −0.55, −0.04), and increasing overall QoL (0.5; 95% CI 0.23, 0.76). Subgroup analysis showed the following: (1) VRBT is better than CT at reducing fatigue (SMD −0.4; 95% CI −0.7, −0.11), as well as in improving the mental dimension of QoL (SMD 0.51; 95% CI 0.02, 1); (2) VRBT is better than simple observation at reducing the impact of MS (SMD −0.61; 95% CI −0.97, −0.23) and increasing overall QoL (SMD 0.79; 95% CI 0.3, 1.28); and (3) when combined with CT, VRBT is more effective than CT in improving the global (SMD 0.6, 95% CI 0.13, 1.07), physical (SMD 0.87; 95% CI 0.3, 1.43), and mental dimensions (SMD 0.6; 95% CI 0.08, 1.11) of QoL. Conclusion: VRBT is effective at reducing fatigue and MS impact and improving QoL in PwMS.