bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Significant Global Yield-Gap Closing Is Possible Without Increasing the Intensity of Environmentally Harmful Nitrogen Losses
Authors: Smerald Andrew , Fuchs Kathrin , Kraus David , Butterbach-Bahl Klaus , Scheer Clemens
Published: April 2022

Substantial increases in cereal yields are necessary if a growing global demand for food is to be met without further conversion of natural to agricultural land. However, since in many regions yields are limited by soil nutrient availability, this will increase the requirement for fertilizer inputs, specifically of nitrogen (N). Here we focus on maize cultivation, and investigate the trade-off between yield increases and environmentally harmful N-losses in the form of nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions and nitrate (NO3-) leaching. We model the evolution of N-losses as yield gaps—the difference between actual and potential yields—are closed. To do this we use the process-based, biogeochemical model LandscapeDNDC to perform global simulations on a 0.5° grid, and evaluate the response of yields and environmental N-losses to changes in N-inputs. Our simulations find current production (circa 2015) of 954 Tg (5.1 Mg/ha), direct and indirect N2O emissions of 416 Gg-N (2.2 kg-N/ha or 0.44 kg-N/Mg) andNO3-leaching of 5.9 Tg-N (31.5 kg-N/ha or 6.2 kg-N/Mg). We demonstrate that, under an “optimal” strategy for closing yield gaps, maize yields could be increased by 20–25% with concomitant stable or even slightly decreased yield-scaled N-losses. However, further yield increases would come at an ever accelerating cost in environmentally harmful N losses. This acceleration occurs when yields exceed ~70–80% of their potential.
Ontological Awareness in Food Systems Education
Authors: Dring Colin C. , Čajková Teresa , Mendes Wilson , Stein Sharon , Valley Will , Clegg Daniel J.
Published: April 2022

We observe efforts in Sustainable Food Systems Education and Critical Food Systems Education literature to employ education in ways that seek social and environmental transformation of food systems. Here, we argue that forms of food systems education that are disconnected from awareness of their ontological roots are destined to reproduce the same food systems with the same consequences for life on Earth. This theoretical paper invites discussions that unpack “habits of being” underpinning modern/colonial conceptualizations of food system issues, transformation efforts, and pedagogies. We note the risk of reinscribing, within food systems education, specific onto-epistemological norms and values that are the root of multiple crises facing food systems (separability, global capital, nation-states, humanism). Using the metaphor of the “house that modernity built,” we invite scholars, teachers, learners, and other practitioners to bring explicit attention to how the ontology of Western modernity arises in discourses on food systems and is reproduced through food systems education. We begin by describing this ontological position and its dominance, situating how contemporary transformations in food systems education neglect ontological foundations, and enumerating a set of harms arising from this disavowal. As a beginning, we suggest that fields related to food systems are a compelling place to interrupt a habit of being that denies and disavows even the presence of ontological positions. Food systems educators within postsecondary institutions are entreated to develop their analyses and pedagogical approaches toward a more just and sustainable future that denaturalizes harmful and falsely universalized ontological foundations.
Wild Bee Nutritional Ecology: Integrative Strategies to Assess Foraging Preferences and Nutritional Requirements
Authors: Crone Makaylee K. , Biddinger David J. , Grozinger Christina M.
Published: April 2022

Bees depend on flowering plants for their nutrition, and reduced availability of floral resources is a major driver of declines in both managed and wild bee populations. Understanding the nutritional needs of different bee species, and how these needs are met by the varying nutritional resources provided by different flowering plant taxa, can greatly inform land management recommendations to support bee populations and their associated ecosystem services. However, most bee nutrition research has focused on the three most commonly managed and commercially reared bee taxa—honey bees, bumble bees, and mason bees—with fewer studies focused on wild bees and other managed species, such as leafcutting bees, stingless bees, and alkali bees. Thus, we have limited information about the nutritional requirements and foraging preferences of the vast majority of bee species. Here, we discuss the approaches traditionally used to understand bee nutritional ecology: identification of floral visitors of selected focal plant species, evaluation of the foraging preferences of adults in selected focal bee species, evaluation of the nutritional requirements of focal bee species (larvae or adults) in controlled settings, and examine how these methods may be adapted to study a wider range of bee species. We also highlight emerging technologies that have the potential to greatly facilitate studies of the nutritional ecology of wild bee species, as well as evaluate bee nutritional ecology at significantly larger spatio-temporal scales than were previously feasible. While the focus of this review is on bee species, many of these techniques can be applied to other pollinator taxa as well.
Milk, Meat, and Fish From the Petri Dish—Which Attributes Would Make Cultured Proteins (Un)attractive and for Whom? Results From a Nordic Survey
Authors: Klöckner Christian A. , Engel Lukas , Moritz Jana , Burton Rob J. , Young Jette F. , Kidmose Ulla , Ryynänen Toni
Published: April 2022

Cultured meat, fish, or dairy produced in vitro are discussed as one of the most substantial disruptions the food sector might encounter in the coming decades. These cultured proteins are proposed as a potential solution to the detrimental effects industrial food farming and fishing have on the environment and animal welfare as they would allow people to continue consuming meat, fish, or dairy products while at the same time substantially reducing the burden for the planet. For most people, however, this technology is still unknown, and it is largely unclear how they position themselves toward it. This paper presents the results of a representative survey (N = 3,864) in three Nordic countries (Norway, Denmark, and Finland). After briefly introducing the technological background, respondents spontaneously assessed their general attitude toward cultured proteins, their willingness to try them, and the likelihood that changes in 24 features of cultured protein would improve the respondents' attitude toward cultured protein products. The results showed that people in the studied countries have a neutral to a slightly positive view of cultured protein products. More familiarity seems to improve acceptance. Males, younger people, and vegans/vegetarians are particularly positive. The anticipated attitude change profiles showed that meat-eating identity, social norms, environmental concern, and country yielded the clearest profile differences, whereas health identity, age, innovativeness, income, education, and gender have smaller effects. People on a vegan or vegetarian diet cared less about most of the positive and negative aspects of cultured proteins compared to meat-eaters, with the exception of environmental and ethical aspects.
Reasons for Guardian-Relinquishment of Dogs to Shelters: Animal and Regional Predictors in British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Eagan Bailey H. , Gordon Emilia , Protopopova Alexandra
Published: April 2022

Dogs are relinquished to animal shelters for animal-related or guardian-related reasons. Understanding what drives relinquishment patterns is essential for informing intervention opportunities to keep animals with their guardians. Whereas, overall reasons for relinquishment in a given shelter system have been well explored, analysis of human and animal predictors of relinquishingfor a specific reasonhas not been previously attempted. We used characteristics of relinquishment including year, population of the relinquishing guardian's region, health status of the dog, breed, age group, weight, and sex to predict reasons for dog relinquishment to British Columbia (BC) Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) shelters across BC between 2008 and 2019 (n= 32,081). Relinquishment trends for puppies and adult dogs were also viewed and described. From 2008–2019, the proportion of dogs relinquished relative to total intake remained consistent (range: 31–35%). Primary reasons reported by guardians were having too many dogs (19%), housing issues (17%), personal issues (15%), financial issues (10%), dog behavior (10%), and guardian health (8%). Over years, an increasing proportion of dogs were relinquished for the reason “too many” (OR = 1.16, 95% CI, 1.10–1.23,p< 0.001) and “behavior” (OR = 1.34, 95% CI, 1.26–1.43,p< 0.001), while a decreasing proportion were relinquished due to financial problems (OR = 0.94, 95% CI, 0.88–1.00,p= 0.047). Being a puppy, mixed breed, small, and from a small or medium population center predicted the reason “too many.” Being a senior, Healthy, or from a medium or large population center predicted the reason “housing issues.” Being a non-puppy, Healthy dog in a large population center predicted the reason “personal issues.” Being a puppy, non-Healthy, female, and from a large population center predicted the reason “financial issues.” Being a larger young adult or adult and Healthy predicted the reason “dog behavior.” Being an adult or senior small dog from a small population center predicted the reason “guardian health.” Particularly promising region-specific intervention opportunities include efforts to prevent too many animals in small population centers, improvement of pet-inclusive housing in large population centers, and providing animal care support in large population centers. Accessible veterinary services, including low-cost or subsidized care, likely benefit dog retention across BC.
The Islamic State’s Worldview as a Radical Terror Management Device
Authors: Bolechów Bartosz
Published: April 2022

The US reaction to 9/11 set off a chain of events leading to the raise of the most radical strain of revolutionary Salafism ideology incarnated by the Islamic State. The analysis of IS worldview allows one to observe its striking compatibility with the fundamental tenets of Terror Management Theory (TMT). The main proposition of this article is that the Islamic State’s worldview should be interpreted as a product of an ideological evolution triggered/amplified by the Global War on Terror (GWOT), leading towards reenergization of the revolutionary Salafi narrative and increasingly radical – and thus psychologically efficient but strategically flawed – terror management device.
The Importance of Surveillance in the Context of Contemporary Threats: Based on the Experience of the Terrorist Attacks of 11 September 2001
Authors: Górka Marek
Published: April 2022

The main objective of security policy is to prevent threats, which means to fight certain phenomena at their very source. Governments of many countries threatened by a terrorist attack are still searching for an effective way to prevent attacks on intended terrorist targets and to uncover them in time. It is now recognised that monitoring telephone and internet communications is one of the most effective ways to combat terrorism. In recent years, international security has become one of the most debated issues due to, among other things, the coronavirus pandemic and numerous terrorist attacks. An important factor in preventing these threats is how the state and its services function through the use of a variety of tools and techniques, thus creating new and unique ethical and legal problems. The force and impact of state policy measures are often excessive and disproportionate to the threats posed. In this case, civil rights and liberties are most often violated. Doubts that arise when analysing these two values also stimulate reflection on the question to what extent the state is the victim of threats and to what extent it itself is the aggressor. Contemporary threats such as terrorism or the coronavirus pandemic are a major source of public fear that has far-reaching implications for public governance. The analysis carried out in this study examines the use of digital technologies for surveillance and control of the public by governments as a means to combat contemporary threats. The article describes both cases highlighting the importance of digital technology in maintaining security and cites evidence showing the threats that electronic surveillance poses to democratic norms. In other words, digital control over society promotes security but also restricts civil rights and liberties. The article emphasizes the worrying tendency for governments to implement technology rapidly without sufficient concern for the consequences for socio-political life.
Evaluation of Product Development Success: A Student Perspective
Authors: Berényi László , Soltész László
Published: April 2022

The time pressure on new product development under unpredictable conditions requires the renewal of the project management approach that suggests the prominent role of project managerial competencies in achieving project success. Project management education must be adjusted to understand students’ opinions in the field. The study uses a survey among Hungarian engineering, business, and IT higher education students. The analysis aims to explore opinions about the main barriers to successful product development projects, and the expected ways of regulating the project by ANOVA and principal component analysis. The responses of 126 students confirm the appreciation of management competencies. Gaps in team composition, inadequate communication, common changes in the plans, and the lack of experience in similar development tasks are considered to be the main contributors to product development project failures. Collaboration and competition with external partners were found to be less essential factors. Students believe that regulation of the work is necessary, but the project team should be trusted to establish it. Beyond developing the curricula, the experience of this study can promote the successful execution of collaborative projects between companies and higher education institutions. It can establish expected student competencies to quickly become effective project team members.
Efficiency of Schinus molle Essential Oil against Bactericera cockerelli (Hemiptera: Triozidae) and Sitophilus zeamais (Coleoptera: Dryophthoridae)
Authors: Landero-Valenzuela Nadia , Alonso-Hernández Nancy , Lara-Viveros Francisco , Gómez-Domínguez Nadia S. , Juárez-Pelcastre Jonathan , Aguado-Rodríguez Javier , Luna-Cruz Alfonso , Lagunez-Rivera Luicita , Aguilar-Pérez Luis Alfonso , Hinojosa-Garro Demián , Granados-Echegoyen Carlos
Published: April 2022

The present study determines the chemical composition of Schinus molle essential oil and its mortality and repellent effect on Bactericera cockerelli immature stage and Sitophilus zeamais adults. Twenty-four compounds were identified and the most abundant were o-Cymene (29.04), 1R-α-Pinene (15.52), camphene (14.00), and β-myrcene (11.54). On the fifth-instar psyllid nymph, the LC50 and LC90 at 48 h were 442.67 and 864.29 ppm, and for the fourth-instar were 273.41 and 534.67 ppm. The maize-weevil registered an LC50 and LC90 of 343.25 and 986.96 ppm for the fifteenth day. A selection index (Si) of 0.37 with 800 ppm was registered, showing the highest repellent activity, while with the lowest concentration (50 ppm), non-repellent activity was recorded. However, all concentrations above 100 ppm showed repellency against the maize weevil. The study reveals, for the first time, the essential oil’s insecticidal effects on the fourth and fifth nymphal stage of the potato/tomato psyllid B. cockerelli and the usefulness of the essential oil as a repellent against adult of S. zeamais. The Si effect on maize weevil was grouped into categories.
Investigation of Carbon-Dioxide-Emissions from Underutilized Grassland between 2019 and 2020
Authors: Varga Krisztina , Halász András , Kovács Gergő Péter , Csízi István
Published: April 2022

Climate change-induced extreme changes are making phytomass yields of extensive grasslands in continental areas increasingly dependent on the season. This situation is exacerbated, inter alia, by the decline in grazing livestock production due to a lack of quality labour, and thus by an increase in the proportion of unused or under-utilised grassland. In our experiments, we have refined the effects of a decade of unused/abandonment, mulch, mowing and meadow utilisation on carbon emissions, soil moisture and soil temperature during two different types of years. We found that unused/abandonment grassland with accumulated duff in the absence of utilization had the highest carbon dioxide emission values in different years, even at lower soil moisture values. Our results confirm the fact that fallow grasslands can be considered a source of risk due to their increased greenhouse gas emissions.
Removal of Dominant Species Impairs Nitrogen Utilization in Co-Existing Ledum palustre and Vaccinium uliginosum Communities Subjected to Five-Year Continuous Interruptions
Authors: Duan Yadong , Fu Xuepeng , Zhou Xingang , Gao Danmei , Zhang Lei , Wu Fengzhi
Published: April 2022

Unguided exploitation has impaired the sustainability of natural resources of agronomic non-wood forest plants from understory boglands in boreal forests. The extreme consequences of plant–soil interplay on medicinal plant communities under continuous interruptions need to be understood to implement strategies which can cope with possible ecological degradation. In this study, co-existing Ledum palustre and Vaccinium uliginosum communities were investigated after a four-year interruption of continuous removal of dominant species in stands at Xing’an Mountain. Nitrogen (N) availability was assessed by above-ground biomass and N content in nondominant plants and the biophysiological properties of rhizosphere soil. The removal treatment promoted soil mineral and organic N contents, but also reduced abundances of the soil communities of Rozellomycota phylum (by 82.76%), ericoid mycorrhiza of Meliniomyces varia (by 81.60%) and Phialocephala fort (by 69.54%). Vaccinium uliginosum overcame L. palustre through higher N utilization (biomass/%N) although the latter had higher abundances of soil Odiodendron maius and P. fort. The microbial community attributes accounted for a large proportion of N availability following the removal of dominance. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that understory agronomic plants in northern boglands should no longer be under continuous exploitation. Strategies should be considered to improve the promotion of N uptake by managing local soil microbial communities.
Achromobacter xylosoxidans and Enteromorpha intestinalis Extract Improve Tomato Growth under Salt Stress
Authors: Santana Margarida Maria , Rosa Ana Paula , Zamarreño Angel M. , García-Mina José María , Rai Abdelwahab , Cruz Cristina
Published: April 2022

The effect of seed coating salt-stressed tomato with the bacterium Achromobacter xylosoxidans BOA4 and/or irrigation with an extract of the marine algae Enteromorpha intestinalis (EI) is herein evaluated. The plant shoots and roots were harvested separately on day 50, following extensive saline stress. The addition of BOA4 and/or EI extract resulted in an average increase of 33% in plant shoot DW, but an averaged decrease of 44% in the root to shoot biomass ratio. Anthocyanin content increased by over 34% and 44% with EI and BOA4 plus EI treatments, respectively. Since enhanced protein tyrosine nitration (PTN) is a known plant response to salt stress, the PTN level was inspected through 3-nitrotyrosine content determination. This was drastically increased by salt stress; however, BOA4, EI or both caused an averaged PTN decrease of 30% in stressed roots or shoots. This PTN response could be associated with tomato phenotypic characteristics and is postulated to be inversely correlated to cytokinin contents in stressed plants, namely cis-zeatin-type-cis-zeatin (cZ) plus cis-zeatin riboside (cZR), and isopentenyladenine (iP). The latter showed a drastic average increase by 3.6-fold following BOA4 and/or EI treatments of salinized tomato. This increment could be related to cytokinin biosynthesis induced by the applied bio-stimulants; IP and derivatives are the main cytokinins in seaweeds, and Achromobacter xylosoxidans BOA4 was shown to produce up to 17.5 pmol mL−1 of isopentenyladenine. This work is the first report on the influence of bio-stimulants, used to improve salt stress tolerance, on plant PTN levels; BOA4 and/or EI treatments decreased PTN, while increasing cis-zeatin-type and iP cytokinins in tomato, the latter showed an enhanced tolerance to salt stress.
Health and Diseases of Koalas
Authors: Speight Natasha
Published: April 2022

The koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) is an arboreal marsupial that is found throughout much of eastern and southeastern Australia, and it relies primarily on eucalypt trees for food, water and shelter [...]
Effects of Intravenous Antimicrobial Drugs on the Equine Fecal Microbiome
Authors: Liepman Rachel S. , Swink Jacob M. , Habing Greg G. , Boyaka Prosper N. , Caddey Benjamin , Costa Marcio , Gomez Diego E. , Toribio Ramiro E.
Published: April 2022

Alterations in the gastrointestinal microbiota after antimicrobial therapy in horses can result in loss of colonization resistance and changes in bacterial metabolic function. It is hypothesized that these changes facilitate gastrointestinal inflammation, pathogen expansion and the development of diarrhea. The objectives of this study were to determine the effect of intravenous administration of antimicrobial drugs (ceftiofur, enrofloxacin, oxytetracycline) on equine fecal bacterial communities over time, to investigate whether those changes are detectable after 5 days of treatment and whether they persist over time (30 days). Sixteen horses were randomly assigned into 4 treatment groups: group 1 (enrofloxacin, n = 4); group 2 (ceftiofur sodium, n = 4); group 3 (oxytetracycline, n = 4); group 4 (0.9% saline solution, placebo, n = 4). Antimicrobial therapy was administered for 5 days. Fecal samples were obtained before (day 0) and at 3, 5 and 30 days of the study period. Bacterial DNA was amplified using specific primers to the hypervariable region V1–V3 of the 16S rRNA gene using a 454 FLX-Titanium pyrosequencer. Antimicrobial therapy failed to cause any changes in physical examination parameters, behavior, appetite or fecal output or consistency throughout the study in any horse. There was a significant effect of treatment on alpha diversity indices (richness) over the treatment interval for ceftiofur on days 0 vs. 3 (p < 0.05), but not for other antimicrobials (p > 0.05). Microbial composition was significantly different (p < 0.05) across treatment group and day, but not for interactions between treatment and day, regardless of taxonomic level and beta-diversity distance metric. The most significant antimicrobial effects on relative abundance were noted after intravenous administration of ceftiofur and enrofloxacin. The relative abundance of Fibrobacteres was markedly lower on day 3 compared to other days in the ceftiofur and enrofloxacin treatment groups. There was an increase in Clostridia and Lachnospiraceae from day 0 to days 3 and 5 in ceftiofur and enrofloxacin treated groups. These findings showed the negative effect of antimicrobial drugs on bacterial communities associated with gut health (Fibrobacteres and Lachnospiraceae) and indicate that changes in specific taxa could predispose horses to gastrointestinal inflammation and the development of diarrhea.
Artificial Light at Night Drives Earlier Singing in a Neotropical Bird
Authors: Marín Gómez Oscar Humberto
Published: April 2022

Anthropogenic noise and artificial light at night (ALAN) can disrupt the morning singing routines of urban birds, however, its influence on tropical species remains poorly explored. Here, I assessed the association between light and noise pollution with the dawn chorus onset of the Saffron Finch (Sicalis flaveola) in a city in Colombia. I studied 32 sites comprised of different conditions of urban development based on built cover. I recorded the time of the first song of the Saffron Finch, the conspecific density and measured anthropogenic noise and ALAN using smartphone apps. The findings of this study show that Saffron Finches living in highly developed sites sang earlier at dawn than those occupying less urbanized sites. Unexpectedly, this timing difference was related to ALAN instead of anthropogenic noise, suggesting that light pollution could drive earlier dawn chorus in a tropical urban bird. Saffron Finches could take advantage of earlier singing for signaling territorial ownership among neighbors. Future studies need to assess the influence of ALAN on the dawn chorus timing of Neotropical urban birds.
The Molecular Characterization of Virulence Determinants and Antibiotic Resistance Patterns in Human Bacterial Uropathogens
Authors: Ahmed Naveed , Khalid Hira , Mushtaq Mariam , Basha Sakeenabi , Rabaan Ali A. , Garout Mohammed , Halwani Muhammad A. , Al Mutair Abbas , Alhumaid Saad , Al Alawi Zainab , Yean Chan Yean
Published: April 2022

The high rates of bacterial infections affect the economy worldwide by contributing to the increase in morbidity and treatment costs. The present cross-sectional study was carried out to evaluate the prevalence of bacterial infection in urinary tract infection (UTI) patients and to evaluate the antimicrobial resistance rate (AMR) in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Lahore, Pakistan. The study was conducted for the period of one year from January 2020 to December 2020. A total of 1899 different clinical samples were collected and examined for bacterial cultures using standard procedures. Samples were inoculated on different culture media to isolate bacterial isolates and for identification and susceptibility testing. A total of 1107/1899 clinical samples were positive for Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), Escherichia coli (E. coli) and other bacterial isolates. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) prevalence was 16.93% from these positive cases. MRSA strains were found to be highly resistant to amikacin, clindamycin, fusidic acid, gentamicin and tobramycin, while highest sensitivity was noted against vancomycin (100%) and linezolid (100%). MRSA and high rates of multidrug resistance (MDR) pose a serious therapeutic burden to critically ill patients. A systematic and concerted effort is essential to rapidly identify high-risk patients and to reduce the burden of AMR.
Effects of Curcumin and Tetracycline Gel on Experimental Induced Periodontitis as an Anti-Inflammatory, Osteogenesis Promoter and Enhanced Bone Density through Altered Iron Levels: Histopathological Study
Authors: Mohammad Chenar Anwar , Ali Khadeeja Mohammed , Al-Rawi Rafal AbdulRazaq , Gul Sarhang Sarwat
Published: April 2022

Adjunctive use of antimicrobials with scaling and root planing (SRP) is necessary to better eradicate dental biofilm. Tetracycline (T) is the most commonly used antimicrobial; however, it has limitations. This study evaluates the effect of curcumin (CU) as adjunct to SRP on inflammatory markers, collagen fiber deposition, and altered iron level. A total of 32 Wistar rats were divided into five groups: no experimental periodontitis (healthy control), experimental periodontitis (EPD), EPD treated with SRP alone (SRP), EPD treated with SRP+T (SRP+T), and EPD treated with SRP+CU (SRP+CU). After 2 and 4 weeks of treatment, tissue samples were assessed by hematoxylin and eosin, and special stains (Perls’ stain and Masson’s Trichrome) for counting of inflammatory cells, angiogenesis, collagen fibers, and iron deposition. Significant reductions in inflammatory cells infiltration and alveolar bone resorption with angiogenesis and collagen fibers deposition were detected after 2 and 4 weeks in both SRP+T and SRP+CU groups. SRP+CU resulted in a significant reduction in osteoclast numbers (week 2) and iron deposition (week 4) in bone trabeculae as compared to SRP and SRP+T groups. The adjunctive use of CU showed comparable results to T in the reduction in inflammation and bone resorption. Furthermore, CU has potential osteogenesis and healing effects.
Pre-Operative Assessment of Micronutrients, Amino Acids, Phospholipids and Oxidative Stress in Bariatric Surgery Candidates
Authors: Henning Thorsten , Kochlik Bastian , Kusch Paula , Strauss Matthias , Jurić Viktorija , Pignitter Marc , Marusch Frank , Grune Tilman , Weber Daniela
Published: April 2022

Obesity has been linked to lower concentrations of fat-soluble micronutrients and higher concentrations of oxidative stress markers as well as an altered metabolism of branched chain amino acids and phospholipids. In the context of morbid obesity, the aim of this study was to investigate whether and to which extent plasma status of micronutrients, amino acids, phospholipids and oxidative stress differs between morbidly obese (n = 23) and non-obese patients (n = 13). In addition to plasma, malondialdehyde, retinol, cholesterol and triglycerides were assessed in visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue in both groups. Plasma γ-tocopherol was significantly lower (p < 0.011) in the obese group while other fat-soluble micronutrients showed no statistically significant differences between both groups. Branched-chain amino acids (all p < 0.008) and lysine (p < 0.006) were significantly higher in morbidly obese patients compared to the control group. Malondialdehyde concentrations in both visceral (p < 0.016) and subcutaneous (p < 0.002) adipose tissue were significantly higher in the morbidly obese group while plasma markers of oxidative stress showed no significant differences between both groups. Significantly lower plasma concentrations of phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, lyso-phosphatidylethanolamine (all p < 0.05) and their corresponding ether-linked analogs were observed, which were all reduced in obese participants compared to the control group. Pre-operative assessment of micronutrients in patients undergoing bariatric surgery is recommended for early identification of patients who might be at higher risk to develop a severe micronutrient deficiency post-surgery. Assessment of plasma BCAAs and phospholipids in obese patients might help to differentiate between metabolic healthy patients and those with metabolic disorders.
Study on Thermal Performance of Single-Tank Thermal Energy Storage System with Thermocline in Solar Thermal Utilization
Authors: Zhu Chao , Zhang Jian , Wang Yueshe , Deng Zehong , Shi Peng , Wu Jian , Wu Zihao
Published: April 2022

For the intermittence and instability of solar energy, energy storage can be a good solution in many civil and industrial thermal scenarios. With the advantages of low cost, simple structure, and high efficiency, a single-tank thermal energy storage system is a competitive way of thermal energy storage (TES). In this study, a two-dimensional flow and heat transfer model of a cylindrical storage tank with water as heat transfer fluid (HTF) is developed, in which the effects of time, flow velocity, and height-to-diameter ratio of the tank on the thermocline thickness have been highlighted. The results show that the thermocline thickness in the storage tank is increasing during the charging and discharging processes, and it increases with the increase of the inlet flow velocity and the height to diameter ratio. It is emphasized that in our cases when the time period of t is 14,400 s, the fluid inlet velocity of uin is 4.577 × 10−4 m/s, and the height-to-diameter ratio of H/D is 1.2, the performance evaluation index reaches the maximum 0.9575, and the efficiency of the system is the highest. It is expected that all of the findings herein can provide a fundamental understanding of the design and operation of the single-tank thermal energy storage system in water heating for civil and industrial applications.
Suppression of Instabilities in a Plasma Voltage Stabilizer
Authors: Mustafaev Alexander , Grabovskiy Artem , Sukhomlinov Vladimir
Published: April 2022

This article presents the results of experiments aimed at studying the conditions for the excitation of current and voltage oscillations in plasma in a three-electrode voltage stabilizer. It was found that in the modes under consideration, the plasma had negative conductivity, which caused oscillations. We propose a highly efficient method for suppressing instabilities that is based on controlling the sign of the plasma’s differential conductivity via adjusting the concentration of the plasma’s thermal electrons with an external control electrode. The proposed method makes it possible to achieve a high level of stability of the energy parameters of voltage stabilizers and those of other plasma-based devices.
Analysis of Acoustic Emission Activity during Progressive Failure in Heterogeneous Materials: Experimental and Numerical Investigation
Authors: Friedrich Leandro Ferreira , Tanzi Boris Nahuel Rojo , Colpo Angélica Bordin , Sobczyk Mario , Lacidogna Giuseppe , Niccolini Gianni , Iturrioz Ignacio
Published: April 2022

This work focuses on an experimental and numerical investigation into monitoring damage in a cube-shaped concrete specimen under compression. Experimental monitoring uses acoustic emission (AE) signals acquired by two independent measurement apparatuses, and the same damage process is numerically simulated with the lattice discrete element method (LDEM). The results from the experiment and simulation are then compared in terms of their failure load, final configurations, and the evolution of global parameters based on AE signals, such as the b-value coefficient and the natural time approach. It is concluded that the results from the AE analysis present a significant sensitivity to the characteristics of the acquisition systems. However, natural time methods are more robust for determining such differences, indicating the same general tendency for all three data sets.
Bioactive Compounds from Natural Products: Separation, Characterization, and Applications
Authors: Vamanu Emanuel
Published: April 2022

The study of bioactive compounds represents a new and innovative section of biotechnology, with applications to the well-being of humans [...]
Indoor Genetic Algorithm-Based 5G Network Planning Using a Machine Learning Model for Path Loss Estimation
Authors: Hervis Santana Yosvany , Martinez Alonso Rodney , Guillen Nieto Glauco , Martens Luc , Joseph Wout , Plets David
Published: April 2022

Accurate wireless network planning is crucial for the deployment of new wireless services. This usually requires the consecutive evaluation of many candidate solutions, which is only feasible for simple path loss models, such as one-slope models or multi-wall models. However, such path loss models are quite straightforward and often do not deliver satisfactory estimations, eventually impacting the quality of the proposed network deployment. More advanced models, such as Indoor Dominant Path Loss models, are usually more accurate, but as their path loss calculation is much more time-consuming, it is no longer possible to evaluate a large set of candidate deployment solutions. Out of necessity, a heuristic network planning algorithm is then typically used, but the outcomes heavily depend on the quality of the heuristic. Therefore, this paper investigates the use of Machine Learning to approximate a complex 5G path loss model. The much lower calculation time allows using this model in a Genetic Algorithm-based network planning algorithm. The Machine Learning model is trained for two buildings and is validated on three other buildings, with a Mean Absolute Error below 3 dB. It is shown that the new approach is able to find a wireless network deployment solution with an equal, or smaller, amount of access points, while still providing the required coverage for at least 99.4% of the receiver locations and it does this 15 times faster. Unlike a heuristic approach, the proposed one also allows accounting for additional design criteria, such as maximal average received power throughout the building, or minimal exposure to radiofrequency signals in certain rooms.
Sutureless Amniotic Membrane Transplantation in Inflammatory Corneal Perforations
Authors: Meduri Alessandro , Valastro Antonio , Inferrera Leandro , Oliverio Giovanni William , Ninotta Ivan , Camellin Umberto , Mancini Maura , Roszkowska Anna Maria , Aragona Pasquale
Published: April 2022

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of sutureless amniotic membrane transplantation (SAMT) in patients with corneal perforation secondary to ocular surface inflammatory diseases. Methods: Twelve eyes of eleven patients with corneal perforation associated with Sjögren’s syndrome and ocular cicatricial pemphigoid were included. Surgical procedure consisted in the application of two layers of amniotic membrane covering the corneal perforation and a therapeutic contact lens placed above the two layers, followed by sutureless tarsorrhaphy with Steri-strip applied for 15 days to immobilize the eyelids. All patients underwent slit-lamp examination, fluorescein corneal staining, and anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT), preoperatively and post-surgery, weekly for one month, and then every two weeks for three months. Results: All 12 eyes had complete resolution of corneal perforation. Pachymetry measurements improved in all eyes, and complete healing of the corneal ulcer was obtained following treatment and maintained up to 3 months follow-up in all patients. Conclusions: SAMT was proven to be a safe and effective option for the management of inflammatory corneal perforation. The procedure is non-traumatic and easy to perform since the surgical technique is sutureless and does not require topical therapy because it takes advantage of the intrinsic properties of the membrane itself.
Study on Vibration Reduction Performance of Gear Pairs Made by a High-Strength Fe-Mn Damping Alloy
Authors: Xiao Ping , Yang Wei , Jiang Kongming , Yang Jiafeng , Shi Wankai
Published: April 2022

Based on the fact that damping alloys can convert mechanical energy into heat energy and dissipate it in materials and the environment, high-strength Fe-Mn damping alloys were used to replace common gear materials to absorb vibration-generated energy from the vibration source. A high-strength Fe-Mn damping alloy was developed. Taking two kinds of new damping alloy materials and common materials as the research object, a constitutive model of the Fe-Mn damping alloy material was established, the temporal increment step form of the three-dimensional constitutive model was deduced, and a user-defined material (UMAT) subprogram of the damping constitutive alloy model was developed by FORTRAN language. Based on the three-dimensional contact non-linear finite element model of the gear shaft-bearing box, a transient dynamic analysis was conducted using a non-explicit algorithm to obtain the responses of vibration acceleration on the gear reducer box, which can verify the correctness of the proposed constitutive model. The vibration experiments of the gear reducer made of the above-mentioned materials were carried out under different working conditions. The vibration reduction of the developed high-strength Fe-Mn damping alloy can be certificated by comparing the vibration acceleration response and the measuring point temperature of the gear reducer house prepared by different alloys.
Detecting Deepfake Voice Using Explainable Deep Learning Techniques
Authors: Lim Suk-Young , Chae Dong-Kyu , Lee Sang-Chul
Published: April 2022

Fake media, generated by methods such as deepfakes, have become indistinguishable from real media, but their detection has not improved at the same pace. Furthermore, the absence of interpretability on deepfake detection models makes their reliability questionable. In this paper, we present a human perception level of interpretability for deepfake audio detection. Based on their characteristics, we implement several explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) methods used for image classification on an audio-related task. In addition, by examining the human cognitive process of XAI on image classification, we suggest the use of a corresponding data format for providing interpretability. Using this novel concept, a fresh interpretation using attribution scores can be provided.
Use of Low-Cost Devices for the Control and Monitoring of CO2 Concentration in Existing Buildings after the COVID Era
Authors: Pastor-Fernández Andrés , Cerezo-Narváez Alberto , Montero-Gutiérrez Paz , Ballesteros-Pérez Pablo , Otero-Mateo Manuel
Published: April 2022

In the COVID-19 era, a direct relationship has been consolidated between the concentration of the pollutant carbon dioxide (CO2) and indoor disease transmission. For reducing its spread, recommendations have been established among which air renewal is a key element to improve indoor air quality (IAQ). In this study, a low-cost CO2 measurement device was designed, developed, assembled, prototyped, and openly programmed so that the IAQ can be monitored remotely. In addition, this clonic device was calibrated for correct data acquisition. In parallel, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling analysis was used to study the indoor air flows to eliminate non-representative singular measurement points, providing possible locations. The results in four scenarios (cross ventilation, outdoor ventilation, indoor ventilation, and no ventilation) showed that the measurements provided by the clonic device are comparable to those obtained by laboratory instruments, with an average error of less than 3%. These data collected wirelessly for interpretation were evaluated on an Internet of Things (IoT) platform in real time or deferred. As a result, remaining lifespan of buildings can be exploited interconnecting IAQ devices with other systems (as HVAC systems) in an IoT environment. This can transform them into smart buildings, adding value to their refurbishment and modernization.
Transient Thermal Stresses in FG Porous Rotating Truncated Cones Reinforced by Graphene Platelets
Authors: Babaei Masoud , Kiarasi Faraz , Asemi Kamran , Dimitri Rossana , Tornabene Francesco
Published: April 2022

The present work studies an axisymmetric rotating truncated cone made of functionally graded (FG) porous materials reinforced by graphene platelets (GPLs) under a thermal loading. The problem is tackled theoretically based on a classical linear thermoelasticity approach. The truncated cone consists of a layered material with a uniform or non-uniform dispersion of GPLs in a metal matrix with open-cell internal pores, whose effective properties are determined according to the extended rule of mixture and modified Halpin–Tsai model. A graded finite element method (FEM) based on Rayleigh–Ritz energy formulation and Crank–Nicolson algorithm is here applied to solve the problem both in time and space domain. The thermo-mechanical response is checked for different porosity distributions (uniform and functionally graded), together with different types of GPL patterns across the cone thickness. A parametric study is performed to analyze the effect of porosity coefficients, weight fractions of GPL, semi-vertex angles of cone, and circular velocity, on the thermal, kinematic, and stress response of the structural member.
Derivation and Validation of Bandgap Equation Using Serpentine Resonator
Authors: Yu Junmin , Jung Jaesoon , Wang Semyung
Published: April 2022

Bandgap refers to a frequency band where free waves do not propagate. One of the characteristics of a bandgap is its ability to block the propagation of bending waves in a specific frequency band with a periodic structure. Additionally, it has been reported in previous studies that the vibration-reduction performance of a bandgap is superior to that of other reduction methods. A bandgap can be generated in various frequency bands through a simple parameter change in the unit structure. However, the bandgap for a desired frequency band can be determined accurately only with intensive simulations. To overcome this limitation, we have mathematically derived the bandgap using a serpentine spring as a unit structure. The bandgap equation is derived from the general mass–spring system and the final bandgap is derived by substituting the system into the serpentine resonator. The error map for the major design parameter is confirmed by comparing the derived bandgap with the simulation result. In addition, the theoretical bandgap is compared to the experiment value and the vibration-reduction performance of the serpentine resonator is also confirmed. Based on the theoretical and experimental result, the proposed serpentine resonator verifies that the bandgap can be derived mathematically without numerical analysis. Therefore, serpentine resonator is expected to have various applications since it dramatically reduces the time and cost for forming the bandgap of the desired frequency band.
Translation-Based Embeddings with Octonion for Knowledge Graph Completion
Authors: Yu Mei , Bai Chen , Yu Jian , Zhao Mankun , Xu Tianyi , Liu Hongwei , Li Xuewei , Yu Ruiguo
Published: April 2022

Knowledge representation learning achieves the automatic completion of knowledge graphs (KGs) by embedding entities into continuous low-dimensional vector space. In knowledge graph completion (KGC) tasks, the inter-dependencies and hierarchical information in KGs have gained attention. Existing methods do not well capture the latent dependencies between all components of entities and relations. To address this, we introduce the mathematical theories of octonion, a more expressive generalized form of complex number and quaternion, and propose a translation-based KGC model with octonion (TransO). TransO models entities as octonion coordinate vectors, relations as the combination of octonion component matrices and coordinate vectors, and uses specific grouping calculation rules to interact between entities and relations. In addition, since hyperbolic Poincaré space in non-Euclidean mathematics can represent hierarchical data more accurately and effectively than traditional Euclidean space, we propose a Poincaré-extended TransO model (PTransO). PTransO transforms octonion coordinate vectors into hyperbolic embeddings by exponential mapping, and integrates the Euclidean-based calculations into hyperbolic space by operations such as Möbius addition and hyperbolic distance. The experimental results of link prediction indicate that TransO outperforms other translation-based models on the WN18 benchmark, and PTransO further achieves state-of-the-art performance in low-dimensional space on the well-established WN18RR and FB15k-237 benchmarks.