bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RSETP: A Reliable Security Education and Training Platform Based on the Alliance Blockchain
Authors: Chen Ran , Wu Xiaoming , Liu Xiangzhi
Published: March 2023

Improving the training quality of education and training institutions is one of the important reasons for the sustainable development of training institutions. However, traditional education and training institutions lack supervision, and the process system is not standardized, resulting in a lack of authenticity and reliability of information in the training process. Because most of the traditional education and training systems are centralized, it is difficult to share training data between institutions and relevant departments. Therefore, in view of the problems of data tampering and resource sharing in the field of education and training, combined with the node complexity of education and training scenarios, we propose an education and training blockchain platform suitable for multi-node scenarios to ensure the authenticity of the training data and traceability. In this consortium chain, we design specific ledger structures and corresponding smart contracts to meet different business logic requirements. According to different business data types, we optimize the ledger storage method. To improve chaincode utilization and system transaction throughput, we explore different system configuration rules and provide useful insights. Finally, several experiments are performed to evaluate the security and efficiency of the proposed system.
Binary Neighborhood Coordinate Descriptor for Circuit Board Defect Detection
Authors: Zhang Jiaming , Hu Xuejuan , Zhang Tan , Liu Shiqian , Hu Kai , He Ting , Yang Xiaokun , Ye Jianze , Wang Hengliang , Tan Yadan , Liang Yifei
Published: March 2023

Due to the periodicity of circuit boards, the registration algorithm based on keypoints is less robust in circuit board detection and is prone to misregistration problems. In this paper, the binary neighborhood coordinate descriptor (BNCD) is proposed and applied to circuit board image registration. The BNCD consists of three parts: neighborhood description, coordinate description, and brightness description. The neighborhood description contains the grayscale information of the neighborhood, which is the main part of BNCD. The coordinate description introduces the actual position of the keypoints in the image, which solves the problem of inter-period matching of keypoints. The brightness description introduces the concept of bright and dark points, which improves the distinguishability of BNCD and reduces the calculation amount of matching. Experimental results show that in circuit board image registration, the matching precision rate and recall rate of BNCD is better than that of classic algorithms such as scale-invariant feature transform (SIFT) and speeded up robust features (SURF), and the calculation of descriptors takes less time.
The GaN Breakthrough for Sustainable and Cost-Effective Mobility Electrification and Digitalization
Authors: Scrimizzi Filippo , Cammarata Federica , D’Agata Giuseppe , Nicolosi Gabriele , Musumeci Salvatore , Rizzo Santi Agatino
Published: March 2023

Vehicle electrification and digitalization are even more and more increasingly pushed by several aims, such as the improvement in sustainability, wellness, safety, and reliability. The need for onboard power electronics is a common factor for the different types of electric vehicles. Similarly, the increasing presence of onboard Internet of Things items as well as systems implementing artificial intelligence asks for additional power electronics that ensure supplying them according to their rating plate. Additionally, power converters have to perform this task also for traditional loads (infotainment; climate control, and so on) and new ones (USB and wireless chargers; Light detection and ranging, LiDAR applications, and so on). The transaction towards full electrification and digitalization requires highly efficient and compact power electronics converters. In this perspective, the Gallium nitride (GaN) high-electron-mobility transistors (HEMTs) are the best enabler device technology. This paper analyses the current and prospective improvement in sustainability and cost achievable with GaN in the automotive sector. Then, the advantages of the system in package GaN devices in power converter supporting this transaction, such as 48 V–12 V converters, onboard charges, and cell phone wireless chargers are experimentally investigated. The results have highlighted that, already in 2023, the use of Si devices in these applications does not enable further a lower overall converter cost with respect to GaN-based solutions. The reduction of passive costs enabled by using higher frequency thanks to the GaN features compensates for its higher cost. On the other hand, GaN HEMT enables high efficiency in all the aforesaid automotive applications as also experimentally proved in this paper, making it the best solution in terms of sustainability.
Comparative Investigation of Three Diagnostic Methods Applied to Direct-Drive Permanent Magnet Machines Suffering from Demagnetization
Authors: Rasid Syidy Ab , Gyftakis Konstantinos N. , Mueller Markus
Published: March 2023

Direct-drive permanent magnet machines are ideal candidates for remote renewable applications, due to their independence from gearboxes and minimization of maintenance needs. However, faults may still appear in the generator of such a machine and affect its operation and production. Not only can demagnetization cause a catastrophic breakdown if left unchecked, but it also directly impacts the output quality of generators. As such, demagnetization is a topic of great interest. This paper investigated the sensitivity of three diagnostic methods—current signature analysis (CSA), Park’s vector approach (PVA), and extended Park’s vector approach (EPVA)—for demagnetization fault detection on a coreless permanent magnet generator.
Workbench Study Concerning the Highest Reliability Outcome for PoL Converters with Different Output Capacitor Technologies
Authors: Butnicu Dan , Lazar Alexandru
Published: March 2023

The last decade’s studies show that the PoL (point-of-load) converter’s output capacitor is an important component for reliability, implying that its careful selection may determine the overall converter’s failure rate and lifetime. PoL converters are commonly found in many electronic systems, usually as part of the Intermediate Bus Architecture (IBA). Their important requirements are a stable output voltage at load current variation, good temperature stability, a low output ripple voltage, high efficiency, and reliability. If the electronic system is portable, a small footprint and low volume are also important considerations. These were recently well accomplished with eGaN (enhancement gallium nitride) transistor technology, whose VUFoM (vertical unipolar figure of merit) is 1.48 compared to 1.00 for silicon. This ensures a higher converter power density (watts/area). This paper reviews the most-used capacitor technologies, highlighting the reliability of these components as part of the converter’s output filter by presenting original data related to their best performance. The test was set up with EPC’s eGaN FET transistor, which was enclosed within a 9059/30 V evaluation board with a 12 V input and 1.2 V output. Different output capacitor technologies were evaluated, and reliability was calculated based on measurements of the ripple of the output voltage and thermal scanning.
PV Tracking Systems
Authors: Alexandru Cătălin
Published: March 2023

Dramatic climate change has been well-observed for several years, mainly due to the effects of pollution caused by the burning of fossil fuels [...]
Development and Performance Evaluation of Novel Solid-Free Epoxy Resin System for Remediation of Sustained Casing Pressure
Authors: Dou Ninghui , Wang Zhiyuan , Leng Guangyao , Liu Haoya , Hu Zhiqiang , Jiang Ke
Published: March 2023

Sustained casing pressure (SCP) is a common problem during an entire life span of oil and gas wells. When conventional methods are deployed to resolve the issue, the methods seem to have some setbacks by being unable to seal microcracks in the wellbores. A new solid-free resin sealant was developed by increasing the amount of active hydrogen in the curing agent. This low-temperature cure results in low viscosity, excellent mechanical properties, and chemical stability. The experimental results show that the resin sealant can be used at temperatures ranging from 20 to 50 °C, and the curing time can be controlled within 0.25 to 20 h by increasing the curing agent content. The viscosity of the resin is reduced from 35.7 Pa·s to less than 0.065 Pa·s with the addition of the viscosity reducer, which can greatly promote resin penetration into the microcracks of the cement sheath. After 24 h of curing, the compressive strength can reach 55 Mpa, which is significantly higher than conventional cement. With an increase in the viscosity reducer content from 0% to 25%, the elongation of the sealant demonstrates a remarkable rise, ranging from 1.9% to 18%. The cement with 20% resin caused a significant decrease in permeability by 46.3% as compared to conventional cement. Additionally, the sealing pressure attained an impressive value of 14.7 Mpa. The solid-free resin sealant is miscible with cement slurry, which improves cement tightness, reduces permeability, and improves wellbore annulus sealing ability.
Evaluating the Effect of Ammonia Co-Firing on the Performance of a Pulverized Coal-Fired Utility Boiler
Authors: Wang Shulei , Sheng Changdong
Published: March 2023

Ammonia (NH3), as a derivative of hydrogen and energy carrier, is regarded as a low-carbon fuel provided that it is produced from a renewable source or a carbon abated process of fossil fuel. Co-firing ammonia with coal is a promising option for pulverized coal-fired power plants to reduce CO2 emission. Applying the co-firing in an existing pulverized coal-fired boiler can achieve satisfying combustion performance in the furnace but may affect the boiler performance. In the present work, a thermal calculation method was employed to evaluate the impact of ammonia co-firing on the boiler performance of an existing 600 MW supercritical utility boiler, covering the co-firing ratio range up to 40% (on heat basis). The calculations indicated that, as compared to sole coal combustion, co-firing ammonia changed the volume and composition and consequently the temperature and heat transfer characteristics of the flue gas. These resulted in increased variations in the heat transfer performance of the boiler with increasing of the co-firing ratio. The evaluations revealed that co-firing up to 20% ammonia in the existing boiler is feasible with the boiler performance not being considerably affected. However, the distribution of the heat transferred from the flue gas to boiler heat exchangers is significantly deteriorated at higher ratios (30% and 40%), resulting in over-temperature of the superheated steam, under-temperature of the reheated steam and considerable reduction in boiler thermal efficiency. It implies retrofits on the heat exchangers required for accommodating higher ratio co-firing in the existing boiler. The comparison study showed that co-firing 20% ammonia provides a superior boiler performance over co-firing 20% biomass producing gases and blast furnace gas.
Finite Element Study of Electrical MHD Williamson Nanofluid Flow under the Effects of Frictional Heating in the View of Viscous Dissipation
Authors: Arif Muhammad Shoaib , Shatanawi Wasfi , Nawaz Yasir
Published: March 2023

This study addresses heat and mass transfer of electrical magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) Williamson fluid flow over the moving sheet. The mathematical model for the considered flow phenomenon is expressed in a set of partial differential equations. Later, linear and nonlinear ordinary differential equations (ODEs) are obtained. The finite element method tackles a reduced system of ODEs with boundary conditions. Galerkin weighted residuals and constructs of weak formulations constitute the basis of this method. An iterative procedure is considered for handling nonlinear terms in a given system of ODEs. Some results acquired using the finite element method are compared with those reported in previous research via the Matlab solver bvp4c in order to validate the obtained solutions of ODEs. It is seen that the velocity profile is decayed by enhancing the Wiesenberg number. The finite element method also converges to an accurate solution by increasing the number of elements, whereas Matlab solver bvp4c produces accurate results on small grid points. Our intention is for this paper to serve as a guide for academics in the future who will be tasked with addressing pressing issues in the field of industrial and engineering enclosures.
Evaluation of the Thermal Resistance in GaN HEMTs Using Thermo-Sensitive Electrical Parameters
Authors: Pirosca Adrian Valeriu , Vecchio Marcello , Rizzo Santi Agatino , Iannuzzo Francesco
Published: March 2023

The thermal management of power converters is not only crucial for their own optimal operation and reliability, but also for the overall system in which they are operating. Reliability is a very serious aspect because power electronics systems are being increasingly widely adopted in mission-critical applications in the e-mobility sector, in smart grids, and other applications where safety and operational continuity are essential. The current trend towards miniaturization of power conversion systems and, consequently, towards high power density solutions is speeding up the diffusion of Gallium Nitride (GaN) High Electron Mobility Transistor (HEMT). GaN HEMT-based high power density converters must be properly managed, making the estimation of the thermal characteristics of these devices essential. This paper proposes the use of some Thermo-Sensitive Electrical Parameters (TSEP) for a simple and effective thermal resistance evaluation. The primary advantages and limitations of these TSEPs have been critically analyzed. The analysis highlighted that the use of the gate-source voltage is the best approach. However, it requires direct access to the gate pin, which may not be available externally in some system-in-package solutions.
Optimal Integration of Hybrid Energy Systems: A Security-Constrained Network Topology Reconfiguration
Authors: Nikkhah Saman , Alahyari Arman , Allahham Adib , Alawasa Khaled
Published: March 2023

The integration of distributed energy resources, such as wind farms (WFs) and energy storage systems (ESSs), into distribution networks can lower the economic cost of power generation. However, it is essential to consider operational constraints, including loading margin, which ensures the security line contingency. This study aims to develop a comprehensive hourly distribution network reconfiguration (HDNR) model to minimize the economic cost for the power generation company. The model considers the optimal allocation of WFs and ESSs in terms of capacity and location, as well as the hourly status of the distribution network switches, based on security constraints. The proposed model is applied to an IEEE 33-bus distribution test system, and the capacities and locations of WFs and ESSs are determined. The impacts of security constraints on the optimal capacities and locations of WFs and ESSs, and the hourly configuration of the distribution network, are analyzed based on two case studies. In Case Study I, the model is solved with HDNR conditions, while Case Study II is solved without these restrictions, for comparison purposes. The results show that the optimal allocation of WFs and ESSs is affected by security constraints when HDNR is considered and highlight the crucial role of security constraints under contingency conditions, such as line outages. In the test system, three WFs and two ESSs are optimally allocated, with changes in capacity and location as the loading margin varies.
A Novel Adaptive Control Approach for Maximum Power-Point Tracking in Photovoltaic Systems
Authors: Qureshi Muhammad Ahmed , Torelli Francesco , Musumeci Salvatore , Reatti Alberto , Mazza Andrea , Chicco Gianfranco
Published: March 2023

Maximum power-point tracking (MPPT) is applied to enable effective operation of photovoltaic (PV) systems under different external conditions. MPPT is based on a control system that aims at maintaining the PV system operation in the most effective conditions of maximum power output. This paper demonstrates the effective application of a novel adaptive control approach developed to be used in the field of power electronics. The application to MPPT is developed by using a non-inverted Buck-Boost converter applied to the PV system. The novel control methodology is based on the application of the Lyapunov stability concepts. The strength of this novel control technique is confirmed by the accurate comparison among the results obtained by using the proposed solution and some controllers proposed in the literature.
Heat Transfer Augmentation and Entropy Generation Analysis of Microchannel Heat Sink (MCHS) with Symmetrical Ogive-Shaped Ribs
Authors: Akhtar Kareem , Ali Haseeb , Ud Din Israr , Abbas Azed , Zahir Muhammad Zeeshan , Ahmad Faraz , Alam Fayyaz , Shah Nasir , Aamir Muhammad
Published: March 2023

This study proposes the use of symmetrical ogive-shaped ribs on the walls of microchannel heat sinks (MCHS) to improve their thermal performance with minimal pressure drop. The ribs are arranged in three different configurations: ribs attached to all channel walls (MC-SAWR), ribs attached to side channel walls (MC-SSWR), and ribs attached to the bottom channel wall (MC-SBWR). Numerical investigations are conducted using the laminar conjugate heat transfer model to study the flow and heat transfer characteristics of the MCHS. The augmentation entropy generation number and thermal enhancement factor criterion are used to quantify the overall hydrothermal performance of the MCHS. The results show that the inclusion of symmetrical ogive-shaped ribs improves the Nusselt number of MCHS. The MC-SAWR configuration shows the highest Nusselt number improvement of 13–50% compared to the smooth MCHS over the Reynolds number range of 100–1000. Additionally, the MC-SAWR configuration shows a maximum reduction of 58% in the total entropy generation rate as it has the smallest augmentation entropy generation number value of 0.42. In terms of the thermal enhancement factor criterion, the MC-SSWR configuration shows the highest performance at Reynolds numbers below 400, but the MC-SAWR configuration outperformed the MC-SSWR configuration at Reynolds numbers above 400. Therefore, the MC-SAWR configuration is the best configuration that provides high cooling performance.
The Potential of Ethanol/Methanol Blends as Renewable Fuels for DI SI Engines
Authors: Di Iorio Silvana , Catapano Francesco , Magno Agnese , Sementa Paolo , Vaglieco Bianca Maria
Published: March 2023

Electrification is considered an optimal long-term solution for the decarbonization of the transport sector. However, in the medium period, propulsion systems will continue to dominate urban mobility, thus requiring the shift from fossil fuels toward low carbon fuels. In this regard, the request from the EU to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 is encouraging the use of innovative fuels and powertrains. Alcohols such as ethanol and methanol are particularly suitable for spark ignition engines. This paper investigates the effect of ethanol/methanol blends on the performance and emissions of a turbocharged direct injection spark ignition engine running on the worldwide harmonized light vehicles test cycle. Three blends were considered, consisting of 10% v/v ethanol (E10), 25% v/v ethanol (E25) and 5% v/v ethanol with 15% v/v methanol (E5M15). Gaseous and particle emissions were measured at the exhaust. The main novelty of the study regards the investigation of the behavior of alcohol blends, especially those based on methanol, in transient conditions. It was found that CO, THC and NOx emissions decrease with the increase in alcohol content in the blend, with different contributions in the different phases of the cycle. Particle emissions decrease for E10 and even more so for E25. When methanol is added to the blend, particle emissions increase with respect to E25 and they are characterized by a larger diameter.
Assessment of Post-Fire Phenological Changes Using MODIS-Derived Vegetative Indices in the Semiarid Oak Forests
Authors: Karimi Saeideh , Heydari Mehdi , Mirzaei Javad , Karami Omid , Heung Brandon , Mosavi Amir
Published: March 2023

Wildfire has significant impact on plant phenology. The plants’ phenological variables, derived from time series satellite data, can be monitored and the changes in satellite imagery may be used to identify the beginning, peak, and end of the growing season. This study investigated the use of remote sensing data and land surface phenology (LSP) parameters to evaluate the impacts of fire. The LSP parameters included the start of growing season (SOS), the length of the growing season (LOS), the end of the growing season (EOS), maximum greenness of the season (Gmax), and minimum greenery in the season (Gmin) in the fire-impacted, semiarid oak forests of Iran. These LSP parameters were extracted from multitemporal normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and enhanced vegetation index (EVI2) data, acquired from MODIS sensor images in Zagros of the Ilam province in western Iran. By extracting LSP indices from the NDVI and EVI2 data, the indices were compared between burned forest areas, areas surrounding the burned forests, and unburned areas and for timesteps representing pre-fire, fire (i.e., year of fire), and post-fire (i.e., 2 years) conditions. It was found that for the burned area, there were significant differences in Gmax and the day that Gmax occurred. Furthermore, there was also a significant difference in Gmin between the pre- and post-fire conditions when NDVI was used and a significant difference between Gmax when EVI2 was used. The results also showed that in both time series there was a significant difference between the burned and control area in terms of Gmax. In general, the results showed that the fire had a negative effect on LSP, but in the two years after the fire, there were signs of forest restoration. This study provides necessary information to inform forest and resource conservation and restoration programs.
Enhancing the Chemical Composition of Kombucha Fermentation by Adding Indian Gooseberry as a Substrate
Authors: Klawpiyapamornkun Tharinee , Uttarotai Toungporn , Wangkarn Sunanta , Sirisa-ard Panee , Kiatkarun Suwalee , Tragoolpua Yingmanee , Bovonsombut Sakunnee
Published: March 2023

Kombucha is a fermented tea beverage obtained by the symbiosis of yeast, acetic acid bacteria and some lactic acid bacteria, and it has many health benefits. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of adding Indian gooseberry as a substrate to enhance the chemical properties of kombucha. In this study, traditional kombucha made from green tea was compared to kombucha made from green tea blended with various forms of Indian gooseberry, including whole fruit, dried fruit and juice. The fermentation was performed for 21 days and samples were collected every 3 days to enumerate the total number of yeast and bacteria. Physical and chemical properties, including total soluble solids, alcohol content, pH, acetic acid content, total phenolic and flavonoid content, antioxidant activity and organic acids, were analyzed. The results revealed that the dried Indian gooseberry kombucha (DIGK) demonstrated significantly high total phenolic content and total flavonoid content. In addition, DIGK had the highest D-Saccharic acid-1,4 lactone (DSL) on the 9th day of fermentation. This discovery suggests that dried Indian gooseberry can be used as an alternative substrate for kombucha fermentation to create a new type of kombucha beverage with enhanced chemical properties.
Conditional Token: A New Model to Supply Chain Finance by Using Smart Contract in Public Blockchain
Authors: Chen Che-Pin , Huang Kai-Wen , Kuo Yung-Chi
Published: March 2023

This paper defines Conditional Token (CT) as the token with specific conditions and proposes the use functions for its operations in smart contract so that it can be deployed at the public blockchain. If CTs were exchanged to/equivalent to fiat currency once then all conditions are realized, that is, the required performances and obligations/rights are agreed upon. In use, the obligation-type CT can be used as a divisible mortgage or be used as a representation of accounts receivable, accounts payable and vouchers as it is used in accounting. While the rights-type CT can be used as divisible fixed-income bonds or as an investment vehicle. Integrate both types of CTs with a matching methodology can thus be used in any kind of peer-to-peer (P2P) system of the decentralized finance, such as crowdfunding and P2P lending. This paper thus applying this new model to solve the complex issues of supply chain finance. For feasibility, this study concludes CT is the “Verdinglichung Obligatorischer Rechte”, and CTs are better than the current corporate loans in terms of cost and benefits. In addition, it is capable of transferring risk to other investors. In terms of implementation, this paper proposes a system framework and has completed a proof of concept of the system.
An Automated Image Processing Module for Quality Evaluation of Milled Rice
Authors: Kurade Chinmay , Meenu Maninder , Kalra Sahil , Miglani Ankur , Neelapu Bala Chakravarthy , Yu Yong , Ramaswamy Hosahalli S.
Published: March 2023

The paper demonstrates a low-cost rice quality assessment system based on image processing and machine learning (ML) algorithms. A Raspberry-Pi based image acquisition module was developed to extract the structural and geometric features from 3081 images of eight different varieties of rice grains. Based on features such as perimeter, area, solidity, roundness, compactness, and shape factor, an automatic identification system is developed to segment the grains based on their types and classify them by using seven machine learning algorithms. These ML models are trained using the images and are compared using different ML models. ROC curves are plotted for each model for quantitative analysis to assess the model’s performance. It is concluded that the random forest classifier presents an accuracy of 77 percent and is the best-performing model for the classification of rice varieties. Furthermore, the same algorithm is efficiently employed to determine the price of adulterated rice samples based upon the market price of individual rice.
Microbiological Quality and Safety of Fresh Turkey Meat at Retail Level, Including the Presence of ESBL-Producing Enterobacteriaceae and Methicillin-Resistant S. aureus
Authors: Martínez-Laorden Alba , Arraiz-Fernández Celia , González-Fandos Elena
Published: March 2023

The aim of this work was to study the microbiological safety and quality of marketed fresh turkey meat, with special emphasis on methicillin-resistant S. aureus, ESBL-producing E. coli, and K. pneumoniae. A total of 51 fresh turkey meat samples were collected at retail level in Spain. Mesophile, Pseudomonas spp., enterococci, Enterobacteriaceae, and staphylococci counts were 5.10 ± 1.36, 3.17 ± 0.87, 2.03 ± 0.58, 3.18 ± 1.00, and 2.52 ± 0.96 log CFU/g, respectively. Neither Campylobacter spp. nor Clostridium perfringens was detected in any sample. ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae and E. coli were detected in 22 (43.14%), and three (5.88%) samples, respectively, all of which were multi-resistant. Resistance to antimicrobials of category A (monobactams, and glycilcyclines) and category B (cephalosporins of third or fourth generation, polymixins, and quinolones), according to the European Medicine Agency classification, was found among the Enterobacteriaceae isolates. S. aureus and methicillin-resistant S. aureus were detected in nine (17.65%) and four samples (7.84%), respectively. Resistance to antimicrobials of category A (mupirocin, linezolid, rifampicin, and vancomycin) and category B (cephalosporins of third- or fourth generation) was found among S. aureus, coagulase-negative staphylococci, and M. caseolyticus isolates.
Shaping the Physicochemical, Functional, Microbiological and Sensory Properties of Yoghurts Using Plant Additives
Authors: Wajs Joanna , Brodziak Aneta , Król Jolanta
Published: March 2023

Nowadays, consumers pay particular attention to the quality of the products they buy. They also expect a high level of innovation. Hence, the offer from the dairy sector is increasingly focusing on the use of various additives with proven health benefits. Many scientific teams from various regions of the world are engaged in research, and their aim is to identify plant additives that have beneficial effects on the human body. The aim of this article was to summarize the latest literature pertaining to the effects of plant additives used in the production of yoghurts on their physicochemical, functional, microbiological and sensory properties. It was found that a wide range of additives in a variety of forms are used in the production of yoghurts. The most common include fruits, vegetables, cereals, nuts, seeds, oils, plant or herbal extracts, fruit or vegetable fibre, and waste from fruit processing. The additives very often significantly affected the physicochemical and microbiological characteristics as well as the texture and sensory properties of yoghurt. As follows from the analysed reports, yoghurts enriched with additives are more valuable, especially in terms of the content of health-promoting compounds, including fibre, phenolic compounds, vitamins, fatty acids and minerals. A properly selected, high quality plant supplement can contribute to the improvement in the generally health-promoting as well as antioxidant properties of the product. For sensory reasons, however, a new product may not always be tolerated, and its acceptance depends mainly on the amount of the additive used. In conclusion, “superfood” yoghurt is one of the products increasingly recommended both preventively and as a way of reducing existing dysfunctions caused by civilization diseases, i.e., diabetes, cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. The studies conducted in recent years have not shown any negative impact of fortified yoghurts on the human body.
Feasibility of Imaging Modalities Combined with a Silicone Gel-Filled Breast Implant in Korean Women
Authors: Hong Pa , Kang Jae Kyoung , Hwang Seung Hwan , Lee Kyung Ah
Published: March 2023

With the occurrence of breast implant crises in Korea, it has become increasingly important to detect complications earlier in patients receiving a device. We have therefore combined imaging modalities with an implant-based augmentation mammaplasty. In this study, we assessed the short-term treatment outcomes and safety of the Motiva ErgonomixTM Round SilkSurface (Establishment Labs Holdings Inc., Alajuela, Costa Rica) in Korean women. A total of 87 women (n = 87) were included in the current study. We compared preoperative anthropometric measurements between the right side and the left side of the breast. Moreover, we also compared the thickness of the skin, subcutaneous tissue and the pectoralis major measured on a breast ultrasound preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively. Furthermore, we analyzed the incidences of postoperative complications and the cumulative complication-free survival. Preoperatively, there was a significant difference in the distance from the nipple to the midline between the left and right side of the breast (p = 0.000). Both sides of the breast showed significant differences in the thickness of the pectoralis major preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively (p = 0.000). A total of 11 cases (12.6%) of postoperative complications occurred; these included five cases (5.7%) of early seroma, two cases (2.3%) of infection, two cases (2.3%) of rippling, one case (1.1%) of hematoma and one case (1.1%) of capsular contracture. Time-to-events were estimated at 386.68 ± 27.79 days (95% CI 334.11–439.27). Here, we describe our experience with imaging modalities in combination with the Motiva ErgonomixTM Round SilkSurface in Korean women.
Pathophysiological Investigation of Skeletal Deformities of Musculocontractural Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome Using Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Yue Fengming , Era Takumi , Yamaguchi Tomomi , Kosho Tomoki
Published: March 2023

Musculocontractural Ehlers–Danlos syndrome caused by mutations in the carbohydrate sulfotransferase 14 gene (mcEDS-CHST14) is a heritable connective tissue disorder characterized by multiple congenital malformations and progressive connective tissue fragility-related manifestations in the cutaneous, skeletal, cardiovascular, visceral, and ocular systems. Progressive skeletal deformities are among the most frequent and serious complications affecting the quality of life and activities of daily living in patients. After establishing induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from cultured skin fibroblasts of three patients with mcEDS-CHST14, we generated a patient iPSC-based human osteogenesis model and performed an in vitro assessment of the phenotype and pathophysiology of skeletal deformities. Patient-derived iPSCs presented with remarkable downregulation of osteogenic-specific gene expression, less alizarin red staining, and reduced calcium deposition compared with wild-type iPSCs at each stage of osteogenic differentiation, including osteoprogenitor cells, osteoblasts, and osteocytes. These findings indicated that osteogenesis was impaired in mcEDS-CHST14 iPSCs. Moreover, the decrease in decorin (DCN) expression and increase in collagen (COL12A1) expression in patient-derived iPSCs elucidated the contribution of CHST14 dysfunction to skeletal deformities in mcEDS-CHST14. In conclusion, this disease-in-a-dish model provides new insight into the pathophysiology of EDS and may have the potential for personalized gene or drug therapy.
Genome-Wide Analysis of Dental Caries Variability Reveals Genotype-by-Environment Interactions
Authors: Zou Tianyu , Foxman Betsy , McNeil Daniel W. , Weinberg Seth M. , Marazita Mary L. , Shaffer John R.
Published: March 2023

Genotype-by-environment interactions (GEI) may influence dental caries, although their effects are difficult to detect. Variance quantitative trait loci (vQTL) may serve as an indicator of underlying GEI effects. The aim of this study was to investigate GEI effects on dental caries by prioritizing variants from genome-wide vQTL analysis. First, we identified vQTLs from ~4.3 M genome-wide variants in three cohorts of white children aged 3–5 (n = 396, n = 328, n = 773) using Levene’s test. A total of 39 independent vQTLs with p < 1 × 10−6 were identified, some of which were located in or near genes with plausible biological roles in dental caries (IGFBP7, SLC5A8, and SHH involved in tooth development and enamel mineralization). Next, we used linear regression to test GEI effects on dental caries with the 39 prioritized variants and self-reported environmental factors (demographic, socioeconomic, behavioral, and dietary factors) in the three cohorts separately. We identified eight significant GEIs indicating that children with vQTL risk genotypes had higher caries experience if they had less educated parents, lower household/parental income, brushed their teeth less frequently, consumed sugar-sweetened beverages more frequently, were not breastfed, and were female. We reported the first genome-wide vQTL analysis of dental caries in children nominating several novel genes and GEI for further investigations.
Comparing Gene Panels for Non-Retinal Indications: A Systematic Review
Authors: Procopio Rebecca , Pulido Jose S. , Gunton Kammi B. , Syed Zeba A. , Lee Daniel , Moster Mark L. , Sergott Robert , Neidich Julie A. , Reynolds Margaret M.
Published: March 2023

Importance: The options for genetic testing continue to grow for ocular conditions, including optic atrophy, anterior segment dysgenesis, cataracts, corneal dystrophy, nystagmus, and glaucoma. Gene panels can vary in content and coverage, as we and others have evaluated in inherited retinal disease (IRD). Objective: To describe gene panel testing options for inherited eye disease phenotypes and their differences. This review is important for making diagnostic decisions. Evidence review: A licensed, certified genetic counselor (RP) used Concert Genetics and the search terms optic atrophy, corneal dystrophy, cataract, glaucoma, anterior segment dysgenesis, microphthalmia/anophthalmia, and nystagmus to identify available testing options performed by CLIA-certified commercial genetic testing laboratories. Other co-authors were surveyed with respect to genetic panels used for the indications of interest. Ophthalmic panels were then compared using Concert Genetics in addition to their own websites. Findings: Panels from each clinical category were included and summarized. This comparison highlighted the differences and similarities between panels so that clinicians can make informed decisions. Conclusions: Access to genetic testing is increasing. The diagnostic yield of genetic testing is increasing. Each panel is different, so phenotyping or characterizing clinical characteristics that may help predict a specific genotype, as well as pre-test hypotheses regarding a genotype, should shape the choice of panels.
Risk Factors for Delayed-Onset Infection after Mandibular Wisdom Tooth Extractions
Authors: Miyazaki Ryo , Sukegawa Shintaro , Nakagawa Ken , Nakai Fumi , Nakai Yasuhiro , Ishihama Takanori , Miyake Minoru
Published: March 2023

Wisdom tooth extraction is one of the most commonly performed procedures by oral maxillofacial surgeons. Delayed-onset infection (DOI) is a rare complication of wisdom tooth extraction, and it occurs ~1–4 weeks after the extraction. In the present study, risk factors for DOI were investigated by retrospectively analyzing the cases of 1400 mandibular wisdom tooth extractions performed at Kagawa University Hospital from April 2015 to June 2022. Inclusion criteria were patients aged >15 years with a wisdom tooth extraction per our procedure. The exclusion criteria were patients with insufficient medical records, a >30-mm lesion around the wisdom tooth shown via X-ray, colonectomy, radiotherapy treatment of the mandible, the lack of panoramic images, and lesions other than a follicular cyst. The DOI incidence was 1.1% (16 cases), and univariate analyses revealed that the development of DOI was significantly associated with the Winter classification (p = 0.003), position (p = 0.003), hypertension (p = 0.011), and hemostatic agent use (p = 0.004). A multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that position (OR = B for A, 7.75; p = 0.0163), hypertension (OR = 7.60, p = 0.013), and hemostatic agent use (OR = 6.87, p = 0.0022) were significantly associated with DOI development. Hypertension, hemostatic use, and position were found to be key factors for DOI; long-term observation may thus be necessary for patients with these risk factors.
Ten Years of TeleHealth and Digital Healthcare: Where Are We?
Authors: Giansanti Daniele
Published: March 2023

Due to the development of the technological innovation of devices, availability of increasingly performing networks, improvement of the digitization processes, and the push to greater diffusion determined by the COVID-19 pandemic, Digital Healthcare (DH), also referred to as Digital Health [...]
Elucidating the Anatomical Features, Adaptive and Ecological Significance of Kopsia fruticosa Roxb. (Apocynaceae)
Authors: Tripathi Shakti Nath , Sahney Manju , Tripathi Arpita , Pandey Praveen , Jatav Hanuman Singh , Minkina Tatiana , Rajput Vishnu D.
Published: March 2023

Anatomical characteristics play a pivotal role in understanding the evolutionary relationship among various plant taxa and identifying species of pharmacological importance. Though the anatomical features of the family Apocynaceae have been widely recognized, there is limited research on the stem wood anatomy of Kopsia fruticosa, whereas nothing was previously known about its root wood anatomy. The present work describes and analyses its anatomy and correlates the anatomical features with the habitat and ecology of this plant. The oval shape of the young stem and the presence of unicellular trichomes, stone cells in the pith region, laticiferous canals, calcium oxalate crystals, and vascular bundles of two different sizes, viz., smaller in the broad, flattened region and more prominent on the two narrow sides, are remarkable features of the plant, which collectively may often be helpful in distinguishing K. fruticosa from other species of this genus. Apart from the previously known qualitative characteristics of the family Apocynaceae, the coalescence of pit aperture and storied pattern of vessels of K. fruticosa are newly observed features of the subfamily Rauvofiòideae. On the other hand, in the root wood, vessels are wider (33–64 μm), less frequent (about 53% more in the stem), and shorter, and the rays are larger (21–46 cells in height) and more frequent than those of stem wood; these are the valuable findings which strongly support the non-climbing nature of the studied plant. The vulnerability and mesomorphy indices for stem wood are 0.914 and 349, respectively, indicating plants’ adaptation toward a mesic habitat. The correlation of the anatomical traits of plants with the habitat and ecology represents their survivability in different situations. Consequently, anatomical features such as intraxylary phloem, vessel grouping, the storied pattern of vessels, the simple perforation plate, and intervascular vestured pits suggest that plants can tolerate drought. We firmly believe that the present study’s outcome can fulfil the research gaps of this hardy plant.
Optimization of Applied Irrigation Water for High Marketable Yield, Fruit Quality and Economic Benefits of Processing Tomato Using a Low-Cost Wireless Sensor
Authors: El Chami Antonio , Cortignani Raffaele , Dell’Unto Davide , Mariotti Roberto , Santelli Piero , Ruggeri Roberto , Colla Giuseppe , Cardarelli Mariateresa
Published: March 2023

Water management is a key factor to optimize fruit quality and yield of processing tomatoes which are site-specific and influenced by environmental conditions e.g., soil, temperature, precipitation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacity of a low-cost wireless soil moisture sensor in determining the irrigation level for optimizing the marketable yield, fruit quality and economic profit of processing tomato. A two-years (2017–2018) trial was conducted in open field, applying nine drip irrigation levels controlled by wireless soil moisture capacitance sensors. The irrigation levels were as follows: 13.2, 16.7, 25.4, 33.3, 50.0, 62.3, 82.5, 100 and 186.8% of water restitution based on soil moisture sensor readings. Because of the crop stress induced by heavy rainfalls occurring in 2018 growing season, total and marketable yields reached higher maximum values in 2017 than 2018. In 2017, total and marketable yields were maximized by supplying 92.8% and 96.2% of irrigation level, respectively. Moreover, 95.6% and 91.2% of irrigation level were necessary in 2018 to maximize total and marketable yield, respectively. In both growing seasons, marketable yield variation was due to changes of both fruit number and fruit mean weight. Total soluble solids of fruit juice linearly decreased by increasing the irrigation level with a more pronounced effect in the driest growing season (2017). Economic analysis demonstrated that 100% of irrigation level should be preferred by the Italian farmers since it maximized the operating margins of processing tomatoes in both years. To conclude, the use of the tested low-cost wireless soil moisture sensor is an effective tool to manage the level of irrigation and optimize the processing tomato yield and economic benefits for farmers.
Stable Soil Moisture Alleviates Water Stress and Improves Morphogenesis of Tomato Seedlings
Authors: Li Ge , Long Huaiyu , Zhang Renlian , Drohan Patrick J. , Xu Aiguo , Niu Li
Published: March 2023

Previous studies on soil water–plant relations have mostly focused on the soil water content (SWC), while the effect of soil moisture stability on plant growth has received surprisingly little attention. Potted tomato seedlings were used to examine the effect of stable soil moisture (SM) and fluctuating soil moisture (FM) on plant growth, development, and water use efficiency (WUE) in this study. The results showed that (i) soil moisture stability significantly affected the growth and development, photosynthetic characteristics, morphological traits, root morphology, and water physiological characteristics of seedling tomatoes, with SM being more conducive for most of these indices. (ii) SM improved the leaf WUE by reducing the content of abscisic acid in plants, regulating plant osmotic substances, maintaining a high gas exchange rate, and promoting plant morphology. (iii) SM could avoid water stress on tomato seedlings; even if the SWC of SM was equal to or lower than the SWC of FM, water stress would not occur under SM, whereas it would occur under FM. Overall, compared with FM, SM promoted beneficial plant morphology, maintained a high gas exchange rate, and did not induce water stress for tomato seedlings—ultimately improving WUE. This effect was more effective under low-SWC conditions than under high-SWC conditions. These findings provide a new perspective and theoretical basis for soil water–plant relations and indicate that SM has great potential in promoting plant growth and improving WUE.
Population Status of the Tropical Freshwater Shrimp Xiphocaris elongata in Urban and Forest Streams in Puerto Rico
Authors: Torres-Perez Wesley X. , Perez-Reyes Omar
Published: March 2023

Most of the human population lives in cities, and understanding their impact on freshwater environments is essential. Streams in cities face many environmental challenges that have been described in the concept of Urban Stream Syndrome. This concept illustrates urban streams’ biological, hydrological, chemical, and physical stressors. In tropical streams, these stressors impact shrimp, fish, insects, and other macroinvertebrates that inhabit the freshwater ecosystems. Freshwater shrimp are vulnerable to urban activities, physical, chemical, and ecological impacts. For this reason, these organisms have been used as biological indicators of stream health in the tropics. The shredder shrimp Xiphocaris elongata plays a fundamental role in the organic matter process and decomposition. The objectives of this study were to characterize the population of X. elongata and to identify differences in the abundance of X. elongata between urban and forest streams. Our results showed that highly urbanized areas have a significantly lower abundance of the shredder shrimp X. elongata than medium or low urban reach in the urban and forested watersheds. This study also showed that physicochemical and geomorphological variables are important environmental factors that influence the abundance of X. elongata in Puerto Rican streams.