bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of a Radiolabeled PET (Positron Emission Tomography) Probe for Visualization of In Vivo α-Fucosidase Expression
Authors: Cotton Jonathan , Goehring Chris Marc , Kuehn Anna , Maurer Andreas , Fuchs Kerstin , Pichler Bernd J.
Published: July 2021

The acidic hydrolase α-fucosidase (AF) is a biomarker for maladies such as cancer and inflammation. The most advanced probes for α-fucosidase are unfortunately constrained to ex vivo or in vitro applications. The in vivo detection and quantification of AF using positron emission tomography would allow for better discovery and diagnosis of disease as well as provide better understanding of disease progression. We synthesized, characterized, and evaluated a radiolabeled small molecule inhibitor of AF based on a known molecule. The radiosynthesis involved the 11C methylation of a phenoxide, which was generated in situ by ultrasonification of the precursor with sodium hydride. The tracer was produced with a decay corrected yield of 41.7 ± 16.5% and had a molar activity of 65.4 ± 30.3 GBq/μmol. The tracer was shown to be stable in mouse serum at 60 min. To test the new tracer, HCT116 colorectal carcinoma cells were engineered to overexpress human AF. In vitro evaluation revealed 3.5-fold higher uptake in HCT116AF cells compared to HCT116 controls (26.4 ± 7.8 vs. 7.5 ± 1.0 kBq/106 cells). Static PET scans 50 min post injection revealed 2.5-fold higher tracer uptake in the HCT116AF tumors (3.0 ± 0.8%ID/cc (n = 6)) compared with the controls (1.2 ± 0.8 (n = 5)). Dynamic scans showed higher uptake in the HCT116AF tumors at all time-points (n = 2). Ex vivo analysis of the tumors, utilizing fluorescent DDK2 antibodies, confirmed the expression of human AF in the HCT116AF xenografts. We have developed a novel PET tracer to image AF in vivo and will now apply this to relevant disease models.
Comments on New Integrative Photomedicine Equipment for Photobiomodulation and COVID-19
Authors: Litscher Gerhard , Ailioaie Laura Marinela
Published: July 2021

Up to now it has not yet been scientifically proven whether the technical methods of photonics in the field of photobiomodulation (PBM), photodynamic therapy (PDT), and laser acupuncture in connection with COVID-19 have achieved effective medical success. As part of this short technical note, an overview of the current scientific status is given and new equipment from our own research area is briefly presented. Although there are still many unanswered questions, it seems to be emerging that PBM and PDT in connection with the corresponding photosensitizers may make it appear worthwhile to perform experimental and clinical studies, primarily as so-called home therapy studies. In any case, the technical requirements for this are already in progress.
Explore the Rare—Molecular Identification and Wine Evaluation of Two Autochthonous Greek Varieties: “Karnachalades” and “Bogialamades”
Authors: Miliordos Dimitrios Evangelos , Merkouropoulos Georgios , Kogkou Charikleia , Arseniou Spyridon , Alatzas Anastasios , Proxenia Niki , Hatzopoulos Polydefkis , Kotseridis Yorgos
Published: July 2021

Wines produced from autochthonous Vitis vinifera varieties have an essential financial impact on the national economy of Greece. However, scientific data regarding characteristics and quality aspects of these wines is extremely limited. The aim of the current study is to define the molecular profile and to describe chemical and sensory characteristics of the wines produced by two autochthonous red grapevine varieties—“Karnachalades” and “Bogialamades”—grown in the wider area of Soufli (Thrace, Greece). We used seven microsatellites to define the molecular profile of the two varieties, and then we compared their profile to similar molecular data from other autochthonous as well as international varieties. Grape berries were harvested at optimum technological maturity from a commercial vineyard for two consecutive vintages (2017–2018) and vilification was performed using a common vinification protocol: the 2017 vintage provided wines, from both varieties, with greater rates of phenolics and anthocyanins than 2018, whereas regarding the sensory analysis, “Bogialamades” wine provided a richer profile than “Karnachalades”. To our knowledge, this is the first study that couples both molecular profiling and exploration of the enological potential of the rare Greek varieties “Karnachalades” and “Bogialamades”; they represent two promising varieties for the production of red wines in the historic region of Thrace.
Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) Flour-Based Wheat Bread as Fortified Bakery Product
Authors: Rusu Iulian Eugen , Marc (Vlaic) Romina Alina , Mureşan Crina Carmen , Mureşan Andruţa Elena , Mureşan Vlad , Pop Carmen Rodica , Chiş Maria Simona , Man Simona Maria , Filip Miuţa Rafila , Onica Bogdan-Mihai , Alexa Ersilia , Vişan Vasile-Gheorghe , Muste Sevastiţa
Published: July 2021

Hemp flour from Dacia Secuieni and Zenit varieties was added to bread in different proportions (5%, 10%, 15% and 20%) to improve its nutritional properties. The purpose of this paper was to present the advanced nutritional characteristics of these bread samples. The selected varieties of hemp, accepted for human consumption, met the requirements for the maximum accepted level of THC in seeds. The protein content of new products increased from 8.76 to 11.48%, lipids increased from 0.59 to 5.41%, mineral content from 1.33 to 1.62%, and fiber content from 1.17 to 5.84%. Elasticity and porosity decreased from 95.51 to 80% and 78.65 to 72.24%, respectively. K, Mg, Ca, P, Mn and Fe are the main mineral substances in bread with addition of hemp flour from the Dacia Secuieni and Zenit varieties. The total amount of unsaturated fatty acids in the bread samples with hemp flour ranged from 67.93 g/100 g and 69.82 g/100 g. Eight amino acids were identified, of which three were essential (lysine, phenylalanine, histidine). Lysine, the deficient amino acid in wheat bread, increased from 0.003 to 0.101 g/100 g. Sucrose and fructose decreased with the addition of hemp flour, and glucose has not been identified. The amount of yeasts and molds decreased in the first 3 days of storage. Regarding the textural profile, the best results were obtained for the samples with 5% addition. In conclusion, bread with the addition of hemp flour has been shown to have superior nutritional properties to wheat bread.
Molecular Engineering of Curcumin, an Active Constituent of Curcuma longa L. (Turmeric) of the Family Zingiberaceae with Improved Antiproliferative Activity
Authors: Ali Amena , Ali Abuzer , Tahir Abu , Bakht Md. Afroz , Salahuddin  , Ahsan Mohamed Jawed
Published: July 2021

Cancer is the world’s second leading cause of death, accounting for nearly 10 million deaths and 19.3 million new cases in 2020. Curcumin analogs are gaining popularity as anticancer agents currently. We reported herein the isolation, molecular engineering, molecular docking, antiproliferative, and anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (anti-EGFR) activities of curcumin analogs. Three curcumin analogs were prepared and docked against the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), revealing efficient binding. Antiproliferative activity against 60 NCI cancer cell lines was assessed using National Cancer Institute (NCI US) protocols. The compound 3b,c demonstrated promising antiproliferative activity in single dose (at 10 µM) as well as five dose (0.01, 0.10, 1.00, 10, and 100 µM). Compound 3c inhibited leukemia cancer panel better than other cancer panels with growth inhibition of 50% (GI50) values ranging from 1.48 to 2.73 µM, and the most promising inhibition with GI50 of 1.25 µM was observed against leukemia cell line SR, while the least inhibition was found against non-small lung cancer cell line NCI-H226 with GI50 value of 7.29 µM. Compounds 3b,c demonstrated superior antiproliferative activity than curcumin and gefitinib. In molecular docking, compound 3c had the most significant interaction with four H-bonds and three π–π stacking, and compound 3c was found to moderately inhibit EGFR. The curcumin analogs discovered in this study have the potential to accelerate the anticancer drug discovery program.
Opportunities for Improving Waterlogging Tolerance in Cereal Crops—Physiological Traits and Genetic Mechanisms
Authors: Tong Cen , Hill Camilla Beate , Zhou Gaofeng , Zhang Xiao-Qi , Jia Yong , Li Chengdao
Published: July 2021

Waterlogging occurs when soil is saturated with water, leading to anaerobic conditions in the root zone of plants. Climate change is increasing the frequency of waterlogging events, resulting in considerable crop losses. Plants respond to waterlogging stress by adventitious root growth, aerenchyma formation, energy metabolism, and phytohormone signalling. Genotypes differ in biomass reduction, photosynthesis rate, adventitious roots development, and aerenchyma formation in response to waterlogging. We reviewed the detrimental effects of waterlogging on physiological and genetic mechanisms in four major cereal crops (rice, maize, wheat, and barley). The review covers current knowledge on waterlogging tolerance mechanism, genes, and quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with waterlogging tolerance-related traits, the conventional and modern breeding methods used in developing waterlogging tolerant germplasm. Lastly, we describe candidate genes controlling waterlogging tolerance identified in model plants Arabidopsis and rice to identify homologous genes in the less waterlogging-tolerant maize, wheat, and barley.
Transcription Factor Pso9TF Assists Xinjiang Wild Myrobalan Plum (Prunus sogdiana) PsoRPM3 Disease Resistance Protein to Resist Meloidogyne incognita
Authors: Zhu Haifeng , Xiao Kun , Pu Wenjiang , Liu Zhenhua , Wang Yan , Gao Chaoyuan , Luo Sifang , Xu Yue , Guan Pingyin , Hu Jianfang
Published: July 2021

The root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) causes huge economic losses in the agricultural industry throughout the world. Control methods against these polyphagous plant endoparasites are sparse, the preferred one being the deployment of plant cultivars or rootstocks bearing resistance genes against Meloidogyne species. Our previous study has cloned one resistance gene, PsoRPM3, from Xinjiang wild myrobalan plum (Prunus sogdiana). However, the function of PsoRPM3 remains elusive. In the present study, we have investigated the regulatory mechanism of PsoRPM3 in plant defense responses to M. incognita. Our results indicate that fewer giant cells were detected in the roots of the PsoRPM3 transgenic tobacco than wild tobacco lines after incubation with M. incognita. Transient transformations of full-length and TN structural domains of PsoRPM3 have induced significant hypersensitive responses (HR), suggesting that TIR domain might be the one which caused HR. Further, yeast two-hybrid results revealed that the full-length and LRR domain of PsoRPM3 could interact with the transcription factor Pso9TF. The addition of Pso9TF increased the ROS levels and induced HR. Thus, our data revealed that the LRR structural domain of PsoRPM3 may be associated with signal transduction. Moreover, we did not find any relative inductions of defense-related genes PsoEDS1, PsoPAD4 and PsoSAG101 in P. sogdiana, which has been incubated with M. incognita. In summary, our work has shown the key functional domain of PsoRPM3 in the regulation of defense responses to M. incognita in P. sogdiana.
Fly Pollination of Kettle Trap Flowers of Riocreuxia torulosa (Ceropegieae-Anisotominae): A Generalized System of Floral Deception
Authors: Heiduk Annemarie , Meve Ulrich , Menzel Frank , Haenni Jean-Paul , Tschirnhaus Michael von , Dötterl Stefan , Johnson Steven D.
Published: July 2021

Elaborated kettle trap flowers to temporarily detain pollinators evolved independently in several angiosperm lineages. Intensive research on species of Aristolochia and Ceropegia recently illuminated how these specialized trap flowers attract particular pollinators through chemical deception. Morphologically similar trap flowers evolved in Riocreuxia; however, no data about floral rewards, pollinators, and chemical ecology were available for this plant group. Here we provide data on pollination ecology and floral chemistry of R. torulosa. Specifically, we determined flower visitors and pollinators, assessed pollen transfer efficiency, and analysed floral scent chemistry. R. torulosa flowers are myiophilous and predominantly pollinated by Nematocera. Pollinating Diptera included, in order of decreasing abundance, male and female Sciaridae, Ceratopogonidae, Scatopsidae, Chloropidae, and Phoridae. Approximately 16% of pollen removed from flowers was successfully exported to conspecific stigmas. The flowers emitted mainly ubiquitous terpenoids, most abundantly linalool, furanoid (Z)-linalool oxide, and (E)-β-ocimene—compounds typical of rewarding flowers and fruits. R. torulosa can be considered to use generalized food (and possibly also brood-site) deception to lure small nematocerous Diptera into their flowers. These results suggest that R. torulosa has a less specific pollination system than previously reported for other kettle trap flowers but is nevertheless specialized at the level of Diptera suborder Nematocera.
Propagation Methods for the Conservation and Preservation of the Endangered Whorled Sunflower (Helianthus verticillatus)
Authors: Trigiano Robert N. , Boggess Sarah L. , Wyman Christopher R , Hadziabdic Denita , Wilson Sandra
Published: July 2021

Helianthus verticillatus Small, the whorled sunflower, is a perennial species only found at a few sites in the southeastern United States and was declared federally (USA) endangered in 2014. The species spreads locally via rhizomes and can produce copious seeds when sexually compatible genotypes are present. Vegetative propagation of the species via cuttings and the optimum conditions for seed germination have not been determined. To investigate asexual propagation via cuttings, stem sections were harvested in late May, June, and July in Knoxville, Tennessee (USA) and trimmed to a minimum of two nodes. The base of the cuttings was treated with either auxin or water, and grown in a Promix BX potting medium with intermittent mist and 50% shade for one month. Seeds were harvested from a population of multiple genotypes in Maryville, Tennessee and used to determine viability and the range of temperatures suitable for germination. A clonal population was developed and used for three years to assess sexual compatibility at three locations in Knoxville, Tennessee. Ninety-five percent of the cuttings from May rooted in two-to-three weeks and formed more than 20 adventitious roots per cutting with auxin and 18 with water treatments. The ability of cuttings to root decreased in June to about 20%, and none rooted in July with either water or auxin pretreatments. Pre-germination tetrazolium tests indicated that about 91% of seeds (achenes) were viable. Subsequent germination tests revealed high germination at varying temperatures (96 to 99% of seeds (achenes) germinated at 22/11, 27/15, and 29/19 °C), whereas germination was significantly inhibited by 33/24 °C. Fifty percent of the seeds germinated at 22/11 °C in 7.5 days, whereas only 2.0 to 2.5 days were required for 50% germination at 27/15, 29/19, and 33/24 °C. Seeds were not produced at any of the clonal planting locations during the three years. Vegetative propagation via rooted cuttings was successful in the mid-spring, seed germination was possible over a wide range of temperatures, and self-incompatibility was evident in this species. The results of this study will permit fast and efficient propagation of multiple and selected genotypes for conservation, commerce, and breeding of elite cultivars with disease resistance or other desirable attributes.
Proteins in Food Systems—Bionanomaterials, Conventional and Unconventional Sources, Functional Properties, and Development Opportunities
Authors: Małecki Jan , Muszyński Siemowit , Sołowiej Bartosz G.
Published: July 2021

Recently, food companies from various European countries have observed increased interest in high-protein food and other products with specific functional properties. This review article intends to present proteins as an increasingly popular ingredient in various food products that frequently draw contemporary consumers’ attention. The study describes the role of conventional, unconventional, and alternative sources of protein in the human body. Furthermore, the study explores proteins’ nutritional value and functional properties, their use in the food industry, and the application of proteins in bionanomaterials. Due to the expected increase in demand for high-protein products, the paper also examines the health benefits and risks of consuming these products, current market trends, and consumer preferences.
Efficient Improvement in Fracture Toughness of Laminated Composite by Interleaving Functionalized Nanofibers
Authors: Razavi Seyed Mohammad Javad , Neisiany Rasoul Esmaeely , Razavi Moe , Fakhar Afsaneh , Shanmugam Vigneshwaran , Alagumalai Vasudevan , Försth Michael , Sas Gabriel , Das Oisik
Published: July 2021

Functionalized polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers were used in the present investigation to enhance the fracture behavior of carbon epoxy composite in order to prevent delamination if any crack propagates in the resin rich area. The main intent of this investigation was to analyze the efficiency of PAN nanofiber as a reinforcing agent for the carbon fiber-based epoxy structural composite. The composites were fabricated with stacked unidirectional carbon fibers and the PAN powder was functionalized with glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) and then used as reinforcement. The fabricated composites’ fracture behavior was analyzed through a double cantilever beam test and the energy release rate of the composites was investigated. The neat PAN and functionalized PAN-reinforced samples had an 18% and a 50% increase in fracture energy, respectively, compared to the control composite. In addition, the samples reinforced with functionalized PAN nanofibers had 27% higher interlaminar strength compared to neat PAN-reinforced composite, implying more efficient stress transformation as well as stress distribution from the matrix phase (resin-rich area) to the reinforcement phase (carbon/phase) of the composites. The enhancement of fracture toughness provides an opportunity to alleviate the prevalent issues in laminated composites for structural operations and facilitate their adoption in industries for critical applications.
ACE Inhibitory Peptides from Bellamya bengalensis Protein Hydrolysates: In Vitro and In Silico Molecular Assessment
Authors: Dey Tanmoy Kumar , Chatterjee Roshni , Mandal Rahul Shubhra , Roychoudhury Anadi , Paul Debjyoti , Roy Souvik , Pateiro Mirian , Das Arun K. , Lorenzo Jose M. , Dhar Pubali
Published: July 2021

Bellamya bengalensis muscle meat is known for ethnopharmacological benefits. The present study focuses on the identification of ACE inhibitory peptides from the proteolytic digests of muscle protein of Bellamya bengalensis and its underlying mechanism. After ultrafiltration of 120 min alcalase hydrolysates (BBPHA120) to isolate the small peptide fraction (<3 kDa), in vitro ACE inhibitory activity was analyzed. The IC50 value of the 120 min hydrolysate ultrafiltered fraction was 86.74 ± 0.575 µg/mL, while the IC50 of lisinopril was 0.31 ± 0.07 µg/mL. This fraction was assessed in a MALDI-ToF mass spectrometer and five peptides were identified from the mass spectrum based on their intensity (>1 × 104 A.U.). These peptides were sequenced via de novo sequencing. Based on the apparent hydrophobicity (%), the IIAPTPVPAAH peptide was selected for further analysis. The sequence was commercially synthesized by solid-phase standard Fmoc chemistry (purity 95–99.9%; by HPLC). The synthetic peptide (IC50 value 8.52 ± 0.779 µg/mL) was used to understand the thermodynamics of the inhibition by checking the binding affinity of the peptide to ACE by isothermal titration calorimetry compared with lisinopril, and the results were further substantiated by in silico site-specific molecular docking analysis. The results demonstrate that this peptide sequence (IIAPTPVPAAH) can be used as a nutraceutical with potent ACE inhibition.
Microbial Fuel Cell for Energy Production, Nutrient Removal and Recovery from Wastewater: A Review
Authors: Paucar N. Evelin , Sato Chikashi
Published: July 2021

The world is facing serious threats from the depletion of non-renewable energy resources, freshwater shortages and food scarcity. As the world population grows, the demand for fresh water, energy, and food will increase, and the need for treating and recycling wastewater will rise. In the past decade, wastewater has been recognized as a resource as it primarily consists of water, energy-latent organics and nutrients. Microbial fuel cells (MFC) have attracted considerable attention due to their versatility in their applications in wastewater treatment, power generation, toxic pollutant removal, environmental monitoring sensors, and more. This article provides a review of MFC technologies applied to the removal and/or recovery of nutrients (such as P and N), organics (COD), and bioenergy (as electricity) from various wastewaters. This review aims to provide the current perspective on MFCs, focusing on the recent advancements in the areas of nutrient removal and/or recovery with simultaneous power generation.
State-of-the-Art of Optimal Active and Reactive Power Flow: A Comprehensive Review from Various Standpoints
Authors: Naderi Ehsan , Narimani Hossein , Pourakbari-Kasmaei Mahdi , Cerna Fernando V. , Marzband Mousa , Lehtonen Matti
Published: July 2021

Optimal power flow (OPF), a mathematical programming problem extending power flow relationships, is one of the essential tools in the operation and control of power grids. To name but a few, the primary goals of OPF are to meet system demand at minimum production cost, minimum emission, and minimum voltage deviation. Being at the heart of power system problems for half a century, the OPF can be split into two significant categories, namely optimal active power flow (OAPF) and optimal reactive power flow (ORPF). The OPF is spontaneously a complicated non-linear and non-convex problem; however, it becomes more complex by considering different constraints and restrictions having to do with real power grids. Furthermore, power system operators in the modern-day power networks implement new limitations to the problem. Consequently, the OPF problem becomes more and more complex which can exacerbate the situation from mathematical and computational standpoints. Thus, it is crucially important to decipher the most appropriate methods to solve different types of OPF problems. Although a copious number of mathematical-based methods have been employed to handle the problem over the years, there exist some counterpoints, which prevent them from being a universal solver for different versions of the OPF problem. To address such issues, innovative alternatives, namely heuristic algorithms, have been introduced by many researchers. Inasmuch as these state-of-the-art algorithms show a significant degree of convenience in dealing with a variety of optimization problems irrespective of their complexities, they have been under the spotlight for more than a decade. This paper provides an extensive review of the latest applications of heuristic-based optimization algorithms so as to solve different versions of the OPF problem. In addition, a comprehensive review of the available methods from various dimensions is presented. Reviewing about 200 works is the most significant characteristic of this paper that adds significant value to its exhaustiveness.
Biogas Upgrading by Pressure Swing Adsorption with Design of Experiments
Authors: Chen Yi-Fang , Lin Po-Wei , Chen Wen-Hua , Yen Fong-Yu , Yang Hong-Sung , Chou Cheng-Tung
Published: July 2021

Global warming is predominantly caused by methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. CH4 is estimated to have a global warming potential (GWP) of 28–36 over 100 years. Its impact on the greenhouse effect cannot be overstated. In this report, a dual-bed eight-step pressure swing adsorption (PSA) process was used to simulate the separation of high-purity CH4 as renewable energy from biogas (36% CO2, 64% CH4, and 100 ppm H2S) in order to meet Taiwan’s natural gas pipeline standards (>95% CH4 with H2S content < 4 ppm). Three selectivity parameters were used to compare the performance of the adsorbents. In the simulation program, the extended Langmuir–Freundlich isotherm was used for calculating the equilibrium adsorption capacity, and the linear driving force model was used to describe the gas adsorption kinetics. After the basic case simulation and design of experiments (DOE) for the laboratory-scale PSA, we obtained a top product CH4 purity of 99.28% with 91.44% recovery and 0.015 ppm H2S purity, and the mechanical energy consumption was estimated to be 0.86 GJ/ton-CH4. Lastly, a full scale PSA process simulation was conducted for the commercial applications with 500 m3/h biogas feed, and the final CH4 product with a purity of 96.1%, a recovery of 91.39%, and a H2S content of 1.14 ppm could be obtained, which can meet the standards of natural gas pipelines in Taiwan.
Exploring Electrochemically Mediated ATRP of Styrene
Authors: De Bon Francesco , Carlan Gian Marco , Tognella Enrico , Isse Abdirisak Ahmed
Published: July 2021

Electrochemically mediated atom transfer radical polymerization (eATRP) of styrene was studied in detail by using CuBr2/TPMA (TPMA = tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine) as a catalyst. Redox properties of various Cu(II) species were investigated in CH3CN, dimethylformamide (DMF), and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) both in the absence and presence of 50% (v/v) styrene. This investigation together with preliminary eATRP experiments at 80 °C indicated DMF as the best solvent. The effects of catalyst, monomer, and initiator concentrations were also examined. The livingness of the polymerization was studied by chain extension and electrochemical temporal control of polymerization.
The Role of Oxidative Stress and the Importance of miRNAs as Potential Biomarkers in the Development of Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Mrowicka Malgorzata , Mrowicki Jerzy , Kucharska Ewa , Smigielska Barbara , Szaflik Jacek Pawel , Szaflik Jerzy , Majsterek Ireneusz
Published: July 2021

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the primary cause of blindness in developed countries. With the progressive aging of the population, AMD is a significant ophthalmological problem in the population over 50 years of age. The etiology of AMD is known to be based on various biochemical, immunological and molecular pathways and to be influenced by a range of genetic and environmental elements. This review provides an overview of the pathophysiological role of oxidative stress and free radicals in the retina with a special focus on the DNA repair efficiency and enzymatic antioxidant defense. It also presents a correlation between miRNA profile and AMD, and indicates their involvement in inflammation, angiogenesis, increased oxidation of cellular components, enzymatic antioxidant capacity and DNA repair efficiency, which play particularly important roles in AMD pathogenesis. Gene silencing by miRNAs can induce changes in antioxidant enzymes, leading to a complex interplay between redox imbalance by free radicals and miRNAs in modulating cellular redox homeostasis.
Ontological Addiction Theory and Mindfulness-Based Approaches in the Context of Addiction Theory and Treatment
Authors: Barrows Paul , Van Gordon William
Published: July 2021

Buddhist-derived interventions have increasingly been employed in the treatment of a range of physical and psychological disorders, and in recent years, there has been significant growth in the use of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) for this purpose. Ontological Addiction Theory (OAT) is a novel metaphysical approach to understanding psychopathology within the framework of Buddhist teachings and asserts that many mental illnesses have their root in the widespread mistaken belief in an inherently existent self that operates independently of external phenomena. OAT describes how different types of MBI can help undermine these beliefs and allow a person to reconstruct their view of self and reality to address the root causes of suffering. As well as proving effective in treating many other psychological disorders, MBIs based on OAT have demonstrated efficacy in treating conventional behavioural addictions, such as problem gambling, workaholism, and sex addiction. The goal of this paper is to (i) discuss and appraise the evidence base underlying the use of MBIs for treating addiction; (ii) explicate how OAT advances understanding of the mechanisms of addiction; (iii) delineate how different types of MBI can be employed to address addictive behaviours; and (iv) propose future research avenues for assessing and comparing MBIs in the treatment of addiction.
A Blended Sea Ice Concentration Product from AMSR2 and VIIRS
Authors: Dworak Richard , Liu Yinghui , Key Jeffrey , Meier Walter N.
Published: July 2021

An effective blended Sea-Ice Concentration (SIC) product has been developed that utilizes ice concentrations from passive microwave and visible/infrared satellite instruments, specifically the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer-2 (AMSR2) and the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS). The blending takes advantage of the all-sky capability of the AMSR2 sensor and the high spatial resolution of VIIRS, though it utilizes only the clear sky characteristics of VIIRS. After both VIIRS and AMSR2 images are remapped to a 1 km EASE-Grid version 2, a Best Linear Unbiased Estimator (BLUE) method is used to combine the AMSR2 and VIIRS SIC for a blended product at 1 km resolution under clear-sky conditions. Under cloudy-sky conditions the AMSR2 SIC with bias correction is used. For validation, high spatial resolution Landsat data are collocated with VIIRS and AMSR2 from 1 February 2017 to 31 October 2019. Bias, standard deviation, and root mean squared errors are calculated for the SICs of VIIRS, AMSR2, and the blended field. The blended SIC outperforms the individual VIIRS and AMSR2 SICs. The higher spatial resolution VIIRS data provide beneficial information to improve upon AMSR2 SIC under clear-sky conditions, especially during the summer melt season, as the AMSR2 SIC has a consistent negative bias near and above the melting point.
Mapping Maize Area in Heterogeneous Agricultural Landscape with Multi-Temporal Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 Images Based on Random Forest
Authors: Chen Yansi , Hou Jinliang , Huang Chunlin , Zhang Ying , Li Xianghua
Published: July 2021

Accurate estimation of crop area is essential to adjusting the regional crop planting structure and the rational planning of water resources. However, it is quite challenging to map crops accurately by high-resolution remote sensing images because of the ecological gradient and ecological convergence between crops and non-crops. The purpose of this study is to explore the combining application of high-resolution multi-temporal Sentinel-1 (S1) radar backscatter and Sentinel-2 (S2) optical reflectance images for maize mapping in highly complex and heterogeneous landscapes in the middle reaches of Heihe River, northwest China. We proposed a new two-step method of vegetation extraction and followed by maize extraction, that is, extract the vegetation-covered areas first to reduce the inter-class variance by using a Random Forest (RF) classifier based on S2 data, and then extract the maize distribution in the vegetation area by using another RF classifier based on S1 and/or S2 data. The results demonstrate that the vegetation extraction classifier successfully identified vegetation-covered regions with an overall accuracy above 96% in the study area, and the accuracy of the maize extraction classifier constructed by the combined multi-temporal S1 and S2 images is significantly improved compared with that S1 (alone) or S2 (alone), with an overall accuracy of 87.63%, F1_Score of 0.86, and Kappa coefficient of 0.75. In addition, with the introduction of multi-temporal S1 and/or S2 images in crop growing season, the constructed RF model is more beneficial to maize mapping.
Oil Spill Detection in SAR Images Using Online Extended Variational Learning of Dirichlet Process Mixtures of Gamma Distributions
Authors: Almulihi Ahmed , Alharithi Fahd , Bourouis Sami , Alroobaea Roobaea , Pawar Yogesh , Bouguila Nizar
Published: July 2021

In this paper, we propose a Dirichlet process (DP) mixture model of Gamma distributions, which is an extension of the finite Gamma mixture model to the infinite case. In particular, we propose a novel online nonparametric Bayesian analysis method based on the infinite Gamma mixture model where the determination of the number of clusters is bypassed via an infinite number of mixture components. The proposed model is learned via an online extended variational Bayesian inference approach in a flexible way where the priors of model’s parameters are selected appropriately and the posteriors are approximated effectively in a closed form. The online setting has the advantage to allow data instances to be treated in a sequential manner, which is more attractive than batch learning especially when dealing with massive and streaming data. We demonstrated the performance and merits of the proposed statistical framework with a challenging real-world application namely oil spill detection in synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images.
Model-Driven Architectural Framework towards Safe and Secure Nuclear Power Reactors
Authors: Ouni Bassem , Aussagues Christophe , Dhouib Saadia , Mraidha Chokri
Published: July 2021

Sensor-based digital systems for Instrumentation and Control (I&C) of nuclear reactors are quite complex in terms of architecture and functionalities. A high-level framework is highly required to pre-evaluate the system’s performance, check the consistency between different levels of abstraction and address the concerns of various stakeholders. In this work, we integrate the development process of I&C systems and the involvement of stakeholders within a model-driven methodology. The proposed approach introduces a new architectural framework that defines various concepts, allowing system implementations and encompassing different development phases, all actors, and system concerns. In addition, we define a new I&C Modeling Language (ICML) and a set of methodological rules needed to build different architectural framework views. To illustrate this methodology, we extend the specific use of an open-source system engineering tool, named Eclipse Papyrus, to carry out many automation and verification steps at different levels of abstraction. The architectural framework modeling capabilities will be validated using a realistic use case system for the protection of nuclear reactors. The proposed framework is able to reduce the overall system development cost by improving links between different specification tasks and providing a high abstraction level of system components.
Integration of Context Awareness in Smart Service Provision System Based on Wireless Sensor Networks for Sustainable Cargo Transportation
Authors: Dzemydienė Dalė , Burinskienė Aurelija
Published: July 2021

Smart service provision systems can assist in the management of cargo transportation. The development of these systems faces a number of issues that relate to the analysis of numerous factors, which are influenced by the properties of such complex and dynamic systems. The aim of this research was the development of an adaptable smart service provision system that is able to recognize a wide spectrum of contextual information, which is obtained from different services and heterogeneous devices of wireless sensor networks (WSNs). To ensure that the smart service provision system can assist with the analysis of specific cases of unforeseen and unwanted situations during the cargo transportation process, the system must have additional adaptability. To address the adequate provision of contextual data, we examined the problems of multi-dimensional definitions of contextual data and the choice of appropriate artificial intelligence (AI) methods for recognition of contextual information. The objectives relate to prioritizing potential service provision by ensuring the optimal quality of data supply channels and avoiding the flooding of wireless communication channels. The proposed methodology is based on methods of smart system architecture development that integrate the identification of context-aware data, conceptual structures of data warehouses, and algorithms for the recognition of transportation situations based on AI methods. Experimental research is outlined to illustrate the algorithmic analysis of the prototype system using an appropriate simulation environment.
Adaptive Pressure Control System Based on the Maximum Correntropy Criterion
Authors: Flores Thommas Kevin Sales , Villanueva Juan Moises Mauricio , Gomes Heber Pimentel , Catunda Sebastian Yuri Cavalcanti
Published: July 2021

Water supply systems are constantly improving their operation through energy efficiency actions that involve the use of advanced measurement, control, and automation techniques. The maintenance and reliability of water distribution is directly associated with hydraulic pressure control. The main challenges encountered in hydraulic pressure control are associated with random changes in the supply plant and the presence of noise and outliers in the sensor measurements. These undesired characteristics cause inefficiency and instability in the control system of the pumping stations. In this scenario, this paper proposes an indirect adaptive control methodology by reference model for modeling and controlling water supply systems. The criterion adopted in the parametric estimation mechanism and the controller adaptation is the Maximum Correntropy. Experimental results obtained with an experimental bench plant showed that the maximum tracking error was 15% during demand variation, percentage overshoot less than 5%, and steady-state error less than 2%, and the control system became robust to noise and outliers. In comparison to the Mean Squared Error criterion, when noise and outliers influence the sensor signal, the proposed methodology stands out, reducing the mean error and the standard deviation, in the worst-case scenario, by more than 1500%. The proposed methodology, therefore, allows for increased reliability and efficiency of an advanced pump control system, avoiding downtime and equipment damage.
“Just One Short Voice Message”—Comparing the Effects of Text- vs. Voice-Based Answering to Text Messages via Smartphone on Young Drivers’ Driving Performances
Authors: Kurtz Max , Oehl Michael , Sutter Christine
Published: July 2021

Despite the well-known distracting effects, many drivers still engage in phone use, especially texting and especially among young drivers, with new emerging messaging modes. The present study aims to examine the effects of different answering modes on driving performance. Twenty-four students (12 females), aged between 19 and 25 years (M = 20.83, SD = 1.53), volunteered for the study. They accomplished the Lane Change Task (LCT) with baseline and dual-task runs in a driving simulator. In dual-task runs, participants answered text messages on a smartphone by voice or text message with varying task complexity. Driving performance was measured by lane deviation (LCT) and subjective measures (NASA-TLX). Across all trials, driving performance deteriorated during dual-task runs compared with the baseline runs, and subjective demand increased. Analysis of dual-task runs showed a benefit for voice-based answering to received text messages that leveled off in the complex task. All in all, the benefits of using voice-based answering in comparison with text-based answering were found regarding driving performance and subjective measures. Nevertheless, this benefit was mostly lost in the complex task, and both the driving performance and the demand measured in the baseline conditions could not be reached.
A Tapered Capillary-Based Contactless Atmospheric Pressure Ionization Mass Spectrometry for On-Line Preconcentration and Separation of Small Organics
Authors: Chen Yen-Chun , Krishnamurthy Arun , Chen Szu-Hua , Chen Yu-Chie
Published: July 2021

Capillary electrophoresis (CE) is an effective technique for the separation of different analytes. Moreover, online preconcentration of trace analytes in the capillary for CE analysis has been demonstrated. CE and capillary electrochromatography (CEC) are suitable for the separation of analytes with similar polarities. Given that CE and CEC are only used to separate small-volume samples, sensitive mass spectrometry (MS) is a suitable detection tool for CE and CEC. Contactless atmospheric pressure ionization (C-API) is a continuous flow ion source that only uses a short capillary as the ionization emitter operated at atmospheric pressure for MS analysis. In this study, we demonstrated the feasibility of hyphenating CE/CEC with C-API-MS by using a short and tapered capillary as the interface. The short capillary (a few centimeters) can function as the separation/preconcentration tube and the ionization emitter. This hyphenated technique can be used to analyze small organics within a few minutes. The suitability of using the hyphenated technique for online preconcentration, separation, and quantitative analysis for small organics is demonstrated in this study.
Recent Advances in Chiral Analysis of Proteins and Peptides
Authors: Morvan Marine , Mikšík Ivan
Published: July 2021

Like many biological compounds, proteins are found primarily in their homochiral form. However, homochirality is not guaranteed throughout life. Determining their chiral proteinogenic sequence is a complex analytical challenge. This is because certain d-amino acids contained in proteins play a role in human health and disease. This is the case, for example, with d-Asp in elastin, β-amyloid and α-crystallin which, respectively, have an action on arteriosclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease and cataracts. Sequence-dependent and sequence-independent are the two strategies for detecting the presence and position of d-amino acids in proteins. These methods rely on enzymatic digestion by a site-specific enzyme and acid hydrolysis in a deuterium or tritium environment to limit the natural racemization of amino acids. In this review, chromatographic and electrophoretic techniques, such as LC, SFC, GC and CE, will be recently developed (2018–2020) for the enantioseparation of amino acids and peptides. For future work, the discovery and development of new chiral stationary phases and derivatization reagents could increase the resolution of chiral separations.
The Influence of COVID-19 on Global CO2 Emissions and Climate Change: A Perspective from Malaysia
Authors: Tan Chung Hong , Ong Mei Yin , Nomanbhay Saifuddin M. , Shamsuddin Abd Halim , Show Pau Loke
Published: July 2021

The rapid spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in early 2020 prompted a global lockdown from March to July 2020. Due to strict lockdown measures, many countries experienced economic downturns, negatively affecting many industries including energy, manufacturing, agriculture, finance, healthcare, food, education, tourism, and sports. Despite this, the COVID-19 pandemic provided a rare opportunity to observe the impacts of worldwide lockdown on global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and climate change. Being the main greenhouse gas responsible for rising global surface temperature, CO2 is released to the atmosphere primarily by burning fossil fuels. Compared to 2019, CO2 emissions for the world and Malaysia decreased significantly by 4.02% (−1365.83 MtCO2) and 9.7% (−225.97 MtCO2) in 2020. However, this is insufficient to cause long-term impacts on global CO2 levels and climate change. Therefore, in this review, we explored the effects of worldwide lockdown on global CO2 levels, the impacts of national lockdown on Malaysia’s CO2 emissions, and the influence of climate change in Malaysia.
Choice of Rural Collective Construction Land Sales and Rental Markets at the Theoretical Framework of Williamson’s Transaction Costs: Evidence from Nanhai District, Guangdong Province, China
Authors: Zhang Ting , Huang Ke , Zhang Anlu
Published: July 2021

The rural collective construction land (RCCL) market imperfections, as well as informal regulations, may have contributed to high transaction costs. Well-functioning land markets play an essential role in land-use revenue, land-use efficiency, and land allocation efficiency for the rural collective economic organization (RCEO). Therefore, specific land-use patterns and detailed transaction rules for the land rental market and land sales market, respectively, make a contribution to a suitable market model with lower transaction costs and higher market efficiency. Through an empirical investigation in Nanhai District, Gungdong Province, this article builds on the theoretical framework of Williamson’s transaction costs, where the asset specificity, uncertainty, and transaction frequency have a significant influence on the RCCL market model choice. Probit model results show that (1) the RCEO prefers to choose the land sales market when the RCCL market has higher asset specificity so that the land sales market can counteract transaction costs by creating land revenue for long-term investments. Thus, the land sales market is a more appropriate choice when the trading land is a large area in a great location. (2) The rental market choice is more suitable for the RCCL market with higher transaction uncertainty. Therefore, the RCEO can detail transaction rules for the land sales and rental markets, respectively. We propose that local governments need to announce regulations for the longest contract period and the land development planning (floor area ratio, building density, floor height, etc.) of different land-use types (industrial land and commercial land) for the land sales market and the land rental market.
Investigating Residents’ Attitudes towards Tourism Growth in Downtown Greenville, SC: The Effect of Demographic Variables
Authors: An Yuting , Moon Jang-Won , Norman William C.
Published: July 2021

Given the high density of urban spaces, residents and tourists share resources and infrastructure in limited spaces. The purpose of the study is to investigate the influence of residents’ perceived tourism impacts on their attitudes towards tourism growth, the effect of proximity to tourism center on residents’ attitudes, and how this effect is moderated by residents’ demographic features (age, gender, length of residence) in urban settings. A total of 251 responses were collected in downtown Greenville, a tourist zone located in the heart of Greenville, SC, USA. Using multiple regression models and ANOVA, the study suggested that (1) economic impact was the most important predictor of residents’ attitudes towards tourism growth, (2) downtown residents were more favorable of tourism growth than county residents, and (3) Age and gender moderated the effect of proximity to a tourism center on residents’ attitudes towards tourism growth.