bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical Simulation of Wind Wave Using Ensemble Forecast Wave Model: A Case Study of Typhoon Lingling
Authors: Roh Min , Kim Hyung-Suk , Chang Pil-Hun , Oh Sang-Myeong
Published: April 2021

A wave forecast numerical simulation was performed for Typhoon Lingling around the Korean Peninsula and in the East Asia region using sea winds from 24 members produced by the Ensemble Prediction System for Global (EPSG) of Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA). Significant wave height was observed by the ocean data buoys used to verify data of the ensemble wave model, and the results of the ensemble members were analyzed through probability verification. The forecast performance for the significant wave height improved by approximately 18% in the root mean square error in the three-day lead time compared to that of the deterministic model, and the difference in performance was particularly distinct towards mid-to-late lead times. The ensemble spread was relatively appropriate, even in the longer lead time, and each ensemble model runs were all stable. As a result of the probability verification, information on the uncertainty that could not be provided in the deterministic model could be obtained. It was found that all the Relative Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves were 0.9 or above, demonstrating good predictive performance, and the ensemble wave model is expected to be useful in identifying and determining hazardous weather conditions.
Coccidioidomycosis in Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant Recipients: Case Series and Review of the Literature
Authors: Saling Christopher F. , Gea-Banacloche Juan , Trickett John S. , Blair Janis E.
Published: April 2021

Coccidioides is an endemic fungus of the Southwest United States that causes the disease coccidioidomycosis. Immunocompromised persons are at increased risk for severe infection and dissemination. One such population is allogeneic bone marrow transplant (allo-HCT) recipients, but accounts of coccidioidal infection in these patients have rarely been documented. We present two cases of Coccidioides in allo-HCT recipients with good outcomes: one patient who developed pulmonary coccidioidomycosis in the late post-engraftment phase and another with known controlled disseminated infection at the time of transplant. A review of the literature identified 19 allo-HCT recipients with coccidioidomycosis. Due to the limited published literature, no guidelines have yet been established regarding optimal prophylaxis and treatment of Coccidioides infection in allo-HCT recipients. Candidates for transplantation should undergo a rigorous pre-transplant assessment to identify evidence of prior or active coccidioidomycosis. In our experience, patients who visit or live in Coccidioides-endemic areas should receive primary prophylaxis for at least the first 100 days post-transplant, and duration should be extended as long as the patient remains on immunosuppression. Those with prior infection should receive secondary prophylaxis while immunosuppressed. Patients with active infection should have treatment and stabilization of infection and continue anti-fungal treatment through immunosuppression.
Molecular Modifications of the Pseudomonas Quinolone Signal in the Intermicrobial Competition with Aspergillus
Authors: Nazik Hasan , Sass Gabriele , Williams Paul , Déziel Eric , Stevens David A.
Published: April 2021

The Pseudomonas quinolone signal (PQS) is an important quorum-sensing molecule for Pseudomonas aeruginosa that regulates virulence factors, chelates iron, and is an important factor in interactions with eukaryotes, including fungi and mammalian hosts. It was previously shown to inhibit or boost Aspergillus, depending on the milieu iron concentration. We studied several molecular modifications of the PQS molecule, and their effects on Aspergillus biofilm metabolism and growth in vitro, and the effects of iron supplementation. We found that most molecules inhibited Aspergillus at concentrations similar to that of PQS, but with relatively flat dose-responses, and all were less potent than PQS. The inhibition was reversible by iron, suggesting interference with fungal iron metabolism. Stimulation of Aspergillus was not noted. We conclude that the critical Aspergillus-inhibiting moeities of the PQS molecule were partially, but not completely, interfered with by molecular modifications at several sites on the PQS molecule. The mechanism, as with PQS, appears to relate to fungal iron metabolism.
Diversity of Geophilic Dermatophytes Species in the Soils of Iran; The Significant Preponderance of Nannizzia fulva
Authors: Taghipour Simin , Abastabar Mahdi , Piri Fahimeh , Aboualigalehdari Elham , Jabbari Mohammad Reza , Zarrinfar Hossein , Nouripour-Sisakht Sadegh , Mohammadi Rasoul , Ahmadi Bahram , Ansari Saham , Katiraee Farzad , Niknejad Farhad , Didehdar Mojtaba , Nazeri Mehdi , Makimura Koichi , Rezaei-Matehkolaei Ali
Published: April 2021

A molecular epidemiology study was conducted between 2016 and 2017 by a network of collaborators from 12 provinces in the Islamic Republic of Iran. A total of 1484 soil samples from different habitats were screened for the presence of dermatophytes by using the hair baiting technique. The primary identification of isolates was carried out by amplification and MvaI restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) of the internal transcribed spacers regions of ribosomal DNA (ITS-rDNA). The identifications, especially in the cases of isolates with unknown RFLP patterns, were confirmed by sequencing of the ITS-rDNA region. As a result, 256 isolates were recovered. The isolation rate was higher in soils with pH range 7.1–8.0, collected from animal habitats (n = 78; 34%) and parks and gardens (n = 75; 32%), geographically from Mazandaran Province (n = 115; 49.5%) and seasonally in the spring (n = 129; 50.4%), all of which were statistically significant (p < 0.05). The dermatophytes comprising five species of the two genera, viz., Nannizzia fulva (n = 214), N. gypsea (n = 34), Arthroderma quadrifidum (n = 5), A. gertleri (n = 2) and A. tuberculatum (n = 1), were isolated. The geophilic dermatophytes occurred in various soils from different parts of Iran; however, surprisingly, N. fulva emerged as the dominant species, outnumbering the common geophilic species of N. gypsea. For the definitive identification of soil inhabitant dermatophytes, DNA-based identification is strongly recommended.
Breakthrough Invasive Fungal Infections in Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Liberatore Carmine , Farina Francesca , Greco Raffaella , Giglio Fabio , Clerici Daniela , Oltolini Chiara , Lupo Stanghellini Maria Teresa , Barzaghi Federica , Vezzulli Paolo , Orsenigo Elena , Corti Consuelo , Ciceri Fabio , Peccatori Jacopo
Published: April 2021

Despite the recent introduction of mold-active antifungal prophylaxis (MAP), breakthrough invasive fungal infections (b-IFI) still represent a possible complication and a cause of morbidity and mortality in hematological patients and allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation recipients (HSCT). Data on incidence and type of b-IFI are limited, although they are mainly caused by non-fumigatus Aspergillus and non-Aspergillus molds and seem to depend on specific antifungal prophylaxis and patients’ characteristics. Herein, we described the clinical presentation and management of two cases of rare b-IFI which recently occurred at our institution in patients undergoing HSCT and receiving MAP. The management of b-IFI is challenging due to the lack of data from prospective trials and high mortality rates. A thorough analysis of risk factors, ongoing antifungal prophylaxis, predisposing conditions and local epidemiology should drive the choice of antifungal treatments. Early broad-spectrum preemptive therapy with a lipid formulation of amphotericin-B, in combination with a different mold-active azole plus/minus terbinafine, is advisable. The therapy would cover against rare azole-susceptible and -resistant fungal strains, as well as atypical sites of infections. An aggressive diagnostic work-up is recommended for species identification and subsequent targeted therapy.
Media Studies, Audiovisual Media Communications, and Generations: The Case of Budding Journalists in Radio Courses in Greece
Authors: Nicolaou Constantinos , Matsiola Maria , Karypidou Christina , Podara Anna , Kotsakis Rigas , Kalliris George
Published: April 2021

In this article, the quality of media studies education through effective teaching utilizing audiovisual media technologies and audiovisual content (audiovisual media communications) to budding journalists as adult learners (18 years and older) is researched, with results primarily intended for application in radio lessons at all educational levels and disciplines (including adult education). Nowadays, audiovisual media communications play an important role in the modern and visual-centric way of our life, while they require all of us to possess multiple-multimodal skills to have a successful professional practice and career, and especially those who study media studies, such as tomorrow’s new journalists. Data were collected after three interactive teachings with emphasis on educational effectiveness in technology-enhanced learning, through a specially designed written questionnaire with a qualitative and quantitative form (evaluation form), as case study experiments that applied qualitative action research with quasi-experiments. The results (a) confirmed (i) the theory of audiovisual media in education, as well as (ii) the genealogical characteristics and habits of budding journalists as highlighted in basic generational theory, something which appears to be in agreement with findings of previous studies and research; and (b) showed that (i) teaching methodology and educational techniques aimed primarily at adult learners in adult education kept the interest and attention of the budding journalists through the use of such specific educational communication tools as audiovisual media technologies, as well as (ii) sound/audio media, as audiovisual content may hold a significant part in a lecture.
Mapping the Main Characteristics of Permafrost on the Basis of a Permafrost-Landscape Map of Yakutia Using GIS
Authors: Shestakova Alyona A. , Fedorov Alexander N. , Torgovkin Yaroslav I. , Konstantinov Pavel Y. , Vasyliev Nikolay F. , Kalinicheva Svetlana V. , Samsonova Vera V. , Hiyama Tetsuya , Iijima Yoshihiro , Park Hotaek , Iwahana Go , Gorokhov Alexey N.
Published: April 2021

The purpose of this article was to compile four separate digital thematic maps of temperature and ice content of permafrost, the active layer thickness, and cryogenic processes in Yakutia as a basis for assessing changes to modern climate changes and anthropogenic disturbances. In this work, materials on permafrost were used, serving as the basis for compiling a permafrost landscape map of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). The maps were compiled using ArcGIS software, which supports attribute table mapping. The ground temperature and active layer thickness maps reflected landscape zonality and regional differences. Peculiarities of genetic types of Quaternary deposits and climatic conditions reflected the ice content of surface sediments and cryogenic process distribution maps. One of the most common is ground temperatures from −2.1 to −4.0 °C, which were found to occupy about 37.4% of the territory of Yakutia. More than half of the region was found to be occupied by permafrost landscapes with a limited thickness of the active layer up to 1.1 m. Ice-rich permafrost (more than 0.4 in ice content) was found to be typical for about 40% of the territory. Thermokarst is the most hazardous process that occurs in half of Yakutia.
Marital Relationship and Quality of Life in Couples Following Hip Replacement Surgery
Authors: Tanzer Michael , Pedneault Christopher , Yakobov Esther , Hart Adam , Sullivan Michael
Published: April 2021

For the majority of patients with osteoarthritis, total hip (THA) arthroplasty results in a significant reduction in pain, emotional distress, and disability and a significant improvement in their quality of life. Little is known about how these recovery-related changes impact the spouse or the marital relationship. Methods: Twenty-nine couples whose spouse underwent a THA (29 THA) participated in a semi-structured retrospective interview designed for this study. They were each asked to recall the level of pain before and after surgery and to provide a numerical rating score for questions pertaining to the level of disability in seven different activities of daily living. Couples were also asked to list in order of importance the five ways in which the surgery affected their overall quality of life. Results: The spouses estimated their partner’s pain, both pre- and postoperatively, to be significantly higher level than the patient’s perception. The spouses perceived a greater improvement in family/home responsibilities, recreation and social activities, and in their occupation than that noted by the partner. After the arthroplasty, the spouses indicated that their lives had improved with respect to doing more activities/leisure (72%), because their partner had less suffering (59%), they had more independence/less caregiving (55%), it improved their marital relationship (52%), they had a better social/family life (28%), and they were able to travel (28%). Conclusions: This study indicates that THA result in a significant improvement in quality of life not only for the patients, but also for their spouses.
PD-L1 Expression in Muscle Invasive Urothelial Carcinomas as Assessed via Immunohistochemistry: Correlations with Specific Clinical and Pathological Features, with Emphasis on Prognosis after Radical Cystectomy
Authors: Nechifor-Boilă Ioan Alin , Loghin Andrada , Nechifor-Boilă Adela , Decaussin-Petrucci Myriam , Voidăzan Septimiu , Chibelean Bogdan Călin , Martha Orsolya , Borda Angela
Published: April 2021

In the present study, we analyzed Programmed Death Ligand-1 (PD-L1) expression in radical cystectomy (RC) specimens from patients with muscle-invasive urothelial carcinoma (UC), in order to assess any correlations with specific clinicopathological features and its potential prognostic value. A multi-institutional study was performed within the departments of urology and pathology at the Mureș County Hospital, Romania, and Centre Hospitalier Lyon Sud, France. Sixty-nine patients with MIBC were included, for whom tumor histology (conventional versus histological variant/differentiation), tumor extension (T), lymph node involvement (N), and distant metastases (M) were recorded. PD-L1 immunostaining was performed using the 22C3 clone and was interpreted using the combined positive score (CPS) as recommended (Dako Agilent, Santa Clara, CA, USA). Positive PD-L1 immunostaining was more prevalent among UCs with squamous differentiation compared to conventional UCs and trended towards an improved OS (p = 0.366). We found the T stage to be a risk factor for poor survival in PD-L1-positive patients (HR 2.9, p = 0.021), along with the N stage in PD-L1-negative patients (HR 1.98, p = 0.007). No other clinicopathological factor was found to be significantly associated with PD-L1 positivity. Thus, we confirm the need for PD-L1 immunostaining prior to initiating immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy for a more accurate assessment of the patients’ chances of responding to treatment.
Analysis of Time-Delay Epidemic Model in Rechargeable Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Liu Guiyun , Li Junqiang , Liang Zhongwei , Peng Zhimin
Published: April 2021

With the development of wireless rechargeable sensor networks (WRSNs), many scholars began to attach attention to network security under the spread of viruses. This paper mainly studies a novel low-energy-status-based model SISL (Susceptible, Infected, Susceptible, Low-Energy). The conversion process from low-energy nodes to susceptible nodes is called charging. It is noted that the time delay of the charging process in WRSNs should be considered. However, the charging process and its time delay have not been investigated in traditional epidemic models in WRSNs. Thus, the model SISL is proposed. The basic reproduction number, the disease-free equilibrium point, and the endemic equilibrium point are discussed here. Meanwhile, local stability and global stability of the disease-free equilibrium point and the endemic equilibrium point are analyzed. The addition of the time-delay term needs to be analyzed to determine whether it affects the stability. The intervention treatment strategy under the optimal control is obtained through the establishment of the Hamiltonian function and the application of the Pontryagin principle. Finally, the theoretical results are verified by simulations.
Anti-Alzheimer’s Molecules Derived from Marine Life: Understanding Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potential
Authors: Kabir Md. Tanvir , Uddin Md. Sahab , Jeandet Philippe , Emran Talha Bin , Mitra Saikat , Albadrani Ghadeer M. , Sayed Amany A. , Abdel-Daim Mohamed M. , Simal-Gandara Jesus
Published: April 2021

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease and the most common cause of dementia. It has been confirmed that the pathological processes that intervene in AD development are linked with oxidative damage to neurons, neuroinflammation, tau phosphorylation, amyloid beta (Aβ) aggregation, glutamate excitotoxicity, and cholinergic deficit. Still, there is no available therapy that can cure AD. Available therapies only manage some of the AD symptoms at the early stages of AD. Various studies have revealed that bioactive compounds derived from marine organisms and plants can exert neuroprotective activities with fewer adverse events, as compared with synthetic drugs. Furthermore, marine organisms have been identified as a source of novel compounds with therapeutic potential. Thus, there is a growing interest regarding bioactive compounds derived from marine sources that have anti-AD potentials. Various marine drugs including bryostatin-1, homotaurine, anabaseine and its derivative, rifampicins, anhydroexfoliamycin, undecylprodigioisin, gracilins, 13-desmethyl spirolide-C, and dictyostatin displayed excellent bioavailability and efficacy against AD. Most of these marine drugs were found to be well-tolerated in AD patients, along with no significant drug-associated adverse events. In this review, we focus on the drugs derived from marine life that can be useful in AD treatment and also summarize the therapeutic agents that are currently used to treat AD.
Screening of In-Vitro Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Activity of Sargassum ilicifolium Crude Lipid Extracts from Different Coastal Areas in Indonesia
Authors: Saraswati  , Giriwono Puspo Edi , Iskandriati Diah , Andarwulan Nuri
Published: April 2021

Sargassum brown seaweed is reported to exhibit several biological activities which promote human health, such as anticancer, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activity. This study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity of crude lipid extracts of Sargassum ilicifolium obtained from four different coastal areas in Indonesia, namely Awur Bay–Jepara (AB), Pari Island–Seribu Islands (PI), Sayang Heulang Beach–Garut (SHB), and Ujung Genteng Beach–Sukabumi (UGB). Results showed that treatment of RAW 264.7 macrophage cells with UGB and AB crude lipid extracts (12.5–50 µg/mL) significantly suppressed the nitric oxide production after lipopolysaccharide stimulation, both in pre-incubated and co-incubated cell culture model. The anti-inflammatory effect was most marked in the pre-incubated cell culture model. Both two crude lipid extracts showed 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity and high ferric reducing antioxidant power, which were amounted to 36.93–37.87 µmol Trolox equivalent/g lipid extract and 681.58–969.81 µmol FeSO4/g lipid extract, respectively. From this study, we can conclude that crude lipid extract of tropical S. ilicifolium can be further developed as a source of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent.
Oral Anticoagulant Treatment in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation and Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Stoica Mihai Ciprian , Gáll Zsolt , Gliga Mirela Liana , Căldăraru Carmen Denise , Székely Orsolya
Published: April 2021

Over the past few decades, a series of innovative medicines have been developed in order to optimize anticoagulation therapy for atrial fibrillation (AF). As a result, a number of nonvitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOAC) that directly target the enzymatic activity of factor II and factor Xa have been successfully licensed providing a more predictable effect and better safety profile compared to conventional anticoagulants (heparins and vitamin K antagonists (VKAs)). However, comparative efficacy and safety data is limited in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (i.e., CKD stage 4/5 and end stage renal disease) because patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 were actively excluded from landmark trials, thus representing a major clinical limitation for the currently available agents. However, the renal function of AF patients can be altered over time. On the other hand, patients with CKD have an increased risk of developing AF. This review article will provide an overview of current concepts and recent evidence guiding the clinical use of NOACs in patients with CKD requiring chronic anticoagulation, and the associated risks and benefits of treatment in this specific patient population.
Deformation Mechanisms in Ni-Based Superalloys at Room and Elevated Temperatures Studied by In Situ Neutron Diffraction and Electron Microscopy
Authors: Kümmel Frank , Kirchmayer Andreas , Solís Cecilia , Hofmann Michael , Neumeier Steffen , Gilles Ralph
Published: April 2021

Polycrystalline Ni-based superalloys are one of the most frequently used materials for high temperature load-bearing applications due to their superior mechanical strength and chemical resistance. In this paper, we presented an in situ diffraction study on the tensile deformation behavior of the polycrystalline Ni-based superalloy VDM® Alloy 780 at temperatures up to 500 °C performed at the STRESS-SPEC neutron diffractometer at the Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Zentrum. A detailed microstructural investigation was carried out by electron microscopy before and after testing. The results of these studies allowed us to determine the deformation mechanism in the differently orientated grains. It is shown that the deformation behavior, which is mainly dislocation motion and shearing of the γ′-precipitates, does not change at this temperature range. The deformation is strongly anisotropic and depends on the grain orientation. The macroscopic hardening can mainly be attributed to plastic deformation in grains, where the (200) lattice planes were orientated perpendicular to the loading direction. Accordingly, a remaining lattice strain and high dislocation density were detected predominantly in these grains.
Novel Characterization Techniques for Additive Manufacturing Powder Feedstock
Authors: Young Benjamin , Heelan Joseph , Langan Sean , Siopis Matthew , Walde Caitlin , Birt Aaron
Published: April 2021

Additive manufacturing is a rapidly expanding field, encompassing many methods to manufacture parts and coatings with a wide variety of feedstock. Metal powders are one such feedstock, with a range of compositions and morphologies. Understanding subtle changes in the feedstock is critical to ensure successful consolidation and quality control of both the feedstock and manufactured part. Current standards lack the ability to finely distinguish almost acceptable powders from barely acceptable ones. Here, novel means of powder feedstock characterization for quality control are demonstrated for the solid-state AM process of cold spray, though similar methods may be extrapolated to other additive methods as well. These characterization methods aim to capture the physics of the process, which in cold spray consists of high strain rate deformation of solid-state feedstock. To capture this, in this effort powder compaction was evaluated via rapidly applied loads, flowability of otherwise non-flowable powders was evaluated with the addition of vibration, and powder electrical resistivity was evaluated through compaction between two electrodes. Several powders, including aluminum alloys, chromium, and cermet composites, were evaluated in this effort, with each case study demonstrating the need for non-traditional characterization metrics as a means of quality control and classification of these materials.
Reliable and Sensitive Nested PCR for the Detection of Chlamydia in Sputum
Authors: Smolejová Martina , Cihová Iveta , Sulo Pavol
Published: April 2021

Chlamydia are Gram-negative, intracellular pathogens colonizing epithelial mucosa. They cause primarily atypical pneumonia and have recently been associated with chronic diseases. Diagnostics relies almost exclusively on serological methods; PCR tests are used rarely because in patients with positive ELISA, it is nearly impossible to identify chlamydial DNA. This paradox is associated with DNA degradation in sputum samples, low abundance, and low sensitivity of PCR systems. In a newly designed and validated “nested” PCR (NPCR) assay, it was possible to amplify DNA of Chlamydia known to infect humans in 31% samples. The reliability of the assay was confirmed by DNA sequencing, and all PCR products belonged exclusively to the Chlamydiales, mainly recognized as Chlamydia pneumoniae. Three samples were related to Ca. Rhabdochlamydia porcellionis and Ca. Renichlamydia lutjani, which infect arthropods. In one case, samples were taken from sick individual, indicating the potential as a human pathogen.
Application of Nanopore Sequencing (MinION) for the Analysis of Bacteriome and Resistome of Bean Sprouts
Authors: Solcova Milada , Demnerova Katerina , Purkrtova Sabina
Published: April 2021

The aspiration these days is to apply rapid methods for parallel analysis of bacteriome and resistome of food samples to increase food safety and prevent antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) spreading. In this work, we used nanopore sequencing (NS) to determine the diversity and dynamics of the microbiome and resistome in two types of bean sprouts. We proved that NS provided an easy, quick, and reliable way to identify the microbiome and resistome of a food sample also. The species diversity obtained by NS and by cultivation methods with MALDI-TOF MS identification was comparable. In both samples, before and after cultivation (30 °C, 48 h), the dominant part of bacteriome formed Gammaproteobacteria (Enterobacteriaceae, Erwiniaceae, Pseudomonadaceae, Moraxellaceae) and then Firmicutes (Streptococcaceae). The diversity and abundance of single ARGs groups were comparable for both samples despite bacteriome differences. More than 50% of the detected ARGs alignments were mutations conferring resistance to aminoglycosides (16S rRNA), resistance to fluoroquinolones (gyrA, gyrB, parC, parD) and elfamycin (EF-Tu). ARGs encoding efflux pumps formed more than 30% of the detected alignments. Beta-lactamases were represented by many variants, but were less abundant.
Editorial for Special Issue “Yeast in Winemaking”
Authors: Alexandre Hervé
Published: April 2021

Yeast in winemaking was first studied for its role in alcoholic fermentation, and has led to the publication of a huge amount of scientific articles [...]
Diversity and Geographical Structure of Xanthomonas citri pv. citri on Citrus in the South West Indian Ocean Region
Authors: Pruvost Olivier , Richard Damien , Boyer Karine , Javegny Stéphanie , Boyer Claudine , Chiroleu Frédéric , Grygiel Pierre , Parvedy Evelyne , Robène Isabelle , Maillot-Lebon Véronique , Hamza Azali , Lobin Kanta Kumar , Naiken Marc , Vernière Christian
Published: April 2021

A thorough knowledge of genotypic and phenotypic variations (e.g., virulence, resistance to antimicrobial compounds) in bacteria causing plant disease outbreaks is key for optimizing disease surveillance and management. Using a comprehensive strain collection, tandem repeat-based genotyping techniques and pathogenicity assays, we characterized the diversity of X. citri pv. citri from the South West Indian Ocean (SWIO) region. Most strains belonged to the prevalent lineage 1 pathotype A that has a wide host range among rutaceous species. We report the first occurrence of genetically unrelated, nonepidemic lineage 4 pathotype A* (strains with a host range restricted to Mexican lime and related species) in Mauritius, Moheli and Réunion. Microsatellite data revealed that strains from the Seychelles were diverse, grouped in three different clusters not detected in the Comoros and the Mascarenes. Pathogenicity data suggested a higher aggressiveness of strains of one of these clusters on citron (Citrus medica). With the noticeable exception of the Comoros, there was no sign of recent interisland movement of the pathogen. Consistent with this finding, the copL gene, a marker for the plasmid-borne copLAB copper resistance that was recently identified in Réunion, was not detected in 568 strains from any islands in the SWIO region apart from Réunion.
Ultra-Stable Potassium Ion Storage of Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Nanofiber Derived from Bacterial Cellulose
Authors: Ma Liang , Li Jinliang , Li Zhibin , Ji Yingying , Mai Wenjie , Wang Hao
Published: April 2021

As a promising energy storage system, potassium (K) ion batteries (KIBs) have received extensive attention due to the abundance of potassium resource in the Earth’s crust and the similar properties of K to Li. However, the electrode always presents poor stability for K-ion storage due to the large radius of K-ions. In our work, we develop a nitrogen-doped carbon nanofiber (N-CNF) derived from bacterial cellulose by a simple pyrolysis process, which allows ultra-stable K-ion storage. Even at a large current density of 1 A g−1, our electrode exhibits a reversible specific capacity of 81 mAh g−1 after 3000 cycles for KIBs, with a capacity retention ratio of 71%. To investigate the electrochemical enhancement performance of our N-CNF, we provide the calculation results according to density functional theory, demonstrating that nitrogen doping in carbon is in favor of the K-ion adsorption during the potassiation process. This behavior will contribute to the enhancement of electrochemical performance for KIBs. In addition, our electrode exhibits a low voltage plateau during the potassiation–depotassiation process. To further evaluate this performance, we calculate the “relative energy density” for comparison. The results illustrate that our electrode presents a high “relative energy density”, indicating that our N-CNF is a promising anode material for KIBs.
Wet-Etched Microlens Array for 200 nm Spatial Isolation of Epitaxial Single QDs and 80 nm Broadband Enhancement of Their Quantum Light Extraction
Authors: Li Shulun , Shang Xiangjun , Chen Yao , Su Xiangbin , Hao Huiming , Liu Hanqing , Zhang Yu , Ni Haiqiao , Niu Zhichuan
Published: April 2021

Uniform arrays of three shapes (gauss, hat, and peak) of GaAs microlenses (MLs) by wet-etching are demonstrated, ∼200 nm spatial isolation of epitaxial single QDs embedded (λ: 890–990 nm) and broadband (Δλ∼80 nm) enhancement of their quantum light extraction are obtained, which is also suitable for telecom-band epitaxial QDs. Combined with the bottom distributed Bragg reflector, the hat-shaped ML forms a cavity and achieves the best enhancement: extraction efficiency of 26%, Purcell factor of 2 and single-photon count rate of 7×106 counts per second at the first lens; while the gauss-shaped ML shows a broader band (e.g., longer λ) enhancement. In the MLs, single QDs with featured exciton emissions are observed, whose time correlations prove single-photon emission with multi-photon probability g(2)(0)=0.02; some QDs show both biexciton XX and exciton X emissions and exhibit a perfect cascade feature. This work could pave a step towards a scalable array of QD single-photon sources and the application of QD photon-pair emission for entanglement experiments.
Potential Role of Propolis in the Prevention and Treatment of Metabolic Diseases
Authors: Balica Georgeta , Vostinaru Oliviu , Stefanescu Cristina , Mogosan Cristina , Iaru Irina , Cristina Anamaria , Pop Carmen Elena
Published: April 2021

Propolis is a resinous mixture with a complex chemical composition, produced by honeybees and stingless bees from a variety of vegetal sources. In the last decades, propolis was extensively researched, multiple studies confirming its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties. More recently, due to an exponential increase in the number of patients with metabolic diseases, there is also a growing interest in the study of antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic, and anti-obesity effects of propolis. The aim of this review was to evaluate the potential role of propolis in the prevention and treatment of metabolic diseases like diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and obesity. The preclinical in vivo and in vitro pharmacological models investigating antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic, and anti-obesity effects of propolis were reviewed with a focus on the putative mechanisms of actions of several chemical constituents. Additionally, the available clinical studies and an evaluation of the safety profile of propolis were also presented.
The “ReWaste4.0” Project—A Review
Authors: Sarc Renato
Published: April 2021

ReWaste4.0 is an innovative and cooperative K-Project in the period 2017–2021. Through ReWaste4.0 the transformation of the non-hazardous mixed municipal and commercial waste treatment industry towards a circular economy has started by investigating and applying the new approaches of the Industry 4.0. Vision of the ReWaste4.0 is, among others, the development of treatment plants for non-hazardous waste into a “Smart Waste Factory” in which a digital communication and interconnection between material quality and machine as well as plant performance is reached. After four years of research and development, various results have been gained and the present review article summarizes, links and discuss the outputs (especially from peer-reviewed papers) of seven sub-projects, in total, within the K-project and discusses the main findings and their relevance and importance for further development of the waste treatment sector. Results are allocated into three areas, namely: contaminants in mixed waste and technical possibilities for their reduction as well as removal; secondary raw and energy materials in mixed waste and digitalization in waste characterization and treatment processes for mixed waste. The research conducted in ReWaste4.0 will be continued in ReWaste F for further development towards a particle-, sensor- and data-based circular economy in the period 2021–2025.
Application of Sugar Beet Pulp Digestate as a Soil Amendment in the Production of Energy Maize
Authors: Baryga Andrzej , Połeć Bożenna , Klasa Andrzej , Olejnik Tomasz Piotr
Published: April 2021

This study aimed to determine the suitability of sugar beet pulp digestion by-products as soil amendments for maize grown for energy purposes. In a plot experiment, nitrogen fertilizer at a standard rate of 200 kg N ha−1 was applied as a control vs. treatment with solid and liquid digestate fractions. Digestate was obtained from a gasifier processing only sugar beet pulp. Following harvest, heating and calorific values were determined together with the yield and chemical composition of the maize cob and stover. It was found that soil amendment with crude (unseparated) digestate or its two fractions (separated into liquid and solid) produced higher yields of maize cobs and stover compared with the application of standard fertilizer. An analysis of the energy value of the maize plant revealed differences between the studied soil treatments. Cobs obtained from plots treated with the digestate showed higher calorific and heating values than those obtained from control plots; however, maize stover from control plots showed higher calorific and heating values compared with plants from other experimental plots. It can be concluded that by-products obtained from sugar beet pulp digestion can be alternatively used as a soil amendment for maize production in a crop rotation with sugar beet. Among studied amendments the solid fraction of the digestate was found to have the best performance.
UTM-Chain: Blockchain-Based Secure Unmanned Traffic Management for Internet of Drones
Authors: Allouch Azza , Cheikhrouhou Omar , Koubâa Anis , Toumi Khalifa , Khalgui Mohamed , Nguyen Gia Tuan
Published: April 2021

Unmanned aerial systems (UAVs) are dramatically evolving and promoting several civil applications. However, they are still prone to many security issues that threaten public safety. Security becomes even more challenging when they are connected to the Internet as their data stream is exposed to attacks. Unmanned traffic management (UTM) represents one of the most important topics for small unmanned aerial systems for beyond-line-of-sight operations in controlled low-altitude airspace. However, without securing the flight path exchanges between drones and ground stations or control centers, serious security threats may lead to disastrous situations. For example, a predefined flight path could be easily altered to make the drone perform illegal operations. Motivated by these facts, this paper discusses the security issues for UTM’s components and addresses the security requirements for such systems. Moreover, we propose UTM-Chain, a lightweight blockchain-based security solution using hyperledger fabric for UTM of low-altitude UAVs which fits the computational and storage resources limitations of UAVs. Moreover, UTM-Chain provides secure and unalterable traffic data between the UAVs and their ground control stations. The performance of the proposed system related to transaction latency and resource utilization is analyzed by using cAdvisor. Finally, the analysis of security aspects demonstrates that the proposed UTM-Chain scheme is feasible and extensible for the secure sharing of UAV data.
Two-Level Blockchain System for Digital Crime Evidence Management
Authors: Kim Donghyo , Ihm Sun-Young , Son Yunsik
Published: April 2021

Digital evidence, such as evidence from CCTV and event data recorders, is highly valuable in criminal investigations, and is used as definitive evidence in trials. However, there are risks when digital evidence obtained during the investigation of a case is managed through a physical hard disk drive until it is submitted to the court. Previous studies have focused on the integrated management of digital evidence in a centralized system, but if a centralized system server is attacked, major operations and investigation information may be leaked. Therefore, there is a need to reliably manage digital evidence and investigation information using blockchain technology in a distributed system environment. However, when large amounts of data—such as evidence videos—are stored in a blockchain, the data that must be processed only within one block before being created increase, causing performance degradation. Therefore, we propose a two-level blockchain system that separates digital evidence into hot and cold blockchains. In the criminal investigation process, information that frequently changes is stored in the hot blockchain, and unchanging data such as videos are stored in the cold blockchain. To evaluate the system, we measured the storage and inquiry processing performance of digital crime evidence videos according to the different capacities in the two-level blockchain system.
Ganoderma boninense Disease Detection by Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Classification: A Review
Authors: Mohd Hilmi Tan Mas Ira Syafila , Jamlos Mohd Faizal , Omar Ahmad Fairuz , Dzaharudin Fatimah , Chalermwisutkul Suramate , Akkaraekthalin Prayoot
Published: April 2021

Ganoderma boninense (G. boninense) infection reduces the productivity of oil palms and causes a serious threat to the palm oil industry. This catastrophic disease ultimately destroys the basal tissues of oil palm, causing the eventual death of the palm. Early detection of G. boninense is vital since there is no effective treatment to stop the continuing spread of the disease. This review describes past and future prospects of integrated research of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), machine learning classification for predictive analytics and signal processing towards an early G. boninense detection system. This effort could reduce the cost of plantation management and avoid production losses. Remarkably, (i) spectroscopy techniques are more reliable than other detection techniques such as serological, molecular, biomarker-based sensor and imaging techniques in reactions with organic tissues, (ii) the NIR spectrum is more precise and sensitive to particular diseases, including G. boninense, compared to visible light and (iii) hand-held NIRS for in situ measurement is used to explore the efficacy of an early detection system in real time using ML classifier algorithms and a predictive analytics model. The non-destructive, environmentally friendly (no chemicals involved), mobile and sensitive leads the NIRS with ML and predictive analytics as a significant platform towards early detection of G. boninense in the future.
An Overview on Microfluidic Systems for Nucleic Acids Extraction from Human Raw Samples
Authors: Obino Daniele , Vassalli Massimo , Franceschi Alberto , Alessandrini Andrea , Facci Paolo , Viti Federica
Published: April 2021

Nucleic acid (NA) extraction is a basic step for genetic analysis, from scientific research to diagnostic and forensic applications. It aims at preparing samples for its application with biomolecular technologies such as isothermal and non-isothermal amplification, hybridization, electrophoresis, Sanger sequencing and next-generation sequencing. Multiple steps are involved in NA collection from raw samples, including cell separation from the rest of the specimen, cell lysis, NA isolation and release. Typically, this process needs molecular biology facilities, specialized instrumentation and labor-intensive operations. Microfluidic devices have been developed to analyze NA samples with high efficacy and sensitivity. In this context, the integration within the chip of the sample preparation phase is crucial to leverage the promise of portable, fast, user-friendly and economic point-of-care solutions. This review presents an overview of existing lab-on-a-chip (LOC) solutions designed to provide automated NA extraction from human raw biological fluids, such as whole blood, excreta (urine and feces), saliva. It mainly focuses on LOC implementation aspects, aiming to describe a detailed panorama of strategies implemented for different human raw sample preparations.
Conservative Quantization of Covariance Matrices with Applications to Decentralized Information Fusion
Authors: Funk Christopher , Noack Benjamin , Hanebeck Uwe
Published: April 2021

Information fusion in networked systems poses challenges with respect to both theory and implementation. Limited available bandwidth can become a bottleneck when high-dimensional estimates and associated error covariance matrices need to be transmitted. Compression of estimates and covariance matrices can endanger desirable properties like unbiasedness and may lead to unreliable fusion results. In this work, quantization methods for estimates and covariance matrices are presented and their usage with the optimal fusion formulas and covariance intersection is demonstrated. The proposed quantization methods significantly reduce the bandwidth required for data transmission while retaining unbiasedness and conservativeness of the considered fusion methods. Their performance is evaluated using simulations, showing their effectiveness even in the case of substantial data reduction.
A Study on the Performance Evaluation Criteria and Methods of Abdominal Ultrasound Devices Based on International Standards
Authors: Kim Dong-Min , Park Su-Kang , Park Sang-Geon
Published: April 2021

The medical diagnostic ultrasound market has grown steadily in recent years, thanks to the increasing popularity of minimally invasive surgery among patients and active investments in the medical ultrasound market. In addition, the diagnostic ultrasound market is expected to continue to grow in the global market, given the importance of ultrasound and ongoing technological developments. In the case of the gallbladder, cases of gallstones and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, all of which can be diagnosed with abdominal ultrasound, the number of domestic patients continues to increase every year. The safety of abdominal ultrasound has also been improved due to the national health insurance expanding its coverage to include gallstones and diseases such as those of the liver and gallbladder. However, no standards by which the performance of abdominal ultrasound can be evaluated have been explicitly established. Therefore, we aimed to assess the performance of abdominal ultrasound using criteria such as sound output level, operating frequency accuracy, resolution, maximum display depth, distance accuracy, time accuracy, and blood flow velocity accuracy. These criteria were derived by investigating the principles of ultrasound and the characteristics and structure of transducers, as well as by analyzing the specifications of abdominal ultrasound set by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 60601-2-37.
Zerovalent Iron Modulates the Influence of Arsenic-Contaminated Soil on Growth, Yield and Grain Quality of Rice
Authors: Akter Sanjida , Rahman Golum Kibria Muhammad Mustafizur , Hasanuzzaman Mirza , Alam Zakaria , Watanabe Toshihiro , Islam Tofazzal
Published: April 2021

This study aimed to investigate the effects of zerovalent iron (ZVI/Fe0) on growth, yield and grain quality of rice (Oryza sativa L.) cv. BRRI dhan49 in arsenic (As)-contaminated soils. The pot experiment was arranged in a complete randomized design (CRD). The treatments on rice applied were As in soils at As0 (0 mg kg−1), As20 (20 mg kg−1), and As40 (40 mg kg−1) with a combination of ZVI at ZVI0 (0%), ZVI0.5 (0.5%), ZVI1.0 (1.0%), and ZVI1.5 (1.5%) with three replications. Contents of phosphorus (P), potassium (K), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), and As in grains of rice; and Fe and As content in cultivated soils were determined. The application of ZVI had negative or no effect on shoot weight, tiller number, and grain yield. Although application of ZVI had little or no effect on thousand grain weight, P, K, Zn, and Mn of rice grains, Fe content in rice grains was increased by ZVI treatments in a dose-dependent manner. The grain As content was non-significantly reduced by the ZVI application. Soil bacterial population was negatively influenced by the ZVI in a dose-dependent manner which might be linked with As content in the soils. Therefore, a further elaborative study is needed to elucidate the mechanisms of the effects of ZVI and soil As on rice and rhizosphere soil microorganisms.