bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A minimal supersymmetric SU(5) missing-partner model
Authors: Ellis John , Evans Jason L. , Nagata Natsumi , Olive Keith A.
Published: June 2021

We explore a missing-partner model based on the minimal SU(5) gauge group with $$\mathbf{75} $$
75
, $$\mathbf{50} $$
50
and $$\overline{\mathbf{50 }}$$

50
¯

Higgs representations, assuming a super-GUT CMSSM scenario in which soft supersymmetry-breaking parameters are universal at some high scale $$M_{\mathrm{in}}$$

M
in

above the GUT scale $$M_{\mathrm{GUT}}$$

M
GUT

. We identify regions of parameter space that are consistent with the cosmological dark matter density, the measured Higgs mass and the experimental lower limit on $$\tau (p \rightarrow K^+ \nu )$$

τ
(
p
→

K
+

ν
)

. These constraints can be satisfied simultaneously along stop coannihilation strips in the super-GUT CMSSM with $$\tan \beta \sim $$

tan
β
∼

3.5–5 where the input gaugino mass $$m_{1/2} \sim $$

m

1
/
2

∼

15–25 TeV, corresponding after strong renormalization by the large GUT Higgs representations between $$M_{\mathrm{in}}$$

M
in

and $$M_{\mathrm{GUT}}$$

M
GUT

to $$m_{\mathrm{LSP}}, m_{{\tilde{t}}_1} \sim $$

m
LSP

,

m

t
~

1

∼

2.5–5 TeV and $$m_{{\tilde{g}}} \sim $$

m

g
~

∼

13–20 TeV, with the light-flavor squarks significantly heavier. We find that $$\tau (p \rightarrow K^+ \nu ) \lesssim 3 \times 10^{34}$$

τ

(
p
→

K
+

ν
)

≲
3
×

10
34

 years throughout the allowed range of parameter space, within the range of the next generation of searches with the JUNO, DUNE and Hyper-Kamiokande experiments.
The susceptibility exponent of Nambu–Goto strings
Authors: Ambjørn Jan , Makeenko Yuri
Published: June 2021

We compute the string susceptibility [Formula: see text] for the regularized Nambu–Goto string in [Formula: see text] dimensions and obtain [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text]. This agrees with previous results obtained for lattice strings.
Two conductive mechanisms in LaMnO3 thin film: Adiabatic and nonadiabatic small polaronic hopping
Authors: Wang Weiyuan , Fan Jiyu , Zheng Huan , Wang Jing , Liu Hao , Wang Caixia , Ma Chunlan , Ling Langsheng , Xu Jingtao , Yang Hao
Published: June 2021

We have presented the structural, surface morphology, magnetic and resistivity data for perovskite LaMnO3 epitaxial thin films which are fabricated on well-oriented (001) LaAlO3 substrates by pulsed laser deposition technique. X-ray diffraction [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] linear scans and reciprocal space mapping measurement confirm that the out-of-plane and in-plane epitaxial relationship are LMO(001)/LAO(001) and LMO(110)/LAO(110), respectively. Surface roughness determined by atomic force microscopy was no more than 0.3 nm. In the whole studied temperature range, all films only show a paramagnetic behavior instead of any magnetic phase transitions. Correspondingly, the electron transport behaviors always exhibit an insulting state as the temperature changes from high to low. However, we find that none of theoretical models can individually be used to understand their conductive mechanisms. Further studies indicated that charge carries of high and low temperature region obey adiabatic and nonadiabatic small polaronic hopping mechanisms, respectively. This finding offers new ways of exploiting the abnormal ferromagnetism in LaMnO3 multilayer thin films.
FUNCTIONAL TESTING OF THIN AND STACK WELDED M400-50 A5 CRNGO ELECTRICAL STEEL
Authors: DHARMIK BHUSHAN Y. , LAUTRE NITIN KUMAR
Published: June 2021

In this paper, the effect of gas tungsten arc (GTA) welding current on the mechanical–microstructural–magnetic (M[Formula: see text] properties of cold-rolled non-oriented electrical steel (CRNGO) are investigated. The thin CRNGO sheets of 0.5[Formula: see text]mm each are stacked, welded at a different range of welding current from 30 A to 110 A, and observed for mechanical testing (joint performance and micro-hardness), macroscopic (weld seam characterization), microscopic (grain size variation), and magnetic property evaluation of post-welded samples. The results showed that with the increase in weld current, significant variation in micro-hardness, weld strength, weld seam size, and grain size in the samples’ weld zone is observed. A massive increase in core loss and magnetic field strength, with a significant decrease in relative permeability, is observed for the welded samples compared to the non-welded sample. The samples’ weld strength was varying, depending on the size of the HAZ and fusion zone (FZ) region, for a different weld current range. The hardness in the samples’ weld region increases with the weld current, with relatively higher hardness values observed at the FZ region of weld. Besides, it is observed that the increase in weld current resulted in the formation of coarse-sized grains in the HAZ region of the weld sample, with fine grains existing at the FZ region for higher weld current. The study can be referred for determining the appropriate welding parameters for joining of stacked CRNGO sheets to achieve the desired material properties.
Spillover Effects of US Unconventional Monetary Policy: (Evidence from Selected Asian Countries)
Authors: Ziaei Sayyed Mahdi , Szulczyk Kenneth R.
Published: June 2021

In this study, we evaluate the impact of US monetary policy between 2008 and 2018 (after implementation of quantitative easing policy) on assets, bonds, exchange rates of selected East Asian countries (Japan, South Korea, and Thailand). Our finding emphasized the significant role of US monetary policy on the East Asia financial markets especially in the case of South Korea. Results show that the US Treasury bill spread had the long run and US corporate spread had the short run effects on the asset markets of these countries. More specifically, sovereign yields respond significantly to US term spreads and stock prices respond largely to US corporate spread. The responses of exchange rate and house prices to US monetary policy are significant but attenuate.
In Plane Radial Vibration of Uncracked and Cracked Circular Curved Beams Subjected to Moving Loads
Authors: Poojary Jatin , Roy Sankar Kumar
Published: June 2021

The dynamic response of structures subjected to moving load is a subject of great importance from a practical point of view. In this work, the in-plane dynamic response of a cracked isotropic circular curved beam subjected to moving loads is investigated using the finite element method. The curved beam is modeled using curved beam elements, which is developed based on the Timoshenko beam theory. Furthermore, a cracked curved beam element is developed to incorporate the presence of cracks in the structure. The effect of moving load speed, depth, and the location of the crack on the dynamic response of the beam is investigated. The outcome of the work can be useful in the study of real-life moving load problems like bridges and railways and also in the field of condition monitoring using moving loads.
The Political Economy of Xi Jinping’s Political Rollback
Authors: TAO YI-FENG
Published: June 2021

When Xi Jinping had just come to power in 2012, the world expected that he would continue the development trajectory of economic liberalization and political institutionalization set in motion by Deng Xiaoping. However, when the National People’s Congress abolished the presidential term limit in the Chinese Constitution in March of 2018, it suddenly became clear that Xi had chosen to “roll back” from Deng’s policy line in nearly every aspect of the Chinese Party-state system. How does one explain Xi’s sudden departure from Deng’s policy line? In comparison with the resurgence of other authoritarian regimes of the 1960s and 1970s in Latin America and East Asia, this paper argues that the cause of Xi’s political rollback lies in the exhaustion of the previous development model. More specifically, the exhaustion of export-led growth in the mid-2000s had made the existing distributive coalition unsustainable. The power struggle within the political coalition therefore intensified and finally led to Xi’s monopoly over political power. The argument of this paper will proceed through four parts. It will begin with a literature review of comparative authoritarianism with a particular focus on the impact of a development crisis on the survival of political coalitions. It is followed by an analysis of the contributions of China’s export-led growth to the sustainability of the political coalition during the eras of Jiang Zemin and Hu Jintao. Then, it will explain how the exhaustion of export-led growth led to a power struggle within the political coalition and how through a re-orientation of the development model, Xi has gradually concentrated power into his own hands. Finally, it will discuss the theoretical implications of China’s case.
Analysis of Elastic Pulse Dispersion in Periodically Layered Composite Rods using Wave Finite Element Method
Authors: Khaji Naser , Mirzajani Mohsen , Hori Muneo
Published: June 2021

Numerical analysis of wave propagation in composite structures needs large-scale computation which is not feasible in practice. This paper investigates the possibility of applying a wave finite element method (WFEM) to composite structure. The key feature of the WFEM is its capability of accurately analyzing the discontinuities in stress wavefront along with the discontinuities in velocities and strains. In addition, the numerical analysis of the WFEM is unconditionally stable and reduces numerical computation. This paper studies a periodically layered composite rod to analyze the dispersion and propagation of stress waves using the WFEM. The numerical results are compared with other numerical/analytical solutions, paying attention to the accuracy of computing the strong discontinuities in the stress wavefront as well as the dispersion of pulses in a heterogeneous elastic rod. It is shown that the WFEM can be used as an affordable tool for numerically solving wave propagation in composite structures.
Influence of Equi-Biaxial Residual Stress on Spherical Indentation of Strain Hardening Materials
Authors: Liang Tong , Yuan Weike , Wang Gangfeng
Published: June 2021

Residual stress plays an important role in the mechanical performance of engineering structures. In this paper, the indentation of pre-stressed strain hardening materials by a rigid sphere is simulated through the finite element method. It is shown that the mean contact pressure in the post-yield regime keeps continuously increasing with the indentation proceeding. Compared to the case without residual stress, compressive residual stress tends to increase the mean contact pressure at a given indentation depth, while tensile stress has an inverse effect. To quantitatively indicate the influence of residual stress, a nominal contact pressure is defined, which obtains its maximum value at a critical depth. The dependences of the maximum nominal pressure and the critical indentation depth on the residual stress and the material properties are determined explicitly through large numbers of simulations. Inspired by the nominal pressure deviation stemmed from residual stress, a new approach is proposed for measuring residual stress through spherical indentation tests.
Secondary granulation-assisted CVD growth of WS2, TiS2 and NbS2 crystals
Authors: Li Ning , Liu Ming , Chang Qing , Wang Huiqi , Xue Chaorui , Li Ying , Zhang Huinian , Liu Bin , Hu Shengliang
Published: June 2021

Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is a cost-effective and scalable approach to prepare high-quality two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs), which is crucial for practical applications. Nevertheless, how to sublimate metal precursors with high melting point efficiently is still challenging. Herein, we demonstrate a novel secondary granulation-assisted route to adjust the supply of WO3 at moderate temperature (730 [Formula: see text]C), guarantee the appropriate tungsten/chalcogen ratio, and then achieve the controllable growth of monolayer WS2 crystals. Transmission electron microscopy, Raman and other characterizations indicate their high crystallinity. Notably, the domain size, nucleation density and morphology can be regulated by the size of the granulated WO3 particles. Moreover, the related mechanism is explained in detail, which applies equally to the steerable growth of TiS2 and NbS2, confirming the versatility of this method for growing 2D TMDCs. Therefore, this work offers a facile route for the microthermal CVD growth of 2D TMDCs crystals and drives the development of applications.
Hydrogen medicine: A rising star in gas medicine
Authors: Du Dongyue , Zhao Lin , Shen Meihua , Noda Mami , Qin Shucun , Long Jiangang , Sun Xuejun , Liu Jiankang
Published: June 2021

Gas medicine, including O2, NO, H2S, CO, CH4, has played important roles in prevention and treatment of diseases for a long time. Molecular hydrogen (H2), the smallest diatomic molecule in nature, has become a rising star in gas medicine in the past decades. Many studies have shown that H2 has preventive and therapeutic effects on various diseases through its selective antioxidant activity. H2, as a non-toxic gas for the human body and convenience to obtain, has provided a great possibility to be used widely. Currently, the main difficulties in hydrogen medicine are lack of definitive clinical evidence and the molecular basis of hydrogen effects. In this paper, the authors have conducted a comprehensive review and analysis of these issues, and also proposed the possibility of developing Hydrogen Biology and Hydrogen Medicine as new disciplines of biology and medicine.
AmbientBreath
Authors: Lee Jinmo , Elhaouij Neska , Picard Rosalind
Published: June 2021

To promote calm breathing inside a car, we designed a just-in-time breathing intervention stimulated by multi-sensory feedback and evaluated its efficacy in a driving simulator. Efficacy was measured via reduction in breathing rate as well as by user acceptance and driving safety measures. Drivers were first exposed to demonstrations of three kinds of ambient feedback designed to stimulate a goal breathing rate: (1) auditory (rhythmic background noise), (2) synchronized modulation of wind (dashboard fans modulating air pointed toward the driver) together with auditory, or (3) synchronized visual (ambient lights) together with auditory. After choosing one preference from these three, each driver engaged in a challenging driving task in a car simulator, where the ambient stimulation was triggered when their breathing exceeded a goal rate adapted to their personal baseline. Two user studies were conducted in a car simulator involving respectively 23 and 31 participants. The studies include both manual and autonomous driving scenarios to evaluate drivers' engagement in the intervention under different cognitive loads. The most frequently selected stimulation was the combined auditory and wind modalities. Measures of changes in breathing rate show that the participants were able to successfully engage in the breathing intervention; however, several factors from the driving context appear to have an impact on when the intervention is or is not effective.
NeckFace
Authors: Chen Tuochao , Li Yaxuan , Tao Songyun , Lim Hyunchul , Sakashita Mose , Zhang Ruidong , Guimbretiere Francois , Zhang Cheng
Published: June 2021

Facial expressions are highly informative for computers to understand and interpret a person's mental and physical activities. However, continuously tracking facial expressions, especially when the user is in motion, is challenging. This paper presents NeckFace, a wearable sensing technology that can continuously track the full facial expressions using a neck-piece embedded with infrared (IR) cameras. A customized deep learning pipeline called NeckNet based on Resnet34 is developed to learn the captured infrared (IR) images of the chin and face and output 52 parameters representing the facial expressions. We demonstrated NeckFace on two common neck-mounted form factors: a necklace and a neckband (e.g., neck-mounted headphones), which was evaluated in a user study with 13 participants. The study results showed that NeckFace worked well when the participants were sitting, walking, or after remounting the device. We discuss the challenges and opportunities of using NeckFace in real-world applications.
Every Byte Matters
Authors: Barman Ludovic , Dumur Alexandre , Pyrgelis Apostolos , Hubaux Jean-Pierre
Published: June 2021

Wearable devices such as smartwatches, fitness trackers, and blood-pressure monitors process, store, and communicate sensitive and personal information related to the health, life-style, habits and interests of the wearer. This data is typically synchronized with a companion app running on a smartphone over a Bluetooth (Classic or Low Energy) connection. In this work, we investigate what can be inferred from the metadata (such as the packet timings and sizes) of encrypted Bluetooth communications between a wearable device and its connected smartphone. We show that a passive eavesdropper can use traffic-analysis attacks to accurately recognize (a) communicating devices, even without having access to the MAC address, (b) human actions (e.g., monitoring heart rate, exercising) performed on wearable devices ranging from fitness trackers to smartwatches, (c) the mere opening of specific applications on a Wear OS smartwatch (e.g., the opening of a medical app, which can immediately reveal a condition of the wearer), (d) fine-grained actions (e.g., recording an insulin injection) within a specific application that helps diabetic users to monitor their condition, and (e) the profile and habits of the wearer by continuously monitoring her traffic over an extended period. We run traffic-analysis attacks by collecting a dataset of Bluetooth communications concerning a diverse set of wearable devices, by designing features based on packet sizes and timings, and by using machine learning to classify the encrypted traffic to actions performed by the wearer. Then, we explore standard defense strategies against traffic-analysis attacks such as padding, delaying packets, or injecting dummy traffic. We show that these defenses do not provide sufficient protection against our attacks and introduce significant costs. Overall, our research highlights the need to rethink how applications exchange sensitive information over Bluetooth, to minimize unnecessary data exchanges, and to research and design new defenses against traffic-analysis tailored to the wearable setting.
Envisioning Alternative Relationships with the Environment through Computational Design
Authors: Khurana Malika
Published: June 2021

Climate change is one symptom reflecting a larger problem of how we humans view ourselves as separate from the environment. How can computation and design help us expand our perception so we can better attend to the natural world?
The Environmental Impact of Research Communities
Authors: Williams Kristin , Kane Bridget , Clarke Chris , Widdicks Kelly
Published: June 2021

As sustainability chairs for key computing conferences, we explore the environmental impact of research conferences, reflect on the complexities of making physical and virtual conferences sustainable, and discuss the environmental consequences of computing research itself.
Exercise and health: historical perspectives and new insights
Authors: Hargreaves Mark
Published: June 2021

Since ancient times, the health benefits of regular physical activity/exercise have been recognized and the classic studies of Morris and Paffenbarger provided the epidemiological evidence in support of such an association. Cardiorespiratory fitness, often measured by maximal oxygen uptake, and habitual physical activity levels are inversely related to mortality. Thus, studies exploring the biological bases of the health benefits of exercise have largely focused on the cardiovascular system and skeletal muscle (mass and metabolism), although there is increasing evidence that multiple tissues and organ systems are influenced by regular exercise. Communication between contracting skeletal muscle and multiple organs has been implicated in exercise benefits, as indeed has other interorgan “cross-talk.” The application of molecular biology techniques and “omics” approaches to questions in exercise biology has opened new lines of investigation to better understand the beneficial effects of exercise and, in so doing, inform the optimization of exercise regimens and the identification of novel therapeutic strategies to enhance health and well-being.
Which Agroforestry Practice Is Beneficial? A Comparative Assessment of the Traditional and the Improved Agroforestry Techniques in the Midhills of Nepal
Authors: Paudel Deepa , Tiwari Krishna Raj , Raut Nani , Sitaula Bishal K. , Bhattarai Suman , Timilsina Yajna Prasad , Thapa Shivaraj
Published: June 2021

Farmers are predominantly adopting two forms of agroforestry, traditional and improved practices, in the midhills of Nepal, but their efficacy on a comparative basis is poorly assessed, so farmers often confuse whether to continue the traditional practice or embrace the improved practice. We carried out a study in six villages of three districts, interviewed 210 farmers adopting each practice, organized six focus group discussions, and interacted with 24 key informants to compare agroforestry practices from income generation and forest conservation perspectives. An individual household adopting the improved practice annually generated 841.60 US$, which was more than two folds of the traditional practitioner. Similarly, the improved practitioner annually fulfilled 84% demand for forest products from the adopted agroforestry practice, whereas the traditional practitioner only fulfilled about 50%. The fodder, fuelwood, and timber productions were found to be significantly higher in the improved practice, whereas leaf litter production was found to be almost similar. The improved practitioners seemed to be self-sustained in forest products, where the traditional practitioners only satisfied half of their requirements from the agroforestry practice. The study concludes that the improved agroforestry practice is more beneficial compared to the traditional practice. Therefore, we suggest the traditional practitioners to modify their ongoing practice to enhance the contribution of agroforestry practice at the local level.
Experimental Study on Axial Compression of an Insulating Layer through a Composite Shear Wall
Authors: Wang Yuliang , Wang Congcong , Cao Zhixing
Published: June 2021

Based on the research of composite walls at home and abroad, a construction method of continuous opening of the insulation layer in the specimen is proposed. In the edge component of the composite wall, the insulation layer should be thinned appropriately, the concrete on both sides should be thickened correspondingly, and U‐shaped reinforcement should be used instead of stirrup. To study its axial compression test performance, five 1/2 scale composite shear wall specimens are tested under axial compression, including three composite wall specimens and two solid wall contrast specimens. The failure mode, load‐bearing performance, deformation performance, and the collaborative work performance of wall are analyzed. The results show that the failure characteristics of the composite shear wall are similar to those of the solid wall, with splitting cracks at the corners and inverted triangular conical splitting at the top of the wall along the wall height direction, with no obvious bulging in the middle of the wall. The tie action of the ribs makes the concrete walls on both sides of the composite shear wall have good integrity and cooperative performance; the installation of the thermal insulation layer increases the overall thickness of the wall, improves the stability of the composite wall, and makes the composite wall axially compressed. The bearing capacity is not significantly reduced compared to the solid walls. Finally, according to the test results, the calculation formula of axial compression bearing capacity of composite shear wall is given, which provides the basis for the formulation of the code and engineering application.
Study on Preparation of Coal Gangue‐Based Geopolymer Concrete and Mechanical Properties
Authors: Zhang Daming , Sun Fangjin , Liu Tiantian
Published: June 2021

Alkaline dry powder activator, coal gangue, fly ash, and other raw materials are utilized to prepare coal gangue‐based geopolymer concrete. The procedures of making the coal gangue‐based geopolymer concrete are illustrated firstly. Also, basic mechanical properties, such as compressive strength and flexural strength of the geopolymer concrete, are studied through mechanical tests. The basic mechanical properties of ordinary concrete and coal gangue‐based geopolymer concrete with different activation methods were compared and analyzed. Effects of curing temperature, curing time, water‐binder ratio, and sand ratio on the basic mechanical properties of coal gangue‐based geopolymer concrete activated by alkaline dry powder were studied. The optimal curing temperature, water‐binder ratio, and sand ratio range of coal gangue‐based geopolymer concrete activated by alkaline dry powder are obtained, respectively.
A Nonlinear System State Estimation Method Based on Adaptive Fusion of Multiple Kernel Functions
Authors: Xu Daxing , Hu Aiyu , Han Xuelong , Zhang Lu
Published: June 2021

With the development of the industry, the physical model of controlled object tends to be complicated and unknown. It is particularly important to estimate the state variables of a nonlinear system when the model is unknown. This paper proposes a state estimation method based on adaptive fusion of multiple kernel functions to improve the accuracy of system state estimation. First, a dynamic neural network is used to build the system state model, where the kernel function node is constructed by a weighted linear combination of multiple local kernel functions and global kernel functions. Then, the state of the system and the weight of the kernel functions are put together to form an augmented state vector, which can be estimated in real time by using high‐degree cubature Kalman filter. The high‐degree cubature Kalman filter performs adaptive fusion of the kernel function weights according to specific samples, which makes the neural network function approximate the real system model, and the state estimate follows the real value. Finally, the simulation results verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Therapeutic Targets and Mechanism of Xingpi Jieyu Decoction in Depression: A Network Pharmacology Study
Authors: Chang Ze , He Li-Juan , Tian Dang-Feng , Gao Qiang , Ling Jing-Feng , Wang Yu-Chun , Han Zhen-Yun , Guo Rong-Juan
Published: June 2021

Background. Depression is a common mental disease that lacks effective therapeutic drugs with good curative effects and few adverse reactions. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has the advantages of multiple components, multiple channels, and fewer adverse reactions in the treatment of depression. Although Xingpi Jieyu Decoction (XPJYD) demonstrates a good therapeutic effect on depression, the pharmacological mechanism underlying its antidepressant effect is still unclear. Methods. We used a network pharmacology strategy, including the construction and analysis of a complex drug-disease network, to explore the complex mechanism of XPJYD treatment of depression. In addition, molecular docking technology was used to preliminarily study the binding ability of the potential active components and core therapeutic targets of XPJYD. Results. The network pharmacology results showed 42 targets of XPJYD that are involved in depression. PPI network analysis demonstrated that the top 10 core targets were AKT1, VEGFA, MAPK8, FOS, ESR1, NR3C1, IL6, HIF1A, NOS3, and AR. The molecular docking results showed that the binding energies of beta sitosterol with AR, FOS, AKT1, VEGFA, NR3C1, and NOS3 were less than −7.0 kcal·mol−1, indicating a good docking effect. The GO enrichment analysis results showed that the XPJYD antidepression mechanism mainly involves the following biological processes such as apoptotic signaling pathway, cellular response to lipid, inflammatory response, and others. The KEGG analysis results indicated that XPJYD may regulate 13 pathways such as PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and estrogen signaling pathway in the treatment of depression. Conclusions. This study reflects the characteristics of the mechanism of action by which XPJYD treats depression, which includes multiple components, multiple targets, and multiple pathways, and provides a biological basis for further verification and a novel perspective for drug discovery in depression.
Microencapsulation of Essential Oils by Spray-Drying and Influencing Factors
Authors: Nguyen Thi Thu Trang , Le Thi Van Anh , Dang Nhu Ngoc , Nguyen Dan Chi , Nguyen Phu Thuong Nhan , Tran Thanh Truc , Nguyen Quang Vinh , Bach Long Giang , Thuy Nguyen Pham Dung
Published: June 2021

Essential oils (EOs) are known as any aromatic oily organic substances which are naturally synthesized in plants. Exhibiting a broad range of biological activities, EOs have played a key role in numerous industries for ages, including pharmaceutical, textile, and food. However, the volatility and high sensitivity to environmental influences pose challenges to the application of EOs on industrial scale. Microencapsulation via the spray-drying method is one of the promising techniques to overcome these challenges, thanks to the presence of wall materials that properly protect the core EOs from oxidation and evaporation. By optimization of key factors related to the infeed emulsion properties and spray-drying process, the encapsulation efficiency and retention of encapsulated EOs could be significantly improved, thus allowing a wide range of EO applications. This review attempts to discuss on different determining factors of the spray-drying process to develop an effective encapsulation formula for EOs. Furthermore, recent applications of encapsulated EOs in the fields of foods, pharmaceuticals, and textile industries are also thoroughly addressed.
Kerion Celsi in a Nepalese Boy: An Underdiagnosed Cause of Scalp Swelling
Authors: Parajuli Ranjana , Shrestha Ashish Lal , Nayak Niranjan , Gokhale Shishir , Gautam Kundan , Subedi Shishir
Published: June 2021

Tinea capitis (TC) is an infection of the scalp and hair caused by a dermatophyte fungus. Typically caused by the zoophilic and geophilic species of Microsporum and Trichophyton, it remains the commonest cutaneous fungal infection in children. A 9-year-old Nepalese boy was evaluated in outpatients for multiple boggy scalp lesions for two months. Suspecting a bacterial etiology, the lesions were excised and sent for cultures. While bacterial cultures failed to grow, endothrix spores were readily detected in potassium hydroxide preparation and histopathology. Trichophyton tonsurans was identiﬁed by the phenotype method and later conﬁrmed by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of ﬂight (MALDI-TOF). Systemic antifungal therapy for 6 weeks along with local wound dressings resulted in complete recovery. At 2-year follow-up, focal alopecia was seen; however, no recurrence was noted.
Cystic Echinococcosis of the Ilium Treated with Curettage and Microwave Thermoablation Followed by Bone Cement Installation: A Novel Treatment Technique for a Rare Disease
Authors: Papavasiliou Kyriakos , Panagiotidou Sousana , Kakoulidis Panagiotis , Bintoudi Antonia , Arvaniti Kostoula , Tsiridis Eleftherios
Published: June 2021

Bone cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a rare condition requiring a high level of suspicion during primary diagnosis. Wide excision of the lesion is the gold standard of treatment, posing however extreme challenges in certain parts of the skeleton, since it may well be accompanied by increased morbidity. We report the case of a 35-year-old Caucasian female with iliac bone CE, referred to our department (a regional referral center for the treatment of patients with musculoskeletal tumors). The patient reported gradually increasing dull pain at the right iliac fossa and antalgic gait, with an onset of approximately 5 years before her referral. Bone CE diagnosis was established based on physical examination, imaging studies, and two subsequent CT-guided core needle biopsies, performed within a period of 3 months, of which the second was diagnostic. Following a musculoskeletal tumor multidisciplinary meeting, it was decided that the optional treatment was the surgical removal of the cyst. Aiming to minimize the morbidity accompanying a wide resection of the lesion, we performed extended curettage of the lesion through a typical iliac spine approach, followed by microwave ablation of the walls of the remaining bone cavity. The remaining iliac defect was treated with the installation of polymethyl methacrylate bone cement. The patient reported immediate remission of symptoms postoperatively and was able to return to everyday activities two weeks postoperatively. She began oral treatment with albendazole on the 7th postoperative day. She remained symptom-free for a period of 25 months, until she developed a seroma at the gluteal area, which was treated with simple drainage. On her latest follow-up six months later, she remained symptom-free and was able to perform all her previous activities. Microwave ablation may serve as a useful adjuvant modality when treating patients with bone CE, in order to prevent relapse of the disease.
Physiological Dose of EGCG Attenuates the Health Defects of High Dose by Regulating MEMO‐1 in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Lu Yan , Wang Yi , Xiong Li-gui , Huang Jian-an , Liu Zhong-hua , Gong Yu-shun
Published: June 2021

EGCG, as a dietary‐derived antioxidant, has been extensively studied for its beneficial health effects. Nevertheless, it induces the transient increase in ROS and leads to the hormetic extension of lifespan. How exactly biology‐benefiting effects with the minimum severe adverse are realized remains unclear. Here, we showed that physiological dose of EGCG could help moderate remission in health side effects exposed to high doses, including shortened lifespan, reduced body size, decreased pharyngeal pumping rate, and dysfunctional body movement in C. elegans. Furthermore, we found this result was caused by the physiological dose of EGCG to block the continued ROS accumulation and triggered acclimation responses after stressor removal. Also, in this process, we observed that EGCG downregulated the key redox protein MEMO‐1 to activate the feedback loop of NADPH oxidase‐mediated redox signaling. Our data indicates that the feedback signal induced by NADPH oxidase may contribute to the health‐protective mechanism of dietary polyphenols in vivo.
Ectopic Cushing’s Syndrome Secondary to Metastatic Paraganglioma
Authors: Daya R. , Wingfield C. , Sotshononda P. , Seedat F. , Bulbulia S. , Simmons M. D. , Louw M. , Bayat Z.
Published: June 2021

Paraneoplastic or ectopic Cushing’s syndrome (CS) is a rare cause of endogenous hypercortisolism. It is due to ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) secretion and has been reported in association with a variety of neuroendocrine tumors such as small-cell lung carcinoma, carcinoid tumors, and medullary carcinoma of the thyroid. Paragangliomas (PGLs) are rare neuroendocrine tumors that can secrete catecholamines. Case reports and reports of ectopic ACTH secretion from metastatic PGLs causing CS are exceedingly rare. We present a case of a 38-year-old female, who presented with typical signs, symptoms, and complications of CS, secondary to a PGL with widespread metastases, which eventually led to her demise.
Effect of Azadirachta indica and Senna siamea Decoction on CD4+ and CD8+ Level, Toxicological, and Antioxidant Profile in HIV/AIDS Positive Persons
Authors: Goni Hamadama Oumarou , Leonel Javeres Mbah Ntepe , Nyemb Nyunaï , Mba Fabrice Medou , Manuela Elsa Pettang Tomen
Published: June 2021

Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a major public health problem affecting several countries with predominance in black Africa. Faced with therapeutic failure caused by resistance and supply disruptions, searching for other antiretroviral agents, in particular from natural sources, becomes necessary. Given popular consumption of Azadirachta indica and Senna siamea decoction in the Northern Cameroon region and the traditionally attributed antiretroviral value, information on its efficacy and safety consumption is relevant to confirm its use. A total of 297 participants aged 18–52 and HIV-positive were recruited and divided into 3 groups: one taking only the decoction (group 1), another taking only antiretroviral therapy (ARTs) (group 2), and finally, one taking the decoction and antiretroviral (group 3). During 6 months, all the participants of the concerned groups consumed daily (morning and evening) 250 mL of Azadirachta indica and Senna siamea decoction. CD4+ and CD8+ levels were measured by flow cytometry. Hepatic and renal toxicity and oxidative stress were evaluated spectrophotometrically by measuring ALT, AST, ALP, BUN, CREAT, SOD, CAT, and GSH parameters. We note an increase in the CD4+ level of the three groups with values much more pronounced in the group treated by ARTs + decoction, from 328 ± 106 to 752 ± 140. Group 2 presented not only biological signs of hepatic and renal toxicity but also significant oxidative stress. No signs of toxicity were detected in the other groups. The study concludes that a decoction of Azadirachta indica and Senna siamea stimulates the production of CD4+ and is not toxic. On the contrary, it would reduce the toxicity caused by ARTs intake.
Moroccan Bee Bread Improves Biochemical and Histological Changes of the Brain, Liver, and Kidneys Induced by Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Bakour Meryem , Hammas Nawal , Laaroussi Hassan , Ousaaid Driss , Fatemi Hinde EL , Aboulghazi Abderrazak , Soulo Najoua , Lyoussi Badiaa
Published: June 2021

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2) were used in various fields such as food industry, cosmetics, medicine, and agriculture. Despite the many advantages of nanotechnology, the adverse effects of nanoparticles are inevitable. The present study was conducted to evaluate the protective effect of bee bread on titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticle toxicity. Male rats were randomly divided into four groups: Group 1 received daily by gavage (10 mL/kg bw) of distilled water, Group 2 received bee bread ethanolic extract (100 mg/kg bw), Group 3 received TiO2 (100 mg/kg bw) and distilled water (10 mL/kg bw), and Group 4 received TiO2 (100 mg/kg bw) and bee bread ethanolic extract (100 mg/kg bw). All treatments were given daily by gavage during 30 days. At the end of the experiment period, blood samples were collected to analyze fasting blood glucose, lipid profile (TC, TG, LDL‐C, HDL‐C, and VLDL‐C), liver enzymes (AST, ALT, and LDH), total protein, urea, albumin, creatinine, sodium, potassium, and chloride ions. In addition, histological examinations of the kidneys, liver, and brain were investigated. The results showed that the subacute administration of TiO2 alone (100 mg/kg bw) had induced hyperglycemia (309 ± 5 mg/dL) and elevation of hepatic enzyme levels, accompanied by a change in both lipid profile and renal biomarkers as well as induced congestion and dilatation in the hepatic central vein and congestion in kidney and brain tissues. However, the cotreatment with bee bread extract restored these biochemical parameters and attenuated the deleterious effects of titanium nanoparticles on brain, liver, and kidney functions which could be due to its rich content on functional molecules. The findings of this paper could make an important contribution to the field of using bee bread as a detoxifying agent against titanium dioxide nanoparticles and other xenobiotics.
Genome Features and In Vitro Activity against Influenza A and SARS‐CoV‐2 Viruses of Six Probiotic Strains
Authors: Soloveva Irina V. , Ilyicheva Tatyana N. , Marchenko Vasiliy Yu. , Pyankov Oleg V. , Tochilina Anna G. , Belova Irina V. , Zhirnov Vladimir A. , Bormotov Nikolay I. , Skarnovich Maksim O. , Durymanov Aleksander G. , Molodtsova Svetlana B. , Filippova Ekaterina I. , Ovchinnikova Alena S. , Magerramova Anastasia V. , Ryzhikov Alexander B. , Maksyutov Rinat A.
Published: June 2021

Purpose. The aim of this work was to analyze the complete genome of probiotic bacteria Lactobacillus plantarum 8 RA 3, Lactobacillus fermentum 90 TC‐4, Lactobacillus fermentum 39, Bifidobacterium bifidum 791, Bifidobacterium bifidum 1, and Bifidobacterium longum 379 and to test their activity against influenza A and SARS‐CoV‐2 viruses. Methods. To confirm the taxonomic affiliation of the bacterial strains, MALDI TOF mass spectrometry and biochemical test systems were used. Whole genome sequencing was performed on the Illumina Inc. MiSeq platform. To determine the antiviral activity, A/Lipetsk/1V/2018 (H1N1 pdm09) (EPI_ISL_332798) and A/common gull/Saratov/1676/2018 (H5N6) (EPI_ISL_336925) influenza viruses and SARS‐CoV‐2 virus strain Australia/VIC01/2020 (GenBank: MT007544.1) were used. Results. All studied probiotic bacteria are nonpathogenic for humans and do not contain the determinants of transmission‐type antibiotic resistance and integrated plasmids. Resistance to antibiotics of different classes is explained by the presence of molecular efflux pumps of the MatE and MFS families. Cultures of L. fermentum 90 TC 4, L. plantarum 8 RA 3, and B. bifidum 791 showed a pronounced activity against influenza A viruses in MDCK cells. Activity against the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus was demonstrated only by the L. fermentum 90 TC 4 strain in VERO cells. Conclusions. The studied probiotic bacteria are safe, have antiviral activity, and are of great importance for the prevention of diseases caused by respiratory viruses that can also infect the human intestine.
Trajectory Analysis and Risk Evaluation of Dangerous Rock Mass Instability of an Overhang Slope, Southwest of China
Authors: Liu Wen-lian , Dong Jia-xing , Xu Han-hua , Sui Su-gang , Yang Run-xue , Zhou Lun-shun
Published: June 2021

Analysis of the movement trajectory and risk assessment of the high‐slope dangerous rock mass collapse are of great significance for preventing and controlling the geological disasters of collapse. This study firstly takes the dangerous rock mass of the high slope in Pu’erdu Town, Yanjin County, Zhaotong City, Yunnan Province, as the research object, calculates and analyzes the trajectory of collapse movement of several groups of dangerous rock mass with great threat, and RocFall are used to carry out numerical simulation analysis and verification. Secondly, the risk and vulnerability of the dangerous rock mass in the study area are analyzed, and the risk evaluation is carried out through the risk evaluation matrix to clearly define the risk level. Results show that if the dangerous rock mass collapses, the horizontal movement distance was approximately 53–88 m, and the maximum bounce height of the platform was approximately 3–18 m, which will seriously threaten the life and property safety of residents. There is little difference between the simulation of the collapse of dangerous rock mass by RocFall software and the calculation result of the formula. Although RocFall software is more intuitive and can be directly compared with charts, software cannot completely simulate the actual situation, and it is only suggested as a reference from design rather than a basis of design. The result of risk evaluation shows that there are 2 high‐risk dangerous rocks, 3 medium‐risk dangerous rocks, and 1 low‐risk dangerous rock in this area. It is suggested that a reasonable and scientific engineering treatment scheme should be put forward as soon as possible in combination with the collapse trajectory of the collapsing movement.
Public Housing Allocation Model in the Guangdong‐Hong Kong‐Macao Greater Bay Area under Clustering Algorithm
Authors: Zhang Lei , Hu Xueqing
Published: June 2021

In the Guangdong‐Hong Kong‐Macao Greater Bay Area (Bay Area), the allocation methods of public rental housing are analyzed to achieve scientific and fair housing allocation as much as possible, so as to protect the housing demand of low‐income and middle‐income families. The housing model in the Bay Area is analyzed firstly, and the key points of public rental housing and allocation management models are discussed comprehensively. Furthermore, a method based on rough‐based fuzzy clustering (RFC) is proposed to analyze the housing demands of security groups, and a public housing allocation model is constructed based on actual demand of residents. The housing allocation plan is given and decided by the decision‐making department based on the demand of the security objects and the characteristics of public housing. The simulation experiments are performed on the clustering algorithm optimized based on rough set feature selection. On the Chess data set, the optimized clustering algorithm shows an obvious improvement in clustering accuracy and recall rate compared with the traditional clustering algorithms, which are 0.76 and 0.95, respectively. The bilateral matching method based on fuzzy axiom design can fully consider the actual needs of both the supply and demand of the housing security, which is beneficial to improve the rationality and correctness of public housing allocation. The allocation method of public housing based on demand clustering analysis focuses on improving the housing security level and strives to meet the higher‐level housing improvement needs of housing security objects, so as to provide security objects with more expected living conditions and improve housing allocation effect.
Dissipativity Analysis for a Class of Discrete-Time Neutral Stochastic Nonlinear Systems with Time Delay
Authors: Yu Shengchun , Pang Yanzhen , Chen Guici , Zhou Xin
Published: June 2021

This paper focuses on the problem of dissipativity analysis for a class of discrete-time neutral stochastic nonlinear systems (DTNSNSs) with time delay and parameter uncertainties. Different from the existing results on this topic of neutral system, a kind of discretizing the neutral system is considered. Firstly, a sufficient condition of the dissipativity, which is dependent on the solution of the Lyapunov–Krasovskii technique and linear matrix inequalities (LMIs), is established. Moreover, the state-feedback controller is designed to guarantee the dissipative performance of the closed-loop system. The effectiveness of the theoretical results is finally demonstrated by a numerical example.