bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cross-Generational Impact of Epigenetic Male Influence on Physical Activity in Rat
Authors: Sudakov Sergey K. , Bogdanova Natalia G. , Nazarova Galina A.
Published: November 2022

The aim of this work was to study whether epigenetic events at conception influence the formation of behavioral features found in adult rats. First generational inheritance of activity level, anxiety like behavior, and learning ability was studied. To separate genetic and non-genetic inheritance, mating of males and females with average motor activity was carried out in the presence anesthetized or conscious males with high or low activity. Our results show that offspring of parents who mated in the presence of males with a high motor activity were significantly more active than offspring of parents that were paired in the presence of males with low activity. Anxiety like behavior and learning ability were not inherited in this way. It is possible that the phenomenon we discovered is important for maintaining a certain level of activity of specific populations of animals. It counteracts natural selection, which should lead to a constant increase in the activity of animals.
Improving Precise Genome Editing Using Donor DNA/gRNA Hybrid Duplex Generated by Complementary Bases
Authors: Aiba Wataru , Amai Takamitsu , Ueda Mitsuyoshi , Kuroda Kouichi
Published: November 2022

In precise genome editing, site-specific DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) induced by the CRISPR/Cas9 system are repaired via homology-directed repair (HDR) using exogenous donor DNA templates. However, the low efficiency of HDR-mediated genome editing is a barrier to widespread use. In this study, we created a donor DNA/guide RNA (gRNA) hybrid duplex (DGybrid) that was composed of sequence-extended gRNA and single-stranded oligodeoxynucleotide (ssODN) combined with complementary bases without chemical modifications to increase the concentration of donor DNA at the cleavage site. The efficiency of genome editing using DGybrid was evaluated in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The results show a 1.8-fold (from 35% to 62%) improvement in HDR-mediated editing efficiency compared to genome editing in which gRNA and donor DNA were introduced separately. In addition, analysis of the nucleic acid introduction efficiency using flow cytometry indicated that both RNA and ssODNs are efficiently incorporated into cells together by using the DNA/RNA hybrid. Our technique would be preferred as a universal and concise tool for improving the efficiency of HDR-mediated genome editing.
How Does the Concept of Guanxi-circle Contribute to Community Building in Alternative Food Networks? Six Case Studies from China
Authors: Li Yanyan , Si Zhenzhong , Miao Yuxin , Zhou Li
Published: November 2022

As social innovations that help to transition towards a more sustainable food system, alternative food networks (AFNs) in China have attracted much scholarly attention in recent years. However, studies of the community building behavior of AFNs at the micro-level in the Chinese social context are scant. Through in-depth case studies conducted between 2017 and 2021 and social network analysis, our study examines how founders of AFNs successfully facilitate community building among their customers. We find that in China, the traditional social-cultural construct, guanxi, plays a critical role in AFNs’ community formation and expansion. The study identifies a three-stage framework for understanding the community building process of AFNs. First, a group of guanxi of the same kind would form a guanxi-circle. Second, the initial guanxi-circle is enhanced and expanded to multiple secondary guanxi-circles. Third, these multiple guanxi-circles together and the interactions among them constitute the community of AFNs. We argue that to strengthen the community, AFNs operators should inspire key members to form secondary guanxi-circles by enhancing their cognitive trust and emotional trust.
Evaluation of the Cable Force by Frequency Method for the Hybrid Boundary between the Ear Plate and the Anchor Plate
Authors: Xu Yufeng , Xie Yunfei , Chen Si , Zhu Mengyang
Published: November 2022

For the quick and accurate determination of the cable force under the hybrid boundary between the ear plate and the anchor plate, this paper proposes a method for identifying the boundary conditions and bending stiffness of the cables based on the frequency method. First, the influence of the parameters, namely, cable boundary conditions, bending stiffness, inclination angle, and linear density, on the cable force was analyzed. Next, the actual bending stiffness of the cable under the boundary conditions of the upper hinged support and the lower solid support and the solid support at both ends were determined, and the cable force in the two states was calculated. Finally, the hydraulic jack tension and the cable force in the two states were compared and analyzed to define the actual boundary conditions and bending stiffness of the cable. The results show that the boundary conditions, bending stiffness, and linear density of the cable considerably influence the cable force, whereas the inclination angle has a negligible effect on the cable force. The bending stiffness under the two boundary conditions of the cable were both 0.12Eimax, and the calculated value of the cable force under the solid support boundary condition at both ends was consistent with the value of the hydraulic jack tension.
Numerical Study on Elastic Parameter Identification of Large-Span Steel Truss Structures Based on Strain Test Data
Authors: Zhang Yuxin , Zhou Ao , Xu Helong , Zhang Hexin
Published: November 2022

Large-span steel trusses are widely used in public buildings such as large-span factory buildings, exhibition halls, gymnasiums, and bridges because of their fast construction speed and easy industrial manufacturing. Due to construction errors and environmental factors, the material properties may change during their service life, and it is an important prerequisite for the structural safety assessment to identify the true material parameters of the structure. Among the many parameters, the elastic modulus is one that has the greatest impact on the accuracy of structural safety analysis. In this paper, a mathematical analysis model of elastic modulus identification was constructed, based on the strain test data and the improved gradient regularization method. The relationship between the strain test data and elastic moduli was established. A common finite element program based on the method was developed to identify the elastic modulus. A series of numerical simulations was carried out on a 53-element steel truss model to study the availability and numerical stability of the method. The effects of different initial values, numbers of strain tests, and locations of the strain test as well as the number of unknown parameters on the identification results were studied. The results showed that the proposed method had very high accuracy and computational efficiency. For the case of 53 unknown parameters without considering the test error, the identification accuracy could reach a 1 × 10−10 order of magnitude after only several iterations. This paper provides an effective solution to obtain the actual values of the elastic modulus of steel truss structures in practical engineering.
Genetic Inactivation of Notch1 Synergizes with Loss of Trp53 to Induce Tumor Formation in the Adult Mouse Forebrain
Authors: Parmigiani Elena , Giachino Claudio
Published: November 2022

Simultaneous genetic inactivation of the key Notch signaling mediator RBP-Jk and p53 leads to the formation of forebrain tumors in mice, suggesting a tumor suppressor role of the Notch pathway in this context. However, the contribution of individual Notch receptors to the tumor-suppressive activity of Notch signaling in the brain remains elusive. Here, we show that simultaneous Notch1 and Notch2 deletion, similar to complete ablation of canonical Notch signaling by Rbpj inactivation, cooperates with Trp53 deletion to promote tumor growth in the adult forebrain. We also demonstrate that inactivation of Notch1 and Trp53 in cells with active Notch signaling is sufficient to induce brain tumor or hyperplasia formation. Analysis of tumor location suggests a multifocal origin and shows that ventral forebrain regions and olfactory bulbs are the most affected sites. Hence, Notch1 cooperates with p53 to repress malignant transformation in the adult mouse forebrain.
The Role of miR-155 in Antitumor Immunity
Authors: Kalkusova Katerina , Taborska Pavla , Stakheev Dmitry , Smrz Daniel
Published: November 2022

MicroRNAs belong to a group of short non-coding RNA molecules that are involved in the regulation of gene expression at multiple levels. Their function was described two decades ago, and, since then, microRNAs have become a rapidly developing field of research. Their participation in the regulation of cellular processes, such as proliferation, apoptosis, cell growth, and migration, made microRNAs attractive for cancer research. Moreover, as a single microRNA can simultaneously target multiple molecules, microRNAs offer a unique advantage in regulating multiple cellular processes in different cell types. Many of these cell types are tumor cells and the cells of the immune system. One of the most studied microRNAs in the context of cancer and the immune system is miR-155. MiR-155 plays a role in modulating innate and adaptive immune mechanisms in distinct immune cell types. As such, miR-155 can be part of the communication between the tumor and immune cells and thus impact the process of tumor immunoediting. Several studies have already revealed its effect on antitumor immune responses, and the targeting of this molecule is increasingly implemented in cancer immunotherapy. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge of miR-155 in the regulation of antitumor immunity and the shaping of the tumor microenvironment, and the plausible implementation of miR-155 targeting in cancer therapy.
Organoids for Modeling (Colorectal) Cancer in a Dish
Authors: Rathje Florian , Klingler Stefan , Aberger Fritz
Published: November 2022

Functional studies of primary cancer have been limited to animal models for a long time making it difficult to study aspects specific to human cancer biology. The development of organoid technology enabled us to culture human healthy and tumor cells as three-dimensional self-organizing structures in vitro for a prolonged time. Organoid cultures conserve the heterogeneity of the originating epithelium regarding cell types and tumor clonality. Therefore, organoids are considered an invaluable tool to study and genetically dissect various aspects of human cancer biology. In this review, we describe the applications, advantages, and limitations of organoids as human cancer models with the main emphasis on colorectal cancer.
Global, Regional, and National Burdens with Temporal Trends of Early-, Intermediate-, and Later-Onset Gastric Cancer from 1990 to 2019 and Predictions up to 2035
Authors: Ning Fei-Long , Zhang Nan-Nan , Zhao Zhe-Ming , Du Wan-Ying , Zeng Yong-Ji , Abe Masanobu , Pei Jun-Peng , Zhang Chun-Dong
Published: November 2022

Background: Evidence for estimating and predicting the temporal trends of gastric cancer in different age groups is lacking. Methods: Data of early-, intermediate-, and later-onset gastric cancer (EOGC, IOGC, LOGC) was from the Global Burden of Diseases Study 2019. The incidences and deaths due to EOGC, IOGC, and LOGC were analyzed by period, sex, geographic location, and sociodemographic incidence. Temporal trends were evaluated by estimated annual percentage changes (EAPCs). The incidences and temporal trends were predicted until 2035. Results: There were substantial differences in the incidence and death rates of the three populations at global, regional and national levels in 2019. From 1990 to 2019, EOGC (EAPC, −0.84) showed a slower decrease in incidence rate worldwide than IOGC (EAPC, −1.77) and LOGC (EAPC, −1.10), whereas EOGC and LOGC showed slower decreases in mortality than IOGC. The worldwide incidence rate of EOGC (EAPC, 1.44) was predicted to increase substantially from 2020 to 2035, while that for LOGC (EAPC, 0.43) was predicted to increase slightly and that for IOGC (EAPC, −0.01) was predicted to remain stable over the same period. Conclusions: This study revealed differences in the burdens and temporal trends of EOGC, IOGC, and LOGC, and highlighted the importance of tailored cancer-control measures in neglected subpopulations, especially in patients with EOGC.
The Synergistic Catalysis of Chloroaromatic Organics and NOx over Monolithic Vanadium-Based Catalysts at Low Temperature
Authors: Lai Jianwen , Ma Yunfeng , Wu Jiayao , Yu Hong , Li Xiaodong , Lin Xiaoqing
Published: November 2022

In this study, four monolithic, vanadium-based catalysts in granular (Vox/TiO2), honeycomb-type (Vox-Wox/TiO2 and Vox-MoOx/TiO2), and corrugated forms (Vox-Wox/TiO2) were investigated by multiple characterization methods (BET, XRF, XPS, XRD, H2-TPR, and NH3-TPD). Their catalytic performances were evaluated by the oxidation-reduction performance of ortho-dichlorobenzene (o-DCB) and NO/NH3. The modification of Wox and MoOx could promote catalytic activity by accelerating the transformation of V5+/V4+ and enriching the strong acid sites. The introduction of NO/NH3 significantly impaired the o-DCB oxidation, ascribed to the competitive adsorption of reactants on acid sites. The performance of Vox/TiO2 and Vox-MoOx/TiO2 catalysts indicated that strong acidity could enhance catalytic abilities over o-DCB and Nox. Nevertheless, the CE (conversion efficiency) of o-DCB was more related to a large BET surface area and a high amount of V5+ species, while the CE of Nox was more associated with redox ability and Vox surface density. The V4+/V5+ and OS-A/OS-L ratio increased prominently after the oxidation of o-DCB, indicating that it was the reoxidation of V4+ species, rather than the supplement of oxygen, that limited the reaction rate. This work revealed catalytic activity was positively affiliated with the surface area, amount of V5+ species, transformation rate of V4+/V5+, redox ability, and abundance of strong acid sites. Additionally, the results could guide the selectivity and improvement of industrial low-temperature catalysts for synergistic elimination of chloroaromatic organics and Nox.
Large-Scale Synthesis of Iron Ore@Biomass Derived ESBC to Degrade Tetracycline Hydrochloride for Heterogeneous Persulfate Activation
Authors: Tian Tingting , Zhu Xinfeng , Song Zhongxian , Li Xindong , Zhang Jinhui , Mao Yanli , Wu Junfeng , Zhang Wei , Wang Chaohai
Published: November 2022

Iron-based catalysts are widely used in water treatment and environmental remediation due to their abundant content in nature and their ability to activate persulfate at room temperature. Here, eggshell biochar-loaded natural iron slag (IO@ESBC) was successfully synthesized to remove tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) by activated persulfate. The morphology, structure and chemical composition of IO@ESBC were systematically characterized. The IO@ESBC/PS process showed good performance for TCH removal. The decomposition rate constant (k) for IO@ESBC was 0.011 min−1 and the degradation rate was 3690 mmol/g/h in this system. With the increase of PS concentration and IO@ESBC content, the removal rate of TCH both increased. The IO@ESBC/PS process can effectively remove TCH at pH 3–9. There are different effects on TCH removal for the reason that the addition of water matrix species (humic acid, Cl−, HCO3−, NO3− and HPO42−). The IO@ESBC/PS system for degrading TCH was mainly controlled by both the free radical pathway (SO4•−, •OH and O2•−) and non-free radical pathway (1O2). The loading of ESBC slows down the agglomeration between iron particles, and more active sites are exposed. The removal rate of TCH was still above 75% after five cycles of IO@ESBC. This interesting investigation has provided a green route for synthesis of composite driving from waste resources, expanding its further application for environmental remediations.
Selective Detection of Aromatic Compounds with a Re-Designed Surface Acoustic Wave Sensor System Using a Short Packed Column
Authors: Carriel Schmitt Caroline , Rapp Michael , Voigt Achim , De Carvalho Mauro dos Santos
Published: November 2022

A self-developed and newly re-designed chemical SAW sensor system composed of four polymer-coated and four differently modified nano-diamond-coated SAW sensors was applied to measure aromatic compounds in gasoline in a low-cost, fast, and easy way. An additional short packed column at the system inlet improve the selectivity for various possible fuel applications. The column allows the direct sampling of liquid fuels and pre-separates the different components in groups (aromatic and aliphatic compounds) from a fuel sample. Since the sensors employed show linearity towards concentration, an easy quantification of single fuel components was possible even within the group of aromatic compounds.
Review: Perovskite X-ray Detectors (1997–Present)
Authors: Li Shuigen , Xie Xiangyu , Xiong Jian , Wang Fahui , Liu Jian , Jiang Minhua
Published: November 2022

Perovskite materials have attracted extensive attention because of their superior performance in the fields of photoelectric detection, photovoltaics, light-emitting diodes, metal–air batteries, etc. However, their development and application in the field of X-ray detectors have not been reviewed. In this paper, research on perovskite-based X-ray detectors is analyzed using the bibliometric method. This analysis sample includes the literature from 1997 to the present. In addition, the research status of perovskite-based scintillators and direct X-ray detectors under different crystallization conditions and different preparation methods is discussed. Finally, several problems that need to be overcome in the future of perovskite-based X-ray detectors are put forward.
Entropy as a High-Level Feature for XAI-Based Early Plant Stress Detection
Authors: Lysov Maxim , Maximova Irina , Vasiliev Evgeny , Getmanskaya Alexandra , Turlapov Vadim
Published: November 2022

This article is devoted to searching for high-level explainable features that can remain explainable for a wide class of objects or phenomena and become an integral part of explainable AI (XAI). The present study involved a 25-day experiment on early diagnosis of wheat stress using drought stress as an example. The state of the plants was periodically monitored via thermal infrared (TIR) and hyperspectral image (HSI) cameras. A single-layer perceptron (SLP)-based classifier was used as the main instrument in the XAI study. To provide explainability of the SLP input, the direct HSI was replaced by images of six popular vegetation indices and three HSI channels (R630, G550, and B480; referred to as indices), along with the TIR image. Furthermore, in the explainability analysis, each of the 10 images was replaced by its 6 statistical features: min, max, mean, std, max–min, and the entropy. For the SLP output explainability, seven output neurons corresponding to the key states of the plants were chosen. The inner layer of the SLP was constructed using 15 neurons, including 10 corresponding to the indices and 5 reserved neurons. The classification possibilities of all 60 features and 10 indices of the SLP classifier were studied. Study result: Entropy is the earliest high-level stress feature for all indices; entropy and an entropy-like feature (max–min) paired with one of the other statistical features can provide, for most indices, 100% accuracy (or near 100%), serving as an integral part of XAI.
Harnessing Project-Based Learning to Enhance STEM Students’ Critical Thinking Skills Using Water Treatment Activity
Authors: Oyewo Opeyemi A. , Ramaila Sam , Mavuru Lydia
Published: November 2022

Water treatment processes are designed to ensure that any pollutant’s adverse effects on the environment are reduced to the minimum allowable discharge limit. Water-literate individuals ought to effectively and constantly think about novel hydrologic concepts to improve the quality and sufficiency of water. Socio-hydrological issues remain the main source of water pollution and insufficiency in society. Therefore, effective water management and treatment require societal understanding. The complexity of water issues requires equipping STEM education students with the necessary knowledge to acquire water solution reasoning skills. However, STEM students need meaningful challenges with everyday connections to capture their interest to apply intuitive understanding in project-based learning. Water-related issues such as high turbidity are ubiquitous problems facing communities. This study specifically explored how project-based learning can be harnessed to enhance STEM students’ critical thinking skills using water treatment activities. The water treatment activity involved the development of novel products using agricultural wastes for efficient water treatment. The social issues associated with agricultural wastes, especially orange and banana peels in the environment, are too obvious to be overlooked; hence, they were chosen as base materials to develop water treatment products. The study adopted an action research design and involved 12 purposively selected third-year Bachelor of Science students majoring in Chemistry at a South African university. The students were divided into two groups consisting of six participants. The researchers implemented team teaching and invoked students’ knowledge of Earth Science, Physics, Chemistry, and Technology to develop and implement laboratory experimental activities and class-based lesson plans. The empirical investigation was underpinned by the Five Steps of Project-Based Learning as the underlying theoretical framework. The chemistry of the processed peels such as particle size and functional groups provided insight into the mechanism responsible for water turbidity reduction. Laboratory experimental results revealed that the turbidity reduction obtained from the use of processed banana peels was higher than the processed orange peels coagulant. However, the performance of both coagulants in turbidity reduction complied with the South African National Standard (SANS241) for drinking water quality.
Design of Automatic Correction System for UAV’s Smoke Trajectory Angle Based on KNN Algorithm
Authors: Chao Pao-Yuan , Hsu Wei-Chih , Chen Wei-You
Published: November 2022

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have evolved with the progress of science and technology in recent years. They combine high-tech, such as information and communications technology, mechanical power, remote control, and electric power storage. In the past, drones could be flown only via remote control, and the mounted cameras captured images from the air. Now, UAVs integrate new technologies such as 5G, AI, and IoT in Taiwan. They have a great application value in a high-altitude data acquisition, entertainment performances (such as night light shows and UAV shows with smoke), agriculture, and 3D modeling. UAVs are susceptible to the natural wind when spraying smoke into the air, which leads to a smoke track offset. This study developed an autocorrect system for UAV smoke tracing. An AI model was used to calculate smoke tube angle corrections so that smoke tube angles could be immediately corrected when smoke is sprayed. This led to smoke tracks being consistent with flight tracks.
Evaluation of the Wind Power Industry Policy in China (2010–2021): A Quantitative Analysis Based on the PMC Index Model
Authors: Wang Bangjun , Xing Qiaoqiao
Published: November 2022

Industrial development cannot be separated from policy guidance and support. Scientific evaluation and analysis of wind power industrial policies can promote the sustainable and healthy development of the industry, which has great significance to accelerate the green and low-carbon transformation of energy and achieve the double carbon target. In this paper, based on 66 wind power industrial policies from 2010 to 2021 in China, the policy texts were coded and classified into policy tools. By combining the text mining technology with the Policy Modeling Consistency (PMC) index model, 10 groups of evaluation index systems were established to evaluate the industrial policies quantitatively. The results show that the use of the three types of policy tools is unbalanced. Among them, environmental policy tools are used most frequently while supply and demand policy tools are relatively few. According to the PMC score, the overall situation of wind power industrial policy has certain scientific qualities. However, there are few policy texts for ordinary residents in terms of policy recipients, and there are shortcomings in technical support and talent construction. In addition, the three types of policy tools have certain limitations in different aspects. Based on the existing problems, we put forward suggestions for policy improvement.
Energy Efficiency in Electric Transportation Systems
Authors: Popescu Mihaela
Published: November 2022

Increasing energy efficiency in electric transportation systems is a topical issue, considering the worldwide concern for reducing CO2 emissions, and especially through the significant reduction in energy loss and energy consumption [...]
Experimental Thermodynamic Characterization of the Chalcopyrite-Based Compounds in the Ag–In–Te System for a Potential Thermoelectric Application
Authors: Moroz Mykola , Tesfaye Fiseha , Demchenko Pavlo , Mastronardo Emanuela , Mysina Oksana , Prokhorenko Myroslava , Prokhorenko Serhiy , Lindberg Daniel , Reshetnyak Oleksandr , Hupa Leena
Published: November 2022

The equilibrium concentration space of the Ag–In–Te system in the part AgInTe2–Te–In2Te3 was studied through the modified solid-state electromotive force (EMF) method by dividing In2Te3–In2Te5–Ag3In97Te147 (I), In2Te5–Te–Ag3In97Te147 (II), Ag3In97Te147–Te–AgIn5Te8 (III), AgIn5Te8–Te–AgIn3Te5 (IV), and AgIn3Te5–Te–AgInTe2 (V), into separate phase regions at T ≤ 500 K. The formation of a thermodynamically stable combination of the binary and ternary phases in the (I)–(V) phase regions from a metastable phase mixture of substances was carried out at T ≤ 500 K in the R(Ag+) part of the positive electrode (PE) of the galvanic cells (GCs) of the structure: (−) C |∙| Ag |∙| SE |∙| R(Ag+) |∙| PE |∙| C (+), where C is the graphite (inert electrode), SE is the solid-state electrolyte (Ag3GeS3Br glass), and Ag is the left (negative) electrode. The Ag+ ions in the R(Ag+) region functioned as small nucleation centers for the formation of the stable phases. The spatial position of the (I)–(V) phase regions in the concentration space of the Ag–In–Te system relative to the position of silver was used to express the overall potential-forming reactions with the participation of the substances Ag, Te, In2Te5, Ag3In97Te147, AgIn5Te8, AgIn3Te5, and AgInTe2. The subsequent EMF measurements were carried out by applying the same GCs. The temperature dependences of the EMF of GCs with PE of the (I)–(V) phase regions were here used to determine, for the first time, the values of standard thermodynamic functions of the binary and ternary compounds. The determined values of the Gibbs energies of the formation of compounds are equal: GIn2Te5○=(182.7±1.9) kJ·mol−1, GAgInTe2○=(115.0±3.1) kJ·mol−1, GAgIn3Te5○=(301.5±6.5) kJ·mol−1, GAgIn5Te8○=(487.6±11.3) kJ·mol−1, and GAg3In97Te147○=(8594±189) kJ·mol−1 The correctness of the division of the equilibrium phase space of the Ag–In–Te system in the part AgInTe2–Te–In2Te3 involving the AgInTe2, AgIn3Te5, AgIn5Te8, and Ag3In97Te147 compounds was confirmed by the agreement of the calculated and literature-based thermodynamic data for In2Te5 compound. Compositions of pairs of the ternary compounds for their subsequent practical application were proposed.
Use of Evolutionary Algorithm for Identifying Quantitative Impact of PM2.5 and PM10 on PV Power Generation
Authors: Pytel Krzysztof , Hudy Wiktor
Published: November 2022

This publication presents the impact of PM10, PM2.5, and cloudiness on the power that is generated by photovoltaic panels—the actual photovoltaic power was measured. Weather parameters that were recorded by a weather station were taken into account, and the dependencies between the weather parameters and the power that was generated by PV panels were determined. This study was based on actual data from a solar cell set and was designed to allow a certain size of a PV system to be able to supply power to a given load. For the entire measurement year, data on PM10, PM2.5, cloudiness, and generated power were collected; by using a genetic algorithm, the influence of the environmental parameters on the power that was generated by the PV panels was calculated. The research shows the influence of anthropogenic factors on the power that is generated by PV panels. It was observed that PM2.5 and PM10 air pollution decreased the power by about 16% among the analyzed factors as they were related to cloudiness. The impact of the pollution was stable over the year in the analyzed location.
Carbon, Nitrogen, and Phosphorus Stoichiometry between Leaf and Soil Exhibit the Different Expansion Stages of Moso Bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis (Carriere) J. Houzeau) into Chinese Fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook.) Forest
Authors: Li Conghui , Zhong Quanlin , Yu Kunyong , Li Baoyin
Published: November 2022

The expansion of Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis (Carriere) J. Houzeau) has triggered native forest retreat and a range of ecological issues, especially for the Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook.) forests with similar growing conditions. In order to reveal the stoichiometric characteristics of Moso bamboo succession and scientifically control the forest retreat caused by the expansion of Moso bamboo into Chinese fir, mixed forests including 0%, 30%, 50%, 60%, and 80% of Moso bamboo expanded into Chinese fir forests were used to simulate the expansion stages I, II, III, IV, and V, respectively. In addition, by measuring the C, N, and P contents in Moso bamboo leaves and soils and calculating the correlation stoichiometric ratios, the correlation and coupling of which were explored and combined with an ecological homeostasis model at different stages of Moso bamboo expansion. The results demonstrated that P was a key element for the high utilization of Moso bamboo growth, and the expansion principle was influenced by N limitation. The conclusion was that the anthropogenic regulation of C content in soil could achieve the purpose of expansion control and exploit the carbon sequestration capacity in the mixed forest with half Moso bamboo and half Chinese fir, which should discourage the expansion.
Temperature and pH Profiling of Extracellular Amylase from Antarctic and Arctic Soil Microfungi
Authors: Krishnan Abiramy , Alias Zazali , Convey Peter , González-Aravena Marcelo , Smykla Jerzy , Rizman-Idid Mohammed , Alias Siti Aisyah
Published: November 2022

While diversity studies and screening for enzyme activities are important elements of understanding fungal roles in the soil ecosystem, extracting and purifying the target enzyme from the fungal cellular system is also required to characterize the enzyme. This is, in particular, necessary before developing the enzyme for industrial-scale production. In the present study, partially purified α-amylase was obtained from strains of Pseudogymnoascus sp. obtained from Antarctic and Arctic locations. Partially purified α-amylases from these polar fungi exhibited very similar characteristics, including being active at 15 °C, although having a small difference in optimum pH. Both fungal taxa are good candidates for the potential application of cold-active enzymes in biotechnological industries, and further purification and characterization steps are now required. The α-amylases from polar fungi are attractive in terms of industrial development because they are active at lower temperatures and acidic pH, thus potentially creating energy and cost savings. Furthermore, they prevent the production of maltulose, which is an undesirable by-product often formed under alkaline conditions. Psychrophilic amylases from the polar Pseudogymnoascus sp. investigated in the present study could provide a valuable future contribution to biotechnological applications.
IoT-Based System for Improving Vehicular Safety by Continuous Traffic Violation Monitoring
Authors: Daraghmi Yousef-Awwad , Helou Mamoun Abu , Daraghmi Eman-Yasser , Abu-ulbeh Waheeb
Published: November 2022

The violation traffic laws by driving at high speeds, the overloading of passengers, and the unfastening of seatbelts are of high risk and can be fatal in the event of any accident. Several systems have been proposed to improve passenger safety, and the systems either use the sensor-based approach or the computer-vision-based approach. However, the accuracy of these systems still needs enhancement because the entire road network is not covered; the approaches utilize complex estimation techniques, and they are significantly influenced by the surrounding environment, such as the weather and physical obstacles. Therefore, this paper proposes a novel IoT-based traffic violation monitoring system that accurately estimates the vehicle speed, counts the number of passengers, and detects the seatbelt status on the entire road network. The system also utilizes edge computing, fog computing, and cloud computing technologies to achieve high accuracy. The system is evaluated using real-life experiments and compared with another system where the edge and cloud layers are used without the fog layer. The results show that adding a fog layer improves the monitoring accuracy as the accuracy of passenger counting rises from 94% to 97%, the accuracy of seatbelt detection rises from 95% to 99%, and the root mean square error of speed estimation is reduced from 2.64 to 1.87.
Computer Vision System for Mango Fruit Defect Detection Using Deep Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Nithya R. , Santhi B. , Manikandan R. , Rahimi Masoumeh , Gandomi Amir H.
Published: November 2022

Machine learning techniques play a significant role in agricultural applications for computerized grading and quality evaluation of fruits. In the agricultural domain, automation improves the quality, productivity, and economic growth of a country. The quality grading of fruits is an essential measure in the export market, especially defect detection of a fruit’s surface. This is especially pertinent for mangoes, which are highly popular in India. However, the manual grading of mango is a time-consuming, inconsistent, and subjective process. Therefore, a computer-assisted grading system has been developed for defect detection in mangoes. Recently, machine learning techniques, such as the deep learning method, have been used to achieve efficient classification results in digital image classification. Specifically, the convolution neural network (CNN) is a deep learning technique that is employed for automated defect detection in mangoes. This study proposes a computer-vision system, which employs CNN, for the classification of quality mangoes. After training and testing the system using a publicly available mango database, the experimental results show that the proposed method acquired an accuracy of 98%.
Prediction of Apple Slices Drying Kinetic during Infrared-Assisted-Hot Air Drying by Deep Neural Networks
Authors: Huang Xiao , Li Yongbin , Zhou Xiang , Wang Jun , Zhang Qian , Yang Xuhai , Zhu Lichun , Geng Zhihua
Published: November 2022

The effects of temperature, air velocity, and infrared radiation distances on the drying characteristics and quality of apple slices were investigated using infrared-assisted-hot air drying (IRAHAD). Drying temperature and air velocity had remarkable effects on the drying kinetics, color, total phenol content, total flavonoid content, and vitamin C content (VCC) of apple slices. Infrared radiation distance demonstrated similar results, other than for VCC and color. The shortest drying time was obtained at 70 °C, air velocity of 3 m/s and infrared radiation distance of 10 cm. A deep neural network (DNN) was developed, based on 4526 groups of apple slice drying data, and was applied to predict changes in moisture ratio (MR) and dry basis moisture content (DBMC) of apple slices during drying. DNN predicted that the coefficient of determination (R2) was 0.9975 and 1.0000, and the mean absolute error (MAE) was 0.001100 and 0.000127, for MR and DBMC, respectively. Furthermore, DNN obtained the highest R2 and lowest MAE values when compared with multilayer perceptron (MLP) and support vector regression (SVR). Therefore, DNN can provide new ideas for the rapid detection of apple moisture and guide apple processing in order to improve quality and intelligent control in the drying process.
A Study of the Reliability and Accuracy of the Real-Time Detection of Forage Maize Quality Using a Home-Built Near-Infrared Spectrometer
Authors: Gao Fei , Zhang Yuejing , Liu Xian
Published: November 2022

The current study was conducted to explore the real-time detection capability of a home-built grating-type near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy online system to determine forage maize quality. The factor parameters affecting the online NIR spectrum collection were analyzed, and the results indicated that the detection optical path of 12 cm, conveyor speeds of 10 cm s−1, and number of scans of 32 were the optimal parameters. Choosing the crude protein and moisture of forage maize as quality indicators, the reliability of the home-built NIR online spectrometer was confirmed compared with other general research NIR instruments. In addition, an NIR online multivariate analysis model developed using the partial least squares (PLS) method for the prediction of forage maize quality was established, and the reliability, applicability, and stability of the NIR model were further discussed. The results illustrated that the home-built grating-type NIR online system performed satisfying and comparable accuracy and repeatability of the real-time prediction of forage maize quality.
Special Issue: Genetics of Psychiatric Disease and the Basics of Neurobiology
Authors: Rodriguez-Revenga Laia , Alvarez-Mora Maria Isabel
Published: November 2022

A psychiatric disorder is a mental illness involving significant disturbances in thinking, emotional regulation or behavior [...]
Vitamin D Receptor (VDR) Genetic Variants: Relationship of FokI Genotypes with VDR Expression and Clinical Disease Activity in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients
Authors: Meza-Meza Mónica R. , Vizmanos Barbara , Rivera-Escoto Melissa , Ruiz-Ballesteros Adolfo I. , Pesqueda-Cendejas Karen , Parra-Rojas Isela , Montoya-Buelna Margarita , Luquín Sonia , Campos-López Bertha , Mora-García Paulina E. , Cerpa-Cruz Sergio , De la Cruz-Mosso Ulises
Published: November 2022

Vitamin D (VD) deficiency is more frequent in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients than in control subjects (CS); genetic variants in the VD receptor (VDR) could contribute to the clinical disease activity. This study was aimed to determine the association of the VDR variants FokI (rs2228570), BsmI (rs1544410), ApaI (rs7975232), and TaqI (rs731236) with susceptibility to the disease, VD status, VDR mRNA expression, and clinical disease activity in SLE patients. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 194 SLE and 196 CS Mexican women. Immunoassays quantified serum calcidiol and calcitriol. Genotyping was performed by allelic discrimination assays and mRNA VDR expression by qPCR. The FokI variant was not in linkage disequilibrium with BsmI, ApaI, and TaqI VDR variants. SLE patient carriers of the TT FokI genotype showed higher clinical disease activity scores. Notably, the mRNA VDR expression was higher in SLE patients vs. CS, in active vs. inactive SLE patients, and in participants of both study groups with vitamin D deficiency, higher calcitriol levels, and TT FokI genotype carriers. In conclusion, the TT FokI VDR genotype was related to high VDR expression and clinical disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus patients.
Simulation Training Needs of Nurses for Nursing High-Risk Premature Infants: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Yang Sun-Yi
Published: November 2022

Opportunities fomr clinical training in the newborn nursery and neonatal intensive care units (NICU) are becoming insufficient and limited to observation-oriented training. Premature infants admitted to the NICU require specialized and highly sophisticated care. Therefore, this descriptive cross-sectional study aimed to understand nurses’ educational needs for establishing a high-risk premature infant nursing simulation training program. It used a descriptive cross-sectional design. We conducted a survey involving 99 newborn nursery and NICU nurses; data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, a paired t-test, an Importance-Performance Analysis (IPA), a Borich needs analysis, and the locus for focus to confirm educational priorities. The scores indicating the importance of nursing high-risk premature infants were higher than those of performance. Results indicated that the highest educational need was in the “treatment and procedure” domain. After deriving the priority of educational needs using the Borich needs analysis and the locus for focus, “maintenance of various tubes” showed the highest priority. By identifying the training priorities for high-risk premature infants nursing using various analytical frameworks, an extended reality simulation program met nurses’ high-risk premature infant nursing educational needs. Training for high-risk premature infants treatment and procedures—maintaining various tubes—is highly demanded by nurses and should be prioritized.
Autism Spectrum as an Etiologic Systemic Disorder: A Protocol for an Umbrella Review
Authors: Lopes Lara Teixeira , Rodrigues Jorge Magalhães , Baccarin Celeste , Oliveira Kevin , Abreu Manuela , Ribeiro Victor , Anastácio Zélia Caçador , Machado Jorge Pereira
Published: November 2022

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is the most common neurodevelopmental disorder with a huge prevalence increasing every year (1/44 children). Still diagnosed as a mental disorder, the last 10 years of research found possible causes, risks, genetics, environmental triggers, epigenetics, metabolic, immunological, and neurophysiological unbalances as relevant aetiology. Umbrella methodology is the highest level of scientific evidence, designed to support clinical and political decisions. A literature search for autism aetiology, pathophysiology, or causes, conducted in the last 10 years, at PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Scopus, and the Web of Science, resulted in six umbrella reviews. Nevertheless, only one quantitative analysis reported risk factors and biomarkers but excluded genetics, experiments on animal models, and post-mortem studies. We grouped ASD’s multi-factorial causes and risks into five etiological categories: genetic, epigenetic, organic, psychogenic, and environmental. Findings suggest that autism might be evaluated as a systemic disorder instead of only through the lens of mental and behavioural. The overview implications of included studies will be qualitatively analysed under ROBIS and GRADE tools. This umbrella review can provide a rational basis for a new urgent health policy to develop better and adequate integrated care services for ASD. The methodological protocol has the register CRD42022348586 at PROSPERO.
Effects of Physical Activity Interventions in the Elderly with Anxiety, Depression, and Low Social Support: A Clinical Multicentre Randomised Trial
Authors: Ruiz-Comellas Anna , Valmaña Glòria Sauch , Catalina Queralt Miró , Baena Isabel Gómez , Mendioroz Peña Jacobo , Roura Poch Pere , Sabata Carrera Anna , Cornet Pujol Irene , Casaldàliga Solà Àngels , Fusté Gamisans Montserrat , Saldaña Vila Carme , Vázquez Abanades Lorena , Vidal-Alaball Josep
Published: November 2022

The percentage of older people is increasing worldwide. Loneliness and anxious–depressive states are emerging health conditions in this population group, and these conditions give rise to higher morbidity and mortality. Physical activity (PA) and social relationships have been linked to physical and mental health. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether a 4-month programme of moderate PA in a group would improve the emotional state, levels of social support, and quality of life in a sample of individuals >64 years of age. A multicentre randomised clinical trial was designed in primary care. Ninety (90) participants were selected. After the intervention, there were positive differences between the groups, with significant improvements in the intervention group (IG) in depression, anxiety, health status perception, and social support. Walking in a group two days per week for 4 months reduced clinical depression and anxiety by 59% and 45%, respectively. The level of satisfaction was very high, and adherence was high. In conclusion, the moderate group PA programme improved clinical anxiety, depression, social support, and perceptions of health status in the patients studied.
Evaluation of Nationwide Oral Mucosal Screening Program for Oral Cancer Mortality among Men in Taiwan
Authors: Su Shih-Yung
Published: November 2022

The nationwide oral cancer screening program was launched for high-risk people (tobacco smokers or betel-nut chewers) in 1999 in Taiwan, but no study has taken the prevalence of tobacco smoking and betel-nut chewing into account for evaluating the impact of the screening program on oral cancer mortality. This study incorporated the risk fraction method with interrupted time-series analysis to evaluate the impact of the nationwide oral mucosal screening program among men in Taiwan. This study estimated the expected oral cancer mortality trend if the screening program had not launched in 1999, which revealed that the increasing oral cancer mortality trend would level off after 2009 due to the declining prevalence of tobacco smoking and betel-nut chewing. In 2000–2007, the percentage changes between the observed (implementation of the screening program) and expected (if the screening program had not launched) oral cancer mortality rate was not statistically significant for each age group. In 2008–2020, the significant percentage changes were −178% (99% CIs: −140.8 to −215.2), −75.4% (−59.4 to −91.4), −33.7% (−24.7 to −42.7), −18.8% (−12.0 to −25.6), and −15.3% (−9.5 to −21.2) for age groups of 30–34, 35–39, 40–44, 45–49, and 50–54, respectively. In addition to its influence on tobacco smoking and betel-nut chewing, the oral mucosal screening program was associated with the reduction of oral cancer mortality among men in Taiwan.
Impacts of Cross-Sectoral Climate Policy on Forest Carbon Sinks and Their Spatial Spillover: Evidence from Chinese Provincial Panel Data
Authors: Zhu Hongge , Cai Yingli , Lin Hong , Tian Yuchen
Published: November 2022

This paper examines the impact of cross-sectoral climate policy on forest carbon sinks. Due to the complexity of the climate change issue and the professional division of labor among government departments, cross-sectoral cooperation in formulating climate policy is a desirable strategy. Forest carbon sinks play an important role in addressing climate change, but there are few studies focusing on forest carbon sinks and cross-sectoral climate policies. Thus, based on the panel data of 30 provinces and cities in China from 2007 to 2020, this paper establishes a benchmark regression model and a spatial panel model to analyze the impact of cross-sectoral climate policies on forest carbon sinks. We find that cross-sectoral climate policies positively impact forest carbon sinks. Under the influence of the “demonstration effect”, we find that cross-sectoral climate policies have a positive impact not only on the forest carbon sinks in the region but also on those in the neighboring region. Further analysis shows that for provinces with less developed forestry industry and small forest areas, the positive effect of cross-sectoral climate policies on forest carbon sinks is more obvious. Overall, this paper can serve as an important reference for local governments to formulate climate policies and increase the capacity of forest carbon sinks.