bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Yaw Stability Research of the Distributed Drive Electric Bus by Adaptive Fuzzy Sliding Mode Control
Authors: Lin Jiming , Zou Teng , Zhang Feng , Zhang Yong
Published: February 2022

The direct yaw moment control can effectively enhance the yaw stability of the vehicle under extreme conditions, which has become one of the essential technologies for the distributed driving electric bus. Due to the features of a large mass and high center of gravity of the bus, lateral instability is more likely to occur under extreme driving conditions. To reduce the uncertainty and interference in the yaw movement process of the bus, this paper targets the instability caused by the coupling problem between the sideslip angle and yaw rate. An adaptive fuzzy sliding mode control is proposed to execute direct yaw moment control. The weight coefficient of the sideslip angle and the yaw rate is adjusted via fuzzy control in real time. The optimal direct yaw moment is finally obtained. A distribution method based on the vertical load proportion is adopted for the allocation of four motors’ torque. Under three typical working conditions, a joint simulation test was carried out. The simulation results demonstrate that the raised method decreases the amplitude of the sideslip angle by 20.90%, 12.75%, and 23.67% and the yaw rate is 8.62%, 6.89%, and 9.28%, respectively. The chattering and sudden changes in the additional yaw moment are also lessened. The control strategy can realize the control target, which effectively strengthens the yaw stability of the bus.
A Framework Based on Machine Learning for Analytics of Voltage Quality Disturbances
Authors: Bagheri Azam , de Oliveira Roger Alves , Bollen Math H. J. , Gu Irene Y. H.
Published: February 2022

This paper proposes a machine-learning-based framework for voltage quality analytics, where the space phasor model (SPM) of the three-phase voltages before, during, and after the event is applied as input data. The framework proceeds along with three main steps: (a) event extraction, (b) event characterization, and (c) additional information extraction. During the first step, it utilizes a Gaussian-based anomaly detection (GAD) technique to extract the event data from the recording. Principal component analysis (PCA) is adopted during the second step, where it is shown that the principal components correspond to the semi-minor and semi-major axis of the ellipse formed by the SPM. During the third step, these characteristics are interpreted to extract additional information about the underlying cause of the event. The performance of the framework was verified through experiments conducted on datasets containing synthetic and measured power quality events. The results show that the combination of semi-major axis, semi-minor axis, and direction of the major axis forms a sufficient base to characterize, classify, and eventually extract additional information from recorded event data.
A Generic Framework for the Definition of Key Performance Indicators for Smart Energy Systems at Different Scales
Authors: Efkarpidis Nikolaos , Goranović Andrija , Yang Chen-Wei , Geidl Martin , Herbst Ingo , Wilker Stefan , Sauter Thilo
Published: February 2022

The growing integration of intermittent renewable energy sources (RESs) and the increasing trend of shutting down fossil-fuel-based power plants has brought about the need for additional flexibility in energy systems. This flexibility can be provided in various forms, including controllable generation and consumption, storage, conversions, and exchanges with interconnected systems. In this context, an increasing focus is placed on the development of smart energy systems (SESs) that combine different types of distributed energy resources (DERs), information and communication technologies (ICTs), demand side management (DSM), and energy conversion technologies. The utilization of SESs can lead to multiple benefits for the stakeholders involved; therefore, the assessment of their performance is a primary concern. Due to their multidisciplinary nature, there are no known or universally accepted standards for assessing the performance of SESs. Previous efforts only define key performance indicators (KPIs) for individual homogeneous subsystems, focusing on a specific SES type and application area. This paper focuses on the development of a novel comprehensive KPI framework that can be applied to any type of SES, regardless of the application area. The proposed framework consists of four layers that specify the application area, the main SES requirements, and the involved stakeholders’ objectives. Next, the KPIs are identified for each of the stakeholders’ objectives. The proposed KPI framework is applied to the use case of a European research project with different application areas, to demonstrate its features. Finally, a repository of KPIs is identified for each use case with respect to the aforementioned SES requirements.
Optimizing the Synthesis and Thermal Properties of Conducting Polymer–Montmorillonite Clay Nanocomposites
Authors: Zhu Yanrong , Iroh Jude O. , Rajagopolan Ramakrishnan , Aykanat Aydin , Vaia Richard
Published: February 2022

Given the availability of a wide range of properties not possessed by individual materials, nanocomposites based on conducting polymers and inorganic materials have attracted much deserved attention. However, there has been little attempt to optimize the synthesis and thermal properties of polyaniline–clay nanocomposites. In this study, the synthesis and thermal properties of polyaniline (PANi) and polyaniline–clay nanocomposites (PACN) were performed by systematically varying the feed composition. Both PANi and polyaniline–montmorillonite (MMT) nanocomposites were prepared by using ammonium persulfate (APS) as the oxidant. The chemical structure of the nanocomposites was studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). FTIR spectra confirmed the presence of clay in the nanocomposites and the existence of mainly the emiraldine form of PANi. Thermal analysis was performed by using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The morphology and structure of PANi and PACN were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Our results confirm the intercalation and partial exfoliation of clay. This study also showed that increasing the oxidant concentration resulted in decreasing thermal stability and melting temperature of PANi. The reinforcement of PANi with MMT resulted in increased thermal stability and increased melting point of PANi. It was also shown that the addition of only about 0.1 wt% of APS resulted in an optimal thermal stability and melting point for PANi.
The Impact of a New Accounting Standard on Assets, Liabilities and Leverage of Companies: Evidence from Energy Industry
Authors: Górowski Ireneusz , Kurek Bartosz , Szarucki Marek
Published: February 2022

The climate policy of the EU enforced substantial changes for producers and suppliers of energy. New assets and providers of capital are needed to fulfill the policy requirements. To provide comparability and facilitate an investment process, EU law requires companies to prepare annual financial statements according to International Financial Reporting Standards. One of these accounting standards—IFRS 16 Leases—specifies how to recognize, measure, present and disclose leases. It came into force in 2019 and implemented a single lessee accounting model, contrary to a dual accounting approach for lease accounting. The latter approach enabled companies to keep leased tangible assets and respective liabilities off-balance sheet. By using a sample of companies from the energy industry (oil, gas, energy and mining sectors) that are listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange, we examine, measure, and analyze the impact of IFRS 16 Leases implementation on the value of assets, liabilities and leverage on assets and leverage on equity. The paper may serve as an insightful case study of how the implementation of a new standard influences the financial situation of the affected companies in the energy industry. Our paper contributes to the scientific debate in the following three ways: (1) we confirmed the influence of IFRS 16 Leases on assets, liabilities, leverage on assets and leverage on equity that was anticipated in the literature, (2) using the auditing methodology, we demonstrated the material changes of assets and liabilities in the energy industry, (3) based on the research results, we suggested recommendations for further scientific studies.
Load Estimation for Induction Heating Cookers Based on Series RLC Natural Resonant Current
Authors: Li Zheng-Feng , Hu Jhih-Cheng , Huang Ming-Shi , Lin Yi-Liang , Lin Chun-Wei , Meng Yu-Min
Published: February 2022

In domestic induction heating applications, cookware can be considered an equivalent load in a series resistor–inductor–capacitor resonant converter. Therefore, the electrical parameters of an equivalent circuit change according to the cookware material, size and the cookware position on the heating coil. This study proposes an online estimation method for detecting the cookware status, determining the material and estimating the equivalent heating resistance of cookware on an induction heating cooker (IHC) for power control. The proposed method could turn off the circuit in abnormal situations such as low equivalent heating coverage rate or non-ferromagnetic cookware and adjust the power in normal situations. In the method, a half-bridge series resonant converter (HBSRC) generates two test patterns with three resonant voltage pulses to detect cookware every 10 ms, only the current feedback information is needed to avoid the calculation loads and times necessary for complex signal operations in software. To verify the proposed method, a digital signal processor based HBSRC with 1000 W was constructed. The maximum errors between the estimated and measured resistance and inductance were 7.14% and 2.91%, respectively. Moreover, power control in emulated user operation reveal that the proposed method and control system can effectively estimate load online to detect cookware status and determine whether to turn off or vary the heating power for an IHC.
Wireless Drone Charging Station Using Class-E Power Amplifier in Vertical Alignment and Lateral Misalignment Conditions
Authors: Jawad Aqeel Mahmood , Nordin Rosdiadee , Jawad Haider Mahmood , Gharghan Sadik Kamel , Abu-Samah Asma’ , Abu-Alshaeer Mahmood Jawad , Abdullah Nor Fadzilah
Published: February 2022

Recent major advancements in drone charging station design are related to the differences in coil design between the material (copper or aluminum) and inner thickness (diameter design) to address power transfer optimization and increased efficiency. The designs are normally challenged with reduced weight on the drone’s side, which can lead to reduced payload or misalignment position issues between receiver and transmitter, limiting the performance of wireless charging. In this work, the coil combination was tested in vertical alignment from 2 cm to 50 cm, and in lateral misalignment positions that were stretched across 2, 5, 8, 10, and 15 cm ranges. Simulated and experimental results demonstrated improved transfer distances when the drone battery load was 100 Ω. With the proposed design, the vertical transfer power that was achieved was 21.12 W, 0.460 A, with 81.5% transfer efficiency, while the maximum lateral misalignment air gap that was achieved was 2 cm with 19.22 W and 74.15% efficiency. This study provides evidence that the developed circuit that is based on magnetic resonant coupling (MRC) is an effective technique towards improving power transfer efficiency across different remote and unmanned Internet of Things (IoT) applications, including drones for radiation monitoring and smart agriculture.
Metaverse
Authors: Mystakidis Stylianos
Published: February 2022

The Metaverse is the post-reality universe, a perpetual and persistent multiuser environment merging physical reality with digital virtuality. It is based on the convergence of technologies that enable multisensory interactions with virtual environments, digital objects and people such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). Hence, the Metaverse is an interconnected web of social, networked immersive environments in persistent multiuser platforms. It enables seamless embodied user communication in real-time and dynamic interactions with digital artifacts. Its first iteration was a web of virtual worlds where avatars were able to teleport among them. The contemporary iteration of the Metaverse features social, immersive VR platforms compatible with massive multiplayer online video games, open game worlds and AR collaborative spaces.
Acute Adverse Effects of Metallic Nanomaterials on Cardiac and Behavioral Changes in Daphnia magna
Authors: Park Jihoon , Park Changgyun , Lee Yongoh , Ryu Changseon , Park Jayoung , Kim Youngjun
Published: February 2022

Nanomaterials are widely believed to induce toxic effects on organisms by evoking oxidative stress. We evaluated the toxic effects of nanomaterials on the cardiac and behavioral changes in Daphnia magna under varying exposure conditions. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs), silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), and silver nitrate (AgNO3) were selected for the acute toxicity tests. The adverse effects of the substances on the neonates including heart rate, swimming speed, and oxidative stress were measured. The heart rate level decreased as the concentration of both NPs and silver ions (Ag+) increased. The average swimming speed was measured to be approximately 15 mm/min for the control group. The swimming speed generally increased with a longer exposure to both NPs although it reached a plateau at the lowest concentration of AgNPs. A similar but less clear trend was observed for Ag+. For all substances, the overall swimming speed exhibited no correlation or weak negative correlations with the exposure concentration. The oxidative stress levels increased after exposure compared with the control group. We conclude that aquatic nanotoxicity tests should consider multilevel physicochemical, physiological, and behavioral parameters for the official guidelines to quantify more robust adverse outcomes.
Initial Study of the Effect of Some PVD Coatings (“TiN/AlTiN” and “TiAlN/a-C:N”) on the Wear Resistance of Wood Drilling Tools
Authors: Czarniak Paweł , Szymanowski Karol , Panjan Peter , Górski Jarosław
Published: February 2022

The wear of drills when processing wood-based boards is an important problem in industrial practice. The main objective of the study was to experimentally check whether two types of PVD coatings (multilayer nanocomposite “TiN/AlTiN” and double-layer coatings “TiAlN/a-C:N”) increase the wear resistance of the drill bits significantly (in terms of statistics). The typical two-blade drill bits intended for drilling in wood-based panels were used. During the experiments, the holes were drilled in samples made of commercial raw three-layer particleboard with the spindle speed of 4500 rpm, and the feed per revolution was 0.15 mm. The tool wear was monitored using a microscope. The advantage (greater resistance to wear) of both of the tested coatings (“TiN/AlTiN” and “TiAlN/a-C:N”) over raw cemented carbide was statistically significant in the initial period of machining (before 800 holes were drilled). Unfortunately, in the final period (when the number of holes drilled was over 800), only one coating (“TiN/AlTiN”) retained its advantage over raw cemented carbide. The effect of the second coating (“TiAlN/a-C:N”) turned out to be statistically insignificant.
Probiotics-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Protect Oxidative Stress against H2O2 Induction in Placental Cells
Authors: Wang Le-Ming , Lee Bao-Hong , Hou Chih-Yao , Hsu Wei-Hsuan , Tai Chen-Jei
Published: February 2022

(1) Background: The microbial phase in the vaginal environment has been found to regulate the physiological activity of host cells. Studies have demonstrated that abnormal microbial growth in the vagina and a significant reduction in the proportion of lactic acid bacteria promote the occurrence of spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB). However, the contributing mechanism remains unknown. (2) Methods: This study uses extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted by the probiotic Lactobacillus crispatus, commonly found in the vagina, to explore their potential to attenuate placental cells caused by oxidative stress induction. (3) Results: We found that L. crispatus-derived EVs improved Akt phosphorylation and attenuated both cell senescence and death in placental cells caused by oxidative stress induction. In addition, L. crispatus-derived EVs enhanced the resistance to H2O2 induction mediated by increasing mitochondrial fusion. (4) Conclusion: This is the first study to demonstrate that L. crispatus in the vagina can not only regulate the physiological functions of placental cells through the delivery of L. crispatus-EVs but also reduce cell senescence. As cell senescence is related to the occurrence of sPTB, these results indicate that maintaining the population of L. crispatus in the vaginal environment should be an adjuvant treatment strategy to avoid sPTB.
Inhibition Activity of Plantaricin Q7 Produced by Lactobacillus plantarum Q7 against Listeria monocytogenes and Its Biofilm
Authors: Liu Yinxue , Bu Yushan , Li Jianxun , Liu Yisuo , Liu Ao , Gong Pimin , Liu Tongjie , Zhang Lanwei , Wang Shumei , Yi Huaxi
Published: February 2022

Plantaricin Q7 is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial peptide produced by Lactobacillus plantarum Q7. The effects of plantaricin Q7 on Listeria monocytogenes and its biofilm were investigated. The results showed that plantaricin Q7 changed the cell membrane permeability and integrity of Listeria monocytogenes significantly. The extracellular lactate dehydrogenase activity increased from 156.74 U/L to 497.62 U/L, and the K+ concentration was increased rapidly from 0.02 g/L to 0.09 g/L. Furthermore, the flagellum motility of Listeria monocytogenes reduced and the relative adhesion rate decreased about 30% after treatment with plantaricin Q7. Meanwhile, the morphology and structure of Listeria monocytogenes cell and biofilm were damaged. These findings suggested that plantaricin Q7 exhibited significant inhibitory effects on not only Listeria monocytogenes cell but also its biofilm, which might be used as a natural and effective biological preservative for food storage.
Sudden Changes in Water Hardness Do Not Impact Short-Term Rainbow Trout Survival
Authors: Huysman Nathan , Voorhees Jill M. , Krebs Eric , Barnes Michael E.
Published: February 2022

Fish transferred from hard water to soft water, as can occur during the stocking of hatchery-reared fish into natural environments, experience many physiological stressors that can cause mortality. This study consisted of four trials examining the effects of direct transfer from hard (345 mg/L CaCO3) to soft water on mortality and glucose stress response of two different sizes and strains of rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss. The first trial subjected 90 g Shasta strain rainbow trout to a direct transfer to soft water (70 or 160 mg/L as CaCO3). The second trial used the same strain and size trout, with transfer to lower hardness values of either 0 or 35 mg/L. The third and fourth trials used 3 to 5 g Arlee strain rainbow trout. The third trial transferred the fish from 345 mg/L hardness water to water at a hardness of either 0 or 35 mg/L. The fourth trial added a secondary temperature stressor of 20 °C (versus the experimental standard of 11 °C) in combination with a hardness level of 0 mg/L. In every trial, survival was not significantly different among all treatments. Sudden and extreme changes in water hardness, even in combination with increased water temperature, did not cause trout mortality. There was also no significant difference in blood glucose over time among any of the treatments in the first three trials. In the fourth trial, glucose values did significantly vary among the treatments at 48 and 168 h after the start of the trial. However, all glucose values were relatively close to the basal level. These results indicate that changes in water hardness likely do not impact the survival of rainbow trout, negating the need for tempering or acclimation.
Effect of Pretreatments and Drying Methods on Physical and Microstructural Properties of Potato Flour
Authors: Buzera Ariel , Gikundi Evelyne , Orina Irene , Sila Daniel
Published: February 2022

This study evaluated the effects of pretreatments (blanching (60 and 95 °C) and boiling) and drying methods (freeze-drying and oven drying) on the quality characteristics of potato flour derived from three potato varieties, namely, Shangi, Unica, and Dutch Robjin. The percentage flour yield, color, particle size distribution, flow characteristics, microstructural and functional properties of the potato flour were determined. Unica recorded the least peeling loss, while the Dutch Robjin variety had the highest. Color parameters were significantly affected (p < 0.05) by the pretreatments and drying methods. Freeze drying produced lighter potato flour (L* = 92.86) compared to the other methods. Boiling and blanching at 95 °C followed by oven drying recorded a low angle of repose and compressibility index, indicating better flow characteristics. The smallest particle size (56.5 µm) was recorded for the freeze-drying treatment, while boiling followed by oven drying had the largest particle size (307.5 µm). Microstructural results indicate that boiling and blanching at 95 °C, followed by oven drying resulted in damaged starch granules, while freeze-drying and low-temperature blanching (60 °C) maintained the native starch granule. Particle size and the solubility index of potato flour showed strong positive correlation. This study revealed that the pretreatments and drying methods affected potato flour’s physical and microstructural parameters differently, resulting in changes in their functionality.
Nasal Delivery of Cinnarizine Thermo- and Ion-Sensitive In Situ Hydrogels for Treatment of Microwave-Induced Brain Injury
Authors: Zhang Yuanyuan , Li Qian , Hu Jinglu , Wang Chunqing , Wan Delian , Li Qi , Jiang Qingwei , Du Lina , Jin Yiguang
Published: February 2022

(1) Background: When the body is exposed to microwave radiation, the brain is more susceptible to damage than other organs. However, few effective drugs are available for the treatment of microwave-induced brain injury (MIBI) because most drugs are difficult to cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB) to reach the brain. (2) Methods: Nasal cinnarizine inclusion complexes with thermo-and ion-sensitive hydrogels (cinnarizine ISGs) were prepared to treat MIBI and the characteristics of the inclusion complexes and their thermo-and ion-sensitive hydrogels were evaluated. (3) Results: Due to high viscosity, cinnarizine ISGs can achieve long-term retention in the nasal cavity to achieve a sustained release effect. Compared with the model, the intranasal thermo-and ion-sensitive cinnarizine ISGs significantly improved the microwave-induced spatial memory and spontaneous exploration behavior with Morris water maze and open field tests. Cinnarizine ISGs inhibited the expression of calcineurin and calpain 1 in the brain, which may be related to the inhibition of calcium overload by cinnarizine. (4) Conclusion: Intranasal thermo- and ion-sensitive cinnarizine ISGs are a promising brain-targeted pharmaceutical preparation against MIBI.
The Effect of Composition, Pre-Treatment on the Mechanical and Acoustic Properties of Apple Gels and Freeze-Dried Materials
Authors: Jakubczyk Ewa , Kamińska-Dwórznicka Anna , Ostrowska-Ligęza Ewa
Published: February 2022

This study aimed to determine the effect of the addition of apple juice concentrate (AJC) on the properties of agar gel and dried materials. Agar gels with the addition of apple juice concentrate in the range of 5–20% were prepared with or without the addition of maltodextrin. The gels were also soaked in the solution of AJC. The water content, water activity, densities, some mechanical and acoustic descriptors of gels, and the freeze-dried gels were analysed. The porosity and shrinkage of dried products were also investigated. The addition of AJC significantly changed mechanical and acoustic properties of gels. The hardness of gels decreased with a higher addition of concentrate. Dried samples with a lower concentration of sugars (the lower addition of AJC) were characterised by lower shrinkage and higher porosity, as well as crispness and glass transition temperature. The investigated mechanical and acoustic properties of dried gels showed the addition of apple concentrate at the level of 5% to agar solution was optimal.
Impact of Variants in the ATIC and ARID5B Genes on Therapeutic Failure with Imatinib in Patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Cereja Pantoja Karla Beatriz Cardias , Azevedo Tereza Cristina de Brito , Carvalho Darlen Cardoso de , Monte Natasha , Cohen Paes Amanda de Nazaré , Barros Maria Clara da Costa , Vinagre Lui Wallacy Morikawa Souza , Freitas Ana Rosa Sales de , Burbano Rommel Mario Rodríguez , Assumpção Paulo Pimentel de , Santos Sidney Emanuel Batista dos , Fernandes Marianne Rodrigues , Santos Ney Pereira Carneiro dos
Published: February 2022

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a myeloproliferative neoplasm derived from the balanced reciprocal translocation of chromosomes 9 and 22 t (9q34 and 22q11), which leads to the formation of the Philadelphia chromosome and fusion of the BCR-ABL genes. The first-line treatment for CML is imatinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that acts on the BCR-ABL protein. However, even though it is a target-specific drug, about 25% of patients do not respond to this treatment. The resistance mechanisms involved in this process have been investigated and studies have shown that germinal alterations can influence this mechanism. The aim of this work was to investigate 32 polymorphisms in 24 genes of carcinogenic pathway to verify the influence of these genetic variants on the response to treatment with imatinib. Our results demonstrated that individuals with the recessive GG genotype for the rs2372536 variant in the ATIC gene are approximately three times more likely to experience treatment failure with imatinib (p = 0.045, HR = 2.726, 95% CI = 0.9986–7.441), as well as individuals with the TT genotype for the rs10821936 variant in the ARID5B gene, who also have a higher risk for treatment failure with imatinib over time (p = 0.02, HR = 0.4053, IC 95% = 0.1802–0.911). In conclusion, we show that variants in the ATIC and ARIDB5 gene, never screened in previous studies, could potentially influence the therapeutic response to imatinib in patients treated for CML.
The BDNF Val66Met Polymorphism (rs6265) Modulates Inflammation and Neurodegeneration in the Early Phases of Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Dolcetti Ettore , Bruno Antonio , Azzolini Federica , Gilio Luana , Moscatelli Alessandro , De Vito Francesca , Pavone Luigi , Iezzi Ennio , Gambardella Stefano , Giardina Emiliano , Ferese Rosangela , Buttari Fabio , Rizzo Francesca Romana , Furlan Roberto , Finardi Annamaria , Musella Alessandra , Mandolesi Georgia , Guadalupi Livia , Centonze Diego , Stampanoni Bassi Mario
Published: February 2022

The clinical course of multiple sclerosis (MS) is critically influenced by the interplay between inflammatory and neurodegenerative processes. The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) Val66Met polymorphism (rs6265), one of the most studied single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), influences brain functioning and neurodegenerative processes in healthy individuals and in several neuropsychiatric diseases. However, the role of this polymorphism in MS is still controversial. In 218 relapsing–remitting (RR)-MS patients, we explored, at the time of diagnosis, the associations between the Val66Met polymorphism, clinical characteristics, and the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of a large set of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory molecules. In addition, associations between Val66Met and structural MRI measures were assessed. We identified an association between the presence of Met and a combination of cytokines, identified by principal component analysis (PCA), including the pro-inflammatory molecules MCP-1, IL-8, TNF, Eotaxin, and MIP-1b. No significant associations emerged with clinical characteristics. Analysis of MRI measures evidenced reduced cortical thickness at the time of diagnosis in patients with Val66Met. We report for the first time an association between the Val66Met polymorphism and central inflammation in MS patients at the time of diagnosis. The role of this polymorphism in both inflammatory and neurodegenerative processes may explain its complex influence on the MS course.
Merleau-Ponty’s Embodied Ontology and Literature: Gesture, Metaphor, Flesh, and Sensible Ideas
Authors: Mazis Glen A.
Published: February 2022

This essay traces out the importance of the poetic and creative use of language to Merleau-Ponty’s ontology. Why Merleau-Ponty’s phenomenology of embodiment inevitably had to turn towards a poetic use of language and to see the overlap between literature and philosophy in articulating an ontology is examined. The tie between a deeper sense of metaphor and the structure of the flesh of the world is explored. The attempt to articulate the latent background of perception leads to the essential role of what will be called the “physiognomic imagination”, which is a different use of imagination than “make-believe” and is key to the unfolding of the depths of perceptual sense. Understanding the efficacy of the literary use of language to the manifestation of further sense also requires an understanding of the temporality of the institution and the ongoing becoming of the real in Merleau-Ponty’s ontology. This essay argues that Merleau-Ponty’s turn to poetic language was both a source of his insights for ontology and the way that he came to express his own philosophy as a necessary outcome of fidelity to the phenomenology of perception. Given the parallel structure of the flesh of the world and metaphor, the dialogical nature of the perceptual encounter with the “voice of silence”, and the increasing importance of physiognomic imaginations, the temporality of institution and “sensible ideas” to his indirect ontology, the literary and poetic use of language had to assume a central role in the articulation of the flesh ontology as well as to the further manifestation of sense. This assertion is meant to rectify the reading and commentaries that fail to see this necessity and instead interpret Merleau-Ponty’s increasing use of poetic language as merely a residue of his evolving writing style and not as the necessary outcome of his ontological insights. This essay is also meant to address phenomenologists who fail to turn to literature and the poetic expression of embodied ontology as failing to carry forth Merleau-Ponty’s revisioning of philosophy and centrality of perception and embodiment.
Pollen Application Methods Affecting Fruit Quality and Seed Formation in Artificial Pollination of Yellow-Fleshed Kiwifruit
Authors: Oh Eun Ui , Kim Seong Cheol , Lee Mock Hee , Song Kwan Jeong
Published: February 2022

This study investigated pollen application methods for artificial pollination in tetraploid kiwifruit cultivars ‘Halla Gold’ and ‘Sweet Gold’ grown in a nonheated plastic-film house in Jeju, Korea. Pollen of the hexaploid cultivar ‘Bohwa’ (A. chinensis var. deliciosa) bred in Korea was used for artificial pollination. We examined the effect of repeated pollination, pretreatment of stigma with wetting materials, application of dry pollen or pollen in suspension on fruit quality, and seed formation. With repeated pollination, pollen tubes in the pistil reached and penetrated the ovule three days after artificial pollination, although the pattern varied depending on the number of dry pollen applications. In both cultivars, the number of pollen tubes was clearly higher following repeated pollination than following single pollination, and fruit weight, dry matter (DM), number of seeds, and 100-seed weight were also higher. When pistillate flowers were pollinated with dry pollen immediately after water sprinkle, both cultivars showed the lowest fruit weight, DM, firmness, number of seeds, and 100-seed weight, whereas there were no significant differences in fruit quality or seed formation for dry pollen application 1 h after water sprinkle, or immediately or 1 h after suspension medium sprinkle. For pollination using a pollen suspension, the fruit weight was lower in both cultivars. There were no significant differences in fruit quality and seed formation following application of dry pollen or a pollen suspension, except for fruit weight in ‘Sweet Gold’. It could be seen from the results of this study that raindrops or dewdrops on the stigma might reduce the efficiency of artificial pollination using dry pollen. Still, the application of repeated pollination enhanced the efficiency of artificial pollination.
Organic Fertilization of Growing Media: Response of N Mineralization to Temperature and Moisture
Authors: Cannavo Patrice , Recous Sylvie , Valé Matthieu , Bresch Sophie , Paillat Louise , Benbrahim Mohammed , Guénon René
Published: February 2022

Managing plant fertilization is a major concern of greenhouse growers when it comes to sustainable production on growing media. Organic fertilization is popular, but more difficult to control since organic compounds first need to be mineralized by microbes. The objective of this study was to characterize the time course of N mineralization by different fertilizer–growing media pairs, in the absence of plants. Several incubations were carried out at four temperatures (4, 20, 28, and 40 °C) and three suction potentials (−3.2, −10, and −31.6 kPa) on four growing media under two organic fertilization conditions to study the dynamics of NH4+ and NO3− production. The results showed that the release of mineral N was strongly dependent on growing media, temperature, humidity, and fertilizer nature, varying from 10.7% to 71.3% of the N fertilizer applied. A temperature action law was established for the four growing media. The Q10 value of the growing media was 1.13, lower than the average Q10 value of arable soils. On the other hand, the specific behavior of the growing media did not yield a single humidity action law. Nevertheless, the nitrification process, evaluated by analyzing the ratio of NO3− to total mineral N, showed a humidity-dependent relationship common to the four growing media and comparable to admitted observations on soils. Nitrification was optimal when growing media humidity was higher than 0.46 v/v.
Abiotic Stress Induces Morphological, Physiological, and Genetic Changes in Orthosiphon stamineus Benth. In Vitro Cultures
Authors: Ali Hanisah , Sallahuddin Nurhanani , Ahmed Shamsudin Nur Haziqah , Mohd Zain Nurul Amalina , Ibrahim Mohd Hafiz , Yaacob Jamilah Syafawati
Published: February 2022

Orthosiphon stamineus is a well-known medicinal herb that has long been used as a traditional treatment for a variety of ailments and disorders. In this study, in vitro grown O. stamineus plantlets were subjected to various stress factors to elucidate the effects of these stresses on the occurrence of somaclonal variation in this species. Murashige and Skoog (MS) media supplemented with 2.0 mg/L kinetin plus 0.5 mg/L IAA was identified as the optimum in vitro regeneration media (OM). The data analysis confirmed the clonal nature of the resulting plantlets. The plantlets were also exposed to various stress factors such as high salinity, abscisic acid (ABA), and high cytokinin concentrations, by subculturing the plantlets on OM added with various concentrations of NaCl, ABA, and high kinetin levels. Exposure to the various stress factors was observed to result in the occurrence of somaclonal variation in O. stamineus, where the incidence of hyperhydricity was found to be the most prominent. An ISSR analysis revealed 70.12% polymorphism among the variants. The results showed that the chlorophyll content and photosynthetic ability of plantlets were reduced when the abiotic stress levels increased.
Understanding the Priming Effect and the Routes and Stocks of C in Incubated Soil with Residue Inputs
Authors: Ferraz-Almeida Risely
Published: February 2022

The priming effect is a strong short-term change of organic matter decomposition that can accelerate or slow residue decomposition, and release or immobilize a large amount of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) in soil. Our goal here was to (i) monitor the influence of residue additions in stocks of C and N in residues and soil (ii) and identify the main routes of C stabilization and the priming effect in soil. An incubation study was run with residue additions of high C:N (brachiaria and sugarcane) and low C:N (soybean) in soil. CO2 emissions, stocks of C (humic substance; labile C and C mic) and N (soil and residues) were monitored for 50 days, and the priming effect and route of C were calculated. Results showed that after incubation the final stocks of humin increased (31%), while there were reductions of humic (54%) and fulvic acids (42%). The stocks of soil total C and N were constant, while the residue C was decreased. The residues with high C:N immobilized N, while there was a decrease of N in residues with low C:N. There was a positive priming effect and a C stabilization route concentrated from C mic to humic substances with the addition of low C:N, while inputs of high C:N diversified the C stabilization routes from C mic or labile C to humic substances. The C routes were intense because the study was run in control conditions with a loam soil and adequate conditions of water, oxygen, and temperature.
RASPOTION—A New Global PET Dataset by Means of Remote Monthly Temperature Data and Parametric Modelling
Authors: Tegos Aristoteles , Malamos Nikolaos , Koutsoyiannis Demetris
Published: February 2022

Regional estimations of Potential Evapotranspiration (PET) are of key interest for a number of geosciences, particularly those that are water-related (hydrology, agrometeorology). Therefore, several models have been developed for the consistent quantification of different time scales (hourly, daily, monthly, annual). During the last few decades, remote sensing techniques have continued to grow rapidly with the simultaneous development of new local and regional evapotranspiration datasets. Here, we develop a novel set T maps over the globe, namely RASPOTION, for the period 2003 to 2016, by integrating: (a) mean climatic data at 4088 stations, extracted by the FAO-CLIMWAT database; (b) mean monthly PET estimates by the Penman–Monteith method, at the aforementioned locations; (c) mean monthly PET estimates by a recently proposed parametric model, calibrated against local Penman–Monteith data; (d) spatially interpolated parameters of the Parametric PET model over the globe, using the Inverse Distance Weighting technique; and (e) remote sensing mean monthly air temperature data. The RASPOTION dataset was validated with in situ samples (USA, Germany, Spain, Ireland, Greece, Australia, China) and by using a spatial Penman–Monteith estimates in England. The results in both cases are satisfactory. The main objective is to demonstrate the practical usefulness of these PET map products across different research disciplines and spatiotemporal scales, towards assisting decision making for both short- and long-term hydro-climatic policy actions.
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Regarding Staphylococcus pettenkoferi
Authors: Kierzkowska Marta , Markowska Kinga , Majewska Anna
Published: February 2022

Staphylococcus pettenkoferi is a coagulase-negative staphylococcus, first described in 2002. Using medical databases, i.e., Scopus, Web of Science, Pubmed, and Embase, we identified and analysed research, reports, and opinions dealing with S. pettenkoferi. Published data allow us to conclude that S. pettenkoferi is a human commensal, opportunistic bacterium and may be isolated from the environment and animals. The involvement of S. pettenkoferi in bloodstream infection and osteomyelitis has been described, but its clinical relevance is not fully understood, so far. This work summarizes knowledge about S. pettenkoferi and reveals the difficulties and rules for interpreting the results of microbiological tests, when S. pettenkoferi has been identified in the blood sample. Clinical and laboratory criteria, recommended by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the third international consensus definitions of sepsis and septic shock (Sepsis-3), are important to determine whether the presence of bacteria in the sample is a consequence of an infection, contamination from the environment, or translocation of the bacteria outside the place of its natural existence. The precise identification of bacteria from the blood sample and recognizing the true bacteraemia are critical to implement the appropriate procedures and make decisions concerning the patient’s medical care.
Long-Term Cost-Effectiveness through the Dental-Health FRAMM Guideline for Caries Prevention
Authors: Davidson Thomas , Bergström Eva-Karin , Husberg Magnus , Moberg Sköld Ulla
Published: February 2022

A guideline called FRAMM, which is an acronym in Swedish for the most important parts of this guideline, namely “fluoride”, “advice”, “arena”, “motivation” and “diet”, was implemented in 2008 in the Västra Götaland Region in Sweden. This guideline included fluoride varnish applications performed at school twice a year at six-monthly intervals for all 12- to 15-year-olds, together with lessons on oral health. The aim of this analysis was to estimate the long-term cost-effectiveness, using prognostic calculations, of the FRAMM Guideline for 12- to 15-year-olds, compared with routine care, until the participants were 23 years old. A cost-effectiveness analysis was performed from a health care perspective, based on four years of verified data and seven years of prognosis. Data from FRAMM were combined with cost data from price lists in Sweden. The cost-effectiveness was analyzed by relating the difference in costs to the difference in the number of approximal surfaces with fillings and/or dentin lesions (DFSa). The analysis shows that FRAMM was considered dominant compared to the controls in all alternative scenarios, hence costs were prognosed to be lowered and outcomes were prognosed to be improved. A dental health program like the FRAMM Guideline with fluoride varnish during the caries risk period from 12 to 15 years is predicted to be cost-effective in the longer perspective. To further study the actual long-term caries increment after a preventive dental health program would be of great interest to verify these results.
Estimating Inhalation Exposure Resulting from Evaporation of Volatile Multicomponent Mixtures Using Different Modelling Approaches
Authors: Tischer Martin , Roitzsch Michael
Published: February 2022

In many professional and industrial settings, liquid multicomponent mixtures are used as solvents, additives, coatings, biocidal products, etc. Since, in all of these examples, hazardous liquids can evaporate in the form of vapours, for risk assessments it is important to know the amount of chemicals in the surrounding air. Although several models are available in legal contexts, the current implementations seem to be unable to correctly simulate concentration changes that actually occur in volatile mixtures and in particular in thin films. In this research, the estimation of evaporation rates is based on models that take into account non-ideal behaviour of components in liquids and backpressure effects as well. The corresponding system of differential equations is solved numerically using an extended Euler algorithm that is based on a discretisation of time and space. Regarding air dispersion of volatile components, the model builds upon one-box and two-box mass balance models, because there is some evidence that these models, when selected and applied appropriately, can predict occupational exposures with sufficient precision. That way, numerical solutions for a wide variety of exposure scenarios with instantaneous and continuous/intermittent application, even considering “moving worker situations”, can be obtained. A number of example calculations have been carried out on scenarios where binary aqueous solutions of hydrogen peroxide or glutaraldehyde are applied as a biocidal product to surfaces by wiping. The results reveal that backpressure effects caused by large emission sources as well as deviations from liquid-phase ideality can influence the shape of the concentration time curves significantly. The results also provide some evidence that near-/far-field models should be used to avoid underestimation of exposure in large rooms when small/medium areas are applied. However, the near-field/far-field model should not be used to estimate peak exposure assuming instantaneous application, because then the models tend to overestimate peak exposure significantly. Although the example calculations are restricted to aqueous binary mixtures, the proposed approach is general and can be used for arbitrary liquid multicomponent mixtures, as long as backpressure effects and liquid-phase non-idealities are addressed adequately.
Variability in Physical Inactivity Responses of University Students during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Monitoring of Daily Step Counts Using a Smartphone Application
Authors: Konda Shoji , Ogasawara Issei , Fujita Kazuki , Aoyama Chisa , Yokoyama Teruki , Magome Takuya , Yulong Chen , Hashizume Ken , Matsuo Tomoyuki , Nakata Ken
Published: February 2022

This study investigated the changes in physical inactivity of university students during the COVID-19 pandemic, with reference to their academic calendar. We used the daily step counts recorded by a smartphone application (iPhone Health App) from April 2020 to January 2021 (287 days) for 603 participants. The data for 287 days were divided into five periods based on their academic calendar. The median value of daily step counts across each period was calculated. A k-means clustering analysis was performed to classify the 603 participants into subgroups to demonstrate the variability in the physical inactivity responses. The median daily step counts, with a 7-day moving average, dramatically decreased from 5000 to 2000 steps/day in early April. It remained at a lower level (less than 2000 steps/day) during the first semester, then increased to more than 5000 steps/day at the start of summer vacation. The clustering analysis demonstrated the variability in physical inactivity responses. The inactive students did not recover daily step counts throughout the year. Consequently, promoting physical activity is recommended for inactive university students over the course of the whole semester.