bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Relationship between Eosinophil Density in the Colonic Mucosa and Eosinophil Blood Count in Children: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Brylak Jan , Nowak Jan K. , Szczepanik Mariusz , Holubiec Magdalena , Kurzawa Pawel , Walkowiak Jaroslaw
Published: December 2022

Eosinophils are found in the mucosa of the healthy gastrointestinal tract, but they also often accompany gastrointestinal diseases. We hypothesized that a positive correlation exists between blood eosinophil count and colonic eosinophil mucosal density in children. Electronic health records regarding 181 colonoscopies, performed with biopsy in the years 2019–2022, were screened for information on blood and colonic eosinophil count, age, sex, diagnoses, weight, height, white blood cell (WBC) count, serum C-reactive protein (CRP), and total IgE concentration. The median age (IQR) of the 107 included children (109 colonoscopies) was 12.4 years (8.1–15.5); 32 presented with blood eosinophilia (29.3%). The median eosinophil density/high-power field in the colonic mucosa was 22.5 (9–31). We found a weak correlation between colonic mucosal eosinophil density and blood eosinophil count (r = 0.295, 95% CI 0.108–0.462, p = 0.0018). This association was more pronounced in patients with elevated CRP (r = 0.529, 95% CI 0.167–0.766, p = 0.0054) and older than 12.4 years (r = 0.448, 95% CI 0.197–0.644, p = 0.00068). Peripheral blood eosinophilia might hint at increased mucosal colonic eosinophil density, especially in older children and in the presence of systemic inflammation. However, it seems unlikely that blood and colonic eosinophilia are strongly linked in younger children. Studies in adults are warranted.
Advice to Clinicians on Communication from Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer and Parents of Children with Cancer
Authors: Srinivas Meghana , Kaye Erica , Blazin Lindsay , Baker Justin , Mack Jennifer , DuBois James , Sisk Bryan
Published: December 2022

Effective communication is integral to patient and family-centered care in pediatric and adolescent and young adult (AYA) oncology and improving healthcare delivery and outcomes. There is limited knowledge about whether AYAs and parents have similar communication preferences and needs. By eliciting and comparing communication advice from AYAs and parents, we can identify salient guidance for how clinicians can better communicate. We performed secondary analysis of semi-structured interviews from 2 qualitative communication studies. In one study, 80 parents of children with cancer during treatment, survivorship, or bereavement were interviewed. In the second study, AYAs with cancer during treatment or survivorship were interviewed. We asked AYAs and parents to provide communication advice for oncology clinicians. Using thematic analysis, we identified categories of advice related to three overarching themes: interpersonal relationships, informational preferences, and delivery of treatment, resources, and medical care. AYAs and parents provided similar advice about the need for compassion, strong connections, hopefulness, commitment, and transparent honesty However, AYAs placed additional emphasis on clinicians maintaining a calm demeanor.
CO2-Selective Capture from Light Hydrocarbon Mixtures by Metal-Organic Frameworks: A Review
Authors: Huang Hengcong , Wang Luyao , Zhang Xiaoyu , Zhao Hongshuo , Gu Yifan
Published: December 2022

CO2 represents a typical impurity in light hydrocarbon feedstocks, which affects the quality of subsequent chemical products. Owing to their highly similar nature, industrial separation requires large amounts of energy. Adsorptive gas separation based on porous materials is considered an efficient alternative, as it can offer faster kinetics, higher selectivity, long-term stability and more energy-efficient regeneration. For the adsorption separation method, preferential CO2 capture from gas mixtures in one step is more energy-efficient for direct purification than light hydrocarbons, saving about 40% energy by eliminating energy-intensive post-regeneration processes such as countercurrent vacuum blowdown. Therefore, CO2-selective adsorbents are more sought-after than light hydrocarbon-selective adsorbents. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have been demonstrated as outstanding physisorbents for CO2 capture due to their configurable channels for CO2 recognition, structural flexibility and large specific surface area. Many highly selective CO2 adsorption behaviors of MOFs have been reportedly achieved by precise modulation of pore size, pore chemistry or structural flexibility. In this review, we discuss the emerging development of MOFs for CO2-selective capture from different light hydrocarbon mixtures. The challenges of CO2 recognition and the strategies employed to achieve CO2 selectivity over light hydrocarbon mixtures by MOFs are summarized. In addition, the current challenges and prospects in the field of MOFs for CO2 capture are discussed and elaborated.
Experimental Investigation on Effects of Flow Orientation on Interfacial Structure of Air–Water Two-Phase Flow
Authors: Qiao Shouxu , Li Jinyang , Ren Jiaxing , Kim Seungjin
Published: December 2022

This study focusses on investigating the effect of flow orientation on global and local two-phase flow parameters under two-phase flow conditions. Flow visualization, pressure measurement, and conductivity probe measurements are performed in a test facility made of 50.8 mm inner diameter acrylic pipes with flow visualization, pressure measurement, and conductivity probe measurement. Characteristics of flow regimes and interfacial structures, and frictional pressure drop prediction in the vertical upward and vertical downward two-phase flows are compared and analyzed. The results show that unique coring phenomenon and slug bubbles with off-centered noses appear in the vertical downward flow. The flow regime transition boundaries shift to the lower gas superficial velocities in the vertical downward flow compared to that in the vertical upward flow. Furthermore, the distribution and one-dimensional transport of the void fraction, interfacial area concentration, bubble velocity, bubble Sauter-mean diameter, and bubble frequency are acquired and compared to study the effect of flow orientation on interfacial structures. The interfacial structure and its development are found to be mainly affected by the lift force and the turbulence related bubble interactions. The frictional pressure drop is acquired and modeled by the Lockhart–Martinelli correlation. The frictional pressure drop is found to be larger in the vertical upward flow than that in the vertical downward flow. The recommended C value for both vertical upward and vertical downward flows are proposed.
Effect of Varying Hot Extrusion Temperatures on the Properties of a Sinterless Turning Induced Deformation Processed Eco-Friendly Mg-Zn-Ca Alloy
Authors: Wang Zhipeng , Parande Gururaj , Gupta Manoj
Published: December 2022

In this work, Mg-4Zn-1Ca (wt. %) alloy was primarily processed by disintegrated melt deposition. The resulting ingots were further pre-processed by the turning induced deformation technique (TID), and the turnings were subsequently consolidated by the hot extrusion process and sinterless powder metallurgy. A range of extrusion temperatures (200, 250 and 300 °C) was tested to understand the effect of the extrusion temperature on tailoring the microstructure and properties of TID-processed Mg-4Zn-1Ca (wt. %) alloys. The results indicated that the combined effect of TID and extrusion temperature plays a significant role in grain refinement, specifically at 200 °C. Overall, the sample extruded at 300 °C showed the best microhardness and compressive yield strength values. The resistance to ignition and wet corrosion increased and decreased, respectively, when the extrusion temperature was increased. Variations of basal texture and fine grain strengthening due to variations of extrusion temperature led to different properties peaking at different extrusion temperatures. Microstructure-property relationships are therefore discussed, highlighting that different extrusion temperatures have characteristic effects in improving and lowering the properties. Many of the investigated properties of TID-processed alloys exceed that of commercial Mg alloys, suggesting the capability of the sinterless TID technique to develop as an economical industrial way of recycling and manufacturing magnesium-based materials.
Effect of Thermochemical Boronizing of Alumina Surface on the Borate Crystals Growth and Interaction with Nickel and Nickel Alloy
Authors: Škamat Jelena , Lebedev Aleksandr , Černašėjus Olegas , Stonys Rimvydas
Published: December 2022

Wettability at the metal-ceramic interface is highly important for the development of modern composite materials. Poor wettability by metal melts restricts the use of alumina in protective metal matrix composite (MMC) coatings. In the present experimental study, the possibility to modify wetting properties of alumina by thermochemical surface boronizing was investigated. The results of SEM, EDS, XRD and XPS characterisation of surfaces revealed the formation of oxygen containing Al–B compounds identified as aluminium borates (Al18B4O33/Al4B2O9); no signs of non-oxide Al–B compounds were observed. The shape of the single splats deposited on the boronized alumina surface by the thermal spray and re-melted in the furnace revealed that significant wetting improvement by self-fluxing nickel alloy did not occur. However, the improvement of adhesion between the nickel/nickel alloy and Al2O3 surface was obtained due to formation of an intermediate layer consisting of B, O, Al and Si between the metal and ceramic surfaces at the presence of some silicon at the modified surfaces. The presented study demonstrates that the thermochemical boronizing of alumina in amorphous boron medium is a simple method to obtain a thin aluminium borate layer consisting of oriented nano-rod-like crystals, whose growing direction is predetermined by the orientation of the alumina grains’ faces at surface.
Effect of Amorphous Photonic Structure Surface Mounted on Luminous Performances of White LED
Authors: Huang Fei , Chen Yiyong , Nie Jingxin , Shen Chunsheng , Yuan Jiulong , Guo Yukun , Dong Boyan , Liu Lu , Chen Weihua , Chen Zhizhong , Shen Bo
Published: December 2022

We fabricated amorphous photonic structures (APSs) with different periods and hole diameters. The GaN-based white light emitting diodes (LEDs) at nominal correlated color temperatures (CCTs) of 5000 and 6000 K were surface mounted by these APSs. The electroluminescence (EL) measurements showed less luminous efficiency (LE) and higher CCT than the ones of the virginal white LEDs. However, the LEs of many APS-mounted white LEDs increased compared to white the LEDs without APSs at the same CCTs. A finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulation was carried out on the ASPs surface-mounted white LEDs and bidirectional scattering distribution functions (BSDFs) of different emissions were transferred to a Monte Carlo ray tracing simulation. The simulated LEs and CCTs conformed well to the experimental ones. The effects of the blue emission transmission and phosphor concentration were simulated to predict the absolute LE enhancement methods for white LEDs. At last, the hopeful APSs for high Les’ general lighting were discussed.
Design of Tunable Liquid Crystal Lenses with a Parabolic Phase Profile
Authors: Feng Wenbin , Liu Zhiqiang , Liu Hao , Ye Mao
Published: December 2022

An electrode pattern design generating a parabolic voltage distribution, in combination with usage of the linear response range of the liquid crystal (LC) material, has been recently proposed to obtain nearly ideal phase profiles for LC lenses. This technique features low driving voltages, simple structure, compact design, and the absence of high-resistivity (HR) layers. In this work, the universal design principle is discussed in detail, which is applicable not only to LC lens design, but also to other LC devices with any phase profile. Several electrode patterns are presented to form a parabolic voltage distribution. An equivalent electric circuit of the LC lens based on the design principle is developed, and the simulation results are given. In the experiments, an LC lens using the feasible parameters is prepared, and its high-quality performance is demonstrated.
Anxiety and Social Support Are Associated with Loneliness among Adults with Disabilities and Older Adults with No Self-Reported Disabilities 10 Months Post COVID-19 Restrictions
Authors: Benam Niloufar , Miller William C. , Tao Gordon , Mortenson W. Ben , Schmidt Julia
Published: December 2022

With increased physical restrictions during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, many individuals, especially older adults and individuals with disabilities, experienced increased feelings of loneliness. This study aimed to identify factors associated with loneliness among older adults and people with disabilities residing in British Columbia (BC), Canada 10 months following COVID-19 physical restrictions. Participants included a total of 70 adults consisting of older adults (>65 years of age) without any self-reported disabilities and adults (aged 19 or above) with disabilities (e.g., stroke, spinal cord injury, etc.). Participants completed standardized self-report measures of their levels of anxiety, depression, social support, mobility, and loneliness. We used hierarchical linear regression to determine the association of age, sex, disability status, anxiety, depression, social support, and mobility with loneliness. Participants reported general low levels of loneliness, anxiety, and depression and an overall high level of perceived social support. Most participants reported living with others. Our analysis showed a positive association between anxiety and loneliness (β = 0.340, p = 0.011) and a negative association between social support and loneliness (β = −0.315, p = 0.006). There was no association between depression and loneliness (β = 0.210, p = 0.116) as well as between mobility and loneliness (β = −0.005, p = 0.968). These findings suggest that anxiety and social support have been significantly associated with loneliness in older adults and people with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Increased efforts to reduce anxiety and improve social support in clinical and community settings may be helpful in reducing loneliness in older adults and people with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Development of Global Snow Cover—Trends from 23 Years of Global SnowPack
Authors: Roessler Sebastian , Dietz Andreas Jürgen
Published: December 2022

Globally, the seasonal snow cover is the areal largest, the most short-lived and the most variable part of the cryosphere. Remote sensing proved to be a reliable tool to investigate their short-term variations worldwide. The medium-resolution sensor MODIS sensor has been delivering daily snow products since the year 2000. Remaining data gaps due to cloud coverage or polar night are interpolated using the DLR’s Global SnowPack (GSP) processor which produces daily global cloud-free snow cover. With the conclusion of the hydrological year 2022 in the northern hemisphere, the snow cover dynamics of the last 23 hydrological years can now be examined. Trends in snow cover development over different time periods (months, seasons, snow seasons) were examined using the Mann–Kendall test and the Theil–Sen slope. This took place as both pixel based and being averaged over selected hydrological catchment areas. The 23-year time series proved to be sufficient to identify significant developments for large areas. Globally, an average decrease in snow cover duration of −0.44 days/year was recorded for the full hydrological year, even if slight increases in individual months such as November were also found. Likewise, a large proportion of significant trends could also be determined globally at the catchment area level for individual periods. Most drastic developments occurred in March, with an average decrease in snow cover duration by −0.16 days/year. In the catchment area of the river Neman, which drains into the Baltic Sea, there is even a decrease of −0.82 days/year.
Industrial Symbiosis in the Balkan-Mediterranean Region: The Case of Solid Waste
Authors: Angelis-Dimakis Athanasios , Arampatzis George , Alexopoulos Andreas , Vyrkou Antonia , Pantazopoulos Andreas , Angelis Vasilis
Published: December 2022

The treatment of waste and especially solid waste, the type with the highest increase in terms of annual generation over the last decade, is a key issue in the Balkan and Mediterranean region. Piecemeal efforts to deal with it within the prevailing linear economy model were not successful since the techniques used such as recycling and reusing could not be effective with the existing products. A definitive solution requires the switch to a new model, the circular economy model, which will facilitate the tackling of the excessive use of virgin raw materials and waste generation. The design and development of a digital solid waste reuse platform in the context of the EU-funded Interreg Project SWAN involving four countries: Albania, Bulgaria, Cyprus and Greece, was a step in this direction. The present paper based on the evidence drawn from this project examines the current situation and the future trends in the solid waste reuse and industrial symbiosis schemes in this region.
CPUE Estimation and Standardization Based on VMS: A Case Study for Squid-Jigging Fishery in the Equatorial of Eastern Pacific Ocean
Authors: Li Gang , Lu Zhengwei , Cao Yangming , Zou Lijin , Chen Xinjun
Published: December 2022

Different fisheries, even the same fishery, use different ways of quantifying fishing efforts such as the number of vessels, days, voyages, and hooks. In squid-jigging fisheries, fishing hours, fishing days, and the number of vessels are valid units for calculating the catch per unit effort (CPUE). A vessel monitoring system (VMS) provides vessel position data with high spatial and temporal resolution and offers the possibility to quantify the CPUE at a finer scale. Using the squid fishery in the equatorial waters of the eastern Pacific as a case study, the CPUE was evaluated and standardized based on VMS data. The drifting operating points of the squid fishing vessels were filtered by the speed threshold, solar radiation, and operating time setting methods, leading to the number of fishing hours per day, and the nominal CPUE was calculated by combining the catch data obtained from logbooks. Then, the generalized linear model (GLM) and generalized additive model (GAM) were applied to conduct CPUE standardization considering spatiotemporal factors and environmental variables including sea surface temperature (SST), sea surface salinity (SSS), sea surface height (SSH), and chlorophyll-a (Chl_a). The results showed that month, latitude, SST, SSH, and Chl-a all have a high significant effect on CPUE as demonstrated through the significance test conducted by GLM. The GAM including the significant factors was judged to be the best model according to the AIC guidelines. The latitude range for high CPUE in the fishery was 3°S~0°S, SST range 24~25 °C, SSH range 4~8 m, and Chl_a range 0.15~0.20 mg/m3. In addition, the nominal and standardized CPUEs were compared based on fishing hours and fishing days. The results indicated that the two types of CPUEs were highly related hence there was no significant difference.
Local Scour Patterns around a Bridge Pier with Cable-Wrapping
Authors: Muhawenimana Valentine , Foad Nadine , Ouro Pablo , Wilson Catherine A. M. E.
Published: December 2022

The performance of cable flow-altering bed scour countermeasures was experimentally evaluated based on the scour reduction, bed morphology, and the effects on the flow field. An unprotected 40 mm diameter pier was compared to piers protected with spiral cables (2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 mm diameters) wrapped at a 15-degree angle for two-bed sediment sizes with median grain sizes of 0.86 and 1.83 mm, for a cylinder Reynolds number of 7120. The scour depth was reduced by the cables by up to 52 percent compared to the unprotected pier case, a reduction that increased with increasing cable diameter for both sediment beds. Scour depth and sediment deposition varied by sediment size, where the scour hole was up to 45 percent deeper for the finer sediment bed than that of the coarser bed. Velocity and turbulence statistics showed that cables attenuated the flow within the scour hole by diminishing the downflow and horseshoe vortex, whereas in the case of finer sediment, spatially averaged turbulent kinetic energy and Reynolds shear stresses were respectively up to 1.4 and 1.8 times higher for the unprotected pier than the protected pier, resulting in scour depth reduction. The presence of the cable also reduced the vortex shedding frequency in the pier wake as indicated by a Strouhal number of around 0.175. The results demonstrate the potential of cable threading as a flow-altering scour countermeasure to reduce bridge pier scour.
Time-Delay Fractional Variable Order Adaptive Synchronization and Anti-Synchronization between Chen and Lorenz Chaotic Systems Using Fractional Order PID Control
Authors: Padron Joel Perez , Perez Jose P. , Diaz Jose Javier Perez , Astengo-Noguez Carlos
Published: December 2022

In this research work, time-delay adaptive synchronization and adaptive anti-synchronization of chaotic fractional order systems are analyzed via the Caputo fractional derivative, and the prob-lem of synchronization and anti-synchronization of chaotic systems of variable fractional order is solved by using the fractional order PID control law, the adaptive laws of variable-order frac-tional calculus, and a control law deduced from Lyapunov’s theory extended to systems of time-delay variable-order fractional calculus. In this research work, two important problems are solved in the control area: The first problem is described in which deals with syn-chro-nization of chaotic systems of adaptive fractional order with time delay, this problem is solved by using the fractional order PID control law and adaptative laws. The second problem is de-scribed in which deals with anti-synchronization of chaotic systems of adaptive frac-tional order with time delay, and this problem is solved by using the fractional order PID con-trol law and adaptative laws.
APOE Allele Frequency in Southern Greece: Exploring the Role of Geographical Gradient in the Greek Population
Authors: Papastefanopoulou Vasiliki , Stanitsa Evangelia , Koros Christos , Simoudis Aimilios , Florou-Hatziyiannidou Chryseis , Beratis Ion , Antonelou Roubina , Andronas Nikolaos , Voskou Panagiota , Angelopoulou Efthalia , Papatriantafyllou John D. , Stefanis Leonidas , Kroupis Christos , Papageorgiou Sokratis G.
Published: December 2022

Background: the apolipoprotein e4 allele (APOE4) constitutes an established genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s Disease Dementia (ADD). We aimed to explore the frequency of the APOE isoforms in the Greek population of Southern Greece. Methods: peripheral blood from 175 Greek AD patients, 113 with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and 75 healthy individuals. DNA isolation was performed with a High Pure PCR Template Kit (Roche), followed by amplification with a real-time qPCR kit (TIB MolBiol) in Roche’s Light Cycler PCR platform. Results: APOE4 allele frequency was 20.57% in the ADD group, 17.69% in the MCI group, and 6.67% in the control group. APOE3/3 homozygosity was the most common genotype, while the frequency of APOE4/4 homozygosity was higher in the AD group (8.60%). APOE4 carrier status was associated with higher odds for ADD and MCI (OR: 4.49, 95% CI: [1.90–10.61] and OR: 3.82, 95% CI: [1.59–9.17], respectively). Conclusion: this study examines the APOE isoforms and is the first to report a higher APOE frequency in MCI compared with healthy controls in southern Greece. Importantly, we report the occurrence of the APOE4 allele, related to ADD, as amongst the lowest globally reported, even within the nation, thus enhancing the theory of ethnicity and latitude contribution.
Numerical Simulation of Nitrogen-Doped Titanium Dioxide as an Inorganic Hole Transport Layer in Mixed Halide Perovskite Structures Using SCAPS 1-D
Authors: Pochont Nitin Ralph , Sekhar Yendaluru Raja
Published: December 2022

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) stand out as superior third-generation (III-gen) thin-film energy harvesting structures with high efficiency, optical properties and light transmission ability. However, the need to develop cost-effective, stable and sustainable PSCs is allied to the influence of the absorber layer and charge selective transport layers when achieving semi-transparent (ST) structures. Using SCAPS simulation software that can envisage the conceptuality in devising ST PSCs, this work explores and reports the electrical performance of different methylammonium (MA)-based perovskite structures (FTO/TiO2/PCBM/SnO2/MAPbI3/TiO2:N/PTAA/Spiro-OMeTAD/PEDOT: PSS/Ag). The influence of absorber thickness and defect density is analyzed with optimal parameters. This research reports a novel idea that replaces the polymeric hole transport layer (HTL), such as Spiro-OMeTAD, PEDOT: PSS and PTAA with an air-stable inorganic metal oxide, viz., nitrogen-doped titanium dioxide (TiO2:N). The simulation results depict an attainable power conversion efficiency of 9.92%, 10.11% and 11.54% for the proposed structures with the novel HTL that are on par with polymeric HTLs. Furthermore, the maximum allowable absorber thickness was 600 nm with a threshold defect density of 1 × 1015 cm−3. The optimized electrical parameters can be implemented to develop thin-film light transmission perovskite cells with rational power conversion efficiencies.
Percutaneous Transluminal Renal Angioplasty for Fibromuscular Dysplasia and Prognostic Risk Factors: A Retrospective Chinese Cohort Study
Authors: Lu Yi-Ting , Zhou Ze-Ming , Zhang Di , Sun Lin , Liu Xin-Chang , Yang Yan-Kun , Jiang Xiong-Jing , Zhou Xian-Liang
Published: December 2022

Fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) is a non-atherosclerotic, non-inflammatory vascular disease involving small-to-medium-sized arteries. The characteristics of Chinese patients with FMD remain unclear. We retrospectively analyzed the data of patients with renal FMD who underwent percutaneous transluminal renal angioplasty (PTRA) for the first time at Fuwai Hospital between 2010 and 2021. The variables were selected through least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression (LASSO), and logistic regression models were constructed to identify independent risk factors. A total of 116 patients (52 males, median age at diagnosis, 25.0 years) were enrolled. Elevated blood pressure was the leading complaint. After a median follow-up period of 18.0 months (interquartile range: 6.0–48.0 months), hypertension recurred in 34 patients and restenosis in nine patients, among whom four patients underwent secondary intervention and one patient underwent surgical revascularization. Bilateral renal artery involvement (odds ratio [OR]: 2.61, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.11–6.15; p = 0.028) and age at hypertension onset (OR: 0.93, 95% CI: 0.88–0.99; p = 0.018) were independent prognostic factors for adverse outcomes. The results indicate that patients with bilateral renal artery involvement and younger age at hypertension onset are more likely to have poorer clinical outcomes after PTRA, and should be more closely monitored.
Acute Effects of Kinesio Taping on Functional Performance in Healthy Soccer Players: A Randomized, Controlled Crossover Trial
Authors: Annino Giuseppe , Alashram Anas , Romagnoli Cristian , Balducci Emanuele , De Paolis Marco , Manzi Vincenzo , Padua Elvira
Published: December 2022

This study aimed to investigate the acute effects of the Kinesio tape (KT) application on functional performance in healthy athletes. In this randomized, controlled crossover trial, a total of sixteen healthy soccer players (male = 14; age = 23.28 ± 3.13 years old) were assigned randomly into either KT over quadriceps, KT over hamstring, KT over quadriceps plus hamstring, or no intervention control condition. Four conditions were applied in a crossover design through three consecutive test sessions for each condition with a washout period of 2 days between the trials. Afterwards, all participants performed a 5-min warm-up routine and four sets of 30-s static stretching exercises for the hamstring and gluteal muscles for three consecutive treatment sessions. The running, jump, and flexibility tests were used to assess the functional performance of healthy athletes. A total of sixteen participants completed the study. No significant differences in the jump, flexibility, and running tests among the conditions were reported (p > 0.05). These findings suggest that KT application has no acute effects in improving functional performance in healthy athletes. However, further studies with larger sample sizes are needed to verify our results.
A Bounded Near-Bottom Cruise Trajectory Planning Algorithm for Underwater Vehicles
Authors: Ru Jingyu , Yu Han , Liu Hao , Liu Jiayuan , Zhang Xiangyue , Xu Hongli
Published: December 2022

The trajectory planning algorithm of underwater vehicle near-bottom cruise is important to scientific investigation, industrial inspection, and military affairs. An autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) often faces the problems of complex underwater environment and large cruise area in a real environment, and some robots must hide themselves during the cruise. However, to the best of our knowledge, few studies have focused on trajectory planning algorithms for AUVs with multiple constraints on large-scale maps. The currently used algorithms are not effective at solving length-constraint problems, and the mainstream trajectory planning algorithms for robots cannot be directly applied to the needs of underwater vehicle sailing near the bottom. Therefore, we present a bounded ridge-based trajectory planning algorithm (RA*) for an AUV to go on a near-bottom cruise. In the algorithm, we design a safety map based on a spherical structure to ensure the safe operation of the robot. In addressing the length-constraint problem and large-scale map planning problem, this paper proposes a two-stage framework for RA*, which designs map compression and parallel computation using a coarse-fine planning framework to solve the large-scale trajectory planning problem and uses a bounded search method to meet the trajectory planning requirements of length constraint. In this study, experiments based on the virtual ocean ridge are conducted, and the results validate the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed RA* with MCPC algorithm framework.
Simulation Study on the Sediment Dispersion during Deep-Sea Nodule Harvesting
Authors: Lin Yuan , Weng Zixin , Guo Jin , Lin Xingshuang , Phan-Thien Nhan , Zhang Jian
Published: December 2022

During the harvesting of polymetallic nodules on the seabed, the sediment plume due to disturbance on the seabed impacts the benthic ecosystem. A numerical simulation based on the SPH (smooth particle hydrodynamics) method is used to estimate the time and length scale of the plume impact near the seabed during a small-scale harvesting process. The simulation result considerably agrees with the one from the lab-scale water-channel experiment. It is found that, in the sediment plume, the traced sub-plume with iso-surface of lower sediment concentration travels a longer distance, and spends a longer time to achieve the stable state. Moreover, with the increase of the releasing rate of the disturbed sediment, the sub-plume spreads over greater distance, which also needs more time to achieve the stable state.
Antifungal Activity of 6-Methylcoumarin against Valsa mali and Its Possible Mechanism of Action
Authors: Chen Yun-Ze , Wang Shu-Ren , Li Tao , Zhang Guo-Cai , Yang Jing
Published: December 2022

Valsa canker of apple (VCA) caused by Valsa mali severely affected apple production in east Asia. With the increase in drug resistance, there is an urgent need for efficient and environmentally friendly antifungal agents. Coumarins have attracted much attention due to their excellent antimicrobial activity against plant pathogens. In this study, the antifungal activity of several coumarins against phytopathogenic fungi was evaluated, and then the antifungal activity of the screened 6-MCM against V. mali and its underlying mechanism was further investigated. The results of the in vitro antifungal activity assay showed that some coumarins had significant inhibitory effects on V. mali. Notably, 400 mg/L of 6-MCM had the best antifungal activity of 94.6%. Further experiments showed that 6-MCM slowed down the growth of V. mali mycelia and the germination of spores in a concentration-dependent manner, with EC50 of 185.49 and 54.62 mg/L, respectively. In addition, 6-MCM treatment increased mycelial conductivity, extracellular protein leakage, and MDA content, resulting in damage to the cell membrane. Moreover, 6-MCM significantly reduced the cell wall degrading enzymes secreted by V. mali, including EG, PG and PL, thereby limiting its pathogenic capacity. SEM and TEM results showed that 6-MCM treatment had a significant effect on the morphology and ultrastructure of mycelial cells. Inoculation of isolated apple branches found that the application of 6-MCM effectively inhibited the development of VCA and significantly reduced the incidence. All these results suggest that 6-MCM has the potential as a green substitute for VCA control.
First Report of Neocucurbitaria unguis-hominis Keratitis
Authors: Sáenz-Madrazo Nerea , Baeza Azucena , Guinea Jesús , Martín-Rabadán Pablo , Ruiz-Velasco-Santacruz Alejandro , Urcelay José Luis
Published: December 2022

Coelomycetous fungi are among the emerging causes of infections and have been involved in many kinds of infections, including keratitis and endophtalmitis. Here, we present the first case of keratitis caused by Neocucurbitaria unguis-hominis, a coelomycetous fungus belonging to the family Cucurbitariaceae. In this case report, we describe the clinical presentation of a 56-year-old woman, a regular contact lens wearer, who was treated for pain in her right eye and fixed spot vision after an injury with plant debris. On examination, a corneal ulcer was observed, the foreign body was removed, and topical eye-drop therapy was started. After an initial improvement, the patient returned three weeks later due to a recurrence of discomfort in her right eye, observing the persistence of the corneal ulcer. Corneal scrapings were taken for culture, growing a filamentous fungus after seven days, which was identified by sequencing the fungal internal transcribed spacer region. It should be noted that microbiological identification of the coelomycetes in the clinical laboratory is not easy because of their difficulty in sporulating, making molecular techniques based on the amplification and sequencing of appropriate phylogenetic markers essential. Identification of these fungi is mandatory in order to optimise treatment due to the difficulty in eradicating them with antifungal treatment, requiring surgery in 50% of cases.
Language Revitalization and the Classroom: Video Workshops at an Elementary School in Miyakojima
Authors: Fujita-Round Sachiyo
Published: December 2022

This paper explores a pedagogy for language revitalization in the specific endangered language context of the Miyakoan language in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. The topic discussed on language revitalization in this paper is a matter of language teaching and learning methodology. The transmission of Miyakoan to the younger generation will be sought in the school domain. There are three guiding research questions: (1) what pedagogy might suit language revitalization, (2) how the school can accommodate this educational goal, and (3) will this educational plan raise pupils’ awareness to learn about the Miyakoan language. First, this paper will review the current direction of Indigenous languages in Japan at the macro socio-historical level. Second, the micro-educational practice will be reported and analyzed. From this micro-educational practice, the role of the school in the community is indicated to become a domain for language revitalization to raise the pupils’ awareness of the local endangered language. The findings also suggest an approach forging the ‘mainstream’ education and pedagogy for language revitalization. Since language transmission is only partially conducted at home in Miyakojima in the 21st century, heritage language education in schools will be essential for revitalizing the language and cosmology of Miyakojima.
Optimal Intelligent Control for Doubly Fed Induction Generators
Authors: Xia Lingqin , Chen Guang , Wu Tao , Gao Yu , Mohammadzadeh Ardashir , Ghaderpour Ebrahim
Published: December 2022

For the first time, a novel concept of merging computational intelligence (the type-2 fuzzy system) and control theory (optimal control) for regulator and reference tracking in doubly fed induction generators (DFIGs) is proposed in this study. The goal of the control system is the reference tracking of torque and stator reactive power. In this case, the type-2 fuzzy controller is activated to enhance the performance of the optimum control. For instance, in abrupt changes of the reference signal or uncertainty in the parameters, the type-2 fuzzy system performs a complementary function. Both parametric uncertainty and a perturbation signal are used to challenge the control system in the simulation. The findings demonstrate that the presence of a type-2 fuzzy system as an additional controller or compensator significantly enhances the control system. The root mean square error of the suggested method’s threshold was 0.012, quite acceptable for a control system.
Dynamic Analysis and DSP Implementation of Memristor Chaotic Systems with Multiple Forms of Hidden Attractors
Authors: Guo Zhenggang , Wen Junjie , Mou Jun
Published: December 2022

In this paper, a new six dimensional memristor chaotic system is designed by combining the chaotic system with a memristor. By analyzing the phase diagram of the chaotic attractors, eleven different attractors are found, including a multi-wing attractor and symmetric attractors. By analyzing the equilibrium point of the system, it is proven that the system has the property of a hidden chaotic attractor. The dynamic behavior of the system when the three parameters change is analyzed by means of LEs and a Bifurcation diagram. Other phenomenon, such as chaos degradation, coexistence of multiple attractors and bias boosting, are also found. Finally, the simulation on the DSP platform also verifies the accuracy of the chaotic system simulation. The theoretical analysis and simulation results show that the system has rich dynamical characteristics; therefore, it is suitable for secure communication and image encryption and other fields.
E-Commerce Website Usability Analysis Using the Association Rule Mining and Machine Learning Algorithm
Authors: Kumar Biresh , Roy Sharmistha , Sinha Anurag , Iwendi Celestine , Strážovská Ľubomíra
Published: December 2022

The overall effectiveness of a website as an e-commerce platform is influenced by how usable it is. This study aimed to find out if advanced web metrics, derived from Google Analytics software, could be used to evaluate the overall usability of e-commerce sites and identify potential usability issues. It is simple to gather web indicators, but processing and interpretation take time. This data is produced through several digital channels, including mobile. Big data has proven to be very helpful in a variety of online platforms, including social networking and e-commerce websites, etc. The sheer amount of data that needs to be processed and assessed to be useful is one of the main issues with e-commerce today as a result of the digital revolution. Additionally, on social media a crucial growth strategy for e-commerce is the usage of BDA capabilities as a guideline to boost sales and draw clients for suppliers. In this paper, we have used the KMP algorithm-based multivariate pruning method for web-based web index searching and different web analytics algorithm with machine learning classifiers to achieve patterns from transactional data gathered from e-commerce websites. Moreover, through the use of log-based transactional data, the research presented in this paper suggests a new machine learning-based evaluation method for evaluating the usability of e-commerce websites. To identify the underlying relationship between the overall usability of the eLearning system and its predictor factors, three machine learning techniques and multiple linear regressions are used to create prediction models. This strategy will lead the e-commerce industry to an economically profitable stage. This capability can assist a vendor in keeping track of customers and items they have viewed, as well as categorizing how customers use their e-commerce emporium so the vendor can cater to their specific needs. It has been proposed that machine learning models, by offering trustworthy prognoses, can aid in excellent usability. Such models might be incorporated into an online prognostic calculator or tool to help with treatment selection and possibly increase visibility. However, none of these models have been recommended for use in reusability because of concerns about the deployment of machine learning in e-commerce and technical issues. One problem with machine learning science that needs to be solved is explainability. For instance, let us say B is 10 and all the people in our population are even. The hash function’s behavior is not random since only buckets 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 can be the value of h(x). However, if B = 11, we would find that 1/11th of the even integers is transmitted to each of the 11 buckets. The hash function would work well in this situation.
The Anatomical Pathogenesis of Stress Urinary Incontinence in Women
Authors: Yang Xunguo , Wang Xingqi , Gao Zhenhua , Li Ling , Lin Han , Wang Haifeng , Zhou Hang , Tian Daoming , Zhang Quan , Shen Jihong
Published: December 2022

Stress urinary incontinence is a common disease in middle-aged and elderly women, which seriously affects the physical and mental health of the patients. For this reason, researchers have carried out a large number of studies on stress urinary incontinence. At present, it is believed that the pathogenesis of the disease is mainly due to changes related to age, childbirth, obesity, constipation and other risk factors that induce changes in the urinary control anatomy, including the anatomical factors of the urethra itself, the anatomical factors around the urethra and the anatomical factors of the pelvic nerve. The combined actions of a variety of factors lead to the occurrence of stress urinary incontinence. This review aims to summarize the anatomical pathogenesis of stress urinary incontinence from the above three perspectives.
In Vitro and In Planta Antagonistic Effect of Endophytic Bacteria on Blight Causing Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. punicae: A Destructive Pathogen of Pomegranate
Authors: Singh Nripendra Vikram , Sharma Jyotsana , Dongare Manjushri Dinkar , Gharate Ramakant , Chinchure Shivkumar , Nanjundappa Manjunatha , Parashuram Shilpa , Patil Prakash Goudappa , Babu Karuppannan Dhinesh , Mundewadikar Dhananjay Morteppa , Salutgi Unnati , Tatiya Muskan , Kumar Aundy , Marathe Rajiv Arvind
Published: December 2022

Pomegranate bacterial blight caused by Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. punicae (Xap) is a highly destructive disease. In the absence of host resistance to the disease, we aimed to evaluate the biocontrol potential of endophytic bacteria against Xap. Thus, in this study, we isolated endophytes from pomegranate plants, identified them on the basis of 16S rDNA sequencing, tested them against Xap, and estimated the endophyte-mediated host defense response. The population of isolated endophytes ranged from 3 × 106 to 8 × 107 CFU/g tissue. Furthermore, 26 isolates were evaluated for their biocontrol activity against Xap, and all the tested isolates significantly reduced the in vitro growth of Xap (15.65% ± 1.25% to 56.35% ± 2.66%) as compared to control. These isolates could reduce fuscan, an uncharacterized factor of Xap involved in its aggressiveness. Lower blight incidence (11.6%) and severity (6.1%) were recorded in plants sprayed with endophytes 8 days ahead of Xap spray (Set-III) as compared to control plants which were not exposed to endophytes (77.33 and 50%, respectively%) during in vivo evaluation. Moreover, significantly high phenolic and chlorophyll contents were estimated in endophyte-treated plants as compared to control. The promising isolates mostly belonged to the genera Bacillus, Burkholderia, and Lysinibacillus, and they were deposited to the National Agriculturally Important Microbial Culture Collection, India.
Integrating Science on Xanthomonas and Xylella for Integrated Plant Disease Management
Authors: Costa Joana , Pothier Joël F. , Boch Jens , Stefani Emilio , Koebnik Ralf
Published: December 2022

Present, emerging or re-emerging plant diseases due to infection by bacteria of the Lysobacteraceae (syn: Xanthomonadaceae) family are continually challenging food security and cause significant losses to the economies of European countries each year [...]
Evidence on the Preventive Effects of the Postbiotic Derived from Cow’s Milk Fermentation with Lacticaseibacillus paracasei CBA L74 against Pediatric Gastrointestinal Infections
Authors: Oglio Franca , Bruno Cristina , Coppola Serena , De Michele Roberta , Masino Antonio , Carucci Laura
Published: December 2022

Postbiotics are commonly defined as preparations of inanimate probiotics and/or their cellular components and/or their metabolites/end products that confer health benefits on the host. They have been suggested as a promising strategy to limit infectious diseases. Emerging evidence support the efficacy of the postbiotic derived from cow’s milk fermentation with the probiotic Lacticaseibacillus paracasei CBAL74 (FM-CBAL74) in preventing pediatric infectious diseases. We aimed at reviewing the evidence available.
Impact of Swine and Cattle Manure Treatment on the Microbial Composition and Resistome of Soil and Drainage Water
Authors: Colgan Phil , Rieke Elizabeth L. , Nadeem Khurram , Moorman Thomas B. , Soupir Michelle L. , Howe Adina , Ricker Nicole
Published: December 2022

Evaluating potential environmental and clinical impacts of industrial antibiotic use is critical in mitigating the spread of antimicrobial resistance. Using soil columns to simulate field application of swine or cattle manure and subsequent rain events, and a targeted qPCR-based approach, we tracked resistance genes from source manures and identified important differences in antimicrobial resistance gene transport and enrichment over time in the soil and water of artificially drained cropland. The source manures had distinct microbial community and resistance gene profiles, and these differences were also reflected in the soil columns after manure application. Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) were only significantly enriched in effluent samples following the first rain event (day 11) for both soil types compared to the control columns, illustrating the high background level of resistance present in the control soils chosen. For swine, the genes tetQ, tet(36), tet44, tetM, sul2 and ant(6)-ib persisted in the soil columns, whereas tetO, strB and sul1 persisted in effluent samples. Conversely, for cattle manure sul2 and strB persisted in both soil and effluent. The distinct temporal dynamics of ARG distribution between soil and effluent water for each manure type can be used to inform potential mitigation strategies in the future.