bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
L-CARNITINE IN MEDICAL PRACTICE: NEW VIEWS ON THE USE IN THE CURRENT REALITY AND FOR THE FUTURE (LITERATURE REVIEW AND OWN DATA)
Authors:   Bukovynian State Medical University, Chernivtsi, Voloshуn A. I. , Voloshуnа L. A. ,   Bukovynian State Medical University, Chernivtsi, Vasyuk V. L. ,   Bukovynian State Medical University, Chernivtsi, Bachuk-Ponуch N. V. ,   Bukovynian State Medical University, Chernivtsi
Published: May 2021

Keywords: L-carnitine, poly- and comorbidity, postcoid syndrome, application prospects. Purpose – to analyze scientific data on the use of drugs with L-carnitine in medical practice and the prospects for its use in patients with poly- and comorbidity. Material and methods. Conducted scientific search in printed and electronic publications, search scientific databases using methods of analysis, comparison and generalization. Preliminary results of the use of one of the L-carnitine agents in patients with postcoid syndrome are presented. Results. Information material testifies to a wide range of applications of drugs with L-carnitine in various fields of medicine, age groups from newborns to old age, with the most common lesions of almost all organs and systems. The thorough mechanisms of the positive effect of L-carnitine , including dysfunctions of cellular mitochondria, have been disclosed and give grounds for widespread use in patients with poly- and comorbidity or other systemic diseases.In this aspect, the use of multicomponent preparations based on L-carnitine with qualities complementary to its properties seems promising. The authors used a complex agent of L-carnitine, zinc and selenium in patients with postcovid syndrome and obtained significant positive results. Conclusion. Mono- and multi-component L-carnitine agents, reinforced by other active factors, are promising in the complex treatment of patients with poly- and comorbidity, symptoms of postcoid syndrome as adjuvants.
Creation (updating) digital topographic maps for the forming the main state topographic map
Authors:   Kyiv National University of Construction and Architecture, LAZORENKO-HEVEL N. , KARPINKYI Yu. ,   Research Institute of Geodesy and Cartography, KIN D. ,   Kyiv National University of Construction and Architecture
Published: May 2021

Purpose. The purpose of the article is to research the peculiarities of creation (updating) of digital topographic maps at the scale of 1:50 000/1:10 000 which would satisfy the requirements for the development of the seamless Topographic Database of the Main State Topographic Map at the scale of 1:50 000. Methodology. The basis for the research is the analysis of the possibilities of applying the theory of databases and knowledge bases, International Standards and specifications and vectorization method. Results. The article examines the peculiarities of creation (updating) digital topographic maps of the scale 1:50000 for the formation of the Main State Topographic Map of Ukraine for the purpose of the creation and maintain the seamless topographic database for national needs, which is located on the Geoportal to ensure the relevance of a single digital topographic basis by topographical monitoring of the territories and for the development of the National Spatial Data Infrastructure in Ukraine. The rules of topological relations between features of the digital topographic maps of the scale 1:50 000 are also defined and given. The peculiarities of providing automated quality control of updated digital topographic maps are investigated. The creation of the seamless Topographic Database of the Main State Topographic Map in the conditions of transfer the cartographic paradigm to geoinformation creates new requirements for the creation (updating) of digital topographic maps of the scale 1:50 000/10 000: creation of spatial schemes, description of the internal design of models and rules of digital description of geospatial features, unification of the features catalog and their attributes, as well as rules of topology between topographic features to ensure topological consistency of geometry in accordance with standards and specifications; creation of the “Validate” software package for checking of created (updated) digital topographic maps at a scale of 1:50 000/10 000 to ensure automated quality control of updated digital topographic maps; creation of new virtual and associated features in the TDB of the Main State Topographic Map. This will increase the intellectual level of geospatial data creation. Scientific novelty and practical significance. The creation of the Main Topographic Map Topographic Database takes into account the use of new virtual and associated features, the use of rules of topological relations between digital topographic map features, providing automated quality control of updated digital topographic maps.
International scientific-practical conference “Innovative technologies in territorial planning”
Authors:   Lviv Polytechnic National University, TREVOHO I. , CHETVERIKOV B. ,   Lviv Polytechnic National University, STADNIKOV V. ,   Odessa State Academy of Civil Engineering and Architecture
Published: May 2021

The work of plenary sessions and scientific sections of the International scientific-practical conference “Innovative technologies in spatial planning”, which worked on October 1–3, 2020 in the Odessa State Academy of Civil Engineering and Architecture (OSACA) is considered. Ukrainian Society of Geodesy and Cartography (PU “USGC”) was a coorganizer of the conference
Analysis of the stability of the river Svicha in the transition places of fuel and energy infrastructure objects
Authors:   Lviv Polytechnic National University, BURSHTYNSKA K. , BABUSHKA A. ,   Lviv Polytechnic National University, DZIUBA M. ,   Lviv Polytechnic National University
Published: May 2021

The aim of the work is to study the horizontal displacements of the Svicha riverbed, as well as to analyze the locations of the transitions of the fuel and energy complex across the river. The research methodology involves the use of archival topographic maps, in particular the Austrian period (1874), the Polish period (1933) and the Soviet period (1989), as well as satellite images. To determine the horizontal displacements of the Svicha riverbed, the archival maps are tied to reference points and brought to a single coordinate system with images. The root mean square error of determining the planned coordinates for archival maps is up to 20 m, for a topographic map of the Soviet period – up to 10 m. Digitalization of the riverbed was performed for each data set. Results. As a result of measurements, the maximum displacements in the studied areas were determined. Horizontal displacements in four sections of the Svicha river at the transition points of fuel and energy infrastructure were analyzed. It has been established that in two sections the river is unstable and changes its horizontal position, which leads to periodic accidents at facilities. In particular, significant horizontal displacements of the riverbed, up to 450 m, were established in the sections of the crossing near the villages of Shevchenkove and Pidberezh. Scientific novelty and practical significance. The method of geoinformation monitoring of horizontal displacements for the Svicha riverbed was applied in order to determine the suitability of the existing transition points of the fuel and energy complex.
Ways of development of National cadastral systems
Authors:   Lviv Polytechnic National University, HUBAR YU. , KHAVAR Yu. ,   Lviv Polytechnic National University, VASH YA. ,   Lviv Polytechnic National University
Published: May 2021

Purpose. The purpose of this research is to prove the importance and necessity of further development of national inventories by implementing 3D/4D inventories that will improve the management decision-making process, the proposed technology will measure and update national inventories in real time. A robust verification system must continue to ensure the integrity of the inventory. Methodology. National cadastral systems play a special role in land management, and cadastral information is the basis for taxation and investment for the rational use and protection of land. The latest multifunctional cadastres form a comprehensive land information system of real estate, which includes the inclusion in its structure of basic registers (land register, register of rights and register of capital construction objects) and general registers containing information about objects, types of lands, natural and qualitative characteristics of lands, and other data that are the basis for economic and territorial planning and land management [Perovych L., 2003]. Results. The main direction of development of national cadastral systems is the collection of data and generalization of information on the state, quantitative and qualitative indicators of land resources, but these stages of the study are not the ultimate goal of creating cadastral systems. Emphasis should be placed on the convenience and feasibility of using such information. To increase the efficiency of national land cadastral systems, it is necessary to expand the cadastral system with information on land resources that for some reason were left without an owner, or have errors in design; plots that have an owner, but are not used in economic activities. Such information will ensure the formation of a multilevel structure of the land market and increase the efficiency of state regulation. Scientific novelty and practical significance. The importance of development of modern national cadastral systems is proved, which will further increase their potential in order to solve critical state tasks, namely: emergency management, economic processes, effective management in the field of public utilities and many other public administration functions. The proposed approach allows to properly understand and assess the legal situation on the ground, to improve the trends of intensification of land use and technologies for defining the boundaries of real estate. The introduction of the latest technologies will reduce the time of spatial planning and real estate development.
Innovative digital technologies in geodesy and geoinformatics at first online INTERGEO 2020
Authors:   CHC Navigation, GORB A. , TREVOHO I. ,   Lviv Polytechnic National University
Published: May 2021

The analysis of the main news of the INTERGEO 2020 exhibition in Berlin in the field of geodetic instrument engineering is carried out, the characteristics of new systems and professional comment are given
Representativeness of determining the soil natural fertility index
Authors:   Polissia National University, PEROVYCH Lev , PEROVYCH Lesya ,   Ivano-Frankivsk National Technical University of Oil and Gas, MARTYNIUK T. ,   Lviv Polytechnic National University
Published: May 2021

Assessment of the soil natural fertility is important in the socio-economic stability and development of each territory. Purpose: This study is devoted to the method of solving an important socio-economic problem – determining the soil fertility index. Research methodology. In the course of the research the methods of the theory of soil quality assessment, mathematical statistics, field and laboratory researches of the numerical values forming the estimated cost of soils are used. Natural soil fertility is represented by the five most important groups of factors: morphological, physical, agrochemical, physicochemical and environmental. Each group of factors may include a number of individual indicators that researchers believe are the most influential in assessing this type of soil. Soil quality is a complex natural functional system that cannot be obtained from direct measurements, but can be determined with a certain degree of confidence by processing the values that most fully characterize the soil. In this regard, a number of methods and methodological approaches to their definition have been developed. To this end, we have chosen a five-point rating scale, which makes it possible to assess each factor in a single evaluation system. The scientific novelty. Based on known methods of soil quality assessment, the authors propose a methodological approach that allows not only to assess the determination of the soil quality index and its accuracy but also the influence of individual factors on the index value. Results: classification of the factors forming the soil quality index, their scores` assessment and methodology of database processing have been developed, and their practical application and confirmation have been found in experimental studies. Practical significance. This can be used by experts in the field of soil assessment to develop proposals and recommendations for public authorities and local governments to address land administration issues.
Approaches to assessing economic efficiency of Ukraine territory mapping
Authors:   Lviv Polytechnic National University, TREVOHO I. , MARTYN A. ,   National University of georesources and nature management
Published: May 2021

Approaches to assessing economic efficiency of Ukraine territory topography mapping at the scale 1:10000 is considered. The main economical benefits of topographic map creation is defined and an attempt has been made to assess some advantages of topographic mapping.
Studying of Ukrainian masters of geodesy in Germany under the program of double diplomas in a pandemic conditions
Authors:   Lviv Polytechnic National University, TREVOHO I. , ZADOROZHNYY V. ,   Lviv Polytechnic National University
Published: May 2021

The results of studying masters of Lviv Polytechnic at the Higher School of Neubrandenburg, Germany according to the program of double diplomas in the conditions of the existing coronavirus pandemic are considered.
On the accuracy of (quasi) geoid models relatively UELN/EVRS2000 height systems
Authors:   Lviv Polytechnic National University, ZABLOTSKYY F. , DZHUMAN B. ,   Lviv Polytechnic National University, BRUSAK I. ,   Lviv Polytechnic National University
Published: May 2021

Nowadays the Baltic Height System 1977 operates in Ukraine, the starting point of which is the zero of the Kronstadt banchmark. However, the current height system in Ukraine is morally obsolete primarily due to the great distance from the zero-point of height (about 2 thousand km) and the difficulty of adapting to the use of satellite surveying methods. Therefore, today it does not correspond to the level of development of modern geospatial technologies and it needs to be modernized. The most optimal way to modernize the height network of Ukraine is its integration into the United European Leveling Network UELN, the zero point of which is the Amsterdam banchmark. Within the framework of such integration it is necessary to create a high-precision geoid model for the territory of Ukraine, connected to the UELN/EVRS2000 height system. Aim. The purpose of the work is to compare the accuracy of different geoid/quasigeoid models and the global gravitational field of the Earth on the Western Ukraine area (border region) relative to the heights of points in the height system UELN/EVRS2000, where GNSSleveling is performed, and to determine the most optimal model in relation to which a high-precision geoid model can be created, consistent with the UELN/EVRS2000 height system.Method. To obtain the heights of leveling points on the Ukraine area in the UELN/EVRS2000 height system we performed I class leveling on two lines from the fundamental benchmarks on the territory of Ukraine (heights are known in the Baltic height system 1977) to I class benchmarks on the Poland area (UELN/EVRS2000 height system). GNSS-leveling in static mode (1-second sampling observations for more than 6 hours) was performed on all fundamental and ground benchmarks, as well as horizontal marks. Results. The heights of the quasigeoid at 26 points are obtained from the performed measurements. The heights are compared with three global models of the Earth’s gravitational field: EGM2008, EIGEN-6C4 and XGM2019e_2159 (the maximum order of all these models is 2190), as well as with the European geoid EGG2015. It is established that the best accuracy (≈ 7 cm) allows to obtain the European geoid EGG2015. Scientific novelty and practical significance. For the first time the accuracy of the Earth’s gravitational field models and geoid models on the Ukraine area is investigated at points where the height in the UELN/EVRS2000 height system is known. We established that when constructing a high-precision quasigeoid using the “Remove–Restore” procedure, it is best to use the European geoid EGG2015 as a systematic component.
Analysis of erypsoidal heights errors based on GNSS-leveling results
Authors:   Lviv Polytechnic National University, FEDORCHUK A.
Published: May 2021

Research the influence of errors on the measurement results is always an urgent task. Analysis of such values makes it possible to assess the nature of the change and the magnitude of the impact of errors for their further consideration or compensation, or minimization. In this paper, the errors in determining ellipsoidal heights from GNSS observations are considered. In determining the ellipsoidal heights, this method can achieve an accuracy of 1–2 cm in static mode (Static) and 2–4 cm in real time mode (RTK). Thus, the accuracy of the chosen mode of observations will indicate the initial limits of the ellipsoidal heights errors influence, and the factors that arise directly during observations and data processing will determine the extent to which these errors will change relative to the initial limits. The purpose of this work is to analyze the errors of ellipsoidal heights based on the results of GNSS-leveling obtained in the static and RTK modes. Method. The study used GNSS-leveling data at 17 points (wall and soil benchmarks) of leveling lines of I–II classes, which are located within a radius of 15 km from the permanent station SULP of the Lviv Polytechnic National University. Observations were performed in static mode (4-hour) and RTK (8–10 measurements). Points are divided into three categories (5–6 points): 1) statics on wall benchmarks; 2) real-time mode on wall benchmarks; 3) static mode on soil benchmarks. By combining methods and categories, four GNSS networks were formed, including 11, 11, 12 and 17 points. Results. For each category, the percentages within which the errors of ellipsoidal heights change in static observation mode and real-time mode using the GNSS leveling method are presented. On the basis of the received information it is established that for the first case errors of ellipsoidal heights on the average change within ± 43 %, for the second ± 36 %, and for the third ± 14 %. The analysis of statistical characteristics for each category shows that the standard deviation of the static mode data is 2 % and 19 %, and the RTK mode – 12 %, respectively. Scientific novelty and practical significance. The nature of the change in the error limits of the ellipsoidal heights determination gives an idea of what accuracy should be expected when performing GNSS-leveling depending on the mode of observation. Such data play an important role in solving scientific and applied problems by GNSS leveling, such as the constructions of new leveling networks or monitoring the height points of existing networks.
Comparison of annual changes of zenith tropospheric delay components, calculated according to the atmospheric sounding data and by analytical model
Authors:   Lviv Polytechnic National University, KLADOCHNYI B. , PALIANYTSIA B. ,   Lviv Polytechnic National University
Published: May 2021

The aim of this work is to study the zenith tropospheric delay components fluctuations according to the atmospheric sounding data and analytical model in selected period and accuracy assessment of Saastamoinen model. Methodology. The main methods for calculation ZTD are atmospheric sounding and using analytical models. To study ZTD components we use atmospheric sounding data conducted at 4 Ukrainian upper air stations (Kyiv, Kharkiv, Lviv, Odesa) with 24 hours frequency, as well as near-surface atmospheric variables provided by weather stations with 3 hours frequency in the period from January 1 to December 31, 2019. ZTD components were calculated by integration using sounding data, and using Saastamoinen’s formulas. Based on the calculated data, created graphs comparing the values of sounding and model. Calculated the standard error of Saastamoinen model. Results. Compared ZTD components at points, located in different climatic zones, using the atmospheric pressure reduced to sea level. Both ZDD and ZWD are the largest at Odesa station. Annual fluctuation of ZDD are 8–20 mm and ZWD fluctuations are 75–95 mm. The daily amplitudes of ZDD are 5–6 mm in summer and 12–13 mm in winter. The daily amplitudes of ZWD are 20–30 mm in summer and 6–8 mm in winter. The standard error of Saastamoinen’s model is 7 mm for ZDD and 22 mm for ZWD. Scientific novelty and practical significance in that the study can improve accuracy and evaluate the feasibility of using different methods for calculating ZTD, see the dynamic of change ZDD and ZWD and their behavior over a long period. The results can be used for further studies of ZTD and improving the accuracy of satellite observations.
Application of data simulation procedure for troposphere GNSS tomography tasks
Authors:   Lviv Polytechnic National University, SAVCHUK S. , KHOPTAR A. ,   Lviv Polytechnic National University
Published: May 2021

The content and distribution of water vapor in the Earth’s atmosphere are related to various weather conditions and climatic processes, and are therefore important for understanding many meteorological phenomena. At the current stage of development and formation of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), the distribution of water vapor content can be established using such observations from GNSS tomography, which, in turn, allows to study changes in the vertical profile of water vapor content in the Earth’s troposphere. In troposphere GNSS tomography, accurate information on the distribution of water vapor is obtained using integrated measurements, such as the water vapor content value in the slant direction (Slant Water Vapor, SWV). The essence of the problem of troposphere GNSS tomography is the solution of equations system, the number of which is limited by the number of satellites involved in observations. In this case, the functional relationship between observations and unknowns, in the pathways of GNSS signals through the troposphere, must be known in sufficient numbers. However, today there is a problem of lack of such information, which leads to the main problem of the troposphere GNSS-tomography method – overcoming the deficit of rank in the inversion of the original equation. This problem can be solved by increasing the number of satellite signals in a wide range of positions. The purpose of this work is to maximize the use ofGNSS signals inmodeling tomographic solutions based on data simulation. Method. Based on the developed method of multi-GNSS observations data processing by the PPP method, an algorithm of the procedure of simulation of additional satellites in tomographic modeling in order to overcome the problems of rank deficit is proposed. Results. The results of application of the data simulation procedure for the vertical profile of water vapor content in the Earth’s troposphere are presented based on the results of processingGNSS observations at the GANP station (Poprad, Slovakia) in the period from 31.05.2019 to 1.06.2019. Scientific novelty and practical significance. For the first time, an algorithm for the procedure of additional satellites simulation was proposed in order to overcome the problems of rank deficit in the tomographic modeling.
Methodology of mapping of historical and cultural heritage objects by GIS technologies using archival cartographic and aerial materials
Authors:   Lviv Polytechnic National University, CHETVERIKOV B. , KHINTSITSKY O. ,   Lviv Polytechnic National University, KALYNYCH I. ,   Lviv Polytechnic National University
Published: May 2021

Aim. The purpose of the work is to process archival cartographic materials and remote sensing data for the interpretation of objects of historical and cultural heritage (OHCH) of Cherkasy, including those that have not been preserved. Method. One of the possible technological schemes for research is offered. According to her, the first step was to analyze the input data of the study, among which were: a map of Cherkasy in 1895 at a scale of 1:42000; German aerial image of 1944; a fragment of a space image of Cherkasy obtained from the GeoEye-1 satellite in 2018. Geometric correction of the input materials was performed in the Mercator projection and the WGS84 coordinate system, in which the transformed image was obtained. The next step was to vectorize the objects of historical and cultural heritage of Cherkasy, according to the list obtained on the city’s website. There are two types of objects: point and polygonal. When vectorizing polygonal objects, the historical boundaries were specified with the help of archival maps and aerial images. Special symbols have been developed for each of the types of historical and cultural heritage sites, according to the proposed classification. In addition, an attributive database of these objects was created, which had the following structure: number of the passport of object, the name of the object, the address of the OHCH, the number of the decision to take under protection, information about the OHCH. Also, the obtained vector data was exported to the exchange format with the extension kmz and an online version of the thematic map was created on the basis of the free GISFile resource. Results. As a result of the conducted researches, the thematic GIS of the objects of historical and cultural heritage of Cherkasy was created, which are plotted on the space image of high spatial resolution, obtained in 2018. An on-line version of the GIS of Cherkasy historical and cultural heritage sites has been created on the basis of the free GISFile cartographic service, with the possibility of analyzing the location of these objects and building optimal tourist routes. Scientific novelty. Possible algorithms for creating offline and on-line versions of thematic GIS are proposed. Practical value. The obtained results of mapping the objects of historical and cultural heritage of Cherkasy can be used by the structures of protection of objects of historical and cultural heritage of Cherkasy at the Ministry of Culture.
Pretreatment of Crop Residues for Bioconversion
Authors: Martín Carlos
Published: May 2021

Decreasing the dependence on fossil resources as raw materials for the production of fuels, platform chemicals, and commodities is an imperative requirement of today’s industry and society in order to alleviate the threats related to climate change [...]
Role of Oxidative Stress and Nrf2/KEAP1 Signaling in Colorectal Cancer: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Perspectives with Phytochemicals
Authors: Lee Da-Young , Song Moon-Young , Kim Eun-Hee
Published: May 2021

Colorectal cancer still has a high incidence and mortality rate, according to a report from the American Cancer Society. Colorectal cancer has a high prevalence in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Oxidative stress, including reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation, has been known to cause inflammatory diseases and malignant disorders. In particular, the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/Kelch-like ECH-related protein 1 (KEAP1) pathway is well known to protect cells from oxidative stress and inflammation. Nrf2 was first found in the homolog of the hematopoietic transcription factor p45 NF-E2, and the transcription factor Nrf2 is a member of the Cap ‘N’ Collar family. KEAP1 is well known as a negative regulator that rapidly degrades Nrf2 through the proteasome system. A range of evidence has shown that consumption of phytochemicals has a preventive or inhibitory effect on cancer progression or proliferation, depending on the stage of colorectal cancer. Therefore, the discovery of phytochemicals regulating the Nrf2/KEAP1 axis and verification of their efficacy have attracted scientific attention. In this review, we summarize the role of oxidative stress and the Nrf2/KEAP1 signaling pathway in colorectal cancer, and the possible utility of phytochemicals with respect to the regulation of the Nrf2/KEAP1 axis in colorectal cancer.
Mapping National Mangrove Cover for Belize Using Google Earth Engine and Sentinel-2 Imagery
Authors: Cissell Jordan R. , Canty Steven W. J. , Steinberg Michael K. , Simpson Loraé T.
Published: May 2021

In this paper, we present the highest-resolution-available (10 m) national map of the mangrove ecosystems of Belize. These important ecosystems are increasingly threatened by human activities and climate change, support both marine and terrestrial biodiversity, and provide critical ecosystem services to coastal communities in Belize and throughout the Mesoamerican Reef ecoregion. Previous national- and international-level inventories document Belizean mangrove forests at spatial resolutions of 30 m or coarser, but many mangrove patches and loss events may be too small to be accurately mapped at these resolutions. Our 10 m map addresses this need for a finer-scale national mangrove inventory. We mapped mangrove ecosystems in Belize as of 2020 by performing a random forest classification of Sentinel-2 Multispectral Instrument imagery in Google Earth Engine. We mapped a total mangrove area of 578.54 km2 in 2020, with 372.04 km2 located on the mainland and 206.50 km2 distributed throughout the country’s islands and cayes. Our findings are substantially different from previous, coarser-resolution national mangrove inventories of Belize, which emphasizes the importance of high-resolution mapping efforts for ongoing conservation efforts.
Design and Experimental Research of Knee Joint Prosthesis Based on Gait Acquisition Technology
Authors: Zhang Yonghong , Wang Erliang , Wang Miao , Liu Sizhe , Ge Wenjie
Published: May 2021

Whether the lower limb prosthesis can better meet the needs of amputees, the biomimetic performance of the knee joint is particularly important. In this paper, Nokov(metric) optical 3D motion capture system was used to collect motion data of normal human lower limbs, and the motion instantaneous center of multi-gait knee joint was obtained. Taking the error of knee joint motion instantaneous center line as the objective function, a set of six-bar mechanism prosthetic knee joint was designed based on a genetic algorithm. The experimental results show that the movement trajectory of the instantaneous center of the knee joint is basically similar to that of the human knee joint, so it can help amputees complete a variety of gaits and has good biomimetic performance. Gait acquisition technology can provide important data for prosthetic designers and it will be widely used in prosthetic design and other fields.
Vitamin D Deficiency Reduces Vascular Reactivity of Coronary Arterioles in Male Rats
Authors: Fontányi Zoltán , Sziva Réka Eszter , Pál Éva , Hadjadj Leila , Monori-Kiss Anna , Horváth Eszter Mária , Benkő Rita , Magyar Attila , Heinzlmann Andrea , Benyó Zoltán , Nádasy György L. , Masszi Gabriella , Várbíró Szabolcs
Published: May 2021

Background: Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) may be considered an independent cardiovascular (CV) risk factor, and it is well known that CV risk is higher in males. Our goal was to investigate the pharmacological reactivity and receptor expression of intramural coronary artery segments of male rats in cases of different vitamin D supply. Methods: Four-week-old male Wistar rats were divided into a control group (n = 11) with optimal vitamin D supply (300 IU/kgbw/day) and a VDD group (n = 11, <0.5 IU/kgbw/day). After 8 weeks of treatment, intramural coronary artery segments were microprepared, their pharmacological reactivity was examined by in vitro microangiometry, and their receptor expression was investigated by immunohistochemistry. Results: Thromboxane A2 (TXA2)-agonist induced reduced vasoconstriction, testosterone (T) and 17-β-estradiol (E2) relaxations were significantly decreased, a significant decrease in thromboxane receptor (TP) expression was shown, and the reduction in estrogen receptor-α (ERα) expression was on the border of significance in the VDD group. Conclusions: VD-deficient male coronary arteries showed deteriorated pharmacological reactivity to TXA2 and sexual steroids (E2, T). Insufficient vasoconstrictor capacity was accompanied by decreased TP receptor expression, and vasodilator impairments were mainly functional. The decrease in vasoconstrictor and vasodilator responses results in narrowed adaptational range of coronaries, causing inadequate coronary perfusion that might contribute to the increased CV risk in VDD.
Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Pineapple Rhizome Bromelain through Downregulation of the NF-B- and MAPKs-Signaling Pathways in Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-Stimulated RAW264.7 Cells
Authors: Insuan Orapin , Janchai Phornphimon , Thongchuai Benchaluk , Chaiwongsa Rujirek , Khamchun Supaporn , Saoin Somphot , Insuan Wimonrut , Pothacharoen Peraphan , Apiwatanapiwat Waraporn , Boondaeng Antika , Vaithanomsat Pilanee
Published: May 2021

Bromelain is a mixture of proteolytic enzymes derived from pineapple (Ananas comosus) fruit and stem possessing several beneficial properties, particularly anti-inflammatory activity. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-inflammatory effects of bromelain are unclear. This study investigated the anti-inflammatory effects and inhibitory molecular mechanisms of crude and purified rhizome bromelains on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. RAW264.7 cells were pre-treated with various concentrations of crude bromelain (CB) or purified bromelain (PB), and then treated with LPS. The production levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators, including nitric oxide (NO), interleukin (IL)-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)- were determined by Griess and ELISA assays. The expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthetase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-B), and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs)-signaling pathway-related proteins were examined by western blot analysis. The pre-treatment of bromelain dose-dependently reduced LPS-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators, which correlated with downregulation of iNOS and COX-2 expressions. The inhibitory potency of PB was stronger than that of CB. PB also suppressed phosphorylated NF-B (p65), nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells inhibitor alpha, extracellular signal-regulated kinases, c-Jun amino-terminal kinases, and p38 proteins in LPS-treated cells. PB then exhibited potent anti-inflammatory effects on LPS-induced inflammatory responses in RAW264.7 cells by inhibiting the NF-B and MAPKs-signaling pathways.
CONFISCA: An SIMD-Based Concurrent FI and SCA Countermeasure with Switchable Performance and Security Modes
Authors: Aerabi Ehsan , Hély David , Bresch Cyril , Papadimitriou Athanasios , Fazeli Mahdi
Published: May 2021

CONFISCA is the first generic SIMD-based software countermeasure that can concurrently resist against Side-Channel Attack (SCA) and Fault Injection (FI). Its promising strength is presented in a PRESENT cipher case study and compared to software-based Dual-rail with Pre-charge Logic concurrent countermeasure. It has lower overhead, wider usability, and higher protection. Its protection has been compared using Correlation Power Analysis, Welch’s T-Test, Signal-to-Noise Ratio and Normalized Inter-Class Variance testing methods. CONFISCA can on-the-fly switch between its two modes of operation: The High-Performance and High-Security by having only one instance of the cipher. This gives us the flexibility to trade performance/energy with security, based on the actual critical needs.
Control of the Swell by an Array of Helmholtz Resonators
Authors: Euvé Léo-Paul , Piesniewska Natalia , Maurel Agnès , Pham Kim , Petitjeans Philippe , Pagneux Vincent
Published: May 2021

We present a theoretical and experimental study of a resonator of the Helmholtz type for the control of the swell. An experimental demonstration of the shielding effect by a belt made of evenly distributed resonators is given. We then provide in-depth analysis of the Fano resonance resulting from the interference between the dock scattering (the background) and the resonant cavity scattering. This is done thanks to space–time resolved experiments which provides the complex-valued scattering coefficients and amplitude within the resonator. We provide a one-dimensional model derived in the shallow water regime owing to asymptotic analysis. The model contains the two ingredients of the Fano resonance and allows us to exhibit the damping due to leakage. When adding heuristically the damping due to losses, it reproduces the main features of the resonance observed experimentally.
Impact of an Augmented Reality Navigation System (SIRIO) on Bone Percutaneous Procedures: A Comparative Analysis with Standard CT-Guided Technique
Authors: Faiella Eliodoro , Castiello Gennaro , Bernetti Caterina , Pacella Giuseppina , Altomare Carlo , Andresciani Flavio , Beomonte Zobel Bruno , Grasso Rosario Francesco
Published: May 2021

(1) Background: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of an augmented reality navigation system (SIRIO) for percutaneous biopsies and ablative treatments on bone lesions, compared to a standard CT-guided technique. (2) Methods: Bioptic and ablative procedures on bone lesions were retrospectively analyzed. All procedures were divided into SIRIO and Non-SIRIO groups and in <2 cm and >2 cm groups. Number of CT-scans, procedural time and patient’s radiation dose were reported for each group. Diagnostic accuracy was obtained for bioptic procedures. (3) Results: One-hundred-ninety-three procedures were evaluated: 142 biopsies and 51 ablations. Seventy-four biopsy procedures were performed using SIRIO and 68 under standard CT-guidance; 27 ablative procedures were performed using SIRIO and 24 under standard CT-guidance. A statistically significant reduction in the number of CT-scans, procedural time and radiation dose was observed for percutaneous procedures performed using SIRIO, in both <2 cm and >2 cm groups. The greatest difference in all variables examined was found for procedures performed on lesions <2 cm. Higher diagnostic accuracy was found for all SIRIO-assisted biopsies. No major or minor complications occurred in any procedures. (4) Conclusions: The use of SIRIO significantly reduces the number of CT-scans, procedural time and patient’s radiation dose in CT-guided percutaneous bone procedures, particularly for lesions <2 cm. An improvement in diagnostic accuracy was also achieved in SIRIO-assisted biopsies.
Leptospira interrogans Serovar Hardjo Seroprevalence and Farming Practices on Small-Scale Dairy Farms in North Eastern India; Insights Gained from a Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Leahy Eithne , Shome Rajeswari , Deka Ram P. , Grace Delia , Sahay Swati , Lindahl Johanna F.
Published: May 2021

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease of major public health concern in India. Bovines play an important role in maintaining and transmitting this disease and proximity between dairy cows and humans makes the dairy cow-human nexus a transmission route of public health interest, yet one currently under-examined in North Eastern India. We report a cross-sectional survey carried out on small-scale dairy farms in the states of Assam and Bihar in North Eastern India investigating seroprevalence for Leptospira interrogans serovar Hardjo, the most common pathogenic serovar reported in cattle worldwide. Higher seroprevalence was reported on dairy farms in Bihar 4.5% (95% CI 2.6–7.5%) than in Assam 1.2% (95% CI 0.42–3.6%), but overall seroprevalence levels were low. The study is the first indication of leptospirosis circulating in small-scale dairy farms in these states. To correlate farming practices with zoonotic risk, we combined results from a dairy farmer questionnaire with cow seroprevalence. However, low seroprevalence levels found in this study made the identification of risk factors difficult. Nevertheless, poor farming practices around hygiene and biosecurity on dairy farms have been highlighted. Implementing simple measures could mitigate environmental contamination, and therefore, reduce the risk of Leptospira interrogans, and other zoonoses transmission, at the animal-environment-human interface.
The Stochastic Nature of Functional Responses
Authors: Palamara Gian Marco , Capitán José A. , Alonso David
Published: May 2021

Functional responses are non-linear functions commonly used to describe the variation in the rate of consumption of resources by a consumer. They have been widely used in both theoretical and empirical studies, but a comprehensive understanding of their parameters at different levels of description remains elusive. Here, by depicting consumers and resources as stochastic systems of interacting particles, we present a minimal set of reactions for consumer resource dynamics. We rigorously derived the corresponding system of ODEs, from which we obtained via asymptotic expansions classical 2D consumer-resource dynamics, characterized by different functional responses. We also derived functional responses by focusing on the subset of reactions describing only the feeding process. This involves fixing the total number of consumers and resources, which we call chemostatic conditions. By comparing these two ways of deriving functional responses, we showed that classical functional response parameters in effective 2D consumer-resource dynamics differ from the same parameters obtained by measuring (or deriving) functional responses for typical feeding experiments under chemostatic conditions, which points to potential errors in interpreting empirical data. We finally discuss possible generalizations of our models to systems with multiple consumers and more complex population structures, including spatial dynamics. Our stochastic approach builds on fundamental ecological processes and has natural connections to basic ecological theory.
Improving the Reversible LSB Matching Scheme Based on the Likelihood Re-Encoding Strategy
Authors: Lu Tzu-Chuen , Yang Ping-Chung , Jana Biswapati
Published: May 2021

In 2018, Tseng et al. proposed a dual-image reversible embedding method based on the modified Least Significant Bit matching (LSB matching) method. This method improved on the dual-image LSB matching method proposed by Lu et al. In Lu et al.’s scheme, there are seven situations that cannot be restored and need to be modified. Furthermore, the scheme uses two pixels to conceal four secret bits. The maximum modification of each pixel, in Lu et al.’s scheme, is two. To decrease the modification, Tseng et al. use one pixel to embed two secret bits and allow the maximum modification to decrease from two to one such that the image quality can be improved. This study enhances Tseng et al.’s method by re-encoding the modified rule table based on the probability of each hiding combination. The scheme analyzes the frequency occurrence of each combination and sets the lowest modified codes to the highest frequency case to significantly reduce the amount of modification. Experimental results show that better image quality is obtained using our method under the same amount of hiding payload.
From a Recession to the COVID-19 Pandemic: Inflation–Unemployment Comparison between the UK and India
Authors: Victor Vijay , Karakunnel Joshy Joseph , Loganathan Swetha , Meyer Daniel Francois
Published: May 2021

The recession in India and the UK peaked in 2017 due to the implications of new policy initiatives. The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic at the beginning of 2020 intensified the crisis, causing a drastic decline in aggregate demand and output. India and the UK have resorted to monetary and fiscal stimulus packages to face the economic crisis. This study investigated the inflation–unemployment dynamics during the recession and COVID-19 times in India and the UK. Using a generalized additive model (GAM), the results of this study revealed that the recession had given way to stagflation in India. In contrast, in the UK, it has led to a more severe recession in the short-run. During the downturn, policy initiatives aggravate the recession and eventually turn to stagflation in India due to inflation caused by the weak supply side. However, in the UK, the policy initiatives during this downturn pushed the economy into a deeper recession due to reduced demand. The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has had a similar recessionary impact on both economies. A time horizon based recovery plan is suggested to help the economies recover from stagflation and even deeper recession. This framework could enable policymakers to choose the right path of recovery within the shortest possible time.
Effects of Polyphenols in Tea (Camellia sinensis sp.) on the Modulation of Gut Microbiota in Human Trials and Animal Studies
Authors: Khairudin Mus Azza Suhana , Mhd Jalil Abbe Maleyki , Hussin Napisah
Published: May 2021

A diet high in polyphenols is associated with a diversified gut microbiome. Tea is the second most consumed beverage in the world, after water. The health benefits of tea might be attributed to the presence of polyphenol compounds such as flavonoids (e.g., catechins and epicatechins), theaflavins, and tannins. Although many studies have been conducted on tea, little is known of its effects on the trillions of gut microbiota. Hence, this review aimed to systematically study the effect of tea polyphenols on the stimulation or suppression of gut microbiota in humans and animals. It was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol. Articles were retrieved from PubMed and Scopus databases, and data were extracted from 6 human trials and 15 animal studies. Overall, large variations were observed in terms of microbiota composition between humans and animals. A more consistent pattern of diversified microbiota was observed in animal studies. Tea alleviated the gut microbiota imbalance caused by high-fat diet-induced obesity, diabetes, and ultraviolet-induced damage. The overall changes in microbiota composition measured by beta diversity analysis showed that tea had shifted the microbiota from the pattern seen in animals that received tea-free intervention. In humans, a prebiotic-like effect was observed toward the gut microbiota, but these results appeared in lower-quality studies. The beta diversity in human microbiota remains intact despite tea intervention; supplementation with different teas affects different types of bacterial taxa in the gut. These studies suggest that tea polyphenols may have a prebiotic effect in disease-induced animals and in a limited number of human interventions. Further intervention is needed to identify the mechanisms of action underlying the effects of tea on gut microbiota.