bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermal Evaluation by Infrared Thermography Measurement of Osteotomies Performed with Er:YAG Laser, Piezosurgery and Surgical Drill—An Animal Study
Authors: Gabrić Dragana , Aumiler Damir , Vuletić Marko , Gjorgievska Elizabeta , Blašković Marko , Mladenov Mitko , Pavlić Verica
Published: June 2021

The bone healing process following osteotomy may vary according to the type of surgical instrumentation. The aim of the present in vivo study was to determine thermal changes of the bone tissue following osteotomies performed by Er:YAG laser ablation in contact and non-contact modes, piezoelectric surgery, and surgical drill using an infrared thermographic camera. For each measurement, the temperature before the osteotomy-baseline (Tbase) and the maximal temperature measured during osteotomy (Tmax) were determined. Mean temperature (ΔT) values were calculated for each osteotomy technique. The significance of the difference of the registered temperature between groups was assessed by the ANOVA test for repeated measures. Mean baseline temperature (Tbase) was 27.9 ± 0.3 °C for contact Er:YAG laser, 29.9 ± 0.3 °C for non-contact Er:YAG laser, 29.4 ± 0.3 °C for piezosurgery, and 28.3 ± 0.3 °C for surgical drill. Mean maximum temperature (Tmax) was 29.9 ± 0.5 °C (ΔT = 1.9 ± 0.3 °C) for contact Er:YAG laser, 79.1 ± 4.6 °C (ΔT = 49.1 ± 4.4 °C) for non-contact Er:YAG laser, 29.1 ± 0.2 °C (ΔT = −0.2 ± 0.3 °C) for piezosurgery, and 27.3 ± 0.4 °C (ΔT = −0.9 ± 0.4 °C) for surgical drill. Statistically significant temperature changes were observed for the non-contact laser. The results of the study showed beneficial effects of the osteotomy performed by the Er:YAG laser used in the contact mode of working as well as for piezosurgery, reducing the potential overheating of the bone tissue as determined by means of infrared thermography.
Laser Beam Drilling of Inconel 718 and Its Effect on Mechanical Properties Determined by Static Uniaxial Tensile Testing at Room and Elevated Temperatures
Authors: Petrů Jana , Pagáč Marek , Grepl Martin
Published: June 2021

Particularly in the aerospace industry and its applications, recast layers and microcracks in base materials are considered to be undesirable side effects of the laser beam machining process, and can have a significant influence on the resulting material behavior and its properties. The paper deals with the evaluation of the affected areas of the Inconel 718 nickel-base superalloy after its drilling by a laser beam. In addition, measurements and analyses of the mechanical properties were performed to investigate how these material properties were affected. It is supposed that the mechanical properties of the base material will be negatively affected by this accompanying machining process phenomenon. As a verification method of the final mechanical properties of the material, static uniaxial tension tests were performed on experimental flat shape samples made of the same material (Inconel 718) and three different thicknesses (0.5/1.0/1.6 mm) which best represented the practical needs of aerospace sheet metal applications. There was one hole that was drilled with an angle of under 70° in the middle of the sample length. Additionally, there were several sets of samples for each material thickness that were drilled by both conventional and nonconventional methods to emphasize the effect of the recast layer on the base material. In total, 192 samples were evaluated within the experiment. Moreover, different tensile testing temperatures (room as 23 °C and elevated as 550 °C) were determined for all the circumstances of the individual experiments to simulate real operation load material behavior. As a result, the dependencies between the amount of the recast layer and the length of the microcracks observed after the material was machined by laser beam, and the decrease in the mechanical properties of the base material, were determined.
Factors of Stress Concentration around Spherical Cavity Embedded in Cylinder Subjected to Internal Pressure
Authors: Abdelghani Mechri , Tewfik Ghomari , Witek Maciej , Djahida Djouadi
Published: June 2021

In this paper, an accurate distribution of stress as well as corresponding factors of stress concentration determination around a spherical cavity, which is considered as embedded in a cylinder exposed to the internal pressure only, is presented. This approach was applied at three main meridians of the porosity by combining the Eshelby’s equivalent inclusion method with Mura and Chang’s methodology employing the jump condition across the interface of the cavity and matrix, respectively. The distribution of stresses around the spherical flaw and their concentration factors were formulated in the form of newly formulated analytical relations involving the geometric ratio of the cylinder, such as external radius and thickness, the angle around the cavity, depth of the porosity, as well as the material Poisson ratio. Subsequently, a comparison of the analytical results and the numerical simulation results is applied to validate obtained results. The results show that the stress concentration factors (SCFs) are not constant for an incorporated flaw and vary with both the porosity depth and the Poisson ratio, regardless of whether the cylinder geometric ratio is thin or thick.
A Study of the Localized Ceria Coating Deposition on Fe-Rich Intermetallics in an AlSiFe Cast Alloy
Authors: Sainis Salil , Zanella Caterina
Published: June 2021

Corrosion inhibiting conversion coating formation is triggered by the activity of micro-galvanic couples in the microstructure and subsequent local increase in pH at cathodic sites, which in the case of aluminium alloys are usually intermetallics. Ceria coatings are formed spontaneously upon immersion of aluminium alloys in a cerium conversion coating solution, the high pH gradient in the vicinity of intermetallics drives the local precipitation of ceria conversion compounds. Cu-rich intermetallics demonstrate a highly cathodic nature and have shown the local precipitation reaction to occur readily. Fe-rich intermetallics are, however, weaker cathodes and have shown varied extents of localized deposits and are in focus in the current work. Model cast Al-7wt.%Si alloys have been designed with 1 wt.% Fe, solidified at different cooling rates to achieve two different microstructures, with big and small intermetallics, respectively. Upon subjecting the two microstructures to the same conversion coating treatment (immersion in a 0.1 M CeCl3 solution) for a short period of 2 h, preferential heavy deposition on the boundaries of the big intermetallics and light deposition on the small intermetallics was observed. Based on these observations, a mechanism of localized coating initiation at these Fe-rich intermetallic particles (IM) is proposed.
Adaptive Obstacle Avoidance for a Class of Collaborative Robots
Authors: Chiriatti Giorgia , Palmieri Giacomo , Scoccia Cecilia , Palpacelli Matteo Claudio , Callegari Massimo
Published: June 2021

In a human–robot collaboration scenario, operator safety is the main problem and must be guaranteed under all conditions. Collision avoidance control techniques are essential to improve operator safety and robot flexibility by preventing impacts that can occur between the robot and humans or with objects inadvertently left within the operational workspace. On this basis, collision avoidance algorithms for moving obstacles are presented in this paper: inspired by algorithms already developed by the authors for planar manipulators, algorithms are adapted for the 6-DOF collaborative manipulators by Universal Robots, and some new contributions are introduced. First, in this work, the safety region wrapping each link of the manipulator assumes a cylindrical shape whose radius varies according to the speed of the colliding obstacle, so that dynamical obstacles are avoided with increased safety regions in order to reduce the risk, whereas fixed obstacles allow us to use smaller safety regions, facilitating the motion of the robot. In addition, three different modalities for the collision avoidance control law are proposed, which differ in the type of motion admitted for the perturbation of the end-effector: the general mode allows for a 6-DOF perturbation, but restrictions can be imposed on the orientation part of the avoidance motion using 4-DOF or 3-DOF modes. In order to demonstrate the effectiveness of the control strategy, simulations with dynamic and fixed obstacles are presented and discussed. Simulations are also used to estimate the required computational effort in order to verify the transferability to a real system.
Evaluating Popular Statistical Properties of Incomplete Block Designs: A MATLAB Program Approach
Authors: Mba Emmanuel Ikechukwu , Chigbu Polycarp Emeka , Ukaegbu Eugene Chijindu
Published: June 2021

Evaluating the statistical properties of a semi-Latin square, and in general, an incomplete block design, is vital in determining the usefulness of the design for experimentation. Improving the procedures for obtaining these statistical properties has been the subject of some research studies and software developments. Many available statistical software that evaluate incomplete block designs do so at the level of analysis of variance but not for the popular A-, D-, E-, and MV-efficiency properties of these designs to determine their adequacy for experimentation. This study presents a program written in the MATLAB environment using MATLAB codes and syntaxes which is capable of computing the A-, D-, E-, and MV-efficiency properties of any n×n/k semi-Latin square and any incomplete block design via their incidence matrices, where N is the number of rows and columns and k is the number of plots. The only input required for the program to compute the four efficiency criteria is the incidence matrix of the incomplete block design. The incidence matrix is the binary representation of an incomplete block design. The program automatically generates the efficiency values of the design once the incidence matrix has been provided, as shown in the examples.
Correction: Kiskinov et al. Existence of Absolutely Continuous Fundamental Matrix of Linear Fractional System with Distributed Delays. Mathematics 2021, 9, 150
Authors: Kiskinov Hristo , Madamlieva Ekaterina , Veselinova Magdalena , Zahariev Andrey
Published: June 2021

We have found that, in the right side of Equation (35) in our paper [...]
Minimally Supported Frequency (MSF) d-Dilation Wavelets
Authors: Vyas Aparna , Kim Gibak
Published: June 2021

In this paper, we provide a geometric construction of a symmetric 2n-interval minimally supported frequency (MSF) d-dilation wavelet set with d∈(1,∞) and characterize all symmetric d-dilation wavelet sets. We also provide two special kinds of symmetric d-dilation wavelet sets, one of which has 4m-intervals whereas the other has (4m+2)-intervals, for m∈N. In addition, we construct a family of d-dilation wavelet sets that has an infinite number of components.
Generalization of the Modigliani–Miller Theory for the Case of Variable Profit
Authors: Brusov Peter , Filatova Tatiana , Orekhova Natali , Kulik Veniamin , Chang She-I , Lin George
Published: June 2021

For the first time we have generalized the world-famous theory by Nobel Prize winners Modigliani and Miller for the case of variable profit, which significantly extends the application of the theory in practice, specifically in business valuation, ratings, corporate finance, etc. We demonstrate that all the theorems, statements and formulae of Modigliani and Miller are changed significantly. We combine theoretical and numerical (by MS Excel) considerations. The following results are obtained: (1) Discount rate for leverage company changes from the weighted average cost of capital, WACC, to WACC–g (where g is growing rate), for a financially independent company from k0 to k0–g. This means that WACC and k0 are no longer the discount rates as it takes place in case of classical Modigliani–Miller theory with constant profit. WACC grows with g, while real discount rates WACC–g and k0–g decrease with g. This leads to an increase of company capitalization with g. (2) The tilt angle of the equity cost ke(L) grows with g. This should change the dividend policy of the company, because the economically justified value of dividends is equal to equity cost. (3) A qualitatively new effect in corporate finance has been discovered: at rate g < g* the slope of the curve ke(L) turns out to be negative, which could significantly alter the principles of the company’s dividend policy.
Model of Evaluation and Selection of Expert Group Members for Smart Cities, Green Transportation and Mobility: From Safe Times to Pandemic Times
Authors: Kelemen Miroslav , Polishchuk Volodymyr , Gavurová Beáta , Rozenberg Róbert , Bartok Juraj , Gaál Ladislav , Gera Martin , Kelemen Martin
Published: June 2021

This paper presents the development of technologies to support the decision-making of local government executives and smart city concept managers in selecting and evaluating the competencies of new members for advisory groups for solving problems that are implemented in safe times in individual areas or in crises, such as pandemics. The reason for developing effective urban transformation strategies and for the transparent selection of independent experts (non-politicians) for policymaking, decision-making, and implementation teams is not only the heterogeneity of smart city dimensions together with the necessary complexity and systems approach, but also the nature of the capacities and tools needed for smart city concepts. The innovative hybrid competency assessment model is based on fuzzy logic and a network for neuro-fuzzy assessment. It is a technological model for evaluating the competencies of specialists, taking into account the influence of human factors on the processes of personnel selection and system management. An innovative web platform named “Smart City Concept Personnel Selection” has been designed, which can be adapted to various users of municipalities or regional institutions for the transparent selection of qualified personnel for effective decision-making and the use of public funds during safe times or emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Anomaly Detection in Multichannel Data Using Sparse Representation in RADWT Frames
Authors: De Canditiis Daniela , De Feis Italia
Published: June 2021

We introduce a new methodology for anomaly detection (AD) in multichannel fast oscillating signals based on nonparametric penalized regression. Assuming the signals share similar shapes and characteristics, the estimation procedures are based on the use of the Rational-Dilation Wavelet Transform (RADWT), equipped with a tunable Q-factor able to provide sparse representations of functions with different oscillations persistence. Under the standard hypothesis of Gaussian additive noise, we model the signals by the RADWT and the anomalies as additive in each signal. Then we perform AD imposing a double penalty on the multiple regression model we obtained, promoting group sparsity both on the regression coefficients and on the anomalies. The first constraint preserves a common structure on the underlying signal components; the second one aims to identify the presence/absence of anomalies. Numerical experiments show the performance of the proposed method in different synthetic scenarios as well as in a real case.
Planning Implementation Success of Syncope Clinical Practice Guidelines in the Emergency Department Using CFIR Framework
Authors: Li Jing , Smyth Susan S. , Clouser Jessica M. , McMullen Colleen A. , Gupta Vedant , Williams Mark V.
Published: June 2021

Background and Objectives: Overuse and inappropriate use of testing and hospital admission are common in syncope evaluation and management. Though guidelines are available to optimize syncope care, research indicates that current clinical guidelines have not significantly impacted resource utilization surrounding emergency department (ED) evaluation of syncope. Matching implementation strategies to barriers and facilitators and tailoring strategies to local context hold significant promise for a successful implementation of clinical practice guidelines (CPG). Our team applied implementation science principles to develop a stakeholder-based implementation strategy. Methods and Materials: We partnered with patients, family caregivers, frontline clinicians and staff, and health system administrators at four health systems to conduct quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews for context assessment. The identification of implementation strategies was done by applying the CFIR-ERIC Implementation Strategy Matching Tool and soliciting stakeholders’ inputs. We then co-designed with patients and frontline teams, and developed and tested specific strategies. Results: A total of 114 clinicians completed surveys and 32 clinicians and stakeholders participated in interviews. Results from the surveys and interviews indicated low awareness of syncope guidelines, communication challenges with patients, lack of CPG protocol integration into ED workflows, and organizational process to change as major barriers to CPG implementation. Thirty-one patients and their family caregivers participated in interviews and expressed their expectations: clarity regarding their diagnosis, context surrounding care plan and diagnostic testing, and a desire to feel cared about. Identifying change methods to address the clinician barriers and patients and family caregivers expectations informed development of the multilevel, multicomponent implementation strategy, MISSION, which includes patient educational materials, mentored implementation, academic detailing, Syncope Optimal Care Pathway and a corresponding mobile app, and Lean quality improvement methods. The pilot of MISSION demonstrated feasibility, acceptability and initial success on appropriate testing. Conclusions: Effective multifaceted implementation strategies that target individuals, teams, and healthcare systems can be employed to plan successful implementation and promote adherence to syncope CPGs.
Strength of Superelastic NiTi Velcro-Like Fasteners
Authors: Vokoun David , Pilch Jan , Kadeřávek Lukáš , Šittner Petr
Published: June 2021

Velcro hook-and-loop fasteners invented more than 70 years ago are examples of the mechanism inspired by the tiny hooks found on the surface of burs of a plant commonly known as burdock. Several years ago, a novel Velcro-like fastener made of two arrays of hook-shaped thin NiTi wires was developed. Unique features of such fasteners, such as high thermally-tunable strength, fair force–stroke reproducibility, forceless contact or silent release, all derive from the superelasticity of the NiTi micro-wires. Recently, it was noticed that the presented fastener design allowed for a prediction of the number of active hooks. In this continuing study, the tension strength of the fastener was simulated as a function of hook density. Based on statistics, the model showed non-linear dependency of the number of interlocked hooks, N, on the hook density, m (N = round (0.21 m + 0.0035 m2 − 6.6)), for the simple hook pairs and the given hook geometry. The dependence of detachment force on stroke was simulated based on the Gaussian distribution of unhooking of individual hook connections along the stroke. The strength of the studied NiTi hook fasteners depended on hook density approximately linearly. The highest strength per cm2 reached at room temperature was 10.5 Ncm−2 for a density of m = 240 hooks/cm2.
The Metabolic Response of Brachypodium Roots to the Interaction with Beneficial Bacteria Is Affected by the Plant Nutritional Status
Authors: Schillaci Martino , Kehelpannala Cheka , Martinez-Seidel Federico , Smith Penelope M. C. , Arsova Borjana , Watt Michelle , Roessner Ute
Published: June 2021

The potential of plant growth promoting (PGP) bacteria in improving the performance of plants in suboptimal environments is increasingly acknowledged, but little information is available on the mechanisms underlying this interaction, particularly when plants are subjected to a combination of stresses. In this study, we investigated the effects of the inoculation with the PGP bacteria Azospirillum brasilense (Azospirillum) on the metabolism of the model cereal Brachypodium distachyon (Brachypodium) grown at low temperatures and supplied with insufficient phosphorus. Investigating polar metabolite and lipid fluctuations during early plant development, we found that the bacteria initially elicited a defense response in Brachypodium roots, while at later stages Azospirillum reduced the stress caused by phosphorus deficiency and improved root development of inoculated plants, particularly by stimulating the growth of branch roots. We propose that the interaction of the plant with Azospirillum was influenced by its nutritional status: bacteria were sensed as pathogens while plants were still phosphorus sufficient, but the interaction became increasingly beneficial for the plants as their phosphorus levels decreased. Our results provide new insights on the dynamics of the cereal-PGP bacteria interaction, and contribute to our understanding of the role of beneficial microorganisms in the growth of cereal crops in suboptimal environments.
A Review of the Progress of Thin-Film Transistors and Their Technologies for Flexible Electronics
Authors: Mirshojaeian Hosseini Mohammad , Nawrocki Robert
Published: June 2021

Flexible electronics enable various technologies to be integrated into daily life and fuel the quests to develop revolutionary applications, such as artificial skins, intelligent textiles, e-skin patches, and on-skin displays. Mechanical characteristics, including the total thickness and the bending radius, are of paramount importance for physically flexible electronics. However, the limitation regarding semiconductor fabrication challenges the mechanical flexibility of thin-film electronics. Thin-Film Transistors (TFTs) are a key component in thin-film electronics that restrict the flexibility of thin-film systems. Here, we provide a brief overview of the trends of the last three decades in the physical flexibility of various semiconducting technologies, including amorphous-silicon, polycrystalline silicon, oxides, carbon nanotubes, and organics. The study demonstrates the trends of the mechanical properties, including the total thickness and the bending radius, and provides a vision for the future of flexible TFTs.
Visualization of Gene Reciprocity among Lactic Acid Bacteria in Yogurt by RNase H-Assisted Rolling Circle Amplification-Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization
Authors: Horio Kyohei , Takahashi Hirokazu , Kobori Toshiro , Watanabe Kenshi , Aki Tsunehiro , Nakashimada Yutaka , Okamura Yoshiko
Published: June 2021

Recently, we developed an in situ mRNA detection method termed RNase H-assisted rolling circle amplification-fluorescence in situ hybridization (RHa-RCA-FISH), which can detect even short mRNA in a bacterial cell. However, because this FISH method is sensitive to the sample condition, it is necessary to find a suitable cell permeabilization and collection protocol. Here, we demonstrate its further applicability for detecting intrinsic mRNA expression using lactic acid bacteria (LAB) as a model consortium. Our results show that this method can visualize functional gene expression in LAB cells and can be used for monitoring the temporal transition of gene expression. In addition, we also confirmed that data obtained from bulk analyses such as RNA-seq or microarray do not always correspond to gene expression in individual cells. RHa-RCA-FISH will be a powerful tool to compensate for insufficient data from metatranscriptome analyses while clarifying the carriers of function in microbial consortia. By extending this technique to capture spatiotemporal microbial gene expression at the single-cell level, it will be able to characterize microbial interactions in phytoplankton–bacteria interactions.
Evaluation of Indigenous Olive Biocontrol Rhizobacteria as Protectants against Drought and Salt Stress
Authors: Montes-Osuna Nuria , Gómez-Lama Cabanás Carmen , Valverde-Corredor Antonio , Legarda Garikoitz , Prieto Pilar , Mercado-Blanco Jesús
Published: June 2021

Stress caused by drought and salinity may compromise growth and productivity of olive (Olea europaea L.) tree crops. Several studies have reported the use of beneficial rhizobacteria to alleviate symptoms produced by these stresses, which is attributed in some cases to the activity of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid deaminase (ACD). A collection of beneficial olive rhizobacteria was in vitro screened for ACD activity. Pseudomonas sp. PICF6 displayed this phenotype and sequencing of its genome confirmed the presence of an acdS gene. In contrast, the well-known root endophyte and biocontrol agent Pseudomonas simiae PICF7 was defective in ACD activity, even though the presence of an ACD-coding gene was earlier predicted in its genome. In this study, an unidentified deaminase was confirmed instead. Greenhouse experiments with olive ‘Picual’ plants inoculated either with PICF6 or PICF7, or co-inoculated with both strains, and subjected to drought or salt stress were carried out. Several physiological and biochemical parameters increased in stressed plants (i.e., stomatal conductance and flavonoids content), regardless of whether or not they were previously bacterized. Results showed that neither PICF6 (ACD positive) nor PICF7 (ACD negative) lessened the negative effects caused by the abiotic stresses tested, at least under our experimental conditions.
Risk Factors and Outcome of Multidrug-Resistant Infections after Heart Transplant: A Contemporary Single Center Experience
Authors: Karruli Arta , de Cristofaro Jacopo , Andini Roberto , Iossa Domenico , Bernardo Mariano , Amarelli Cristiano , Mattucci Irene , Zampino Rosa , Zarrilli Raffaele , Durante-Mangoni Emanuele
Published: June 2021

(1) Background: The aim of this study was to assess risk factors for multidrug-resistant/extensively drug-resistant (MDR/XDR) bacterial infections in heart transplant (HT) patients within three months after surgery and its impact on patient outcome. (2) Methods: Retrospective analysis of clinical, hemato-chemical, imaging, treatment and outcome data from 47 heart transplant recipients from January 2016 to December 2018. MDR/XDR infections were compared to non-MDR/XDR and noninfected patients. (3) Results: Most participants were males, median age 51 years: 35 (74.5%) developed an infection after HT; 14 (29.8%) were MDR/XDR infections. Prolonged hospital stay before HT correlated to MDR/XDR infection (p < 0.001). Sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score at sampling day was higher in MDR/XDR (p = 0.027). MDR/XDR were mostly blood-stream (BSI) (p = 0.043) and skin-soft tissue (SSTI) (p = 0.047) infections. Gram-negative infections were the most frequent, specifically carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae. Antibiotic therapy duration for MDR/XDR infections was longer (p = 0.057), eradication rate lower (p = 0.083) and hospital stay longer (p = 0.005) but not associated with a worse outcome. (4) Conclusions: MDR/XDR infections affect compromised HT recipients with a history of prolonged hospitalization, causing a lower rate of eradication and increased hospital stay. These frequently present as BSI and SSTI. We emphasize the need to prevent contamination of central venous catheters and the surgical site.
Statistical Optimisation of Diesel Biodegradation at Low Temperatures by an Antarctic Marine Bacterial Consortium Isolated from Non-Contaminated Seawater
Authors: Zakaria Nur Nadhirah , Gomez-Fuentes Claudio , Abdul Khalil Khalilah , Convey Peter , Roslee Ahmad Fareez Ahmad , Zulkharnain Azham , Sabri Suriana , Shaharuddin Noor Azmi , Cárdenas Leyla , Ahmad Siti Aqlima
Published: June 2021

Hydrocarbon pollution is widespread around the globe and, even in the remoteness of Antarctica, the impacts of hydrocarbons from anthropogenic sources are still apparent. Antarctica’s chronically cold temperatures and other extreme environmental conditions reduce the rates of biological processes, including the biodegradation of pollutants. However, the native Antarctic microbial diversity provides a reservoir of cold-adapted microorganisms, some of which have the potential for biodegradation. This study evaluated the diesel hydrocarbon-degrading ability of a psychrotolerant marine bacterial consortium obtained from the coast of the north-west Antarctic Peninsula. The consortium’s growth conditions were optimised using one-factor-at-a-time (OFAT) and statistical response surface methodology (RSM), which identified optimal growth conditions of pH 8.0, 10 °C, 25 ppt NaCl and 1.5 g/L NH4NO3. The predicted model was highly significant and confirmed that the parameters’ salinity, temperature, nitrogen concentration and initial diesel concentration significantly influenced diesel biodegradation. Using the optimised values generated by RSM, a mass reduction of 12.23 mg/mL from the initial 30.518 mg/mL (4% (w/v)) concentration of diesel was achieved within a 6 d incubation period. This study provides further evidence for the presence of native hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria in non-contaminated Antarctic seawater.
Elimination of Ferric Ion Effect on Separation between Kyanite and Quartz Using Citric Acid as Regulator
Authors: Niu Yanping , Li Ya , Sun Haoran , Sun Chuanyao , Yin Wanzhong , Xu Hongfeng
Published: June 2021

Ferric ions produced during grinding influence the flotation separation between kyanite and quartz adversely. In this study, citric acid was used as a regulator to eliminate the effect of ferric ions on the separation of kyanite from quartz with sodium oleate (NaOL) as a collector. The microflotation test results indicated that the quartz was selectively activated by FeCl3 and maintained significant quartz recovery. However, the citric acid could selectively eliminate the effect of ferric ions on the quartz and minimally influenced the kyanite. Contact angle tests demonstrated that FeCl3 significantly increased the interaction between NaOL and quartz, resulting in the high hydrophobicity of quartz, and the addition of citric acid made the quartz surface hydrophilic again but slightly influenced the kyanite. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy showed that FeCl3 facilitated NaOL adsorption onto the quartz surface, and the addition of citric acid eliminated the activation of FeCl3 on the quartz, resulting in the nonadsorption of NaOL onto the quartz surface. However, the FeCl3 and citric acid exhibited a negligible effect on NaOL adsorption onto the kyanite surface. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis indicated that the citric acid eliminated FeCl3 activation on the quartz.
Advances in Blast-Induced Impact Prediction—A Review of Machine Learning Applications
Authors: Dumakor-Dupey Nelson K. , Arya Sampurna , Jha Ankit
Published: June 2021

Rock fragmentation in mining and construction industries is widely achieved using drilling and blasting technique. The technique remains the most effective and efficient means of breaking down rock mass into smaller pieces. However, apart from its intended purpose of rock breakage, throw, and heave, blasting operations generate adverse impacts, such as ground vibration, airblast, flyrock, fumes, and noise, that have significant operational and environmental implications on mining activities. Consequently, blast impact studies are conducted to determine an optimum blast design that can maximize the desirable impacts and minimize the undesirable ones. To achieve this objective, several blast impact estimation empirical models have been developed. However, despite being the industry benchmark, empirical model results are based on a limited number of factors affecting the outcomes of a blast. As a result, modern-day researchers are employing machine learning (ML) techniques for blast impact prediction. The ML approach can incorporate several factors affecting the outcomes of a blast, and therefore, it is preferred over empirical and other statistical methods. This paper reviews the various blast impacts and their prediction models with a focus on empirical and machine learning methods. The details of the prediction methods for various blast impacts—including their applications, advantages, and limitations—are discussed. The literature reveals that the machine learning methods are better predictors compared to the empirical models. However, we observed that presently these ML models are mainly applied in academic research.
Accessory Cr-Spinels in the Section of the Nude-Poaz Massif in the Monchegorsk (2.5 Ga) Mafic-Ultramafic Layered Complex (Kola Peninsula, Russia): Comparison with Ore-Forming Chromites
Authors: Rundkvist Tatiana , Pripachkin Pavel
Published: June 2021

The paper studies accessory Cr-spinels from deep drill holes crossing the Nude-Poaz massif, which is a part of the Monchegorsk mafic-ultramafic layered complex (2.5 Ga, Kola Peninsula, Russia). Cr-spinels occur as two morphological types that differ in their chemical composition, i.e., Cr-spinels of the first type are more aluminous, while Cr-spinels of the second type are more ferruginous and titaniferous. Cr-spinels of the Nude-Poaz massif are characterized by a Fe-Ti trend known for layered intrusions in the world. Cr-spinels of the Nude-Poaz massif quite clearly differ in composition from chromites of the Sopcheozero deposit: they are more ferruginous and less chromous. The specific composition of Cr-spinels in rocks of the Nude-Poaz massif can be correlated with the sequence of the magmatic phases intrusion.
Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Activity of Plants of Genus Curculigo: An Updated Review Since 2013
Authors: Wang Ying , Li Junlong , Li Ning
Published: June 2021

The genus Curculigo, as a folk herbal medicine, has been used for many years in China, treating impotence, limb limpness, and arthritis of the lumbar and knee joints. The last systematic review of the genus Curculigo was written in 2013, scientifically categorizing the phytochemistry and biological activities. Hitherto, the original compounds and their pharmacological activities were presented as the development of this genus, but there is not an updated review. To conclude the progression of the genus Curculigo, we collected the new literature published from 2013 to 2021 in PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar databases, and the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure. The novel chlorophenolic glucosides, curculigine, phenolic glycosides, orcinosides and polysaccharides were isolated from Curculigo. The new analyzing methods were established to control the quality of Curculigo as a herbal medicine. In addition, the pharmacological effects of Curculigo focused on anti-diabetes, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, osteoporosis, antioxidation, etc. The antitumor and neuroprotective activities were newly explored in recent years. The application of herbal medicine was gradually developed in scientific methods. The medicinal value of the genus Curculigo needs to further investigate its pharmacological mechanisms. This new review offers more insights into the exploitation of the pharmacological value of the genus Curculigo.
Adverse Childhood Experiences Associated with Greater Internalization of Weight Stigma in Women with Excess Weight
Authors: Keirns Natalie G. , Tsotsoros Cindy E. , Addante Samantha , Layman Harley M. , Krems Jaimie Arona , Pearl Rebecca L. , Tomiyama A. Janet , Hawkins Misty A.W.
Published: June 2021

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) may be an early life factor associated with adult weight stigma via biological (e.g., stress response), cognitive (e.g., self-criticism/deprecation), and/or emotional (e.g., shame) mechanisms. This pilot study investigated relationships between ACEs and internalized and experienced weight stigma in adult women with overweight/obesity and explored differential relationships between weight stigma and ACE subtypes (i.e., abuse, neglect, household dysfunction). Adult women (68% white, Mage = 33 ± 10 years, MBMI = 33.7 ± 7.2 kg/m2) completed measures of ACEs (ACE Questionnaire), internalized weight stigma (IWS; Weight Bias Internalization Scale—Modified; WBIS—M), and lifetime experiences of weight stigma (yes/no). Data were analyzed with linear and logistic regression (n = 46), adjusting for age, race, and body mass index (BMI). Linear regressions revealed a positive association between ACE and WBIS—M scores (β = 0.40, p = 0.006), which was driven by Abuse-type ACEs (β = 0.48, p = 0.009). Relationships between WBIS—M scores and Neglect- and Household-Dysfunction-type ACEs did not reach significance (β = 0.20, p = 0.173; β = −0.16, p = 0.273). Though descriptive statistics revealed greater rates of experienced weight stigma endorsement by those with high-3+ ACEs (81%) vs. medium-1–2 ACEs (67%) or low/no-0 ACEs (60%), ACE scores were not significantly associated with experienced weight stigma in logistic regression (Wald = 1.36, p = 0.244, OR = 1.324, 95%, CI = 0.825–2.125). ACEs may be an early life factor that increase the risk for internalizing weight stigma in adulthood. Larger studies should confirm this relationship and follow-up on descriptive findings suggesting a potential association between ACEs and experienced weight stigma.
Dehydroabietic Acid Microencapsulation Potential as Biofilm-Mediated Infections Treatment
Authors: Neto Iris , Domínguez-Martín Eva María , Ntungwe Epole , Reis Catarina P. , Pesic Milica , Faustino Célia , Rijo Patrícia
Published: June 2021

The antimicrobial activity of dehydroabietic acid (DHA) for its use as an antibiofilm agent was tested in this work. DHA was assayed against a collection of Gram-positive, Gram-negative sensitive and resistant bacteria and yeasts through the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), MIC with Bioburden challenge, minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBIC), MBIC with Bioburden challenge and growth curve studies. Toxicological studies (Artemia salina, sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay) were done to assess if the compound had antimicrobial and not cytotoxic properties. Furthermore, microencapsulation and stability studies were carried out to evaluate the chemical behavior and stability of DHA. On MIC results, Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 1228 and Mycobacterium smegmatis ATCC 607 presented a high efficiency (7.81 µg/mL), while on Gram-negative bacteria the highest MIC value of 125 µg/mL was obtained by all Klebsiella pneumoniae strains and Escherichia coli isolate strain HSM 303. Bioburden challenge showed that MIC, MBIC and percentage biofilm inhibition (BI) values suffered alterations, therefore, having higher concentrations. MBIC values demonstrated that DHA has a higher efficiency against S. aureus ATCC 43866 with a percentage of BI of 75.13 ± 0.82% at 0.49 µg/mL. Growth curve kinetic profiles of DHA against S. aureus ATCC 25923 were observed to be bacteriostatic. DHA-alginate beads had a average size of 2.37 ± 0.20 and 2.31 ± 0.17 × 103 µm2 with an encapsulation efficiency (EE%) around 99.49 ± 0.05%, a protection percentage (PP%) of 60.00 ± 0.05% in the gastric environment and a protection efficiency (PE%) around 88.12 ± 0.05% against UV light. In toxicological studies DHA has shown IC50 of 19.59 ± 7.40 µg/mL and a LC50 of 21.71 ± 2.18%. The obtained results indicate that DHA is a promising antimicrobial candidate against a wide range of bacteria and biofilm formation that must be further explored.
Genetic Variability and Population Structure of Ethiopian Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) Germplasm Assessed through Phenotypic Traits and Simple Sequence Repeats Markers
Authors: Teklu Desawi Hdru , Shimelis Hussein , Tesfaye Abush , Mashilo Jacob , Zhang Xiurong , Zhang Yanxin , Dossa Komivi , Shayanowako Admire Isaac Tichafa
Published: June 2021

Ethiopia is one of the centers of genetic diversity of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.). The sesame genetic resources present in the country should be explored for local, regional, and international genetic improvement programs to design high-performing and market-preferred varieties. This study’s objective was to determine the extent of genetic variation among 100 diverse cultivated sesame germplasm collections of Ethiopia using phenotypic traits and simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers to select distinct and complementary genotypes for breeding. One hundred sesame entries were field evaluated at two locations in Ethiopia for agro-morphological traits and seed oil content using a 10 × 10 lattice design with two replications. Test genotypes were profiled using 27 polymorphic SSR markers at the Oil Crops Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences. Analysis of variance revealed significant (p ≤ 0.05) entry by environment interaction for plant height, internode length, number of secondary branches, and grain yield. Genotypes such as Hirhir Kebabo Hairless-9, Setit-3, Orofalc ACC-2, Hirhir Humera Sel-6, ABX = 2-01-2, and Setit-1 recorded grain yield of >0.73 ton ha−1 with excellent performance in yield component such as oil yield per hectare. Grain yield had positive and significant (p < 0.01) associations with oil yield (r = 0.99), useful for simultaneous selection for yield improvement in sesame. The SSR markers revealed gene diversity and polymorphic information content values of 0.30 and 0.25, respectively, showing that the tested sesame accessions were genetically diverse. Cluster analysis resolved the accessions into two groups, while population structure analysis revealed four major heterotic groups, thus enabling selection and subsequent crossing to develop breeding populations for cultivar development. Based on phenotypic and genomic divergence, the following superior and complementary genotypes: Hirhir Humera Sel-6, Setit-3, Hirhir Kebabo Hairless Sel-4, Hirhir Nigara 1st Sel-1, Humera-1 and Hirhir Kebabo Early Sel-1 (from cluster II-a), Hirhir kebabo hairless-9, NN-0029(2), NN0068-2 and Bawnji Fiyel Kolet, (from cluster II-b). The selected genotypes will serve as parents in the local breeding program in Ethiopia.
Phytochemical Analysis of Anvillea garcinii Leaves: Identification of Garcinamines F–H and Their Antiproliferative Activities
Authors: Aati Hanan Y. , Perveen Shagufta , Orfali Raha , Al-Taweel Areej M. , Peng Jiangnan , Tabassum Sobia , Abdel-Kader Maged S. , Yusufoglu Hasan Soliman , Taglialatela-Scafati Orazio
Published: June 2021

Anvillea garcinii is a medicinal plant used in the Arab region for intestinal diseases, lung and liver diseases, digestive problems, and as an antidiabetic agent. Repeated chromatographic purifications of A. garcinii leaves led to the isolation of three undescribed guaiane sesquiterpene derivatives, named garcinamines F–H, characterized by the presence of an amino acid unit, along with five known sesquiterpene lactones (garcinamines B–E and 9β-hydroxyparthenolide). The structures of the new compounds were established using spectroscopic (1D and 2D NMR) and spectrometric methods (ESIMS). Garcinamine H possesses a double bond at the Δ1,10 position, a structural feature rarely reported in guaianolide-type sesquiterpenes. The antiproliferative activity of the isolated sesquiterpenes was screened against three different cancer cell lines, and 9β-hydroxyparthenolide and garcinamines C and D displayed significant effects against lung carcinoma (A549), colon carcinoma (LoVo), and breast carcinoma (MCF7) cell lines.
The Effect of Water Supply on Sweet Cherry Phytochemicals in Bud, Leaf and Fruit
Authors: Vosnjak Matej , Mrzlic Davor , Hudina Metka , Usenik Valentina
Published: June 2021

The influence of a water supply on the content of phytochemicals (sugars, organic acids, hydroxycinnamic acids, flavonols, flavanols and anthocyanins) in the bud, leaf and fruit of sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) was studied in two growing seasons. In addition, the shoot length, yield efficiency and fruit weight were determined. The trees of the cultivar ‘Regina’ on Weiroot 72 or Gisela 5 rootstocks were either irrigated or non-irrigated. Irrigated trees received, in addition to rainfall, an amount of water equal to 100% of evapotranspiration, while non-irrigated trees received only rainwater (40% less). An analysis of phytochemicals was performed using high-performance liquid chromatography combined with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Irrigated trees had a higher content of total sugars in leaf and bud, higher content of total organic acids in the fruit, and lower content of total hydroxycinnamic acids, total flavonols and flavanols in the leaf and fruit. Irrigated trees also had higher shoot length, fruit weight and lower yield efficiency. The content of phytochemicals in bud and leaf was not affected by rootstock, but the fruit phytochemical composition, shoot length and yield efficiency were. The content of phytochemicals in the bud and leaf was influenced by the presence or absence of fruits. Our results show that irrigation, rootstock and the presence of fruits had an influence on the composition of phytochemicals in sweet cherry.
Genome-Wide Differential Methylation Profiles from Two Terpene-Rich Medicinal Plant Extracts Administered in Osteoarthritis Rats
Authors: Shin Younhee , Subramaniyam Sathiyamoorthy , Chun Jin-Mi , Jeon Ji-Hyeon , Hong Ji-Man , Jung Hojin , Seong Boseok , Kim Chul
Published: June 2021

Extracts from the plants Phlomis umbrosa and Dipsacus asperoides—which are widely used in Korean and Chinese traditional medicine to treat osteoarthritis and other bone diseases—were used to treat experimental osteoarthritis (OA) rats. Genome-wide differential methylation regions (DMRs) of these medicinal-plant-treated rats were profiled as therapeutic evidence associated with traditional medicine, and they need to be investigated further using detailed molecular research to extrapolate traditional practices to modern medicine. In total, 49 protein-encoding genes whose expression is differentially regulated during disease progression and recovery have been discovered via systematic bioinformatic analysis and have been approved/proposed as druggable targets for various bone diseases by the US food and drug administration. Genes encoding proteins involved in the PI3K/AKT pathway were found to be enriched, likely as this pathway plays a crucial role during OA progression as well as during the recovery process after treatment with the aforementioned plant extracts. The four sub-networks of PI3K/AKT were highly regulated by these plant extracts. Overall, 29 genes were seen in level 2 (51–75%) DMRs and were correlated highly with OA pathogenesis. Here, we propose that these genes could serve as targets to study OA; moreover, the iridoid and triterpenoid phytochemicals obtained from these two plants may serve as potential therapeutic agents.