bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acceptance of Demand Response and Aggregators as a Solution to Optimize the Relation between Energy Producers and Consumers in order to Increase the Amount of Renewable Energy in the Grid
Authors: Tantau Adrian , Puskás-Tompos András , Fratila Laurentiu , Stanciu Costel
Published: June 2021

Demand response plays a very important role in balancing the intermittent production of an increasing share of renewable energy sources on the energy market. This article analyses the importance of demand response and the role of aggregators for the new development of the electricity market, where the renewables will play a more important role. The main objective of this research is to determine the acceptance level of demand response and its implementation on the energy consumer side. This acceptance should include a professional actor, the aggregator which is assuming the role of optimizing the relation between energy producers and consumers, and to monitor the implementation and use of demand response. The research is based on semi-structured interviews with experts in energy from Hungary, Romania and Serbia, on workshops with experts and a wider online survey with end customers for electricity. The results indicate that there is a willingness potential to implement demand response programs with aggregators as intermediaries between energy providers and end consumers of electrical energy.
Spatio-Temporal Patterns of Tree Diversity and Distribution in Urban Resettlement Areas for Displaced Farmers
Authors: Xie Chunping , Jim C. Y. , Yi Xiangui , Liu Dawei , Guo Xu
Published: June 2021

Resettlement residential areas (RRAs) are a unique product of China’s urbanisation process. Their greening environment is critical to the quality of life and liveable green neighbourhood of the displaced farmers. Our study aimed to (1) interpret the species composition of the landscape trees and their contributions to urban biodiversity in RRAs, and (2) elucidate the structural changes in the tree composition in the last 20 years. Twenty selected RRAs in Changzhou, Jiangsu Province, China, were divided into three categories by completion year. We assessed tree species composition, floristic diversity, tree dimensions, importance value, RRA characteristics, and greening management. The sampled sites accommodated 741 stems and 52 species belonging to 25 families. The three most abundant species were Cinnamomum camphora, Osmanthus fragrans, and Magnolia grandiflora, constituting 45.75% of all trees. The importance values revealed a changing tree planting pattern over time, with persistent domination by a few species. The oldest sites did not harbour the largest trees due to long-term mismanagement and mistreatment by residents. Compared with other housing types and cities, the tree count, importance value, and diversity in RRAs were low. The species diversity was not correlated with RRA completion time, distance from the city centre, and RRA area. The trees were in poor shape with limited trunk diameter and tree height and suffered from frequent and drastic pruning. Residents with lingering farmer mentality commonly exploited the vegetation and green spaces indiscriminately as natural resources. The greenery management could be overhauled by increasing tree number, native species, species diversity, and tree-care quality and engaging residents in a collaborative and participatory mode for a joint maintenance endeavour. The findings offer a scientific basis to improve or design RRA green spaces.
Migration and Alignment of Three Interacting Particles in Poiseuille Flow of Giesekus Fluids
Authors: Liu Bing-Rui , Lin Jian-Zhong , Ku Xiao-Ke
Published: June 2021

Effect of rheological property on the migration and alignment of three interacting particles in Poiseuille flow of Giesekus fluids is studied with the direct-forcing fictitious domain method for the Weissenberg number (Wi) ranging from 0.1 to 1.5, the mobility parameter ranging from 0.1 to 0.7, the ratio of particle diameter to channel height ranging from 0.2 to 0.4, the ratio of the solvent viscosity to the total viscosity being 0.3 and the initial distance (y0) of particles from the centerline ranging from 0 to 0.2. The results showed that the effect of y0 on the migration and alignment of particles is significant. The variation of off-centerline (y0 ≠ 0) particle spacing is completely different from that of on-centerline (y0 = 0) particle spacing. As the initial vertical distance y0 increased, the various types of particle spacing are more diversified. For the off-centerline particle, the change of particle spacing is mainly concentrated in the process of cross-flow migration. Additionally, the polymer extension is proportional to both the Weissenberg number and confinement ratio. The bigger the Wi and confinement ratio is, the bigger the increment of spacing is. The memory of shear-thinning is responsible for the reduction of d1. Furthermore, the particles migrate abnormally due to the interparticle interaction.
Low Pressure Experimental Validation of Low-Dimensional Analytical Model for Air–Water Two-Phase Transient Flow in Horizontal Pipelines
Authors: Mnasri Hamdi , Meziou Amine , Franchek Matthew A. , Loh Wai Lam , Wan Thiam Teik , Tam Nguyen Dinh , Wassar Taoufik , Tang Yingjie , Grigoriadis Karolos
Published: June 2021

This paper presents a low-pressure experimental validation of a two-phase transient pipeline flow model. Measured pressure and flow rate data are collected for slug and froth flow patterns at the low pressure of 6 bar at the National University of Singapore Multiphase Flow Loop facility. The analyzed low-dimensional model proposed in comprises a steady-state multiphase flow model in series with a linear dynamic model capturing the flow transients. The model is based on a dissipative distributed parameter model for transient flow in transmission lines employing equivalent fluid properties. These parameters are based solely on the flowing conditions, fluid properties and pipeline geometry. OLGA simulations are employed as an independent method to validate the low-dimension model. Both low-dimensional and OLGA models are evaluated based on the estimated two-phase pressure transients for varying gas volume fraction (GVF). Both models estimated the two-phase flow transient pressure within 5% mean absolute percent error of the laboratory data. Additionally, an unavoidable presence of entrained air within a pipeline is confirmed for the case of 0% GVF as evidenced by the pressure transient estimation. Thus, dampened oscillations in the simulated 0% GVF case exists owing to an increase in the fluid compressibility.
Chemoprotective Effects of Xanthohumol against the Carcinogenic Mycotoxin Aflatoxin B1
Authors: Štern Alja , Furlan Veronika , Novak Matjaž , Štampar Martina , Kolenc Zala , Kores Katarina , Filipič Metka , Bren Urban , Žegura Bojana
Published: June 2021

The present study addresses the chemoprotective effects of xanthohumol (XN), a prenylated flavonoid found in the female inflorescences (hops) of the plant Humulus lupulus L., against the carcinogenic food contaminant aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). The chemical reactions of XN and its derivatives (isoxanthohumol (IXN), 8-prenylnaringenin (8-PN), and 6-prenylnaringenin (6-PN)) with the AFB1 metabolite, aflatoxin B1 exo-8,9-epoxide (AFBO), were investigated in silico, by calculating activation free energies (ΔG‡) at the Hartree–Fock level of theory in combination with the 6-311++G(d,p) basis set and two implicit solvation models. The chemoprotective effects of XN were investigated in vitro in the metabolically competent HepG2 cell line, analyzing its influence on AFB1-induced cytotoxicity using the MTS assay, genotoxicity using the comet and γH2AX assays, and cell cycle modulation using flow cytometry. Our results show that the ΔG‡ required for the reactions of XN and its derivatives with AFBO are comparable to the ΔG‡ required for the reaction of AFBO with guanine, indicating that XN, IXN, 8-PN, and 6-PN could act as scavengers of AFBO, preventing DNA adduct formation and DNA damage induction. This was also reflected in the results from the in vitro experiments, where a reduction in AFB1-induced cytotoxicity and DNA single-strand and double-strand breaks was observed in cells exposed to combinations of AFB1 and XN, highlighting the chemoprotective effects of this phytochemical.
Influence of Non-Saccharomyces Strains on Chemical Characteristics and Sensory Quality of Fruit Spirit
Authors: Fejzullahu Fatjona , Kiss Zsuzsanna , Kun-Farkas Gabriella , Kun Szilárd
Published: June 2021

The use of non-Saccharomyces yeasts for alcoholic beverage improvement and diversification has gained considerable attention in recent years. The effect of pure and mixed inocula (of Torulaspora delbrueckii, Lachancea thermotolerans, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae) on apple mash fermentation has been determined for the production of Hungarian fruit spirit (Pálinka), with a special emphasis on the chemical, volatile, and sensory attributes. The enological parameters were followed during the fermentation process. Sugar consumption and organic acid production were determined by HPLC, whereas the aromatic profile of the distillates was characterized by GC-FID. According to the results, single and mixed cultures showed similar characteristics during mash fermentation. The identified volatile compounds included aldehydes, esters, and higher alcohols. Mixed culture fermentation trials revealed a significantly higher concentration of volatile compounds and better sensorial attributes compared to those exhibited by the pure culture of S. cerevisiae.
Inhibition of Protein and Lipid Oxidation in Ready-to-Eat Chicken Patties by a Spondias mombin L. Bagasse Phenolic-Rich Extract
Authors: Santana Neto Deocleciano C. de , Cordeiro Ângela M. T. M. , Meireles Bruno R. L. A. , Araújo Íris B. S. , Estévez Mario , Ferreira Valquíria C. S. , Silva Fábio A. P.
Published: June 2021

This study evaluated the impact of yellow mombin (Spondias mombin L.) bagasse extract (YMBE) on the color degradation, protein and lipid oxidation in ready-to-eat chicken patties during 15 days of refrigerated storage. Two formulations of chicken patties were developed: chicken patties control - PCON (without the antioxidant extract) and chicken patties with yellow mombin extract - PYME (with the antioxidant extract). The extract was effective in maintaining red color and inhibiting myoglobin degradation in the evaluated samples. The generation of lipid oxidation compounds during storage of the treated samples was delayed by 92.37% for peroxide index, 89.89% for conjugated dienes, 74.29% for tiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARs) and 92.55% for ρ-anisidine compared to the control samples. Moreover, the addition of YMBE inhibited the formation of carbonyl compounds during cold storage compared to the control samples. Extracts obtained from the yellow mombin bagasse act as a good natural antioxidant for ready-to-eat chicken patties inhibiting protein and lipid oxidative damage during cold storage, being a potential preservative to replace synthetic antioxidants in meat products.
Encapsulation of Anthocyanins from Cornelian Cherry Fruits Using Heated or Non-Heated Soy Proteins
Authors: Dumitrașcu Loredana , Stănciuc Nicoleta , Aprodu Iuliana
Published: June 2021

In the current study, the effect of temperature on the potential of soy proteins to ensure the encapsulation and gastric stability of bioactives, such as anthocyanins from cornelian cherry fruits, was investigated. The powders obtained after freeze-drying were analyzed in relation to flow properties, encapsulation retention and efficiency, stability in simulated gastrointestinal medium, color, and morphology. Preheating the soy proteins generated a powder with low density. Powders obtained with native soy proteins allowed the highest encapsulation efficiency and the lowest was obtained when using preheated soy proteins. The heat treatment of the mixture of soy proteins and cornelian cherry fruits prior to encapsulation generated powders with the highest lightness and the lowest intensity of red shades among all samples. The in vitro experiments revealed that the highest protection in simulated gastric environment was provided when protein was heat treated either alone or in combination with bioactives to be encapsulated. The morphological analysis highlighted that powders consisted of large and rigid structures.
Analysis of Volatile Compounds in Coffee Prepared by Various Brewing and Roasting Methods
Authors: Yu Ja-Myung , Chu Mingi , Park Hyunbeen , Park Jooyeon , Lee Kwang-Geun
Published: June 2021

Volatile compounds of coffee brewed under various roasting conditions and by different brewing methods were analyzed. Green coffee beans (Coffea arabica) were roasted at 235 °C for 13 min, 240 °C for 15 min, and 245 °C for 17 min. Roasted coffee beans were ground into particles of three different sizes (710, 500, and 355 μm) and brewed by an espresso coffee machine and the cold brew method. Three types of water (filtered, tap, and bottled) were used for coffee extraction. SPME-GC-MS results indicated that increasing the roasting temperature and time increased the levels of 2,2′-methylene-bis-furan, guaiacol, and 4-ethylguaiacol (p < 0.05) and decreased the levels of furfural (p < 0.05). Grind size was inversely proportional to the measured signal of volatiles by GC-MS (p < 0.05). The measured GC/MS intensities of 2-methylpyrazine, 2,5-dimethylpyrazine, and 2-methoxy-4-vinylphenol were significantly higher in coffee brewed with filtered water (p < 0.05) than tap and bottled water. 2-Methylpyrazine, 1-methylpyrrole, and 2-acetylfuran were the most abundant components in the cold brew. Overall, roasting conditions and extraction methods were determined to be significant factors for volatile compounds in coffee. This is the first study showing the analysis of volatile compounds in coffee according to various types of water and extraction methods, such as espresso and cold brew coffee.
Thermo-Mechanical Analysis in the Fresh Fruit Cold Chain: A Review on Recent Advances
Authors: Ambaw Alemayehu , Fadiji Tobi , Opara Umezuruike Linus
Published: June 2021

In agro-food research and industry, mathematical models are being used to develop and optimize preharvest and postharvest operations, and their use has grown exponentially over the last decade. Generally, transport phenomena (such as airflow, heat, and mass transfer) during the cooling of horticultural products are complex; therefore, the use of computational modeling techniques is a valid alternative to expensive and difficult experiments because computers continuously become more powerful and less expensive, the software is readily available, and once a model is validated, it is a versatile tool to evaluate the effects of the operating and design parameters involved. In this review, thermo-mechanical modeling studies during postharvest handling are overviewed regarding the experimental, analytical, and computational approaches. The airflow, cooling kinetics, cooling uniformity, and the material and mechanical safety behavior of fresh fruit packaging boxes will be analyzed. Current concerns, challenges, and opportunities are discussed.
Mucoadhesive Delivery System: A Smart Way to Improve Bioavailability of Nutraceuticals
Authors: Subramanian Parthasarathi
Published: June 2021

The conventional oral administration of many nutraceuticals exhibits poor oral bioavailability due to the harsh gastric conditions and first-pass metabolism. Oral mucosa has been recognized as a potential site for the delivery of therapeutic compounds. The mucoadhesive formulation can adhere to the mucosal membrane through various interaction mechanisms and enhance the retention and permeability of bioactive compounds. Absorption of bioactive compounds from the mucosa can improve bioavailability, as this route bypasses the hepatic first-pass metabolism and transit through the gastrointestinal tract. The mucosal administration is convenient, simple to access, and reported for increasing the bioactive concentration in plasma. Many mucoadhesive polymers, emulsifiers, thickeners used for the pharmaceutical formulation are accepted in the food sector. Introducing mucoadhesive formulations specific to the nutraceutical sector will be a game-changer as we are still looking for different ways to improve the bioavailability of many bioactive compounds. This article describes the overview of buccal mucosa, the concept of mucoadhesion and related theories, and different techniques of mucoadhesive formulations. Finally, the classification of mucoadhesive polymers and the mucoadhesive systems designed for the effective delivery of bioactive compounds are presented.
Evolutionary Dynamics of Gig Economy Labor Strategies under Technology, Policy and Market Influence
Authors: Hu Kevin , Fu Feng
Published: June 2021

The emergence of the modern gig economy introduces a new set of employment considerations for firms and laborers that include various trade-offs. With a game-theoretical approach, we examine the influences of technology, policy and markets on firm and worker preferences for gig labor. Theoretically, we present new conceptual extensions to the replicator equation and model oscillating dynamics in two-player asymmetric bi-matrix games with time-evolving environments, introducing concepts of the attractor arc, trapping zone and escape. While canonical applications of evolutionary game theory focus on the evolutionary stable strategy, our model assumes that the system exhibits oscillatory dynamics and can persist for long temporal intervals in a pseudo-stable state. We demonstrate how changing market conditions result in distinct evolutionary patterns across labor economies. Informing tensions regarding the future of this new employment category, we present a novel payoff framework to analyze the role of technology on the growth of the gig economy. Regarding governance, we explore regulatory implications within the gig economy, demonstrating how intervals of lenient and strict policy alter firm and worker sensitivities between gig and employee labor strategies. Finally, we establish an aggregate economic framework to explain how technology, policy and market environments engage in an interlocking dance, a balancing act, to sustain the observable co-existence of gig and employee labor strategies.
Comparative Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Sex-Based Differences during the Development of the Adult Parasitic Wasp Cotesia vestalis (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)
Authors: Zhou Yuenan , Yang Pei , Xie Shuang , Shi Min , Huang Jianhua , Wang Zhizhi , Chen Xuexin
Published: June 2021

The endoparasitic wasp Cotesia vestalis is an important biological agent for controlling the population of Plutella xylostella, a major pest of cruciferous crops worldwide. Though the genome of C. vestalis has recently been reported, molecular mechanisms associated with sexual development have not been comprehensively studied. Here, we combined PacBio Iso-Seq and Illumina RNA-Seq to perform genome-wide profiling of pharate adult and adult development of male and female C. vestalis. Taking advantage of Iso-Seq full-length reads, we identified 14,466 novel transcripts as well as 8770 lncRNAs, with many lncRNAs showing a sex- and stage-specific expression pattern. The differentially expressed gene (DEG) analyses showed 2125 stage-specific and 326 sex-specific expressed genes. We also found that 4819 genes showed 11,856 alternative splicing events through combining the Iso-Seq and RNA-Seq data. The results of comparative analyses showed that most genes were alternatively spliced across developmental stages, and alternative splicing (AS) events were more prevalent in females than in males. Furthermore, we identified six sex-determining genes in this parasitic wasp and verified their sex-specific alternative splicing profiles. Specifically, the characterization of feminizer and doublesex splicing between male and female implies a conserved regulation mechanism of sexual development in parasitic wasps.
High Co-Infection Rate of Trichomonas vaginalis and Candidatus Mycoplasma Girerdii in Gansu Province, China
Authors: Xu Shuhui , Wang Zhixin , Zhou Hang , Fu Yongfeng , Feng Meng , Cheng Xunjia
Published: June 2021

Trichomonas vaginalis (Tv) is a flagellated protist parasite that infects the human urogenital tract. The symbiotic relationship between Tv and Mycoplasma hominis has been reported. Recent studies have identified a new Mycoplasma strain, Candidatus Mycoplasma girerdii (Ca. M. girerdii), present in the vaginal secretions of women and have shown that this strain may be related to trichomoniasis. Here, we evaluated the presence of Tv, M. hominis and Ca. M. girerdii in 312 clinical samples from adult women diagnosed with vaginitis in Zhangye, Gansu province, China. Among these samples, 94, 153, and 48 were Tv, M. hominis and Ca. M. girerdii positive, respectively. Moreover, Tv was highly frequent in 17–30-year-old women in this region. Forty samples (83.3%) positive for Ca. M. girerdii were also positive for Tv. Six Tv isolates were successfully cultured, including five isolates that showed symbiotic relationships with Mycoplasma. This is the first report to evaluate the genetic characteristics of Ca. M. girerdii in China and may therefore provide insights into the effects of Ca. M. girerdii on the reproductive health of women.
Relationship of Physical Activity and Sedentary Time with Metabolic Health in Children and Adolescents Measured by Accelerometer: A Narrative Review
Authors: Lim Jungjun , Kim Joon-Sik , Park Soyoung , Lee On , So Wi-Young
Published: June 2021

The purpose of this study was to summarize the associations of physical activity (PA) and sedentary time (SED) with metabolic health and examine the effects of time reallocation on metabolic health in adolescents using accelerometer data. A literature search was conducted using PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Cochran Library, and Google Scholar, and 27 articles were reviewed. Recent research generally confirms the associations of PA and SED with metabolic health. High PA levels and low SED levels had a positive relationship with metabolic health. Moreover, reallocating 10 min of daily SED to PA was associated with better metabolic health indicators. These results were stronger for moderate-to-vigorous physical activity than for light intensity PA. Thus, efforts to convert SED into PA of at least moderate intensity appear to be an effective strategy to prevent metabolic disease development in children and adolescents. However, some of the associations between PA and metabolic health indicators were inconsistent, depending on age, obesity degree, and PA intensity. Additionally, various accelerometer data collection and processing criteria impact the interpretation of the results. Therefore, consistent accelerometer data collection and analysis methods are needed in future studies. Further, intervention studies are required to verify the causality and effectiveness of the isotemporal substitution model.
The Prediction Model of Medical Expenditure Appling Machine Learning Algorithm in CABG Patients
Authors: Huang Yen-Chun , Li Shao-Jung , Chen Mingchih , Lee Tian-Shyug
Published: June 2021

Most patients face expensive healthcare management after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery, which brings a substantial financial burden to the government. The National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) is a complete database containing over 99% of individuals’ medical information in Taiwan. Our research used the latest data that selected patients who accepted their first CABG surgery between January 2014 and December 2017 (n = 12,945) to predict which factors will affect medical expenses, and built the prediction model using different machine learning algorithms. After analysis, our result showed that the surgical expenditure (X4) and 1-year medical expenditure before the CABG operation (X14), and the number of hemodialysis (X15), were the key factors affecting the 1-year medical expenses of CABG patients after discharge. Furthermore, the XGBoost and SVR methods are both the best predictive models. Thus, our research suggests enhancing the healthcare management for patients with kidney-related diseases to avoid costly complications. We provide helpful information for medical management, which may decrease health insurance burdens in the future.
Development and Effect of a Fall Prevention Program Based on King’s Theory of Goal Attainment in Long-Term Care Hospitals: An Experimental Study
Authors: Park Bom-Mi
Published: June 2021

A fall prevention program based on King’s goal attainment theory was developed to verify its effect on those in long-term care hospitals. The experiment was conducted at K Long-Term Care Hospital in S city for eight weeks. The study employed 57 elderly patients and 58 nurses. The program comprised an individual training conducted in a ward and hospital room for 20–30 min and a group training held in a conference room for 60 min. Significance levels were analyzed at p < 0.05 via frequency analysis, descriptive statistics, independent sample t-test, χ2-test, Mann–Whitney’s U test, Wilcoxon code rank test, and Cronbach’s α, and the clinical trial number was KCT0005908. In the patient intervention group, fall prevention behavior and knowledge increased, and the fear of falling decreased. Fall prevention behavior and knowledge increased in the nurse intervention group. Patient and nurse interaction satisfaction also increased. In contrast, the number of falls and nurses’ burden did not decrease. The fall prevention program was verified via the interaction of personal, interpersonal, and social systems. Thus, the patient’s fear of falling was reduced. Moreover, the program was effective for the fall knowledge, interaction satisfaction, and fall prevention behavior of both the patient and nurse.
Synergistic Effect of Preharvest Spray Application of Natural Elicitors on Storage Life and Bioactive Compounds of Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera L., cv. Khesab)
Authors: Ahmed Zienab F. R. , Alblooshi Shamsa S. N. A. , Kaur Navjot , Maqsood Sajid , Schmeda-Hirschmann Guillermo
Published: June 2021

Despite the immense capabilities of the date palm, maintaining the fruit’s quality, marketability, and shelf life is still a challenge. This study aimed to assess the synergistic effect of a preharvest spray application of a natural elicitor chitosan, (Ch) 1% alone and in combination with salicylic acid (SA) 2 mM and calcium chloride (Ca) 3%; (Ch,SA, Ca,Ch+Ca, Ch+SA, Ch+SA+Ca), on the quality parameters, storage life, and bioactive compounds content of date fruit from ‘Khasab’ cultivar during cold storage for 60 days. The obtained results revealed that all treatments significantly retard senescence/decay of the fruit compared to the control. Ch+SA treated fruit followed by Ch, and Ch+SA+Ca had the lowest weight loss, color change, and the least decay after 60 days of storage. Ch+Ca, SA, Ca treated fruit had significantly lower levels of total soluble solids and highest total phenolic, tannins, and flavonoids contents compared to the control fruit. Antioxidant activities were found in all treatments, with significantly higher effect in Ch+SA+Ca and Ch+SA compared to the control. Our results provide an evidence for a synergistic effect of elicitors combination to extend the shelf life of date fruit during cold storage by preserving its quality and decreasing senescence/decay and recommend it as a promising strategy.
Innovation and Competitive Intelligence in Business. A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: de las Heras-Rosas Carlos , Herrera Juan
Published: June 2021

The business environment of today is complex and dynamic due to increasing global competition. The businessman needs to master and know all the information that has strategic value, and Competitive Intelligence is positioned as the most appropriate tool to achieve this goal. In recent decades, research and publications related to Competitive Intelligence have been increasing, although the military heritage of this field of research and the association with large corporations has meant that the literature is still at an early phase of development and specialisation. This paper analyses scientific articles on Competitive Intelligence from journals in the Web of Science database between 1985 and 2021. The main objective of this research has been to detect the topics that have been most related to Competitive Intelligence. The 589 papers analysed indicate that interest in this topic is relatively recent and that the most central topic in the sample is Innovation. The bibliometric analysis carried out indicates that Competitive Intelligence is closely linked to innovation processes in companies, facilitating its development. Furthermore, it highlights the importance that business management, together with the promotion of absorptive capacity and alignment around Competitive Intelligence will allow companies to improve their competitive advantages, as well as greater success with new products. Little research was found on aspects related to small and medium-sized enterprises and patents in relation to Competitive Intelligence. This research aims to show which are the most researched topics in relation to Competitive Intelligence, so that it can serve as support for future research, as well as for company managers in making decisions in relation to this topic.
Research on Feature Extraction Method of Indoor Visual Positioning Image Based on Area Division of Foreground and Background
Authors: Zheng Ping , Qin Danyang , Han Bing , Ma Lin , Berhane Teklu Merhawit
Published: June 2021

In the process of indoor visual positioning and navigation, difficult points often exist in corridors, stairwells, and other scenes that contain large areas of white walls, strong consistent background, and sparse feature points. Aiming at the problem of positioning and navigation in the real physical world where the walls with sparse feature points are difficult to be filled with pictures, this paper designs a feature extraction method, ARAC (Adaptive Region Adjustment based on Consistency) using Free and Open-Source Software and tools. It divides the image into foreground and background and extracts their features respectively, to achieve not only retain positioning information but also focus more energy on the foreground area which is favourable for navigation. In the test phase, under the combined conditions of illumination, scale and affine changes, the feature matching maps by the feature extraction algorithm proposed in this paper are compared with those by SIFT and SURF. Experiments show that the number of correctly matched feature pairs obtained by ARAC is better than SIFT and SURF, and whose time of feature extraction and matching is comparable to SURF, which verifies the accuracy and efficiency of the ARAC feature extraction method.
Tracing the Origin of Korean Invasive Populations of the Spotted Lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae)
Authors: Kim Hyojoong , Kim Sohee , Lee Yerim , Lee Heung-Sik , Lee Seong-Jin , Lee Jong-Ho
Published: June 2021

Lycorma delicatula (White) suddenly arrived in Korea where it rapidly spread out in the central region of Korea and caused serious damage to grape vineyards. To trace the source region of its invasiveness, population genetic structures were compared between the native region, China, and the introduced regions, Korea and Japan. We examined 762 individuals from 38 different population collections using 15 microsatellite loci. Both principal coordinate and structure analyses displayed that the Chinese populations were separated into three subgroups which were located significantly far apart from each other. Among them, the Shanghai population was located closest to most Korean populations. Based on the genetic relationships and structures, it was revealed that the multiple introductions into Korea occurred at least three times. In addition, the Shanghai population was strongly estimated to be a source of initial invasive populations of Korea. In addition, analysis of the approximate Bayesian computation suggested simultaneous spread from two distant locations early in the invasion by artificial transportation of the host plants bearing egg masses. Our population genetics study can provide a precedent case with regards to identifying spreads by anthropogenic outcomes in other invasive regions.
Recent Advances in Postharvest Pest Biology and Management
Authors: Mbata George N. , Toews Michael D.
Published: June 2021

A sizable proportion (about 8%) of the world population is facing food insecurity [...]
A Three-Pronged Approach to Studying Sublethal Insecticide Doses: Characterising Mosquito Fitness, Mosquito Biting Behaviour, and Human/Environmental Health Risks
Authors: Moreno-Gómez Mara , Bueno-Marí Rubén , Miranda Miguel. A.
Published: June 2021

Worldwide, pyrethroids are one of the most widely used insecticide classes. In addition to serving as personal protection products, they are also a key line of defence in integrated vector management programmes. Many studies have assessed the effects of sublethal pyrethroid doses on mosquito fitness and behaviour. However, much remains unknown about the biological, physiological, demographic, and behavioural effects on individual mosquitoes or mosquito populations when exposure occurs via spatial treatments. Here, females and males of two laboratory-reared mosquito species, Culex pipiens and Aedes albopictus, were exposed to five different treatments: three doses of the pyrethroid prallethrin, as well as an untreated and a negative control. The effects of each treatment on mosquito species, sex, adult mortality, fertility, F1 population size, and biting behaviour were also evaluated. To compare knockdown and mortality among treatments, Mantel–Cox log-rank tests were used. The results showed that sublethal doses reduced mosquito survival, influencing population size in the next generation. They also provided 100% protection to human hosts and presented relatively low risks to human and environmental health. These findings emphasise the need for additional studies that assess the benefits of using sublethal doses as part of mosquito management strategies.
Comparison of Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion versus Non-Vitamin-K Antagonist Oral Anticoagulation in High-Risk Atrial Fibrillation: An Update
Authors: Chen Shaojie , Chun K. R. Julian , Ling Zhiyu , Liu Shaowen , Zhu Lin , Wang Jiazhi , Schratter Alexandra , Acou Willem-Jan , Kiuchi Márcio Galindo , Yin Yuehui , Schmidt Boris
Published: June 2021

Transcatheter left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) is non-inferior to vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) in preventing thromboembolic events in atrial fibrillation (AF). Non-vitamin K antagonists (NOACs) have an improved safety profile over VKAs; however, evidence regarding their effect on cardiovascular and neurological outcomes relative to LAAO is limited. Up-to-date randomized trials or propensity-score-matched data comparing LAAO vs. NOACs in high-risk patients with AF were pooled in our study. A total of 2849 AF patients (LAAO: 1368, NOACs: 1481, mean age: 75 ± 7.5 yrs, 63.5% male) were enrolled. The mean CHA2DS2-VASc score was 4.3 ± 1.7, and the mean HAS-BLED score was 3.4 ± 1.2. The baseline characteristics were comparable between the two groups. In the LAAO group, the success rate of device implantation was 98.8%. During a mean follow-up of 2 years, as compared with NOACs, LAAO was associated with a significant reduction of ISTH major bleeding (p = 0.0002). There were no significant differences in terms of ischemic stroke (p = 0.61), ischemic stroke/thromboembolism (p = 0.63), ISTH major and clinically relevant minor bleeding (p = 0.73), cardiovascular death (p = 0.63), and all-cause mortality (p = 0.71). There was a trend toward reduction of combined major cardiovascular and neurological endpoints in the LAAO group (OR: 0.84, 95% CI: 0.64–1.11, p = 0.12). In conclusion, for high-risk AF patients, LAAO is associated with a significant reduction of ISTH major bleeding without increased ischemic events, as compared to “contemporary NOACs”. The present data show the superior role of LAAO over NOACs among high-risk AF patients in terms of reduction of major bleeding; however, more randomized controlled trials are warranted.
The Evaluation of Efficacy and Safety of A Radiofrequency Hydro-Injector Device for the Skin around the Eye Area
Authors: Lim Young-Kyoung , Jung Chang-Jin , Lee Mi-Young , Moon Ik-Jun , Won Chong-Hyun
Published: June 2021

In recent years, variable rejuvenation techniques, such as hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers and radiofrequency (RF) devices, have become popular. We evaluated the RF hydro-injector (RFHI) device that simultaneously delivers both a microneedle intradermal RF treatment and a HA filler injection to overcome the disadvantages of HA filler and RF devices alone. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of the RFHI device for the rejuvenation of the periorbital area, including the lateral canthal lines (LCLs) and the infraorbital area. A total of 24 subjects were enrolled in this study and underwent 2 to 3 treatments using the RFHI device. The investigator’s global assessment of the lateral canthal line (IGA-LCL) and the global esthetic improvement scale (GAIS) were used to evaluate the improvement in the LCL. Cutometer® was used to evaluate the skin’s elasticity, and the Antera 3D image capture system® was used to evaluate the degree of wrinkles, roughness, and pore volume. At the 8 week follow-up after the first treatment session, both the IGA-LCL and GAIS showed significant improvement. The improvement in the wrinkles, roughness, and pore volume, measured by the Antera 3D image capture system®, was statistically significant. No serious adverse event was reported. This RFHI device, which delivers both microneedle intradermal RF treatment and HA filler injection, is effective and safe for periorbital rejuvenation.
Exercise Ventilatory Inefficiency in Post-COVID-19 Syndrome: Insights from a Prospective Evaluation
Authors: Aparisi Álvaro , Ybarra-Falcón Cristina , García-Gómez Mario , Tobar Javier , Iglesias-Echeverría Carolina , Jaurrieta-Largo Sofía , Ladrón Raquel , Uribarri Aitor , Catalá Pablo , Hinojosa Williams , Marcos-Mangas Marta , Fernández-Prieto Laura , Sedano-Gutiérrez Rosa , Cusacovich Iván , Andaluz-Ojeda David , de Vega-Sánchez Blanca , Recio-Platero Amada , Sanz-Patiño Esther , Calvo Dolores , Baladrón Carlos , Carrasco-Moraleja Manuel , Disdier-Vicente Carlos , Amat-Santos Ignacio J. , San Román J. Alberto
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a systemic disease characterized by a disproportionate inflammatory response in the acute phase. This study sought to identify clinical sequelae and their potential mechanism. Methods: We conducted a prospective single-center study (NCT04689490) of previously hospitalized COVID-19 patients with and without dyspnea during mid-term follow-up. An outpatient group was also evaluated. They underwent serial testing with a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET), transthoracic echocardiogram, pulmonary lung test, six-minute walking test, serum biomarker analysis, and quality of life questionaries. Results: Patients with dyspnea (n = 41, 58.6%), compared with asymptomatic patients (n = 29, 41.4%), had a higher proportion of females (73.2 vs. 51.7%; p = 0.065) with comparable age and prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors. There were no significant differences in the transthoracic echocardiogram and pulmonary function test. Patients who complained of persistent dyspnea had a significant decline in predicted peak VO2 consumption (77.8 (64–92.5) vs. 99 (88–105); p < 0.00; p < 0.001), total distance in the six-minute walking test (535 (467–600) vs. 611 (550–650) meters; p = 0.001), and quality of life (KCCQ-23 60.1 ± 18.6 vs. 82.8 ± 11.3; p < 0.001). Additionally, abnormalities in CPET were suggestive of an impaired ventilatory efficiency (VE/VCO2 slope 32 (28.1–37.4) vs. 29.4 (26.9–31.4); p = 0.022) and high PETCO2 (34.5 (32–39) vs. 38 (36–40); p = 0.025). Interpretation: In this study, >50% of COVID-19 survivors present a symptomatic functional impairment irrespective of age or prior hospitalization. Our findings suggest a potential ventilation/perfusion mismatch or hyperventilation syndrome.
A Multi-Scale Method for Designing Hybrid Fiber-Reinforced Composite Drive Shafts with Carbon Nanotube Inclusions
Authors: Georgantzinos Stelios K. , Antoniou Panagiotis A. , Markolefas Stylianos I.
Published: June 2021

In this paper, the modal and linear buckling analysis of a laminated composite drive shaft reinforced by 11 multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) was carried out using an analytical approach, as well as the finite element method (FEM). The theoretical model is based on classical laminated theory (CLT). The fundamental frequency and the critical buckling torque were determined for different fiber orientation angles. The Halpin–Tsai model was employed to calculate the elastic modulus of composites having randomly oriented nanotubes. The effect of various carbon nanotube (CNT) volume fractions in the epoxy resin matrix on the material properties of unidirectional composite laminas was also analyzed. The fundamental frequency and the critical buckling torque obtained by the finite element analysis and the analytical method for different fiber orientation angles were in good agreement with each other. The results were verified with data available in the open literature, where possible. For the first time in the literature, the influence of CNT fillers on various composite drive shaft design parameters such as the fundamental frequency, critical speed, and critical buckling torque of a hybrid fiber-reinforced composite drive shaft is finally predicted.
Effects of Activity Tracker-Based Counselling and Live-Web Exercise on Breast Cancer Survivors during Italy COVID-19 Lockdown
Authors: Di Blasio Andrea , Morano Teresa , Lancia Federica , Viscioni Gianluca , Di Iorio Angelo , Grossi Simona , Cianchetti Ettore , Cugusi Lucia , Gobbo Stefano , Bergamin Marco , D’Eugenio Anna , Masini Laura , Rinaldi Massimo , Scognamiglio Maria Teresa , Vamvakis Anastasios , Napolitano Giorgio
Published: June 2021

Background: To prevent and fight the increase of daily sedentary time and to promote and stimulate the positive effects of physical activity and exercise on health, both traditional interventions and new strategies are important for breast cancer survivors (BCS). The research goal was to compare the effects of weekly personal feedback, based on objectively measured physical activity, on the trends of both daily sedentary time and on the physical activity of BCS (E− group) with those of an intervention also including online supervised physical exercise sessions (E+ group), during the Italy COVID-19 lockdown. Methods: The Italian COVID-19 emergency allowed the possibility to also observe the effects of social and personal limitations. A total of 51 BCS were studied over an 18-week period and had an objective registration of day-to-day sedentary time, physical activity, and sleep. Both subsamples received weekly or fortnight personal feedback. Data were analysed considering four key periods, according to the COVID-19 emergency steps. Results: Statistical analysis showed an additive effect for sedentary time and a multiplicative effect both for light-to vigorous and light-intensity physical activities. The E− group had a high overall sedentary time and a different trend of light-to vigorous and light-intensity physical activities, with a reduction from the 1st to the 2nd periods (national and personal restrictions), showing a significant rise just at the end of the national restrictions. Conclusions: The use of an activity tracker and its accompanying app, with the reception of weekly tailored advice and supervised online physical exercise sessions, can elicit proper physical activity recomposition in BCS in the COVID-19 era.
Frazil Ice in the Antarctic Marginal Ice Zone
Authors: Paul Felix , Mielke Tommy , Schwarz Carina , Schröder Jörg , Rampai Tokoloho , Skatulla Sebastian , Audh Riesna R. , Hepworth Ehlke , Vichi Marcello , Lupascu Doru C.
Published: June 2021

Frazil ice, consisting of loose disc-shaped ice crystals, is the first ice that forms in the annual cycle in the marginal ice zone (MIZ) of the Antarctic. A sufficient number of frazil ice crystals form the surface “grease ice” layer, playing a fundamental role in the freezing processes in the MIZ. As soon as the ocean waves are sufficiently damped by a frazil ice cover, a closed ice cover can form. In this article, we investigate the rheological properties of frazil ice, which has a crucial influence on the growth of sea ice in the MIZ. An in situ test setup for measuring temperature and rheological properties was developed. Frazil ice shows shear thinning flow behavior. The presented measurements enable real-data-founded modelling of the annual ice cycle in the MIZ.
Fungal Keratitis in Northern Thailand: Spectrum of Agents, Risk Factors and Putative Virulence Factors
Authors: Chongkae Siriporn , Youngchim Sirida , Nosanchuk Joshua D. , Laliam Angkana , Tangmonkongvoragul Chulaluck , Pruksaphon Kritsada
Published: June 2021

Fungal keratitis (FK) is a serious ocular infection that can result in various degrees of vision loss, including blindness. The aim of the study was to identify and retrospectively review all FK cases diagnosed between August 2012 and December 2020 at a tertiary care hospital in northern Thailand with a specific focus on epidemiologic features, including season, patient sex and age, the spectrum of pathogens, and presence of certain putative virulence factors. Of 1237 patients with corneal ulcers, 294 (23.8%) were confirmed by direct microscopic examination and/or fungal culture. For the positive cases, direct examinations of Calcofluor white (CW) stains and KOH mounts were found in 97.3% (286/294) and 76.5% (225/294), respectively (p < 0.05). Of the cases diagnosed by microscopy and culture, fungi were isolated in 152 (51.7%), with Fusarium spp. being the most frequently identified (n = 69, 45.5%) followed by dematiaceous fungi (n = 45, 29.6%) and Aspergillus spp. (n = 18, 11.8%). The incidence of FK was higher in the rainy season of July to October. The mean age was 54.4 ± 14.4 (SD) years, with a range of 9–88 years. Males (75.8%) were affected significantly more than females (24.2%) (p < 0.05). Of 294 patients, 132 (44.9%) were middle-aged adults (41–60 years) and 107 (36.4%) were older than 60 years. Trauma to the eye by soil or vegetative matter were the most common preceding factors (188/294; 64.0%). We assessed two virulence factors. First, 142 of the 152 culture-positive FK cases were due to molds, indicating that hyphal morphogenesis is extremely important in disease. We also demonstrated that fungal melanization occurs in the molds during the course of FK by applying a melanin-specific monoclonal antibody (MAb) that labeled fungal elements in corneal samples of patients, and melanin particles derived from the hyphae were also recovered after treatment of the samples with proteolytic enzymes, denaturant and hot concentrated acid. In summary, we demonstrate that northern Thailand has a high rate of FK that is influenced by season and males engaged in outside activities are at highest risk for disease. Moulds are significantly more commonly responsible for FK, in part due to their capacity to form hyphae and melanins. Future studies will examine models of fungal corneal interactions and assess additional factors of virulence, such as secreted enzymes, to more deeply decipher the pathogenesis of FK.
Univariate and Multivariate GARCH Models Applied to Bitcoin Futures Option Pricing
Authors: Venter Pierre J. , Maré Eben
Published: June 2021

In this paper, the Heston–Nandi futures option pricing model is applied to Bitcoin futures options. The model prices are compared to market prices to give an indication of the pricing performance. In addition, a multivariate Bitcoin futures option pricing methodology based on a multivatiate GARCH model is developed. The empirical results show that a symmetric model is a better fit when applied to Bitcoin futures returns, and also produces more accurate option prices compared to market prices for two out of three expiry dates considered.