bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Childhood B-Cell Preleukemia Mouse Modeling
Authors: Isidro-Hernández Marta , Alemán-Arteaga Silvia , Casado-García Ana , Ruiz-Corzo Belén , Riesco Susana , Prieto-Matos Pablo , Martínez-Cano Jorge , Sánchez Lucía , Cobaleda César , Sánchez-García Isidro , Vicente-Dueñas Carolina
Published: July 2022

Leukemia is the most usual childhood cancer, and B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) is its most common presentation. It has been proposed that pediatric leukemogenesis occurs through a “multi-step” or “multi-hit” mechanism that includes both in utero and postnatal steps. Many childhood leukemia-initiating events, such as chromosomal translocations, originate in utero, and studies so far suggest that these “first-hits” occur at a far higher frequency than the incidence of childhood leukemia itself. The reason why only a small percentage of the children born with such preleukemic “hits” will develop full-blown leukemia is still a mystery. In order to better understand childhood leukemia, mouse modeling is essential, but only if the multistage process of leukemia can be recapitulated in the model. Therefore, mouse models naturally reproducing the “multi-step” process of childhood B-ALL will be essential to identify environmental or other factors that are directly linked to increased risk of disease.
Function of Cajal Bodies in Nuclear RNA Retention in A. thaliana Leaves Subjected to Hypoxia
Authors: Górka Sylwia , Kubiak Dawid , Ciesińska Małgorzata , Niedojadło Katarzyna , Tyburski Jarosław , Niedojadło Janusz
Published: July 2022

Retention of RNA in the nucleus precisely regulates the time and rate of translation and controls transcriptional bursts that can generate profound variability in mRNA levels among identical cells in tissues. In this study, we investigated the function of Cajal bodies (CBs) in RNA retention in A. thaliana leaf nuclei during hypoxia stress was investigated. It was observed that in ncb-1 mutants with a complete absence of CBs, the accumulation of poly(A+) RNA in the leaf nuclei was lower than that in wt under stress. Moreover, unlike in root cells, CBs store less RNA, and RNA retention in the nuclei is much less intense. Our results reveal that the function of CBs in the accumulation of RNA in nuclei under stress depends on the plant organ. Additionally, in ncb-1, retention of introns of mRNA RPB1 (largest subunit of RNA polymerase II) mRNA was observed. However, this isoform is highly accumulated in the nucleus. It thus follows that intron retention in transcripts is more important than CBs for the accumulation of RNA in nuclei. Accumulated mRNAs with introns in the nucleus could escape transcript degradation by NMD (nonsense-mediated mRNA decay). From non-fully spliced mRNAs in ncb-1 nuclei, whose levels increase during hypoxia, introns are removed during reoxygenation. Then, the mRNA is transferred to the cytoplasm, and the RPB1 protein is translated. Despite the accumulation of isoforms in nuclei with retention of introns in reoxygenation, ncb-1 coped much worse with long hypoxia, and manifested faster yellowing and shrinkage of leaves.
Neuroprotective Effects of Resveratrol by Modifying Cholesterol Metabolism and Aβ Processing in SAMP8 Mice
Authors: Sánchez-Melgar Alejandro , Izquierdo-Ramírez Pedro J. , Griñán-Ferré Christian , Pallàs Mercè , Martín Mairena , Albasanz José Luis
Published: July 2022

Cholesterol metabolism seems dysregulated and linked to amyloid-β (Aβ) formation in neurodegeneration, but the underlying mechanisms are poorly known. Resveratrol (RSV) is a polyphenol with antioxidant activity and neuroprotective properties. Here, we analyzed the effect of age and RSV supplementation on cholesterol metabolism in the brain and blood serum, and its potential link to Aβ processing, in SAMP8 mice—an animal model of aging and Alzheimer’s disease. In the brain, our results revealed an age-related increase in ApoE and unesterified cholesterol in the plasma membrane whereas LDL receptor, HMG-CoA reductase, HMG-CoA-C1 synthase, and ABCA1 transporter remained unaltered. Furthermore, BACE-1 and APP gene expression was decreased. This dysregulation could be involved in the amyloidogenic processing pathway of APP towards Aβ formation. In turn, RSV exhibited an age-dependent effect. While levels of unesterified cholesterol in the plasma membrane were not affected by RSV, several participants in cholesterol uptake, release, and de novo synthesis differed, depending on age. Thus, RSV supplementation exhibited a different neuroprotective effect acting on Aβ processing or cholesterol metabolism in the brain at earlier or later ages, respectively. In blood serum, HDL lipoprotein and free cholesterol were increased by age, whereas VLDL and LDL lipoproteins remained unaltered. Again, the protective effect of RSV by decreasing the LDL or increasing the HDL levels also seems to depend on the intervention’s moment. In conclusion, age is a prominent factor for cholesterol metabolism dysregulation in the brain of SAMP8 mice and influences the protective effects of RSV through cholesterol metabolism and Aβ processing.
The Role of Intravitreal Corticosteroids in the Treatment of DME: Predictive OCT Biomarkers
Authors: Munk Marion R. , Somfai Gabor Mark , de Smet Marc D. , Donati Guy , Menke Marcel N. , Garweg Justus G. , Ceklic Lala
Published: July 2022

This work aims to summarize predictive biomarkers to guide treatment choice in DME. Intravitreal anti-VEGF is considered the gold standard treatment for centers involving DME, while intravitreal steroid treatment has been established as a second-line treatment in DME. However, more than 1/3 of the patients do not adequately respond to anti-VEGF treatment despite up to 4-weekly injections. Not surprisingly, insufficient response to anti-VEGF therapy has been linked to low-normal VEGF levels in the serum and aqueous humor. These patients may well benefit from an early switch to intravitreal steroid treatment. In these patients, morphological biomarkers visible in OCT may predict treatment response and guide treatment decisions. Namely, the presence of a large amount of retinal and choroidal hyperreflective foci, disruption of the outer retinal layers and other signs of chronicity such as intraretinal cysts extending into the outer retina and a lower choroidal vascular index are all signs suggestive of a favorable treatment response of steroids compared to anti-VEGF. This paper summarizes predictive biomarkers in DME in order to assist individual treatment decisions in DME. These markers will help to identify DME patients who may benefit from primary dexamethasone treatment or an early switch.
Caveolin-1 Alleviates Acetaminophen—Induced Hepatotoxicity in Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease by Regulating the Ang II/EGFR/ERK Axis
Authors: Xin Jiao , You Tingyu , Jiang Xiangfu , Fu Dongdong , Wang Jiarong , Jiang Wei , Feng Xiaowen , Wen Jiagen , Huang Yan , Hu Chengmu
Published: July 2022

Acetaminophen (APAP) is a widely used antipyretic analgesic which can lead to acute liver failure after overdoses. Chronic alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD) appears to enhance the risk and severity of APAP-induced liver injury, and the level of angiotensin II (Ang II) increased sharply at the same time. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Caveolin-1 (CAV1) has been proven to have a protective effect on AFLD. This study aimed to examine whether CAV1 can protect the APAP-induced hepatotoxicity of AFLD by affecting Ang II or its related targets. In vivo, the AFLD model was established according to the chronic-plus-binge ethanol model. Liver injury and hepatic lipid accumulation level were determined. The levels of Angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), Ang II, CAV1, and other relevant proteins were evaluated by western blotting. In vitro, L02 cells were treated with alcohol and oleic acid mixture and APAP. CAV1 and ACE2 expression was downregulated in APAP-treated AFLD mice compared to APAP-treated mice. The overexpression of CAV1 in mice and L02 cells alleviated APAP-induced hepatotoxicity in AFLD and downregulated Ang II, p-EGFR/EGFR and P-ERK/ERK expression. Immunofluorescence experiments revealed interactions between CAV1, Ang II, and EGFR. The application of losartan (an Ang II receptor antagonist) and PD98059 (an ERK1/2 inhibitor) alleviated APAP-induced hepatotoxicity in AFLD. In conclusion, our findings verified that CAV1 alleviates APAP-aggravated hepatotoxicity in AFLD by downregulating the Ang II /EGFR/ERK axis, which could be a novel therapeutic target for its prevention or treatment.
MicroRNAs as Predictors of Lung-Cancer Resistance and Sensitivity to Cisplatin
Authors: Konoshenko Maria , Lansukhay Yuriy , Krasilnikov Sergey , Laktionov Pavel
Published: July 2022

Background: Platinum-based chemotherapy, cisplatin (DDP) specifically, is the main strategy for treating lung cancer (LC). However, currently, there is a lack of predictive drug-resistance markers, and there is increased interest in the development of a reliable and sensitive panels of markers for DDP chemotherapy-effectiveness prediction. MicroRNAs represent a perspective pool of markers for chemotherapy effectiveness. Objectives: Data on miRNAs associated with LC DDP chemotherapy response are summarized and analyzed. Materials and methods: A comprehensive review of the data in the literature and an analysis of bioinformatics resources were performed. The gene targets of miRNAs, as well as their reciprocal relationships with miRNAs, were studied using several databases. Results and Discussion: The complex analysis of bioinformatics resources and the literature indicated that the expressions of 12 miRNAs have a high predictive potential for LC DDP chemotherapy responses. The obtained information was discussed from the point of view of the main mechanisms of LC chemoresistance. Conclusions: An overview of the published data and bioinformatics resources, with respect to the predictive microRNA markers of chemotherapy response, is presented in this review. The selected microRNAs and gene panel have a high potential for predicting LC DDP sensitiveness or DDP resistance as well as for the development of a DDP co-therapy.
Wind Variation near the Black Sea Coastal Areas Reflected by the ERA5 Dataset
Authors: Yildirir Victoria , Rusu Eugen , Onea Florin
Published: July 2022

In the context of the European Green Deal implementation, it is expected that there will be an increase in number of the wind farms located near the coastal areas in order to support this initiative. The Black Sea represents an important source of wind energy, and as a consequence, in the present work the regional wind resources (onshore and offshore) are evaluated by considering a total of 20 years of ERA5 wind data covering the 20-year time interval from January 2002 to December 2021. From a general perspective, it is clear that the offshore areas (100 km from the shoreline) are defined by much higher wind speed values than in the onshore, reaching an average of 8.75 m/s for the points located on the western sector. During the winter, these values can go up to 8.75 m/s, with the mention that the northern sectors from Ukraine and Russia may easily exceed 8 m/s. In terms of the wind turbines’ selection, for the offshore areas defined by consistent wind resources, generators will be considered that are defined by a rated wind speed of 11 m/s. Finally, we can mention that a theoretical offshore wind turbine of 20 MW can reach a capacity factor located between 20.9 and 48.3%, while a maximum annual electricity production of 84.6 GWh may be obtained from the sites located near the Romanian and Ukrainian sectors, respectively.
Design and Stability Analysis of an Offshore Floating Multi-Wind Turbine Platform
Authors: Bashetty Srikanth , Ozcelik Selahattin
Published: July 2022

The multi-wind turbine platform technology has the potential to harness the significant source of offshore wind energy in deep waters. However, the wake interference between the turbines on the multi-wind turbine platform can cause a reduction in power production; hence, it is important to study the wake effects in the initial phase of the design. This paper studies the effects of wake interference between the wind turbines on three different platform configurations to find a suitable configuration for the wind turbines on a multi-turbine platform. The analytical Larsen wake model and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations are used for evaluating the wake effects. The platform configuration required for the wind turbines is determined based on the results of wake effects, and then a novel platform is designed. The free-floating stability behavior of the multi-wind turbine platform is analyzed using the hydrostatic analysis of the modeled platform. The wave-body interaction between the platform and the waves is predicted using the hydrodynamic analysis. A preliminary cost analysis of the multi-turbine platform concept is evaluated and compared with a single wind turbine floating concept. The results showed that the presented design is a promising concept that can enhance the offshore wind industry.
ETS1 and HLHS: Implications for the Role of the Endocardium
Authors: Grossfeld Paul
Published: July 2022

We have identified the ETS1 gene as the cause of congenital heart defects, including an unprecedented high frequency of HLHS, in the chromosomal disorder Jacobsen syndrome. Studies in Ciona intestinalis demonstrated a critical role for ETS1 in heart cell fate determination and cell migration, suggesting that the impairment of one or both processes can underlie the pathogenesis of HLHS. Our studies determined that ETS1 is expressed in the cardiac neural crest and endocardium in the developing murine heart, implicating one or both lineages in the development of HLHS. Studies in Drosophila and Xenopus demonstrated a critical role for ETS1 in regulating cardiac cell fate determination, and results in Xenopus provided further evidence for the role of the endocardium in the evolution of the “hypoplastic” HLHS LV. Paradoxically, these studies suggest that the loss of ETS1 may cause a cell fate switch resulting in the loss of endocardial cells and a relative abundance of cardiac myocytes. These studies implicate an “HLHS transcriptional network” of genes conserved across species that are essential for early heart development. Finally, the evidence suggests that in a subset of HLHS patients, the HLHS LV cardiac myocytes are, intrinsically, developmentally and functionally normal, which has important implications for potential future therapies.
Intentional Rounding versus Standard of Care for Patients Hospitalised in Internal Medicine Wards: Results from a Cluster-Randomised Nation-Based Study
Authors: Di Massimo Dino Stefano , Catania Gianluca , Crespi Annachiara , Fontanella Andrea , Manfellotto Dario , La Regina Micaela , De Carli Stefano , Rasero Laura , Gatta Claudia , Pentella Giovanna , Bordin Gabriella , Croso Antonella , Bagnasco Annamaria , Gussoni Gualberto , Campani Daiana , Busca Erica , Azzolina Danila , Dal Molin Alberto ,   on behalf of the INTENTO Study Group
Published: July 2022

The aim of the study was to explore the effects of Intentional Rounding, a regular-based proactive patient monitoring, on falls and pressure ulcers in internal medicine units. This is a cluster-randomised controlled study, where units were assigned (1:1) to Intentional Rounding (intervention group) or Standard of Care (control group). The primary outcome was the cumulative incidence of falls and new pressure ulcers. These events were considered separately as secondary endpoints, together with the number of bell calls and the evaluation of patient satisfaction. Primary analyses were carried out on the modified intention-to-treat population (hospitalisation of at least 10 days). Recruitment occurred between October 2019 and March 2020, at which time the study was prematurely closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Enrolment totalled 1822 patients at 26 sites; 779 patients were included in the modified intention-to-treat analysis. The intervention group had a lower risk of falls (adjusted incidence rate ratio 0.14; 95% confidence interval, 0.02–0.78; p = 0.03). There were no statistical differences in new pressure ulcers or the cumulative incidence of both adverse events. Mean bell calls for each patient were 15.4 ± 24.1 in the intervention group and 13.7 ± 20.5 in the control group (p = 0.38). Additionally, patient satisfaction in the intervention group was almost at the maximum level. Our study supports the usefulness of Intentional Rounding in a complex and vulnerable population such as that hospitalised in internal medicine units.
Prognostic Value of Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index among Critically Ill Patients with Acute Kidney Injury: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Jia Lan , Li Chen , Bi Xueqing , Wei Fang , Meng Jia , Sun Guijiang , Yu Haibo , Dong Hongye , Li Bo , Cao Yueqi , Wang Lihua , Jiang Aili
Published: July 2022

Inflammation plays a significant role in the occurrence and development of acute kidney injury (AKI). Evidence regarding the prognostic effect of the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) in critically ill patients with AKI is scarce. The aim of this study was to assess the association between SII and all-cause mortality in these patients. Detailed clinical data were extracted from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care Database (MIMIC)-IV. The primary outcome was set as the in-hospital mortality. A total of 10,764 AKI patients were enrolled in this study. The restricted cubic splines analyses showed a J-shaped curve between SII and the risk of in-hospital and ICU mortality. After adjusting for relevant confounders, multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that both lower and higher SII levels were associated with an elevated risk of in-hospital all-cause mortality. A similar trend was observed for ICU mortality. In summary, we found that the SII was associated in a J-shaped pattern with all-cause mortality among critically ill patients with AKI. SII appears to be have potential applications in the clinical setting as a novel and easily accessible biomarker for predicting the prognosis of AKI patients.
Postpartum Relapse in Patients with Bipolar Disorder
Authors: Conejo-Galindo Javier , Sanz-Giancola Alejandro , Álvarez-Mon Miguel Ángel , Ortega Miguel Á. , Gutiérrez-Rojas Luis , Lahera Guillermo
Published: July 2022

Pregnancy and postpartum are vital times of greater vulnerability to suffer a decompensation of bipolar disorder (BD). Methods: A systematic literature search was performed on public electronic medical databases, following PRISMA guidelines. Studies were included if they reported postpartum relapse in patients diagnosed with BD according to Diagnosis Statistical Manual (DSM) or International Classification Disease (ICD) criteria. Results: Sixteen articles describing 6064 deliveries of 3977 women were included in the quantitative analyses. The overall risk of postpartum relapse was 36.77%. The methodology of the studies, the diagnostic criteria, the discrimination between BD type I and II, and the origin of the sample were very heterogeneous. Conclusions: the rate of postpartum bipolar relapse is very high, as it is considered to be a critical period. It is especially important to detect decompensation in this period and to evaluate mood-stabilizing treatment, given the high risk of relapse concentrated in a short period.
Use of State-of-Art Machine Learning Technologies for Forecasting Offshore Wind Speed, Wave and Misalignment to Improve Wind Turbine Performance
Authors: Sacie Montserrat , Santos Matilde , López Rafael , Pandit Ravi
Published: July 2022

One of the most promising solutions that stands out to mitigate climate change is floating offshore wind turbines (FOWTs). Although they are very efficient in producing clean energy, the harsh environmental conditions they are subjected to, mainly strong winds and waves, produce structural fatigue and may cause them to lose efficiency. Thus, it is imperative to develop models to facilitate their deployment while maximizing energy production and ensuring the structure’s safety. This work applies machine learning (ML) techniques to obtain predictive models of the most relevant metocean variables involved. Specifically, wind speed, significant wave height, and the misalignment between wind and waves have been analyzed, pre-processed and modeled based on actual data. Linear regression (LR), support vector machines regression (SVR), Gaussian process regression (GPR) and neural network (NN)-based solutions have been applied and compared. The results show that Nonlinear autoregressive with an exogenous input neural network (NARX) is the best algorithm for both wind speed and misalignment forecasting in the time domain (72% accuracy) and GPR for wave height (90.85% accuracy). In conclusion, these models are vital to deploying and installing FOWTs and making them profitable.
Special Issue: Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis
Authors: Kosmidis Chris
Published: July 2022

I would like to thank all authors who contributed to this Journal of Fungi Special Issue on Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis (CPA) [...]
Crowd Reactions to Entrepreneurial Failure in Rewards-Based Crowdfunding: A Psychological Contract Theory Perspective
Authors: Oberoi Swati , Srivastava Smita , Gupta Vishal K. , Joshi Rohit , Mehta Atul
Published: July 2022

Rewards-based crowdfunding (RBC) has recently gained popularity as an alternative means of finance to help entrepreneurs bring novel projects to life. We theorize that crowdfunding backers perceive an implicit psychological contract with campaign creators. When promised rewards fail to materialize post fundraising, backers may perceive entrepreneurs’ failure to deliver rewards as a violation of their psychological contract with him or her. Drawing on psychological contract theory and using Eisenhardt’s comparative case methodology, we generate insights about crowd reactions to creators’ failure to deliver rewards to backers. Our research generates the novel insight that in the event of delivery failure, backers who perceive a transactional psychological contract with creators are more likely to display negative emotional reactions, while backers who perceive a relational psychological contract are more likely to display positive emotional reactions. Furthermore, we identify three progressive stages of backers’ interaction with creators in failed RBC campaigns, ‘committing’, ‘crisis handling’, and ‘coping-up’ and highlight the crowds’ emotional valence associated with each stage. Our analyses of the campaign comments reveal insights of interest to RBC players and hold implications for the future development of crowdfunding.
Rural Residents’ Perceptions of Ecosystem Services: A Study from Three Topographic Areas in Shandong Province, China
Authors: Wu Binglu , Liang Wenzhuo , Wang Jiening , Cui Dongxu
Published: July 2022

Rural residents’ perception is an important way of evaluating rural ecosystem services. Different topographies affect the level of ecosystem services, thus affecting residents’ perceived preferences. This study conducted a questionnaire survey of 1176 rural residents in mountainous, hilly, and plain areas of Shandong Province. It analyzed respondents’ satisfaction with ecosystem services and landscape preferences in different topographical areas. The results showed that the perception of ecosystem services was higher than average in all three topographic areas. The perceptions from high to low were cultural services, provisioning services, and regulating services. The perception of ecosystem services was significantly affected by topography, with significant differences between mountainous and plain areas in particular. Rural residents’ perceptions of cultural services varied widely and there were diverse preferences. This study believes that the important concerns in enhancing the perception of ecosystem services among rural residents are to raise villagers’ ecological awareness by meeting their growing spiritual needs and the high sensitivity of older people.
How Does Land Tenure Security Affect Farm Succession? Evidence from Apple Growers in China
Authors: Zhang Qiangqiang , Tian Jiaying , Zheng Jie , Abdullahi Nazir Muhammad , Huo Xuexi
Published: July 2022

The security of farmland property rights is an important factor that affects farmland investment and succession, and farm succession is highly significant for achieving sustainable agricultural development. In this study, based on survey data obtained from 1012 apple growers in Shandong and Shaanxi Provinces, we analyzed the impact of land tenure security on the farm succession willingness of farmers and related paths by constructing binary logistic regression and mediating effect models. The results showed that: (1) land tenure security plays a significant role in promoting the farm succession willingness of farmers; and that (2) land tenure security promotes farm succession willingness by improving the farmland investment intentions of farmers. In the future, reforms of the farmland property rights system need to ensure the security of farmland property rights. In addition, with the influence of climate change, it is necessary to encourage farmers with advantageous agricultural resource endowments to invest in farmland and intergenerational transfers, as well as inducing farmers who lack advantageous agricultural resource endowments to conduct non-agricultural transfers, thereby providing more opportunities and a greater development area for agricultural land transfers and agricultural-scale operations.
Investigation on the Air Permeability and Pore Structure of Concrete Subjected to Carbonation under Compressive Stress
Authors: Zhang Cheng , Shi Xinyu , Wang Ling , Yao Yan
Published: July 2022

Concrete structures have to withstand the combined effects of external load and environmental factors. Therefore, it is meaningful to study the durability of concrete under compression and carbonation. The air permeability coefficient (kAu) and pore structure of concrete under uniaxial compression and carbonation were measured by the Autoclam method and mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP). The Autoclam test results showed that the concrete kAu changed in a concave parabolic manner with the compressive stress level, and the inflection point of the stress level was 45%. The MIP results showed that the characteristic pore structural parameters (porosity, average pore diameter, median pore diameter by area, and median pore diameter by volume) first decreased and then increased with the stress level change. The change in concrete microstructure was a result of the combined effect of pore filling, decalcification, and densification, as well as the split effect. The key pore structural parameters affecting kAu were confirmed using gray relational analysis (GRA). The top three parameters with the highest correlation with the carbonated concrete kAu were porosity (gray relational grade γi = 0.789), median pore diameter by volume (γi = 0.763), and proportion of transition pore volume (γi = 0.827). Furthermore, the regression analysis showed a good linear relation between kAu and the important pore structural parameters.
Advanced and Functional Structured Ceramics: MgF2 and ZnS
Authors: Kamanina Natalia , Toikka Andrey , Barnash Yaroslav , Kuzhakov Pavel , Kvashnin Dmitry
Published: July 2022

Due to difficulties in obtaining monomaterials, intensive research into the properties of ceramic compositions has been undertaken, along with developments to the properties of the compositions. These are not inferior to monomeric structures for a number of basic parameters. Among the different types of ceramics, magnesium fluoride and zinc sulfide occupy a special place due to their unique properties and specific applications. In this paper, we studied functional optoelectronics and modulating technique elements based on the advanced ceramics MgF2 and ZnS. The results of the transmittance spectral parameters and the contact angle estimation as well as an AFM analysis of the studied ceramics, both pure and structured with carbon nanotubes, are presented. We observed that the main characteristics of the studied materials with a surface modified by carbon nanotubes could be significantly changed when an innovative laser-oriented deposition method was applied. This method permitted the CNTs to be deposited in a vertical position on the material surface. The main features of the carbon nanotubes—such as the smaller value of the refractive index, the greater strength between the carbon atoms, and the effective surface—were taken into consideration. The analytical, quantum chemical, and experimental results of the studies of the changes in the basic physical parameters of the selected model of the inorganic matrices of the ceramics are given.
Nonlinear Extended State Observer Based Prescribed Performance Control for Quadrotor UAV with Attitude and Input Saturation Constraints
Authors: Ma Tie-Nan , Xi Rui-Dong , Xiao Xiao , Yang Zhi-Xin
Published: July 2022

In this paper, a prescribed performance control scheme of the quadrotor unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) under attitude and input saturation constraints is introduced. According to the underactuated feature, the quadrotor UAV system can be decomposed into an underactuated subsystem and a fully actuated subsystem. With the feedback linearization technique, a single nonlinear extended state observer (ESO) is proposed, and multiple observations are utilized to estimate both matched and unmatched disturbances, which not only can obtain a uniform convergence, but also reduces the complexity of the observer’s parameter adjustment. To improve system stability, an input saturation algorithm for each single rotor is introduced to modify the final control output. In addition, the limited attitude for the quadrotor UAV is also considered as a saturation constraint in the control scheme with a compensation auxiliary system. On this basis, dynamic surface control (DSC) with prescribed performance is adopted to guarantee the bounded convergence and steady-state error. All state errors of the closed-loop system are proven to be uniformly bounded using the Lyapunov theory, and the simulation results are given to demonstrate the stability, effectiveness, and superiority of the proposed control strategies at last.
Exponentially-Fitted Fourth-Derivative Single-Step Obrechkoff Method for Oscillatory/Periodic Problems
Authors: Wusu Ashiribo Senapon , Olabanjo Olusola Aanu , Mazzara Manuel
Published: July 2022

The quest for accurate and more efficient methods for solving periodic/oscillatory problems is gaining more attention in recent time. This paper presents the construction and implementation of a family of exponentially-fitted Obrechkoff methods using a six-step flowchart discussed in the literature. A single-step Obrechkoff method involving terms up to the fourth derivative was used as the base method. We also present the stability and convergence properties of the constructed family of methods. Two numerical examples were used to illustrate the performance of the constructed methods.
Selecting the Fintech Strategy for Supply Chain Finance: A Hybrid Decision Approach for Banks
Authors: Kao Yu-Cheng , Shen Kao-Yi , Lee San-Ting , Shieh Joseph C. P.
Published: July 2022

Many banks are eager to adopt technology solutions to enhance operational efficiency in managing supply chain finance, which involves various participants and complex financial activities. Previous research either focuses on the technology aspect or the optimization of a supply chain; there is little specific guidance on how banks can form a holistic model to evaluate their Fintech strategy for supply chain finance. By using an integrated approach, this study adopted the decision- making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) and several analytical methods to construct a hybrid decision model for banks. We concluded four plausible Fintech strategies from previous research and highlighted the advantages of the blockchain-based strategy. We used a domestic bank in Taiwan as a case study during the evaluation phase and implemented crisp and confidence-based fuzzy assessments. The result indicates that the blockchain-based leading strategy would be ideal for this bank. The hybrid decision model also unveils the complicated relationships among those evaluation factors, which sheds light on banks pursuing their innovation in financial services. The findings contribute to banks developing their Fintech-based supply chain financing business, and the supply chain participants may also benefit from securing efficient loans to expedite their operations.
Construction of HGF-Displaying Yeast by Cell Surface Engineering
Authors: Shibasaki Seiji , Nakatani Yuki , Taketani Kazuaki , Karasaki Miki , Matsui Kiyoshi , Ueda Mitsuyoshi , Iwasaki Tsuyoshi
Published: July 2022

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) has been investigated as a regulator for immune reactions caused by transplantation and autoimmune diseases and other biological functions. Previous studies demonstrated that cDNA-encoding HGF administration could inhibit acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) after treatment via hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. This study aimed to show the preparation of HGF protein on yeast cell surfaces to develop a tool for the oral administration of HGF to a GVHD mouse model. In this study, full-length HGF and the heavy chain of HGF were genetically fused with α-agglutinin and were successfully displayed on the yeast cell surface. This study suggested that yeast cell surface display engineering could provide a novel administration route for HGF.
Comparative Genomic Analysis of the Marine Cyanobacterium Acaryochloris marina MBIC10699 Reveals the Impact of Phycobiliprotein Reacquisition and the Diversity of Acaryochloris Plasmids
Authors: Yamamoto Haruki , Uesaka Kazuma , Tsuzuki Yuki , Yamakawa Hisanori , Itoh Shigeru , Fujita Yuichi
Published: July 2022

Acaryochloris is a marine cyanobacterium that synthesizes chlorophyll d, a unique chlorophyll that absorbs far-red lights. Acaryochloris is also characterized by the loss of phycobiliprotein (PBP), a photosynthetic antenna specific to cyanobacteria; however, only the type-strain A. marina MBIC11017 retains PBP, suggesting that PBP-related genes were reacquired through horizontal gene transfer (HGT). Acaryochloris is thought to have adapted to various environments through its huge genome size and the genes acquired through HGT; however, genomic information on Acaryochloris is limited. In this study, we report the complete genome sequence of A. marina MBIC10699, which was isolated from the same area of ocean as A. marina MBIC11017 as a PBP-less strain. The genome of A.marina MBIC10699 consists of a 6.4 Mb chromosome and four large plasmids totaling about 7.6 Mb, and the phylogenic analysis shows that A.marina MBIC10699 is the most closely related to A. marina MBIC11017 among the Acaryochloris species reported so far. Compared with A. marina MBIC11017, the chromosomal genes are highly conserved between them, while the genes encoded in the plasmids are significantly diverse. Comparing these genomes provides clues as to how the genes for PBPs were reacquired and what changes occurred in the genes for photosystems during evolution.
Short-Chain Mono-Alkyl β-D-Glucoside Crystals—Do They Form a Cubic Crystal Structure?
Authors: Ogawa Shigesaburo , Takahashi Isao
Published: July 2022

Three-dimensional liquid crystal (LC) phases, cubic LC phases, have been extensively studied as fascinating molecular assembled systems formed by amphiphilic compounds. However, similar structures have only been seen in rare instances in lipid crystal states in glycolipid crystal studies. In this study, we prepared short-chain n-alkyl β-D-glucosides (CnG) with an alkyl chain length n ranging from 4 to 6 and investigated their crystal structures. First, differential thermal analysis (DTA) and thermogravimetric analysis (TG) measurements showed the formation of hydrated crystals for C4G and C5G, respectively. Second, the crystal structures of CnG (n = 4, 5, 6) in both anhydrous and hydrated states were examined using a temperature-controlled powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) measurement. Both hydrate and anhydrous crystals of C4G and C5G with critical packing parameters (CPPs) less than 0.33 formed cubic crystal phases. Bilayer lengths, calculated from the main diffraction peaks in each PXRD profile, depended on crystalline moisture for C5G, but no significant change was confirmed for C4G, indicating that the properties of each hydrophilic layer differ. However, C6G with a CPP of 0.42 formed a crystal structure with a modulated lamellar structure similar to C7G and C8G with similar CPP values. Thus, a glycolipid motif concept with a cubic crystal structure was demonstrated.
Fire-Shaped Nozzles to Produce a Stress Peak for Deformability Studies
Authors: Rubio Alejandro , López Marta , Vega Emilio J. , Cabezas María G.
Published: July 2022

Fire-shaped nozzles can be used to study the deformability of microcapsules, particles, or cells traveling in a flow. Though their geometry depends on the dimensions of the original glass capillary and the heating conditions, they all produce a strain rate peak approximately at the section where the diameter is 1.5 times the minimum. The intensity of this peak and the time from its position to the neck can be easily estimated from the flow rate and three geometrical parameters, without the need for any simulation. In the convergent region of these nozzles, it is possible to observe the evolution of the deformation. It is necessary to use a sufficiently long nozzle to produce the maximum deformation before the neck.
Oxidation Behavior of Carbon Fibers in Ceramizable Phenolic Resin Matrix Composites at Elevated Temperatures
Authors: Yang Tingli , Dong Chuang , Rong Yiyang , Deng Zongyi , Li Pengfei , Han Pengkun , Shi Minxian , Huang Zhixiong
Published: July 2022

Carbon fiber fabric-reinforced phenolic resin composites are widely used as thermal protection materials for thermal protection systems in hypersonic vehicles and capsules. In this work, carbon fiber fabric-reinforced boron phenolic resin composites modified with MoSi2 and B4C were prepared via a compression molding technique. The high-temperature performance of the composites as well as the oxidation behavior of the carbon fibers was studied. The results indicate that the incorporation of B4C improves the performance of composites at high temperatures. The residual weight rate of composites with 15 phr B4C (BP-15) sufficiently increased from 23.03% to 32.91% compared with the composites without B4C (BP-0). After being treated at 1400 °C for 15 min, the flexural strength of BP-15 increased by 17.79% compared with BP-0. Compared with BP-0, the line ablation rate and mass ablation rate of BP-15 were reduced by 53.96% and 1.56%, respectively. In addition, MoSi2 and B4C particles had a positive effect on the oxidation of carbon fibers in the composites. After treatment at 1400 °C, the diameter of the as-received carbon fiber was reduced by 31.68%, while the diameter of the carbon fiber in BP-0 and BP-15 decreased by 15.12% and 6.14%, respectively. At high temperatures, the liquid B2O3 from B4C and MoSi2-derived complex-phase ceramics (MoB, MoB2, Mo2C, Mo4.8Si3C0.6) acted as an oxygen barrier, effectively mitigating the oxidation degree of the carbon fibers.
3D-Printed Soft Pneumatic Robotic Digit Based on Parametric Kinematic Model for Finger Action Mimicking
Authors: Zhao Shumi , Wang Ziwen , Lei Yisong , Zhang Jie , Li Yuyao , Sun Zeji , Gong Zidan
Published: July 2022

A robotic digit with shape modulation, allowing personalized and adaptable finger motions, can be used to restore finger functions after finger trauma or neurological impairment. A soft pneumatic robotic digit consisting of pneumatic bellows actuators as biomimetic artificial joints is proposed in this study to achieve specific finger motions. A parametric kinematic model is employed to describe the tip motion trajectory of the soft pneumatic robotic digit and guide the actuator parameter design (i.e., the pressure supply, actuator material properties, and structure requirements of the adopted pneumatic bellows actuators). The direct 3D printing technique is adopted in the fabrication process of the soft pneumatic robotic digit using the smart material of thermoplastic polyurethane. Each digit joint achieves different ranges of motion (ROM; bending angles of distal, proximal, and metacarpal joint are 107°, 101°, and 97°, respectively) under a low pressure of 30 kPa, which are consistent with the functional ROM of a human finger for performing daily activities. Theoretical model analysis and experiment tests are performed to validate the effectiveness of the digit parametric kinematic model, thereby providing evidence-based technical parameters for the precise control of dynamic pressure dosages to achieve the required motions.
An Improved RFI Mitigation Approach for SAR Based on Low-Rank Sparse Decomposition: From the Perspective of Useful Signal Protection
Authors: Zhang Hengrui , Min Lin , Lu Jing , Chang Jike , Guo Zhengwei , Li Ning
Published: July 2022

As an open system, synthetic aperture radar (SAR) inevitably receives radio frequency interference (RFI) generated by electromagnetic equipment in the same band. The existence of RFI seriously affects SAR signal processing and image interpretation. In recent years, many algorithms and models related to RFI mitigation have been proposed. However, most of that focus on effectively mitigating the RFI is insufficient to protect the useful signals. This article proposes a mitigation method of RFI with a signal-protected capability. (1) The kurtosis coefficient is used to detect RFI pulse-by-pulse, and the echoes containing RFI are stored in matrix form. (2) The preliminary extraction of RFI is complete by low-rank sparse decomposition of the echo matrix containing RFI. (3) For the secondary separation of RFI, the accurate position of RFI in the preliminary extraction results is located by the fuzzy C-means clustering; then, we separate the RFI and the remaining useful signals again and reconstruct the useful signals to complete the mitigation work. The proposed method can further protect useful signals while effectively removing interference through the secondary separation of RFI. Experimental results based on simulated and measured data verify the performance and potential of the proposed method.
The Economic Value of Wetlands in Urban Areas: The Benefits in a Developing Country
Authors: Díaz-Pinzón Lida , Sierra Lya , Trillas Francesc
Published: July 2022

Urban growth has impacted natural ecosystems such as wetlands. This situation destabilizes the beneficial contributions of nature, generating a socioeconomic effect. There is a need to quantify the benefits of wetlands in developing countries and urban areas, where the growth of cities is fastest. This is the first valuation study of urban and peri-urban wetlands in Colombia. The methodology includes a benefit transfer (BT) method with a geographical information system (GIS) and an exploratory governance analysis. Because there are few studies on the economic valuation of urban wetlands in Latin America, we present a methodology of interest, which can be easily replicated in other cities of this subcontinent. Based on an economic approach, our results find that 76% of the total value of wetlands is provided by ecosystem services (ES) of existence and legacy value, followed by maintenance of the life cycle of migratory species and water supply. Urban areas are identified where users benefit more than areas where the population exerts greater pressure on wetlands. Weak governance is due to the disarticulation between regulation, land-use planning, and the social-ecological system. This research contributes to urban wetland management policies, as well as to sustainable solutions in cities.
Improving Knowledge-Sharing Intentions: A Study in Indonesian Service Industries
Authors: Afandy David , Gunawan Agus , Stoffers Jol , Kornarius Yoke Pribadi , Caroline Angela
Published: July 2022

Managers of service firms should improve the knowledge-sharing intentions among employees to obtain knowledge stored in them and use it to provide better services to customers. Across types of organizations, especially professional bureaucracies and operating adhocracies, one question is whether service firms can use the same information technology infrastructure strategy to improve workers’ knowledge-sharing intentions. To address this question, 347 respondents working in service industries participated in this study, and focus group discussions were conducted among representatives of those firms to produce better interpretations of statistical results. Findings suggest a weak but significant relationship between information technology infrastructure and knowledge-sharing intentions. While entering a new normal period after the COVID-19 pandemic, effective information technology infrastructures appear to represent a natural and ordinary facility. Despite operating in disparate organization types, managers in both professional bureaucracies and operating adhocracies should build trust and relationships with workers to increase knowledge-sharing intentions.
Is Business Research Shaping the Circle? Systematic and Bibliometric Review of Circular Economy Research
Authors: Salesa Aitor , León Raúl , Moneva José M.
Published: July 2022

A circular economy (CE) transforms the linear system into a resource flow model based on reusing products and materials and increasing lifetime periods. This academic work aims to review the current CE research status from business, economic, and managerial (BEM) research perspectives. We carried out a systematic and bibliometric analysis to gather information on the current state of the art applications and learn about the leading research topics and sources. To reach these goals, we reviewed 962 research papers published in journals indexed on the Web of Science. After analysing the articles, three categories emerged worldwide: literature reviews, case studies, and frameworks and guidelines based on the current closed-loop system approach. Results evidence that BEM research in the CE is focused on the existing barriers to adopting a CE. More concretely, findings show that CEs are being slowed by the fact that citizens and companies do not know how to be circular. At the same time, the article showcases how the BEM areas and the recurring topics in CE research are increasingly being developed by collaborations between engineers and economists to design and create robust and measurable closed-loop models.
An Innovative Approach for the Enhancement of Public Real Estate Assets
Authors: Manganelli Benedetto , Tataranna Sabina , Vona Marco , Del Giudice Francesco Paolo
Published: July 2022

In a context of dwindling resources and growing financial constraints for public administrations, available real estate assets can become an important economic resource both for debt reduction through their alienation, and for carrying out public works through rehabilitation and defunctionalisation using private capital. The latter requires the adoption of innovative policies and strategies to enhance the value of the assets, especially those that are disused or abandoned, which very often represent a critical element in the overall management of public administrations. This study proposes a strategy for the enhancement of public assets using a little-experimented contractual form of public–private partnership. This approach, through a complex exchange transaction, avoids the total disposal of the assets, thus guaranteeing the social and environmental sustainability of the intervention, and also allows for the enhancement of the property with a financially convenient solution for both partners. The balance between the benefits of the two parties is in fact the basis of the model proposed for the final solution.