bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in Dry Eye Status after Steroid Pulse and Orbital Radiation Therapies in Active Thyroid Eye Disease
Authors: Takahashi Yasuhiro , Vaidya Aric , Kakizaki Hirohiko
Published: June 2022

This prospective, observational study examined changes in dry eye status after steroid pulse and orbital radiation therapies in 16 patients (32 eyes) with active thyroid eye disease (TED). TED status was evaluated through clinical activity score (CAS), margin reflex distance (MRD)-1 and 2, presence or absence of Graefe’s sign/lid lag, and Hertel exophthalmometric value. Dry eye status was quantified through presence or absence of superior limbic keratoconjunctivitis, corneal fluorescein staining (AD score), tear break-up time, Schirmer test I results, tear meniscus height, and dry eye-related quality of life score. Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) was evaluated through Marx line score, eyelid abnormalities (MGD score), meibum expression score, and meibomian gland loss score. Those items were measured before and 6 months after treatment, and the results were statistically compared. Consequently, CAS significantly improved, and MRD-1 significantly decreased after treatment (p < 0.050). Although a part of MGD status improved (p < 0.050), all items regarding dry eye status did not change significantly after treatment (p > 0.050). Steroid pulse and orbital radiation therapies did not largely alter most items regarding dry eye and MGD status.
Comprehensive Proteomic Profiling of Vitreous Humor in Ocular Sarcoidosis Compared with Other Vitreoretinal Diseases
Authors: Komatsu Hiroyuki , Usui Yoshihiko , Tsubota Kinya , Fujii Risa , Yamaguchi Takefumi , Maruyama Kazuichi , Wakita Ryo , Asakage Masaki , Shimizu Hiroyuki , Yamakawa Naoyuki , Nezu Naoya , Ueda Koji , Goto Hiroshi
Published: June 2022

Ocular sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease that manifests as uveitis, and is often difficult to distinguish from other forms of uveitis based on nonspecific findings alone. Comprehensive proteomic analyses of vitreous humor using LC-MS/MS were performed in each patient with ocular sarcoidosis, vitreoretinal lymphoma (VRL), and controls with epiretinal membrane or macular hole. Differential expression proteins (DEPs) were identified by comparing with VRL and controls, and functional pathway analysis was performed. The candidate biomarker proteins for ocular sarcoidosis were validated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A total of 1590 proteins were identified in all samples. Of these, 290 and 174 DEPs were detected in vitreous of ocular sarcoidosis compared with controls and VRL, respectively. Enrichment pathway analysis revealed that pathways related to the immune system were most upregulated. Validation of two candidate biomarkers for ocular sarcoidosis, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and junctional adhesion molecules B (JAMB), confirmed upregulated NGAL and JAMB protein expressions in ocular sarcoidosis compared to controls and VRL. The results of this study revealed that altered vitreous protein expression levels may discriminate ocular sarcoidosis from other uveitis diseases. Vitreous NGAL and JAMB are potential biomarkers and may serve as an auxiliary tool for the diagnosis of ocular sarcoidosis.
Substance P—Friend or Foe
Authors: Robinson Prema , Rodriguez Emma , Muñoz Miguel
Published: June 2022

Substance P (SP), a neuropeptide and pain transmitter has multiple roles and is involved in various processes in the body [...]
Variation of Complement Protein Levels in Maternal Plasma and Umbilical Cord Blood during Normal Pregnancy: An Observational Study
Authors: Saleh Muna , Compagno Michele , Pihl Sofia , Strevens Helena , Persson Barbro , Wetterö Jonas , Nilsson Bo , Sjöwall Christopher
Published: June 2022

The complement system constitutes a crucial part of the innate immunity, mediating opsonization, lysis, inflammation, and elimination of potential pathogens. In general, there is an increased activity of the complement system during pregnancy, which is essential for maintaining the host’s defense and fetal survival. Unbalanced or excessive activation of the complement system in the placenta is associated with pregnancy complications, such as miscarriage, preeclampsia, and premature birth. Nonetheless, the actual clinical value of monitoring the activation of the complement system during pregnancy remains to be investigated. Unfortunately, normal reference values specifically for pregnant women are missing, and for umbilical cord blood (UCB), data on complement protein levels are scarce. Herein, complement protein analyses (C1q, C3, C4, C3d levels, and C3d/C3 ratio) were performed in plasma samples from 100 healthy, non-medicated and non-smoking pregnant women, collected during different trimesters and at the time of delivery. In addition, UCB was collected at all deliveries. Maternal plasma C1q and C3d/C3 ratio showed the highest mean values during the first trimester, whereas C3, C4, and C3d had rising values until delivery. We observed low levels of C1q and C4 as well as increased C3d and C3d/C3 ratio, particularly during the first trimester, as a sign of complement activation in some women. However, the reference limits of complement analyses applied for the general population appeared appropriate for the majority of the samples. As expected, the mean complement concentrations in UCB were much lower than in maternal plasma, due to the immature complement system in neonates.
Logistic Model of Phase Transformation of Hardening Concrete
Authors: Ślusarek Jan , Nowoświat Artur , Olechowska Marcelina
Published: June 2022

The objective of this study was to analyze the effects of the modification of cementitious materials with the admixture of a superplasticizer and mineral additive in the form of microsilica. We analyzed the hardening process of cementitious materials as an autocatalytic transformation from a viscous liquid to a pseudo-solid body. The main achievement of the research involved the identification of changes in the content of the solid phase during the hardening of concrete mix as a model of the logistic curve. The phase transformation process begins with a viscous liquid which consists of water, cement, microsilica, superplasticizer and sand. The laboratory tests comprised research on the development of the kinetics of hardening heat of binder cement pastes and the development of mechanical properties of concrete in the hardening process. Three groups of mixtures with different concentrations of binders, determined by different water–binder indexes, were used. The first group was made up by cement paste consisting of cement and water. The second group contained cement paste from the first group supplemented with a superplasticizer, and the third group comprised the cement paste as in the second group, but additionally modified with microsilica. Using appropriate analyses, we defined a mathematical model of the phase transformation process. The model was then used for computer-aided numerical analyses. This made it possible to compare the relevant parameters of the logistic curve obtained for the seven different concrete mixes analyzed. Active impact of the applied mineral additive (microsilica) and that of chemical admixture in the form of a superplasticizer was demonstrated. All approximations of the measurement results with the use of a logistic curve had a determination level of over 0.98, indicating high agreement.
A Comparative Study on Flat and U-Shaped Copper Strips Produced by Continuous Extrusion
Authors: Zhou Mo , Yun Xinbing , Fu Hongwang , Zhang Ying , Liu Yuanwen
Published: June 2022

The differences between flat and U-Shaped pure copper strips during a continuous extrusion process were investigated and analyzed through finite element simulation and experimentation. The simulation results showed that nearly all of the temperature-, velocity-, and loading-force-related parameters of the U-Shaped product at the die exit were smaller than those of the flat product, which indicated that extruding U-Shaped copper strips by continuous extrusion was superior to the flat strips. This conclusion was further verified experimentally by measuring the temperature and torque force. Then, a comparative analysis of the microstructure of the two cases was carried out. The average grain size of the U-Shaped strips was 65.6 µm, which was smaller than that of the flat strips, which was 96.7 µm. In addition, the microstructure of the U-Shaped strips was more uniform and had a higher recrystallization ratio, which can be attributed to the even and severe plastic deformation. This study thus solves the size limitation issue that existed in continuous extrusion.
Effect of Different Laser Groove Texture Collation Frequency on Tribological Properties of 0Cr17Ni7Al Stainless Steel
Authors: Yang Liguang , Ma Wensuo , Gao Fei , Xi Shiping
Published: June 2022

Laser surface texture is very effective in antifriction systems, but its applications and research in dry friction are not enough. In this study, the groove texture was prepared on the surface of 0Cr17Ni7Al stainless steel, a common material of sliding bearing, by nanosecond and femtosecond laser, respectively. The tribological properties of the two kinds of laser groove textures with different collision frequencies were studied in depth. The results show that the friction coefficients of groove texture prepared by nanosecond and picosecond lasers are lower than that of the untextured surface. The antifriction characteristics of the laser texture are very good. The average friction coefficient of nanosecond texture at the rotation radius of 15 mm is Z = 0.7318. The best friction-reducing effect is achieved. In general, the friction coefficient of nanosecond texture is lower than that of picosecond texture. When the friction radius is 22.5 mm and the number of collisions is 24,000, the lowest picosecond texture wear rate is H = 3.342 × 10−4 mm3/N·mm. However, when the radius is 15 mm and the collision frequency is 36,000 times, the wear rate of nanosecond texture reaches the highest H = 13.680 × 10−4 mm3/N·mm. The wear rate of the untextured surface has been exceeded. It can be seen that not all rotation radius textures are more wear-resistant than untextured surfaces. In addition, nanosecond groove texture and picosecond groove texture seem to produce different tribological properties. It is found that, under the same friction experimental conditions, different collision frequencies will affect the friction and wear properties of nanosecond and picosecond groove-textured surfaces.
The Intestinal and Biliary Metabolites of Ibuprofen in the Rat with Experimental Hyperglycemia
Authors: Mohammed Hawsar Othman , Almási Attila , Molnár Szilárd , Perjési Pál
Published: June 2022

Hyperglycemia is reported to be associated with oxidative stress. It can result in changes in the activities of drug-metabolizing enzymes and membrane-integrated transporters, which can modify the fate of drugs and other xenobiotics; furthermore, it can result in the formation of non-enzyme catalyzed oxidative metabolites. The present work aimed to investigate how experimental hyperglycemia affects the intestinal and biliary appearance of the oxidative and Phase II metabolites of ibuprofen in rats. In vivo studies were performed by luminal perfusion of 250 μM racemic ibuprofen solution in control and streptozotocin-treated (hyperglycemic) rats. Analysis of the collected intestinal perfusate and bile samples was performed by HPLC-UV and HPLC-MS. No oxidative metabolites could be detected in the perfusate samples. The biliary appearance of ibuprofen, 2-hydroxyibuprofen, ibuprofen glucuronide, hydroxylated ibuprofen glucuronide, and ibuprofen taurate was depressed in the hyperglycemic animals. However, no specific non-enzymatic (hydroxyl radical initiated) hydroxylation product could be detected. Instead, the depression of biliary excretion of ibuprofen and ibuprofen metabolites turned out to be the indicative marker of hyperglycemia. The observed changes impact the pharmacokinetics of drugs administered in hyperglycemic individuals.
Selective Cytotoxicity of Portuguese Propolis Ethyl Acetate Fraction towards Renal Cancer Cells
Authors: Freitas Ana Sofia , Costa Marta , Pontes Olívia , Seidel Veronique , Proença Fernanda , Cardoso Susana M. , Oliveira Rui , Baltazar Fátima , Almeida-Aguiar Cristina
Published: June 2022

Renal cell carcinoma is the most lethal cancer of the urological system due to late diagnosis and treatment resistance. Propolis, a beehive product, is a valuable natural source of compounds with bioactivities and may be a beneficial addition to current anticancer treatments. A Portuguese propolis sample, its fractions (n-hexane, ethyl acetate, n-butanol and water) and three subfractions (P1–P3), were tested for their toxicity on A498, 786-O and Caki-2 renal cell carcinoma cell lines and the non-neoplastic HK2 kidney cells. The ethyl acetate fraction showed the strongest toxicity against A498 (IC50 = 0.162 µg mL−1) and 786-O (IC50 = 0.271 µg mL−1) cells. With similar toxicity against 786-O, P1 (IC50 = 3.8 µg mL−1) and P3 (IC50 = 3.1 µg mL−1) exhibited greater effect when combined (IC50 = 2.5 µg mL−1). Results support the potential of propolis and its constituents as promising coadjuvants in renal cell carcinoma treatment.
Understanding the Palatability, Flavor, Starch Functional Properties and Storability of Indica-Japonica Hybrid Rice
Authors: Gong Xue , Zhu Lin , Wang Aixia , Xi Huihan , Nie Mengzi , Chen Zhiying , He Yue , Tian Yu , Wang Fengzhong , Tong Litao
Published: June 2022

The rice quality and starch functional properties, as well as the storability of three YY-IJHR cultivars, which included YY12 (biased japonica type YY-IJHR), YY1540 (intermedius type YY-IJHR) and YY15 (biased indica type YY-IJHR), were studied and compared to N84 (conventional japonica rice). The study results suggested that the three YY-IJHR varieties all had greater cooking and eating quality than N84, as they had lower amylose and protein content. The starch of YY-IJHR has a higher pasting viscosity and digestibility, and there was a significant difference among the three YY-IJHR cultivars. Rice aroma components were revealed by GC-IMS, which indicated that the content of alcohols vola-tile components of YY-IJHR were generally lower, whereas the content of some aldehydes and esters were higher than N84. In addition, YY-IJHR cultivars’ FFA and MDA contents were lower, which demonstrated that YY-IJHR had a higher palatability and storability than those of N84 in fresh rice and rice stored for 12 months. In conclusion, this study suggested that YY-IJHR had better rice quality and storability than N84. PCA indicated that the grain quality and storability of YY12 and YY15 were similar and performed better than YY1540, while the aroma components and starch functional properties of YY-IJHR cultivars all had significant differences.
Phytochemical Analysis, Antimutagenic and Antiviral Activity of Moringa oleifera L. Leaf Infusion: In Vitro and In Silico Studies
Authors: Rahayu Ika , Timotius Kris Herawan
Published: June 2022

Moringa oleifera (M. oleifera) leaves are rich in nutrients and antioxidant compounds that can be consumed to prevent and overcome malnutrition. The water infusion of its leaf is the easiest way to prepare the herbal drink. So far, no information is available on the antioxidant, antimutagenic, and antivirus capacities of this infusion. This study aimed to determine the composition of the bioactive compounds in M. oleifera leaf infusion, measuring for antioxidant and antimutagenic activity, and evaluating any ability to inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro). The first two objectives were carried out in vitro. The third objective was carried out in silico. The phytochemical analysis of M. oleifera leaf infusion was carried out using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Antioxidant activity was measured as a factor of the presence of the free radical 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). The antimutagenicity of M. oleifera leaf powder infusion was measured using the plasmid pBR322 (treated free radical). The interaction between bioactive compounds and Mpro of SARS-CoV-2 was analyzed via molecular docking. The totals of phenolic compound and flavonoid compound from M. oleifera leaf infusion were 1.780 ± 5.00 µg gallic acid equivalent/g (µg GAE/g) and 322.91 ± 0.98 µg quercetin equivalent/g (µg QE/g), respectively. The five main bioactive compounds involved in the infusion were detected by LC-MS. Three of these were flavonoid glucosides, namely quercetin 3-O-glucoside, kaempferol 3-O-neohesperidoside, and kaempferol 3-α-L-dirhamnosyl-(1→4)-β-D-glucopyranoside. The other two compounds were undulatoside A, which belongs to chromone-derived flavonoids, and gentiatibetine, which belongs to alkaloids. The antioxidant activity of M. oleifera leaf infusion was IC50 8.19 ± 0.005 µg/mL, which is stronger than the standard butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) IC50 11.60 ± 0.30 µg/mL. The infusion has an antimutagenic effect and therefore protects against deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage. In silico studies showed that the five main bioactive compounds have an antiviral capacity. There were strong energy bonds between Mpro molecules and gentiatibetine, quercetin, undulatoside A, kaempferol 3-o-neohesperidoside, and quercetin 3-O-glucoside. Their binding energy values are −5.1, −7.5, −7.7, −5.7, and −8.2 kcal/mol, respectively. Their antioxidant activity, ability to maintain DNA integrity, and antimutagenic properties were more potent than the positive controls. It can be concluded that leaf infusion of M. oleifera does provide a promising herbal drink with good antioxidant, antimutagenic, and antivirus capacities.
Pharmacokinetics Study of Jin-Gu-Lian Prescription and Its Core Drug Pair (Sargentodoxa cuneata (Oliv.) Rehd. et W and Alangium chinense (Lour.) Harms) by UPLC-MS/MS
Authors: Zheng Lin , Zhou Ting , Liu Hui , Zhou Zuying , Chi Mingyan , Li Yueting , Gong Zipeng , Huang Yong
Published: June 2022

Jin-Gu-Lian (JGL) is traditionally used by Miao for the treatment of rheumatism arthralgia. At the same time, the combination of Sargentodoxa cuneata (Oliv.) Rehd. et W (SC) and Alangium chinense (Lour.) Harms (AC), the core drug pair (CDP) in the formula of JGL, is used at high frequencies in many Miao medicine prescriptions for rheumatic diseases. However, previous research lacks the pharmacokinetic study of JGL, and study on the compatibility of its CDP with other medicinal herbs in the formula is needed. This study aims to establish a simple, rapid, and sensitive Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method for the simultaneous determination of four main bioactive components of JGL in rat plasma, including Salidroside (Sal), Anabasine (Ana), Chlorogenic Acid (CA), and Protocatechuic Acid (PCA), and compare the pharmacokinetic properties of two groups of rats after being orally administrated with JGL and its CDP extracts, respectively. The results showed that area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC), mean retention time (MRT), and clearance rate (CL), of Sal, Ana, CA and PCA in the two groups of rats were changed in different degrees. The CDP combined with other drugs could significantly increase the absorption of Sal and Ana, prolong its retention time in vivo, and may accelerate the absorption rate of CA and PCA. This indicated that the combination of CDP and other herbs may affect the pharmacokinetics process of active components in vivo, increase the exposure and bioavailability of compounds in the JGL group, and prolong the retention time, which may be the reason why JGL has a better inhibitory effect on inflammatory cytokines, providing a viable orientation for the compatibility investigation of herb medicines.
Protective Abilities of an Inhaled DPI Formulation Based on Sodium Hyaluronate against Environmental Hazards Targeting the Upper Respiratory Tract
Authors: Almazi Juhura G. , Silva Dina M. , Trotta Valentina , Fiore Walter , Ong Hui X. , Traini Daniela
Published: June 2022

The exposure of lung epithelium to environmental hazards is linked to several chronic respiratory diseases. We assessed the ability of an inhaled dry powder (DPI) medical device product (PolmonYDEFENCE/DYFESATM, SOFAR SpA, Trezzano Rosa, Italy), using a formulation of sodium hyaluronate (Na-Hya) as the key ingredient as a defensive barrier to protect the upper respiratory tract. Specifically, it was evaluated if the presence of the barrier formed by sodium hyaluronate present on the cells, reducing direct contact of the urban dust (UD) with the surface of cells can protect them in an indirect manner by the inflammatory and oxidative process started in the presence of the UD. Cytotoxicity and the protection capability against the oxidative stress of the product were tested in vitro using Calu-3 cells exposure to UD as a trigger for oxidative stress. Inflammation and wound healing were assessed using an air-liquid interface (ALI) culture model of the Calu-3 cells. Deposition studies of the formulation were conducted using a modified Anderson cascade impactor (ACI) and the monodose PillHaler® dry powder inhaler (DPI) device, Na-Hya was detected and quantified using high-performance-liquid-chromatography (HPLC). Solubilised PolmonYDEFENCE/DYFESATM gives protection against oxidative stress in Calu-3 cells in the short term (2 h) without any cytotoxic effects. ALI culture experiments, testing the barrier-forming (non-solubilised) capabilities of PolmonYDEFENCE/DYFESATM, showed that the barrier layer reduced inflammation triggered by UD and the time for wound closure compared to Na-Hya alone. Deposition experiments using the ACI and the PillHaler® DPI device showed that the majority of the product was deposited in the upper part of the respiratory tract. Finally, the protective effect of the product was efficacious for up to 24 h without affecting mucus production. We demonstrated the potential of PolmonYDEFENCE/DYFESATM as a preventative barrier against UD, which may aid in protecting the upper respiratory tract against environmental hazards and help with chronic respiratory diseases.
Phylodynamics and Coat Protein Analysis of Babaco Mosaic Virus in Ecuador
Authors: Mosquera-Yuqui Francisco , Flores Francisco J. , Moncayo Eduardo A. , Garzón-Proaño Brighitte A. , Méndez Miguel A. , Guevara Fiama E. , Quito-Avila Diego F. , Viera William , Cornejo-Franco Juan F. , Izquierdo Andrés R. , Noceda Carlos
Published: June 2022

Babaco is a fast-growing herbaceous shrub with great commercial potential because of the organoleptic properties of its fruit. Babaco mosaic virus (BabMV) is a potexvirus in the family Alphaflexiviridae affecting babaco in all the provinces that produce this crop in Ecuador. BabMV was recently described but it has been affecting babaco for decades and, since many potexviruses are serologically indistinguishable, it may have been previously misidentified as papaya mosaic virus. Based on the coat protein (CP) gene, we aimed to study the distribution and epidemiological patterns of BabMV in babaco and chamburo over the years and to model its three-dimensional structure. Sequences of the CP were obtained from thirty-six isolates from plants collected in the main babaco-producing provinces of Ecuador between 2016 and 2021. The evolution rate of BabMV was estimated at 1.21 × 10−3 nucleotide substitutions site−1 year−1 and a time of origin of the most recent common ancestor around 1958.80. From molecular dynamics simulations, compared to other proteins of BabMV—RDRP, TGB1, and Alkb domain—the CP exhibited a higher flexibility with the C and N terminals as the most flexible regions. The reconstructed viral distribution provides dispersion patterns which have implications for control approaches of BabMV.
Abscisic Acid and Chitosan Modulate Polyphenol Metabolism and Berry Qualities in the Domestic White-Colored Cultivar Savvatiano
Authors: Miliordos Dimitrios Evangelos , Alatzas Anastasios , Kontoudakis Nikolaos , Kouki Angeliki , Unlubayir Marianne , Gémin Marin-Pierre , Tako Alexandros , Hatzopoulos Polydefkis , Lanoue Arnaud , Kotseridis Yorgos
Published: June 2022

During the last decade, several studies demonstrated the effect of biostimulants on the transcriptional and metabolic profile of grape berries, suggesting their application as a useful viticultural practice to improve grape and wine quality. Herein, we investigated the impact of two biostimulants—abscisic acid (0.04% w/v and 0.08% w/v) and chitosan (0.3% w/v and 0.6% w/v)—on the polyphenol metabolism of the Greek grapevine cultivar, Savvatiano, in order to determine the impact of biostimulants’ application in the concentration of phenolic compounds. The applications were performed at the veraison stage and the impact on yield, berry quality traits, metabolome and gene expression was examined at three phenological stages (veraison, middle veraison and harvest) during the 2019 and 2020 vintages. Results showed that anthocyanins increased during veraison after treatment with chitosan and abscisic acid. Additionally, stilbenoids were recorded in higher amount following the chitosan and abscisic acid treatments at harvest. Both of the abscisic acid and chitosan applications induced the expression of genes involved in stilbenoids and anthocyanin biosynthesis and resulted in increased accumulation, regardless of the vintage. Alterations in other phenylpropanoid gene expression profiles and phenolic compound concentrations were observed as well. Nevertheless, they were mostly restricted to the first vintage. Therefore, the application of abscisic acid and chitosan on the Greek cultivar Savvatiano showed promising results to induce stilbenoid metabolism and potentially increase grape defense and quality traits.
Complementary Photostimulation of Seeds and Plants as an Effective Tool for Increasing Crop Productivity and Quality in Light of New Challenges Facing Agriculture in the 21st Century—A Case Study
Authors: Klimek-Kopyra Agnieszka , Czech Tomasz
Published: June 2022

Climate change has prompted the search for new methods for improving agricultural practices for legume crops. The aim of the study was to test an innovative method of complementary photostimulation of seeds and plants aimed to improve the quantitative and qualitative features of soybean (Glycine hispida L. (Merr.)) yield. Complementary photostimulation of plants was shown to positively affect the yield and chemical composition of soybeans, significantly increasing the content of protein and fat in seeds of the Merlin cultivar. Significant positive effects compared to the control were obtained following irradiation of seeds and plants for 3 s (the shorter of the analyzed exposure times). The results clearly indicate the need to improve the proposed new HUGO (High Utility for Optimal Growth) technology to optimize soybean yield.
Effect of Pyroligneous Acid on the Productivity and Nutritional Quality of Greenhouse Tomato
Authors: Ofoe Raphael , Qin Dengge , Gunupuru Lokanadha R. , Thomas Raymond H. , Abbey Lord
Published: June 2022

Pyroligneous acid (PA) is a reddish-brown liquid obtained through the condensation of smoke formed during biochar production. PA contains bioactive compounds that can be utilized in agriculture to improve plant productivity and quality of edible parts. In this study, we investigated the biostimulatory effect of varying concentrations of PA (i.e., 0%, 0.25%, 0.5%, 1%, and 2% PA/ddH2O (v/v)) application on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum ‘Scotia’) plant growth and fruit quality under greenhouse conditions. Plants treated with 0.25% PA exhibited a significantly (p < 0.001) higher sub-stomatal CO2 concentration and a comparable leaf transpiration rate and stomatal conductance. The total number of fruits was significantly (p < 0.005) increased by approximately 65.6% and 34.4% following the application of 0.5% and 0.25% PA, respectively, compared to the control. The 0.5% PA enhanced the total weight of fruits by approximately 25.5%, while the 0.25% PA increased the elemental composition of the fruits. However, the highest PA concentration of 2% significantly (p > 0.05) reduced plant growth and yield, but significantly (p < 0.001) enhanced tomato fruit juice Brix, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, and titratable acidity. Additionally, total phenolic and flavonoid contents were significantly (p < 0.001) increased by the 2% PA. However, the highest carotenoid content was obtained with the 0.5% and 1% PA treatments. Additionally, PA treatment of the tomato plants resulted in a significantly (p < 0.001) high total ascorbate content, but reduced fruit peroxidase activity compared to the control. These indicate that PA can potentially be used as a biostimulant for a higher yield and nutritional quality of tomato.
Effect of Graphene/Spherical Graphite Ratio on the Properties of PLA/TPU Composites
Authors: Yang Zenghui , Wu Haihua , Zhang Renjing , Deng Kaixin , Li Yan , Liu Zhi , Zhong Qiang , Kang Yi
Published: June 2022

Wave-absorbing materials are developing in the direction of “light weight, wide frequency band, thin layer and high strength”, and it is difficult to achieve the synergy between wave-absorbing performance and mechanical properties when graphene absorbent is compounded with a single resin matrix. In this paper, based on the preparation of a new composite absorbing wire with a graphene (GR)/spherical graphite (SG) double absorbent and polylactic acid (PLA)/thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) double matrix, we proposed a new method to prepare samples for testing the electromagnetic parameters and tensile strength by fused deposition modeling (FDM). Furthermore, the effect of SG/GR ratio on the microwave absorbing properties and mechanical properties of PLA/TPU composites was specifically studied. It was found that when the ratio of SG/GR was small (0:5, 1:4), the dielectric loss (interfacial polarization loss, dipole polarization loss, conductivity loss) and attenuation ability of the composites were stronger, and the impedance matching was better. When the SG/GR ratio was large (5:0, 4:1), the composites had high strength and toughness. When the ratio of SG/GR was moderate (2:3, 3:2), it could retain the absorbing and mechanical properties of the absorbing materials. On the one hand, the SG and PLA/TPU matrix formed an “island structure”, which improves the dispersion of GR; on the other hand, the GR and PLA/TPU matrix formed a “core-shell structure”, which promotes polarization and multiple scattering.
Polymers in Technologies of Additive and Inkjet Printing of Dosage Formulations
Authors: Blynskaya Evgenia V. , Tishkov Sergey V. , Alekseev Konstantin V. , Vetcher Alexandre A. , Marakhova Anna I. , Rejepov Dovlet T.
Published: June 2022

Technologies for obtaining dosage formulations (DF) for personalized therapy are currently being developed in the field of inkjet (2D) and 3D printing, which allows for the creation of DF using various methods, depending on the properties of pharmaceutical substances and the desired therapeutic effect. By combining these types of printing with smart polymers and special technological approaches, so-called 4D printed dosage formulations are obtained. This article discusses the main technological aspects and used excipients of a polymeric nature for obtaining 2D, 3D, 4D printed dosage formulations. Based on the literature data, the most widely used polymers, their properties, and application features are determined, and the technological characteristics of inkjet and additive 3D printing are shown. Conclusions are drawn about the key areas of development and the difficulties that arise in the search and implementation in the production of new materials and technologies for obtaining those dosage formulations.
Indoor Localization Method of Personnel Movement Based on Non-Contact Electrostatic Potential Measurements
Authors: Man Menghua , Zhang Yongqiang , Ma Guilei , Zhang Ziqiang , Wei Ming
Published: June 2022

The indoor localization of people is the key to realizing “smart city” applications, such as smart homes, elderly care, and an energy-saving grid. The localization method based on electrostatic information is a passive label-free localization technique with a better balance of localization accuracy, system power consumption, privacy protection, and environmental friendliness. However, the physical information of each actual application scenario is different, resulting in the transfer function from the human electrostatic potential to the sensor signal not being unique, thus limiting the generality of this method. Therefore, this study proposed an indoor localization method based on on-site measured electrostatic signals and symbolic regression machine learning algorithms. A remote, non-contact human electrostatic potential sensor was designed and implemented, and a prototype test system was built. Indoor localization of moving people was achieved in a 5 m × 5 m space with an 80% positioning accuracy and a median error absolute value range of 0.4–0.6 m. This method achieved on-site calibration without requiring physical information about the actual scene. It has the advantages of low computational complexity and only a small amount of training data is required.
Hermetic Welding of an Optical Fiber Fabry–Pérot Cavity for a Diaphragm-Based Pressure Sensor Using CO2 Laser
Authors: Zhang Hui , Li Yi , Zhang Zhuo , Yang Chaoming , Liang Mingshan , Hu Yong , Wei Heming , Pang Fufei
Published: June 2022

A diaphragm-based hermetic optical fiber Fabry–Pérot (FP) cavity is proposed and demonstrated for pressure sensing. The FP cavity is hermetically sealed using one-step CO2 laser welding with a cavity length from 30 to 100 μm. A thin diaphragm is formed by polishing the hermetic FP cavity for pressure sensing. The fabricated FP cavity has a fringe contrast larger than 15 dB. The experimental results show that the fabricated device has a linear response to the change in pressure, with a sensitivity of −2.02 nm/MPa in the range of 0 to 4 MPa. The results demonstrate that the proposed fabrication technique can be used for fabricating optical fiber microcavities for sensing applications.
Moving Object Detection Based on Fusion of Depth Information and RGB Features
Authors: Bi Xin , Yang Shichao , Tong Panpan
Published: June 2022

The detection of moving objects is one of the key problems in the field of computer vision. It is very important to detect moving objects accurately and rapidly for automatic driving. In this paper, we propose an improved moving object detection method to overcome the disadvantages of the RGB information-only-based method in detecting moving objects that are susceptible to shadow interference and illumination changes by adding depth information. Firstly, a convolutional neural network (CNN) based on the color edge-guided super-resolution reconstruction of depth maps is proposed to perform super-resolution reconstruction of low-resolution depth images obtained by depth cameras. Secondly, the RGB-D moving object detection algorithm is based on fusing the depth information of the same scene with RGB features for detection. Finally, in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the algorithm proposed in this paper, the Middlebury 2005 dataset and the SBM-RGBD dataset are successively used for testing. The experimental results show that our super-resolution reconstruction algorithm achieves the best results among the six commonly used algorithms, and our moving object detection algorithm improves the detection accuracy by up to 18.2%, 9.87% and 40.2% in three scenes, respectively, compared with the original algorithm, and it achieves the best results compared with the other three recent RGB-D-based methods. The algorithm proposed in this paper can better overcome the interference caused by shadow or illumination changes and detect moving objects more accurately.
A Survey of Deep Learning-Based Image Restoration Methods for Enhancing Situational Awareness at Disaster Sites: The Cases of Rain, Snow and Haze
Authors: Karavarsamis Sotiris , Gkika Ioanna , Gkitsas Vasileios , Konstantoudakis Konstantinos , Zarpalas Dimitrios
Published: June 2022

This survey article is concerned with the emergence of vision augmentation AI tools for enhancing the situational awareness of first responders (FRs) in rescue operations. More specifically, the article surveys three families of image restoration methods serving the purpose of vision augmentation under adverse weather conditions. These image restoration methods are: (a) deraining; (b) desnowing; (c) dehazing ones. The contribution of this article is a survey of the recent literature on these three problem families, focusing on the utilization of deep learning (DL) models and meeting the requirements of their application in rescue operations. A faceted taxonomy is introduced in past and recent literature including various DL architectures, loss functions and datasets. Although there are multiple surveys on recovering images degraded by natural phenomena, the literature lacks a comprehensive survey focused explicitly on assisting FRs. This paper aims to fill this gap by presenting existing methods in the literature, assessing their suitability for FR applications, and providing insights for future research directions.
Responsibilities to Decolonize Environmental Education: A Co-Learning Journey for Graduate Students and Instructors
Authors: Kayira Jean , Lobdell Sara , Gagnon Nicolette , Healy Jennie , Hertz Sal , McHone Emma , Schuttenberg Emily
Published: June 2022

We share our collective stories as instructors and graduate students with an interest in decolonial education on how we learned together in a course on Indigenous knowledge systems (IKS). The course occurred in the environmental studies department at a predominantly White graduate school in the Connecticut river basin in the area now known as the USA. The topic of IKS is steadily gaining interest in the environmental education (EE) field, as evidenced by an increase (albeit small) in the number of publications in peer-reviewed journals. At the same time, decolonial educators are looking for ways to teach IKS in an ethical and respectful manner. Our goal for this paper was to share how we grappled with questions around ethics and cultural appropriation. For instance, as decolonial educators who are not Indigenous to communities where we work and reside, can we facilitate lessons on IKS? If so, how can we do it in a manner that honors IKS and knowledge holders, is ethical, respectful and not appropriating? We learned that applying decolonization factors was crucial. Specifically, our work revealed four key decolonization factors: centering programs in Indigenous philosophies of education, privileging Indigenous voices and engaging Elders as experts, promoting Etuptmumk/two-eyed seeing, and employing Indigenous ways of teaching and learning. This paper makes contributions to the environmental education field, particularly decolonial educators who are seeking respectful and ethical ways to engage with Indigenous knowledge systems.
Financial Decentralization and Environmental Pollution Research—An Empirical Test Based on Data from 279 Cities in China
Authors: Li Jinze , Ding Rijia
Published: June 2022

By establishing a principal–agent model, this study introduced the local government’s behavior and deduced the local government in the face of incentive policies, which means that it has more power to develop the economy at the cost of environmental pollution. Furthermore, from the perspective of fiscal expenditure structure and local government competition, the influence path of fiscal decentralization on environmental pollution is examined. Thus, this methodology unifies three seemingly different but strongly interrelated hypotheses into one single composite model. Firstly, the bidirectional fixed effect model tests the relationship between fiscal decentralization and environmental pollution empirically and shows that the improvement of fiscal decentralization will aggravate environmental pollution. Additionally, combined with the inverted U-shaped relationship between economic development and environmental pollution, this paper argues that fiscal decentralization has different impacts on environmental pollution at different levels of economic development. Secondly, the results of the mechanism test prove that fiscal decentralization will increase regional competition, increase the scale of foreign capital utilization, and reduce the proportion of local government expenditure for public welfare, thus increasing environmental pollution. Thirdly, heterogeneous regression results demonstrate that fiscal decentralization will increase the environmental pollution of high pollution areas and non-provincial capital cities but has no significant impact on low pollution areas and provincial capital cities. Based on the above conclusions, this paper develops countermeasures to control environmental pollution from optimizing fiscal decentralization structure.
Human Factor Index Measurement Using an ISM-SEM-Fuzzy Approach
Authors: Vijayakumar Kamala , Robert Paul
Published: June 2022

In recent years, there has been a trend toward automation and data exchange in manufacturing processes through industrial cognitive computing, the Internet of Things (IoT), and artificial intelligence. However, the human–machine interface plays a role in establishing a smart manufacturing system in any industry. It is necessary to develop a comprehensive model to identify the risk factors that contribute to the loss of human performance and productivity and evaluate the workplace for its compliance and agility toward safe human–machine systems. In this study, a model is proposed that can be used as a measurement tool to design ergonomic workplaces in the automotive industry. Several criteria have been classified under four enablers: physiological factors, psychological factors, environmental factors, and safety factors. These were identified through a literature review. The proposed model integrates the applications of structural equation modeling (SEM), interpretive structural modeling (ISM), and the multigrade fuzzy approach. ISM was employed to demonstrate the applicability of the model to depict various ergonomic enablers considered in the ergonomic measurement. SEM was used to validate the ergonomic measurement model statistically. Physiological factors were found to be highly correlated with ergonomic practices. Physiological and psychological factors were also highly correlated. The use of the multigrade fuzzy approach was demonstrated to determine the human factor index for an automotive component manufacturing industry. The proposed model can enable management to evaluate the various risk factors that hamper the ergonomic level of a company and thereby allow the company to harness the benefits of ergonomics to enhance safety and productivity.
Review on Higgs Hidden–Dark Sector Physics at High-Energy Colliders
Authors: Lagouri Theodota
Published: June 2022

The presence of a hidden or dark sector of phenomena that relates either weakly or in a particular way to Standard Model (SM) fields has theoretical as well as experimental support. Many extensions of SM use hidden or dark sector states to propose a specific candidate for dark matter (DM) in the universe or to explain astrophysical findings. If such a family of Beyond the Standard Model (BSM) particles and interactions exists, it is possible that they will be discovered experimentally at CERN’s Large Hadron Collider (LHC, s≅ 14 TeV) and future High Energy Colliders. The primary emphasis is on a few examples of searches undertaken at the LHC that are relevant to Higgs Hidden–Dark Sector Physics. These studies’ existing constraints and prospects are also reported.
Contextual Constraints: Dynamic Evolution of Snake Venom Phospholipase A2
Authors: Suranse Vivek , Jackson Timothy N. W. , Sunagar Kartik
Published: June 2022

Venom is a dynamic trait that has contributed to the success of numerous organismal lineages. Predominantly composed of proteins, these complex cocktails are deployed for predation and/or self-defence. Many non-toxic physiological proteins have been convergently and recurrently recruited by venomous animals into their toxin arsenal. Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) is one such protein and features in the venoms of many organisms across the animal kingdom, including snakes of the families Elapidae and Viperidae. Understanding the evolutionary history of this superfamily would therefore provide insight into the origin and diversification of venom toxins and the evolution of novelty more broadly. The literature is replete with studies that have identified diversifying selection as the sole influence on PLA2 evolution. However, these studies have largely neglected the structural/functional constraints on PLA2s, and the ecology and evolutionary histories of the diverse snake lineages that produce them. By considering these crucial factors and employing evolutionary analyses integrated with a schema for the classification of PLA2s, we uncovered lineage-specific differences in selection regimes. Thus, our work provides novel insights into the evolution of this major snake venom toxin superfamily and underscores the importance of considering the influence of evolutionary and ecological contexts on molecular evolution.
Energy Management Strategy in 12-Volt Electrical System Based on Deep Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Tan Ömer , Jerouschek Daniel , Kennel Ralph , Taskiran Ahmet
Published: June 2022

The increasing electrification in motor vehicles in recent decades can be attributed to higher comfort and safety demands. Strong steering and braking maneuvers reduce the vehicle’s electrical system voltage, which causes the vehicle electrical system voltage to drop below a critical voltage level. A sophisticated electrical energy management system (EEMS) is needed to coordinate the power flows within a 12-volt electrical system. To prevent the voltage supply from being insufficient for safety-critical consumers in such a case, the power consumption of several comfort consumers can be reduced or switched off completely. Rule-based (RB) energy management strategies are often used for this purpose, as they are easy to implement. However, this approach is subject to the limitation that it is vehicle-model-specific. For this reason, deep reinforcement learning (DRL) is used in the present work, which can intervene in a 12-volt electrical system, regardless of the type of vehicle, to ensure safety functions. A simulation-based study with a comprehensive model of a vehicle electric power system is conducted to show that the DRL-based strategy satisfies the main requirements of an actual vehicle. This method is tested in a simulation environment during driving scenarios that are critical for the system’s voltage stability. Finally, this is compared with the rule-based energy management system using actual vehicle measurements. Concluding measurements reveal that this method is able to increase the voltage at the most critical position of the 12-volt electrical system by approximately 0.6 V.