bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Covariables of Soil-Forming Factors and Their Influence on pH Distribution and Spatial Variability
Authors: Yescas-Coronado Pedro , Segura-Castruita Miguel Ángel , Chávez-Rodríguez Arturo Moisés , Gómez-Leyva Juan Florencio , Martínez-Sifuentes Aldo Rafael , Amador-Camacho Osvaldo , González-Medina Raúl
Published: December 2022

The objectives of this study were to identify and rank the covariables of soil-forming factors that affect the distribution and spatial variability of pH in an agricultural area and to obtain a predictive map of soil pH. Samples of topsoil were obtained from different sites and taken to the laboratory, where they were prepared to determine the pH, organic matter, and percentages of particle size. In addition, the values of environmental covariables that affect pH were obtained. A database of the coordinates, laboratory results, and values of the covariables was constructed. Principal component analysis of the covariables was performed, and an analysis of the pH spatial structure was conducted and interpolated to obtain a predictive map of pH. Of the soil physical characteristics, the covariables clay and sand had a greater influence on the spatial behavior of pH with respect to the rest of the covariables of soil-forming factors, while human activity acted as a catalyst of the acidification process. Soil pH exhibited autocorrelation and moderate spatial dependence (66.7%) and was thus spatially predictable. The pH prediction map was accurate (RMSE = 0.158 and MEB = 0.020).
Validating Technologies and Evaluating the Technological Level in Avocado Production Systems: A Value Chain Approach
Authors: Cáceres-Zambrano Jeimmy , Ramírez-Gil Joaquin Guillermo , Barrios Dursun
Published: December 2022

In agriculture, technologies support the productivity and competitiveness of production systems in value chains. In the last decade, the Colombian avocado sub-sector has expanded. However, little is known about its technological level (TL). The objectives of this study were (i) to understand the perception of value chain experts in terms of technological supplies and demands, (ii) to evaluate the TL in avocado production systems and (iii) to discover which socioeconomic characteristics impact the TL. The three stages were consultation with experts and parameterization of the TL, evaluation of the TL using multivariate methods and analysis of variables of the production system. The technological supply “By-products from seed” was of great importance, while “Branch girdling” was the least relevant. A total of 161 demands were identified, “Environmental management and sustainability” showing greater relevance. The analysis showed a low correlation between the qualification of experts and the use of technology by producers. The postharvest supplies had the lowest frequency of use. Producers were characterized according to TL: high (34.4%), medium (47.2%) and low (18.4%). A relationship was found between the TL and some variables of the production system. The gap found should be the basis for designing science and technology policies for the avocado sub-sector in Colombia.
Spatial–Temporal Evolution Characteristics of Agricultural Economic Resilience: Evidence from Jiangxi Province, China
Authors: Ye Yongmei , Zou Ping , Zhang Weihang , Liu Xieqihua , Liu Bin , Kang Xiaolan
Published: December 2022

To promote the resilient and coordinated development of regional economies, in this study, to construct an index system, we used the entropy weight method to measure the agricultural economic resilience of 11 prefecture-level cities in Jiangxi province, China during 2011–2020, and we analyzed the characteristics of their spatial-temporal pattern evolution. We used the Theil index method to analyze the main sources of their spatial differences. The results showed that: First, the mean value of agricultural economic resilience of prefecture-level cities in Jiangxi trended upward during 2011–2020. Among the prefecture-level cities, Ganzhou had the highest mean agricultural economic resilience value, while Yingtan had the lowest. From the perspective of regional division, the agricultural economy in southern Jiangxi was the most resilient, whereas that in northeast Jiangxi was the least. Second, since 2011, the overall difference in agricultural economic resilience in the four regions of Jiangxi has trended downward, with the inter-regional difference being the main source of the overall difference. Based on this, we provide the following policy implications: first, to continuously enhance the intrinsic dynamics of the agricultural economic resilience and strengthen policy support in Jiangxi; second, to coordinate the development of regional agricultural economic resilience and achieve overall improvement.
TreeMerge: A Visual Comparative Analysis Method for Food Classification Tree in Pesticide Residue Maximum Limit Standards
Authors: Luo Zhiying , Chen Yi , Li Hanqiang , Li Yue , Guo Yandi
Published: December 2022

Food classification is an important part of food safety standards. In this paper, we propose a novel visual comparative analysis method for food classification trees (FCTs) in pesticide maximum residue limit (MRL) standards, called TreeMerge, to lay the foundation for a comprehensive comparison of pesticide MRL standards. First, a union tree is constructed by combining the two FCTs to be compared. Then, sunburst with an embedded chordal graph (SECG) and overlapping circular treemap (OCT), which are two new visualization solutions designed in this paper, are used to show the similarities and differences in a union tree. SECG can express the hierarchical structure and the similarity between corresponding nodes in the union tree at the same time. OCT uses an improved nested Venn diagram (overlapping circle) to express the attribute values in each layer of the union tree and uses a circle-filling layout algorithm based on the testing circle to improve the readability and space utilization of the view. Finally, a visual analysis system for comparing FCT, named FCTvis, is designed and implemented to support the exploration of the structural difference pattern of food classification in the two MRL standards and the quantity or scale of residue limits in various foods. The effectiveness of TreeMerge was verified by case studies on pesticide MRL standards in the Chinese Mainland and Chinese Hong Kong.
Exposure of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to Cinnamaldehyde Selects Multidrug Resistant Mutants
Authors: Tetard Alexandre , Gaillot Susie , Dubois Eline , Aarras Soumaya , Valot Benoît , Phan Gilles , Plésiat Patrick , Llanes Catherine
Published: December 2022

Cinnamaldehyde (CNA), the main component of cinnamon essential oil, is one of the most active plant compounds against nosocomial pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Exposure of wild-type strain PA14 (MIC 700 µg/mL) for 5 to 10 days to fixed (900 µg/mL) or increasing (from 900 to 1400 µg/mL) concentrations of this natural antibacterial resulted in emergence of resistant mutants CNA-A1 to A3, and CNA-B1 to B7, respectively. Genome sequencing experiments showed that each of CNA-A1 to A3 mutants differed from PA14 by one SNP, and a slight increase in CNA resistance level (from 700 to 900 µg/mL). By comparison, mutants B1 to B7 were more resistant (up to 1100 µg/mL); each of them harbored multiple SNPs (from 24 to 39) likely as a consequence of alteration of DNA mismatch repair gene mutS. Of the ten mutants selected, eight contained mutations in gene nalC, which indirectly downregulates expression of the operon that codes for multidrug efflux system MexAB-OprM, and showed increased resistance (up to 16-fold versus PA14) to antibiotic molecules exported by the pump, including ß-lactams and fluoroquinolones. Of the six mutants with the highest CNA resistance, five were no longer motile because of alteration of genes flgJ, fliE and/or pilJ genes. Altogether, our data show that P. aeruginosa is able to adapt to strong electrophilic molecules such as CNA by upregulating its intrinsic efflux pump MexAB-OprM, and through less well-characterized pleiotropic changes. Whether multidrug-resistant mutants can emerge in patients using cinnamon essential oil as self-medication needs to be assessed further.
A Novel Peptide with Antifungal Activity from Red Swamp Crayfish Procambarus clarkii
Authors: Punginelli Diletta , Catania Valentina , Vazzana Mirella , Mauro Manuela , Spinello Angelo , Barone Giampaolo , Barberi Giuseppe , Fiorica Calogero , Vitale Maria , Cunsolo Vincenzo , Saletti Rosaria , Di Francesco Antonella , Arizza Vincenzo , Schillaci Domenico
Published: December 2022

The defense system of freshwater crayfish Procambarus clarkii as a diversified source of bioactive molecules with antimicrobial properties was studied. Antimicrobial activity of two polypeptide-enriched extracts obtained from hemocytes and hemolymph of P. clarkii were assessed against Gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis) and Gram negative (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli) bacteria and toward the yeast Candida albicans. The two peptide fractions showed interesting MIC values (ranging from 11 to 700 μg/mL) against all tested pathogens. Polypeptide-enriched extracts were further investigated using a high-resolution mass spectrometry and database search and 14 novel peptides were identified. Some peptides and their derivatives were chemically synthesized and tested in vitro against the bacterial and yeast pathogens. The analysis identified a synthetic derivative peptide, which showed an interesting antifungal (MIC and MFC equal to 31.2 μg/mL and 62.5 μg/mL, respectively) and antibiofilm (BIC50 equal to 23.2 μg/mL) activities against Candida albicans and a low toxicity in human cells.
Expression Profiles of Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Lysozymes and Preparation of c-Type Lysozyme with High Bacteriolytic Activity against Vibrio vulnificus
Authors: Chen Hua , Chen Xi , Song Tie-Ying , Ge Jun-Qing
Published: December 2022

Lysozyme is a crucial component of the host’s innate immune system. Due to its natural non-toxic and harmless characteristics, lysozyme is considered to be an ideal antibiotic substitute. In this study, we analyzed the expression profiles of lysozymes from zebrafish (Danio rerio) in uninfected or V. vulnificus-infected tissues using real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR). Furthermore, lysozymes that might be involved in the defense against V. vulnificus were selected for over-expression, and the antibacterial activity of over-expressed lysozyme proteins were evaluated using V. vulnificus. The results showed that three types of zebrafish lysozyme, i.e., c-type lysozyme (DrLysC), g1-type lysozyme (DrLysG1), and g2-type lysozyme (DrLysG2), were identified, and V. vulnificus infection significantly changed the expression levels of DrLysC and DrLysG1. Then, DrLysC and DrLysG1 were over-expressed in E. coli, and the purified recombinant DrLysC (rDrLysC) showed more potent antibacterial activity against V. vulnificus. This finding lays the foundation for further application of rDrLysC to treat V. vulnificus infection.
Naturally Occurring Functional Ingredient from Filamentous Thermophilic Cyanobacterium Leptolyngbya sp. KC45: Phytochemical Characterizations and Their Multiple Bioactivities
Authors: Phinyo Kittiya , Ruangrit Khomsan , Pekkoh Jeeraporn , Tragoolpua Yingmanee , Kaewkod Thida , Duangjan Kritsana , Pumas Chayakorn , Suwannarach Nakarin , Kumla Jaturong , Pathom-aree Wasu , Gu Wenhui , Wang Guangce , Srinuanpan Sirasit
Published: December 2022

Cyanobacteria are rich in phytochemicals, which have beneficial impacts on the prevention of many diseases. This study aimed to comprehensively characterize phytochemicals and evaluate multifunctional bioactivities in the ethanolic extract of the cyanobacterium Leptolyngbya sp. KC45. Results found that the extract mainly contained chlorophylls, carotenoids, phenolics, and flavonoids. Through LC–ESI–QTOF–MS/MS analysis, 38 phenolic compounds with promising bioactivities were discovered, and a higher diversity of flavonoids was found among the phenolic compounds identified. The extract effectively absorbed the harmful UV rays and showed high antioxidant activity on DPPH, ABTS, and PFRAP. The extract yielded high-efficiency inhibitory effects on enzymes (tyrosinase, collagenase, ACE, and α-glucosidase) related to diseases. Interestingly, the extract showed a strong cytotoxic effect on cancer cells (skin A375, lung A549, and colon Caco-2), but had a much smaller effect on normal cells, indicating a satisfactory level of safety for the extract. More importantly, the combination of the DNA ladder assay and the TUNEL assay proved the appearance of DNA fragmentation in cancer cells after a 48 h treatment with the extract, confirming the apoptosis mechanisms. Our findings suggest that cyanobacterium extract could be potentially used as a functional ingredient for various industrial applications in foods, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and nutraceuticals.
An Energy-Efficient Convolutional Neural Network Processor Architecture Based on a Systolic Array
Authors: Zhang Chen , Wang Xin’an , Yong Shanshan , Zhang Yining , Li Qiuping , Wang Chenyang
Published: December 2022

Deep convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have shown strong abilities in the application of artificial intelligence. However, due to their extensive amount of computation, traditional processors have low energy efficiency when executing CNN algorithms, which is unacceptable for portable devices with limited hardware cost and battery capacity, so designing a CNN-specific processor is necessary. In this paper, we propose an energy-efficient CNN processor architecture for lightweight devices with a processing elements (PEs) array consisting of 384 PEs. Using the systolic array-based PE array, it realizes parallel operations between filter rows and between channels of output feature maps, supporting the acceleration of 3D convolution and fully connected computation with various parameters by configuring internal instruction registers. The computing strategy based on the proposed systolic dataflow achieves less hardware overhead compared with other strategies, and the reuse of image values and weight values, which effectively reduce the power of memory access. A memory system with a multi-level storage structure combined with register file (RF) and SRAM is used in the proposed CNN processor, which further reduces the energy overhead of computing. The proposed CNN processor architecture has been verified on a ZC706 FPGA platform using VGG-16 based on the proposed image segmentation method, the evaluation results indicate that the peak throughput achieves 115.2 GOP/s consuming 3.801 W at 150 MHz, energy efficiency and DSP efficiency reaches 30.32 GOP/s/W and 0.26 GOP/s/DSP, respectively.
An Embedding-Based Approach to Repairing OWL Ontologies
Authors: Ji Qiu , Qi Guilin , Yang Yinkai , Li Weizhuo , Huang Siying , Sheng Yang
Published: December 2022

High-quality ontologies are critical to ontology-based applications, such as natural language understanding and information extraction, but logical conflicts naturally occur in the lifecycle of ontology development. To deal with such conflicts, conflict detection and ontology repair become two critical tasks, and we focus on repairing ontologies. Most existing approaches for ontology repair rely on the syntax of axioms or logical consequences but ignore the semantics of axioms. In this paper, we propose an embedding-based approach by considering sentence embeddings of axioms, which translates axioms into semantic vectors and provides facilities to compute semantic similarities among axioms. A threshold-based algorithm and a signature-based algorithm are designed to repair ontologies with the help of detected conflicts and axiom embeddings. In the experiments, our proposed algorithms are compared with existing ones over 20 real-life incoherent ontologies. The threshold-based algorithm with different distance metrics is further evaluated with 10 distinct thresholds and 3 pre-trained models. The experimental results show that the embedding-based algorithms could achieve promising performances.
A Preliminary Fault Detection Methodology for Abnormal Distillation Column Operations Using Acoustic Signals
Authors: Wang Guang-Yan , Yang Zhen-Hao , Zhang Yan , Wang Hong-Hai , Zhang Zhi-Xi , Gao Bing-Jun
Published: December 2022

The fault detection of the chemical equipment operation process is an effective means to ensure safe production. In this study, an acoustic signal processing technique and a k-nearest neighbor (k-NN) classification algorithm were combined to identify the running states of the distillation columns. This method can accurately identify various fluid flow states in distillation columns, including normal and flooding states. First, the acoustic signals were collected under normal and abnormal states in an experimental distillation column. Then, the method of dual-domain feature extraction was used to extract the features such as the energy ratio and linear prediction coefficient (LPC). Moreover, the extracted feature parameters were analyzed and compared in a general way. Finally, the k-NN model was used to classify the acoustic signals. The results show that this method had high identification accuracy and provided an important reference for further research.
Review of Target Geo-Location Algorithms for Aerial Remote Sensing Cameras without Control Points
Authors: Cai Yiming , Zhou Yao , Zhang Hongwen , Xia Yuli , Qiao Peng , Zhao Junsuo
Published: December 2022

Aerial cameras are one of the main devices for obtaining ground images in the air. Since the industrial community sets higher requirements of aerial cameras’ self-locating performance yearly using aerial cameras to locate ground targets has become a research hotspot in recent years. Based on the situation that no ground control point exists in target areas, the calculation principle of the aerial remote sensing image positioning algorithm has been analyzed by establishing different positioning models. Several error analysis models of the positioning algorithm based on the total differential method and the Monte Carlo method are established, and relevant factors that cause the positioning error are summarized. The last section proposes the optimization direction of aerial camera positioning algorithms in the future, which are verified by related simulation experiments. This paper provides a certain degree of guidelines in this area for researchers, who can quickly understand the current development and optimization direction of target geo-location algorithms of aerial remote sensing imagery.
Assessing the Impact of Increasing Tractor-Trailer Speed Limit on the Safety and Mobility of Three-Lane Highways in Egypt
Authors: Shahdah Usama Elrawy , Na Sangbin , Hu Jong Wan
Published: December 2022

Currently, the speed limit for tractor-trailers (TTs) on Egyptian highways is 30 km/h lower than the speed limit for passenger cars (PCs). The main purpose of this article is therefore to evaluate the effects of an increase in TT speed limit on both the traffic safety and mobility of Egyptian three-lane highways, with speed limits of 90 and 100 km/h for PCs. A SUMO simulation model was used in this analysis. Average vehicle delay was used as a measure of mobility, while the simulated conflict ratio based on time to collision (TTC) and deceleration rate required to avoid crash (DRAC) surrogate safety measures were used as performance indicators of safety. All simulated vehicles were equipped with surrogate safety measurement (SSM) devices to extract traffic conflicts, with TTC ≤ 2.50 representing less sever conflicts; TTC ≤ 1.50 s and DRAC ≥ 3.35 m/s2 representing potential conflicts; and TTC ≤ 0.50 s and DRAC ≥ 6.0 m/s2 representing severe conflicts. The results show that increasing the speed limit for TTs would significantly reduce the average delay by approximately 27–76% for traffic volumes 500–2000 vehicle/hr/lane, with TTs comprising 2.5–15% of total traffic volume. Furthermore, in most cases, when comparing the situation after the speed limit increase for TTs with the base case (i.e., TTs with a speed limit of 60 km/h and 70 km/h for highways, and a speed limit of 90 km/h and 100 km/h for PCs), the results show no statistically significant change in the conflict ratio more than 1.0, suggesting that there is no safety change. Furthermore, due to the increase in speed limit for TTs, in some cases and for different thresholds, there is a statistically significant reduction in the conflict ratio, indicating improvements in terms of safety.
Experimental and Numerical Study of the Flow Field Structure of High-Speed Train with Different Nose Lengths Head at 15° Yaw
Authors: Yang Bo , Xiong Xiao-Hui , Chen Guang , Xue Ru-Dai
Published: December 2022

By using three different head types (5 m, 7.5 m and 10 m nose lengths), the CRH3 (China Railway High-speed 3) flow field structure at 15° yaw was studied through wind tunnel experiments and numerical simulations. The modifications of the aerodynamic coefficients were studied using the Improved Delayed Separation Eddy Simulation (IDDES) method. The results show that the longer the nose length of the tail car, the more it is affected by crosswind. However, the increase in turbulence mitigates the risk of overturning the tail car as the pressure distribution between the train side surface and the underbody becomes more disturbed. The nose length of the head car can affect the position and length of the longitudinal vortex core on the leeward side, thus affecting the lift and side force of each section of the train. The location of the time-averaged vortex core for a 15° crosswind is approximately 0.67H~0.7H high from the ground and 0.65H~0.67H wide from the center of the train. The main frequency of the leeward vortex ranges from 0.1 to 0.3. The transient vibration amplitude at the position of the vortex core is the largest, and the main frequency of vibration is 0.18. The tail car nose length should be properly lengthened since increasing the length of the tail car reduces the negative pressure on the surface of the tail car, thus reducing drag and side force. However, the excessive length of the tail car nose increases the risk of overturning under crosswind.
A Sustainable Composite Cementitious Material Manufactured by Phosphogypsum Waste
Authors: Gong Yuanyuan , Dong Shuangkuai , Liu Liuyan , Wu Fufei
Published: December 2022

The phosphogypsum is a by-product of the phosphate fertilizer industry. It has accumulated over several decades, and not only takes up a large amount of land, but also poses a significant risk to the environment and resource waste. In order to promote the use of phosphogypsum, its hydration hardening characteristics are studied using a scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffractometer and mercury intrusion porosimeter. When the amount of phosphogypsum is increased, a decreasing trend in the reaction degree, non-evaporable water and portlandite is observed. Among them, the reaction degree and non-evaporable water, flexural strength and compressive strength reached their maximum when the content of phosphogypsum was 10%, which were as follows: 22.34 %, 21.13 %, 9.02 MPa and 49.8 MPa, respectively. Meanwhile, phosphogypsum can participate in the secondary hydration reaction in the system and act as a microaggregate. The addition of no more than 30% phosphogypsum can enhance mechanical characteristics, reduce porosity, refine pore size distributions and densify the microstructure. The findings of this study may aid in the production of phosphogypsum-based composite cementitious materials with superior performance, thereby promoting phosphogypsum recycling and protecting the environment.
Evaluation of the User Adaptation in a BCI Game Environment
Authors: Glavas Kosmas , Prapas Georgios , Tzimourta Katerina D. , Giannakeas Nikolaos , Tsipouras Markos G.
Published: December 2022

Brain-computer interface (BCI) technology is a developing field of study with numerous applications. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the use of brain signals as a direct communication pathway to an external device. In this work, Zombie Jumper is developed, which consists of 2 brain commands, imagining moving forward and blinking. The goal of the game is to jump over static or moving “zombie” characters in order to complete the level. To record the raw EEG data, a Muse 2 headband is used, and the OpenViBE platform is employed to process and classify the brain signals. The Unity engine is used to build the game, and the lab streaming layer (LSL) protocol is the connective link between Muse 2, OpenViBE and the Unity engine for this BCI-controlled game. A total of 37 subjects tested the game and played it at least 20 times. The average classification accuracy was 98.74%, ranging from 97.06% to 99.72%. Finally, playing the game for longer periods of time resulted in greater control.
High-Precision Numerical Research on Flow and Structure Noise of Underwater Vehicle
Authors: Cao Hao , Wen Lihua
Published: December 2022

This paper presents the results of research on the noise generated by an underwater vehicle in the operational state. The study combines the large eddy simulated turbulence model and Lighthill’s acoustic analogy theory and extracts the transient flow field data as the excitation conditions for acoustic calculations. The results of the numerical calculations of the external acoustic field were obtained under vehicle wall pressure pulsation condition, Lighthill volume excitation condition, and the vibration excitation condition of the underwater vehicle. It is found that the noise is concentrated at the front and tail of underwater vehicle, and its level is closely related to the form of vortex shedding. The peak frequency of structural radiation noise of underwater vehicle is consistent with its peak frequency of mean square vibration velocity. The basis for selecting the boundary conditions of the sound field according to the incoming flow conditions is also evaluated. The research results provide a reference for the noise reduction design of underwater vehicles, thus improving their concealment in combat.
A New HEV Power Distribution Algorithm Using Nonlinear Programming
Authors: Lee Jooin , Lee Hyeongcheol
Published: December 2022

An equivalent consumption minimization strategy (ECMS) is one of the most powerful and practical ways to improve the fuel efficiency of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). In an ECMS, it is important to determine the optimal equivalent factor to reach a global optimal solution. The optimal equivalent factor is determined by driving conditions. Previous studies have used an adaptive ECMS (A-ECMS) to determine the appropriate equivalent factor according to changing driving conditions. An A-ECMS adjusts the equivalent factor by controlling the battery’s state of charge (SOC) to follow a reference SOC trajectory. It is therefore critical to identify a reference SOC trajectory that reflects real-world driving conditions. These conditions, which are composed of the HEV’s nonlinear dynamics and complex constraints, can be formulated into a nonlinear optimal control problem (NOCP). Here, we propose applying nonlinear programming (NLP) to an A-ECMS. The NLP-based ECMS algorithm can be divided into two parts: the use of an NLP to solve an NOCP to obtain the reference SOC trajectory and the application of an NLP solution (the result of the first part) to an A-ECMS. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed NLP-based ECMS closely resembles a global optimal solution for dynamic programming in a relatively brief calculation time.
Properties and Preparation of a New High-Permeability Emulsified Asphalt and Its Modification
Authors: Zhang Xianping , Xu Jialin , Cai Yingchun , Tang Yao
Published: December 2022

Emulsified asphalt is widely used as a prime coat in road engineering, especially in pavements with cement-stabilized semi-rigid bases. The objective of this paper is to develop a new emulsified asphalt with high permeability and pulling-off strength. A new type of high-permeability emulsified asphalt was prepared by using 55.2% diluted asphalt (44.16% matrix asphalt + 11.04% diluent) + 40% emulsion (2% emulsifier + 0.5% stabilizer + 1% osmotic agent + 1% op-10 + 35.5% water) + 4.8% aromatic oil. The storage stability was verified to be better, and the penetrating rate and depth were increased largely compared to the traditional products. To improve pulling-off strength, the high-permeability emulsified asphalt was further modified by mixing with 20% water-based epoxy resin and a curing agent. The penetration, pull-off, and shear strength tests were also conducted. It can be found that the permeability, adhesive, and water-resisting properties of the modified high-permeability emulsified asphalt can be further improved to a certain degree.
Oil Spill in Brazil—Analysis of Vulnerabilities and Socio-Environmental Conflicts
Authors: Santos Mariana Olívia Santana dos , Nepomuceno Mariana Maciel , Gonçalves José Erivaldo , Medeiros Ana Catarina Leite Véras , Machado Rafaella Miranda , Santos Caroline Pontes da Silva , Alves Maria José Cremilda Ferreira , Gurgel Aline do Monte , Gurgel Idê Gomes Dantas
Published: December 2022

The 2019 oil spill was considered the largest environmental disaster in the Brazilian Northeastern coast. It was associated with mostly ineffective government actions, thus intensifying historical vulnerabilities faced by local populations. We aimed to analyze the environmental conflicts and injustices and the socio-environmental, economic, and health vulnerabilities arising from the oil spill, considering the COVID-19 pandemic, impacting artisanal fishing communities of the Northeastern coast. A document-based, qualitative, cross-sectional research was carried out between September 2019 and October 2022, in open access secondary databases, and using field diaries from research of the Environmental Health and Work Laboratory (LASAT) of the Aggeu Magalhães Institute of the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation. The disaster caused situations of injustice and environmental conflicts that had negative repercussions in the territories with socioeconomic impacts, on the environment, and on the health of the population. The entire marine environment was affected, resulting in physical and chemical alterations. The health vulnerabilities faced by local people were intensified, influencing the social determination of the health–disease process. The local economy was extremely affected, generating job insecurity and several socio-cultural problems. It is essential to build environmental and health diagnoses for remedial measures in disasters such as the oil spill.
Circadian Genes Expression Patterns in Disorders Due to Enzyme Deficiencies in the Heme Biosynthetic Pathway
Authors: Savino Maria , Guida Claudio Carmine , Nardella Maria , Murgo Emanuele , Augello Bartolomeo , Merla Giuseppe , De Cosmo Salvatore , Savino Antonio Fernando , Tarquini Roberto , Cei Francesco , Aucella Filippo , Mazzoccoli Gianluigi
Published: December 2022

Heme is a member of the porphyrins family of cyclic tetrapyrroles and influences various cell processes and signalling pathways. Enzyme deficiencies in the heme biosynthetic pathway provoke rare human inherited metabolic diseases called porphyrias. Protein levels and activity of enzymes involved in the heme biosynthetic pathway and especially 5′-Aminolevulinate Synthase 1 are featured by 24-h rhythmic oscillations driven by the biological clock. Heme biosynthesis and circadian pathways intermingle with mutual modulatory roles. Notably, heme is a ligand of important cogs of the molecular clockwork, which upon heme binding recruit co-repressors and inhibit the transcription of numerous genes enriching metabolic pathways and encoding functional proteins bringing on crucial cell processes. Herein, we assessed mRNA levels of circadian genes in patients suffering from porphyrias and found several modifications of core clock genes and clock-controlled genes expression, associated with metabolic and electrolytic changes. Overall, our results show an altered expression of circadian genes accompanying heme biosynthesis disorders and confirm the need to deepen the knowledge of the mechanisms through which the alteration of the circadian clock circuitry could take part in determining signs and symptoms of porphyria patients and then again could represent a target for innovative therapeutic strategies.
Effect of Different Collection Times of Dermal Fibroblast Conditioned Medium (DFCM) on In Vitro Re-Epithelialisation Process
Authors: Abdul Ghani Nurul ‘Izzah , Razali Rabiatul Adawiyah , Chowdhury Shiplu Roy , Fauzi Mh Busra , Bin Saim Aminuddin , Ruszymah Binti Haji Idrus , Maarof Manira
Published: December 2022

A key event in wound healing is re-epithelialisation, which is mainly regulated via paracrine signalling of cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors secreted by fibroblasts. Fibroblast-secreted factors can be collected from the used culture medium, known as dermal fibroblast conditioned medium (DFCM). The goal of this study was to optimise the culture condition to acquire DFCM and evaluate its effect on keratinocyte attachment, proliferation, migration, and differentiation. Confluent fibroblasts were cultured with serum-free keratinocyte-specific (DFCM-KM) and fibroblast-specific (DFCM-FM) medium at different incubation times (Days 1, 2, and 3). DFCM collected after 3 days of incubation (DFCM-KM-3 and DFCM-FM-3) contained a higher protein concentration compared to other days. Supplementation of DFCM-KM-3 enhanced keratinocyte attachment, while DFCM-FM-3 significantly increased the keratinocyte wound-healing rate, with an increment of keratinocyte area and collective cell migration, which was distinctly different from DFCM-KM-3 or control medium. Further analysis confirmed that the presence of calcium at higher concentrations in DFCM-FM facilitated the changes. The confluent dermal fibroblasts after 3 days of incubation with serum-free culture medium produced higher proteins in DFCM, resulting in enhanced in vitro re-epithelialisation. These results suggest that the delivery of DFCM could be a potential treatment strategy for wound healing.
Hereditary Colorectal Cancer Syndromes: Molecular Genetics and Precision Medicine
Authors: Chen Liuxiang , Ye Liansong , Hu Bing
Published: December 2022

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide. Hereditary CRC syndromes account for approximately 5–10% of all CRC, with a lifetime risk of CRC that approaches 50–80% in the absence of endoscopic or surgical treatment. Hereditary CRC syndromes can be phenotypically divided into polyposis and non-polyposis syndrome, mainly according to the conditions of polyps. The typical representatives are familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and Lynch syndromes (LS), respectively. Over the past few decades, molecular genetics enhanced the discovery of cancer-predisposing genes and revolutionized the field of clinical oncology. Hereditary CRC syndromes have been a key part of this effort, with data showing that pathogenic variants are present in up to 10% of cases. Molecular phenotypes of tumors can not only help identify individuals with genetic susceptibility to CRC but also guide the precision prevention and treatment for the development of CRC. This review emphasizes the molecular basis and prevention strategies for hereditary CRC syndromes.
The Design and Testing of a PEA Powered Ankle Prosthesis Driven by EHA
Authors: Huang Qitao , Li Bowen , Xu Hongguang
Published: December 2022

Several studies have shown that actuation concepts such as Serial elastic actuator (SEA) can reduce peak power and energy consumption in ankle prostheses. Proper selection and design of the actuation concepts is important to unlock the power source potential. In this work, the optimization design, mechanical design, control scheme, and bench experiments of a new powered ankle–foot prosthesis is proposed. The actuation concept of this prosthesis is parallel elastic actuator (PEA) composed of electro-hydrostatic actuator (EHA) as the power kernel and a unidirectional parallel spring as the auxiliary energy storage element. After the appropriate motor and transmission ratio was selected, a dynamic model of the PEA prosthesis was built to obtain the appropriate spring parameters driven by biological data. The design of the hydraulic and mechanical system and the controller were provided for the implementation of the designed system. Bench experiments were performed to verify the performance. The results showed that the designed prosthesis meets the biomechanical dynamics requirements. This result emphasizes the feasibility of the EHA as a power source and actuator and provides new ideas for the design of ankle–foot prostheses.
Enhancing the Catalytic Activity of Eggshell-Derived CaO Catalyst and Its Application in Biodiesel Production from Waste Chicken Fat
Authors: Saleem Muhammad , Jamil Farrukh , Qamar Obaid Ali , Akhter Parveen , Hussain Murid , Khurram Muhammad Shahzad , Al-Muhtaseb Ala’a H. , Inayat Abrar , Shah Noor Samad
Published: December 2022

The comparatively greater cost of producing biodiesel in comparison to petroleum diesel is one of the key drawbacks. Eggshells and leftover chicken fat are examples of poultry wastes that can be used to produce biodiesel at a low cost as catalysts and oil, respectively. In this study, eggshell-derived CaO and its doping with sodium methoxide catalyst for enhancing catalytic activity was synthesized for the transesterification of waste chicken fat and characterized by FT-IR and XRD analyses. XRD studies confirmed the crystalline structure of the developed catalyst and doping of sodium with eggshell-derived CaO. The transesterification reaction was performed at different reaction parameters such as the catalyst loading, the methanol to oil ratio, the reaction temperature, and the reaction time. The biodiesel produced at the maximum yield was evaluated by gas chromatography mass spectrometry analysis. A maximum yield of 96% biodiesel was obtained with catalyst loading of 2 wt% of oil, as well as a methanol to oil ratio of 13:1 at 60 °C in 1 h. The output demonstrates that eggshell waste is a potentially accessible source of biomass-derived nano catalyst for the synthesis of biodiesel using chicken fat as a feedstock.
Study on the Detection Characteristics and Response Mechanism of SnS2-Based Sensors for SO2 and SOF2
Authors: Li Chengjun , He Mengyang , Tian Shuangshuang , Yuan Jiawei , Wang Jincong , Li Yi
Published: December 2022

Based on the wide application of sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) gas in the power industry, the analysis and detection of its decomposition components have become important technical means for state detection and fault evaluation of gas-insulated equipment. The gas-sensitive characteristics and adsorption mechanism of the SnS2 sensor for SO2 and SOF2 gases were investigated using SO2 and SOF2, the main SF6 decomposition components, as the target detection gases. SnS2 gas-sensitive materials and components were prepared, and the temperature response, concentration response, response recovery and stability of the SnS2 sensor for the two SF6 decomposition components were tested based on the gas-sensitive test platform. The results demonstrate that the sensor had the best working performance at 200 °C, with obvious response and ideal recovery for both target gases and good stability in a certain time. Based on the first principle, the SnS2 surface structure model and the target gas adsorption model were established, and the adsorption mechanism was analyzed in terms of frontier molecular orbital theory to verify the correctness of the gas-sensitive test results. The gas-sensitive test analysis and simulation calculation can provide data basis and theoretical support for the study of SF6 decomposition components detected by gas sensors.
The Effect of Superabsorbent Polymers on Mechanical Characteristics and Cracking Susceptibility of Alkali-Activated Mortars Containing Ground Granulated Blast-Furnace Slag and Copper Slag
Authors: MacLennan Stewart , Almeida Fernando C. R. , Klemm Agnieszka J.
Published: December 2022

In an attempt to increase sustainability of construction materials, both ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS) and, less popular, copper slag (CS) can be used in alkali-activated composites. However, such composites are often more susceptible to cracking, triggered by the self-desiccation processes. The addition of superabsorbent polymers (SAP) may enable internal curing of concrete and prevent excessive cracking. Thus, this paper aims to evaluate the effectiveness of SAP as an internal curing agent for alkali-activated slag mortars containing GGBS and CS. The samples were activated by sodium silicate using 6.5% Na2O by mass of precursor. The evaluation was based on the analysis of mechanical properties, autogenous shrinkage, and water absorption capacity of two types of SAPs. Depending on the type of polymer, a higher alkali concentration in SAP solutions speeds up early age reactions up to 7 days. After this period, SAP collapses and reactions follow at the same pace as the reference sample. In the presence of CS, SAP with higher absorption and smaller particles well-distributed in the mix leads to a higher extension of reactions, observed in higher values of autogenous shrinkage (AS). This results in increased compressive strength of GGBS-CS mortars, achieving values 8.8% greater than the reference sample (without SAP) at 6 months. Although its leads to higher cracking susceptibility, SAP can improve mechanical properties and promote new applications for sustainable material containing copper slag.
The Relationship between Work-Related Stressors and Construction Workers’ Self-Reported Injuries: A Meta-Analytic Review
Authors: Alqahtani Bandar Moshabab , Alruqi Wael , Bhandari Siddharth , Abudayyeh Osama , Liu Hexu
Published: December 2022

Mental health concerns are surging worldwide and workers in the construction industry have been found to be particularly vulnerable to these challenges. Stress, depression, addictions, suicides, and other key indicators of poor mental health have been found to be highly prevalent among construction workers. Critically, researchers have also found a link between how stress in the workplace impacts the overall safety performance of an individual. However, the burgeoning nature of the research has stifled the determination of feasible and actionable interventions on jobsites. This paper aims to analyze the relationship between work-related stressors found on construction jobsites and self-reported injury rates of workers. To accomplish this goal, a meta-analysis methodology was used, wherein a comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify key work-related stressors and questionnaires used in the construction industry’s safety domain to assess stress. Using a formal meta-analysis approach that leverages the findings from past studies, a more holistic determination of the relationship between work-related stressors and injury rates among workers was performed. Ninety-eight studies were reviewed, and seven were selected that fulfilled pre-determined validated inclusion criteria for eligibility in the meta-analysis. The results revealed 10 salient work-related stressors among construction workers. Of these ten, seven work-related stressors were identified as significant predictors of injury rates among workers: job control, job demand, skill demand, job certainty, social support, harassment and discrimination, and interpersonal conflicts at work. This study represents a significant first step toward formally identifying work-related stressors to improve working conditions, reduce or eliminate injuries on construction sites, and support future research.
Contemporary Climate Change and Its Hydrological Consequence in the Volga Federal District, European Russia
Authors: Perevedentsev Yuri , Gusarov Artyom , Mirsaeva Nadezhda , Sherstyukov Boris , Shantalinsky Konstantin , Guryanov Vladimir , Aukhadeev Timur
Published: December 2022

An analysis of spatiotemporal variability of air temperature and precipitation in the Volga Federal District (European Russia) between 1966 and 2021 was carried out. Based on data from 20 meteorological stations, relatively evenly located on the territory under consideration, the spatial distribution of average monthly and average annual air temperatures and monthly and annual precipitation was assessed; some indicators of the temporal variability of these variables in the period under consideration were calculated and analyzed. It was revealed that throughout the Volga Federal District, there was a tendency of climate warming in all months, and a slight increase in annual precipitation, except for the southeast of the district, where the precipitation trend was negative. It is noted that in the period 1955–1998, the number of negative air temperature anomalies was approximately equal to the number of positive ones; however, in the later period 1999–2021, the number of positive anomalies significantly exceeded the number of negative ones. Based on reanalysis data, climatic maps of vaporization and runoff in the Volga Federal District during 1966–2021 were created. The dependence of air temperature fluctuations on the nature of atmospheric circulation was revealed using the NAO, AO, and SCAND indices. On the example of the central part of the district (Republic of Tatarstan), some increase in summer aridity of the climate was revealed by using Budyko’s dryness index, Selyaninov’s hydrothermal coefficient, and Sapozhnikov’s humidification coefficient. The indicators of runoff and evaporation were also calculated using the methods of Schreiber and Ivanov. Against the background of the positive trend in vaporization rates, favorable conditions for a decrease in runoff were noted.
A Framework for a Seamless Transformation to Online Education
Authors: Sivagurunathan Shanmugam , Parthasarathy Sudhaman
Published: December 2022

Online education is now widely used in schools and universities as a result of COVID-19. More than 1.6 billion children, or 80% of all school-aged children worldwide, have missed school as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 outbreak has been a significant concern for educational institutions since 2020 and has interfered with regular academic and evaluation practices. Organizational preparedness for online education must be assessed by institutions. To assist them, we present a case study carried out at an Indian educational institution that highlights the drawbacks and advantages of online education and that outlines a framework for its change. Additionally, we assessed the system and offered suggestions to improve the online instruction provided by institutions. We think that the proposed methodology will assist organizations in identifying challenges prior to launching online learning.
Preoperative Radio(Chemo)Therapy in Breast Cancer: Time to Switch the Perspective?
Authors: Montero Angel , Ciérvide Raquel
Published: December 2022

Aim: Radiation therapy represents, together with surgery and systemic treatment, the triad on which the current management of patients with breast cancer is based, achieving high control and survival rates. In recent years we have witnessed a (r)evolution in the conception of breast cancer treatment. The classic scheme of surgery followed by systemic treatment and radiotherapy is being subverted and it is becoming more and more frequent to propose the primary administration of systemic treatment before surgery, seeking to maximize its effect and favoring not only the performance of more conservative surgeries but also, in selected cases, increasing the rates of disease-free survival and overall survival. Radiotherapy is also evolving toward a change in perspective: considering preoperative primary administration of radiotherapy may be useful in selected groups. Advances in radiobiological knowledge, together with technological improvements that are constantly being incorporated into clinical practice, support the administration of increasingly reliable, precise, and effective radiotherapy, as well as its safe combination with antitumor drugs or immunotherapy in the primary preoperative context. In this paper, we present a narrative review of the usefulness of preoperative radiotherapy for breast cancer patients and the possibilities for its combination with other therapies.