bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oxyfertigation and Transplanting Conditions of Strawberries
Authors: Palencia Pedro , Martínez Fátima , Vázquez Miguel A.
Published: December 2021

Soilless growing systems can improve water-use efficiency, especially in closed soilless growing systems. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of different transplanting conditions, and determine how supplying H2O2 as an oxygen source to the rhizosphere of strawberry plants in a soilless growing system affects plant growth, fruit yield and fruit quality. Strawberry plants (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) cv. ‘Fortuna’ were cultivated in 12 L pots filled with peat substrate, and maintained under conditions of natural light and temperature. Treated plants were supplied with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) (H1) and control plants did not receive H2O2 (H0). In terms of the transplanting conditions, the plants were transplanted in October (T1), and either maintained in a culture chamber (T2), or refrigerated (T3), for one month, before being transplanted. A completely randomized block design with two treatment factors (transplanting conditions, and H2O2 treatment) and five replications was established. Then, we determined the fruit per plant, yield per plant (g plant−1), fruit weight (g fruit−1), fruit size (mm), SPAD values, crown number, crown diameter (mm), flower number, firmness (g cm−1), pH, total soluble solid (TSS), titratable acidity (TA) and TSS/TA. During the early crop cycle, there were not significant differences between treatment and the transplanting conditions that significantly affected the fruit weight and fruit size, although T3 produced the highest values. During the late crop cycle, the H2O2 treatment affected fruit per plant, yield per plant (g plant−1), and crown diameter, with H1 producing the highest values. Furthermore, the transplanting conditions affected yield per plant (g plant−1), old SPAD values, crown diameter, firmness, TSS, TA and TSS/TA.
Achievements of Mesoporous Carbon Solution and Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube Composite on the Sensitive Electrochemical Assay of Ivabradine
Authors: Yence Merve , Karadurmus Leyla , Ozcelikay Goksu , K. Bakirhan Nurgul , Ozkan Sibel A.
Published: December 2021

In this study, the electrochemical determination of Ivabradine hydrochloride (IH) was studied in detail using a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with mesoporous carbon solution (MCS) and carboxylated group linked single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT-COOH). The developed nanosensor showed a significant effect by remarkably increasing the IH signal compared with the bare GCE. Cyclic (CV) and differential pulse voltammetric (DPV) methods were applied to perform electrochemical analysis of IH in pH 3.0 BRB solutions. The calibration plot for IH with a detection limit of 1.47 × 10−7 M was obtained using the DPV technique in the range of 1–10 µM under optimum experimental conditions. The proposed method has been validated and applied for the detection of the IH tablet. The produced nanosensor was also performed for the determination of IH in serum and urine. Excellent recoveries of 98.4%, 98.0%, and 100.2% were achieved for tablet, serum, and urine analysis, respectively.
Detection of Novel Variations Related to Litter Size in BMP15 Gene of Luzhong Mutton Sheep (Ovis aries)
Authors: Di Ran , Wang Fengyan , Yu Ping , Wang Xiangyu , He Xiaoyun , Mwacharo Joram Mwashigadi , Pan Linxiang , Chu Mingxing
Published: December 2021

Litter size is an important economic trait in the mutton sheep industry. BMP15 is one of the key candidate genes for litter size in sheep. In this study, the entire ORF region of BMP15 was sequenced in 154 Luzhong mutton ewes, and the novel variations were determined. The association between polymorphism in BMP15 and litter size was analyzed using a general linear model. Six out of a total of thirteen variations were identified to be novel. Association analysis indicated that four (SNPs ENSOART00000010201.1:c.352+342C>A, c.352+1232T>C, c.352+1165A>G and c.353-2036T>A) were significantly associated with litter size. The joint analysis among three major genes (BMP15, BMPR1B and GDF9) exhibited significant interaction effects in three combinations (FecB and c.352+1232T>C of BMP15; FecB and c.352+1165A>G of BMP15; c.352+342C>A of BMP15 and ENSOART00000014382.1:c.994G>A of GDF9). For the SNPs c.352+1232T>C and c.352+342C>A, the global distribution of allele frequencies showed that the highest variation frequency occurs in Western Europe. In conclusion, the results demonstrated that BMP15 is a major gene for litter size in Luzhong mutton sheep and candidate SNPs associated with litter size were identified.
The Roles of Carotenoid Consumption and Bioavailability in Cardiovascular Health
Authors: Yao Yuanhang , Goh Hongyi Manfred , Kim Jung Eun
Published: December 2021

Carotenoids are natural pigments generally with a polyene chain consisting of 9–11 double bonds. In recent years, there has been increasing research interest in carotenoids because of their protective roles in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). While the consumption of carotenoids may have a beneficial effect on CVDs, the literature shows inconsistencies between carotenoid consumption and reductions in the risk of CVDs. Therefore, this review aims to provide a summary of the association between dietary carotenoid intake and the risk of CVDs from published epidemiological studies. Meanwhile, to further elucidate the roles of carotenoid intake in CVD protection, this review outlines the evidence reporting the effects of carotenoids on cardiovascular health from randomized controlled trials by assessing classical CVD risk factors, oxidative stress, inflammatory markers and vascular health-related parameters, respectively. Given the considerable discrepancies among the published results, this review underlines the importance of bioavailability and summarizes the current dietary strategies for improving the bioavailability of carotenoids. In conclusion, this review supports the protective roles of carotenoids against CVDs, possibly by attenuating oxidative stress and mitigating inflammatory response. In addition, this review suggests that the bioavailability of carotenoids should be considered when evaluating the roles of carotenoids in CVD protection.
The Atrophic Effect of 1,25(OH)2 Vitamin D3 (Calcitriol) on C2C12 Myotubes Depends on Oxidative Stress
Authors: Raiteri Tommaso , Zaggia Ivan , Reano Simone , Scircoli Andrea , Salvadori Laura , Prodam Flavia , Filigheddu Nicoletta
Published: December 2021

Dysfunctional mitochondrial metabolism has been linked to skeletal muscle loss in several physio-pathological states. Although it has been reported that vitamin D (VD) supports cellular redox homeostasis by maintaining normal mitochondrial functions, and VD deficiency often occurs in conditions associated with skeletal muscle loss, the efficacy of VD supplementation to overcome muscle wasting is debated. Investigations on the direct effects of VD metabolites on skeletal muscle using C2C12 myotubes have revealed an unexpected pro-atrophic activity of calcitriol (1,25VD), while its upstream metabolites cholecalciferol (VD3) and calcidiol (25VD) have anti-atrophic effects. Here, we investigated if the atrophic effects of 1,25VD on myotubes depend on its activity on mitochondrial metabolism. The impact of 1,25VD and its upstream metabolites VD3 and 25VD on mitochondria dynamics and the activity of C2C12 myotubes was evaluated by measuring mitochondrial content, architecture, metabolism, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. We found that 1,25VD induces atrophy through protein kinase C (PKC)-mediated ROS production, mainly of extramitochondrial origin. Consistent with this, cotreatment with the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC), but not with the mitochondria-specific antioxidant mitoTEMPO, was sufficient to blunt the atrophic activity of 1,25VD. In contrast, VD3 and 25VD have antioxidant properties, suggesting that the efficacy of VD supplementation might result from the balance between atrophic pro-oxidant (1,25VD) and protective antioxidant (VD3 and 25VD) metabolites.
Reconstruction of Ultra-High Vacuum Mass Spectra Using Genetic Algorithms
Authors: Flores-Garrigós Carlos , Vicent-Camisón Juan , Garcés-Iniesta Juan J. , Soria-Olivas Emilio , Gómez-Sanchís Juan , Mateo Fernando
Published: December 2021

In ultra-high vacuum systems, obtaining the composition of a mass spectrum is often a challenging task due to the highly overlapping nature of the individual profiles of the gas species that contribute to that spectrum, as well as the high differences in terms of degree of contribution (several orders of magnitude). This problem is even more complex when not only the presence but also a quantitative estimation of the contribution (partial pressure) of each species is required. This paper aims at estimating the relative contribution of each species in a target mass spectrum by combining a state-of-the-art machine learning method (multilabel classifier) to obtain a pool of candidate species based on a threshold applied to the probability scores given by the classifier with a genetic algorithm that aims at finding the partial pressure at which each one of the species contributes to the target mass spectrum. For this purpose, we use a dataset of synthetically generated samples. We explore different acceptance thresholds for the generation of initial populations, and we establish comparative metrics against the most novel method to date for automatically obtaining partial pressure contributions. Our results show a clear advantage in terms of the integral error metric (up to 112 times lower for simpler spectra) and computational times (up to 4 times lower for complex spectra) in favor of the proposed method, which is considered a substantial improvement for this task.
Hydrogen Storage: Thermodynamic Analysis of Alkyl-Quinolines and Alkyl-Pyridines as Potential Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carriers (LOHC)
Authors: Verevkin Sergey P. , Safronov Sergey P. , Samarov Artemiy A. , Vostrikov Sergey V.
Published: December 2021

The liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHC) are aromatic molecules, which can be considered as an attractive option for the storage and transport of hydrogen. A considerable amount of hydrogen up to 7–8% wt. can be loaded and unloaded with a reversible chemical reaction. Substituted quinolines and pyridines are available from petroleum, coal processing, and wood preservation, or they can be synthesized from aniline. Quinolines and pyridines can be considered as potential LOHC systems, provided they have favorable thermodynamic properties, which were the focus of this current study. The absolute vapor pressures of methyl-quinolines were measured using the transpiration method. The standard molar enthalpies of vaporization of alkyl-substituted quinolines and pyridines were derived from the vapor pressure temperature dependencies. Thermodynamic data on vaporization and formation enthalpies available in the literature were collected, evaluated, and combined with our own experimental results. The theoretical standard molar gas-phase enthalpies of formation of quinolines and pyridines, calculated using the quantum-chemical G4 methods, agreed well with the evaluated experimental data. Reliable standard molar enthalpies of formation in the liquid phase were derived by combining high-level quantum chemistry values of gas-phase enthalpies of formation with experimentally determined enthalpies of vaporization. The liquid-phase hydrogenation/dehydrogenation reaction enthalpies of alkyl-substituted pyridines and quinolines were calculated and compared with the data for other potential liquid organic hydrogen carriers. The comparatively low enthalpies of reaction make these heteroaromatics a seminal LOHC system.
Vacuum Leak Detection Method Using Index Regression and Correction for Semiconductor Equipment in a Vacuum Chamber
Authors: Ha Taekyung , Shin Hyunjung
Published: December 2021

In semiconductor manufacturing, fault detection is an important method for monitoring equipment condition and examining the potential causes of a fault. Vacuum leakage is considered one of the major faults that can occur in semiconductor processing. An unnecessary O2 and N2 mixture, a major component of the atmosphere, creates unexpected process results and hence drops in yield. Vacuum leak detection systems that are currently available in the vacuum industry are based on helium mass spectrometers. They are used for detecting the vacuum leakage at the sole isolation condition where the chamber is fully pumped but cannot be used for in situ detection while the process is ongoing in the chamber. In this article, a chamber vacuum leak detection method named Index Regression and Correction (IRC) is presented, utilizing common data which were gathered during normal chamber operation. This method was developed by analyzing a simple list of data, such as pressure, the temperature of the chamber body, and the position of the auto pressure control (APC), to detect any leakages in the vacuum chamber. The proposed method was experimentally verified and the results showed a high accuracy of up to 97% when a vacuum leak was initiated in the chamber. The proposed method is expected to improve the process yield of the chamber by detecting even small vacuum leakages at very early stages of the process.
Design of Optical Free-Form Surface Milling Machine Based on Mechanical Shunt and Dynamic Analysis
Authors: Li Qi , Yu Tianbiao , Wang Zixuan , Wang Wanshan
Published: December 2021

An optical free-form surface milling machine is designed according to the process characteristics and cutting force of optical components manufacturing. The Z-axis column of the milling machine is designed by a mechanical shunt. In this paper, based on the principle of multibody dynamics (MBD), a virtual prototype (VP) of the optical free-form surface milling machine was established by the ADAMS software. The Z-axis characteristics of the milling machine were simulated and studied, and a modal analysis was carried out to obtain the natural frequencies and vibration modes of the milling machine. The simulation results show that the Z-axis of the milling machine has excellent dynamic characteristics when the gravity balance device is not working. The average torque of the Z-axis motor is 0.5 N·m when the gravity balance device is working, the average torque of the Z-axis motor is 0.1 N·m, and the average torque is reduced by 80%; therefore, the gravity balance device can obviously lower the load of the Z-axis motor, and improve the efficiency of the milling machine.
Positioning Errors Measurement of CNC Machine Tools Based on J-DBB Method
Authors: Sun Tao , Wang Wen , Chen Zhanfeng , Zhu Yewen , Xu Kaifei , Wu Haimei , Sang Zhiqian , Lu Keqing , Yang He
Published: December 2021

Due to the errors of the servo system and the errors of the ball screw drive system, the positioning errors inevitably occur in the process of CNC machine tools. The measurement of traditional equipment is limited by a fixed measurement radius and a single degree of freedom, which can only be measured within a fixed plane. In this paper, four different positioning errors of CNC machine tools are first measured at full scale by using J-DBB (a modified double ball bar with one spherical joint connecting two bars) method. The J-DBB device uses a three-degree-of-freedom spherical joint as a connecting part, which realizes that the measurement radius can be continuously changed, and the measurement space is a spatial sphere. First, the principle of the J-DBB method is briefly introduced. Next, four typical positioning errors of CNC machine tools are analyzed and examined, which contain the uniform contraction error of ball screw and linear grating, periodic error of the ball screw and linear grating, interference of measurement devices error, and opposite clearance error. In the end, the trajectories of the CNC machine tool spindle with a single positioning error are simulated by using the J-DBB method. The results reveal that this method can be used for the positioning error of machine tools, which helps to better understand the spatial distribution of CNC machine tool errors and provides guidance for the reasonable selection of working areas to improve the machining accuracy of parts.
The Study of Generalized Synchronization between Two Identical Neurons Based on the Laplace Transform Method
Authors: Zhen Bin , Liu Ran
Published: December 2021

In this paper, a new method is proposed based on the auxiliary system approach to investigate generalized synchronization between two identical neurons with unidirectional coupling. Different from other studies, the synchronization error system between the response and auxiliary systems is converted into a set of Volterra integral equations according to the Laplace transform method and convolution theorem. By using the successive approximation method in the theory of integral equations, an analytical criterion for the detection of generalized synchronization between two identical neurons is obtained. It is found that there is a time difference between two signals of neurons when the generalized synchronization between them is achieved. Furthermore, the value of the time difference has no relation to the generalized synchronization condition but depends on the coupling function between two neurons. The study in this paper shows that one can construct a coupling function between two identical neurons using the current signal of the drive system to predict its future signal or make its past signal reappear.
Atrazine-Induced Hepato-Renal Toxicity in Adult Male Xenopus laevis Frogs
Authors: Sena Lynette , Asouzu Johnson Jaclyn Asouzu , Nkomozepi Pilani , Mbajiorgu Ejikeme Felix
Published: December 2021

Atrazine (ATZ) is an herbicide commonly detected in groundwater. Several studies have focused on its immunological and endocrine effects on adult Xenopus laevis species. However, we investigated the impact of atrazine on the renal and hepatic biochemistry and histomorphology in adult male frogs. Forty adult male frogs were allocated to four treatment groups (control, one ATZ (0.01 µg/L), two ATZ (200 µg/L) and three ATZ (500 µg/L), 10 animals per group, for 90 days. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and creatinine levels increased significantly (p < 0.05) in the 200 and 500 μg/L groups but malondialdehyde only in the 500 μg/L group (p < 0.05). Histopathological observations of derangement, hypertrophy, vascular congestion and dilation, infiltration of inflammatory cells incursion, apoptosis and hepatocytes cell death were observed with atrazine exposure, mostly in the 500 μg/L group. Additionally, histochemical labelling of caspase-3 in the sinusoidal endothelium was observed in all the treated groups, indicating vascular compromise. Evaluation of renal histopathology revealed degradation and atrophy of the glomerulus, vacuolization, thick loop of Henle tubule epithelial cells devolution and dilation of the tubular lumen. Furthermore, expression of caspase-3 indicates glomerular and tubular apoptosis in atrazine-exposed animals. These findings infer that environmentally relevant atrazine doses (low or high) could induce hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity in adult male Xenopus laevis frogs and potentially related aquatic organisms.
Fast-RRT: A RRT-Based Optimal Path Finding Method
Authors: Wu Zhenping , Meng Zhijun , Zhao Wenlong , Wu Zhe
Published: December 2021

As a sampling-based pathfinding algorithm, Rapidly Exploring Random Trees (RRT) has been widely used in motion planning problems due to the ability to find a feasible path quickly. However, the RRT algorithm still has several shortcomings, such as the large variance in the search time, poor performance in narrow channel scenarios, and being far from the optimal path. In this paper, we propose a new RRT-based path find algorithm, Fast-RRT, to find a near-optimal path quickly. The Fast-RRT algorithm consists of two modules, including Improved RRT and Fast-Optimal. The former is aims to quickly and stably find an initial path, and the latter is to merge multiple initial paths to obtain a near-optimal path. Compared with the RRT algorithm, Fast-RRT shows the following improvements: (1) A Fast-Sampling strategy that only samples in the unreached space of the random tree was introduced to improve the search speed and algorithm stability; (2) A Random Steering strategy expansion strategy was proposed to solve the problem of poor performance in narrow channel scenarios; (3) By fusion and adjustment of paths, a near-optimal path can be faster found by Fast-RRT, 20 times faster than the RRT* algorithm. Owing to these merits, our proposed Fast-RRT outperforms RRT and RRT* in both speed and stability during experiments.
Phenotyping Green and Roasted Beans of Nicaraguan Coffea Arabica Varieties Processed with Different Post-Harvest Practices
Authors: Meoni Gaia , Luchinat Claudio , Gotti Enrico , Cadena Alejandro , Tenori Leonardo
Published: December 2021

Metabolomic tecniques have already been used to characterize two of the most common coffee species, C. arabica and C. canephora, but no studies have focused on the characterization of green and roasted coffee varieties of a certain species. We aim to provide, using NMR-based metabolomics, detailed and comprehensive information regarding the compositional differences of seven coffee varieties (C. arabica) of green and roasted coffee bean batches from Nicaragua. We also evaluated how different varieties react to the same post-harvest procedures such as fermentation time, type of drying and roasting. The characterization of the metabolomic profile of seven different Arabica varieties (Bourbon-typica), allowed us also to assess the possible use of an NMR spectra of bean aqueous extracts to recognize the farm of origin, even considering different farms from the same geographical area (Nueva Segovia). Here, we also evaluated the effect of post-harvest procedures such as fermentation time and type of drying on green and roasted coffee, suggesting that post-harvest procedures can be responsible for different flavours. This study provides proof of concept for the ability of NMR to phenotype coffee, helping to authenticate and optimise the best way of processing coffee.
Four Channel 6.5 kV, 65 A, 100 ns–100 µs Generator with Advanced Control of Pulse and Burst Protocols for Biomedical and Biotechnological Applications
Authors: Kandratsyeu Aleh , Sabaleuski Uladzimir , Redondo Luis , Pakhomov Andrei G.
Published: December 2021

Pulsed electric fields in the sub-microsecond range are being increasingly used in biomedical and biotechnology applications, where the demand for high-voltage and high-frequency pulse generators with enhanced performance and pulse flexibility is pushing the limits of pulse power solid state technology. In the scope of this article, a new pulsed generator, which includes four independent MOSFET based Marx modulators, operating individually or combined, controlled from a computer user interface, is described. The generator is capable of applying different pulse shapes, from unipolar to bipolar pulses into biological loads, in symmetric and asymmetric modes, with voltages up to 6.5 kV and currents up to 65 A, in pulse widths from 100 ns to 100 µs, including short-circuit protection, current and voltage monitoring. This new scientific tool can open new research possibility due to the flexibility it provides in pulse generation, particularly in adjusting pulse width, polarity, and amplitude from pulse-to-pulse. It also permits operating in burst mode up to 5 MHz in four independent channels, for example in the application of synchronized asymmetric bipolar pulses, which is shown together with other characteristics of the generator.
Golf-Putting Performance in Skilled Golfers at Different Distances to the Hole
Authors: Dias Gonçalo , Couceiro Micael , Mendes Pedro , Gomes Ricardo , Mendes Rui , Vaz Vasco , Martins Fernando , Gama José , Castro Maria António
Published: December 2021

Golf putting occurs under highly variable conditions. Therefore, adapting to different putting distances is a challenge that the golfer faces and understanding the variables underlying performance in this task is important. The main objective of this study was to analyse the golf-putting performance in skilled golfers at different distances to the hole. Fourteen highly skilled golfers, adult male and right-handed (41.5 ± 13.2 years with an average handicap of 2.3 ± 1.7) performed the golf putting on a natural grass green, completing a total of 120 randomly ordered trials, 30 trials at each of the four different practice conditions (1, 2, 3, and 4 m away from the hole). A smart engineered putter (InPutter) was used as the data acquisition instrument to record several process variables at 100 Hz. Results indicated that golf-putting distances constrained movement organisation variables in specific ways. For example, as the distance to the hole changes, so do the informational constraints, shaping how a golfer needs to regulate performance. We concluded that the effects of different golf-putting distances required the implementation of functional solutions uniquely adjusted to each player. Furthermore, the perception that the player withdrew from the properties of the context (e.g., distance to the hole) was important to adapt the golf-putting process variables (e.g., amplitude and duration of the movement, among others). All these factors led to a decisive influence on how the golfer hit the ball and adjusted his performance. A major implication of developing a better understanding of the role of performance in golf putting is that coaches and players should allow functional movement behaviours to emerge during practice.
Nonlinear Analyses of Porous Functionally Graded Sandwich Piezoelectric Nano-Energy Harvesters under Compressive Axial Loading
Authors: Zeng Shan , Peng Zhangtao , Wang Kaifa , Wang Baolin , Wu Jinwu , Luo Tianxi
Published: December 2021

In this study, a sandwich piezoelectric nano-energy harvester model under compressive axial loading with a core layer fabricated of functionally graded (FG) porous material is presented based on the nonlocal strain gradient theory (NSGT). The von Karman type geometric nonlinearity and the axial loading were considered. The electromechanical governing equations were obtained using Hamilton’s principle. The nonlinear vibration frequencies, root mean square (RMS) voltage output and static buckling were obtained using the Galerkin method. The effects of different types of porous distribution, porosity coefficients, length scale parameters, nonlocal parameters, flexoelectricity, excitation frequencies, lumped mass and axial loads on the natural frequency and voltage output of nanobeams were investigated. Results show that the porous distributions, porosity coefficient of porous materials, the excitation frequencies and the axial load have a large effect on the natural frequency and voltage output of the sandwiched piezoelectric nanobeams. When the NSGT is considered, the critical buckling load depends on the values of the nonlocal parameters and strain gradient constants. In addition, the electromechanical conversion efficiency of the post-buckling process is significantly higher than that of the pre-buckling process. The flexoelectric effect can significantly increase the RMS voltage output of the energy harvester.
Cyber-Physical LPG Debutanizer Distillation Columns: Machine-Learning-Based Soft Sensors for Product Quality Monitoring
Authors: Rožanec Jože Martin , Trajkova Elena , Lu Jinzhi , Sarantinoudis Nikolaos , Arampatzis George , Eirinakis Pavlos , Mourtos Ioannis , Onat Melike K. , Yilmaz Deren Ataç , Košmerlj Aljaž , Kenda Klemen , Fortuna Blaž , Mladenić Dunja
Published: December 2021

Refineries execute a series of interlinked processes, where the product of one unit serves as the input to another process. Potential failures within these processes affect the quality of the end products, operational efficiency, and revenue of the entire refinery. In this context, implementation of a real-time cognitive module, referring to predictive machine learning models, enables the provision of equipment state monitoring services and the generation of decision-making for equipment operations. In this paper, we propose two machine learning models: (1) to forecast the amount of pentane (C5) content in the final product mixture; (2) to identify if C5 content exceeds the specification thresholds for the final product quality. We validate our approach using a use case from a real-world refinery. In addition, we develop a visualization to assess which features are considered most important during feature selection, and later by the machine learning models. Finally, we provide insights on the sensor values in the dataset, which help to identify the operational conditions for using such machine learning models.
Effect of Interactions between Vehicles and Mid-Block Crosswalks on Traffic Flow and CO2 Emission
Authors: Pérez Cruz José Roberto , Lakouari Noureddine , Pérez Sansalvador Julio César , Zapotecatl López Jorge Luis
Published: December 2021

Unsignalized mid-block raised crosswalks have been adopted as inclusive transport strategies, providing humps to reduce vehicles’ speed to promote drivers to yield to pedestrians. The interaction between vehicles and pedestrians can induce local jams that can merge to become a gridlock. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the interaction between vehicles and the mid-block raised crosswalk, analyzing its effects on traffic flow, instantaneous CO2 emissions, and energy dissipation. A pedestrian–vehicle cellular automata model was developed, where a single-lane road with a mid-block raised crosswalk is considered. The lane boundaries were controlled with the injections rate (α) and extraction rate (β), while the pedestrians’ entrance was controlled with the rate (αp). The system’s phase diagram was constructed, identifying four phases: maximum current, jamming, congestion, and gridlock. All observed phase transitions are of the second order. The transition from maximum current (or jamming) phase to gridlock phase is not noticed. Moreover, since the crosswalk is a bottleneck, the gridlock phase takes place when the pedestrians’ influx exceeds a critical value (αp > 0.8). The study also revealed that the crosswalk is the main precursor of energy dissipation and CO2 emissions, whose major effects are observed during the jamming phase.
Identification of a Suitable Machine Learning Model for Detection of Asymptomatic Ganoderma boninense Infection in Oil Palm Seedlings Using Hyperspectral Data
Authors: Azmi Aiman Nabilah Noor , Khairunniza-Bejo Siti , Jahari Mahirah , Muharram Farrah Melissa , Yule Ian
Published: December 2021

In Malaysia, oil palm industry has made an enormous contribution to economic and social prosperity. However, it has been affected by basal stem rot (BSR) disease caused by Ganoderma boninense (G. boninense) fungus. The conventional practice to detect the disease is through manual inspection by a human expert every two weeks. This study aimed to identify the most suitable machine learning model to classify the inoculated (I) and uninoculated (U) oil palm seedlings with G. boninense before the symptoms’ appearance using hyperspectral imaging. A total of 1122 sample points were collected from frond 1 and frond 2 of 28 oil palm seedlings at the age of 10 months old, with 540 and 582 reflectance spectra extracted from U and I seedlings, respectively. The significant bands were identified based on the high separation between U and I seedlings, where the differences were observed significantly in the NIR spectrum. The reflectance values of each selected band were later used as input parameters of the 23 machine learning models developed using decision trees, discriminant analysis, logistic regression, naïve Bayes, support vector machine (SVM), k-nearest neighbor (kNN), and ensemble modelling with various types of kernels. The bands were optimized according to the classification accuracy achieved by the models. Based on the F-score and performance time, it was demonstrated that coarse Gaussian SVM with 9 bands performed better than the models with 35, 18, 14, and 11 bands. The coarse Gaussian SVM achieved an F-score of 95.21% with a performance time of 1.7124 s when run on a personal computer with an Intel® Core™ i7-8750H processor and 32 GB RAM. This early detection could lead to better management in the oil palm industry.
Seismic Wave Field Anomaly Identification of Ultra-Deep Heterogeneous Fractured-Vuggy Reservoirs: A Case Study in Tarim Basin, China
Authors: Li Xiangwen , Li Jingye , Li Lei , Wan Zhonghong , Liu Yonglei , Ma Peiling , Zhang Ming
Published: December 2021

Ultra-deep (7500–9000 m) Ordovician tight limestone heterogeneous fractured-vuggy reservoir is an important target of FuMan Oilfield in Tarim Basin. The strike-slip fault controlled reservoir is related to formation fracture and dissolution caused by geological stress. The seismic wave-field anomaly characteristics with different energy and irregular waveform are displayed in the seismic profile. Accurate identification of fractured-vuggy reservoirs wrapped in tight limestone is the direct scheme to improve production efficiency. Therefore, a new combination method flow of seismic wave-field anomaly recognition is proposed. In this process, the seismic data must be preprocessed initially, and on this basis, robust formation dip scanning is carried out. Secondly, the dip data is applied to the transverse smoothing filter to obtain the formation background data. Eventually, the seismic wave-field anomaly data is the residual between background data and original seismic data. This method has been applied in blocks with different structural characteristics and can effectively improve the resolution of strike-slip fault controlled reservoirs. Based on the results, the drilling success rate is increased to more than 95%, and the high-yield rate of oil tests is increased to 75% in 2021. Multiple applications indicate that the method is robust and can be popularized.
Effects of Infrared Drying Conditions and Maltodextrin Addition on Some Physicochemical Characteristics of Avocado (Persea americana) Pulp Powder
Authors: Nguyen Thi-Van-Linh , Nguyen Quoc-Duy , Nguyen Thi-Thuy-Dung , Nguyen Phuoc-Bao-Duy
Published: December 2021

In this study, avocado pulp with a good nutritional profile and economic value was dehydrated using infrared drying to produce pulp powder, which shows potential application in nutritional supplements. An experimental design with two factors, namely maltodextrin level (0% and 9%) and infrared temperature (ranging from 65 to 80 °C), was used. Responses related to the physicochemical properties of the resulted powder were observed, including peroxide value, total polyphenols, total chlorophylls, antioxidant activity, and color parameters (L*, a*, and b* values). The quality of dried products may be harmed by drying either at a high temperature or for an extended period of time. The coating substance maltodextrin was found to be beneficial in limiting unexpected changes in avocado pulp subjected to infrared drying. The highest quality of dried avocado could be obtained via infrared drying of avocado pulp with 9% maltodextrin at 70 °C, as illustrated by the exceptional retention of total polyphenols, total chlorophylls, and antioxidant activity, being 95.1, 95.2, and 94.4%, respectively. Moreover, the short drying time (35–55 min) led to the minimization of lipid oxidation and the absence of peroxide compounds in all samples.
Wall Structure Geometry Verification Using TLS Data and BIM Model
Authors: Bariczová Gabriela , Erdélyi Ján , Honti Richard , Tomek Lukáš
Published: December 2021

Building information modeling (BIM) represents significant progress in the field of digitalization and informatization of the construction process. The virtual model (BIM model) is the source of graphic data among other information, which are applicable for geometry verification of the building’s structures. For this purpose, data and information about the building should be collected. Comparison of the BIM model (design) with as-built 3D models enables the evaluation of the quality of the as-built structures. The most effective methods for spatial data collection are terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) and close-range photogrammetry. Using both methods, measurement can result in a point cloud. The paper describes an approach for verifying the geometry of wall structures. The graphic data of designed structures are represented by the existing BIM model. The approach presented uses the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) file format from which the designed geometry is derived. The as-built models of the structures are created from point clouds. Point cloud segmentation uses a combination of regression, filtering based on local normal vectors, and curve segmentation. Consequently, the designed and the as-built models (segmented from the point cloud) are compared.
Development of a Novel Design Strategy for Moving Mechanisms Used in Multi-Material Plastic Injection Molds
Authors: Almeida Fátima de , Sousa Vitor F. C. , Silva Francisco J. G. , Campilho Raúl D. S. G. , Ferreira Luís P.
Published: December 2021

Plastics injection molding is a sector that is becoming increasingly competitive due to the environmental issues it entails, pressuring consumers to reduce its use. Thus, plastics processing companies attempt to minimize costs, with the aim of increasing competitiveness. This pressure is transmitted to the mold manufacturers, as the mold conditions the equipment that it is used for, which may have significantly different amortization costs. The present work aimed to design a novel mechanism able to deal with the necessary movements in 2K injection molding in a more compact way. A novel hybrid mechanical and hydraulic movement was developed. More compact movements lead to smaller molds, which can be used on smaller injection machines, leading to reduced costs. This methodology consists of multiplying a disproportionate movement to the mold through several movements, which results in a slightly more complex, but much more compact, system for molds devoted to multi-material injected parts.
Activity of Chloroformic Extract from Salvia connivens (Lamiales: Lamiaceae) and Its Principal Compounds against Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Flores-Macías Antonio , Flores-Sánchez Miguel Alejandro , León-Herrera Luis Ricardo , Mondragón-Olguín Víctor Manuel , Zavala-Gómez Carlos Eduardo , Tapia-Pérez Ana Delia , Campos-Guillén Juan , Amaro-Reyes Aldo , Sandoval-Cárdenas Diana Issell , Romero-Gómez Sergio de Jesús , Guevara-González Ramón Gerardo , Soto-Muñoz Lourdes , Zavala Gerardo A. , Ramos-López Miguel Angel
Published: December 2021

Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is one of the most damaging pests in maize crops. In order to manage it, synthetic insecticides such as diamides, neonicotinoids, and pyrethroids are used, but they present a risk for humans and the environment. Investigations of safer alternatives include the use of natural extracts. Thus, this research evaluated the effects of chloroform extract (CHCl3Sc) (5000, 4000, 2000, 1000, and 500 ppm) on aerial parts of Salvia connivens and of nonanal and pyrocatechol (1000, 600, 400, and 80 ppm) on S. frugiperda mortality, duration of the larva and pupae phases, and pupae weight after 24 h. The second instars of S. frugiperda larvae were fed an artificial diet incorporating the extract and compounds. The CHCl3Sc had insecticidal activity against S. frugiperda, showing an LC50 of 1504 ppm. Insectistatic activity began at 1000 ppm, increasing pupal and larval duration in 7.6 and 1.4 days, respectively. Pyrocatechol and nonanal were found in this extract. The first did not have any significant difference in larval or pupal mortalities. On the other hand, insectistatic activity was shown at 500 ppm, increasing the larval duration by 1.7 days compared with the control. In the case of nonanal, the insecticide activity was LC50 of 200 ppm, and insectistatic activity started at 80 ppm, increasing larval duration by 3.2 days compared with the control and reducing pupal weight by 3.4%. The results show that chloroformic extract had insecticidal and insectistatic activities against S. frugiperda; nonanal was an aldehyde compound present in this extract, which confers insecticidal and insectistatic activities against this pest.
Alginate Modification and Lectin-Conjugation Approach to Synthesize the Mucoadhesive Matrix
Authors: Putri Arlina Prima , Picchioni Francesco , Harjanto Sri , Chalid Mochamad
Published: December 2021

Alginates are natural anionic polyelectrolytes investigated in various biomedical applications, such as drug delivery, tissue engineering, and 3D bioprinting. Functionalization of alginates is one possible way to provide a broad range of requirements for those applications. A range of techniques, including esterification, amidation, acetylation, phosphorylation, sulfation, graft copolymerization, and oxidation and reduction, have been implemented for this purpose. The rationale behind these investigations is often the combination of such modified alginates with different molecules. Particularly promising are lectin conjugate macromolecules for lectin-mediated drug delivery, which enhance the bioavailability of active ingredients on a specific site. Most interesting for such application are alginate derivatives, because these macromolecules are more resistant to acidic and enzymatic degradation. This review will report recent progress in alginate modification and conjugation, focusing on alginate-lectin conjugation, which is proposed as a matrix for mucoadhesive drug delivery and provides a new perspective for future studies with these conjugation methods.
Review of Animal Models to Study Urinary Bladder Function
Authors: Shen Jing-Dung , Chen Szu-Ju , Chen Huey-Yi , Chiu Kun-Yuan , Chen Yung-Hsiang , Chen Wen-Chi
Published: December 2021

The urinary bladder (UB) serves as a storage and elimination organ for urine. UB dysfunction can cause multiple symptoms of failure to store urine or empty the bladder, e.g., incontinence, frequent urination, and urinary retention. Treatment of these symptoms requires knowledge on bladder function, which involves physiology, pathology, and even psychology. There is no ideal animal model for the study of UB function to understand and treat associated disorders, as the complexity in humans differs from that of other species. However, several animal models are available to study a variety of other bladder disorders. Such models include animals from rodents to nonhuman primates, such as mice, rats, rabbits, felines, canines, pigs, and mini pigs. For incontinence, vaginal distention might mimic birth trauma and can be measured based on leak point pressure. Using peripheral and central models, inflammation, bladder outlet obstruction, and genetic models facilitated the study of overactive bladder. However, the larger the animal model, the more difficult the study is, due to the associated animal ethics issues, laboratory facility, and budget. This review aims at facilitating adapted animal models to study bladder function according to facility, priority, and disease.
Free Fatty Acid Species Differentially Modulate the Inflammatory Gene Response in Primary Human Skeletal Myoblasts
Authors: Rauen Melanie , Hao Dandan , Müller Aline , Mückter Eva , Bollheimer Leo Cornelius , Nourbakhsh Mahtab
Published: December 2021

Age-related loss of skeletal muscle is associated with obesity and inflammation. In animal models, intramuscular fat deposits compromise muscle integrity; however, the relevant fat components that mediate muscular inflammation are not known. Previously, we hypothesized that free fatty acids (FFAs) may directly induce inflammatory gene expression in skeletal muscle cells of obese rats. Here, we examined this hypothesis in primary human skeletal myoblasts (SkMs) using multiplex expression analysis of 39 inflammatory proteins in response to different FFA species. Multiplex mRNA quantification confirmed that the IL6, IL1RA, IL4, LIF, CXCL8, CXCL1, CXCL12 and CCL2 genes were differentially regulated by saturated and unsaturated C16 or C18 FFAs. Fluorescence staining revealed that only saturated C16 and C18 strongly interfere with myoblast replication independent of desmin expression, mitochondrial abundance and oxidative activity. Furthermore, we addressed the possible implications of 71 human receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) in FFA-mediated effects. Phosphorylated EphB6 and TNK2 were associated with impaired myoblast replication by saturated C16 and C18 FFAs. Our data suggest that abundant FFA species in human skeletal muscle tissue may play a decisive role in the progression of sarcopenic obesity by affecting inflammatory signals or myoblast replication.
Current Perspectives on Chitinolytic Enzymes and Their Agro-Industrial Applications
Authors: Poria Vikram , Rana Anuj , Kumari Arti , Grewal Jasneet , Pranaw Kumar , Singh Surender
Published: December 2021

Chitinases are a large and diversified category of enzymes that break down chitin, the world’s second most prevalent polymer after cellulose. GH18 is the most studied family of chitinases, even though chitinolytic enzymes come from a variety of glycosyl hydrolase (GH) families. Most of the distinct GH families, as well as the unique structural and catalytic features of various chitinolytic enzymes, have been thoroughly explored to demonstrate their use in the development of tailor-made chitinases by protein engineering. Although chitin-degrading enzymes may be found in plants and other organisms, such as arthropods, mollusks, protozoans, and nematodes, microbial chitinases are a promising and sustainable option for industrial production. Despite this, the inducible nature, low titer, high production expenses, and susceptibility to severe environments are barriers to upscaling microbial chitinase production. The goal of this study is to address all of the elements that influence microbial fermentation for chitinase production, as well as the purifying procedures for attaining high-quality yield and purity.
New Variants of the Cytochrome P450 2R1 (CYP2R1) Gene in Individuals with Severe Vitamin D-Activating Enzyme 25(OH)D Deficiency
Authors: Fronczek Martyna , Strzelczyk Joanna Katarzyna , Biernacki Krzysztof , Salatino Silvia , Osadnik Tadeusz , Ostrowska Zofia
Published: December 2021

Background: Vitamin D is a fat-soluble cholesterol derivative found in two forms, vitamin D2, and vitamin D3. Cytochrome P450 2R1 (CYP2R1) encoded by the CYP2R1 gene is the major hydroxylase that activates vitamin D by catalyzing the formation of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D). Methods: We collected 89 (100%) subjects, 46 of which (51.69%) had a documented severe deficiency of 25(OH)D (<10 ng/mL) and 43 (48.31%) in the control group with documented optimum levels of 25(OH)D (>30 ng/mL). We performed Sanger sequencing of three selected fragments of the CYP2R1 gene (Ch11: 14878000–14878499; Ch11: 14880058–14880883 and Ch11: 14885321–14886113) that affect the binding of substrates to this enzyme and analyzed the possible involvement of genetic variation in these regions with an increased risk of vitamin D deficiency in healthy Polish individuals. Results: Two substitutions were found within the three fragments. Bioinformatic analysis suggested that one of these (NC_000011.10: g.14878291G>A) may influence the structure and function of CYP2R1. Conclusions: Variant NC_000011.10: g.14878291G>A may have a perturbing effect on heme binding in the active site of CYP2R1 and on the function of 25-hydroxylase and probably affects the concentration of 25(OH)D in vivo. We intend to perform functional verification in a larger patient population to confirm and extend these results.