bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distributed Drive Electric Bus Handling Stability Control Based on Lyapunov Theory and Sliding Mode Control
Authors: Zhang Feng , Xiao Hongchao , Zhang Yong , Gong Gang
Published: March 2022

To improve the handling stability of distributed drive electric buses, a vehicle stability control system based on direct yaw moment control (DYC) with a hierarchical control structure was designed. Considering that the vehicle dynamics system is highly nonlinear, a nonlinear controller based on Lyapunov stability theory was designed to calculate the required additional yaw moment of the vehicle in the upper controller. In the lower controller, the additional yaw moment is distributed to four wheel-side motors according to the equal proportion torque distribution method, and the direction of wheel-side motor output torque is determined based on the steering state of the vehicle. A co-simulation based on Simulink and Trucksim was conducted to verify the designed controller under two extreme conditions. Simulation results indicate that the proposed method performs feasibly and effectively in the handling stability of vehicles. Compared with traditional sliding mode control (SMC), the proposed control strategy can significantly reduce the chattering of the system, which provides a theoretical basis for the application of this yaw stability control method in engineering practice.
Impacts of Imidacloprid and Flupyradifurone Insecticides on the Gut Microbiota of Bombus terrestris
Authors: Zhang Qingchao , Wang Qinglin , Zhai Yifan , Zheng Hao , Wang Xiaofei
Published: March 2022

Bumblebees are important pollinators for crops and wild flowering plants. Various pesticides have threatened the abundance and diversity of bumblebees. In addition to direct sublethal effects, pesticides may alter the gut microbial communities of bees. Imidacloprid and flupyradifurone insecticides both bind to the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. However, the latter was assumed to be harmless for honeybees and can even be applied to flowering crops. In this study, we assessed the impacts of these two pesticides on queenless microcolonies and the gut microbiota of Bombus terrestris. We found that 10 μg/L imidacloprid significantly impeded syrup consumption, and postponed the egg-laying period, larvae, and pupae development. It decreased the relative abundance of the bumblebee-specific symbionts, Apibacter and Lactobacillus Firm-5. On the contrary, 10 μg/L flupyradifurone did not reduce syrup consumption, block larvae and pupae development in bumblebees. Although no significant phenotypes were observed, PICRUST revealed that flupyradifurone suppressed pathways, involving carbohydrate metabolism, nucleotide metabolism, translation, and membrane transport. Our findings suggest the appropriate use of this new pesticide may be considered safe for bumblebees, but the underlying mechanism warrants further investigation.
Training Needs Assessment: The Case of Female Rice Farmers in Northern Iran
Authors: Goli Imaneh , Azadi Hossein , Miceikienė Astrida , Tanaskovik Vjekoslav , Stamenkovska Ivana Janeska , Kurban Alishir , Viira Ants-Hannes
Published: March 2022

An appraisal of training requirements responds to the issue of why training is needed and gives some assurance that the services needed to establish and conduct training can achieve the required outcomes based on performance. Therefore, the goal of this study was to examine the educational needs of female rice farmers in Sari (the capital of Mazandaran province located in Northern Iran). This study adopted a descriptive-correlational approach consisting of 1677 female rice farmers in Sari in 2013–2015. Finally, 240 respondents were selected and examined using Cochran’s formula and through stratified sampling with proportional assignment. The results of multivariate stepwise regression indicated that the level of participation (−0.488), the importance of economic factors (0.369), the number of training courses (−0.284), and marital status (−0.179) of female rice farmers were effective on the training needs level. According to the findings, training programs should take into account the educational needs of female rice farmers in order to gain the necessary expertise and skills in new methods and transfer them to other farmers.
Effect of Dorper Rams’ Social-Sexual Hierarchy on Their Sexual Behavior and Capacity to Induce Estrus in Ewes
Authors: González-Tavizón Andrea , Meza-Herrera César A. , Arellano-Rodríguez Gerardo , Mellado Miguel , Contreras-Villarreal Viridiana , Ángel-García Oscar , Arévalo José R. , Véliz-Deras Francisco G.
Published: March 2022

This study aimed to assess the influence of the social rank of rams and quality of stimuli to ewes between dominant and subordinate Dorper rams joined to anestrus ewes. Social rank was evaluated for two days (ESR; n = 36); rams were exposed to estrogenized ewes in a competitive test. According to the reproductive response, anovulatory ewes (n = 76) were divided into two groups: LHRe (n = 38; ewes exposed to four low hierarchy rams (LHR)) and HHRe (n = 38; ewes exposed to four high hierarchy rams (HHR)). Regarding aggressive behaviors, HHR showed a higher (p < 0.05) proportion of rams showing threatening, knocking, and blocking behaviors than LHR. Appetitive behavior was higher (p < 0.05) in HHR than LHR rams (3576 ± 0.7 vs. 3054 ± 0.7 number of events). Consummatory sexual behavior was higher (p < 0.05) in HHR than LHR (499 ± 0.3 vs. 205 ± 0.1 number of events). Indicators of sexual inactivity (SRI) were similar between HHR and LHR (499 ± 0.3 vs. 433 ± 0.1; p > 0.05). The estrus response (>80%; p > 0.05) and ovarian response (70%, p > 0.05) were similar for both groups of ewes. It was concluded that LHR are equally effective as HHR in inducing sexual activity in ewes showing postpartum anestrus.
Possibilities to Use Germinated Lupine Flour as an Ingredient in Breadmaking to Improve the Final Product Quality
Authors: Atudorei Denisa , Ropciuc Sorina , Codină Georgiana Gabriela
Published: March 2022

This study focuses on the possibility of using germinated lupine flour (GLF) in the breadmaking process in order to improve dough rheology and bread characteristics. For this purpose, different levels (0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20%) of germinated lupine flour were used, and the influence of its addition in wheat flour was analyzed. On empirical dough rheological properties, GLF addition in wheat flour has the effect of decreasing the water absorption capacity, dough consistency, baking strength, extensibility, tolerance for mixing and of increasing total gas production and falling number value. On fundamental dough rheological properties, GLF addition in wheat flour increased the tan δ and decreased the G′ and G″ modules with the increased dough temperature. The microscopic distribution of starch and gluten in the dough system was changed by GLF addition in wheat flour by an increase of the protein area and a decrease of the starch one. Regarding the bread characteristics, the GLF addition improved the specific volume, porosity and elasticity up to 15% GLF addition in wheat flour and decreased the textural properties gumminess and resilience. Regarding the color parameters of the bread, the GLF addition in the dough recipe had a darkening effect on the crumb and bread crust. The sensory data show that the bread samples up to 15% GLF addition in wheat flour were better appreciated than the control sample. According to our data, it is recommended to use a maximum level of 15% of the addition of germinated lupine flour in the dough recipe for making white wheat bread.
Current Utility of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Hydroxyapatite Nanoparticles in Suppression of Tomato Root-Knot Nematode
Authors: Alamri Saad , Nafady Nivien A. , El-Sagheer Atef M. , El-Aal Mohamed Abd , Mostafa Yasser S. , Hashem Mohamed , Hassan Elhagag A.
Published: March 2022

Effective biosafe management strategies are used to decrease world crop damage produced by plant-parasitic nematodes. This study evaluated the efficiency of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (n-HAP) and mycorrhizal fungi to control the Meloidogyne incognita infecting tomato plants. Application of n-HAP significantly increased the juveniles’ mortality (195.67%) and egg hatching inhibition percentage (80.71%) compared to the untreated control, in vitro. Mycorrhizal and/or n-HAP treatments increased the plant growth parameters (root and shoot length, dry weight, and leaf area) and reduced the negative consequence of nematode infection. This may be due to indirect mechanisms through increasing plant nutrient uptake efficiency and increasing the internal plant resistance against nematode infection. In dual-treated plants, phosphorus, nitrogen, and calcium content recorded the highest value in the nematode-infected plants. Whereas the dual inoculation significantly increased mineral contents in tomato plants compared with control, this may induce the strength of the cell wall of the epidermal layer and cortex and consequently increase the plant resistance against nematode infection. Our results revealed that the application of the plant resistance-stimulants enhanced the plant growth parameters and internal nutrient content and reduced the nematode’s criteria. Consequently, the internal plant resistance against nematode infection was induced.
Fermentation of Soybean Meal with Lactobacillus acidophilus Allows Greater Inclusion of Vegetable Protein in the Diet and Can Reduce Vibrionacea in the Intestine of the South American Catfish (Rhamdia quelen)
Authors: de Oliveira Nandara Soares , Ha Natalia , da Cunha Larissa , Cipriani Luiz Augusto , Neto André Thaler , Skoronski Everton , Gisbert Enric , Perez Fabregat Thiago El Hadi
Published: March 2022

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of diets containing different inclusion levels (0%, 7%, 14%, 21% and 28%) of soybean meal fermented by Lactobacillus acidophilus (SMFL) on the zootechnical performance and intestinal health of South American catfish juveniles (Rhamdia quelen). The experimental design was completely randomized with five treatments and four replications and lasted 56 days. Five isoproteic (39% crude protein) and isoenergetic (4300 kcal of gross energy kg−1) diets were formulated where SMFL was included in replacement of fish meal. Two hundred forty South American catfish juveniles (3.0 ± 0.5 g) were distributed in 20 tanks (70 L) connected in a recirculation aquaculture system. At the end of the experiment, the inclusion of SMFL up to 21% in replacement of fish meal did not affect the zootechnical performance and also decreased the concentration of Vibrionaceae bacteria present in the intestine compared to the control group. The amount of total lactic and heterotrophic bacteria, the enzymatic activity and the intestinal morphometry did not differ between dietary treatments. The results demonstrate that fermentation with Lactobacillus acidophilus enables greater inclusion of soybean protein in South American catfish diets and promotes the control of intestinal pathogenic bacteria.
Identification and Molecular Analysis of m6A-circRNAs from Cashmere Goat Reveal Their Integrated Regulatory Network and Putative Functions in Secondary Hair Follicle during Anagen Stage
Authors: Hui Taiyu , Zhu Yubo , Shen Jincheng , Bai Man , Fan Yixing , Feng Siyu , Wang Zeying , Zhao Junyin , Zhang Qi , Liu Xingwang , Gong Tiantian , Bai Wenlin
Published: March 2022

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant modification in linear RNA molecules. Over the last few years, interestingly, many circRNA molecules are also found to have extensive m6A modification sites with temporal and spatial specific expression patterns. To date, however, little information is available concerning the expression profiling and functional regulatory characteristics of m6A modified circRNAs (m6A-circRNAs) in secondary hair follicles (SHFs) of cashmere goats. In this study, a total of fifteen m6A-circRNAs were identified and characterized in the skin tissue of cashmere goats. Of these, six m6A-circRNAs were revealed to have significantly higher expression in skin at anagen compared with those at telogen. The constructed ceRNA network indicated a complicated regulatory relationship of the six anagen up-regulated m6A-circRNAs through miRNA mediated pathways. Several signaling pathways implicated in the physiological processes of hair follicles were enriched based on the potential regulatory genes of the six anagen up-regulated m6A-circRNAs, such as TGF-beta, axon guidance, ribosome, and stem cell pluripotency regulatory pathways, suggesting the analyzed m6A-circRNAs might be essentially involved in SHF development and cashmere growth in cashmere goats. Further, we showed that four m6A-circRNAs had highly similar expression trends to their host genes in SHFs of cashmere goats including m6A-circRNA-ZNF638, -TULP4, -DNAJB6, and -CAT. However, the expression patterns of two m6A-circRNAs (m6A-circRNA-STAM2 and -CAAP1) were inconsistent with the linear RNAs from their host genes in the SHFs of cashmere goats. These results provide novel information for eluci-dating the biological function and regulatory characteristics of the m6A-circRNAs in SHF development and cashmere growth in goats.
Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation in Horses: Pathophysiology, Diagnostics and Clinical Aspects
Authors: Kjeldsen Sofie Troest , Nissen Sarah Dalgas , Buhl Rikke , Hopster-Iversen Charlotte
Published: March 2022

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia in horses causing poor performance. As in humans, the condition can be intermittent in nature, known as paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (pAF). This review covers the literature relating to pAF in horses and includes references to the human literature to compare pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic tools and treatment. The arrhythmia is diagnosed by auscultation and electrocardiography (ECG), and clinical signs can vary from sudden loss of racing performance to reduced fitness or no signs at all. If left untreated, pAF may promote electrical, functional and structural remodeling of the myocardium, thus creating a substrate that is able to maintain the arrhythmia, which over time may progress into permanent AF. Long-term ECG monitoring is essential for diagnosing the condition and fully understanding the duration and frequency of pAF episodes. The potential to adapt human cardiac monitoring systems and computational ECG analysis is therefore of interest and may benefit future diagnostic tools in equine medicine.
Meropenem/Vaborbactam Plus Aztreonam as a Possible Treatment Strategy for Bloodstream Infections Caused by Ceftazidime/Avibactam-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae: A Retrospective Case Series and Literature Review
Authors: Belati Alessandra , Bavaro Davide Fiore , Diella Lucia , De Gennaro Nicolò , Di Gennaro Francesco , Saracino Annalisa
Published: March 2022

Objectives: The aim of this study was to describe our experience of a combination treatment including meropenem/vaborbactam (M/V) plus aztreonam (ATM) for bloodstream infections (BSIs) due to ceftazidime/avibactam-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CAZ/AVI-R-Kp), for which gene typing was not available at the time the blood culture (BC) results were obtained. Methods: Between 20 July and 22 August 2021, in our hospital laboratory, the molecular test for carbapenemase gene typing was not available. All Gram-negative bloodstream infections were recorded, and characteristics of patients were analysed. Among them, three patients had positive BCs for CAZ/AVI-R-Kp, and the empirical therapy was switched to M/V plus ATM pending phenotypic testing of sensitivity to M/V. Therapy was subsequently targeted on the basis of the results of this test. Results: KPC and NDM represent the most prevalent carbapenemases in our polyclinic. Three patients with CAZ/AVI-R-Kp sepsis were treated with M/V plus ATM not knowing the carbapenemase gene. Two had an NDM-Kp infection for which, upon obtaining the result of sensitivity to M/V, combination therapy was maintained. The third had KPC-Kp infection for which ATM was discontinued, after the acquisition of an antibiogram reporting full sensitivity to M/V (MIC = 0.25 mg/L). One patient with NDM-Kp infection died due to complications of the underlying disease for which he was hospitalised. Conclusions: Meropenem/vaborbactam plus ATM and subsequent de-escalation could represent a possible therapeutic strategy in severe CAZ/AVI-R-Kp infections when carbapenemase gene typing is not rapidly available.
Effectiveness and Safety of Ceftriaxone Compared to Standard of Care for Treatment of Bloodstream Infections Due to Methicillin-Susceptible Staphylococcus aureus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Alsowaida Yazed , Benitez Gregorio , Bin Saleh Khalid , Almangour Thamer , Shehadeh Fadi , Mylonakis Eleftherios
Published: March 2022

(1) Background: Ceftriaxone is a potential alternative for the treatment of methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) bloodstream infections (BSIs) in acute care and outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) settings. We evaluated the effectiveness and safety of ceftriaxone for the treatment of MSSA BSIs. (2) Method: We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library from their inception to October 30th 2021. Our outcomes included clinical cure, microbiological cure, 30- and 90-day mortality, 90-day hospital readmission, and adverse drug reactions (ADRs). We compared ceftriaxone against standard of care (SOC) therapy. We used the random-effects model for the meta-analysis, and our estimated effects were reported as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). (3) Results: Twelve retrospective cohort studies were included, comprising 1037 patients in the ceftriaxone arms and 2088 patients in the SOC arms. The clinical cure rate of the ceftriaxone regimen was not statistically different from SOC: OR 0.65 (95% CI: 0.29–1.45). Ceftriaxone was also not statistically different from SOC in microbiological cure: OR 1.48 (95% CI: 0.29–7.51); 30-day mortality: OR 0.79 (95% CI: 0.14–4.65); 90-day mortality: OR 0.82 (95% CI: 0.38–1.80); 90-day hospital readmission: OR 1.20 (95% CI: 0.92–1.56); and ADRs: OR 0.92 (95% CI: 0.39–2.18). (4) Conclusion: Ceftriaxone could provide an alternative for the treatment of MSSA BSIs in acute care and OPAT settings (except in patients whose BSIs were due to infective endocarditis).
Piperine Attenuates Lithocholic Acid-Stimulated Interleukin-8 by Suppressing Src/EGFR and Reactive Oxygen Species in Human Colorectal Cancer Cells
Authors: Li Shinan , Nguyen Thi Thinh , Ung Trong Thuan , Sah Dhiraj Kumar , Park Seon Young , Lakshmanan Vinoth-Kumar , Jung Young Do
Published: March 2022

Piperine, a natural alkaloidal pungent product present in pepper plants, possesses the properties of anti-inflammatory and anti-metastasis. Lithocholic acid is a monohydroxy-5beta-cholanic acid with an alpha-hydroxy substituent at position 3; it is a secondary bile acid that plays a pivotal role in fat absorption, and has been discovered to mediate colorectal cancer (CRC) cell invasion and migration. However, the effect of piperine on angiogenesis has been poorly investigated. In the current study, we examined the role of piperine on LCA-stimulated angiogenesis by measuring interleukin-8 (IL-8) expression; moreover, we revealed the potential molecular mechanisms in CRC cells. Here, we showed that piperine inhibited LCA-stimulated endothelial EA.hy926 cell angiogenesis in a conditioned medium obtained from colorectal HCT-116 cells. Experiments with an IL-8 neutralizer showed that IL-8 present in the conditioned medium was the major angiogenic factor. Piperine inhibited LCA-stimulated ERK1/2 and AKT via the Src/EGFR-driven ROS signaling pathway in the colorectal cell line (HCT-116). Through mutagenesis and inhibitory studies, we revealed that ERK1/2 acted as an upstream signaling molecule in AP-1 activation, and AKT acted as an upstream signaling molecule in NF-κB activation, which in turn attenuated IL-8 expression. Taken together, we demonstrated that piperine blocked LCA-stimulated IL-8 expression by suppressing Src and EGFR in human CRC HCT-116 cells, thus remarkably attenuating endothelial EA.hy926 cell tube formation.
Melatonin and Related Compounds: Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Actions
Authors: Bantounou Maria , Plascevic Josip , Galley Helen F.
Published: March 2022

Melatonin, an indoleamine derived from tryptophan and produced in the pineal gland and other tissues [...]
Outpatient Oral Neuropathic Pain Management with Photobiomodulation Therapy: A Prospective Analgesic Pharmacotherapy-Paralleled Feasibility Trial
Authors: Hanna Reem , Bensadoun René Jean , Beken Seppe Vander , Burton Patricia , Carroll James , Benedicenti Stefano
Published: March 2022

Neuropathic pain (NP) can be challenging to treat effectively as analgesic pharmacotherapy (MED) can reduce pain, but the majority of patients do not experience complete pain relief. Our pilot approach is to assess the feasibility and efficacy of an evidence-based photobiomodulation (PBM) intervention protocol. This would be as an alternative to paralleled standard analgesic MED for modulating NP intensity-related physical function and quality of life (QoL) prospectively in a mixed neurological primary burning mouth syndrome and oral iatrogenic neuropathy study population (n = 28). The study group assignments and outcome evaluation strategy/location depended on the individual patient preferences and convenience rather than on randomisation. Our prospective parallel study aimed to evaluate the possible pre/post-benefit of PBM and to allow for a first qualitative comparison with MED, various patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) based on Initiative on Methods, Measurement, and Pain Assessment in Clinical Trials (IMMPACT-II) were used for up to a nine-month follow-up period in both intervention groups (PBM and MED). The PBM protocol applied to the PBM group was as follows: λ810 nm, 200 mW, 0.088 cm2, 30 s/point, 9 trigger and affected points, twice a week for five consecutive weeks, whereas the MED protocol followed the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines. Our results showed that despite the severe and persistent nature of the symptoms of 57.50 ± 47.93 months at baseline in the PBM group, a notably rapid reduction in PISmax on VAS from 7.6 at baseline (T0) to 3.9 at one-month post-treatment (T3) could be achieved. On the other hand, mean PISmax was only reduced from 8.2 at baseline to 6.8 at T3 in the MED group. Our positive PBM findings furthermore support more patients’ benefits in improving QoL and functional activities, which were considerably impaired by NP such as: eating, drinking and tasting, whereas the analgesic medication regimens did not. No adverse events were observed in both groups. To the best knowledge of the authors, our study is the first to investigate PBM efficacy as a monotherapy compared to the gold standard analgesic pharmacotherapy. Our positive data proves statistically significant improvements in patient self-reported NP, functionality, psychological profile and QoL at mid- and end-treatment, as well as throughout the follow-up time points (one, three, six and nine months) and sustained up to nine months in the PBM group, compared to the MED group. Our study, for the first time, proves the efficacy and safety of PBM as a potent analgesic in oral NP and as a valid alternative to the gold standard pharmacotherapy approach. Furthermore, we observed long-term pain relief and functional benefits that indicate that PBM modulates NP pathology in a pro-regenerative manner, presumably via antioxidant mechanisms.
Correction: Begum, H.; Horoshenkov, K.V. Acoustical Properties of Fiberglass Blankets Impregnated with Silica Aerogel. Appl. Sci. 2021, 11, 4593
Authors: Begum Hasina , Horoshenkov Kirill V.
Published: March 2022

The authors wish to make the following corrections to the published paper [...]
Molecular Detection of Acarapis woodi Using Hive Debris as Innovative and Non-Invasive Matrix
Authors: Pietropaoli Marco , Tofani Silvia , Formato Giovanni , Rubino Roberta Carlotta , Pietrella Gabriele , Di Ruggiero Camilla , Milito Marcella , Merola Carmine , Amorena Michele , Cersini Antonella
Published: March 2022

Acarapis woodi is a pathogen affecting honey bees health worldwide. Its prevalence may be underestimated due to the time-consuming traditional method for its diagnosis and the attitude in focusing the attention only onto Varroa destructor. New PCR techniques have allowed for the verification of the presence of A. woodi in 44 samples of honey bees and 11 samples of hive debris collected from 17 apiaries by the veterinary services of the Latium region (Central Italy). Overall, 9.1% of adult honey bee samples (all belonging to one apiary) and 6.3% of hive debris samples (belonging to 6 apiaries) were positive in an end point PCR and presence of the pathogen was confirmed through Sanger sequencing. Results demonstrated the potential underestimation of A. woodi occurrence in Italian apiaries and reported the first detection of A. woodi in hive debris samples.
Rotational Shearing Interferometer in Detection of the Super-Earth Exoplanets
Authors: Strojnik Marija
Published: March 2022

The astronomers and the general population are fascinated with the problem of exoplanet detection. By far the largest number of detected planets are the so-called Super Earths, relatively cold planets orbiting a large, red giant star, with diameters up to 1 AU, most of them at about one hundred light-year distance from us. A rotational shearing interferometer (RSI) was proposed for exoplanet detection. Here the detection capabilities of the RSI are expanded to include the case when the interferometer is not precisely aligned on the star. The theoretical analysis is applied to the case of a Super Earth with the red giant star, displaced from the origin to the Mercury, Earth, and the Martian orbit. For errors in alignment up to the Mercury orbit, the red giant star generates a slanted radiance pattern that may be eliminated using information processing. For larger distances, analysis in the Fourier domain is feasible.
Numerical and Experimental Study on the Duration of Nozzle Starting of the Reflected High-Enthalpy Shock Tunnel
Authors: Yu Jiangpeng , Li Jinping , Wang Qiu , Zhang Xiaoyuan , Zhang Shizhong
Published: March 2022

The starting process of the flow in the nozzle of the JF-14 shock tunnel (1.6 m in length, 500 mm in outlet diameter) in the State Key Laboratory of High Temperature Gas Dynamics is analyzed by calculation and experiment. Two key factors which directly affect the duration of the nozzle starting are the velocity of the expansion wave and the low-velocity zone generated by the interaction between the secondary shock wave and boundary layer on the wall surface. In the process of the nozzle starting, the flow field stabilizes at the center of the nozzle outlet first, and then gradually stabilizes along the radius direction, thus defining the central startup and complete startup of the nozzle. It is found that there is a critical initial pressure. When the initial pressure is lower than the critical pressure, the airflow can reach stability in the nozzle outlet center with the shortest time, otherwise, the time required is much longer. The time required for the airflow to stabilize in the whole outlet section is mainly affected by the size of the low-velocity zone. It is also found that only at a very low initial pressure can the airflow simultaneously reach stability at the entire outlet of the nozzle.
Hybrid Training Strategies: Improving Performance of Temporal Difference Learning in Board Games
Authors: Fernández-Conde Jesús , Cuenca-Jiménez Pedro , Cañas José M.
Published: March 2022

Temporal difference (TD) learning is a well-known approach for training automated players in board games with a limited number of potential states through autonomous play. Because of its directness, TD learning has become widespread, but certain critical difficulties must be solved in order for it to be effective. It is impractical to train an artificial intelligence (AI) agent against a random player since it takes millions of games for the agent to learn to play intelligently. Training the agent against a methodical player, on the other hand, is not an option owing to a lack of exploration. This article describes and examines a variety of hybrid training procedures for a TD-based automated player that combines randomness with specified plays in a predetermined ratio. We provide simulation results for the famous tic-tac-toe and Connect-4 board games, in which one of the studied training strategies significantly surpasses the other options. On average, it takes fewer than 100,000 games of training for an agent taught using this approach to act as a flawless player in tic-tac-toe.
Automation of a Hybrid Control for Electrohydraulic Servo-Actuators with Residual Dynamics
Authors: Sidhom Lilia , Chihi Ines , Smaoui Mohamed
Published: March 2022

In this paper, a hybrid position/force controller for electrohydraulic servo-actuators is designed in the presence of residual dynamics. The purpose is to apply a cycle of movement that is mostly used in industrial fatigue test applications, which consists in imposing a specified force on a flexible load after a movement to some position. This cycle can be repeated several times with different magnitudes and frequencies of force and position trajectories. Some damages could occur at switching times, especially in the presence of some residual dynamics. To avoid any damages at switching times, a force trajectory generator is designed. Then, our contribution defines a method to automatically generate the switching signal in order to commute between two controllers with any abrupt change of state. To show the effectiveness of the proposed approach, several simulation tests are carried out on the electrohydraulic system.
Myths and Realities about Genetically Modified Food: A Risk-Benefit Analysis
Authors: Vega Rodríguez Angelo , Rodríguez-Oramas Cristina , Sanjuán Velázquez Esther , Hardisson de la Torre Arturo , Rubio Armendáriz Carmen , Carrascosa Iruzubieta Conrado
Published: March 2022

The development and consumption of genetically modified (GM) crops are surrounded by controversy. According to proponents, only molecular biology approaches and genetic engineering tools are realistic food shortage solutions for the world’s ever-growing population. The main purpose of this study is to review the impact of GM products on human, animal, and environmental health. People still reject GM crops not only because of safety concerns, but also for moral reasons. Toxicity, allergies, and possible horizontal gene transfer (HGT) to the environment or to other species have been associated with the marketing of GM products. Moreover, the scarce data available about the long-term implications of using GM crops is another opponent concern. Nevertheless, science has evidenced no harm from GM crops use to date but has, instead, reported several benefits that result from their commercialization, such as economic, environmental, and health benefits for the general public. Legislation and policies about GM product labeling standards are being discussed. To overcome emerging food security challenges, considering quality scientific information is essential rather than leaving the issue and merely moving toward moral discussion. Hence, a risk–benefit analysis is necessary.
Considerations on Stellarator’s Optimization from the Perspective of the Energy Confinement Time Scaling Laws
Authors: Murari Andrea , Peluso Emmanuele , Spolladore Luca , Vega Jesus , Gelfusa Michela
Published: March 2022

The Stellarator is a magnetic configuration considered a realistic candidate for a future thermonuclear fusion commercial reactor. The most widely accepted scaling law of the energy confinement time for the Stellarator is the ISS04, which employs a renormalisation factor, fren, specific to each device and each level of optimisation for individual machines. The fren coefficient is believed to account for higher order effects not ascribable to variations in the 0D quantities, the only ones included in the database used to derive ISS04, the International Stellarator Confinement database. This hypothesis is put to the test with symbolic regression, which allows relaxing the assumption that the scaling laws must be in power monomial form. Specific and more general scaling laws for the different magnetic configurations have been identified and perform better than ISS04, even without relying on any renormalisation factor. The proposed new scalings typically present a coefficient of determination R2 around 0.9, which indicates that they basically exploit all the information included in the database. More importantly, the different optimisation levels are correctly reproduced and can be traced back to variations in the 0D quantities. These results indicate that fren is not indispensable to interpret the data because the different levels of optimisation leave clear signatures in the 0D quantities. Moreover, the main mechanism dominating transport, in reasonably optimised configurations, is expected to be turbulence, confirmed by a comparative analysis of the Tokamak in L mode, which shows very similar values of the energy confinement time. Not resorting to any renormalisation factor, the new scaling laws can also be extrapolated to the parameter regions of the most important reactor designs available.
Hair Regeneration Effects of Lespedeza bicolor Extract In Vivo and In Vitro
Authors: Shin Seung-Yeon , Kwon Jeong-Eun , Kim Seonyu , Lee Yeong-Geun , Park Soojin , Kang Se-Chan
Published: March 2022

Alopecia is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with various causes. Lespedeza bicolor extract (LBE) has been reported to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects. In this study, the activity and mechanisms of LBE as a hair growth agent were investigated. Effects of cell proliferation, cytotoxicity, and cell cycle regulation of LBE and its active component protocatechuic acid (PCA) were evaluated in human dermal papilla cells (DPCs). Hair regeneration effects of LBE in 6-week-old C57BL/6 male mice were also determined using positive control 5% minoxidil. The dose-dependent proliferation of DPCs was estimated in response to LBE treatment (0.8–20 µg/mL). Additionally, significant extension of the anagen phase during the hair cell cycle upon LBE treatment was observed histologically and morphologically. Cell cycle arrest gene expression was determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Lespedezabicolor could be a potent treatment against alopecia through enhancing DPC proliferation and hair regrowth via anagen phase arrest.
Approximation Method for Stress–Strain Using Metamodel Parameter Updating
Authors: Shin Dong-Seok , Jeon Euy-Sik , Kim Young-Shin
Published: March 2022

The properties of the material applied to the finite element (FE) simulation can be expressed by constitutive models, and simple constitutive and complex constitutive models can be used to show the actual phenomenon. The technology to improve the accuracy of the constitutive model applied to FE simulation is the inverse method. The inverse method is a method to curve fit the FE simulation result to the test data by utilizing finite element model updating (FEMU). Inverse methods are general approaches to update material properties. The inverse method can iteratively run many FE simulations for constitutive model optimization and consider metamodel-based simulation optimization (MBSO) to reduce this resource waste. With MBSO, one can obtain significant results with fewer resources. However, the MBSO algorithm has the problem in that the optimization performance deteriorates as the number of parameters increases. The typical process of the inverse method is to adjust these factor values individually. If there are many factors in the constitutive model, the optimization result may deteriorate owing to the performance limit of the MBSO when the structural method is used. This paper proposes a method of fitting a stress–strain constitutive model with a scaling factor to improve the efficiency of the inversion method using MBSO. For this purpose, a process was performed to determine the curve characteristics during the pretreatment stage. The results show that the proposed method significantly improved the prediction efficiency of the combination function. Thus, we conclude that initializing the combination function and setting the parameters of the inverse method by applying the proposed approach improves the efficiency of large deformation analyses.
Antonio Gisbert’s Monument to Spanish Liberty: The Production of the Execution of Torrijos and his Companions on the Beach at Málaga (1888)
Authors: Murray Ann
Published: March 2022

The monumental state-commissioned Execution of Torrijos and his Companions on the Beach at Málaga by Antonio Gisbert Pérez has only recently begun to receive earnest scholarly attention in Spanish-language literature after decades of relative obscurity, with no known lengthy discussion in English. Yet, it is a major Spanish history painting, commissioned as a monument to Spanish nation building in the wake of despotic monarchism. It is remarkable for its innovative composition and sensitive portrayal of liberal General José María Torrijos and his men, executed without trial on a Málaga beach in December 1831 for rallying against the absolutist monarch Ferdinand VII. In addition to Torrijos, among the dead were liberal politician Manuel Flores Calderón and the Byronic, Northern Irish-born Robert Boyd, active in the final years (1830–1831) of the Greek War of Independence and who was inspired by Torrijos’ cause. Introducing new material that builds on existing research, this essay offers a detailed analysis of the painting’s content and composition within its historical context. It carefully explores its production as a pivotal example of the Spanish visual culture of war and as a sensitively crafted memorial both to the men portrayed and the struggles of Spanish liberalism during the nineteenth century, a context that links it closely to Goya’s Third of May 1808, against which it is often compared, but which is at odds with the remarkably original composition of Gisbert’s work.
Optimal Fuel Consumption Modelling, Simulation, and Analysis for Hybrid Electric Vehicles
Authors: Minh Vu Trieu , Moezzi Reza , Cyrus Jindrich , Hlava Jaroslav
Published: March 2022

This paper reviews the latest studies of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) on modelling, controls, and energy management. HEV dynamics, formulas, calculations, and schemes of vehicle parts, such as battery, converter, electric motor, generator, and HEV Simulink models, are presented. Moreover, simulations of the propulsion operation, regenerative braking system, and vehicle dynamics are conducted. A comprehensive HEV model is built that is simulated on different driving cycles of Federal Test Procedure 75 (FTP75), New York City Cycle (NYCC), Highway Fuel Economy Test (HWFET), and Extra Urban Driving Cycle (EUDC). Data achieved from these simulations were analysed and tested with several fuel regression models to determine the best fuel regression estimation for HEV fuel consumption on the basis of their weights and tire radiuses. The best fuel regression equation is obtained with a determination coefficient R-squared greater than 99%. Lastly, the optimal model and other HEVs models are simulated on different driving cycles to prove that the fuel consumption of our best-fit regression model is the best.
Characterization of the Effects of Temperature and Instrument Drift in Long-Term Comparative Geomagnetic Vector Observations
Authors: He Zhaobo , Hu Xingxing , Teng Yuntian , Liu Gaochuan , Zhang Xiuxia , Shen Xiaoyu
Published: March 2022

In order to minimize interruptions to recording, geomagnetic observatories usually use a back-up instrument operating simultaneously with the primary instrument in order to obtain comparative observations. Based on the correction parameter calculation method established in the previous work, we focused on the effects of temperature and instrument drift on the comparative geomagnetic vector observations. The linear influence of temperature on the comparative data was shown to be variable. The relative temperature coefficient changed around the temperature inflection point and showed a V-type distribution in a scatter plot. This conclusion was verified in laboratory experiments. The long-term time drift between the comparative instruments exhibits a linear pattern, and the fitness of the correction model can be evaluated by the degree to which the residual distribution of the fitted straight line conforms to the normal distribution. However, the absolute value of the long-term time drift between variometers with the same type of probe is very small. Therefore, long-term time drift correction should be carried out with care. The associated analysis and conclusions have the potential to benefit data agreement correction of long-term comparative geomagnetic vector observations and comparative testing of the performance of vector instruments.
Low-Dose Benzene Exposure Monitoring of Oil Refinery Workers: Inhalation and Biomarkers
Authors: Dugheri Stefano , Pizzella Giulia , Mucci Nicola , Bonari Alessandro , Cappelli Giovanni , Santillo Mario , Rainaldi Iacopo , Pompilio Ilenia , Carrara Maria , Rapisarda Venerando , De Sio Simone , Arcangeli Giulio
Published: March 2022

Airborne benzene in workplaces has progressively decreased due to preventive actions and the redesigning of facility processes. Professionals who assess occupational exposure should select techniques to detect benzene levels comparable to ambient air exposure. Thus, sensitive biomarkers are needed to discriminate the effects of confounding factors, such as smoking or sorbic acid (SA). In order to identify sensitive biomarkers and to study their correlation with confounding factors, 23 oil refinery workers were enrolled in the study; their airborne benzene exposures and biomarkers were monitored. Urinary benzene (U-B), t,t-muconic acid (t,t-MA), and S-phenylmercapturic acid (SPMA) were quantified. Urinary cotinine (U-C) and t,t-sorbic acid (t,t-SA) were evaluated to flag smoking and SA intake, respectively. The benzene measured in personal inhalation sampling ranged from 0.6 to 83.5 (median 1.7) µg/m3. The concentration range of the biomarkers, U-B, t,t-MA, and SPMA, were 18–4893 ng/m3, <10–79.4 µg/g creatinine, and <0.5–3.96 µg/g creatinine, respectively. Pearson tests were carried out; the best correlations were between airborne benzene and U-B (µg/L r = 0.820, p < 0.001) and between benzene and SPMA (g/L r = 0.812, p < 0.001), followed by benzene and t,t-MA (mg/L r = 0.465, p = 0.039). From our study, U-B and SPMA result to be the most reliable biomarkers to assess the internal number of low doses of benzene exposure, thanks to their specificity and sensitivity.
Determining COVID-19 Dynamics Using Physics Informed Neural Networks
Authors: Malinzi Joseph , Gwebu Simanga , Motsa Sandile
Published: March 2022

The Physics Informed Neural Networks framework is applied to the understanding of the dynamics of COVID-19. To provide the governing system of equations used by the framework, the Susceptible–Infected–Recovered–Death mathematical model is used. This study focused on finding the patterns of the dynamics of the disease which involves predicting the infection rate, recovery rate and death rate; thus, predicting the active infections, total recovered, susceptible and deceased at any required time. The study used data that were collected on the dynamics of COVID-19 from the Kingdom of Eswatini between March 2020 and September 2021. The obtained results could be used for making future forecasts on COVID-19 in Eswatini.
Forward Order Law for the Reflexive Inner Inverse of Multiple Matrix Products
Authors: Zhou Wanna , Xiong Zhiping , Qin Yingying
Published: March 2022

The generalized inverse has numerous important applications in aspects of the theoretic research of matrices and statistics. One of the core problems of generalized inverse is finding the necessary and sufficient conditions for the reverse (or the forward) order laws for the generalized inverse of matrix products. In this paper, by using the extremal ranks of the generalized Schur complement, some necessary and sufficient conditions are given for the forward order law for A1{1,2}A2{1,2}…An{1,2}⊆(A1A2…An){1,2}.
Extracellular Release of HMGB1 as an Early Potential Biomarker for the Therapeutic Response in a Xenograft Model of Boron Neutron Capture Therapy
Authors: Imamichi Shoji , Chen Lichao , Ito Tasuku , Tong Ying , Onodera Takae , Sasaki Yuka , Nakamura Satoshi , Mauri PierLuigi , Sanada Yu , Igaki Hiroshi , Murakami Yasufumi , Suzuki Minoru , Itami Jun , Masunaga Shinichiro , Masutani Mitsuko
Published: March 2022

Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is a non-invasive therapeutic technique for treating malignant tumors, however, methods to evaluate its therapeutic efficacy and adverse reactions are lacking. High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is an inflammatory molecule released during cell death. Therefore, we aimed to investigate HMGB1 as a biomarker for BNCT response, by examining the early responses of tumor cells to 10B-boronophenylalanine (BPA)-based BNCT in the Kyoto University Nuclear Reactor. Extracellular HMGB1 release was significantly increased in human squamous carcinoma SAS and melanoma A375 cells 24 h after neutron irradiation but not after γ-irradiation. At 3 days post-BPA-based BNCT irradiation in a SAS xenograft mouse model, plasma HMGB1 levels were higher than those in the non-irradiation control, and HMGB1 was detected in both nuclei and cytoplasm in tumor cells. Additionally, increased plasma HMGB1 levels post-BNCT irradiation were detected even when tumors decreased in size. Collectively, these results indicate that the extracellular HMGB1 release occurs at an early stage and is persistent when tumors are reduced in size; therefore, it is a potential biomarker for evaluating the therapeutic response during BNCT.
Prescription Patterns, Recurrence, and Toxicity Rates of Adjuvant Treatment for Stage III/IV Melanoma—A Real World Single-Center Analysis
Authors: Hoffmann Michèle , Hayoz Stefanie , Özdemir Berna C.
Published: March 2022

Approved adjuvant treatment options for stage III melanoma are the immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) pembrolizumab and nivolumab, and in presence of a BRAF V600E/K mutation additionally dabrafenib in combination with trametinib (BRAFi/MEKi). This study aims to describe prescription patterns and recurrence and toxicity rates of adjuvant-treated melanoma patients from the Cancer Center of the University Hospital Bern, Switzerland. One hundred and nine patients with an indication for adjuvant treatment were identified. Five (4.6%) had contraindications and, as such, were not proposed any adjuvant treatment, while 10 patients (9.2%) declined treatment. BRAF status was known for 91 (83.5%) patients. Of 40 (36.7%) patients with BRAF V600E/K melanoma, pembrolizumab was prescribed to 18 (45.0%), nivolumab to 16 (40.0%), and dabrafenib/trametinib to three (7.5%) patients. Grade 3–4 toxicity was reported in 18.9% and 16.7% of all the patients treated with pembrolizumab and nivolumab, respectively. No toxicities were observed for dabrafenib/trametinib. Thirty-eight percent of the patients treated with pembrolizumab and 40.0% of those treated with nivolumab relapsed. No relapses were reported for dabrafenib/trametinib. Prescription patterns indicate a clear preference for adjuvant ICI treatment.