bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variation in the Main Health-Promoting Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Different Edible Parts of Purple Flowering Stalks (Brassica campestris var. purpuraria) and Green Flowering Stalks (Brassica campestris var. campestris)
Authors: Wang Yating , Di Hongmei , Cheng Wenjuan , Ren Guanru , Luo Sha , Ma Jie , Ma Wei , Lian Huashan , Li Xiaomei , Huang Zhi , Tang Yi , Zheng Yangxia , Li Huanxiu , Zhang Fen , Sun Bo
Published: June 2022

Purple flowering stalks and green flowering stalks of Brassica campestris are widely cultivated in the middle and upper reaches of the Yangtze River. Here, concentrations of the main health-promoting compounds and antioxidant capacity levels were characterized in different parts (leaves, peel, flesh, and inflorescences) of purple and green flowering stalks. There were significant differences in the concentrations of health-promoting compounds between the two variants; the concentrations of pigments, especially anthocyanidins, and gluconapin, were significantly higher in purple flowering stalks than in green flowering stalks, and the progoitrin content was significantly higher in green flowering stalks than in purple flowering stalks. The leaves were judged to be the most nutritional edible part because they had the highest concentrations of pigments, ascorbic acid, proanthocyanidins, flavonoids, and total phenolics. Antioxidant capacity was also highest in the leaves, and it was positively correlated with the concentration of health-promoting compounds. Purple flowering stalks and green flowering stalks were found to be rich in health-promoting compounds, especially glucosinolates. Overall, our findings indicate that consumption of the leaves and peel would provide the most health benefits. Some suggestions are provided regarding the processing and utilization of these edible components.
Anticancer and Antioxidant Activities of the Root Extract of the Carnivorous Pitcher Plant Sarracenia purpurea
Authors: Huang Yen-Hua , Chiang Wei-Yu , Chen Pin-Jui , Lin En-Shyh , Huang Cheng-Yang
Published: June 2022

The carnivorous pitcher plant Sarracenia purpurea exhibits many ethnobotanical uses, including the treatments of type 2 diabetes and tuberculosis-like symptoms. In this study, we prepared different extracts from the leaves (pitchers), stems, and roots of S. purpurea and investigated their antioxidant and anticancer properties. To evaluate the extraction efficiency, we individually used different solvents, namely methanol, ethanol, acetone, and distilled water, for S. purpurea extract preparations. The root extract of S. purpurea, obtained by 100% acetone (S. purpurea-root-acetone), had the highest anticancer activities, antioxidation capacity (the DPPH activity with IC50 of 89.3 ± 2.2 μg/mL), antibacterial activities, total phenolic content (33.4 ± 0.7 mg GAE/g), and total flavonoid content (107.9 ± 2.2 mg QUE/g). The most abundant compounds in S. purpurea-root-acetone were identified using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry; 7,8-Dihydro-α-ionone was the major compound present in S. purpurea-root-acetone. In addition, the co-cytotoxicity of S. purpurea-root-acetone (combined with the clinical anticancer drug 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) on the survival, apoptosis, proliferation, and migration of the 4T1 mammary carcinoma) was examined. The combination of 5-FU with S. purpurea-root-acetone could be highly efficient for anti-4T1 cells. We also found that S. purpurea-root-acetone could inhibit the enzymatic activity of human dihydroorotase (huDHOase), an attractive target for potential anticancer chemotherapy. The sic most abundant compounds in S. purpurea-root-acetone were tested using an in silico analysis via MOE-Dock software for their binding affinities. The top-ranked docking conformations were observed for 7,8-dihydro-α-ionone and stigmast-5-en-3-ol, suggesting the inhibition potential against huDHOase. Overall, the collective data in this study may indicate the pharmacological potentials of S. purpurea-root-acetone for possible medical applications.
Chamber with Inverted Electrode Geometry for Measuring and Control of Ion Flux-Energy Distribution Functions
Authors: Schulze Christian , Li He , Mohn Leonie , Müller Martin , Benedikt Jan
Published: June 2022

Measurements of ion flux-energy distribution functions at the high sheath potential of the driven electrode in a classical low-pressure asymmetric capacitively coupled plasma are technically difficult as the diagnostic device needs to float with the applied radio frequency voltage. Otherwise, the ion sampling is disturbed by the varying electric field between the grounded device and the driven electrode. To circumvent such distortions, a low-pressure plasma chamber with inverted electrode geometry, where the larger electrode is driven and the smaller electrode is grounded, has been constructed and characterized. Measurements of the ion flux-energy distribution functions with an energy-selective mass spectrometer at the high sheath potential of the grounded electrode are presented for a variety of conditions and ions. The potential for suppressing low-energy ions from resonant charge transfer collisions in the sheath by the dilution of the working gas is demonstrated. Additionally, the setup is supplemented by an inductively coupled plasma that controls the plasma density and consequently the ion flux to the substrate while the radio frequency bias controls the ion energy. At high ion energies, metal ions are detected as a consequence of the ionization of sputtered electrode material. The proposed setup opens a way to study precisely the effects of ion treatment for a variety of substrates such as catalysts, polymers, or thin films.
Comparative Investigation on Improved Aerodynamic and Acoustic Performance of Abnormal Rotors by Bionic Edge Design and Rational Material Selection
Authors: Song Wenda , Mu Zhengzhi , Wang Yufei , Zhang Zhiyan , Zhang Shuang , Wang Ze , Li Bo , Zhang Junqiu , Niu Shichao , Han Zhiwu , Ren Luquan
Published: June 2022

Rotor plays a vital role in the dynamical system of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Prominent aerodynamic and acoustic performance are a long-term pursuit for the rotor. Inspired by excellent quiet flight characteristics of owls, this work adopted bionic edge design and rational material selection strategy to improve aerodynamic and acoustic performance of the rotor. A reference model of rotor prototype with streamlined edges was firstly generated by reverse engineering method. With inspiration from owl wings and feathers, bionic rotors with rational design on leading and trailing edges were obtained. Original and bionic rotors were fabricated with polyamide PA 12 and Resin 9400 by 3D printing technique. Aerodynamic and acoustic performance of the as-fabricated rotors were experimentally measured and analyzed in detail using a self-established test system. Comparative experimental results indicated that the aerodynamic and acoustic performance of the rotors was closely related to the bionic structures, material properties, and rotational speeds. At the same rotational speed, bionic rotor fabricated with Resin 9400 can produce a higher thrust than the prototype one and its power consumption was also reduced. The resulting noise of different bionic rotors and their directivities were comparatively investigated. The results verified the bionic edge design strategy can effectively control the turbulent flow field and smoothly decompose the airflow near the tailing edge, which resulting in enhancing the thrust and reducing the noise. This work could provide beneficial inspiration and strong clues for mechanical engineers and material scientists to design new abnormal rotors with promising aerodynamic and acoustic performance.
Supporting Spirits in Changing Circumstances: Pandemic Lessons for Long-Term Care and Retirement Homes
Authors: Kuepfer Jane
Published: June 2022

The pandemic of 2020–2022 brought both disruption to, and increased need for, spiritual care in long-term care and retirement homes. This paper reports and reflects upon the experiences of spiritual care providers (SCPs) in these settings in Ontario, Canada as they each endeavored to adapt to their circumstances. Qualitative data were gathered from 27 participants through a variety of means, including natural focus group opportunities, email responses to questions, and in-depth virtual interviews. This study learned that during the pandemic, SCPs creatively adapted the care they provide, while finding it challenging to meet needs for touch, community, mental health care, and processing grief. SCPs spoke with confidence about their role as a listening and supportive presence, for team and family reassurance, as well as for residents. Opportunities to personalize spiritual care using technology, and the value of small, intimate gatherings were realized, along with the value of employing an in-house SCP who truly gets to know residents and can continue to creatively adapt to meet changing needs in changing circumstances. Recommendations are made for spiritual care provision that is resilient through outbreak restrictions into the future.
The Elderly Nun, the Rain-Treasure Child, and the Wish-Fulfilling Jewel: Visualizing Buddhist Networks at the Grand Shrine of Ise
Authors: Andrei Talia J.
Published: June 2022

The nunnery Keikōin was a powerful Buddhist institution, famous in late-medieval Japanese history for its vigorous and successful fundraising campaigns on behalf of the Grand Shrine of Ise. Much is known about the nuns’ fundraising activities, but very little is known about their religious practice. A recently discovered painting, I believe, sheds some light on this long-standing question. It depicts an elderly nun invoking the deity Uhō Dōji in the form enshrined at Kongōshōji, a temple situated at the top of Asama Mountain, to the east of Ise’s Inner Shrine. Based on several of the iconographic elements, I argue the nun portrayed in the painting is from Keikōin and that she is shown engaging in esoteric Buddhist practices related to those carried out at Kongōshōji. Comparative analysis with other paintings and the historical record has, moreover, led me to propose that the Keikōin nuns performed these esoteric practices at Ise’s Kora no tachi, the hall where young shrine maidens prepared the daily food offerings for Ise’s deities.
Miniaturization of Laser Doppler Vibrometers—A Review
Authors: Li Yanlu , Dieussaert Emiel , Baets Roel
Published: June 2022

Laser Doppler vibrometry (LDV) is a non-contact vibration measurement technique based on the Doppler effect of the reflected laser beam. Thanks to its feature of high resolution and flexibility, LDV has been used in many different fields today. The miniaturization of the LDV systems is one important development direction for the current LDV systems that can enable many new applications. In this paper, we will review the state-of-the-art method on LDV miniaturization. Systems based on three miniaturization techniques will be discussed: photonic integrated circuit (PIC), self-mixing, and micro-electrochemical systems (MEMS). We will explain the basics of these techniques and summarize the reported miniaturized LDV systems. The advantages and disadvantages of these techniques will also be compared and discussed.
RMHIL: A Rule Matching Algorithm Based on Heterogeneous Integrated Learning in Software Defined Network
Authors: Guo Yiping , Hu Guyu , Shao Dongsheng
Published: June 2022

To ensure the efficient operation of large-scale networks, the flow scheduling in the software defined network (SDN) requires the matching time and memory overhead of rule matching to be as low as possible. To meet the requirement, we solve the rule matching problem by integrating machine learning methods, including recurrent neural networks, reinforcement learning, and decision trees. We first describe the SDN rule matching problem and transform it into a heterogeneous integrated learning problem. Then, we design and implement an SDN flow forwarding rule matching algorithm based on heterogeneous integrated learning, referred to as RMHIL. Finally, we compare RMHIL with two existing algorithms, and the comparative experimental results show that RMHIL has advantages in matching time and memory overhead.
A Lightweight Network for Point Cloud Analysis via the Fusion of Local Features and Distribution Characteristics
Authors: Zheng Qiang , Sun Jian , Chen Wei
Published: June 2022

Effectively integrating the local features and their spatial distribution information for more effective point cloud analysis is a subject that has been explored for a long time. Inspired by convolutional neural networks (CNNs), this paper studies the relationship between local features and their spatial characteristics and proposes a concise architecture to effectively integrate them instead of designing more sophisticated feature extraction modules. Different positions in the feature map of the 2D image correspond to different weights in the convolution kernel, making the obtained features that are sensitive to local distribution characteristics. Thus, the spatial distribution of the input features of the point cloud within the receptive field is critical for capturing abstract regional aggregated features. We design a lightweight structure to extract local features by explicitly supplementing the distribution information of the input features to obtain distinctive features for point cloud analysis. Compared with the baseline, our model shows improvements in accuracy and convergence speed, and these advantages facilitate the introduction of the snapshot ensemble. Aiming at the shortcomings of the commonly used cosine annealing learning schedule, we design a new annealing schedule that can be flexibly adjusted for the snapshot ensemble technology, which significantly improves the performance by a large margin. Extensive experiments on typical benchmarks verify that, although it adopts the basic shared multi-layer perceptrons (MLPs) as feature extractors, the proposed model with a lightweight structure achieves on-par performance with previous state-of-the-art (SOTA) methods (e.g., MoldeNet40 classification, 0.98 million parameters and 93.5% accuracy; S3DIS segmentation, 1.4 million parameters and 68.7% mIoU).
Development and Characterization of Embroidery-Based Textile Electrodes for Surface EMG Detection
Authors: Kim Hyelim , Kim Siyeon , Lim Daeyoung , Jeong Wonyoung
Published: June 2022

The interest in wearable devices has expanded to measurement devices for building IoT-based mobile healthcare systems and sensing bio-signal data through clothing. Surface electromyography, called sEMG, is one of the most popular bio-signals that can be applied to health monitoring systems. In general, gel-based (Ag/AgCl) electrodes are mainly used, but there are problems, such as skin irritation due to long-time wearing, deterioration of adhesion to the skin due to moisture or sweat, and low applicability to clothes. Hence, research on dry electrodes as a replacement is increasing. Accordingly, in this study, a textile-based electrode was produced with a range of electrode shapes, and areas were embroidered with conductive yarn using an embroidery technique in the clothing manufacturing process. The electrode was applied to EMG smart clothing for fitness, and the EMG signal detection performance was analyzed. The electrode shape was manufactured using the circle and wave type. The wave-type electrode was more morphologically stable than the circle-type electrode by up to 30% strain, and the electrode shape was maintained as the embroidered area increased. Skin-electrode impedance analysis confirmed that the embroidered area with conductive yarn affected the skin contact area, and the impedance decreased with increasing area. For sEMG performance analysis, the rectus femoris was selected as a target muscle, and the sEMG parameters were analyzed. The wave-type sample showed higher EMG signal strength than the circle-type. In particular, the electrode with three lines showed better performance than the fill-type electrode. These performances operated without noise, even with a commercial device. Therefore, it is expected to be applicable to the manufacture of electromyography smart clothing based on embroidered electrodes in the future.
A Scintillator Array Table with Spectroscopic Features
Authors: Longhitano Fabio , Poma Gaetano Elio , Cosentino Luigi , Finocchiaro Paolo
Published: June 2022

In the framework of radioactive material handling, such as in radwaste sorting and segregation operations, the availability of a simple tool to quickly detect and locate gamma radiation spots can be quite convenient. Additional spectroscopic features, even with moderate energy resolutions, could provide a useful benefit. As a proof of principle for such a tool, we developed a gamma detector prototype featuring an array of 10 × 10 CsI(Tl) scintillators (1 × 1 × 1 cm3) providing readouts by means of a corresponding array of 6 × 6 mm2 silicon photo multipliers (SiPM). Such a detector table could be easily incorporated into a work desk for quick scanning of possibly radioactive objects. The proposed detector has a good counting efficiency and energy resolution, while the simulations and tests show interesting hot-spot localization capabilities.
Performance Evaluation Analysis of Spark Streaming Backpressure for Data-Intensive Pipelines
Authors: Matteussi Kassiano J. , dos Anjos Julio C. S. , Leithardt Valderi R. Q. , Geyer Claudio F. R.
Published: June 2022

A significant rise in the adoption of streaming applications has changed the decision-making processes in the last decade. This movement has led to the emergence of several Big Data technologies for in-memory processing, such as the systems Apache Storm, Spark, Heron, Samza, Flink, and others. Spark Streaming, a widespread open-source implementation, processes data-intensive applications that often require large amounts of memory. However, Spark Unified Memory Manager cannot properly manage sudden or intensive data surges and their related in-memory caching needs, resulting in performance and throughput degradation, high latency, a large number of garbage collection operations, out-of-memory issues, and data loss. This work presents a comprehensive performance evaluation of Spark Streaming backpressure to investigate the hypothesis that it could support data-intensive pipelines under specific pressure requirements. The results reveal that backpressure is suitable only for small and medium pipelines for stateless and stateful applications. Furthermore, it points out the Spark Streaming limitations that lead to in-memory-based issues for data-intensive pipelines and stateful applications. In addition, the work indicates potential solutions.
Does Relative Age Influence Organized Sport and Unorganized Physical Activity Participation in a Cohort of Adolescents?
Authors: Smith Kristy L. , Bélanger Mathieu , Chittle Laura , Dixon Jess C. , Horton Sean , Weir Patricia L.
Published: June 2022

Despite their prevalence, the longitudinal impacts of relative age effects (RAEs) on sport and other forms of physical activity (PA) are understudied. This study examined longitudinal participation patterns in organized sport (team and individual), unorganized PA, and non-participation with respect to RAEs in a prospective cohort of adolescents. Data from the first 24 cycles of the MATCH study were used for analyses. Elementary students (n = 929) were recruited from 17 schools in Atlantic Canada. Respondents self-reported PA three times/year. Mixed multilevel logistic models compared the likelihood of participating in each context across birth quarter. Chronological age and gender were considered, along with the interaction between chronological and relative age. Individuals born in Quarter 1/Quarter 2 were more likely to report participation in organized team sport but not individual sports. Relatively older participants born in Quarter 2 were more likely to report participation in unorganized PA. Increasing chronological age was associated with decreased participation in organized sport (particularly team-based) and increased non-participation. Gender was not associated with organized sport participation, but girls were under-represented in unorganized PA and more likely to report non-participation. The interaction parameters suggested that RAEs were consistent throughout adolescence in each context. Longitudinal analyses suggest RAEs are context dependent.
Analysis on the Steady Growth Effect of China’s Fiscal Policy from a Dynamic Perspective
Authors: Li Huiqin , Guan Shuai , Liu Yongfu
Published: June 2022

Under the goal of a “new development pattern”, it is of great practical significance to accurately identify the economic growth effect of fiscal and tax policies. This paper constructs a TVP-FAVAR model to measure the economic effects of China’s fiscal and tax policies at the aggregate and structural levels. The results show that the reduction in total tax has a positive effect on real variables such as output and consumption; especially at the present stage, the promotion effect of total tax reduction on economic growth is relatively strong, but the stimulation effect on price is relatively weak. Further, the tax structure in which the ratio of direct tax to total tax increases and the ratio of indirect tax to total tax decreases is more conducive to the increase in output and consumption, and will not strongly stimulate the rise of price level. Therefore, at this stage, China should continue to vigorously implement the tax reduction policy and ensure the continuity of the tax reduction policy. At the same time, we should continue to optimize the tax structure and give better play to the regulatory role of fiscal and tax policies in income redistribution, so as to achieve the goal that fiscal and tax policies help build a “new development pattern” and promote high-quality economic development.
Proof-of-Concept Study of the Use of Accelerometry to Quantify Knee Joint Movement and Assist with the Diagnosis of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Authors: Garner Amelia Jane , Saatchi Reza , Ward Oliver , Nwaizu Harriet , Hawley Daniel Philip
Published: June 2022

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common rheumatic disease in childhood. Seven children and young people (CYP) with a diagnosis of JIA and suspected active arthritis of a single knee joint were recruited for this proof-of-concept study. The presence of active arthritis was confirmed by clinical examination. Four tri-axial accelerometers were integrated individually in elastic bands and placed above and below each knee. Participants performed ten periodic flexion-extensions of each knee joint while lying down, followed by walking ten meters in a straight path. The contralateral (non-inflamed) knee joint acted as a control. Accelerometry data were concordant with the results of clinical examination in six out of the seven patients recruited. There was a significant difference between the accelerometry measured range of movement (ROM, p-value = 0.032) of the knees with active arthritis and the healthy contralateral knees during flexion-extension. No statistically significant difference was identified between the ROM of the knee joints with active arthritis and healthy knee joints during the walking test. The study demonstrated that accelerometry may help in differentiating between healthy knee joints and those with active arthritis; however, further research is required to confirm these findings.
Clinical Low Dose Photon Counting CT for the Detection of Urolithiasis: Evaluation of Image Quality and Radiation Dose
Authors: Niehoff Julius Henning , Carmichael Alexandra Fiona , Woeltjen Matthias Michael , Boriesosdick Jan , Lopez Schmidt Ingo , Michael Arwed Elias , Große Hokamp Nils , Piechota Hansjuergen , Borggrefe Jan , Kroeger Jan Robert
Published: June 2022

The purpose of this study was the evaluation of image quality and radiation dose parameters of the novel photon counting CT (PCCT, Naeotom Alpha, Siemens Healthineers) using low-dose scan protocols for the detection of urolithiasis. Standard CT scans were used as a reference (S40, Somatom Sensation 40, Siemens Healthineers). Sixty-three patients, who underwent CT scans between August and December 2021, were retrospectively enrolled. Thirty-one patients were examined with the PCCT and 32 patients were examined with the S40. Radiation dose parameters, as well as quantitative and qualitative image parameters, were analyzed. The presence of urolithiasis, image quality, and diagnostic certainty were rated on a 5-point-scale by 3 blinded readers. Both patient groups (PCCT and S40) did not differ significantly in terms of body mass index. Radiation dose was significantly lower for examinations with the PCCT compared to the S40 (2.4 ± 1.0 mSv vs. 3.4 ± 1.0 mSv; p < 0.001). The SNR was significantly better on images acquired with the PCCT (13.3 ± 3.3 vs. 8.2 ± 1.9; p < 0.001). The image quality of the PCCT was rated significantly better (4.3 ± 0.7 vs. 2.8 ± 0.6; p < 0.001). The detection rate of kidney or ureter calculi was excellent with both CT scanners (PCCT 97.8% and S40 99%, p = 0.611). In high contrast imaging, such as the depiction of stones of the kidney and the ureter, PCCT allows a significant reduction of radiation dose, while maintaining excellent diagnostic confidence and image quality. Given this image quality with our current protocol, further adjustments towards ultra-low-dose CT scans appear feasible.
The Prevalence and Implications of Olfactory/Gustatory Dysfunctions among Adult COVID-19 Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Multiethnic Populations Study
Authors: Hafez Wael , Abdelshakor Mahmoud , Gador Muneir , Abdelli Ikram , Ahmed Shougyat
Published: June 2022

(1) Background: Olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions (OGDs) was found in COVID-19 patients. Only a few studies looked into the prevalence of OGDs in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence OGDs among multiethnic COVID-19 patients in the UAE, and its association to patients’ characteristics and disease outcomes; (2) Methods: There were 1785 COVID-19 patients included in our cohort; (3) Results: Males made up most of the study participants (86.3%). A total of 11.7% of the participants reported OGDs. Female gender and ethnicity had significantly higher symptom prevalence (p < 0.001). COVID-19 severity had a strong inverse association with OGDs (p = 0.007). Other illness outcomes, such as ICU admission, pneumonia development, and mortality, showed no correlation. Males, Asians, and patients with comorbidities all had statistically significantly lower prevalence odds. On the other hand, Emirati, Arab, and Iranian patients had a higher prevalence. COVID-19 patients with OGDs had a considerably shorter time until viral clearance than those without the symptom; (4) Conclusions: in nonsevere COVID-19, olfactory/gustatory dysfunction is common. As a result, it could be applied as a predictive sign for early disease diagnosis and prognosis.
The Hubble Diagram: Jump from Supernovae to Gamma-ray Bursts
Authors: Lovyagin Nikita Yu. , Gainutdinov Rustam I. , Shirokov Stanislav I. , Gorokhov Vladimir L.
Published: June 2022

The Hubble diagram (HD) is a plot that contains a luminous distance modulus presented with respect to the redshift. The distance modulus–redshift relation of the most well-known “standard candles”, the type Ia supernovae (SN), is a crucial tool in cosmological model testing. In this work, we use the SN Ia data from the Pantheon catalogue to calibrate the Swift long gamma-ray bursts (LGRBs) as “standard candles” via the Amati relation. Thus, we expand the HD from supernovae to the area of the Swift LGRBs up to z∼8. To improve the quality of estimation of the parameters and their errors, we implement the Monte-Carlo uncertainty propagation method. We also compare the results of estimation of the Amati parameters calibrated by the SN Ia, and by the standard ΛCDM model and find no statistically significant distinction between them. Although the size of our LGRB sample is relatively small and the errors are high, we find this approach of expanding the cosmological distance scale promising for future cosmological tests.
Properties of the Geomagnetic Storm Main Phase and the Corresponding Solar Wind Parameters on 21–22 October 1999
Authors: Li Qi , Zhao Ming-Xian , Le Gui-Ming
Published: June 2022

We use the SYM-H index to indicate the ring current index. We find that there were two periods during which the SYM-H index decreased quickly during the main phase of the geomagnetic storm on 21–22 October 1999. The first period from 11:44 p.m. UT on 21 October 1999 to 1:35 a.m. UT on 22 October 1999 is defined as step 1. Another period from 3:36 a.m. UT to 5:49 a.m. UT on 22 October 1999 is defined as step 3. The durations of step 1 and step 3 are defined as Δt1 and Δt3, respectively. The variation of the pressure-corrected SYM-H index during step 1 and step 3 are defined as ΔSYMHob1∗ and ΔSYMHob3∗, respectively. The interplanetary (IP) sources responsible for ΔSYMHob1∗ and ΔSYMHob3∗ are determined as the solar wind during period 1 and period 3, respectively. We find that the largest southward component of the interplanetary magnetic field (Bsmax) during period 3 was larger than that during period 1, and the largest solar wind dawn-to-dusk electric field (Eymax) during period 3 was also larger than that during period 1. We also find that the time integral of Ey during period 3 was much larger than that during period 1. However, we find that |ΔSYMHob1∗| was larger than |ΔSYMHob3∗|, and |ΔSYMHob1∗/Δt1| was larger than |ΔSYMHob3∗/Δt3|, indicating that the geomagnetic activity intensity during a period does not depend on Bsmax or Eymax, nor does it depend on the time integral of Ey. What is the reason for this? We find that the solar wind dynamic pressure during period 1 was larger than that during period 3, indicating that the geomagnetic storm intensity during a period not only depends on the solar wind speed and Bs, but it also depends on the solar wind dynamic pressure. The magnetosphere took 4 min to respond to the IP shock. When the z-component of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) turned from northward to southward, the response time of the SYM-H index to the southward component of the IMF was 21 min.
Designing Urban Green Infrastructures Using Open-Source Data—An Example in Çiğli, Izmir (Turkey)
Authors: Salata Stefano , Erdoğan Bensu , Ayruş Bersu
Published: June 2022

The city of Izmir (Turkey) has experienced one of the most rapid and fastest urbanization processes in the last thirty years; more than 33 thousand hectares of agricultural and seminatural land have been transformed into urban areas, leading to a drastic reduction of biodiversity and hard deployments of the ecosystem service supply. In this perspective, the potential definition of methodologies to design multifunctional green infrastructures is extremely important to challenge the effects of climate change. The aim of this study is to propose an easy and replicable methodology to design a Green Infrastructure at the neighbourhood level in one of the most important districts of Izmir: Çiğli. To this end, we combined historical land-use change analysis (based on Urban Atlas, Copernicus Land Monitoring Service) with environmental and ecosystem mapping in a Geographic Information System environment (ESRI ArcMap 10.8.1) while creating a composite layer based on unweighted overlays of Imperviousness, Tree Cover Density, and Habitat Quality. Results were used to design the Green Infrastructure of Çiğli and suggest context-based strategies for urban adaptation, including Nature-Based Solutions for core, edge, and urban links.
Stability Program in Dendritic Cell Vaccines: A “Real-World” Experience in the Immuno-Gene Therapy Factory of Romagna Cancer Center
Authors: Pancisi Elena , Granato Anna Maria , Scarpi Emanuela , Ridolfi Laura , Carloni Silvia , Moretti Cinzia , Guidoboni Massimo , De Rosa Francesco , Pignatta Sara , Piccinini Claudia , Soldati Valentina , Calabrò Luana , Framarini Massimo , Stefanelli Monica , Bulgarelli Jenny , Tazzari Marcella , Fanini Francesca , Petrini Massimiliano
Published: June 2022

Advanced therapy medical products (ATMPs) are rapidly growing as innovative medicines for the treatment of several diseases. Hence, the role of quality analytical tests to ensure consistent product safety and quality has become highly relevant. Several clinical trials involving dendritic cell (DC)-based vaccines for cancer treatment are ongoing at our institute. The DC-based vaccine is prepared via CD14+ monocyte differentiation. A fresh dose of 10 million DCs is administered to the patient, while the remaining DCs are aliquoted, frozen, and stored in nitrogen vapor for subsequent treatment doses. To evaluate the maintenance of quality parameters and to establish a shelf life of frozen vaccine aliquots, a stability program was developed. Several parameters of the DC final product at 0, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months were evaluated. Our results reveal that after 24 months of storage in nitrogen vapor, the cell viability is in a range between 82% and 99%, the expression of maturation markers remains inside the criteria for batch release, the sterility tests are compliant, and the cell costimulatory capacity unchanged. Thus, the data collected demonstrate that freezing and thawing do not perturb the DC vaccine product maintaining over time its functional and quality characteristics.
Low Pneumococcal Vaccination among Patients with Psoriasis in Germany: Results from Vac-Pso
Authors: Wellmann Phoebe , Kromer Christian , Siemer Ralf , Klein Selina , Mohr Johannes , Lippert Undine , Pinter Andreas , Wilsmann-Theis Dagmar , Mössner Rotraut
Published: June 2022

While suboptimal pneumococcal vaccination rates have been reported in immunosuppressed patients with rheumatic diseases, data for patients with psoriasis (PsO) or atopic dermatitis (AD) are scarce. Pneumococcal vaccination in Germany is recommended in patients with certain comorbidities, immunosuppression, and/or aged 60 years or above. The aim of this multicenter cross-sectional study was to investigate the pneumococcal vaccination rate in patients with PsO compared to patients with AD and to evaluate patient perceptions. All patients completed a questionnaire on vaccination status and perceptions, patient and disease characteristics, as well as comorbidity. Medical records and vaccination certificates were reviewed. Over the whole cohort (n = 327 PsO (41.9% female), n = 98 AD (42.9% female)), 83.8% and 42.9% of PsO and AD patients, respectively, had an indication for pneumococcal vaccination due to immunosuppressive treatment. The pneumococcal vaccination rate was 14.4% and 10.2% in PsO and AD patients, respectively. The vaccination rate depended significantly on age, working status and presence of psoriatic arthritis. The most common reason for nonvaccination was lacking recommendation by physicians. Higher awareness, particularly for vaccination indication due to immunosuppression among dermatologists, general physicians, and patients, is warranted.
Fiction and Facts about BCG Imparting Trained Immunity against COVID-19
Authors: Kaur Gurpreet , Singh Sanpreet , Nanda Sidhanta , Zafar Mohammad Adeel , Malik Jonaid Ahmad , Arshi Mohammad Umar , Lamba Taruna , Agrewala Javed Naim
Published: June 2022

The Bacille Calmette-Guérin or BCG vaccine, the only vaccine available against Mycobacterium tuberculosis can induce a marked Th1 polarization of T-cells, characterized by the antigen-specific secretion of IFN-γ and enhanced antiviral response. A number of studies have supported the concept of protection by non-specific boosting of immunity by BCG and other microbes. BCG is a well-known example of a trained immunity inducer since it imparts ‘non-specific heterologous’ immunity against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus responsible for the recent pandemic. SARS-CoV-2 continues to inflict an unabated surge in morbidity and mortality around the world. There is an urgent need to devise and develop alternate strategies to bolster host immunity against the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) and its continuously emerging variants. Several vaccines have been developed recently against COVID-19, but the data on their protective efficacy remains doubtful. Therefore, urgent strategies are required to enhance system immunity to adequately defend against newly emerging infections. The concept of trained immunity may play a cardinal role in protection against COVID-19. The ability of trained immunity-based vaccines is to promote heterologous immune responses beyond their specific antigens, which may notably help in defending against an emergency situation such as COVID-19 when the protective ability of vaccines is suspicious. A growing body of evidence points towards the beneficial non-specific boosting of immune responses by BCG or other microbes, which may protect against COVID-19. Clinical trials are underway to consider the efficacy of BCG vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 on healthcare workers and the elderly population. In this review, we will discuss the role of BCG in eliciting trained immunity and the possible limitations and challenges in controlling COVID-19 and future pandemics.
COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy and Trust in Government in Nigeria
Authors: Sato Ryoko
Published: June 2022

Introduction: COVID-19 has been impacting our lives globally, including in Nigeria. While the COVID-19 vaccine is available free of charge, vaccination coverage remains low. This study evaluates the relationship between trust in government and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. Methods: We used an Afrobarometer survey for data on trust in government and the COVID-19 National Longitudinal Phone Survey (NLPS) for data on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, merged by strata (states and urban/rural). The simple correlation was evaluated using Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression. Results: Distrust in government was strongly associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy as well as with perceptions that the vaccine was not safe, and concerns about side effects were given as reasons for vaccine refusal. Discussion/Conclusion: Distrust of government is an important predictor of vaccine hesitancy in Nigeria. This result is consistent with findings in the literature, especially in developed countries. Vaccine refusers, who distrust the government, refuse vaccines because they think that vaccines do them harm. Policy makers should be cautious when it comes to strategizing for COVID-19 vaccine distribution, especially in places where trust in government is weak.
Growth Performance, Blood Metabolites, Carcass Characteristics and Meat Quality in Finishing Wagyu Crossbred Beef Cattle Receiving Betaine–Biotin–Chromium (BBC) Supplementation
Authors: Poolthajit Sukanya , Srakaew Wuttikorn , Haitook Theerachai , Jarassaeng Chaiwat , Wachirapakorn Chalong
Published: June 2022

Eighteen Wagyu crossbred steers (average initial body weight: 596.9 ± 46.4 kg; average age: 36 ± 2.7 months) were subjected to three levels of betaine–biotin–chromium (BBC) supplementation for 98 days before slaughter. Animals were fed a basal diet and BBC supplemented at 0, 3 or 6 g/kg of dry matter (DM). The experimental design was a randomized complete block design by a group of animals with six replicates. The intake and digestibility among treatments were not different (p > 0.05). The average daily gain (ADG) of steers that received BBC at 6 g/kg of DM (0.79 kg/day) tended to be higher (p = 0.07) than that of those receiving BBC at 0 and 3 g/kg/day (0.52 and 0.63 kg/day, respectively). Blood metabolites were not different (p > 0.05) among treatments. Carcass characteristic traits included chilled carcass dressing percentage and loin eye area, while meat quality included drip loss, cooking loss, and Warner-Bratzler shear force were not different (p > 0.05). Back fat thickness tended to be higher (p = 0.07) in steers fed BBC at 6 g/kg. The marbling score did not differ (p > 0.05) among treatments; however, the intramuscular fat content of the longissimus dorsi (LD) on a DM basis was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in steers fed BBC at 6 g/kg (39.8% DM) than in those fed BBC at 0 g/kg (28.2% DM) and at 3 g/kg (29.1% DM). Based on the findings, BBC supplementation had no effect on growth performance and carcass characteristics; however, BBC at 6 g/kg DM increased fat content in LD muscle of finishing Wagyu crossbred steers.
INV-FLOW: New Possibilities to Evaluate the Technical Condition and Function of Extraction Wells
Authors: Kukačka Jan , Pech Pavel , Ficaj Václav , Kahuda Daniel
Published: June 2022

The declining supply of available groundwater resources is increasing the importance of extraction wells. To maximize the yield of extraction wells, the operators do not always respect the sustainable use of groundwater resources. These efforts can affect water quality and impact the service life of an extraction well, mainly through the clogging process. As part of the INV-FLOW project, an apparatus for evaluating the functionality of an extraction well by measuring the vertical water flow through its screen and filter was designed and tested. The apparatus consists of two electromagnetic induction flowmeters, two pneumatic seals, and a pump with the possibility of regulation. After an initial laboratory verification of the fundamental concept, the apparatus was successfully tested in real conditions. Two extraction wells, HJ-3 and HJ-4, intended for water supply to an agricultural production plant, were measured at a pilot site in the Czech Republic using the INV-FLOW apparatus. Although the HJ-3 extraction well is at the end of its service life, the HJ-4 extraction well is a newly installed well. In the new extraction well, HJ-4, a high proportion of water flowing through the gravel pack relative to the total pumping flow (93–97%) was measured using the INV-FLOW apparatus at different pumping rates. In the case of the HJ-3 extraction well, screen and filter clogging contributed significantly to the limited water flow through the gravel pack. In the most affected parts of the extraction well (15–20 m b.g.l.), the proportion of water flowing through the gravel pack relative to the total pumping flow ranged from 10 to 20%. The pilot tests confirmed the functionality of the apparatus and the possibility of using it to evaluate the degree of clogging and incrustation of an extraction well. The pilot tests thus demonstrated the usability of the INV-FLOW apparatus. The extraction well operator can assess the level of clogging or incrustation of the extraction well and decide on the need for the rehabilitation of an extraction well, or the termination of its operation.
Time-Series Analysis of Isotope Composition of Precipitation in Zagreb, Croatia
Authors: Borković Damir , Kovač Zoran , Krajcar Bronić Ines
Published: June 2022

Air temperature and precipitation data (1976–2021), stable isotope composition (δ18O, δ2H) data, and deuterium excess (1980–2021) data were analyzed using principal component analysis (PCA), Fourier analysis (FA), and wavelet analysis (WA). The PCA represented each month by a single dot in the diagram, and month 1 and month 7 were clearly distinguished. The FA and WA gave the 12-month period for all parameters, but the strongest power was for temperature, then δ18O and δ2H, and finally for the precipitation amount and deuterium excess. Both Pearson’s r and Spearman’s ρ correlation coefficients gave similar values for δ2H—δ18O and temperature—δ2H, δ18O correlations.
Prediction of the Discharge Flow in a Small Hydropower Station without Hydrological Data Based on SWAT Model
Authors: Xie Shenghuo , Zhu Yun
Published: June 2022

The availability of hydrological data for small hydropower plants is an important prerequisite for reservoir scheduling, reservoir flood control and integrated water resources. To address the problem of a lack of hydrological data in small hydropower plants, this paper proposes a method to predict the power generation flow of small hydropower stations without hydrological data using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool model (SWAT) when the traditional data-driven methods cannot study the problem of power generation flow prediction in small hydropower stations well. The method can use gridded meteorological data as the input of the model to solve the problem of small hydropower stations without meteorological data. The problem that small hydropower plants without hydrological data cannot calibrate the hydrological model is solved by calculating the generation flow through the output of small hydropower station and by using the similarity analysis method to migrate the generation flow of similar small hydropower stations. The model was tested in a watershed in southwest China to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. The results show that the coefficient of determination between the predicted and measured values of small hydropower stations without information is about 0.84, which achieves a better prediction.
Improving the analysis of financial results from biotransformation of plant biological assets
Authors:   Izhevsk State Agricultural Academy, Alborov R. A. , Gasiev P. E. ,   Gorsky Agrarian University, RSO-Alania, Vladikavkaz, Bodrikova S. V. ,   Izhevsk State Agricultural Academy, Mosunova E. L. ,   Izhevsk State Agricultural Academy, Dzhikiya M. K. ,   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education «RGAU — MSHA named after K. A. Timiryazev»
Published: June 2022

The article deals with the management of financial results from the biotransformation of biological assets and the sale of crop products on the basis of the formation of control and analytical information in organizations. A method of factorial economic analysis of profit from the biotransformation of biological assets and the sale of crop products is proposed, which makes it possible to determine the quantitative parameters of the factors affecting the amount of profit with the highest degree of reliability. This methodology provides a system for managing relevant information for making and executing science-based economic decisions to increase profits from the biotransformation of biological assets and the sale of crop products.
Peningkatan Produksi Ikan Lele Desa Gedong Kecamatan Banyubiru
Authors: Yunus Mahmud
Published: June 2022

One of the catfish breeding areas in Semarang Regency, Central Java is Gedong Village, Banyubiru District. The population in Gedong Village is sufficient large also affects the fulfillment of large needs, especially in terms of fulfillment of large food needs. Based on the results of observations, some people Gedong Village has a job as a catfish farmer. In catfish nurseries The people of Gedong Village still use the natural spawning system. However the system is less suitablebecause of the process that takes a long time and results from the spawning is not maximal. Based on this background, the KKN Team PGRI University in Semarang has a solution to solve problems in the village Gedong, Banyubiru District, Semarang Regency by conducting training artificial insemination to increase production of quality catfish in quantity time-effective. Besides that, it also conducts catfish processing training and provides online marketing training