bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Active Learning Didactic Proposal with Human-Computer Interaction in Engineering Education: A Direct Current Motor Case Study
Authors: Said Alejandro , Félix-Herrán Luis C. , Davizón Yasser A. , Hernandez-Santos Carlos , Soto Rogelio , Ramírez-Mendoza Ricardo A.
Published: March 2022

Engineering education requires learning strategies to engage students and improve the development of disciplinary and transversal competencies. Additionally, as economic resources are generally limited, it is sought to avoid investing large sums of money in software and hardware, as well as in fitting out laboratories. This work presents a didactic proposal within the framework of active and collaborative learning that includes the flipped classroom technique to be applied in the curriculum of undergraduate engineering programs and inside a massive flexible digital master class. The activity is the mathematical modeling, simulation, and control system of a direct current motor where simulation work is carried out in open license computational packages. Students understand the physical phenomena involved in the motor’s modeling and the input–output variables’ relations. Moreover, an analogy between an electromechanical and a pure electrical model is carried out, where the relevant variables respond in an agile and reliable manner. To validate the modeling, the differential equations are solved by applying numerical methods, and tested for control purposes. The activity has been validated with a rule-based system applied to a Likert scale survey data. This type of human–computer interaction, in the context of active learning, could engage students and motivate them to develop competencies that are highly appreciated by industry practitioners.
Macroscopic and Microscopic Analysis of Chinese Typical Driving Behavior from UAV View
Authors: Li Chuzhao , Duan Jianli , Chen Hua , Xiong Yingzhi , Chen Yufei , Zhao Shulian , Li Keqiang
Published: March 2022

For improving the performance of ADAS and AD system in China, the driving behavior of Chinese drivers is being increasingly focused. The purpose of this study is to investigate the macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of typical Chinese driving behavior, by using UAV to capture and extract them. Traffic flow rate, traffic density, velocity, acceleration and offset from the lane center were acquired and their influence by the vehicle types and lane types studied. Minimum TTC and THW during lane changing and car following and their influence by following types and lane types were also studied. Results showed that the Chinese traffic state was more stable than in Germany, however, with more aggressive behavior, compared to HighD. The entire velocity was small due to strict speed regulation in China. Different characteristics were found for different vehicle types, following types and lanes. Car and car-car following showed more dangerous potential. Cars tended to drive left and trucks tended to right of the lane center. Conclusions can be made that Chinese driving behavior is largely different from German driving behavior. These driver characteristics in China provided data support for the training of an AI-based decision algorithm, development from a localized system and design of roads.
LidSonic for Visually Impaired: Green Machine Learning-Based Assistive Smart Glasses with Smart App and Arduino
Authors: Busaeed Sahar , Mehmood Rashid , Katib Iyad , Corchado Juan M.
Published: March 2022

Smart wearable technologies such as fitness trackers are creating many new opportunities to improve the quality of life for everyone. It is usually impossible for visually impaired people to orientate themselves in large spaces and navigate an unfamiliar area without external assistance. The design space for assistive technologies for the visually impaired is complex, involving many design parameters including reliability, transparent object detection, handsfree operations, high-speed real-time operations, low battery usage, low computation and memory requirements, ensuring that it is lightweight, and price affordability. State-of-the-art visually impaired devices lack maturity, and they do not fully meet user satisfaction, thus more effort is required to bring innovation to this field. In this work, we develop a pair of smart glasses called LidSonic that uses machine learning, LiDAR, and ultrasonic sensors to identify obstacles. The LidSonic system comprises an Arduino Uno device located in the smart glasses and a smartphone app that communicates data using Bluetooth. Arduino collects data, manages the sensors on smart glasses, detects objects using simple data processing, and provides buzzer warnings to visually impaired users. The smartphone app receives data from Arduino, detects and identifies objects in the spatial environment, and provides verbal feedback about the object to the user. Compared to image processing-based glasses, LidSonic requires much less processing time and energy to classify objects using simple LiDAR data containing 45-integer readings. We provide a detailed description of the system hardware and software design, and its evaluation using nine machine learning algorithms. The data for the training and validation of machine learning models are collected from real spatial environments. We developed the complete LidSonic system using off-the-shelf inexpensive sensors and a microcontroller board costing less than USD 80. The intention is to provide a design of an inexpensive, miniature, green device that can be built into, or mounted on, any pair of glasses or even a wheelchair to help the visually impaired. This work is expected to open new directions for smart glasses design using open software tools and off-the-shelf hardware.
A Detection Method for Social Network Images with Spam, Based on Deep Neural Network and Frequency Domain Pre-Processing
Authors: Shen Hua , Liu Xinyue , Zhang Xianchao
Published: March 2022

As a result of the rapid development of internet technology, images are widely used on various social networks, such as WeChat, Twitter or Facebook. It follows that images with spam can also be freely transmitted on social networks. Most of the traditional methods can only detect spam in the form of links and texts; there are few studies on detecting images with spam. To this end, a novel detection method for identifying social images with spam, based on deep neural network and frequency domain pre-processing, is proposed in this paper. Firstly, we collected several images with embedded spam and combined the DIV2K2017 dataset to build an image dataset for training the proposed detection model. Then, the specific components of the spam in the images were determined through experiments and the pre-processing module was specially designed. Low-frequency domain regions with less spam are discarded through Haar wavelet transform analysis. In addition, a feature extraction module with special convolutional layers was designed, and an appropriate number of modules was selected to maximize the extraction of three different high-frequency feature regions. Finally, the different high-frequency features are spliced along the channel dimension to obtain the final classification result. Our extensive experimental results indicate that the spam element mainly exists in the images as high-frequency information components; they also prove that the proposed model is superior to the state-of-the-art detection models in terms of detection accuracy and detection efficiency.
Blade Dimension Optimization and Performance Analysis of the 2-D Ugrinsky Wind Turbine
Authors: Sakamoto Luke , Fukui Tomohiro , Morinishi Koji
Published: March 2022

With the increasing focus on renewable energy, there is a need to improve the efficiency of vertical-axis wind turbines (VAWTs). The Ugrinsky wind turbine is a type of VAWT, but there are few studies on this turbine. Previous studies have shown that the maximum power coefficient of the Ugrinsky wind turbine reaches 0.170, which is 54.5% higher than that of the Savonius type (0.110), and this turbine maintains a high power coefficient over a wide range of tip speed ratios (TSR). In this study, the dimensions of the two semicircles of the Ugrinsky wind turbine were further optimized to obtain a higher power coefficient. An analysis of the effect of the blade dimensions on the performance was conducted. The flow around the turbine was simulated using the regularized lattice Boltzmann method. The geometry of the turbine was simulated using the virtual flux method for the Cartesian grid. The optimization was conducted in terms of the output power coefficient and the average value of the power coefficient for neighboring TSR to consider the fluctuation of the TSR. This study demonstrates that a closer vortex distance favored the growth of the vortex and improved the power coefficient.
A Preliminary Study on Identifying Biomimetic Entities for Generating Novel Wave Energy Converters
Authors: Zhang Hui , Sheng Wanan , Zha Zhimin , Aggidis George
Published: March 2022

Biomimetics and creatures could contribute to novel design inspiration for wave energy converters, as we have seen numerous examples in applications of other branches of engineering. However, the issue of how to obtain valuable biological entities, or bionic design cases, that could produce inspiration for novel designs, may be challenging for the designers of wave energy converters (WECs). This study carries out preliminary research on the acquisition of biological entities for designers, to obtain innovative bio-inspired ideas for designing novel WECs. In the proposed method, the first step is to draw out engineering terminologies based on the function, structure, and energy extraction principles of existing WECs. Then, by applying WordNet, candidate biological terminologies can be obtained. Next, using AskNature, along with manual selection and filtering, biological terminologies can be acquired. The last step is to use the biological terminologies to establish the reference biological entities, and to use the information and knowledge of these entities in the design of an innovative WEC. Using the proposed methodology, a novel WEC was conceived and verified.
Multi Criteria Decision Analysis to Optimise Siting of Electric Vehicle Charging Points—Case Study Winchester District, UK
Authors: Mahdy Mostafa , Bahaj AbuBakr S. , Turner Philip , Wise Naomi , Alghamdi Abdulsalam S. , Hamwi Hidab
Published: March 2022

Achieving net-zero carbon in the UK by 2050 will necessitate the decarbonisation of the transportation systems. However, there are challenges to this, especially for vehicles in cities where the charging infrastructure is at its minimum. Overcoming these challenges will undoubtedly encourage electrical vehicle (EV) use, with commensurate reductions in emission coupled with better environmental conditions in cities, e.g., air quality. Drivers, on the whole, are reluctant to invest in an EV if they cannot access a convenient charging point within their living area. This research provides a methodology to support the planning for the optimum siting of charging infrastructure, so it is accessible to as many citizens as possible within a city. The work focuses on Winchester City and District in the UK. The multi-criteria decision approach is based on the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) linked to site spatial assessment using Geographical Information System (GIS). The assessment considered key criteria such as road type, road access, on-road parking availability, road slope, proximity to fuel stations, current/planned charging points, car parks and population distributions. The process contains two suitability filters, namely, restricted road and suitability mask. In the first, all restricted roads were excluded from further analysis, which resulted in reducing the road segments from over 9000 to around 2000. When applying the second filter an overall result of 44 suitable EV charging point locations was achieved. These locations were validated using the Google Earth® imaging platform to check actual locations against those predicted by the analysis. The presented methodology is accurate and is generalisable to other cities or regions.
Electrical Launch Catapult and Landing Decelerator for Fixed-Wing Airborne Wind Energy Systems
Authors: Müller Johannes , Elhashash Mostafa , Gollnick Volker
Published: March 2022

This paper presents a (pre)feasibility study of the rail-based ultra-short launch and landing system ElektRail for fixed-wing airborne wind energy systems, such as Ampyx Power. The ElektRail concept promises airborne mass reductions through the elimination of landing gear as well as decreased landing stresses and ground stability requirements, opening possibilities for improved aerodynamics through a single fuselage configuration. Initially designed for operating fixed-wing drones from open fields, the ElektRail concept had to be significantly shortened for application in an airborne wind energy (AWE) context. This shorter size is required due to the much more limited space available at AWE sites, especially on offshore platforms. Hence, a performance enhancement using the integration of a bungee launching and landing system (BLLS) was designed and a system dynamics model for the launch and landing was derived. The results demonstrated the possibility for the ElektRail to be shortened from 140 m to just 19.3 m for use with an optimised tethered aircraft with a mass of 317 kg. A system length below 20 m indicates that an enhanced ElektRail launch and landing concept could be viable for airborne wind energy operations, even with relatively low-tech bungee cord boosters. Linear motor drives with a long stator linear motor actuator could potentially shorten the system length further to just 15 m, as well as provide better control dynamics. An investigation into improved AWE net power outputs due to reduced airborne mass and aerodynamic improvements remains to be conducted.
Integrating Smart Grid Devices into the Traditional Protection of Distribution Networks
Authors: Torres Bruno Silva , Borges da Silva Luiz Eduardo , Salomon Camila Paes , de Moraes Carlos Henrique Valério
Published: March 2022

Smart grids are a reality in distribution systems. They have assisted in the operation, control, and most of all, the protection of urban networks, significantly solving the contingencies of these networks. This paper treats the initial stage of implementing smart grid switching devices in distribution networks. In this stage, smart grid technologies need to operate with the traditional protection elements (such as fuses, reclosers, and sectionalizers). This fact can create trouble in the protection schemes because there are two distinctive philosophies. In some companies, especially those without substantial capital, these two protection philosophies can run together for many years. The most popular intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) available in the market are studied to verify their features and the possibility to incorporate techniques to allow the two philosophies to work together. After that, the proposed approach shows how the existing IEDs can interact with the traditional devices. Special functions can also be incorporated to inform the control center of an operational problem, increasing the observability of the network. With the proposed approach, the IEDs are transformed into intelligent agents. Practical examples using real distribution systems are presented and discussed, proving the efficacy of the proposed methodology.
Trends in Forest Fire Occurrence in the Ilmensky Nature Reserve, Southern Urals, Russia, between 1948 and 2014
Authors: Veselkin Denis , Kuyantseva Nadezhda , Pustovalova Liliya , Mumber Aleksandr
Published: March 2022

We analyzed the spatial distribution and temporal dynamics of 1083 forest fires within the Ilmensky Reserve (Southern Urals, Russia) over 1948–2014. We observed a significant increase in the number of forest fires over the studied period, with the locations of the most frequently burned sections of the reserve changing over time. The average number of fires over the whole period increased by a factor of 1.9; there were 0.41 fires per compartment per 10 years in 1948–1970, there were 0.58 fires per compartment per 10 years in 1971–1990, and there were 0.77 fires per compartment per 10 years in 1991–2014. In parallel, the spatial pattern of ignitions became more aggregated. The fire frequency increased across the reserve, with the most pronounced change being observed along the reserve borders. Human-related fires dominate the modern fire activity within the Ilmensky Reserve, which is modulated by the local conditions.
Above-Ground Biomass and Nutrient Accumulation in Ten Eucalyptus Clones in Leizhou Peninsula, Southern China
Authors: Zhang Peng , Cui Zhiyi , Liu Xiaojin , Xu Daping
Published: March 2022

Selecting suitable clones and regulating nutrients for Eucalyptus plantation are a key management practice for improving productivity and nutrient use. Therefore, this study evaluated growth performance, above-ground biomass, nutrient content (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium) and nutrient use efficiency (NUE) of ten Eucalyptus Clones for three sites in Leizhou Peninsula. The present study showed a significant genetic variation among clones in growth parameters. Organs have different characteristics in biomass and nutrient content. Stemwood had the highest biomass but lowest total nutrient concentration. While, the stembark exhibited high contents of nutrients and biomass. On average, the NUE of clones was in the following order: phosphorus > magnesium > nitrogen > potassium > calcium. Taken together, among ten clones tested, clones LH1-9211, TH9224, DH32-13, M1 and DH32-22 showed consistently growth and production performance, as well, their NUE were superior in ten clones. Maximum amount of biomass was allocated to economically harvestable component (stemwood) and nutrients in non-harvestable components (stembark and foliage). While nutrients are removed from the planting area as part of the harvest, we can calculate nutrients loss by NUE and biomass. These findings provided useful insights for selection of Eucalyptus Clones and regulating nutrient export during the harvest of Eucalyptus Clones from a planted forest system.
Staphylococcal Protein A with Engineered Cysteine: Comparison of Monomeric Content as a Critical Quality Attribute during Intracellular and Extracellular Expression
Authors: Choudhury Lipsa , Shukla Esha , Jena Rajender , Yadav Vishwanath , Ahmad Aziz , Mishra Rajesh , Pandey Gaurav
Published: March 2022

Background: The introduction of engineered cysteine in staphylococcal protein A (SPA-cys) for site-specific conjugation results in a substantial amount of dimerized SPA due to spontaneous oxidation during its production, leading to inaccessibility and thus rendering it unusable. Monomers are usually recovered from dimers by using reducing agents before conjugation in subsequent steps. However, this leads to low conjugation efficiency and increases overall cost and production time. This study aims to systematically compare and quantify the monomeric and dimeric content of SPA when produced through intracellular and extracellular routes in E. coli. Methods: Purified SPAs with and without cysteine from both intracellular and extracellular processes are compared for their monomeric content and efficiency to conjugate on solid support matrix with and without an additional pre-step of reduction. Results: The monomeric form of SPA-cys, which is a desired key quality attribute, is less than 50% when produced extracellularly. SPA-cys produced through the intracellular production process has high monomeric content (≥85%) and shows higher binding to solid support. Conclusion: The study demonstrates that the intracellular route for production of SPA-cys should be the preferred method, and the release assays for SPA-cys products should include the amount of monomeric content as one of the quality attributes. The abundance of monomeric content enhances the site-specific conjugation efficiency and density of SPA on the resin matrix.
Involvement Theory with Market Segmentation: Effect of False Functional Food Advertising on Purchase Intention
Authors: Wu I-Hsuan , Liang Chaoyun , Ip Ching Yin
Published: March 2022

In certain cases, people’s health can be compromised or medical treatment delayed as a result of their misplaced belief in false advertisements and purchasing of functional foods. These advertisements can be divided into three distinct types of claims: nutrition, health, and reduction in disease risk. This study analysed how, after consumers realise advertising violations, their intention to purchase functional foods with different claims are affected by the degree of consumer involvement (product, advertising, and situational involvement) and region of residence. A total of 1046 survey responses were collected for analysis. The results reveal that both product and advertising involvement influence purchase intention through the mediation of situational involvement. Residents in nonnorthern regions of Taiwan exhibited a greater effect of overall involvement on purchase intention than did those in the north. In addition, products and advertisements with health claims had a stronger effect on purchase intention than did those with nutrition and disease risk reduction claims. The results indicate that, for functional foods and advertisements with nutrition and health claims, the effects of overall involvement on nonnorthern residents’ purchase intentions were greater than those on the northern residents, but for functional foods with disease risk reduction claims, the effects were greater on the northern residents’ purchase intentions.
Salt-Related Knowledge, Attitudes and Behavior in an Intervention to Reduce Added Salt When Cooking in a Sample of Adults in Portugal
Authors: Silva-Santos Tânia , Moreira Pedro , Pinho Olívia , Padrão Patrícia , Norton Pedro , Gonçalves Carla
Published: March 2022

(1) Background: Excessive salt intake is associated with an increased risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease, so reducing it is critical. The main objective of this study was to verify whether one intervention to reduce added salt during cooking changed knowledge, attitudes and behavior (KAB) towards salt, and to analyze changes in the main sources of salt. (2) Methods: The intervention study was an 8-week randomized controlled trial with 97 workers from a public university. KAB in relation to salt were obtained through the WHO STEPwise questionnaire, and the main sources of salt were obtained by 24-h food recall and 24 h urinary sodium excretion over two days. (3) Results: After the intervention, participants in the intervention group reported a decrease in the addition of salt when cooking (p = 0.037), an increase in the percentage of subjects who avoided the consumption of processed foods (from 54.2% to 83.3%, p = 0.001), who looked for salt on food labels (from 18.8% to 39.6%, p = 0.013), and who bought low-salt food alternatives (from 43.8% to 60.4%, p = 0.039). However, there were no significant differences between the intervention group and the control group at baseline and post-intervention assessments. In the intervention group, after the intervention, the added salt decreased by 5%; food sources of salt such as the snacks and pizza group decreased by 7%, and the meat, fish and eggs group increased by 4%, but without statistical significance. (4) Conclusions: With innovative equipment for dosing salt when cooking, it is possible to change some dimensions of consumer behavior in relation to salt.
Use of a Continuous Glucose Monitor to Determine the Glycaemic Index of Rice-Based Mixed Meals, Their Effect on a 24 h Glucose Profile and Its Influence on Overweight and Obese Young Adults’ Meal Preferences
Authors: Chekima Khadidja , Wong Benjamin Tziak Ze , Noor Mohd Ismail , Ooi Yasmin Beng Houi , Yan See Wan , Chekima Brahim
Published: March 2022

Postprandial hyperglycaemia is associated with an increased risk of type-2 diabetes. This study aims to determine the glycaemic index (GI) of three varieties of rice-based mixed meals and their effects on glycaemic variability (GV), 24 h mean glucose levels and target ranges, and rice variety preferences among overweight and obese young adults using real-time continuous glucose monitoring (rtCGM). In a randomised controlled crossover design, 14 participants (22.8 ± 4.6 years, 32.9 ± 5.8 kg/m2) were randomly assigned to receive 3 rice-based mixed meals containing 50 g of available carbohydrates (white rice meal = WRM; brown rice meal = BRM; and parboiled basmati rice meal = PBRM) and 50 g of a glucose reference drink on alternate days. GI, GV, 24 h mean glucose levels and target ranges were measured. Rice variety preferences were compared with those of baseline data and determined at the end of the study period. Results: The analysis found that PBRM was low in GI (45.35 ± 2.06), BRM medium in GI (56.44 ± 2.34), and WRM high in GI (83.03 ± 2.19). PBRM had a significantly (p < 0.05) lower 24 h mean glucose level, higher in-target 24 h glucose level percentage and non-significantly (p > 0.05) lower GV compared to WRM. Prior to observing their postprandial glucose levels generated by rtCGM, the participants preferred WRM (64.3%) over other meals, whereas this preference changed significantly (p < 0.05) at the endpoint (PBRM, 71.4%). PBRM reduced 24 h glucose level and GV of overweight and obese young adults. The rtCGM is proven to be reliable in measuring GI, while providing robust continuous glycaemic information. This may serve as an educational tool that motivates eating behaviour changes among overweight and obese young adults.
Detection of Pyrethroids in Food by Immunofluorescence Enhanced Method Based on Three-Layer Core-Shell Structure Upconversion Materials
Authors: Zhao Lingyan , Jin Jingyi , Zhu Wenbo , Zuo Yuehua , Song Yang
Published: March 2022

A novel rare earth upconversion nanomaterial with a three-layer sandwich core–shell structure was synthesized by an improved thermal decomposition method, and the morphology, fluorescence intensity and diffraction peak position of the new material were characterized by TEM (transmission electron microscope), XRD (Powder X-ray diffraction)and fluorescence spectrophotometer. The inert core/active shell/inert shell design improved the upconversion luminous efficiency of the new material several times. FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy)characterization showed that the surface of activated upconversion nanoparticles was modified with silicon shell and amino group. Combined with the characteristics that aminoated polystyrene magnetic microspheres could be separated by the magnetic field, an upconversion magnetic separation immunoassay method for the detection of pyrethroid pesticide residues was established. The capture probe competed with the pyrethroid standard, combined the signal probe, and measured the fluorescence signal value formed by the capture probe signal probe complex at 542 nm under 980 nm excitation light. The LOD (limit of detection)of fenpropathrin was 0.01 μg/L, cypermethrin was 0.015 μg/L, and fenvalerate was 0.011 μg/L. Through the actual sample detection of apple, cabbage and other samples, the recovery rate of pyrethroids was between 83.4~97.8%. The comparison with the HPLC (high performance liquid chromatography)detection results showed that the established method had good accuracy, and could realize the quantitative analysis of pyrethroids in food.
Safety and Quality of Canned Sardines after Opening: A Shelf-Stability Study
Authors: Cruz Rebeca , Pereira Vânia , Pinho Teresa , Ferreira Isabel M. P. L. V. O. , Novais Carla , Casal Susana
Published: March 2022

This study aimed to define the shelf life of canned sardines after opening to increase consumer awareness of their quality and safety and reduce food waste. For this purpose, canned sardines (Sardina pilchardus) packed with different sauces were opened and stored at 4 °C for 7 days. Microbiological, sensorial, physical and chemical stability was monitored daily by standard methodologies. Results show that the overall quality and safety are highly dependent on the sauce type. To preserve their full quality, sardines in brine and in vegetable oil should be consumed up to 1 day after opening, while sardines in tomato sauce were stable for up to 3 days, although none were considered nonedible up to the 7th day. Many parameters demonstrated statistical differences and correlations with storage, although they were not as decisive as sensory evaluation. This integrated approach should be adopted by the food industry and regulating authorities to provide information to consumers regarding the quality and safety of handled goods.
Chemical Composition and Agronomic Traits of Allium sativum and Allium ampeloprasum Leaves and Bulbs and Their Action against Listeria monocytogenes and Other Food Pathogens
Authors: Polito Flavio , Amato Giuseppe , Caputo Lucia , De Feo Vincenzo , Fratianni Florinda , Candido Vincenzo , Nazzaro Filomena
Published: March 2022

In this work, we aimed to study the chemical composition of the essential oils from bulbs and leaves of two cultivars of Allium sativum L. and two of A. ampeloprasum L. var. holmense. Moreover, we investigated their activity against four common bacterial strains responsible for food contamination (Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Staphylococcus aureus) by formation of biofilms. The susceptibility of bacterial biofilms was evaluated by crystal violet assay, whereas the metabolic changes occurring in the bacterial cells were ascertained through the MTT test. The essential oils were characterized by the presence of most characteristic components, although with different composition between the species and the cultivars. The essential oils inhibited the capacity of the pathogenic bacteria to form biofilms (up to 79.85 against L. monocytogenes) and/or acted on their cell metabolism (with inhibition of 68.57% and 68.89% against L. monocytogenes and S. aureus, respectively). The capacity of the essential oils to act against these foodborne bacteria could suggests further ideas for industrial applications and confirms the versatility of these essential oils as food preservatives.
The Critical Role of Consumers in the Prevention of Foodborne Diseases: An Ethnographic Study of Italian Families
Authors: Menini Alessio , Mascarello Giulia , Giaretta Mosè , Brombin Alice , Marcolin Silvia , Personeni Fabrizio , Pinto Anna , Crovato Stefania
Published: March 2022

A high incidence of foodborne diseases occurs in the home setting because consumers adopt inappropriate preparation, consumption, and storage procedures. The present study applies an ethnographic approach to identify inadequate practices that could increase the incidence of foodborne diseases. Techniques related to the ethnographic approach were used: participant observation, kitchens mapping, collection of photographic material, and informal interviews in natural settings. A sample of 14 families was involved through the snowball sampling technique. This study identifies habitual practices and routine behaviour as the main risk factors. The inadequacies most frequently encountered related to the microbiological risks are incorrect handwashing, the presence in the kitchen spaces of objects unrelated to food preparation, the improper use of dishcloths and sponges, the inappropriate washing of utensils and food, the incorrect storage of food in the fridge, and the presence of children and pets without an adequate administration of the spaces. The practices that can expose consumers to chemical risk include food preservation through unsuitable containers/materials, food overcooking, and detergents contamination. The data underline the need to implement communicative and training interventions that give precise and targeted indications about correct safety practices in the home setting.
SNPs in Genes Related to DNA Damage Repair in Mycobacterium Tuberculosis: Their Association with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Drug Resistance
Authors: Pérez-Martínez Damián E. , Bermúdez-Hernández Gustavo A. , Madrazo-Moya Carlos F. , Cancino-Muñoz Irving , Montero Hilda , Licona-Cassani Cuauhtemoc , Muñiz-Salazar Raquel , Comas Iñaki , Zenteno-Cuevas Roberto
Published: March 2022

Genes related to DNA damage repair in Mycobacterium tuberculosis are critical for survival and genomic diversification. The aim of this study is to compare the presence of SNPs in genes related to DNA damage repair in sensitive and drug-resistant M. tuberculosis genomes isolated from patients with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We collected 399 M. tuberculosis L4 genomes from several public repositories; 224 genomes belonging to hosts without T2DM, of which 123 (54.9%) had drug sensitive tuberculosis (TB) and 101 (45.1%) had drug resistance (DR)-TB; and 175 genomes from individuals with T2DM, of which 100 (57.1%) had drug sensitive TB and 75 (42.9%) had DR-TB. The presence of SNPs in the coding regions of 65 genes related to DNA damage repair was analyzed and compared with the resistance profile and the presence/absence of T2DM in the host. The results show the phylogenetic relationships of some SNPS and L4 sub-lineages, as well as differences in the distribution of SNPs present in DNA damage repair-related genes related to the resistance profile of the infecting strain and the presence of T2DM in the host. Given these differences, it was possible to generate two discriminant functions to distinguish between drug sensitive and drug resistant genomes, as well as patients with or without T2DM.
Sheep Post-Domestication Expansion in the Context of Mitochondrial and Y Chromosome Haplogroups and Haplotypes
Authors: Machová Karolína , Málková Anežka , Vostrý Luboš
Published: March 2022

Mitochondrial DNA and nonrecombinant parts of Y-chromosome DNA are a great tool for looking at a species’ past. They are inherited for generations almost unaffected because they do not participate in recombination; thus, the time of occurrence of each mutation can be estimated based on the average mutation rate. Thanks to this, male and female haplogroups guide confirming events in the distant past (potential centers of domestication, settlement of areas, trade connections) as well as in modern breeding (crossbreeding, confirmation of paternity). This research focuses mainly on the development of domestic sheep and its post-domestication expansion, which has occurred through human trade from one continent to another. So far, five mitochondrial and five Y-chromosome haplogroups and dozens of their haplotypes have been detected in domestic sheep through studies worldwide. Mitochondrial DNA variability is more or less correlated with distance from the domestication center, but variability on the recombinant region of the Y chromosome is not. According to available data, central China shows the highest variability of male haplogroups and haplotypes.
New Insights on Gene by Environmental Effects of Drugs of Abuse in Animal Models Using GeneNetwork
Authors: Chunduri Alisha , Watson Pamela M. , Ashbrook David G.
Published: March 2022

Gene-by-environment interactions are important for all facets of biology, especially behaviour. Families of isogenic strains of mice, such as the BXD strains, are excellently placed to study these interactions, as the same genome can be tested in multiple environments. BXD strains are recombinant inbred mouse strains derived from crossing two inbred strains—C57BL/6J and DBA/2J mice. Many reproducible genometypes can be leveraged, and old data can be reanalysed with new tools to produce novel insights. We obtained drug and behavioural phenotypes from Philip et al. Genes, Brain and Behaviour 2010, and reanalysed their data with new genotypes from sequencing, as well as new models (Genome-wide Efficient Mixed Model Association (GEMMA) and R/qtl2). We discovered QTLs on chromosomes 3, 5, 9, 11, and 14, not found in the original study. We reduced the candidate genes based on their ability to alter gene expression or protein function. Candidate genes included Slitrk6 and Cdk14. Slitrk6, in a Chromosome14 QTL for locomotion, was found to be part of a co-expression network involved in voluntary movement and associated with neuropsychiatric phenotypes. Cdk14, one of only three genes in a Chromosome5 QTL, is associated with handling induced convulsions after ethanol treatment, that is regulated by the anticonvulsant drug valproic acid. By using families of isogenic strains, we can reanalyse data to discover novel candidate genes involved in response to drugs of abuse.
Electrophysiology-Guided Genetic Characterisation Maximises Molecular Diagnosis in an Irish Paediatric Inherited Retinal Degeneration Population
Authors: Zhu Julia , Stephenson Kirk A. J. , Dockery Adrian , Turner Jacqueline , O’Byrne James J. , Fitzsimon Susan , Farrar G. Jane , Flitcroft D. Ian , Keegan David J.
Published: March 2022

Inherited retinal degenerations (IRDs) account for over one third of the underlying causes of blindness in the paediatric population. Patients with IRDs often experience long delays prior to reaching a definitive diagnosis. Children attending a tertiary care paediatric ophthalmology department with phenotypic (i.e., clinical and/or electrophysiologic) evidence suggestive of IRD were contacted for genetic testing during the SARS-CoV-2-19 pandemic using a “telegenetics” approach. Genetic testing approach was panel-based next generation sequencing (351 genes) via a commercial laboratory (Blueprint Genetics, Helsinki, Finland). Of 70 patient samples from 57 pedigrees undergoing genetic testing, a causative genetic variant(s) was detected for 60 patients (85.7%) from 47 (82.5%) pedigrees. Of the 60 genetically resolved IRD patients, 5% (n = 3) are eligible for approved therapies (RPE65) and 38.3% (n = 23) are eligible for clinical trial-based gene therapies including CEP290 (n = 2), CNGA3 (n = 3), CNGB3 (n = 6), RPGR (n = 5) and RS1 (n = 7). The early introduction of genetic testing in the diagnostic/care pathway for children with IRDs is critical for genetic counselling of these families prior to upcoming gene therapy trials. Herein, we describe the pathway used, the clinical and genetic findings, and the therapeutic implications of the first systematic coordinated round of genetic testing of a paediatric IRD cohort in Ireland.
Foredune and Beach Dynamics on the Southern Shores of Lake Michigan during Recent High Water Levels
Authors: Kilibarda Zoran , Kilibarda Vesna
Published: March 2022

From 18 January 2013 (175.16 m a.s.l.) to 8 September 2020 (177.82 m a.s.l.), Lake Michigan experienced its fastest and highest rise (2.67 m) since 1860, when instrumental measurements began. Extensive foredunes developed since the last high lake levels began eroding in 1997 at fast rates. This study focuses on coastal morphodynamics along the 800 m coast within the central Indiana Dunes State Park on Lake Michigan’s southern shores during this time. Severe foredune erosion, in terms of total horizontal dune loss and total volume of eroded sand, occurred unevenly over the three-year period, both temporally, during a single storm, a season, a year, or three years, and spatially, in the eastern, central, and western study areas. Late autumn storms accounted for most foredune erosion in 2018 and 2019, when foredune scarps retreated up to 4 and 9 m, respectively. Erosion was highest in the updrift eastern study area, where about 8 m3/m of sand was removed in 2018 and about 19 m3/m of sand was removed in 2019. The lack of shelf ice along the shore, rising lake levels, and convective storms that triggered meteotsunamis changed the foredune erosion pattern in 2020. Erosion became most vigorous in the downdrift central (13 m scarp retreat) and western (11 m scarp retreat) study areas. The average volume of eroded sand (21.5 m3/m) was more than double that of 2019 (8 m3/m), and almost quadruple the 2018 volume (5.5 m3/m). After foredune erosion events, the beach rapidly recovered and maintained its width as the shoreline migrated landward. On many occasions following these severe erosion events the dry portion of the beach aggraded and absorbed significant sand amounts removed from the foredunes. The remaining sand was transferred to the surf zone, where it changed the sand bar morphology and led to their coalescence and flattening.
Living with Dysphagia
Authors: Mirams John
Published: March 2022

I am 88 years old—a widower and retired businessman living in West Sussex [...]
From the Lab to Real Life: Monitoring Cardiorespiratory Fitness during the COVID-19 Pandemic through Wearable Devices. An Exploratory Longitudinal Study on Healthy Participants
Authors: Luciano Francesco , Cenacchi Valentina , Ruggiero Luca , Pavei Gaspare
Published: March 2022

COVID-19 containment measures hampered population cardiorespiratory fitness (which can be quantified as peak oxygen consumption (V.O2peak)) and the possibility to assess it using laboratory-based techniques. Although it is useful to ascertain the V.O2peak recovery after lockdowns, the community and most scientific institutions were unable to evaluate it. Wearable devices may provide the opportunity to estimate cardiorespiratory fitness outside of the laboratory, without breaking self-isolation; herein, we explore the feasibility of this approach. Fifteen healthy participants were tested every 2 weeks for 10 weeks during a reduction of containment measures after a strict lockdown. Physical activity levels were measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF). V.O2peak was estimated through a previously validated test based on the speed of a 60 m sprint run, the baseline-to-peak heart rate (HR) variation, and the velocity of HR decay after the sprint, and measured through a wearable HR monitor. Participants increased physical activity from the end of lockdown (1833 [917–2594] MET-min/week; median [1st quartile–3rd quartile]) until the end of follow-up (2730 [1325–3380] MET-min/week). The estimated V.O2peak increased by 0.24 ± 0.19 mL/(min*kg*week) (regression coefficient ± standard error). Based on previous knowledge on the impact of inactivity on V.O2peak, our study indicates that a 10-week period of reducing the stringency of containment measures may not be sufficient to counteract the detrimental effects of the preceding lockdown.
Association of Night Eating Habits with Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) in University Students
Authors: Kim Yoonji , Kwak Jung Hyun , Paik Jean Kyung
Published: March 2022

University students have dietary habits such as irregular eating habits, night eating habits (NEHs), and alcohol drinking, which can lead to nutritional problems. Especially, NEHs may increase the risk of chronic diseases and reduce the health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The purpose of this study was to investigate associations between NEHs and HRQoL and to evaluate if their associations may differ according to gender. Data were obtained from Eulji University March-April 2018. Participants were recruited via advertisements in school. The questionnaire, including socio-demographic factors, dietary and NEHs, and HRQoL was self-administered by participants. We found that, in males, when subjects with night eating frequency ≥1 time/week, the HRQoL showed a tendency to deteriorate compared to those with night eating frequency <1 time/week. In females, when the subject answered that they consumed a lot of night meal intake, their HRQoL was significantly deteriorated compared to those who answered that they consumed a moderate or small. Therefore, we confirmed that there is a slight difference in the factors of NEHs that affect the HRQoL by gender.
Micropropagation of Plum (Prunus domestica L.) in Bioreactors Using Photomixotrophic and Photoautotrophic Conditions
Authors: Gago Diego , Sánchez Conchi , Aldrey Anxela , Christie Colin Bruce , Bernal María Ángeles , Vidal Nieves
Published: March 2022

In this study, we propagated two old Galician plum varieties in liquid medium using a temporary immersion system with RITA© bioreactors. Environmental variables including culture system, light intensity, CO2 enrichment, immersion frequency and sucrose supplementation were evaluated in relation to in vitro proliferation, physiological status and ex vitro performance. Bioreactors were superior to jars for culturing shoots in photomixotrophic conditions, producing up to 2 times more shoot numbers and up to 1.7 times more shoot length (depending on the genotype) using shoot clusters. The number and quality of shoots were positively influenced by the sucrose concentration in the medium, plus by the light and gaseous environment. For individual apical sections the best response occurred with 3% sucrose, 150 µmol m−2 s−1 photosynthetic photon flux density and 2000 ppm CO2, averaging 2.5 shoots per explant, 26 mm shoot length and 240 mm2 leaf area, while with 50 µmol m−2 s−1 light and ambient CO2 (400 ppm) values decreased to 1.2 shoots per explant, 14 mm of shoot length and 160 mm2 of leaf area. Shoots cultured photoautotrophically (without sucrose) were successfully rooted and acclimated despite of showing limited growth, low photosynthetic pigments, carbohydrate, phenolic and antioxidant contents during the multiplication phase.
Self-Reported Computer Vision Syndrome among Thai University Students in Virtual Classrooms during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Prevalence and Associated Factors
Authors: Wangsan Kampanat , Upaphong Phit , Assavanopakun Pheerasak , Sapbamrer Ratana , Sirikul Wachiranun , Kitro Amornphat , Sirimaharaj Naphasorn , Kuanprasert Sawita , Saenpo Maneekarn , Saetiao Suchada , Khamphichai Thitichaya
Published: March 2022

During the COVID-19 pandemic, computer vision syndrome (CVS) related to online classrooms were unavoidable. This cross-sectional study aimed to explore the prevalence, characteristics and associated factors of CVS. A total of 527 students who were currently studying in a virtual classroom (70.40% female, mean (standard deviation; SD) age of 20.04 (2.17) years) were included. The prevalence of CVS assessed by an online CVS-Questionnaire was 81.0% (427/527). Comparing with those in the period before the online study, an increase in screen time (interquartile range) in students with and without CVS was 3 (0–3) and 2 (1–5) h, respectively. Overall, 516 students (97.9%) experienced at least one symptom. The most frequent symptom in CVS subjects was eye pain (96.5%). The most intense symptoms were the feeling of worsening eyesight (15.9%). The factors associated with CVS were female (p < 0.001), age (p = 0.010), atopic diseases (p = 0.020), prior ocular symptoms (p < 0.001), astigmatism (p = 0.033), distance from display <20 cm (p = 0.023), presence of glare or reflection on screen (p < 0.001), low screen brightness (p = 0.045), sleep duration (p = 0.030), inadequate break time between classes (p < 0.001) and increased screen time usage during online study (p < 0.001). Recommendations to prevent CVS based on the adjustable factors might reduce the burden of online study.