bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Particle Size Analysis in Aerosol-Generating Dental Procedures Using Laser Diffraction Technique
Authors: Onoyama Kaoru , Matsui Shohei , Kikuchi Mariko , Sato Daisuke , Fukamachi Haruka , Kadena Miki , Funatsu Takahiro , Maruoka Yasubumi , Baba Kazuyoshi , Maki Kotaro , Kuwata Hirotaka
Published: February 2022

The global outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has raised concerns about the risk of airborne infection during dental treatment. Aerosol-generating dental procedures (AGDP) produce droplets and aerosols, but the details of the risks of COVID-19 transmission in AGDP are not well-understood. By discriminating between droplets and aerosols, we devised a method to measure particle size using laser diffraction analysis and evaluated aerosols generated from dental devices for providing a basis for proper infection control procedures. The droplets and aerosols generated from dental devices were characterized by multimodal properties and a wide range of droplet sizes, with the majority of droplets larger than 50 μm. AGDP emitted few aerosols smaller than 5 μm, which are of concern for pulmonary infections due to airborne transmission. In addition, the use of extraoral suction was found to prevent the spread of aerosols from high-speed dental engines. This study suggests that the risk of aerosol infections is considerably limited in regular dental practice and that current standard precautions, such as mainly focusing on protection against droplet and contact infections, are sufficient. While several cases of airborne transmission of COVID-19 in general clinics and emergency hospitals have been reported, cluster outbreaks in dental clinics have not yet been reported, which may indicate that AGDP does not pose a significant threat in contributing to the spread of SARS-CoV-2.
Effect of Microbial Cell-Free Supernatants Extracted From a Range of pH Levels on Corn (Zea mays L.) and Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Seed Germination and Seedling Growth
Authors: Msimbira Levini A. , Naamala Judith , Antar Mohammed , Subramanian Sowmyalakshmi , Smith Donald L.
Published: February 2022

The negative effects of more extreme pH conditions (soil acidity and alkalinity) are increasingly challenging crop production. Managing acidity and alkalinity in soils has been achieved through techniques such as the use of lime, afforestation, tillage, and addition of organic matter. The use of microbes to address this challenge is new and could increase agroecosystem sustainability while helping plants survive more extreme acidity and alkalinity, among other stresses. Use of plant growth promoting microbes (PGPM) has recently gained attention as these microbes afford plants several benefits, including nutrient acquisition and stress tolerance, both biotic and abiotic. Several methods of microbe application have been developed, all intended to maximize the benefits of plant-microbial interactions. The current study assessed the potential of changing microbial culture pH during production, followed by removal of cells to produce supernatant that enhances plant growth, specifically under acidity and alkalinity stresses. The study included L. helveticus. (EL2006H) and B. subtilis (EB2004S) which were cultured at three pH levels (5, 7, and 8) incubated for 24–48 h then centrifuged at 12 000 g to remove the cells. The cell-free supernatants obtained were used for seed germination and early seedling growth assays. The results indicated significant increase in seed germination rate, for both corn and tomato, compared to experimental controls. Supernatants produced at pH 5, for both strains, had greater effect than those produced at pHs 7 and 8. Similarly, the positive effect of these supernatants was observed in seedling growth as increased root length and volume. Their results indicate that there is potential in stressing microbes below or above optimum pH (~7) to induce production and excretion of favorable materials into the growth medium, as was evident in this study. To the best of our knowledge this would be the first attempt to look at this pH change to increase potential benefits related to plant growth promotion by microbes. It was interesting to learn that using the CFS of microbes cultured at pH 5 increased germination rate and seedling growth. These results provide an initial indication that support broadened research into PGPM under pH stressed conditions.
Emergence and Mechanism of Resistance of Tulathromycin Against Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae in a PK/PD Model and the Fitness Costs of 23S rRNA Mutants
Authors: Xia Xirui , Yang Lan , Ling Yuzhou , Yu Jiao , Ding Huanzhong
Published: February 2022

Macrolides are widely used in diseases caused by Mycoplasma spp. The new semi-synthetic macrolide antibiotic tulathromycin is currently in wide use for the treatment of respiratory diseases of livestock. The objective of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial effect of tulathromycin against Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae using an in vitro pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) model to reveal mechanisms of antibiotic resistance and to evaluate the fitness of drug-resistant strains. In this study, high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was used to determine drug concentrations for the in vitro model after dosing. The peak concentrations were in the range 0.3125–20 μg/mL (1 × MIC-64 × MIC). The ratio of the area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) over 72 h divided by the MIC (AUC72h/MIC) had the highest correlation with the antibacterial effect of tulathromycin against M. hyopneumoniae. Tulathromycin also showed concentration-dependent antimicrobial effects and promoted the emergence of drug-resistant bacteria after being cultured for 168 h and most were mutations in 23S rRNA at site A2058G (E.coli numbering) and only a single isolate was an A2058T (E.coli numbering) mutant. In the presence of reserpine, we determined the MIC of tulathromycin, tilmicosin, tiamulin and tylosin against these drug-resistant bacteria and the strains with efflux pump mechanisms were found among the strains resistant to tilmicosin. Gene expression analysis indicated that the ABC and MATE transporter efflux pump genes RS01935, RS02670, RS01115, RS01970, RS02395 and RS03540 (MATE family efflux transporter) were up-regulated in the three strains (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). These investigations provide guidance for clinical administration of tulathromycin and elucidate the mechanism and fitness cost of drug resistance in M. hyopneumoniae.
Flocking Bird Strikes on Engine Fan Blades and Their Effect on Rotor System: A Numerical Simulation
Authors: Wu Bin , Lin Jiewei , Xie Anshun , Wang Ning , Zhang Guichang , Zhang Junhong , Dai Huwei
Published: February 2022

Bird strikes are a common, serious, and devastating event in aviation accidents, and multi-bird strikes are also frequently reported. A numerical multi-bird-strike simulation was performed to investigate the effect of flocking birds striking on engine blades. The smooth particle hydrodynamics (SPH) method was adopted in the hemispherical-ended bird substitute model, and the finite element method (FEM) with EOS state equation was adopted for the fan model as well. Impact analyses have been presented using different flocking birds and impact location distributions. A “0-2-1” supported rotor system dynamic model was established to study the effect of the multi-bird-strike impact forces on the rotor system. The results show that bird-strike severity is related to the impact location distribution, with blade-root impacts being the most dangerous. The small flocking bird strikes had little effect on the fan compared to the cases of medium flocking birds and the large single bird. The dynamic response of the fan to the small flocking birds was the same as without a bird strike, while the other cases changed the motion period and excited the rotor first-order vibration.
Aircraft 4D Trajectory Prediction in Civil Aviation: A Review
Authors: Zeng Weili , Chu Xiao , Xu Zhengfeng , Liu Yan , Quan Zhibin
Published: February 2022

Aircraft four dimensional (4D, including longitude, latitude, altitude and time) trajectory prediction is a key technology for existing automation systems and the basis for future trajectory-based operations. This paper firstly summarizes the background and significance of the trajectory prediction problems and then introduces the definition and basic process of trajectory prediction, including four modules: preparation, prediction, update, and output. In addition, the trajectory prediction methods are summarized into three types: the state estimation model, the Kinetic model, and the machine learning model, and in-depth analysis of various models is carried out. Further, the relevant databases required for the study are introduced, including the aircraft performance database, aircraft monitoring database, and meteorological database. Finally, challenges and future development directions of the current trajectory prediction problem are summarized.
Can Mathematical Models Describe Spear Rot Progress in Oil Palm Trees? A Five-Year Black Weevil-Disease Assessment from Ecuador
Authors: Guamani-Quimis Lenin A. , Solís-Bowen Ariolfo Leonardo , Portalanza Diego , Garcés-Fiallos Felipe R.
Published: February 2022

Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacquin) tree yields may be negatively affected by biotic factors such as Black weevil (Rhynchophorus palmarum L.; Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and Spear rot (Fusarium spp.). This study aimed to identify, model the temporal progress, and correlate Black weevil (BW) and Spear rot (SR) in the highly susceptible varieties INIAP-Tenera and IRHO, under field conditions in Ecuador between 2016 and 2020. Morphological analysis of BW and morphomolecular study of the causal agent of SR allowed us to identify Rhynchophorus palmarum and Fusarium solani, respectively, as biotic factors that affect oil palm trees in Ecuador. The number of adults increased in both genotypes over the years, but much more in INIAP-Tenera (in 2017 and 2019). The logistic model, having a smaller mean square of the residue, was the non-linear model that best explained the SR epidemic in both susceptible genotypes. The incidence of dead palms was higher in INIAP-Tenera trees compared to those of IRHO in the year 2020. Dead plants and the number of insects, and these with the fresh fruit bunches, were correlated significantly. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the positive correlation between dead plants (%) by SR and BW, and the study of both biotic factors in Ecuador.
Improving Crop Productivity and Ensuring Food Security through the Adoption of Genetically Modified Crops in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Kavhiza Nyasha John , Zargar Meisam , Prikhodko Svetlana Igorevna , Pakina Elena Nikolaevna , Murtazova Kheda Magomed-Salihovna , Nakhaev Magomed Ramzanovich
Published: February 2022

The food security challenge is one of the most topical issues of the 21st Century. Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is the least food-secure region, and solutions are constantly being sought to alleviate the problem. The region’s exponentially growing population is in dire need of affordable and nutritious food. The “Gene Revolution” (genetic engineering) presents opportunities in which food security can be ensured in SSA. Genetic modification (GM) has potential to solve myriad problems currently being experienced in SSA agriculture, hence improving yields and reducing the costs of production. Most of the SSA countries have a precautionary stance towards GM crops; thus, only a handful of countries have approved the commercialized production of transgenic crops. The lack of understanding and sound knowledge about the GM system is reflected in the formulation of policies and regulatory frameworks for biosafety and their implementation. There is need to conscientize the policymakers and the public about the general principles of genetic engineering for better decision making. Considering the multiple beneficial aspects demonstrated by transgenic crops it will not be prudent to ignore them. The versatility of GM technology makes it adaptable to the food crisis in SSA.
BOEC–Exo Addition Promotes In Vitro Maturation of Bovine Oocyte and Enhances the Developmental Competence of Early Embryos
Authors: Wei Yiran , Idrees Muhammad , Sidrat Tabinda , Joo Myeondon , Xu Lianguang , Ko Jonghyeok , Kong Ilkeun
Published: February 2022

Exosomes are nano-sized vesicles with abundant nucleic acids, proteins, lipids, and other regulatory molecules. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of BOEC–Exo on bovine in vitro oocyte maturation and in vitro embryo development. We found that a 3% Exo supplementation to IVM media significantly enhanced the oocyte maturation and reduced the accumulation of ROS in MII-stage bovine oocytes. Oocyte maturation related genes (GDF9 and CPEB1) also confirmed that 3% Exo treatment to oocytes significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced the oocyte maturation. Next, we cultured bovine cumulus cells and assessed the effects of 3% Exo, which showed a reduced level of apoptotic proteins (caspase-3 and p-NF-κB protein expressions). Furthermore, we examined the gap junction (CX43 and CX37) and cumulus cells expansion related genes (HAS2, PTX3, and GREM1) in cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs), and all those genes showed significantly (p < 0.05) higher expressions in 3% Exo-treated COCs as compared with the control group. Moreover, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) and lipid metabolism-related genes (CPT1 and FABP3) were also analyzed in both the control and 3% Exo groups and the results showed significant (p < 0.05) enhancement in the lipid metabolism. Finally, the oocytes matured in the presence of 3% Exo showed a significantly higher rate of embryo development and better implantation potential. Finally, we concluded that Exo positively influenced bovine oocyte in vitro maturation and improved the early embryo’s developmental competence.
Association between Phytochemical Index and Inflammation in Korean Adults
Authors: Kim Chaehyun , Park Kyong
Published: February 2022

While the relationship between phytochemicals and inflammation has been confirmed by in vivo or in vitro studies, large-scale epidemiological studies comprehensively analyzing phytochemical-rich food groups remain scarce. Therefore, we evaluated the association between the phytochemical index (PI) and the inflammation levels in Korean adults. The data were derived from the 2015–2018 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, and a total of 18,699 participants were analyzed. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels >3.0 mg/L and white blood cell (WBC) counts >10 × 103/μL were defined as “elevated.” The PI was calculated based on eight food groups using a 24-h dietary recall. The odds ratio (OR) and confidence interval (CI) for elevated hs-CRP levels and WBC counts, according to the PI quintile, were calculated using the multivariable logistic regression analysis. Participants in the higher PI group had lower means of hs-CRP levels and WBC counts than those in the lower PI group (all p for trend <0.001). In fully adjusted logistic regression models, elevated hs-CRP levels and WBC counts in the highest PI group were lower by 40% (OR: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.49–0.76) and 34% (OR: 0.66, CI: 0.47–0.93), respectively. Conclusions: A high consumption of phytochemical-rich foods is associated with lower inflammation. This suggests that adopting phytochemical-rich dietary patterns may be an effective approach for reducing inflammation.
Extracellular Vesicles in Redox Signaling and Metabolic Regulation in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Aparicio-Trejo Omar Emiliano , Aranda-Rivera Ana Karina , Osorio-Alonso Horacio , Martínez-Klimova Elena , Sánchez-Lozada Laura Gabriela , Pedraza-Chaverri José , Tapia Edilia
Published: February 2022

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a world health problem increasing dramatically. The onset of CKD is driven by several mechanisms; among them, metabolic reprogramming and changes in redox signaling play critical roles in the advancement of inflammation and the subsequent fibrosis, common pathologies observed in all forms of CKD. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are cell-derived membrane packages strongly associated with cell-cell communication since they transfer several biomolecules that serve as mediators in redox signaling and metabolic reprogramming in the recipient cells. Recent studies suggest that EVs, especially exosomes, the smallest subtype of EVs, play a fundamental role in spreading renal injury in CKD. Therefore, this review summarizes the current information about EVs and their cargos’ participation in metabolic reprogramming and mitochondrial impairment in CKD and their role in redox signaling changes. Finally, we analyze the effects of these EV-induced changes in the amplification of inflammatory and fibrotic processes in the progression of CKD. Furthermore, the data suggest that the identification of the signaling pathways involved in the release of EVs and their cargo under pathological renal conditions can allow the identification of new possible targets of injury spread, with the goal of preventing CKD progression.
Effect of Terahertz Antenna Radiation in Hypersonic Plasma Sheaths with Different Vehicle Shapes
Authors: Zhao Ziyang , Bai Bo , Yuan Kai , Tang Rongxin , Xiong Jiawei , Wang Kaili
Published: February 2022

Communication blackout caused by the plasma sheath surrounding hypersonic vehicles is a serious threat to the safety of hypersonic vehicles. Terahertz (THz) communication is considered to be a potential solution to the blackout problem. However, hypersonic plasma sheaths can affect not only electromagnetic wave propagation, but also the radiation performance of onboard antennae. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the radiation performance of THz antennae in hypersonic plasma sheaths. In the present study, the impact of vehicle shapes (blunt-coned and sharp-coned vehicles) on plasma sheaths was investigated numerically. The antenna involved in the present study was a 0.14 THz array antenna. The antenna performance was compared with the aspects of mainlobe gain, mainlobe direction, and mainlobe width. The present study shows that both sharp-coned and blunt-coned plasma sheaths are inhomogeneous. Nevertheless, their structures are obviously different. Such differences yield different antenna performance in sharp-coned and blunt-coned plasma sheaths. Compared with sharp-coned plasma sheaths, blunt-coned plasma sheaths can refract antenna radiation direction, which can result in worsened communication quality in the expected direction. In addition, the phenomena are discussed in detail. Suggestions of vehicle shape design to guarantee communication quality in hypersonic flight missions are proposed.
Point Cloud Segmentation from iPhone-Based LiDAR Sensors Using the Tensor Feature
Authors: Wang Xuan , Lyu Haiyang , Mao Tianyi , He Weiji , Chen Qian
Published: February 2022

With widely used LiDAR sensors included in consumer electronic devices, it is increasingly convenient to acquire point cloud data, but it is also difficult to segment the point cloud data obtained from these unprofessional LiDAR devices, due to their low accuracy and high noise. To address the issue, a point cloud segmentation method using the tensor feature is proposed. The normal vectors of the point cloud are computed based on initial tensor encoding, which are further encoded into the tensor of each point. Using the tensor from a nearby point, the tensor of the center point is aggregated in all dimensions from its neighborhood. Then, the tensor feature in the point is decomposed and different dimensional shape features are detected, and the point cloud dataset is segmented based on the clustering of the tensor feature. Using the point cloud dataset acquired from the iPhone-based LiDAR sensor, experiments were conducted, and results show that both normal vectors and tensors are computed, then the dataset is successfully segmented.
Applications of Probabilistic Forecasting in Smart Grids: A Review
Authors: Khajeh Hosna , Laaksonen Hannu
Published: February 2022

This paper reviews the recent studies and works dealing with probabilistic forecasting models and their applications in smart grids. According to these studies, this paper tries to introduce a roadmap towards decision-making under uncertainty in a smart grid environment. In this way, it firstly discusses the common methods employed to predict the distribution of variables. Then, it reviews how the recent literature used these forecasting methods and for which uncertain parameters they wanted to obtain distributions. Unlike the existing reviews, this paper assesses several uncertain parameters for which probabilistic forecasting models have been developed. In the next stage, this paper provides an overview related to scenario generation of uncertain parameters using their distributions and how these scenarios are adopted for optimal decision-making. In this regard, this paper discusses three types of optimization problems aiming to capture uncertainties and reviews the related papers. Finally, we propose some future applications of probabilistic forecasting based on the flexibility challenges of power systems in the near future.
Vibration Reduction in a Pulse Tube-Cooled High Purity Germanium Detector
Authors: Wei Hongyan , Xun Yuqiang , Cai Jinghui , Wang Lijuan
Published: February 2022

High-purity germanium (HPGe) is a vibration-sensitive, high-resolution detector. It has been found that microphonic noise induced by vibration and electromagnetic interference from EMC causes energy resolution degradation in HPGe detectors. In this paper, to enhance the energy resolution of a pulse tube-cooled high purity germanium detector, a passive vibration isolation system for the portable pulse tube cooler (PTC) was employed and investigated. In order to evaluate the performance of the vibration isolation system, micro-vibration tests of the compressor with a vibration isolation kit and detector mounting interface were performed. Meanwhile, detector energy resolution and detector signal noise were tested, respectively, under the PTC, with the isolation system switched to either an on or off condition. The test results indicate that the effectiveness of passive vibration isolation techniques is confirmed, and no degradation was induced by PTC vibration on detector energy resolution.
Best Frame Selection to Enhance Training Step Efficiency in Video-Based Human Action Recognition
Authors: Gharahbagh Abdorreza Alavi , Hajihashemi Vahid , Ferreira Marta Campos , Machado José J. M. , Tavares João Manuel R. S.
Published: February 2022

In recent years, with the growth of digital media and modern imaging equipment, the use of video processing algorithms and semantic film and image management has expanded. The usage of different video datasets in training artificial intelligence algorithms is also rapidly expanding in various fields. Due to the high volume of information in a video, its processing is still expensive for most hardware systems, mainly in terms of its required runtime and memory. Hence, the optimal selection of keyframes to minimize redundant information in video processing systems has become noteworthy in facilitating this problem. Eliminating some frames can simultaneously reduce the required computational load, hardware cost, memory and processing time of intelligent video-based systems. Based on the aforementioned reasons, this research proposes a method for selecting keyframes and adaptive cropping input video for human action recognition (HAR) systems. The proposed method combines edge detection, simple difference, adaptive thresholding and 1D and 2D average filter algorithms in a hierarchical method. Some HAR methods are trained with videos processed by the proposed method to assess its efficiency. The results demonstrate that the application of the proposed method increases the accuracy of the HAR system by up to 3% compared to random image selection and cropping methods. Additionally, for most cases, the proposed method reduces the training time of the used machine learning algorithm.
A Study on Cyber Target Importance Quantification and Ranking Algorithm
Authors: Kim Kookjin , Oh Seunghwan , Lee Donghwan , Kang Jiwon , Lee Jungsik , Shin Dongkyoo
Published: February 2022

Most of the challenges and conflicts facing countries and groups today involve cyberspace. Therefore, military forces around the world are developing methods (doctrines) and weapon systems to conduct cyberspace operations in order to dominate cyberspace. To conduct cyberspace operations, cyber target information must be collected in cyberspace, and cyber targets must be selected to achieve effective operational objectives. In this study, we develop a target importance rank (TIR) algorithm based on the PageRank algorithm that quantitatively calculates the importance of each target in cyberspace for cyber target selection. The proposed algorithm was developed to quantify the degree of connectivity, criticality, and exposure of computer network hosts, and to create a list of target importance priorities based on the quantified values.
Real-Time UAV Trash Monitoring System
Authors: Liao Yu-Hsien , Juang Jih-Gau
Published: February 2022

This study proposes a marine trash detection system based on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and aims to replace manpower with UAVs to detect marine trash efficiently and provide information to government agencies regarding real-time trash pollution. Internet technology and computer–machine interaction were applied in this study, which involves the deployment of a marine trash detection system on a drone’s onboard computer for real-time calculations. Images of marine trash were provided to train a modified YOLO model (You Look Only Once networks). The UAV was shown to be able to fly along a predefined path and detect trash in coastal areas. The detection results were sent to a data streaming platform for data processing and analysis. The Kafka message queuing system and the Mongo database were used for data transmission and analysis. It was shown that a real-time drone map monitoring station can be built up at any place where mobile communication is accessible. While a UAV is automatically controlled by an onboard computer, it can also be controlled through a remote station. It was shown that the proposed system can perform data analysis and transmit heatmaps of coastal trash information to a remote site. From the heatmaps, government agencies can use trash categories and locations to take further action.
Experiment and Mechanism Analysis on the Solidification of Saline Dredger Fill with Composite Slag Solidifying Agent: A Case Study in Caofeidian, China
Authors: Shen Yupeng , Li Ping , Jing Peng , Liu Ying , Feng Ruiling , Liu Xin
Published: February 2022

Most areas of Caofeidian (Tangshan Caofeidian New District in Hebei Province, China) were formed by land reclamation, where the dredger fill has a high water content and a high salt content. The solidification of Caofeidian’s dredger fill is difficult because of salinisation, as well as environmental and economic factors. This article proposes a composite slag solidifying agent. The optimal proportion of various additives was determined by an unconfined compression test and orthogonal design. Next, a microanalysis was carried out by SEM and XRD tests to characterise the solidification mechanism of the composite slag solidifying agent. The results reveal that the composite slag solidifying agent can substantially improve the unconfined compressive strength of Caofeidian’s saline dredger fill by imparting a good microstructure: a compact overall structure was obtained and few voids were observed in the solidified soil. The optimal proportion was determined as 10% slag + 1.0% quicklime + 0.8% sodium silicate + 1.5% gypsum powder. In addition, the composite slag solidifying agent can effectively reduce the content of soluble salts in saline dredger fill and substantially improve the engineering characteristics of solidified soil.
Applications of Medical Physics
Authors: Gallo Salvatore , Veronese Ivan
Published: February 2022

Since the discovery of X-rays, the use of the principles and methods of physics in medicine has contributed to the improvement of human health [...]
Nanostructured Top Contact as an Alternative to Transparent Conductive Oxides in Tandem Perovskite/c-Si Solar Cells
Authors: Elshorbagy Mahmoud H. , Esteban Oscar , Cuadrado Alexander , Alda Javier
Published: February 2022

In the competition of solar cell efficiency, besides top-performance multijunction cells, tandem cells based on perovskites are also breaking efficiency records to enter into the 30% range. Their design takes advantage of the rapid development of perovskite cells, and the good sharing of the available spectrum between the perovskite, absorbing at short wavelengths, and the c-Si or similar lower band gap material, working at longer wavelengths. In this paper, we present a novel tandem solar cell that combines crystalline silicon (c-Si) and perovskites cells. We analyzed the device with computational electromagnetism based on the finite element method. Our design arranges the perovskite solar cell as a multilayer 1D grating, which is terminated with a gold thin film (top metallic contact). This multilayer nanostructure is placed on top of the c-Si cell and a thin protective dielectric layer of aluminum nitride covers the whole device. The short-circuit current of the perovskite cell is maximized by maintaining the current-matching conditions with the output from the c-Si cell. This optimization considers the geometrical parameters of the grating: period and thickness of the active layer of the perovskite cell. We compared the simulated short-circuit current of this device to the planar tandem solar cell with indium tin oxide (top contact). The comparison shows a slight increment, around 3%, of our device’s performance. Moreover, it has the potential capability to circumvent postprocessing procedures used with transparent contact oxides, which can reduce the device’s final efficiency. Furthermore, our proposed design can take advantage of photolithographic and nanoimprint techniques, enabling large-scale production at a relatively low cost.
Quantitative Assessment of Flexibility at the TSO/DSO Interface Subject to the Distribution Grid Limitations
Authors: Natale Nicola , Pilo Fabrizio , Pisano Giuditta , Soma Gian Giuseppe
Published: February 2022

In the last years, renewable energy sources have been changing the power system by making it more challenging to balance the generation and demand at every single point in time. The increasing penetration of distributed generation represents another trend at the distribution level that impacts the exploitation of existing distribution assets. In this context, the flexibility of distributed energy resources connected to the distribution systems may play an important role. The flexibility products are represented by variations in the scheduled/expected active and reactive power setpoints. Recently, regulatory bodies suggested many proposals and undertook actions for enabling new players, such as the distributed energy resources connected to the distribution systems, to provide both system and local services. However, currently, there are still barriers that might limit their effective involvement. Market schemes have been proposed for opening the participation of distributed energy resources in the service markets. This paper proposes an analytical quantification of how much the use of flexibility by the transmission system operator can influence the distribution system operator activities and the expected costs. The final goal is quantifying the flexibility that the transmission system operator can procure from the distribution system without a harmful impact on the distribution network operation. The paper investigates the expected interactions between the use of flexibility for power system balancing and security and the operation of distribution systems. The application of the methodology to a significant Case Study showed that even though the fit and forget approach causes a hypertrophic development of distribution systems to host distributed generation, the transmission system operator cannot obtain the required flexibility services or has to pay extra costs for bottlenecks caused by distribution system operational issues.
Measuring Foot Progression Angle during Walking Using Force-Plate Data
Authors: Caderby Teddy , Begue Jérémie , Dalleau Georges , Peyrot Nicolas
Published: February 2022

Foot progression angle (FPA) is a gait-related clinical measurement commonly used for assessing the rotational profile of the lower extremity. This study examined the accuracy of two methods based on force-plate data for estimating FPA during walking by comparing them with a reference method using a motion capture system. Ten healthy adults performed a series of overground walking trials at three different speeds: slow, preferred and fast. FPA was estimated from two methods using data on center of pressure—one method previously reported in the literature, and a novel method proposed here. The FPA estimated by each of these two force-plate methods were compared with the reference FPA determined from kinematic data. Results showed that the novel force-plate method was more accurate and precise when measuring the FPA in the three speed conditions than the force-plate method previously reported in the literature. The mean absolute error obtained with this novel method was 3.3° ± 2.1° at slow speed, 2.0° ± 1.2° at preferred speed and 2.0° ± 1.2° at fast speed, with no significant effect of gait speed (p > 0.05). These findings suggest that the novel force-plate method proposed here is valid for determining FPA during walking at various speeds. In the absence of kinematic data, this method constitutes an attractive alternative for measuring FPA.
What Approach to Flemish Annunciations?
Authors: Pignarre-Altermatt Thor-Oona
Published: February 2022

Through a series of case studies, this paper examines Flemish fifteenth and early sixteenth century paintings of the Annunciation in a domestic setting as an example of how the materiality and the spiritual dimension form two inseparable aspects of devotional practice. After questioning whether these paintings reflect contemporary interiors and practices of domestic devotion, the paper discusses their use as historical sources by addressing the domestic iconography of the Annunciation as a Flemish artistic tradition. It argues that it is necessary to consider these paintings as artworks to understand their primary role as devotional objects.
Ancient Ceramic Culture and Technological Characteristics of Xiaopi Kiln Ceramics
Authors: Gong Bai Mao , Sukpasjaroen Khunanan , Chankoson Thitinan
Published: February 2022

In recent years, the Chinese government has attached great importance to the revitalization of traditional culture, and many traditional ceramic cultures have been revitalized and developed one after another. Xiaopi kiln ceramics is one of the most representative cultural symbols in Jinxi County, Jiangxi Province. Due to local economic backwardness and other reasons, the excavation of Xiaopi kiln ceramic culture has not received due attention. However, with the economic rise of Jinxi County and the people’s pursuit of cultural self-confidence, the development of Xiaopi kiln ceramic culture has been supported by the local government and people. Therefore, entrusted by the Jinxi County Government, combined with the goal of unfolding the Xiaopi kiln ceramic culture, this study uses empirical research methods to carry out sampling statistics on 115 ancient ceramics unearthed using the Xiaopi kiln technique, so as to find out the technical characteristics of Xiaopi kiln ceramics, such as shape, glaze color, decorative pattern, and firing. Through descriptive analysis, this paper summarizes the industry positioning of Xiaopi kiln ceramics, which lays a theoretical foundation for the development of the Xiaopi kiln ceramic culture industry.
Environmental Effects from Pocket Park Design According to District Planning Patterns—Cases from Xi’an, China
Authors: Hou Jiajie , Wang Yupeng , Zhou Dian , Gao Zhe
Published: February 2022

Rapid urban expansion leads to the continuous deterioration of the urban thermal environment, which endangers the sustainable development of the city; meanwhile, countries all over the world are becoming increasingly interested in the mitigating effects of urban green spaces on heat islands. In this context, many studies show that pocket parks play an important role in optimizing the thermal environment of urban blocks, especially with the high-intensity development of urban blocks. Moreover, many cities in China have become mature, and it is difficult to open up large green areas. Therefore, to improve the urban thermal environment in summer, it is necessary to adapt to an efficient pocket-park design strategy in blocks. To consider the impact of block development intensity on the design strategy of pocket parks, three pocket parks in blocks with different floor-area ratios in the central area of Xi’an were selected as examples. This research compares the effects of tree density and green-space layout on the thermal environment in different floor-area ratio districts on a summer day using environmental simulation (ENVI-met). The results show that the design strategies of pocket parks in urban blocks with different development intensities are different. High tree density performs better from the perspective of improving the urban thermal environment. For the low and medium development intensity blocks, the effects of the open green space and closed green space are similar, while the open green space layout can significantly improve thermal comfort in high-intensity development blocks.
Bandung Rainfall Forecast and Its Relationship with Niño 3.4 Using Nonlinear Autoregressive Exogenous Neural Network
Authors: Pontoh Resa Septiani , Toharudin Toni , Ruchjana Budi Nurani , Sijabat Novika , Puspita Mentari Dara
Published: February 2022

The city of Bandung, as the capital city of West Java, is one of several areas in Indonesia with high rainfall. This situation can cause disasters, such as floods and landslides, that can harm many parties. Rainfall in Indonesia, particularly on the island of Java itself, is closely related to the global phenomenon of Niño 3.4. In the period from January 2001–November 2021, the rainfall and Niño 3.4 showed some extreme values. In order to foresee the disasters, an accurate rainfall forecast should be performed. For this reason, we try to construct a model of rainfall forecast and its relation to the global phenomenon of Niño 3.4 using the nonlinear autoregressive exogenous neural network (NARX NN). The result shows that NARX NN (13-7-1) with a Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) value of 6.26% and R2 of 85.37% is best suited for the prediction of this phenomenon. In addition, this study provides forecast results for the next six periods, which can be used as a reference for the relevant authorities to foresee the possibility of flooding in Bandung city. From the forecast results, it can be concluded that the highest rainfall forecasts in the city of Bandung are in February 2022, and will slowly decrease in March 2022. To prevent hydro-meteorological disasters, such as floods in Bandung city, the community can clear waterways, such as clogged drains, rivers, and dams, as well as prepare tools for evacuation.
Effect of Combustion Boundary Conditions and n-Butanol on Surrogate Diesel Fuel HCCI Combustion and Emission Based on Two-Stroke Diesel Engine
Authors: Wang Shiye , Zhang Jundong , Yao Li
Published: February 2022

The combustion and emission characteristics of surrogate diesel fuel homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) with different combustion boundary conditions and n-butanol (NB) mixing ratios are studied in this work. Engine data of a two-stroke low-speed direct-injection marine diesel engine were selected for the reactor. HCCI combustion was achieved by compressing a completely homogeneous mixture of fuel and air. The results show that NO emissions decrease slightly with the increase of initial boundary pressure at a constant equivalence ratio and initial temperature. In addition, the different initial boundary temperature has little effect on NO emission. The results also indicate that the ignition delay time of the mixed fuel rises with the increase of n-butanol mixing ratio. The emissions and reaction rate of NOx reduce significantly with the increase of n-butanol percentage in surrogate diesel fuel and n-butanol mixing combustion at a constant equivalence ratio and total mole fraction. Meanwhile, CO2 emissions also decrease significantly with the increase of n-butanol mixing ratio.
A Class of BCI-Algebra and Quasi-Hyper BCI-Algebra
Authors: Zhang Xiaohong , Du Yudan
Published: February 2022

In this paper, we study the connection between generalized quasi-left alter BCI-algebra and commutative Clifford semigroup by introducing the concept of an adjoint semigroup. We introduce QM-BCI algebra, in which every element is a quasi-minimal element, and prove that each QM-BCI algebra is equivalent to generalized quasi-left alter BCI-algebra. Then, we introduce the notion of generalized quasi-left alter-hyper BCI-algebra and prove that every generalized quasi-left alter-hyper BCI-algebra is a generalized quasi-left alter BCI-algebra. Next, we propose a new notion of quasi-hyper BCI algebra and discuss the relationship among them. Moreover, we study the subalgebras of quasi-hyper BCI algebra and the relationships between Hv-group and quasi-hyper BCI-algebra, hypergroup and quasi-hyper BCI-algebra. Finally, we propose the concept of a generalized quasi-left alter quasi-hyper BCI algebra and QM-quasi hyper BCI-algebra and discuss the relationships between them and related BCI-algebra.
Influence of Landing in Neuromuscular Control and Ground Reaction Force with Ankle Instability: A Narrative Review
Authors: Lin Jian-Zhi , Lin Yu-An , Tai Wei-Hsun , Chen Chung-Yu
Published: February 2022

Ankle sprains are generally the most common injuries that are frequently experienced by competitive athletes. Ankle sprains, which are the main cause of ankle instability, can impair long-term sports performance and cause chronic ankle instability (CAI). Thus, a comprehensive understanding of the key factors involved in repeated ankle strains is necessary. During jumping and landing, adaptation to the landing force and control of neuromuscular activation is crucial in maintaining ankle stability. Ankle mobility provides a buffer during landing, and peroneus longus activation inhibits ankle inversion; together, they can effectively minimize the risk of ankle inversion injuries. Accordingly, this study recommends that ankle mobility should be enhanced through active and passive stretching and muscle recruitment training of the peroneus longus muscles for landing strategies should be performed to improve proprioception, which would in turn prevent ankle sprain and injury to neighboring joints.
By Modulating the Hormonal Balance and Ribonuclease Activity of Tomato Plants Bacillus subtilis Induces Defense Response against Potato Virus X and Potato Virus Y
Authors: Veselova Svetlana V. , Sorokan Antonina V. , Burkhanova Guzel F. , Rumyantsev Sergey D. , Cherepanova Ekaterina A. , Alekseev Valentin Y. , Sarvarova Elena R. , Kasimova Albina R. , Maksimov Igor V.
Published: February 2022

Endophytic plant-growth-promoting microorganisms can protect plants against pathogens, but they have rarely been investigated as potential biocontrol agents and triggers of induced systemic resistance (ISR), regulated by phytohormones, against viruses. We studied the role of endophytic strains Bacillus subtilis 26D and B. subtilis Ttl2, which secrete ribonucleases and phytohormones, in the induction of tomato plant resistance against potato virus X and potato virus Y in a greenhouse condition. The endophytes reduced the accumulation of viruses in plants, increased the activity of plant ribonucleases and recovered the fruit yield of infected tomato plants. Both the 26D and Ttl2 strains induced ISR by activating the transcription of genes related to salicylate- and jasmonate-dependent responses. The 26D and Ttl2 strains increased the content of cytokinins and decreased the level of indolacetic acid in plants infected with PVX or PVY. PVY led to an increase of the abscisic acid (ABA) content in tomato plants, and PVX had the opposite effect. Both strains reduced the ABA content in plants infected with PVY and induced ABA accumulation in plants infected with PVX, which led to an increase in the resistance of plants. This is the first report of the protection of tomato plants against viral diseases by foliar application of endophytes.
An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away: Potential Role of miRNA 146 on Macrophages Treated with Exosomes Derived from Apples
Authors: Trentini Martina , Zanotti Federica , Tiengo Elena , Camponogara Francesca , Degasperi Margherita , Licastro Danilo , Lovatti Luca , Zavan Barbara
Published: February 2022

The constant dialogue between the plant world and the animal world (including man among them) has been known since the time of Adam and Eve, where an apple was the origin of the evils of the world. Apart from Snow White—who might have something to object to when it comes to the use of apples—fruits, plants, and natural extracts have been known for millennia as remedies for human health-related ailments. In the light of such evidence, the aim of the present work was to investigate from a biological point of view the potential role of apple exosomes in inflammatory processes on human cells. To this end we isolated and characterized apple exosomes and treated human cells such as macrophages and NCTC L929 as cancer cells in order to evaluate the tumorigenic and anti-inflammatory effect of apple exomes. Microscopic and molecular biology analyses were conducted to characterize exosomes and to assess cell proliferation, death, and miRNA line, as well as gene expression and the uptake of exosomes by cells. The results confirm the absolute biological safety of exosomes and their anti-inflammatory effect, mediated mainly by miRNA146 production by M2 macrophages.
Amphiphilic Protoporphyrin IX Derivatives as New Photosensitizing Agents for the Improvement of Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Desgranges Stéphane , Juzenas Petras , Vasovic Vlada , Gederaas Odrun Arna , Lindgren Mikael , Warloe Trond , Peng Qian , Contino-Pépin Christiane
Published: February 2022

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a non-invasive therapeutic modality based on the interaction between a photosensitive molecule called photosensitizer (PS) and visible light irradiation in the presence of oxygen molecule. Protoporphyrin IX (PpIX), an efficient and widely used PS, is hampered in clinical PDT by its poor water-solubility and tendency to self-aggregate. These features are strongly related to the PS hydrophilic–lipophilic balance. In order to improve the chemical properties of PpIX, a series of amphiphilic PpIX derivatives endowed with PEG550 headgroups and hydrogenated or fluorinated tails was synthetized. Hydrophilic–lipophilic balance (HLB) and log p-values were computed for all of the prepared compounds. Their photochemical properties (spectroscopic characterization, photobleaching, and singlet oxygen quantum yield) were also evaluated followed by the in vitro studies of their cellular uptake, subcellular localization, and photocytotoxicity on three tumor cell lines (4T1, scc-U8, and WiDr cell lines). The results confirm the therapeutic potency of these new PpIX derivatives. Indeed, while all of the derivatives were perfectly water soluble, some of them exhibited an improved photodynamic effect compared to the parent PpIX.