bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Cultural Art Aesthetic Behavior of Entrepreneurship Education for College Students in the Characteristics of Film and Television Media
Authors: Sun Wei , Wang Hongkai , Wang Li , Ye Lele , Chen Peiyao
Published: July 2022

This exploration aims to promote the organic integration of innovation and entrepreneurship education and art education, further promote the reform of college Students’ cultural and aesthetic education, improve college Students’ aesthetic perception ability, and help contemporary colleges establish a correct political morality. This thesis aims to further promote the reform of college Students’ cultural and aesthetic education, improve college Students’ aesthetic perception ability, and help contemporary colleges establish correct political and moral values. First, the connotation of college Students’ aesthetic education and the definition of cultural aesthetics are introduced, which is based on the characteristics of two-way interaction, multiple selectivity, timeliness and popularization of film and television media in the new media era; then, the way of questionnaire is adopted. With five universities as the research object, 250 questionnaires are distributed, and 235 valid questionnaires are collected, with a valid response rate of 94%. Finally, through the six questions, it is concluded that 68.9% of the students watch 3–5 h a day, and 4.3% of the students watch more than 7 h; 89.4% of the students hold that the same products as stars in film and television will exert an impact on consumption. Film and television culture and art have a positive and negative impact on college Students’ cultural aesthetic perception. The positive impact is that the film and television media not only provides a good way to cultivate the aesthetic perception ability of contemporary college students, but also helps them to establish the correct aesthetic values. The negative impact is mainly reflected in two levels, namely, the vulgarization of film and television media works and the consumption of aesthetic concepts. The advantage of this exploration is to put forward the reform measures of college Students’ cultural and artistic aesthetic education under the current educational background in China to help colleges better carry out college Students’ cultural and artistic aesthetic education. Based on this, the reform measures of college Students’ cultural aesthetic education under the current education in China were put forward, so as to help colleges and universities better carry out college Students’ cultural aesthetic education.
Impact of Coronavirus Disease of 2019 Vaccine on Health and Physical Activities Among Physical Education Students in China
Authors: Ahmed Laar Rizwan , Zhang Zhengyi , Menhas Rashid , Zhang Lei , Zhu Shicheng , Fan Xin , Wang Wei , Li Shumin
Published: July 2022

Purpose

This research focused primarily on the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine (VeroCell) on Chinese physical education (PE) students' health and physical activity (PA) performance.

Methods

This study used quantitative methods and phenomenological procedures to collect and analyze data. Survey techniques were the main method used for collecting data from Chinese university students, using a self-designed questionnaire with a Cronbach's alpha α value of 0.76. To ensure the quality of the study, confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) were conducted, and the internal consistency reliability of the instrument was measured (alpha coefficient = 0.82). The determined sample size was 490 and around 90% as the minimum sample size was determined with the help of a sample size calculator. The author using factor loadings with h2 and an independent-sample t-test analyzed the responses of the remaining valid participants (n = 443 with a response rate of 90.40).

Results

Most participants (around 94%) did not experience any adverse reactions that impacted their daily life activities, health, or performance during physical activity. However, about 30–40% of students felt lethargy, weakness, muscle pain, or swelling. Regarding the impact of the vaccine on daily life, there was no difference in the responses between participants who had only received one shot of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine and those who had received two shots (p > 0.05 in most cases).

Conclusion

The study concluded that the COVID-19 vaccine had no significant effect on PE students' daily activities, health, and PA performance. The results of this study could be used by policymakers to encourage people to get vaccinated and eradicate the isolation caused by COVID-19, which leads many people to develop various non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
Development of Storm Surge Inundation Model and Database for Enhanced Climate Services in Bangladesh
Authors: Rezaie Ali Mohammad , Haque Anisul
Published: July 2022

Bangladesh's vulnerability to storm surge and success in reducing their impacts on the coastal communities are well-known. However, global warming is expected to increase both the frequency and the intensity of tropical cyclones. Also, the country still lacks in good quality data and information that can offer enhanced services to effectively design coastal defense systems and adapt to climate changes. This study developed a storm surge inundation model and database using the available tropical cyclones' database and simulated inundation for the past 31 cyclones in the Bay of Bengal, near the coastal regions of Bangladesh. The model uses a suite of Delft3D hydrodynamic and Delft Dashboard cyclone models. The model was calibrated and validated for two major cyclones, namely Sidr and Aila, using the available data for different bed roughness, track sources, and wind drag coefficient conditions. The results suggested that spatially varying bed roughness and wind varying drag conditions provide a more reliable prediction of inundation over the coast. The results also show that historical track data from Indian Meteorological Department optimize the model performances. The inundation database indicates that depending on the intensity and location, tropical cyclones can cause the maximum inundation of 1–5 m in the coastal lands of Bangladesh. More than 70% of the storms lead to the maximum inundation of more than 2 m, and about 25 and 7% of the storms can cause the maximum inundation of more than 3 and 4 m, respectively. The study also discusses the potential applications and shares insights on the implications of the inundation database that can offer improved information for enhanced climate services in Bangladesh. The database can be advanced with information about sectoral loss and damage as well as citizen science that will not only provide necessary information to design coastal protection structures and emergency measurements but also contribute to build long-term climate adaptation plans in the data-scarce region.
Magnetosphere-Ionosphere Coupling: Implications of Non-Equilibrium Conditions
Authors: Lockwood Mike , Cowley Stan W. H.
Published: July 2022

The response times of the coupled magnetosphere-ionosphere-thermosphere system are, on average, greater than the autocorrelation timescales of solar wind forcing. This means that the system is rarely, if ever, in equilibrium. Departures from equilibrium are a key component of the Expanding-Contracting Polar Cap (ECPC) model of convection excitation in both the magnetosphere and ionosphere, driven by the Dungey reconnection cycle of opening and re-closing magnetospheric field lines. Averaging over sufficiently long timescales reduces data to the equivalent of steady-state conditions, which hides the physical mechanisms involved and allows us to map electric fields from interplanetary space to the ionosphere–but this is not valid, either physically or generally, because of magnetic induction effects. Only for transient phenomena on sufficiently short timescales do the mechanisms associated with non-equilibrium fully manifest themselves. Nevertheless, because of both ever-changing solar wind conditions and Earth’s dipole tilt, eccentricity and rotation, the magnetosphere is always tending towards a perpetually-evolving equilibrium configuration and there are important implications of transient events for understanding the general behavior of the coupled magnetosphere-ionosphere-thermosphere system and its response to solar wind forcing. We here discuss one example: as a consequence of the importance of departures from equilibrium inherent in the ECPC model, the solar wind dynamic pressure PSW influences the magnetosphere-ionosphere convection response to the generation of open field lines by reconnection in the dayside subsolar magnetopause. We here demonstrate this effect in a statistical survey of observations and show that it is as predicted by the ECPC model and that, through it, PSW has an influence on flux transport in the magnetosphere-ionosphere system.
Regression Bias in Using Solar Wind Measurements
Authors: Sivadas Nithin , Sibeck David G.
Published: July 2022

Simultaneous solar wind measurements from the solar wind monitors, WIND and ACE, differ due to the spatial and temporal structure of the solar wind. Correlation studies that use these measurements as input may infer an incorrect correlation due to uncertainties arising from this spatial and temporal structure, especially at extreme and rare solar wind values. In particular, regression analysis will lead to a regression function whose slope is biased towards the mean value of the measurement parameter. This article demonstrates this regression bias by comparing simultaneous ACE and WIND solar wind measurements. A non-linear regression analysis between them leads to a perception of underestimation of extreme values of one measurement on average over the other. Using numerical experiments, we show that popular regression analysis techniques such as linear least-squares, orthogonal least-squares, and non-linear regression are not immune to this bias. Hence while using solar wind parameters as an independent variable in a correlation or regression analysis, random uncertainty in the independent variable can create unintended biases in the response of the dependent variable. More generally, the regression to the mean effect can impact both event-based, statistical studies of magnetospheric response to solar wind forcing.
Resistance Training Variables for Optimization of Muscle Hypertrophy: An Umbrella Review
Authors: Bernárdez-Vázquez Roberto , Raya-González Javier , Castillo Daniel , Beato Marco
Published: July 2022

This umbrella review aimed to analyze the different variables of resistance training and their effect on hypertrophy, and to provide practical recommendations for the prescription of resistance training programs to maximize hypertrophy responses. A systematic research was conducted through of PubMed/MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus and Web of Science following the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses statement guidelines. A total of 52 meta-analyses were found, of which 14 met the inclusion criteria. These studies were published between 2009 and 2020 and comprised 178 primary studies corresponding to 4,784 participants. Following a methodological quality analysis, nine meta-analyses were categorized as high quality, presenting values of 81–88%. The remaining meta-analyses were rated as moderate quality, with values between 63–75%. Based on this umbrella review, we can state that at least 10 sets per week per muscle group is optimal, that eccentric contractions seem important, very slow repetitions (≥10 s) should be avoided, and that blood flow restriction might be beneficial for some individuals. In addition, other variables as, exercise order, time of the day and type of periodization appear not to directly influence the magnitude of muscle mass gains. These findings provide valuable information for the design and configuration of the resistance training program with the aim of optimizing muscle hypertrophy.
Decay of Trichomes of Arthrospira platensis After Permeabilization Through Pulsed Electric Fields (PEFs) Causes the Release of Phycocyanin
Authors: Knappert Justus , Nolte Jonas , Friese Natalya , Yang Ye , Lindenberger Christoph , Rauh Cornelia , McHardy Christopher
Published: July 2022

The cyanobacterium Arthrospira platensis is a promising source of edible proteins and other highly valuable substances such as the blue pigment-protein complex phycocyanin. Pulsed electric field (PEF) technology has recently been studied as a way of permeabilizing the cell membrane, thereby enhancing the mass transfer of water-soluble cell metabolites. Unfortunately, the question of the release mechanism is not sufficiently clarified in published literature. In this study, the degree of cell permeabilization (cell disintegration index) was directly measured by means of a new method using fluorescent dye propidium iodide (PI). The method allows for conclusions to be drawn about the effects of treatment time, electric field strength, and treatment temperature. Using a self-developed algorithm for image segmentation, disintegration of trichomes was observed over a period of 3 h. This revealed a direct correlation between cell disintegration index and decay of trichomes. This decay, in turn, could be brought into a direct temporal relationship with the release of phycocyanin. For the first time, this study reveals the relationship between permeabilization and the kinetics of particle decay and phycocyanin extraction, thus contributing to a deeper understanding of the release of cell metabolites in response to PEF. The results will facilitate the design of downstream processes to produce sustainable products from Arthrospira platensis.
Synthesis, Characterization and Fabrication of Copper Nanoparticles Embedded Non-Perfluorintaed Kraton Based Ionic Polymer Metal Composite (IPMC) Actuator
Authors: Luqman Mohammad , Anis Arfat , Shaikh Hamid M. , Al-Zahrani Saeed M. , Alam Mohammad Asif
Published: July 2022

Recently, cost-effective ionic polymer metal composite (IPMC) membranes coated with novel metals (viz., Ag, Au, or Pt) have exhibited excellent bending actuation performance, which was electrically stimulated. Herein, we have developed an IPMC membrane of highly cost-effective Kraton (KR) fabricated by incorporating Copper nanoparticles (CuNPs). It was then coated with Pt-metal using a solution casting process. The developed IPMC membrane (KR-CuNPs-Pt) was characterized using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. Further, ionic exchange capacity (IEC), the proton conductivity (PC), and water uptake/loss studies have also been performed. Actuation performance was measured using the electromechanical techniques. The actuation force of ca. 0.343 mN and displacement of ca. 18 mm at 4 VDC indicate that the developed membrane may serve as an alternative to the highly expensive commercialized IPMC actuators based on perfluorinated polymers. A soft bending actuator in the form of a micro-gripper was also developed.
Post-Soviet Transformations in Russian Rural Areas: The Role of Institutions
Authors: Davydenko Vladimir A. , Romashkina Gulnara F. , Skripnuk Djamilia F. , Khudyakova Marina V.
Published: July 2022

This article examines the role played by institutions in the post-Soviet transformation of rural areas of Russia and the development of agriculture. It is shown that the main goal of transformations—the transition to market relations—has been achieved. The relevance of the article lies in the analysis of the process of incomplete institutional transfer, unique on a global scale: the transition from full state ownership and state regulation to market relations was replaced by the dominance of large forms of business organization with prevailing governmental control. The article aims to study the impact of institutional reforms on the structure and dynamics of market agents in rural areas of Russia from 1990 to 2020. Institutional, statistical and sociological methods were applied. Materials from 59 expert interviews were used. The informants represented the categories “public” and “business” of three different agricultural territories. Statistical data and official reports of agricultural holdings were analyzed. Changes in the structure of land ownership and other production factors were considered. The historical stages of the institutional dynamics of agriculture are shown. It is proved that the emergence of a class of owners in agriculture was the main result of institutional changes in Russia; the formation of many institutions for the support and development of agriculture and rural areas is also significant. The observed obstacles to the growth of the segment of small and medium-sized businesses are due to the incomplete legitimacy of the ongoing processes, the strong volatility of the regulatory framework and insufficient transparency of state support. In Russia, after 1990, the total area of agricultural land decreased and was consolidated by large owners—Agricultural holdings. By 2020, the estimated share of agricultural holdings in revenue was 31% for crop production, 37% for livestock, and 70% for meat. Experts noted the excessive dependence of market actors on state support and the deepening of social inequality.
A Dated Phylogeny of the Pantropical Genus Dalbergia L.f. (Leguminosae: Papilionoideae) and Its Implications for Historical Biogeography
Authors: Rahaingoson Fabien Robert , Oyebanji Oyetola , Stull Gregory W. , Zhang Rong , Yi Ting-Shuang
Published: July 2022

The genus Dalbergia has a pantropical distribution and comprises approximately 250 species. Previous phylogenetic studies on the genus revealed that Dalbergia is monophyletic and is sister to Machaerium and Aeschynomene sect. Ochopodium. However, due to limited samples or DNA regions in these studies, relationships among the major clades are still unresolved, and divergence dates and biogeographical history of the genus have not been addressed. In this study, phylogenetic analyses of Dalbergia were conducted using broad taxon sampling and a combined dataset of two plastid DNA markers (matK and rbcL) and one nuclear marker (ITS). We evaluated the infrageneric classification of the genus based on the reconstructed tree, and investigated biogeographical history of this genus through molecular dating and ancestral area reconstruction analyses. The monophyly of Dalbergia was strongly supported and the genus was resolved into five major clades with high support, several of which correspond to the previous recognized sections. We inferred that Dalbergia originated in South America during the Early Miocene (c. 22.9 Ma) and achieved its current pantropical distribution through multiple recent transoceanic long-distance dispersals (LDD). We highlighted the important historical events which may explain the pantropical distribution pattern of Dalbergia.
Antibiotic Susceptibility and Resistance Genes in Oral Clinical Isolates of Prevotella intermedia, Prevotella nigrescens, and Prevotella melaninogenica
Authors: Castillo Yormaris , Delgadillo Nathaly Andrea , Neuta Yineth , Hernández Andrés , Acevedo Tania , Cárdenas Edwin , Montaño Andrea , Lafaurie Gloria Inés , Castillo Diana Marcela
Published: July 2022

The Prevotella genus is a normal constituent of the oral microbiota, and is commonly isolated from mechanically treated polymicrobial infections. However, antibiotic treatment is necessary for some patients. This study compared the antibiotic susceptibility and the presence of resistance genes in clinical oral isolates of P. intermedia, P. nigrescens, and P. melaninogenica. Antibiotic susceptibility was assessed using the agar dilution method. PCR confirmed the species and resistance gene frequency in the Prevotella species. The frequencies of species P. intermedia, P. nigrescens, and P. melaninogenica were 30.2%, 45.7%, and 24.1%, respectively. No isolates of P. intermedia were resistant to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, tetracycline, or clindamycin. P. nigrescens and P. melaninogenica were resistant to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and tetracycline at frequencies of 40% and 20%, respectively. P. intermedia was resistant to metronidazole at a frequency of 30%, P. nigrescens at 20%, and P. melaninogenica at 40%. P. nigrescens and P. melaninogenica were resistant to 50% and 10% clindamycin, respectively. The gene most frequently detected was tetQ, at 43.3%, followed by tetM at 36.6%, blaTEM at 26.6%, ermF at 20%, cfxA, cfxA2, and nimAB at 16.6%, and nimAEFI at 3.3%. P. nigrescens was the species with the highest resistance to antibiotics such as amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, amoxicillin, and clindamycin, in addition to being the species with the largest number of genes compared to P. intermedia and P. melaninogenica.
Why We May Need Higher Doses of Beta-Lactam Antibiotics: Introducing the ‘Maximum Tolerable Dose’
Authors: Dhaese Sofie A. M. , Hoste Eric A. , De Waele Jan J.
Published: July 2022

The surge in antimicrobial resistance and the limited availability of new antimicrobial drugs has fueled the interest in optimizing antibiotic dosing. An ideal dosing regimen leads to maximal bacterial cell kill, whilst minimizing the risk of toxicity or antimicrobial resistance. For beta-lactam antibiotics specifically, PK/PD-based considerations have led to the widespread adoption of prolonged infusion. The rationale behind prolonged infusion is increasing the percentage of time the beta-lactam antibiotic concentration remains above the minimal inhibitory concentration (%fT>MIC). The ultimate goal of prolonged infusion of beta-lactam antibiotics is to improve the outcome of infectious diseases. However, merely increasing target attainment (or the %fT>MIC) is unlikely to lead to improved clinical outcome for several reasons. First, the PK/PD index and target are dynamic entities. Changing the PK (as is the case if prolonged instead of intermittent infusion is used) will result in different PK/PD targets and even PK/PD indices necessary to obtain the same level of bacterial cell kill. Second, the minimal inhibitory concentration is not a good denominator to describe either the emergence of resistance or toxicity. Therefore, we believe a different approach to antibiotic dosing is necessary. In this perspective, we introduce the concept of the maximum tolerable dose (MTD). This MTD is the highest dose of an antimicrobial drug deemed safe for the patient. The goal of the MTD is to maximize bacterial cell kill and minimize the risk of antimicrobial resistance and toxicity. Unfortunately, data about what beta-lactam antibiotic levels are associated with toxicity and how beta-lactam antibiotic toxicity should be measured are limited. This perspective is, therefore, a plea to invest in research aimed at deciphering the dose–response relationship between beta-lactam antibiotic drug concentrations and toxicity. In this regard, we provide a theoretical approach of how increasing uremic toxin concentrations could be used as a quantifiable marker of beta-lactam antibiotic toxicity.
Ozonated Olive Oil: Enhanced Cutaneous Delivery via Niosomal Nanovesicles for Melanoma Treatment
Authors: Fahmy Sherif Ashraf , Ramzy Asmaa , Sawy Amany M. , Nabil Mohamed , Gad Mohamed Z. , El-Shazly Mohamed , Aboul-Soud Mourad A. M. , Azzazy Hassan Mohamed El-Said
Published: July 2022

Ozonated olive oil (OL) combines the therapeutic effects of both ozone and olive oil. However, it suffers from limited water solubility and poor transdermal permeation, which hinder its application in melanoma treatment. Nanocarrier host molecules, such as niosomes, were used to improve the water solubility, transdermal permeation, and anticancer effect of hydrophobic compounds. This study aims to design and optimize a niosomal vesicular nanoplatform loaded with OL (OL/NSs) to improve OL’s skin permeation and anti-melanoma effect. In this regard, OL was prepared and characterized by evaluating its chemical properties (acid, peroxide, and iodine values) and fatty acid composition using gas chromatography. Then, OL/NSs were developed using the thin film hydration method employing cholesterol, Span 60, and Tween 60 at five different molar ratios. The optimized niosomes had an average diameter of 125.34 ± 13.29 nm, a surface charge of −11.34 ± 4.71 mV, and a spherical shape. They could entrap 87.30 ± 4.95% of the OL. OL/NSs showed a 75% sustained oil release over 24 h. The skin permeation percentage of OL/NSs was 36.78 ± 3.31 and 53.44 ± 6.41% at 12 and 24 h, respectively, three times higher than that of the free OL (11.50 ± 1.3 and 17.24 ± 2.06%, at 12 and 24 h, respectively). Additionally, the anticancer activity of the developed niosmal formulation, when tested on human melanoma cells (A375), was double that of the free OL; the IC50 of the OL/NSs was 8.63 ± 2.8 μg/mL, and that of the free OL was 17.4 ± 3.7 μg/mL. In conclusion, the encapsulation of ozonated olive oil in niosomes enhanced its water solubility, skin permeation, and anticancer activity and thus may represent potent natural chemotherapy in treating melanoma.
Mechanical Test of Sleeve Grouted Lapping Connectors under Uniaxial Tension and High-Stress Repeated Tension and Compression Loading
Authors: Yu Qiong , Tang Peiyan , Tang Ziming , Zhang Xingkui , Fan Baoxiu , Zhang Zhi , Chen Zhenhai
Published: July 2022

In this study, uniaxial tension tests and high-stress repeated tension and compression tests were conducted on 32 APC (all vertical members precast in concrete structures) connectors. After high-stress repeated tension and compression, the bearing capacities of the connector specimens improved due to the strengthening of the steel bars, and the ductility of the specimens was reduced due to the further development of cracks between the steel bars and the grout. The residual deformation values of the specimens, namely u0 (uniaxial tension) and u20 (repeated tension and compression), were reduced with the increase in the lapping length of the specimens. The longitudinal compressive strain and hoop tensile strain of the middle section of the sleeve near the steel bar side were reduced under the ultimate load state when the specimens were stretched under uniaxial tension and in the last tension process after repeated loading with the increase in the lapping length. The distribution and development of the longitudinal compression stress of the sleeve were analysed based on the bonding stress of the steel bar and concrete. Finally, the ultimate bonding strength and critical lapping length formulas were proposed, which involved the introduction of a grouting defect coefficient ω.
Design and Implementation of Cloud Docker Application Architecture Based on Machine Learning in Container Management for Smart Manufacturing
Authors: Kim Byoung Soo , Lee Sang Hyeop , Lee Ye Rim , Park Yong Hyun , Jeong Jongpil
Published: July 2022

Manufacturers are expanding their business-process innovation and customized manufacturing to reduce their information technology costs and increase their operational efficiency. Large companies are building enterprise-wide hybrid cloud platforms to further accelerate their digital transformation. Many companies are also introducing container virtualization technology to maximize their cloud transition and cloud benefits. However, small- and mid-sized manufacturers are struggling with their digital transformation owing to technological barriers. Herein, for small- and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises transitioning onto the cloud, we introduce a Docker Container application architecture, a customized container-based defect inspection machine-learning model for the AWS cloud environment developed for use in small manufacturing plants. By linking with open-source software, the development was improved and a datadog-based container monitoring system, built to enable real-time anomaly detection, was implemented.
An Improved Wavelet Threshold Denoising Method for Health Monitoring Data: A Case Study of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Immersed Tunnel
Authors: Jiang Xinghong , Lang Qing , Jing Qiang , Wang Hui , Chen Juntao , Ai Qing
Published: July 2022

Tunnels generally operate underground or underwater in a complex environment. As a result, the health monitoring system is inevitably affected by various environmental factors, which introduces noise to the system. However, the noise contained in the monitoring sequence may disrupt structural damage identification and health state assessment as the real structural response may be overwhelmed by the noise. To properly eliminate the noise in an objective way, this study proposed an improved wavelet threshold denoising method. Firstly, it adopts a quantitative factor, namely the Sparse Index, to assist the selection of the best wavelet basis in numerous wavelet packages. Then, the decomposition layer and threshold are optimized by a comprehensive evaluation based on a variation coefficient method. At last, the application of the concrete strain health monitoring data of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge immersed tunnel verified the effectiveness of the proposed method. It is found that the combination of sym12 and five decomposition layers can obtain the best denoising results within the selected wavelet families and decomposition levels. Moreover, the proposed method achieves good denoising results under different fluctuation levels. Thus, the proposed method is reliable, can solve the problem of optimal parameter selection such as decomposition level and wavelet basis in wavelet denoising, and can be applied in the structural health monitoring of critical infrastructures.
Ethanol Extract of Pinus koraiensis Leaves Mitigates High Fructose-Induced Hepatic Triglyceride Accumulation and Hypertriglyceridemia
Authors: Lee Min-Ho , Park Sunyeong , Xu Yinzhu , Kim Jung-Eun , Han Hengmin , Lee Jae-Hyeon , Paik Jean Kyung , Lee Hyo-Jeong
Published: July 2022

Pinus koraiensis is a valuable plant source of functional health foods and medicinal materials. Hypertriglyceridemia affects about 15–20% of adults and is related to stroke, metabolic syndromes, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes mellitus. Dietary fructose, a risk factor for developing hypertriglyceridemia, significantly increases postprandial triglyceride (TG) levels and aggravates non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. In this study, we aimed to analyze the effect of ethanol extract from P. koraiensis needles (EPK) on fructose (Fr)-induced cell culture and animal models, respectively. Our team determined the bioactivity, such as anti-cancer, anti-obesity, anti-diabetic, and anti-hyperlipidemic functions, of P. koraiensis needle extract. The EPK markedly reduced TG levels in the liver and serum and enhanced TG excretion through feces in high-fructose-fed rats. Furthermore, the EPK inhibited de novo lipogenesis and its markers—carbohydrate response element-binding protein (ChREBP), sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBP-1), fatty acid synthase (FAS), 3-Hydroxy-3-Methylglutaryl-CoA Reductase (HMGCR), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), a pro-inflammatory marker. Consistent with the results of the in vivo experiment, the EPK decreased SREBP-1, ChREBP, HMGCR, FAS, TNF-α, and iNOS expression levels, resulting in slower lipid accumulation and lower TG levels in Fr-induced HepG2 cells. These findings suggest that EPK mitigates hypertriglyceridemia and hepatic TG accumulation by inhibiting de novo lipogenic and pro-inflammatory factors.
Adaptive Salp Swarm Algorithm for Optimization of Geotechnical Structures
Authors: Khajehzadeh Mohammad , Iraji Amin , Majdi Ali , Keawsawasvong Suraparb , Nehdi Moncef L.
Published: July 2022

Based on the salp swarm algorithm (SSA), this paper proposes an efficient metaheuristic algorithm for solving global optimization problems and optimizing two commonly encountered geotechnical engineering structures: reinforced concrete cantilever retaining walls and shallow spread foundations. Two new equations for the leader- and followers-position-updating procedures were introduced in the proposed adaptive salp swarm optimization (ASSA). This change improved the algorithm’s exploration capabilities while preventing it from converging prematurely. Benchmark test functions were used to confirm the proposed algorithm’s performance, and the results were compared to the SSA and other effective optimization algorithms. A Wilcoxon’s rank sum test was performed to evaluate the pairwise statistical performances of the algorithms, and it indicated the significant superiority of the ASSA. The new algorithm can also be used to optimize low-cost retaining walls and foundations. In the analysis and design procedures, both geotechnical and structural limit states were used. Two case studies of retaining walls and spread foundations were solved using the proposed methodology. According to the simulation results, ASSA outperforms alternative models and demonstrates the ability to produce better optimal solutions.
Influence of a Landslide on a Tunnel in Loess-Bedrock Ground
Authors: Sun Zhijie , Yang Xuanyu , Lu Shuai , Chen Yang , Li Pengfei
Published: July 2022

By combining model testing and numerical simulation, this paper focuses on the influence of landslides on tunnels in loess-bedrock strata by using the perfect landslide–tunnel system (LTS). A mechanical test and simulation (MTS) system was used to provide thrust for loading and unloading the trailing edge of the slope. A Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) and 32 cluster strain gauges were adopted to monitor the deformation of the tunnel structure and landslide soil, and the sliding surface, respectively. By means of a numerical simulation, the deformation characteristics of a tunnel crossing loess-bedrock strata are comprehensively described. The influence of a cyclic load on the mechanical behavior and displacement of the tunnel and sliding surface is discussed in detail. The experimental results show that the thrust required for the first landslide is the largest, during multiple loading and unloading. With the increase in loading and unloading time, the sliding thrust gradually decreases and eventually remains stable. The landslide presents a progressive failure mode. There is a stress concentration in the upper part of the tunnel, which causes the secondary sliding phenomenon. The deformation of the sliding surface mainly occurs in the upper soil of the tunnel. The deformation direction of the tunnel is consistent with the sliding direction, and the deformation of the sliding surface mainly occurs in the soil above the tunnel. When disturbed by an external force, the tunnel deforms downward, and, when unloaded, the tunnel has a small rebound deformation. However, with the increase in loading–unloading times, the rebound deformation of the tunnel gradually decreases, and the permanent deformation gradually accumulates until the tunnel fails. The research results can provide reference for the construction and protection of tunnel engineering in loess regions, and have reference value for the control of tunnels crossing landslides.
A Sample Balance-Based Regression Module for Object Detection in Construction Sites
Authors: Wang Xiaoyu , Wang Hengyou , Zhang Changlun , He Qiang , Huo Lianzhi
Published: July 2022

Object detection plays an important role in safety monitoring, quality control, and productivity management at construction sites. Currently, the dominant method for detection is deep neural networks (DNNs), and the state-of-the-art object detectors rely on a bounding box regression (BBR) module to localize objects. However, the detection results suffer from a bounding box redundancy problem, which is caused by inaccurate BBR. In this paper, we propose an improvement of the object detection regression module for the bounding box redundancy problem. The inaccuracy of BBR in the detection results is caused by the imbalance between the hard and easy samples in the BBR process, i.e., the number of easy samples with small regression errors is much smaller than the hard samples. Therefore, the strategy of balancing hard and easy samples is introduced into the EIOU (Efficient Intersection over Union) loss and FocalL1 regression loss function, respectively, and the two are combined as the new regression loss function, namely EFocalL1-SEIOU (Efficient FocalL1-Segmented Efficient Intersection over Union) loss. Finally, the proposed EFocalL1-SEIOU loss is evaluated on four different DNN-based detectors based on the MOCS (Moving Objects in Construction Sites) dataset in construction sites. The experimental results show that the EFocalL1-SEIOU loss improves the detection ability of objects on different detectors at construction sites.
Content-Based Video Big Data Retrieval with Extensive Features and Deep Learning
Authors: Phan Thuong-Cang , Phan Anh-Cang , Cao Hung-Phi , Trieu Thanh-Ngoan
Published: July 2022

In the era of digital media, the rapidly increasing volume and complexity of multimedia data cause many problems in storing, processing, and querying information in a reasonable time. Feature extraction and processing time play an extremely important role in large-scale video retrieval systems and currently receive much attention from researchers. We, therefore, propose an efficient approach to feature extraction on big video datasets using deep learning techniques. It focuses on the main features, including subtitles, speeches, and objects in video frames, by using a combination of three techniques: optical character recognition (OCR), automatic speech recognition (ASR), and object identification with deep learning techniques. We provide three network models developed from networks of Faster R-CNN ResNet, Faster R-CNN Inception ResNet V2, and Single Shot Detector MobileNet V2. The approach is implemented in Spark, the next-generation parallel and distributed computing environment, which reduces the time and space costs of the feature extraction process. Experimental results show that our proposal achieves an accuracy of 96% and a processing time reduction of 50%. This demonstrates the feasibility of the approach for content-based video retrieval systems in a big data context.
Simulation of Nonseparable Nonstationary Spatially Varying Ground Motions with an Enhanced Interpolation Approximation Approach
Authors: Zhao Ning , Xu Zhilong , Peng Liuliu , Li Xiaolong , Chen Xiaowei , Wang Xuewei
Published: July 2022

An enhanced interpolation approach is developed for simulating nonseparable nonstationary ground motions on the basis of the spectral representation method, which mainly contains two steps of interpolations and an optimization. Firstly, the interpolation technique is utilized to reduce the Cholesky decomposition time of the lagged coherence matrix. The square root of the evolutionary power spectral density is then decoupled into several time and frequency discrete functions using the proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) interpolation technique, which results in the availability of the fast Fourier transform (FFT) technique in the simulation. Compared with existing decoupling schemes, the POD interpolation achieves a significant efficiency improvement with a slight accuracy reduction. Finally, the simulation formula is further optimized to reduce the number of FFT operations. The accuracy and efficiency of this method are verified with the numerical examples of nonstationary ground motions simulation. Results show that the error introduced by two-step interpolations is fairly small and the simulation agrees with the targets very well. Furthermore, the efficiency generating sample function is significantly enhanced.
Biotechnological and Technical Challenges Related to Cultured Meat Production
Authors: Lanzoni Davide , Bracco Filippo , Cheli Federica , Colosimo Bianca Maria , Moscatelli Davide , Baldi Antonella , Rebucci Raffaella , Giromini Carlotta
Published: July 2022

The constant growth of the population has pushed researchers to find novel protein sources. A possible solution to this problem has been found in cellular agriculture, specifically in the production of cultured meat. In the following review, the key steps for the production of in vitro meat are identified, as well as the most important challenges. The main biological and technical approaches are taken into account and discussed, such as the choice of animal, animal-free alternatives to fetal bovine serum (FBS), cell biomaterial interactions, and the implementation of scalable and sustainable biofabrication and culturing systems. In the light of the findings, as promising as cultured meat production is, most of the discussed challenges are in an initial stage. Hence, research must overcome these challenges to ensure efficient large-scale production.
AC Fault Ride-Through Strategy of a Transformerless Soft Normally Open Point
Authors: Xu Feng , Huang Xiaoming , Lu Yi , Zhang Zheren
Published: July 2022

This paper focuses on the soft normally open point (SNOP) which has no transformers and connects to the 10 kV distribution network through the arc suppression coil grounding mode. A mathematical model containing positive-, negative-, and zero-sequence components under AC fault is established by the circuit analysis and the sequence component decomposition. Then the voltage fluctuation mechanism at the DC side and the non-fault AC side caused by the zero-sequence voltage on the fault side is analyzed under the case without transformers. Taking the single-phase grounding fault as an example, the fluctuation formula of the DC voltage and AC voltage is deduced in detail. Based on the theoretical analysis, the zero-sequence control strategy and the sub-module improvement strategy of the modular multilevel converter (MMC) are proposed. A back-to-back SNOP simulation model is established in PSCAD/EMTDC. The simulation results verify the accuracy of the theoretical analysis, as well as the validity of zero-sequence control and MMC topology improvement strategies.
Past and Contemporaneous Otolith Fingerprints Reveal Potential Anthropogenic Interferences and Allows Refinement of the Population Structure of Isopisthus parvipinnis in the South Brazil Bight
Authors: Hoff Natasha Travenisk , Dias June Ferraz , Pinto Edgar , Almeida Agostinho , Schroeder Rafael , Correia Alberto Teodorico
Published: July 2022

In this study, otolith geochemical signatures (Element:Ca ratios) were used to investigate the long-term spatial shifts of the population structure of Isopisthus parvipinnis, Bigtooth corvina, an economically and ecologically important Brazilian fish species. Two-hundred and ninety-seven juvenile individuals from historical (1975) and contemporary (2018/2019) samples were collected in five subareas [São Paulo: North—NSP, Center—CSP and South—SSP; Paraná (PR) and Santa Catarina (SC)] of the shallow waters off the coast of the South Brazil Bight were analyzed. The main informative single elements were Co:Ca, Cu:Ca, Li:Ca, Mg:Ca, Mn:Ca, Ni:Ca, Na:Ca, and Rb:Ca. Multivariate analysis showed spatial differences in otolith chemical composition over the years. Samples from 1975 presented an overall low reclassification rate (58%), suggesting the existence of two population units: (1) SP + PR; and (2) SC. However, samples from 2018/2019 discriminated four distinct population units with a good overall reclassification (80%): (1) NSP; (2) CSP; (3) SSP + PR; and (4) SC. This spatial differentiation on the geochemical signatures probably reflects the effects of long-term temporal variability in oceanographic conditions, anthropogenic influence, and climate change on this coastal ecosystem. The data also corroborate and refines the population structure scenario of I. parvipinnis recently described using complementary phenotypic tags.
Metal-Based Compounds in Antiviral Therapy
Authors: Abate Chiara , Carnamucio Federica , Giuffrè Ottavia , Foti Claudia
Published: July 2022

In recent years, the study of metal complexes and metal-based nanomaterials has aroused particular interest, leading to the promotion of new effective systems for the abatement of various viral diseases. Starting from the analysis of chemical properties, this review focuses on the employment of metal-based nanoparticles as antiviral drugs and how this interaction leads to a substantial enhancement in antiviral activity. The use of metal-based antiviral drugs has also spread for the formulation of antiviral vaccines, thanks especially to the remarkable adjuvant activities of some of the metal complexes. In particular, the small size and inert nature of Au- and Ag-based nanoparticles have been exploited for the design of systems for antiviral drug delivery, leading to the development of specific and safe therapies that lead to a decrease in side effects.
p-S6 as a Prognostic Biomarker in Canine Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Delgado Leonor , Brilhante-Simões Paula , Garcez Fernanda , Monteiro Luís , Pires Isabel , Prada Justina
Published: July 2022

Scarce information exists on the role of mTOR pathway proteins and their association to aggressiveness and prognosis of patients with canine oral cancers. We aimed to investigate the activated form of mTOR and its downstream S6 protein in canine oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), and to evaluate potential associations between protein expression and clinic-pathologic variables and survival. For that we analysed p-mTOR and p-S6 protein expression by immunohistochemistry in 61 canine OSCCs. Multivariate analysis was conducted to examine their role in patients’ cancer-specific survival (CSS). p-mTOR and p-S6 expression were present in almost all cases. High-expression of p-mTOR was observed in 44 (72.1%) cases using extent score and 52 (85.2%) cases using intensity score. For p-S6, high expression was observed in 53 (86.9%) cases using extent score and in 54 (88.5%) cases using intensity score. An independent prognostic value for p-S6 extension (p = 0.027), tumour stage (p = 0.013) and treatment (p = 0.0009) was found in patients’ CSS analysis. Our data suggest that p-mTOR and p-S6 proteins are commonly expressed in canine OSCC and p-S6 expression is correlated with poor CSS in dogs with OSCC. More studies should be performed to identify possible therapeutic targets related with mTOR pathway for these patients.
A New Serum Macrophage Checkpoint Biomarker for Innate Immunotherapy: Soluble Signal-Regulatory Protein Alpha (sSIRPα)
Authors: Vladimirova Yoanna V. , Mølmer Marie K. , Antonsen Kristian W. , Møller Niels , Rittig Nikolaj , Nielsen Marlene C. , Møller Holger J.
Published: July 2022

Background and Aims: The macrophage “don’t eat me” pathway CD47/SIRPα is a target for promising new immunotherapy. We hypothesized that a soluble variant of SIRPα is present in the blood and may function as a biomarker. Methods: Monocyte derived macrophages (MDMs) from human buffy-coats were stimulated into macrophage subtypes by LPS and IFN-γ (M1), IL-4 and IL-13 (M2a), IL-10 (M2c) and investigated using flow cytometry. Soluble SIRPα (sSIRPα) was measured in cell cultures and serum by Western blotting and an optimized ELISA. Serum samples were obtained from 120 healthy individuals and from 8 individuals challenged by an LPS injection. Results: All macrophage phenotypes expressed SIRPα by flowcytometry, and sSIRPα was present in all culture supernatants including unstimulated cells. M1 macrophages expressed the lowest level of SIRPαand released the highest level of sSIRPα (p < 0.05). In vivo, the serum level of sSIRPα increased significantly (p < 0.0001) after an LPS challenge in humans. The median concentration in healthy individuals was 28.7 µg/L (19.8–41.1, 95% reference interval), and 20.5 µg/L in an IFCC certified serum reference material. The protein was stable in serum for prolonged storage and repeated freeze/thawing. Conclusions: We demonstrate that sSIRPα is produced constitutively and the concentration increases upon macrophage activation both in vitro and in vivo. It is present in human serum where it may function as a biomarker for the activity of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), and for monitoring the effect of immunotherapy.