bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proposed Diagnostic Criteria and Classification of Canine Mast Cell Neoplasms: A Consensus Proposal
Authors: Willmann Michael , Yuzbasiyan-Gurkan Vilma , Marconato Laura , Dacasto Mauro , Hadzijusufovic Emir , Hermine Olivier , Sadovnik Irina , Gamperl Susanne , Schneeweiss-Gleixner Mathias , Gleixner Karoline V. , Böhm Thomas , Peter Barbara , Eisenwort Gregor , Moriggl Richard , Li Zhixiong , Jawhar Mohamad , Sotlar Karl , Jensen-Jarolim Erika , Sexl Veronika , Horny Hans-Peter , Galli Stephen J. , Arock Michel , Vail David M. , Kiupel Matti , Valent Peter
Published: December 2021

Mast cell neoplasms are one of the most frequently diagnosed malignancies in dogs. The clinical picture, course, and prognosis vary substantially among patients, depending on the anatomic site, grade and stage of the disease. The most frequently involved organ is the skin, followed by hematopoietic organs (lymph nodes, spleen, liver, and bone marrow) and mucosal sites of the oral cavity and the gastrointestinal tract. In cutaneous mast cell tumors, several grading and staging systems have been introduced. However, no comprehensive classification and no widely accepted diagnostic criteria have been proposed to date. To address these open issues and points we organized a Working Conference on canine mast cell neoplasms in Vienna in 2019. The outcomes of this meeting are summarized in this article. The proposed classification includes cutaneous mast cell tumors and their sub-variants defined by grading- and staging results, mucosal mast cell tumors, extracutaneous/extramucosal mast cell tumors without skin involvement, and mast cell leukemia (MCL). For each of these entities, diagnostic criteria are proposed. Moreover, we have refined grading and staging criteria for mast cell neoplasms in dogs based on consensus discussion. The criteria and classification proposed in this article should greatly facilitate diagnostic evaluation and prognostication in dogs with mast cell neoplasms and should thereby support management of these patients in daily practice and the conduct of clinical trials.
Development of a Complex Treatment Process for Recycling Household Laundry Water
Authors: Kelemen Orsolya , Bodnár Ildikó , Izbékiné Szabolcsik Andrea
Published: December 2021

The goal of our research is to study the treatment possibilities of the laundry water fraction of domestic greywater as an alternative water source, as well as to apply a complex treatment method with which we obtain purified greywater. This treated water can be used during household tasks that do not require drinking water. By optimizing each treatment step, we determined a complex process with the following steps: coagulation- quartz sand filtration-oxidation. We also investigated the usability of purified greywater for irrigation by performing a standardized seedling test and determining the SAR factor. In conclusion, based on the measured and analysed water analytical parameters, we have successfully applied an appropriate complex treatment method, using optimal amounts of chemicals, which according to international recommendations can be potentially reused at household level, and can also be used for irrigation purposes.
Six DOF Robotic Arm Prototype Modelling By Matlab
Authors: Saadah Alaa , Husi Géza
Published: December 2021

The study in this paper allows us to control the manipulator and achieve any desired position and orientation. The Forward Kinematics was done using Denavait Hartenberg (DH) parameters, also the forward kinematics equations and homogenous transformation matrix was validated using MATLAB Toolbox. The modeling was carried out using the Peter Corke robotics toolbox.

Finally, the forward kinematic study and the robot arm’s movement equations were compared with practical measurements to make sure it fulfilled the desired purpose and that it could point to the desired coordinates with a precision of ±0.5 cm.
Agent State Flipping Based Hybridization of Heuristic Optimization Algorithms: A Case of Bat Algorithm and Krill Herd Hybrid Algorithm
Authors: Damaševičius Robertas , Maskeliūnas Rytis
Published: December 2021

This paper describes a unique meta-heuristic technique for hybridizing bio-inspired heuristic algorithms. The technique is based on altering the state of agents using a logistic probability function that is dependent on an agent’s fitness rank. An evaluation using two bio-inspired algorithms (bat algorithm (BA) and krill herd (KH)) and 12 optimization problems (cross-in-tray, rotated hyper-ellipsoid (RHE), sphere, sum of squares, sum of different powers, McCormick, Zakharov, Rosenbrock, De Jong No. 5, Easom, Branin, and Styblinski–Tang) is presented. Furthermore, an experimental evaluation of the proposed scheme using the industrial three-bar truss design problem is presented. The experimental results demonstrate that the hybrid scheme outperformed the baseline algorithms (mean rank for the hybrid BA-KH algorithm is 1.279 vs. 1.958 for KH and 2.763 for BA).
Efficiency Analysis of Scientific and Technological Innovation in Grain Production Based on Improved Grey Incidence Analysis
Authors: Zhang Shuhua , Li Bingjun , Yang Yingjie
Published: December 2021

Analyzing and evaluating the efficiency of scientific and technological innovation in grain production is conducive to the rational allocation of resources, promoting the development of scientific and technological innovation in grain production and providing guarantee for grain security. By refining the elements of grain production and scientific and technological innovation, an evaluation system of scientific and technological innovation in grain production is constructed. Firstly, combining linear programming together with the traditional grey synthetic incidence analysis model, a incidence analysis of the scientific and technological innovation indicators of grain production is carried out, and the key and secondary indexes affecting grain outputs are screened by an improved grey incidence analysis model. Secondly, based on DEA-Malmquist index model and taking the grain production process as the research object, the scientific and technological achievement transformation indicators are divided into pre-production, in-production and post-production indicators. The key indicators and secondary indicators of scientific and technological innovation of grain production in various cities of Henan Province from 2010 to 2019 are used to analyze the efficiency of scientific and technological innovation in each stage of grain production. The results show that: (1) The type of basic ability of scientific and technological innovation indicators and the transformation ability of scientific and technological innovation achievements are the major indicators influencing grain outputs, and the investment of basic resources of scientific and technological innovation and the transformation of scientific and technological innovation achievements are the most important to improve grain outputs. (2) In addition, the study reveals that the secondary indicators of the technological innovation efficiency of grain production based on the DEA-Malmquist index model are more efficient than the key indicators in the pre-production, in-production and post-production stages. And there are gaps in the scientific and technological innovation performance of grain production among cities in Henan Province, and the index of technological progress is the leading factor for the gap.
Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices on Tomato Leaf Miner, Tuta absoluta on Tomato and Potential Demand for Integrated Pest Management among Smallholder Farmers in Kenya and Uganda
Authors: Chepchirchir Fridah , Muriithi Beatrice W. , Langat Jackson , Mohamed Samira A. , Ndlela Shepard , Khamis Fathiya M.
Published: December 2021

Agricultural growth and food security are a priority in many developing countries. This has led to increased attention to effective pest management. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy is a sustainable and recommended alternative to the use of synthetic pesticides in the management of tomato pests, with Tuta absoluta being the major one. This study seeks to assess the awareness, attitude, and control practices on T. absoluta and examine the potential adoption of a proposed IPM strategy for the management of a pest using a randomly selected sample of 316 and 345 tomato growing households in Kenya and Uganda, respectively. The study findings indicate that T. absoluta is the major pest affecting tomato production, with most farmers using synthetic pesticides to manage it. Furthermore, we find a significant proportion of the survey respondents willing to adopt the IPM strategy. The probability of adopting the strategy was positively related to a farmer being male, residing near a source of inputs, accessing training, and possessing good knowledge, attitude, and practices towards the use of non-pesticides strategies. Thus, training, promotion, and awareness creation of the T. absoluta IPM are recommended for the sustainable management of the pest in tomato production.
Technical Efficiency of Mung Bean Producers: The Case of Myanmar
Authors: Aung Phyo Pa Pa , Lee Ji-Yong
Published: December 2021

Agriculture plays a key role in Myanmar and it is the backbone of the country’s economy. Among the major export-earning crops in Myanmar, mung bean is one of the important, and it creates many opportunities for smallholders. About 90% of the total production of mung bean is exported for overseas or border trade and has extended markets, especially China, Vietnam and EU countries. This study aims to measure the level of technical efficiency of green mung bean producers and determine the factors influencing the technical efficiency of mung bean production in Tatkon Township, Myanmar. Data from 144 farms were analyzed using a DEA model and Tobit regression. The empirical results reveal that about 46% of farmers had an efficiency score of more than 0.90, which indicates that 54% of farmers were relatively inefficient in their production. The results also show that socioeconomics factors, such as age of farmers, farmers participating in associations and soil fertility, had a significantly positive impact on technical efficiency. Gender, education, access to credit and extension services had a positive impact on the technical efficiency of mung bean production in the study area. To reduce inefficiency, the government should consider providing more services to male farmers and older farmers to improve their capacities, as well as providing an extension of services, new technologies, credit and improved variety for mung bean production.
Research Progress on Remote Sensing Classification Methods for Farmland Vegetation
Authors: Fan Dongliang , Su Xiaoyun , Weng Bo , Wang Tianshu , Yang Feiyun
Published: December 2021

Crop planting area and spatial distribution information have important practical significance for food security, global change, and sustainable agricultural development. How to efficiently and accurately identify crops in a timely manner by remote sensing in order to determine the crop planting area and its temporal–spatial dynamic change information is a core issue of monitoring crop growth and estimating regional crop yields. Based on hundreds of relevant documents from the past 25 years, in this paper, we summarize research progress in relation to farmland vegetation identification and classification by remote sensing. The classification and identification of farmland vegetation includes classification based on vegetation index, spectral bands, multi-source data fusion, artificial intelligence learning, and drone remote sensing. Representative studies of remote sensing methods are collated, the main content of each technology is summarized, and the advantages and disadvantages of each method are analyzed. Current problems related to crop remote sensing identification are then identified and future development directions are proposed.
Drainage Conditions Influence Corn-Nitrogen Management in the US Upper Midwest
Authors: Paiao Gabriel Dias , Fernández Fabián G. , Naeve Seth L.
Published: December 2021

Soil drainage is not considered in the N fertilizer guidelines for corn (Zea mays L.) in the US Midwest. This study investigated the influence of soil drainage on corn grain yield, N requirement, and residual soil N, and evaluated the utility of in-season soil N measurements to guide N application. This 6-year study in Minnesota, US on a corn–soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) rotation had drained and undrained conditions and six at planting (PL) (0–225 in 45 kg N ha−1 increments) and four split (SP) N fertilizer rates (at planting/V6-V8—45/45, 45/90, 45/135, 45/179 kg N ha−1). The drained compared to undrained soil produced 8% more grain yield (12.8 vs. 11.9 Mg ha−1), 12% more N uptake (169 vs. 151 kg N ha−1), 16% lower optimal N rate (ONR) (160 vs. 193 kg N ha−1), 3.1% greater grain yield at ONR (13.5 vs. 13.1 Mg ha−1), and similar in season and residual soil N. Compared to SP, PL lowered ONR (151 vs. 168 kg N ha−1) in drained soils, and the opposite occurred for undrained soils (206 vs. 189 kg N ha−1). These results substantiate the agronomic benefits of artificial drainage and the need to incorporate drainage conditions into N management guidelines.
How Does Nitrogen Application Rate Affect Plant Functional Traits and Crop Growth Rate of Perennial Ryegrass-Dominated Permanent Pastures?
Authors: Peters Tammo , Taube Friedhelm , Kluß Christof , Reinsch Thorsten , Loges Ralf , Fenger Friederike
Published: December 2021

High doses of nitrogen (N) fertiliser input on permanent pastures are crucial in terms of N surplus and N losses. Quantitative analyses of the response of plant functional traits (PFT) driving crop growth rate (CGR) under low N input are lacking in frequently defoliated pastures. This study aimed to understand the significance of PFTs for productivity and N uptake in permanent grasslands by measuring dynamics in tiller density (TD), tiller weight (TW), leaf weight ratio (LWR), leaf area index (LAI), specific leaf area (SLA), as well as leaf N content per unit mass (LNCm) and per unit area (LNCa) in perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne)-dominated pastures, in a simulated rotational grazing approach over two consecutive growing seasons. Annual N application rates were 0, 140 and 280 kg N ha−1. The phenological development of perennial ryegrass was the main driver of CGR, N uptake and most PFTs. The effect of N application rate on PFTs varied during the season. N application rate showed the greatest effect on TD, LAI and, to a lesser extent, on SLA and LNCm. The results of this study highlight the importance of TD and its role in driving CGR and N uptake in frequently defoliated permanent pastures.
Nitrogen Fertiliser Immobilisation and Uptake in the Rhizospheres of Wheat and Canola
Authors: Rigby Ben A. , Nasrollahi Niloufar , Celestina Corinne , Hunt James R. , Kirkegaard John A. , Tang Caixian
Published: December 2021

Immobilisation of fertiliser nitrogen (N) by soil microorganisms can reduce N availability to crops, decreasing growth and yield. To date, few studies have focussed on the effect of different plant species on immobilisation of fertiliser N. Canola (Brassica napus) is known to influence the soil microbiome and increase mineral N in soil for future crops compared with cereals. We tested the hypothesis that canola can reduce immobilisation of fertiliser N by influencing the composition of the rhizosphere microbiome. To investigate this, we conducted a glasshouse soil column experiment comparing N fertiliser uptake between canola and wheat (Triticum aestivium) and partitioning of fertiliser N between plants and microorganisms. Plants were grown in soil to which high C:N ratio wheat residues and 15N-labelled urea fertiliser were applied. There was no difference between wheat and canola in fertiliser N uptake despite differences in fungal community composition and the carbon metabolising enzyme alpha-glucosidase in the rhizosphere. Canola obtained more soil-derived N than wheat. There was no significant difference in the rhizosphere bacterial communities present between wheat and canola and unplanted controls. Our results highlight the capacity of canola to increase mineralisation of soil N compared with wheat although the study could not describe the microbial community which facilitated this increase.
Impact of Dry Sugar Beet Pulp on Milk Production, Digestibility Traits, and Blood Constituents of Dairy Holstein Cows
Authors: Mohsen Mohamed K. , Ali Mohamed F. , Gaafar Hamed M. , Al-Sakka Taha S. , Aboelenin Salama M. , Soliman Mohamed M. , Dawood Mahmoud A. O.
Published: December 2021

Thirty multiparous lactating Holstein cows with an average live body weight of 642 ± 21 kg and an average daily milk yield of 30.46 ± 0.59 kg were used in this study. Cows with parities of 2 and 4 were used following their peak period, and were divided into three groups, with ten cows in each group. The control group was fed yellow corn grain rations (YCG), while for the 2nd and 3rd groups, 25 and 50% of YCG was replaced with dry sugar beet pulp (DSBP), denoted as DSBP25 and DSBP50, respectively. The contents of dry matter, organic matter, ether extract, nitrogen-free extract, and fiber carbohydrate in the experimental rations tended to decrease; however, crude protein, crude fiber, ash, and fiber fractions tended to increase in the DSBP25 and DSBP50 groups. Only crude fiber digestibility increased (p < 0.05) in the DSBP rations. Rumen pH value and concentration of ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) decreased, while the concentration of total volatile fatty acids (TVFAs) increased in the DSBP25 and DSBP50 groups. The concentrations of total protein and globulin in blood plasma were higher (p < 0.05) in DSBP25 and DSBP50 than in YCG. However, plasma albumin concentration, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities were lower (p < 0.05) in DSBP50 than in YCG. Milk yield and yield of 4% fat-corrected milk (4% FCM) were higher (p < 0.05) in DSBP25 and DSBP50 than in YCG. Fat, protein, solids not fat (SNF), and total solids (TS) contents in milk increased significantly (p < 0.05) for feeding rations containing DSBP. Feed cost was reduced, but the output of milk yield increased with DSBP. In conclusion, introducing DSBP into the rations of Holstein dairy cows led to significant improvements in their productive performance.
Timing and Weather Offer Alternative Mitigation Strategies for Lowering Bat Mortality at Wind Energy Facilities in Ontario
Authors: Squires Kelly A. , Thurber Bethany G. , Zimmerling J. Ryan , Francis Charles M.
Published: December 2021

Relatively high mortality of migratory bats at wind energy facilities has prompted research to understand the underlying spatial and temporal factors, with the goal of developing more effective mitigation approaches. We examined acoustic recordings of echolocation calls at 12 sites and post-construction carcass survey data collected at 10 wind energy facilities in Ontario, Canada, to quantify the degree to which timing and regional-scale weather predict bat activity and mortality. Rain and low temperatures consistently predicted low mortality and activity of big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus) and three species of migratory tree bats: hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus), eastern red bat (L. borealis), and silver-haired bat (Lasionycteris noctivagans). Bat activity occurred in waves with distinct peaks through the season; regardless of seasonal timing, most activities occurred in the first half of the night. We conclude that wind energy facilities could adopt a novel and more effective curtailment strategy based on weather and seasonal and nocturnal timing that would minimize mortality risks for bats while increasing the opportunities for power generation, relative to the mitigation strategy of increasing cut-in wind speed to 5.5 m/s.
Two Domains to Five: Advancing Veterinary Duty of Care to Fulfil Public Expectations of Animal Welfare Expertise
Authors: Littlewood Katherine E. , Beausoleil Ngaio J.
Published: December 2021

Veterinarians are animal health experts. More recently, they have been conferred a leading role as experts in animal welfare. This expectation of veterinarians as welfare experts appears to stem from their training in veterinary medicine as well as professional contributions to welfare-relevant policy and law. Veterinarians are ideally situated to act as animal welfare experts by virtue of their core work with animals and potential influence over owners, their roles in policy development, compliance, and monitoring, and as educators of future veterinarians. However, since its inception as a discipline over 70 years ago, animal welfare science has moved beyond a two-dimensional focus on nutrition and health (biological functioning) towards an understanding that the mental experiences of animals are the focus of welfare consideration. The Five Domains Model is a structured and systematic framework for more holistically considering conditions that contribute to the animal’s internal state and its perception of its external situation, and the resultant mental experiences. The Model can be used to better align veterinary animal welfare expertise with contemporary understanding of animal welfare science and improve welfare literacy within the veterinary profession. Improved understanding of animal welfare science is likely to lead to increased confidence, competence, and empowerment to act as experts in their daily lives.
The Impact of Genotype and Age on Energy and Protein Utilization in Individually Housed Brown Laying Hens
Authors: Kleyn Frederik J. , Chrystal Peter Vincent , Ciacciariello Mariana
Published: December 2021

Responses to dietary energy and protein levels were compared between two egg-laying genotypes. Individually housed hens of a historic strain (HS) and a modern strain (MS) were compared. In Experiment 1 (Exp.1), four levels of true metabolizable energy, corrected for zero nitrogen retention (TMEn) and four levels of total lysine, were offered from 30 to 40 weeks of age. In Experiment 2 (Exp.2), three levels of apparent metabolizable energy, corrected for zero nitrogen retention (AMEn) and four levels of standardized ileal digestible lysine (SID Lys), were fed from 20 to 30 weeks of age. A randomized factorial block design (4 × 4 Exp.1 and 3 × 4 Exp.2) was applied. Energy utilization for egg output (EO) did not differ (NS), and both strains maintained a constant kJ intake (NS). The efficiency of SID Lys utilization for EO differed, with the MS being the more efficient (p < 0.034). A single model could be used to predict feed intake, using BW, EO, AMEn and SID Lys (r = 0.716). In conclusion, it is unlikely that the requirements of modern layer strains have increased. However, feeding programs should be adjusted for economic reasons and are dependent upon achievable feed intake under particular circumstances.
Evaluation of Fermented Oat and Black Soldier Fly Larva as Food Ingredients in Senior Dog Diets
Authors: Seo Kangmin , Cho Hyun-Woo , Chun Julan , Jeon Junghwan , Kim Chanho , Kim Minji , Park Kwanho , Kim Kihyun
Published: December 2021

The aim of this study was to evaluate the suitability of fermented oat (FO) and black soldier fly larva (BSFL) as food ingredients for dogs. A total of 20 spayed female dogs were divided into four treatment groups, with 5 dogs per group. The four treatment groups consisted of a control group, a diet with 10% FO, one with 5% BSFL, and one with 10% FO and 5% BSFL, and each experimental food was fed for 12 weeks. The feeding of FO and/or BSFL did not affect the daily food intake, body weight, body condition score, fecal score, or skin condition of the dogs. In all the experimental groups, no significant differences in serum IgG, IL-10, or TNF-α levels were observed upon the feeding of FO and/or BSFL. Some hematological (white blood cell and basophils) and serum biochemical parameters (phosphorous, globulin, and alkaline phosphatase) showed significant differences with FO and/or BSFL feeding compared to the control group, but they were within the normal reference range. No adverse clinical signs related to these parameters being affected by FO and BSFL were observed. The feeding of BSFL for 12 weeks reduced the serum cholesterol level (p < 0.05) at the end of the experiment. Our findings suggest the suitability of FO and BSFL as food materials for dogs.
Regulation of Swine Growth by Backfat Tissue during Growing and Finishing Stages
Authors: Seo Young-Jun , Lim Byeonghwi , Kim Do-Young , Lim Kyu-Sang , Kim Jun-Mo
Published: December 2021

Recently, interest in the function of pig backfat (BF) has increased in the field of livestock animals, and many transcriptome-based studies using commercial pig breeds have been conducted. However, there is a lack of comprehensive studies regarding the biological mechanisms of Korean native pigs (KNPs) and Yorkshire pig crossbreeds. In this study, therefore, BF samples of F1 crossbreeds of KNPs and Yorkshire pigs were investigated to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and their related terms using RNA-sequencing analysis. DEG analysis identified 611 DEGs, of which 182 were up-regulated and 429 were down-regulated. Lipid metabolism was identified in the up-regulated genes, whereas growth and maturation-related terminologies were identified in the down-regulated genes. LEP and ACTC1 were identified as highly connected core genes during functional gene network analysis. Fat tissue was observed to affect lipid metabolism and organ development due to hormonal changes driven by transcriptional alteration. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of BF contribution to crossbreeds of KNPs and Yorkshire pigs during growth periods.
Comparative Study of Antimicrobial Properties of Bee Venom Extracts and Melittins of Honey Bees
Authors: Maitip Jakkrawut , Mookhploy Wannapha , Khorndork Supharerk , Chantawannakul Panuwan
Published: December 2021

Bee venom (BV), or apitoxin, is a complex substance produced by a gland in the abdominal cavity of bees. The main component of BV is melittin, which is a largely studied substance due to its biological properties. To date, the most well-known bee venom and melittin are derived from domesticated honey bees, while venom and melittin derived from wild honey bees have been under-investigated. Hence, this study primarily reports the antimicrobial activities of bee venom and synthetic melittin derived from four different honey bee species (Apis mellifera, A. cerana, A. dorsata, and A. florea) in Thailand. All the bee venom extracts and melittins showed more robust antibacterial activities against Gram-positive (Bacillus subtilis, Micrococcus luteus, Staphylococcus aureus, S. aureus MRSA, and S. epidermidis) than Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneuminiae, and Salmonella typhimurium) or a fungus (Candida albicans), while the synthetic melittins also have antimicrobial activity at higher concentrations than the bee venom extract. Furthermore, the A. cerana venom extract showed the highest activity against the tested bacteria, followed by A. mellifera, A. florea, and A. dorsata. Therefore, A. cerana venom may be further developed for use in medical applications as a potential alternative agent against Gram-positive bacteria and antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Anthocyanins: Factors Affecting Their Stability and Degradation
Authors: Enaru Bianca , Drețcanu Georgiana , Pop Teodora Daria , Stǎnilǎ Andreea , Diaconeasa Zorița
Published: December 2021

Anthocyanins are secondary metabolites and water-soluble pigments belonging to the phenolic group, with important functions in nature such as seed dispersal, pollination and development of plant organs. In addition to these important roles in plant life, anthocyanins are also used as natural pigments in various industries, due to the color palette they can produce from red to blue and purple. In addition, recent research has reported that anthocyanins have important antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can be used in the chemoprevention of various diseases such as diabetes, obesity and even cancer. However, anthocyanins have a major disadvantage, namely their low stability. Thus, their stability is influenced by a number of factors such as pH, light, temperature, co-pigmentation, sulfites, ascorbic acid, oxygen and enzymes. As such, this review aims at summarizing the effects of these factors on the stability of anthocyanins and their degradation. From this point of view, it is very important to be precisely aware of the impact that each parameter has on the stability of anthocyanins, in order to minimize their negative action and subsequently potentiate their beneficial health effects.
Crude Saponin from Platycodon grandiflorum Attenuates Aβ-Induced Neurotoxicity via Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Apoptotic Signaling Pathways
Authors: Ji Yun-Jeong , Kim Sujin , Kim Jwa-Jin , Jang Gwi Yeong , Moon Minho , Kim Hyung Don
Published: December 2021

Although Platycodon grandiflorum saponins exhibit many beneficial biological effects in various diseases and conditions, how they protect nerve cells against neurodegenerative diseases and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathology is unknown. We investigated whether P. grandiflorum crude saponin (PGS) protects neurons from neurodegeneration caused by amyloid beta (Aβ)-induced oxidative stress. Hippocampal neuron HT-22 cells were used in the in vitro experiment, and AD mice (5XFAD mice) were used as the in vivo model. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) was stained with DCF-DA and assessed using fluorescence microscopy. To elucidate the mechanism underlying neuroprotection, intracellular protein levels were assessed by western blotting. In 5XFAD mice, an animal model of AD, nerve damage recovery due to the induction of Aβ toxicity was evaluated by histological analysis. PGS attenuates Aβ-induced neurotoxicity by inhibiting Aβ-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and apoptosis in HT-22 cells. Furthermore, PGS upregulated Nrf2-mediated antioxidant signaling and downregulated NF-κB-mediated inflammatory signaling. Additionally, PGS inhibited apoptosis by regulating the expression of apoptosis-associated proteins. In addition, PGS ameliorated Aβ-mediated pathologies, leading to AD-associated cognitive decline. Conclusions: Taken together, these findings suggest that PGS inhibits Aβ accumulation in the subiculum and cerebral cortex and attenuates Aβ toxicity-induced nerve damage in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, PGS is a resource for developing AD therapeutics.
Improved Oxidative Stability and Sensory Quality of Beef Hamburgers Enriched with a Phenolic Extract from Olive Vegetation Water
Authors: Barbieri Sara , Mercatante Dario , Balzan Stefania , Esposto Sonia , Cardenia Vladimiro , Servili Maurizio , Novelli Enrico , Taticchi Agnese , Rodriguez-Estrada Maria Teresa
Published: December 2021

This study aims at evaluating the effect of a phenol-rich extract obtained from the concentration and purification of olive mill wastewaters (added at a ratio of 87.5 and 175 mg of phenols/kg meat) on the stability and sensory quality of beef hamburgers packed under modified atmosphere and stored under alternating exposure to fluorescent light at 4 ± 2 °C for 9 days. The hamburgers were sampled at different times (0, 6, and 9 days) and grilled at 200 °C. After 9 days, more than 56% of the added phenols in the raw burgers and more than 20% the grilled ones were retained. The results show that both concentrations of phenolic extract proved to effectively reduce primary and secondary lipid oxidation, as well as cholesterol oxidation products (COPs), during the shelf-life of raw hamburgers. Peroxide value, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, and total COPs were up to 1.4-, 4.5-, and 8.8-fold lower in phenol-enriched raw hamburgers, respectively, than in the control samples; a similar trend was noted also in phenol-enriched cooked hamburgers (1.3-, 5.7-, and 4-fold lower). The sensory analysis also confirmed the effectiveness of the addition of phenolic extract, resulting in a positive effect on the red color intensity (raw product) and thus reducing browning during storage.
Learning First Aid with a Video Game
Authors: Rebollo Cristina , Gasch Cristina , Remolar Inmaculada , Delgado Daniel
Published: December 2021

Any citizen can be involved in a situation that requires basic first aid knowledge. For this reason, it is important to be trained in this kind of activity. Serious games have been presented as a good option to integrate entertainment into the coaching process. This work presents a video game for mobile platforms which facilitate the formation and training in the PWA (Protect, Warn, Aid) first aid protocol. Users have to overcome a series of challenges to bring theoretical concepts closer to practice. To easily change the point of view of the game play, Augmented Reality technology has been used. In order to make each game looks different, neural networks have been implemented to perform the behavior of the Non-Playable Characters autonomous. Finally, in order to evaluate the quality and playability of the application, as well as the motivation and learning of content, several experiments were carried out with a sample of 50 people aged between 18 and 26. The obtained results confirm the playability and attractiveness of the video game, the increase of interest in learning first aid, as well as the greater fixation of the different concepts dealt with in the video game. The results support that this application facilitates and improves the learning of first aid protocols, making it more enjoyable, attractive, and practical.
The Effect of Chemical Activating Agent on the Properties of Activated Carbon from Sago Waste
Authors: Togibasa Octolia , Mumfaijah Mumfaijah , Allo Yanti Kiding , Dahlan Khaeriah , Ansanay Yane Oktovina
Published: December 2021

The effect of chemical activators on the properties of activated carbon from sago waste was conducted in this study by using ZnCl2, H3PO4, KOH, and KMnO4 chemical solutions. The carbonized sago waste was added to each chemical solution, boiled at 85 °C for 4 h, and heated at 600 °C for 3 h. The porosity, microstructural, proximate, and surface chemistry analyses were carried out using nitrogen adsorption with employing the Brunauer Emmett Teller (BET) method and the Barret-Joyner-Halenda (BJH) calculation, scanning electron microscopy by using energy dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometer, simultaneous thermogravimetric analysis system, and the Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The results showed that the activated carbon prepared using ZnCl2 acid had the highest specific surface area of 546.61 m2/g, while the KOH activating agent surpassed other chemicals in terms of a refined structure and morphology, with the lowest ash content of 10.90%. The surface chemistry study revealed that ZnCl2 and KOH activated carbon showed phenol and carboxylate groups. Hence, ZnCl2 acid was suggested as activating agents for micropore carbon, while KOH was favorable to producing a mesopore-activated carbon from sago waste.
Digital Content Creation Tools: American University Teachers’ Perception
Authors: Antón-Sancho Álvaro , Vergara Diego , Lamas-Álvarez Victoria Eugenia , Fernández-Arias Pablo
Published: December 2021

This paper studies the perception of Latin American university teachers about the effectiveness of digital content creation (DCC) tools for the creation of e-learning training actions. For this purpose, the opinions of a group of 564 teachers from different universities in 16 Latin American countries have been collected and their answers have been analyzed according to different sociological and academic characteristics (gender, age, teaching experience, area of knowledge, and academic degree). The results indicate that Latin American university teachers express high levels of digital training and highly value the didactic effectiveness of DCC tools to develop e-learning training actions. This valuation is significantly higher among females than males. Gender is also revealed as the most influential characteristic in the perception of teachers about the use of digital resources in the classroom, above any other aspect.
Tip and Torque Accuracy According to the ISO 27020:2019 Norm in Currently Available Pre-Adjusted Orthodontic Brackets
Authors: Bernes Martinez Laura , Garcovich Daniele , Alvarado Lorenzo Alfonso , Zhou Wu Angel , Aiuto Riccardo , Adobes Martin Milagros
Published: December 2021

Background: The precision of bracket manufacturing is fundamental to ensure the correct expression of the inbuilt information. The objective of this study was to determine the actual tip and torque values of a pool of stainless steel brackets, pre-adjusted according to the MBT prescription values, and to compare these actual values with those stated by the manufacturers in order to test their compliance with the tolerance limits reported in the ISO 27020:2019. Methods: A sample of 360 stainless steel brackets, from 12 different providers, were evaluated. All brackets had a nominal slot size of 0.022 in., belonged to the upper right central incisor, and were manufactured with the metal injection molding technique (MIM). For each provider, three different batches of the same bracket series were tested. A single-blind design was used for bracket coding. Results: Only five systems displayed torque mean values that matched the declared values (p > 0.05). Only one system did not respect the tolerance limits established in the ISO 27020:2019 norm. The tip values were different from those declared in seven of the assessed systems; however, none exceeded the tolerance limits. The inter-batch variability in most cases was not statistically significant. Conclusions: In most of the assessed systems, there can be a difference between the actual and the declared torque values, while tip information is usually accurately incorporated into the bracket slot. Lack of precision in the manufacturing process can reduce the efficacy of the appliance and force the clinician to compensate for dimensional inaccuracy through wire bending.
Evaluation of Active Layer Thickness Influence in Long-Term Stability and Degradation Mechanisms in CsFAPbIBr Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: López-González Mari Carmen , del Pozo Gonzalo , Martín-Martín Diego , Muñoz-Díaz Laura , Pérez-Martínez José Carlos , Hernández-Balaguera Enrique , Arredondo Belén , Galagan Yulia , Najafi Mehrdad , Romero Beatriz
Published: December 2021

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have become very popular due to the high efficiencies achieved. Nevertheless, one of the main challenges for their commercialization is to solve their instability issues. A thorough understanding of the processes taking place in the device is key for the development of this technology. Herein, J-V measurements have been performed to characterize PSCs with different active layer thicknesses. The solar cells’ parameters in pristine devices show no significant dependence on the active layer thickness. However, the evolution of the solar cells’ efficiency under ISOS-L1 protocol reveals a dramatic burn-in degradation, more pronounced for thicker devices. Samples were also characterized using impedance spectroscopy (IS) at different degradation stages, and data were fitted to a three RC/RCPE circuit. The low frequency capacitance in the thickest samples suffers a strong increase with time, which suggests a significant growth in the mobile ion population. This increase in the ion density partially screens the electric field, which yields a reduction in the extracted current and, consequently, the efficiency. This paper has been validated with two-dimensional numerical simulations that corroborate (i) the decrease in the internal electric field in dark conditions in 650 nm devices, and (ii) the consequent reduction in the carrier drift and, therefore, of the effective current extraction and efficiency.
Operando XAS of a Bifunctional Gas Diffusion Electrode for Zn-Air Batteries under Realistic Application Conditions
Authors: Marini Emanuele , Oliveira De Souza Danilo , Aquilanti Giuliana , Liebert Michael , Rossi Francesca , Bozzini Benedetto
Published: December 2021

In this study, operando X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) measurements were carried out on a newly developed O2 bi-functional gas diffusion electrode (GDE) for rechargeable Zn-air batteries, consisting of a mixture of α-MnO2 and carbon black. The architecture and composition of the GDE, as well as the electrochemical cell, were designed to achieve optimum edge-jumps and signal-to-noise ratio in the absorption spectra for the Mn K-edge at current densities that are relevant for practical conditions. Herein, we reported the chemical changes that occur on the MnO2 component when the GDE is tested under normal operating conditions, during both battery discharge (ORR) and charge (OER), on the background of more critical conditions that simulate oxygen starvation in a flooded electrode.
FE-Aided Synchronization Analysis of Line-Start Synchronous Reluctance Motors
Authors: Seo Un-Jae , Kim Dong-Jun , Han Pil-Wan , Chun Yon-Do
Published: December 2021

Since line-start synchronous permanent magnet motors (LSPMs) entered the market, they have attracted research interest toward counterpart induction motors of low power-ratings. This paper reports an investigation of line-start synchronous reluctance motors (LS-SynRMs). LS-SynRMs has not been investigated as much as LSPMs have. A motor needs to maximize rotor saliency to achieve high efficiency and a high power-factor. This results in complicated rotor geometry because the rotor cage and multiple flux barriers share the same rotor space. This paper provides an approximate method based on steady state torque analysis by which to estimate the critical inertia of a LS-SynRM. A finite element analysis (FEA)-aided analytical approach to the approximation of steady state torque is proposed to replace the more typical approach based on equivalent circuit parameters. The critical inertia resulting from the proposed method is compared to the results obtained using the FEA.
Methylammonium Lead Tri-Iodide Perovskite Solar Cells with Varying Equimolar Concentrations of Perovskite Precursors
Authors: Parashar Mritunjaya , Kaul Anupama B.
Published: December 2021

During recent years, power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of organic-inorganic halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have shown remarkable progress. The emergence of various thin film deposition processes to produce perovskite films, notably using solution processing techniques, can be credited in part for this achievement. The engineering of chemical precursors using solution processing routes is a powerful approach for enabling low-cost and scalable solar fabrication processes. In the present study, we have conducted a systematic study to tune the equimolar precursor ratio of the organic halide (methylammonium iodide; MAI) and metal halide (lead iodide; PbI2) in a fixed solvent mixture of N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF):dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO). The surface morphology, optical characteristics, and crystallinity of the films produced with these four distinct solutions were investigated, and our analysis shows that the MAI:PbI2 (1.5:1.5) film is optimal under the current conditions. The PSCs fabricated from the (1.5:1.5) formulation were then integrated into the n-i-p solar cell architecture on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) substrates, which exhibited a PCE of ~14.56%. Stability testing on this PSC device without encapsulation at 29 °C (ambient temperature) and 60% relative humidity (RH) under one-sun illumination while keeping the device at its maximum power point showed the device retained ~60% of initial PCE value after 10 h of continuous operation. Moreover, the recombination analysis between all four formulations showed that the bimolecular recombination and trap-assisted recombination appeared to be suppressed in the more optimal (1.5:1.5) PSC device when compared to the other formulations used in the n-i-p PSC architecture.
Comparative Analysis of Surface Pressure Fluctuations of High-Speed Train Running in Open-Field and Tunnel Using LES and Wavenumber-Frequency Analysis
Authors: Lee Songjune , Cheong Cheolung , Kim Byunghee , Kim Jaehwan
Published: December 2021

The interior noise of a high-speed train due to the external flow disturbance is more than ever a major problem for product developers to consider during a design state. Since the external surface pressure field induces wall panel vibration of a high-speed train, which in turn generates the interior sound, the first step for low interior noise design is to characterize the surface pressure fluctuations due to external disturbance. In this study, the external flow field of a high-speed train cruising at a speed of 300 km/h in open-field and tunnel are numerically investigated using high-resolution compressible LES (large eddy simulation) techniques, with a focus on characterizing fluctuating surface pressure field according to surrounding conditions of the cruising train, i.e., open-field and tunnel. First, compressible LES schemes with high-resolution grids were employed to accurately predict the exterior flow and acoustic fields around a high-speed train simultaneously. Then, the predicted fluctuating pressure field on the wall panel surface of a train was decomposed into incompressible and compressible ones using the wavenumber-frequency transform, given that the incompressible pressure wave induced by the turbulent eddies within the boundary layer is transported approximately at the mean flow and the compressible pressure wave propagated at the vector sum of the sound speed and the mean flow velocity. Lastly, the power levels due to each pressure field were computed and compared between open-field and tunnel. It was found that there is no significant difference in the power levels of incompressible surface pressure fluctuations between the two cases. However, the decomposed compressible one in the tunnel case is higher by about 2~10 dB than in the open-field case. This result reveals that the increased interior sound of the high-speed train running in a tunnel is due to the compressible surface pressure field.
Rheological Approaches of Wheat Flour Dough Enriched with Germinated Soybean and Lentil
Authors: Ungureanu-Iuga Mădălina , Atudorei Denisa , Codină Georgiana Gabriela , Mironeasa Silvia
Published: December 2021

Germination is a convenient technique that could be used to enhance the nutritional profile of legumes. Furthermore, consumers’ increasing demand for diversification of bakery products represents an opportunity to use such germinated flours in wheat-based products. Thus, this study aimed to underline the effects of soybean germinated flour (SGF) and lentil germinated flour (LGF) on the rheological behavior of dough during different processing stages and to optimize the addition level. For this purpose, flour falling number, dough properties during mixing, extension, fermentation, and dynamic rheological characteristics were evaluated. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used for the optimization of SGF and LGF addition levels in wheat flour, optimal and control samples microstructures being also investigated through epifluorescence light microscopy (EFLM). The results revealed that increased SGF and LGF addition levels led to curve configuration ratio, visco-elastic moduli, and maximum gelatinization temperature rises, while the falling number, water absorption, dough extensibility, and baking strength decreased. The interaction between SGF and LGF significantly influenced (p < 0.05) the falling number, dough consistency after 450 s, baking strength, curve configuration ratio, viscous modulus, and maximum gelatinization temperature. The optimal sample was found to contain 5.60% SGF and 3.62% LGF added in wheat flour, with a significantly lower falling number, water absorption, tolerance to kneading, dough consistency, extensibility, and initial gelatinization temperature being observed, while dough tenacity, the maximum height of gaseous production, total CO2 volume production, the volume of the gas retained in the dough at the end of the test, visco-elastic moduli and maximum gelatinization temperatures were higher compared to the control. These results underlined the effects of SGF and LGF on wheat dough rheological properties and could be helpful for novel bakery products development.