bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aquaponics as a Promising Strategy to Mitigate Impacts of Climate Change on Rainbow Trout Culture
Authors: Vasdravanidis Christos , Alvanou Maria V. , Lattos Athanasios , Papadopoulos Dimitrios K. , Chatzigeorgiou Ioanna , Ravani Maria , Liantas Georgios , Georgoulis Ioannis , Feidantsis Konstantinos , Ntinas Georgios K. , Giantsis Ioannis A.
Published: September 2022

The impact of climate change on both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems tends to become more progressively pronounced and devastating over the years. The sector of aquaculture is severely affected by natural abiotic factors, on account of climate change, that lead to various undesirable phenomena, including aquatic species mortalities and decreased productivity owing to oxidative and thermal stress of the reared organisms. Novel innovative technologies, such as aquaponics that are based on the co-cultivation of freshwater fish with plants in a sustainable manner under the context of controlled abiotic factors, represent a promising tool for mitigating the effect of climate change on reared fish. The rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) constitutes one of the major freshwater-reared fish species, contributing to the national economies of numerous countries, and more specifically, to regional development, supporting mountainous areas of low productivity. However, it is highly vulnerable to climate change effects, mainly due to the concrete raceways, in which it is reared, that are constructed on the flow-through of rivers and are, therefore, dependent on water’s physical properties. The current review study evaluates the suitability, progress, and challenges of developing innovative and sustainable aquaponic systems to rear rainbow trout in combination with the cultivation of plants. Although not commercially developed to a great extent yet, research has shown that the rainbow trout is a valuable experimental model for aquaponics that may be also commercially exploited in the future. In particular, abiotic factors required in rainbow trout farming along, with the high protein proportion required in the ratios due to the strict carnivorous feeding behavior, result in high nitrate production that can be utilized by plants as a source of nitrogen in an aquaponic system. Intensive farming of rainbow trout in aquaponic systems can be controlled using digital monitoring of the system parameters, mitigating the obstacles originating from extreme temperature fluctuations.
Survey of Management Practices and Farmers’ Perceptions of Diseases on Organic Dairy Cattle Farms in California
Authors: Cheong Sejin , Di Francesco Juliette , Lee Kyuyoung , Van Vleck Pereira Richard , Black Randi , Karle Betsy , Lema Melissa , Pires Alda F. A.
Published: September 2022

In 2019, California accounted for approximately 40% of organic products in the US, and dairy products and milk were the top organic commodity in the state. The objective of this study was to describe organic dairy cattle farmers’ management practices and perceptions of diseases in California. A survey inquiring about farm history and demographics, animal diseases, parasite problems, housing and pasture management, and organic education, was mailed to 160 organic dairy farms, of which 36 (22.5%) responded. Among respondents, the majority (83.9%) were located in Northern California; median farm size was 310 cows, and the dominant breed was Holstein (60.0%). Respondents were more likely to report mastitis in cows (45.2%), pinkeye in heifers (31.3%), and digestive problems in calves (47.0%), as issues affecting their stock “often” or “almost always” in the last 12 months. Although most farmers vaccinated their cattle against Bovine Viral Diarrhea (86.1%) and Escherichia coli mastitis (80.6%), they still described that these diseases frequently impacted their animals. Over half of the farmers did not perceive gastrointestinal parasites or biting flies to be a problem and did not observe signs of lice and mites. According to the results, the management of disease in all age classes is a concern; options and efficacies of alternative therapeutic methods, as well as preventive measures for organic dairies need to be further explored.
Methods of Radiographic Measurements of Heart and Left Atrial Size in Dogs with and without Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease: Intra- and Interobserver Agreement and Practicability of Different Methods
Authors: Levicar Charanthorn , Nolte Ingo , Granados-Soler José Luis , Freise Fritjof , Raue Jonathan Friedemann , Bach Jan-Peter
Published: September 2022

Dogs suffering from Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease (MMVD) show a potential heart enlargement, especially in the left atrium, detectable by radiography. Due to digital radiography, different radiographic measurements estimate cardiac size quite uncomplicatedly. The Vertebral Heart Size (VHS), Radiographic Left Atrial Dimension (RLAD), Left Atrial Width (LAWidth), and the Vertebral Left Atrial Size (VLAS) used anatomical landmarks for measuring cardiac size in relation to the vertebral column. This study aimed to compare VHS, RLAD, LAWidth, and VLAS measured in conventional and inverted radiographs by veterinarians with different levels of experience in healthy dogs and dogs with MMVD. The reliability and user-friendliness of these measurements were evaluated, and the staging was compared to the echocardiography staging. A total of 50 unaffected dogs and 150 dogs with MMVD in stages B1, B2, and C were assessed. Three veterinarians with different levels of experience examined 200 conventional radiographs and their corresponding inverted radiographs blinded to the echocardiographic and clinical examination results. Analyses were performed to compare the measurements’ grading and determine anatomical landmarks with measurement difficulties. Additionally, inter- and intraobserver agreement was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficient, and the agreement between radiographic and echocardiographic staging was compared using the kappa coefficient. The VHS, LAWidth, and VLAS were easier to define than the RLAD. The interobserver agreement was almost perfect for VHS (0.962) and good for the other radiographic measurements (RLAD: 0.778, LAWidth: 0.772, VLAS: 0.858). The VHS assigned the most dogs to the correct stage. However, VHS, RLAD, LAWidth, and VLAS presented an almost perfect intraobserver agreement. The dorsal left atrial margin of the RLAD was the most difficult measurement point to identify. The VHS is the most reproducible radiographic method for measuring the canine heart size and shows the highest agreement with echocardiography. An observer-related influence could be detected for RLAD, LAWidth, and VLAS.
Comprehensive Genome and Plasmidome Analysis of Antimicrobial Resistant Bacteria in Wastewater Treatment Plant Effluent of Tokyo
Authors: Sekizuka Tsuyoshi , Tanaka Rina , Hashino Masanori , Yatsu Koji , Kuroda Makoto
Published: September 2022

To characterize environmental antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in urban areas, extended-spectrum β-lactamase- (ESBL)/carbapenemase-producing bacteria (EPB/CPB, respectively) from urban wastewater treatment plant effluents in Tokyo were isolated on CHROMagar ESBL plate. Complete genome sequence analysis, including plasmids, indicated that 126 CTX-M-positive isolates (31%) were identified among the 404 obtained isolates. The CTX-M-9 group was predominant (n = 65, 52%), followed by the CTX-M-1 group (n = 44, 35%). Comparative genome analysis revealed that CTX-M-27-positive E. coli O16:H5-ST131-fimH41 exhibited a stable genome structure and clonal-global dissemination. Plasmidome network analysis revealed that 304 complete plasmid sequences among 85 isolates were grouped into 14 incompatibility (Inc) network communities (Co1 to Co14). Co10 consisted of primarily IncFIA/IncFIB plasmids harboring blaCTX-M in E. coli, whereas Co12 consisted primarily of IncFIA(HI1)/Inc FIB(K) plasmids harboring blaCTX-M, blaKPC, and blaGES in Klebsiella spp. Co11 was markedly located around Co10 and Co12. Co11 exhibited blaCTX-M, blaKPC, and blaNDM, and was mainly detected in E. coli and Klebsiella spp. from human and animal sources, suggesting a mutual role of Co11 in horizontal gene transfer between E. coli and Klebsiella spp. This comprehensive resistome analysis uncovers the mode of relational transfer among bacterial species, highlighting the potential source of AMR burden on public health in urban communities.
A New Graphic Type Differentiation of Cell Account Determination for Distinguishing Acute Periprosthetic Joint Infection from Hemarthrosis
Authors: Fink Bernd , Hoyka Marius , Weissbarth Elke , Schuster Philipp , Berger Irina
Published: September 2022

Aims: This study evaluates the value of a new graphic representation of cell count data of synovial fluid in the diagnosis of acute periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). Methods: A total of 75 patients with revisions of 48 primary total knee and 27 hip arthroplasties within the first six weeks after surgery were analyzed with cultivation of the synovial fluid and determination of its cell count as well as microbiological and histological analyses of the periprosthetic tissue obtained during the revision surgery using the ICM classification. The synovial fluid was additionally analyzed for graphic representation of the measured cells using LMNE-matrices. Results: A total of 38 patients (50.7%) had an infection. The following types of LMNE matrices could be differentiated: the indeterminate type (IV) in 14.7%, the infection type (II) in 5.3%, the hematoma type (V) in 33.3%, and the mixed type (VI; infection and hematoma) in 46.7%. Differentiation of LMNE types into infection (types II and VI) and non-infection (types IV and V) resulted in a sensitivity of 100%, a specificity of 97.3%, and a positive likelihood ratio of 37.0. The cell count measurement showed a sensitivity of 78.9%, a specificity of 89.2%, and a positive likelihood ratio of 7.3 at a cut-off of 10,000 cells. The percentage of polymorphonuclear leukocytes showed a sensitivity of 34.2%, a specificity of 100%, and a positive likelihood ratio of >200 at a cut-off of 90%. Conclusion: The graphic representation of the cell count analysis of synovial aspirates is a new and helpful method for differentiating between genuine early periprosthetic infections and postoperative hemarthrosis.
Comparison between Ceftriaxone and Sulbactam-Ampicillin as Initial Treatment of Community-Acquired Pneumonia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Kato Hideo , Hagihara Mao , Asai Nobuhiro , Hirai Jun , Yamagishi Yuka , Iwamoto Takuya , Mikamo Hiroshige
Published: September 2022

Current guidelines recommend the use of ceftriaxone and sulbactam-ampicillin for the initial treatment of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). However, there are no clear data on these guidelines. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the effectiveness of ceftriaxone and sulbactam-ampicillin in the initial treatment of CAP. The Embase, Scopus, PubMed, Ichushi, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature databases were systematically searched from inception to July 2022. The studies included patients who received ceftriaxone or sulbactam-ampicillin as the initial antibiotic therapy for CAP. The mortality and clinical cure rates were evaluated. Of the 2152 citations identified for screening, four studies were included. Results of the pooled analysis indicated no significant differences in the mortality and clinical cure rates between patients treated with ceftriaxone and those treated with sulbactam-ampicillin (mortality, odds ratio [OR]: 1.85, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.57–5.96; clinical cure rate, OR: 1.08, 95% CI: 0.18–6.44). This study supports the guidelines for CAP treatment, though further studies are needed to obtain a deeper understanding.
Targeting NRF2 Sensitizes Esophageal Adenocarcinoma Cells to Cisplatin through Induction of Ferroptosis and Apoptosis
Authors: Ballout Farah , Lu Heng , Chen Zheng , Hu Tianling , Chen Lei , Washington Mary Kay , El-Rifai Wael , Peng Dunfa
Published: September 2022

Esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), the predominant type of esophageal cancer in the United States, develops through Barrett’s esophagus (BE)-dysplasia-carcinoma cascade. Gastroesophageal reflux disease, where acidic bile salts refluxate into the esophagus, is the main risk factor for the development of BE and its progression to EAC. The NFE2-related factor 2 (NRF2) is the master cellular antioxidant regulator. We detected high NRF2 protein levels in the EAC cell lines and primary tissues. Knockdown of NRF2 significantly enhanced acidic bile salt-induced oxidative stress, DNA damage, and inhibited EAC cell growth. Brusatol, an NRF2 inhibitor, significantly inhibited NRF2 transcriptional activity and downregulated the NRF2 target genes. We discovered that in addition to inducing apoptosis, Brusatol alone or in combination with cisplatin (CDDP) induced significant lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis, as evidenced by reduced xCT and GPX4 expression, two known ferroptosis markers. The combination of Brusatol and CDDP significantly inhibited EAC tumor xenograft growth in vivo and confirmed the in vitro data showing ferroptosis as an important mechanism in the tumors treated with Brusatol or Brusatol and CDDP combination. Our data support the role of NRF2 in protecting against stress-induced apoptosis and ferroptosis in EACs. Targeting NRF2 in combination with platinum therapy can be an effective strategy for eliminating cancer cells in EAC.
Cordyceps militaris—Fruiting Bodies, Mycelium, and Supplements: Valuable Component of Daily Diet
Authors: Jędrejko Karol , Kała Katarzyna , Sułkowska-Ziaja Katarzyna , Krakowska Agata , Zięba Piotr , Marzec Krystian , Szewczyk Agnieszka , Sękara Agnieszka , Pytko-Polończyk Jolanta , Muszyńska Bożena
Published: September 2022

Cordyceps militaris has long been used in Eastern medicine for alleviating fatigue and as an immunostimulant. The present study aimed to determine the content of biologically active substances (bioelements and organic compounds), the total phenolic content, and the antioxidant activity of fruiting bodies (commercially available and self-cultivated), mycelia, and two food supplements. The results show that substrate composition and cultivation method had an influence on the properties of mushroom materials. An important aspect of the study is the estimation of the content of bioactive substances present after extraction into digestive juices in the artificial gastrointestinal tract model, which can allow for determining the amount of these substances that is potentially bioavailable for the human body. The best results for cordycepin (81.4 mg/100 g d.w.) and lovastatin (53.6 mg/100 g d.w.) were achieved for commercially available food supplements. Furthermore, after digestion in artificial intestinal juice, the highest amount of cordycepin was determined in the fruiting bodies from commercially obtained (25.9 mg/100 g d.w.) and self-cultivated mushroom (25.8 mg/100 g d.w.). In conclusion, the mycelium and fruiting bodies of C. militaris are ideal food supplements and pharmaceutical agents and can serve as a good source of prohealth substances potentially bioavailable for humans.
Household Processing Methods and Their Impact on Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activities of Sweetpotato Genotypes of Varying Storage Root Flesh Colours
Authors: Amagloh Flora C. , Kaaya Archileo N. , Tumuhimbise Gaston A. , Katungisa Arnold , Amagloh Francis K. , Yada Benard
Published: September 2022

Sweetpotato storage roots, peeled and unpeeled, of varying flesh colours (white, cream, yellow, pale orange, deep orange, and purple) were spectrophotometrically evaluated for their bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities. Roots were boiled, steamed, baked, fried, or microwaved. The unpeeled roots had relatively higher (p < 0.001) bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities than the peeled ones. All cooking methods increased phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and tannins in all genotypes. Significant losses of total carotenoids occurred with all cooking methods (ranging from 24.18 to 172.76 µg/g in raw sweetpotatoes vs. 10.06 to 118.17 µg/g in cooked ones; p < 0.001), except the deep-orange-fleshed genotype, in which frying slightly increased carotenoids from 269.81 to 304.74 µg/g. Microwaving retained 69% vitamin C in the cream-fleshed one, the highest among the cooking methods. Anthocyanins decreased with baking and frying in the purple-fleshed one but increased with other methods; microwaving being highest at 13.9% (17.43 mg/g). While the 2,2′-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid antioxidant activity decreased with all cooking techniques in some genotypes, ferricyanide-reducing antioxidant potential increased. The retention of bioactive compounds in sweetpotato storage roots depends on the processing method. Thus, to obtain the most health benefits, consumers should use different cooking methods but retain the peels.
Nitrated Fatty-Acids Distribution in Storage Biomolecules during Arabidopsis thaliana Development
Authors: Aranda-Caño Lorena , Valderrama Raquel , Chaki Mounira , Begara-Morales Juan C. , Melguizo Manuel , Barroso Juan B.
Published: September 2022

The non-enzymatic interaction of polyunsaturated fatty acids with nitric oxide (NO) and derived species results in the formation of nitrated fatty acids (NO2-FAs). These signaling molecules can release NO, reversibly esterify with complex lipids, and modulate protein function through the post-translational modification called nitroalkylation. To date, NO2-FAs act as signaling molecules during plant development in plant systems and are involved in defense responses against abiotic stress conditions. In this work, the previously unknown storage biomolecules of NO2-FAs in Arabidopsis thaliana were identified. In addition, the distribution of NO2-FAs in storage biomolecules during plant development was determined, with phytosterol esters (SE) and TAGs being reservoir biomolecules in seeds, which were replaced by phospholipids and proteins in the vegetative, generative, and senescence stages. The detected esterified NO2-FAs were nitro-linolenic acid (NO2-Ln), nitro-oleic acid (NO2-OA), and nitro-linoleic acid (NO2-LA). The last two were detected for the first time in Arabidopsis. The levels of the three NO2-FAs that were esterified in both lipid and protein storage biomolecules showed a decreasing pattern throughout Arabidopsis development. Esterification of NO2-FAs in phospholipids and proteins highlights their involvement in both biomembrane dynamics and signaling processes, respectively, during Arabidopsis plant development.
Oxidative Stress and Emergence of Psychosis
Authors: Rambaud Victoria , Marzo Aude , Chaumette Boris
Published: September 2022

Treatment and prevention strategies for schizophrenia require knowledge about the mechanisms involved in the psychotic transition. Increasing evidence suggests a redox imbalance in schizophrenia patients. This narrative review presents an overview of the scientific literature regarding blood oxidative stress markers’ evolution in the early stages of psychosis and chronic patients. Studies investigating peripheral levels of oxidative stress in schizophrenia patients, first episode of psychosis or UHR individuals were considered. A total of 76 peer-reviewed articles published from 1991 to 2022 on PubMed and EMBASE were included. Schizophrenia patients present with increased levels of oxidative damage to lipids in the blood, and decreased levels of non-enzymatic antioxidants. Genetic studies provide evidence for altered antioxidant functions in patients. Antioxidant blood levels are decreased before psychosis onset and blood levels of oxidative stress correlate with symptoms severity in patients. Finally, adjunct treatment of antipsychotics with the antioxidant N-acetyl cysteine appears to be effective in schizophrenia patients. Further studies are required to assess its efficacy as a prevention strategy. Redox imbalance might contribute to the pathophysiology of emerging psychosis and could serve as a therapeutic target for preventive or adjunctive therapies, as well as biomarkers of disease progression.
Effects of Compound Polysaccharides Derived from Astragalus and Glycyrrhiza on Growth Performance, Meat Quality and Antioxidant Function of Broilers Based on Serum Metabolomics and Cecal Microbiota
Authors: Qiao Yingying , Guo Yongpeng , Zhang Wei , Guo Weibing , Oleksandr Kyselov , Bozhko Nataliia , Wang Zhixiang , Liu Changzhong
Published: September 2022

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation of compound polysaccharides derived from Astragalus and Glycyrrhiza on growth performance, meat quality, antioxidant function, cecal microbiota and serum metabolomics of broilers. A total of 480 one-day-old male Arbor Acres (AA) broilers were randomly divided into four treatments with six replicates comprising 20 broilers each. Treatments: CON group was the basal diet; ANT group was supplemented with Terramycin calcium; LAG group was supplemented with 150 mg/kg Astragalus polysaccharides and 75 mg/kg Glycyrrhiza polysaccharides; HAG group was supplemented with 300 mg/kg Astragalus polysaccharides and 150 mg/kg Glycyrrhiza polysaccharides. The results showed that LAG and HAG supplementation increased growth performance, antioxidant function and meat quality compared with the CON group and ANT group and, especially, the effect of LAG treatment was better than HAG. Analysis of cecal microbiota showed that LAG and HAG supplementation altered cecal microbial diversity and composition in broilers. Serum metabolomics analysis showed that a total of 193 differential metabolites were identified in CON and LAG groups, which were mainly enriched in linoleic acid metabolism and glutathione metabolism pathways. Moreover, there was a close correlation between serum metabolites, cecal microbiota and phenotypic indicators. Conclusion: Dietary supplementation of 150 mg/kg Astragalus polysaccharides and 75 mg/kg Glycyrrhiza polysaccharides could improve the growth performance, antioxidant function and meat quality of broilers by changing the serum metabolites and cecal microbiota composition.
Illuminant Adaptive Wideband Image Synthesis Using Separated Base-Detail Layer Fusion Maps
Authors: Park Cheul-Woo , Kwon Hyuk-Ju , Lee Sung-Hak
Published: September 2022

In this study, we present a wideband image synthesis technique for day and night object identification. To synthesize the visible and near-infrared images, a base component and a detailed component are first decomposed using a bilateral filter, and the detailed component is synthesized using a local variance map. In addition, considering the difference in the near-infrared image characteristics between daytime and nighttime, the base components are synthesized using a luminance saturation region map and depth and penetration map using a joint bilateral filter. The proposed method overcomes the partial over- or under-exposure caused by sunlight and infrared auxiliary light, which is experienced variously in wideband imaging, and improves the identification of objects in various indoor and outdoor images compared with that achieved by existing methods by emphasizing detailed components.
Linear Tool Path-Smoothing Method in High-Speed Machining Based on Error Feasible Area and Curvature Optimization
Authors: Yang Xuefeng , You Youpeng
Published: September 2022

Linear tool path is widely used in high-speed NC machining. However, the geometrical discontinuity of the corner between the linear tool paths will lead to fluctuations in speed, acceleration and jerk, which can excite machinery vibration and reduce the machining efficiency and surface quality. To solve these problems, a novel corner smoothing method based on error feasible area and curvature optimization is proposed in this paper. Compared with most traditional corner smoothing methods using higher-order curves with all control points lying in the straight segment and inside of the tool path, the proposed method constructs B-spline transition curves with smaller curvatures to smooth the corners by reasonably distributing the curve control points inside and outside the straight line segment of the tool path (i.e., error feasible area). Furthermore, the corner transition curve is optimized by the minimum curve curvature extreme to improve the smoothness of the corner transition curve and reduce fluctuation in the kinematic profiles while respecting the G3 continuity (i.e., curvature-smooth), transition length limits and the uniqueness of curvature extremum. Finally, the simulation results show that the proposed method can reduce the curvature value and improve the smoothness of the curve and the minimum transitional velocity of the corner, which means that it can enhance machining efficiency and weaken machining vibration. The feasibility and effectiveness of the method are also verified.
Research on the Compound Jamming Method against FDA-MIMO Beamforming
Authors: Chen Yang , Tian Bo , Wang Chunyang , Gong Jian , Zhao Yingjian
Published: September 2022

Frequency diverse array multiple-input multiple-output (FDA-MIMO) radar solves the problem of angle pointing and range pointing during beam transmission due to its unique range-angle dimension dependent, which gives it good characteristics against main lobe deceptive jamming. Moreover, the current single range dimension deceptive jamming is easy to be identified and cannot form an effective jamming effect on FDA-MIMO radar. To address this problem, this paper proposes a compound jamming method of suppression and range deceptive against FDA-MIMO beamforming. Compared with the traditional deceptive jamming method, this method can reasonably utilize the beam gain, and minimum variance distortionless response (MVDR) adaptive beamforming cannot significantly reduce the power of the jamming, thus avoiding the jamming being weakened at the beamforming level, and the jamming may appear in different range bins, causing significant suppression and range deceptive compound jamming effects on FDA-MIMO radar in the range dimension. The simulation verified that the compound jamming method can effectively interfere with the FDA-MIMO radar at the beam-forming level, and the jamming effect is good.
The Design and Implementation of an IoT Sensor-Based Indoor Air Quality Monitoring System Using Off-the-Shelf Devices
Authors: Yasin Alim , Delaney James , Cheng Chi-Tsun , Pang Toh Yen
Published: September 2022

IAQ monitoring studies have gained renewed interest post COVID-19. Furthermore, accessibility to the corresponding enabling technologies has improved considerably in terms of cost and requisite knowledge. This paper aims to outline the key decisions involved for researchers and building managers alike to seek to implement their own environmental monitoring study using commercially available hardware and software. To do so, this paper first outlines the essential elements or building blocks of an IoT architecture, detailing the design criteria for selecting various hardware and software. Secondly, it outlines the process of integrating these different components and the flow of data from IoT device to databases and end-user applications. To demonstrate this process, an IAQ monitoring study was conducted at an open-plan office. Our results demonstrated the framework can be adapted to different worksites with minor modifications and provide the flexibility to interchange components. The data collected can be easily integrated into open-source analytic software for visualization and to make informed decisions to manage IAQ. It is through this process that we provide recommendations on how other users may adopt similar frameworks.
Dendritic Cells (DCs)-Based Cancer Immunotherapy: A Review on the Prospects of Medicinal Plants and Their Phytochemicals as Potential Pharmacological Modulators
Authors: Ahmed Md. Selim , Uddin Md Jamal , Hossen Muhammad Jahangir , Rahman Md. Ataur , Mohibbullah Md. , Hannan Md. Abdul , Choi Jae-Suk
Published: September 2022

Dendritic cells (DCs) are specialized antigen-presenting cells in humans and animals that provide antigen-specific T-cell immunity in the body. It also establishes a linkage between innate and adaptive immune responses. Various studies have shown that malignancies or cancer may impair DCs and effector T-cell functions. DCs have now become a new molecular target for the treatment of cancer. Modified matured DCs could be novel biological modifiers to treat various diseases, including cancer. This review aims to provide an update on the impacts of various plant materials and their phytochemicals on DC-based cancer immunotherapy. Existing literature on DC-based cancer immunotherapy and plant-based pharmacological modulators has been explored over the last decade using various online databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, and Scopus. Mounting evidence from preclinical and clinical findings suggests that various plants and their bioactive phytochemicals are effective in modulating the immune system and signaling pathways involved in anti-tumor immunity. Despite the prospective role of herbs in DC-based cancer immunotherapy, most of the studies are limited by either preclinical models or crude plant extracts. This review provides a useful perspective for developing potential plant-derived pharmacological modulators in DC-based cancer immunotherapy.
Intensification of the Extraction Yield of Eucalyptus globulus Phenolic Compounds with Pulsed Electric Field
Authors: Toumi Manel Nardjes , Benyamina Abdelfettah , Bouzidi Mohamed Ali , Semmak Abdelkader , Bellebna Yassine , Toumi Fawzia , Tilmatine Amar
Published: September 2022

Eucalyptus extract-based pharmaceutical products are widely used because of their medicinal properties and their rich content of secondary metabolites, mainly phenolic compounds. This study aimed to maximise the extraction yield of these compounds and reduce the extraction duration by using a pulsed electric field (PEF) level of 6 kV/cm. The pulse width (T), number of pulses (n), and solvent concentration [C] were analysed. Several ethanolic extracts were obtained from the leaves of Eucalyptus globulus, and the content of total phenols, total flavonoids, and condensed tannins was measured through spectrophotometry. The results, obtained immediately after PEF treatment, revealed that for optimal values of the analysed factors, the total phenol content doubled and the flavonoid content increased significantly. However, PEF pre-treatment had no effect on the tannin yield. Moreover, optimisation was performed using the design of experiments methodology for identifying optimal values of the analysed factors.
Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games: Effect of Gamification on Future Physical Education Teachers
Authors: Pérez-Muñoz Salvador , Sánchez Muñoz Antonio , De Mena Ramos José Manuel , Rodríguez-Cayetano Alberto
Published: September 2022

Gamification is a new methodological tool in the field of physical education and sports sciences, which seeks to generate a formative change in educational centers and in the training of future teachers. The aim of the research was to analyze the effect of gamification on motivation, basic psychological needs and cooperative learning of prospective physical education teachers. The sample consisted of 102 future teachers in the specific area of physical education and sport. Three measuring instruments were used: Motivational Situation Scale, Cooperative Learning Questionnaire and Basic Psychological Needs in Physical Education Scale. The significance level (p < 0.05) was determined according to the variables described. The results were analyzed with the Kruskal–Wallis test for the variables age and study group and the Mann–Whitney U-test for gender. The results show high values for basic psychological needs, motivation and cooperative learning. In the case of cooperative learning, gamification has a different behavior according to gender. By degree, gamification does not affect the degree of study in the same way. In conclusion, the results of the present study support the use of gamification in the training of future physical education teachers, as it is associated with increased levels of students’ intrinsic and self-determined motivation, basic psychological needs and cooperative learning.
Adult Asthma Management in the Emergency Department during COVID-19 Pandemic: An Expert Opinion Survey
Authors: Gabrielli Maurizio , Saviano Angela , Bonini Matteo , Boccabella Cristina , Caruso Cristiano , Ruggieri Maria Pia , Bianconi Simone , Fuso Leonello , Capuzi Pietro , De Marco Francesca , Franza Laura , Franceschi Francesco
Published: September 2022

Adult patients with asthma often access the emergency department (ED) for the management of exacerbations or uncontrolled symptoms. Sometimes the first diagnosis of asthma occurs right in the ED. In the last couple of years, the COVID-19 pandemic spread around the world, causing an acute respiratory syndrome named SARS-CoV-2, characterized mainly by respiratory symptoms, such as cough and shortness of breath, in addition to fever. This clinical pattern partially overlaps with that caused by asthma, thus generating confusion in terms of diagnosis and management. It is also unclear whether asthma may be associated with a worse prognosis in COVID-19 infection. This expert opinion paper provides specific recommendations to ease the challenges related to adult patients with asthma admitted to the ED during the COVID-19 pandemic, with particular reference to diagnosis and treatment. Moreover, it provides well-defined indications to guide decisions on discharge, hospital admission, as well as follow-up. A panel of experts composed of emergency medicine physicians, pulmonologists and allergologists discussed, voted and approved all the recommendations.
Elderberry Concentrate Juice Industrial By-Products Characterization and Valorisation
Authors: Veloso Maria Inês , Coelho Elisabete , Trabulo Oswaldo , Coimbra Manuel A.
Published: September 2022

The elderberry juice industry generates by-products that can be valorised as a source of valuable compounds, namely anthocyanins and carbohydrates recovered from pomace and retentate. This work aims to valorise the anthocyanins and carbohydrates present in pomace and retentate, focused on the analysis and characterization of the polysaccharides present and their use for the stability of pink beverages. The present work shows that pomace contains 50% of carbohydrates, in which glucose and xylose are the major constituents, probably arising from cellulose and xyloglucans of cell walls polysaccharides and from the moiety of main anthocyanins present in berry skin. The concentrated juice is rich mainly in free sugars (55%), glucose and fructose, containing also pectic polysaccharides. However, a large amount of compounds are retained in the ultrafiltration membranes of 100 kDa, constituting the retentate, comprising 52% of water insoluble material. The remaining 48% constitutes the water-soluble fraction, composed of 47% of free sugars, mainly fructose (80%), and 14% of polymeric material constituted by 38% of pectic polysaccharides and 44% of anthocyanins. The use of the colourant in the form of a complex pectic polysaccharides-anthocyanins allowed to achieve a higher colour stability than the isolated anthocyanins, over more than 22 days. This property allowed to use the retentate water soluble fraction as a natural colourant ingredient to develop a stable pink tonic water.
For Patients with Stroke, Balance Ability Affects the Leg Extension Angle on the Affected Side
Authors: Matsuzawa Yuta , Miyazaki Takasuke , Takeshita Yasufumi , Araki Sota , Nakatsuji Shintaro , Fukunaga Seiji , Kawada Masayuki , Kiyama Ryoji
Published: September 2022

In stroke patients, the impact of lower limb physical functions on the leg extension angle remains unclear. We set out to reveal the physical impairments of the affected side in such patients that were associated with leg extension angle during gait. Twenty-six stroke patients walked for 16 m at a spontaneous speed. During walking, the leg extension angle and the increment of velocity during late stance, as an indicator of propulsion, were measured by inertial measurement units. The Berg balance scale (BBS), Fugl-Meyer assessment-lower limb, and motricity index-lower limb (MI-LL) were also evaluated. Stepwise multiple regression analysis was employed to reveal functions associated with the leg extension angle on the affected side. A path analysis was also used to confirm the relationship between the extracted factors, leg extension angle, and gait speed. Multiple regression analysis showed that the BBS was significantly related to the leg extension angle on the affected side (p < 0.001). Path analysis revealed that the leg extension angle was also indirectly affected by the MI-LL and that it affected gait speed via propulsion on the affected side. These findings could guide the prescription of effective gait training for improving gait performance during stroke rehabilitation.
Clustering Analysis for Classifying Student Academic Performance in Higher Education
Authors: Mohamed Nafuri Ahmad Fikri , Sani Nor Samsiah , Zainudin Nur Fatin Aqilah , Rahman Abdul Hadi Abd , Aliff Mohd
Published: September 2022

There are three income categories for Malaysians: the top 20% (T20), the middle 40% (M40), and the bottom 40% (B40). The government has extended B40′s access to higher education to eliminate socioeconomic disparities and improve their lives. The number of students enrolled in bachelor’s degree programmes at universities has risen annually. However, not all students who enrolled graduated. Machine learning approaches have been widely used and improved in education. However, research studies related to unsupervised learning in education are generally lacking. Therefore, this study proposes a clustering-based approach for classifying B40 students based on their performance in higher education institutions (HEIs). This study developed three unsupervised models (k-means, BIRCH, and DBSCAN) based on the data of B40 students. Several data pre-processing tasks and feature selection have been conducted on the raw dataset to ensure the quality of the training data. Each model is optimized using different tuning parameters. The observational results have shown that the optimized k-means on Model B (KMoB) achieved the highest performance among all the models. KMoB produced five clusters of B40 students based on their performance. With KMoB, this study may assist the government in reducing HEI drop-out rates, increasing graduation rates, and eventually boosting students’ socioeconomic status.
Transmission Angle Analysis of a Type of Parallel Manipulators
Authors: Che Honglei , Shi Congling , Wang Yu
Published: September 2022

In most research works, the conditioning index is used to analyze the kinematic performance of a type of parallel manipulators whose traveling plate has only translation in the workspace, and each limb is made up of three joints and two moving links. However, it is difficult to determine the reasonable limit value of the conditioning index as the design criterion. Therefore, this paper defines two types of transmission angles to evaluate the kinematic performance of parallel manipulators, with which the direct and indirect singularities can be identified in a straightforward manner. Taking both the Diamond and Delta parallel manipulators as examples, the relationships are investigated between the angles and the condition number of the Jacobian, which is a vital performance index for parallel manipulators throughout the workspace. Then, simulation studies are conducted to prove the effectiveness of two kinds of transmission angles for the Diamond and Delta robots. It indicates that the defined angles are well characterized compared with the condition number of the Jacobian matrix in evaluating the kinematic performance of the parallel manipulators and determining the workspace.
Seasonal Variability and Risk Assessment of Atmospheric Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Hydroxylated Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Kanazawa, Japan
Authors: Honda Masato , Hayakawa Kazuichi , Zhang Lulu , Tang Ning , Nakamura Hiroyuki
Published: September 2022

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and hydroxylated PAHs (OH-PAHs) are ubiquitous atmospheric pollutants that are a concern because of their endocrine disrupting activities. In this study, seasonal air sampling was conducted in 2017 and 2018 in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. The concentrations and seasonal variations of PAHs and OH-PAHs were analyzed, and health risks of individual congeners were evaluated based on their relative endocrine activity. The atmospheric concentrations of PAHs and OH-PAHs showed seasonal trends with higher concentrations in the winter (daily average ± standard deviation: 1.00 ± 0.26 ng/m3 for PAHs and 75.06 ± 23.38 pg/m3 for OH-PAHs) and lower concentrations in the summer (0.30 ± 0.09 ng/m3 for PAHs and 17.08 ± 4.83 pg/m3 for OH-PAHs). There were significant positive correlations between the concentrations of atmospheric PAHs and OH-PAHs. Additionally, the health risk from the endocrine disrupting potential of each OH-PAH was evaluated using relative estrogenic and antiestrogenic activities. OH-PAHs with four rings, such as OH-chrysenes and OH-benz[a]anthracene, had particularly high health risks. These results suggest that atmospheric OH-PAHs are a potential health risk for organisms and thus warrant further research.
Deformation Behaviour of Cold-Rolled Ni/CNT Nanocomposites
Authors: Carneiro Íris , Fernandes José V. , Simões Sónia
Published: September 2022

Metal matrix nanocomposites (MMNCs) reinforced by carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are good candidates to produce structural components in the mobility industry, given their unique properties. The manufacture of these components can involve plastic deformation. Therefore, it is crucial to understand whether reinforcement can influence the deformation behaviour of these nanocomposites. Thus, this work aims to study the deformation behaviour of MMNCs, given their importance and the lack of studies on this topic. Although nickel is not the most widely used metal as a matrix of nanocomposites, it presents mechanical properties superior to other matrices, such as aluminium. In addition, this metal has proven to establish a strong interface and integration of carbon nanotubes, making it an exciting material for the production and study of these nanocomposites. In that sense, nickel matrix nanocomposites are reinforced by 1.00 %vol. CNTs were produced by powder metallurgy using ultrasonication as a dispersion/mixture method. For comparison purposes, a nickel matrix was produced under the same conditions. Samples with and without CNTs were cold-rolled with thickness reductions between 10 and 60% (logarithmic strains between 0.11 and 0.92) to investigate the deformation behaviour. Microstructural characterization was performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD). Microhardness tests were applied to evaluate their mechanical properties. The results revealed that the nanocomposites exhibited a softening for small strains (0.11 and 0.22). This decrease in hardness was attributed to the decline in dislocation density observed by EBSD, due to the rearrangement and annihilation of pre-existing dislocations that originated during production. A possible inversion can explain the decrease in dislocation density when minor strains are applied in the dislocation or deformation trajectory, known as the Bauschinger effect. The difference in the texture evolution of the nanocomposites can be explained by the initial crystallographic orientations, which are influenced by the presence of CNTs.
Machine Learning and Inverse Optimization for Estimation of Weighting Factors in Multi-Objective Production Scheduling Problems
Authors: Togo Hidetoshi , Asanuma Kohei , Nishi Tatsushi , Liu Ziang
Published: September 2022

In recent years, scheduling optimization has been utilized in production systems. To construct a suitable mathematical model of a production scheduling problem, modeling techniques that can automatically select an appropriate objective function from historical data are necessary. This paper presents two methods to estimate weighting factors of the objective function in the scheduling problem from historical data, given the information of operation time and setup costs. We propose a machine learning-based method, and an inverse optimization-based method using the input/output data of the scheduling problems when the weighting factors of the objective function are unknown. These two methods are applied to a multi-objective parallel machine scheduling problem and a real-world chemical batch plant scheduling problem. The results of the estimation accuracy evaluation show that the proposed methods for estimating the weighting factors of the objective function are effective.
Spatial Distribution Characteristics and Source Appointment of Heavy Metals in Soil in the Areas Affected by Non-Ferrous Metal Slag Field in the Dry-Hot Valley
Authors: Jia Liang , Liang Huili , Fan Min , Wang Zhe , Guo Shushu , Chen Shu
Published: September 2022

In this study, the contents and associated soil properties of 6 metal elements (Pb, As, Cu, Zn, Ni, Cr) were measured in 63 topsoil samples in the affected areas of a typical non-ferrous metal slag field in Huili City, Sichuan Province, China. The associated soil properties of the 6 metals include Ammonium Nitrogen (NH4+-N), Nitrate (NO3−-N), Available Phosphorus (AP), Available Potassium (AK), Electrical Conductivity (EC), Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC), Soil Water Content (SWC), and pH. Multivariate statistics-spatial analysis-soil pollution comprehensive evaluation method was used to quantify the environmental pollution degree of heavy metals in the topsoil and divided (zone) the slag field based on the degree of pollution. Pearson correlation analysis and positive matrix factorization (PMF) were used to identify and quantitatively analyze pollution sources and their contributions. The results show that the average contents of Pb, As, Cu, Zn, Ni, and Cr were 13.27, 19.87, 6.91, 50.55, 25.06, and 77.71 mg·kg−1, respectively. Nemerow comprehensive evaluation results showed that the sites with Slight Pollution and Mild Pollution accounted for 26.98% and 3.17% of the total sampling sites, respectively. Approximately 70% of the sampling sites in the study area had no heavy metal pollution in the soil. Sites with No Pollution or Slight Pollution were mainly distributed in the forest areas with vegetation coverage, while sites with Moderate Pollution or Heavy Pollution were mainly distributed in crop planting areas and areas near slag fields. PMF model revealed four pollution sources: natural sources, mixed industrial and transportation sources, agricultural sources, and industrial river water. These results will provide theoretical references for the utilization and treatment of heavy metal-contaminated soil around the slag field in the dry-hot valley.
Robotics and Vibration Mechanics
Authors: Gasparetto Alessandro , Scalera Lorenzo , Palomba Ilaria
Published: September 2022

Robotics and vibration mechanics are among the main research areas in mechanical engineering [...]