bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validation of Rapid Interactive Screening Test for Autism in Toddlers Using Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule™ Second Edition in Children at High-Risk for Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Kong Xue-Jun , Sherman Hannah Tayla , Tian Ruiyi , Koh Madelyn , Liu Siyu , Li Alice Chukun , Stone William S.
Published: October 2021

The Rapid Interactive screening Test for Autism in Toddlers (RITA-T) is a fast and inexpensive early screening measure for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) that was tested previously in children 18–36 months-old; the current validation study compared the RITA-T with the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule™ Second Edition (ADOS-2). The hypothesis is to validate the RITA-T with comparison to the ADOS-2. Thirty-five individuals (18–84 months-old) identified as at risk for ASD received the RITA-T and the ADOS-2 during a single visit. Participants were split into two age groups and both whole-group and sub-group data analysis were conducted. With all participants, RITA-T scores correlated significantly with ADOS-2 total scores (P < 0.001), social affect (SA) sub-scores (P < 0.001), and restrictive and repetitive behavior (RRB) sub-scores (P < 0.05). Similarly, ADOS-2 total and SA scores were significantly correlated in both age groups, while the RRB sub-score was only significant in females (P < 0.05). Lastly, correlations using subgroups based on ethnicity were only significant in the minority (“Other”) group for ADOS-2 total scores and in the Asian group for SA sub-scores (P < 0.05). Our receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that the optimal cut-off score of the RITA-T was consistently at 14, with a sensitivity of 81% and a specificity of 89% in the combined age group with the ADOS-2 and with a sensitivity 74% and specificity 50% with the DSM-5; The area under the curve was 0.84 (95%CI: 0.69–0.99) for ASD classified by ADOS-2 and 0.89 (95%CI: 0.79–0.99) for ASD diagnosed by DSM-5. The RITA-T performed similarly to the ADOS-2 when both were administered in a single visit. Significant correlations between the measures help validate the potential usefulness of the RITA-T as a rapid early screening measure of ASD. This study helps to show that the RITA-T may be used in a larger age range than originally reported and in different ethnic groups. The study involves human participants and was reviewed and approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) of Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH, 2017P0000857).
Constitutive Serotonin Tone Modulates Molecular and Behavioral Response to Chronic Fluoxetine Treatment: A Study on Genetic Rat Model
Authors: Kesić Maja , Mokrović Gordana , Tvrdeić Ante , Miše Branko , Štefulj Jasminka , Čičin-Šain Lipa
Published: October 2021

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly prescribed medications for the treatment of mood disorders. Yet, individual response to SSRIs is highly variable, with only a portion of patients showing the desired therapeutic effect. To better understand the molecular basis underlying individual variability in response to SSRIs, here we comparatively studied behavioral and molecular consequences of chronic treatment with fluoxetine, a widely used SSRI, in two sublines of rats with constitutionally different serotonin (5HT) homeostasis: the high-5HT and low-5HT sublines. Platelet 5HT levels, a recognized indicator of SSRI efficacy, were decreased by fluoxetine treatment in both 5HT-sublines. On the other hand, biologically active plasma 5HT levels were reduced only in high-5HT rats. The anxiolytic effect of fluoxetine was also evident only in high-5HT rats, as supported by spatio-temporal and ethological behavioral measures in the elevated plus maze (EPM) test and exploratory behavior measures in the open field (OF) test. None of the behavioral EPM or OF measures were significantly altered by fluoxetine treatment in low-5HT rats. Unexpectedly, 5HT levels in cerebral cortices tended to be reduced only in low-5HT rats. Moreover, the effects of fluoxetine on cortical expression levels of 5HT-related proteins were also present only in low-5HT rats, with serotonin transporter (5HTT) and serotonin receptor type 1a (Htr1a) being down-regulated, while serotonin receptor type 4 (Htr4) was up-regulated by fluoxetine treatment. The obtained results support a role of individual 5HT tone as an important influencing factor on the biological actions of SSRI antidepressants.
High Sitting Time Is a Behavioral Risk Factor for Blunted Improvement in Depression Across 8 Weeks of the COVID-19 Pandemic in April–May 2020
Authors: Meyer Jacob D. , O'Connor John , McDowell Cillian P. , Lansing Jeni E. , Brower Cassandra S. , Herring Matthew P.
Published: October 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has elicited increased sedentary behaviors, decreased moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and worsened mental health, yet the longitudinal impact of these changes and their inter-relations remains unknown. Our purpose was to examine associations between changes in self-reported activity behaviors and mental health over an 8-week period following the COVID-19 outbreak. Participants from all 50 states and the District of Colombia were recruited through convenience and snowball sampling at baseline April 3–10, 2020. Prospective data from 2,327 US adults with ≥2 responses (63.8% female; 74.3% response rate) were collected weekly via online survey for eight consecutive weeks (April 3–June 3, 2020). Primary exposures were self-reported time spent sitting, viewing screens and in MVPA, with primary outcomes being depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and positive mental health (PMH). A significant sitting-by-time interaction (p < 0.05) showed slightly higher marginal effects for depressive symptoms for the 90th-percentile of sitting time than the 10th-percentile at baseline (5.8 [95% confidence interval = 5.5–6.2] vs. 5.7 [5.4–6.1]), with the difference magnifying over time (week 8: 3.5 [3.2–3.9] vs. 2.7 [2.4–2.9]). No other interactions over time were significant. Screen time was negatively associated with PMH and positively associated with depressive and anxiety symptoms (p < 0.05). Sitting time was negatively associated with PMH (p < 0.05). Rapid changes in sitting patterns (e.g., due to a pandemic) may have lasting effects on depressive symptoms. Strategies targeting those most affected (i.e., young adults, females) and/or focused on reducing sitting time may be critical for preventing long-term mental health effects resulting from COVID-19 or other large-scale behavior changes in the general population.
The Emergence of the New P.4 Lineage of SARS-CoV-2 With Spike L452R Mutation in Brazil
Authors: Bittar Cíntia , Possebon Fábio Sossai , Ullmann Leila Sabrina , Geraldini Dayla Bott , da Costa Vivaldo G. , de Almeida Luiz G. P. , da S. Sanches Paulo Ricardo , Nascimento-Júnior Nailton M. , Cilli Eduardo M. , Artico Banho Cecília , Campos Guilherme R. F. , Ferreira Helena Lage , Sacchetto Lívia , da Silva Gislaine C. D. , Parra Maisa C. P. , Moraes Marília M. , da Costa Paulo Inácio , Vasconcelos Ana Tereza R. , Spilki Fernando Rosado , Nogueira Maurício L. , Rahal Paula , Araujo Jr João Pessoa
Published: October 2021

The emergence of several SARS-CoV-2 lineages presenting adaptive mutations is a matter of concern worldwide due to their potential ability to increase transmission and/or evade the immune response. While performing epidemiological and genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in samples from Porto Ferreira—São Paulo—Brazil, we identified sequences classified by pangolin as B.1.1.28 harboring Spike L452R mutation, in the RBD region. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that these sequences grouped into a monophyletic branch, with others from Brazil, mainly from the state of São Paulo. The sequences had a set of 15 clade defining amino acid mutations, of which six were in the Spike protein. A new lineage was proposed to Pango and it was accepted and designated P.4. In samples from the city of Porto Ferreira, P.4 lineage has been increasing in frequency since it was first detected in March 2021, corresponding to 34.7% of the samples sequenced in June, the second in prevalence after P.1. Also, it is circulating in 30 cities from the state of São Paulo, and it was also detected in one sample from the state of Sergipe and two from the state of Rio de Janeiro. Further studies are needed to understand whether P.4 should be considered a new threat.
Public Health and Online MICE Technology During the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Role of Health Beliefs and Technology Innovation
Authors: Yao Jinge , Pang Qiwei , Zhang Binyuan , Wang Lu , Huang Yiling
Published: October 2021

The traditional meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) industry has been hit hard by social distancing regulations introduced to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, with concerns about pandemic risks and personal hygiene increasing the demand for online MICE technology. With the introduction of innovative new technologies to the MICE industry, it is important to study the psychology of online MICE attendees, particularly the factors affecting their behavioral intention to adopt online MICE technology during the pandemic. This study investigates the attitudes toward attending online MICE since the start of the epidemic based on the health belief model (HBM) and innovation diffusion theory (IDT). A total of 439 valid questionnaires were collected in China and used for structural equation modeling. The results show that the perceived safety threat, the comparative advantage, trialability, and outcome expectations positively impact the attendees' attitudes. Moreover, this study finds that attitude completely mediates the impact of perceived safety threat, comparative advantages, trialability, and outcome expectation on behavioral intention to attend online MICE events. These findings theoretically enrich the understanding of online MICE technology, the HBM, and the IDT and offer managerial implications for MICE organizers and exhibitors.
The “Sweet Spot” in the Middle: Why Do Mid-Scale Farms Adopt Diversification Practices at Higher Rates?
Authors: Esquivel Kenzo Emiliano , Carlisle Liz , Ke Alison , Olimpi Elissa M. , Baur Patrick , Ory Joanna , Waterhouse Hannah , Iles Alastair , Karp Daniel S. , Kremen Claire , Bowles Timothy M.
Published: October 2021

In the past few decades, farmers and researchers have firmly established that biologically diversified farming systems improve ecosystem services both on and off the farm, producing economic benefits for farmers and ecological benefits for surrounding landscapes. However, adoption of these practices has been slow, requiring a more nuanced examination of both barriers and opportunities to improve adoption rates. While previous research has demonstrated that both individual and structural factors shape farmers' decisions about whether to adopt diversification practices, this study aims to understand the interaction of these individual and structural factors, and how they relate to farm scale. Based on 20 interviews with organic lettuce growers on the Central Coast of California, as well as 8 interviews with technical assistance providers who work with these growers, we constructed a typology to help elucidate the distinct contexts that shape growers' decisions about diversification practices. This typology, which reflects the structural influence of land rent and supply chains, divides growers into three categories: limited resource, mid-scale diversified, or wholesale. In this economic context, limited resource and wholesale growers both experience significant barriers that constrain the adoption of diversification practices, while some mid-scale diversified growers have found a “sweet spot” for managing agroecosystems that can succeed in both economic and ecological terms. The key enabling factors that allow these farmers to choose diversification, however, are not directly related to their farm size, but have more to do with secure land tenure, adequate access to capital and resources, and buyers who share their values and are willing to pay a premium. By focusing on these key enabling factors with targeted policies, we believe it is possible to encourage diversification practices on farms at a variety of scales within California's Central Coast.
Recent Advances in the Discovery of Biomarkers for Canine Osteosarcoma
Authors: Luu Anita K. , Wood Geoffrey A. , Viloria-Petit Alicia M.
Published: October 2021

Canine osteosarcoma (OSA) is an aggressive malignancy that frequently metastasizes to the lung and bone. Not only has there been essentially no improvement in therapeutic outcome over the past 3 decades, but there is also a lack of reliable biomarkers in clinical practice. This makes it difficult to discriminate which patients will most benefit from the standard treatment of amputation and adjuvant chemotherapy. The development of reliable diagnostic biomarkers could aid in the clinical diagnosis of primary OSA and metastasis; while prognostic, and predictive biomarkers could allow clinicians to stratify patients to predict response to treatment and outcome. This review summarizes biomarkers that have been explored in canine OSA to date. The focus is on molecular biomarkers identified in tumor samples as well as emerging biomarkers that have been identified in blood-based (liquid) biopsies, including circulating tumor cells, microRNAs, and extracellular vesicles. Lastly, we propose future directions in biomarker research to ensure they can be incorporated into a clinical setting.
Effect of Feeding a High Calcium: Phosphorus Ratio, Phosphorous Deficient Diet on Hypophosphatemic Rickets Onset in Broilers
Authors: Xu Lei , Li Ning , Farnell Yuhua , Wan Xiaoli , Yang Haiming , Zhong Xiangqian , Farnell Morgan
Published: October 2021

Recently, a P-deficient diet caused rickets in commercial chicks within three days. This study aimed to investigate the duration of onset of rickets in chicks. Data were collected from 3–11 day old chicks raised on 88 commercial farms. Male day-old Arbor Acres Plus broilers (n = 450) were studied in three trials, with three to four treatments each. Each treatment used one of the following crumbled feeds: control feed (calcium (Ca): phosphorus (P)-1.41), slightly high Ca:P feed (SHCa:P, Ca:P-2.69), high Ca:P ratio, P deficient feed (HCa:P, Ca:P-3.08), and HCa:P feed plus 1.5% dicalcium phosphate (HCa:P + DP). Each treatment had three replicates with 15 birds each. Rickets was induced by HCa:P, and cured by HCa:P + DP, confirmed by gross anatomy, gait score, serum P concentration and growth performance. Lameness was not found in control groups, whereas, observed in the HCa:P groups as early as day 2.7 on commercial farms and day 3 in experimental farm. Serum P was reduced in HCa:P (p < 0.01). Bodyweight and feed intake started decreasing at day 3 on commercial farms and in all trials (p < 0.01). The duration of onset of hypophosphatemic rickets in broiler chicks fed HCa:P crumbled feed is approximately three days.
An Integrated Disease Management of Oil Palms Affected by Bud Rot Results in Shorter Recovery Times
Authors: Tupaz-Vera Andrés , Ayala-Diaz Iván Mauricio , Rincon Victor , Sarria Greicy , Romero Hernán Mauricio
Published: October 2021

Bud rot is a limiting disease that affects most oil palm crops destroying thousands of hectares in Latin America. Bud rot (BR) is caused by the oomycete Phytophthora palmivora (Butler). Integrated disease management (IDM) technology has been used to control the disease, which slows down the progress of the disease, allowing palm recovery. However, the effect of this technology on the recovery speed of treated palms is not well known. We studied the time taken for palm recovery from BR under the integrated management approach. The study was carried out on 21 oil palm commercial cultivars dura × pisifera (D × P) and O × G hybrids affected by BR in the Colombian oil palm Central Zone. The analysis included different recovery times (RT), the severity degree, time of the year (wet or dry season), number of reinfections, and cultivar. The RT of bud rot-affected palms ranges from 103 to 315 days, with an average of 202.8 days when an IDM is used. RT was lower than that reported in the diseased palms without IDM (540 days). According to the severity degree, the RT lasted 202 days for severity degree 1, 198 days for severity degree 2, and 222 with severity degree 3 and 4. In comparison, there was no significant difference between dry and rainy seasons in RT. Differences between cultivars were found; however, under IDM, all cultivars showed low RT. The IDM has a positive impact in reducing the RT to BR. Low RT has indirect effects minimizing potential yield losses, improving the number of successfully recovered palms, and reducing the risk of disease dissemination.
Critical Photoperiod and Optimal Quality of Night Interruption Light for Runner Induction in June-Bearing Strawberries
Authors: Li Yali , Xiao Jie , Hu Jiangtao , Jeong Byoung Ryong
Published: October 2021

The optimal photoperiod and light quality for runner induction in strawberries ‘Sulhyang’ and ‘Maehyang’ were investigated. Two experiments were carried out in a semi-closed walk-in growth chamber with 25/15 °C day/night temperatures and a light intensity of 250 μmol·m–2·s–1photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) provided from white light-emitting diodes (LEDs). In the first experiment, plants were treated with a photoperiod of either 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, or 22 h In the second experiment, a total of 4 h of night interruption (NI) light at an intensity of 70 μmol·m–2·s–1PPFD provided from either red, blue, green, white, or far-red LED in addition to 11 h short day (SD). The results showed that both ‘Sulhyang’ and ‘Maehyang’ produced runners when a photoperiod was longer than 16 h, and the number of runners induced positively correlated with the length of photoperiod. However, the plant growth, contents of chlorophyll, sugar and starch, and Fv/Fo decreased in a 22 h photoperiod. All qualities of the NI light, especially red light, significantly increased the number of runners and daughter plants induced per plant as compared with those in the SD treatment in both cultivars. In a conclusion, a photoperiod between 16 and 20 h and NI light, especially red NI light, can be used for quality runner induction in both ‘Sulhyang’ and ‘Maehyang’.
Phosphorus Behaviour and Its Basic Indices under Organic Matter Transformation in Variable Moisture Conditions: A Case Study of Fen Organic Soils in the Odra River Valley, Poland
Authors: Debicka Magdalena , Bogacz Adam , Kowalczyk Karolina
Published: October 2021

Lowering of groundwater levels caused by anthropogenic changes in the environment gives rise to global problems, most of which relate to soil degradation such as land desertification or organic soil degradation. The transformation of drainage-sensitive organic soils causes many irreversible changes during organic matter (OM) transformation. Phosphorous (P) behaviour is one of the aspects of OM transformation that requires further investigation, due to the P transformations’ complex dependency on many environmental factors. Our study aimed to characterise behaviour of P and find indices reflecting P changes under the influence of OM transformation in drained organic soils in the Odra river valley. The studies were carried out on soils representing different stages of soil degradation in which basic soil properties, including different P forms, were determined with commonly used methods. The results showed significantly higher content of soluble P forms (Pw, PCaCl2, PM3), particularly in the most drained postmurshic soil (P1). The indices used in this study—Ip, PSD, C:Pt, N:Pt—reflected well the P and OM transformations in organic soils degraded by drainage. This was indicated by numerous statistically significant relationships between the indices and basic soil properties (e.g., Ash, C, N), as well as different P forms (Pt, Pmin, Pox, Porg, Pw, PCaCl2, PM3). The PSD and Ip values increased and the C:Pt and N:Pt ratios decreased with the degree of OM mineralisation and the degree of site drainage (P3 < P2 < P1).
Comparison of American Quarter Horses Competing in Western Pleasure, Hunter under Saddle, and Reining Using Linear Traits
Authors: Roth Isabel Thea , Schielke Britta , Rensing Markus , Bernau Maren
Published: October 2021

To investigate differences in American Quarter Horses conformation suggesting specialization and subpopulations within the breed, a total of 45 horses were studied. These horses were classified according to their specific sport discipline: Western Pleasure (WPL, n = 15), Hunter under Saddle (HUS, n = 15), and Reining (RN, n = 15). Fifteen linear traits (comprising lengths, angles, and circumferences) were measured analogically and photometrically. Afterwards, 9 ratios and differences were calculated, so that a total of 24 traits were examined. The results showed significant differences between horses depending on their sport discipline. HUS horses were significant taller and were characterized by higher values in (nearly) all length traits; they were followed by WPL and RN horses. RN horses displayed the lowest values in length traits but the largest difference between height at withers and height at croup. Nine parameters were analyzed through correlations to the height at withers; all differences were significant, with high to moderate correlation coefficients. The detected differences between the groups support recent studies on the conformation and genotype of subpopulations within a breed and reveal new findings in relation to the selected disciplines. Image analysis worked well and provided reliable data; therefore, this method can be used to examine horses in a time-efficient manner, reducing the stress caused to the animal. Further studies are required to gain more information and to associate the features of AQH anatomic structures with successful performance.
Dietary Fiber and Lysolecithin Supplementation in Growing Ducks: Effect on Performance, Immune Response, Intestinal Morphology and Lipid Metabolism-Regulating Genes
Authors: El-Katcha Mohamed I. , Soltan Mosaad A. , Shewita Ramadan , Abdo Safaa E. , Sanad Amr S. , Tufarelli Vincenzo , Alagawany Mahmoud , El-Naggar Karima
Published: October 2021

The impact of different dietary fiber (DF) levels (with or without lysolecithin supplementation) on growth performance, immune response, expression of some lipid regulating genes and intestinal morphology was assessed in 408 Pekin ducks for 2 months. Soybean hulls were added to the diet to provide four different levels of DF: 2.4 (control diet), 3.8, 5.3, and 6.7% for the first four groups, respectively, while groups 5 to 8 fed the same four levels of DF with lysolecithin addition. Increasing dietary DF non-significantly reduced (p > 0.05) the ducks’ body weight (BW). However, ducks fed on 3.8% DF showed higher BW and improved feed conversion ratio. Lysolecithin supplementation with different DF did not support growth performance. Increasing DF with or without lysolecithin had no effect on serum lipid profile (p > 0.05). However, serum high-density lipoproteins (HDL) concentration was significantly increased with increasing fiber level in diet (p ˂ 0.05). Increasing DF with or without lysolecithin addition increased serum antioxidant activities and improved the immune response in terms of phagocytic and lysozyme activities. The DF level reduced the duodenal villi length and mucosal layer thickness while increased the villi width (p ˂ 0.05). Lysolecithin supplementation to diets ameliorated adverse effects on intestinal morphology. Moreover, DF level in ducks’ diet with or without lysolecithin significantly upregulated the expression of fatty acid synthase and lipoprotein lipase (p ˂ 0.05). Thus, it could be concluded that ducks fed on soybean hulls containing a diet at the level of 4.5% and providing 3.8% fiber level with or without lysolecithin showed the best performance.
Voluntary Oral Ingestion of a Sedative Prior to Euthanasia with CO2: Behavioural Responses of Mice
Authors: Rodriguez-Sanchez Raquel , Barnaby Elyssa , Améndola Lucia , Hea Shen-Yan , Smith Bobby , Webster James , Zobel Gosia
Published: October 2021

Laboratory mice are commonly euthanised with carbon dioxide (CO2); however, there is ample evidence that this gas is aversive. Previous work suggests that sedation achieved via injection with benzodiazepines prior to CO2 administration could reduce aversive behaviours during euthanasia. We explored the potential of using a voluntarily ingested sedative (tiletamine-zolazepam, Zoletil®) prior to euthanasia. Male and female C57BL/6 mice were allocated into one of the five experimental groups, which differed in the dose of Zoletil: 0, 10, 20, 40, 80 or 100 mg/kg. A dose of 20 mg/kg was found to achieve mild sedation prior to euthanasia; mice which received this dose numerically reared and walked on the cage lid less, and showed ataxia, immobility and recumbency for longer than mice that received a lower dose. During euthanasia, mice that received 20 mg/kg showed fewer aversive responses to CO2. Doses of 40 to 100 mg/kg were associated with signs of moderate to severe sedation, but resulted in an incomplete intake of the sedative, which made the interpretation of the aversiveness to CO2 difficult. Voluntary oral administration of a sedative is an effective, affordable, and easy way to minimize the stress of mice to euthanasia with CO2.
Antihyperlipidemic and Antioxidant Capacities, Nutritional Analysis and UHPLC-PDA-MS Characterization of Cocona Fruits (Solanum sessiliflorum Dunal) from the Peruvian Amazon
Authors: Vargas-Arana Gabriel , Merino-Zegarra Claudia , Riquelme-Penaherrera Marcos , Nonato-Ramirez Luis , Delgado-Wong Henry , Pertino Mariano Walter , Parra Claudio , Simirgiotis Mario J.
Published: October 2021

Cocona fruits are a popular food and medicinal fruit used mainly in the Amazon and several countries of South America for the preparation of several food products such as drinks, jams and milk shakes. In this study five ecotypes of cocona native to Peru have been studied regarding their nutritional and antioxidants values plus antihyperlipidemic activities. Seventy bioactive compounds have been detected in Peruvian cocona ecotypes including several phenolic acids, aminoacids and flavonoids; of those six were spermidines, (peaks 1, 2, 25, 26, 38 and 39), thirteen were aminoacids, (peaks 3–9, 11–13, 16, 17, 22–24), eighteen flavonoids (peaks 28, 30–32 45,46, 48–53 56, 57, 61 and 64–66), twelve were phenolics (peaks 19, 21, 27, 29, 34, 35, 36, 42, 43, 44, 54, and 59), two carotenoids, (peak 62 and 63), eight were lipid derivatives (peaks 37, 55, 58, 60 and 67–70), one sugar (peak 47), four terpenes (peaks 33, 40, 41 and 47), two amides, (peaks 10 and 18), one aldehyde, (peak 15), and three saturated organic acids, (peaks 4, 5 and 20). Hypercholesterolemic rats administered with pulp of the ecotypes CTR and SRN9 showed the lowest cholesterol and triglyceride levels after treatment (126.74 ± 6.63; 102.11 ± 9.47; 58.16 ± 6.64; 61.05 ± 4.00 mg/dL, for cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein respectively, for the group treated with SRN9 pulp, and 130.09 ± 8.55; 108.51 ± 10.04; 57.30 ± 5.72; and 65.41 ± 7.68 mg/dL, for cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL and LDL lipoproteins respectively for the group treated with CTR pulp). The ecotypes proved to be good sources of natural antioxidants and their consumption represent an alternative for the prevention of atherosclerosis.
Effects from Converter Slag and Electric Arc Furnace Slag on Chlorophyll a Accumulation of Nannochloropsis sp.
Authors: Liu Tianji , Wang Yitong , Li Junguo , Yu Qing , Wang Xiaoman , Gao Di , Wang Fuping , Cai Shuang , Zeng Yanan
Published: October 2021

The effects of Ca2+ in converter slag and electric arc furnace slag leaching solutions on CO2 content, the effects of CO2 content in solutions on the accumulation of chlorophyll a of Nannochloropsis sp., and the mechanisms were studied. Results showed that addition of 50 mg/L converter slag leaching solution and 400 mg/L electric arc furnace slag leaching solution (lower than 50 vol% concentration) promoted the accumulation of chlorophyll a of Nannochloropsis sp., while an increased concentration of 70 vol% inhibited its accumulation. The highest concentration of chlorophyll a was obtained on the addition of 10 vol%. With 10 vol% leaching solutions added, chlorophyll a concentration for converter slag reached 4.2 mg/L, 1.45 times as much as that of pure F/2 medium, and chlorophyll a concentration for electric arc slag reached 3.2 mg/L, 1.10 times as much as that of pure F/2 medium. Under the same addition proportion, the promoting or inhibiting effect from converter slag on the accumulation of chlorophyll a of Nannochloropsis sp. was more obvious than that for electric arc furnace slag. The reason for the promotion of chlorophyll a accumulation of Nannochloropsis sp. was that an increase of Ca2+ in the solutions led to an increase of CO2, thereby promoting the photosynthetic rate of microalgae. The study provided new ideas for the green application of solid waste and industrial production of microalgae.
Results and Achievements of the ALLIANCE Project: New Network Solutions for 5G and Beyond
Authors: Careglio Davide , Spadaro Salvatore , Cabellos Albert , Lazaro Jose Antonio , Barlet-Ros Pere , Gené Joan Manel , Perelló Jordi , Agraz Bujan Fernando , Suárez-Varela José , Pàges Albert , Paillissé Jordi , Almasan Paul , Domingo-Pascual Jordi , Solé-Pareta Josep
Published: October 2021

Leaving the current 4th generation of mobile communications behind, 5G will represent a disruptive paradigm shift integrating 5G Radio Access Networks (RANs), ultra-high-capacity access/metro/core optical networks, and intra-datacentre (DC) network and computational resources into a single converged 5G network infrastructure. The present paper overviews the main achievements obtained in the ALLIANCE project. This project ambitiously aims at architecting a converged 5G-enabled network infrastructure satisfying those needs to effectively realise the envisioned upcoming Digital Society. In particular, we present two networking solutions for 5G and beyond 5G (B5G), such as Software Defined Networking/Network Function Virtualisation (SDN/NFV) on top of an ultra-high-capacity spatially and spectrally flexible all-optical network infrastructure, and the clean-slate Recursive Inter-Network Architecture (RINA) over packet networks, including access, metro, core and DC segments. The common umbrella of all these solutions is the Knowledge-Defined Networking (KDN)-based orchestration layer which, by implementing Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques, enables an optimal end-to-end service provisioning. Finally, the cross-layer manager of the ALLIANCE architecture includes two novel elements, namely the monitoring element providing network and user data in real time to the KDN, and the blockchain-based trust element in charge of exchanging reliable and confident information with external domains.
A Hybrid Linear Quadratic Regulator Controller for Unmanned Free-Swimming Submersible
Authors: Tariq Hassan , Rashid Muhammad , Hafeez Muhammad Asfand , Alotaibi Saud S. , Sinky Mohammed H.
Published: October 2021

An unmanned free-swimming submersible (UFSS) is designed to perform certain tasks in water without interposing humans. The vehicle’s control is achieved by integrating mathematical (analog) and non-mathematical (embedded) controllers. The main goal of integrated controllers is to overcome the environmental disturbances and noise of the sensor data. These disturbances, as well as the noise data, are generated during steering, diving, and speed control. The amplitude of disturbances and noise varies with the depth and intensity of water waves. This article presents a robust hybrid linear quadratic regulator (HLQR) controller for UFSS. The presented controller targets the desired state of the UFSS in the presence of a disturbing environment. The hybrid approach is achieved by employing: (1) two linear quadratic regulators or controllers and (2) a mathematical structure of the Riccati equation. Consequently, the proposed HLQR controller is integrated into the UFSS system to evaluate the response in terms of settling time, rise time, overshoot, and steady-state error. Furthermore, the robustness of the HLQR is investigated by considering the feedback to step response and hydrodynamic disturbances. The implementation results reveal that the proposed controller outperforms state of the art controllers, such as proportional-integral-derivative and lead-compensator controllers.
Applying Vision-Based Pose Estimation in a Telerehabilitation Application
Authors: Rosique Francisca , Losilla Fernando , Navarro Pedro J.
Published: October 2021

In this paper, an augmented reality mirror application using vision-based human pose detection based on vision-based pose detection called ExerCam is presented. ExerCam does not need any special controllers or sensors for its operation, as it works with a simple RGB camera (webcam type), which makes the application totally accessible and low cost. This application also has a system for managing patients, tasks and games via the web, with which a therapist can manage their patients in a ubiquitous and totally remote way. As a final conclusion of the article, it can be inferred that the application developed is viable as a telerehabilitation tool, as it has the resource of a task mode for the calculation of the range of motion (ROM) and, on the other hand, a game mode to encourage patients to improve their performance during the therapy, with positive results obtained in this aspect.
The Lattice-Boltzmann Modeling of Microflows in a Cell Culture Microdevice for High-Throughput Drug Screening
Authors: Szafran Roman G. , Davykoza Mikita
Published: October 2021

The aim of our research was to develop a numerical model of microflows occurring in the culture chambers (CC) of a microfluidic device of our construction for high-throughput drug screening. The incompressible fluid flow model is based on the lattice-Boltzmann equation, with an external body force term approximated by the He-Shan-Doolen scheme and the Bhatnagar-Gross-Krook approximation of the collision operator. The model accuracy was validated by the algebraic solution of the Navier–Stokes equation (NSE) for a fully developed duct flow, as well as experimentally. The mean velocity prediction error for the middle-length cross-section of CC was 1.0%, comparing to the NSE algebraic solution. The mean error of volumetric flow rate prediction was 6.1%, comparing to the experimental results. The analysis of flow hydrodynamics showed that the discrepancies from the plug-flow-like velocity profile are observed close to the inlets only, and do not influence cell cultures in the working area of CC. Within its workspace area, the biochip provides stable and homogeneous fully developed laminar flow conditions, which make the procedures of gradient generation, cell seeding, and cell-staining repeatable and uniform across CC, and weakly dependent on perturbations.
Evaluation of Infiltration Rainwater Drainage (IRD) System with Fully 3-D Numerical Simulation Approach
Authors: Ahn Jungkyu , Yeom Seongil , Park Sungwon , Nguyen Thi Hoang Thao
Published: October 2021

Water scarcity can mean scarcity in availability due to physical shortage, or scarcity in access due to the failure of institutions to ensure a continuously regular supply or due to a lack of adequate infrastructure. Water scarcity will be exacerbated as rapidly growing urban areas place heavy pressure on water resources. To solve these problems, various solutions have been applied, but a fundamental solution has not been applied. Recently, a researched and developed infiltration rainwater drainage (IRD) system is being applied with consideration of its applicability. In this study, features of surface runoff and infiltration according to various flow patterns were analyzed using a three-dimensional CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) model for calculating water flow in the IRD system. To estimate the optimal setup, a permeability test and scaled model simulation were performed. The runoff characteristics of the IRD system with respect to rainfall intensity and duration were analyzed with dimensionless variables. With the prototype model, the drainage characteristics of the IRD system were analyzed over time using the hydrological curves. From the simulated results, it was found that the IRD system analyzed in this study was appropriate in the field by comparative analysis with the existing system based on peak runoff, internal storage, and lag time. Therefore, by applying the IRD system in the future, it is expected that the IRD has benefits, such as delayed lag time, surface runoff decrease, and an attenuation of the peak runoff.
Dynamic Response of Dual-Disk Rotor System with Uncertainties Based on Chebyshev Convex Method
Authors: Wang Jing , Yang Yongfeng , Zheng Qingyang , Deng Wangqun , Zhang Desheng , Fu Chao
Published: October 2021

In this paper, a non-probabilistic Chebyshev convex method (CCM) for the transient dynamics of a dual-disk rotor system with uncertain parameters is proposed. The dynamic equation of the dual-disk rotor system is derived by the finite element method (FEM), and the deterministic response is obtained. Then the CCM is used to obtain the uncertain transient responses of the dual-disk rotor system. The amplitude ranges and response characteristics are quite close to the calculation results of the convex Monte Carlo simulation (CMCS), which verifies the accuracy and validity of the CCM. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method has good performance in the uncertainty analysis of the rotor system. More importantly, the results will be helpful to understand the dynamic behavior of dual-disk rotor systems with uncertainties and provide guidance for robust design and analysis.
Behaviour of the Steel Welded Grid during a Simplified Pullout Test in Fine Sand
Authors: Ćwirko Marcin , Jastrzębska Małgorzata
Published: October 2021

This study considered the possibility of using steel gabion baskets made of welded mesh for a soil-strengthening function. Examples of such applications are known for meshes made of wires with diameters from 6.3 to 12.7 mm and mesh openings from 125 to 225 mm. In the case of a welded grid, the pulling resistance of fine-grained soil consists of two factors: frictional resistance and bearing resistance. Therefore, for the purposes of this issue, a simplified laboratory pullout test was carried out with four types of welded steel grid (common in Europe) embedded in the fine sand. The geometry of the grid (opening size: 76.2 × 76.2 mm), the type of steel (low carbon steel, tensile strength from 500 to 700 MPa), the diameter of the wire (2.7–4.5 mm) and its cover (ZN + PVC or ZnAl) were taken into account during the analysis. It was unequivocally stated that as the stiffness of the steel grid itself increases, its strength increases during the pullout test, which is not so obvious in the case of popular steel woven meshes. In addition, it has been shown that steel welded meshes with wire diameters less than 6 mm are suitable for soil reinforcement in structures with gabion facing, and the determined apparent friction coefficient (μk = 0.39–1.47) takes values similar to the friction coefficient given in references for welded meshes of larger diameters. This is a positive premise for starting further research on the use of wires of smaller diameters for welded mesh production used as soil reinforcement.
Soluble Expression of Small Antibody Fragments against PD-L1 Using Escherichia coli with High Yield and Purity
Authors: Kim Sun-Hee , Jeong Hee-Jin
Published: October 2021

Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) is a surface protein overexpressed in tumor cells. Recently, targeted therapy using PD-L1 antibodies to reconstitute the antitumor activity of T cells has received considerable attention as a cancer treatment. Among the several types of anti-PD-L1 antibodies, small-sized antibody fragments are useful agents to block PD-L1 for experimental and therapeutic purposes owing to their high penetration efficacy toward dense tumor cells. Herein, we expressed and purified recombinant single chain fragment of variable domain, variable heavy chain, and variable light chain, against PD-L1 in a soluble form using Escherichia coli, resulting in their high yield and high purity. We confirmed the antigen-binding efficiency of these antibody fragments, which showed antigen concentration-dependent responses. These results suggest that these small antibody fragments can serve as new agents for blocking or detecting PD-L1.
Resource Capacity Requirement for Multi-Terminal Cooperation in Container Ports
Authors: Lee Byung Kwon , Low Joyce M. W.
Published: October 2021

Capacity sharing among neighboring terminals offer a means to meet increasing or unexpected demand for cargo-handling without additional capital investment. This study proposes a model for capacity requirement planning of major resources, such as quay cranes (QCs), storage space, and gate, in multiterminal port operations where demand is time dependent. A resource profile simulation is run to generate random events across the terminals and estimate the capacity requirement in the form of workload distributions on port resources over time-shifts. The effects on workload requirement, arising from multiterminal cooperation, are subsequently evaluated in consideration of different container flows among terminals. Experimental results suggest that higher transferring rate between terminals will reduce the QC intensity and storage space requirements but increase gate congestion. Variabilities in the QC intensity and storage space requirements also increase due to shorter stays and more movements in container inventory at the yard. The interaction effect between transferring and trans-shipment rates further shows that the average resource requirements for a terminal can be greatly reduced when the interterminal transferring of containers contributes positively to a more even workload redistribution across terminals. The most significant improvements occur when trans-shipment rate is 85% and transferring rate is 75% for QC intensity; trans-shipment rate is 90% and transferring rate is 60% for storage capacity; and trans-shipment rate is 80% and transferring rate is 75% for gate congestion.
A Versatile Aerial Manipulator Design and Realization of UAV Take-Off from a Rocking Unstable Surface
Authors: Paul Hannibal , Miyazaki Ryo , Kominami Takamasa , Ladig Robert , Shimonomura Kazuhiro
Published: October 2021

UAVs are one of the fastest types of robots that can be deployed in a remote environment. Unfortunately, they have a limited flight time and therefore may need to stop occasionally in an unknown, uncontrolled area. However, conventional UAVs require flat and stationary surfaces for a safe landing and take-off. Some studies on adaptive landing approach for UAVs can be found in the past, but adaptive take-off from non-flat surfaces has not been discussed for the most part, yet. In this work, we discuss the problems associated with a conventional UAV take-off from non-flat surfaces and provide a novel approach for UAV take-off from a sloped or rocking surface. We also discuss the design of a novel multitasking three-arm aerial manipulator system with parallel link mechanism and achieve the above-mentioned task. With experiments, we show that the system can provide stability for a UAV landing on a rocking surface that allows for a safe take-off.
The Characterization of the Materials Used by Gino Severini in his 20th C Wall Paintings at Semsales in Switzerland
Authors: Moretti Patrizia , Zumbühl Stefan , Caruso Ottaviano , Gammaldi Nicola , Iazurlo Paola , Piqué Francesca
Published: October 2021

The modern decoration of the Saint Nicolas de Myre Church at Semsales (1924–1926), is the first by renowned Italian artist Gino Severini in Switzerland. Following archival research and visual examination, the materials and the techniques used by Severini for the wall paintings of this church were examined through a multi-technique analytical approach that included both non-invasive and invasive investigations. Archival research revealed lists of some of the materials purchased for the church and notes of the artists. In situ investigations included imaging methods and point analyses (X-ray fluorescence and reflection FT-IR spectroscopy). Based on non-invasive results, a limited number of representative samples were collected for laboratory invasive analyses (SEM-EDS, FTIR-FPA imaging, μ-Raman and GC-MS) to characterize the stratigraphy and the composition of the paintings. Results were coherent with artist’s notes and revealed protein-based binders, i.e. animal glue and casein, exclusively on the Trinity mural (in the apse) confirming the use of a secco technique. All the other wall paintings analyzed at Semsales are painted without the use of organic binders. These findings, integrated with archival researches and the visual examination by conservators, provided significant insights into the materials and techniques used by Gino Severini in his first Swiss murals.
Axiomatic Characterizations of a Proportional Influence Measure for Sequential Projects with Imperfect Reliability
Authors: van Beek Andries , Borm Peter , Quant Marieke
Published: October 2021

We define and axiomatically characterize a new proportional influence measure for sequential projects with imperfect reliability. We consider a model in which a finite set of players aims to complete a project, consisting of a finite number of tasks, which can only be carried out by certain specific players. Moreover, we assume the players to be imperfectly reliable, i.e., players are not guaranteed to carry out a task successfully. To determine which players are most important for the completion of a project, we use a proportional influence measure. This paper provides two characterizations of this influence measure. The most prominent property in the first characterization is task decomposability. This property describes the relationship between the influence measure of a project and the measures of influence one would obtain if one divides the tasks of the project over multiple independent smaller projects. Invariance under replacement is the most prominent property of the second characterization. If, in a certain task group, a specific player is replaced by a new player who was not in the original player set, this property states that this should have no effect on the allocated measure of influence of any other original player.
A Data-Based Approach Using a Multi-Group SIR Model with Fuzzy Subsets: Application to the COVID-19 Simulation in the Islands of Guadeloupe
Authors: Regis Sébastien , Nuiro Silvere P. , Merat Woody , Doncescu Andrei
Published: October 2021

In this paper, we propose a multi-group SIR to simulate the spread of COVID-19 in an island context. The multi-group aspect enables us to modelize transmissions of the virus between non-vaccinated individuals within an age group as well as between different age groups. In addition, fuzzy subsets and aggregation operators are used to account for the increased risks associated with age and obesity within these different groups. From a conceptual point of view, the model emphasizes the notion of Hospitalization which is the major stake of this pandemic by replacing the compartment R (Removed) by compartment H (Hospitalization). The experimental results were carried out using medical and demographic data from the archipelago, Guadeloupe (French West Indies) in the Caribbean. These results show that without the respect of barrier gestures, a first wave would concern the elderly then a second the adults and the young people, which conforms to the real data.