bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cortisol and Oxytocin Could Predict Covert Aggression in Some Psychotic Patients
Authors: Popescu Elena Rodica , Semeniuc Suzana , Hritcu Luminita Diana , Horhogea Cristina Elena , Spataru Mihaela Claudia , Trus Constantin , Dobrin Romeo Petru , Chirita Vasile , Chirita Roxana
Published: July 2021

Background: The covert or indirect type of aggression has a risk of converting in violent acts and, considering that, it is very important to identify it in order to apply effective preventive measures. In cases of psychotic patients, the risk of becoming violent is harder to predict, as even neuter stimuli may be perceived as threat and trigger aggression. Treating all the psychiatric patients as potential aggressive subjects is not the best preventive measure as only a few of them are aggressive and this measure may further enhance the stigma on mentally ill patients. There is a current need for better understanding of covert aggression and to find objective measures, such as biological markers, that could be indicative of potential violent behavior. In this work, we try to investigate the role of cortisol and oxytocin as potential biomarkers of aggression in patients with psychosis. Material and Methods: We analyzed the level of peripheral oxytocin (pg/mL) and cortisol level (ng/mL) in 28 psychotic patients (they were not on psychotropic treatment at the moment of admission and those with substance abuse or personality disorder were excluded from the study) and correlated it with the intensity of aggression reported by the patient (overt and covert type) using the Overt Covert Aggression Inventory and the level of observed aggression of the patient in the past 7 days (rated by the health care provider) using the Modified Overt Aggression Scale. Results: We found that psychotic patients with a higher level of covert aggression had a lower level of cortisol (61.05 ± 8.04 ng/mL vs. 216.33 ± 12.6.9 ng/mL, p ˂ 0.01) and a higher level of oxytocin (102.87 ± 39.26 vs. 70.01 ± 25.07, p = 0.01) when compared with patients with a lower level of covert aggression. Furthermore, we observed significant negative correlation between cortisol and covert aggression (r = −0.676, p < 0.001) and between oxytocin and covert type of aggression (r = 0.382, p = 0.04). Moreover, we found that a lower level of cortisol together with a higher level of oxytocin are significant predictors of a style of internalized manifestation of aggression, with the predictive model explaining 55% of the variant of the internalized manifestation of aggression (F (2.25) = 17.6, p < 0.001, β = 0.35, R2 = 55.2). We did not find significant correlations between cortisol and overt aggression, and neither between oxytocin and overt aggression. Positive correlations were also found between the overt type of self-reported aggression and overt aggression reported by the rater (r = 0.459, p = 0.01). Conclusions: The importance of a predictive model in understanding covert aggression is imperative and the results of our study show that oxytocin and cortisol warrant to be further investigated in establishing a definitive predictive model for covert aggression.
Emerging Trends in Single Point Incremental Sheet Forming of Lightweight Metals
Authors: Trzepieciński Tomasz , Oleksik Valentin , Pepelnjak Tomaž , Najm Sherwan Mohammed , Paniti Imre , Maji Kuntal
Published: July 2021

Lightweight materials, such as titanium alloys, magnesium alloys, and aluminium alloys, are characterised by unusual combinations of high strength, corrosion resistance, and low weight. However, some of the grades of these alloys exhibit poor formability at room temperature, which limits their application in sheet metal-forming processes. Lightweight materials are used extensively in the automobile and aerospace industries, leading to increasing demands for advanced forming technologies. This article presents a brief overview of state-of-the-art methods of incremental sheet forming (ISF) for lightweight materials with a special emphasis on the research published in 2015–2021. First, a review of the incremental forming method is provided. Next, the effect of the process conditions (i.e., forming tool, forming path, forming parameters) on the surface finish of drawpieces, geometric accuracy, and process formability of the sheet metals in conventional ISF and thermally-assisted ISF variants are considered. Special attention is given to a review of the effects of contact conditions between the tool and sheet metal on material deformation. The previous publications related to emerging incremental forming technologies, i.e., laser-assisted ISF, water jet ISF, electrically-assisted ISF and ultrasonic-assisted ISF, are also reviewed. The paper seeks to guide and inspire researchers by identifying the current development trends of the valuable contributions made in the field of SPIF of lightweight metallic materials.
Compressive Behaviour of Additively Manufactured Periodical Re-Entrant Tetrakaidecahedral Lattices at Low and High Strain-Rates
Authors: Neuhäuserová Michaela , Fíla Tomáš , Koudelka Petr , Falta Jan , Rada Václav , Šleichrt Jan , Zlámal Petr , Jiroušek Ondřej
Published: July 2021

Compressive deformation behaviour of additively manufactured lattice structures based on re-entrant tetrakaidecahedral unit-cell geometry were experimentally investigated under quasi-static and dynamic loading conditions. Specimens of four different structures formed by three-dimensional periodical assembly of selected unit-cells were produced by a laser powder bed fusion technique from a powdered austenitic stainless steel SS316L. Quasi-static compression as well as dynamic tests using split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) apparatus at two strain-rates were conducted to evaluate the expected strain-rate sensitivity of the fundamental mechanical response of the structures. To evaluate the experiments, particularly the displacement fields of the deforming lattices, optical observation of the specimens using a high-resolution camera (quasi-static loading) and two synchronised high-speed cameras (SHPB experiments) was employed. An in-house digital image correlation algorithm was used in order to evaluate the anticipated auxetic nature of the investigated lattices. It was found that neither of the investigated structures exhibited auxetic behaviour although strain-rate sensitivity of the stress–strain characteristics was clearly identified for the majority of structures.
Hydrothermal Alteration at the San Vito Area of the Campi Flegrei Geothermal System in Italy: Mineral Review and Geochemical Modeling
Authors: Piochi Monica , Cantucci Barbara , Montegrossi Giordano , Currenti Gilda
Published: July 2021

The Campi Flegrei geothermal system sets in one of the most famous and hazardous volcanic caldera in the world. The geothermal dynamics is suspected to have a crucial role in the monitored unrest phases and in the eruption triggering as well. Numerical models in the literature do not properly consider the geochemical effects of fluid-rock interaction into the hydrothermal circulation and this gap limits the wholly understanding of the dynamics. This paper focuses on fluid-rock interaction effects at the Campi Flegrei and presents relevant information requested for reactive transport simulations. In particular, we provide: (1) an extensive review of available data and new petrographic analyses of the San Vito cores rearranged in a conceptual model useful to define representative geochemical and petrophysical parameters of rock formations suitable for numerical simulations and (2) the implemented thermodynamic and kinetic data set calibrated for the San Vito 1 well area, central in the geothermal reservoir. A preliminary 0D-geochemical model, performed with a different contribution of CO2 at high (165 °C) and low (85 °C) temperatures, firstly allows reproducing the hydrothermal reactions over time of the Campanian Ignimbrite formation, the most important deposits in the case study area.
Geochemical Considerations from the Carboniferous Unconventional Petroleum System of SW Iberia
Authors: Barberes Gabriel A. , Pena dos Reis Rui , Pimentel Nuno L. , Spigolon André L. D. , Fonseca Paulo E. , Karcz Przemysław , Azevedo Marco C. , Barata Maria Teresa
Published: July 2021

The Baixo Alentejo Flysch Group (BAFG) is an important stratigraphic unit that covers over half of the South Portuguese Zone (SPZ) depositional area, and it is composed by three main tectono-stratigraphic units: the Mértola, Mira, and Brejeira formations. All of these formations contain significant thicknesses of black shales and have several wide areas with 0.81 wt.%, 0.91 wt.%, and 0.72 wt.% average total organic carbon (TOC) (respectively) and thermal maturation values within gas zones (overmature). This paper is considering new data from classical methods of organic geochemistry characterization, such as TOC, Rock–Eval pyrolysis, and organic petrography, to evaluate the unconventional petroleum system from the SPZ. A total of 53 samples were collected. From the stratigraphical point of view, TOC values seem to have a random distribution. The Rock–Eval parameters point out high thermal maturation compatible with gas window (overmature zone). The samples are dominated by gas-prone extremely hydrogen-depleted type III/IV kerogen, which no longer has the potential to generate and expel hydrocarbons. The petrographic analyses positioned the thermal evolution of these samples into the end of catagenesis to metagenesis (wet to dry gas zone), with values predominantly higher than 2 %Ro (dry gas zone). The presence of thermogenic hydrocarbon fluids characterized by previous papers indicate that the BAFG from SPZ represents a senile unconventional petroleum system, working nowadays basically as a gas reservoir.
Determination of Mechanical Properties of Altered Dacite by Laboratory Methods
Authors: Rupar Veljko , Čebašek Vladimir , Milisavljević Vladimir , Stevanović Dejan , Živanović Nikola
Published: July 2021

This paper presents a methodology for determining the uniaxial and triaxial compressive strength of heterogeneous material composed of dacite (D) and altered dacite (AD). A zone of gradual transition from altered dacite to dacite was observed in the rock mass. The mechanical properties of the rock material in that zone were determined by laboratory tests of composite samples that consisted of rock material discs. However, the functional dependence on the strength parameter alteration of the rock material (UCS, intact UCS of the rock material, and mi) with an increase in the participation of “weaker” rock material was determined based on the test results of uniaxial and triaxial compressive strength. The participation of altered dacite directly affects the mode and mechanism of failure during testing. Uniaxial compressive strength (σciUCS) and intact uniaxial compressive strength (σciTX) decrease exponentially with increased AD volumetric participation. The critical ratio at which the uniaxial compressive strength of the composite sample equals the strength of the uniform AD sample was at a percentage of 30% AD. Comparison of the obtained exponential equation with practical suggestions shows a good correspondence. The suggested methodology for determining heterogeneous rock mass strength parameters allows us to determine the influence of rock material heterogeneity on the values σciUCS, σciTX, and constant mi. Obtained σciTX and constant mi dependences define more reliable rock material strength parameter values, which can be used, along with rock mass classification systems, as a basis for assessing rock mass parameters. Therefore, it is possible to predict the strength parameters of the heterogeneous rock mass at the transition of hard (D) and weak rock (AD) based on all calculated strength parameters for different participation of AD.
The Effects of Football Practice on Nutritional Status and Body Composition in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Hernandez-Martin Antonio , Garcia-Unanue Jorge , Martínez-Rodríguez Alejandro , Manzano-Carrasco Samuel , Felipe Jose Luis , Carvalho Maria Jose , Gallardo Leonor , Sanchez-Sanchez Javier
Published: July 2021

Dietary patterns, exercise, sport, and physical activity have been shown to improve body composition in children. This systematic review with meta-analysis analyzed the effects of practicing football on body composition (fat mass, lean body mass, and bone mineral content) in children. An initial search in PubMed, Web of Science, and SPORTDiscus was carried out in April 2021 to identify relevant articles. Inclusion criteria required children up to 12 years of age with a minimum football intervention duration of 10 weeks. Methodological quality of the articles was evaluated using the PEDro scale. Between the 1803 articles originally founded, only 14 articles were included in the meta-analysis. A total of 1643 subjects between the 14 studies were identified. The review and meta-analysis were conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and used Review Manager and Full Meta-Analysis software. The results between the control and experimental groups showed significantly better lean body mass and fat mass values in the experimental group (p < 0.05). Football practice was positively associated with increases in lean body mass (mean difference of 1.55; 95% CI, 0.96, 2.15), decreases in fat mass (mean difference of −0.81; 95% CI, −1.49, −0.13), and increases in whole body bone mineral content (mean difference of 117.68; 95% CI, 83.69, 151.67). In conclusion, the results of this systematic review with meta-analysis suggest that football positively affects body composition in children. However, further research is needed to confirm the results for bone mineral content.
Combining the Anticancer and Immunomodulatory Effects of Astragalus and Shiitake as an Integrated Therapeutic Approach
Authors: Balakrishnan Biju , Liang Qi , Fenix Kevin , Tamang Bunu , Hauben Ehud , Ma Linlin , Zhang Wei
Published: July 2021

Astragalus root (Huang Qi) and Shiitake mushrooms (Lentinus edodes) are both considered medicinal foods and are frequently used in traditional Chinese medicine due to their anticancer and immunomodulating properties. Here, the scientific literatures describing evidence for the anticancer and immunogenic properties of Shiitake and Astragalus were reviewed. Based on our experimental data, the potential to develop medicinal food with combined bioactivities was assessed using Shiitake mushrooms grown over Astragalus beds in a proprietary manufacturing process, as a novel cancer prevention approach. Notably, our data suggest that this new manufacturing process can result in transfer and increased bioavailability of Astragalus polysaccharides with therapeutic potential into edible Shiitake. Further research efforts are required to validate the therapeutic potential of this new Hengshan Astragalus Shiitake medicinal food.
Associations between Nutrients and Foot Ulceration in Diabetes: A Systematic Review
Authors: Bechara Nada , Gunton Jenny E. , Flood Victoria , Hng Tien-Ming , McGloin Clare
Published: July 2021

We reviewed the literature to evaluate potential associations between vitamins, nutrients, nutritional status or nutritional interventions and presence or healing of foot ulceration in diabetes. Embase, Medline, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library were searched for studies published prior to September 2020. We assessed eligible studies for the association between nutritional status or interventions and foot ulcers. Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in this review. Overall, there is a correlation between poor nutritional status and the presence of foot ulceration or a delay in healing. However, there is not enough data to reach conclusions about whether the relationships are causal or only association. Further research is required to test whether any forms of nutritional supplementation improve foot ulcer healing.
An Updated Overview of Almond Allergens
Authors: Bezerra Mário , Ribeiro Miguel , Igrejas Gilberto
Published: July 2021

Tree nuts are considered an important food in healthy diets. However, for part of the world’s population, they are one of the most common sources of food allergens causing acute allergic reactions that can become life-threatening. They are part of the Big Eight food groups which are responsible for more than 90% of food allergy cases in the United States, and within this group, almond allergies are persistent and normally severe and life-threatening. Almond is generally consumed raw, toasted or as an integral part of other foods. Its dietary consumption is generally associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases. Several almond proteins have been recognized as allergens. Six of them, namely Pru du 3, Pru du 4, Pru du 5, Pru du 6, Pru du 8 and Pru du 10, have been included in the WHO-IUIS list of allergens. Nevertheless, further studies are needed in relation to the accurate characterization of the already known almond allergens or putative ones and in relation to the IgE-binding properties of these allergens to avoid misidentifications. In this context, this work aims to critically review the almond allergy problematic and, specifically, to perform an extensive overview regarding known and novel putative almond allergens.
Pitavastatin Is a Highly Potent Inhibitor of T-Cell Proliferation
Authors: Voss Linda , Guttek Karina , Reddig Annika , Reinhold Annegret , Voss Martin , Simeoni Luca , Schraven Burkhart , Reinhold Dirk
Published: July 2021

Repositioning of approved drugs is an alternative time- and cost-saving strategy to classical drug development. Statins are 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA (HMG CoA) reductase inhibitors that are usually used as cholesterol-lowering medication, and they also exhibit anti-inflammatory effects. In the present study, we observed that the addition of Pitavastatin at nanomolar concentrations inhibits the proliferation of CD3/CD28 antibody-stimulated human T cells of healthy donors in a dose-dependent fashion. The 50% inhibition of proliferation (IC50) were 3.6 and 48.5 nM for freshly stimulated and pre-activated T cells, respectively. In addition, Pitavastatin suppressed the IL-10 and IL-17 production of stimulated T cells. Mechanistically, we found that treatment of T cells with doses <1 µM of Pitavastatin induced hyperphosphorylation of ERK1/2, and activation of caspase-9, -3 and -7, thus leading to apoptosis. Mevalonic acid, cholesterol and the MEK1/2 inhibitor U0126 reversed this Pitavastatin-mediated ERK1/2 activation and apoptosis of T cells. In summary, our results suggest that Pitavastatin is a highly potent inhibitor of T-cell proliferation, which induces apoptosis via pro-apoptotic ERK1/2 activation, thus representing a potential repositioning candidate for the treatment of T-cell-mediated autoimmune diseases.
High Solubilization and Controlled Release of Paclitaxel Using Thermosponge Nanoparticles for Effective Cancer Therapy
Authors: Lee Jin Sil , Oh Hyeryeon , Sung Daekyung , Lee Jin Hyung , Choi Won Il
Published: July 2021

Cancer, which is a leading cause of death, contributes significantly to reducing life expectancy worldwide. Even though paclitaxel (PTX) is known as one of the main anticancer drugs, it has several limitations, including low solubility in aqueous solutions, a limited dosage range, an insufficient release amount, and patient resistance. To overcome these limitations, we suggest the development of PTX-loaded thermosponge nanoparticles (PTX@TNP), which result in improved anticancer effects, via a simple nanoprecipitation method, which allows the preparation of PTX@TNPs with hydrophobic interactions without any chemical conjugation. Further, to improve the drug content and yield of the prepared complex, the co-organic solvent ratio was optimized. Thus, it was observed that the drug release rate increased as the drug capacity of PTX@TNPs increased. Furthermore, increasing PTX loading led to considerable anticancer activity against multidrug resistance (MDR)-related colorectal cancer cells (HCT 15), implying a synergistic anticancer effect. These results suggest that the solubilization of high drug amounts and the controlled release of poorly water-soluble PTX using TNPs could significantly improve its anticancer therapy, particularly in the treatment of MDR-p-glycoprotein-overexpressing cancers.
Effective Actions of Ion Release from Mesoporous Bioactive Glass and Macrophage Mediators on the Differentiation of Osteoprogenitor and Endothelial Progenitor Cells
Authors: Polo-Montalvo Alberto , Casarrubios Laura , Serrano María Concepción , Sanvicente Adrián , Feito María José , Arcos Daniel , Portolés María Teresa
Published: July 2021

Due to their specific mesoporous structure and large surface area, mesoporous bioactive glasses (MBGs) possess both drug-delivery ability and effective ionic release to promote bone regeneration by stimulating osteogenesis and angiogenesis. Macrophages secrete mediators that can affect both processes, depending on their phenotype. In this work, the action of ion release from MBG-75S, with a molar composition of 75SiO2-20CaO-5P2O5, on osteogenesis and angiogenesis and the modulatory role of macrophages have been assessed in vitro with MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblasts and endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in monoculture and in coculture with RAW 264.7 macrophages. Ca2+, phosphorous, and silicon ions released from MBG-75S were measured in the culture medium during both differentiation processes. Alkaline phosphatase activity and matrix mineralization were quantified as the key markers of osteogenic differentiation in MC3T3-E1 cells. The expression of CD31, CD34, VEGFR2, eNOS, and vWF was evaluated to characterize the EPC differentiation into mature endothelial cells. Other cellular parameters analyzed included the cell size and complexity, intracellular calcium, and intracellular content of the reactive oxygen species. The results obtained indicate that the ions released by MBG-75S promote osteogenesis and angiogenesis in vitro, evidencing a macrophage inhibitory role in these processes and demonstrating the high potential of MBG-75S for the preparation of implants for bone regeneration.
Tauroursodeoxycholic Acid Protects Retinal and Visual Function in a Mouse Model of Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Fu Jieming , Aung Moe H. , Prunty Megan C. , Hanif Adam M. , Hutson Lauren M. , Boatright Jeffrey H. , Pardue Machelle T.
Published: July 2021

Purpose: Previous studies demonstrated that systemic treatment with tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) is protective in in vivo mouse models of retinal degeneration and in culture models of hyperglycemia. This study tested the hypothesis that TUDCA will preserve visual and retinal function in a mouse model of early diabetic retinopathy (DR). Methods: Adult C57BL/6J mice were treated with streptozotocin (STZ) and made diabetic at 8–10 weeks of age. Control and diabetic mice were treated with vehicle or TUDCA starting 1 or 3 weeks after induction of diabetes, and were assessed bimonthly for visual function via an optomotor response and monthly for retinal function via scotopic electroretinograms. Results: Diabetic mice showed significantly reduced spatial frequency and contrast sensitivity thresholds compared to control mice, while diabetic mice treated early with TUDCA showed preservation at all timepoints. A-wave, b-wave, and oscillatory potential 2 (OP2) amplitudes decreased in diabetic mice. Diabetic mice also exhibited delays in a-wave and OP2-implicit times. Early TUDCA treatment ameliorated a-wave, b-wave, and OP2 deficits. Late TUDCA treatment showed reduced preservation effects compared to early treatment. Conclusions: Early TUDCA treatment preserved visual function in an STZ-mouse model of Type I diabetes. These data add to a growing body of preclinical research that may support testing whether TUDCA may be an effective early clinical intervention against declining visual function caused by diabetic retinopathy.
Excellent Performances of Composite Polymer Electrolytes with Porous Vinyl-Functionalized SiO2 Nanoparticles for Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Zhan Hui , Wu Mengjun , Wang Rui , Wu Shuohao , Li Hao , Tian Tian , Tang Haolin
Published: July 2021

Composite polymer electrolytes (CPEs) incorporate the advantages of solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) and inorganic solid electrolytes (ISEs), which have shown huge potential in the application of safe lithium-metal batteries (LMBs). Effectively avoiding the agglomeration of inorganic fillers in the polymer matrix during the organic–inorganic mixing process is very important for the properties of the composite electrolyte. Herein, a partial cross-linked PEO-based CPE was prepared by porous vinyl-functionalized silicon (p-V-SiO2) nanoparticles as fillers and poly (ethylene glycol diacrylate) (PEGDA) as cross-linkers. By combining the mechanical rigidity of ceramic fillers and the flexibility of PEO, the as-made electrolyte membranes had excellent mechanical properties. The big special surface area and pore volume of nanoparticles inhibited PEO recrystallization and promoted the dissolution of lithium salt. Chemical bonding improved the interfacial compatibility between organic and inorganic materials and facilitated the homogenization of lithium-ion flow. As a result, the symmetric Li|CPE|Li cells could operate stably over 450 h without a short circuit. All solid Li|LiFePO4 batteries were constructed with this composite electrolyte and showed excellent rate and cycling performances. The first discharge-specific capacity of the assembled battery was 155.1 mA h g−1, and the capacity retention was 91% after operating for 300 cycles at 0.5 C. These results demonstrated that the chemical grafting of porous inorganic materials and cross-linking polymerization can greatly improve the properties of CPEs.
Mapping Regional Soil Organic Matter Based on Sentinel-2A and MODIS Imagery Using Machine Learning Algorithms and Google Earth Engine
Authors: Zhang Meiwei , Zhang Meinan , Yang Haoxuan , Jin Yuanliang , Zhang Xinle , Liu Huanjun
Published: July 2021

Many studies have attempted to predict soil organic matter (SOM), whereas mapping high-precision and high-resolution SOM maps remains a challenge due to the difficulty of selecting appropriate satellite data sources and prediction algorithms. This study aimed to investigate the influence of different remotely sensed images and machine learning algorithms on SOM prediction. We constructed two comparative experiments, i.e., full-band and common-band variable datasets of Sentinel-2A and MODIS images using Google Earth Engine (GEE). The predictive performances of random forest (RF), artificial neural network (ANN), and support vector regression (SVR) algorithms were evaluated, and the SOM map was generated for the Songnen Plain. Results showed that the model based on the full-band Sentinel-2A dataset achieved the best performance. The application of Sentinel-2A data resulted in mean relative improvements (RIs) of 7.67% and 5.87%, respectively. The RF achieved a lower root mean squared error (RMSE = 0.68%) and a higher coefficient of determination (R2 = 0.67) in all of the predicted scenarios than ANN and SVR. The resultant SOM map accurately characterized the SOM spatial distribution. Therefore, the Sentinel-2A data have obvious advantages over MODIS due to their higher spectral and spatial resolutions, and the combination of the RF algorithm and GEE is an effective approach to SOM mapping.
An Adaptive Surface Interpolation Filter Using Cloth Simulation and Relief Amplitude for Airborne Laser Scanning Data
Authors: Li Feng , Zhu Haihong , Luo Zhenwei , Shen Hang , Li Lin
Published: July 2021

Separating point clouds into ground and nonground points is an essential step in the processing of airborne laser scanning (ALS) data for various applications. Interpolation-based filtering algorithms have been commonly used for filtering ALS point cloud data. However, most conventional interpolation-based algorithms have exhibited a drawback in terms of retaining abrupt terrain characteristics, resulting in poor algorithmic precision in these regions. To overcome this drawback, this paper proposes an improved adaptive surface interpolation filter with a multilevel hierarchy by using a cloth simulation and relief amplitude. This method uses three hierarchy levels of provisional digital elevation model (DEM) raster surfaces with thin plate spline (TPS) interpolation to separate ground points from unclassified points based on adaptive residual thresholds. A cloth simulation algorithm is adopted to generate sufficient effective initial ground seeds for constructing topographic surfaces with high quality. Residual thresholds are adaptively constructed by the relief amplitude of the examined area to capture complex landscape characteristics during the classification process. Fifteen samples from the International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ISPRS) commission are used to assess the performance of the proposed algorithm. The experimental results indicate that the proposed method can produce satisfying results in both flat areas and steep areas. In a comparison with other approaches, this method demonstrates its superior performance in terms of filtering results with the lowest omission error rate; in particular, the proposed approach retains discontinuous terrain features with steep slopes and terraces.
A Fast Aircraft Detection Method for SAR Images Based on Efficient Bidirectional Path Aggregated Attention Network
Authors: Luo Ru , Chen Lifu , Xing Jin , Yuan Zhihui , Tan Siyu , Cai Xingmin , Wang Jielan
Published: July 2021

In aircraft detection from synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images, there are several major challenges: the shattered features of the aircraft, the size heterogeneity and the interference of a complex background. To address these problems, an Efficient Bidirectional Path Aggregation Attention Network (EBPA2N) is proposed. In EBPA2N, YOLOv5s is used as the base network and then the Involution Enhanced Path Aggregation (IEPA) module and Effective Residual Shuffle Attention (ERSA) module are proposed and systematically integrated to improve the detection accuracy of the aircraft. The IEPA module aims to effectively extract advanced semantic and spatial information to better capture multi-scale scattering features of aircraft. Then, the lightweight ERSA module further enhances the extracted features to overcome the interference of complex background and speckle noise, so as to reduce false alarms. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed network, Gaofen-3 airports SAR data with 1 m resolution are utilized in the experiment. The detection rate and false alarm rate of our EBPA2N algorithm are 93.05% and 4.49%, respectively, which is superior to the latest networks of EfficientDet-D0 and YOLOv5s, and it also has an advantage of detection speed.
Passive Electrical Damping of a Quartz Tuning Fork as a Path to Fast Resonance Tracking in QEPAS
Authors: Rousseau Roman , Ayache Diba , Trzpil Wioletta , Bahriz Michael , Vicet Aurore
Published: July 2021

In Quartz-Enhanced PhotoAcoustic Spectroscopy (QEPAS) gas sensors, the acoustic wave is detected by the piezoelectric Quartz Tuning Fork (QTF). Due to its high-quality factor, the QTF can detect very low-pressure variations, but its resonance can also be affected by the environmental variations (temperature, humidity, …), which causes an unwanted signal drift. Recently, we presented the RT-QEPAS technique that consistently corrects the signal drift by continuously measuring the QTF resonance. In this article, we present an improvement of RT-QEPAS to fasten the QTF characterization time by adding a passive electronic circuit, which causes the damping of the QTF resonance. The damping circuit is optimized analytically and through SPICE simulation. The results are supported by experimental observations, showing a 70 times improvement of the relaxation times compared to the lone QTF, which opens the way to a fast and drift-free QEPAS sensor.
Full-Field Bridge Deflection Monitoring with Off-Axis Digital Image Correlation
Authors: Tian Long , Zhao Jianhui , Pan Bing , Wang Zhaoyang
Published: July 2021

Video deflectometer based on using off-axis digital image correlation (DIC) has emerged as a robust non-contact optical tool for deflection measurements of bridges. In practice, a video deflectometer often needs to measure the deflections at multiple positions of the bridge. The existing 2D-DIC-based measurement methods usually use a laser rangefinder to measure the distance from each point to the camera to obtain the scale factor for the point. It is only suitable for the deflection measurements of a few points since manually measuring distances for a large number of points is time consuming and impractical. In this paper, a novel method for full-field bridge deflection measurement based on off-axis DIC is proposed. Because the bridge is usually a slender structure and the region of interest on the bridge is often a narrow band, the new approach can determine the scale factors of all the points of interest with a spatial straight-line fitting scheme. Moreover, the proposed technique employs reliability-guided processing and a fast initial parameter estimation strategy for real-time and accurate image-matching analysis. An indoor cantilever beam experiment verified the accuracy of the proposed approach, and a field test of a high-speed railway bridge demonstrated the robustness and practicability of the technique.
CACLA-Based Trajectory Tracking Guidance for RLV in Terminal Area Energy Management Phase
Authors: Lan Xuejing , Tan Zhifeng , Zou Tao , Xu Wenbiao
Published: July 2021

This paper focuses on the trajectory tracking guidance problem for the Terminal Area Energy Management (TAEM) phase of the Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV). Considering the continuous state and action space of this guidance problem, the Continuous Actor–Critic Learning Automata (CACLA) is applied to construct the guidance strategy of RLV. Two three-layer neuron networks are used to model the critic and actor of CACLA, respectively. The weight vectors of the critic are updated by the model-free Temporal Difference (TD) learning algorithm, which is improved by eligibility trace and momentum factor. The weight vectors of the actor are updated based on the sign of TD error, and a Gauss exploration is carried out in the actor. Finally, a Monte Carlo simulation and a comparison simulation are performed to show the effectiveness of the CACLA-based guidance strategy.
Performance Analysis of Solar-Assisted Ground-Coupled Heat Pump Systems with Seasonal Thermal Energy Storage to Supply Domestic Hot Water for Campus Buildings in Southern China
Authors: Zhou Jin , Cui Zhikai , Xu Feng , Zhang Guoqiang
Published: July 2021

The supply of domestic hot water (DHW) on college and university campuses is indispensable and is also one of the main components of campus energy consumption. The density of residential patterns and similar occupancy behavior of college students make it economical to use centralized systems to cover the DHW demand, and utilization of solar energy can make the systems more economical. Seasonal thermal energy storage (STES) is a promising key technology that can minimize the imbalance between the availability of solar energy and thermal energy demand. In this paper, a solar-assisted ground-coupled heat pump (SAGCHP) system that meets the DHW demand of 960 students was investigated by means of dynamic simulation and energy-economic analysis. The simulation results in terms of the underground heat balance are compared with a standalone GCHP system and a SAGCHP system without STES. Results show that heat recharging operations during university summer and winter breaks (when there are minimal students on campus) lead to improved underground heat balance and energy performance. Finally, a sensitivity analysis on system performance was carried out by varying solar collector arrays. It was found that there exists an optimal value of solar collector area to achieve the lowest system lifecycle cost (LCC).
Establishing Surrogate Model to Predict the Optimal Thermodynamic and Economic Performance of a Packed Bed Humidifier via Multi-Objective Optimization
Authors: Chen Junjie , Han Dong , He Weifeng , Amidpour Majid
Published: July 2021

In this paper, to optimize the thermodynamic and economic performance of a packed bed humidifier, a multi-objective optimization combined response surface method with a genetic algorithm is employed. The critical parameters, including geometric and thermodynamic parameters, are designated as the impact factors, and the objective functions contain unit humidification capacity of volume and unit humidification capacity of cost in a Box–Behnken design. The results of the analysis of variance demonstrated that the quadratic regression models of objectives are reliable and robust. It is found that the liquid–gas ratio, the interaction of the liquid–gas ratio, and inlet water temperature are simultaneously the strongest influence factors for the thermodynamic and economic indicators among the independent and interactive parameters. In addition, the optimal parameter group is found out through a genetic algorithm, and the actual optimal results are obtained as 0.11 kgs−1m−3 for thermodynamic performance and 15.86 kg$−1 for economic performance. Furthermore, it is shown that the thermodynamic performance improves by 56% and the economic performance increases by 6.55%, compared with optimum experimental design points. During the optimization design process, the computational time to find the optimal values reduces from 69,000 s with previous mathematical models to 10 s with established regression models. Additionally, a series of Pareto-optimal points for possible best thermodynamic and economic performance give the reference for the designers of packed bed humidifiers.
Multibody Systems with Flexible Elements
Authors: Marin Marin , Băleanu Dumitru , Vlase Sorin
Published: July 2021

The formalism of multibody systems offers a means of computer-assisted algorithmic analysis and a means of simulating and optimizing an arbitrary movement of a possible high number of elastic bodies in the connection [...]
Steam Oxidation of Silicon Carbide at High Temperatures for the Application as Accident Tolerant Fuel Cladding, an Overview
Authors: Pham Hai V. , Kurata Masaki , Steinbrueck Martin
Published: July 2021

Since the nuclear accident at Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station in 2011, a considerable number of studies have been conducted to develop accident tolerant fuel (ATF) claddings for safety enhancement of light water reactors. Among many potential ATF claddings, silicon carbide is one of the most promising candidates with many superior features suitable for nuclear applications. In spite of many potential benefits of SiC cladding, there are some concerns over the oxidation/corrosion resistance of the cladding, especially at extreme temperatures (up to 2000 °C) in severe accidents. However, the study of SiC steam oxidation in conventional test facilities in water vapor atmospheres at temperatures above 1600 °C is very challenging. In recent years, several efforts have been made to modify existing or to develop new advanced test facilities to perform material oxidation tests in steam environments typical of severe accident conditions. In this article, the authors outline the features of SiC oxidation/corrosion at high temperatures, as well as the developments of advanced test facilities in their laboratories, and, finally, give some of the current advances in understanding based on recent data obtained from those advanced test facilities.
Serological Cross-Reactions between Expressed VP2 Proteins from Different Bluetongue Virus Serotypes
Authors: Fay Petra C. , Mohd Jaafar Fauziah , Batten Carrie , Attoui Houssam , Saunders Keith , Lomonossoff George P. , Reid Elizabeth , Horton Daniel , Maan Sushila , Haig David , Daly Janet M. , Mertens Peter P. C.
Published: July 2021

Bluetongue (BT) is a severe and economically important disease of ruminants that is widely distributed around the world, caused by the bluetongue virus (BTV). More than 28 different BTV serotypes have been identified in serum neutralisation tests (SNT), which, along with geographic variants (topotypes) within each serotype, reflect differences in BTV outer-capsid protein VP2. VP2 is the primary target for neutralising antibodies, although the basis for cross-reactions and serological variations between and within BTV serotypes is poorly understood. Recombinant BTV VP2 proteins (rVP2) were expressed in Nicotiana benthamiana, based on sequence data for isolates of thirteen BTV serotypes (primarily from Europe), including three ‘novel’ serotypes (BTV-25, -26 and -27) and alternative topotypes of four serotypes. Cross-reactions within and between these viruses were explored using rabbit anti-rVP2 sera and post BTV-infection sheep reference-antisera, in I-ELISA (with rVP2 target antigens) and SNT (with reference strains of BTV-1 to -24, -26 and -27). Strong reactions were generally detected with homologous rVP2 proteins or virus strains/serotypes. The sheep antisera were largely serotype-specific in SNT, but more cross-reactive by ELISA. Rabbit antisera were more cross-reactive in SNT, and showed widespread, high titre cross-reactions against homologous and heterologous rVP2 proteins in ELISA. Results were analysed and visualised by antigenic cartography, showing closer relationships in some, but not all cases, between VP2 topotypes within the same serotype, and between serotypes belonging to the same ‘VP2 nucleotype’.
Transformation of ownership of agricultural land: regional aspect
Authors: Ryazantsev I. I.
Published: July 2021

The article describes the regional features of the transformation process in ownership of agricultural land. The author analyzes the distribution of agricultural land by ownership form in the Stavropol Territory, and provides information reflecting the structure of private land ownership. The structure of state ownership and the process of its delimitation on agricultural lands in the Stavropol Territory are revealed in the article as well.
The influence of expertise result on expert opinion in modern legal proceedings
Authors: Fedorinov A. V. , Astakhova T. A.
Published: July 2021

The article provides an analysis of the purpose and methods of reviews of expert opinions. The defi nition of the review of expert opinions and a psychological portrait of the main groups of reviewers are considered in this article. The authors pay a special attention to the analysis of errors and the role of reviews in identification of these errors in expert opinions.
Office decryption for detection of degradation processes on agricultural lands used in land use planning
Authors: Kovaleva E. V. , Kuzmina О. S.
Published: July 2021

Currently, the use of geoinformation technologies to identify and detect negative processes in arable fields is mandatory, since the development of water erosion on agricultural lands in several regions of the country is the greatest danger. This study illustrates how the operational information obtained from space imagery allows the identification of erosion areas in agricultural farming systems.
Modelling of a construction pit
Authors: Bickbulatova G. G. , Kupreeva E. N.
Published: July 2021

There are various programs for processing geodetic measurement and remote sensing data. This article discusses the use of Cyclone software for building a digital model of a construction pit surface based on a point cloud based on laser scanning and calculating the volume of earthworks.
Limnoecosystems of the Kurgan region with domination in the zooplankton of the species group Daphnia (Daphnia)
Authors: Kozlov Oleg Vladimirovich , Arshevsky Sergei Valer’evich , Arshevskaya Ol’ga Vladimirovna
Published: July 2021

The paper presents data on the state of populations of species of the genus Daphnia in the ecosystems of small lakes in the forest-steppe zone of the south-west of Western Siberia, in which they are the highest trophic link. The research was conducted in 2017 on the territory of the Kurgan region. In total, 5 lakes (Lysanovo, Dolgoe, Golovka, Second Mogilnoye, Krutoyar) located between 66°30’ and 67°00 ‘ were studied.d. and 55°00’ and 55°30 ‘ s. The studied lakes are typical for the forest-steppe zone of Western Siberia. According to the chemical composition, the lake waters of the studied limnoecosystems can be attributed to the bicarbonate and chloride classes, the sodium group. 5 species of the genus Daphnia were found in the reservoirs: Daphnia (Daphnia) - D.(D.) pulex, D.(D.) obtusa, D.(D.) longispina, D.(D.) galeata, and Daphnia (Ctenodaphnia)- D. (C.) magna. Populations of D. (D.) pulex are found in all the studied reservoirs. The maximum density and biomass of crustaceans of this species is noted in Lake Mogilnoye of 51 thousand individuals/m² and 3.62 g/m², respectively. The minimum, in the lake Dolgoe – 3.8 thousand individuals/m² and 0.019 g/m². Of the other species, D. (C.) magna is most common-in three reservoirs. At the same time, there is a significant variability in the population density from 0.478 thousand. individuals/m² (Lake Krutoyar) up to 9,864 thousand. individuals/ m² (lake Dolgoe). D. (D.) longispina is found in two lakes – the Golovka (25,230 thousand. individuals/m²) and Krutoyar (6,428 thous. individuals/m²). The lowest occurrence is typical for D. (D.) obtusa (Lake Golovka) and D. (D.) galeata (Lake Lysanovo). The greatest species diversity of the genus Daphnia was observed in Lake Golovka (3 species) and Krutoyar (3 species). It is concluded that the studied limnoecosystems are characteristic daphnia reservoirs with the dominance of one or two species from the genus Daphnia.
A full-system study of neuroendocrine regulation of fish reproduction. 1. Development biotech management principles of artificial fish reproduction on the basis of the ecologo-histophysiological scientific approach
Authors: Garlov Pavel Evgenyevich , Rybalova Natalia Borisovna , Nechaeva Tamara Alexeyevna , Temirova Saima Umargadzhievna , Vladimir Sergeevich Turicin Vladimir Sergeevich Turicin , Marasayev Sergey Fedorovich
Published: July 2021

A completed full-system (scientific-applied) ecological-histophysiological study of the hypothalamo-hypophysial neurosecretory system (HHNS) participation in fish reproduction was established. With the help of light-, electron-microscopy and immunocytochemistry it is established for the first time that at the beginning migrations of passing fish there is a mass accumulation of neurosecretory products in neurohypophysis, which indicates to the inhibition of the normal level of their excretion into the bloodstream. At the same time, they are actively synthesized in the pericarions of the neurosecretory cells in the preoptic nucleus and excretioned into the cavity of the III brain ventricle. Firstly it is a sign of a violation of their basic osmoregulatory function, which should cause a change in habitat. Secondly, the synchronous excretion of neurohormones into the brain’s liquor should cause their neurotropic effect on the CNS behavior centers in the form of a dominant state of arousal in the form of “migration impulse”. At the beginning of spawning, regardless of its season, HHNS also initiates spawning behavior and completes spawning by participating in the body’s protective-adaptive reactions to natural physiological stress. The functional role of the HHNS in fish reproduction is to initiate energy-intensive reproductive processes of migratory and spawning behaviors, and to complete spawning by suppressing the hyperactivity of the target glands, which ensures the body’s transition to energy-saving plastic exchange. The analysis of this key role of HHNS in the integration of fish reproduction by the principle of self-regulation has allowed to define the principles of effective reproduction and cultivation fish management, primarily in the form of finding the most effective impacts on the centers of integration of managed functions or modeling their effects, which should be carried out in natural periods of functional lability of the body. A constructive working scheme neuroendocrine integration of fish reproduction has been presented and the possibility of applying method of comparative analysis to further develop the system management biotechnics of fish populations reproduction is considered.