bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Connectedness and Psychological Hardiness in EFL Teachers’ Pedagogical Effectiveness
Authors: Liu Zhenzhen
Published: June 2022

The role of emotions in EFL teachers’ pedagogical success and efficacy has long been emphasized in the literature. However, the power and impact of teachers’ positive psycho-emotional factors like sense of connectedness and hardiness have been marginally explored in EFL contexts. Against this shortcoming, the present mini-review article made an attempt to provide the theoretical and research underpinnings of three prominent teacher-related factors, namely, connectedness, psychological hardiness, and pedagogical effectiveness as well as their interplay. Moreover, the research trends, gaps, and future directions are provided for enthusiastic researchers. Finally, some practical implications for EFL teachers, teacher trainers, and SLA researchers are offered to raise their awareness of psycho-emotional factors in second/foreign language education.
Viral Anxiety Mediates the Influence of Intolerance of Uncertainty on Adherence to Physical Distancing Among Healthcare Workers in COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Chung Seockhoon , Lee Taeyeop , Hong Youjin , Ahmed Oli , Silva Washington Allysson Dantas , Gouin Jean-Philippe
Published: June 2022

Introduction

The aims of this study were to examine the mediation effect of viral anxiety of healthcare workers on the influence of their intolerance of uncertainty on the adherence to physical distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

An online survey was conducted among 329 healthcare workers (female: 81.4%, nursing professionals: 59.0%, and shift workers: 22.3%) on November 29, 2021. Participants responded to questionnaires on adherence to physical distancing, health beliefs, and perceived social norms, and rating scales of the Stress and Anxiety to Viral Epidemics-6 items (SAVE-6), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 items (PHQ-9), and the Intolerance of Uncertainty-12 items (IUS-12) scale.

Results

Adherence to physical distancing of healthcare workers was predicted by perceived benefits of physical distancing (β = 0.13, p = 0.01), personal injunctive norms (β = 0.32, p < 0.001), SAVE-6 score (β = 0.13, p = 0.02), and IUS-12 score (β = 0.10, p = 0.045) (adjusted R2 = 0.21, F = 22.3, p < 0.001). Viral anxiety mediated the association between intolerance of uncertainty and adherence to physical distancing but not the influence of perceived benefits and personal injunctive norms on adherence to physical distancing.

Conclusion

We observed that viral anxiety of healthcare workers mediated the association between intolerance of uncertainty and adherence to physical distancing. During this pandemic, exploring adherence to physical distancing and its predicting factors will be helpful for the safety of healthcare workers and the patients for whom they care.
Family Socioeconomic Position and Lung Cancer Risk: A Meta-Analysis and a Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Zou Xusen , Wang Runchen , Yang Zhao , Wang Qixia , Fu Wenhai , Huo Zhenyu , Ge Fan , Zhong Ran , Jiang Yu , Li Jiangfu , Xiong Shan , Hong Wen , Liang Wenhua
Published: June 2022

Background

Family socioeconomic position (SEP) in childhood is an important factor to predict some chronic diseases. However, the association between family SEP in childhood and the risk of lung cancer is not clear.

Methods

A systematic search was performed to explore their relationship. We selected education level, socioeconomic positions of parents and childhood housing conditions to represent an individual family SEP. Hazard ratios (HRs) of lung cancer specific-mortality were synthesized using a random effects model. Two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) was carried out with summary data from published genome-wide association studies of SEP to assess the possible causal relationship of SEP and risk of lung cancer.

Results

Through meta-analysis of 13 studies, we observed that to compared with the better SEP, the poorer SEP in the childhood was associated with the increased lung cancer risk in the adulthood (HR: 1.25, 95% CI: 1.10 to 1.43). In addition, the dose-response analysis revealed a positive correlation between the poorer SEP and increased lung cancer risk. Same conclusion was reached in MR [(education level) OR 0.50, 95% CI: 0.39 to 0.63; P < 0.001].

Conclusion

This study indicates that poor family socioeconomic position in childhood is causally correlated with lung cancer risk in adulthood.

Systematic Review Registration

identifier: 159082.
Development and Pilot Test of a Group Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Women Recovering From Fistula Repair Surgery in Ethiopia
Authors: Gladstone Tracy R. G. , Ugueto Ana M. , Muleta Mulu , Meshesha Tsega M. , Ambaafris Genet G. , Patwa Mariya C. , Zhong Cordelia , Buchholz Katherine R.
Published: June 2022

Obstetric fistula is a serious complication that affects thousands of women in low-income countries. Women who suffer from obstetric fistulae are at risk of developing mental health problems, but to date most interventions have focused on repairing the physical consequences of fistulae through surgery. The goal of the current study is to develop an evidence-based intervention targeting symptoms of depression, anxiety, and trauma in women recovering from fistula repair surgery. First, hospital staff and patients awaiting surgery at a fistula hospital in Ethiopia participated in qualitative interviews to provide information on the mental health needs of women with fistulae, how the hospital tends to these women's psychological needs, and the training needs of staff members. Data from these interviews were used to develop the COFFEE intervention (CBT with Obstetric Fistula for Education and Empowerment). COFFEE is a modular, group intervention that teaches psycho-education, behavioral activation, relaxation, problem solving, cognitive restructuring, and includes a trauma narrative. Patients then participated in an open trial of the COFFEE intervention at the University of Gondar Hospital. Five separate groups were conducted with 24 women who were enrolled post-fistula repair surgery. Women completed pre-treatment self-report questionnaires, participated in group sessions conducted by nurses (with 8 sessions delivered across 10–14 days), and were assessed post-treatment and at 3-month follow-up. Results indicate a significant reduction on depression and anxiety symptoms scores across the three time points [F(2, 40) = 68.45, p < 0.001 partial η2 = 0.774]. Additionally, there was a significant decrease in traumatic stress scores from baseline to post-treatment [F(1.10, 21.98) = 100.51, p < 0.001 partial η2 = 0.834]. Feedback forms completed by nurses and patients suggest the intervention was well-received. Results of this open-trial suggest the COFFEE intervention is feasible, acceptable, and clinically beneficial to treat symptoms of depression, anxiety, and traumatic stress in women post-fistula repair surgery in a hospital setting.
Adherence to Urological Therapies for Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Due to Benign Prostatic Enlargement During COVID-19 Lockdown
Authors: Morgia Giuseppe , Lo Giudice Arturo , Asmundo Maria Giovanna , Rapallo Ilenia , Carrino Maurizio , Persico Francesco , Terrone Carlo , Malinaric Rafaela , Tedde Alessandro , Madonia Massimo , Voce Salvatore , Reale Giulio , Larganà Gaetano , Cocci Andrea , Masieri Lorenzo , Zingone Francesca , Carcò Daniela , Russo Giorgio Ivan
Published: June 2022

Background

Due to the pandemic emergency caused by COVID-19, many countries were forced to apply a variety of measures such as quarantine and full national lockdown in order to contain the contagion. Medication adherence to chronic diseases may have been negatively influenced by restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this study is to investigate adherence to urological therapies of patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTSs) secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) during the COVID-19 lockdown period.

Methods

In this cohort study, we included a total of 151 male patients who were prescribed medications for LUTSs/benign prostatic enlargement (BPE) between January 2019 and December 2020. The prescriptive data of the following medications were collected: alpha-blockers (AB), 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (5-ARIs), 5-phosphodiesterase inhibitors (PDE5-i), antimuscarinics, and phytotherapy (i.e., Serenoa repens). According to adherence or discontinuation of therapy, patients were divided into two groups: those who took their medications for a minimum of 6 months during the index period were considered in the “Medication adherence group” and those whose treatment was considered “discontinued” if it was interrupted for a 1-month period.

Results

Overall, the median age was 69.0 (interquartile range [IQR]: 63.0–74.0), the median International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) before the lockdown was 15.0 (IQR: 11.0–18.0), and the median IPSS–quality of life (IPSS-QoL) before the lockdown was 2.0 (IQR: 2.0–3.0). During the lockdown, 19 patients (12.58%) stopped taking their medications due to the pandemic situation: six (31.58%) stopped phytotherapy, two stopped AB+phytotherapy (10.53%), five stopped AB (26.32%), three stopped 5-ARIs (15.79%), one stopped antimuscarinics (5.26%), and two stopped other combination therapies (p < 0.01). Among the patients who stopped therapy, five (26.31%) reported the presence of worsening symptoms (score ≥ 3), while 14 (73.69%) reported the absence of worsening symptoms (score < 3). During the lockdown, five (3.31%) patients required hospitalization: three (1.99%) for acute urinary retention and two (1.32%) for urinary tract infection.

Conclusions

The rate of medication adherence for LUTSs/BPE during COVID-19 was 86.75%, but 13.25% of the patients had their treatments interrupted due to the pandemic situation. This rate determined a slight increase in symptoms with a potential impact on hospitalization. These results should be taken into account in order to develop adequate strategies in telehealth to maintain medication adherence for chronic diseases.
Postoperative Immobilization After Hip Reconstruction in Cerebral Palsy: No Difference Between Hip Spica and Abduction Pillow
Authors: Vasconcellos Alexander L. , Tagawa Alex S. , Rhodes Jason T. , Silveira Lori J. , Skinner Austin A. , Frumberg David B.
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This study aims to compare radiographic outcomes and complication rates of immobilization with an abduction pillow to spica casting for postoperative care after a hip reconstruction with varus derotational proximal femur osteotomy (VDRO) with or without pelvic osteotomy for children with cerebral palsy (CP).

Methods

233 children (1–18 years old) diagnosed with CP that underwent VDRO with or without pelvic osteotomy were identified, of which 188 patients were immobilized with a spica cast and 45 were immobilized with an abduction pillow, based on surgeon preference. 123 (65%) in the Spica group and 21 (47%) in the pillow group had pelvic osteotomies. Demographic data and complication rates were collected. Radiographic parameters, including anatomic medial proximal femoral angle (aMPFA), acetabular index (AI) and migration percentage (MP), were measured for each patient at the completion of surgery, six weeks post-operatively, and one year post-operatively.

Results

There was not a statistically significant difference in BMI (p = 0.285), gender distribution (p = 0.984), or median follow-up time (p = 0.314) between groups. Rates of complications were consistent among groups with no differences in instances of delayed unions (p = 0.10), subluxations (p = 0.55), infection (p = 0.71), or non-unions (p = 0.10). There was no statistically significant difference in number of patients with an ideal aMPFA, AI, or MP (p = 0.44, p = 0.19, p = 1.00) at one year post-operatively.

Conclusions

Immobilization with an abduction pillow is a safe and effective alternative to hip spica casting following hip reconstruction.
Data Availability of Open T-Cell Receptor Repertoire Data, a Systematic Assessment
Authors: Huang Yu-Ning , Patel Naresh Amrat , Mehta Jay Himanshu , Ginjala Srishti , Brodin Petter , Gray Clive M. , Patel Yesha M. , Cowell Lindsay G. , Burkhardt Amanda M. , Mangul Serghei
Published: June 2022

Modern data-driven research has the power to promote novel biomedical discoveries through secondary analyses of raw data. Therefore, it is important to ensure data-driven research with great reproducibility and robustness for promoting a precise and accurate secondary analysis of the immunogenomics data. In scientific research, rigorous conduct in designing and conducting experiments is needed, specifically in scientific writing and reporting results. It is also crucial to make raw data available, discoverable, and well described or annotated in order to promote future re-analysis of the data. In order to assess the data availability of published T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire data, we examined 11,918 TCR-Seq samples corresponding to 134 TCR-Seq studies ranging from 2006 to 2022. Among the 134 studies, only 38.1% had publicly available raw TCR-Seq data shared in public repositories. We also found a statistically significant association between the presence of data availability statements and the increase in raw data availability (p = 0.014). Yet, 46.8% of studies with data availability statements failed to share the raw TCR-Seq data. There is a pressing need for the biomedical community to increase awareness of the importance of promoting raw data availability in scientific research and take immediate action to improve its raw data availability enabling cost-effective secondary analysis of existing immunogenomics data by the larger scientific community.
Zinc Oxide Nanoparticle Improves the Intestinal Function of Intrauterine Growth Retardation Finishing Pigs via Regulating Intestinal Morphology, Inflammation, Antioxidant Status and Autophagy
Authors: Zhou Binbin , Zhang Jiaqi , Liu Huijuan , Chen Shun , Wang Tian , Wang Chao
Published: June 2022

This study was to investigate effects of zinc oxide nanoparticle (Nano-ZnO) on growth, immunity, intestinal morphology and function of intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) finishing pigs. Six normal birth weight (NBW) and 12 IUGR male piglets were obtained and weaned at 21 d. NBW-weaned piglets fed basal diets (NBW group), IUGR-weaned piglets allocated to two groups fed basal diets (IUGR group) and basal diets further supplemented 600 mg Zn/kg from Nano-ZnO (IUGR+Zn group), respectively. All pigs were slaughtered at 163 d. Results showed: (1) IUGR pigs showed no difference in body weight at 77d and 163d (P > 0.05), while had increased villus height (VH) and villus surface area in jejunum (P < 0.05) and enhanced interleukin-6, TNF-α and NF-κB mRNA expression (P < 0.05) as compared to NBW group; Compared with IUGR group, dietary Nano-ZnO did not affect the body weight (P > 0.05), but increased VH to crypt depth ratio and IgA concentration (P < 0.05) and decreased TNF-α and NF-κB mRNA expression in jejunum (P < 0.05). (2) IUGR increased the number of swollen mitochondria and autolysosomes, and protein expressions of sequestosome-1 (P62) and microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 B/A (LC3B/A) in jejunum as compared to NBW group (P < 0.05); Compared with IUGR group, Nano-ZnO decreased the number of swollen mitochondria and autolysosomes, and P62 and LC3B/A protein expression (P < 0.05). (3) IUGR increased mucosal contents of malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl (PC) and Keap1 protein expression (P < 0.05) as compared to NBW group; Compared with IUGR group, dietary Nano-ZnO increased activities of total antioxidant capacity, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione content (P < 0.05), and enhanced nuclear respiratory factor 2 (Nrf2), glutamate-cysteine ligase modifier subunit and glutathione peroxidase 1 mRNA expression, and increased total and nuclear Nrf2 protein expression (P < 0.05), and decreased malondialdehyde and PC content, and Keap1 protein expression (P < 0.05) in jejunum. Results suggested that IUGR pigs showed postnatal catch-up growth and improved intestinal morphology, and dietary Nano-ZnO may further improve intestinal morphology, reduce inflammation, decrease autophagy and alleviate oxidative stress via Nrf2/Keap1 pathway in jejunum of IUGR pigs.
Case Report: Adrenal Epithelial Cyst in an 11-Year-Old Leptailurus Serval
Authors: Devereux Sacha L. , Baltzer Wendy I. , Piripi Susan A. , Owen Mark C.
Published: June 2022

Case Description

A serval (Leptailurus serval) presented for progressive enlargement of the right adrenal gland, which had been found incidentally on abdominal ultrasound 2 years previously and upon subsequent ultrasound examinations enlarged progressively from 1.26 to 1.43 cm.

Clinical Findings

Clinical signs had not been recorded by the zookeeper, however, progressive weight gain and lethargy were reported. Computed tomography (CT) confirmed the presence of a right caudal pole adrenal mass measuring 1.8 cm.

Treatment and Outcome

The right adrenal with associated mass was surgically resectedviaa ventral midline laparotomy that included the resection of the right phrenicoabdominal vein in association with the mass. Histopathological examination identified the mass as an epithelial cyst. Chromogranin A staining for a possible pheochromocytoma was performed but was negative. The serval recovered at the zoo without complication and has been on display for 18 months.

Clinical Relevance

Epithelial adrenal cysts have not been previously reported in felids. An adrenal cyst should be included on the differential list for any animal with an enlarged, slowly growing adrenal gland mass with non-specific clinical signs.
Development and Application of a Duplex Droplet Digital Polymerase Chain Reaction Assay for Detection and Differentiation of EP402R-Deleted and Wild-Type African Swine Fever Virus
Authors: Zhu Junhai , Jian Weijun , Huang Yifan , Gao Qi , Gao Fei , Chen Huahan , Zhang Guihong , Liao Ming , Qi Wenbao
Published: June 2022

African swine fever (ASF) is a highly fatal porcine disease caused by the African swine fever virus (ASFV), and resulting in huge economic losses across the globe. ASF has been raging in China for 3 years, and recently EP402R-deleted ASFV strains emerged, showing sub-acute or chronic symptoms in pigs and providing novel difficulties to monitor and control the disease as EP402R-deleted strains possess no hemadsorption (HAD) ability. In addition, the gene deletion virus with low viral load is prone to results retest or false negative due to the high cycle threshold (Ct) value under the current real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection method. Thus, a new method is needed to detect and distinguish wild strains and gene-deleted viruses. In this study, a duplex droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) assay based on the ASFV B646L and EP402R genes was established and showed good linearity (R2 > 0.99). The limit of detection for duplex ddPCR was 52 copies per reaction and 8.6 copies per reaction for B646L and EP402R, respectively. No cross-reaction with other porcine viruses [classical swine fever virus (CSFV), porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), porcine parvovirus (PPV), Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), and porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2)] was identified by this assay. In addition, 44 ASFV-suspicious clinical samples as well as EP402R-deleted ASFV were tested in parallel by duplex real-time PCR and ddPCR, indicative of a higher sensitivity which belonged to the duplex ddPCR assay. In summary, this is the first time that duplex ddPCR assay has been successfully developed to provide an efficient method to detect and differentiate ASFV wild-type and gene-deleted strains.
Thermal Inactivation of African Swine Fever Virus in Swill
Authors: Nuanualsuwan Suphachai , Songkasupa Tapanut , Boonpornprasert Prakit , Suwankitwat Nutthakarn , Lohlamoh Walaiporn , Nuengjamnong Chackrit
Published: June 2022

The indirect transmission of the African swine fever virus (ASFV) is through contaminated fomite, feed ingredients, pork- and pig-derived products, including swill, as ASFV is highly stable within suitable organic material. Some previous studies have indicated that ASFV outbreaks were associated with swill feeding, particularly in smallholder pig farms. These outbreaks emphasize the significance of the appropriate heat treatment of swill to eliminate ASFV residual titer. The World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) recommended the heat treatment of swill at a temperature of at least 90°C for at least 60 min, with continuous stirring, while the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) recommended heat treatment at 70°C for 30 min. The lack of scientific evidence regarding ASFV inactivation by heat treatment of swill leads to such inconsistent recommendations. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to assess the thermal inactivation of ASFV in three swill formulae and to develop a DT model to predict DT at some other inactivation temperatures. The significant reduction of ASFV in swill occurred at temperatures as low as 60°C. DT or decimal reduction time (DRT) is defined as the time required to reduce the virus titer by 1 log, and this was also used as a comparative index of heat resistance. The mean D60, D70, D75, and D80 of ASFV in three swill formulae were in the ranges 23.21–33.47, 5.83–10.91, 2.15–2.22, and 1.36–1.47 min, respectively. These DT could be widely used for any nutritive composition of swill other than the three swill formulae in this study since there was no statistical difference of all DT of ASFV across three swill formulae. Based on D70 and the predicted D90 from the DT model in this study, including the highest ASFV titer in pork products, the calculated inactivation times at 70 and 90°C were 119 and 4 min, respectively.
Mimiviruses Interfere With IκBα Degradation
Authors: dos Santos Oliveira Juliana , Oliveira Dahienne Ferreira , Essus Victor Alejandro , Nunes Gabriel Henrique Pereira , Honorato Leandro , Peralta José Mauro , Nimrichter Leonardo , Guimarães Allan Jefferson , Foguel Debora , Filardy Alessandra Almeida , Cortines Juliana R.
Published: June 2022

Many aspects of giant viruses biology still eludes scientists, with viruses such as Acanthamoeba polyphaga mimivirus (APMV) and Tupanvirus (TPV) possessing large virions covered by fibrils and are cultivated in laboratories using Acanthamoeba cells as hosts. However, little is known about the infectivity of these giant viruses in vertebrate cells. In the present study, we investigated the consequences of the incubation of APMV and Tupanvirus with mammalian cells. These cells express Toll-like receptors (TLR) that are capable of recognizing lipopolysaccharides, favoring the internalization of the antigen and activation of the inflammatory system. By using a lineage of human lung adenocarcinoma cells (A549), we found that APMV and TPV virus particles interact and are internalized by these cells. Furthermore, when treating cells with a fibriless variant of APMV, the M4 strain, there was no significant loss of cell viability, reinforcing the roles of fibrils in cell activation. In addition, we found an upregulation of TLR4 expression and an expected down regulation of IκBα in A549 APMV or TPV-infected cells compared to non-infected cells. Our results suggest that mimiviruses are able to interact with innate immune components such as TLR4, inducing their downstream signaling pathway, which ultimately active proinflammatory responses in lung cells.
Photoperiod Insensitivity in Pigeonpea Introgression Lines Derived from Wild Cajanus Species
Authors: Hussain Mohammad Ekram , Sharma Shivali , Joel A. John , Kilian Benjamin
Published: June 2022

Pigeonpea is a photoperiod-sensitive crop; therefore, the introgression of photoperiod insensitivity could increase its adaptability to new environments. We determined the effect of extended daylength (ED; 16 h light) on the phenotypical traits of extra-early, early, and mid-early maturing pigeonpea introgression lines (ILs) derived from wild Cajanus species belonging to secondary and tertiary gene pools. Plants were grown under natural daylength and extended daylength in a greenhouse. Comparisons of the time of floral bud initiation, days to flowering, plant height, number of branches, and number of leaf nodes on the main stem at flowering revealed photoperiod-insensitive lines. All traits varied widely among the ILs. Analyses of flowering traits revealed large genetic components with low genotype × treatment interactions and high broad-sense heritability. The photoperiod most strongly affected the number of primary branches, followed by plant height. The extended day advanced flowering by approximately four days in extra-early ILs, confirming that these ILs are quantitative, short-day plants. The photoperiod insensitivity index varied from 0.88 in ICPP 171541 (moderately photoperiod sensitive) to 0.99 in ICPP 171546 and ICPP 171561 (photoperiod insensitive). These photoperiod-insensitive extra-early flowering ILs can be used to enrich the genetic diversity of pigeonpea and to develop photoperiod-insensitive cultivars for cultivation in new environments.
Antioxidative, Antibacterial and Antiproliferative Properties of Honey Types from the Western Balkans
Authors: Sakač Marijana , Jovanov Pavle , Marić Aleksandar , Četojević-Simin Dragana , Novaković Aleksandra , Plavšić Dragana , Škrobot Dubravka , Kovač Renata
Published: June 2022

This paper presents the physicochemical characteristics and antioxidative, antibacterial and antiproliferative effects of nineteen samples of different honey types (acacia, linden, heather, sunflower, phacelia, basil, anise, sage, chestnut, hawthorn, lavender and meadow) collected from different locations in the Western Balkans (Republic of Serbia, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Northern Macedonia). Physicochemical parameters (moisture, pH, electrical conductivity, free acidity, and hydroxymethylfurfural [HMF]) were analysed. Based on the obtained results, all tested honey samples were in agreement with EU regulation. The antioxidant potential of honey samples was assessed by determination of total phenolic content (TPC) and evaluation of scavenging activity towards diphenilpicrylhydrazyl radicals (DPPH·). The highest phenolic content was found in basil honey (101 ± 2.72 mg GAE/100 g), while the lowest was registered in rapeseed honey (11.5 ± 0.70 mg GAE/100 g). Heather, anise, phacelia, sage, chestnut and lavender honey samples were also rich in TP, containing 80–100 mg GAE/100 g. DPPH scavenging activity varied among the samples being the highest for lavender honey (IC50 = 88.2 ± 2.11 mg/mL) and the lowest for rapeseed honey (IC50 = 646 ± 8.72 mg/mL). Antibacterial activity was estimated in vitro using agar diffusion tests and measuring minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC). Among investigated bacterial strains following resistant potencies were determined: Escherichia coli > Escherichia coli ATCC 8739 > Enterococcus faecalis > Proteus mirabilis > Staphylococcus aureus > Staphylococcus epidermidis. The linden honey from Fruška Gora (MIC values of 3.12% and 6.25% against Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis, respectively) and phacelia honey (MIC values of 6.25% and 3.12% against S.Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis, respectively) showed the strongest antibacterial activity. Antiproliferative activity was evaluated using the colorimetric sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay. The highest antiproliferative activity was obtained from linden honey sample 1 (IC50MCF7 = 7.46 ± 1.18 mg/mL and IC50HeLa =12.4 ± 2.00 mg/mL) and meadow sample 2 (IC50MCF7 = 12.0 ± 0.57 mg/mL, IC50HeLa = 16.9 ± 1.54 mg/mL and IC50HT−29 = 23.7 ± 1.33 mg/mL) towards breast (MCF7), cervix (HeLa) and colon (HT-29) cancer cells. Active components other than sugars contributed to cell growth activity.
Ameliorative and Antioxidative Potential of Lactobacillus plantarum-Fermented Oat (Avena sativa) and Fermented Oat Supplemented with Sidr Honey against Streptozotocin-Induced Type 2 Diabetes in Rats
Authors: Alharbi Hend F. , Algonaiman Raya , Barakat Hassan
Published: June 2022

The ameliorative and antioxidative stress effects of probiotic-enriched fermented oat (FOE) or fermented oat with honey (HFOE) extracts on streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rats were examined. The total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity (AOA) were increased in FOE and HFOE after 72 h of fermentation, and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) reached 7.35 mg 100 g−1 in FOE and 8.49 mg 100 g−1 in HFOE. The β-glucan levels were slightly decreased to 2.45 g 100 g−1 DW in FOE and 2.63 g 100 g−1 DW in HFOE. The antidiabetic and hypolipidemic properties of FOE and HFOE were studied in a designed animal model with seven treated groups for 6 weeks. Groups were treated as follows: group 1 (negative group, NR) and group 2 (diabetic rats, DR) were administered 7 mL distilled water orally per day; group 3 (DR + MET) rats were orally administered 50 mg standard drug Metformin kg−1 daily; group 4 (DR + FOE1) diabetic rats were orally administered 3.5 mL FOE daily; group 5 (DR + FOE2) rats were orally administered 7 mL FOE daily; group 6 (DR + HFOE1) rats were orally administered 3.5 mL HFOE daily; and group 7 (DR + HFOE2) rats were orally administered 7 mL HFOE daily. The HFOE at the high dose had a synergistic effect, lowering random blood glucose (RBG) and fasting blood glucose (FBG). The hypolipidemic potential of HFOE at the high dose was indicated by significant reductions in triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (CHO), high- and low-density lipoproteins (HDL and LDL), and very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDL). In addition, 7 mL of HFOE improved liver and kidney function more effectively than other fermented extracts or Metformin. As well as the antioxidant enzyme activity, reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malonaldehyde (MDA) were significantly enhanced after the administration of HFOE at 7 mL by 68.6%, 71.5%, 55.69%, and 15.98%, respectively, compared to the DR group. In conclusion, administration of L. plantarum-fermented oats supplemented with honey demonstrated antidiabetic effects and a potential approach for controlling glucose levels and lipid profiles, and protecting against oxidative stress.
Closed-Circuit Pump-Controlled Electro-Hydraulic Steering System for Pure Electric Wheel Loader
Authors: Guo Tong , Wu Biao , Lin Tianliang , Chen Honghui , Chen Qihuai
Published: June 2022

Traditional construction machinery’s full hydraulic steering system has high energy consumption. An electro-hydraulic flow matching steering system for electric wheel loaders based on closed-circuit pump control is proposed to solve the problem. The transfer function of the electro-hydraulic system is established, and the system is stable according to analysis via Routh matrix. A test platform is built to verify the effectiveness of the system and the control strategy. Taking a 1.6T wheel loader as an example, the energy consumption of the traditional steering system and the new steering system under zero-load, positive-load (shovel loaded with 600 kg gravel), and offset-load (the center of gravity of the gravel is off the center of the bucket) conditions is compared. The results show that the energy consumption of the proposed steering system is greatly reduced compared to the traditional system. Under the condition of zero-load with medium steering speed, compared to the traditional system, consumption is reduced by 22.8%.
Divergence of High-Order Harmonic Generation by a Convex Plasma Surface
Authors: Yang Chun , Zhou Chuliang , Zheng Yinghui , Zhang Dongdong , Gao Jixing , Bai Yafeng , Qi Rong , Qian Jiayi , Gui Jiayan , Zhang Zongxin , Tian Ye , Zeng Zhinan
Published: June 2022

The electron density profile on a plasma surface has a decisive influence on the mechanism and characteristics of the plasma high-order harmonic generation. When the pre-pulse has a similar spatial and temporal distribution as the main laser pulse, the plasma surface on the target will expand to form a convex profile of the similar size as the focal spot of the main pulse. We experimentally observed that the divergence of the harmonics generated by the relativistic laser light incident on a silica target has a saddle-shaped structure. The two-dimensional particle-in-cell simulation with convex plasma surfaces explains the experimental results very well and infers a 0.12λL plasma scale length around the center of the convex profile. Further, we qualitatively explained that the asymmetry of the saddle-shaped harmonic divergence is caused by oblique incidence.
Rolling Bearing Health Indicator Extraction and RUL Prediction Based on Multi-Scale Convolutional Autoencoder
Authors: Ye Zijian , Zhang Qiang , Shao Siyu , Niu Tianlin , Zhao Yuwei
Published: June 2022

Rolling bearings are some of the most crucial components in rotating machinery systems. Rolling bearing failure may cause substantial economic losses and even endanger operator lives. Therefore, the accurate remaining useful life (RUL) prediction of rolling bearings is of tremendous research importance. Health indicator (HI) construction is the critical step in the data-driven RUL prediction approach. However, existing HI construction methods often require extraction of time-frequency domain features using prior knowledge while artificially determining the failure threshold and do not make full use of sensor information. To address the above issues, this paper proposes an end-to-end HI construction method called a multi-scale convolutional autoencoder (MSCAE) and uses LSTM neural networks for RUL prediction. MSCAE consists of three convolutional autoencoders with different convolutional kernel sizes in parallel, which can fully exploit the global and local information of the vibration signals. First, the raw vibration data and labels are input into MSCAE, and then, MSCAE is trained by minimizing the composite loss function. After that, the vibration data of the test bearings are fed into the trained MSCAE to extract HI. Finally, RUL prediction is performed using the LSTM neural network. The superiority of the HI extracted by MSCAE was verified using the PHM2012 challenge dataset. Compared to state-of-the-art HI construction methods, RUL prediction using MSCAE-extracted HI has the highest prediction accuracy.
Effective Conversion of a Convolutional Neural Network into a Spiking Neural Network for Image Recognition Tasks
Authors: Ngu Huynh Cong Viet , Lee Keon Myung
Published: June 2022

Due to energy efficiency, spiking neural networks (SNNs) have gradually been considered as an alternative to convolutional neural networks (CNNs) in various machine learning tasks. In image recognition tasks, leveraging the superior capability of CNNs, the CNN–SNN conversion is considered one of the most successful approaches to training SNNs. However, previous works assume a rather long inference time period called inference latency to be allowed, while having a trade-off between inference latency and accuracy. One of the main reasons for this phenomenon stems from the difficulty in determining proper a firing threshold for spiking neurons. The threshold determination procedure is called a threshold balancing technique in the CNN–SNN conversion approach. This paper proposes a CNN–SNN conversion method with a new threshold balancing technique that obtains converted SNN models with good accuracy even with low latency. The proposed method organizes the SNN models with soft-reset IF spiking neurons. The threshold balancing technique estimates the thresholds for spiking neurons based on the maximum input current in a layerwise and channelwise manner. The experiment results have shown that our converted SNN models attain even higher accuracy than the corresponding trained CNN model for the MNIST dataset with low latency. In addition, for the Fashion-MNIST and CIFAR-10 datasets, our converted SNNs have shown less conversion loss than other methods in low latencies. The proposed method can be beneficial in deploying efficient SNN models for recognition tasks on resource-limited systems because the inference latency is strongly associated with energy consumption.
Impact of Rapid pH Changes on Activated Sludge Process
Authors: Kokina Kristina , Mezule Linda , Gruskevica Kamila , Neilands Romans , Golovko Ksenija , Juhna Talis
Published: June 2022

The inhibition effect of rapid variations of pH in wastewater on activated sludge was investigated in laboratory-scale sequencing batch reactors (SBR). The toxic influence of pH 6.5 and 8.5 was examined. The experiment with pH 8.5 was preferable to formation of high FA concentration and showed a low risk of inhibition of second step nitrification (conversion of nitrites to nitrates). However, the reactor at pH 6.5 showed inhibition of first-step nitrification (conversion of ammonia to nitrites) caused by FNA formation. High ammonia levels caused a decrease in the overall microfauna population, whereas low–enhanced gymnamoebae, Zoogloea, and Chilodonella sp. population increased after 72 h of inhibition. Destructive acidic pH influence caused sludge washout from the reactor and, therefore, higher organic load on ASP and intensive sludge foam due to Zoogloea higher population.
An Adaptive Bi-Mutation-Based Differential Evolution Algorithm for Multi-Threshold Image Segmentation
Authors: Sun Yu , Yang Yingying
Published: June 2022

Aiming at solving the problems of large calculation, time-consuming, and low segmentation accuracy of multi-threshold image segmentation, an adaptive threshold value based differential evolution algorithm is proposed in this paper. Firstly, an opposite learning strategy is introduced into the initial population to improve the quality of the initial population; secondly, a threshold-value-based mutation strategy is proposed to balance the exploration and development capabilities of the algorithm, and the number of successfully evolved individuals is considered as a threshold value to adaptively adjust the evolution of superior and inferior individuals. Experiments demonstrate that the proposed algorithm has better performance in enhancing accuracy and speeding up the convergence.
Comparative Study of Various Graphene Oxide Structures as Efficient Drug Release Systems for Ibuprofen
Authors: Zygouri Panagiota , Spyrou Konstantinos , Papayannis Demetrios K. , Asimakopoulos Georgios , Dounousi Evangelia , Stamatis Haralambos , Gournis Dimitrios , Rudolf Petra
Published: June 2022

Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drug that is widely prescribed for its analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory actions to treat pain, symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and fever, but it is also known to cause stomach-related side effects. The development of efficient drug delivery systems for this compound to prevent these side effects is hampered by its poor water solubility. In this work, we show that graphite oxide and its derivatives have great potential as effective drug delivery systems not only to overcome side effects but also to increase the short biological half-life of ibuprofen. We studied the adsorption capacity of graphite oxide and carboxylated and sulfonated graphene oxide for this drug and its release in simulated gastric and intestinal fluid. The obtained compounds were characterized by X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. DFT calculations were conducted to elucidate the Ibuprofen/host interactions, to establish which properties of these carbon nanomaterials control the loading and release, as well as to provide a better understanding of the orientation of the drug molecules on the single-layer GO.
The Binary-Encounter-Bethe Model for Computation of Singly Differential Cross Sections Due to Electron-Impact Ionization
Authors: Garkoti Pankaj , Luthra Meetu , Goswami Kanupriya , Bharadvaja Anand , Baluja Kasturi Lal
Published: June 2022

In the present work, we assess the effectiveness of singly differential cross sections (SDCS) due to electron-impact ionization by invoking the binary-encounter-Bethe (BEB) model on various atomic and molecular targets. The computed results were compared with the experimental and theoretical data. A good agreement was observed between the present and the available results. This agreement improves as the incident energy of the projectile increases. The model can be applied to compute the SDCS for the ions produced due to the electron-impact dissociative ionization process and the average energy due to the secondary electrons. Both these quantities are of interest in plasma processing and radiation physics.
Modeling and Prediction of the Species’ Range of Neurobasis chinensis (Linnaeus, 1758) under Climate Change
Authors: Liao Jian , Wang Haojie , Xiao Shaojun , Guan Zhaoying , Zhang Haomiao , Dumont Henri J. , Han Bo-Ping
Published: June 2022

Neurobasis chinensis is widely distributed in eastern tropical Asia. Its only congener in China, the N. anderssoni, has not been observed for decades. To protect N. chinensis, it is necessary to understand the ecological properties of its habitats and specie’s range shift under climate change. In the present study, we modeled its potential distribution under one historical, current, and four future scenarios. We evaluated the importance of the factors that shape its distribution and habitats and predicted the historical and current core spatial distributions and their shifting in the future. Two historical core distribution areas were identified: the inland region of the Bay of Bengal and south-central Vietnam. The current potential distribution includes south China, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Myanmar, Luzon of Philippines, Malaysia, southwest and northeast India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia (Java, Sumatera), Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and foothills of the Himalayas, in total, ca. 3.59 × 106 km2. Only one core distribution remained, concentrated in south-central Vietnam. In a warming future, the core distribution, high suitable habitats, and even the whole range of N. chinensis will expand and shift northwards. Currently, N. chinensis mainly resides in forest ecosystems below 1200 m above sea level (preferred 500 m to 1200 m a.s.l.). Annual precipitation, mean temperature of driest quarter, and seasonality of precipitation are important factors shaping the species distribution. Our study provides systematic information on habitats and geographical distribution, which is useful for the conservation of N. chinensis.
Biochemical and Thermodynamic Studies on a Novel Thermotolerant GH10 Xylanase from Bacillus safensis
Authors: Glekas Panayiotis D. , Kalantzi Styliani , Dalios Anargiros , Hatzinikolaou Dimitris G. , Mamma Diomi
Published: June 2022

Xylanases have a broad range of applications in agro-industrial processes. In this study, we report on the discovery and characterization of a new thermotolerant GH10 xylanase from Bacillus safensis, designated as BsXyn10. The xylanase gene (bsxyn10) was cloned from Bacillus safensis and expressed in Escherichia coli. The reduced molecular mass of BsXyn10 was 48 kDa upon SDS-PAGE. Bsxyn10 was optimally active at pH 7.0 and 60 °C, stable over a broad range of pH (5.0–8.0), and also revealed tolerance toward different modulators (metal cations, EDTA). The enzyme was active toward various xylans with no activity on the glucose-based polysaccharides. KM, vmax, and kcat for oat spelt xylan hydrolysis were found to be 1.96 g·L−1, 58.6 μmole·min−1·(mg protein)−1, and 49 s−1, respectively. Thermodynamic parameters for oat spelt xylan hydrolysis at 60 °C were ΔS* = −61.9 J·mol−1·K−1, ΔH* = 37.0 kJ·mol−1 and ΔG* = 57.6 kJ·mol−1. BsXyn10 retained high levels of activity at temperatures up to 60 °C. The thermodynamic parameters (ΔH*D, ΔG*D, ΔS*D) for the thermal deactivation of BsXyn10 at a temperature range of 40–80 °C were: 192.5 ≤ ΔH*D ≤ 192.8 kJ·mol−1, 262.1 ≤ ΔS*D ≤ 265.8 J·mol−1·K−1, and 99.9 ≤ ΔG*D ≤ 109.6 kJ·mol−1. The BsXyn10-treated oat spelt xylan manifested the catalytic release of xylooligosaccharides of 2–6 DP, suggesting that BsXyn10 represents a promising candidate biocatalyst appropriate for several biotechnological applications.
An Insight into the Impact of Thermal Process on Dissolution Profile and Physical Characteristics of Theophylline Tablets Made through 3D Printing Compared to Conventional Methods
Authors: Nashed Nour , Lam Matthew , Ghafourian Taravat , Pausas Lluis , Jiri Memory , Majumder Mridul , Nokhodchi Ali
Published: June 2022

The dissolution profile is of great importance in drug delivery and is affected by the manufacturing method. Thus, it is important to study the influence of the thermal process on drug release in emerging technologies such as 3D printing-fused deposition modeling (FDM). For this purpose, the characteristics of 3D printed tablets were compared to those of tablets prepared by other thermal methods such as hot-melt extrusion (HME) and non-thermal methods such as physical mixture (PM). Theophylline was used as a drug model and blends of ethyl cellulose (EC) and hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) were used as a matrix former. The solid state of the drug in all formulations was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray powder diffraction, and Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy. All studied tablets had the same weight and surface area/volume (SA/V). Dissolution data showed that, for some formulations, printed tablets interestingly had a faster release profile despite having the highest hardness values (>550 N) compared to HME and PM tablets. Porosity investigations showed that 100% infill printed tablets had the highest porosity (~20%) compared to HME (<10%) and PM tablets (≤11%). True density records were the lowest in printed tablets (~1.22 g/m3) compared to tablets made from both HME and PM methods (~1.26 g/m3), reflecting the possible increase in polymer specific volume while printing. This increase in the volume of polymer network may accelerate water and drug diffusion from/within the matrix. Thus, it is a misconception that the 3D printing process will always retard drug release based on increased tablet hardness. Hardness, porosity, density, solid-state of the drug, SA/V, weight, and formulation components are all factors contributing to the release profile where the total balance can either slow down or accelerate the release profile.
Analysis of Enzyme Conformation Dynamics Using Single-Molecule Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (smFRET)
Authors: Huynh Mai , Sengupta Bhaswati
Published: June 2022

Single-molecule Förster resonance energy transfer (smFRET) enables the deconvolution of various conformational substates of biomolecules. Over the past two decades, it has been widely used to understand the conformational dynamics of enzymes. Commonly, enzymes undergo reversible transitions between active and inactive states in solution. Using smFRET, the details of these transitions and the effect of ligands on these dynamics have been determined. In this mini-review, we discuss the various works focused on the investigation of enzyme conformational dynamics using smFRET.