bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Blueberry Anthocyanins from Commercial Products: Structure Identification and Potential for Diabetic Retinopathy Amelioration
Authors: Li Rui , Ye Zhan , Yang Wei , Xu Yong-Jiang , Tan Chin-Ping , Liu Yuanfa
Published: November 2022

The aim of the present study was to determine the major anthocyanins of blueberry extracts from northeast China and explore their vision health improvement effects. HPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS results suggested that six different anthocyanins were accurately identified, among which the Cy-3-glu (C3G) was the most abundant, ranging from 376.91 ± 7.91 to 763.70 ± 4.99 μM. The blueberry extract contained a higher purity of anthocyanins, and the anthocyanosides reached 342.98 mg/kg. The anti-oxidative stress function of C3G on HG-treated ARPE-19 cells were evaluated, and showed that the GSSG level of HG-cells pretreated with 10 μM C3G was significantly decreased, while the Nrf2 and NQO1 gene expression levels were increased. Further molecular docking (MD) results indicated that the C3G displayed favorable binding affinity towards REDD1, and only the B-ring of the C3G molecule displayed binding interactions with the CYS-140 amino acids within the REDD1 protein. It implied that the oxidative stress amelioration effects of C3G on the ARPE-19 cells were related to the REDD1 protein, which was probably via the Nrf2 pathways, although further studies are needed to provide mechanism evidence. The present study provides novel insights into understanding the roles of blueberry anthocyanins in ameliorating oxidative stress-induced BRB damage in the retina.
Inhibitory Effect of Isoliquiritigenin in Niemann-Pick C1-Like 1-Mediated Cholesterol Uptake
Authors: Zeng Jun , Liu Wenjing , Liang Bing , Shi Lingyu , Yang Shanbo , Meng Jingsen , Chang Jing , Hu Xiaokun , Zhang Renshuai , Xing Dongming
Published: November 2022

Isoliquiritigenin (ISL) is a flavonoid with a chalcone structure extracted from the natural herb Glycyrrhiza glabra. Its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, and anticancer activities have been extensively studied. Moreover, ISL also possess hypolipidemic and atherosclerosis-reducing effects. However, its cholesterol-lowering mechanisms have not been reported yet. Niemann Pick C1 Like 1 (NPC1L1) is a specific transporter of cholesterol uptake. In this study, we found for the first time that ISL downregulates NPC1L1 expression and competitively inhibits cellular cholesterol uptake by binding to NPC1L1 in a concentration-dependent manner in vitro. This study provides a theoretical basis for further investigation of the molecular mechanisms of its cholesterol-lowering effect in vivo and inspired emerging drug research for cholesterol-lowering purposes through NPC1L1 inhibition.
Facile and Rapid Electrochemical Conversion of Ni into Ni(OH)2 Thin Film as the Catalyst for Direct Growth of Carbon Nanotubes on Ni Foam for Supercapacitors
Authors: Kao Sheng-Hung , Anuratha Krishnan , Wei Sung-Yen , Lin Jeng-Yu , Hsieh Chien-Kuo
Published: November 2022

In this paper, a facile and rapid aqueous-based electrochemical technique was used for the phase conversion of Ni into Ni(OH)2 thin film. The Ni(OH)2 thin film was directly converted and coated onto the network surface of Ni foam (NF) via the self-hydroxylation process under alkaline conditions using a simple cyclic voltammetry (CV) strategy. The as-formed and coated Ni(OH)2 thin film on the NF was used as the catalyst layer for the direct growth of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The self-converted Ni(OH)2 thin film is a good catalytic layer for the growth of CNTs due to the fact that the OH− of the Ni(OH)2 can be reduced to H2O to promote the growth of CNTs during the CVD process, and therefore enabling the dense and uniform CNTs growth on the NF substrate. This binder-free CNTs/NF electrode displayed outstanding behavior as an electric double-layer capacitor (EDLC) due to the large surface area of the CNTs, showing excellent specific capacitance values of 737.4 mF cm−2 in the three-electrode configuration and 319.1 mF cm−2 in the two-electrode configuration, at the current density of 1 mA cm−2 in a 6 M KOH electrolyte. The CNTs/NF electrode also displayed good cycling stability, with a capacitance retention of 96.41% after 10,000 cycles, and this the excellent cycling performance can be attributed to the stable structure of the direct growth of CNTs with a strong attachment to the NF current collector, ensuring a good mechanical and electrical connection between the NF collector and the CNTs.
Catalytic Esterification of Levulinic Acid into the Biofuel n-Butyl Levulinate over Nanosized TiO2 Particles
Authors: Zhou Shuolin , Wu Lu , Bai Junzhuo , Lei Min , Long Min , Huang Keying
Published: November 2022

Levulinic esters, synthesized by the esterification of biomass-derived levulinic acid with various alcohols, is an important chemical that plays an essential role in the fields of biomass fuel additives, organic synthesis, and high value-added products. In the present work, the catalytic esterification of levulinic acid with n-butyl alcohol was selected as a typical model reaction to investigate the catalytic performance of an inexpensive commercial catalyst, titanium oxide nanoparticles. The influences of reaction time, reaction temperature, and catalyst loading on the conversion of levulinic acid to n-butyl levulinate were systematically examined through single-factor experiments. Additionally, the optimization of the reaction conditions was further investigated by a Box–Behnken design in response to the surface methodology. The desired product, n-butyl levulinate, with a good yield (77.6%) was achieved under the optimal conditions (reaction time of 8 h, reaction temperature of 120 °C, and catalyst dosage of 8.6 wt.%) when using titanium oxide nanoparticles as catalysts. Furthermore, it was found that addition of water to the catalytic system facilitated the reaction process, to some extent. This study reveals that the nanosized TiO2 material, as an efficient solid acid catalyst, had good catalytic performance and stability for the esterification of levulinic acid after six consecutive uses.
Stability of Wafer-Scale Thin Films of Vertically Aligned Hexagonal BN Nanosheets Exposed to High-Energy Ions and Reactive Atomic Oxygen
Authors: Huang Shiyong , Ng Zhi Kai , Li Hongling , Chaturvedi Apoorva , Lim Jian Wei Mark , Tay Roland Yingjie , Teo Edwin Hang Tong , Xu Shuyan , Ostrikov Kostya (Ken) , Tsang Siu Hon
Published: November 2022

Stability of advanced functional materials subjected to extreme conditions involving ion bombardment, radiation, or reactive chemicals is crucial for diverse applications. Here we demonstrate the excellent stability of wafer-scale thin films of vertically aligned hexagonal BN nanosheets (hBNNS) exposed to high-energy ions and reactive atomic oxygen representative of extreme conditions in space exploration and other applications. The hBNNS are fabricated catalyst-free on wafer-scale silicon, stainless steel, copper and glass panels at a lower temperature of 400 °C by inductively coupled plasma (ICP) assisted chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and subsequently characterized. The resistance of BNNS to high-energy ions was tested by immersing the samples into the plasma plume at the anode of a 150 W Hall Effect Thruster with BNNS films facing Xenon ions, revealing that the etching rate of BNNS is 20 times less than for a single-crystalline silicon wafer. Additionally, using O2/Ar/H2 plasmas to simulate the low Earth orbit (LEO) environment, it is demonstrated that the simulated plasma had very weak influence on the hBNNS surface structure and thickness. These results validate the strong potential of BNNS films for applications as protective, thermally conductive and insulating layers for spacecrafts, electric plasma satellite thrusters and semiconductor optoelectronic devices.
Meniscus Repair: From In Vitro Research to Patients
Authors: Vignes Hélène , Conzatti Guillaume , Hua Guoqiang , Benkirane-Jessel Nadia
Published: November 2022

Walking, running, jumping, or even just standing up are habits that we all have to perform in our everyday lives. However, defects in tissues composing the knee joint can drastically alter our ability to complete those simple actions. The knee joint is made up of the interaction between bones (femur, tibia, and patella), tendons, ligaments, and the two menisci (lateral and medial) in order to ensure smooth body movements. The meniscus corresponds to a crescent-shaped fibrocartilaginous tissue, which is found in the knee joint between the femoral condyles and the tibial plateau. It plays a key role in the stability of the knee joint. However, it is quite vulnerable and therefore tears can occur within this tissue and compromise the proper function of the knee. Recently, numerous efforts have been made in order to find solutions to repair and regenerate the meniscus, supported by both bioengineering researchers and orthopedic surgeons. However, due to its poor healing capacity and its complex structure, the reconstruction of the meniscus remains particularly challenging. In this review, the current treatment options will be explained and the possibility of using organoids as building blocks for implant formation or as an in vitro three-dimensional model will be highlighted.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus: An Uncommon Cause of Febrile Seizures—Results from a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Riccò Matteo , Cerviere Milena Pia , Corrado Silvia , Ranzieri Silvia , Marchesi Federico
Published: November 2022

Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a highly contagious viral pathogen. In infants, it is usually listed among the main causes of medical referrals and hospitalizations, particularly among newborns, and a considerable base of evidence associates RSV infections and bronchiolitis with long-term neurological sequelae. We specifically performed a systematic review and meta-analysis in order to ascertain whether RSV infections may be associated with an increased risk for febrile seizures (FS) in infected infants. According to the PRISMA statement, Pubmed, Embase, and pre-print archive medRxiv.og were searched for eligible observational studies published up to 1 July 2022. Raw data included the incidence of FS among children admitted for influenza-like illness (ILI) and/or bronchiolitis, with a confirmed diagnosis of RSV or seasonal influenza virus (SIV) infection. Data were then pooled in a random-effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 measure, while reporting bias was assessed by means of funnel plots and regression analysis. A total of 11 studies including 6847 cases of RSV infections were retrieved, with a pooled prevalence of 29.975 cases of FS per 1000 RSV cases (I2 = 88.5%). The prevalence was not substantially greater in studies performed in pediatric intensive care units (53.817 per 1000 RSV cases vs. 23.552, p = 0.12). Higher occurrence of FS was reported from studies performed after 2010 (Risk Ratio [RR] 1.429, 95% Confidence Interval [95%CI] 1.049–1.948), and in China (RR 2.105, 95%CI 1.356–3.266) and South Africa (RR 1.722, 95%CI 1.060–2.824) than in Europe, while a lower occurrence was reported form the USA (RR 0.414, 95%CI 0.265–0.649). Eventually, FS were less likely reported from RSV cases compared to subjects affected by seasonal influenza (RR 0.402; 95%CI 0.228–0.708). Although RSV is often associated with high risk of neurological complications, substantially less cases of FS are reported than in SIV infections. However, the paucity of available studies recommends a cautious appraisal of aforementioned results.
Facts and Recommendations regarding When Medical Institutions Report Potential Abuse to Child Guidance Centers: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Urade Mio , Fujita Misao , Tsuchiya Atsushi , Mori Katsumi , Nakazawa Eisuke , Takimoto Yoshiyuki , Akabayashi Akira
Published: November 2022

Background: Medical institutions are required to report suspected cases of child abuse to administrative agencies, such as child guidance centers in Japan. It is left to the discretion of the medical institutions whether to notify the family of the child or the center. However, it is unclear what kinds of measures are being taken to ensure a robust policy of notification versus non-notification and how notifying the family will affect the child. Methods: An unregistered questionnaire survey on reporting suspected child abuse cases to child consultation centers and notifying families was conducted by mail across 518 pediatric specialist training facility hospitals designated by the Japanese Pediatric Society. Results: Responses were received from 323 facilities (62.4% response rate), of which 5 facilities were excluded because of incomplete responses. Therefore, in all, 318 facilities were included in the analysis. The results showed that 59.8% of the facilities had a policy of notifying the family, 33.7% said the decision varies from case to case, and 6.6% did not have a policy of notifying the family. The facilities that had a policy of either notifying or not notifying the family were less likely to experience problems than those with a policy of deciding on a case-by-case basis. The proportion of cases in which some problems occurred was higher in the cases where families were notified than in the cases where they were not, with 51.4% of the children experiencing worsening of relationships with family members. In the cases where the families were not notified, the children were twice as likely to experience further abuse than in cases where the families were notified. Conclusion: Problems arise in the case of both notification and non-notification. It is necessary to examine background factors and specific methods of notification in the cases where problems arise.
Potent Virucidal Activity In Vitro of Photodynamic Therapy with Hypericum Extract as Photosensitizer and White Light against Human Coronavirus HCoV-229E
Authors: Praena Beatriz , Mascaraque Marta , Andreu Sabina , Bello-Morales Raquel , Abarca-Lachen Edgar , Rapozzi Valentina , Gilaberte Yolanda , González Salvador , López-Guerrero José Antonio , Juarranz Ángeles
Published: November 2022

The emergent human coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 and its high infectivity rate has highlighted the strong need for new virucidal treatments. In this sense, the use of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with white light, to take advantage of the sunlight, is a potent strategy for decreasing the virulence and pathogenicity of the virus. Here, we report the virucidal effect of PDT based on Hypericum extract (HE) in combination with white light, which exhibits an inhibitory activity of the human coronavirus HCoV-229E on hepatocarcinoma Huh-7 cells. Moreover, despite continuous exposure to white light, HE has long durability, being able to maintain the prevention of viral infection. Given its potent in vitro virucidal capacity, we propose HE in combination with white light as a promising candidate to fight against SARS-CoV-2 as a virucidal compound.
Anti-Cocaine IgA Rather Than IgG Mediates Vaccine Protection from Cocaine Use
Authors: Kosten Thomas R. , Haile Colin N. , Domingo Coreen B. , Norton Elizabeth B.
Published: November 2022

In developing a vaccine for fentanyl use disorder, we observed that IgA was the best correlate of vaccine-mediated protection from injected drug challenge, rather than IgG or binding affinity. Recent evidence shows that IgA secreting cells line the blood–brain barrier that capture pathogens and could prevent drug antigens from penetrating the brain. We assayed IgA and IgG antibodies from an anti-cocaine vaccine clinical trial and categorized each subject’s antibody levels using half-log cut-points for IgA: <1000, <5000, <10,000 and >10,000; and for IgG: <10,000 to >100,000. We compared these antibody groups on urine toxicology in 130 subjects at week 9 after 3 booster vaccinations. We also provided relevant data on benzoylecgonine (BE, cocaine metabolite) from this study’s placebo patients. BE urine levels were lowest for the highest IgA category; however, levels did not differ across IgG groups. Our findings linking IgA to protection from cocaine and fentanyl in mice, rats and humans are novel and suggest an increasingly recognized role of IgA in vaccine efficacy.
Finite Element Modeling and Experimental Investigation for Wood/PVC Composites Log-Walls under In-Plane Lateral Load
Authors: Eakintumas Warawit , Pulngern Tawich , Rosarpitak Vichai , Sombatsompop Narongrit
Published: November 2022

This work experimentally determines the in-plane lateral load behavior of a full-scale WPVC composite log-wall, with and without additional through-bolts. The results indicate that the WPVC composite log-wall panel with through-bolts produced higher hysteretic parameter values in terms of strength and energy dissipation than the log-wall without through bolts due to a reduction in wall uplift (48.2% for secant stiffness of cycle, 39.5% for hysteretic energy at the last displacement level). The WPVC composite log-wall panel with through-bolts presented better structural stability and was recommended for investigation. A finite element model (FEM) of a WPVC composite log-wall panel with through-bolts was created using beam elements as log-members and multilinear plastic links as connections, and was verified by the experimental results. The verified FEM was used for further parametric study of wall dimensions and first log-foundation locations. The parametric investigations indicated that increasing panel height and width unfavorably affected lateral load capacity, monotonic and cyclic stiffness, and energy dissipation. The cyclic stiffness decreased by 39% while energy dissipation increased by 78.8%, for the last displacement level when the wall height was increased from 2.350 m to 3.525 m. The cyclic stiffness and energy dissipation of a panel with a width of 6 m decreased 14% and 24.4% compared to a panel with a width of 3.5 m. Moreover, moving log-foundation connections from the original position to the edges of the panel improved performance under monotonic and cyclic horizontal loads; an increase in the number of log-foundation connections had an insignificant effect on panel behavior.
A Semi-Analytical Method for Channel and Pipe Flows for the Linear Phan-Thien-Tanner Fluid Model with a Solvent Contribution
Authors: de Araujo Matheus Tozo , Furlan Laison , Brandi Analice , Souza Leandro
Published: November 2022

This work presents a semi-analytical method for laminar steady-state channel and pipe flows of viscoelastic fluids using the Linear Phan-Thien-Tanner (LPTT) constitutive equation, with solvent viscosity contribution. For the semi-analytical method validation, it compares its results and two analytical solutions: the Oldroyd-B model and the simplified LPTT model (without solvent viscosity contribution). The results adopted different values of the dimensionless parameters, showing their influence on the viscoelastic fluid flow. The results include the distribution of the streamwise velocity component and the extra-stress tensor components in the wall-normal direction. In order to investigate the proposed semi-analytical method, different solutions were obtained, both for channel and pipe flows, considering different values of Reynolds number, solvent viscosity contribution in the homogeneous mixture, elongational parameter, shear parameter, and Weissenberg number. The results show that the proposed semi-analytical method can find a laminar solution using the non-Newtonian LPTT model with solvent viscosity contribution and verify the effect of the parameters in the resulting flow field.
Thermal Effects on Mechanical Strength of Additive Manufactured CFRP Composites at Stable and Cyclic Temperature
Authors: Muna Isyna Izzal , Mieloszyk Magdalena , Rimasauskiene Ruta , Maqsood Nabeel , Rimasauskas Marius
Published: November 2022

Additive manufacturing (AM) techniques can be applied to produce carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) elements. Such elements can be exposed to different environmental factors, e.g., temperature, moisture, and UV radiation, related to their operational conditions. From a variety of environmental factors, the temperature is one of the most typical. Temperature strongly influences matrix material joining together CFRP components, resulting in material strength reduction. Therefore, it is important to understand processes in the composite material caused by temperature. This experimental work investigated the thermal effects on the performances of AM CFRP composites. Specimens with unidirectional (UD) alignments of the fiber reinforcement were printed using the fused deposition modeling (FDM) technique. The printed specimens were subjected to two different thermal conditions: stable continuous at 65 °C and cyclic temperature between 50 and 70 °C. Tensile testing was performed to study the mechanical strength and Young’s modulus of AM UD-CFRPs. In order to investigate the morphological structure on the surface of AM specimens, an optical microscope, scanning electron microscope (SEM), and digital microscope were utilized. Untreated (intact) samples attained the highest average tensile strength value of 226.14 MPa and Young’s modulus of 28.65 GPa. The ultimate tensile strength of the sample group subjected to stable heat treatment decreased to 217.99 MPa, while the thermal cycling group reduced to 204.41 MPa. The Young’s modulus of the sample group subjected to stable thermal exposure was decreased to 25.39 GPa, while for the thermal cycling group, it was reduced to 20.75 GPa. The visual investigations revealed that the intact or untreated specimen group exhibited lateral damage in top failure mode (LAT), the thermally stable group underwent edge delamination in the middle (DGM) as the nominated failure mode, and the explosive breakage at gauge in the middle (XGM) failure mode occurred in the sample from the thermal cycling group. Based on morphological observations at the microscale, the delamination, fiber pull-out, and matrix cracking were the dominant damages in the 3D-printed tensile-tested specimens. The molecular chains of the polymer changed their structure into an amorphous one, and only local motions of stretching occurred when the specimens were exposed to stable heating (prolonged). In the case of thermal cycling, the strain gradients were accumulated in the matrix material, and the local stresses increased as a result of the reheating and re-cooling exposure of the polymeric composites; the molecular motion of the long-range polymer structure was reactivated several times. Micro-cracking occurred as a result of internal stresses, which led to material failure and a reduction of the mechanical properties.
Solid-State NMR Spectroscopy: Towards Structural Insights into Starch-Based Materials in the Food Industry
Authors: El Nokab Mustapha El Hariri , Alassmy Yasser A. , Abduljawad Marwan M. , Al-shamrani Khalid M. , Alnafisah Mohammed S. , Asgar Pour Zahra , Tucker Chelsea L. , Sebakhy Khaled O.
Published: November 2022

Solid-state NMR is a nondestructive and noninvasive technique used to study the chemical structure and dynamics of starch-based materials and to bridge the gap between structure–function relationships and industrial applications. The study of crystallinity, chemical modification, product blending, molecular packing, amylose–amylopectin ratio, end chain motion, and solvent–matrix interactions is essential for tailoring starch product properties to various applications. This article aims to provide a comprehensive and critical review of research characterizing starch-based materials using solid-state NMR, and to briefly introduce the most advanced and promising NMR strategies and hardware designs used to overcome the sensitivity and resolution issues involved in structure–function relationships.
Anthocyanins of Açaí Applied as a Colorimetric Indicator of Milk Spoilage: A Study Using Agar-Agar and Cellulose Acetate as Solid Support to Be Applied in Packaging
Authors: Teixeira Samiris Côcco , Oliveira Taila Veloso de , Batista Lais Fernanda , Silva Rafael Resende Assis , Lopes Matheus de Paula , Ribeiro Alane Rafaela Costa , Rigolon Thaís Caroline Buttow , Stringheta Paulo César , Soares Nilda de Fátima Ferreira
Published: November 2022

Food that is still fit for consumption is wasted in the domestic environment every day, so food packaging technologies are being developed that will monitor the quality of the products in real time. Highly perishable milk is currently one of the products that suffers most from this waste, due to its short shelf life. Active use-by date (AUBD) indicators have been shown to discriminate between fresh and spoiled milk. Colorimetric indicators undergo characteristic changes in their chemical structure, causing abrupt color changes. Among the polymeric materials studied that may function as solid support are cellulose acetate (CA) and agar-agar (AA). The AA colorimetric indicator proved to be more suitable as a solid support due to its ability to maintain the color change properties of the anthocyanin and its high colorimetric performance. The technique was shown to be capable of indicating, in real time, changes in milk quality.
The Relationship between Personality Traits and Compliance with the COVID-19 Preventive Measures in Kosovo
Authors: Telaku Naim , Musliu Arian , Cana Likane , Han Hyemin , Zharku Lum
Published: November 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic urged systematic restrictive measures in order to avoid the spread of the virus. Different countries applied different restrictive measures; however, their efficacy was vastly dependent on the willingness of the people to comply with them. How people perceived the pandemic yielded different adaptive behavior to preventative measures. In this direction, individual characteristics (i.e., personality) seem very important. The current study aimed to map a relationship between personality structure as postulated within the five-factor model of personality with the tendency to comply with preventive measures, as mediated by perceived stress and concerns over coronavirus. In a sample of 3252 adults, we found that the traits of openness, agreeableness, and conscientiousness directly and positively predicted compliance. However, concerns over coronavirus partially but positively mediated the relationship between agreeableness and conscientiousness on compliance. Perceived stress, on the other hand, was not a significant mediator, although it was significantly and positively predicted by neuroticism but negatively by extraversion. These findings showed that different personality traits have different direct effects on compliance with preventative measures.
Quantifying the Importance of Ice-Rafted Debris to Salt Marsh Sedimentation Using High Resolution UAS Imagery
Authors: Stopak Sarah , Nordio Giovanna , Fagherazzi Sergio
Published: November 2022

Salt marshes are vulnerable to sea-level rise, sediment deficits, and storm impacts. To remain vertically resilient, salt marshes must accrete sediment at rates greater or equal to sea-level rise. Ice-rafted debris (IRD), sediment that has been moved and deposited from ice sheets, is one of many processes that contribute to salt marsh sediment accretion in northern latitudes. On 4 January 2018, a winter storm caused major ice mobilization in the Plum Island Estuary (PIE), Massachusetts, USA, which led to large deposits of ice-rafted sediment. We aimed to quantify the volume and mass of deposited sediment, and evaluate the significance of IRD to sediment supply in Plum Island using pixel-based land-cover classification of aerial imagery collected by an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) and a Digital Elevation Model. Field measurements of patch thickness, and the area of IRD determined from the classification were used to estimate annual sediment accretion from IRD. Results show that IRD deposits are localized in three areas, and estimates show that IRD contributes an annual sediment accretion rate of 0.57 ± 0.14 mm/y to the study site. New England salt marsh accretion rates typically vary between 2–10 mm/y, and the average PIE sediment accretion rate is 2.5–2.7 mm/y. Therefore, this event contributed on average 20% of the annual volume of material accreted by salt marshes, although locally the deposit thickness was 8–14 times the annual accretion rate. We show that pixel-based classification can be a useful tool for identifying sediment deposits from remote sensing. Additionally, we suggest that IRD has the potential to bring a significant supply of sediment to salt marshes in northern latitudes and contribute to sediment accretion. As remotely sensed aerial imagery from UASs becomes more readily available, this method can be used to efficiently identify and quantify deposited sediment.
Qualitative Examination of Cooperative-Intelligent Transportation Systems in Cities to Facilitate Large-Scale Future Deployment
Authors: Li Shuo , Edwards Simon , Isik Memduh Ozer , Zhang Yanghanzi , Blythe Philip T.
Published: November 2022

The rate of urbanization in Europe is increasing rapidly. Traffic congestion has become one of the biggest challenges for cities. Additionally, thousands of people die each year in accidents on European roads. In addition, road transport is one of the biggest reasons for the increase in air pollution and greenhouse gases in Europe. To solve these problems, cooperative intelligent transport systems (C-ITS) have accelerated in Europe, after more than ten years of research and development. The European Commission has carried out significant work in this field in recent years and has prepared a strategy document for the deployment of C-ITS services in Europe. The Commission considers that C-ITS have significant potential in reducing the negative effects of road traffic and expects these systems to deploy rapidly in European cities. However, in order to achieve this, it is imperative to clearly identify the needs of cities in implementing and managing these systems, the extent to which these systems will respond to different mobility problems of the cities, and the important barriers to widespread deployment. This study focused on qualitatively examining the C-ITS deployment from the stakeholder perspective. The knowledge generated is useful to facilitate the large-scale future deployment of C-ITS.
YOLOv5 with ConvMixer Prediction Heads for Precise Object Detection in Drone Imagery
Authors: Baidya Ranjai , Jeong Heon
Published: November 2022

The potency of object detection techniques using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) is unprecedented due to their mobility. This potency has stimulated the use of UAVs with object detection functionality in numerous crucial real-life applications. Additionally, more efficient and accurate object detection techniques are being researched and developed for usage in UAV applications. However, object detection in UAVs presents challenges that are not common to general object detection. First, as UAVs fly at varying altitudes, the objects imaged via UAVs vary vastly in size, making the task at hand more challenging. Second due to the motion of the UAVs, there could be a presence of blur in the captured images. To deal with these challenges, we present a You Only Look Once v5 (YOLOv5)-like architecture with ConvMixers in its prediction heads and an additional prediction head to deal with minutely-small objects. The proposed architecture has been trained and tested on the VisDrone 2021 dataset, and the acquired results are comparable with the existing state-of-the-art methods.
Assistive Technology Makerspaces Promote Capability of Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Authors: Boccardi Alyssa , Szucs Kimberly A. , Ebuenyi Ikenna D. , Mhatre Anand
Published: November 2022

Makerspaces can engage people with disabilities in the design and development of assistive technology (AT) that can enhance their capabilities to perform new activities and function. However, the adoption of makerspaces in the environments and institutions serving people with disabilities remains challenging. The authors modeled a makerspace training program, an environmental intervention, based on the capability approach framework. This mixed methods study investigates the feasibility of an 8-week program to train adults (n = 5) with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and staff members (n = 5) at a community services center. Study outcomes were measured using knowledge tests, surveys, QUEST 2.0 and interviews. Results indicate a significant increase in staff’s knowledge (p = 0.035) and familiarity with program topics (p < 0.05). Participants with IDD were highly satisfied with the ease of use, weight and effectiveness of the AT devices they created. Five themes emerged from the thematic analysis of interviews: (1) inclusive environment, (2) freedom and improved Capability for building technology for self or client, (3) multidisciplinary collaboration, (4) interactive program elements, (5) makerspace challenges. Overall, the makerspace training program is a valuable program that empowers people with disabilities and ensures the realization of their right of autonomy to create their own AT.
Prediction of Lung Shunt Fraction for Yttrium-90 Treatment of Hepatic Tumors Using Dynamic Contrast Enhanced MRI with Quantitative Perfusion Processing
Authors: Zhang Qihao , Lee Kyungmouk Steve , Talenfeld Adam D. , Spincemaille Pascal , Prince Martin R. , Wang Yi
Published: November 2022

There is no noninvasive method to estimate lung shunting fraction (LSF) in patients with liver tumors undergoing Yttrium-90 (Y90) therapy. We propose to predict LSF from noninvasive dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE) MRI using perfusion quantification. Two perfusion quantification methods were used to process DCE MRI in 25 liver tumor patients: Kety’s tracer kinetic modeling with a delay-fitted global arterial input function (AIF) and quantitative transport mapping (QTM) based on the inversion of transport equation using spatial deconvolution without AIF. LSF was measured on SPECT following Tc-99m macroaggregated albumin (MAA) administration via hepatic arterial catheter. The patient cohort was partitioned into a low-risk group (LSF ≤ 10%) and a high-risk group (LSF > 10%). Results: In this patient cohort, LSF was positively correlated with QTM velocity |u| (r = 0.61, F = 14.0363, p = 0.0021), and no significant correlation was observed with Kety’s parameters, tumor volume, patient age and gender. Between the low LSF and high LSF groups, there was a significant difference for QTM |u| (0.0760 ± 0.0440 vs. 0.1822 ± 0.1225 mm/s, p = 0.0011), and Kety’s Ktrans (0.0401 ± 0.0360 vs 0.1198 ± 0.3048, p = 0.0471) and Ve (0.0900 ± 0.0307 vs. 0.1495 ± 0.0485, p = 0.0114). The area under the curve (AUC) for distinguishing between low LSF and high LSF was 0.87 for |u|, 0.80 for Ve and 0.74 for Ktrans. Noninvasive prediction of LSF is feasible from DCE MRI with QTM velocity postprocessing.
Effects of Four Isothiocyanates in Dissolved and Gaseous States on the Growth and Aflatoxin Production of Aspergillus flavus In Vitro
Authors: Hareyama Yohei , Tarao Mitsunori , Toyota Koki , Furukawa Tomohiro , Fujii Yoshiharu , Kushiro Masayo
Published: November 2022

Aflatoxins (AFs), a class of toxins produced by certain species of the genus Aspergillus, occasionally contaminate food and cause serious damage to human health and the economy. AFs contamination is a global problem, and there is a need to develop effective strategies to control aflatoxigenic fungi. In this study, we focused on isothiocyanates (ITCs) as potential chemical agents for the control of aflatoxigenic fungi. We quantitatively evaluated the effects of four ITCs (allyl ITC (AITC), benzyl ITC (BITC), and methyl and phenylethyl ITCs) in dissolved and gaseous states on the growth and aflatoxin B1 production of Aspergillus flavus. In experiments using dissolved ITCs, BITC was found to be the strongest inhibitor of growth and aflatoxin B1 production by A. flavus. Meanwhile, in the gaseous state, AITC strongly inhibited the A. flavus growth. When the concentration of ITCs in the liquid medium was quantified over time, AITC levels decreased to below the detection limit within 24 h, whereas BITC levels remained stable even after 48 h. These results suggested that when ITCs are utilized to control aflatoxigenic fungi, it is necessary to use them in a dissolved or gaseous state, depending on their volatility.
Zearalenone Induces Apoptosis in Porcine Endometrial Stromal Cells through JNK Signaling Pathway Based on Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress
Authors: Zhao Jie , Hai Sirao , Chen Jiawen , Ma Li , Rahman Sajid Ur , Zhao Chang , Feng Shibin , Li Yu , Wu Jinjie , Wang Xichun
Published: November 2022

Zearalenone (ZEA) is an estrogen-like mycotoxin characterized mainly by reproductive toxicity, to which pigs are particularly sensitive. The aim of this study was to investigate the molecular mechanism of ZEA-induced apoptosis in porcine endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) by activating the JNK signaling pathway through endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS). In this study, ESCs were exposed to ZEA, with the ERS inhibitor sodium 4-Phenylbutyrate (4-PBA) as a reference. The results showed that ZEA could damage cell structures, induce endoplasmic reticulum swelling and fragmentation, and decreased the ratio of live cells to dead cells significantly. In addition, ZEA could increase reactive oxygen species and Ca2+ levels; upregulate the expression of GRP78, CHOP, PERK, ASK1 and JNK; activate JNK phosphorylation and its high expression in the nucleus; upregulate the expression Caspase 3 and Caspase 9; and increase the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, resulting in increased apoptosis. After 3 h of 4-PBA-pretreatment, ZEA was added for mixed culture, which showed that the inhibition of ERS could reduce the cytotoxicity of ZEA toward ESCs. Compared with the ZEA group, ERS inhibition increased cell viability; downregulated the expression of GRP78, CHOP, PERK, ASK1 and JNK; and decreased the nuclear level of p-JNK. The Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and the expression of Caspase 3 and Caspase 9 were downregulated, significantly alleviating apoptosis. These results demonstrate that ZEA can alter the morphology of ESCs, destroy their ultrastructure, and activate the JNK signaling via the ERS pathway, leading to apoptosis.
Ways to solve the problems of waste disposal in the hotel business
Authors:   Moscow State University of Sport and Tourism, Ulasjuk V. A. , Ushakov R. N. ,   Moscow State University of Sport and Tourism
Published: November 2022

The article discusses some possible solutions to the problems of waste disposal in the hotel business of the Russian Federation. The best ways to solve them have been studied. The importance of processing waste products in the hospitality industry, which contributes to the preservation of the Ecology of the Earth, is described.
Modern methods of formation of environmental competencies among students studying in the areas of "Tourism" and "Hotel business"
Authors:   Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, Gareev R. R.
Published: November 2022

The modern hotel and tourism business is increasingly paying attention to its environmental friendliness. In the wake of the popularity of the eco movement, green entrepreneurship appeared, bringing not only profit, but also benefits to the environment. However, in order to become an ecoentrepreneur, it is necessary to study and form environmental competencies that will allow you to rethink your business approaches and develop new eco-friendly solutions. The article presents some methods aimed at the formation of environmental competencies among students of higher and secondary specialized educational institutions, which will allow them to develop the hotel and tourism business more safely and efficiently without harm to the environmental environment.
Modern trends in the development of eco-technologies in the field of hospitality
Authors:   Moscow State University of Sport and Tourism, Silaeva А. M.
Published: November 2022

The article discusses the current trends of eco-technologies in hotel enterprises. The importance of their use in the hotel industry is justified, which will reduce the negative impact on the environment. The environmental responsibility of accommodation facilities can be considered one of the trends of our time. In addition, the following trends are observed in the hospitality industry: the popularity of unique accommodation facilities is increasing, the specialization of individual hotels is becoming more defined and developed, and the introduction of innovations and computer technologies in hotel enterprises is deepening. Therefore, an actual hotel enterprise is a means of accommodation that emphasizes environmental friendliness in its image and uses innovative and unique technologies in its work. The relevance of this topic is to maintain and develop tourists’ interest in ecology and positive impact on the environment.
Directions of development of Russian resorts in the field of providing health and wellness services under the "all inclusive" system
Authors:   Moscow State University of Sport and Tourism, Loboda S. I. , Ushakov R. N. ,   Moscow State University of Sport and Tourism
Published: November 2022

The article describes the current aspects of domestic resorts, including the "all inclusive" system, focuses on the additional opportunity for Russian hotel companies to provide a wide range of medical services to their guests during their holidays, describes in detail the procedure for providing medical and wellness services to guests. The article substantiates the importance of the participation of domestic resorts in the tourism business, presents the results of this process, and considers the importance of the participation of natural potential in a hotel enterprise. The purpose of this article is to consider and study the advantages of Russian resorts over foreign ones, as well as to study the popularity of Russian regions as more attractive for recreation among Russians. The article sets an urgent task and substantiates the important role of the development of a medical base with a complex of diagnostic and therapeutic services for guests during their stay at the resort. In the framework of this article, I will try to first touch on the concept of the "all inclusive" system, the role of health and wellness services in the hotel, as well as the national project for the development of this industry, to give as an example some of the existing Russian resorts and wellness hotel complexes, and then move on to the resort attractiveness rating for Russian tourists. I have conducted an analysis of medical and wellness services offered in the tourism sector, identified Russian tourist resort cities that are leading in terms of attendance, reviewed the ratings of Russian sanatoriums.
Some Trichodinids (Protozoa: Ciliophora: Peritrichida) from Freshwater Fishes Imported into the Philippines
Authors: ALBALADEJO J.D. , ARTHUR J.R.
Published: November 2022

Presented are ten species of Trichodinidae identified from the skin and gills of cyprinid fishes imported into the Philippines for aquaculture purposes and the aquarium trade. These include Tricluxlina acuta Lom, 1970; T. reticulata Hirschmann and Partsch, 1955; T. nobillis Chen, 1963; T. nigra Lom, 1961; T. lrupermani Arthur and Lom, 1984; T. heterodentata Duncan, 1977; Trichodina sp.; Tripartiella tilapiae (Duncan, 1977); and Trichodinella epizootica (Raabe, 1950). An annotated listing of all species of trichodinids reported from freshwater fishes, tadpoles and invertebrates of East and Southeast Asia is included.
The Effects of Residual Chlorine, Temperatures and Salinities on the Development of Pacific Oyster (Crassostrea gigas)
Authors: CHIEN YEW-HU , CHOU YU-HAN
Published: November 2022

Chlorination to eliminate oysters and other fouling organisms in the cooling system of a coastal power plant may cause undesirable effects on nearby oyster farming areas. This study was aimed at determining the effect of residual chlorine on the development of Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas under various temperature and salinity regimes. Fertilized eggs at first polar stage and four larval stages - blastula, trochophore, veliger, and D-larva - were exposed to combinations of five initial chlorine concentrations (0 to 2.52 mg.I-1) at four temperatures (19° to 28°C) and three salinities (18 to 34 ppt) for one hour. Up to second order multiple regression models were constructed to evaluate and compare the resistance of various life stages of oyster to the residual chlorine. The resistance to chlorine increased with salinity for all stages. Except for first polar eggs and D-larvae, resistance increased with temperature. First polar eggs had the highest resistance to chlorine and trochophore the lowest. Chlorina­tion at 1.392-2.953 mg.1-1 eliminated 90% of the oyster fouling in the cooling system of power plants. Chlorine concentration below 0.01-0.028 mgJ-1 reduced the impact on oyster culture.
The Yield and Growth of Major Fish Species in a Large Chinese Reservoir
Authors: SIFA LI , BIYU ZHOU , QUFEI LIN
Published: November 2022

Growth rates and parameters of six major fish species - Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, Aristichthys nobilis, Xenocypris argentea, Cyprinus carpio, Erythroculter mongolicus and E. ilishaeformis in the Xin'anjiang Reservoir, China are given. Average total yield for 1983-1986 was 90.2 kg·ha•l, of which the planktivorous, stocked species H. molitrix and A. nobilis comprised 87%.
A Review of Exotic Marine Organisms Introduced to the Australian Region. I. Fishes
Authors: POLLARD D.A. , HUTCHINGS P.A.
Published: November 2022

The occurrence of exotic marine fishes introduced to the Australian region is reviewed, with particular emphasis being placed on those species which might have significant ecological impact on endemic biota and/or their habitats or on fisheries in this region. All marine and estuarine fishes known or thought to have been introduced. either deliberately or accidentally, are considered, together with their probable areas of origin, probable dates and means of introduction, and their present areas of occurrence. General comments on relevant aspects of their biology and status, as appropriate, are made. Those species which might have significant ecological impacts are discussed in more detail, probable pathways for their introduction (particularly ships' ballast water) discussed, and some recommendations made regarding their future control.
ПРО ДЕЯКІ ДЕТЕРМІНАНТИ КРИМІНАЛЬНО-ПРОЦЕСУАЛЬНОГО ХАРАКТЕРУ, ЩО КОРЕЛЮВАЛИ ВІЙНУ РОСІЙСЬКОЇ ФЕДЕРАЦІЇ ПРОТИ УКРАЇНИ
Authors: Ковальчук В.
Published: November 2022

У статті здійснено аналіз окремих корелянт, які входять у детермінаційний комплекс, що сприяв нападу Російської Федерації на Україну, а також запропоновані науково обґрунтовані шляхи щодо їх нейтралізації, блокування, усунення тощо, з огляду запобігання аналогічним суспільно небезпечним посяганням у майбутньому.