bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Newborn Screening for Congenital Hypothyroidism-Clinical Evaluation and Comparison of Two Different Test Kits for the Determination of TSH in Dried Blood Samples on Two Different Platforms
Authors: Fingerhut Ralph
Published: August 2021

Newborn screening (NBS) for congenital hypothyroidism (CH) started in the 1970s, with the introduction of radioimmuno assays (RIA) for the measurement of thyroxine (T4), and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). With the development of sensitive enzyme immune assays (EIA, FIA, FEIA), RIAs were replaced in the newborn screening laboratories. With the increasing number of analytes and centralization of NBS, there is a growing demand of total automation. In the course of method validation, two fully automated platforms for the determination of TSH in dried blood samples (DBS) were compared. The GSP from PerkinElmer (PE), and the NS2400 from Labsystems (LDx), together with the recommended test kits from both manufacturers. Both systems showed good performance, with recoveries, of 103.0% (LDx) and 98.5% (PE), and CVs for intra and interassay variations at various concentrations, between 4.3 and 15.7. Both assays had a good correlation (r2 = 0.8814). With LDx/NS2400 platform, TSH values were in the mean 2.09 mU/L higher; however, the difference of both results from the mean was within ±2 SD, up to 30 mU/L, and only for values above 50 mU/L did the difference become bigger. However, this has no influence on the clinical interpretation. No false negative results were observed with either of the two platforms. TSH results obtained with the LDx/NS2400 were slightly higher than those obtained with the PE/GSP; however, the recall rate was lower: 0.059% compared to 0.063%. This can be explained by the much narrower distribution of TSH values. In conclusion, both platforms are equally suitable for medium and large NBS laboratories. However, due to the more open structure the LDx/NS2400 platform has a lot of advantages compared to the totally closed PE/GSP platform.
Applicability of the Leiden Convention and the Lipton Classification in Patients with a Single Coronary Artery in the Setting of Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Katekaru-Tokeshi Diana Isabel , Jiménez-Santos Moisés , Koppel Claire J. , Vliegen Hubert W. , Díaz-Zamudio Mariana , Castillo-Castellón Francisco , Jongbloed Monique R. M. , Kimura-Hayama Eric
Published: August 2021

In single coronary artery (SCA) anatomy, all coronary tributaries arise from a single ostium, providing perfusion to the entire myocardium. Coronary classification systems can facilitate the description of SCA anatomy. Aim: Evaluation of the applicability of Lipton classification and the Leiden Convention coronary coding system in SCA. Methods: All patients (n = 6209) who underwent computed tomography (CT) scanning between 2014 and 2018 were retrospectively examined for the presence of SCA and classified, according to Lipton classification and the Leiden Convention coronary coding system. Results: The prevalence of SCA was 0.51% (32/6209). Twenty-eight patients (87.5%) had coexisting congenital heart disease (CHD), most frequently pulmonary atresia (9/32, 28.1%). Ten patients (10/32, 31.25%) could not be classified with either the Leiden Convention or Lipton classification (pulmonary atresia n = 9, common arterial trunk (CAT) n = 1). In one case with CAT, Lipton classification, but not the Leiden Convention, could be applied. In two cases with the transposition of the great arteries and in two cases of double outlet right ventricle, the Leiden Convention, but not the Lipton classification, could be applied. Conclusions: Both classifications are useful to detail information about SCA. As Lipton classification was not developed for structural heart disease cases, in complex CHD with abnormal position of the great arteries, the Leiden Convention is better applicable. The use of both systems is limited in pulmonary atresia. In this scenario, it is better to provide a precise description of the coronary origin and associated characteristics that might affect treatment and prognosis.
Fabrication of h-MoO3 Nanorods and the Properties of the MoO3/WEP Composite Coatings Research
Authors: Zhou Ying , Song Cuihuan , Chen Zhixiang , Zhou Qixin
Published: August 2021

In this study, we prepared a novel coating composed of hexagonal molybdenum oxide (h-MoO3) nanofiller and waterborne epoxy resin (WEP) to provide corrosion protection. We optimized the h-MoO3 nanorod synthesis methodology first by changing different parameters (pH, temperature, etc.). Furthermore, the as-prepared h-MoO3 rods were characterized using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Finally, the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) test results verified that the anticorrosive performance of the composite coatings was improved by incorporation of low content of MoO3 nanofiller (0.5 wt.%) compared to pure WEP sample. This developed composite will provide a new insight for the design and fabrication of one-dimensional (1D) nanomaterial (e.g., nanorod) reinforced epoxy coating and other polymeric coating processes.
Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Image Synthesis with Contrast-Aware Generative Adversarial Networks
Authors: Denck Jonas , Guehring Jens , Maier Andreas , Rothgang Eva
Published: August 2021

A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exam typically consists of the acquisition of multiple MR pulse sequences, which are required for a reliable diagnosis. With the rise of generative deep learning models, approaches for the synthesis of MR images are developed to either synthesize additional MR contrasts, generate synthetic data, or augment existing data for AI training. While current generative approaches allow only the synthesis of specific sets of MR contrasts, we developed a method to generate synthetic MR images with adjustable image contrast. Therefore, we trained a generative adversarial network (GAN) with a separate auxiliary classifier (AC) network to generate synthetic MR knee images conditioned on various acquisition parameters (repetition time, echo time, and image orientation). The AC determined the repetition time with a mean absolute error (MAE) of 239.6 ms, the echo time with an MAE of 1.6 ms, and the image orientation with an accuracy of 100%. Therefore, it can properly condition the generator network during training. Moreover, in a visual Turing test, two experts mislabeled 40.5% of real and synthetic MR images, demonstrating that the image quality of the generated synthetic and real MR images is comparable. This work can support radiologists and technologists during the parameterization of MR sequences by previewing the yielded MR contrast, can serve as a valuable tool for radiology training, and can be used for customized data generation to support AI training.
Spatiotemporal Variability and Trends of Marine Heat Waves in the Red Sea over 38 Years
Authors: Mohamed Bayoumy , Nagy Hazem , Ibrahim Omneya
Published: August 2021

Marine heat waves (MHWs) can have catastrophic consequences for the socio-environmental system. Especially in the Red Sea, which has the world’s second longest coral reef system. Here, we investigate the sea surface temperature (SST) variability and trends, as well as the spatiotemporal characteristics of marine heat waves (MHWs) in the Red Sea, using high resolution daily gridded (1/20°) SST data obtained from the Copernicus Marine Environment Monitoring Service (CMEMS) for the period 1982–2019. Results show that the average warming rate was about 0.342 ± 0.047 °C/decade over the entire Red Sea over the whole study period. The Empirical Orthogonal Function (EOF) analysis reveals that the maximum variability is over the central part of the Red Sea, while the minimum variability is in the southernmost part of the Red Sea. Over the last two decades (2000–2019), we have discovered that the average MHW frequency and duration increased by 35% and 67%, respectively. The results illustrate that the MHW frequency and duration trends have increased by 1.17 counts/decade and 1.79 days/decade, respectively, over the study period. The highest annual MHW frequencies were detected in the years 2018, 2019, 2010, and 2017. A strong correlation (R = 0.89) was found between the annual MHW frequency and the annual mean SST.
Considering the Effect of Land-Based Biomass on Dune Erosion Volumes in Large-Scale Numerical Modeling
Authors: Schweiger Constantin , Schuettrumpf Holger
Published: August 2021

This paper presents and validates a novel root model which accounts for the effect of belowground biomass on dune erosion volumes in XBeach, based on a small-scale wave flume experiment that was translated to a larger scale. A 1D-XBeach model was calibrated by using control runs considering a dune without vegetation. Despite calibration, a general model–data mismatch was observed in terms of overestimated erosion volumes around the waterline. Furthermore, the prediction of overwash had to be induced by increasing the maximum nearshore wave height within the XBeach simulation. Subsequently, applying the root model resulted in a good agreement with the belowground biomass cases, and the consideration of spatially varying rooting depths further improved the results. Predictions of the root model while using locally increased friction coefficients were in line with the aboveground and belowground biomass cases. However, the effect of the root model on the erosion predictions varied among the hydrodynamic conditions, so further improvements are required. Therefore, future research should focus on quantifying the effects of land-based biomass and individual plant characteristics, such as root density, on dune erodibility at large scales, along with their influences on the temporal evolution of dune scarping and avalanching.
Accident Cause Factor of Fires and Explosions in Tankers Using Fault Tree Analysis
Authors: Ahn Young-Joong , Yu Yong-Ung , Kim Jong-Kwan
Published: August 2021

Fire and explosion accidents occur frequently in tankers because they transport large quantities of dangerous cargo. To prevent fire and explosion accidents, it is necessary to analyze factors that cause accidents and their effects. In this study, factors that cause fire and explosion accidents were classified using the 4M disaster analysis method, and each factor’s effect on the accident was analyzed using fault tree analysis (FTA). First, the unsafe tank atmosphere environment was identified as a primary cause of fire and explosion accidents in tankers, and the underlying causes of these accidents were investigated. The probability of underlying causes leading to primary causes was derived using an expert survey. The results showed that management and media factors had a greater impact on the unsafe tank atmosphere environment than human factors. To prevent fire and explosion accidents, it is necessary to ensure sufficient working and resting times for seafarers and compliance with procedures and work guidelines. A generalization of the results of present and future studies will enable the identification of the cause and preventive measures for fire and explosion accidents in tankers. Furthermore, this will reduce accidents in tankers and contribute to future safety management measures of ships and companies.
Paecilomyces formosus MD12, a Biocontrol Agent to Treat Meloidogyne incognita on Brinjal in Green House
Authors: Baazeem Alaa , Alorabi Mohammed , Manikandan Palanisamy , Alotaibi Saqer S. , Almanea Abdulaziz , Abdel-Hadi Ahmed , Vijayaraghavan Ponnuswamy , Raj Subhanandharaj Russalamma Flanet , Kim Young Ock , Kim Hak-Jae
Published: August 2021

The present study was carried out to analyze the potential of fungi isolated from the rhizosphere of soybean, brinjal, tomato, and potato plants. The density of fungi varied in the pot soil and rhizosphere after Paecilomyces formosus MD12 treatment. The P. formosus MD12 population was 6.3 ± 0.13 × 104 CFU g−1 in the pot planted with brinjal, and the population increased in the rhizosphere (6.72 ± 0.41 × 104 CFU g−1). P. formosus MD12 was cultured in the production medium, and the supernatant was used for egg inhibition studies on a root-knot nematode parasite, Meloidogyne incognita. It was revealed that maximum egg inhibition (94.7 ± 6.2%) was obtained at 100% concentration of extract. The culture supernatant from P. formosus MD12 affected the development of M. incognita juvenile, and the mortality rate was maximum after 96 h (95 ± 6%). Mortality was reduced when treated with 25%, 50%, and 75% supernatant. At 1 × 107 mL−1 of spore suspension, we found reductions of 71.6 ± 3.3% nematode populations in the soil, 60.7 ± 2.2% from the root, and 63.6 ± 2.4% egg mass compared with the control in the pot experiment. The culture supernatant applied at the 10% level showed a maximum mean reduction of the nematode population in roots (72.4 ± 2.2%), soil (77.9 ± 2.5%), and egg masses (73.2 ± 1.5%), respectively. The presence of P. formosus MD12 in a soil environment could antagonize nematode parasites and improve soil amendment. The P. formosus MD12 strain showed good biocontrol ability against the root-knot nematode, M. incognita, under in vitro and green house experimental condition.
Cash Holding and Firm Value in the Presence of Managerial Optimism
Authors: Habib Ashfaq , Bhatti M. Ishaq , Khan Muhammad Asif , Azam Zafar
Published: August 2021

Cash holding is important for Chinese manufacturing firms coping with the increasing costs of financing and tough economic conditions. This study examines the impact of cash holding on the firm value of Chinese manufacturing businesses. We found evidence that a non-linear relationship exists between cash holding and firm value in these companies. The study reveals that a higher level of cash holding in financially constrained firms negatively affects the firm value, while unconstrained firms with a less cash holding level have a better firm value. Finally, this research is enriched by implementing the novel measure of managerial optimism. Revealed is the interactive role of cash holding and optimism and how they affect firm value. The study concludes that managerial optimism influences a firm’s cash holding decisions, and this is more costly for unconstrained firms.
Communities’ Adaptation and Vulnerability to Climate Change: Implications for Achieving a Climate-Smart Landscape
Authors: Widayati Atiek , Louman Bastiaan , Mulyoutami Elok , Purwanto Edi , Kusters Koen , Zagt Roderick
Published: August 2021

Rural landscapes in many parts of Indonesia are rapidly being transformed, due to the expansion of agrocommodity plantations—oil palm in particular. At the same time, communities in those landscapes face declining crop yields and ecosystem degradation as a result of both climate and non-climate factors. We assessed local perceptions on climate stressors, adaptation and vulnerability using focus group discussions in Ketapang, West Kalimantan. We found that the main perceived climatic stressors were extreme and unpredictable seasons, fires, and saltwater intrusion, affecting ecosystem services and agricultural production. Land clearing and forest loss were mentioned as exacerbating non-climatic stressors. Respondents indicated willingness to adapt to these changes by investing in long-term measures, such as tree-planting. To adapt to yield declines, respondents indicated that many farmers shifted from rubber to oil palm. Such adaptation actions benefit households in the short term but may be at odds with long-term adaptation objectives at the landscape level. Finally, we found that perceptions about vulnerability differed between landscapes, and between communities at the landscape level and stakeholders at the district level. This stresses the importance of participatory and inclusive planning and multi-stakeholder processes towards context-based climate action planning to accommodate the differences in contexts and scale, and to reconcile the differences in perceptions.
4-Chlorobenzyl Chloride
Authors: Aitken R. Alan , Slawin Alexandra M. Z.
Published: August 2021

The X-ray structure of the title compound has been determined for the first time. Its molecular structure is in good agreement with those previously determined for similar benzyl halides and the angles between the ring–Cl bonds in adjacent molecules show values in good agreement with an early Zeeman quadrupole spectroscopy study.
Synthesis of New Derivatives of BEDT-TTF: Installation of Alkyl, Ethynyl, and Metal-Binding Side Chains and Formation of Tris(BEDT-TTF) Systems
Authors: Yang Songjie , Zecchini Matteo , Brooks Andrew , Krivickas Sara , Dalligos Desiree , Matuszek Anna , Stares Emma , Pilkington Melanie , Wallis John
Published: August 2021

The syntheses of new BEDT-TTF derivatives are described. These comprise BEDT-TTF with one ethynyl group (HC≡C-), with two (n-heptyl) or four (n-butyl) alkyl side chains, with two trans acetal (-CH(OMe)2) groups, with two trans aminomethyl (-CH2NH2) groups, and with an iminodiacetate (-CH2N(CH2CO2−)2 side chain. Three transition metal salts have been prepared from the latter donor, and their magnetic properties are reported. Three tris-donor systems are reported bearing three BEDT-TTF derivatives with ester links to a core derived from benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylic acid. The stereochemistry and molecular structure of the donors are discussed. X-ray crystal structures of two BEDT-TTF donors are reported: one with two CH(OMe)2 groups and with one a -CH2N(CH2CO2Me)2 side chain.
Structure–Property Relationships for Weak Ferromagnetic Perovskites
Authors: Moskvin Alexander
Published: August 2021

Despite several decades of active experimental and theoretical studies of rare-earth orthoferrites, the mechanism of the formation of their specific magnetic, magnetoelastic, optical, and magneto-optical properties remains a subject of discussion. This paper provides an overview of simple theoretical model approaches to quantitatively describing the structure–property relationships—in particular, the interplay between FeO6 octahedral deformations/rotations and the main magnetic and optic characteristics, such as Néel temperature, overt and hidden canting of magnetic sublattices, magnetic and magnetoelastic anisotropy, and optic and photoelastic anisotropy.
Harnessing the Intriguing Properties of Magnetic Nanoparticles to Detect and Treat Bacterial Infections
Authors: Xiang Lingchao , Akakuru Ozioma Udochukwu , Xu Chen , Wu Aiguo
Published: August 2021

Infections caused by pathogenic bacteria, especially multidrug-resistant bacteria, have become a serious worldwide public health problem. Early diagnosis and treatment can effectively prevent the adverse effects of such infections. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop effective methods for the early detection, prevention, and treatment of diseases that are caused by bacterial infections. So far, magnetic material nanoparticles (MNPs) have been widely used in the detection and treatment of bacterial infections as detection agents and therapeutics. Therefore, this review describes the recent research on MNPs in bacterial detection and treatment. Finally, a brief discussion of challenges and perspectives in this field is provided, which is expected to guide the further development of MNPs for bacterial detection and treatment.
Orientation-Encoding CNN for Point Cloud Classification and Segmentation
Authors: Lin Hongbin , Zheng Wu , Peng Xiuping
Published: August 2021

With the introduction of effective and general deep learning network frameworks, deep learning based methods have achieved remarkable success in various visual tasks. However, there are still tough challenges in applying them to convolutional neural networks due to the lack of a potential rule structure of point clouds. Therefore, by taking the original point clouds as the input data, this paper proposes an orientation-encoding (OE) convolutional module and designs a convolutional neural network for effectively extracting local geometric features of point sets. By searching for the same number of points in 8 directions and arranging them in order in 8 directions, the OE convolution is then carried out according to the number of points in the direction, which realizes the effective feature learning of the local structure of the point sets. Further experiments on diverse datasets show that the proposed method has competitive performance on classification and segmentation tasks of point sets.
Reset Control of Parallel MISO Systems
Authors: Sáez José Francisco , Baños Alfonso
Published: August 2021

The proportional–integral plus Clegg integrator (PI + CI) controller is a hybrid extension of the proportional–integral (PI) controller that is able to overcome fundamental limitations of the linear and time-invariant control systems, potentially obtaining faster responses without increasing overshooting. This work focused on the analysis and design of PI + CI controllers and reset controllers in general, for the case of parallel multiple-input single-output (MISO) systems, extending previous design methods developed for the single-input single-output (SISO) case. Several design strategies were developed: one for first-order MISO plants achieving a flat response with a finite settling time, and for second-order MISO plants obtaining a fast response with a reduced overshoot and settling time in comparison with non-hybrid strategies. Several case studies were also developed to illustrate the potential of the proposed methods.
Teaching Combinatorial Principles Using Relations through the Placemat Method
Authors: Ďuriš Viliam , Pavlovičová Gabriela , Gonda Dalibor , Tirpáková Anna
Published: August 2021

The presented paper is devoted to an innovative way of teaching mathematics, specifically the subject combinatorics in high schools. This is because combinatorics is closely connected with the beginnings of informatics and several other scientific disciplines such as graph theory and complexity theory. It is important in solving many practical tasks that require the compilation of an object with certain properties, proves the existence or non-existence of some properties, or specifies the number of objects of certain properties. This paper examines the basic combinatorial structures and presents their use and learning using relations through the Placemat method in teaching process. The effectiveness of the presented innovative way of teaching combinatorics was also verified experimentally at a selected high school in the Slovak Republic. Our experiment has confirmed that teaching combinatorics through relationships among talented children in mathematics is more effective than teaching by a standard algorithmic approach.
Bipolar Hypersoft Sets
Authors: Musa Sagvan Y. , Asaad Baravan A.
Published: August 2021

Hypersoft set theory is an extension of soft set theory and is a new mathematical tool for dealing with fuzzy problems; however, it still suffers from the parametric tools’ inadequacies. In order to boost decision-making accuracy even more, a new mixed mathematical model called the bipolar hypersoft set is created by merging hypersoft sets and bipolarity. It is characterized by two hypersoft sets, one of which provides positive information and the other provides negative information. Moreover, some fundamental properties relative to it such as subset, superset, equal set, complement, difference, relative (absolute) null set and relative (absolute) whole set are defined. Furthermore, some set-theoretic operations such as the extended intersection, the restricted union, intersection, union, AND-operation and OR-operation of two bipolar hypersoft sets with their properties are discussed and supported by examples. Finally, tabular representations for the purposes of storing bipolar hypersoft sets in computer memory are used.
Dynamics of Fractional-Order Epidemic Models with General Nonlinear Incidence Rate and Time-Delay
Authors: Kashkynbayev Ardak , Rihan Fathalla A.
Published: August 2021

In this paper, we study the dynamics of a fractional-order epidemic model with general nonlinear incidence rate functionals and time-delay. We investigate the local and global stability of the steady-states. We deduce the basic reproductive threshold parameter, so that if R0<1, the disease-free steady-state is locally and globally asymptotically stable. However, for R0>1, there exists a positive (endemic) steady-state which is locally and globally asymptotically stable. A Holling type III response function is considered in the numerical simulations to illustrate the effectiveness of the theoretical results.
Time-Consistency of an Imputation in a Cooperative Hybrid Differential Game
Authors: Gromova Ekaterina , Zaremba Anastasiia , Su Shimai
Published: August 2021

This work is aimed at studying the problem of maintaining the sustainability of a cooperative solution in an n-person hybrid differential game. Specifically, we consider a differential game whose payoff function is discounted with a discounting function that changes its structure with time. We solve the problem of time-inconsistency of the cooperative solution using a so-called imputation distribution procedure, which was adjusted for this general class of differential games. The obtained results are illustrated with a specific example of a differential game with random duration and a hybrid cumulative distribution function (CDF). We completely solved the presented example to demonstrate the application of the developed scheme in detail. All results were obtained in analytical form and illustrated by numerical simulations.
Style Transformation Method of Stage Background Images by Emotion Words of Lyrics
Authors: Yoon Hyewon , Li Shuyu , Sung Yunsick
Published: August 2021

Recently, with the development of computer technology, deep learning has expanded to the field of art, which requires creativity, which is a unique ability of humans, and an understanding of the human emotions expressed in art to process them as data. The field of art is integrating with various industrial fields, among which artificial intelligence (AI) is being used in stage art, to create visual images. As it is difficult for a computer to process emotions expressed in songs as data, existing stage background images for song performances are human designed. Recently, research has been conducted to enable AI to design stage background images on behalf of humans. However, there is no research on reflecting emotions contained in song lyrics to stage background images. This paper proposes a style transformation method to reflect emotions in stage background images. First, multiple verses and choruses are derived from song lyrics, one at a time, and emotion words included in each verse and chorus are extracted. Second, the probability distribution of the emotion words is calculated for each verse and chorus, and the image with the most similar probability distribution from an image dataset with emotion word tags in advance is selected for each verse and chorus. Finally, for each verse and chorus, the stage background images with the transferred style are outputted. Through an experiment, the similarity between the stage background and the image transferred to the style of the image with similar emotion words probability distribution was 38%, and the similarity between the stage background image and the image transferred to the style of the image with completely different emotion word probability distribution was 8%. The proposed method reduced the total variation loss of change from 1.0777 to 0.1597. The total variation loss is the sum of content loss and style loss based on weights. This shows that the style transferred image is close to edge information about the content of the input image, and the style is close to the target style image.
Optimal Control of Dengue Transmission with Vaccination
Authors: Chamnan Anusit , Pongsumpun Puntani , Tang I-Ming , Wongvanich Napasool
Published: August 2021

Dengue disease is caused by four serotypes of the dengue virus: DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3, and DEN-4. The chimeric yellow fever dengue tetravalent dengue vaccine (CYD-TDV) is a vaccine currently used in Thailand. This research investigates what the optimal control is when only individuals having documented past dengue infection history are vaccinated. This is the present practice in Thailand and is the latest recommendation of the WHO. The model used is the Susceptible-Infected-Recovered (SIR) model in series configuration for the human population and the Susceptible-Infected (SI) model for the vector population. Both dynamical models for the two populations were recast as optimal control problems with two optimal control parameters. The analysis showed that the equilibrium states were locally asymptotically stable. The numerical solution of the control systems and conclusions are presented.
Reliability and Inference for Multi State Systems: The Generalized Kumaraswamy Case
Authors: Barbu Vlad Stefan , Karagrigoriou Alex , Makrides Andreas
Published: August 2021

Semi-Markov processes are typical tools for modeling multi state systems by allowing several distributions for sojourn times. In this work, we focus on a general class of distributions based on an arbitrary parent continuous distribution function G with Kumaraswamy as the baseline distribution and discuss some of its properties, including the advantageous property of being closed under minima. In addition, an estimate is provided for the so-called stress–strength reliability parameter, which measures the performance of a system in mechanical engineering. In this work, the sojourn times of the multi-state system are considered to follow a distribution with two shape parameters, which belongs to the proposed general class of distributions. Furthermore and for a multi-state system, we provide parameter estimates for the above general class, which are assumed to vary over the states of the system. The theoretical part of the work also includes the asymptotic theory for the proposed estimators with and without censoring as well as expressions for classical reliability characteristics. The performance and effectiveness of the proposed methodology is investigated via simulations, which show remarkable results with the help of statistical (for the parameter estimates) and graphical tools (for the reliability parameter estimate).
Exploring Personal and Contextual Variables of the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor through the Rasch Mathematical Model
Authors: Martínez-González José Alberto , Kobylinska Urszula , Gutiérrez-Taño Desiderio
Published: August 2021

This article studies the variables of entrepreneurship at the regional (countries) level proposed by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) in its periodic global reports. This response to the suggestions and concerns of various authors is related to the need to analyze the theoretical foundation of the variables used by GEM. The validity and reliability of GEM data for the scientific study of entrepreneurship are also analyzed. Finally, the potential of GEM data to manage entrepreneurship variables at the country level is studied. Data from the GEM global report and the fifty countries for which data are available on all variables are used in the study. The methodology used is the Rasch mathematical model, a valuable alternative to the Classical Theory of the Test. The results confirm the theoretical validity of GEM data, its validity and reliability for the development of scientific studies, and its potential for managing entrepreneurship variables at the country level. Both the methodology used and the conclusions obtained constitute novel contributions to this field.
Q-Learnheuristics: Towards Data-Driven Balanced Metaheuristics
Authors: Crawford Broderick , Soto Ricardo , Lemus-Romani José , Becerra-Rozas Marcelo , Lanza-Gutiérrez José , Caballé Nuria , Castillo Mauricio , Tapia Diego , Cisternas-Caneo Felipe , García José , Astorga Gino , Castro Carlos , Rubio José-Miguel
Published: August 2021

One of the central issues that must be resolved for a metaheuristic optimization process to work well is the dilemma of the balance between exploration and exploitation. The metaheuristics (MH) that achieved this balance can be called balanced MH, where a Q-Learning (QL) integration framework was proposed for the selection of metaheuristic operators conducive to this balance, particularly the selection of binarization schemes when a continuous metaheuristic solves binary combinatorial problems. In this work the use of this framework is extended to other recent metaheuristics, demonstrating that the integration of QL in the selection of operators improves the exploration-exploitation balance. Specifically, the Whale Optimization Algorithm and the Sine-Cosine Algorithm are tested by solving the Set Covering Problem, showing statistical improvements in this balance and in the quality of the solutions.
A Self-Adaptive Cuckoo Search Algorithm Using a Machine Learning Technique
Authors: Caselli Nicolás , Soto Ricardo , Crawford Broderick , Valdivia Sergio , Olivares Rodrigo
Published: August 2021

Metaheuristics are intelligent problem-solvers that have been very efficient in solving huge optimization problems for more than two decades. However, the main drawback of these solvers is the need for problem-dependent and complex parameter setting in order to reach good results. This paper presents a new cuckoo search algorithm able to self-adapt its configuration, particularly its population and the abandon probability. The self-tuning process is governed by using machine learning, where cluster analysis is employed to autonomously and properly compute the number of agents needed at each step of the solving process. The goal is to efficiently explore the space of possible solutions while alleviating human effort in parameter configuration. We illustrate interesting experimental results on the well-known set covering problem, where the proposed approach is able to compete against various state-of-the-art algorithms, achieving better results in one single run versus 20 different configurations. In addition, the result obtained is compared with similar hybrid bio-inspired algorithms illustrating interesting results for this proposal.
Marine Natural Products as Anticancer Agents
Authors: Alves Celso , Diederich Marc
Published: August 2021

Cancer remains one of the major threats to human health and one of the deadliest diseases worldwide [...]
Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Morinda citrifolia Extract against Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammation in RAW264 Cells
Authors: Tanikawa Takashi , Kitamura Masashi , Hayashi Yasuhiro , Tomida Natsumi , Uwaya Akemi , Isami Fumiyuki , Inoue Yutaka
Published: August 2021

Leaves of Morinda citrifolia (noni) have been used in Polynesian folk medicine for the treatment of pain and inflammation, and their juice is very popular worldwide as a functional food supplement. This study aimed to demonstrate that M. citrifolia seed extract exerts anti-inflammatory effects on RAW264 cells stimulated by lipopolysaccharide. To confirm the inhibitory effect of M. citrifolia seed extract, we assessed the production of nitric oxide (NO) and inflammatory cytokines. The M. citrifolia seed extract showed a significant inhibition of NO production, with no effect on cell viability, and was more active than M. citrifolia seed oil, leaf extract, and fruit extract. The M. citrifolia seed extract was found to reduce the expression of inducible NO synthase and tumor necrosis factor-alpha of pro-inflammatory cytokines. These results suggest that the anti-inflammatory effect of M. citrifolia seed extract is related to a reduction in the expression of inflammatory mediators and support its potential therapeutic use.
Uncovering the Worldwide Diversity and Evolution of the Virome of the Mosquitoes Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus
Authors: Parry Rhys , James Maddie E , Asgari Sassan
Published: August 2021

Aedes aegypti, the yellow fever mosquito, and Aedes albopictus, the Asian tiger mosquito, are the most significant vectors of dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya viruses globally. Studies examining host factors that control arbovirus transmission demonstrate that insect-specific viruses (ISVs) can modulate mosquitoes’ susceptibility to arbovirus infection in both in vivo and in vitro co-infection models. While research is ongoing to implicate individual ISVs as proviral or antiviral factors, we have a limited understanding of the composition and diversity of the Aedes virome. To address this gap, we used a meta-analysis approach to uncover virome diversity by analysing ~3000 available RNA sequencing libraries representing a worldwide geographic range for both mosquitoes. We identified ten novel viruses and previously characterised viruses, including mononegaviruses, orthomyxoviruses, negeviruses, and a novel bi-segmented negev-like group. Phylogenetic analysis suggests close relatedness to mosquito viruses implying likely insect host range except for one arbovirus, the multi-segmented Jingmen tick virus (Flaviviridae) in an Italian colony of Ae. albopictus. Individual mosquito transcriptomes revealed remarkable inter-host variation of ISVs within individuals from the same colony and heterogeneity between different laboratory strains. Additionally, we identified striking virus diversity in Wolbachia infected Aedes cell lines. This study expands our understanding of the virome of these important vectors. It provides a resource for further assessing the ecology, evolution, and interaction of ISVs with their mosquito hosts and the arboviruses they transmit.
Molecular Subtyping of Blastocystis sp. Isolated from Farmed Animals in Southern Italy
Authors: Gabrielli Simona , Palomba Marialetizia , Furzi Federica , Brianti Emanuele , Gaglio Gabriella , Napoli Ettore , Rinaldi Laura , Alburqueque Renato Aco , Mattiucci Simonetta
Published: August 2021

Blastocystis is a common intestinal protist distributed worldwide, infecting humans and a wide range of domestic and wild animals. It exhibits an extensive genetic diversity and, so far, 25 distinct small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) lineages termed subtypes (STs)) have been characterized; among them, 12 have thus far been reported in humans. The aims of the present study were to detect and genetically characterize Blastocystis sp. in synantropic animals to improve our current knowledge on the distribution and zoonotic transmission of Blastocystis STs in Italy. Samples were collected from N = 193 farmed animals and submitted to DNA extraction and PCR amplification of the SSU rRNA. Blastocystis was detected in 60 samples (31.08%) and successfully subtyped. Phylogenetic analysis evidenced that the isolates from fallow deer, goats, and pigs (N = 9) clustered within the ST5; those from pheasants (N = 2) in the ST6; those from chickens (N = 8) in the ST7; those from sheep (N = 6) in the ST10; and those from water buffaloes (N = 9) in the ST14 clade. The comparison between the present isolates from animals and those previously detected in humans in Italy suggested the animal-to-human spillover for ST6 and ST7. The present study represents the widest Blastocystis survey performed thus far in farmed animals in Italy. Further epidemiological studies using molecular approaches are required to determine the occurrence and distribution of Blastocystis STs in other potential animal reservoirs in Italy and to define the pathways of zoonotic transmission.
Comparative Genomic Analyses of Flavobacterium psychrophilum Isolates Reveals New Putative Genetic Determinants of Virulence Traits
Authors: Castillo Daniel , Donati Valentina L. , Jørgensen Jóhanna , Sundell Krister , Dalsgaard Inger , Madsen Lone , Wiklund Tom , Middelboe Mathias
Published: August 2021

The fish pathogen Flavobacterium psychrophilum is currently one of the main pathogenic bacteria hampering the productivity of salmonid farming worldwide. Although putative virulence determinants have been identified, the genetic basis for variation in virulence of F. psychrophilum is not fully understood. In this study, we analyzed whole-genome sequences of a collection of 25 F. psychrophilum isolates from Baltic Sea countries and compared genomic information with a previous determination of their virulence in juvenile rainbow trout. The results revealed a conserved population of F. psychrophilum that were consistently present across the Baltic Sea countries, with no clear association between genomic repertoire, phylogenomic, or gene distribution and virulence traits. However, analysis of the entire genome of four F. psychrophilum isolates by hybrid assembly provided an unprecedented resolution for discriminating even highly related isolates. The results showed that isolates with different virulence phenotypes harbored genetic variances on a number of consecutive leucine-rich repeat (LRR) proteins, repetitive motifs in gliding motility-associated protein, and the insertion of transposable elements into intergenic and genic regions. Thus, these findings provide novel insights into the genetic variation of these elements and their putative role in the modulation of F. psychrophilum virulence.
The Impact of the Inoculation of Phosphate-Solubilizing Bacteria Pantoea agglomerans on Phosphorus Availability and Bacterial Community Dynamics of a Semi-Arid Soil
Authors: Saadouli Ilhem , Mosbah Amor , Ferjani Raoudha , Stathopoulou Panagiota , Galiatsatos Ioannis , Asimakis Elias , Marasco Ramona , Daffonchio Daniele , Tsiamis George , Ouzari Hadda-Imene
Published: August 2021

The bacterial genus Pantoea has been widely evaluated as promising bacteria to increase phosphorus (P) availability in soil. The aim of this study was to characterize the phosphate solubilizing (PS) activity of a Pantoea agglomerans strain and to evaluate the impact of its application in a semi-arid soil on phosphate availability and structure of the bacterial communities as a whole. An incubation experiment under close-to-natural soil environmental conditions was conducted for 15 days at 30 °C. High-throughput sequencing of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene was used to characterize and to compare the bacterial community structure of P. agglomerans-inoculated soil with non-inoculated control. Furthermore, a qPCR-based method was developed for detection and quantification of the functional genes related to the expression of mineral phosphate solubilization (MPS) phenotype in P. agglomerans. The results showed that in vitro solubilization of Ca3(PO4)2 by P. agglomerans strain was very efficient (980 mg/L), and it was associated with a drop in pH due to the secretion of gluconic acid; these changes were concomitant with the detection of gdh and pqqC genes. Moreover, P. agglomerans inoculum application significantly increased the content of available P in semi-arid soil by 69%. Metagenomic analyses showed that P. agglomerans treatment modified the overall edaphic bacterial community, significantly impacting its structure and composition. In particular, during P. agglomerans inoculation the relative abundance of bacteria belonging to Firmicutes (mainly Bacilli class) significantly increased, whereas the abundance of Actinobacteria together with Acidobacteria and Chloroflexi phyla decreased. Furthermore, genera known for their phosphate solubilizing activity, such as Aneurinibacillus, Lysinibacillus, Enterococcus, and Pontibacter, were exclusively detected in P. agglomerans-treated soil. Pearson’s correlation analysis revealed that changes in soil bacterial community composition were closely affected by soil characteristics, such as pH and available P. This study explores the effect of the inoculation of P. agglomerans on the bacterial community structure of a semi-arid soil. The effectiveness in improving the phosphate availability and modification in soil bacterial community suggested that P. agglomerans represent a promising environmental-friendly biofertilizer in arid and semi-arid ecosystems.
Combined Therapy with Intravenous Immunoglobulins, Letermovir and (Val-)Ganciclovir in Complicated Courses of CMV-Infection in Transplant Recipients
Authors: Di Cristanziano Veronica , Affeldt Patrick , Trappe Moritz , Wirtz Maike , Heger Eva , Knops Elena , Kaiser Rolf , Stippel Dirk , Müller Roman-Ulrich , Holtick Udo , Scheid Christoph , Kann Martin , Kurschat Christine E. , Grundmann Franziska
Published: August 2021

The treatment options for cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections in immunosuppressed patients are limited, mainly consisting of (val-)ganciclovir (VGC/GCV) as the first-line treatment. We report on three transplant recipients, one stem cell transplant (allo-HSCT) patient and two kidney transplant (KTx) recipients, with prolonged CMV viremia treated with a combined therapy based on letermovir (LMV), CMV-specific intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIg), and VGC/GCV, which led to the sustained control of CMV viremia in all patients.
Development of a Novel Acoustic Spectroscopy Method for Detection of Eggshell Cracks
Authors: Kertész István , Zsom-Muha Viktória , András Rebeka , Horváth Ferenc , Németh Csaba , Felföldi József
Published: August 2021

Non-destructive testing (NDT) for eggshell faults is highly important for the egg industry, as cracked eggs account for around 3% of total production. The most commonly used method at present, candling, is labor intensive, while computer vision systems are expensive and complicated. In this paper, we present a simple, yet efficient, novel method for eggshell crack detection by acoustic spectroscopy. Altogether, 693 sound recordings were evaluated by different classification methods. The results show a cross-validated 2.1% total classification error, with only 0.87% false positive rate, which is the crucial metric for fresh eggs. Adapting the developed method to an industrial setting may lead to a reliable, fast and cost-effective detection method.
The Therapeutic Potential of Celastrol in Central Nervous System Disorders: Highlights from In Vitro and In Vivo Approaches
Authors: Schiavone Stefania , Morgese Maria Grazia , Tucci Paolo , Trabace Luigia
Published: August 2021

Celastrol, the most abundant compound derived from the root of Tripterygium wilfordii, largely used in traditional Chinese medicine, has shown preclinical and clinical efficacy for a broad range of disorders, acting via numerous mechanisms, including the induction of the expression of several neuroprotective factors, the inhibition of cellular apoptosis, and the decrease of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Given the crucial implication of these pathways in the pathogenesis of Central Nervous System disorders, both in vitro and in vivo studies have focused their attention on the possible use of this compound in these diseases. However, although most of the available studies have reported significant neuroprotective effects of celastrol in cellular and animal models of these pathological conditions, some of these data could not be replicated. This review aims to discuss current in vitro and in vivo lines of evidence on the therapeutic potential of celastrol in neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and cadmium-induced neurodegeneration, as well as in psychiatric disorders, such as psychosis and depression. In vitro and in vivo studies focused on celastrol effects in cerebral ischemia, ischemic stroke, traumatic brain injury, and epilepsy are also described.
π-Stacking Stopper-Macrocycle Stabilized Dynamically Interlocked [2]Rotaxanes
Authors: Chan Sing-Ming , Tang Fung-Kit , Lam Ching-Yau , Kwan Chak-Shing , Hau Sam C. K. , Leung Ken Cham-Fai
Published: August 2021

The synthesis of mechanically interlocked molecules is valuable due to their unique topologies. With π-stacking intercomponent interaction, e.g., phenanthroline and anthracene, novel [2]rotaxanes have been synthesized by dynamic imine clipping reaction. Their X-ray crystal structures indicate the π-stackings between the anthracene moiety (stopper) on the thread and the (hetero)aromatic rings at the macrocycle of the rotaxanes. Moreover, the length of glycol chains affects the extra π-stacking intercomponent interactions between the phenyl groups and the dimethoxy phenyl groups on the thread. Dynamic combinatorial library has shown at best 84% distribution of anthracene-threaded phenanthroline-based rotaxane, coinciding with the crystallography in that the additional π-stacking intercomponent interactions could increase the thermodynamic stability and selectivity of the rotaxanes.