bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implementation of NAO Robot Maze Navigation Based on Computer Vision and Collaborative Learning
Authors: Magallán-Ramírez Daniela , Martínez-Aguilar Jorge David , Rodríguez-Tirado Areli , Balderas David , López-Caudana Edgar Omar , Moreno-García Carlos Francisco
Published: April 2022

Maze navigation using one or more robots has become a recurring challenge in scientific literature and real life practice, with fleets having to find faster and better ways to navigate environments such as a travel hub, airports, or for evacuation of disaster zones. Many methodologies have been explored to solve this issue, including the implementation of a variety of sensors and other signal receiving systems. Most interestingly, camera-based techniques have become more popular in this kind of scenarios, given their robustness and scalability. In this paper, we implement an end-to-end strategy to address this scenario, allowing a robot to solve a maze in an autonomous way, by using computer vision and path planning. In addition, this robot shares the generated knowledge to another by means of communication protocols, having to adapt its mechanical characteristics to be capable of solving the same challenge. The paper presents experimental validation of the four components of this solution, namely camera calibration, maze mapping, path planning and robot communication. Finally, we showcase some initial experimentation in a pair of robots with different mechanical characteristics. Further implementations of this work include communicating the robots for other tasks, such as teaching assistance, remote classes, and other innovations in higher education.
A Method for Analysis of Spatial Uncertainty in Image Based Surface Velocimetry
Authors: Schweitzer Seth A. , Cowen Edwin A.
Published: April 2022

The use of image based velocimetry methods for field-scale measurements of river surface flow and river discharge have become increasingly widespread in recent years, as these methods have several advantages over more traditional methods. In particular, image based methods are able to measure over large spatial areas at the surface of the flow at high spatial and temporal resolution without requiring physical contact with the water. However, there is a lack of tools to understand the spatial uncertainty in these methods and, in particular, the sensitivity of the uncertainty to parameters under the implementer's control. We present a tool specifically developed to assess spatial uncertainty in remotely sensed, obliquely captured, quantitative images, used in surface velocimetry techniques, and selected results from some of our measurements as an illustration of the tool's capabilities. The developed software is freely available via the public repository GitHub. Uncertainty exists in the coordinate transformation between pixel array coordinates (2D) and physical coordinates (3D) because of the uncertainty related to each of the inputs to the calculation of this transformation, and additionally since the transformation itself is generally calculated in a least squares sense from an over determined system of equations. In order to estimate the uncertainty of the transformation, we perform a Monte Carlo simulation, in which we perturb the inputs to the algorithm used to find the coordinate transformation, and observe the effect on the results of transformations between pixel- and physical- coordinates. This perturbation is performed independently a large number of times over a range of the input parameter space, creating a set of inputs to the coordinate transformation calculation, which are used to calculate a coordinate transformation, and predict the physical coordinates of each pixel in the image. We analyze the variance of the physical position corresponding to each pixel location across the set of transformations, and quantify the sensitivity of the transformation to changes in each of the inputs across the field of view. We also investigate the impact on uncertainty of ground control point (GCP) location and number, and quantify spatial change in uncertainty, which is the key parameter for calculating uncertainty in velocity measurements, in addition to positions. This tool may be used to plan field deployments, allowing the user to optimize the number and distribution of GCPs, the accuracy with which their position must be determined, and the camera placement required to achieve a target level of spatial uncertainty. It can also be used to estimate the uncertainty in image-based velocimetry measurements, including how this uncertainty varies over space within the field of view.
Microbial Metabolism of Amino Acids—Biologically Induced Removal of Glycine and the Resulting Fingerprint as a Potential Biosignature
Authors: Schwendner Petra , Riedo Andreas , Melton Daniel J. , Horvath Peter , Lindner Robert , Ehrenfreund Pascale , Beblo-Vranesevic Kristina , Rettberg Petra , Rabbow Elke , Westall Frances , Bashir Alexandra , Moissl-Eichinger Christine , Garcia-Descalzo Laura , Gomez Felipe , Amils Ricardo , Marteinsson Viggó Þór , Walter Nicolas , Cockell Charles S.
Published: April 2022

The identification of reliable biomarkers, such as amino acids, is key for the search of extraterrestrial life. A large number of microorganisms metabolize, synthesize, take up and excrete amino acids as part of the amino acid metabolism during aerobic and/or anaerobic respiration or in fermentation. In this work, we investigated whether the anaerobic microbial metabolism of amino acids could leave a secondary biosignature indicating biological activity in the environment around the cells. The observed fingerprints would reflect the physiological capabilities of the specific microbial community under investigation. The metabolic processing of an amino acid mixture by two distinct anaerobic microbial communities collected from Islinger Mühlbach (ISM) and Sippenauer Moor (SM), Germany was examined. The amino acid mixture contained L-alanine, β-alanine, L-aspartic acid, DL-proline, L-leucine, L-valine, glycine, L-phenylalanine and L-isoleucine. In parallel, an amino acid spiked medium without microorganisms was used as a control to determine abiotic changes over time. Liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was used to track amino acid changes over time. When comparing to the control samples that did not show significant changes of amino acids concentrations over time, we found that glycine was almost completely depleted from both microbial samples to less than 3% after the first two weeks- This results indicates a preferential use of this simple amino acid by these microbial communities. Although glycine degradation can be caused by abiotic processes, these results show that its preferential depletion in an environment would be consistent with the presence of life. We found changes in most other amino acids that varied between amino acids and communities, suggesting complex dynamics with no clear universal pattern that might be used as a signature of life. However, marked increases in amino acids, caused by cellular synthesis and release into the extracellular environment (e.g., alanine), were observed and could be considered a signature of metabolic activity. We conclude, that substantial anomalous enhancements of some amino acids against the expected abiotic background concentration may be an agnostic signature of the presence of biological processes.
The Anesthesiologist's Perspective Regarding Non-intubated Thoracic Surgery: A Scoping Review
Authors: Rosboch Giulio Luca , Lyberis Paraskevas , Ceraolo Edoardo , Balzani Eleonora , Cedrone Martina , Piccioni Federico , Ruffini Enrico , Brazzi Luca , Guerrera Francesco
Published: April 2022

Non-intubated thoracic surgery (NITS) is a growing practice, alongside minimally invasive thoracic surgery. To date, only a consensus of experts provided opinions on NITS leaving a number of questions unresolved. We then conducted a scoping review to clarify the state of the art regarding NITS. The systematic review of all randomized and non-randomized clinical trials dealing with NITS, based on Pubmed, EMBASE, and Scopus, retrieved 665 articles. After the exclusion of ineligible studies, 53 were assessed examining: study type, Country of origin, surgical procedure, age, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologist's physical status, airway management device, conversion to orotracheal intubation and pulmonary complications rates and length of hospital stay. It emerged that NITS is a procedure performed predominantly in Asia, and certain European Countries. In China, NITS is more frequently performed for parenchymal resection surgery, whereas in Europe, it is mainly employed for pleural pathologies. The most commonly used device for airway management is the laryngeal mask. The conversion rate to orotracheal intubation is a~3%. The results of the scoping review seem to suggest that NITS procedures are becoming increasingly popular, but its role needs to be better defined. Further randomized clinical trials are needed to better define the role of the clinical variables possibly impacting on the technique effectiveness.

Systematic Review Registration

https://osf.io/mfvp3/, identifier: 10.17605/OSF.IO/MFVP3.
Combating Bovine Mastitis in the Dairy Sector in an Era of Antimicrobial Resistance: Ethno-veterinary Medicinal Option as a Viable Alternative Approach
Authors: Ajose Daniel Jesuwenu , Oluwarinde Bukola Opeyemi , Abolarinwa Tesleem Olatunde , Fri Justine , Montso Kotsoana Peter , Fayemi Omolola Esther , Aremu Adeyemi Oladapo , Ateba Collins Njie
Published: April 2022

Bovine mastitis (BM) is the traditional infectious condition in reared cattle which may result in serious repercussions ranging from animal welfare to economic issues. Owing to the high costs associated with preventative practices and therapeutic measures, lower milk output, and early culling, bovine mastitis is accountable for most of the financial losses suffered in cattle farming. Streptococcus agalactiae, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus dysgalactiae and coliform bacteria are the predominant pathogens for bovine mastitis. In addition, the occurrence of BM has been linked to lactation stage and poor management, in the latter case, the poor stabling conditions around udder hygiene. BM occurs throughout the world, with varying rates of Streptococcus agalactiae infection in different regions. Despite the modern techniques, such as the appropriate milking practices that are applied, lower levels of pathogen vulnerability may help to prevent the development of the disease, BM treatment is primarily reliant on antibiotics for both prophylactic and therapeutic purposes. Nevertheless, as a result of the proliferation of bacterial agents to withstand the antibiotic effects, these therapies have frequently proven ineffectual, resulting in persistent BM. Consequently, alternative medicines for the management of udder inflammation have been researched, notably natural compounds derived from plants. This review focuses on BM in terms of its risk factors, pathogenesis, management, the molecular identification of causative agents, as well as the application of ethno-veterinary medicine as an alternative therapy.
Development and Evaluation of a Serum Transfusion Process in the Thorny Devil Stick Insect (Eurycantha calcarata)
Authors: Gregory Taylor M. , Heniff Ashlyn C. , Gorges Melinda A. , Lathan Andrew W. , Lewbart Gregory A. , Balko Julie A.
Published: April 2022

The thorny devil stick insect (Eurycantha calcarata) is a common invertebrate maintained under human care. Blood (hemolymph) transfusions are a widely used therapeutic tool in other species, but investigation in terrestrial arthropods remains scarce. Study objectives were development and evaluation of a serum transfusion process in the thorny devil stick insect. Twenty-five clinically healthy adult insects (9.9–23.0 g) were enrolled and baseline body weights were collected. Hemolymph collection was not successful in males, thus, all were recipient only (n = 12, MR). Females were divided into donor (n = 4, FD) or donor and recipient (n = 9, FDR) groups. Females were manually restrained and up to 1 mL of hemolymph was collected from the abdominal segment caudal to the proximal hindlimb using an 18 g hypodermic needle and passive collection via gravity. Hemolymph was quantified, centrifuged, and the serum separated. Insects were then injected superficially at the lateral aspect of the abdomen with 0.01 mL/g FD serum (MR), lactated Ringer's solution (LRS) equal to collected hemolymph volume (FD), or a combination of FDR serum and LRS equal to collected hemolymph volume (FDR). Response to stimulation, surface temperature, and righting reflex and mortality were serially assessed for up to 24 h and 7 days, respectively, following injection. In FD, median (range) injected LRS dose was 0.04 (0.03–0.06) mL/g. In FDR, median (range) injected serum, LRS, and combined serum and LRS dose was 0.03 (0.02–0.04), 0.01 (0–0.04), and 0.04 (0.02–0.06) mL/g, respectively. A mild temperature increase (maximum +2.9°C) (MR n = 10, FD n = 3, FDR n = 8) and delayed righting reflex (MR n = 4, FD n = 3, FDR n = 7) occurred in a subset of insects following injection. Two deaths occurred at 2 min (n = 1, FDR) and 96 h (n = 1, FD) post-injection. This is the first report of serum transfusions in thorny devil stick insects, and while largely successful, minor to severe transfusion reactions may occur.
Real Drivers and Spatial Characteristics of CO2 Emissions from Animal Husbandry: A Regional Empirical Study of China
Authors: Dai Xiaowen , Wu Xin , Chen Yi , He Yanqiu , Wang Fang , Liu Yuying
Published: April 2022

(1) Studying the driving factors and spatiotemporal characteristics of China’s regional animal husbandry emissions is highly relevant to policy formulation. (2) Methods: We calculated the total CO2 equivalent emissions of animal husbandry across the country and each province separately, and then used the Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index (LMDI) to analyze how the driving forces of animal husbandry emissions changed across the country and in different provinces from 2001 to 2019. (3) Results: ① During the period 2001–2019, national animal husbandry carbon emissions showed an overall downward trend. Economic growth and population contributed positively to the emissions (which means more CO2), while technological advancement, structural change in agriculture, and change in the national industrial structure had negative effects (which means less CO2). ② Using aspects of provincial animal husbandry, we categorized 31 provinces into four types: fluctuating rising, fast falling, slow falling, and steadily falling. Then, according to the magnitude of the different driving forces in different provinces, we classified 31 provinces into three types: economic structure adjustment-driven, technological progress-driven, and economic growth-driven. ③ The driving effects of agricultural structural change and population in some provinces are not consistent with the effects shown at the national level.
Simulation and Experiment of Spiral Soil Separation Mechanism of Compound Planter Based on Discrete Element Method (DEM)
Authors: Han Lianjie , Yuan Wei , Yu Jinjin , Jin Jiajun , Xie Dongshen , Xi Xiaobo , Zhang Yifu , Zhang Ruihong
Published: April 2022

In order to solve the problems of blocking the drainage ditch and reducing the soil flatness caused by soil accumulation when using compound planter with plowshare to ditch, a spiral soil separation mechanism (SSSM) is designed. The SSSM is analyzed. In order to obtain the optimal parameters of the SSSM, based on the discrete element method, the multifactor test is carried out with the embedded depth, pitch, and rotation speed of the spiral blade as the test factors and the soil separation distance and uniformity as the evaluation index. The optimal parameters are the embedded depth 49 mm, pitch 331 mm, and rotation speed of the spiral blade 318 r min−1. The field experiment is carried out with these parameters, with soil separation distance 900 mm and standard deviation of soil height 7.8 mm, which is consistent with the simulation results. No blockage of drainage ditch was found, which shows that this device can effectively solve the problem. This study can provide a reference for the design of soil separation equipment using spiral soil separation device.
Estimating the Population of Unowned Free-Ranging Domestic Cats in Denmark Using a Combination of Questionnaires and GPS Tracking
Authors: Nielsen Helene Brøgger , Jensen Helene Ane , Meilby Henrik , Nielsen Søren Saxmose , Sandøe Peter
Published: April 2022

The present study aimed (1) to estimate the size of the population of unowned free-ranging domestic cats in Denmark using a questionnaire survey combined with a GPS-tracking survey, and (2) to estimate the distribution of the population across different habitats. The questionnaires were circulated in 94 randomly selected parishes ranging across seven kinds of habitat. Using responses from five of the habitats, we estimated the population of unowned free-ranging cats nationally. In the other two habitats, questionnaire data were collected in a simpler way. The territory of 59 owned cats was estimated with GPS tracking to assess home ranges. Home range area was calculated using 95% Brownian bridge kernel density estimation (0.033–0.077 ± 0.011–0.023 km2, median ± SE). We estimated a population of unowned free-ranging cats in Denmark of 89,000 ± 11,000 (SE), with a mean density of 2 ± 0.3 (SE) cats per km2, living primarily in rural habitats. Approximately one-third of the cats were estimated to be socialised and two-thirds unsocialised. Our method may be suitable for use in other temperate areas facing problems with unowned free-ranging cats.
Occurrence and D-Tryptophan Application for Controlling the Growth of Multidrug-Resistant Non-O157 Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli in Dairy Products
Authors: Elafify Mahmoud , Sadoma Noha M. , Abd El Aal Salah F. A. , Bayoumi Mohamed A. , Ahmed Ismail Tamer
Published: April 2022

The objectives of the current study were first to determine the prevalence of non O157:H7E. coli, especially Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) in retailed milk and dairy products in Egypt. Second, the antimicrobial resistance profiling and virulence genes of the isolated E. coli strains were screened. Third, evaluation of the inhibitory effects of D-tryptophan against E. coli O26:H11 was further performed. The results revealed that 20% (30/150) of the samples were STEC positive, with 64 isolates harboring some virulent genes, such as Stx1, Stx2, eaeA, and hylA. Serological identification revealed four different pathotypes belonging to EPEC, ETEC, EHEC, and EIEC. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed that 100%, 98.44%, 92.19%, 71.87%, 65.63% and 64.06% of the isolates had a resistance against tetracycline, oxacillin, erythromycin, nalidixic acid, sulphamethoxazol, and ampicillin, respectively. D-tryptophan addition (40 mM) to E. coli O26:H11-inoculated soft cheese and ice cream revealed a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in bacterial growth, especially when accompanied with other food stressors. D-Tryptophan is considered as an effective food preservative and as a promising alternative candidate in the dairy industry.
Tigecycline Dosing Strategies in Critically Ill Liver-Impaired Patients
Authors: Amann Lisa F. , Alraish Rawan , Broeker Astrid , Kaffarnik Magnus , Wicha Sebastian G.
Published: April 2022

This study investigated tigecycline exposure in critically ill patients from a population pharmacokinetic perspective to support rational dosing in intensive care unit (ICU) patients with acute and chronic liver impairment. A clinical dataset of 39 patients served as the basis for the development of a population pharmacokinetic model. The typical tigecycline clearance was strongly reduced (8.6 L/h) as compared to other populations. Different models were developed based on liver and kidney function-related covariates. Monte Carlo simulations were used to guide dose adjustments with the most predictive covariates: Child–Pugh score, total bilirubin, and MELD score. The best performing covariate, guiding a dose reduction to 25 mg q12h, was Child–Pugh score C, whereas patients with Child–Pugh score A/B received the standard dose of 50 mg q12h. Of note, the obtained 24 h steady-state area under the concentration vs. time curve (AUCss) range using this dosing strategy was predicted to be equivalent to high-dose tigecycline exposure (100 mg q12h) in non-ICU patients. In addition, 26/39 study participants died, and therapy failure was most correlated with chronic liver disease and renal failure, but no correlation between drug exposure and survival was observed. However, tigecycline in special patient populations needs further investigations to enhance clinical outcome.
Coherent Perfect Absorption in a Transparent Polymer Film on a Transparent Substrate Utilizing Total Internal Reflection by Grazing Incidence
Authors: Hasegawa Mayu , Oi Junpei , Yamashita Kyohei , Seto Keisuke , Kobayashi Takayoshi , Tokunaga Eiji
Published: April 2022

A simple scheme for single-channel coherent perfect absorption (CPA) of transparent materials is proposed and experimentally realized using total internal reflection by grazing incidence, with a single dielectric layer sandwiched by semi-infinite dielectric layers. In a 1.48-µm thick polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) film, dip-coated on a MgF2 substrate both transparent in the visible, reflectance dips due to nearly 90% absorption by single-channel CPA were observed in the wavelength range of 370–800 nm, with white light from a Xe lamp incident on the side face of the substrate and extracted from the other side through multiple reflections in the PVP layer. This is a simple and inexpensive CPA scheme, and it is expected to have various applications by changing the substrate/polymer material or dispersing molecules in the polymer film. This paper also provides a design guideline for grazing-incidence waveguide-mode sensors using transparent dielectric materials.
Spam Reviews Detection in the Time of COVID-19 Pandemic: Background, Definitions, Methods and Literature Analysis
Authors: Al-Zoubi Ala’ M. , Mora Antonio M. , Faris Hossam
Published: April 2022

During the recent COVID-19 pandemic, people were forced to stay at home to protect their own and others’ lives. As a result, remote technology is being considered more in all aspects of life. One important example of this is online reviews, where the number of reviews increased promptly in the last two years according to Statista and Rize reports. People started to depend more on these reviews as a result of the mandatory physical distance employed in all countries. With no one speaking to about products and services feedback. Reading and posting online reviews becomes an important part of discussion and decision-making, especially for individuals and organizations. However, the growth of online reviews usage also provoked an increase in spam reviews. Spam reviews can be identified as fraud, malicious and fake reviews written for the purpose of profit or publicity. A number of spam detection methods have been proposed to solve this problem. As part of this study, we outline the concepts and detection methods of spam reviews, along with their implications in the environment of online reviews. The study addresses all the spam reviews detection studies for the years 2020 and 2021. In other words, we analyze and examine all works presented during the COVID-19 situation. Then, highlight the differences between the works before and after the pandemic in terms of reviews behavior and research findings. Furthermore, nine different detection approaches have been classified in order to investigate their specific advantages, limitations, and ways to improve their performance. Additionally, a literature analysis, discussion, and future directions were also presented.
Compound Boronizing and Its Kinetics Analysis for H13 Steel with Rare Earth CeO2 and Cr2O3
Authors: Mei Shunqi , Zhang Yanwei , Zheng Quan , Fan Yu , Lygdenov Burial , Guryev Alexey
Published: April 2022

The compound boronizing of H13 steel sample was carried out by adding rare earth CeO2, and the effects of main parameters of compound boronizing on the properties of the boronizing layer were investigated. The boronizing kinetics were also analyzed. Under the conditions of boronizing temperatures of 850 °C, 900 °C, 950 °C, and 1000 °C, and boronizing times of 2 h, 3 h, 4 h, and 5 h, the boronizing experiment was carried out by adding CeO2 with mass fraction of 2%, 4% and 6%, Cr2O3 with a mass fraction of 1%, 2%, 3%, and 4%. The results show that boronizing H13 steel with rare earth CeO2 is conducive to the diffusion of boron atoms and can significantly improve the thickness and microhardness of boronizing layer. Boronizing kinetic analysis shows that the diffusion activation energy of boron atom decreases significantly when the rare earth content is 4%, which indicates that the content of rare earth CeO2 with 4% is an ideal selection for considering improving the utilization rate of rare earth materials, and the boronizing kinetic analysis can provide a quantitative basis for determining the content of rare earth metals. Therefore, experiments and analysis show that for H13 steel, when the boronizing temperature is 950 °C, time is 4 h and rare earth content is 4%, the thickness of the boronizing layer can reach 71 μm and the microhardness at the depth of 70 μm from the surface layer can reach 1546.32 HV. Moreover, on this basis, when Cr2O3 with a rare earth content of 2% is added, the microstructure and wear resistance of the boronizing layer are significantly improved.
Affection Enhanced Relational Graph Attention Network for Sarcasm Detection
Authors: Li Guowei , Lin Fuqiang , Chen Wangqun , Liu Bo
Published: April 2022

Sarcasm detection remains a challenge for numerous Natural Language Processing (NLP) tasks, such as sentiment classification or stance prediction. Existing sarcasm detection studies attempt to capture the subtle semantic incongruity patterns by using contextual information and graph information through Graph Convolutional Networks (GCN). However, direct application of dependence may inevitably introduce noisy information and inferiorly in modeling long-distance or disconnected words in the dependency tree. To better learn the sentiment inconsistencies between terms, we propose an Affection Enhanced Relational Graph Attention network (ARGAT) by jointly considering the affective information and the dependency information. Specifically, we use Relational Graph Attention Networks (RGAT) to integrate relation information guided by a trainable matrix of relation types and synchronously use GCNs to integrate affection information explicitly donated by affective adjacency matrixes. The employment of RGAT contributes to information interaction of structural relevant word pairs with a long distance. With the enhancement of affective information, the proposed model can capture complex forms of sarcastic expressions. Experimental results on six benchmark datasets show that our proposed approach outperforms state-of-the-art sarcasm detection methods. The best-improved results of accuracy and F1 are 4.19% and 4.33%, respectively.
High-Pressure Technologies for the Recovery of Bioactive Molecules from Agro-Industrial Waste
Authors: Li Junyang , Pettinato Margherita , Campardelli Roberta , De Marco Iolanda , Perego Patrizia
Published: April 2022

Large amounts of food waste are produced each year. These residues require appropriate management to reduce their environmental impact and, at the same time, economic loss. However, this waste is still rich in compounds (e.g., colorants, antioxidants, polyphenols, fatty acids, vitamins, and proteins) that can find potential applications in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. Conventional extraction techniques suffer some drawbacks when applied to the exploitation of food residues, including large amounts of polluting solvents, increased time of extraction, possible degradation of the active molecules during extraction, low yields, and reduced extraction selectivity. For these reasons, advanced extraction techniques have emerged in order to obtain efficient residue exploitation using more sustainable processes. In particular, performing extraction under high-pressure conditions, such as supercritical fluids and pressurized liquid extraction, offers several advantages for the extraction of bioactive molecules. These include the reduced use of toxic solvents, reduced extraction time, high selectivity, and the possibility of being applied in combination in a cascade of progressive extractions. In this review, an overview of high-pressure extraction techniques related to the recovery of high added value compounds from waste generated in food industries is presented and a critical discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of each process is reported. Furthermore, the possibility of combined multi-stage extractions, as well as economic and environmental aspects, are discussed in order to provide a complete overview of the topic.
Le Corbusier’s Ineffable Space and Synchronism: From Architecture as Clear Syntax to Architecture as Succession of Events
Authors: Charitonidou Marianna
Published: April 2022

This article examines Le Corbusier’s architectural design processes, paying special attention to his concept of “ineffable space”. Le Corbusier related “ineffable space” to mathematics, arguing that both mathematics and the phenomenon of “ineffable space” provoke an effect of “concordance”. He also argued that when the establishment of relations is “precise” and “overwhelming”, architectural artefacts are capable of “provoking physiological sensations”. For Le Corbusier, the sentiment of satisfaction and enjoyment that an architectural artefact can provoke is related to a perception of harmony. This article analyzes the reasons for which Le Corbusier insisted on the necessity to discover or invent “clear syntax” through architectural composition. He believed that the power of architectural artefacts lies in their “clear syntax”. Particular emphasis is placed on the relationship of Le Corbusier’s theories of space with those of Henri Bergson and the De Stijl movement. At the core of the reflections that are developed here are Le Corbusier’s “patient search” (“recherche patiente”) and the vital role of the act of drawing for the process of inscribing images in memory. For Le Corbusier, drawing embodied the acts of observing, discovering, inventing and creating. This article also relates Le Corbusier’s interest in proportions and his conception of the Modulor to post-war Italian neo-humanistic approaches in architecture. It intends to render explicit how Le Corbusier’s definition of architecture was reshaped, shedding light on the shift from defining architecture as clear syntax to defining architecture as the succession of events.
Amine-Modified Biochar for the Efficient Adsorption of Carbon Dioxide in Flue Gas
Authors: Tian Wengang , Wang Yanxia , Hao Jian , Guo Tuo , Wang Xia , Xiang Xiaoju , Guo Qingjie
Published: April 2022

Biochar-based carbonaceous adsorbents are gaining interest due to their high availability, ease of modification, and low cost; however, they show limited adsorption of CO2 in flue gas due to common textural properties. In this study, TEPA-modified biochar was used to prepare a solid amine adsorbent for the efficient capture of CO2 in flue gas. First, the porous biochar was prepared with FeCl3, Mg(NO3)2, and H2O (g) as activators and walnut shells as carbon sources. Next, the biochar was modified with TEPA to obtain a solid amine adsorbent. Porous texture properties and sample surface functional groups were characterized, and we measured the adsorption CO2 of the amine-modified biochar in a breakthrough adsorption device. Results showed that biochar has a large specific surface area (744.38 m2 g−1), a total pore volume of 1.41 cm3 g−1, and a high mesoporous volume ratio (82.7%). The high pore volume provided a more efficient support space for loading tetraethylenepentamine (TEPA). The adsorbent had an excellent CO2 adsorption capacity, corresponding to 2.82 mmol g−1, which increased to 3.31 mmol g−1 and kept water resistance at 10% H2O (g) simulated flue gas (SFG). The FTIR analysis showed that H2O (g) inhibited urea production after cyclic adsorption. Therefore, solid amine adsorbent created by amine-modified biochar has potential advantages in its application for capturing CO2 in SFG.
Sugar Beet Molasses as a Potential C-Substrate for PHA Production by Cupriavidus necator
Authors: Kiselev Evgeniy G. , Demidenko Aleksey V. , Zhila Natalia O. , Shishatskaya Ekaterina I. , Volova Tatiana G.
Published: April 2022

To increase the availability and expand the raw material base, the production of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) by the wild strain Cupriavidus necator B-10646 on hydrolysates of sugar beet molasses was studied. The hydrolysis of molasses was carried out using β-fructofuranosidase, which provides a high conversion of sucrose (88.9%) to hexoses. We showed the necessity to adjust the chemical composition of molasses hydrolysate to balance with the physiological needs of C. necator B-10646 and reduce excess sugars and nitrogen and eliminate phosphorus deficiency. The modes of cultivation of bacteria on diluted hydrolyzed molasses with the controlled feeding of phosphorus and glucose were implemented. Depending on the ratio of sugars introduced into the bacterial culture due to the molasses hydrolysate and glucose additions, the bacterial biomass concentration was obtained from 20–25 to 80–85 g/L with a polymer content up to 80%. The hydrolysates of molasses containing trace amounts of propionate and valerate were used to synthesize a P(3HB-co-3HV) copolymer with minor inclusions of 3-hydroxyvlaerate monomers. The introduction of precursors into the medium ensured the synthesis of copolymers with reduced values of the degree of crystallinity, containing, in addition to 3HB, monomers 3HB, 4HB, or 3HHx in an amount of 12–16 mol.%.
Advanced Glycation End Products and Diabetes Mellitus: Mechanisms and Perspectives
Authors: Khalid Mariyam , Petroianu Georg , Adem Abdu
Published: April 2022

Persistent hyperglycemic state in type 2 diabetes mellitus leads to the initiation and progression of non-enzymatic glycation reaction with proteins and lipids and nucleic acids. Glycation reaction leads to the generation of a heterogeneous group of chemical moieties known as advanced glycated end products (AGEs), which play a central role in the pathophysiology of diabetic complications. The engagement of AGEs with its chief cellular receptor, RAGE, activates a myriad of signaling pathways such as MAPK/ERK, TGF-β, JNK, and NF-κB, leading to enhanced oxidative stress and inflammation. The downstream consequences of the AGEs/RAGE axis involve compromised insulin signaling, perturbation of metabolic homeostasis, RAGE-induced pancreatic beta cell toxicity, and epigenetic modifications. The AGEs/RAGE signaling instigated modulation of gene transcription is profoundly associated with the progression of type 2 diabetes mellitus and pathogenesis of diabetic complications. In this review, we will summarize the exogenous and endogenous sources of AGEs, their role in metabolic dysfunction, and current understandings of AGEs/RAGE signaling cascade. The focus of this review is to recapitulate the role of the AGEs/RAGE axis in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus and its associated complications. Furthermore, we present an overview of future perspectives to offer new therapeutic interventions to intervene with the AGEs/RAGE signaling pathway and to slow down the progression of diabetes-related complications.
The Nephroprotective Effects of α-Bisabolol in Cisplatin-Induced Acute Kidney Injury in Mice
Authors: Zaaba Nur Elena , Beegam Sumaya , Elzaki Ozaz , Yasin Javed , Nemmar Bilal Mohamed , Ali Badreldin H. , Adeghate Ernest , Nemmar Abderrahim
Published: April 2022

Cisplatin (CP) treatment has been long associated with the development of acute kidney injury (AKI) through mechanisms involving inflammation and oxidative stress. α-Bisabolol (BIS), a sesquiterpene alcohol isolated from the essential oil of various plants, including chamomile, has garnered popularity lately due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. Therefore, we investigated the nephroprotective effects of BIS in the murine model of CP-induced AKI and the underlying mechanism of action. BALB/c mice were given BIS orally at 25 mg/kg for 7 days. On day 7, they were given a single dose of CP at 20 mg/kg intraperitoneally. BIS treatment continued for 3 more days. The animals were sacrificed at the end of the experiment (day 11). Kidneys, plasma, and urine were collected, and subsequently, various physiological, biochemical, and histological parameters were assessed. BIS has significantly normalized the alterations of water intake, urine volume, relative kidney weight, and the concentrations of urea and creatinine, as well as the creatinine clearance induced by CP treatment. BIS significantly mitigated the effects of CP-induced kidney injury by reducing kidney injury molecule-1, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, adiponectin, and cystatin C. Likewise, the renal concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1β that were elevated in CP group were significantly reduced in mice treated with BIS and CP. A similar significant reduction was also observed in the CP-induced augmented levels of markers of oxidative stress, as well as the metabolite pteridine. Moreover, BIS significantly reduced the CP–induced renal DNA damage, and markedly lessened the acute tubular necrosis observed in kidney histology. Additionally, BIS significantly reduced the CP-induced increase in the phosphorylated nuclear factor κB (NFκB) in the kidney. These data strongly suggest that BIS exerts a protective action against CP-induced nephrotoxicity by mitigating inflammation and oxidative stress through the inhibition of NFκB activation. No overt adverse effects were noted with BIS treatment. Additional investigations should be done to consider BIS as an efficacious nephroprotective agent against CP.
Kappa Free Light Chains in Cerebrospinal Fluid in Inflammatory and Non-Inflammatory Neurological Diseases
Authors: Konen Franz Felix , Schwenkenbecher Philipp , Jendretzky Konstantin Fritz , Gingele Stefan , Witte Torsten , Sühs Kurt-Wolfram , Grothe Matthias , Hannich Malte Johannes , Süße Marie , Skripuletz Thomas
Published: April 2022

Background: Oligoclonal bands represent intrathecal immunoglobulin G (IgG) synthesis and play an important role in the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS). Kappa free light chains (KFLC) are increasingly recognized as an additional biomarker for intrathecal Ig synthesis. However, there are limited data on KFLC in neurological diseases other than MS. Methods: This study, conducted at two centers, retrospectively enrolled 346 non-MS patients. A total of 182 patients were diagnosed with non-inflammatory and 84 with inflammatory neurological diseases other than MS. A further 80 patients were classified as symptomatic controls. Intrathecal KFLC production was determined using different approaches: KFLC index, Reiber’s diagram, Presslauer’s exponential curve, and Senel’s linear curve. Results: Matching results of oligoclonal bands and KFLC (Reiber’s diagram) were frequently observed (93%). The Reiber’s diagram for KFLC detected intrathecal KFLC synthesis in an additional 7% of the patient samples investigated (4% non-inflammatory; 3% inflammatory), which was not found by oligoclonal band detection. Conclusions: The determination of both biomarkers (KFLC and oligoclonal bands) is recommended for routine diagnosis and differentiation of non-inflammatory and inflammatory neurological diseases. Due to the high sensitivity and physiological considerations, the assessment of KFLC in the Reiber’s diagram should be preferred to other evaluation methods.
The Conditional Configuration Path for Private Enterprises Participating in PPP: A Fuzzy-Set Qualitative Comparative Analysis
Authors: Sun Yanfang , Wang Liyang , Zhang Tao
Published: April 2022

Public–private partnership (PPP) projects have been widely applied in infrastructure construction. Leveraging private capital is the key to promoting the high-quality development of PPP projects. This study examines the combined effect of seven factors determining private enterprises that participate in PPP and collects materials from 102 PPP sewage treatment projects to examine the causal configuration path of private enterprises participating in PPP (PEP3P) from an overall perspective by using necessary condition analysis (NCA) and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA). The findings support the fact that any single antecedent condition is not a necessary condition for PEP3P and is instead the combined effect of different factors that commonly form the diversified causal configuration paths of PEP3P. There is an obvious asymmetry between the configuration paths of the high participation and low participation of private enterprises. The enterprise technology level (ETL) and doing business (DB) are important internal driving forces and give external traction for PEP3P, while the enterprise credit level (ECL) and project investment scale (PIS) are important factors that restrict private enterprises from participating in PPP. This research fills a theoretical gap for PEP3P and can be applied to developing strategies for attracting private enterprises to participate in PPP.
System for the Recognizing of Pigmented Skin Lesions with Fusion and Analysis of Heterogeneous Data Based on a Multimodal Neural Network
Authors: Lyakhov Pavel Alekseevich , Lyakhova Ulyana Alekseevna , Nagornov Nikolay Nikolaevich
Published: April 2022

Today, skin cancer is one of the most common malignant neoplasms in the human body. Diagnosis of pigmented lesions is challenging even for experienced dermatologists due to the wide range of morphological manifestations. Artificial intelligence technologies are capable of equaling and even surpassing the capabilities of a dermatologist in terms of efficiency. The main problem of implementing intellectual analysis systems is low accuracy. One of the possible ways to increase this indicator is using stages of preliminary processing of visual data and the use of heterogeneous data. The article proposes a multimodal neural network system for identifying pigmented skin lesions with a preliminary identification, and removing hair from dermatoscopic images. The novelty of the proposed system lies in the joint use of the stage of preliminary cleaning of hair structures and a multimodal neural network system for the analysis of heterogeneous data. The accuracy of pigmented skin lesions recognition in 10 diagnostically significant categories in the proposed system was 83.6%. The use of the proposed system by dermatologists as an auxiliary diagnostic method will minimize the impact of the human factor, assist in making medical decisions, and expand the possibilities of early detection of skin cancer.
Folic Acid Treatment Directly Influences the Genetic and Epigenetic Regulation along with the Associated Cellular Maintenance Processes of HT-29 and SW480 Colorectal Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Zsigrai Sára , Kalmár Alexandra , Barták Barbara K. , Nagy Zsófia B. , Szigeti Krisztina A. , Valcz Gábor , Kothalawala William , Dankó Titanilla , Sebestyén Anna , Barna Gábor , Pipek Orsolya , Csabai István , Tulassay Zsolt , Igaz Péter , Takács István , Molnár Béla
Published: April 2022

Folic acid (FA) is a synthetic form of vitamin B9, generally used as a nutritional supplement and an adjunctive medication in cancer therapy. FA is involved in genetic and epigenetic regulation; therefore, it has a dual modulatory role in established neoplasms. We aimed to investigate the effect of short-term (72 h) FA supplementation on colorectal cancer; hence, HT-29 and SW480 cells were exposed to different FA concentrations (0, 100, 10,000 ng/mL). HT-29 cell proliferation and viability levels elevated after 100 ng/mL but decreased for 10,000 ng/mL FA. Additionally, a significant (p ≤ 0.05) improvement of genomic stability was detected in HT-29 cells with micronucleus scoring and comet assay. Conversely, the FA treatment did not alter these parameters in SW480 samples. RRBS results highlighted that DNA methylation changes were bidirectional in both cells, mainly affecting carcinogenesis-related pathways. Based on the microarray analysis, promoter methylation status was in accordance with FA-induced expression alterations of 27 genes. Our study demonstrates that the FA effect was highly dependent on the cell type, which can be attributed to the distinct molecular background and the different expression of proliferation- and DNA-repair-associated genes (YWHAZ, HES1, STAT3, CCL2). Moreover, new aspects of FA-regulated DNA methylation and consecutive gene expression were revealed.
Early Diagnostics of Vulvar Intraepithelial Neoplasia
Authors: Kesić Vesna , Vieira-Baptista Pedro , Stockdale Colleen K.
Published: April 2022

The spectrum of vulvar lesions ranges from infective and benign dermatologic conditions to vulvar precancer and invasive cancer. Distinction based on the characteristics of vulvar lesions is often not indicative of histology. Vulvoscopy is a useful tool in the examination of vulvar pathology. It is more complex than just colposcopic examination and presumes naked eye examination accompanied by magnification, when needed. Magnification can be achieved using a magnifying glass or a colposcope and may aid the evaluation when a premalignant or malignant lesion is suspected. It is a useful tool to establish the best location for biopsies, to plan excision, and to evaluate the entire lower genital system. Combining features of vulvar lesions can help prediction of its histological nature. Clinically, there are two distinct premalignant types of vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia: HPV-related VIN, more common in young women, multifocal and multicentric; VIN associated with vulvar dermatoses, more common in older women and usually unicentric. For definite diagnosis, a biopsy is required. In practice, the decision to perform a biopsy is often delayed due to a lack of symptoms at the early stages of the neoplastic disease. Clinical evaluation of all VIN lesions should be conducted very carefully, because an underlying early invasive squamous cancer may be present.