bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NACore Amyloid Formation in the Presence of Phospholipids
Authors: Pallbo Jon , Imai Masayuki , Gentile Luigi , Takata Shin-ichi , Olsson Ulf , Sparr Emma
Published: December 2020

Amyloids are implicated in many diseases, and disruption of lipid membrane structures is considered as one possible mechanism of pathology. In this paper we investigate interactions between an aggregating peptide and phospholipid membranes, focusing on the nanometer-scale structures of the aggregates formed, as well as on the effect on the aggregation process. As a model system, we use the small amyloid-forming peptide named NACore, which is a fragment of the central region of the protein α-synuclein that is associated with Parkinson’s disease. We find that phospholipid vesicles readily associate with the amyloid fibril network in the form of highly distorted and trapped vesicles that also may wet the surface of the fibrils. This effect is most pronounced for model lipid systems containing only zwitterionic lipids. Fibrillation is found to be retarded by the presence of the vesicles. At the resolution of our measurements, which are based mainly on cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM), X-ray scattering, and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, we find that the resulting aggregates can be well fitted as linear combinations of peptide fibrils and phospholipid bilayers. There are no detectable effects on the cross-β packing of the peptide molecules in the fibrils, or on the thickness of the phospholipid bilayers. This suggests that while the peptide fibrils and lipid bilayers readily co-assemble on large length-scales, most of them still retain their separate structural identities on molecular length-scales. Comparison between this relatively simple model system and other amyloid systems might help distinguish aspects of amyloid-lipid interactions that are generic from aspects that are more protein specific. Finally, we briefly consider possible implications of the obtained results for in-vivo amyloid toxicity.
Long-Term Effects of Mind-Body Exercises on the Physical Fitness and Quality of Life of Individuals With Substance Use Disorder—A Randomized Trial
Authors: Zhu Dong , Jiang Mei , Xu Ding , Schöllhorn Wolfgang I.
Published: December 2020

Background: Mind-body exercises (MBE) are sequences of low to medium-intensity activities that benefit healthy performers physically and mentally. In contrast to the unmodified application of traditional tai chi, qi gong, or yoga in the healthy population, MBEs are typically tailored for individuals with substance abuse disorder (SUD). Despite numerous applications in practice, the detailed effects of tailor-made MBEs for SUD are unclear.

Objectives: This study aimed to analyze and compare changes in the physical fitness and quality of life of individuals with SUD that underwent conventional or tailor-made MBEs.

Methods: A total of 100 subjects obtained from the Shanghai Mandatory Detoxification and Rehabilitation Center with SUD were randomly assigned into two groups. The subjects in the experimental group (n = 50) practiced tailored MBE for 60 min a day, five times a week, for 3 months. The subjects (n = 50) in the control group were treated with conventional rehabilitation exercises with the same intervention protocol. The outcomes of fitness and quality of life for drug addiction were measured at the beginning and after 3 and 6 months by a questionnaire (QOL-DA). A two-way repeated measure analysis of variance was applied to compare the difference of treatments in the two groups.

Results: Statistically significant differences for the experimental group were found in systolic (p < 0.01, η2 = 0.124) and diastolic blood pressure (p < 0.01, η2 = 0.097), pulse (p < 0.01, η2 = 0.086), vital capacity (p < 0.05, η2 = 0.036), flexibility (p < 0.01, η2 = 0.143), and aerobic endurance (p < 0.01, η2 = 0.165). Results of the QOL-DA showed statistically significant differences between the experimental and control groups in total score (p < 0.01, η2 = 0.158) with greater effects on the former.

Conclusions: This study provided evidence that tailored MBE could lead to remarkable effects with regard to blood pressure, vital capacity, flexibility, and aerobic endurance in comparison with conventional rehabilitation methods.

Clinical Trial Registration: ChiCTR-IPR-14005343.
Using Intervention Mapping to Develop a Provider Intervention to Increase HPV Vaccination in a Federally Qualified Health Center
Authors: Austin Jessica D. , Rodriguez Serena A. , Savas Lara S. , Megdal Tina , Ramondetta Lois , Fernandez Maria E.
Published: December 2020

Introduction: A healthcare provider's ability to give a strong recommendation for the HPV vaccine is of utmost importance in increasing HPV vaccination. To reduce the burden of HPV-related cancers, there is a critical need to develop and implement theory-based interventions aimed at strengthening healthcare providers' communication about the HPV vaccine.

Methods: We used Intervention Mapping (IM) steps 1–5 to develop and implement a provider-level intervention that aligns with the priorities and needs of a large, urban Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC).

Results: In step 1, a diverse planning group identified barriers to HPV vaccination in clinical settings and generated process maps and a logic model of the problem. Step 2 outlined outcomes and provider performance objectives of the intervention and identified knowledge, skills, self-efficacy, outcome expectations, and normative beliefs as modifiable targets that need to change for providers to deliver strong recommendations for the HPV vaccine to parents and patients. In step 3, the planning group mapped the methods of persuasive communication, information, and modeling and skills training to behavioral targets and outlined the program practical applications (strategies) components, scope, and sequence. In steps 4 and 5, the planning group produced the intervention and planned for program implementation. The iterative and participatory process of IM resulted in modifications to the initial intervention that aligned with the needs of the FQHC.

Discussion: IM provided a systematic, participatory, and iterative approach for developing a theory-based provider-level intervention aimed at strengthening healthcare providers' ability to provide a strong recommendation for the HPV vaccine to eligible patients and parents served by a large FQHC. IM assisted with the identification of behavioral targets and methods that move beyond HPV knowledge and reminders to create behavior change. IM can help researchers and planners describe the processes and rational behind developing interventions and may help to facilitate implementation in real-world clinical settings by tailoring intervention components to the needs of the population.
Interplay Between Air Travel, Genome Integrity, and COVID-19 Risk vis-a-vis Flight Crew
Authors: Toprani Sneh M. , Scheibler Christopher , Nagel Zachary D.
Published: December 2020

During air travel, flight crew (flight attendants, pilots) can be exposed to numerous flight-related environmental DNA damaging agents that may be at the root of an excess risk of cancer and other diseases. This already complex mix of exposures is now joined by SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The complex exposures experienced during air travel present a challenge to public health research, but also provide an opportunity to consider new strategies for understanding and countering their health effects. In this article, we focus on threats to genomic integrity that occur during air travel and discuss how these threats and our ability to respond to them may influence the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and the development of range of severity of the symptoms. We also discuss how the virus itself may lead to compromised genome integrity. We argue that dauntingly complex public health problems, such as the challenge of protecting flight crews from COVID-19, must be met with interdisciplinary research teams that include epidemiologists, engineers, and mechanistic biologists.
Printable and Flexible Planar Silver Electrodes-Based Resistive Switching Sensory Array
Authors: Tian Xiyue , Luo Zewei , Fan Tianyi , Zhang Jinjie , Chu Junhao , Wu Xing
Published: December 2020

With the advent of smart flexible electronic devices, new research directions have emerged. Among them, the resistive switching (RS) sensor has attracted much attention. The RS sensor converts the change of voltage signals into the change of resistance values. In this work, a planar flexible RS structure based on one-step printable silver electrodes was designed and fabricated to simplify device fabrication. The study is a starting point that paves the way for the development of all-in-one printable and flexible sensors in the future.
Agroecology in Large Scale Farming—A Research Agenda
Authors: Tittonell Pablo , Piñeiro Gervasio , Garibaldi Lucas A. , Dogliotti Santiago , Olff Han , Jobbagy Esteban G.
Published: December 2020

Agroecology promises a third way between common global agriculture tradeoffs such as food production and nature conservation, environmental sustainability and ecosystem services. However, most successful examples of mainstreaming agroecology come from smallholder, family agriculture, that represents only about 30% of the world agricultural area. Mainstreaming agroecology among large scale farmers is urgently needed, but it requires addressing specific questions in research, technology and policy development to support sustainable transitions. Here we take stock of the existing knowledge on some key aspects necessary to support agroecological transitions in large scale farming, considering two contrasting starting points: highly subsidized and heavily taxed agricultural contexts, represented here by the examples of Western Europe and temperate South America. We summarize existing knowledge and gaps around service crops, arthropod-mediated functions, landscape and watershed regulation, graze-based livestock, nature-inclusive landscapes, and policy mechanisms to support transitions. We propose a research agenda for agroecology in large scale farming organized in five domains: (i) Breeding for diversity, (ii) Scalable complexity, (iii) Managing cycles beyond fields and farms, (iv) Sharing the cultivated landscape, and (v) Co-innovation with farmers, value chains and policy makers. Agroecology may result in a renewed impetus in large scale farming, to attract the youth, foster clean technological innovation, and to promote a new generation of large-scale farmers that take pride in contributing to feeding the world while serving the planet and its people.
Transport of Young Veal Calves: Effects of Pre-transport Diet, Transport Duration and Type of Vehicle on Health, Behavior, Use of Medicines, and Slaughter Characteristics
Authors: Marcato Francesca , van den Brand Henry , Kemp Bas , Engel Bas , Wolthuis-Fillerup Maaike , van Reenen Kees
Published: December 2020

The aim of this study was to investigate effects of different early life transport-related factors on health, behavior, use of medicines and slaughter characteristics of veal calves. An experiment was conducted with a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with 3 factors: (1) provision of rearing milk or electrolytes before transport, (2) transport duration (6 or 18 h), and (3) type of vehicle (open truck or conditioned truck). The study included male Holstein-Friesian and cross-bred calves (N = 368; 18 ± 4 days; 45.3 ± 3.3 kg). Data on health status of calves were collected at the collection center and at the veal farm until week 27 post-transport. Behavior of calves was recorded during transport and at the veal farm until week 13 post-transport. Use of herd and individual medical treatments was recorded at the veal farm. The prevalence of loose or liquid manure at the veal farm from day 1 until week 3 post-transport was lower in electrolyte-fed calves transported in the conditioned truck compared to electrolytes-fed calves transported in the open truck or milk-fed calves transported in both the conditioned and open truck (Δ = 11% on average; P = 0.02). In comparison with the open truck, calves transported in the conditioned truck had lower prevalence of navel inflammation in the first 3 weeks post-transport (Δ = 3 %; P = 0.05). More milk-fed calves received individual antibiotic treatments compared to electrolyte-fed calves at the veal farm (P = 0.05). In conclusion, the transport-related factors examined in the present study affected health and behavior of calves in the short-term, but there was no evidence for long-term effects. It remains unknown why no long-term effects were found in this study. Perhaps this absence of transport-related effects was due to multiple use of medical treatments in the first weeks at the veal farm. Alternatively, it might be that the collective effects of the transition from the dairy farm to the veal farm, and of the husbandry conditions during the subsequent rearing period, on the adaptive capacity of calves were so large that effects of individual transport-related factors were overruled.
A Compact Adjustable Stiffness Rotary Actuator Based on Linear Springs: Working Principle, Design, and Experimental Verification
Authors: Vo Cong Phat , Phan Van Du , Nguyen Thanh Ha , Ahn Kyoung Kwan
Published: December 2020

Inspired by improving the adaptive capability of the robot to external impacts or shocks, the adjustable stiffness behavior in joints is investigated to ensure conformity with the safety index. This paper proposes a new soft actuation unit, namely Adjustable Stiffness Rotary Actuator (ASRA), induced by a novel optimization of the elastic energy in an adjusting stiffness mechanism. Specifically, a stiffness transmission is configured by three pairs of antagonistically linear springs with linkage bars. The rotational disk and link bars assist the simplified stiffness control based on a linear transmission. To enhance the elastic energy efficiency, the force compressions of the linear springs are set to be perpendicular to the three-spoke output element, i.e., the output link direction. Besides, the ASRA model is also formed to investigate the theoretical capabilities of the stiffness output and passive energy. As a simulated result, a high passive energy storage ability can be achieved. Then, several experimental scenarios are performed with integral sliding mode controllers to verify the physical characteristics of the ASRA. As trial results, the fast transient response and high accuracy of both the position and stiffness tracking tests are expressed, in turn, independent and simultaneous control cases. Moreover, the real output torque is measured to investigate its reflecting stiffness.
The Typical Farm Approach and Its Application by the Agri Benchmark Network
Authors: Chibanda Craig , Agethen Katrin , Deblitz Claus , Zimmer Yelto , Almadani Mohamad. I. , Garming Hildegard , Rohlmann Christa , Schütte Johan , Thobe Petra , Verhaagh Mandes , Behrendt Lena , Staub Daniel.T. , Lasner Tobias
Published: December 2020

Global agricultural production is dynamic and complex as various factors impact it. Understanding global agricultural production systems and farmers’ decisions requires an internationally standardized and scientifically sound approach. The agribenchmark Network is a global, non-profit network of producers and agricultural experts which aims to analyze and understand the key drivers of current and future trends and developments in global agriculture. The Network combines its in-depth knowledge of production systems with its expertise in analyzing international commodity markets and value chains to provide scientifically sound advice to policymakers, producers and agribusinesses. This paper details the agribenchmark Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), which is the step-by-step method of establishing typical farm information and quantifying their data. The paper also illustrates how the typical farm approach is applied by the agribenchmark Network to analyze and understand global agriculture, production systems and adaptation strategies. The paper provides examples of how the Network applies the approach in analyzing the status-quo of production systems, benchmarking, practice change analysis and policy analysis. The paper concludes that although the typical farm approach and the institutional settings (agri benchmark) present some limitations, the approach and the Network provide comprehensive, consistent and coherent data on farm economics.
Comparison of the Effect of Meta-Topolin and Benzyladenine during Daphne mezereum L. Micropropagation
Authors: Nowakowska Karolina , Pacholczak Andrzej
Published: December 2020

Meta-Topolin (mT) is one of the lesser-known and only recently discovered cytokinins that can be used as an alternative to the commonly used benzyladenine (BA). The experiment aimed to compare the effects of BA and mT on the regeneration from explants of Daphne mezereum, on the levels of several chemical components, the catalase activity, and to assess genetic diversity of microcuttings. The Murashige and Skoog medium (MS) and the woody plant medium (WPM) were used, enhanced with auxin and 1 mg·L−1 mT or 1 mg·L−1 BA. The results suggest that mT has a more positive effect on shoot regeneration. It also positively affected the levels of various compounds which are generally taken as indicative of micro cutting conditions. The levels of chlorophyll and carbohydrates were the highest in microcuttings from the WPM with 0.1 mg·L−1 NAA. Total soluble proteins and amino acids were the highest in plants from the MS medium with 1 mg·L−1 mT. Increased levels of hydrogen peroxide and catalase activity were observed on media with 1 mg·L−1 BA. Screening with 30 randomly amplified polymorphic DNAs (RAPD) and 20 inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) primers demonstrated a considerable level of genetic variation among regenerating plants. This variation is attributed to the condition of the starting material (seed propagated); there were no indications that the two cytokinins tested contributed to increased somaclonal variation.
Geostatistical Analysis of Soil C/N Deficiency and Its Effect on Agricultural Land Management of Major Crops in Eastern Croatia
Authors: Jurišić Mladen , Radočaj Dorijan , Krčmar Stjepan , Plaščak Ivan , Gašparović Mateo
Published: December 2020

Interpolation accuracy of the soil carbon-to-nitrogen ratio (C/N) has a direct impact on soil maps for agricultural land management planning, affecting the financial gains of farmers and environmental contamination. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different ordinary kriging parameters on the interpolation accuracy and spatial variability of soil C/N. These values were necessary to determine the effect of potential soil C/N deficiency on five major crops in the study area during 2017–2019, containing maize, wheat, sunflower, rapeseed and soybean parcels. The Gaussian model with logarithmic transformation produced the higher outer accuracy, representing the prediction accuracy. Average values of final soil C/N rasters resulted as 11.35 at 0–10 cm soil depth and 12.60 at 20–30 cm soil depth, representing values 11.0% higher at a deeper soil layer. The moderate soil N deficiency was observed for all major crops, having soil C/N values mainly higher than 12:1, compared to the optimal value range of 9:1 to 12:1. These observations suggest a need for the adjustment of agricultural land management plans through the regionalization of agricultural production to prevent further soil degradation and ensure optimal crop development conditions.
A Risk Prediction Flowchart of Vancomycin-Induced Acute Kidney Injury to Use When Starting Vancomycin Administration: A Multicenter Retrospective Study
Authors: Miyai Takayuki , Imai Shungo , Kashiwagi Hitoshi , Sato Yuki , Kadomura Shota , Yoshida Kenji , Yoshimura Eri , Teraya Toshiaki , Tsujimoto Takashi , Kawamoto Yukari , Itoh Tatsuya , Ueno Hidefumi , Goto Yoshikazu , Takekuma Yoh , Sugawara Mitsuru
Published: December 2020

We previously constructed a risk prediction model of vancomycin (VCM)-associated nephrotoxicity for use when performing initial therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM), using decision tree analysis. However, we could not build a model to be used at the time of initial administration due to insufficient sample size. Therefore, we performed a multicenter study at four hospitals in Japan. We investigated patients who received VCM intravenously at a standard dose from the first day until the initial TDM from November 2011 to March 2019. Acute kidney injury (AKI) was defined according to the criteria established by the “Kidney disease: Improving global outcomes” group. We extracted potential risk factors that could be evaluated on the day of initial administration and constructed a flowchart using a chi-squared automatic interaction detection algorithm. Among 843 patients, 115 (13.6%) developed AKI. The flowchart comprised three splitting variables (concomitant drugs (vasopressor drugs and tazobactam/piperacillin) and body mass index ≥ 30) and four subgroups. The incidence rates of AKI ranged from 9.34 to 36.8%, and they were classified as low-, intermediate-, and high-risk groups. The accuracy of flowchart was judged appropriate (86.4%). We successfully constructed a simple flowchart predicting VCM-induced AKI to be used when starting VCM administration.
Use of Local Antibiogram Data and Antimicrobial Importance Ratings to Select Optimal Empirical Therapies for Urinary Tract Infections in Dogs and Cats
Authors: Scarborough Ri , Bailey Kirsten , Galgut Bradley , Williamson Adam , Hardefeldt Laura , Gilkerson James , Browning Glenn
Published: December 2020

International and Australian veterinary antimicrobial use guidelines recommend amoxicillin or trimethoprim-sulfonamide (TMS) for the empirical treatment of sporadic urinary tract infections (UTIs) in dogs and cats. However, in practice, these antibiotics are rarely used, and no large-scale analyses have examined the antibiograms of bacteria isolated from UTIs to validate these recommendations in Australia. We analyzed five years of urine culture and antimicrobial susceptibility data from an Australian veterinary laboratory. The analysis included 6196 urinary isolates from dogs and cats, 78% of which were from samples submitted by first-opinion veterinary clinics. Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and Proteus spp. were the most prevalent organisms. More than 80% of all isolated cocci were susceptible to amoxicillin, and more than 80% of bacilli were susceptible to TMS. A total of 94% of isolates were susceptible to at least one antimicrobial drug categorized as low-importance in Australia. The prevalence of multi-drug resistance (MDR) was highest in E. coli, at 9.7%; 84% of these MDR isolates were susceptible to amoxicillin-clavulanate. We performed population-level antimicrobial treatment simulations and proposed a novel method for integrating antimicrobial importance ratings with antibiogram data to optimize the selection of empirical therapy. Our findings support current guideline recommendations to use amoxicillin or TMS. We also found that bacterial morphology assisted with selection; amoxicillin was a better choice for cocci and TMS for bacilli.
Carotenoids, Vitamin C, and Antioxidant Capacity in the Peel of Mandarin Fruit in Relation to the Susceptibility to Chilling Injury during Postharvest Cold Storage
Authors: Rey Florencia , Zacarías Lorenzo , Rodrigo María J.
Published: December 2020

Chilling injury (CI) is a postharvest disorder occurring in the fruit of cold-sensitive Citrus species during storage at low temperatures. This study investigated the involvement of carotenoids and vitamin C, two major antioxidants of citrus peel, and the antioxidant capacity in the CI susceptibility of mandarin fruit. To that end, the fruit of three commercial varieties, Fortune, Nova, and Nadorcott, with significant differences in CI susceptibility, were selected. By on-tree fruit bagging, carotenoids and vitamin C contents were modified, and a differential effect of each cultivar on CI was observed. Carotenoid analysis in the peel revealed a strong negative correlation between total carotenoid concentration (TCC) at harvest, and specifically of β-cryptoxanthin and violaxanthin, and CI index at the end of storage. In contrast, vitamin C content was significantly and positively correlated with CI susceptibility. The antioxidant activity assessed by the DPPH• and FRAP reflected the contribution of vitamin C to the antioxidant system, while the SOAC assay correlated positively with TTC, β-cryptoxanthin, and violaxanthin. Collectively, the antioxidant capacity of carotenoids at harvest, as efficient singlet oxygen quenchers, suggests a protective role against the development of CI in mandarin fruit, while vitamin C is not likely playing a critical role.
A Comparative Study on Phenolic Content, Antioxidant Activity and Anti-Inflammatory Capacity of Aqueous and Ethanolic Extracts of Sorghum in Lipopolysaccharide-Induced RAW 264.7 Macrophages
Authors: Hong Shan , Pangloli Philipus , Perumal Ramasamy , Cox Sarah , Noronha Leela E. , Dia Vermont P , Smolensky Dmitriy
Published: December 2020

Sorghum is an important cereal with diverse phenolic compounds that have potential health promoting benefits. The current study comparatively characterized the phenolic contents of two novel black-seeded sorghum lines (SC84 and PI570481) using different extraction systems (water, ethanol and their acidified counterparts) and evaluated their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Phenolic compositions were determined by spectrophotometric assays and HPLC analysis. Antioxidant activities were assessed by radical scavenging effects on nitric oxide (NO) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radicals, and the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC). Anti-inflammatory capacity was estimated by measuring levels of pro-inflammatory markers produced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages. Results showed that effects of solvent types and HCl on extraction efficiency differed among phenolic compounds and sorghum samples. Tannins were the most dominant polyphenols in the studied extracts (11.11–136.11 mg epicatechin equivalent/g sorghum). Sorghum extracts exerted more potent scavenging activity on DPPH than NO radicals. In LPS-activated RAW 264.7 cells, sorghum extracts dose-dependently inhibited the production of NO, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), with ethanolic extracts showing greater anti-inflammatory activity. Positive correlations were noted between tannin content and DPPH radical scavenging activity, and anti-inflammatory capacity. These results suggest the potential role of tannin-rich sorghum extracts against inflammation and associated diseases.
Tyrosinase Inhibitory Activity of Soybeans Fermented with Bacillus subtilis Capable of Producing a Phenolic Glycoside, Arbutin
Authors: Jin Young Hun , Jeon Ah Ran , Mah Jae-Hyung
Published: December 2020

The production of arbutin, an effective tyrosinase inhibitor as well as an outstanding antioxidant, by 691 Bacillus strains isolated from soybean-based foods was tested to enhance the tyrosinase inhibitory activity of soybeans via fermentation with the strains. Among the strains tested, the 5 strains capable of significantly producing arbutin were identified as B. subtilis via 16S rRNA sequencing. When soybeans were fermented with each of the selected strains, the arbutin content was highest on day 1 of fermentation and decreased thereafter. However, the tyrosinase inhibitory activity of the fermented soybeans continuously increased as fermentation progressed, whereas the activity of non-inoculated soybeans was consistently low. The results indicate that arbutin enhances the tyrosinase inhibitory activity of soybeans in the early period of fermentation, while other substances besides arbutin contribute to the activity in the later period. Consequently, soybeans fermented with arbutin-producing B. subtilis strains could be considered as a natural source of cosmeceuticals and nutricosmetics used in skin lightening and may be of interest in the food industry because they contain well-known and powerful antioxidants such as arbutin and other substances.
State and Parameter Estimation of a Mathematical Carcinoma Model under Chemotherapeutic Treatment
Authors: Siket Máté , Eigner György , Drexler Dániel András , Rudas Imre , Kovács Levente
Published: December 2020

One challenging aspect of therapy optimization and application of control algorithms in the field of tumor growth modeling is the limited number of measurable physiological signals—state variables—and the knowledge of model parameters. A possible solution to provide such information is the application of observer or state estimator. One of the most widely applied estimators for nonlinear problems is the extended Kalman filter (EKF). In this study, a moving horizon estimation (MHE)-based observer is developed and compared to an optimized EKF. The observers utilize a third-order tumor growth model. The performance of the observers is tested on measurements gathered from a laboratory mice trial using chemotherapeutic drug. The proposed MHE is designed to be suitable for closed-loop applications and yields simultaneous state and parameter estimation.
A Network-Based Method to Analyze EMI Events of On-Board Signaling System in Railway
Authors: Li Meng , Wen Yinghong , Wang Guodong , Zhang Dan , Zhang Jinbao
Published: December 2020

The On-board Train Control System (OTCS) plays an important role in the real-time operation of the electric multiple units (EMU) in high-speed railway. The EMU is a complex system made up of various electrical and electronic equipment, so the interactions of the electromagnetic (EM) environment and OTCS are difficult to study, which leads to more challenges to analyze EM interference (EMI) events at the system level. To overcome this difficulty, this paper proposes the thought of a graph model to solve the problem. First, a framework is proposed to more clearly reflect the relationship between the EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) problem and network through a comparison with them. Second, a network theory-based model is presented to express the EMC elements for the OTCS in EMU. It decomposes the OTCS and EMU with EMC elements into edges and nodes of the network, which parameters are defined corresponding to EM sources, sensitive equipment, and coupling paths. Thus, each part could be modeled separately or together by calculation, simulation, or measurement, respectively, and the EMC problem could be represented by the paths from origin to destination in the network. Moreover, the modeling process was elucidated by the specific cases in OTCS and the validity of the proposed approach was verified by calculation and measurement results in the case study.
Contribution of GIS and Geochemical Proxies to Improving Habitat Identification and Delimitation for the Natura 2000 Network: The Case of Coastal Lagoons in Galicia (NW Iberian Peninsula)
Authors: Gómez-Pazo Alejandro , Pérez-Alberti Augusto , Fraga-Santiago Pedro , Souto-Souto Martin , Otero X. L.
Published: December 2020

The Natura 2000 network is an ambitious European project aimed at nature conservation. Nevertheless, the identification and delimitation of habitats is a complex task and simultaneously essential for correct ecosystem management. In this study we compared the current habitat delimitation and designation and the results produced by Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and geochemical proxies for the categorization of four coastal lakes in Galicia (NW Iberian Peninsula). The findings reveal important errors in the delimitation/designation. The first error is the designation of all four lakes as Coastal lagoons (habitat 1150), when geochemical data indicate that two of these lakes were always freshwater lakes and should consequently be classified as Natural eutrophic lakes (habitat 3150). Another error is of conceptual origin, because the lakes comprise a unique functional system composing of different environmental units (e.g., open water or aquatic vegetation). Subdivision into different habitats is therefore meaningless for units of negligible surface area. In addition, the designation of some habitats is very dubious according to the available data. Finally, notable changes in relation to the temporal changes of wetlands were observed. Thus, the area occupied by aquatic macrophytes increased greatly at the expense of open waters, and the increase was also reflected in the alluvial forest. This last finding indicates the importance of updating the state of Natura 2000 network in Galicia to improve habitat management.
Place Classification Algorithm Based on Semantic Segmented Objects
Authors: Yeo Woon-Ha , Heo Young-Jin , Choi Young-Ju , Kim Byung-Gyu
Published: December 2020

Scene or place classification is one of the important problems in image and video search and recommendation systems. Humans can understand the scene they are located, but it is difficult for machines to do it. Considering a scene image which has several objects, humans recognize the scene based on these objects, especially background objects. According to this observation, we propose an efficient scene classification algorithm for three different classes by detecting objects in the scene. We use pre-trained semantic segmentation model to extract objects from an image. After that, we construct a weight matrix to determine a scene class better. Finally, we classify an image into one of three scene classes (i.e., indoor, nature, city) by using the designed weighting matrix. The performance of our scheme outperforms several classification methods using convolutional neural networks (CNNs), such as VGG, Inception, ResNet, ResNeXt, Wide-ResNet, DenseNet, and MnasNet. The proposed model achieves 90.8% of verification accuracy and improves over 2.8% of the accuracy when comparing to the existing CNN-based methods.
Creating Collaborative Augmented Reality Experiences for Industry 4.0 Training and Assistance Applications: Performance Evaluation in the Shipyard of the Future
Authors: Vidal-Balea Aida , Blanco-Novoa Oscar , Fraga-Lamas Paula , Vilar-Montesinos Miguel , Fernández-Caramés Tiago M.
Published: December 2020

Industrial Augmented Reality (IAR) is one of the key technologies pointed out by the Industry 4.0 paradigm as a tool for improving industrial processes and for maximizing worker efficiency. Training and assistance are two of the most popular IAR-enabled applications, since they may significantly facilitate, support, and optimize production and assembly tasks in industrial environments. This article presents an IAR collaborative application developed jointly by Navantia, one of the biggest European shipbuilders, and the University of A Coruña (Spain). The analysis, design, and implementation of such an IAR application are described thoroughly so as to enable future developers to create similar IAR applications. The IAR application is based on the Microsoft HoloLens smart glasses and is able to assist and to guide shipyard operators during their training and in assembly tasks. The proposed IAR application embeds a novel collaborative protocol that allows operators to visualize and interact in a synchronized way with the same virtual content. Thus, all operators that share an IAR experience see each virtual object positioned at the same physical spot and in the same state. The collaborative application is first evaluated and optimized in terms of packet communications delay and anchor transmission latency, and then, its validation in a shipyard workshop by Navantia’s operators is presented. The performance results show fast response times for regular packets (less than 5 ms), low interference rates in the 5 GHz band, and an anchor transmission latency of up to 30 s. Regarding the validation tests, they allow for obtaining useful insights and feedback from the industrial operators, as well as clear guidelines that will help future developers to face the challenges that will arise when creating the next generation of IAR applications.
Distribution Grid Stability—Influence of Inertia Moment of Synchronous Machines
Authors: Petrík Tomáš , Daneček Milan , Uhlíř Ivan , Poulek Vladislav , Libra Martin
Published: December 2020

This paper shows the influence of grid frequency oscillations on synchronous machines coupled to masses with large moments of inertia and solves the maximum permissible value of a moment of inertia on the shaft of a synchronous machine in respect to the oscillation of grid frequency. Grid frequency variation causes a load angle to swing on the synchronous machines connected to the grid. This effect is particularly significant in microgrids. This article does not consider the effects of other components of the system, such as the effects of frequency, voltage, and power regulators.
Elucidating the Role of Matrix Porosity and Rigidity in Glioblastoma Type IV Progression
Authors: Pereira Rui C. , Santagiuliana Raffaella , Ceseracciu Luca , Boso Daniela P. , Schrefler Bernhard A. , Decuzzi Paolo
Published: December 2020

The highly infiltrating nature of glioma cells is the major cause for the poor prognosis of brain malignancies. Motility, proliferation, and gene expression of cells in natural and synthetic gels have been analyzed by several authors, yet quantitative studies elucidating the role of matrix porosity and rigidity in the development of whole malignant masses are missing. Here, an experimental-computational framework is introduced to analyze the behavior of U87-MG cells and spheroids in compact hyaluronic acid gels (HA), replicating the brain parenchyma; and fibrous collagen gels (COL), resembling the organized structures of the brain. Experimentally it was observed that individual U87-MG cells in COL assumed an elongated morphology within a few hours post inclusion (p.i.) and travelled longer distances than in HA. As spheroids, U87-MG cells rapidly dispersed into COL resulting in infiltrating regions as large as tumor cores (≈600 μm, at 8 days p.i.). Conversely, cells in HA originated smaller and denser infiltrating regions (≈300 μm, at 8 days p.i.). Notably, COL tumor core size was only 20% larger than in HA, at longer time points. Computationally, by introducing for the first time the effects of matrix heterogeneity in our numerical simulations, the results confirmed that matrix porosity and its spatial organization are key factors in priming the infiltrating potential of these malignant cells. The experimental-numerical synergy can be used to predict the behavior of neoplastic masses under diverse conditions and the efficacy of combination therapies simultaneously aiming at killing cancer cells and modulating the tumor microenvironment.
A New Gaze Estimation Method Based on Homography Transformation Derived from Geometric Relationship
Authors: Luo Kaiqing , Jia Xuan , Xiao Hua , Liu Dongmei , Peng Li , Qiu Jian , Han Peng
Published: December 2020

In recent years, the gaze estimation system, as a new type of human-computer interaction technology, has received extensive attention. The gaze estimation model is one of the main research contents of the system. The quality of the model will directly affect the accuracy of the entire gaze estimation system. To achieve higher accuracy even with simple devices, this paper proposes an improved mapping equation model based on homography transformation. In the process of experiment, the model mainly uses the “Zhang Zhengyou calibration method” to obtain the internal and external parameters of the camera to correct the distortion of the camera, and uses the LM(Levenberg-Marquardt) algorithm to solve the unknown parameters contained in the mapping equation. After all the parameters of the equation are determined, the gaze point is calculated. Different comparative experiments are designed to verify the experimental accuracy and fitting effect of this mapping equation. The results show that the method can achieve high experimental accuracy, and the basic accuracy is kept within 0.6∘. The overall trend shows that the mapping method based on homography transformation has higher experimental accuracy, better fitting effect and stronger stability.
Modeling Analysis of Thermal Lesion Characteristics of Unipolar/Bipolar Ablation Using Circumferential Multipolar Catheter
Authors: Gu Kaihao , Wang Yiheng , Yan Shengjie , Wu Xiaomei
Published: December 2020

The circumferential multipolar catheter (CMC) facilitates pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) for the treatment of atrial fibrillation by catheter ablation. However, the ablation characteristics of CMC are not well understood. This study uses the finite element method to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the ablation characteristics of multielectrode unipolar/bipolar (MEU/MEB) modes of the CMC. A three-dimensional computational model of the CMC, including blood, myocardium, connective tissue, lung, and muscle, was constructed. The method was validated by comparing the results of an in vitro experiment with the simulation. Both ablation modes could create contiguous effective lesions, but the MEU mode created a deeper and broader lesion volume than the MEB mode. The MEB mode had an overall higher average temperature field and allowed faster formation of the effective contiguous lesion. The lesion shape tended to be symmetric and spread downward and superficially in the MEU mode and MEB mode, respectively. Results from the simulation for validation agreed with the in vitro experiment. Different ablation trends of the MEU and MEB modes provide different solutions for specific ablation requirements in clinical applications. The MEU mode suits transmural lesion in thick tissue around pulmonary veins (PVs). The MEB mode profits fast and durable creation of circumferential PVI. This study provides a detailed performance analysis of CMC, thereby contributing to the theoretical knowledge base of application of PVI with this emerging technology.
DisBot: A Portuguese Disaster Support Dynamic Knowledge Chatbot
Authors: Boné João , Ferreira João C. , Ribeiro Ricardo , Cadete Gonçalo
Published: December 2020

This paper presents DisBot, the first Portuguese speaking chatbot that uses social media retrieved knowledge to support citizens and first-responders in disaster scenarios, in order to improve community resilience and decision-making. It was developed and tested using Design Science Research Methodology (DSRM), being progressively matured with field specialists through several design and development iterations. DisBot uses a state-of-the-art Dual Intent Entity Transformer (DIET) architecture to classify user intents, and makes use of several dialogue policies for managing user conversations, as well as storing relevant information to be used in further dialogue turns. To generate responses, it uses real-world safety knowledge, and infers a dynamic knowledge graph that is dynamically updated in real-time by a disaster-related knowledge extraction tool, presented in previous works. Through its development iterations, DisBot has been validated by field specialists, who have considered it to be a valuable asset in disaster management.
Application of Plant Oils as Ecologically Friendly Hydraulic Fluids
Authors: Olszak Artur , Osowski Karol , Musiałek Ireneusz , Rogoś Elżbieta , Kęsy Andrzej , Kęsy Zbigniew
Published: December 2020

This paper presents the results of physicochemical and tribological tests of vegetable oils obtained by the supercritical fluid extraction method from berry seeds. The research was conducted by using these oils as the raw material for the biodegradable hydraulic working fluids. The oils were assessed in terms of kinematic viscosity, anti-wear properties, resistance to oxidation and corrosive effects to copper and the pour point. The best results were achieved in the case of the blackcurrant seed oil. In order to confirm the practical possibility of using vegetable oils as working fluids for hydraulic couplings, experimental tests of the hydrodynamic clutch filled with blackcurrant seed oil were carried out. Based on the obtained research results, it was found that oils from berry plant seeds produced by supercritical extraction could be used in the future as potential working fluids for hydraulic systems.
Evidence of SARS-CoV-2 Transcriptional Activity in Cardiomyocytes of COVID-19 Patients without Clinical Signs of Cardiac Involvement
Authors: Bulfamante Gaetano Pietro , Perrucci Gianluca Lorenzo , Falleni Monica , Sommariva Elena , Tosi Delfina , Martinelli Carla , Songia Paola , Poggio Paolo , Carugo Stefano , Pompilio Giulio
Published: December 2020

Aims: A considerable proportion of patients affected by coronavirus respiratory disease (COVID-19) develop cardiac injury. The viral impact in cardiomyocytes deserves, however, further investigations, especially in asymptomatic patients. Methods: We investigated for SARS-CoV-2 presence and activity in heart tissues of six consecutive COVID-19 patients deceased from respiratory failure showing no signs of cardiac involvement and with no history of heart disease. Cardiac autopsy samples were collected within 2 h after death, and then analysed by digital PCR, Western blot, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, RNAScope, and transmission electron microscopy assays. Results: The presence of SARS-CoV-2 into cardiomyocytes was invariably detected in all assays. A variable pattern of cardiomyocyte injury was observed, spanning from absence of cell death and subcellular alterations hallmarks, to intracellular oedema and sarcomere ruptures. In addition, we found active viral transcription in cardiomyocytes, by detecting both sense and antisense SARS-CoV-2 spike RNA. Conclusions: In this autopsy analysis of patients with no clinical signs of cardiac involvement, the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in cardiomyocytes has been detected, determining variable patterns of intracellular damage. These findings suggest the need for cardiologic surveillance in surviving COVID-19 patients not displaying a cardiac phenotype.
Depth-Resolved Phase Analysis of Expanded Austenite Formed in Austenitic Stainless Steel
Authors: Manova Darina , Schlenz Patrick , Gerlach Jürgen W. , Mändl Stephan
Published: December 2020

Expanded austenite γN formed after nitrogen insertion into austenitic stainless steel and CoCr alloys is known as a hard and very wear resistant phase. Nevertheless, no single composition and lattice expansion can describe this phase with nitrogen in solid solution. Using in situ X-ray diffraction (XRD) during ion beam sputtering of expanded austenite allows a detailed depth-dependent phase analysis, correlated with the nitrogen depth profiles obtained by time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) or glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy (GDOES). Additionally, in-plane XRD measurements at selected depths were performed for strain analysis. Surprisingly, an anomalous peak splitting for the (200) expanded peak was observed for some samples during nitriding and sputter etching, indicating a layered structure only for {200} oriented grains. The strain analysis as a function of depth and orientation of scattering vector (parallel/perpendicular to the surface) is inconclusive.
Reconceptualizing Expressive Arts Education in Portugal through a Biographical Narrative Approach
Authors: Freitas André , Pereira Fátima , Nogueira Paulo
Published: December 2020

In light of ongoing controversies concerning expressive arts education in Portuguese primary schools, the life history of one primary-school teacher who lives and works in the city of Porto (Portugal) is the starting point for problematizing this issue from the perspective of lived experiences. Data collection comprises oral reports, visual materials, and emotional accounts. Feelings were shared in a relational environment framed by ethical commitments. Through these processes, it was possible to create a narrative within the framework of a biographical narrative research approach. The main purpose was to highlight the voice of one primary-school teacher whose life history is blended with the foundations and practices of artistic expression in basic education—such as language, communication, knowledge, and lived experiences—making it an important starting point for reconceptualizing expressive arts education. The results showed that this reconceptualization can be achieved through three dimensions: seducing people, mediating places, and governing senses.