bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors Affecting Consumption of Different Forms of Medicinal Plants: The Case of Licorice
Authors: Mohammadi Hosein , Saghaian Sayed
Published: September 2022

Licorice is one of the widespread medicinal plants used in various forms in many countries. Medicinal plants have an important role in health nutrition. This industry is in the early stages of its life cycle, but consumers’ recent trends toward healthy and organic food products with low detrimental effects on human health and the environment have provided a greater opportunity for the promotion and marketing of these products. The purpose of this research was to evaluate factors affecting the marketability and consumption of various forms of licorice. In this study, we used the multinomial logit regression approach with a dataset derived from a survey of consumers of medicinal plant products in 2020 in the city of Mashhad, Iran. The results showed that consumers’ experience, having a reputable brand, packaging, gender, having a particular disease, consultation index, and cultural index had significant effects on consumers’ preferences for various forms of licorice. These results indicate that to increase the consumption of different forms of licorice, attention should be paid to creating reputable brands for the specific needs of different market segments.
Short-Term Effects of Bio-Organic Fertilizer on Soil Fertility and Bacterial Community Composition in Tea Plantation Soils
Authors: Hu Zhenmin , Ji Lingfei , Wan Qing , Li Huan , Li Ronglin , Yang Yiyang
Published: September 2022

Overuse of chemical fertilizers to maintain tea production has caused many adverse effects in tea plantations and largely hampers the sustainable development of the tea industry. Applying bio-organic fertilizer (BOF) to achieve the goal of sustainable agriculture has become popular because of its advantages, such as its pollution-free nature, considerable amount of beneficial microbes and soil-friendly organic materials. However, the effects of BOF application on tea plantation soil remain an open question. Herein, we carried out a 3-year pot experiment with four treatments, including control without fertilization (CK), 100% chemical fertilizer (CF), 50% chemical fertilizer +50% BOF (CFOF) and 100% BOF (OF), to explore the effects of BOF application on soil fertility and bacterial community in tea plantations. The results showed that BOF application could increase soil fertility in both bulk and rhizosphere soils and improve the biomass of tea leaves. In addition, the nutrient level change caused by BOF application significantly changed bacterial community diversity and composition and accounted for 74.91% of the community variation. CFOF and OF treatments significantly increased the bacterial Chao1 and Shannon indices compared to CF treatment (p < 0.05). Moreover, bacterial community composition was dominated by Betaproteobacteria (46.88%), Acidobacteria (11.29%), Alphaproteobacteria (9.69%) and Gammaproteobacteria (9.59%). BOF application increased the relative abundance of Alphaproteobacteria, Acidobacteria, Deltaproteobacteria and planctomycetes and decreased the relative abundance of Betaproteobacteria (p < 0.05). Furthermore, bacterial function prediction revealed that BOF application improved the N and C cycling processes and enhanced the co-occurrence network complexity in the bulk soils. Bacterial community functions and co-occurrence networks in the rhizosphere did not show similar results, indicating that rhizosphere bacterial communities were more affected by the rhizosphere effect than BOF application. All these findings verified our hypothesis that applying BOF in tea plantations could increase the biomass of tea plants by improving soil fertility and influencing the soil bacterial function groups. In summary, we suggested that BOF application could be a promising way to achieve the sustainable development of the tea industry.
Subcellular Element Distribution in Shoots of Wheat Grown in an Acidic Soil with Native AMF Extraradical Mycelium
Authors: Faria Jorge M. S. , Pinto Ana Paula , Teixeira Dora Martins , Barrulas Pedro , Brito Isabel , Carvalho Mário
Published: September 2022

Soil acidity can reduce crop growth by increasing bioavailable soil Al, Fe, and/or Mn to toxic levels. The presence of an intact extraradical mycelium (ERM) of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), developed by the native Ornithopus compressus in the acidic soil, can increase wheat growth and prevent symptoms of Mn toxicity. To understand the protective effect of the intact ERM of this native plant on wheat element balance and distribution, in the present study, shoot Al, Fe, K, Zn, Na, and Si levels and their subcellular partitioning were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), for the first time, for this system. In undisturbed soil, where an intact ERM structure is maintained, wheat shoot growth was promoted, probably due to faster root mycorrhizal colonization. The levels of potentially toxic Al and Fe were reduced, the proportions of the macronutrient K and micronutrient Zn were higher in the symplast, and the Na proportion increased in the vacuole, while Si increased in the apoplast. Overall, the undisturbed soil from O. compressus treatment appeared to influence the uptake and distribution of essential and beneficial elements, as a strategy to reduce the negative effect of soil acidity on wheat growth. Understanding the dynamics of element distribution influenced by stress-adapted AMF on wheat growth can provide more sustainable approaches to intensive agriculture.
Root Yield and Sugar Accumulation in Sugarbeet and Fodder Beet According to Irrigation Water Quality
Authors: Kun Ágnes , Kolozsvári Ildikó , Potyondi László , Bartos Ádám Sándor , Bozán Csaba
Published: September 2022

Irrigation determines the success of water-intensive beet cultivation in Hungary. Taking into account the guidelines of the circular economy; the aim of our study was to investigate the effect of high sodium effluent from fish farms on the yield and sugar content of fodder and sugar beet in two-year-lysimeter experiment and to calculate the possibility of phytoremediation and the potential to use saline effluent water to mitigate drought effects of root biomass reduction According to our results, irrigation with effluent water did not cause yield depression in the root biomass compared to irrigation with fresh water. The effect of irrigation water quality was seen in the sodium (Na) concentration values of the roots in both years, because it was the lowest in the treatments irrigated with Körös River fresh water. The highest estimated extracted sodium amount was 83.1 kg Na/ha in case of fodder beet variety ‘Rózsaszínű Beta’ in treatment irrigated with effluent water from catfish farm (EW) in 2021, which means 7.2% of the Na applied through the effluent water. All cultivars produced higher root fresh weight when irrigated with river Körös, effluent, or diluted waters compared to control crops irrigated by scarce rain water.
Comparative Genome Analysis Reveals the Genomic Basis of Semi-Aquatic Adaptation in American Mink (Neovison vison)
Authors: Wang Lidong , Zhou Shengyang , Lyu Tianshu , Shi Lupeng , Dong Yuehuan , He Shangbin , Zhang Honghai
Published: September 2022

Although the American mink is extremely dependent on water and has evolved a range of aquatic characteristics, its structural adaptation to water is still less obvious than that of other typical semi-aquatic mammals, such as otters. Therefore, many scholars consider it not to be a semi-aquatic mammal. In order to make the point that minks are semi-aquatic mammals more convincing, we provide evidence at the micro (genome)-level. In particular, we used the genomes of the American mink and 13 mammalian species to reconstruct their evolutionary history, identified genes that affect aquatic adaptation, and examined the evolution of aquatic adaptation. By analyzing unique gene families, the expansion and contraction of gene families, and positive selection genes, we found that the American mink genome has evolved specifically for aquatic adaptation. In particular, we found that the main adaptive characteristics of the American mink include the external structural characteristics of bone and hair development, as well as the internal physiological characteristics of immunity, olfaction, coagulation, lipid metabolism, energy metabolism, and nitrogen metabolism. We also observed that the genomic characteristics of the American mink are similar to those of other aquatic and semi-aquatic mammals. This not only provides solid genomic evidence for the idea that minks are semi-aquatic mammals, but also leads to a clearer understanding of semi-aquatic species. At the same time, this study also provides a reference for the protection and utilization of the American mink.
Copper Poisoning, a Deadly Hazard for Sheep
Authors: Borobia Marta , Villanueva-Saz Sergio , Ruiz de Arcaute Marta , Fernández Antonio , Verde María Teresa , González José María , Navarro Teresa , Benito Alfredo A. , Arnal José Luis , De las Heras Marcelo , Ortín Aurora
Published: September 2022

Copper (Cu) is an essential microelement for animals. However, sheep are particularly susceptible to Cu intoxication, a deadly disease reported worldwide. The risk of developing this poisoning is higher in vulnerable breeds and in intensively managed lambs or milk sheep. Two types of Cu intoxication can occur depending on the chronic or acute exposure to Cu. In chronic Cu poisoning (CCP), the most common form, Cu is accumulated in the liver during a subclinical period. A low intake of Cu antagonists (molybdenum, sulphur, iron, or zinc) favours Cu accumulation. The sudden release of Cu into the blood causes acute haemolysis with anaemia, haemoglobinuria, jaundice and death within 1–2 days. Acute Cu poisoning is related to the accidental administration or ingestion of toxic amounts of Cu. Acute oral exposure to Cu causes severe gastroenteritis, shock and death. Collapse and death occur shortly after parenteral administration. The diagnosis is based on history, clinical, gross pathological, histological and toxicological findings. Treatment of sheep with severe clinical signs often has poor success but is very effective during the Cu accumulation phase. Different therapies, based on either chelating agents or Cu antagonists, have been used to treat and prevent CCP.
Vancomycin Area under the Concentration-Time Curve Estimation Using Bayesian Modeling versus First-Order Pharmacokinetic Equations: A Quasi-Experimental Study
Authors: Alsowaida Yazed , Kubiak David , Dionne Brandon , Kovacevic Mary , Pearson Jeffrey
Published: September 2022

Aim: To evaluate the efficiency of Bayesian modeling software and first-order pharmacokinetic (PK) equations to calculate vancomycin area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) estimations. Methods: Unblinded, crossover, quasi-experimental study at a tertiary care hospital for patients receiving intravenous vancomycin. Vancomycin AUC monitoring was compared using Bayesian modeling software or first-order PK equations. The primary endpoint was the time taken to estimate the AUC and determine regimen adjustments. Secondary endpoints included the percentage of vancomycin concentrations usable for AUC calculations and acute kidney injury (AKI). Results: Of the 124 patients screened, 34 patients had usable vancomycin concentrations that led to 44 AUC estimations. Without electronic health record (EHR) integration, the time from assessment to intervention in the Bayesian modeling platform was a median of 9.3 min (quartiles Q1–Q3 7.8–12.4) compared to 6.8 min (Q1–Q3 4.8–8.0) in the PK equations group (p = 0.004). With simulated Bayesian software integration into the EHR, however, the median time was 3.8 min (Q1–Q3 2.3–6.9, p = 0.019). Vancomycin concentrations were usable in 88.2% in the Bayesian group compared to 48.3% in the PK equation group and there were no cases of AKI. Conclusion: Without EHR integration, Bayesian software was more time-consuming to assess vancomycin dosing than PK equations. With simulated integration, however, Bayesian software was more time efficient. In addition, vancomycin concentrations were more likely to be usable for calculations in the Bayesian group.
A Riboswitch-Driven Era of New Antibacterials
Authors: Giarimoglou Nikoleta , Kouvela Adamantia , Maniatis Alexandros , Papakyriakou Athanasios , Zhang Jinwei , Stamatopoulou Vassiliki , Stathopoulos Constantinos
Published: September 2022

Riboswitches are structured non-coding RNAs found in the 5′ UTR of important genes for bacterial metabolism, virulence and survival. Upon the binding of specific ligands that can vary from simple ions to complex molecules such as nucleotides and tRNAs, riboswitches change their local and global mRNA conformations to affect downstream transcription or translation. Due to their dynamic nature and central regulatory role in bacterial metabolism, riboswitches have been exploited as novel RNA-based targets for the development of new generation antibacterials that can overcome drug-resistance problems. During recent years, several important riboswitch structures from many bacterial representatives, including several prominent human pathogens, have shown that riboswitches are ideal RNA targets for new compounds that can interfere with their structure and function, exhibiting much reduced resistance over time. Most interestingly, mainstream antibiotics that target the ribosome have been shown to effectively modulate the regulatory behavior and capacity of several riboswitches, both in vivo and in vitro, emphasizing the need for more in-depth studies and biological evaluation of new antibiotics. Herein, we summarize the currently known compounds that target several main riboswitches and discuss the role of mainstream antibiotics as modulators of T-box riboswitches, in the dawn of an era of novel inhibitors that target important bacterial regulatory RNAs.
Microbiological Trends and Antibiotic Susceptibility Patterns in Patients with Periprosthetic Joint Infection of the Hip or Knee over 6 Years
Authors: Fröschen Frank Sebastian , Randau Thomas Martin , Franz Alexander , Molitor Ernst , Hoerauf Achim , Hischebeth Gunnar Thorben Rembert
Published: September 2022

We sought to analyze trends of the causative pathogens and their antibiotic susceptibility patterns in patients with periprosthetic joint infections (PJI) of the hip and knee to get better insights and improve treatment. Retrospective evaluation of all consecutive patients with microbiological detection of a causative pathogen at a tertiary endoprothetic referral center between January 2016 and December 2021 in Germany was performed. Overall, 612 different microorganisms could be detected in 493 patients (hip: n = 293; knee: n = 200). Evaluation did not show a change in the relative abundance of pathogens detected, with coagulase-negative staphylococci (n = 275; 44.9%) found frequently, followed by S. aureus (n = 86; 14.1%), Enterococcus species (n = 57; 9.3%), Streptococcus species (n = 48; 7.8%), and Gram-negative bacteria (n = 80; 13.1%). Evaluation of the antibiotic susceptibilities showed increasing rates of oxacillin-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci (60.4%; 46.8–76.7%) and piperacillin-tazobactam-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (26.5%; 0–57.1%), although statistically not significant. Resistance of Gram-positive bacteria to vancomycin (<1%) and Gram-negative microorganisms to meropenem (1.25%) remained an exception. In summary, coagulase-negative staphylococci, as the most frequent pathogen, displayed a continuously high rate of oxacillin resistance. For the highest antimicrobial coverage in the case of an empiric therapy/unknown pathogen, vancomycin might be chosen. Level of evidence: IV.
Periplaneta americana Extract Pretreatment Alleviates Oxidative Stress and Inflammation and Increases the Abundance of Gut Akkermansia muciniphila in Diquat-Induced Mice
Authors: Lu Shiyi , Xu Shuyi , Chen Lingjun , Deng Yuhang , Feng Jie
Published: September 2022

Studies have shown that Periplaneta americana extract (PAE) has good therapeutic effects in inflammatory disorders such as ulcerative colitis, alcoholic hepatitis, and gastric ulcers. However, whether or not PAE has good pre-protective effects has not been widely and deeply studied. In this study, we investigated the effects of PAE pretreatment for 7 days on oxidative stress and inflammation triggered by oxidative stress by using diquat-induced C57BL/6 mice as an oxidative stress model. The results showed that PAE pretreatment could significantly reduce oxidative stress in the intestine and liver by reducing the production of MDA, and improved antioxidant systems (SOD, CAT, GSH, and T-AOC). By primarily activating the anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10) mediated JAK1/STAT3 signaling pathway, PAE also effectively reduced oxidative stress-induced liver inflammation while also reducing liver damage, as evidenced by the reductions in serum AST and ALT. PAE pretreatment also had a significant effect on maintaining the intestinal barrier function, which was manifested by inhibiting a decrease in the expression of tight junction proteins (ZO-1 and occludin), and reducing the increased intestinal permeability (serum DAO and D-Lac) caused by diquat. The 16S rRNA sequencing analysis revealed that diquat decreased the gut microbiota diversity index and increased the abundance of pathogenic bacteria (e.g., Allobaculum, Providencia and Escherichia-Shigella), while PAE pretreatment responded to diquat-induced damage by greatly increasing the abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila. These findings elucidate potential pre-protective mechanisms of PAE in alleviating oxidative stress and inflammation, while providing a direction for the treatment of metabolic diseases by utilizing PAE to enhance the abundance of gut A. muciniphila.
A Circular Sector-Shaped Dipole Antenna with Meandered Arms and Added Ferrite-Loaded Artificial Magnetic Conductor
Authors: Lee Dong Hwan , Kwon Oh Heon , Park Won Bin , Hwang Keum Cheol
Published: September 2022

A circular sector-shaped dipole antenna with meandered arms based on an artificial magnetic conductor (AMC) is proposed in this study. A compact unit cell of the AMC operating within 19–485 MHz is designed using a ferrite material, which exhibits high-permeability characteristics in the high-frequency (HF), very-high-frequency (VHF), and ultra-high-frequency (UHF) bands. The configuration of the meandered arms is optimally designed using a binary genetic algorithm, so that the antenna combined with the AMC meets the voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) specification of 3.5:1 or less within the HF, VHF, and UHF bands. The proposed antenna with the AMC is fabricated and measured. The measured VSWR frequency bandwidth (3.5:1 or less) is 25.8:1 (14–361 MHz), and the measured result matches with the simulated result well. Furthermore, to verify the performance of the proposed antenna with the AMC, the measured received power results are compared with a commercial reference antenna operating in HF, VHF, and UHF bands.
PHQ-V/GAD-V: Assessments to Identify Signals of Depression and Anxiety from Patient Video Responses
Authors: Grimm Bradley , Talbot Brett , Larsen Loren
Published: September 2022

Mental health issues are a growing problem worldwide, and their detection can be complicated. Assessments such as the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) questionnaire can be useful tools for detecting depression and anxiety, however, due to being self-reported, patients may underestimate their own risk. To address this problem, two new assessments are introduced, i.e., the PHQ-V and GAD-V, that utilize open-ended video questions adapted from the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 assessments. These video-based assessments analyze language, audio, and facial features by applying recent work in machine learning, namely pre-trained transformer networks, to provide an additional source of information for detecting risk of illness. The PHQ-V and GAD-V are adept at predicting the original PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores. Analysis of their errors shows that they can detect depression and anxiety in even cases where the self-reported assessments fail to do so. These assessments provide a valuable new set of tools to help detect risk of depression and anxiety.
Semianalytical Lower-Bound Limit Analysis of Domes and Vaults
Authors: Zona Renato , Esposito Luca , Palladino Simone , Totaro Elena , Minutolo Vincenzo
Published: September 2022

The calculation of the collapse load of spherical domes is addressed using a semianalytical approach under the hypothesis of small displacements and perfect plasticity. The procedure is based on the numerical approximation of the self-stress that represents the projection of the balance equilibrium null space on a finite dimensional manifold. The so-obtained self-equilibrated stress span is superimposed onto a finite-element linear elastic solution to the prescribed loads yielding to the statically admissible set accordingly to Melan’s theorem. The compatibility of the stress with the constitutive law of the material was enforced using a linearized limit domain in terms of generalized stress, namely, axial force and bending moment along the local spherical curvilinear coordinates. The procedure was tested with reference to numerical and experimental data from the literature, confirming the accuracy of the proposed method. A comparison with the literature confirms that the buckling load was much greater than the two plastic collapse loads calculated through the proposed procedure and reported in the quoted literature.
Diagnosing and Balancing Approaches of Bowed Rotating Systems: A Review
Authors: Rezazadeh Nima , De Luca Alessandro , Lamanna Giuseppe , Caputo Francesco
Published: September 2022

Driven/driving shafts are the most important portion of rotating devices. Misdiagnosis or late diagnosis of these components could result in severe vibrations, defects in other parts (particularly bearings), and ultimately catastrophic failures. A shaft bow is a common problem in heavy rotating systems equipped with such attachments as blades, discs, etc. Many factors can cause the shaft bending; this malfunction can be temporary, such as the bow resulting from a rotor gravitational sag, or can be permanent, such as shrink fitting. Since bending effects are similar to those induced by the classic eccentricity of the mass from the geometric center, i.e., unbalancing, distinguishing the differences in dynamic behaviors, as well as the symptoms, can be a labor-intensive and specialized task. This article represents a review of almost all the investigations and studies that have been carried out on the diagnosing and balancing of bowed rotating systems. The articles are categorized into two major classes, diagnosing and balancing/correcting approaches to bowed rotors. The former is divided into three subclasses, i.e., time-domain, frequency-domain, and time–frequency-domain analyses; the latter is divided into three other sub-sections that concern influence coefficient, modal balancing, and optimization method in correcting. Since the number of investigations in the time domain is relatively high, this category is subdivided into two groups: manual and smart inspection. Finally, a summary is provided, as well as some new research prospects.
The Influence of Droplet Distribution Coverage and Additives on the Heat Transfer Characteristics of Spray Cooling under the Influence of Different Parameters
Authors: Niu Qian , Wang Yu , Kang Na
Published: September 2022

For the objective of enhancing the heat transfer ability of spray cooling, a single-nozzle open-loop spray cooling experiment platform was established with a data measuring system. Based on the surface heat transfer coefficient obtained from the experiment, combined with the visualization system to observe the distribution of droplets during the spray cooling process, the influence of heating power, medium flow rate, nozzle height and typical additives on heating surface coverage and heat transfer characteristics were investigated. The criterion non-dimensional criteria equations for Nu, Re, Pr and size coefficients were fitted and analyzed in comparison with experimental data. The main conclusions are as follows: considering the temperature distribution characteristics of the heating surface and the shape of the spray cone, the heat transfer performance can be optimized by increasing the coverage rate under high heat flux when the flow rate changes, appropriately reducing the coverage rate under low heat flux, and appropriately reducing the coverage rate when the height changes, which creates complete coverage in the droplet concentration area to improve the surface heat transfer capacity. Furthermore, the heat transfer coefficients were improved by 29.3%, 21.8% and 23.8% with different additives (CTAB, ethanol and CTAB–ethanol mixtures) in the working fluid. Each solution had an optimal concentration and heat transfer deterioration was observed at high concentrations. When using non-dimensional criteria equations for parameter calculations, the data are more accurate after considering the effect of dimensional coefficients.
Refined Test and Evaluation Method of Side Viewing Angle of LED Display Module
Authors: Huang Shuo , Zheng Xifeng , Liu Fengxia , Cao Hui , Mao Xinyue
Published: September 2022

In order to classify light-emitting diode (LED) display units with a specific luminous direction and improve the uniformity of the display screen, this paper proposes a classification method for the basic component of the LED display, i.e., the display module. According to the relationship between the light intensity distribution and the viewing angle of the packaged LED, the brightness inflection point was used as the fixed position of the two side array cameras, and the shooting was carried out from the normal direction of the display module and from the viewing angle directions of the left and right sides, respectively. The established classification model of the relative deviation between classes was used to evaluate the luminous consistency of the display module. The LED display module was directly classified according to the side viewing angle. The experiment considered the matching with human vision and controlled the number of product types. The results show that the brightness uniformity of the display module selected by this method increased by 3.31%, which basically ensures that the yield is not reduced due to the inconsistency of the side viewing angle, and this improvement can be judged in advance without building a screen, which not only saves time but also reduces manpower. This method has been stably and feasibly applied to engineering practice and can be classified according to customers’ requirements for LED display perspective.
A Novel Constant Power Factor Loop for Stable V/f Control of PMSM in Comparison against Sensorless FOC with Luenberger-Type Back-EMF Observer Verified by Experiments
Authors: Vidlak Michal , Makys Pavol , Gorel Lukas
Published: September 2022

This paper proposes a novel constant power factor loop in the V/f control strategy with stabilization for a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM). The advantage of such an algorithm is the independence of the machine parameters, which vary under different operational conditions, e.g., with temperature, magnetic core saturation, and skin-effect. Furthermore, it is a low-cost and simple-to-implement sensorless solution. The proposed strategy is compared against traditional sensorless FOC with a Luenberger-type back-electromotive force (EMF) observer, which can be designed based on the machine model. The output of this kind of observer is typically an error signal, which can be specified for position deviation, requiring phase-locked loop (PLL) algorithm implementation. Employing PLL, a rotor speed and position can be estimated from such an error. Therefore, it is a complex sensorless technique with high-performance microcontroller unit (MCU) requirements. Both strategies are deeply analyzed, mathematically described, and compared within the paper. At the end of the paper, these sensorless strategies are supported by experimental verification with a traction PMSM designed for golf cart applications, and the pros and cons of both techniques are discussed.
Investigation of the Energy Characteristics of a Circuit under the Charge of a Supercapacitor and an Equivalent Linear Capacitor
Authors: Biletsky Oleh , Kotovskyi Vitalii , Višniakov Nikolaj , Šešok Andžela
Published: September 2022

In this paper, the energy characteristics of the charge circuits of a supercapacitor (nonlinear capacitor) and an equivalent linear capacitor from a DC voltage source, which is a lithium-ion battery for such energy storage devices, are analyzed. It is established under what conditions the losses of electricity in the charge circuits of linear and equivalent nonlinear capacitors from the DC voltage source are reduced. The influence of final and initial voltages on similar terminals and capacitance terminals on similar energy losses is analyzed. The regularities of increasing the energy transfer coefficient in the circuits of the aperiodic charge of supercapacitors and equivalent linear capacitors from a DC voltage source (battery) with increasing initial voltages at the capacitor terminals are determined.
North–South IMF Disturbance Detection via an Adaptive Filter Approach
Authors: Schmölter Erik , Berdermann Jens
Published: September 2022

Geomagnetic storm-detection algorithms are important for space-weather-warning services to provide reliable warnings (e.g., ionospheric disturbances). For that reason, a new approach using an adaptive filter (least mean squares algorithm) for the detection of geomagnetic storms based on the volatility of the north–south interplanetary magnetic field Bz is presented. The adaptive filter is not dependent on solar wind plasma measurements, which are more frequently affected by data gaps than Bz, and is less dependent on the magnitude of Bz disturbances compared with other detection algorithms (e.g., static thresholds). The configuration of the filter is discussed in detail with three geomagnetic storm events, and required optimization as well as possible extensions are discussed. However, the proposed configuration performs satisfactorily without further improvements, and good correlations are observed with geomagnetic indices. Long-term changes are also reflected by the filter (solar cycles 23 and 24), and thus the performance is not affected by different solar wind conditions during the solar minimum and maximum. Conclusively, the proposed filter provides a good solution when more complex approaches (e.g., solar-wind–magnetosphere coupling functions) that rely on solar wind plasma measurements are not available.
Analysis and Mapping of Sea Breeze Event Time in Coastal Cities: A Case Study of Sendai
Authors: Peng Shiyi , Watanabe Hironori
Published: September 2022

Due to global warming and urbanization, high-temperature events—which frequently occur in cities—are presenting an increasing threat to the daily lives of human beings. In coastal cities, sea breezes can cool the near surface and improve the urban environment to some extent. Understanding the cooling characteristics of sea breeze on the urban environment is informative for improving and mitigating the urban heat island (UHI) effect. In this paper, we analyze the basic characteristics of the timing of the cooling effect of sea breeze in urban summer based on the long-term multi-point measurements of air temperatures. Additionally, the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model is used to show the influence of sea breeze on cities in terms of the cooling action time. The whole process is reproduced based on a time distribution map created using the results of the WRF simulation. The measured temperature and WRF simulation results are also evaluated with observations. The results show little difference between the two. The analysis of the distribution map shows that the sea breeze gradually penetrates inland from coastal areas. It can therefore be concluded that the sea breeze blows at different speeds in different areas. Our results show that the sea breeze is weak in places near the coast, while it is significantly stronger around inland rivers. Moreover, in urban areas that are far from inland rivers, the speed of the sea breeze is evenly distributed in space. The spatial pattern of sea breeze retreat time and arrival time is reversed: retreats happen earlier in inland areas. The duration of the sea breeze shows a significantly decreasing trend from the coast to inland, with the longest duration at the southern end of the urban area near the coast.
24 h Evolution of an Exceptional HONO Plume Emitted by the Record-Breaking 2019/2020 Australian Wildfire Tracked from Space
Authors: Dufour Gaëlle , Eremenko Maxim , Siour Guillaume , Sellitto Pasquale , Cuesta Juan , Perrin Agnès , Beekmann Matthias
Published: September 2022

Megafires occurred in Australia during the 2019/2020 bushfire season, leading to enhanced concentrations of many tropospheric pollutants. Here, we report on a fire plume with unusually high and persistent nitrous acid (HONO) levels that we could track during one day at free tropospheric levels over the Tasman Sea on 4 January 2020 using IASI and CrIS satellite observations. HONO concentrations up to about 25 ppb were retrieved during nighttime. Persistent HONO concentrations (>10 ppb) were still observed at sunrise, likely due to large aerosol concentrations within the plume, preventing HONO photodissociation. In addition, comparison with carbon monoxide (CO) measurements suggest a secondary production during the plume transport. Model simulations confirm that the plume is transported in the lower free troposphere with concentrations as high as 30 ppb at about 4 km. However, many uncertainties and unknowns remain in the plume aerosol load and in the chemical processes which may explain the model inability to reproduce elevated HONO concentrations at sunrise.
Effects of Urban Landscapes on Pollutant Concentrations in Chengdu Plain Urban Agglomeration
Authors: Hu Hua , Zeng Shenglan , Han Xiao
Published: September 2022

Frequent air pollution due to urbanization poses a severe threat to urban environments. In this study, the effects of urban landscapes on pollutant concentrations at different spatial and temporal scales are examined using “3S” technology, based on land-use (LU) classification maps for two time phases (2015 and 2018) in conjunction with monitoring data for air pollutants of the same periods. The results showed that: (1) A very high overall LU ratio was found for Chengdu Plain urban agglomeration (CPUA), with only 0.3% of the land being unused. Farmlands (43%), forests (36.45%), and grasslands (14.17%) were identified as the main landscape types. A decrease in the proportions of the total area occupied by farmlands and grasslands was 0.44% and 0.72%, respectively, and 0.10%, 0.04%, and 0.97% increased in the proportions of the total area occupied by forests, water bodies, and developed lands, respectively, were found from 2015 to 2018. (2) NO2, PM2.5, and PM10 were mainly distributed in the central and eastern parts of the study area, while SO2 was mainly distributed in the southwest. In 2018, compared with 2015, the maximum concentration of NO2 decreased from 60.36 μg/m3 to 49.75 μg/m3, and the distribution range of high concentration NO2 was reduced and concentrated in Chengdu; the concentrations of PM10 and PM2.5 decreased significantly, and the maximum concentration decreased by 20.53% and 23.93%, respectively, but the concentration of pollution in the northeast increased significantly. The scope of SO2 pollution had shifted from the south to the southwest, and the pollution level had decreased from south to north. (3) The effects of various landscape types on pollutant concentrations were complex. At a patch-type level, increasing the area proportions of “pollution-reducing” landscape types could reduce pollutant concentrations. Specifically, increasing the area, largest patch index, and patch cohesion of forests and grasslands, as well as reducing the area, largest patch index, and patch cohesion of farmlands and developed lands, could effectively lower pollutant concentrations. From a landscape pattern perspective, high shape regularity and low diversity of landscape patches resulted in high concentrations of NO2, PM10, and PM2.5. In contrast, high levels of dominance and aggregation of landscapes lead to low concentrations of SO2.
Muting Bacterial Communication: Evaluation of Prazosin Anti-Quorum Sensing Activities against Gram-Negative Bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus mirabilis, and Serratia marcescens
Authors: Thabit Abrar K. , Eljaaly Khalid , Zawawi Ayat , Ibrahim Tarek S. , Eissa Ahmed G. , Elbaramawi Samar S. , Hegazy Wael A. H. , Elfaky Mahmoud A.
Published: September 2022

Quorum sensing (QS) controls the production of several bacterial virulence factors. There is accumulative evidence to support that targeting QS can ensure a significant diminishing of bacterial virulence. Lessening bacterial virulence has been approved as an efficient strategy to overcome the development of antimicrobial resistance. The current study aimed to assess the anti-QS and anti-virulence activities of α-adrenoreceptor prazosin against three virulent Gram-negative bacteria Pseudomonades aeruginosa, Proteus mirabilis, and Serratia marcescens. The evaluation of anti-QS was carried out on a series of in vitro experiments, while the anti-virulence activities of prazosin were tested in an in vivo animal model. The prazosin anti-QS activity was assessed on the production of QS-controlled Chromobacterium violaceum pigment violacein and the expression of QS-encoding genes in P. aeruginosa. In vitro tests were performed to evaluate the prazosin effects on biofilm formation and production of extracellular enzymes by P. aeruginosa, P. mirabilis, and S. marcescens. A protective assay was conducted to evaluate the in vivo anti-virulence activity of prazosin against P. aeruginosa, P. mirabilis, and S. marcescens. Moreover, precise in silico molecular docking was performed to test the prazosin affinity to different QS receptors. The results revealed that prazosin significantly decreased the production of violacein and the virulent enzymes, protease and hemolysins, in the tested strains. Prazosin significantly diminished biofilm formation in vitro and bacterial virulence in vivo. The prazosin anti-QS activity was proven by its downregulation of QS-encoding genes and its obvious binding affinity to QS receptors. In conclusion, prazosin could be considered an efficient anti-virulence agent to be used as an adjuvant to antibiotics, however, it requires further pharmacological evaluations prior to clinical application.
Soluble Protein Hydrolysate Ameliorates Gastrointestinal Inflammation and Injury in 2,4,6-Trinitrobenzene Sulfonic Acid-Induced Colitis in Mice
Authors: Wei Jingjing , Tao Guozhong , Xu Baohui , Wang Kewei , Liu Junlin , Chen Chih-Hsin , Dunn James C. Y. , Currie Crawford , Framroze Bomi , Sylvester Karl G.
Published: September 2022

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are chronic, recurring gastrointestinal diseases that severely impair health and quality of life. Although therapeutic options have significantly expanded in recent years, there is no effective therapy for a complete and permanent cure for IBD. Well tolerated dietary interventions to improve gastrointestinal health in IBD would be a welcome advance especially with anticipated favorable tolerability and affordability. Soluble protein hydrolysate (SPH) is produced by the enzymatic hydrolysis of commercial food industry salmon offcuts (consisting of the head, backbone and skin) and contains a multitude of bioactive peptides including those with anti-oxidant properties. This study aimed to investigate whether SPH ameliorates gastrointestinal injury in 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced mouse colitis model. Mice were randomly assigned to four groups: Control (no colitis), Colitis, Colitis/CP (with control peptide treatment), and Colitis/SPH (with SPH treatment). Colitis was induced by cutaneous sensitization with 1% TNBS on day −8 followed by 2.5% TNBS enema challenge on day 0. Control peptides and SPH were provided to the mice in the Colitis/CP or Colitis/SPH group respectively by drinking water at the final concentration of 2% w/v daily from day −10 to day 4. Then, the colon was harvested on day 4 and examined macro- and microscopically. Relevant measures included disease activity index (DAI), colon histology injury, immune cells infiltration, pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and anti-oxidative gene expression. It was found that SPH treatment decreased the DAI score and colon tissue injury when compared to the colitis-only and CP groups. The protective mechanisms of SPH were associated with reduced infiltration of CD4+ T, CD8+ T and B220+ B lymphocytes but not macrophages, downregulated pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6), and upregulated anti-inflammatory cytokines (transforming growth factor-β1 and interleukin-10) in the colon tissue. Moreover, the upregulation of anti-oxidative genes, including ferritin heavy chain 1, heme oxygenase 1, NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1, and superoxide dismutase 1, in the colons of colitis/SPH group was observed compared with the control peptide treatment group. In conclusion, the protective mechanism of SPH is associated with anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects as demonstrated herein in an established mice model of colitis. Clinical studies with SPH as a potential functional food for the prevention or as an adjuvant therapy in IBD may add an effective and targeted diet-based approach to IBD management in the future.
GS-2: A Novel Broad-Spectrum Agent for Environmental Microbial Control
Authors: Mayfosh Alyce J. , Day Zoe I. , Unsworth Nathan B. , Liu Chun-Qiang , Gupta Ruchi , Haynes Soraya , Abraham Rebecca , Abraham Sam , Shaw Zo L. , Walia Sumeet , Elbourne Aaron , Hulett Mark D. , Rau Thomas F.
Published: September 2022

The environmental control of microbial pathogens currently relies on compounds that do not exert long-lasting activity on surfaces, are impaired by soil, and contribute to the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance. This study presents the scientific development and characterization of GS-2, a novel, water-soluble ammonium carboxylate salt of capric acid and L-arginine that demonstrates activity against a range of bacteria (particularly Gram-negative bacteria), fungi, and viruses. In real-world surface testing, GS-2 was more effective than a benzalkonium chloride disinfectant at reducing the bacterial load on common touch-point surfaces in a high-traffic building (average 1.6 vs. 32.6 CFUs recovered from surfaces 90 min after application, respectively). Toxicology testing in rats confirmed GS-2 ingredients were rapidly cleared and posed no toxicities to humans or animals. To enhance the time-kill against Gram-positive bacteria, GS-2 was compounded at a specific ratio with a naturally occurring monoterpenoid, thymol, to produce a water-based antimicrobial solution. This GS-2 with thymol formulation could generate a bactericidal effect after five minutes of exposure and a viricidal effect after 10 min of exposure. Further testing of the GS-2 and thymol combination on glass slides demonstrated that the compound retained bactericidal activity for up to 60 days. Based on these results, GS-2 and GS-2 with thymol represent a novel antimicrobial solution that may have significant utility in the long-term reduction of environmental microbial pathogens in a variety of settings.
The Role of Glymphatic System in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease Pathogenesis
Authors: Buccellato Francesca R. , D’Anca Marianna , Serpente Maria , Arighi Andrea , Galimberti Daniela
Published: September 2022

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common cause of neurodegenerative dementia, whilst Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative movement disorder. These two neurodegenerative disorders share the accumulation of toxic proteins as a pathological hallmark. The lack of definitive disease-modifying treatments for these neurogenerative diseases has led to the hypothesis of new pathogenic mechanisms to target and design new potential therapeutic approaches. The recent observation that the glymphatic system is supposed to be responsible for the movement of cerebrospinal fluid into the brain and clearance of metabolic waste has led to study its involvement in the pathogenesis of these classic proteinopathies. Aquaporin-4 (AQP4), a water channel located in the endfeet of astrocyte membrane, is considered a primary driver of the glymphatic clearance system, and defective AQP4-mediated glymphatic drainage has been linked to proteinopathies. The objective of the present review is to present the recent body of knowledge that links the glymphatic system to the pathogenesis of AD and PD disease and other lifestyle factors such as sleep deprivation and exercise that may influence glymphatic system function. We will also focus on the potential neuroimaging approaches that could identify a neuroimaging marker to detect glymphatic system changes.
Predicting Outcome in Patients with Brain Injury: Differences between Machine Learning versus Conventional Statistics
Authors: Cerasa Antonio , Tartarisco Gennaro , Bruschetta Roberta , Ciancarelli Irene , Morone Giovanni , Calabrò Rocco Salvatore , Pioggia Giovanni , Tonin Paolo , Iosa Marco
Published: September 2022

Defining reliable tools for early prediction of outcome is the main target for physicians to guide care decisions in patients with brain injury. The application of machine learning (ML) is rapidly increasing in this field of study, but with a poor translation to clinical practice. This is basically dependent on the uncertainty about the advantages of this novel technique with respect to traditional approaches. In this review we address the main differences between ML techniques and traditional statistics (such as logistic regression, LR) applied for predicting outcome in patients with stroke and traumatic brain injury (TBI). Thirteen papers directly addressing the different performance among ML and LR methods were included in this review. Basically, ML algorithms do not outperform traditional regression approaches for outcome prediction in brain injury. Better performance of specific ML algorithms (such as Artificial neural networks) was mainly described in the stroke domain, but the high heterogeneity in features extracted from low-dimensional clinical data reduces the enthusiasm for applying this powerful method in clinical practice. To better capture and predict the dynamic changes in patients with brain injury during intensive care courses ML algorithms should be extended to high-dimensional data extracted from neuroimaging (structural and fMRI), EEG and genetics.
Identifying Leadership Competencies for Construction 4.0
Authors: Yang Kaijun , Sunindijo Riza , Wang Cynthia
Published: September 2022

With the development of the times, the challenge of the construction industry entering Construction 4.0 and surviving in it is still formidable. Although many studies state the importance of effective leadership in the context of Construction 4.0, there is a need to investigate what leadership qualities can effectively provide guidance on leading construction organisations in this era. Through a focused review, this study aims to propose a series of key leadership competencies in the context of Construction 4.0 for guiding the digital transformation and the development of leaders in construction organisations, as well as complementing the existing Construction 4.0 research gap in organisational management. Through in-depth analysis of the retrieved literature, this research extracted and analysed 22 leadership competencies, classified them into four top-level themes (cognition, interpersonal communication, business, and strategy), and discussed the potential relationships among them. Theoretically, the article provides the basis and guidance for future leadership research by redefining and explaining the meaning of each competency. In practice, the paper provides construction industry practitioners with guidance on the development of effective leadership in the era of Construction 4.0.