bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Synergetic R-Shiny Portal for Modeling and Tracking of COVID-19 Data
Authors: Salehi Mahdi , Arashi Mohammad , Bekker Andriette , Ferreira Johan , Chen Ding-Geng , Esmaeili Foad , Frances Motala
Published: January 2021

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a useful online interactive dashboard (https://mahdisalehi.shinyapps.io/Covid19Dashboard/) that visualize and follow confirmed cases of COVID-19 in real-time. The dashboard was made publicly available on 6 April 2020 to illustrate the counts of confirmed cases, deaths, and recoveries of COVID-19 at the level of country or continent. This dashboard is intended as a user-friendly dashboard for researchers as well as the general public to track the COVID-19 pandemic, and is generated from trusted data sources and built in open-source R software (Shiny in particular); ensuring a high sense of transparency and reproducibility. The R Shiny framework serves as a platform for visualization and analysis of the data, as well as an advance to capitalize on existing data curation to support and enable open science. Coded analysis here includes logistic and Gompertz growth models, as two mathematical tools for predicting the future of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the Moran's index metric, which gives a spatial perspective via heat maps that may assist in the identification of latent responses and behavioral patterns. This analysis provides real-time statistical application aiming to make sense to academic- and public consumers of the large amount of data that is being accumulated due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Evolving Musical Sight Reading Exercises Using Expert Models
Authors: Pierce Charlotte , Hendtlass Tim , Bartel Anthony , Woodward Clinton J.
Published: January 2021

Sight reading skills are widely considered to be crucial for all musicians. However, given that sight reading involves playing sheet music without having seen it before, once an exercise has been completed by a student it can no longer be used as a sight reading exercise for them. In this paper we present a novel evolutionary algorithm for generating musical sight reading exercises in the Western art music tradition. Using models based on expert examples, the algorithm generates material suitable for practice which is both technically appropriate and aesthetically pleasing with respect to an instrument and difficulty level. This overcomes the resource constraint in using traditional practice exercises, which are exhausted quickly by students and teachers due to their limited quantity.
Key Nutritional Considerations for Youth Winter Sports Athletes to Optimize Growth, Maturation and Sporting Development
Authors: Hannon Marcus P. , Flueck Joelle Leonie , Gremeaux Vincent , Place Nicolas , Kayser Bengt , Donnelly Chris
Published: January 2021

Despite a wealth of sport nutrition guidelines for adult athletes, there are currently no nutrition guidelines for youth winter sports athletes. Whilst it may be pragmatic to apply nutrition guidelines for adult athletes to youth winter sports athletes, it is inappropriate. Due to a paucity of research on youth athletes, it is impossible to provide evidence-based guidelines for this population, so careful extrapolation from the theoretical and practical considerations that apply to other athletic groups is necessary. Youth winter sport athletes undergo rapid biological growth and maturation which influences their nutritional requirements. A varied and balanced diet that ensures sufficient energy availability for optimal growth and maturation as well as sporting performance is the cornerstone of youth athlete nutrition and should also allow for youth athletes to meet their micronutrient requirements. In some cases, micronutrient status (e.g., vitamin D and iron) should be monitored and optimized if appropriate by a medical professional. Dietary supplement use is prevalent amongst youth athletes, however is often unnecessary. Education of youth athletes, their parents and coaches on best nutritional practices as well as the risks associated with dietary supplements is vital for their long-term athletic development. Further research in youth winter sports athletes across different stages of growth and maturation competing in a variety of sports is urgently required in order to inform nutritional guidelines for this population.
The Risk Factors for Perioperative Serum Albumin Variation in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Major Gastroenterology Surgery
Authors: Liu Qingshuang , Gao Kai , Zheng Chao , Guo Chunbao
Published: January 2021

Background: The albumin, a negative acute-phase protein, is important for perioperative morbidity, even in patients with normal preoperative levels. This study intend to determine the perioperative factors related with the postoperative reduction in serum albumin (ΔALB) and its influence on perioperative outcome in a pediatric general surgical cohort.

Methods: This single-center retrospective review included 939 pediatric patients who underwent major gastroenterology surgery from August 2010 to August 2019. The patients were dichotomized into a high ΔALB group (≥14.6%) and a low ΔALB group (<14.6%) based on the mean value of ΔALB (14.6%). the independent risk factors for ΔALB, were explored using the propensity score matching to minimize potential selection bias and subjected to method multivariable logistic regression model. Furthermore, in 366 matched patients, the influences of operating time on perioperative outcomes were analyzed.

Results: Among the 996 patients reviewed, 939 patient records were enrolled in the final analysis. Controlling for other factors, multivariable analysis showed that a high CRP on POD 3 or 4 [odds ratio (OR) = 2.36 (95% CI, 1.51–3.86); p = 0.007], a longer operating time [OR = 1.18 (95% CI, 1.00–1.53); p = 0.014), and the presence of Charcot's triad [OR = 1.73 (95% CI, 1.05–2.83); p = 0.031] were factors that predicted a high ΔALB level. A high ΔALB level was also related with gastrointestinal functional recovery delay, reflected by the postoperative defecation (p = 0.013) and bowel movement (p = 0.019) delay and the high occurrence of postoperative complications (16.1 vs. 10.9%, OR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.02–2.41, P = 0.0026).

Conclusions: The high ΔALB level was correlated with postoperative outcome. To obtain a safe recovery and discharge after a major abdominal operation, the above risk factors for ΔALB could be addressed in the perioperative period.
Isolation and Identification of Subgroup J Avian Leukosis Virus Inducing Multiple Systemic Tumors in Parental Meat-Type Chickens
Authors: Cui Ning , Cui Xuezhi , Huang Qinghua , Yang Shaohua , Su Shuai , Xu Chuantian , Li Jianhe , Li Wenfeng , Li Chao
Published: January 2021

Avian leukosis virus (ALV) continues evolving to obtain new genomic characters to enhance its pathogenicity. In the present study, an ALV-J strain LH20180301 was isolated from broiler breeder chickens that reached the speak of paralyzation before 20-week-old. The necropsy chickens showed subcutaneous and muscular hemorrhage, and developed tumors in multiple organs including bone, liver, spleen, and kidney. The complete provirus was then cloned and sequenced to investigate the molecular characteristics and oncogenicity etiology of this virus associated with the outbreak of disease. The genomic structure of the reported ALV-J strain LH20180301 was highly conservative with other ALVs. Recombination events between the virus with endogenous virus were identified in the viral genome. Compared with the ALV-J original HPRS-103 strain, the major recombination sites of the viral genome with ev-1 were located in 5′ UTR-gag and 3′ UTR regions. Phylogenetic analysis of group specific antigen gp85 encoding protein showed that the LH20180301 branched with ALV-J prevalent in “yellow chickens” of local breeds in South China. Nine amino acids (N58, D60, K70, A71, K108, N112, N113, N121, R272) in the gp85 were highly conserved among ALV-J isolates before 2012, but various mutations were found in the late isolates including LH20180301. In addition, the LH20180301 strain also had the same deletion pattern of 3′ UTR with them. Therefore, LH20180301 might derive from the same ancestor with those viruses and may be the trend of ALV-J evolution in China. The defined new genomic characters in the gp85 and 3′ UTR region of ALV-J might provide the molecular basis for its enhanced oncogenicity.
Genetic Diversity of African Trypanosomes in Tsetse Flies and Cattle From the Kafue Ecosystem
Authors: Nakamura Yukiko , Hayashida Kyoko , Delesalle Victoire , Qiu Yongjin , Omori Ryosuke , Simuunza Martin , Sugimoto Chihiro , Namangala Boniface , Yamagishi Junya
Published: January 2021

We clarified the genetic diversity of Trypanosoma spp. within the Kafue ecosystem, using PCR targeting the internal transcribed spacer 1 and the cathepsin L-like cysteine protease (CatL) sequences. The overall prevalence of Trypanosoma spp. in cattle and tsetse flies was 12.65 and 26.85%, respectively. Cattle positive for Trypanosoma vivax had a significantly lower packed cell volume, suggesting that T. vivax is the dominant Trypanosoma spp. causing anemia in this area. Among the 12 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) of T. vivax CatL sequences detected, one was from a known T. vivax lineage, two OTUs were from known T. vivax-like lineages, and nine OTUs were considered novel T. vivax-like lineages. These findings support previous reports that indicated the extensive diversity of T. vivax-like lineages. The findings also indicate that combining CatL PCR with next generation sequencing is useful in assessing Trypanosoma spp. diversity, especially for T. vivax and T. vivax-like lineages. In addition, the 5.42% prevalence of Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense found in cattle raises concern in the community and requires careful monitoring of human African trypanosomiasis.
Bacteriophage as an Alternative to Antibiotics Promotes Growth Performance by Regulating Intestinal Inflammation, Intestinal Barrier Function and Gut Microbiota in Weaned Piglets
Authors: Zeng Yongdi , Wang Zirui , Zou Tiande , Chen Jun , Li Guanhong , Zheng Liuzhen , Li Shuo , You Jinming
Published: January 2021

This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary bacteriophage supplementation on growth performance, intestinal morphology, barrier function, and intestinal microbiota of weaned piglets fed antibiotic-free diet. A total of 120 weaned piglets were allotted to four dietary treatments with five pens/treatment and six piglets/pen in a 21-d feeding trial. The control diet was supplemented with 25 mg/kg quinocetone and 11.25 mg/kg aureomycin in the basal diet, while the three treatment diets were supplemented with 200, 400, or 600 mg/kg bacteriophage in the basal diet, respectively. There was no difference for growth performance and all measured indices of serum and intestinal tissues between 200 mg/kg bacteriophage group and the control group with antibiotics (P > 0.05). More importantly, compared with the control diet, dietary 400 mg/kg bacteriophage inclusion increased average daily gain and average daily feed intake, and decreased feed/gain ratio and diarrhea incidence of weaned piglets (P < 0.05). Also, piglets fed 400 mg/kg bacteriophage had elevated villi height (VH) in jejunum and ileum, reduced crypt depth (CD) in jejunum and ileum, and elevated VH/CD ratio in duodenum, jejunum and ileum (P < 0.05). Compared to the control group, piglets fed 400 mg/kg bacteriophage had lower interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and higher interleukin-10 (IL-10) concentration in serum, and higher secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA), intestinal trefoil factor (ITF), and tumor growth factor-alpha (TGF-α) content in the ileal mucosa (P < 0.05). Besides, dietary addition with 400 mg/kg bacteriophage decreased the D-lactate concentration and diamine oxidase (DAO) activity in serum, and increased the relative mRNA expression of ZO-1, Claudin-1, Occludin, TLR2, TLR4, and TLR9, as well as the relative protein expression of Occludin in the jejunum (P < 0.05). However, the growth performance and all analyzed parameters in serum and intestinal tissues were not further improved when piglets fed 600 vs. 400 mg/kg bacteriophage (P > 0.05). MiSeq sequencing analysis showed that bacteriophage regulated the microbial composition in caecum digesta, as indicated by higher observed_species, Chao1, and ACE richness indices, as well as changes in the relative abundance of Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Tenericutes (P < 0.05). Collectively, 400 mg/kg bacteriophage can be used as an antibiotics alternative for promoting the growth of weaned piglets. The underlying mechanism is associated with a positive effect of bacteriophage on intestinal inflammation, intestinal barrier function and gut microbiota in weaned piglets.
More Than Meets the Eye: How Black and Minority Ethnic Care-Leavers Construct and Make Sense of Their Identity
Authors: Lensvelt Isabelle , Hassett Alexander , Colbridge Alicia
Published: January 2021

Looked-after children are exposed to significant developmental trauma which may impact their identity development. Discourses of vulnerability and maladaptation often surround this group, while care-leavers often self-identify as survivors. The role of culture in identity formation is also well documented, and cultural socialisation is linked to psychological adjustment and wellbeing. Despite this, little research has explored identity development in black and minority ethnic (BAME) care-leavers. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis is used to analyse eight semi-structured interviews with BAME care-leavers about their experience of identity development. Three superordinate themes were developed: My journey—how I became me; Identity as a process—the processes that support identity development; and who am I—how I see myself now. Participants’ identity development was adaptive in the context of surviving significant disruption and trauma. Findings are discussed with reference to previous research and limitations are considered. Clinical implications include the need to address additional barriers to positive self-identity faced by BAME care leavers, the importance of acknowledging care-leaver identity as adaptive and embodying a trauma-informed approach to working with this group. Further research into how care-leavers experience their cultural identity is needed.
On Probabilistic Risk of Aircraft Collision along Air Corridors
Authors: Campos Luís M. B. C. , Marques Joaquim M. G.
Published: January 2021

The separation of aircraft in cruising flight in air corridors is based on the assurance of an extremely low probability of collision due to position inaccuracy caused by navigation errors, atmospheric disturbances, or other factors. The appropriate standard is the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Target Level of Safety (TLS) of frequency of collision less than 5 × 10−9 per flight hour. An upper bound for the collision probability per unit distance is the probability of coincidence, in the case of aircraft flying at the same speed along parallel tracks in the same direction. This leads to the case of two aircraft flying at a constant separation, for which at least three probabilities of coincidence can be calculated: (i) the maximum probability of coincidence at the most likely point; (ii) the cumulative probability of coincidence integrated along the flight path; and (iii) the cumulative probability of coincidence integrated over all space. These three probabilities of coincidence are applied to the old standard and new reduced vertical separations of 2000 ft and 1000 ft respectively, for comparison with the ICAO TLS, and also to assess their suitability as safety metrics. The possibility is raised of complementing the ICAO TLS 5 × 10−9 per hour, which is suitable for the cumulative probability of collision, by two additional safety metrics: (i) one per hour flown squared, which is suitable for comparison with the maximum joint probability density of collision; and (ii) another times hour flown, for comparison with the three-dimensional cumulative probability of coincidence. These three metrics (i) to (iii) have distinct dimensions, give different information, and could be alternatives or supplements.
Genetic Diversity for Dual Use Maize: Grain and Second-Generation Biofuel
Authors: Munaiz Eduardo D. , Albrecht Kenneth A. , Ordas Bernardo
Published: January 2021

Maize biomass from agricultural residues can be a substrate for biofuel production. However, commercial breeding programs have focused on grain yield for food and feed, and whole plant yield and nutritive value for silage, with little attention paid directly to stover yield or composition. Enhancing the energy content of crop residues with higher quality cellulosic biomass for ethanol conversion should provide a complementary use to grain use. We also question whether there is maize germplasm predisposed to dual use as second-generation biofuel. Twenty genotypes, including landraces from Spain, Atlantic, and Mediterranean Europe and genotypes derived from Iowa stiff stalk synthetic, Lancaster, and commercial hybrids were studied in a randomized complete block design across environments in Galicia (Spain) in 2010 and 2011. Germplasm was evaluated for agronomic characteristics and fiber parameters. Results show high heritability for all characteristics and parameters, ranging from 0.81 to 0.98. Principal components analysis revealed clear differences among origin of the varieties studied. Hybrids had the highest grain yield values and B73xMo17 and PR34G13 had the highest grain yield overall, at 10133 and 9349 kg/ha, respectively. European landrace varieties had lower harvest indexes (HI) than the hybrid origin, with Faro and BSL having HI of 0.43–0.47, compared to hybrid PR34613 at 0.56. Fiber concentrations were significantly correlated with yield performance, with values ranging from 0.38 to 0.61 for cob fibers and between −0.14 to −0.57 for stover fibers. Fiber concentrations were significantly different, based on the origins, in cobs but not in stover, with the Atlantic European group showing a favorable trend for cob exploitation with low acid detergent lignin and high acid detergent fiber and neutral detergent fiber values. In summary, population origin showed a reservoir of genetic diversity for breeding to improve residue quality, suggesting that adaptation played a role for stover yield and quality. European landraces could be used in prebreeding programs with stover yield and fiber quality as target traits for dual-purpose maize.
Foliar Calcium Fertilizers Impact on Several Fruit Quality Characteristics and Leaf and Fruit Nutritional Status of the ‘Hayward’ Kiwifruit Cultivar
Authors: Sotiropoulos Thomas , Voulgarakis Antonios , Karaiskos Dionisios , Chatzistathis Theocharis , Manthos Ioannis , Dichala Olga , Mpountla Areti
Published: January 2021

Calcium preharvest application influences fruit quality. The impact of preharvest foliar sprays using several commercial fertilizers with Ca content on the fruit quality and nutritional status of the kiwi cv. ‘Hayward’ was investigated for a 2-year period. Fruit flesh firmness increased under all Ca sprays compared to the control. Total soluble solids and acidity were not altered significantly by any of the studied Ca products. Treatment differences with regard to fruit firmness, soluble solids concentration and acids at harvest were maintained during cold storage for 2 and 4 months. Foliar sprays did not affect the N, P, K, Mg, B, Fe, Mn and Zn concentrations of leaves and fruits. However, all treatments increased the concentration of Ca in leaves and fruits compared to the control.
Development of a Real-Time Controlled Bio-Liquor Circulation System for Swine Farms: A Lab-Scale Study
Authors: Kim Seungsoo , Reza Arif , Shim Soomin , Won Seunggun , Ra Changsix
Published: January 2021

In this study, an attempt was made to develop a real-time control strategy using oxidation–reduction potential (ORP) and pH (mV) time profiles for the efficient operation of bio-liquor circulation system (BCS) in swine farms and its effectiveness in reducing odor emission through improving manure properties in the slurry pit was evaluated. The lab-scale BCS used in this study comprised a bioreactor and a slurry pit. The bioreactor was operated in a sequence of inflow of swine manure → anoxic phase → aerobic phase → circulation to the slurry pit. The improvement in swine manure properties was elucidated by comparing the results of the BCS slurry pit (circulation type, CT) and conventional slurry pit (non-circulation type, NCT). The results revealed that the ORP time profile successfully detected the nitrate knee point (NKP) in the anoxic phase. However, it was less stable in detecting the nitrogen break point (NBP) in the aerobic phase. The pH (mV) time profile showed a more efficient detection of NBP. Compared to the NCT slurry pit, concentrations of ammonium nitrogen (NH4-N) and soluble total organic carbon (STOC) and other analyzed swine manure properties were much lower in the CT slurry pit. In the aspect of odor reduction, around 98.3% of NH3 was removed in the CT slurry pit. The real-time controlled BCS can overcome the drawbacks of fixed time-based BCS operation and therefore can be considered as a useful tool to reduce odor emission from intensive swine farming operations. However, further studies and refinement in control algorithms might be required prior to its large-scale application.
Evaluation of Spatio-Temporal Patterns of Predation Risk to Forest Grouse Nests in the Central European Mountain Regions
Authors: Cukor Jan , Linda Rostislav , Andersen Oddgeir , Eriksen Lasse Frost , Vacek Zdeněk , Riegert Jan , Šálek Martin
Published: January 2021

We evaluated the spatiotemporal patterns of predation risk on black grouse nests using artificial nests that were monitored by camera traps in mountain areas with a small extant (Ore Mts.) and already extinct (Jeseníky Mts.) black grouse population. The overall predation rate of artificial nests was 56% and we found significant differences in survival rate courses over time between both study areas (68% Ore Mts. vs. 41%, Jeseníky Mts.). Within the time required for successful egg incubation (25 days), nest survival probability was 0.32 in the Ore Mts. and 0.59 in Jeseníky Mts. The stone marten (Martes foina) was the primary nest predator in both study areas (39% in total), followed by common raven (Corvus corax, 25%) and red fox (Vulpes vulpes, 22%). The proportion of depredated nests did not differ between habitat types (i.e., open forest interior, clearing, forest edge), but we recorded the effect of interaction of study area and habitat. In Ore Mts., the main nest predator was common raven with seven records (37%). The Eurasian jay (Garrulus glandarius) was responsible for most predation attempts in Jeseníky Mts. (five records, i.e., 83%), while in the Ore Mts., most predation attempts were done by red fox (six records, i.e., 38%).
Mitochondria Homeostasis and Oxidant/Antioxidant Balance in Skeletal Muscle—Do Myokines Play a Role?
Authors: Pang Brian Pak Shing , Chan Wing Suen , Chan Chi Bun
Published: January 2021

Mitochondria are the cellular powerhouses that generate adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to substantiate various biochemical activities. Instead of being a static intracellular structure, they are dynamic organelles that perform constant structural and functional remodeling in response to different metabolic stresses. In situations that require a high ATP supply, new mitochondria are assembled (mitochondrial biogenesis) or formed by fusing the existing mitochondria (mitochondrial fusion) to maximize the oxidative capacity. On the other hand, nutrient overload may produce detrimental metabolites such as reactive oxidative species (ROS) that wreck the organelle, leading to the split of damaged mitochondria (mitofission) for clearance (mitophagy). These vital processes are tightly regulated by a sophisticated quality control system involving energy sensing, intracellular membrane interaction, autophagy, and proteasomal degradation to optimize the number of healthy mitochondria. The effective mitochondrial surveillance is particularly important to skeletal muscle fitness because of its large tissue mass as well as its high metabolic activities for supporting the intensive myofiber contractility. Indeed, the failure of the mitochondrial quality control system in skeletal muscle is associated with diseases such as insulin resistance, aging, and muscle wasting. While the mitochondrial dynamics in cells are believed to be intrinsically controlled by the energy content and nutrient availability, other upstream regulators such as hormonal signals from distal organs or factors generated by the muscle itself may also play a critical role. It is now clear that skeletal muscle actively participates in systemic energy homeostasis via producing hundreds of myokines. Acting either as autocrine/paracrine or circulating hormones to crosstalk with other organs, these secretory myokines regulate a large number of physiological activities including insulin sensitivity, fuel utilization, cell differentiation, and appetite behavior. In this article, we will review the mechanism of myokines in mitochondrial quality control and ROS balance, and discuss their translational potential.
On the Influence of Human Factors on Safety of Remotely-Controlled Merchant Vessels
Authors: Wróbel Krzysztof , Gil Mateusz , Chae Chong-Ju
Published: January 2021

With numerous efforts undertaken by both industry and academia to develop and implement autonomous merchant vessels, their safety remains an utmost priority. One of the modes of their operation which is expected to be used is a remote control. Therein, some, if not all, decisions will be made remotely by human operators and executed locally by a vessel control system. This arrangement incorporates a possibility of a human factor occurrence. To this end, a variety of factors are known in the literature along with a complex network of mutual relationships between them. In order to study their potential influence on the safety of remotely-controlled merchant vessels, an expert study has been conducted using the Human Factors Analysis and Classification System-Maritime Accidents (HFACS–MA) framework. The results indicate that the most relevant for the safety of this prospective system is to ensure that known problems are properly and timely rectified and that remote operators maintain their psycho- and physiological conditions. The experts elicited have also assigned higher significance to the causal factors of active failures than latent failures, thus indicating a general belief that operators’ actions represent the final and the most important barrier against accident occurrence.
Arundo donax L. Biomass Production in a Polluted Area: Effects of Two Harvest Timings on Heavy Metals Uptake
Authors: Danelli Tommaso , Sepulcri Alessio , Masetti Giacomo , Colombo Federico , Sangiorgio Stefano , Cassani Elena , Anelli Simone , Adani Fabrizio , Pilu Roberto
Published: January 2021

Within the framework of energy biomass production, Arundo donax L. is very promising for its capability to grow on marginal lands with high yields. This potential can be realized in unused polluted areas where the energy production can be coupled with phytoremediation, and harvested biomass represents a resource and a means to remove contaminants from the soil. Two main processes are considered to evaluate A. donax L. biomass as an energy crop, determined by the timing of harvest: anaerobic digestion with fresh biomass before winter and combustion (e.g., pyrolysis and gasification) of dry canes in late winter. The aim of this work was to evaluate the use of A. donax L. in an area polluted by heavy metals for phytoextraction and energy production at two different harvest times (October and February). For that purpose, we established in polluted area in northern Italy (Caffaro area, Brescia) an experimental field of A. donax, and included switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) and mixed meadow species as controls. The results obtained by ICP-MS analysis performed on harvested biomasses highlighted a differential uptake of heavy metals depending on harvest time. In particular, considering the yield in the third year, A. donax was able to remove from the soil 3.87 kg ha−1 of Zn, 2.09 kg ha−1 of Cu and 0.007 kg ha−1 of Cd when harvested in October. Production of A. donax L. for anaerobic digestion or combustion in polluted areas represents a potential solution for both energy production and phytoextraction of heavy metals, in particular Cu, Zn and Cd.
Nondestructive Evaluation of Aluminium Foam Panels Subjected to Impact Loading
Authors: Epasto Gabriella , Distefano Fabio , Mozafari Hozhabr , Linul Emanoil , Crupi Vincenzo
Published: January 2021

Aluminium foam sandwich structures have excellent energy absorption capacity, combined with good mechanical properties and low density. Some of the authors of this paper proposed an innovative Metallic Foam Shell protective device against flying ballast impact damage in railway axles. A closed-cell aluminium foam was chosen for the Metallic Foam Shell device. The main goal of this study was the experimental investigation of the impact responses of aluminium foam panels. Low velocity impact tests were carried out at different energies on different types of aluminium foam panels in order to investigate the effects of some parameters, such as core thickness, skin material and layer. Tests were conducted at repeated impacts on aluminium foam panels without and with skins made of aluminium and glass fibre-reinforced polymer. The experimental results were compared and the impacted panels were investigated by means of the nondestructive techniques ultrasonic phased array and digital radiography.
FAIDM for Medical Privacy Protection in 5G Telemedicine Systems
Authors: Lin Tzu-Wei , Hsu Chien-Lung
Published: January 2021

5G networks have an efficient effect in energy consumption and provide a quality experience to many communication devices. Device-to-device communication is one of the key technologies of 5G networks. Internet of Things (IoT) applying 5G infrastructure changes the application scenario in many fields especially real-time communication between machines, data, and people. The 5G network has expanded rapidly around the world including in healthcare. Telemedicine provides long-distance medical communication and services. Patient can get help with ambulatory care or other medical services in remote areas. 5G and IoT will become important parts of next generation smart medical healthcare. Telemedicine is a technology of electronic message and telecommunication related to healthcare, which is implemented in public networks. Privacy issue of transmitted information in telemedicine is important because the information is sensitive and private. In this paper, 5G-based federated anonymous identity management for medical privacy protection is proposed, and it can provide a secure way to protect medical privacy. There are some properties below. (i) The proposed scheme provides federated identity management which can manage identity of devices in a hierarchical structure efficiently. (ii) Identity authentication will be achieved by mutual authentication. (iii) The proposed scheme provides session key to secure transmitted data which is related to privacy of patients. (iv) The proposed scheme provides anonymous identities for devices in order to reduce the possibility of leaking transmitted medical data and real information of device and its owner. (v) If one of devices transmit abnormal data, proposed scheme provides traceability for servers of medical institute. (vi) Proposed scheme provides signature for non-repudiation.
True 2-D Resistivity Imaging from Vertical Electrical Soundings to Support More Sustainable Rural Water Supply Borehole Siting in Malawi
Authors: Leborgne Romain , Rivett Michael O. , Wanangwa Gift J. , Sentenac Philippe , Kalin Robert M.
Published: January 2021

To improve borehole siting for rural water supply, an advanced resistivity method was adapted for developing country use and demonstrated in Malawi. The method was designed to be low cost, developing-country accessible, efficient. It allows single or multiple operators to acquire the multiple vertical electrical soundings (VESs) required that are inverted together in 2-D, to give a true cross-section of subsurface resistivity. Application at four sites generated true cross-sections of subsurface resistivity to around 100 m depth relevant to groundwater-resource investigation. A wide range of (hydro)geological features was identified, including fractured/weathered basement, gneiss domes, well-developed fault zones and several types of deltaic deposits. Imaging performance appears comparable to that of 2-D surface ERT (electrical resistivity tomography) that uses more expensive equipment, often unaffordable in developing countries. Based on the subsurface configurations determined and hydrogeological conceptualisation subsequently undertaken, the local aquifer potential could be evaluated, thereby providing a decision-making basis for future borehole siting at the sites surveyed. The technology is far superior to conventional 1-D VES, electromagnetic profiling or magnetic profiling currently used for borehole siting in Malawi. Technology adoption currently under consideration nationally would make use of existing VES capacity and permit much improved targeting of aquifer resource, more sustainable siting of boreholes and greater future resilience of Malawi’s rural water-supply infrastructure.
Structural, Mechanical, and Dielectric Properties of Polydimethylsiloxane and Silicone Elastomer for the Fabrication of Clinical-Grade Kidney Phantom
Authors: Izdihar Kamal , Abdul Razak Hairil Rashmizal , Supion Nurzulaikha , Karim Muhammad Khalis Abdul , Osman Nurul Huda , Norkhairunnisa Mazlan
Published: January 2021

This study aimed to introduce an alternative, inexpensive, and straightforward polymer with specific mechanical and dielectric properties suitable for the fabrication of a clinical-grade kidney phantom. Two polymer-based phantom materials, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and silicone elastomer (SE), were investigated for their capability to meet the requirements. The concentration ratios of base to curing agent (B/C) were 9.5/1.5, 19/3, 10/1, 20/2, 10.5/0.5, and 21/1 for PDMS and 4.5/5.5, 10/12, 5/5, 11/11, 5.5/4.5, and 12/10 for SE. All samples were mixed, degassed, and poured into Petri dishes and small beakers. The polymer was cured under room temperature for 2 h and then demolded from the hard mold. The air bubbles produced were removed using a vacuum desiccator for 30 min. All samples underwent mechanical testing (tensile strength and elastic modulus), and their dielectric properties were measured using a dielectric probe kit equipped with 85071E materials measurement software. The radiation attenuation properties were also measured using PhyX-Zetra for PDMS phantoms with the chemical formula C2H6OSi. Small changes in base and cross-linker play an essential role in modifying the elastic modulus and tensile strength. The effective atomic number of PDMS showed a similar pattern with human kidney tissue at the intermediate energy level of 1.50 × 10−1 to 1 MeV. Therefore, PDMS can potentially be used to mimic the human kidney in terms of tensile strength, flexibility, the acceptable real part of the complex dielectric constant ε′r, and conductivity, which allows it to be used as a stable kidney phantom for medical imaging purposes.
Experimental Study on the Strength and Durability for Slag Cement Mortar with Bentonite
Authors: Lee Hsien Hua , Wang Chung-Wei , Chung Pei-Yin
Published: January 2021

This study focused on improving the durability of concrete infrastructures located in marine environments. When structures made of concrete are exposed to a marine environment, the combined effects of mechanical and chemical actions, such as attacks from sulfate and chloride, may deteriorate the material, then cause corrosion of the embedded reinforced steel bars, and finally result in shortening of the service life of the structure. Therefore, proposed in this work is a method mainly focused on improving the strength and durability of concrete composed with slag cement as a binder, which due to its pozzolanic reaction is commonly applied in construction projects in marine environments. The durability of slag cement mortar can be improved through the application of bentonite material by utilizing bentonite’s very finely divided form and its reactivity to sulfate so that the larger capillary pores in concrete can be filled. It was found that a slight (approximately 0.25%) replacement of slag cement with bentonite material effectively improved the durability of the slag cement mortar in terms of moisture absorption, compressive strength, and weight loss after a sulfate resistance test and the evaluation for chloride permeability.
Distinct Chemistries Define the Diverse Biological Effects of Plasma Activated Water Generated with Spark and Glow Plasma Discharges
Authors: Tsoukou Evanthia , Delit Maxime , Treint Louise , Bourke Paula , Boehm Daniela
Published: January 2021

The spread of multidrug-resistant bacteria poses a significant threat to human health. Plasma activated liquids (PAL) could be a promising alternative for microbial decontamination, where different PAL can possess diverse antimicrobial efficacies and cytotoxic profiles, depending on the range and concentration of their reactive chemical species. In this research, the biological activity of plasma activated water (PAW) on different biological targets including both microbiological and mammalian cells was investigated in vitro. The aim was to further an understanding of the specific role of distinct plasma reactive species, which is required to tailor plasma activated liquids for use in applications where high antimicrobial activity is required without adversely affecting the biology of eukaryotic cells. PAW was generated by glow and spark discharges, which provide selective generation of hydrogen peroxide, nitrite and nitrate in the liquid. The PAW made by either spark or glow discharges showed similar antimicrobial efficacy and stability of activity, despite the very different reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species profiles (RNS). However, different trends were observed for cytotoxic activities and effects on enzyme function, which were translated through the selective chemical species generation. These findings indicate very distinct mechanisms of action which may be exploited when tailoring plasma activated liquids to various applications. A remarkable stability to heat and pressure was noted for PAW generated with this set up, which broadens the application potential. These features also suggest that post plasma modifications and post generation stability can be harnessed as a further means of modulating the chemistry, activity and mode of delivery of plasma functionalised liquids. Overall, these results further understanding on how PAL generation may be tuned to provide candidate disinfectant agents for biomedical application or for bio-decontamination in diverse areas.
Novel Derivatives of 4-Methyl-1,2,3-Thiadiazole-5-Carboxylic Acid Hydrazide: Synthesis, Lipophilicity, and In Vitro Antimicrobial Activity Screening
Authors: Paruch Kinga , Popiołek Łukasz , Biernasiuk Anna , Berecka-Rycerz Anna , Malm Anna , Gumieniczek Anna , Wujec Monika
Published: January 2021

Bacterial infections, especially those caused by strains resistant to commonly used antibiotics and chemotherapeutics, are still a current threat to public health. Therefore, the search for new molecules with potential antimicrobial activity is an important research goal. In this article, we present the synthesis and evaluation of the in vitro antimicrobial activity of a series of 15 new derivatives of 4-methyl-1,2,3-thiadiazole-5-carboxylic acid. The potential antimicrobial effect of the new compounds was observed mainly against Gram-positive bacteria. Compound 15, with the 5-nitro-2-furoyl moiety, showed the highest bioactivity: minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) = 1.95–15.62 µg/mL and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC)/MIC = 1–4 µg/mL.
Elevational Movement of Vegetation Greenness on the Tibetan Plateau: Evidence from the Landsat Satellite Observations during the Last Three Decades
Authors: Lu Liheng , Shen Xiaoqian , Cao Ruyin
Published: January 2021

The Tibetan Plateau, the highest plateau in the world, has experienced strong climate warming during the last few decades. The greater increase of temperature at higher elevations may have strong impacts on the vertical movement of vegetation activities on the plateau. Although satellite-based observations have explored this issue, these observations were normally provided by the coarse satellite data with a spatial resolution of more than hundreds of meters (e.g., GIMMS and MODIS), which could lead to serious mixed-pixel effects in the analyses. In this study, we employed the medium-spatial-resolution Landsat NDVI data (30 m) during 1990–2019 and investigated the relationship between temperature and the elevation-dependent vegetation changes in six mountainous regions on the Tibetan Plateau. Particularly, we focused on the elevational movement of the vegetation greenness isoline to clarify whether the vegetation greenness isoline moves upward during the past three decades because of climate warming. Results show that vegetation greening occurred in all six mountainous regions during the last three decades. Increasing temperatures caused the upward movement of greenness isoline at the middle and high elevations (>4000 m) but led to the downward movement at lower elevations for the six mountainous regions except for Nyainqentanglha. Furthermore, the temperature sensitivity of greenness isoline movement changes from the positive value to negative value by decreasing elevations, suggesting that vegetation growth on the plateau is strongly regulated by other factors such as water availability. As a result, the greenness isoline showed upward movement with the increase of temperature for about 59% pixels. Moreover, the greenness isoline movement increased with the slope angles over the six mountainous regions, suggesting the influence of terrain effects on the vegetation activities. Our analyses improve understandings of the diverse response of elevation-dependent vegetation activities on the Tibetan Plateau.
Multi-Annual Changes in Heat Stress Occurrence and Its Circulation Conditions in the Polish–Saxon Border Region
Authors: Miszuk Bartłomiej
Published: January 2021

Heat stress is one of the most critical factors affecting human life. In Central Europe, its influence is noticeable, especially in the Polish–Saxon region, which is a very popular tourist region also inhabited by a high number of elders. The main goal of this paper was to assess multi-annual changes in heat stress occurring in the region, considering the frequency of heat days, the UTCI (Universal Thermal Climate Index), and circulation conditions. The research showed that all the thermal and biothermal indices in this region significantly increased during 1971–2019 in the lowlands, the mountain foreland, and the lower mountain zone. In terms of the UTCI, a negative trend for cold stress frequency was noticed in the entire region in favor of an increase in a tendency toward thermoneutral conditions and heat stress. This concerns especially strong and very strong heat stress (UTCI > 32 °C), in which positive trends were observed for most of the stations located in the lower hypsometric zones. The results also showed that heat stress mainly occurs on days with anticyclonic circulation. Analysis of selected cases of heat waves in the 21st century indicated that the lower hypsometric zones are characterized by a very high UTCI, while the summit zone is free from heat stress occurrence.
Thymoquinone Protects Neurons in the Cerebellum of Rats through Mitigating Oxidative Stress and Inflammation Following High-Fat Diet Supplementation
Authors: Alrafiah Aziza
Published: January 2021

High-fat diet (HFD) is a major problem causing neuronal damage. Thymoquinone (TQ) could regulate oxidative stress and the inflammatory process. Hence, the present study elucidated the significant role of TQ on oxidative stress, inflammation, as well as morphological changes in the cerebellum of rats with HFD. Rats were divided into three groups as (1) control, (2) saturated HFD for eight weeks and (3) HFD supplementation (four weeks) followed by TQ 300 mg/kg/day treated (four weeks). After treatment, blood samples were collected to measure oxidative stress markers glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, neuronal morphological changes were also observed in the cerebellum of the rats. HFD rats show higher body weight (286.5 ± 7.4 g) as compared with the control group (224.67 ± 1.78 g). TQ treatment significantly (p < 0.05) lowered the body weight (225.83 ± 13.15 g). TQ produced a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). The antioxidative enzymes significantly reduced in HFD rats (GSH, 1.46 ± 0.36 mol/L and SOD, 99.13 ± 5.41 µmol/mL) as compared with the control group (GSH, 6.25 ± 0.36 mol/L and SOD, 159.67 ± 10.67 µmol/mL). MDA was increased significantly in HFD rats (2.05 ± 0.25 nmol/L) compared to the control group (0.695 ± 0.11 nmol/L). Surprisingly, treatment with TQ could improve the level of GSH, MDA, and SOD. TQ treatment significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the inflammatory markers as compared with HFD alone. TQ treatment minimizes neuronal damage as well as reduces inflammation and improves antioxidant enzymes. TQ can be considered as a promising agent in preventing the neuronal morphological changes in the cerebellum of obese populations.
Galectin-3 and sST2 as Prognosticators for Heart Failure Requiring Extracorporeal Life Support: Jack n’ Jill
Authors: Bi Jianli , Garg Vidu , Yates Andrew R.
Published: January 2021

Extracorporeal life support provides perfusion for patients with heart failure to allow time for recovery, function as a bridge for patients to heart transplantation, or serve as destination therapy for long term mechanical device support. Several biomarkers have been employed in attempt to predict these outcomes, but it remains to be determined which are suitable to guide clinical practice relevant to extracorporeal life support. Galectin-3 and soluble suppression of tumorigenicity-2 (sST2) are two of the more promising candidates with the greatest supporting evidence. In this review, we address the similarities and differences between galectin-3 and sST2 for prognostic prediction in adults and children with heart failure requiring extracorporeal life support and highlight the significant lack of progress in pediatric biomarker discovery and utilization.
TOR Signaling Pathway in Cardiac Aging and Heart Failure
Authors: Daneshgar Nastaran , Rabinovitch Peter S. , Dai Dao-Fu
Published: January 2021

Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin (mTOR) signaling is a key regulator of cellular metabolism, integrating nutrient sensing with cell growth. Over the past two decades, studies on the mTOR pathway have revealed that mTOR complex 1 controls life span, health span, and aging by modulating key cellular processes such as protein synthesis, autophagy, and mitochondrial function, mainly through its downstream substrates. Thus, the mTOR pathway regulates both physiological and pathological processes in the heart from embryonic cardiovascular development to maintenance of cardiac homeostasis in postnatal life. In this regard, the dysregulation of mTOR signaling has been linked to many age-related pathologies, including heart failure and age-related cardiac dysfunction. In this review, we highlight recent advances of the impact of mTOR complex 1 pathway and its regulators on aging and, more specifically, cardiac aging and heart failure.