bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Total and True Protein Content in Potato Tubers Depending on Herbicides and Biostimulants
Authors: Zarzecka Krystyna , Gugała Marek , Mystkowska Iwona , Sikorska Anna
Published: July 2020

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of herbicides and herbicides used with biostimulants on the content of total and true protein in potato tubers. The three-year field experiment was carried out using the random two-way split-plot arrangement in three repetitions. The examined factors were: I—three cultivars of potato: Bartek, Gawin, Honorata; II—five method applications of herbicides and herbicides with biostimulants: 1. Control—mechanical weeding, 2. Harrier 295 ZC (linuron + clomazone), 3. Harrier 295 ZC + Kelpak SL (linuron + clomazone and extract from algae Ecklonia maxima), 4. Sencor 70 WG (metribuzin), 5. Sencor 70 WG + Asahi SL (metribuzin and sodium p-nitrophenolate, sodium o-nitrophenolate, sodium 5-nitroguolacolate). On the plots sprayed with herbicides and herbicides mixed with biostimulants, a significant increase in the content of total and true proteins and the share of true protein in total protein in relation to tubers harvested from the control object was found. Genetic features of cultivars determined the content of total and true protein in potato tubers. The highest total and true protein was accumulated by tubers of the Bartek cultivar, and the least by the Honorata cultivar.
Genetic Variability in the Italian Heavy Draught Horse from Pedigree Data and Genomic Information
Authors: Mancin Enrico , Ablondi Michela , Mantovani Roberto , Pigozzi Giuseppe , Sabbioni Alberto , Sartori Cristina
Published: July 2020

This study aimed to investigate the genetic diversity in the Italian Heavy Horse Breed from pedigree and genomic data. Pedigree information for 64,917 individuals were used to assess inbreeding level, effective population size (Ne), and effective numbers of founders and ancestors (fa/fe). Genotypic information from SNP markers were available for 267 individuals of both sexes, and it allowed estimating genomic inbreeding in two methods (observed versus expected homozygosity and from ROH) to study the breed genomic structure and possible selection signatures. Pedigree and genomic inbreeding were greatly correlated (0.65 on average). The inbreeding trend increased over time, apart from periods in which the base population enlarged, when Ne increased also. Recent bottlenecks did not occur in the genome, as fa/fe have shown. The observed homozygosity results were on average lower than expected, which was probably due to the use of French Breton stallions to support the breed genetic variability. High homozygous regions suggested that inbreeding increased in different periods. Two subpopulations were distinguished, which was probably due to the different inclusion of French animals by breeders. Few selection signatures were found at the population level, with possible associations to disease resistance. The almost low inbreeding rate suggested that despite the small breed size, conservation actions are not yet required.
Regulatory Roles of SREBF1 and SREBF2 in Lipid Metabolism and Deposition in Two Chinese Representative Fat-Tailed Sheep Breeds
Authors: Liang Chen , Qiao Liying , Han Yongli , Liu Jianhua , Zhang Jianhai , Liu Wenzhong
Published: July 2020

Sterol regulatory element binding proteins (SREBPs) can regulate the lipid homeostasis by regulating its target genes, which are crucial for the cholesterol and fatty acid metabolism. However, the transcriptional regulation role of SREBPs in fat-tailed sheep is unclear. In this study, two Chinese representative breeds of total 80 fat-tailed sheep were employed, serum triglyceride, total cholesterol (TC), non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and mRNA expressions of SREBF1 and SREBF2 in seven different adipose tissues and liver were examined in sheep at the ages of 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 months, respectively. The subcellular localization and function of SREBP1/2 were predicted through bioinformatics approaches. The results demonstrated that serum TC and NEFA levels among breeds were significantly different, and most serum indices were dynamically altered in an age-dependent manner. The mRNA expression profiling of SREBF1 and SREBF2 are breed-specific with temporal and spatial expressions differences. Further analysis shows that SREBF1/2 transcriptional levels and tail traits are closely related. All investigations simplify that SREBF1/2 play a crucial role in lipid metabolism and deposition during growth and development of the fat-tailed sheep, which also provides a novel insight for revealing the genetic mechanism of different tail type and meat quality.
Hybrid Versus Autochthonous Turkey Populations: Homozygous Genomic Regions Occurrences Due to Artificial and Natural Selection
Authors: Strillacci Maria Giuseppina , Marelli Stefano Paolo , Martinez-Velazquez Guillermo
Published: July 2020

The Mexican turkey population is considered to be the descendant of the original domesticated wild turkey and it is distinct from hybrid strains obtained by the intense artificial selection activity that has occurred during the last 40 years. In this study 30 Mexican turkeys were genomically compared to 38 commercial hybrids using 327,342 SNP markers in order to elucidate the differences in genome variability resulting from different types of selection, i.e., only adaptive for Mexican turkey, and strongly directional for hybrids. Runs of homozygosity (ROH) were detected and the two inbreeding coefficients (F and FROH) based on genomic information were calculated. Principal component and admixture analyses revealed two different clusters for Mexican turkeys (MEX_cl_1 and MEX_cl_2) showing genetic differentiation from hybrids (HYB) (FST equal 0.168 and 0.167, respectively). A total of 3602 ROH were found in the genome of the all turkeys populations. ROH resulted mainly short in length and the ROH_island identified in HYB (n = 9), MEX_cl_1 (n = 1), and MEX_cl_2 (n = 2) include annotated genes related to production traits: abdominal fat (percentage and weight) and egg characteristics (egg shell color and yolk weight). F and FROH resulted correlated to each other only for Mexican populations. Mexican turkey genomic variability allows us to separate the birds into two subgroups according to the geographical origin of samples, while the genomic homogeneity of hybrid birds reflected the strong directional selection occurring in this population.
Short-, Medium- and Long-Term Metabolic Responses of Adult Meat Ewes Subjected to Nutritional and β-Adrenergic Challenges
Authors: González-García Eliel , Alhamada Moutaz , Debus Nathalie , Menassol Jean-Baptiste , Tesnière Anne , Gonçalves Vero Jéssica , Barboza Bruna , Bocquier François
Published: July 2020

Shortage and refeeding situations lead to switches in metabolic pathways induced by undernutrition and body energy reserve (BR) replenishment cycles. In a 122-d experiment, 36 adult Merinos d’Arles ewes were chosen and first accustomed to diet ingredients (i.e., wheat straw, pelleted alfalfa and sugar beet pulp) and the facility environment for 22 d. Then, ewes were randomly assigned to one of three “diet challenge” treatments during 50 d, (control, underfed and overfed; 12 ewes each) corresponding to 100%, 70% or 160% of energy requirements allowances, respectively. Then, a “refeeding challenge” was applied the last 50 d (i.e., diets adjusted with the same ingredients). An individual monitoring of body weight (BW), body condition score (BCS) and energy metabolism was carried out. The last day, a “ß-adrenergic challenge” was applied. Anabolic or catabolic responses were accompanied by synchronized metabolic regulations, leading to contrasting metabolic and BR profiles. Average BW and BCS were higher and lower in overfed and underfed ewes, respectively, which was proportional to lower and higher BR mobilization dynamics. Higher plasma free fatty acids (FFA) were accompanied by lower blood insulin, leptin and glucose levels. After refeeding, a rebound in BW and BCS were observed, and FFA were drastically reduced in underfed ewes. No differences were detected in plasma FFA at the end of the study, but the lipolytic activity was different and contrasted with the adipose tissue mass.
Analysis of Gastrointestinal Responses Revealed Both Shared and Specific Targets of Zinc Oxide and Carbadox in Weaned Pigs
Authors: Hung Yuan-Tai , Hu Qiong , Faris Richard J. , Guo Juanjuan , Urriola Pedro E. , Shurson Gerald C. , Chen Chi , Saqui-Salces Milena
Published: July 2020

Antibiotics and pharmacological zinc supplementation were commonly used as growth promoters for several decades in the swine industry before being limited because of public health and environmental concerns. Further, the physiological and metabolic responses associated with their growth promotion effects are unclear. To characterize these responses induced by pharmacological zinc supplementation (2500 mg/kg) and carbadox (55 mg/kg), 192 post-weaning pigs were fed basal and test diets for 43 days. Compared with basal, pharmacological zinc and carbadox independently improved growth performance. Pharmacological zinc increased gastric mucosa thickness compared with basal zinc, while carbadox increased intestinal villus:crypt ratio compared with non-carbadox. Pharmacological zinc and carbadox independently reduced interleukin (IL)-1β concentration compared with basal zinc and non-carbadox. Pharmacological zinc increased IL-1RA:IL-1 ratio by 42% compared with basal zinc, while carbadox tended to increase the IL-10 and IL10:IL-12 ratio compared with non-carbadox. Carbadox increased fecal concentrations of histidine and lysine compared with non-carbadox. The independent effect of pharmacological zinc and carbadox on morphology and nutrient metabolism, and their shared effect on immunity may contribute to the additive effect on growth promotion. These results further confirmed the concept that growth promotion is multifactorial intervention. Therefore, elucidating growth-promoting effects and searching for alternatives should include wide-spectrum evaluation.
Antibiotic Prescribing to Patients with Infectious and Non-Infectious Indications Admitted to Obstetrics and Gynaecology Departments in Two Tertiary Care Hospitals in Central India
Authors: Machowska Anna , Landstedt Kristoffer , Stålsby Lundborg Cecilia , Sharma Megha
Published: July 2020

Background: Patients admitted to obstetrics and gynaecology (OBGY) departments are at high risk of infections and subsequent antibiotic prescribing, which may contribute to antibiotic resistance (ABR). Although antibiotic surveillance is one of the cornerstones to combat ABR, it is rarely performed in low- and middle-income countries. Aim: To describe and compare antibiotic prescription patterns among the inpatients in OBGY departments of two tertiary care hospitals, one teaching (TH) and one nonteaching (NTH), in Central India. Methods: Data on patients’ demographics, diagnoses and prescribed antibiotics were collected prospectively for three years. Patients were divided into two categories- infectious and non-infectious diagnosis and were further divided into three groups: surgical, nonsurgical and possible-surgical indications. The data was coded based on the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical classification system, and the International Classification of Disease system version-10 and Defined Daily Doses (DDDs) were calculated per 1000 patients. Results: In total, 5558 patients were included in the study, of those, 81% in the TH and 85% in the NTH received antibiotics (p < 0.001). Antibiotics were prescribed frequently to the inpatients in the nonsurgical group without any documented bacterial infection (TH-71%; NTH-75%). Prescribing of broad-spectrum, fixed-dose combinations (FDCs) of antibiotics was more common in both categories in the NTH than in the TH. Overall, higher DDD/1000 patients were prescribed in the TH in both categories. Conclusions: Antibiotics were frequently prescribed to the patients with no documented infectious indications. Misprescribing of the broad-spectrum FDCs of antibiotics and unindicated prescribing of antibiotics point towards threat of ABR and needs urgent action. Antibiotics prescribed to the inpatients having nonbacterial infection indications is another point of concern that requires action. Investigation of underlying reasons for prescribing antibiotics for unindicated diagnoses and the development and implementation of antibiotic stewardship programs are recommended measures to improve antibiotic prescribing practice.
Research on Sentiment Classification of Online Travel Review Text
Authors: Chen Wen , Xu Zhiyun , Zheng Xiaoyao , Yu Qingying , Luo Yonglong
Published: July 2020

In recent years, the number of review texts on online travel review sites has increased dramatically, which has provided a novel source of data for travel research. Sentiment analysis is a process that can extract tourists’ sentiments regarding travel destinations from online travel review texts. The results of sentiment analysis form an important basis for tourism decision making. Thus far, there has been minimal concern as to how sentiment analysis methods can be effectively applied to improve the effect of sentiment analysis. However, online travel review texts are largely short texts characterized by uneven sentiment distribution, which makes it difficult to obtain accurate sentiment analysis results. Accordingly, in order to improve the sentiment classification accuracy of online travel review texts, this study transformed sentiment analysis into a multi-classification problem based on machine learning methods, and further designed a keyword semantic expansion method based on a knowledge graph. Our proposed method extracts keywords from online travel review texts and obtains the concept list of keywords through Microsoft Knowledge Graph. This list is then added to the review text to facilitate the construction of semantically expanded classification data. Our proposed method increases the number of classification features used for short text by employing the huge corpus of information associated with the knowledge graph. In addition, this article introduces online travel review text preprocessing, keyword extraction, text representation, sampling, establishment classification labeling, and the selection and application of machine learning-based sentiment classification methods in order to build an effective sentiment classification model for online travel review text. Experiments were implemented and evaluated based on the English review texts of four famous attractions in four countries on the TripAdvisor website. Our experimental results demonstrate that the method proposed in this paper can be used to effectively improve the accuracy of the sentiment classification of online travel review texts. Our research attempts to emphasize and improve the methodological relevance and applicability of sentiment analysis for future travel research.
Influence of the Improvement in Thermal Expectation Levels with Adaptive Setpoint Temperatures on Energy Consumption
Authors: Bienvenido-Huertas David , Sánchez-García Daniel , Rubio-Bellido Carlos , Pulido-Arcas Jesús A.
Published: July 2020

A sustainable use of active heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems is crucial for minimum energy consumption. Currently, research studies are increasingly applying adaptive setpoint temperatures, thus reducing considerably the energy consumption without influencing comfort levels excessively. Most of them, however, are focused on the limit values of adaptive comfort standards without considering the tolerance in users’ adaptation capacity. This research study analyzed various tolerance ranges in the recent adaptive thermal comfort model from EN 16798-1:2019 used in setpoint temperatures. The study focused on the south of Europe, considering 47 cities in Spain, 18 cities in Portugal, 13 cities in Greece, and 20 cities in Italy. In addition, such cities were analyzed in three climate scenarios: present time, 2050, and 2100. The results showed that values prefixed by EN 16798-1:2019 for new buildings (tolerance of 0.00 °C) produced significant savings with respect to the static model and that each progressive improvement in users’ thermal expectations in 0.25 °C increased the energy consumption between 6.57 and 9.31% in all scenarios analyzed. Even applying a thermal tolerance of 1.50 °C, energy savings are currently produced with respect to the static model. This tendency increases in future scenarios until a thermal tolerance of 1.75 °C. The results of this paper provide greater knowledge about the possible energy increase that the improvement in users’ expectations would produce.
Tentative Investigations on Reducing the Edge Effects in Pre-Polishing the Optics
Authors: Ke Xiaolong , Qiu Lei , Wang Chunjin , Wang Zhenzhong
Published: July 2020

The material removal depth in the pre-polishing stage of the precision optics is usually tens of microns to remove the subsurface damage and grinding marks left by the previous grinding process. This processing of the upstand edge takes a large part of the time at this stage. The purpose of this paper is to develop a method that can reduce the edge effect and largely shorten the processing time of the pre-polishing stage adopting the semirigid (SR) bonnet. The generation of the edge effect is presented based on the finite element analysis of the contact pressure at the edge zone firstly. Then, some experimentations on the edge effect are conducted, and the results proved that the SR bonnet tool can overhang the workpiece edge in the pre-polishing stage to reduce the width and height of the upstand edge to largely shorten the subsequent processing time of it. In addition, there exists a perfect overhang ratio, which generates the upstand edge with the smallest width and height, with no damage to the bonnet tool in the meantime. In addition, one combination of the pre-polishing parameters is concluded according to this method, which can be safely adopted in practical process.
NESO-Based Path Following Control for Underactuated Hovercrafts with Unknown Nonlinear Uncertainties and a Safety Limit Constraint
Authors: Wang Yuanhui , Tong Haiyan , Ren Hongliang
Published: July 2020

In this brief, the path following control problem of underactuated hovercrafts subject to nonlinear time-varying uncertainties and a safety limit constraint (SLC) is addressed. A novel homogenous nonlinear extended state observer (NESO)-based safe motion controller for a path following control scenario of underactuated hovercrafts is proposed. First, a NESO is constructed to estimate and compensate the nonlinear time-varying uncertainties for the underactuated hovercraft. Then, a NESO-based backstepping sliding mode control (BSMC) law with a turning SLC is proposed to achieve the yaw control for underactuated hovercrafts, which improves both safety and maneuverability of the underactuated hovercraft during the path following control scenario. The nonlinear time-varying turning SLC is first directly taken into the control system design, which is achieved by introducing an auxiliary dynamic system to limit the virtual input control during the backstepping design process. A NESO-based backstepping surge control law is also designed to achieve the surge control for underactuated hovercrafts. Furthermore, all error signals of the proposed closed-loop control system are proven to be bounded. Finally, an application case is tested on an underactuated hovercraft to illustrate the effectiveness and superiority of the designed control scheme.
A Clustering-Based Bubble Method for Generating High-Quality Tetrahedral Meshes of Geological Models
Authors: Wang Bowen , Sun Yingjie , Xu Nengxiong , Mei Gang
Published: July 2020

High-quality mesh generation is critical in the finite element analysis of displacements and stabilities of geological bodies. In this paper, we propose a clustering-based bubble method for generating high-quality tetrahedral meshes of geological models. The proposed bubble method is conducted based on the spatial distribution of the point set of given surface meshes using the clustering method. First, the inputted geological models consisting of triangulated surface meshes are divided into several parts based on spatial distribution of point set, which can be used for the determination of the positions and radii of initial bubbles. Second, a procedure based on distance of nearby bubbles is used to obtain the initial size of bubbles. Third, by enforcing the forces acting on bubbles, all bubbles inside the 3D domain reach an equilibrium state by the motion control equations. Finally, the center nodes of the bubbles can form a high-quality node distribution in the domain, and then the required tetrahedral mesh is generated. Comparative benchmarks are presented to demonstrate that the proposed method is capable of generating highly well-shaped tetrahedral meshes of geological models.
Receive/Transmit Aperture Selection for 3D Ultrasound Imaging with a 2D Matrix Transducer
Authors: Mozaffarzadeh Moein , Soozande Mehdi , Fool Fabian , Pertijs Michiel A. P. , Vos Hendrik J. , Verweij Martin D. , Bosch Johan G. , de Jong Nico
Published: July 2020

Recently, we realized a prototype matrix transducer consisting of 48 rows of 80 elements on top of a tiled set of Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs) implementing a row-level control connecting one transmit/receive channel to an arbitrary subset of elements per row. A fully sampled array data acquisition is implemented by a column-by-column (CBC) imaging scheme (80 transmit-receive shots) which achieves 250 volumes/second (V/s) at a pulse repetition frequency of 20 kHz. However, for several clinical applications such as carotid pulse wave imaging (CPWI), a volume rate of 1000 per second is needed. This allows only 20 transmit-receive shots per 3D image. In this study, we propose a shifting aperture scheme and investigate the effects of receive/transmit aperture size and aperture shifting step in the elevation direction. The row-level circuit is used to interconnect elements of a receive aperture in the elevation (row) direction. An angular weighting method is used to suppress the grating lobes caused by the enlargement of the effective elevation pitch of the array, as a result of element interconnection in the elevation direction. The effective aperture size, level of grating lobes, and resolution/sidelobes are used to select suitable reception/transmission parameters. Based on our assessment, the proposed imaging sequence is a full transmission (all 80 elements excited at the same time), a receive aperture size of 5 and an aperture shifting step of 3. Numerical results obtained at depths of 10, 15, and 20 mm show that, compared to the fully sampled array, the 1000 V/s is achieved at the expense of, on average, about two times wider point spread function and 4 dB higher clutter level. The resulting grating lobes were at −27 dB. The proposed imaging sequence can be used for carotid pulse wave imaging to generate an informative 3D arterial stiffness map, for cardiovascular disease assessment.
Emerging Contact-Killing Antibacterial Strategies for Developing Anti-Biofilm Dental Polymeric Restorative Materials
Authors: Mitwalli Heba , Alsahafi Rashed , Balhaddad Abdulrahman A. , Weir Michael D. , Xu Hockin H. K. , Melo Mary Anne S.
Published: July 2020

Polymeric materials are the first choice for restoring tooth cavities, bonding tooth-colored fillings, sealing root canal systems, and many other dental restorative applications. However, polymeric materials are highly susceptible to bacterial attachment and colonization, leading to dental diseases. Many approaches have been investigated to minimize the formation of biofilms over polymeric restorative materials and at the tooth/material interfaces. Among them, contact-killing compounds have shown promising results to inhibit dental biofilms. Contact-killing compounds can be immobilized within the polymer structure, delivering a long-lasting effect with no leaching or release, thus providing advantages compared to release-based materials. This review discusses cutting-edge research on the development of contact-killing compounds in dental restorative materials to target oral pathogens. Contact-killing compounds in resin composite restorations, dental adhesives, root canal sealers, denture-based materials, and crown cements have all demonstrated promising antibacterial properties. Contact-killing restorative materials have been found to effectively inhibit the growth and activities of several oral pathogens related to dental caries, periodontal diseases, endodontic, and fungal infections. Further laboratory optimization and clinical trials using translational models are needed to confirm the clinical applicability of this new generation of contact-killing dental restorative materials.
Spatial Phylogenetics, Biogeographical Patterns and Conservation Implications of the Endemic Flora of Crete (Aegean, Greece) under Climate Change Scenarios
Authors: Kougioumoutzis Konstantinos , Kokkoris Ioannis P. , Panitsa Maria , Trigas Panayiotis , Strid Arne , Dimopoulos Panayotis
Published: July 2020

Human-induced biodiversity loss has been accelerating since the industrial revolution. The climate change impacts will severely alter the biodiversity and biogeographical patterns at all scales, leading to biotic homogenization. Due to underfunding, a climate smart, conservation-prioritization scheme is needed to optimize species protection. Spatial phylogenetics enable the identification of endemism centers and provide valuable insights regarding the eco-evolutionary and conservation value, as well as the biogeographical origin of a given area. Many studies exist regarding the conservation prioritization of mainland areas, yet none has assessed how climate change might alter the biodiversity and biogeographical patterns of an island biodiversity hotspot. Thus, we conducted a phylogenetically informed, conservation prioritization study dealing with the effects of climate change on Crete’s plant diversity and biogeographical patterns. Using several macroecological analyses, we identified the current and future endemism centers and assessed the impact of climate change on the biogeographical patterns in Crete. The highlands of Cretan mountains have served as both diversity cradles and museums, due to their stable climate and high topographical heterogeneity, providing important ecosystem services. Historical processes seem to have driven diversification and endemic species distribution in Crete. Due to the changing climate and the subsequent biotic homogenization, Crete’s unique bioregionalization, which strongly reminiscent the spatial configuration of the Pliocene/Pleistocene Cretan paleo-islands, will drastically change. The emergence of the ‘Anthropocene’ era calls for the prioritization of biodiversity-rich areas, serving as mixed-endemism centers, with high overlaps among protected areas and climatic refugia.
Effect of Methionine Diet on Time-Related Metabolic and Histopathological Changes of Rat Hippocampus in the Model of Global Brain Ischemia
Authors: Kovalska Maria , Hnilicova Petra , Kalenska Dagmar , Tomascova Anna , Adamkov Marian , Lehotsky Jan
Published: July 2020

Hyperhomocysteinemia (hHcy) represents a strong risk factor for atherosclerosis-associated diseases, like stroke, dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. A methionine (Met)-rich diet leads to an elevated level of homocysteine in plasma and might cause pathological alterations across the brain. The hippocampus is being constantly studied for its selective vulnerability linked with neurodegeneration. This study explores metabolic and histo-morphological changes in the rat hippocampus after global ischemia in the hHcy conditions using a combination of proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy and magnetic resonance-volumetry as well as immunohistochemical analysis. After 4 weeks of a Met-enriched diet at a dose of 2 g/kg of animal weight/day, adult male Wistar rats underwent 4-vessel occlusion lasting for 15 min, followed by a reperfusion period varying from 3 to 7 days. Histo-morphological analyses showed that the subsequent ischemia-reperfusion insult (IRI) aggravates the extent of the sole hHcy-induced degeneration of the hippocampal neurons. Decreased volume in the grey matter, extensive changes in the metabolic ratio, deeper alterations in the number and morphology of neurons, astrocytes and their processes were demonstrated in the hippocampus 7 days post-ischemia in the hHcy animals. Our results suggest that the combination of the two risk factors (hHcy and IRI) endorses and exacerbates the rat hippocampal neurodegenerative processes.
The Evaluation of a Mind-Body Intervention (MBT-T) for Stress Reduction in Academic Settings: A Pilot Study
Authors: Cozzolino Mauro , Vivo Deborah R. , Girelli Laura , Limone Pierpaolo , Celia Giovanna
Published: July 2020

This study is aimed at evaluating the outcomes of mind-body transformation therapy (MBT-T), previously known as the creative psychosocial genomic healing experience© (CPGHE). The intervention was aimed at reducing the perceived level of stress in two non-clinical groups of students with different educational levels and different expertise in the domain of well-being. Whereas participants from the first group were first-year university students, participants from the second group were students attending a post-graduate program in psychotherapy. All participants (n = 159) were exposed to a single session of MBT-T, each group in a separate session. The results of two paired-samples t-tests, conducted separately on the two samples, showed that there was a statistically significant reduction in the participants’ perceived level of stress between pre- and post-intervention states in both samples (t88 = 5.39, p < 0.001; t53 = 4.56, p < 0.001 respectively). The results, therefore, showed that a single session of MBT-T was beneficial in reducing the perceived level of stress in both first-year university students and students attending a post-graduate program in psychotherapy, regardless of educational level and expertise in the domain of well-being.
Mathematical Modeling of MPNs Offers Understanding and Decision Support for Personalized Treatment
Authors: Ottesen Johnny T. , Pedersen Rasmus K. , Dam Marc J. B. , Knudsen Trine A. , Skov Vibe , Kjær Lasse , Andersen Morten
Published: July 2020

(1) Background: myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are slowly developing hematological cancers characterized by few driver mutations, with JAK2V617F being the most prevalent. (2) Methods: using mechanism-based mathematical modeling (MM) of hematopoietic stem cells, mutated hematopoietic stem cells, differentiated blood cells, and immune response along with longitudinal data from the randomized Danish DALIAH trial, we investigate the effect of the treatment of MPNs with interferon-α2 on disease progression. (3) Results: At the population level, the JAK2V617F allele burden is halved every 25 months. At the individual level, MM describes and predicts the JAK2V617F kinetics and leukocyte- and thrombocyte counts over time. The model estimates the patient-specific treatment duration, relapse time, and threshold dose for achieving a good response to treatment. (4) Conclusions: MM in concert with clinical data is an important supplement to understand and predict the disease progression and impact of interventions at the individual level.
Ligation of MHC Class II Induces PKC-Dependent Clathrin-Mediated Endocytosis of MHC Class II
Authors: Masaki Kento , Hiraki Yuhji , Onishi Hiroka , Satoh Yuka , Roche Paul A. , Tanaka Satoshi , Furuta Kazuyuki
Published: July 2020

In addition to antigen presentation to CD4+ T cells, aggregation of cell surface major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC-II) molecules induces signal transduction in antigen presenting cells that regulate cellular functions. We previously reported that crosslinking of MHC-II induced the endocytosis of MHC-II, which was associated with decreased surface expression levels in murine dendritic cells (DCs) and resulted in impaired activation of CD4+ T cells. However, the downstream signal that induces MHC-II endocytosis remains to be elucidated. In this study, we found that the crosslinking of MHC-II induced intracellular Ca2+ mobilization, which was necessary for crosslinking-induced MHC-II endocytosis. We also found that these events were suppressed by inhibitors of Syk and phospholipase C (PLC). Treatments with a phorbol ester promoted MHC-II endocytosis, whereas inhibitors of protein kinase C (PKC) suppressed crosslinking-induced endocytosis of MHC-II. These results suggest that PKC could be involved in this process. Furthermore, crosslinking-induced MHC-II endocytosis was suppressed by inhibitors of clathrin-dependent endocytosis. Our results indicate that the crosslinking of MHC-II could stimulate Ca2+ mobilization and induce the clathrin-dependent endocytosis of MHC-II in murine DCs.
Measurements of Mobile Blockchain Execution Impact on Smartphone Battery
Authors: Bardinova Yulia , Zhidanov Konstantin , Bezzateev Sergey , Komarov Mikhail , Ometov Aleksandr
Published: July 2020

This is a data descriptor paper for a set of the battery output data measurements during the turned on display discharge process caused by the execution of modern mobile blockchain projects on Android devices. The measurements were executed for Proof-of-Work (PoW) and Proof-of-Activity (PoA) consensus algorithms. In this descriptor, we give examples of Samsung Galaxy S9 operation while a broader range of measurements is available in the dataset. Examples provide the data about battery output current, output voltage, temperature, and status. We also show the measurements obtained utilizing short-range (IEEE 802.11n) and cellular (LTE) networks. This paper describes the proposed dataset and the method employed to gather the data. To provide a further understanding of the dataset’s nature, an analysis of the collected data is also briefly presented. This dataset may be of interest to both researchers from information security and human–computer interaction fields and industrial distributed ledger/blockchain developers.
Prenatal Prediction of Outcome by Fetal Gastroschisis in a Tertiary Referral Center
Authors: Nitzsche Katharina , Fitze Guido , Rüdiger Mario , Birdir Cahit
Published: July 2020

: The aim of this study was to find a prenatal parameter to be able to predict possible prenatal complications or postnatal surgical options, thus allowing the fetal medicine specialist, together with pediatric surgeons and neonatologists, to improve the counseling of the parents and to determine the timing of delivery and therapy. This was a retrospective analysis of prenatal diagnosis and outcome of fetuses with 34 cases of gastroschisis between the years 2007 and 2017. A total of 34 fetuses with gastroschisis were examined and 33 outcomes registered: 22 cases of simple gastroschisis (66.7%) and 11 cases of complex gastroschisis (33.3%). A cut-off value of 18 mm for intraabdominal bowel dilatation (IABD) showed a positive predictive value (PPV) of 100% for predicting simple gastroschisis. IABD gives the best prediction for simple versus complex gastroschisis (cut-off of 18 mm). Extra-abdominal bowel dilatation (EABD) cut-off values of 10 mm and 18 mm showed low sensitivity and specificity to predict complex gastroschisis.
Bounds on the Sum-Rate of MIMO Causal Source Coding Systems with Memory under Spatio-Temporal Distortion Constraints
Authors: Stavrou Photios A. , Østergaard Jan , Skoglund Mikael
Published: July 2020

In this paper, we derive lower and upper bounds on the OPTA of a two-user multi-input multi-output (MIMO) causal encoding and causal decoding problem. Each user’s source model is described by a multidimensional Markov source driven by additive i.i.d. noise process subject to three classes of spatio-temporal distortion constraints. To characterize the lower bounds, we use state augmentation techniques and a data processing theorem, which recovers a variant of rate distortion function as an information measure known in the literature as nonanticipatory ϵ-entropy, sequential or nonanticipative RDF. We derive lower bound characterizations for a system driven by an i.i.d. Gaussian noise process, which we solve using the SDP algorithm for all three classes of distortion constraints. We obtain closed form solutions when the system’s noise is possibly non-Gaussian for both users and when only one of the users is described by a source model driven by a Gaussian noise process. To obtain the upper bounds, we use the best linear forward test channel realization that corresponds to the optimal test channel realization when the system is driven by a Gaussian noise process and apply a sequential causal DPCM-based scheme with a feedback loop followed by a scaled ECDQ scheme that leads to upper bounds with certain performance guarantees. Then, we use the linear forward test channel as a benchmark to obtain upper bounds on the OPTA, when the system is driven by an additive i.i.d. non-Gaussian noise process. We support our framework with various simulation studies.
Using Convolutional Neural Networks Based on a Taguchi Method for Face Gender Recognition
Authors: Lin Cheng-Jian , Li Yu-Chi , Lin Hsueh-Yi
Published: July 2020

In general, a convolutional neural network (CNN) consists of one or more convolutional layers, pooling layers, and fully connected layers. Most designers adopt a trial-and-error method to select CNN parameters. In this study, an AlexNet network with optimized parameters is proposed for face image recognition. A Taguchi method is used for selecting preliminary factors and experiments are performed through orthogonal table design. The proposed method filters out factors that are significantly affected. Finally, experimental results show that the proposed Taguchi-based AlexNet network obtains 87.056% and 98.72% average accuracy of image gender recognition in the CIA and MORPH databases, respectively. In addition, the average accuracy of the proposed Taguchi-based AlexNet network is 1.576% and 3.47% higher than that of the original AlexNet network in CIA and MORPH databases, respectively.
Detecting Permafrost in Plateau and Mountainous Areas by Airborne Transient Electromagnetic Sensing
Authors: Su Benyu , Rao Rongfu , Li Zhixiong , Song Lei , Yue Jianhua
Published: July 2020

Transportation has become a key bottleneck which restricts economic development in Western China. However, during the construction of the western railway, the permafrost problem has plagued railway construction on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, and has not yet been resolved. Accurately identifying permafrost by geophysical method is the most effective means to solve this problem. However, the mountainous and plateau terrain in Western China impose huge challenges in collecting geophysical data. To address this issue, this paper proposes an airborne transient electromagnetic method to collect geophysical electromagnetic data to identify permafrost in the mountains and plateaus of Western China. Based on Maxwell’s equations, the forward model of the airborne electromagnetic was derived, and the finite element method was used to calculate the two-dimensional (2D) space electromagnetic responses of different permafrost geo-electrical models. Furthermore, a coupling function was constructed to estimate the distribution of the resistivity of the permafrost by the least-squares fitting algorithm. Comparison between inversion resistivity distribution and the geo-electrical model showed that the proposed airborne transient electromagnetic method was valid for exploring the permafrost in the mountains and the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau in Western China.
Effect of Oxygen for Enhancing the Gas Storage Performance of Activated Green Carbon
Authors: Jang Hyun-Seok , Lee Chang Yeon , Jeon Jun Woo , Jung Won Taek , Hong Won G. , Lee Sang Moon , Kim Haejin , Mun Junyoung , Kim Byung Hoon
Published: July 2020

We investigated the gas storage capacity of thermally carbonized and chemically activated Phyllostachys bambusoides (PB), which is a nature-derived green carbon with an organic porous structure. Samples were thermally treated at 900 °C for 24 h, and then were chemically activated with different amounts of KOH. The pore distribution, surface area, and H2 storage capacity were measured by N2 and H2 gas sorption, up to 847 mmHg (1.13 bar) at 77 K. The CO2 storage capacity was measured up to 847 mmHg (1.13 bar) at 298 K. The maximum gas storage was shown in the sample activated with 6 times gravimetric ratio of chemical agent. It reached 1.86 wt% for H2 and 3.44 mmol/g for CO2. We used multilateral analysis methods (XRD, XPS, Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscope) to identify the factors influencing gas sorption. We found that the amount of oxygen groups influence the enhancement of gas storage capacity. Moreover, the results showed that PB-based porous activated carbon has the potential to be used as a multirole gas storage material.
15 kVA Three-Phase Low-Voltage SOP Prototype Laboratory Tests Results
Authors: Pidancier Thomas , Bozorg Mokhtar , Roggo Dominique , Favre-Perrod Patrick , Carpita Mauro
Published: July 2020

In this paper, a 15 kVA soft open point converter is presented. The converter design and manufacturing have been presented in previous papers. The aim of this paper was to show the results of the devices in a full-scale laboratory environment, Gridlab, made of four distribution LV feeders, each rated 40 A. The tests demonstrated the good dynamics of the SOP control and its usefulness in performing a suitable PQ control. They also showed an improvement in the voltage profile and in the load capacity of the overall network. In the final part of the paper, the feedback earned during the development and the test of this first prototype are presented. This feedback will benefit the team for the design of a new improved 50 kVA version.
Low Cost Simple Look-Up Table-Based PMSM Drive Considering DC-Link Voltage Variation
Authors: Kim Do-Yun , Lee Jung-Hyo
Published: July 2020

This paper proposes a permanent magnet synchronous machine (PMSM) table-based torque control method considering a variable DC-link voltage that can be used in a low cost DSP. The current reference generation based on two-dimensional look-up table (2D-LUT) is widely used for PMSM drives used in industrial applications because of its torque control performance and operation stability. In general, a 2D-LUT is established based on the flux and torque to overcome the variation in DC-link voltage. However, this method requires a flux estimator for estimating the instantaneous flux, which is defined as a division of the operating speed used to obtain the flux data. Therefore, to obtain the operating flux, a variable division calculation or complex controller is used, which can be difficult to process through a low cost digital signal processor. In this paper, a novel look-up table-based control method that uses the newly established speed-torque 2D-LUT is proposed. This 2D-LUT inherently implements data on the d-/q-axis currents throughout the operating regions, not only the speed and torque, but also the DC-link voltage variation. The proposed method was verified through an experiment on the torque control a variation in the DC-link voltage.
Development and Parameters Analysis of Hydraulic Controlled Rotary Valve Excitation System
Authors: Li Wenjing , Gong Guofang , Zhang Yakun , Liu Jian , Chen Yuxi , Wang Fei
Published: July 2020

Electro-hydraulic excitation systems are key equipment in various industries. Electric motor driving rotary valves are mostly used in existing systems. However, due to the separate design of the driving and hydraulic parts, highly compact integration cannot be achieved by these type of systems. Moreover, investigation on the influence of relevant parameters on the system has been insufficient in previous studies. To overcome these problems, a novel full electro-hydraulic excitation system scheme as well as a parameters analysis are presented in this paper. Theoretical models of the flow areas for valve orifices of different geometric shapes are obtained, based on which an AMESim® simulation model of the system is established. The effects of the main parameters are analyzed using numerical simulations, and the coupling relationship of the parameters is revealed. The results demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method. Experimental studies were conducted to verify the effectiveness of the proposed system scheme and the analysis results. We found that a highly compact integration can be obtained while maintaining a high reversing frequency. We also found that the proposed system has a certain level of load adaptability, which is superior to the existing methods.
Plant Fibre Crafts Production, Trade and Income in Eswatini, Malawi and Zimbabwe
Authors: Thondhlana Gladman , Pullanikkatil Deepa , Shackleton Charlie M.
Published: July 2020

The production of plant fibre products is considered a promising pathway for contributing to people’s livelihoods particularly in developing countries, where economic options might be limited. However, there are limited comparative studies across countries on plant fibre products, making it difficult to examine how local and broader biophysical, socioeconomic, cultural and policy contexts influence craft production patterns in terms of primary plant resources used, products made and contributions to livelihoods. Using household surveys for data collection, this paper presents findings from a comparative analysis of plant fibre craft production and income in three southern African countries, Eswatini, Malawi and Zimbabwe. Although there was commonality in terms of the constraints experienced across the three countries, there were pronounced differences in the types and quantity of products and income between and within countries. The average gross monthly income from craft sales was modest and of the same order of magnitude across the three countries but 50% higher in Zimbabwe (US$75 ± 135) than in Eswatini (US$56 ± 71) and Malawi (US$48 ± 168). High craft income was associated with long experience in craft production, quantity of craft products and access to bulk buyers while old age, more income sources, high education level and bigger households yielded low craft income. Although craft income tended to be low, the economic contexts in these countries characterised by high levels of poverty, craft income represents an important livelihood source. Implications for policy interventions are discussed.
The Effect of Non-Saccharomyces and Saccharomyces Non-Cerevisiae Yeasts on Ethanol and Glycerol Levels in Wine
Authors: Ivit Nedret Neslihan , Longo Rocco , Kemp Belinda
Published: July 2020

Non-Saccharomyces and Saccharomyces non-cerevisiae studies have increased in recent years due to an interest in uninoculated fermentations, consumer preferences, wine technology, and the effect of climate change on the chemical composition of grapes, juice, and wine. The use of these yeasts to reduce alcohol levels in wines has garnered the attention of researchers and winemakers alike. This review critically analyses recent studies concerning the impact of non-Saccharomyces and Saccharomyces non-cerevisiae on two important parameters in wine: ethanol and glycerol. The influence they have in sequential, co-fermentations, and solo fermentations on ethanol and glycerol content is examined. This review highlights the need for further studies concerning inoculum rates, aeration techniques (amount and flow rate), and the length of time before Saccharomyces cerevisiae sequential inoculation occurs. Challenges include the application of such sequential inoculations in commercial wineries during harvest time.