bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental Method for Evaluating the Reactivity of Alkali-Carbonate Reaction Activity
Authors: Liu Xiang , Mao Zhongyang , Yi Lei , Fan Zhiyuan , Zhang Tao , Huang Xiaojun , Deng Min , Tang Mingshu
Published: April 2022

The main aim of this study was focused on the Method of testing alkali-carbonate reaction activity to avoid alkali-carbonate reaction damage. In this paper, the alkali-carbonate reaction activity and alkali-silica reaction activity of ten kinds of aggregates were determined and analysed by existing standards and methods, by making specimens with aggregates of 2.5–5 mm and 5–10 mm particle size, cured in 1 mol/L tetramethyl ammonium hydroxide solution at 60 °C and 80 °C. Tetramethyl ammonium hydroxide solution was used to exclude the expansion caused by alkali-silica reaction. Effects of aggregate particle size and curing temperature on the expansion of samples were systematically investigated to determine alkali-carbonate reactivity of aggregates. In order to explore the relationship between stress and strain of aggregates, these aggregates were prepared into compacted bodies to test their stress and try to discover the pattern. The results showed that the expansion of the mould specimen prepared by the aggregate of 5–10 mm particle size, cured in 1 mol/L tetramethyl ammonium hydroxide solution at 80 °C was greater than 0.1% after 42 days, which could be used as a reference criterion to determine the alkali-carbonate reaction activity of the aggregate. In addition, the expansion stress test suggest that the alkali-carbonate reaction can generate expansion stress. The expansion stress of aggregates with alkali-carbonate reaction activity were much larger than that of aggregates without alkali-carbonate reaction activity. Through SEM and EDX analysis of the products of the alkali-carbonate reaction, it was shown that the dolomite crystals in the dolomitic aggregates reacted with the TMAH solution and resulted in alkali-carbonate reaction, forming calcite and brucite.
Efficient Adsorption-Assisted Photocatalysis Degradation of Congo Red through Loading ZIF-8 on KI-Doped TiO2
Authors: Liu Zhechen , Zhang Wanqi , Zhao Xilong , Sheng Xianliang , Hu Zichu , Wang Qiang , Chen Zhangjing , Wang Sunguo , Zhang Xiaotao , Wang Ximing
Published: April 2022

Zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) was evenly loaded on the surface of TiO2 doped with KI, using a solvent synthesis method, in order to produce a ZIF-8@TiO2 (KI) adsorption photocatalyst with good adsorption and photocatalytic properties. The samples were characterized by XRD, SEM, EDX, XPS, BET and UV-Vis. The photocatalytic efficiency of the material was obtained by photocatalytic tests. The results indicate that the doping with I inhibited the grain growth and reduced the crystallite size of TiO2, reduced the band gap width and improved the utilization rate for light. TiO2 (KI) was a single crystal of anatase titanium dioxide. The combination of ZIF-8 and TiO2 (KI) improved the specific surface area and increased the reaction site. The ZIF-8@TiO2 (KI) for Congo red was investigated to validate its photocatalytic performance. The optimal concentration of Congo red solution was 30 mg/L, and the amount of catalyst was proportional to the degradation efficiency. The degradation efficiency of ZIF-8@TiO2 (5%KI) was 76.42%, after being recycled four times.
3D-Printed Patient-Specific Casts for the Distal Radius in Children: Outcome and Pre-Market Survey
Authors: Lazzeri Simone , Talanti Emiliano , Basciano Simone , Barbato Raffaele , Fontanelli Federico , Uccheddu Francesca , Servi Michaela , Volpe Yary , Vagnoli Laura , Amore Elena , Marzola Antonio , McGreevy Kathleen S. , Carfagni Monica
Published: April 2022

Background: Orthopaedic and Trauma surgery is expected to undergo profound transformation as a result of the adoption of 3D technology. Among the various applications, patient specific manufacturing of splints and casts would appear to be, particularly in children, an interesting implementation. This study aims to assess the safety of patient specific 3D casts obtained with a newly developed 3D-scanning devise in a small case series. We therefore conducted a clinical outcome and pre-marketing study in 10 consecutive patients with distal radius fractures treated at an Academic Level I Pediatric Trauma Center. After the application of the 3D cast, patients underwent three consecutive evaluations in the following 21 days. The main outcome measurements were: pain, skin lesions and general comfort, and acceptance of the cast. The three domains were measured with the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), the NPUAP/EPUAP classification and the Positive affect-Negative affect Scale for Children (PANAS-C), the Self-Assessment Manikin (SAM) clinical psychology tests and a Likert-type five item questionnaire, respectively. A final mechanical analysis of the cast was carried out to confirm product integrity. Results: The results obtained were consistently positive in the investigated domains of general comfort, efficacy of contention and mechanical integrity of the 3D-printed cast as well as in the practicability of the supply chain. Conclusions: This study provides Level IV evidence that patient specific 3D printed casts obtained with a specifically designed software were safe in the management of “buckle” fractures of the distal radius in children. These results encourage to extend the technology to the treatment of more demanding fractures.
Bertrand and Mannheim Curves of Spherical Framed Curves in a Three-Dimensional Sphere
Authors: Takahashi Masatomo , Yu Haiou
Published: April 2022

We investigated differential geometries of Bertrand curves and Mannheim curves in a three-dimensional sphere. We clarify the conditions for regular spherical curves to become Bertrand and Mannheim curves. Then, we concentrate on Bertrand and Mannheim curves of singular spherical curves. As singular spherical curves, we considered spherical framed curves. We define Bertrand and Mannheim curves of spherical framed curves. We give conditions for spherical framed curves to become Bertrand and Mannheim curves.
An Automata-Based Cardiac Electrophysiology Simulator to Assess Arrhythmia Inducibility
Authors: Serra Dolors , Romero Pau , Garcia-Fernandez Ignacio , Lozano Miguel , Liberos Alejandro , Rodrigo Miguel , Bueno-Orovio Alfonso , Berruezo Antonio , Sebastian Rafael
Published: April 2022

Personalized cardiac electrophysiology simulations have demonstrated great potential to study cardiac arrhythmias and help in therapy planning of radio-frequency ablation. Its application to analyze vulnerability to ventricular tachycardia and sudden cardiac death in infarcted patients has been recently explored. However, the detailed multi-scale biophysical simulations used in these studies are very demanding in terms of memory and computational resources, which prevents their clinical translation. In this work, we present a fast phenomenological system based on cellular automata (CA) to simulate personalized cardiac electrophysiology. The system is trained on biophysical simulations to reproduce cellular and tissue dynamics in healthy and pathological conditions, including action potential restitution, conduction velocity restitution and cell safety factor. We show that a full ventricular simulation can be performed in the order of seconds, emulate the results of a biophysical simulation and reproduce a patient’s ventricular tachycardia in a model that includes a heterogeneous scar region. The system could be used to study the risk of arrhythmia in infarcted patients for a large number of scenarios.
Securing IoT-Empowered Fog Computing Systems: Machine Learning Perspective
Authors: Ahanger Tariq Ahamed , Tariq Usman , Ibrahim Atef , Ullah Imdad , Bouteraa Yassine , Gebali Fayez
Published: April 2022

The Internet of Things (IoT) is an interconnected network of computing nodes that can send and receive data without human participation. Software and communication technology have advanced tremendously in the last couple of decades, resulting in a considerable increase in IoT devices. IoT gadgets have practically infiltrated every aspect of human well-being, ushering in a new era of intelligent devices. However, the rapid expansion has raised security concerns. Another challenge with the basic approach of processing IoT data on the cloud is scalability. A cloud-centric strategy results from network congestion, data bottlenecks, and longer response times to security threats. Fog computing addresses these difficulties by bringing computation to the network edge. The current research provides a comprehensive review of the IoT evolution, Fog computation, and artificial-intelligence-inspired machine learning (ML) strategies. It examines ML techniques for identifying anomalies and attacks, showcases IoT data growth solutions, and delves into Fog computing security concerns. Additionally, it covers future research objectives in the crucial field of IoT security.
Association between Hip Center Position and Isokinetic Hip Muscle Performance after Anterolateral Muscle-Sparing Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Tanaka Hidetatsu , Yamada Norikazu , Kurishima Hiroaki , Mori Yu , Aizawa Toshimi
Published: April 2022

Background and objectives: The superior placement of the acetabular cup induced the delayed recovery of abductor muscle moment after total hip arthroplasty (THA) with a conventional posterior approach. The anterior-based muscle-sparing (ABMS) THA effectively reduces soft tissue damage, including muscles. The influence of hip center position on anterior-based muscle-sparing (ABMS) total hip arthroplasty (THA) for post-operative hip muscle strength was unclear. We evaluate whether the hip center position affects the recovery of hip muscle strength after ABMS THA. Materials and Methods: The study was performed as a retrospective cohort study, and included 38 hips in 38 patients that underwent primary ABMS THA. Muscle strength was measured using isokinetic dynamometry before the operation, and at 6 and 12 months after surgery. The horizontal and vertical centers of rotation (H-COR and V-COR), vertical shift (V-shift), leg length, and global femoral offset were determined radiographically in reference to a previous report. Results: A weak negative correlation was observed between abduction muscle strength at 6 months and V-shift; a V-shift more than 15 mm demonstrated significantly decreased abductor muscle strength at 6 months. Conclusions: The superior placement of the hip center caused delayed recovery of abductor muscle strength in hips with anterolateral minimally invasive THA. There seems to exist no biomechanical reason why the same should not also be the case for the muscle-sparing approach.
Modeling the Amino Acid Effect on Glucagon Secretion from Pancreatic Alpha Cells
Authors: Zmazek Jan , Grubelnik Vladimir , Markovič Rene , Marhl Marko
Published: April 2022

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a burdensome problem in modern society, and intensive research is focused on better understanding the underlying cellular mechanisms of hormone secretion for blood glucose regulation. T2DM is a bi-hormonal disease, and in addition to 100 years of increasing knowledge about the importance of insulin, the second hormone glucagon, secreted by pancreatic alpha cells, is becoming increasingly important. We have developed a mathematical model for glucagon secretion that incorporates all major metabolic processes of glucose, fatty acids, and glutamine as the most abundant postprandial amino acid in blood. In addition, we consider cAMP signaling in alpha cells. The model predictions quantitatively estimate the relative importance of specific metabolic and signaling pathways and particularly emphasize the important role of glutamine in promoting glucagon secretion, which is in good agreement with known experimental data.
The First Five Years of the Operational Runs of the Numerical Tools for Hurricane Forecast (NTHF) during the North Atlantic Tropical Cyclone Season
Authors: Pérez-Alarcón Albenis , Fernández-Alvarez José C.
Published: April 2022

In this study, we evaluated the ability of the Numerical Tools for Hurricane Forecast (NTHF) system, operational at the Department of Meteorology of the Higher Institute of Technologies and Applied Sciences, University of Havana, Cuba, for forecasting the intensity and trajectory of the North Atlantic (NATL) tropical cyclones (TCs). To assess the ability of the NTHF system in the first five years (2016–2020) of operational runs, we used the best tracks from the National Hurricane Center HURDAT2 database. The errors in the track forecast increased linearly from 41 km at 6 h to 356 km at 120 h. In addition, NTHF underestimates the intensity of TCs, especially those that reach Category 3+ hurricanes on the Saffir–Simpson wind scale. Overall, the mean absolute error in forecasting the maximum wind speed (minimum pressure) ranged from 26.5 km/h (7 hPa) to 33.7 km/h (11.7 hPa). Moreover, the highest BIAS in the intensity forecast was found in the first 48 h, suggesting that model initialization is the main driver of NTHF errors in the forecast maximum wind speed and the minimum central pressure of TCs in the North Atlantic Basin.
The Human Mycobiome in Chronic Respiratory Diseases: Current Situation and Future Perspectives
Authors: de Dios Caballero Juan , Cantón Rafael , Ponce-Alonso Manuel , García-Clemente Marta María , Gómez G. de la Pedrosa Elia , López-Campos José Luis , Máiz Luis , del Campo Rosa , Martínez-García Miguel Ángel
Published: April 2022

Microbes play an important role in the pathogenesis of chronic lung diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis, non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis, and asthma. While the role of bacterial pathogens has been extensively studied, the contribution of fungal species to the pathogenesis of chronic lung diseases is much less understood. The recent introduction of next-generation sequencing techniques has revealed the existence of complex microbial lung communities in healthy individuals and patients with chronic respiratory disorders, with fungi being an important part of these communities’ structure (mycobiome). There is growing evidence that the components of the lung mycobiome influence the clinical course of chronic respiratory diseases, not only by direct pathogenesis but also by interacting with bacterial species and with the host’s physiology. In this article, we review the current knowledge on the role of fungi in chronic respiratory diseases, which was obtained by conventional culture and next-generation sequencing, highlighting the limitations of both techniques and exploring future research areas.
Evaluation of Antimicrobial Resistance in Salmonella Strains Isolated from Food, Animal and Human Samples between 2017 and 2021 in Southern Italy
Authors: Alessiani Alessandra , Goffredo Elisa , Mancini Maria , Occhiochiuso Gilda , Faleo Simona , Didonna Antonella , Fischetto Rita , Suglia Federica , De Vito Danila , Stallone Antonella , D’Attoli Luigi , Donatiello Adelia
Published: April 2022

Salmonella enterica is one of the most common causes of foodborne infection in the world, and the most common one in Italy. Italy collaborates with the other EU member states to survey the antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella on a large scale. This study on the situation in Apulia and Basilicata provides a more focused point of view on the territory, and anticipates the data reported in future Italian reports. Antimicrobial resistance was detected using the MIC detection method, with EUVSEC® plates, on the strains collected between 2017 and 2021. The results of serotyping showed that Salmonella Infantis is the serovar that has increased the most over time in veterinary samples, while Salmonella Tyhimurium and its monophasic variant are the most isolated in human samples. The results of the antimicrobial resistance study comply with European data, showing high resistance to quinolones, tetracyclines, ampicillin and trimethoprim, and low resistance to colistin and cephems. The significant exception was that all strains were resistant to sulphametoxazole. The presence of MDRs, which was 85% in veterinary and 77.4% in human strains, often included critically important antibiotics, which is a sign that more study and action is needed to manage the use of antibiotics.
Characterization of Ingested Plastic Microparticles Extracted from Sea Turtle Post-Hatchlings at Necropsy
Authors: Beigzadeh Keon , Rieland Julie M. , Eastman Catherine B. , Duffy David J. , Love Brian J.
Published: April 2022

Inadvertent consumption of latent microplastics is a lethal challenge for developing creatures in aquatic environments. There are compelling needs to classify which kinds of plastics are most likely to be encountered by sea creatures and to develop mitigation strategies to reduce exposure. We analyzed an ensemble of microplastic particle fragments isolated from sea turtle post-hatchlings to identify their composition and other features and attributes. These microplastic particles were likely consumed by post-hatchlings because of the adsorbed biofilm formation mimicking normal food sources. Of the hundreds of particles that were collected, 30 were selected for analysis using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and density assessment to identify them compared with other compositional libraries. These thermophysical measurements were also compared with observational assessments via optical microscopy. Of the particles tested, nearly all were polyolefins such as polyethylene and polypropylene. The melting points of the extracted polymers were typically lower than for product grades of these resins, indicative of some level of degradation. Spectral analysis by FTIR often showed absorption indicative of new chemistries likely from both hydrolysis and biofilm growth observed on the surface that was subsequently investigated through surface abrading. Separate assessments of density of these particles were conducted and tended to reinforce identification via FTIR and DSC. The density results can be misleading if additives, fillers or biofilms that form alter the particle density relative to those of the neat resins. We suggest that since post-hatchlings commonly feed in the neritic or nearshore environment, less dense polymers are more likely to convey, thereby threatening sea turtle hatchlings who consume them inadvertently.
Solving Familiar Problems: Leveraging Environmental Testing Methods for Nanomaterials to Evaluate Microplastics and Nanoplastics
Authors: Petersen Elijah Joel , Kennedy Alan James , Hüffer Thorsten , von der Kammer Frank
Published: April 2022

The potential environmental and human health risks from microplastic (1 µm to 1 mm) and nanoplastic (<1 µm) particles (MNPs) is receiving increasing attention from scientists and the public [...]
Triiron Tetrairon Phosphate (Fe7(PO4)6) Nanomaterials Enhanced Flavonoid Accumulation in Tomato Fruits
Authors: Wang Zhenyu , Le Xiehui , Cao Xuesong , Wang Chuanxi , Chen Feiran , Wang Jing , Feng Yan , Yue Le , Xing Baoshan
Published: April 2022

Flavonoids contribute to fruit sensorial and nutritional quality. They are also highly beneficial for human health and can effectively prevent several chronic diseases. There is increasing interest in developing alternative food sources rich in flavonoids, and nano-enabled agriculture provides the prospect for solving this action. In this study, triiron tetrairon phosphate (Fe7(PO4)6) nanomaterials (NMs) were synthesized and amended in soils to enhance flavonoids accumulation in tomato fruits. 50 mg kg−1 of Fe7(PO4)6 NMs was the optimal dose based on its outstanding performance on promoting tomato fruit flavonoids accumulation. After entering tomato roots, Fe7(PO4)6 NMs promoted auxin (IAA) level by 70.75 and 164.21% over Fe-EDTA and control, and then up-regulated the expression of genes related to PM H+ ATPase, leading to root proton ef-flux at 5.87 pmol cm−2 s−1 and rhizosphere acidification. More Mg, Fe, and Mn were thus taken up into plants. Subsequently, photosynthate was synthesized, and transported into fruits more rapidly to increase flavonoid synthesis potential. The metabolomic and transcriptomic profile in fruits further revealed that Fe7(PO4)6 NMs regulated sucrose metabolism, shi-kimic acid pathway, phenylalanine synthesis, and finally enhanced flavonoid biosynthesis. This study implies the potential of NMs to improve fruit quality by enhancing flavonoids synthesis and accumulation.
Demonstration of Efficient Ultrathin Side-Emitting InGaN/GaN Flip-Chip Light-Emitting Diodes by Double Side Reflectors
Authors: Kim Tae Kyoung , Islam Abu Bashar Mohammad Hamidul , Cha Yu-Jung , Oh Seung Hyun , Kwak Joon Seop
Published: April 2022

This work proposes an InGaN/GaN multiple-quantum-well flip-chip blue ultrathin side-emitting (USE) light-emitting diode (LED) and describes the sidewall light emission characteristics for the application of backlight units in display technology. The USE-LEDs are fabricated with top (ITO/distributed Bragg reflector) and bottom (Ag) mirrors that cause light emission from the four sidewalls in a lateral direction. The effect of light output power (LOP) on lateral direction is consistently investigated for improving the optoelectronic performances of USE-LEDs. Initially, the reference USE-LED suffers from very low LOP because of poor light extraction efficiency (LEE). Therefore, the LEE is improved by fabricating ZnO nanorods at each sidewall through hydrothermal method. The effects of ZnO nanorod lengths and diameters on LOP are systematically investigated for optimizing the dimensions of ZnO nanorods. The optimized ZnO nanorods improve the LEE of USE-LED, which thus results in increasing the LOP > 80% compared to the reference LED. In addition, the light-tools simulator is also used for elucidating the increase in LEE of ZnO nanorods USE-LED.
Autumn Tillage Reduces the Effect of Plant Cover on Topsoil Nitrogen Leaching
Authors: Miranda-Vélez Jorge F. , Vogeler Iris
Published: April 2022

Keeping cover crops to reduce nitrogen leaching often conflicts with timing tillage operations before the soil becomes un-trafficable during winter, while leaving cover crops in the field until spring raises concerns over pre-emptive competition with the following crop. Therefore, farmers may resort to tilling their fields in autumn after letting cover crops remain in the fields for only a short period of time. We explore the effects of this practice in a laboratory lysimeter setting by analyzing the leaching of nitrate from intact topsoil cores. Cores were extracted from no-till (NT) plots and plots tilled in autumn (AuT), in areas kept bare (B) and with volunteer winter rye plant cover (V) after harvest. Nitrate breakthrough curves show that V significantly reduced N leaching by 61% relative to B in NT, but did not have a significant effect in AuT. Dissection of leached cores and undisturbed reference cores indicated a significant removal of mineral N from the soil during the lysimeter experiment for all treatments except V in NT. This indicates that volunteer cover removed a crucial amount of leachable N and suggests that tillage counteracted the effect of V in AuT, likely due to a combination of reduced uptake and re-mineralization of N in cover crop residue.
Desiccation-Tolerance of Mycobacterium avium, Mycobacterium intracellulare, Mycobacterium chimaera, Mycobacterium abscessus and Mycobacterium chelonae
Authors: Falkinham Joseph O. , Williams Myra D.
Published: April 2022

Desiccation-tolerance of cells of four strains of Mycobacterium chimaera and individual strains of Mycobacterium avium, Mycobacterium intracellulare, Mycobacterium abscessus, and Mycobacterium chelonae were measured by two methods. The survival of water-acclimated cells both in filter paper and on the surface of stainless-steel coupons were measured. In filter paper at 40% relative humidity at 25 °C, survival of patient isolates of M. avium and M. chimaera cells was 28% and 34% after 21 days of incubation, whereas it was 100% for the Sorin 3T isolate of M. chimaera. On stainless-steel biofilms after 42 days of incubation at 40% relative humidity at 25 °C, survival of water-acclimated cells of M. intracellulare was above 100%, while M. chelonae cells did not survive beyond 21 days, and survival of water-acclimated cells of M. avium and M. abscessus was 18% and 14%, respectively. On stainless-steel coupons, survival of patient and Sorin 3T isolates of M. chimaera was quite similar, specifically between 14% and 28% survival, after 42 days of incubation at 40% relative humidity at 25 °C. The experiments would support the hypothesis that some nontuberculous mycobacterial species are relatively desiccation-tolerant, whereas others are not. Further, long-term survival of the two M. chimaera strains is consistent with the presence of that species in Sorin 3T heater-coolers shipped throughout the world.
Relativity 4-ever?
Authors: Chashchina Olga , Silagadze Zurab
Published: April 2022

This essay is about superluminal motion. It is generally believed that special relativity prohibits movements faster than the speed of light. It is explained which motion is actually forbidden by special relativity and why. Tachyons are breafly discussed and it is explained that, due to internal instability, tachyon fields cannot be used to transmit information faster than the speed of light. However, as John Stuart Bell remarked, “what is proved by the impossibility proofs is lack of imagination”. Inspired by the Frenkel–Kontorova model of crystal dislocations, we demonstrate the way to overcome the light speed barrier by introducing elvisebrions. Elvisebrions are defined as objects that can exist in the case when some hidden sectors, very weakly interacting with the visible sector, are either not Lorentz invariant, or Lorentz invariant but with different limiting velocities. In this case, elvisebrions can move in a superluminal manner without violating our existing physical models.
Different Forms and Proportions of Exogenous Nitrogen Promote the Growth of Alfalfa by Increasing Soil Enzyme Activity
Authors: Zhao Yi , Wang Yuqiang , Sun Shengnan , Liu Wentao , Zhu Ling , Yan Xuebing
Published: April 2022

Nitrogen fertilization is a simple and effective field management strategy for increasing plant productivity, but the regulatory mechanisms of nitrogen forms and proportions on soil nutrients and plant growth remain unclear. Therefore, we investigated soil enzyme activities and nutrient contents of alfalfa under different forms and proportions of exogenous nitrogen addition. Results showed that nitrogen input significantly increased the activity of three oxidoreductases (hydroxylamine reductase, nitrate reductase, and nitrite reductase) while having no significant effects on urease. A high proportion of ammonium nitrogen significantly increased neutral protease activity. The amylase activity markedly increased under mixed-nitrogen addition but decreased under single-nitrogen addition. Additionally, the contents of soil nutrients (soil organic matter, total nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, ammonium nitrogen, available phosphorus, and available potassium) were significantly increased under different exogenous nitrogen inputs, which drove the changes in enzyme activities. Further, nitrogen addition also improved the biomass and nitrogen content of alfalfa. These findings indicated that applying different forms and proportions of exogenous nitrogen may stimulate soil enzyme activities, which will accelerate the transformation of nutrients and then promote alfalfa growth.
Recovery from Salinity and Drought Stress in the Perennial Sarcocornia fruticosa vs. the Annual Salicornia europaea and S. veneta
Authors: Calone Roberta , Mircea Diana-Maria , González-Orenga Sara , Boscaiu Monica , Lambertini Carla , Barbanti Lorenzo , Vicente Oscar
Published: April 2022

Current agricultural problems, such as the decline of freshwater and fertile land, foster saline agriculture development. Salicornia and Sarcocornia species, with a long history of human consumption, are ideal models for developing halophyte crops. A greenhouse experiment was set up to compare the response of the perennial Sarcocornia fruticosa and the two annual Salicornia europaea and S. veneta to 30 days of salt stress (watering with 700 mM NaCl) and water deficit (complete withholding of irrigation) separate treatments, followed by 15 days of recovery. The three species showed high tolerance to salt stress, based on the accumulation of ions (Na+, Cl−, Ca2+) in the shoots and the synthesis of organic osmolytes. These defence mechanisms were partly constitutive, as active ion transport to the shoots and high levels of glycine betaine were also observed in non-stressed plants. The three halophytes were sensitive to water stress, albeit S. fruticosa to a lesser extent. In fact, S. fruticosa showed a lower reduction in shoot fresh weight than S. europaea or S. veneta, no degradation of photosynthetic pigments, a significant increase in glycine betaine contents, and full recovery after the water stress treatment. The observed differences could be due to a better adaptation of S. fruticosa to a drier natural habitat, as compared to the two Salicornia species. However, a more gradual stress-induced senescence in the perennial S. fruticosa may contribute to greater drought tolerance in this species.
Multi-Objective Optimization for the Radial Bending and Twisting Law of Axial Fan Blades
Authors: Ding Yanyan , Wang Jun , Jiang Boyan , Li Zhiang , Xiao Qianhao , Wu Lanyong , Xie Bochao
Published: April 2022

The performance of low-pressure axial flow fans is directly affected by the three-dimensional bending and twisting of the blades. A new blade design method is adopted in this work, where the radial distribution of blade angle and blade bending angle is composed of standard-form rational quadratic Bézier curves. Dendrite Net is then trained to predict the pneumatic performance of the fan. A non dominated sorting genetic algorithm is employed to solve the global optimization problem of the total pressure coefficient and efficiency. The simulation results show that the optimal blade load distribution along the radial direction becomes uniform, and the suction surface separation vortex and passage vortex are restrained. On the other hand, the tip leakage vortex is enhanced and moves toward the blade leading edge. According to the experimental results, the maximum efficiency increases by 5.44%, and the maximum total pressure coefficient increases by 2.47% after optimization.
Review on Zigzag Air Classifier
Authors: Kaas Alexandra , Mütze Thomas , Peuker Urs A.
Published: April 2022

The zigzag (ZZ) classifier is a sorting and classification device with a wide range of applications (e.g. recycling, food industry). Due to the possible variation of geometry and process settings, the apparatus is used for various windows of operation due to the specifications of the separation (e.g. cut sizes from 100 µm to several decimetres, compact and fluffy materials as well as foils). Since the ZZ classifier gains more and more interest in recycling applications, it is discussed in this paper, with regards to its design, mode of operation, influencing parameters and the research to date. Research on the ZZ-classifier has been ongoing on for more than 50 years and can be divided into mainly experimental studies and modelling approaches.
Soil Organic Carbon and Its Controlling Factors in the Lakeside of West Mauri Lake along the Wetland Vegetation Types
Authors: Lei Dian , Jiang Lijuan , Wu Xiaofu , Liu Wensheng , Huang Rong
Published: April 2022

There is a huge carbon pool in the lakeside, which is sensitive to environmental changes and can very easily be transformed into a carbon source as land from the lake is reclaimed. In this paper, West Mauri Lake was employed as a case study to examine soil organic carbon (SOC) and its controlling factors along the lakeside. Four transects of land use (i.e., vegetation) types along the landward lakeside were identified as the fluctuation zone, the beach zone, the mesozoic farmland rewetting zone and the xerophytic farmland rewetting zone. With the increase in soil depth, SOC in the lakeside decreased significantly (p < 0.05). SOC had an obvious seasonal variation (p < 0.001), ranking in order: winter (December) > spring (February) > summer (May). Among the aforementioned transects, SOC density differed significantly (p < 0.05), showing a significant increasing trend. Pearson correlation indicated that most soil physiochemical factors showed a significant correlation with SOC (p < 0.01), except total chromium, total copper, total zinc and total phosphorus. The relationship between SOC density and total nitrogen (N) has an obvious “S” curve, and total N accounts for 81% of the variation of SOC, suggesting that total N is the main controlling factor of SOC in the lakeside. The significant difference in SOC along the different vegetation (land use) types implied that land use affects the SOC in the lakeside. The long-term accumulation of N fertilizer after the man-made reclamation and aquaculture obviously controls SOC in the lakeside of West Mauri Lake.
The Orthodox Church, Neosecularisation, and the Rise of Anti-Gender Politics in Bulgaria
Authors: Merdjanova Ina
Published: April 2022

In a recent publication, I introduced the theoretical framework of neosecularisation with regard to the Orthodox Church and society in Bulgaria. I argued that neosecularisation, as a complex process of decline of religion’s importance and the hold of religious authority over the social system, while genealogically different from communist secularisation, explicates patterns of continuity with the communist past. Important aspects of this continuity include the persistent grassroots feminisation of the Church and the co-optation of the Church by the state. Drawing on those theoretical insights, in this paper, I seek to understand the rise of anti-gender politics in Bulgaria since 2018 in relation to the condition of neosecularisation and its impact on the Church. I argue that (neo)secularisation remains a much feared “threat” for the Church and plays a role in ecclesiastical anti-gender mobilisation. However, the Church is not a major factor in anti-gender politics in Bulgaria; the roles of far-right nationalists and certain transnationally connected evangelical actors are to be seriously considered. Furthermore, anti-genderism cannot be understood merely as a religious or cultural backlash. It needs to be discussed as a larger protest movement against liberal democracy’s failure to live up to its promises and against the pathologies of neoliberal globalisation, a movement in which the Orthodox Church is only tangentially involved.
Investigating the Impact of Triangle and Quadrangle Mesh Representations on AGV Path Planning for Various Indoor Environments: With or Without Inflation
Authors: Meysami Ahmadreza , Cuillière Jean-Christophe , François Vincent , Kelouwani Sousso
Published: April 2022

In a factory with different kinds of spatial atmosphere (warehouses, corridors, small or large workshops with varying sizes of obstacles and distribution patterns), the robot’s generated paths for navigation tasks mainly depend on the representation of that environment. Hence, finding the best representation for each particular environment is necessary to forge a compromise between length, safety, and complexity of path planning. This paper aims to scrutinize the impact of environment model representation on the performance of an automated guided vehicle (AGV). To do so, a multi-objective cost function, considering the length of the path, its complexity, and minimum distance to obstacles, is defined for a perfect circular robot. Unlike other similar studies, three types of representation, namely quadrangle, irregular triangle, and varying-size irregular triangle, are then utilized to model the environment while applying an inflation layer to the discretized view. Finally, a navigation scenario is tested for different cell decomposition methods and an inflation layer size. The obtained results indicate that a nearly constant coarse size triangular mesh is a good candidate for a fixed-size robot in a non-changing environment. Moreover, the varying size of the triangular mesh and grid cell representations are better choices for factories with changing plans and multi-robot sizes due to the effect of the inflation layer. Based on the definition of a metric, which is a criterion for quantifying the performance of path planning on a representation type, constant or variable size triangle shapes are the only and best candidate for discretization in about 59% of industrial environments. In other cases, both cell types, the square and the triangle, can together be the best representation.
Deep Learning-Based Approach for Emotion Recognition Using Electroencephalography (EEG) Signals Using Bi-Directional Long Short-Term Memory (Bi-LSTM)
Authors: Algarni Mona , Saeed Faisal , Al-Hadhrami Tawfik , Ghabban Fahad , Al-Sarem Mohammed
Published: April 2022

Emotions are an essential part of daily human communication. The emotional states and dynamics of the brain can be linked by electroencephalography (EEG) signals that can be used by the Brain–Computer Interface (BCI), to provide better human–machine interactions. Several studies have been conducted in the field of emotion recognition. However, one of the most important issues facing the emotion recognition process, using EEG signals, is the accuracy of recognition. This paper proposes a deep learning-based approach for emotion recognition through EEG signals, which includes data selection, feature extraction, feature selection and classification phases. This research serves the medical field, as the emotion recognition model helps diagnose psychological and behavioral disorders. The research contributes to improving the performance of the emotion recognition model to obtain more accurate results, which, in turn, aids in making the correct medical decisions. A standard pre-processed Database of Emotion Analysis using Physiological signaling (DEAP) was used in this work. The statistical features, wavelet features, and Hurst exponent were extracted from the dataset. The feature selection task was implemented through the Binary Gray Wolf Optimizer. At the classification stage, the stacked bi-directional Long Short-Term Memory (Bi-LSTM) Model was used to recognize human emotions. In this paper, emotions are classified into three main classes: arousal, valence and liking. The proposed approach achieved high accuracy compared to the methods used in past studies, with an average accuracy of 99.45%, 96.87% and 99.68% of valence, arousal, and liking, respectively, which is considered a high performance for the emotion recognition model.
Assessment of Pain Onset and Maximum Bearable Pain Thresholds in Physical Contact Situations
Authors: Han Doyeon , Park Moonyoung , Choi Junsuk , Shin Heonseop , Kim Donghwan , Rhim Sungsoo
Published: April 2022

With the development of robot technology, robot utilization is expanding in industrial fields and everyday life. To employ robots in various fields wherein humans and robots share the same space, human safety must be guaranteed in the event of a human–robot collision. Therefore, criteria and limitations of safety need to be defined and well clarified. In this study, we induced mechanical pain in humans through quasi-static contact by an algometric device (at 29 parts of the human body). A manual apparatus was developed to induce and monitor a force and pressure. Forty healthy men participated voluntarily in the study. Physical quantities were classified based on pain onset and maximum bearable pain. The overall results derived from the trials pertained to the subjective concept of pain, which led to considerable inter-individual variation in the onset and threshold of pain. Based on the results, a quasi-static contact pain evaluation method was established, and biomechanical safety limitations on forces and pressures were formulated. The pain threshold attributed to quasi-static contact can serve as a safety standard for the robots employed.
Editorial to the Special Issue “Advances in the Physics of Stars—In Memory of Prof. Yuri N. Gnedin”
Authors: Ikhsanov Nazar R. , Klimchitskaya Galina L. , Mostepanenko Vladimir M.
Published: April 2022

This Special Issue collects articles devoted to various aspects of astrophysics which can be understood as a science investigating stars, galaxies, their types and properties, stages of their evolution, distribution in the Universe and the interstellar and intergalactic media [...]
Higher Antibody Concentrations in U.S. Health Care Workers Associated with Greater Reactogenicity Post-Vaccination
Authors: Dickerson Jane A. , Englund Janet A. , Wang Xing , Brown Julie C. , Zerr Danielle M. , Strelitz Bonnie , Klein Eileen J.
Published: April 2022

Multiple factors may be associated with immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. Factors potentially related to magnitude and durability of response include age, time, and vaccine reactogenicity. This study analyzed SARS-CoV-2 IgG spike antibody responses following the second dose of vaccine in healthcare workers (HCWs). Data were collected from participants enrolled in a longitudinal SARS-CoV-2 serology study over a 12-month period. Participants completed a survey documenting symptoms post-vaccination. Serum specimens were tested for SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies using the Abbott Architect AdvisdeDx SARS-CoV-2 IgGII assay. Antibody levels were compared against time from second vaccine dose, and symptoms following vaccination. Altogether, 335 women (86.6%) and 52 men (13.4%) participated. Median age was 37 years (IQR 30-43). Overall median antibody level was 2150.80 [1246.12, 3556.98] AU/mL (IQR). Age was not associated with antibody concentration (p-value = 0.10). Higher antibody responses (2253 AU/mL vs. 1506 AU/mL; p = 0.008) were found in HCWs with one or more symptoms after the second dose of the vaccine (n = 311). Antibody responses persisted throughout the study period post-vaccination; statistically significant decreases in antibody responses were observed over time (p < 0.001). Higher antibody response was associated with reactogenicity post-vaccine. Age and sex were not associated with higher antibody responses.
Delayed Cutaneous Adverse Reaction of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine in a Breastfed Female Infant: A Coincidence or a Rare Effect?
Authors: Diogo Patrícia , Correia Gil , Martins João B. , Soares Rui , Palma Paulo J. , Santos João Miguel , Gonçalves Teresa
Published: April 2022

The ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vector vaccine (Vaxzevria, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK) was developed at Oxford University and is considered safe for the administration in lactating mothers. Nevertheless, as a novel vaccine, there are gaps in the knowledge regarding possible adverse events in breastfeeding infants of vaccinated mothers. This case report provides first-time data on a possible delayed, cutaneous, adverse reaction in a breastfed, 16-month-old female infant after the first administration of the AstraZeneca vaccine to her 33-year-old mother. Even though, no clinical adverse effects were observed in the mother, her daughter had a 2-day rash in the lower extremities and face. The infant’s cutaneous rashes might be a coincidental event. However, all skin lesions were analogous to previous descriptions and photographs of dermatologic reactions, which resolved spontaneously with no medical intervention, in people who had been vaccinated with other COVID-19 vaccines. Our aim is that this short report contributes to the enhancement of parental awareness about the possibility of similar skin rashes in breastfed children when the mothers receive a vaccination and the importance of reporting those adverse reactions to the competent authorities.
Clinical and Microbiological Performances and Effects on Lipid and Cytokine Production of a Ceruminolytic Ear Cleaner in Canine Erythemato-Ceruminous Otitis Externa
Authors: Moog Fabien , Mivielle Johanna , Brun Jessie , Dumitrache Mirabela Oana , Amalric Nicolas , Lecru Line-Alice , Pressanti Charline , Kondratjeva Jevgenija , Combarros Daniel , Fantini Oscar , Cadiergues Marie Christine
Published: April 2022

Erythemato-ceruminous otitis externa (ECOE) is the most common type of otitis in dogs and is generally associated with bacterial and/or yeast infections. The performance of an ear cleaner was assessed over two weeks in canine ECOE, associated with a mild or moderate secondary infection, in a prospective open-label study. Forty ear canals with ECOE that did not receive any type of aural treatment and were not cleaned for 7 days were included. Pruritus (PS), 0–3 Otitis Index Score (OTIS-3) and 0–4 scale cytology (CYTO) scores were assessed on Day (D) 0, D7 and D14. Concentrations of a panel of 13 cytokines on the ear canal surface and the lipid profile of the exudate were measured on D0 and D14. From D0 to D12 or D13, the dogs’ ears were cleaned daily if the secretion score (SEC) was 3/3, every second day if the score was 2/3 and every third day if the score was 1/3. PS, OTIS-3, SEC and CYTO were significantly lower on D7 compared to baseline (−40%, −31%, −36%, −34%, respectively; p < 0.0001). The same parameters decreased further on D14 (−60%, −53%, −61%, −73%, respectively; p < 0.0001) and amounts of interleukin 8 and chemokine KC-like were also reduced compared to baseline (−45%, p < 0.01; −36%, p = 0.3, respectively). The lipid profile was also modified, with a decrease in free lipids and an increase in bound lipids.
Efficient Multi-Phase Converter for E-Mobility
Authors: Sampath Suresh , Rahiman Zahira , Chenniappan Sharmeela , Sundaram Elango , Subramaniam Umashankar , Padmanaban Sanjeevikumar
Published: April 2022

The recent growth of battery-powered applications has increased the need for high-efficiency step-up dc-dc converters. The step-up conversion is commonly used in several applications, such as electric vehicle (EV); plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV); photovoltaic (PV) systems; uninterruptible power supplies (UPS); and fuel cell systems. The input current is shared among inductors by paralleling the converters; resulting in high reliability and efficiency. In this paper; a detailed analysis for reducing power loss and improving efficiency is discussed. In continuous conduction mode; the converters are tested with a constant duty cycle of 50%. The multi phase interleaved boost converter (MPIBC) is controlled by interleaved switching techniques; which have the same switching frequency but phases are shifted. The efficiency of the six phase IBC model is 93.82% and 95.74% for an input voltage of 20 V and 200 V, respectively. The presented six phase MPIBC is validated by comparing it with the existing six phase IBC. The result shows that the presented converter is better than the existing converter. The prototype of the two phase and six phase IBC is fabricated to test the performance. It is found that the output power at the load end is highest for the 5 kHz switching frequency.