bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Three Distinct Annotation Platforms Differ in Detection of Antimicrobial Resistance Genes in Long-Read, Short-Read, and Hybrid Sequences Derived from Total Genomic DNA or from Purified Plasmid DNA
Authors: Maboni Grazieli , Baptista Rodrigo de Paula , Wireman Joy , Framst Isaac , Summers Anne O. , Sanchez Susan
Published: October 2022

Recent advances and lower costs in rapid high-throughput sequencing have engendered hope that whole genome sequencing (WGS) might afford complete resistome characterization in bacterial isolates. WGS is particularly useful for the clinical characterization of fastidious and slow-growing bacteria. Despite its potential, several challenges should be addressed before adopting WGS to detect antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes in the clinical laboratory. Here, with three distinct ESKAPE bacteria (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter spp.), different approaches were compared to identify best practices for detecting AMR genes, including: total genomic DNA and plasmid DNA extractions, the solo assembly of Illumina short-reads and of Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) long-reads, two hybrid assembly pipelines, and three in silico AMR databases. We also determined the susceptibility of each strain to 21 antimicrobials. We found that all AMR genes detected in pure plasmid DNA were also detectable in total genomic DNA, indicating that, at least in these three enterobacterial genera, the purification of plasmid DNA was not necessary to detect plasmid-borne AMR genes. Illumina short-reads used with ONT long-reads in either hybrid or polished assemblies of total genomic DNA enhanced the sensitivity and accuracy of AMR gene detection. Phenotypic susceptibility closely corresponded with genotypes identified by sequencing; however, the three AMR databases differed significantly in distinguishing mobile dedicated AMR genes from non-mobile chromosomal housekeeping genes in which rare spontaneous resistance mutations might occur. This study indicates that each method employed in a WGS workflow has an impact on the detection of AMR genes. A combination of short- and long-reads, followed by at least three different AMR databases, should be used for the consistent detection of such genes. Further, an additional step for plasmid DNA purification and sequencing may not be necessary. This study reveals the need for standardized biochemical and informatic procedures and database resources for consistent, reliable AMR genotyping to take full advantage of WGS in order to expedite patient treatment and track AMR genes within the hospital and community.
Design, Synthesis and Evaluation of Novel 1,4-Disubstituted Piperazine-2,5-dione Derivatives as Antioxidants against H2O2-Induced Oxidative Injury via the IL-6/Nrf2 Loop Pathway
Authors: Xiong Liang , Wu Hongshan , Zhong Ting , Luo Fang , Li Qing , Li Mei , Fan Yanhua
Published: October 2022

Excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) production leads to oxidative stress in cells, impairing the function of mitochondria and finally inducing cell apoptosis. Considering the essential role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of various neurodegenerative diseases and psychiatric disorders, the discovery of novel antioxidants has attracted increasing attention. Herein, a series of novel 1,4-disubstituted piperazine-2,5-dione derivatives were designed, synthesized and evaluated for their antioxidative activity. The results of the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay indicated that none of the tested compounds showed significant toxicity to SH-SY5Y cells at concentrations up to 80 μM. Cell counting via flow cytometry revealed that most of the tested compounds could effectively protect SH-SY5Y cells from H2O2-induced oxidative damage at 20 μM. Among these compounds, compound 9r exhibited the best antioxidative activity. Further mechanistic investigation indicated that 9r decreased ROS production and stabilized the mitochondrial membrane potential to restrain cell apoptosis, and promoted cell survival via an IL-6/Nrf2 positive-feedback loop. These results suggested the potential of compound 9r as a novel antioxidative candidate for the treatment of diseases caused by oxidative stress.
Effects of Quercetin on the Intestinal Microflora of Freshwater Dark Sleeper Odontobutis potamophila
Authors: Zhu Chenxi , Liu Guoxing , Gu Xiankun , Zhang Tongqing , Xia Aijun , Zheng You , Yin Jiawen , Han Mingming , Jiang Qichen
Published: October 2022

Flavonoids have antimicrobial and anti-oxidation properties. The effects of the flavonoid quercetin on the intestinal microflora of freshwater dark sleeper Odontobutis potamophila were tested for the first time. Odontobutis potamophila juveniles were treated with quercetin for 21 days at one of three concentrations (2.5, 5.0, or 10.0 mg/L) and compared with a control group that was not treated with quercetin. Quercetin improved the stability of the intestinal flora in O. potamophila and the probiotic bacteria Bacillus spp. and Lactobacillus spp. increased in species abundance after the low concentration quercetin treatments. Furthermore, the abundance of pathogenic bacteria Plesiomonas spp., Aeromonas spp., and Shewanella spp. decreased after the fish had been exposed to quercetin. Activity of hepatic antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, SOD), (glutathione S-transferase, GST), (glutathione peroxidase, GSH-Px), and (total antioxidant capacity, T-AOC) increased in the livers of O. potamophila treated with quercetin, thereby increasing their hepatic antioxidant capacity and their ability to scavenge free radicals.
Antioxidant Compound Adsorption in Polyvinylpolypyrrolidone from Chilean Carménère, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot Grape Pomaces as Potential By-Products
Authors: Díaz Nelson , Aqueveque Pedro M. , Vallejos-Almirall Alejandro , Radrigán Rudi , Zúñiga-López María C. , Folch-Cano Christian
Published: October 2022

Grape pomace (GP) is a by-product resulting from the winemaking process and its potential use as a source of bioactive compounds is well known. The GP bioactive compounds can be retained in the well-known polyvinylpolypyrrolidone (PVPP), industrially used in the clarification and stabilization of wine and other drinks. Thus, the polyphenolic compounds (PC) from the Chilean Carménère, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot GP were extracted, and their compositions and antioxidant capacities (ORAC-FL) were determined. In addition, the retention capacity of the PC on PVPP (PC-PVPP) was evaluated. The bioactivities of GP extracts and PC-PVPP were estimated by the agar plate inhibition assay against pathogenic microorganisms. Results showed a high amount of TPC and antioxidant capacity in the three ethanolic GPs extracts. Anthocyanins, flavan-3-ol, and flavonols were the most abundant compounds in the GP extract, with retentions between 70 and 99% on PVPP. The GP extracts showed inhibition activity against B. cereus and P. syringae pv. actinidiae but the GP-PVPP had no antimicrobial activity. The high affinity of the identified PCs from GPs on PVPP polymer could allow the design of new processes and by-products for the food or cosmeceutical industry, promoting a circular economy by reducing and reusing wastes (GPs and PVPP) and organic solvents.
Advances on the Antioxidant Peptides from Nuts: A Narrow Review
Authors: Zhao Fanrui , Liu Chunlei , Bordoni Laura , Petracci Irene , Wu Dan , Fang Li , Wang Ji , Wang Xiyan , Gabbianelli Rosita , Min Weihong
Published: October 2022

Antioxidant peptides extracted from natural foods have been studied for their potential use in the development of additives, nutraceuticals, and therapeutic agents. Nut proteins are considered an excellent source of plant-derived proteins for the human diet, due to their high protein content and digestibility of up to 86.22%. Furthermore, compared with grain and soybean proteins, nut proteins have a special amino acid composition, which makes their protein structure different, and promotes their disparate functional characteristics and great bioactivity potential. This review presents the most remarkable studies on antioxidant peptides from nuts, to gain insights into feasible production methods, different evaluation indexes within in vivo or in vitro systems, high bioavailability, and the complex structure-activity relationship resulting from the particularity of their protein structure and amino acid composition. Previously published studies mainly focused on the effects of the production methods/processes of nut-derived peptides on antioxidant activity, and proved that nut-extracted antioxidant peptides can resist the degradation of acid, alkali, and gastrointestinal enzymes, have high antioxidant activity in vitro and in vivo, and also have the potential to cross small intestinal epithelial cells in a stable and integral manner. However, the structure-activity relationship of antioxidant peptides from nuts has not been fully established, and the structure information of antioxidant peptides obtained from various nut protein sources is still unclear. The findings presented in this review can be used to provide the theoretical basis for the design and production of nut-derived antioxidant peptides.
Diabetic Retinopathy: Are lncRNAs New Molecular Players and Targets?
Authors: Cataldi Simona , Tramontano Mariagiovanna , Costa Valerio , Aprile Marianna , Ciccodicola Alfredo
Published: October 2022

The growing incidence of diabetes mellitus worldwide implies the increasing prevalence of several related macro- (e.g., hypertension and atherosclerosis) and micro-vascular (e.g., nephropathy and retinopathy) complications. Notably, diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the leading cause of blindness in older diabetic patients and can occur with different degrees of severity. Chronic hyperglycemia is the main determinant of the functional damage of retinal cells. The oxidative stress, inflammatory factors and vascular endothelial growth factor signaling have been widely reported as contributors of DR onset and progression, and an emerging role has been described for different classes of non-coding RNA, including several long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). Here, we report the main results of all research articles (i.e., 150) listed on PubMed database from 2014 to 2022 regarding the putative role of lncRNAs in DR, including small nucleolar RNA host genes (SNHGs). Particularly, in this review we describe all lncRNAs and SNHGs with altered expression in DR and related contexts, discussing their association with DR outcomes, their mechanism of action related to DR, the molecular/functional effects, as well as the biological and experimental contexts. Thus, herein we provide an overview of the current state of knowledge regarding the putative involvement of 50 lncRNAs and SNHGs in the pathogenesis of DR, highlighting their potential as therapeutic targets or biomarkers for improving the clinical management of DR.
Reduction of Water Color in a Spinning Disc Reactor
Authors: Iacob-Tudose Eugenia Teodora , Zaharia Carmen , Melniciuc-Puica Nicoleta
Published: October 2022

In this study, spinning disc (SD) technology was successfully applied to a synthetic water to remove its color. The preliminary data performed in a regular mixing system using a potential adsorptive material, i.e., double-layered hydroxide of a ZnAlLDH type, did not provide a significant decrease (no more than 10–15%) in the water color content. Thus, ZnAlLDH (2 g/L) was added to the synthetic water containing 50 mg/L Rosso Remazol RB dye that was subsequently fed onto the spinning disc. The SD efficiency was investigated at four different water-supplying flow rates (5.76, 6.00, 7.44 and 8.16 L/h) and four different disc rotational speeds (100, 250, 500 and 800 rpm). The best color removals of 44.39%, 41.14% and 42.70% were obtained at 6 L/h and 250 rpm, 6 L/h and 500 rpm and 5.76 L/min and 800 rpm, respectively, in only a 50 min working time period. In addition, for a relatively low color concentration in water (~30 mg/L dye) and at the lowest electric power consumption, Fenton oxidation was performed in the SD setup for a more advanced color removal of 62.54% within a 50 min time period. Furthermore, two other materials, titanium and aluminium oxides, underwent similar investigations in the SDR setup, and the obtained results were comparatively discussed. The FTIR spectra of each solid material before and after the SD technology application were used to appreciate the dye-retention performance of each material used. The obtained results indicated that the spinning disc technology correlated with the tested materials could significantly improve the water color (over 40% color reduction), this level of color reduction being higher than that obtained following a coagulation–flocculation test (20–28% color reduction), an ion exchange (25–30% color removal) or a sand filtration step (15–20%) applied to the same dye-based water sample. A further increase in color removal could be achieved by using an additional oxidative step (more than 65% color reduction).
Development and Validation of Two Intact Lumbar Spine Finite Element Models for In Silico Investigations: Comparison of the Bone Modelling Approaches
Authors: Turbucz Mate , Pokorni Agoston Jakab , Szőke György , Hoffer Zoltan , Kiss Rita Maria , Lazary Aron , Eltes Peter Endre
Published: October 2022

Finite element (FE) analyses contribute to a better understanding of the human lumbar spine’s biomechanics and serve as an effective predictive tool. This study aims to present the development of two L1–L5 FE models using literature-based (LBM) and patient-specific (PSM) bone material assignment approaches. The geometry of the lumbar spine was developed based on quantitative computed tomography scans. The LBM and the PSM were compared under pure and combined loads. Various biomechanical parameters were investigated to validate the models. The total range of motion of the LBM in pure flexion-extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation were 30.9°, 29°, and 13.7°, respectively, while for the PSM, it was 31.6°, 28.6°, and 14.1°. The required computational time of the PSM to complete against pure and combined loads were 12.1 and 16.6 times higher on average compared to the LBM. This study demonstrated that both models agree with experimental and in silico results, although the cumulative distribution of the stress and characterization of strain values showed a noteworthy difference between the two models. Based on these findings, the clinically-focused biomechanical FE studies must perceive the differences in internal mechanical parameters and computational demand between the different bone modelling approaches.
Predicting the Young’s Modulus of Rock Material Based on Petrographic and Rock Index Tests Using Boosting and Bagging Intelligence Techniques
Authors: Tsang Long , He Biao , Rashid Ahmad Safuan A , Jalil Abduladheem Turki , Sabri Mohanad Muayad Sabri
Published: October 2022

Rock deformation is considered one of the essential rock properties used in designing and constructing rock-based structures, such as tunnels and slopes. This study applied two well-established ensemble techniques, including boosting and bagging, to the artificial neural networks and decision tree methods for predicting the Young’s modulus of rock material. These techniques were applied to a dataset comprising 45 data samples from a mountain range in Malaysia. The final input variables of these models, including p-wave velocity, interlocking coarse-grained crystals of quartz, dry density, and Mica, were selected through a likelihood ratio test. In total, six models were developed: standard artificial neural networks, boosted artificial neural networks, bagged artificial neural networks, classification and regression trees, extreme gradient boosting trees (as a boosted decision tree), and random forest (as a bagging decision tree). The performance of these models was appraised utilizing correlation coefficient (R), mean absolute error (MAE), and lift chart. The findings of this study showed that, firstly, extreme gradient boosting trees outperformed all models developed in this study; secondly, boosting models outperformed the bagging models.
Tannic Acid-Loaded Hydroxyapatite Carriers for Corrosion Protection of Polyolefin-Coated Carbon Steel
Authors: Raj Roma , Kahraman Ramazan , Shakoor Abdul , Montemor Fatima , Taryba Maryna
Published: October 2022

In this study, pH-sensitive hydroxyapatite particles loaded with tannic acid were incorporated in polyolefin-based coatings for the corrosion protection of carbon steel. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were used to characterize the hydroxyapatite particles loaded with tannic acid (Tannic-HAP). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was employed to study the protective performance of the reference and modified polyolefin coatings. The results suggest that modified coatings showed improved corrosion performance compared to the unmodified coatings. The combination of tannic acid and hydroxyapatite contributed to a more effective protection of coated carbon steel.
A Novel Method of Emotion Recognition from Multi-Band EEG Topology Maps Based on ERENet
Authors: Lv Ziyi , Zhang Jing , Epota Oma Estanislao
Published: October 2022

EEG-based emotion recognition research has become a hot research topic. However, many studies focus on identifying emotional states from time domain features, frequency domain features, and time-frequency domain features of EEG signals, ignoring the spatial information and frequency band characteristics of the EEG signals. In this paper, an emotion recognition method based on multi-band EEG topology maps is proposed by combining the frequency domain features, spatial information, and frequency band characteristics of multi-channel EEG signals. In this method, multi-band EEG topology maps are introduced to present EEG signals, and a novel emotion recognition network, ERENet, is proposed to recognize emotional states from multi-band EEG topology maps. The results on the DEAP dataset show that the performance of ERENet outperforms that of most of the current methods.
Reliable Integrity Preservation Analysis of Video Contents with Support of Blockchain Systems
Authors: Lee Wan Yeon , Choi Yun-Seok
Published: October 2022

In this article, we propose an integrity preservation analysis scheme of video contents working on the blockchain systems. The proposed scheme stores the core points of video contents analysis in the blockchain system permanently so that any user can easily verify the results of the proposed analysis procedure and their reliability. The scheme first examines the codec software characteristics of digital camera devices and video editing tools in advance, and stores them in the blockchain systems. Next, the scheme extracts the codec software characteristic from the target video file and compares it with the prepared characteristics in the blockchain system. With a matched characteristic, the scheme finds out the source camera device or the source video editing tool that generates the target video file. We also propose an integrity preservation trace scheme to record the transformation history of video contents into the blockchain systems. This scheme compares the original video and its transformed video frame by frame, and stores the comparison result with a hash value of the transformed video in the blockchain system. Then, the integrity analysis and transformation history of the target file can be easily searched in the blockchain system, where the hash value of the video file is used as the index of searching operation. We implement the proposed scheme into a practical tool upon a commercial blockchain system, Klaytn. Experimental results show that the proposed scheme carries out the integrity analysis of video contents with 100% accuracy, and provides the transformation history of non-original video contents with 100% accuracy when a proper parameter is given. It is also shown that the proposed scheme completes the integrity analysis within at most one second, and the search operation for transformation history within at most four seconds.
Natural Gum from Flaxseed By-Product as a Potential Stabilizing and Thickening Agent for Acid Whey Fermented Beverages
Authors: Łopusiewicz Łukasz , Dmytrów Izabela , Mituniewicz-Małek Anna , Kwiatkowski Paweł , Kowalczyk Edward , Sienkiewicz Monika , Drozłowska Emilia
Published: October 2022

The valorization of food industry by-products is still a major challenge. Here, we report the production of acid whey fermented beverages stabilized with flaxseed gum (derived from oil industry by-product). Four variants of drinks were prepared: (1) fermented whey (W), (2) fermented whey with milk powder added (5% w/v) (WMP), (3) fermented whey with flaxseed gum added (0.5% w/v) (WFG1) and (4) fermented whey with flaxseed gum added (1.0 % w/v) (WFG2). The beverages were kept in refrigerated conditions (5 ± 1 °C) for 28 days. Alterations in lactic acid bacteria population, pH, titratable acidity, water activity, syneresis, viscosity, acetaldehyde content, color, consumer acceptance, bio-active compounds and antioxidant activity were identified. The findings revealed that flaxseed gum addition significantly enhanced bacteria survivability and improved the viscosity of acid whey at a level comparable with milk powder, meeting consumer acceptance criteria. The beverages were characterized by normative physicochemical properties and showed high antioxidant activity and free amino acids level. The use of valuable by-products from the dairy and oil industries opens up a promising route for the production of innovative beverages, which is in accordance with the principles of circular economy and the idea of zero waste.
Probabilistic Risk Assessment of Soil Slope Stability Subjected to Water Drawdown by Finite Element Limit Analysis
Authors: Wang Xiaobing , Xia Xiaozhou , Zhang Xue , Gu Xin , Zhang Qing
Published: October 2022

This study investigates the probabilistic stability of embankment slopes subjected to water level drawdown using the random field finite element method (RFEM) with strength reduction technology. The shear strength of soil properties was controlled by cohesion and internal friction angle for the slope shear failure. The cohesion and internal friction angle were modeled by a random field following the log-normal distribution. The factor of safety (FOS) for the embankment slope with random soil is calculated by strength reduction technology. During the numerical simulation, the limit analysis upper bound and lower bound method are applied to the finite element method, respectively, to obtain the upper bound and lower bound value of the FOS. Seepage action is also considered during the water drawdown by setting five different water levels (WLs). A total of 1000 Monte Carlo simulations are performed for each work condition, resulting in histograms of the FOSs. The results show that the FOSs obtained by the random field model are all lower than those by the deterministic method. Even if the FOSs obtained by the two methods are close, there still exists the possibility of slope failure. Compared to the deterministic results, the RFEM method is more reasonable for evaluating slope stability.
Improved Combined Metric for Automatic Quality Assessment of Stitched Images
Authors: Okarma Krzysztof , Kopytek Mateusz
Published: October 2022

An automatic quality assessment of stitched images is an essential task in image analysis and is particularly useful not only in the creation of general-purpose panoramic images but also in terrain exploration and mapping made by mobile robots and drones. In Visual Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (VSLAM) solutions, the environment maps acquired by cameras mounted on the mobile robots may be captured in dynamically changing lighting conditions and subject to some other distortions influencing the final quality of the panoramic images representing the robot’s surroundings. Such images may also be used for motion planning and visual navigation for other robots, e.g., in follow-the-leader scenarios. Another relevant application area of panoramic imaging is Virtual Reality (VR), particularly head-mounted displays, where perceived image quality is even more important. Hence, automatic quality evaluations of stitched images should be made using algorithms that are both sensitive to various types of distortions and strongly consistent with subjective quality impression. The approach presented in this paper extends the state-of-the-art metric known as the Stitched Image Quality Evaluator (SIQE) by embedding it with some additional features using the proposed new combination scheme. The developed combined metric based on a nonlinear combination of the SIQE and additional features led to a substantially higher correlation with the subjective quality scores.
Preprocessing and Leaching Methods for Extraction of REE from Permanent Magnets: A Scoping Review
Authors: Papagianni Sotiria , Moschovi Anastasia Maria , Sakkas Konstantinos Miltiadis , Chalaris Michail , Yakoumis Iakovos
Published: October 2022

The demand for REEs is continuously increasing in the European Union due to the rapid development of high-tech applications that contain REEs, mainly those based on electrification. However, the REE supply in Europe is limited because of the exclusive production of these metals by third-world countries. The European supply/demand gap for REEs can be covered with the development of recycling technologies from secondary resources, such as REE permanent magnets. NdFeB and SmCo magnets are the two main categories of REE-containing permanent magnets. In the following work, studies focusing on the preprocessing and leaching methods in order to extract REEs were identified and discussed. Although preprocessing includes controversial steps, i.e., milling and demagnetizing, numerous studies have focused on the leaching of REEs from NdFeB magnets using either inorganic or organic solvents. Meanwhile, the literature based on Sm recovery methods from SmCo magnets has been limited.
The Emissions of Water Vapour and NOx from Modelled Hydrogen-Fuelled Aircraft and the Impact of NOx Reduction on Climate Compared with Kerosene-Fuelled Aircraft
Authors: Khan M. Anwar H. , Brierley Joel , Tait Kieran N. , Bullock Steve , Shallcross Dudley E. , Lowenberg Mark H.
Published: October 2022

A kerosene fuelled aircraft was modelled within a performance tool and fuel burn and the emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and water vapour at different stages of flight throughout the mission were estimated. Adaptions were made to engine and aircraft parameters within the performance tool to accommodate a liquid hydrogen fuel over the same given mission. Once an iterative design process had been completed to ensure the aircraft could perform the given mission, the performance tool was again used to calculate total fuel burn. Fuel burn results alongside predicted emission indices were used to estimate the emissions of NOx, water vapour from hydrogen-fuelled aircraft. The use of hydrogen fuel over kerosene fuel in the modelled aircraft resulted in the removal of carbon-based emission species alongside 86% reduction in NOx and 4.3 times increase in water vapour emission. The climate impact of this switch with the reduction in NOx emission was assessed by a 3D global atmospheric chemistry and transport model, STOCHEM-CRI, which found a significant reduction in the concentration of a potent greenhouse gas, ozone, and an oxidizing agent, OH, by up to 6% and 25%, respectively. The reduction of OH levels could induce a positive radiative forcing effect as the lifetime of another important greenhouse gas, methane, is increased. However, the magnitude of this increase is very small (~0.3%), thus the overall impact of the reduction in NOx emissions is likely to have a net negative radiative forcing effect, improving aviation’s impact on the environment. However, further work is warranted on effects of other emission species, specifically water vapour, particulate matter and unburned hydrogen.
Temporal and Spatial Evolution of Precipitation under the Summer Sprite Parent Mesoscale Convective Systems in Japan
Authors: Suzuki Tomoyuki , Kamogawa Masashi , Fujiwara Hironobu , Hayashi Syugo
Published: October 2022

Transient luminous events (TLEs) are electrical discharges in the upper atmosphere caused by vigorous thunderstorms. Six sprites, which are part of TLEs, were observed on 22 July 2013 from Mt. Fuji (3776 m above sea level), Japan. All the six sprites were associated with intense positive cloud-to-ground strikes (+CGs), whose causative positive charges can reside in the stratiform region. Consequently, we assumed that the main sprites causative charges could generate an in situ charging mechanism, accompanied by precipitation growth in the extensive stratiform region. Thus, we supposed that there can be a relationship between the time sequence of surface precipitation intensity and the sprite emissions. In this study, we conclude that time sequences and horizontal evolution of Mesoscale Convective Systems (MCSs) precipitation are associated with sprites. As the result, prior to sprites 1–5, the areal amount of strong precipitation (≥8 mm/h) increased considerably, and only a small increase occurred during sprite 6. Analyzing the time sequence of the percentage of strong and weak precipitation with respect to the total precipitation, it was found that sprites 1–6 occurred within 20 min after the local peaks with respect to strong precipitation compared to total precipitation. In particular, sprites 2–5 occurred very close to local peaks. The rise time to the first peak of the strong precipitation rate associated with the first sprite was 80 min, while the rise time to the last peak associated with sprite 6 was 30 min. The temporal differences until the peaks suggest that the charging speeds, or mechanisms, related to precipitation differ between sprites 1–5 and sprite 6 in parent MCSs.
Biomass Combustion: Evaluation of POPs Emissions (VOC, PAH, PCB, PCDD/F) from Three Different Biomass Prunings (Olive, Citrus and Grapevine)
Authors: Palma Adriano , Paris Enrico , Carnevale Monica , Vincenti Beatrice , Perilli Mattia , Guerriero Ettore , Cerasa Marina , Proto Andrea R. , Papandrea Salvatore F. , Bonofiglio Roberto , Salerno Mariangela , Gallucci Francesco
Published: October 2022

Agricultural activities lead to the production of large quantities of pruning and residual biomass, the correct disposal of which is a topic of great interest. Unfortunately, although it is an environmentally unacceptable practice, disposal often takes place with uncontrolled combustion in field (open burning). Disposal using biomass boilers produces energy from controlled combustion and the use of abatement systems reduces emissions that are inevitably generated in the combustion processes of solid fuel (CO, CO2, NOx, SO2, PM, etc.). Among the pollutants produced in combustion processes, Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) are one of the most relevant groups of chemicals that must be monitored for their effect on human health and the environment. This paper reports the data obtained for the emissive characterization of POPs of three different wood biomass prunings (Olive, Citrus and Grapevine) focusing on VOCs, PAHs, PCBs, PCDD/Fs. Emissions samplings were performed at the stack during combustion in a 30 kWth boiler equipped with a multicyclone filter bag for PM abatement in an isokinetic mode in accordance with the CEN and ISO standards methods. Through this work, a complete emission profile of VOCs, PAHs, PCBs, and PCDD/Fs of three different biomass types is provided for the first time, showing that the use of biomass boilers produces quantities of pollutants below the regulatory limits and still lower than those produced by open burning phenomena. Citrus has shown, regarding the other two essences, elevated concentrations in terms of Σ PAH = 174.247 ng/m3, while Olive gave higher results in terms of PCBs and PCDD/Fs (respectively, 39.769 and 3390.63 TEQ pg/Nm3). This is probably due to the high concentration of iron in this biomass (711.44 mg/kg), which during combustion is a catalyst (together with copper) of PCDD/Fs.
Monitoring of Gamma Radiation Prior to Earthquakes in a Study of Lithosphere-Atmosphere-Ionosphere Coupling in Northern Tien Shan
Authors: Salikhov Nazyf , Shepetov Alexander , Pak Galina , Nurakynov Serik , Ryabov Vladimir , Saduyev Nurzhan , Sadykov Turlan , Zhantayev Zhumabek , Zhukov Valery
Published: October 2022

Monitoring radiation background in the near-surface atmosphere and gamma rays, geoacoustic emission, and temperature in a borehole at 40 m depth, as well as Doppler sounding on a low-inclined radio pass, proceeded at the Tien Shan mountain station (3340 m a.s.l.) in northern Tien Shan with the common goal of searching for seismogenic effects preceding earthquakes. The flux of gamma rays in the borehole varied negligibly between the days, and it was not influenced by precipitation. Characteristic bay-like drops of the gamma ray flux were found (2–8) days before the M5.0–M6.2 earthquakes. In an M4.2 earthquake event with a 5.3 km epicenter distance, anomalies were detected (7–10) days before the earthquake in variation of the gamma ray flux, geoacoustic emission, and temperature. Simultaneously with gamma rays, a disturbance was detected in the Doppler shift of the ionospheric signal. Similarly, ionosphere disturbances triggered by the growth of radioactivity in the near-surface atmosphere were found in a retrospective analysis of the Doppler shift data acquired after underground nuclear explosions at the Semipalatinsk testing site. This effect is considered from the viewpoint of the lithosphere-atmosphere-ionosphere coupling concept.
Razy: A String Matching Algorithm for Automatic Analysis of Pathological Reports
Authors: Abdul-Jabbar Safa S. , Farhan Alaa K. , Abdelhamid Abdelaziz A. , Ghoneim Mohamed E.
Published: October 2022

Pathology reports are necessary for specialists to make an appropriate diagnosis of diseases in general and blood diseases in particular. Therefore, specialists check blood cells and other blood details. Thus, to diagnose a disease, specialists must analyze the factors of the patient’s blood and medical history. Generally, doctors have tended to use intelligent agents to help them with CBC analysis. However, these agents need analytical tools to extract the parameters (CBC parameters) employed in the prediction of the development of life-threatening bacteremia and offer prognostic data. Therefore, this paper proposes an enhancement to the Rabin–Karp algorithm and then mixes it with the fuzzy ratio to make this algorithm suitable for working with CBC test data. The selection of these algorithms was performed after evaluating the utility of various string matching algorithms in order to choose the best ones to establish an accurate text collection tool to be a baseline for building a general report on patient information. The proposed method includes several basic steps: Firstly, the CBC-driven parameters are extracted using an efficient method for retrieving data information from pdf files or images of the CBC tests. This will be performed by implementing 12 traditional string matching algorithms, then finding the most effective ways based on the implementation results, and, subsequently, introducing a hybrid approach to address the shortcomings or issues in those methods to discover a more effective and faster algorithm to perform the analysis of the pathological tests. The proposed algorithm (Razy) was implemented using the Rabin algorithm and the fuzzy ratio method. The results show that the proposed algorithm is fast and efficient, with an average accuracy of 99.94% when retrieving the results. Moreover, we can conclude that the string matching algorithm is a crucial tool in the report analysis process that directly affects the efficiency of the analytical system.
Hybrid Equalization Topology for Battery Management Systems Applied to an Electric Vehicle Model
Authors: Galvão José Rodolfo , Calligaris Lucas Braggião , de Souza Kawe Monteiro , Gotz Joelton Deonei , Junior Paulo Broniera , Corrêa Fernanda Cristina
Published: October 2022

This paper presents a hybrid equalization (EQ) topology of lithium-ion batteries (LIB). Currently, LIBs are widely used for electric mobility due to their characteristics of high energy density and multiple recharge cycles. In an electric vehicle (EV), these batteries are connected in series and/or parallel until the engine reaches the voltage and energy capacity required. For LIBs to operate safely, a battery management system (BMS) is required. This system monitors and controls voltage, current, and temperature parameters. Among the various functions of a BMS, voltage equalization is of paramount importance for the safety and useful life of LIBs. There are two main voltage equalization techniques: passive and active. Passive equalization dissipates energy, and active equalization transfers energy between the LIBs. The passive has the advantage of being simple to implement; however, it has a longer equalization time and energy loss. Active is complex to implement but has fast equalization time and lower energy loss. This paper proposes the combination of these two techniques to implement simultaneously to control a pack of LIBs, equalizing voltage between stacks and at the cell level. For this purpose, a pack of LIBs was simulated with sixty-four cells connected in series and divided into eight stacks with eight battery cells each. The rated voltage of each cell is 3.7 V, with a capacity of 106 Ah. The total pack has a voltage of 236.8 V and 25 kW. Some LIBs were fitted with different SOC values to simulate an imbalance between cells. In the simulations, different topologies were evaluated: passive and active topology at the cell level and combined active and passive equalization at the pack level. Results are compared as a response time and state of charge (SOC) level. In addition, equalization topologies are applied in an EV model with the FTP75 conduction cycle. In this way, it is possible to evaluate the autonomy of each equalization technique simulated in this work. The hybrid topology active at the stack level and passive at the module level showed promising results in equalization time and autonomy compared with a purely active or passive equalization technique. This combination is a solution to achieve low EQ time and satisfactory SOC when compared to a strictly active or passive EQ.
Implementation of Predictive Algorithms for the Study of the Endarterectomy LOS
Authors: Trunfio Teresa Angela , Borrelli Anna , Improta Giovanni
Published: October 2022

Background: In recent years, the length of hospital stay (LOS) following endarterectomy has decreased significantly from 4 days to 1 day. LOS is influenced by several common complications and factors that can adversely affect the patient’s health and may vary from one healthcare facility to another. The aim of this work is to develop a forecasting model of the LOS value to investigate the main factors affecting LOS in order to save healthcare cost and improve management. Methods: We used different regression and machine learning models to predict the LOS value based on the clinical and organizational data of patients undergoing endarterectomy. Data were obtained from the discharge forms of the “San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d’Aragona” University Hospital (Salerno, Italy). R2 goodness of fit and the results in terms of accuracy, precision, recall and F1-score were used to compare the performance of various algorithms. Results: Before implementing the models, the preliminary correlation study showed that LOS was more dependent on the type of endarterectomy performed. Among the regression algorithms, the best was the multiple linear regression model with an R2 value of 0.854, while among the classification algorithms for LOS divided into classes, the best was decision tree, with an accuracy of 80%. The best performance was obtained in the third class, which identifies patients with prolonged LOS, with a precision of 95%. Among the independent variables, the most influential on LOS was type of endarterectomy, followed by diabetes and kidney disorders. Conclusion: The resulting forecast model demonstrates its effectiveness in predicting the value of LOS that could be used to improve the endarterectomy surgery planning.
Sex Differences in the Neuropsychiatric Effects and Pharmacokinetics of Cannabidiol: A Scoping Review
Authors: Matheson Justin , Bourgault Zoe , Le Foll Bernard
Published: October 2022

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid compound with diverse molecular targets and potential therapeutic effects, including effects relevant to the treatment of psychiatric disorders. In this scoping review, we sought to determine the extent to which sex and gender have been considered as potential moderators of the neuropsychiatric effects and pharmacokinetics of CBD. In this case, 300 articles were screened, retrieved from searches in PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Google Scholar, PsycInfo and CINAHL, though only 12 met our eligibility criteria: eight studies in preclinical models and four studies in humans. Among the preclinical studies, three suggested that sex may influence long-term effects of gestational or adolescent exposure to CBD; two found no impact of sex on CBD modulation of addiction-relevant effects of Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC); two found antidepressant-like effects of CBD in males only; and one found greater plasma and liver CBD concentrations in females compared to males. Among the human studies, two found no sex difference in CBD pharmacokinetics in patient samples, one found greater plasma CBD concentrations in healthy females compared to males, and one found no evidence of sex differences in the effects of CBD on responses to trauma recall in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). No studies were identified that considered the role of gender in CBD treatment effects. We discuss potential implications and current limitations of the existing literature.
Lung Organoids in Smoking Research: Current Advances and Future Promises
Authors: Agraval Hina , Chu Hong Wei
Published: October 2022

Tobacco smoking has been established to contribute to the pathogenesis of various respiratory diseases including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, and asthma. However, major hurdles in mechanistic studies on the role of smoking in human lungs remain in part due to the lack of ex vivo experimental models and ambiguous data from animal models that can best recapitulate the architecture and pathophysiology of the human lung. Recent development of the lung organoid culture system has opened new avenues for respiratory disease research as organoids are proving to be a sophisticated ex vivo model that functionally and structurally mimics the human lungs better than other traditionally used models. This review will discuss how recent advances in lung organoid systems may help us better determine the injurious and immunological effect of smoking on human lungs and will provide some suggestions for future research directions.
Parasitic Infection and Immunity—A Special Biomedicines Issue
Authors: Pereira Maria A. , Santos-Gomes Gabriela
Published: October 2022

Infectious parasitic diseases that affect humans and animals remain a central health concern worldwide [...]
Wearable Systems for Home Monitoring Healthcare: The Photoplethysmography Success Pros and Cons
Authors: Lanata Antonio
Published: October 2022

The widespread use of remote technology has moved medical care services into individuals’ homes. In this perspective, the ubiquitous computing research proposes self-management and remote monitoring to help patients with healthcare in low-cost everyday home usage systems based on the latest technological advances in sensors, communication, and portability. This work analyzes recent publications on the paradigm of continuous monitoring through wearable and portable systems, focusing on photoplethysmography (PPG) advances and referencing the current systematic study proposed by Fine et al. The study revised the literature highlighting the pros and cons of using the PPG system for fitness, wellbeing, and medical devices. However, future works should focus on the standardization of the practical use and assessment of the quality of the PPGs’ output. For clinical parameter extraction methodology in terms of biological sites of application and signal processing methods, PPG is the most convenient and widely used system potentially suitable for the decentralized paradigm of continuous monitoring healthcare concepts.
Nonbiodegradable Spiegelmer-Driven Colorimetric Biosensor for Bisphenol A Detection
Authors: Ren Shuo , Cho Samuel , Lin Ruixan , Gedi Vinayakumar , Park Sunyoung , Ahn Chul Woo , Lee Dong-Ki , Lee Min-Ho , Lee Sangwook , Kim Soyoun
Published: October 2022

Spiegelmers are enantiomers of natural D-oligonucleotides that bind to targets with distinct structures such as aptamers. The high susceptibility of natural D-form aptamers to nucleases greatly hinders their application in biological environments. Here, a nonbiodegradable spiegelmer-based platform for the sensitive detection of bisphenol A (BPA) was developed. Due to the symmetric molecule of BPA, the D-form aptamer can be directly converted into mirror forms via chemical synthesis. Aptamer–target interactions that involve chemically synthesized spiegelmers were characterized by biolayer interferometry, and their stabilities were tested in various biological fluids by exposure to nucleases. We demonstrate for the first time the use of a nuclease-resistant spiegelmer in a simple, label-free gold nanoparticle-based colorimetric assay to detect BPA in a highly sensitive and selective manner. The aptasensor exhibits an LOD of 0.057 ng/mL and dynamic range of 105 (100 pg/mL to 10 mg/mL). With sensing capacity and biological stability, the developed aptasensor shows great potential to utilize in in-field applications such as water quality monitoring.
A Novel Automated RGB-D Sensor-Based Measurement of Voluntary Items of the Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper Extremity: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Li Yue , Li Chong , Shu Xiaokang , Sheng Xinjun , Jia Jie , Zhu Xiangyang
Published: October 2022

Motor function assessment is essential for post-stroke rehabilitation, while the requirement for professional therapists’ participation in current clinical assessment limits its availability to most patients. By means of sensors that collect the motion data and algorithms that conduct assessment based on such data, an automated system can be built to optimize the assessment process, benefiting both patients and therapists. To this end, this paper proposed an automated Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) upper extremity system covering all 30 voluntary items of the scale. RGBD sensors, together with force sensing resistor sensors were used to collect the patients’ motion information. Meanwhile, both machine learning and rule-based logic classification were jointly employed for assessment scoring. Clinical validation on 20 hemiparetic stroke patients suggests that this system is able to generate reliable FMA scores. There is an extremely high correlation coefficient (r = 0.981, p < 0.01) with that yielded by an experienced therapist. This study offers guidance and feasible solutions to a complete and independent automated assessment system.