bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nutrient Profile of Baltic Coastal Red Algae (Delesseria sanguinea), Baltic Blue Mussel (Mytilus spp.) and King Ragworm (Alitta virens) as Potential Feed Material in the Diet of Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss Walbaum, 1792): A Preliminary Assessment
Authors: Thum Gregor , Cappai Maria Grazia , Bochert Ralf , Schubert Hendrik , Wolf Petra
Published: January 2022

The use of selected Baltic coastal organisms as potential alternative feed material in the formulation of rainbow trout diets was studied. German coastal water organisms (Delesseria sanguinea, seaweed red algae (A); Mytilus spp., Baltic blue mussel (M); Alitta virens, king ragworm (W)) were analyzed for nutrient, amino acid and mineral composition, and tested in comparative feeding trials. Five dietary treatments were supplied to a total of 165 juvenile rainbow trout (778 ± 111 g) for 75 days, allotted in 15 special brackish (3–5 practical salinity units (PSU)) water basins consisting of 11 fish each (3 fish tanks (300 L) at 12 °C per feeding group). The fish were fed as follows: C group, 100% basic diet (control); A group, 10% red algae in C diet; M group, 10% mussel in C diet; W group, 35% ragworm in C diet; AW group, 10% algae + 30% ragworm in C diet. Feed provision was performed manually, once a day, with the feed offer adjusted to 1.8% of fish weight for the respective tank. The fish weight gain (WG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were recorded. In the proximate analysis of the different coastal organisms, the lowest crude protein content in dry matter (DM) was found in blue mussels (10.9%), whereas it was almost doubled in algae (21.8%), with the highest being found in the ragworm (63.1%). By contrast, the crude ash content was the highest in the mussel (84.4%, mostly due to CaCO3 from the shell), much less in the red algae (28.1%) and the lowest in the ragworms (20.1%). The gross energy (GE) concentration was the highest in the ragworm (18.8 MJ × kg−1), 12.1 MJ × kg−1 in the algae and the lowest in the blue mussel (2.93 MJ × kg−1). The final weight of the fish ranged between 1780 and 2310 g at the end of the feeding trial, being the lowest for the fish fed the diet combined with red algae (A diet group) and the highest for the fish fed the control diet. No differences in FCR were found for the fish fed the five dietary treatments (p > 0.05), except for the W diet group (king ragworm has a lower FCR than that of the A group red algae, p < 0.05). The results from this trial suggest that at the tested amounts, both king ragworm and blue mussels are promising alternative feed material for rationing the rainbow trout diet, but not red algae, unless combined with ragworms.
Morphological and Physiological Characteristics of Rice Cultivars with Higher Yield and Nitrogen Use Efficiency at Various Nitrogen Rates
Authors: Xin Wei , Zhang Lina , Zhang Wenzhong , Gao Jiping , Yi Jun , Zhen Xiaoxi , Du Ming , Zhao Yanze , Chen Liqiang
Published: January 2022

An understanding of the leaf and root traits associated with high nitrogen (N) absorption and utilization is very important in the development of N-efficient varieties in crop breeding programs. However, in rice, the relations between these traits and nitrogen use efficiencies (NUEs) have yet to be identified. Therefore, the responses of leaf and root traits and yields of the three main japonica rice cultivars in northern China were examined at a range of N application rates. The rice cultivars, Shennong 265 (SN265), Tiejing 11 (TJ11), and Fengjing (FJ), were grown in the field at six N rates (0, 60, 120, 180, 240, and 300 kg ha−1) applied during two growing seasons (2018 and 2019). With the increase in N rate, the grain yield of SN265 and TJ11 increased, whereas the grain yield of FJ first increased and then decreased. The grain yield of FJ was higher than that of SN265 and TJ11 at lower N rates, whereas the grain yields of SN265 and TJ11 were higher than that of FJ at higher N rates. The NUEs decreased with the increase in N rates. At lower N rates, the ability of rice to obtain N was the main limitation on rice yield, but with the increase in N rates, the limitation on yield due to N absorption capacity gradually weakened. However, at higher N rates, rice yields were restricted by the ability to utilize N. Compared with TJ11 or FJ, SN265 had higher N utilization capacity primarily because of its higher Rubisco activity, NR activity, GS activity, and ROA. Compared with SN265 or TJ11, FJ had a higher N absorption capacity that was attributed to its larger root architecture, which might have also been one of the reasons for lower N utilization. Therefore, by improving N absorption and utilization-related leaf and root traits, high yields and NUEs can be achieved in rice production at different N application rates.
Correlational Analysis of Agronomic and Seed Quality Traits in Camelina sativa Doubled Haploid Lines under Rain-Fed Condition
Authors: Soorni Jahad , Shobbar Zahra-Sadat , Kahrizi Danial , Zanetti Federica , Sadeghi Kaveh , Rostampour Sara , Kovács Péter Gergő , Kiss Attila , Mirmazloum Iman
Published: January 2022

Camelina (Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz) is an emerging industrial crop from the Brassicaceae family, with its seed oil and cake being used for food, feed, and fuel applications. In this study, the relationships between economically important agronomic traits including seed yield (SY), days to maturity (DM), 1000-seed weight (TSW), seed protein content (PC), seed oil content (OC), and fatty acid composition in 136 doubled haploid (DH) camelina lines were investigated under rain-fed conditions in two consecutive years. There was prominent diversity among the studied DH lines for the agronomic traits such as seed yield, erucic acid, omega3, protein content, etc. Based on the Pearson correlation analysis of the data, SY was positively correlated with DM and OC, and negatively correlated with TSW, PC, and linolenic acid (C18:3) content. The positive relationships of the main characteristics, relevant to industrial applications, suggest the feasibility of developing new higher-yielding camelina cultivars with high seed oil content. The high seed yield of some camelina lines (DH044 and DH075) during the two growing seasons showed the potential of the lines. On the other hand, the contrasting genotypes for key traits in this study promised a favorable source to develop the superior breeding lines with higher seed yield and food/nonfood traits. Therefore, it can be concluded that the diversity of camelina DH lines traits is crucial for developing new cultivars. Furthermore, the present study reports some significant correlations among the DH lines, which may be useful for the current and future camelina breeding program.
Physiological and Biochemical Responses to Water Stress and Salinity of the Invasive Moth Plant, Araujia sericifera Brot., during Seed Germination and Vegetative Growth
Authors: Bellache Manel , Moltó Nadia , Benfekih Leila Allal , Torres-Pagan Natalia , Mir Ricardo , Verdeguer Mercedes , Boscaiu Monica , Vicente Oscar
Published: January 2022

Araujia sericifera is an invasive plant with an increasing presence in South East Spain, where it produces damage to native trees and shrubs and citric orchards. As the climatic conditions in the study area are becoming harsher due to the climate change, the stress tolerance of this species has been studied during germination and vegetative growth. Growth parameters, photosynthetic pigments, ion accumulation, and antioxidant mechanisms were analysed in plants that were subjected to water deficit and salt stress. Seed germination was reduced by salinity but 50% of the seeds still germinated at 50 mM NaCl. The ungerminated seeds did not lose their germination capacity as shown in ‘recovery’ germination assays in distilled water. Germination was less affected by osmotic stress that was induced by polyethylene glycol (PEG), and germination velocity increased in the recovery treatments after exposure to NaCl or PEG. Plant growth was practically unaffected by 150 mM NaCl but inhibited by higher NaCl concentrations or severe drought stress. Nevertheless, all the plants survived throughout the experiment, even under high salinity (600 mM NaCl). A. sericifera relative stress tolerance relies, at least to some extent, on effective antioxidant mechanisms that are based on flavonoid biosynthesis and the activation of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, and glutathione reductase.
Sustainable Silage Maize Integrated Protection against the European Corn Borer Ostrinia nubilalis and the Corn Earworm Helicoverpa armigera Employing the Farm Irrigation System
Authors: Ruiu Luca , Lentini Andrea
Published: January 2022

Silage corn is an important source of feed in animal husbandry, often affected by the feeding action of diverse corn borers that can compromise harvest quality and quantity. According to the need to reduce the use of chemical insecticides, the main purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of different IPM programs comparing microbial (Btk and baculovirus) and chemical control methods, alone or combined, against O. nubilalis and H. armigera. Assessments were based on counting the number of larvae, inspecting plants superficially and inside the stem, and estimating the derived damages. All tested products proved to be effective in containing the density of these lepidopteran species, with microbial control agents having comparable efficacy in respect to the reference chemical substances (lambda-cialotrina and chlorantraniliprole), even if periodic treatment repetition was required to ensure over-time protection until harvest. Both Btk and HaNPV were successfully applied by the irrigation system during flowering and fruit development periods, when plant height did not allow the use of a tractor-mounted spray bar. This biocontainment approach appears to be sustainable and technically compatible with farm needs.
Serum Anti-Müllerian Hormone: A Potential Semen Quality Biomarker in Stud Dogs?
Authors: Domain Guillaume , Buczkowska Justyna , Kalak Patrycja , Wydooghe Eline , Banchi Penelope , Pascottini Osvaldo Bogado , Niżański Wojciech , Van Soom Ann
Published: January 2022

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) has been suggested to be involved in spermatogenesis. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between blood serum AMH concentration and semen quality in dogs. Moreover, this study sought to find the optimal cut-off point value of serum AMH with the greatest sensitivity and specificity to predict semen quality. Forty-five clinically healthy dogs were included in the study and their age as well as the following semen parameters were determined and correlated to serum AMH concentration: total sperm output, normal morphology, plasma membrane integrity, total motility, progressive motility, and velocity parameters. Statistical analysis for correlations were performed using Spearman’s correlation coefficients. Moderate negative associations were found between serum AMH and semen total motility (r = −0.38, p = 0.01), progressive motility (r = −0.36, p = 0.01), and normal morphology (r = −0.36, p= 0.02). Based on these associations, an AMH concentration of 5.54 µg/L was found to be the optimal cut-off point value to obtain the greatest summation of sensitivity (86%) and specificity (63%) to predict semen quality. The serum AMH assay may therefore be a potential hormonal marker to predict which dogs would require further semen analysis. Future research is however needed to confirm these preliminary results.
An Updated Review of Hypotheses Regarding Bat Attraction to Wind Turbines
Authors: Guest Emma E. , Stamps Brittany F. , Durish Nevin D. , Hale Amanda M. , Hein Cris D. , Morton Brogan P. , Weaver Sara P. , Fritts Sarah R.
Published: January 2022

Patterns of bat activity and mortalities at wind energy facilities suggest that bats are attracted to wind turbines based on bat behavioral responses to wind turbines. For example, current monitoring efforts suggest that bat activity increases post-wind turbine construction, with bats making multiple passes near wind turbines. We separated the attraction hypothesis into five previously proposed explanations of bat interactions at or near wind turbines, including attraction based on noise, roost sites, foraging and water, mating behavior, and lights, and one new hypothesis regarding olfaction, and provide a state of the knowledge in 2022. Our review indicates that future research should prioritize attraction based on social behaviors, such as mating and scent-marking, as this aspect of the attraction hypothesis has many postulates and remains the most unclear. Relatively more data regarding attraction to wind turbines based on lighting and noise emission exist, and these data indicate that these are unlikely attractants. Analyzing attraction at the species-level should be prioritized because of differences in foraging, flight, and social behavior among bat species. Lastly, research assessing bat attraction at various scales, such as the turbine or facility scale, is lacking, which could provide important insights for both wind turbine siting decisions and bat mortality minimization strategies. Identifying the causes of bat interactions with wind turbines is critical for developing effective impact minimization strategies.
Energy Saving in Electromechanical Grain Cleaning Systems
Authors: Bazaluk Oleg , Postnikova Marina , Halko Serhii , Kvitka Serhii , Mikhailov Evgeniy , Kovalov Oleksandr , Suprun Olena , Miroshnyk Oleksandr , Nitsenko Vitalii
Published: January 2022

The article is concerned with energy conservation in the process of cleaning grain. The study aimed to find ways of reducing energy consumption when cleaning food grains by using energy-saving operating modes (ESOM) on the production lines of grain storage facilities. For this purpose, experimental tests were performed which involved studying the effects of physical and chemical properties of grain as well as the influence of various operating modes of the production lines on the specific energy consumption (SEC), which was found to be the most informative indicator for determining ESOM. The mathematical description of the target function was carried out by conducting a multifactorial experiment with the application of the orthogonal central composite design (OCCD) of the second order. Calculations produced a number of mathematical models describing the dependence of the response function on the input parameters. The proposed approach made it possible to obtain the minimum SEC for cleaning food grains and to develop practical recommendations for ways to reduce energy consumption, which resulted in the development of scientifically based SEC standards for a grain cleaning machine.
Enamel Erosion Reduction through Coupled Sodium Fluoride and Laser Treatments before Exposition in an Acid Environment: An In Vitro Randomized Control SEM Morphometric Analysis
Authors: Femiano Felice , Femiano Rossella , Femiano Luigi , Nucci Ludovica , Santaniello Martina , Grassia Vincenzo , Scotti Nicola , Aversa Raffaella , Perrotta Valeria , Apicella Antonio , Apicella Davide
Published: January 2022

(1) Background: Erosive lesions of dental enamel are steadily increasing owing to both the availability of exogenous acid and the production of endogenous acid. The aim of this study was to investigate the erosion-inhibiting potential of a diode laser irradiation and topical application of fluoride used alone or in combination on the enamel surface of extracted teeth before exposure to an acidic solution. (2) Methods: The four axial enamel surfaces of 40 healthy molars were used for four study groups: (A) no treatment; (B) application of fluoride gel for 120 s; (O) a diode laser application for 120 s; and (X) a combined laser/fluoride for 120 s. Each enamel surface was examined by SEM (scanning electron microscopy). (3) Results: At 700× magnification, it was possible to detect the enamel prisms of the test area of groups A, B, and O, while no structures such as enamel prisms were highlighted for group X because they were covered by an amorphous layer. The mean number of prisms ×1000 µm2 was 7.2 units with an SD of 0.72 for group A, 8 units with an SD of 0.96 for group B, and 4.8 units with a SD of 0.4 for group O. Student’s t-test showed no significant difference between group A and B with a p = 0.054. Group O showed a significant reduction of prims ×1000 µm2 compared with group A (p = 0.0027) and group B (p = 0.0009). Student’s t-test showed no significant difference between groups A and B with a p = 0.054. Group O showed a significant reduction of prims density with respect to group A (p = 0.0027) and group B (p = 0.0009). (4) Conclusions: This amorphous layer might be correlated with the effect of laser on enamel, which reduces both water and carbonate ion; increases the crystallinity of hydroxyapatite, and improves the mechanical properties of enamel; which is responsible for greater protection expressed by the enamel of group X against acid attacks.
A Study on the Comparison of Impressions of Tourist Information Signs Focusing on the Differences between National Languages in Japanese Regional Cities
Authors: Suzuki Kei , Heo Jaeyoung
Published: January 2022

From the perspective of universal design, signs should be easy to understand for all users. In Japan, tourist information signs have become increasingly multilingual in recent years as the number of tourists from other countries has increased. However, it is not clear whether the current signs are comprehensible to both Japanese and non-Japanese speakers. In this study, field and questionnaire surveys on signs were conducted in Matsue City, a regional city in Japan, and the evaluations of Japanese and non-Japanese speakers were compared. In the field survey, a caption evaluation method was used to evaluate the visual environment, and in the questionnaire survey, the SD method was used to evaluate the signs obtained in the field survey. The results indicated that non-Japanese speakers were more likely to focus on signs, and signs with diagrams and maps were evaluated more positively. In addition, the evaluation structure of signs was found to consist of four elements: “Harmonicity”, “Clarity”, “Visibility”, and “Comprehensibility”. “Harmonicity” was indicated to be as important as “Clarity” and “Visibility”. These results suggest that the replacement of text with diagrams on signs contributes to the improvement of impressions and is particularly effective for non-Japanese speakers.
Effect of Biostimulants on the Yield and Quality of Selected Herbs
Authors: Majkowska-Gadomska Joanna , Jadwisieńczak Krzysztof , Francke Anna , Kaliniewicz Zdzisław
Published: January 2022

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of amino acid biopreparations on the yield of summer savory, marjoram, and lemon balm, and the concentrations of selected biochemical and mineral compounds in their herbage. The first experimental factor was plant species: summer savory (Satureja hortensis L.) var. Saturn, marjoram (Origanum majorana L.) var. Miraż, and lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.). The second experimental factor was the effect exerted by two biopreparations, Calleaf Aminovital and Maximus Amino Protect, on herbage yield and quality. In the control treatment, plants were sprayed with water. The analyzed herb species differed considerably in yield and the concentrations of selected biochemical compounds and minerals. Lemon balm was characterized by the highest yield (1.73 kg m−2). Marjoram var. Miraż was characterized by the highest concentrations of reducing sugars (0.89 g 100 g−1 FM) and L-ascorbic acid (39.7 mg 100 g−1 FM). Summer savory was most abundant in total N, K, and Ca. The tested biostimulants contributed to a decrease in nitrate concentrations in the studied plants. The interaction between the experimental factors significantly affected the content of nitrates and mineral compounds and total N, P, K, and Ca in the herbage of the analyzed plant species.
Uncertainty Analysis Based on Kriging Meta-Model for Acoustic-Structural Problems
Authors: Baklouti Ahmad , Dammak Khalil , El Hami Abdelkhalak
Published: January 2022

This paper consists of evaluating the performance of a vibro-acoustic model in the presence of uncertainties in the geometric and material parameters of the model using Monte Carlo simulations (MCS). The purpose of using a meta-model is to reduce the computational cost of finite element simulations. Uncertainty analysis requires a large sample of MCS to predict the effect of uncertain parameters on the system response. So, if this study is done through the finite element method (FEM), then the computational cost will be very important. Furthermore, for that, we use meta-models to be able to conduct an efficient uncertainty analysis more quickly. In the present contribution, the approximated meta-model is verified and validated using error measures and cross-validation (CV). Then, the uncertainty analysis is performed by Monte Carlo simulations using the computed Kriging meta-model. The developed methodology has been applied in two vibro-acoustic models. In these two models, the covariance of uncertainty of geometric and physical (elasticity and density) parameters are equal to 2% and 5% respectively. The obtained results prove that the suggested methodology of uncertainty propagation based on the Kriging meta-model can be considered as a very efficient and sufficiently accurate approach for the quantification of uncertainties in acoustic-structural systems.
Development and Performance Measurements of Gas Foil Polymer Bearings with a Dual-Rotor Test Rig Driven by Permanent Magnet Electric Motor
Authors: Park Jisu , Kim Donghee , Sim Kyuho
Published: January 2022

The rotordynamic stability of journal gas foil–polymer bearings (GFPBs) applied to a dual-rotor bearing system was investigated. The GFPB has a high damping structure, i.e., it has an additional polymer layer, and top/bump/bottom foil structures. Test GFPBs were fabricated with nitrile butadiene rubber polymer layers with a thickness of 2 mm. Static-load-deflection tests of test gas foil bearings (GFBs) and GFPBs were performed to estimate the geometric bearing clearance (200 µm). The dual-rotor rotordynamic test rig consisted of a motor rotor, test rotor, and beam-type coupling. Two journal test bearings were installed on both the drive-end and non-drive-end sides of the test rotor. Predicting and testing the natural mode characteristics of the dual rotors revealed that the relative error between them was less than 7%, indicating that the first and second natural frequencies were 15 Hz and 160 Hz, respectively, and the third natural frequency was 1835 Hz in the tests. Based on the API 612 standard, the upper limit of the rotating speed for the test rig was limited to be approximately 92 krpm with a separation margin of 26%. Rotordynamic tests were conducted to examine the stability performance of GFBs and GFPBs, where the adjusted bearing clearance was 150 µm. The test results indicate that GFPBs have better stability performance in terms of delaying and suppressing unstable vibrations than GFBs. Specifically, GFPBs showed stable synchronous and subsynchronous responses up to a maximum rotating speed of 80 krpm. As a result, GFPB is a reliable lubricating element that can be used for vibration dampening in machines operating at relatively low temperatures.
Analytical Model for Enhancing the Adoptability of Continuous Descent Approach at Airports
Authors: Alharbi Emad A. , Abdel-Malek Layek L. , Milne R. John , Wali Arwa M.
Published: January 2022

Continuous Descent Approach (CDA) is the flight technique for aircraft to continuously descend from cruise altitude with an idle thrust setting and without level-offs, contrary to the staircase-like Step-down Descent Approach (SDA). Important for air transportation sustainability, using CDA reduces noise, fuel consumption, and pollution. Nevertheless, CDA has been limited to low traffic levels at airports, often at night, because it requires more separation distance between aircraft arrivals and, thus, could decrease throughput. Insufficient attention has been given to helping air traffic controllers decide when CDA may be used. In this paper, we calculate the probability that an aircraft arriving during a particular brief period of time (e.g., 15 min) will need to revert to SDA when the controller tentatively plans to permit CDA for all aircrafts arriving during that time period. If this probability is low enough, the controller may plan to permit CDA during that time period. We utilize an analytical approach and queueing theory framework that considers factors such traffic and weather conditions to estimate the probability. We also provide the number of aircrafts that can be accommodated within the airport’s stacking space using CDA. This number provides insight into whether a particular aircraft may use CDA.
Therapy of Neurophysiological Changes after Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery—A Systematic Review
Authors: Hartmann Amely , Schmohl Jörg , Cascant Ortolano Lorena , Bayer Oliver , Schweizer Stefanus , Welte-Jzyk Claudia , Al-Nawas Bilal , Daubländer Monika
Published: January 2022

Introduction: The purpose of this systematic review was to critically analyze the recent literature to present a guideline for management of neurophysiological changes after implant placement and oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures. Materials and methods: Three electronic databases and manual search approaches were used to identify relevant articles on neurophysiological changes. Only studies with a randomized controlled study design were included. Primary outcome was defined as the status of recovery and relief of pain states under various therapies. Two independent reviewers evaluated the data. Results: A total of eight studies from 2891 records identified met the inclusion criteria. Therapy options for patients with neurophysiological changes after implant placement and oral and maxillofacial surgery were low-level laser (LLL), stellate ganglion block (SGB), medication, and surgical removal of implants. Six studies dealt with LLL, providing a significant improvement in mechanical sensation. Only one study revealed the whole neurosensory profile including neuropathic pain states. All the included RCT studies presented at least one bias, and a considerable heterogeneity of the included studies was revealed. Conclusions: Reduced thermal sensation may be due to irritation of small fibers. LLL might help to improve nerve recovery.
Morphological Observation of LiCl Deliquescence in PDMS-Based Composite Foams
Authors: Mastronardo Emanuela , Piperopoulos Elpida , Palamara Davide , Frazzica Andrea , Calabrese Luigi
Published: January 2022

The LiCl-based heat storage system exhibits a high-energy density, making it an attractive and one of the most investigated candidates for low-temperature heat storage applications. Nevertheless, lithium chloride, due to its hygroscopic nature, incurs the phenomenon of deliquescence, which causes some operational challenges, such as agglomeration, corrosion, and swelling problems during hydration/dehydration cycles. Here, we propose a composite material based on silicone vapor-permeable foam filled with the salt hydrate, hereafter named LiCl-PDMS, aiming at confining the salt in a matrix to prevent deliquescence-related issues but without inhibiting the vapour flow. In particular, the structural and morphological modification during hydration/dehydration cycles is investigated on the composite foam, which is prepared with a salt content of 40 wt.%. A characterization protocol coupling temperature scanned X-ray diffraction (XRD) and environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) analysis is established. The operando conditions of the dehydration/hydration cycle were reproduced while structural and morphological characterizations were performed, allowing for the evaluation of the interaction between the salt and the water vapor environment in the confined silicon matrix. The material energy density was also measured with a customized coupled thermogravimetric/differential scanning calorimetric analysis (TG/DSC). The results show an effective embedding of the material, which limits the salt solution release when overhydrated. Additionally, the flexibility of the matrix allows for the volume shrinkage/expansion of the salt caused by the cyclic dehydration/hydration reactions without any damages to the foam structure. The LiCl-PDMS foam has an energy density of 1854 kJ/kg or 323 kWh/m3, thus making it a competitive candidate among other LiCl salt hydrate composites.
Occlusive Properties of Transrenal Ureteral Occlusion Self-Expandable Metallic Stents: 3D-Printed Phantom and Ex Vivo Studies
Authors: Kim Ji Won , Chu Hee Ho , Won Dong-Sung , Zeng Chu Hui , Kim Song Hee , Park Yubeen , Kang Jeon Min , Ryu Dae Sung , Shin Ji Hoon , Park Jung-Hoon
Published: January 2022

Newly developed transrenal ureteral occlusion self-expanding metallic stents (SEMSs) are applied in patients with inoperable fistulas. In this study, the occlusive properties of M- and D-type occlusion SEMSs were investigated in 3D-printed phantom and ex vivo porcine urinary tracts. In the former, the mean bursting pressure causing leakage of contrast medium through the occlusion SEMS was relatively higher in M-types (42.8 ± 3.8 mmHg) than in D-types (38.8 ± 3.8 mmHg), without a statistical difference (p = 0.075). In the latter, the bursting pressure causing leakage through the M-type occlusion SEMS (110.7 ± 8.6 mmHg) was significantly higher than that of the D-type occlusion SEMS (93.8 ± 11.2 mmHg, p = 0.015); however, the mean bursting pressures causing contrast blowout did not differ between the two types (178.7 ± 11.2 mmHg vs. 176.2 ± 11.8 mmHg, p = 0.715). In conclusion, M- and D-type occlusion SEMSs showed similar efficacy in occlusive properties in the 3D phantom study; however, the M-type was superior in the ex vivo porcine urinary tract model. Further in vivo experimental studies are required to confirm these experimental results.
Development of Additive Fibonacci Generators with Improved Characteristics for Cybersecurity Needs
Authors: Maksymovych Volodymyr , Shabatura Mariia , Harasymchuk Oleh , Karpinski Mikolaj , Jancarczyk Daniel , Sawicki Pawel
Published: January 2022

Pseudorandom sequence generation is used in many industries, including cryptographic information security devices, measurement technology, and communication systems. The purpose of the present work is to research additive Fibonacci generators (AFG) and modified AFG (MAFG) with modules p prime numbers, designed primarily for their hardware implementation. The known AFG and MAFG, as with any cryptographic generators of pseudorandom sequences, are used in arguments with tremendous values. At the same time, there are specific difficulties in defining of their statistical characteristics. In this regard, the following research methodologies were used in work: for each variant of AFG and MAFG, two models were created—abstract, which is not directly related to the circuit solution, and hardware, which corresponds to the proposed structure; for relatively small values of arguments, the identity of models was proved; the research of statistical characteristics, with large values of arguments, was carried out using an abstract model and static tests NIST. Proven identity of hardware and abstract models suggest that the principles laid down in the organization of AFG and MAFG structures with modules of prime numbers ensure their effective hardware implementation in compliance with all requirements for their statistical characteristics and the possibility of application in cryptographic information security devices.
Sustainability in the Circular Economy: Insights and Dynamics of Designing Circular Business Models
Authors: Awan Usama , Sroufe Robert
Published: January 2022

The integration of sustainability in the circular economy is an emerging paradigm that can offer a long term vision to achieve environmental and social sustainability targets in line with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals. Developing scalable and sustainable impacts in circular economy business models (CEBMs) has many challenges. While many advanced technology manufacturing firms start as small enterprises, remarkably little is known about how material reuse firms in sociotechnical systems transition towards circular business models. Research into CEBMs integrating sustainability and environmental conservation is still in its early stages. There has been increased interest in sustainability and circular economy research, but current research is fragmented. The innovation surrounding CEBMs eludes some firms with relatively limited evidence of the transitional perspective necessary to integrate aspects of sustainability. This lack of evidence is especially applicable to the context of circular economy practices in small and medium enterprises in the United States regarding capabilities, operations obstacles, and elements of success in designing circular business models. Based on a qualitative, interview-based inductive study of a material reuse firm, our research develops a conceptual model of the critical success factors and obstacles that are part of implementing circular economy practices. Firms must first manage strategic enablers and monitor tactical enablers to achieve sustainability goals. In this study, we identify the underlying enablers of how these capabilities affect the transition to a CEBM that integrates sustainability. The framework emerging from our findings highlights the interplay of CEBM, innovation success factors, and obstacles at a micro-level. The investigation of a material reuse firm serves as the foundation for developing a framework for how managers can alter a company and revise the business model to transition towards a more innovative circular economy.
A Hybrid Superhydrophobic/Hydrophilic Surface Based on SiO2 Nanoparticles over a Clay Substrate for Enhanced Dew Yield Potential
Authors: Beneditt-Jimenez Leonardo A. , Ulloa-Castillo Nicolás Antonio , Iturbe-Ek Jackeline , Martínez-Romero Oscar , Elías-Zúñiga Alex , Sustaita Alan O.
Published: January 2022

The study of SiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) and their corresponding surface modifications through octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS) has attracted attention due to their self-cleaning, hydrophobic and superhydrophobic (SHPho) properties, which are desirable for water collection based on the dew condensation effect. Such properties have been addressed by different strategies, of which the development of hybrid superhydrophobic/hydrophilic (SHH) surfaces has shown great promise. In this research, the pairing of OTS-treated and untreated SiO2 NP layers deposited on clay substrates is investigated with the aim of exploring a hybrid SHH surface capable of enhancing dew yield behavior. Infrared analyses were conducted using FTIR to study the interaction between the clay substrate and the OTS-treated and untreated SiO2 NPs. The hybrid SHH surfaces were morphologically characterized, and contact angle (CA) measurements were performed to explore their wettability behavior. The developed hybrid SHH surfaces exhibited hydrophilic (HPhi)/SHPho properties with an improved dew yield performance. The results obtained in this article are of relevance to the development of water-harvesting devices based on hybrid SHH surfaces.
Influence of Directionality on the Seismic Response of Typical RC Buildings
Authors: Bugueño Ignacio , Carvallo Jorge , Vielma Juan Carlos
Published: January 2022

Current seismic analysis contemplates the simultaneous use of the orthogonal components of an earthquake in order to determine the structural stresses closer to reality. This has led to these components being combined considering a fraction of them, as applying them completely would lead to excessively conservative results. However, their application is carried out considering that the direction of the components coincides with the orientation of the orthogonal axes that define the resistant structure. The assumption takes on special importance when it comes to establishing performance demands on a structure based on nonlinear time-history analysis. To establish the proportional relationship between the seismic components, the angle of incidence is used, which is one of the imponderable variables of an earthquake. In this investigation, a group of reinforced concrete structural archetypes with various typologies and regularity in plan is presented, which allow the effect of the angle of incidence in determining the maximum displacement demands to be studied. To study the response, a set of strong earthquakes recorded in Chile is used, obtaining the angle of incidence that produces the maximum displacement demands through interstory drift and roof displacement. A statistical analysis is also carried out in which the influence of the angle of incidence that produces the maximum response is studied.
Light Reflectance Characterization of Waste Glass Coating for Tiles
Authors: Mourou Chaimae , Martín-Morales María , Zamorano Montserrat , Ruiz Diego P.
Published: January 2022

Glass wastes that come from recycling plants do not often find a proper use, thus, they are discarded. In order to find future uses for these wastes, this paper explores the characterization of waste glasses (WGs) as a raw material through the assessment of their light reflectance if they were used for external coatings in building materials. To this aim, in this research, several clay-tile specimens were fabricated and coated with three different compositions of waste glass. For these specimens, three variables were analyzed to serve for this WG-based coating characterization: thickness of WG coating, temperature, and holding time of burning. The resulting WG-coated tiles were assessed in terms of the light spectral reflectance and whiteness index, with the help of a fiber optic spectrometer. Results show that the composition of WG had a very significant influence on the light spectral reflectance and the degree of whiteness, with holding time and WG thickness being the most influential depending on the WG type. The temperature of burning was also shown to be critical for the densification process. Finally, an interpretation of these results based on the WG chemical composition coatings obtained by XRF is discussed in this paper.
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of Applied Mechanics in 2021
Authors:   Applied Mechanics Editorial Office
Published: January 2022

Rigorous peer-reviews are the basis of high-quality academic publishing [...]
Insights on In-Situ Photochemistry Associated with Ozone Reduction in Guangzhou during the COVID-19 Lockdown
Authors: Shek Kit Ying , Zeren Yangzong , Guo Hai , Li Mei , Liu Ming , Huang Bo , Lyu Xiaopu
Published: January 2022

Increases in ground-level ozone (O3) have been observed during the COVID-19 lockdown in many places around the world, primarily due to the uncoordinated emission reductions of O3 precursors. In Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong province in South China, O3 distinctively decreased during the lockdown. Such a phenomenon was attributed to meteorological variations and weakening of local O3 formation, as indicated by chemical transport models. However, the emission-based modellings were not fully validated by observations, especially for volatile organic compounds (VOCs). In this study, we analyzed the changes of O3 and its precursors, including VOCs, from the pre-lockdown (Pre-LD) to lockdown period (LD) spanning 1 week in Guangzhou. An observation-based box model was applied to understand the evolution of in-situ photochemistry. Indeed, the ambient concentrations of O3 precursors decreased significantly in the LD. A reduction of 20.7% was identified for the total mixing ratios of VOCs, and the transportation-related species experienced the biggest declines. However, the reduction of O3 precursors would not lead to a decrease of in-situ O3 production if the meteorology did not change between the Pre-LD and LD periods. Sensitivity tests indicated that O3 formation was limited by VOCs in both periods. The lower temperature and photolysis frequencies in the LD reversed the increase of O3 that would be caused by the emission reductions otherwise. This study reiterates the fact that O3 abatement requires coordinated control strategies, even if the emissions of O3 precursors can be significantly reduced in the short term.
Variations of Black Carbon Concentrations in Two Sites in Mexico: A High-Altitude National Park and a Semi-Urban Site
Authors: Leyte-Lugo Martha , Sandoval Bruno , Salcedo Dara , Peralta Oscar , Castro Telma , Alvarez-Ospina Harry
Published: January 2022

Black carbon (BC), a component of carbonaceous material, has an important role in the environment, and it is considered a short-lived climate forcer that plays a vital role in the global climate system. BC concentrations were analyzed during 2017 in two sites in Mexico, Juriquilla and Altzomoni, which have different emission sources and atmospheric dynamics. The annual average BC concentrations in 2017 were 0.84 ± 0.70 and 0.58 ± 0.37 µg m−3 for Juriquilla and Altzomoni, respectively. The principal contributors for the highest BC concentration in Juriquilla were anthropogenic sources, while pollutants transport from nearby cities was more important for Altzomoni. Comparison between this analysis and previous reports from 2015 for both sampling sites demonstrated an increase in BC concentration. Results of this study could contribute to a better understanding of BC effects under different emission conditions and provide a scientific reference for developing BC reduction strategies over Mexico.
Can Arctic Sea Ice Influence the Extremely Cold Days and Nights in Winter over the Tibetan Plateau?
Authors: Jiao Yang , Zhang Yuqing , Hu Peng
Published: January 2022

The Arctic, Antarctic, and Tibetan Plateau (TP) are the northernmost, the southernmost, and the highest places of the Earth, respectively, known as Earth’s “three poles”. The Arctic and TP are the “North Pole” and “Third Pole”, and they exert a significant influence on the regional and global climate. This study analyzed the changing characteristics of Arctic sea ice and explored relationships between extreme cold days on the TP and sea ice concentration in the Arctic. From 1979 to 2019, the sea ice concentration of August–October decreased significantly. The low concentration of sea ice leads to a warmer Arctic and causes cold air over the Arctic to be unstable and more likely to move into the southern. Over the TP, the frequent cold air activities lead to more extreme cold events. This article aims to investigate the response characteristics of atmospheric circulation via the NCAR–CAM5.1 model (National Center for Atmospheric Research Community Atmosphere Model, Version 5.1). In order to verify the mechanism of Arctic sea ice concentration impacts on the extreme low temperature of the TP, we designed three experimental plans with different sea ice concentrations and sea surface temperatures (SST). In the two sensitivity experiments, the decrease in sea ice concentration and the increase in SST from August to October in the key areas are amplified simultaneously. The simulation results show that the increases in atmosphere thickness of 950–500 hPa in the Arctic from November to the following February reduce the meridional thickness-gradients between the Arctic and the middle latitudes. The westerly flow in middle–high latitudes weakened. As a result, the polar vortex over the Arctic is more likely to move south. There are negative geopotential height anomalies at 500 hPa over the Arctic and TP and positive anomalies over Eurasia. The anticyclonic system at 500 hPa slightly strengthens in the high latitudes of Eurasia (northerly winds in the TP). Strongly negative anomalies of temperature in the northern parts of the TP generate the cold source. To the north of the TP, the strengthened meridional propagation in middle–high latitudes causes more cold extremes.
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of Axioms in 2021
Authors:   Axioms Editorial Office
Published: January 2022

Rigorous peer-reviews are the basis of high-quality academic publishing [...]
Pythagorean Isoparametric Hypersurfaces in Riemannian and Lorentzian Space Forms
Authors: Aydın Muhittin Evren , Mihai Adela , Özgür Cihan
Published: January 2022

We introduce the notion of a Pythagorean hypersurface immersed into an n+1-dimensional pseudo-Riemannian space form of constant sectional curvature c∈−1,0,1. By using this definition, we prove in Riemannian setting that if an isoparametric hypersurface is Pythagorean, then it is totally umbilical with sectional curvature φ+c, where φ is the Golden Ratio. We also extend this result to Lorentzian ambient space, observing the existence of a non totally umbilical model.
Viral dUTPases: Modulators of Innate Immunity
Authors: Ariza Maria Eugenia , Cox Brandon , Martinez Britney , Mena-Palomo Irene , Zarate Gloria Jeronimo , Williams Marshall Vance
Published: January 2022

Most free-living organisms encode for a deoxyuridine triphosphate nucleotidohydrolase (dUTPase; EC 3.6.1.23). dUTPases represent a family of metalloenzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of dUTP to dUMP and pyrophosphate, preventing dUTP from being incorporated into DNA by DNA polymerases, maintaining a low dUTP/dTTP pool ratio and providing a necessary precursor for dTTP biosynthesis. Thus, dUTPases are involved in maintaining genomic integrity by preventing the uracilation of DNA. Many DNA-containing viruses, which infect mammals also encode for a dUTPase. This review will summarize studies demonstrating that, in addition to their classical enzymatic activity, some dUTPases possess novel functions that modulate the host innate immune response.
How Lazy Reading and Semantic Sloppiness May Harm Progress in Synucleinopathy Research
Authors: Bezard Erwan
Published: January 2022

While confronted with the increasing complexity of the neurobiology of Parkinson’s disease (PD), we face the ever-increasing sloppiness of the conceptual definitions associated with poor methodological characterizations and the use of unacknowledged proxies, all of which are harmful contributors to the overall slow progress of PD research. In this opinion paper, I share part of my frustration, acknowledge how I participate in this trend, and propose a simple remedy. Fighting against semantic or conceptual sloppiness is of paramount importance, notably for the benefit of newcomers to the field who otherwise would take for granted the classic assertions found ad nauseam in the literature.
Unconventional Functions of Amino Acid Transporters: Role in Macropinocytosis (SLC38A5/SLC38A3) and Diet-Induced Obesity/Metabolic Syndrome (SLC6A19/SLC6A14/SLC6A6)
Authors: Bhutia Yangzom D. , Mathew Marilyn , Sivaprakasam Sathish , Ramachandran Sabarish , Ganapathy Vadivel
Published: January 2022

Amino acid transporters are expressed in mammalian cells not only in the plasma membrane but also in intracellular membranes. The conventional function of these transporters is to transfer their amino acid substrates across the lipid bilayer; the direction of the transfer is dictated by the combined gradients for the amino acid substrates and the co-transported ions (Na+, H+, K+ or Cl−) across the membrane. In cases of electrogenic transporters, the membrane potential also contributes to the direction of the amino acid transfer. In addition to this expected traditional function, several unconventional functions are known for some of these amino acid transporters. This includes their role in intracellular signaling, regulation of acid–base balance, and entry of viruses into cells. Such functions expand the biological roles of these transporters beyond the logical amino acid homeostasis. In recent years, two additional unconventional biochemical/metabolic processes regulated by certain amino acid transporters have come to be recognized: macropinocytosis and obesity. This adds to the repertoire of biological processes that are controlled and regulated by amino acid transporters in health and disease. In the present review, we highlight the unusual involvement of selective amino acid transporters in macropinocytosis (SLC38A5/SLC38A3) and diet-induced obesity/metabolic syndrome (SLC6A19/SLC6A14/SLC6A6).