bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi-Channel Based Image Processing Scheme for Pneumonia Identification
Authors: Nneji Grace Ugochi , Cai Jingye , Deng Jianhua , Monday Happy Nkanta , James Edidiong Christopher , Ukwuoma Chiagoziem Chima
Published: January 2022

Pneumonia is a prevalent severe respiratory infection that affects the distal and alveoli airways. Across the globe, it is a serious public health issue that has caused high mortality rate of children below five years old and the aged citizens who must have had previous chronic-related ailment. Pneumonia can be caused by a wide range of microorganisms, including virus, fungus, bacteria, which varies greatly across the globe. The spread of the ailment has gained computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) attention. This paper presents a multi-channel-based image processing scheme to automatically extract features and identify pneumonia from chest X-ray images. The proposed approach intends to address the problem of low quality and identify pneumonia in CXR images. Three channels of CXR images, namely, the Local Binary Pattern (LBP), Contrast Enhanced Canny Edge Detection (CECED), and Contrast Limited Adaptive Histogram Equalization (CLAHE) CXR images are processed by deep neural networks. CXR-related features of LBP images are extracted using shallow CNN, features of the CLAHE CXR images are extracted by pre-trained inception-V3, whereas the features of CECED CXR images are extracted using pre-trained MobileNet-V3. The final feature weights of the three channels are concatenated and softmax classification is utilized to determine the final identification result. The proposed network can accurately classify pneumonia according to the experimental result. The proposed method tested on publicly available dataset reports accuracy of 98.3%, sensitivity of 98.9%, and specificity of 99.2%. Compared with the single models and the state-of-the-art models, our proposed network achieves comparable performance.
Rapid and Reproducible MALDI-TOF-Based Method for the Detection of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus faecium Using Classifying Algorithms
Authors: Candela Ana , Arroyo Manuel J. , Sánchez-Molleda Ángela , Méndez Gema , Quiroga Lidia , Ruiz Adrián , Cercenado Emilia , Marín Mercedes , Muñoz Patricia , Mancera Luis , Rodríguez-Temporal David , Rodríguez-Sánchez Belén
Published: January 2022

Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium represents a health threat due to its ability to spread and cause outbreaks. MALDI-TOF MS has demonstrated its usefulness for E. faecium identification, but its implementation for antimicrobial resistance detection is still under evaluation. This study assesses the repeatability of MALDI-TOF MS for peak analysis and its performance in the discrimination of vancomycin-susceptible (VSE) from vancomycin-resistant isolates (VRE). The study was carried out on protein spectra from 178 E. faecium unique clinical isolates—92 VSE, 31 VanA VRE, 55 VanB VRE-, processed with Clover MS Data Analysis software. Technical and biological repeatability were assayed. Unsupervised (principal component analysis, (PCA)) and supervised algorithms (support vector machine (SVM), random forest (RF) and partial least squares–discriminant analysis (PLS-DA)) were applied. The repeatability assay was performed with 18 peaks common to VSE and VRE with intensities above 1.0% of the maximum peak intensity. It showed lower variability for normalized data and for the peaks within the 3000–9000 m/z range. It was found that 80.9%, 79.2% and 77.5% VSE vs. VRE discrimination was achieved by applying SVM, RF and PLS-DA, respectively. Correct internal differentiation of VanA from VanB VRE isolates was obtained by SVM in 86.6% cases. The implementation of MALDI-TOF MS and peak analysis could represent a rapid and effective tool for VRE screening. However, further improvements are needed to increase the accuracy of this approach.
Measuring Dynamics in Evacuation Behaviour with Deep Learning
Authors: Hou Huaidian , Wang Lingxiao
Published: January 2022

Bounded rationality is one crucial component in human behaviours. It plays a key role in the typical collective behaviour of evacuation, in which heterogeneous information can lead to deviations from optimal choices. In this study, we propose a framework of deep learning to extract a key dynamical parameter that drives crowd evacuation behaviour in a cellular automaton (CA) model. On simulation data sets of a replica dynamic CA model, trained deep convolution neural networks (CNNs) can accurately predict dynamics from multiple frames of images. The dynamical parameter could be regarded as a factor describing the optimality of path-choosing decisions in evacuation behaviour. In addition, it should be noted that the performance of this method is robust to incomplete images, in which the information loss caused by cutting images does not hinder the feasibility of the method. Moreover, this framework provides us with a platform to quantitatively measure the optimal strategy in evacuation, and this approach can be extended to other well-designed crowd behaviour experiments.
Diagnosis and Fault Detection of Rotor Bars in Squirrel Cage Induction Motors Using Combined Park’s Vector and Extended Park’s Vector Approaches
Authors: Messaoudi Mustapha , Flah Aymen , Alotaibi Abdullah Alhumaidi , Althobaiti Ahmed , Sbita Lassaad , Ziad El-Bayeh Claude
Published: January 2022

The induction motor (IM) is considered to be one of the most important types of motors used in industries. A sudden failure in this machine can lead to unwanted downtime, with consequences in costs, product quality, and safety. Over the last decade, several methods and techniques have been proposed to diagnose and detect faults in induction machines. In this paper, we present the development of a new algorithm based on the combination of both the Park’s vector approach (PVA) and the extended Park’s vector approach (EPVA) for broken rotor bars (BRBs) fault detection and identification. This fault can be detected using the PVA by monitoring the thickness and orientation of the park’s vector pattern and using EPVA by identifying specific spectral components related to the fault. For ability evaluation of our suggested algorithm, simulations and experiments are conducted and presented. The obtained results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm is accurate and effective and can be extensively used in IM fault detections and identifications.
Photovoltaic-Battery-Ultracapacitor-Diesel Hybrid Generation System for Mobile Hospital Energy Supply
Authors: Zizoui Mohamed Zine , Zia Muhammad Fahad , Tabbache Bekheira , Amirat Yassine , Mamoune Abdeslam , Benbouzid Mohamed
Published: January 2022

This paper deals with the energy management of a hybrid power system, which consists of a photovoltaic (PV) system, diesel generators, battery, and ultracapacitor for a mobile hospital. The proposed power system can supply energy to shelter hospitals for better treatment of patients in remote states, particularly in the event of a pandemic situation such as Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). For this reason, a hybrid power system in which a diesel generator is used with a photovoltaic energy source for reliable availability of power supply. Moreover, battery and ultracapacitor are also integrated to obtain a hybrid power generation and storage system to ensure the smooth operation of mobile hospitals irrespective of weather conditions. A boost converter is used with PV panels to operate them in either maximum power tracking mode or power curtailment mode. The battery is connected to a bidirectional reversible DC-DC converter for direct-current (DC) bus voltage regulation and state of charge control. The ultracapacitor is associated with the battery to compensate for the peak power. The diesel generator is connected in parallel with the photovoltaic generator, battery, and ultracapacitor to continuously provide the power required by the load. The integrated operation of all generation sources and storage systems is complex for shelter hospitals. Therefore, an efficient energy management algorithm is developed to manage the continuous energy flow between different elements of the hybrid power system and mobile hospital load through the control of the power converters. Finally, validation results are presented to show the effectiveness of the proposed energy management algorithm for the hybrid power system.
Effect of Cooking Conditions on Selected Properties of Biodiesel Produced from Palm-Based Waste Cooking Oils
Authors: Plata Vladimir , Ferreira-Beltrán Deyanira , Gauthier-Maradei Paola
Published: January 2022

Cooking conditions affect oil properties and consequently, the quality of the derived biodiesel. Nevertheless, little information regarding the impact of the cooking process on biodiesel properties is currently available, especially for palm biodiesel. Therefore, this study examined the effect of cooking temperature, time of use, and length of reuse, on selected properties of biodiesel produced from palm-based waste cooking oils (WCO). Several WCO collected from restaurants belonging to four categories, namely fried chicken restaurants, fast food restaurants, snack producers, and typical restaurants, were subjected to base-catalyzed transesterification. The biodiesel yield was calculated, and the produced biodiesel was characterized as to its kinematic viscosity, calorific value, and cetane number. As a result, palm-based WCO performed better than other WCO in terms of biodiesel yield regardless of the conditions that they experienced, achieving almost 95% in some cases. The yield decreased as the cooking temperature and length of reuse moved upward, whereas the kinematic viscosity was sensitive only to the length of reuse, rising with increasing reuse. Non-compliance with biodiesel standards and technical requirements was observed in a few cases. The calorific value did not significantly change unless the cooking conditions were severe. The cetane number dropped as use and reuse decreased, remaining better compared to petrodiesel (70.2 ± 3.2 on average). Typical restaurants would generate the most suitable WCO to produce biodiesel, i.e., yield: 93.1 ± 0.2%; kinematic viscosity: 5.0 ± 0.3 mm2/s; calorific value: 39.9 ± 0.1 MJ/kg; density: 919 ± 9 kg/m3; and cetane number: 67.4 on average. This is consistent with the less severe cooking conditions employed at these restaurants.
Spatial Succession for Degradation of Solid Multicomponent Food Waste and Purification of Toxic Leachate with the Obtaining of Biohydrogen and Biomethane
Authors: Tashyrev Oleksandr , Hovorukha Vira , Havryliuk Olesia , Sioma Iryna , Gladka Galina , Kalinichenko Olga , Włodarczyk Paweł , Suszanowicz Dariusz , Zhuk Hennadiy , Ivanov Yuri
Published: January 2022

A huge amount of organic waste is generated annually around the globe. The main sources of solid and liquid organic waste are municipalities and canning and food industries. Most of it is disposed of in an environmentally unfriendly way since none of the modern recycling technologies can cope with such immense volumes of waste. Microbiological and biotechnological approaches are extremely promising for solving this environmental problem. Moreover, organic waste can serve as the substrate to obtain alternative energy, such as biohydrogen (H2) and biomethane (CH4). This work aimed to design and test new technology for the degradation of food waste, coupled with biohydrogen and biomethane production, as well as liquid organic leachate purification. The effective treatment of waste was achieved due to the application of the specific granular microbial preparation. Microbiological and physicochemical methods were used to measure the fermentation parameters. As a result, a four-module direct flow installation efficiently couples spatial succession of anaerobic and aerobic bacteria with other micro- and macroorganisms to simultaneously recycle organic waste, remediate the resulting leachate, and generate biogas.
The Use of Cold Spraying and Micro-Arc Oxidation Techniques for the Repairing and Wear Resistance Improvement of Motor Electric Bearing Shields
Authors: Kuznetsov Yury , Kravchenko Igor , Gerashchenkov Dmitry , Markov Mikhail , Davydov Vadim , Mozhayko Anna , Dudkin Valentin , Bykova Alina
Published: January 2022

Reliability is one of the most important requirements for electric motor installations. Bearing assembly is a common source of failure for most electric motors. One of the main reasons for such failures is the wear of the bearing seat of the end shield. This paper presents a combined technology for increasing the durability of the bearing bores of electric motor bearing shields made of aluminum alloys. The technological concept is that a worn-out end-shield bore is firstly restored by supersonic gas-dynamic spraying, and secondly, in order to improve anti-wear properties, it is strengthened by micro-arc oxidation. The adhesion of coatings has been studied, and the wear resistance of the formed coatings has been evaluated. Based on the performed studies, it can be assumed that the service life of the bearing assembly of an electric motor restored by gas-dynamic spraying with the novel technology of micro-arc oxidation in real operating conditions will increase on average by 3–4 times. The developed technology is recommended for repair, maintenance, or other technical services dealing with the restoration and hardening of worn-out parts.
Olive Mill Wastewater Valorization through Steam Reforming Using Multifunctional Reactors: Challenges of the Process Intensification
Authors: Rocha Cláudio , Soria Miguel Angel , Madeira Luís M.
Published: January 2022

Olive oil mill wastewater (OMW) is a polluting stream derived from the production of olive oil and is a source of environmental pollution; this is relevant in many countries around the world, but particularly in all the Mediterranean region where major producers are located. In this effluent, several pollutants are present—namely, sugars, fatty acids, and polyphenols, among others. Nowadays, to reduce the pollutant load, several treatment techniques are applied, but these technologies have numerous cost and efficiency problems. For this reason, the steam reforming of the OMW (OMWSR) presents as a good alternative, because this process decreases the pollutant load of the OMW and simultaneously valorizes the waste with the production of green H2, which is consistent with the perspective of the circular economy. Currently, the OMWSR is an innovative treatment alternative in the scientific field and with high potential. In the last few years, some groups have studied the OMWSR and used innovative reactor configurations, aiming to improve the process’ effectiveness. In this review, the OMW treatment/valorization processes, the last developments on catalysis for OMWSR (or steam reforming of similar species present in the effluent), as well as the last advances on OMWSR performed in multi-functional reactors are addressed.
Prediction of Internal Circuit and Mechanical-Electrical-Thermal Response of Lithium-Ion Battery Cell with Mechanical-Thermal Coupled Analysis
Authors: Moon Jaemin , Chang HyukKyun , Lee Jun , Kim Chang-Wan
Published: January 2022

The lithium-ion battery (LIB) is widely used as an energy storage device for electric vehicles (EV) due to its advantages, such as high energy density and long lifespan. However, LIB for EV can be exposed to mechanical abuse such as vehicle collision, which causes thermal runaway due to extreme mechanical deformation. Therefore, it is necessary to predict the internal short circuit (ISC) of the LIB cell under mechanical loading conditions and to analyze the mechanical, electrical, and thermal responses after ISC. In this paper, the starting point of ISC is predicted using a two-way mechanical-electrical-thermal coupled analysis method. At the same time, mechanical responses, along with the effects of the ISC area on electrical and thermal responses of the LIB cell, were analyzed. ISC was defined as failure of the separator. The separator’s failure was calculated considering material nonlinearity. Considering the indentation test results, the finite element method (FEM) analysis could accurately predict the starting point of ISC. In the order of cylindrical, hemispherical, and conical indenters, ISC occurred quickly, and the ISC area was large. The larger the ISC area, the greater the voltage drop, current, and joule heat, and the higher the maximum temperature.
The Impact of Outdoor Temperatures on the Efficacy of Natural Ventilation and Smoke Exhaust Systems
Authors: Bogusławska Arleta , Brzezińska Dorota
Published: January 2022

Natural smoke control systems in staircases are one of the available systems used for the protection of escape routes from smoke and are one of the most utilised for medium to high rise buildings. However, their effectiveness (as well as other ventilation systems) is strongly dependent on the weather conditions, especially the outdoor temperature. This paper describes the results of real-scale experiments of the airflow in a staircase’s natural smoke exhaust system. The experimental staircase was localised in a medium-high building, “LabFactor” at the Lodz University of Technology in Poland. The experiments were performed over a period of six months, from February to July 2019, and included measurements of external and internal air temperature as well as the airflow through the staircase. The results obtained enabled an evaluation of the effectiveness of the ventilation and natural smoke exhaust system in the staircase, in relation to external temperatures. It was found that natural smoke exhaust systems could operate below an acceptable level of effectiveness for nearly 25% of the year. The experimental results were confirmed with CFD simulations.
Experimental Study on the Pyrolysis and Soot Formation Characteristics of JP-10 Jet Fuel
Authors: He Ruining , Wu Jin , Jia Wenlin , Liang Jinhu , Li Yang
Published: January 2022

Experiments of high temperature pyrolysis and soot formation analysis on JP-10, one of the representatives of fuels, were conducted in order to analyze its properties and help construct its chemical kinetic mechanism. High-temperature pyrolysis and fuel-rich oxidation experiments were carried out on JP-10 fuel under different conditions using two types of shock tube equipment (SPST and HPST). The pyrolysis experiments were carried out in two working conditions with JP-10 concentrations of 200 ppm and 500 ppm (in Ar). Quantitative analyses of JP-10 pyrolysis products were carried out using gas chromatography, and a total of eight small molecule products below C4 were detected. Among these eight products, methane, ethene, and acetylene were the three main products. In the fuel-rich oxidation experiments for soot formation analysis, a total of nine working conditions were designed, but soot formation was detected only under three of them. The soot induction delay time and soot yield of JP-10 were investigated using laser absorption measurement. The SYmax (the maximum amount of soot yield) and other relevant parameters were investigated under these three different working conditions. At a pressure of 3 bar and a temperature of 1884.10 K, the soot yield reached a maximum of 14.3. In addition to practical insights from these data, they were also useful for the construction and validation of the chemical kinetic mechanism of JP-10.
Sharing Model in Circular Economy towards Rational Use in Sustainable Production
Authors: Atstaja Dzintra , Koval Viktor , Grasis Janis , Kalina Iryna , Kryshtal Halyna , Mikhno Inesa
Published: January 2022

Changing business models is a topical issue in a pandemic. Recent research has shown that the search for environmentally friendly and sustainable solutions in various sectors has become relevant. The article aims to promote cooperation and adaptation of good practices between countries. Comparing the country’s history and economic situation and economic development and traditions can be seen as a precondition for success. The article examines the introduction of sharing economy and the creation of environment-friendly trends establishing a circular economy by minimizing the population’s expenses, online business growth, and accessibility of Internet technologies. The article explores the difference between the linear economic model and the circular model by adopting sharing and the efficient joint use of materials to enhance and assess sustainable development. Based on a combination of theoretical and practical research, the article explores the dynamic system and development model of sharing a circular economy. The new concept of circular economy does not promote the overproduction of new goods but the rational use of already produced ones, which significantly reduces the amount of waste generated at all stages of the product life cycle. Population groups by different income groups for sharing services are analysed. An analysis of the price characteristics of popular sharing products was used from data from Internet portals. One concludes that due to the increase in Internet users, especially mobile apps, and social networks, C2C sharing has become quite popular over the past years. Other areas also show positive development indicators but have less demand, affecting supply. Based on an in-depth study of the economic situation in Ukraine, the authors have critically chosen an industry to set as an example with the actual business situation. Therefore, three packages were created: pessimistic, standard and optimistic ones with different characteristics of implementing circular economic projects. The chosen method allows rational management decisions for attracting financing and sustainable solutions. The company’s business scenarios analysed in the article will allow to choose a system based on circular economy principles successfully.
Recent Research Progress in Piezoelectric Vibration Energy Harvesting Technology
Authors: Zhou Weipeng , Du Dongmei , Cui Qian , Lu Chang , Wang Yuhao , He Qing
Published: January 2022

With the development of remote monitoring technology and highly integrated circuit technology, the achievement and usage of self-powered wireless low-power electronic components has become a hot research topic nowadays. Harvesting vibration energy from the environment can meet the power consumption requirements of these devices, while it is also of great significance to fully utilize the hidden energy in the environment. The mechanism and three typical working modes of piezoelectric vibration energy harvesting technology are introduced, along with the classification of different excitation types of collectors. The progress of research related to piezoelectric vibration energy harvesting technology is reviewed. Finally, challenging problems in the study of piezoelectric energy harvesting technology are summarized, and the future research and development trend of piezoelectric vibration energy harvesting technology is discussed in the light of the current research status of piezoelectric vibration energy harvesting technology.
Thermal Analysis and Kinetic Modeling of Pyrolysis and Oxidation of Hydrochars
Authors: Gonnella Gabriella , Ischia Giulia , Fambri Luca , Fiori Luca
Published: January 2022

This study examines the kinetics of pyrolysis and oxidation of hydrochars through thermal analysis. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) techniques were used to investigate the decomposition profiles and develop two distributed activation energy models (DAEM) of hydrochars derived from the hydrothermal carbonization of grape seeds produced at different temperatures (180, 220, and 250 °C). Data were collected at 1, 3, and 10 °C/min between 30 and 700 °C. TGA data highlighted a decomposition profile similar to that of the raw biomass for hydrochars obtained at 180 and 220 °C (with a clear distinction between oil, cellulosic, hemicellulosic, and lignin-like compounds), while presenting a more stable profile for the 250 °C hydrochar. DSC showed a certain exothermic behavior during pyrolysis of hydrochars, an aspect also investigated through thermodynamic simulations in Aspen Plus. Regarding the DAEM, according to a Gaussian model, the severity of the treatment slightly affects kinetic parameters, with average activation energies between 193 and 220 kJ/mol. Meanwhile, the Miura–Maki model highlights the distributions of the activation energy and the pre-exponential factor during the decomposition.
Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Turbo cornutus Viscera Ethanolic Extract against Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated Inflammatory Response via the Regulation of the JNK/NF-kB Signaling Pathway in Murine Macrophage RAW 264.7 Cells and a Zebrafish Model: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Kim Eun-A , Kang Nalae , Kim Junseong , Yang Hye-Won , Ahn Ginnae , Heo Soo-Jin
Published: January 2022

Turbo cornutus, the horned turban sea snail, is found along the intertidal and basaltic shorelines and is an important fishery resource of Jeju Island. In this study, we performed a preliminary study on anti-inflammatory effect of 70% ethanol extract obtained from T. cornutus viscera (TVE) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells in vitro and zebrafish embryos in vivo. TVE reduced the production of LPS-stimulated nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) without any toxic effects. TVE also decreased the protein expression of LPS-induced inducible NO synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 and suppressed the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-1β. Furthermore, mechanistic studies indicated that TVE suppressed c-Jun N-terminal kinase phosphorylation and nuclear factor-kB activation. In zebrafish embryos, TVE did not show developmental toxicity based on the survival rate and cell death findings. In LPS-stimulated zebrafish embryos, TVE suppressed NO production and cell death. In conclusion, the result from this preliminary study showed TVE has a potential anti-inflammatory property that can be exploited as a functional food ingredient.
Safe Game: Hygienic Habits in Self-Consumption of Game Meat in Eastern Spain
Authors: Lizana Victor , Muniesa Ana , Cardells Jesús , López-Ramon Jordi , Aguiló-Gisbert Jordi , Lomillos Juan M. , Gortázar Christian
Published: January 2022

We used anonymous questionnaires to assess the hygienic and sanitary aspects of game meat self-consumption in Eastern Spain as the first step towards a health risk assessment. The survey yielded 472 valid interviews from active hunters. The maximum possible score was 65 points (average 29 ± 8; range 1–52). Most participants were men (95%), but women achieved significantly better scores (p = 0.003). Hunters above 65 years old scored significantly lower results than younger groups (p = 0.007). The score increased with the educational level (p = 0.046). A 92% of the collaborators consumed game meat. Veterinary inspection and freezing were irregular among the participants. Most respondents declared carrying the animals in their personal vehicles. Of the dressing process, 61% of sites were outdoors, 68% of the participants declared using specific knives, 64% used the same clothes as in the field, and 42% used disposable gloves. The most usual way to dispose of the remains was garbage containers (41%); offal abandonment in the field was 33%, and 13% fed domestic animals using the remains. We conclude that public health authorities should increase their interest in the self-consumption of game meat. Clear guidelines about domestic dressing facilities and hygienic habits should be published, these being essential when looking for synergies with hunter associations.
A Novel Thermal-Activated β-Galactosidase from Bacillus aryabhattai GEL-09 for Lactose Hydrolysis in Milk
Authors: Luan Shuyue , Duan Xuguo
Published: January 2022

β-Galactosidase has been greatly used in the dairy industry. This study investigated a novel thermostable β-galactosidase (lacZBa) from Bacillus aryabhattai GEL-09 and evaluated the hydrolytic performance of this enzyme. Firstly, the lacZBa-encoding gene was cloned and overexpressed in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3). Phylogenetic analyses revealed that lacZBa belonged to the glycoside hydrolase family 42. Using SDS-PAGE, we determined that the molecular weight of lacZBa was ~75 kDa. Purified lacZBa exhibited a maximum activity at 45 °C, pH 6.0, and could be activated following incubation at 45 °C for several minutes. The half-life of lacZBa at 45 °C and 50 °C was 264 h and 36 h, respectively. While Co2+, Mn2+, Zn2+, Fe2+, Mg2+, and Ca2+ enhanced enzymatic activity, Cu2+ and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid inhibited enzymatic activity. Moreover, lacZBa could hydrolyze lactose and oNPG with Km values of 85.09 and 14.38 mM. Molecular docking results revealed that lacZBa efficiently recognized and catalyzed lactose. Additionally, the hydrolysis of lactose by lacZBa was studied in lactose solution and commercial milk. Lactose was completely hydrolyzed within 4 h with 8 U/mL of lacZBa at 45 °C. These results suggested that lacZBa identified in this study has potential applications in the dairy industry.
Overview of One-Dimensional Continuous Functions with Fractional Integral and Applications in Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Jun Wang , Lei Cao , Bin Wang , Hongtao Gong , Wei Tang
Published: January 2022

One-dimensional continuous functions are important fundament for studying other complex functions. Many theories and methods applied to study one-dimensional continuous functions can also be accustomed to investigating the properties of multi-dimensional functions. The properties of one-dimensional continuous functions, such as dimensionality, continuity, and boundedness, have been discussed from multiple perspectives. Therefore, the existing conclusions will be systematically sorted out according to the bounded variation, unbounded variation and ho¨lder continuity. At the same time, unbounded variation points are used to analyze continuous functions and construct unbounded variation functions innovatively. Possible applications of fractal and fractal dimension in reinforcement learning are predicted.
Independent Evolutionary Lineages in a Globular Cactus Species Complex Reveals Hidden Diversity in a Central Chile Biodiversity Hotspot
Authors: Villalobos-Barrantes Heidy M. , Meriño Beatriz M. , Walter Helmut E. , Guerrero Pablo C.
Published: January 2022

Unraveling the processes involved in the origin of a substantial fraction of biodiversity can be a particularly difficult task in groups of similar, and often convergent, morphologies. The genus Eriosyce (Cactaceae) might present a greater specific diversity since much of its species richness might be hidden in morphological species complexes. The aim of this study was to investigate species delimitation using the molecular data of the globose cacti “E. curvispina”, which harbor several populations of unclear evolutionary relationships. We ran phylogenetic inferences on 87 taxa of Eriosyce, including nine E. curvispina populations, and by analyzing three plastid noncoding introns, one plastid and one nuclear gene. Additionally, we developed 12 new pairs of nuclear microsatellites to evaluate the population-level genetic structure. We identified four groups that originated in independent cladogenetic events occurring at different temporal depths; these groups presented high genetic diversity, and their populations were genetically structured. These results suggest a complex evolutionary history in the origin of globular cacti, with independent speciation events occurring at different time spans. This cryptic richness is underestimated in the Mediterranean flora of central Chile, and thus unique evolutionary diversity could be overlooked in conservation and management actions.
Gene Ontology Groups and Signaling Pathways Regulating the Process of Avian Satellite Cell Differentiation
Authors: Golkar-Narenji Afsaneh , Antosik Paweł , Nolin Shelly , Rucinski Marcin , Jopek Karol , Zok Agnieszka , Sobolewski Jarosław , Jankowski Maurycy , Zdun Maciej , Bukowska Dorota , Stefańska Katarzyna , Jaśkowski Jędrzej M. , Piotrowska-Kempisty Hanna , Mozdziak Paul , Kempisty Bartosz
Published: January 2022

Modern science is becoming increasingly committed to environmentally friendly solutions, mitigating the impact of the developing human civilisation on the environment. One of the leading fields aimed at sustainable agriculture is in vitro meat production. Cellular agriculture aims to provide a source of animal-free meat products, which would decrease worldwide nutritional dependency on animal husbandry, thereby reducing the significant impact of this industry on Earth’s climate. However, while some studies successfully produced lab-based meat on a small scale, scalability of this approach requires significant optimisation of the methodology in order to ensure its viability on an industrial scale. One of the methodological promises of in vitro meat production is the application of cell suspension-based bioreactors. Hence, this study focused on a complex transcriptomic comparison of adherent undifferentiated, differentiated and suspension-cultured myosatellite cells, aiming to determine the effects of different culture methods on their transcriptome. Modern next-generation sequencing (RNAseq) was used to determine the levels of transcripts in the cultures’ cell samples. Then, differential expression and pathway analyses were performed using bionformatical methods. The significantly regulated pathways included: EIF2, mTOR, GP6, integrin and HIFα signalling. Differential regulation of gene expression, as well as significant enrichment and modulation of pathway activity, suggest that suspension culture potentially promotes the ex vivo-associated loss of physiological characteristics and gain of plasticity. Therefore, it seems that suspension cultures, often considered the desired method for in vitro meat production, require further investigation to fully elucidate their effect on myosatellite cells and, therefore, possibly enable their easier scalability to ensure suitability for industrial application.
Antimicrobial Resistance, Healthcare-Associated Infections, and Environmental Microbial Contamination
Authors: Masia Maria Dolores , Dettori Marco
Published: January 2022

In the context of clinical risks, infectious risk, i [...]
Korean Medicine Clinical Practice Guidelines for Lumbar Herniated Intervertebral Disc in Adults: Based on Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE)
Authors: Goo Bonhyuk , Jo Min-gi , Kim Eun-Jung , Lee Hyun-Jong , Kim Jae-Soo , Nam Dongwoo , Kang Jung Won , Kim Tae-Hun , Park Yeon-Cheol , Baek Yong-Hyeon , Nam Sang-Soo , Lee Myeong Soo , Seo Byung-Kwan
Published: January 2022

A significant number of individuals suffer from low back pain throughout their lifetime, and the medical costs related to low back pain and disc herniation are gradually increasing in Korea. Korean medicine interventions have been used for the treatment of lumbar intervertebral disc herniation. Therefore, we aimed to update the existing Korean medicine clinical practice guidelines for lumbar intervertebral disc herniation. A review of the existing guidelines for clinical treatment and analysis of questionnaires targeting Korean medicine doctors were performed. Subsequently, key questions on the treatment method of Korean medicine used for disc herniation in actual clinical trials were derived, and drafts of recommendations were formed after literature searches using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation. An expert consensus was reached on the draft through the Delphi method and final recommendations were made through review by the development project team and the monitoring committee. Fifteen recommendations for seven interventions for lumbar disc herniation were derived, along with the grade of recommendation and the level of evidence. The existing Korean medicine clinical practice guidelines for lumbar intervertebral disc herniation have been updated. Continuous updates will be needed through additional research in the future.
Project and Prototype of Mobile Application for Monitoring the Global COVID-19 Epidemiological Situation
Authors: Sawik Bartosz , Płonka Julia
Published: January 2022

The purpose of this research is to analyze currently available solutions that help to monitor the global epidemiological situation, including travel restrictions, as well as proposing a new solution dedicated to users who want to keep updated with the current restrictions and COVID-19-related statistics. The analysis of existing tools is prepared from the perspective of practical usability for the end user. This paper consists of an overview of the tools and techniques of data visualization and demonstrates how to integrate them with practical business usage in a mobile application.
Implementation Determinants of Zimbabwe National Occupational Safety and Health Policy in Willowvale Industrial Area, Zimbabwe
Authors: Mkungunugwa Tarisayi , Owili Patrick Opiyo , Muula Adamson Sinjani , Kuo Hsien-Wen
Published: January 2022

Zimbabwe introduced the National Occupational Safety and Health Policy (ZNOSHP) in August 2014 with the vision and mission to eliminate occupational accidents, injuries, diseases, and fatalities and to promote Occupational Safety and Health (OSH). This study was therefore aimed at exploring the individual- and organizational-level determinants of ZNOSHP’s implementation. Data were collected from 309 workers in the Willowvale industrial area in Harare, Zimbabwe. Negative binomial regression models were used to explore the determinants of ZNOSHP’s implementation. After adjustment, participant’s knowledge of ZNOSHP (Incidence Rate Ratio, IRR = 1.32; 95% Confidence Interval, CI: 1.19–1.46; p ≤ 0.001), production department (IRR = 1.13; 95% CI: 1.03–1.26; p ≤ 0.05), company years of operation (IRR = 1.33; 95% CI: 1.21–1.46; p ≤ 0.001), participants who identified several implementation barriers (IRR = 1.12; 95% CI: 1.01–1.25; p ≤ 0.001), and agricultural industry were associated with higher rates of ZNOSHP’s implementation. In conclusion, individual- and organizational-level determinants of implementation of OSH standards were explored, and positive associations were found. Policy implementation, enforcement, and follow up strategies need to be developed in order to ensure adherence to safety measures. This study should be extended to other parts of Zimbabwe in order to develop evidence-based policy.
Relative and Chronological Age in Successful Athletes at the World Taekwondo Championships (1997–2019): A Focus on the Behaviour of Multiple Medallists
Authors: Apollaro Gennaro , Rodríguez Yarisel Quiñones , Herrera-Valenzuela Tomás , Hernández-Mendo Antonio , Falcó Coral
Published: January 2022

The aims of this study were to investigate the relative and chronological age among taekwondo world medal winners (by gender, Olympic 4-year period, Olympic weight category; N = 740), and to study the behaviour of multiple medallists (N = 156) to monitor changes in weight categories and wins over time. The observed birth quartile distribution for the heavyweight category was significantly skewed (p = 0.01). Female athletes (22.2 ± 3.5 years) achieve success at a significantly younger age (p = 0.01) than their male counterparts (23.6 ± 3.3 years). In the weight categories, female flyweights were significantly younger than those welterweights (p = 0.03) and heavyweight (p = 0.01); female featherweights were significantly younger than those heavyweights (p = 0.03). Male flyweights and featherweights were significantly younger than those welterweights and heavyweights (p = 0.01). When a taekwondo athlete won a medal several times, he/she did so within the same Olympic weight category group and won two medals in his/her career (p = 0.01). Multiple medallists of the lighter and heavier groups did not differ in the number of medals won but in the time span in which they won medals (p = 0.02). The resources deployed by stakeholders to achieve success in these competitions highlight an extremely competitive environment. In this sense, the information provided by this study can be relevant and translated into key elements.
Linking Leeds: A Social Prescribing Service for Children and Young People
Authors: Brettell Melissa , Fenton Clare , Foster Ethan
Published: January 2022

The use of social prescribing interventions for common mental health issues is expanding as clinicians seek to diverge from the traditional medical model of treatment. This intervention allows for the referral of patients to a nonclinical social activity via a link worker. Evidence for the benefits of social prescribing is growing. Most evidence is based on adults; however, a smaller number of studies involving children and young people have produced encouraging results. This evaluation reports on data routinely collected by the Linking Leeds service between 9 January 2019–11 January 2020. Linking Leeds provides Social Prescribing for people aged 16 years and above; however, the current paper focuses on service users aged between 16 and 25. Their aim is to connect people to services and activities in their community in order to benefit overall health and mental wellbeing. This evaluation of the Linking Leeds program supports the growing body of evidence to support the benefits social prescribing can have on young people’s mental health. Two main mechanisms were identified which underpin social prescribing in young people: social connectedness and behavioural activation.
Association of Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Cognitive Function with Psychological Well-Being in School-Aged Children
Authors: Chen Weiyun , Gu Xiangli , Chen Jun , Wang Xiaozan
Published: January 2022

Background: Promotion of psychological well-being (PWB) is an emerging social, educational, and health objective, especially for school-aged children. Few studies have examined key correlates and determinants of PWB in school-aged children. This study aimed to examine associations of cardiorespiratory fitness and cognitive function with psychological well-being in school-aged children. Methods: The study participants were 752 fourth-grade students (mean age = 9.61 years, SD = 0.608) recruited from six elementary schools. Students took the Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run® test to assess their cardiorespiratory fitness, and the d2 Test of Attention to assess concentration performance, attention span, and attention accuracy. They also completed the Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale to assess their psychological well-being (PWB). After removing missing values and outliers from the original data set, the final data set, consisting of 689 cases (370 boys vs. 319 girls), was used for data analysis. Data were analyzed by means of descriptive statistics, bivariate correlation, multiple linear regression models, and independent sample t-tests. Results: The results indicated that cardiorespiratory fitness and cognitive function are significant correlates of PWB (r = −0.069, r = 0.161). Further, the results found that cardiorespiratory fitness, concentration performance, attention span, and attention accuracy were significantly collective predictors of psychological well-being (F = 13.299, p = 0.000), accounting for 12% of the total variance. Cardiorespiratory fitness was the most significantly individual predictor of PWB (β = 0.174, p = 0.000), followed by the attention accuracy (β = −0.090, p = 0.031). The Welch’s tests revealed that the high-PWB group scored significantly higher than the low-PWB group in cardiorespiratory fitness, concentration performance, and attention accuracy (t = 4.093, p = 0.000, Cohen’s d = 0.310; t = 3.340, p = 0.001, Cohen’s d = 0.256; t = −2.958, p = 0.003, Cohen’s d = 0.130). Conclusions: Cardiorespiratory fitness and cognitive function are significant correlates and predictors of PWB among school-aged children. The students with a higher level of psychological well-being showed a higher cardiorespiratory fitness, concentration performance, and attention accuracy compared to the lower level of PWB group.
Usability and Engagement Testing of mHealth Apps in Paediatric Obesity: A Narrative Review of Current Literature
Authors: Arthurs Niamh , Tully Louise , O’Malley Grace , Browne Sarah
Published: January 2022

Mobile health (mHealth) platforms have become increasingly popular for delivering health interventions in recent years and particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Childhood obesity treatment is an area where mHealth interventions may be useful due to the multidisciplinary nature of interventions and the need for long-term care. Many mHealth apps targeting youth exist but the evidence base underpinning the methods for assessing technical usability, user engagement and user satisfaction of such apps with target end-users or among clinical populations is unclear, including for those aimed at paediatric overweight and obesity management. This review aims to examine the current literature and provide an overview of the scientific methods employed to test usability and engagement with mHealth apps in children and adolescents with obesity. A narrative literature review was undertaken following a systematic search. Four academic databases were searched. Inclusion criteria were studies describing the usability of mHealth interventions for childhood obesity treatment. Following the application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, fifty-nine articles were included for full-text review, and seven studies met the criteria for usability and engagement in a clinical paediatric population with obesity. Six apps were tested for usability and one for engagement in childhood obesity treatment. Sample sizes ranged from 6–1120 participants. The included studies reported several heterogenous measurement instruments, data collection approaches, and outcomes. Recommendations for future research include the standardization and validation of instruments to measure usability and engagement within mHealth studies in this population.
NSAIDs and Cancer Resolution: New Paradigms beyond Cyclooxygenase
Authors: Kolawole Oluwafunke R. , Kashfi Khosrow
Published: January 2022

Acute inflammation or resolved inflammation is an adaptive host defense mechanism and is self-limiting, which returns the body to a state of homeostasis. However, unresolved, uncontrolled, or chronic inflammation may lead to various maladies, including cancer. Important evidence that links inflammation and cancer is that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin, reduce the risk and mortality from many cancers. The fact that NSAIDs inhibit the eicosanoid pathway prompted mechanistic drug developmental work focusing on cyclooxygenase (COX) and its products. The increased prostaglandin E2 levels and the overexpression of COX-2 in the colon and many other cancers provided the rationale for clinical trials with COX-2 inhibitors for cancer prevention or treatment. However, NSAIDs do not require the presence of COX-2 to prevent cancer. In this review, we highlight the effects of NSAIDs and selective COX-2 inhibitors (COXIBs) on targets beyond COX-2 that have shown to be important against many cancers. Finally, we hone in on specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) that are biosynthesized locally and, in a time, -dependent manner to promote the resolution of inflammation and subsequent tissue healing. Different classes of SPMs are reviewed, highlighting aspirin’s potential in triggering the production of these resolution-promoting mediators (resolvins, lipoxins, protectins, and maresins), which show promise in inhibiting cancer growth and metastasis.