bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Analysis of a Family of Sliding Mode Observers under Real-Time Conditions for the Monitoring in the Bioethanol Production
Authors: Alvarado-Santos Eduardo , Mata-Machuca Juan L. , López-Pérez Pablo A. , Garrido-Moctezuma Rubén A. , Pérez-Guevara Fermín , Aguilar-López Ricardo
Published: September 2022

Online monitoring of fermentation processes is a necessary task to determine concentrations of key biochemical compounds, diagnose faults in process operations, and implement feedback controllers. However, obtaining the signals of all-important variables in a real process is a task that may be difficult and expensive due to the lack of adequate sensors, or simply because some variables cannot be directly measured. From the above, a model-based approach such as state observers may be a viable alternative to solve the estimation problem. This work shows a comparative analysis of the real-time performance of a family of sliding-mode observers for reconstructing key variables in a batch bioreactor for fermentative ethanol production. These observers were selected for their robust performance under model uncertainties and finite-time estimation convergence. The selected sliding-mode observers were the first-order sliding mode observer, the proportional sliding mode observer, and the high-order sliding mode observer. For estimation purposes, a power law kinetic model for ethanol production by Saccharomyces cerevisiae was performed. A hybrid methodology allows the kinetic parameters to be adjusted, and an approach based on inference diagrams allows the observability of the model to be determined. The experimental results reported here show that the observers under analysis were robust to modeling errors and measurement noise. Moreover, the proportional sliding-mode observer was the algorithm that exhibited the best performance.
Hydrogen Sulfide Treatment Alleviates Chilling Injury in Cucumber Fruit by Regulating Antioxidant Capacity, Energy Metabolism and Proline Metabolism
Authors: Wang Jingda , Zhao Yaqin , Ma Zhiqian , Zheng Yonghua , Jin Peng
Published: September 2022

Although low-temperature storage could maintain the quality of fruits and vegetables, it may also result in chilling injury (CI) in cold-sensitive produce, such as cucumbers. This can seriously affect their quality.” The antioxidant capacity, energy metabolism and proline metabolism of cucumbers treated with hydrogen sulfide (H2S) were studied in this assay. The outcomes displayed that H2S treatment effectively reduced CI and delayed the increase in electrolyte leakage (EL) and malondialdehyde (MDA) content. In addition, the H2S-treated cucumber fruit exhibited higher L* and hue angle values, as well as nutrients such as ascorbic acid (AsA). The H2S-treated fruit showed lower levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and higher antioxidant enzyme activities. Meanwhile, H2S treatment also increased the activities of the essential enzymes involved in energy metabolism, including cytochrome C oxidase (CCO), succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), H+-ATPase and Ca2+-ATPase, which improved the energy supply. H2S induced higher ornithine δ-aminotransferase (OAT) and Δ-1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate synthetase (P5CS) activities, and reduced proline dehydrogenase (PDH) activity, promoting the accumulation of proline. These results indicated that H2S could alleviate CI in the cucumber fruit by modulating antioxidant capacity, energy metabolism and proline metabolism, thereby extending the shelf life of postharvest cucumbers.
Nutrition and Health through the Use of Probiotic Strains in Fermentation to Produce Non-Dairy Functional Beverage Products Supporting Gut Microbiota
Authors: Dahiya Divakar , Nigam Poonam Singh
Published: September 2022

Pure viable strains of microorganisms identified and characterised as probiotic cultures are used in the fermentation process to prepare functional beverages. The fermented probiotic products can be consumed as a source of nutrition and also for the maintenance of healthy gut microbiota. The functional beverages contain the substrates used for the preparation of product with a specific culture or a mixture of known strains used to perform the fermentation, hence these drinks can be considered as a healthy formulation of synbiotic products. If a beverage is prepared using agriculturally sourced materials, the fermented substrates with their oligosaccharides and fiber content act as prebiotics. Both the components (probiotic strain/s and prebiotic substrate) exist in a synergistic relationship in the product and contribute to several benefits for nutrition and gut health. The preparation of such probiotic beverages has been studied using non-dairy-based materials, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains, and cassava, a staple diet source in many regions. The consumption of beverages prepared with the use of probiotics, which contain active microbial cells and their metabolites, contributes to the functional properties of beverages. In addition, the non-dairy probiotic products can be used by consumers of all groups and food cultures, including vegans and vegetarians, and particularly consumers with allergies to dairy-based products. The aim of this article is to present a review of published research highlighting specific probiotic strains, which have the potential to enhance sustainability of healthy GIT microbiota, used in the fermentation process for the preparation of non-dairy beverages.
Characterization of Two Zymomonas mobilis Wild Strains and Analysis of Populations Dynamics during Their Leavening of Bread-like Doughs
Authors: Picozzi Claudia , Clagnan Elisa , Musatti Alida , Rollini Manuela , Brusetti Lorenzo
Published: September 2022

Two Zymomonas mobilis wild strains (UMB478 and 479) isolated from water kefir were characterized for their biomass production levels and leavening performance when used as the inoculum of a real bread-like dough formulation. The obtained baked product would be consumable by people with adverse responses to Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In liquid cultures, the two strains reached similar biomass concentration (0.7 g CDW/L). UMB479 showed an interesting resistance to NaCl (MBC 30 g/L), that may be useful in the bakery sector. When inoculated in doughs, UMB479 produced the maximum dough volume (650 mL) after 5 h, glucose was almost consumed and 1 g/100 g of ethanol produced, +200% respective to UMB478. Using S. cerevisiae for comparison purposes, the dough doubled its volume fast, in only 2 h, but reached a final level of 575 mL, lower than that achieved by Z. mobilis. The analysis of bacterial and fungal population dynamics during dough leavening was performed through the Automated Ribosomal Intergenic Spacer Analysis (ARISA); doughs leavened by UMB479 showed an interesting decrease in fungal richness after leavening. S. cerevisiae, instead, created a more complex fungal community, similar before and after leavening. Results will pave the way for the use of Z. mobilis UMB479 in commercial yeast-free leavened products.
The Impact of Storage Conditions and Bottle Orientation on the Evolution of Phenolic and Volatile Compounds of Vintage Port Wine
Authors: Azevedo Joana , Pinto Joana , Teixeira Natércia , Oliveira Joana , Cabral Miguel , Guedes de Pinho Paula , Lopes Paulo , Mateus Nuno , de Freitas Victor
Published: September 2022

This work evaluates the influence of the cellar conditions and bottle orientation, on the phenolic and volatile composition of a Vintage Port wine, sealed with natural cork stoppers, for 44 months post-bottling. The storage was performed in two different cellars, namely a cellar A with controlled temperature and humidity, and a cellar B, representing a traditional cellar, with uncontrolled temperature and humidity. The impact of bottle orientation was studied in cellar A, where the bottles were stored in horizontal and vertical positions. The phenolic and volatile composition of the bottled Vintage Port wine were analyzed after 6, 15 and 44 months. The results unveiled that the cellar conditions and bottle orientation had an impact in Port wine composition which was higher at 44 months post-bottling. The samples stored in the traditional cellar unveiled significantly higher yellow tones, lower tannin specific activity, and higher levels of furfural and 5-methylfurfural. Furthermore, the samples stored in the horizontal position revealed significant higher levels of total proanthocyanidins and higher tannin specific activity than the samples stored in the vertical position. Interestingly, for the first time to our knowledge, an ellagitannin-derived compound (Corklin) was detected in Vintage Port wines stored in the horizontal position, which results from the reaction of cork constituents with phenolic compounds present in wines.
Fractal Dimension Characteristics of the Soil Cracking Process When Saline-Alkali Soil Is Mixed with Hippophae Roots
Authors: Jin Lichuang , Zhang Shuai , Xu Yingjie
Published: September 2022

Fractal analysis is an effective tool to describe real world phenomena. Water evaporation from the soil surface under extreme climatic conditions, such as drought, causes salt to accumulate in the soil, resulting in soil salinization, which aggravates soil shrinkage, deformation, and cracking. Hippophae is an alkali tolerant plant that is widely grown in Northwest China. Laboratory drying shrinkage tests of Saline-Alkali soil samples with 0%, 0.5%, 1%, and 2% concentrations of hippophae roots were carried out to study the effect of hippophae roots on the evaporation and cracking of Saline-Alkali soil and to determine variation characteristics of the soil samples’ fractal dimensions. A series of changes in the cracking parameters of Saline-Alkali soil were obtained during the cracking period. Based on fractal theory and the powerful image processing function of ImageJ software, the relationships between samples’ cracking process parameters were evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively. The experimental results show that the residual water contents of Saline-Alkali soil samples with 0%, 0.5%, 1%, and 2% concentrations of hippophae roots were 2.887%, 4.086%, 5.366%, and 6.696%, respectively. The residual water content of Saline-Alkali soil samples with 0.5% and 1% concentrations of hippophae roots increased by 41.53% and 85.87%, respectively; the residual water content of the sample with a 2% concentration of hippophae roots was 131.94% higher than that of the sample without hippophae roots. The final crack ratios of Saline-Alkali soil samples with 0%, 0.5%, 1%, and 2% concentrations of hippophae roots were 21.34%, 20.3%, 18.93%, and 17.18%, respectively. The final crack ratios of Saline-Alkali soil samples with 0.5%, 1%, and 2% concentrations of hippophae roots reduced by 4.87%, 11.29%, and 19.49%, respectively, compared with that of the sample without hippophae roots. Fractal dimensions at the end of cracking were 1.6217, 1.5656, 1.5282, and 1.4568, respectively. Fractal dimensions increased with an increase in the crack ratio and with a decrease in water content. The relationship between water content and fractal dimension can be expressed using a quadratic function. Results indicate that hippophae roots can effectively inhibit the cracking of Saline-Alkali soil and improve its water holding capacity.
Mechanisms of Basement Membrane Micro-Perforation during Cancer Cell Invasion into a 3D Collagen Gel
Authors: Nazari Shayan S. , Doyle Andrew D. , Yamada Kenneth M.
Published: September 2022

Cancer invasion through basement membranes represents the initial step of tumor dissemination and metastasis. However, little is known about how human cancer cells breach basement membranes. Here, we used a three-dimensional in vitro invasion model consisting of cancer spheroids encapsulated by a basement membrane and embedded in 3D collagen gels to visualize the early events of cancer invasion by confocal microscopy and live-cell imaging. Human breast cancer cells generated large numbers of basement membrane perforations, or holes, of varying sizes that expanded over time during cell invasion. We used a wide variety of small molecule inhibitors to probe the mechanisms of basement membrane perforation and hole expansion. Protease inhibitor treatment (BB94), led to a 63% decrease in perforation size. After myosin II inhibition (blebbistatin), the basement membrane perforation area decreased by only 15%. These treatments produced correspondingly decreased cellular breaching events. Interestingly, inhibition of actin polymerization dramatically decreased basement membrane perforation by 80% and blocked invasion. Our findings suggest that human cancer cells can primarily use proteolysis and actin polymerization to perforate the BM and to expand perforations for basement membrane breaching with a relatively small contribution from myosin II contractility.
Chronic Codeswitching: Shaping Black/White Multiracial Student Sense of Belonging
Authors: Wright Nicholas Lamar , Longerbeam Susan D. , Alagaraja Meera
Published: September 2022

Multiracial students grapple with experiences around mixedness which can hinder their sense of belonging among different social groups. Constantly feeling unaccepted and receiving the comment “You are too Black” or “You are too White” capture some of the common microaggressions faced by Black/White multiracial students. Using a phenomenological design, this study examines the ways in which Black/White multiracial students develop their sense of belonging at a predominantly White institution (PWI). While codeswitching has the ability to impact the sense of belonging in racial and ethnic minority groups, our study findings suggest that Black/White multiracial students tend to rely on chronic codeswitching as ways of seeking acceptance, balancing “otherness” and carefully minimizing exclusion when interacting with members of different social groups. Chronic codeswitching is particularly relevant as an everyday strategy in how Black/White multiracial students foster their sense of belonging and a sense of community. Research and practice implications are included.
Accelerating the Development and Validation of Liquid Biopsy for Early Cancer Screening and Treatment Tailoring
Authors: Horgan Denis , Čufer Tanja , Gatto Francesco , Lugowska Iwona , Verbanac Donatella , Carvalho Ângela , Lal Jonathan A. , Kozaric Marta , Toomey Sinead , Ivanov Hristo Y. , Longshore John , Malapelle Umberto , Hasenleithner Samantha , Hofman Paul , Alix-Panabières Catherine
Published: September 2022

Liquid biopsy (LB) is a minimally invasive method which aims to detect circulating tumor-derived components in body fluids. It provides an alternative to current cancer screening methods that use tissue biopsies for the confirmation of diagnosis. This paper attempts to determine how far the regulatory, policy, and governance framework provide support to LB implementation into healthcare systems and how the situation can be improved. For that reason, the European Alliance for Personalised Medicine (EAPM) organized series of expert panels including different key stakeholders to identify different steps, challenges, and opportunities that need to be taken to effectively implement LB technology at the country level across Europe. To accomplish a change of patient care with an LB approach, it is required to establish collaboration between multiple stakeholders, including payers, policymakers, the medical and scientific community, and patient organizations, both at the national and international level. Regulators, pharma companies, and payers could have a major impact in their own domain. Linking national efforts to EU efforts and vice versa could help in implementation of LB across Europe, while patients, scientists, physicians, and kit manufacturers can generate a pull by undertaking more research into biomarkers.
Growth Characteristics of Five Plum Varieties on Six Different Rootstocks Grown in Containers at Different Irrigation Levels
Authors: Kajtár-Czinege Anikó , Krauczi Éva Osztényiné , Hrotkó Károly
Published: September 2022

In contrast to other European countries, the nurseries in Hungary mainly use Myrobalan seedlings as rootstock for plum trees; no experience with other rootstocks is available yet. The aim of our research was to gather experience and recommend rootstocks to growers that are adapted to the climatic conditions and can be used in high-density intensive orchards. In the experiment, six rootstocks (Myrobalan seedlings, ‘St. Julien GF655/2’, ‘St. Julien A’, ‘Fereley’, ‘Wangenheim’ and ‘WaVit’) and five varieties (‘Topper’, ‘Toptaste’, ‘Topfive’, ‘Čačanska lepotica’ and ‘Jojo’) were tested. The experimental plantation was established in Kecskemét, in the lowland region of Hungary, which is characterised by low humus content and dry climatic conditions. The trees received two different irrigation doses from 2012 onwards, one for each half of the trees (six trees) of a combination. The first irrigation dose was 2 L and the second was 4 L per hour. Trees with the highest trunk cross-sectional area (TCSA) and canopy volume were ‘Topper’, ‘Toptaste’ and ‘Topfive’ on the ‘Fereley’ rootstock, but this rootstock showed lower survival, with only 33–50% of trees surviving the 2× dose irrigation. The average TCSA values of the rootstocks showed that ‘Wangenheim’ and ‘WaVit’ rootstocks resulted in too poor growth. In contrast, the Myrobalan seedling (Sdlg) and ‘St. Julien GF655/2’ provided strong growth to the trees based on the TCSA and canopy volume data. The results of the analysis of shoot growth showed that irrigation did not significantly affect shoot length, except for ‘Jojo’. The plum trees developed fruit trees typical of the cultivars after fruiting, with little influence of the rootstocks. ‘Topper’ and ‘Čačanska lepotica’ were dominated by bunched and bunched shoots, while ‘Topfive’ was dominated by short shoots and ‘Toptaste’ developed the highest proportion of long shoots.
Effect of Parental Components and Pollination Frequency on the Setting and Germination of Chrysanthemum Seeds
Authors: Miler Natalia , Kulus Dariusz
Published: September 2022

The chrysanthemum is one of the most economically important ornamental plants in the Asteraceae family. Unfortunately, the efficacy of breeding through the traditional crossing in this species is highly limited due to inefficient seed setting. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of parental components and crossing frequency on the set and germination of chrysanthemum seeds. For this purpose, seven chrysanthemum cultivars were used as parental components in 10 crossing combinations. The crossing was performed either once or twice a week, for three successive weeks, starting from November. Next, the obtained chrysanthemum seeds were collected, sown in pots in a greenhouse, and seedling growth was observed. The efficacy of the seed set, germination rate, and plant development was evaluated. The plants of the F1 generation were brought to flowering and evaluated phenotypically in the three successive vegetative propagation cycles. Both the arrangement of parental components and pollination frequency affected the production of seeds. More seeds were obtained if pollination was performed twice a week and if the ‘Wda’ cultivar was used as the maternal component. Approximately 50–100% of the seeds were able to germinate in the greenhouse, depending on the parental components, which also affected the developmental pace of the seedlings. Nearly all of the seedlings (80–100%) developed into properly growing plants. Out of 10 parental combinations tested, 7 produced the F1 offspring. The obtained plants varied in the shape, size, and color of their flowers. A total of eight new phenotypes were found, among which six new cultivars granted plant breeders’ rights, so far. The present research expands knowledge on how effective crossing should be performed.
Comparing Statistical Downscaling and Arithmetic Mean in Simulating CMIP6 Multi-Model Ensemble over Brunei
Authors: Rhymee Hamizah , Shams Shahriar , Ratnayake Uditha , Rahman Ena Kartina Abdul
Published: September 2022

The climate is changing and its impacts on agriculture are a major concern worldwide. The impact of precipitation will influence crop yield and water management. Estimation of such impacts using inputs from the General Circulation Models (GCMs) for future years will therefore assist managers and policymakers. It is therefore important to evaluate GCMs on a local scale for an impact study. As a result, under the Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs) future climate scenarios, namely SSP245, SSP370, and SSP585, simulations of mean monthly and daily precipitation across Brunei Darussalam in Phase 6 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6) were evaluated. The performance of two multi-model ensemble (MME) methods is compared in this study: the basic Arithmetic Mean (AM) of MME and the statistical downscaling (SD) of MME utilizing multiple linear regression (MLR). All precipitation simulations are bias-corrected using linear scaling (LS), and their performance is validated using statistical metrics such as Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and coefficient of determination (R2). The adjusted mean monthly precipitation during the validation period (2010–2019) shows an improvement, especially for the SD model with R2 = 0.85, 0.86 and 0.84 for SSP245, SSP370 and SSP585, respectively. Although the two models produced unsatisfying results in producing annual precipitation. Future analysis under the SD model shows that there will be a much lower average monthly trend in comparison with the observed trend. On the other hand, the forecasted monthly precipitation under AM predicted the same rainfall trend as the baseline period in the far future. It is projected that the annual precipitation in the near future will be reduced by at least 27% and 11% under the SD and AM models, respectively. In the long term, less annual precipitation changes for the SD model (17%). While the AM model estimated a decrease in precipitation by at least 14%.
Analysis of Functional Arch Support Insoles on the Biomechanics and Performance in Right-Forward Lunging Step of Badminton Players
Authors: Chen Hung-Wen , Peng Hsien-Te , Wei Yan
Published: September 2022

The purpose of this study was to examine the differences in biomechanical parameters and sports-specific performance of lower limbs between arch support insoles (ASI) and flat insoles (FLI) when performing net strides. After installing the MVN IMU system, 18 college badminton team members were asked to take the following tests: (1) Consecutive net stride tests; (2) Six-point footwork tests; (3) Retrieve/stroke the ball at the left and right net; (4) Smash and retrieve/stroke the ball at the net; (5) Smash at the front and back crossover step. The joint angle of the lower limbs and ground reaction force during the support phase was collected. The results demonstrated that the peak right hip flexion angle was significantly greater with ASI than FLI (63.09 ± 10.70; 60.08 ± 13.82; p = 0.028), while the peak right foot inversion angle was significantly smaller with ASI than FLI (20.68 ± 7.87; 23.85 ± 8.11; p = 0.013). The principal conclusion was that the arch support insole avoids the decrease in the hip flexion angle and the increase in the foot inversion angle during the net stride tests.
Reactivity and Stability of a Ring-Expanded N-Heterocyclic Carbene Copper(I) Boryl Imidinate
Authors: Charman Rex S. C. , Horsley Downie Thomas M. , Jerome Thomas H. , Mahon Mary F. , Liptrot David J.
Published: September 2022

Frustrated Lewis pairs (FLPs) have evolved from a revolutionary concept to widely applied catalysts. We recently reported the ring-expanded N-heterocyclic carbene supported copper(I) boryliminomethanide, (6-Dipp)CuC(=NtBu)Bpin and noted it reacted with heterocumulenes in a fashion reminiscent of FLPs. We thus set out to explore its reactivity with a range of other substrates known to react with FLPs. This was undertaken by a series of synthetic studies using NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, IR spectroscopy, and single crystal X-ray crystallography. (6-Dipp)CuC(=NtBu)Bpin was investigated for its reactivity towards water, hydrogen, and phenylacetylene. Its solution stability was also explored. Upon heating, (6-Dipp)CuC(=NtBu)Bpin decomposed to (6-Dipp)CuCN, which was characterised by SC-XRD and NMR spectroscopy, and pinBtBu. Although no reaction was observed with hydrogen, (6-Dipp)CuC(=NtBu)Bpin reacted with water to form (6-Dipp)CuC(=N(H)tBu)B(OH)pin, which was structurally characterised. In contrast to its FLP-reminiscent heterolytic cleavage reactivity towards water, (6-Dipp)CuC(=NtBu)Bpin acted as a Brønsted base towards phenyl acetylene generating (6-Dipp)CuCCPh, which was characterised by SC-XRD, IR, and NMR spectroscopy, and HC(=NtBu)Bpin
Low-Cost Carbon Nanoparticles for Removing Hazardous Organic Pollutants from Water: Complete Remediation Study and Multi-Use Investigation
Authors: Abdulkhair Babiker Y. , Elamin Mohamed R.
Published: September 2022

Continuous waste discharge into natural water resources in many countries is a severe global issue, and seeking an effective solution is a researcher’s concern. Herein, toilet paper waste was a low-cost precursor for preparing carbon nanoparticles (TPCNPs). The characterization of TPCNPs revealed a 30 nm to 50 nm particle size, a 264 m2 g−1 surface area, and a cubical graphite lattice XRD pattern. The TPCNPs were tested for removing malachite green (MG), indigo carmine (IC), rhodamine B (RB), and methylene blue (MB) dyes from water. The solution parameters were examined for the sorption process, and a pH of 5.0 suited the MB removal, while a pH of 6.0 was suitable for MG, IC, and RB. The effect of concentration investigation showed an adsorption capacity of 110.9, 64.8, 73.5, and 98 mg g−1 for MG, IC, RB, and MB, respectively. The sorption of the four dyes fitted the Langmuir isotherm model; it was exothermic and spontaneous. The water remediation was tested using groundwater and seawater samples (GW and SW) spiked with pollutants. It is worth mentioning that one treatment sufficed for the remediation of GW and SW contaminated by 5 mg L−1 concentration, while a double treatment was required for 10 mg L−1 pollution in both samples.
ATLAS LAr Calorimeter Commissioning for the LHC Run 3
Authors: Betti Alessandra
Published: September 2022

The Liquid Argon Calorimeters are employed by ATLAS for all electromagnetic calorimetry in the pseudo-rapidity region |η|<3.2, and for hadronic and forward calorimetry in the region from |η|=1.5 to |η|=4.9. They also provide inputs to the first level of the ATLAS trigger. After a successful period of data taking during the LHC Run 2 between 2015 and 2018, the ATLAS detector entered into a long period of shutdown. In 2022, the LHC will restart and the Run 3 period should see an increase of luminosity and pile-up of up to 80 interactions per bunch crossing. To cope with these harsher conditions, a new trigger readout path has been installed during the long shutdown. This new path should significantly improve the triggering performance on electromagnetic objects. This will be achieved by increasing the granularity of the objects available at trigger level by up to a factor of ten. The installation of this new trigger readout chain also required the update of the legacy system. More than 1500 boards of the precision readout have been extracted from the ATLAS pit, refurbished and re-installed. The legacy analog trigger readout, which will remain during the LHC Run 3 as a backup of the new digital trigger system, has also been updated. For the new system, 124 new on-detector boards have been added. Those boards that are operating in a radiative environment are digitizing the calorimeter trigger signals at 40 MHz. The digital signal is sent to the off-detector system and processed online to provide the measured energy value for each unit of readout. In total up to 31 Tbps are analyzed by the processing system and more than 62Tbps are generated for downstream reconstruction. To minimize the triggering latency the processing system had to be installed underground. The limited available space imposed a very compact hardware structure. To achieve a compact system, large FPGAs with high throughput have been mounted on ATCA mezzanines cards. In total, no more than three ATCA shelves are used to process the signal from approximately 34,000 channels. Given that modern technologies have been used compared to the previous system, all the monitoring and control infrastructure is being adapted and commissioned as well. This contribution presents the challenges of the installation, the commissioning and the milestones still to be completed towards the full operation of both the legacy and the new readout paths for the LHC Run 3.
Effect of Blood Flow on Cardiac Morphogenesis and Formation of Congenital Heart Defects
Authors: Trinidad Fernando , Rubonal Floyd , Rodriguez de Castro Ignacio , Pirzadeh Ida , Gerrah Rabin , Kheradvar Arash , Rugonyi Sandra
Published: September 2022

Congenital heart disease (CHD) affects about 1 in 100 newborns and its causes are multifactorial. In the embryo, blood flow within the heart and vasculature is essential for proper heart development, with abnormal blood flow leading to CHD. Here, we discuss how blood flow (hemodynamics) affects heart development from embryonic to fetal stages, and how abnormal blood flow solely can lead to CHD. We emphasize studies performed using avian models of heart development, because those models allow for hemodynamic interventions, in vivo imaging, and follow up, while they closely recapitulate heart defects observed in humans. We conclude with recommendations on investigations that must be performed to bridge the gaps in understanding how blood flow alone, or together with other factors, contributes to CHD.
The Path of a Cardiac Patient—From the First Symptoms to Diagnosis to Treatment: Experiences from the Tertiary Care Center in Poland
Authors: Kasiak Przemysław Seweryn , Buchalska Barbara , Kowalczyk Weronika , Wyszomirski Krzysztof , Krzowski Bartosz , Grabowski Marcin , Balsam Paweł
Published: September 2022

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are major concerns in the healthcare system. An individual diagnostic approach and personalized therapy are key areas of an effective therapeutic process. The major aims of this study were: (1) to assess leading patient problems related to symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of CVDs, (2) to examine patients’ opinions about the healthcare system in Poland, and (3) to provide a proposal of practical solutions. The 27-point author’s questionnaire was distributed in the Cardiology Department of the Tertiary Care Centre between 2nd September–13th November 2021. A total of 132 patients were recruited, and 82 (62.12%; nmale = 37, 45.12%; nfemale = 45, 54.88%) was finally included. The most common CVDs were arrhythmias and hypertension (both n = 43, 52.44%). 23 (28.05%) patients had an online appointment. Of the patients, 66 (80.49%) positively assessed and obtained treatment, while 11 (13.41%) patients declared they received a missed therapy. The participants identified: (1) waiting time (n = 31; 37.80%), (2) diagnostic process (n = 18; 21.95%), and (3) high price with limited availability of drugs (n = 12; 14.63%) as the areas that needed the strongest improvement. Younger patients more often negatively assessed doctor visits (30–40 yr.; p = 0.02) and hospital interventions (40–50 yr.; p = 0.008). Older patients (50–60 years old) less often negatively assessed the therapeutic process (p = 0.01). The knowledge of the factors determining patient adherence to treatment and satisfaction by Medical Professionals is crucial in providing effective treatment. Areas that require the strongest improvement are: (1) waiting time for an appointment and diagnosis, (2) limited availability and price of drugs, and (3) prolonged, complicated diagnostic process. Providing practical solutions is a crucial aspect of improving CVDs therapy.
Surgical Resection of a Recurrent Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Portal Vein Thrombosis: Is It a Good Treatment Option? A Case Report and Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Sena Giuseppe , Paglione Daniele , Gallo Gaetano , Goglia Marta , Osso Mariasara , Nardo Bruno
Published: September 2022

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most frequent diagnosed tumor worldwide and the third leading cause of cancer related death. According to the EASL Guidelines, HCC with portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) is classified as an advanced stage (BCLC stage C) and the only curative option is represented by systemic therapy. Therefore, treatment of HCC patients with PVTT remains controversial and debated. In this paper, we describe the case of a 66-year-old man with a recurrent HCC with PVTT who underwent surgical resection. A systematic review of the literature, comparing surgical resection with other choices of treatment in HCC patients with PVTT, is reported. Methods: A systematic review of the literature regarding all prospective and retrospective studies comparing the survival outcomes of HCC patients with PVTT treated with surgical resections (SRs) or other non-surgical treatments (n-SRs) has been conducted. Case presentation: A 66-year-old Caucasian man with a history of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) related liver cirrhosis and previous hepatocellular carcinoma of the VI segment treated with percutaneous ethanol infusion (PEI) seven years before presented to our clinics. A new nodular hypoechoic lesion in the VI hepatic segment was demonstrated on follow-up ultrasound examination. A hepatospecific magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan confirmed also the presence of a 18 × 13 mm nodular lesion in the V hepatic segment with satellite micronodules associated with V–VIII sectoral portal branch thrombosis. The case was then discussed at the multidisciplinary team meeting, and it was decided to perform a right hepatectomy. The postoperative course was regular and uneventful, and the discharge occurred seven days after the surgery. At eight-month follow-up, there was no clinical nor radiological evidence of neoplastic recurrence, with well-preserved liver function (Child-Pugh A5). Results: Nine studies were included in the review. Median Overall Survaival (OS) ranged from 8.2 to 30 months for SRs patients and from 7 to 13.3 for n-SRs patients. In SR patients, one-year survival ranged from 22.7% to 100%, two-year survival from 9.8% to 100%, and three-year survival from 0% to 71%. In n-SRs patients, one-year survival ranged from 11.8% to 77.6%, two-year survival from 0% to 47.8%, and three-year survival from 0% to 20.9%. Conclusion: The present systematic literature review and the case presented demonstrated the efficacy of surgery as a first-line treatment in well-selected HCC patients with PVTT limited or more distal to the right and left portal branches. However, further studies, particularly randomized trials, need to be conducted in future to better define the surgical indications.
Are Lung Ultrasound Features More Severe in Children Diagnosed with Bronchiolitis after the COVID-19 Lockdown Period?
Authors: Buonsenso Danilo , Morello Rosa , Ferro Valentina , Musolino Anna , De Rose Cristina , Inchingolo Riccardo , Valentini Piero
Published: September 2022

The non-pharmacological measures implemented during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic disrupted the usual bronchiolitis seasonality. Some authors have speculated that, after the lock down period, there would be an increase in the number and severity of respiratory infections due to the re-introduction of respiratory viruses. We collected clinical, microbiological and lung ultrasound data using the classification of the Italian Society of Thoracic Ultrasound (ADET) in children with bronchiolitis during the pandemic compared to the pre-pandemic period, with the aim of assessing whether the epidemic of bronchiolitis during the pandemic was characterized by a more severe lung involvement documented by lung ultrasound. We enrolled 108 children with bronchiolitis (52 pre-pandemic and 56 COVID-19 period), with a median age of 1.74 months (interquartile range, IQR 1–3.68) and 39.8% were females. Rhinovirus detection and high-flow nasal cannula usage were both increased during the COVID-19 period, although overall need of hospitalization and pediatric intensive care unit admissions did not change during the two periods. Lung ultrasound scores were similar in the two cohorts evaluated. Conclusions: our study suggests that, despite changes in microbiology and treatments performed, lung ultrasound severity scores were similar, suggesting that that bronchiolitis during the pandemic period was no more severe than pre-pandemic period, despite children diagnosed during the pandemic had a higher, but it was not statistically significant, probably, due to small sample size, probability of being admitted.
Human Primary Odontoblast-like Cell Cultures—A Focused Review Regarding Cell Characterization
Authors: Klein Christian , Meller Christian , Schäfer Edgar
Published: September 2022

Cell cultures can provide useful in vitro models. Since odontoblasts are postmitotic cells, they cannot be expanded in cell cultures. Due to their extension into the dentin, injuries are inevitable during isolation. Therefore, “odontoblast-like” cell culture models have been established. Nowadays, there is no accepted definition of odontoblast-like cell cultures, i.e., isolation, induction, and characterization of cells are not standardized. Furthermore, no quality-control procedures are defined yet. Thus, the aim of this review was to evaluate both the methods used for establishment of cell cultures and the validity of molecular methods used for their characterization. An electronic search was performed in February 2022 using the Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science database identifying publications that used human primary odontoblast-like cell cultures as models and were published between 2016 and 2022. Data related to (I) cell culture conditions, (II) stem cell screening, (III) induction media, (IV) mineralization, and (V) cell characterization were analyzed. The included publications were not able to confirm an odontoblast-like nature of their cell cultures. For their characterization, not only a similarity to dentin but also a distinction from bone must be demonstrated. This is challenging, due to the developmental and evolutionary proximity of these two tissue types.
A Rare Case of Adverse Reaction to Metal Debris in a Ceramic-on-Ceramic Total Hip Replacement
Authors: Cannella Adriano , Greco Tommaso , Polichetti Chiara , De Martino Ivan , Mascio Antonio , Maccauro Giulio , Perisano Carlo
Published: September 2022

Adverse Reaction to Metal Debris (ARMD) is one of the most frequent complications after Total Hip Replacement (THR) and often a cause of surgical revision. This is true especially for implants with Metal-on-Metal (MoM) and Large Diameter Heads (LDHs), which are frequently used to improve stability and reduce the risk of dislocation. However, ARMD is not exclusive to MoM replacement, as it can also occur in other implants such Ceramic-on-Ceramic (CoC), Metal-on-Polyethylene (MoP), and Ceramic-on-Polyethylene (CoP). In these non-MoM implants, ARMD is not caused by the tribo-corrosion between bearing surfaces but, rather, by the fretting at the interface between neck and stem of dissimilar metals. A case of a severe ARMD that happened to a 73-year-old female patient with CoC bearing THR at the right hip is presented in this case report. In this case, the ARMD was misdiagnosed for over a year, resulting in the development of a massive pseudotumor. The treatment of choice was a two-stage revision with the implant of a hip megaprosthesis. After more than 2 years of follow-up, complete recovery of hip Range of Motion (ROM) and normalization of chromium and cobalt levels in blood and urine were achieved. Despite the relatively short follow-up period, this can be considered a successful treatment of a major and misdiagnosed ARMD in a non-MoM hip replacement.
“Are You Doing Any Sport Science?” A Brief Editorial
Authors: Hornsby W. G. , Gleason B. H. , DeLong M. , Stone M. H.
Published: September 2022

This brief opinion-based editorial addresses what the authors perceive to be a fundamental issue in the application of sport science, and these issues are reflected by the question “Are you doing any sport science?” As sport science has grown within the United States, organizational sport science budgets have grown, with increasing interest in developing various sport science initiatives. While it is indeed an exciting time for sport science, the authors suggest that, too often, sport science pursuits are driven by commercially available technologies and viewed as an “add-on” instead of pursuing an integrated systematic approach to informing the training process.
Pore Segmentation Techniques for Low-Resolution Data: Application to the Neutron Tomography Data of Cement Materials
Authors: Zel Ivan , Kenessarin Murat , Kichanov Sergey , Nazarov Kuanysh , Bǎlǎșoiu Maria , Kozlenko Denis
Published: September 2022

The development of neutron imaging facilities provides a growing range of applications in different research fields. The significance of the obtained structural information, among others, depends on the reliability of phase segmentation. We focused on the problem of pore segmentation in low-resolution images and tomography data, taking into consideration possible image corruption in the neutron tomography experiment. Two pore segmentation techniques are proposed. They are the binarization of the enhanced contrast data using the global threshold, and the segmentation using the modified watershed technique—local threshold by watershed. The proposed techniques were compared with a conventional marker-based watershed on the test images simulating low-quality tomography data and on the neutron tomography data of the samples of magnesium potassium phosphate cement (MKP). The obtained results demonstrate the advantages of the proposed techniques over the conventional watershed-based approach.
CFD Method to Study Hydrodynamics Forces Acting on Ship Navigating in Confined Curved Channels with Current
Authors: Yang Bo , Kaidi Sami , Lefrançois Emmanuel
Published: September 2022

The bending section of the restricted channel is one of the most accident-prone areas for inland ships, but few clear investigations on the curvature effect have been conducted till now. Therefore, this paper presents numerical research of the curvature effect in confined bending channels on ship hydrodynamics. The unsteady Navier–Stokes equations closed by the realizable K-Epsilon turbulence model are utilized to simulate the flow around a three-dimensional inland ship. A mesh verification analysis is performed to select the most suitable grid size, and the CFD model is validated in a regular confined channel by comparing the numerical resistance forces with those from experiments. The impacts of the channel slope angle, channel radius, ship type (ship length), and current velocity in curved channels on ship hydrodynamics are studied with their influence patterns and mechanisms being analyzed in detail. Results show that channel radius only affects the yaw moment much, whereas ship hydrodynamics are greatly sensitive to the slope angle only when the angle is below a certain threshold value. Compared with short ships, much stronger spiral currents can be noticed passing through long ships in the same channel configuration. Current velocity affects both resistance and yaw moment a lot, with a critical current velocity for sway force.
The Influence of Shipboard Safety Factors on Quality of Safety Supervision: Croatian Seafarer’s Attitudes
Authors: Mišković Darijo , Ivče Renato , Hess Mirano , Koboević Žarko
Published: September 2022

According to the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA), 70% of accidents on board were caused by human error, and almost one-fifth of these accidents have been related to inadequate supervision. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate which of the safety factors can influence the quality of safety supervision. For this purpose, a questionnaire with 24 statements was distributed to professional seafarers. Two exploratory factor analyses were conducted to identify the underlying factor structure. The first analysis yielded one factor, quality of safety supervision, and the second analysis yielded four factors, namely: safety communication, safety training, safety compliance, and safety rules and procedures. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was applied to examine the influence of seafarers’ demographic characteristics and the four identified factors on the quality of safety supervision. The results revealed the following two statistically significant predictors of safety supervision quality: safety communication and safety training. The theoretical and practical implications of the results in terms of improving the quality of safety supervision in the maritime industry were discussed and compared with results in other industries.
Spatial Impact of Recreational-Grade Echosounders and the Implications for Killer Whales
Authors: Burnham Rianna , Vagle Svein , Van Buren Peter , Morrison Christie
Published: September 2022

The spatial extent of a dual-frequency echosounder and its potential impact on cetacean species were examined. Sound emissions of output frequencies of 83 kHz and 200 kHz were tested at a maximum distance of 400 m. This is the minimum vessel approach distance for killer whales (Orcinus orca) in southern British Columbia, which was introduced as a measure for limiting disturbance of southern resident killer whales (SRKWs). The experiment was conducted in shallow (34 m) and deep (220–235 m) water. Recordings were made at depths of 5 and 30 m for both locations, as well as at 100 and 200 m in the deeper water to examine the effect of the echosounder through the water column and at SRKW diving depths. The recordings showed that 200 kHz echosounder emissions were contained within a 250 m radius of the source, with most of the acoustic energy focused within 100 m in shallow waters. For the 83 kHz signal and for deeper water testing of the 200 kHz signal, the echosounder transmissions exceeded the 400 m threshold, intimating that whales could experience noise additions of 30 dB or more above the ambient level at the minimum vessel approach distance. Evaluating the noise additions to the ambient level from the echosounder in frequencies used by SRKWs for echolocation (15–100 kHz) further showed the potential impact on whales in close proximity to vessels (≤400 m) when using echosounders or fish-finders.