bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Challenge in Combining Pelotherapy and Electrotherapy (Iontophoresis) in One Single Therapeutic Modality
Authors: Bastos Carla Marina , Rocha Fernando , Gomes Nuno , Marinho-Reis Paula
Published: January 2022

Pelotherapy and electrotherapy are therapeutic methodologies with proven success in physical medicine and rehabilitation (PMR) and dermatology fields. The main purpose of these therapeutic modalities is to reduce pain, accelerate wound healing, alleviate muscle spasms, and improve mobility, and muscle tone. Their main challenge is in the passage of some ionic species through the skin barrier. The use of drugs, such as diclofenac, corticosteroids or steroids, has gained widespread efficacy recognition in physical therapy and the therapeutic action of these drugs is widely studied in experimental and clinical trials. Unlike pharmaceutical and cosmetic clays, peloids are not subject to any prior quality control or subject to any specific European regulation. The dermal absorption values are an integral part of the risk assessment process for peloids. This work explores the converging points between these two transdermal drug delivery systems (TDDS) and the presentation of methodologies to achieve peloid safety compliance, especially concerning the potential and degree of toxicity arising from ion exchange and trace elements. TDDS is applied to the pharmaceuticals industry and drug is the generic term for the active substances released into skin tissues. The transdermal delivery of drugs or clay components with therapeutic properties is limited due to the excellent barrier function of the stratum corneum. The transdermal drug delivery of pelotherapy is enhanced by temperature and electrically by iontophoresis. The low voltage of iontophoresis and sweat phenomena with pore dilation driven by pelotherapy allows the use of the same pathways: hair follicles and sweat pore. The therapeutic integration of iontophoresis and pelotherapy focused on patient benefits and low safety-related risk may contribute to the outstanding physiological performance of pelotherapy, specifically, in the way the essential elements and exchange cations pass through the skin barrier. The validation of an innovative iontophoretic systems applied to pelotherapy can also promote future challenges in the obtaining of the ideal therapeutic control of peloids and the clinical validation of results with physiological efficacy recognition.
Assessment of Different Channel Equalization Algorithms for a Converged OFDM-Based 5G mm-wave A-RoF System at 60 GHz
Authors: Farooq Umar , Miliou Amalia
Published: January 2022

In this article, we simulate a converged 5G mm-wave analogue radio-over-fiber (A-RoF) system at 60 GHz, and perform offline signal processing to equalize the dispersive optical link with the three most frequently employed algorithms, i.e., the simple least mean square (LMS) algorithm, the constant modulus algorithm (CMA) and the adaptive median filtering (AMF), which are implemented in Matlab. The performances of the different algorithms are compared for various optical fiber lengths with respect to the EVM values obtained before and after equalization. In the case of QPSK in OFDM subcarriers, it is observed that the CMA algorithm performs better than the LMS and MF algorithms, with 2% and 1.4% EVM improvement respectively, while for 16QAM in OFDM subcarriers it is observed that the LMS algorithm has a very small improvement of 0.2% EVM compared to the MF algorithm, while CMA is not suitable for 16QAM modulation in the proposed converged 5G mm-wave A-RoF system at 60 GHz.
Genetic and Molecular Regulation Mechanisms in the Formation and Development of Vegetable Fruit Shape
Authors: Wang Chen , Cao Jiajian , Hao Ning , Wu Tao
Published: January 2022

Vegetable crops have a long history of cultivation worldwide and rich germplasm resources. With its continuous development and progress, molecular biology technology has been applied to various fields of vegetable crop research. Fruit is an important organ in vegetable crops, and fruit shape can affect the yield and commercialization of vegetables. In nature, fruits show differences in size and shape. Based on fruit shape diversity, the growth direction and coordination mechanism of fruits remain unclear. In this review, we discuss the latest research on fruit shape. In addition, we compare the current theories on the molecular mechanisms that regulate fruit growth, size, and shape in different vegetable families.
Static Bending and Vibration Analysis of a Rectangular Functionally Gradient Piezoelectric Plate on an Elastic Foundation
Authors: Wang Wei , Li Haonan , Yao Linquan
Published: January 2022

In this paper, a functionally graded piezoelectric plate on an elastic foundation composed of two different piezoelectric materials bonded together in the form of plate is studied, and its static bending and fundamental frequencies are analyzed. First, based on Kirchhoff plate theory and the Hamilton principle, the governing equations and corresponding boundary conditions of the model are derived, and then the equations are discretized and solved by the differential quadrature method (DQM). Finally, the effects of physical parameters such as length-to-height ratio, length-to-width ratio, material graded index, foundation stiffness coefficient, temperature change value and external voltage value on static bending deflection, and fundamental frequency value of the functionally graded piezoelectric plate with four sides simply supported are discussed. The calculated results are in good agreement with those in the literature. The data results show that the increase in the elastic foundation stiffness coefficient will increase the equivalent stiffness of the plate. In the process of work, due to the equivalent pressure value generated by the influence of the external voltage, it will lead to unstable phenomena.
Dual-Conversion Microwave Down Converter for Nanosatellite Electronic Warfare Systems
Authors: Cardillo Emanuele , Cananzi Renato , Vita Paolo , Caddemi Alina
Published: January 2022

In this work, a microwave down converter is proposed for nanosatellite electronic warfare applications. It provides high spurious suppression by exploiting a dual-conversion architecture and premium performance in terms of noise figure and linear dynamic range. The system design takes advantage of commercial off-the-shelf components, thus allowing for both fast and cost-effective prototyping, which are key requirements particularly concerning CubeSat systems. Since different military, commercial, radar and communication systems operate in the 2–18 GHz frequency band, the capability to integrate such kinds of receivers in CubeSats represents the new frontier of the electronic warfare systems. Moreover, due to the wide operating bandwidth, it can be successfully exploited as the receiver for different applications, e.g., satellite communication, radars, etc.
Dynamic Response of an Offshore Floating Wind Turbine at Accidental Limit States—Mooring Failure Event
Authors: Yang Ray-Yeng , Chuang Tzu-Ching , Zhao Chenyu , Johanning Lars
Published: January 2022

This paper investigates the dynamic response of a fully nonlinear model of a DeepCWind floating offshore wind turbine (FOWT) after one of its three-catenary mooring systems is broken. The drift area of the platform, pitch motion of the wind turbine, and tension on the two ends of the mooring line are the main dynamic response foci; in addition, a single mathematical formula is provided in this study to predict the maximum drift in surge direction. After the platform reaches the new equilibrium position maintained by the remaining two mooring lines, the tower pitch exceeds 20 degrees. The tension change is closely related to the drift motion, necessitating an increase in the minimum breaking load (MBL) of the mooring line components. The mathematical forecast of the maximum surge shows good agreement with the numerical results, even with different water depths
Nanodevices for Biological and Medical Applications: Development of Single-Molecule Electrical Measurement Method
Authors: Ohshiro Takahito
Published: January 2022

A comprehensive detection of a wide variety of diagnostic markers is required for the realization of personalized medicine. As a sensor to realize such personalized medicine, a single molecule electrical measurement method using nanodevices is currently attracting interest for its comprehensive simultaneous detection of various target markers for use in biological and medical application. Single-molecule electrical measurement using nanodevices, such as nanopore, nanogap, or nanopipette devices, has the following features:; high sensitivity, low-cost, high-throughput detection, easy-portability, low-cost availability by mass production technologies, and the possibility of integration of various functions and multiple sensors. In this review, I focus on the medical applications of single- molecule electrical measurement using nanodevices. This review provides information on the current status and future prospects of nanodevice-based single-molecule electrical measurement technology, which is making a full-scale contribution to realizing personalized medicine in the future. Future prospects include some discussion on of the current issues on the expansion of the application requirements for single-mole-cule measurement.
Sustainable Integrated Fuzzy Optimization for Multimodal Petroleum Supply Chain Design with Pipeline System: The Case Study of Vietnam
Authors: Wang Chia-Nan , Nhieu Nhat-Luong , Tran Kim-Phong , Wang Yen-Hui
Published: January 2022

Over the years, oil-related energy sources have played an irreplaceable role in both developed and developing countries. Therefore, the efficiency of petroleum supply chains is a key factor that significantly affects the economy. This research aimed to optimize the configuration of the uncertainty multimodal petroleum supply chain in terms of economy, energy and environment (3E assessment). This study proposes a novel integration methodology between a heuristic algorithm and exact solution optimization. In the first stage, this study determines the facilities’ potential geographical coordinates using heuristic algorithm. Then, the fuzzy min-max goal programming model (FMMGPM) was developed to find the multi-objective solutions. In particular, this model allows analysis of supply chain uncertainty through simultaneous factors such as demand, resource, cost and price. These uncertainty factors are expressed as triangular fuzzy parameters that can be analyzed in terms of both probability and magnitude. Moreover, the model is applied to the entire petroleum supply chain in Vietnam, including downstream and upstream activities. In addition, another novelty is that for the first time, pipeline systems in logistics activities are considered in Vietnam’s petroleum supply chain optimization study. The results also show the short-term and long-term benefits of developing a pipeline system for oil transportation in Vietnam’s petroleum supply chain. To evaluate the effects of uncertainty on design decisions, this study also performed a sensitivity analysis with scenarios constructed based on different magnitudes and probabilities of uncertainty.
Three Hybrid Scatter Search Algorithms for Multi-Objective Job Shop Scheduling Problem
Authors: Hernández-Ramírez Leo , Frausto-Solís Juan , Castilla-Valdez Guadalupe , González-Barbosa Javier , Sánchez Hernández Juan-Paulo
Published: January 2022

The Job Shop Scheduling Problem (JSSP) consists of finding the best scheduling for a set of jobs that should be processed in a specific order using a set of machines. This problem belongs to the NP-hard class problems and has enormous industrial applicability. In the manufacturing area, decision-makers consider several criteria to elaborate their production schedules. These cases are studied in multi-objective optimization. However, few works are addressed from this multi-objective perspective. The literature shows that multi-objective evolutionary algorithms can solve these problems efficiently; nevertheless, multi-objective algorithms have slow convergence to the Pareto optimal front. This paper proposes three multi-objective Scatter Search hybrid algorithms that improve the convergence speed evolving on a reduced set of solutions. These algorithms are: Scatter Search/Local Search (SS/LS), Scatter Search/Chaotic Multi-Objective Threshold Accepting (SS/CMOTA), and Scatter Search/Chaotic Multi-Objective Simulated Annealing (SS/CMOSA). The proposed algorithms are compared with the state-of-the-art algorithms IMOEA/D, CMOSA, and CMOTA, using the MID, Spacing, HV, Spread, and IGD metrics; according to the experimental results, the proposed algorithms achieved the best performance. Notably, they obtained a 47% reduction in the convergence time to reach the optimal Pareto front.
Genome-Wide Analysis of Alternative Splicing (AS) Mechanism Provides Insights into Salinity Adaptation in the Livers of Three Euryhaline Teleosts, including Scophthalmus maximus, Cynoglossus semilaevis and Oncorhynchus mykiss
Authors: Tian Yuan , Gao Qinfeng , Dong Shuanglin , Zhou Yangen , Yu Han , Liu Dazhi , Yang Wenzhao
Published: January 2022

Salinity is an important environmental factor that directly affects the survival of aquatic organisms, including fish. However, the underlying molecular mechanism of salinity adaptation at post-transcriptional regulation levels is still poorly understood in fish. In the present study, 18 RNA-Seq datasets were utilized to investigate the potential roles of alternative splicing (AS) in response to different salinity environments in the livers of three euryhaline teleosts, including turbot (Scophthalmus maximus), tongue sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis) and steelhead trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). A total of 10,826, 10,741 and 10,112 AS events were identified in the livers of the three species. The characteristics of these AS events were systematically investigated. Furthermore, a total of 940, 590 and 553 differentially alternative splicing (DAS) events were determined and characterized in the livers of turbot, tongue sole and steelhead trout, respectively, between low- and high-salinity environments. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that these DAS genes in the livers of three species were commonly enriched in some GO terms and KEGG pathways associated with RNA processing. The most common DAS genes work as RNA-binding proteins and play crucial roles in the regulation of RNA splicing. The study provides new insights into uncovering the molecular mechanisms of salinity adaptation in teleosts.
Exploring New Drug Targets for Type 2 Diabetes: Success, Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Kanwal Abhinav , Kanwar Navjot , Bharati Sanjay , Srivastava Prateek , Singh Shailendra P. , Amar Salomon
Published: January 2022

There are substantial shortcomings in the drugs currently available for treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The global diabetic crisis has not abated despite the introduction of new types of drugs and targets. Persistent unaddressed patient needs remain a significant factor in the quest for new leads in routine studies. Drug discovery methods in this area have followed developments in the market, contributing to a recent rise in the number of molecules. Nevertheless, troubling developments and fresh challenges are still evident. Recently, metformin, the most widely used first-line drug for diabetes, was found to contain a carcinogenic contaminant known as N-nitroso dimethylamine (NDMA). Therefore, purity and toxicity are also a big challenge for drug discovery and development. Moreover, newer drug classes against SGLT-2 illustrate both progress and difficulties. The same was true previously in the case of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors. Furthermore, researchers must study the importance of mechanistic characteristics of novel compounds, as well as exposure-related hazardous aspects of current and newly identified protein targets, in order to identify new pharmacological molecules with improved selectivity and specificity.
Glioblastoma Cells Counteract PARP Inhibition through Pro-Survival Induction of Lipid Droplets Synthesis and Utilization
Authors: Majuelos-Melguizo Jara , Rodríguez-Vargas José Manuel , Martínez-López Nuria , Delgado-Bellido Daniel , García-Díaz Ángel , Yuste Víctor J. , García-Macía Marina , López Laura M. , Singh Rajat , Oliver F. J.
Published: January 2022

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and aggressive primary brain tumor in adults. Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPi) represent a new class of anti-neoplastic drugs. In the current study, we have characterized the mechanism by which glioblastoma cells evade the effect of PARPi as anti-tumor agents. We have found that suppression of PARP activity exerts an anti-stemness effect and has a dual impact on autophagy, inducing its activation in the first 24 h (together with down-regulation of the pro-survival mTOR pathway) and preventing autophagosomes fusion to lysosomes at later time-points, in primary glioma cells. In parallel, PARPi triggered the synthesis of lipid droplets (LDs) through ACC-dependent activation of de novo fatty acids (FA) synthesis. Notably, inhibiting β-oxidation and blocking FA utilization, increased PARPi-induced glioma cell death while treatment with oleic acid (OA) prevented the anti-glioma effect of PARPi. Moreover, LDs fuel glioma cells by inducing pro-survival lipid consumption as confirmed by quantitation of oxygen consumption rates using Seahorse respirometry in presence or absence of OA. In summary, we uncover a novel mechanism by which glioblastoma escapes to anti-tumor agents through metabolic reprogramming, inducing the synthesis and utilization of LDs as a pro-survival strategy in response to PARP inhibition.
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of Cancers in 2021
Authors:   Cancers Editorial Office
Published: January 2022

Rigorous peer-reviews are the basis of high-quality academic publishing [...]
Prolyl Carboxypeptidase Maintains Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Signaling and Is a Potential Therapeutic Target in Triple Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Duan Lei , Calhoun Sarah , Perez Ricardo E. , Macias Virgilia , Mir Fatima , Pergande Melissa R. , Gattuso Paolo , Borgia Jeffrey A. , Maki Carl G.
Published: January 2022

TNBC is an aggressive cancer sub-type with limited treatment options and poor prognosis. New therapeutic targets are needed to improve outcomes in TNBC patients. PRCP is a lysosomal serine protease that cleaves peptide substrates when the penultimate amino acid is proline. A role for PRCP in TNBC or other cancers, and its potential as a therapy target has not yet been tested. In the current study, we found high tumor expression of PRCP associates with worse outcome and earlier recurrence in TNBC patients. Knockdown of PRCP or treatment with a small molecule PRCP inhibitor blocked proliferation and survival in TNBC cell lines and inhibited growth of TNBC tumors in mice. Mechanistically, we found PRCP maintains signaling from multiple receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), potentially by promoting crosstalk between RTKs and G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). Lastly, we found that the PRCP inhibitor caused synergistic killing of TNBC cells when combined with the EGFR and ErbB2 inhibitor lapatinib. Our results suggest that PRCP is potential prognostic marker for TNBC patient outcome and a novel therapeutic target for TNBC treatment.
Analgesic Effect of SH003 and Trichosanthes kirilowii Maximowicz in Paclitaxel-Induced Neuropathic Pain in Mice
Authors: Lee Ji Hwan , Kim Bonglee , Ko Seong-Gyu , Kim Woojin
Published: January 2022

Pacliatxel is a taxol-based chemotherapeutic drug that is widely used to treat cancer. However, it can also induce peripheral neuropathy, which limits its use. Although several drugs are prescribed to attenuate neuropathies, no optimal treatment is available. Thus, in our study, we analyzed whether SH003 and its sub-components could alleviate paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain. Multiple paclitaxel injections (cumulative dose 8 mg/kg, i.p.) induced cold and mechanical allodynia from day 10 to day 21 after the first injection in mice. Oral administration of SH003, an herbal mixture extract of Astragalus membranaceus, Angelica gigas, and Trichosantheskirilowii Maximowicz (Tk), dose-dependently attenuated both allodynia. However, when administered separately only Tk decreased both allodynia. The effect of Tk was shown to be mediated by the spinal noradrenergic system as intrathecal pretreatment with α1- and α2-adrenergic-receptor antagonists (prazosin and idazoxan), but not 5-HT1/2, and 5-HT3-receptor antagonists (methysergide and MDL-72222) blocked the effect of Tk. The spinal noradrenaline levels were also upregulated. Among the phytochemicals of Tk, cucurbitacin D was shown to play a major role, as 0.025 mg/kg (i.p.) of cucurbitacin D alleviated allodynia similar to 500 mg/kg of SH003. These results suggest that Tk should be considered when treating paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain.
A Light-Mixing Liquid Crystal Lens-Like Cell to Decrease Color Shift and Tune Brightness for Displays
Authors: Dou Hu , Wang Lu , Ren Gan , Dan You-Quan , Zhong Xin-Tong , Ou Jia-Yi , Yuan Jia-Yi , Zhong Yu-Tian
Published: January 2022

A tunable light-mixing liquid crystal lens-like cell (LCLC) is proposed to limit color shift and improve the viewing angle performance. The LCLC is attached on a collimated display, which is introduced to avoid the blue shift of OLED or phase difference of LCD. At voltage on-state, the incident light with low color shift is mixed by the LCLC to ensure the low color shift at different viewing angles, the brightness is also diffused to large viewing angles. At voltage off-state, the incident light is invariant after it is transmitted the LCLC. Using LCLC, display can meet more complex requirement owing to the tunable property of brightness distribution.
Numerical Assessment of the Hydrodynamic Behavior of a Volute Centrifugal Pump Handling Emulsion
Authors: Achour Lila , Specklin Mathieu , Belaidi Idir , Kouidri Smaine
Published: January 2022

Although emulsion pumping is a subject of growing interest, a detailed analysis of the fluid dynamic phenomena occurring inside these machines is still lacking. Several computational investigations have been conducted to study centrifugal pumps carrying emulsion by analyzing their overall performance, but no studies involved the rheological behavior of such fluids. The purpose of this study is to perform a computational analysis of the performance and flow characteristics of a centrifugal pump with volute handling emulsions and oil–water mixtures at different water cuts modeled as a shear-thinning non-Newtonian fluid. The studied pump consists of a five-bladed backward curved impeller and a volute and has a specific speed of 32 (metric units). The rheological properties of the mixtures studied were measured experimentally under a shear rate ranging from 1 s−1 to 3000 s−1 and were fitted to conventional Cross and Carreau effective viscosity models. Numerical results showed the flow topology in the pump is directly related to the viscosity plateau of the pseudoplastic behavior of emulsions. The viscosity plateau governs pump performance by influencing the loss mechanisms that occur within the pump. The larger the ν∞, the less recirculation loss the fluid experiences, and conversely, the smaller the value of ν0, the less friction loss the fluid experiences.
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of Econometrics in 2021
Authors:   Econometrics Editorial Office
Published: January 2022

Rigorous peer-reviews are the basis of high-quality academic publishing [...]
EXPRESS: Exploiting Energy–Accuracy Tradeoffs in 3D NAND Flash Memory for Energy-Efficient Storage
Authors: Raquibuzzaman Md , Milenkovic Aleksandar , Ray Biswajit
Published: January 2022

The density and cost-effectiveness of flash memory chips continue to increase, driven by: (a) The continuous physical scaling of memory cells in a single layer; (b) The vertical stacking of multiple layers; and (c) Logical scaling through storing multiple bits of information in a single memory cell. The physical properties of flash memories impose disproportionate latency and energy expenditures to ensure the high integrity of the data during flash memory writes. This paper experimentally explores this disproportionality on state-of-the-art commercial 3D NAND flash memories and introduces EXPRESS—a technique for increasing the energy efficiency of flash memory writes by exploiting the premature termination of the flash write operations. An experimental evaluation shows that EXPRESS reduces energy expenditures by 20–50%, relative to the traditional flash writes, at the cost of a minimal loss in the data integrity (<1%). In addition, we evaluate the effects of the page-to-page variability, program–erase cycling, and data retention on the implementation of EXPRESS, and we propose enhancements to counter these effects.
Novel Framework-Based Routing for Task-Adaptive Mobile Networks of Unmanned Aerial Vehicular
Authors: Chu Zhe , Ye Zhijing , Zhao Jiamiao , He Linsheng , Rasheed Iftikhar
Published: January 2022

Many practical mobile ad hoc networks (MANET) have certain tasks instead of just randomly changing each node’s positions. We call such a mission-driven network task-adaptive MANET. A typical example is the flying ad hoc network (FANET) that consist of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), which may change its network topology based on different task requirements. Each node moves to new locations based on the targeted network shape. To maintain a smooth topology transformation and minimize the position changes, during shape change, a MANET typically keeps the core-area nodes more stable and allows the nodes in the outer area of the network to move more drastically. This means the entire network has an approximate framework that reflects the relatively stable nodes located in the core area. This research proposes a new routing scheme to quickly identify the optimal end-to-end path using the network framework extraction result. The proposed routing scheme ensures that the packets flow along the more stable network regions (thus with a lower packet loss rate). The framework extraction scheme is based on network shape geometry analysis for the median axis recognition. Our work has contributions to three aspects of realistic network protocol applications: (1) Provides a network multi-center election and member control methodology with detailed protocol design. (2) Creates a stable and reliable MANET framework extraction algorithm which aids in routing table generation. (3) Real-time Unix system protocol implementation and emulation based on Common Open Research Emulator (CORE) + Extendable Mobile Ad-hoc Network Emulator (EMANE). Simulation results indicate that our framework-based routing scheme outperforms a popularly used mobility-adaptive MANET routing scheme—OLSR (optimized link state routing)—in terms of throughput and delay.
Improvement of Intensive In-Seam Gas Drainage Technology at Kirova Mine in Kuznetsk Coal Basin
Authors: Slastunov Sergey , Kolikov Konstantin , Batugin Andrian , Sadov Anatoly , Khautiev Adam
Published: January 2022

One of the ways to resolve the “green energy-economic development” dilemma, in which the coal industry is situated, is by the improvement of technologies and the integrated use of extracted resources, including methane gas as a clean energy source. Using the example of the Kirova mine, located in Kuznetsk coal basin—one of the ecologically unfavorable coal mining regions of Russia—this article discusses an integrated technology for the extraction of coalbed methane (ECBM), which makes it possible to reduce greenhouse gas (methane) emissions and improve the safety and intensity of coal mining. The Kirova mine, with its 3 Mt production in 2019, is one of the coal mining leaders in Russia. The available mining equipment has the potential to significantly increase the output; however, gas is a limiting factor to this. The customary approaches to coal seam degassing have already been petered out. The miners and mine science are facing a challenge to validate and test an alternative technology to ensure effective in-seam gas drainage prior to vigorous mining. This article gives an account of the improvement track record of the in-seam gas drainage technology used to pre-treat coal seams for intensive and safe extraction. This technology suggests, at the first stage, hydraulic loosening of the target coal seam through wells drilled from the surface (SSHL), then hydraulic fracturing (HF) of the coal seam through the boreholes drilled from underground development headings, followed by methane extraction from the high-permeability coal-gas reservoir created through standard in-seam gas drainage underground wells. Results are presented in this paper of field testing of the improved SSHL technique. Findings are presented on the effective parameters of the HF technology. Methodological recommendations are offered for selecting viable in-seam gas drainage technology.
Power Electronics Technologies and Applicationsfor EV Battery Charging Systems
Authors: Monteiro Vitor , Afonso Joao L.
Published: January 2022

Mainly throughout the last two decades, the technologies associated with electric vehicles (EVs) have achieved a pertinent interest, both in terms of scientific and industrial perspectives [...]
Metallic Nanoparticles in the Food Sector: A Mini-Review
Authors: Couto Cristina , Almeida Agostinho
Published: January 2022

Nanomaterials, and in particular metallic nanoparticles (MNPs), have significantly contributed to the production of healthier, safer, and higher-quality foods and food packaging with special properties, such as greater mechanical strength, improved gas barrier capacity, increased water repellency and ability to inhibit microbial contamination, ensuring higher quality and longer product shelf life. MNPs can also be incorporated into chemical and biological sensors, enabling the design of fast and sensitive monitoring devices to assess food quality, from freshness to detection of allergens, food-borne pathogens or toxins. This review summarizes recent developments in the use of MNPs in the field of food science and technology. Additionally, a brief overview of MNP synthesis and characterization techniques is provided, as well as of the toxicity, biosafety and regulatory issues of MNPs in the agricultural, feed and food sectors.
Waste Management in the Agri-Food Industry: The Conversion of Eggshells, Spent Coffee Grounds, and Brown Onion Skins into Carriers for Lipase Immobilization
Authors: Budžaki Sandra , Velić Natalija , Ostojčić Marta , Stjepanović Marija , Rajs Blanka Bilić , Šereš Zita , Maravić Nikola , Stanojev Jovana , Hessel Volker , Strelec Ivica
Published: January 2022

One of the major challenges in sustainable waste management in the agri-food industry following the “zero waste” model is the application of the circular economy strategy, including the development of innovative waste utilization techniques. The conversion of agri-food waste into carriers for the immobilization of enzymes is one such technique. Replacing chemical catalysts with immobilized enzymes (i.e., immobilized/heterogeneous biocatalysts) could help reduce the energy efficiency and environmental sustainability problems of existing chemically catalysed processes. On the other hand, the economics of the process strongly depend on the price of the immobilized enzyme. The conversion of agricultural and food wastes into low-cost enzyme carriers could lead to the development of immobilized enzymes with desirable operating characteristics and subsequently lower the price of immobilized enzymes for use in biocatalytic production. In this context, this review provides insight into the possibilities of reusing food industry wastes, namely, eggshells, coffee grounds, and brown onion skins, as carriers for lipase immobilization.
Exploring the Impact of Solid-State Fermentation on Macronutrient Profile and Digestibility in Chia (Salvia hispanica) and Sesame (Sesamum Indicum) Seeds
Authors: Calvo-Lerma Joaquim , Asensio-Grau Andrea , García-Hernández Jorge , Heredia Ana , Andrés Ana
Published: January 2022

Fermentation of plant-based substrates with edible fungi enhances the nutrient profile and digestibility, but it has been scarcely applied to edible seeds, which are rich in healthy lipids. In this study, chia and sesame seeds were solid-state fermented with Pleurotus ostreatus, followed by drying and milling. Fermentation led to increased content of lipid and protein in both seeds’ products, and a change in fatty acid profile in favor of increased polyunsaturated fatty acids. Then, the samples were subjected to in vitro digestion. Lipolysis, determined by nuclear magnetic resonance, was higher in sesame than in chia products, and the fermented counterparts had increased values compared to the controls. In terms of physical properties, fermentation showed reduced particle size and increased matrix degradation and decreased viscosity of the digestion medium, which were related to increased lipolysis. In conclusion, applying solid-state fermentation on chia and sesame seeds could be a recommendable approach.
Sensomics-Assisted Aroma Decoding of Pea Protein Isolates (Pisum sativum L.)
Authors: Utz Florian , Spaccasassi Andrea , Kreissl Johanna , Stark Timo D. , Tanger Caren , Kulozik Ulrich , Hofmann Thomas , Dawid Corinna
Published: January 2022

The aroma of pea protein (Pisum sativum L.) was decrypted for knowledge-based flavor optimization of new food products containing pea protein. Sensomics helped to determine several volatiles via ultra-high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry and 3-nitrophenylhydrazine derivatization. Among the investigated volatiles, representatives of aldehydes, ketones, and acids were reported in literature as especially important in pea and pea-related matrices. After validation of the method and quantitation of the corresponding analytes, sensory reconstitution as well as omission studies of a selected pea protein were performed and revealed nine odor-active compounds as key food odorants (3-methylbutanal, hexanal, acetaldehyde, (E,E)-2,4-nonadienal, (E)-2-octenal, benzaldehyde, heptanal, 2-methylbutanal, and nonanoic acid). Interestingly, eight out of nine compounds belonged to the chemical class of aldehydes. Statistical heatmap and cluster analysis of all odor activity values of different pea proteins confirmed the obtained sensory results and generalize these nine key food odorants in other pea proteins. The knowledge of key components gained shows potential for simplifying industrial flavor optimization of pea protein-based food.
Impact of Heatwaves on the Physiology and Retail Meat Quality of Lambs
Authors: Zhang Minghao , Warner Robyn D. , Dunshea Frank R. , DiGiacomo Kristy , Joy Aleena , Abhijith Archana , Prathap Pragna , Ma Ting , Chauhan Surinder S.
Published: January 2022

The experiment investigated the impact of heatwaves (HWs) on the physiology, postmortem muscle metabolism and meat quality of lambs. Seventy-two second-cross lambs (Poll Dorset × (Border Leicester × Merino)) were selected and exposed to either 1, 3 or 5 days of HWs or thermoneutal (TN) (28–38 °C and 40–60% relative humidity, RH; 18–21 °C, 40–55% RH) conditions in climate-controlled chambers. Lambs exposed to 1–5 days of a HW exhibited higher respiration rates (RRs), rectal temperatures (RTs), skin temperatures (STs) and heart rates (HRs) compared to lambs exposed to an equal duration of TN conditions. However, HWs had no significant effects on muscle metabolism (rate and extent of pH decline, muscle glycogen and lactate content) and meat quality (cooking loss and shear force). Similarly, there were limited impacts of 1–5 days of HW on the colour (L*, a*, b* and R630/580) and drip loss of the longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) and semimembranosus (SM) muscles for 4 days’ overwrap retail display. Results suggest that short-duration HWs (1–5 days) had significant negative effects on animal physiology but had no effect on the muscle metabolism and meat quality.
Effect of Fortification with Mushroom Polysaccharide β-Glucan on the Quality of Ovine Soft Spreadable Cheese
Authors: Kondyli Efthymia , Pappa Eleni C. , Arapoglou Dimitris , Metafa Maria , Eliopoulos Christos , Israilides Cleanthes
Published: January 2022

In the present work, a fresh spreadable cheese from ovine milk with or without (control) fortification with β-glucan was manufactured. β-Glucan was extracted from the mushroom Pleurotus ostreatus and its concentration in the cheese was 0.4% (w/w). The composition, biochemical, and sensory properties of the cheeses during 21 days of storage were determined. At the end of storage, cheese fortified with beta-glucan had 75.26% moisture content, 10.30% fat, 1.71% salt, and 8.50% protein. Generally, the addition of β-glucan at this concentration did not significantly affect the composition, color, and viscosity measurements or the level of proteolysis and lipolysis and the antioxidant activity of the cheeses. However, cheese fortified with β-glucan showed a higher moisture content than control cheese on the 1st and 21st day of storage while the levels of proteolysis and the sensory properties of the cheeses were unaffected. During the sensory evaluation, panelists evaluated cheese with β-glucan with higher scores regarding the flavor characteristic compared to control cheese. The major free fatty acid was acetic acid in both cheeses and its concentration was higher in cheese with β-glucan. The results of the present study could be used by the dairy industry for manufacturing new products with improved health benefits.
Machine Learning for Modeling Wildfire Susceptibility at the State Level: An Example from Arkansas, USA
Authors: Saim Abdullah Al , Aly Mohamed H.
Published: January 2022

Fire susceptibility modeling is crucial for sustaining and managing forests among many other valuable land resources. With 56% of its area covered by forests, Arkansas is known as the “natural state”. About 1000 wildfires occurred and burned more than 10,000 acres each year during 1981–2018. In this paper, we use remote-sensing-based machine learning methods to address the natural and anthropogenic factors influencing wildfires and model fire susceptibility in Arkansas. Among the 15 explored variables, potential evapotranspiration, soil moisture, Palmer drought severity index, and dry season precipitation were recognized as the most significant factors contributing to the fire density. The obtained R-squared values are significant, with 0.99 for training the model and 0.92 for the validation. The results show that the Ouachita National Forest and the Ozark Forest, in west-central and west Arkansas, respectively, have the highest susceptibility to wildfires. The southern part of Arkansas has low-to-moderate fire susceptibility, while the eastern part of the state has the lowest fire susceptibility. These new results for Arkansas demonstrate the potency of remote-sensing-based random forest in predicting fire susceptibility at the state level that can be adapted to study fires in other states and help with fire preparedness to reduce loss and save the precious environment.
Romani Women and Health: The Need for a Cultural-Safety Based Approach
Authors: Plaza del Pino Fernando Jesús , Arrogante Oscar , Gallego-Gómez Juana Inés , Simonelli-Muñoz Agustín Javier , Castro-Luna Gracia , Jiménez-Rodríguez Diana
Published: January 2022

The Romani are the main European ethnic minority. The Romani people’s situation of social vulnerability and their difficulties accessing the health system make their health indicators worse than those of the non-Romani population. The present study will delve into health beliefs, and experiences with health services and professionals, through the perspectives of Romani women. In this qualitative study, 16 women of different ages were interviewed in a city located in the South of Spain. Four themes emerged from the analysis of the data: the construction of the identity of Romani women, difficulties in life, health and disease beliefs and barriers to accessing the health system. We conclude that every project for the improvement of the health of the Romani community must take into account the active participation of Romani women and must consider the principles of Cultural Safety, by delving into the intercultural training of health professionals and addressing the social determinants of health which affect the Romani collective.
Nursing and Telemental Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Sánchez-Guarnido Antonio José , Gonzalez-Vilchez María , de Haro Rosario , Fernández-Guillen Magdalena , Graell-Gabriel Mireia , Lucena-Jurado Valentina
Published: January 2022

Measures taken to reduce the rate of contagion during the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain led to the interruption of nursing interventions for many patients with serious mental illness (SMI), while others stayed in touch with their nurses telematically. However, published research into the impact of mental telehealth and the outcome of the changes that took place in the pandemic is very limited. Aim: The aim of this study was to analyze the changes in nursing interventions received by severe mental illness (SMI) patients and to test whether telemental health (TH) has been effective in reducing relapses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and methods: Information was gathered retrospectively from about 270 patients under treatment at 15 mental health day hospitals (MHDHs) in Spain during the year 2020. Results: Face-to-face nursing interventions were found to have decreased and TH interventions were found to have increased in the first few months of the pandemic. In the following months, TH interventions—especially those conducted by video call—helped reduce the number of relapses. Conclusions: TH helps provide news forms of effective telematic nursing interventions that reduce the number of relapses and admissions in patients with serious mental health disorders.
Analysis of Healthcare Expenditures in Bulgaria
Authors: Mitkova Zornitsa , Doneva Miglena , Gerasimov Nikolay , Tachkov Konstantin , Dimitrova Maria , Kamusheva Maria , Petrova Guenka
Published: January 2022

The growth of public expenditure worldwide has set the priority on assessment of trends and establishment of factors which generate the most significant public costs. The goal of the current study is to review the tendencies in public healthcare expenditures in Bulgaria and to analyze the influence of the demographic, economic, and healthcare system capacity indicators on expenditures dynamics. A retrospective, top-down, financial analysis of the healthcare system expenditures was performed. Datasets of the National Statistical Institute (NSI), National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), and National Center of Public Health and Analysis (NCPHA) were retrospectively reviewed from2014–2019 to collect the information in absolute units of healthcare expenditures, healthcare system performance, demographics, and economic indicators. The research showed that increasing GDP led to higher healthcare costs, and it was the main factor affecting the cost growth in Bulgaria. The number of hospitalized patients and citizens in retirement age remained constant, confirming that their impact on healthcare costs was negligible. In conclusion, the population aging, average life expectancy, patient morbidity, and hospitalization rate altogether impacted healthcare costs mainly due to the multimorbidity of older people and the rising need for outpatient hospital services and medications.
Drivers’ Decelerating Behaviors in Expressway Accident Segments under Different Speed Limit Schemes
Authors: Zhang Wenhui , Yi Jing , Zhou Ge , Liu Tuo
Published: January 2022

Traffic accidents occurring on expressways tend to give rise to traffic bottlenecks. To ensure the vehicles safely and smoothly pass through the accident segments, speed limits are generally taken to regulate the vehicles’ movements. This study aims to explore the decelerating behaviors of drivers under different speed limit schemes. We designed traffic accident scenarios under four speed limit schemes using the driving simulator. A total of 60 subjects drove the simulator passing the accident segments according to their habits. The vehicles’ kinematic data and the subjects’ operating data were recorded. To further analyze the drivers’ decelerating behaviors in different speed limit scenarios, driving experience was also taken into account. The results show that the speed limit schemes have significant effects on drivers’ decelerating behaviors. The more speed limit signs there are, the smoother the decelerating process will be. Driving experience significantly affects some of the decelerating parameters, including the location of deceleration starting point, average deceleration, and locations of decelerating to the initial and final speed limits. These results provide a theoretical basis for traffic safety and driving behavior management.
Assessment of the Heavy Metal Contamination of Roadside Soils Alongside Buddha Nullah, Ludhiana, (Punjab) India
Authors: Kaur Jaskaran , Bhat Sartaj Ahmad , Singh Navdeep , Bhatti Sandip Singh , Kaur Varinder , Katnoria Jatinder Kaur
Published: January 2022

The present study was carried out to determine the physico-chemical characteristics and heavy metal contents in roadside soil samples collected during 2 sampling periods (September 2018 and April 2019) from 8 different roadside sites lying parallel to the Buddha Nullah, an old rivulet, flowing through Ludhiana, (Punjab) India. The contents (mg/kg) of seven metals (cadmium, chromium, cobalt, copper, lead, nickel and zinc) were estimated using a flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Among the metals analyzed, the contents of Cd, Co, Cu, Pb and Zn were found above the permissible limits. The results of the index of geoaccumulation (Igeo), contamination factor (CF), contamination degree (Cdeg), modified contamination degree (mCdeg), the Nemerow pollution index (PI) and pollution load index (PLI) indicate a moderate to high heavy metal contamination of the analyzed soil samples. The results of the potential ecological risk factor (ERi) and potential ecological risk index (RI) indicate a low to moderate risk of heavy metals in the studied soil samples. The Pearson correlation analysis revealed that most of the variables exhibited a statistically significant correlation with one or more variables during the two samplings. Multivariate analysis demonstrates that contents of heavy metals in the study area are influenced by anthropogenic and geogenic factors.