bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Non-Anhydrous, Minimally Basic Synthesis of the Dopamine D2 Agonist [18F]MCL-524
Authors: Inkster James A. H. , Sromek Anna W. , Akurathi Vamsidhar , Neumeyer John L. , Packard Alan B.
Published: September 2021

The dopamine D2 agonist MCL-524 is selective for the D2 receptor in the high-affinity state (D2high), and, therefore, the PET analogue, [18F]MCL-524, may facilitate the elucidation of the role of D2high in disorders such as schizophrenia. However, the previously reported synthesis of [18F]MCL-524 proved difficult to replicate and was lacking experimental details. We therefore developed a new synthesis of [18F]MCL-524 using a “non-anhydrous, minimally basic” (NAMB) approach. In this method, [18F]F− is eluted from a small (10–12 mg) trap-and-release column with tetraethylammonium tosylate (2.37 mg) in 7:3 MeCN:H2O (0.1 mL), rather than the basic carbonate or bicarbonate solution that is most often used for [18F]F− recovery. The tosylated precursor (1 mg) in 0.9 mL anhydrous acetonitrile was added directly to the eluate, without azeotropic drying, and the solution was heated (150 °C/15 min). The catechol was then deprotected with the Lewis acid In(OTf)3 (10 equiv.; 150 °C/20 min). In contrast to deprotection with protic acids, Lewis-acid-based deprotection facilitated the efficient removal of byproducts by HPLC and eliminated the need for SPE extraction prior to HPLC purification. Using the NAMB approach, [18F]MCL-524 was obtained in 5–9% RCY (decay-corrected, n = 3), confirming the utility of this improved method for the multistep synthesis of [18F]MCL-524 and suggesting that it may applicable to the synthesis of other 18F-labeled radiotracers.
Performance of Polyvinyl Alcohol/Bagasse Fibre Foamed Composites as Cushion Packaging Materials
Authors: Liu Baodong , Huang Xinjie , Wang Shuo , Wang Dongmei , Guo Hongge
Published: September 2021

This work was designed to determine the mechanical properties and static cushioning performance of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/bagasse fibre foam composites with a multiple-factor experiment. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis and static cushioning tests were performed on the foamed composites and the results were compared with those of commonly used expanded polystyrene (EPS). The results were as follows: the materials had a mainly open cell structure, and bagasse fibre had good compatibility with PVA foam. With increasing PVA content, the mechanical properties of the system improved. The mechanical properties and static cushioning properties of the foam composite almost approached those of EPS. In addition, a small amount of sodium tetraborate obviously regulated the foaming ratio of foamed composites. With increasing sodium tetraborate content, the mechanical properties of foamed composites were enhanced. The yield strength and Young’s modulus of the material prepared by reducing the water content to 80.19 wt% were too high and not suitable for cushioned packaging of light and fragile products.
Three-Dimensional CA-LBM Numerical Model and Experimental Verification of Cs2AgBiBr6 Perovskite Single Crystals Grown by Solution Method
Authors: Chen Hui , Wu Cuncun , Li Ri , Chen Hongjian
Published: September 2021

A three-dimensional cellular automata-lattice Boltzmann (CA-LBM) coupling model is established to simulate the facet growth process and the controlled cooling growth process of Cs2AgBiBr6 perovskite single crystals. In this model, the LBM method is used to calculate the real-time solute field, the CA method is used to simulate the crystal growth process driven by supersaturation of solute, and the geometric parameter g related to the adjacent grid is introduced to reduce the influence of grid anisotropy. The verification of the model is achieved by comparing the simulation results with the experimental results. The comparison results show that a smaller cooling rate is helpful for the growth of large-size single crystals, which verifies the rationality and correctness of the model.
The Refraction Indices and Brewster Law in Stressed Isotropic Materials and Cubic Crystals
Authors: Rinaldi Daniele , Natali Pier Paolo , Montalto Luigi , Davì Fabrizio
Published: September 2021

We study the elasto-optic behavior of stressed cubic crystals (all classes) and isotropic materials (like e.g., glasses). We obtain the explicit dependence of the refraction indices on the stress (either applied or residual), as well as a mild generalization of the Brewster law for cubic crystals. We show also that the optic indicatrix and the stress ellipsoid are coaxial only in the isotropic case. This theory allows the improvement of the measurement techniques, as photoelasticity, on cubic crystals and optically isotropic materials.
Harnessing the Power of Metabarcoding in the Ecological Interpretation of Plant-Pollinator DNA Data: Strategies and Consequences of Filtering Approaches
Authors: Tommasi Nicola , Ferrari Andrea , Labra Massimo , Galimberti Andrea , Biella Paolo
Published: September 2021

Although DNA metabarcoding of pollen mixtures has been increasingly used in the field of pollination biology, methodological and interpretation issues arise due to its high sensitivity. Filtering or maintaining false positives, contaminants, and rare taxa or molecular features could lead to different ecological results. Here, we reviewed how this choice has been addressed in 43 studies featuring pollen DNA metabarcoding, which highlighted a very high heterogeneity of filtering methods. We assessed how these strategies shaped pollen assemblage composition, species richness, and interaction networks. To do so, we compared four processing methods: unfiltering, filtering with a proportional 1% of sample reads, a fixed threshold of 100 reads, and the ROC approach (Receiver Operator Characteristic). The results indicated that filtering impacted species composition and reduced species richness, with ROC emerging as a conservative approach. Moreover, in contrast to unfiltered networks, filtering decreased network Connectance and Entropy, and it increased Modularity and Connectivity, indicating that using cut-off thresholds better describes interactions. Overall, unfiltering might compromise reliable ecological interpretations, unless a study targets rare species. We discuss the suitability of each filtering type, plead for justifying filtering strategies on biological or methodological bases and for developing shared approaches to make future studies more comparable.
Cell Proliferation PET Imaging with 4DST PET/CT in Colorectal Adenocarcinoma and Adenoma
Authors: Minamimoto Ryogo , Endo Hisako
Published: September 2021

An age of 70-year-old man was incidentally found two focal high 2-[18F]-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose (FDG) uptake in the descending colon and in the sigmoid colon. We observed the feature of these two areas in the preplanned 4′-[methyl-11C]-thiothymidine (4DST) positron emission tomography (PET)/computed Tomography (CT)providing cell proliferation imaging. A mass forming high 4DST uptake in the descending colon and focal moderate 4DST uptake in the sigmoid colon was confirmed, and that were proven pathologically as adenocarcinoma and moderate to severe type tubular adenoma, respectively. This is the first report to present that colorectal adenoma can be visualized by proliferation PET imaging and the degree of uptake may enable discrimination of colorectal adenoma from adenocarcinoma, based on pathological considerations.
The Current Approach to the Diagnosis and Classification of Mirizzi Syndrome
Authors: Klekowski Jakub , Piekarska Aleksandra , Góral Marta , Kozula Marta , Chabowski Mariusz
Published: September 2021

Mirizzi syndrome occurs in up to 6% of patients with cholecystolithiasis. It is generally caused by external compression of the common hepatic duct by a gallstone impacted in the neck of the gallbladder or the cystic duct, which can lead to fistulisation. The aim of this review was to highlight the proposed classifications for Mirizzi syndrome (MS) and to provide an update on modern approaches to the diagnosis of this disease. We conducted research on various internet databases and the total number of records was 993, but after a gradual process of elimination our final review consisted of 21 articles. According to the literature, the Cesendes classification is the most commonly used, but many new suggestions have appeared. Our review shows that the ultrasonography (US) is the most frequently used method of initial diagnosis, despite still having only average sensitivity. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) are good methods and are similarly effective, but only the latter can be simultaneously therapeutic. Some modern methods show very high sensitivity, but are not so commonly administered. Mirizzi syndrome is still a diagnostic challenge, despite the advancement of the available tools. Preoperative diagnosis is crucial to avoid complications during treatment. New research may bring a unification of classifications and diagnostic algorithms.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Segmentation via Weighted Level Set Model Based on Local Kernel Metric and Spatial Constraint
Authors: Song Jianhua , Zhang Zhe
Published: September 2021

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) segmentation is a fundamental and significant task since it can guide subsequent clinic diagnosis and treatment. However, images are often corrupted by defects such as low-contrast, noise, intensity inhomogeneity, and so on. Therefore, a weighted level set model (WLSM) is proposed in this study to segment inhomogeneous intensity MRI destroyed by noise and weak boundaries. First, in order to segment the intertwined regions of brain tissue accurately, a weighted neighborhood information measure scheme based on local multi information and kernel function is designed. Then, the membership function of fuzzy c-means clustering is used as the spatial constraint of level set model to overcome the sensitivity of level set to initialization, and the evolution of level set function can be adaptively changed according to different tissue information. Finally, the distance regularization term in level set function is replaced by a double potential function to ensure the stability of the energy function in the evolution process. Both real and synthetic MRI images can show the effectiveness and performance of WLSM. In addition, compared with several state-of-the-art models, segmentation accuracy and Jaccard similarity coefficient obtained by WLSM are increased by 0.0586, 0.0362 and 0.1087, 0.0703, respectively.
Design, Simulation, Analysis and Optimization of PID and Fuzzy Based Control Systems for a Quadcopter
Authors: Leal Isaac S. , Abeykoon Chamil , Perera Yasith S.
Published: September 2021

Unmanned aerial vehicles or drones are becoming one of the key machines/tools of the modern world, particularly in military applications. Numerous research works are underway to explore the possibility of using these machines in other applications such as parcel delivery, construction work, hurricane hunting, 3D mapping, protecting wildlife, agricultural activities, search and rescue, etc. Since these machines are unmanned vehicles, their functionality is completely dependent upon the performance of their control system. This paper presents a comprehensive approach for dynamic modeling, control system design, simulation and optimization of a quadcopter. The main objective is to study the behavior of different controllers when the model is working under linear and/or non-linear conditions, and therefore, to define the possible limitations of the controllers. Five different control systems are proposed to improve the control performance, mainly the stability of the system. Additionally, a path simulator was also developed with the intention of describing the vehicle’s movements and hence to detect faults intuitively. The proposed PID and Fuzzy-PD control systems showed promising responses to the tests carried out. The results indicated the limits of the PID controller over non-linear conditions and the effectiveness of the controllers was enhanced by the implementation of a genetic algorithm to autotune the controllers in order to adapt to changing conditions.
Thermal Characterization of a New Bio-Based Insulation Material Containing Puffed Rice
Authors: Khoukhi Maatouk , Dar Saleh Abeer , Hassan Ahmed , Abdelbaqi Shaimaa
Published: September 2021

Although many advanced insulation materials have been recently developed, very few are eco-friendly and their production requires a substantial amount of energy and complex manufacturing processes. To address this issue, a bio-based thermal insulation material was developed using short- and long-grained puffed rice. A set of experiments was subsequently carried out to identify the best rice type and the optimal range for the most influential parameters (sample amount, temperature, and moisture level). Our findings revealed that short-grained rice exhibited greater puffing ability and was thus adopted in further material optimization experiments. These assessments indicated that the most optimal thermal conductivity of the insulation material and the highest puffing ratio was attained at 12–15% moisture, 260–270 °C temperature, and 15–18 g sample weight. The thermal properties, including thermal conductivity and fire reaction, and thermal performance of samples obtained using these parameters were similar to those of common insulation materials.
The Bees Algorithm Tuned Sliding Mode Control for Load Frequency Control in Two-Area Power System
Authors: Shouran Mokhtar , Anayi Fatih , Packianather Michael
Published: September 2021

This paper proposes a design of Sliding Mode Control (SMC) for Load Frequency Control (LFC) in a two-area electrical power system. The mathematical model design of the SMC is derived based on the parameters of the investigated system. In order to achieve the optimal use of the proposed controller, an optimisation tool called the Bees Algorithm (BA) is suggested in this work to tune the parameters of the SMC. The dynamic performance of the power system with SMC employed for LFC is studied by applying a load disturbance of 0.2 pu in area one. To validate the supremacy of the proposed controller, the results are compared with those of recently published works based on Fuzzy Logic Control (FLC) tuned by Teaching–Learning-Based Optimisation (TLBO) algorithm and the traditional PID optimised by Lozi map-based Chaotic Optimisation Algorithm (LCOA). Furthermore, the robustness of SMC-based BA is examined against parametric uncertainties of the electrical power system by simultaneous changes in certain parameters of the testbed system with 40% of their nominal values. Simulation results prove the superiority and the robustness of the proposed SMC as an LFC system for the investigated power system.
Petroleum Reservoir Control Optimization with the Use of the Auto-Adaptive Decision Trees
Authors: Kuk Edyta , Stopa Jerzy , Kuk Michał , Janiga Damian , Wojnarowski Paweł
Published: September 2021

The global increase in energy demand and the decreasing number of newly discovered hydrocarbon reservoirs caused by the relatively low oil price means that it is crucial to exploit existing reservoirs as efficiently as possible. Optimization of the reservoir control may increase the technical and economic efficiency of the production. In this paper, a novel algorithm that automatically determines the intelligent control maximizing the NPV of a given production process was developed. The idea is to build an auto-adaptive parameterized decision tree that replaces the arbitrarily selected limit values for the selected attributes of the decision tree with parameters. To select the optimal values of the decision tree parameters, an AI-based optimization tool called SMAC (Sequential Model-based Algorithm Configuration) was used. In each iteration, the generated control sequence is introduced into the reservoir simulator to compute the NVP, which is then utilized by the SMAC tool to vary the limit values to generate a better control sequence, which leads to an improved NPV. A new tool connecting the parameterized decision tree with the reservoir simulator and the optimization tool was developed. Its application on a simulation model of a real reservoir for which the CCS-EOR process was considered allowed oil production to be increased by 3.5% during the CO2-EOR phase, reducing the amount of carbon dioxide injected at that time by 16%. Hence, the created tool allowed revenue to be increased by 49%.
Research on Optical Diagnostic Method of PDE Working Status Based on Visible and Near-Infrared Radiation Characteristics
Authors: Huang Xiaolong , Li Ning , Kang Yang
Published: September 2021

Fill fraction not only has a profound impact on the process of deflagration to detonation in pulsed detonation engine, but also affects the propulsion performance in both flight and ground tests. In this paper, a novel optical diagnostic method based on detonation exhaust radiation in visible and near-infrared region within 300–2600 nm is developed to determine the current working state in the gas–liquid two-phase pulsed detonation cycle. The results show that the radiation characteristic in each stage of detonation cycle is unique and can be a good indicator to infer the fill fraction. This is verified experimentally by comparison with the laser absorption spectroscopy method, which utilizes a DFB laser driven by ramp injection current to scan H2O transition of 1391.67 nm at a frequency of 20 kHz. Due to concentrated radiation intensity, time duration reaching accumulated radiant energy ratio of 50% in detonation status would be smaller than 1.2 ms, and detonation status would be easily distinguished from deflagration with this critical condition. In addition, the variation of important intermediates OH, CH, and C2 radicals during detonation combustion are obtained according to the analysis of detonation spectrum, which can also be proposed as a helpful optical diagnostics method for the combustion condition based on C radical concentration. The study demonstrates the feasibility of optical diagnostics based on radiation in visible and near-infrared regions, which could provide an alternative means to diagnose and improve pulsed detonation engine performance.
Amplitude Recovery and Deconvolution of Chirp and Boomer Data for Marine Geology and Offshore Engineering
Authors: Denich Eleonora , Vesnaver Aldo , Baradello Luca
Published: September 2021

The processing of Chirp data is limited by the usual recording of the signal envelope, which enhances its immediate visibility but prevents applying methods based on wave equations. This is normally not the case for Boomer data. However, both systems are monochannel instruments, which cannot estimate properly the propagation velocity of the signal in the rocks. In this paper, we present two theorems: the first one links the Chirp or Boomer source spectrum with an expected amplitude decay curve; the second one defines conditions for the deconvolution stability of the enveloped Boomer signal when the full waveform of the source signal is known. In this way, we can jointly process and integrate heterogeneous surveys including both data types. We validated the proposed algorithms by applying them to synthetic and real data. The presented tools can improve the image resolution and the characterization of geological formations in marine surveys by reflectivity anomalies, which are distorted by standard equalization methods.
Organic Rankine Cycle-Ground Source Heat Pump with Seasonal Energy Storage Based Micro-Cogeneration System in Cold Climates: The Case for Canada
Authors: Yaïci Wahiba , Annuk Andres , Entchev Evgueniy , Longo Michela , Kalder Janar
Published: September 2021

In cold climatic regions such as those located across Canada, it is necessary to implement heating system technology that is ultra-efficient and that has near-zero rates of emissions. Such systems would satisfy consumers’ energy needs and also comply with environmental standards, especially because the systems would account for more than 80% of residential energy use. This paper investigates two complementary efficient systems that can support these heating systems; ground-source heat pumps (GSHPs) and organic Rankine cycle systems (ORCs). The study proposes to couple these two systems in a parallel configuration. A dynamic simulation model created in TRNSYS platform has been deployed to assess the performance of the combined ORC-GSHP based micro-cogeneration system. This former provides heating to a residential house during the heating mode as needed. It has the capacity to switch to a charging mode, during which the ORC system is directly coupled to the ground heat exchanger (GHE), which works as a thermal energy storage and supplies energy to the GSHP. The feasibility of this combined system arrangement, and its comparison with a conventional GSHP system are examined for use in residential buildings in three cities across the varied climatic regions within Canada, namely Edmonton (AB), Halifax (NS), and Vancouver (BC). Results showed that the proposed micro-cogeneration system recorded less energy use of over 80%. The addition of the ORC system had a definite effect on the performance of the GSHP in that it decreased the operating hours from 11–58% compared to the conventional GSHP case and maintained consistently higher COP values. These results may help to specify viable ORC-GSHP based micro-co/trigeneration systems in cold climatic applications and should be useful for prototype design and development.
Compressor Degradation Management Strategies for Gas Turbine Aero-Engine Controller Design
Authors: Sun Xiaohuan , Jafari Soheil , Miran Fashandi Seyed Alireza , Nikolaidis Theoklis
Published: September 2021

The Advisory Council for Aeronautics Research in Europe (ACARE) Flight Path 2050 focuses on ambitious and severe targets for the next generation of air travel systems (e.g., 75% reduction in CO2 emissions per passenger kilometre, a 90% reduction in NOx emissions, and a 65% reduction in the noise emissions of flying aircraft relative to the capabilities of typical new aircraft in 2000). Degradation is an inevitable phenomenon as aero-engines age with significant impacts on the engine performance, emissions level, and fuel consumption. The engine control system is a key element capable of coping with degradation consequences subject to the implementation of an advanced management strategy. This paper demonstrates a methodological approach for aero-engine controller adjustment to deal with degradation implications, such as emission levels and increased fuel consumption. For this purpose, a component level model for an aero-engine was first built and transformed to a block-structured Wiener model using a system identification approach. An industrial Min-Max control strategy was then developed to satisfy the steady state and transient limit protection requirements simultaneously while satisfying the physical limitation control modes, such as over-speed, surge, and over-temperature. Next, the effects of degradation on the engine performance and associated changes to the controller were analysed thoroughly to propose practical degradation management strategies based on a comprehensive scientometric analysis of the topic. The simulation results show that the proposed strategy was effective in restoring the degraded engine performance to the level of the clean engine while protecting the engine from physical limitations. The proposed adjustments in the control strategy reduced the fuel consumption and, as a result, the emission level and carbon footprint of the engine.
Sensitivity Analysis of Influencing Factors of Supercritical Methane Flow and Heat Transfer in a U-Tube
Authors: Zhu Lingbo , Lu Yiping , Tong Jianfei , Liang Tianjiao , Lu Youlian , Fu Weida , Wang Bin , Zhang Yunan
Published: September 2021

Due to the existence of a Dean vortex in a U-tube, the flow and heat transfer process of supercritical methane is complex, and its thermophysical property are greatly influenced by different factors. Based on computational fluid dynamics theory, the numerical simulation of the turbulent flow and heat transfer characteristics of supercritical methane in a U-tube with an inner diameter of 10 mm and a radius of curvature of 27 mm carried out by using the finite volume method. On the basis of verifying the reliability of the model, the influences of inlet mass flux (G), heat flux on the tube wall boundary (q), pressure on the outlet (P), and gravity acceleration factors (g) on heat transfer characteristics were analyzed. The calculation results show that the sensitivity of the effects of G, q, P, and g on the heat transfer coefficient is, from large to small, in the order of P, G, g, and q. Compared with a horizontal straight tube, a U-tube can significantly improve heat transfer in the elbow part, but the presence of the elbow reduces heat transfer in the subsequent straight pipe section. The research in this paper has significance as a reference for the construction of the LNG gasification process.
Dynamic Analysis for the Hydraulic Leg Power of a Powered Roof Support
Authors: Szurgacz Dawid
Published: September 2021

This paper presents the results of a study conducted to determine the dynamic power of a hydraulic leg. The hydraulic leg is the basic element that maintains the position of a powered roof support. It is located in the structure between the canopy and the floor base. The analysis assumes that its power must be greater than the energy of the impact of the rock mass. The energy of the rock mass is generated by tremors caused mainly by mining exploitation. The mining and geological structure of the rocks surrounding the longwall complex also have an influence on this energy generation. For this purpose, stationary tests of the powered roof support were carried out. The analysis refers to the space under the piston of the leg, which is filled with fluid at a given pressure. The bench test involved spreading the leg in the test station under a specified pressure. It was assumed that the acquisition of dynamic power would be at the point of pressure and increase in the space under the piston of the leg under forced loading. Based on the experimental studies carried out, an assessment was made with the assumptions of the methodology adopted. The results of the theoretical analysis showed consistency with the experimental results.
The Future Is Colorful—An Analysis of the CO2 Bow Wave and Why Green Hydrogen Cannot Do It Alone
Authors: von Döllen Andreas , Hwang YoungSeok , Schlüter Stephan
Published: September 2021

In both the private and public sectors, green hydrogen is treated as a promising alternative to fossil energy commodities. However, building up production capacities involves significant carbon production, especially when considering secondary infrastructure, e.g., renewable power sources. The amount of required capacity as well as the carbon production involved is calculated in this article. Using Germany as an example we show that the switch to purely green hydrogen involves significant bow waves in terms of carbon production as well as financial and resource demand. An economic model for an optimal decision is derived and—based on empirical estimates—calibrated. It shows that, even if green hydrogen is a competitive technology in the future, using alternatives like turquoise hydrogen or carbon capture and storage is necessary to significantly reduce or even avoid the mentioned bow waves.
Effect of the Addition of Whole and Milled Flaxseed on the Quality Characteristics of Yogurt
Authors: Cichońska Patrycja , Pudło Ewelina , Wojtczak Adrian , Ziarno Małgorzata
Published: September 2021

The present study aimed to analyze the effect of the addition of whole and milled flaxseed on the quality characteristics of yogurt. In the first stage of the research, the optimal dose of flaxseed was determined. In the second stage of the research, it was assessed whether the selected qualities of yogurt were affected by the form of flaxseed (whole or milled) and the time of addition (before or after fermentation). The yogurts obtained were stored at 5 °C for 21 days, and the changes in active acidity, apparent viscosity, syneresis, and the number of yogurt bacteria were determined. The results of the second stage of the study were subjected to two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) (p < 0.05). The study showed that the addition of milled flaxseed to yogurts in the amount of 1% was optimal. Time and form of flaxseed supplementation significantly influenced the changes in active acidity, apparent viscosity, and syneresis in the tested yogurts. The addition of flaxseed did not significantly change the content of yogurt bacteria. The results indicate that to achieve increased apparent viscosity and reduced syneresis, it is more advantageous to use milled flaxseed rather than whole flaxseed.
Imaging Spectroscopy and Machine Learning for Intelligent Determination of Potato and Sweet Potato Quality
Authors: Su Wen-Hao , Xue Huidan
Published: September 2021

Imaging spectroscopy has emerged as a reliable analytical method for effectively characterizing and quantifying quality attributes of agricultural products. By providing spectral information relevant to food quality properties, imaging spectroscopy has been demonstrated to be a potential method for rapid and non-destructive classification, authentication, and prediction of quality parameters of various categories of tubers, including potato and sweet potato. The imaging technique has demonstrated great capacities for gaining rapid information about tuber physical properties (such as texture, water binding capacity, and specific gravity), chemical components (such as protein, starch, and total anthocyanin), varietal authentication, and defect aspects. This paper emphasizes how recent developments in spectral imaging with machine learning have enhanced overall capabilities to evaluate tubers. The machine learning algorithms coupled with feature variable identification approaches have obtained acceptable results. This review briefly introduces imaging spectroscopy and machine learning, then provides examples and discussions of these techniques in tuber quality determinations, and presents the challenges and future prospects of the technology. This review will be of great significance to the study of tubers using spectral imaging technology.
Animals Like Us: Leveraging the Negativity Bias in Anthropomorphism to Reduce Beef Consumption
Authors: Choueiki Ziad , Geuens Maggie , Vermeir Iris
Published: September 2021

Our current work contributes to the literature of meat consumption reduction. Capitalizing on the inherent humanizing characteristic of anthropomorphism coupled with leveraging negativity bias, we created a novel approach to reduce meat-eating intention. Using on-pack product stickers, we compare an anthropomorphic message stressing the capacity to experience pain with two other anthropomorphic messages that have been used before in the literature (intelligence and pro-social behavior of animals). We find that an on-pack pain anthropomorphic sticker reduces purchase intentions of the meat product and intention to consume meat in general and is more effective than stickers displaying pro-social or intelligence messages. We also show that the pain message’s negative impact on purchase intention is serially mediated by anticipatory guilt and attitude towards meat. In addition, we show that the differential effectiveness of the anthropomorphic messages can be explained by the negativity bias. That is, when the pro-social and intelligence messages were formulated in a negative way (as is pain), all three messages were equally effective at reducing intention to purchase meat and increase intention to reduce meat consumption.
Evolutionary Analysis of OAT Gene Family in River and Swamp Buffalo: Potential Role of SLCO3A1 Gene in Milk Performance
Authors: Ma Xiaoya , Liang Shasha , Liang Aixin , Rushdi Hossam E. , Deng Tingxian
Published: September 2021

The organic anion transporter (OAT) family is the subfamily of the solute carrier (SLC) superfamily, which plays a vital role in regulating essential nutrients in milk. However, little is known about the members’ identification, evolutionary basis, and function characteristics of OAT genes associated with milk performance in buffalo. Comparative genomic analyses were performed to identify the potential role of buffalo OAT genes in milk performance in this study. The results showed that a total of 10 and 7 OAT genes were identified in river buffalo and swamp buffalo, respectively. These sequences clustered into three groups based on their phylogenetic relationship and had similar motif patterns and gene structures in the same groups. Moreover, the river-specific expansions and homologous loss of OAT genes occurred in the two buffalo subspecies during the evolutionary process. Notably, the duplicated SLCO3A1 gene specific to river buffalo showed higher expression level in mammary gland tissue than that of swamp buffalo. These findings highlight some promising candidate genes that could be potentially utilized to accelerate the genetic progress in buffalo breeding programs. However, the identified candidate genes require further validation in a larger cohort for use in the genomic selection of buffalo for milk production.
Pharmacogenomics: An Update on Biologics and Small-Molecule Drugs in the Treatment of Psoriasis
Authors: Caputo Valerio , Strafella Claudia , Cosio Terenzio , Lanna Caterina , Campione Elena , Novelli Giuseppe , Giardina Emiliano , Cascella Raffaella
Published: September 2021

Pharmacogenomic studies allowed the reasons behind the different responses to treatments to be understood. Its clinical utility, in fact, is demonstrated by the reduction in adverse drug reaction incidence and the improvement of drug efficacy. Pharmacogenomics is an important tool that is able to improve the drug therapy of different disorders. In particular, this review will highlight the current pharmacogenomics knowledge about biologics and small-molecule treatments for psoriasis. To date, studies performed on genes involved in the metabolism of biological drugs (tumor necrosis factor inhibitors and cytokines inhibitors) and small molecules (apremilast, dimethyl fumarate, and tofacitinib) have provided conflicting results, and further investigations are necessary in order to establish a set of biomarkers to be introduced into clinical practice.
The “Sant’Angelo in Criptis” Cave Church in Santeramo in Colle (Apulia, South Italy): A Multidisciplinary Study for the Evaluation of Conservation State and Stability Assessment
Authors: Garavelli Anna , Andriani Gioacchino Francesco , Fioretti Giovanna , Iurilli Vincenzo , Marsico Antonella , Pinto Daniela
Published: September 2021

Sant’Angelo in Criptis (Santeramo in Puglia, South Italy) is a karst cave located in the Alta Murgia National Park (aspiring geopark), presently degraded, but with signs of intense past visiting activity for worship, as testified by the beautiful wall paintings and the large number of inscriptions and engravings on the cave walls. With the aim to permit the desirable restoration and the following fruition of this ancient geo-cultural heritage, a multidisciplinary investigation of the cave was carried out in this study. The 3D cave model permitted a detailed map of the area and highlighted that the cave vault, although very regular, somewhere presents chimneys that develop upwards, indicating areas where the rock thickness is now very small. The stability analysis indicates that presently, the cave does not show remarkable signs of instability, but block failures, toppling and roof collapse are possible. Archaeometry investigations confirmed the past importance of this holy site, as testified by the overlapping in the paintings of three different pictorial cycles and the use of precious pigments, thus confirming the necessity of preservation through a conservation management strategy for a full future fruition of the cave.
The Sacred Waterscape of the Temple of Bastet at Ancient Bubastis, Nile Delta (Egypt)
Authors: Meister Julia , Garbe Philipp , Trappe Julian , Ullmann Tobias , Es-Senussi Ashraf , Baumhauer Roland , Lange-Athinodorou Eva , El-Raouf Amr Abd
Published: September 2021

Sacred water canals or lakes, which provided water for all kinds of purification rites and other activities, were very specific and important features of temples in ancient Egypt. In addition to the longer-known textual record, preliminary geoarchaeological surveys have recently provided evidence of a sacred canal at the Temple of Bastet at Bubastis. In order to further explore the location, shape, and course of this canal and to find evidence of the existence of a second waterway, also described by Herodotus, 34 drillings and five 2D geoelectrical measurements were carried out in 2019 and 2020 near the temple. The drillings and 2D ERT surveying revealed loamy to clayey deposits with a thickness of up to five meters, most likely deposited in a very low energy fluvial system (i.e., a canal), allowing the reconstruction of two separate sacred canals both north and south of the Temple of Bastet. In addition to the course of the canals, the width of about 30 m fits Herodotus’ description of the sacred waterways. The presence of numerous artefacts proved the anthropogenic use of the ancient canals, which were presumably connected to the Nile via a tributary or canal located west or northwest of Bubastis.
E-Health Practices and Technologies: A Systematic Review from 2014 to 2019
Authors: da Fonseca Maria Helena , Kovaleski Fanny , Picinin Claudia Tania , Pedroso Bruno , Rubbo Priscila
Published: September 2021

E-health can be defined as a set of technologies applied with the help of the internet, in which healthcare services are provided to improve quality of life and facilitate healthcare delivery. As there is a lack of similar studies on the topic, this analysis uses a systematic literature review of articles published from 2014 to 2019 to identify the most common e-health practices used worldwide, as well as the main services provided, diseases treated, and the associated technologies that assist in e-health practices. Some of the key results were the identification of the four most common practices used (mhealth or mobile health; telehealth or telemedicine; technology; and others) and the most widely used technologies associated with e-health (IoT, cloud computing, Big Data, security, and systems).
Chinese Herbal Medicine Significantly Impacts the Haematological Variables of the Athlete Biological Passport
Authors: Chang William Chih-Wei , Wang Chih-Yuan , Liu Wan-Yi , Tsai Chin-Chuan , Wu Yu-Tse , Hsu Mei-Chich
Published: September 2021

In the fight against sports doping, the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) system aims to indirectly unveil the doping incidents by monitoring selected biomarkers; however, several unexplored extrinsic factors may dampen a fair interpretation of ABP profiles. Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) plays a pivotal role in the health care system, and some remedies have a long history of being used to treat anaemia. In this study, we addressed the concerns of whether the CHM administration could yield a measurable effect on altering the ABP haematological variables. Forty-eight healthy volunteers were randomly assigned to receive two-week oral administration of one of the six selected CHM products that are commonly prescribed in Taiwan (eight subjects per group). Their blood variables were determined longitudinally in the phases of baseline, intervention, and recovery over 5 weeks. Blood collection and analyses were carried out in strict compliance with relevant operating guidelines. In the groups receiving Angelicae Sinensis Radix, Astragali Radix, and Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, a significant increased reticulocyte percentage and decreased OFF-hr Score were manifested during the intervention, and such effects even sustained for a period of time after withdrawal. All other variables, including haemoglobin and Abnormal Blood Profile Score, did not generate statistical significance. Our results show that the use of CHM may impact the ABP haematological variables. As a consequence, we recommend athletes, particularly those who have been registered in the testing pool, should be aware of taking specific Chinese herbal-based treatment or supplementation, and document any of its usage on the anti-doping forms.
Worldviews on Evidence-Based Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Using a Novel Method
Authors: Márquez-Hernández Verónica V. , Gutiérrez-Puertas Lorena , Garrido-Molina José M. , García-Viola Alba , Alcayde-García Alfredo , Aguilera-Manrique Gabriel
Published: September 2021

The evaluation of scientific content by researchers, as well as the knowledge networks and working groups of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, can help to improve and expand new scientific evidence in this field. The aim of this study was to identify the global scientific publications on cardiopulmonary resuscitation research using a novel method. The method used was based on obtaining bibliographic data automatically from scientific publications through the use of the Scopus Database API Interface. A total of 17,917 results were obtained, with a total of 60,226 reports and 53,634 authors. Six categories were detected with 38.56% corresponding to cardiac arrest, 21.8% to cardiopulmonary resuscitation, 17.16% to life-support training and education, 12.45% to ethics and decision-making in cardiac arrest, 4.77% to therapeutic treatment, and 3.72% to life-support techniques. Analyzing and identifying the main scientific contributions to this field of study can make it possible to establish collaboration networks and propose new lines of research, as well as to unify criteria for action. Future research should delve into the analyses of the other elements involved in this area.
Role of Individual Motivations and Privacy Concerns in the Adoption of German Electronic Patient Record Apps—A Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Henkenjohann Richard
Published: September 2021

Germany’s electronic patient record (“ePA”) launched in 2021 with several attempts and years of delay. The development of such a large-scale project is a complex task, and so is its adoption. Individual attitudes towards an electronic health record are crucial, as individuals can reject opting-in to it and making any national efforts unachievable. Although the integration of an electronic health record serves potential benefits, it also constitutes risks for an individual’s privacy. With a mixed-methods study design, this work provides evidence that different types of motivations and contextual privacy antecedents affect usage intentions towards the ePA. Most significantly, individual motivations stemming from feelings of volition or external mandates positively affect ePA adoption, although internal incentives are more powerful.
Telemedicine and eHealth Literacy in the Era of COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Peripheral Clinic in Israel
Authors: Dopelt Keren , Avni Nofar , Haimov-Sadikov Yana , Golan Iris , Davidovitch Nadav
Published: September 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic mandating isolation, quarantine, and social distancing has accelerated and expanded the use of telemedicine. This study examines the extent of the use of telemedicine and the relationship between eHealth literacy and satisfaction with using telemedicine during the pandemic. A total of 156 participants from a clinic in a peripheral community in southern Israel completed an online questionnaire. We found that 85% knew how to use the internet for health information, but only one third felt safe using it to make health decisions. Furthermore, 93% used the internet for technical needs, such as renewing prescriptions or making a doctor’s appointment. Even lower use for telemedicine was found (38%) for consultation or treatment sessions. A positive association was found between eHealth literacy and satisfaction variables with using telemedicine (rp = 0.39, p < 0.001). Although respondents understood the benefits of telemedicine, they were not satisfied nor interested in online sessions after the epidemic’s end, preferring a meeting involving personal interaction. Young people and academics benefit more from telemedicine, thereby creating usage gaps and potentially increasing existing inequality. We recommend developing intervention programs, especially among vulnerable populations, to strengthen eHealth literacy and remove barriers causing skepticism about the use of telemedicine during and after the pandemic.
Effectiveness of a Problem-Solving Program in Improving Problem-Solving Ability and Glycemic Control for Diabetics with Hypoglycemia
Authors: Wu Fei-Ling , Lin Chia-Hung , Lin Chia-Ling , Juang Jyuhn-Huarng
Published: September 2021

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a hypoglycemia problem-solving program (HPSP) on problem-solving ability and glycemic control in diabetics with hypoglycemia. This was a prospective, quasi-experimental study with two groups, using a pre- and post-repeated measures design. A total of 71 diabetic patients with hypoglycemia were purposively assigned to an experimental group (n = 34) and a control group (n = 37). The experimental group participated in an 8-week HPSP, and each weekly session lasted approximately 90 min, while the control group received usual care. Participants were assessed at baseline, 1, 3, and 6 months after intervention care. In the experimental group, 6 months after the HPSP intervention, HbA1c was superior to that before the intervention. In both groups, the score obtained using the hypoglycemia problem-solving scale (HPSS) was low before the intervention. In the experimental group, HPSS tracking improved at all stages after the intervention compared to before the intervention. In the control group, the HPSS score improved slightly in the first month and sixth months after usual care. There were significant differences between and within groups in HbA1c levels and HPSS score over time. The intervention based on the HPSP effectively improves HbA1c level and hypoglycemia problem-solving ability in patients with hypoglycemia.
Considerations for Developing Predictive Spatial Models of Crime and New Methods for Measuring Their Accuracy
Authors: Joshi Chaitanya , Curtis-Ham Sophie , D’Ath Clayton , Searle Deane
Published: September 2021

A literature review of the important trends in predictive crime modeling and the existing measures of accuracy was undertaken. It highlighted the need for a robust, comprehensive and independent evaluation and the need to include complementary measures for a more complete assessment. We develop a new measure called the penalized predictive accuracy index (PPAI), propose the use of the expected utility function to combine multiple measures and the use of the average logarithmic score, which measures accuracy differently than existing measures. The measures are illustrated using hypothetical examples. We illustrate how PPAI could identify the best model for a given problem, as well as how the expected utility measure can be used to combine different measures in a way that is the most appropriate for the problem at hand. It is important to develop measures that empower the practitioner with the ability to input the choices and preferences that are most appropriate for the problem at hand and to combine multiple measures. The measures proposed here go some way towards providing this ability. Further development along these lines is needed.