bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lipid Peroxidation in Obesity: Can Bariatric Surgery Help?
Authors: Soldo Ana Maria , Soldo Ivo , Karačić Andrija , Konjevod Marcela , Perkovic Matea Nikolac , Glavan Tanja Matijevic , Luksic Martina , Žarković Neven , Jaganjac Morana
Published: August 2022

Obesity and chronic oxidative stress, often being associated with each other in a vicious circle, are important factors of chronic diseases. Although it was usually considered to accompany aging and wealth, global trends show the increase in obesity among children even in Third World countries. Being manifested by an imbalance between energy consumption and food intake, obesity is characterized by an excessive or abnormal fat accumulation, impaired redox homeostasis and metabolic changes often associated with the self-catalyzed lipid peroxidation generating 4-hydroxynonenal, pluripotent bioactive peroxidation product of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Conservative methods targeting obesity produced only modest and transient results in the treatment of morbid obesity. Therefore, in recent years, surgery, primarily bariatric, became an attractive treatment for morbid obesity. Since adipose tissue is well known as a stress organ with pronounced endocrine functions, surgery results in redox balance and metabolic improvement of the entire organism. The source of bioactive lipids and lipid-soluble antioxidants, and the complex pathophysiology of lipid peroxidation should thus be considered from the aspects of personalized and integrative biomedicine to treat obesity in an appropriate way.
Research on the Influence of Inlet Velocity on Micron Particles Aggregation during Membrane Filtration
Authors: Lin Peifeng , Wang Qing , Xu Xiaojie , Zhu Zuchao , Ding Qiangmin , Cai Biaohua
Published: August 2022

Membrane filtration is an efficient wastewater treatment technology. However, sludge particles will easily aggregate and deposit upon the membrane surface, which will decrease the water productivity of membrane filaments. Focusing on the influence of velocity on particle behavior, experimental and numerical research was carried out. The k−ε turbulent model, porous media model and DPM model were adopted in the simulation. The flow characteristics including pressure, velocity and particle concentration contour are discussed using different inlet velocities of 0.6, 0.8, 1 m/s. The effects of gravity were also investigated. The final evaluation suggests the best working conditions in three scenarios, which could help to suppress membrane pollution. The results indicate that when the inlet velocity is about 1 m/s, particle deposition is weakest, resulting in better water productivity.
Forensic Facial Approximation of 5000-Year-Old Female Skull from Shell Midden in Guar Kepah, Malaysia
Authors: Abdullah Johari Yap , Moraes Cicero , Saidin Mokhtar , Rajion Zainul Ahmad , Hadi Helmi , Shahidan Shaiful , Abdullah Jafri Malin
Published: August 2022

Forensic facial approximation was applied to a 5000-year-old female skull from a shell midden in Guar Kepah, Malaysia. The skull was scanned using a computed tomography (CT) scanner in the Radiology Department of the Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia using a Light Speed Plus scanner with a 1 mm section thickness in spiral mode and a 512 × 512 matrix. The resulting images were stored in Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) format. A three-dimensional (3D) model of the skull was obtained from the CT scan data using Blender’s 3D modelling and animation software. After the skull was reconstructed, it was placed on the Frankfurt plane, and soft tissue thickness markers were placed based on 34 Malay CT scan data of the nose and lips. The technique based on facial approximation by data extracted from facial measurements of living individuals showed greater anatomical coherence when combined with anatomical deformation. The facial approximation in this study will pave the way towards understanding face prediction based on skull structures, soft tissue prediction rules, and soft tissue thickness descriptors.
Fiscal Measurement and Oil and Gas Production Market: Increasing Reliability Using Blockchain Technology
Authors: Barateiro Carlos , Faria Alexandre , Farias Filho Jose , Maggessi Karolina , Makarovsky Claudio
Published: August 2022

The market of oil and gas has many particularities, once it is a natural resource of great value. Due to the fact the resource is owned by nations, it is highly regulated. The volumes traded are high; for this reason, their calculation needs to be performed very carefully, meeting not only the uncertainties and metrological control, but also particularly the tracking of the activities. The technical regulations of measurement adopted by the countries carefully follows many guidelines. The reason is that the established volumes directly affect the calculation of royalties and profit sharing in concession agreements or even a simple ownership shift of the products. Therefore, it is an application with a lot of responsibility, involving a large amount of equipment, software, and execution processes. Therefore, the transfer of data among different entities requires total transparency and security. Blockchain technology, which has been initially developed for the financial market, presents itself as an alternative to ensure reliability, from the sensors in the field to the effective generation of the Monthly Report on the petroleum and natural gas production unit, which is the basic document for determining the remuneration of the owners of the product. This paper presents a technical solution for creating the blockchain validation blocks by the MAC (Media Access Control Address) addressing, which in turn comes from the communication boards of the flow computers and from the Supervisory Stations. There are limitations to extending this solution to the level of field sensors due to the current links of communication, but also because of the way that historical, events and alarm databases of the flow computers are generated. Once these devices exhibit an elevated degree of safety in their operation, the solution herein presented adds a high level of reliability in the fiscal measurement and/or custody transfer.
On the Efficacy of a Novel Optimized Tuned Mass Damper for Minimizing Dynamic Responses of Cantilever Beams
Authors: Ozturk Baki , Cetin Huseyin , Dutkiewicz Maciej , Aydin Ersin , Noroozinejad Farsangi Ehsan
Published: August 2022

This study examines the optimal design of a tuned mass damper (TMD) in the frequency domain so that the dynamic response of cantilever beams can be decreased. Random vibration theory is applied to identify the mean square acceleration of the endpoint of a cantilever beam as the objective function to be reduced. In addition, to determine the optimal TMD coefficient of mass, stiffness, and damping, a differential evolution (DE) optimization algorithm is employed. The upper and lower limit values of these parameters are taken into account. A majority of the previous studies have concentrated on determining just the stiffness and damping parameters of TMD. Nonetheless, in this study there is also the optimization of TMD mass parameters to determine the mass quantity. In addition, there has been inefficient use of the stochastic DE optimization algorithm method for the optimization of TMD parameters in previous studies. Hence, to obtain optimal TMD parameters, this algorithm is precisely used on the objective function. Tests are carried out on the cantilever beam with the TMD system following this optimization method with harmonic base excitations that resonate the foremost modes of the beam and white noise excitation. The method proposed here is reasonably practical and successful regarding the optimal TMD design. When a TMD is designed appropriately, the response of the cantilever beam under dynamic interactions undergoes a considerable reduction.
The Role of Machine Learning and the Internet of Things in Smart Buildings for Energy Efficiency
Authors: Shah Syed , Iqbal Muhammad , Aziz Zeeshan , Rana Toqir , Khalid Adnan , Cheah Yu-N , Arif Muhammad
Published: August 2022

Machine learning can be used to automate a wide range of tasks. Smart buildings, which use the Internet of Things (IoT) to connect building operations, enable activities, such as monitoring temperature, safety, and maintenance, for easier controlling via mobile devices and computers. Smart buildings are becoming core aspects in larger system integrations as the IoT is becoming increasingly widespread. The IoT plays an important role in smart buildings and provides facilities that improve human security by using effective technology-based life-saving strategies. This review highlights the role of IoT devices in smart buildings. The IoT devices platform and its components are highlighted in this review. Furthermore, this review provides security challenges regarding IoT and smart buildings. The main factors pertaining to smart buildings are described and the different methods of machine learning in combination with IoT technologies are also described to improve the effectiveness of smart buildings to make them energy efficient.
Modeling and Compound Closed-Loop Control of Single-Phase Quasi-Single-Stage Isolated AC-DC Converter
Authors: Wu Fengjiang , Hu Guangfu , Su Jianyong
Published: August 2022

The single-phase isolated quasi-single-stage AC-DC converter has many virtues, such as high power density and efficiency; however, its grid current closed-loop control has not been solved. This paper aims to solve the remaining gap based on a large-signal model. In this paper, the large-signal model of this converter under triple-phase-shift modulation is built for the first time. It is verified that the built model is a zero-order linear system. Based on this built model, the effect of grid harmonics on this converter grid current is analyzed. The theoretical analysis reveals that the grid voltage low-order harmonics will cause the same order grid current harmonics and only varying the parameters of the filter is not an effective method to solve this problem. For the purpose of eliminating the effect of grid voltage harmonics on the grid current and realizing the zero-error control of the fundamental component of the grid current, a grid current closed-loop control strategy based on the proportional-resonant compound odd-mode repetitive controller is proposed. The operation principle, parameter constraint, and design rule of the proposed compound control strategy are analyzed comprehensively. The theoretical analysis and the compound control strategy put forward in this paper are tested, with detailed experimental results.
Improved Interaction Formula for the Plastic Resistance of I- and H-Sections under a Combination of Bending Moments My,Ed, Mz,Ed, and Bimoment BEd
Authors: Agüero Antonio , Baláž Ivan , Koleková Yvona
Published: August 2022

The resistances of HVH sections (H—horizontal upper flange, V—vertical web, H—horizontal bottom flange) were investigated by the authors in the frame of the large parametrical studies focused on the complete HVH-section categories: channels, Z-sections, I-sections, and H-sections. The three different variants of the approximate formulae for the calculation of the elastic and plastic resistances of I-shaped sections loaded by several internal forces were previously published by the authors. In this paper, the improved approximate formulae are presented for the plastic resistance of I- and H-sections loaded by bending moments My,Ed, Mz,Ed, and bimoment BEd. It is shown in the graphical form that the proposed approximate formulae give almost identical values of relative plastic resistances of I-shaped sections to the exact solution, in which Pattern Search Algorithm, offered by MATLAB, is used. It is proven that the proposed approximate formulae are better then previous authors’ formulae, which are themselves better than the older Greek proposal and the newer German proposals. The approximate formulae may be used in the CEN Technical Specification (TS) or in Non Contradictory Complementary Information (NCCI) for supporting safe and economical design according to metal (steel and aluminum) Eurocodes.
5G NPN Performance Evaluation for I4.0 Environments
Authors: Kourtis Michail-Alexandros , Oikonomakis Andreas , Santorinaios Dimitris , Anagnostopoulos Themis , Xilouris Giorgios , Kourtis Anastasios , Chochliouros Ioannis , Zarakovitis Charilaos
Published: August 2022

This paper aims to develop an open Asset Administration Shell (AAS) solution for 5G Non-Public Network (NPN) management, focusing on manufacturing digitization and complete Information and Operational Technology (IT/OT) convergence. The proposed 5G NPN framework is evaluated in a factory-like simulation scenario considering network slicing for I4.0, and demonstrates the outlook of 5G communication in the industrial domain, achieving an upload data rate of up to 86 Mbps, and a Round-Trip Time (RTT) for end-to-end communication as low as 11 ms. The proposed framework integrates OPC UA as an enabler and middleware across different protocols, equipment, and the manufacturing shop floor, with the target of aggregating different industrial data and creating insights on production optimization in a unified manner. The framework combines 5G NPNs with I4.0 environments, in the form of a complete FNMS and its corresponding AAS. In parallel, a set of I4.0 enablers are investigated within the framework of the project, covering a Time-Sensitive Network (TSN) on the shop floor. The main objective of this paper is to propose a method for the unified integration of various enablers in the I4.0 domain and their combination with 5G technology, and to evaluate the feasibility of hosting industrial applications and services over 5G channels through the implementation of different slicing schemas. The paper presents detailed experimental data regarding 5G downlink/uplink data rates and RTT delays.
Bioactive Compounds, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activity of Propolis Extracts during In Vitro Digestion
Authors: González-Montiel Lucio , Figueira Ana Cristina , Medina-Pérez Gabriela , Fernández-Luqueño Fabián , Aguirre-Álvarez Gabriel , Pérez-Soto Elizabeth , Pérez-Ríos Sergio , Campos-Montiel Rafael G.
Published: August 2022

The objective of this research was to determine the content of total phenols, total flavonoids, and the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of the ethanolic extracts of propolis obtained by two methodologies during in vitro digestion. Ethanolic extracts of propolis were obtained by ultrasound and maceration and the yield and content of the bioactive compounds, as well as their antimicrobial and antioxidant activity, were evaluated. Yields higher than those reported in other investigations (71.6%) were obtained. The highest content of phenols and flavonoids in the ethanolic extracts was 34,406.6 mg GAE/100 g in propolis from San Pedro, obtained by maceration (SP M), and 19,523.2 mg QE/100 g in propolis from Teotitlán, obtained by ultrasound (TU), respectively, being higher than what is established in Mexican regulations. The antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of the extracts was not affected by the method of obtaining. At the end of the in vitro digestion there was an 80% loss of the phenolic content and a 90% loss of the flavonoid content. Therefore, antioxidant activity was affected. On the other hand, ultrasound improves the obtaining of bioactive compounds. In vitro digestion decreases the content of bioactive compounds; therefore, their functional properties are affected. Thus, it is important to consider technologies that allow extracts to be protected from in vitro digestion conditions.
A Novel Stream Mining Approach as Stream-Cluster Feature Tree Algorithm: A Case Study in Turkish Job Postings
Authors: Doğan Yunus , Dalkılıç Feriştah , Kut Alp , Kara Kemal Can , Takazoğlu Uygar
Published: August 2022

Large numbers of job postings with complex content can be found on the Internet at present. Therefore, analysis through natural language processing and machine learning techniques plays an important role in the evaluation of job postings. In this study, we propose a novel data structure and a novel algorithm whose aims are effective storage and analysis in data warehouses of big and complex data such as job postings. State-of-the-art approaches in the literature, such as database queries, semantic networking, and clustering algorithms, were tested in this study to compare their results with those of the proposed approach using 100,000 Kariyer.net job postings in Turkish, which can be considered to have an agglutinative language with a grammatical structure differing from that of other languages. The algorithm proposed in this study also utilizes stream logic. Considering the growth potential of job postings, this study aimed to recommend new sub-qualifications to advertisers for new job postings through the analysis of similar postings stored in the system. Finally, complexity and accuracy analyses demonstrate that the proposed approach, using the Cluster Feature approach, can obtain state-of-the-art results on Turkish job posting texts.
An Alternative Globalization Barometer for Investigating the Trend of Globalization
Authors: Sun Sha , Xu Haiyue , He Minsong , Xiao Yao , Niu Huayong
Published: August 2022

Analyzing, evaluating, and predicting the trend of globalization are highly valuable endeavors. However, existing literature lacks a quantifiable metric for objective evaluation. To fill the gap, we first compiled a Globalization Index based on existing globalization indices and using the CRITIC weighting method. Second, we constructed the Globalization Barometer and a trend term for trend analysis using the HP filtering method. Third, we conducted time-series predictions for globalization trajectory by applying the Random Forest model. Our results indicate that: (1) The de facto and de jure globalization both displayed a gradually upward trend over time; (2) the 2008 financial crisis and the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted globalization and served as turning points; (3) on a positive note, COVID-19 has narrowed the gap in both de facto and de jure globalization. This is due to the fact that the shocks were uneven, with economies that participated more in globalization weathering the brunt of the impact, while economies that participated less experiencing little changes; (4) the de facto and de jure globalization are predicted to remain on an upward trend for the subsequent 5 years. This research provides essential references for assessing and predicting globalization trends.
Assessment of Two Streamline Curvature Correction Methods for an Elliptic Blending Turbulence Model
Authors: Yang Xianglong , Liao Zhenhao , Yang Lei
Published: August 2022

Using two different methods, a previously developed elliptic blending model (the original STT k-ω-φ-α model) is modified for sensitization to streamline curvature. One method involves modifying the dissipation term in the turbulent dissipation equation, while the other constructs a new formulation for the turbulent kinetic energy production term based on an explicit algebraic stress model. The capabilities of the proposed models are evaluated by applying them to three flows with curved surfaces; namely, the two-dimensional (2D) infinite serpentine passage flow, the 2D U-turn duct flow, and the 2D periodic hill flow. The STT k-ω model with rotation and curvature correction (the STT k-ω-CC model) is also used for comparison. The computed results are compared with the relevant direct numerical simulation, experimental, and large eddy simulation data from the literature. It is found that the two proposed models significantly improve upon the original STT k-ω-φ-α model. Compared with the STT k-ω-CC model, the two proposed models produce better results in the 2D infinite serpentine passage flow and the 2D periodic hill flow. The proposed models are similarly competitive with the STT k-ω-CC model in the 2D U-turn duct flow.
Surface Topographical Control of a Liquid Crystal Microlens Array Embedded in a Polymer Network
Authors: Mejia Jose , Aizawa Miho , Hisano Kyohei , Matsumoto Kohsuke , Hashimoto Sayuri , Kubo Shoichi , Shishido Atsushi
Published: August 2022

A novel approach for fabricating a microlens array with a tunable surface topographical structure and focal length is proposed in the present study. The microlens array was manufactured through the photoinduced molecular reorientation of nematic liquid crystals (LCs) stabilized by a polymer network. The fabricated microlens array had a mountain-shaped topographical structure due to the accumulation of polymers and LC molecules. The molecular orientation of the LC inside the microlens was disordered, while the outer side of the microlens was ordered. The thermal expansion of the polymer network and the phase transition of the LC molecules within the microlens array allowed the surface topographical structure and the focal length to be reversibly tuned under heat treatment. The results of this research work will enable future implementations to provide a thermally tunable microlens array.
Biofilms in Focus: A Threat to Foods
Authors: Rodríguez-Jerez José Juan , Ripolles-Avila Carolina
Published: August 2022

The world of food microbiology, and by extension that of food safety, has evolved significantly at the turn of the century [...]
Building Korean DMZ Metaverse Using a Web-Based Metaverse Platform
Authors: Choi Sangsu , Yoon Kajoong , Kim Miae , Yoo Jintak , Lee Bonghyeon , Song Inho , Woo Jungyub
Published: August 2022

Metaverse is a compound word of “Meta” and “Universe”, meaning a world that transcends reality, a new virtual world. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, non-face-to-face further accelerated the activation of the Metaverse. The Metaverse has the attractiveness of arousing user interest, high service scalability, and the potential to combine multiple revenue models. Therefore, many industries are adopting the Metaverse. The Republic of Korea has been on a ceasefire, since 1953, after the Korean War. After the war, the DMZ was decided in an area of 2 km from north to south (total of 4 km), centered on the Military Demarcation Line (MDL). The DMZ area is the largest nature conservation area in Asia and a military area where public access is strictly restricted. The Ministry of Unification is trying to reduce tensions and establish peace in the DMZ area by raising the interest of Korean people, as well as people around the world, through the DMZ Metaverse application. The Korean government has its own e-Government framework and cloud operating environments. In order to adopt the Metaverse to Korean government agencies and operate them sustainably, it is essential to support the e-Government framework and the cloud environments. In this paper, the design features, architecture, models, and functions of OnTwins, a Metaverse platform serviceable in the Korean government IT operating environment, are elaborated in detail. The DMZ Metaverse public service built on the platform will also be introduced. Finally, after comparing it with other Metaverse platforms, future research directions are discussed.
Ergonomic Recommendations for Range of Control Panel Angle of Touchscreen Kitchen Appliances
Authors: Son Minseok , Beck Donghyun
Published: August 2022

Control panels for kitchen appliances have been designed in various forms and with different design parameter values. Among these design parameters, the panel angle is one of the most important factors influencing the usability and user preference. However, few studies have been conducted regarding the panel angle effects in the context of kitchen appliances. There are only a few safety-oriented regulations or guidelines for kitchen appliance design. Therefore, in this study, the effect of the control panel angle of touchscreen kitchen appliances on their usability was empirically investigated for providing appropriate ergonomic recommendations. A total of six panel angles, namely, 0°, 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, and 90°, were employed in the experiment in consideration of the design parameter values used in existing slide-in/freestanding ranges. Three usability evaluation measures, namely, visibility, physical comfort, and preference, were employed. For each of the six panel angles, 20 participants performed temperature/power-level setting tasks and then subjectively rated the panel angle in terms of the three measures. The following major findings were obtained: (1) the control panel angle affected the scores of all three measures; and (2) when considering visibility, physical comfort, and preference comprehensively, the panel angle ranges 15°–42° and 15°–19° were recommended as the appropriate and optimal ranges, respectively. The findings of this study may be helpful in the ergonomic design of touchscreen panels for kitchen appliances, which can improve the usability of these panels and reduce human errors and response time in emergencies.
Electrochemical Detection of Penicillin G Using Molecularly Imprinted Conductive Co-Polymer Sensor
Authors: Charlier Hugues , David Mariel , Lahem Driss , Debliquy Marc
Published: August 2022

Antibiotics are increasingly used to treat certain bacteria that are harmful to humans. However, their inadequate or excessive use can lead to the proliferation of certain more resistant strains, which ultimately reduces their effectiveness. To counter this, it is essential to limit the amount of antibiotics ingested, particularly through animal food, if the animals themselves have received antibiotic treatment. In the case of milk, it is necessary to be able to detect quantities of antibiotics in the range of a few parts per billion. A sensor has therefore been developed for this purpose. The sensitive layer that we propose to use in this study, is based on a molecularly imprinted conductive polymer (MICP) that allows a very specific interaction and have been integrated into electrochemical detection approaches by polymerization on electrodes. The sensor is based on the measurement of the variation in conductivity of a sensitive layer deposited between two electrodes, which is influenced by the presence of the antibiotic. Although it seems possible to further improve the performance of these sensors, their use in this field seems very promising considering the obtained results.
Study of Chemical Substances Emitted during Paint Manufacturing through VOC Speciation
Authors: Kim Min-Gyu , Lee Ji Yun , Kim Jeong Hun , Lee Hyo Eun , Cho Sung Hwan , Yu Jeong Ung , Kang Cheon Woong , Moon Kyong Whan
Published: August 2022

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from the paint manufacturing industry include substances that are highly volatile, such as toluene, and highly carcinogenic, such as benzene. In the Republic of Korea, the emission of volatile organic compounds is regulated under the Clean Air Conservation Act, but it is found that individual substances are systematically insufficient. Although the Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (PRTR) is maintained to report the expected emissions from each plant every year, actual measurements are not performed. This study measured and analyzed VOCs at the site fenceline boundary. The ratio of PRTR and VOCs speciation results for xylene and toluene was similar to that of xylene 29% and toluene 28%, but ethylbenzene accounted for 2% in PRTR. Still, the actual measurement result showed a big difference of 11%. Because it is a solvent that is treated in large quantities in the resin manufacturing process and the reactivity of ethylbenzene, it is vaporized at high temperature and high pressure, resulting in many measurements. This study classified a large amount of VOCs emitted through the fence line monitoring system in the paint manufacturing industry and confirmed which VOCs were emitted the most. We compared whether this produced similar results to the actual emission survey method conducted by the EPA. Some substances have produced similar results, but certain substances have significant differences. This indicates that priority VOCs should be selected for each location through continuous measurement.
A Techno-Economic Model for Benchmarking the Production Cost of Lithium-Ion Battery Cells
Authors: Orangi Sina , Strømman Anders Hammer
Published: August 2022

In response to the increasing expansion of the electric vehicles (EVs) market and demand, billions of dollars are invested into the battery industry to increase the number and production volume of battery cell manufacturing plants across the world, evident in Giga-battery factories. On the other side, despite the increase in the battery cell raw material prices, the total production cost of battery cells requires reaching a specific value to grow cost-competitive with internal combustion vehicles. Further, obtaining a high-quality battery at the end of the production line requires integrating numerous complex processes. Thus, developing a cost model that simultaneously includes the physical and chemical characteristics of battery cells, commodities prices, process parameters, and economic aspects of a battery production plant is essential in identifying the cost-intensive areas of battery production. Moreover, such a model is helpful in finding the minimum efficient scale for the battery production plant which complies with the emergence of Giga-battery plants. In this regard, a process-based cost model (PBCM) is developed to investigate the final cost for producing ten state-of-the-art battery cell chemistries on large scales in nine locations. For a case study plant of 5.3 GWh.year−1 that produces prismatic NMC111-G battery cells, location can alter the total cost of battery cell production by approximately 47 US$/kWh, which is dominated by the labor cost. This difference could decrease by approximately 31% at the minimum efficient scale of the battery production plant, which is 7.8 GWh.year−1 for the case study in this work. Finally, a comprehensive sensitivity analysis is conducted to investigate the final prices of battery cell chemistries due to the changes in commodities prices, economic factors of the plant, battery cell production parameters, and production volume. The outcomes of this work can support policy designers and battery industry leaders in managing production technology and location.
Chemical Composition of Kombucha
Authors: Bishop Peyton , Pitts Eric R. , Budner Drew , Thompson-Witrick Katherine A.
Published: August 2022

Kombucha is a fermented sweetened tea with a mixed fermenting culture of yeast and acetic acid bacteria. While the history of kombucha is not completely clear, it is now available around the world and has shown an increase in availability and demand in the United States market. The proponents of kombucha consumption tout the varied health benefits it can provide. The final kombucha flavor and composition is a function of both the initial tea used and the fermentation process. While the ascribed benefits are varied and numerous, the number of direct studies has been limited. This review focuses on the current state of understanding of the chemical composition and the potential health effects both positive and negative reported in the literature.
Artificial Intelligence Models in the Diagnosis of Adult-Onset Dementia Disorders: A Review
Authors: Battineni Gopi , Chintalapudi Nalini , Hossain Mohammad Amran , Losco Giuseppe , Ruocco Ciro , Sagaro Getu Gamo , Traini Enea , Nittari Giulio , Amenta Francesco
Published: August 2022

Background: The progressive aging of populations, primarily in the industrialized western world, is accompanied by the increased incidence of several non-transmittable diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases and adult-onset dementia disorders. To stimulate adequate interventions, including treatment and preventive measures, an early, accurate diagnosis is necessary. Conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) represents a technique quite common for the diagnosis of neurological disorders. Increasing evidence indicates that the association of artificial intelligence (AI) approaches with MRI is particularly useful for improving the diagnostic accuracy of different dementia types. Objectives: In this work, we have systematically reviewed the characteristics of AI algorithms in the early detection of adult-onset dementia disorders, and also discussed its performance metrics. Methods: A document search was conducted with three databases, namely PubMed (Medline), Web of Science, and Scopus. The search was limited to the articles published after 2006 and in English only. The screening of the articles was performed using quality criteria based on the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS) rating. Only papers with an NOS score ≥ 7 were considered for further review. Results: The document search produced a count of 1876 articles and, because of duplication, 1195 papers were not considered. Multiple screenings were performed to assess quality criteria, which yielded 29 studies. All the selected articles were further grouped based on different attributes, including study type, type of AI model used in the identification of dementia, performance metrics, and data type. Conclusions: The most common adult-onset dementia disorders occurring were Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia. AI techniques associated with MRI resulted in increased diagnostic accuracy ranging from 73.3% to 99%. These findings suggest that AI should be associated with conventional MRI techniques to obtain a precise and early diagnosis of dementia disorders occurring in old age.
Two-Axis Continuous Distractor for Mandibular Reconstruction
Authors: Hatefi Shahrokh , Etemadi Sh Milad , Alizargar Javad , Behdadipour Venous , Abou-El-Hossein Khaled
Published: August 2022

The application of Distraction Osteogenesis (DO) techniques in the reconstruction of skeletal deficiencies is a relatively new topic in the fields of oral and maxillofacial surgeries. In many reconstruction applications, using DO is the preferred technique, as opposed to conventional reconstruction techniques, as there are more advantages and fewer side effects when it is used. The first generation of DO devices is made up of manual distractors that can apply an intermittent distraction force to the bone segment during the distraction process. Manual DO techniques have shown the functionality of the DO technique. Further research has recently been performed on the development of automatic devices for generating a controlled continuous force. However, the existing automatic techniques have limitations, and are yet to be used in reconstruction applications in humans. There is still a gap between the developed techniques and an ideal distractor to be used in mandibular reconstruction surgeries. In this research, a two-axis continuous distractor is proposed for use in mandibular reconstruction applications. The proposed distractor can generate two continuous distraction forces that can be applied to two independent distraction vectors. The proposed device can perform the standard distraction process using the predetermined distraction factors. The control system has a high positioning accuracy and resolution in controlling the position of the intra-oral end effectors while applying two continuous forces for moving the bone segment. The proposed two-axis continuous distractor meets the current requirements, and can be used as an ideal continuous DO device for different mandibular reconstruction applications.
Effect of Different Desensitizers on Shear Bond Strength of Self-Adhesive Resin Cements to Dentin
Authors: Elizalde-Hernández Alejandro , Hardan Louis , Bourgi Rim , Isolan Cristina , Moreira Andressa , Zamarripa-Calderón J. , Piva Evandro , Cuevas-Suárez Carlos , Devoto Walter , Saad Ahmed , Proc Patrycja , Lukomska-Szymanska Monika
Published: August 2022

The sealing and bonding characteristics of luting cements may be affected by the application of desensitizers containing ingredients that induce chemical interaction with dentin organic matrix. This study evaluated the effect of different desensitizers on the immediate and long-term shear bond strength (SBS) of a self-adhesive resin cement (SARC) to dentin. Healthy bovine dentin specimens were used for the study. Gluma® Desensitizer, Desensibilize Nano P®, and Soothe® desensitizer were used in study groups, while the control group did not receive any treatment. Next, SARC (RelyXTM U200) in cylindrical mold was applied to the sample surface. All specimens were stored at 37 °C for 24 h or six months and tested for SBS. Additionally, water contact angle was measured using an optical tensiometer. Results were analyzed by analysis of variance and Student-t tests (p ˂ 0.05). Application of the different types of desensitizers had no significant influence on immediate or long-term SBS of SARC to dentin (p > 0.05). Differences for water contact angle were not statistically significant among the tested groups (p = 0.450). Within the limitations of the present study, it can be concluded that the application of the different types of desensitizers had no significant influence on the SBS of a SARC to dentin.
Succession of the Bacterial Communities and Functional Characteristics in Sheep Manure Composting
Authors: Zhao Xu , Li Juan , Che Zongxian , Xue Lingui
Published: August 2022

Bacterial community is a key factor affecting aerobic composting, and understanding bacterial community succession is important to revealing the mechanism of organic matter degradation. In this study, the succession and metabolic characteristics of bacterial communities were explored in 45 days composting of sheep manure and wheat straw by using high-throughput sequencing technology and bioinformatics tools, respectively. Results showed that the alpha diversity of bacterial community significantly decreased in the thermophilic (T2) phase and then recovered gradually in the bio-oxidative (T3) and the maturation (T4) phases. Bacterial communities varied at different stages, but there were 158 genera in common bacterial species. Unclassified_f_Bacillaceae, Oceanobacillus, Bacillus, Pseudogracilibacillus, and Nocardiopsis were identified as keystone bacterial genera. Eleven genera were significantly correlated (p < 0.05), or even extremely significantly correlated (p < 0.001), with the physicochemical factors. Redundancy analysis (RDA) showed that changes of bacterial community diversity correlated with physicochemical factors. The highest relative abundances were amino acid and carbohydrate metabolism among the metabolic groups in the compost. These results will provide theoretical support for further optimizing sheep manure composting conditions and improving the quality of organic fertilizers.
Proposal of a New Parameter for Evaluating Muscle Mass in Footballers through Bioimpedance Analysis
Authors: Levi Micheli Matteo , Cannataro Roberto , Gulisano Massimo , Mascherini Gabriele
Published: August 2022

The evaluation of muscle mass in athletes correlates with sports performance directly. Bioimpedance vector analysis is a growing method of assessing body composition in athletes because it is independent of predictive formulas containing variables such as body weight, ethnicity, age, and sex. The study aims to propose a new parameter (Levi’s Muscle Index, LMI) that evaluates muscle mass through raw bioelectrical data. A total of 664 male footballers underwent bioimpedance assessment during the regular season. LMI was correlated with body cell mass (BCM) and phase angle (PA) to establish efficacy. The footballers were 24.5 ± 5.8 years old, 180.7 ± 5.9 cm tall and weighed 76.3 ± 7.1 kg. The relationships were: LMI-BMI: r = 0.908, r2 = 0.824, p < 0.001; LMI-PA: r = 0.704, r2 = 0.495, p = 0.009 and PA-BCM: r = 0.491, r2 = 0.241, p < 0.001. The results obtained confirm that LMI could be considered a new parameter that provides reliable information to evaluate the muscle mass of athletes. Furthermore, the higher LMI-BCM relationship than PA-BCM demonstrates specificity for muscle mass evaluation in athletes regardless of body weight, ethnicity, age, and sex.
Limited Acclimation in Leaf Morphology and Anatomy to Experimental Drought in Temperate Forest Species
Authors: Khan Attaullah , Shen Fangyuan , Yang Lixue , Xing Wei , Clothier Brent
Published: August 2022

Drought is a critical and increasingly common abiotic factor that has impacts on plant structures and functioning and is a challenge for the successful management of forest ecosystems. Here, we test the shifts in leaf morpho-anatomical or hydraulic traits and plant growth above ground caused by drought. A factorial experiment was conducted with two gymnosperms (Larix gmelinii and Pinus koraiensis) and two angiosperms (Fraxinus mandshurica and Tilia amurensis), tree species grown under three varying drought intensities in NE China. Considering all the species studied, the plant height (PH), root collar diameter (RCD), and plant biomass (PB) were significantly decreased by drought. The leaf thickness (LT) increased, while the leaf area (LA) decreased with drought intensity. In the gymnosperms, the mesophyll thickness (MT) increased, and the resin duct decreased, while in the angiosperms the palisade mesophyll thickness (PMT), the spongy mesophyll thickness (SMT), and the abaxial (ABE) and adaxial epidermis (ADE) thickness were increased by drought. The correlation analysis revealed that P. koraiensis and F. mandshurica had the higher RMF and total plant biomass, but the least LMF, suggesting drought tolerance. In contrast, the L. gmelinii had the least RMF and higher LMF, suggesting vulnerability to drought. Similarly, T. amurensis had the higher leaf size, which increased the evaporative demand and depleted the soil water quickly relative to the other species. The interrelation among the morpho-anatomical leaf traits was equally affected by drought across all the studied species, suggesting that there is no clear evidence to differentiate the taxa based on drought resistance vs. drought tolerance. Thus, we have identified some easily measurable traits (i.e., LMF, RMF, and PB) which evidenced the seedling’s ability to cope with drought and which therefore could be used as proxies in the selection of drought tolerant species for reforestation in the temperate forest.
The Use of Reproductive Indicators for Conservation Purposes: The Case Study of Palinurus elephas in Two Fully Protected Areas and Their Surrounding Zones (Central-Western Mediterranean)
Authors: Porcu Cristina , Carugati Laura , Bellodi Andrea , Carbonara Pierluigi , Cau Alessandro , Cuccu Danila , Cannea Faustina Barbara , Marongiu Martina Francesca , Mulas Antonello , Padiglia Alessandra , Pascale Noemi , Pesci Paola , Follesa Maria Cristina
Published: August 2022

In 1990s, the European spiny lobster Palinurus elephas, one of the most commercially important species in the Mediterranean, exhibited a population decline. For this reason, fully protected areas (FPAs) appeared effective in re-establishing natural populations and supporting fishery-management objectives. Here, the reproductive parameters of P. elephas populations in two different FPAs (Su Pallosu and Buggerru, central-western Mediterranean), where a restocking programme was carried out, and in their surrounding commercial zones, were investigated from quantitative and qualitative perspectives. The comparison of fecundity between females collected inside and outside FPAs did not show statistical differences as well as the vitellogenin concentration, which did not vary among eggs of different size classes of females caught inside and outside the FPAs, indicating the same reproductive potential. The study demonstrated a benefit of overexploited populations in terms of enhancement of egg production overtime (15 years for Su Pallosu and 6 years for Buggerru) with a mean egg production 4.25–5.5 times higher at the end of the study than that observed at the beginning of the study. The main driver of eggs production appeared to be size, with larger lobsters more present inside the FPAs than outside. Given these results, the dominant contribution of the two studied FPAs to the regional lobster reproduction is remarkable.
Progress in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: SIRT Family Regulates Mitochondrial Biogenesis
Authors: Zeng Chuanfei , Chen Mingkai
Published: August 2022

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by hepatic steatosis, insulin resistance, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, and oxidative stress. As a group of NAD+-dependent III deacetylases, the sirtuin (SIRT1–7) family plays a very important role in regulating mitochondrial biogenesis and participates in the progress of NAFLD. SIRT family members are distributed in the nucleus, cytoplasm, and mitochondria; regulate hepatic fatty acid oxidation metabolism through different metabolic pathways and mechanisms; and participate in the regulation of mitochondrial energy metabolism. SIRT1 may improve NAFLD by regulating ROS, PGC-1α, SREBP-1c, FoxO1/3, STAT3, and AMPK to restore mitochondrial function and reduce steatosis of the liver. Other SIRT family members also play a role in regulating mitochondrial biogenesis, fatty acid oxidative metabolism, inflammation, and insulin resistance. Therefore, this paper comprehensively introduces the role of SIRT family in regulating mitochondrial biogenesis in the liver in NAFLD, aiming to further explain the importance of SIRT family in regulating mitochondrial function in the occurrence and development of NAFLD, and to provide ideas for the research and development of targeted drugs. Relatively speaking, the role of some SIRT family members in NAFLD is still insufficiently clear, and further research is needed.
PD-L1/pS6 in Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs) during Osimertinib Treatment in Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)
Authors: Pantazaka Evangelia , Ntzifa Aliki , Roumeliotou Argyro , Lianidou Evi , Georgoulias Vassilis , Kotsakis Athanasios , Kallergi Galatea
Published: August 2022

The PD-1/PD-L1 axis provides CTCs an escape route from the immune system. Phosphorylation of the ribosomal protein S6 is implicated in the same pathway, following mTOR activation. The aim of the study was to investigate the expression of PD-L1 and pS6 in CTCs from NSCLC patients under Osimertinib treatment at a single cell level. CTCs were isolated using ISET from NSCLC patients’ blood [37 at baseline, 25 after the 1st cycle, and 23 at the end of treatment (EOT)]. Staining was performed using immunofluorescence. Cytokeratin-positive (CK+) CTCs were detected in 62% of patients. CK+PD-L1+CD45− and CK+pS6+ phenotypes were detected in 38% and 41% of the patients at baseline, in 28% and 32% after 1st cycle, and in 30% and 35% at EOT, respectively. Spearman’s analysis revealed statistically significant correlations between PD-L1 and pS6 phenotypes at all time points. Survival analysis revealed that CK+pS6+ (p = 0.003) and CKlowpS6+ (p = 0.021) phenotypes after 1st cycle were related to significantly decreased one-year progression-free survival (PFS12m) and PFS, respectively. CK+PD-L1+CD45−phenotype at baseline and after 1st cycle showed a trend for decreased PFS12m. Increased expression of PD-L1/pS6 in CTCs of Osimertinib-treated NSCLC patients implies the activation of the corresponding pathway, which is potentially associated with poor clinical outcomes.