bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Method for Large Underground Structures Geometry Evaluation Based on Multivariate Parameterization and Multidimensional Analysis of Point Cloud Data
Authors: Wróblewski Adam , Wodecki Jacek , Trybała Paweł , Zimroz Radosław
Published: August 2022

In underground mining, new workings (tunnels) are constructed by blasting or mechanical excavation. The blasting technique used in underground mines is supported by economic aspects, especially for deposits characterized by hard rocks. Unfortunately, the quality of the result may be different than expected in terms of the general geometry of work or the roughness of excavation surfaces. The blasting technique is also a source of vibrations that may affect other existing structures, affecting their stability. Therefore, it is of great importance to monitor both the quality of the new tunnels and changes in existing tunnels that may cause rockfall from the sidewalls and ceilings of both new and existing tunnels. The length of mining tunnels and support structures in underground mines is massive. Even if one would like to limit monitoring of tunnel geometry to those used every day for major technological processes such as transport, it is a vast amount of work. What is more, any stationary monitoring system is hard to utilize both due to everyday blasting procedures and mobile machine operation. The method proposed here is based on quick LiDAR/Terrestrial Laser Scanner measurements to obtain a cloud of points, which allows generating the spatial model of a mine’s geometry. Data processing procedures are proposed to extract several parameters describing the geometry of the tunnels. Firstly, the model is re-sampled to obtain its uniform structure. Next, a segmentation technique is applied to separate the cross sections with a specific resolution. Statistical parameters are selected to describe each cross section for final 1D feature analysis along the tunnel length. Such a set of parameters may serve as a basis for blasting evaluation, as well as long-term deformation monitoring. The methodology was tested and validated for the data obtained in a former gold and arsenic mine Zloty Stok, Poland.
Environmental Performance of Semi-Aerobic Landfill by Means of Life Cycle Assessment Modeling
Authors: Mazzi Anna , Sciarrone Michela , Raga Roberto
Published: August 2022

The potential impacts and the environmental performance of the semi-aerobic landfill technology were assessed through the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology. Project data that referred to a hypothetical Italian plant design were used and ISO 14040/14044 standards were applied. All the life cycle phases were considered, from landfill construction to filling, aftercare, closure and conversion for future use. All the landfill processes and the inflow of materials, energy and rainwater, and the outflow of biogas and leachate, were included in the system boundaries. The results show that the overall environmental impacts associated to semi-aerobic landfill are primarily due to the filling and aftercare phases, but the impacts related to construction and closure phases are not negligible. The contribution analysis underlines the processes with major responsibility within the environmental profile, while the normalization of results demonstrates what are the environmental categories on which the landfill impacts fall most. Important lessons emerging from this research can support practitioners and scientists in optimizing semi-aerobic landfill design and management.
On the Rotating Vortex Rope and Its Induced Structural Response in a Kaplan Turbine Model
Authors: Roig Rafel , Sánchez-Botello Xavier , Escaler Xavier , Mulu Berhanu , Högström Carl-Maikel
Published: August 2022

The rotating vortex rope, which can be decomposed in the rotating and the plunging modes, is the origin of pressure fluctuations in the draft tube cone when hydraulic turbines operate at part load, compromising the structural integrity and limiting the output load. A measurement campaign was carried out in a Kaplan turbine model which is a replica of the experimental 10 MW Porjus U9 prototype machine along a propeller curve to study the rotating vortex rope’s excitation levels and the induced structural responses. A complete set of sensors mounted on-board and off-board was used to measure pressures, forces, torques, accelerations, displacements, and strains. The characteristic frequencies and amplitudes of the pressure fluctuations and of the corresponding induced loads and vibrations associated with the two modes were quantified in a wide range of operating conditions at part load. The two modes are detected at different frequencies depending on the sensor position. Moreover, their frequencies change depending on the discharge and present different amplitudes depending on the mode. Particularly, the rotating mode shows higher amplitudes than the plunging mode in the majority of positions and directions measured.
Similar Pattern of Potential Distribution of Pinus yunnanensis Franch and Tomicusyunnanensis Kirkendall under Climate Change in China
Authors: Huang Biaosheng , Mao Jiawei , Zhao Youjie , Sun Yongke , Cao Yong , Xiong Zhi
Published: August 2022

Tomicus yunnanensis Kirkendall (Coleoptera: Scolytinae) is a stem-boring pest that endangers Pinus yunnanensis Franch (Pinales:Pinoideae), which seriously affects the ecological environment safety in southwest China. In order to understand the potential distribution pattern and change in the potential distribution of P. yunnanensis and T. yunnanensis, this study used the maximum entropy model to predict the distribution of potentially suitable areas for P. yunnanensis and T. yunnanensis and explored the relationships between their different spatiotemporal distributions based on change analysis. The experimental results show that altitude is the main factor restricting the current distribution of P. yunnanensis. The current suitable areas of P. yunnanensis are mainly distributed in Yunnan, Sichuan and Guizhou. The minimum temperature of the coldest month is the main factor affecting the current distribution of T. yunnanensis. The current suitable areas of T. yunnanensis are mainly distributed in Yunnan, Sichuan and Tibet. Under future climate scenarios, the total suitable areas of P. yunnanensis and T. yunnanensis are expected to increase. The suitable areas tend to move to higher altitudes in the west and higher latitudes in the north. At the same time, this study finds that there is an obvious bottleneck of expansion to northeastern Sichuan near the Daba Mountains. The results of intersection analysis showed that, with future climate change, P. yunnanensis and T. yunnanensis mainly showed lowly suitable (or unsuitable)—lowly suitable (or unsuitable) to moderately (or highly) suitable—and moderate (or high) variation patterns of suitable areas under the SSP1-2.6 climate scenario. These results will provide an important basis for the breeding of P. yunnanensis and controlling T. yunnanensis.
Lactic Acid Production from Old Oil Palm Trunk Sap in the Open Batch, Open Repeated Batch, Fed-Batch, and Repeated Fed-Batch Fermentation by Lactobacillus rhamnosus ATCC 10863
Authors: Saelee Nisa
Published: August 2022

The cost of fermentable sugars added as a substrate is one major problem for economic lactic acid (LA) production. Old oil palm trunks (OPT) squeezed sap, the agricultural wastes on replanting and pruning of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis), contained mainly glucose and fructose as a potential feedstock to use as a vast carbon source for LA production. To improve the LA yield and productivity, various fermentation modes were performed by Lactobacillus rhamnosus ATCC 10863 using OPT sap as a basal medium. A modified constant feed mode of fed-batch and repeated fed-batch fermentation using undiluted OPT sap feed medium can achieve a high average LA concentration of 95.94 g/L, yield of 1.04 g/g, and productivity of 6.40 g/L/h) at 11 h cultivation time. It can also provide open and open repeated batch fermentation with an average LA concentration of 91.30 g/L, yield of 0.87 g/g, and productivity of 3.88 g/L/h at 21 h fermentation time.
A Game-Theoretic Rent-Seeking Framework for Improving Multipath TCP Performance
Authors: Pokhrel Shiva Raj , Williamson Carey
Published: August 2022

There is no well-defined utility function for existing multipath TCP algorithms. Therefore, network utility maximization (NUM) for MPTCP is a complex undertaking. To resolve this, we develop a novel condition under which Kelly’s NUM mechanism may be used to explicitly compute the equilibrium. We accomplish this by defining a new utility function for MPTCP by employing Tullock’s rent-seeking paradigm from game theory. We investigate the convergence of no-regret learning in the underlying network games with continuous actions. Based on our understanding of the design space, we propose an original MPTCP algorithm that generalizes existing algorithms and strikes a good balance among the important properties. We implemented this algorithm in the Linux kernel, and we evaluated its performance experimentally.
Hydrodynamic Characteristics of Two Side-by-Side Cylinders at a Pitch Ratio of 2 at Low Subcritical Reynolds Numbers
Authors: Gomes Thiago , Goulart Jhon , Anflor Carla
Published: August 2022

Isothermal turbulent flow around circular cylinders arranged side-by-side was numerically simulated on a commercial finite-volumes platform, ANSYS® CFX, version 2020 R2. The turbulence was modeled by using k-ω shear stress transport (k-ω SST). Three different Reynolds numbers were computed, Red = 200, 1000, and 3000, which were based on the cylinder diameter, d, the free stream velocity, U∞, and the kinematic viscosity of the fluid, ν. Sided cylinders were spaced apart from each other, forming a p/d ratio equal to 2, which was kept constant throughout the computations regardless of changes in the Reynolds number. The drag coefficient, Cd, as well as its time traces, was evaluated along with the different wake topologies experienced by the cylinders (wide wake WW and narrow wake NW). The simulations were able to predict the bistable flow over the cylinders and the Cd changes associated with the wakes. Whenever a new wake topology was identified, the shape drag changed in accordance with the instantaneous pressure distribution. A laminar simulation was carried out for the lowest Reynolds number case, showing that the adopted turbulence model did not affect the dynamic response of the flow. The Red = 3000 case was compared to Afgan’s outcomes, whose simulations were carried out in a 3-D mesh using LES (Large Eddy Simulation), showing great agreement with their results.
Bioactive Compounds and In Vitro Antioxidant Capacity of Cambuci and Uvaia: An Extensive Description of Little-Known Fruits from the Myrtaceae Family with High Consumption Potential
Authors: Taver Isabela Barroso , Spricigo Poliana Cristina , Neto Horst Bremer , de Alencar Severino Matias , Massarioli Adna Prado , Jacomino Angelo Pedro
Published: August 2022

Cambuci (Campomanesia phaea O. Berg Landrum) and uvaia (Eugenia pyriformis Cambess), both native Atlantic Rainforest fruits, are noteworthy for being rich in bioactive compounds and their significant antioxidant capacity. Despite the numerous known edible fruits in the world, consumption by humans is most often restricted to a few dozen of them. Such behavior occurs, among other reasons, due to the lack of knowledge about fruits not yet commercialized on a large scale. This study quantified the bioactive compound content (total phenolic compounds and ascorbic acid in cambucis and uvaias; proanthocyanidins in cambucis, and total carotenoid profile and individual carotenoids for grapes) and antioxidant capacity of the edible parts (peel and pulp) of cambuci and uvaia accessions, using three methods (ABTS•+, ROO• radical scavenging and HOCl elimination). Cambuci contained higher phenolic compound levels and displayed higher antioxidant capacity determined by the ABTS•+ and ROO• radical scavenging methods than uvaia (139 and 119 mg 100 g−1 of GAE, 10.5 and 7.73 μmol g−1 of TE; 9.17 and 5.92 μmol g−1 of TE, respectively). Vitamin C content and the antioxidant capacity determined by the HOCl elimination method were about 1.5- and 6-fold higher in uvaia compared to cambuci, with the latter being a first-time report for uvaia. Both fruits contained higher levels of bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity than other commonly consumed fruits.
Effect of Different Thawing Methods on the Physicochemical Properties and Microstructure of Frozen Instant Sea Cucumber
Authors: Ge Xiaotong , Wang Hongli , Yin Mingyu , Wang Xichang
Published: August 2022

To provide recommendations to users regarding which thawing method for frozen instant sea cucumbers entails lower quality losses, in this study we compared the water retention, mechanical properties, protein properties, and microstructures of frozen instant sea cucumbers post-thawing by means of different thawing approaches, including refrigerator thawing (RT), air thawing (AT), water immersion thawing (WT), and ultrasound-assisted thawing (UT). The results indicated that UT took the shortest time. RT samples exhibited the best water-holding capacity, hardness and rheological properties, followed by UT samples. The α-helix and surface hydrophobicity of WT and AT samples were significantly lower than those of the first two methods (p < 0.05). The lowest protein maximum denaturation temperature (Tmax) was obtained by means of WT. AT samples had the lowest maximum fluorescence emission wavelength (λmax). Based on these results, WT and AT were more prone to the degradation of protein thermal stability and the destruction of the protein structure. Similarly, more crimping and fractures of the samples after WT and AT were observed in the sea cucumbers’ microstructures. Overall, we observed that UT can be used to maintain the quality of frozen instant sea cucumbers in the shortest time.
Optimization of Selective Hydrolysis of Cruciferins for Production of Potent Mineral Chelating Peptides and Napins Purification to Valorize Total Rapeseed Meal Proteins
Authors: Kaugarenia Nastassia , Beaubier Sophie , Durand Erwann , Aymes Arnaud , Villeneuve Pierre , Lesage François , Kapel Romain
Published: August 2022

Preventing oxidation and microbial spoilage are both major concerns in food industries. In this context, this study aimed to valorize the total rapeseed meal proteins with controlled enzymatic proteolysis to generate potent mineral-chelating peptides from cruciferins while keeping intact the antimicrobial napins. Implementation of proteolysis of total rapeseed protein isolate with the Prolyve® enzyme highlighted an interesting selective hydrolysis of the cruciferins. Hence, the mechanism of this particular hydrolysis was investigated through a Design of Experiments method to obtain a model for the prediction of kinetics (cruciferin degradation and napin purity) according to the operating conditions applied. Then, multicriteria optimization was implemented to maximize the napin purity and yield while minimizing both enzymatic cost and reaction time. Antioxidant assays of the peptide fraction obtained under the optimal conditions proved the high metal-chelating activity preservation (EC50 = 247 ± 27 µg) for more than three times faster production. This fraction might counteract lipid oxidation or serve as preventing agents for micronutrient deficiencies, and the resulting purified napins may have applications in food safety against microbial contamination. These results can greatly help the development of rapeseed meal applications in food industries.
Physicochemical and Functional Properties of Texturized Vegetable Proteins and Cooked Patty Textures: Comprehensive Characterization and Correlation Analysis
Authors: Hong Shan , Shen Yanting , Li Yonghui
Published: August 2022

Rising concerns of environment and health from animal-based proteins have driven a massive demand for plant proteins. Textured vegetable protein (TVP) is a plant-protein-based product with fibrous textures serving as a promising meat analog. This study aimed to establish possible correlations between the properties of raw TVPs and the corresponding meatless patties. Twenty-eight commercial TVPs based on different protein types and from different manufacturers were compared in proximate compositions, physicochemical and functional properties, as well as cooking and textural attributes in meatless patties. Significant differences were observed in the compositions and properties of the raw TVPs (p < 0.05) and were well reflected in the final patties. Of all the TVP attributes, rehydration capacity (RHC) was the most dominant factor affecting cooking loss (r = 0.679) and textures of hardness (r = −0.791), shear force (r = −0.621) and compressed juiciness (r = 0.812) in meatless patties, as evidenced by the significant correlations (p < 0.01). The current study may advance the knowledge for TVP-based meat development.
Lactococcus garvieae FUA009, a Novel Intestinal Bacterium Capable of Producing the Bioactive Metabolite Urolithin A from Ellagic Acid
Authors: Mi Haoyu , Liu Shu , Hai Yang , Yang Guang , Lu Jing , He Fuxiang , Zhao Yaling , Xia Mengjie , Hou Xiaoyue , Fang Yaowei
Published: August 2022

Dietary polyphenol ellagic acid has anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory activities, and these biological activities require the conversion of ellagic acid to urolithins by intestinal microbes. However, few gut microbes are capable of metabolizing ellagic acid to produce urolithins, limiting the beneficial effects of ellagic acid on health. Here, we describe an intestinal bacterium Lactococcus garvieae FUA009 isolated from the feces of a healthy volunteer. It was demonstrated via HPLC and UPLC-MS analysis that the end product of ellagic acid metabolism of FUA009 was urolithin A. In addition, we also examined the whole genome sequence of FUA009 and then assessed the safety and probiotic properties of FUA009 based on a complete genome and phenotype analysis. We indicated that FUA009 was safe, which was confirmed by FUA009 being sensitive to multiple antibiotics, having no hemolytic activity, and being free of aggressive putative virulence factors. Moreover, 19 stress-responsive protein genes and 8 adhesion-related genes were predicted in the FUA009 genome. Furthermore, we demonstrated that FUA009 was tolerant to acid and bile salt by determining the cell viability in a stress environment. In summary, Lactococcus garvieae FUA009, as a novel UA-producing bacterium, not only contributes to the study of the metabolic pathway of ellagic acid but is also expected to be a novel probiotic candidate.
A Genome-Wide Association Study of Genetic Variants of Apolipoprotein A1 Levels and Their Association with Vitamin D in Korean Cohorts
Authors: Lee Young , Yoon Ji Won , Kim Ye An , Choi Hyuk Jin , Yoon Byung Woo , Seo Je Hyun
Published: August 2022

Dyslipidemia is an important independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Specifically, apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1), apolipoprotein B (ApoB), and the ApoB/A1 ratio have been linked to CVD. We conducted a genome-wide association study meta-analysis of two Korean cohorts containing a total of 12,924 patients to identify novel single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with ApoA1 and ApoB levels and the ApoB/A1 ratio. Additionally, an expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) analysis were performed. The statistically significant eQTL, DEG, and Gene Ontology (GO) results were used to explore the predicted interaction networks and retrieve the interacting genes and proteins. We identified three novel SNPs (rs11066280, p = 3.46 × 10−21; rs1227162, p = 2.98 × 10−15; rs73216931, p = 5.62 × 10−9) associated with ApoA1. SNP rs73216931 was an eQTL for KMT5A in the pancreas and whole blood. The network analysis revealed that HECTD4 and MYL2:LINC1405 are associated with AKT1. Our in silico analysis of ApoA1 genetic variants revealed heart muscle-related signals. ApoA1 also correlated positively with vitamin D, and genes associated with ApoA1 and vitamin D were found. Our data imply that more research into ApoA1 is needed to understand the links between dyslipidemia and CVD and vitamin D and CVD.
Genetic Association of Beta-Myosin Heavy-Chain Gene (MYH7) with Cardiac Dysfunction
Authors: Yousaf Memoona , Khan Waqas Ahmed , Shahzad Khurrum , Khan Haq Nawaz , Ali Basharat , Hussain Misbah , Awan Fazli Rabbi , Mustafa Hamid , Sheikh Farah Nadia
Published: August 2022

Cardiac dysfunction accelerates the risk of heart failure, and its pathogenesis involves a complex interaction between genetic and environmental factors. Variations in myosin affect contractile abilities of cardiomyocytes and cause structural and functional abnormalities in myocardium. The study aims to find the association of MYH7 rs121913642 (c.1594 T>C) and rs121913645 (c.667G>A) variants with cardiac dysfunction in the Punjabi Pakistani population. Patients with heart failure (n = 232) and healthy controls (n = 205) were enrolled in this study. MYH7 variant genotyping was performed using tetra ARMS-PCR. MYH7 rs121913642 TC genotype was significantly more prevalent in the patient group (p < 0.001). However, MYH7 rs121913645 genotype frequencies were not significantly different between the patient and control groups (p < 0.666). Regression analysis also revealed that the rs121913642 C allele increases the risk of cardiac failure by ~2 [OR:1.98, CI: 1.31–2.98, p < 0.001] in comparison to the T allele. High levels of the cardiac enzymes cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and CK-MB were observed in patients. There was also an increase in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and uric acid in patients compared to the healthy control group (p < 0.001). In conclusion, the MYH7 gene variant rs121913642 is genetically associated with cardiac dysfunction and involved in the pathogenesis of HF.
Loss of Protein Function Causing Severe Phenotypes of Female-Restricted Wieacker Wolff Syndrome due to a Novel Nonsense Mutation in the ZC4H2 Gene
Authors: Sun Jing-Jing , Cai Qin , Xu Miao , Liu Yan-Na , Li Wan-Rui , Li Juan , Ma Li , Cai Cheng , Gong Xiao-Hui , Zeng Yi-Tao , Ren Zhao-Rui , Zeng Fanyi
Published: August 2022

Pathogenic variants of zinc finger C4H2-type containing (ZC4H2) on the X chromosome cause a group of genetic diseases termed ZC4H2-associated rare disorders (ZARD), including Wieacker-Wolff Syndrome (WRWF) and Female-restricted Wieacker-Wolff Syndrome (WRWFFR). In the current study, a de novo c.352C>T (p.Gln118*) mutation in ZC4H2 (NM_018684.4) was identified in a female neonate born with severe arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC) and Pierre-Robin sequence (cleft palate and micrognathia). Plasmids containing the wild-type (WT), mutant-type (MT) ZC4H2, or GFP report gene (N) were transfected in 293T cell lines, respectively. RT-qPCR and western blot analysis showed that ZC4H2 protein could not be detected in the 293T cells transfected with MT ZC4H2. The RNA seq results revealed that the expression profile of the MT group was similar to that of the N group but differed significantly from the WT group, indicating that the c.352C>T mutation resulted in the loss of function of ZC4H2. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) enrichment analysis showed that c.352C>T mutation inhibited the expression levels of a series of genes involved in the oxidative phosphorylation pathway. Subsequently, expression levels of ZC4H2 were knocked down in neural stem cells (NSCs) derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) by lentiviral-expressed small hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) against ZC4H2. The results also demonstrated that decreasing the expression of ZC4H2 significantly reduced the growth of NSCs by affecting the expression of genes related to the oxidative phosphorylation signaling pathway. Taken together, our results strongly suggest that ZC4H2 c.352C>T (p.Gln118*) mutation resulted in the loss of protein function and caused WRWFFR.
The Lyavaraka Ultrabasic Complex, Serpentinite Belt, Kola Peninsula, Russia
Authors: Barkov Andrei Y. , Nikiforov Andrey A. , Korolyuk Vladimir N. , Martin Robert F.
Published: August 2022

The Paleoproterozoic Lyavaraka ultrabasic complex is one of several dunite–harzburgite–orthopyroxenite bodies exposed as shallow plutonic complexes in the Serpentinite Belt, Kola Peninsula, Russia. Lyavaraka and the other complexes are anorogenic, formed in a stable within-plate environment in the interval 2.5–2.4 Ga as members of a large igneous province formed in the Sumian cycle of igneous activity. This geotectonic setting accounts for the shallow emplacement of the strongly magnesian komatiitic magma in the Fennoscandian Shield. We recognize three stages of crystallization of the Al-undepleted magma, present as dislocated blocks. Zone I is the ultrabasic core-like zone in which olivine predominates. Orthopyroxene is the major mineral in Zone II, and Zone III contains the most evolved ultrabasic rocks in which recurrent olivine coexists with Cpx + Pl. Primocrysts of hypermagnesian Opx (Mg# 91–93) nucleated in central areas of Zone II as olivine (Mg# 89.1–90.3) was forming in Zone I. In Zone III, olivine grains of a second generation (Mg# 74.5–75.8) formed after the primocrystic Cpx (Mg# up to 88.0) appeared. The recurrence of olivine is attributed to the progressive buildup in fO2 as a result of degassing and conversion of Fe2+ to Fe3+, well documented in our earlier studies of oxide parageneses.
Provenance Response to Rifting and Separation at the Jan Mayen Microcontinent Margin
Authors: Morton Andrew , Jolley David W. , Szulc Adam G. , Whitham Andrew G. , Strogen Dominic P. , Fanning C. Mark , Hemming Sidney R.
Published: August 2022

The Eocene-Miocene successions recovered at DSDP sites on the Jan Mayen Ridge (NE Atlantic) and on the adjacent East Greenland margin provide a sedimentary record of the rifting and separation of the Jan Mayen Microcontinent from East Greenland. A combination of palynology, conventional heavy mineral analysis, single-grain major and trace element geochemistry and radiometric dating of amphibole and zircon has revealed a major change in sediment provenance took place at the Early/Late Oligocene boundary corresponding to a prominent seismic reflector termed JA. During the Eocene and Early Oligocene, lateral variations in provenance character indicate multiple, small-scale transport systems. Site 349 and Kap Brewster were predominantly supplied from magmatic sources (Kap Brewster having a stronger subalkaline signature compared with Site 349), whereas Site 346 received almost exclusively metasedimentary detritus. By contrast, Late Oligocene provenance characteristics are closely comparable at the two Jan Mayen sites, the most distinctive feature being the abundance of reworked Carboniferous, Jurassic, Cretaceous and Eocene palynomorphs. The Site 349 succession documents an evolution in the nature of the magmatic provenance component. Supply from evolved alkaline magmatic rocks, such as syenites, was important in the Middle Eocene and lower part of the Early Oligocene, but was superseded in the later Early Oligocene by mafic magmatic sources. In the latest Early Oligocene, the presence of evolved clinopyroxenes provides evidence for prolonged magmatic fractionation. Initial low degrees of partial melting led to generation of alkaline (syenitic) magmas. The extent of partial melting increased during the Early Oligocene, generating basaltic rocks with both subalkaline and alkaline compositions. Towards the end of the Early Oligocene, the amount of partial melting and magma supply rates decreased. In the Late Oligocene, there is no evidence for contemporaneous igneous activity, with scarce magmatic indicator minerals. The provenance change suggests that the hiatus at the Early/Late Oligocene boundary represents the initiation of the proto-Kolbeinsey Ridge and separation of the Jan Mayen Microcontinent from East Greenland.
Vapor-Phase of Essential Oils as a Promising Solution to Prevent Candida Vaginal Biofilms Caused by Antifungal Resistant Strains
Authors: Fernandes Liliana , Gonçalves Bruna , Costa Raquel , Fernandes Ângela , Gomes Ana , Nogueira-Silva Cristina , Silva Sónia , Rodrigues Maria Elisa , Henriques Mariana
Published: August 2022

Background: Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a disease with high incidence, a huge impact on the quality of life and health of women, and which represents a great challenge to treat. The growing need to apply antifungal intensive therapies have contributed to an emergence of drug-resistant Candida strains. Thus, effective therapeutic options, to meet the antifungal-resistance challenge and to control high resilient biofilms, are urgently needed. This study aimed to investigate the antifungal activity of essentials oils (EOs) on drug-resistant Candida vaginal isolates. Method: Therefore, the antimicrobial effect of tea tree, niaouli, white thyme, and cajeput EOs on the planktonic growth of Candida isolates was initially evaluated by an agar disc diffusion method. Then, the vapor-phase effect of tea tree EO (VP-TTEO) on biofilm formation and on pre-formed biofilms was evaluated by crystal violet staining, XTT reduction assay, colony forming units’ enumeration, and scanning electron microscopy. Results: The results revealed high antifungal activity of EOs against drug-resistant Candida isolates. Additionally, the VP-TTEO showed a significant inhibitory effect on the biofilm formation of all tested isolates and was able to provoke an expressive reduction in mature Candida albicans biofilms. Conclusions: Overall, this study suggests that the VP-EO may be a promising solution that is able to prevent biofilm-related VVC caused by antifungal-resistant strains.
Effects of Primary and Secondary Psychopathy on Deontological and Utilitarian Response Tendencies: The Mediator Role of Alexithymia
Authors: Wu Zhihui , Chen Xiyou , Ding Daoqun , Zou Shengqi , Li Shenglan , Zhang Xiangyi
Published: August 2022

(1) Background: The purpose of this study is to provide more nuanced insights into the effects of sub-dimensional levels of psychopathy on moral dilemma judgments. To this end, this study examined the effects of primary and secondary psychopathy on utilitarian and deontological response tendencies. Moreover, this study also explored the mediating role of alexithymia as well as the moderating role of gender in these effects. (2) Methods: A total of 1227 participants were recruited through the online questionnaire service wjx.cn. After deleting unfinished questionnaires, the remaining 1170 participants were included in the final data analysis. Each participant completed a demographic information questionnaire, the Levenson Self-Report Psychopathy Scale, the Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20, and six pairs of moral dilemmas. Descriptive and correlational analyses of study variables were conducted in SPSS 22.0. Mediation and gender difference analyses were conducted in AMOS 23.0. (3) Results: Primary psychopathy was negatively correlated with deontological response tendencies and uncorrelated with utilitarian response tendencies. By contrast, secondary psychopathy also correlated negatively with deontological response tendencies, but it correlated positively with utilitarian response tendencies. Mediation analysis revealed that alexithymia only mediated the relationship between secondary psychopathy and deontological response tendencies. Multi-group analysis revealed that there was no difference between females and males in the indirect effect model. (4) Conclusions: People with high primary psychopathy are less likely to reject harm in moral dilemmas. By contrast, people with high secondary psychopathy have high alexithymia, which causes them to be less concerned about avoiding harm, and they are more likely to maximize outcomes in moral dilemmas. These findings shed new light on the moral dilemma judgments of individuals with primary and secondary psychopathy.
Characterization of Chalcolithic Ceramics from the Lisbon Region, Portugal: An Archaeometric Study
Authors: Chaves Rute Correia , Veiga João Pedro , Monge Soares António
Published: August 2022

The Chalcolithic period in the Lisbon region, Portugal, is usually divided into three phases chronologically: the Early Chalcolithic, characterized by cylindrical corrugated cups, Full Chalcolithic by so-called acacia-leaf decoration, and Late Chalcolithic by Bell Beaker pottery. The aim of this research is to determine if Chalcolithic ceramic raw materials and production techniques have remained the same over time and whether the pottery is locally produced. Regarding the Lisbon region, 149 ceramic samples from four Chalcolithic settlements (Vila Nova de São Pedro, Penedo do Lexim, Espargueira and Baútas) were evaluated concerning textural, chemical and mineralogical compositions. Textural analysis was performed using optical microscopy, chemical characterization was achieved using micro-energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry and mineralogical characterization was undertaken using X-ray powder diffraction and petrographic microscopy as main techniques. Results suggest that production techniques may have remained similar throughout all the Chalcolithic period, with firing temperatures between 700 and 800 °C. Multivariate analysis of results from chemical and mineralogical analyses suggests that multiple sources of raw materials must have been used in the manufacture of the pottery collected at the four Chalcolithic settlements.
Enhancing User Experience of Eye-Controlled Systems: Design Recommendations on the Optimal Size, Distance and Shape of Interactive Components from the Perspective of Peripheral Vision
Authors: Niu Yafeng , Tian Jingze , Han Zijian , Qu Mengyuan , Tong Mu , Yang Wenjun , Xue Chengqi
Published: August 2022

For special populations with motor impairments, eye-controlled interaction may be the only way for them to communicate with the outside world. Because of the dominance of vision in the motor mechanism, eye-controlled interaction has high usability and important research value. During eye-controlled interaction, the visual channel needs to receive information from the graphical user interface (GUI) and transmit the user’s eye-controlled instructions, which overburdens the visual channel and reduces the efficiency of eye-controlled interaction. This study presents an ergonomic experiment to study how to design interactive GUI components in an eye-controlled user interface. The experiments were conducted based on the shape, size, and distance (from the object to the center of the screen) of the visual interactive components. The experiment comprised three parts: (1) the pre-experiment determined the evaluation index and selected the icon material; (2) the formal experiment was a three-factor within-subjects experiment, which included a search task using participants’ peripheral vision; and (3) after the experiment, subjective evaluations were conducted using a questionnaire. The results showed that the shape, size, and distance of the interactive object significantly affected the reaction time, and the size factor significantly affected the movement time of the eye-controlled interaction. Finally, combined with the results of the subjective evaluation, we concluded that the recommended sizes of the interactive components were 2.889°, 3.389°, and 3.889°, and the recommended distances were 5.966° and 8.609°. Additionally, designers should utilize components with simple concrete shapes as much as possible to improve user recognition efficiency. Our study provides enlightening recommendations on how to design components in eye-controlled interactive interfaces, and has great guiding significance for building design standards of the eye-controlled systems.
When Body Art Goes Awry—Severe Systemic Allergic Reaction to Red Ink Tattoo Requiring Surgical Treatment
Authors: Szulia Agata , Antoszewski Bogusław , Zawadzki Tomasz , Kasielska-Trojan Anna
Published: August 2022

The aim of this report is to present a case of a patient who developed unusual systemic hypersensitivity reaction to a red-pigmented tattoo and to discuss diagnostic difficulties in case of systemic reactions to tattoo ink. The patient reported erythroderma on his arms and chest accompanied by plaque elevation of red parts of his most recently performed forearm tattoo as his primary symptoms. His health condition entailed a prolonged topical and intravenous immunosuppressive therapy, which proved ineffective. Over a year after emergence of initial symptoms, he presented to the Plastic Surgery Clinic with generalized erythroderma, systemic lymphadenopathy, elevation and granuloma formation in red tattoos on his forearm and complaints of fatigue and inability to participate fully in work-related and social activities. The patient underwent six staged excisions with direct closures, flap plasties and full-thickness skin grafts. Following completion of each surgical resection, the patient’s symptoms gradually subsided. We find this case illustrative of a clinical challenge that delayed hypersensitivity reactions to red tattoos may pose. Furthermore, we provide insights on management of hypersensitivity reactions. This report underlines the importance of social awareness of and public health approach to tattoo complications as key to successful prevention, identification and treatment of adverse reactions to tattoos.
Changes in Sulfur Metabolism in Mouse Brains following Radon Inhalation
Authors: Kanzaki Norie , Sakoda Akihiro , Kataoka Takahiro , Sun Lue , Tanaka Hiroshi , Ohtsu Iwao , Yamaoka Kiyonori
Published: August 2022

Therapy using hot springs, including the high-level radioactive gas “radon”, is traditionally conducted as an alternative treatment for various diseases. Oxidative-stress-related diseases are inhibited by the enhancement of antioxidative functions following radon inhalation. We have reported that radon inhalation increased the level of anti-oxidants, such as glutathione (G-SH), in the brain and had a protective antioxidative effect against transient global cerebral ischemic injury. However, no studies have yet revealed the changes in G-SH associated substances after radon inhalation. In this study, we comprehensively analyzed several metabolites, focusing on G-SH. Mice were exposed to radon at concentrations of 200, 2000, or 20,000 Bq/m3 for 1, 3, or 10 days. We detected 27 metabolites in the mouse brains. The result showed that the L-methionine levels increased, whereas the levels of urea, glutathione, and sulfite ion decreased under any condition. Although the ratio of G-SH to oxidized glutathione (GS-SG) decreased, glutathione monosulfide (G-S-SH) and cysteine monosulfide (Cys-S-SH) increased after radon inhalation. G-S-SH and Cys-S-SH can produce a biological defense against the imbalance of the redox state at very low-dose irradiation following radon inhalation because they are strong scavengers of reactive oxygen species. Additionally, we performed an overall assessment of high-dimensional data and showed some specific characteristics. We showed the changes in metabolites after radon inhalation using partial least squares-discriminant analysis and self-organizing maps. The results showed the health effects of radon, especially the state of sulfur-related metabolites in mouse brains under the exposure conditions for radon therapy.
Age-Related Variation in the Provision of Primary Care Services and Medication Prescriptions for Patients with Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Tu Qiang , Hyun Karice , Hafiz Nashid , Knight Andrew , Hespe Charlotte , Chow Clara , Briffa Tom , Gallagher Robyn , Reid Christopher , Hare David , Zwar Nicholas , Woodward Mark , Jan Stephen , Atkins Emily , Laba Tracey-Lea , Halcomb Elizabeth , Usherwood Tim , Billot Laurent , Redfern Julie
Published: August 2022

As population aging progresses, demands of patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVD) on the primary care services is inevitably increased. However, the utilisation of primary care services across varying age groups is unknown. The study aims to explore age-related variations in provision of chronic disease management plans, mental health care, guideline-indicated cardiovascular medications and influenza vaccination among patients with CVD over differing ages presenting to primary care. Data for patients with CVD were extracted from 50 Australian general practices. Logistic regression, accounting for covariates and clustering effects by practices, was used for statistical analysis. Of the 14,602 patients with CVD (mean age, 72.5 years), patients aged 65–74, 75–84 and ≥85 years were significantly more likely to have a GP management plan prepared (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.6, 1.88 and 1.55, respectively, p < 0.05), have a formal team care arrangement (aOR: 1.49, 1.8, 1.65, respectively, p < 0.05) and have a review of either (aOR: 1.63, 2.09, 1.93, respectively, p < 0.05) than those < 65 years. Patients aged ≥ 65 years were more likely to be prescribed blood-pressure-lowering medications and to be vaccinated for influenza. However, the adjusted odds of being prescribed lipid-lowering and antiplatelet medications and receiving mental health care were significantly lowest among patients ≥ 85 years. There are age-related variations in provision of primary care services and pharmacological therapy. GPs are targeting care plans to older people who are more likely to have long-term conditions and complex needs.
Relationships between Perfectionism, Extra Training and Academic Performance in Chinese Collegiate Athletes: Mediating Role of Achievement Motivation
Authors: Han Chengjiang , Li Feng , Lian Bizhen , Vencúrik Tomas , Liang Wei
Published: August 2022

There are limited studies examining the impacts of perfectionism and achievement motivation on collegiate athletes’ extra training and academic achievement in a Chinese context. This study aimed to examine the association of perfectionism (five facets) with extra training and academic performance among Chinese collegiate athletes and identify the mediating role of achievement motivation (two attributes) in the relationship between perfectionism and extra training and academic performance. With a prospective study design, 243 eligible participants completed two-wave surveys from September to December 2021. Measures included demographics, perfectionism (concern over mistake, CM; doubts about action, DA; personal standard, PS; organization; parental expectation, PE), achievement motivation (motive for success, MS; motive for avoiding failure, MF), extra-training (minutes/week), and academic performance (GPA). Results showed that CM, DA, PS, and MS were associated with extra training among Chinese collegiate athletes, while the associations of DA and PS with extra training were mediated by MS. In addition, DA, PS, organization, and MS were associated with participants’ GPA, while MS was a salient mediator for the contributions of DA and PS on participants GPA. Research findings give new insights to the psychological mechanisms of perfectionism and achievement motivation on collegiate athletes’ extra training and academic performance, contributing to future studies in relevant domains.
Pilot Feasibility Assessment of a Tailored Physical Activity Prescription in Overweight and Obese People in a Public Hospital
Authors: Tenorio-Mucha Janeth , Busta-Flores Patricia , De la Cruz-Saldaña Tania , Montufar-Crespo Silvia Marcela , Malaga German , Bernabe-Ortiz Antonio , Lazo-Porras Maria
Published: August 2022

We aimed to evaluate the feasibility of a tailored physical activity (PA) prescription in overweight and obese people in a tertiary hospital in Lima, Peru. A feasibility pre–post-pilot study was conducted using mixed methods. Participants received a tailored prescription scheme for PA that lasted twelve weeks. It included two prescription sessions, three follow-up phone calls, and three evaluations. Primary feasibility outcomes were recruitment, visits, and phone call adherence. Primary intervention outcomes were self-reported PA levels and the 6 min walk test. Out of 228 people invited to participate, 30 were enrolled and received the first session of prescription, 11 went to the second session, and 21 went to the final evaluation; phone call participation decreased progressively during follow-up. There were no differences in the 6th week and the 12th week compared to the baseline for all the measures, except in the 6 min walk test. The participants considered the intervention was well designed, but they suggested complementing it with dietary instructions. The prescription of PA in overweight and obese people is feasible for promoting PA, but its implementation requires refinements to anticipate possible barriers to changing behavior.
Perceived Kinesiophobia and Its Association with Return to Sports Activity Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Surgery: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Raizah Abdullah , Alhefzi Ali , Alshubruqi Ahmad Ayed M , Hoban Majed Abdullah M. Al , Ahmad Irshad , Ahmad Fuzail
Published: August 2022

Background: The knee joint is one of the most important joints in terms of its functions of providing great stability, movement and weight bearing. Among the contributors to knee joint stability, there is the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Kinesiophobia is said to be the fear of movement or the fear of re-injury. Kinesiophobia is the most extreme form of fear of movement, and it is defined as an excessive, irrational, and debilitating fear of physical movement and activity resulting from a feeling of vulnerability to painful injury or re-injury. Aim: To estimate the prevalence and effect of kinesiophobia among patients with ACL reconstruction in the Aseer region, in southern Saudi Arabia. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional approach was used involving those patients who underwent ACL reconstruction surgery in Aseer Central Hospital during the period of October 2017 to October 2019. The Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK) and ACL—Return to Sport after Injury (ACL-RSI) scale were used to determine kinesiophobia and the readiness to return to sport after ACL injury or reconstructive surgery. Result: The research included 130 ACL reconstruction patients with ages ranging from 18 to 45 years with a mean age of 27.2 + 7.5 years. More than 97% of the participants were males. In 67.7% of the cases, the right leg was affected. A total of 10.8% of the patients recorded a low level of kinesiophobia, while only 6.9% recorded a high level. Conclusions: In conclusion, the study revealed that among patients who underwent ACL reconstruction, kinesiophobia was at a moderate level. Kinesiophobia was recorded more among middle-aged patients who waited a long time from the onset of injury until the ACL reconstruction surgery time.
A Lightweight Long-Term Vehicular Motion Prediction Method Leveraging Spatial Database and Kinematic Trajectory Data
Authors: Tao Lu , Watanabe Yousuke , Takada Hiroaki
Published: August 2022

Long-term vehicular motion prediction is a crucial function for both autonomous driving and advanced driver-assistant systems. However, due to the uncertainties of vehicle dynamics and complexities of surroundings, long-term motion prediction is never trivial work. As they combine effects of humans, vehicles and environments, kinematic trajectory data reflect several aspects of vehicles’ spatial behaviors. In this paper, we propose a novel method that leverages spatial database and kinematic trajectory data to achieve long-term vehicular motion prediction in a lightweight way. In our system, a spatial database system is initially embedded in an extended Kalman filter (EKF) framework. The spatial kinematic trajectory data are managed through the database and directly used in motion prediction; namely, weighted means are derived from the spatially retrieved kinematic data and used to update EKF predictions. The proposed method is validated in the real world. The experiments indicate that different weighting methods make a slight accuracy difference. Our method is not data-and-computation-consumed; its performance is acceptable in the limited data conditions and its prediction accuracy is improved as the size of used data sets increases; our method can predict in real time. The efficiency of an unscented Kalman filter (UKF) is compared with that of the EKF. The results show that the UKF can hardly meet real-time requirements.