bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ash Behaviour during Combustion of Agropellets Produced by an Agro-Industry—Part 1: Blends Design and Experimental Tests Results
Authors: Zapata Sebastián , Gómez Maider , Bartolomé Carmen , Canalís Paula , Royo Javier
Published: February 2022

Agropellets are presented as a suitable product to be produced in certain agro-industries which could become Integrated Biomass Logistic Centres (IBLC) by taking advantage of its current resources during those periods in which their facilities are underused. Wheat straw and maize stalk were selected to be blended with forestry wood in an agro-industry dedicated to animal feed production. The materials were characterized to assess the quality of the input material. Taking into account the former, different pellets (blends of woody and herbaceous biomass) were produced and tested in a fixed bed reactor in order to study their combustion behaviour. Additionally, several predictive indexes were also calculated to assess sintering and deposition occurrence probability. Ash sintering degree was found to be directly related to composition and highly dependent on Si content. Moreover, an increase of the wood content in the blend did not proportionally imply a higher quality of the final blend, as would be expected. Regarding deposition, due to the high number of factors involved in this phenomenon, it has not been possible to draw clear conclusions. To do this, it was necessary to delve into the deposition mechanisms, which is addressed in the second part of this paper. Thus, despite the appearance of sintering and deposition phenomena, the combustion behaviour was satisfactory in the test carried out. Additionally, it has been demonstrated that agro-industries can act as IBLCs, producing blended pellet for the energy market that aligns with the standard ISO 17225-6.
Optimization of Indoor Luminaire Layout for General Lighting Scheme Using Improved Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Qu Ji-Qing , Xu Qi-Lin , Sun Ke-Xue
Published: February 2022

An improved mathematical model and an improved particle swarm optimization (IPSO) are proposed for the complex design parameters and conflicting design goals of the indoor luminaire layout (ILL) problem. The ILL problem is formulated as a nonlinear constrained mixed-variable optimization problem that has four decision variables. For a general lighting scheme (GLS), the number and location of luminaires can be uniquely determined by optimizing four decision variables, which avoid using program loops to determine the number of luminaires. We improve the particle swarm optimization (PSO) in three aspects: (1) up-down probabilistic rounding (UDPR) method proposed to solve mixed integer, (2) improving the velocity of the best global particle, and (3) using nonlinear inertia weights with random items. The IPSO has better optimization results in an office study compared with the PSO and genetic algorithm (GA). The results are validated by DIALux simulation software, and a maximum deviation of 2.2% is found. The validated results show that the method using four decision variables increased the speed by 10.6% and the success rate by 23.33%. Furthermore, Indoor Luminaire Layout System APP is designed to provide guidelines visually for lighting designers and related researchers.
Revealing the Genetic Structure and Differentiation in Endangered Pinus bungeana by Genome-Wide SNP Markers
Authors: Tian Qian , El-Kassaby Yousry A. , Li Wei
Published: February 2022

Understanding the genetic variation and differentiation of natural populations is essential for their protection, specifically if the species status is endangered as with Pinus bungeana. Here, we used 346,840 high density and strong specificity SNP loci to carry out genetic analyses (i.e., genetic diversity, genetic structure, phylogeny, and geographical differentiation) on 52 P. bungeana individuals from 5 populations (4 natural and one artificial) representing the main regions of the species distribution in China. Genetic diversity assessment indicated a trend of genetic diversity gradual decrease from west to east across the species distribution areas. Population genetic structure, PCA and phylogenetic analyses consistently indicated that populations in the central and eastern regions were clustered together, while those from the western regions were separated. Mantel test values indicated the presence of geographic isolation among populations, an important factor contributing to the observed genetic differentiation. The maximum likelihood tree and potential migration events inferred from TreeMix analysis indicated the presence of historical genetic exchanges between the west of Qinling Mountains and the Lvliang Mountains populations. Based on the generated genetic information, in situ and ex situ conservation strategies for P.bungeana germplasm resources are proposed, these strategies could be valuable for the conservation, protection and genetic improvement of this endangered species.
Converting Sugars into Cannabinoids—The State-of-the-Art of Heterologous Production in Microorganisms
Authors: Favero Gabriel Rodrigues , de Melo Pereira Gilberto Vinícius , de Carvalho Júlio Cesar , de Carvalho Neto Dão Pedro , Soccol Carlos Ricardo
Published: February 2022

The legal cannabis market worldwide is facing new challenges regarding innovation in the production of cannabinoid-based drugs. The usual cannabinoid production involves growing Cannabis sativa L. outdoor or in dedicated indoor growing facilities, followed by isolation and purification steps. This process is limited by the growth cycles of the plant, where the cannabinoid content can deeply vary from each harvest. A game change approach that does not involve growing a single plant has gained the attention of the industry: cannabinoids fermentation. From recombinant yeasts and bacteria, researchers are able to reproduce the biosynthetic pathway to generate cannabinoids, such as (-)-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), cannabidiol (CBD), and (-)-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabivarin (Δ9-THCV). This approach avoids pesticides, and natural resources such as water, land, and energy are reduced. Compared to growing cannabis, fermentation is a much faster process, although its limitation regarding the phytochemical broad range of molecules naturally present in cannabis. So far, there is not a consolidated process for this brand-new approach, being an emerging and promising concept for countries in which cultivation of Cannabis sativa L. is illegal. This survey discusses the techniques and microorganisms already established to accomplish the task and those yet in seeing for the future, exploring upsides and limitations about metabolic pathways, toxicity, and downstream recovery of cannabinoids throughout heterologous production. Therapeutic potential applications of cannabinoids and in silico methodology toward optimization of metabolic pathways are also explored. Moreover, conceptual downstream analysis is proposed to illustrate the recovery and purification of cannabinoids through the fermentation process, and a patent landscape is presented to provide the state-of-the-art of the transfer of knowledge from the scientific sphere to the industrial application.
Adaptation of Ancient Techniques to Recreate ‘Wines’ and ‘Beverages’ Using Withered Grapes of Muscat of Alexandria
Authors: Harutyunyan Mkrtich , Viana Renato , Granja-Soares Joana , Martins Miguel , Ribeiro Henrique , Malfeito-Ferreira Manuel
Published: February 2022

The production of wines using ancient techniques is a present trend with commercial interest among consumers valorising their historical background. Therefore, the objective of the present work was to recreate wines and piquettes produced from dehydrated grapes, vinified according to the techniques described in classical Roman agricultural manuals. Muscat of Alexandria grapes were harvested and subjected to greenhouse drying under ambient temperature for 7 days, during the 2020 and 2021 harvests. When weight loss was approximately 30%, grapes were processed according to different protocols, including a rehydration step using saltwater or white wine (2020 harvest). Fermentation was conducted with the addition of commercial yeast without sulphur dioxide supplementation. The piquettes were obtained from the pressed pomaces diluted with water solution (5 g/L tartaric acid). The 2020 wines showed alcoholic content and residual sugar ranging from 14.8 to 17.0% (v/v), and 0.8 g/L to 18 g/L, respectively. Volatile acidity was less than 1 g/L (as acetic acid) in all wines, except for the fermentation of crushed grapes alone, which yielded 2.3 g/L volatile acidity. The fermentation of dehydrated crushed grapes in the semi-industrial trial run in the harvest of 2021 yielded 1.1 g/L volatile acidity. The piquettes analysis showed ethanol ranging from 10.2% (v/v) to 16.0% (v/v), reducing substances less than 2 g/L and volatile acidity less than 0.8 g/L. Overall, the physicochemical analysis showed that it was possible to recreate ancient winemaking techniques that may be further improved to produce commercially and legally acceptable wines.
On the Semi-Local Convergence of a Jarratt-Type Family Schemes for Solving Equations
Authors: Argyros Christopher I. , Argyros Ioannis K. , Shakhno Stepan , Yarmola Halyna
Published: February 2022

We study semi-local convergence of two-step Jarratt-type method for solving nonlinear equations under the classical Lipschitz conditions for first-order derivatives. To develop a convergence analysis we use the approach of restricted convergence regions in combination to majorizing scalar sequences and our technique of recurrent functions. Finally, the numerical example is given.
Starlike Functions of Complex Order with Respect to Symmetric Points Defined Using Higher Order Derivatives
Authors: Karthikeyan Kadhavoor R. , Lakshmi Sakkarai , Varadharajan Seetharam , Mohankumar Dharmaraj , Umadevi Elangho
Published: February 2022

In this paper, we introduce and study a new subclass of multivalent functions with respect to symmetric points involving higher order derivatives. In order to unify and extend various well-known results, we have defined the class subordinate to a conic region impacted by Janowski functions. We focused on conic regions when it pertained to applications of our main results. Inclusion results, subordination property and coefficient inequality of the defined class are the main results of this paper. The applications of our results which are extensions of those given in earlier works are presented here as corollaries.
Inclusion Relations for Dini Functions Involving Certain Conic Domains
Authors: Khan Bilal , Khan Shahid , Ro Jong-Suk , Araci Serkan , Khan Nazar , Khan Nasir
Published: February 2022

In recent years, special functions such as Bessel functions have been widely used in many areas of mathematics and physics. We are essentially motivated by the recent development; in our present investigation, we make use of certain conic domains and define a new class of analytic functions associated with the Dini functions. We derive inclusion relationships and certain integral preserving properties. By applying the Bernardi-Libera-Livingston integral operator, we obtain some remarkable applications of our main results. Finally, in the concluding section, we recall the attention of curious readers to studying the q-generalizations of the results presented in this paper. Furthermore, based on the suggested extension, the (p,q)-extension will be a relatively minor and unimportant change, as the new parameter p is redundant.
Functional Hydrogels for Treatment of Chronic Wounds
Authors: Firlar Ilayda , Altunbek Mine , McCarthy Colleen , Ramalingam Murugan , Camci-Unal Gulden
Published: February 2022

Chronic wounds severely affect 1–2% of the population in developed countries. It has been reported that nearly 6.5 million people in the United States suffer from at least one chronic wound in their lifetime. The treatment of chronic wounds is critical for maintaining the physical and mental well-being of patients and improving their quality of life. There are a host of methods for the treatment of chronic wounds, including debridement, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, ultrasound, and electromagnetic therapies, negative pressure wound therapy, skin grafts, and hydrogel dressings. Among these, hydrogel dressings represent a promising and viable choice because their tunable functional properties, such as biodegradability, adhesivity, and antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and pre-angiogenic bioactivities, can accelerate the healing of chronic wounds. This review summarizes the types of chronic wounds, phases of the healing process, and key therapeutic approaches. Hydrogel-based dressings are reviewed for their multifunctional properties and their advantages for the treatment of chronic wounds. Examples of commercially available hydrogel dressings are also provided to demonstrate their effectiveness over other types of wound dressings for chronic wound healing.
A Multi-Method Approach for Deciphering Rockshelter Microstratigraphies—The Role of the Sodicho Rockshelter (SW Ethiopia) as a Geoarchaeological Archive
Authors: Hensel Elena A. , Kehl Martin , Wöstehoff Luisa , Neumann Katharina , Vogelsang Ralf , Bubenzer Olaf
Published: February 2022

The Sodicho Rockshelter in the southwestern Ethiopian Highlands presents a unique site that contains sediments of Upper Pleistocene and Holocene occupation phases of hunter-gatherer communities. Excavations and previous geoarchaeological research provided a first 14C chronostratigraphic framework for the last 27 ka cal BP, which supports the hypothesis of a potential environmental refugium during the Late Glacial Maximum (LGM, ~21 ± 2 ka). Nonetheless, it is necessary to extend the preliminary interpretation of stone tool assemblages, and the geoarchaeological analyses carried out so far to provide in-depth information on prehistoric human behavior at the site under changing climatic and environmental conditions. In this study, we reinvestigate the complex stratigraphy and the paleoclimatic context of Sodicho in order to expand the knowledge about site formation, post-depositional disturbances, weathering influences, and the anthropogenic impact on the sediment deposits. Micromorphological observations and the determination of active pedogenic oxides offered a more detailed look at the microstratigraphic record in relation to shifting moisture conditions during the African Humid Period (AHP, ~15 − 5 ka). Sediment alteration and reworking are connected to the influence of sheet flow, biological activity, and human impacts such as dumping activity and site maintenance. A comparison with black carbon (BC) analyses and a qualitative phytolith ratio (quantification of dark and light phytoliths) provided evidence for variations in human fire intensity. Our collaborative and multidisciplinary approach demonstrates how the complex formation of a rockshelter site in a tropical setting with changing climatic and anthropogenic impacts can be tackled.
Ostracod Response to a Major Middle Jurassic Sea-Level Fall: A Case Study from Southern Tunisia (North Gondwana) with Implications on Regional Stratigraphy and Palaeoenvironmental Reconstruction
Authors: Trabelsi Khaled , Tiss Lassad , Sames Benjamin , Houla Yassine , Hanini Amine , Elferhi Faycel , Skanji Ahmed , Kamoun Fekri , Zagrarni Mohamed Faouzi , Wagreich Michael
Published: February 2022

Marginal-marine to non-marine ostracod assemblages from the Bajocian (Mid-Jurassic) of southern Tunisia, precisely from the Krachoua Formation at the Kef El Anneba section near the Beni Kheddache area, are here described and tested for their utility to improve the stratigraphic accuracy and palaeoenvironmental reconstructions. This particular microfauna consists of 11 species belonging to 6 genera and represents 2 distinct types of species-rich assemblages from this time interval, allowing the interpretation of the depositional setting of the fossiliferous horizon from which the samples derive. The first ostracod assemblage is mainly composed of the brackish to shallow marine species Fastigatocythere sp. Mette, 1995; Vernoniella aff. V. bajociana Bate, 1965b; Paracypris sp. A, Paracypris sp. B, Fabanella sarda Malz et al., 1985; Marslatourella aff. M. bathonica Andreu, 1999; and Fabanella aff. F. bathonica Oertli, 1957. This ostracod biofacies reflects marginal marine (shallow platform, restricted lagoon) conditions in the studied area. In contrast, the second ostracod assemblage is exclusively dominated by the non-marine limnic species Alicenula sp., Theriosynoecum pusilla Rohr, 1976; Theriosynoecum aff. T. aveyronensis Rohr, 1976; and Theriosynoecum sp. Such ostracod biofacies reflects the establishment of (a) permanent freshwater lake(s) in the studied area, triggered by the total emersion of the Bajocian Krachoua platform, presumably as response to the short-term sea-level fall event JBj3 of Haq (2017). The recognized ostracod species from the upper part of the Krachoua Formation at Kef El Anneba section (Medenine area) are particularly similar to those already described from the neighbouring sections of Kezzani (Dhaher area) and Krachoua (Tataouine area), facilitating a stratigraphic calibration of the Krachoua Formation, as well as regional correlations of the respective Bajocian continental event within the southern Tunisian palaeogeographic domain. Moreover, the biogeography of the studied ostracod microfauna from the Mid-Jurassic of southern Tunisia provides further arguments to support the hypothesis of significant biological exchanges between Laurasian and Gondwanan islands, as recently demonstrated by means of a charophyte microflora, indicating that Peri-Tethyan biogeography remained relatively uniform during that time interval and challenging the previous assumption of their endemism.
A New Load-Transfer Factor to the Slipping Analytical Formulation in Axially Loaded Piles
Authors: Lo Kelvin , Oh Erwin , Newell Darren , Yong Choo
Published: February 2022

The load-transfer factor (ζ) in the concentric cylinder approach is often used in analytical formulation in axially loaded piles. The factor is a constant value (in a given pile slenderness ratio and soil condition) devised under the elastic and ‘pre-failure’ perfect pile–soil bonding conditions (a non-slip analytical model). Given most numerical methods have already considered the pile–soil slipping in the ‘pre-failure’ stage, the limitations of non-slip analytical models have recently been discussed, and slipping analytical models have been recommended. Therefore, this research aims to investigate the load-transfer factor in slipping analytical models. This paper reviews that the factor in slipping analytical models is only constant in linear elastic and some Gibson soil conditions. Beyond these conditions, the factor varies as the pile-head load increases in some cohesionless soils. Adopting the existing constant factor in slipping analytical models will deviate the load–displacement results, as supported by numerical results. Therefore, a new equation is proposed to the load-transfer factor, and a new analytical method is proposed by varying the load-transfer factor during loading for improvement. Results presented in this paper demonstrate improved load–displacement results.
“Wire Syndrome” Following Bonded Orthodontic Retainers: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Charavet Carole , Vives France , Aroca Sofia , Dridi Sophie-Myriam
Published: February 2022

(1) Background and objective: Tooth movements described as unexplained, aberrant, unexpected, unwanted, or undesirable can occur in the presence of an intact orthodontic retention wire, without detachment or fracture. This iatrogenic phenomenon, known little or not by many practitioners, responsible for significant dental and periodontal complications, both functional and aesthetic, is called “Wire Syndrome” (WS). It is therefore considered an undesirable event of bonded orthodontic retainers, which must be differentiated from an orthodontic relapse. The objective was to perform, for the first time, a systematic review of the literature in order to define the prevalence of WS and to study its associated clinical characteristics. (2) Methods: A systematic review of the literature was performed following the guidelines of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and recommendations using an electronic search strategy on four databases complemented by a manual search. All the prospective and retrospective clinical studies, including case reports and series, written in English or French, clearly mentioning the description, detection, or management of WS were included. Three independent blinding review authors were involved in study selection, data extraction, and bias assessment using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). (3) Results: Of 1891 results, 20 articles published between 2007 and 2021 fulfilled the inclusion criteria, with a globally high risk of bias since 16 articles were case report/series. The analysis of each article allowed the highlighting of WS through 13 categories, as follows: prevalence, apparition delay, patient characteristics, arch and tooth involved, families of movements, dental and periodontal consequences, type of wire, risk factors, etiologies, treatment, and preventive approach. (4) Conclusion: This systematic review of the literature elaborated a synthesis on WS, allowing general practitioners, periodontists, and orthodontists to understand this adverse event, to facilitate the diagnostic approach, and to underline preventive measures against WS. This review was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO; number CRD42021269297).
Applying a Health Access Framework to Understand and Address Food Insecurity
Authors: Sharareh Nasser , Wallace Andrea S.
Published: February 2022

The prevalence of food insecurity (FI) in United States households has fluctuated between 10% and 15% for the past two decades, well above the Healthy People 2030 goal. FI is associated with increased use of healthcare services and the prevalence of multiple health conditions. Our current efforts to address FI may be limited by measures that lack granularity, timeliness, and consideration of larger food access barriers (e.g., availability of food providers and lack of knowledge regarding where to obtain food). If the Healthy People 2030 goal of reducing FI to 6% is to be met, we need better and faster methods for monitoring and tracking FI in order to produce timely interventions. In this paper, we review key contributors of FI from an access barrier perspective, investigate the limitations of current FI measures, and explore how data from one nonprofit organization may enhance our understanding of FI and facilitate access to resources at the local level. We also propose a conceptual framework illustrating how nonprofit organizations may play an important role in understanding and addressing FI and its intertwined social needs, such as housing and healthcare problems.
Clinical Presentation and Mortality of Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome in Japan: A Systematic Review of Case Reports
Authors: Yokomizo Kanako , Tomozane Momoko , Sano Chiaki , Ohta Ryuichi
Published: February 2022

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is an infection mediated by ticks and has been reported to have a high mortality rate in Japan. At our hospital, we reported three cases of SFTS with relatively positive outcomes. We reviewed reports of SFTS cases in Japan to clarify the current state of the disease in Japan, the treatment provided, and its outcome. The Ichushi Web was searched for literature using the following terms as keywords: “SFTS” or “severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome”. Overall, 174 cases were collected and reviewed. The mean age of patients was 70.69 years old, and the mortality rate was 35%. The dead group was significantly older (p < 0.001) than the alive group, had a significantly shorter period from symptom onset to hospital admission, and experienced significantly more hemorrhage-related and neurological symptoms. Further, the most frequently provided treatment methods were adrenocorticosteroids, antibiotics, and conservative treatment. The low recognition rate of SFTS in Japan might lead to a misdiagnosis or delay in diagnosis and treatment, especially in mild to moderate cases. Medical professionals and citizens who live in areas inhabited by ticks need to be informed about SFTS to appropriately diagnose and manage SFTS cases in Japan in the future.
An Exploratory Study on the Effectiveness of Virtual Reality Analgesia for Children and Adolescents with Kidney Diseases Undergoing Venipuncture
Authors: Atzori Barbara , Vagnoli Laura , Graziani Daniela , Hoffman Hunter G. , Sampaio Mariana , Alhalabi Wadee , Messeri Andrea , Lauro-Grotto Rosapia
Published: February 2022

The current study evaluated the effectiveness of VR analgesia among pediatric and adolescent patients with kidney disease undergoing venipuncture. Patients at an Italian Children’s hospital (N = 82, age range 7–17 years) undergoing venipuncture were randomly assigned to a No VR group (non-medical conversation) vs. a Yes VR group (VR analgesia). After the procedure, patients gave 0–10 Verbal Numeric Pain Scale ratings. Compared with patients in the No VR Group, patients in the Yes VR group reported significantly lower “Pain intensity”(No VR mean = 2.74, SD = 2.76 vs. Yes VR mean = 1.56, SD = 1.83) and the VR group also rated “Pain unpleasantness” significantly lower than the No VR group (No VR mean = 2.41, SD = 0.94 vs. Yes VR mean = 1.17, SD = 1.80). Patients distracted with VR also reported having significantly more fun during the venipuncture procedure. No side effects emerged. In addition to reducing pain intensity, VR has the potential to make venipuncture a more fun and less unpleasant experience for children with CKD, as measured in the present study for the first time. Finally, in exploratory analyses, children aged 7–11 in the VR group reported 55% lower worst pain than control subjects in the same age range, whereas children aged 12 to 17 in the VR group only reported 35% lower worst pain than control subjects. Additional research and development using more immersive VR is recommended.
Does Connected Health Technology Improve Health-Related Outcomes in Rural Cardiac Populations? Systematic Review Narrative Synthesis
Authors: Fraser Matthew James , Gorely Trish , O’Malley Chris , Muggeridge David J. , Giggins Oonagh M. , Crabtree Daniel R.
Published: February 2022

Individuals living in rural areas are more likely to experience cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and have increased barriers to regular physical activity in comparison to those in urban areas. This systematic review aimed to understand the types and effects of home-based connected health technologies, used by individuals living in rural areas with CVD. The inclusion criteria included technology deployed at the participant’s home and could be an mHealth (smart device, fitness tracker or app) or telehealth intervention. Nine electronic databases were searched across the date range January 1990–June 2021. A total of 207 full texts were screened, of which five studies were included, consisting of 603 participants. Of the five studies, four used a telehealth intervention and one used a form of wearable technology. All interventions which used a form of telehealth found a reduction in overall healthcare utilisation, and one study found improvements in CVD risk factors. Acceptability of the technologies was mixed, in some studies barriers and challenges were cited. Based on the findings, there is great potential for implementing connected health technologies, but due to the low number of studies which met the inclusion criteria, further research is required within rural areas for those living with cardiovascular disease.
Can an Ecological Index of Deprivation Be Used at the Country Level? The Case of the French Version of the European Deprivation Index (F-EDI)
Authors: Merville Ophélie , Launay Ludivine , Dejardin Olivier , Rollet Quentin , Bryère Joséphine , Guillaume Élodie , Launoy Guy
Published: February 2022

Most ecological indices of deprivation are constructed from census data at the national level, which raises questions about the relevance of their use, and their comparability across a country. We aimed to determine whether a national index can account for deprivation regardless of location characteristics. In Metropolitan France, 43,853 residential census block groups (IRIS) were divided into eight area types based on quality of life. We calculated score deprivation for each IRIS using the French version of the European Deprivation Index (F-EDI). We decomposed the score by calculating the contribution of each of its components by area type, and we assessed the impact of removing each component and recalculating the weights on the identification of deprived IRIS. The set of components most contributing to the score changed according to the area type, but the identification of deprived IRIS remained stable regardless of the component removed for recalculating the score. Not all components of the F-EDI are markers of deprivation according to location characteristics, but the multidimensional nature of the index ensures its robustness. Further research is needed to examine the limitations of using these indices depending on the purpose of the study, particularly in relation to the geographical grid used to calculate deprivation scores.
Comparative Analysis of the National Fatality Rate in Construction Industry Using Time-Series Approach and Equivalent Evaluation Conditions
Authors: Shim Yukyung , Jeong Jaemin , Jeong Jaewook , Lee Jaehyun , Kim Yongwoo
Published: February 2022

Fatality rates such as fatalities per full-time equivalent workers are officially used to compare the risk level of the construction industry among various countries. However, each country evaluates the fatality rate using different conditions. This paper presents the comparison of fatality rates of various countries using conventional (national data) and pair (equivalent condition) methods through a time-series approach. The research was conducted in three stages. The risk level was evaluated in order in South Korea (1.54), Japan (0.84), Mexico (0.83), China (0.70), United Kingdom (0.15), and Singapore (0.13) in terms of national data. However, the risk level was re-evaluated in order in China (2.27), South Korea (2.05), Mexico (1.23), Singapore (0.98), Japan (0.80), and United Kingdom (0.47) in terms of equivalent conditions. The risk level of each can be changed when the fatality rate is compared under given equivalent conditions.
Basic Psychological Needs Satisfaction Mediates the Link between Strengths Use and Teachers’ Work Engagement
Authors: Jin Weitao , Zheng Xin , Gao Li , Cao Zhuolin , Ni Xiaoli
Published: February 2022

Work engagement is a core indicator that reflects the quality of teachers’ occupational lives and the development of students, but few studies have explored the connection between strengths use and work engagement of teachers and the mechanisms underlying this relationship. This paper aimed to investigate how the relation of strengths use with work engagement is affected by a teacher’s satisfaction of basic psychological needs. For this purpose, 648 teachers in China completed questionnaires. The results revealed that strengths use exhibited a positive correlation with work engagement and needs satisfaction. Furthermore, autonomy, competence, and relatedness satisfaction mediated the effect of strengths use on work engagement for teachers. The results suggest that autonomy, competence, and relatedness satisfaction serve as factors that mediate the effect of strengths use on work engagement. The significance and limitations of the study are discussed.
Satellite Pose Estimation via Only a Single Spatial Circle
Authors: Zhang Wei , Xiao Pingguo , Li Junlin
Published: February 2022

To estimate the pose of satellites in space, the docking ring component has strong rigid body characteristics and can provide a fixed circular feature, which is an important object. However, due to the need for additional constraints to estimate a single spatial circle pose on the docking ring, practical applications are greatly limited. In response to the above problems, this paper proposes a pose solution method based on a single spatial circle. First, the spatial circle is discretized into a set of 3D asymmetric specific sparse points, eliminating the strict central symmetry of the circle. Then, a two-stage pose estimation network, Hvnet, based on Hough voting is proposed to locate the 2D sparse points on the image. Finally, the position and orientation of the spatial circle are obtained by the Perspective-n-Point (PnP) algorithm. The effectiveness of the proposed method was verified through experiments, and the method was found to achieve good solution accuracy under a complex lighting environment.
Structural Insights into a Fusion Protein between a Glutaredoxin-like and a Ferredoxin-Disulfide Reductase Domain from an Extremophile Bacterium
Authors: Zannini Flavien , Mathiot Sandrine , Couturier Jérémy , Didierjean Claude , Rouhier Nicolas
Published: February 2022

In eukaryotic photosynthetic organisms, ferredoxin–thioredoxin reductases (FTRs) are key proteins reducing several types of chloroplastic thioredoxins (TRXs) in light conditions. The electron cascade necessary to reduce oxidized TRXs involves a pair of catalytic cysteines and a [4Fe–4S] cluster present at the level of the FTR catalytic subunit, the iron–sulfur cluster receiving electrons from ferredoxins. Genomic analyses revealed the existence of FTR orthologs in non-photosynthetic organisms, including bacteria and archaea, referred to as ferredoxin-disulfide reductase (FDR) as they reduce various types of redoxins. In this study, we describe the tridimensional structure of a natural hybrid protein formed by an N-terminal glutaredoxin-like domain fused to a FDR domain present in the marine bacterium Desulfotalea psychrophila Lsv54. This structure provides information on how and why the absence of the variable subunit present in FTR heterodimer which normally protects the Fe–S cluster is dispensable in FDR proteins. In addition, modelling of a tripartite complex based on the existing structure of a rubredoxin (RBX)–FDR fusion present in anaerobic methanogen archaea allows recapitulating the electron flow involving these RBX, FDR and GRX protein domains.
Characteristics of Cerebral Sinus Venous Thrombosis Patients Presenting with Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Simaan Naaem , Molad Jeremy , Peretz Shlomi , Filioglo Andrei , Auriel Eitan , Hallevi Hen , Seyman Estelle , Barnea Rani , Cohen José E. , Leker Ronen R. , Honig Asaf
Published: February 2022

Patients with cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) occasionally present with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). In this study, we aimed to identify predictors for ICH in CVST patients. Prospective CVST databases from three academic centers were retrospectively analyzed. CVST patients with and without ICH upon presentation were compared. Among the 404 included patients (mean age 41.8 years, 33% male), 74 (18.3%) had an ICH. The patients with ICH were older (45 ± 20.6 vs. 41.1 ± 18 years, p = 0.045), and were more often pregnant or postpartum women (15% vs. 6%, p = 0.011), or chronically hypertensive (15% vs. 5%, p = 0.001). The ICH patients had higher rates of seizures (60% vs. 15%, p < 0.001), and focal neurological deficits (53% vs. 23%, p < 0.001). The ICH group had lower rates of excellent outcome measured by 90-day mRS 0 (56.7% vs. 80.3%, p < 0.001) and higher rates of 90-day mortality (8% vs. 3%, p = 0.041). Radiological variables associated with ICH included superior sagittal sinus (SSS) thrombosis (63% vs. 36%), isolated cortical vein thrombosis (38% vs. 8%), and presence of venous infarction (34% vs. 7%) (p < 0.001 for all). Upon multivariate analysis, chronic hypertension (OR 3.7, p = 0.027), being either pregnant or postpartum (OR 4.3, p = 0.006), isolated cortical thrombosis (OR 3.5, p = 0.007), and SSS involvement (OR 3.4, p < 0.001) were independently associated with ICH upon admission. In conclusion, among CVST patients, the following present higher for ICH: pregnant or postpartum women, and individuals with chronic hypertension, cortical vein, or SSS involvement.
The Role of MRI-Guided Radiotherapy for Soft Tissue Sarcomas
Authors: Blitzer Grace C. , Yadav Poonam , Morris Zachary S.
Published: February 2022

Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) are a rare class of tumors that originate from mesenchymal tissues and occur most frequently in the extremities, trunk, and retroperitoneum. Surgical resection with R0 margins is the primary curative treatment for most localized STS. In this setting, radiation therapy is used either pre-operatively or post-operatively to reduce the rate of local recurrence. Modern pre- or post-operative radiation therapy rely on the use of MRI sequences to guide target delineation during treatment planning. MRI-guided radiotherapy also offers unique advantages over CT-guided approaches in differentiating STS from surrounding normal soft tissues and enabling better identification of target volumes on daily imaging. For patients with unresectable STS, radiation therapy may offer the best chance for local tumor control. However, most STS are relatively radioresistant with modest rates of local control achieved using conventionally fractionated radiation. Specialized techniques such as hypofractionated radiation may allow for dose intensification and may increase rates of local control for STS. In these settings, MRI becomes even more critical for the delineation of targets and organs at risk and management of tumor and organ at risk motion during and between radiotherapy treatment fractions.
Early Renal Ultrasound in Patients with Congenital Solitary Kidney Can Guide Follow-Up Strategy Reducing Costs While Keeping Long-Term Prognostic Information
Authors: Guarino Stefano , Di Sessa Anna , Riccio Simona , Capalbo Daniela , Reginelli Alfonso , Cappabianca Salvatore , Rambaldi Pier Francesco , Miraglia del Giudice Emanuele , Polito Cesare , Marzuillo Pierluigi
Published: February 2022

We aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of renal length (RL) > 2 standard deviation scores (SDS) measured by renal ultrasound (RUS), across infancy, childhood and adolescence, in identifying which patients with congenital solitary functioning kidney (CSFK) are at lower risk of developing kidney injury (KI). We also estimated the cost saving of integrating the current follow-up protocols with an early RUS algorithm (ERUSA). Fifty-six CSFK adult patients who were 1–3 months old at first observation of undergoing RUS were enrolled. KI was defined by hypertension and/or proteinuria and/or declined renal function. ERUSA was assessed by early (at 1–3 months of life) RUS and was retrospectively tested in our patients. ERUSA establishes that patients with RL > 2SDS at early RUS do not undergo further follow-ups. The others undergo another RUS at 1 year of age along with follow-ups according with current protocols, with the exception of RUS which could be no longer performed. Direct and indirect costs were calculated for each analysed protocol and the cost saving of applying ERUSA was calculated. None of the patients with early RL > 2SDS presented KI in adulthood. A RL > 2SDS was predictive of absence of KI only at 1–3 months (OR = infinity) and 1 year of age (OR = 0.13; 95%CI: 0.03–0.66; p = 0.01). ERUSA provided a total cost-sparing ranging from 38.6% to 55.3% among the analysed follow-up protocols. With ERUSA, no patients developing KI in adulthood were missed. In conclusion, only a RL > 2SDS at 1–3 months and 1 year of age predicted good prognosis in young adulthood. ERUSA can guide a cost-sparing follow-up strategy in CSFK patients while maintaining important long-term information.
Abnormal Ultrasonographic Findings of Acellular Dermal Matrix in Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction: Correlations with Histopathology
Authors: Kim Young Seon , Lee Won Seob , Park Bo-Yoon , Choi Manki , Lee Jun Ho , Bae Young Kyung , Kim Il-Kug
Published: February 2022

Background: Acellular dermal matrix (ADM) in implant-based breast reconstruction can show various ultrasound (US) findings. However, there are limited reports on the US features of the ADM. The aims of this study were to evaluate US findings of the ADM in implant-based breast reconstruction and correlate them with histopathological findings. Methods: Between January 2015 and August 2020, 250 women who underwent implant-based breast reconstruction with ADM and a breast US examination at 6 months to 1 year after reconstruction were retrospectively analyzed. Abnormal US findings were classified as type 1 (focal thickening with decreased echogenicity), 2 (diffusely hyperechoic), or 3 (bright echogenic spots). ADM biopsy was performed in 33 patients who underwent second stage or revisional surgeries. Results: In total, 176 consecutive women with 207 US findings were analyzed. The US findings were normal in 52.2% of the women. The percentages of type 1, 2, and 3 patients were 13.5%, 11.1%, and 23. 2%, respectively. These patients had microscopic findings that showed patchy areas with chronic inflammatory infiltrates, dense collagen bundles without degenerative or inflammatory changes, and empty spaces or degenerated foci unaccompanied by inflammation. Conclusion: Knowing the various ADM presentations on US can help avoid unnecessary invasive procedures.
Detection of Haplosporidium pinnae from Pinna nobilis Faeces
Authors: Lopez-Nuñez Raquel , Cortés Melendreras Emilio , Giménez Casalduero Francisca , Prado Patricia , Lopez-Moya Federico , Lopez-Llorca Luis Vicente
Published: February 2022

Pinna nobilis (Linnaeus, 1758) is the largest bivalve endemic to the Mediterranean. It is distributed in a wide range of coastal environments, including estuaries. Pinna nobilis has recently become a critically endangered species (with almost 100% mortality) along the entire Spanish Mediterranean coast. This may be due to coinfections caused by Haplosporidium pinnae and bacterial pathogens such as Mycobacterium spp. We extensively sampled P. nobilis from Mar Menor lagoon (SE Spain), a site where individuals still survive. Using conventional PCR, we found Haplosporidium spp. in 7.1% of mantle and faecal DNA samples in different individuals of P. nobilis. We identified and quantified Haplosporidium pinnae in P. nobilis using Sanger sequencing and qPCR. Faecal H. pinnae detection is non-invasive, unlike biopsies. Therefore, this non-lethal and non-invasive sampling method could contribute to the welfare of living populations, particularly in eutrophic environments, where they are prone to septicaemia. The use of faecal DNA analysis could be a major advance in epidemiology and recovery assessment studies of P. nobilis.
Effects of Suspended Particles on Exopolysaccharide Secretion of Two Microalgae in Jinjiang Estuary (Fujian, China)
Authors: Liu Jie , Han Xiaoyu , Xing Hui , Nan Yiting , Lin Jiahui , He Junming , Chen Sijia , Wei Yanfang , Guo Peiyong
Published: February 2022

The effects of suspended particles (SP) of different concentrations and sizes on the secretion of exopolysaccharide (EPS) by Chlorella pyrenoidosa (C. pyrenoidosa) and Microcystis flos-aquae (M. flos-aquae) in Jinjiang Estuary, Fujian Province, China were studied in co-cultures of microalgae and SP. The results show that the SP concentration has an “inhibit–promote–inhibit” effect on the secretion of EPS by C. pyrenoidosa, whereby there is an optimal concentration of SP corresponding to the largest amount of EPS secreted by C. pyrenoidosa. Low concentrations had no significant effect on the secretion of EPS from M. flos-aquae (p > 0.05), whereas higher concentrations had an inhibitory effect. The C. pyrenoidosa EPS content was found to be significantly decreased in response to SP of small particle sizes (0–75 and 75–120 μm) and significantly increased for SP of large particle sizes (120–150 and 150–500 μm). Small particle sizes (0–75 and 75–120 μm) were found to be beneficial to the secretion of EPS from M. flos-aquae, and the promotion of EPS secretion gradually decreased with the increase in SP particle size. However, when the particle size was too large (120–150 and 150–500 μm), SP had no significant effect on EPS secretion. This study is helpful for understanding the microalgae EPS secretion response to SP and provides a scientific basis for studying the mechanism of EPS secretion by algae and the effect of SP on eutrophication of the estuary.
Adaptive Auto-Berthing Control of Underactuated Vessel Based on Barrier Lyapunov Function
Authors: Liu Yang , Im Nam-kyun , Zhang Qiang , Zhu Guibing
Published: February 2022

This paper investigates the automatic berthing problem of underactuated surface vessels in the case of uncertain dynamics and yaw rate limitation, given the importance of yaw rate control and the unmeasurable hydrodynamic parameters of the vessel at low speeds. First, we use the differential homeomorphism coordinate transformation to solve the problem of underactuation. Second, a radial basis function network (RBF) is introduced to approximate unknown nonlinear functions. Third, we apply the barrier Lyapunov function (BLF) approach to limit the yaw rate within a safe range. Fourth, we use dynamic surface control (DSC) technology and minimum learning parameters (MLP) to tackle the differential explosion problems in backstepping and computational complexity. Finally, Lyapunov stability theory proves that signals produced by the designed control scheme are bounded and effective. The simulation results show that, compared with the control scheme without BLF, the proposed method can effectively limit the yaw rate within a specific range and effectively solves the influence of the model uncertainly.
Electron Microscopy Reveals Evidence of Perinuclear Clustering of Mitochondria in Cardiac Biopsy-Proven Allograft Rejection
Authors: Tarazón Estefanía , Pérez-Carrillo Lorena , Portolés Manuel , Roselló-Lletí Esther
Published: February 2022

Acute cellular rejection is a major complication in heart transplantation. We focus on the analysis of new ultrastructural findings in cardiac biopsy rejection based on mitochondrial intracellular organization. This study includes heart transplanted patients from a single center who were referred for endomyocardial biopsies as a scheduled routine screening. Participants were divided into two groups: patients transplanted without allograft rejection (Grade 0R), and patients with biopsy-proven allograft rejection (Grade ≥ 2R). Using electronic microscopy, we detected a significant increase in the volume density of mitochondria (p < 0.0001) and dense bodies (p < 0.01) in the rejection group. The most relevant finding was the presence of local accumulations of mitochondria close to the nuclear envelope, pressing and molding the morphology of this membrane in all rejection samples (100%). We identified this perinuclear clustering of mitochondria phenomenon in a 68 ± 27% of the total cardiac nucleus observed from rejection samples. We did not observe this phenomenon in any non-rejection samples, reflecting excellent sensitivity and specificity. We have identified a specific phenomenon affecting the architecture of the nuclear membrane—perinuclear clustering of mitochondria—in endomyocardial biopsies from patients with cardiac rejection. This ultrastructural approach might complement and improve the diagnosis of rejection.