bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deregulated FASN Expression in BRAF Inhibitor-Resistant Melanoma Cells Unveils New Targets for Drug Combinations
Authors: Stamatakos Serena , Beretta Giovanni Luca , Vergani Elisabetta , Dugo Matteo , Corno Cristina , Corna Elisabetta , Tinelli Stella , Frigerio Simona , Ciusani Emilio , Rodolfo Monica , Perego Paola , Gatti Laura
Published: May 2021

Metabolic changes promoting cell survival are involved in metastatic melanoma progression and in the development of drug resistance. In BRAF-inhibitor resistant melanoma cells, we explored the role of FASN, an enzyme involved in lipogenesis overexpressed in metastatic melanoma. Resistant melanoma cells displaying enhanced migratory and pro-invasive abilities increased sensitivity to the BRAF inhibitor PLX4032 upon the molecular targeting of FASN and upon treatment with the FASN inhibitor orlistat. This behavior was associated with a marked apoptosis and caspase 3/7 activation observed for the drug combination. The expression of FASN was found to be inversely associated with drug resistance in BRAF-mutant cell lines, both in a set of six resistant/sensitive matched lines and in the Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia. A favorable drug interaction in resistant cells was also observed with U18666 A inhibiting DHCR24, which increased upon FASN targeting. The simultaneous combination of the two inhibitors showed a synergistic interaction with PLX4032 in resistant cells. In conclusion, FASN plays a role in BRAF-mutated melanoma progression, thereby creating novel therapeutic opportunities for the treatment of melanoma.
Laccase and Its Mutant Displayed on the Bacillus subtilis Spore Coat for Oxidation of Phenolic Compounds in Organic Solvents
Authors: Sheng Silu , Farinas Edgardo T.
Published: May 2021

Enzymes displayed on the Bacillus subtilis spore coat have several features that are useful for biocatalysis. The enzyme is preimmobilized on an inert surface of the spore coat, which is due to the natural sporulation process. As a result, protein stability can be increased, and they are resistant to environmental changes. Next, they would not lyse under extreme conditions, such as in organic solvents. Furthermore, they can be easily removed from the reaction solution and reused. The laboratory evolved CotA laccase variant T480A-CotA was used to oxidize the following phenolic substrates: (+)-catechin, (−)-epicatechin, and sinapic acid. The kinetic parameters were determined and T480A-CotA had a greater Vmax/Km than wt-CotA for all substrates. The Vmax/Km for T480A-CotA was 4.1, 5.6, and 1.4-fold greater than wt-CotA for (+)-catechin, (−)-epicatechin, and sinapic acid, respectively. The activity of wt-CotA and T480A-CotA was measured at different concentrations from 0–70% in organic solvents (dimethyl sulfoxide, ethanol, methanol, and acetonitrile). The Vmax for T480A-CotA was observed to be greater than the wt-CotA in all organic solvents. Finally, the T480A-CotA was recycled 7 times over a 23-h period and up to 60% activity for (+)-catechin remained. The product yield was up to 3.1-fold greater than the wild-type.
Targeting the Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor (FGFR) Family in Lung Cancer
Authors: Pacini Laura , Jenks Andrew D. , Lima Nadia Carvalho , Huang Paul H.
Published: May 2021

Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related deaths globally. Genetic alterations, such as amplifications, mutations and translocations in the fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) family have been found in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) where they have a role in cancer initiation and progression. FGFR aberrations have also been identified as key compensatory bypass mechanisms of resistance to targeted therapy against mutant epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and mutant Kirsten rat sarcoma 2 viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) in lung cancer. Targeting FGFR is, therefore, of clinical relevance for this cancer type, and several selective and nonselective FGFR inhibitors have been developed in recent years. Despite promising preclinical data, clinical trials have largely shown low efficacy of these agents in lung cancer patients with FGFR alterations. Preclinical studies have highlighted the emergence of multiple intrinsic and acquired resistance mechanisms to FGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors, which include on-target FGFR gatekeeper mutations and activation of bypass signalling pathways and alternative receptor tyrosine kinases. Here, we review the landscape of FGFR aberrations in lung cancer and the array of targeted therapies under clinical evaluation. We also discuss the current understanding of the mechanisms of resistance to FGFR-targeting compounds and therapeutic strategies to circumvent resistance. Finally, we highlight our perspectives on the development of new biomarkers for stratification and prediction of FGFR inhibitor response to enable personalisation of treatment in patients with lung cancer.
Simplified Approach to Predict Food Safety through the Maximum Specific Bacterial Growth Rate as Function of Extrinsic and Intrinsic Parameters
Authors: Gaspar Pedro D. , Alves Joel , Pinto Pedro
Published: May 2021

Currently, we assist the emergence of sensors and low-cost information and communication technologies applied to food products, in order to improve food safety and quality along the food chain. Thus, it is relevant to implement predictive mathematical modeling tools in order to predict changes in the food quality and allow decision-making for expiration dates. To perform that, the Baranyi and Roberts model and the online tool Combined Database for Predictive Microbiology (Combase) were used to determine the factors that define the growth of different bacteria. These factors applied to the equation that determines the maximum specific growth rate establish a relation between the bacterial growth and the intrinsic and extrinsic factors that define the bacteria environment. These models may be programmed in low-cost wireless biochemical sensor devices applied to packaging and food supply chains to promote food safety and quality through real time traceability.
Sensitive Materials and Coating Technologies for Surface Acoustic Wave Sensors
Authors: Palla-Papavlu Alexandra , Voicu Stefan Ioan , Dinescu Maria
Published: May 2021

Since their development, surface acoustic wave (SAW) devices have attracted much research attention due to their unique functional characteristics, which make them appropriate for the detection of chemical species. The scientific community has directed its efforts toward the development and integration of new materials as sensing elements in SAW sensor technology with a large area of applications, such as for example the detection of volatile organic compounds, warfare chemicals, or food spoilage, just to name a few. Thin films play an important role and are essential as recognition elements in sensor structures due to their wide range of capabilities. In addition, other requisites are the development and application of new thin film deposition techniques as well as the possibility to tune the size and properties of the materials. This review article surveys the latest progress in engineered complex materials, i.e., polymers or functionalized carbonaceous materials, for applications as recognizing elements in miniaturized SAW sensors. It starts with an overview of chemoselective polymers and the synthesis of functionalized carbon nanotubes and graphene, which is followed by surveys of various coating technologies and routes for SAW sensors. Different coating techniques for SAW sensors are highlighted, which provides new approaches and perspective to meet the challenges of sensitive and selective gas sensing.
The Effect of Nanostructures in Aluminum Alloys Processed Using Additive Manufacturing on Microstructural Evolution and Mechanical Performance Behavior
Authors: Boillat Rachel , Isanaka Sriram Praneeth , Liou Frank
Published: May 2021

This paper reviews the status of nanoparticle technology as it relates to the additive manufacturing (AM) of aluminum-based alloys. A broad overview of common AM processes is given. Additive manufacturing is a promising field for the advancement of manufacturing due to its ability to yield near-net-shaped components that require minimal post-processing prior to end-use. AM also allows for the fabrication of prototypes as well as economical small batch production. Aluminum alloys processed via AM would be very beneficial to the manufacturing industry due to their high strength to weight ratio; however, many of the conventional alloy compositions have been shown to be incompatible with AM processing methods. As a result, many investigations have looked to methods to improve the processability of these alloys. This paper explores the use of nanostructures to enhance the processability of aluminum alloys. It is concluded that the addition of nanostructures is a promising route for modification of existing alloys and may be beneficial to other powder-based processes.
A Theoretical Perspective of the Photochemical Potential in the Spectral Performance of Photovoltaic Cells
Authors: Pérez-Madrid Agustin , Santamaría-Holek Ivan
Published: May 2021

We present a novel theoretical approach to the problem of light energy conversion in thermostated semiconductor junctions. Using the classical model of a two-level atom, we deduced formulas for the spectral response and the quantum efficiency in terms of the input photons’ non-zero chemical potential. We also calculated the spectral entropy production and the global efficiency parameter in the thermodynamic limit. The heat transferred to the thermostat results in a dissipative loss that appreciably controls the spectral quantities’ behavior and, therefore, the cell’s performance. The application of the obtained formulas to data extracted from photovoltaic cells enabled us to accurately interpolate experimental data for the spectral response and the quantum efficiency of cells based on Si-, GaAs, and CdTe, among others.
Optimal Tuning of Fractional Order Controllers for Dual Active Bridge-Based DC Microgrid Including Voltage Stability Assessment
Authors: Azab Mohamed , Serrano-Fontova Alexandre
Published: May 2021

In this article, three evolutionary search algorithms: particle swarm optimization (PSO), simulated annealing (SA) and genetic algorithms (GA), have been employed to determine the optimal parameter values of the fractional-order (FO)-PI controllers implemented in the dual active bridge-based (DAB) DC microgrid. The optimum strategy to obtain the parameters of these FO-PI controllers is still a major challenge for many power systems applications. The FO-PI controllers implemented in the DAB are used to control the DC link voltage to the desired value and limit the current flowing through the converter. Accordingly, the investigated control system has six parameters to be tuned simultaneously; Kp1, Ki1, λ1 for FO-PI voltage controller and Kp2, Ki2, λ2 for FO-PI current controller. Crucially, this tuning optimization process has been developed to enhance the voltage stability of a DC microgrid. By observing the frequency-domain analysis of the closed-loop and the results of the subsequent time-domain simulations, it has been demonstrated that the evolutionary algorithms have provided optimal controller gains, which ensures the voltage stability of the DC microgrid. The main contribution of the article can be considered in the successful application of evolutionary search algorithms to tune the parameters of FO-based dual loop controllers of a DC microgrid scheme whose power conditioner is a DAB topology.
Analysis of a Resonant Converter with Wide Input Voltage
Authors: Lin Bor-Ren , Goh Alexis Phaik Imm , Wang Kai-Wei
Published: May 2021

A DC-DC converter with a 16:1 (Vin,max = 16Vin,min) wide input voltage operation is presented for auxiliary power supplies on solar power conversion circuits or railway vehicles. The solar cell output voltage is associated with the solar intensity (day or night) and geographical location. Thus, the wide input voltage capability of DC converters is required for photovoltaic power conversion. For low power supplies on railway vehicles, the nominal input voltages are 24 V~110 V for the electric door system, motor drive, solid state lighting systems and braking systems. The presented converter uses buck/boost and resonant circuits to achieve the wide input voltage range operation from 18 V to 288 V. If Vin stays on a low input voltage range (18 V~72 V), the buck/boost circuit is operated at a voltage boost characteristic. On the other hand, the buck/boost circuit is operated at a voltage buck characteristic when the input voltage climbs to a high voltage range (72 V~288 V). Thus, the buck/boost circuit can output a constant voltage. Then, the resonant circuit in the second stage is worked at a constant input voltage case so that the frequency variation range is reduced. Finally, to investigate the performance and effectiveness of the studied circuit, experiments with a 500 W prototype were conducted to investigate the performance of the studied circuit.
TA-CLOCK: Tendency-Aware Page Replacement Policy for Hybrid Main Memory in High-Performance Embedded Systems
Authors: Choi Jun Hyeong , Kim Kyung Min , Kwak Jong Wook
Published: May 2021

Recently, high-performance embedded systems have adopted phase change memory (PCM) as their main memory because PCMs have attractive advantages, such as non-volatility, byte-addressability, high density, and low power consumption. However, PCMs have disadvantages, such as limited write endurance in each cell and high write latency compared to DRAMs. Therefore, researchers have investigated methods for enhancing the limitations of PCMs. In this paper, we propose a page replacement policy called tendency-aware CLOCK (TA-CLOCK) for the hybrid main memory of embedded systems. To improve the limited write endurance of PCMs, TA-CLOCK classifies the page access tendency of the victim page through access pattern analysis and determines the migration location of the victim page. Through the classification of the page access tendency, TA-CLOCK reduces unnecessary page migrations from DRAMs to PCMs. Unnecessary migrations cause an increase in write operations in PCMs and the energy consumption of the hybrid main memory in embedded systems. Thus, our proposed policy improves the limited write endurance of PCMs and enhances the access latency of the hybrid main memory of embedded systems by classifying the page access tendency. We compared the TA-CLOCK with existing page replacement policies to evaluate its performance. In our experiments, TA-CLOCK reduced the number of write operations in PCMs by 71.5% on average, and it enhanced the energy delay product by 38.3% on average compared with other page replacement policies.
Position Control for Soft Actuators, Next Steps toward Inherently Safe Interaction
Authors: Li Dongshuo , Dornadula Vaishnavi , Lin Kengyu , Wehner Michael
Published: May 2021

Soft robots present an avenue toward unprecedented societal acceptance, utility in populated environments, and direct interaction with humans. However, the compliance that makes them attractive also makes soft robots difficult to control. We present two low-cost approaches to control the motion of soft actuators in applications common in human-interaction tasks. First, we present a passive impedance approach, which employs restriction to pneumatic channels to regulate the inflation/deflation rate of a pneumatic actuator and eliminate the overshoot/oscillation seen in many underdamped silicone-based soft actuators. Second, we present a visual servoing feedback control approach. We present an elastomeric pneumatic finger as an example system on which both methods are evaluated and compared to an uncontrolled underdamped actuator. We perturb the actuator and demonstrate its ability to increase distal curvature around the obstacle and maintain the desired end position. In this approach, we use the continuum deformation characteristic of soft actuators as an advantage for control rather than a problem to be minimized. With their low cost and complexity, these techniques present great opportunity for soft robots to improve human–robot interaction.
A Model of Reservoir Permeability Evolution during Oil Production
Authors: Kozhevnikov Evgenii , Riabokon Evgenii , Turbakov Mikhail
Published: May 2021

In this paper, we present a mathematical model to predict the evolution of rock permeability depending on effective pressure during oil production. The model is based on the use of the results of well testing data from wells operating in the oil fields of the Perm–Solikamsk region in the north of the Volgo Ural oil and gas province. Dependences of the change in flow characteristics in the reservoir on the effective pressure were established. We performed a comparative assessment using permeability and effective pressure data that were normalized to dimensionless forms of k/ko and P/Po. The factors and their influence on the nature of the change in permeability from the reservoir pressure were determined. Depending on the type of rock, its composition, initial permeability, and bedding conditions, we determined the limits of variation of the constants in empirical equations describing the change in the permeability of rocks from the effective pressure. The mathematical model we developed enables the prediction of the change in permeability of rocks during oil production from reservoirs on the basis of reservoir properties such as initial permeability, initial reservoir pressure, average bedding depth, net-to-gross ratio, and initial effective rock pressure.
Sewage Sludge Treatment by Hydrothermal Carbonization: Feasibility Study for Sustainable Nutrient Recovery and Fuel Production
Authors: Gerner Gabriel , Meyer Luca , Wanner Rahel , Keller Thomas , Krebs Rolf
Published: May 2021

Phosphorus recovery from waste biomass is becoming increasingly important, given that phosphorus is an exhaustible non-renewable resource. For the recovery of plant nutrients and production of climate-neutral fuel from wet waste streams, hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) has been suggested as a promising technology. In this study, digested sewage sludge (DSS) was used as waste material for phosphorus and nitrogen recovery. HTC was conducted at 200 °C for 4 h, followed by phosphorus stripping (PS) or leaching (PL) at room temperature. The results showed that for PS and PL around 84% and 71% of phosphorus, as well as 53% and 54% of nitrogen, respectively, could be recovered in the liquid phase (process water and/or extract). Heavy metals were mainly transferred to the hydrochar and only <1 ppm of Cd and 21–43 ppm of Zn were found to be in the liquid phase of the acid treatments. According to the economic feasibility calculation, the HTC-treatment per dry ton DSS with an industrial-scale plant would cost around 608 USD. Between 349–406 kg of sulfuric acid are required per dry ton DSS to achieve a high yield in phosphorus recovery, which causes additional costs of 96–118 USD. Compared to current sewage sludge treatment costs in Switzerland, which range between 669 USD and 1173 USD, HTC can be an economically feasible process for DSS treatment and nutrient recovery.
Impedance Matching-Based Power Flow Analysis for UPQC in Three-Phase Four-Wire Systems
Authors: Zhao Xiaojun , Chai Xiuhui , Guo Xiaoqiang , Waseem Ahmad , Wang Xiaohuan , Zhang Chunjiang
Published: May 2021

Different from the extant power flow analysis methods, this paper discusses the power flows for the unified power quality conditioner (UPQC) in three-phase four-wire systems from the point of view of impedance matching. To this end, combined with the designed control strategies, the establishing method of the UPQC impedance model is presented, and on this basis, the UPQC system can be equivalent to an adjustable impedance model. After that, a concept of impedance matching is introduced into this impedance model to study the operation principle for the UPQC system, i.e., how the system changes its operation states and power flow under the grid voltage variations through discussing the matching relationships among node impedances. In this way, the nodes of the series and parallel converter are matched into two sets of impedances in opposite directions, which mean that one converter operates in rectifier state to draw the energy and the other one operates in inverter state to transmit the energy. Consequently, no matter what grid voltages change, the system node impedances are dynamically matched to ensure that output equivalent impedances are always equal to load impedances, so as to realize impedance and power balances of the UPQC system. Finally, the correctness of the impedance matching-based power flow analysis is validated by the experimental results.
The Model of Support for the Decision-Making Process, While Organizing Dredging Works in the Ports
Authors: Kaizer Adam , Neumann Tomasz
Published: May 2021

The aim of the research was to create a decision-making model, which would be able to support planning, organizing and conducting the dredging works in the port area. The proposed solution is a multiple element system which enables to verify, in a comprehensive way, the majority of the aspects determining the quality and the time of dredging enterprise realization. The paper presents an original approach to the decision-making process during the organization of dredging works, using the computer program. In order to achieve the main goal of the study, the conditions of dredging works were considered. Furthermore, the factors that have an influence on the schedule of the project were evaluated and algorithms, as well as process organization schemes, were developed. If it is not enough, the decision models corresponding to the discussed issue were analysed and the computer program was created. And last but not the least, the proposed project and equipment were verified using a simulation model. While creating this model, the method of multiple criteria AHP (Analytic Hierarchy Process) decision support was used. Moreover, the mass service model with the priority queue regulations, the expert study, and statistical analysis of the traffic flow, were provided. The model was developed in reliance to multiple criteria studies, based on the opinions of multinational experts. These enabled to adjust each element of the system in accordance with various locations. As a result of the research, the following thesis has been proven, that detailed analysis of the conditions of dredging works and taking into account the received conclusions enables to reduce the costs and shorten the time of dredging projects realizations.
A Neural Network-Inspired Matrix Formulation of Chemical Kinetics for Acceleration on GPUs
Authors: Barwey Shivam , Raman Venkat
Published: May 2021

High-fidelity simulations of turbulent flames are computationally expensive when using detailed chemical kinetics. For practical fuels and flow configurations, chemical kinetics can account for the vast majority of the computational time due to the highly non-linear nature of multi-step chemistry mechanisms and the inherent stiffness of combustion chemistry. While reducing this cost has been a key focus area in combustion modeling, the recent growth in graphics processing units (GPUs) that offer very fast arithmetic processing, combined with the development of highly optimized libraries for artificial neural networks used in machine learning, provides a unique pathway for acceleration. The goal of this paper is to recast Arrhenius kinetics as a neural network using matrix-based formulations. Unlike ANNs that rely on data, this formulation does not require training and exactly represents the chemistry mechanism. More specifically, connections between the exact matrix equations for kinetics and traditional artificial neural network layers are used to enable the usage of GPU-optimized linear algebra libraries without the need for modeling. Regarding GPU performance, speedup and saturation behaviors are assessed for several chemical mechanisms of varying complexity. The performance analysis is based on trends for absolute compute times and throughput for the various arithmetic operations encountered during the source term computation. The goals are ultimately to provide insights into how the source term calculations scale with the reaction mechanism complexity, which types of reactions benefit the GPU formulations most, and how to exploit the matrix-based formulations to provide optimal speedup for large mechanisms by using sparsity properties. Overall, the GPU performance for the species source term evaluations reveals many informative trends with regards to the effect of cell number on device saturation and speedup. Most importantly, it is shown that the matrix-based method enables highly efficient GPU performance across the board, achieving near-peak performance in saturated regimes.
Dynamic Simulation of High-Speed Induction Motor
Authors: Dems Maria , Komeza Krzysztof , Szulakowski Jacek , Kubiak Witold
Published: May 2021

In the drives of high-speed devices, such as a blood centrifuge, dynamic states also play an important role in terms of the time and quality of the tests performed. The article presents the application of modified equations resulting from the mathematical model of an induction motor to model dynamic phenomena during motor start-up, both with mains supply and with frequency start-up. The applied solution considers the phenomenon of current displacement in the rotor bar and the phenomenon of saturation. The comparison of the obtained results with the experiment shows that the method is sufficiently accurate. The obtained results can also be extended to higher power machines and to modeling other dynamic states.
Neural Networks in the Diagnostics Process of Low-Power Solar Plant Devices
Authors: Duer Stanisław , Valicek Jan , Paś Jacek , Stawowy Marek , Bernatowicz Dariusz , Duer Radosław , Walczak Marcin
Published: May 2021

The article presents the problems of diagnostics of low-power solar power plants with the use of the three-valued (3VL) state assessment {2, 1, 0}. The 3VL diagnostics is developed on the basis of two-valued diagnostics (2VL), and it is elaborated on. In the (3VL) diagnostics, the range of changes in the values of the signals from the 2VL logic was accepted for the serviceability condition: state {12VL}. This range of signal value changes for logic (3VL) was divided into two signal value change sub-ranges, which were assigned two status values in the logic (3VL): {23VL}—serviceability condition and {13VL}—incomplete serviceability condition. The state of failure for both logics applied of the valence of states is interpreted equally for the same changes in the values of diagnostic signals, the possible changes of which exceed the ranges of their permissible changes. The DIAG 2 intelligent system based on an artificial neural network was used in diagnostic tests. For this purpose, the article presents the structure, algorithm and rules of inference used in the DIAG intelligent diagnostic system. The diagnostic method used in the DIAG 2 system utilizes the method known from the literature to compare diagnostic signal vectors with the reference signal vectors assigned. The result of this vector analysis is the metric developed of the difference vector. The problem of signal analysis and comparison is carried out in the input cells of the neural network. In the output cells of the neural network, in turn, the classification of the states of the object’s elements is realized. Depending on the condition of the individual elements that make up the object, the method is able to indicate whether the elements are in working order, out of order or require quick repair/replacement.
Fault Tracking Method for Relay Protection Devices
Authors: Chen Qing , Zhou Xiaotong , Sun Mengxuan , Zhang Xiaotong
Published: May 2021

A method of fault tracking for relay protection devices is presented in this paper. Fault tracking means that after the failure of relay protection devices, the anomalies and warning information are obtained through data-mining technology, and then, the fault tracking algorithm is used to find the cause of failure. Let us take microcomputer protection as an example: Firstly, the common failure symptoms and the prior probability of failure causes can be collected through empirical field data. Then, the concept of an event set is proposed; thus, the causes set and the symptoms set of failure can be created. According to the causal relationship between the causes set of failure and symptoms set of failure, the reasoning chain and the corresponding Bayesian network model are built. Then, the probability of failure causes can be obtained through backward reasoning to continue the tracking analysis of failure causes for relay protection devices. Since the data used in modeling are all from statistics, this method has strong applicability and represents a simple and reliable method for the timely determination and elimination of failure in a power system.
Autolysis and Cell Death Is Affected by pH in L. reuteri DSM 20016 Cells
Authors: Zimmerman Tahl , Ibrahim Salam A.
Published: May 2021

A key obstacle to the successful delivery of a probiotic to the consumer is maintaining viability of the live cells during storage, a challenge for the beneficial Lactibacillus reuteri. Three processes play a role in the reduction of viability: autolysis, cell death, and cell weakening. Using a phosphate induction model of autolysis, the initial aim of this project was to discover novel molecular determinants of autolysis in L. reuteri, with the long -term goal of elucidating new strategies for increasing viability. We employed a 2D Native/SDS-Page method to monitor changes in protein expression over time; however, the result was that excess phosphate did not induce noticeable changes in expression patterns. On the other hand, we found that pH affects both the rate of total viability and autolysis, as seen with other species of LAB. In addition, we found that the phosphate model of autolysis may not be sufficient to explain how autolysis is triggered in L. reuteri. Two parameters appear to modulate the pH in media containing L. reuteri cells: overall buffering capacity and the presence of a carbon source. Ultimately, phosphate sources appear to facilitate autolysis by maintaining pH in the media via a higher buffering capacity. In addition, the alkaline sugar free almond drink appears to be a promising possible preservative for L. reuteri.
Increasing the Content of Olive Mill Wastewater in Biogas Reactors for a Sustainable Recovery: Methane Productivity and Life Cycle Analyses of the Process
Authors: Benalia Souraya , Falcone Giacomo , Stillitano Teodora , De Luca Anna Irene , Strano Alfio , Gulisano Giovanni , Zimbalatti Giuseppe , Bernardi Bruno
Published: May 2021

Anaerobic codigestion of olive mill wastewater for renewable energy production constitutes a promising process to overcome management and environmental issues due to their conventional disposal. The present study aims at assessing biogas and biomethane production from olive mill wastewater by performing biochemical methane potential tests. Hence, mixtures containing 0% (blank), 20% and 30% olive mill wastewater, in volume, were experimented on under mesophilic conditions. In addition, life cycle assessment and life cycle costing were performed for sustainability analysis. Particularly, life cycle assessment allowed assessing the potential environmental impact resulting from the tested process, while life cycle costing in conjunction with specific economic indicators allowed performing the economic feasibility analysis. The research highlighted reliable outcomes: higher amounts of biogas (80.22 ± 24.49 NL.kgSV−1) and methane (47.68 ± 17.55 NL.kgSV−1) were obtained when implementing a higher amount of olive mill wastewater (30%) (v/v) in the batch reactors. According to life cycle assessment, the biogas ecoprofile was better when using 20% (v/v) olive mill wastewater. Similarly, the economic results demonstrated the profitability of the process, with better performances when using 20% (v/v) olive mill wastewater. These findings confirm the advantages from using farm and food industry by-products for the production of renewable energy as well as organic fertilizers, which could be used in situ to enhance farm sustainability.
Recent Advances in Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer as a Herb for Anti-Fatigue: An Effects and Mechanisms Review
Authors: Lu Guanyu , Liu Zhuoting , Wang Xu , Wang Chunling
Published: May 2021

As an ancient Chinese herbal medicine, Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer (P. ginseng) has been used both as food and medicine for nutrient supplements and treatment of human diseases in China for years. Fatigue, as a complex and multi-cause symptom, harms life from all sides. Millions worldwide suffer from fatigue, mainly caused by physical labor, mental stress, and chronic diseases. Multiple medicines, especially P. ginseng, were used for many patients or sub-healthy people who suffer from fatigue as a treatment or healthcare product. This review covers the extract and major components of P. ginseng with the function of anti-fatigue and summarizes the anti-fatigue effect of P. ginseng for different types of fatigue in animal models and clinical studies. In addition, the anti-fatigue mechanism of P. ginseng associated with enhancing energy metabolism, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity is discussed.
A Narrative Review of Factors Historically Influencing Telehealth Use across Six Medical Specialties in the United States
Authors: Rangachari Pavani , Mushiana Swapandeep S. , Herbert Krista
Published: May 2021

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, studies in the US have identified wide variations in telehealth use across medical specialties. This is an intriguing problem, because the US has historically lacked a standardized set of telehealth coverage and reimbursement policies, which has posed a barrier to telehealth use across all specialties. Although all medical specialties in the US have been affected by these macro (policy-level) barriers, some specialties have been able to integrate telehealth use into mainstream practice, while others are just gaining momentum with telehealth during COVID-19. Although the temporary removal of policy (coverage) restrictions during the pandemic has accelerated telehealth use, uncertainties remain regarding future telehealth sustainability. Since macro (policy-level) factors by themselves do not serve to explain the variation in telehealth use across specialties, it would be important to examine meso (organizational-level) and micro (individual-level) factors historically influencing telehealth use across specialties, to understand underlying reasons for variation and identify implications for widespread sustainability. This paper draws upon the existing literature to develop a conceptual framework on macro-meso-micro factors influencing telehealth use within a medical specialty. The framework is then used to guide a narrative review of the telehealth literature across six medical specialties, including three specialties with lower telehealth use (allergy-immunology, family medicine, gastroenterology) and three with higher telehealth use (psychiatry, cardiology, radiology) in the US, in order to synthesize themes and gain insights into barriers and facilitators to telehealth use. In doing so, this review addresses a gap in the literature and provides a foundation for future research. Importantly, it helps to identify implications for ensuring widespread sustainability of telehealth use in the post-pandemic future.
Home and Neighborhood Physical Activity Location Availability among African American Adolescent Girls Living in Low-Income, Urban Communities: Associations with Objectively Measured Physical Activity
Authors: Pulling Kuhn Ann , Cockerham Alexandra , O’Reilly Nicole , Bustad Jacob , Miranda Victor , Loboda Tatiana V. , Black Maureen M. , Hager Erin R.
Published: May 2021

Based on the ecological model of active living, the neighborhood environment may relate to individual physical activity (PA) behaviors. The purposes of this study were to (1) generate a replicable neighborhood-level physical activity location availability score (PALAS) from data variables associated with physical activity among adolescents and adults, and apply this score to Baltimore City, Maryland, and (2) determine if relationships exist between PA and PA location availability. Geographic information systems (GISs) were used to create the PALAS. Using linear regression models, we examined relations between objectively measured PA among low-income, urban, predominantly African American adolescent girls (n = 555, 2009–2012 data collection), and the PALAS rating of their neighborhood environment (neighborhood PALAS) and their home neighborhood area (PALAS variables/subcomponents within 0.25 miles of the home). A PALAS map of the study area was created, illustrating neighborhoods varying in availability and variety of PA locations. After adjusting for confounders, a higher neighborhood PALAS (β = 0.10, p = 0.041) and the presence of a recreation center in the home neighborhood area (β = 0.46, p = 0.011) were associated with more minutes per day spent in moderate to vigorous PA. Policy makers and stakeholders should consider increasing access to PA locations as a strategy to promote PA among adolescent girls.
Spatiotemporal Changes of Ecosystem Service Value Determined by National Land Space Pattern Change: A Case Study of Fengdu County in The Three Gorges Reservoir Area, China
Authors: Zhang Haozhe , Yang Qingyuan , Zhang Zhongxun , Lu Dan , Zhang Huiming
Published: May 2021

Exploring the spatiotemporal change characteristics of ecosystem service value (ESV) under the influence of national land space pattern (NLSP) changes is of great significance for promoting the rational use of land resources and the optimization of ecosystems. In this study, Fengdu County in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area was selected as a case study. We analyzed the changes in NLSP using land use data from 1990, 2000, 2010 and 2018. Then, we used the equivalent factor method and exploratory spatial data analysis method to explore the spatiotemporal change characteristics of the ESV of Fengdu County. The results show that: (1) From 1990 to 2018, the changes in NLSP in Fengdu County generally manifested in the transformation of agricultural space into urban space and ecological space; (2) The spatiotemporal change of ESV is a process that positively responds to the increase in ecological space and negatively responds to the expansion of urban space. From 1990 to 2018, the total ESV of Fengdu County showed a trend of continuous growth, with a total increase of CNY 11.10 × 108, and the change rate was 9.33%. The ESV gain area is mainly located along the Yangtze River and the southernmost part of the county, and the loss area is mainly located near the south bank of the Yangtze River; (3) ESV and its changes in Fengdu County have a significant positive spatial autocorrelation. The cold and hot spots of ESV change are mainly distributed along the Yangtze River and to the south of the Yangtze River. Therefore, it is suggested to integrate ESV as an important indicator into the decision-making of national land space planning. At the same time, it is necessary to strengthen the intensive use of urban space and protect the important ecological space from decreasing. Our study results provide useful insights for the development of regional NLS management and environmental protection policies. However, it is worth noting that the results of this paper are more applicable to areas where the terrain is dominated by mountains.
Knowledge, Intention, and Self-Efficacy Associated with Breastfeeding: Impact of These Factors on Breastfeeding during Postpartum Hospital Stays in Taiwanese Women
Authors: Wu Shu-Fang Vivienne , Chen Shu-Ching , Liu Hsiao-Yun , Lee Hsiu-Lan , Lin Yueh-E
Published: May 2021

Breastfeeding knowledge, intention, and self-efficacy affect breastfeeding rates during the postpartum period. Insufficient knowledge, lack of intention, and poor breastfeeding self-efficacy reduce the likelihood of breastfeeding postpartum. The purposes of this study were to (1) assess women’s intention to breastfeed and knowledge and self-efficacy regarding breastfeeding following childbirth, and to (2) identify the factors associated with postpartum breastfeeding during women’s hospital stays. This longitudinal study with a pretest and posttest design study recruited pregnant women from the gynecology and obstetrics outpatient departments and inpatient wards at a medical center in northern Taiwan. Demographic and obstetric characteristics were recorded, and participants were assessed using the Numeric Rating Scale, the Breastfeeding Knowledge Questionnaire, the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale—Short Form, and breastfeeding status postpartum. Of the 120 participants, 25% reported breastfeeding during the postpartum hospital stay. Postpartum breastfeeding was associated with lower levels of education and higher prenatal levels of breastfeeding intention. Establishing a breastfeeding-friendly environment in the family and workplace may effectively increase continued breastfeeding.
Biomechanical Aspects of the Foot Arch, Body Balance and Body Weight Composition of Boys Training Football
Authors: Bukowska Joanna M. , Jekiełek Małgorzata , Kruczkowski Dariusz , Ambroży Tadeusz , Jaszczur-Nowicki Jarosław
Published: May 2021

Background: The aim of the study is to assess the body balance and podological parameters and body composition of young footballers in the context of the control of football training. Methods: The study examined the distribution of the pressure of the part of the foot on the ground, the arch of the foot, and the analysis of the body composition of the boys. The pressure center for both feet and the whole body was also examined. The study involved 90 youth footballers from Olsztyn and Barczewo in three age groups: 8–10 years, 11–13 years old, and 14–16 years. The study used the Inbody 270 body composition analyzer and the EPSR1, a mat that measures the pressure distribution of the feet on the ground. Results: The results showed statistically significant differences in almost every case for each area of the foot between the groups of the examined boys. The most significant differences were observed for the metatarsal area and the left heel. In the case of stabilization of the whole body, statistically significant differences were noted between all study groups. In the case of the body composition parameters, in the examined boys, a coherent direction of changes was noticed for most of them. The relationships and correlations between the examined parameters were also investigated. The significance level in the study was set at p < 0.05. Conclusions: Under the training rigor, a statistically significant increase in stability was observed with age. The total length of the longitudinal arch of both feet of the examined boys showed a tendency to flatten in direct proportion to the age of the examined boys. Mean values of the body composition parameters reflect changes with the ontogenetic development, basic somatic parameters (body height and weight) and training experience, and thus with the intensity and volume of training. This indicates a correct training process that does not interfere with the proper development of the body in terms of tissue and biochemical composition.
Integrating Social Determinants of Health to Precision Medicine through Digital Transformation: An Exploratory Roadmap
Authors: Kwon Ik-Whan G. , Kim Sung-Ho , Martin David
Published: May 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has altered healthcare delivery platforms from traditional face-to-face formats to online care through digital tools. The healthcare industry saw a rapid adoption of digital collaborative tools to provide care to patients, regardless of where patients or clinicians were located, while mitigating the risk of exposure to the coronavirus. Information technologies now allow healthcare providers to continue a high level of care for their patients through virtual visits, and to collaborate with other providers in the networks. Population health can be improved by social determinants of health and precision medicine working together. However, these two health-enhancing constructs work independently, resulting in suboptimal health results. This paper argues that artificial intelligence can provide clinical–community linkage that enhances overall population health. An exploratory roadmap is proposed.
Correlation in Causality: A Progressive Study of Hierarchical Relations within Human and Organizational Factors in Coal Mine Accidents
Authors: Fa Ziwei , Li Xinchun , Liu Quanlong , Qiu Zunxiang , Zhai Zhengyuan
Published: May 2021

It has been revealed in numerous investigation reports that human and organizational factors (HOFs) are the fundamental causes of coal mine accidents. However, with various kinds of accident-causing factors in coal mines, the lack of systematic analysis of causality within specific HOFs could lead to defective accident precautions. Therefore, this study centered on the data-driven concept and selected 883 coal mine accident reports from 2011 to 2020 as the original data to discover the influencing paths of specific HOFs. First, 55 manifestations with the characteristics of the coal mine accidents were extracted by text segmentation. Second, according to their own attributes, all manifestations were mapped into the Human Factors Analysis and Classification System (HFACS), forming a modified HFACS-CM framework in China’s coal-mining industry with 5 categories, 19 subcategories and 42 unsafe factors. Finally, the Apriori association algorithm was applied to discover the causal association rules among external influences, organizational influences, unsafe supervision, preconditions for unsafe acts and direct unsafe acts layer by layer, exposing four clear accident-causing “trajectories” in HAFCS-CM. This study contributes to the establishment of a systematic causation model for analyzing the causes of coal mine accidents and helps form corresponding risk prevention measures directly and objectively.
Effect of Craniofacial Morphology on Pharyngeal Airway Volume Measured Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT)—A Retrospective Pilot Study
Authors: Diwakar Rohan , Kochhar Anuraj Singh , Gupta Harshita , Kaur Harneet , Sidhu Maninder Singh , Skountrianos Helen , Singh Gurkeerat , Tepedino Michele
Published: May 2021

Background: The present study aimed to determine the correlation between pharyngeal airway volume and craniofacial morphology through cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Additionally, the study analyzed the influence of gender on pharyngeal airway volume. (2) Methods: 80 CBCT scans of 40 male and 40 female patients (mean age: 15.38 + 1.10 years) fulfilling the eligibility criteria were included. CBCT scans were evaluated for pharyngeal airway volume using the In Vivo Dental 5.1 software. Additionally, CBCT-derived lateral cephalograms were used to assess various craniofacial morphology parameters. To examine the influences of gender on airway volume, T-test was carried out. Correlation between airway volume and craniofacial parameters were measured using Pearson correlation followed by regression analysis. The value of p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean airway volume was significantly greater in males than in females. A statistically significant negative correlation was found between maxillary plane inclination and pharyngeal airway volume. In contrast, a positive correlation was observed between mandibular length and lower molar inclination with oropharyngeal and total pharyngeal airway volume. Females showed a statistically significant positive correlation between the pharyngeal airway volume and sagittal position of maxilla and mandible; they also showed a negative correlation between oropharyngeal airway volume and the mandibular plane angle. Conclusions: Overall, the pharyngeal airway space differs significantly between males and females. Craniofacial morphology does have a significant effect on the pharyngeal airway, especially on the oropharyngeal airway volume.