bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enteroprotective properties of myristic acid amide study in broiler chickens
Authors:   Kropotkin regional veterinary laboratory, Chernykh Oleg Yu. , Lysenko Aleksandr A. ,   Kuban State Agrarian University named after I.T. Trubilin, Drobin Yury D. , Zubenko Aleksandr A. , Bokun Evgeniya A. , Bodryakov Anatoliy N. ,   North Caucasian Zonal Scientific-Research Veterinary Institute - branch of the Federal Rostov Agrarian Scientific Center
Published: December 2020

As a result of an experimental study on broiler chickens, the enteroprotective effect of myristic acid amide in mycotoxicosis in chickens was established. An experiment was conducted to study the effectiveness of the use of new cationic surfactants in the form of aqueous solutions of fatty acid amides in case of mycotoxicosis on young poultry. During the study, the content of mycotoxins in the feed was established, the effect of deoxynivalenol and citrinin mycotoxins on the broiler chickens was determined, the enteroprotective effect of a 0.01% aqueous solution of myristic acid amide was studied when feeding chickens contaminated with mycotoxins DON and citrinin in quantities exceeding the maximum allowable level. In chickens of the 1st experimental group, which from the first day of life were given food contaminated with mycotoxin DON in an amount exceeding the MDL by 3 times, signs of diarrhea with an admixture of blood were observed. The incidence rate was 80%, and the mortality rate was 33.3%. Chickens were significantly stunted. Introduction from day 8 of a 0.01% solution of myristic acid amide practically did not give a positive effect. Where a 0.01% solution of myristic acid amide was given from the 1st day of the experiment, the incidence was 30.0%, no deaths were observed. The average live weight of the chicken in this group is only 66 g less than the control group. In the 3rd group, where the chickens received citrinin-contaminated food (with a 25-fold excess of the MDL), the incidence was 40% and the mortality rate was 10%. The average live weight of 1 chicken on the 35th day of life was 226 g less compared to the control. The protective effect of a 0.01% aqueous solution of myristic acid amide in experimental citrinin toxicosis was less pronounced. Nevertheless, in this case, the protective effect was established, since according to the literature 25 times the maximum permissible level of feed contamination with citrinin is fatal for all young chickens.
Historical and modern features of veterinary service in subfederal entities of the North Caucasian and the Southern federal districts
Authors:   Kazan State Academy of Veterinary Medicine named after N.E. Bauman, Nikitin Ivan N.
Published: December 2020

History of veterinary medicine in Russia in all its aspects (municipal, military, professional veterinary, etc.) has been circumstantially studied and is presented in textbooks, monographs and thesis. However, the history of municipal veterinary medicine has been studied and the materials of all-Russian congresses of veterinarians, held in the early twentieth century and the landmarks of veterinary medicine history in Russia and its sub-federal entities in the period between ancient time and nowadays has been synthesized. Items on epizootic situation of the country and its sub-federal entities on extra hazardous diseases, on prevention and elimination measures; legal regulation of veterinary management ; staff requirements for official veterinary, training of veterinarians and veterinary aid men, forms of organization of the veterinary service; state, municipal, military, private veterinary services are available in literary origins. Unfortunately, the historical and modern features of the veterinary service in certain federal districts of Russia, including the North Caucasus and southern districts, are not generalized. The analysis and determination of such features is important for scientifically-reasonable planning of anti-epizootic measures, composing national targets for veterinary institutions, determining the amount of budget funding for performing national targets, establishing a scientifically-reasonable staff number of veterinary services, improving veterinary servicing of livestock and other branches. Article points out the historical and modern features of the veterinary service of the North Caucasus and Southern federal districts, which have peculiar environment and economic conditions for the development of agriculture, including animal husbandry, and therefore veterinary support for agricultural industries.
Method of high frequency therapy at cows' mastitis during machine milking
Authors:   Federal Scientific Agroengineering Center VIM, Lyubimov Viktor E.
Published: December 2020

Health of dairy cows ensures human health, so it is important that dairy products do not contain antibiotics that are used to treat any inflammation, including mastitis. In Russia at present, the problem of mastitis in cows exists with both attached and loose housing of cows. Mastitis of dairy cows are the great problem in milking husbandry. Losses from mastitis in milk yield can reach 15-20%. The main reasons for the occurrence of nonspecific mastitis of cows are the shortcomings of the working components of the milking machine: the degree of deterioration of the nipple rubber and the violation of machine milking technology (the reduction in pre-milking time and vacuum fluctuations account for 70% of all causes). Treatment of mastitis with antibiotics is effective, but not environmentally friendly and unacceptable. For the treatment of inflammation of the udder, it is necessary to use more environmentally friendly methods of treatment, one of which is the exposure to ultra-high frequency electromagnetic field tested by medicine. Use of three types of medical-mobile milking machines with the same method of exposure to ultrahigh-frequency electromagnetic fields on cow's nipples through electrodes in milking cups: LPDA-1-UHF, LPDA-2-UHF and LPDA-UHF-30 M, is described in the article. Author proved that cows with subclinical forms of mastitis recovered faster during milking with exposure to the ultrahigh frequency than when treated by antibiotics, and milking with the ultrahigh frequency device helps to recover 82% of the affected quarters with clinical forms and 100% of cows with subclinical forms of mastitis or with udder irritation. The high efficiency of the method of exposure to electromagnetic fields of the ultrahigh frequency during machine milking by means of medical-mobile milking machines LPDA-UHF for the prevention and treatment of mastitis of cows was shown.
Grain Quality of Maize Cultivars as a Function of Planting Dates, Irrigation and Nitrogen Stress: A Case Study from Semiarid Conditions of Iran
Authors: Jahangirlou Maryam Rahimi , Akbari Gholam Abbas , Alahdadi Iraj , Soufizadeh Saeid , Parsons David
Published: December 2020

Maize grain is an important source of human and animal feed, and its quality can be affected by management practices and climatic conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the concentration and composition of starch, protein and oil in grain of maize cultivars in response to different planting dates (20 June and 21 July), irrigation (12-day and 6-day intervals) and nitrogen rates (0 and 184 kg N ha−1). The first two principal components (PCs) accounted for 84.5% of the total variation. High N fertilization increased protein (by 6.0 and 10.9 g kg−1) and total nonessential amino acids (by 3.4 and 2.4 g kg−1) during 2018 and 2019, respectively. With the high irrigation rate, the high N rate increased oil, total unsaturated fatty acids, and starch and amylopectin, whereas with the low irrigation rate, there was no effect of the N rate. With earlier planting, total saturated fatty acids were higher. The findings highlight the complicated relationship between the different factors and how they affect quality characteristics of maize grain. There was a large impact of year, which to a great extent cannot be controlled, even in this environment where water supply was controlled and rainfall did not affect the results.
Do Canine Behavioural Assessments and Characteristics Predict the Human-Dog Interaction When Walking on a Leash in a Shelter Setting?
Authors: Shih Hao-Yu , Paterson Mandy B. A. , Georgiou Fillipe , Phillips Clive J. C.
Published: December 2020

Inappropriate leash reactivity is one of the most common problems in shelter dogs, which negatively affects the health of dogs and reduces their adoptability. We explored 370 human-dog interactions, involving 74 volunteers and 111 dogs, in an animal shelter when volunteers walked shelter dogs on a leash, considering the effects of canine demographics and the results of the shelter’s canine behavioural assessments. The interaction was video recorded and coded using ethograms, and a leash tension meter was used to measure the pull strength of dogs and handlers. Results showed that dogs that were more relaxed during the shelter assessment (i.e., when socialising with humans or being left alone in a new environment) were less reactive on the leash, with lower tension and pulling frequency. Moreover, socialised and relaxed dogs displayed more positive body language, such as tail in a high position, gazing at the handler, and exploring the environment. When walking with these dogs, volunteers utilised fewer verbal cues and body language during the walk. In addition to the canine behaviour assessment, there were correlations between canine demographics and the behavioural interaction and humans’ perception. Finally, volunteers perceived the walk as less satisfactory when they needed to pull the leash harder during the walk. This research suggests that the RSPCA behavioural assessment may be useful in predicting the behaviour of shelter dogs when walked by volunteers.
Zinc Supplementation Forms Influenced Zinc Absorption and Accumulation in Piglets
Authors: Liu Fen-Fen , Azad Md. Abul Kalam , Li Zhi-He , Li Jing , Mo Kai-Bin , Ni Heng-Jia
Published: December 2020

The study aimed at determining the effect of different zinc (Zn) supplementation forms on Zn accumulation, activities of Zn-containing enzymes, gene expression of metallothionein (MT), and Zn transporters in piglets. Eighteen piglets were randomly divided into three groups: (a) a basal diet supplemented with 150 mg/kg Zn from Zn methionine (Zn-Met) in the feed (Zn-Met group), (b) a basal diet supplemented with 150 mg/kg Zn from Zn sulfate (ZnSO4) in the feed (ZnSO4, feed group), and (c) a basal diet supplemented with the same dose of Zn as in ZnSO4,feed group but in water (ZnSO4, water group). The results showed that Zn-Met added in feed and ZnSO4 dissolved in drinking water significantly improved (p < 0.05) the Zn concentration in liver and jejunum and the apparent digestibility of Zn in comparison with the ZnSO4 added in feed. In addition, dietary Zn supplementation as Zn-Met significantly increased (p < 0.05) the activity of alkaline phosphatase (AKP) in the jejunum of piglets in comparison with the ZnSO4, feed group. Furthermore, the Zn-Met and ZnSO4, water groups showed an improved total superoxide dismutase activity (T-SOD) in the ileum as compared to the ZnSO4, feed group. Meanwhile, the qPCR and western blot results showed that Zn-Met and ZnSO4 dissolved in drinking water increased the expression of MT in the jejunum in comparison with the ZnSO4 added in the piglets’ feed. However, different Zn supplementation forms had no effect on the mRNA expressions of Zip4 and ZnT1 transporters. In conclusion, Zn-Met added in feed and ZnSO4 dissolved in drinking water had higher bioavailability in piglets.
Nutritional and Anti-Nutritional Factors in Vicia sativa L. Seeds and the Variability of Phenotypic and Morphological Characteristics of Some Vetch Accessions Cultivated in European Countries
Authors: Grela Eugeniusz R. , Samolińska Wioletta , Rybiński Wojciech , Kiczorowska Bożena , Kowalczuk-Vasilev Edyta , Matras Jan , Wesołowska Sylwia
Published: December 2020

Agricultural research has traditionally focused on staple crops, while relatively little attention has been given to minor crops. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the nutrient contents and some anti-nutritional factors in the seeds of common vetch (Vicia sativa L.) and the variation of phenotypic and morphological traits in field studies of 44 European accessions, originating from Russia, Ukraine, Poland (east and east-central Europe), the Czech Republic, the Slovak Republic, Hungary (south-central Europe), and Germany (west-central Europe) and grown in the same soil-climate conditions. A three-year field study was conducted from 2010 to 2012. Accessions originating from west-central Europe flowered three days earlier than those from south-central Europe. They also had the lowest seed number per pod (5.9) but the highest thousand seed weight (58 g) (p < 0.05). Vetch lines coming from south-central Europe contained the highest level of crude protein in comparison with vetch seeds originating from west-central Europe (353 vs. 324 g kg−1, respectively) (p < 0.05), but the latter had the highest essential amino acid index value (75 vs. 71 in west-central Europe and south-central Europe, respectively) (p < 0.05). The highest protein level was noted in the seeds of Slovak origin (average 358 g kg−1), whereas the lowest protein level (324 g kg−1) was determined in the Russian and German lines. Vetch grain fat was rich in linoleic (53%) and linolenic (14%) acids. The best n-6/n-3 fatty acid ratio (4) and the highest α-linolenic acid level were exhibited by the Slovak and Polish accessions (p < 0.05). The seeds of vetch accessions from east, east-central, and south-central Europe contained higher levels of (p < 0.05) iron than those originating from west-central Europe. The concentration of tannins, trypsin inhibitors, and hydrogen cyanide reached on average 8, 3, and 81 mg kg−1, respectively. The highest hydrogen cyanide (HCN) levels was determined in the accessions of German and Russian origin (126 and 119 mg kg−1, respectively), and the lowest values were noted in the Slovak and Polish lines (50 and 67 mg HCN kg−1, respectively). Furthermore, the Polish accessions contained the lowest levels of tannins and trypsin inhibitors. Common vetch seeds may be valuable protein feed/food stuff, but their nutritional usefulness is limited by the presence of anti-nutritional factors, especially HCN, which is difficult to remove. Further selection in this direction may be postulated.
The Potential Benefit of Monitoring Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in the Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)
Authors: Seyedsadjadi Neda , Grant Ross
Published: December 2020

The significant increase in worldwide morbidity and mortality from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) indicates that the efficacy of existing strategies addressing this crisis may need improvement. Early identification of the metabolic irregularities associated with the disease process may be a key to developing early intervention strategies. Unhealthy lifestyle behaviours are well established drivers of the development of several NCDs, but the impact of such behaviours on health can vary considerably between individuals. How can it be determined if an individual’s unique set of lifestyle behaviours is producing disease? Accumulating evidence suggests that lifestyle-associated activation of oxidative and inflammatory processes is primary driver of the cell and tissue damage which underpins the development of NCDs. However, the benefit of monitoring subclinical inflammation and oxidative activity has not yet been established. After reviewing relevant studies in this context, we suggest that quantification of oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers during the disease-free prodromal stage of NCD development may have clinical relevance as a timely indicator of the presence of subclinical metabolic changes, in the individual, portending the development of disease. Monitoring markers of oxidative and inflammatory activity may therefore enable earlier and more efficient strategies to both prevent NCD development and/or monitor the effectiveness of treatment.
The Effect of Carbonyl and Hydroxyl Compounds Addition on CO2 Injection through Hydrocarbon Extraction Processes
Authors: Permadi Asep Kurnia , Pratama Egi Adrian , Hakim Andri Luthfi Lukman , Widi Alfanda Kurnia , Abdassah Doddy
Published: December 2020

CO2 miscible flooding occurs when injection pressure is higher than the minimum miscibility pressure (MMP) which can exceed the fracture pressure. Co-solvents are expected to reduce the MMP by interacting with various hydrocarbons that depend on the polarity and intermolecular forces of solvent and oil. However, there are limited studies that have investigated co-solvent performance in CO2 injection through an extraction process based on oil compositional analysis. This paper is aimed at studying the effects of carbonyl and hydroxyl compounds on oil extraction and also the mutual interactions of CO2-oil-carbonyl and -hydroxyl. The experiment is conducted by using VIPS (viscosity, interfacial tension, pressure-volume, and swelling) and gas chromatography (GC) apparatuses. The compositional results from GC are utilized to analyze the performance of co-solvents, which are further classified based on the carbon number and molecular structure of oil. Acetone is a non-associated polar compound which reacts easily with and assists CO2 to extract polar-aromatic heavy and slightly polar components such as alkenes and straight-chain alkanes, due to high polarizability and low cohesive forces. Ethanol is a self-associated polar compound which has the capability of extracting high-boiling fractions and slightly polar-aromatic components. Moreover, both co-solvents also assist CO2 to extract non-polar components because they have non-polar end in the alkyl group.
A Simultaneous Conversion and Extraction of Furfural from Pentose in Dilute Acid Hydrolysate of Quercus mongolica Using an Aqueous Biphasic System
Authors: Kim Jong-Hwa , Cho Seong-Min , Choi June-Ho , Jeong Hanseob , Lee Soo Min , Koo Bonwook , Choi In-Gyu
Published: December 2020

This study optimizes furfural production from pentose released in the liquid hydrolysate of hardwood using an aqueous biphasic system. Dilute acid pretreatment with 4% sulfuric acid was conducted to extract pentose from liquid Quercus mongolica hydrolysate. To produce furfural from xylose, a xylose standard solution with the same acid concentration of the liquid hydrolysate and extracting solvent (tetrahydrofuran) were applied to the aqueous biphasic system. A response surface methodology was adopted to optimize furfural production in the aqueous biphasic system. A maximum furfural yield of 72.39% was achieved at optimal conditions as per the RSM; a reaction temperature of 170 °C, reaction time of 120 min, and a xylose concentration of 10 g/L. Tetrahydrofuran, toluene, and dimethyl sulfoxide were evaluated to understand the effects of the solvent on furfural production. Tetrahydrofuran generated the highest furfural yield, while DMSO gave the lowest yield. A furfural yield of 68.20% from pentose was achieved in the liquid hydrolysate of Quercus mongolica under optimal conditions using tetrahydrofuran as the extracting solvent. The aqueous and tetrahydrofuran fractions were separated from the aqueous biphasic solvent by salting out using sodium chloride, and 94.63% of the furfural produced was drawn out through two extractions using tetrahydrofuran.
Natural Extracts from White Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Inhibit 3T3-L1 Adipocytes Differentiation
Authors: Shi Zhenxing , Zhang Xin , Zhu Yingying , Yao Yang , Ren Guixing
Published: December 2020

Background: Recent studies have shown that the consumption of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) foods plays an essential role in the prevention and treatment of obesity. Methods: In this study, different natural extracts that include common bean polyphenol-rich extract (CBP), α-amylase inhibitor-rich extract (α-AIE), and non-starch polysaccharides-rich extract (NSP) were isolated. Their effects on 3T3-L1 adipocytes differentiation were evaluated, respectively. Results: The results showed that CPB reduced the lipid content in the mature adipocytes to 79.29% (150 μg/mL) and 35.13% (300 μg/mL), and α-AIE reduced it to 90.20% (2 mg/mL) and 68.28% (4 mg/mL), while NSP exhibited an auxo-action, suggesting that both CBP and a-AIE inhibited 3T3-L1 adipocytes differentiation. Additionally, CBP significantly suppressed (p < 0.05) the mRNA expression level and the protein expression level of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein α (C/EBPα), sterol-regulatory element binding proteins 1 c (SREBP-1c), lipoprotein lipase (LPL), and fatty acid binding protein (ap2). Meanwhile, α-AIE only showed significant suppression effects on PPARγ, C/EBPα, and ap2 at the high dose of 4 mg/mL (p < 0.05). Conclusions: These findings indicate that CBP, from white common bean, might be the major component responsible for the inhibitory effects on adipocyte differentiation.
Radial Structure of OAM-Carrying Fundamental X-Waves
Authors: Agasti Souvik , Ornigotti Marco
Published: December 2020

We investigate the spectral degree of freedom of OAM-carrying localized waves and its influence on their transverse intensity distribution. In particular, we focus our attention on exponentially decaying spectra, which are very tightly connected to fundamental X-waves; we then show how it is possible to structure their transverse intensity distribution, thus creating a radial structure similar to that of Bessel beams.
The Isolation of a Novel Streptomyces sp. CJ13 from a Traditional Irish Folk Medicine Alkaline Grassland Soil that Inhibits Multiresistant Pathogens and Yeasts
Authors: Quinn Gerry , Abdelhameed Alyaa , Alharbi Nada , Cobice Diego , Adu Simms , Swain Martin , Castro Helena , Facey Paul , Bakshi Hamid , Tambuwala Murtaza , Banat Ibrahim
Published: December 2020

The World Health Organization recently stated that new sources of antibiotics are urgently required to stem the global spread of antibiotic resistance, especially in multiresistant Gram-negative bacteria. Although it was thought that many of the original sources of antibiotics were exhausted, innovative research has revealed promising new sources of antibiotic discovery in traditional medicine associated with Streptomyces. In this work we investigated the potential of a specific limestone grassland soil, associated with Irish folk medicine, as a new source of antimicrobial discovery. Using selective enrichment and isolation techniques on a limestone grassland soil sample obtained from Boho, West Fermanagh, we isolated Streptomyces sp. CJ13. This bacterium inhibited the growth of a broad range of pathogens in vitro including Gram positive Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA 43300) and Gram negative multiresistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA01), as well as the anaerobic bacteria Propionibacterium acnes and the yeast Starmerella bombicola. Genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis revealed Streptomyces sp. CJ13 to be closely related to an unclassified Streptomyces sp. MJM1172, Streptomyces sp. Mg1 and two species known as Streptomyces sp. ICC1 and ICC4 from a karst region in British Columbia. The closest type species to Streptomyces sp. CJ13 was Streptomyces lavendulae subspecies lavendulae. Analysis of Streptomyces sp. CJ13 whole genome sequence using the secondary metabolite prediction tool antiSMASH revealed similarities to several antibiotic gene synthesis clusters including salinichelin, mediomycin A, weishanmycin, combamide, heat stable antifungal factor and SAL-2242. These results demonstrate the potential of this alkaline grassland soil as a new resource for the discovery of a broad range of antimicrobial compounds including those effective against multiresistant Gram negative bacteria.
Spectra-Based Selective Searching for Hyperspectral Anomaly Detection
Authors: Yin Chensong , Han Chengshan , Xue Xucheng , Huang Liang
Published: December 2020

The research on hyperspectral anomaly detection algorithms has become a hotspot, driven by a lot of practical applications, such as mineral exploration, environmental monitoring and the national defense force. However, most existing hyperspectral anomaly detectors are designed with a single pixel as unit, which may not make full use of the spatial and spectral information in the hyperspectral image to detect anomalies. In this paper, to fully combine and utilize the spatial and spectral information of hyperspectral images, we propose a novel spectral-based selective searching method for hyperspectral anomaly detection, which firstly combines adjacent pixels with the same spectral characteristics into regions with adaptive shape and size and then treats those regions as one processing unit. Then, by fusing adjacent regions with similar spectral characteristics, the anomaly can be successfully distinguished from background. Two standard hyperspectral datasets are introduced to verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method. The detection performance is depicted by intuitive detection images, receiver operating characteristic curves and area under curve values. Comparing the results of the proposed method with five popular and state-of-the-art methods proves that the spectral-based selective searching method is an accurate and effective method to detect anomalies.
Dynamic Pad Surface Metrology Monitoring by Swing-Arm Chromatic Confocal System
Authors: Chen Chao-Chang A. , Li Jen-Chieh , Liao Wei-Cheng , Ciou Yong-Jie , Chen Chun-Chen
Published: December 2020

This study aims to develop a dynamic pad monitoring system (DPMS) for measuring the surface topography of polishing pad. Chemical mechanical planarization/polishing (CMP) is a vital process in semiconductor manufacturing. The process is applied to assure the substrate wafer or thin film on wafer that has reached the required planarization after deposition for lithographic processing of the desired structures of devices. Surface properties of polishing pad have a huge influence on the material removal rate (MRR) and quality of wafer surface by CMP process. A DPMS has been developed to analyze the performance level of polishing pad for CMP. A chromatic confocal sensor is attached on a designed fixture arm to acquire pad topography data. By swing-arm motion with continuous data acquisition, the surface topography information of pad can be gathered dynamically. Measuring data are analyzed with a designed FFT filter to remove mechanical vibration and disturbance. Then the pad surface profile and groove depth can be calculated, which the pad’s index PU (pad uniformity) and PELI (pad effective lifetime index) are developed to evaluate the pad’s performance level. Finally, 50 rounds of CMP experiments have been executed to investigate the correlations of MRR and surface roughness of as-CMP wafer with pad performance. Results of this study can be used to monitor the pad dressing process and CMP parameter evaluation for production of IC devices.
Telelocomotion—Remotely Operated Legged Robots
Authors: Huang Kevin , Subedi Divas , Mitra Rahul , Yung Isabella , Boyd Kirkland , Aldrich Edwin , Chitrakar Digesh
Published: December 2020

Teleoperated systems enable human control of robotic proxies and are particularly amenable to inaccessible environments unsuitable for autonomy. Examples include emergency response, underwater manipulation, and robot assisted minimally invasive surgery. However, teleoperation architectures have been predominantly employed in manipulation tasks, and are thus only useful when the robot is within reach of the task. This work introduces the idea of extending teleoperation to enable online human remote control of legged robots, or telelocomotion, to traverse challenging terrain. Traversing unpredictable terrain remains a challenge for autonomous legged locomotion, as demonstrated by robots commonly falling in high-profile robotics contests. Telelocomotion can reduce the risk of mission failure by leveraging the high-level understanding of human operators to command in real-time the gaits of legged robots. In this work, a haptic telelocomotion interface was developed. Two within-user studies validate the proof-of-concept interface: (i) The first compared basic interfaces with the haptic interface for control of a simulated hexapedal robot in various levels of traversal complexity; (ii) the second presents a physical implementation and investigated the efficacy of the proposed haptic virtual fixtures. Results are promising to the use of haptic feedback for telelocomotion for complex traversal tasks.
The Selection of Strategic Alliance in IC Packaging and Testing Industry with DEA Resampling Comparative Evaluation
Authors: Wang Chia-Nan , Peng Yi-Chun , Hsueh Ming-Hsien , Wang Yen-Hui
Published: December 2020

Merger and acquisition (M&A) cases and the speed of horizontal integration have increased rapidly in the integrated circuit (IC) packaging and testing industry. Therefore, cooperation with suitable strategic alliance partner is a vital success factor for enterprises. This study proposes a “comparative evaluation” model that searches out appropriate strategic alliances on the basis of the resampling model acquired via data envelopment analysis (DEA). The realistic public data of 20 companies was collected from 2015 to 2019 in the IC packaging and testing industry. The super slacks-based measure model was used to evaluate the performance before alliance in the period from 2015 to 2019. The resampling past–present–future model was used to forecast the performance in 2020–2024. Afterward, a future strategic alliance for comparative evaluation of efficiency was established. The results of the alliance were divided into the groups “ineffective” and “effective”. The results show that 11 companies in the “effective” group achieved both improvements and 8 companies in the “ineffective” group achieved only unilateral improvements. The comparison model describes the efficiency of both sides simultaneously, not only from the perspective of the target but also from the perspective of the partner company. The evaluation model proposed in the study enables enterprises to find suitable alliance partners.
Facile Preparation of Biocompatible and Transparent Silica Aerogels as Ionogels Using Choline Dihydrogen Phosphate Ionic Liquid
Authors: Kamal Mohamed Seeni Meera , Murali Sankar Rajavelu , Kiran Manikantan Syamala , Jaisankar Sellamuthu N. , Milow Barbara , Mandal Asit Baran
Published: December 2020

We developed a facile and greener approach for the preparation of silica-aerogel-based ionogels using choline dihydrogen phosphate ionic liquid by the sol–gel approach. A series of silica-based aerogels as ionogels were prepared by varying the ionic liquid concentrations: 0.1, 0.5, 1, 3, 5, and 10 wt %. The as-prepared ionogels were characterized using several analytical techniques, namely, attenuated total reflectance (ATR)/FT-IR, TGA, XRD, and particle size analyses. The role of ionic liquid in the viscoelastic properties of the sol–gel transition was monitored using time-dependent rheological measurements. The addition of ionic liquid to the sol–gel system favored the formation of a more interconnected silica network structure. The formation of a silica network structure during sol–gel hydrolysis and condensation was confirmed from 29Si solid-state CP/MAS NMR spectra. The effect of the ionic liquid on the morphological properties was investigated using SEM and TEM studies. The cell viabilities of the prepared gel samples were clearly evident from the cytotoxicity assay studies using Swiss and HaCaT cells. The main advantages of using biocompatible ionic liquids for the preparation of these aerogels as ionogels are that they may be used for encapsulating biological molecules and retain their conformational stability for a longer duration.
Calculation of Safety Factors of the Eurocodes
Authors: Poutanen Tuomo , Länsivaara Tim , Pursiainen Sampsa , Mäkinen Jari , Asp Olli
Published: December 2020

This study concerns the safety factor and the reliability calculation for structural codes. The Eurocodes are used as a reference. Safety factor calculation is a demanding task which necessitates using an appropriate root-solving algorithm with a sufficient numerical accuracy. This article introduces a simple algorithm to calculate the safety factors directly, as previously there has been no means to control the accuracy. Presently, the safety factors are defined indirectly through the reliability index. The basic safety factor calculation is presented here in six different equations with the same outcome but differences regarding the numerical calculation, which provides a method to check the accuracy and select a proper equation for the root solver. The safety factor calculation for the permanent and the variable load in the Eurocodes is based on the independent, i.e., random, load combination and single load pairs. The current approach of safety factor calculation applied in the Eurocodes is disclosed here. Simple analytical equations based on the convolution equation are presented. Those can be used instead of the computer programs applied currently.
Identification of Transcription Factors, Biological Pathways, and Diseases as Mediated by N6-methyladenosine Using Tensor Decomposition-Based Unsupervised Feature Extraction
Authors: Taguchi Y-h. , Dharshini S. Akila Parvathy , Gromiha M. Michael
Published: December 2020

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) editing is the most common RNA modification known to contribute to various biological processes. Nevertheless, the mechanism by which m6A regulates transcription is unclear. Recently, it was proposed that m6A controls transcription through histone modification, although no comprehensive analysis using this dataset was performed. In this study, we applied tensor decomposition (TD)-based unsupervised feature extraction (FE) to a dataset composed of mouse embryonic stem cells (mESC) and a human cancer cell line (HEC-1-A) and successfully identified two sets of genes significantly overlapping between humans and mice (63 significantly overlapped genes among a total of 16,763 genes common to the two species). These significantly overlapped genes occupy at most 10% genes from both gene sets. Using these two sets of genes, we identified transcription factors (TFs) that m6A might recruit, biological processes that m6A might contribute to, and diseases that m6A might cause; they also largely overlap with each other. Since they were commonly identified using two independent datasets, the results regarding these TFs, biological processes, and diseases should be highly robust and trustworthy. It will help us to understand the mechanisms by which m6A contributes to biological processes.
Tunnel Geology Prediction Using a Neural Network Based on Instrumented Drilling Test
Authors: Fang Yuwei , Wu Zhenjun , Sheng Qian , Tang Hua , Liang Dongcai
Published: December 2020

Reliable geology prediction is of great importance in ensuring the stability and safety of tunnels and other underground engineering projects. This paper presents basic neural network and deep neural network models using a genetic algorithm (GA) to predict geological conditions for tunneling. Batch normalization and GA optimization approaches are employed in the deep neural network. A case study of the Jiudingshan Tunnel on the Chuxiong–Dali Highway in Yunnan, China, shows that the neural network method can predict geological conditions well, especially for rock types with voluminous data, for which predictive accuracy exceeds 90%. These results suggest that an appropriately trained neural network can reliably and accurately predict the geological conditions behind the tunnel face. The area under the curve (AUC) and confusion matrix evaluations show that the accuracy performance of the deep neural network exceeds that of the basic neural network. The feature importance of each drilling parameter was also analyzed; the results indicate that a neural network model for geology prediction can achieve predictive accuracy with few drilling parameters. The neural network geology prediction method provides reliable results for dynamic tunnel design.
Monitoring of Gas Emissions in Light of an OEF Application
Authors: Toader Victorin-Emilian , Nicolae Víctor , Moldovan Iren-Adelina , Ionescu Constantin , Marmureanu Alexandru
Published: December 2020

This study analyzes the possibility to use geophysical and geochemical parameters in an OEF (Operational Earthquake Forecasting) application correlated with short-term changes in seismicity rates using a magnitude–frequency relationship. Tectonic stress over the limits of rock elasticity generates earthquakes, but it is possible that the emission of gases increases as a result of the breaking process. The question is how reliable is the emission of radon-222 and Carbon Dioxide (CO2), with effects on air ionization and aerosol concentration, in an OEF application? The first step is to select the seismic area (in our study this is the Vrancea area characterized by deep earthquakes at the bend of the Carpathian Mountains), then determine the daily and seasonal evolution of the forecast parameters, their deviations from the normal level, the short-term changes in seismicity rates using a magnitude–frequency relationship and finally to correlate the data with recorded seismic events. The results of anomaly detection, effect evaluation and data analysis alert the beneficiaries specialized in emergency situations (Inspectorate for Emergency Situations, organizations involved in managing special events). Standard methods such as the standard deviation from the mean value, time gradient, cross correlation, and linear regression are customized for the geological specificity of the area under investigation. For detection we use the short-time-average through long-time-average trigger (STA/LTA) method on time-integral data and the daily–seasonal variation of parameters is correlated with atmospheric conditions to avoid false decisions. The probability and epistemic uncertainty of the gas emissions resulting from this study, in addition to other precursor factors such as air ionization, time between earthquakes, temperature in the borehole, telluric currents, and Gutenberg Richter “a-b” parameters, act as inputs into a logical decision tree, indicating the possibility of implementing an OEF application for the Vrancea area. This study is novel in its analysis of the Vrancea area and performs a seismic forecasting procedure in a new form compared to the known ones.
Characterization of PM10 Sampled on the Top of a Former Mining Tower by the High-Volume Wind Direction-Dependent Sampler Using INNA
Authors: Pavlíková Irena , Hladký Daniel , Motyka Oldřich , Vergel Konstantin N. , Strelkova Ludmila P. , Shvetsova Margarita S.
Published: December 2020

The PM10 concentrations in the studied region (Ostravsko-karvinská agglomeration, Czech Republic) exceed air pollution limit values in the long-term and pose a significant problem for human health, quality of life and the environment. In order to characterize the pollution in the region and identify the pollution origin, Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA) was employed for determination of 34 elements in PM10 samples collected at a height of 90 m above ground level. From April 2018 to March 2019, 111 PM10 samples from eight basic wind directions and calm and two smog situations were sampled. The elemental composition significantly varied depending on season and sampling conditions. The contribution of three important industrial sources (iron and steelworks, cement works) was identified, and the long-range cross-border transport representing the pollution from the Polish domestic boilers confirmed the most important pollution inflow during the winter season.
A New Transmission Route for the Propagation of the SARS-CoV-2 Coronavirus
Authors: Danchin Antoine , Ng Tuen Wai , Turinici Gabriel
Published: December 2020

Background: Starting late 2019, a novel coronavirus spread from the capital of the Hubei province in China to the rest of the country, then to most of the world. To anticipate future trends in the development of the pandemic, we explore here, based on public records of infected persons, how variation in the virus tropism could end up in different patterns, warranting a specific strategy to handle the epidemic. Methods: We use a compartmental model to describe the evolution of an individual through several possible states: susceptible, infected, alternative infection, detected, and removed. We fit the parameters of the model to the existing data, taking into account significant quarantine changes where necessary. Results: The model indicates that Wuhan quarantine measures were effective, but that alternative virus forms and a second propagation route are compatible with available data. For the Hong Kong, Singapore, and Shenzhen regions, the secondary route does not seem to be active. Conclusions: Hypotheses of an alternative infection tropism (the gut tropism) and a secondary propagation route are discussed using a model fitted by the available data. Corresponding prevention measures that take into account both routes should be implemented to the benefit of epidemic control.
Microbial Characteristics and Safety of Dairy Manure ComPosting for Reuse as Dairy Bedding
Authors: Wu Haoming , Wang Yang , Dong Lei , Hu Haiyan , Meng Lu , Liu Huimin , Zheng Nan , Wang Jiaqi
Published: December 2020

Changes in bacterial community, phenotype, metabolic function, and pathogenic bacteria content in recycled manure solids (RMS) were analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing, Bugbase, picrost2, and qPCR, respectively. The data from RMS bedding were compared to those of sand bedding and rice husk bedding. The results show that the proportion of potentially pathogenic bacteria among the manure flora of RMS after dry and wet separation, after composting, and after sun-cure storage was 74.00%, 26.03%, and 49.067%, respectively. Compared to RMS bedding, the proportion of potentially pathogenic microorganisms in sand bedding and rice husk bedding was higher. The picrust2 analyses show that the level of lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis changed significantly during RMS processing. In addition, the qPCR results show that composting could effectively reduce the detection and quantification of pathogens, except Streptococcus uberis, in RMS bedding. In general, composting is an essential step to improve the safety of bedding materials in the process of fecal treatment. However, at the same time, RMS bedding may increase the risk of mastitis caused by Streptococcus uberis.
Transcriptomic Analysis of Naïve Human Embryonic Stem Cells Cultured in Three-Dimensional PEG Scaffolds
Authors: McKee Christina , Brown Christina , Bakshi Shreeya , Walker Keegan , Govind Chhabi K. , Chaudhry G. Rasul
Published: December 2020

Naïve human embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are characterized by improved viability, proliferation, and differentiation capacity in comparison to traditionally derived primed human ESCs. However, currently used two-dimensional (2-D) cell culture techniques fail to mimic the three-dimensional (3-D) in vivo microenvironment, altering morphological and molecular characteristics of ESCs. Here, we describe the use of 3-D self-assembling scaffolds that support growth and maintenance of the naïve state characteristics of ESC line, Elf1. Scaffolds were formed via a Michael addition reaction upon the combination of two 8-arm polyethylene glycol (PEG) polymers functionalized with thiol (PEG-8-SH) and acrylate (PEG-8-Acr) end groups. 3-D scaffold environment maintained the naïve state and supported the long-term growth of ESCs. RNA-sequencing demonstrated significant changes in gene expression profiles between 2-D and 3-D grown cells. Gene ontology analysis revealed upregulation of biological processes involved in the regulation of transcription and translation, extracellular matrix organization, and chromatin remodeling in 3-D grown cells. 3-D culture conditions also induced upregulation of genes associated with Wnt and focal adhesion signaling, while p53 signaling pathway associated genes were downregulated. Our findings, for the first time, provide insight into the possible mechanisms of self-renewal of naïve ESCs stimulated by the transduction of mechanical signals from the 3-D microenvironment.
Aberrant Splicing in GJB1 and the Relevance of 5′ UTR in CMTX1 Pathogenesis
Authors: Boso Federica , Taioli Federica , Cabrini Ilaria , Cavallaro Tiziana , Fabrizi Gian Maria
Published: December 2020

The second most common form of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) follows an X-linked dominant inheritance pattern (CMTX1), referring to mutations in the gap junction protein beta 1 gene (GJB1) that affect connexin 32 protein (Cx32) and its ability to form gap junctions in the myelin sheath of peripheral nerves. Despite the advances of next-generation sequencing (NGS), attention has only recently also focused on noncoding regions. We describe two unrelated families with a c.-17+1G>T transversion in the 5′ untranslated region (UTR) of GJB1 that cosegregates with typical features of CMTX1. As suggested by in silico analysis, the mutation affects the regulatory sequence that controls the proper splicing of the intron in the corresponding mRNA. The retention of the intron is also associated with reduced levels of the transcript and the loss of immunofluorescent staining for Cx32 in the nerve biopsy, thus supporting the hypothesis of mRNA instability as a pathogenic mechanism in these families. Therefore, our report corroborates the role of 5′ UTR of GJB1 in the pathogenesis of CMTX1 and emphasizes the need to include this region in routine GJB1 screening, as well as in NGS panels.
Recurrent Glioblastoma: From Molecular Landscape to New Treatment Perspectives
Authors: Birzu Cristina , French Pim , Caccese Mario , Cerretti Giulia , Idbaih Ahmed , Zagonel Vittorina , Lombardi Giuseppe
Published: December 2020

Glioblastoma is the most frequent and aggressive form among malignant central nervous system primary tumors in adults. Standard treatment for newly diagnosed glioblastoma consists in maximal safe resection, if feasible, followed by radiochemotherapy and adjuvant chemotherapy with temozolomide; despite this multimodal treatment, virtually all glioblastomas relapse. Once tumors progress after first-line therapy, treatment options are limited and management of recurrent glioblastoma remains challenging. Loco-regional therapy with re-surgery or re-irradiation may be evaluated in selected cases, while traditional systemic therapy with nitrosoureas and temozolomide rechallenge showed limited efficacy. In recent years, new clinical trials using, for example, regorafenib or a combination of tyrosine kinase inhibitors and immunotherapy were performed with promising results. In particular, molecular targeted therapy could show efficacy in selected patients with specific gene mutations. Nonetheless, some molecular characteristics and genetic alterations could change during tumor progression, thus affecting the efficacy of precision medicine. We therefore reviewed the molecular and genomic landscape of recurrent glioblastoma, the strategy for clinical management and the major phase I-III clinical trials analyzing recent drugs and combination regimens in these patients.