bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oksidatif Stres ve Antioksidanların İş Sağlığına Etkileri
Authors: YILMAZ İlkay , ÜNER Mete Han
Published: April 2021

Oksidatif stres, reaktif oksijen türlerinin (ROS), antioksidan koruyucu etki kapasitesini geçmesi sonucu ortaya çıkan bir durumdur. Antioksidan sistemlerin yetersiz geldiği durumlarda DNA, lipit ve protein yapılar zarar görmekte bu durum kanser, kardiyovasküler ve nerodejeneratif hastalıkların ortaya çıkış sürecini hızlandırmaktadır. İşçiler bulundukları ortam sebebiyle oksidatif strese maruz kalmaktadırlar. Ağır metallere, iyonize radyasyona, yüksek basınca ve titreşime maruz kalmak oksidatif stresin artmasına neden olmaktadır. Özellikle, ağır ve tehlikeli iş kollarında çalışanların diyetlerinin, işçi sağlığının korunması amacıyla A, E, C vitaminleri ve çeşitli antioksidan bileşiklerden zengin olması büyük önem arz etmektedir. Bu derlemede çeşitli iş kollarında çalışan işçilerin oksidatif strese maruz kalmaları ve antioksidan bileşiklerin oksidatif stresi engellemedeki etkileri ile ilgili yayınlar derlenmiştir.
Çanakkale İlinde Bulunan Ortaöğretim Okullarında Görev Yapan Öğretmenlerin İş Güvenliği Bilgi Düzeylerinin Değerlendirilmesi
Authors: ERGÜL Adem , MESTAV Burcu , ÖZTÜRK Ömer Faruk
Published: April 2021

Bu çalışmada, Çanakkale ilinde bulunan ortaöğretim okullarında görev yapan öğretmenlerin iş güvenliği bilgi düzeyleri, farklı demografik özellikleri dikkate alınarak değerlendirilmiştir. Çalışma kapsamında nicel araştırma tekniklerinden kaynak tarama ile yeni bir ölçek hazırlanmış ve bu ölçek katılımcılara anket tekniği ile sunulmuştur. Anket verileri SPSS 24.0 paket programı ile analiz edilmiş, erkek öğretmenlerin iş sağlığı ve iş güvenliği bilgi düzeylerinin kadın öğretmenlere göre daha yüksek olduğu gözlemlenmiştir. Ayrıca, öğretmenlerin hizmet yıllarındaki artışla iş sağlığı ve güvenliği bilgi düzeylerinin de arttığı gözlemlenmiştir.
KADINLARIN İŞGÜCÜNE KATILIM ORANININ BELİRLEYİCİLERİ: TÜRKİYE İÇİN YAPISAL KIRILMALI ZAMAN SERİSİ ANALİZİ
Authors: SERTÇELİK Şeyma
Published: April 2021

Bu çalışmada 1994-2019 veri dönemi boyunca Türkiye’de kadınların işgücüne katılım oranının belirleyicileri araştırılmıştır. Bu amaçla enflasyon oranı, kadın nüfus oranı, büyüme oranı ve reel efektif döviz kuru endeksi değişkenleri kullanılmıştır. Bu çalışma ile birlikte reel efektif döviz kuru değişkeni ekonometrik modele ilk kez dahil edilerek, kadınların işgücüne katılım oranı üzerindeki etkisinin saptanması amaçlanmıştır. Ayrıca analiz aşamasında bugüne dek yapılan çalışmalardan farklı olarak, yapısal kırılmaları dikkate alan Narayan-Popp (2010) birim kök testi ile Maki (2012) eşbütünleşme testi birlikte kullanılarak uzun dönemli ilişki araştırılmıştır. Bu da çalışmanın bir diğer özgünlüğünü oluşturmaktadır.Analize dahil edilen değişkenlerin uzun dönemde birlikte hareket ettiği belirlendiğinden, uzun dönemli eşbütünleşme katsayıları FMOLS yöntemiyle elde edilmiştir. Analiz sonuçlarına göre; enflasyon oranı, kadın nüfus oranı ve büyüme oranında meydana gelen %1 birimlik artış, kadınların işgücüne katılım oranını sırasıyla %0.06, %40.18, %0.23 artırmaktadır. Reel efektif döviz kuru endeksinde meydana gelen %1 birimlik artış ise kadınların işgücüne katılım oranını %0.30 azaltmaktadır.
SEÇİM SONUÇLARI TEMELİNDE ELAZIĞ SİYASETİNİN KARŞILAŞTIRMALI ANALİZİ
Authors: ŞEKER Göktuğ
Published: April 2021

Elazığ geçmişten günümüze birden çok kültüre, inanca ve siyasi görüşe ev sahipliği yapan Doğu Anadolu Bölgesinde yer alan bir ildir. Bulunduğu coğrafi bölgenin geneline hâkim olan siyasi eğiliminin aksine Türkiye’nin genel siyasi eğilimleriyle aynı düzlemde bir siyasi yapıya sahip olup genellikle milliyetçi ve muhafazakâr görüşün hâkim olduğu bir şehir olması sebebiyle stratejik konuma sahiptir. Bunun sebebi ise Elazığ hiçbir zaman ne terör örgütlerini destekleyen partilere ne de onların yaptıkları eylemlere taviz vermemiş ve her koşulda devletin bölünmez bütünlüğünü kutsal saymış olmasıdır. Yapısı itibariyle Elazığ’ın siyasal eğilimini anlamak ve seçmenlerin tercihlerine sebep olan faktörleri değerlendirmek genelde Türk siyaseti ve özelde Elazığ açısından önemlidir. Bu çalışmada 1980 ile 2020 yılları arasındaki süreçte Elazığ’ın siyasi yapısının Türkiye’nin genel siyaseti içerisindeki ehemmiyetinin incelenmesi hedeflenmiştir. Seçim sonuçlarının karşılaştırılmalı bir şekilde ele alınmasıyla Elazığ’da genel ve yerel seçimlerin sonuçlarında benzerlik olup olmadığı daha açık bir şekilde ortaya konmuştur. Nitel araştırma tekniklerinden doküman incelemeleri yapılarak 1980 yılından itibaren gerçekleştirilen 11 genel seçim ve 8 yerel seçim sonuçları temel alınarak içerik analizi yapılmış ele alınan süreç içerisinde Elazığ’ın siyasal yapısı hakkında bilgi verilmiştir. Bu verilerin sonucunda belirli dönemlerde seçmenlerin tercihlerine sebep olan faktörlerden yaşanılan çevre, parti lideri, aday faktörü gibi etkenlerin önem arz ettiği ve Elazığ’ın genel olarak belirli dönemlerde gerçekleşen minimal farklılıklara rağmen ‘‘sağ’’ siyaset geleneğine hâkim olduğu tespit edilmiştir.
Anaerobic Digestion and Hot Water Pretreatment of Tropically Grown C4 Energy Grasses: Mass, Carbon, and Energy Conversions from Field Biomass to Fuels
Authors: Wells Jon M. , Crow Susan E. , Khanal Samir Kumar , Turn Scott , Hashimoto Andrew , Kiniry Jim , Meki Norman
Published: April 2021

The efficacy of C4 grasses as feedstocks for liquid fuel production and their climate mitigation potential remain unresolved in the tropics. To identify highly convertible C4 grasses, we measured final fuels and postprocess biomass produced in two laboratory-scale conversion pathways across 12 species and varieties within the Poaceae (grass) family. Total mass, carbon, and energy in final fuels and postprocess biomass were assessed based on field mass and area-based production. Two lignocellulosic processes were investigated: (1) anaerobic digestion (AD) to methane and (2) hot water pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis (HWP-EH) to ethanol. We found AD converted lignocellulose to methane more efficiently in terms of carbon and energy compared to ethanol production using HWP-EH, although improvements to and the optimization of each process could change these contrasts. The resulting data provide design limitations for agricultural production and biorefinery systems that regulate these systems as net carbon sources or sinks to the atmosphere. Median carbon recovery in final fuels and postprocess biomass from the studied C4 grasses were ~5 Mg C ha−1 year−1 for both methane and ethanol, while median energy recovery was ~200 MJ ha−1 year−1 for ethanol and ~275 MJ ha−1 year−1 for methane. The highest carbon and energy recovery from lignocellulose was achieved during methane production from a sugarcane hybrid called energycane, with ~10 Mg C ha−1 year−1 and ~450 MJ ha−1 year−1 of carbon and energy recovered, respectively, from fuels and post-process biomass combined. Carbon and energy recovery during ethanol production was also highest for energycane, with ~9 Mg C ha−1 year−1 and ~350 MJ ha−1 year−1 of carbon and energy recovered in fuels and postprocess biomass combined. Although several process streams remain unresolved, agricultural production and conversion of C4 grasses must operate within these carbon and energy limitations for biofuel and bioenergy production to be an atmospheric carbon sink.
A New Method to Recycle Dairy Waste for the Nutrition of Wheat Plants
Authors: Alharbi Saif , Majrashi Ali , Ghoneim Adel M. , Ali Esmat F. , Modahish Abdullah S. , Hassan Fahmy A. S. , Eissa Mamdouh A.
Published: April 2021

Dairy products are vital components of human food, however, they are rapidly spoiled due to their high content of organic matter which encourages the growth of decomposing microbes. The recycling of dairy wastes is an ideal solution to preserve the environment, as it is in line with the principles of sustainable agriculture. In this experiment, an organic fertilizer was extracted from dairy wastes and was used for the nutrition of wheat grown on sandy soils under two-year field studies. The application rate of the extracted organic fertilizer was 8 ton ha−1. Moreover, the same rates of N, P, and K were added from inorganic fertilizers. The extracted organic fertilizer significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced the wheat growth and increased chlorophyll by 11% and 16% in the first and second season, respectively, in comparison to the inorganic fertilization. The extracted organic fertilizer significantly minimized the soil pH from an initial value of 8.00 to 7.05. The tested organic fertilizer increased the uptake of N, P, and K by 55%, 49%, and 51% above the inorganic nutrition, respectively. The wheat straw and grain yield increased by 16% and 29% as a result of the addition of the organic fertilizer extracted from dairy wastes. The dairy wastes organic fertilizer caused a notable improvement in the soil quality. The extracted organic fertilizer was able to supply wheat with its nutrient requirements as it showed a remarkable superiority over the mineral fertilization. The disposal of expired dairy waste can be managed in a way that preserves the environment by converting it to organic fertilizers. Laboratory and field experiments have proven the efficiency of the extracted organic fertilizer in nutrition of wheat plants in sandy soils with low fertility.
Potential and Actual Bud Fruitfulness: A Tool for Predicting and Managing the Yield of Table Grape Varieties
Authors: Ferrara Giuseppe , Mazzeo Andrea
Published: April 2021

Microscopic bud dissection can be used to assess grapevine bud fruitfulness prior to winter pruning and long before actual bud fruitfulness can be measured in the vineyard the following spring. Bud dissections should be performed by qualified and trained personnel because inflorescence primordia are difficult to distinguish in some varieties. In the Puglia region, Southeastern Italy, in 2018 and 2019, potential fruitfulness using bud dissection and actual fruitfulness observed in the vineyard were compared for seventeen table grape varieties. The percentage of fertile buds, the number of inflorescence primordia (IP) per node, and the incidence of primary bud necrosis (PBN) were detected with bud dissection to be used either for managing winter pruning or for predicting yield during the successive season. The data were successively compared with fertile buds and actual bud fruitfulness observed in the vineyard during spring. The table grape varieties examined had similar values of fertile buds and fruitfulness both with bud dissection and in the vineyard. The application of longitudinal sections in bud dissections can be an alternative approach (or can be integrated into traditional cross sections) to distinguish IP in some difficult varieties, but the two techniques can be used together for more repeatable results. The bud dissection technique (with both cross and longitudinal sections) can provide useful insights for viticulturist to help guide winter pruning (intensity of pruning and number of canes) and to predict potential yield.
Effects of Hatch Window and Nutrient Access in the Hatcher on Performance and Processing Yields of Broilers Reared with Equal Hatch Window Representation
Authors: Deines Joshua , Clark F. , Yoho Doug , Bramwell R. , Rochell Samuel
Published: April 2021

The objective of this experiment was to investigate the effects of feed and water availability in hatching baskets on broiler performance, processing yield, and organ weights while considering the influence of hatch window. Cobb 500 eggs were transferred into illuminated hatchers with two hatching basket types [control (CTL) hatching baskets with no nutrients provided or baskets containing feed and water (FAW)]. Chicks were pulled sequentially to establish four hatch window periods (HWP): early, pre-peak, post-peak, or late. Chicks were then held for 4 h at the hatchery without nutrient access and subsequently reared in 26 floor pens designated as CTL (n = 13) or FAW (n = 13), with 13 chicks from each of the 4 HWP per pen (52 chicks per pen). At 43 d, 16 males from each pen were processed. Chicks from FAW baskets were 1 g heavier (p < 0.001) than those from CTL baskets at placement and were heavier through 28 d (p = 0.003) but similar (p > 0.05) in body weight (BW) for the remainder of the 42 d. No differences (p > 0.05) in feed conversion ratio, mortality, or processing data were observed between CTL and FAW groups. Early-hatching chicks were lighter (p < 0.001) than those from all other HWP at placement, but were only lighter (p < 0.001) than the post-peak group by 42 d. In summary, it was found that hatching basket nutrient access increased the BW of broilers during the first 4 wk of growth, with no other effects on performance or yield. Also, earlier-hatching chicks were generally able to compensate for a lighter placement BW.
The Levels of Mineral Elements and Toxic Metals in the Longissimus lumborum Muscle, Hair and Selected Organs of Red Deer (Cervus elaphus L.) in Poland
Authors: Cygan-Szczegielniak Dorota
Published: April 2021

The aim of the study was to analyse correlations and variability between the levels of mineral elements (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Na, K, Ca and Mg) and toxic metals (Pb and Cd) in the longissimus lumborum muscle, hair and selected organs of red deer (Cervus elaphus L.). The levels of mineral elements were measured using atomic absorption spectroscopy (F-AAS). The levels of Pb and Cd were analysed by means of electrothermal atomic absorption spectroscopy (ET-AAS). Of all analysed microelements, the highest concentration (in g·kg−1 of dry weight) was found for Fe in the liver. Considering all macroelements, the highest level was found for K in the longissimus lumborum muscle. Particularly remarkable was the high level of Pb in the muscle and hair of red deer. The level of Cd in the hair was four to five times lower than in other samples. The study revealed many significant correlations between the levels of certain elements in individual tissues and organs. There were significant correlations between Cu-Fe (rxy = 0.650; p ≤ 0.01), Pb-Cu (rxy = −0.863; p ≤ 0.01) and Cd-Ca (rxy = −0.743; p ≤ 0.01) in testicles. For kidneys, a significant negative correlation was found for K and Na (rxy = −0.779; p ≤ 0.01) and for Ca and Cd (rxy = −0.695; p ≤ 0.01), and a positive correlation between Cu and Mn (rxy = 0.693; p ≤ 0.01). In the liver, significant negative correlations were found between Ca-K (rxy = −0.654; p ≤ 0.05), Cd-Fe (rxy = −0.651; p ≤ 0.05) and Pb-Cu (rxy = −0.627; p ≤ 0.05). In the muscle, only single significant correlations were found between Cd and Mn (rxy = 0.648; p ≤ 0.05). The highest number of significant correlations were recorded for the hair, among others between Na-K (rxy = 0.760) and Ca-Zn (rxy = 0.709) at p ≤ 0.01. The study revealed high variability in the levels of mineral elements and selected toxic metals in tissues, organs and hair of red deer. Additionally, this research confirmed that the accumulation of a specific metal in a tissue or organ can reduce its concentration in another matrix or promote its increased content in another tissue or organ.
Reliability and Validity of a Dog Personality and Unwanted Behavior Survey
Authors: Salonen Milla , Mikkola Salla , Hakanen Emma , Sulkama Sini , Puurunen Jenni , Lohi Hannes
Published: April 2021

Dogs have distinct, consistent personalities, but the structure of dog personality is still unclear. Dog personality and unwanted behavior are often studied with behavioral questionnaires. Even though many questionnaires are reliable and valid measures of behavior, all new questionnaire tools should be extensively validated. Here, we examined the structure of personality and six unwanted behavior questionnaire sections: noise sensitivity, fearfulness, aggression, fear of surfaces and heights, separation anxiety and impulsivity/inattention with factor analyses. Personality consisted of seven factors: Insecurity, Training focus, Energy, Aggressiveness/dominance, Human sociability, Dog sociability and Perseverance. Most unwanted behavior sections included only one factor, but the impulsivity/inattention section divided into two factors (Hyperactivity/impulsivity and Inattention) and the aggression section into four factors (Barking, Stranger directed aggression, Owner directed aggression and Dog directed aggression). We also examined the internal consistency, test-retest reliability, inter-rater reliability and convergent validity of the 17 personality and unwanted behavior traits and discovered excellent reliability and validity. Finally, we investigated the discriminant validity of the personality traits, which was good. Our findings indicate that this personality and unwanted behavior questionnaire is a reliable and valid tool that can be used to study personality and behavior extensively.
Regulation of Cardiac PKA Signaling by cAMP and Oxidants
Authors: Cuello Friederike , Herberg Friedrich W. , Stathopoulou Konstantina , Henning Philipp , Diering Simon
Published: April 2021

Pathologies, such as cancer, inflammatory and cardiac diseases are commonly associated with long-term increased production and release of reactive oxygen species referred to as oxidative stress. Thereby, protein oxidation conveys protein dysfunction and contributes to disease progression. Importantly, trials to scavenge oxidants by systemic antioxidant therapy failed. This observation supports the notion that oxidants are indispensable physiological signaling molecules that induce oxidative post-translational modifications in target proteins. In cardiac myocytes, the main driver of cardiac contractility is the activation of the β-adrenoceptor-signaling cascade leading to increased cellular cAMP production and activation of its main effector, the cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA). PKA-mediated phosphorylation of substrate proteins that are involved in excitation-contraction coupling are responsible for the observed positive inotropic and lusitropic effects. PKA-actions are counteracted by cellular protein phosphatases (PP) that dephosphorylate substrate proteins and thus allow the termination of PKA-signaling. Both, kinase and phosphatase are redox-sensitive and susceptible to oxidation on critical cysteine residues. Thereby, oxidation of the regulatory PKA and PP subunits is considered to regulate subcellular kinase and phosphatase localization, while intradisulfide formation of the catalytic subunits negatively impacts on catalytic activity with direct consequences on substrate (de)phosphorylation and cardiac contractile function. This review article attempts to incorporate the current perception of the functionally relevant regulation of cardiac contractility by classical cAMP-dependent signaling with the contribution of oxidant modification.
Antiglycating Effect of Phenolics from the Chilean Currant Ribes cucullatum under Thermal Treatment
Authors: Ávila Felipe , Ravello Natalia , Manriquez Camila , Jiménez-Aspee Felipe , Schmeda-Hirschmann Guillermo , Theoduloz Cristina
Published: April 2021

Numerous dietary polyphenols possess antiglicating activity, but the effects of thermal treatment on this activity are mostly unknown. The effect of thermal treatment in the antiglycating activity of polyphenolic enriched extracts (PEEs) from Ribes cucullatum towards glyoxal-induced glycation of sarcoplasmic proteins was assessed. Sarcoplasmic proteins from chicken, beef, salmon, and turkey, were incubated 2 h at 60 °C with and without glyoxal and different concentrations of PEEs (0.25, 0.5, 1, and 5 mg/mL). The antiglycating activity was evaluated by: (1) Lys and Arg consumption, (2) Carboxymethyl lysine (CML) generation, and (3) lipid-derived electrophiles inhibition in a gastric digestion model. Protective effects were observed against CML generation in proteins and a decrease of electrophiles in the gastric digestion model. A dose-dependent consumption of Lys and Arg in proteins/PEEs samples, indicated the possible occurrence of quinoproteins generation from the phenolics. Protein/PEEs incubations were assessed by: (1) High pressure liquid chromatography analysis, (2) Gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), and (3) Redox cycling staining of quinoproteins. Protein/PEEs incubations produced: (1) Decrease in phenolics, (2) increase of protein crosslinking, and (3) dose-dependent generation of quinoproteins. We demonstrate that phenolic compounds from R. cucullatum under thermal treatment act as antiglycating agents, but oxidative reactions occurs at high concentrations, generating protein crosslinking and quinoproteins.
Antiplatelet Activity of Isorhamnetin via Mitochondrial Regulation
Authors: Rodríguez Lyanne , Badimon Lina , Méndez Diego , Padró Teresa , Vilahur Gemma , Peña Esther , Carrasco Basilio , Vogel Hermine , Palomo Iván , Fuentes Eduardo
Published: April 2021

With the diet, we ingest nutrients capable of modulating platelet function, which plays a crucial role in developing cardiovascular events, one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. Studies that demonstrate the antiplatelet and antithrombotic potential of bioactive compounds are vital to maintaining good cardiovascular health. In this work, we evaluate the flavonol isorhamnetin’s antiplatelet effect on human platelets, using collagen, thrombin receptor activator peptide 6 (TRAP-6), and phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) as agonists. Isorhamnetin induced a significant inhibition on collagen- and TRAP-6-induced platelet aggregation, with half-maximum inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 8.1 ± 2.6 and 16.1 ± 11.1 µM, respectively; while it did not show cytotoxic effect. Isorhamnetin reduced adenosine triphosphate levels (ATP) in platelets stimulated by collagen and TRAP-6. We also evidenced that isorhamnetin’s antiplatelet activity was related to the inhibition of mitochondrial function without effect on reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Additionally, we investigated isorhamnetin’s effect on thrombus formation in vitro under flow conditions on the damaged vessel wall. In this context, we demonstrate that isorhamnetin at 20 µM induced a significant inhibition on platelet deposition, confirming its antithrombotic effect. Our findings corroborate the antiplatelet and antithrombotic potential of isorhamnetin present in many foods of daily consumption.
Targeting Ferroptosis against Ischemia/Reperfusion Cardiac Injury
Authors: Lillo-Moya José , Rojas-Solé Catalina , Muñoz-Salamanca Diego , Panieri Emiliano , Saso Luciano , Rodrigo Ramón
Published: April 2021

Ischemic heart disease is a leading cause of death worldwide. Primarily, ischemia causes decreased oxygen supply, resulting in damage of the cardiac tissue. Naturally, reoxygenation has been recognized as the treatment of choice to recover blood flow through primary percutaneous coronary intervention. This treatment is the gold standard therapy to restore blood flow, but paradoxically it can also induce tissue injury. A number of different studies in animal models of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) suggest that ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) accounts for up to 50% of the final myocardial infarct size. Oxidative stress plays a critical role in the pathological process. Iron is an essential mineral required for a variety of vital biological functions but also has potentially toxic effects. A detrimental process induced by free iron is ferroptosis, a non-apoptotic type of programmed cell death. Accordingly, efforts to prevent ferroptosis in pathological settings have focused on the use of radical trapping antioxidants (RTAs), such as liproxstatin-1 (Lip-1). Hence, it is necessary to develop novel strategies to prevent cardiac IRI, thus improving the clinical outcome in patients with ischemic heart disease. The present review analyses the role of ferroptosis inhibition to prevent heart IRI, with special reference to Lip-1 as a promising drug in this clinicopathological context.
Laser Doppler for Accurate Diagnosis of Oehler’s Type III Dens Invaginatus: A Case Report
Authors: Lee Hui-Na , Yan Dah-You , Huang Chun-Yin , Chen Shih-Chieh , Pan Chin-Yun , Jeng Jiiang-Huei , Chen Yuk-Kwan , Chuang Fu-Hsiung
Published: April 2021

In vital pulp therapy, pulp testing aids in the differential diagnosis and influences the treatment plan. Different from previous doppler flowmetry studies that only recorded waves and data, we report the first time, the use of a laser doppler blood flow monitor and imager with a colored image to present pulp vitality information in the dental field. We report here a case of Oehlers type IIIa dens invaginatus of the right upper lateral incisor in a 31-year-old girl, with the opening of the invagination near CDJ and a peri-invagination lesion sized 8 × 9 mm2. Cone beam computed tomography was used to verify specific spatial and stereoscopic data. After removing the source of infection, mineral trioxide aggregate was selected to fill the invagination. Laser doppler was scheduled for further assessment. After three years of regular follow-up, the patient’s clinical condition improved, the peri-invagination lesion healed, and the laser doppler and electric pulp test both showed a positive reaction. Laser doppler has successfully improved the diagnostic accuracy Thus, unnecessary interventions can be avoided while reducing the treatment time by preserving the vitality. However, further work is needed to resolve the limitations of laser doppler.
Online Multi-Level Energy Management Strategy Based on Rule-Based and Optimization-Based Approaches for Fuel Cell Hybrid Electric Vehicles
Authors: Farhadi Gharibeh Hamed , Farrokhifar Meisam
Published: April 2021

This paper introduces an online multi-level energy management strategy (EMS) based on proposed rule-based and optimization-based approaches for fuel hybrid electric vehicles, including fuel cell, battery, and ultracapacitor systems. Our approach combines equivalent consumption minimization, state machine control, operational mode control, and fuzzy logic control methods. The proposed multi-level EMS reduces fuel consumption, enhances fuel cell operating time in a high-efficiency range, reduces battery power fluctuations, and improves maintaining the battery state of charge (SOC). The proposed EMS is compared with the optimized-fuzzy logic control (Opt-FLC) method. The results show a reduction in fuel consumption, battery power fluctuations, and the SOC difference between the start and end of the driving cycle, compared to Opt-FLC. Hence, fuel economy improvement and lifetime enhancement of hybrid energy storage system are the significant outcomes of new proposed multi-level EMS.
Compton Scattering Imaging of Liquid Water in Porous Carbon-Based Materials
Authors: Tsuji Naruki , Tsuji Yoichiro , Uchimoto Yoshiharu , Imai Hideto , Sakurai Yoshiharu
Published: April 2021

Synchrotron-based Compton scattering imaging with intense high-energy X-rays allows the visualization of light element substances in an electrochemical device under an operando condition. In this study, we apply this imaging technique to a water-contained, porous carbon-based composite, which is used as a material for the gas diffusion layer in polymer electrolyte fuel cells. Analyses of the two-dimensional intensity images of Compton scattered X-rays provide the cross-sectional distributions of liquid water, as well as the depth dependency of the water content. In addition, the analyses reveal a significant interaction between the carbon materials and water droplets.
Are Torque-Driven Simulation Models of Human Movement Limited by an Assumption of Monoarticularity?
Authors: Lewis Martin G. C. , Yeadon Maurice R. , King Mark A.
Published: April 2021

Subject-specific torque-driven computer simulation models employing single-joint torque generators have successfully simulated various sports movements with a key assumption that the maximal torque exerted at a joint is a function of the kinematics of that joint alone. This study investigates the effect on model accuracy of single-joint or two-joint torque generator representations within whole-body simulations of squat jumping and countermovement jumping. Two eight-segment forward dynamics subject-specific rigid body models with torque generators at five joints are constructed—the first model includes lower limb torques, calculated solely from single-joint torque generators, and the second model includes two-joint torque generators. Both models are used to produce matched simulations to a squat jump and a countermovement jump by varying activation timings to the torque generators in each model. The two-joint torque generator model of squat and countermovement jumps matched measured jump performances more closely (6% and 10% different, respectively) than the single-joint simulation model (10% and 24% different, respectively). Our results show that the two-joint model performed better for squat jumping and the upward phase of the countermovement jump by more closely matching faster joint velocities and achieving comparable amounts of lower limb joint extension. The submaximal descent phase of the countermovement jump was matched with similar accuracy by the two models (9% difference). In conclusion, a two-joint torque generator representation is likely to be more appropriate for simulating dynamic tasks requiring large joint torques and near-maximal joint velocities.
Animal Protein Sources as a Substitute for Fishmeal in Aquaculture Diets: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Luthada-Raswiswi Rendani , Mukaratirwa Samson , O’Brien Gordon
Published: April 2021

Fishmeal is the main source of dietary protein for most commercially farmed fish species. However, fishmeal prices have been raised even further because of competition with domestic animals, shortage in world fishmeal supply, and increased demand. Increased fishmeal prices have contributed to the quest for alternatives necessary to replace fishmeal as a global research priority. A literature search was conducted using these terms on Google Scholar and EBSCOhost; fishmeal replacement in fish feeds, fishmeal alternatives in fish feeds, animal protein sources in aquaculture, insects in fish feeds, terrestrial by-products, and fishery by-products. To calculate the variation between experiments, a random effect model was used. Results indicated that different fish species, sizes, and inclusion levels were used in the various studies and showed that the use of insects, terrestrial by-products, and fishery by-products has some limitations. Despite these drawbacks, the use of animal protein sources as a replacement for fishmeal in fish diets has had a positive impact on the feed conversion ratio, variable growth rate, final weight, and survival rate of different types of fish species of different size groups. Findings also showed that some animal by-products had not been assessed as a protein source in aquaculture or animal feeds, and future studies are recommended.
A Global Continuous Multi-Scale Terrain Contour Simplification Method Based on the Level Set
Authors: Qian Haoyue , Yang Lin , Zuo Zejun , Wang Run , Zhen Wenjie , Zhou Shunping
Published: April 2021

Multi-scale spatial representation has been widely used in geographic information and online mapping systems. Terrain contour, which provides a reference for understanding and monitoring the Earth’s surface, is an important data category. For the multi-scale representation of contour lines, simplification is a fundamental step in providing different levels of detail for linear features. However, achieving a global continuous multi-scale simplification of contours remains a challenge. Therefore, based on the concept of level set, a novel contour simplification method labeled the continuous changing surface model (CCSM) was proposed in this paper. The CCSM was built by using a non-uniform rational B-spline constrained with characteristics and was then intersected with a set of horizontal planes with progressive height values. The generated intersection lines are considered continuous multi-scale simplified contours. Experiments were conducted on a 1:50,000 real contour dataset to verify the effectiveness of CCSM. Results showed that the changes in the shape of the simplified contours generated by CCSM are more natural and progressive than those generated by two other significant simplification methods. CCSM can also effectively balance local and global structures and has potential applications in obtaining a continuous multi-scale representation of terrain contours.
Special Issue “Application of Spectroscopy in Food Analysis”
Authors: Biancolillo Alessandra , Marini Federico
Published: April 2021

“Man is what he eats”: food represents one of the fundamental needs for human beings, and, therefore, food analysis is a field of utmost importance [...]
Assessment of Several Approaches to Biofortified Products: A Literature Review
Authors: Bellia Claudio , Timpanaro Giuseppe , Scuderi Alessandro , Foti Vera Teresa
Published: April 2021

The aim of this study is to provide a literature review on biofortified products and their role in the scientific sphere. Despite the large number of studies conducted on biofortified products in the last 20 years, many defining issues are still debated in the literature and several research questions should be clarified. It is therefore relevant to investigate more on this topic, which is considered increasingly important to human health, world hunger reduction strategy, and also for the international marketing strategy of production holdings. The papers were analyzed according to a chronological/conceptual approach, with greater emphasis on research that has added significant value to the literature. The research was carried out using a scientific database from which 1189 scientific papers were extracted. A careful analysis of the abstracts and the text led to the identification of the five dimensions of our greatest interest (Reducing world hunger; Human health; GMOs; Agronomy, herbaceous crops; Economy and the market). The suggestions for future research reported by various authors are organized and structured in order to create an incentive for new studies and insights into biofortification.
Comments about Urban Bioclimate Aspects for Consideration in Urban Climate and Planning Issues in the Era of Climate Change
Authors: Matzarakis Andreas
Published: April 2021

In the era of climate change, before developing and establishing mitigation and adaptation measures that counteract urban heat island (UHI) effects [...]
Untangling Urban Sprawl and Climate Change: A Review of the Literature on Physical Planning and Transportation Drivers
Authors: Feng Qiu , Gauthier Pierre
Published: April 2021

Significant efforts have been dedicated to studying the linkages between urban form, fossil energy consumption, and climate change. The theme of urban sprawl helped to federate a significant portion of such efforts. Yet, the research appears fragmented, at stems from different disciplines and mobilizes different methods to probe different aspects of the issue. This paper seeks to better understand the status of knowledge concerning the linkages between sprawl and climate change through a critical review of the literature published between 1979 and 2018. The exercise entailed revisiting how sprawl has been defined, characterized and measured, and how such parameters have informed the research themes and the approaches mobilized to study its impacts on climate change. For, sprawled environments contribute the climate change directly and indirectly, due to the individual or combined effects of its land use, land cover, urban form, and transportation characteristics. The results indicate that sprawl’s impacts have been mainly investigated in three principal streams of research and based on a limited number of factors or combinations of factors. Though a strong consensus emerges on the negative environmental costs of sprawl, including toward climate change, there remain ambiguities when trying to untangle and weigh specific causes.
Anti-Atherosclerotic Potential of Free Fatty Acid Receptor 4 (FFAR4)
Authors: Kiepura Anna , Stachyra Kamila , Olszanecki Rafał
Published: April 2021

Fatty acids (FAs) are considered not only as a basic nutrient, but are also recognized as signaling molecules acting on various types of receptors. The receptors activated by FAs include the family of rhodopsin-like receptors: GPR40 (FFAR1), GPR41 (FFAR3), GPR43 (FFAR2), GPR120 (FFAR4), and several other, less characterized G-protein coupled receptors (GPR84, GPR109A, GPR170, GPR31, GPR132, GPR119, and Olfr78). The ubiquitously distributed FFAR4 can be activated by saturated and unsaturated medium- and long-chain fatty acids (MCFAs and LCFAs), as well as by several synthetic agonists (e.g., TUG-891). The stimulation of FFAR4 using selective synthetic agonists proved to be promising strategy of reduction of inflammatory reactions in various tissues. In this paper, we summarize the evidence showing the mechanisms of the potential beneficial effects of FFAR4 stimulation in atherosclerosis. Based partly on our own results, we also suggest that an important mechanism of such activity may be the modulatory influence of FFAR4 on the phenotype of macrophage involved in atherogenesis.
Theoretical Models of Consciousness: A Scoping Review
Authors: Sattin Davide , Magnani Francesca Giulia , Bartesaghi Laura , Caputo Milena , Fittipaldo Andrea Veronica , Cacciatore Martina , Picozzi Mario , Leonardi Matilde
Published: April 2021

The amount of knowledge on human consciousness has created a multitude of viewpoints and it is difficult to compare and synthesize all the recent scientific perspectives. Indeed, there are many definitions of consciousness and multiple approaches to study the neural correlates of consciousness (NCC). Therefore, the main aim of this article is to collect data on the various theories of consciousness published between 2007–2017 and to synthesize them to provide a general overview of this topic. To describe each theory, we developed a thematic grid called the dimensional model, which qualitatively and quantitatively analyzes how each article, related to one specific theory, debates/analyzes a specific issue. Among the 1130 articles assessed, 85 full texts were included in the prefinal step. Finally, this scoping review analyzed 68 articles that described 29 theories of consciousness. We found heterogeneous perspectives in the theories analyzed. Those with the highest grade of variability are as follows: subjectivity, NCC, and the consciousness/cognitive function. Among sub-cortical structures, thalamus, basal ganglia, and the hippocampus were the most indicated, whereas the cingulate, prefrontal, and temporal areas were the most reported for cortical ones also including the thalamo-cortical system. Moreover, we found several definitions of consciousness and 21 new sub-classifications.
Delayed Anastomotic Occlusion after Direct Revascularization in Adult Hemorrhagic Moyamoya Disease
Authors: Chen Yu , Lin Fa , Yan De-Bin , Han He-Ze , Zhao Ya-Hui , Ma Li , Ma Yong-Gang , Ma Long , Ye Xun , Wang Rong , Chen Xiao-Lin , Zhang Dong , Zhao Yuan-Li , Kang Shuai
Published: April 2021

Delayed anastomotic occlusion occurred in a considerable proportion of hemorrhagic moyamoya disease (MMD) patients undergoing direct revascularization. This study aimed to investigate the predictors and outcomes of delayed anastomotic occlusion in adult hemorrhagic MMD. The authors retrospectively reviewed 87 adult hemorrhagic MMD patients. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. After an average of 9.1 ± 6.9 months of angiographic follow-up, the long-term graft patency rates were 79.8%. The occluded group had significantly worse angiogenesis than the non-occluded group (p < 0.001). However, the improvement of dilated anterior choroidal artery–posterior communicating artery was similar (p = 0.090). After an average of 4.0 ± 2.5 years of clinical follow-up, the neurological statues and postoperative annualized rupture risk were similar between the occluded and non-occluded groups (p = 0.750; p = 0.679; respectively). In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, collateral circulation Grade III (OR, 4.772; 95% CI, 1.184–19.230; p = 0.028) and preoperative computed tomography perfusion (CTP) Grade I–II (OR, 4.129; 95% CI, 1.294–13.175; p = 0.017) were independent predictors of delayed anastomotic occlusion. Delayed anastomotic occlusion in adult hemorrhagic MMD might be a benign phenomenon. Good collateral circulation (Grade III) and compensable preoperative intracranial perfusion (CTP Grade I–II) are independent predictors for this phenomenon. Moreover, the delayed anastomotic occlusion has no significant correlations with the long-term angiographic and neurological outcomes, except neoangiogenesis.
Experimental Investigation of ECC Jackets for Repair of Pre-Damaged R.C. Members under Monotonic Loading
Authors: Ioannou Anthos , Pantazopoulou Stavroula , Petrou Michael , Charmpis Dimos
Published: April 2021

With the advent of strain-hardening cementitious composites (SHCC), an opportunity for alternative jacketing solutions is presented, where the internal confinement exerted by the fibers in the material may effectively encase the structural component, thereby enhancing the strength and deformation capacity in the critical regions. This concept is explored in the present paper through testing of four pre-damaged prismatic flexural reinforced concrete members with various reinforcing deficiencies. Thin SHCC jackets constituted of a fiber-reinforced Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) are used to replace the damaged cover without any additional confining reinforcement. An advantage of cover replacement is that strengthening is achieved without altering the dimensions of the members. The experimental results documented the SHCC jackets’ effectiveness as a rehabilitation strategy, enhancing both the strength and ductility of the retrofitted elements and mitigating the deficiency in transverse reinforcement detailing. The strength recovery showed that the cover-thin SHCC jacket sufficed to enhance flexural and shear resistance through confinement and mobilization of stress transfer at the interface with the encased core.
Fibrin Sealants and Axillary Lymphatic Morbidity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of 23 Clinical Randomized Trials
Authors: Gasparri Maria , Kuehn Thorsten , Ruscito Ilary , Zuber Veronica , Di Micco Rosa , Galiano Ilaria , Navarro Quinones Siobana , Santurro Letizia , Di Vittorio Francesca , Meani Francesco , Bassi Valerio , Ditsch Nina , Mueller Michael , Bellati Filippo , Caserta Donatella , Papadia Andrea , Gentilini Oreste
Published: April 2021

Background: use of fibrin sealants following pelvic, paraaortic, and inguinal lymphadenectomy may reduce lymphatic morbidity. The aim of this meta-analysis is to evaluate if this finding applies to the axillary lymphadenectomy. Methods: randomized trials evaluating the efficacy of fibrin sealants in reducing axillary lymphatic complications were included. Lymphocele, drainage output, surgical-site complications, and hospital stay were considered as outcomes. Results: twenty-three randomized studies, including patients undergoing axillary lymphadenectomy for breast cancer, melanoma, and Hodgkin’s disease, were included. Fibrin sealants did not affect axillary lymphocele incidence nor the surgical site complications. Drainage output, days with drainage, and hospital stay were reduced when fibrin sealants were applied (p < 0.0001, p < 0.005, p = 0.008). Conclusion: fibrin sealants after axillary dissection reduce the total axillary drainage output, the duration of drainage, and the hospital stay. No effects on the incidence of postoperative lymphocele and surgical site complications rate are found.
Nanomedicine to Overcome Multidrug Resistance Mechanisms in Colon and Pancreatic Cancer: Recent Progress
Authors: Ortíz Raúl , Quiñonero Francisco , García-Pinel Beatriz , Fuel Marco , Mesas Cristina , Cabeza Laura , Melguizo Consolación , Prados Jose
Published: April 2021

The development of drug resistance is one of the main causes of cancer treatment failure. This phenomenon occurs very frequently in different types of cancer, including colon and pancreatic cancers. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. In recent years, nanomedicine has improved the delivery and efficacy of drugs, and has decreased their side effects. In addition, it has allowed to design drugs capable of avoiding certain resistance mechanisms of tumors. In this article, we review the main resistance mechanisms in colon and pancreatic cancers, along with the most relevant strategies offered by nanodrugs to overcome this obstacle. These strategies include the inhibition of efflux pumps, the use of specific targets, the development of nanomedicines affecting the environment of cancer-specific tissues, the modulation of DNA repair mechanisms or RNA (miRNA), and specific approaches to damage cancer stem cells, among others. This review aims to illustrate how advanced nanoformulations, including polymeric conjugates, micelles, dendrimers, liposomes, metallic and carbon-based nanoparticles, are allowing to overcome one of the main limitations in the treatment of colon and pancreatic cancers. The future development of nanomedicine opens new horizons for cancer treatment.
Electrocatalytic Properties of Co Nanoconical Structured Electrodes Produced by a One-Step or Two-Step Method
Authors: Skibinska Katarzyna , Kolczyk-Siedlecka Karolina , Kutyla Dawid , Jedraczka Anna , Leszczyńska-Madej Beata , Marzec Mateusz M. , Zabinski Piotr
Published: April 2021

One-dimensional (1D) nanostructures, such as nanotubes, nanopores, nanodots and nanocones, are characterized by better catalytic properties than bulk material due to their large active surface area and small geometrical size. These structures can be produced by several methods of synthesis including the one- and two-step methods. In the one-step method, a crystal modifier is added to the solution in order to limit the horizontal direction of structures growing during electrodeposition. In this work, NH4Cl was used as a crystal modifier. Another way of production of 1D nanocones is the electrodeposition of metal in porous anodic alumina oxide (AAO) templates, called the two-step method. In this case, the AAO template was obtained using a two-step anodization process. Nanocones obtained by the two-step method show smaller geometrical size. In this work, cobalt nanoconical structures were obtained from an electrolyte containing CoCl2 and H3BO3. The electrocatalytic properties of materials fabricated by one-step and two-step methods were measured in 1 M NaOH and compared with bulk material electrodeposited from the same electrolyte. There were several microshell structures in the case of Co deposits obtained by the one-step method. To solve this problem, different conditions of synthesis Co cones by the one-step method were applied. The electrocatalytic activity of these samples was checked as well.