bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fault Diagnosis Technology for Ship Electrical Power System
Authors: Yu Chaochun , Qi Liang , Sun Jie , Jiang Chunhui , Su Jun , Shu Wentao
Published: February 2022

This paper proposes a fault diagnosis method for ship electrical power systems on the basis of an improved convolutional neural network (CNN) to support normal ship operation. First, according to the mathematical model of the ship electrical power system, the simulation model of the ship electrical power system is built using the MATLAB/Simulink simulation software platform in order to understand the normal working state and fault state of the generator and load in the power system. Then, the model is simulated to generate the fault response curve, and the picture dataset of the network model is obtained. Second, a CNN fault diagnosis model is designed using TensorFlow, an open-source tool for deep learning. Finally, network model training is performed, and the optimal diagnosis results of the ship electrical power system are obtained to realize structural parameter optimization and diagnosis. The diagnosis results show that the established simulation model and improved CNN can provide support for fault diagnosis of the ship electrical power system, improve the operation stability and safety of the ship electrical power system, and ensure safety of the crew.
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of Future Internet in 2021
Authors:   Future Internet Editorial Office
Published: February 2022

Rigorous peer-reviews are the basis of high-quality academic publishing [...]
Anomalous Vehicle Recognition in Smart Urban Traffic Monitoring as an Edge Service
Authors: Chen Ning , Chen Yu
Published: February 2022

The past decades witnessed an unprecedented urbanization and the proliferation of modern information and communication technologies (ICT), which makes the concept of Smart City feasible. Among various intelligent components, smart urban transportation monitoring is an essential part of smoothly operational smart cities. Although there is fast development of Smart Cities and the growth of Internet of Things (IoT), real-time anomalous behavior detection in Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) is still challenging. Because of multiple advanced features including flexibility, safety, and ease of manipulation, quadcopter drones have been widely adopted in many areas, from service improvement to urban surveillance, and data collection for scientific research. In this paper, a Smart Urban traffic Monitoring (SurMon) scheme is proposed employing drones following an edge computing paradigm. A dynamic video stream processing scheme is proposed to meet the requirements of real-time information processing and decision-making at the edge. Specifically, we propose to identify anomalous vehicle behaviors in real time by creatively applying the multidimensional Singular Spectrum Analysis (mSSA) technique in space to detect the different vehicle behaviors on roads. Multiple features of vehicle behaviors are fed into channels of the mSSA procedure. Instead of trying to create and define a database of normal activity patterns of vehicles on the road, the anomaly detection is reformatted as an outlier identifying problem. Then, a cascaded Capsules Network is designed to predict whether the behavior is a violation. An extensive experimental study has been conducted and the results have validated the feasibility and effectiveness of the SurMon scheme.
Transcriptome Profiling Revealed Basis for Growth Heterosis in Hybrid Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus ♀ × O. aureus ♂)
Authors: Zhu Jinglin , Zou Zhiying , Li Dayu , Xiao Wei , Yu Jie , Chen Binglin , Xue Liangyi , Yang Hong
Published: February 2022

Hybrid tilapia were produced from hybridization of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and blue tilapia (O. aureus). Comparative transcriptome analysis was carried out on the liver of hybrid tilapia and their parents by RNA sequencing. A total of 2319 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. Trend co-expression analysis showed that non-additive gene expression accounted for 67.1% of all DEGs. Gene Ontology and KEGG enrichment analyses classified the respective DEGs. Gene functional enrichment analysis indicated that most up-regulated genes, such as FASN, ACSL1, ACSL3, ACSL6, ACACA, ELOVL6, G6PD, ENO1, GATM, and ME3, were involved in metabolism, including fatty acid biosynthesis, unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis, glycolysis, pentose phosphate pathway, amino acid metabolism, pyruvate metabolism, and the tricarboxylic acid cycle. The expression levels of a gene related to ribosomal biosynthesis in eukaryotes, GSH-Px, and those associated with heat shock proteins (HSPs), such as HSPA5 and HSP70, were significantly down-regulated compared with the parent tilapia lineages. The results revealed that the metabolic pathway in hybrid tilapia was up-regulated, with significantly improved fatty acid metabolism and carbon metabolism, whereas ribosome biosynthesis in eukaryotes and basal defense response were significantly down-regulated. These findings provide new insights into our understanding of growth heterosis in hybrid tilapia.
Simulation of Natural Convection by Multirelaxation Time Lattice Boltzmann Method in a Triangular Enclosure
Authors: Baliti Jamal , Elguennouni Youssef , Hssikou Mohamed , Alaoui Mohammed
Published: February 2022

The natural convection of incompressible flow confined within an enclosed right-angled triangular and isosceles cavity was investigated numerically using the multirelaxation time lattice Boltzmann method (MRT-LBM). According to the left and inclined walls thermal boundary conditions, two cases were considered in this study. In the first case, the inclined side of the enclosure was adiabatic, and the horizontal wall was heated, while the left one was kept at a cold temperature. However, the states of the left and inclined walls were interchanged in the second case. As the flow is only transported under the convection force, this study was carried out for the Rayleigh number ranging from Ra=103 to 106. The effects of the Rayleigh number on velocity and temperature profiles, streamlines, isotherms, and average Nusselt number were investigated. The position of cold and adiabatic walls had a great effect on the results. The results obtained are in good agreement with those of the literature and show the robustness of the MRT-LBM approach. In both cases, the heat-transfer rate increases with the increase in the Rayleigh number.
Efficiency and Aerodynamic Performance of Bristled Insect Wings Depending on Reynolds Number in Flapping Flight
Authors: O’Callaghan Felicity , Sarig Amir , Ribak Gal , Lehmann Fritz-Olaf
Published: February 2022

Insect wings are generally constructed from veins and solid membranes. However, in the case of the smallest flying insects, the wing membrane is often replaced by hair-like bristles. In contrast to large insects, it is possible for both bristled and membranous wings to be simultaneously present in small insect species. There is therefore a continuing debate about the advantages and disadvantages of bristled wings for flight. In this study, we experimentally tested bristled robotic wing models on their ability to generate vertical forces and scored aerodynamic efficiency at Reynolds numbers that are typical for flight in miniature insects. The tested wings ranged from a solid membrane to a few bristles. A generic lift-based wing kinematic pattern moved the wings around their root. The results show that the lift coefficients, power coefficients and Froude efficiency decreased with increasing bristle spacing. Skin friction significantly attenuates lift production, which may even result in negative coefficients at elevated bristle spacing and low Reynolds numbers. The experimental data confirm previous findings from numerical simulations. These had suggested that for small insects, flying with bristled instead of membranous wings involved less change in energetic costs than for large insects. In sum, our findings highlight the aerodynamic changes associated with bristled wing designs and are thus significant for assessing the biological fitness and dispersal of flying insects.
Preparation and Characterization of Mg-Doped Calcium Phosphate-Coated Phycocyanin Nanoparticles for Improving the Thermal Stability of Phycocyanin
Authors: Li Qian , Dong Ping , Li Laihao
Published: February 2022

Phycocyanin (PC) is a blue-colored, pigment-protein complex with unique fluorescence characteristics. However, heat leads to PC fading and fluorescence decay, hampering its widespread application. To improve the thermal stability of PC, we induced the in situ mineralization of calcium phosphate (CaP) on the PC surface to prepare PC@Mg-CaP. The nanoparticles were characterized using transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectrometry, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The results showed that PC@Mg-CaP was spherical, and the nanoparticle size was less than 200 nm. The shell of PC@Mg-CaP was composed of amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP). The study suggested that CaP mineralization significantly improved the thermal stability of PC. After heating at 70 °C for 30 min, the relative concentration of PC@Mg-CaP with a Ca/P ratio = 2 was 5.31 times higher than that of PC. Furthermore, the Ca/P ratio was a critical factor for the thermal stability of PC@Mg-CaP. With decreasing Ca/P, the particle size and thermal stability of PC@Mg-CaP significantly increased. This work could provide a feasible approach for the application of PC and other thermal-sensitive biomolecules in functional foods requiring heat treatment.
Tea Polyphenols Prevent and Intervene in COVID-19 through Intestinal Microbiota
Authors: Xiang Qiao , Cheng Lu , Zhang Ruilin , Liu Yanan , Wu Zufang , Zhang Xin
Published: February 2022

Although all countries have taken corresponding measures, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is still ravaging the world. To consolidate the existing anti-epidemic results and further strengthen the prevention and control measures against the new coronavirus, we are now actively pioneering a novel research idea of regulating the intestinal microbiota through tea polyphenols for reference. Although studies have long revealed the regulatory effect of tea polyphenols on the intestinal microbiota to various gastrointestinal inflammations, little is known about the prevention and intervention of COVID-19. This review summarizes the possible mechanism of the influence of tea polyphenols on COVID-19 mediated by the intestinal microbiota. In this review, the latest studies of tea polyphenols exhibiting their own antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities and protective effects on the intestinal mucosal barrier are combed through and summarized. Among them, (−)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), one of the main monomers of catechins, may be activated as nuclear factor erythroid 2 p45-related factor 2 (Nrf2). The agent inhibits the expression of ACE2 (a cellular receptor for SARS-CoV-2) and TMPRSS2 to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection, inhibiting the life cycle of SARS-CoV-2. Thus, preliminary reasoning and judgments have been made about the possible mechanism of the effect of tea polyphenols on the COVID-19 control and prevention mediated by the microbiota. These results may be of great significance to the future exploration of specialized research in this field.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Food Consumption and Dietary Quality of Rural Households in China
Authors: Tian Xu , Zhou Ying , Wang Hui
Published: February 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the food supply chain and thus threatened the food security of many people, while the impact of the pandemic on food consumption of people living in rural areas is still unknown. This study filled in the research gaps by employing a three-wave food consumption survey from 2019 to 2021 conducted in rural China. We adopted a random effect model and Poisson regression to quantify the short-run and long-run impacts of COVID-19 on rural households’ food consumption and dietary quality. We found that rural households increased the consumption of vegetables, aquaculture products and legumes in the short-run, and these changes in consumption behavior even lasted 1 year after lockdown was lifted. However, the positive impact was much smaller in households not engaged in agricultural production. In addition, our results showed that COVID-19 decreased dietary diversity but increased dietary quality for households still engaged in food-related agriculture production. Our study indicated that COVID-19 did not threaten the food security status of rural families in China. On the contrary, rural families, particularly those still engaged in agricultural production, increased the consumption of several foods to strengthen their resistance against the virus.
Starch Molecular Structural Features and Volatile Compounds Affecting the Sensory Properties of Polished Australian Wild Rice
Authors: Zhao Yingting , Smyth Heather , Tao Keyu , Henry Robert , Gilbert Robert
Published: February 2022

Cooked high-amylose rices, such as Australian wild rice (AWR) varieties, have slower digestion rates, which is nutritionally advantageous, but may have inferior eating qualities. Here, a comparison is made between sensory and starch molecular fine structure properties, and volatile compounds, of polished AWR varieties and some commercial rices (CRs). Starch structural parameters for amylopectin (Ap) and amylose (Am) were obtained using fluorophore-assisted capillary electrophoresis and size-exclusion chromatography. Volatile compounds were putatively using headspace solid-phase microextraction with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Sensory properties were evaluated by a trained panel. AWR had a disintegration texture similar to that of Doongara rice, while AWR had a resinous, plastic aroma different from those of commercial rice varieties. Disintegration texture was affected by the amounts of Ap short chains, resinous aroma by 2-heptenal, nonadecane, 2h-pyran, tetrahydro-2-(12-pentadecynyloxy)-, and estra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17β-ol, and plastic aroma by 2-myristynoyl pantetheine, cis-7-hexadecenoic acid, and estra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17β-ol. These findings suggest that sensory properties and starch structures of AWR varieties support their potential for commercialization.
Impact of Ultra-High Pressure Homogenization on the Structural Properties of Egg Yolk Granule
Authors: Gaillard Romuald , Marciniak Alice , Brisson Guillaume , Perreault Véronique , House James D. , Pouliot Yves , Doyen Alain
Published: February 2022

Ultra-high pressure homogenization (UHPH) is a promising method for destabilizing and potentially improving the techno-functionality of the egg yolk granule. This study’s objectives were to determine the impact of pressure level (50, 175 and 300 MPa) and number of passes (1 and 4) on the physico-chemical and structural properties of egg yolk granule and its subsequent fractions. UHPH induced restructuration of the granule through the formation of a large protein network, without impacting the proximate composition and protein profile in a single pass of up to 300 MPa. In addition, UHPH reduced the particle size distribution up to 175 MPa, to eventually form larger particles through enhanced protein–protein interactions at 300 MPa. Phosvitin, apovitellenin and apolipoprotein-B were specifically involved in these interactions. Overall, egg yolk granule remains highly stable during UHPH treatment. However, more investigations are needed to characterize the resulting protein network and to evaluate the techno-functional properties of UHPH-treated granule.
Can “Free-From” Food Consumption Be a Signal of Psychological Distress during COVID-19?
Authors: Savarese Mariarosaria , Castellini Greta , Morelli Lorenzo , Graffigna Guendalina
Published: February 2022

During the last year, feelings of anxiety and depression were registered among the Italian population and affected food consumption. Among the research that explored people’s dietary inclinations during the current pandemic, no previous studies have explored psychological factors associated with the “free-from” dietary pattern. Our study is aimed at understanding if free-from food consumption orientations can be associated with negative psychological distress. We conducted a web-based survey between 27/10/2020–03/12/2020 on a representative sample of 963 Italians. Psychometric scales and ad hoc items were used to measure people’s levels of anxiety, depression, fear for contagion and consumption orientation towards “free-from” foods. Of the sample, 18.2% frequently purchased gluten-free food products and 22.5% purchased lactose-free foods. Most of the population (44.1%) feels very at risk of contagion from COVID-19 and suffers from anxiety (52.8%) and depression (55.0%). Free-from consumers are more anxious, depressed, have higher risk of contagion, and are younger than the non-consumers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, free-from foods can represent for the people a way to restore control over their lifestyle, which was denied during the emergency. However, we highlight possible negative long-term effects of this dietary choice.
Reduced-Order H∞ Filter Design for Singular Fractional-Order Systems
Authors: Guo Ying , Lin Chong , Chen Bing
Published: February 2022

This paper investigates the problem of reduced-order H∞ filter design for singular fractional-order systems with order 0<α<1. It provides necessary and sufficient conditions for designs of both reduced-order H∞ filters and zeroth-order H∞ filters. When reduced to special cases, the present results are shown to include those in recent works as special cases. Illustrative examples are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the results.
Biocompatible Chitosan-Based Hydrogels for Bioabsorbable Wound Dressings
Authors: Lungu Ramona , Paun Maria-Alexandra , Peptanariu Dragos , Ailincai Daniela , Marin Luminita , Nichita Mihai-Virgil , Paun Vladimir-Alexandru , Paun Viorel-Puiu
Published: February 2022

Supramolecular hydrogels based on chitosan and monoaldehydes are biomaterials with high potential for a multitude of bioapplications. This is due to the proper choice of the monoaldehyde that can tune the hydrogel properties for specific practices. In this conceptual framework, the present paper deals with the investigation of a hydrogel as bioabsorbable wound dressing. To this aim, chitosan was cross-linked with 2-formylphenylboronic acid to yield a hydrogel with antimicrobial activity. FTIR, NMR, and POM procedures have characterized the hydrogel from a structural and supramolecular point of view. At the same time, its biocompatibility and antimicrobial properties were also determined in vitro. Furthermore, in order to assess the bioabsorbable character, its biodegradation was investigated in vitro in the presence of lysosome in media of different pH, mimicking the wound exudate at different stages of healing. The biodegradation was monitored by gravimetrical measurements, SEM microscopy and fractal analyses of the images. The fractal dimension values and the lacunarity of SEM pictures were accurately calculated. All these successful investigations led to the conclusion that the tested materials are at the expected high standards.
Application of Alginate-Based Hydrogels in Hemostasis
Authors: Xie Yue , Gao Pan , He Fangfang , Zhang Chun
Published: February 2022

Hemorrhage, as a common trauma injury and clinical postoperative complication, may cause serious damage to the body, especially for patients with huge blood loss and coagulation dysfunction. Timely and effective hemostasis and avoidance of bleeding are of great significance for reducing body damage and improving the survival rate and quality of life of patients. Alginate is considered to be an excellent hemostatic polymer-based biomaterial due to its excellent biocompatibility, biodegradability, non-toxicity, non-immunogenicity, easy gelation and easy availability. In recent years, alginate hydrogels have been more and more widely used in the medical field, and a series of hemostatic related products have been developed such as medical dressings, hemostatic needles, transcatheter interventional embolization preparations, microneedles, injectable hydrogels, and hemostatic powders. The development and application prospects are extremely broad. This manuscript reviews the structure, properties and history of alginate, as well as the research progress of alginate hydrogels in clinical applications related to hemostasis. This review also discusses the current limitations and possible future development prospects of alginate hydrogels in hemostatic applications.
Comparative Analysis of Two Assessment Methods for the Geoeducational Values of Geosites: A Case Study from the Volcanic Island of Nisyros, SE Aegean Sea, Greece
Authors: Zafeiropoulos George , Drinia Hara
Published: February 2022

In this study, the geoeducational value of five geosites, located in the aspiring geopark of the volcanic island of Nisyros, SE Aegean Sea, was assessed by means of two methods: the G-P method of Brilha (2016) and the M-GAM method. The first method takes into account 12 criteria belonging to the educational potential. The M-GAM method, on the other hand, takes into account the opinions of visitors who, as non-experts, express a different point of view that is rarely calculated or evaluated in different geosite assessment methods. For the better and more objective comparison of the two methods of evaluation of the educational potential of the study areas, the results were converted to a percentage scale (%). The first G-P method clearly highlights the high geological value of the studied geosites, which have a relatively high score and can be used for geotourism and geoeducation. The second method, on the other hand, yields a moderate score in areas with objectively high geological value. This is clearly evident, as this method considers the opinions of visitors who lack the necessary cognitive geological background, thereby underestimating the significance and potential of certain geological features due to lack of formal training.
The Mediation Effect of Coping Strategies between Personality and Blood Pressure in Pregnancy Complicated by Hypertension
Authors: Chapuis-de-Andrade Sabrina , Moret-Tatay Carmen , Irigaray Tatiana Quarti , Antonello Ivan Carlos Ferreira , Pinheiro da Costa Bartira Ercília
Published: February 2022

Background: Hypertension is the most common medical condition during pregnancy. Hypertensive disorders are associated with an increased risk of adverse outcomes for both mother and fetus. This study examined the role played by personality and coping strategies in relation to blood pressure levels during pregnancy. The specific goal was to study whether coping strategies can mediate the effect of personality in pregnant women with hypertension. Methods: A sample of 351 pregnant women was enlisted, encompassing 192 pregnancies complicated by hypertension. This is a cross-sectional study where personality traits were measured by the five-factor model and coping was evaluated by Jalowiec’s coping inventory scale. Results: Personality can partially predict systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Openness to experience trait is inversely correlated with systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Conversely, emotion-focused coping directly correlated with blood pressure levels. Systolic (β = −0.14; p < 0.05) and diastolic (β = −0.15; p < 0.05) blood pressure were also predicted by openness to experience. Conclusions: It is recommended to reinforce the development of coping strategies which focus more on the problem than on the emotion, avoiding detrimental effects of emotional coping in blood pressure levels during pregnancy.
Detection of COVID-19 Based on Chest X-rays Using Deep Learning
Authors: Gouda Walaa , Almurafeh Maram , Humayun Mamoona , Jhanjhi Noor Zaman
Published: February 2022

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is rapidly spreading around the world. Early diagnosis and isolation of COVID-19 patients has proven crucial in slowing the disease’s spread. One of the best options for detecting COVID-19 reliably and easily is to use deep learning (DL) strategies. Two different DL approaches based on a pertained neural network model (ResNet-50) for COVID-19 detection using chest X-ray (CXR) images are proposed in this study. Augmenting, enhancing, normalizing, and resizing CXR images to a fixed size are all part of the preprocessing stage. This research proposes a DL method for classifying CXR images based on an ensemble employing multiple runs of a modified version of the Resnet-50. The proposed system is evaluated against two publicly available benchmark datasets that are frequently used by several researchers: COVID-19 Image Data Collection (IDC) and CXR Images (Pneumonia). The proposed system validates its dominance over existing methods such as VGG or Densnet, with values exceeding 99.63% in many metrics, such as accuracy, precision, recall, F1-score, and Area under the curve (AUC), based on the performance results obtained.
Long-Term Trends of Asthma Mortality in China from 2000 to 2019: A Joinpoint Regression and Age-Period-Cohort Analysis
Authors: Huang Guimin , Liu Junting , Li Tao , Hou Dongqing , Liu Wenqian , Xie Yixuan , Zhang Tong , Cheng Yijing
Published: February 2022

Background: Trends of asthma mortality vary widely all over the world, while the trends in China over the past 15 years are unknown. The aim of this study was to assess the trends of asthma mortality in China. Methods: Asthma deaths and demographic characteristics were collected from National Death Cause Datasets of Disease Surveillance System between 2004 and 2019. The data were analyzed with joinpoint regression analysis and age-period-cohort (APC) analysis for the mortality rate due to asthma in China. Results: Asthma mortality declined from 2.4 (95% confidence interval (CI): 2.3–2.5) per 100,000 in 2004 to 1.6 (95% CI: 1.5–1.7) per 100,000 in 2019. Age-adjusted asthma mortality rates decreased for men and women in urban and rural areas from 2004 through 2019. The decreasing trend of the mortality rate has slowed down substantially during 2007 and 2009. After that, the decreasing trend has stabilized. The asthma mortality rates generally have a positive relationship with the age of the population when controlling for period and cohort. The period trend decreased and then increased when controlling for age and cohort. Conclusions: We should pay more attention to asthma management plans or treatment for aging people who are facing higher risk of asthma death.
Effect of Harvesting Time Variations on Essential Oil Yield and Composition of Sage (Salvia officinalis)
Authors: Hazrati Saeid , Beidaghi Pouya , Beyraghdar Kashkooli Arman , Hosseini Seyyed Jaber , Nicola Silvana
Published: February 2022

The objective of this study was to evaluate the production, contents, and essential oil (EO) components of sage as a function of the diurnal variation. The EOs from the aerial parts of the plant harvested at different day/night times were extracted by hydro-distillation. Plants were harvested in 2 h intervals (twelve harvesting times during each 24-h day). Harvesting between 4:00 and 6:00 p.m. revealed the highest EO percentage (1.14%), whereas harvesting between 04:00 and 06:00 a.m. indicated the minimum EO percentage (0.599%). The analysis of the EO identified 32 components. The major identified EO compounds were cis-thujone (34.38–46.18%), 1,8-cineol (8.70–11.07%), camphor (9.65–14.38%), and trans-thujone (9.43–14.19%). The highest value of cis-thujone (46.18%) was related to the harvest time of 04:00–06:00 a.m., and the lowest value (34.38%) was recorded at the harvest time of 00:00–02:00 a.m. The highest value of trans-thujone (14.19%) was obtained between 10:00–00:00 p.m., and the lowest value (9.43%) was obtained between 10:00–12:00 a.m. Camphor was another dominant compound where the highest (14.38%) was observed at 00:00–2:00 a.m. Our findings in sage, for the first time, may pave the route towards the optimization of sage EO quality and quantity by selecting the best harvesting time of the plants.
Determining the Hydrological Behaviour of Catchment Based on Quantitative Morphometric Analysis in the Hard Rock Area of Nand Samand Catchment, Rajasthan, India
Authors: Dimple Dimple , Rajput Jitendra , Al-Ansari Nadhir , Elbeltagi Ahmed , Zerouali Bilel , Santos Celso Augusto Guimarães
Published: February 2022

India’s water resources are under tremendous pressure due to elevated demand for various purposes. The over-exploitation of these valuable resources has resulted in an imbalance in the watershed ecology. The application of spatial analysis tools in studying the morphological behaviour of watersheds has increased in recent decades worldwide due to the accessibility of the geospatial database. A morphometric analysis of a river basin is vital to determine the hydrological behaviour to develop effective management. Under the current study, morphological behaviour of Nand Samand catchment in the hard rock region was evaluated employing remote sensing (RS) and geographical information system (GIS) tools. The Nand Samand catchment (Rajasthan State, India) has an area of 865.18 km2 with the highest and lowest elevations of 1318 m and 570 m above mean sea level, respectively. This study utilises a 30 m high-spatial-resolution ASTER imagery digital elevation model for delineating the catchment. The drainage network is assessed using a GIS method, and morphometric parameters like linear, areal, and relief aspects were calculated. Results were obtained for parameters viz., basin length of 82.66 km, constant channel maintenance equal to 0.68 km, stream frequency of 2.11 km−2, drainage density of 1.48 km−1, and length overflow of 0.34 km. Form factor of 0.13, and the circulatory ratio of 0.28 showed that an elongated shape characterises the study area. The results would help understand the relationship between hydrological variables and geomorphological parameters for better decision-making. The techniques used could effectively help to perform better drainage basin and channel network morphometric analyses. The found morphometric characteristics will be helpful in understanding the Nand Samand catchment and similar areas in India in order to better guide the decision-makers in providing adequate policy to the development of the region.
Work Performance, Mood and Sleep Alterations in Home Office Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Costa Chiara , Teodoro Michele , Mento Carmela , Giambò Federica , Vitello Carmen , Italia Sebastiano , Fenga Concettina
Published: February 2022

The sudden burst of the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the work environment in favor of remote working, affecting the perception of work quality, satisfaction and performance. This crisis has also influenced workers’ mood, sleep quality and general perception of everyday life. Our main purpose in this study was to give empirical contributions about home office workers experiencing remote working during the pandemic by assessing mood spectrum variations, sleep disturbances and the general impact of pandemic in everyday life. This cross-sectional study was performed between November and December 2020 through an online questionnaire. Participants were office workers performing remote work from workstations settled at home. The questionnaire investigated sociodemographic characteristics, health factors, perception of remote working, mood spectrum, sleep quality and pandemic context perception. The sample consisted of 94 respondents: 63 women and 31 men; the mean age was 50.4 years. Study population showed great satisfaction for remote working performance and online services for video connections. Only one third of the participants reported higher levels of irritability and loneliness and 16% of women complained of nightmares. Most of participants stated that the pandemic importantly affected daily life (85.1%). Half of female subjects with children <18 years stated that children’s age influenced their work performance. Since the pandemic is still an ongoing issue, the lesson learnt is that local government actions are needed to assist home office workers through tailored programs to support families. Given the central role of women in childcare, female workers would mainly benefit from social support accordingly to their parental tasks and remote work organization.
Vibrational Spectra and Molecular Vibrational Behaviors of Dibenzyl Disulfide, Dibenzyl Sulphide and Bibenzyl
Authors: Wang Ziyi , Song Ruimin , Chen Weigen , Wang Jianxin , Wang Pinyi , Zhang Zhixian , Zhang Xinyuan , Wan Fu
Published: February 2022

The vibration spectroscopy (Raman and infrared) of widely concerned molecules in sulfur corrosion phenomenon (Dibenzyl Disulfide, Dibenzyl Sulphide, and Bibenzyl) is detailedly analyzed based on density functional theory and experimental measurement. The dominant conformations of these molecules are determined according to Boltzmann distribution in relative Gibbs free energy. Additionally, noncovalent interaction analysis is conducted to indicate intramolecular interaction. Vibration normal mode is assigned based on potential energy distribution, which comprehensively reveals the molecular vibrational behaviors. Conformations weighted spectra are obtained and compared with experimentally measured spectra. We found that experimental spectra are in good agreement with the theoretical spectra in B3LYP-D3(BJ)/6-311G** level with a frequency correction factor. Furthermore, the divergence among these molecules is discussed. The vibrational behavior of the methylene group in the molecule shows a trend with the presence of the sulfur atom.
Sodium Energetic Cycle in the Natronophilic Bacterium Thioalkalivibrio versutus
Authors: Muntyan Maria S. , Viryasov Mikhail B. , Sorokin Dimitry Y. , Skulachev Vladimir P.
Published: February 2022

As inhabitants of soda lakes, Thioalkalivibrio versutus are halo- and alkaliphilic bacteria that have previously been shown to respire with the first demonstrated Na+-translocating cytochrome-c oxidase (CO). The enzyme generates a sodium-motive force (Δs) as high as −270 mV across the bacterial plasma membrane. However, in these bacteria, operation of the possible Δs consumers has not been proven. We obtained motile cells and used them to study the supposed Na+ energetic cycle in these bacteria. The resulting motility was activated in the presence of the protonophore 2-heptyl-4-hydroxyquinoline N-oxide (HQNO), in line with the same effect on cell respiration, and was fully blocked by amiloride—an inhibitor of Na+-motive flagella. In immotile starving bacteria, ascorbate triggered CO-mediated respiration and motility, both showing the same dependence on sodium concentration. We concluded that, in T. versutus, Na+-translocating CO and Na+-motive flagella operate in the Na+ energetic cycle mode. Our research may shed light on the energetic reason for how these bacteria are confined to a narrow chemocline zone and thrive in the extreme conditions of soda lakes.
Disaggregation of Islet Amyloid Polypeptide Fibrils as a Potential Anti-Fibrillation Mechanism of Tetrapeptide TNGQ
Authors: Abioye Raliat O. , Okagu Ogadimma D. , Udenigwe Chibuike C.
Published: February 2022

Islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) fibrillation has been commonly associated with the exacerbation of type 2 diabetes prognosis. Consequently, inhibition of IAPP fibrillation to minimize β-cell cytotoxicity is an important approach towards β-cell preservation and type 2 diabetes management. In this study, we identified three tetrapeptides, TNGQ, MANT, and YMSV, that inhibited IAPP fibrillation. Using thioflavin T (ThT) fluorescence assay, circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and molecular docking, we evaluated the potential anti-fibrillation mechanism of the tetrapeptides. ThT fluorescence kinetics and microscopy as well as transmission electron microscopy showed that TNGQ was the most effective inhibitor based on the absence of normal IAPP fibrillar morphology. CD spectroscopy showed that TNGQ maintained the α-helical conformation of monomeric IAPP, while DLS confirmed the presence of varying fibrillation species. Molecular docking showed that TNGQ and MANT interact with monomeric IAPP mainly by hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interaction, with TNGQ binding at IAPP surface compared to YMSV, which had the highest docking score, but interact mainly through hydrophobic interaction in IAPP core. The highly polar TNGQ was the most active and appeared to inhibit IAPP fibrillation by disaggregation of preformed IAPP fibrils. These findings indicate the potential of TNGQ in the development of peptide-based anti-fibrillation and antidiabetic nutraceuticals.
Application of Homology Modeling by Enhanced Profile–Profile Alignment and Flexible-Fitting Simulation to Cryo-EM Based Structure Determination
Authors: Yamamori Yu , Tomii Kentaro
Published: February 2022

Application of cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) is crucially important for ascertaining the atomic structure of large biomolecules such as ribosomes and protein complexes in membranes. Advances in cryo-EM technology and software have made it possible to obtain data with near-atomic resolution, but the method is still often capable of producing only a density map with up to medium resolution, either partially or entirely. Therefore, bridging the gap separating the density map and the atomic model is necessary. Herein, we propose a methodology for constructing atomic structure models based on cryo-EM maps with low-to-medium resolution. The method is a combination of sensitive and accurate homology modeling using our profile–profile alignment method with a flexible-fitting method using molecular dynamics simulation. As described herein, this study used benchmark applications to evaluate the model constructions of human two-pore channel 2 (one target protein in CASP13 with its structure determined using cryo-EM data) and the overall structure of Enterococcus hirae V-ATPase complex.
BAF-L Modulates Histone-to-Protamine Transition during Spermiogenesis
Authors: Huang Chao , Gong Huan , Mu Bin , Lan Xinting , Yang Chengcheng , Tan Jinlong , Liu Wentao , Zou Yuanfeng , Li Lixia , Feng Bin , He Xia , Luo Qihui , Chen Zhengli
Published: February 2022

Maturing male germ cells undergo a unique developmental process in spermiogenesis that replaces nucleosomal histones with protamines, the process of which is critical for testicular development and male fertility. The progress of this exchange is regulated by complex mechanisms that are not well understood. Now, with mouse genetic models, we show that barrier-to-autointegration factor-like protein (BAF-L) plays an important role in spermiogenesis and spermatozoal function. BAF-L is a male germ cell marker, whose expression is highly associated with the maturation of male germ cells. The genetic deletion of BAF-L in mice impairs the progress of spermiogenesis and thus male fertility. This effect on male fertility is a consequence of the disturbed homeostasis of histones and protamines in maturing male germ cells, in which the interactions between BAF-L and histones/protamines are implicated. Finally, we show that reduced testicular expression of BAF-L represents a risk factor of human male infertility.
Carotenoids from Marine Sources as a New Approach in Neuroplasticity Enhancement
Authors: Pietrasik Sylwia , Cichon Natalia , Bijak Michal , Gorniak Leslaw , Saluk-Bijak Joanna
Published: February 2022

An increasing number of people experience disorders related to the central nervous system (CNS). Thus, new forms of therapy, which may be helpful in repairing processes’ enhancement and restoring declined brain functions, are constantly being sought. One of the most relevant physiological processes occurring in the brain for its entire life is neuroplasticity. It has tremendous significance concerning CNS disorders since neurological recovery mainly depends on restoring its structural and functional organization. The main factors contributing to nerve tissue damage are oxidative stress and inflammation. Hence, marine carotenoids, abundantly occurring in the aquatic environment, being potent antioxidant compounds, may play a pivotal role in nerve cell protection. Furthermore, recent results revealed another valuable characteristic of these compounds in CNS therapy. By inhibiting oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, carotenoids promote synaptogenesis and neurogenesis, consequently presenting neuroprotective activity. Therefore, this paper focuses on the carotenoids obtained from marine sources and their impact on neuroplasticity enhancement.
Long Non-Coding RNA Bmdsx-AS1 Effects on Male External Genital Development in Silkworm
Authors: Wang Kai-Xuan , Chen Chun-Bing , Wan Qiu-Xing , Zha Xing-Fu
Published: February 2022

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been suggested to play important roles in some biological processes. However, the detailed mechanisms are not fully understood. We previously identified an antisense lncRNA, Bmdsx-AS1, that is involved in pre-mRNA splicing of the sex-determining gene Bmdsx in the silkworm. In this study, we analyzed the changes in the male external genitalia of transgenic overexpressed Bmdsx-AS1 silkworm lines and analyzed downstream and upstream responses. We found that Bmdsx-AS1 transgenic silkworms, compared with wild type, showed more claspers in the male external genitalia. Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) results indicated that overexpression of Bmdsx-AS1 decreased the expression of genes in the EGFR signaling pathway. Knockdown of Bmdsx-AS1 increased the activity of the EGFR pathway. Through promoter prediction, promoter truncation and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) analyses, we found that the protein encoded by the Hox gene BmAbd-B specifically binds to the promoter of Bmdsx-AS1. Moreover, overexpression of BmAbd-B in the silkworm BmE cell line indicated that BmAbd-B negatively regulates the mRNA expression of Bmdsx-AS1. Our study provides insights into the regulatory mechanism of the lncRNA in the silkworm.
Optimising Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Pregnancy: A Review of Risk Prediction Models Targeting Gestational Diabetes and Hypertensive Disorders
Authors: Thong Eleanor P. , Ghelani Drishti P. , Manoleehakul Pamada , Yesmin Anika , Slater Kaylee , Taylor Rachael , Collins Clare , Hutchesson Melinda , Lim Siew S. , Teede Helena J. , Harrison Cheryce L. , Moran Lisa , Enticott Joanne
Published: February 2022

Cardiovascular disease, especially coronary heart disease and cerebrovascular disease, is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in women globally. The development of cardiometabolic conditions in pregnancy, such as gestational diabetes mellitus and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, portend an increased risk of future cardiovascular disease in women. Pregnancy therefore represents a unique opportunity to detect and manage risk factors, prior to the development of cardiovascular sequelae. Risk prediction models for gestational diabetes mellitus and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy can help identify at-risk women in early pregnancy, allowing timely intervention to mitigate both short- and long-term adverse outcomes. In this narrative review, we outline the shared pathophysiological pathways for gestational diabetes mellitus and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, summarise contemporary risk prediction models and candidate predictors for these conditions, and discuss the utility of these models in clinical application.
Acid Sphingomyelinase Deficiency: Sharing Experience of Disease Monitoring and Severity in France
Authors: Mauhin Wladimir , Borie Raphaël , Dalbies Florence , Douillard Claire , Guffon Nathalie , Lavigne Christian , Lidove Olivier , Brassier Anaïs
Published: February 2022

Acid sphingomyelinase deficiency (ASMD) is a rare inherited lipid storage disorder caused by a deficiency in lysosomal enzyme acid sphingomyelinase which results in the accumulation of sphingomyelin, predominantly within cells of the reticuloendothelial system located in numerous organs, such as the liver, spleen, lungs, and central nervous system. Although all patients with ASMD share the same basic metabolic defect, a wide spectrum of clinical presentations and outcomes are observed, contributing to treatment challenges. While infantile neurovisceral ASMD (also known as Niemann–Pick disease type A) is rapidly progressive and fatal in early childhood, and the more slowly progressive chronic neurovisceral (type A/B) and chronic visceral (type B) forms have varying clinical phenotypes and life expectancy. The prognosis of visceral ASMD is mainly determined by the association of hepatosplenomegaly with secondary thrombocytopenia and lung disease. Early diagnosis and appropriate management are essential to reduce the risk of complications and mortality. The accessibility of the new enzyme replacement therapy olipudase alfa, a recombinant human ASM, has been expedited for clinical use based on positive clinical data in children and adult patients, such as improved respiratory status and reduced spleen volume. The aim of this article is to share the authors experience on monitoring ASMD patients and stratifying the severity of the disease to aid in care decisions.
An Innovative Ultrasound Technique for Early Detection of Kidney Dysfunction: Superb Microvascular Imaging as a Reference Standard
Authors: Armaly Zaher , Abu-Rahme Munai , Kinaneh Safa , Hijazi Basem , Habbasshi Nayef , Artul Suheil
Published: February 2022

Background: Superb microvascular imaging (SMI) is an innovative ultrasound image processing technique that provides greater detail and better visualization of small branching vessels. We assume that SMI will provide sufficient information regarding the severity of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and reflecting histological changes. Aims: The aims was to assess the capabilities of SMI imaging regarding the early detection of kidney dysfunction and renal fibrosis in comparison to the reference standard renal biopsy for the early diagnosis of kidney fibrosis. Methods: SMI was performed in patients (n = 52) with CKD stage 2–5, where some of them underwent biopsy proven CKD and fibrosis as part of the diagnosis. In addition, biochemical tests were performed, including kidney function tests, urine collection for proteinuria, and the estimation of GFR by MDRD or CKD-EPI eGFR in CKD patients and healthy controls (n = 17). All subjects underwent SMI, where vascularity is expressed as the SMI index (a low index reflects low vascularity/fibrosis and vice versa). Results: The SMI vascular index was significantly lower in CKD patients as compared with healthy controls (72.2 ± 12.9 vs. 49.9 ± 16.7%, p < 0.01). Notably, a moderate correlation between the SMI index and eGFR was found among the CKD patients (r = 0.56, p < 0.001). Similarly, a strong correlation was found between SCr and the SMI index of the diseased subjects (r = −0.54, p < 0.001). In patients who underwent renal biopsy, the SMI index corresponded with the histological alterations and CKD staging. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that SMI imaging may be utilized in CKD patients of various stages for the evaluation of chronic renal morphological changes and for differentiation between CKD grades.