bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rethinking sports history to include sportswomen in 1900s France
Authors: Castan-Vicente Florys
Published: July 2023

In the history of French sport, the practice of physical activities by women is essentially considered non-existent before the 1920s, with the exception of a few aristocratic women. Although this idea persists, it has been challenged by recent research on early sportswomen. These studies raise the question of the scope of sports history, and indeed the very definition of sports itself. These are usually defined in the social sciences as physical activities that are organized, codified and institutionalized, structured by clubs and federations. While at the beginning of the 20th century these clubs and federations were most often closed to women, this does not mean that women were not practicing sports. Physical activities were gaining increasing popularity among women even before this time, and not only among the upper class. There is evidence of women swimming, cycling, racewalking, and even wrestling or boxing in the United States, Canada and Britain, as well as in France. These practices necessarily developed outside institutions, with women taking them up as individual pastimes. As demand grew, some sought to profit from this, and sports promoters organized the first competitions. Journalists then reported on these events in the press, sometimes with amusement, sometimes with disapproval.

Yet the first women walkers, runners, cyclists and other athletes are only now beginning to appear in historical studies. This paper seeks to contribute to the rehabilitation of these sportswomen, who include working-class boxers and wrestlers, all of whom have long been subject to a double exclusion—institutional and historical. It presents the history of the first competitions of sportswomen—professional or amateur—in France at the turn of the century, a first foundation stone in writing a new and more inclusive history of sport.
Preparation of lentil and quinoa protein complexes through protein–protein interactions and water kefir–assisted fermentation to improve protein quality and functionality
Authors: Alrosan Mohammad , Tan Thuan-Chew , Mat Easa Azhar , Gammoh Sana , Alu'datt Muhammad H. , Tranchant Carole C. , Almajwal Ali Madi , Maghaydah Sofyan , Dheyab Mohammed Ali , Jameel Mahmood S. , Al-Qaisi Ali , Al Qudsi Farah R.
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Industrial applications of lentil (LP) and quinoa (QP) proteins are limited due to their relatively poor water solubility. In this study, a combination of protein-protein interaction (PPI) and fermentation was used to improve the functionality and nutritional value of LP by conjugating them with QP. The reaction conditions between LP and QP for producing these conjugates were established.

Methods

The ratio of LP to QP was equal (50:50), and complexation was carried out at 25°C for 60 min. Fermentation of the solubilized LP-QP complexes (1%, w/v) for 5 days at 25°C with water kefir (5%, v/v) was carried out to enhance the protein quality and functionality of the LP-QP complexes.

Results

The combined technique significantly enhanced protein digestibility, decreased the proportion of α-helices in the protein structure in favor of random coil components, and improved the phenolic content of the LP-QP complexes. Digestibility increased to 87%, up from 76% for unfermented LP-QP. Moreover, the LP-QP complexes produced using the combined technique generated a highly nutritional protein with a reduced saponin content.

Conclusion

This research revealed that a combination of PPI and water kefir fermentation significantly enhances the nutritional and functional quality of LP, creating new opportunities for leveraging the growing popularity of plant-based proteins into high-value industrial applications.
LncRNAs regulate the cyclic growth and development of hair follicles in Dorper sheep
Authors: Sun Haoran , Meng Ke , Wang Yifan , Wang Yayan , Yuan Xiaochun , Li Xinhai
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Hair follicles in Dorper sheep are characterized by seasonal cyclic growth and development, consequently resulting in hair shedding during spring. The cyclic growth and development of hair follicles are regulated by several influencing factors such as photoperiods, hormones, age of the animal, genes, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and signaling pathways.

Methods

In the present study, skin samples of five shedding sheep (S), used as experimental animals, and three non-shedding sheep (N), used as controls, were collected at three time points (September 27, 2019; January 3, 2020; and March 17, 2020) for RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) technology. Nine different groups (S1-vs-S2, S1-vs-S3, S2-vs-S3, N1- vs-N2, N1-vs-N3, N2-vs-N3, S1-vs-N1, S2-vs-N2, and S3-vs-N3) were compared using FDR < 0.05 and log 21 FC >as thresholds to assess the differences in the expression of lncRNAs.

Results and discussion

In total, 395 differentially expressed (DE) lncRNAs were screened. Cluster heatmap analysis identified two types of expression patterns, namely, high expression during the anagen phase (A pattern) and high expression during the telogen phase (T pattern). Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses revealed that the target genes were largely enriched in the Estrogen signaling pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, Fc gamma R-mediated phagocytosis, and cell adhesion molecules (CAMs), which are associated with hair follicle cyclic growth and development-related pathways. In addition, 17 pairs of lncRNAs-target genes related to hair follicle cyclic growth and development were screened, and a regulatory network was constructed. Altogether, candidate lncRNAs and their regulated target genes were screened that contributed to sheep hair follicle cyclic growth and development. We believe these findings will provide useful insights into the underlying regulatory mechanisms.
Molecular characterization and genetic diversity of parvoviruses prevalent in cats in Central and Eastern China from 2018 to 2022
Authors: Pan Shunshun , Jiao Ruiqi , Xu Xin , Ji Jun , Guo Ge , Yao Lunguang , Kan Yunchao , Xie Qingmei , Bi Yingzuo
Published: July 2023

Cats are a potential source of genetic diversity for parvoviruses. Herein, 134 samples were collected from cats with clinical gastroenteritis and analyzed for the presence of viral DNA via polymerase chain reaction, which revealed 48 positive samples. Identity analysis of VP2 nucleotide sequences indicated that these 48 strains, belonging to feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) and canine parvovirus type-2 (CPV-2; including new CPV-2a and CPV-2c genotypes), shared 94.59–99.94% nucleotide identity with the reference strains. The FPV strain F8 (isolated from Vietnam) appeared to be a recombinant of strains HB2003 and JS1901, whereas the Chinese CPV-2b strain BM-(11) isolated in 2011 was believed to be a recombinant of strains AH2008 and JS1901. In phylogenetic tree analysis based on VP2 nucleotide sequences, all obtained FPV strains and most reference FPV strains were clustered together, except strain BJ-22, which originated from monkeys. Further, two new CPV-2a strains (AH2005 and AH2008) were close to the newly reported Chinese CPV-2a strains but were distant from the other CPV-2a strains, namely CPV-339 (from the United States) and K022 (from South Korea). Additionally, the FPV and CPV-2 strains had high mutation rates in the antigenic regions of the VP2 protein. According to model prediction of the CPV–VP2 protein, these mutations may cause changes in the tertiary structure of VP2. The findings of this study can be used to improve the pre-evaluation of vaccination efficacy against diseases caused by FPV and CPV-2 in domestic cats and understand their genotypic transmission and mutation trends.
An Algorithm for the Fisher Information Matrix of a VARMAX Process
Authors: Klein André , Mélard Guy
Published: July 2023

In this paper, an algorithm for Mathematica is proposed for the computation of the asymptotic Fisher information matrix for a multivariate time series, more precisely for a controlled vector autoregressive moving average stationary process, or VARMAX process. Meanwhile, we present briefly several algorithms published in the literature and discuss the sufficient condition of invertibility of that matrix based on the eigenvalues of the process operators. The results are illustrated by numerical computations.
Design and Development of Energy Efficient Algorithm for Smart Beekeeping Device to Device Communication Based on Data Aggregation Techniques
Authors: Ntawuzumunsi Elias , Kumaran Santhi , Sibomana Louis , Mtonga Kambombo
Published: July 2023

Bees, like other insects, indirectly contribute to job creation, food security, and poverty reduction. However, across many parts of the world, bee populations are in decline, affecting crop yields due to reduced pollination and ultimately impacting human nutrition. Technology holds promise for countering the impacts of human activities and climatic change on bees’ survival and honey production. However, considering that smart beekeeping activities mostly operate in remote areas where the use of grid power is inaccessible and the use of batteries to power is not feasible, there is thus a need for such systems to be energy efficient. This work explores the integration of device-to-device communication with 5G technology as a solution to overcome the energy and throughput concerns in smart beekeeping technology. Mobile-based device-to-device communication facilitates devices to communicate directly without the need of immediate infrastructure. This type of communication offers advantages in terms of delay reduction, increased throughput, and reduced energy consumption. The faster data transmission capabilities and low-power modes of 5G networks would significantly enhance the energy efficiency during the system’s idle or standby states. Additionally, the paper analyzes the application of both the discovery and communication services offered by 5G in device-to-device-based smart bee farming. A novel, energy-efficient algorithm for smart beekeeping was developed using data integration and data scheduling and its performance was compared to existing algorithms. The simulation results demonstrated that the proposed smart beekeeping device-to-device communication with data integration guarantees a good quality of service while enhancing energy efficiency.
Fluid–Structure Coupling and Aerodynamic Performance of a Multi-Dimensional Morphing Wing with Flexible Metastructure Skin
Authors: Yang Hui , Jiang Songcheng , Wang Yan , Xiao Hong
Published: July 2023

A multi-dimensional morphing wing skeleton mechanism is proposed with double-sided triangular pyramid units, which can realize continuous variable span-wise bend, span-wise twist, and sweep. A lockable morphing unit is designed, and its mechanism/structure characteristics, degree of freedom, and the deformable function of its deformable wing skeleton mechanism are analyzed. One kind of flexible skin is proposed to meet the performance requirements, consisting of an internal metastructure and a flexible surface bonded on both sides. The morphing wing skeleton mechanism and the equivalent treated metastructure flexible skin are then combined. Subsequently, a two-way fluid–structure interaction analysis is conducted to investigate the influence of aerodynamic loads on the flexible skin and skeleton mechanism in different deformation states, including the influence of structural passive deformation on the aerodynamic characteristics of the morphing wing. The computational fluid dynamics method is employed to analyze the aerodynamic characteristics of the morphing wing in its initial state, as well as in three deformation states, and to study its aerodynamic performance in different flight environments.
Adaptive Control of Mini Space Robot Based on Linear Separation of Inertial Parameters
Authors: Liu Yuchen , Teng Lai , Jin Zhonghe
Published: July 2023

Space robots exhibit a strong dynamic coupling between the manipulator and the base spacecraft, with this phenomenon being particularly pronounced in mini space robots. The uncertainty surrounding the inertial parameters of space robots often renders dynamics-based controllers ineffective, and identifying these parameters in an on-orbit environment poses significant challenges. In this paper, we propose an adaptive controller for dynamic approximation that is specifically designed for mini space robots. This controller employs a linear separation of inertial parameters and utilizes recursive least-squares and Lyapunov methods to update the inertial parameter vectors. Simulation results validate the effectiveness of this adaptive controller in enabling mini space robots to accurately track predefined trajectories. Additionally, we compare the effects of the two parameter update methods on the controller stability under varying prior inertial parameter errors. The proposed inertial parameter separation adaptive controller significantly approximates the dynamics of mini space robots and facilitates precise on-orbit control, thereby offering considerable potential for advancing space exploration, satellite missions, and robotic operations.
Hybrid Turbo-Shaft Engine Digital Twinning for Autonomous Aircraft via AI and Synthetic Data Generation
Authors: Aghazadeh Ardebili Ali , Ficarella Antonio , Longo Antonella , Khalil Adem , Khalil Sabri
Published: July 2023

Autonomous aircraft are the key enablers of future urban services, such as postal and transportation systems. Digital twins (DTs) are promising cutting-edge technologies that can transform the future transport ecosystem into an autonomous and resilient system. However, since DT is a data-driven solution based on AI, proper data management is essential in implementing DT as a service (DTaaS). One of the challenges in DT development is the availability of real-life data, particularly for training algorithms and verifying the functionality of DT. The current article focuses on data augmentation through synthetic data generation. This approach can facilitate the development of DT in case the developers do not have enough data to train the machine learning (ML) algorithm. The current twinning approach provides a prospective ideal state of the engine used for proactive monitoring of the engine’s health as an anomaly detection service. In line with the track of unmanned aircraft vehicles (UAVs) for urban air mobility in smart city applications, this paper focuses specifically on the common hybrid turbo-shaft in drones/helicopters. However, there is a significant gap in real-life similar synthetic data generation in the UAV domain literature. Therefore, rolling linear regression and Kalman filter algorithms were implemented on noise-added data, which simulate the data measured from the engine in a real-life operational life cycle. For both thermal and hybrid models, the corresponding DT model has shown high efficiency in noise filtration and a certain amount of predictions with a lower error rate on all engine parameters except the engine torque.
Microbial Communities and Soil Respiration during Rice Growth in Paddy Fields from Karst and Non-Karst Areas
Authors: Zhou Junbo , Jin Zhenjiang , Yuan Wu , Chen Weijian , Li Xuesong , Xiong Liyuan , Cheng Guanwen
Published: July 2023

Soil microorganism and their relationships with soil respiration in paddy systems in karst areas (KA) of southern China is important for understanding the mechanisms of greenhouse gas emission reduction. Soils were collected from the tillage layer (0–20 cm) during the rice growing season from KA and non-karst areas (NKA) (red soils) from the Guilin Karst Experimental Site in China. Community structures and inferred functionalities of bacteria and fungi were analyzed using the high-throughput sequencing techniques, FAPROTAX and FUNGuild. A bacterial–fungal co-occurrence network was constructed and soil respiration was measured using dark box-gas chromatography and built their relationships. The results indicated that soil respiration was significantly lower in KA than in NKA. Principal component analysis indicated that bacterial and fungal community structures significantly differed between KA and NKA. The OTU ratio of fungi to bacteria (F/B) was positively correlated with soil respiration (p = 0.044). Further, the key network microorganisms were OTU69 and OTU1133 and OTU1599 in the KA. Soil respiration negatively correlated with Acidobacteria Gp6, dung saprotroph-endophyte-litter saprotroph-undefined saprotroph, aerobic nitrite oxidizers and nitrifier in KA (p < 0.05). Overall, this study demonstrated that soil respiration was reduced when soil microorganisms shifted from bacterial to fungal dominance during the rice growing season in KA.
Maintaining the Quality and Safety of Fresh-Cut Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum): Overview of Recent Findings and Approaches
Authors: Levaj Branka , Pelaić Zdenka , Galić Kata , Kurek Mia , Ščetar Mario , Poljak Milan , Dite Hunjek Draženka , Pedisić Sandra , Balbino Sandra , Čošić Zrinka , Dujmić Filip , Repajić Maja
Published: July 2023

Fresh-cut potatoes (FCP), like other fresh-cut (minimally processed) vegetables, are a convenient but highly perishable product. Unlike most fresh-cut vegetables, which are “ready-to-eat”, FCP must be cooked before consumption. Therefore, in addition to the safety (chemical and microbiological), quality and sensory characteristics of raw FCP, the same requirements should be applied for cooked potatoes. It is known that many factors play a role in meeting all these requirements: (i) selection of cultivars less susceptible to browning; (ii) use of anti-browning and antimicrobial agents and/or certain physical methods against browning and microbial growth; (iii) packaging and cold storage conditions. In recent studies on FCP, scientists have attempted to deepen their knowledge of the mechanisms of browning prevention to better understand changes at the molecular level as well. The main objective of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of recent research, which aimed at deepening knowledge of the various changes that occur in potatoes during processing, and to develop new approaches that could help improve quality and extend FCP shelf life. It also discusses the effects of subsequent cooking of FCP on sensory and other properties, as well as on chemical constituents.
The Critical Period of Weed Control Influences Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) Yield, Yield Components but Not Oil Content
Authors: Stefanic Edita , Rasic Sanda , Lucic Pavo , Zimmer Domagoj , Mijic Anto , Antunovic Slavica , Japundzic-Palenkic Bozica , Lukacevic Marin , Zima Dinko , Stefanic Ivan
Published: July 2023

Field studies were conducted in the northeastern part of the Republic of Croatia to determine the influence of the critical period of weed interference on sunflower (Helianthus annuus) yield, yield components, and oil content. For this purpose, different durations of competition were established, allowing weeds to infest the crop for increasing periods of time after planting or maintaining plots weed-free for increasing periods of time after planting. The beginning and the end of the critical period of weed control (CPWC), based on a 5% and 10% loss of sunflower yield, were determined by fitting the four-parameter log-logistic equations to the relative seed yield. The total weed biomass increased progressively in relation to the increase in the competition. The beginning of the CPWC period, based on a 5% acceptable yield loss, ranged from 141 to 234 growing degree days (GDD), which corresponded to the two-to-four true leaf development stage (the V2–V4 growth stages) across both sites and years. The crop had to be kept weed-free until a period when sunflower inflorescence began to open and flower (the R4–R5 growth stage) or from 1365 to 1932 GDD. The sunflower yield and yield components varied between the years and among locations. An increasing duration of weed interference negatively affected crop height, head diameter, and 1000-kernel weight, but not seed oil content.
Applying Few-Shot Learning for In-the-Wild Camera-Trap Species Classification
Authors: Chen Haoyu , Lindshield Stacy , Ndiaye Papa Ibnou , Ndiaye Yaya Hamady , Pruetz Jill D. , Reibman Amy R.
Published: July 2023

Few-shot learning (FSL) describes the challenge of learning a new task using a minimum amount of labeled data, and we have observed significant progress made in this area. In this paper, we explore the effectiveness of the FSL theory by considering a real-world problem where labels are hard to obtain. To assist a large study on chimpanzee hunting activities, we aim to classify various animal species that appear in our in-the-wild camera traps located in Senegal. Using the philosophy of FSL, we aim to train an FSL network to learn to separate animal species using large public datasets and implement the network on our data with its novel species/classes and unseen environments, needing only to label a few images per new species. Here, we first discuss constraints and challenges caused by having in-the-wild uncurated data, which are often not addressed in benchmark FSL datasets. Considering these new challenges, we create two experiments and corresponding evaluation metrics to determine a network’s usefulness in a real-world implementation scenario. We then compare results from various FSL networks, and describe how factors may affect a network’s potential real-world usefulness. We consider network design factors such as distance metrics or extra pre-training, and examine their roles in a real-world implementation setting. We also consider additional factors such as support set selection and ease of implementation, which are usually ignored when a benchmark dataset has been established.
Chemical Composition of Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle Methanolic Leaf Extracts and Assessment of Their Antibacterial Activity through Oxidative Stress Induction
Authors: Boukhibar Halima , Laouani Aicha , Touzout Soraya Naila , Alenazy Rawaf , Alqasmi Mohammed , Bokhari Yaseen , Saguem khaled , Ben-Attia Mossadok , El-Bok Safia , Merghni Abderrahmen
Published: July 2023

The present study was conducted to investigate the chemical composition of Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle methanolic leaf extracts from geographically distinct regions and to assess their antimicrobial properties along with their ability to induce oxidative stress. The HPLC-DAD analysis revealed the presence of phenolic acids and flavonoids including chlorogenic acid, gallic acid, synapic acid, p-coumaric acid, apigenin, hyperoside, isoamnétine-3-O-beta-D-glucotrioside, quercetin, and isoquercetin in various amounts depending on the origin of tested extracts. The assessment of antibacterial activity showed the effectiveness of the A. altissima extracts particularly against Gram-positive bacteria, with inhibition zone diameters reaching 14 ± 1 mm and minimum inhibitory concentrations ranging from 4 to 72.2 mg/mL. These bioactive substances also exhibited strong antibiofilm activity with an eradication percentage reaching 67.07%. Furthermore, they increased ROS production to levels two to five times higher than the control group, altered the membrane integrity and caused lipid peroxidation with MDA production exceeding 2.5 µmol/mg protein in the Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains. A decrease in the levels of the antioxidant enzymes SOD and CAT was also observed, indicating an impairment of the bacterial response to the oxidative stress caused by the tested extracts. These findings highlight the antibacterial properties of A. altissima leaf extracts depending on their origins and promote their exploitation and application in the agro-food and pharmaceutical sectors.
Evaluating the Translational Potential of Bacteriocins as an Alternative Treatment for Staphylococcus aureus Infections in Animals and Humans
Authors: Heinzinger Lauren R. , Pugh Aaron R. , Wagner Julie A. , Otto Michael
Published: July 2023

Antibiotic resistance remains a global threat to human and animal health. Staphylococcus aureus is an opportunistic pathogen that causes minor to life-threatening infections. The widespread use of antibiotics in the clinical, veterinary, and agricultural setting combined with the increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant S. aureus strains makes it abundantly clear that alternatives to antibiotics are urgently needed. Bacteriocins represent one potential alternative therapeutic. They are antimicrobial peptides that are produced by bacteria that are generally nontoxic and have a relatively narrow target spectrum, and they leave many commensals and most mammalian cells unperturbed. Multiple studies involving bacteriocins (e.g., nisin, epidermicin, mersacidin, and lysostaphin) have demonstrated their efficacy at eliminating or treating a wide variety of S. aureus infections in animal models. This review provides a comprehensive and updated evaluation of animal studies involving bacteriocins and highlights their translational potential. The strengths and limitations associated with bacteriocin treatments compared with traditional antibiotic therapies are evaluated, and the challenges that are involved with implementing novel therapeutics are discussed.
Multistage Quality Prediction Using Neural Networks in Discrete Manufacturing Systems
Authors: Li Ruidong , Wang Xiancheng , Wang Zeng , Zhu Zhentao , Liu Zewen
Published: July 2023

The deployment of a manufacturing execution system (MES) holds promising potential in facilitating the accumulation of a substantial amount of inspection data. Low quality levels in discrete manufacturing environments are the result of multi-factor coupling and the failure to detect quality issues promptly in accordance with manufacturing settings, which may trigger the propagation of downstream defects. Currently, most inspection quality methods consist of direct measurements followed by manual judgment. The integration of deep learning methods provides a feasible way in which to identify defects on time, thus improving the acceptance rate of factories. This paper focuses on the design of a data-driven quality prediction and control model, built around discrete manufacturing characteristics, and uses fuzzy theory to evaluate the quality levels of production stages. Furthermore, a multivariate long- and short-term memory sequence model is proposed in order to explore the qualitative information from time domain features. The data regarding the produced water dispensers are validated using three evaluation indices, namely, RMSE, MAE, and MAPE. The results indicate that the multivariate long- and short-term memory model exhibits stronger prediction performance.
Study on the Deformation and Failure Characteristics of the Long Composite Insulated Cold Transmission Pipe in Deep Mines
Authors: Wang Wenlong , Yue Fengtian , Wei Jingsheng , Gao Tao , Qi Yanjun
Published: July 2023

To address the delamination and water leakage caused by the fracture of insulated chilled water pipeline (ICWP) in the process of long-distance drilling through deep strata, a new insulated cold transmission pipe with a composite structure was designed based on the actual project. The mechanical and deformation characteristics of the mortar materials of the different filling layers were investigated using uniaxial compression and Brazilian split tests. The distribution law of the maximum principal strain field on the surface during the test process was obtained by applying the digital image correlation method. Based on the experimental results, the finite-difference model was established and FLAC3D was used to analyze the stability of the long-distance composite structure ICWP under different stress conditions. The numerical results show that when the ground stress exceeds 12 MPa, the plastic damage occurs in the inner and outer filling layers of the ICWP. When the ground stress reaches 17.5 MPa, there is a small plastic zone in the cold transmission pipe, but the composite structure ICWP does not affect the regular operation of the pipe. Based on that, the mapping relationship for the plastic damage rate of the inner and outer filling mortar of the ICWP to the ground stress and the parameters of the insulation pipe was constructed to provide a theoretical basis for improving the deformation damage resistance characteristics of the composite structure ICWP.
Effect of the Cross-Section Morphology in the Antimicrobial Properties of α-Ag2WO4 Rods: An Experimental and Theoretical Study
Authors: Andrade Neto Nivaldo F. , Oliveira Marisa C. , Nascimento José Heriberto O. , Longo Elson , Ribeiro Renan A. P. , Bomio Mauricio R. D. , Motta Fabiana V.
Published: July 2023

In this work, α-Ag2WO4 particles with different cross-sections were obtained using the co-precipitation method at different synthesis temperatures. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The antimicrobial activity was analyzed using the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) methods against the Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. gram-negative bacteria. The antimicrobial tests against Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. indicated that concentrations of 2.5–5 mg/mL and 5 mg/mL completely inhibit its growth, respectively. The antimicrobial activity was analyzed employing band-edge positions for ROS generations and the superficial distribution of Ag+ species that contribute to antimicrobial activity. Quantum-chemical calculations were used at the DFT level to investigate the surface-dependent reactivity of α-Ag2WO4, and we demonstrated how the antimicrobial properties could be tailored by the geometry and electronic structure of the exposed surfaces, providing guidelines for the morphology design.
Lithoscaptus aquarius sp. nov. (Decapoda: Cryptochiridae) Described from a Catalaphyllia jardinei (Scleractinia) out of the Aquarium Trade
Authors: van der Meij Sancia E. T.
Published: July 2023

A new species of gall crab collected from elegance coral, Catalaphyllia jardinei, is described in this paper. The male holotype was collected from a reef tank in Germany in 2016, and it is described here using integrative taxonomy. This species, named Lithoscaptus aquarius sp. nov., is the thirteenth assigned to the genus. It is morphologically and phylogenetically closest to Lithoscaptus semperi, a cryptochirid associated with Trachyphyllia geoffroyi. Like L. semperi, it has a large, broad W-shaped depression on the anterior half of the carapace, but the carapace surface of L. aquarius sp. nov. is smooth overall, lacking spines or tubercles. This new species is so named because it was found in a reef tank after searching in vain for material during fieldwork campaigns over the course of several years.
Simulating the Electrochemical-Thermal Behavior of a Prismatic Lithium-Ion Battery on the Market under Various Discharge Cycles
Authors: Magri Luca , Sequino Luigi , Ferrari Cristian
Published: July 2023

In this paper, a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model to predict the transient temperature distributions of a prismatic lithium-ion polymer battery (LiPo) cooled by natural convection at various discharge cycles is developed. The thermal behavior of a lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery cell is important for its safety, performance and degradation, and it requires both measurement and modeling. However, most existing thermal models for Li-ion battery cells only account for steady-state temperature fields, while the exercise of a Li-ion battery cell is usually transitory. The Newman’s pseudo-2D approach was used to perform an electrochemical CFD analysis. This approach treats the porous electrode as a collection of equal-sized, isotropic, homogeneous spherical particles. This simplifies the electrode microstructure and assumes a smooth and uniform lithium insertion/extraction in the electrode. The model has been validated through variable discharge rate experimental tests in a controlled chamber. Additionally, infrared images of the battery cell during discharging are taken and the experimental numerical gradient temperature was compared. We have validated the CFD simulations by comparing the temperature, state of charge and voltage curves with experimental data. The model predictions match the experimental data very well. The difficulty in CFD battery simulations with an electrochemical approach lies in the setting of many physical parameters that are difficult to find. In this work, the parameters’ characteristics of the simulated battery are assumed and validated; these can be useful for modeling batteries of the same type. Consequently, the model developed in this work can be applied to predict the temperature distribution of the LiPo prismatic battery and can be used by the battery designers and by the designers of all systems that include batteries.
Driving Excellence in Official Statistics: Unleashing the Potential of Comprehensive Digital Data Governance
Authors: Hassani Hossein , MacFeely Steve
Published: July 2023

With the ubiquitous use of digital technologies and the consequent data deluge, official statistics faces new challenges and opportunities. In this context, strengthening official statistics through effective data governance will be crucial to ensure reliability, quality, and access to data. This paper presents a comprehensive framework for digital data governance for official statistics, addressing key components, such as data collection and management, processing and analysis, data sharing and dissemination, as well as privacy and ethical considerations. The framework integrates principles of data governance into digital statistical processes, enabling statistical organizations to navigate the complexities of the digital environment. Drawing on case studies and best practices, the paper highlights successful implementations of digital data governance in official statistics. The paper concludes by discussing future trends and directions, including emerging technologies and opportunities for advancing digital data governance.
Phytochemical and Structural Changes of Chickpea Beverage Prepared Using Ultrasound-Assisted Fermentation with Optimized Ultrasound Parameters Modelled by Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Johnson Nana Adwoa Nkuma , Ekumah John-Nelson , Adade Selorm Yao-Say Solomon , Li Yanshu , Betchem Garba , Issaka Eliasu , Ma Yongkun
Published: July 2023

To improve the quality of fermented chickpea beverages, a highly nutritious substitute for dairy, the Box-Behnken design and the response surface methodology were used to obtain optimized ultrasonic parameters for producing ultrasound-assisted fermented chickpea beverages. The determining parameters were the lactic acid, reducing sugar content, and the cell viability of the treated product. The most significant parameters obtained were frequency and treatment duration, while power density was relatively insignificant. The optimum fermentation parameters obtained were a treatment start time of 3 h, treatment duration of 80 min, frequency of 27.5 kHz, and power density of 100 W/L with optimum yields of 0.23096 mg/mL, 2.92898 mg/mL, and 0.488189 for reducing sugar, lactic acid, and cell viability index, respectively, with desirability above 0.95. Further analysis of the ultrasound treatment’s effect on the product’s structure showed the ultrasound-assisted fermented chickpea beverage was more structurally stable and homogenous, with even distribution of macromolecules present.
Microfluidic Systems for Neural Cell Studies
Authors: Babaliari Eleftheria , Ranella Anthi , Stratakis Emmanuel
Published: July 2023

Whereas the axons of the peripheral nervous system (PNS) spontaneously regenerate after an injury, the occurring regeneration is rarely successful because axons are usually directed by inappropriate cues. Therefore, finding successful ways to guide neurite outgrowth, in vitro, is essential for neurogenesis. Microfluidic systems reflect more appropriately the in vivo environment of cells in tissues such as the normal fluid flow within the body, consistent nutrient delivery, effective waste removal, and mechanical stimulation due to fluid shear forces. At the same time, it has been well reported that topography affects neuronal outgrowth, orientation, and differentiation. In this review, we demonstrate how topography and microfluidic flow affect neuronal behavior, either separately or in synergy, and highlight the efficacy of microfluidic systems in promoting neuronal outgrowth.
A Novel Non-Contact Detection and Identification Method for the Post-Disaster Compression State of Injured Individuals Using UWB Bio-Radar
Authors: Shi Ding , Liang Fulai , Qiao Jiahao , Wang Yaru , Zhu Yidan , Lv Hao , Yu Xiao , Jiao Teng , Liao Fuyuan , Yan Keding , Wang Jianqi , Zhang Yang
Published: July 2023

Building collapse leads to mechanical injury, which is the main cause of injury and death, with crush syndrome as its most common complication. During the post-disaster search and rescue phase, if rescue personnel hastily remove heavy objects covering the bodies of injured individuals and fail to provide targeted medical care, ischemia-reperfusion injury may be triggered, leading to rhabdomyolysis. This may result in disseminated intravascular coagulation or acute respiratory distress syndrome, further leading to multiple organ failure, which ultimately leads to shock and death. Using bio-radar to detect vital signs and identify compression states can effectively reduce casualties during the search for missing persons behind obstacles. A time-domain ultra-wideband (UWB) bio-radar was applied for the non-contact detection of human vital sign signals behind obstacles. An echo denoising algorithm based on PSO-VMD and permutation entropy was proposed to suppress environmental noise, along with a wounded compression state recognition network based on radar-life signals. Based on training and testing using over 3000 data sets from 10 subjects in different compression states, the proposed multiscale convolutional network achieved a 92.63% identification accuracy. This outperformed SVM and 1D-CNN models by 5.30% and 6.12%, respectively, improving the casualty rescue success and post-disaster precision.
A Supervised Learning Regression Method for the Analysis of the Taste Functions of Healthy Controls and Patients with Chemosensory Loss
Authors: Naciri Lala Chaimae , Mastinu Mariano , Melis Melania , Green Tomer , Wolf Anne , Hummel Thomas , Tomassini Barbarossa Iole
Published: July 2023

In healthy humans, taste sensitivity varies widely, influencing food selection and nutritional status. Chemosensory loss has been associated with numerous pathological disorders and pharmacological interventions. Reliable psychophysical methods are crucial for analyzing the taste function during routine clinical assessment. However, in the daily clinical routine, they are often considered too time-consuming. We used a supervised learning (SL) regression method to analyze with high precision the overall taste statuses of healthy controls (HCs) and patients with chemosensory loss, and to characterize the combination of responses that would best predict the overall taste statuses of the subjects in the two groups. The random forest regressor model allowed us to achieve our objective. The analysis of the order of importance of each parameter and their impact on the prediction of the overall taste statuses of the subjects in the two groups showed that salty (low-concentration) and sour (high-concentration) stimuli specifically characterized healthy subjects, while bitter (high-concentration) and astringent (high-concentration) stimuli identified patients with chemosensory loss. Although the present results require confirmation in studies with larger samples, the identification of such distinctions should be of interest to the health system because they may justify the use of specific stimuli during the routine clinical assessments of taste function and thereby reduce time and cost commitments.
Do Patients with Parkinson’s Disease Benefit from Dynamic Body Weight Support? A Pilot Study on the Emerging Role of Rysen
Authors: Ciatto Laura , Pullia Massimo , Tavilla Graziana , Dauccio Biagio , Messina Daniela , De Cola Maria Cristina , Quartarone Angelo , Cellini Roberta , Bonanno Mirjam , Calabrò Rocco Salvatore
Published: July 2023

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor and non-motor alterations. Typical motor symptoms include resting tremors, bradykinesia (hypokinesia or akinesia), muscular stiffness, gait alterations, and postural instability. In this context, neurorehabilitation may have a pivotal role in slowing the progression of PD, using both conventional and innovative rehabilitation approaches. Thirty patients (15 males and 15 females) affected by PD were enrolled in our study. We randomly divided the patients into two groups, an experimental group (EG) and a control group (CG). In particular, the EG performed gait and balance training using the Rysen system, which is an innovative body weight support (BWS) system, whilst the CG received conventional physiotherapy. Both groups underwent 20 sessions, five times weekly, with each session lasting about 40 min. At the end of the training sessions (T1), we found that both groups (EG and CG) achieved clinical improvements, although the EG showed better scores for post-treatment regarding global motor functioning and postural stability compared to the CG. In conclusion, our results suggest that the Rysen system, which is an innovative BWS tool, could be considered a valid device for improving postural control and global motor functions, when compared to conventional gait training, in patients affected by PD.
Use of Biomarkers to Improve 28-Day Mortality Stratification in Patients with Sepsis and SOFA ≤ 6
Authors: Baldirà Jaume , Ruiz-Rodríguez Juan Carlos , Ruiz-Sanmartin Adolfo , Chiscano Luis , Cortes Alejandro , Sistac Diego Ángeles , Ferrer-Costa Roser , Comas Inma , Villena Yolanda , Larrosa Maria Nieves , González-López Juan José , Ferrer Ricard
Published: July 2023

Early diagnosis and appropriate treatments are crucial to reducing mortality risk in septic patients. Low SOFA scores and current biomarkers may not adequately discern patients that could develop severe organ dysfunction or have an elevated mortality risk. The aim of this prospective observational study was to evaluate the predictive value of the biomarkers mid-regional pro-adrenomedullin (MR-proADM), procalcitonin (PCT), C-reactive protein (CRP), and lactate for 28-day mortality in patients with sepsis, and patients with a SOFA score ≤6. 284 were included, with a 28-day all-cause mortality of 8.45% (n = 24). Non-survivors were older (p = 0.003), required mechanical ventilation (p = 0.04), were ventilated for longer (p = 0.02), and had higher APACHE II (p = 0.015) and SOFA (p = 0.027) scores. Lactate showed the highest predictive ability for all-cause 28-day mortality, with an area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.67 (0.55–0.79). The AUROC for all-cause 28-day mortality in patients with community-acquired infection was 0.69 (0.57–0.84) for SOFA and 0.70 (0.58–0.82) for MR-proADM. A 2.1 nmol/L cut-off point for this biomarker in this subgroup of patients discerned, with 100% sensibility, survivors from non-survivors at 28 days. In patients with community-acquired sepsis and initial SOFA score ≤ 6, MR-proADM could help identify patients at risk of 28-day mortality.
Biomimetic Orthopedic Footwear Advanced Insole Materials to Be Used in Medical Casts for Weight-Bearing Monitoring
Authors: Rubtsova Sofya , Dahman Yaser
Published: July 2023

Fabrication, characterization and testing of protective biomimetic orthopedic footwear advanced insole materials are introduced. The main objective of this material is to preserve and isolate a set of sensors for the Weight-Bearing Monitoring System (WBMS) device. Twenty-one samples of renewably sourced Polyurethane Foam (PUF) composed of poly(trimethylene ether) glycol (PO3G) and unmodified castor oil (CO) were synthesized and evaluated according to predetermined criteria. Response surface methodology of Box—Behnken design was applied to study the effect of the polyols ratio, isocyanate index (II), and blowing agent ratio on the properties (hardness, density) of PUFs. Results showed that CO/PO3G/Tolyene Diisocyanate (TDI) PUFs with hardness Shore A 17–22 and density of 0.19–0.25 g/cm3 demonstrate the required characteristics and can potentially be used as a durable and functional insole material. Phase separation studies have found the presence of well-segregated structures in PUFs having polyols ratio of CO:PO3G 1:3 and low II, which further explains their extraordinary elastic properties (400% elongation). Analysis of cushioning performance of PUF signified that five samples have Cushioning Energy (CE) higher than 70 N·mm and Cushioning Factor (CF) in the range of 4–8, hence are recommended for application in WBMS due to superior weight-bearing and pressure-distributing properties. Moreover, the developed formulation undergoes anaerobic soil bacterial degradation and can be categorized as a “green” bio-based material.
Anti-Cancer Prodrug Cyclophosphamide Exerts Thrombogenic Effects on Human Venous Endothelial Cells Independent of CYP450 Activation—Relevance to Thrombosis
Authors: Krüger-Genge Anne , Köhler Susanne , Laube Markus , Haileka Vanessa , Lemm Sandy , Majchrzak Karolina , Kammerer Sarah , Schulz Christian , Storsberg Joachim , Pietzsch Jens , Küpper Jan-Heiner , Jung Friedrich
Published: July 2023

Cancer patients are at a very high risk of serious thrombotic events, often fatal. The causes discussed include the detachment of thrombogenic particles from tumor cells or the adverse effects of chemotherapeutic agents. Cytostatic agents can either act directly on their targets or, in the case of a prodrug approach, require metabolization for their action. Cyclophosphamide (CPA) is a widely used cytostatic drug that requires prodrug activation by cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP) in the liver. We hypothesize that CPA could induce thrombosis in one of the following ways: (1) damage to endothelial cells (EC) after intra-endothelial metabolization; or (2) direct damage to EC without prior metabolization. In order to investigate this hypothesis, endothelial cells (HUVEC) were treated with CPA in clinically relevant concentrations for up to 8 days. HUVECs were chosen as a model representing the first place of action after intravenous CPA administration. No expression of CYP2B6, CYP3A4, CYP2C9 and CYP2C19 was found in HUVEC, but a weak expression of CYP2C18 was observed. CPA treatment of HUVEC induced DNA damage and a reduced formation of an EC monolayer and caused an increased release of prostacyclin (PGI2) and thromboxane (TXA) associated with a shift of the PGI2/TXA balance to a prothrombotic state. In an in vivo scenario, such processes would promote the risk of thrombus formation.
The Role of Mitophagy in Glaucomatous Neurodegeneration
Authors: Stavropoulos Dimitrios , Grewal Manjot K. , Petriti Bledi , Chau Kai-Yin , Hammond Christopher J. , Garway-Heath David F. , Lascaratos Gerassimos
Published: July 2023

This review aims to provide a better understanding of the emerging role of mitophagy in glaucomatous neurodegeneration, which is the primary cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. Increasing evidence from genetic and other experimental studies suggests that mitophagy-related genes are implicated in the pathogenesis of glaucoma in various populations. The association between polymorphisms in these genes and increased risk of glaucoma is presented. Reduction in intraocular pressure (IOP) is currently the only modifiable risk factor for glaucoma, while clinical trials highlight the inadequacy of IOP-lowering therapeutic approaches to prevent sight loss in many glaucoma patients. Mitochondrial dysfunction is thought to increase the susceptibility of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) to other risk factors and is implicated in glaucomatous degeneration. Mitophagy holds a vital role in mitochondrial quality control processes, and the current review explores the mitophagy-related pathways which may be linked to glaucoma and their therapeutic potential.