bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatiotemporal Features Fusion From Local Facial Regions for Micro-Expressions Recognition
Authors: Aouayeb Mouath , Soladie Catherine , Hamidouche Wassim , Kpalma Kidiyo , Seguier Renaud
Published: April 2022

Facial micro-expressions (MiEs) analysis has applications in various fields, including emotional intelligence, psychotherapy, and police investigation. However, because MiEs are fast, subtle, and local reactions, there is a challenge for humans and machines to detect and recognize them. In this article, we propose a deep learning approach that addresses the locality and the temporal aspects of MiE by learning spatiotemporal features from local facial regions. Our proposed method is particularly unique in that we use two fusion-based squeeze and excitation (SE) strategies to drive the model to learn the optimal combination of extracted spatiotemporal features from each area. The proposed architecture enhances a previous solution of an automatic system for micro-expression recognition (MER) from local facial regions using a composite deep learning model of convolutional neural network (CNN) and long short-term memory (LSTM). Experiments on three spontaneous MiE datasets show that the proposed solution outperforms state-of-the-art approaches. Our code is presented at https://github.com/MouathAb/AnalyseMiE-CNN_LSTM_SE as an open source.
Unexpected Vection Exacerbates Cybersickness During HMD-Based Virtual Reality
Authors: Teixeira Joel , Miellet Sebastien , Palmisano Stephen
Published: April 2022

Visually induced illusions of self-motion (vection) are thought to cause cybersickness during head-mounted display based virtual reality (HMD VR). However, the empirical support for this widespread belief is rather mixed. Our exploratory study examined the possibility that only unexpected experiences of vection provoke cybersickness. Fifteen males and 15 females played an HMD VR game (Mission: ISS) for up to 14 min with: 1) their experiences of vection and cybersickness assessed every 2 minutes; and 2) the game being terminated whenever they reported feeling sick. Of the 30 participants tested, 17 reported feeling sick and 13 remained well. Sick and well participants did not differ in terms of the strength of their vection experiences. However, the sick participants were significantly more likely to report unexpected/uncontrolled vection. When these data were subjected to machine learning analysis, unexpected vection was found to be the most important predictor of cybersickness. These preliminary findings suggest that vection can be used to safely enhance experiences in HMD VR–as long as developers ensure that any simulated self-motions are expected and perceived to be under the user’s control.
Changes in Large Lake Water Level Dynamics in Response to Climate Change
Authors: VanDeWeghe Alexander , Lin Victor , Jayaram Jennani , Gronewold Andrew D.
Published: April 2022

Understanding impacts of climate change on water level fluctuations across Earth's large lakes has critical implications for commercial and recreational boating and navigation, coastal planning, and ecological function and management. A common approach to advancing this understanding is the propagation of climate change scenarios (often from global circulation models) through regional hydrological models. We find, however, that this approach does not always fully capture water supply spatiotemporal features evolving from complex relationships between hydrologic variables. Here, we present a statistical approach for projecting plausible climate-related regional water supply scenarios into localized net basin supply sequences utilizing a parametric vine copula. This approach preserves spatial and temporal correlations between hydrologic components and allows for explicit representation and manipulation of component marginal and conditional probability distributions. We demonstrate the capabilities of our new modeling framework on the Laurentian Great Lakes by coupling our copula-derived net basin supply simulations with a newly-formulated monthly lake-to-lake routing model. This coupled system projects monthly average water levels on Lake Superior, Michigan-Huron, and Erie (we omit Lake Ontario from our study due to complications associated with simulating strict regulatory controls on its outflow). We find that our new method faithfully replicates marginal and conditional probability distributions, as well as serial autocorrelation, within and among historical net basin supply sequences. We find that our new method also reproduces seasonal and interannual water level dynamics. Using readily-available climate change simulations for the Great Lakes region, we then identified two plausible, transient, water supply scenarios and propagated them through our model to understand potential impacts on future water levels. Both scenarios result in an average water level increase of <10 cm on Lake Superior and Erie, with slightly larger increases on Michigan-Huron, as well as elevated variability of monthly water levels and a shift in seasonal water level modality. Our study contributes new insights into plausible impacts of future climate change on Great Lakes water levels, and supports the application and advancement of statistical modeling tools to forecast water supplies and water levels on not just the Great Lakes, but on other large lakes around the world as well.
The Effect of Eccentric vs. Traditional Resistance Exercise on Muscle Strength, Body Composition, and Functional Performance in Older Adults: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis
Authors: Čretnik Klemen , Pleša Jernej , Kozinc Žiga , Löfler Stefan , Šarabon Nejc
Published: April 2022

The effects of eccentric exercise (ECC) in older adults have received limited scientific attention, considering the ample evidence for its effectiveness in general and athletic populations. The purpose of this paper is to review the effects of ECC exercise modalities vs. traditional or concentric (CON) exercise on muscle strength, body composition and functional performance in older adults. Inclusion criteria regarding the age was >55 years. Three major scientific literature databases (PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science) were screened for trials comparing the effect of ECC and CON exercise programs, and 19 papers were included in the meta-analysis. ECC and CON training programs were typically matched by the duration of each session. The difference between ECC and CON was expressed as standardized mean difference (SMD). Regarding isometric knee strength, the pooled effect favored ECC (SMD = 0.50), but was not statistically significant (p = 0.160). ECC exercise elicited greater improvements in timed up and go test (SMD = −0.68; p = 0.004), 2-min sit-stand test (SMD = 0.53; p = 0.030) and 30-s sit-stand test (SMD = 0.81; p = 0.002), but not in 6-min walking test (SMD = 0.01; p = 0.960). The effects on body composition and muscle architecture were unclear (SMD = −1.44 to 1.95; p = 0.060–0.689). In conclusion, our literature review indicates that ECC exercise is superior to, or at least as good as CON exercise for preserving health and overall function in older adults.
The Role of Indigenous Vegetables to Improve Food and Nutrition Security: Experiences From the Project HORTINLEA in Kenya (2014–2018)
Authors: Bokelmann Wolfgang , Huyskens-Keil Susanne , Ferenczi Zoltan , Stöber Silke
Published: April 2022

Many warning signs indicate that the food security goals formulated in 2015 will not be achieved. This situation is particularly true for the African continent. After substantial progress up to 2015, the situation has hardly improved or has worsened in many respects. In addition to the rapid population growth, the increasingly frequent long dry periods or sometimes erratic rainfall have contributed to this. In addition, current production systems have dysfunctional side effects due to increasing yield optimization and specialization. Thus, besides the associated resource degradation, it also leads to a monotonous food supply and the emergence of vitamin and mineral deficiencies (hidden hunger). A meaningful way to diversify the food supply is to cultivate and market previously underutilized species. However, they are characterized by not being known and traded globally and usually having only local importance. Accordingly, they have been widely ignored in research. Increasingly, however, there is a growing realization worldwide that these plants can make an essential contribution to food and nutrition security, especially for poorer segments of the population. Moreover, they are adapted to local conditions and are often produced with less resource input. This article aims to show how these species can be better utilized to provide nutritious food through sustainable production, using the example of African indigenous vegetables. In doing so, the impact of emerging social and ecological changes in Kenya will be considered. This source is an interdisciplinary collaborative research project, Horticultural Innovation and Learning for Improved Nutrition and Livelihood in East Africa (HORTINLEA), which was carried out in Kenya from 2014 to 2018. Many different disciplines were involved in the German-African cooperation project. The results will be brought together in this article with the help of a food-sensitive value chain approach, and the experiences gained from this project will be reflected.
Derotational Osteotomy and Plate Fixation of the Radius and Ulna for the Treatment of Congenital Proximal Radioulnar Synostosis
Authors: Hamiti Yimurang , Yushan Maimaiaili , Yalikun Ainizier , Lu Cheng , Yusufu Aihemaitijiang
Published: April 2022

Purpose

To evaluate the clinical outcomes of derotational osteotomy followed by plate fixation at the radius and ulna for the treatment of congenital proximal radioulnar synostosis.

Methods

A total of 10 eligible patients (12 forearms) with congenital proximal radioulnar synostosis were admitted to our institution from January 2013 to January 2016 and treated by radioulnar derotational osteotomy followed by plate fixation. There were 5 males and 5 females with an average age of 5.4 ± 2.0 (3–9) years old. The average forearm position was 56.67 ± 14.36° (range, 40°–80° pronation) in pronation before surgery. According to the classification system of Cleary and Omer, 3 forearms were categorized as type II, 7 as type III, and 2 as type IV. The pre- and postoperative forearm function was recorded and evaluated by the Failla scoring system.

Results

All included patients were successfully followed up for an average time of 73.90 ± 8.24 months (range, 61–84 months). The mean achieved correction of the forearm was 53.33° ± 12.67° (range, 35°–70°). The average final position was 3.33° ± 14.98° (range, 20° of supination to 25° of pronation) in pronation. Bony union was achieved in a mean of 10.38 ± 1.25 weeks (range, 8.4–12.3 weeks) with no loss of correction. There were no incidences of nonunion, osteomyelitis, or neurologic or circulatory complications. The preoperative functional results were good in 1 forearm, fair in 8 forearms and poor in 3 forearms. In terms of final follow-up functional evaluations, 3 forearms were excellent, 6 forearms were good, and 3 forearms were fair.

Conclusions

Congenital proximal radioulnar synostosis can be successfully treated using derotational osteotomy and plate fixation of the radius and ulna, which is an effective method with fewer postoperative complications and expected clinical outcomes.
Dietary Protein Source and Litter Condition Alter Broiler Chicken Intestinal Macrophage and Mitotically Active Cell Populations
Authors: Keel A. Jacob , Calderon Allan J. , Tejeda Oscar J. , Starkey Jessica D. , Starkey Charles W.
Published: April 2022

As antibiotic-free (ABF) broiler production continues to increase, understanding the development and local immune response in the intestines of ABF broilers is essential. Mitotically active cells, the majority of which will become enterocytes, help maintain the intestinal epithelial barrier. Macrophages prevent pathogen invasion by their phagocytic activity, functioning as immune response amplifying cells to aid in the recruitment of additional immune cells, and stimulating cytokine production in other adjacent cells. The objective of this experiment was to evaluate commonly used practical production practices on intestinal cell mitotic activity and local intestinal immunological responses. A randomized complete block design experiment with a 3 × 2 factorial treatment structure was conducted. The 3 dietary protein sources were: soybean meal (SBM), a mix of 50% poultry by-product meal and 50% feather meal (PFM), and porcine meat and bone meal (MBM) and broilers were reared on either new litter (NL) or used litter (UL). On d 3, 8, 11, 15, and 21, 6 birds per treatment from 6 blocks (total n = 36 per d) were randomly selected for sampling. Broilers were injected intraperitoneally with 5'-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) 1 h prior to sampling to label mitotically active cells. Samples were analyzed using cryohistology and immunofluorescence to determine the density of mitotically active cells and macrophages. Mitotically active cell and macrophage densities changed in both the duodenum and ileum over time. Neither dietary protein source nor litter condition affected mitotically active cell or macrophage densities in the duodenum on d 11 and 21 or in the ileum on d 3, 8, 11, and 15. However, on d 3 and 15 in the duodenum (P ≤ 0.0126) and d 21 in the ileum (P ≤ 0.0009), broilers reared on UL had greater mitotically active cell densities than those reared on NL. On d 8 in the duodenum, broilers fed MBM had increased macrophage density compared with those fed PFM and SBM (P ≤ 0.0401). These results indicate dietary protein source and litter condition may impact the physiology of the broiler small intestine, though additional work with this model is necessary to understand the underlying mechanisms.
A Retrospective Analysis of White Clover (Trifolium repens L.) Content Fluctuation in Perennial Ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) Swards under 4 Years of Intensive Rotational Dairy Grazing
Authors: Murray Áine , Delaby Luc , Gilliland Trevor J. , McClearn Bríd , Dineen Michael , Guy Clare , McCarthy Brian
Published: April 2022

The objective of this study was to examine fluctuations in white clover (Trifolium repens L.) content in perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) swards within a high nitrogen (250 kg N/ha) input grazing dairy system. The data came from a larger, overall system experiment within which all management and growing condition variables were categorised each year for the 40 paddocks that contained perennial ryegrass-white clover swards, over four growing years. Within that study, eight perennial ryegrass cultivars were examined, each sown individually with two white clover cultivars in a 50:50 mix of ‘Chieftain’ and ‘Crusader’. To determine management associations and meteorological patterns with white clover content and rate/direction of change, separate generalised linear models were used to analyse each individual management or meteorological variable. Paddocks with high white clover contents were associated with lower pre- and post-grazing sward heights, lower pasture cover over the winter period and shorter over-winter period. Perennial ryegrass cultivars with lower pre- and post-grazing height, lower pre-grazing pasture mass and pasture yield removed, all retained more white clover in their swards. Soil fertility remained a key factor that affected white clover persistence influencing the degree of responses in all treatments, particularly soil phosphorus (P) levels. Beyond this, higher white clover contents and lower rates of white clover decline were associated with paddocks that received lower rainfall, had higher soil moisture deficits and received more radiation into the base of the sward, particularly around the time of grazing.
Design and Performance Test of a Jujube Pruning Manipulator
Authors: Zhang Bin , Chen Xuegeng , Zhang Huiming , Shen Congju , Fu Wei
Published: April 2022

To solve the problems of poor working conditions and high labor intensity for artificially pruning jujube trees, a pruning scheme using a manipulator is put forward in the present paper. A pruning manipulator with five degrees of freedom for jujube trees is designed. The key components of the manipulator are designed and the dimension parameters of each joint component are determined. The homogeneous transformation of the DH parameter method is used to solve the kinematic equation of the jujube pruning manipulator, and the kinematic theoretical model of the manipulator is established. Finally, the relative position and attitude relationship among the coordinate systems is obtained. A three-dimensional mathematical simulation model of the jujube pruning manipulator is established, based on MATLAB Robotics Toolbox. The Monte Carlo method is used to carry out the manipulator workspace simulation, and the results of the simulation analysis show that the working space of the manipulator is −600~800 mm, −800~800 mm, and −200~1800 mm in the X, Y, and Z direction, respectively. It can be concluded that the geometric size of the jujube pruning manipulator meets the needs of jujube pruning in a dwarf and densely planted jujube garden. Then, based on the high-speed camera technology, the performance test of the manipulator is carried out. The results show that the positioning error of the manipulator at different pruning points of jujube trees is less than 10 mm, and the pruning success rate of a single jujube tree is higher than 85.16%. This study provides a theoretical basis and technical support for the intelligent pruning of jujube trees in an orchard.
Temporal Variations in the Production—Quality and Optimal Cutting Date of Hay Meadows in the Central Pyrenees (Spain)
Authors: Ascaso Joaquín , Reiné Ramón
Published: April 2022

The production and forage quality of semi-natural hay meadows of Arrenatheretalia in the southern central Pyrenees were studied according to the time of mowing within the vegetative cycle, to determine its optimum moment. The results show important variations according to the meadows and the year. Higher productions (56% in kg DM ha−1, 42% in UFL ha−1) and lower qualities (−12% in CP, −11% in UFL kg DM−1, −7% in PDI and −17% in RFV) were obtained in the year in which temperatures and rainfalls were the highest. It is concluded that the timing (advance or delay) concerning the maximum value of production and the quality (two years) do not have a direct relationship with the variations of accumulated rainfalls and the growing degree days. The decreases in production (18% in kg DM ha−1 and 25% in UFL ha−1 until 24 June) and quality (26% in CP, 16% in UFL kg DM−1, 13% in PDI and 20% in RFV until 24 June) were also quantified from their maximum values within the traditional mowing period. The optimal time for mowing is between 20 May and 20 June, depending on the annual weather and the meadow characteristics.
Lung Ultrasonography and Clinical Follow-Up Evaluations in Fattening Bulls Affected by Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) during the Restocking Period and after Tulathromycin and Ketoprofen Treatment
Authors: Fiore Enrico , Lisuzzo Anastasia , Beltrame Andrea , Contiero Barbara , Gianesella Matteo , Schiavon Eliana , Tessari Rossella , Morgante Massimo , Mazzotta Elisa
Published: April 2022

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is a global infectious disease, causing decreased well-being and economic losses in livestock, frequently during the restocking period. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of thoracic ultrasonography (TUS) to assess BRD in restocked animals, and the effectiveness of tulathromycin and ketoprofen treatment in sick animals. A total of 60 Limousin fattening bulls were enrolled. On the day of restocking (T0), the animals were divided into two groups based on TUS assessment of six lung areas: group C (ultrasonography score (US score) < 3) and group D (US score ≥ 3). Group D received a single administration of tulathromycin and ketoprofen at T0: this group was revaluated after 1.5, 3, 7, and 14 days. Both groups were revaluated after 21 days. The two groups showed a significant difference both in US score and clinical symptoms (respiratory score, nasal and ocular discharges, and rectal temperature) at T0. In group D, the treatment was effective in improving the clinical symptoms and US score, particularly reducing the severity of lung lesions. TUS represents a non-invasive and cost-effective tool for BRD early diagnosis and for monitoring treatment efficacy in restocked livestock.
Grazing Ecology of Sheep and Its Impact on Vegetation and Animal Health in Pastures Dominated by Common Ragwort (Senecio jacobaea L.)—Part 1: Vegetation
Authors: Ohlsen Susanne , Ganter Martin , Wohlsein Peter , Reckels Bernd , Huckauf Aiko , Lenzewski Nikola , Aboling Sabine
Published: April 2022

Species-rich pastures naturally contain potentially toxic plants such as common ragwort (Senecio jacobaea L.), whose pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA) impose a risk, mainly for cattle and horses. Although in vitro studies showed detoxification capacity of PA in sheep, few field data are available to ascertain whether grazing sheep can both tolerate and reduce ragwort. In a two-year study in a ragwort-rich pasture with a stocking density of 12 sheep/hectare, we documented (1) the extent of voluntarily ingested ragwort, (2) the correlation of nutritional parameters and feeding behavior, and (3) the impact of grazing on the yield proportion and number of flowers of dominant plants. Every six weeks the vegetation underwent a botanical survey and a chemical analysis. Sheep continuously ingested ragwort between 1.2 and 4.9 kg (2020) and 1.0 and 2.2 kg (2021) per individual per day without any impact on animal health. The more biomass ragwort produced, the more it contained sugar (r = 0.59–0.74), and the more sheep ingested it (r = 0.94–0.95). Other herbs increased their yield proportion from 23.3 to 36.5%, while that of ragwort decreased from 26.3 to 18.8% (2020/2021), doubling its flowers. Sheep preferred and tolerated ragwort, making their grazing an option to control ragwort from both an animal health and a nature conservation perspective.
Inactivation of a New Potassium Channel Increases Rifampicin Resistance and Induces Collateral Sensitivity to Hydrophilic Antibiotics in Mycobacterium smegmatis
Authors: Do Thi Thuy , Rodríguez-Beltran Jerónimo , Cebrián-Sastre Esmeralda , Rodríguez-Rojas Alexandro , Castañeda-García Alfredo , Blázquez Jesús
Published: April 2022

Rifampicin is a critical first-line antibiotic for treating mycobacterial infections such as tuberculosis, one of the most serious infectious diseases worldwide. Rifampicin resistance in mycobacteria is mainly caused by mutations in the rpoB gene; however, some rifampicin-resistant strains showed no rpoB mutations. Therefore, alternative mechanisms must explain this resistance in mycobacteria. In this work, a library of 11,000 Mycobacterium smegmatis mc2 155 insertion mutants was explored to search and characterize new rifampicin-resistance determinants. A transposon insertion in the MSMEG_1945 gene modified the growth rate, pH homeostasis and membrane potential in M. smegmatis, producing rifampicin resistance and collateral susceptibility to other antitubercular drugs such as isoniazid, ethionamide and aminoglycosides. Our data suggest that the M. smegmatis MSMEG_1945 protein is an ion channel, dubbed MchK, essential for maintaining the cellular ionic balance and membrane potential, modulating susceptibility to antimycobacterial agents. The functions of this new gene point once again to potassium homeostasis impairment as a proxy to resistance to rifampicin. This study increases the known repertoire of mycobacterial ion channels involved in drug susceptibility/resistance to antimycobacterial drugs and suggests novel intervention opportunities, highlighting ion channels as druggable pathways.
Diagnosis of Bloodstream Infections: An Evolution of Technologies towards Accurate and Rapid Identification and Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing
Authors: Tjandra Kristel C. , Ram-Mohan Nikhil , Abe Ryuichiro , Hashemi Marjan M. , Lee Jyong-Huei , Chin Siew Mei , Roshardt Manuel A. , Liao Joseph C. , Wong Pak Kin , Yang Samuel
Published: April 2022

Bloodstream infections (BSI) are a leading cause of death worldwide. The lack of timely and reliable diagnostic practices is an ongoing issue for managing BSI. The current gold standard blood culture practice for pathogen identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing is time-consuming. Delayed diagnosis warrants the use of empirical antibiotics, which could lead to poor patient outcomes, and risks the development of antibiotic resistance. Hence, novel techniques that could offer accurate and timely diagnosis and susceptibility testing are urgently needed. This review focuses on BSI and highlights both the progress and shortcomings of its current diagnosis. We surveyed clinical workflows that employ recently approved technologies and showed that, while offering improved sensitivity and selectivity, these techniques are still unable to deliver a timely result. We then discuss a number of emerging technologies that have the potential to shorten the overall turnaround time of BSI diagnosis through direct testing from whole blood—while maintaining, if not improving—the current assay’s sensitivity and pathogen coverage. We concluded by providing our assessment of potential future directions for accelerating BSI pathogen identification and the antibiotic susceptibility test. While engineering solutions have enabled faster assay turnaround, further progress is still needed to supplant blood culture practice and guide appropriate antibiotic administration for BSI patients.
Tree Based Approaches for Predicting Concrete Carbonation Coefficient
Authors: Londhe Shreenivas , Kulkarni Preeti , Dixit Pradnya , Silva Ana , Neves Rui , de Brito Jorge
Published: April 2022

Carbonation is one of the critical durability issues in reinforced concrete structures in terms of their structural integrity and safety and may cause the fatal deterioration and corrosion of steel reinforcement if ignored. Many researchers have performed a considerable number of studies to predict the carbonation of concrete structures. However, it is still challenging to predict the carbonation depth or carbonation coefficient, as they depend on various factors. Therefore, creating a model that can learn from available data using Data Driven Techniques (DDT) is a step forward in this research field. This study provides new approaches to predict the carbonation coefficient of concrete through Model Tree (MT), Random Forest (RF) and Multi-Gene Genetic Programming (MGGP) approaches. With 827 case studies, the predicted models can be seen as a function of a set of conditioning factors, which are statistically significant in explaining the carbonation mechanism. The results obtained through MT, RF and MGGP were compared with those obtained through Multiple Linear Regression (MLR), Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) and Genetic Programming (which were previously developed). The results reveal that the MT, RF and MGGP perform better than the previous models. Moreover, the MT technique displays its output in terms of series of equations, RF as multiple trees and MGGP in form of a single equation, which are more user-friendly and applicable in practice.
Validation of Seismic Performance of Stainless Press-to-Connect Piping System under Cyclic Loadings
Authors: Ju Bu-Seog , Jeon Bub-Gyu , Kim Sung-Wan , Son Ho-Young
Published: April 2022

Earthquakes with magnitudes over 5.0 occurred near Gyeongju and Pohang in southern Korea in 2016 and 2017, respectively. These earthquakes had both low- and high-frequency components. Due to earthquakes with high-frequency motions, damage to nonstructural systems has been observed to be relatively more than that in structural systems. Consequently, the seismic design or performance evaluation of nonstructural components in critical facilities has emerged as a key research area in Korea. This study presents the results of experimental and numerical analyses using a high-fidelity finite element (FE) simulation in the ABAQUS platform for a press-to-connect piping system as a nonstructural component. Press-to-connect piping systems based on NFPA-13 with two elbows, a flexible coupling, and a T-joint were used. In addition, a cyclic loading protocol was applied using the KBC 2016 and IBC 2015. Based on the component-level experimental test, an FE model of the press-to-connect elbow was developed, and the high-fidelity large-scale piping system with an elbow was validated in this study. In both the experimental and analytical results, no leakage or plastic deformation of the piping system was observed under cyclic loading conditions. The results of the high-fidelity simulation model of the large-scale piping system were identical to those of the experimental test. More specifically, the error of the von-Mises stress at the upper and lower elbows was less than 9%, and the angle between the elbows was less than 2%, corresponding to the limit state of the drift ratio of the building system. Therefore, the high-fidelity simulation model of a large-scale piping system can have high application value. In addition, the design requirements and engineering demands of the piping system, such as the condition of ASME B and PV section III for service level D, were satisfied.
Study on the Characteristics of Surrounding Rock and Design of Backfill Material Parameters for Tunnels Passing through Giant Caverns and Underground Rivers
Authors: Wang Yu , Wang Jiachen , Peng Feng
Published: April 2022

The influence on tunnel construction of karst and underground rivers is always an important problem in tunnel engineering. In order to demonstrate the rationality of backfill parameters and the effectiveness of supports under the influence of groundwater when a tunnel passes through a large karst cave, the finite element software FLAC3D was used for numerical analysis. Converting the mean values and standard deviations of mechanical response results of the surrounding rock and the supports on multiple sections into the ECULID distance from the origin point on a two-dimensional plane as evaluation indexes, the influence of the reinforcement parameters on the mechanical response of the surrounding rock and the supports was analyzed by orthogonal experiments. Based on fuzzy decision theory, by regarding the ECULID distance between the simulated result of each group and the global optimal value of the multiple evaluation index as the comprehensive evaluation index, a backfill parameter design method was proposed. By comparing the results which used optimal and worst parameters in the FLAC3D, 10 times and 2.5 times differences in longitudinal and horizontal displacement were observed, respectively. Then, the optimal backfill parameters were applied to the actual project for verification. The field monitoring results showed that the optimal backfill parameters can effectively reduce the displacement around the tunnel. After constructing a diversion for the underground river, the water flow in the karst cave did not rise during a rainstorm. This study provides a reference for the design and construction of other projects in the future.
Quantum Mechanics and Control Using Fractional Calculus: A Study of the Shutter Problem for Fractional Quantum Fields
Authors: Blackledge Jonathan
Published: April 2022

The ‘diffraction in space’ and the ‘diffraction in time’ phenomena are considered in regard to a continuously open, and a closed shutter that is opened at an instant in time, respectively. The purpose of this is to provide a background to the principal theme of this article, which is to extend the ‘quantum shutter problem’ for the case when the wave function is determined by the fundamental solution to a partial differential equation with a fractional derivative of space or of time. This involves the development of Green’s function solutions for the space- and time-fractional Schrödinger equation and the time-fractional Klein–Gordon equation (for the semi-relativistic case). In each case, the focus is on the development of primarily one-dimensional solutions, subject to an initial condition which controls the dynamical behaviour of the wave function. Coupled with variations in the fractional order of the fractional derivatives, illustrative example results are provided that are based on presenting space-time maps of the wave function; specifically, the probability density of the wave function. In this context, the paper provides a case study of fractional quantum mechanics and control using fractional calculus.
Analysis of Renovation Works in Cappuccinelli Social Housing District in Trapani
Authors: Corrao Rossella , Placa Erica La , Genova Enrico , Vinci Calogero
Published: April 2022

The refurbishment of public residential districts represents a current and complex problem. The Cappuccinelli Social Housing (SH) district in Trapani, designed in the late 1950s by Michele Valori and built during the 1960s, is emblematic of the architectural quality and technological innovation of the time it was designed, but at the same time represents the physical and social decay that occurred just after its construction. The neighborhood was examined through a combination of inspections and documentary research. The inspections were conducted for the entire district in order to identify the recurrent external degradation of building components and the related causes, both physical and anthropogenic. This paper investigates the physical–mechanical degradation and problems connected to previous renovation work in this district. Furthermore, technological design solutions are discussed for deep renovation and energy efficiency improvement of one of the terraced buildings of the Cappuccinelli SH district.
Long-Term Dynamics and Response to Climate Change of Different Vegetation Types Using GIMMS NDVI3g Data over Amathole District in South Africa
Authors: Afuye Gbenga Abayomi , Kalumba Ahmed Mukalazi , Ishola Kazeem Abiodun , Orimoloye Israel Ropo
Published: April 2022

Monitoring vegetation dynamics is essential for improving our understanding of how natural and managed agricultural landscapes respond to climate variability and change in the long term. Amathole District Municipality (ADM) in Eastern Cape Province of South Africa has been majorly threatened by climate variability and change during the last decades. This study explored long-term dynamics of vegetation and its response to climate variations using the satellite-derived normalized difference vegetation index from the third-generation Global Inventory Modeling and Mapping Studies (GIMMS NDVI3g) and the ERA5-Land global reanalysis product. A non-parametric trend and partial correlation analyses were used to evaluate the long-term vegetation changes and the role of climatic variables (temperature, precipitation, solar radiation and wind speed) during the period 1981–2015. The results of the ADM’s seasonal NDVI3g characteristics suggested that negative vegetation changes (browning trends) dominated most of the landscape from winter to summer while positive (greening) trends dominated in autumn during the study period. Much of these changes were reflected in forest landscapes with a higher coefficient of variation (CV ≈ 15) than other vegetation types (CV ≈ 10). In addition, the pixel-wise correlation analyses indicated a positive (negative) relationship between the NDVI3g and the ERA5-Land precipitation in spring–autumn (winter) seasons, while the reverse was the case with other climatic variables across vegetation types. However, the relationships between the NDVI3g and the climatic variables were relatively low (R < 0.5) across vegetation types and seasons, the results somewhat suggest the potential role of atmospheric variations in vegetation changes in ADM. The findings of this study provide invaluable insights into potential consequences of climate change and the need for well-informed decisions that underpin the evaluation and management of regional vegetation and forest resources.
BMO and Asymptotic Homogeneity
Authors: Gutlyanskii Vladimir , Ryazanov Vladimir , Sevost’yanov Evgeny , Yakubov Eduard
Published: April 2022

First, we prove that the BMO condition by John–Nirenberg leads in the natural way to the asymptotic homogeneity at the origin of regular homeomorphic solutions of the degenerate Beltrami equations. Then, on this basis we establish a series of criteria for the existence of regular homeomorphic solutions of the degenerate Beltrami equations in the whole complex plane with asymptotic homogeneity at infinity. These results can be applied to the fluid mechanics in strongly anisotropic and inhomogeneous media because the Beltrami equation is a complex form of the main equation of hydromechanics.
An Ensemble Deep Learning Model with a Gene Attention Mechanism for Estimating the Prognosis of Low-Grade Glioma
Authors: Lee Minhyeok
Published: April 2022

While estimating the prognosis of low-grade glioma (LGG) is a crucial problem, it has not been extensively studied to introduce recent improvements in deep learning to address the problem. The attention mechanism is one of the significant advances; however, it is still unclear how attention mechanisms are used in gene expression data to estimate prognosis because they were designed for convolutional layers and word embeddings. This paper proposes an attention mechanism called gene attention for gene expression data. Additionally, a deep learning model for prognosis estimation of LGG is proposed using gene attention. The proposed Gene Attention Ensemble NETwork (GAENET) outperformed other conventional methods, including survival support vector machine and random survival forest. When evaluated by C-Index, the GAENET exhibited an improvement of 7.2% compared to the second-best model. In addition, taking advantage of the gene attention mechanism, HILS1 was discovered as the most significant prognostic gene in terms of deep learning training. While HILS1 is known as a pseudogene, HILS1 is a biomarker estimating the prognosis of LGG and has demonstrated a possibility of regulating the expression of other prognostic genes.
68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT Initial Staging in Black and White South African Males with ISUP Grade Group 1 and 2 Prostate Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Maserumule Letjie C. , Mokoala Kgomotso M. G. , van de Wiele Christophe , Popoola Gbenga , Hlongwa Khanyisile N. , Ndlovu Honest , Maes Alex , Vorster Mariza , Sathekge Mike M.
Published: April 2022

Prostate adenocarcinoma (PCa) is a leading cause of mortality. Black males with high-risk PCa have a poorer prognosis compared to white males. Patients with International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) Grade Group (GG) 1 and 2 PCa have little potential for metastases post radical prostatectomy. 68Gallium prostate specific membrane antigen (68Ga-PSMA) PET/CT imaging for metastatic PCa is superior to conventional imaging in staging high-risk PCa. No strong evidence is available to support imaging low-risk patients. We aimed to evaluate the value of 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT in black and white South African (BSA and WSA) males with GG1 and 2 PCa at initial staging. We evaluated 25 WSA and 123 BSA males. The image findings were correlated with prostate specific antigen (PSA). PSA levels significantly correlated with both primary tumor and whole-body PSMA-tumor volume (PSMA-TV) and were higher in BSA males. No differences were noted in the occurrence of metastases; however, PSA, seminal vesicle invasion and black race predicted metastases. Our findings suggest higher PSMA expression and tumor burden in BSA with histologically low-risk PCa, and future research with immunohistochemistry evaluation will be essential to confirm these findings.
The Effect of Disulfiram and Copper on Cellular Viability, ER Stress and ALDH Expression of Human Meningioma Cells
Authors: Kao Ying , Huang Li-Chun , Hsu Shao-Yuan , Huang Shih-Ming , Hueng Dueng-Yuan
Published: April 2022

(1) Background: Meningiomas are the most common intracranial tumors in adults; currently there is no effective chemotherapy for malignant meningiomas. The effect of disulfiram (DSF)/Copper (Cu) on meningiomas remains unclear; (2) Methods: The impact of DSF/Cu on cell viability of meningioma adhesion cells (MgACs) and sphere cells (MgSCs) was assessed via MTS assay. The effects of DSF/Cu on intracellular Cu levels, cell senescence, and apoptosis were analyzed using CopperGreen, C12FDG, and Annexin V assays. Intracellular ALDH isoform expression and canonical pathway expression after DSF/Cu treatment were analyzed using mRNA microarray and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis, with further verification through qRT-PCR and immunoblotting; (3) Results: The viability of MgACs and MgSCs were inhibited by DSF/Cu. DSF/Cu increased intracellular Cu levels and cellular senescence. DSF/Cu also induced ER stress in MgACs and activated the PERK/eIF2 pathway for further adaptive response, apoptosis, and autophagy. Finally, DSF/Cu inhibited the expression of different ALDH isoforms in MgACs and MgSCs; (4) Conclusions: DSF/Cu exerts cytotoxic effects against both meningioma cells and stem-like cells and has treatment potential for meningioma.
FPGA Correlator for Applications in Embedded Smart Devices
Authors: Moore Christopher H. , Lin Wei
Published: April 2022

Correlation has a variety of applications that require signal processing. However, it is computationally intensive, and software correlators require high-performance processors for real-time data analysis. This is a challenge for embedded devices because of the limitation of computing resources. Hardware correlators that use Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) technology can significantly boost computational power and bridge the gap between the need for high-performance computing and the limited processing power available in embedded devices. This paper presents a detailed FPGA-based correlator design at the register level along with the open-source Very High-Speed Integrated Circuit Hardware Description Language (VHDL) code. It includes base modules for linear and multi-tau correlators of varying sizes. Every module implements a simple and unified data interface for easy integration with standard and publicly available FPGA modules. Eighty-lag linear and multi-tau correlators were built for validation of the design. Three input data sets—constant signal, pulse signal, and sine signal—were used to test the accuracy of the correlators. The results from the FPGA correlators were compared against the outputs of equivalent software correlators and validated with the corresponding theoretical values. The FPGA correlators returned results identical to those from the software references for all tested data sets and were proven to be equivalent to their software counterparts. Their computation speed is at least 85,000 times faster than the software correlators running on a Xilinx MicroBlaze processor. The FPGA correlator can be easily implemented, especially on System on a Chip (SoC) integrated circuits that have processor cores and FPGA fabric. It is the ideal component for device-on-chip solutions in biosensing.
Experimental Study of the Factors Influencing the Performance of the Bonding Interface between Epoxy Asphalt Concrete Pavement and a Steel Bridge Deck
Authors: Chen Zhengxiong , Xu Wei , Zhao Jian , An Luming , Wang Feng , Du Zizhan , Chen Qiang
Published: April 2022

The bonding between pavement and a steel bridge deck is a key component affecting the structural integrity of steel deck pavement and delamination is a major cause. The bonding interface of steel deck pavement was systematically investigated to evaluate the interactive influences of factors, such as the air void of the asphalt concrete pavement, the surface roughness of the steel deck, the thickness of the zinc-rich epoxy primer, and the waterproof bonding membrane, on the bond strength of the pavement interface, through simulated loading, brine immersion, pull-off, and interface observation experiments. The results show that a low air void (<3.0%) was a necessary condition for the corrosion resistance and bonding reliability of the steel deck pavement structure, and a zinc-rich epoxy primer provided an additional guarantee for corrosion resistance of the steel deck pavement; additionally, the combination of steel deck plate roughness in the range of 120–140 μm and zinc-rich epoxy primer thickness in the range of 80–110 μm led to a high bond strength, which was also conducive to the corrosion resistance of the steel bridge plate. The steel deck pavement structure should be designed through combinatorial optimization of multiple factors to create an integrated waterproof and anticorrosion bonding system.
Emerging Roles of SWEET Sugar Transporters in Plant Development and Abiotic Stress Responses
Authors: Gautam Tinku , Dutta Madhushree , Jaiswal Vandana , Zinta Gaurav , Gahlaut Vijay , Kumar Sanjay
Published: April 2022

Sugars are the major source of energy in living organisms and play important roles in osmotic regulation, cell signaling and energy storage. SWEETs (Sugars Will Eventually be Exported Transporters) are the most recent family of sugar transporters that function as uniporters, facilitating the diffusion of sugar molecules across cell membranes. In plants, SWEETs play roles in multiple physiological processes including phloem loading, senescence, pollen nutrition, grain filling, nectar secretion, abiotic (drought, heat, cold, and salinity) and biotic stress regulation. In this review, we summarized the role of SWEET transporters in plant development and abiotic stress. The gene expression dynamics of various SWEET transporters under various abiotic stresses in different plant species are also discussed. Finally, we discuss the utilization of genome editing tools (TALENs and CRISPR/Cas9) to engineer SWEET genes that can facilitate trait improvement. Overall, recent advancements on SWEETs are highlighted, which could be used for crop trait improvement and abiotic stress tolerance.
Transcription Factor CREB3L1 Regulates the Expression of the Sodium/Iodide Symporter (NIS) in Rat Thyroid Follicular Cells
Authors: Di Giusto Pablo , Martín Mariano , Funes Chabán Macarena , Sampieri Luciana , Nicola Juan Pablo , Alvarez Cecilia
Published: April 2022

The transcription factor CREB3L1 is expressed in a wide variety of tissues including cartilage, pancreas, and bone. It is located in the endoplasmic reticulum and upon stimulation is transported to the Golgi where is proteolytically cleaved. Then, the N-terminal domain translocates to the nucleus to activate gene expression. In thyroid follicular cells, CREB3L1 is a downstream effector of thyrotropin (TSH), promoting the expression of proteins of the secretory pathway along with an expansion of the Golgi volume. Here, we analyzed the role of CREB3L1 as a TSH-dependent transcriptional regulator of the expression of the sodium/iodide symporter (NIS), a major thyroid protein that mediates iodide uptake. We show that overexpression and inhibition of CREB3L1 induce an increase and decrease in the NIS protein and mRNA levels, respectively. This, in turn, impacts on NIS-mediated iodide uptake. Furthermore, CREB3L1 knockdown hampers the increase the TSH-induced NIS expression levels. Finally, the ability of CREB3L1 to regulate the promoter activity of the NIS-coding gene (Slc5a5) was confirmed. Taken together, our findings highlight the role of CREB3L1 in maintaining the homeostasis of thyroid follicular cells, regulating the adaptation of the secretory pathway as well as the synthesis of thyroid-specific proteins in response to TSH stimulation.