bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deslorelin Slow-Release Implants Delay Ovulation and Increase Plasma AMH Concentration and Small Antral Follicles in Haflinger Mares
Authors: Kaps Martim , Okada Carolina T. C. , Gautier Camille M. , Aurich Jörg , Aurich Christine
Published: May 2021

There is an increasing interest in the manipulation of ovarian follicular populations in large domestic animals because this could prove beneficial for assisted reproductive techniques such as ovum pick-up (OPU). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of deslorelin slow-release implants (SRI) on the interovulatory interval, antral follicle count (AFC), number of follicles of different size ranges and plasma anti-Muellerian hormone (AMH) concentration in mares. To synchronize their estrous cycles, Haflinger mares (n = 12) were treated twice with a PGF2α analogue. One day after the second injection (day 0), mares received a 9.4 mg deslorelin SRI (group DES, n = 6) or 1.25 mg deslorelin in a short-acting formulation (CON; n = 6), respectively. Regular transrectal ultrasonography of the genital tract was performed and blood samples were collected for the analysis of progesterone, AMH and gonadotrophins. The interval from implant insertion to the first spontaneous ovulation was 23.8 ± 10.5 days in group DES compared to 17.0 ± 3.9 days in group CON (p < 0.05). For the concentrations of LH, FSH and AMH, interactions between time and treatment were detected (p < 0.05). The AFC and the mean number of follicles with 5 to 10, 10 to 15 and 15 to 20 mm in diameter changed over time (p < 0.05). A time x treatment interaction was demonstrated for follicles of 10 to 15 mm in diameter (p < 0.05). The changes in this follicular subpopulation were reflected by increased plasma AMH concentration in group DES. In conclusion, 9.4 mg deslorelin implants show minor effects with regard to estrus suppression in mares, whereas the changes in the subpopulation of small ovarian follicles could be a promising tool for preparation of mares for OPU.
Core Altered Microorganisms in Colitis Mouse Model: A Comprehensive Time-Point and Fecal Microbiota Transplantation Analysis
Authors: Shang Lijun , Liu Hongbin , Yu Haitao , Chen Meixia , Yang Tianren , Zeng Xiangfang , Qiao Shiyan
Published: May 2021

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), is characterized by chronic and relapsing inflammation within the gastrointestinal tract. Antibiotics have been used to treat IBD, primarily utilizing metronidazole. Although there does seem to be a treatment effect, the broad-spectrum antibiotics that have been used to date are crude tools and have many adverse effects. Available evidence suggests that the host microbiome is implicated in the pathogenesis of IBD, though the key bacteria remain unknown. If the bacterial population can be modified appropriately, the use of antibiotics will have a better therapeutic effect. In this study, mice were fed dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) solution for 5 days, followed by 5 days of normal drinking water, to investigate the gut microbiota response to colitis and the initial alteration of microbiota in recovery phase. Day 0 was considered the normal control, while day 5 and day 10 were considered the colitis mouse model progressive phase and recovery phase, respectively. Results showed that inflammation could induce proportional changes in the gut microbiota. Furthermore, transplanting the microbiota in progressive phase to antibiotic-induced microbiota-depleted mice could induce inflammation similar to colitis, which proves the importance of initial alteration of the microbiota for IBD recovery and the potential of the microbiota as a target for the treatment of IBD. Meanwhile, we have also identified three possible target microorganisms in the development of colitis, namely genera Muribaculaceae (negative correlation), Turicibacter (positive correlation) and Lachnospiraceae (negative correlation) in inflammation status through comprehensive analysis.
Genotyping and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Profiling of Streptococcus uberis Isolated from a Clinical Bovine Mastitis Outbreak in a Dairy Farm
Authors: Monistero Valentina , Barberio Antonio , Cremonesi Paola , Castiglioni Bianca , Morandi Stefano , Lassen Desiree C. K. , Astrup Lærke B. , Locatelli Clara , Piccinini Renata , Addis M. Filippa , Bronzo Valerio , Moroni Paolo
Published: May 2021

Streptococcus uberis, an environmental pathogen responsible also for contagious transmission, has been increasingly implicated in clinical mastitis (CM) cases in Europe. We described a 4-month epidemiological investigation of Strep. uberis CM cases in an Italian dairy farm. We determined molecular characteristics and phenotypic antimicrobial resistance of 71 Strep. uberis isolates from dairy cows with CM. Genotypic variability was investigated via multiplex PCR of housekeeping and virulence genes, and by RAPD-PCR typing. Antimicrobial susceptibility was assessed for 14 antimicrobials by MIC assay. All the isolates carried the 11 genes investigated. At 90% similarity, two distinct clusters, grouping 69 of the 71 isolates, were detected in the dendrogram derived from the primer ERIC1. The predominant cluster I could be separated into two subclusters, containing 38 and 14 isolates, respectively. Strep. uberis strains belonging to the same RAPD pattern differed in their resistance profiles. Most (97.2%) of them were resistant to at least one of the drugs tested, but only 25.4% showed a multidrug resistance phenotype. The highest resistance rate was observed for lincomycin (93%), followed by tetracycline (85.9%). This study confirmed a low prevalence of β-lactam resistance in Strep. uberis, with only one isolate showing resistance to six antimicrobial classes, including cephalosporins.
Factors Related to Antibiotic Supply without a Prescription for Common Infections: A Cross-Sectional National Survey in Sri Lanka
Authors: Zawahir Shukry , Lekamwasam Sarath , Aslani Parisa
Published: May 2021

Inappropriate antibiotic use is a problem in Sri Lanka. We investigated pharmacy staff’s attitudes towards antibiotic supply for common infections in Sri Lanka. A self-reported cross-sectional survey was conducted among a random sample (n = 369) of pharmacies. We assessed staff’s beliefs and attitudes to antibiotic supplying for common infections (common cold and cough, sore throat, diarrhoea, wound and urinary tract infections (UTI)). Pharmacists (n = 210; 79%) and pharmacy assistants (n = 55: 21%) responded. About 30% (80/265) had supplied antibiotics without a prescription for common infections, including common cold (15.8%), sore throat (13.6%) and diarrhoea (10.2%). Overall, pharmacists were less likely to supply than non-pharmacists. Pharmacy staff with more positive beliefs about their professional competency to supply and monitor antibiotic use were more likely to supply antibiotics without a prescription for common cold (Adj.OR = 1.08; 95% CI: 1.01–1.15; p = 0.032), wound infections (Adj. OR = 1.06; 95% CI: 1.00–1.13; p = 0.059), and UTI (Adj.OR = 1.07; 95% CI: 0.99–1.15; p = 0.097). Pharmacy staff who believed in the effectiveness of antibiotics against common infections were more likely to supply antibiotics for common infections. Supply of antibiotics without a prescription was associated with staff’s beliefs about antibiotics’ effectiveness and their professional competency. Our findings could be used to strengthen regulatory strategies to improve practice.
Blood Plasma Quality Control by Plasma Glutathione Status
Authors: Tomin Tamara , Bordag Natalie , Zügner Elmar , Al-Baghdadi Abdullah , Schinagl Maximilian , Birner-Gruenberger Ruth , Schittmayer Matthias
Published: May 2021

Timely centrifugation of blood for plasma preparation is a key step to ensure high plasma quality for analytics. Delays during preparation can significantly influence readouts of key clinical parameters. However, in a routine clinical environment, a strictly controlled timeline is often not feasible. The next best approach is to control for sample preparation delays by a marker that provides a readout of the time-dependent degradation of the sample. In this study, we explored the usefulness of glutathione status as potential marker of plasma preparation delay. As the concentration of glutathione in erythrocytes is at least two orders of magnitude higher than in plasma, even the slightest leakage of glutathione from the cells can be readily observed. Over the 3 h observation period employed in this study, we observed a linear increase of plasma concentrations of both reduced (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG). Artificial oxidation of GSH is prevented by rapid alkylation with N-ethylmaleimide directly in the blood sampling vessel as recently published. The observed relative leakage of GSH was significantly higher than that of GSSG. A direct comparison with plasma lactate dehydrogenase activity, a widely employed hemolysis marker, clearly demonstrated the superiority of our approach for quality control. Moreover, we show that the addition of the thiol alkylating reagent NEM directly to the blood tubes does not influence downstream analysis of other clinical parameters. In conclusion, we report that GSH gives an excellent readout of the duration of plasma preparation and the associated pre-analytical errors.
Reply to Mrakic-Sposta et al. Comment on “Menzel et al. Common and Novel Markers for Measuring Inflammation and Oxidative Stress Ex Vivo in Research and Clinical Practice—Which to Use Regarding Disease Outcomes? Antioxidants 2021, 10, 414”
Authors: Menzel Alain , Samouda Hanen , Dohet Francois , Loap Suva , Ellulu Mohammed S. , Bohn Torsten
Published: May 2021

We appreciate the commentary by Mrakic-Sposta et al [...]
The Effects of Beverage Intake after Exhaustive Exercise on Organ Damage, Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Healthy Males
Authors: Tominaga Takaki , Ikemura Tsukasa , Yada Koichi , Kanda Kazue , Sugama Kaoru , Ma Sihui , Choi Wonjun , Araya Mayu , Huang Jiapeng , Nakamura Nobuhiro , Suzuki Katsuhiko
Published: May 2021

Strenuous exercise induces organ damage, inflammation and oxidative stress. To prevent exercise-induced organ damage, inflammation and oxidative stress, rehydrating may be an effective strategy. In the present study, we aimed to examine whether beverage intake after exhaustive exercise to recover from dehydration prevents such disorders. Thirteen male volunteers performed incremental cycling exercise until exhaustion. Immediately after exercise, the subjects drank an electrolyte containing water (rehydrate trial: REH) or did not drink any beverage (control trial: CON). Blood samples were collected before (Pre), immediately (Post), 1 h and 2 h after exercise. Urine samples were also collected before (Pre) and 2 h after exercise. We measured biomarkers of organ damage, inflammation and oxidative stress in blood and urine. Biomarkers of muscle, renal and intestinal damage and inflammation increased in the blood and urine after exercise. However, changes in biomarkers of organ damage and inflammation did not differ between trials (p > 0.05). The biomarker of oxidative stress, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), in plasma, showed different changes between trials (p = 0.027). One hour after exercise, plasma TBARS concentration in REH had a higher trend than that in CON (p = 0.052), but there were no significant differences between Pre and the other time points in each trial. These results suggest that beverage intake after exercise does not attenuate exercise-induced organ damage, inflammation or oxidative stress in healthy males. However, rehydration restores exercise-induced oxidative stress more quickly.
Topically Applied Taurine Chloramine Protects against UVB-Induced Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Mouse Skin
Authors: Kim Seong Hoon , Yum Hye-Won , Kim Seung Hyeon , Kim Su-Jung , Kim Kyeojin , Kim Chaekyun , Suh Young-Ger , Surh Young-Joon
Published: May 2021

Excessive exposure to solar light, especially its UV component, is a principal cause of photoaging, dermatitis, and photocarcinogenesis. In searching for candidate substances that can effectively protect the skin from photodamage, the present study was conducted with taurine chloramine (TauCl), formed from taurine in phagocytes recruited to inflamed tissue. Irradiation with ultraviolet B (UVB) of 180 mJ/cm2 intensity caused oxidative damage and apoptotic cell death in the murine epidermis. These events were blunted by topically applied TauCl, as evidenced by the lower level of 4-hydroxynonenal-modified protein, reduced proportions of TUNEL-positive epidermal cells, and suppression of caspase-3 cleavage. In addition, the expression of two prototypic inflammatory enzymes, cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase, and transcription of some pro-inflammatory cytokines (Tnf, Il6, Il1b, Il10) were significantly lower in TauCl-treated mice than vehicle-treated control mice. The anti-inflammatory effect of TauCl was associated with inhibition of STAT3 activation and induction of antioxidant enzymes, such as heme oxygenase-1 and NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1, through activation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2.
Effect of Reactive Oxygen Species on the Endoplasmic Reticulum and Mitochondria during Intracellular Pathogen Infection of Mammalian Cells
Authors: Lee Junghwan , Song Chang-Hwa
Published: May 2021

Oxidative stress, particularly reactive oxygen species (ROS), are important for innate immunity against pathogens. ROS directly attack pathogens, regulate and amplify immune signals, induce autophagy and activate inflammation. In addition, production of ROS by pathogens affects the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondria, leading to cell death. However, it is unclear how ROS regulate host defense mechanisms. This review outlines the role of ROS during intracellular pathogen infection, mechanisms of ROS production and regulation of host defense mechanisms by ROS. Finally, the interaction between microbial pathogen-induced ROS and the ER and mitochondria is described.
End to End Alignment Learning of Instructional Videos with Spatiotemporal Hybrid Encoding and Decoding Space Reduction
Authors: Wang Lin , Wang Xingfu , Hawbani Ammar , Xiong Yan
Published: May 2021

We solve the problem of how to densely align actions in videos at frame level, with only the order of occurring actions available, in order to save the time-consuming efforts to accurately annotate the temporal boundaries of each action. We propose three task-specific innovations under this scenario: (1) To encode fine-grained spatiotemporal local features and long-range temporal patterns simultaneously, we test three popular backbones and compare their accuracy and training times: (i) a recurrent LSTM; (ii) a fully convolutional model; and (iii) the recently proposed Transformer model. (2) To address the absence of ground truth frame-by-frame labels during training, we apply connectionist temporal classification (CTC) on top of the temporal encoder to recursively collect all theoretically valid alignments, and further weight these alignments with frame-wise visual similarities, in order to avoid a significant number of degenerated paths and improve both recognition accuracy and computation efficiency. (3) To quantitatively assess the quality of the learned alignment, we apply a comprehensive set of frame-level, segment-level, and video-level evaluation measurements. Extensive evaluations verify the effectiveness of our proposal, with performance comparable to that of fully supervised approaches across four benchmarks of different difficulty and data scale.
Optimal COVID-19 Adapted Table Disposition in Hostelry for Guaranteeing the Social Distance through Memetic Algorithms
Authors: Ferrero-Guillén Rubén , Díez-González Javier , Martínez-Guitiérrez Alberto , Álvarez Rubén
Published: May 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged all physical interactions. Social distancing, face masks and other rules have reshaped our way of living during the last year. The impact of these measures for indoor establishments, such as education or hostelry businesses, resulted in a considerable organisation problem. Achieving a table distribution inside these indoor spaces that fulfilled the distancing requirements while trying to allocate the maximum number of tables for enduring the pandemic has proved to be a considerable task for multiple establishments. This problem, defined as the Table Location Problem (TLP), is categorised as NP-Hard, thus a metaheuristic resolution is recommended. In our previous works, a Genetic Algorithm (GA) optimisation was proposed for optimising the table distribution in real classrooms. However, the proposed algorithm performed poorly for high obstacle density scenarios, especially when allocating a considerable number of tables due to the existing dependency between adjacent tables in the distance distribution. Therefore, in this paper, we introduce for the first time, to the authors’ best knowledge, a Memetic Algorithm (MA) optimisation that improves the previously designed GA through the introduction of a Gradient Based Local Search. Multiple configurations have been analysed for a real hostelry-related scenario and a comparison between methodologies has been performed. Results show that the proposed MA optimisation obtained adequate solutions that the GA was unable to reach, demonstrating a superior convergence performance and an overall greater flexibility. The MA performance denoted its value not only from a COVID-19 distancing perspective but also as a flexible managing algorithm for daily table arrangement, thus fulfilling the main objectives of this paper.
Determination of Mesh Stiffness of Gear—Analytical Approach vs. FEM Analysis
Authors: Flek Jan , Dub Martin , Kolář Josef , Lopot František , Petr Karel
Published: May 2021

This paper focuses on modeling the time-varying stiffness of spur gearings, which in dynamic models of transmission systems acts as an important element of the internal excitation of the dynamic system. Here are introduced ways to approach the modeling of gear stiffness using analytical calculations, which allow to model the course of mesh stiffness depending on its rotation. For verification of used analytical model were created five different gearings, and based on their geometry, the respective stiffness curves were analytically determined. Subsequently, a finite element simulation was performed in the Abaqus CAE software. Due to this software, it was possible to identify and objectively compare the stiffness curves and further determine the suitability of using the analytical model to determine the mesh stiffness of gearing.
Study of Heavy Metals Pollution and Vitellogenin Levels in Brown Trout (Salmo trutta trutta) Wild Fish Populations
Authors: Merola Carmine , Bisegna Angelo , Angelozzi Giovanni , Conte Annamaria , Abete Maria Cesarina , Stella Caterina , Pederiva Sabina , Faggio Caterina , Riganelli Nicoletta , Perugini Monia
Published: May 2021

The objectives of this research were, first, to determine the concentrations of certain heavy metals in the edible tissue of wild brown trout (Salmo trutta trutta) from two different rivers located in the Abruzzi region (Italy), and then, to investigate the levels of variation in vitellogenin (VTG) associated with the presence of metalloestrogens. VTG is an effective indicator for endocrine disturbance, and an increase in the vitellogenin levels in male fish is widely employed as a biomarker of estrogenic contamination in the aquatic environment. The muscles of the trout were analyzed for As, Cd, Co, Cr, Ni, Pb, Al, and Zn using an inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer (ICP-MS), and Hg was measured using a direct mercury analyzer (DMA-80). The calculated values of the condition factor confirmed a healthy status for this species, indicating that the aquatic habit in both rivers is suitable for brown trout life. No significant difference in the concentrations of each metal were reported between the trout from the two rivers, and no significant difference for VTG levels were found between male and female fish. It is interesting to note the high concentrations of Al/Zn, while the Pb, Cd, and Hg concentrations in all of the samples were lower than those established by the European Commission.
RF Exposure Assessment for Various Poses of Patient Assistant in Open MRI Environment
Authors: Hong Seon-Eui , Oh Sukhoon , Choi Hyung-Do
Published: May 2021

In this study, the radio-frequency (RF) energy exposure of patient assistants was assessed for an open magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system based on numerical computations of the head and body RF coil. Various poses of the patient assistants were defined to see how poorly they affected the RF energy exposure. For the assessments, the peak spatial-averaged specific absorption rate (SAR) levels were carefully compared with each patient assistant pose based on the finite-difference time domain calculations of RF coil models when the patient was placed in such coils in a 0.3 Tesla open MRI system. Overall, the SAR levels of the patient assistant were much lower than those of the patient. However, significantly increased SAR levels were observed under specific conditions, including a larger loop size of the patient assistants’ arms and a closer distance to the RF coils. A comparably high level of SAR to the patient’s body was also found. More careful investigations are needed to prevent the increase of SAR in patient assistants for open MRI systems at higher field strengths.
Variant of Data Particle Geometrical Divide for Imbalanced Data Sets Classification by the Example of Occupancy Detection
Authors: Rybak Łukasz , Dudczyk Janusz
Published: May 2021

The history of gravitational classification started in 1977. Over the years, the gravitational approaches have reached many extensions, which were adapted into different classification problems. This article is the next stage of the research concerning the algorithms of creating data particles by their geometrical divide. In the previous analyses it was established that the Geometrical Divide (GD) method outperforms the algorithm creating the data particles based on classes by a compound of 1 ÷ 1 cardinality. This occurs in the process of balanced data sets classification, in which class centroids are close to each other and the groups of objects, described by different labels, overlap. The purpose of the article was to examine the efficiency of the Geometrical Divide method in the unbalanced data sets classification, by the example of real case-occupancy detecting. In addition, in the paper, the concept of the Unequal Geometrical Divide (UGD) was developed. The evaluation of approaches was conducted on 26 unbalanced data sets-16 with the features of Moons and Circles data sets and 10 created based on real occupancy data set. In the experiment, the GD method and its unbalanced variant (UGD) as well as the 1CT1P approach, were compared. Each method was combined with three data particle mass determination algorithms-n-Mass Model (n-MM), Stochastic Learning Algorithm (SLA) and Bath-update Algorithm (BLA). k-fold cross validation method, precision, recall, F-measure, and number of used data particles were applied in the evaluation process. Obtained results showed that the methods based on geometrical divide outperform the 1CT1P approach in the imbalanced data sets classification. The article’s conclusion describes the observations and indicates the potential directions of further research and development of methods, which concern creating the data particle through its geometrical divide.
Neural Network-Based Prediction: The Case of Reinforced Concrete Members under Simple and Complex Loading
Authors: Ahmad Afaq , Lagaros Nikos D. , Cotsovos Demetrios M.
Published: May 2021

The objective of this study is to compare conventional models used for estimating the load carrying capacity of reinforced concrete (RC) members, i.e., Current Design Codes (CDCs), with the method based on different assumptions, i.e., the Compressive Force Path (CFP) method and a non-conventional problem solver, i.e., an Artificial Neural Network (ANN). For this purpose, four different databases with the details of the critical parameters of (i) RC beams in simply supported conditions without transverse steel or stirrups (BWOS) and RC beams in simply supported conditions with transverse steel or stirrups (BWS), (ii) RC columns with cantilever-supported conditions (CWA), (iii) RC T-beams in simply supported conditions without transverse steel or stirrups (TBWOS) and RC T-beams in simply supported conditions with transverse steel or stirrups (TBWS) and (iv) RC flat slabs in simply supported conditions under a punching load (SCS) are developed based on the data from available experimental studies. These databases obtained from the published experimental studies helped us to estimate the member response at the ultimate limit-state (ULS). The results show that the predictions of the CFP and the ANNs often correlate closer to the experimental data as compared to the CDCs.
Three-Dimensional, Time-Dependent Analysis of High- and Low-Q Free-Electron Laser Oscillators
Authors: van der Slot Peter J. M. , Freund Henry P.
Published: May 2021

Free-electron lasers (FELs) have been designed to operate over virtually the entire electromagnetic spectrum, from microwaves through to X-rays, and in a variety of configurations, including amplifiers and oscillators. Oscillators can operate in both the low and high gain regime and are typically used to improve the spatial and temporal coherence of the light generated. We will discuss various FEL oscillators, ranging from systems with high-quality resonators combined with low-gain undulators, to systems with a low-quality resonator combined with a high-gain undulator line. The FEL gain code MINERVA and wavefront propagation code OPC are used to model the FEL interaction within the undulator and the propagation in the remainder of the oscillator, respectively. We will not only include experimental data for the various systems for comparison when available, but also present, for selected cases, how the two codes can be used to study the effect of mirror aberrations and thermal mirror deformation on FEL performance.
Chemotaxis Model for Drug Delivery Using Turing’s Instability and Non-Linear Diffusion
Authors: Almijalli Mohammed , Ibrahim Moustafa , Saad Ali , Saad Mazen
Published: May 2021

This paper is devoted to the study of the chemotaxis model for drug delivery purposes. The pattern formation for a volume-filling with nonlinear diffusive terms is investigated. The proposed mathematical model is governed by a reaction–diffusion system modeling the interaction between the cell density and the concentration of the chemoattractant. We investigate the pattern formation for the model using Turing’s principle and linear stability analysis. An asymptotic expansion is used to linearize the nonlinear diffusive terms. Next, we introduce an implicit finite volume scheme; it is presented on a triangular mesh satisfying the orthogonality condition. Finally, numerical results showing the formation of the spatial pattern for the chemotaxis model are presented and analyzed. The results demonstrate promising progress in understanding the process of controlling and designing targeted drug delivery.
An Influence of the Fuel Type on Element Behaviour in Domestic Boilers with Respect to the Circular Economy
Authors: Raclavská Helena , Kantor Pavel , Růžičková Jana , Kucbel Marek , Švédová Barbora , Slamová Karolina , Flodrová Šárka , Juchelková Dagmar
Published: May 2021

The use of waste from the regional production of waste wood, waste paper, and cardboard in the form of briquettes may be causing an increase in local emissions, both of major elements and trace elements. When burning paper and cardboard briquettes, more than 70% of Mn, Zn, As, and Pb is released into the air from the total content of trace elements in the fuel. The largest amounts of major and trace elements are released when burning paper briquettes (56 g/kg of fuel); half of these amounts are released from burning briquettes from waste wood and coal (23 g/kg of fuel). The pursuit of alternative uses for those cardboard components that are not suitable for recycling cannot be directed to the production of briquettes for residential combustion in the framework of the application of the principles of the circular economy. In particular, the high concentrations of undesirable elements in the emissions released in the gas phase into the atmosphere are an obstacle existing even when the parameters of the PM10 emissions of a boiler are met. This is related to the high ash content of the cardboard (13.5%). Waste paper or cardboard could be added to waste wood at a maximum of 10% to make the pollution produced comparable to the burning of coal briquettes.
The Implementation of Visual Comfort Evaluation in the Evidence-Based Design Process Using Lighting Simulation
Authors: Davoodi Anahita , Johansson Peter , Aries Myriam
Published: May 2021

Validation of the EBD-SIM (evidence-based design-simulation) framework, a conceptual framework developed to integrate the use of lighting simulation in the EBD process, suggested that EBD’s post-occupancy evaluation (POE) should be conducted more frequently. A follow-up field study was designed for subjective–objective results implementation in the EBD process using lighting simulation tools. In this real-time case study, the visual comfort of the occupants was evaluated. The visual comfort analysis data were collected via simulations and questionnaires for subjective visual comfort perceptions. The follow-up study, conducted in June, confirmed the results of the original study, conducted in October, but additionally found correlations with annual performance metrics. This study shows that, at least for the variables related to daylight, a POE needs to be conducted at different times of the year to obtain a more comprehensive insight into the users’ perception of the lit environment.
Dentinal Microcracks after Root Canal Instrumentation Using Instruments Manufactured with Different NiTi Alloys and the SAF System: A Systematic Review
Authors: Sawant Kashmira , Pawar Ajinkya M. , Banga Kulvinder Singh , Machado Ricardo , Karobari Mohmed Isaqali , Marya Anand , Messina Pietro , Scardina Giuseppe Alessandro
Published: May 2021

Aim: The aim of this systematic analysis was to assess the prevalence of dentinal microcracks at various levels (3, 6, and 9 mm from the apex) after using instruments made with conventional, R-Phase, and M-Wire NiTi alloys and the SAF system. Materials and Methods: Electronic searches were conducted in the databases Embase, Cochrane Library, Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science. To arrange search methods, “MeSH” terms and/or keywords typically associated with the subject were paired with the Boolean operators “AND” and “OR.” Additional searches were conducted on the websites of four separate endodontic journals. After reading the titles and excluding duplicates, 1000 of the 1343 documents originally found were eliminated. Upon reviewing the abstracts, 310 of the remaining 343 experiments were also eliminated. Based on qualifying requirements, only 13 of the remaining 33 articles were included in the qualitative review. Results: All systems triggered dentinal microcracks; however, when chemo-mechanical preparation was performed using Self-Adjusting File (SAF) and systems manufactured with R-phase technology—K3XF and Twisted File Adaptive (TFA)—less of these defects were found when compared to those manufactured with traditional NiTi—ProTaper Universal and Mtwo—and with M-Wire—ProTaper Next, Reciproc, and WaveOne. Conclusions: A lower prevalence of dentinal microcracks was observed after using SAF and endodontic systems manufactured with R-phase.
Physico-Chemical and Melissopalynological Characterization of Czech Honey
Authors: Pospiech Matej , Javůrková Zdeňka , Hrabec Pavel , Čížková Helena , Titěra Dalibor , Štarha Pavel , Ljasovská Simona , Kružík Vojtěch , Podskalská Tereza , Bednář Josef , Burešová Pavla Kundríková , Tremlová Bohuslava
Published: May 2021

Geographical and botanical origin of honeys can be characterized on the basis of physico-chemical composition, sensory properties and on the basis of melissopalynological analysis. No comprehensive description of the characteristics of Czech honey has been published so far. This study provides insights that are important for correct classification. The study analysed 317 samples of authentic honey from randomly selected localities. Due to the diversity of the landscape, the typical honey of the region is blend honey with a predominance of blossom honey. According to the pollen profile and electric conductivity, the honeys were sorted into the following: Brassica honey (BH), Floral honey (FH), Fruit tree honey (PH), Honeydew (HD), Lime tree honey (LH), Robinia pseudoacacia honey (RH), and Trifolium honey (TH). Physico-chemical properties, including higher carbohydrates, were determined for the honeys and their pollen profiles were examined. The physico-chemical properties and pollen profile are partially in compliance with the description of European monofloral honeys, except for RH and TH. Although they had the highest proportion of acacia pollen, amounting to >10% of all the Czech honeys, these RH honeys differ from the European standard, so they cannot be considered acacia honey. Further, PH honeys and FH polyfloral honeys were described. Most honeys contained a significant proportion of rapeseed pollen, which is one of the common agricultural crops grown in the Czech Republic. All the analysed honeys met the parameters defined by the legislation. Due to direct on-site sampling, honeys were characterized by a low 5-(hydroxymethyl)furfural (HMF) content (3.0 mg/kg) and high diastase activity (24.4 DN). Honeydew honeys had the highest proportion of higher carbohydrates, primarily of Melezitose (4.8 g/100 g) and Trehalose (1.3 g/100 g). The presence of higher carbohydrates was also confirmed in LH for Maltose (4.6 g/100 g) and Turanose (2.4 g/100 g).
A Comprehensive Assessment of XGBoost Algorithm for Landslide Susceptibility Mapping in the Upper Basin of Ataturk Dam, Turkey
Authors: Can Recep , Kocaman Sultan , Gokceoglu Candan
Published: May 2021

The success rate in landslide susceptibility mapping efforts increased with the advancements in machine learning algorithms and the availability of geospatial data with high spatial and temporal resolutions. Existing data-driven susceptibility mapping models are not globally applicable due to the high variability of landslide conditioning parameters and the limitations in the availability of up-to-date and accurate data. Among numerous applications, landslide susceptibility maps are essential for site selection and health monitoring of engineering structures, such as dams, for increasing their lifetime and to prevent from disastrous events caused by the damages. In this study, landslide susceptibility mapping performance of XGBoost algorithm was evaluated in a landslide-prone area in the upper basin of Ataturk Dam, which is a prime investment located in the southeast of Turkey. The study area has a size of 2718.7 km2 with an elevation difference of ca. 2000 m and contains 27 lithological units. EU-DEM v1.1 from the Copernicus Programme was used to derive the geomorphological features. High classification accuracy with area under curve value of 0.96 could be obtained from the XGBoost algorithm. According to the results, the main factors controlling the landslides in the study area are the lithology, altitude and topographic wetness index.
VoI-Based Optimization of Structural Assessment for Spatially Degrading RC Structures
Authors: Vereecken Eline , Botte Wouter , Lombaert Geert , Caspeele Robby
Published: May 2021

Before implementing a bridge monitoring strategy, a bridge manager would like to know the return on investment. Moreover, in order to spend the available budget as efficiently as possible, the monitoring strategy should be optimized, i.e., the type of measurements but also the time and locations at which these are performed. For this purpose, the Value of Information (VoI) can be used. The VoI represents an estimate of the benefit that can be gained from a monitoring strategy before it is actually implemented. By comparing the VoI of different alternative strategies, the one with the highest VoI can be selected. As such, the VoI is a tool for objective decision-making. The calculation of the VoI is based on pre-posterior analyses, including Bayesian updating of model parameters based on yet unknown monitoring outcomes. When calculating the VoI for an actual case, some challenges arise. First, the calculation of the VoI requires a number of assumptions on different input parameters. Second, the VoI is computed by evaluating life-cycle costs for different possible outcomes of the monitoring strategy, leading to a high computational cost. However, for practical implementations, results are preferably available within an acceptable time span and are robust with respect to the chosen input parameters. In this work, the implementation of the VoI approach for optimization of monitoring strategies is investigated by a problem statement in a case study where a reinforced concrete girder bridge is considered. To perform this optimization, the VoI for different monitoring strategies is compared. The calculation time required for the Bayesian updating of the model parameters based on the available data is limited by using Maximum A Posteriori (MAP) estimates to approximate the posterior distribution. The VoI can be used both to optimize a monitoring strategy or for comparison of different strategies. To limit the number of required (computationally expensive) evaluations of the VoI, optimization of the monitoring strategy itself can be simplified by determining the optimal sensor locations beforehand, based on a different metric than the VoI. For this purpose, the information entropy is used, which expresses the difference between the prior and posterior uncertainty of the model parameters. Finally, the sensitivity of the VoI to different input parameters is investigated.
Energy Management in a Prosumer Installation Using Hybrid Systems Combining EV and Stationary Storages and Renewable Power Sources
Authors: Kelm Paweł , Mieński Rozmysław , Wasiak Irena
Published: May 2021

Modern consumer installations can be equipped with renewable power sources (RESs) and stationary energy storage systems (ESSs). In addition, electric vehicles (EVs) are expected to become part of such installations in the not-too-distant future. The paper presents the control strategy that allows for efficient energy management and the option of EV “fast-home” charging. The novelty of this approach includes the use of the “time-dependent energy storage” (EV battery) together with ESS and PV sources with the focus on prosumer benefits. All goals can be achieved without the need for extensive expenses in the home electric infrastructure. To enable the synergy effect, it was necessary to develop a controller algorithm that uses the operating status of the prosumer infrastructure (current power generation and consumption), the state of charge of both the stationary storage and the EV battery, and the possibility to control the EV drive inverter during the parking state. The paper presents a developed simulator built in the PSCAD environment and the simulation results.
Fabrication of Hierarchical Multilayer Poly(Glycerol Sebacate urethane) Scaffolds Based on Ice-Templating
Authors: Samourides Andreas , Anayiotos Andreas , Kapnisis Konstantinos , Xenou Zacharoula , Hearnden Vanessa , Chen Biqiong
Published: May 2021

In this study, it was demonstrated that ice-templating via freeze drying with custom-made moulds, in combination with air brushing, allows for the fabrication of poly(glycerol sebacate urethane) (PGSU) scaffolds with hierarchical multilayer microstructures to replicate various native soft tissues. The PGSU scaffolds were either monolayered but exhibited an anisotropic microstructure, or bilayered and trilayered, with each layer showing different microstructures. By using freeze drying with custom-made moulds, the ice crystals of the solvent were grown unidirectionally, and after freeze-drying, the scaffolds had an anisotropic microstructure, mimicking tissues such as tendon and skeletal muscle. The anisotropic PGSU scaffolds were also examined for their tensile strength, and a range of mechanical properties were obtained by altering the reactants’ molar ratio and polymer concentration. This is of importance, since soft tissues exhibit different mechanical properties depending on their native location and functionality. By combining freeze drying with airbrushing, scaffolds were fabricated with a thin, non-porous layer on top of the porous layers to allow three-dimensional cell co-culture for tissues such as skin and oral mucosa. These results show that fabrication techniques can be combined to produce PGSU scaffolds with tailored hierarchical microstructures and mechanical properties for multiple tissue engineering applications.
Special Issue: “Control and Automation”
Authors: Muresan Cristina-Ioana , Dulf Eva H.
Published: May 2021

A wide range of ongoing research in the areas of controller design and information engineering reveals that the pace of technological change in this domain seems to be accelerating [...]
Thermal Inertia Characterization of Multilayer Lightweight Walls: Numerical Analysis and Experimental Validation
Authors: del Coz-Díaz Juan José , Álvarez-Rabanal Felipe Pedro , Alonso-Martínez Mar , Martínez-Martínez Juan Enrique
Published: May 2021

The thermal inertia properties of construction elements have gained a great deal of importance in building design over the last few years. Many investigations have shown that this is the key factor to improve energy efficiency and obtain optimal comfort conditions in buildings. However, experimental tests are expensive and time consuming and the development of new products requires shorter analysis times. In this sense, the goal of this research is to analyze the thermal behavior of a wall made up of lightweight concrete blocks covered with layers of insulating materials in steady- and transient-state conditions. For this, numerical and experimental studies were done, taking outdoor temperature and relative humidity as a function of time into account. Furthermore, multi-criteria optimization based on the design of the experimental methodology is used to minimize errors in thermal material properties and to understand the main parameters that influence the numerical simulation of thermal inertia. Numerical Finite Element Models (FEM) will take conduction, convection and radiation phenomena in the recesses of lightweight concrete blocks into account, as well as the film conditions established in the UNE-EN ISO 6946 standard. Finally, the numerical ISO-13786 standard and the experimental results are compared in terms of wall thermal transmittance, thermal flux, and temperature evolution, as well as the dynamic thermal inertia parameters, showing a good agreement in some cases, allowing builders, architects, and engineers to develop new construction elements in a short time with the new proposed methodology.
Simulation of the Thermal Behavior of Cast Iron Brake Block during Braking Maneuvers
Authors: Somà Aurelio , Aimar Marco , Zampieri Nicolò
Published: May 2021

In recent years, the interest in monitoring the operating conditions of freight wagons has grown significantly to improve the safety of railway vehicles. The railway research group of the Politecnico di Torino has been working for years on the development of solutions to effectively monitor the operating conditions of passenger and freight rail vehicles. As part of the national Cluster ITS Italy 2020 project funded by Italian ministry of education, university and research (MIUR), the Politecnico di Torino has collected a considerable amount of data thanks to the wired and wireless prototypes developed. The data obtained are used in this paper for the validation and calibration of a finite element (FE) model that simulates the temperature variation of a cast iron brake block due to braking operations of an intermodal freight wagon. The developed model can be a useful tool to predict the temperature at the wheel–shoe interface as a function of the current operating conditions since a direct measurement is not easy to perform.
Comparison of Sodium Nitrite and ‘Natural’ Nitrite on the Inhibition of Spore Germination and Outgrowth of Clostridium sporogenes in Low- and High-Fat Frankfurters
Authors: Bhusal Arjun , Nelson Jacob , Pletcher Dennis , Muriana Peter
Published: May 2021

In the US, sodium and potassium nitrite are regulated food preservatives that prevent the germination of Clostridium spores in cured and processed meats. In recent years, the use of vegetable-derived nitrite (i.e., vegetable nitrate fermented to nitrite) has been designated as ‘natural nitrite’ to accommodate natural meats that cannot use artificial ingredients, and such meat products can be labelled as having ‘no added preservatives’. This new status and labelling allowance for microbially-modified nitrite provides for a ‘clean label’ application of nitrite against the stigma of chemical ingredients and has found increased use within the processed meat industry. The objectives of this study were to examine Clostridium sporogenes as a pathogen-surrogate challenge organism and the use of vegetable (celery) nitrite to prevent spore germination in cooked meat products. A three-strain spore crop of C. sporogenes ATCC 3584, ATCC 19404 and ATCC BAA-2695 was applied during ingredient formulation of low and high-fat hotdogs that were divided into three sub-batches (control without nitrite, hotdogs with sodium nitrite, hotdogs with celery nitrite). In both low and high-fat processes, sodium nitrite was compared to hotdogs made with comparable levels of celery nitrite (156 ppm). All treatments were performed with duplicate trial replication and triplicate sample testing within each trial. Comparisons were analyzed by repeated measures analysis of variance to determine significant difference (p < 0.05) of time course treatments. In shelf-life assays, growth was inhibited at both 5 °C and 15 °C, even if nitrite was absent; however, spore germination and growth readily occurred at 35 °C. Comparison of nitrite effects was best evaluated at 35 °C as a permissive condition to examine the effects of nitrite treatments. Celery nitrite showed no significant difference from sodium nitrite when used in both low and high-fat hotdogs, and spore outgrowth was only observed after 2–3 days at 35 °C compared to hotdogs without nitrite. Application of bacteriocin preparations in the formulation that were effective against Listeria monocytogenes, and moderately inhibitory towards the 3-strain spore mixture of C. sporogenes, were not effective in spore control in manufactured hotdogs. The nitrite validation hotdog trials described herein demonstrates that (celery or sodium) nitrite may prevent Clostridium spore germination for 24–48 h even under permissive conditions to help keep processed meat safe.