bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What Influences the Sustainable Food Consumption Behaviours of University Students? A Systematic Review
Authors: Aguirre Sánchez Lucía , Roa-Díaz Zayne M. , Gamba Magda , Grisotto Giorgia , Moreno Londoño Ana Maria , Mantilla-Uribe Blanca Patricia , Rincón Méndez Alba Yaneth , Ballesteros Mónica , Kopp-Heim Doris , Minder Beatrice , Suggs L. Suzanne , Franco Oscar H.
Published: September 2021

Objectives: Global environmental challenges demand sustainable behaviours and policies to protect human and planetary health. We aimed to summarize the evidence about the factors related to Sustainable Food Consumption (SFC) behaviours of university students, and to propose an operational categorization of SFC behaviours.

Methods: Seven databases were searched for observational studies evaluating Sustainable Food Consumption (SFC) among university students and that reported at least one behavioural outcome measure. Qualitative synthesis was conducted, and PRISMA guidelines for reporting were followed.

Results: Out of 4,479 unique references identified, 40 studies were selected. All studies examined personal factors, while 11 out of 40 also measured social or situational factors. Except for food waste, females had higher levels of SFC behaviours, but situational factors moderated this association. Knowledge and attitudes showed mixed results. Overall, sustainable food consumers reported healthier lifestyles.

Conclusions: Healthy lifestyle of sustainable food consumers suggests possible synergies between human health and sustainability in terms of motivations for food choice. Moderation effects of social and situational factors on personal factors reveal opportunities to design and examine the effects of choice architecture interventions.
Digital Society Incubator: Combining Exponential Technology and Human Potential to Build Resilient Entrepreneurial Ecosystems
Authors: Elia Gianluca , Margherita Alessandro , Ciavolino Enrico , Moustaghfir Karim
Published: September 2021

Although exponential technologies promise to bring unprecedented value at the socio-economic and policy levels, the social acceptability and preparedness for the technological “singularity” should be carefully considered. In particular, whereas digital innovation is able to drive an extraordinary development of entrepreneurial ventures, a number of challenging issues and the ongoing pandemic crisis have increased the need to investigate how technological breakthrough and human capital can be effectively combined in order to build resilient socio-technical and entrepreneurial ecosystems. This paper offers a synopsis of the major investigation areas and a reflection on the themes associated with the emergence of a digital society and the affirmation of digital entrepreneurship ecosystems. The research process follows a systematic literature review and a conceptual development approach aimed to introduce both the concept and a model of the digital society “incubator”. The proposed model identifies the actors, values, flows, and processes that are required to support the construction of a resilient entrepreneurial ecosystem. In this perspective, the study proposes a new focus by hybridizing and integrating both entrepreneurial and technology-related dimensions into a single unifying model. The study also lays the groundwork for further studies aimed at identifying the environmental and institutional factors required to support a smooth and effective transition towards a resilient entrepreneurial and technology-driven society.
Assessment of Meteorological and Agricultural Drought Occurrence in Central Poland in 1961–2020 as an Element of the Climatic Risk to Crop Production
Authors: Kuśmierek-Tomaszewska Renata , Żarski Jacek
Published: September 2021

The results of numerous studies concerning meteorological drought show that there is a considerable impact of this phenomenon on several regions in Europe. On the other hand, statistical trends of dry spell occurrences in some areas of the continent are unclear or even negative. Therefore, further research should be directed towards a better understanding of this hazard, particularly the seasonal changes, in order to elaborate adequate strategies to prevent and mitigate its undesirable effects. The main goal of the work, conducted as part of the research strategy on contemporary climate change, was to confirm the hypothesis of increasing frequency and intensity of droughts during the period of active plant growth and development (May–August) in central Poland in 1961–2020. The prevailing rainfall conditions in this period determine the production and economic effects of agricultural output. The analysis covered a multiannual period, including two separate climate normals: 1961–1990 and 1991–2020. The work is also aimed at detecting relationships between indicators characterizing meteorological drought (the Standardized Precipitation Index—SPI) and agricultural drought (the actual precipitation deficiency—PAdef). It was found that the frequency of meteorological droughts in the studied period amounts to 30.0% (severe and extreme constitute 6.7%). No significant increase in the frequency and intensity of meteorological droughts over time was observed. Relationships between meteorological and agricultural drought indicators were significant, so the SPI can be considered an indicator of plant irrigation needs in the studied area.
Effect of Nozzle Type and Adjuvants on Spray Coverage on Apple Leaves
Authors: Hołownicki Ryszard , Doruchowski Grzegorz , Świechowski Waldemar , Konopacki Paweł , Godyń Artur
Published: September 2021

Three non-ionic adjuvants, Agral, Silwet, and Greemax, at three concentrations, were applied on apple leaves with the use of hollow cone nozzles (TR) and air-induction nozzles (ID) to verify the assumption that adjuvants may improve spray coverage obtained by coarse droplets, and thereby ensure both satisfactory application quality and an environmental advantage. Spray coverage and droplet density were measured on both sides of the leaves. The adjuvants enhanced the spray coverage when applied at a certain concentration level. In general, the adjuvant coverage produced by the ID nozzles equaled the pure water coverage produced by the TR nozzles, thereby showing the adjuvants’ potential to compensate for the lower spray coverage usually obtained by coarse spray. A higher spray coverage was obtained on the lower side of leaves, which is discussed in terms of leaf surface properties. In the experiment with the mixture of Silwet and the fungicide Delan (dithianon), the product interacted with the adjuvant, resulting in the reversed picture of spray coverage and droplet density on the upper and lower leaf sides compared to the results obtained for the adjuvant alone. The combination of coarse spray nozzles with adjuvants may reduce environmental pollution without compromising the quality of spray applications in fruit growing.
Diversification and Soil Management Effects on the Quality of Organic Apricots
Authors: Ciccoritti Roberto , Ciorba Roberto , Mitrano Francesco , Cutuli Marcello , Amoriello Tiziana , Ciaccia Corrado , Testani Elena , Ceccarelli Danilo
Published: September 2021

Nutritional and commercial value of the apricot fruits depends on the interaction among several factors, including the management strategies, the environmental conditions, and the genotype. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of orchard management and pedoclimatic conditions on apricot fruit quality traits (soluble solids, titratable acidity, dry matter and soluble solids and titratable acidity ratio) and phytochemical content (total phenolic content and antioxidant activity). Two apricot cultivars (Kioto* and Pieve*) were subjected to three different organic systems: (i) a standard management (BAU), (ii) an innovative diversified system with reduced tillage based on the natural cover conservation (INC) and (iii) an innovative diversified system with introduction of different cover crops (ICC), for two consecutive years (2019–2020). Overall, besides the effect of the climatic conditions, the multivariate analysis revealed the role of management systems, rather than genotype, on the quality of apricot fruits. In particular, INC soil management positively affected soluble solids, titratable acidity and dry matter parameters, especially in environments with low precipitation and high solar radiation (20.7 ± 1.7 g 100 g−1 FW, 19.9 ± 2.5 g MA 100 g−1 FW and 0.23 ± 0.2 g 100 g−1 FW respectively). In addition, the results indicate that ICC management showed the highest antioxidant values (1.45 ± 0.19 μg of Trolox equivalent (TE) 100 mg−1 FW), especially in the environment with high precipitation. This study was a useful tool for farmer to choose an effective organic system management in order to obtain fruits with high quality parameters.
Evaluation of Drought Tolerance of Some Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Genotypes through Phenology, Growth, and Physiological Indices
Authors: Chowdhury M. Kaium , Hasan M. A. , Bahadur M. M. , Islam Md. Rafiqul , Hakim Md. Abdul , Iqbal Muhammad Aamir , Javed Talha , Raza Ali , Shabbir Rubab , Sorour Sobhy , Elsanafawy Norhan E. M. , Anwar Sultana , Alamri Saud , Sabagh Ayman EL , Islam Mohammad Sohidul
Published: September 2021

Increasing human population and changing climate, which have given rise to frequent drought spells, pose a serious threat to global food security, while identification of high yielding drought tolerant genotypes remains a proficient approach to cope with these challenges. To offer a methodology for the evaluation of the drought-tolerant wheat genotypes based on the pheno-physiological traits, a field experiment was executed, entailing four wheat genotypes viz. BARI Gom 26, BAW 1158, BAW 1167, and BAW 1169 and two water conditions viz. control treatment (three times irrigation at 20, 50, and 70 DAS, i.e., 100% field capacity) and stressed treatment (no irrigation during the entire growing season). The results revealed that drought stress drastically reduced the days to booting, heading, anthesis and physiological maturity, relative water content (RWC), chlorophyll content, canopy temperature depression (CTD), and photo-assimilates-spike dry matter (SDM), grains spike−1 and grain yield of all wheat genotypes. In addition, the genotypes BAW 1167 and BARI Gom 26 remained more prone to adverse effects of drought as compared to BAW 1169 and BAW 1158. Furthermore, DS induced biosynthesis of compatible solutes such as proline, especially in BAW 1169, which enabled plants to defend against oxidative stress. It was inferred that BAW 1169 remained superior by exhibiting the best adaptation as indicated by the maximum relative values of RWC, total chlorophyll, CTD, proline content, SDM, grains spike−1, and grain yield of wheat. Thus, based on our findings, BAW 1169 may be recommended for general adoption and utilization in future wheat breeding programs aimed at developing potent drought-tolerant wheat genotypes to ensure food security on a sustainable basis.
Evaluation of Brix Refractometry to Estimate Immunoglobulin G Content in Buffalo Colostrum and Neonatal Calf Serum
Authors: Giammarco Melania , Chincarini Matteo , Fusaro Isa , Manetta Anna Chiara , Contri Alberto , Gloria Alessia , Lanzoni Lydia , Mammi Ludovica Maria Eugenia , Ferri Nicola , Vignola Giorgio
Published: September 2021

Brix refractometry has been widely demonstrated to be a useful tool for monitoring colostrum management program and passive immunity transfer (PIT) in Bovines, but its suitability has never been verified in Buffalo. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the utility of a simple and rapid tool such as a digital Brix refractometer to estimate colostrum quality and for evaluating the success of passive transfer of immunoglobulin G (IgG) in Buffalo calves. The optimal cut points levels for Brix Refractometry for distinguishing good- and poor-quality colostrum and for assessing the adequacy of passive immunity transfer in calves were determined. For this aim, 26 first-milking maternal colostrum (MC) were collected from first-calf heifers. Blood samples were obtained from their calves at birth (T0) and 72 hours after (T3). Colostrum and Serum IgG content were determined by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), whereas total protein (TP, g/dL) and percentage Brix (%Brix) by means of a digital Brix refractometer. The mean colostrum IgG was 64.9 ± 29.3 mg/mL. The mean serum %Brix at T3 was 9.6 ± 0.9 %. The mean serum IgG content at T3 was 11.1 ± 2.0 mg/mL. Pearson’s correlation coefficient (rp) was determined between Brix and ELISA measurements: colostrum %Brix showed a significant correlation with serum %Brix (rp = 0.82, p < 0.001); serum %Brix was highly correlated with serum TP (STP, g/dL) (rp = 0.98, p < 0.001) and serum IgG (mg/mL) (rp = 0.85, p < 0.001). A cut point of 18% Brix to estimate samples of MC ≥ 50 mg/mL from first-calf heifers was more appropriate for the buffalo. A cut point of 8.4% Brix resulted in the greatest percentage of calf serum samples being correctly classified. Based on our findings, a digital Brix refractometer could be a useful tool to monitor colostrum quality and to estimate PIT in Buffalo calves.
Patterns and Drivers of Rodent Abundance across a South African Multi-Use Landscape
Authors: Afonso Beatriz C. , Swanepoel Lourens H. , Rosa Beatriz P. , Marques Tiago A. , Rosalino Luís M. , Santos-Reis Margarida , Curveira-Santos Gonçalo
Published: September 2021

South Africa’s decentralized approach to conservation entails that wildlife outside formally protected areas inhabit complex multi-use landscapes, where private wildlife business (ecotourism and/or hunting) co-exist in a human-dominated landscape matrix. Under decentralized conservation, wildlife is perceived to benefit from increased amount of available habitat, however it is crucial to understand how distinct management priorities and associated landscape modifications impact noncharismatic taxa, such as small mammals. We conducted extensive ink-tracking-tunnel surveys to estimate heterogeneity in rodent distribution and investigate the effect of different environmental factors on abundance patterns of two size-based rodent groups (small- and medium-sized species), across three adjacent management contexts in NE KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: a private ecotourism game reserve, mixed farms and traditional communal areas (consisting of small clusters of houses interspersed with grazing areas and seminatural vegetation). Our hypotheses were formulated regarding the (1) area typology, (2) vegetation structure, (3) ungulate pressure and (4) human disturbance. Using a boosted-regression-tree approach, we found considerable differences between rodent groups’ abundance and distribution, and the underlying environmental factors. The mean relative abundance of medium-sized species did not differ across the three management contexts, but small species mean relative abundance was higher in the game reserves, confirming an influence of the area typology on their abundance. Variation in rodent relative abundance was negatively correlated with human disturbance and ungulate presence. Rodent abundance seems to be influenced by environmental gradients that are directly linked to varying management priorities across land uses, meaning that these communities might not benefit uniformly by the increased amount of habitat promoted by the commercial wildlife industry.
Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors Resembling Human Atypical Neurofibroma in Goldfish (Carassius auratus, Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: Armando Federico , Pigoli Claudio , Gambini Matteo , Ghidelli Andrea , Ghisleni Gabriele , Corradi Attilio , Passeri Benedetta , Caniatti Mario , Grieco Valeria , Baumgärtner Wolfgang , Puff Christina
Published: September 2021

Skin spindle cell tumors (SSTs) frequently occur in fishes, with peripheral nerve sheath tumors (PNSTs) being the most commonly reported neoplasms in goldfish. However, distinguishing PNSTs from other SCTs is not always possible when relying exclusively on routine cytological and histopathological findings. Therefore, the aim of this study is to characterize six skin nodules, resembling atypical neurofibromas in humans, found in six cohabiting goldfish (Carassius auratus), and to determine a minimal subset of special stains required to correctly identify PNSTs in this species. Routine cytology and histopathology were indicative of an SCT with nuclear atypia in all cases, with randomly distributed areas of hypercellularity and loss of neurofibroma architecture. Muscular and fibroblastic tumors were excluded using Azan trichrome staining. Alcian blue and Gomori’s reticulin stains revealed the presence of intratumoral areas of glycosaminoglycans or mucins and basement membrane fragments, respectively. PAS and PAS–diastase stains confirmed the latter finding and revealed intra- and extracellular glycogen granules. Immunohistochemistry displayed multifocal, randomly distributed aggregates of neoplastic cells positive for S100 protein and CNPase, intermingled with phosphorylated and non-phosphorylated neurofilament-positive axons. Collectively, these findings are consistent with a PNST resembling atypical neurofibroma in humans, an entity not previously reported in goldfish, and suggest that Azan trichrome staining, reticulin staining, and immunohistochemistry for S100 protein and CNPase represent a useful set of special stains to identify and characterize PNSTs in this species.
Evaluation of Wearable Cameras for Monitoring and Analyzing Calf Behavior: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Saitoh Tomoko , Kato Yuko
Published: September 2021

Understanding cattle behavior is important for discerning their health and management status. However, manual observations of cattle are time-consuming and labor-intensive. Moreover, during manual observations, the presence or position of a human observer may alter the normal behavior of the cattle. Wearable cameras are small and lightweight; therefore, they do not disturb cattle behavior when attached to their bodies. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the suitability of wearable cameras for monitoring and analyzing cattle behavior. From December 18 to 27, 2017, this study used four 2-month-old, group-housed Holstein calves at the Field Science Center of the Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Japan. Calf behavior was recorded every 30 s using a wearable camera (HX-A1H, Panasonic, Japan) from 10:00 to 15:30 and observed directly from 11:00 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 15:00. In addition, the same observer viewed the camera recordings corresponding to the direct observation periods, and the results were compared. The correlation coefficients of all behavioral data from direct and wearable camera video observations were significant (p < 0.01). We conclude that wearable cameras are suitable for observing calf behavior, particularly their posture (standing or lying), as well as their ruminating and feeding behaviors.
Sex-Biased Gene Expression and Isoform Profile of Brine Shrimp Artemia franciscana by Transcriptome Analysis
Authors: Jo Euna , Lee Seung-Jae , Choi Eunkyung , Kim Jinmu , Lee Jun-Hyuck , Park Hyun
Published: September 2021

The brine shrimp Artemia has a ZW sex determination system with ZW chromosomes in females and ZZ chromosomes in males. Artemia has been considered a promising model organism for ZW sex-determining systems, but the genes involved in sex determination and differentiation of Artemia have not yet been identified. Here, we conducted transcriptome sequencing of female and male A. franciscana using PacBio Iso-Seq and Illumina RNA-Seq techniques to identify candidate sex determination genes. Among the 42,566 transcripts obtained from Iso-Seq, 23,514 were analyzed. Of these, 2065 (8.8%) were female specific, 2513 (10.7%) were male specific, and 18,936 (80.5%) were co-expressed in females and males. Based on GO enrichment analysis and expression values, we found 10 female-biased and 29 male-biased expressed genes, including DMRT1 and Sad genes showing male-biased expression. Our results showed that DMRT1 has three isoforms with five exons, while Sad has seven isoforms with 2–11 exons. The Sad gene is involved in ecdysteroid signaling related to molting and metamorphosis in arthropods. Further studies on ecdysteroid biosynthetic genes are needed to improve our understanding of Artemia sex determination. This study will provide a valuable resource for sex determination and differentiation studies on Artemia and other crustaceans with ZW systems.
Biofilm Producing Enterococcus Isolates from Vaginal Microbiota
Authors: Sengupta Mallika , Sarkar Soma , SenGupta Manideepa , Ghosh Sougata , Sarkar Riya , Banerjee Parthajit
Published: September 2021

Background: Enterococcus is an important cause of infection in the hospital as well as in the community. Methods: A prospective study was done in Medical College, Kolkata for a period of 2 years (from January 2018 to December 2019). After obtaining clearance from the Institutional Ethics Committee, Enterococcus isolates from cases of vaginitis were included in the study. Identification of Enterococcus species was done by Gram stain and conventional biochemical tests along with automated identification by VITEK 2 Compact. These isolates were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility to different antibiotics by Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) by VITEK 2 Compact. Interpretation of susceptibility was done according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) 2017 guidelines. Biofilm detection for Enterococcus species was done. Results: During the period of 2 years, 39 isolates of Enterococcus spp. were obtained from vaginitis cases. Among these, 27 were Enterococcus faecalis and 12 Enterococcus faecium. All isolates were highly susceptible to vancomycin, teicoplanin, and linezolid. Biofilm was detected in eight isolates of which five were strong biofilm producer and three moderate biofilm producers. Conclusion: Biofilm production is an important virulence factor in Enterococcus isolates from vaginitis.
Antioxidant Activity in Gilthead Seabream (Sparus aurata L.) Fed with Diet Supplemented with Moringa
Authors: Jiménez-Monreal Antonia M. , Guardiola Francisco A. , Esteban M. Ángeles , Murcia Tomás M. Antonia , Martínez-Tomé Magdalena
Published: September 2021

Gilthead seabream is bred mainly in fish farms in the Mediterranean Sea. One important factor responsible for the deterioration of fish quality is lipid oxidation. Moringa oleifera leaves have been described as having high antioxidant content. This work investigates the effect of dietary supplementation with Moringa leaves on the antioxidant activity of seabream. Gilthead seabream specimens were divided into four groups, the control group (fed a commercial diet) and three other groups fed diets enriched with Moringa (5%, 10% and 15%). The antioxidant capacity was measured by assays of free radical scavenging (OH·, H2O2, lipoperoxyl and ABTS), Rancimat test and linoleic acid system in muscle and skin of gilthead seabream, commercial diet, enriched diet and Moringa. Finally, the polyphenol content of Moringa and the fatty acid composition of seabream fed diets with and without Moringa were determined. Results showed an increase in antioxidant activity in gilthead seabream fed with diets enriched with a higher percentage of Moringa; therefore, Moringa could be considered a functional ingredient in diets for fish bred in fish farms and. The antioxidant potential of Moringa leaves could be mainly attributed to the presence of polyphenolic compounds.
S-Methyl-L-Ergothioneine to L-Ergothioneine Ratio in Urine Is a Marker of Cystine Lithiasis in a Cystinuria Mouse Model
Authors: López de Heredia Miguel , Muñoz Lourdes , Carru Ciriaco , Sotgia Salvatore , Zinellu Angelo , Serra Carmen , Llebaria Amadeu , Kato Yukio , Nunes Virginia
Published: September 2021

Cystinuria, a rare inherited aminoaciduria condition, is characterized by the hyperexcretion of cystine, ornithine, lysine, and arginine. Its main clinical manifestation is cystine stone formation in the urinary tract, being responsible for 1–2% total and 6–8% pediatric lithiasis. Cystinuria patients suffer from recurrent lithiasic episodes that might end in surgical interventions, progressive renal functional deterioration, and kidney loss. Cystinuria is monitored for the presence of urinary cystine stones by crystalluria, imaging techniques or urinary cystine capacity; all with limited predicting capabilities. We analyzed blood and urine levels of the natural antioxidant L-ergothioneine in a Type B cystinuria mouse model, and urine levels of its metabolic product S-methyl-L-ergothioneine, in both male and female mice at two different ages and with different lithiasic phenotype. Urinary levels of S-methyl-L-ergothioneine showed differences related to age, gender and lithiasic phenotype. Once normalized by L-ergothioneine to account for interindividual differences, the S-methyl-L-ergothioneine to L-ergothioneine urinary ratio discriminated between cystine lithiasic phenotypes. Urine S-methyl-L-ergothioneine to L-ergothioneine ratio could be easily determined in urine and, as being capable of discriminating between cystine lithiasis phenotypes, it could be used as a lithiasis biomarker in cystinuria patient management.
Redox Regulation in Aging Lungs and Therapeutic Implications of Antioxidants in COPD
Authors: Kiyokawa Hirofumi , Hoshino Yuma , Sakaguchi Kazuhiro , Muro Shigeo , Yodoi Junji
Published: September 2021

Mammals, including humans, are aerobic organisms with a mature respiratory system to intake oxygen as a vital source of cellular energy. Despite the essentiality of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as byproducts of aerobic metabolism for cellular homeostasis, excessive ROS contribute to the development of a wide spectrum of pathological conditions, including chronic lung diseases such as COPD. In particular, epithelial cells in the respiratory system are directly exposed to and challenged by exogenous ROS, including ozone and cigarette smoke, which results in detrimental oxidative stress in the lungs. In addition, the dysfunction of redox regulation due to cellular aging accelerates COPD pathogenesis, such as inflammation, protease anti-protease imbalance and cellular apoptosis. Therefore, various drugs targeting oxidative stress-associated pathways, such as thioredoxin and N-acetylcysteine, have been developed for COPD treatment to precisely regulate the redox system. In this review, we present the current understanding of the roles of redox regulation in the respiratory system and COPD pathogenesis. We address the insufficiency of current COPD treatment as antioxidants and discuss future directions in COPD therapeutics targeting oxidative stress while avoiding side effects such as tumorigenesis.
The Presence of Marine Filamentous Fungi on a Copper-Based Antifouling Paint
Authors: Dobretsov Sergey , Al-Shibli Hanaa , Maharachchikumbura Sajeewa S. N. , Al-Sadi Abdullah M.
Published: September 2021

Marine biofouling is undesirable growth on submerged substances, which causes a major problem for maritime industries. Antifouling paints containing toxic compounds such as copper are used to prevent marine biofouling. However, bacteria and diatoms are usually found in biofilms developed on such paints. In this study, plastic panels painted with a copper-based self-polishing antifouling paint were exposed to biofouling for 6 months in the Marina Bandar Rowdha, Sea of Oman. Clean panels were used as a control substratum. Marine filamentous fungi from protected and unprotected substrate were isolated on a potato dextrose agar. Pure isolates were identified using sequences of the ITS region of rDNA. Six fungal isolates (Alternaria sp., Aspergillus niger, A. terreus, A. tubingensis, Cladosporium halotolerans, and C. omanense) were obtained from the antifouling paint. Four isolates (Aspergillus pseudodeflectus, C. omanense, and Parengyodontium album) were isolated from clean panels and nylon ropes. This is the first evidence of the presence of marine fungi on antifouling paints. In comparison with isolates from the unprotected substrate, fungi from the antifouling paint were highly resistant to copper, which suggests that filamentous fungi can grow on marine antifouling paints.
Towards Autonomous Bridge Inspection: Sensor Mounting Using Aerial Manipulators
Authors: Ivanovic Antun , Markovic Lovro , Car Marko , Duvnjak Ivan , Orsag Matko
Published: September 2021

Periodic bridge inspections are required every several years to determine the state of a bridge. Most commonly, the inspection is performed using specialized trucks allowing human inspectors to review the conditions underneath the bridge, which requires a road closure. The aim of this paper was to use aerial manipulators to mount sensors on the bridge to collect the necessary data, thus eliminating the need for the road closure. To do so, a two-step approach is proposed: an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) equipped with a pressurized canister sprays the first glue component onto the target area; afterward, the aerial manipulator detects the precise location of the sprayed area, and mounts the required sensor coated with the second glue component. The visual detection is based on an Red Green Blue - Depth (RGB-D) sensor and provides the target position and orientation. A trajectory is then planned based on the detected contact point, and it is executed through the adaptive impedance control capable of achieving and maintaining a desired force reference. Such an approach allows for the two glue components to form a solid bond. The described pipeline is validated in a simulation environment while the visual detection is tested in an experimental environment.
Fabrication of Circadian Light Meter with Non-Periodic Optical Filters to Evaluate the Non-Visual Effects of Light on Humans
Authors: Eo Yun Jae , Kim Seohyeon , Lee Keyong Nam , Kim Dae Hwan , Kim Changwook , Lee Seung Min , Do Young Rag
Published: September 2021

Given that light is known to function as a zeitgeber, having the greatest influence on the human circadian rhythm, it is necessary to assess the effects of light on humans with the goal of maintaining the circadian rhythm. Herein, we fabricated a simple circadian light meter that directly measures the non-visual effects of light using optical filters that mimic the non-visual action spectrum. The fabricated light meter was calibrated and verified through the values obtained from a conventional illuminance spectrophotometer. Furthermore, during 24 h of everyday life, 11 participants wore hats equipped with the developed light meter so that we could investigate the effects of the light environment to which they were exposed to, both indoors and outdoors. For comparison, natural outdoor illumination was also measured with the same light meter. Based on the considerable difference between the light exposure levels during the daytime and nighttime, it is possible that the participant’s melatonin levels would be impacted by the light exposure measured by the light meter. Consequently, based on the light exposure measurements made in this study, the proposed circadian light meter would be a valuable tool for real world circadian lighting studies that require actual light dose to the eyes of the test subjects.
Regional Climate Change in Southeast Mexico-Yucatan Peninsula, Central America and the Caribbean
Authors: Andrade-Velázquez Mercedes , Medrano-Pérez Ojilve Ramón , Montero-Martínez Martín José , Alcudia-Aguilar Alejandro
Published: September 2021

This study analyzes the mean, maximum, and minimum temperatures and precipitation trends in southeast Mexico-Yucatan Peninsula, Central America and the Caribbean regions. The Climate Research Unit (CRU) TS 4.01, with a spatial resolution of 0.5° × 0.5°, was the database used in this research. The trends of the four selected climate variables cover the period from 1960 to 2016. The results obtained show a clear and consistent warming trend, at a rate of about 0.01 °C/year for the entire study region. These results are consistent with some previous studies and the IPCC reports. While the trends of precipitation anomalies are slightly positive (~0.1 mm/year) for southeast Mexico-Yucatan Peninsula and almost the entire Caribbean, for Central America (CA) the trends are negative. The study also presents the correlation between temperatures and precipitation versus El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO), Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), and Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) drivers, indicating global warming and frequency signals from the climate drivers. In terms of the near future (2015–2039), three Representative Concentration Pathways (RPC) show the same trend of temperature increase as the historical record. The RCP 6.0 has trends similar to the historical records for CA and southeast Mexico-Yucatan Peninsula, while the Caribbean corresponds to RCP 4.5. In terms of the far-future (2075–2099), RCP 6.0 is more ad-hoc for southeastern Mexico-Yucatan Peninsula, and RCP 8.5 corresponds to Central America. These results could help to focus actions and measures against the impacts of climate change in the entire study region.
Analyzing the Scientific Evolution of the Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Díaz-López Carmen , Martín-Blanco Cathaysa , De la Torre Bayo Juan Jesús , Rubio-Rivera Benito , Zamorano Montserrat
Published: September 2021

Development must balance social, economic, and environmental sustainability; it is for this reason that the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are integrated, in fact, action in one of them will affect outcomes in others. In consequence, research on the SDGs is broad, complex, and fragmented due to the great diversity of disciplines and approaches involved, making it difficult to obtain valuable and unbiased information for future studies. As a result, a comprehensive review of contributions could provide a comprehensive critical perspective. This article applies SciMAT software to analyze the evolution of this field of research through a systematic literature review of bibliographic records on the SDGs and a review based on bibliometric analysis of 10,272 selected records. Additionally, hidden themes and their development in this field from 1990 to 2020 have been identified to produce strategic diagrams, graphs of thematic evolution and performance indicators of the research field in different periods. The results obtained show a constantly evolving scientific field, from its initial focus on the millennium goals to the gradual inclusion of the current SDGs. They provide field experts with a comprehensive overview of the status quo and predict the dynamic directions of future research, serving as a basis for the development of new strategies for the implementation of the SDGs.
A Potentiostat Readout Circuit with a Low-Noise and Mismatch-Tolerant Current Mirror Using Chopper Stabilization and Dynamic Element Matching for Electrochemical Sensors
Authors: Nam Kyeongsik , Choi Gyuri , Kim Hyungseup , Yoo Mookyoung , Ko Hyoungho
Published: September 2021

This paper presents a potentiostat readout circuit with low-noise and mismatch-tolerant current mirror using chopper stabilization and dynamic element matching (DEM) for electrochemical sensors. Current-mode electrochemical sensors are widely used to detect the blood glucose and viruses in the diagnosis of various diseases such as diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and the H5N1 avian influenza virus (AIV). Low-noise and mismatch-tolerant characteristics are essential for sensing applications that require high reliability and high sensitivity. To achieve these characteristics, a proposed potentiostat readout circuit is implemented using the chopper stabilization scheme and the DEM technique. The proposed potentiostat readout circuit consists of a chopper-stabilized programmable gain transimpedance amplifier (TIA), gain-boosted cascode current mirror, and a control amplifier (CA). The chopper scheme, which is implemented in the TIA and CA, can reduce low frequency noise components, such as 1/f noise, and can obtain low-noise levels. The mismatch offsets of the cascode current mirror can be reduced by the DEM operation. The proposed current-mirror-based potentiostat readout circuit is designed using a standard 0.18 μm CMOS process and can measure the sensor current from 350 nA to 2.8 μA. The input-referred noise integrated from 0.1 Hz to 1 kHz is 21.7 pARMS, and the power consumption was 287.9 μW with a 1.8 V power supply.
Trusted GNSS-Based Time Synchronization for Industry 4.0 Applications
Authors: Margaria Davide , Vesco Andrea
Published: September 2021

The protection of satellite-derived timing information is becoming a fundamental requirement in Industry 4.0 applications, as well as in a growing number of critical infrastructures. All the industrial systems where several nodes or devices communicate and/or coordinate their functionalities by means of a communication network need accurate, reliable and trusted time synchronization. For instance, the correct operation of automation and control systems, measurement and automatic test systems, power generation, transmission, and distribution typically require a sub-microsecond time accuracy. This paper analyses the main attack vectors and stresses the need for software integrity control at network nodes of Industry 4.0 applications to complement existing security solutions that focus on Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) radio-frequency spectrum and Precision Time Protocol (PTP), also known as IEEE-1588. A real implementation of a Software Integrity Architecture in accordance with Trusted Computing principles concludes the work, together with the presentation of promising results obtained with a flexible and reconfigurable testbed for hands-on activities.
Predicting Hard Disk Failure by Means of Automatized Labeling and Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Gargiulo Federico , Duellmann Dirk , Arpaia Pasquale , Schiano Lo Moriello Rosario
Published: September 2021

Today, cloud systems provide many key services to development and production environments; reliable storage services are crucial for a multitude of applications ranging from commercial manufacturing, distribution and sales up to scientific research, which is often at the forefront of computing resource demands. In large-scale computer centers, the storage system requires particular attention and investment; usually, a large number of diverse storage devices need to be deployed in order to match the varying performance and volume requirements of changing user applications. As of today, magnetic drives still play a dominant role in terms of deployed storage volume and of service outages due to device failure. In this paper, we study methods to facilitate automated proactive disk replacement. We propose a method to identify disks with media failures in a production environment and describe an application of supervised machine learning to predict disk failures. In particular, a proper stage to automatically label (healthy/at-risk) the disks during the training and validation stage is presented along with tuning strategy to optimize the hyperparameters of the associated machine learning classifier. The approach is trained and validated against a large set of 65,000 hard drives in the CERN computer center, and the achieved results are discussed.
Assessments of Work Gloves in Terms of the Strengths of Hand Grip, One-Handed Carrying, and Leg Lifting
Authors: Zhao Caijun , Li Kai Way , Yi Cannan
Published: September 2021

Gloves are used at workplaces to protect hands and fingers from potential hazards. Three types of work gloves were assessed in terms of the strength of grip, carrying, and lifting. Thirty adults (14 males and 16 females) joined as human participants. The strength data were measured under bare hand and three gloved conditions. The grip spans in the grip strength measurements included 45 mm, 55 mm, 65 mm, and 75 mm. The carrying strength was measured for both dominant and non-dominant hands under leg straight and semi-squat postural conditions. The lifting strength was measured at a semi-squat posture. The results showed that glove (p < 0.0001), grip span (p = 0.001), gender (p < 0.0001), and handedness (p < 0.0001) all affected grip strength significantly. Wearing the gloves tested in this study led to a decrease of grip strength up to 22.9%, on average, depending on gender, grip span, and hand tested. Wearing the cotton gloves led to a decrease of one-handed carrying strength ranged from 3.5% to 9.7% for female participants. All the participants took advantages in carrying strength when wearing the cut-resistant gloves. The leg lifting strength data indicated that the effects of the gloves were insignificant. The information of this study is beneficial for practitioners in the design of manual materials handling tasks concerning the use of work gloves.
Design of a Combined Redrawing-Ironing Process to Manufacture a CNG Pressure Vessel Liner
Authors: Park Gunyoung , Park Rockkyu , Kwak Hyoseo , Kim Chul
Published: September 2021

The liner of a compressed natural gas pressure vessel is manufactured by D.D.I. (deep drawing and ironing), which is a continuous process that uses deep drawing to reduce the diameter of a billet and ironing to reduce the thickness of the billet. In the second stage of the existing D.D.I. process, drawing and two steps of ironing have been performed separately with different dies, which requires a long processing time, high manufacturing cost, and installation space. To solve the above problems, this study suggests a new second stage using a combined redrawing-ironing die. A theoretical formula to calculate the forming load of the combined redrawing-ironing process was established and verified with finite element analysis results. The forming load, maximum thickness reduction ratio in the second stage, and forming defects in the third stage were analyzed by varying the redrawing-ironing ratio in the second stage. The results show that the number of dyes (3 → 1), punch diameter (394.1 mm → 383 mm), and processing time (39.8 s → 20 s) in the second stage were obtained to save production time and cost.
Autonomous Exploration of Mobile Robots via Deep Reinforcement Learning Based on Spatiotemporal Information on Graph
Authors: Zhang Zhiwen , Shi Chenghao , Zhu Pengming , Zeng Zhiwen , Zhang Hui
Published: September 2021

In this paper, we address the problem of autonomous exploration in unknown environments for ground mobile robots with deep reinforcement learning (DRL). To effectively explore unknown environments, we construct an exploration graph considering historical trajectories, frontier waypoints, landmarks, and obstacles. Meanwhile, to take full advantage of the spatiotemporal feature and historical information in the autonomous exploration task, we propose a novel network called Spatiotemporal Neural Network on Graph (Graph-STNN). Specifically, the proposed Graph-STNN extracts the spatial feature using graph convolutional network (GCN) and the temporal feature using temporal convolutional network (TCN). Then, gated recurrent unit (GRU) is performed to synthesize the spatial feature, the temporal feature, and the historical state information into the current state feature. Combined with DRL, our Graph-STNN helps estimation of the optimal target point through extracted hybrid features. The simulation experiment shows that our approach is more effective than the GCN-based approach and the information entropy-based approach. Moreover, Graph-STNN also performs better generalization ability than GCN-based, information entropy-based, and random methods. Finally, we validate our approach on the simulation platform Stage with the actual robot model.
Strategies for Post-Translational Control of Protein Expression and Their Applications
Authors: Utsugi Yuki , Miyamae Yusaku
Published: September 2021

Proteins are fundamental biomolecules of living cells, and their expression levels depend on the balance between the synthesis and degradation. Researchers often aim to control protein expression levels for the investigation of protein function and its relationship with physiological phenomena. The genetic manipulation of the target protein using CRISPR/Cas9, Cre/loxP, tetracyclin system, and RNA interference, are widely used for the regulation of proteins at the DNA, transcriptional, or mRNA level. However, the significant time delay in controlling protein levels is a limitation of these techniques; the knockout or knockdown effects cannot be observed until the previously transcribed and synthesized protein is degraded. Recently, researchers have developed various types of molecular tools for the regulation of protein expression at the post-translational level, which rely on harnessing cellular proteolytic machinery including ubiquitin–proteasome pathway, autophagy-lysosome pathway, and endocytosis. The post-translational control of protein expression using small molecules, antibodies, and light can offer significant advantages regarding speed, tunability, and reversibility. These technologies are expected to be applied to pharmacotherapy and cell therapy, as well as research tools for fundamental biological studies. Here, we review the established and recently developed technologies, provide an update on their applications, and anticipate potential future directions.
Feasibility of a Drug-Releasing Radiofrequency Ablation System in a Porcine Liver Model
Authors: Cho Young Chul , Lee Ki Baek , Ham Su Jung , Jung Jin Hwa , Park Yubeen , Won Dong-Sung , Kim Kyung Won , Park Jung-Hoon
Published: September 2021

The objective of this study was to investigate the feasibility of a newly developed anticancer drug-releasing radiofrequency ablation (RFA) system in a porcine liver model. A 15-gauge drug-releasing cooled wet electrode (DRCWE) was newly developed to improve the RFA efficacy for creating a large ablation as well as for simultaneously delivering an anticancer drug to the tumor margin. Nine ablations in three pigs were performed by the DRCWE. The sectioned liver specimens were evaluated by measuring the ablation zone by a positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging examination to investigate whether 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose was exactly diffused. Volumes of the ablation zones released drug injection volumes, circularity, retention rate defined as the ratio between an estimated and injection dose, and the standard uptake value were assessed. The drug-releasing RFA was technically successful without procedural-related complications. During the procedure, the color changes of the ablated zones of the liver were observed in all specimens. The mean drug injection volume was higher than the ablated volumes (17.21 ± 2.85 vs. 15.22 ± 2.30 cm3) and the circularity was 0.72 ± 0.08. Moreover, the retention rate was 72.89% ± 4.22% and the mean standard uptake value was 0.44 ± 0.05. The drug-releasing RFA system was feasible not only for local ablation but also for the delivery of anticancer drugs. The results of this study indicate that this novel strategy of localized RFA with a drug delivery system could be a promising option for the prevention of local recurrence rates.