bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fast Study Quadric Interpolation in the Conformal Geometric Algebra Framework
Authors: Martinez-Terán Gerardo , Ureña-Ponce Oswaldo , Soria-García Gerardo , Ortega-Cisneros Susana , Bayro-Corrochano Eduardo
Published: May 2022

Interpolating trajectories of points and geometric entities is an important problem for kinematics. To describe these trajectories, several algorithms have been proposed using matrices, quaternions, dual-quaternions, and the Study quadric; the last one allows the embedding of motors as 8D vectors into projective space P7, where the interpolation of rotations and translations becomes a linear problem. Furthermore, conformal geometric algebra (CGA) is an effective and intuitive framework for representing and manipulating geometric entities in Euclidean spaces, and it allows the use of quaternions and dual-quaternions formulated as Motors. In this paper, a new methodology for accelerating the Study quadric Interpolation based on Conformal Geometric Algebra is presented. This methodology uses General Purpose Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) and it is applied for medical robotics, but it can also be extended to other areas such as aeronautics, robotics, and graphics processing.
A Novel Two-Stage Deep Learning Structure for Network Flow Anomaly Detection
Authors: Kao Ming-Tsung , Sung Dian-Ye , Kao Shang-Juh , Chang Fu-Min
Published: May 2022

Unknown cyber-attacks have appeared constantly. Several anomaly detection techniques based on semi-supervised learning have been proposed to detect these unknown cyber-attacks. Among them, the Denoising Auto-Encoder (DAE) scheme performs better than others in accuracy but is not good enough in precision. This paper proposes a novel two-stage deep learning structure for network flow anomaly detection by combining the models of Gate Recurrent Unit (GRU) and DAE. By using supervised anomaly detection with a selection mechanism to assist semi-supervised anomaly detection, the precision and accuracy of the anomaly detection system are improved. In the proposed structure, we first use the GRU model to analyze the network flow and then take the outcome from the Softmax function as a confidence score. When the score is more than or equal to the predefined confidence threshold, the GRU model outputs the flow as a positive result, no matter the flow is classified as normal or abnormal. When the score is less than the confidence threshold, GRU model outputs the flow as a negative result and passes the flow to DAE model for flow classification. DAE then determines a reconstruction error threshold by learning the pattern of normal flows. Accordingly, the flow is normal or abnormal depending on whether it is under or over the reconstruction error threshold. A comparative experiment is performed using NSL-KDD dataset as benchmark. The results revealed that the precision using the proposed scheme is 0.83% better than DAE. The accuracy using the proposed approach is 90.21%, which is better than Random Forest, Naïve Bayes, One-Dimensional Convolutional Neural Network, two-stage Auto-Encoder, etc. In addition, the proposed approach is also applied to the environment of software defined network (SDN). By adopting our approach in SDN environment, the precision and F-measure are significantly improved.
Use of 3D Printing for Horn Antenna Manufacturing
Authors: Olivová Jana , Popela Miroslav , Richterová Marie , Štefl Eduard
Published: May 2022

This article describes the manufacturing of a horn antenna using a 3D commercial printer. The horn antenna was chosen for its simplicity and practical versatility. The standardised horn antenna is one of the most widely used antennas in microwave technology. A standardised horn antenna can be connected to standardised waveguides. The horn antenna has been selected so that this antenna can be fabricated by 3D printing and thus obtain the equivalent of a standardised horn antenna. This 3D horn antenna can then be excited by a standardised waveguide. The 3Dprinted horn antenna with metallic layers has very good impedance characteristics, standing wave ratio and radiation patterns that are close to those of a standardised horn antenna. The 3D-based horn antenna is suitable for applications where low antenna weight is required, such as aerospace and satellite technologies. The article also describes a manufacturing procedure for a horn antenna (E-sector horn antenna) that is plated with galvanic layers of silver and gold. The design of the plated horn antenna in the Matlab application using the Antenna Toolbox extension is also described, including 3D printing procedures, post-processing procedures (plating) and practical testing of its functionality. The measured results are compared to simulations of the standardised horn antenna and then analysed.
Sensor-System-Based Network with Low-Power Communication Using Multi-Hop Routing Protocol Integrated with a Data Transmission Model
Authors: Midasala Vasujadevi , Janapati Krishna Chaitanya , Srinivasu Sirasanagondla Venkata Naga , Ramachandran Manikandan , Mousavi Mehdi , Gandomi Amir H.
Published: May 2022

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) comprise several cooperating sensor nodes capable of sensing, computing, and transmitting sensed signals to a central server. This research proposes a sensor system-based network with low power communication using swarm intelligence integrated with multi-hop communication (SIMHC). This routing protocol selects the optimal route based on link distance, transmission power, and residual energy to optimize the network lifetime and node energy efficiency. Moreover, adaptive clustering-based locative data transmission (ACLDT) is applied for optimizing data transmission. The proposed approach combines clustering with data transfer via location-based routing and low-power communication in two phases to calculate the ideal cluster heads (CHs). First, a CH seeks the next hop from the nearest CH. Then, a path to the base station is formed by developing CH chains. The results reveal that the proposed sensor system based on data transmission and low-power consumption achieved a network lifetime of 96%, an average delay of 53 ms, a coverage rate (CR) of 83%, a throughput of 97%, and energy efficiency of 95%.
Exergy Analysis of the Prevailing Residential Heating System and Derivation of Future CO2-Reduction Potential
Authors: Schwab Julian , Bernecker Markus , Fischer Saskia , Seyed Sadjjadi Bijan , Kober Martin , Rinderknecht Frank , Siefkes Tjark
Published: May 2022

The residential heating sector accounts for a large share of the worldwide annual primary energy consumption. In order to reduce CO2-emissions, it is therefore particularly important to analyse this sector for potential efficiency improvements. In Europe, natural gas boilers are the most widely used heating technology since they are cost-effective and can be installed in any type of building. The energy efficiency of these boilers is already high. However, in their internal process, heat is generated at a high temperature level which is only used for space heating and therefore a high amount of exergy remains unused. This research aims to develop the potential of using the exergy to further improve the efficiency of the systems. A novel combination of methods is applied to analyse the thermodynamic behaviour of gas-fired boilers in detail and over the cycle of a year. The analysis is performed in two steps: In the first step a system is examined in stationary operating points. This is carried out through an experimental setup and a three-dimensional numerical simulation. In the second step, the obtained data is applied to a transient annual building simulation. The results show the temporal distribution and total amount of the annual exergy loss for a common residential building. The exergy loss accumulates to 16,271 kWh per year, which shows the high potential to partially convert the exergy to electrical energy and significantly reduce the external electricity demand and CO2-emissions of the building. Based on this, new technologies such as Thermoelectric Generators can be developed, which can enable this potential.
Stability of Cs/Ru/MgO Catalyst for Ammonia Synthesis as a Hydrogen and Energy Carrier
Authors: Javaid Rahat , Nanba Tetsuya
Published: May 2022

The Cs/Ru/MgO catalyst was synthesized by sequential impregnation of Ru and Cs on MgO support using Ru(NO3)3 and CsNO3 precursors. Catalytic ammonia synthesis was carried out in a fixed-bed flow reactor using H2 and N2 as reactants. The stability of the catalyst was measured at 350 °C, 2.5 MPa gauge pressure, and SV as 1200 h−1 using the H2/N2 ratio 3 as a reactant feedstock. The Cs/Ru/MgO catalyst retained its ammonia synthesis activity while conducting experiments at mild reaction conditions of 325 °C and 350 °C. An increase in experimental temperature to 375–425 °C decreased the ammonia synthesis activity retaining only to 42% of the initial activity after 680 h of time on stream. The deformation of the catalyst’s structure, which was caused by Cs leaching and redistribution of the Ru and increased crystallinity of MgO at high-temperature conditions, was considered the plausible reason for the drastic decrease in ammonia synthesis activity.
Life Cycle Thinking a Sustainable Built Environment
Authors: Manni Mattia , Cotana Franco
Published: May 2022

Life Cycle Assessment is widely utilized to investigate the influences on global greenhouse gas emissions of various humankind activities and products [...]
Fuzzy Algorithms for Diagnosis of Furnace Transformer Insulation Condition
Authors: Karandaev Alexander S. , Yachikov Igor M. , Radionov Andrey A. , Liubimov Ivan V. , Druzhinin Nikolay N. , Khramshina Ekaterina A.
Published: May 2022

Implementation of the smart transformer concept is critical for the deployment of IIoT-based smart grids. Top manufacturers of power electrics develop and adopt online monitoring systems. Such systems become part of high-voltage grid and unit transformers. However, furnace transformers are a broad category that this change does not affect yet. At the same time, adoption of diagnostic systems for furnace transformers is relevant because they are a heavy-duty application with no redundancy. Creating any such system requires a well-founded mathematical analysis of the facility’s condition, carefully selected diagnostic parameters, and setpoints thereof, which serve as the condition categories. The goal hereof was to create an expert system to detect insulation breach and its expansion as well as to evaluate the risk it poses to the system; the core mechanism is mathematical processing of trends in partial discharge (PD). We ran tests on a 26-MVA transformer installed on a ladle furnace at a steelworks facility. The transformer is equipped with a versatile condition monitoring system that continually measures apparent charge and PD intensity. The objective is to identify the condition of the transformer and label it with one of the generally recognized categories: Normal, Poor, Critical. The contribution of this paper consists of the first ever validation of a single generalized metric that describes the condition of transformer insulation based on the online monitoring of the PD parameters. Fuzzy logic algorithms are used in mathematical processing. The proposal is to generalize the set of diagnostic variables to a single deterministic parameter: insulation state indicator. The paper provides an example of calculating it from the apparent charge and PD power readings. To measure the indicativeness of individual parameters for predicting further development of a defect, the authors developed a method for testing the diagnostic sensitivity of these parameters to changes in the condition. The method was tested using trends in readings sampled whilst the status was degrading from Normal to Critical. The paper also shows a practical example of defect localization. The recommendation is to broadly use the method in expert systems for high-voltage equipment monitoring.
The Influence of the Substrate and External Magnetic Field Orientation on FeNi Film Growth
Authors: Białostocka Anna Maria , Klekotka Urszula , Kalska-Szostko Beata
Published: May 2022

The magnetic field-assisted electrodeposition of iron–nickel thin films on different substrates (aluminum, silver, and brass) was investigated. The process was performed galvanostatically in a sulfate solution. The same chemical and electrical conditions were applied for each sample growth, but the time restrictions and the external magnetic field orientation were changeable. The obtained results show a variation of surface morphology and composition dependence on the selected surfaces as a consequence of the presence and orientation of the external magnetic field. We discussed that the FeNi crystal structure depends on the film thickness. The results show the reduction of the film thickness after the external magnetic field application—a decrease of deposition rate.The FeNi alloy’s morphology, composition, and magnetic properties were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and Mössbauer spectroscopy (MS).
Bearing Fault Diagnosis under Time-Varying Speed and Load Conditions via Observer-Based Load Torque Analysis
Authors: Ye Ming , Zhang Jian , Yang Jiaqiang
Published: May 2022

Bearing fault is the most common failure in rotating machines, and bearing fault diagnosis (BFD) has been investigated using vibration, current, or acoustic signals. However, there are still challenges in some existing approaches. This study proposes a novel BFD method based on natural observer. Based on the analysis of the effects on the load torque signal caused by bearing faults in the permanent magnetic synchronous machine (PMSM), a modified natural observer was designed to reconstruct the load torque signal from electrical signals, acquiring a novel indicator without the additional sensor installed. Angular resampling was implemented to convert the non-stationary load torque signal into a stationary one to reduce the computational complexity. For full-auto diagnosis without human involvement, a threshold determination algorithm was also modified. Experimental validations were carried out under speed-varying and torque-varying conditions and were compared with phase current and q-axis current signals. The average signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the estimated load torque is about 8.65 times compared with the SNR of the traditional q-axis current. The effectiveness of the proposed method prior to the traditional PMSM bearing fault indicators is demonstrated by the order spectrum results.
The Utility of Galectin-3 and HBME-1 Immunohistochemical Expression in Thyroid Cancer in the Maltese Population
Authors: Vella Christine , Baldacchino Shawn , Formosa Robert , Vassallo Josanne
Published: May 2022

Diagnosing thyroid carcinoma is not always easy on basic haemtoxylin and eosin staining since nuclear features are inconsistent and controversial. In view of this, studies on the role of immunohistochemical markers in the diagnosis of malignant thyroid carcinoma are necessary. Proposed immunohistochemical markers for papillary thyroid cancer include Hector Battifora mesothelial-1 (HBME-1), and Galectin-3 (Gal-3) which have been studied in this project. Immunohistochemical staining of fifty-eight formalin-fixed paraffin embedded surgically removed thyroid tissue from the years 2008 and 2013 was undertaken to determine the diagnostic accuracy of these two markers. We have concluded that both Gal-3 and HBME-1 are useful markers to aid in the diagnosis of papillary thyroid carcinoma and also in distinguishing between benign and malignant thyroid lesions. The sensitivity and specificity of Gal-3 over the 2years studied was found to be 96.2% and 92.6%, respectively, whilst HBME-1 was found to have sensitivity of 93.6% and specificity of 69.02%.
COMSOL Modeling of Heat Transfer in SVE Process
Authors: Shi Yan , Rui Shuwang , Xu Shaofeng , Wang Na , Wang Yixuan
Published: May 2022

Non aqueous phase liquid (NAPL) pollution exists in porous media such as soil. SVE technology can be used to remove this pollution in soil. However, few domestic and international studies have paid attention to the changes of soil temperature in the field, which we believe can be useful information to optimize the layout of heating wells. In this research we established partial differential equations of soil heat transfer using the COMSOL multi-field coupling tool to simulate the field distribution of the change in soil internal temperature in the process of SVE to obtain the change of effective heating area with time under certain initial heating conditions. At the same time, we used liquid ethylbenzene to represent NAPL pollutants, and designed a simulation of soil temperature field distribution under the movement of liquid ethylbenzene under external pressure. It was found that under the action of Darcy’s velocity field, the utilization efficiency of the SVE system for the heat source was significantly improved, that is, the temperature distribution of the soil was more uniform. However, the temperature of the heated area increased slowly because the extraction well took away the heat energy. The heat source power should be increased or prolonged to improve the effect of Darcy’s field. Through a coupled simulation, we obtained a variation relationship of the soil temperature field in 1800 min under the action of one extraction well and four heating wells. These data will provide the basis for our next step in designing an algorithm to optimize the distribution of heating wells.
Construction of L-Asparaginase Stable Mutation for the Application in Food Acrylamide Mitigation
Authors: Yuan Bing , Ma Pengfei , Fan Yuxuan , Guan Bo , Hu Youzhen , Zhang Yan , Yan Wenli , Li Xu , Ni Yongqing
Published: May 2022

Acrylamide, a II A carcinogen, widely exists in fried and baked foods. L-asparaginase can inhibit acrylamide formation in foods, and enzymatic stability is the key to its application. In this study, the Escherichia coli L-asparaginase (ECA) stable variant, D60W/L211R/L310R, was obtained with molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, saturation mutation, and combinatorial mutation, the half-life of which increased to 110 min from 60 min at 50 °C. Furthermore, the working temperature (maintaining the activity above 80%) of mutation expanded from 31 °C–43 °C to 35 °C–55 °C, and the relative activity of mutation increased to 82% from 65% at a pH range of 6–10. On treating 60 U/mL and 100 U/g flour L-asparaginase stable mutant (D60W/L211R/L310R) under uncontrolled temperature and pH, the acrylamide content of potato chips and bread was reduced by 66.9% and 51.7%, which was 27% and 49.9% higher than that of the wild type, respectively. These results demonstrated that the mutation could be of great potential to reduce food acrylamide formation in practical applications.
Fermentation of Habanero Pepper by Two Lactic Acid Bacteria and Its Effect on the Production of Volatile Compounds
Authors: López-Salas Diego , Oney-Montalvo Julio Enrique , Ramírez-Rivera Emmanuel , Ramírez-Sucre Manuel Octavio , Rodríguez-Buenfil Ingrid Mayanin
Published: May 2022

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum is a lactic acid bacterium that grows in different environments; this ability arises due to the variability within the species, which may be influenced by their origin. On the other hand, habanero pepper (Capsicum chinense) from Yucatan, Mexico, is characterized by its unique sensory properties such as aroma and pungency and has an annual production of more than 5000 t in the Yucatan Peninsula. Thus, the purpose of this study was to compare L. plantarum from different isolation sources during habanero pepper fermentation. A 23 factorial design was made for the evaluation of the effect of two cultures a commercial (COM) and a wild (WIL) strain, in a habanero pepper puree medium (HPP); ripe and unripe peppers and different proportions of habanero pepper puree (40:60 or 60:40, HPP:water, w/w) were used to obtain the kinetic parameters of growth, lactic acid production, and volatile composition. The highest growth and lactic acid production were achieved in the 60:40 HPP:water, while WIL presented the major production of lactic acid. Characteristic volatiles in WIL fermentation were 2,3- butanedione, whereas in COM fermentation, they were limonene, cis-3-hexenyl hexanoate, and 1-hexanol. The association between COM and 1-hexanol was confirmed with principal component analysis (PCA).
Biomarkers to Monitor Adherence to Gluten-Free Diet by Celiac Disease Patients: Gluten Immunogenic Peptides and Urinary miRNAs
Authors: Paolini Alessandro , Sarshar Meysam , Felli Cristina , Bruno Stefania Paola , Rostami-Nejad Mohammad , Ferretti Francesca , Masotti Andrea , Baldassarre Antonella
Published: May 2022

Celiac disease (CD) is a multifactorial autoimmune enteropathy with a prevalence greater than 1% in the pediatric population. The only therapy for CD patients is a strict gluten-free diet (GFD). Gluten-free food contamination by other cereals during packaging and cooking or accidental ingestion of gluten may cause several intestinal and extraintestinal symptoms in CD patients. Therefore, the monitoring of gluten contamination in food and assessing the level of ingested gluten by analytical biomarkers has been of great interest in recent years. To this aim, small gluten immunogenic peptides (GIPs) obtained by the hydrolysis of gluten and present in urine and feces have been studied as biomarkers of gluten intake and to monitor adherence to GFD by CD patients. More recently, the use of circulating, fecal and urinary miRNAs has emerged as a novel diagnostic tool that can be potentially applied to assess adherence to GFD. Moreover, the presence of GIPs and miRNAs in both feces and urine suggests a similar excretion modality and the possibility of using urinary miRNAs, similarly to GIPs, as potential biomarkers of GFD in CD patients.
Exploring Lignans, a Class of Health Promoting Compounds, in a Variety of Edible Oils from Brazil
Authors: Tardugno Roberta , Cicero Nicola , Costa Rosaria , Nava Vincenzo , Vadalà Rossella
Published: May 2022

Lignans, a group of polyphenols, have been identified in eight cold pressed oils from fruits, nuts, and seeds, retrieved from the Brazilian market. The oils under investigation were avocado, Brazilian nut, canola, coconut, grapeseed, macadamia, palm, and pequi. Olive oil was selected as a reference oil, since numerous data on its lignan content are available in literature. The qualitative and quantitative profiles were obtained, after extraction, by means of UFLC-ESI-MS/MS analyses. The total lignan content showed a high variability, ranging from 0.69 mg·Kg−1 (pequi) to 7.12 mg·Kg−1 (grapeseed), with the highest content registered for olive oil. Seven lignans were quantified, matairesinol and pinoresinol being the most abundant. The LC-MS/MS method was validated, showing linearity in the range of 12.5–212.5 mg·Kg−1, LOD in the range of 0.18–11.37 mg·Kg−1, and LOQ in the range of 0.53–34.45 mg·Kg−1. Additionally, part of the study was focused on the evaluation of the flavor profile, this being a key element in consumers’ evaluations, by means of HS-SPME-GC. In total, 150 volatile compounds were determined in the eight oils, with identified fractions ranging from 91.85% (avocado) to 96.31% (canola), with an average value of 94.1%. Groups of components contributed characteristically to the flavour of each oil.
Sugar Levels Determine Fermentation Dynamics during Yeast Pastry Making and Its Impact on Dough and Product Characteristics
Authors: Timmermans Evelyne , Bautil An , Brijs Kristof , Scheirlinck Ilse , Van der Meulen Roel , Courtin Christophe M.
Published: May 2022

Fermented pastry products are produced by fermenting and baking multi-layered dough. Increasing our knowledge of the impact of the fermentation process during pastry making could offer opportunities for improving the production process or end-product quality, whereas increasing our knowledge on the sugar release and consumption dynamics by yeast could help to design sugar reduction strategies. Therefore, this study investigates the impact of yeast fermentation and different sugar concentrations on pastry dough properties and product quality characteristics. First, yeasted pastry samples were made with 8% yeast and 14% sucrose on a wheat flour dry matter base and compared to non-yeasted samples. Analysis of saccharide concentrations revealed that sucrose was almost entirely degraded by invertase in yeasted samples after mixing. Fructans were also degraded extensively, but more slowly. At least 23.6 ± 2.6% of the released glucose was consumed during fermentation. CO2 production during fermentation contributed more to product height development than water and ethanol evaporation during baking. Yeast metabolites weakened the gluten network, causing a reduction in dough strength and extensibility. However, fermentation time had a more significant impact on dough rheology parameters than the presence of yeast. In balance, yeast fermentation did not significantly affect the calculated sweetness factor of the pastry product with 14% added sucrose. Increasing the sugar content (21%) led to higher osmotic stress, resulting in reduced sugar consumption, reduced CO2 and ethanol production and a lower product volume. A darker colour and a higher sweetness factor were obtained. Reducing the sugar content (7%) had the opposite effect. Eliminating sucrose from the recipe (0%) resulted in a shortened productive fermentation time due to sugar depletion. Dough rheology was affected to a limited extent by changes in sucrose addition, although no sucrose addition or a very high sucrose level (21%) reduced the maximum dough strength. Based on the insights obtained in this study, yeast-based strategies can be developed to improve the production and quality of fermented pastry.
Genetic Differentiation and Widespread Mitochondrial Heteroplasmy among Geographic Populations of the Gourmet Mushroom Thelephora ganbajun from Yunnan, China
Authors: Li Haixia , Xu Jianping , Wang Shaojuan , Wang Pengfei , Rao Wanqin , Hou Bin , Zhang Ying
Published: May 2022

The mitochondrial genomes are generally considered non-recombining and homoplasmic in nature. However, our previous study provided the first evidence of extensive and stable mitochondrial heteroplasmy in natural populations of the basidiomycete fungus Thelephora ganbajun from Yunnan province, China. The heteroplasmy was characterized by the presence of two types of introns residing at adjacent but different sites in the cytochrome oxidase subunits I (cox1) gene within an individual strain. However, the frequencies of these two introns among isolates from different geographical populations and the implications for the genetic structure in natural populations have not been investigated. In this study, we analyzed DNA sequence variation at the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions of the nuclear ribosomal RNA gene cluster among 489 specimens from 30 geographic locations from Yunnan and compared that variation with distribution patterns of the two signature introns in the cox1 gene that are indicative of heteroplasmy in this species. In our samples, evidence for gene flow, abundant genetic diversity, and genotypic uniqueness among geographic samples in Yunnan were revealed by ITS sequence variation. While there was insignificant positive correlation between geographic distance and genetic differentiation among the geographic samples based on ITS sequences, a moderate significant correlation was found between ITS sequence variation, geographical distance of sampling sites, and distribution patterns of the two heteroplasmic introns in the cox1 gene. Interestingly, there was a significantly negative correlation between the copy numbers of the two co-existing introns. We discussed the implications of our results for a better understanding of the spread of stable mitochondrial heteroplasmy, mito-nuclear interactions, and conservation of this important gourmet mushroom.
Genome-Wide Analysis and Exploration of WRKY Transcription Factor Family Involved in the Regulation of Shoot Branching in Petunia
Authors: Yao Huanyu , Yang Tianyin , Qian Jie , Deng Xinyi , Dong Lili
Published: May 2022

The WRKY transcription factors (TFs) participate in various physiological, growth and developmental processes of plants. In our study, a total of 79 WRKY family members were identified and classified into three groups (Group I, Group IIa–e, and Group III) based on phylogenetic and conservative domain analyses. Conserved motif analysis showed that seven WRKYGQK domains changed. The promoter sequence analysis suggested that there were multiple stress- and hormone-related cis-regulatory elements in the promoter regions of PhWRKY genes. Expression patterns of PhWRKYs based on RNA-seq data revealed their diverse expression profiles in five tissues and under different treatments. Subcellular localization analysis showed that PhWRKY71 was located in the nucleus. In addition, overexpression of PhWRKY71 caused a significant increase in branch number. This indicated that PhWRKY71 played a critical role in regulating the shoot branching of Petuniahybrida. The above results lay the foundation for further revealing the functions of PhWRKY genes.
Paleogene Lithostratigraphy and Recognition of the Marine Incursion of the Proto-Paratethys Sea in the Fergana Basin, Uzbekistan
Authors: Anvarov Otabek Ulugbek Ogli , Kamata Yoshihito , Maruoka Teruyuki , Kuroda Junichiro , Wakaki Shigeyuki , Hisada Ken-ichiro
Published: May 2022

Lithostratigraphy and isotopes of Paleogene sequences consisting mainly of terrestrial clastics and limestone were examined in the northern Fergana Basin of Uzbekistan. The studied sections consisted of two facies: the lower sequence coarse-grained terrestrial clastics and the upper sequence limestone clastics characterized by limestone beds. The sulfur isotopic composition of the bivalve obtained from the lower sequence was relatively low, namely, 14.94–16.82‰, which is equivalent to the Early Cretaceous; however, it is possible that the isotopic composition differed from that obtained in open seawater due to the presence of terrestrial clastics and the freshwater effect. In contrast, the sulfur isotopic composition of limestone from the upper sequence was relatively high, namely, 19.37–21.19‰, thereby indicating that they were likely to originate from the Early to Middle Eocene. Furthermore, the strontium isotopic compositions of the lower and upper sequences were 0.707772–0.707875‰ and 0.707812–0.708063‰, respectively. These values are more similar to those of the Paleogene than the Cretaceous. Finally, lithostratigraphy and age determination allowed us to correlate the upper sequence with representative limestone from the fourth transgression of the proto-Paratethys Sea, whilst the limestone beds were deduced to be remnants of the Eocene marine incursion of the proto-Paratethys Sea.
Reconstructing the Fluvial History of the Lilas River (Euboea Island, Central West Aegean Sea) from the Mycenaean Times to the Ottoman Period
Authors: Ghilardi Matthieu , Kinnaird Tim , Kouli Katerina , Bicket Andrew , Crest Yannick , Demory François , Delanghe Doriane , Fachard Sylvian , Sanderson David
Published: May 2022

This paper aims to reconstruct the alluvial activity for the Lilas river, the second-largest catchment of Euboea Island (Central Western Aegean Sea), for approximately the last three and a half millennia. The middle reaches (Gides basin) exhibit several historical alluvial terraces that were first recognised in the 1980s but have remained poorly studied, resulting in uncertain chronological control of palaeofluvial activity. In order to reconstruct the past fluvial dynamics of the Lilas river, a ca. 2.5 m thick stratigraphic profile has been investigated for granulometry and magnetic parameters. Absolute dating of the sediments was possible by applying Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL). The results reveal: (i) two coarse-grained aggradational episodes dated from the Mycenaean/Early Iron Age and the Roman periods, respectively, (ii) a phase of rapid fine-grained vertical accretion corresponding to the Late Byzantine to early Venetian periods, (iii) potential evidence for final alluvial deposition from the Little Ice Age/Ottoman period, and (iv) two major incision episodes inferred from Ancient Greek times and most of the Byzantine period. Based on the published core material, the paper also evaluates the direct impacts of the Late Holocene alluviation recorded mid-stream on the fluvial system situated downstream in the deltaic area. Sediment sourcing is attempted based on the magnetic properties of the catchment lithology and of alluvium collected upstream along the main stream bed. Finally, the present paper discusses the possible links between Late Holocene hydroclimatic oscillations and the aggradational/incision phases revealed in the Gides basin. Correlations are attempted with regional palaeoclimate records obtained for the Aegean. In addition to climatic variability, anthropogenic factors are considered: specific land use for agricultural purposes, in particular during the Mycenaean period, the Roman and the Late Byzantine/Early Venetian periods, might have enhanced sediment deposition. Archaeological information and pollen records were also evaluated to reconstruct regional land-use patterns and possible impacts on soil accumulation over the last 3.5 millennia.
A Cluster Analysis of the Acceptance of a Contact Tracing App—The Identification of Profiles for the Italian Immuni Contact Tracing App
Authors: Sarini Marcello , Actis Grosso Rossana , Magrin Maria , Mari Silvia , Olivero Nadia , Paganin Giulia , Simbula Silvia
Published: May 2022

Digital contact tracing apps have been introduced by governments as a strategy to limit the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Digital contact tracking is an alternative to traditional contact tracing performed by human tracers who have to reconstruct each contact an infected person had in the recent past by means of interviews. The Italian government proposed the Immuni digital contact tracking app as a solution. Immuni uses Bluetooth technology to anonymously register all close contacts a person had: if she tests positive for COVID-19 then all registered contacts are notified. The main aim of the paper is to propose a cluster analysis of some factors concerning the possible acceptance of the Immuni app to build behaviour profiles that explain and predict the possible behaviours of the respondents. The factors considered referred to three different pillars: the technological pillar, investigated by considering factors from the technology acceptance models family; the health pillar, where variables of the health belief model were used; and the sociopolitical pillar, where some values of the respondents were considered as possible barriers to or facilitators of the acceptance of this technology. As a result of the cluster analysis, three behavioural profiles were built: the ProApp profile, the Hesitant profile, and the AntiApp profile. The first is the profile grouping the respondents who intend to use the contact tracing app; the second is more about people who are favourable of the use of the app, but some issues such as privacy reduce the strength of their intention; the last profile is about people who are less favourable to use the app. We are confident that the behaviour profiles found would be useful to build more tailored communication campaigns to help promote the use of the app by managing factors that could either be facilitators or barriers.
Mixed Recharge and Epikarst Role in a Complex Metamorphic Karst Aquifer: The Pollaccia System, Apuan Alps (Tuscany, Italy)
Authors: Nannoni Alessia , Piccini Leonardo
Published: May 2022

The Apuan Alps (Italy) are an internationally renowned karst region where several karst springs have a mean discharge exceeding 100 L/s, thus representing important water resources. One of the major springs, the Pollaccia, was monitored for approximately one year. This spring drains a structurally complex metamorphic karst aquifer that is characterized by multiple hydrologic sectors with variable recharge and infiltration styles. Spring discharge, water temperature, and electrical conductivity were compared to precipitation data, and time lag analysis was performed on 27 storm hydro/thermo/chemographs (HTC-graphs) that occurred in different hydrological phases. A marked seasonality was observed for all the monitored parameters and for the measured lags. The comparison of the storm HTC-graphs with no precipitation phases permitted recognition of the differential contribution of the various sectors. The Pollaccia’s hydrodynamic behavior was related to three different scenarios in the recharge area: (1) allogenic runoff recharge in the noncarbonate sectors; (2) autogenic recharge and runoff over the steeply dipping marble outcrops, characterized by fast epiphreatic flow through master conduits and low epikarst storage; (3) autogenic recharge through highly fractured, gently dipping marble outcrops, characterized by quick hydraulic pressure transfer to the phreatic zone and relevant epikarst storage.
Examining School and Neighborhood Effects of Socioeconomic Status on Childhood Obesity in the U.S.
Authors: Vazquez Christian E. , McBride Megan J. , Hess Katherine E. , Cubbin Catherine , Bearman Sarah Kate , Calzada Esther J.
Published: May 2022

Obesity amongst Kindergartners in Texas is above the national average, particularly among Hispanic students. Research on the impact of school and neighborhood-level SES on obesity in childhood using multilevel models is lacking. Survey data were collected from Hispanic caregivers of pre-kindergarten students in Fall 2019 (n = 237). Students were clustered in thirty-two neighborhoods and twelve schools. The dependent variable was the child’s body mass index z-score (BMIz). Covariates included the child’s sex, primary caregiver’s marital status, education level, relationship to the child, and family income. Level-two variables included neighborhood poverty and school SES. CTableross-classified multilevel linear regression models were conducted to examine the unique associations of neighborhood poverty and school SES with individual student BMIz, and how they interact. Twenty-four percent of students were classified as overweight, and five percent were classified as obese. The models resulted in a significant association between school SES and BMIz (B = −0.13; SE = 0.06; p < 0.05) and between neighborhood poverty and BMIz (B = −1.41; SE = 0.49; p < 0.01). Individual students’ BMIz decreased as school SES increased and decreased as neighborhood poverty increased. Neighborhood poverty and school SES appear to play a role in the development of obesity in childhood, although in differing directions.
Gaps in Hypertension Management in a Middle-Income Community of Quito-Ecuador: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Ortiz Patricia , Vásquez Yajaira , Arévalo Esperanza , Van der Stuyft Patrick , Londoño Agudelo Esteban
Published: May 2022

Optimal hypertension care and control at population level significantly reduces cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The study objective was to measure the gaps in the diagnosis, care, and control of hypertension in residents of an urban community in Quito, Ecuador. A cross-sectional population-based study with a sample of 2160 persons was performed using a survey and direct blood pressure measurement. Logistical regression models were used for analyzing factors associated with the gaps, expressed as percentages. The prevalence of hypertension was 17.6% [CI 95% 17.3–17.9%]. The diagnosis gap was 6.1% [CI 95% 5.9–6.2%] among the entire population and 34.5% [CI 95% 33.7–35.3%] among persons with hypertension. No access gaps were detected; whereas the follow-up gap was 22.7% [CI 95% 21.8–23.6%] and control gap reached 43.5% [CI 95% 42.6–44.2%]. Results indicated that being male, older than 64 years, an employee, without health insurance, and not perceiving a need for healthcare, increased the risk of experiencing these gaps. Data showed appropriate access to health services and high coverage in the diagnosis was due to the application of a community and family healthcare model. Notwithstanding, we found significant gaps in the follow-up and control of hypertensive patients, especially among older males, which should warrant the attention of the Ministry of Health.
One Health Approach to Tick and Tick-Borne Disease Surveillance in the United Kingdom
Authors: Johnson Nicholas , Phipps Lawrence Paul , Hansford Kayleigh M. , Folly Arran J. , Fooks Anthony R. , Medlock Jolyon M. , Mansfield Karen L.
Published: May 2022

Where ticks are found, tick-borne diseases can present a threat to human and animal health. The aetiology of many of these important diseases, including Lyme disease, bovine babesiosis, tick-borne fever and louping ill, have been known for decades whilst others have only recently been documented in the United Kingdom (UK). Further threats such as the importation of exotic ticks through human activity or bird migration, combined with changes to either the habitat or climate could increase the risk of tick-borne disease persistence and transmission. Prevention of tick-borne diseases for the human population and animals (both livestock and companion) is dependent on a thorough understanding of where and when pathogen transmission occurs. This information can only be gained through surveillance that seeks to identify where tick populations are distributed, which pathogens are present within those populations, and the periods of the year when ticks are active. To achieve this, a variety of approaches can be applied to enhance knowledge utilising a diverse range of stakeholders (public health professionals and veterinarians through to citizen scientists). Without this information, the application of mitigation strategies to reduce pathogen transmission and impact is compromised and the ability to monitor the effects of climate change or landscape modification on the risk of tick-borne disease is more challenging. However, as with many public and animal health interventions, there needs to be a cost-benefit assessment on the most appropriate intervention applied. This review will assess the challenges of tick-borne diseases in the UK and argue for a cross-disciplinary approach to their surveillance and control.
A Bibliometric Analysis of Research on Selenium in Drinking Water during the 1990–2021 Period: Treatment Options for Selenium Removal
Authors: Abejón Ricardo
Published: May 2022

A bibliometric analysis based on the Scopus database was carried out to summarize the global research related to selenium in drinking water from 1990 to 2021 and identify the quantitative characteristics of the research in this period. The results from the analysis revealed that the number of accumulated publications followed a quadratic growth, which confirmed the relevance this research topic is gaining during the last years. High research efforts have been invested to define safe selenium content in drinking water, since the insufficient or excessive intake of selenium and the corresponding effects on human health are only separated by a narrow margin. Some important research features of the four main technologies most frequently used to remove selenium from drinking water (coagulation, flocculation and precipitation followed by filtration; adsorption and ion exchange; membrane-based processes and biological treatments) were compiled in this work. Although the search of technological options to remove selenium from drinking water is less intensive than the search of solutions to reduce and eliminate the presence of other pollutants, adsorption was the alternative that has received the most attention according to the research trends during the studied period, followed by membrane technologies, while biological methods require further research efforts to promote their implementation.
A Practical Approach to Assessing Physical Freshness: Utility of a Simple Perceived Physical Freshness Status Scale
Authors: Selmi Okba , Levitt Danielle E. , Clemente Filipe Manuel , Nobari Hadi , My Giulia , Muscella Antonella , Suzuki Katsuhiko , Bouassida Anissa
Published: May 2022

Background: Monitoring physical freshness is essential in assessing athletes’ conditions during training periods, training sessions, or competitions. To date, no single physical freshness scale has been successfully validated against training load variables and widely used scales measuring different facets of physical freshness. Objective: In this study, we develop and test the practical utility of a perceived physical freshness (RPF) scale to monitor the condition of the athletes and to prevent excessive fatigue and insufficient recovery during training sessions or competitions. Methods: Sixteen professional male soccer players (mean ± SD age 26 ± 4 years) were enrolled. Training load (TL), monotony, strain, rate of perceived exertion (RPE), well-being indices (sleep, stress, fatigue, and muscle soreness), total quality recovery (TQR) and RPF were determined each day for two weeks of training, including a week intensified training (IW) and a week taper (TW). The validity of the RPF scale was assessed by measuring the level of agreement of a player’s perceived physical freshness relative to their TL variables, recovery state and well-being indices during each training phase (IW and TW) and during the overall training period (TP). Results: RPF increased during the TW compared to IW (ES = 2.31, p < 0.001, large). For the TP, IW and TW, weekly RPF was related to weekly TL (r = −0.81, r = −0.80, r = −0.69, respectively), well-being (r = −0.91, r = −0.82, r = −0.84, respectively) and TQR (r = 0.76, r = 0.91, r = 0.52, respectively), all p < 0.01. For the TP, IW and TW, daily RPF was related to TL (r = −0.75, r = −0.66, r = −0.70, respectively), well-being (r = −0.84, r = −0.81, r = −0.78, respectively) and TQR (r = 0.82, r = 0.81, r = 0.75, respectively), all p < 0.01. Conclusions: RPF was effective for evaluating the professional soccer players’ physical freshness and may be a strategy for coaches to monitor the physical, psycho-physiological, and psychometric state of the players before training session or matches.
The Impact of Hempseed Consumption on Bone Parameters and Body Composition in Growing Female C57BL/6 Mice
Authors: Blanton Cynthia A. , Barrott Jared J. , Kunz Kaden , Bunde Ella , Streff Hailey M. , Sparks Chandler A. , Williams Derrick W. , Gabaldόn Annette M.
Published: May 2022

Optimizing peak bone mass is critical to healthy aging. Beyond the established roles of dietary minerals and protein on bone integrity, fatty acids and polyphenols modify bone structure. This study investigated the effect of a diet containing hempseeds (HS), which are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids and polyphenols, on bone mineral density, bone cell populations and body composition. Groups (n = 8 each) of female C57BL/6 mice were fed one of three diets (15% HS by weight; 5% HS; 0% HS (control)) from age 5 to 30 weeks. In vivo whole-body composition and bone mineral density and content were measured every 4 weeks using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Ex vivo humeri cell populations in the epiphyseal plate region were determined by sectioning the bone longitudinally, mounting the sections on slides and staining with tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase and alkaline phosphatase stain to identify osteoclasts and osteoblasts, respectively. Mixed models with repeated measures across experimental weeks showed that neither body weight nor body weight gain across weeks differed among groups yet mice fed the 15% HS diet consumed significantly more food and more kilocalories per g body weight gained than those fed the 5% HS and control diets (p < 0.0001). Across weeks, fat mass was significantly higher in the 5% HS versus the control group (p = 0.02). At the end point, whole-body bone mineral content was significantly higher in the control compared to the 5% HS group (p = 0.02). Humeri from both HS groups displayed significantly lower osteoblast densities compared to the control group (p < 0.0001). No relationship was seen between osteoblast density and body composition measurements. These data invite closer examination of bone cell activity and microarchitecture to determine the effect of habitual HS consumption on bone integrity.