bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inhibitory Effect and Control Efficacy of Picoxystrobin against Neopestalotiopsis clavispora, Causing Vine Tea Leaf Blight
Authors: Zhou Zehua , Wang Yicai , Duan Yabing , He Yannan , Liu Shuang , Chen Yan , Deng Wucheng , Li Chunping , Hu Weijun , Gu Youjun , Tang Yuhui , Yi Tuyong
Published: May 2023

Vine tea (Ampelopsis grossedentata) is a traditional herb widely consumed in southwestern China that possesses paramount potential for human health. In 2021, the outbreak of typical leaf blight disease was observed in almost all vine tea plantations in Zhangjiajie of Hunan province, resulting in significant economic losses of vine tea production. In this study, we identified Neopestalotiopsis clavispora as the causal agent of vine tea leaf blight via its morphological characteristics and molecular identification. The sensitivity distribution of N. clavispora isolates to picoxystrobin were determined based on mycelial growth and spore germination inhibition assays. The EC50 values for mycelial growth ranged from 0.0062 to 0.0658 µg/mL, with a mean of 0.0282 ± 0.0148 µg/mL. The EC50 values for spore germination ranged from 0.0014 to 0.0099 µg/mL, and the mean value was 0.0048 ± 0.0022 µg/mL. Picoxystrobin increased fungal cell membrane permeability, but inhibited fungal ATP biosynthesis. Moreover, picoxystrobin exhibited good in planta control efficacy on vine tea leaves. Three picoxystrobin-resistant mutants were obtained in the current study, but no mutations were detected in the N. clavispora Cytb gene. Competitive ability assays showed that the conidium production and pathogenicity of all picoxystrobin-resistant mutants decreased as compared to their progenitors, indicating that picoxystrobin-resistant mutants suffer fitness penalty. These findings provide important evidence for picoxystrobin in vine tea leaf blight management and increase understanding of the resistance mechanism of picoxystrobin against N. clavispora.
Performance of Drift-Reducing Nozzles in Controlling Small Weed Seedlings with Contact Herbicides
Authors: De Cauwer Benny , De Meuter Ilke , De Ryck Sander , Dekeyser Donald , Zwertvaegher Ingrid , Nuyttens David
Published: May 2023

In many EU countries, spray applications should comply with increasingly stringent requirements regarding the drift reduction class of spray nozzles. Many farmers fear that the use of drift-reducing nozzles producing coarse droplet spectra may compromise the performance of contact herbicides on small weed targets. This study examined the effects of various ISO 03 drift-reducing flat-fan nozzles (pre-orifice and single and dual flat-fan air induction nozzles) differing in spray drift reduction class and spray pressure (2.5 bar, 5.0 bar) on (1) spray coverage, (2) droplet characteristics and (3) efficiency of contact herbicides bentazon and phenmedipham against cotyledon and 2-leaf stage plants of Chenopodium album and Solanum nigrum. Performance was compared to that of an ISO 03 standard flat-fan nozzle producing a finer droplet size spectrum. All sprayings were performed at a spray volume of 200 L ha−1. In most dose–response experiments, several drift-reducing flat-fan nozzles performed equally well as standard flat-fan nozzles, regardless of herbicide, spray pressure, growth stage or weed species. However, droplet size spectra of air-induction nozzles were too coarse for an adequate spray coverage and efficient application of contact herbicides on cotyledon stage plants of S. nigrum. In addition, the performance of air-induction nozzles in controlling difficult-to-wet C. album weeds with phenmedipham was better at 5.0 bar than at 2.5 bar. In contrast with droplet size characteristics, spray coverage characteristics determined on water sensitive papers were not good proxies for estimating the biological efficiency of contact herbicides. Air induction nozzles at 5.0 bar allow efficient control of 2-leaf targets, but nozzles emitting finer droplet spectra, such as pre-orifice nozzles, should be preferred for controlling cotyledon stage weeds at low-herbicide doses.
Innovative Organic and Regenerative Agricultural Production
Authors: Rempelos Leonidas , Kabourakis Emmanouil , Leifert Carlo
Published: May 2023

Over the last 50 years, global agricultural food production has become increasingly dependent on the use of non-renewable and/or scarce resources, and, in particular, fossil fuel (e [...]
The Application of 3D Anatomy for Teaching Veterinary Clinical Neurology
Authors: Blázquez-Llorca Lidia , Morales de Paz Lubna , Martín-Orti Rosario , Santos-Álvarez Inmaculada , Fernández-Valle María E. , Castejón David , García-Real María I. , Salgüero-Fernández Raquel , Pérez-Lloret Pilar , Moreno Nerea , Jiménez Sara , Herrero-Fernández María J. , González-Soriano Juncal
Published: May 2023

Neuroanatomy is always a challenging topic for veterinary students. It is widely accepted that understanding the anatomy of the central nervous system (CNS) is essential to explain many of the pathological processes that affect the brain. Although its study has varied over time to achieve this goal, in human and veterinary medicine it is difficult to find a teaching method that associates normal anatomy with pathological alterations of the brain. For the first time, we have created an educational tool that combines neuroanatomy and neuropathology, using different magnetic resonance (MR) images as a basis and EspINA software as analyzer, to obtain segmented structures and 3D reconstructions of the dog brain. We demonstrate that this combination is an optimal tool to help anatomists to understand the encephalon, and additionally to help clinicians to recognize illness including a multitude of neurological problems. In addition, we have tried to see whether photogrammetry, which is a common technique in other sciences, for example geology, could be useful to teach veterinary neuroanatomy. Although we still need further investigations, we have been able to generate 3D reconstructions of the whole brain, with very promising results to date.
The In Vitro Evaluation of Rooster Semen Pellets Frozen with Dimethylacetamide
Authors: Hamad Shaimaa K. , Elomda Ahmed M. , Sun Yanyan , Li Yunlei , Zong Yunhe , Chen Jilan , Abbas Ahmed O. , Stino Farid K. R. , Nazmi Ali , Mehaisen Gamal M. K.
Published: May 2023

Sperm cryopreservation is an effective technique for conserving animal genetic diversity and transmitting superior genetic backgrounds, maintained via a non-invasive sampling and collection of huge quantities of sperm. Nevertheless, cryopreservation in avian species is not commercially viable because of the rooster sperm’s susceptibility to damage. This study aims to estimate the impact of dimethylacetamide (DMA) as a cryoprotectant at different levels (3%, 6%, or 9%) on the post-thawed sperm quality, motility, antioxidant-biomarkers, and the expression of anti-freeze related genes. Semen samples were collected twice a week from twelve roosters aged 40 wk, weighing 3400 ± 70 g, and belonging to the Cairo-B2 chicken strain. Fresh semen samples were rapidly appraised, pooled, diluted with two volumes of a basic extender, and divided equally into three groups. The diluted groups were chilled at −20 °C for 7 min, then gently supplemented with 3, 6, or 9% pre-cooled DMA and equilibrated at 5 °C for a further 10 min. Semen pellets were formed by pipetting drops 7 cm above liquid nitrogen (LN2), which were then kept inside cryovials in the LN2. Thawing was performed 2 months later by taking 3–4 pellets of the frozen semen into a glass tube and warming it in a water bath for 8 s at 60 °C. The results showed that 3% DMA increased the proportion of total motile sperm, progressivity, viability, and plasma membrane integrity (%) compared to the 6% and 9% DMA groups. The lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzyme activity were improved in the 3% group. At the same time, some anti-freeze-related genes’ (including ras homolog family member A (RHOA), heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), and small nuclear ribonucleoprotein polypeptide A (SNRPA1)) expressions were upregulated within the 3% DMA group relative to other groups. In conclusion, the 3% DMA group maintained higher post-thawed sperm quality than the other tested groups.
Optimizing the Auxiliary Air Channels of a Vortex Atomizer by 3D Printing Using the Taguchi Method
Authors: Chen Jung-Shun , Li Shang-Rong
Published: May 2023

In this study, the optimum spraying performance of a pressurized vortex atomizer using water as the working fluid was investigated experimentally by modifying the geometry of auxiliary air holes via the Taguchi method. The experimental results were also examined by CFD simulations. The four control factors of the auxiliary air holes are their numbers, areas, inclination angles, and lengths. With five levels for each control factor, an L25 orthogonal table was selected. Each case of the L25 orthogonal table was test repeatedly three times to obtain key average results. The auxiliary air holes were designed by a KISSlicer CAD tool and fabricated by 3D printing. The 3D printing was carried out by fused deposition of PLA with a resolution of about 30 μm. In the experiments, the spraying jet patterns were recorded, and the water droplet weights were measured. By using the signal to noise ratios and the smaller-the-better quality characteristic, the effect of the control factors of the auxiliary air holes in descending order is the numbers, areas, inclination angles, and hole lengths, respectively. The optimum air hole configuration is the one with six holes, an inclination angle of 20°, an area of 18 mm2, and a length of 8 mm. The optimum condition was confirmed by a signal to noise ratio of 20.5 dB with 95% confidence interval. The resulting smaller jet opening angle is about 42°, close to the simulated angle of 45°. That is, by the novelty of combining 3D printing with the Taguchi method, this study obtains the optimum design with fast prototyping and relatively few experiments.
Prediction of PM10 Concentration in Malaysia Using K-Means Clustering and LSTM Hybrid Model
Authors: Ariff Noratiqah Mohd , Bakar Mohd Aftar Abu , Lim Han Ying
Published: May 2023

Following the rapid development of various industrial sectors, air pollution frequently occurs in every corner of the world. As a dominant pollutant in Malaysia, particulate matter PM10 can cause highly detrimental effects on human health. This study aims to predict the daily average concentration of PM10 based on the data collected from 60 air quality monitoring stations in Malaysia. Building a forecasting model for each station is time-consuming and unrealistic; therefore, a hybrid model that combines the k-means clustering technique and the long short-term memory (LSTM) model is proposed to reduce the number of models and the overall model training time. Based on the training set, the stations were clustered using the k-means algorithm and an LSTM model was built for each cluster. Then, the prediction performance of the hybrid model was compared with the univariate LSTM model built independently for each station. The results show that the hybrid model has a comparable prediction performance to the univariate LSTM model, as it gives the relative percentage difference (RPD) less than or equal to 50% based on at least two accuracy metrics for 43 stations. The hybrid model can also fit the actual data trend well with a much shorter training time. Hence, the hybrid model is more competitive and suitable for real applications to forecast air quality.
Effects of Low-Intensity Aerobic Exercise on Neurophysiological and Behavioral Correlates of Cognitive Function
Authors: Olson Ryan L. , Cleveland David J. , Materia Melissa
Published: May 2023

Acute aerobic exercise exerts a small beneficial effect on cognition. Previous research primarily examines cognitive changes following a bout of exercise, while little is currently known about changes in cognitive performance during exercise. The primary purpose of this study was to examine the effects of low-intensity cycling on cognitive function indexed by behavioral (response accuracy; reaction time) and neurocognitive (P3 mean amplitude; P3 centroid latency) responses. Twenty-seven (Mage = 22.9 ± 3.0 years old) individuals were counterbalanced into low-intensity exercise (EX) and seated control (SC) conditions spread across two testing sessions. During each condition, participants completed a 10 min resting baseline period, 20 min of either sustained cycling or seated rest, and a 20 min recovery period. Primary outcomes were assessed at 10 min intervals (five blocks total) throughout each condition via a modified visual oddball task while electroencephalography (EEG) responses were measured. Across time blocks, both conditions exhibited faster reaction times on frequent trials but reduced accuracy to rare trials, suggesting a speed–accuracy tradeoff. There were no differences between conditions in P3 centroid latency, whereas a significant reduction in P3 amplitude was observed during the 20 min exercise period compared to the control condition. Taken together, results suggest that exercise at lower doses may have minimal influence on behavioral outcomes of cognitive performance but may impact more basic measures of brain function. Information gathered from this study may aid in the development of appropriate exercise prescriptions for populations looking to specifically target cognitive function deficits.
How Does the Intelligent Monitoring System Influence the Sense of Security of the Elderly in Home Care? A Case Study of the Hubin Community in Ningde City
Authors: Ma Yan , Xu Wei
Published: May 2023

Under the background of rapid aging in China, the security of the elderly in home care has become the focus of social attention. The present study takes the Hubin community of Ningde City as the case study area; and uses hierarchical regression analysis, structural equation model, and other methods to explore the influence path of the sense of security of the elderly in home care under the moderating effect of the intelligent monitoring system, and the subjective and objective demands for such equipment among the elderly. The results showed that compared with family care and social support, the influence of individual health on the sense of security of the elderly in home care was dominant. The intelligent monitoring system can play a negative moderating effect in the process of individual health directly affecting the sense of security of the elderly in home care, and indirectly improving the sense of security of the elderly in home care. Therefore, under the premise of paying attention to the individual health of the elderly at home, the reasonable application of the intelligent monitoring system and full play to its moderating effect is a practical way to improve the sense of security of the elderly in home care. In addition, the family and society should also pay more attention to the security of the elderly in home care, so as to promote the overall improvement of their sense of security.
Direct-Acting Oral Anticoagulant Therapy in Cancer Patients—A Review
Authors: Górnicki Tomasz , Bułdyś Kacper , Zielińska Dorota , Chabowski Mariusz
Published: May 2023

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is an important aspect in cancer patients. There are various pharmacological methods used for thrombotic event treatment. DOACs (direct-acting oral anticoagulants) are gaining popularity among both physicians and researchers and are slowly starting to replace VKAs (vitamin K antagonists), thus becoming a substitute or alternative option for LMWHs (low-molecular-weight heparins). In this article, we present DOACs’ main therapeutic advantages and disadvantages in patients with cancer. The only major concern with using DOACs is the higher risk of bleeding; however, there are discrepancies in this matter. There are still some types of cancer for which DOACs are not recommended. Specific cancer types may influence the efficacy of DOAC therapy. Additionally, race and ethnicity may affect therapy in cancer patients with DOACs. A sizeable number of clinical trials are focused on comparing DOACs with other anticoagulants. The current guidelines of different scientific associations are not unanimous in their DOAC assessments. There is still a need for more evidence of DOACs’ potential advantages over other methods of anticoagulation in cancer patients to facilitate their position in this recommendation. This literature review presents the current state of knowledge about the use of DOACs in patients with neoplastic growth.
Characterization and Optimization of the Tumor Microenvironment in Patient-Derived Organotypic Slices and Organoid Models of Glioblastoma
Authors: Nickl Vera , Eck Juliana , Goedert Nicolas , Hübner Julian , Nerreter Thomas , Hagemann Carsten , Ernestus Ralf-Ingo , Schulz Tim , Nickl Robert Carl , Keßler Almuth Friederike , Löhr Mario , Rosenwald Andreas , Breun Maria , Monoranu Camelia Maria
Published: May 2023

While glioblastoma (GBM) is still challenging to treat, novel immunotherapeutic approaches have shown promising effects in preclinical settings. However, their clinical breakthrough is hampered by complex interactions of GBM with the tumor microenvironment (TME). Here, we present an analysis of TME composition in a patient-derived organoid model (PDO) as well as in organotypic slice cultures (OSC). To obtain a more realistic model for immunotherapeutic testing, we introduce an enhanced PDO model. We manufactured PDOs and OSCs from fresh tissue of GBM patients and analyzed the TME. Enhanced PDOs (ePDOs) were obtained via co-culture with PBMCs (peripheral blood mononuclear cells) and compared to normal PDOs (nPDOs) and PT (primary tissue). At first, we showed that TME was not sustained in PDOs after a short time of culture. In contrast, TME was largely maintained in OSCs. Unfortunately, OSCs can only be cultured for up to 9 days. Thus, we enhanced the TME in PDOs by co-culturing PDOs and PBMCs from healthy donors. These cellular TME patterns could be preserved until day 21. The ePDO approach could mirror the interaction of GBM, TME and immunotherapeutic agents and may consequently represent a realistic model for individual immunotherapeutic drug testing in the future.
Efficacy and Safety of High-Dose Chemotherapy with Treosulfan and Melphalan in Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Gillich Cédric , Akhoundova Dilara , Hayoz Michael , Aebi Yolanda , Largiadèr Carlo R. , Seipel Katja , Daskalakis Michael , Bacher Ulrike , Pabst Thomas
Published: May 2023

(1) Background: Upfront treatment consolidation with high-dose chemotherapy (HDCT) and autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) has relevantly contributed to achieving durable remissions following induction treatment in multiple myeloma (MM) patients. The optimization of HDCT regimens can, therefore, essentially contribute to improving the depth and duration of tumor remissions. To date, melphalan at 200 mg/m2 is the standard HDCT regimen for fit MM patients. In our previous work, we showed promising efficacy and safety results for treosulfan (14 g/m2) and melphalan (200 mg/m2) (TreoMel) in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients receiving ASCT. Based on these data, TreoMel became the standard of care for fit MM patients at our institution. (2) Methods: We identified 115 consecutive MM patients who underwent consolidation with TreoMel between 01/2020 and 08/2022 at the University Hospital of Bern. We analyzed the safety and efficacy data, as well as the treosulfan pharmacokinetics, correlating them with tumor responses. (3) Results: A complete response (CR) rate of 84% was achieved, which is comparable to the CR rate reported for the quadruplet combination. The median PFS was 30 months (95% CI: 20.4—not reached), and the 31-month OS rate was 83%. The median area under the curve (AUC) for treosulfan was 952.5 mg*h/L (range: 527.4–1781.4), and the median peak level was 332.3 mg/L (range: 168–554). The treosulfan pharmacokinetics showed no significant correlation with MM responses after HDCT and ASCT. However, female patients had a significantly higher AUC (p = 0.007) and peak value (p = 0.001), and the higher values were associated with longer hospitalizations. (4) Conclusions: Treatment consolidation with TreoMel HDCT demonstrated a promising efficacy and safety profile in our cohort of MM patients and deserves further investigation in prospective studies.
Human Papillomavirus: Oral Lesions and Vaccination
Authors: Di Spirito Federica
Published: May 2023

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is associated with benign and malignant lesions in various locations, such as the skin and oral and genital mucosa [...]
Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Treatment of Magnesium Alloy for Enhanced Coating Adhesion and Corrosion Resistance
Authors: Jang Gyoung Gug , Jun Jiheon , Yeom Sinchul , Yoon Mina , Su Yi Feng , Wade John , Stephens Michael S. , Keum Jong K.
Published: May 2023

Atmospheric pressure plasma (AP) treatment, using an open-air jet of ionized CO2, N2, or air, was applied to AZ91D Mg alloy surfaces to investigate its effects on primer coating adhesion and corrosion resistance. The CO2 and air AP treatments formed an O- and C-rich surface layer (Mg-O-C) consisting of agglomerated nanoparticles and pits with a depth of a few microns and increasing the surface roughness by 6–8 times compared with the reference 600 grit-finished surface. Then, three commercial primers, zinc phosphate (ZnP), chromate-containing epoxy, and MIL23377, were applied on the treated surfaces to evaluate the corrosion resistance associated with the coating adhesion. Microscopic analysis demonstrated stronger interlocking between the primer layer and the nano-/microrough Mg-O-C surface compared to the untreated (600 grit-finished) surfaces, indicating improved coating adhesion and corrosion resistance. Crosscut tests of the MIL23377 primer on the CO2 and air AP-treated surfaces showed the highest level of adhesion, ASTM class 5B. Salt spray corrosion tests showed that after 8 days of exposure, the primer coatings on air AP-treated surfaces had corrosion areas that were more than four times smaller than that of the 600 grit-finished surface. The N2 AP treatment showed similar adhesion enhancement. The preliminary operation expenses for AP treatment using CO2, N2, and air were estimated at USD 30.62, USD 35.45, and USD 29.75 (from an air cylinder)/USD 0.66 (from an air compressor) per m2, respectively.
Stereoselective Synthesis of New 4-Aryl-5-indolyl-1,2,4-triazole S- and N-β-Galactosides: Characterizations, X-ray Crystal Structure and Hirshfeld Surface Analysis
Authors: Altowyan Mezna Saleh , Haukka Matti , Soliman Saied M. , Barakat Assem , Boraei Ahmed T. A. , Aboelmagd Ahmed
Published: May 2023

5-(1H-Indol-2-yl)-4-phenyl-2,4-dihydro-3H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thione 1a and 4-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-(1H-indol-2-yl)-2,4-dihydro-3H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thione 1b were galactosylated in the presence of NaHCO3 in ethanol to produce S-galactosides 3,4, whereas, in the presence of K2CO3 in acetone they produced a mixture of S- and N-galactosides 3-6 with a higher yield of S-galactosides over the respective N-galactosides. Improvement in the yields of N-galactosides was produced by thermal migration of the galactosyl moiety from sulfur to nitrogen using fusion. β-Stereoselectivity of galactosylation was determined using the coupling constant value 3J1,2, which exceeded 9.0 Hz in all prepared galactosides. The precursors 1a and 1b alkylated with 3-bromopropan-1-ol 7 in K2CO3 and acetone produced the S-alkylated products 8 and 9, respectively. Structural determinations of new compounds 5 and 9 are presented. The phenyl and indole moieties were found to be twisted from the triazole ring mean in both compounds. For compound 5, the twist angles were 66.24° and 18.86°, respectively, while the corresponding values for 9 were in the ranges of 73.15–77.29° and 13.96–20.70°, respectively. Hence, the crystal system of 9 is triclinic while the space group is P-1. Detailed analysis of the intermolecular interactions in the crystal structure of 5 is presented using Hirshfeld calculations. The O…H, N…H, C…H, and S…H contacts appeared as red spots in the dnorm Hirshfeld surface indicating short distance intermolecular interactions. Their percentages were estimated based on the decomposition of the fingerprint plot to be 25.6, 2.4, 14.0, and 6.3%, respectively.
Review of First Principles Simulations of STO/BTO, STO/PTO, and SZO/PZO (001) Heterostructures
Authors: Eglitis Roberts I. , Bocharov Dmitry , Piskunov Sergey , Jia Ran
Published: May 2023

In this study, we review our first-principles simulations for STO/BTO, STO/PTO, and SZO/PZO (001) heterostructures. Specifically, we report ab initio B3PW calculations for STO/BTO, STO/PTO, and SZO/PZO (001) interfaces, considering non-stoichiometric heterostructures in the process. Our ab initio B3PW calculations demonstrate that charge redistribution in the (001) interface region only subtly affects electronic structures. However, changes in stoichiometry result in significant shifts in band edges. The computed band gaps for the STO/BTO, STO/PTO, and SZO/PZO (001) interfaces are primarily determined according to whether the topmost layer of the augmented (001) film has an AO or BO2 termination. We predict an increase in the covalency of B-O bonds near the STO/BTO, STO/PTO, and SZO/PZO (001) heterostructures as compared to the BTO, PTO, and PZO bulk materials.
QM/MM Study of a Nucleophilic Substitution Reaction Catalyzed by Uridine Phosphorylase from Vibrio cholerae
Authors: Lashkov Alexander A. , Eistrich-Geller Polina A. , Samygina Valeriya R. , Rubinsky Sergey V.
Published: May 2023

Uridine phosphorylases are used for biotechnological synthesis of pyrimidine derivatives and, moreover, their substrates and inhibitors are used in medicine. Therefore, studies of the mechanisms of the chemical reaction catalyzed by the enzyme and its specificity for various substrates are relevant. The research into the enzymatic reaction main stage—nucleophilic substitution of the nitrogenous base in uridine with an orthophosphate or orthovanadate group by hybrid QM/MM methods—was carried out. A comparison of various levels of theory and calculation schemes showed that preliminary optimization of the reactants’s geometry, as well as calculation of the initial trajectory of the minimum energy path, can be achieved by semi-empirical methods. At the same time, for the minimum energy path clarification, transition state geometry optimization, and calculation of the thermochemical parameters, it is preferable to use density functional theory in combination with modern ab initio methods. In comparison with the calculations of the activation barrier carried out in a solvent without an enzyme, differences in the kinetics of the enzymatic reaction due to the orientation and concentration actions of amino acid residues of the enzyme were revealed. This led to lowering the activation barrier by 20 kcal/mol and contributed to the reaction under physiologically acceptable conditions. It was shown that the free activation energy during the nucleophilic attack for uridine with hydrovanadate ion is 2 kcal/mol lower than for the hydrophosphate ion and this is consistent with the literature data.
Detection and Classification of Histopathological Breast Images Using a Fusion of CNN Frameworks
Authors: Rafiq Ahsan , Chursin Alexander , Awad Alrefaei Wejdan , Rashed Alsenani Tahani , Aldehim Ghadah , Abdel Samee Nagwan , Menzli Leila Jamel
Published: May 2023

Breast cancer is responsible for the deaths of thousands of women each year. The diagnosis of breast cancer (BC) frequently makes the use of several imaging techniques. On the other hand, incorrect identification might occasionally result in unnecessary therapy and diagnosis. Therefore, the accurate identification of breast cancer can save a significant number of patients from undergoing unnecessary surgery and biopsy procedures. As a result of recent developments in the field, the performance of deep learning systems used for medical image processing has showed significant benefits. Deep learning (DL) models have found widespread use for the aim of extracting important features from histopathologic BC images. This has helped to improve the classification performance and has assisted in the automation of the process. In recent times, both convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and hybrid models of deep learning-based approaches have demonstrated impressive performance. In this research, three different types of CNN models are proposed: a straightforward CNN model (1-CNN), a fusion CNN model (2-CNN), and a three CNN model (3-CNN). The findings of the experiment demonstrate that the techniques based on the 3-CNN algorithm performed the best in terms of accuracy (90.10%), recall (89.90%), precision (89.80%), and f1-Score (89.90%). In conclusion, the CNN-based approaches that have been developed are contrasted with more modern machine learning and deep learning models. The application of CNN-based methods has resulted in a significant increase in the accuracy of the BC classification.
Improving Wildfire Danger Assessment Using Time Series Features of Weather and Fuel in the Great Xing’an Mountain Region, China
Authors: Wang Zili , He Binbin , Chen Rui , Fan Chunquan
Published: May 2023

Wildfires directly threaten the safety of life and property. Predicting wildfires with a model driven by wildfire danger factors can significantly reduce losses. Weather conditions continuously influence the drying rate of fuel as well as the occurrence probability and danger degree of wildfires. Previous studies have paid little attention to the continuous effects of weather and fuel on wildfires. This study improved the accuracy and effect of wildfire danger assessment using the time series features of weather and fuel. First, the time series features of weather and fuel factors within the 16 days before the fire were analyzed. Then, four feature groups were selected—feature group without time series values, feature group with time series values, feature group with Tsfresh transformation of time series values, and feature group with gradient and cumulative transformation of time series values—and three models were trained, respectively: random forest, balanced random forest, and extreme gradient boosting. The results showed that the f1-score of all feature groups with time series values (0.93) increased by 0.15, on average, compared with those without time series values (0.78) for the three models. The feature group with gradient and cumulative features had a more stable prediction accuracy and a more accurate wildfire danger map. The results suggest that using the appropriate time series features of weather and fuel can help improve the precision and effect of the wildfire danger assessment model.
Defective or Just Different? Observed Storm Failure in Four Urban Tree Growth Patterns
Authors: Koeser Andrew K. , Klein Ryan W. , Hauer Richard J. , Miesbauer Jason W. , Freeman Zachary , Harchick Christopher , Kane Brian
Published: May 2023

Practitioners who assess the risk associated with urban trees often factor in the presence or absence of visual tree defects when determining whether a tree may fail. Although these defects are a main fixture in many tree risk assessment systems and best-management practices, the research supporting their usefulness in predicting tree failure during storms is limited. When looking at past research involving populations of storm-damaged trees, several defects have never predicted failure (or have been associated with reduced rates of failure). In this study, we took a closer look at four such defects: codominant branches; branch unions with included bark; multiple stems originating from the same point; and overextended branches. After Hurricane Ian, we revisited 1518 risk-assessed trees where one of these four defects was identified as the primary condition of concern. Fourteen of these trees experienced branch failure during the storm (which hit the study area as a downgraded tropical storm). Upon closer inspection, none of these failures occurred at the defect of concern. Our findings indicate that none of the defects assessed appeared to increase the likelihood of tree failure in the species tested. Our results are in line with past research on these defects derived from post-storm assessments and analysis.
Impact of War Trauma on Interpersonal Mistrust among Syrian Refugees in Germany and Their Interpersonal Trust in Germans
Authors: Al Ajlan Ahmad
Published: May 2023

In forced migration literature, there is a lack of studies on the impact of war trauma on interpersonal mistrust among refugees and their interpersonal trust in members of the host society. To contribute to filling this gap, the author studied the impact of war trauma on interpersonal mistrust among Syrian refugees in Germany and their interpersonal trust in Germans. The data are based on semi-structured qualitative interviews with 20 Syrian refugees and asylum-seekers conducted in 2018 and 2019. The author argues that because traumatised refugees are powerfully influenced by past traumatic events experienced in their home country, they tend to mistrust people who can be associated with the place where these traumatic experiences occurred. In contrast, they are inclined to trust people who cannot be linked to the geographical location of the traumatic experiences. The main result of this study is that similarity—that of war-traumatised refugees sharing the same socio-cultural backgrounds—leads to interpersonal mistrust, while dissimilarity leads to interpersonal trust. The author of this paper calls for considering trust-building among war traumatised refugees, which has significant importance for refugee integration.
Comparing Genetic and Physical Anthropological Analyses for the Biological Profile of Unidentified and Identified Bodies in Milan
Authors: Pilli Elena , Palamenghi Andrea , Marino Alberto , Staiti Nicola , Alladio Eugenio , Morelli Stefania , Cherubini Anna , Mazzarelli Debora , Caccia Giulia , Gibelli Daniele , Cattaneo Cristina
Published: May 2023

When studying unknown human remains, the estimation of skeletal sex and ancestry is paramount to create the victim’s biological profile and attempt identification. In this paper, a multidisciplinary approach to infer the sex and biogeographical ancestry of different skeletons, using physical methods and routine forensic markers, is explored. Forensic investigators, thus, encounter two main issues: (1) the use of markers such as STRs that are not the best choice in terms of inferring biogeographical ancestry but are routine forensic markers to identify a person, and (2) the concordance of the physical and molecular results. In addition, a comparison of physical/molecular and then antemortem data (of a subset of individuals that are identified during our research) was evaluated. Antemortem data was particularly beneficial to evaluate the accuracy rates of the biological profiles produced by anthropologists and classification rates obtained by molecular experts using autosomal genetic profiles and multivariate statistical approaches. Our results highlight that physical and molecular analyses are in perfect agreement for sex estimation, but some discrepancies in ancestry estimation were observed in 5 out of 24 cases.
State of the Art on Two-Phase Non-Miscible Liquid/Gas Flow Transport Analysis in Radial Centrifugal Pumps-Part A: General Considerations on Two-Phase Liquid/Gas Flows in Centrifugal Pumps
Authors: Bois Gerard
Published: May 2023

Gas–liquid mixtures are present in numerous industrial applications, such as in the process industry, oil production and transport with natural gas, deep-sea extraction, and irrigation. Any pump may have to carry multiphase flows. However, the present document is related to non-miscible liquid/gas flow transport analysis in centrifugal pumps because which topic can be a more challenging task compared with axial and mixed flow machines due to specific body force and buoyancy actions and large density differences between the phases. The present document first introduces the main usual gas–liquid two-phase definitions and simplifications. A dimensional analysis introduces the main flow variables and parameters that are used for pumps. Basic physical aspects of flow motion in an impeller channel are explained, and a rapid description of two-phase flow patterns in radial flow pumps is described. Finally, a review of simplified empirical and semi-empirical analytical models is proposed with their limitations.
A Deep Dive into the Nexus between Digital Health and Life Sciences Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Editorial Expedition
Authors: Giansanti Daniele
Published: May 2023

I am proposing this editorial to briefly trace the evidences that emerged from the Special Issue (SI)—The Digital Health in the Pandemic Era— [...]
Highly Conductive Fe-Doped (La,Sr)(Ga,Mg)O3−δ Solid-State Membranes for Electrochemical Application
Authors: Gordeev Egor , Belyakov Semyon , Antonova Ekaterina , Osinkin Denis
Published: May 2023

Membranes based on complex solid oxides with oxygen-ionic conductivity are widely used in high-temperature electrochemical devices such as fuel cells, electrolyzers, sensors, gas purifiers, etc. The performance of these devices depends on the oxygen-ionic conductivity value of the membrane. Highly conductive complex oxides with the overall composition of (La,Sr)(Ga,Mg)O3 have regained the attention of researchers in recent years due to the progress in the development of electrochemical devices with symmetrical electrodes. In this research, we studied how the introduction of iron cations into the gallium sublattice in (La,Sr)(Ga,Mg)O3 affects the fundamental properties of the oxides and the electrochemical performance of cells based on (La,Sr)(Ga,Fe,Mg)O3. It was found that the introduction of iron leads to an increase in the electrical conductivity and thermal expansion in an oxidizing atmosphere, while no such behavior was observed in a wet hydrogen atmosphere. The introduction of iron into a (La,Sr)(Ga,Mg)O3 electrolyte leads to an increase in the electrochemical activity of Sr2Fe1.5Mo0.5O6−δ electrodes in contact with the electrolyte. Fuel cell studies have shown that, in the case of a 550 µm-thick Fe-doped (La,Sr)(Ga,Mg)O3 supporting electrolyte (Fe content 10 mol.%) and symmetrical Sr2Fe1.5Mo0.5O6−δ electrodes, the cell exhibits a power density of more than 600 mW/cm2 at 800 °C.
The Interaction of the Transmembrane Domain of SARS-CoV-2 E-Protein with Glycyrrhizic Acid in Lipid Bilayer
Authors: Kononova Polina A. , Selyutina Olga Yu. , Polyakov Nikolay E.
Published: May 2023

The interaction of the transmembrane domain of SARS-CoV-2 E-protein with glycyrrhizic acid in a model lipid bilayer (small isotropic bicelles) is demonstrated using various NMR techniques. Glycyrrhizic acid (GA) is the main active component of licorice root, and it shows antiviral activity against various enveloped viruses, including coronavirus. It is suggested that GA can influence the stage of fusion between the viral particle and the host cell by incorporating into the membrane. Using NMR spectroscopy, it was shown that the GA molecule penetrates into the lipid bilayer in a protonated state, but localizes on the bilayer surface in a deprotonated state. The transmembrane domain of SARS-CoV-2 E-protein facilitates deeper GA penetration into the hydrophobic region of bicelles at both acidic and neutral pH and promotes the self-association of GA at neutral pH. Phenylalanine residues of the E-protein interact with GA molecules inside the lipid bilayer at neutral pH. Furthermore, GA influences the mobility of the transmembrane domain of SARS-CoV-2 E-protein in the bilayer. These data provide deeper insight into the molecular mechanism of antiviral activity of glycyrrhizic acid.
Phenylalanine Losses in Neutralization Dialysis: Modeling and Experiment
Authors: Kozmai Anton , Porozhnyy Mikhail , Gil Violetta , Dammak Lasaad
Published: May 2023

A non-steady state mathematical model of an amino acid (phenylalanine (Phe)) and mineral salt (NaCl) solution separation by neutralization dialysis (ND) carried out in a batch mode is proposed. The model takes into account the characteristics of membranes (thickness, ion-exchange capacity, and conductivity) and solutions (concentration, composition). As compared to previously developed models, the new one considers the local equilibrium of Phe protolysis reactions in solutions and membranes and the transport of all the phenylalanine forms (zwitterionic, positively and negatively charged) through membranes. A series of experiments on ND demineralization of the NaCl and Phe mixed solution was carried out. In order to minimize Phe losses, the solution pH in the desalination compartment was controlled by changing the concentrations of the solutions in the acid and alkali compartments of the ND cell. The validity of the model was verified by comparison of simulated and experimental time dependencies of solution electrical conductivity and pH, as well as the concentration of Na+, Cl− ions, and Phe species in the desalination compartment. Based on the simulation results, the role of Phe transport mechanisms in the losses of this amino acid during ND was discussed. In the experiments carried out, the demineralization rate reached 90%, accompanied by minimal Phe losses of about 16%. Modeling predicts a steep increase in Phe losses when the demineralization rate is higher than 95%. Nevertheless, simulations show that it is possible to achieve a highly demineralized solution (by 99.9%) with Phe losses amounting to 42%.
Behavior and Performance of Reinforced Concrete Columns Subjected to Accelerated Corrosion
Authors: Hameed Asif , Afzal Muhammad Faheem Ud Din , Javed Ali , Rasool Ali Murtaza , Qureshi Mohsin Usman , Mehrabi Armin B. , Ashraf Imran
Published: May 2023

Steel reinforcement corrosion in concrete structures such as bridges, industrial plants, marine structures, and coastal buildings is a growing concern due to its impact on cost, safety, and serviceability. Corrosion leads to spalling, cracking, and reduced reinforcement diameter, which can compromise structural integrity. This study examines the behavior of concrete columns with corroded reinforcement in two phases. In the first phase, 72 columns of 150 × 150 mm cross-sectional dimensions and 300 mm length were cast and subjected to an accelerated corrosion technique. The study examined variables such as concrete cover, concrete strength, and corrosion exposure. The second phase involved studying the axial behavior of corroded columns concerning the effect of column length. Column specimens of 150 × 150 mm cross-sectional dimensions and lengths of 500 mm, 700 mm, and 900 mm were cast, corroded, and tested under axial compressive load. The study revealed that a 30 mm concrete cover offers 10% more protection against corrosion than a 20 mm cover. Continuous exposure to a corrosive environment reduces the load-carrying capacity by 50%, while columns with 28 MPa concrete strength can carry 4% more load. Longer columns are more susceptible to corrosion, leading to a significant reduction in load-carrying capacity and concrete cover damage. Therefore, maintaining adequate concrete cover, strength, and regular inspections are essential to address steel reinforcement corrosion and preserve structural integrity.
Multi-Phase Structure Control and Interfacial Investigation of TiB2/Hypereutectic Al-Si Alloy
Authors: Li Chuanyong , Zhang Xingguo , Guo Zhengwei , Li Lu , Shan Quan , Li Zulai
Published: May 2023

The effect of the distribution of the primary phase Si and TiB2 particles in the hypereutectic Al-Si alloy was studied and found to be influenced by the cooling rate. Therefore, this article studies the effect of the cooling rate on the multi-phase structure of TiB2 particles in Al-20Si using a wedge-shaped mold. The sizes, shapes, and distribution of primary phase Si and TiB2 particles inside primary phase Si were observed through SEM. The effect of TiB2 particles on cracks in primary phase Si was studied using nanoindentation technology, and the interface relationship between primary Si and TiB2 was studied using TEM. Finally, based on the experimental results, the trapping mechanism of primary Si for TiB2 particles is discussed. The results indicate that the faster the cooling rate, the finer and more uniform the size distribution of the primary Si phase in the structure. TiB2 mostly exists as individual particles. Moreover, the pushing rate of the solid–liquid interface during solidification is faster, resulting in more TiB2 particles being engulfed by the primary Si phase.
Investigation into Photolithography Process of FPCB with 18 µm Line Pitch
Authors: Sun Ke , Wu Gai , Liang Kang , Sun Bin , Wang Jian
Published: May 2023

Due to the widespread application of flexible printed circuit boards (FPCBs), attention is increasing being paid to photolithography simulation with the continuous development of ultraviolet (UV) photolithography manufacturing. This study investigates the exposure process of an FPCB with an 18 µm line pitch. Using the finite difference time domain method, the light intensity distribution was calculated to predict the profiles of the developed photoresist. Moreover, the parameters of incident light intensity, air gap, and types of media that significantly influence the profile quality were studied. Using the process parameters obtained by photolithography simulation, FPCB samples with an 18 µm line pitch were successfully prepared. The results show that a higher incident light intensity and a smaller air gap result in a larger photoresisst profile. Better profile quality was obtained when water was used as the medium. The reliability of the simulation model was validated by comparing the profiles of the developed photoresist via four experimental samples.
A Compact-Size Multiple-Band Planar Inverted L-C Implantable Antenna Used for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Salama Sanaa , Zyoud D. , Abuelhaija A.
Published: May 2023

In this paper, a compact-size multiple-band planar inverted L-C implantable antenna is proposed. The compact antenna has a size of 20 mm × 12 mm × 2.2 mm and consists of planar inverted C-shaped and L-shaped radiating patches. The designed antenna is employed on the RO3010 substrate (εr = 10.2, tanδ = 0.0023, and thickness = 2 mm). An alumina layer with a thickness of 0.177 mm (εr = 9.4 and tanδ = 0.006) is used as the superstrate. The designed antenna operates at triple-frequency bands with a return loss of −46 dB at 402.5 MHz, −33.55 dB at 2.45 GHz, and −41.4 dB at 2.95 GHz, and provides a size reduction of 51% compared with the conventional dual-band planar inverted F-L implant antenna designed in our previous study. In addition, the SAR values are within the safety limits with a maximum allowable input power (8.43 mW (1 g) and 47.5 mW (10 g) at 402.5 MHz; 12.85 mW (1 g) and 47.8 mW (10 g) at 2.45 GHz; and 11 mW (1 g) and 50.5 mW (10 g) at 2.95 GHz). The proposed antenna operates at low power levels and supports an energy-efficient solution. The simulated gain values are −29.7 dB, −3.1 dB, and −7.3 dB, respectively. The suggested antenna is fabricated and the return loss is measured. Our findings are then compared with the simulated results.