bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mutational Analysis of Aspergillus fumigatus Volatile Oxylipins in a Drosophila Eclosion Assay
Authors: Almaliki Hadeel S. , Niu Mengyao , Keller Nancy P. , Yin Guohua , Bennett Joan W.
Published: March 2023

Aspergillus fumigatus is a ubiquitous opportunistic pathogen. We have previously reported that volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by A. fumigatus cause delays in metamorphosis, morphological abnormalities, and death in a Drosophila melanogaster eclosion model. Here, we developed A. fumigatus deletion mutants with blocked oxylipin biosynthesis pathways (∆ppoABC) and then exposed the third instar larvae of D. melanogaster to a shared atmosphere with either A. fumigatus wild-type or oxylipin mutant cultures for 15 days. Fly larvae exposed to VOCs from wild-type A. fumigatus strains exhibited delays in metamorphosis and toxicity, while larvae exposed to VOCs from the ∆ppoABC mutant displayed fewer morphogenic delays and higher eclosion rates than the controls. In general, when fungi were pre-grown at 37 °C, the effects of the VOCs they produced were more pronounced than when they were pre-grown at 25 °C. GC–MS analysis revealed that the wild-type A. fumigatus Af293 produced more abundant VOCs at higher concentrations than the oxylipin-deficient strain Af293∆ppoABC did. The major VOCs detected from wild-type Af293 and its triple mutant included isopentyl alcohol, isobutyl alcohol, 2-methylbutanal, acetoin, and 1-octen-3-ol. Unexpectedly, compared to wild-type flies, the eclosion tests yielded far fewer differences in metamorphosis or viability when flies with immune-deficient genotypes were exposed to VOCs from either wild-type or ∆ppoABC oxylipin mutants. In particular, the toxigenic effects of Aspergillus VOCs were not observed in mutant flies deficient in the Toll (spz6) pathway. These data indicate that the innate immune system of Drosophila mediates the toxicity of fungal volatiles, especially via the Toll pathway.
Expression of Angiopoetin-Like Protein-4 and Kidney Injury Molecule-1 as Preliminary Diagnostic Markers for Diabetes-Related Kidney Disease: A Single Center-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Bano Gulnaz , Imam Mohammad Tarique , Bajpai Ram , Alem Ghada , Kashyap Varun Kumar , Habib Anwar , Najmi Abul Kalam
Published: March 2023

The purpose of the study was to examine the urinary levels of kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) and angiopoietin-like protein-4 (ANGPTL-4) in individuals with diabetic kidney disease (DKD) and their association with established DKD diagnostic markers such as albuminuria and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Levels of ANGPTL-4 and KIM-1 were estimated in urine samples. A total of 135 participants were recruited into three groups: 45 diabetes type 2 patients in the control group and 90 DKD patients in two disease groups. Concentrations of ANGPTL-4 and KIM-1 were conclusively related to the urinary albumin–creatinine ratio (UACR). Also, the levels of both ANGPTL-4 and KIM-1 were negatively associated with the eGFR. Multivariable Poisson regression analysis showed that urinary ANGPTL-4 (PR: 3.40; 95% CI: 2.32 to 4.98; p < 0.001) and KIM-1 (PR: 1.25; 95% CI: 1.14 to 1.38; p < 0.001) were prevalent in DKD patients. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis of urinary ANGPTL-4 and KIM-1 in the combined form resulted in an area under curve (AUC) of 0.967 (95%CI: 0.932–1.000; p < 0.0001) in the microalbuminuria group and 1 (95%CI: 1.000–1.000; p < 0.0001) in the macroalbuminuria group. The association of urinary levels of ANGPTL-4 and KIM-1 with UACR and eGFR and significant prevalence in the diabetic kidney disease population illustrates the diagnostic potential of these biomarkers.
A Rapid Review on the Use of Free and Open Source Technologies and Software Applied to Precision Agriculture Practices
Authors: dos Santos Rogério P. , Fachada Nuno , Beko Marko , Leithardt Valderi R. Q.
Published: March 2023

Technology plays a crucial role in the management of natural resources in agricultural production. Free and open-source software and sensor technology solutions have the potential to promote more sustainable agricultural production. The goal of this rapid review is to find exclusively free and open-source software for precision agriculture, available in different electronic databases, with emphasis on their characteristics and application formats, aiming at promoting sustainable agricultural production. A thorough search of the Google Scholar, GitHub, and GitLab electronic databases was performed for this purpose. Studies reporting and/or repositories containing up-to-date software were considered for this review. The various software packages were evaluated based on their characteristics and application formats. The search identified a total of 21 free and open-source software packages designed specifically for precision agriculture. Most of the identified software was shown to be extensible and customizable, while taking into account factors such as transparency, speed, and security, although some limitations were observed in terms of repository management and source control. This rapid review suggests that free and open-source software and sensor technology solutions play an important role in the management of natural resources in sustainable agricultural production, and highlights the main technological approaches towards this goal. Finally, while this review performs a preliminary assessment of existing free and open source solutions, additional research is needed to evaluate their effectiveness and usability in different scenarios, as well as their relevance in terms of environmental and economic impact on agricultural production.
The Association between the Hypochloremia and Mortality in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Patients with Chronic Heart Failure
Authors: Zhang Jinping , Yu Zhenze , Zhu Binghua , Ma Jianxin
Published: March 2023

Objective: To explore the association between hypochloremia and mortality in critically ill patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care-IV (MIMIC-IV) database of patients with CHF diagnosed according to ICD-9 or ICD-10. Patients were divided into three groups according to serum chloride values. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the relationship between hypochloremia and short-term mortality. Results: A total of 2103 patients with CHF were enrolled in our study. The 30-day mortality was 6.7%. After adjusting for confounders, the 30-day mortality risks of the hypochloremia group were significantly higher than that of the group with normal serum chloride (OR 2.23, 95% CI 1.27–3.92, p = 0.005). Hypochloremia was consistently associated with increased mortality in patients that were older or had sepsis. Conclusion: Hypochloremia is associated with increased mortality in intensive care patients critically ill with CHF.
Acknowledging Landscape Connection: Using Sense of Place and Cultural and Customary Landscape Management to Enhance Landscape Ecological Theoretical Frameworks
Authors: Pearson Diane , Gorman Julian
Published: March 2023

Landscapes are important socio-ecological systems. They are widely researched through landscape ecology to aid conservation and environmental management efforts, yet these efforts are not always as successful as they could be in terms of on-the-ground impact. Increasingly when considering conservation, it is being recognized that indigenously managed landscapes have slower rates of biodiversity loss and better environmental outcomes. Local knowledge and connection to the landscape can play a significant part in successfully managing these landscapes. Acknowledging that stewardship of the landscape is more effective when people are a part of the landscape with deep-rooted connection to place is important for understanding the significance of traditional ecological knowledge and the implementation of indigenous-led action. It has also been shown that researchers who have a stronger sense of place and connection to landscapes can also drive initiatives that have better environmental outcomes. This means that human connections to landscapes are important for management strategies, and a better understanding of the human cognition of landscapes is necessary in landscape ecological theoretical frameworks. This review paper explores literature that acknowledges cultural perspectives and cognition of landscapes and how this relates to landscape ecology. It makes recommendations about how landscape ecology can contribute towards better on-the-ground outcomes by embracing more effective mechanisms of collaboration and participation to incorporate local and indigenous knowledge.
Walk Score, Environmental Quality and Walking in a Campus Setting
Authors: Zhang Zhehao , Fisher Thomas , Wang Haiming
Published: March 2023

A small amount of campus walkability research has considered facility layout and environmental quality. The aim of this paper is to use a Walk Score and Urban Design Quality to assess campus walkability and investigate the impact of a campus Walk Score, environmental quality and other streetscape features on walking activity. This paper optimizes the Walk Score method based on the frequency, variety, and distance of students’ walking to and from public facilities. A total of 157 campus street segments from the Weijin Road Campus of Tianjin University in China were selected to assess campus Walk Scores and environmental quality through the use of GIS and field audits. The effect of campus walkability and environmental features on pedestrian volume was examined by negative binomial regression. We found that Walk Score, transparency, street furniture, the number of buildings and noise level have a positive effect on walking activity, while enclosure and building basic color show a negative relationship with pedestrian volume. The results will be used to propose strategies to improve campus walkability and promote walking activity.
Developing an Agent-Based Model to Mitigate Famine Risk in North Korea: Insights from the “Artificial North Korean Collective Farm” Model
Authors: An Yoosoon , Park Soojin
Published: March 2023

North Korea experienced a catastrophic famine in the mid-1990s that resulted in millions of deaths. This study aims to build an agent-based model to understand the risk of land degradation and famine in North Korea and explore potential solutions to mitigate this risk. The model concept reflects the general information of collective farms in North Korea, which was set in 1960, and the abstract of the social–ecological system of North Korean agriculture. The model comprises the agent, environment, and external factors. An agent is defined as a household that decides its labor allocation and land use by how much food it has. The environment is set to multiple layers that represent the soil environment of the farm, affected by agents’ decisions. The external factors reflect a land-use restriction policy, international trade (food aid), and climate change. We calibrated the model using data from North Korea and simulated various scenarios. Our findings suggest that the famine in the model would occur around 35 years later, almost reflecting the 1995 famine in the real world. The scenario-based simulations show that additional food aid or import could delay the famine, but fundamental solutions are needed to break the vicious circle of land degradation and declining food yield. Our study provides insights into the complex adaptive system of North Korean agriculture and the critical points of famine risk. Our agent-based model can be a useful tool for policymakers and researchers to explore potential solutions and inform risk management strategies.
Machine Learning-Based Urban Renovation Design for Improving Wind Environment: A Case Study in Xi’an, China
Authors: Zuo Chen , Liang Chengcheng , Chen Jing , Xi Rui , Zhang Junfei
Published: March 2023

The high-density urban form and building arrangement of modern cities have contributed to numerous environmental problems. The calm wind area caused by inappropriate building arrangements results in pollutant accumulation. To realize a practical design and improve urban microclimate, we investigated the spatial relationship between roads, buildings, and open space using the machine learning technique. First, region growing and k-means clustering were employed to identify roads and buildings. Based on the image masking program, we selected training areas according to the land use map. Second, we used the multiple-point statistics technique to create new urban fabric images. Viewing the training image as a prior model, our program constantly reproduced morphological structures in the target area. We intensified the similarity with training areas and enriched the variability among generated images. Third, Hausdorff distance and multidimensional scaling were applied to achieve a quality examination. The proposed method was performed to fulfill an urban renovation design in Xi’an, China. Based on the historical record, we applied computational fluid dynamics to simulate air circulation and ventilation. The results indicate that the size of calm wind area is reduced. The wind environment is significantly improved due to the rising wind speed.
Productivity from a Metapragmatic Perspective: Measuring the Diachronic Coverage of the Low Level Lexico-Grammatical Construction Have the N (Body Part/Attitude) to ↔ Using the COHA
Authors: Smith Chris A.
Published: March 2023

This paper seeks to address the relation between semantics, pragmatics and the productivity of a low level lexico-grammatical construction, Have the N (body part/attitude) to ↔metapragmatic comment. The question posed is how semantics affects productivity, in the generative sense of extensibility of a construction (a form meaning pairing). The method identifies the specificity and variations of the Have the N (body part/attitude) to ↔metapragmatic comment construction within the pragmeme of politeness using the COHA. Hereafter, we consider how to measure the extensibility within the onomasiological frame based on the available pool of forms expressing an attitude/emotion, i.e., the coverage or attractivity of the Have the N to construction. The paper discusses the findings, namely, how to overcome methodological issues relating to a qualitative rather than quantitative approach to the constructional architecture and the relative productivity of constructions. The experimental small scale corpus study of Have the N to in the COHA suggests that a global view of constructional architecture at multiple levels should be pertinent to identifying the extensibility potential of the construction.
Evaluation of the Effects of Electrical Stimulation: A Pilot Experiment on the Marine Benthic Foraminiferal Species Amphistegina lessonii
Authors: Rebecchi Federica , Lattanzi Davide , Abramovich Sigal , Ambrogini Patrizia , Ciacci Caterina , Betti Michele , Frontalini Fabrizio
Published: March 2023

Environmental disturbances resulting from anthropogenic energy pollution are intensely growing and represent a concern for the marine environment. Benthic organisms are the significant fauna exposed to this kind of pollution; among them, foraminifera are largely used as pollution bioindicators in marine environments, but studies on the effects induced by electrical stimulation are not documented. In the present research, we evaluated the effects of short-term different electric current densities on the viability of benthic foraminiferal species Amphistegina lessonii by checking the pseudopodial activity and defined the threshold electrical density range. After 3 days of treatment, A. lessonii stimulated with a constant current showed pseudopodial activity at a lower electric current density (0.29, 0.86 μA/cm2) up to 24 h. With increasing stimulation time, the percentages of pseudopodial activity decreased. The pseudopodial activity was absent at high current densities (5.71, 8.57 μA/cm2). The viability of A. lessonii exposed to a pulsed current was higher at a low and middle electric current density (from 0.29 to 5.71 μA/cm2) than at a high electric current density (from 11.43 to 20 μA/cm2). Based on these preliminary results, the selected benthic foraminiferal species seems to better stand pulsed currents than constant ones. These first experiments might provide useful information for the definition of the appropriate electrical density threshold to avoid side effects on a part of the benthic community.
Beyond the Limits of Light: An Application of Super-Resolution Confocal Microscopy (sCLSM) to Investigate Eocene Amber Microfossils
Authors: Vorontsov Dmitry D. , Kolesnikov Vasiliy B. , Voronezhskaya Elena E. , Perkovsky Evgeny E. , Berto Marielle M. , Mowery Joseph , Ochoa Ronald , Klimov Pavel B.
Published: March 2023

Amber is known as one of the best sources of fossil organisms preserved with exceptional fidelity. Historically, different methods of imaging have been applied to amber, including optical microscopy and microtomography. These methods are sufficient to resolve millimeter-scaled fossils. However, microfossils, such as microarthropods, require another resolution. Here, we describe a non-destructive method of super resolution confocal microscopy (sCLSM) to study amber-preserved microfossils, using a novel astigmatid mite species (genus Histiogaster, Acaridae) from Eocene Rovno amber as a model. We show that the resolution obtained with sCLSM is comparable to that of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) routinely used to study modern mites. We compare sCLSM imaging to other methods that are used to study amber inclusions and emphasize its advantages in examination of unique fossil specimens. Furthermore, we show that the deterioration of amber, which manifests in its darkening, positively correlates with its increased fluorescence. Our results demonstrate a great potential of the sCLSM method for imaging of the tiniest organisms preserved in amber.
Hands off Trans-Femoral Venous Intra-Abdominal Pressure Estimates in Children: Results of a Sobering Single-Center Study
Authors: Gutting Miriam , Klischke Lara , Kaussen Torsten
Published: March 2023

Background: For a long time, trans-femoral venous pressure (FVP) measurement was considered a simple alternative for estimating intra-abdominal pressure (IAP). Since intravesical [IVP] and intragastric [IGP] pressure measurements are sometimes contraindicated for anatomical and pathophysiological reasons, FVP raised hopes, especially among pediatricians. Pediatric FVP validation studies have never been published; recent results from adult studies cast doubt on their interchangeability. Therefore, we compared for the first time the measurement agreement between FVP and IVP and IGP in children. Material and methods: We prospectively compared FVP with IVP and IGP, according to the Abdominal Compartment Society validation criteria. Additionally, we analyzed the agreement as a function of IAP or right heart valve regurgitation and pulmonary hypertension. Results: In a real-life PICU study design, n = 39 children were included (median age 4.8 y, LOS-PICU 23 days, PRISM III score 11). In n = 660 FVP–IGP measurement pairs, the median IAP was 7 (range 1 to 23) mmHg; in n = 459 FVP–IVP measurement pairs, the median IAP was 6 (range 1to 16) mmHg. The measurement agreement was extremely low with both established methods (FVP–IGP: r2 0.13, mean bias −0.8 ± 4.4 mmHg, limits of agreement (LOA) −9.6/+8.0, percentage error (PE) 55%; FVP–IVP: r2 0.14, bias +0.5 ± 4.2 mmHg, limit of agreement (LOA) −7.9/+8.9, percentage error (PE) 51%). No effect of the a priori defined influencing factors on the measurement agreement could be demonstrated. Conclusions: In a study cohort with a high proportion of critically ill children suffering from IAH, FVP did not agree reliably with either IVP or IGP. Its clinical use in critically ill children must therefore be strongly discouraged.
Crisscrossed Identities and Black Feminist Perspectives in Lucía Mbomío’s Novel Hija del camino (2019)
Authors: Navarro Betsabé
Published: March 2023

Some claim there is a lack of attention to black studies in current literary and academic fields in Spain. Even though there is an emerging wave of Afro-Spanish writers in the first quarter of the twenty-first century, many of them denounce the struggle they experienced to see their stories published and state that Afro-Spanish literature is absent from Spanish universities’ curricula. Among the recent black voices that have achieved recognition in Spain is journalist and writer Lucía Mbomío, who condemns, in her debut novel Hija del camino (2019), the traumatic experiences that black women undergo with racism and sexism in Spain. With the aim of giving representation to the literature of Afro-Spanish women writers, the present article analyzes Mbomío’s novel from the perspective of black studies, black feminism, and cultural studies.
Research on the Tribological Behavior of Textured Cylindrical Roller Thrust Bearings with Different Distributions of Pits and Nylon Cages under Dry Condition
Authors: Chen Yazhe , Long Risheng , Jin Zhihao , Zhao Chen , Wang Ming
Published: March 2023

Differing from the published documents on the effect of texture distributions of sliding tribo-pairs on their friction and wear properties, this study introduced eight patterns to reveal the influence of different distributions of pits on the tribological behavior of textured rolling element bearings with nylon cages under dry condition, namely: Outside-1/4 (OS1/4), Outside-1/2 (OS1/2), Outside-3/4 (OS3/4), Inside-1/4 (IS1/4), Inside-1/2 (IS1/2), Inside-3/4 (IS3/4), Bothside-1/3 (BS) and full (FP). A fiber laser marking system was used to prepare them on the raceways of the shaft washers of cylindrical roller thrust bearings (81107TN). A vertical universal wear test rig was used to obtain their coefficients of friction under an axial load of 2600 N and a rotating speed of 250 RPM, without any lubricant provided. Their wear losses and worn surfaces were characterized. The influence mechanism of different distributions on the tribological properties was also discussed. The results show that the self-lubricating performance of nylon cages can ensure the continuous operation (≥5 h) of cylindrical roller thrust bearings under dry condition. The influence of outside-distributed patterns on the friction and wear properties of bearings is significant. The friction-reducing effect and wear resistance of full textured group is improved but not the best. The friction-reducing and anti-wear behavior of OS1/2 is similar to that of FP. In this work, OS3/4 can provide the best tribological performance under self-lubricating conditions. Compared with the data of smooth bearings, its average coefficient of friction and wear loss can be reduced by 37.68% and 38.85%, respectively. This work would provide a valuable reference for the raceway design and reliability optimization of rolling element bearings.
Stability and Tribological Performance of Nanostructured 2D Turbostratic Graphite and Functionalised Graphene as Low-Viscosity Oil Additives
Authors: Lau Gustavo Alves , Neves Guilherme Oliveira , Salvaro Diego Berti , Binder Cristiano , Klein Aloisio Nelmo , de Mello José Daniel Biasoli
Published: March 2023

The dispersion stability of carbon-based solid lubricants/lubricating oils remains a challenge to overcome. Recently, novel processing routes were developed to obtain 2D turbostratic graphite particles via solid-state reactions between B4C and Cr3C2 (GBC) and between SiC and Fe (GSF) that present outstanding tribological properties in a dry scenario, as well as functionalized graphene (GNH). This work investigated the suspension stability of GBC and GSF particles (0.05 wt.%) dispersed in a low-viscosity polyol ester lubricating oil and their tribological performance. Ammonia-functionalized graphene (GNH) particles were also used as a reference. In order to evaluate the dispersion stability, in addition to the classical digital image technique, a much more assertive, reliable, quantitative and rarely reported in the literature technique was used, i.e., the STEPTM (Space and Time-resolved Extinction Profiles) technology. Reciprocating sphere-on-flat tribological tests were carried out, in which before contact, 0.2 μL of pure oil and suspension (POE + 0.05 wt.% of solid lubricant) was applied on a flat surface. The results showed that the GBC particles remained remarkably stable and reduced the sphere wear rate by 61.8%. From the tribosystem point of view, the presence of GBC and GSF reduced the wear rate by 18.4% and 2.2%, respectively, with respect to the pure oil, while the GNH particles increased the wear rate by 4.2%. Furthermore, the wear rate was improved due to the highly disordered carbon tribolayer formation identified on both surfaces.
Photodimerization of (E)-3-(2,6-Difluorophenyl)-1-(4-methoxyphenyl)prop-2-en-1-one in the Crystalline Solid State
Authors: de Paula Adriano Farias , Cesarin-Sobrinho Dari , Netto-Ferreira José Carlos
Published: March 2023

(E)-3-(2,6-difluorophenyl)-1-(4-methoxyphenyl)prop-2-en-1-one (1) was synthesized and characterized by 1H and 13C NMR, mass spectrometry, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Photolysis (λirr = 300 nm) of chalcone 1 in the crystalline solid state resulted in the stereospecific formation of the syn-head-to-head photodimer (β-truxinic).
Combined Use of sEMG and Inertial Sensing to Evaluate Biomechanical Overload in Manufacturing: An On-the-Field Experience
Authors: Monaco Maria Grazia Lourdes , Fiori Lorenzo , Marchesi Agnese , Muoio Mariarosaria , Garzillo Elpidio Maria , Caputo Francesco , Miraglia Nadia , Lamberti Monica , Silvetti Alessio , Draicchio Francesco
Published: March 2023

Biomechanical overload is considered a significant occupational risk in manufacturing and a potential cause of musculoskeletal disorders. This research aims to introduce new methodologies for the quantitative risk evaluation of biomechanical risk by combining surface electromyography with a motion acquisition system based on inertial measurement units. Due to the lack of experimental data in the literature acquired in a real industrial environment during the working shift, an on-the-field study regarding an automotive assembly line workstation has been carried out in collaboration with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles Italy S.p.A. Data related to the trunk flexion forward and the erector spinae muscle activity have been acquired for several consecutive working cycles by considering three different workers. Data analyses indicated kinematic and muscular activity patterns consistent with those expected and that the proposed wearable technologies can be integrated and used simultaneously during work activities. Furthermore, the results demonstrated data repeatability, strengthening the feasibility and usefulness of the combined use of kinematic and electromyography technologies to assess biomechanical overload in production lines. This study could lay the bases for the future definition of a method for assessing biomechanical overload due to awkward postures.
Optimizing Predictive Maintenance Decisions: Use of Non-Arbitrary Multi-Covariate Bands in a Novel Condition Assessment under a Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Godoy David R. , Álvarez Víctor , López-Campos Mónica
Published: March 2023

Jointing Condition-Based Maintenance (CBM) with the Proportional Hazards Model (PHM), asset-intensive industries often monitor vital covariates to predict failure rate, the reliability function, and maintenance decisions. This analysis requires defining the transition probabilities of asset conditions evolving among states over time. When only one covariate is assessed, the model’s parameters are commonly obtained from expert opinions to provide state bands directly. However, the challenge lies within multiple covariate problems, where arbitrary judgment can be difficult and debatable, since the composite measurement does not represent any physical magnitude. In addition, selecting covariates lacks procedures to prioritize the most relevant ones. Therefore, the present work aimed to determine multiple covariate bands for the transition probability matrix via supervised classification and unsupervised clustering. We used Machine Learning (ML) to strengthen the PHM model and to complement expert knowledge. This paper allows obtaining the number of covariate bands and the optimal limits of each one when dealing with predictive maintenance decisions. This novel proposal of an ML condition assessment is a robust alternative to the expert criterion to provide accurate results, increasing the expectation of the remaining useful life for critical assets. Finally, this research has built an enriched bridge between the decision areas of predictive maintenance and Data Science.
The Relationship between Solar Wind Charge Exchange Soft X-ray Emission and the Tangent Direction of Magnetopause in an XMM–Newton Event
Authors: Zhang Yingjie , Sun Tianran , Carter Jennifer A. , Liu Wenhao , Sembay Steve , Ji Li , Wang Chi
Published: March 2023

With the advent of soft X-ray imaging enabling global magnetopause detection, it is critical to use reconstruction techniques to derive the 3-dimensional magnetopause location from 2-dimensional X-ray images. One of the important assumptions adopted by most techniques is that the direction with maximum soft X-ray emission is the tangent direction of the magnetopause, which has not been validated in observation so far. This paper analyzes a magnetospheric solar wind charge exchange (SWCX) soft X-ray event detected by XMM–Newton during relatively stable solar wind and geomagnetic conditions. The tangent direction of the magnetopause is determined by an empirical magnetopause model. Observation results show that the maximum SWCX soft X-ray intensity gradient tends to be the tangent of the magnetopause’s inner boundary, while the maximum SWCX soft X-ray intensity tends to be the tangent of the magnetopause’s outer boundary. Therefore, it is credible to use the assumption that the tangent direction of the magnetopause is the maximum SWCX soft X-ray intensity or its gradient when reconstructing the 3-dimensional magnetopause location. In addition, since these two maxima tend to be the inner and outer boundaries of the magnetopause, the thickness of magnetopause can also be revealed by soft X-ray imaging.
Generalized Persistence for Equivariant Operators in Machine Learning
Authors: Bergomi Mattia G. , Ferri Massimo , Mella Alessandro , Vertechi Pietro
Published: March 2023

Artificial neural networks can learn complex, salient data features to achieve a given task. On the opposite end of the spectrum, mathematically grounded methods such as topological data analysis allow users to design analysis pipelines fully aware of data constraints and symmetries. We introduce an original class of neural network layers based on a generalization of topological persistence. The proposed persistence-based layers allow the users to encode specific data properties (e.g., equivariance) easily. Additionally, these layers can be trained through standard optimization procedures (backpropagation) and composed with classical layers. We test the performance of generalized persistence-based layers as pooling operators in convolutional neural networks for image classification on the MNIST, Fashion-MNIST and CIFAR-10 datasets.
A Machine Learning Approach for Improving Wafer Acceptance Testing Based on an Analysis of Station and Equipment Combinations
Authors: Wang Chien-Chih , Yang Yi-Ying
Published: March 2023

Semiconductor manufacturing is a complex and lengthy process. Even with their expertise and experience, engineers often cannot quickly identify anomalies in an extensive database. Most research into equipment combinations has focused on the manufacturing process’s efficiency, quality, and cost issues. There has been little consideration of the relationship between semiconductor station and equipment combinations and throughput. In this study, a machine learning approach that allows for the integration of control charts, clustering, and association rules were developed. This approach was used to identify equipment combinations that may harm production processes by analyzing the effect on Vt parameters of the equipment combinations used in wafer acceptance testing (WAT). The results showed that when the support is between 70% and 80% and the confidence level is 85%, it is possible to quickly select the specific combinations of 13 production stations that significantly impact the Vt values of all 39 production stations. Stations 046000 (EH308), 049200 (DW005), 049050 (DI303), and 060000 (DC393) were found to have the most abnormal equipment combinations. The results of this research will aid the detection of equipment errors during semiconductor manufacturing and assist the optimization of production scheduling.
Modeling Retail Supply Chain Efficiency: Exploration and Comparative Analysis of Different Approaches
Authors: Andrejić Milan
Published: March 2023

Retail supply chains are key on any market. Their significance has long been recognized in the literature and in practice. Various factors such as pandemics, economic crises, wars, and natural disasters have further increased interest in this area. However, the most recent research has focused more on resilience, sustainability, energy consumption, and a circular economy, while the efficiency of logistics processes has been almost completely overlooked. Logistics process efficiency in retail supply chain is a fundamental principle without which all mentioned performances cannot have desired values. This gap is precisely the main motivation of this research. In this paper, research models in literature are presented which can be used, with some modifications, to measure the efficiency of the retail supply chain. The models were based on the data envelopment analysis (DEA) approach. Four main groups were identified: standard DEA models, efficiency decomposition models, network models, and game-theory-based models. In the second part of the paper, various approaches were tested on a real example of a trading company operating in Serbia. Seven supply chains were observed, each consisting of a distribution center (DC) and retail store (RS). Variables used were the number of pallet places, logistics costs, number of deliveries, accuracy of deliveries, and turnover. The results showed the advantages and disadvantages of different approaches in real examples. The main contributions of this paper lie in unique approaches to measuring the efficiency of the retail supply chain. The paper creates an excellent foundation for future research and measurements on real systems, which is equally useful for researchers and industry experts.
Community Detection in Multilayer Networks Based on Matrix Factorization and Spectral Embedding Method
Authors: Tang Fengqin , Zhao Xuejing , Li Cuixia
Published: March 2023

Community detection remains a challenging research hotspot in network analysis. With the complexity of the network data structures increasing, multilayer networks, in which entities interact through multiple types of connections, prove to be effective in describing complex networks. The layers in a multilayer network may not share a common community structure. In this paper, we propose a joint method based on matrix factorization and spectral embedding to recover the groups not only for the layers but also for nodes. Specifically, the layers are grouped via the matrix factorization method with layer similarity-based regularization in the perspective of a mixture multilayer stochastic block model, and then the node communities within a layer group are revealed by clustering a combination of the spectral embedding derived from the adjacency matrices and the shared approximation matrix. Numerical studies show that the proposed method achieves competitive clustering results as the number of nodes and/or number of layers vary, together with different topologies of network layers. Additionally, we apply the proposed method on two real-world multilayer networks and obtain interesting findings which again highlight the effectiveness of our method.
Robust (Q,S,R)-γ-Dissipative and H2 Performances for Switched Systems with Mixed Time Delays
Authors: Yu Ker-Wei , Lien Chang-Hua , Chang Hao-Chin , Ku Cheung-Chieh , Vaidyanathan Sundarapandian , Yu Cheng-Ruei , Li Hung-Chih , Hou Yi-You
Published: March 2023

This paper investigates the switching on switching rule and sampling input to guarantee (Q,S,R)-γ-dissipative and H2 performances for switched systems with mixed time delays. Synchronous switching can be used to overcome the difficulty in implementation of real-time switching for signals and sampling. The design of sampling input under arbitrary switching for a switched system is also considered in this paper. A new proposal for a full matrix formulation approach and inequality are applied to achieve the main results. Finally, some numerical examples are illustrated to show the efficiency of the main contribution.
Newton’s Iteration Method for Solving the Nonlinear Matrix Equation X+∑i=1mAi*X−1Ai=Q
Authors: Li Chang-Zhou , Yuan Chao , Cui An-Gang
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we study the nonlinear matrix equation (NME) X+∑i=1mAi*X−1Ai=Q. We transform this equation into an equivalent zero-point equation, then we use Newton’s iteration method to solve the equivalent equation. Under some mild conditions, we obtain the domain of approximation solutions and prove that the sequence of approximation solutions generated by Newton’s iteration method converges to the unique solution of this equation. In addition, the error estimation of the approximation solution is given. Finally, the comparison of two well-known approaches with Newton’s iteration method by some numerical examples demonstrates the superiority of Newton’s iteration method in the convergence speed.
A New Probabilistic Approach: Estimation and Monte Carlo Simulation with Applications to Time-to-Event Data
Authors: Alshanbari Huda M. , Ahmad Zubair , Al-Mofleh Hazem , Ampadu Clement Boateng , Khosa  Saima K.
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we propose a useful method without adding any extra parameters to obtain new probability distributions. The proposed family is a combination of the two existing families of distributions and is called a weighted sine-G family. A two-parameter special member of the weighted sine-G family, using the Weibull distribution as a baseline model, is considered and investigated in detail. Some distributional properties of the weighted sine-G family are derived. Different estimation methods are considered to estimate the parameters of the special model of the weighted sine-G family. Furthermore, simulation studies based on these different methods are also provided. Finally, the applicability and usefulness of the weighted sine-G family are demonstrated by analyzing two data sets taken from the engineering sector.
Protective Properties of Marine Alkyl Glycerol Ethers in Chronic Stress
Authors: Sultanov Ruslan M. , Poleshchuk Tatiana S. , Ermolenko Ekaterina V. , Kasyanov Sergey P.
Published: March 2023

In this paper we discuss the effect of alkyl glycerol ethers (AGs) from the squid Berryteuthis magister on a chronic stress model in rats. The study was performed on 32 male Wistar rats. Animals received AGs at a dose of 200 mg/kg through a gavage for six weeks (1.5 months), and were divided into four groups: group 1 (control), group 2 (animals received AGs), group 3 (stress control), group 4 (animals received AGs and were subjected to stress). Chronic immobilization stress was induced by placing each rat into an individual plexiglass cages for 2 h daily for 15 days. The serum lipid spectrum was evaluated by the content of total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low lipoprotein cholesterol and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. The atherogenic coefficient was calculated. The hematological parameters of peripheral blood were evaluated. The neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio was counted. The levels of cortisol and testosterone in blood plasma were determined. AGs at the selected dose did not have a significant effect on the body weight of rats in the preliminary period of the experiment. Under stress, the body weight gain, the concentrations of very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and blood triglycerides decreased significantly. The neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio in animals treated with AGs shifted towards lymphocytes. A favorable increase in the percentage of lymphocytes was found in the stressed group of animals treated with AGs. So, for the first time, it was found that AGs prevent stress-induced suppression of the immune system. This confirms the benefit of AGs for the immune system under chronic stress. Our results prove the efficiency of the use of AGs for treating chronic stress, a serious social problem in modern society.
Comparative Analyses of Fucoidans from South African Brown Seaweeds That Inhibit Adhesion, Migration, and Long-Term Survival of Colorectal Cancer Cells
Authors: Mabate Blessing , Daub Chantal Désirée , Pletschke Brett Ivan , Edkins Adrienne Lesley
Published: March 2023

Human colorectal cancer (CRC) is a recurrent, deadly malignant tumour with a high incidence. The incidence of CRC is of increasing alarm in highly developed countries, as well as in middle to low-income countries, posing a significant global health challenge. Therefore, novel management and prevention strategies are vital in reducing the morbidity and mortality of CRC. Fucoidans from South African seaweeds were hot water extracted and structurally characterised using FTIR, NMR and TGA. The fucoidans were chemically characterised to analyse their composition. In addition, the anti-cancer properties of the fucoidans on human HCT116 colorectal cells were investigated. The effect of fucoidans on HCT116 cell viability was explored using the resazurin assay. Thereafter, the anti-colony formation potential of fucoidans was explored. The potency of fucoidans on the 2D and 3D migration of HCT116 cells was investigated by wound healing assay and spheroid migration assays, respectively. Lastly, the anti-cell adhesion potential of fucoidans on HCT116 cells was also investigated. Our study found that Ecklonia sp. Fucoidans had a higher carbohydrate content and lower sulphate content than Sargassum elegans and commercial Fucus vesiculosus fucoidans. The fucoidans prevented 2D and 3D migration of HCT116 colorectal cancer cells to 80% at a fucoidan concentration of 100 µg/mL. This concentration of fucoidans also significantly inhibited HCT116 cell adhesion by 40%. Moreover, some fucoidan extracts hindered long-term colony formation by HCT116 cancer cells. In summary, the characterised fucoidan extracts demonstrated promising anti-cancer activities in vitro, and this warrants their further analyses in pre-clinical and clinical studies.
The Antimicrobial Resistance Index and Fournier Gangrene Severity Index of Patients Diagnosed with Fournier’s Gangrene in a Tertiary Hospital in North Eastern Romania
Authors: Puia Dragoş , Gheorghincă Ştefan , Pricop Cătălin
Published: March 2023

Background: Although rare, Fournier’s gangrene is a major urological emergency. We aimed to learn more about the pathogenesis of Fournier’s gangrene and assess the antibiotic resistance patterns in individuals with this disease. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated the patients diagnosed with and treated for Fournier’s gangrene in a Neamt county hospital and “CI Parhon” Clinical Hospital in Iasi, Romania between 1 January 2016 and 1 June 2022. Results: We included a total of 40 patients, all males; of these, 12.5% died. In our study, in the patients that died, the adverse prognostic factors were a higher body temperature (38.12 ± 0.68 vs. 38.94 ± 0.85 °C; p = 0.009), an elevated WBC (17.4 ± 5.46 vs. 25.23 ± 7.48; p = 0.003), obesity (14.28% vs. 60%; p = 0.04), and a significantly higher FGSI (4.17 ± 2.80 vs. 9.4 ± 3.2; p = 0.0002) as well as MAR index (0.37 ± 0.29 vs. 0.59 ± 0.24; p = 0.036). These patients were more likely to have liver affections than those in the group who survived, but the difference was not significant. The most frequently identified microorganism in the tissue secretions culture was E. coli (40%), followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (30%) and Enterococcus (10%). The highest MAR index was encountered in Acinetobacter (1), in a patient that did not survive, followed by Pseudomonas (0.85) and Proteus (0.75). Conclusions: Fournier’s gangrene remains a fatal condition, a highly resistant causative microorganism that is not always correlated with a poor prognosis.
The High-Risk Profile of Selective Growth Restriction in Monochorionic Twin Pregnancies
Authors: Kozinszky Zoltan , Surányi Andrea
Published: March 2023

The present review aims to provide a critical appraisal of the sonographic diagnosis and follow-up and to evaluate the optimal clinical management of monochorionic twin pregnancies where one of the twins is complicated by selective fetal growth restriction (sFGR). The classification is based on the umbilical artery (UA) diastolic flow reflecting the outcome. If the sFGR twin has positive diastolic flow (Type I) then the prognosis is good, and it does not require close surveillance. Biweekly or weekly sonographic and Doppler surveillance and fetal monitoring are recommended strategies to detect unpredictable complications in type II and type III forms, which are defined by persistently absent/reverse end-diastolic flow (AREDF) or cyclically intermittent absent/reverse end-diastolic flow (iAREDF) in the umbilical waveforms, respectively. The latest forms are associated with an increased risk of unexpected fetal demise of the smaller twin and 10–20% risk of neurological injury in the larger twin in addition to the overall risk of prematurity. The clinical course can be affected by elective fetal therapy (‘dichorinization’ of the placenta with laser or selective fetal reduction) or elective delivery in the presence of severe fetal deterioration. The prediction of the clinical outcome in complicated cases of type II and III sFGR cases remains elusive. Novel routines in fetal and placental scans in order to predict neurological impairments and unexpected fetal death to optimize the delivery time-point are needed.
Outcomes of Open Repair Treatment for Acute Versus Chronic Achilles Tendon Ruptures: Long-Term Retrospective Follow-Up of a Minimum 10 Years—A Pilot Study
Authors: Tarczyńska Marta , Szubstarski Mateusz , Gawęda Krzysztof , Przybylski Piotr , Czekajska-Chehab Elżbieta
Published: March 2023

The aim of the present study was to compare repaired Achilles tendon (AT) remodelling, whether its function was restored and what effects the surgery had on our patients’ gait cycle in a long-term follow-up study. The study population comprised 30 human subjects treated acutely and chronically for AT ruptures, using the same surgical technique in all cases. The study group was divided into two subgroups regarding the age of their AT injury, i.e., how much time elapsed between the injury and when a correct diagnosis was made and when adequate treatment was applied. Following these criteria, persons presenting at less than 4 weeks postinjury were classified as acute rupture (AR) patients and those presenting at more than 4 weeks after injury were grouped as chronic rupture (CR) patients. Both patient groups were operated on using a surgical method favoured at least a decade ago, i.e., open repair through a posteromedial approach. The AT was augmented with a plantaris longus tendon autograft, followed by suturing using the pull-out suture technique. The results were measured using clinical, ultrasonographic (US) and pedobarographic methods. Our ultrasonographic and pedobarographic findings revealed differences between both patient groups, thus indicating that delayed surgery had negative impacts on treatment success, however, with good long-term functional score outcomes in both patient groups. Nevertheless, delayed treatment of AT ruptures did not leave individual gait phases unaffected, as it also affected the plantar surface and balance performance of the affected limb. As per the results, the Achilles tendon manifested decreased capacity following delayed treatment; however, its long-term functional outcomes were favourable, irrespective of whether it was for acute or chronic patients.