bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimal Performance of Photovoltaic-Powered Water Pumping System
Authors: Altimania Mohammad R. , Elsonbaty Nadia A. , Enany Mohamed A. , Gamil Mahmoud M. , Alzahrani Saeed , Alraddadi Musfer Hasan , Alsulami Ruwaybih , Alhartomi Mohammad , Alghuson Moahd , Alatawi Fares , Mosaad Mohamed I.
Published: February 2023

Photovoltaic (PV) systems are one of the promising renewable energy sources that have many industrial applications; one of them is water pumping systems. This paper proposes a new application of a PV system for water pumping using a three-phase induction motor while maximizing the daily quantity of water pumped while considering maximizing both the efficiency of the three-phase induction motor and the harvested power from the PV system. This harvesting is performed through maximum power point tracking (MPPT) of the PV system. The proposed technique is applied to a PV-powered 3 phase induction motor water pumping system (PV-IMWPS) at any operating point. Firstly, an analytical approach is offered to find the optimal firing pattern of the inverter (V-F) for the motor through optimal flux control. This flux control is presented for maximizing the pump flow rate while achieving MPPT for the PV system and maximum efficiency of the motor at any irradiance and temperature. The provided analytical optimal flux control is compared to a fixed flux one to ascertain its effectiveness. The obtained feature of the suggested optimal flux control validates a significant improvement in the system performances, including the daily pumped quantity, motor power factor, and system efficiency. Then converting the data from the first analytical step into an intelligent approach using an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS). This ANFIS is trained offline with the input (irradiance and temperature) while the output is the inverter pattern to enhance the performance of the proposed pumping system, PV-IMWPS.
Chromium-Modified Heterogeneous Bipolar Membrane: Structure, Characteristics, and Practical Application in Electrodialysis
Authors: Kozaderova Olga
Published: February 2023

The modification of an MB-2 bipolar ion exchange membrane with chromium (III) hydroxide was carried out by a chemical method, namely, by the sequential treatment of the membrane with a solution of chromium (III) salt and alkali. Data on the morphology, phase, and chemical composition of the modified membrane were obtained using scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive analysis. In particular, it was shown that the modifier was distributed in a layer 30–50 microns thick at the boundary of the cation- and anion-exchange layers of the bipolar membrane. The electrochemical behavior of the modified membrane in the process of sodium sulfate conversion was studied by measurements of the following characteristics: the current efficiency of the acid and base, the energy consumption of the process, and the degree of contamination of the target products with salt ions. It was shown that the resulting membrane has an alkali and acid yield of 61% and 57%, respectively. This is higher than the same yields for the industrial unmodified MB-2 membrane (38% and 30%). The results of this study demonstrated that the modified samples allowed obtaining a higher yield of acid and base, reducing the content of salt ions in the target products and also reducing the electricity consumption for obtaining a unit of the target product. The concentration dependences of the electrical conductivity of the MK-40 heterogeneous ion-exchange membrane, which is a cation-exchange layer of MB-2, in sodium sulfate solutions before and after its modification with chromium (III) oxide were obtained. A decrease in the specific electrical conductivity of the membrane with the introduction of a modifier was established. A quantitative assessment of the influence of the modifier on the current flow, volume fraction, and spatial orientation of the conductive phases of MK-40 was carried out using an extended three-wire model for the description of the model parameters of ion-exchange materials. When a modifying additive was introduced into MK-40, the fraction of the current passing through the inner solution and the intergel phase decreased. This was due to the substitution of part of the free solution in the pore volume by the modifier. A variant of the practical application of electrodialysis with the chromium-modified bipolar ion-exchange membranes is recommended.
Key Factors That Contribute to the Development of Resilience in Successful Women Leaders Who Experience Disrespect and the Importance of Respect in the Post-Pandemic Workplace
Authors: Spell-Hansson Carrie
Published: February 2023

Extrinsic structural inequities, such as historical biases against women in certain professions, their delegation to lower-paying jobs, gender, racial, and other discrimination, and additional systemic factors have been extensively studied as barriers to women entering and advancing in leadership positions in the workplace. Yet, the intrinsic individual characteristics of successful women leaders, including self-awareness, self-respect, self-esteem, self-confidence, self-acceptance, and resilience, that have facilitated their success in obtaining and retaining leadership positions despite these barriers have received far less attention in the literature. Resilience, in particular, is an important intrinsic characteristic that facilitates women’s ability to navigate the often-difficult terrain of organizations, including facing disrespect by supervisors and colleagues. This study investigated the critical factors that contributed to the development of resilience among 24 successful women leaders in the United States which allowed them to be effective when experiencing disrespect in the workplace. Participants identified four categories of disrespect commonly experienced in the workplace, including: (1) not being listened to; (2) not being respected; (3) not being acknowledged; and (4) condescension. Factors that helped them develop the resilience to succeed despite these experiences included early developmental influences, circumstances they successfully overcame in life, and experiences in their youth that shaped how they responded as adults to disrespect or a lack of respect from their supervisors and colleagues. Participants also highlighted the importance of respect, the flip side of disrespect, in motivating them and enhancing their engagement in their work. The reported study is significant in that it identified factors that can be inculcated in women to help them develop resilience, and it highlighted the critical importance of creating a post-pandemic workplace that fosters mutual respect and does not tolerate disrespect.
New Insights on Endophytic Microbacterium-Assisted Blast Disease Suppression and Growth Promotion in Rice: Revelation by Polyphasic Functional Characterization and Transcriptomics
Authors: Patel Asharani , Sahu Kuleshwar Prasad , Mehta Sahil , Javed Mohammed , Balamurugan Alexander , Ashajyothi Mushineni , Sheoran Neelam , Ganesan Prakash , Kundu Aditi , Gopalakrishnan Subbaiyan , Gogoi Robin , Kumar Aundy
Published: February 2023

Plant growth-promoting endophytic microbes have drawn the attention of researchers owing to their ability to confer fitness benefits in many plant species. Here, we report agriculturally beneficial traits of rice-leaf-adapted endophytic Microbacterium testaceum. Our polyphasic taxonomic investigations revealed its identity as M. testaceum. The bacterium displayed typical endophytism in rice leaves, indicated by the green fluorescence of GFP-tagged M. testaceum in confocal laser scanning microscopy. Furthermore, the bacterium showed mineral solubilization and production of IAA, ammonia, and hydrolytic enzymes. Tobacco leaf infiltration assay confirmed its non-pathogenic nature on plants. The bacterium showed antifungal activity on Magnaporthe oryzae, as exemplified by secreted and volatile organic metabolome-mediated mycelial growth inhibition. GC-MS analysis of the volatilome of M. testaceum indicated the abundance of antimicrobial compounds. Bacterization of rice seedlings showed phenotypic traits of MAMP-triggered immunity (MTI), over-expression of OsNPR1 and OsCERK, and the consequent blast suppressive activity. Strikingly, M. testaceum induced the transcriptional tradeoff between physiological growth and host defense pathways as indicated by up- and downregulated DEGs. Coupled with its plant probiotic features and the defense elicitation activity, the present study paves the way for developing Microbacterium testaceum-mediated bioformulation for sustainably managing rice blast disease.
SLAMF7/STAT6 Pathway Inhibits Innate Immune Response in Late-Stage Human Acanthamoeba Keratitis: A Comparative Transcriptome Analysis
Authors: Wei Zhenyu , Zhang Yuheng , Chen Qiankun , Xu Xizhan , Pan Zhiqiang , Jin Zi-Bing , Liang Qingfeng
Published: February 2023

Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is a blinding corneal infection caused by the protozoan Acanthamoeba. The long-term course of AK suggests the host immunity could not kill Acanthamoeba rapidly. The immune status is still unclear in the late stage of AK. The comparative transcriptome analysis was made based on the bulk RNA sequencing of cornea tissues from AK patients and donors. Differentially expressed genes and enriched signaling pathways were calculated. CIBERSORT algorithm was used for immune infiltration analysis of cornea tissue between AK and normal controls. A total of 2668 differentially expressed genes, including 1477 upregulated genes and 1191 downregulated genes, were detected. Gene Ontology analysis revealed that the pathways were significantly enriched in leukocyte migration, regulation of T-cell activation, the external side of plasma membrane, collagen-containing extracellular matrix, immune receptor activity, and cytokine binding. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis showed that the pathways were significantly enriched in the cytokine–cytokine receptor interaction, hematopoietic cell lineage, and Staphylococcus aureus infection pathway. The immune infiltration profiles varied little between AK and normal controls. Compared with normal tissue, cornea tissue of AK contained a higher proportion of M0 macrophages and CD8 T cells, while resting memory CD4 T cells contributed to a relatively lower portion (p < 0.05). Finally, the expression levels of cell markers and SLAMF7/STAT6 pathway were confirmed by histopathology examinations, RT-qPCR, and Western blot.
Comparative Molecular and Epidemiological Analyses of Israeli Bluetongue Viruses Serotype 1 and 9 Causing Outbreaks in 2018–2020
Authors: Golender Natalia , Klement Eyal , Kovtunenko Anita , Even-Tov Boris , Zamir Lior , Tiomkin Eitan , Kenigswald Gabriel , Hoffmann Bernd
Published: February 2023

Israel is endemic to bluetongue virus (BTV). The introduction of novel-for-the-region arboviruses have been recorded annually in recent years. In 2019, previously non-reported in-the-country BTV-1 and BTV-9 were identified. BTV-1 caused a single-season outbreak, probably linked to mild infection in ruminants. BTV-9 was retrospectively detected in the field samples collected from August 2018 until 2020. It was the dominant serotype in 2019, out of the six serotypes recorded during that calendar year. Clinical manifestation of the disease in cases diagnosed with BTV-9 were compared to those in cases determined to have BTV-1. BLAST and phylogenetic analyses of BTV-1 showed that the nucleotide (nt) sequence coding the viral outer protein 1 (VP2) determining the serotype is closely related to BTV-1 isolated in Sudan in 1987, and the coding sequence of the outer protein 2 (VP5) is related to South African BTV-1 from 2017. A probable common ancestor with Libyan BTV-9 strains isolated in 2008 was seen in an analysis of Israeli BTV-9 nt sequences. Notably, the outbreak-caused BTV-9 strains collected in 2019 exhibited a distinct level of genetic reassortment with local Israeli strains compared to BTV-9 strains registered in 2018 and 2020.
Comprehensive Genomics and Proteomics Analysis Reveals the Multiple Response Strategies of Endophytic Bacillus sp. WR13 to Iron Limitation
Authors: Yue Zonghao , Liu Yongchuang , Chen Yanjuan , Chen Can , Zhang Ju , He Le , Ma Keshi
Published: February 2023

Iron (Fe) is an important metal element for the growth of bacteria. Many bacteria respond to Fe limitation through a variety of strategies. We previously isolated an endophyte Bacillus sp. WR13 from wheat root. However, whether and how this strain can cope with Fe-deficient environments remains unclear. In this study, the growth of WR13 under Fe starvation was investigated, and the underlying mechanisms of WR13 in response to Fe starvation were elucidated via genomics and iTRAQ-based proteomics. Under Fe limitation, WR13 showed a growth pattern similar to that of Fe sufficiency. Genomics analysis demonstrated that WR13 had gene clusters related to siderophore synthesis (dhbACEBF), transportation (bcbE), uptake (feuABC-yusV) and hydrolysis (besA). These genes were significantly up-regulated in Fe-starved WR13, which resulted in more siderophore production. Proteomics data revealed that many Fe-containing proteins such as ACO, HemQ, ferredoxin, CNP, and SufD were significantly reduced under Fe limitation. Meanwhile, significant decreases in many proteins involved in glycolysis, TCA cycle, pentose phosphate pathway; asparagine, glutamine, methionine, and serine metabolism; and phospholipid hydrolysis were also observed. Overall, this study shows that Bacillus sp. WR13 was able to respond to Fe limitation via multiple strategies and provides a theoretical basis for the application of WR13 in Fe-deficient soil.
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Receptor (Human Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2) Binding Inhibition Assay: A Rapid, High-Throughput Assay Useful for Vaccine Immunogenicity Evaluation
Authors: Plested Joyce S. , Zhu Mingzhu , Cloney-Clark Shane , Massuda Edmond , Patel Urvashi , Klindworth Andrew , Massare Michael J. , Cai Rongman , Fries Louis , Glenn Greg , Kalkeri Raj
Published: February 2023

Emerging variants of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) show immune evasion of vaccine-derived immunity, highlighting the need for better clinical immunogenicity biomarkers. To address this need, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay-based, human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2) binding inhibition assay was developed to measure antibodies against the ancestral strain of SARS-CoV-2 and was validated for precision, specificity, linearity, and other parameters. This assay measures the inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein binding to the receptor, hACE2, by serum from vaccine clinical trials. Inter- and intra-assay precision, specificity, linearity, lower limit of quantitation, and assay robustness parameters successfully met the acceptance criteria. Heme and lipid matrix effects showed minimal interference on the assay. Samples were stable for testing in the assay even with 8 freeze/thaws and up to 24 months in −80 °C storage. The assay was also adapted for variants (Delta and Omicron BA.1/BA.5), with similar validation results. The hACE2 assay showed significant correlation with anti-recombinant S immunoglobulin G levels and neutralizing antibody titers. This assay provides a rapid, high-throughput option to evaluate vaccine immunogenicity. Along with other clinical biomarkers, it can provide valuable insights into immune evasion and correlates of protection and enable vaccine development against emerging COVID-19 variants.
Silver Nanoparticles: Bactericidal and Mechanistic Approach against Drug Resistant Pathogens
Authors: More Pragati Rajendra , Pandit Santosh , Filippis Anna De , Franci Gianluigi , Mijakovic Ivan , Galdiero Massimiliano
Published: February 2023

This review highlights the different modes of synthesizing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from their elemental state to particle format and their mechanism of action against multidrug-resistant and biofilm-forming bacterial pathogens. Various studies have demonstrated that the AgNPs cause oxidative stress, protein dysfunction, membrane disruption, and DNA damage in bacteria, ultimately leading to bacterial death. AgNPs have also been found to alter the adhesion of bacterial cells to prevent biofilm formation. The benefits of using AgNPs in medicine are, to some extent, counter-weighted by their toxic effect on humans and the environment. In this review, we have compiled recent studies demonstrating the antibacterial activity of AgNPs, and we are discussing the known mechanisms of action of AgNPs against bacterial pathogens. Ongoing clinical trials involving AgNPs are briefly presented. A particular focus is placed on the mechanism of interaction of AgNPs with bacterial biofilms, which are a significant pathogenicity determinant. A brief overview of the use of AgNPs in other medical applications (e.g., diagnostics, promotion of wound healing) and the non-medical sectors is presented. Finally, current drawbacks and limitations of AgNPs use in medicine are discussed, and perspectives for the improved future use of functionalized AgNPs in medical applications are presented.
Genomic Analysis of the Rare Slightly Halophilic Myxobacterium “Paraliomyxa miuraensis” SMH-27-4, the Producer of the Antibiotic Miuraenamide A
Authors: Liu Ying , Ojika Makoto
Published: February 2023

Halophilic/halotolerant myxobacteria are extremely rare bacteria but an important source of novel bioactive secondary metabolites as drug leads. A slightly halophilic myxobacterium, “Paraliomyxa miuraensis” SMH-27-4, the producer of the antifungal antibiotic miuraenamide A, was considered to represent a novel genus. This study aimed to use the whole-genome sequence of this difficult-to-culture bacterium to provide genomic evidence supporting its taxonomy and to explore its potential as a novel secondary metabolite producer and its predicted gene functions. The draft genome was sequenced and de novo assembled into 164 contigs (11.8 Mbp). The 16S rRNA gene sequence-based and genome sequence-based phylogenetic analyses supported that this strain represents a novel genus of the family Nannocystaceae. Seventeen biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) were identified, and only five of them show some degree of similarity with the previously annotated BGCs, suggesting the great potential of producing novel secondary metabolites. The comparative genomic analysis within the family Nannocystaceae revealed the distribution of its members’ gene functions. This study unveiled the novel genomic features and potential of the secondary metabolite production of this myxobacterium.
In-Situ Single Crystal XRD and Raman Spectra Investigation of (Mg, Fe, Mn)CO3 at Various Temperatures
Authors: Liang Lin , Bao Xinjian , Liang Wen , Song Haipeng , Wu Xiang , Qin Shan
Published: February 2023

The in-situ X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectra of synthetic (Mg, Fe, Mn)CO3 single crystals for (Mg0.37Fe0.31Mn0.32)CO3, (Mg0.49Fe0.51)CO3, (Fe0.47Mn0.53)CO3, and (Mg0.50Mn0.50)CO3 were investigated up to 871 K. Lattice parameters and the volumetric thermal expansion coefficients were achieved, demonstrating an inherent anisotropy of c/a near to 3.0. The Raman spectra of our intermediate components all exhibit a negative temperature dependence similar to that of the end members. The temperature dependence of the external modes T, L, anti-symmetric stretching mode ν3, and out-of-plane bending mode 2ν2 is generally more prominent than the in-plane bending mode ν4 and symmetric stretching mode ν1 except for siderite FeCO3. Combining thermal expansion coefficients αV with the relative changes in frequency δνi/δT of Raman spectra, the average thermodynamic Grüneisen parameters (γth) for (Mg0.37Fe0.31Mn0.32)CO3, (Fe0.47Mn0.53)CO3, (Mg0.50Mn0.50)CO3, MgCO3, and MnCO3 were obtained as 1.18, 1.36, 1.34, 1.13, and 1.53, respectively. The relationship between Fe2+ and Mn2+ contents and γth illustrates that the concentration of Fe2+ causes a negative effect while the concentration of Mn2+ causes a positive effect on γth. These results could provide a reference for the contribution of Fe2+ and Mn2+ on the structural and thermodynamic properties of (Mg, Fe, Mn)CO3 carbonates.
Monitoring of Suspended Sediment Mineralogy in Puerto-Rican Rivers: Effects of Flowrate and Lithology
Authors: Mackowiak Trevor J. , Perdrial Nicolas
Published: February 2023

Climate change induced changes in river flow dynamics have the potential to change the composition of suspended sediments in crucial tropical river ecosystems, possibly affecting their resiliency. This study investigates how changes in river discharge and bedrock lithology affected the physiochemical nature of river suspended sediments over a typical year in three Puerto-Rican rivers. Suspended sediment samples were collected on filter membranes in 2006 from three watersheds of differing lithology (quartz-diorite, volcaniclastic, and mixed lithology) in the Luquillo Mountains, Puerto-Rico. By monitoring changes in suspended sediment mineralogical composition (determined by XRD and SEM) as a function of discharge, we determined how sediment loads responded to changes in hydrological input in a typical year. Results showed that bedrock lithology influenced river suspended sediment mineralogy, with the fraction of crystalline versus amorphous material strongly influenced by the dominant lithology of the watershed. Crystalline phases were associated with granodiorite bedrock compared to amorphous material dominating the volcaniclastic watersheds. Thus, the mineralogy of suspended sediments in the river systems was controlled by secondary minerals. Mineralogical results showed that, bearing quantitative changes upon hydrological events, suspended sediments in all three watersheds returned to baseline composition post storm events, suggesting that the three watersheds are resilient to the events recorded that year. While the long-term mineralogical analysis of the evolution of suspended material in the studied rivers provided insights into river response to hydrologic events, it also proved technically challenging as materials in suspension in such pristine rivers are sparse and poorly crystalline.
Research in Computational Expressive Music Performance and Popular Music Production: A Potential Field of Application?
Authors: Bontempi Pierluigi , Canazza Sergio , Carnovalini Filippo , Rodà Antonio
Published: February 2023

In music, the interpreter manipulates the performance parameters in order to offer a sonic rendition of the piece that is capable of conveying specific expressive intentions. Since the 1980s, there has been growing interest in expressive music performance (EMP) and its computational modeling. This research field has two fundamental objectives: understanding the phenomenon of human musical interpretation and the automatic generation of expressive performances. Rule-based, statistical, machine, and deep learning approaches have been proposed, most of them devoted to the classical repertoire, in particular to piano pieces. On the contrary, we introduce the role of expressive performance within popular music and the contemporary ecology of pop music production based on the use of digital audio workstations (DAWs) and virtual instruments. After an analysis of the tools related to expressiveness commonly available to modern producers, we propose a detailed survey of research into the computational EMP field, highlighting the potential and limits of what is present in the literature with respect to the context of popular music, which by its nature cannot be completely superimposed to the classical one. In the concluding discussion, we suggest possible lines of future research in the field of computational expressiveness applied to pop music.
Nanoparticles: Taking a Unique Position in Medicine
Authors: Joseph Tomy , Kar Mahapatra Debarshi , Esmaeili Amin , Piszczyk Łukasz , Hasanin Mohamed , Kattali Mashhoor , Haponiuk Józef , Thomas Sabu
Published: February 2023

The human nature of curiosity, wonder, and ingenuity date back to the age of humankind. In parallel with our history of civilization, interest in scientific approaches to unravel mechanisms underlying natural phenomena has been developing. Recent years have witnessed unprecedented growth in research in the area of pharmaceuticals and medicine. The optimism that nanotechnology (NT) applied to medicine and drugs is taking serious steps to bring about significant advances in diagnosing, treating, and preventing disease—a shift from fantasy to reality. The growing interest in the future medical applications of NT leads to the emergence of a new field for nanomaterials (NMs) and biomedicine. In recent years, NMs have emerged as essential game players in modern medicine, with clinical applications ranging from contrast agents in imaging to carriers for drug and gene delivery into tumors. Indeed, there are instances where nanoparticles (NPs) enable analyses and therapies that cannot be performed otherwise. However, NPs also bring unique environmental and societal challenges, particularly concerning toxicity. Thus, clinical applications of NPs should be revisited, and a deep understanding of the effects of NPs from the pathophysiologic basis of a disease may bring more sophisticated diagnostic opportunities and yield more effective therapies and preventive features. Correspondingly, this review highlights the significant contributions of NPs to modern medicine and drug delivery systems. This study also attempted to glimpse the future impact of NT in medicine and pharmaceuticals.
A Pilot Study to Assess the Effect of Coaching on Emergency Nurses’ Stress Management
Authors: Chahbounia Rabia , Gantare Abdellah
Published: February 2023

(1) Background: Emergency nurses are more exposed to a wider range of stressors, resulting in higher levels of burnout, reducing the quality of nursing care, and decreasing job satisfaction compared with other peers in other nursing departments. The objective of the current pilot research is to evaluate the efficiency of a transtheoretical coaching model on emergency nurses’ occupational stress management through a coaching intervention. (2) Materials and Methods: An interview, Karasek’s stress questionnaire, the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), an observation grid, and a one-group Pre-test–Post-test questionnaire was carried out to evaluate the changes in emergency nurses’ knowledge and their ability to manage stress before and after attending the coaching intervention. A total of seven emergency room nurses at the proximity public hospital of the Settat area in Morocco have taken part in this study. (3) Results: The results have shown that all emergency nurses were subject to the job strain and iso-strain; four nurses were in moderate burnout, only one nurse was found in high burnout, and two were in low burnout. There was a significant difference between mean Pre- and Post-test scores (p = 0.016). Nurses’ mean score has improved by 2.86 points after attending the four sessions coaching experience, passing from 3.71 in the Pre-test to 6.57 in the Post-test. (4) Conclusions: The coaching intervention through a transtheoretical coaching model could potentially be an efficient strategy for enhancing the nurses’ knowledge and skills in stress management.
Design and Optical Analysis of a Refractive Aspheric Intraocular Lens with Extended Depth of Focus
Authors: Li Kunqi , Chen Xiaoqin , Bian Yayan , Xing Yuwei , Li Xiaolan , Liu Dongyu , Liu Yongji
Published: February 2023

To obtain a continuous range of clear vision for pseudophakic eyes, a design of intraocular lens (IOL) with extended depth of focus (EDoF) was proposed. The IOL was optimized with a multi-configuration approach based on a pseudophakic eye model and the optical performances of the designed IOL were analyzed. The modulation transfer function (MTF) values remain above 0.2 at 50 lp/mm for object distance ranging from 0.35 m to infinity in both photopic vision and mesopic vision over a field of 4°. The optical performances remain stable when the pupil diameter changes from 2.25 mm to 5 mm. Besides, the presented theoretical analyses show the designed IOL has good optical performances for polychromatic light and corneal asphericity. The above shows that the IOL exhibits an excellent ability for pseudophakic eyes to see the object in a continuous range of distance.
Ensemble Deep Learning Ultimate Tensile Strength Classification Model for Weld Seam of Asymmetric Friction Stir Welding
Authors: Chiaranai Somphop , Pitakaso Rapeepan , Sethanan Kanchana , Kosacka-Olejnik Monika , Srichok Thanatkij , Chokanat Peerawat
Published: February 2023

Friction stir welding is a material processing technique used to combine dissimilar and similar materials. Ultimate tensile strength (UTS) is one of the most common objectives of welding, especially friction stir welding (FSW). Typically, destructive testing is utilized to measure the UTS of a welded seam. Testing for the UTS of a weld seam typically involves cutting the specimen and utilizing a machine capable of testing for UTS. In this study, an ensemble deep learning model was developed to classify the UTS of the FSW weld seam. Consequently, the model could classify the quality of the weld seam in relation to its UTS using only an image of the weld seam. Five distinct convolutional neural networks (CNNs) were employed to form the heterogeneous ensemble deep learning model in the proposed model. In addition, image segmentation, image augmentation, and an efficient decision fusion approach were implemented in the proposed model. To test the model, 1664 pictures of weld seams were created and tested using the model. The weld seam UTS quality was divided into three categories: below 70% (low quality), 70–85% (moderate quality), and above 85% (high quality) of the base material. AA5083 and AA5061 were the base materials used for this study. The computational results demonstrate that the accuracy of the suggested model is 96.23%, which is 0.35% to 8.91% greater than the accuracy of the literature’s most advanced CNN model.
Designing Stress Tests for UK Fast-Growing Firms and Fintech
Authors: Pantos Stavros
Published: February 2023

This paper captures advances in prudential regulation and supervision for challenger banks and fintech in the UK. It presents a critical analysis of the prudential supervisory approaches towards fintech. The focus is placed on fast-growing firms (FGFs), building on the review performed by the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) of the Bank of England (BoE) in 2019. Specifically, it comprises a critical examination of the underlying regulatory framework in relation to the robustness of stress testing practices, as part of the review of FGF risk management practices and the weakness identified in the Internal Capital Adequacy Assessment Process (ICAAP). The economic analysis of law comprises the underlying methodology, using economic theory to analyse regulation and its effectiveness regarding fintech regulation and supervision. Recommendations for enhancements towards supervisory practices about the prudential governance and management of FGFs and fintech are included, with advances to the underlying regulatory framework in the UK. Overall, this critical legal research examines the supervisory practices of FGFs and fintech in the UK, under the lens of prudential regulation and risk management approaches, focusing on the design, development and implementation of the stress testing tool and scenario practices.
Synthesis, Characterization and Application of Novel Cationic Surfactants as Antibacterial Agents
Authors: Sayed Shaban R. M. , Ezzat Abdelrahman O. , Yassin Mohamed Taha , Abdelbacki Ashraf M. M.
Published: February 2023

It is of great necessity to develop new antimicrobial agents to overcome the accelerated increment in drug-resistant bacteria. The main aim of this work is to manufacture two cationic surfactants, QHETA-9 and QHETA-14, based on quaternary hexamethylenetetramine with long alkyl chains (C-9 and C-14) by simple one-step alkylation reaction. These surfactants were characterized by analytical and statistical data, including FTIR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and DLS. The antibacterial activities of QHETA-9 and QHETA-14 against some pathogenic bacterial strains were tested using agar disk diffusion method. The results exhibited that QHETA-14 has higher antibacterial activity than that of QHETA-9. It displayed inhibitory zone values for Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Enterococcus faecalis, as Gram-positive bacteria, of 22.7, 21.5 and 25.9 mm, respectively, at 200 μg/disk. Meanwhile, it recorded inhibition zone values of 17.5, 25.2 and 23.8 mm for Escherichia coli, Agrobacterium tumefaciens and Erwinia carotovora, respectively, at 200 μg/disk. As a result, the current investigation verified that the antibacterial properties of QHETA-14 were greater than those of QHETA-9 due to the increase in the length of the alkyl chain. It is clear that QHETA-14 has the potential to be used as an antibacterial agent against bacteria that cause nosocomial infections and food poisoning diseases.
Driving Violation Prediction Based on an Emotional Style Transfer Network
Authors: Wang Mingze , Li Naiwen
Published: February 2023

Emotions are closely related to driving behavior, and drivers with different emotions have different degrees of bad driving behavior. In order to explore the relationship between emotions and driving violations, a prediction model based on an emotional style transfer network is proposed. First, inspired by the idea of generative adversarial networks (GAN), the eigenvalues of emotions are extracted. Secondly, the one-way propagation method of the GAN network is improved to cyclic generation, which avoids the problems of non-convergence and long periods in the data training process, improving the utilization of training data. Thirdly, a driving violation prediction model is designed. In this model, the emotion factors are designed as time-related sequences, and by improving the Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) model, the encoding and decoding processes of the time-related sequences are added to form the context, which improves the accuracy of prediction. Finally, the experimental and simulation data show that the proposed model has significant advantages in loss value, accuracy rate, macro-average score, and other indicators. At the same time, an emotion-induction scheme is given to reduce the possibility of driving violations. Furthermore, the proposed model can provide a theoretical basis for the impact of emotions on driving safety.
Chronic Mercury Exposure and GSTP1 Polymorphism in Munduruku Indigenous from Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Silva Mayara Calixto da , Oliveira Rogério Adas Ayres de , Vasconcellos Ana Claudia Santiago de , Rebouças Bruno Hojo , Pinto Bruna Duarte , Lima Marcelo de Oliveira , Jesus Iracina Maura de , Machado Daniel Escorsim , Hacon Sandra Souza , Basta Paulo Cesar , Perini Jamila Alessandra
Published: February 2023

Genetic polymorphisms may be involved with mercury levels and signs and symptoms of intoxication from this exposure. Therefore, the aims were to describe the frequency of the GSTP1 polymorphism and to evaluate its effects on mercury levels and neurological signs in three Munduruku indigenous villages in the Brazilian Amazon. One-hundred-and-seven indigenous (over 12 years old) were included and genotyped (rs1695) using a TaqMan validated assay. Then, associations were evaluated by binary logistic regression, using odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Mean age was 27.4 ± 13.9 years old, 52.3% were male, mean hair mercury concentration was 8.5 ± 4.3, exceeding the reference limit (≥6.0 µg/g), and were different among the three villages: 13.5 ± 4.6 µg/g in Sawré Aboy, 7.4 ± 2.3 µg/g in Poxo Muybu and 6.9 ± 3.5 µg/g in Sawré Muybu. The minor allele frequency of GSTP1 G was significantly different among the villages: 57% Sawré Muybu, 21% Poxo Muybu and 15% Sawré Aboy. Finally, after adjustment, GSTP1 GG and GA genotypes were associated with lower levels of Hg (OR = 0.13; CI95% = 0.03–0.49) and abnormal somatosensory signs (OR = 3.7; 95%IC = 1.5–9.3), respectively. In conclusion, monitoring this population is imperative to identify individuals at higher risk of developing signs of chronic mercury exposure based on the genetic profile.
Distribution, Sources and Risk Assessment of Polychlorinated Biphenyls in Sediments from Beiluo River
Authors: Han Linrong , Chang Chao , Yan Shiwei , Qu Chengkai , Tian Yulu , Guo Jipu , Guo Jiahua
Published: February 2023

The distribution and source of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) pollution in the Beiluo River, the secondary tributary of the Yellow River, still remain unclear. With the purpose of determining the distribution, origins, and pollution levels of PCBs and their consequences on ecological risks, the concentrations of 27 PCBs at 17 locations in the sediments of the Beiluo River were examined in this study. The results showed that the mass concentrations of ∑PCBs in the sediment ranged from 0.12 to 1.25 ng∙g−1 (DW), with the highest point at sampling site B13 downstream of the river. Compared to most river sediments, both domestically and internationally, the concentration of PCBs in the sediment of the Beiluo River was at a low level, with 10-PCB and 6-PCB as the main components, indicating that the PCBs that are difficult to volatilise and degrade are more likely to remain in the sediment. The origins of PCBs in the sediments of the Beiluo River were examined by using positive matrix factorisation (PMF). The results revealed that the contamination of PCBs in the sediments of the Beiluo River mainly resulted from industrial emissions, technical PCB mixtures, and coal and wood combustion. The results of the ecological risk assessment indicated that PCBs in the sediments of the study area rarely contribute to adverse biological effects and the potential low risk to the environment.
COVID-19: Current Status and Future Prospects
Authors: Leggat Peter A. , Frean John , Blumberg Lucille
Published: February 2023

This second Special Issue in a series of Special Issues in Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease looks at recent global research on the current Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic [...]
The Effects of CoronaVac and ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 in Reducing Severe Illness in Thailand: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Promlek Thanyarat , Hansirisathit Tonsan , Kunno Jadsada , Thanunchai Maytawan
Published: February 2023

Two primary vaccines for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have been rolled out in the mass vaccination campaign that started simultaneously with the spread of the delta variant. To explore the vaccines’ effect on reducing viral load and disease severity, we conducted a retrospective cohort study in Thai patients aged ≥18 years who were confirmed COVID-19 positive by RT-PCR. Compared to unvaccinated patients, Ct values and the number of severe cases among vaccine regimens were analyzed. Ct values of vaccinated patients were not significantly different from unvaccinated patients, despite an increase of Ct values in a booster dose. The adjusted odd ratio for prevention of delta-related severe diseases was 0.47, 95% CI: 0.30–0.76 and 0.06, 95% CI: 0.01–0.45 after receiving one dose and two doses, respectively. No severe illness was found in booster-vaccinated individuals. Focusing on the vaccine types, one dose of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 gave significant protection, whereas one dose of CoronaVac did not (0.49, 95% CI: 0.30–0.79, p = 0.003 vs. 0.28, 95% CI: 0.04–2.16, p = 0.223). Two-dose vaccination showed robust protective effects in all subpopulations regardless of vaccine type. Vaccinations with two primary vaccines could not reduce viral load in patients with COVID-19, but could prevent severe illness.
The Serological Response in Cattle following Administration of a Heterologous Sheep Pox Virus Strain Vaccine for Protection from Lumpy Skin Disease; Current Situation in Armenia
Authors: Hakobyan Varduhi , Sargsyan Khachik , Kharatyan Satenik , Elbakyan Hasmik , Sargsyan Vazgen , Markosyan Tigran , Vardanyan Tigranuhi , Badalyan Manvel , Achenbach Jenna E.
Published: February 2023

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a highly infectious viral disease of cattle caused by LSD virus (LSDV), which was first reported in Armenia in late 2015. It was identified in pasture-raised cattle near the border with Iran. Currently, vaccination plays a key role in preventing further incursion of disease in high-risk areas. The purpose of this work was to assess the quality of vaccination currently used in Armenia by determining the immune response of the heterologous dry culture sheep pox virus-based vaccine against LSD in cattle. Seroprevalence and seroconversion testing was carried out using an ELISA to detect specific antibodies against LSD before and 30 days after vaccination in three adjacent regions of Armenia (Ararat, Armavir, Gegharkunik). Ixodes ticks were also examined for the presence of LSDV via real-time PCR. We found that the heterologous vaccine used in Armenia creates a high level of population immunity of 86.09% (83.83–87.97%) and no adverse side effects were observed in cattle. Of the 6 types of Ixodes ticks identified and tested, we found no evidence of LSDV circulating in these vectors. These results suggest that regular serological monitoring via ELISA and heterologous vaccination should continue in areas of Armenia at high risk for incursion of LSD to reduce the spread of this highly infectious transboundary disease.
Fatores influentes na densidade mamográfica e seu impacto no Câncer de mama
Authors: Soares Nayani Gomes de Lira , Gushiken Karolina Yumi , Freitas Gustavo Rico , Joaquim Ariane Aparecida Machado , Rodrigues Guilherme Oberto
Published: February 2023

A mama é composta por tecido adiposo, tecido fibroso de sustentação e tecido glandular associados a vasos sanguíneos, linfáticos e nervos. Um fator de risco para o surgimento do câncer de mama é o aumento na densidade mamográfica no tecido mamário, a densidade mamográfica corresponde à quantidade de tecido fibroglandular nas mamas, apresentando-se como um tecido radiopaco, e possui quatro classificações, segundo o Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS). Mulheres com mamas densas apresentam um risco de quatro a seis vezes maior de desenvolver carcinogênese. O carcinoma de mama pode ser dividido conforme sua localização em in situ ou infiltrativo e a mamografia é o exame mais comum na detecção de câncer de mama. Esta revisão tem o objetivo de investigar os fatores que modulam a densidade mamográfica, e como esses fatores se relacionam com o aumento de mamas densas. A pesquisa bibliográfica foi realizada pelo PubMed - NCBI num período de nove anos em inglês, utilizando como palavras-chaves “densidade mamográfica”, “câncer de mama” e “ mamografia”. Alguns fatores podem influenciar na densidade mamográfica como por exemplo herdabilidade, raça e etnia, dieta, terapias de reposição hormonal, ingestão de álcool, estilo de vida, fatores reprodutivos e hormonais - como menopausa, paridade, idade ao primeiro nascimento e idade da menarca - tamanho corporal, microcalcificações e faixa etária. O câncer de mama também é menos incidente em mulheres afro-americanas e indígenas, isso pode ser explicado pelos hábitos de vida dessa população, por exemplo: primeira gravidez mais cedo, multiparidade, amamentação prolongada e ausência de terapias hormonais. Fatores considerados de variável categórica e contínua, como ingestão de álcool, tabagismo e atividade física ainda não estão bem estabelecidas suas relações com o aumento ou diminuição da densidade mamográfica, o que requer mais estudos para chegar a resultados conclusivos. A mamografia ainda é a forma mais comum do rastreamento de câncer de mama, porém sua sensibilidade é menor quando se trata de mamas densas, por conta disso estão sendo utilizados e desenvolvidos novos métodos de diagnóstico por imagem como: ressonância magnética, ultrassonografia, tomossíntese digital da mama e a ultrassonografia automatizada das mamas (ABUS). Essa revisão literária traz estudos detalhados que visam compreender os fatores que levam ao aumento da densidade mamográfica, permitindo o melhor diagnóstico e mapeamento de grupos de risco, o que possibilita amenizar as consequências dessas modificações, a fim de fornecer medidas preventivas contra o câncer de mama.
Abordagem no diagnóstico e tratamento de paciente com fratura mandibular ocasionada por trauma: relato de caso
Authors: Santos Alberto Câmara Pereira dos , Silva Kaique Rodrigo Monteiro da , Carvalho Lidylara Lacerda Araújo , Melo Lais de Oliveira , Sá Rodrigo Tavares de
Published: February 2023

As fraturas orofaciais estão entre as mais corriqueiras em centros de emergência hospitalar, sendo a fratura mandibular uma das mais frequentes em região de face. Segundo as estatísticas, as principais causas deste tipo de fratura são: agressão física, acidente automobilístico e queda da prórpia altura. O presente trabalho tem como objetivo apresentar um relato de caso de um paciente de 28 anos que foi diagnosticado com fratura mandibular bilateral decorrente de agressão física. Diante disso, após a avaliação dos dados clínicos, exames complementares e planejamento minucioso feito pela equipe, foi realizada a cirurgia para redução das fraturas com fixação rígida por meio das placas e parafusos dos sistemas 2.0mm e 1.5mm. Após o procedimento cirúrgico, foram realizados novos exames de imagem e proservação do paciente, concluindo que a conduta escolhida se mostrou eficiente e assertiva. Somado a isso, o paciente ainda foi avaliado em um panorama psicossocial, sendo observada a necessidade de encaminhamento psicológico com intuito de reinseri-lo na sociedade, além de diminuir as probabilidades de novas agressões.
Achados em tomografia de coerência óptica em pacientes com demência fronto temporal: relato de caso
Authors: Domingos Gustavo Tonon , Almeida Glauco
Published: February 2023

Este trabalho tem por finalidade descrever um relato de caso sobre achados tomográficos de coerência óptica em pacientes com demência frontotemporal, decorrentes da redução degenerativa das células neuronais da retina, como a camada de fibras nervosas e as células ganglionares. Trata-se de um paciente masculino de 53 anos com sintomas de baixa visual em ambos olhos e restrição de motilidade ocular extrínseca, sendo diagnosticado uma redução importante em campo visual compatível com a perda das células retinianas na tomografia de coerência óptica, com correlação estrutura e função, denotando a importância desta avaliação nesses pacientes e possibilitando outras formas de acompanhamento da degeneração neurológica da doença.