bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FTY720 Reduces Lipid Accumulation by Upregulating ABCA1 through Liver X Receptor and Sphingosine Kinase 2 Signaling in Macrophages
Authors: Tachibana Koki , Kusumoto Kohshi , Ogawa Mai , Ando Hidenori , Shimizu Taro , Ishima Yu , Ishida Tatsuhiro , Okuhira Keiichiro
Published: November 2022

Formation of foam cells as a result of excess lipid accumulation by macrophages is a pathological hallmark of atherosclerosis. Fingolimod (FTY720) is an immunosuppressive agent used in clinical settings for the treatment of multiple sclerosis and has been reported to inhibit atherosclerotic plaque development. However, little is known about the effect of FTY720 on lipid accumulation leading to foam cell formation. In this study, we investigated the effects of FTY720 on lipid accumulation in murine macrophages. FTY720 treatment reduced lipid droplet formation and increased the expression of ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) in J774 mouse macrophages. FTY720 also enhanced the expression of liver X receptor (LXR) target genes such as FASN, APOE, and ABCG1. In addition, FTY720-induced upregulation of ABCA1 was abolished by knockdown of sphingosine kinase 2 (SphK2) expression. Furthermore, we found that FTY720 treatment induced histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9) acetylation, which was lost in SphK2-knockdown cells. Taken together, FTY720 induces ABCA1 expression through SphK2-mediated acetylation of H3K9 and suppresses lipid accumulation in macrophages, which provides novel insights into the mechanisms of action of FTY720 on atherosclerosis.
One-Step Synthesis of Nitrogen-Doped Porous Biochar Based on N-Doping Co-Activation Method and Its Application in Water Pollutants Control
Authors: Su Yingjie , Shi Yuqing , Jiang Meiyi , Chen Siji
Published: November 2022

In this work, birch bark (BB) was used for the first time to prepare porous biochars via different one-step methods including direct activation (BBB) and N-doping co-activation (N-BBB). The specific surface area and total pore volume of BBB and N-BBB were 2502.3 and 2292.7 m2/g, and 1.1389 and 1.0356 cm3/g, respectively. When removing synthetic methyl orange (MO) dye and heavy metal Cr6+, both BBB and N-BBB showed excellent treatment ability. The maximum adsorption capacities of BBB and N-BBB were 836.9 and 858.3 mg/g for MO, and 141.1 and 169.1 mg/g for Cr6+, respectively, which were higher than most previously reported biochar adsorbents. The probable adsorption mechanisms, including pore filling, π–π interaction, H-bond interaction, and electrostatic attraction, supported the biochars’ demonstrated high performance. In addition, after five recycles, the removal rates remained above 80%, which showed the high stability of the biochars. This work verified the feasibility of the one-step N-doping co-activation method to prepare high-performance biochars, and two kinds of biochars with excellent performance (BBB and N-BBB) were prepared. More importantly, this method provides new directions and ideas for the development and utilization of other biomasses.
Promoter Methylation of Cancer Stem Cell Surface Markers as an Epigenetic Biomarker for Prognosis of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Han Yu Kyeong , Park Ha Young , Park Sae-Gwang , Hwang Jae Joon , Park Hae Ryoun , Yi Joo Mi
Published: November 2022

Growing evidence suggests that genetic and epigenetic factors, including environmental factors, contribute to the development of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Here, we investigated the transcriptional silencing of the CD24, CD44, CD133, and CD147 genes, which are well-known cancer stem cell surface markers in various cancer types, including OSCC. We first examined the correlation between the transcriptional expression level and reactivation by 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine (5-aza-dC) and the promoter methylation levels of the four genes in several OSCC cell lines. We observed promoter hypermethylation for the CD24, CD133, and CD147 genes at 70%, 75%, and 70%, respectively, in OSCC cell lines compared to normal oral mucosa tissues (<53%), indicating that this methylation pattern is cancer-specific, which was confirmed by bisulfite sequencing analysis. More specifically, the expression and methylation profiles of CD133 and CD147 extracted from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database were negatively correlated, supporting their epigenetic regulation in primary OSCC tumors. The methylation status of CD133 and CD147 was associated with poor survival in patients with OSCC using the TCGA database. Our findings provide additional insight into the abnormal DNA methylation of CD133 and that CD147 could be used for the diagnosis and therapeutic treatment of patients with OSCC.
Explainable Decision-Making for Water Quality Protection
Authors: Dujmović Jozo , Allen William L.
Published: November 2022

All professional decisions prepared for a specific stakeholder can and must be explained. The primary role of explanation is to defend and reinforce the proposed decision, supporting stakeholder confidence in the validity of the decision. In this paper we present the methodology for explaining results of the evaluation of alternatives for water quality protection for a real-life project, the Upper Neuse Clean Water Initiative in North Carolina. The evaluation and comparison of alternatives is based on the Logic Scoring of Preference (LSP) method. We identify three explainability problems: (1) the explanation of LSP criterion properties, (2) the explanation of evaluation results for each alternative, and (3) the explanation of the comparison and ranking of alternatives. To solve these problems, we introduce a set of explainability indicators that characterize properties that are necessary for verbal explanations that humans can understand. In addition, we use this project to show the methodology for automatic generation of explainability reports. We recommend the use of explainability reports as standard supplements for evaluation reports containing the results of evaluation projects based on the LSP method.
Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Profiling of Candidate Sex Pheromone Biosynthesis Genes in the Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda)
Authors: Qu Cheng , Kang Zhiwei , Zhang Biyun , Fang Yong , Wang Ran , Li Fengqi , Zhao Haipeng , Luo Chen
Published: November 2022

Spodoptera frugiperda is an agricultural pest causing substantial damage and losses to commercial crops. Sex pheromones are critical for successful mating in Lepidoptera and have been used for monitoring and control of many pest species. The sex pheromone of S. frugiperda is known, but the genes involved in its biosynthesis have not been identified. We systematically studied 99 candidate sex pheromone genes in the genome of S. frugiperda including 1 acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), 11 fatty acid synthases (FASs), 17 desaturases (DESs), 4 fatty acid transport proteins (FATPs), 29 fatty acyl-CoA reductases (FARs), 17 acetyl-CoA acetyltransferases (ACTs), 5 acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (ACDs), 3 enoyl-CoA hydratases (ECHs), 3 hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenases (HCDs), 6 ethyl-CoA thiolases (KCTs), and 3 acyl-CoA-binding proteins (ACBPs). Based on the comparative transcriptome results, we found 22 candidate sex pheromone biosynthesis genes predominately expressed in pheromone glands (PGs) than abdomens without PGs including SfruFAS4, SfruFATP3, SfruACD5, SfruKCT3, SfruDES2, SfruDES5, SfruDES11, SfruDES13, SfruFAR1, SfruFAR2, SfruFAR3, SfruFAR6, SfruFAR7, SfruFAR8, SfruFAR9, SfruFAR10, SfruFAR11, SfruFAR14, SfruFAR16, SfruFAR29, SfruACT6, and SfruACT10. A combination of phylogenetic and tissue-specific transcriptomic analyses indicated that SfruDES5, SfruDES11, SfruFAR2, SfruFAR3, and SfruFAR9 may be key genes involved in the sex pheromone synthesis of S. frugiperda. Our results could provide a theoretical basis for understanding the molecular mechanisms of sex pheromone biosynthesis in S. frugiperda, and also provide new targets for developing novel pest control methods based on disrupting sexual communication.
Invasion Pattern of Aedes aegypti in the Native Range of Ae. albopictus in Vietnam Revealed by Biogeographic and Population Genetic Analysis
Authors: Duong Cuong Van , Kang Ji Hyoun , Nguyen Van Vinh , Bae Yeon Jae
Published: November 2022

Since its introduction to Asia, Aedes aegypti has coexisted with the native species Ae. albopictus and has been reported to transmit several infectious diseases. However, the development of efficient disease prevention and vector control is hindered by the relatively poor understanding of the biogeography and the genetic diversity of Ae. aegypti in the region. This study aimed to determine the invasion patterns of Ae. aegypti by evaluating the distribution and abundance of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus in different climatic regions (northern temperate and southern tropical regions) and habitats (domestic, peri-domestic, and natural). We further analyzed the genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships of Ae. aegypti populations in Vietnam using mitochondrial COI gene sequences. Both Aedes species were observed at most of the study sites, but only Ae. albopictus thrived in northern mountainous areas. In sympatric ranges, the individual abundance of the species was influenced by regional climate and habitats. The tropical climate and availability of domestic containers facilitated the dominance of Ae. aegypti, whereas temperate climates and natural breeding sites facilitated that of Ae. albopictus. In addition, many genetic polymorphisms were detected in the Ae. aegypti populations, which formed two distinct genetic groups; however, this genetic diversity is unlikely to be relevant to the invasive success of Ae. aegypti. These findings provide insights into the mechanisms and patterns of Ae. Aegypti invasion, which depend on the climate and reproductive strategies in the native range of Ae. albopictus in Asia.
Redescription of Bdella muscorum Ewing, 1909 (Bdellidae: Bdellinae) from China with Its First Description of Ontogeny
Authors: Wu Youfang , Jin Daochao , Yi Tianci , Guo Jianjun
Published: November 2022

Bdella muscorum Ewing, 1909 was redescribed and illustrated in detail, and its ontogeny was described and illustrated for the first time, including pro dorsal apodeme and chaetotaxy. Chaetotaxy changes in Bdella are mainly focused on ventral hypostomal setae (vh), setae on palpal basifemur, aggenital setae (ag), genital setae (g), anal setae (ad) and leg setae. Furthermore, an original key to the Bdella species from China was also provided.
Living in the Dark: MQTT-Based Exploitation of IoT Security Vulnerabilities in ZigBee Networks for Smart Lighting Control
Authors: Hussein Noon , Nhlabatsi Armstrong
Published: November 2022

The Internet of Things (IoT) has provided substantial enhancements to the communication of sensors, actuators, and their controllers, particularly in the field of home automation. Home automation is experiencing a huge rise in the proliferation of IoT devices such as smart bulbs, smart switches, and control gateways. However, the main challenge for such control systems is how to maximize security under limited resources such as low-processing power, low memory, low data rate, and low-bandwidth IoT networks. In order to address this challenge the adoption of IoT devices in automation has mandated the adoption of secure communication protocols to ensure that compromised key security objectives, such as confidentiality, integrity, and availability are addressed. In light of this, this work evaluates the feasibility of MQTT-based Denial of Service (DoS) attacks, Man-in-the-Middle (MitM), and masquerade attacks on a ZigBee network, an IoT standard used in wireless mesh networks. Performed through MQTT, the attacks extend to compromise neighboring Constrained Application Protocol (CoAP) nodes, a specialized service layer protocol for resource-constrained Internet devices. By demonstrating the attacks on an IKEA TRÅDFRI lighting system, the impact of exploiting ZigBee keys, the basis of ZigBee security, is shown. The reduction of vulnerabilities to prevent attacks is imperative for application developers in this domain. Two Intrusion Detection Systems (IDSs) are proposed to mitigate against the proposed attacks, followed by recommendations for solution providers to improve IoT firmware security. The main motivation and purpose of this work is to demonstrate that conventional attacks are feasible and practical in commercial home automation IoT devices, regardless of the manufacturer. Thus, the contribution to the state-of-the-art is the design of attacks that demonstrate how known vulnerabilities can be exploited in commercial IoT devices for the purpose of motivating manufacturers to produce IoT systems with improved security.
Management of May Thurner Syndrome in Pregnant Patients
Authors: Schrufer-Poland Tabitha L. , Florio Karen , Grodzinsky Anna , Borsa John J. , Schmidt Laura
Published: November 2022

May Thurner Syndrome contributes to thromboembolic disease and can cause significant morbidity in pregnant patients secondary to exaggerated anatomic relationships and physiologic changes in the hematologic system favoring thrombogenesis. Because this condition is both underrecognized and underreported, management in pregnant and postpartum patients is based on expert opinion without any formal evidence-based guidance. Herein, we review five pregnancies in four patients with May Thurner Syndrome and general management strategies. Through collaborative and multidisciplinary care, patients with May Thurner Syndrome can be safely and successfully managed during pregnancy and the postpartum period with appropriate anticoagulation.
Efficient and Robust Method to Detect the Location of Macular Center Based on Optimal Temporal Determination
Authors: Wibawa Helmie Arif , Harjoko Agus , Sumiharto Raden , Sasongko Muhammad Bayu
Published: November 2022

The location of the macular central is very important for the examination of macular edema when using an automated screening system. The erratic character of the macular light intensity and the absence of a clear border make this anatomical structure difficult to detect. This paper presents a new method for detecting the macular center based on its geometrical location in the temporal direction of the optic disc. Also, a new method of determining the temporal direction using the vascular features visible on the optic disc is proposed. After detecting the optic disc, the temporal direction is determined by considering blood vessel positions. The macular center is detected using thresholding and simple morphology operations with optimum macular region of interest (ROI) direction. The results show that the proposed method has a low computation time of 0.34 s/image with 100% accuracy for the DRIVE dataset, while that of DiaretDB1 was 0.57 s/image with 98.87% accuracy.
Interference of Small RNAs in Fusarium graminearum through FgGMTV1 Infection
Authors: Wang Shuangchao , Ruan Shaojian , Zhang Mingming , Nie Jianhua , Nzabanita Clement , Guo Lihua
Published: November 2022

Small RNA (sRNA) plays a central role in RNA silencing in fungi. The genome of Fusarium graminearum gemytripvirus 1 (FgGMTV1) is comprised of three DNA segments: DNA-A, DNA-B, and DNA-C. DNA-A and DNA-B are associated with fungal growth and virulence reduction. To elucidate the role of RNA silencing during the interactions of fungi and viruses, the sRNA profiles of F. graminearum in association with FgGMTV1 were established, using an FgGMTV1-free library (S-S), a library for infection with the DNA-A and DNA-B segments (S-AB), and a library for infection with the DNA-A, DNA-B, and DNA-C segments (S-ABC). A large amount of virus-derived sRNA (vsiRNA) was detected in the S-AB and S-ABC libraries, accounting for 9.9% and 13.8% of the total sRNA, respectively, indicating that FgGMTV1 triggers host RNA silencing. The total numbers of sRNA reads differed among the three libraries, suggesting that FgGMTV1 infection interferes with host RNA silencing. In addition, the relative proportions of the different sRNA lengths were altered in the S-AB and S-ABC libraries. The genome distribution patterns of the mapping of vsiRNA to DNA-A and DNA-B in the S-AB and S-ABC libraries were also different. These results suggest the influence of DNA-C on host RNA silencing. Transcripts targeted by vsiRNAs were enriched in pathways that included flavin adenine dinucleotide binding, protein folding, and filamentous growth.
Pan-Genomics Reveals a New Variation Pattern of Secreted Proteins in Pyricularia oryzae
Authors: Bao Jiandong , Wang Zhe , Chen Meilian , Chen Shijie , Chen Xiaomin , Xie Jiahui , Tang Wei , Zheng Huakun , Wang Zonghua
Published: November 2022

(1) Background: Pyricularia oryzae, the causal agent of rice blast disease, is one of the major rice pathogens. The complex population structure of P. oryzae facilitates the rapid virulence variations, which make the blast disease a serious challenge for global food security. There is a large body of existing genomics research on P. oryzae, however the population structure at the pan-genome level is not clear, and the mechanism of genetic divergence and virulence variations of different sub-populations is also unknown. (2) Methods: Based on the genome data published in the NCBI, we constructed a pan-genome database of P. oryzae, which consisted of 156 strains (117 isolated from rice and 39 isolated from other hosts). (3) Results: The pan-genome contained a total of 24,100 genes (12,005 novel genes absent in the reference genome 70-15), including 16,911 (~70%) core genes (population frequency ≥95%) and 1378 (~5%) strain-specific genes (population frequency ≤5%). Gene presence-absence variation (PAV) based clustering analysis of the population structure of P. oryzae revealed four subgroups (three from rice and one from other hosts). Interestingly, the cloned avirulence genes and conventional secreted proteins (SPs, with signal peptides) were enriched in the high-frequency regions and significantly associated with transposable elements (TEs), while the unconventional SPs (without signal peptides) were enriched in the low-frequency regions and not associated significantly with TEs. This pan-genome will expand the breadth and depth of the rice blast fungus reference genome, and also serve as a new blueprint for scientists to further study the pathogenic mechanism and virulence variation of the rice blast fungus.
A Multi-Institutional Database Review of Orbital Complications and Survival Outcomes in Adult Patients with Invasive or Non-Invasive Fungal Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Chiang Po-Teng , Luo Sheng-Dean , Ho Ren-Wen , Wu Ching-Nung , Fang Kuan-Chung , Chen Wei-Chih
Published: November 2022

Background: Invasive fungal rhinosinusitis (IFS) with orbital complications has remained a challenging disease over the past few decades. Only a few studies have been conducted to investigate the factors associated with orbital complications in fungal rhinosinusitis (FRS). We aimed to review the characteristics between IFS and non-invasive fungal rhinosinusitis (NIFS) and determine clinical factors associated with orbital complications and overall survival. Methods: A multi-institutional database review study was conducted using the Chang Gung Research Database (CGRD) from January 2001 to January 2019. We identified FRS patients using International Classification of Diseases diagnosis codes and SNOMED CT. We categorized patients into IFS and NIFS groups and analyzed the demographic data, underlying diseases, clinical symptoms, laboratory data, image findings, fungal infection status, and survival outcomes. Results: We included 1624 patients in our study, with 59 IFS patients and 1565 NIFS patients. The history of an organ or hematopoietic cell transplantation had a significant prognostic effect on the survival outcomes, with surgical intervention and high hemoglobin (Hb) and albumin levels recognized as positive predictors. Posterior ethmoid sinus involvement, sphenoid sinus involvement, facial pain, blurred vision, and periorbital swelling were risk factors of orbital complications. Conclusions: In NIFS patients, orbital complications were found to be associated with old age, a high WBC count, high blood glucose, and a high CRP level. For the risk factors of orbital complications in IFS patients, posterior ethmoid sinus involvement, sphenoid sinus involvement, facial pain, blurred vision, and periorbital swelling were recognized as predictors. Among IFS patients, a history of organ or hematopoietic cell transplantation was a risk factor for poor survival, while, conversely, surgical intervention and high Hb and albumin levels were related to improved survival. As predictors of orbital complications in IFS patients, posterior ethmoid sinus involvement, sphenoid sinus involvement, facial pain, blurred vision, and periorbital swelling upon the first visit should raise attention, with close monitoring.
Risk Factors Associated with CIN2+ in Spanish Patients with L-SIL/ASCUS Cytology Collected from a Madrid Hospital
Authors: González González Virginia , Ramírez Mena Mar , Herráiz Martínez Miguel Ángel , Serrano García Irene , Coronado Martín Pluvio J.
Published: November 2022

The management of patients with L-SIL/ASCUS cytology is controversial and not clearly standardized. Objective: To analyze the risk factors associated with H-SIL/CIN2+ in a cohort of patients with ASCUS or L-SIL in a Pap smear. Methods: Between 2012 and 2022, 1259 eligible women with ASCUS/L-SIL were referred for colposcopy. The risk factors associated with H-SIL/CIN2+ were analyzed. The colposcopic study, conventional or assisted with dynamic spectral imaging (DSI), was performed in all cases. Guided biopsies were performed in cases of abnormal examination or random biopsies when no lesions were found. A LEEP was performed in H-SIL/CIN2+ results or persistent LSIL/CIN. Results: A normal or metaplastic specimen was found in 750 women (63.2%), LSIL/CIN1 in 346 (29.1%), and H-SIL/CIN2+ in 92 (7.7%). The presence of HR-HPV (OR = 2.1; IC 95% = 1.4–3.2), smoking habits (OR = 2.2; IC 95% = 1.4–3.5), and the performance of DSI combined with colposcopy (OR = 0.6; IC 95% = 0.37–0.83) were the factors associated with the detection of H-SIL/CIN2+. A summative effect of HR-HPV and smoking habit (OR = 2.9; IC 95% = 1.7–5.0) was observed in the detection of H-SIL/CIN2+. In multivariate analysis, the presence of HPV 16/18 was the unique independent factor associated with H-SIL/CIN2+. Conclusion: In women carrying an ASCUS/LSIL in the Pap smear, the unique independent factor predictive of H-SIL/CIN2+ is the presence of the HPV 16/18 genotype. Smoking women carrying ASCUS/LSIL with HR-HPV should be targeted for stricter follow-up to avoid an unsuspected H-SIL/CIN2+.
Compositional Classification of Financial Statement Profiles: The Weighted Case
Authors: Jofre-Campuzano Pol , Coenders Germà
Published: November 2022

This article classifies petrol retail companies in Spain based on their financial ratios using the compositional data analysis (CoDA) methodology. This methodology solves the most common distributional problems encountered in the statistical analysis of financial ratios. The main purpose of this article is to show that with the CoDA methodology, accounting figures presenting low values can have a disproportional influence on classification. This problem can be attenuated by applying weighted CoDA, which is a novelty in the financial statement analysis field. The suggested weight of each accounting figure is proportional to its arithmetic mean. The results of Ward clustering show that after weighting, the contributions of the accounting figures to the total variance and to the clustering solution are more balanced, and the clusters are more interpretable. Four distinct financial profiles are identified and related to non-financial variables. Only one of the profiles represents companies in financial distress, with low turnover, low return on assets, high indebtedness, and low liquidity. Further developments include alternative weighting schemes.
Children’s Rights by Design and Internet Governance: Revisiting General Comment No. 25 (2021) on Children’s Rights in Relation to the Digital Environment
Authors: Djeffal Christian
Published: November 2022

This article reviews how children’s rights can be considered a driver of internet governance based on general comment No. 25 (2021) on children’s rights in relation to the digital environment. This instrument translates the rights derived from the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child from the pre-digital era to the application of children’s rights to current issues of digitization. In the introduction, I explain how this general comment was drawn up and what its legal significance is. This article briefly summarizes the content of the general comment and then goes on to discuss the main impacts of this instrument on internet governance, namely, substantial shifts, children’s rights by design, the law’s binding nature, and participation.
Optimization of CO2 Sorption onto Spent Shale with Diethylenetriamine (DETA) and Ethylenediamine (EDA)
Authors: Balogun Asmau Iyabo , Padmanabhan Eswaran , Abdulkareem Firas Ayad , Gebretsadik Haylay Tsegab , Wilfred Cecilia Devi , Soleimani Hassan , Viswanathan Prasanna Mohan , Wee Boon Siong , Yusuf Jemilat Yetunde
Published: November 2022

A novel technique was employed to optimize the CO2 sorption performance of spent shale at elevated pressure–temperature (PT) conditions. Four samples of spent shale prepared from the pyrolysis of oil shale under an anoxic condition were further modified with diethylenetriamine (DETA) and ethylenediamine (EDA) through the impregnation technique to investigate the variations in their physicochemical characteristics and sorption performance. The textural and structural properties of the DETA- and EDA- modified samples revealed a decrease in the surface area from tens of m2/g to a unit of m2/g due to the amine group dispersing into the available pores, but the pore sizes drastically increased to macropores and led to the creation of micropores. The N–H and C–N bonds of amine noticed on the modified samples exhibit remarkable affinity for CO2 sequestration and are confirmed to be thermally stable at higher temperatures by thermogravimetric (TG) analysis. Furthermore, the maximum sorption capacity of the spent shale increased by about 100% with the DETA modification, and the equilibrium isotherm analyses confirmed the sorption performance to support heterogenous sorption in conjunction with both monolayer and multilayer coverage since they agreed with the Sips, Toth, Langmuir, and Freundlich models. The sorption kinetics confirm that the sorption process is not limited to diffusion, and both physisorption and chemisorption have also occurred. Furthermore, the heat of enthalpy reveals an endothermic reaction observed between the CO2 and amine-modified samples as a result of the chemical bond, which will require more energy to break down. This investigation reveals that optimization of spent shale with amine functional groups can enhance its sorption behavior and the amine-modified spent shale can be a promising sorbent for CO2 sequestration from impure steams of the natural gas.
Multi-Objective Optimization of Process Parameters during Micro-Milling of Nickel-Based Alloy Inconel 718 Using Taguchi-Grey Relation Integrated Approach
Authors: Sheheryar Muhammad , Khan Muhammad Ali , Jaffery Syed Husain Imran , Alruqi Mansoor , Khan Rehan , Bashir M. Nasir , Petru Jana
Published: November 2022

This research investigates the machinability of Inconel 718 under conventional machining speeds using three different tool coatings in comparison with uncoated tool during milling operation. Cutting speed, feed rate and depth of cut were selected as variable machining parameters to analyze output responses including surface roughness, burr formation and tool wear. It was found that uncoated and AlTiN coated tools resulted in lower tool wear than nACo and TiSiN coated tools. On the other hand, TiSiN coated tools resulted in highest surface roughness and burr formation. Among the three machining parameters, feed was identified as the most influential parameter affecting burr formation. Grey relational analysis identified the most optimal experimental run with a speed of 14 m/min, feed of 1 μm/tooth, and depth of cut of 70 μm using an AlTiN coated tool. ANOVA of the regression model identified the tool coating parameter as most effective, with a contribution ratio of 41.64%, whereas cutting speed and depth of cut were found to have contribution ratios of 18.82% and 8.10%, respectively. Experimental run at response surface optimized conditions resulted in reduced surface roughness and tool wear by 18% and 20%, respectively.
Long-Term Stability of TiS2–Alkylamine Hybrid Materials
Authors: Ursi Federica , Virga Simone , Garcìa-Espejo Gonzalo , Masciocchi Norberto , Martorana Antonino , Giannici Francesco
Published: November 2022

Layered TiS2 intercalated with linear alkylamines has recently attracted significant interest as a model compound for flexible n-type thermoelectric applications, showing remarkably high power factors at room temperature. The thermal and, particularly, environmental stability of such materials is, however, a still an open challenge. In this paper, we show that amine-intercalated TiS2 prepared by a simple mechanochemical process is prone to chemical decomposition through sulfur exsolution, and that the presence of molecular oxygen is likely to mediate the decomposition reaction. Through computational analysis of the possible reaction pathways, we propose that Ti-N adducts are formed as a consequence of amine groups substituting for S vacancies on the internal surfaces of the S-Ti-S layers. These findings provide insights for possible future applications of similar hybrid compounds as devices operating in ambient conditions, and suggest isolating them from atmospheric oxygen.
A Novel Design Concept of Cemented Paste Backfill (CPB) Materials: Biobjective Optimization Approach by Applying an Evolved Random Forest Model
Authors: He Yanjun , Cheng Yunhai , Ma Mengxiang , Li Fenghui , Song Yaxin , Liu Long , Wang Xudong , Huang Jiandong
Published: November 2022

For cemented paste backfill (CPB), uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) is the key to ensuring the safety of stope construction, and its cost is an important part of the mining cost. However, there are a lack of design methods based on UCS and cost optimization. To address such issues, this study proposes a biobjective optimization approach by applying a novel evolved random forest (RF) model. First, the evolved RF model, based on the beetle search algorithm (BAS), was constructed to predict the UCS of CPB. The consistency between the predicted value and the actual value is high, which proves that the hybrid machine learning model has a good effect on the prediction of the UCS of CPB. Then, considering the linear relationship between the costs and the components of CPB, a mathematical model of the cost is constructed. Finally, based on the weighted sum method, the biobjective optimization process of the UCS and cost of CPB is conducted; the Pareto front optimal solutions of UCS and the cost of CPB can be obtained by the sort of solution set. When the UCS or the cost of CPB is constant, the Pareto front optimal solutions can always have a lower cost or a higher UCS compared with the actual dataset, which proves that the biobjective optimization approach has a good effect.
Corrosion and Wear Behavior of TiO2/TiN Duplex Coatings on Titanium by Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation and Gas Nitriding
Authors: Bakhtiari-Zamani Hassan , Saebnoori Ehsan , Bakhsheshi-Rad Hamid Reza , Berto Filippo
Published: November 2022

In this study, corrosion and wear behavior of three kinds of coatings by two processes, namely, plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) coatings (Ti/TiO2), gas nitriding coating (Ti/TiN), and the duplex coating (Ti/TiO2-N) by combination of PEO and gas nitriding methods were systematically investigated. X-ray diffraction tests, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, and adhesion tests are employed for the coating characterization, along with the wear and electrochemical test for evaluating the corrosion and tribological properties. The morphology and structure of the coating consist of micro-cavities known as the pancake structure on the surface. The electrolytic plasma oxidation process produces a typical annealing behavior with a low friction coefficient based on the wear test. The coating consists of nitride and nitrate/oxides titanium for nitrided samples. The surface morphology of nitrided oxide titanium coating shows a slight change in the size of the crystals and the diameter of the cavities due to the influence of nitrogen in the titanium oxide coating. The tribological behavior of the coatings showed that the wear resistance of the duplex coating (Ti/TiO2-N) and Ti/TiO2 coatings is significantly higher compared to Ti/TiN coatings and uncoated Ti samples. The polarization resistance of the Ti/TiO2-N and Ti/TiO2 coatings was 632.2 and 1451.9 kΩ cm2, respectively. These values are considerably greater than that of the uncoated Ti (135.9 kΩ cm2). Likewise, impedance showed that the Ti/TiO2-N and Ti/TiO2 coatings demonstrate higher charge transfer resistance than that of other samples due to better insulating behavior and denser structure.
Compaction Behavior and Damage Constitutive Model for Porous Cement Mortar under Uniaxial Cyclic Loads
Authors: Liu De-Hang , Qin Yue , Zhuo Li , Liu Jian-Feng , Zheng Zhao-Qiang , Pei Jian-Liang , Liu Huai-Zhong
Published: November 2022

The void compression stage causes porous cement mortar to present special mechanical properties. In order to study the compaction behavior and the damage evolution of the porous material, cement mortar specimens with an average porosity of 26.8% were created and cyclic uniaxial compression tests were carried out. The irreversible strain accumulated in the tests was obtained by cyclic loading and unloading. As the secant modulus of the porous cement mortar increases with stress in the pre-peak deformation stage, its damage variable is defined according to the accumulated irreversible strain instead of modulus degradation. The strain-based damage indicator fitted with the damage evolution law is characterized by linear accumulation at the beginning and has an acceleration rate of about 0.3 in the pre-peak deformation stage, and the damage value converges to 1 at failure. Based on the Weibull distribution, a constitutive damage model of porous cement mortar is improved by considering both the damage evolution during the plastic deformation stage and the mechanical behavior in the compaction stage. The theoretical envelope curves obtained by the constitutive model are in good agreement with the experimental envelope curves of cyclic uniaxial compression in the compaction and pre-peak stages, and the average absolute error is about 0.54 MPa in the entire pre-peak stage, so the proposed damage constitutive model can characterize the damage-induced mechanical properties of porous cement mortar in the compaction and pre-peak stages.
Strengthening of Structural Flexural Glued Laminated Beams of Ashlar with Cords and Carbon Laminates
Authors: Wdowiak-Postulak Agnieszka
Published: November 2022

Changes in the condition of existing timber structures can be caused by fatigue or biological attack, among other things. Replacing damaged timber is still very expensive, so it seems more advisable to repair or reinforce damaged elements. Therefore, in order to improve the static performance analysis of timber structures, reinforcement applications in timber elements are necessary. In this experimental study, technical-scale glulam beams measuring 82 × 162 × 3650 mm, which were reinforced with carbon strands and carbon laminates, were tested in flexure. A four-point bending test was used to determine the effectiveness of the reinforcement used in the timber beams. Internal strengthening (namely, glued carbon cords placed into cut grooves in the last and penultimate lamella) and an external surface of near-surface mounted (NSM) carbon laminates glued to the bottom surface of the beam were used to reinforce the laminated ashlar beams. As a result of this study, it was found that the bending-based mechanical properties of ash wood beams reinforced with carbon fibre-reinforced polymer composites were better than those of the reference beams. In this work, the beams were analysed in terms of the reinforcement variables used and the results were compared with those for the beams tested without reinforcement. This work proves the good behaviour of carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP—Carbon fibre reinforced polymer) cords when applied to timber beams and carbon laminates. This study illustrated the different reinforcement mechanisms and showed their structural properties. Compared to the reference samples, it was found that reinforcement with carbon strings or carbon laminates increased the load-bearing capacity, flexural strength and modulus of elasticity, and reduced the amount of displacement of the timber materials, which is an excellent alternative to the use of ashlar and, above all, inferior grade materials due to the current shortage of choice grade. Experimental results showed that, with the use of carbon fibre (carbon cords SikaWrap® FX-50 C—Sika Poland Sp. z o.o., Warsaw), the load bearing capacity increased by 35.58%, or with carbon cords SikaWrap® FX-50 C and carbon laminates S&P C-Laminate type HM 50/1.4 - S&P Poland Sp. z o.o., Malbork, by 45.42%, compared to the unreinforced beams.
Correction: Dhatwalia et al. Rubus ellipticus Sm. Fruit Extract Mediated Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles: A Green Approach for Dye Degradation and Biomedical Applications. Materials 2022, 15, 3470
Authors: Dhatwalia Jyoti , Kumari Amita , Chauhan Ankush , Mansi Kumari , Thakur Shabnam , Saini Reena V. , Guleria Ishita , Lal Sohan , Kumar Ashwani , Batoo Khalid Mujasam , Choi Byung Hyune , Manicum Amanda-Lee E. , Kumar Rajesh
Published: November 2022

In the original publication [...]
Influence of Magnesium Oxide on the Structure and Catalytic Activity of the Wustite Catalyst for Ammonia Synthesis
Authors: Jurkowski Artur , Albrecht Aleksander , Moszyński Dariusz , Pelka Rafał , Lendzion-Bieluń Zofia
Published: November 2022

The influence of a magnesium oxide admixture on the activation process and catalytic activity of the iron catalyst with a wustite structure was investigated during the ammonia synthesis reaction. The incorporation of magnesium oxide into wustite grains is considered to be a structure-forming and activating promoter. It stabilizes the α-Fe structure and increases the activity of the catalysts in the ammonia synthesis reaction. Moreover, magnesium oxide forms a solid solution with the wustite, which slows down the reduction of a catalyst precursor. Similar to calcium and potassium compounds, magnesium oxide is present on the α-Fe surface of the active form of the catalyst. The optimum MgO concentration in the catalyst structure was determined to be 1.2% wt.
Two-Stage Ultrasound Signal Recognition Method Based on Envelope and Local Similarity Features
Authors: Wang Liwei , Lu Senxiang , Liu Xiaoyuan , Liu Jinhai
Published: November 2022

Accurate identification of ultrasonic signals can effectively improve the accuracy of a defect detection and inversion. Current methods, based on machine learning and deep learning have been able to classify signals with significant differences. However, the ultrasonic internal detection signal is interspersed with a large number of anomalous signals of an unknown origin and is affected by the time shift of echo features and noise interference, which leads to the low recognition accuracy of the ultrasonic internal detection signal, at this stage. To address the above problems, this paper proposes a two-stage ultrasonic signal recognition method, based on the envelope and local similarity features (TS-ES). In the first stage, a normal signal classification method, based on the envelope feature extraction and fusion is proposed to solve the problem of the low ultrasonic signal classification accuracy under the conditions of the echo feature time shift and noise interference. In the second stage, an abnormal signal detection method, based on the local similarity feature extraction and enhancement is proposed to solve the problem of detecting abnormal signals in ultrasound internal detection data. The experimental results show that the accuracy of the two-stage ultrasonic signal recognition method, based on the envelope and local similarity features (TS-ES) in this paper is 97.43%, and the abnormal signal detection accuracy and recall rate are as high as 99.7% and 97.81%.
Study on the Nonlinear Dynamic Behavior of Rattling Vibration in Gear Systems
Authors: Liu Yang , Jiao Yinghou , Qi Shiyuan , Yu Guangbin , Du Mengdi
Published: November 2022

To reveal the nonlinear dynamic behavior of gear rattling vibration caused by gear backlash, a 2-DOF oscillator model with spring and damping elements was established. Based on the theory of discontinuous dynamical systems, the phase plane of gear motion was divided into three parts: the domain of tooth surface meshing motion, the domain of free motion and the domain of tooth back meshing motion. Introducing the global mapping and local mapping dynamics method, the process of gear teeth from impact to meshing and then impact and meshing was accurately described. The influence of different restitution coefficients on gear impact-meshing motion was studied by numerical simulation. The results showed that the grazing bifurcation caused by gear backlash will lead to complex mapping structures of the system and even chaos. The restitution coefficient directly affects the impact-meshing behavior. The introduction of meshing stiffness and restitution coefficient can reasonably characterize the elastic deformation and energy loss during gear meshing, which provides a theoretical model for the application of the theory of discontinuous dynamical systems to a more complex multi-degree of freedom flexible contact gear transmission system.
Semihypergroup-Based Graph for Modeling International Spread of COVID-n in Social Systems
Authors: Firouzkouhi Narjes , Ameri Reza , Amini Abbas , Bordbar Hashem
Published: November 2022

Graph theoretic techniques have been widely applied to model many types of links in social systems. Also, algebraic hypercompositional structure theory has demonstrated its systematic application in some problems. Influenced by these mathematical notions, a novel semihypergroup-based graph (SBG) of G=H,E is constructed through the fundamental relation γn on H, where semihypergroup H is appointed as the set of vertices and E is addressed as the set of edges on SBG. Indeed, two arbitrary vertices x and y are adjacent if xγny. The connectivity of graph G is characterized by xγ*y, whereby the connected components SBG of G would be exactly the elements of the fundamental group H/γ*. Based on SBG, some fundamental characteristics of the graph such as complete, regular, Eulerian, isomorphism, and Cartesian products are discussed along with illustrative examples to clarify the relevance between semihypergroup H and its corresponding graph. Furthermore, the notions of geometric space, block, polygonal, and connected components are introduced in terms of the developed SBG. To formulate the links among individuals/countries in the wake of the COVID (coronavirus disease) pandemic, a theoretical SBG methodology is presented to analyze and simplify such social systems. Finally, the developed SBG is used to model the trend diffusion of the viral disease COVID-n in social systems (i.e., countries and individuals).
A Novel Ensemble Strategy Based on Determinantal Point Processes for Transfer Learning
Authors: Lv Ying , Zhang Bofeng , Yue Xiaodong , Xu Zhikang
Published: November 2022

Transfer learning (TL) hopes to train a model for target domain tasks by using knowledge from different but related source domains. Most TL methods focus more on improving the predictive performance of the single model across domains. Since domain differences cannot be avoided, the knowledge from the source domain to obtain the target domain is limited. Therefore, the transfer model has to predict out-of-distribution (OOD) data in the target domain. However, the prediction of the single model is unstable when dealing with the OOD data, which can easily cause negative transfer. To solve this problem, we propose a parallel ensemble strategy based on Determinantal Point Processes (DPP) for transfer learning. In this strategy, we first proposed an improved DPP sampling to generate training subsets with higher transferability and diversity. Second, we use the subsets to train the base models. Finally, the base models are fused using the adaptability of subsets. To validate the effectiveness of the ensemble strategy, we couple the ensemble strategy into traditional TL models and deep TL models and evaluate the transfer performance models on text and image data sets. The experiment results show that our proposed ensemble strategy can significantly improve the performance of the transfer model.
Short-Term Effects of Brolucizumab in the Treatment of Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration or Polypoidal Choroidopathy Refractory to Previous Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Therapy
Authors: Hsu Alan Y. , Lin Chih-Ying , Lin Chun-Ju , Lai Chun-Ting , Hsia Ning-Yi , Lin Jane-Ming , Tien Peng-Tai , Meng Ping-Ping , Ku Wei-Ning , Chen Wen-Lu , Tsai Yi-Yu
Published: November 2022

Background and objectives: To report the initial response to a single intravitreal brolucizumab (IVI-B) injection in wet age-related macular degeneration (wAMD) or polypoidal choroidopathy (PCV) complicated with either persistent subretinal fluid (SRF) or pigment epithelial detachment refractory to previous anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy. Material and methods: In this retrospective study, all eyes received a single IVI-B (6 mg/0.05 mL) for wAMD or PCV with treatment-resistant SRF or PED. Outcome measures included assessment in central retinal thickness (CRT), visual acuity, and evaluation for changes in the SRF or PED on OCT. Follow-up was prior to the first brolucizumab injection, then at 1 week and 5 weeks afterwards. Results: In total, 10 eyes of 10 patients (6 women [60%]) were enrolled. Five patients had wAMD and five patients had PCV. Average age of participants was 67.6 years. All patients received one IVI-B. All patients were not treatment-naïve to anti-VEGF agents. At the first week and fifth week following the first IVI-B, seven out of seven patients (100%) had resolved SRF. However, seven out of nine patients (78%) had no improvement of their PED at 5 weeks follow-up. Mean PED height and width before the first IVI-B was 339.77 µm and 2233.44 µm, respectively. Mean PED height and width at the fifthweek following the first IVI-B was 328.125 µm and 2129.5 µm, respectively. Overall mean visual acuity before the first IVI-B was 0.224; and 5 weeks following the first IVI-B was 0.38. Conclusions: Treatment with brolucizumab resulted in anatomical improvement for all patients with persistent SRF. Limited efficacy was seen for persistent PED. Brolucizumab appears to be a safe and effective option for treatment-resistant SRF. Future multicenter collaborative studies are warranted.