bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Did the ERAS Protocol Improve Our Results in Locally Advanced Gastric Cancer Surgery?
Authors: Düzgün Özgül , Özcan Pırıltı , Özçelik Mehmet Faik
Published: September 2022

ERAS is a protocol consisting of multidisciplinary approaches, including patient education, fluid resuscitation, keeping patients’ innormothermic state, early feeding, and mobilization. We aimed to present and compare the postoperative results of patients operated on due to locally advanced gastric cancer who received neoadjuvant therapy in two high-volume tertiary centers, and aimed to present that ERAS protocols can be applied with success without increasing the complication rate. This retrospective study consisted of two groups: a non-ERAS group and an ERAS group. The ERAS group consisted of 106 patients and the non-ERAS group consisted of 104 patients. The time to first flatus was shorter in the ERAS group compared with the non-ERAS group: 2.8 (1–5) and 3.5 (1–5, p = 0.008), respectively. The average stay at the hospital was 9 (7–22) days in thenon-ERAS group and 6.5 (5–14) days in the ERAS group. Readmission to the hospital within first 15 days after discharge was observed in one (%0.9) patient in the non-ERAS group and in four (%3.8) patients in the ERAS group. ERAS protocols contribute positively to the nutritional status of patients by reducing surgical stress and the rate of hospitalization, and reducing health costs. However, it appears to be associated with increased readmission rates.
Effect of Low or High Pressure Alveolar Recruitment Maneuver on Postoperative Pain and Quality of Recovery in Patients with Obesity Undergoing Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy
Authors: Jo Youn-Yi , Kim Seong-Min , Lee Dongchul , Kim Yong-Beom , Cha Jeongho , Kwak Hyun-Jeong
Published: September 2022

Background: This study aimed to evaluate whether a low- or high-pressure alveolar recruitment maneuver (ARM) might reduce postoperative pain and improve the quality of recovery after laparoscopic bariatric surgery. Methods: 90 patients with a body mass index > 30 kg/m2 scheduled for laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy were randomly assigned to control (n = 30), low ARM (n = 30), or high ARM groups (n = 30). For the low and high ARM groups, ARM was repeated five times to hold the peak airway pressure at 30 cmH2O and 60 cmH2O for 5 s, respectively, before removal of the trocar. Conventional methods to reduce post-laparoscopic pain, such as intraperitoneal saline irrigation, hemovac drainage, and gentle abdominal compression were performed in all patients, regardless of the assigned group. Results: Shoulder and surgical site pain scores 24 h postoperatively and rescue meperidine requirement were similar between the groups (p = 0.141, 0.101, and 0.82, respectively). The quality of recovery 40 (QoR40) score 24 h postoperatively was similar between the groups (p = 0.755). Postoperative pulmonary complications were similar between the groups (p = 0.124). Conclusion: Application of a low- or high-pressure ARM in addition to conventional methods to remove remnant peritoneal CO2 gas did not reduce postoperative shoulder or surgical site pain or improve the quality of recovery after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.
Bronchial Asthma and Sarcopenia: An Upcoming Potential Interaction
Authors: Karakousis Nikolaos D. , Kotsiou Ourania S. , Gourgoulianis Konstantinos I.
Published: September 2022

Background: Sarcopenia seems to be an emerging health issue worldwide, concerning the progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass, accompanied by adverse outcomes. Asthma is a chronic inflammatory respiratory condition that is widespread in the world, affecting approximately 8% of adults. Although data are scarce, we aim to shed light on the potential association between low muscle mass and asthma and point out any probable negative feedback on each other. Methods: We searched within the PubMed, Scopus, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar databases. Study selections: Three studies were included in our analysis. Only original studies written in English were included, while the references of the research articles were thoroughly examined for more relevant studies. Moreover, animal model studies were excluded. Results: 2% to 17% of asthmatics had sarcopenia according to the existent literature. Sarcopenic asthmatic patients seem to have reduced lung function, while their mortality risk may be increased. Furthermore, patients with asthma- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) overlap syndrome phenotype and sarcopenia might have a higher risk of osteopenia and osteoporosis progression, leading consequently to an increased risk of fractures and disability. Conclusions: Emerging data support that pulmonologists should be aware of the sarcopenia concept and be prepared to evaluate the existence of low muscle mass in their asthmatic patients.
Multiplicative Methodology for Assessing Investment Attractiveness and Risk for Industries
Authors: Vertakova Yulia , Klevtsova Maria , Zadimidchenko Anna
Published: September 2022

Creating favorable conditions for the development of industry is one of the key tasks with an increased level of complexity, the solution of which is associated with attracting investments and forming an investment policy that takes into account various specific characteristics of its implementation. However, modern science requires a deeper development of tools related to the study of the investment attractiveness of industries and the level of risk of investing in them, including taking into account market value factors. The purpose of this study is the development and practical approbation of a multiplicative methodology for assessing investment attractiveness and risk for individual industries. The methodological basis of the study was the scientific works of domestic and foreign scientists in the field of industrial and investment policy, its goals, tools for implementation and features of formation in individual industry complexes. The work also used the methods of structural-functional, economic-statistical, and comparative analysis, as well as tabular and graphical interpretation of empirical-factual information. The proposed methods for assessing investment attractiveness make it possible to take into account not only quantitatively measured indicators, but also more obscure indicators, which is especially important for obtaining a more complete result and can be used in conditions of limited access to information. As a result of this study, the most investment-attractive enterprises and a separate industry were identified, which at the initial stage should become the priorities of the industrial policy of the regions, since they are a kind of growth pole that can create a propulsive effect for the development of other enterprises and the territory as a whole.
Smart City: The Different Uses of IoT Sensors
Authors: Pau Giovanni , Arena Fabio
Published: September 2022

We refer to an interconnected city with shared intelligence when discussing Smart City and Internet of Things (IoT) sensors—a city governed in real time thanks to the recently gained ability to gather data through thousands of deployed sensors [...]
Distribution of Irrigated and Rainfed Agricultural Land in a Semi-Arid Sandy Area
Authors: Zheng Huihui , Sang Zhiting , Wang Kaige , Xu Yan , Cai Zhaoyang
Published: September 2022

Under water resource and terrain constraints, a certain scale threshold of irrigated and rainfed agricultural areas exists in semi-arid sandy areas. If this threshold is exceeded, water and soil resources will be unbalanced, and the ecological environment will deteriorate. Accurate assessment of the suitable scale of cultivated land in semi-arid sandy areas is of great significance for sustainable utilization of cultivated land resources and regional ecological security. Most existing research methods are based on water resource constraints and rarely consider terrain factors. Therefore, based on the principle of water balance and with the Horqin Left Wing Rear Banner as the research area, this study adopted a multi-objective fuzzy optimization model and relative terrain index analysis method to explore the appropriate spatial ratio of irrigation and rainfed agriculture. The results show that the area of irrigated agriculture in the study area is 77,700 hm2, and the appropriate scale is 91,700 hm2. The current area of dry farming is 184,600 hm2, and the suitable scale is 117,100 hm2. The results also show that the utilization efficiency of water and soil resources in irrigated agriculture was not optimal, rainfed agriculture exceeded its suitable scale, and water and soil resources were seriously unbalanced. However, the region of cultivated land that exceeds the appropriate scale is mostly located in an area with poor terrain, less precipitation, and other unsuitable conditions for cultivation, which is prone to abandonment, resulting in deterioration of the ecological environment. Therefore, the spatial layout of agricultural land use in the study area should be adapted to local conditions, and the water-saving structure of irrigated agriculture should be optimized to achieve the maximum comprehensive benefits. Dry farming should be controlled on a reasonable scale, and the part exceeding the appropriate scale should be returned to grassland to ensure sustainable development.
Sources of Discreteness and Gradience in Island Effects
Authors: Chaves Rui P.
Published: September 2022

This paper provides an overview of categorical and gradient effects in islands, with a focus on English, and argues that most islands are gradient. In some cases, the island is circumvented by the construction type in which the extraction takes place, and there is growing evidence that the critical factor is pragmatic in nature, contrary to classic and categorical accounts of island effects that are favored in generative circles to this day. In other cases, the island effect is malleable and can weaken with increased exposure to the extraction pattern, a phenomenon traditionally referred to as ‘syntactic satiation’. However, it is not clear what satiation consists of. Some argue that it is nothing more than task adaptation (mere increased familiarity with the experimental paradigm, impacting difficult sentences more than easy ones), whereas others propose that it consists of a form of error-driven structure-dependent form of learning. The present paper discusses this controversy, and the broader adaptation debate, and argues that both task adaptation and grammatical adaptation are taking place during the processing of complex sentences, and that both frequency and attention are plausible factors to stimulate adaptation.
Protective Effects of L-2-Oxothiazolidine-4-Carboxylate during Isoproterenol-Induced Myocardial Infarction in Rats: In Vivo Study
Authors: Angelovski Marija , Hadzi-Petrushev Nikola , Atanasov Dino , Nikodinovski Aleksandar , Mitrokhin Vadim , Avtanski Dimiter , Mladenov Mitko
Published: September 2022

This study aimed to evaluate the cardioprotective effects of L-2-oxothiazolidine-4-carboxylate (OTC) against isoproterenol (ISO)-induced acute myocardial infarction (MI) in rats. Results demonstrated that OTC treatments inhibited ISO-induced oxidative damage, suppressed lipid peroxidation, and increased superoxide dismutase and catalase activity in the hearts of the treated rats compared to those of the untreated controls. The ISO-related NF-κB activation was reduced due to the OTC treatment, and lower degrees of inflammatory cell infiltration and necrosis in the hearts were observed. In summary, OTC treatments exerted cardioprotective effects against MI in vivo, mainly due to enhancing cardiac antioxidant activity.
Optimization of CO2 Supply for the Intensive Cultivation of Chlorella sorokiniana IPPAS C-1 in the Laboratory and Pilot-Scale Flat-Panel Photobioreactors
Authors: Gabrielyan David A. , Gabel Boris V. , Sinetova Maria A. , Gabrielian Alexander K. , Markelova Alexandra G. , Shcherbakova Natalia V. , Los Dmitry A.
Published: September 2022

Microalgae are increasingly being used for capturing carbon dioxide and converting it into valuable metabolites and biologically active compounds on an industrial scale. The efficient production of microalgae biomass requires the optimization of resources, including CO2. Here, we estimated the productivity of Chlorella sorokiniana IPPAS C-1 depending on CO2 concentrations and the ventilation coefficient of the gas-air mixture (GAM) in flat-panel photobioreactors (FP-PBRs) at laboratory (5 L) and pilot (18 L) scales. For the laboratory scale, the PBRs operated at 900 µmol quanta m−2 s−1 and 35.5 ± 0.5 °C; the optimal CO2 flow rate was estimated at 3 mL CO2 per 1 L of suspension per minute, which corresponds to 1.5% CO2 in the GAM and an aeration rate of 0.2 vvm. These parameters, being scaled up within the pilot PBRs, resulted in a high specific growth rate (µ ≈ 0.1 h−1) and high specific productivity (Psp ≈ 1 g dw L−1 d−1). The principles of increasing the efficiency of the intensive cultivation of C. sorokiniana IPPAS C-1 are discussed. These principles are relevant for the development of technological regimes for the industrial production of Chlorella in flat-panel PBRs of various sizes.
The Antioxidant and Antitumor Efficiency of Litophyton sp. Extract in DMH-Induced Colon Cancer in Male Rats
Authors: Ashry Mahmoud , Askar Hussam , Alian Abdallah , Zidan Sabry A. H. , El-Sahra Doaa G. , Abdel-Wahhab Khaled G. , Lamlom Sobhi F. , Abdelsalam Nader R. , Abd El-Hack Mohamed E. , Gomaa Heba F.
Published: September 2022

One of the most common tumors to cause death worldwide is colon cancer. This study aims to investigate the antitumor potency of Litophyton sp. methanolic extract (LME) against DMH-induced colon cancer in adult male rats. Group (1) normal rats served as the control, group (2) normal rats were ip-injected with LME at a dose of 100 μg/kg/day, group (3) DMH-induced colon cancer animals, and group (4) colon cancer-modeled animals were treated with LME (100 μg/kg/day) for six weeks. The results revealed that injection of LME markedly regenerated the colon cancer pathophysiological disorders; this was monitored from the significant reduction in the values of serum biomarkers (CEA, CA19.9, AFP), cytokines (TNF-α and IL1β), and biochemical measurements (ALAT, ASAT, urea, creatinine, cholesterol, and triglycerides) matched significant increase of apoptotic biomarkers (CD4+); similarly, colon DNA fragmentation, MDA, and NO levels were down-regulated. In contrast, a remarkable upregulation in colon SOD, GPx, GSH, and CAT levels was noted. Moreover, the colon histopathological architecture showed obvious regenerations. Chromatography of LME resulted in the purification of two polyhydroxylated steroids (1 and 2) with potential cytotoxic activities. LME performed therapeutic potential colon tumorigenesis; therefore, LME may have a promising chemo-preventive feature against colon cancer, probably via enhancement of the apoptosis pathway, improvement of the immune response, reduction of inflammation, or/and restoration of the impaired oxidative stress.
Performance Characteristics of Spur Gears Hobbed under MQL, Flood Lubrication, and Dry Environments
Authors: Kharka Vishal , Rana Vivek , Jain Neelesh Kumar , Gupta Kapil
Published: September 2022

This paper presents the influence of three lubrication environments, namely hobbing with minimum quantity lubrication (HWMQL), hobbing with flood lubrication (HWFL), and hobbing without any lubrication (HWAL), on the wear characteristics, microhardness, functional performance parameters, generation of noise and vibrations, flank surface roughness, and microgeometry deviation parameters of spur gears. Convective heat transfer coefficients in HWMQL and HWFL are evaluated to study the cooling mechanism involved and their heat dissipation capabilities during spur gear manufacturing. It is found that HWMQL-manufactured spur gears exhibited higher microhardness and smaller values of microgeometry deviations, flank surface roughness, functional performance parameters, wear rate, wear volume, and noise and vibrations than the spur gears manufactured by HWFL and HWAL. HWMQL facilitated a significantly higher convective heat transfer coefficient than HWFL, indicating its superior hobbing performance. An examination of the worn flank surfaces of HWMQL-manufactured gears revealed a wear track that resulted in less abrasive wear, wear debris, and subsurface damage, whereas the worn flank surfaces of HWFL-manufactured gears showed deep grooves, feed marks, and surface defects. This study proves that HWMQL is capable of manufacturing gears with better accuracy, enhanced wear resistance, smoother and quieter operational performance, and longer service life due to its better cooling and lubrication action. The results of this study will be very helpful for the manufacturers and users of spur gears.
Modelling and Optimization for Mortar Compressive Strength Incorporating Heat-Treated Fly Oil Shale Ash as an Effective Supplementary Cementitious Material Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Al Salaheen Marsail , Alaloul Wesam , Malkawi Ahmad , de Brito Jorge , Alzubi Khalid , Al-Sabaeei Abdulnaser , Alnarabiji Mohamad
Published: September 2022

Fly oil shale ash (FOSA) is a waste material known for its pozzolanic activity. This study intends to investigate the optimum thermal treatment conditions to use FOSA efficiently as a cement replacement material. FOSA samples were burned in an electric oven for 2, 4, and 6 h at temperatures ranging from 550 °C to 1000 °C with 150 °C intervals. A total of 333 specimens out of 37 different mixes were prepared and tested with cement replacement ratios between 10% and 30%. The investigated properties included the mineralogical characteristics, chemical elemental analysis, compressive strength, and strength activity index for mortar samples. The findings show that the content of SiO2 + Al2O3 + Fe2O3 was less than 70% in all samples. The strength activity index of the raw FOSA at 56 days exceeded 75%. Among all specimens, the calcined samples for 2 h demonstrated the highest pozzolanic activity and compressive strength with a 75% strength activity index. The model developed by RSM is suitable for the interpretation of FOSA in the cementitious matrix with high degrees of correlation above 85%. The optimal compressive strength was achieved at a 30% replacement level, a temperature of 700 °C for 2 h, and after 56 days of curing.
Upconversion Emission Studies in Er3+/Yb3+ Doped/Co-Doped NaGdF4 Phosphor Particles for Intense Cathodoluminescence and Wide Temperature-Sensing Applications
Authors: Kumar Abhishek , Couto Helena , da Silva Joaquim C. G. Esteves
Published: September 2022

Er3+/Yb3+ doped/co-doped NaGdF4 upconversion phosphor nanoparticles were synthesized via the thermal decomposition route of synthesis. The α-phase crystal structure and nanostructure of these particles were confirmed using XRD and FE-SEM analysis. In the power-dependent upconversion analysis, different emission bands at 520 nm, 540 nm, and 655 nm were obtained. The sample was also examined for cathodoluminescence (CL) analysis at different filament currents of an electron beam. Through CL analysis, different emission bands of 526 nm, 550 nm, 664 nm, and 848 nm were obtained. The suitability of the present sample for temperature-sensing applications at a wide range of temperatures, from room temperature to 1173 K, was successfully demonstrated.
Ultimate Bearing Capacity of Bottom Sealing Concrete in Underwater Deep Foundation Pit: Theoretical Calculation and Numerical Analysis
Authors: Chen Shuo , Li Yonghai , Guo Panpan , Zuo Xiaohan , Liu Yan , Yuan Haiping , Wang Yixian
Published: September 2022

The cofferdam method is generally applied in the construction of underwater pier foundation in bridge engineering, and the pouring of bottom sealing concrete is one of the important links in the construction of the cofferdam. The bottom sealing concrete can prevent water seepage and balance the main body of the cofferdam, and its structural size and construction quality have a great influence on the above functions. Under the condition of large water level difference, it is difficult to determine the reasonable thickness of the bottom sealing concrete. There are few related studies in this field, and there is a lack of systematic summary of calculation theory. This work theoretically deduces the approximate solution of ultimate bending moment and ultimate stress of the bottom sealing concrete, introduces two different calculation methods, systematically summarizes the calculation methods of three kinds of ultimate stress, analyzes the calculation methods of ultimate bonding force, and uses ANSYS finite element software to simulate a specific bottom sealing concrete model, and compares it with the theoretical calculation results. The maximum stress obtained by the approximate solution is closer to the actual monitoring data than the traditional method, and the calculation method of the bonding force can be used to make a rough estimate.
Investigation of the Voltage-Induced Damage Progression on the Raceway Surfaces of Thrust Ball Bearings
Authors: Harder André , Zaiat Anatoly , Becker-Dombrowsky Florian Michael , Puchtler Steffen , Kirchner Eckhard
Published: September 2022

In the course of the electrification of powertrains, rolling element bearings are increasingly subject to electrical damage. In contrast to mechanically generated pittings, voltage-induced surface damage is a continuous process. Though several approaches for the description of the damage state of a bearing are known, a generally accepted quantification for the bearing damage has not been established yet. This paper investigates surface properties, which can be used as a metric damage scale for the quantification of the electric bearing damage progression. For this purpose, the requirements for suitable surface properties are defined. Afterwards, thrust ball bearings are installed on a test rig, with constantly loaded mechanically and periodically damaged electrically in multiple phases. After each phase, the bearings are disassembled, the bearing surfaces are graded and measured for 45 different standardized surface properties. These properties are evaluated with the defined requirements. For the ones meeting the requirements, critical levels are presented, which allow for a quantified distinction between grey frosting and corrugation surfaces. These values are compared with measurements presented in the literature showing that the identified surface properties are suitable for the quantification of electrical bearing damages.
Multi-Objective Parallel Machine Scheduling with Eligibility Constraints for the Kitting of Metal Structural Parts
Authors: Zhu Xiaofei , Xu Jiazhong , Ge Jianghua , Wang Yaping , Xie Zhiqiang
Published: September 2022

This paper studied a class of coupling problems of material assignment, part nesting, kit delivery and parallel machine scheduling. The aim of this paper was to solve the scheduling problem of metal structural part processing and welding assembly with eligibility constraints. A two-stage mixed-integer programming model was constructed. The eligibility constraints took into account the material type of parts and nesting. The objectives were to minimize the makespan, maximize material utilization and minimize the kit delivery metrics (kitting time and numbers of earliness and tardiness of kits). A hierarchical optimization approach was proposed. The scheduling model was solved by using the Gurobi solver in the first stage, and the results were used to constrain the second stage. The second stage of the scheduling model was solved using an improved multi-objective genetic algorithm. Due to the strong coupling relationships among the sorting of parts, the sorting of each profile and the sorting of each material, a hybrid encoding and decoding mode was designed for part sorting with eligibility constraints. Finally, the proposed scheduling approach was applied to actual production cases. The data showed that when the number of components exceeded 300 (the number of parts was about 1500), the material utilization reached 95%. Choosing a suitable number of machines, machine utilization reached 90%. The results demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed scheduling model and algorithm.
A Comprehensive Analysis of LoRaWAN Key Security Models and Possible Attack Solutions
Authors: Ntshabele Koketso , Isong Bassey , Gasela Naison , Abu-Mahfouz Adnan M.
Published: September 2022

Low-Power Wide-Area Network (LPWAN) is a wireless WAN technology that connects low-powered and low-bandwidth devices with low bit rates atop Long Ranges (LoRa). It is characterized by improved scalability, wide area coverage, and low power consumption, which are beneficial to resource-constrained devices on the Internet of Things (IoT) for effective communication and security. Security in Long-Range Wide-Area Networks (LoRaWAN) widely employs Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) 128-bit symmetric encryption as the accepted security standard for a key generation that secures communication and entities. However, designing an efficient key manifestation and management model is still a challenge as different designs are based on different research objectives. To date, there is no global and well-accepted LoRaWAN security model for all applications. Thus, there is a need to continually improve the LoRaWAN security model. This paper, therefore, performed an in-depth analysis of some existing LoRaWAN key security models to identify security challenges affecting these security models and assess the strengths and weaknesses of the proposed solutions. The goal is to improve some of the existing LoRaWAN security models by analysing and bringing together several challenges that affect them. Several relevant studies were collected and analysed; the analysis shows that though there are few research works in this area, several existing LoRaWAN security models are not immune to attacks. Symmetry encryption is found to be the most used approach to manage key security due to its less computational operations. Moreover, it is possible to improve existing key security models in LPWAN with consideration of the resource constrained. Again, trusted third parties for key management were also widely used to defend against possible attacks and minimize operational complexities. We, therefore, recommend the design of lightweight and less complex LPWAN security models to sustain the lifespan of LPWAN devices.
How Micro-Lectures Improve Learning Satisfaction and Achievement: A Combination of ECM and Extension of TAM Models
Authors: Jiang Peijie , Wijaya Tommy Tanu , Mailizar Mailizar , Zulfah Zulfah , Astuti Astuti
Published: September 2022

This study aimed to examine the potential of micro-lectures as effective technology-based learning media in mathematics. It proposed a hypothesis that using micro-lectures affects learning satisfaction and achievement in mathematics. Data were collected using a questionnaire developed from the acceptance model theory (TAM) and the extended Expectation Confirmation Model (ECM). Respondents comprised 233 students from six classes that used micro-lectures to learn mathematics for one semester at a public junior high school. The data were analyzed quantitatively using structural equation modeling assisted by SMART PLS 3.0 software. The results showed that perceived usefulness was the most significant factor in the learning achievement. Student attitude towards micro-lectures was the strongest positive factor in learning satisfaction. Furthermore, the proposed model explained 76.9% and 77.3% of the factors related to learning and satisfaction in using micro-lectures, respectively. It implies that micro-lectures affect learning satisfaction and achievement in mathematics. These results indicate that using micro-lectures in mathematics lessons increases learning satisfaction and achievement. They could assist schools, teachers, and local education ministries in planning, evaluating, and implementing micro-lectures in teaching and learning activities to improve education quality.
A Mathematical Model for Ovine Brucellosis during Dynamic Transportation of Sheep, and Its Applications in Jalaid Banner and Ulanhot City
Authors: Guo Jiaming , Luo Xiaofeng , Zhang Juan , Li Mingtao
Published: September 2022

Brucellosis a the serious infectious disease in Hinggan League. Research has demonstrated that a large amount of transportation is one of the main reasons for so many cases. However, the specific transmission mechanism of brucellosis is not clear. In this paper, we utilize a multi-patch model to study the effect of the transportation of sheep on the spread of brucellosis in Hinggan League. Theoretically, we prove the global stability of the disease-free equilibrium and the uniform persistence of the endemic equilibrium. In a practical application, we apply the model to investigate the spread of brucellosis in Ulanhot city and Jalaid Banner, which are geographically adjacent in Hinggan League. The strains carried by humans are B.melitensis bv.1 and B.melitensis bv.3. We use the two-patch model to fit reported brucellosis cases data of two places by Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) simulations. It is found that the global basic reproduction number R0 is larger than 1, but the isolated basic reproduction numbers in Ulanhot city and Jalaid Banner are both less than 1. This indicates that the prevalence of brucellosis may be caused by the transportation of sheep. Sensitivity analysis of parameters on R0 shows that it is the most effective means to control the transportation of sheep from Jalaid to Ulanhot on preventing brucellosis. Moreover, we also discover that improving vaccine efficiency is an effective method compared with strengthening the vaccination coverage rate and improving the detection rate of sheep with brucellosis. Our dynamic behavior analysis of the two-patch model can provide a reference for the dynamic behavior analysis of the n-patch model, and our results provide a guide for how to control brucellosis based on transportation.
An Extended Multi-Attributive Border Approximation Area Comparison Method for Emergency Decision Making with Complex Linguistic Information
Authors: Shi Hua , Huang Lin , Li Ke , Wang Xiang-Hu , Liu Hu-Chen
Published: September 2022

In recent years, different types of emergency events have taken place frequently around the world. Emergencies need to be addressed in the shortest possible time since inappropriate or delayed decisions may result in severe secondary disasters and economic losses. To make emergency decisions effectively within a limited time, a new emergency decision-making model is proposed in this study based on double hierarchy hesitant linguistic term sets (DHHLTSs) and the multi-attributive border approximation area comparison (MABAC) method. First, the performance assessment information on emergency solutions provided by domain experts is represented by the DHHLTSs, which are very useful for managing complex linguistic expressions in a prominent manner. Then, we make an extension of the MABAC method to determine the priority of alternative solutions and find out the optimal one for an emergency event. Furthermore, the criteria weights for emergency decision making are determined objectively with a maximum comprehensive method. Finally, a practical public health example is provided and a comparative analysis is performed to illustrate the applicability and advantages of the proposed emergency decision-making model.
Local H∞ Control for Continuous-Time T-S Fuzzy Systems via Generalized Non-Quadratic Lyapunov Functions
Authors: Hu Guolin , Zhang Jian , Yan Zhiguo
Published: September 2022

This paper further develops a relaxed method to reduce conservatism in H∞ feedback control for continuous-time T-S fuzzy systems via a generalized non-quadratic Lyapunov function. Different from the results of some exisiting works, the generalized H∞ state feedback controller is designed. The relaxed stabilization conditions are obtained by applying Finsler’s lemma with the homogenous polynomial multipliers, and the H∞ performance is acquired by solving an optimization problem. In addition, the proposed method could be expanded to handle other control problems for fuzzy systems. Two examples are given to show the validity of the proposed results.
Attitude Control Method of Unmanned Helicopter Based on Asymmetric Tracking Differentiator and Fal-Extended State Observer
Authors: Cheng Chen , Wang Zian , Zhang Chengxi , Yang Yang
Published: September 2022

In order to meet the constraints of velocity and acceleration of displacement and attitude motion of an unmanned helicopter during an automatic carrier landing mission, an asymmetric tracking differentiator, which could set the speed and acceleration limits in two directions of tracked signal motion respectively, was derived based on the tracking differentiator in the active disturbance rejection control method. Based on the proposed asymmetric tracking differentiator, a fal-extended state observer based on the fal function was added to construct the attitude and angular velocity controller which is programmable during the transition process of unmanned helicopters. The mathematical simulation and result analysis show that the newly proposed attitude estimation algorithm effectively compensates for the deficiencies of the existing methods, improves the anti-jamming capability and the accuracy of attitude estimation in the maneuvering process, achieving the expected design purposes.
Arterial Blood Pressure, Neuronal Excitability, Mineral Metabolism and Cell Volume Regulation Mechanisms Revealed by Xenopus laevis oocytes
Authors: Gamba Gerardo
Published: September 2022

Xenopus laevis oocytes have been an invaluable tool to discover and explore the molecular mechanisms and characteristics of many proteins, in particular integral membrane proteins. The oocytes were fundamental in many projects designed to identify the cDNA encoding a diversity of membrane proteins including receptors, transporters, channels and pores. In addition to being a powerful tool for cloning, oocytes were later used to experiment with the functional characterization of many of the identified proteins. In this review I present an overview of my personal 30-year experience using Xenopus laevis oocytes and the impact this had on a variety of fields such as arterial blood pressure, neuronal excitability, mineral metabolism and cell volume regulation.
Experimental Evaluation of Hoop Stress–Strain State of 3D-Printed Pipe Ring Tensile Specimens
Authors: Travica Milan , Mitrovic Nenad , Petrovic Aleksandar , Trajkovic Isaak , Milosevic Milos , Sedmak Aleksandar , Berto Filippo
Published: September 2022

Data on the strain and stress status of the pipe in the circumferential direction are required for various pipe manufacturing procedures (e.g., in the oil business, the process of manufacturing seamless pipes with a conical shaft). The aim of this study is to develop a procedure to determine the strain and stress behavior of Pipe Ring Tensile Specimens (PRTSs) in the hoop direction, as there are a lack of official standardized methods for testing PRTS. This paper discusses the application of the Digital Image Correlation method for testing plastic PRTSs. PRTSs are tested using a specially designed steel tool with two D blocks. A 3D-printed PRTS is placed over two D-shaped mandrels, which are fixed on a tensile tool and tensile testing machine. The strain evolution in the gage length of the specimens is captured using the three-dimensional Digital Image Correlation (3D DIC) method. To check the geometry of the cross-section of the PRTS after fracture, all the specimens are 3D scanned. For the study, six groups of PRTS are analyzed, consisting of three filling percentages (60, 90, and 100%) and two geometry types (Single and Double PRTS). The results show that the type and percentage of filling, as well as the method of printing, affect the material behavior. However, the approach with the DIC system, 3D printer, and scanner shows that they are effective instruments for mapping complete strain fields in PRTS, and thus are effective in characterizing the mechanical properties of pipes.
Effect of Impact Block Shape and Material on Impact Wear Behavior of Zr-4 Alloy Cladding Tube
Authors: Yu Shijia , Hu Yong , Liu Xin , Li Dongxing , He Liping , Wang Jun , Cai Zhenbing
Published: September 2022

In a pressurized water reactor nuclear power plant, metal foreign matter in the rod–rod gap of the fuel assembly is constantly rubbed and collided with the fuel rod under continuous scouring of the coolant, resulting in wear to the fuel rod and even leakage of the perforation. In this work, the effects of different debris shapes and materials on the impact wear behavior of Zr−4 alloy tubes were studied through the dynamic response and damage of Zr−4 alloy tubes under cyclic impact. The results show that the sharper the shape of the impact block, the higher the wear rate of the Zr−4 alloy tube. Although the energy absorption rate of SA 508−A during the impact process is high, most of the energy is used for the wear of the impact block itself and the formation and peeling of the wear debris accumulation layer, and the damage to the Zr−4 alloy tube is small. The wear debris generated by the Zr−4 impact block is not easy to oxidize, and the wear caused by the cyclic impact is more serious. After the Zr−4 impact block cyclically impacts the Zr−4 alloy tube 200 w times, the Zr−4 alloy tube will be perforated due to wear. The oxidation and accumulation of wear debris and the wear mechanism in the impact process are mainly abrasive wear and surface peeling behavior. The occurrence of cutting and wear removal will promote the wear and thinning of the tube wall of the Zr−4 alloy tube, and the tube wall is easily perforated after thinning.
Optimization of Gold Dissolution Parameters in Acidified Thiourea Leaching Solution with Hydrogen Peroxide as an Oxidant: Implications of Roasting Pretreatment Technology
Authors: Munganyinka Jeanne Pauline , Habinshuti Jean Baptiste , Komadja Gbetoglo Charles , Uwamungu Placide , Tanvar Himanshu , Ofori-Sarpong Grace , Mishra Brajendra , Onwualu Azikiwe P. , Shuey Scott
Published: September 2022

The nature of gold (Au) ore deposits plays an essential role in determining the best gold recovery method as an alternative to cyanidation, considering environmental concerns. Thiourea (Tu) leaching of gold is an alternative lixiviant for treating sulfide gold ores and concentrates. The present study investigated the leaching behavior of Au from sulfide gold ore concentrates obtained from the Cripple Creek site (Newmont operated mine) using acidified thiourea solution. The concentrates containing pyrite, K-feldspar, quartz, and gypsum as major minerals were roasted before leaching to break down complex sulfides and improve the gold’s leachability. Parameters investigated include the leaching time (1–7 h), temperature (20–60 °C), pulp density (20–60 g/L), and thiourea concentration (20–60 g/L) to determine optimum conditions for Au dissolution. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) was used as an oxidizing agent and sulfuric acid (H2SO4) to maintain an acidic environment during the leaching process. The highest Au dissolution percentage of 96.2 was obtained after 6 h of leaching with 40 g/L thiourea at 60 °C, pH 1, and pulp density of 20 g/L. Based on the results presented in this work, the dissolution of gold with thiourea in an acidic solution would be a potential alternative to the traditional cyanide process, with the increase in understanding of the green leaching of Au from sulfide gold ores.
Impacts of Surface Texture and Nature of Friction on Energy-Force Efficiency of Surface Plastic Deformation during Burnishing
Authors: Bobrovskij Igor , Bobrovskij Nikolaj , Khaimovich Alexander , Travieso-Rodriguez J. Antonio
Published: September 2022

Burnishing, the plastic deformation of the workpiece surface due to sliding contact with a tool called burnisher, is a finishing operation widely used in various industries. In this work, impacts of the initial surface roughness Ra of the workpiece being burnished, the nature of friction in the contact zone, and the clamping force on the stability and energy efficiency of burnishing have been investigated. Experiments have been conducted with and without lubricant, represented by low-viscosity deep-hydrogenated fraction of sour oils, at initial surface roughness Ra of 0.8 and 1.25 μm and variable (100–200 N) clamping force. A key process indicator, which largely controls mechanics of burnishing, the temperature in the tool-workpiece contact zone has been measured using natural thermocouple method. Microhardness of the workpiece surface after burnishing has also been measured. It has been shown that changes in the temperature of the tool-workpiece contact zone are proportional to the changes in the squared tool clamping force. This dependence appeared to be universal and equally applicable to burnishing with and without lubrication. Based on the analysis of the experimental data, a new criterion of the burnishing efficiency has been developed. The new criterion simplifies the choice of optimum operational parameters and helps in preventing adverse impacts of structural phase transformations in the workpiece surface layer that unavoidably lead to reduced product quality and operational reliability and in reducing tool wear, which is critically important in the case of dry burnishing. The obtained results show that the nature of friction accompanying the surface plastic deformation has a significant impact on the stability and energy efficiency of the burnishing process. While the clamping force is equally important for burnishing with and without lubrication, the initial roughness Ra has an impact on dry burnishing only. Application of minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) under experimental conditions typical for industrial burnishing is found to be favorable. In particular, it was shown that MQL not only enhances the stability of burnishing process and but also increases its energy efficiency by more than 20%.
Austenite-Based Fe-Mn-Al-C Lightweight Steels: Research and Prospective
Authors: Ding Hua , Liu Degang , Cai Minghui , Zhang Yu
Published: September 2022

Fe-Mn-Al-C lightweight steels have been investigated intensely in the last a few years. There are basically four types of Fe-Mn-Al-C steels, ferritic, ferrite-based duplex/triplex (ferrite + austenite, ferrite + austenite + martensite), austenite-based duplex (ferrite + austenite), and single-austenitic. Among these steels, austenite-based lightweight steels generally exhibit high strength, good ductility, and outstanding weight reduction effects. Due to the addition of Al and high C content, κ’-carbide and κ-carbide are prone to form in the austenite grain interior and at grain boundaries of lightweight steels, respectively, and play critical roles in controlling the microstructures and mechanical properties of the steels. The microstructural evolution, strengthening mechanisms, and deformation behaviors of these lightweight steels are quite different from those of the mild conventional steels and TRIP/TWIP steels due to their high stacking fault energies. The relationship between the microstructures and mechanical properties has been widely investigated, and several deformation mechanisms have also been proposed for austenite-based lightweight steels. In this paper, the current research works are reviewed and the prospectives of the austenite-based Fe-Mn-Al-C lightweight steels are discussed.
NFκB1 Polymorphisms Are Associated with Severe Influenza A (H1N1) Virus Infection in a Canadian Population
Authors: Mirzo Suhrobjon Mullo , Kumar Anand , Sharma Naresh Kumar , Li Lin , Balshaw Robert , Plummer Francis A. , Luo Ma , Liang Binhua
Published: September 2022

Background: We examined associations between NFκB1 polymorphisms and influenza A (H1N1) clinical outcomes in Canadian. Methods: A total of thirty-six Caucasian patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) in hospitals in Canada were recruited during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic. Genomic DNA was extracted from the whole blood samples. The NFkB1 gene was targeted for genotyping using next-generation sequencing technology—Roche 454. Results: A total of 136 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were discovered within the NFκB1 gene. Among them, 63 SNPs were significantly enriched in patients admitted in the ICU (p < 0.05) compared with the British Caucasian population in the 1000 Genomes study. These enriched SNPs are mainly intron variants, and only two are exon SNPs from the non-transcribing portion of the NFκB1 gene. Conclusions: Genetic variations in the NFκB1 gene could influence clinical outcomes of pandemic H1N1 infections. Our findings showed that sequence variations of the NFκB1 gene might influence patient response to influenza infection.
Deposition of Chiral Heptahelicene Molecules on Ferromagnetic Co and Fe Thin-Film Substrates
Authors: Safari Mohammad Reza , Matthes Frank , Ernst Karl-Heinz , Bürgler Daniel E. , Schneider Claus M.
Published: September 2022

The discovery of chirality-induced spin selectivity (CISS), resulting from an interaction between the electron spin and handedness of chiral molecules, has sparked interest in surface-adsorbed chiral molecules due to potential applications in spintronics, enantioseparation, and enantioselective chemical or biological processes. We study the deposition of chiral heptahelicene by sublimation under ultra-high vacuum onto bare Cu(111), Co bilayer nanoislands on Cu(111), and Fe bilayers on W(110) by low-temperature spin-polarized scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy (STM/STS). In all cases, the molecules remain intact and adsorb with the proximal phenanthrene group aligned parallel to the surface. Three degenerate in-plane orientations on Cu(111) and Co(111), reflecting substrate symmetry, and only two on Fe(110), i.e., fewer than symmetry permits, indicate a specific adsorption site for each substrate. Heptahelicene physisorbs on Cu(111) but chemisorbs on Co(111) and Fe(110) bilayers, which nevertheless remain for the sub-monolayer coverage ferromagnetic and magnetized out-of-plane. We are able to determine the handedness of individual molecules chemisorbed on Fe(110) and Co(111), as previously reported for less reactive Cu(111). The demonstrated deposition control and STM/STS imaging capabilities for heptahelicene on Co/Cu(111) and Fe/W(110) substrate systems lay the foundation for studying CISS in ultra-high vacuum and on the microscopic level of single molecules in controlled atomic configurations.
The p38 MAPK/PMK-1 Pathway Is Required for Resistance to Nocardia farcinica Infection in Caenorhabditis elegance
Authors: Yang Ruiqiu , Kang Yingqian , Duan Jiahong , Zou Chenggang , Wu Qinyi
Published: September 2022

Nocardia farcinica is an opportunistic pathogen that causes nocardiosis primarily in patients with compromised immune systems. In this study, we used the genetically tractable organism Caenorhabditis elegans as a model to study the innate immune responses to N. farcinica infection. We found that unlike other pathogenic bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, N. farcinica failed to kill adult worms. In another words, adult worms exposed to N. farcinica exhibited a normal lifespan, compared with those fed the standard laboratory food bacterium Escherichia coli OP50. Interestingly, deletion of three core genes (pmk-1, nsy-1 and sek-1) in the p38 MAPK/PMK-1 pathway reduced the survival of worm exposure to N. farcinica, highlighting a crucial role of this pathway for C. elegans in resistance to N. farcinica. Furthermore, our results revealed that N. farcinica exposure up-regulated the level of PMK-1 phosphorylation. The activation of PMK-1 promoted nuclear translocation of a transcription factor SKN-1/Nrf2, which in turn mediated N. farcinica infection resistance in C. elegans. Our results provide an excellent example that the integrity of immune system is key aspect for counteract with pathogenesis of N. farcinica.