bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultrasonic Anisotropy in Composites: Effects and Applications
Authors: Solodov Igor , Bernhardt Yannick , Littner Linus , Kreutzbruck Marc
Published: March 2022

Stiffness anisotropy is a natural consequence of a fibrous structure of composite materials. The effect of anisotropy can be two-fold: it is highly desirable in some cases to assure a proper material response, while it might be even harmful for the applications based on “isotropic” composite materials. To provide a controllable flexibility in material architecture by corresponding fibre alignment, the methodologies for the precise non-destructive evaluation of elastic anisotropy and the fibre orientation are required. The tasks of monitoring the anisotropy and assessing the fibre fields in composites are analyzed by using the two types of ultrasonic waves suitable for regular plate-shaped composite profiles. In the plate wave approach, the effect of “dispersion of anisotropy” has been shown to make the wave velocity anisotropy to be a function of frequency. As a result, the in-plane velocity pattern measured at a certain frequency is affected by the difference in the wave structure, which activates different elasticity against the background of intrinsic material anisotropy. Phase velocity anisotropy and its frequency dependence provide a frequency variation of the beam steering angle for plate waves (dispersion of beam steering). In strongly anisotropic composite materials, the beam steering effect is shown to provide a strong focusing of ultrasonic energy (phonon focusing). For bulk shear waves, the orthotropic composite anisotropy causes the effect of acoustic birefringence. The birefringent acoustic field provides information on stiffness anisotropy which can be caused by internal stresses, texture, molecular or/and fibre orientation. On this basis, a simple experimental technique is developed and applied for mapping of fibre orientation in composite materials. Various modes of acoustic birefringence are analyzed and applied to assessing the fibre fields in injection moulding composites and to identify the fibre lay-ups in multiply materials. The birefringence pattern is also shown to be sensitive and applicable to characterizing impact- and mechanical stress-induced damage in composites.
Towards Integration of a Dedicated Memory Controller and Its Instruction Set to Improve Performance of Systems Containing Computational SRAM
Authors: Mambu Kévin , Charles Henri-Pierre , Kooli Maha , Dumas Julie
Published: March 2022

In-memory computing (IMC) aims to solve the performance gap between CPU and memories introduced by the memory wall. However, it does not address the energy wall problem caused by data transfer over memory hierarchies. This paper proposes the data-locality management unit (DMU) to efficiently transfer data from a DRAM memory to a computational SRAM (C-SRAM) memory allowing IMC operations. The DMU is tightly coupled within the C-SRAM and allows one to align the data structure in order to perform effective in-memory computation. We propose a dedicated instruction set within the DMU to issue data transfers. The performance evaluation of a system integrating C-SRAM within the DMU compared to a reference scalar system architecture shows an increase from ×5.73 to ×11.01 in speed-up and from ×29.49 to ×46.67 in energy reduction, versus a system integrating C-SRAM without any transfer mechanism compared to a reference scalar system architecture.
Metabolomic and Physiological Changes in Fagus sylvatica Seedlings Infected with Phytophthora plurivora and the A1 and A2 Mating Types of P. ×cambivora
Authors: Corcobado Tamara , Milenković Ivan , Saiz-Fernández Iñigo , Kudláček Tomáš , Plichta Roman , Májek Tomáš , Bačová Aneta , Ďatková Henrieta , Dálya László Benedek , Trifković Miloš , Mureddu Davide , Račko Vladimír , Kardošová Monika , Ďurkovič Jaroslav , Rattunde Roman , Jung Thomas
Published: March 2022

Phytophthora infections are followed by histological alterations, physiological and metabolomic adjustments in the host but very few studies contemplate these changes simultaneously. Fagus sylvatica seedlings were inoculated with A1 and A2 mating types of the heterothallic P. ×cambivora and with the homothallic P. plurivora to identify plant physiological and metabolomic changes accompanying microscope observations of the colonization process one, two and three weeks after inoculation. Phytophthora plurivora-infected plants died at a faster pace than those inoculated with P. ×cambivora and showed higher mortality than P. ×cambivora A1-infected plants. Phytophthora ×cambivora A1 and A2 caused similar progression and total rate of mortality. Most differences in the physiological parameters between inoculated and non-inoculated plants were detected two weeks after inoculation. Alterations in primary and secondary metabolites in roots and leaves were demonstrated for all the inoculated plants two and three weeks after inoculation. The results indicate that P. plurivora is more aggressive to Fagus sylvatica seedlings than both mating types of P. ×cambivora while P. ×cambivora A1 showed a slower infection mode than P. ×cambivora A2 and led to minor plant metabolomic adjustments.
A Barcode-Based Phylogenetic Characterization of Phytophthora cactorum Identifies Two Cosmopolitan Lineages with Distinct Host Affinities and the First Report of Phytophthora pseudotsugae in California
Authors: Bourret Tyler B. , Fajardo Sebastian N. , Engert Cole P. , Rizzo David M.
Published: March 2022

A collection of 30 Phytophthora cactorum and 12 P. pseudotsugae (subclade 1a) strains isolated from several recent surveys across California was phylogenetically compared to a worldwide collection of 112 conspecific strains using sequences from three barcoding loci. The surveys baited P. cactorum from soil and water across a wide variety of forested ecosystems with a geographic range of more than 1000 km. Two cosmopolitan lineages were identified within the widespread P. cactorum, one being mainly associated with strawberry production and the other more closely associated with apple orchards, oaks and ornamental trees. Two other well-sampled P. cactorum lineages, including one that dominated Californian restoration outplantings, were only found in the western United States, while a third was only found in Japan. Coastal California forest isolates of both Phytophthora species exhibited considerable diversity, suggesting both may be indigenous to the state. Many isolates with sequence accessions deposited as P. cactorum were determined to be P. hedraiandra and P. ×serendipita, with one hybrid lineage appearing relatively common across Europe and Asia. This study contains the first report of P. pseudotsugae from the state of California and one of the only reports of that species since its original description.
Personalised Approach to Diagnosing and Managing Ischemic Stroke with a Plasma-Soluble Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator Receptor
Authors: Śmiłowska Katarzyna , Śmiłowski Marek , Partyka Robert , Kokocińska Danuta , Jałowiecki Przemysław
Published: March 2022

Background: The increasing incidence of ischemic stroke has led to the search for a novel biomarker to predict the course of disease and the risk of mortality. Recently, the role of the soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) as a biomarker and indicator of immune system activation has been widely examined. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to assess the dynamics of changes in serum levels of suPAR in ischemic stroke and to evaluate the prognostic value of suPAR in determining mortality risk. Methods: Eighty patients from the Department of Neurology, diagnosed with ischemic stroke, were enrolled in the study. Residual blood was obtained from all the patients on the first, third and seventh days after their ischemic stroke and the concentrations of suPAR and C-reactive protein (CRP), as well as the number of leukocytes and National Institute of Health’s Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores, were evaluated. Results: On the first day of ischemic stroke, the average suPAR concentration was 6.55 ng/mL; on the third day, it was 8.29 ng/mL; on the seventh day, it was 9.16 ng/mL. The average CRP concentration on the first day of ischemic stroke was 4.96 mg/L; on the third day, it was 11.76 mg/L; on the seventh day, it was 17.17 mg/L. The number of leukocytes on the first day of ischemic stroke was 7.32 × 103/mm3; on the third day, it was 9.27 × 103/mm3; on the seventh day, it was 10.41 × 103/mm3. Neurological condition, which was assessed via the NIHSS, on the first day of ischemic stroke, was scored at 10.71 points; on the third day, it was scored at 12.34 points; on the seventh day, it was scored at 13.75 points. An increase in the values of all the evaluated parameters on the first, third and seventh days of hospitalisation was observed. The patients with hypertension, ischemic heart disease and type 2 diabetes showed higher suPAR and CRP concentrations at the baseline as well as on subsequent days of hospitalisation. The greatest sensitivity and specificity were characterised by suPAR-3, where a value above 10.5 ng/mL resulted in a significant increase in mortality risk. Moreover, an NIHSS-1 score above 12 points and a CRP-3 concentration above 15.6 mg/L significantly increased the risk of death in the course of the disease. Conclusions: The plasma suPAR concentration after ischemic stroke is strongly related to the patient’s clinical status, with a higher concentration on the first and third days of stroke resulting in a poorer prognosis at a later stage of treatment. Therefore, assessing the concentration of this parameter has important prognostic value.
Exploring Rare Disease Patient Attitudes and Beliefs regarding Genetic Testing: Implications for Person-Centered Care
Authors: Dwyer Andrew A. , Uveges Melissa K. , Dockray Samantha , Smith Neil
Published: March 2022

Most rare diseases are genetic in etiology and characterized by a ‘diagnostic odyssey’. Genomic advances have helped speed up the diagnosis for many rare disorders, opening new avenues for precision therapies. Little is known about patient attitudes, experiences, and beliefs about genetic testing for the rare disease congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH). Methods: We conducted six focus groups with patients with CHH (n = 58). Transcripts were coded by independent investigators and validated by external reviewers. Results: Major themes relating to pre-test experiences were ‘attitudes & beliefs’ (most frequently cited theme), which revealed altruism as a strong motivator for pursuing research testing and ‘information and support,’ which revealed a striking lack of pre-testing decisional support/genetic counseling. Major post-test themes included ‘return of results,’ revealing frustration with the lack of return of results and limited emotional support, and ‘family communication,’ describing challenging intrafamilial communication. Themes describing ethical concerns (i.e., privacy, use of samples) were least frequently noted and related to pre- and post-test experiences. Conclusions: Patients with CHH are highly motivated by altruism when pursuing testing but have significant unmet needs for pre-test decisional support and post-test counseling. It is regarded that patient values, beliefs and experiences can inform more person-centered approaches to genetic testing for rare diseases.
Sensory Ion Channel Candidates Inform on the Clinical Course of Pancreatic Cancer and Present Potential Targets for Repurposing of FDA-Approved Agents
Authors: Shi Wenjie , Li Chen , Wartmann Thomas , Kahlert Christoph , Du Renfei , Perrakis Aristotelis , Brunner Thomas , Croner Roland S. , Kahlert Ulf D.
Published: March 2022

Background: Transient receptor potential channels (TRPs) have been demonstrated to take on functions in pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD) biology. However, little data are available that validate the potential of TRP in a clinical translational setting. Methods: A TRPs-related gene signature was constructed based on the Cox regression using a TCGA-PAAD cohort and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) was used to evaluate the predictive ability of this model. Core genes of the signature were screened by a protein-to-protein interaction (PPI) network, and expression validated by two independent datasets. The mutation analysis and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) were conducted. Virtual interventions screening was performed to discover substance candidates for the identified target genes. Results: A four TRPs-related gene signature, which contained MCOLN1, PKD1, TRPC3, and TRPC7, was developed and the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.758. Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed that patients with elevated signature score classify as a high-risk group featuring significantly shorter recurrence free survival (RFS) time, compared to the low-risk patients (p < 0.001). The gene prediction model also had a good predictive capability for predicting shortened overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) (AUC = 0.680 and AUC = 0.739, respectively). GSEA enrichment revealed the core genes of the signature, TRPC3 and TRPC7, were involved in several cancer-related pathways. TRPC3 mRNA is elevated in cancer tissue compared to control tissue and augmented in tumors with lymph node invasion compared to tumors without signs of lymph node invasion. Virtual substance screening of FDA approved compounds indicates that four small molecular compounds might be potentially selective not only for TRPC3 protein but also as a potential binding partner to TRPC7 protein. Conclusions: Our computational pipeline constructed a four TRP-related gene signature that enables us to predict clinical prognostic value of hitherto unrecognized biomarkers for PAAD. Sensory ion channels TRPC3 and TRPC7 could be the potential therapeutic targets in pancreatic cancer and TRPC3 might be involved in dysregulating mitochondrial functions during PAAD genesis.
Modelling the Impact of Land Cover Changes on Carbon Storage and Sequestration in the Central Zagros Region, Iran Using Ecosystem Services Approach
Authors: Japelaghi Mohsen , Hajian Fariba , Gholamalifard Mehdi , Pradhan Biswajeet , Maulud Khairul Nizam Abdul , Park Hyuck-Jin
Published: March 2022

Central Zagros region in Iran is a major hotspot of carbon storage and sequestration which has experienced severe land cover change in recent decades that has led to carbon emission. In this research, using temporal Landsat images, land cover maps were produced and used in Land Change Modeler to predict land cover changes in 2020, 2030, 2040 and 2050 using Multilayer Perceptron Neural Network and Markov Chain techniques. Next, resultant maps were used as inputs to Ecosystem Services Modeler. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report data was used to extract carbon data. Results show that between 1989–2013 about half of forests have been destroyed. Prediction results show that by 2050 about 75% of existing forests will be lost and between 2013–2020 about 157,000 Mg carbon and by 2050 about 565,000 Mg carbon will be lost with more than US$1.9 million to 2020 and AU$3.2 million by 2050 economic compensation.
Comparison of Impervious Surface Dynamics through Vegetation/High-Albedo/Low-Albedo/Soil Model and Socio-Economic Factors
Authors: Wong Kapo , Zhang Yuanzhi , Cheng Qiuming , Chao Ming Chun , Tsou Jin Yeu
Published: March 2022

Hong Kong and Shenzhen have entirely different land-use development policies, resulting in a disparity in the increase rate of impervious surface area. Impervious surface estimation is a significant method for evaluating urbanization, so that countries and cities can deal with their growing populations. The impervious surface area was estimated through Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) image extraction, the V-H-L-S (vegetation, high-albedo, low-albedo, and soil) model, and linear spectral un-mixing analysis (LSUM). Changes in fractions of endmembers over periods of time were identified and employed to analyze changes in land use and land cover (LULC). The research adopting the V-H-L-S model for classifying land cover and exploring the association of change in impervious surface areas and socio-economic growth over a period of time is limited. In this study, impervious surface estimations for Hong Kong and Shenzhen in 1995, 2005, and 2016 were compared, selecting vegetation, high-albedo, low-albedo, and soil as endmembers. The change rate of the fractions in the four endmembers was calculated to identify changes in land use and land cover during these three specific time periods. The impervious surface was determined to constitute a combination of high-albedo and low-albedo. Moreover, a proportional relationship exists between the increase in impervious surface area, population rate, GDP, and GDP per capita in both Hong Kong and Shenzhen. However, there was a difference in the increase in impervious surface area between Hong Kong and Shenzhen due to the different land-use policies in the country’s two systems.
Effectiveness of Ternary Blend Incorporating Rice Husk Ash, Silica Fume, and Cement in Preparing ASR Resilient Concrete
Authors: Ahmed Ali , Ameer Shoaib , Abbas Safeer , Abbass Wasim , Razzaq Afia , Mohamed Abdeliazim Mustafa , Mohamed Abdullah
Published: March 2022

Although the disposal of waste ashes causes environmental hazards, recycling them helps in reducing their harmful impacts and improves the characteristics of building materials. The present study explores the possible use of locally available waste ashes including Rice husk ash (RHA)and Silica Fumes (SF) as a partial replacement for cement in concrete to counter the negative impact of alkali-silica reactions (ASRs). In the present study, ternary blends including RHA (0–30%), SF (5% and 10%) and Portland cement were investigated. The amorphous behavior of RHA and SF was confirmed by conducting an X-ray diffraction analysis. A petrography analysis was carried out to ensure the reactive nature of aggregates used to prepare the concrete specimen. Accelerated mortar bar tests were performed in accordance with ASTM C 1260 for up to 90 days. It was revealed that specimens incorporating a ternary blend of SF, RHA, and Portland cement exhibited less expansion compared to the control specimens without SF and RHA. The incorporation of 5% SF along with 20% RHA exhibited a 0.13% expansion at 28 days and 10% SF, along with 5% RHA which exhibited 0.18% expansion at 28 days which is within the range specified by ASTM C 1260, with the lowest compromise of the mechanical properties of concrete. Thus, the utilization of SF and RHA in the partial replacement of cement in concrete may be considered a practical approach to mitigate ASR effects as well as to reduce the environmental burden.
Establishment of Analytical Model for CFRP Cutting Force Considering the Radius of the Edge Circle
Authors: Ning Haifeng , Zheng Hualin , Wang Guixin
Published: March 2022

Carbon fiber-reinforced composite material (CFRP) has been widely applied in the aerospace industry, which places demanding requirements on the accuracy and quality of its processing. However, there remains a lack of clarity on the microscopic material removal process of CFRP, despite substantial relevant research. This paper aims to reveal the mechanism of material removal in the CFRP cutting process at different fiber cutting angles and to establish an analytical model for CFRP cutting force by considering the radius of the edge circle. Furthermore, the CFRP cutting force analytical model was established by considering the radius of the edge circle on the basis of the CFRP representative volume unit (RVE). According to the model, the cutting process was divided into three regions, the cutting slip zone, fiber fracture zone, and spring back zone, with consideration given to the effect of residual fibers on the cutter teeth. The CFRP cutting finite element model was defined using the software Abaqus, while the chip removal and single-fiber deformation processes were analyzed using the finite element model. As indicated by the experimental results, the analytical model is reliable and capable of providing cutting force values within a 15% deviation.
Adhesion of Different Resin Cements to Zirconia: Effect of Incremental versus Bulk Build Up, Use of Mould and Ageing
Authors: Müller Nicolas , Al-Haj Husain Nadin , Chen Liang , Özcan Mutlu
Published: March 2022

Bonding to zirconia presents a great challenge, as the clinical guidelines for predictable adhesion are not sufficiently validated. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of various bonding methodologies of various resin cements on zirconia, using different aging protocols. Manufactured zirconia specimens (N = 300 and n = 20 per group) were randomly assigned to three luting protocols: 1—in mould incremental build up; 2—in mould incremental build up with mould removal; 3—in mould non-incremental bulk build up. Five dual, photo- and chemical-cure resin cements were used, namely, Variolink Esthetic (Ivoclar), Tetric (Ivoclar), Panavia (Kuraray), TheraCem (Bisco), and RelyX UniCem (3M ESPE), and were applied on primed zirconia using photopolymerization protocols. Thereafter, the specimens were subjected to the following three ageing methods: 1—dry; 2—thermocycling (×5000; 5–55 °C); 3—3–6 months of water storage. Using a universal testing machine, the specimens were loaded under shear, at 1 mm/min crosshead speed. An analysis of the data was performed using three-way ANOVA and the Bonferroni method. The moulding type, ageing and luting cement significantly affected the results (p < 0.05). Among all the protocols under dry conditions, TheraCem (16 ± 3; 11 ± 1; 16 ± 3) showed the best bond strength, while, after thermocycling, TheraCem (7 ± 2) and Tetric (7 ± 2) performed the best with Protocol 1. In Protocol 2, RelyX (7 ± 3) presented the highest result, followed by TheraCem (5 ± 3) and Tetric (5 ± 1) (p < 0.05). Using Protocol 3, RelyX (10 ± 6) showed the highest result, followed by TheraCem (7 ± 2) and Panavia21 (7 ± 2) (p < 0.05). Six months after water storage, TheraCem presented the highest result (10 ± 2) in Protocol 1, while, in Protocols 2 and 3, Tetric (10 ± 2; 15 ± 5) presented the highest result, followed by TheraCem (6 ± 2; 8 ± 3). Adhesion tests using the incremental or bulk method, using moulds, showed the highest results, but removing the mould, and the subsequent ageing, caused a decrease in the adhesion of the resin cements tested on zirconia, probably due to water absorption, with the exclusion of Tetric.
Evaluation of the Effect of Selected Physiological Fluid Contaminants on the Mechanical Properties of Selected Medium-Viscosity PMMA Bone Cements
Authors: Karpiński Robert , Szabelski Jakub , Krakowski Przemysław , Jojczuk Mariusz , Jonak Józef , Nogalski Adam
Published: March 2022

Revision surgeries several years after the implantation of the prosthesis are unfavorable from the patient’s point of view as they expose him to additional discomfort, to risk of complications and are expensive. One of the factors responsible for the aseptic loosening of the prosthesis is the gradual degradation of the cement material as a result of working under considerable loads, in an aggressive environment of the human body. Contaminants present in the surgical field may significantly affect the durability of the bone cement and, consequently, of the entire bone-cement-prosthesis system. The paper presents the results of an analysis of selected mechanical properties of two medium-viscosity bone cements DePuy CMW3 Gentamicin and Heraeus Palamed, for the samples contaminated with saline and blood in the range of 1–10%. The results obtained for compressive strength and modulus of elasticity were subjected to statistical analysis, which estimated the nature of changes in these parameters depending on the amount and type of contamination and their statistical significance.
A Comparative Study on Simulated Chairside Grinding and Polishing of Monolithic Zirconia
Authors: Kheur Mohit , Lakha Tabrez , Shaikh Saleha , Kheur Supriya , Qamri Batul , Zhen Lee Wan , Al-Haj Husain Nadin , Özcan Mutlu
Published: March 2022

This study evaluated the effects of different simulated chairside grinding and polishing protocols on the physical and mechanical properties of surface roughness, hardness, and flexural strength of monolithic zirconia. Sintered monolithic zirconia specimens (15 mm × 3 mm × 3 mm) were abraded using three different burs: diamond bur, modified diamond bur (zirconia specified), and tungsten carbide bur, along with a group of unprepared specimens that served as a control group. The study was divided into two phases, Phase 1 and Phase 2. Surface roughness, surface hardness, and flexural strength were assessed before and after the grinding procedure to determine the ‘best test group’ in Phase 1. The best abrasive agent was selected for Phase 2 of the study. The specimens in Phase 2 underwent grinding with the best abrasive agent selected. Following the grinding, the specimens were then polished using commercially available diamond polishing paste, a porcelain polishing kit, and an indigenously developed low-temperature sintered zirconia slurry. The physical and mechanical properties were again assessed. Results were analyzed using one-way ANOVA test. Specimens were observed under scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) for their microstructure and crystalline phases, respectively. Grinding with diamond burs did not weaken zirconia (p > 0.05) but produced rougher surfaces than the control group (p < 0.05). Tungsten carbide burs did not significantly roughen the zirconia surface. However, specimens ground by tungsten carbide burs had a significantly reduced mean flexural strength (p < 0.05) and SEM revealed fine surface cracks. Phase transformation was not detected by XRD. Polishing with commercially available polishing agents, however, restored the surface roughness levels to the control group. Dental monolithic zirconia ground with tungsten carbide burs had a significantly reduced flexural strength and a smooth but defective surface. However, grinding with diamond burs roughened the zirconia surface. These defects may be reduced by polishing with commercially available polishing agents. The use of tungsten carbide burs for grinding dental zirconia should not be advocated. Grinding with diamond abrasives does not weaken zirconia but requires further polishing with commercially available polishing agents.
A Comprehensive Survey on Fault Tolerance in Multiphase AC Drives, Part 1: General Overview Considering Multiple Fault Types
Authors: Yepes Alejandro G. , Lopez Oscar , Gonzalez-Prieto Ignacio , Duran Mario J. , Doval-Gandoy Jesus
Published: March 2022

Multiphase drives offer enhanced fault-tolerant capabilities compared with conventional three-phase ones. Their phase redundancy makes them able to continue running in the event of faults (e.g., open/short-circuits) in certain phases. Moreover, their greater number of degrees of freedom permits improving diagnosis and performance, not only under faults affecting individual phases, but also under those affecting the machine/drive as a whole. That is the case of failures in the dc link, resolver/encoder, control unit, cooling system, etc. Accordingly, multiphase drives are becoming remarkable contenders for applications where high reliability is required, such as electric vehicles and standalone/off-shore generation. Actually, the literature on the subject has grown exponentially in recent years. Various review papers have been published, but none of them currently cover the state-of-the-art in a comprehensive and up-to-date fashion. This two-part paper presents an overview concerning fault tolerance in multiphase drives. Hundreds of citations are classified and critically discussed. Although the emphasis is put on fault tolerance, fault detection/diagnosis is also considered to some extent, because of its importance in fault-tolerant drives. The most important recent advances, emerging trends and open challenges are also identified. Part 1 provides a comprehensive survey considering numerous kinds of faults, whereas Part 2 is focused on phase/switch open-circuit failures.
Deep Reinforcement Learning for Distributed Flow Shop Scheduling with Flexible Maintenance
Authors: Yan Qi , Wu Wenbin , Wang Hongfeng
Published: March 2022

A common situation arising in flow shops is that the job processing order must be the same on each machine; this is referred to as a permutation flow shop scheduling problem (PFSSP). Although many algorithms have been designed to solve PFSSPs, machine availability is typically ignored. Healthy machine conditions are essential for the production process, which can ensure productivity and quality; thus, machine deteriorating effects and periodic preventive maintenance (PM) activities are considered in this paper. Moreover, distributed production networks, which can manufacture products quickly, are of increasing interest to factories. To this end, this paper investigates an integrated optimization of the distributed PFSSP with flexible PM. With the introduction of machine maintenance constraints in multi-factory production scheduling, the complexity and computation time of solving the problem increases substantially in large-scale arithmetic cases. In order to solve it, a deep Q network-based solution framework is designed with a diminishing greedy rate in this paper. The proposed solution framework is compared to the DQN with fixed greedy rate, in addition to two well-known metaheuristic algorithms, including the genetic algorithm and the iterated greedy algorithm. Numerical studies show that the application of the proposed approach in the studied production-maintenance joint scheduling problem exhibits strong solution performance and generalization abilities. Moreover, a suitable maintenance interval is also obtained, in addition to some managerial insights.
Evaluating Video Conferencing Software for Remote Working Using Two-Stage Grey MCDM: A Case Study from Vietnam
Authors: Toan Pham Ngoc , Dang Thanh-Tuan , Hong Le Thi Thu
Published: March 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has completely changed the world, and businesses are struggling to create a new and effective working environment for their employees. Employees worldwide have moved from traditional face-to-face meetings to remote working using video conferencing software (VCS)—a powerful tool to support companies during the pandemic and that can be an increasing trend in the future. For businesses who intend to adopt VCS for their organizations, choosing an appropriate platform can be an arduous task that requires the consideration of multiple criteria to save costs and optimize efficiency. In this paper, we propose a grey-based multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) framework that combines grey Analytical Hierarchy Process (G-AHP) and grey Evaluation Based on Distance from Average Solution (G-EDAS) methodologies, in which grey numbers are used to express the linguistic evaluation statements of experts. Initially, the evaluation criteria based on functionality, security, usability, technical performance, and pricing have been determined using a literature review and expert’s opinions to employ the MCDM approach. G-AHP was utilized to identify the criteria weights, and G-EDAS was then used to select the best VCS among the alternatives. A case illustration in Vietnam is presented to exhibit the proposed approach’s applicability. From the G-AHP findings, quality of video/audio, ease of use, mobile experience, number of participants allowed, and video recording capability have been ranked as the five most important criteria. From G-EDAS analysis, Microsoft Teams (VCS-03) was found to be the best. In addition, the robustness of the proposed model was tested by conducting sensitivity analysis and comparative analysis of methods, in which the priority rankings of the best VCSs are very similar. With the high demand for the trend of the remote working model, this study can be a basis for informed decisions to assist businesses in choosing their best-suited VCS to save costs and enhance productivity.
Diffusion Limit for Single-Server Retrial Queues with Renewal Input and Outgoing Calls
Authors: Nazarov Anatoly , Phung-Duc Tuan , Paul Svetlana , Lizyura Olga
Published: March 2022

This paper studies a single-server retrial queue with two types of calls (incoming and outgoing calls). Incoming calls arrive at the server according to a renewal process, and outgoing calls of N−1 (N≥2) categories occur according to N−1 independent Poisson processes. Upon arrival, if the server is occupied, an incoming call joins a virtual infinite queue called the orbit, and after an exponentially distributed time in orbit enters the server again, while outgoing calls are lost if the server is busy at the time of their arrivals. Although M/G/1 retrial queues and their variants are extensively studied in the literature, the GI/M/1 retrial queues are less studied due to their complexity. This paper aims to obtain a diffusion limit for the number of calls in orbit when the retrial rate is extremely low. Based on the diffusion limit, we built an approximation to the distribution of the number of calls in orbit.
Post-Operative Results of ACL Reconstruction Techniques on Single-Leg Hop Tests in Athletes: Hamstring Autograft vs. Hamstring Grafts Fixed Using Adjustable Cortical Suspension in Both the Femur and Tibia
Authors: Kehribar Lokman , Yılmaz Ali Kerim , Karaduman Emre , Kabadayı Menderes , Bostancı Özgür , Sürücü Serkan , Aydın Mahmud , Mahiroğulları Mahir
Published: March 2022

Background and Objectives: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears are common injuries in the athletic population, and accordingly, ACL reconstruction (ACLR) is among the most common orthopedic surgical procedures performed in sports medicine. This study aims to compare the semitendinosus/gracilis (ST/G) and ACL hamstring grafts fixed using adjustable cortical suspension in both the femur and tibia (MAI) ACLR techniques. We aimed to compare the results of single-leg hop tests (SLHT) applied in different directions and limb symmetry indices (LSI) in athletes with a 6-month post-operative ACLR history. Materials and Methods: A retrospective cohort of 39 athletes from various sports branches who underwent MAI (n = 16) and ST/G (n = 23) ACLR techniques by the same surgeon were evaluated. The knee strength of the participants on the operated and non-operated sides was evaluated with five different SLHTs. The SLHT included the single hop for distance (SH), triple hop for distance (TH), crossover triple hop for distance (CH), medial side triple hop for distance (MSTH), and medial rotation (90°) hop for distance (MRH). Results: There was a significant improvement in the mean Lysholm, Tegner, and IKDC scores in the post-operative leg for both techniques (p < 0.05) compared to the pre-operative levels. When there was a difference between the SH of the operative and the non-operative legs in the ST/G technique (p < 0.05), there was no significant difference in the other hop distance for both ST/G and MAI (p > 0.05). There was no difference between the techniques regarding the LSI scores. Conclusions: The fact that our research revealed similar LSI rates of the SLHTs applied in different directions in the ST/G and MAI techniques assumes that the MAI technique can be an ACLR technique which can be functionally used in athletes.
Casting Defects in Sand-Mold Cast Irons—An Illustrated Review with Emphasis on Spheroidal Graphite Cast Irons
Authors: Sertucha Jon , Lacaze Jacques
Published: March 2022

Cast irons are known to be easy to shape by sand casting due to their high eutectic fraction. Despite this fact, together with cost benefits, obtaining good quality castings is not an easy task, although it depends on the level of defects allowed in each case. Casting defects are here reviewed and classified into three classes according to their known main origin: (1) related to the sand mixtures used to make the molds; (2) associated with the mold design and the geometry of the castings; (3) related to the casting alloy itself. The present work is an illustrated description of these defects, with details of their origin when well established, and of known remedies. In addition, an attempt has been made to clarify the possible cross-effects of the above three origins.
Evaluation of Tannins as Potential Green Corrosion Inhibitors of Aluminium Alloy Used in Aeronautical Industry
Authors: Proença Carla Sofia , Serrano Bruno , Correia Jorge , Araújo Maria Eduarda Machado
Published: March 2022

In this work some organic natural products were studied, namely tannic acid, gallic acid, mimosa tannin and chestnut tannin, as potential green corrosion inhibitors of the aluminium alloy AA2024-T3. The anodizing treatment was performed in a solution of the referred organic compounds in diluted sulfuric acid. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and the potentiodynamic polarization were performed to assess sealing quality and corrosion protection granted by the anodic films. To understand the green inhibitors; interaction with the metal surface, FTIR spectra of anodizing and anodizing and sealed samples of AA2023-T3 were recorded, and the shifts in the position of the major bands confirmed that the green inhibitor interacts with the metal surface. Images of the morphology of the coatings were provided by Scanning Electron Microscopy. From the results obtained through the various techniques that were used to carry out this study it is possible to conclude that the formed anodic films can be a good contribution for the prevention of corrosion in the aluminium alloy AA2024-T3.
Establishing Imaging Biomarkers of Host Immune System Efficacy during Glioblastoma Therapy Response: Challenges, Obstacles and Future Perspectives
Authors: Candiota Ana Paula , Arús Carles
Published: March 2022

This hypothesis proposal addresses three major questions: (1) Why do we need imaging biomarkers for assessing the efficacy of immune system participation in glioblastoma therapy response? (2) Why are they not available yet? and (3) How can we produce them? We summarize the literature data supporting the claim that the immune system is behind the efficacy of most successful glioblastoma therapies but, unfortunately, there are no current short-term imaging biomarkers of its activity. We also discuss how using an immunocompetent murine model of glioblastoma, allowing the cure of mice and the generation of immune memory, provides a suitable framework for glioblastoma therapy response biomarker studies. Both magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance-based metabolomic data (i.e., magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging) can provide non-invasive assessments of such a system. A predictor based in nosological images, generated from magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging analyses and their oscillatory patterns, should be translational to clinics. We also review hurdles that may explain why such an oscillatory biomarker was not reported in previous imaging glioblastoma work. Single shot explorations that neglect short-term oscillatory behavior derived from immune system attack on tumors may mislead actual response extent detection. Finally, we consider improvements required to properly predict immune system-mediated early response (1–2 weeks) to therapy. The sensible use of improved biomarkers may enable translatable evidence-based therapeutic protocols, with the possibility of extending preclinical results to human patients.
FOXO3 Expression in Macrophages Is Lowered by a High-Fat Diet and Regulates Colonic Inflammation and Tumorigenesis
Authors: Iftikhar Rida , Penrose Harrison M. , King Angelle N. , Kim Yunah , Ruiz Emmanuelle , Kandil Emad , Machado Heather L. , Savkovic Suzana D.
Published: March 2022

Obesity, characterized by augmented inflammation and tumorigenesis, is linked to genetic predispositions, such as FOXO3 polymorphisms. As obesity is associated with aberrant macrophages infiltrating different tissues, including the colon, we aimed to identify FOXO3-dependent transcriptomic changes in macrophages that drive obesity-mediated colonic inflammation and tumorigenesis. We found that in mouse colon, high-fat-diet-(HFD)-related obesity led to diminished FOXO3 levels and increased macrophages. Transcriptomic analysis of mouse peritoneal FOXO3-deficient macrophages showed significant differentially expressed genes (DEGs; FDR < 0.05) similar to HFD obese colons. These DEG-related pathways, linked to mouse colonic inflammation and tumorigenesis, were similar to those in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and human colon cancer. Additionally, we identified a specific transcriptional signature for the macrophage-FOXO3 axis (MAC-FOXO382), which separated the transcriptome of affected tissue from control in both IBD (p = 5.2 × 10−8 and colon cancer (p = 1.9 × 10−11), revealing its significance in human colonic pathobiologies. Further, we identified (heatmap) and validated (qPCR) DEGs specific to FOXO3-deficient macrophages with established roles both in IBD and colon cancer (IL-1B, CXCR2, S100A8, S100A9, and TREM1) and those with unexamined roles in these colonic pathobiologies (STRA6, SERPINH1, LAMB1, NFE2L3, OLR1, DNAJC28 and VSIG10). These findings establish an important understanding of how HFD obesity and related metabolites promote colonic pathobiologies.
Biological Activity and NMR-Fingerprinting of Balkan Endemic Species Stachys thracica Davidov
Authors: Mantovska Desislava I. , Zhiponova Miroslava K. , Georgiev Milen I. , Alipieva Kalina , Tsacheva Ivanka , Simova Svetlana , Yordanova Zhenya P.
Published: March 2022

Stachys thracica Davidov is a Balkan endemic species distributed in Bulgaria, Greece, and Turkey. In Bulgaria, it is classified as “rare” and is under the protection of the Bulgarian biodiversity law. The aim of our study was to develop an efficient protocol for ex situ conservation of S. thracica and to perform comparative NMR-based metabolite profiling and bioactivity assays of extracts from in situ grown, in vitro cultivated, and ex vitro acclimated plants. Micropropagation of S. thracica was achieved by in vitro cultivation of mono-nodal segments on basal MS medium. Ex vitro adaptation was accomplished in the experimental field with 83% survival while conserved genetic identity between in vitro and ex vitro plants as shown by the overall sequence-related amplified polymorphism marker patterns was established. Verbascoside, chlorogenic acid, and trigonelline appeared the main secondary metabolites in in situ, in vitro cultivated, and ex vitro acclimated S. thracica. High total phenolic and flavonoid content as well as antioxidant and radical scavenging activity were observed in in situ and ex vitro plants. Further, the anti-inflammatory activity of S. thracica was tested by hemolytic assay and a high inhibition of the complement system was observed. Initiated in vitro and ex vitro cultures offer an effective tool for the management and better exploitation of the Stachys secondary metabolism and the selection of lines with high content of bioactive molecules and nutraceuticals.
Mechanism of Soy Isoflavone Daidzein-Induced Female-Specific Anorectic Effect
Authors: Fujitani Mina , Mizushige Takafumi , Adhikari Sudhashree , Bhattarai Keshab , Kishida Taro
Published: March 2022

Epidemiological studies suggest that regular intake of soy isoflavone exerts a preventive effect on postmenopausal obesity and other forms of dysmetabolism. Estrogens inhibit eating behavior. Soy isoflavones may act as estrogen agonist in estrogen-depleted conditions, whereas they may either act as an estrogen antagonist or be ineffective in estrogen-repleted conditions. We investigated the effects of dietary soy isoflavone on food intake under various estrogen conditions using male, ovariectomized (OVX), and non-OVX female rats, and compared the effects with those of estradiol. We found that soy isoflavones reduced food intake in females specifically, regardless of whether ovariectomy had been performed, whereas subcutaneous implantation of estradiol pellet did not reduce food intake in intact female rats, but did so in OVX female and male rats. Contrary to this hypothesis, the reduction in food intake may not be caused by the estrogenic properties of soy isoflavones. It is of great interest to understand the mechanisms underlying the anorectic effects of soy isoflavones. In this non-systematic review, we summarize our recent studies that have investigated the bioactive substances of anorectic action, pharmacokinetic properties of soy isoflavones, and the modification of central and peripheral signals regulating appetite by soy isoflavones, and selected studies that were identified via database mining.
Flexible Quantum-Dot Color-Conversion Layer Based on Microfluidics for Full-Color Micro-LEDs
Authors: Li Panyuan , Tao Jin , Zhao Yongzhou , Sun Yifang , Fan Kaili , Zhu Licai , Sun Wenchao , Lv Jinguang , Qin Yuxin , Wang Qiang , Zeng Qinghui , Wang Weibiao , Wang Shurong , Liang Jingqiu
Published: March 2022

In this article, red and green perovskite quantum dots are incorporated into the pixels of a flexible color-conversion layer assembly using microfluidics. The flexible color-conversion layer is then integrated with a blue micro-LED to realize a full-color display with a pixel pitch of 200 μm. Perovskite quantum dots feature a high quantum yield, a tunable wavelength, and high stability. The flexible color-conversion layer using perovskite quantum dots shows good luminous and display performance under different bending conditions; is easy to manufacture, economical, and applicable; and has important potential applications in the development of flexible micro-displays.
Mobilization of Au and Ag during Supergene Processes in the Linglong Gold Deposit: Evidence from SEM and LA–ICP–MS Analyses of Sulfides
Authors: Wang Hong , Lan Tingguang , Chen Yinghua , Hu Huanlong , Shu Lei
Published: March 2022

Precious metals can be mobilized during supergene processes, which are important for the formation of high-grade or high-purity ores. The world-class Linglong gold deposit has high-grade ores that have undergone supergene processes in the near-surface zone. Under which conditions the supergene modification occurred and how Au and Ag behaved during the supergene processes have been poorly studied in this deposit. Here, we performed scanning electron microscope (SEM) and laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (LA–ICP–MS) analyses on samples from the supergene enrichment zone of the Linglong gold deposit. The results show that secondary minerals were formed sequentially from magnetite-goethite-limonite to marcasite-acanthite, and finally to siderite after the primary minerals of pyrite-pyrrhotite-chalcopyrite. These mineral assemblages and variations indicate that the supergene modification by groundwater occurred under oxidative and weakly acidic conditions in the near-surface zone and evolved to reductive and near neutral conditions in the supergene enrichment zone. The newly formed marcasite has much higher Au (0.003–23.5 ppm, mean of 1.33 ppm) and Ag (81.7–6021 ppm, mean of 1111 ppm) concentrations than those of the primary pyrite (Au of 0.004–0.029 ppm and Ag of 0.22–4.14 ppm), which together with the formation of independent Ag–S mineral (acanthite), indicates that Au and Ag were significantly mobilized and fractionated during the supergene processes. These processes improved the Au and Ag grades in the supergene enrichment zone and thus facilitate their extraction.