bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isolation and Characterization of Infection of Four New Bacteriophages Infecting a Vibrio parahaemolyticus Strain
Authors: Duarte João , Trindade David , Oliveira Vanessa , Gomes Newton C. M. , Calado Ricardo , Pereira Carla , Almeida Adelaide
Published: November 2024

Bacteria from genus Vibrio continue to be one of the most common threats to aquaculture sustainability. Vibrio spp. have been associated with infectious outbreaks in fish, shrimp, bivalves and even algae farms worldwide. Moreover, several Vibrio spp. are also pathogens that impact human health and are a threat to public health when transferred to consumers through contaminated seafood products. The use of bacteriophages is an evolving technology that could be applied in the treatment of Vibrio spp. either to protect aquaculture farms or to decontaminate seafood, namely bivalves during their depuration. In the present study, bacteriophages vB_VpS_LMAVpS1 (S1) vB_VpS_LMAVpVPP (VPP), vB_VpS_LMAVpSH (SH) and vB_VpS_LMAVpH (H) infecting V. parahaemolyticus were isolated and characterized. All phages presented fast adsorption rates and were able to control V. parahaemolyticus at all multiplicity of infections (MOIs) tested (MOI of 1, 10 and 100), with reductions of more than 4 log CFU/mL being recorded, but only in the presence of divalent cation calcium. The rate of emergence of phage-resistant mutants was very low (1.8 × 10−6 to 3.1 × 10−6). Bacterial phage resistance was not permanent and led to a loss of bacterial fitness. All four phages presented with lysins encoded in their genomes. The results presented provide valuable insights for future studies in the application of these bacteriophages in different scenarios to control, decontaminate or treat bacterial infections or contaminations of V. parahaemolyticus.
Environmental Antimicrobial Resistance: Implications for Food Safety and Public Health
Authors: Ifedinezi Onyinye Victoria , Nnaji Nnabueze Darlington , Anumudu Christian Kosisochukwu , Ekwueme Chiemerie Theresa , Uhegwu Chijioke Christopher , Ihenetu Francis Chukwuebuka , Obioha Promiselynda , Simon Blessing Oteta , Ezechukwu Precious Somtochukwu , Onyeaka Helen
Published: November 2024

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a serious global health issue, aggravated by antibiotic overuse and misuse in human medicine, animal care, and agriculture. This study looks at the different mechanisms that drive AMR, such as environmental contamination, horizontal gene transfer, and selective pressure, as well as the severe implications of AMR for human and animal health. This study demonstrates the need for concerted efforts across the scientific, healthcare, agricultural, and policy sectors to control the emergence of AMR. Some crucial strategies discussed include developing antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programs, encouraging targeted narrow-spectrum antibiotic use, and emphasizing the significance of strict regulatory frameworks and surveillance systems, like the Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System (GLASS) and the Access, Watch, and Reserve (AWaRe) classification. This study also emphasizes the need for national and international action plans in combating AMR and promotes the One Health strategy, which unifies environmental, animal, and human health. This study concludes that preventing the spread of AMR and maintaining the effectiveness of antibiotics for future generations requires a comprehensive, multidisciplinary, and internationally coordinated strategy.
The Impact of Urban Pollution on Plasmid-Mediated Resistance Acquisition in Enterobacteria from a Tropical River
Authors: Mendoza-Guido Bradd , Barrantes Kenia , Rodríguez César , Rojas-Jimenez Keilor , Arias-Andres Maria
Published: November 2024

Background: The exposure of environmental bacteria to contaminants in aquatic ecosystems accelerates the dissemination of antibiotic-resistance genes (ARGs) through horizontal gene transfer (HGT). Methods: In this study, we sampled three locations along a contamination gradient of a polluted river, focusing on isolating Enterobacteria from the surface waters to investigate the relationship between urban pollution and antibiotic resistance. The genomes of 15 isolates (5 per site) were sequenced to identify plasmid-borne ARGs and their association with resistance phenotypes. Results: Isolates from the site with the highest contamination (Site 3) showeda larger number of ARGs, plasmids, and resistance phenotypes. Notably, one of the isolates analyzed, E. coli A231-12, exhibited phenotypic resistance to seven antibiotics, presumably conferred by a single plasmid carrying 12 ARGs. Comparative analysis of this plasmid revealed its close evolutionary relationship with another IncH plasmid hosted by Salmonella enterica, underscoring its high ARG burden in the aquatic environment. Other plasmids identified in our isolates carried sul and dfrA genes, conferring resistance to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, a commonly prescribed antibiotic combination in clinical settings. Conclusions: These results highlight the critical need to expand research on the link between pollution and plasmid-mediated antimicrobial resistance in aquatic ecosystems, which can act as reservoirs of ARGs.
N-Acetylcysteine Counteracts Immune Dysfunction and Autism-Related Behaviors in the Shank3b Mouse Model of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Pangrazzi Luca , Cerilli Enrica , Balasco Luigi , Dall’O’ Ginevra Matilde , Chelini Gabriele , Pastore Anna , Weinberger Birgit , Bozzi Yuri
Published: November 2024

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) includes a range of neurodevelopmental disabilities characterized by social interaction deficits, communication impairments, and repetitive behaviors. Previous studies have shown that pro-inflammatory conditions play a key role in ASD. Despite this, how oxidative stress and inflammation may contribute to ASD-related behaviors is still poorly understood. Here, we reported that increased levels of molecules related to inflammation are present in the cerebellum and peripheral blood (PB) of mice lacking Shank3b, an established model of syndromic ASD. In parallel, immune dysfunction was documented in the bone marrow (BM) and spleens of mutant mice. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) treatment rescued inflammation in the cerebellum and PB and impaired the production of pro-inflammatory molecules in the BM and spleen. In addition, social impairment was counteracted in NAC-treated Shank3b−/− animals. Taken together, our results provide clear evidence of the key role of cerebellar oxidative stress and inflammation in the establishment of ASD-related behaviors. Furthermore, our findings underscore the importance of considering ASD as a systemic disorder.
Comfortable Sound Design Based on Auditory Masking with Chord Progression and Melody Generation Corresponding to the Peak Frequencies of Dental Treatment Noises
Authors: Nakayama Masato , Hayashi Takuya , Takahashi Toru , Nishiura Takanobu
Published: November 2024

Noise reduction methods have been proposed for various loud noises. However, in a quiet indoor environment, even small noises often cause discomfort. One of the small noises that causes discomfort is noise with resonant frequencies. Since resonant frequencies are often high frequencies, it is difficult to apply conventional active noise control methods to them. To solve this problem, we focused on auditory masking, a phenomenon in which synthesized sounds increase the audible threshold. We have performed several studies on reducing discomfort based on auditory masking. However, it was difficult for comfortable sound design to be achieved using the previously proposed methods, even though they were able to reduce feelings of discomfort. Here, we focus on a pleasant sound: music. Comfortable sound design is made possible by introducing music theory into the design of masker signals. In this paper, we therefore propose comfortable sound design based on auditory masking with chord progression and melody generation to match the peak frequencies of dental treatment noises.
Development of a New Sound Quality Parameter for Road Noise Perception Inside Vehicle Cabinet
Authors: Ozkan Aytekin , Yildiz Mehdi , Yildiz Ahmet
Published: November 2024

Road noise significantly impacts how customers perceive vehicle noise, especially in electric vehicles, where it becomes more noticeable with the lack of the masking effect of the internal combustion engine. In this study, a novel sound quality (SQ) metric to capture the perception of road noise was established with the help of both objective measurements and subjective evaluations on six different vehicles under smooth and rough road conditions. A jury of 50 individuals participated in subjective evaluations in controlled settings, experiencing road noise on six vehicles under both smooth and rough conditions. The same vehicles were also objectively measured in these conditions. Using subjective responses and objective measurements, this study identified key sound quality parameters influencing perception. These parameters were used to develop a new regression model predicting customer perception of road noise, considering both aspects of comfort and satisfaction to follow as a key indicator for road noise, particularly in electric vehicles. While an R2 of 0.312 was obtained with SPL, R2 of 0.972 and 0.999 were obtained with the new comfort and satisfaction metrics, respectively. The effectiveness of the newly created SQ metrics was further validated across various vehicles.
Focus on Disaster Risk Reduction by ResNet-CDMV Model After Natural Disasters
Authors: Tang Zhaojia , Han Yu
Published: November 2024

In this study, we addressed the difficulty of systematic and accurate identification and early warning of secondary disaster events after natural disasters. We analyzed the causes of common secondary disaster events, established the correlation between common everyday items and the types of secondary disasters, and constructed six secondary disaster factor datasets, namely, fire, flammable objects, explosive objects, toxic substances, trapped personnel, and dangerous buildings. We proposed a multi-model cluster decision method to extract the secondary disaster factors’ visual features, and we created a ResNet-CDMV image classification algorithm with higher accuracy recognition performance than the traditional single model. The experimental results show that the ResNet-CDMV algorithm in this study has an identification mAP value of 87% for secondary disaster factors. For this algorithm, Faster-RCNN, SSD, CornerNet, and CenterNet, the mAP value of the YOLOv7 object detection algorithm is increased by 9.333%, 11.833%, 13%, 11%, and 8.167%, respectively. Based on the systematic analysis of the formation mechanism of secondary disasters, the high-precision identification method built in this study is applied to the identification and early warning of secondary disasters, which is of great significance in reducing the occurrence of secondary disasters and ensuring the protection of life and property.
Experimental Study on the Dynamic Mechanical Properties and Crashing Behaviors of Limestone Under High Temperatures in Real-Time
Authors: Zhang Lianying , Li Bing , Wu Peng , Guo Shiru , Zheng Yadong , Li Ming , Zhu Fuqiang
Published: November 2024

In this study, a split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) test system with real-time temperature control was developed, and dynamic tests on limestone taken from deep coal mines within real-time temperatures of 25 to 800 °C were carried out. Additionally, the scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and energy dispersion spectrum (EDS) tests were conducted to analyze the fracture mechanism of limestone at real-time temperatures. The results reveal that the dynamic compressive strength of limestone linearly declines with increasing temperatures; due to not being affected by thermal shock damage, its strength degradation is not significant after cooling to room temperature, whereas the dynamic elastic modulus exhibits a negative exponential nonlinear decrease with the increase in temperatures. The average strain rate has a positive correlation with the dynamic compressive strength of limestone, while the dynamic elastic modulus exhibits variations in accordance with the Boltzmann function and its relationship with the strain rate. The combined influence of strain rate and temperature on the dynamic compressive strength of limestone can be accurately described by a binary quadratic function. The mechanism of real-time action on limestone can be divided into three stages: when the temperature is between 25 and 200 °C, crystal micro-expansion leads to the densification of micropores, which leads to the increase in limestone strength. When the temperature is between 200 °C and 600 °C, the formation of microcracks induced by thermal stress and intergranular expansion results in a reduction in limestone strength. When the temperature is between 600 and 800 °C, in addition to the continued expansion of the intergranular resulting in the increase in the number of micro-cracks, the decomposition of dolomite at high temperatures leads to chemical deterioration and further reduction in the strength of limestone.
Increasing the Wear Resistance of CrWMn Tool Steel Surfaces by Plasma Electrolytic Nitriding and Polishing
Authors: Grigoriev Sergey N. , Mukhacheva Tatiana L. , Tambovskiy Ivan V. , Kusmanova Irina A. , Golubeva Tatiana M. , Podrabinnik Pavel A. , Khmyrov Roman S. , Suminov Igor V. , Kusmanov Sergei A.
Published: November 2024

The positive effect of plasma electrolytic treatment on CrWMn tool steel to increase the wear resistance of its surface is shown. The effect of plasma electrolytic nitriding and subsequent polishing on the structure, phase and elemental composition, microhardness of the surface layer, and surface morphology is established. Steel nitriding leads to the formation of a modified surface layer including Fe2–3N iron nitride and nitrogen martensite, below which hardening martensite is formed, reaching a microhardness value of 1200 HV. Subsequent polishing leads to a decrease in surface roughness by 42–68%. Tribological tests were carried out according to the shaft-bushing scheme. A decrease in the friction coefficient and weight wear of up to 2.6 and 30.1 times, respectively, is shown. The formed structure of the surface layer compensates for the effect of the counter body and determines the destruction of friction bonds by plastic displacement. The wear mechanism has been established and is defined as fatigue wear under dry friction and plastic contact.
A Deep Learning-Based Framework for Bearing RUL Prediction to Optimize Laser Shock Peening Remanufacturing
Authors: Liang Yuchen , Wang Yuqi , Li Anping , Gu Chengyi , Tang Jie , Pang Xianjuan
Published: November 2024

Accurate prediction of the remaining useful life (RUL) of bearings is crucial for maintaining the reliability and efficiency of industrial systems. This study introduces a novel methodology integrating advanced machine learning and optimization techniques to address this challenge. (1) A transformer-attention model was developed to process segmented vibration signals, effectively capturing complex patterns. The model showed better performance than traditional approaches, with an RMSE of 0.989. (2) A Deep Neural Network (DNN) was designed to predict the extended RUL of bearings after laser shock peening (LSP) remanufacturing. The fruit fly optimization (FFO) algorithm was employed to optimize the remanufacturing parameters; a 29.33% improvement was achieved in fitness compared to the baseline. (3) The DNN model predictions were validated against Finite Element Analysis (FEA) simulations, with a low relative error of 2.5% to 5.8%; the model showed good accuracy in capturing the effects of optimized LSP parameters on bearing life extension.
Spatio-Temporal Transformer Networks for Inland Ship Trajectory Prediction with Practical Deficient Automatic Identification System Data
Authors: Xiao Youan , Luo Xin , Wang Tengfei , Zhang Zijian
Published: November 2024

Inland waterways, characterized by their complex, narrow paths, see significantly higher traffic volumes compared to maritime routes, increasing the regulatory demands on traffic management. Predictive modeling of ship traffic flows, utilizing real AIS historical data, enhances route and docking planning for ships and port managers. This approach boosts transportation efficiency and safety in inland waterway navigation. Nevertheless, AIS data are flawed, marred by noise, disjointed paths, anomalies, and inconsistent timing between points. This study introduces a data processing technique to refine AIS data, encompassing segmentation, outlier elimination, missing point interpolation, and uniform interval resampling, aiming to enhance trajectory analysis reliability. Utilizing this refined data processing approach on ship trajectory data yields independent, complete motion profiles with uniform timing. Leveraging the Transformer model, denoted TRFM, this research integrates processed AIS data from the Yangtze River to create a predictive dataset, validating the efficacy of our prediction methodology. A comparative analysis with advanced models such as LSTM and its variants demonstrates TRFM’s superior accuracy, showcasing lower errors in multiple metrics. TRFM’s alignment with actual trajectories underscores its potential for enhancing navigational planning. This validation not only underscores the method’s precision in forecasting ship movements but also its utility in risk management and decision-making, contributing significantly to the advancement in maritime traffic safety and efficiency.
Metal Release and Cell Viability of 316L Stainless Steel Sputter-Coated with N-Doped a-C:H Coatings
Authors: Fróis António , Marques João Ricardo , Santos Luís , Peres Marco , Lorenz Katharina , Louro Cristina Santos , Santos Ana Cristina
Published: November 2024

Hydrogenated amorphous carbon (a-C:H) has been considered a promising biocompatible coating to protect metallic alloys against corrosion for medical applications, namely orthodontics. However, there is still no optimal solution for this biomedical field; hence, the investigation remains open. In this work, the effect of a nonmetallic doping element (N) on sputter-deposited a-C:H coatings was studied concerning both salivary corrosion and cytotoxicity behavior. After a 30-day corrosion test in an acidic modified Fusayama-Meyer artificial saliva, metal release from both coated and uncoated 316L stainless steel (SS) substrates was quantified. Tests on the corrosion extracts were then performed by using monocultures of macrophages and fibroblasts, and their coculture; and cell viability was evaluated via the MTT test. Results show an overall inhibition of the SS corrosion, which enhanced the in vitro biocompatibility with a minimal effect on the coatings’ microstructure. Among all the coatings tested, the undoped a-C:H coating performed the best, whereas an increase in N doping led to poorer protection against metal dissolution and a subsequent slightly lower biocompatibility. The findings corroborate that selecting the nonmetallic element N for doping C-based coatings is not a good choice for this biomedical field, even at low contents up to 10 at.%.
Investigation of Debonding Effect in Internal Replacement Pipe System Under Lateral Loading
Authors: Tien Tri C. M. , Manalo Allan , Dixon Patrick , Karunasena Warna , Ahmadi Hamid , Kiriella Shanika , Salah Ahmad , Wham Brad P.
Published: November 2024

The aging pipeline infrastructure around the world necessitates immediate rehabilitation. Internal replacement pipe (IRP) is a trenchless system offering a versatile and cost-effective solution across a variety of industries, including oil, natural gas, water, and wastewater. As a structural pipeline repair system, IRPs are subject to lateral deformation because of surface traffic loading. The present study evaluates the impact of adhesion between the host pipe and the IRP, with a focus on assessing the debonding effect on the behavior of the repair system under lateral deformation and bending. This was achieved using a comprehensive approach, including experimental, numerical, and analytical techniques. Varying levels of adhesive strength resulting from different methods of surface preparation were considered. The effectiveness of the IRP system on both discontinuous host pipes with various crack widths and continuous host pipes was also investigated. The results demonstrate that adhesive strength exerts a significant influence on the repair system, especially in the case of narrow circumferential cracks, while its impact on the continuous system is minimal. For optimal performance, it is essential to choose adhesives that possess sufficient shear strength while also accounting for the required debonding length. This approach ensures that minor discontinuities are effectively controlled, thereby enhancing the system′s fatigue life. The reliable determination of the maximum allowable shear strength for the adhesive or the debonding length can ensure that it does not negatively affect fatigue life. The findings presented in this study offer new insights into the development of trenchless repair techniques that can enhance system performance and extend service life.
Performance Analysis and Improvement of Machine Learning with Various Feature Selection Methods for EEG-Based Emotion Classification
Authors: Abdumalikov Sherzod , Kim Jingeun , Yoon Yourim
Published: November 2024

Emotion classification is a challenge in affective computing, with applications ranging from human–computer interaction to mental health monitoring. In this study, the classification of emotional states using electroencephalography (EEG) data were investigated. Specifically, the efficacy of the combination of various feature selection methods and hyperparameter tuning of machine learning algorithms for accurate and robust emotion recognition was studied. The following feature selection methods were explored: filter (SelectKBest with analysis of variance (ANOVA) F-test), embedded (least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) tuned using Bayesian optimization (BO)), and wrapper (genetic algorithm (GA)) methods. We also executed hyperparameter tuning of machine learning algorithms using BO. The performance of each method was assessed. Two different EEG datasets, EEG Emotion and DEAP Dataset, containing 2548 and 160 features, respectively, were evaluated using random forest (RF), logistic regression, XGBoost, and support vector machine (SVM). For both datasets, the experimented three feature selection methods consistently improved the accuracy of the models. For EEG Emotion dataset, RF with LASSO achieved the best result among all the experimented methods increasing the accuracy from 98.78% to 99.39%. In the DEAP dataset experiment, XGBoost with GA showed the best result, increasing the accuracy by 1.59% and 2.84% for valence and arousal. We also show that these results are superior to those by the previous other methods in the literature.
Bicentennial Volcanic Activity Cycles and Their Long-Term Impact on Northern Hemisphere Climate
Authors: Ogurtsov Maxim
Published: November 2024

Six up-to-date reconstructions of hemispheric and global temperatures and two indices of volcanic activity were analyzed using both Fourier and wavelet approaches over time intervals of up to 1500 years. A cyclicity with a period of 188–250 years was found to be present in both the Northern Hemisphere temperature and volcanic activity. These cycles were found to be negatively correlated with the correlation coefficients, reaching values of −0.61–−0.68 over the entire time interval. The maximum correlation coefficient is reached when volcanic variations lead to temperature variations by 20 years. The combined probability of the null hypothesis—the proposition that in the Northern Hemisphere, there is no real association between the bicentennial change in volcanic activity and temperature and that the revealed correlations arose purely by chance—was found to be no more than 1.2 × 10−2 over the entire time interval and less than 10−2 over the time interval of AD 1270–1980. The effect was weaker for the global temperature and was not detected in the Southern Hemisphere. It is shown that the identified bicentennial temperature variation could have made a certain contribution to the warming in the first half of the 20th century. However, this cycle has probably been in decline for the last 40–50 years and the decline should continue for the next few decades. Possible origins of the revealed bicentennial correlations are discussed, and guidelines for further research are proposed.
Fractal Differential Equations of 2α-Order
Authors: Khalili Golmankhaneh Alireza , Bongiorno Donatella
Published: November 2024

In this research paper, we provide a concise overview of fractal calculus applied to fractal sets. We introduce and solve a 2α-order fractal differential equation with constant coefficients across different scenarios. We propose a uniqueness theorem for 2α-order fractal linear differential equations. We define the solution space as a vector space with non-integer orders. We establish precise conditions for 2α-order fractal linear differential equations and derive the corresponding fractal adjoint differential equation.
Epidemiology and Antimicrobial Resistance Profiles of Bacterial Isolates from Clinical Specimens at Felege Hiwot Comprehensive Specialized Hospital in Ethiopia: Retrospective Study
Authors: Erkihun Mulat , Assefa Ayenew , Legese Biruk , Almaw Andargachew , Berhan Ayenew , Getie Birhanu , Kiros Teklehaimanot , Fentie Alemie , Damtie Shewaneh , Eyayu Tahir , Malkamu Birhanemaskal , Solomon Yenealem , Sharew Bekele , Asmare Zelalem , Getie Molla , Enkobahry Aklesya , Ayele Bayu , Ashagrie Degu
Published: November 2024

Background: Bacterial infections constitute a large portion of infectious disorders. The location of culture-positive specimens and profiles of antibiotic resistance for common pathogens have been the focal points of subsequent investigations. Methodology: The diagnosis of microbiology was carried out using traditional culture techniques. In accordance with Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines, the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method was employed for antimicrobial susceptibility analysis. The data were extracted from WHONET 2022 software version 22.5.5 and analyzed using SPSS software. Results: In total, 2489 pathogens were isolated from 2073 patients in three consecutive years. About 768 (34.9%) of the isolates were from the neonatal intensive care unit and the pediatric wards, and 63.2% isolates were from blood specimens. The ESKAPE pathogens were predominant (67%). About 100 Enterobacteriaceae family member bacteria were resistant to carbapenem drugs, and 320 isolates of this family were expected to be beta lactamase producers. A total of 120 methicillin-resistant S. aureus isolates were also identified. Conclusions: Among the isolates, ESKAPE pathogens accounted for the greatest proportion. Most isolates were from the neonatal intensive care unit. A significant number of multidrug-resistant, extreme drug-resistant, and pandrug-resistant isolates were identified in the present study.
Evaluating a Nickel–Metal Hydride (NiMH) Battery Regeneration Patent Based on a Non-Intrusive and Unsupervised Prototype
Authors: Martínez-Sánchez Rafael , Molina-García Angel , Mateo-Aroca Antonio , Ramallo-González Alfonso P.
Published: November 2024

In the ongoing shift toward electric vehicles (EVs) primarily utilizing lithium-ion battery technology, a significant population of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) remains operational, which are reliant on established NiMH battery systems. Over the last twenty years, these HEVs have generated a substantial number of NiMH batteries that are either inoperable, experiencing performance degradation, or approaching the end of their service life. This situation results in a twofold challenge: (i) a growing volume of environmentally hazardous waste due to the difficulty of NiMH battery reclamation and (ii) escalating maintenance costs for HEV owners necessitated by replacement battery purchases. To overcome this scenario, patent WO2015092107A1, published in 2015, proposed a ‘Method for regenerating NiMH batteries.’ This method claimed the ability to restore NiMH batteries to their original functionality based on a non-intrusive approach. However, a comprehensive review of the relevant scientific literature fails to identify any empirical evidence supporting the efficacy of this regeneration technique. Within this context, this study provides a detailed analysis and evaluation of the regeneration process based on an unsupervised and non-intrusive prototype. The proposed prototype can be used not only to implement and evaluate the previous patent, but also to test any other process or methodology based on controlled charging/discharging periods under certain current conditions. NiMH battery cells from a Toyota Prius were included in this work as a real case study. The experimental results from this prototype demonstrate the reduced potential for battery regeneration using the proposed method. Future contributions should offer a promising solution for mitigating the challenges associated with NiMH battery disposal, maintenance within the HEV domain, and other second-life alternative options.
Levilactobacillus brevis 47f: Bioadaptation to Low Doses of Xenobiotics in Aquaculture
Authors: Reznikova Diana , Kochetkov Nikita , Vatlin Alexey , Nikiforov-Nikishin Dmitry , Galanova Olesya , Klimuk Anastasia , Smorodinskaya Svetlana , Matyushkina Daria , Kovalenko Alexey , Butenko Ivan , Marsova Maria , Danilenko Valery
Published: November 2024

Agricultural and industrial activities are increasing pollution of water bodies with low doses of xenobiotics that have detrimental effects on aquaculture. The aim of this work was to determine the possibility of using Levilactobacillus brevis 47f culture in fish aquaculture under the influence of low doses of xenobiotics as an adaptogen. An increase in the survival of Danio rerio individuals exposed to the xenobiotic bisphenol A solution and fed with the L. brevis 47f was shown compared to control groups and, at the same time, the cytokine profile in the intestinal tissues of Danio rerio was also investigated. Analysis of differential gene expression of the L. brevis 47f grown under the action of high concentrations of bisphenol A showed changes in mRNA levels of a number of genes, including genes of various transport proteins, genes involved in fatty acid synthesis, genes of transcriptional regulators, genes of the arabinose operon, and the oppA gene. The identification of L. brevis 47f proteins from polyacrylamide gel by mass spectrometry revealed L-arabinose isomerase, Clp chaperone subunit, ATP synthase subunits, pentose phosphate pathway and glycolysis enzyme proteins, which are likely part of the L. brevis 47f strain’s anti-stress response, but probably do not affect its adaptogenic activity toward Danio rerio.
The Relationship Between Horizontal Jumping and Sprinting Ability Across Sexes in Young Active Adults
Authors: Kleeberger Adam , Agar-Newman Dana , Tsai Ming-Chang , Klimstra Marc
Published: November 2024

Purpose: The purpose of this research was to investigate the relationship between horizontal jump distance, 10 m time, and 30–40 m time in multi-sport athletes separated by sex and sprint speed. Methods: A total of 1352 athletes (742 males and 610 females) performed 40 m sprints, standing broad jumps (SBJs), and standing triple jumps (STJs). Data were separated by sex and then grouped as fast, average, and slow using the K-Means algorithm in three conditions (acceleration, max speed, and combined). Results: Regression models explained 84.01% of the variance (F(7,757) = 574.5, p < 0.001) for the 10 m times with mass, speed group, and sex as significant predictors and 88.51% of the variance (F = (7,757 = 841.6, p < 0.001) for the 30–40 m times with SBJ, STJ, speed group, sex, and the interaction of sex and group as significant predictors. Conclusions: These results suggest that when examining general athlete physical performance, horizontal jump tests and max speed sprint times can be used equivalently to stratify athletes. However, it is important to group athletes by speed and sex before being able to predict sprint ability from horizontal jump tests. Further, athlete mass is a significant factor in the prediction of acceleration ability but not maximum speed, and horizontal jumps were significant factors in the prediction of max speed but not acceleration.
Identification of Contactin-1 as a Potential Biomarker and Therapeutic Target in Neuroblastoma
Authors: Grant Christa N. , Wills Carson A. , Liu Xiaoming , Chen Longgui , Liu Zhenqiu , Wang Hong-Gang
Published: November 2024

Background: Neuroblastoma is a common pediatric solid tumor with poor outcomes in high-risk patients. The identification of new therapeutic biomarkers is critical for the treatment of disease. Methods: An analysis of large publicly available datasets of tumor gene expression was performed. In vivo studies were performed to elucidate the role of contactin-1 (CNTN1) in tumor progression. Results: Expression of the glycoprotein CNTN1 is elevated in neuroblastoma compared to other tumor types. CNTN1 expression is higher in stage 1 and non-MYCN-amplified tumors, compared to more aggressive stage 4 and MYCN-amplified tumors. Moreover, high CNTN1 expression is associated with increased overall survival in neuroblastoma patients. In vivo studies demonstrate reduced metastasis in mice xenografted with CNTN1 knockout tumors compared to wildtype. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that CNTN1 is a potential biomarker and therapeutic target in neuroblastoma. Further investigation of CNTN1 could have significant clinical implications for improving neuroblastoma treatment.
Validation of a Set of Clinical Criteria for the Diagnosis of Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Ciubotaru Alin , Alexa Daniel , Grosu Cristina , Böckels Lilia , Păvăleanu Ioana , Maștaleru Alexandra , Leon Maria Magdalena , Covali Roxana , Roman Emanuel Matei , Bistriceanu Cătălina Elena , Ghiciuc Cristina Mihaela , Azoicăi Doina , Ignat Emilian Bogdan
Published: November 2024

Background/Objectives: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system characterized by progressive impairment of neuronal transmission due to focal demyelination. The most common form is RRMS (relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis), which, under the influence of certain factors, can progress to SPMS (secondary progressive multiple sclerosis). Our study aimed to validate the criteria proposed by a working group of the Romanian Society of Neurology versus the criteria proposed by a group of experts from Spain, Karolinska, and Croatia concerning the progression from RRMS to SPMS. Methods: This was done by gathering epidemiological data (age, gender) and by applying clinical tests such as the 9HPT (9-hole peg test), 25FWT (25-foot walk test), and EDSS (expanded disability status scale) tests and the SDMT test (symbol digit modalities test). The present research is a cohort study that included a number of 120 patients diagnosed with MS according to the McDonald Diagnostic Criteria 2017. The study was carried out between January 2023 and April 2024, including patients hospitalized in the Neurology Clinic of the Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital from Iasi, Romania. The data were collected at baseline (T0) and at a 12-month interval (T1). Results: The statistical analysis was conducted using Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin analysis, which indicated a value of 0.683, thus validating the clinical tests used. The correlation matrix and the linear regression for all the tests showed highly significant statistical results. Furthermore, the ROC curve analysis of the criteria suggested by the working group of the Romanian Society of Neurology demonstrated that the EDSS, 9HPT, and 25FWT are highly sensitive in diagnosing SPMS, an opinion that is shared with the Spanish experts, but not with the Karolinska expert panel. Using the criteria given by the Croatian expert group in the ROC curve analysis showed that only the EDSS was strongly significant for the progression to the SPMS phase. Conclusions: In conclusion, all clinical methods used demonstrated that they are valid and can contribute to identifying patients with an increased risk of progression. The model proposed by the Romanian Society of Neurology working group is similar to other countries’ expert opinions and can be used to detect the risk of disease progression and establish a more tailored therapeutic management of SPMS.
Design and Validation of the Gender-Based Violence Stereotypical Beliefs Scale
Authors: Bonilla-Algovia Enrique , Pana Andreea Gabriela , Carrasco Carpio Concepción
Published: November 2024

Gender-based violence is a public health issue influenced by culture and social values, which is why its comprehensive prevention requires addressing distorted beliefs and legitimising myths present in society. The aim of this study was, on the one hand, to design and validate the Gender-Based Violence Stereotypical Beliefs Scale (GBVSBS), and, on the other, to analyse the differences between men and women regarding these beliefs. The sample consisted of 404 university students from the Community of Madrid and Castilla-La Mancha (Spain), aged between 18 and 53 years. This study is based on a quantitative methodology and a cross-sectional design. The judgement of four specialists in the field supported the content validity of the items. Factorial analyses provided evidence for a two-factor model: myths about male perpetrators and myths about gender-based violence and female victims. The fit indices and reliability coefficients were adequate. Stereotypical beliefs about gender-based violence correlated with victim-blaming attitudes, and different levels of acceptance were found depending on gender. In conclusion, this study offers a valid and reliable instrument with which to analyse the sociocultural beliefs surrounding gender-based violence today, promoting the implementation of socio-educational interventions.
As-Built Performance of Net-Zero Energy, Emissions, and Cost Buildings: A Real-Life Case Study in Melbourne, Australia
Authors: Alam Morshed , Graze William , Graze Tom , Graze Ingrid
Published: November 2024

This research investigated the real-world operational performance of five purposely designed and built net-zero-energy houses in Melbourne, Australia. The embodied energy and carbon emissions of these houses were calculated based on their architectural and engineering drawings, as well as the relevant databases of embodied energy and emission factors. Operational data, including solar production, consumption, end uses, battery usage, grid import, and grid export, were measured using the appropriate IoT devices from May 2023 to April 2024. The results showed that all the studied houses achieved net-zero energy and net-zero carbon status for operation, exporting between 3 to 37 times more energy than they consumed to the grid (except for house 2, where the consumption from the grid was zero). The embodied carbon of each case study house was calculated as 13.1 tons of CO2-e, which could be paid back within 4 to 9 years depending on the operational carbon. Achieving net-zero cost status, however, was found to be difficult due to the higher electricity purchase price, daily connection charge, and lower feed-in tariff. Only house 2 was close to achieving net zero cost with only AUD 37 out-of-pocket cost. Increasing the energy exported to the grid and storing the generated solar energy may help achieve net-zero cost. The installation of batteries did not affect the net-zero energy or emission status but had a significant impact on net-zero operational costs. However, the calculated payback period for the batteries installed in these five houses ranged from 43 to 112 years, making them impractical at this stage compared to the typical 10-year warranty period of the batteries. With rising electricity purchase prices, decreasing feed-in tariffs (potentially to zero in the future/already the case in some areas), and government incentives for battery installation, the payback period could be reduced, justifying their adoption. Moreover, the installed 13.5 kWh Tesla battery was too big for households with lower energy consumption like houses 2 and 5, which used only 25% of their total battery capacity most of the year. Therefore, selecting an appropriately sized battery based on household consumption could further help reduce the payback period.
The Influence of the Spatial Morphology of Township Streets on Summer Microclimate and Thermal Comfort
Authors: Zhao Wanqi , Hu Qingtao , Bao Anhong
Published: November 2024

Slow progress has been made on the study of thermal comfort studies in rural streets. The street construction lacks a corresponding theoretical basis, and the difference between city streets and township streets leads to the situation that the increased focus on improving the thermal comfort of city streets has not been effectively transferred to township construction. Therefore, this paper takes Huilongba Village as the research object, researching the mechanisms by which the spatial pattern of township streets influences the microclimate. This paper defines the spatial morphology of township streets by three indexes: the street aspect ratio, building density, and staggered arrangement of buildings. Additionally, it analyzes the microclimate influences of spatial morphology changes on township streets, verifies the validity of the ENVI-met model through field measurements, and designs a three-factor orthogonal experiment. With the help of software simulation, allowing for an investigation of the effects of indicators and their interactions on pedestrian thermal comfort, the optimal street spatial pattern construction scheme is proposed. The results show that the greater the density of street buildings, the more obvious the cooling effect and the better the comfort; in the staggered arrangement of buildings, the higher the high point of the building is to the south, the lower the overall temperature of the street and the better the cooling effect; and the larger the aspect ratio of the street, the better the cooling effect. Through orthogonal test and ANOVA, we can obtain the relationship between the contribution of each index to air temperature and the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) as street aspect ratio > building density > staggered building arrangement, and the overall thermal comfort of the street is the best when the aspect ratio of the street building is 1.5, the density of the building is 100%, and the south side of the building is higher. This study can provide a basis for rural street construction and thermal comfort retrofitting.
Performance and Applicability Analysis of Indirect Evaporative Cooling Units in Data Centers Across Various Humidity Regions
Authors: Wei Qian , Lu Jun , Xia Xiaoping , Zhang Bin , Ying Xiang , Li Leihong
Published: November 2024

Indirect evaporative cooling (IEC), which utilizes natural cooling sources, is an advanced and promising technology to reduce the energy consumption of cooling systems in a data center (DC). This study presents a model of an IEC air-conditioning unit in a DC using TRNSYS simulation software validated using actual operational data to investigate the adaptability of IEC units in data centers located in regions with varying humidity levels, providing a reference for their application and promotion in DCs. Based on this premise, the authors analyzed the meteorological characteristics of Urumqi (a dry region), Beijing (a region with medium humidity), and Shanghai (a region with high humidity), which are representative cities in different humidity zones. The analysis identified the annual operating hours of the unit’s three operation modes, including fresh-air indirect heat transfer (FAIHT), IEC, and hybrid. Simultaneously, the authors conducted a simulation of the unit’s yearly energy consumption and determined time change curves for annual energy consumption, hourly coefficient of performance (COP) throughout the year, and mechanical cooling in various locations. The results indicate that IEC air-conditioning systems are highly effective in promoting the efficiency of data centers in various humidity regions. Dry locations demonstrate the greatest adaptability, followed by regions with medium humidity and, finally, regions with high humidity. The findings indicate that IEC units provide significant energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness when deployed in typical urban DCs across various humidity zones in China. The average annual power-usage effectiveness (PUE) of each city’s DC utilizing the unit is less than 1.3, and the unit’s annual operational cost savings exceed 30%.
Experimental and Numerical Investigation on the Bearing Capacity of Axially Compressive Concrete-Filled Steel Tubular Columns with Local Corrosion
Authors: Fang Wei , Chen Mengcheng , Wen Qingqing , Huang Hong , Xu Kaicheng , Zhang Rui
Published: November 2024

This study aims to examine the effects of local corrosion on the axial compression performance of concrete-filled steel tubular (CFST) members. Nineteen CFST short columns with local corrosion were designed and fabricated to undergo axial compression mechanical property tests, with the radial corrosion depth of the local corrosion area as the key test parameter. The failure mechanism and mechanical property change laws of CFST axial compression short columns with circumferential full corrosion at the ends and middle were studied. Combined with finite element modeling, the influence laws of the three-dimensional geometrical characteristics of the local corrosion zone, i.e., the axial length, the annular width and the radial depth, on the structural bearing performance were thoroughly explored and discussed. The results revealed that the main reason for the reduction in load-carrying capacity of circular CFST axial columns due to local corrosion is attributed to the reduction of the effective cross-sectional area of the steel tube in the corrosion area. When local corrosion occurs at different axial positions, the variation range of the bearing capacity of CFST columns is within 10%. Regarding the impact of the three dimensions of local corrosion on the axial load-carrying capacity of CFST, the radial corrosion depth was identified as the most influential factor, followed by the annular corrosion width, and finally by the axial corrosion length. When the axial corrosion length exceeds 20% of the specimen length, its further influence on the load-carrying capacity is considered limited. Finally, a practical calculation formula for the bearing capacity of locally corroded CFST columns is proposed. The predicted results of this formula fit well with the test results and can quickly estimate the remaining bearing capacity of the structure by measuring the geometric parameters of the local corrosion area, providing a reference for the assessment and maintenance of CFST structures.