bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improved Exponential Phase Mask for Generating Defocus Invariance of Wavefront Coding Systems
Authors: Sheng Jing , Cai Huaiyu , Wang Yi , Chen Xiaodong , Xu Yushuai
Published: May 2022

Wavefront coding is an effective way to extend the depth of field of optical imaging systems. The invariant defocusing imaging feature can be obtained by adding a phase mask with a suitable form to the aperture of a typical optical system. Traditional exponential phase mask defocusing optical characteristics exhibit strong invariance in the frequency domain, but the point spread function (PSF) variation is significant in the image plane To reduce PSF position deviation, we presented an improved exponential phase mask. The phase function of the improved mask is obtained by analyzing the relationship between Taylor expansion and wave aberration. Numerical analysis and imaging simulation are used to evaluate the performance of the proposed phase mask to that of other standard phase masks. The simulation results show that the improved exponential phase mask has a stronger defocus invariance of the modulation transfer function (MTF), and the position deviation of the PSF has been effectively controlled.
Monthly Precipitation Collected at Hirosaki, Japan: Its Tritium Concentration and Chemical and Stable Isotope Compositions
Authors: Kuwata Haruka , Akata Naofumi , Okada Kazusa , Tanaka Masahiro , Tazoe Hirofumi , Kurita Naoyuki , Otashiro Nao , Negami Ryoju , Suzuki Takahito , Tamakuma Yuki , Shiroma Yoshitaka , Hosoda Masahiro
Published: May 2022

Monthly precipitation samples were collected at Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture from January 2018 to December 2020 to measure the ion species and stable hydrogen and oxygen isotope ratios in order to understand the regional properties. The tritium concentration ranged from 0.28 to 1.20 Bq/L, with mean values (±S.D.) of 0.52 ± 0.18, 0.67 ± 0.25 and 0.63 ± 0.21 Bq/L in 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively. This concentration level was almost the same as for Rokkasho, Aomori Prefecture. The tritium concentration had clear seasonal variation: high in the spring and low in the summer. This trend was thought to arise from seasonal fluctuations in the atmospheric circulation. On the other hand, the pH tended to be low, and the electrical conductivity (EC) tended to be high from the winter to the spring. The ion components, which major ion species contained in sea salt, also tended to be high in the winter, and these components had a strong influence on EC. The d-excess values were high in the winter and low in the summer, and when this trend was considered from the viewpoint of the wind direction data in Hirosaki, these dust components were attributed to the northwest monsoon in the winter to the spring coming from the Asian continent.
Effect of Water Molecule on the Complete Series Reactions of Chlorothiobenzenes with H/·OH: A Theoretical Study
Authors: Han Yanan , Zheng Siyuan , Teng Zhuochao , Hadizadeh Mohammad Hassan , Zhang Qi , Xu Fei , Sun Yanhui
Published: May 2022

The chlorothiobenzenes (CTBs) are the principal precursors for the formation of polychlorinated thianthrene/dibenzothiophenes (PCTA/DTs), which have high toxicity and wide distribution in the environment. Under the pyrolysis or combustion conditions, CTBs can react with H/·OH radicals to form the chlorothiobenzyl radicals (CTBRs) through abstraction of the chlorothiobenzyl-hydrogen. The water molecule can play an important role in this process. The coupling of CTBRs is the essential first step in forming PCTA/DTs. In this paper, quantum chemical calculations were carried out to investigate the formation of CTBRs from the complete series reactions of 19 chlorothiobenzene (CTB) congeners with H/·OH radicals in the presence of the water molecule. Using the MPWB1K/6-311 + G(3df,2p)//MPWB1K/6-31 + G(d,p) energy level, schematic energy profiles were constructed with the water molecule and then compared with the non-hydrated case. The present study shows that structural parameters and thermal data, as well as CTBRs formation potential from CTBs, are strongly dominated by the chlorine substitution at the ortho-position of CTBs. Meanwhile, the water molecule can promote the CTBR formation from CTBs abstracted by H/·OH, which has a stronger catalysis effect on the H abstraction from CTBs by OH than from CTBs by H. This study may provide reference parameters for future experimental research, which would enhance measures to reduce dioxin emission and establish dioxin control strategies.
Versatile Modelling of Extreme Surges in Connection with Large-Scale Circulation Drivers
Authors: Baulon Lisa , Turki Emma Imen , Massei Nicolas , André Gaël , Ferret Yann , Pouvreau Nicolas
Published: May 2022

In this article, we investigate the dependence of extreme surges on the North Atlantic weather regime variability across different timescales using the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and Scandinavian blocking (SCAND) indices. The analysis was done using time series of surges along the North French Coast, covering long time periods (43 to 172 years of data). Time series that exhibited gaps were filled using linear interpolation to allow spectral analyses to be conducted. First, a continuous wavelet analysis on monthly maxima surges in the North French Coast was conducted to identify the multi-timescale variability. Second, a wavelet coherence analysis and maximum overlap discrete wavelet transform (MODWT) were used to study the timescale-dependent relationships between maxima surges and NAO or SCAND. Finally, NAO and SCAND were tested as physical covariates for a nonstationary generalized extreme value (GEV) distribution to fit monthly maxima surge series. Specific low-frequency variabilities characterizing these indices (extracted using MODWT) were also used as covariates to determine whether such specific variabilities would allow for even better GEV fitting. The results reveal common multi-annual timescales of variability between monthly maxima surge time series along the North French coasts: ~2–3 years, ~5–7 years, and ~12–17 years. These modes of variability were found to be mainly induced by the NAO and the SCAND. We identified a greater influence of the NAO on the monthly maxima surges of the westernmost stations (Brest, Cherbourg, Le Havre), while the SCAND showed a greater influence on the northernmost station (Dunkirk). This shows that the physical climate effects at multi-annual scales are manifested differently between the Atlantic/English Channel and the North Sea regions influenced by NAO and SCAND, respectively. Finally, the introduction of these two climate indices was found to clearly enhance GEV models as well as a few timescales of these indices.
Effects of Bacillus subtilis T6-1 on the Rhizosphere Microbial Community Structure of Continuous Cropping Poplar
Authors: Sui Junkang , Yu Qianqian , Yang Kai , Yang Jiayi , Li Chenyu , Liu Xunli
Published: May 2022

The continuous cropping obstacles in poplar cultivation cause declines in wood yield and serious soil-borne diseases, mainly because of structural alterations in the microbial community and the aggregation of pathogenic fungi. Bacillus subtilis T6-1, isolated from poplar rhizospheric soil, has strong antagonistic effects on poplar pathogens. We aimed to investigate the effects of B. subtilis T6-1 on the structure of the microbial community in the poplar rhizosphere. Poplar seedlings were replanted in three successive generations of soil. The diameter at breast height, plant height, and the number of culturable bacteria of the poplars inoculated with T6-1 exceeded those in the non-inoculated control group. qPCR analysis revealed that the total abundance of T6-1 bacteria in the treated poplars was remarkably higher in contrast to that in the control group. Illumina MiSeq sequencing was employed to track the alterations in diversity and structure of the total microbial community in the poplar rhizosphere inoculated with B. subtilis T6-1. Fungal diversity and abundance in the T6-1 rhizosphere were remarkably lower in contrast with those in the control rhizosphere. The proportion of Bacillus sp. in the total bacterial community in the T6-1 and control groups was 3.04% and 2.38%, respectively, while those of the Rhizoctonia sp. was 2.02% and 5.82%, respectively. In conclusion, B. subtilis T6-1 has the potential to serve as a microbial agent, enhancing the structure of the rhizosphere microbial community as well as promoting tree growth in poplar cultivation.
PPAR Alpha as a Metabolic Modulator of the Liver: Role in the Pathogenesis of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH)
Authors: Todisco Simona , Santarsiero Anna , Convertini Paolo , De Stefano Giulio , Gilio Michele , Iacobazzi Vito , Infantino Vittoria
Published: May 2022

The strong relationship between metabolic alterations and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) suggests a pathogenic interplay. However, many aspects have not yet been fully clarified. Nowadays, NASH is becoming the main cause of liver-associated morbidity and mortality. Therefore, an effort to understand the mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of NASH is critical. Among the nuclear receptor transcription factors, peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) is highly expressed in the liver, where it works as a pivotal transcriptional regulator of the intermediary metabolism. In this context, PPARα’s function in regulating the lipid metabolism is essential for proper liver functioning. Here, we review metabolic liver genes under the control of PPARα and discuss how this aspect can impact the inflammatory condition and pathogenesis of NASH.
Transcriptomal Insights of Heart Failure from Normality to Recovery
Authors: Quttainah Mohammed , Raveendran Vineesh Vimala , Saleh Soad , Parhar Ranjit , Aljoufan Mansour , Moorjani Narain , Al-Halees Zohair Y. , AlShahid Maie , Collison Kate S. , Westaby Stephen , Al-Mohanna Futwan
Published: May 2022

Current management of heart failure (HF) is centred on modulating the progression of symptoms and severity of left ventricular dysfunction. However, specific understandings of genetic and molecular targets are needed for more precise treatments. To attain a clearer picture of this, we studied transcriptome changes in a chronic progressive HF model. Fifteen sheep (Ovis aries) underwent supracoronary aortic banding using an inflatable cuff. Controlled and progressive induction of pressure overload in the LV was monitored by echocardiography. Endomyocardial biopsies were collected throughout the development of LV failure (LVF) and during the stage of recovery. RNA-seq data were analysed using the PANTHER database, Metascape, and DisGeNET to annotate the gene expression for functional ontologies. Echocardiography revealed distinct clinical differences between the progressive stages of hypertrophy, dilatation, and failure. A unique set of transcript expressions in each stage was identified, despite an overlap of gene expression. The removal of pressure overload allowed the LV to recover functionally. Compared to the control stage, there were a total of 256 genes significantly changed in their expression in failure, 210 genes in hypertrophy, and 73 genes in dilatation. Gene expression in the recovery stage was comparable with the control stage with a well-noted improvement in LV function. RNA-seq revealed the expression of genes in each stage that are not reported in cardiovascular pathology. We identified genes that may be potentially involved in the aetiology of progressive stages of HF, and that may provide future targets for its management.
DIANA, a Process-Oriented Model of Human Auditory Word Recognition
Authors: ten Bosch Louis , Boves Lou , Ernestus Mirjam
Published: May 2022

This article presents DIANA, a new, process-oriented model of human auditory word recognition, which takes as its input the acoustic signal and can produce as its output word identifications and lexicality decisions, as well as reaction times. This makes it possible to compare its output with human listeners’ behavior in psycholinguistic experiments. DIANA differs from existing models in that it takes more available neuro-physiological evidence on speech processing into account. For instance, DIANA accounts for the effect of ambiguity in the acoustic signal on reaction times following the Hick–Hyman law and it interprets the acoustic signal in the form of spectro-temporal receptive fields, which are attested in the human superior temporal gyrus, instead of in the form of abstract phonological units. The model consists of three components: activation, decision and execution. The activation and decision components are described in detail, both at the conceptual level (in the running text) and at the computational level (in the Appendices). While the activation component is independent of the listener’s task, the functioning of the decision component depends on this task. The article also describes how DIANA could be improved in the future in order to even better resemble the behavior of human listeners.
The Private Sector Role as a Key Supporting Stakeholder towards Circular Economy in the Built Environment: A Scientometric and Content Analysis
Authors: Owojori Oluwatobi Mary , Okoro Chioma
Published: May 2022

The United Nations (UN) 2030 Agenda, borne from the most inclusive policy dialogue ever, emphasized partnerships built upon collaboration to achieve sustainable goals, as documented in SDG17. However, the building and construction sector has been experiencing sustainability issues, leading to several traditional government-led initiatives in the built environment. The private sector is critical to achieving the sustainable development goals (SDGs) and the 2030 Agenda by interacting with societies, governments, and other actors for a circular built environment. The circular economy (CE) is a paradigm that is becoming increasingly popular to drive the movement to sustainability, requiring the partnership of the private sector to be implemented successfully. However, the application of CE initiatives in the private sector engagement has received less attention. Recognizing the interaction of multiple parties’ influence on the uptake of a CE, this study thus seeks to examine the participation of the private sector in the CE in the built environment using a mixed review approach (scientometric and content analysis). The findings reveal that the private sector faces barriers in terms of financial and economic, institutional and technological, and political and regulatory factors. This research also identified areas for greater private sector involvement in CE initiatives in the built environment, such as resource reduction, sharing, and the adaptive reuse of existing buildings.
Classification of Key Elements of Construction Project Complexity from the Contractor Perspective
Authors: Nikolić Marin , Cerić Anita
Published: May 2022

Contractors are facing an increasing degree of complexity in their construction projects. Due to inadequately prepared project plans, they have been suffering significant losses during the execution of construction projects. One of the key disadvantages of such plans is that during the planning process, a construction project is mostly defined as a linear rather than a dynamic and complex process with a high degree of uncertainty. Therefore, a contractor who is in the planning phase of a construction project should consider the impact of the project characteristics on its implementation according to the elements of project complexity. In this research, we therefore first made an overview of the existing research related to the elements of project complexity. Based on the frequency of their occurrence in existing surveys, this paper singled out eight groups of complexity characteristics that contractors should be aware of during construction projects. After that, based on the frequency of occurrence in the existing surveys, fifteen elements of complexity were classified for each project complexity group. The research conducted among construction project managers identified key complexity elements of the construction project from the contractor’s perspective. Thereby, the classification of groups with the associated key elements determining the complexity of a construction project from the perspective of the contractor was performed. By properly analyzing the impact of key elements of complexity on project flow during the planning phase, contractors can be more successful when planning the project objectives to be performed.
COVID-19 Vaccination in Patients with Cancer
Authors: Suzuki Hitomi , Akiyama Tomohiro , Ueda Nobuko , Matsumura Satoko , Mori Miki , Namiki Masatoshi , Yamada Norikazu , Tsutsumi Chika , Tozaki Satoshi , Iwamoto Hisayuki , Torii Shun , Okubo Yuichiro , Ishiguro Kiyosuke
Published: May 2022

Patients with cancer are concerned about the effects of the COVID-19 vaccination. We conducted an online survey on the COVID-19 vaccination status and side effects among patients with cancer in Japan between 8 and 14 August 2021. We included 1182 female patients with cancer aged 20–70 years and registered on an online patient website. Of the patients, 944 had breast cancer, 216 had gynecological cancer, 798 were undergoing drug/radiation therapy, and 370 were in follow-up. At the time of the survey, 885 patients had already received at least one dose. Of these, 580 had also received their second dose. The incidence rate of side effects was equivalent to previous reports. In patients with breast cancer, problems such as the onset or worsening of lymphedema or axillary lymphadenopathy metastasis requiring differential diagnosis were encountered following vaccination. A total of 768 patients were concerned about the vaccine at some point, and 726 consulted with their attending physicians about the timing or side effects of the vaccination. Of the 110 patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy, 75 adjusted the timing of the vaccination based on their therapy. The cross-analysis revealed that 81% of those who consulted their physician had received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccination compared with 65% of those who had not consulted their physician. Consulting with a physician about the COVID-19 vaccination was found to alleviate the concerns of patients with cancer and encourage them to get vaccinated.
MDACT: A New Principle of Adjunctive Cancer Treatment Using Combinations of Multiple Repurposed Drugs, with an Example Regimen
Authors: Kast Richard E. , Alfieri Alex , Assi Hazem I. , Burns Terry C. , Elyamany Ashraf M. , Gonzalez-Cao Maria , Karpel-Massler Georg , Marosi Christine , Salacz Michael E. , Sardi Iacopo , Van Vlierberghe Pieter , Zaghloul Mohamed S. , Halatsch Marc-Eric
Published: May 2022

In part one of this two-part paper, we present eight principles that we believe must be considered for more effective treatment of the currently incurable cancers. These are addressed by multidrug adjunctive cancer treatment (MDACT), which uses multiple repurposed non-oncology drugs, not primarily to kill malignant cells, but rather to reduce the malignant cells’ growth drives. Previous multidrug regimens have used MDACT principles, e.g., the CUSP9v3 glioblastoma treatment. MDACT is an amalgam of (1) the principle that to be effective in stopping a chain of events leading to an undesired outcome, one must break more than one link; (2) the principle of Palmer et al. of achieving fractional cancer cell killing via multiple drugs with independent mechanisms of action; (3) the principle of shaping versus decisive operations, both being required for successful cancer treatment; (4) an idea adapted from Chow et al., of using multiple cytotoxic medicines at low doses; (5) the idea behind CUSP9v3, using many non-oncology CNS-penetrant drugs from general medical practice, repurposed to block tumor survival paths; (6) the concept from chess that every move creates weaknesses and strengths; (7) the principle of mass—by adding force to a given effort, the chances of achieving the goal increase; and (8) the principle of blocking parallel signaling pathways. Part two gives an example MDACT regimen, gMDACT, which uses six repurposed drugs—celecoxib, dapsone, disulfiram, itraconazole, pyrimethamine, and telmisartan—to interfere with growth-driving elements common to cholangiocarcinoma, colon adenocarcinoma, glioblastoma, and non-small-cell lung cancer. gMDACT is another example of—not a replacement for—previous multidrug regimens already in clinical use, such as CUSP9v3. MDACT regimens are designed as adjuvants to be used with cytotoxic drugs.
The Role of Interstitial Brachytherapy for Breast Cancer Treatment: An Overview of Indications, Applications, and Technical Notes
Authors: Cozzi Salvatore , Augugliaro Matteo , Ciammella Patrizia , Botti Andrea , Trojani Valeria , Najafi Masoumeh , Blandino Gladys , Ruggieri Maria Paola , Giaccherini Lucia , Alì Emanuele , Iori Federico , Sardaro Angela , Finocchi Ghersi Sebastiano , Deantonio Letizia , Gutierrez Miguelez Cristina , Iotti Cinzia , Bardoscia Lilia
Published: May 2022

Breast cancer represents the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the female population, despite continuing advances in treatment options that have significantly accelerated in recent years. Conservative treatments have radically changed the concept of healing, also focusing on the psychological aspect of oncological treatments. In this scenario, radiotherapy plays a key role. Brachytherapy is an extremely versatile radiation technique that can be used in various settings for breast cancer treatment. Although it is invasive, technically complex, and requires a long learning curve, the dosimetric advantages and sparing of organs at risk are unequivocal. Literature data support muticatheter interstitial brachytherapy as the only method with strong scientific evidence to perform partial breast irradiation and reirradiation after previous conservative surgery and external beam radiotherapy, with longer follow-up than new, emerging radiation techniques, whose effectiveness is proven by over 20 years of experience. The aim of our work is to provide a comprehensive view of the use of interstitial brachytherapy to perform breast lumpectomy boost, breast-conserving accelerated partial breast irradiation, and salvage reirradiation for ipsilateral breast recurrence, with particular focus on the implant description, limits, and advantages of the technique.
How Machine Learning Classification Accuracy Changes in a Happiness Dataset with Different Demographic Groups
Authors: Sweeney Colm , Ennis Edel , Mulvenna Maurice , Bond Raymond , O’Neill Siobhan
Published: May 2022

This study aims to explore how machine learning classification accuracy changes with different demographic groups. The HappyDB is a dataset that contains over 100,000 happy statements, incorporating demographic information that includes marital status, gender, age, and parenthood status. Using the happiness category field, we test different types of machine learning classifiers to predict what category of happiness the statements belong to, for example, whether they indicate happiness relating to achievement or affection. The tests were initially conducted with three distinct classifiers and the best performing model was the convolutional neural network (CNN) model, which is a deep learning algorithm, achieving an F1 score of 0.897 when used with the complete dataset. This model was then used as the main classifier to further analyze the results and to establish any variety in performance when tested on different demographic groups. We analyzed the results to see if classification accuracy was improved for different demographic groups, and found that the accuracy of prediction within this dataset declined with age, with the exception of the single parent subgroup. The results also showed improved performance for the married and parent subgroups, and lower performances for the non-parent and un-married subgroups, even when investigating a balanced sample.
Statistical Analysis of the Distribution of the Schmid Factor in As-Built and Annealed Parts Produced by Laser Powder Bed Fusion
Authors: Muiruri Amos , Maringa Maina , du Preez Willie
Published: May 2022

This study documents a systematic analysis of the global Schmid factor for different deformation mechanisms in α′/α and β-grains in different forms of direct metal laser sintered (DMLS) Ti6Al4V(ELI) based on EBSD data. A novelty of this study is the use of these data to calculate the values of the Schmid factor and the subsequent determination of their distribution and frequency, which, when compared to the slip systems of crystal structures, helps in determining the favourable slip systems in play. Both retained β-grains and reconstructed prior β-grains were considered in this analysis. The reconstruction of the prior β-grains was executed using the Automatic Reconstruction of Parent Grain for EBSD data (ARPGE) program. The distribution of the global Schmid factor for these Ti6Al4V phases was calculated using the MATLAB-based MTEX toolbox program. This analysis of deformation modes in the α′/α-phase was based on a uniaxial load state acting on the x, y, and z axes, while only the load along the build direction (x-direction) was considered in the analysis of deformation mechanisms in the β-phase of the alloy. The results of this study showed that the DMLS build direction influenced the distribution of the global Schmid factor for the basal slip system of α′/α-grains in as-built specimens and those samples that were heat treated below the α→β transformation temperature.
ZnO under Pressure: From Nanoparticles to Single Crystals
Authors: Baranov Andrei N. , Sokolov Petr S. , Solozhenko Vladimir L.
Published: May 2022

In the present review, new approaches for the stabilization of metastable phases of zinc oxide and the growth of ZnO single crystals under high pressures and high temperatures are considered. The problems of the stabilization of the cubic modification of ZnO as well as solid solutions on its basis are discussed. A thermodynamic approach to the description of zinc oxide melting at high pressures is described which opens up new possibilities for the growth of both undoped and doped (for example, with elements of group V) single crystals of zinc oxide. The possibilities of using high pressure to vary phase and elemental composition in order to create ZnO-based materials are demonstrated.
Effect of Laser Surface Structuring on Surface Wettability and Tribological Performance of Bulk Metallic Glass
Authors: Wang Qinghua , Zhou Yongqi , Wu Pengyu , Qu Chengyu , Wang Huixin
Published: May 2022

Bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) have been extremely popular in recent decades, owing to their superior properties. However, how to improve the surface functions and durability of BMGs has always been a key engineering issue. In this work, a facile laser-based surface structuring technique was developed for modulation and control of the surface functionalities of Zr-based BMG. For this technique, a laser beam was first irradiated on the surface to create periodic surface structure, followed by heat treatment to control surface chemistry. Through experimental analyses, it was clearly shown that laser surface structuring turned the BMG surface superhydrophilic, and subsequent heat treatment turned the surface superhydrophobic. We confirmed that the combination of laser-induced periodic surface structure and modified surface chemistry contributed to the wettability transition. The laser-heat-treated surface also exhibited improved antifriction performance with the help of lubrication medium. This work provides a feasible method for surface modification of BMG, suggesting applications in the areas of medicine, biology and microelectronics.
Effect of Cooling Rate on Nano-Eutectic Formation in Laser Surface Remelted and Rare Earth Modified Hypereutectic Al-20Si Alloys
Authors: Kayitmazbatir Metin , Lien Huai-Hsun , Mazumder Jyoti , Wang Jian , Misra Amit
Published: May 2022

Laser Surface Remelting (LSR) was applied to arc-melted Al-20Si-0.2Sr, Al-20Si-0.2Ce, and Al-20Si hypereutectic alloys to refine microstructures. Experiments revealed that microstructures in the melt pool varied from fully eutectic to a mixture of Al dendrites and inter-dendritic eutectic. We calculated cooling rates using the Eagar-Tsai model and correlated cooling rates with characteristic microstructures, revealing that a cooling rate on the order of 104 K/s could lead to maximized fully eutectic microstructure morphology. Due to rapid solidification, the Si composition in the LSR eutectic was measured at 18.2 wt.%, higher than the equilibrium eutectic composition of 12.6 wt.%Si. Compared to Al-20Si, Ce addition had no significant effect on the volume fraction of the fully eutectic structure but refined Si fibers to approximately 30 nm in diameter. Sr addition did not further refine the diameter of eutectic Si fibers compared to Al-20Si but increased the volume fraction of the fully eutectic microstructure morphology. The refinement ratio (φ) of the Si fiber diameter from the bottom of the melt pool to the surface for the three alloys was similar, at around 28%. The established correlation between the cooling rate and the size and morphology of the microstructure within the melt pool will enable tailoring of the microstructure in laser-processed as well as deposited alloys for high strength and plasticity.
Lignicolous Fungi Collected in Northern Italy: Identification and Morphological Description of Isolates
Authors: Cartabia Marco , Girometta Carolina Elena , Baiguera Rebecca Michela , Buratti Simone , Babbini Stefano , Bernicchia Annarosa , Savino Elena
Published: May 2022

In recent years, fungi, particularly lignicolous fungi, have been re-considered as a source for biotechnological and industrial applications. Lignicolous basidiomycetes are the most effective at degrading wood, particularly cellulose, hemicelluloses and lignin, which are among the most resistant biopolymers. This study aims to constitute a research collection of lignicolous fungal strains that are useful for further studies and applications in different production fields. The basidiomata used to isolate the strains in a pure culture were, firstly, identified through macroscopic and microscopic characteristics integrated with ecological data. To obtain pure cultures of dikaryotic mycelia, 96 different strains of Agaricomycetes belonging to 76 different species and related to 51 genera (18 families and 5 orders) were isolated using a malt extract agar (MEA) medium enriched with hydrogen peroxide. The identity of the isolated strains was then confirmed by molecular analysis through the sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the ribosomal RNA gene cluster. All the strains are currently conserved using different methods, and their vitality is periodically tested.
A Systematic Review of Companion Diagnostic Tests by Immunohistochemistry for the Screening of Alectinib-Treated Patients in ALK-Positive Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Kang Sulim , Woo Jaehyun , Kim Sungmin
Published: May 2022

Companion diagnostic tests and targeted therapy changed the management of non-small cell lung cancer by diagnosing genetic modifications and enabling individualized treatment. The purpose of this systematic review is to assess the clinical applicability of companion diagnostic tests (IHC method) by comparing the effects of alectinib and crizotinib in patients with ALK-positive NSCLC. We searched for literature up to March 2022 in PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Google Scholar. The inclusion criteria were randomized controlled trials comparing the effectiveness of alectinib and crizotinib using an IHC-based companion diagnostic test. The primary outcome was progression-free survival (PFS). The secondary outcomes were objective response rate (ORR), duration of response (DOR), and overall survival (OS). PFS was longer in alectinib (68.4 [61.0, 75.9]) than crizotinib (48.7 [40.4, 56.9]). This indicated that alectinib had a superior efficacy to that of crizotinib (HR range 0.15–0.47). In all secondary outcomes, alectinib was better than crizotinib. Particularly for the ORR, the odds ratio (OR) confirmed that alectinib had a lower risk rate (OR: 2.21, [1.46–3.36], p = 0.0002, I2 = 39%). Therefore, the companion diagnostic test (immunohistochemistry) is an effective test to determine whether to administer alectinib to ALK-positive NSCLC patients.
massiveGST: A Mann–Whitney–Wilcoxon Gene-Set Test Tool That Gives Meaning to Gene-Set Enrichment Analysis
Authors: Cerulo Luigi , Pagnotta Stefano Maria
Published: May 2022

Gene-set enrichment analysis is the key methodology for obtaining biological information from transcriptomic space’s statistical result. Since its introduction, Gene-set Enrichment analysis methods have obtained more reliable results and a wider range of application. Great attention has been devoted to global tests, in contrast to competitive methods that have been largely ignored, although they appear more flexible because they are independent from the source of gene-profiles. We analyzed the properties of the Mann–Whitney–Wilcoxon test, a competitive method, and adapted its interpretation in the context of enrichment analysis by introducing a Normalized Enrichment Score that summarize two interpretations: a probability estimate and a location index. Two implementations are presented and compared with relevant literature methods: an R package and an online web tool. Both allow for obtaining tabular and graphical results with attention to reproducible research.
Thermodynamic State Machine Network
Authors: Hylton Todd
Published: May 2022

We describe a model system—a thermodynamic state machine network—comprising a network of probabilistic, stateful automata that equilibrate according to Boltzmann statistics, exchange codes over unweighted bi-directional edges, update a state transition memory to learn transitions between network ground states, and minimize an action associated with fluctuation trajectories. The model is grounded in four postulates concerning self-organizing, open thermodynamic systems—transport-driven self-organization, scale-integration, input-functionalization, and active equilibration. After sufficient exposure to periodically changing inputs, a diffusive-to-mechanistic phase transition emerges in the network dynamics. The evolved networks show spatial and temporal structures that look much like spiking neural networks, although no such structures were incorporated into the model. Our main contribution is the articulation of the postulates, the development of a thermodynamically motivated methodology addressing them, and the resulting phase transition. As with other machine learning methods, the model is limited by its scalability, generality, and temporality. We use limitations to motivate the development of thermodynamic computers—engineered, thermodynamically self-organizing systems—and comment on efforts to realize them in the context of this work. We offer a different philosophical perspective, thermodynamicalism, addressing the limitations of the model and machine learning in general.
The Impact of the Coronavirus Pandemic on the Learning Process among Students: A Comparison between Jordan and Turkey
Authors: Basheti Iman A. , Nassar Razan I. , Halalşah İbrahim
Published: May 2022

COVID-19 was declared by the WHO as a pandemic affecting several aspects of human lives. Follow-up investigations showed that the pandemic affected tertiary education. This study was designed to assess the online learning process among students living in Turkey and Jordan during the COVID-19 pandemic. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted via an online survey. The survey was followed by a focus group. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). A total number of 214 students participated in this study. Most of the participants were female, single, and undergraduates. Regarding the theory courses, the percentage of Turkish and Jordanian students who evaluated the online learning as ‘excellent’ or ‘very good’ or ‘good’ was greater than that for the practical courses. With regards to the practical training, more than half of the Turkish students (57.5%) ranked their experience in practical training as ‘excellent’ or ‘very good’ or ‘good’, while a lower proportion was reported by Jordanian students (47.7%). During the focus group, the cons of online learning were more numerous than the pros. The tertiary education in Turkey and Jordan was affected during the pandemic.
Anti-Jerk Optimal Preview Control Strategy to Enhance Performance of Active and Semi-Active Suspension Systems
Authors: Youn Iljoong , Ahmad Ejaz
Published: May 2022

This study aims to demonstrate how to compute the damping coefficient of a continuously variable damper for semi-active preview control suspensions while considering the sprung-mass jerk and the controller’s performance advantage. Optimal control theory is used to derive and validate the proposed preview approach to future road disturbances. Despite reduced body acceleration, semi-active suspensions with preview control display an increase in body jerk, implying that ride comfort may not be improved in practice. The optimal preview jerk controller for a semi-active system, on the other hand, can improve ride comfort without degrading road holding by minimizing the performance index that comprises the RMS value of jerk in addition to the RMS values of other outputs. The anti-jerk preview control suspension simulations considering frequency characteristics reveal a difference between suspension systems that consider jerk and those that ignore jerk. The time-domain simulations suggest that the proposed preview control strategy effectively to reduce body jerk, which other controllers cannot.
A Serendipity-Oriented Personalized Trip Recommendation Model
Authors: Abbas Rizwan , Hassan Ghassan Muslim , Al-Razgan Muna , Zhang Mingwei , Amran Gehad Abdullah , Al Bakhrani Ali Ahmed , Alfakih Taha , Al-Sanabani Hussein , Rahman Sk Md Mizanur
Published: May 2022

Personalized trip recommendation attempts to recommend a sequence of Points of Interest (POIs) to a user. Compared with a single POI recommendation, the POIs sequence recommendation is challenging. There are only a couple of studies focusing on POIs sequence recommendations. It is a challenge to generate a reliable sequence of POIs. The two consecutive POIs should not be similar or from the same category. In developing the sequence of POIs, it is necessary to consider the categories of consecutive POIs. The user with no recorded history is also a challenge to address in trip recommendations. Another problem is that recommending the exact and accurate location makes the users bored. Looking at the same kind of POIs, again and again, is sometimes irritating and tedious. To address these issues in recommendation lies in searching for the sequential, relevant, novel, and unexpected (with high satisfaction) Points of Interest (POIs) to plan a personalized trip. To generate sequential POIs, we will consider POI similarity and category differences among consecutive POIs. We will use serendipity in our trip recommendation. To deal with the challenges of discovering and evaluating user satisfaction, we proposed a Serendipity-Oriented Personalized Trip Recommendation (SOTR). A compelling recommendation algorithm should not just prescribe what we are probably going to appreciate but additionally recommend random yet objective elements to assist with keeping an open window to different worlds and discoveries. We evaluated our algorithm using information acquired from a real-life dataset and user travel histories extracted from a Foursquare dataset. It has been observationally confirmed that serendipity impacts and increases user satisfaction and social goals. Based on that, SOTR recommends a trip with high user satisfaction to maximize user experience. We show that our algorithm outperforms various recommendation methods by satisfying user interests in the trip.
Secure Virtual Network Embedding Algorithms for a Software-Defined Network Considering Differences in Resource Value
Authors: Shen Ling , Wu Muqing , Zhao Min
Published: May 2022

Software-defined networking (SDN) and network virtualization (NV) are key technologies for future networks, which allow telecommunication service providers (TSPs) to share network resources with users in a flexible manner. Since TSPs have limited virtualized network resources, it is critical to develop effective virtual network embedding (VNE) algorithms for an SDN network to improve resource utilization. However, most existing VNE algorithms ignore the security issues of SDN networks, which may be subject to malicious attacks due to their openness feature. Therefore, it is necessary to develop secure VNE (SVNE) for SDN networks. In this paper, we researched the relationship between resource value and node security-level, and we found that there are differences in the resource value of different nodes. Based on this analysis, we define the evaluation indicators considering differences in resource value for the SVNE problem. Then, we present a mixed-integer linear program (MILP) model to minimize the cost of SVNE. As the formulated optimization problem cannot be solved conveniently, we design two node-ranking approaches to rank physical and virtual nodes, respectively, and we propose two novel SVNE algorithms based on the node ranking approaches. Finally, simulation results reveal that our proposed algorithm is superior to other typical algorithms.
Study on a Discharge Circuit Prediction Model of High-Voltage Electro-Pulse Boring Based on Bayesian Fusion
Authors: Li Changping , Wang Xiaohui , Duan Longchen , Lei Bo
Published: May 2022

It is necessary to develop new drilling and breaking technology for hard rock construction. However, the process of high-voltage electro-pulse (HVEP) rock-breaking is complex, and the selection of electro-pulse boring (EPB) process parameters lacks a theoretical basis. Firstly, the RLC model, TV-RLC model, and TV-CRLC model are established based on the characteristics of the HVEP circuit to predict the EPB dynamic discharge curve. Secondly, the parameters are identified by the Particle Swarm Optimization Genetic Algorithm (PSO-GA). Finally, due to the nonlinear and complex time-varying characteristics of the discharge circuit, the discharge circuit prediction models based on Bayesian fusion and current residual normalization fusion method are proposed, and the optimal weight of these three models is determined. Compared with the single models for EPB current prediction, the average relative error reduction rates based on Bayesian fusion and current residual normalization fusion methods are 25.5% and 9.5%, respectively. In this paper, the discharge circuit prediction model based on Bayesian fusion is established, which improves the prediction accuracy and reliability of the model, and it guides the selection of process parameters and the design of pulse power supply and electrode bits.
Swiveling Magnetization for Anisotropic Magnets for Variable Flux Spoke-Type Permanent Magnet Motor Applied to Electric Vehicles
Authors: Lee Yin-Hui , Hsieh Min-Fu
Published: May 2022

This paper investigates the application of anisotropic low-coercive force (LCF) magnets to a novel variable-flux spoke-type permanent magnet synchronous motor (VFS-PMSM) for electrical vehicles with a wide speed range. In the VFS-PMSM, flux is regulated by swiveling the magnetization of the anisotropic LCF magnets instead of directly magnetizing or demagnetizing them. The previously proposed VFS-PMSM uses only isotropic LCF magnets for easily swiveling the magnetic pole direction, resulting in lower torque density. The challenge thus lies in the feasibility to swivel the magnetic pole direction of the anisotropic LCF magnet, and the impact of the different magnetization strengths of the anisotropic magnets on the motor performance. This paper first studies the feasibility to swivel the magnetization direction of anisotropic LCF magnets through experiments. It is confirmed that the magnetization direction can be successfully swiveled by 90 degrees with a reduced external magnetizing field. Then, two VFS-PMSM topologies and various rotor configurations are compared in terms of key performance indices to determine critical sizing factors for performance enhancement. Finite element analysis is used for simulations. In comparison with the VFS-PMSM equipped with isotropic LCF magnets, the maximum torque of the proposed topology can be improved for the same flux adjustment ability. Alternatively, the flux adjustment ability can also be enhanced by 37.43% for the same maximum torque.
Optimal Scheduling of Movable Electric Vehicle Loads Using Generation of Charging Event Matrices, Queuing Management, and Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Piamvilai Nattavit , Sirisumrannukul Somporn
Published: May 2022

The extensive adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) can introduce negative impacts on electric infrastructure in the form of sporadic and excessive charging demands, line overload, and voltage quality. Because EV loads can be movable around the system and time-dependent due to human daily activities, it is therefore proposed in this research to investigate the spatial effects of EV loads and their impacts on a power system. We developed a behavior-based charging profile simulation for daily load profiles of uncontrolled and controlled charging simulations. To mitigate the impact of increased peak demand, we proposed an optimal scheduling method by genetic algorithm (GA) using charging event matrices and EV queuing management. The charging event matrices are generated by capturing charging events and serve as an input of the GA-based scheduling, which optimally defines available charging slots while maximizing the system load factor while maintaining user satisfaction, depending on the weight coefficients prioritized by the system operator. The EV queuing management strategically selects EVs to be filled in the available slots based on two qualification indicators: previous charging duration and remaining state of charge (SoC). The proposed methodology was tested on a modified IEEE-14 bus system with 3 generators and 20 transmission lines. The simulation results show that the developed methodology can efficiently manage the peak demand while respecting the system’s operational constraints and the user satisfaction level.
A Numerical Evaluation of Coal Seam Permeability Derived from Borehole Gas Flow Rate
Authors: Qu Qingdong , Shi Jingyu , Wilkins Andy
Published: May 2022

Coal seam permeability is a critical factor in coal seam gas extraction and gas outburst control. In Australian coal mines, coal seam permeability is normally estimated using a packer test or drill stem test. In contrast, Chinese coal mines generally estimate a parameter called the “gas conductivity coefficient” by measuring natural gas flow rates from an underground borehole drilled through a coal seam. With this method, it has been frequently reported that the permeability of many Chinese coal seams is between 0.0001 mD and 0.01 mD, which is extremely low compared to that of Australian coal seams (1–100 mD). It is therefore natural to wonder how closely the Chinese method measures permeability. Resolving this question will allow knowledge and experience in outburst management to be shared between Australian and Chinese coal mines. This question is investigated by the numerical modelling of gas desorption and flow through a seam of known permeability and by using the model’s borehole gas flow rate to estimate the permeability using the Chinese method. A total of 126 simulations were run with various input reservoir parameters. The results suggest that the Chinese method estimates permeability at an accuracy of 85% to 100%, which is adequate for mine pre-drainage design and outburst control. For the high diffusion rate (e.g., high gas content and short desorption time) and low Darcy flow rates (e.g., low permeability), these errors are reduced.