bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ecological Sustainability at the Forest Landscape Level: A Bird Assemblage Perspective
Authors: Lõhmus Asko
Published: November 2022

Maintaining landscape integrity in terms of ecological functions is a key principle of sustainable forest management. Bird assemblages use all parts of forest landscapes and provide an opportunity to analyze their broad-scale integrity in those regions where bird census data are of sufficient quality and detail. In this study, I modelled likely landscape-composition consequences of different scenarios of even-aged (clear-cutting-based) silviculture on breeding-bird assemblages. The models were parameterized using high-quality territory-mapping data from Estonia. I considered three approaches for obtaining the model parameters. Of these, (i) a formal analysis of rank-abundance curves was rejected due to the inconsistency of the curve shapes among habitat types. Two other approaches were used and complemented each other: (ii) smoothed forest-type specific functions of total assemblage densities along post-clear-cut succession, and (iii) empirical average densities of each species by forest type and age class (for species composition analyses). The modelling revealed a parallel loss of bird densities and, to a lesser extent, of species at shorter rotations; currently, this effect is disproportionately large on productive soils. For conserving the productive hotspots, the 30% protection target of the EU Biodiversity Strategy overperformed other scenarios. In all landscape settings, typologically representative old-forest reserves (even artificially drained stands) helped to mitigate rotational forestry. The potential of even-aged production forestry to host early-successional species was already realized at much longer rotations than currently (given uniform stand-age structure). Comparing potential and realized bird assemblages provides a tool for assessing ecological integrity at the landscape scale, and the results can be used for elaborating regional management goals of ecologically sustainable forestry.
Sex-Related Differences in Short-Term Outcomes after Mobile VA-ECMO Implantation: Five-Year Experience of an ECMO Retrieval Program
Authors: Krasivskyi Ihor , Ivanov Borko , Vehrenberg Johannes , Eghbalzadeh Kaveh , Gerfer Stephen , Gaisendrees Christopher , Kuhn Elmar , Sabashnikov Anton , Mader Navid , Djordjevic Ilija , Wahlers Thorsten
Published: November 2022

Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) represents an increasingly used method for circulatory support. Despite the ongoing research, survival following VA-ECMO therapy remains low. Sex-related differences might impact the outcome of therapeutic measures. We aimed to compare all-cause mortality among female and male patients who underwent VA-ECMO as a bridge to recovery investigating sex-related differences. From January 2015 until August 2020, 87 patients were supported by VA-ECMO as a part of our out-of-center mobile ECMO program. In order to analyze sex-associated differences in early clinical outcomes, patients were divided into two sex categories: men (n = 62) and women (n = 25). All relevant data (in-hospital mortality, ICU and hospital stay, renal failure requiring dialysis, lung failure, bleeding, stroke and septic shock) were analyzed retrospectively after the extraction from our institutional database. Mean age of the study population was 53 ± 14 years. Mean EuroSCORE II predicted mortality was 6.5 ± 3.7. In-hospital mortality rate was not significantly lower in the female group (58.3%) vs. the male group (71.2%), p = 0.190. The mean length of ICU and hospital stay was 9 ± 11 in the male group vs. 10 ± 13 in the female group, p = 0.901, and 10 ± 12 (male group) vs. 11 ± 13 (female group), p = 0.909, respectively. Renal failure requiring hemodialysis (36.2% (males) vs. 28.6% (females), p = 0.187) was comparable between both groups. Respiratory failure was diagnosed in 31 (56.4%) male vs. 8 (34.8%) female patients, p = 0.068, while 16 (28.6%) male vs. 3 (13.0%) female patients (p = 0.118) suffered from septic shock. Based on our data, there were no sex-specific outcome discrepancies in patients treated with mobile VA-ECMO implantation.
Comparative Assessment of Pulsed and Continuous LED UV-A Lighting for Disinfection of Contaminated Surfaces
Authors: Kvam Erik , Davis Brian , Benner Kevin
Published: November 2022

The germicidal efficacy of LED UV-A lighting has scarcely been compared in continuous and pulsed modes for contaminated surfaces. Herein, we compare the disinfection properties of pulsed versus continuous lighting at equal irradiances using a 365 nm LED device that replicates the doses of occupied-space continuous disinfection UV-A products. Representative organisms evaluated in this study included human-infectious enveloped and non-enveloped viruses (lentivirus and adeno-associated virus, respectively), a bacterial endospore (Bacillus atrophaeus), and a resilient gram-positive bacterium (Enterococcus faecalis). Nominal UV-A irradiances were tested at or below the UL standard limit for continuous human exposure (maximum irradiance of 10 W/m2). We observed photoinactivation properties that varied by organism type, with bacteria and enveloped virus being more susceptible to UV-A than non-enveloped virus and spores. Overall, we conclude that continuous-mode UV-A lighting is better suited for occupied-space disinfection than pulsing UV-A at equivalent low irradiances, and we draw comparisons to other studies in the literature.
Changing Landscape of Liver Transplantation in the Post-DAA and Contemporary ART Era
Authors: Saeed Huma , Cano Edison J. , Khan Mohammad Qasim , Yetmar Zachary A. , Smith Byron , Rizza Stacey A. , Badley Andrew D. , Mahmood Maryam , Leise Michael D. , Cummins Nathan W.
Published: November 2022

Combination anti-retroviral therapy has drastically improved solid organ transplantation outcomes in persons living with HIV. DAA therapy has led to the successful eradication of HCV. While recent data have suggested improvement in outcomes in HIV/HCV-coinfected liver transplant recipients, temporal trends in patient survival within pre- and post-DAA eras are yet to be elucidated. The UNOS database was utilized to identify deceased donor liver transplant recipients between 1 January 2000 and 30 September 2020 and stratify them by HIV and HCV infection status. A total of 85,730 patients met the inclusion criteria. One-year and five-year patient survival improved (93% and 80%, respectively) for all transplants performed post-2015. For HIV/HCV-coinfected recipients, survival improved significantly from 78% (pre-2015) to 92% (post-2015). Multivariate regression analyses identified advanced recipient age, Black race, diabetes mellitus and decompensated cirrhosis as risk factors associated with higher one-year mortality. Liver transplant outcomes in HIV/HCV-coinfected liver transplant recipients have significantly improved over the last quinquennium in the setting of the highly effective combination of ART and DAA therapy. The presence of HIV, HCV, HIV/HCV-coinfection and active HCV viremia at the time of transplant do not cause higher mortality risk in liver transplant recipients in the current era.
Alleviate the Drought Stress on Triticum aestivum L. Using the Algal Extracts of Sargassum latifolium and Corallina elongate Versus the Commercial Algal Products
Authors: Alharbi Khadiga , Amin Mohamed A. , Ismail Mohamed A. , Ibrahim Mariam T. S. , Hassan Saad El-Din , Fouda Amr , Eid Ahmed M. , Said Hanan A.
Published: November 2022

Herein, two seaweed extracts (Sargassum latifolium and Corallina elongate), and two commercial seaweed products (Canada power and Oligo-X) with a concentration of 5% were used to alleviate the drought stress on wheat plants. The extract of C. elongate had the highest capacity to ameliorate the deleterious effects of water scarcity followed by S. latifolium and the commercial products. The drought stress reduced wheat shoots length and the contents of pigments (chlorophyll and carotenoids), carbohydrates, and proteins. While the highest increment in the total carbohydrates and protein contents of the wheat shoot after two stages, 37-and 67-days-old, were noted in drought-stressed plants treated with C. elongate extract with values of (34.6% and 22.8%) and (51.9% and 39.5%), respectively, compared to unstressed plants. Decreasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes, peroxidase, superoxidase dismutase, and polyphenol oxidase in drought-stressed plants treated with algal extracts indicated amelioration of the response actions. Analysis of phytohormones in wheat plants exhibited increasing GA3 and IAA contents with percentages of (20.3–13.8%) and (72.7–25%), respectively. Interestingly, all morphological and metabolic characteristics of yield were improved due to the algal treatments compared with untreated drought-stressed plants. Overall, the algal extracts, especially those from seaweed of C. elongate, could represent a sustainable candidate to overcome the damage effects of water deficiency in the wheat plant.
A Comprehensive Review on the Efficacy of Several Pharmacologic Agents for the Treatment of COVID-19
Authors: Haddad Fatma , Dokmak Ghadeer , Karaman Rafik
Published: November 2022

SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), and the cause of the pandemic is extremely contagious among people and has spread around the world. Antivirals, immunomodulators, and other medications, such as antibiotics, stem cells, and plasma therapy, have all been utilized in the treatment of COVID-19. To better understand the clinical efficacy of these agents and to aid in the selection of effective COVID-19 therapies in various countries, this study reviewed the effectiveness of the various pharmacologic agents that have been used for COVID-19 therapy globally by summarizing the clinical outcomes that have been obtained from the clinical trials published on each drug related to COVID-19 infection. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized the use of remdesivir, paxlovid, molnupiravir, baricitinib, tixagevimab–cilgavimab, and bebtelovimab for the management of COVID-19. On the other hand, most research advises against using chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine to treat COVID-19 patients because they are not beneficial. Although the FDA has given emergency use authorization for some monoclonal antibodies, including bamlanivimab, etesevimab, casirivimab, and imdevimab for managing COVID-19, they are not currently approved for use because the Omicron variant has significantly reduced their in vitro susceptibility. In this study, we also included a wide range of alternative therapy strategies that effectively treat COVID-19 patients, although further randomized studies are necessary to support and assess their applicability.
Diagnostic and Therapeutic Implications of Long Non-Coding RNAs in Leukemia
Authors: Gasic Vladimir , Karan-Djurasevic Teodora , Pavlovic Djordje , Zukic Branka , Pavlovic Sonja , Tosic Natasa
Published: November 2022

Leukemia is a heterogenous group of hematological malignancies categorized in four main types (acute myeloid leukemia (AML), acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Several cytogenetic and molecular markers have become a part of routine analysis for leukemia patients. These markers have been used in diagnosis, risk-stratification and targeted therapy application. Recent studies have indicated that numerous regulatory RNAs, such as long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), have a role in tumor initiation and progression. When it comes to leukemia, data for lncRNA involvement in its etiology, progression, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis is limited. The aim of this review is to summarize research data on lncRNAs in different types of leukemia, on their expression pattern, their role in leukemic transformation and disease progression. The usefulness of this information in the clinical setting, i.e., for diagnostic and prognostic purposes, will be emphasized. Finally, how particular lncRNAs could be used as potential targets for the application of targeted therapy will be considered.
Screening for the Detection of Toxoplasma gondii IgG, IgM and IgA in Females of Reproductive Age from Western Romania
Authors: Mihu Alin Gabriel , Lupu Maria Alina , Nesiu Alexandru , Marti Daniela Teodora , Olariu Tudor Rares
Published: November 2022

Toxoplasma gondii, a zoonotic protozoan parasite, has the capacity to infect the fetus if the pregnant woman primarily acquires the infection during pregnancy. We evaluated the prevalence of T. gondii IgG, IgM and IgA antibodies in women of reproductive age residing in Western Romania. We also assessed the value of adding a T. gondii IgA test to the serologic panel for the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis, including the detection of a recently acquired infection. Serologic testing to demonstrate the presence of T. gondii IgG antibodies was conducted in 1317 females aged 15–45 years. T. gondii IgM and IgA antibody tests were performed in those with detectable IgG antibodies and IgG avidity test was performed if IgM and/or IgA screening test results were positive. T. gondii IgG were detected in 607 (46.09%; 95%CI: 43.41–48.79) of 1317 study participants and IgG seroprevalence tended to increase with age from 35.44% (95%CI: 29.89–41.30) in age group 15–24 years to 62.85% (95%CI: 56.57–68.82) in age group 35–45 years, showing a significant age-associated increase (p < 0.001). Of the 607 persons with detectable T. gondii IgG antibodies, T. gondii IgM antibodies were demonstrated in 8.90% (95%CI: 6.88–11.43), T. gondii IgA in 1.65% (95%CI: 0.90–3.01) and both T. gondii IgM and IgA in 0.99% (95%CI: 0.45–2.14). The prevalence of IgA antibodies tended to decrease with increasing avidity, from 75% (95%CI: 19.41–99.37) in samples with low avidity to 11.76% (95%CI: 4.44–23.87) in those with high avidity (p = 0.01). Of the study participants who were positive for both T. gondii IgM and IgA antibodies, 66.67% had low or equivocal IgG avidity test results compared to 6.25% who tested positive for IgM, were negative for IgA and in whom low or equivocal IgG avidity test results were noted (p = 0.001). This study indicates that in Western Romania, T. gondii IgG seroprevalence is high in females of reproductive age and T. gondii IgA antibodies may be rarely detected during a serologic screening. However, in individuals with demonstrable T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies, testing for T. gondii IgA may improve the rate for the detection of a recently acquired toxoplasmosis.
Recent Progress in Double-Layer Honeycomb Structure: A New Type of Two-Dimensional Material
Authors: Ma Ming-Yu , Han Dong , Chen Nian-Ke , Wang Dan , Li Xian-Bin
Published: November 2022

Two-dimensional (2D) materials are no doubt the most widely studied nanomaterials in the past decade. Most recently, a new type of 2D material named the double-layer honeycomb (DLHC) structure opened a door to achieving a series of 2D materials from traditional semiconductors. However, as a newly developed material, there still lacks a timely understanding of its structure, property, applications, and underlying mechanisms. In this review, we discuss the structural stability and experimental validation of this 2D material, and systematically summarize the properties and applications including the electronic structures, topological properties, optical properties, defect engineering, and heterojunctions. It was concluded that the DLHC can be a universal configuration applying to III–V, II–VI, and I–VII semiconductors. Moreover, these DLHC materials indeed have exotic properties such as being excitonic/topological insulators. The successful fabrication of DLHC materials further demonstrates it is a promising topic. Finally, we summarize several issues to be addressed in the future, including further experimental validation, defect engineering, heterojunction engineering, and strain engineering. We hope this review can help the community to better understand the DLHC materials timely and inspire their applications in the future.
Geotechnical Seismic Isolation System Based on Rubber-Sand Mixtures for Rural Residence Buildings: Shaking Table Test
Authors: Yin Zhiyong , Sun Haifeng , Jing Liping , Dong Rui
Published: November 2022

The anti-seismic problem of rural residential buildings is the weak link of seismic retrofitting in China. Recently, geotechnical seismic isolation (GSI) technology based on rubber–sand mixtures (GSI–RSM) using rubber–sand mixtures (RSM) between the structural foundation and the foundation soil has been proven to have the possibility of potential applications in rural residential buildings. Many theoretical studies exist on the effectiveness of seismic isolation of the GSI–RSM system, but few studies on either the seismic response test of model buildings placed on the RSM layer or the large-scale shaking table test exist. Therefore, this study considers a large shaking table test performed on a 1/4 single-story masonry structure model with and without a GSI–RSM system by selecting a standard input ground motion and varying input acceleration amplitudes. The test results show that the GSI–RSM system can reduce the seismic response of superstructures. The isolation effect of the GSI–RSM system is low in small earthquakes and increases with increasing earthquake magnitude. Overall, the RSM layer can filter part of the high-frequency components of the earthquake to transmit to the superstructure and consume more seismic energy by generating friction slip in the interaction with the structural foundation.
Co-Sensitization Effects of Indoline and Carbazole Dyes in Solar Cells and Their Neutral–Anion Equilibrium in Solution
Authors: Gierszewski Mateusz , Glinka Adam , Ziółek Marcin
Published: November 2022

Co-sensitization of two or more light-absorbing compounds on a TiO2 surface has recently become one of the most successful strategies in the development of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The specific structure of the dyes for DSSCs implies that they can partly exist in anionic forms in popular solvents used for sensitization. Our study concerns the above two issues being analyzed in detail using the example of the popular carbazole (MK2) and indoline (D205) dyes, studied by stationary absorption and emission, femtosecond transient absorption (in complete cells and in the solutions), current-voltage measurements, DFT and TD-DFT theoretical calculations. After the addition of D205 to DSSC with MK2, the fill factor of the cells was improved, and the electron recombination between TiO2 and the dyes was blocked (observed on sub-nanosecond time scales). Thus, the active co-adsorbent can take the role of the typically used passive additive, like chenodeoxycholic acid. Evidence of the concentration-dependent equilibrium between neutral and anionic forms of dyes with different lifetimes was found in acetonitrile solutions (the best for sensitization), while in ethanol solution the dominant form was the anion (worse for sensitization). Our findings should help in better understanding the operation and optimization of DSSC.
Robust Velocity and Load Observer for a General Noisy Rotating Machine
Authors: Aguilar-Ibanez Carlos , Jimenez-Lizarraga Manuel A. , Gandarilla-Esparza Isaac , Moreno-Valenzuela Javier , Saldivar Belem , Suarez-Castanon Miguel S. , Rubio Jose de Jesus
Published: November 2022

This paper is focused on the design of a nonlinear observer for a rotatory machine with noise-affected output. It is assumed that the system is subject to bounded perturbations, and the original linear model of the machine is reformulated as a nonlinear system to include the desired signals to be estimated, namely, the velocity and load torque. The proposed observer leverages the so-called algebraic state-dependent Riccati equation to provide a robust estimation. Lyapunov analysis guarantees the convergence of the estimation error to a “κ zone”. The proposed observer’s effectiveness is assessed through convincing numerical simulations and real-time experiments.
Test Study of Seepage Characteristics of Coal Rock under Various Thermal, Hydraulic, and Mechanical Conditions
Authors: Zhao Yanlin , Liu Qiang , Tang Liming , Liao Jian , Chang Le , Wang Xiaguang , Li Yang , Ren Sheng
Published: November 2022

The seepage characteristics of rocks under conditions of multi-field activity have always been important in the field of rock mechanics. This study used the MTS815 multi-functional electro-hydraulic servo rock testing machine to conduct seepage tests on long-flame coal specimens under different confining pressures, water pressures, and temperatures. This paper presents and discusses the seepage characteristics of coal specimens under the action of thermal hydraulic mechanical multi-field combinations. Considering parameters such as volumetric strain, temperature, thermal expansion coefficient, and initial porosity, the relationships of each parameter with porosity were obtained. The test results revealed that the volumetric strain of coal specimens increased gradually with the increase of temperature. The dynamic viscosity of water decreased with the increase of temperature, which accelerated the movement and circulation of water molecules. The increase in temperature caused the volume of the coal specimen to expand, the pores in the coal specimen squeezed against each other, the pore volume decreased, and the size of the seepage channel slowly decreased, which inhibited the seepage process. Furthermore, permeability gradually decreased with the increase of temperature. This inhibited the occurrence of seepage, and the higher the confining pressure, the lower was the permeability. The porosity of coal specimens decreased with the increase in temperature, which had an inhibitory effect on the seepage behavior. The results of this study provide experimental and theoretical support for the safe mining of coal and rock in underground mines.
Ensemble-Based Semi-Supervised Learning for Milling Chatter Detection
Authors: Liu Weichao , Wang Pengyu , You Youpeng
Published: November 2022

Chatter is one of the most deleterious phenomena during the machining process, and leads to a low quality of workpiece surface, a noisy workplace, and decreases in tool and machine life. In order to overcome these limitations and improve the machining performance, various effective methods have been developed for chatter detection. The main shortcoming of such methods is that they require all the data to be labeled. However, the labeled data that accurately reflect the chatter states are hard to collect in practical application. This paper proposes a semi-supervised method to classify chatter states with a small quantity of labeled data and large quantity of unlabeled ones. In order to improve the classification accuracy and generalization ability, ensemble learning is combined with the semi-supervised method, and an EB-SSL model is proposed in this paper. Take the non-stationarity and multiple scaling behaviors of chatter data into consideration, multifractal detrended fluctuation analysis (MF-DFA) is utilized to extract distinguished features from raw chatter detection signals. Experimental results show that this method can identify the chatter states more accurately. The performance analysis indicates that the proposed method is applicable in different milling conditions.
Bayesian Inference for COVID-19 Transmission Dynamics in India Using a Modified SEIR Model
Authors: Yin Kai , Mondal Anirban , Ndeffo-Mbah Martial , Banerjee Paromita , Huang Qimin , Gurarie David
Published: November 2022

We propose a modified population-based susceptible-exposed-infectious-recovered (SEIR) compartmental model for a retrospective study of the COVID-19 transmission dynamics in India during the first wave. We extend the conventional SEIR methodology to account for the complexities of COVID-19 infection, its multiple symptoms, and transmission pathways. In particular, we consider a time-dependent transmission rate to account for governmental controls (e.g., national lockdown) and individual behavioral factors (e.g., social distancing, mask-wearing, personal hygiene, and self-quarantine). An essential feature of COVID-19 that is different from other infections is the significant contribution of asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic cases to the transmission cycle. A Bayesian method is used to calibrate the proposed SEIR model using publicly available data (daily new tested positive, death, and recovery cases) from several Indian states. The uncertainty of the parameters is naturally expressed as the posterior probability distribution. The calibrated model is used to estimate undetected cases and study different initial intervention policies, screening rates, and public behavior factors, that can potentially strike a balance between disease control and the humanitarian crisis caused by a sudden strict lockdown.
On a Class of Multistage Stochastic Hierarchical Problems
Authors: Scopelliti Domenico
Published: November 2022

In this paper, following the multistage stochastic approach proposed by Rockafellar and Wets, we analyze a class of multistage stochastic hierarchical problems: the Multistage Stochastic Optimization Problem with Quasi-Variational Inequality Constraints. Such a problem is defined in a suitable functional setting relative to a finite set of possible scenarios and certain information fields. The key of this multistage stochastic hierarchical problem turns out to be the nonanticipativity: some constraints have to be included in the formulation to take into account the partial information progressively revealed. In this way, we are able to study real-world problems in which the hierarchical decision processes are characterized by sequential decisions in response to an increasing level of information. As an application of this class of multistage stochastic hierarchical problems, we focus on the study of a suitable Single-Leader-Multi-Follower game.
Mixed Variational-like Inclusion Involving Yosida Approximation Operator in Banach Spaces
Authors: Khan Faizan Ahmad , Iqbal Mohd , Ram Tirth , Mohammed Hamid I. A.
Published: November 2022

This paper deals with the study of mixed variational-like inclusions involving Yosida approximation operator (MVLIYAO) and η-proximal mapping in Banach spaces. It is investigated that (MVLIYAO) is equivalent to fixed point problems in Banach spaces. Using this equivalence, a new iterative algorithm is proposed to find the solution of (MVLIYAO). A numerical example is provided to support our main result by using the MATLAB program.
Robust Output Tracking of Boolean Control Networks over Finite Time
Authors: Zhao Yuan , Zhao Xiaoyu , Fu Shihua , Xia Jianwei
Published: November 2022

With an increase in tracking time, the operating cost of the controller will increase accordingly. Considering the biological applications of Boolean control networks (BCNs), it is necessary to study the control problem of BCNs over finite time. In this paper, we study the output tracking problem of a BCN with disturbance inputs in a given finite time. First, the logical form of BCNs is transformed into an algebraic form using the semi-tensor product (STP) method. Then, the robust output tracking problems of a reference output trajectory and the outputs of a reference system over finite time are transformed into the robust reachability problem of the BCNs. Based on the truth matrix technique, two necessary and sufficient conditions are provided for the trackability of the reference outputs over finite time. Moreover, two algorithms are proposed to design the controllers in the case of the traceable outputs. It should be pointed out that the truth matrix method we used here has some unique features, including its simple computation and concise expression. Finally, two illustrative examples are presented to demonstrate the results in this paper.
On Covering-Based Rough Intuitionistic Fuzzy Sets
Authors: Mareay R. , Noaman Ibrahim , Abu-Gdairi Radwan , Badr M.
Published: November 2022

Intuitionistic Fuzzy Sets (IFSs) and rough sets depending on covering are important theories for dealing with uncertainty and inexact problems. We think the neighborhood of an element is more realistic than any cluster in the processes of classification and approximation. So, we introduce intuitionistic fuzzy sets on the space of rough sets based on covering by using the concept of the neighborhood. Three models of intuitionistic fuzzy set approximation space based on covering are defined by using the concept of neighborhood. In the first and second model, we approximate IFS by rough set based on one covering (C) by defining membership and non-membership degree depending on the neighborhood. In the third mode, we approximate IFS by rough set based on family of covering (Ci) by defining membership and non-membership degree depending on the neighborhood. We employ the notion of the neighborhood to prove the definitions and the features of these models. Finlay, we give an illustrative example for the new covering rough IF approximation structure.
A Practical Approach to Identify the Phases Sequence in Five Phase Machines with Combined Star–Pentagon Configuration
Authors: Tawfiq Kotb B. , Ibrahim Mohamed N. , EL-Refaie Ayman M. , Sergeant Peter
Published: November 2022

Due to the significant advantages of a high torque density, better fault tolerance and high efficiency, the combined star–pentagon winding has recently gained researchers’ interest. In this paper, a simple method to identify the sequence of phases of a five-phase machine with combined star–pentagon winding was proposed. This was accomplished using resistance measurements between adjacent and non-adjacent phases. The analysis was conducted to clarify the phase sequence identification method. A case study of a 5.5 kW five-phase synchronous reluctance motor with combined star–pentagon winding was considered to simply apply the proposed method using an LCR meter for resistance measurements. The parasitic and wire resistances are dominant in the studied case, and this did not influence the accuracy of this method.
Transient Dynamics Analysis of a Predator-Prey System with Square Root Functional Responses and Random Perturbation
Authors: Tan Jianguo , Wang Wenjuan , Feng Jianfeng
Published: November 2022

In this paper, we study the asymptotic and transient dynamics of a predator–prey model with square root functional responses and random perturbation. Firstly, the mean square stability matrix is obtained from the stability theory of stochastic systems, and three stability indexes (root-mean-square resilience, root-mean-square reactivity and root-mean-square amplification envelope) of the ecosystem response to stochastic disturbances are calculated. We find that: (1) no matter which population is disturbed, increasing the intensity of disturbance improves the ability of the system leaves steady state and thus decreases the stability. The root-mean-square amplification envelope rises with increasing disturbance intensity, (2) the system is more sensitive to the disturbance of the predator than disturbance to prey, (3) ρmax and tmax are important indicators, which represent the intensity and time of maximum amplification by disturbance. These findings are helpful for managers to take corresponding management measures to reduce the disturbances, especially for predators, thereby avoiding the possible change of the structure and functions of the ecosystem.
Influenza-like Illness Detection from Arabic Facebook Posts Based on Sentiment Analysis and 1D Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Boulesnane Abdennour , Meshoul Souham , Aouissi Khaoula
Published: November 2022

The recent large outbreak of infectious diseases, such as influenza-like illnesses and COVID-19, has resulted in a flood of health-related posts on the Internet in general and on social media in particular, in a wide range of languages and dialects around the world. The obvious relationship between the number of infectious disease cases and the number of social media posts prompted us to consider how we can leverage such health-related content to detect the emergence of diseases, particularly influenza-like illnesses, and foster disease surveillance systems. We used Algerian Arabic posts as a case study in our research. From data collection to content classification, a complete workflow was implemented. The main contributions of this work are the creation of a large corpus of Arabic Facebook posts based on Algerian dialect and the proposal of a new classification model based on sentiment analysis and one-dimensional convolutional neural networks. The proposed model categorizes Facebook posts based on the users’ feelings. To counteract data imbalance, two techniques have been considered, namely, SMOTE and random oversampling (ROS). Using a 5-fold cross-validation, the proposed model outperformed other baseline and state-of-the-art models such as SVM, LSTM, GRU, and BiLTSM in terms of several performance metrics.
A New Process Performance Index for the Weibull Distribution with a Type-I Hybrid Censoring Scheme
Authors: Tsai Tzong-Ru , Lio Yuhlong , Chiang Jyun-You , Huang Yi-Jia
Published: November 2022

A new life performance index is proposed for evaluating the quality of lifetime products. The maximum likelihood estimation method and the Bayesian approaches using informative and non-informative prior distributions are utilized to infer the parameters of the Weibull distribution and the proposed new life performance index under a Type-I hybrid censoring scheme. Monte Carlo simulation results show that two Bayesian approaches outperform the maximum likelihood estimation method in terms of the measures of relative bias, relative mean square error, and coverage probability for the point and confidence interval estimators, respectively. The Bayesian approach using a non-informative prior distribution is recommended if the knowledge of setting up the hyper-parameters in the informative prior distribution is not available. Two real data sets are provided for illustration.
Towards Interval Type-3 Intuitionistic Fuzzy Sets and Systems
Authors: Castillo Oscar , Melin Patricia
Published: November 2022

In this work, several types of intuitionistic fuzzy sets, inspired by Type-2 and Type-3 concepts, are introduced. In particular, the newly proposed interval Type-3 intuitionistic sets are very interesting as they extend the opportunities of both interval Type-3 fuzzy sets and intuitionistic sets when capturing specific forms of uncertainty. A comparative study of interval Type-3 with respect to intuitionistic fuzzy is presented. Based on this comparison, a novel concept of an interval Type-3 intuitionistic fuzzy set is put forward to enhance the capabilities of modeling uncertainty with respect to the individual Type-3 and intuitionistic concepts. Basically, the secondary and tertiary membership functions are added to the intuitionistic fuzzy sets to build an interval Type-3 intuitionistic fuzzy set. An illustrative example dealing with controlling the imaging system of televisions is provided to envision the potential applicability and advantages of interval Type-3 intuitionistic fuzzy sets in real problems. For this application, the intuitionistic Type-3 approach shows the potential to outperform previous approaches in controlling this system.
A Correct Benchmark Problem of a Two-Dimensional Droplet Deformation in Simple Shear Flow
Authors: Yang Junxiang , Li Yibao , Kim Junseok
Published: November 2022

In this article, we numerically investigate a two-dimensional (2D) droplet deformation and breakup in simple shear flow using a phase-field model for two-phase fluid flows. The dominant driving force for a droplet breakup in simple shear flow is the three-dimensional (3D) phenomenon via surface tension force and Rayleigh instability, where a liquid cylinder of certain wavelengths is unstable against surface perturbation and breaks up into individual droplets to reduce the total surface energy. A 2D droplet breakup does not occur except in special cases because there is only one curvature direction of the droplet interface, which resists breakup. However, there have been many numerical simulation research works on the 2D droplet breakups in simple shear flow. This study demonstrates that the 2D droplet breakup phenomenon in simple shear flow is due to the lack of space resolution of the numerical grid.
Forecasting the Effect of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) on HIV Propagation with a System of Differential–Difference Equations with Delay
Authors: Adimy Mostafa , Molina Julien , Pujo-Menjouet Laurent , Ranson Grégoire , Wu Jianhong
Published: November 2022

The HIV/AIDS epidemic is still active worldwide with no existing definitive cure. Based on the WHO recommendations stated in 2014, a treatment, called Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), has been used in the world, and more particularly in France since 2016, to prevent HIV infections. In this paper, we propose a new compartmental epidemiological model with a limited protection time offered by this new treatment. We describe the PrEP compartment with an age-structure hyperbolic equation and introduce a differential equation on the parameter that governs the PrEP starting process. This leads us to a nonlinear differential–difference system with discrete delay. After a local stability analysis, we prove the global behavior of the system. Finally, we illustrate the solutions with numerical simulations based on the data of the French Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) population. We show that the choice of a logistic time dynamics combined with our Hill-function-like model leads to a perfect data fit. These results enable us to forecast the evolution of the HIV epidemics in France if the populations keep using PrEP.
Some Properties of Stochastic Matrices and Non-Homogeneous Markov Chains Generated by Nonlinearities in the Resource Network Model
Authors: Zhilyakova Liudmila , Koreshkov Vasily , Chaplinskaia Nadezhda
Published: November 2022

The resource network is a non-linear threshold model where vertices exchange resource in infinite discrete time. The model is represented by a directed weighted graph. At each time step, all vertices send their resources along all output edges following one of two rules. For each vertex, the threshold value for changing the operation rule is equal to the total weight of its outgoing edges. If all vertices have resources less than their thresholds, the network is completely described by a homogeneous Markov chain. If at least one of the vertices has a resource above the threshold, the network is described by a non-homogeneous Markov chain. The purpose of this article is to describe and investigate non-homogeneous Markov chains generated by the resource network model. It is proven that they are strongly ergodic. In addition, stochastic matrices of a special form were studied. A number of new properties were revealed for them. The results obtained were generalized to arbitrary stochastic matrices.
Clinical Outcomes of Transplanted Kidneys from Deceased Donors Using Different Generic Preservation Solutions
Authors: Kolonko Aureliusz , Słabiak-Błaż Natalia , Król Robert , Więcek Andrzej
Published: November 2022

Background and Objectives: StoreProtect Plus® is a preserving solution for cold organ storage, with a composition identical to Institute Georges Lopez (IGL-1) solution. The aim of this single center study was to compare the clinical performance of StoreProtect Plus with the generic counterpart of University of Wisconsin preservation fluid, named SPS-1®. Materials and Methods: The clinical outcomes of 168 consecutive organs preserved with StoreProtect Plus solution and 167 organs preserved with SPS-1 solution were compared. During an 18-month post-transplant follow-up period, kidney graft function, the frequency of acute rejection, post-transplant diabetes, and infectious complications, as well as patient and graft survival were analyzed. Results: There was significantly more immediate graft function (IGF) (39.3 vs. 24.0%; p < 0.01) and less slow graft function (SGF) (38.7 vs. 51.5%; p < 0.05) in the StoreProtect Plus group in comparison with the SPS-1 group, whereas the occurrence of DGF was similar in both groups. Long-term kidney graft function was comparable. Multivariate regression analysis showed that the use of StoreProtect Plus vs. SPS-1 solution (rpartial = 0.217; p < 0.001) and the amount of residual diuresis (rpartial = 0.147; p < 0.001) independently increased the occurrence of IGF, whereas Scr > 1.5 mg/dL prior to organ procurement (rpartial = −0.198; p < 0.001), longer CIT (rpartial = −0.170; p < 0.01), and CVD donor death (rpartial = −0.214; p < 0.001) were associated with SGF. Conclusions: The higher occurrence of IGF was found in kidney transplant recipients whose organs were preserved using StoreProtect Plus solution as compared with SPS-1 solution. The two groups did not differ in kidney graft function, the frequency of post-transplant complications, as well as patient and graft survival.
Investigating Employees’ Responses to Abusive Supervision
Authors: Song Xiaochuan
Published: November 2022

Abusive supervision has been found to negatively impact employees. Extant literature based on the Social Exchange Theory (SET) has suggested that employees who experience abusive supervision are likely to engage in workplace deviant behaviors to respond to abusive supervision. However, from the standpoint of power distance, employees do not always respond to abusive supervision in negative ways. This paper aims to investigate employees’ perceptions and reactions to abusive supervision over time as well as factors that can impact their coping strategies to abusive supervision. By conducting two studies, including (1) a lagged-designed study with path analysis and mediation and moderation tests and (2) an experiment with independent sample t-tests, I examine employees’ reactions to abusive supervision over time as well as factors that impact their reactions. Results suggest that, over time, employees are likely to reconcile with their abusive supervisors. Furthermore, employees are less likely to reconcile with their abusive supervisor after engaging in workplace deviant behaviors. Furthermore, employees’ need for harmony (NFH) and the perceived value of the relationship with the supervisor (VOR) can impact their reactions to abusive supervision. This paper moves beyond the Social Exchange Theory, the overarching theory in abusive supervision literature, expands our understanding of abusive supervision, and discusses employees’ responses to abusive supervision over time. Contributions, implications, and future research are discussed.
Dark Triad, Impulsiveness and Honesty-Humility in the Prisoner’s Dilemma Game: The Moderating Role of Gender
Authors: Lainidi Olga , Karakasidou Eirini , Montgomery Anthony
Published: November 2022

(1) Background: The aim of the study was to investigate if the Dark Triad (DT)—which includes psychopathy, Machiavellianism and narcissism—impulsiveness and Honesty-Humility (HH), can predict individuals’ intended behavior in a one-shot Prisoner’s Dilemma Game (PDG) and whether this relationship is moderated by gender. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional correlational design was used, examining regression and moderation models. A total sample of 197 working adults from Greece (64% women, Mage = 35.13 years old) completed a one-shot, simulated PDG, the Dirty Dozen scale, the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale and the Honesty-Humility subscale from the HEXACO NEO-PI. (3) Results: Significant correlations between overall DT score, narcissism and psychopathy scores and impulsiveness and all three DT traits, as well as the overall DT score and honesty-humility, were identified. Overall DT scores were found to increase the odds of defecting, while gender significantly moderated the effects of Machiavellianism, HH and impulsiveness on the participants’ behavior in the one shot PDG, leading to different effects for men and women. (4) Conclusions: Gender moderates the relationship between certain personality traits and behavior in social situations involving interdependence and/or moral decision making, such as the PDG, leading to changes both in terms of the statistical significance and the direction of the effect. Simulated social situations could serve as situational judgment tests in an effort to develop a better understanding of the underpinning mechanisms between personality, gender and social behavior.
Genomic Analysis and Characterization of Pseudotabrizicola formosa sp. nov., a Novel Aerobic Anoxygenic Phototrophic Bacterium, Isolated from Sayram Lake Water
Authors: Ye Yu-Qi , Han Ji-Ru , Zhao Jin-Xin , Ye Meng-Qi , Du Zong-Jun
Published: November 2022

Aerobic anoxygenic photosynthetic bacteria (AAPB) are a kind of heterotrophic prokaryote that can use bacteriochlorophyll (BChl) for photosynthesis without oxygen production and they are widely distributed in aquatic environments, including oceans, lakes, and rivers. A novel aerobic anoxygenic photosynthetic bacterium strain XJSPT was isolated during a study of water microbial diversity in Sayram Lake, Xinjiang Province, China. Strain XJSPT was found to grow optimally at 33 °C, pH 7.5 with 1.0% (w/v) NaCl, and to produce bacteriochlorophyll a and carotenoids. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence and concatenated alignment sequences of 120 ubiquitous single-copy proteins both supported that strain XJSPT belonged to the genus Pseudotabrizicola. Both average nucleotide identity (ANI) and DNA–DNA hybridization (DDH) values were below the species delineation threshold. The primary polar lipids were phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, one unknown lipid, and one unidentified phospholipid. Based on the results of polyphasic analyses performed in this study, strain XJSPT represents a new member of the genus Pseudotabrizicola, for which the name Pseudotabrizicola formosa sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is XJSPT (= KCTC 52636T = MCCC 1H00184T = SDUM 107003T). Comparative genomic analysis showed that four species of the genus Pseudotabrizicola shared 2570 core genes and possessed a complete anoxygenic photosystem II.
Characterization of Vibrio Populations from Cultured European Seabass and the Surrounding Marine Environment with Emphasis on V. anguillarum
Authors: Kapetanović Damir , Vardić Smrzlić Irena , Gavrilović Ana , Jug-Dujaković Jurica , Perić Lorena , Kazazić Snježana , Mišić Radić Tea , Kolda Anamarija , Čanković Milan , Žunić Jakov , Listeš Eddy , Vukić Lušić Darija , Lillehaug Atle , Lončarević Semir , Pikelj Kristina , Hengl Brigita , Knežević Dražen , El-Matbouli Mansour
Published: November 2022

Vibrio species are widely distributed and can be potentially pathogenic to aquatic organisms. In this study, we isolated Vibrio spp. from environmental samples (seawater, sediment, and fish swabs) collected over a three-year period from a fish farm in Mali Ston Bay in the Adriatic Sea, Croatia, and assess their distribution. A total of 48 seawater samples and 12 sediment samples, as well as gill and skin swabs from 110 farmed European seabass, were analysed for the presence of Vibrio. Vibrio strains were identified to the species level by MALDI TOF MS. The analysis revealed that V. alginolyticus was the predominant species in European seabass, followed by V. anguillarum. V. alginolyticus was isolated from the sediments, along with V. gigantis and V. pomeroyi, while V. chagasii, V. cyclitrophicus, V. fortis, V. gigantis, V. harveyi, V. pelagius, and V. pomeroyi were isolated from seawater. V. anguillarum was isolated only twice during two different spring seasons, once from a diseased sea bass and the second time from a healthy sea bass. We analysed these two isolates and found that they differ both genetically and in terms of resistance to antibiotics. Our results confirm the seasonality of vibriosis incidence and the presence of the pathogenic V. anguillarum, which increases the risk of vibriosis.