bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimization of hole spacing for cut-top blasting based on new hole-sealing technology
Authors: Wang Chao , Yin Zhiqiang , Ma Yankun , Chen Deren , Wang Dengke , Zhao Aohan
Published: December 2023

In order to solve the problem of stress concentration on the roof of the mining trench, reduce the risk of sudden collapse of the roof overburden and disturbance, improve the control effect of the surrounding rock of the roof cutting and retaining roadway, and reduce the construction cost of mining tunnels, a new type of pouch sealing technology has been developed. By using on-site testing methods, the optimal sealing material ratio was optimized, and the crack propagation law and roof cutting effect of the 11503 W working face in Zhaizhen Coal Mine, Shandong Province were studied under hole spacing of 0.7, 1.0, and 1.1 meters and different sealing methods. The results show that using 1.5 m single pouch sealing technology in the blasting test, when the water cement ratio of the sealing material is 1:1, the required sealing strength and sealing temperature can be achieved, and there will be no punching phenomenon. When the spacing between holes is 1 m, the blasting effect is optimal, with a single hole effectively reaching a cutting seam length of about 0.5 m. There are obvious through cracks in the cave, with a total length of about 7 meters. After using the new pouch sealing technology for blasting, the displacement and bottom drum volume on both sides of the tunnel are lower than those of the traditional yellow mud sealing method, and the bottom drum volume is reduced by 37% and 53%, respectively. Based on comprehensive theoretical analysis and on-site experiments, the optimal hole spacing is determined to be 1 m, and the pouch sealing effect is good.
Numerical analysis on the centralization effect of improved horizontal well casing centralizer
Authors: Xie Jinliang , Mu Zongjie , Liu Baozhen , Zeng Changhui , Gong Yifan
Published: December 2023

Horizontal well technology is a promising method for oil and gas development. During cementing operations in horizontal wells, it was found that conventional casing centralizers could not meet the requirements for casing cementing in expanded wellbores. Therefore, a new type of casing centralizer needs to be designed for horizontal well sections that have undergone enlargement. By analyzing the most common materials currently used, 45 steel was selected for the spring leaf of the novel casing centralizer. To evaluate the centralization effect of the horizontal well casing centralizer, a casing centralization degree evaluation function was established, and a wellbore-centralizer mechanical model was proposed using the finite element method to simulate the working conditions of the centralizer spring leaf in ϕ215.9 and ϕ311.2 mm well sections. On this basis, a wellbore-centralizer-casing coupling model that does not consider the effect of wellbore fluid on the casing was established to simulate the centralization characteristics of the new casing centralizer and traditional centralizer under different wellbore sizes. Simulation results show that the average casing centralization degree of the new centralizer is 85.53%, while that of the traditional centralizer is 55.58%. That is, the horizontal well casing centralizer can maintain a good centralization effect on the casing string.
Bull Breeding Soundness Assessment Using Artificial Neural Network-Based Predictive Models
Authors: Marín-Urías Luis F. , García-Ramírez Pedro J. , Domínguez-Mancera Belisario , Hernández-Beltrán Antonio , Vásquez-Santacruz José A. , Cervantes-Acosta Patricia , Barrientos-Morales Manuel , Portillo-Vélez Rogelio de J.
Published: December 2023

For years, efforts have been devoted to establishing an effective bull breeding soundness evaluation procedure; usual research on this subject is based on bull breeding soundness examination (BBSE) methodologies, which have significant limitations in terms of their evaluation procedure, such as their high cost, time consumption, and administrative difficulty, as well as a lack of diagnostic laboratories equipped to handle the more difficult cases. This research focused on the creation of a prediction model to supplement and/or improve the BBSE approach through the study of two algorithms, namely, clustering and artificial neural networks (ANNs), to find the optimum machine learning (ML) approach for our application, with an emphasis on data categorization accuracy. This tool was designed to assist veterinary medicine and farmers in identifying key factors and increasing certainty in their decision-making during the selection of bulls for breeding purposes, providing data from a limited number of factors generated from a deep pairing study of bulls. Zebu, European, and crossbred bulls were the general groupings. The data utilized in the model’s creation (N = 359) considered five variables that influence improvement decisions. This approach enhanced decision-making by 12% compared to traditional breeding bull management. ANN obtained an accuracy of 90%, with precision rates of 97% for satisfactory, 92% for unsatisfactory, and 85% for bad. These results indicate that the proposed method can be considered an effective alternative for innovative decision-making in traditional BBSE.
A Prunus avium L. Infusion Inhibits Sugar Uptake and Counteracts Oxidative Stress-Induced Stimulation of Glucose Uptake by Intestinal Epithelial (Caco-2) Cells
Authors: Barreto-Peixoto Juliana A. , Silva Cláudia , Costa Anabela S. G. , Álvarez-Rivera Gerardo , Cifuentes Alejandro , Ibáñez Elena , Oliveira M. Beatriz P. P. , Alves Rita C. , Martel Fátima , Andrade Nelson
Published: December 2023

Sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) is among the most valued fruits due to its organoleptic properties and nutritional worth. Cherry stems are rich in bioactive compounds, known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Innumerable studies have indicated that some bioactive compounds can modulate sugar absorption in the small intestine. In this study, the phenolic profile of a cherry stem infusion was investigated, as well as its capacity to modulate intestinal glucose and fructose transport in Caco-2 cells. Long-term (24 h) exposure to cherry stem infusion (25%, v/v) significantly reduced glucose (3H-DG) and fructose (14C-FRU) apical uptake, reduced the apical-to-basolateral Papp to 3H-DG, and decreased mRNA expression levels of the sugar transporters SGLT1, GLUT2 and GLUT5. Oxidative stress (induced by tert-butyl hydroperoxide) caused an increase in 3H-DG uptake, which was abolished by the cherry stem infusion. These findings suggest that cherry stem infusion can reduce the intestinal absorption of both glucose and fructose by decreasing the gene expression of their membrane transporters. Moreover, this infusion also appears to be able to counteract the stimulatory effect of oxidative stress upon glucose intestinal uptake. Therefore, it can be a potentially useful compound for controlling hyperglycemia, especially in the presence of increased intestinal oxidative stress levels.
Application of Segmentation and Fuzzy Classification Techniques (TSK) in Analyzing the Composition of Lightweight Concretes Containing Ethylene Vinyl Acetate and Natural Fibers Using Micro-Computed Tomography Images
Authors: Silva Miquéias A. S. , Iglesias Susana M. , Ambrosio Paulo E. , Ortiz Iram B. R. , Dominguez Dany S. , Frias Diego
Published: December 2023

The reuse of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) discarded from the sports and footwear industries as a partial substitute for gravel in concrete is a way of reducing anthropogenic environmental impacts by enabling the production of lighter structures with similar and superior resistance to those built with traditional concrete. Several studies have been published replacing gravel with EVA and natural fibers, resulting in lighter, more resistant, cheaper, and more ecological concrete. However, there is no methodology to characterize the composition and internal structure of these materials accurately and efficiently, which is vital for quality control in mass-produced pre-molded shapes. In this study, an automated system was developed to measure the percentage of each component in test cores using micro-computed tomography (Micro-CT). For this, (1) Micro-CT images were obtained for concrete test cores made with coarse aggregate consisting of gravel, EVA, and natural fibers in different proportions; (2) the images were segmented differentiating the gravel from the rest of the aggregate, while the remainder was further segmented with the cementitious matrix as background, and the pores, EVA fragments, and fibers as objects against this background; and (3) a Takagi–Sugeno–Kang-type fuzzy inference system was built to classify the objects in the foreground as pores, EVA, and fiber. The tool developed in this manner estimates the percentages of each concrete component and also provides an estimate of the porosity.
Dynamic Evaluation of Sealing and Site Optimization for Underground Gas Storage in Depleted Gas Reserve: A Case Study
Authors: Zhuge Xianglong , Hong Jiajun , Wang Cong , Wang Jianping , Xia Huifen
Published: December 2023

In the post-epidemic economic recovery background, under the influence of the international situation brought by the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the world is facing a significant rebound in total energy consumption. In order to seek a smooth transition for national energy low-carbon transformation, it is urgent that research be conducted on the trap dynamic sealing capacity evaluation and site optimization for underground storage in depleted gas reserves. Based on the geological data of Block S in Northeast China, combined with a dynamic acoustic test and a static triaxial test, a rock mechanical property model for wells is established, and the stress model of the underground storage in depleted gas reserves before construction is inverted. The sealing of the cap rock and faults in the underground gas storage is evaluated from both static and dynamic perspectives. The results show that the maximum horizontal principal stress of the cap rock and reservoir before construction is distributed between 48–76 MPa and 50–85 MPa, respectively. The reservoir of the Yingcheng Formation has strong stratigraphic mechanical strength and can be used as the main space for underground gas storage. The global cap rock shear safety factor is between 0.7–0.9, and the fault slip factor is only 0.1, indicating that this reservoir has strong dynamic closure sealing and is suitable for construction, thereby realizing the dynamic evaluation of sealing and site optimization for underground gas storage in a depleted gas reserve, providing a guarantee for the safe and stable operation of its subsequent expansion, multi-cycle injection, and production.
Design and Optimization of an Interior Permanent-Magnet Synchronous Motor for Aircraft Drive Application
Authors: Xiong Fei , Yan Rui , Xie Yuhang , Yang Kai
Published: December 2023

The torque performance of the interior permanent-magnet synchronous motor (IPMSM) must be further improved to satisfy the growing demand of aircraft drive application. To this end, this article focuses on the design optimization of the IPMSM structure in the aircraft drive systems to improve the torque density and reduce the torque ripple. A special fractional-slot winding and ∇-type magnetic-pole rotor topology are proposed as the optimized IPMSM structure compared with the structure of an existing motor. The simulations of the original and optimized structures at different current values reveal the variance of the torque in the average and ripple, mechanical and external characteristics, efficiency and steady-state temperature. The performance of an optimized prototype is analyzed by experimental testing, and the results show that an optimized motor has a higher torque density and lower torque ripple than the original one at the same speed and rated power, but it also has a higher temperature rise. However, the temperature rise value is acceptable in the experimental testing condition, so the validity of the design optimization method for the proposed structure is verified.
Machine Learning Approach to Predict the Illite Weight Percent of Unconventional Reservoirs from Well-Log Data: An Example from Montney Formation, NE British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Barham Azzam , Zainal Abidin Nor Syazwani
Published: December 2023

Shale mineralogy is critical for the proper design and execution of hydraulic fracturing operations and for evaluating production potential. There has been relatively little research into using artificial intelligence for mineralogical prediction for the Montney Formation. This study aims to predict the Montney Formation illite wt.% using readily available conventional logs, where illite is one of the constituents of shale and can aid in analyzing the brittle and ductile zones within the shale formation. The wt.% of illite is often determined by examining core samples or cuttings using XRD or QEMSCAN; both techniques are time-consuming, costly, and cannot be performed without physical samples. Based on conventional log readings, this study uses artificial neural networks (ANNs) and principal component analysis (PCA) to construct an accurate prediction model for illite wt.%. The feed-forward neural network (FFNN) obtained good overall performance in illite wt.% prediction (R2 = 92%) utilizing the backpropagation algorithm and the B.R. technique for eight input parameters. The ANN model was tested by randomly selecting three wells from the same log dataset excluded from the core training and testing phases. Overall, R2 = 88.5% was found in the tests, which is encouraging. This work demonstrates the viability of employing the ANN in applications involving evaluating mineralogical components of a target source rock using traditional logs, especially when geochemical data are missing or inadequate.
Designing a Synthetic 3D-Printed Knee Cartilage: FEA Model, Micro-Structure and Mechanical Characteristics
Authors: Dolino Gianmarco , Coato Damiano , Forni Riccardo , Boretti Gabriele , Ciliberti Federica Kiyomi , Gargiulo Paolo
Published: December 2023

Articular cartilage morphology and composition are essential factors in joint biomechanics, and their alteration is a crucial aspect of osteoarthritis (OA), a prevalent disease that causes pain and functional loss. This research focuses on developing patient-specific synthetic cartilage using innovative Digital Anatomy polymers. The objectives include investigating the morphology, characterizing the mechanical properties, and replicating the architecture of natural cartilage. This approach offers potential alternatives to traditional manufacturing methods and reduces the need for expensive in vivo experiments. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) validates a novel patient-specific measurement setup. It provides insights into the role of morphology in the distribution of stress and strain within cartilage. CAD design is also utilized to create standardized fiber-reinforced samples that mimic the layered micro-architecture of natural cartilage, allowing for the study of their contribution to the overall mechanical properties. The results demonstrate that 3D-printed polymers can effectively replicate the elastic properties of cartilage. The proposed patient-specific simulator produces reliable results, which have been validated through FEM analysis. While the recreated microstructure closely resembles biological cartilage samples, the elastic properties are slightly underestimated. In conclusion, designing an in silico knee joint is a feasible approach that offers numerous advantages for further development. The Young’s modulus values of our synthetic cartilage modules range from 2.43 MPa to 7.24 MPa, within the range reported in the literature. Moreover, Young´s modulus at the micro level shows the differences between surface 1.74 MPa and internal substrate 1.83 MPa depending on the fiber orientation. Finally, our model proves to be mechanically and morphologically accurate at both the macro and micro levels.
An Energy-Efficient ECG Processor Based on HDWT and a Hybrid Classifier for Arrhythmia Detection
Authors: Deng Jiawen , Ma Jieru , Yang Jie , Liu Shuyu , Chen Hongming , Wang Xin’an , Zhang Xing
Published: December 2023

Cardiac arrhythmia (CA) is a severe cardiac disorder that results in a significant number of fatalities worldwide each year. Conventional electrocardiography (ECG) devices are often unable to detect arrhythmia symptoms during patients’ hospital visits due to their intermittent nature. This paper presents a wearable ECG processor for cardiac arrhythmia (CA) detection. The processor utilizes a Hilbert transform-based R-peak detection engine for R-peak detection, a Haar discrete wavelet transform (HDWT) unit for feature extraction, and a Hybrid ECG classifier that combines linear methods and Non-Linear Support Vector Machines (NLSVM) classifiers to distinguish between normal and abnormal heartbeats. The processor is fabricated by the CMOS 110 nm process with an area of 1.34 mm2 and validated with the MIT_BIH Database. The whole design consumes 4.08 μW with an average classification accuracy of 97.34%.
Physical Simulation of Brittle Rocks by 3D Printing Techniques Considering Cracking Behaviour and Permeability
Authors: Zhao Xiaobao , Liu Yang , Zou Chunjiang , He Lei , Che Ping , Li Jianchun
Published: December 2023

Additive manufacturing, commonly named 3D printing, is more frequently studied and used due to its ability to replicate micro- and macroscopic structures in natural rocks and fabricate complex experimental samples. Previous studies in this field mainly focused on mechanical properties and cracking behaviour but less on permeability because of the difficulties in unifying these three aspects with modern 3D printing techniques. Since the plaster-based 3D printing (PP) samples are more brittle and are close to rocks, and the stereolithography (SLA) samples have a higher resolution without chemical reaction with water, the present study combined these two mainstream 3D printing methods to try to replicate both the mechanical and permeable behaviour of rocks. Stereolithography (SLA) resolution can replicate submillimetre pores and structures in natural rocks. The result is that the PP method can successfully print rocklike samples, and their strength and failure modes are significantly influenced by the printing dip angle and sintering temperature. The porosity and anisotropy of the permeability of the samples printed by the SLA method are compared with the prototype porous basalt, and the replication ability in pore structures and seepage is confirmed. In addition to the experimental study, the theoretical permeability of samples printed with various resolutions is also discussed. The results of this study demonstrate the effectiveness of combining PP and SLA 3DP techniques for physically simulating natural porous rocks.
Iberis sempervirens: Antiproliferative Potential from Our Garden
Authors: Đulović Azra , Čikeš Čulić Vedrana , Burčul Franko , Blažević Ivica
Published: December 2023

Glucosinolates (GSLs) extracted from various parts of Iberis sempervirens L., including seeds, stems, leaves, and flowers, were qualitatively and quantitatively assessed. The analyses of GSLs were performed by their desulfo counterparts using the UHPLC-DAD-MS/MS technique and by their volatile breakdown products, isothiocyanates, using the GC-MS technique. The GSL profile comprised various types, including those derived from: methionine, represented by methylsulfinylalkyl GSL (glucoiberin), and methylsulfanylalkyl GSL (glucoibervirin and glucoerucin); phenylalanine (glucotropaeolin); and tryptophan (4-methoxyglucobrassicin). Among these, the highest level of glucoiberin was detected in the leaves, reaching 35.37 µmol/g of dry weight (DW), while the highest level of glucoibervirin was detected in the seeds, reaching 18.51 µmol/g DW. To obtain GSL breakdown products, a variety of isolation methods were employed, including hydrodistillation in a Clevenger-type apparatus (HD), CH2Cl2 after myrosinase hydrolysis for 24 h (EXT), microwave-assisted distillation (MAD), and microwave hydrodiffusion and gravity (MHG). Volatile isolates were tested for their antiproliferative activity using an MTT assay against the human lung cancer cell line A549 and the human bladder cancer cell line T24 during an incubation period of 72 h. HD and MAD showed the best activity against T24, with IC50 values of 0.61 µg/mL and 0.62 µg/mL, respectively, while EXT was the most effective against the A549 cell line, with an IC50 of 1.46 µg/mL.
Acta Plane—A New Reference for Virtual Orientation of Cone Beam Computed Tomography Scans: A Pilot Study
Authors: Sanders-Mello Fernanda , de Menezes Luciane Macedo , Puetter Ursula Tavares , Azeredo Fabiane , Griekspoor Tina Cornelia Antonieke , de Windt Sergio , Livas Christos , Jonkman Ronald E. G. , Rozema Frederik Reinder , Koolstra Jan Harm
Published: December 2023

Introduction: Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) scans should be digitally oriented using a reference plane before being evaluated for patient growth and treatment outcome. Current orientation planes are usually dependent on the Porion points. Using more reliable landmarks than the Porion, we introduce the Acta plane and investigate its reliability as an alternative reference plane for cases in which the Porion point is inaccessible. Methods: To test its reliability, a dental student and an orthodontist located sixteen skeletal and dental landmarks in sixteen CBCT scans before and after reorientation. Also, four measurements were calculated based on these landmarks’ coordinates. The reorientation of these CBCT scans with the Acta plane was performed by another dental student. The Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) was calculated before and after orientation, as well as the intra and inter-examiner. The data were tested for significance through the Shapiro–Wilk test with a threshold set at 0.05. Through the ICC variation of the points’ coordinates, this article also evaluated the reliability of this plane with the t-paired and exact-sign tests. Results: The identification of landmarks was more reliable in the reoriented CBCT images than in the original images, with a significant increase of 0.012 in the median of the ICC. Linear and angular measures showed no significant differences between groups. Conclusion: This plane is a reliable alternative for the orientation of CBCT images. The design of the Acta plane might allow the use of a smaller field of view and, consequently, a reduction in the radiation dose.
Extending the A Priori Procedure (APP) to Analysis of Variance Models under Normality
Authors: Hu Liqun , Wang Tonghui , Trafimow David , Choy S. T. Boris
Published: December 2023

The a priori procedure was designed as a pre-data procedure whereby researchers could find the sample sizes necessary to ensure that sample statistics to be obtained are within particular distances of corresponding population parameters with known probabilities. Researchers specify desired precisions (distances of sample statistics from corresponding population parameters) and desired confidences (probabilities of being within desired distances), and this procedure provides necessary sample sizes to meet precision and confidence specifications. Although the a priori procedure has been devised for a variety of experimental paradigms, these have all been simple. The present article constitutes its extension to analysis of variance models. A fortunate side effect of the equations to be proposed is an improvement in efficiency even for a paradigm that fits a previously published article.
On Some Properties of Multi-Valued Feng–Liu-Type Operators in Metric Spaces
Authors: Petruşel Adrian , Petruşel Gabriela , Zhu Lijun
Published: December 2023

In the context of a complete metric space, the most important fixed-point result for multi-valued operators was given in 1969. Many extensions of this fixed-point principle for multi-valued operators were proved by different authors. Based on some of the above-mentioned results, we introduce the notion of the multi-valued Feng–Liu-type operator and we construct an abstract fixed-point theory for this general class of multi-valued operators. Our results extend and complement some theorems in metric fixed-point theory for multi-valued operators. An application to a Cauchy problem related to a first-order differential inclusion is also given. In this case, our theorem improves several previous theorems on this subject by relaxing the contraction-type condition (with respect to its second argument) on the multi-valued right-hand side.
Pilot SERS Monitoring Study of Two Natural Hypersaline Lake Waters from a Balneary Resort during Winter-Months Period
Authors: Molnár Csilla , Drigla Teodora Diana , Barbu-Tudoran Lucian , Bajama Ilirjana , Curean Victor , Cîntă Pînzaru Simona
Published: December 2023

Water samples from two naturally hypersaline lakes, renowned for their balneotherapeutic properties, were investigated through a pilot SERS monitoring program. Nanotechnology-based techniques were employed to periodically measure the ultra-sensitive SERS molecular characteristics of the raw water-bearing microbial community and the inorganic content. Employing the Pearson correlation coefficient revealed a robust linear relationship between electrical conductivity and pH and Raman and SERS spectral data of water samples, highlighting the interplay complexity of Raman/SERS signals and physicochemical parameters within each lake. The SERS data obtained from raw waters with AgNPs exhibited a dominant, reproducible SERS feature resembling adsorbed β-carotene at submicromole concentration, which could be related to the cyanobacteria-AgNPs interface and supported by TEM analyses. Notably, spurious SERS sampling cases showed molecular traces attributed to additional metabolites, suggesting multiplexed SERS signatures. The conducted PCA demonstrated observable differences in the β-carotene SERS band intensities between the two lakes, signifying potential variations in picoplankton abundance and composition or environmental influences. Moreover, the study examined variations in the SERS intensity ratio I245/I1512, related to the balance between inorganic (Cl−-induced AgNPs aggregation) and organic (cyanobacteria population) balance, in correlation with the electrical conductivity. These findings signify the potential of SERS data for monitoring variations in microorganism concentration, clearly dependent on ion concentration and nutrient dynamics in raw, hypersaline water bodies.
Performance of a Single Source of Low-Grade Clay in a Limestone Calcined Clay Cement Mortar
Authors: Boakye Kwabena , Khorami Morteza , Saidani Messaoud , Ganjian Eshmaiel , Tyrer Mark , Dunster Andrew
Published: December 2023

The high kaolinite content of metakaolin makes it valuable to other industries, thereby affecting its availability and affordability for the production of limestone calcined clay cement (LC3). This work presents a study on the potential utilization of low-grade clay in place of pure metakaolin in the preparation of LC3 for mortar formulations. CEM I was partially substituted with calcined clay and limestone by 20, 30, 40, and 50 wt.%. The weight ratio of calcined clay and limestone was maintained at 2:1 for all mixes and the water-to-binder ratio was 0.48. X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and isothermal conduction calorimetry were used to study the hydration process and products after 28 days. Mechanical and durability assessments of the LC3 mortar specimens were conducted. LC3 specimens (marked LC20%, LC30%, LC40%, and LC50%) trailed the control sample by 1.2%, 4%, 9.8%, and 18%, respectively, at 28 days and 1.6%, 2.3%, 3.6%, and 5.5%, respectively, at 91 days. The optimum replacement of OPC clinker, calcined clay, and limestone was 20% (LC20%).
Efficiency Analysis of the Photovoltaic Shading and Vertical Farming System by Employing the Artificial Neural Network (ANN) Method
Authors: Hao Weihao , Tablada Abel , Shi Xuepeng , Wang Lijun , Meng Xi
Published: December 2023

Productive facades, consisting of photovoltaic shading and vertical farming systems, have been proposed as a means to improve the thermal and visual status of residential buildings while also maintaining energy performance and providing vegetables. However, how to quickly and accurately predict electricity and vegetable output during the numerous influencing architectural and environmental factors is one of the key issues in the early stages of design, and few studies have investigated the impact of such structures on both indoor environmental qualities and production performance. In this paper, we present a novel prediction method that uses experimental data to train and test an artificial neural network (ANN). The results indicated that using the Bipolar Sigmoid activation function to process the experimental data input to the artificial neuron network gives more accurate predicted results both in the yield of photovoltaic shading and vertical farming systems. In addition, this prediction method was applied to a typical high-rise residential building in Singapore to assess the self-sufficiency potential of high-rise residential buildings integrated with productive facades. The results indicated that the upper part of the building can meet 20.0–23.1% of the annual household electricity demand of a family of four in a four-room residential unit in Singapore and almost the entire year’s vegetable demand, while the middle part can meet 18.4–21.2% and 89.1%, respectively. The results demonstrated the importance of a productive facade in reducing energy demand, enhancing food security, and improving indoor visual and thermal comfort.
Sox10-Deficient Drug-Resistant Melanoma Cells Are Refractory to Oncolytic RNA Viruses
Authors: Abou-Hamad John , Hodgins Jonathan J. , Yakubovich Edward , Vanderhyden Barbara C. , Ardolino Michele , Sabourin Luc A.
Published: December 2023

Targeted therapy resistance frequently develops in melanoma due to intratumor heterogeneity and epigenetic reprogramming. This also typically induces cross-resistance to immunotherapies. Whether this includes additional modes of therapy has not been fully assessed. We show that co-treatments of MAPKi with VSV-based oncolytics do not function in a synergistic fashion; rather, the MAPKis block infection. Melanoma resistance to vemurafenib further perturbs the cells’ ability to be infected by oncolytic viruses. Resistance to vemurafenib can be induced by the loss of SOX10, a common proliferative marker in melanoma. The loss of SOX10 promotes a cross-resistant state by further inhibiting viral infection and replication. Analysis of RNA-seq datasets revealed an upregulation of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) in SOX10 knockout populations and targeted therapy-resistant cells. Interestingly, the induction of ISGs appears to be independent of type I IFN production. Overall, our data suggest that the pathway mediating oncolytic resistance is due to the loss of SOX10 during acquired drug resistance in melanoma.
Endogenous GDNF Is Unable to Halt Dopaminergic Injury Triggered by Microglial Activation
Authors: Mendes-Oliveira Julieta , Campos Filipa L. , Ferreira Susana A. , Tomé Diogo , Fonseca Carla P. , Baltazar Graça
Published: December 2023

Overactivation of microglial cells seems to play a crucial role in the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons occurring in Parkinson’s disease. We have previously demonstrated that glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) present in astrocytes secretome modulates microglial responses induced by an inflammatory insult. Therefore, astrocyte-derived soluble factors may include relevant molecular players of therapeutic interest in the control of excessive neuroinflammatory responses. However, in vivo, the control of neuroinflammation is more complex as it depends on the interaction between different types of cells other than microglia and astrocytes. Whether neurons may interfere in the astrocyte-microglia crosstalk, affecting the control of microglial reactivity exerted by astrocytes, is unclear. Therefore, the present work aimed to disclose if the control of microglial responses mediated by astrocyte-derived factors, including GDNF, could be affected by the crosstalk with neurons, impacting GDNF’s ability to protect dopaminergic neurons exposed to a pro-inflammatory environment. Also, we aimed to disclose if the protection of dopaminergic neurons by GDNF involves the modulation of microglial cells. Our results show that the neuroprotective effect of GDNF was mediated, at least in part, by a direct action on microglial cells through the GDNF family receptor α-1. However, this protective effect seems to be impaired by other mediators released in response to the neuron-astrocyte crosstalk since neuron-astrocyte secretome, in contrast to astrocytes secretome, was unable to protect dopaminergic neurons from the injury triggered by lipopolysaccharide-activated microglia. Supplementation with exogenous GDNF was needed to afford protection of dopaminergic neurons exposed to the inflammatory environment. In conclusion, our results revealed that dopaminergic protective effects promoted by GDNF involve the control of microglial reactivity. However, endogenous GDNF is insufficient to confer dopaminergic neuron protection against an inflammatory insult. This reinforces the importance of further developing new therapeutic strategies aiming at providing GDNF or enhancing its expression in the brain regions affected by Parkinson’s disease.
Multimodality Imaging in Cranial Giant Cell Arteritis: First Experience with High-Resolution T1-Weighted 3D Black Blood without Contrast Enhancement Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Brittain Jane Maestri , Hansen Michael Stormly , Carlsen Jonathan Frederik , Brandt Andreas Hjelm , Terslev Lene , Jensen Mads Radmer , Lindberg Ulrich , Larsson Henrik Bo Wiberg , Heegaard Steffen , Døhn Uffe Møller , Klefter Oliver Niels , Wiencke Anne Katrine , Subhi Yousif , Hamann Steffen , Haddock Bryan
Published: December 2023

In order to support or refute the clinical suspicion of cranial giant cell arteritis (GCA), a supplemental imaging modality is often required. High-resolution black blood Magnetic Resonance Imaging (BB MRI) techniques with contrast enhancement can visualize artery wall inflammation in GCA. We compared findings on BB MRI without contrast enhancement with findings on 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-D-glucose positron emission tomography/low-dose computed tomography (2-[18F]FDG PET/CT) in ten patients suspected of having GCA and in five control subjects who had a 2-[18F]FDG PET/CT performed as a routine control for malignant melanoma. BB MRI was consistent with 2-[18F]FDG PET/CT in 10 out of 10 cases in the group with suspected GCA. In four out of five cases in the control group, the BB MRI was consistent with 2-[18F]FDG PET/CT. In this small population, BB MRI without contrast enhancement shows promising performance in the diagnosis of GCA, and might be an applicable imaging modality in patients.
A Datasheet-Driven Electrothermal Averaged Model of a Diode–MOSFET Switch for Fast Simulations of DC–DC Converters
Authors: Górecki Paweł , d’Alessandro Vincenzo
Published: December 2023

The design of modern power electronics converters requires accurate electrothermal device models enabling a straightforward parameter estimation and fast, yet accurate, circuit simulations. In this paper, a novel electrothermal averaged model of a diode–MOSFET switch for fast analysis of DC–DC converters is proposed. The model has the form of a SPICE-compatible subcircuit and allows computing in a very short simulation time the DC characteristics of the converter, the waveforms of the terminal voltages and currents of the semiconductor devices, as well as their junction temperatures, both in CCM and DCM.. All the input data required by the parameter estimation procedure can be taken from the datasheets of components. The correctness of the proposed approach is experimentally verified for a buck converter chosen as a case-study. A generally good agreement between measurements and simulations is obtained; as an example, the absolute error in assessing the MOSFET junction temperature does not exceed 12 °C within the whole range of switching frequency of the converter, while the commonly used PLECS model considerably underestimates it.
Healthcare Big Data Analysis with Artificial Neural Network for Cardiac Disease Prediction
Authors: Mohapatra Sulagna , Sahoo Prasan Kumar , Mohapatra Suvendu Kumar
Published: December 2023

The generation of a huge volume of structured, semi-structured and unstructured real-time health monitoring data and its storage in the form of electronic health records (EHRs) need to be processed and analyzed intelligently to provide timely healthcare. A big data analytic platform is an alternative to the traditional warehouse paradigms for the processing, analysis and storage of the tremendous volume of healthcare data. However, the manual analysis of these voluminous, multi-variate patients data is tedious and error-prone. Therefore, an intelligent solution method is highly essential to perform multiple correlation analyses for disease diagnosis and prediction. In this paper, first, a structural framework is proposed to process the huge volume of cardiological big data generated from the hospital and patients. Then, an intelligent analytical model for the cardiological big data analysis is proposed by combining the concept of artificial neural network (ANN) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) to predict the abnormalities in the cardiac health of a person. In the proposed cardiac disease prediction model, an extensive electrocardiogram (ECG) data analysis method is developed to identify the probable normal and abnormal cardiac feature points. Simulation results show the effects of a number of attributes for improving the accuracy of the cardiac disease prediction and data processing time in the cloud with an increase in the number of the cardiac patients.
Consumer Acceptance Studies of Margarine to Guide Product Development in the Food Industry
Authors: Bolini Helena Maria Andre , Medeiros Alessandra Cazelatto , Pereira Cecília Teresa Muniz , Carraro Francisco , Augusto Pedro Pio Campregher , Cardello Flavio , Lima Rafael Sousa
Published: December 2023

Margarine exhibits significant variations in composition, allowing it to cater to diverse consumer segments. This study aimed to characterize the physical and sensory attributes of margarine samples available in the Brazilian market. Twelve commercial samples from six different brands, encompassing 30% to 80% of lipid contents, were subjected to instrumental texture analysis and affective assessment. A total of 112 consumers participated in acceptance tests and Check-All-That-Apply (CATA) evaluations, while another group of 62 subjects performed Projective Mapping. Samples with lipid percentages exceeding 70% achieved the highest average acceptance scores for taste and overall impression. The brand with the lowest lipid content (30%) exhibited a stronger association with negative attributes, including rancid flavor and aroma, bitterness, and metallic flavor, resulting in lower average scores for aroma, flavor, texture, and overall impression. However, these scores were not statistically different from samples with 50% and 60% lipid content. Reducing lipid levels in fat-based products such as margarine poses a challenge to food manufacturers, as consumers generally perceive higher lipid percentages as indicative of superior flavor quality.
Raw Meat Consumption and Food Safety Challenges: A Survey of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Consumers in Lebanon
Authors: Ballout Rouba , Toufeili Imad , Kharroubi Samer A. , Kassem Issmat I.
Published: December 2023

A key contributor to foodborne illnesses is consuming contaminated ready-to-eat foods, including raw meats. The latter is a common practice in Lebanon, a country that suffers from widespread pollution and food safety challenges. However, studies on the safety of raw meat consumption in Lebanon are limited. In this study, an attempt was made to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) of the Lebanese population toward the potential risk associated with the consumption of raw meats, and to identify factors that affect KAP levels. An online survey (n = 577) was administered to Lebanese adults aged 18 years and above to assess their KAPs. The results showed that 74.5% of the participants consumed raw meat, 44% had good food safety knowledge, and 30.7% exhibited good practices. However, more than half of the participants (61.9%) showed a positive attitude toward food safety. There was a significant association between knowledge and attitude (p < 0.001), attitude and practices (p < 0.001), and knowledge and practices (p < 0.001), thereby indicating that an increase in food safety education could translate into better practices in this population. Accordingly, efforts to enhance education on food safety are warranted to reduce the potential risk of food poisoning associated with raw meat consumption in Lebanon.
Glazing Affects the Fermentation Process of Sake Brewed in Pottery
Authors: Tanabe Koichi , Hayashi Honoka , Murakami Natsuki , Yoshiyama Yoko , Shima Jun , Shoda Shinya
Published: December 2023

Sake (Japanese rice wine) was fermented in pottery for more than a millennium before wooden barrels were adopted to obtain a greater brewing capacity. Although a recently conducted analysis of sake brewed in pottery indicated that sake brewed in unglazed pottery contains more ethanol than that brewed in glazed pottery, little is known about the characteristics of sake brewed in pottery. In this study, we used two types of ceramic containers of identical size, one glazed and one unglazed, for small-scale sake brewing to evaluate the effects of glazing on fermentation properties. The following parameters were measured continuously in the sake samples over 3 weeks of fermentation: temperature, weight, ethanol concentration, and glucose concentration in sake mash. Taste-sensory values, minerals, and volatile components were also quantified in the final fermented sake mash. The results show that, in the unglazed containers, the temperature of the sake mash was lower and the weight loss was higher compared to the sake mash in the glazed containers. The quantity of ethanol and the levels of Na+, Fe3+, and Al3+ tended to be higher in the sake brewed in the unglazed pottery. A taste-sensory analysis revealed that umami and saltiness were also higher in the samples brewed in the unglazed pottery. These results suggest that glazing affects multiple fermentation parameters and the flavor of sake brewed in pottery. They may also suggest that the materials of the containers used in sake brewing generally affect the fermentation properties.
Natamycin-Loaded Ethyl Cellulose/PVP Films Developed by Microfluidic Spinning for Active Packaging
Authors: Yang Xiangzheng , Rao Jingshan , Shen Chaoyi , Lian Huan , Wang Da , Wu Di , Chen Kunsong
Published: December 2023

The preparation of active packaging loaded with antimicrobial, antioxidant, and other functional agents has become a hot topic for food preservation in recent years. In this field, active fiber films based on spinning methods have attracted the interest of researchers owing to their high specific surface area, high porosity, high loading capacity, and good controlled release capacity. In the present work, neatly arranged ethyl cellulose (EC)/polyvinyl-pyrrolidone (PVP) fibrous films loaded with natamycin as an antimicrobial agent were prepared by microfluidic spinning. The encapsulation efficiency of natamycin was more than 90% in each group and the loading increased with increasing natamycin content. According to the characterization results of the natamycin-loaded EC/PVP fibrous films, hydrogen bonding was formed between natamycin and EC and PVP in the fibrous films. Meanwhile, the water contact angle of the fibrous films was increased, suggesting the improved hydrophobicity of the films. In the in vitro bacterial inhibition experiments, the active fiber films loaded with natamycin showed good antimicrobial activity, which could significantly inhibit the growth of gray mold. In conclusion, N-EC/PVP fibrous films with antimicrobial activity prepared by microfluidic spinning showed good potential in the field of active packaging.
Osteoporosis and Fragility Fractures in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis: Usefulness of FRAX® as a Screening Tool
Authors: Sánchez-Delgado Jordi , Profitós Joaquim , Arévalo Marta , Lira Alba , Mármol Carlos , Miquel Mireia , Casas Meritxell , Vergara Mercedes , Calvet Xavier , Berlanga Eugenio , del Rio Luís del , Valero Oliver , Costa Ester , Larrosa Marta , Casado Burgos Enrique
Published: December 2023

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to assess the prevalence of osteoporosis and fragility fractures in patients with liver cirrhosis (LC) and determine the associated risk factors, evaluating the usefulness of FRAX® as a screening method to identify patients at a higher risk of fracture. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. Demographic, clinical, and analytical data were collected in a randomized sample of LC patients attending the Hepatology Department of a university hospital. We assessed the absolute risk of fracture at 10 years (FRAX®) and based on the bone mineral density (BMD), the presence of morphometric vertebral fracture with a vertebral fracture assessment (VFA), or a thoracic and lumbar X-ray and bone microarchitecture with a trabecular bone score (TBS). Results: Ninety-two patients were included (71% male); the mean age was 63 ± 11.3 years. The main etiology of LC was alcoholism (52.2%), and most patients were Child–Pugh A (80.4%), with a mean model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score of 10.1 ± 3.6. Sixteen patients (17.4%) had osteoporosis, and fifty-four (58.7%) had osteopenia. Eight patients (8.7%) had suffered at least one fragility fracture. The absolute risk of a major fracture according to FRAX without the BMD was 5.7 ± 4.5%. Risk factors associated with osteoporosis were age and the female sex. BMI > 30 was a protective factor. A FRAX cut-off point for a major fracture > 6.6% had a sensitivity of 69% and a specificity of 85% for a diagnosis of osteoporosis. Conclusions: The prevalence of osteoporosis and fractures in patients with LC is high, particularly in older women. FRAX® may be a useful method to identify candidates for bone densitometry. A FRAX value below 6.6% without the BMD can avoid unnecessary testing.