bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of Silver Nanocubes@Cobalt Ferrite/Graphitic Carbon Nitride for Electrochemical Water Splitting
Authors: Zabielaite Ausrine , Eicher-Lorka Olegas , Levinas Ramunas , Simkunaite Dijana , Tamasauskaite-Tamasiunaite Loreta , Norkus Eugenijus
Published: August 2023

This study presents the synthesis of graphitic carbon nitride (g−C3N4) and its nanostructures with cobalt ferrite oxide (CoFe2O4) and silver nanocubes (Ag) using the combined pyrolysis of melamine and polyol method. The resulted nanostructures were tested as electrocatalysts for hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions in alkaline media. It was found that the Ag/CoFe2O4/g−C3N4 shows the highest current density and gives the lowest overpotential of −259 mV for HER to reach a current density of 10 mA cm−2 in 1 M KOH. Overpotentials to reach the current density of 10 mA·cm−2 for OER are 370.2 mV and 382.7 mV for Ag/CoFe2O4/g−C3N4 and CoFe2O4/g−C3N4, respectively. The above results demonstrate that CoFe2O4/g−C3N4 and Ag/CoFe2O4/g−C3N4 materials could act as a bifunctional catalyst due to the notable performance towards HER and OER and for total water splitting in practical applications is a promising alternative to noble metal-based electrocatalysts.
Effect of Oxygen Annealing Atmosphere on Structural, Electrical and Energy Storage Properties of Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3 Polycrystalline Thin Film
Authors: Alaoui Ilham Hamdi , Lemée Nathalie , Le Marrec Francoise , MEBARKI Moussa , Cantaluppi Anna , Favry Delphine , Lahmar Abdelilah
Published: August 2023

Bismuth sodium titanate thin films (BNT) were deposited on Pt/SiN substrates by Sol-Gel spin coating technique under O2 atmosphere. Microstructural, structural, and electrical properties of the obtained film were investigated. Scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy micrographs were used to analyze the microstructure of the films. Furthermore, EDX analysis revealed a Na-deficient composition for the obtained film. X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy allowed the identification of a pure perovskite BNT phase. Dielectric, ferroelectric, and leakage current measurements revealed good frequency stability of the dielectric constant and dielectric losses for BNT thin film. The results are discussed in terms of Na-deficiency effects on the defect structure of BNT. Further, the film showed attractive electrostatic energy storage properties with energy density that exceeds 1.04 J/cm3 under E = 630 kV/cm.
In Vivo Assessment of Acute Toxicity and Immunotoxicity of Quantum Dots with Different Physicochemical Properties
Authors: Gerasimovich Evgeniia , Bozrova Svetlana , Baryshnikova Maria , Sokolova Zinaida , Samokhvalov Pavel , Karaulov Alexander , Nabiev Igor , Sukhanova Alyona
Published: August 2023

Fluorescent semiconductor nanocrystals called quantum dots (QDs) have gained attention in biomedical applications, including imaging, molecular tracking, and drug delivery, due to their unique optical properties. However, their use is limited because of safety issues. This study was aimed at assessment the acute toxicity of QDs with different core chemical compositions and surface charges in mice. In addition, the immunotoxicity of CdSe/ZnS QDs was estimated. CdSe/ZnS, PbS/CdS/ZnS, and CuInS2/ZnS QDs were synthesized and modified with PEG derivatives. The hydrodynamic diameters and surface charges of solubilized QDs were characterized. The QD acute toxicity has been shown to depend on both surface charge and core composition. The immunotoxicity of CdSe/ZnS-PEG-OH QDs in mice was assessed after a single intravenous administration of 0.2 LD100 of the QDs. The QDs have been found to increase the spleen weight and cause spleen, thymus, and bone marrow cell depletion. However, these changes are reversible. A transient increase in the levels of proinflammatory cytokines (MCP1 and IL-6) indicates an acute inflammatory response to a single low dose of QDs. Thus, systemic comparative analysis of QD toxicity has shown how the QD core composition and surface properties affect living organisms.
Predictor-corrector Guidance for Hypersonic Morphing Vehicle
Authors: Yao Dongdong , Xia Qunli
Published: August 2023

Aiming at the problem of hypersonic morphing vehicle avoiding no-fly zones and reaching the target, an improved predictor-corrector guidance method is proposed. Firstly, the aircraft motion model and the constraint model are established. Then, the basic algorithm is given, the Q-learning method is used to design the attack angle and sweep angle scheme to ensure that the aircraft can fly over the low-altitude zones. The B-spline curve is used to design the location of flight path points and the bank angle scheme is designed according to the predictor-corrector method, so that the aircraft can fly around to avoid high-altitude zones. Next, Monte Carlo reinforcement learning(MCRL) method is used to improve predictor-corrector method and Deep Neural Network(DNN) is used to fit reward function. The improved method can generate trajectory with better performance. Simulation results verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Investigating IPTV Malware in the Wild
Authors: Lockett Adam , Chalkias Ioannis , Yucel Cagatay , Henriksen-Bulmer Jane , Katos Vasilis
Published: August 2023

Technologies providing copyright-infringing IPTV content are a commonly used, as an illegal alternative to legal IPTV subscriptions and services, as they usually have lower monetary costs, and can be more convenient for the users that follow content from different sources. These infringing IPTV technologies may include websites, software, software add-ons, and physical set-top boxes. Due to the free or low cost of illegal IPTV technologies, illicit IPTV content providers will often resort to intrusive advertising, scams, and the distribution of malware to increase their revenue. We developed an automated solution for collecting and analysing malware from illegal IPTV technologies and used it to analyse a sample of illicit IPTV websites, application (app) stores, and software. Our results show that our IPTV Technologies Malware Analysis Framework (IITMAF) classified 32 of the 60 sample URLs tested as malicious, compared to running the same test using publicly available online anti-virus solutions, which only detected 23 of the 60 sample URLs as malicious. Moreover, the IITMAF framework also detected malicious URLs and files from 31 of the sample’s websites, one of which had reported ransomware behaviour.
ProLonged Liposomal Delivery of TLR7/8 Agonist for Enhanced Cancer Vaccine
Authors: Kim Sehui , Park Yeji , Kim Jeonghun , Kim Sohyun , Choi Kyungmin , Kang Taegyun , Lee Inho , Lim Yong Taik , Um Soong Ho , Kim Chul
Published: August 2023

Despite numerous studies on cancer treatment, cancer remains a challenging disease to cure, even after decades of research. In recent years, cancer vaccine has emerged as a promising approach for cancer treatment, offering few unexpected side effects compared to existing therapies. How-ever, cancer vaccine faces obstacles to commercialization due to its low efficacy. Particularly, the Toll-like receptor (TLR) adjuvant system, specifically the TLR 7/8 agonist, has shown potential for activating Th1 immunity, which stimulates both innate and adaptive immune responses through T cells. In this study, we developed ProLNG-S, a cholesterol-conjugated form of resiquimod (R848), to enhance immune efficacy by stimulating the immune system and reducing toxicity. ProLNG-S was formulated as ProLNG-001, a positively charged liposome, and co-administered with oval-bumin (OVA) protein in the B16-OVA model. ProLNG-001 effectively targeted secondary lym-phoid organs, resulting in a robust systemic anti-tumor immune response and tumor-specific T cell activation. Consequently, ProLNG-001 demonstrated potential for preventing tumor progression and improving survival compared to AS01 by enhancing anti-tumor immunity.
Assessing the Polarisation of Climate Phenomena Based on Long-Term Precipitation and Temperature Sequences
Authors: TWARÓG Bernard Stanislaw
Published: August 2023

This article presents an analysis of monthly precipitation totals based on the Global Precipitation Climatology Centre database and monthly mean temperatures based on National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration data for 377 catchments located around the world. Data sequences covering 110 years from 1901 to 2010 were analysed. The long-term sequences of precipitation and temperature were used to assess the variability of climate extremes, referred to here as polarisation. Measures of polarisation used in the natural sciences are discussed. A simple measure of polarisation was presented and applied to long-term sequences of monthly precipitation totals and monthly mean temperatures. Due to the nature of the proposed polarisation measure, other characteristics of precipitation and temperature sequences are also presented as a background for the discussion of the polarisation index. The study showed the existence of trends related to the polarisation of temperature and precipitation phenomena. As a result of the analysis, trends of polarisation factors in the area of precipitation and temperature were identified in 11 catchments out of the 377 analysed catchments. The trend analysis used Mann-Kendall tests at a level of significance of 5%. The Pettitt test was used to determine the point of trend change for precipitation and temperature data. The whole investigation is supported by rich graphical analyses, and the results are presented in tabular form.
Increasing Importance of Monitoring and Control Systems in Manufacturing Industry: A Numerical Analysis-based Approach
Authors: Buscicchio Cosimo Alessandro , Partipilo Marco , Stigliano Giambattista , Zazzera Elvira
Published: August 2023

In the era of Industry 4.0, the focus on optimizing manufacturing processes is crucial. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the EnPAS system, a proprietary automated control and monitoring tool developed by KAD3, implemented in the production process of Corten steel furnishings - the "Lila" chair and "Line" planter. Designed to enhance operational efficiency, EnPAS facilitates improved workflow by streamlining production stages and reducing downtime. The research design involves a comparative analysis of the workshop's production process, both before and after the implementation of the EnPAS system. Elements such as de-greasing, oxidation, and finishing stages, among others, were examined. The implementation of the EnPAS system led to a significant reduction in the total production time for both products. Further, there was a substantial decrease in waiting time and setup time. These findings unequivocally indicate the transformative impact of the EnPAS system on the manufacturing process, showcasing its potential in driving efficiency improvements, reducing production times, and increasing output. The study underscores the importance of leveraging such advanced control and monitoring tools to optimize modern manufacturing processes and does not exaggerate conclusions not backed by the research.
Towards Automated Measurement of As-Built Components Using Computer Vision
Authors: Perez Husein , Tah Joseph H.M.
Published: August 2023

Regular inspections during construction work verify that the work completed is consistent with the plans and specifications and ensure that it is within the planned time and budget. This requires frequent physical site observations to independently measure and verify the completion percentage of the construction progress performed over periods of time. The current computer vision-based (CV) techniques for the measurement of as-built elements, predominantly use 3D laser scanning or 3D Photogrammetry modelling to determine the geometrical properties of as-built elements on construction sites. Both techniques require data acquisition from several positions and angles to generate sufficient information about the element’s coordinates making the deployment of these techniques on dynamic construction project sites a challenging task. In this paper, we propose a pipeline for automating the measurement of as-built components using artificial intelligence (AI) and computer vision (CV) techniques. The pipeline requires a single image obtained with a stereo-camera system to measure the size of selected objects or as-built components. We demonstrate our approach by measuring the size of concrete walls and columns. The novelty of this work is attributed to the fully automated CV-based method for measuring any given element using a single image only. The proposed solution is suitable for use in measuring the sizes of as-built components of built assets. It has the potential to be further developed and integrated with BIM models for use on construction projects for progress monitoring.
Single-Dose Intranasal Immunisation with Novel Chimeric H1N1 Expressing the Receptor-Binding Domain of SARS-CoV-2 Induces Robust Mucosal Immunity, Tissue-Resident Memory T Cells, and Heterologous Protection in Mice
Authors: Wang Donghong , Deng Yao , Zhou Jianfang , Wang Wen , Huang Baoying , Wang Wenling , Wei Lan , Ren Jiao , Han Ruiwen , Bing Jialuo , Zhai Chengcheng , Guo Xiaoyan , Tan Wenjie
Published: August 2023

Current COVID-19 vaccines can effectively reduce disease severity and hospitalisation; however, they are not considerably effective in preventing infection and transmission. In this context, mucosal vaccines are pertinent to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection and spread. In this study, we generated a replication-competent recombinant chimeric influenza A virus (IAV) expressing the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2 prototype in the C-terminus of the neuraminidase (NA) of A/Puerto Rico/08/1934 H1N1 (PR8). The remaining seven segments from A/WSN/1933 H1N1 (WSN) were named PR8NARBD/WSN. We observed that the recombinant virus with the WSN backbone demonstrated improved expression of NA and RBD. A single intranasal dose of PR8NARBD/WSN in mice generated robust mucosal immunity, neutralising antibodies, cellular immunity, and tissue-resident memory T cells specific to SARS-CoV-2 and IAV. Importantly, immunisation with PR8NARBD/WSN viruses effectively protected mice against lethal challenges with H1N1, H3N2 IAV, and SARS-CoV-2 Beta variant and significantly reduced lung viral loads. Overall, our research demonstrates the promising potential of PR8NARBD/WSN as an attractive vaccine against emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants and influenza A virus infections.
A Theoretical Analysis of the Differential Chemical Reaction Results Caused by Chirality Induction
Authors: Zhang Feng-Yu , Liu Si-Cheng , Huang Anwei , Li Yi-Ning , Liu Xiao-Yan , Zhang Peng
Published: August 2023

The theory of electron spin has been proposed for a century, but the study of quantum effects in biological molecules is still in its infancy. Chirality-induced spin selectivity (CISS) is a very modern theory that can explain many biochemical phenomena. In this paper, we propose a new theoretical model based on CISS theory and quantum chemistry theory, which can well explain the theoretical explanation of the chiral selectivity of chiral proteins. Moreover, this theory can predict the spin state of corresponding chiral molecules. Taking L-DOPA and AADC enzyme as examples, this theoretical model solves the theoretical explanation of AADC enzyme's chiral catalysis selectivity problem and successfully predicts the spin state of L-DOPA and D-DOPA's valence electrons.
A New Simple Passage Culture to Improve the Viability of Bifidobacteria
Authors: Li Cuiqin , Dong Lidan , Zhang Ling , He Laping , Qiao Shunbin
Published: August 2023

Bifidobacterium is the most beneficial flora of the human gastrointestinal tract, but there is a concentration threshold for Bifidobacterium to exert its beneficial properties. In this work, the effect of several simple culture methods on the number of viable bifidobacteria was discussed to improve its viable concentrations, and we unexpectedly discovered that bifidobacteria have inert growth. The concentration of viable bacteria of two isolated Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis, BZ11 and BZ25 and Lactobacillus plantarum SQ-4 were investigated using solid-liquid-liquid circulation subculture, solid-liquid-liquid subculture and solid-liquid-liquid circulation subculture. These 3 subculture methods increase the viable cell concentration, and the best is the solid-liquid-liquid subculture. The highest concentrations of third-generation BZ11 and BZ25 were 9.62 × 109 CFU/mL and 1.21 × 1010 CFU/mL in order by solid-liquid-liquid subculture method, which was 10.38 times and 42.31 times higher (P<0.05) than those of the first generation, respectively. However, none of these three subculture methods increased the concentration of SQ-4. These results suggested that Bifidobacterium has growth inertia and Solid-liquid-liquid passage culture inhibiting the growth inertia. This finding is valuable in promoting the industrial application of probiotic bifidobacteria to potential probiotic food production.
MID-FTIR-PLS Chemometric Analysis of Cr(VI) from Aqueous Solutions Using a Polymer Inclusion Membrane-Based Sensor
Authors: Martínez de la Peña Armando , Rodríguez de San Miguel Eduardo , De Gyves Josefina
Published: August 2023

A partial least squares (PLS) quantitative chemometric method based on the analysis of the MID-FTIR spectrum of polymer inclusion membranes (PIMs) used for the extraction of Cr(VI) from aqueous media is developed. The system previously optimized considering the variables membrane composition, extraction time, and pH, is characterized in terms of its adsorption isotherm, distribution coefficient, extraction percent and enrichment factor. A Langmuir type adsorption behavior with KL = 21.99 L/mg, qmax = 0.242 mmol/g and 0<RL<1, indicates that metal adsorption is favorable. The characterization of the extraction reaction is performed as well showing an 1:1 Cr(VI):Aliquat 336 ratio, in agreement with solvent extraction data. The principal component analysis (PCA) of the PIMs revels a complex pattern, which is satisfactorily simplified and related to Cr(VI) concentrations through the use of a variable selection method (iPLS) in which bands in the ranges 3451–3500 cm-1 and 3751–3800 cm-1 are chosen. The final PLS model including the 100 wavelengths selected by iPLS and 10 latent variables shows excellent parameter values with RMSEC: 3.73115, RMSECV: 6.82685, Bias: -1.91847e-13, CV Bias: 0.185947, R2 Cal: 0.98145, R2 CV: 0.940902, recovery%: 104.02 ± 4.12 (=0.05), sensitivity%: 0.001547 ppb, γ: 3.8 ppb, γ- 1: 0.6 ppb-1, selectivity: 0.0155, linear range: 5.8–100 ppb, LD: 1.9 ppb, and LQ: 5.8 ppb. The developed PIM sensor is easy to implement as it requires few manipulations and reduced number of chemical compounds in comparison to other similar reported systems.
Targeting Foxp3 Tumor Intrinsic Effects Using Adenoviral Vectors in Experimental Breast Cancer
Authors: Nicola Candia Alejandro Javier , Garcia Fallit Matias , Peña Agudelo Jorge Armando , Perez Kuper Melanie , Gonzalez Nazareno , Moreno Ayala Mariela Alejandra , De Simone Emilio , Giampaoli Carla , Casares Noelia , Seilicovich Adriana , Lasarte Juan José , Zanetti Flavia Adriana , Candolfi Marianela
Published: August 2023

Regulatory T cell master transcription factor, Forkhead box P3 (Foxp3) has been detected in cancer cells, but its role in breast tumor pathogenesis remains controversial. Here we assessed Foxp3 tumor intrinsic effects in experimental breast cancer using a Foxp3 binder peptide (P60) that impairs Foxp3 nuclear translocation. Cisplatin upregulated Foxp3 expression in HER2+ and triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells. Foxp3 inhibition with P60 enhanced chemosensitivity and reduced cell survival and migration in human and murine breast tumor cells. We also developed an adenoviral vector encoding P60 (Ad.P60) that efficiently transduced breast tumor cells, reduced cell viability and migration, and improved the cytotoxic response to cisplatin. Conditioned medium from transduced breast tumor cells contained lower levels of IL-10 and improved the activation of splenic lymphocytes. Intratumor administration of Ad.P60 in breast tumor-bearing mice significantly reduced tumor infiltration of Tregs, delayed tumor growth and inhibited the development of spontaneous lung metastases. Our results suggest that Foxp3 exerts protumoral intrinsic effects in breast cancer cells, and that gene therapy-mediated blockade of Foxp3 could constitute a therapeutic strategy to improve the response of these tumors to standard treatment.
Advancements in Orthognathic and Oral Maxillofacial Surgery: A Comprehensive Review on 3D Printing and Virtual Surgical Planning
Authors: Kim Jwa-Young , Lee Yong-Chan , Kim Seong-Gon , Garagiola Umberto
Published: August 2023

This comprehensive review explores the advancements in Orthognathic and Oral Maxillofacial Surgery, focusing on the integration of 3D Printing and Virtual Surgical Planning (VSP). Traditional surgical methods, while effective, come with inherent risks and complications, and can lead to variability in outcomes due to the reliance on the surgeon's skill and experience. The shift towards patient-centric care necessitates personalized surgical methods, which can be achieved through advanced technology. The amalgamation of 3D printing and VSP revolutionizes surgical planning and implementation by providing tactile 3D models for visualization and planning, and accurately designed surgical guides for execution. This convergence of digital planning and physical modeling facilitates a more predictable, personalized, and precise surgical process. However, the adoption of these technologies presents challenges, including the need for extensive software training and the steep learning curve associated with computer-aided design programs. Despite these challenges, the integration of 3D printing and VSP paves the way for advanced patient care in orthognathic and oral maxillofacial surgery.
Long Range Transport Analysis Based on Eastern Atmospheric Circulation and Its Impact to the Dust Event over Moldavia, Romania in August 2022
Authors: Bostan Diana Corina , Miclăuș Ingrid Mihaela , Apetroaie Cosmina , Voiculescu Mirela , Timofte Adrian , Cazacu Marius Mihai
Published: August 2023

During the second half of August 2022, a dust intrusion event occurred, when dust that originated from the dry regions of Kalmyk steppe and the Precaspian plain was transported over the eastern region of Romania. The dry soil in these regions was the result of the severe drought over a long period of time, accentuated by early heat waves in May and June 2022. The dust event was captured by MODIS images. Smoke trains originating from fires in the north of the Azov were also detected, but these did not reach Romania. Optical parametres from AERONET was used to confirm the dust event. To determine the trajectory of the particles, the Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT) model was used in this paper. The Ensemble median model was used to highlight the presence and concentration of dust in eastern part of Romania. Aerosols were detected between 0 and 4 km, according to radar and ceilometer data of the REXDAN cloud remote sensing facility in Galați, Romania. This dust intrusion event was the result of the dominant easterly cir-culation caused by the extension of East European High to the northeast of the continent, which transported the dust towards eastern part of Romania for more than 2 days. Moreover, the tor-rential rains between August 22nd and 24th did not clear the atmosphere of dust, since the intense easterly circulation kept carrying the dust into the Moldavian area.
Novel Entropy-Based Phylogenetic Algorithm: A New Approach for Classifying SARS-CoV-2 Variants
Authors: Perovic Vladimir , Glisic Sanja , Veljkovic Milena , Paessler Slobodan , Veljkovic Veljko
Published: August 2023

The SARS-CoV-2 virus, causative agent of COVID-19, is known for its genetic diversity. Virus variants of concern (VOCs) as well as variants of interest (VOIs) are classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) according to their potential risk to global health. This study seeks to enhance the identification and classification of such variants by developing a novel bioinformatics criterion centered on the virus's spike protein (SP1), a key player in host cell entry, immune response, and a mutational hotspot. To achieve this, we pioneered a unique phylogenetic algorithm which calculates EIIP-entropy as a distance measure based on the distribution of the Electron-Ion Interaction Potential (EIIP) of amino acids in SP1. This method offers a comprehensive, scalable, and rapid approach to analyze large genomic data sets and predict the impact of specific mutations. This innovative approach provides a robust tool for classifying emergent SARS-CoV-2 variants into potential VOCs or VOIs. It could significantly augment surveillance efforts and understanding of variant characteristics, while also offering potential applicability to the analysis and classification of other emerging viral pathogens and enhancing global readiness against emerging and re-emerging viral pathogens.
Digital Twin Applications in Manufacturing Industry: A Case Study from a German Multi-National
Authors: Wynn Martin , Irizar Jose
Published: August 2023

This article sets out to examine how digital twins have been used in a multi-national corporation, what technologies have been used, what benefits delivered and the significance of people and process related issues in achieving successful implementation. A qualitative, inductive research method is used, based on interviews provided by key personnel involved in three digital twin projects. The article concludes that digital twin projects are likely to involve incremental rather than disruptive change, and that successful implementation is usually underpinned by ensuring technology, people and process change factors are progressed in a balanced and integrated fashion. Building upon existing frameworks, three “properties” are identified as being of particular value in digital twin projects - workforce adaptability, technology manageability and process agility – and a related set of steps and actions is put forward as a template and point of reference for future digital twin implementations. The findings are a contribution to the developing theory around digital twins and digitalization in general, and are also of relevance to professionals embarking on DT projects.
What about Current Diversity of Mycolactone-Producing Mycobacteria: Implication for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Buruli Ulcer
Authors: Combe Marine , Cherif Emira , Blaizot Romain , Breugnot Damien , Gozlan Rodolphe Elie
Published: August 2023

The identification of an emerging pathogen in humans can remain difficult by conventional methods such as enrichment culture assays that remain highly selective, require appropriate medium and cannot avoid misidentifications, or serological tests that use surrogate antigens and are often hampered by the level of detectable antibodies. Although not originally designed for this purpose, the implementation of polymerase-chain-reaction (PCR) has resulted in an increasing number of diagnostic tests for many diseases. However, the design of specific molecular assays relies on the availability and reliability of published genetic sequences for the target pathogen as well as enough knowledge on the genetic diversity of species and/or variants giving rise to the same disease symptoms. Usually designed for clinical isolates, molecular tests are often not suitable for environmental samples in which the target DNA is mixed with a mixture of environmental DNA. A key challenge of such molecular assays is thus to ensure high specificity of the target genetic markers when focusing on clinical and environmental samples in order to follow the dynamics of disease transmission and emergence in humans. Here we focus on Buruli ulcer (BU), a human necrotizing skin disease mainly affecting tropical and subtropical areas, commonly admitted to be caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans worldwide although other mycolactone-producing mycobacteria and even mycobacterium species were found associated with BU or BU-like cases. By revisiting the literature, we show that many studies have used non-specific molecular markers (IS2404, IS2606, KR) to identify M. ulcerans from clinical and environmental samples and propose that all mycolactone-producing mycobacteria should be definitively considered as variants from the same group rather than different species. Importantly, we provide evidence that the diversity of mycolactone-producing mycobacteria variants as well as mycobacterium species potentially involved in BU or BU-like skin ulcerations might have been underestimated. We also suggest that the specific variants/species involved in each BU or BU-like case should be carefully identified during the diagnosis phase, either via the key of genetic identification proposed here or by broader metabarcoding approaches, in order to guide the medical community in the choice for the most appropriate antibiotic therapy.
ChatGPT as an Academic Advisor: Its Current State and Future Potential Toward Student Empowerment
Authors: Akiba Daisuke , Fraboni Michelle
Published: August 2023

ChatGPT, a freely-accessible AI language model designed to generate human-like text responses to users, has been utilized in several areas, such as healthcare industry, to facilitate interactive dissemination of information. Academic advising has been an important factor in promoting success among university students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Unfortunately, however, student advising has been marred with problems, with the availability and accessibility of advisors being among the hurdles. The current study explores how ChatGPT might serve to make academic advising more accessible, efficient, and even effective. Researchers compiled a list of questions frequently asked by current and prospective students in a teacher education Bachelor’s degree program in the United States. Then, the questions were typed into the free version of ChatGPT and the answers generated were evaluated for their content and delivery. ChatGPT generated surprisingly high-quality answers, written in an authoritative yet supportive tone, and it was particularly adept at addressing general career-related questions comprehensively, such as career outlook. We argue that ChatGPT may complement, but not replace, human academic advisors and it may very well promote educational equity through empowering students from a wide range of backgrounds with the means to access effective advising.
Hybrid LSTM+1DCNN Approach to Forecast Torque Internal Combustion Engines
Authors: Ricci Federico , Petrucci Luca , Mariani Francesco
Published: August 2023

: Innovative solutions are now being researched to manage the ever-increasing amount of data required to optimize the performance of internal combustion engines. Machine Learning ap-proaches have shown to be a valuable tool for signal prediction due to their real-time and cost-effective deployment. Among them, the architecture consisting of Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) and one-dimensional Convolutional Neural Networks (1DCNN) has emerged as a highly promising and effective option for replacing the role of physical sensors. The architecture com-bines the capacity of LSTM to detect patterns and relationships in smaller segments of the signal with the ability of 1DCNN to detect patterns and relationships in larger segments of the signal. The purpose of this work is to assess the feasibility of substituting a physical device dedicated to calculating the torque supplied by a spark-ignition engine. The suggested architecture was trained and tested using signals from the field during a test campaign conducted under transient operating conditions. The results reveal that LSTM+1DCNN is particularly well suited for signal prediction with considerable variability. It constantly outperforms other architectures used for comparison, with average error percentages of less than 2%, proving the architecture's ability to replace physical sensors.
Ultrafast Fabrication of H2SO4, LiCl, and Li2SO4 Gel Electrolyte Supercapacitors with Reduced Graphene Oxide (rGO)-LiMnOx Electrodes Processed Using Atmospheric-Pressure-Plasma Jet
Authors: Lan Pei-Ling , Ni I-Chih , Wu Chih-I , Hsu Cheng-Che , Cheng I-Chun , Chen Jian-Zhang
Published: August 2023

Pastes containing reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and LiCl-Mn(NO3)2·4H2O are screen-printed on a carbon cloth substrate and then calcined using a nitrogen atmospheric-pressure-plasma jet (APPJ) for conversion into rGO-LiMnOx nanocomposites. The APPJ processing time is within 300 s. RGO-LiMnOx on carbon cloth is used to sandwich H2SO4, LiCl, or Li2SO4 gel electrolytes to form hybrid supercapacitors (HSCs). The areal capacitance, energy density, and cycling stability of the HSCs are evaluated using electrochemical measurement. The Li2SO4 gel electrolyte HSC exhibits the highest areal capacitance and energy density but lower cycling stability. By contrast, the H2SO4 gel electrolyte HSC exhibits better cycling stability but lower areal capacitance and energy density.
Structural Analysis of Plasmodium falciparum Hexokinase Provides Novel Information about Catalysis Due to a Plasmodium-Specific Insertion
Authors: Dillenberger Melissa , Werner Anke-Dorothee , Velten Ann-Sophie , Rahlfs Stefan , Becker Katja , Fritz-Wolf Karin
Published: August 2023

The protozoan parasite Plasmodium falciparum is the causative pathogen of the most severe form of malaria, for which novel strategies for treatment are urgently required. The primary energy supply for intraerythrocytic stages of Plasmodium is the production of ATP via glycolysis. Due to the parasite’s strong dependence on this pathway and significant structural differences of its glycolytic enzymes compared to their human counterpart, glycolysis is considered as a potential drug target. In this study, we provide the first three-dimensional protein structure of P. falciparum hexokinase (PfHK), containing novel information about the mechanisms of PfHK. We identified for the first time a Plasmodium-specific insertion which lines the active site. Moreover, we propose that this insertion plays a role upon ATP binding. Residues of the insertion further seem to affect the tetrameric interface and therefore suggest a special way of communication among the different monomers. In addition, we confirmed that PfHK is targeted and affected by oxidative posttranslational modifications (oxPTMs). Both Sglutathionylation and Snitrosation revealed an inhibitory effect on the enzymatic activity of PfHK.
DENSITY AND DISTRIBUTION PATTERNS OF FULL-BLOODED CLAM (GELOINA EXPANSA; MOUSSON, 1849) IN MANGROVE ECOSYSTEMS
Authors: Syahputri Nuryani Khadijah , Mashoreng Supriadi , Haris Abdul , Rani Chair , La Nafie Yayu A.
Published: August 2023

Geloina expansa is a clam found in mangrove forests. The high level of public consumption and high economic value, is suspected as the cause of overfishing. It is not impossible that continuous harvesting will result in a decrease in the population of G. expansa. The habitat of G. expansa has experienced a lot of land conversion and this will result in a decrease in the natural carrying capacity of its habitat. The purpose of this study was to determine the distribution and density, distribution pattern and size distribution of the population of G. expansa based on the ecology of its habitat in West Malangke waters. The method was carried out randomly, the transect was placed in a 5x5 m2 sample plot with 3 replications and collected directly by hand. Sampling was carried out on each plot at the lowest ebb. Environmental parameters measured in the field included salinity, temperature and substrate while parameters measured in the laboratory were total organic matter (TOM). The density value of G. expansa in the intertidal zone was 9.90 ind/m2 while in the subtidal zone it was 0.78 ind/m2. The distribution pattern found in the intertidal and subtidal zones is clustered. The size distribution of G. expansa in the intertidal zone found that the dominant G. expansa was adult size, and the lowest was in the old size class while in the subtidal zone the dominant size was young and the lowest was in the old size class. Zone and type of substrate affect the existence of G. expansa. G. expansa was found more in the intertidal zone than in the subtidal zone and clay-type of substrates were a determining factor for the presence of full-blooded clams while clay and sand-type substrates were limiting factors for the presence of full-blooded clams.
PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF GONAD PIGMENTATION AS A REPRODUCTIVE PATTERNS OF FAVIIDAE IN SPERMONDE ARCHIPHELAGO, INDONESIA
Authors: Madjid Rizky , Yusuf Syafyudin , Yasir Inayah , Rani Chair , Jalil Abdul Rasyid
Published: August 2023

Coral spawning occurs throughout the year in Indonesia due to tropical climate conditions that influence coral development and spawning. As representative data on coral gonad development in the Spermonde Archipelago, observations on the development of the Faviidae gonads were conducted on Barrang Lompo, Kodingareng Keke, Samalona, and Bonetambung Island. Environmental elements are measured in the form of surface water temperature and rainfall. Based on the abundance of this type of gigantic coral at the study site, coral tissue sampling was concentrated on the Faviidae. The pigmentation of the gonads of Faviidae has been studied visually in nature. The samples were carved on the coral before being photographed. To make it easier to detect the level of pigmentation in each species, coral gonadal tissue was imaged. If there is an orange, yellow, or blue tint, it indicates that the coral has colored gonads and is mature gonads, indicating that coral spawning will occur soon. A water lever logger was used to measure the temperature of the water. The results of water temperature measurements vary and can be linked to the development of coral pigmentation as well as observations from November to March when the third phase (pigmented) process in Faviidae was considered to have happened in large numbers. It is possible that Faviidae can breed during this sensitive period. Rainfall data was gathered from Makassar City's Paotere Maritime Meteorological Station.
MILLENIAL-SCALE TIME AVERAGING INFERRED BY DISCOLORED SHELLS IN BEACH DEATH ASSEMBLAGES
Authors: MARTÍNEZ SERGIO , ROJAS ALEJANDRA
Published: August 2023

Molluscan death assemblages occurring on present-day beaches frequently consist of secondary-colored shells, with yellow to brown and gray to black colors. It is hypothesized that this secondary coloration can be related to postmortem age and to conditions in the taphonomically active zone, altering shells to black and gray tones in reducing conditions, and then becoming yellowish or brownish in oxidizing settings. In this study, we assessed whether the variability in the degree of shell discoloration of two species of the infaunal bivalve Mactra collected in beach death assemblages from a temperate siliciclastic beach in Uruguay is a function of postmortem age, and whether this variability in discoloration can be linked to differences in their elemental composition, microstructure, and provenance. Although we did not detect any differences in mineralogy or elemental composition among shells differing in discoloration, we show that modern (younger than a century) beach shells are not secondary-colored, but have remained white, but some white shells are also old (millennial). In contrast, yellow and gray shells are consistently older than 1,000 years, indicating that this degree of discoloration requires millennial residence times in the taphonomically active zone and suggesting that discoloration can be used as an indicator of time averaging. Discolored shells are derived from subtidal death assemblages.
Vírgulas em esquema duplo, estruturas adverbiais e argumentação: um olhar para textos de EF II
Authors: Camillo Isadora Albanese
Published: August 2023

Esse trabalho investiga a relação entre uso convencional de vírgulas em esquema duplo (ou vírgulas duplas) e estruturas adverbiais (advérbios e locuções adverbiais) em textos argumentativos produzidos por alunos do último ano do Ensino Fundamental II. Os textos foram selecionados do Banco de Dados de Escrita do Ensino Fundamental II e os dados correspondem à presença convencional de vírgulas, como em: “Mas o Brasil, na minha opinião, não faz por merecer ter a Amazônia”. A hipótese é que estruturas adverbiais, quando deslocadas sintaticamente e, portanto, delimitadas por vírgulas, sejam estratégias de modalização e argumentação mobilizadas na produção de textos argumentativos, privilegiadamente. Os resultados confirmam a hipótese e demonstram que os usos e os não usos de vírgula configuram-se como estratégias de organização e hierarquização dos enunciados escritos, estando a serviço da resposta ao gênero argumentativo solicitado.
Gradiência das transposições ortográficas na escrita de crianças do Ensino Fundamental I
Authors: Chacon Lourenço , Amarante Mirian Verza
Published: August 2023

Foi investigada a distribuição das transposições ortográficas na escrita infantil, conforme ocorressem sob forma de permutas, transposições intersilábicas e transposições intrassilábicas. Para tanto, foram analisadas 63 produções textuais de crianças do Ciclo I do Ensino Fundamental. Os resultados mostraram: (1) predomínio de acertos sobre os erros de transposições; e (2) predomínio das transposições intrassilábicas sobre as intersilábicas e as permutas. Esses dois tipos de predomínio mostram: quanto a (1), a importância de se verem os erros ortográficos não em si mesmos, mas em sua relação com os acertos ortográficos; e quanto a (2), a maior proximidade das transposições intrassilábicas com o acerto, já que elas envolvem o deslocamento de apenas um grafema no interior de uma mesma sílaba da palavra, enquanto as intersilábicas envolvem um grafema e duas sílabas e as permutas dois grafemas e duas sílabas da palavra.
Fundamental Insights Into Recrosslinkable Granular Hydrogels for Fracture Remediation
Authors: Tang Jian , Liu Xing , Chen Quan , Wang Lizhu
Published: August 2023

The concentration of prior recrosslinkable granular hydrogels was based on the assessments of their properties and petrophysical performance. However, there is no reported correlation of microstructural information of the hydrogels with their macroscopic bulk properties, hindering the deployments of such hydrogels to complex geological reservoirs. Herein, we report that the relationship of elastic modulus with angular frequency can assess the crosslinking nature of hydrogels from our reliable experiments. The covalently crosslinked hydrogels showed independence from angular frequency, whereas the ionically crosslinked sample had a strong dependence. We established a robust database of commonly used chemical crosslinkers for hydrogel synthesis with their thermal stabilities, where organic covalently crosslinked hydrogels showed much better thermal robustness than their physically bridged counterparts. Moreover, we found that oven aging is a more appropriate strategy to analyze structural integrity compared with thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). Finally, we demonstrated structural differences between the heterogeneous interlinking approach and homogeneous void-free regenerative strategy and their influences on petrophysical properties of the in-situ reformed bulk materials. We give an in-depth analysis of fundamental insights into crosslinking assessments, thermal stabilities, and recrosslinking approaches for laboratory studies and field applications. The fundamentals illustrated herein offer a robust method to appraise granular hydrogels with crosslinkable function for fracture treatments in the petroleum industry.
Experimental study on the environmental conditions affecting the natural appearance of laundry
Authors:   Korean Association of Public Safety and Criminal Justice, Lim Jang Kyu
Published: August 2023

The mechanism of spontaneous ignition is so diverse and it is not easy to identify it due to the nature of spontaneous combustion, which finally ignites due to the accumulation of heat over a long period of time. In addition, it is not difficult to determine the correlation between spontaneous ignition and fire due to the low frequency of occurrence and lack of prior research. Therefore, in this study, in the process of investigating the fire incident in Gangdong, Seoul on February 3, 2017, oils and fats (vegetable oils: sesame oil, cooking oil, etc.) Focusing on the possibility, this study aims to investigate the mechanism of heat accumulation and spontaneous ignition of laundry through reproduction experiments of various conditions. Although some time has elapsed, there are no papers related to this study so far, so it has been proven through several reproduction experiments that oils and fats (soybean oil) with an elevated temperature can sufficiently spontaneously ignite if heat is accumulated under an appropriate density. It will be said that the value of this study is not small. In addition, it is expected that the results based on this study can be used internally as data for improving the scientific technique of fire detection, and externally as basic data and publicity data for fire prevention measures and firefighting policies.
Global 3D model of mantle attenuation using seismic normal modes
Authors: Talavera-Soza Sujania , Cobden Laura , Faul Ulrich , Deuss Arwen
Published: August 2023

Seismic tomographic models based solely on wave velocities have limited ability to distinguish between a thermal or compositional origin for Earth’s 3D structure1. Complementing wave velocities with attenuation observations can make that distinction, which is fundamental for understanding mantle convection evolution. However, current global 3D attenuation models are only available for the upper mantle2–4. Here, we present a 3D global model of attenuation for the whole mantle made using whole Earth oscillations. In the upper mantle, we find high attenuation in low velocity regions, suggesting a thermal origin for spreading ridges, agreeing with previous studies5. In the lower mantle, we find the opposite, and observe the highest attenuation in the 'ring around the Pacific', which is seismically fast, and the lowest attenuation in the large low-seismic-velocity provinces (LLSVPs). Comparing our model to wave-speeds and attenuation predicted by a laboratory-based viscoelastic model5 suggests that the circum-Pacific is a colder and small grain-size region, surrounding the warmer and large grain-size LLSVPs. Grain-size is proportional to viscosity in diffusion creep, implying that the LLSVPs are long-lived stable features6.