bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrated Multi-Omics Profiling of Young Breast Cancer Patients Reveals a Correlation between Galactose Metabolism Pathway and Poor Disease-Free Survival
Authors: Han Xiangchen , Han Boyue , Luo Hong , Ling Hong , Hu Xin
Published: September 2023

In recent years, there has been a notable rise in the incidence of breast cancer among young patients, who exhibit worse survival outcomes and distinct characteristics compared to intermediate and elderly patients. Therefore, it is imperative to identify the specific features unique to young patients, which could offer insights into potential therapeutic strategies and improving survival outcomes. In our study, we performed an integrative analysis of bulk transcriptional and genomic data from extensive clinical cohorts to identify the prognostic factotrs. Additionally, we analyzed the single-cell transcriptional data and conducted in vitro experiments. Our work confirmed that young patients exhibited higher grading, worse disease-free survival (DFS), a higher frequency of mutations in TP53 and BRCA1, a lower frequency of mutations in PIK3CA, and upregulation of eight metabolic pathways. Notably, the galactose metabolism pathway showed upregulation in young patients and was associated with worse DFS. Further analysis and experiments indicated that the galactose metabolism pathway may regulate the stemness of cancer cells and ultimately contribute to worse survival outcomes. In summary, our finding identified distinct clinicopathological, transcriptional, and genomics features and revealed a correlation between the galactose metabolism pathway, stemness, and poor disease-free survival of breast cancer in young patients.
Safety and Efficacy of Neoadjuvant Chemoimmunotherapy in Gastric Cancer Patients with a PD-L1 Positive Status: A Case Report
Authors: Avgustinovich Alexandra V. , Bakina Olga V. , Afanas’ev Sergey G. , Spirina Liudmila V. , Volkov Alexander M.
Published: September 2023

Introduction: The landscape of gastric cancer treatment has changed owing to the widespread use of immune checkpoint inhibitors. Autophagy, involved in regulating the immune system, is a potential trigger of immunity in tumors. This study aims to find molecular-based evidence for the effectiveness of FLOT chemotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors in gastric cancer patients. Materials and Methods: Three patients with advanced gastric cancer received FLOT neoadjuvant chemotherapy with immunotherapy and surgery. IHC was used to determine the PD-L1 status. Real-time PCR was used to analyze expression patterns of transcriptional growth factors, AKT/mTOR signaling components, PD-1, PD-L1, PD-L2 and LC3B. The LC3B content was measured via Western blotting analysis. Results: The combination of FLOT neoadjuvant chemotherapy and immunotherapy was found to be efficient in patients with a PD-L1-positive status. Gastric tumors with a PD-L1-positive status exhibited autophagy activation and decreased PD-1 expression. Conclusions: FLOT chemotherapy combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors showed high efficacy in gastric cancer patients with a positive PD-L1 status. Autophagy was involved in activating the tumor immunity. Further research is needed to clarify the mechanism of effective anticancer treatment.
The Synthesis and Synergistic Effect of Heterocyclic Groups Grafted on Acrylic Polymers by Ester Groups for Marine Antifouling
Authors: Wang Dazhuang , Liu Ruotong , Liu Xiaohui , Hu Guangwen , Fu Zhineng , Dong Miao , Liu Liju , Lin Xinrui , Zhang Ping , Chen Junhua , Yang Jianxin , Xue Xinghua
Published: September 2023

Using a synthetic antifoulant is an alternative technique to using a natural antifoulant for its economical and large-scale production characteristics. In this study, we synthesized allyl 3-oxzo[d]isothiazole-2(3H)-carboxylate (BIT-C) and a series of other heterocyclic compounds, including triazole, pyridine, and thiazole derivatives. These heterocyclic monomers were used to prepare a new series of acrylic polymers by grafting them onto the side chains. The weight change on the 42nd day was less than −0.091 mg/cm−2, indicating that antifoulants can be released into seawater consistently and enduringly. The antibacterial and anti-algae tests revealed that all the polymers had exceptional inhibition rates on E. coli, S. aureus, Chlorella, and Chaetoceros curvisetus, with the highest inhibition rates of 99.81%, 99.22%, 92.70%, and 95.42%, respectively. Furthermore, the oyster and barnacle density and algae coverage rate were only about 200 per square meter and 10%, compared to 1800 per square meter and 100% of a blank plate after 90 days hanging in a real marine environment, showing a promising antifouling performance. This work verifies the possibility of a method for grafting different heterocycles on a single polymer to make a series of polymers that can be useful as an environmentally friendly antifouling coating.
Addressing Uncertainty in Tool Wear Prediction with Dropout-Based Neural Network
Authors: Dey Arup , Yodo Nita , Yadav Om P. , Shanmugam Ragavanantham , Ramoni Monsuru
Published: September 2023

Data-driven algorithms have been widely applied in predicting tool wear because of the high prediction performance of the algorithms, availability of data sets, and advancements in computing capabilities in recent years. Although most algorithms are supposed to generate outcomes with high precision and accuracy, this is not always true in practice. Uncertainty exists in distinct phases of applying data-driven algorithms due to noises and randomness in data, the presence of redundant and irrelevant features, and model assumptions. Uncertainty due to noise and missing data is known as data uncertainty. On the other hand, model assumptions and imperfection are reasons for model uncertainty. In this paper, both types of uncertainty are considered in the tool wear prediction. Empirical mode decomposition is applied to reduce uncertainty from raw data. Additionally, the Monte Carlo dropout technique is used in training a neural network algorithm to incorporate model uncertainty. The unique feature of the proposed method is that it estimates tool wear as an interval, and the interval range represents the degree of uncertainty. Different performance measurement matrices are used to compare the proposed method. It is shown that the proposed approach can predict tool wear with higher accuracy.
Gauge Theories of Josephson Junction Arrays: Why Disorder Is Irrelevant for the Electric Response of Disordered Superconducting Films
Authors: Trugenberger Carlo A.
Published: September 2023

We review the topological gauge theory of Josephson junction arrays and thin film superconductors, stressing the role of the usually forgotten quantum phase slips, and we derive their quantum phase structure. A quantum phase transition from a superconducting to the dual, superinsulating phase with infinite resistance (even at finite temperatures) is either direct or goes through an intermediate bosonic topological insulator phase, which is typically also called Bose metal. We show how, contrary to a widely held opinion, disorder is not relevant for the electric response in these quantum phases because excitations in the spectrum are either symmetry-protected or neutral due to confinement. The quantum phase transitions are driven only by the electric interaction growing ever stronger. First, this prevents Bose condensation, upon which out-of-condensate charges and vortices form a topological quantum state owing to mutual statistics interactions. Then, at even stronger couplings, an electric flux tube dual to Abrikosov vortices induces a linearly confining potential between charges, giving rise to superinsulation.
Novel Non-Centrosymmetric NdSr4O(BO3)3 Borate and Nd(Ca1−xSrx)4O(BO3)3 Solid Solutions: Preparation, Crystal Structures, Thermal Expansion and Optical Properties
Authors: Bubnova Rimma , Yukhno Valentina , Yurev Artem , Povolotskiy Alexey , Krzhizhanovskaya Maria , Volkov Sergey , Ugolkov Valery , Filatov Stanislav
Published: September 2023

A novel non-centrosymmetric NdSr4O(BO3)3 borate and solid solutions of Nd(Ca1−xSrx)4O(BO3)3 (x = 0.0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.7, 1.0) were synthesized by solid-state reactions as well as crystallization from a melt. The crystal structures of the Nd(Ca1−xSrx)4O(BO3)3 solid solutions with x = 0.2, 0.5 and 1.0 were determined from single crystal X-ray diffraction data and refined in the monoclinic space group Cm to Robs = 0.028, 0.034 and 0.028, respectively. The thermal expansion of the samples with x = 0, 0.2 and 0.5 was investigated using powder high-temperature X-ray diffraction in the temperature range of 25–1000 °C. A similarity of the thermal and compositional (Ca-Sr substitution) deformations of Nd(Ca1−xSrx)4O(BO3)3 solid solutions is revealed: Heating of Nd(Ca0.5Sr0.5)4O(BO3)3 by 1 °C leads to the same deformations of the crystal structure as increasing the amount of Sr atoms in Nd(Ca0.5Sr0.5)4O(BO3)3 by 0.26 at% Sr. The SHG signal of the series of Nd(Ca1−xSrx)4O(BO3)3 solid solutions has a maximum at approximately x = 0.2.
Research on Secondary Recrystallization Mechanism of Oriented Silicon Steel
Authors: Liu Xuming , Jiang Qiwu , Wang Yitong , Zhang Haili , Jia Zhiwei , Wang Xianglong , Wang Xiaoda , You Qinglei , Hu Zhiping , Meng Jinsong , Wang Yidong
Published: September 2023

Based on the understanding that the essence of secondary recrystallization of Goss texture is to restrain the abnormal growth of {110}<112>, {210}<001> and partial Goss texture {110}<225>, it was concluded that making sharp Goss grow up becomes the only choice. It was proposed that the abnormal growth mechanism of Goss texture was the result of selective generation, directed inheritance, and selective growth. The mechanism explained that the Goss texture was the most easily formed shear texture. In directed inheritance, the Goss texture was required to be highly compatible with the near-constant of the second-phase particle inhibition force, providing an optimal environment for the abnormal growth of the Goss texture by controlling the inhibition force near-constant. The control of the near-constant inhibition force provides an optimal environment for the abnormal growth of the Goss texture. Based on that, the process technology for producing low-temperature nitrided-oriented silicon steels and steel products was successfully developed.
Numerical Simulations of Space Charge Waves Amplification Using Negative Differential Conductance in Strained Si/SiGe at 4.2 K
Authors: Garcia-Barrientos Abel , Nikolova Natalia , Filipovic Lado , Gutierrez-D. Edmundo A. , Serrano Victoria , Macias-Velasquez Sharon , Zarate-Galvez Sarai
Published: September 2023

This paper introduces a two-dimensional (2D) numerical simulation of the amplification of space charge waves using negative differential conductance in a typical MOS silicon–germanium (SiGe)-based field-effect transistors (FET) and complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology at 4.2 K. The hydrodynamic model of electron transport was applied to describe the amplification of space charge waves in this nonlinear medium (i.e., the negative differential conductance). This phenomenon shows up in GaAs thin films at room temperature. However, this can be also observed in a strained Si/SiGe heterostructure at very low temperatures (T < 77 K) and at high electric fields (E > 10 KV/cm). The results show the amplification and non-linear interaction of space charge waves in a strained Si/SiGe heterostructure occurs for frequencies up to approximately 60 GHz at T = 1.3 K, 47 GHz at T = 4.2 K, and 40 GHz at T = 77 K. The variation of concentration and electric field in the Z and Y directions are calculated at 4.2 K. The electric field in the Z direction is greater than in the Y direction. This is due to the fact that this is the direction of electron motion. In addition to deep space applications, these types of devices have potential uses in terrestrial applications which include magnetic levitation transportation systems, medical diagnostics, cryogenic instrumentation, and superconducting magnetic energy storage systems.
Gemmological Characteristics of the “Jin Gao Yu” from Shangluo City, Qinling Mountains, Shaanxi Province, China
Authors: Liu Liangyu , Li Niu , Guo Qingfeng , Zhao Shuxin , Rao Yinghua , Liu Yang , Liao Libing
Published: September 2023

In recent years, “Jin Gao Yu” that has been traded as a kind of jade has appeared in areas of the Luonan and Shangnan counties, Shangluo City, Shaanxi Province, attracting the attention of scholars and consumers for its delicate texture and warm color. In this study, infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, and electron microprobe analysis were used to conduct a systematic gemmological test and an analysis of “Jin Gao Yu”. The results show that “Jin Gao Yu” is a compact mineral aggregate dominated by dolomite, which contains quartz mineral inclusions. The color of “Jin Gao Yu” is grayish-white to earthy-yellow, the refractive index is about 1.54, and the relative density is about 2.86. Its crystal structure is basically the same as that of dolomite, both of which are trigonal systems with granular crystalloblastic textures. It has good crystallinity. The recrystallization phenomenon can be seen under a polarizing microscope. This study determined the species of “Jin Gao Yu”, improved its gemological basic data, provided a theoretical basis for the identification of “Jin Gao Yu” in the future, and, also, provided a new direction for the use of dolomite.
Preformulation Studies of Novel Menthol Prodrugs with Antiparasitic Activity: Chemical Stability, In Silico, and In Vitro Permeability Assays
Authors: Clemente Camila M. , Onnainty Renée , Usseglio Nadina , Granero Gladys E. , Ravetti Soledad
Published: September 2023

Based on the demonstrated and reported trypanocidal, leishmanicidal, and antiplasmodial activities of two menthol prodrugs, it was decided to proceed with preformulation studies, which are of key relevance in the drug discovery process. The aim of this study is to examine the stability and permeability of two new menthol prodrugs with antiparasitic activity. To determine the stability of menthol and its prodrugs, the corresponding studies were carried out in buffered solutions at pH values of 1.2, 5.8, and 7.4 at 37 °C. In silico permeability studies were performed using the free PerMM software and then in vitro permeability studies were performed using a biomimetic artificial membrane (BAM). Permeability studies conducted in silico predicted that both menthol and its prodrugs would pass through biological membranes via flip-flop movement. This prediction was subsequently confirmed by in vitro BAM permeability studies, where it was observed that the menthol prodrugs (1c and 1g) exhibited the highest Papp (apparent permeability) value compared to the parent compound. The study reveals that menthol prodrugs exhibit stability at a pH of 5.8 and possess sufficient in vitro permeability values as preformulation parameters.
Outcomes of Endoscopic Intervention Using Over-the-Scope Clips for Anastomotic Leakage Involving Secondary Fistula after Gastrointestinal Surgery: A Japanese Multicenter Case Series
Authors: Tada Naoya , Kobara Hideki , Tashima Tomoaki , Fukui Hayato , Asai Satoshi , Ichinona Takumi , Kojima Koji , Uchita Kunihisa , Nishiyama Noriko , Tani Joji , Morishita Asahiro , Kondo Akihiro , Okano Keiichi , Isomoto Hajime , Sumiyama Kazuki , Masaki Tsutomu , Dohi Osamu
Published: September 2023

Background: The over-the-scope clip (OTSC) is a highly effective clipping device for refractory gastrointestinal disease. However, Japanese data from multicenter studies for anastomotic leakage (AL) involving a secondary fistula after gastrointestinal surgery are lacking. Therefore, this study evaluated the efficacy and safety of OTSC placement in Japanese patients with such conditions. Methods: We retrospectively collected data from 28 consecutive patients from five institutions who underwent OTSC-mediated closure for AL between July 2017 and July 2020. Results: The AL and fistula were located in the esophagus (3.6%, n = 1), stomach (10.7%, n = 3), small intestine (7.1%, n = 2), colon (25.0%, n = 7), and rectum (53.6%, n = 15). The technical success, clinical success, and complication rates were 92.9% (26/28), 71.4% (20/28), and 0% (0/28), respectively. An age of <65 years (85.7%), small intestinal AL (100%) and colonic AL (100%), defect size of <10 mm (82.4%), time to OTSC placement > 7 days (84.2%), and the use of simple suction (78.9%) and anchor forceps (80.0%) were associated with higher clinical success rates. Conclusion: OTSC placement is a useful therapeutic option for AL after gastrointestinal surgery.
Regeneration of Buccal Wall Defects after Tooth Extraction with Biphasic Calcium Phosphate in Injectable Form vs. Bovine Xenograft: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Čandrlić Marija , Tomas Matej , Matijević Marko , Kačarević Željka Perić , Bićanić Marijana , Udiljak Žarko , Butorac Prpić Ivana , Miškulin Ivan , Čandrlić Slavko , Včev Aleksandar
Published: September 2023

Bone healing after tooth extraction may be affected by defects of the alveolus buccal wall, such as fenestrations and dehiscences. Therefore, to minimize dimensional changes it is advisable to perform alveolar ridge preservation after tooth extractions. Different biomaterials are used for this purpose. The aim of this study was to investigate the qualitative and quantitative histological changes in human biopsies taken after 6 months of healing of extraction sockets with buccal wall defects. For this purpose, the defects of 36 patients (18 per group) were treated with injectable biphasic calcium phosphate (I-BCP) or bovine xenograft (BX) after extraction. After six months of healing, biopsies were taken and proceeded to the histology laboratory. No evidence of an inflammatory response of the tissue was observed in the biopsies of either group, and the newly formed bone (NB) was in close contact with the remaining biomaterial (BM). The histomorphometric results showed that there was no statistically significant difference between the groups in the mean percentage of NB (p = 0.854), BM (p = 0.129), and soft tissue (p = 0.094). To conclude, both biomaterials exhibited osteoconductivity and biocompatibility and achieved satisfactory bone regeneration of buccal wall defects after tooth extraction.
Estimating Maize Maturity by Using UAV Multi-Spectral Images Combined with a CCC-Based Model
Authors: Liu Zhao , Li Huapeng , Ding Xiaohui , Cao Xinyuan , Chen Hui , Zhang Shuqing
Published: September 2023

Measuring maize grain moisture content (GMC) variability at maturity provides an essential piece of information for the formulation of maize harvesting sequences and the applications of precision agriculture. Canopy chlorophyll content (CCC) is an important parameter that describes crop growth, photosynthetic rate, health, and senescence. The main goal of this study was to estimate maize GMC at maturity through CCC retrieved from multi-spectral UAV images using a PROSAIL model inversion and compare its performance with GMC estimation through simple vegetation indices (VIs) approaches. This study was conducted in two separate maize fields of 50.3 and 56 ha located in Hailun County, Heilongjiang Province, China. Each of the fields was cultivated with two maize varieties. One field was used as reference data for constructing the model, and the other field was applied to validate. The leaf chlorophyll content (LCC) and leaf area index (LAI) of maize were collected at three critical stages of crop growth, and meanwhile, the GMC of maize at maturity was also obtained. During the collection of field data, a UAV flight campaign was performed to obtain multi-spectral images from two fields at three main crop growth stages. In order to calibrate and evaluate the PROSAIL model for obtaining maize CCC, crop canopy spectral reflectance was simulated using crop-specific parameters. In addition, various VIs were computed from multi-spectral images to estimate maize GMC at maturity and compare the results with CCC estimations. When the CCC-retrieved results were compared to measured data, the R2 value was 0.704, the RMSE was 34.58 μg/cm2, and the MAE was 26.27 μg/cm2. The estimation accuracy of the maize GMC based on the normalized red edge index (NDRE) was demonstrated to be the greatest among the selected VIs in both fields, with R2 values of 0.6 and 0.619, respectively. Although the VIs of UAV inversion GMC accuracy are lower than those of CCC, their rapid acquisition, high spatial and temporal resolution, suitability for empirical models, and capture of growth differences within the field are still helpful techniques for field-scale crop monitoring. We found that maize varieties are the main reason for the maturity variation of maize under the same geographical and environmental conditions. The method described in this article enables precision agriculture based on UAV remote sensing by giving growers a spatial reference for crop maturity at the field scale.
SkyroadAR: An Augmented Reality System for UAVs Low-Altitude Public Air Route Visualization
Authors: Tan Junming , Ye Huping , Xu Chenchen , He Hongbo , Liao Xiaohan
Published: September 2023

Augmented Reality (AR) technology visualizes virtual objects in the real environment, offering users an immersive experience that enhances their spatial perception of virtual objects. This makes AR an important tool for visualization in engineering, education, and gaming. The Unmanned Aerial Vehicles’ (UAVs’) low-altitude public air route (Skyroad) is a forward-looking virtual transportation infrastructure flying over complex terrain, presenting challenges for user perception due to its invisibility. In order to achieve a 3D and intuitive visualization of Skyroad, this paper proposes an AR visualization framework based on a physical sandbox. The framework consists of four processes: reconstructing and 3D-printing a sandbox model, producing virtual scenes for UAVs Skyroad, implementing a markerless registration and tracking method, and displaying Skyroad scenes on the sandbox with GPU-based occlusion handling. With the support of the framework, a mobile application called SkyroadAR was developed. System performance tests and user questionnaires were conducted on SkyroadAR; the results showed that our approachs to tracking and occlusion provided an efficient and stable AR effect for Skyroad. This intuitive visualization is recognized by both professional and non-professional users.
Inclusive Play: Defining Elements of Playful Teaching and Learning in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse ECEC
Authors: Kangas Jonna , Lastikka Anna-Leena , Arvola Outi
Published: September 2023

Inclusive values are integral to early childhood education and care (ECEC) policies, promoting equal participation opportunities and individual support for all children. Play serves as a method for meaningful engagement, mutual cultural knowledge creation, and learning within ECEC. Pedagogical play entails teachers’ observation, interaction, support, and guidance. This study investigates practical elements and methods employed by teaching staff and experienced by children during playful activities. Conducted as a case study in two culturally diverse ECEC centers during spring 2023, data collection involved video-recorded monitoring of children’s daily activities in five groups. Video data were transcribed and analyzed using content analysis tools to identify categories of inclusive play. Findings are presented as narratives to honor children’s experiences. The study identifies five elements of inclusive play: teachers’ active participation and presence, balanced repetition with flexible plans and adaptive goals, playful language fostering joy in play, non-verbal and kinesthetic communication with enabling tools, and emerging play marked by interaction and lasting intensity. These elements reveal opportunities and challenges for children’s inclusion and learning approaches, informing recommendations for promoting inclusive play in ECEC. Inclusive play emphasizes diverse strategies accommodating differences in learning styles and modes of knowledge expression among teaching staff and children.
Raptor-like Coded Broadcasting for Efficient V2X Communications
Authors: Jin Zuolin , Li Huan , Huang Jingxuan , Wang Xinyi , Tan Zhiyuan , Dong Pengpeng , Fei Zesong
Published: September 2023

Broadcasting is a critical feature in V2X communication, allowing for the simultaneous dissemination of safety-critical messages to all nearby vehicles. However, the requirement for low latency in information dissemination and the need for reliable and efficient data transmission pose significant challenges to broadcasting in V2X communication systems. In this paper, we present a novel raptor-like coded broadcasting (RLCB) scheme for low-latency V2X communications. Firstly, we introduce feedback into a concatenated fountain code, and adjust its precoding and coding structure to achieve effective data deliverance under a limited number of retransmissions for low-latency transmission. Then, based on the raptor-like encoding and decoding structure, we propose a mutual exclusion-based network encoding (MENC) algorithm to enable retransmission in broadcasting scenarios. We also conduct a complexity analysis on the encoding and decoding process of our proposed scheme. Numerical results demonstrate the superior performance of our proposed scheme in reducing the packet error rate (PER) and improving spectral efficiency compared to the R10 code and hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) scheme.
Unlocking the Potential: A Comprehensive Evaluation of Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality in Education
Authors: AlGerafi Mohammed A. M. , Zhou Yueliang , Oubibi Mohamed , Wijaya Tommy Tanu
Published: September 2023

Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are poised to revolutionize education by offering immersive and interactive learning experiences. This research comprehensively evaluates the educational applications of AR and VR, specifically emphasizing their impact on student motivation, learning outcomes, engagement, and overall learning experiences. The analysis explores how AR and VR can improve student learning, knowledge retention, and skill acquisition by systematically reviewing existing the literature from diverse educational domains, including K-12 education, higher education, STEM education, professional training, and lifelong learning. Additionally, the research investigates the pivotal role of AR and VR in fostering immersive and interactive learning environments, unveiling how these technologies promote active learning, collaboration, and critical thinking through simulations and interactive experiences. The evaluation considers the potential of AR and VR beyond traditional classroom settings in distance education and assesses the feasibility of virtual classrooms, web-based learning environments, and Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs). A significant aspect of the study involves understanding student attitudes toward AR and VR technologies and their influence on intrinsic motivation, interest, and enthusiasm for the learning material. Based on a thorough analysis of relevant literature, the research aims to provide practical recommendations for educators to effectively incorporate AR and VR into education practices. The recommendations prioritize a pedagogically sound design, educator training, and accessibility consideration to ensure equitable access for all learners. In summary, this extensive research reveals the significant impact of AR and VR on education by understanding the strengths, limitations, and challenges of making informed decisions on utilizing these technologies to create engaging, impactful learning experiences, fostering a generation of technologically proficient and knowledge-driven learners.
Joint Impact of Agents and Services in Enhancing Software Requirements Engineering
Authors: Sinkie Mekuria , Gronli Tor Morten , Midekso Dida , Lakhan Abdullah
Published: September 2023

Requirements engineering (RE) is a significant aspect of system development stages in generating reliable software (SW). Despite RE’s decisive impact on project success, SW systems still fail since there is a perplexity in sorting out requirements correctly. Researchers have tried several paradigms to deal with the specified challenges, such as agent-oriented RE (AORE), model-based RE, and service-oriented RE (SORE). By investigating the limitations of the independent use of these paradigms, this research sets an objective that proposes a framework which integrates the two paradigms (agent and service) on top of social media to enhance the SW RE processes. Thus, the research addresses challenges in gathering adequate requirements, detecting alignment between business requirements and SW products, prioritizing requirements, and recommending innovative ideas. The research has mainly adopted an empirical research methodology for SW engineering. Accordingly, two distinct expert groups have been formed based on their previous experience in AORE and SORE, respectively. The experts have been selected from enterprises and academic institutions, and they participated in our case study. After performing the necessary assessment based on specified criteria, those experts in the first group have reported that CASCRE (Collaboration of Agents and Services for Crowd-based Requirements Engineering) with a score of 93.7% is found to be better than that of AORE with a score of 88.7%. Moreover, experts in the second group have declared that CASCRE, with a score of 92.3%, is better than SORE, with a score of 83.7%. In both cases, improvements have been observed, which reveals that the synergy of the CASCRE features has a better impact on the RE process than utilizing individual approaches. Moreover, in order to demonstrate the applicability of CASCRE, feedback has been gathered from a focused crowd of local pharmaceuticals using a mini-prototype. Accordingly, 250 requirements related comments have been gathered from the discussion forum, and 1400 keywords were generated. Then, after performing a sentiment analysis using NLP algorithms, the result was demonstrated to experts. Therefore, 93% of gurus strongly agreed on the applicability of CASCRE in real projects.
A Long Short-Term Memory-Based Prototype Model for Drought Prediction
Authors: Villegas-Ch William , García-Ortiz Joselin
Published: September 2023

This study presents the development of a deep learning model to predict droughts in the coastal region of Ecuador. Historical information from local meteorological stations was used, including data on precipitation, temperature, humidity, evapotranspiration, and soil moisture. A multi-layered artificial neural network was used. It was trained and evaluated by cross-validation, comparing it with other machine learning algorithms. The results demonstrate that the proposed model achieved a remarkable accuracy of 98.5% and a high sensitivity of 97.2% in predicting drought events in the coastal region of Ecuador. This exceptional performance underscores the model’s potential for effective decision making to prevent and mitigate droughts. In addition, the study’s limitations are discussed, and possible improvements are proposed, such as the incorporation of satellite data and the analysis of other environmental variables. This study highlights the importance of deep learning models in drought prediction and their potential to contribute to sustainable management in areas vulnerable to this climatic phenomenon.
Improving Efficiency of a Pole-Changing Vernier Machine Considering Residual Magnetic Flux Density
Authors: Lee Sung-Hyun , Kwon Jung-Woo , Kwon Byung-Il
Published: September 2023

This paper presents the efficiency improvement of a pole-changing vernier machine (PCVM) by considering the residual magnetic flux density (Br) of low coercivity force (LCF) permanent magnets (PMs). The PCVM operates in two modes: vernier machine (VM) mode and permanent magnet synchronous machine (PMSM) mode, achieved through pole-changing. Pole-changing involves reversing the magnetic flux direction of LCF PM to alter the number of rotor pole pairs. By changing the number of rotor pole pairs, the PCVM operates as a VM mode at low speeds, providing high torque, and as a PMSM mode at high speeds, offering high efficiency. To achieve this, a combination of high coercivity force (HCF) PM and LCF PM is utilized in a single structure. The magnetic flux direction in the LCF PM is determined by Br, and the highest efficiency is achieved when Br reaches its maximum value |Brm|. This paper focuses on improving efficiency by obtaining Brm in VM mode and −Brm in PMSM mode through the design process. Additionally, finite element analysis (FEA) is employed to compare the performance of the improved model, which considers Br, with that of the conventional model, designed without considering Br. The improved model achieves higher Br values in each mode compared to the conventional model, resulting in increased torque density. Consequently, this leads to improved efficiency.
Experimental and Numerical Analysis on a Thermal Barrier Coating with Nano-Ceramic Base: A Potential Solution to Reduce Urban Heat Islands?
Authors: Malet-Damour Bruno , Bigot Dimitri , Rivière Garry
Published: September 2023

Adopting a multiscale approach is crucial for optimizing urban and building performance, prompting inquiries about the link between a technology’s local efficiency (building scale) and its broader impact (city-wide). To investigate this correlation and devise effective strategies for enhancing building and city energy performance, we experimentally examined a commercial nano-ceramic Thermal Barrier Coating (TBC) on a small-scale building and assessed numerically its influence on mitigating Urban Heat Islands (UHIs) at a city scale, translated in our case by the use of the thermal comfort index: the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI). Our results reveal that the coating significantly curbs heat transfer locally, reducing surface temperatures by over 50 ∘C compared to traditional roofs and attenuating more than 70% of heat flux, potentially alleviating air conditioning demands and associated urban heat effects. However, implementing such coatings across a city does not notably advance overall efficiency and might trigger minor overheating on thermal perception. Hence, while nano-ceramic coatings indirectly aid UHI mitigation, they are not a standalone fix; instead, an integrated strategy involving efficient coatings, sustainable urban planning, and increased vegetation emerges as the optimal path toward creating enduringly sustainable, pleasant, and efficient urban environments to counter urban heat challenges effectively.
Charcoal Trade in Niger—Product Flows and Business Models
Authors: Larwanou Mahamane , Mutta Doris , Wekesa Chemuku , Roos Anders
Published: September 2023

Charcoal is used in Africa for household energy, and the sector involves different actors with specific business strategies. Based on theories on sustainable business models and livelihoods, charcoal traders in five cities in Niger were surveyed about supply chains and strategies. Most charcoal is imported from Nigeria, and smaller quantities come from Benin and Burkina Faso or domestically. Men dominate the trade. Customers value charcoal quality, tree species, packaging, and low prices. Three groups of traders and their business models were identified: small-scale retailers, large-scale retailers, and wholesalers. The charcoal trade is typically combined with trade in other products and is frequently conducted with family members or friends; laborers are employed for loading and unloading. The charcoal business provides a complementary income for the traders’ livelihoods. Most respondents believed that trade would increase in the future; wholesalers expected promising future business opportunities. This study concludes that improvements should focus on quality, better marketing skills, and more sustainable charcoal sourcing. Charcoal use in the Sahel region of Africa should also be studied further to enable the development of effective policies in the West African bioenergy sector. The cross-border charcoal trade creates a need for coordinated policies for a sustainable charcoal sector in the Sahel region.
Validation of RSM Predicted Optimum Scaling-Up Factors for Generating Electricity in a DCMFC: MATLAB Design and Simulation Model
Authors: Shabangu Khaya Pearlman , Mthembu Nhlanhla , Chetty Manimagalay , Bakare Babatunde Femi
Published: September 2023

In this present study, the potential application of DCMFC for the treatment of three different sourced industrial wastewater streams: biorefinery, dairy and mixed streams was investigated. Operating conditions were optimised using the Box Behnken design in response surface methodology (RSM) with three validation experimental runs. The effect of process variables, i.e., HRT (48 h), catholyte dose (0.1 gmol/L) and electrode surface area (three carbon rods argumentation-m2) on the production of electricity as voltage yield (mV), power density (mW/m2), current density (mA/m2), Columbic efficiency (%) CE and Gibbs free energy correlation with the electromotive force of the DCMFC system. Experimental results obtained were a positive response towards the predictive values according to the DoE numerical optimisation sequence. At numerical optimum MFC conditions stated above, validation experimental responses of voltage yield by biorefinery wastewater were 645.2 mV, mixed wastewater was 549 mV, and dairy wastewater was 358 mV maximum yields. The power densities and current densities were attained, for biorefinery, mixed wastewater and dairy wastewater sources respectively as; 62 mW/m2, 50 mW/m2 and 27.2 mW/m2, then current densities of 50 mA/m2, 44,008 mA/m2 and 18 mA/m2. The coulombic efficiencies of 0.34%, 0.75% and 0.22%, respectively, were achieved. The validation of predicted optimum operating conditions was successfully attained, especially through the biorefinery wastewater organic substrate. This article articulates that it is highly imperative to choose the most suitable wastewater source as the viable electron donor towards scaling up and maximising the efficiency of generating electricity in the double chamber microbial fuel cell (DCMFC). Moreover, the findings of the current study demonstrate that the DCMFC can be further upscaled through a series connection in a fed-batch mode of operation using a well-designed and simulated process control system that has been computationally designed and modelled using first order MFC model bioenergy generating models MATLAB Simulink and Simscape electrical software. These findings of the simulations were successful and illustrated that an MFC power output can be successfully stepped to be a viable bio-electrochemical technology for both industrial wastewater (IWW) treatment and simultaneous sustainable power generation.
Modelling of Peristaltic Pumps with Respect to Viscoelastic Tube Material Properties and Fatigue Effects
Authors: Hostettler Marco , Grüter Raphael , Stingelin Simon , De Lorenzi Flavio , Fuechslin Rudolf M. , Jacomet Cyrill , Koll Stephan , Wilhelm Dirk , Boiger Gernot K.
Published: September 2023

Peristaltic pump technology is widely used wherever relatively low, highly accurately dosed volumetric flow rates are required and where fluid contamination must be excluded. Thus, typical fields of application include food, pharmaceuticals, medical technology, and analytics. In certain cases, when applied in conjunction with polymer-based tubing material, supplied peristaltic flow rates are reported to be significantly lower than the expected set flow rates. Said flow rate reductions are related to (i) the chosen tube material, (ii) tube material fatigue effects, and (iii) the applied pump frequency. This work presents a fast, dynamic, multiphysics, 1D peristaltic pump solver, which is demonstrated to capture all qualitatively relevant effects in terms of peristaltic flow rate reduction within linear peristaltic pumps. The numerical solver encompasses laminar fluid dynamics, geometric restrictions provided by peristaltic pump operation, as well as viscoelastic tube material properties and tube material fatigue effects. A variety of validation experiments were conducted within this work. The experiments point to the high degree of quantitative accuracy of the novel software and qualify it as the basis for elaborating an a priori drive correction.
Application of a Simplex–Centroid Mixture Design to Evaluate the Phenolic Compound Content and Antioxidant Potential of Plants Grown in Mexico
Authors: Navarro-Cortez Ricardo Omar , Santiago-Saenz Yair Olovaldo , López-Palestina César Uriel , Gutiérrez-Tlahque Jorge , Piloni-Martini Javier
Published: September 2023

Nowadays, the food and health industries are generating new products with antioxidant potential; among them are those rich in phenolic compounds that have a beneficial impact on human health. Therefore, the aim of this research was to obtain different types of mixtures from Portulaca oleraceae (P), Chenopodium album (C), Opuntia oligacantha Förster var. Ulapa (O), and Amaranthus tricolor (A) and evaluate the content of total phenols, total flavonoids, and antioxidant potential in order to select the mixture with the highest content of phenolic compounds. An experimental simplex–centroid mixture design with 15 experimental treatments was used; the data were analyzed and adjusted to a quadratic model that allowed for the prediction of the content of phenols, flavonoids, and antioxidant activity using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-Azino-bis (3-ethylbenz-thiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) of different experimental mixtures. The results show that the individual components of C and P had the highest content of phenols and antioxidant potential. It was observed that the binary mixtures P-C and P-A presented values of total phenols greater than 11 mg of gallic acid equivalents g−1 DW and values of flavonoids greater than 13 mg of quercetin equivalents g−1 DW. These values were higher than those found in the individual components. The P-C mixture with an antioxidant potential of 66.0 ± 0.07 Trolox equivalents g−1 DW could be used as an additive in food or to obtain a functional food that improves the intake of antioxidant compounds in the population.
Chemical and Functional Characterization of Propolis Collected from Different Areas of South Italy
Authors: Grassi Giulia , Capasso Giambattista , Gambacorta Emilio , Perna Anna Maria
Published: September 2023

This study investigated the chemical and functional characterization of propolis collected in southern Italy, in particular in Basilicata, a region rich in ecological and vegetative biodiversity. Sixteen samples of propolis, collected within a radius of 40 km from each other in the Basilicata region, showed significant differences between the chemical and functional parameters investigated: color index (L*, a*, b*; p < 0.05) and variation in chemical composition and antioxidant activities by ABTS and FRAP assays. In general, Lucanian propolis had a low content of waxes (p < 0.05) and a high content of resin (p < 0.05) and balsams (p < 0.05). The content of the total phenolic compounds and flavonoids was highly variable, as was the biological capacity. In conclusion, Lucanian propolis showed remarkable variability, highlighting significant diversification according to the geographical position and the diversity of the flora surrounding the apiary that the bees use as a source of resin. This study, therefore, contributes to the enhancement of the quality of propolis, laying the foundations for the production and marketing of propolis not only in the food industry but also in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.
Recent Developments in the Viscosity Modeling of Concentrated Monodisperse Emulsions
Authors: Pal Rajinder
Published: September 2023

Emulsions form a large group of food materials. Many foods are either partly or wholly emulsions or are in the form of emulsion at some stage of the production process. A good understanding of the rheological properties of emulsions, especially their shear viscosity, is essential in the design, formulation, and processing of food emulsions. The texture and mouthfeel of food emulsions are also largely influenced by emulsion viscosity. Therefore, it is of practical importance to be able to correlate and predict emulsion viscosity as a function of droplet concentration and other relevant variables. In this article, the recent developments made in the viscosity modeling of concentrated emulsions are reviewed. The viscosity models for concentrated emulsions published in the twenty-first century are discussed, compared, and evaluated using a large body of experimental viscosity data available on emulsions. The effects of droplet size distribution and capillary number on the viscosity of concentrated emulsions are also discussed in detail. A new generalized viscosity model is developed for concentrated emulsions that includes the effect of capillary number and is accurate with small average percent relative error (within 3%).
Natural Antimicrobial Agents Utilized in Food Preservation
Authors: Kocić-Tanackov Sunčica , Pavlović Hrvoje
Published: September 2023

Since the initial transformation of food surpluses, improving food quality and safety are of principal importance to human health [...]
Predicting Perceived Hedonic Ratings through Facial Expressions of Different Drinks
Authors: Matsufuji Yasuyo , Ueji Kayoko , Yamamoto Takashi
Published: September 2023

Previous studies have established the utility of facial expressions as an objective assessment approach for determining the hedonics (overall pleasure) of food and beverages. This study endeavors to validate the conclusions drawn from preceding research, illustrating that facial expressions prompted by tastants possess the capacity to forecast the perceived hedonic ratings of these tastants. Facial expressions of 29 female participants, aged 18–55 years, were captured using a digital camera during their consumption of diverse concentrations of solutions representative of five basic tastes. Employing the widely employed facial expression analysis application FaceReader, the facial expressions were meticulously assessed, identifying seven emotions (surprise, happiness, scare, neutral, disgust, sadness, and anger) characterized by scores ranging from 0 to 1—a numerical manifestation of emotional intensity. Simultaneously, participants rated the hedonics of each solution, utilizing a scale spanning from −5 (extremely unpleasant) to +5 (extremely pleasant). Employing a multiple linear regression analysis, a predictive model for perceived hedonic ratings was devised. The model’s efficacy was scrutinized by assessing emotion scores from 11 additional taste solutions, sampled from 20 other participants. The anticipated hedonic ratings demonstrated robust alignment and agreement with the observed ratings, underpinning the validity of earlier findings even when incorporating diverse software and taste stimuli across a varied participant base. We discuss some limitations and practical implications of our technique in predicting food and beverage hedonics using facial expressions.
The Hydrodynamics of Ammonoid Swimming: Equations of Motion and Rocking Resonances
Authors: De Blasio Fabio Vittorio
Published: September 2023

This work explores the swimming of ammonoids, cephalopods related to living squids, octopuses, and nautilids and, like the latter, equipped with a coiled external shell. A mathematical model is introduced for theoretical ammonoid conchs. The two differential equations of motion (one for the centre of mass, including the drag force and the added mass coefficient, and one for the roll angle) are solved numerically for the theoretical conchs, and the results are analysed in terms of velocity and rocking angle. Destabilising resonances occur when the rocking motion is in phase with the propelling water jet. It is suggested that the ammonoids partly evolved avoiding the occurrence of such resonances in their construction.