bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In Vitro Biofilm Formation by Malassezia pachydermatis Isolates and Its Susceptibility to Azole Antifungals
Authors: Čonková Eva , Proškovcová Martina , Váczi Peter , Malinovská Zuzana
Published: November 2022

The yeast Malassezia pachydermatis, an opportunistic pathogen that inhabits the skin of various domestic and wild animals, is capable of producing a biofilm that plays an important role in antifungal resistance. The aim of this research study was to find the intensity of biofilm production by M. pachydermatis strains isolated from the ear canal of healthy dogs, and to determine the susceptibility of planktonic, adhered and biofilm-forming cells to three azole antifungals—itraco-nazole, voriconazole and posaconazole—that are most commonly used to treat Malassezia infections. Out of 52 isolates, 43 M. pachydermatis strains (82.7%) were biofilm producers with varying levels of intensity. For planktonic cells, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) range was 0.125–2 µg/mL for itraconazole, 0.03–1 µg/mL for voriconazole and 0.03–0.25 µg/mL for posaconazole. Only two isolates (4.7%) were resistant to itraconazole, one strain (2.3%) to voriconazole and none to posaconazole. For adhered cells and the mature biofilm, the following MIC ranges were found: 0.25–16 µg/mL and 4–16 µg/mL for itraconazole, 0.125–8 µg/mL and 0.25–26 µg/mL for voriconazole, and 0.03–4 µg/mL and 0.25–16 µg/mL for posaconazole, respectively. The least resistance for adhered cells was observed for posaconazole (55.8%), followed by voriconazole (62.8%) and itraconazole (88.4%). The mature biofilm of M. pachydermatis showed 100% resistance to itraconazole, 95.3% to posaconazole and 83.7% to voriconazole. The results of this study show that higher concentrations of commonly used antifungal agents are needed to control infections caused by biofilm-forming strains of M. pachydermatis.
The Use of Collagen Matrix in the Treatment of Gingival Recession—A Pilot Study
Authors: Pedowska Marlena , Prokop Marta , Chałas Renata , Ptasiewicz Maja
Published: November 2022

Background. Gingival recessions are common mucogingival deformities and conditions around teeth, which are described as the apical migration of tissues in the relation to the cementoenamel junction. One of the types of graft materials used to treat these recessions is the collagen graft material. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the use of the collagen matrix combined with the coronally advanced flap surgery method to cover dental recessions, after a 12 month follow-up period. Methods. The following parameters were assessed in 20 patients, with 38 single or multiple Miller class I or II gingival recessions: depth of the recession—RD; width of the recession—RW; height of the keratinized tissue—HKT; and thickness of the keratinized gingivae—GT. The percentage of the root coverage after 12 months was also calculated. Results. There was a significant difference in the RD and RW values before and after the procedure. On average, the RD decreased by 3.39 mm, and the RW by 3.87 mm. Moreover, the values of the GT and HKT, before and after the treatment, significantly increased by 0.98 mm and 1.13 mm, respectively. The partial root coverage was 43.48%, and the total root coverage was 56.52%. Conclusion. The use of the collagen matrix with a split thickness gingival flap to cover the gingival recessions is a predictable and effective method when the clinician carefully follows the recommendation of the producer, which was confirmed in a 1 year follow-up with good clinical results.
Photoactivated Chromophore Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking for Infectious Keratitis (PACK-CXL)—A Comprehensive Review of Diagnostic and Prognostic Factors Involved in Therapeutic Indications and Contraindications
Authors: Barac Ileana Ramona , Artamonov Andrada-Raluca , Baltă George , Dinu Valentin , Mehedințu Claudia , Bobircă Anca , Baltă Florian , Barac Diana Andreea
Published: November 2022

Infectious keratitis is a severe infection of the eye, which requires urgent care in order to prevent permanent complications. Typical cases are usually diagnosed clinically, whereas severe cases also require additional tools, such as direct microscopy, corneal cultures, molecular techniques, or ophthalmic imaging. The initial treatment is empirical, based on the suspected etiology, and is later adjusted as needed. It ranges from topical administration of active substances to oral drugs, or to complex surgeries in advanced situations. A novel alternative is represented by Photoactivated Chromophore Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking (PACK-CXL), which is widely known as a minimally invasive therapy for corneal degenerations. The purpose of this review is to identify the main diagnostic and prognostic factors which further outline the indications and contraindications of PACK-CXL in infectious keratitis. Given the predominantly positive outcomes in the medical literature, we ponder whether this is a promising treatment modality, which should be further evaluated in a systematic, evidence-based manner in order to develop a clear treatment protocol for successful future results, especially in carefully selected cases.
Modeling of Daytime and Nighttime Surface Urban Heat Island Distribution Combined with LCZ in Beijing, China
Authors: Xu Yinuo , Zhang Chunxiao , Hou Wei
Published: November 2022

Along with urbanization, surface urban heat island (SUHI) has attracted more attention. Due to the lack of perspective of spatial heterogeneity in relevant studies, it is difficult to propose specific strategies to alleviate the SUHI. This study discusses the impact of spatial heterogeneity on the day and night SUHI by taking one day and night in Beijing as an example, and uses it to improve the efficiency of SUHI simulation for related planning. This study, based on the local climate zone (LCZ), deeply discusses the relationship between urban morphology and the SUHI. Then, an artificial neural network (ANN) model with the LCZ is developed to predict the distribution of the SUHI. The results show that: (1) In summer, the general SUHI intensity distribution patterns are compact zone > large low-rise zone > open zone and medium floor zone > low floor zone > high floor zone. (2) Building density and albedo in dense areas are higher correlated with the SUHI than open areas. The building height has a significant negative correlation with the SUHI in high-rise zone, but has a positive correlation in middle and low floors. (3) The LCZ improves the overall accuracy of the ANN model, especially the simulation accuracy in the daytime. In terms of regions, LCZ2, LCZ8, and LCZ10 are improved to a higher degree. This study is helpful to formulate the SUHI mitigation strategies of “adapting to the conditions of the LCZ” and provide reference for improving the sustainable development of the urban thermal environment.
The Innovative Informatics Approaches of High-Throughput Technologies in Livestock: Spearheading the Sustainability and Resiliency of Agrigenomics Research
Authors: Suminda Godagama Gamaarachchige Dinesh , Ghosh Mrinmoy , Son Young-Ok
Published: November 2022

For more than a decade, next-generation sequencing (NGS) has been emerging as the mainstay of agrigenomics research. High-throughput technologies have made it feasible to facilitate research at the scale and cost required for using this data in livestock research. Scale frameworks of sequencing for agricultural and livestock improvement, management, and conservation are partly attributable to innovative informatics methodologies and advancements in sequencing practices. Genome-wide sequence-based investigations are often conducted worldwide, and several databases have been created to discover the connections between worldwide scientific accomplishments. Such studies are beginning to provide revolutionary insights into a new era of genomic prediction and selection capabilities of various domesticated livestock species. In this concise review, we provide selected examples of the current state of sequencing methods, many of which are already being used in animal genomic studies, and summarize the state of the positive attributes of genome-based research for cattle (Bos taurus), sheep (Ovis aries), pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus), horses (Equus caballus), chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus), and ducks (Anas platyrhyncos). This review also emphasizes the advantageous features of sequencing technologies in monitoring and detecting infectious zoonotic diseases. In the coming years, the continued advancement of sequencing technologies in livestock agrigenomics will significantly influence the sustained momentum toward regulatory approaches that encourage innovation to ensure continued access to a safe, abundant, and affordable food supplies for future generations.
Fine-Needle Aspiration Cytology for Parotid Tumors
Authors: Taniuchi Masataka , Terada Tetsuya , Kawata Ryo
Published: November 2022

Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cytology is widely used in clinical practice as a simple and minimally invasive test for parotid tumors that allows for preoperative estimation of benignancy and malignancy, histological type, and malignancy grade and can be performed on an outpatient basis. In recent years, cell blocks prepared with core needle biopsy (CNB) and liquid-based cytology (LBC) have increased the reliability of immunostaining and molecular biological testing, leading to improved diagnostic accuracy. In 2018, the Milan System for Reporting Salivary Gland Cytology was introduced, but it does not include malignancy grade or histological type, so we proposed the Osaka Medical College classification as a more clinically based cell classification that includes both types of information, and we have reported on its usefulness. This review gives an overview of the history and use of FNA and describes CNB and LBC and the two classification systems.
Arsenic Pollution and Anaerobic Arsenic Metabolizing Bacteria in Lake Van, the World’s Largest Soda Lake
Authors: Ersoy Omeroglu Esra , Sudagidan Mert , Ogun Erdal
Published: November 2022

Arsenic is responsible for water pollution in many places around the world and presents a serious health risk for people. Lake Van is the world’s largest soda lake, and there are no studies on seasonal arsenic pollution and arsenic-resistant bacteria. We aimed to determine the amount of arsenic in the lake water and sediment, to isolate arsenic-metabolizing anaerobic bacteria and their identification, and determination of arsenic metabolism. Sampling was done from 7.5 m to represent the four seasons. Metal contents were determined by using ICP-MS. Pure cultures were obtained using the Hungate technique. Growth characteristics of the strains were determined at different conditions as well as at arsenate and arsenite concentrations. Molecular studies were also carried out for various resistance genes. Our results showed that Lake Van’s total arsenic amount changes seasonally. As a result of 16S rRNA sequencing, it was determined that the isolates were members of 8 genera with arsC resistance genes. In conclusion, to sustain water resources, it is necessary to prevent chemical and microorganism-based pollution. It is thought that the arsenic-resistant bacteria obtained as a result of this study will contribute to the solution of environmental arsenic pollution problems, as they are the first data and provide the necessary basic data for the bioremediation studies of arsenic from contaminated environmental habitats. At the same time, the first data that will contribute to the creation of the seasonal arsenic map of Lake Van are obtained.
(1RS,2RS,6RS)-2-(6-Amino-9H-purin-9-yl)-8-azaspiro[5.6]dodec-10-en-1-ol Dihydrochloride
Authors: Iusupov Ildar R. , Lyssenko Konstantin A. , Altieri Andrea , Kurkin Alexander V.
Published: November 2022

The title compound (1RS,2RS,6RS)-2-(6-Amino-9H-purin-9-yl)-8-azaspiro[5.6]dodec-10-en-1-ol dihydrochloride was synthesized for the first time in two steps, the first of which was a regioselectivity of epoxide ring-opening reaction under the action of adenine, yielding N-tert-butoxycarbonyl-((1RS,2RS,6RS)-2-(6-amino-9H-purin-9-yl)-8-azaspiro[5.6]dodec-10-en-1-ol. By treating the latter with a saturated methanolic solution of hydrogen chloride, it was possible to obtain ((1RS,2RS,6RS)-2-(6-Amino-9H-purin-9-yl)-8-azaspiro[5.6]dodec-10-en-1-ol dihydrochloride. The features of the molecular and crystal structure of ((1RS,2RS,6RS)-2-(6-Amino-9H-purin-9-yl)-8-azaspiro[5.6]dodec-10-en-1-ol dihydrochloride are discussed based on X-ray diffraction studies. The product overall yield was 40% out of two steps and after purification by column chromatography and recrystallization. The product was characterized by 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, IR spectroscopy, HRMS and X-ray.
Impact Analysis of Potential Induced Degradation on Crystalline Silicon Solar Cell Performance by Correlating Practical Diagnosis with MATLAB Simulation
Authors: Hasan Abdulwahab A. Q. , Alkahtani Ammar Ahmed , Islam Mohammad Aminul , Alsariera Yazan A. , Sathiswary Santhiran , Kassim Nabilah M. , Hossain Mohammad Ismail , Ishikawa Yasuaki , Amin Nowshad
Published: November 2022

Extensive research on fault diagnosis is essential to detect various faults that occur to different photovoltaic (PV) panels to keep PV systems operating at peak performance. Here, we present an impact analysis of potential induced degradation (PID) on the current–voltage (I-V) characteristics of crystalline silicon (c-Si) solar cells. The impact of parasitic resistances on solar cell performance is highlighted and linked to fault and degradation. Furthermore, a Simulink model for a single solar cell is proposed and used to estimate the I-V characteristics of a PID-affected PV cell based on experimental results attributes. The measured data show that the fill factor (FF) drops by approximately 13.7% from its initial value due to a decrease in shunt resistance (Rsh). Similarly, the simulation results find that the fill factor degraded by approximately 12% from its initial value. The slight increase in measured data could be due to series resistance effects which were assumed to be zero in the simulated data. This study links simulation and experimental work to confirm the I-V curve behavior of PID-affected PV cells, which could help to improve fault diagnosis methods.
Microparticles of High Entropy Alloys Made by Laser-Induced Forward Transfer
Authors: Han Molong , Meghwal Ashok , Ng Soon Hock , Smith Daniel , Mu Haoran , Katkus Tomas , Zhu De Ming , Mukhlis Reiza , Vongsvivut Jitraporn , Berndt Christopher C. , Ang Andrew S. M. , Juodkazis Saulius
Published: November 2022

The controlled deposition of CoCrFeNiMo0.2 high-entropy alloy (HEA) microparticles was achieved by using laser-induced forward transfer (LIFT). Ultra-short laser pulses of 230 fs of 515 nm wavelength were tightly focused into ∼2.4 μm focal spots on the ∼50-nm thick plasma-sputtered films of CoCrFeNiMo0.2. The morphology of HEA microparticles can be controlled at different fluences. The HEA films were transferred onto glass substrates by magnetron sputtering in a vacuum (10−8 atm) from the thermal spray-coated substrates. The absorption coefficient of CoCrFeNiMo0.2α≈6×105 cm−1 was determined at 600-nm wavelength. The real and imaginary parts of the refractive index (n+iκ) of HEA were determined from reflectance and transmittance by using nanofilms.
Inspired by Skeletal Muscles: Study of the Physical and Electrochemical Properties of Derived Lignocellulose-Based Carbon Fibers
Authors: Gao Xing , Zhang Ying , Wu Yueting , Nguyen Tat Thang , Wu Jie , Guo Minghui , Du Chunhua
Published: November 2022

Skeletal muscles exhibit excellent properties due to their well-developed microstructures. Taking inspiration from nature that thick filaments and thin filaments are linked by “cross-bridges”, leading to good stability and ion transport performance of muscles. In this work, extracted poplar lignin and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) were connected by biomimetic covalent bonds, akin to biological muscle tissue, in which isophorone diisocyanate was used as the chemical crosslinking agent. Then, poplar lignin–MCC was mixed with polyacrylonitrile to serve as the precursor for electrospinning. The results show that due to the effective covalent-bond connection, the precursor fibers possess excellent morphology, smooth surface, good thermal stability, and high flexibility and toughness (average elongation-at-break is 51.84%). Therefore, after thermal stabilization and carbonization, derived lignocellulose-based carbon fibers (CFs) with a reduced cost, complete fiber morphology with a uniform diameter (0.48 ± 0.22 μm), and high graphitization degree were obtained. Finally, the electrodes fabrication and electrochemical testing were carried out. The results of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) indicate that the Rs and Rct values of CFs supercapacitors are 1.18 Ω and 0.14 Ω, respectively. Results of cyclic voltammetry (CV) and galvanostatic charge–discharge (GCD) suggest that these CFs demonstrate great application potential in electrochemical materials.
Constitutive Model for Equivalent Stress-Plastic Strain Curves Including Full-Range Strain Hardening Behavior of High-Strength Steel at Elevated Temperatures
Authors: Zeng Xiang , Wu Wanbo , Zou Juan , Elchalakani Mohamed
Published: November 2022

High-strength steel has been increasingly applied to engineering structures and inevitably faces fire risks. The equivalent stress-plastic strain (σeq− εeqp) curves of steel at elevated temperatures are indispensable if a refined finite element model is used to investigate the response of steel members and structures under fire. If the tensile deformation of steel is considerable, the σeq− εeqp curves at elevated temperatures are required to consider the strain-hardening behavior during the post-necking phase. However, there is little research on the topic. Based on the engineering stress-strain curves of Q890 high-strength steel in a uniaxial tension experiment at elevated temperatures, the σeq−εeqp curves before necking are determined using theoretical formulations. An inverse method based on finite element analysis is used to determine the σeq− εeqp curves during the post-necking phase. The characteristics of σeq−εeqp curves, including the full-range strain hardening behavior at different temperatures, are discussed. An equivalent stress-plastic strain model of Q890 steel at elevated temperature is proposed, which is consistent with the σeq−εeqp curves. The constitutive model is further verified by comparing the finite element analysis and test results.
Contribution to Bone Formation of the Schneiderian Membrane after Sinus Augmentation: A Histological Study in Rabbits
Authors: Lim Su Tien , Kusano Kaoru , Taniyama Tomohide , Sakuma Shigeru , Nakajima Yasushi , Xavier Samuel Porfirio , Baba Shunsuke
Published: November 2022

Aim: to evaluate bone formation in close contact with the sinus mucosa after different periods from sinus augmentation and the influence on healing of the presence of an inward dis-placed bone window. Material and Methods: Eighteen rabbits were included in the experiment. A trap-door technique was applied at the test sites, and the bony window was elevated inward (inward window; IW) together with the sinus mucosa. At the control sites, the bony window was removed before the elevation of the sinus mucosa. The elevated space was filled with deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM) and both access windows were covered with a collagen membrane. Histometric measurements were performed subjacent the sinus mucosa after 2, 4, and 8 weeks of healing. Results: Very few sinuses presented small percentages of new bone in close contact with the sinus mucosa in the various period examined. The presence of bone in the neighbor areas might have influenced bone formation close to the sinus mucosa. The inward displaced bone window supported bone formation close to the sinus mucosa only in the earliest period of healing, while the bone walls increased their influence over time. The lack of increased new bone percentage over time in the most central regions of the elevated sinus mucosa do not support the hypothesis that the sinus mucosa may express its potential in bone formation. It can be speculated that the new bone found in the intermediate and middle regions of the control sites in the earliest period of healing might be due to residual of bone from the osteotomy. Conclusions: Very small amounts of new bone were found subjacent to the sinus mucosa, mostly formed from the bone walls, the inward displaced bone window or from possible bone residues from the osteotomy procedures. The lack of increased new bone percentage over time in the most central regions of the elevated sinus mucosa indicates that the contribution to bone formation provided by the sinus mucosa is limited.
High-Speed Dicing of SiC Wafers with 0.048 mm Diamond Blades via Rolling-Slitting
Authors: Feng Yuanru , Li Kenan , Dou Zhen , Zhang Zhengwen , Guo Bing
Published: November 2022

In this study, an innovative fabrication method called rolling-slitting forming, which forms ultra-thin diamond blades, was presented for the first time. Furthermore, the feasibility of the rolling-slitting forming method when applied to silicon carbide wafer dicing blades was investigated; moreover, the cold-pressing blade samples were manufactured through the conventional process under the same sintering conditions to compare and analyze the manufacturing efficiency, organization and performance. The results show that the new method achieves high-precision and low-thickness dicing blades through continuous production without molds—with the thinnest blades being 0.048 mm thick. Furthermore, the rolling-slitting blade has a unique multiporous heat-conductive matrix structure and in-situ generated amorphous pyrolytic carbon, which can reduce the dicing resistance and contribute to a better cutting quality. In addition, the effects of the dicing parameters on SiC were investigated by using indications of spindle current, dicing chipping size and kerf width during the high dicing process. For a dicing depth of 0.2 mm, the ideal performance of dicing SiC with an ultra-thin blade was achieved at a spindle speed of 22,000 rpm and a feed rate of 5 mm/s. This research provides a new idea for the manufacturing of dicing blades, which can satisfy the demand for ultra-narrow dicing streets of high integration of ICs.
Application of a Method for Measuring the Grindability of Fine-Grained Materials by High-Speed Milling
Authors: Ravaszová Simona , Dvořák Karel , Vaičiukynienė Danute , Sisol Martin
Published: November 2022

This article deals with the development of an alternative method for determining the grindability index of fine-grained materials. This method is inspired by the commercially used VTI method (also known as RTI after the Russian Thermal Energy Institute), which was widely used in Central and Eastern Europe in coal grinding. The disadvantage of the VTI method is that it uses a specific grinding device that otherwise has no other use and nowadays is no longer commonly available. Through the new method, high-energy grinding was performed using a commercially available planetary mill on silicate materials such as limestone, feldspar, corundum, and quartz. The effectiveness of the method was verified on clinker as a representative of widely used materials. The deviation between the grindability index calculated by the origin VTI method and the new developed method was on average approximately 8%; in the case of clinker grinding, it was only 3%. The results showed that the VTI method could be replaced by a new method that uses a modern available planetary mill and laser granulometry to determine the grindability index. The result is a new classification of materials according to their grindability indexes, which is based on the original VTI method.
Optimization of Selective Laser Melting Parameter for Invar Material by Using JAYA Algorithm: Comparison with TLBO, GA and JAYA
Authors: Gajera Hiren , Djavanroodi Faramarz , Kumari Soni , Abhishek Kumar , Bandhu Din , Saxena Kuldeep K. , Ebrahimi Mahmoud , Prakash Chander , Buddhi Dharam
Published: November 2022

In this study, the hardness and surface roughness of selective laser-melted parts have been evaluated by considering a wide variety of input parameters. The Invar-36 has been considered a workpiece material that is mainly used in the aerospace industry for making parts as well as widely used in bimetallic thermostats. It is the mechanical properties and metallurgical properties of parts that drive the final product’s quality in today’s competitive marketplace. The study aims to examine how laser power, scanning speed, and orientation influence fabricated specimens. Using ANOVA, the established models were tested and the parameters were evaluated for their significance in predicting response. In the next step, the fuzzy-based JAYA algorithm has been implemented to determine which parameter is optimal in the proposed study. In addition, the optimal parametric combination obtained by the JAYA algorithm was compared with the optimal parametric combination obtained by TLBO and genetic algorithm (GA) to establish the effectiveness of the JAYA algorithm. Based on the results, an orientation of 90°, 136 KW of laser power, and 650 mm/s scanning speed were found to be the best combination of process parameters for generating the desired hardness and roughness for the Invar-36 material.
Spin-Induced Switching of Electronic State Populations in Transition Metal Polyphthalocyanines
Authors: Jagga Deepali , Korepanov Vitaly I. , Sedlovets Daria M. , Useinov Artur
Published: November 2022

Polyphthalocyanines (PPCs) are a new and promising class of two dimensional materials offering versatile avenues for next generation electronic devices. For organic spintronic devices, PPCs can be engineered to tailor the electric and magnetic properties. In this work, we investigate PPC’s monolayers with embedded transition metal atoms (TM = Fe, Ni, Cu), utilizing first principle calculations based on spin-polarized generalized gradient approximation (SGGA). PPC sheets with central TM atoms are simulated for the dispersion curves, electronic density of states (DOS), and projected density of states (PDOS) using quantum atomistic toolkit (Quantum ATK) software. According to simulations, the FePPC supercell with four magnetic moments of Fe, aligned in a parallel ferromagnetic (FM) configuration, show the conductive FM state, while in the case of the anti-parallel antiferromagnetic (AFM) order of the magnetic moments, the material exhibits semiconducting non-magnetic behavior. FM-ordered NiPPC displays a metallic state, which is partly suppressed for AFM-ordered NiPPC. In contrast, non-magnetic CuPPC is found to be the best conductor due to its larger PDOS at the Fermi level among all considered systems.
Biodegradable Polymer Nanosheets Incorporated with Zn-Containing Nanoparticles for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Ishak M. Q. Hafzan , Shankar Prabakaran , Turabayev Marat E. , Kondo Takahiro , Honda Mitsuhiro , Gurbatov Stanislav O. , Okamura Yosuke , Iwamori Satoru , Kulinich Sergei A.
Published: November 2022

So far, poly(L-lactic acid), PLLA nanosheets proved to be promising for wound healing. Such biodegradable materials are easy to prepare, bio-friendly, cost-effective, simple to apply and were shown to protect burn wounds and facilitate their healing. At the same time, certain metal ions are known to be essential for wound healing, which is why this study was motivated by the idea of incorporating PLLA nanosheets with Zn2+ ion containing nanoparticles. Upon being applied on wound, such polymer nanosheets should release Zn2+ ions, which is expected to improve wound healing. The work thus focused on preparing PLLA nanosheets embedded with several kinds of Zn-containing nanoparticles, their characterization and ion-release behavior. ZnCl2 and ZnO nanoparticles were chosen because of their different solubility in water, with the intention to see the dynamics of their Zn2+ ion release in liquid medium with pH around 7.4. Interestingly, the prepared PLLA nanosheets demonstrated quit similar ion release rates, reaching the maximum concentration after about 10 h. This finding implies that such polymer materials can be promising as they are expected to release ions within several hours after their application on skin.
Preparation, Characterization and Tailoring Properties of Poly(Vinyl Chloride) Composites with the Addition of Functional Halloysite–Lignin Hybrid Materials
Authors: Tomaszewska Jolanta , Wieczorek Martina , Skórczewska Katarzyna , Klapiszewska Izabela , Lewandowski Krzysztof , Klapiszewski Łukasz
Published: November 2022

In this article, halloysite–lignin hybrid materials (HL) were designed and obtained. The weak hydrogen bonds found between the components were determined based on Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), proving the achievement of class I hybrid systems. The HL systems were characterized by very good thermal stability and relatively good homogeneity, which increased as the proportion of the inorganic part increased. This was confirmed by analyzing scanning electron microscope (SEM) images and assessing particle size distributions and polydispersity indexes. Processing rigid poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) with HL systems with a content of up to 10 wt% in a Brabender torque rheometer allowed us to obtain composites with a relatively homogeneous structure confirmed by SEM observations; simultaneously, a reduction in the fusion time was noted. An improvement in PVC thermal stability of approximately 40 °C for composites with HL with a ratio of 1:5 wt/wt was noted. Regardless of the concentration of the HL system, PVC composites exhibited inconsiderably higher Young’s modulus, but the incorporation of 2.5 wt% of fillers increased Charpy impact strength by 5–8 kJ/m2 and doubled elongation at break. This study demonstrated that favorable mechanical properties of PVC composites can be achieved, especially with an HL system with a ratio of 5:1 wt/wt.
Explainable Multi-Class Classification Based on Integrative Feature Selection for Breast Cancer Subtyping
Authors: Meshoul Souham , Batouche Ali , Shaiba Hadil , AlBinali Shiekhah
Published: November 2022

Breast cancer subtype classification is a multi-class classification problem that can be handled using computational methods. Three main challenges need to be addressed. Consider first the high dimensionality of the available datasets relative to the extremely small number of instances. Second, the integration of different levels of data makes the dimensionality problem even more challenging. The third challenging issue is the ability to explain the predictions provided by a machine learning model. Recently, several deep learning models have been proposed for feature extraction and classification. However, due to the small size of the datasets, they were unable to achieve satisfactory results, particularly in multi-class classification. Aside from that, explaining the impact of features on classification has not been addressed in previous works. To cope with these problems, we propose a multi-stage feature selection (FS) framework with two data integration schemes. Using multi-omics data, four machine learning models, namely support vector machines, random forest, extra trees, and XGBoost, were investigated at each level. The SHAP framework was used to explain how specific features influenced classification. Experimental results demonstrated that ensemble models with early integration and two stage feature selection improved results compared to baseline experiments and to state-of-the art methods. Furthermore, more explanations regarding the implications of the main relevant features in the predictions are provided, which could serve as a baseline for future biological investigations.
Gradual and Fuzzy Modules: Functor Categories
Authors: García Josefa M. , Jara Pascual
Published: November 2022

The categorical treatment of fuzzy modules presents some problems, due to the well known fact that the category of fuzzy modules is not abelian, and even not normal. Our aim is to give a representation of the category of fuzzy modules inside a generalized category of modules, in fact, a functor category, Mod−P, which is a Grothendieck category. To do that, first we consider the preadditive category P, defined by the interval P=(0,1], to build a torsionfree class J in Mod−P, and a hereditary torsion theory in Mod−P, to finally identify equivalence classes of fuzzy submodules of a module M with F-pair, which are pair (G,F), of decreasing gradual submodules of M, where G belongs to J, satisfying G=Fd, and ∪αF(α) is a disjoint union of F(1) and F(α)\G(α), where α is running in (0,1].
Knowledge-Enhanced Dual-Channel GCN for Aspect-Based Sentiment Analysis
Authors: Zhang Zhengxuan , Ma Zhihao , Cai Shaohua , Chen Jiehai , Xue Yun
Published: November 2022

As a subtask of sentiment analysis, aspect-based sentiment analysis (ABSA) refers to identifying the sentiment polarity of the given aspect. The state-of-the-art ABSA models are developed by using the graph neural networks to deal with the semantics and the syntax of the sentence. These methods are challenged by two issues. For one thing, the semantic-based graph convolution networks fail to capture the relation between aspect and its opinion word. For another, minor attention is assigned to the aspect word within graph convolution, resulting in the introduction of contextual noise. In this work, we propose a knowledge-enhanced dual-channel graph convolutional network. On the task of ABSA, a semantic-based graph convolutional netwok (GCN) and a syntactic-based GCN are established. With respect to semantic learning, the sentence semantics are enhanced by using commonsense knowledge. The multi-head attention mechanism is taken to construct the semantic graph and filter the noise, which facilitates the information aggregation of the aspect and the opinion words. For syntactic information processing, the syntax dependency tree is pruned to remove the irrelevant words, based on which more attention weights are given to the aspect words. Experiments are carried out on four benchmark datasets to evaluate the working performance of the proposed model. Our model significantly outperforms the baseline models and verifies its effectiveness in ABSA tasks.
Statistical Inference for Competing Risks Model with Adaptive Progressively Type-II Censored Gompertz Life Data Using Industrial and Medical Applications
Authors: Almuqrin Muqrin A. , Salah Mukhtar M. , A. Ahmed Essam
Published: November 2022

This study uses the adaptive Type-II progressively censored competing risks model to estimate the unknown parameters and the survival function of the Gompertz distribution. Where the lifetime for each failure is considered independent, and each follows a unique Gompertz distribution with different shape parameters. First, the Newton-Raphson method is used to derive the maximum likelihood estimators (MLEs), and the existence and uniqueness of the estimators are also demonstrated. We used the stochastic expectation maximization (SEM) method to construct MLEs for unknown parameters, which simplified and facilitated computation. Based on the asymptotic normality of the MLEs and SEM methods, we create the corresponding confidence intervals for unknown parameters, and the delta approach is utilized to obtain the interval estimation of the reliability function. Additionally, using two bootstrap techniques, the approximative interval estimators for all unknowns are created. Furthermore, we computed the Bayes estimates of unknown parameters as well as the survival function using the Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method in the presence of square error and LINEX loss functions. Finally, we look into two real data sets and create a simulation study to evaluate the efficacy of the established approaches.
Two-Dimensional Correlation Analysis of Periodicity in Noisy Series: Case of VLF Signal Amplitude Variations in the Time Vicinity of an Earthquake
Authors: Kovačević Andjelka B. , Nina Aleksandra , Popović Luka Č. , Radovanović Milan
Published: November 2022

Extraction of information in the form of oscillations from noisy data of natural phenomena such as sounds, earthquakes, ionospheric and brain activity, and various emissions from cosmic objects is extremely difficult. As a method for finding periodicity in such challenging data sets, the 2D Hybrid approach, which employs wavelets, is presented. Our technique produces a wavelet transform correlation intensity contour map for two (or one) time series on a period plane defined by two independent period axes. Notably, by spreading peaks across the second dimension, our method improves the apparent resolution of detected oscillations in the period plane and identifies the direction of signal changes using correlation coefficients. We demonstrate the performance of the 2D Hybrid technique on a very low frequency (VLF) signal emitted in Italy and recorded in Serbia in time vicinity of the occurrence of an earthquake on 3 November 2010, near Kraljevo, Serbia. We identified a distinct signal in the range of 120–130 s that appears only in association with the considered earthquake. Other wavelets, such as Superlets, which may detect fast transient oscillations, will be employed in future analysis.
Seasonality of Deaths Due to Heart Diseases among Cancer Patients
Authors: Shivarov Velizar , Shivarov Hristo , Yordanov Angel
Published: November 2022

Background and Objectives: Cancer patients are at increased short- and long-term risk of cardiac toxicity and mortality. It is well-known that cardiac morbidity and mortality follows a seasonal pattern. Here we address the question of whether heart disease-related fatalities among cancer patients also follow a seasonal pattern. Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of seasonality of deaths due to heart diseases (n = 503,243) in patients with newly diagnosed cancer reported during the period from 1975 to 2016 in the US’s largest cancer registry—the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Seasonality was assessed through a classical cosinor model assuming a single annual peak. Results: We identified a significant seasonal peak in the first half of November. A peak with identical features was for all subgroups of patients defined based on demographic characteristics. This was also the case when analysis was performed on subgroups defined by the type of malignancy. Only patients with acute leukemias, pancreatic cancer and nervous system malignancies did not have a seasonal pattern in heart disease-related fatalities. Conclusion: the rate of heart disease-related fatalities after cancer diagnosis follows a seasonal pattern similar to that observed for the general population, albeit with an earlier peak in November. This suggests that close monitoring of the cardiovascular system in cancer survivors must be particularly active from late autumn and during the entire winter period.
Prospective DNA Methylation Analysis of the CpG GABRA2 Receptor Subunit in Alcohol Dependence during Detoxification
Authors: Preuss Ulrich W. , Koller Gabriele , Zill Peter
Published: November 2022

Background and Objectives: Variants of GABRA2 have been repeatedly associated with alcohol dependence risk. However, no study investigated potential epigenetic alterations in the GABRA2 gene in alcohol-dependent (AD) subjects during alcohol withdrawal. We investigated DNA methylation pattern in the regulatory region of GABRA2 gene in peripheral leukocytes of AD patients and controls. Further, GABRA2 methylation patterns were analysed in neuroblastoma cells under ethanol exposure and withdrawal. Materials and Methods: In the present study, blood samples were obtained from 41 AD subjects on the day of inpatient admission, after the first and second week of inpatient treatment. The comparison group included 47 healthy controls. GABRA2 methylation of 4 CpG sites in the CpG island was compared to neuroblastoma cells which were exposed to 100 mM of ethanol for 2, 5 and 9 days, followed by a withdrawal interval of 4 days. Results: no significant differences in GABRA2 methylation patterns were found in AD subjects over time and vs. controls, after controlling for age. Further, no influence of withdrawal severity, alcohol consumption before admission and other alcohol dependence characteristics were found. Conclusions: The results indicate that GABRA2 methylation in AD individuals and in a cell model is unaffected by alcohol exposition and withdrawal. Influences of GABRA2 on characteristics of alcohol dependence may be exerted by mechanisms other than epigenetic alterations related to alcohol intoxication or withdrawal.
Adiponectin/Leptin Ratio as an Index to Determine Metabolic Risk in Patients after Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Graňák Karol , Vnučák Matej , Beliančinová Monika , Kleinová Patrícia , Pytliaková Margaréta , Miklušica Juraj , Dedinská Ivana
Published: November 2022

Background and Objectives: It has been confirmed that adiponectin/leptin (A/L) ratio correlates better with cardiometabolic risk factors than hormone levels alone. The aim of our study was to determine the risk of developing post-transplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM) and other metabolic conditions depending on A/L ratio after kidney transplantation (KT). Material and Methods: In a prospective analysis, the studied samples were divided into three groups: control group, prediabetes and PTDM group. Pre-transplantation, at 3, 6 and 12 months after KT, we recorded basic characteristics of donor and recipient. We also monitored levels of adipocytokines and calculated A/L ratio. Results: During observed period, we recorded significant increase in A/L ratio in control group (p = 0.0013), on the contrary, a significant decrease in PTDM group (p = 0.0003). Using Cox regression Hazard model, we identified age at time of KT (HR 2.8226, p = 0.0225), triglycerides at 1 year (HR 3.5735, p = 0.0174) and A/L ratio < 0.5 as independent risk factors for prediabetes and PTDM 1-year post-transplant (HR 3.1724, p = 0.0114). Conclusions: This is the first study to evaluate the relationship between A/L and risk of PTDM and associated metabolic states after KT. We found out that A/L ratio <0.5 is independent risk factor for prediabetes and PTDM 1 year post-transplant.
Electromass Transfer in the System “Cation Exchange Membrane—Ammonium Nitrate Solution”
Authors: Kozaderova Olga , Kozaderov Oleg , Niftaliev Sabukhi
Published: November 2022

The paper describes an experimental study and the mathematical simulation of the electromembrane transfer of cations of weak electrolytes (namely, ammonium ions), hindered by hydrolysis reactions taking place in the surface layers of the cation exchange membrane. Using the finite element method, we found a solution to the corresponding diffusion-kinetic electrodialysis problem in potentiostatic mode. Based on the experimental data and the results of theoretical simulation, we analyzed the effect of hydrolysis on the concentration polarization of the electromembrane system and the transport characteristics of ions, and suggested a mechanism of transfer of the components of the ammonium nitrate solution through the cation exchange membrane.
Optimization of the Design Configuration and Operation Strategy of Single-Pass Seawater Reverse Osmosis
Authors: Lim Seung Ji , Ki Seo Jin , Lim Jae-Lim , Lee Kyunghyuk , Kim Jihye , Moon Jeongwoo , Kim Joon Ha
Published: November 2022

The numerical study was conducted to compare process performance depending on the pump type and process configuration. The daily monitoring data of seawater temperature and salinity offshore from Daesan, Republic of Korea was used to reflect the site-specific seawater conditions. An algorithm for reverse osmosis in constant permeate mode was developed to simulate the process in time-variant conditions. Two types of pumps with different maximum leachable efficiencies were employed to organize pump-train configuration: separated feed lines and common pressure center design. The results showed pump type and design configuration did not have a significant effect on process performance. The annual means of specific energy consumption (SEC) for every design configuration were under 2 kWh/m3, except for a worst-case. The worst-case was decided when the pump was operated out of the best operation range. The two operation strategies were evaluated to determine the optimal configuration. The permeate flow rate was reduced to 80% of the designed permeate flow rate with two approaches: feed flow rate reduction in every train and pump shutdown in a specific train. The operation mode with feed flow rate reduction was more efficient than the other. The operating pressure reduction led to a decrease in SEC.
Developing a Hybrid Neuro-Fuzzy Method to Predict Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Permeability in Mixed Matrix Membranes Containing SAPO-34 Zeolite
Authors: Alibak Ali Hosin , Alizadeh Seyed Mehdi , Davodi Monjezi Shaghayegh , Alizadeh As’ad , Alobaid Falah , Aghel Babak
Published: November 2022

This study compares the predictive performance of different classes of adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference systems (ANFIS) in predicting the permeability of carbon dioxide (CO2) in mixed matrix membrane (MMM) containing the SAPO-34 zeolite. The hybrid neuro-fuzzy technique uses the MMM chemistry, pressure, and temperature to estimate CO2 permeability. Indeed, grid partitioning (GP), fuzzy C-means (FCM), and subtractive clustering (SC) strategies are used to divide the input space of ANFIS. Statistical analyses compare the performance of these strategies, and the spider graph technique selects the best one. As a result of the prediction of more than 100 experimental samples, the ANFIS with the subtractive clustering method shows better accuracy than the other classes. The hybrid optimization algorithm and cluster radius = 0.55 are the best hyperparameters of this ANFIS model. This neuro-fuzzy model predicts the experimental database with an absolute average relative deviation (AARD) of less than 3% and a correlation of determination higher than 0.995. Such an intelligent model is not only straightforward but also helps to find the best MMM chemistry and operating conditions to maximize CO2 separation.
Study of the Machinability of an Inconel 625 Composite with Added NiTi-TiB2 Fabricated by Direct Laser Deposition
Authors: Arlyapov Alexey , Volkov Sergey , Promakhov Vladimir , Matveev Alekey , Babaev Artem , Vorozhtsov Alexander , Zhukov Alexander
Published: November 2022

This work studies the process feasibility of milling a metal-matrix composite based on Inconel 625 with added NiTi-TiB2 fabricated by direct laser deposition. The composite is intended for manufacturing turbine blades and it has strength characteristics on par with those of Inconel 625. However, the addition of TiB2 has improved its heat and wear resistance. This material is new, and its machinability has not been studied. The new composite was milled with end mill cutters, and recommendations were worked out on the cutting speed, feed per tooth, cutter flank angle, as well as depth and width of milling. The wear of cutter teeth flank was more intense. After the flank wear land on the back surface of a tooth had reached 0.11–0.15 mm, there was a sharp increase in the forces applied which was followed by brittle fracture of the tooth. Milling at a speed of 25 m/min ensured 28 min of stable operation. However, afterwards the critical wear value of 0.11 mm was quickly approached at a cutting speed of 50 m/min, and critical wear followed after 14 min. Dependencies of the cutting forces vs. time for all the selected cutting speeds and throughout the entire testing time period have a tendency to increase, which indicates the influence of cutter wear on the cutting forces. It was found that the durability of the cutters increases with an increase in the milling width and a decrease in the milling depth.