bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploiting Lunar Navigation Constellation for GNC Enhancement in Landing Missions
Authors: Zanotti Giovanni , Ceresoli Michele , Lavagna Michèle
Published: September 2023

To support the increasing number of planned lunar missions, a collaborative international initiative is underway to conceptualise and establish a lunar satellite constellation for communication and navigation. In this context, the goal of the current paper is to analyse what the obtainable performance is for a lunar lander that executes state estimation employing one-way ranging signals from such a Lunar Navigation Service (LNS). In particular, a small-sized optimised navigation constellation is considered as the main source of measurements, which, coupled with an accelerometer and an altimeter, is used to estimate the lander absolute trajectory during the main braking phase. The guidance is extracted on board by interpolation of a ground-optimised trajectory, followed by a reference-tracking regulator. Two alternative control tuning cases are presented, one targeting high performance, the other targeting low propellant mass. Nominal performance and associated sensitivity analyses assessed the feasibility of supporting such a critical phase with a reduced LNS constellation, reaching final control errors below 500m, with the better performing one going down to 56m. Among the two proposed alternatives, the one targeting low fuel expenditure has proven, however, to also be more robust against time and state uncertainty, providing much larger success rates.
Analysis of Preliminary Impulsive Trajectory Design for Near-Earth Asteroid Missions under Approaching Phase Constraints
Authors: Kim Pureum , Park Sang-Young
Published: September 2023

This study investigates the preliminary trajectory design for high-thrust missions to near-Earth asteroids (NEAs), considering distance and phase angle constraints during the approaching phase to enable pre-rendezvous optical navigation and the scientific identification of asteroids. A global optimization algorithm called monotonic basin hopping is used to design Δv-optimal impulsive trajectories both with and without constraints. Comparisons reveal that extending the final leg of the unconstrained reference trajectory and incorporating a few deep-space maneuvers in that final leg can yield a constrained trajectory with a Δv increase of only a few percent. The effects of the phase angle and minimum distance constraint on Δv are also examined. The results indicate that in Δv-optimal constrained trajectories, an additional deep-space maneuver enables the redistribution of maneuvers in the last leg to ideally insert the spacecraft into the constraint cone. However, additional small maneuvers may be necessary at times to ensure that the spacecraft remains within the cone. Based on these findings, we present a two-step approach for the preliminary design of constrained trajectories for NEA missions based on global optimization algorithms. This approach serves as a valuable tool for initial mission design and trade-off analyses involving constraints, fuel usage, and transfer durations.
Differentially Expressed Candidate miRNAs of Day 16 Bovine Embryos on the Regulation of Pregnancy Establishment in Dairy Cows
Authors: Kasimanickam Vanmathy R. , Kasimanickam Ramanathan K.
Published: September 2023

Recent advances in high-throughput in silico techniques translate experimental data into meaningful biological networks through which the role of individual proteins, interactions, and their biological functions are comprehended. The study objective was to identify differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs between the day 16 competent, elongated embryo from normal cows and the day 16 noncompetent, tubular embryos from repeat breeder cows, assimilate DE-miRNAs to their target genes, and group target genes based on biological function using in silico methods. The 84 prioritized bovine-specific miRNAs were investigated by RT-PCR, and the results showed that 19 were differentially expressed (11 up- and 8 down-regulated) in the competent embryos compared to noncompetent ones (p ≤ 0.05; fold regulation ≥ 2 magnitudes). Top-ranked integrated genes of DE-miRNAs predicted various biological and molecular functions, cellular processes, and signaling pathways. Further, analysis of the categorized groups of genes showed association with signaling pathways, turning on or off key genes and transcription factors regulating the development of embryo, placenta, and various organs. In conclusion, highly DE-miRNAs in day 16 bovine conceptus regulated the embryogenesis and pregnancy establishment. The elucidated miRNA-mRNA interactions in this study were mostly based on predictions from public databases. Therefore, the causal regulations of these interactions and mechanisms require further functional characterization.
Increased Yearling Weight Gain Is Associated with a Distinct Faecal Microbial Profile
Authors: Maslen Brianna N. , Duff Christian , Clark Samuel A. , Van der Werf Julius , White Jason D. , Pant Sameer D.
Published: September 2023

Microbial communities inhabiting the gut have the ability to influence physiological processes contributing to livestock production and performance. Livestock enterprises rely on animal production traits such as growth performance for profit. Previous studies have shown that gut microbiota are correlated to growth performance and could even influence it. The aim of this study was to characterise the faecal microbial profiles of Angus steers with high and low ADG at both weaning and yearling stages by profiling 16S rRNA gene sequences from rectal faecal samples. When microbial profiles were compared in terms of relative abundances, LEfSe analysis, alpha diversity metrics, and beta diversity, at the weaning stage, few significant differences were found between the high and low ADG groups. However, at yearling stage, microbial profiles significantly differed between the high and low ADG groups. The relative abundances of eight phyla and six genera significantly differed between the two groups. Alpha diversity metrics showed a significant decrease (p = 0.001) in species richness in the high ADG group. Similarly, beta diversity analysis showed that samples clustered clearly according to high and low ADG groups at yearling stage, indicating that phylogenetic similarity between the two ADG groups was significantly reduced (p = 0.005).
Forecast and Analysis of a Rainstorm Case in East China Based on the Blown-Up Theory
Authors: Song Tao , Xu Dongmei , Shen Feifei , Shu Aiqing , Song Lixin
Published: September 2023

Practical application has shown that the blown-up theory has great predictive ability for predicting transitional weather systems, especially catastrophic weather systems. This study applies the blown-up theory to analyze and predict a rainstorm case in Jiangsu Province of East China to explore the applicability of the blown-up theory. At the same time, a numerical simulation experiment is conducted using the Weather Research and Forecasting Model (WRF) v4.2. The numerical results are compared with the European Center for Medium Weather Forecasting (ECMWF) Reanalysis v5 (ERA5) data and the China Meteorological Administration (CMA) Land Data Assimilation System (CLDAS) products. It is found that there is a deviation in the simulation for the precipitation center, and further analysis indicates that it is likely related to the position of the simulated low-level shear line. On the other hand, the blown-up analyses are consistent with the actual situation and provide additional information besides the numerical simulation results. These results indicate that the blown-up charts and V-3θ diagrams are able to predict the weather system transformation, the rainfall area, and the evolution of the rainstorm, which confirms the applicability of the blown-up theory to rainstorm forecasts. This provides an auxiliary analysis method in addition to numerical simulations for rainstorm forecasts.
Outcomes of a Diagnostic Pathway for Prostate Cancer Based on Biparametric MRI and MRI-Targeted Biopsy Only in a Large Teaching Hospital
Authors: Paulino Pereira Leonor J. , Reesink Daan J. , de Bruin Peter , Gandaglia Giorgio , van der Hoeven Erik J. R. J. , Marra Giancarlo , Prinsen Anne , Rajwa Pawel , Soeterik Timo , Kasivisvanathan Veeru , Wever Lieke , Zattoni Fabio , van Melick Harm H. E. , van den Bergh Roderick C. N.
Published: September 2023

Background: Diagnostic pathways for prostate cancer (PCa) balance detection rates and burden. MRI impacts biopsy indication and strategy. Methods: A prospectively collected cohort database (N = 496) of men referred for elevated PSA and/or abnormal DRE was analyzed. All underwent biparametric MRI (3 Tesla scanner) and ERSPC prostate risk-calculator. Indication for biopsy was PIRADS ≥ 3 or risk-calculator ≥ 20%. Both targeted (cognitive-fusion) and systematic cores were combined. A hypothetical full-MRI-based pathway was retrospectively studied, omitting systematic biopsies in: (1) PIRADS 1–2 but risk-calculator ≥ 20%, (2) PIRADS ≥ 3, receiving targeted biopsy-cores only. Results: Significant PCa (GG ≥ 2) was detected in 120 (24%) men. Omission of systematic cores in cases with PIRADS 1–2 but risk-calculator ≥ 20%, would result in 34% less biopsy indication, not-detecting 7% significant tumors. Omission of systematic cores in PIRADS ≥ 3, only performing targeted biopsies, would result in a decrease of 75% cores per procedure, not detecting 9% significant tumors. Diagnosis of insignificant PCa dropped by 52%. PCa undetected by targeted cores only, were ipsilateral to MRI-index lesions in 67%. Conclusions: A biparametric MRI-guided PCa diagnostic pathway would have missed one out of six cases with significant PCa, but would have considerably reduced the number of biopsy procedures, cores, and insignificant PCa. Further refinement or follow-up may identify initially undetected cases. Center-specific data on the performance of the diagnostic pathway is required.
Families Facing Pandemic Modifications of Everyday Life: A Mixed Study on Mothers’ and Children’s Emotional Reactions and Regulation Strategies
Authors: Guerra Giulia Carlotta , Nardozza Odette , Frigerio Alessandra , Garito Maria Concetta , Ponzetti Silvia , Passaquindici Ilenia , Fasolo Mirco , Spinelli Maria , Lionetti Francesca
Published: September 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic caused many enduring changes in the everyday life of families, with negative effects on parents’ and children’s wellbeing. However, there is a lack of studies in the literature exploring the emotional reactions and coping strategies of both mothers and children of different ages. Furthermore, most studies used only self-reports. This study aimed to identify the emotions and coping strategies of children, adolescents and their mothers and to verify the association between maternal and child wellbeing. A mixed-method design using interviews and questionnaires was applied to collect information on wellbeing (emotional reactions, behavioral/emotional problems) and coping strategies of both mothers (n = 65; M age = 42.17; SD = 4.40; M age = 41.63; SD = 4.48), and their children (n = 35, 8–10 year; n = 30, 11–13 year) during the second wave of the pandemic (December 2020). No differences between the groups emerged concerning the emotional reactions reported. In contrast, mothers and children of different ages reported different self-regulation and other-regulation strategies. Moreover, maternal strategies had different effects on children’s wellbeing. The integration of qualitative and quantitative results was informative to understand how families adapted to the radical changes of everyday life related to the pandemic. The implications for developing interventions in such similar stressful situations to promote family wellbeing are discussed.
Identification of T-Cell Epitopes Using a Combined In-Silico and Experimental Approach in a Mouse Model for SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Erez Noam , Achdout Hagit , Yahalom-Ronen Yfat , Adutler-Lieber Shimrit , Bar-On Liat , Bar-Haim Erez , Politi Boaz , Vitner Einat B. , Tamir Hadas , Melamed Sharon , Paran Nir , Israely Tomer
Published: September 2023

Following viral infection, T-cells are crucial for an effective immune response to intracellular pathogens, including respiratory viruses. During the COVID-19 pandemic, diverse assays were required in pre-clinical trials to evaluate the immune response following vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 and assess the response following exposure to the virus. To assess the nature and potency of the cellular response to infection or vaccination, a reliable and specific activity assay was needed. A cellular activity assay based on the presentation of short peptides (epitopes) allows the identification of T cell epitopes displayed on different alleles of the MHC, shedding light on the strength of the immune response towards antigens and aiding in antigen design for vaccination. In this report, we describe two approaches for scanning T cell epitopes on the surface glycoprotein of the SARS-CoV-2 (spike), which is utilized for attachment and entry and serves as an antigen in many vaccine candidates. We demonstrate that epitope scanning is feasible using peptide libraries or computational scanning combined with a cellular activity assay. Our scans identified four CD8 T cell epitopes, including one novel undescribed epitope. These epitopes enabled us to establish a reliable T-cell response assay, which was examined and used in various experimental mouse models for SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination. These approaches could potentially aid in future antigen design for vaccination and establish cellular activity assays against uncharacterized antigens of emerging pathogens.
The Sphingolipid-Signaling Pathway as a Modulator of Infection by SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Fenizia Simona , Gaggini Melania , Vassalle Cristina
Published: September 2023

Ceramides and other related sphingolipids, important cellular components linked to metabolic homeostasis and cardiometabolic diseases, have been found to be involved in different steps of the SARS-CoV-2 life cycle. Hence, changes in their physiological levels are identified as predictors of COVID-19 severity and prognosis, as well as potential therapeutic targets. In this review, an overview of the SARS-CoV-2 life cycle is given, followed by a description of the sphingolipid metabolism and its role in viral infection, with a particular focus on those steps required to finalize the viral life cycle. Furthermore, the use and development of pharmaceutical strategies to target sphingolipids to prevent and treat severe and long-term symptoms of infectious diseases, particularly COVID-19, are reviewed herein. Finally, research perspectives and current challenges in this research field are highlighted. Although many aspects of sphingolipid metabolism are not fully known, this review aims to highlight how the discovery and use of molecules targeting sphingolipids with reliable and selective properties may offer new therapeutic alternatives to infectious and other diseases, including COVID-19.
Eco-Innovative Concrete for Infrastructure Obtained with Alternative Aggregates and a Supplementary Cementitious Material (SCM)
Authors: Corbu Ofelia , Puskas Attila , Dragomir Mihai-Liviu , Har Nicolae , Toma Ionuț-Ovidiu
Published: September 2023

Concrete is a heterogeneous material, one of the most widely used materials on the planet, and a major consumer of natural resources. Its carbon emissions are largely due to the extensive use of cement in its composition, which contributes to 7% of global CO2 emissions. Extraction and processing of aggregates is another source of CO2 emissions. Many countries have succeeded in moving from a linear economy to a circular economy by partially or fully replacing non-renewable natural materials with alternatives from waste recycling. One such alternative consists of partially replacing cement with supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) in concrete mixes. Thus, this work is based on the experimental investigation of the fresh and hardened properties of road concrete in which crushed river aggregates were replaced with recycled waste aggregates of uncontaminated concrete. At the same time, partial replacement of cement with a SCM material in the form of glass powder improved the durability characteristics of this sustainable concrete. The microstructure and compositional features of the selected optimum mix have also been investigated using polarized light optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction by the Powder method (PXRD) for the qualitative analysis of crystalline constitutive materials.
Preparation and Application of Edible Film Based on Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose-Sodium Alginate Composite Soybean Oil Body
Authors: Sun Jie , Wang Luyang , Chen Han , Yin Guoyou
Published: September 2023

In the study, edible films were successfully prepared by incorporating soybean oil body (SOB) into sodium alginate-sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (SA-CMC) matrix. The effects of different concentrations (0–4% w/w) of SOB on the physicochemical and antioxidant activities of films were systematically evaluated based on mechanical strength, barrier properties, thermal stability, and preservation effect. Findings revealed that the oxidation resistance, water vapor barrier, and thermal stability enhanced after the addition of SOB, while the water content, water solubility, and swelling rate decreased. When 3% SOB was added, the edible film performed the best in terms of mechanical properties and thermal stability; water vapor permeability was reduced by 21.89% compared to the control group, and the fresh life of pigeon meat was extended by 5–7 days. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses showed that the addition of SOB results in a more stable molecular structure network, which improved its physical properties. Overall, the findings indicated that SOB improved the quality of edible films as an environmentally friendly food packaging material and increased the feasibility of edible film application in the food industry.
Next-Generation Sequencing Analysis of Mutations in Circulating Tumor DNA from the Plasma of Patients with Head–Neck Cancer Undergoing Chemo-Radiotherapy Using a Pan-Cancer Cell-Free Assay
Authors: Koukourakis Michael I. , Xanthopoulou Erasmia , Koukourakis Ioannis M. , Fortis Sotirios P. , Kesesidis Nikolaos , Kakouratos Christos , Karakasiliotis Ioannis , Baxevanis Constantin N.
Published: September 2023

Using next-generation sequencing (NGS), we investigated DNA mutations in the plasma tumor cell-free circulating DNA (ctDNA) of 38 patients with inoperable squamous cell head neck cancer (SCHNC) before and after the completion of chemoradiotherapy (CRT). Baseline mutations of the TP53 were recorded in 10/38 (26.3%) and persisted in 4/10 patients after CRT. ΤP53 mutations were further detected post CRT in 7/38 additional patients with undetectable mutations at baseline (overall rate 44.7%). Furthermore, 4/38 patients exhibited baseline mutations of the EGFR, AR, FGFR3, and FBXW3, and four new gene mutations were detected after CRT (MTOR, EGFR3, ALK, and SF3B1). Τ4 stage was related with a significantly higher rate of mutations (TP53 and overall). Mutations were observed in 8/30 (26.6%) responders (complete/partial response) vs. in 6/8 (75%) of the rest of the patients (p = 0.03). Significant poorer LRFS was noted for patients with mutations detected before and after CRT (p = 0.02). Patients who had detectable mutations either before or after CRT had significantly worse DMFS (p = 0.04 overall, and p = 0.02 for TP53 mutations). It was concluded that assessment of mutations before and after the end of CRT is essential to characterize patients with a high risk of locoregional recurrence or metastatic progression.
Picocyanobacteria in Estuaries of Three Siberian Rivers and Adjacent Shelves of Russian Arctic Seas: Genetic Diversity and Distribution
Authors: Belevich Tatiana A. , Milyutina Irina A. , Troitsky Aleksey V.
Published: September 2023

Single-cell cyanobacteria, being an integral part of picoplankton in marine ecosystems, have been suggested to be important contributors to primary production and carbon cycles in the global ocean. The spatial distribution, abundance and diversity of natural communities of picocyanobacteria (PC) in estuaries of Khatanga, Indigirka and Kolyma rivers and adjacent shelves of the Laptev and East Siberian seas were studied in September 2017. The PC concentrations were higher in the estuaries than in the shelf stations of the seas. The abundance of PC was 1.25 × 106 cells/L, 0.42 × 106 cells/L and 1.58 × 106 cells/L in the surface layer of Khatanga, Indigirka and Kolyma estuaries, respectively. The contribution of PC to total autumn picophytoplankton abundance averaged 6% and 3% in the Khatanga and Indigirka estuaries and reached 5% in the Kolyma estuary. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene and ITS region clone libraries revealed picocyanobacterial sequences related to marine Synechococcus subclusters 5.1-I, 5.2 and 5.3. Of the phylotypes from Synechococcus S5.1-I and S5.2 that were found, only several were discovered earlier, while the remaining clones were unique. Two groups of phylotypes (clades A and E) were found that were not closely similar to those previously described in both marine and freshwater habitats. It can be expected that a more detailed study of the phytoplankton of the Arctic seas will further expand our understanding of the diversity of these key components of the food chains of oceanic biocenoses.
C-Reactive Protein: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, False Test Results and a Novel Diagnostic Algorithm for Clinicians
Authors: Mouliou Dimitra S.
Published: September 2023

The current literature provides a body of evidence on C-Reactive Protein (CRP) and its potential role in inflammation. However, most pieces of evidence are sparse and controversial. This critical state-of-the-art monography provides all the crucial data on the potential biochemical properties of the protein, along with further evidence on its potential pathobiology, both for its pentameric and monomeric forms, including information for its ligands as well as the possible function of autoantibodies against the protein. Furthermore, the current evidence on its potential utility as a biomarker of various diseases is presented, of all cardiovascular, respiratory, hepatobiliary, gastrointestinal, pancreatic, renal, gynecological, andrological, dental, oral, otorhinolaryngological, ophthalmological, dermatological, musculoskeletal, neurological, mental, splenic, thyroid conditions, as well as infections, autoimmune-supposed conditions and neoplasms, including other possible factors that have been linked with elevated concentrations of that protein. Moreover, data on molecular diagnostics on CRP are discussed, and possible etiologies of false test results are highlighted. Additionally, this review evaluates all current pieces of evidence on CRP and systemic inflammation, and highlights future goals. Finally, a novel diagnostic algorithm to carefully assess the CRP level for a precise diagnosis of a medical condition is illustrated.
Stability Properties of Geometrothermodynamic Cosmological Models
Authors: Beissen Nurzada , Abishev Medeu , Khassanov Manas , Aitassov Temirbolat , Mamatova Sagira , Toktarbay Saken
Published: September 2023

We consider a particular isotropic and homogeneous cosmological model, in which the equation of state is obtained from a thermodynamic fundamental equation by using the formalism of geometrothermodynamics (GTD). The model depends effectively on three arbitrary constants, which can be fixed to reproduce the main aspects of the inflationary era and the ΛCDM paradigm. We use GTD to analyze the geometric properties of the corresponding equilibrium space and to derive the stability properties and phase transition structure of the cosmological model.
Reconsideration of Temperature Determined by the Excited-State Population Distribution of Hydrogen Atoms Based on Tsallis Entropy and Its Statistics in Hydrogen Plasma in Non-Equilibrium State
Authors: Kikuchi Koji , Akatsuka Hiroshi
Published: September 2023

In non-equilibrium plasmas, the temperature cannot be uniquely determined unless the energy-distribution function is approximated as a Maxwell–Boltzmann distribution. To overcome this problem, we applied Tsallis statistics to determine the temperature with respect to the excited-state populations in non-equilibrium state hydrogen plasma, which enables the description of its entropy that obeys q-exponential population distribution in the non-equilibrium state. However, it is quite difficult to apply the q-exponential distribution because it is a self-consistent function that cannot be solved analytically. In this study, a self-consistent iterative scheme was adopted to calculate q-exponential distribution using the similar algorithm of the Hartree–Fock method. Results show that the excited-state population distribution based on Tsallis statistics well captures the non-equilibrium characteristics in the high-energy region, which is far from the equilibrium-Boltzmann distribution. The temperature was calculated using the partial derivative of entropy with respect to the mean energy based on Tsallis statistics and using the coefficient of q-exponential distribution. An analytical expression was derived and compared with Boltzmann statistics, and the distribution was discussed from the viewpoint of statistical physics.
New Analytical Expressions of Concentrations in Packed Bed Immobilized-Cell Electrochemical Photobioreactor
Authors: Jeyabarathi Ponraj , Abukhaled Marwan , Kannan Murugesan , Rajendran Lakshmanan , Lyons Michael E. G.
Published: September 2023

An electrochemical photobioreactor with a packed bed containing transparent gel granules and immobilized photosynthetic bacterial cells is shown with a one-dimensional two-phase flow and transport model. We consider the biological/chemical events in the electrochemical photobioreactor, the intrinsically connected two-phase flow and mass transport, and other factors. This model is based on a system of nonlinear equations. This paper applies Akbari-Ganji’s and Taylor series methods to find analytical solutions to nonlinear differential equations that arise in an immobilized-cell electrochemical photobioreactor. Approximate analytical expressions of the concentration of glucose and hydrogen are obtained in liquid and gas phases for different parameter values. Numerical simulations are presented to validate the theoretical investigations.
Application of Clustering Techniques for Improved Energy Benchmarking on Deep-Level Mines
Authors: Caromba Claudio , Schutte Corné , van Laar Jean
Published: September 2023

The South African mining industry relies on coal-based energy to run operations, with the sector utilising 29.6 terawatt-hours of energy in 2018. However, energy availability constraints and swelling electricity prices in the country have instilled a greater emphasis on energy management practices to reduce waste and maintain profitability. Energy benchmarking is a popular and effective energy management method applied in industry, but the current methods in the mining sector use the average energy usage of various mining shafts over different intervals to develop benchmarks. This may lead to skewed benchmarks when anomalous energy usage is present within the interval or when vastly different energy users are aggregated. However, clustering-based benchmarking techniques have been applied successfully in other industries to compare similar energy users accurately. This study developed and applied a clustering-based benchmarking method to evaluate the performance of different mining shafts at a deep-level gold mine in South Africa. The K-means unsupervised learning clustering algorithm was used to group similar energy users and benchmark different mining shafts using ordinary least squares regression equations. Compared to traditional methods, the benefit of clustered energy usage benchmarks is shown by more accurately evaluating energy performance and facilitating focused energy management responses.
Heat Transfer Augmentation and Friction Factor Due to the Arrangement of Rectangular Turbulators in a Finned Air Channel of a Solar Air Heater
Authors: An Byeong-Hwa , Choi Kwang-Hwan , Choi Hwi-Ung
Published: September 2023

In this study, the heat transfer augmentation and friction factor of a novel type of solar air heater (SAH), which incorporates longitudinal fins and rectangular turbulators, were investigated numerically with different arrangements of the turbulators. The effects of arrangements of rectangular turbulators placed in a finned air channel on its heat transfer augmentation and friction factor are discussed for Reynolds numbers ranging from 3000 to 15,000 using commercial ANSYS 17.2 software. Four different arrangements are investigated, including Array A, which places turbulators on both the fin’s side and base surfaces at the same position; Array B, where turbulators are sequentially placed on the fin’s side and base surfaces; Array C, where turbulators are only placed on the side surface; and Array D, where turbulators are placed only on the base surface. Array A showed the highest heat transfer augmentation and friction factor among the investigated arrangements. However, the highest thermo-hydraulic performance (THP), considering both the heat transfer augmentation and friction factor, was obtained in Array B, with a value of 1.36. Consequently, Array B was regarded as the most appropriate and effective arrangement method for the finned air channel of a SAH.
Influence of Traction Battery Arrangement on Risk of Thermal Runaway and Loads Suffered by Electric Vehicle Occupant during Side Collision
Authors: Olona Ana , Castejón Luis , Valladares David
Published: September 2023

In the current electric vehicles, the purpose of the traction battery is to store energy. When designing this battery, different parameters are considered to arrange the battery/module/cells in the mechanically and thermally safest configuration. Moreover, the battery layout must produce correct dynamic behavior during collisions. In the present study, different battery configurations plus added energy absorbers were analyzed. To achieve this, an internal combustion vehicle modeled with finite elements was applied as the reference model. The structural behavior of the different battery configurations in the event of a side collision was examined. First, the safest arrangement was established with respect to both cabin intrusion and thermal runaway propagation. Second, the safest arrangement that guarantees the safety of the occupants in the event of a side collision was analyzed using MADYMO. This software includes experimentally validated dummies that allow insight into the stresses experienced by occupants. The results of the analysis showed that battery pack inclusion in the vehicle increases the stiffness of the car floor, resulting in fewer intrusions into the passenger compartment. Therefore, safety of the occupants is increased. However, none of the configurations analyzed showed sufficient safety against thermal runaway. This study contains sufficient contributions to the new body of knowledge, since there is no study that analyzes the safest configuration in terms of battery behavior with respect to intrusion into the passenger compartment and the effect of thermal runaway, together with the fact that this is the safest configuration for occupants after analyzing the injuries they experience in a side collision for the different configurations.
Diversity and Structure of Soil Microbial Communities in Chinese Fir Plantations and Cunninghamia lanceolata–Phoebe bournei Mixed Forests at Different Successional Stages
Authors: Li Weiyang , Sun Huimin , Cao Minmin , Wang Liyan , Fang Xianghua , Jiang Jiang
Published: September 2023

Cunninghamia lanceolata is an important species in plantations and is widely planted in sub-tropical regions of China because of its fast-growing and productive characteristics. However, the monoculture planting is carried out in the pursuit of economic value. This planting mode has led to problems such as the exhaustion of soil fertility, decrease in vegetation diversity, and decrease in woodland productivity. In order to restore soil fertility and increase timber production, the introduction of broad-leaved tree species to plantations is an effective transformation model. Understanding how forest age changes and stand structure differences drive the composition and diversity of soil microbial communities is helpful in understanding the trend of soil–microbial changes in plantations and evaluating the effects of the introduction of broad-leaved tree species in soil–plant–microbial ecosystems in plantations. Therefore, the purpose of our study is to investigate the effects of forest age and pure forest conversion on C. lanceolata–P. bournei-mixed forest soil microbial community structure and diversity by detecting soil nutrients, enzyme activities, and soil microbial 16S and ITS rRNA gene sequencing. According to the findings, the diversity and abundance of bacterial communities in C. lanceolata plantations of different ages increased first and then decreased with the increase in forest age, and the max value was in the near-mature forest stage. The fungal abundance decreased gradually with stand age, with the lowest fungal diversity at the near-mature stand stage. During the whole growth process, the bacterial community was more limited by soil pH, nitrogen, and phosphorus. After introducing P. bournei into a Chinese fir plantation, the abundance and diversity of the bacterial community did not improve, and the abundance of the fungal community did not increase. However, soil nutrients, pH, and fungal community diversity were significantly improved. The results of these studies indicate that the introduction of broad-leaved tree species not only increased soil nutrient content, but also had a significant effect on the increase in the diversity of soil fungal communities, making the microbial communities of mixed forests more diverse.
Lactic Acid Production Using Sugarcane Juice as an Alternative Substrate and Purification through Ion-Exchange Resins
Authors: de Oliveira Priscilla Zwiercheczewski , Vandenberghe Luciana Porto de Souza , Soccol Carlos Ricardo
Published: September 2023

The commercial importance of lactic acid (LA) is due to its versatility, especially in the food industry, and for being the precursor of poly-lactic acid, which demands a high-quality LA precursor. The overall LA production process still has some bottlenecks related to costs; thus, alternative substrates such as sugarcane juice may reduce the cost of the fermentation medium and provide a favorable environment for the Lactobacillus pentosus strain, which continues to be explored. In this context, this work presents the process of producing LA from sugarcane juice. The LA purification method is also described using different ion-exchange resins, both in packed columns and in a stirred tank. The fermentation kinetics showed the highest LA production of 113.74 g/L in 96 h, in which a productivity of 1.18 g LA/L∙h was reached. Among the purification techniques, the combined use of Amberlite IR120 and IRA-67 resins under agitation in a stirred tank was the best condition, and resulted in a final LA concentration of 189.11 g/L after 120 min, with 95% LA mass recovery. This result demonstrates a simplified way to use ion-exchange resins safely and in a controlled environment, and with process scale-up viability.
Enhancement of Triterpenoid Synthesis in Antrodia cinnamomea through Homologous Expression of the Key Synthetic Pathway Genes AcLSS and AcERG4
Authors: Zheng Siqi , Fang Mingyue , Huang Jiaxin , Li Yanbin , Mei Yuxia
Published: September 2023

Antrodia cinnamomea (AC), a rare fungus endemic to Taiwan, contains high levels of various secondary metabolites, notably triterpenoids, having useful medicinal and pharmacological properties. Techniques for increasing the production of AC triterpenoids (ACT) for medicinal purposes are a high research priority. We measured and compared the biomass and ACT content of AC mycelia under various liquid fermentation culture conditions. Relative gene expression levels of ten enzymes involved in the mevalonate (MVA) pathway and “subsequent group modification pathway” were determined, and correlation analysis was performed to evaluate the roles of these enzyme genes in ACT synthesis. Two representative genes encoding the enzymes lanosterol synthase (AcLSS) and sterol C-24 reductase (AcERG4), whose activity is closely associated with ACT content, were selected for homologous expression. AcLSS and AcERG4 were separately linked to plasmid pCT74, and transformed into prepared AC protoplasts to obtain two recombinant strains, termed RpLSS and RpERG4, by polyethylene glycol (PEG)-CaCl2-mediated protoplast transformation. Upregulated expression levels of AcLSS and AcERG4 (1.78- and 1.41-fold, respectively) were associated with significantly higher (1.82- and 1.37-fold, respectively) ACT content in the recombinant strains in comparison with the wild-type. Our findings provide a theoretical and practical basis for the enhancement of ACT production using homologous expression techniques.
Enhanced Anaerobic Digestion Using Conductive Materials through Mediation of Direct Microbial Interspecies Electron Transfer: A Review
Authors: Kong Tianqi , Zhang Wanli
Published: September 2023

The anaerobic digestion (AD) of organic matter is susceptible to the challenges posed by low-speed electron transfer between microorganisms and the limitation of low hydrogen partial pressure, resulting in low methane recovery efficiency and poor system stability. Numerous studies in recent years have shown that a variety of conductive materials can significantly increase the interspecies electron transfer (IET) rate, optimize the structure and function of anaerobic microbial communities, improve methane yield, and promote system stability by mediating the direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) of reciprocal microorganisms. In this study, on the basis of investigating the IET mechanism of methanogenic microorganisms in the AD of organic matter, the effects of carbon-based conductive materials (activated carbon, biochar, carbon cloth, carbon fiber, graphite, graphite felt, graphene, and carbon nanotubes) and iron-based conductive materials (magnetite, Fe3O4, hematite, Fe2O3, goethite, and zero-valent iron) on AD performance and microbial community using DIET are reviewed. Future research should focus on establishing an evaluation system, identifying flora with DIET potential, and finding methods for engineering applications that increase recovery efficiency and reveal the principle of conductive materials to mediate DIET.
Long-Term Side Effects: A Mathematical Modeling of COVID-19 and Stroke with Real Data
Authors: Özköse Fatma
Published: September 2023

The post-effects of COVID-19 have begun to emerge in the long term in society. Stroke has become one of the most common side effects in the post-COVID community. In this study, to examine the relationship between COVID-19 and stroke, a fractional-order mathematical model has been constructed by considering the fear effect of being infected. The model’s positivity and boundedness have been proved, and stability has been examined for disease-free and co-existing equilibrium points to demonstrate the biological meaningfulness of the model. Subsequently, the basic reproduction number (the virus transmission potential (R0)) has been calculated. Next, the sensitivity analysis of the parameters according to R0 has been considered. Moreover, the values of the model parameters have been calculated using the parameter estimation method with real data originating from the United Kingdom. Furthermore, to underscore the benefits of fractional-order differential equations (FODEs), analyses demonstrating their relevance in memory trace and hereditary characteristics have been provided. Finally, numerical simulations have been highlighted to validate our theoretical findings and explore the system’s dynamic behavior. From the findings, we have seen that if the screening rate in the population is increased, more cases can be detected, and stroke development can be prevented. We also have concluded that if the fear in the population is removed, the infection will spread further, and the number of people suffering from a stroke may increase.
Intravaginal Gel for Sustained Delivery of Occidiofungin and Long-Lasting Antifungal Effects
Authors: Cothrell Andrew , Cao Kevin , Bonasera Rachele , Tenorio Abraham , Orugunty Ravi , Smith Leif
Published: September 2023

Fungal infections are caused by opportunistic pathogens that can be life threatening or debilitating. Candida spp. are becoming increasingly resistant to current clinically approved antifungal therapeutics. Candida infections afflict not only immunosuppressed but also immunocompetent individuals. Recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC) is a disease that afflicts 5–9% of women. Occidiofungin is a novel cyclic peptide that has a broad spectrum of antifungal activity with a novel fungicidal mechanism of action. A gel formulation containing occidiofungin (OCF001) is being developed for use to treat vulvovaginal candidiasis. The formulated gel for intravaginal application used hydroxyethyl cellulose as the primary gelling agent and hydroxypropyl β-cyclodextrin as a solubilizing agent for occidiofungin. Franz cells and LC-MS/MS were used to determine the rate of drug substance diffusion in the gel formulation. The formulation was tested in an ex vivo mouse skin efficacy study, and the safety was tested following repeat intravaginal administration in rabbits. In this study, the gel formulation was shown to reduce the drug substance rate of diffusion across a skin memetic membrane. The study showed that the formulation extends exposure time to inhibitory concentrations of occidiofungin over a 24-h period and supports a single daily application for the treatment of RVVC.
From Poly(glycerol itaconate) Gels to Novel Nonwoven Materials for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Miętus Magdalena , Kolankowski Krzysztof , Gołofit Tomasz , Denis Piotr , Bandzerewicz Aleksandra , Spychalski Maciej , Mąkosa-Szczygieł Marcin , Pilarek Maciej , Wierzchowski Kamil , Gadomska-Gajadhur Agnieszka
Published: September 2023

Electrospinning is a process that has attracted significant interest in recent years. It provides the opportunity to produce nanofibers that mimic the extracellular matrix. As a result, it is possible to use the nonwovens as scaffolds characterized by high cellular adhesion. This work focused on the synthesis of poly(glycerol itaconate) (PGItc) and preparation of nonwovens based on PGItc gels and polylactide. PGItc gels were synthesized by a reaction between itaconic anhydride and glycerol. The use of a mixture of PGItc and PLA allowed us to obtain a material with different properties than with stand-alone polymers. In this study, we present the influence of the chosen ratios of polymers and the OH/COOH ratio in the synthesized PGItc on the properties of the obtained materials. The addition of PGItc results in hydrophilization of the nonwovens’ surface without disrupting the high porosity of the fibrous structure. Spectral and thermal analyzes are presented, along with SEM imagining. The preliminary cytotoxicity research showed that nonwovens were non-cytotoxic materials. It also helped to pre-determine the potential application of PGItc + PLA nonwovens as subcutaneous tissue fillers or drug delivery systems.
Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Frass on Sweet-Potato (Ipomea batatas) Slip Production with Aquaponics
Authors: Romano Nicholas , Webster Carl , Datta Surjya Narayan , Pande Gde Sasmita Julyantoro , Fischer Hayden , Sinha Amit Kumar , Huskey George , Rawles Steven D. , Francis Shaun
Published: September 2023

Nutrient supplementations are often added to aquaponic systems to optimize plant production, and black soldier fly larvae frass is a promising organic fertilizer. However, the mineral composition of the frass is substantially influenced by the initial substrate. In an 8-week study, sweetpotato slips were cultured at commercial stocking densities in an aquaponic system which received weekly additions of either BSFL frass made from high-nitrogen expired fish diets or low-nitrogen fruits/vegetables. The sweetpotato slips (≥8 nodes) were harvested weekly. Despite differences in the mineral composition between the frass types, the water quality as well as slip production/sugar content were unaffected by frass type. The results indicate that a wide array of substrates may be suitable for producing black soldier fly larvae frass as a fertilizer in aquaponic systems. Lastly, aquaponics is a viable system to commercially produce sweetpotato slips.
The Integration of Social Science for Community Engagement in the Humanitarian Fields of Conflicts and Disasters: A Scoping Review
Authors: Toro-Alzate Luisa , Maffi Paola , Puri Anu , Elessawi Rania , Cusano Maria Falero , Groenendijk Jozefien , de Vries Daniel H.
Published: September 2023

Community engagement (CE) is essential to humanitarian assistance, and the social sciences have been credited in recent epidemics and disease outbreaks as having played a crucial, supportive role. Broadening this attention to other humanitarian fields, this scoping review asks what lessons learned can be found in grey and peer-reviewed literature on the integration of the social sciences in CE for conflicts and disasters. Using an analytical framework developed through a UNICEF-led project called Social Science for Community Engagement (SS4CE) in Humanitarian Action, we identified 1093 peer reviewed publications and 315 grey literature reports of possible relevance. The results show that only a small minority—18 publications and 4 reports—tangibly comment on the relevance of social sciences, mostly only in passing and implicitly. While social science techniques are used and the importance of understanding a community’s cultural, linguistic, and religious context is emphasized, further discussion on the integration of transdisciplinary and multidisciplinary social sciences is absent. Furthermore, CE is mostly seen as an instrumental (‘means to an end’) involvement, for example to collect data in emergency situations and receive feedback on interventions, but not as a critical and transformative intervention. We conclude that unlike the attention given to social sciences in disease outbreaks, there is a knowledge gap and an accordingly proper planning and implementation gap regarding the potentiality of social science to improve CE across all humanitarian contexts of disasters and conflicts.
Effect of Different Frequencies of Dental Visits on Dental Caries and Periodontal Disease: A Scoping Review
Authors: Amarasena Najith , Luzzi Liana , Brennan David
Published: September 2023

Recommending dental visits every six months is commonplace among dental practitioners worldwide. A scoping review was conducted by electronically searching PubMed, Scopus and Embase to identify and map the nature of evidence for the effect of different frequencies of dental visits on dental caries and periodontal disease. Studies were written in English on the frequency of dental visits and published between January 2008 and April 2023. Three systematic reviews that evaluated the risk of bias, strength of studies and certainty of evidence were included from the 4537 articles yielded through the search strategy. The available evidence was weak and of low quality for the currently recommended frequencies of dental visits, whether these are fixed or universal. For adults, there was little to no effect of making biannual, biennial or risk-based dental visits on dental caries and periodontal disease, which was supported by moderate- to high-certainty evidence. Accordingly, it is suggested that dental professionals and dental insurance providers make individually tailored, customised and risk-based recommendations for dental visits, rather than encouraging fixed or universal frequencies of dental visits. For children and adolescents, further research on this issue warrants well-designed randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies of sufficient duration with an adequate number of participants.