bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Formulation of Entandrophragma utile into an Herbal Emulgel for the Management of Inflammation
Authors: Kola-Mustapha Adeola Tawakalitu , Ibraheem Haneefat Folashade , Taiwo Suleiman , Ishola Ismail O. , Usman Sukurat Olasumbo , Ghazali Yusuf Oluwagbenga
Published: December 2023

Introduction: Globally, the incidence of inflammation and inflammatory disorders has continued to rise at an alarming rate. Entandrophragma utile is a species of flowering plant widely distributed in Africa and has been used for the management of sickle cell disease, rheumatism, ocular inflammation, duodenal and stomach ulcers. This research aims to formulate and evaluate an anti-inflammatory herbal emulgel using an extract from Entandrophragma utile stem bark (EUB). Method: Using a carrageenan-induced paw oedema model, the anti-inflammatory efficacy of EUB the extract was assessed. The formulated Entandrophragma utile emulgels (EUE) were characterized, and their anti-inflammatory activity was demonstrated, by utilizing diclofenac emulgel-treated rats with complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritis model as the positive control group. Results: The emulgels formulated had characterization results within acceptable ranges; pH (4.25–5.80), viscosity (418.9–112.8 mPas), spreadability (25.00–31.82 gcm/s), extrudability (30.86–51.02 g/cm2), and a swelling index of (30–60%). The emulgel produced a concentration-dependent inflammatory inhibition with a peak effect (117.97%) at the end of the 4th week which was comparable to that of commercial diclofenac (127.19%). The phytochemical analysis led to the identification of saponins, flavonoids, phenols, and tannins as active secondary metabolites. Conclusions: The stem bark extract of E. utile possessed noteworthy (p < 0.05) reduction in inflammation in comparison to diclofenac and its emulgel formulation showed enormous potential for treating inflammation and pain.
Nanostructured Cellulose-Based Aerogels: Influence of Chemical/Mechanical Cascade Processes on Quality Index for Benchmarking Dye Pollutant Adsorbents in Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Pirozzi Annachiara , Rincón Esther , Espinosa Eduardo , Donsì Francesco , Serrano Luis
Published: December 2023

(1) Background: Nanostructured cellulose has emerged as an efficient bio-adsorbent aerogel material, offering biocompatibility and renewable sourcing advantages. This study focuses on isolating (ligno)cellulose nanofibers ((L)CNFs) from barley straw and producing aerogels to develop sustainable and highly efficient decontamination systems. (2) Methods: (Ligno)cellulose pulp has been isolated from barley straw through a pulping process, and was subsequently deconstructed into nanofibers employing various pre-treatment methods (TEMPO-mediated oxidation process or PFI beater mechanical treatment) followed by the high-pressure homogenization (HPH) process. (3) Results: The aerogels made by (L)CNFs, with a higher crystallinity degree, larger aspect ratio, lower shrinkage rate, and higher Young’s modulus than cellulose aerogels, successfully adsorb and remove organic dye pollutants from wastewater. (L)CNF-based aerogels, with a quality index (determined using four characterization parameters) above 70%, exhibited outstanding contaminant removal capacity over 80%. The high specific surface area of nanocellulose isolated using the TEMPO oxidation process significantly enhanced the affinity and interactions between hydroxyl and carboxyl groups of nanofibers and cationic groups of contaminants. The efficacy in adsorbing cationic dyes in wastewater onto the aerogels was verified by the Langmuir adsorption isotherm model. (4) Conclusions: This study offers insights into designing and applying advanced (L)CNF-based aerogels as efficient wastewater decontamination and environmental remediation platforms.
Resisting the Resistance: Navigating BTK Mutations in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)
Authors: Chirino Alexandra , Montoya Skye , Safronenka Anita , Taylor Justin
Published: December 2023

Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) plays a key role in the B-cell receptor (BCR) signaling pathway and confers anti-apoptotic and proliferative properties to malignant B-cells in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Small molecule BTK inhibitors were designed to bind BTK’s active site and block downstream signaling. These drugs have now been used in the treatment of thousands of patients with CLL, the most common form of leukemia in the western hemisphere. However, adverse effects of early generations of BTK inhibitors and resistance to treatment have led to the development of newer, more selective and non-covalent BTK inhibitors. As the use of these newer generation BTK inhibitors has increased, novel BTK resistance mutations have come to light. This review aims to discuss previously known and novel BTK mutations, their mechanisms of resistance, and their relationship with patient treatment. Also discussed here are future studies that are needed to investigate the underlying cause allowing these mutations to occur and how they incite resistance. New treatments on the horizon that attempt to maneuver around these resistance mutations can be met with new resistance mutations, creating an unmet need for patients with CLL. Novel therapies and combinations that address all forms of resistance are discussed.
Comparative Analysis of Six Chloroplast Genomes in Chenopodium and Its Related Genera (Amaranthaceae): New Insights into Phylogenetic Relationships and the Development of Species-Specific Molecular Markers
Authors: Wei Zixiang , Chen Fangjun , Ding Hongxia , Liu Wenli , Yang Bo , Geng Jiahui , Chen Shihua , Guo Shanli
Published: December 2023

Species within the genus Chenopodium hold significant research interest due to their nutritional richness and salt tolerance. However, the morphological similarities among closely related species and a dearth of genomic resources have impeded their comprehensive study and utilization. In the present research, we conduct the sequencing and assembly of chloroplast (cp) genomes from six Chenopodium and related species, five of which were sequenced for the first time. These genomes ranged in length from 151,850 to 152,215 base pairs, showcased typical quadripartite structures, and encoded 85 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 1 pseudogene, 37 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes. Compared with the previously published sequences of related species, these cp genomes are relatively conservative, but there are also some interspecific differences, such as inversion and IR region contraction. We discerned 929 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) and a series of highly variable regions across 16 related species, predominantly situated in the intergenic spacer (IGS) region and introns. The phylogenetic evaluations revealed that Chenopodium is more closely related to genera such as Atriplex, Beta, Dysphania, and Oxybase than to other members of the Amaranthaceae family. These lineages shared a common ancestor approximately 60.80 million years ago, after which they diverged into distinct genera. Based on InDels and SNPs between species, we designed 12 pairs of primers for species identification, and experiments confirmed that they could completely distinguish 10 related species.
Heterozygous Knockout of ARID4B Using CRISPR/Cas9 Attenuates Some Aggressive Phenotypes in a Breast Cancer Cell Line
Authors: Gonzalez-Salinas Fernando , Herrera-Gamboa Jessica , Rojo Rocio , Trevino Victor
Published: December 2023

Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of death in women around the world. Over time, many genes and mutations that are associated with the development of this disease have been identified. However, the specific role of many genes has not yet been fully elucidated. Higher ARID4B expression has been identified as a risk factor for diverse cancer types. Silencing experiments also showed that ARID4B is associated with developing cancer-associated characteristics. However, no transcriptomic studies have shown the overall cellular effect of loss of function in breast cancer in humans. This study addresses the impact of loss-of-function mutations in breast cancer MCF-7 cells. Using the CRISPR/Cas9 system, we generated mutations that caused heterozygous truncated proteins, isolating three monoclonal lines carrying insertions and deletions in ARID4B. We observed reduced proliferation and migration in in vitro experiments. In addition, from RNA-seq assays, a differential expression analysis shows known and novel deregulated cancer-associate pathways in mutated cells supporting the impact of ARID4B. For example, we found the AKT-PI3K pathway to be altered at the transcript level but through different genes than those reported for ARID4B. Our transcriptomic results also suggest new insights into the role of ARID4B in aggressiveness by the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and TGF-β pathways and in metabolism through cholesterol and mevalonate pathways. We also performed exome sequencing to show that no off-target effects were apparent. In conclusion, the ARID4B gene is associated with some aggressive phenotypes in breast cancer cells.
Towards Non-Invasive and Continuous Blood Pressure Monitoring in Neonatal Intensive Care Using Artificial Intelligence: A Narrative Review
Authors: Baker Stephanie , Yogavijayan Thiviya , Kandasamy Yogavijayan
Published: December 2023

Preterm birth is a live birth that occurs before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy. Approximately 11% of babies are born preterm annually worldwide. Blood pressure (BP) monitoring is essential for managing the haemodynamic stability of preterm infants and impacts outcomes. However, current methods have many limitations associated, including invasive measurement, inaccuracies, and infection risk. In this narrative review, we find that artificial intelligence (AI) is a promising tool for the continuous measurement of BP in a neonatal cohort, based on data obtained from non-invasive sensors. Our findings highlight key sensing technologies, AI techniques, and model assessment metrics for BP sensing in the neonatal cohort. Moreover, our findings show that non-invasive BP monitoring leveraging AI has shown promise in adult cohorts but has not been broadly explored for neonatal cohorts. We conclude that there is a significant research opportunity in developing an innovative approach to provide a non-invasive alternative to existing continuous BP monitoring methods, which has the potential to improve outcomes for premature babies.
Micropropagation of Duboisia Species via Shoot Tip Meristem
Authors: Xue Yuxin , Hiti-Bandaralage Jayeni Chathurika Amarathunga , Jambuthenne Dilani Tharanga , Zhao Zizhu , Mitter Neena
Published: December 2023

Duboisia is an Australian native, commercially valuable for tropane alkaloid extraction. Clonal propagation of elite selections is essential to establish highly productive plantations. The current propagation system using stem cuttings is proven to be inefficient, prompting the industry to seek a more efficient and effective propagation tool. Tissue culture is a cost-effective alternative for mass propagation of true-to-type plants, particularly ideal for propagating elite Duboisia selections. In this context, attempts were made to develop a commercially viable high throughput micropropagation system for three Duboisia species: Duboisia myoporoides, Duboisia leichhradtii and Duboisia hopwoodii. Various nutrient media, hormone combinations and incubating conditions were tested to optimise each stage of the micropropagation pipeline. The findings revealed that the tissue culture media composition and hormone requirements are species-specific. With the optimised conditions, an efficient tissue culture system was developed, achieving successful meristem induction and multiplication. Species-specific rooting protocol optimisation resulted in 100% rooting for D. myoporoides and D. leichhardtii, and 70% rooting for D. hopwoodii. Furthermore, an optimised acclimatisation protocol supported 100% survival of D. myoporoides and D. leichhardtii and 80% of D. hopwoodii plantlets. This study, for the first time, demonstrated the capacity of successful meristem culture of three Duboisia species, establishing the foundation for high throughput micropropagation of Duboisia species.
The Seasonal Variability and Environmental Factors Influencing the Transpiration of Western Juniper (Juniperus occidentalis) Saplings
Authors: Ochoa Carlos G. , Abdallah Mohamed A. B.
Published: December 2023

There is scarce information regarding the interactions between young tree water uptake and the environment in water-limited ecosystems. This study was conducted in a semiarid rangeland ecosystem in central Oregon, Pacific Northwest Region, USA. We measured the tree transpiration of western juniper (Juniperus occidentalis) saplings using the stem heat balance (SHB) method. We analyzed the correlation between transpiration and environmental factors affecting the saplings’ water use from May to October for 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2022. The study results showed that total annual precipitation for all but one year was below the long-term (2005 to 2022) mean precipitation value of 307 mm for the study site. Significantly higher transpiration rates were observed in the wet vs. dry years. The highest monthly averaged transpiration rates (2.95 L d−1) were obtained in August during the above-average precipitation year (2017). Peak transpiration rates for the below-average precipitation years were generally reached in June or July, ranging from 0.91 to 1.65 L d−1. The seasonal response of transpiration to different environmental factors varied. For all years, vapor pressure deficit (VPD), solar radiation (SR), and air temperature (AT) showed a positive correlation with transpiration, whereas precipitation (Pr) and relative humidity (RH) indicated a negative correlation with transpiration. Soil moisture (SM) and soil temperature (ST) positively correlated with transpiration for most years. A strong association between VPD and transpiration was observed during the wettest (2017; 327 mm) and driest (2021; 198 mm) years. Results from this study add to the limited literature on sapling transpiration and can contribute to the improved management of cool-climate rangeland ecosystems through an enhanced understanding of water use by young-stage trees and its potential impacts on the water balance of restored juniper landscapes.
On the Definition of Standard Parallels in Map Projections
Authors: Lapaine Miljenko
Published: December 2023

The article belongs to the field of theoretical research on map projections. It is observed that there is no unique and generally accepted definition of standard parallels in the cartographic literature. For some authors, a standard line is a line along which there is no distortion, and for others, it is a line along which there is no distortion of length. At the same time, it is forgotten that the length distortions at any point generally change and depend on the direction. The main goal of this article is very simple: the sentence “linear deformation is zero in all directions” is expressed using a mathematical formula. Besides that, the paper introduces equidistance in a broader sense. This is a novelty in the theory of map projections. Equidistance is defined at a point, along a line and in an area, especially in the direction of the parallels and especially in the direction of the meridian. This enables an unambiguous definition of standard parallels. Theoretical considerations are illustrated with examples of cylindrical projections. The practical value of the proposed approach is manifested in the possibility of a better understanding of the distribution of distortions in any map projection used.
Adipose Tissue, Non-Communicable Diseases, and Physical Exercise: An Imperfect Triangle
Authors: Monsalve Francisco A. , Delgado-López Fernando , Fernández-Tapia Barbra , González Daniel R.
Published: December 2023

The study of adipose tissue has received considerable attention due to its importance not just in maintaining body energy homeostasis but also in playing a role in a number of other physiological processes. Beyond storing energy, adipose tissue is important in endocrine, immunological, and neuromodulatory functions, secreting hormones that participate in the regulation of energy homeostasis. An imbalance of these functions will generate structural and functional changes in the adipose tissue, favoring the secretion of deleterious adipocytokines that induce a pro-inflammatory state, allowing the development of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases and even some types of cancer. A common theme worldwide has been the development of professional guidelines for the control and treatment of obesity, with emphasis on hypocaloric diets and exercise. The aim of this review is to examine the pathophysiological mechanisms of obesity, considering the relationship among adipose tissue and two aspects that contribute positively or negatively to keeping a healthy body homeostasis, namely, exercise and noninfectious diseases. We conclude that the relationship of these aspects does not have homogeneous effects among individuals. Nevertheless, it is possible to establish some common mechanisms, like a decrease in pro-inflammatory markers in the case of exercise, and an increase in chronic inflammation in non-communicable diseases. An accurate diagnosis might consider the particular variables of a patient, namely their molecular profile and how it affects its metabolism, routines, and lifestyle; their underling health conditions; and probably even the constitution of their microbiome. We foresee that the development and accessibility of omics approaches and precision medicine will greatly improve the diagnosis, treatment, and successful outcomes for obese patients.
Comparative Application of Terminal Restriction Fragment Analysis Tools to Large-Scale Genomic Assays
Authors: Abdulkina Liliia R. , Agabekian Inna A. , Valeeva Liia R. , Kozlova Olga S. , Sharipova Margarita R. , Shakirov Eugene V.
Published: December 2023

The analysis of telomere length is an important component of many studies aiming to characterize the role of telomere maintenance mechanisms in cellular lifespan, disease, or in general chromosome protection and DNA replication pathways. Several powerful methods to accurately measure the telomere length from Southern blots have been developed, but their utility for large-scale genomic studies has not been previously evaluated. Here, we performed a comparative analysis of two recently developed programs, TeloTool and WALTER, for the extraction of mean telomere length values from Southern blots. Using both software packages, we measured the telomere length in two extensive experimental datasets for the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, consisting of 537 natural accessions and 65 T-DNA (transfer DNA for insertion mutagenesis) mutant lines in the reference Columbia (Col-0) genotype background. We report that TeloTool substantially overestimates the telomere length in comparison to WALTER, especially for values over 4500 bp. Importantly, the TeloTool- and WALTER-calculated telomere length values correlate the most in the 2100–3500 bp range, suggesting that telomeres in this size interval can be estimated by both programs equally well. We further show that genome-wide association studies using datasets from both telomere length analysis tools can detect the most significant SNP candidates equally well. However, GWAS analysis with the WALTER dataset consistently detects fewer significant SNPs than analysis with the TeloTool dataset, regardless of the GWAS method used. These results imply that the telomere length data generated by WALTER may represent a more stringent approach to GWAS and SNP selection for the downstream molecular screening of candidate genes. Overall, our work reveals the unanticipated impact of the telomere length analysis method on the outcomes of large-scale genomic screens.
Comparative Study of Metastasis Suppression Effects of Extracellular Vesicles Derived from Anaplastic Cell Lines, Nanog-Overexpressing Melanoma, and Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Khoo Celine Swee May , Henmi Takuya , Saito Mikako
Published: December 2023

Previous studies have demonstrated that extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from an anaplastic mouse melanoma cell line made using Nanog overexpression of F10 (Nanog+F10) suppressed the metastasis of Nanog+F10. Here, an induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell line was focused as a more anaplastic cell line, potentially producing EVs with higher metastasis-suppressive effects. The EVs were introduced into the tail vein nine times before introducing Nanog+F10 cells. Two weeks later, the liver and lung were resected and metastatic colonies were quantified. The involvement of macrophages (invasion inhibiting ability, phagocytic activity) and cytotoxic T cells (cytotoxicity) was evaluated using J774.1 and CTLL-2 cell lines. iPS EVs showed similar level effects to Nanog+F10 EVs in every item relevant to metastasis suppression. Differential expression analysis of miRNAs in EVs and functional network database analysis revealed that dominant regulatory miRNAs were predicted. The candidate hub genes most highly associated with the metastasis suppression mechanism were predicted as six genes, including Trp53 and Hif1a, for Nanog+F10 EVs and ten genes, including Ins1 and Kitl, for iPS EVs. Regarding the mechanism, Nanog+F10 EVs and iPS EVs were very different. This suggests synergistic effect when used together as metastasis preventive vaccine.
The Coupling and Coordination Degree of Digital Business and Digital Governance in the Context of Sustainable Development
Authors: Kwilinski Aleksy , Lyulyov Oleksii , Pimonenko Tetyana
Published: December 2023

The inexorable march of technological advancement, particularly within the digital domain, continues to exert a profound influence on global economies, societies, and governance frameworks. This paper delves into the intricate coordination between digital business and digital governance against the backdrop of sustainable development. By introducing an index system to gauge the levels of digital business and governance, this study assesses their coupling coordination using a coupling coordination model. Through this level of coordination, this paper assesses their respective contributions to the sustainable development objectives of EU countries through panel-corrected standard error (PCSE) estimates. The paper’s findings underscore several key conclusions: (1) Notable upswings are evident in the composite indices for digital business and digital governance growth. Among these, the index of digital business has demonstrated the most pronounced surge. Furthermore, digital business has experienced a distinct upward trajectory in recent years. (2) Although observable, the rise of the coupling degree is restrained, with an overall coupling degree that remains relatively low. The coupling progression has transitioned from a stage of low-degree coupling to that of primary coupling, with EU countries demonstrating fluctuating rising trends in their coupling degrees, marked by conspicuous regional disparities. (3) Over the examined period, the extent of coordination between digital business and digital governance substantially impacts the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) index. Focusing on the interplay and harmonization between digital business and governance offers a novel pathway toward attaining the objectives of the Sustainable Development Goals.
C-Cell Hyperplasia and Cystic Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma in a Patient with Type 1B Pseudohypoparathyroidism and Hypercalcitoninaemia: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Ferrari Davide , Pandozzi Carla , Filice Alessia , Nardi Christopher , Cozzolino Alessia , Melcarne Rossella , Giacomelli Laura , Biffoni Marco , Di Gioia Cira , Merenda Elisabetta , Del Sindaco Giulia , Pagnano Angela , Pofi Riccardo , Giannetta Elisa
Published: December 2023

Hypercalcitoninaemia has been described in patients with pseudohypoparathyroidism (PHP) type 1A and 1B. Elevated calcitonin levels are thought to result from impaired Gsα receptor signaling, leading to multiple hormone resistance. Evidence on the risk of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or C-cell hyperplasia in PHP patients with hypercalcitoninaemia is lacking. A 43-year-old Caucasian man was referred to our endocrinology clinic for chronic hypocalcemia associated with elevated serum parathormone levels and a single cystic thyroid nodule. The patient did not show skeletal deformities, and screening for concomitant hormone resistances was negative, except for the presence of elevated serum calcitonin levels. The workup led to a molecular diagnosis of sporadic PHP1B. Fine needle aspiration of the thyroid nodule was not diagnostic. The calcium stimulation test yielded an abnormal calcitonin response. Given the scarcity of data on the risk of thyroid malignancy in PHP and calcium stimulation test results, total thyroidectomy was performed. Histological examination revealed cystic papillary thyroid cancer in a background of diffuse C-cell hyperplasia. To our knowledge, we are the first to describe a rare form of thyroid cancer combined with C-cell hyperplasia in a patient with PHP and hypercalcitoninaemia. In the present case, a mere receptor resistance might not fully explain the elevated calcitonin levels, suggesting that hypercalcitoninaemia should be carefully evaluated in PHP patients, especially in the case of concomitant thyroid nodules. Further studies on larger cohorts are needed to elucidate this topic.
Indoleamine 2,3-Dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) in Kidney Transplantation: A Guardian against Rejection
Authors: Wiśnicki Krzysztof , Donizy Piotr , Hałoń Agnieszka , Wawrzonkowski Patryk , Janczak Dariusz , Krajewska Magdalena , Banasik Mirosław
Published: December 2023

Kidney transplantation is a crucial treatment for end-stage kidney disease, with immunosuppressive drugs helping to reduce acute rejection rates. However, kidney graft longevity remains a concern. This study explores the role of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) in kidney transplant immunology. IDO1 breaks down tryptophan, affecting immune cell behavior, primarily T-cells. The research focuses on both cellular and antibody-mediated immune responses, often causing graft damage. The study assessed IDO1 expression in renal transplant biopsies from patients with graft function decline, examining its connection to clinical parameters. A total of 121 biopsy samples were evaluated for IDO1 expression using immunohistochemistry. Patients were categorized as IDO1(+) positive or IDO1(−) negative based on immunoreactivity in tubular epithelium. Results showed a significant link between IDO1 expression and rejection incidence. IDO1(+) positive patients had lower rejection rates (32.9%) compared to IDO1(−) negative ones (62.2%) [p = 0.0017], with substantial differences in antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) (5.2% vs. 20%) [p = 0.0085] and T-cell mediated rejection (TCMR) (31.6% vs. 57.8%). These associations suggest that IDO1 may play a protective role in kidney transplant rejection. IDO1 modulation could offer novel therapeutic avenues to enhance graft survival. The study underscores IDO1 as a potential marker for rejection risk assessment, with its potential applications in personalized interventions and improved patient outcomes. Further research is needed to fully comprehend the mechanisms behind IDO1’s immunomodulatory functions and its potential clinical translation.
An Experimental Study on Bushing Formation during Friction Drilling of Titanium Grade 2 for Medical Applications
Authors: Vanhove Hans , Ozden Ecem , Duflou Joost R.
Published: December 2023

Recent advances towards patient specific titanium sheet based medical implants introduce a new challenge for the fixation of these implants to bones. Mainly, the use of locking screws requires an implant thickness of approximately 2 mm for screw thread formation. Friction drilling is a hole-making process that displaces material to create a bushing below the sheet rather than extracting material. This experimental study explores the influence of axial force, rotational speed, and workpiece pre-heating temperature on the bushing height and thickness during friction drilling of titanium grade 2 sheets. The drilling parameters are optimized for both drilling at room temperature and at elevated temperatures for maximum bushing thickness with at least a bushing height of 1 mm. Subsequently, the samples are characterized for their microstructure and hardness, revealing preserved strength with a larger thermomechanical affected zone (TMAZ), a more gradual hardness gradient around the drill zone, and a significant reduction in microdefects in the bushing structure of the pre-heated sheets.
Combining a New Parameterization Scheme of Oceanic Heat Flux with Thickness Assimilation to Improve Sea Ice Forecast Accuracy in Liaodong Bay
Authors: Wei Binhang , Li Baohui , Zhao Jiechen , Liu Yu , Wei Zhijun , Wang Anliang
Published: December 2023

Liaodong Bay is one of the lowest latitude areas with seasonal sea ice cover in the Northern Hemisphere. Sea ice forecasting faces challenges in accuracy due to its low thickness. Therefore, a novel parameterization scheme for oceanic heat flux was developed to forecast sea ice thickness accurately. Application of the parameterization scheme for oceanic heat flux in the HIGHTSI model significantly improved the forecasting accuracy of sea ice thickness before the severe ice period. During this period, the RMSE of sea ice thickness measured on the JZ9–3 and the JZ20–2 oil platforms decreased by 0.53 cm and 2.90 cm compared to previous schemes, respectively. In order to improve the forecasting accuracy during the severe and melting ice periods, the observed and retrieved sea ice thickness was nudged into the model. The simulated results demonstrated a good agreement with monitored sea ice thickness distribution. During the entire season with sea ice cover, the R-squared values between simulated and retrieved sea ice thickness in the core area of Liaodong Bay reached 0.76. Furthermore, this study revealed a relatively strong correlation between air temperature and ice temperature on the following day. The proposed scheme provides a valuable approach to improve the forecasting accuracy for the areas with low thickness in the sea ice numerical models.
Static and Fatigue Characterization of Large Composite T-Bolt Connections in Marine Hygrothermal Environments
Authors: Murdy Paul , Hughes Scott , Miller David A. , Presuel-Moreno Francisco J. , Bonheyo George T. , Gunawan Budi , Hernandez-Sanchez Bernadette A.
Published: December 2023

Fiber-reinforced polymer composites have been highlighted as ideal candidates for structural applications in marine renewable energy devices, such as tidal turbines and wave energy converters. It is well understood that harsh marine environments can cause strength degradation of composite laminates, which has been extensively researched at the coupon scale; however, no research has investigated how this translates into larger-scale composite structures. This paper presents a subcomponent-scale study which investigates the effects of hygrothermal aging and subsequent static and fatigue characterization of thick composite T-bolt connections as part of a large, multilaboratory materials research effort. Of the glass-reinforced epoxy and vinylester-epoxy matrix composites tested, both showed measurable static strength degradation (4–36%) after being hygrothermally aged, even though the composite specimens were only partially saturated with water. Under tension–tension fatigue loading, the epoxy specimens performed very well in their dry states but exhibited significant degradation after hygrothermal aging. In comparison, the vinylester-epoxy specimens had much shorter fatigue lives in their dry states but exhibited no degradation after hygrothermal aging. Overall, this research demonstrates that hygrothermal aging can have significant effects on the ultimate strengths and fatigue lives of even partially saturated thick composite T-bolt connections, indicating that degradation of the outer plies on thick composite laminates can have pronounced effects on the whole structure. It discusses the challenges of building an understanding of the effects of harsh marine environments in large-scale composite structures.
A New Ocean Rock Mass Rating and Its Application to Determine the Ultimate Bearing Capacity of an Offshore Wind Monopile Foundation
Authors: Zhang Qi , Shen Yixin , Guo Xiaokang , Zhang Chenhao , Lin Yifeng , Wang Xiaojun
Published: December 2023

Offshore wind power is a new trend in renewable energy development. However, during the operation of offshore wind turbines, the rock-socketed monopile foundation is subjected to long-term cyclic loads, which will cause the seawater to erode the rock around the monopile foundation and reduce the ultimate end-bearing capacity. There is no suitable rock mass classification for evaluating the quality of marine bedrock and no theoretical method for accurately calculating the ultimate end-bearing capacity of the monopile foundation. Therefore, based on the existing rock mass classification, an ocean rock mass classification (OMR) that is applicable to marine bedrock is proposed. The ratings of four geological indices (R1, R2, R3, and R4) in the OMR classification are reset by the analysis hierarchy process and modified according to the geological conditions of marine bedrock. Then, an accelerated test of seawater erosion is used over 60 days to simulate seawater erosion for up to 12 years to determine the adjustment factor for the effect of time, Ft, in the OMR classification. Based on the OMR classification, a theoretical calculation method of the ultimate end-bearing capacity of the offshore wind monopile foundation under the overall sliding failure mode of rock mass is proposed. The theoretical calculation method was employed for offshore wind engineering, and the reliability of the theoretical calculation and three-dimensional numerical simulation was validated. The results show that the theoretical and numerical results for the ultimate end-bearing capacity without seawater erosion are similar to the measured results, with a relative error of less than 9%. The theoretical results are always larger than the numerical results, with a relative error of less than 7%. Finally, the theoretical and numerical results were used to guide the design and construction of an offshore wind turbine. The offshore wind turbine has been operating for 8 years, and its displacement is 15.3 mm, which is less than the numerical result of 16.94 mm.
A Systematic Literature Review of Maritime Transportation Safety Management
Authors: Xu Minqiang , Ma Xiaoxue , Zhao Yulan , Qiao Weiliang
Published: December 2023

Maritime transportation plays a critical role in global trade, and studies on maritime transportation safety management are of great significance to the sustainable development of the maritime industry. Consequently, there has been an increasing trend recently in studies on maritime transportation safety management, especially in terms of safety risk analysis and emergency management. Therefore, the general idea of this article is to provide a detailed literature review of maritime transportation safety management based on 186 articles in the Web of Science (WOS) database published from 2011 to 2022. The purposes of this article are as follows: (1) to provide a statistics-based description and conduct a network-based bibliometric analysis on the basis of the collected articles; (2) to summarize the methodologies/technologies employed in maritime transportation safety management spatiotemporally; and (3) to propose four potential research perspectives in terms of maritime transportation safety management. Based on the findings and insights obtained from the bibliometric and systematic review, the development of a resilient maritime transportation system could be facilitated by means of data- or intelligence-driven technologies, such as scenario representation, digital twinning, and data simulation. In addition, the issues facing intelligent maritime shipping greatly challenge the current maritime safety management system due to the co-existence of intelligent and non-intelligent maritime operation.
A 14-Year Cohort of Candidemia in the Pediatric Population in a Tertiary Center in Jerusalem: Clinical Characteristics, Antifungal Susceptibility, and Risk Factors for Mortality
Authors: Korem Maya , Taragin Asher , Dror Danna , Temper Violeta , Averbuch Dina
Published: December 2023

Candida spp. can cause bloodstream infection and is associated with significant mortality. The proportion of fluconazole-resistant Candida non-albicans has increased over the years, and empirical fluconazole maybe inappropriate. In this retrospective study, we analyzed clinical characteristics, antifungal resistance patterns, and mortality in children with candidemia treated at a tertiary medical center in Jerusalem between 2009 and 2022. A total of 122 children developed 127 candidemia episodes with 132 Candida isolates. Half the episodes occurred in immunocompromised children. Septic shock was present in 27 (21.3%). Candida non-albicans was responsible for 71/132 (56.5%) episodes; 16/132 (12.1%) of isolates were fluconazole-resistant. The rate of Candida non-albicans was significantly higher in fluconazole-resistant episodes (90 vs. 50.5%, p = 0.02). Prolonged severe neutropenia and previous fluconazole exposure were more frequent in fluconazole-resistant episodes. Thirty-day mortality was 25 (19.7%). Greater mortality, as shown by multivariate analysis, was associated with candidemia contracted in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), previous use of azoles or carbapenems, and in the presence of shock. In conclusion, mortality rates in our study were higher than those previously reported. In suspected infection associated with factors which we found to increase the probability of mortality—PICU admission, shock, and earlier azole or carbapenems exposure—empirical antifungals should be considered.
Understanding the Determinants of FinTech Adoption: Integrating UTAUT2 with Trust Theoretic Model
Authors: Amnas Muhammed Basid , Selvam Murugesan , Raja Mariappan , Santhoshkumar Sakthivel , Parayitam Satyanarayana
Published: December 2023

Financial technology (FinTech) is transforming the financial services industry by offering innovative, convenient solutions for businesses and individuals. This study examines the factors influencing FinTech adoption, with a special focus on trust. By integrating insights from both the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT2), and the trust theoretic model (TTM), this research uncovers critical determinants of FinTech adoption. Utilizing survey responses obtained from 399 participants, this research employs the partial least squares structural equation modelling method. The findings reveal that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, habit, price value, and facilitating conditions significantly influence users’ intentions to use FinTech services. In addition, the study shows that trust plays a crucial role in FinTech use, as it influences both the intentions to use and the actual use of FinTech. Surprisingly, hedonic motivation was found not to affect users’ intentions, implying that people see FinTech as a practical, rather than enjoyable, endeavor. These insights provide valuable guidance for service providers and policymakers seeking to enhance FinTech adoption and utilization while ensuring the security and trustworthiness of these digital platforms.
Introduction to the Special Issue Social Meanings of Language Variation in Spanish
Authors: Barnes Sonia , Chappell Whitney
Published: December 2023

Centering stances, positionalities, and style, the third wave of sociolinguistic study positions individuals at the heart of its analysis [...]
How the Concept of Solvent Polarity Investigated with Solvatochromic Probes Helps Studying Intermolecular Interactions
Authors: Langhals Heinz
Published: December 2023

Intermolecular interactions form the basis of the properties of solvents, such as their polarity, and are of central importance for chemistry; such interactions are widely discussed. Solvent effects were reported on the basis of various polarity probes with the ET(30) polarity scale of Dimroth and Reichardt being of special interest because of its sensitivity, precise measurability and other advantages, and has been used for the investigation of solvent interactions. A two-parameter equation for the concentration dependence of medium effects has been developed, providing insights into structural changes in liquid phases. Moving from condensed gases to binary solvent mixtures, where the property of one solvent can be continuously transformed to the other, it was shown how the polarity of a solvent can be composed from the effect of polar functional groups and other structural elements that form the matrix. Thermochromism was discussed as well as the effect of very long-range interactions. Practical applications were demonstrated.
The Reduction of Rotating Conveyor Roller Vibrations via the Use of Plastic Brackets
Authors: Hrabovský Leopold , Nováková Eliška , Pravda Štěpán , Kurač Daniel , Machálek Tomáš
Published: December 2023

This paper presents the basic structural parts, a 3D model, and the overall design of a laboratory machine, which was created to detect vibrations generated by the casing of a conveyor roller rotating at different speeds. The intention of the authors was to verify whether plastic brackets inserted into the structurally modified trestles of a fixed conveyor idler can reduce the vibration values transmitted from the rotating conveyor roller to the trestle of a fixed idler. Experimental vibration measurements taken on the non-rotating parts of conveyor rollers, performed on a laboratory machine according to ISO 10816, are suitable for characterizing their operating conditions with regard to trouble-free operation. The aim of this paper is to detect the vibrations of a rotating conveyor roller on a laboratory machine in the defined places of a fixed conveyor idler and also on the steel frame of a laboratory machine that represents the supporting track of a belt conveyor. Vibrations detected by piezoelectric acceleration sensors were recorded by a measuring apparatus and displayed in the environment of Dewesoft X software (version 10). The measurements show that the vibration values grow with the increasing speed of the conveyor roller rotation. Experimental measurements have proven the correctness of the assumption that the vibrations transmitted to the trestle of a fixed conveyor idler are lower by up to 40% when using plastic brackets into which the axle of the conveyor roller is attached, compared to the solution where the axle of the conveyor roller is inserted into the notches of a steel trestle.
Exploring the Impact of Passive Ankle Exoskeletons on Lower-Limb Neuromechanics during Walking on Sloped Surfaces: Implications for Device Design
Authors: Williamson James L. , Lichtwark Glen A. , Dick Taylor J. M.
Published: December 2023

Humans and animals navigate complex and variable terrain in day-to-day life. Wearable assistive exoskeletons interact with biological tissues to augment movement. Yet, our understanding of how these devices impact the biomechanics of movement beyond steady-state environments remains limited. We investigated how passive ankle exoskeletons influence mechanical energetics and neuromuscular control of the lower-limb during level, incline, and decline walking. We collected kinematic and kinetic measures to determine ankle, knee, and hip mechanics and surface electromyography to characterize muscle activation of lower-limb muscles while participants walked on level, incline, and decline surfaces (0°, +5°, and −5°) with exoskeletons of varying stiffnesses (0–280 Nm rad−1). Our results demonstrate that walking on incline surfaces with ankle exoskeletons was associated with increased negative work and power at the knee and increased positive work and power at the hip. These alterations in joint energetics may be linked to an additional requirement to load the springy exoskeleton in incline conditions. Decline walking with ankle exoskeletons had no influence on knee or hip energetics, likely owing to disrupted exoskeleton clutch actuation. To effectively offload the musculoskeletal system during walking on sloped surfaces, alterations to passive ankle exoskeleton clutch design are necessary.
ROMI: Design and Experimental Evaluation of a Linear Delta Robotic System for High-Precision Applications
Authors: Huang Xiaoyu , Rendon-Morales Elizabeth , Aviles-Espinosa Rodrigo
Published: December 2023

In this paper, the design and experimental evaluation of a parallel robotic system based on a linear delta geometry is presented. The design considers the requirements for high-precision applications including workspace, motion resolution, and payload. The entire design process includes robot kinematics, control, and optimization, resulting in the demonstration of a working device. The robot structure offers a versatile and simplified design when compared with state-of-the-art devices being able to be adapted to perform different tasks while keeping the advantages of high precision with reduced complexity. The presented robot prototype was constructed and evaluated experimentally through three proof-of-concept experiments mimicking tasks requiring high motion precision such as microsurgery, semiconductor testing, and optical device alignment. The obtained results in the three experimental scenarios validate that the here-proposed design can achieve an average motion precision of ~3.3 ± 0.3 μm with varying load conditions, thus confirming its potential to be used for high-precision tasks in industrial and medical settings.
Modulations of Stochastic Modeling in the Structural and Energy Aspects of the Kundu–Mukherjee–Naskar System
Authors: El-Shewy Emad K. , Abdo Noura F. , Abdelrahman Mahmoud A. E.
Published: December 2023

By using stochastic modeling, the investigation of the energy and wave characteristics of novel structures that develop in the sea and ocean currents becomes one of the most important advancements in the generation of sustainable and renewable energy. Theoretical examinations of random nonlinear Kundu–Mukherjee–Naskar (RNKMN) structures have become recommended in a random mode. The two-dimensional RNKMN equation permits exact and solved solutions that give rise to solitonic structures with adaptable properties. The obtained stochastic waves, under the influence of random water currents, represent a dynamically controlled system. It has been demonstrated that the stochastic parameter modulates wave forcing and produces energy wave collapse accompanied by medium turbulence. The fundamental wave characteristics establish an exact pattern for describing sea and ocean waves.
On Fixed-Point Equations Involving Geraghty-Type Contractions with Solution to Integral Equation
Authors: Singh Moirangthem Pradeep , Rohen Yumnam , Saleem Naeem , Alam Khairul Habib , Singh Kumam Anthony , Razzaque Asima
Published: December 2023

In this study, the authors verify fixed-point results for Geraghty contractions with a restricted co-domain of the auxiliary function in the context of generalized metric structure, namely the Sb-metric space. This new idea of defining Geraghty contraction for self-operators generalizes a large number of previously published, closely related works on the presence and uniqueness of a fixed point in Sb-metric space. Also, the outcomes are achieved by removing the continuity constraint of self-operators. We also provide examples to elaborate on the obtained results and an application to the integral equation to illustrate the significance in the literature.