bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Permanent Magnet Synchronous Spherical Motor for High-Mobility Servo-Actuation
Authors: Shah Jay A. , Miller Samuel R. , Jernigan Shaphan R. , Buckner Gregory D.
Published: July 2022

The development of direct-drive spherical motors offers a potential solution to the limitations of conventional multiple degree-of-freedom (DOF) actuators, which typically utilize single-DOF joints (rotational and/or prismatic), arranged in series or parallel and powered by multiple single-DOF actuators. These configurations can be accompanied by kinematic singularities, backlash, limited power density and efficiency, and computationally expensive inverse kinematics. This paper details the design, fabrication and experimental testing of permanent magnet synchronous spherical motors (PMSSM) for multi-DOF servo-actuation. Its stator-pole arrangement is based on a Goldberg polyhedron, with each pole comprised of hexagonal or pentagonal inner and outer plates. The stator geometry and winding configurations are optimized using electromagnetic finite element analysis. A custom-made controller board includes a microcontroller, servo drivers, a wireless serial interface, and a USB PC interface. Angular orientation is sensed using an inertial measurement unit in wireless communication with the microcontroller. A PID controller is implemented and demonstrated for time-varying reference trajectories.
Sequential Reliability Analysis for the Adjusting Mechanism of Tail Nozzle Considering Wear Degradation
Authors: Hu Huanhuan , Wang Pan , Zhou Hanyuan
Published: July 2022

The adjusting mechanism is an important part of an aero engine, and the wear degradation of clearance is widely present in its hinges. In this work, an adjusting mechanism with hinge clearance is analyzed by dynamic simulation and the wear depth is predicted precisely using a wear model. Based on that, a sequential reliability analysis of motion accuracy is carried out. In order to avoid the expensive computational cost of simulation, the adaptive radial-based importance sampling method combined with the adaptive Kriging model (AK-ARBIS) is employed, which describes the decrease of reliability in the standard normal space sphere by sphere with the updated Kriging model. To further utilize the information about each state of wear degradation, the advanced AK-ARBIS method is investigated. Through analytical examples of two typical mechanisms and the engineering application of the adjustment mechanism, the results show that the calculation cost of the sequential reliability analysis under different states can be effectively reduced.
Improving the Deeplabv3+ Model with Attention Mechanisms Applied to Eye Detection and Segmentation
Authors: Hsu Chih-Yu , Hu Rong , Xiang Yunjie , Long Xionghui , Li Zuoyong
Published: July 2022

Research on eye detection and segmentation is even more important with mask-wearing measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, it is necessary to build an eye image detection and segmentation dataset (EIMDSD), including labels for detecting and segmenting. In this study, we established a dataset to reduce elaboration for chipping eye images and denoting labels. An improved DeepLabv3+ network architecture (IDLN) was also proposed for applying it to the benchmark segmentation datasets. The IDLN was modified by cascading convolutional block attention modules (CBAM) with MobileNetV2. Experiments were carried out to verify the effectiveness of the EIMDSD dataset in human eye image detection and segmentation with different deep learning models. The result shows that the IDLN model achieves the appropriate segmentation accuracy for both eye images, while the UNet and ISANet models show the best results for the left eye data and the right eye data among the tested models.
Three-Way Ensemble Clustering Based on Sample’s Perturbation Theory
Authors: Fan Jiachen , Wang Xiaoxiao , Wu Tingfeng , Zhu Jin , Wang Pingxin
Published: July 2022

The complexity of the data type and distribution leads to the increase in uncertainty in the relationship between samples, which brings challenges to effectively mining the potential cluster structure of data. Ensemble clustering aims to obtain a unified cluster division by fusing multiple different base clustering results. This paper proposes a three-way ensemble clustering algorithm based on sample’s perturbation theory to solve the problem of inaccurate decision making caused by inaccurate information or insufficient data. The algorithm first combines the natural nearest neighbor algorithm to generate two sets of perturbed data sets, randomly extracts the feature subsets of the samples, and uses the traditional clustering algorithm to obtain different base clusters. The sample’s stability is obtained by using the co-association matrix and determinacy function, and then the samples can be divided into a stable region and unstable region according to a threshold for the sample’s stability. The stable region consists of high-stability samples and is divided into the core region of each cluster using the K-means algorithm. The unstable region consists of low-stability samples and is assigned to the fringe regions of each cluster. Therefore, a three-way clustering result is formed. The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm in this paper can obtain better clustering results compared with other clustering ensemble algorithms on the UCI Machine Learning Repository data set, and can effectively reveal the clustering structure.
Recent Advances of Constrained Variational Problems Involving Second-Order Partial Derivatives: A Review
Authors: Treanţă Savin
Published: July 2022

This paper comprehensively reviews the nonlinear dynamics given by some classes of constrained control problems which involve second-order partial derivatives. Specifically, necessary optimality conditions are formulated and proved for the considered variational control problems governed by integral functionals. In addition, the well-posedness and the associated variational inequalities are considered in the present review paper.
Regularity Properties and Lipschitz Spaces Adapted to High-Order Schrödinger Operators
Authors: Chen Wei , Zhang Chao
Published: July 2022

Let be the high-order Schrödinger operator (−Δ)2+V2, where V is a non-negative potential satisfying the reverse Hölder inequality (RHq), with q>n/2 and n≥5. In this paper, we prove that when 0<α≤2−n/q, the adapted Lipschitz spaces Λα/4L we considered are equivalent to the Lipschitz space CLα associated to the Schrödinger operator L=−Δ+V. In order to obtain this characterization, we should make use of some of the results associated to (−Δ)2. We also prove the regularity properties of fractional powers (positive and negative) of the operator ℒ, Schrödinger Riesz transforms, Bessel potentials and multipliers of the Laplace transforms type associated to the high-order Schrödinger operators.
Progress towards Analytically Optimal Angles in Quantum Approximate Optimisation
Authors: Rabinovich Daniil , Sengupta Richik , Campos Ernesto , Akshay Vishwanathan , Biamonte Jacob
Published: July 2022

The quantum approximate optimisation algorithm is a p layer, time variable split operator method executed on a quantum processor and driven to convergence by classical outer-loop optimisation. The classical co-processor varies individual application times of a problem/driver propagator sequence to prepare a state which approximately minimises the problem’s generator. Analytical solutions to choose optimal application times (called parameters or angles) have proven difficult to find, whereas outer-loop optimisation is resource intensive. Here we prove that the optimal quantum approximate optimisation algorithm parameters for p=1 layer reduce to one free variable and in the thermodynamic limit, we recover optimal angles. We moreover demonstrate that conditions for vanishing gradients of the overlap function share a similar form which leads to a linear relation between circuit parameters, independent of the number of qubits. Finally, we present a list of numerical effects, observed for particular system size and circuit depth, which are yet to be explained analytically.
A Fuzzy Grammar for Evaluating Universality and Complexity in Natural Language
Authors: Torrens-Urrutia Adrià , Jiménez-López María Dolores , Brosa-Rodríguez Antoni , Adamczyk David
Published: July 2022

The paper focuses on linguistic complexity and language universals, which are two important and controversial issues in language research. A Fuzzy Property Grammar for determining the degree of universality and complexity of a natural language is introduced. In this task, the Fuzzy Property Grammar operated only with syntactic constraints. Fuzzy Natural Logic sets the fundamentals to express the notions of universality and complexity as evaluative expressions. The Fuzzy Property Grammar computes the constraints in terms of weights of universality and calculates relative complexity. We present a proof-of-concept in which we have generated a grammar with 42B syntactic constraints. The model classifies constraints in terms of low, medium, and high universality and complexity. Degrees of relative complexity in terms of similarity from a correlation matrix have been obtained. The results show that the architecture of a Universal Fuzzy Property Grammar is flexible, reusable, and re-trainable, and it can easily take into account new sets of languages, perfecting the degree of universality and complexity of the linguistic constraints as well as the degree of complexity between languages.
Research on Dynamic Properties of Deep Marble Influenced by High Temperature
Authors: Li Xianglong , Wu Yongbo , He Lihua , Zhang Xiaohua , Wang Jianguo
Published: July 2022

Deep rock will be influenced by the excavation disturbances of different degrees, which seriously affects the safety production of underground mines. Considering that deep rock will be impacted by different temperatures and varied disturbance degrees, this work analyzes the effect of temperature on the dynamic properties of marble by means of the dynamic and static combined SHPB test device. The results reveal that as the temperature climbed, the diameter and height of the specimen increased and the mass and longitudinal wave velocity dropped. The variation laws of total stress–strain curves after varied high temperatures are substantially the same; the peak stress was negatively correlated with the action temperature. At 25 °C~400 °C, the failure mode of specimens is less affected by temperature. When the temperature is higher than 400 °C, the failure degree of specimens increases with the growth of temperature. At 25~400 °C, the above energy varies minimally. At 400~800 °C, with the increase in temperature, the incident energy, transmitted energy and absorption energy decrease, and the reflection energy increases gradually.
Multi-Object Tracking Algorithm of Fusing Trajectory Compensation
Authors: Jin Jianhai , Wang Liming , You Qi , Sun Jun
Published: July 2022

Multi-object tracking (MOT) is an important research topic in the field of computer vision, including object detection and data association. However, problems such as missed detection and trajectory mismatch often lead to missing target information, thus resulting in missed target tracking and trajectory fragmentation. Uniform tracking confidence is also not conducive to the full utilization of detection results. Considering these problems, we first propose a threshold separation strategy, which sets different tracking thresholds for similarity matching and intersection over union (IoU) matching during association to make the distribution of detection information more reasonable. Then, the missing trajectories are screened and compensated with the predicted trajectories to improve the long-term tracking ability of the algorithm. When applied to different association algorithms or tracking algorithms, a better improvement effect can be obtained. It can achieve high tracking speed while achieving high tracking accuracy on the MOT Challenge dataset.
Composite Indicator of the Organisational Information and Communication Technologies Infrastructure—A Novel Statistical Index Tool
Authors: Čudanov Mladen , Rakićević Aleksandar , Savoiu Gheorghe
Published: July 2022

This paper proposes a tool for objective evaluation of organisations’ information and communication technologies (ICT) infrastructure development level: Composite Indicator of the Organisational Information and Communication Infrastructure—CIOICTI. Based on separate research in 68 different companies, it aggregates hardware, software and humanware aspects of ICT development in organisations, especially valuing companies with synergetic aspects. It consists of six linear and non-linear indicator components, each designed to evaluate one specific aspect of ICT development, based on the weighted sum principle. The proposed CIOICTI examines ICT infrastructure as a necessary but not sufficient condition for successful ICT usage in business performance improvement. The obtained CIOICTI values are summarised in the distribution and tested for normality. Results are tested on the data from observed companies, averaged according to company size and industry and benchmarked. The proposed composite indicator can be used as an objective tool for researchers and practitioners to assess the level of ICT development for benchmarking with other companies, planning organisational changes or assessing infrastructural requirements for planning and implementation of ICT related projects in a business organisation.
Multiobjective Collaborative Optimization of Argon Bottom Blowing in a Ladle Furnace Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Xin Zicheng , Sun Jiankun , Zhang Jiangshan , He Bingchang , Zhang Junguo , Liu Qing
Published: July 2022

In order to consider both the refining efficiency of the ladle furnace (LF) and the quality of molten steel, the water model experiment is carried out. In this study, the single factor analysis, central composite design principle, response surface methodology, visual analysis of response surface, and multiobjective optimization are used to obtain the optimal arrangement scheme of argon blowing of LF, design the experimental scheme, establish the prediction models of mixing time (MT) and slag eye area (SEA), analyze the comprehensive effects of different factors on MT and SEA, and obtain the optimal process parameters, respectively. The results show that when the identical porous plug radial position is 0.6R and the separation angle is 135°, the mixing behavior is the best. Moreover, the optimized parameter combination is obtained based on the response surface model to simultaneously meet the requirements of short MT and small SEA in the LF refining process. Meanwhile, compared with the predicted values, the errors of MT and SEA for different conditions from the experimental values are 1.3% and 2.1%, 1.3% and 4.2%, 2.5% and 3.4%, respectively, which is beneficial to realizing the modeling of argon bottom blowing in the LF refining process and reducing the interference of human factors.
Performance Analysis of Multi-Cell Association in Downlink MU-MIMO System with Arbitrary Beamforming
Authors: Moinuddin Muhammad , Hassan Ahmad Kamal , Al-Saggaf Ubaid M.
Published: July 2022

This article deals with the analysis of the multi-cell association setup, and it exploits the possibility of enhancing coverage in the envisioned sixth generation (6G) large-scale cellular networks. Specifically, we propose a simple, effective approach for finding a closed-form solution to the coverage probability of a given user in a multi-cell association regime of downlink multiple-user multiple-input multiple-output (MU-MIMO) systems. In particular, a Rayleigh fading channel is considered, wherein the transmitter has only the knowledge of the second-order statistics of the channel. The proposed work uses an indefinite quadratic formulation method and thereby investigates the effect of cell association in a correlated downlink broadcast channel with co-channel interference, additive white noise, and multiple transceiver antenna elements. In the results, we show that a predefined signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) threshold dictates an effective multi-cell association setup, and we identify the region in which a multi-cell association performs better that a single association-based network. The derived theoretical expressions in this paper are validated by the same means of simulation.
Numerical Study of the Flow and Thermomagnetic Convection Heat Transfer of a Power Law Non-Newtonian Ferrofluid within a Circular Cavity with a Permanent Magnet
Authors: Khedher Nidhal Ben , Shahabadi Mohammad , Alghawli Abed Saif , Hulme Christopher Neil , Mehryan Seyed Abdollah Mansouri
Published: July 2022

The aim of this study is to analyze the thermo-magnetic-gravitational convection of a non-Newtonian power law ferrofluid within a circular cavity. The ferrofluid is exposed to the magnetic field of a permanent magnet. The finite element method is employed to solve the non-dimensional controlling equations. A grid sensitivity analysis and the validation of the used method are conducted. The effect of alterable parameters, including the power law index, 0.7 ≤ n ≤ 1.3, gravitational Rayleigh number, 104 ≤ RaT ≤ 106, magnetic Rayleigh number, 105 ≤ RaM ≤ 108, the location of the hot and cold surfaces, 0 ≤ λ ≤ π/2, and the length of the magnet normalized with respect to the diameter of the cavity, 0.1 ≤ L ≤ 0.65, on the flow and heat transfer characteristics are explored. The results show that the heat transfer rate increases at the end of both arcs compared to the central region because of buoyancy effects, and it is greater close to the hot arc. The location of the arcs does not affect the heat transfer rate considerably. An increase in the magnetic Rayleigh number contributes to stronger circulation of the flow inside and higher heat transfer. When the Kelvin force is the only one imposed on the flow, it enhances the heat transfer for magnets of length 0.2 ≤ L ≤ 0.3.
Dynamic Analysis of a Piezoelectrically Layered Perforated Nonlocal Strain Gradient Nanobeam with Flexoelectricity
Authors: Melaibari Ammar , Abdelrahman Alaa A. , Hamed Mostafa A. , Abdalla Ahmed W. , Eltaher Mohamed A.
Published: July 2022

This study presents a mathematical size-dependent model capable of investigating the dynamic behavior of a sandwich perforated nanobeam incorporating the flexoelectricity effect. The nonlocal strain gradient elasticity theory is developed for both continuum mechanics and flexoelectricity. Closed forms of the equivalent perforated geometrical variables are developed. The Hamiltonian principle is exploited to derive the governing equation of motion of the sandwich beam including the flexoelectric effect. Closed forms for the eigen values are derived for different boundary conditions. The accuracy of the developed model is verified by comparing the obtained results with the available published results. Parametric studies are conducted to explore the effects of the perforation parameters, geometric dimensions, nonclassical parameters, flexoelectric parameters, as well as the piezoelectric parameters on the vibration behavior of a piezoelectric perforated sandwich nanobeam. The obtained results demonstrate that both the flexoelectric and piezoelectric parameters increased the vibration frequency of the nanobeam. The nonlocal parameter reduced the natural vibration frequency due to a decrease in the stiffness of the structures. However, the strain gradient parameter increased the stiffness of the structures and hence increased the natural vibration frequency. The natural vibration frequency based on the NSGT can be increased or decreased, depending on the ration of the value of the nonlocal parameter to the strain gradient parameter. This model can be employed in the analysis and design of NEMS, nanosensors, and nanoactuators.
(k,ψ)-Hilfer Nonlocal Integro-Multi-Point Boundary Value Problems for Fractional Differential Equations and Inclusions
Authors: Ntouyas Sotiris K. , Ahmad Bashir , Tariboon Jessada
Published: July 2022

In this paper, we establish existence and uniqueness results for single-valued as well as multi-valued (k,ψ)-Hilfer boundary value problems of order in (1,2], subject to nonlocal integro-multi-point boundary conditions. In the single-valued case, we use Banach and Krasnosel’skiĭ fixed point theorems as well as a Leray–Schauder nonlinear alternative to derive the existence and uniqueness results. For the multi-valued problem, we prove two existence results for the convex and non-convex nature of the multi-valued map involved in a problem by applying a Leray–Schauder nonlinear alternative for multi-valued maps, and a Covitz–Nadler fixed point theorem for multi-valued contractions, respectively. Numerical examples are presented for illustration of all the obtained results.
Genome Mining as an Alternative Way for Screening the Marine Organisms for Their Potential to Produce UV-Absorbing Mycosporine-like Amino Acid
Authors: Rosic Nedeljka
Published: July 2022

Mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) are small molecules with robust ultraviolet (UV)-absorbing capacities and a huge potential to be used as an environmentally friendly natural sunscreen. MAAs, temperature, and light-stable compounds demonstrate powerful photoprotective capacities and the ability to capture light in the UV-A and UV-B ranges without the production of damaging free radicals. The biotechnological uses of these secondary metabolites have been often limited by the small quantities restored from natural resources, variation in MAA expression profiles, and limited success in heterologous expression systems. Overcoming these obstacles requires a better understanding of MAA biosynthesis and its regulatory processes. MAAs are produced to a certain extent via a four-enzyme pathway, including genes encoding enzymes dehydroquinate synthase, enzyme O-methyltransferase, adenosine triphosphate grasp, and a nonribosomal peptide synthetase. However, there are substantial genetic discrepancies in the MAA genetic pathway in different species, suggesting further complexity of this pathway that is yet to be fully explored. In recent years, the application of genome-mining approaches allowed the identification of biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) that resulted in the discovery of many new compounds from unconventional sources. This review explores the use of novel genomics tools for linking BGCs and secondary metabolites based on the available omics data, including MAAs, and evaluates the potential of using novel genome-mining tools to reveal a cryptic potential for new bioproduct screening approaches and unrevealing new MAA producers.
Factors Influencing the Desirability, Acceptability, and Adherence of Patients with Diabetes to Telemedicine
Authors: Patrascu Raul , Albai Alin , Braha Adina , Gaita Laura , Lazar Sandra , Potre Ovidiu , Timar Bogdan
Published: July 2022

Background and Objectives: Telemedicine solutions have proven their value and efficacy in augmenting diabetes care. In addition to the availability of tools needed to implement telemedicine solutions for patients with diabetes, the patients’ desirability, acceptance, and adherence represent major burdens in implementing them. The main aim of this research is to evaluate which factors are influencing the desirability, acceptance, and adherence of patients with diabetes to telemedicine interventions in diabetes care. Materials and Methods: QTelemeDiab, a previously validated instrument for assessing patients’ desirability, acceptance, and adherence to telemedicine in diabetes care, was used on 114 enrolled patients with diabetes mellitus, in parallel with demographic, socio-economic, disease history, and psychometric data from all patients. Results: Left-skewed score distributions were observed for the QTelemeDiab total score (median = 166; skewness = −1.738), as well as all its components, thus denoting a high desirability, acceptance, and adherence towards telemedicine use. The presence of severe depression was associated with significant decreases in the QTelemeDiab score (148 vs. 167; p < 0.001), as well as on the desirability sub-score (101 vs. 115; p < 0.001) and adherence sub-score (30 vs. 35; p < 0.001). The presence of severe anxiety was associated with significant decreases in QTelemeDiab score (150 vs. 166), as well as the desirability sub-score (104 vs. 114; p = 0.008) and adherence sub-score (30 vs. 34; p = 0.012). Conclusions: There is a high desirability, acceptance, and adherence to the use of telemedicine interventions in patients with diabetes, both in special and in normal epidemiological settings. The presence of severe anxiety decreases the patient’s desirability, acceptance, and adherence, while the presence of severe depression decreases the patient’s desirability and adherence to the use of telemedicine interventions in diabetes care.
Alloying Effects on the Stability of D022 γ”-Ni3M (M: Nb, Ta, V) Precipitates at Elevated Temperatures in Alloy 718 Type Ni-Based Alloys
Authors: Tokutomi Kako , Sagitani Kyosuke , Kobayashi Satoru
Published: July 2022

The effects of alloying elements, M (M = Nb, Ta, and V), on the stability of D022 γ”-Ni3M precipitates at elevated temperatures were investigated in Ni-22Cr-based ternary and quaternary alloys using heat-treated diffusion-multiple and bulk samples with discrete chemical compositions, with a final goal to improve the precipitate stability and the temperature capability of the Alloy-718-type Ni-based superalloys. Our microstructural characterization indicated that a complete replacement of Nb with Ta stabilized the γ” precipitates at temperatures up to 800 °C. A partial replacement of Ta with V was found to stabilize the precipitates even at 900 °C. Differential scanning calorimetry and high-temperature X-ray diffraction experiments demonstrated that the D0a-Ni3M structure was stable at elevated temperatures in the Ni-Cr-Ta ternary system. Lattice parameter measurements at room temperature suggested that a partial replacement of Ta with V decreased the lattice misfit between the fcc γ matrix and the γ” precipitate phases along the a- and c-axes of the tetragonal γ” crystal structure. The improved γ” precipitate stability was discussed in terms of the chemical driving force, misfit strain, and diffusion kinetics viewpoints.
Atomistic Investigation of the Effects of Different Reinforcements on Al Matrix Composite
Authors: Zhu Yongchao , Li Na , Zhang Lan , Zhang Jidong , Niu Liwei , Li Wei , Li Songtao
Published: July 2022

In this work, we studied the effects of different reinforcements on a metal matrix composite (MMC) using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, where graphene was chosen as the two-dimensional (2D) material and diamond was selected as the three-dimensional (3D) material. Sintering and tensile processes were conducted on the MMC models containing reinforcements of various sizes, and the effects of reinforcements with the same surface area were compared. The results indicated that the 2D material was more beneficial for sintering at the heating stage, producing a higher-density structure. The volume of Al atoms fell from 752 to 736 nm3 as the graphene size in the composite system increased. However, a slight increase from 749 to 755 nm3 was observed when the diamond radius was small. Converted to relevant metrics in the experiments, the density of the composite reached 2.84 g/cc with a 3.3 wt.% addition of single-layer graphene (SLG) and 2.87 g/cc with a 15.4 wt.% addition of diamond, and the results were slightly higher than the experimental reports. Both SLG and diamond could reduce the number of arranged Al atoms from 43,550 to approximately 35,000, and bilayer graphene (BLG) with the largest size could further decrease the number of arranged atoms to nearly 30,000, implying that grain refinement could be obtained by increasing the surface area of reinforcements. Considering the scale of these models, the reinforcement size and pore location in the initial structures were deemed to have an impact on the mechanical properties. The composite with the largest proportion of SLG showed an increase of more than 1.6 GPa in tensile strength; however, BLG showed a significant drop of 1.9 GPa when stretched in the normal direction, as the large interlayer space acted as a large hole in tension. The diamond size did not appear to affect the strengthening effects. Nevertheless, the elongation values of composites with graphene were generally 35% higher than the Al-diamond composites.
Calculation Model, Influencing Factors, and Dynamic Characteristics of Strip Temperature in a Radiant Tube Furnace during Continuous Annealing Process
Authors: He Fei , Wang Zhong-Xue , Liu Gang , Wu Xi-Long
Published: July 2022

Strip temperature control is central to the continuous annealing process, and a strip temperature calculation model is necessary to realize accurate and stable strip temperature control. This paper focuses on the radiant tube furnace (RTF), which is the most important and most difficult to control in the continuous annealing process. A calculation model of strip temperature distribution is established using the heat balance method, which is suitable for online control. The model is verified to be accurate and reliable based on the measured data. On this basis, the influencing factors of strip temperature distribution in RTFs are further analyzed. The results show that strip thickness, line speed, and the radiant tube temperature of each column have significant influence on strip temperature distribution, while strip width has little influence. Furthermore, the dynamic characteristics of strip temperature under different working conditions are also investigated. The results reflect that strip temperature at the RTF exit has different response times, and amplitudes to the change of line speed, strip thickness, and radiant tube temperature. After changing the process parameters, the re-stabilization process of strip temperature shows a significant time lag.
Modelling of Strain-Controlled Thermomechanical Fatigue Testing of Cast AlSi7Cu3.5Mg0.15 (Mn, Zr, V) Alloy for Different Aging Conditions
Authors: Heugue Pierre , Larouche Daniel , Breton Francis , Martinez Rémi , Chen X.-Grant , Massinon Denis
Published: July 2022

Thermomechanical fatigue loadings (TMF) applied on components in a certain temperature range with a variable state of stress (tensile and/or compression) produce a localized concentration of plastic strains that results in crack initiation and propagation. The time evolution of plastic strains must be known a priori to predict the lifetime of a part submitted to TMF loadings, which requires an extensive campaign of mechanical characterization conducted at different temperatures and aging conditions. Such a campaign was proposed for the aluminum alloy AlSi7Cu3.5Mg0.15 (Mn, Zr, V), which is recognized as being creep resistant. Combined isothermal low-cycle fatigue and isothermal creep tests were performed on this alloy to determine the constitutive parameters based on the Lemaître and Chaboche (LM&C) viscoplastic model. These laws were implemented within the finite element simulation software (Z-set) to model the response of the alloy to a thermomechanical fatigue test. The results of TMF Z-Set simulations, using the LM&C model adapted for two aging conditions, were then compared with results obtained from “Out of Phase” thermomechanical fatigue testings (OP-TMF) performed on a Gleeble 3800 machine. The modelling of the OP-TMF test revealed the complexity of the mechanical behavior of the material induced by the temperature gradient prevailing along with the cylindrical specimen. It was found that a better prediction of the evolution of plastic strains requires taking into account a larger range of plastic strain rates conditions for the determination of the constitutive law and eventually includes the role of the microstructure in the evolution of the material behavior, starting first with the yield stress.
Identification of Independent and Shared Metabolic Responses to High-Fiber and Antibiotic Treatments in Fecal Metabolome of Grow–Finish Pigs
Authors: Hung Yuan-Tai , Song Yajian , Hu Qiong , Faris Richard J. , Guo Juanjuan , Ma Yiwei , Saqui-Salces Milena , Urriola Pedro E. , Shurson Gerald C. , Chen Chi
Published: July 2022

Feeding high-fiber (HF) coproducts to grow–finish pigs as a cost-saving practice could compromise growth performance, while the inclusion of antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) may improve it. The hindgut is a shared site of actions between fiber and AGPs. However, whether the metabolic interactions between them could occur in the digestive tract of pigs and then become detectable in feces have not been well-examined. In this study, wheat middling (WM), a HF coproduct, and bacitracin, a peptide antibiotic (AB), were fed to 128 grow–finish pigs for 98 days following a 2 × 2 factorial design, including antibiotic-free (AF) + low fiber (LF); AF + HF; AB + LF, and AB + HF, for growth and metabolic responses. The growth performance of the pigs was compromised by HF feedings but not by AB. A metabolomic analysis of fecal samples collected on day 28 of feeding showed that WM elicited comprehensive metabolic changes, especially in amino acids, fatty acids, and their microbial metabolites, while bacitracin caused selective metabolic changes, including in secondary bile acids. Limited metabolic interactions occurred between fiber and AB treatments. Moreover, the correlations between individual fecal metabolites and growth support the usage of fecal metabolome as a source of biomarkers for monitoring and predicting the metabolic performance of grow–finish pigs.
Impacts of Formula Supplemented with Milk Fat Globule Membrane on the Neurolipidome of Brain Regions of Piglets
Authors: Fraser Karl , Ryan Leigh , Dilger Ryan , Dunstan Kelly , Armstrong Kelly , Peters Jason , Stirrat Hedley , Haggerty Neill , MacGibbon Alastair , Dekker James , Young Wayne , Roy Nicole
Published: July 2022

The milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) appears to play an important role in infant neurocognitive development; however, its mechanism(s) of action remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the role of a dietary MFGM supplement on the lipid profiles of different neonatal brain regions. Ten-day-old male piglets (4–5 kg) were fed unsupplemented infant formula (control, n = 7) or an infant formula supplemented with low (4%) or high (8%) levels of MFGM (n = 8 each) daily for 21 days. Piglets were then euthanized, and brain tissues were sectioned. Untargeted liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry lipidomics was performed on the cerebellum, hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, and the rest of the brain. The analyses identified 271 and 171 lipids using positive and negative ionization modes, respectively, spanning 16 different lipid classes. MFGM consumption did not significantly alter the lipidome in most brain regions, regardless of dose, compared to the control infant formula. However, 16 triacylglyceride species were increased in the hippocampus (t-test, p-value < 0.05) of the high-supplemented piglets. Most lipids (262 (96.7%) and 160 (93.6%), respectively) differed significantly between different brain regions (ANOVA, false discovery rate corrected p-value < 0.05) independent of diet. Thus, this study highlighted that dietary MFGM altered lipid abundance in the hippocampus and detected large differences in lipid profiles between neonatal piglet brain regions.
Differences in Treating Patients with Palpitations at the Primary Healthcare Level Using Telemedical Device Savvy before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Vodička Staša , Zelko Erika
Published: July 2022

Background: Palpitations are one of most common reasons why a patient visits a general practitioner (GP) and is referred to a cardiologist. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been associated with new-onset arrhythmias, which are difficult to diagnose at the primary healthcare level during pandemic-related lockdown periods. Methods: A total of 151 patients with a complaint of heart rhythm disorder were included from before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as after the start of vaccination, in this cohort retrospective study. We used a telemedical device—namely, a personal electrocardiographic (ECG) sensor called Savvy—to investigate heart rhythm in patients. The primary outcome of the study was to evaluate the number of actual heart rhythm disorder patients and any differences that infection with or vaccination for COVID-19 had on patients handled in a primary healthcare setting. Results: We found a heart rhythm disorder in 8.6% of patients before the COVID-19 pandemic and in 15.2–17.9% of patients during the COVID-19 pandemic, where the difference was statistically significant (p = 0.002). During the COVID-19 pandemic, we found a heart rhythm disorder in almost 50% of patients that had tested positive for the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2 virus) more than one month ago. After the vaccinations started, we also found a heart rhythm disorder in almost 50% of non-vaccinated patients. Conclusions: Using a telemedical approach or remote consultation is a useful method, at the primary healthcare level, for diagnosing and treating patients with palpitations during times of lockdown.
Towards Robust Thermal MEMS: Demonstration of a Novel Approach for Solid Thermal Isolation by Substrate-Level Integrated Porous Microstructures
Authors: Behrmann Ole , Lisec Thomas , Gojdka Björn
Published: July 2022

Most current thermal MEMS use fragile structures such as thin-film membranes or microcantilevers for thermal isolation. To increase the robustness of these devices, solid thermal insulators that are compatible with MEMS cleanroom processing are needed. This work introduces a novel approach for microscale thermal isolation using porous microstructures created with the recently developed PowderMEMS wafer-level process. MEMS devices consisting of heaters on a thin-film membrane were modified with porous microstructures made from three different materials. A thermal model for the estimation of the resulting thermal conductivity was developed, and measurements for porous structures in ambient air and under vacuum were performed. The PowderMEMS process was successfully used to create microscale thermal insulators in silicon cavities at the wafer level. Measurements indicate thermal conductivities of close to 0.1 W/mK in ambient air and close to 0.04 W/mK for porous structures under vacuum for the best-performing material. The obtained thermal conductivities are lower than those reported for both glass and porous silicon, making PowderMEMS a very interesting alternative for solid microscale thermal isolation.
Herpes Simplex Virus Seroprevalence among Pregnant Finnish Women and Their Spouses—A Six-Year Follow-Up Cohort Study
Authors: Laakso Johanna , Vuorinen Tytti , Rautava Jaana , Kero Katja , Syrjänen Stina , Hukkanen Veijo
Published: July 2022

The aim was to evaluate the herpes simplex virus (HSV) seroprevalence and seroconversion among 285 pregnant women and their 120 male spouses in Finland during a six-year follow-up (FU) between 1998–2008. We also studied the effect of sexual habits, pregnancy, and other demographic factors on the acquisition of HSV infection. Combined HSV-1 and HSV-2-IgG antibodies were assessed in the first baseline serum samples with an indirect enzyme immunoassay method. The individuals with seronegative or borderline HSV serology at baseline were additionally tested using their latest FU serum sample available. The overall HSV seroprevalence during the FU was 58.9% (168/285) among the women and 53.3% (64/120) among their spouses. The seroconversion rate was 11.4% (15/132) and 12.5% (8/64) among women and their spouses, respectively. Both spouses were HSV seropositive in 39.2% (47/120). To determine the HSV-2 seroprevalence, we also tested all HSV-seropositive participants using HSV-2-specific antigen. HSV-2 seropositivity was detected in 10.9% (44/405) of the participants. The age (p = 0.006) and history of genital warts (p = 0.006) of the women were associated with combined HSV-1 and/or HSV-2 seropositivity, while a younger age was related to HSV seroconversion (p = 0.023). Among the male spouses, HSV seropositivity was associated with the practice of oral sex (p = 0.033). To conclude, women of childbearing age acquire primary HSV infections and the presence of HSV in oral epithelium is common among HSV-seropositive individuals.
Rhizosphere Microbial Communities and Geochemical Constraining Mechanism of Antimony Mine Waste-Adapted Plants in Southwestern China
Authors: Xie Xiaofeng , Gu Shangyi , Hao Likai , Zhang Tianyi , Guo Zidong
Published: July 2022

Antimony (Sb) and arsenic (As) are two hazardous metalloid elements, and the biogeochemical cycle of Sb and As can be better understood by studying plant rhizosphere microorganisms associated with Sb mine waste. In the current study, samples of three types of mine waste—Sb mine tailing, waste rocks, and smelting slag—and associated rhizosphere microorganisms of adapted plants were collected from Qinglong Sb mine, southwest China. 16S rRNA was sequenced and used to study the composition of the mine waste microbial community. The most abundant phylum in all samples was Proteobacteria, followed by Bacteroidota, Acidobacteriota, and Actinobacteriota. The community composition varied among different mine waste types. Gammaproteobacteria was the most abundant microorganism in tailings, Actinobacteria was mainly distributed in waste rock, and Saccharimonadia, Acidobacteriae, and Ktedonobacteria were mainly present in slag. At the family level, the vast majority of Hydrogenophilaceae were found in tailings, Ktedonobacteraceae, Chthoniobacteraceae, and Acidobacteriaceae (Subgroup 1) were mostly found in slag, and Pseudomonadaceae and Micrococcaceae were mainly found in waste rock. Actinobacteriota and Arthrobacter are important taxa for reducing heavy metal(loid) mobility, vegetation restoration, and self-sustaining ecosystem construction on antimony mine waste. The high concentrations of Sb and As reduce microbial diversity.
Characterization and Assessment of 2, 4-Diacetylphloroglucinol (DAPG)-Producing Pseudomonas fluorescens VSMKU3054 for the Management of Tomato Bacterial Wilt Caused by Ralstonia solanacearum
Authors: Suresh Perumal , Rekha Murukesan , Gomathinayagam Subramanian , Ramamoorthy Vellaisamy , Sharma Mahaveer P. , Sakthivel Perumal , Sekar Karuppannan , Valan Arasu Mariadhas , Shanmugaiah Vellasamy
Published: July 2022

Microbial bio-products are becoming an appealing and viable alternative to chemical pesticides for effective management of crop diseases. These bio-products are known to have potential to minimize agrochemical applications without losing crop yield and also restore soil fertility and productivity. In this study, the inhibitory efficacy of 2,4-diacetylphloroglucinol (DAPG) produced by Pseudomonas fluorescens VSMKU3054 against Ralstonia solanacearum was assessed. Biochemical and functional characterization study revealed that P. fluorescens produced hydrogen cyanide (HCN), siderophore, indole acetic acid (IAA) and hydrolytic enzymes such as amylase, protease, cellulase and chitinase, and had the ability to solubilize phosphate. The presence of the key antimicrobial encoding gene in the biosynthesis of 2,4-diacetylphloroglucinol (DAPG) was identified by PCR. The maximum growth and antimicrobial activity of P. fluorescens was observed in king’s B medium at pH 7, 37 °C and 36 h of growth. Glucose and tryptone were found to be the most suitable carbon and nitrogen sources, respectively. DAPG was separated by silica column chromatography and identified by various methods such as UV-Vis, FT-IR, GC-MS and NMR spectroscopy. When R. solanacearum cells were exposed to DAPG at 90 µg/mL, the cell viability was decreased, reactive oxygen species (ROS) were increased and chromosomal DNA was damaged. Application of P. fluorescens and DAPG significantly reduced the bacterial wilt incidence. In addition, P. fluorescens was also found effective in promoting the growth of tomato seedlings. It is concluded that the indigenous isolate P. fluorescens VSMKU3054 could be used as a suitable biocontrol agent against bacterial wilt disease of tomato.
Molecular Characterization of pBOq-IncQ and pBOq-95LK Plasmids of Escherichia coli BOq 01, a New Isolated Strain from Poultry Farming, Involved in Antibiotic Resistance
Authors: Hernández-Mendoza Armando , Salgado-Morales Rosalba , Morán-Vázquez Abimael , López-Torres David , García-Gómez Blanca Inés , Dantán-González Edgar
Published: July 2022

The increase in antimicrobial resistance has raised questions about how to use these drugs safely, especially in veterinary medicine, animal nutrition, and agriculture. Escherichia coli is an important human and animal pathogen that frequently contains plasmids carrying antibiotic resistance genes. Extra chromosomal elements are required for various functions or conditions in microorganisms. Several phage-like plasmids have been identified, which are important in antibiotic resistance. In this work, the molecular characterization of the pBOq-IncQ (4.5 kb) and pBOq-95LK (95 kb) plasmids found in the E. coli strain BOq 01, a multidrug resistant bacteria isolated from a poultry farm, are considered. Plasmid pBOq-IncQ belongs to the incQ incompatibility plasmid family and is involved in sulfonamide resistance. Plasmid pBOq-95LK is a lytic phage-like plasmid that is involved in the lysis of the E. coli BOq 01 strain and carries a bleomycin resistance gene and a strain cured of this plasmid shows bleomycin sensitivity. Induction of the lytic cycle indicates that this phage-like plasmid is an active phage. This type of plasmid has been reported to acquire genes such as mcr-1, which codes for colistin resistance and bacterial persistence and is a significant public health threat. A genome comparison, a pangenomic and phylogenomic analysis with other phage-like plasmids reported in the literature were performed to understand better the evolution of this kind of plasmid in bacteria and its potential importance in antibiotic resistance.
Bacterial Volatiles Known to Inhibit Phytophthora infestans Are Emitted on Potato Leaves by Pseudomonas Strains
Authors: Gfeller Aurélie , Fuchsmann Pascal , De Vrieze Mout , Gindro Katia , Weisskopf Laure
Published: July 2022

Bacterial volatiles play important roles in mediating beneficial interactions between plants and their associated microbiota. Despite their relevance, bacterial volatiles are mostly studied under laboratory conditions, although these strongly differ from the natural environment bacteria encounter when colonizing plant roots or shoots. In this work, we ask the question whether plant-associated bacteria also emit bioactive volatiles when growing on plant leaves rather than on artificial media. Using four potato-associated Pseudomonas, we demonstrate that potato leaves offer sufficient nutrients for the four strains to grow and emit volatiles, among which 1-undecene and Sulfur compounds have previously demonstrated the ability to inhibit the development of the oomycete Phytophthora infestans, the causative agent of potato late blight. Our results bring the proof of concept that bacterial volatiles with known plant health-promoting properties can be emitted on the surface of leaves and warrant further studies to test the bacterial emission of bioactive volatiles in greenhouse and field-grown plants.