bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multidirectional Dynamic Response and Swing Shedding of Grapes: An Experimental and Simulation Investigation under Vibration Excitation
Authors: Zhang Po , Yan De , Cai Xiaona , Chen Youbin , Luo Lufeng , Pan Yaoqiang , Zou Xiangjun
Published: March 2023

During mechanized table grape harvesting, berries are subjected to vibration and collision, which can cause shedding and damage to the fruit. Research on table grape berry shedding has primarily focused on macroscopic swing modes, which are reflected in the integrated grape cluster structure and idealized particle interactions, as well as static response treatments. However, these approaches are unable to accurately explain the characteristics of berry wobbling during picking, predict shedding-prone areas, or identify factors affecting shedding. In this paper, we study the dynamic response characteristics of grape berries in the X, Y, and Z directions by establishing a dynamic model and combining harmonic response and random vibration characteristics with finite element analysis. Our studies revealed that grape berries exhibit various forms (swinging and rebounding) under the same stimulus during harvesting. The grape berry amplitude in the X, Y, and Z directions were 14.71, 12.46, and 27.10 mm, respectively, with the most obvious response being in the Z direction and the flattest response in the Y direction. Berries in the lower cob system part were relatively stable, while those in the upper right side were more prone to swinging and falling, with areas most likely to fall off concentrated in the upper right side. This system accurately predicted the dynamic response characteristics of fruit during vibration harvesting and provided an ideal basis for mechanized grape harvesting. Optimization and research on fruit collection equipment may benefit from this theoretical basis.
Trichoderma harzianum and Bacillus subtilis in Association with Rock Powder for the Initial Development of Maize Plants
Authors: Silva Pedro Henrique Vinha , Souza Ane Gabriele Vaz , de Araujo Lilian Dutra , Frezarin Edvan Teciano , de Souza Gabriel Vinicius Lima , da Silveira Cesar Martoreli , Rigobelo Everlon Cid
Published: March 2023

Agricultural production currently faces many challenges worldwide, mainly due to its dependence on high amounts of input for food production, which may cause many environmental issues. The present study evaluated whether the inoculation of Bacillus subtilis, Trichoderma harzianum, and rock powder into the soil would benefit soil fertility and plant growth in vase conditions. The results showed that soil fertility for some nutrients increased, such as phosphorus, iron, sulfur, calcium, and potassium. The results also showed that plant parameters related to plant growth, such as plant height, leaf area, shoot dry matter (SDM), and root dry matter (RDM) increased with the inoculation of the microorganisms coupled with rock powder into the soil, even with 50% of the chemical fertilization dose compared to their control treatments. The findings showed potential benefits to soil fertility and plants with the inoculation of B. subtilis and the fungus T. harzianum in maize plants coupled with the application of rock powder to the soil. This study concludes that there is evidence that inoculating with microorganisms and applying rock powder could reduce the amount of chemical fertilizer needed. However, many years of field research are needed to verify the real contribution of this practice to sustainable agriculture.
Genome-Wide Identification of Superoxide Dismutase and Expression in Response to Fruit Development and Biological Stress in Akebia trifoliata: A Bioinformatics Study
Authors: Yang Huai , Zhang Qiuyi , Zhong Shengfu , Yang Hao , Ren Tianheng , Chen Chen , Tan Feiquan , Cao Guoxing , Liu Jun , Luo Peigao
Published: March 2023

Akebia trifoliata is a newly domesticated perennial fruit tree, and the lack of molecular research on stress resistance seriously affects its genetic improvement and commercial value development. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) can effectively eliminate the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during the rapid growth of plant organs under biotic and abiotic stresses, maintaining a steady state of physiological metabolism. In this study, 13 SODs consisting of two FeSODs (FSDs), four MnSODs (MSDs) and seven Cu/ZnSODs (CSDs) were identified in the A. trifoliata genome. Structurally, the phylogeny, intron–exon pattern and motif sequences within these three subfamilies show high conservation. Evolutionarily, segmental/wide genome duplication (WGD) and dispersed duplication form the current SOD profile of A. trifoliata. Weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) revealed the metabolic pathways of nine (69.2%) SODs involved in fruit development, among which AktMSD4 regulates fruit development and AktCSD4 participates in the stress response. In addition, under the stress of multiple pathogens, six (46.6%) SODs were continuously upregulated in the rinds of resistant lines; of these, three SODs (AktMSD1, AktMSD2 and AktMSD3) were weakly or not expressed in susceptible lines. The results pave the way for theoretical research on SODs and afford the opportunity for genetic improvement of A. trifoliata.
Applications of Perilla frutescens Extracts in Clinical Practice
Authors: Adam Gigi , Robu Silvia , Flutur Mihaela-Magdalena , Cioanca Oana , Vasilache Ingrid-Andrada , Adam Ana-Maria , Mircea Cornelia , Nechita Aurel , Harabor Valeriu , Harabor AnaMaria , Hancianu Monica
Published: March 2023

(1) Background: Perilla frutescens (L.) Britt. is an important pharmaceutical crop that remains a focus point for researchers worldwide due to its complex phytochemical constituents, medicinal effects, and nutraceutical properties. The literature data are based on animal and cell culture studies, so the clinical evidence for the therapeutic effects is poorly outlined. The aim of this review was to provide an updated and thorough understanding of Perilla frutescens applications in clinical practice using data derived from human studies, and to outline the potential directions and perspectives for further studies on this crop. (2) Methods: Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases were used to find relevant studies. All interventional studies that evaluated the effect of Perilla frutescens in human subjects were assessed. (3) Results: The main perspectives that can be contoured from the presented literature evaluation are an important clinical effect of Perilla frutescens extracts on allergic rhinoconjuctivitis, especially in young populations, a potent hypolipemiant effect that, in conjunction with increased serum biological antioxidant potential, determines significant improvements in cognitive function and a wide variety of miscellaneous clinical effects that need further exploration. (4) Conclusions: Supplementary research is needed in order to demonstrate the therapeutic effects of Perilla frutescens in controlled clinical settings.
Smooth Muscle Cells from a Rat Model of Obesity and Hyperleptinemia Are Partially Resistant to Leptin-Induced Reactive Oxygen Species Generation
Authors: López-Acosta Ocarol , Cristóbal-García Magdalena , Cardoso-Saldaña Guillermo , Carvajal-Aguilera Karla , El-Hafidi Mohammed
Published: March 2023

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of leptin on reactive oxygen species’ (ROS) generation of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) from a rat model of obesity and hyperleptinemia. Obesity and hyperleptinemia were induced in rats by a sucrose-based diet for 24 weeks. ROS generation was detected by using dichloro-dihydrofluorescein (DCF), a fluorescent ROS probe in primary SMCs culture. An increase in plasma leptin and oxidative stress markers was observed in sucrose-fed (SF) rats. At baseline SMCs from SF rats showed a more than twofold increase in fluorescence intensity (FI) compared to that obtained in control (C) cells. When the C cells were treated with 20 ng leptin, the FI increased by about 250%, whereas the leptin-induced FI in the SF cells increased only by 28%. In addition, sucrose feeding increased the levels of p22phox and gp91phox, subunits of Nox as an O2•− source in SMCs. Treatment of cells with leptin significantly increased p22phox and gp91phox levels in C cells and did not affect SF cells. Regarding STAT3 phosphorylation and the content of PTP1B and SOCS3 as protein markers of leptin resistance, they were found to be significantly increased in SF cells. These results suggest that SF aortic SMCs are partially resistant to leptin-induced ROS generation.
Application of Carbide Cutting Inserts as Indenters for Surface Plastic Deformation
Authors: Svirzhevskyi Kostiantyn , Zabolotnyi Oleg , Machado José , Tkachuk Anatolii , Boiarska Inna
Published: March 2023

Surface plastic deformation has a high productivity and allows for products with unique operational properties, namely: a high quality of the surface layer, increased support stability of the profile of the treated surface, a strengthened surface layer, and the formation of residual compressive stresses in the surface layer. The essence of smoothing is that a tool with regulated geometric characteristics of the deforming element (indenter) under specific technological processing modes penetrates the surface layer of the workpiece and slides, deforming the microgeometry formed as a result of previous technological operations. The article considers the option of using carbide-cutting plates as deforming elements. For this, a morphological table of methods of spatial orientation of the indenter-plate has been developed, which includes 27 possible options for its installation. The algorithm for calculating the geometry of the contact zone of the indenter and the workpiece is presented. The contact interaction of the indenter plate and the workpiece was studied. On the basis of morphological analysis and conducted applied studies, rational installation angles of the deforming element were determined. The interdependence of the properties of the surface layer on the technological modes of processing was defined.
New Insights on the Tensile Strength and Fracture Mechanism of c-ZrO2/α-Al2O3 Interfaces
Authors: Bao Zeying , Shang Fulin
Published: March 2023

The tensile strength and fracture properties of the c-ZrO2(001)/α-Al2O3(11¯02) interfaces were investigated by first-principle tensile simulations. Models with different stacking sequences of c-ZrO2(001) were examined. The theoretical tensile strength and work of adhesion were present. It was found that the adhesive strength of the interface was strongly influenced by the termination of c-ZrO2(001), and the c-ZrO2(001)/α-Al2O3(11¯02) interfaces adhered weakly. Then, variations of the atomic bonds were observed to clarify the fracture characteristics of the interfaces. Our study indicates that the fracture modes of the O- and Zr-model tend to be ductile fractures, while the fracture mode of the 2O-model is a brittle fracture. Furthermore, all three models were completely separated along the intermediate layer between the initial ZrO2 and Al2O3 slabs. Finally, we compared our results with those available in the published literature, and the potential application of the first-principle results will be further discussed.
Biofouling Removal Using a Novel Electronic System for Driving an Array of High Power Marinised Transducers
Authors: Salimi Mohamad , Livadas Makis , Teyeb Ahmed , El Masri Evelyne , Gan Tat-Hean
Published: March 2023

This paper explains producing a novel ultrasonic system to remove/prevent biofouling growth from wind turbines’ access ladders by means of producing local ultrasound cavitation. Using bespoke hardware, an array of high-power ultrasound transducers (HPUTS) and optimally synthesized signal types to remove/prevent biofouling growth from the ladder without violating the standard noise level in the sea is explained. This is a non-toxic and non-invasive solution to detach biofouling and prevent biofilm initiation on offshore structures. It is shown that the marinisation of the HPUT slightly shifts the main resonance frequency from 28.1 to 27.5 kHz. The vibration output from the HPUTs with different mounting systems showed that the transducer with the horn could vibrate the plate at 20 cm from the excitation point, with 300 pm, six times higher than the vibration output from the marinised HPUT. A transducer array and attachment are proposed to make the ultrasound noise below the standard underwater noise limits. The produced sound pressure level (SPL) and sound equivalent level (SEL) from the proposed ultrasonic system was measured. It was specified that the SPL came below 120 dB at 25 m from the excitation point and the SEL value below the 173 dB limit. Finally, the effectiveness of the marinised HPUTS on biofouling removal has been demonstrated with an in-situ measurement, and it was indicated that local biofouling removal could be achieved.
Study on Dynamic Impact Mechanical Properties of UHPC with High-Content and Directional Reinforced Steel Fiber
Authors: Sun Kewei , Wu Ye , Li Senlin , Feng Yan , Feng Longhai
Published: March 2023

Ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) is a kind of building material with ultra-high strength, toughness, and durability. However, under the conditions of ordinary molding technology, most of the fibers cannot play a bridging role in the direction of force. In this study, UHPC specimens with different steel fiber contents (0%, 2%, 4%, and 6% by volume) and directional reinforced fiber were prepared. Based on the split-Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB), the influence of directional distributed steel fiber on the dynamic impact mechanical properties of the UHPC specimen were systematically investigated. The stress–strain curves, stress peaks, dynamic increase factor (DIF), and ductile energy absorption properties of the specimens at different strain rates were obtained. The results showed that oriented steel fiber significantly increases the dynamic property of UHPC. The dynamic impact peak strain, peak stress, and DIF of the UHPC specimen with 2% oriented steel fiber were 35.78%, 8.8%, and 12.6% higher than that prepared by normal molding technology, respectively. Moreover, with the increase of fiber content, the peak stress, energy absorption, and multiple-impact compression resistance of the specimen were greatly improved. When the fiber content was 6%, the dynamic impact peak strain, dynamic impact compressive strength ratio, and energy absorption capacity of the specimen were 3.09, 1.45, and 4.1 times the reference group, respectively.
Data-Driven Model for Identifying Factors Influencing Electric Vehicle Charging Demand: A Comparative Analysis of Early- and Maturity-Phases of Electric Vehicle Programs in Korea
Authors: Kim Daejin , Kwon Doyun , Han Jihoon , Lee Seongkwan Mark , Elkosantini Sabeur , Suh Wonho
Published: March 2023

With increasing concerns about urban pollution, electric vehicles (EVs) have offered an alternative mode of transportation that reduces urban pollution levels. Previous studies have sought to identify the various factors influencing EV charging patterns to deploy an appropriate charging infrastructure. However, limited attention has been paid to the investigation of different charging patterns identified in different regions at different phases of the EV program. This study aims to fill this research gap in the literature by developing binary logistic models that account for the factors influencing charging demands in different regions of Korea, i.e., Jeju-do and Gangneung-si. To this end, we collected historical data on EV charging transactions in these study regions and analyzed them to evaluate the difference in charging demands. The developed models suggest that the charging demand varies with charger characteristics and charging time. Moreover, different charging patterns in different regions can be explained by the different travel behaviors of those who use EVs for different trip purposes. These findings provide an important implication suggesting that policymakers should consider a stepwise strategy to construct charging infrastructure at the appropriate scale and configuration, depending on the phase of the EV program.
Application of Sonic Tests and Modal Identification in the Characterization of Masonry Walls
Authors: Bourgeois Inês , Di Gregorio Leandro Torres , Rodrigues Hugo , Fonseca Jorge , Tavares Alice , Costa Aníbal
Published: March 2023

This work contemplates the application of non-destructive techniques, sonic and environmental vibration tests, on a set of soil-cement compressed earth blocks reinforced masonry walls, which were built in laboratory, under the project SHS-Multirisk. The present work constitutes a comparative study that aimed at verifying the reliability of the sonic test method in masonry characterization and in testing a methodology of combined tests for structural assessment. For that purpose, a numerical model of the walls was developed and calibrated with the mechanical properties that were calculated from the sonic tests data. The results of the simulation of the numerical model were compared with the results of the environmental vibration tests, which enabled to reach a correlation between the frequencies, as well as enabling the indirect sonic tests, which were performed in the vertical direction, to result in an accurate prediction of the Young modulus to be used in the numerical models.
Examination of the Effect of Cooling Rate after Extrusion to Formability of 6061 Automotive Profiles
Authors: Vazdirvanidis Athanasios , Papadopoulou Sofia , Symeonidis Grigoris , Aslanis Fivos , Rikos Andreas , Stachouli Eva
Published: March 2023

As part of the present project, an inquiry is being conducted into the impact of the cooling rate subsequent to extrusion on both the mechanical characteristics and microstructure of 6061 alloy extruded profiles tailored for application in the automotive industry. Water quenching, air cooling, and step-cooling (combination of air cooling and water quenching) were performed after a solution heat treatment for simulating different cooling processes on the exit of the extrusion press. Microstructure examination was performed after artificial aging for every cooling method accompanied by three-point bending and tensile testing for investigation of differences in formability characteristics in each one of the three cases. Electron fractography, texture, and grain boundary misorientation analysis consisted the main analytical techniques, allowing the correlation between grains orientation resulting from the extrusion process with cracking initiation behavior in mechanical testing and for the determination of the regions which were more prone to cracking. From the examination, the positive role of rapid cooling for improved formability was highlighted. Through the grain boundary misorientation analysis and the formation of Taylor factor maps, it was shown that crack initiation preferably took place at subsurface regions even though “roughening” of the bent surface was obvious and expected to lead to crack initiation in the more ductile samples. Considerable amounts of LAGBs (Low Angle Grain Boundaries) (14.7%) and SGBs (Subgrain Boundaries) (4.5%) were detected in the sample which was subjected to step cooling accompanied by an outer and inner surface layers (surface zone) of 200–250 μm thicknesses exhibiting different orientations. The results of this project will be used for optimization of the automotive extruded profiles production process, ensuring improved mechanical performance and resistance to premature fracture.
A Study on Aerodynamic and Structural Design of Fairing Using Glass Fabric Composite Structure
Authors: Lee Younggyu , Park Hyunbum
Published: March 2023

In this work, the aerodynamic and structural design of the fairing for vehicles was carried out. The Rankine half body theory, which is one of the theories being used for the aircraft gas turbine engine inlets and turboprop nose cones was adopted for aerodynamic design. The glass fabric composite materials were adopted for the structural design. The structural design was performed by analyzing aerodynamic design loads. Structural analysis was performed based on the structural design results to investigate structural safety. The structural design results were manufactured by applying the resin transfer molding method. The newly designed fairing was reviewed for its mounting possibility with the existing vehicle. The final design results were confirmed to be safe.
Two Majority Voting Classifiers Applied to Heart Disease Prediction
Authors: Karadeniz Talha , Maraş Hadi Hakan , Tokdemir Gül , Ergezer Halit
Published: March 2023

Two novel methods for heart disease prediction, which use the kurtosis of the features and the Maxwell–Boltzmann distribution, are presented. A Majority Voting approach is applied, and two base classifiers are derived through statistical weight calculation. First, exploitation of attribute kurtosis and attribute Kolmogorov–Smirnov test (KS test) result is done by plugging the base categorizer into a Bagging Classifier. Second, fitting Maxwell random variables to the components and summating KS statistics are used for weight assignment. We have compared state-of-the-art methods to the proposed classifiers and reported the results. According to the findings, our Gaussian distribution and kurtosis-based Majority Voting Bagging Classifier (GKMVB) and Maxwell Distribution-based Majority Voting Bagging Classifier (MKMVB) outperform SVM, ANN, and Naive Bayes algorithms. In this context, which also indicates, especially when we consider that the KS test and kurtosis hack is intuitive, that the proposed routine is promising. Following the state-of-the-art, the experiments were conducted on two well-known datasets of Heart Disease Prediction, namely Statlog, and Spectf. A comparison of Optimized Precision is made to prove the effectiveness of the methods: the newly proposed methods attained 85.6 and 81.0 for Statlog and Spectf, respectively (while the state of the heart attained 83.5 and 71.6, respectively). We claim that the Majority Voting family of classifiers is still open to new developments through appropriate weight assignment. This claim is obvious, especially when its simple structure is fused with the Ensemble Methods’ generalization ability and success.
Super-Resolution Reconstruction of Depth Image Based on Kriging Interpolation
Authors: Huang Tingsheng , Wang Xinjian , Wang Chunyang , Liu Xuelian , Yu Yanqing
Published: March 2023

The super-resolution of depth images is a research hotspot. In this study, the classical Kriging algorithm is applied to the spatial interpolation of depth images, together with the fractional-order differential method for edge recognition, to realise the super-resolution reconstruction of depth images. The resulting interpolation model improves the edge performance of Kriging interpolation by harnessing the superior characteristics of fractional-order differential edge recognition and effectively solving the edge blurring problem in super-resolution interpolation of depth images. Experimental results show that, compared with the classical algorithms, the super-resolution reconstruction based on Kriging interpolation is greatly improved in terms of visual effects and the peak signal-to-noise ratio of the depth image. In particular, edge recognition based on fractional-order differentiation solves the image blurring problem at the edges of the depth images. Inspection of the point clouds of the depth images shows that the output of the proposed interpolation model has obvious fractal characteristics.
Spatial Assessment of Soil Erosion Risk Using RUSLE Embedded in GIS Environment: A Case Study of Jhelum River Watershed
Authors: Waseem Muhammad , Iqbal Fahad , Humayun Muhammad , Umais Latif Muhammad , Javed Tayyaba , Kebede Leta Megersa
Published: March 2023

The watershed area of the Mangla Reservoir spans across the Himalayan region of India and Pakistan, primarily consisting of the Jhelum River basin. The area is rugged with highly elevated, hilly terrain and relatively thin vegetation cover, which significantly increases the river’s sediment output, especially during the monsoon season, leading to a decline in the reservoir’s storage capacity. This work assesses the soil erosion risk in the Jhelum River watershed (Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJ&K), Pakistan) using the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation of (RUSLE). The RUSLE components, including the conservation support or erosion control practice factor (P), soil erodibility factor (K), slope length and slope steepness factor (LS), rainfall erosivity factor (R), and crop cover factor (C), were integrated to compute soil erosion. Soil erosion risk and intensity maps were generated by computing the RUSLE parameters, which were then integrated with physical factors such as terrain units, elevation, slope, and land uses/cover to examine how these factors affect the spatial patterns of soil erosion loss. The 2021 rainfall data were utilized to compute the rainfall erosivity factor (R), and the soil erodibility (K) map was created using the world surface soil map prepared by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The slope length and slope steepness factor (LS) were generated in the highly rough terrain using Shuttle Radar Topography Mission Digital Elevation Model (SRTM DEM). The analysis revealed that the primary land use in the watershed was cultivated land, accounting for 27% of the area, and slopes of 30% or higher were present across two-thirds of the watershed. By multiplying the five variables, the study determined that the annual average soil loss was 23.47 t ha−1 yr−1. In areas with dense mixed forest cover, soil erosion rates ranged from 0.23 t ha−1 yr−1 to 25 t ha−1 yr−1. The findings indicated that 55.18% of the research area has a low erosion risk, 18.62% has a medium erosion risk, 13.66% has a high risk, and 11.6% has a very high erosion risk. The study’s findings will provide guidelines to policy/decision makers for better management of the Mangla watershed.
Visual Patterns of U16 Athletes and Professional Basketball Players
Authors: Marques Rui , Dias Gonçalo , Martins Fernando , Gomes Ricardo , Mendes Rodrigo , Martinho Diogo , Silva Manuel J. Coelho e , Mendes Rui
Published: March 2023

This work aimed to compare the visual patterns of under 16 (U16) athletes and professional basketball players. The sample was composed of 10 U16 (aged 15.2 ± 0.4 years; 7.1 ± 2.5 years of experience) and 10 professional (aged 27.6 ± 3.7 years; 18.4 ± 4.6 years of experience) basketball players. All athletes were males and right-handed. Each participant performed 50 jump shots from 10 different positions and 5 different angle shots (0°, 45°, 90°, 135° and 180°). Number of fixations, time of first and last fixation, total fixation duration and Quiet Eye (QE) time of all shots were analysed. Overall, results indicated that the U16 group showed greater within-group differences regarding shot positions, last fixation times, shot angles, and first and last fixation times. Additionally, the U16 group presented different visual strategies than those of professional players, with significant differences found for shooting positions and shot angles, particularly for shots performed on the left side of the field, and for QE times. In conclusion, our results add to the understanding that longer fixation times and longer QE time are associated with better jump-shot efficacy, and this relation is evident when comparing players of different age groups.
Insights on the Potential of Carob Powder (Ceratonia siliqua L.) to Improve the Physico-Chemical, Biochemical and Nutritional Properties of Wheat Durum Pasta
Authors: Lupu Mirabela Ioana , Canja Cristina Maria , Padureanu Vasile , Boieriu Adriana , Maier Alina , Badarau Carmen , Padureanu Cristina , Croitoru Catalin , Alexa Ersilia , Poiana Mariana-Atena
Published: March 2023

The aim of this research was to improve the physical-chemical properties and processability of wheat durum pasta while adding supplementary nutritional benefits. This was accomplished by incorporating carob powder into the conventional wheat pasta recipe. The study investigated the properties of pasta made with different proportions of carob powder (2%, 4%, 6% w/w) and evaluated its nutritional profile, texture, dough rheological properties and the content of bioactive compounds such as phenolic compounds. The physical and chemical properties (total treatable acidity, moisture content, and protein content), compression resistance, rheological properties of the dough and sensory analysis were also analyzed. Results showed that incorporating up to 4% carob powder improved the sensory and functional properties of the pasta. Additionally, the study found that the pasta contained phenolic compounds such as Gallic, rosmarinic, rutin and protocatechuic acids, ferulic, coumaric, caffeic acid, resveratrol and quercetin, and increasing the percentage of carob powder improved the polyphenolic content. The study concluded that it is possible to create innovative value-added pasta formulas using carob powder. Thus, the information revealed by this study has the potential to expand the portfolio of functional pasta formulations on the food market.
Prediction of Vacant Parking Spaces in Multiple Parking Lots: A DWT-ConvGRU-BRC Model
Authors: Gao Liangpeng , Fan Wenli , Hu Zhiyuan , Jian Wenliang
Published: March 2023

For cities, the problem of “difficult parking and chaotic parking” increases carbon emissions and reduces quality of life. Accurately and efficiently predicting the availability of vacant parking spaces (VPSs) can help motorists reduce the time spent looking for a parking space and reduce greenhouse gas pollution. This paper proposes a deep learning model called DWT-ConvGRU-BRC to predict the future availability of VPSs in multiple parking lots. The model first uses a discrete wavelet transform (DWT) to denoise the historical parking data and then extracts the temporal correlation of the parking lots themselves and the spatial correlation between different parking lots using a convolutional gated recurrent unit network (ConvGRU) while using a BN-ReLU-Conv (1 × 1) module to further improve the propagation and reuse of features in the prediction process. In addition, the model uses availability, temperature, humidity, wind speed, weekdays, and weekends as inputs to improve the accuracy of the forecasts. The model performance is evaluated through a case study of 11 parking lots in Santa Monica. The DWT-ConvGRU-BRC model outperforms the LSTM and GRU baseline methods, with an average testing MAPE of 2.12% when predicting multiple parking lot occupancies over the subsequent 60 min.
Effectiveness of Two Endodontic Instruments in Calcium Silicate-Based Sealer Retreatment
Authors: Farrayeh Antoun , Akil Samar , Eid Ammar , Macaluso Valentina , Mancino Davide , Haïkel Youssef , Kharouf Naji
Published: March 2023

The objective of the present in vitro work was to investigate the effectiveness and time required for the removal of calcium silicate-based sealer using two rotary retreatment systems. Sixty extracted, single-canal, lower premolars were used. After obturation using the single-cone technique with calcium silicate-based sealer, samples were divided into four groups according to the technique of desobturation: Group 1 (G1): D-Race; Group 2 (G2): D-Race followed by the use of XP–Endo Finisher R; Group 3 (G3): Protaper Universal Retreatment; and Group 4 (G4): Protaper Universal Retreatment followed by the use of XP–Endo Finisher R. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images were used to calculate the remaining filling materials at the middle and apical thirds. Times required to perform each method were recorded. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and digital microscopy were used to evaluate the remaining filling materials. Data were statistically analyzed using the t-test and one way ANOVA on ranks tests. No statistically significant difference was found between G1 and G3 after CBCT observations (p > 0.05). Xp-Endo Finisher R significantly increased the ability to remove materials regardless of the initially used retreatment system (p < 0.05). Statistically significant longer time was found in G3 and G4 compared to G1 and G2, respectively (p < 0.05), to reach the full working length. No retreatment system was able to totally remove the calcium silicate-based sealer from the root canal at the middle and apical thirds (p > 0.05). Digital microscopy demonstrated that the residual materials were the remaining sealers on the canal walls. SEM showed the mineral depositions of calcium silicate materials onto the canal walls and into the dentinal tubules. However, that calcium silicate materials provide mineral deposition into the dentinal tubules might indicate that the traditional irrigants could not be sufficient to remove calcium silicate-based materials from the root canal, and other agents should be used to make retreatment considerably easier.
MACC1 as a Potential Target for the Treatment and Prevention of Breast Cancer
Authors: Lv Mengmeng , Jiao Yunjuan , Yang Bowen , Ye Mengchen , Di Wenyu , Su Wei , Zhong Jiateng
Published: March 2023

Metastasis associated in colon cancer 1 (MACC1) is an oncogene first identified in colon cancer. MACC1 has been identified in more than 20 different types of solid cancers. It is a key prognostic biomarker in clinical practice and is involved in recurrence, metastasis, and survival in many types of human cancers. MACC1 is significantly associated with the primary tumor, lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis classification, and clinical staging in patients with breast cancer (BC), and MACC1 overexpression is associated with reduced recurrence-free survival (RFS) and worse overall survival (OS) in patients. In addition, MACC1 is involved in BC progression in multiple ways. MACC1 promotes the immune escape of BC cells by affecting the infiltration of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. Since the FGD5AS1/miR-497/MACC1 axis inhibits the apoptotic pathway in radiation-resistant BC tissues and cell lines, the MACC1 gene may play an important role in BC resistance to radiation. Since MACC1 is involved in numerous biological processes inside and outside BC cells, it is a key player in the tumor microenvironment. Focusing on MACC1, this article briefly discusses its biological effects, emphasizes its molecular mechanisms and pathways of action, and describes its use in the treatment and prevention of breast cancer.
A Small Molecule That In Vitro Neutralizes Infection of SARS-CoV-2 and Its Most Infectious Variants, Delta, and Omicron
Authors: Reyes-Alcaraz Arfaxad , Qasim Hanan , Merlinsky Elizabeth , Fox Glenn , Islam Tasneem , Medina Bryan , Schwartz Robert J. , Craft John W. , McConnell Bradley K.
Published: March 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the urgent need to develop highly potent and safe medications that are complementary to the role of vaccines. Specifically, it has exhibited the need for orally bioavailable broad-spectrum antivirals that are able to be quickly deployed against newly emerging viral pathogens. The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) and its variants Delta and Omicron are still a major threat to patients of all ages. In this brief report, we describe that the small molecule CD04872SC was able to neutralize SARS-CoV2 infection with a half-maximal effective concentration (EC50) = 248 μM. Serendipitously, we also were able to observe that CD04872SC inhibited the infection of the SARS-CoV-2 variants; Delta (EC50 = 152 μM) and Omicron (EC50 = 308 μM). These properties may define CD04872SC as a potential broad-spectrum candidate lead for the development of treatments for COVID-19.
The Effects of the Levosimendan Metabolites OR-1855 and OR-1896 on Endothelial Pro-Inflammatory Responses
Authors: Kipka Hannah , Schaflinger Rebecca , Tomasi Roland , Pogoda Kristin , Mannell Hanna
Published: March 2023

The calcium sensitizer levosimendan is used for the treatment of acute decompensated heart failure. A small portion (4–7%) of levosimendan is metabolized to the pharmacologically active metabolite OR-1896 via the inactive intermediate OR-1855. In addition, levosimendan has been shown to exert positive effects on the endothelium in vitro antagonizing vascular dysfunction and inflammation. However, the function of the levosimendan metabolites within this context is still unknown. In this study, we thus investigated the impact of the metabolites OR-1896 and OR-1855 on endothelial inflammatory processes in vitro. We observed a reduction of IL-1β-dependent endothelial adhesion molecule ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 as well as interleukin (IL) -6 expression upon levosimendan treatment but not after treatment with OR-1855 or OR-1896, as assessed by western blotting, flow cytometry, and qRT-PCR. Instead, the metabolites impaired IL-1β-induced ROS formation via inactivation of the MAPK p38, ERK1/2, and JNK. Our results suggest that the levosimendan metabolites OR-1896 and OR-1855 have certain anti-inflammatory properties, partly other than levosimendan. Importantly, they additionally show that the intermediate metabolite OR-1855 does, in fact, have pharmacological effects in the endothelium. This is interesting, as the metabolites are responsible for the long-term therapeutic effects of levosimendan, and heart failure is associated with vascular dysfunction and inflammation.
Towards a Model That Sees Human Resources as a Key Element for Competitiveness in Construction Management
Authors: Romo Rubén , Orozco Francisco , Forcael Eric , Moreno Francisco
Published: March 2023

The construction industry is continuously affected by external and internal agents that modify and define its competitiveness. Changing markets, currency fluctuations, and tremendous competition have made the issue of competitiveness increasingly important. The literature highlights factors that determine the competitiveness of construction firms, including easy-to-measure elements, such as financial, sales, return on investment, etc., while other elements are not as easily measurable, such as customer satisfaction, employee satisfaction, loyalty, and leadership, among many others. Within these factors, Human Resources (HR) has occupied a central place in the last decade, due to the enormous impact that labor has on project execution. This research mainly focuses on the study of HR and its components to reach a deeper understanding of the impact that HR has on the competitiveness of construction companies. After defining the most relevant variables, an interrelationships model was proposed with the Partial Least Square (PLS) technique. These HR variables impact the competitiveness variables: cost, utility, time, quality, Staff retention, and Health & Safety. The PSL analyses met the evaluation criteria using the structural model, confirming its viability. It was found that there are three important variables related to competitiveness: (i) leadership, (ii) innovation, and (iii) competitiveness.
Highly Efficient Au/ZnO−ZrO2 Catalysts for CO Oxidation at Low Temperature
Authors: Camposeco Roberto , Maturano-Rojas Viridiana , Zanella Rodolfo
Published: March 2023

A series of gold catalysts on ZnO−ZrO2 featuring nominal ZnO loads of 3, 5, and 10 wt. % were synthesized by the sol–gel method using Zn(NO3)2 and zirconium (IV) propoxide aqueous solutions. In addition, gold catalysts with nominal loads between 1 and 3 wt. % were produced by the method of deposition-precipitation with urea, and their performance in the CO oxidation reaction at low temperature was evaluated. HRTEM outcomes revealed high gold dispersion on the 3Au/5ZnO−ZrO2 catalyst with Zn/Zr atomic ratio of (5/95) and 3 wt. % of gold, which showed the highest CO conversion at low temperature (−5 °C) under air treatment when the CO oxidation was carried out with a space velocity of ~46,000 h−1. The incorporation of ZnO to ZrO2 provoked high dispersion of the gold nanoparticles on the support and close size distribution; moreover, the presence of Au1+ and Zr3+ species was increased by the Zr−O−Zn interaction, which was stronger than in the single Au/ZrO2 and Au/ZnO catalysts. DRIFT/GC−MS confirmed that the Au1+/Au0 ratio and formation of carbonate species played an important role in determining the CO conversion; likewise, the 3Au/5ZnO–ZrO2 catalyst was stable at 10 °C for 24 h.
Photocatalytic Evaluation of the Ternary Composite CdSO4-ZnAl LDH/ZnS in Hydrogen Production without a Sacrificial Reagent
Authors: Romero-Villegas Angela G. , Tzompantzi-Flores Clara , Hernández Raúl Pérez , Barrera-Rodríguez Arturo , Tzompantzi Francisco , Gómez Ricardo
Published: March 2023

In this work, a layered double hydroxide support modified with cadmium was synthesized by a one-pot coprecipitation method. Then, it was sulfured in different percentages by a solvothermal method. Next, the samples were analyzed using various characterization techniques like XRD, DRS, FTIR, N2 physisorption, PL spectroscopy, TEM, and SEM. Finally, the synthesized and uncalcined materials were assessed in hydrogen production from water and a methanol-water solution under UV-light irradiation. The results showed that the sulphuration improves the photocatalytic activity, reaching a maximum rate constant of hydrogen production of 7403 µmol/g∙h in a methanol-water solution and 1326 µmol/g∙h in water.
Effect of HPSE and HPSE2 SNPs on the Risk of Developing Primary Paraskeletal Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Ostrovsky Olga , Beider Katia , Magen Hila , Leiba Merav , Sanderson Ralph D. , Vlodavsky Israel , Nagler Arnon
Published: March 2023

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a plasma cell malignancy that is accompanied by hypercalcemia, renal failure, anemia, and lytic bone lesions. Heparanase (HPSE) plays an important role in supporting and promoting myeloma progression, maintenance of plasma cell stemness, and resistance to therapy. Previous studies identified functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located in the HPSE gene. In the present study, 5 functional HPSE SNPs and 11 novel HPSE2 SNPs were examined. A very significant association between two enhancer (rs4693608 and rs4693084), and two insulator (rs4364254 and rs4426765) HPSE SNPs and primary paraskeletal disease (PS) was observed. SNP rs657442, located in intron 9 of the HPSE2 gene, revealed a significant protective association with primary paraskeletal disease and lytic bone lesions. The present study demonstrates a promoting (HPSE gene) and protective (HPSE2 gene) role of gene regulatory elements in the development of paraskeletal disease and bone morbidity. The effect of signal discrepancy between myeloma cells and normal cells of the tumor microenvironment is proposed as a mechanism for the involvement of heparanase in primary PS. We suggest that an increase in heparanase-2 expression can lead to effective suppression of heparanase activity in multiple myeloma accompanied by extramedullary and osteolytic bone disease.
Suicidality Prevalence in a Pediatric Psychiatric Clinic: Relation to Social and Environmental Risk Factors
Authors: Ilia Stavroula , Sakapeti Evangelia , Briassoulis Panagiotis , Gerostergios George , Vgontzas Alexandros , Briassoulis George
Published: March 2023

Suicidality is a growing public health problem in children and adolescents. The aim of this retrospective data analysis study was to estimate the prevalence of suicidality in pediatric patients admitted to an academic Pediatric Psychiatric Clinic (PPC) and to analyze social and environmental risk factors associated with suicide. Suicidal ideation was assessed by the Self-Injurious Thoughts and Behaviors Interview. Using established psychometric scales, social and stressful events were analyzed. During the four-year study, 249 episodes of care were experienced by 152 individuals (mean age 15.2 ± 2 years, girls/boys 107/45). Twenty-eight patients (11.2%) were admitted from the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit and the Department of Pediatrics, 162 (65.1%) from the Pediatric Emergency Department, and 59 (23.7%) from other Hospitals (p = 0.003). A significant longitudinal increase in admissions to PPC, with increasing trends of suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and suicidality, was recorded. Suicidal behavior, bullying, internet addiction, friends quarreling, and family problems were risk factors for suicide attempts and suicidality. Our results have implications for prevention programs, highlighting an increasing need for care for suicide attempts and suicidal ideation, related to specific stressful events and contextual socio-environmental status.
Diagnostic Performance of Electromagnetic Navigation versus Virtual Navigation Bronchoscopy-Guided Biopsy for Pulmonary Lesions in a Single Institution: Potential Role of Artificial Intelligence for Navigation Planning
Authors: Tsai Yuan-Ming , Kuo Yen-Shou , Lin Kuan-Hsun , Chen Ying-Yi , Huang Tsai-Wang
Published: March 2023

Navigation bronchoscopy is an emerging technique used to evaluate pulmonary lesions. Using Veran’s SPiN electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy (ENB) and Archimedes virtual bronchoscopy navigation (VBN), this study aimed to compare the accuracy and safety of these procedures for lung lesions and to identify potentially relevant knowledge for the application of artificial intelligence in interventional pulmonology in a single institute. This single-center, retrospective study compared the ENB and VBN results in patients with pulmonary lesions unsuitable for biopsy via percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy methods. A total of 35 patients who underwent navigation bronchoscopy for pulmonary lesion diagnosis were enrolled. Nineteen patients were stratified in the ENB group, and sixteen were in the VBN group. The mean age of this cohort was 67.6 ± 9.9 years. The mean distance of the lesion from the pleural surface was 16.1 ± 11.7 mm (range: 1.0–41.0 mm), and most lesions were a solid pattern (n = 33, 94.4%). There were 32 cases (91.4%) of pulmonary lesions with an air-bronchus sign. A statistically significant difference was found between pulmonary size and transparenchymal nodule access (p = 0.049 and 0.037, respectively). The navigation success rate was significantly higher in the VBN group (93.8% vs. 78.9%). Moreover, no procedure-related complications or mortality were noted. The radiographic characteristics, such as size or solid component, can affect the selection of the biopsy procedure, either ENB or VBN. Navigation bronchoscopy-guided biopsy demonstrated acceptable accuracy and a good safety profile in evaluating pulmonary lesions when the percutaneous approach was challenging or life threatening.