bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CRISPR/Cas9 as a New Antiviral Strategy for Treating Hepatitis Viral Infections
Authors: Bartosh Ulyana I. , Dome Anton S. , Zhukova Natalya V. , Karitskaya Polina E. , Stepanov Grigory A.
Published: December 2023

Hepatitis is an inflammatory liver disease primarily caused by hepatitis A (HAV), B (HBV), C (HCV), D (HDV), and E (HEV) viruses. The chronic forms of hepatitis resulting from HBV and HCV infections can progress to cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), while acute hepatitis can lead to acute liver failure, sometimes resulting in fatality. Viral hepatitis was responsible for over 1 million reported deaths annually. The treatment of hepatitis caused by viral infections currently involves the use of interferon-α (IFN-α), nucleoside inhibitors, and reverse transcriptase inhibitors (for HBV). However, these methods do not always lead to a complete cure for viral infections, and chronic forms of the disease pose significant treatment challenges. These facts underscore the urgent need to explore novel drug developments for the treatment of viral hepatitis. The discovery of the CRISPR/Cas9 system and the subsequent development of various modifications of this system have represented a groundbreaking advance in the quest for innovative strategies in the treatment of viral infections. This technology enables the targeted disruption of specific regions of the genome of infectious agents or the direct manipulation of cellular factors involved in viral replication by introducing a double-strand DNA break, which is targeted by guide RNA (spacer). This review provides a comprehensive summary of our current knowledge regarding the application of the CRISPR/Cas system in the regulation of viral infections caused by HAV, HBV, and HCV. It also highlights new strategies for drug development aimed at addressing both acute and chronic forms of viral hepatitis.
The Adsorption of P2X2 Receptors Interacting with IgG Antibodies Revealed by Combined AFM Imaging and Mechanical Simulation
Authors: Santander Eduardo A. , Bravo Graciela , Chang-Halabi Yuan , Olguín-Orellana Gabriel J. , Naulin Pamela A. , Barrera Mario J. , Montenegro Felipe A. , Barrera Nelson P.
Published: December 2023

The adsorption of proteins onto surfaces significantly impacts biomaterials, medical devices, and biological processes. This study aims to provide insights into the irreversible adsorption process of multiprotein complexes, particularly focusing on the interaction between anti-His6 IgG antibodies and the His6-tagged P2X2 receptor. Traditional approaches to understanding protein adsorption have centered around kinetic and thermodynamic models, often examining individual proteins and surface coverage, typically through Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations. In this research, we introduce a computational approach employing Autodesk Maya 3D software for the investigation of multiprotein complexes’ adsorption behavior. Utilizing Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) imaging and Maya 3D-based mechanical simulations, our study yields real-time structural and kinetic observations. Our combined experimental and computational findings reveal that the P2X2 receptor–IgG antibody complex likely undergoes absorption in an ‘extended’ configuration. Whereas the P2X2 receptor is less adsorbed once is complexed to the IgG antibody compared to its individual state, the opposite is observed for the antibody. This insight enhances our understanding of the role of protein–protein interactions in the process of protein adsorption.
Glass Formation and Properties of Multicomponent Glasses of the As2Se3-Ag2Te-GeTe System
Authors: Karadashka Ina , Ivanova Vladislava , Jordanov Valeri , Karadjova Veronika
Published: December 2023

Chalcogenide alloys of As2Se3-Ag2Te-GeTe were synthesized using the melt-quenching technique. By the visual and XRD analyses, the state of obtaining alloys was proven (glass, crystalline, glass + crystalline), and the glass formation region in the system was established. The thermal characteristics of some samples were determined—temperatures of glass transition (Tg); crystallization (Tcr); and melting (Tm). The basic physicochemical parameters, such as density (d) and Vickers microhardness (HV), were measured. Compactness (C), as well as some thermomechanical characteristics, such as module of elasticity (E), volume (Vh), and formation energy (Eh) of micro-voids, were calculated, and the influence of the composition on these characteristics was investigated. The addition of silver telluride resulted in a decrease in Tg and HV values and an increase in d and Vh values. No thermochemical effects of crystallization or melting were detected in some of the alloys. The obtained results were in agreement with the available literature data for similar systems.
Latex Allergy in Children
Authors: Arasi Stefania , Barni Simona , Caminiti Lucia , Castagnoli Riccardo , Giovannini Mattia , Liotti Lucia , Mastrorilli Carla , Mori Francesca , Pecoraro Luca , Saretta Francesca , Gelsomino Mariannita , Klain Angela , Miraglia del Giudice Michele , Novembre Elio
Published: December 2023

Notwithstanding the efforts made in the last decades to mitigate the consequences of natural rubber latex allergy, this disease continues to be a major health problem, especially in developing countries. The categories of patients with greater and frequent exposure to latex (such as health care professionals and, in the pediatric field, subjects who undergo repeated surgery, e.g., those suffering from spina bifida and urogenital malformations) have an increased risk of developing sensitization and allergy to latex. Herein we provide an overview of the current knowledge and practical recommendations with a focus on epidemiology, diagnostics, and management (including both prevention and therapy) in order to guide a correct recognition and containment of this potentially fatal condition.
Clinical Results after Release of Sternocleidomastoid Muscle Surgery for Neglected Congenital Muscular Torticollis—Unipolar vs. Bipolar Release Surgery
Authors: Funao Haruki , Isogai Norihiro , Otomo Nao , Yamanouchi Kento , Mizukoshi Ryo , Fujita Naruhito , Ebata Shigeto , Ishii Ken , Yagi Mitsuru
Published: December 2023

Background: Although the surgical release of the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM) is required for residual congenital muscular torticollis (CMT), the surgical outcomes between bipolar and unipolar SCM release remained unclear. The purpose of the present study was to assess surgical outcomes after bipolar and unipolar release of SCM in adolescent/adult patients with neglected CMT. Methods: Twenty-one consecutive adolescent/adult patients with neglected CMT who underwent surgical treatment were enrolled. Clinical and radiographic outcomes were evaluated at preoperative and final follow-up. Results: The bipolar release of SCM was performed in 3 patients (B group; males, n = 1, females, n = 2) and the unipolar release of SCM in 18 patients (U group; males, n = 6, females, n = 12). The mean age at surgery was 40.0 ± 17.0 years in Group B, and that was 32.3 ± 13.1 years in Group U (p = 0.47). The mean follow-up period was 16.0 ± 5.7 months in Group B and 10.4 ± 7.6 months in Group U (p = 0.22). Cervicomandibular angle correction rates were comparable at 75.4 ± 2.4% for the B group and 73.1 ± 11.7% for the U group (p = 0.62). There was no significant difference in clinical outcome according to the modified Cheng and Tang score between the two groups (p = 0.89). No major complications arose, although one patient exhibited a transient neurological deficit of the greater auricular nerve, and one patient developed a hematoma in the B group. Conclusions: The unipolar SCM release appeared to be a non-inferiority and less invasive procedure, minimizing surgical scars and avoiding potential auricular nerve damage in adolescent/adult patients with neglected CMT.
Harmonizing Image Forgery Detection & Localization: Fusion of Complementary Approaches
Authors: Mareen Hannes , De Neve Louis , Lambert Peter , Van Wallendael Glenn
Published: December 2023

Image manipulation is easier than ever, often facilitated using accessible AI-based tools. This poses significant risks when used to disseminate disinformation, false evidence, or fraud, which highlights the need for image forgery detection and localization methods to combat this issue. While some recent detection methods demonstrate good performance, there is still a significant gap to be closed to consistently and accurately detect image manipulations in the wild. This paper aims to enhance forgery detection and localization by combining existing detection methods that complement each other. First, we analyze these methods’ complementarity, with an objective measurement of complementariness, and calculation of a target performance value using a theoretical oracle fusion. Then, we propose a novel fusion method that combines the existing methods’ outputs. The proposed fusion method is trained using a Generative Adversarial Network architecture. Our experiments demonstrate improved detection and localization performance on a variety of datasets. Although our fusion method is hindered by a lack of generalization, this is a common problem in supervised learning, and hence a motivation for future work. In conclusion, this work deepens our understanding of forgery detection methods’ complementariness and how to harmonize them. As such, we contribute to better protection against image manipulations and the battle against disinformation.
Understanding the Formation of the Reduced Warming Pattern in the Pacific Sector of the Southern Ocean
Authors: Feng Biao , Ma Jian , Feng Jing , Wang Jie
Published: December 2023

Sea surface temperature (SST) warming patterns exhibit a reduced warming band in the Pacific Sector of the Southern Ocean (PSSO) in response to global warming, known as the Southern Ocean reduced (SOR) warming pattern. This study utilizes data from 30 climate models participating in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6), under the 1% CO2 increase per year (1pctCO2) scenario. Through factor decomposition, we identify the radiation forcing, wind cooling in evaporation, and oceanic heat flux as the essential contributors to multi-model ensemble (MME) mean distribution and inter-model uncertainty of the SOR pattern. It is crucial to highlight that the significant impact of the intensified westerlies on the formation of the SOR pattern involves both the wind cooling effect and the wind-driven oceanic dynamics, in both the MME mean distribution and inter-model uncertainty aspects. Our findings suggest that improving the simulation skills of the westerly winds could lead to more precise projection of Southern Ocean warming.
RDCP: A Real Time Sea Fog Intensity and Visibility Estimation Algorithm
Authors: Hwang Shin-Hyuk , Park Se-Kil , Park Sung-Hyun , Kwon Ki-Won , Im Tae-Ho
Published: December 2023

A number of accidents at sea are primarily caused by low visibility due to sea fog. Therefore, it is important to estimate sea fog intensity and visibility in real-time in the ocean environment. Visibility meters utilize optical sensors rather than visional information, so that the measured visibility data occasionally includes errors. Moreover, visibility meters have significant costs so that it is not viable to install them at various locations. Therefore, this paper proposes an algorithm called RDCP (Reduced Dark Channel Prior), which provides reliable estimation at a low cost by processing images captured from cameras, since they receive identical information as human eyes. For the estimation, the RDCP algorithm firstly acquires dark channels from an ocean image, then applies an optimized threshold value to the dark channels and crops out the sky region in the ocean image. For the estimation performance evaluation, 320 raw images captured from cameras at four different ports in Republic of Korea are used. Considering facilities in oceans, which are usually operated in power-limited environment, the processing time performance of PDCP is also examined. The experiments demonstrate that the RDCP algorithm provides reliable estimation performance in real-time.
Study on the Sand-Scouring Characteristics of Pulsed Submerged Jets Based on Experiments and Numerical Methods
Authors: Wang Hongliang , Jia Xuanwen , Wang Chuan , Hu Bo , Cao Weidong , Li Shanshan , Wang Hui
Published: December 2023

Water-jet-scouring technology finds extensive applications in various fields, including marine engineering. In this study, the pulse characteristics are introduced on the basis of jet-scouring research, and the sand-scouring characteristics of a pulsed jet under different Reynolds numbers and the impact distances are deeply investigated using Flow-3D v11.2. The primary emphasis is on the comprehensive analysis of the unsteady flow structure within the scouring process, the impulse characteristics, and the geometric properties of the resulting scouring pit. The results show that both the radius and depth of the scour pit show a good linear correlation with the jet-flow rate. The concentration of suspended sediment showed an increasing and then decreasing trend with impinging distance. The study not only helps to enrich the traditional theory of jet scouring, but also provides useful guidance for engineering applications, which have certain theoretical and practical significance.
Numerical Simulation of Icebreaking by Underwater-Explosion Bubbles and Compressed-Gas Bubbles Based on the ALE Method
Authors: Yu Zerui , Ni Bao-Yu , Wu Qigang , Wang Zuocheng , Liu Peng , Xue Yanzhuo
Published: December 2023

Icebreaking by using underwater explosion bubbles and compressed high-pressure gas bubbles has gradually become an effective icebreaking method. In order to compare the damaging effect of these two methods on the ice body, a fluid–structure coupling model was established based on the arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian (ALE) method and a series of calculations were carried out. The morphological changes of underwater explosion bubbles and compressed gas bubbles at the same energy under the free surface; the changes of flow load near the rigid wall; and the damage caused to the ice plate were studied and compared. The damage effect of the ice plate was analyzed by detecting the number of failure elements of the ice plate, and the optimum standoff distance was found. For an ice plate with a radius of 0.19 m and a thickness of 0.15 m, the optimum standoff distance of the compressed gas bubbles with 120 J is 0.03 m, and the optimum standoff distance of the TNT with 120 J is 0.02875 m. The similarities and differences of the two sources of bubbles on ice plate damage were summarized.
Patient Experiences and Clinical Outcomes in a Multidisciplinary Perioperative Transitional Pain Service
Authors: Manoharan Divya , Xie Anping , Hsu Yea-Jen , Flynn Hannah K. , Beiene Zodina , Giagtzis Alexandros , Shechter Ronen , McDonald Eileen , Marsteller Jill , Hanna Marie , Speed Traci J.
Published: December 2023

Siloed pain management across the perioperative period increases the risk of chronic opioid use and impedes postoperative recovery. Transitional perioperative pain services (TPSs) are innovative care models that coordinate multidisciplinary perioperative pain management to mitigate risks of chronic postoperative pain and opioid use. The objective of this study was to examine patients’ experiences with and quality of recovery after participation in a TPS. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 26 patients from The Johns Hopkins Personalized Pain Program (PPP) an average of 33 months after their first PPP visit. A qualitative content analysis of the interview data showed that participants (1) valued pain expectation setting, individualized care, a trusting patient–physician relationship, and shared decision-making; (2) perceived psychiatric treatment of co-occurring depression, anxiety, and maladaptive behaviors as critical to recovery; and (3) successfully sustained opioid tapers and experienced improved functioning after PPP discharge. Areas for improved patient-centered care included increased patient education, specifically about the program, continuity of care with pain specialists while tapering opioids, and addressing the health determinants that impede access to pain care. The positive patient experiences and sustained clinical benefits for high-risk complex surgical patient support further efforts to implement and adapt similar models of perioperative pain care.
Unveiling the Influencing Factors of Cryptocurrency Return Volatility
Authors: Kufo Andromahi , Gjeci Ardit , Pilkati Artemisa
Published: December 2023

The blossoming of cryptocurrencies during the last decade has largely influenced both the financial and the technological world. Bitcoin emerged on the edge of the financial crisis in 2008, signaling the very beginning of a financial and technological innovation, which in continuance would eventually create a lot of questions and debate previously unforeseeable. This paper aims to explore the impact of factors such as trading volume, information demand, stock returns, and exchange rates on the volatility of returns for decentralized and unbacked cryptocurrencies from 2016 to 2022 by employing the GARCH model. Based on each coin’s innate functional characteristics and market performance quantified by their respective market capitalization, the selection included Bitcoin, Ether, and XRP as representative crypto coins for the category of decentralized and unbacked cryptocurrencies. The implementation of correlation analysis and the use of the GARCH model on influencing factors for each coin revealed that decentralized and unbacked cryptocurrencies are positively related to trading volume, information demand, and exchange rates while being indifferent to a certain extent to the stock market returns of the world stock index MSCI ACWI. The results of this study provide further insight into the behavior of cryptocurrency return volatility in the new, ever-changing, and highly unpredictable crypto market as well as aid investors in their decision-making process concerning portfolio optimization.
Assessment of Land Desertification in the Brazilian East Atlantic Region Using the Medalus Model and Google Earth Engine
Authors: Macêdo Theilon Henrique de Jesus , Tagliaferre Cristiano , da Silva Bismarc Lopes , de Paula Alessandro , Lemos Odair Lacerda , Adenilson Rocha Felizardo , Pinheiro Rosilene Gomes de Souza , Santos Lima Ana Carolina
Published: December 2023

Many factors drive land desertification, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. However, the sheer number of these driving factors of desertification makes analyses computer-intensive. Cloud computing offers a solution to address this problem, especially in developing countries. The objective of this work was to assess the sensitivity of the East Atlantic Basin, Brazil, to desertification using the Mediterranean Desertification and Land Use (MEDALUS) model and Google Earth Engine (GEE). The model is composed of four environmental Quality Indices (QIs) associated with soil (SQI), vegetation (VQI), climate (CQI), and management (MQI), each encompassing factors that influence the desertification process. Digital databases corresponding to these factors were pre-processed and uploaded to GEE for analysis. We report Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs) and Environmentally Critical Factors (ECF) maps of the East Atlantic Basin, which show that most of the basin is in either a critical (49.4%) or fragile (35.7%) state of sensitivity. In contrast, only a smaller portion of the area is unaffected (5%) or potentially affected (10.1%). The analysis also revealed an inverse correlation between desertification sensitivity and the presence of vigorous vegetation. A joint evaluation of ESAs and ECF shed light on the importance of each factor in the sensitivity to desertification. The East Atlantic Basin shows a high degree of sensitivity to desertification, thereby demanding more attention and the establishment of measures to mitigate the negative impacts of the desertification process.
Spatial Trade-Offs and Synergies between Ecosystem Services in Guangdong Province, China
Authors: Xu Qian , Yang Ying , Yang Ren , Zha Li-Si , Lin Zi-Qing , Shang Shu-Hao
Published: December 2023

The trade-offs between ecosystem services directly affect the quality of the ecological environment and the survival and development of human society, which is of great concern to academia, governments, and non-governmental organizations. Guangdong Province is a strong economic performer in China; hence, we selected it to explore the trade-off and synergy differences between different ecosystem services, and to investigate the mechanisms of their influence in economically developed regions with a large population density. Our results showed three main points: (1) The ecosystem services in Guangdong Province showed clear spatial heterogeneity. In addition, northern Guangdong has high levels of water retention, with a value of 5804.73 × 104 m3/km2 and high values for carbon sequestration and soil retention. Western Guangdong is a functional area for food production, and the Pearl River Delta is an economically developed region with low levels of ecosystem services. (2) Overall, in Guangdong Province, three pairs of ecosystem services, namely water retention–soil retention, carbon sequestration–water retention, and carbon sequestration–soil retention, showed a strong positive correlation and good synergistic relationships. The other three pairs of relationships show strong trade-off effects. (3) The relationships between similar ecosystem services show completely different characteristics in different regions. Carbon sequestration and water retention, carbon sequestration and biodiversity conservation, water retention and biodiversity conservation, and soil retention and biodiversity conservation were mainly manifested in high–high synergies, particularly in northern Guangdong; carbon sequestration and soil retention and water retention and soil retention, primarily manifested synergies; carbon sequestration and food production, water retention and food production, and soil retention and food production mainly manifested as trade-off relationships.
A Hypothetical Approach to Concentrate Microorganisms from Human Urine Samples Using Paper-Based Adsorbents for Point-of-Care Molecular Assays
Authors: Uttam Isha , Sudarsan Sujesh , Ray Rohitraj , Chinnappan Raja , Yaqinuddin Ahmed , Al-Kattan Khaled , Mani Naresh Kumar
Published: December 2023

This hypothesis demonstrates that the efficiency of loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) for nucleic acid detection can be positively influenced by the preconcentration of microbial cells onto hydrophobic paper surfaces. The mechanism of this model is based on the high affinity of microbes towards hydrophobic surfaces. Extensive studies have demonstrated that hydrophobic surfaces exhibit enhanced bacterial and fungal adhesion. By exploiting this inherent affinity of hydrophobic paper substrates, the preconcentration approach enables the adherence of a greater number of target cells, resulting in a higher concentration of target templates for amplification directly from urine samples. In contrast to conventional methods, which often involve complex procedures, this approach offers a simpler, cost-effective, and user-friendly alternative. Moreover, the integration of cell adhesion, LAMP amplification, and signal readout within paper origami-based devices can provide a portable, robust, and highly efficient platform for rapid nucleic acid detection. This innovative hypothesis holds significant potential for point-of-care (POC) diagnostics and field surveillance applications. Further research and development in this field will advance the implementation of this technology, contributing to improved healthcare systems and public health outcomes.
Research on Nonlinear Behavior of Local High-Performance Concrete Beam–Column Connections
Authors: Xu Zhiqiang , Yu Jianbing , Xia Yufeng , Jiang Chaojun
Published: December 2023

The seismic performance index of prefabricated structures is generally obtained via experimental analysis. However, in experimental research, it is impossible that every influencing factor can be taken into account. Therefore, the finite element analysis method can be used as a supplementary method for experimental research to carry out parametric analysis of joints. Based on this test, a hysteretic model of steel bars is developed on the ABAQUS platform; meanwhile, the model is used to simulate the seismic analysis of the proposed local reinforced joints. The hysteresis curve obtained via simulation exhibits a high degree of coincidence with the experimental results. Based on the validated model, a detailed parameter analysis of prefabricated local reinforced concrete frame joints is carried out. The analysis results illustrate that the axial pressure ratio at the top of the column has a minimal impact on the joint’s performance. Decreasing the stirrup ratio within the core region, enlarging the diameter of the PC steel bar, and increasing the concrete strength that is poured in the keyway and the core region can raise the cumulative energy consumption of the joints, thereby reducing the damage degree of other units and improving the maximum bearing capability of the joints.
Study on Fatigue Performance of Pulsed Tungsten Inert Gas Welding Joint of Duplex Stainless Steel Thin Tube
Authors: Yang Chaofei , Zheng Wenjian , Wang Renfu , Niu Jiajia , Sun Lei , Cheng Mao , Lu Xianjing , Zhou Zhou , Yang Jianguo
Published: December 2023

To solve the shortage of austenite phase precipitation caused by nitrogen loss in the welding process of UNS S2205 duplex stainless steel (DSS), shielding gas nitriding was investigated by adding different N2 contents in Ar shielding gas during the welding process. A good thin-walled pipe butt joint was formed using the pulsed tungsten inert gas (P-TIG) welding method with Ar-N2 shielding gas. High cycle fatigue tests of the weld joints were conducted to study the effect of shielding gas nitriding on the fatigue properties. Fatigue tests at three stress levels of 225 MPa, 270 MPa, and 360 MPa were carried out on the weld joints with different N2 contents, and the fatigue samples were all fractured in the high temperature heat-affected zone (H-HAZ). Within the current process parameters, the fatigue life of the 4 vol.% N2 welded joints was optimal. Fatigue striations appeared in the fatigue crack propagation zone, and the transient fracture zone was similar to the tensile fracture. Under the low-stress level, the area of the crack propagation zone under 4 vol.% N2 was the highest, the tear ridges all expanded around the crack source area, and the fatigue crack propagation zone presented a radial distribution. The proliferation and expansion of dislocations were mainly carried out in the austenite grains, and the dislocation density of the fatigue specimens under 4 vol.% N2 was smaller than that of the Ar specimens. Shielding gas nitriding effectively improved the balance of the two-phase ratio and the hardness of austenite phase, optimized the internal slip system, inhibited the proliferation of dislocations in the austenite phase, and improved the fatigue life of weld joints.
The AM-4 Family of Layered Titanosilicates: Single-Crystal-to-Single-Crystal Transformation, Synthesis and Ionic Conductivity
Authors: Kalashnikova Galina , Krivovichev Sergey , Yakovenchuk Victor , Selivanova Ekaterina , Avdontceva Margarita , Ivanyuk Gregory , Pakhomovsky Yakov , Gryaznova Darya , Kabanova Natalya , Morkhova Yelizaveta , Sinel’shchikova Olga , Bocharov Vladimir , Nikolaev Anatoly , Goychuk Olga , Volkov Sergei , Panikorovskii Taras
Published: December 2023

Flexible crystal(水晶) structures, which exhibit(展览) single-crystal(水晶)-to-single-crystal(水晶) (SCSC) transformations(转型), are attracting attention(注意) in many applied aspects: magnetic(磁) switches, catalysis, ferroelectrics and sorption. Acid treatment(治疗) for titanosilicate material(材料) AM-4 and natural(自然) compounds with the same structures led to SCSC transformation(转型) by loss(损失) Na+, Li+ and Zn2+ cations with large structural(结构) changes (20% of the unit(单位)-cell(细胞) volume(体积)). The conservation(保育) of crystallinity through complex(复杂) transformation(转型) is possible due(由于) to the formation(形成) of a strong hydrogen bonding(债券) system(系统). The mechanism(机制) of transformation(转型) has been characterized using single-crystal(水晶) X-ray(射线) diffraction analysis(分析), powder(粉) diffraction, Rietvield refinement, Raman spectroscopy and electron microscopy. The low migration(迁移) energy(能源) of cations in the considered materials(材料) is confirmed using bond(债券)-valence and density(密度) functional(功能) theory(理论) calculations, and the ion conductivity of the AM-4 family’s materials(材料) has been experimentally verified.
Comparison of Orthodontic Tooth Movement of Regenerated Bone Induced by Carbonated Hydroxyapatite or Deproteinized Bovine Bone Mineral in Beagle Dogs
Authors: Abe Takaharu , Kunimatsu Ryo , Tanimoto Kotaro
Published: December 2023

Orthodontic treatments often involve tooth movement to improve dental alignment. In this study, we aimed to compare tooth movement in regenerated bone induced by two different bone fillers, carbonated hydroxyapatite (CAP) and deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM). Four beagle dogs were used in this comparative study. The first, second, and fourth lower mandibular premolars (P1, P2, and P4) on both sides of the mouth were extracted, and CAP was implanted into the extraction site on the left side and DBBM into the right side. Following regenerative bone healing, orthodontic devices were attached to perform orthodontic tooth movement of the lower third mandibular premolar (P3) on both sides. X-ray examination, intraoral scan, and histological analysis were performed. The Mann–Whitney U test was used for statistical analysis, and p < 0.05 was considered significant. Bone regeneration and orthodontic tooth movement were observed in the CAP and DBBM groups. Histologically, normal periodontal tissue remodeling was observed on the compression and tension sides of CAP and DBBM. No statistical difference was observed in the number of osteoclasts around the periodontal ligament and the root resorption area. Orthodontic tooth movement of regenerated bone induced by CAP and DBBM was therefore achieved.
The Influence of Nitrogen Flow on the Stoichiometric Composition, Structure, Mechanical, and Microtribological Properties of TiN Coatings
Authors: Lapitskaya Vasilina , Nikolaev Andrey , Khabarava Anastasiya , Sadyrin Evgeniy , Antipov Pavel , Abdulvakhidov Kamaludin , Aizikovich Sergei , Chizhik Sergei
Published: December 2023

Utilizing reactive DC magnetron sputtering method, TiN coatings were deposited on the silicon substrates at different nitrogen flows and powers. A study of the X-ray phase composition of the coatings was carried out. The stoichiometric composition of the coatings was determined using energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy. The structure of the surface, cross-section, and thickness of the coatings were determined using scanning electron (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). A significant change in the surface structure of TiN coatings was established with changes in deposition power and nitrogen flow. SEM images of cross-sections of all coated samples showed that the formation of coatings occurs in the form of a columnar structure with a perpendicular orientation relative to the silicon substrate. The mechanical properties (elastic modulus E and microhardness H) of TiN coatings of the first group demonstrate a maximum at a nitrogen flow of 3 sccm and are 184 ± 11 GPa and 15.7 ± 1.3 GPa, respectively. In the second group, the values of E and H increase due to a decrease in the size of the structural elements of the coating (grains and crystallites). In the third group, E and H decrease. Microtribological tests were carried out in 4 stages: at a constant load, multi-cycle for 10 and 100 cycles, and with increasing load. The coefficient of friction (CoF) and specific volumetric wear ω depend on the roughness, topology, and mechanical properties of the resulting coatings. Fracture toughness was determined using nanoscratch and depends on the mechanical properties of TiN coatings. Within each group, coatings with the best mechanical and microtribological properties were described: in the first group—TiN coating at 3 sccm (with (29.6 ± 0.1) at.% N), in the second group—TiN coating at 2 sccm (with (40.8 ± 0.2) at.% N), and in the third group—TiN coating at 1 sccm (c (37.3 ± 0.2) at.% N).
Efficiency and Mechanism of Surface Reinforcement for Recycled Coarse Aggregates via Magnesium Phosphate Cement
Authors: Wang Siyao , Hu Jingtao , Sun Zhiyuan , Gao Yuan , Yan Xiao , Xue Xiang
Published: December 2023

Recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) exhibits inferior mechanical and durability properties owing to the deterioration of the recycled coarse aggregate (RCA) surface quality. To improve the surface properties of RCA, the reinforcement efficiency of RAC, and the maneuverability of the surface treatment method, this study used magnesium phosphate cement (MPC), a clinker-free low-carbon cement with excellent bonding properties, to precoat RCA under three-day pre-conditioning. Moreover, variable amounts of fly ash (FA) or granulated blast furnace slag (GBFS) were utilized to partly substitute MPC to enhance the compressive strength and chloride ion penetration resistance. Subsequently, FA–MPC and GBFS–MPC hybrid slurries with the best comprehensive performance were selected to coat the RCA for optimal reinforcement. The crushing value and water absorption of RCA, as well as the mechanical strengths and durability of RAC, were investigated, and microstructures around interfaces were studied via BSE-EDS and microhardness analysis to reveal the strengthening mechanism. The results indicated that the comprehensive property of strengthening paste was enhanced significantly through substituting MPC with 10% FA or GBFS. Surface coating resulted in a maximum reduction of 8.15% in the crushing value, while the water absorption barely changed. In addition, modified RAC outperformed untreated RAC regarding compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, and chloride ion penetration resistance with maximum optimization efficiencies of 31.58%, 49.75%, and 43.11%, respectively. It was also evidenced that the improved MPC paste properties enhanced the performance of modified RAC. Microanalysis revealed that MPC pastes exhibited an excellent bond with RCA or new mortar, and the newly formed interfacial transition zone between MPC and the fresh mortar exhibited a dense microstructure and outstanding micro-mechanical properties supported with an increase in the average microhardness value of 30.2–33.4%. Therefore, MPC pastes incorporating an appropriate mineral admixture have enormous potential to be utilized as effective RCA surface treatment materials and improve the operability of RCA application in practice.
Low-Carbon Optimization Design of Grinding Machine Spindle Based on Improved Whale Algorithm
Authors: Lu Qi , Gao Xubo , Chan Felix T. S.
Published: December 2023

To achieve a fundamental reduction in the carbon emissions associated with grinding machines, it is imperative to systematically explore low-carbon considerations in the design phase. The spindle is a significant contributor to carbon emissions in grinding machines, and an effective approach for reducing carbon emissions is the structural optimization of the spindle. Most of the current optimization methods aim at improving processability without considering the reduction of carbon emissions. In this context, the present study addresses the issue of carbon emissions within the spindle design phase. Initially, the determination of the spindle’s carbon emissions function and the selection of the optimization objective were undertaken. The structural factors that have a significant influence on the optimization objective were identified as optimization variables. Subsequently, the optimization objective function was established through the application of the fitting method. Finally, the proposed model was refined through the utilization of an enhanced whale algorithm. The findings indicate an 8.22% reduction in carbon emissions associated with the spindle, accompanied by marginal enhancements in both static and dynamic spindle performance. The concluding section of this paper deliberates on the impact of structural parameters on the specified objectives, thereby providing insights for the optimal design of the spindle.
Formulation and Numerical Solution of Plane Problems of the Theory of Elasticity in Strains
Authors: Turimov Dilmurod , Khaldjigitov Abduvali , Djumayozov Umidjon , Kim Wooseong
Published: December 2023

This article is devoted to the formulation and numerical solution of boundary-value problems in the theory of elasticity with respect to deformations. Similar to the well-known Beltrami–Michell stress equations, the Saint-Venant compatibility conditions are written in the form of differential equations for strains. A new version of plane boundary-value problems in strains is formulated. It is shown that for the correctness of plane boundary value problems, in addition to the usual conditions, one more special boundary condition is required using the equilibrium equation. To discretize additional boundary conditions and differential equations, it is convenient to use the finite difference method. By resolving grid equations and additional boundary conditions with respect to the desired quantities at the diagonal nodal points, we obtained convergent iterative relations for the internal and boundary nodes. To solve grid equations, the elimination method was also used. By comparing with the Timoshenko–Goodyear solution on the tension of a rectangular plate with a parabolic load, the validity of the formulated boundary value problems in strains and the reliability of the numerical results are shown. The accuracy of the results has been increased by an average of 15%.
Dynamic Evolution of Coal Pore-Fracture Structure and Its Fractal Characteristics under the Action of Salty Solution
Authors: Wang Min , Tian Yakun , Zhang Zhijun , Guo Qifeng , Wu Lingling
Published: December 2023

The instability and failure of coal pillars is one of the important factors leading to the catastrophic consequences of coal mine goaf collapse. Coal mine water has the characteristics of high salinity. Long-term mine water erosion can easily deform the coal pillar structure, eventually leading to instability and damage. This study carried out tests on coal samples soaked in salt solutions with different concentrations, and the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) method was used to obtain the dynamic evolution of the pore-fracture structure of coal. On the basis of fractal theory, the changes in fractal dimension of pore structure during the soaking process were discussed. The damage variable based on the pore fractal dimension was defined and the evolution relationship between the damage variable and immersion time was characterized. The findings demonstrated that the porosity change rate has an exponentially increasing relationship with the immersion time, and with the increasement of concentration of salt solution, the porosity change rate also shows increasing trends. The number of seepage pores and total pores increased with the immersion time. While, with the extension of soaking time, the number of adsorption pores first increased and then decreased. The connectivity between pores was enhanced. The relationship between the fractal dimension and the immersion time is linearly decreasing. The damage variable showed an increasing trend with the immersion time. As the concentration of salt solution increased, the damage of coal increased. The research results are of great significance for rationally evaluating the stability of coal pillars and ensuring the safe operation of underground engineering.
Path Planning of Logistic Robot Using Method of Vector Marks Tree Generation
Authors: Strikuliene Olga , Sarkauskas Kastytis Kiprijonas , Gelsvartas Julius , Balasevicius Leonas , Baranauskas Virginijus , Derviniene Alma
Published: December 2023

The authors of this article analyzed the problem of logistic robotics. This paper presents a method for robot navigation in a known environment. The method consists of two steps. The first step is to model the system, assign vector marks to the prominent edges of the virtual environment map, and direct the robot to reach these marks. The second step is to enable the robot to execute a specific task based on the given paths and deal with the local obstacles avoidance independently. The identification of the prominent point, the computation of the vector mark, and optimal path calculation are performed on the computer model using colored Petri nets in the software ‘Centaurus CPN’. The proposed approach was extended to simulate the work of a logistic robot, which has to take boxes and deliver them to certain places in storages. The experimental investigation has shown that the simulated mobile robots with the proposed navigation system were efficiently moving along the planned path. The analysis of the vector tree reveals that it takes 0.389 s to compute and graphically represent it. The occupation of certain places in storages is visualized and shown in experimental graphics.
Residual Control Chart Based on a Convolutional Neural Network and Support Vector Regression for Type-I Censored Data with the Weibull Model
Authors: Lee Pei-Hsi , Liao Shih-Lung
Published: December 2023

Control charts with conditional expected value (CEV) can be used with novel statistical techniques to monitor the means of moderately and lowly censored data. In recent years, machine learning and deep learning have been successfully combined with quality technology to solve many process control problems. This paper proposes a residual control chart combining a convolutional neural network (CNN) and support vector regression (SVR) for type-I censored data with the Weibull model. The CEV and exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) statistics are used to generate training data for the CNN and SVR. The average run length shows that the proposed chart approach outperforms the traditional EWMA CEV chart approach in various shift sizes and censored rates. The proposed chart approach is suitable to be used in detecting small shift size for highly censored data. An illustrative example presents the application of the proposed method in an electronics industry.
Exploring the Use of Contrastive Language-Image Pre-Training for Human Posture Classification: Insights from Yoga Pose Analysis
Authors: Dobrzycki Andrzej D. , Bernardos Ana M. , Bergesio Luca , Pomirski Andrzej , Sáez-Trigueros Daniel
Published: December 2023

Accurate human posture classification in images and videos is crucial for automated applications across various fields, including work safety, physical rehabilitation, sports training, or daily assisted living. Recently, multimodal learning methods, such as Contrastive Language-Image Pretraining (CLIP), have advanced significantly in jointly understanding images and text. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of CLIP in classifying human postures, focusing on its application in yoga. Despite the initial limitations of the zero-shot approach, applying transfer learning on 15,301 images (real and synthetic) with 82 classes has shown promising results. The article describes the full procedure for fine-tuning, including the choice for image description syntax, models and hyperparameters adjustment. The fine-tuned CLIP model, tested on 3826 images, achieves an accuracy of over 85%, surpassing the current state-of-the-art of previous works on the same dataset by approximately 6%, its training time being 3.5 times lower than what is needed to fine-tune a YOLOv8-based model. For more application-oriented scenarios, with smaller datasets of six postures each, containing 1301 and 401 training images, the fine-tuned models attain an accuracy of 98.8% and 99.1%, respectively. Furthermore, our experiments indicate that training with as few as 20 images per pose can yield around 90% accuracy in a six-class dataset. This study demonstrates that this multimodal technique can be effectively used for yoga pose classification, and possibly for human posture classification, in general. Additionally, CLIP inference time (around 7 ms) supports that the model can be integrated into automated systems for posture evaluation, e.g., for developing a real-time personal yoga assistant for performance assessment.
Option Pricing under a Generalized Black–Scholes Model with Stochastic Interest Rates, Stochastic Strings, and Lévy Jumps
Authors: Bueno-Guerrero Alberto , Clark Steven P.
Published: December 2023

We introduce a novel option pricing model that features stochastic interest rates along with an underlying price process driven by stochastic string shocks combined with pure jump Lévy processes. Substituting the Brownian motion in the Black–Scholes model with a stochastic string leads to a class of option pricing models with expiration-dependent volatility. Further extending this Generalized Black–Scholes (GBS) model by adding Lévy jumps to the returns generating processes results in a new framework generalizing all exponential Lévy models. We derive four distinct versions of the model, with each case featuring a different jump process: the finite activity lognormal and double–exponential jump diffusions, as well as the infinite activity CGMY process and generalized hyperbolic Lévy motion. In each case, we obtain closed or semi-closed form expressions for European call option prices which generalize the results obtained for the original models. Empirically, we evaluate the performance of our model against the skews of S&P 500 call options, considering three distinct volatility regimes. Our findings indicate that: (a) model performance is enhanced with the inclusion of jumps; (b) the GBS plus jumps model outperform the alternative models with the same jumps; (c) the GBS-CGMY jump model offers the best fit across volatility regimes.
A Novel Dynamic S-Box Generation Scheme Based on Quantum Random Walks Controlled by a Hyper-Chaotic Map
Authors: Zhang Lijun , Ma Caochuan , Zhao Yuxiang , Zhao Wenbo
Published: December 2023

For many years, chaotic maps have been widely used in the design of various algorithms in cryptographic systems. In this paper, a new model (compound chaotic system) of quantum random walks controlled by a hyper-chaotic map is constructed and a novel scheme for constructing a dynamic S-Box based on the new model is proposed. Through aperiodic evaluation and statistical complexity measurement, it is shown that the compound chaotic system has features such as complex structure and stronger randomness than classical chaotic systems. Based on the chaotic sequence generated by the composite system, we design a dynamic S-Box generation mechanism. The mechanism can quickly generate high-security S-Boxes. Then, an example of randomly generating S-Boxes is given alongside an analytical evaluation of S-Box standard performance criteria such as bijection, boomerang uniformity, bit independence, nonlinearity, linear approximate probability, strict avalanche effect, differential uniformity, the and generalized majority logic criterion. The evaluation results confirm that the performance of the S-Box is excellent. Thus, the proposed dynamic S-Box construction technique can be used to generate cryptographically strong substitution-boxes in practical information security systems.