bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TAEF: A Task Allocation-Based Ensemble Fuzzing Framework for Optimizing the Advantages of Heterogeneous Fuzzers
Authors: Sun Yutao , Xu Xianghua
Published: December 2023

Ensemble fuzzing in parallel with heterogeneous fuzzers has been proposed to leverage the advantages of diverse fuzzers and improve testing efficiency. However, in current ensemble fuzzing methods, the collaboration among different fuzzers is achieved solely by synchronizing the seeds discovered by each fuzzer. This results in a high likelihood of different fuzzers choosing the same seeds and creating a large number of equivalent testcases, thus reducing overall fuzzing efficiency. Meanwhile, the existing task division method proposed by AFLTeam is highly coupled with the fuzzer specially designed for it, making it challenging to apply to ensemble fuzzing directly. So, in this paper, we proposed a callgraph-based task division method suitable for ensemble fuzzing. Firstly, we divided the target program’s callgraph into subgraphs (subtasks) balancing expected workloads. Then, we divided the global seed corpus into subcorpora, each corresponding to a subtask, making fuzzers easily accept the subtasks. Finally, we designed synchronization mechanisms for coverage bitmaps and seeds to realize the collaborative fuzzing among different fuzzers and a cyclic subtask scheduling strategy to fully leverage the benefits of ensemble fuzzing. We implemented a prototype called TAEF. The evaluation results show that in the best-case scenario, our method has up to 24% more branch coverage than previous work.
Chemical Composition and Color of Short-Rotation Teak Wood Thermally Modified in Closed and Open Systems
Authors: Gomes Felipe da Silva , Reis Miquéias de Souza , Rupf Anna Clara Oliveira , Silvares Paulo Henrique dos Santos , Ferreira Jessica Sabrina da Silva , Dias Luciano da Costa , Madi João Paulo Sardo , Cademartori Pedro Henrique Gonzalez de , Neto Humberto Fantuzzi , Paes Juarez Benigno , Batista Djeison Cesar
Published: December 2023

Although the effect of thermal modification (TM) on teak wood color is well documented, few studies have been carried out on closed-system processes, and it remains unclear what the effect is of different processes on the same material. This work aimed to verify the effect of closed- and open-system processes of TM on the color of short-rotation teak wood. Thermally modified wood (TMW) was evaluated in a closed system at 160 °C (CS160) and in an open system at 185 °C and 210 °C (OS185 and OS210). We measured the moisture content (initial and final) of the wood and the corrected mass loss (CML). The chemical analyses encompassed the contents of alpha-cellulose, hemicelluloses, lignin, and extractives (total, in acetone and dichloromethane). Wood color was measured before and after TM according to the CIEL*a*b* color space. It was possible to achieve the same color using different processes of thermal modification (CS160 and OS210). TM reduced wood lightness (L*), red–green chromaticity coordinate (a*), and yellow–blue chromaticity coordinate (b*). L* and a* had the biggest and smallest variations, respectively. TMW color was significantly changed, even at the mildest condition tested (OS185, 0.33% CML).
Microstructure Evolution and Constitutive Modelling of Deformation Behavior for Al-Mg-Si-Cu-Sc-Zr Alloy Processed with Isothermal Multidirectional Forging
Authors: Mochugovskiy Andrey G. , Kaplanskaya Ludmila Yu. , Mosleh Ahmed O. , Palacheva Valeria V. , Mikhaylovskaya Anastasia V.
Published: December 2023

This research is devoted to the microstructure evolution and deformation behavior of the Al-1.2Mg-0.7Si-1.0Cu-0.1Sc-0.2Zr alloy during the isothermal multidirectional forging (MDF) in a large cumulative strain and temperature range. The structure investigation of the studied alloy revealed several phases precipitated during solidification, among which θ(Al2Cu), Q(Al5Cu2Mg8Si6), Mg2Si, Sc-bearing W(AlScCu) and V(AlSi2Sc2) phases were observed. The MDF at 150–350 °C and a maximum cumulative strain of 14.4 significantly refined grain structure providing a mean grain size of 1.2–2.1 µm. The L12 structured Al3(Sc,Zr) dispersoids with a mean size of 10 ± 1 nm were formed during two-step homogenization annealing. Due to Zener pinning of the nanoscale dispersoids and fine-grained structure, the alloy exhibited near-superplastic behavior in a temperature range of 460–500 °C and strain rate range of 2 × 10−3–1 × 10−2 s−1 with the maximum elongation to failure of ~300%. After a strengthening heat treatment, the forged alloy exhibited the yield strength of 326 ± 5 MPa, ultimate tensile strength of 366 ± 5 MPa, and elongation of 10 ± 3%. The hot deformation behavior was described using the Arrhenius type model. The developed model demonstrated high predictability accuracy with a maximum average absolute relative error of 6.6%.
Real-Time Optical Flow Estimation Method Based on Cross-Stage Network
Authors: Park Min-Hong , Cho Jae-Hoon , Kim Yong-Tae
Published: December 2023

In this paper, a real-time optical flow estimation method based on a cross-stage network is proposed. The proposed model is designed with a network structure with encoders and decoders. The proposed method combines cross-stage network technology with the network structure of FlowNet2 and RAFT to achieve improved parameter number and estimation performance. For real-time optical flow estimation, it is important to maintain performance while reducing the number of parameters in the network. In the proposed method, structural convergence is performed to increase performance while reducing the number of parameters by applying the cross-stage network structure. The proposed model is designed to solve the bottlenecks in model accuracy and complexity by separating feature extraction and flow estimation processes. Flying Chairs, Flying Things 3D, and KITTI datasets were used to evaluate the performance of the proposed model, and the experimental results show superior performance compared to previous traditional methods.
Comprehensive Study of Fuel Cell Hybrid Electric Vehicles: Classification, Topologies, and Control System Comparisons
Authors: Ragab Ahmed , Marei Mostafa I. , Mokhtar Mohamed
Published: December 2023

The utilization of fuel cells (FC) in automotive technology has experienced significant growth in recent years. Fuel cell hybrid electric vehicles (FCHEVs) are powered by a combination of fuel cells, batteries, and/or ultracapacitors (UCs). By integrating power converters with these power sources, the FCHEV system can overcome the limitations of using them separately. The performance of an FCHEV is influenced by the efficiency of the power electronics converter controller, as well as the technical efficiency of the power sources. FCHEVs need intricate energy management systems (EMSs) to function effectively. Poor EMS can lead to low efficiency and accelerated fuel cell and battery degradation. The literature discusses various types of EMSs such as equivalent consumption minimization strategy, classical PI controller, fuzzy logic controller, and mutative fuzzy logic controller (MFLC). It also discusses a systematic categorization of FCHEV topologies and delves into the unique characteristics of these topologies. Furthermore, it provides an in-depth comparative study of EMSs applied in FCHEVs, encompassing rule-based, optimization-based, and advanced learning-based approaches. However, comparing different EMSs can be challenging due to the varying vehicle and system parameters, which might lead to false claims being made regarding system performance. This review aims to categorize and discuss the various topologies of FCHEVs, highlighting their pros and cons, and comparing several EMSs based on performance metrics such as state of charge (SOC) and FC deterioration. This paper seeks a deeper comprehension of the recent advancements in EMSs for FCHEVs. It offers insights that can facilitate a more comprehensive grasp of the current state of research in this field, aiding researchers in staying up to date with the latest developments.
Using Level-Based Multiple Reasoning in a Web-Based Intelligent System for the Diagnosis of Farmed Fish Diseases
Authors: Kovas Konstantinos , Hatzilygeroudis Ioannis , Dimitropoulos Konstantinos , Spiliopoulos Georgios , Poulos Konstantinos , Abatzidou Evi , Aravanis Theofanis , Ilias Aristeidis , Kanlis Grigorios , Theodorou John A.
Published: December 2023

Farmed fish disease diagnosis is an important problem in the fish farming industry, affecting quality of production and financial losses. In this paper, we present a web-based intelligent system that tackles the problem of fish disease diagnosis. To this end, it uses multiple knowledge representation and reasoning methods: rule-based, case-based, weight-based, and voting. Knowledge, which concerns the diagnosis of sea bass diseases, was acquired from experts in the field and represented in the form of decision trees. The diagnostic process is performed in two stages: a general one and a specialized one. In the general stage, a level-based diagnosis is performed, where environmental parameters, external signs, and internal signs are successively examined, and the three most probable diseases are identified. In the specialized stage, which is optional, a specialized expert system is used for each of the resulting diseases, where additional parameters concerning laboratory tests (microbiological, microscopic, molecular, and chemical) are considered. The general stage is the most useful, given that it can be performed on-site in real-time, whereas the specialized one requires time-consuming lab tests. The system also provides explanations for its decisions. Evaluation of the general-stage diagnostic process showed a top-3 accuracy of 78.79% on expert test cases and 94% on an artificial dataset.
Strength Development of Metakaolin-Based Alkali-Activated Cement
Authors: Lou Baowen , Vrålstad Torbjørn
Published: December 2023

Alkali-activated materials, sometimes called geopolymers, can be used as alternative cementitious materials to conventional Portland cement. Currently, there is a significant interest in these materials due to their low CO2 footprint. The typical applications of alkali-activated materials are within civil engineering; however, potential applications as well cementing material within the oil and gas industry are also receiving emerging interest. This paper presents a systematic study of the compressive strength development from 1 to 28 days for metakaolin-based alkali-activated cement. The results show that the compressive strength is highly dependent upon the initial Si/Al ratio in the mix design, as well as the concentration of the activator solution. Furthermore, due to the relatively low initial reactivity of the metakaolin material used, different types of co-binders were included in the slurry composition to improve early strength development. The two different co-binders tested were another, more reactive metakaolin material and Blast Furnace Slag (GGBFS). It was found that both these co-binders performed as intended, by ensuring early strength development via precipitation of K-A-S-H and C-A-S-H gels, respectively, and also by enabling subsequent strength development due to improved dissolution of the low-reactive metakaolin.
Centrifuge Modelling of the Impact of Excavation with Partition Piles on Adjacent Existing Tunnel
Authors: Du Yiming , Wang Bingyi , Diao Yu , Zhao Haotian , Zhao Xiangyu , Su Yiming
Published: December 2023

Recently, due to more excavation projects near existing tunnels, the research on tunnel deformation control has become very important and urgent. However, the systematic study of the control effectiveness of partition piles, one of the commonly used methods for controlling tunnel deformation, was not mature yet. In response to this situation, a series of centrifuge modelling studies were performed to explore how nearby existing tunnels respond to excavations with partition piles in a dry sand foundation. The tests provided insights into the variations of the horizontal displacement of retaining walls, surface settlement, the horizontal and vertical displacements of the tunnel, and the circular induced strain of the tunnel. The test results showed that the horizontal displacement of retaining walls exhibited a cantilever-type displacement pattern. The most significant surface settlement occurred near the retaining wall and decreased as the distance from the retaining wall increased. The overall deformation of the tunnel roughly showed an ellipsoidal deformation pattern in the horizontal direction. The maximum horizontal displacement was observed at the right shoulder of the tunnel, while the maximum vertical displacement occurred at the right arch of the tunnel. Increasing the length of the partition piles led to a deterioration in their deformation control effectiveness. The top burial depth of the pile could further improve the control effectiveness of the partition piles. However, when the top burial depth of the pile was excessive and exceeded its critical value, the improvement effect of the burial depth on the partition piles diminished.
Shaft Wall Damage to High-Depth Inclined Ore Passes under Impact Wear Behavior
Authors: Jiang Lichun , Ji Haoyu , Xue Luanluan
Published: December 2023

In order to study shaft wall damage resulting from ore drawing in ore passes, a theoretical model for predicting the shaft wall damage to high-depth inclined ore passes is constructed based on field surveys of 25 ore passes in a deep mine in Yunnan, China. The mathematical expression of the total shaft wall damage volume is derived using the contact mechanics theory. Considering the structural characteristics of ore passes, and taking No. 1, 2, 3, and 9 ore passes as examples, combined with numerical simulation and an engineering case, the rationality of the proposed theoretical model is verified with respect to the initial collision position and the damage conditions of the shaft wall. The influence of, and sensitivity to, the ore block size P and the structural parameters of high-depth inclined ore passes on the total shaft wall damage volume Qtol are quantitatively analyzed. The results show that the calculation results of the theoretical model and numerical simulation are in good agreement with the actual engineering situations. Moreover, the ore-pass dip angle θ and the inclined angle of the chute α have a significant impact on the damage to the shaft wall, while the effects of the ore-pass depth H and the shaft diameter D are comparatively minor. With an increase in θ or α, Qtol generally first increases and then decreases. Qtol increases exponentially with P and increases steadily with D. H affects Qtol by influencing the collision frequency between the ore and the shaft wall. Therefore, in the mining design of deep mines, θ and α should be minimized as much as possible or adjusted to approach 90°, thereby reducing damage to the shaft wall. Secondly, ore block size should be strictly controlled to prevent collapses in the shaft wall caused by large ore blocks. This work provides technical support for the long-term safe operation of high-depth inclined ore passes.
MFFNet: A Building Extraction Network for Multi-Source High-Resolution Remote Sensing Data
Authors: Liu Keliang , Xi Yantao , Liu Junrong , Zhou Wangyan , Zhang Yidan
Published: December 2023

The use of deep learning methods to extract buildings from remote sensing images is a key contemporary research focus, and traditional deep convolutional networks continue to exhibit limitations in this regard. This study introduces a novel multi-feature fusion network (MFFNet), with the aim of enhancing the accuracy of building extraction from high-resolution remote sensing images of various sources. MFFNet improves feature capture for building targets by integrating deep semantic information from various attention mechanisms with multi-scale spatial information from a spatial pyramid module, significantly enhancing the results of building extraction. The performance of MFFNet was tested on three datasets: the self-constructed Jilin-1 building dataset, the Massachusetts building dataset, and the WHU building dataset. Notably, experimental results from the Jilin-1 building dataset demonstrated that MFFNet achieved an average intersection over union (MIoU) of 89.69%, an accuracy of 97.05%, a recall rate of 94.25%, a precision of 94.66%, and an F1 score of 94.82%. Comparisons with the other two public datasets also showed MFFNet’s significant advantages over traditional deep convolutional networks. These results confirm the superiority of MFFNet in extracting buildings from different high-resolution remote sensing data compared to other network models.
Traffic-Aware Optimization of Task Offloading and Content Caching in the Internet of Vehicles
Authors: Wang Pengwei , Wang Yaping , Qiao Junye , Hu Zekun
Published: December 2023

Emerging in-vehicle applications seek to improve travel experiences, but the rising number of vehicles results in more computational tasks and redundant content requests, leading to resource waste. Efficient compute offloading and content caching strategies are crucial for the Internet of Vehicles (IoV) to optimize performance in time latency and energy consumption. This paper proposes a joint task offloading and content caching optimization method based on forecasting traffic streams, called TOCC. First, temporal and spatial correlations are extracted from the preprocessed dataset using the Forecasting Open Source Tool (FOST) and integrated to predict the traffic stream to obtain the number of tasks in the region at the next moment. To obtain a suitable joint optimization strategy for task offloading and content caching, the multi-objective problem of minimizing delay and energy consumption is decomposed into multiple single-objective problems using an improved Multi-Objective Evolutionary Algorithm based on Decomposition (MOEA/D) via the Tchebycheff weight aggregation method, and a set of Pareto-optimal solutions is obtained. Finally, the experimental results verify the effectiveness of the TOCC strategy. Compared with other methods, its latency is up to 29% higher and its energy consumption is up to 83% higher.
Secure Control of Linear Controllers Using Fully Homomorphic Encryption
Authors: Pan Jingshan , Sui Tongtong , Liu Wen , Wang Jizhi , Kong Lingrui , Zhao Yue , Wei Zhiqiang
Published: December 2023

In actual operation, there are security risks to the data of the network control system, mainly in the form of possible eavesdropping of signals in the transmission channel and parameters in the controller leading to data leakage. In this paper, we propose a scheme for encrypting linear controllers using fully homomorphic encryption, which effectively removes these security risks and substantially improves the security of networked control systems. Meanwhile, this paper uses precomputation to handle data encryption, which eliminates the encryption time and solves the drawback of fully homomorphic encryption that it is difficult to apply due to the efficiency problem. Compared to previous schemes with precomputation, for the first time, we propose two methods to mitigate the problem of the slight security degradation caused by precomputation, which makes our scheme more secure. Finally, we provide numerical simulation results to support our scheme, and the data show that the encrypted controller achieves normal control and improves safety and efficiency.
A New Low-Cost Internet of Things-Based Monitoring System Design for Stand-Alone Solar Photovoltaic Plant and Power Estimation
Authors: Demir Batıkan Erdem
Published: December 2023

The increasing demand for solar photovoltaic systems that generate electricity from sunlight stems from their clean and renewable nature. These systems are often deployed in remote areas far from urban centers, making the remote monitoring and early prediction of potential issues in these systems significant areas of research. The objective here is to identify maintenance requirements early and predict potential problems within the system. In this study, a cost-effective Internet of Things-based remote monitoring system for solar photovoltaic energy systems is presented, along with a machine learning-based photovoltaic power estimator. An Internet of Things-compatible data logger developed for this system gathers critical data from the photovoltaic system and transmits them to a server. Real-time visualization of these data is facilitated through web and mobile monitoring interfaces. The measured data encompass current, voltage, and temperature information originating from the photovoltaic generator and battery, alongside environmental parameters such as temperature, radiation, humidity, and pressure. Subsequently, these acquired data are employed for photovoltaic power estimation using machine learning techniques. This enables the estimation of potential issues within the photovoltaic system. In the event of a problem occurring within the photovoltaic system, users are alerted through a mobile application. Early detection and intervention assist in preventing power loss and damage to system components. When evaluating the results according to performance assessment criteria, it was observed that the random forests algorithm yielded the best results with an accuracy rate of 87% among the machine learning methods such as linear regression, support vector machine, decision trees, random forests, and k-nearest neighbor. When prediction models using other algorithms were ranked in terms of success, decision trees exhibited an accuracy rate of 81%, k-nearest neighbor achieved 79%, support vector machine reached 67%, and linear regression achieved 64% accuracy. In conclusion, the developed monitoring and estimation system, when integrated with web and mobile interfaces, has been demonstrated to be suitable for large-scale photovoltaic energy systems.
Digitalization of Management Processes in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises—An Overview of Low-Code and No-Code Platforms
Authors: Domański Roman , Wojciechowski Hubert , Lewandowicz Jacek , Hadaś Łukasz
Published: December 2023

The permanent digitization of management processes entails, among other things, a need for the automation of the process of making certain business decisions. The aim of the article is to review and evaluate low-code/no-code platforms used, for instance, in small and medium-sized enterprises, available on the Polish IT market. Using a systematic literature review, an assessment of the scale of the discussed issue, involving the number of publications, detailed topics covered, etc., is provided in the theoretical part of the study. During our research, using grey incidence analysis, a ranking of low-code/no-code platforms is created based on the characteristics that they offer. The article highlights the benefits of using new technologies in the form of low-code/no-code platforms in the management of smaller organizations.
Petrified Beholders: The Interactive Materiality of Baldassarre Peruzzi’s Perseus and Medusa
Authors: Hara Mari Yoko
Published: December 2023

Baldassarre Peruzzi’s cosmological vault fresco (1510–11) in the Villa Farnesina in Rome, prominently featuring a scene of Perseus and Medusa, showcases a dynamic operation that was often at work in the early modern period between the beholder and an immobile work of art. These types of representational objects participate in the discourse around materiality, not by employing the signifying powers of their constituent materials, but by encouraging thought about their material presence. I explore the process of haptic engagement that the fresco painting urges in its beholders, raising the possibility that the trope of petrification, made popular by Dante and other Italian writers of amorous poems, unlocks the work’s layered meaning.
Efficient Formulation for Vendor–Buyer System Considering Optimal Allocation Fraction of Green Production
Authors: Alamri Adel A.
Published: December 2023

The classical joint economic lot-sizing (JELS) policy in a single-vendor single-buyer system generates an equal production quantity in all cycles, where the input parameters remain static indefinitely. In this paper, a new two-echelon supply chain inventory model is developed involving a hybrid production system. The proposed model simultaneously focuses on green and regular production methods with an optimal allocation fraction of green and regular productions. Unlike the classical mathematical formulation, cycles do not depend on each other, and consequently, each model parameter can be adjusted to be responsive to the dynamic nature of demand rate and/or price fluctuation. A rigorous heuristic approach is used to derive a global optimal solution for a joint hybrid production system. This paper accounts for carbon emissions from production and storage activities related to green and regular produced items along with transportation activity under a multi-level emission-taxing scheme. The results emphasize the significant impact of green production on emissions. That is, the higher the allocation fraction of green production, the lower the total amount of emissions generated by the system, i.e., the system becomes more sustainable. Adopting a hybrid production method not only decreases the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions dramatically, but also reduces the minimum total cost per unit time when compared with regular production. One of the main findings is that the total system cost generated by the base closed-form formula of the proposed model is considerably lower in the first cycle (subsequent cycles) than that of the existing literature, i.e., 33.59% (16.13%) when the regular production method is assumed. Moreover, the optimal production rate generated by the proposed model is the one that minimizes the emissions production function. In addition, the system earns further revenue by utilizing a mixed transportation policy that combines the Truck Load (TL) and Less than Truck Load (LTL) services. Illustrative examples and special cases that reflect different realistic situations are compared to outline managerial insights.
Proteome Profiling of Brain Vessels in a Mouse Model of Cerebrovascular Pathology
Authors: Haqqani Arsalan S. , Mianoor Zainab , Star Alexandra T. , Detcheverry Flavie E. , Delaney Christie E. , Stanimirovic Danica B. , Hamel Edith , Badhwar AmanPreet
Published: December 2023

Cerebrovascular pathology that involves altered protein levels (or signaling) of the transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) family has been associated with various forms of age-related dementias, including Alzheimer disease (AD) and vascular cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID). Transgenic mice overexpressing TGFβ1 in the brain (TGF mice) recapitulate VCID-associated cerebrovascular pathology and develop cognitive deficits in old age or when submitted to comorbid cardiovascular risk factors for dementia. We characterized the cerebrovascular proteome of TGF mice using mass spectrometry (MS)-based quantitative proteomics. Cerebral arteries were surgically removed from 6-month-old-TGF and wild-type mice, and proteins were extracted and analyzed by gel-free nanoLC-MS/MS. We identified 3602 proteins in brain vessels, with 20 demonstrating significantly altered levels in TGF mice. For total and/or differentially expressed proteins (p ≤ 0.01, ≥ 2-fold change), using multiple databases, we (a) performed protein characterization, (b) demonstrated the presence of their RNA transcripts in both mouse and human cerebrovascular cells, and (c) demonstrated that several of these proteins were present in human extracellular vesicles (EVs) circulating in blood. Finally, using human plasma, we demonstrated the presence of several of these proteins in plasma and plasma EVs. Dysregulated proteins point to perturbed brain vessel vasomotricity, remodeling, and inflammation. Given that blood-isolated EVs are novel, attractive, and a minimally invasive biomarker discovery platform for age-related dementias, several proteins identified in this study can potentially serve as VCID markers in humans.
Integrated Analysis of the Intestinal Microbiota and Transcriptome of Fenneropenaeus chinensis Response to Low-Salinity Stress
Authors: Tian Caijuan , Wang Qiong , Wang Jiajia , Li Jitao , Guan Chenhui , He Yuying , Gao Huan
Published: December 2023

Salinity is an important environmental stress factor in mariculture. Shrimp intestines harbor dense and diverse microbial communities that maintain host health and anti-pathogen capabilities under salinity stress. In this study, 16s amplicon and transcriptome sequencing were used to analyze the intestine of Fenneropenaeus chinensis under low-salinity stress (15 ppt). This study aimed to investigate the response mechanisms of the intestinal microbiota and gene expression to acute low-salinity stress. The intestinal tissues of F. chinensis were analyzed using 16S microbiota and transcriptome sequencing. The microbiota analysis demonstrated that the relative abundances of Photobacterium and Vibrio decreased significantly, whereas Shewanella, Pseudomonas, Lactobacillus, Ralstonia, Colwellia, Cohaesibacter, Fusibacter, and Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group became the predominant communities. Transcriptome sequencing identified numerous differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The DEGs were clustered into many Gene Ontology terms and further enriched in some immunity- or metabolism-related Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways, including various types of N-glycan biosynthesis, amino acid sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism, and lysosome and fatty acid metabolism. Correlation analysis between microbiota and DEGs showed that changes in Pseudomonas, Ralstonia, Colwellia, and Cohaesibacter were positively correlated with immune-related genes such as peritrophin-1-like and mucin-2-like, and negatively correlated with caspase-1-like genes. Low-salinity stress caused changes in intestinal microorganisms and their gene expression, with a close correlation between them.
Melatonin as a Repairing Agent in Cadmium- and Free Fatty Acid-Induced Lipotoxicity
Authors: Migni Anna , Mancuso Francesca , Baroni Tiziano , Di Sante Gabriele , Rende Mario , Galli Francesco , Bartolini Desirée
Published: December 2023

(1) Background: Cadmium (Cd) is a potentially toxic element with a long half-life in the human body (20–40 years). Cytotoxicity mechanisms of Cd include increased levels of oxidative stress and apoptotic signaling, and recent studies have suggested that these aspects of Cd toxicity contribute a role in the pathobiology of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a highly prevalent ailment associated with hepatic lipotoxicity and an increased generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In this study, Cd toxicity and its interplay with fatty acid (FA)-induced lipotoxicity have been studied in intestinal epithelium and liver cells; the cytoprotective function of melatonin (MLT) has been also evaluated. (2) Methods: human liver cells (HepaRG), primary murine hepatocytes and Caco-2 intestinal epithelial cells were exposed to CdCl2 before and after induction of lipotoxicity with oleic acid (OA) and/or palmitic acid (PA), and in some experiments, FA was combined with MLT (50 nM) treatment. (3) Results: CdCl2 toxicity was associated with ROS induction and reduced cell viability in both the hepatic and intestinal cells. Cd and FA synergized to induce lipid droplet formation and ROS production; the latter was higher for PA compared to OA in liver cells, resulting in a higher reduction in cell viability, especially in HepaRG and primary hepatocytes, whereas CACO-2 cells showed higher resistance to Cd/PA-induced lipotoxicity compared to liver cells. MLT showed significant protection against Cd toxicity either considered alone or combined with FFA-induced lipotoxicity in primary liver cells. (4) Conclusions: Cd and PA combine their pro-oxidant activity to induce lipotoxicity in cellular populations of the gut–liver axis. MLT can be used to lessen the synergistic effect of Cd-PA on cellular ROS formation.
How Does the Micro-Groove Profile Influence the Mechanics of Taper Junction in Hip Implants? A Finite Element Study
Authors: Kalwar Akash , Feyzi Mohsen , Hashemi Reza
Published: December 2023

This study aims to investigate the effect of ridged (micro-grooved) surface finish over the trunnion surface on the mechanics (stress, strain, and deformation) of the head–neck taper interface in hip implants. Using finite element modelling, the study focused on the geometric parameters of such micro-grooves to study how they would mechanically affect stress and deformation fields after the assembly procedure. As such, five different 2D models with varying micro-groove height and spacing were produced and assembled under an impaction assembly force of 4 kN in a 32 mm CoCrMo head engaged with a 12/14 Ti-6Al-4V neck. The results showed that lower von Mises stresses could be induced by either an increase or decrease in spacing against the base model (Model 1), which probably signifies that the relationship between the ridge spacing and stress may depend on the level of spacing. It was concluded that the geometrical parameters of the ridges (and their non-linear interactions) impact not only the stress and strain fields but also the assembly loading time at which the maximal stress and plastic deformation occur.
Biomarkers in Adult-Type Diffuse Gliomas: Elevated Levels of Circulating Vesicular Heat Shock Protein 70 Serve as a Biomarker in Grade 4 Glioblastoma and Increase NK Cell Frequencies in Grade 3 Glioma
Authors: Lennartz Philipp , Thölke Dennis , Bashiri Dezfouli Ali , Pilz Mathias , Lobinger Dominik , Messner Verena , Zanth Hannah , Ainslie Karen , Kafshgari Morteza Hasanzadeh , Rammes Gerhard , Ballmann Markus , Schlegel Martin , Foulds Gemma Ann , Pockley Alan Graham , Schmidt-Graf Friederike , Multhoff Gabriele
Published: December 2023

The presence of circulating Hsp70 levels and their influence on the immunophenotype of circulating lymphocyte subsets were examined as diagnostic/prognostic biomarkers for the overall survival (OS) in patients with IDH-mutant WHO grade 3 oligodendroglioma, astrocytoma, and IDH-wildtype grade 4 glioblastoma (GBM). Vesicular and free Hsp70 in the plasma/serum was measured using the Hsp70-exo and R&D Systems DuoSet® Hsp70 ELISAs. The immunophenotype and membrane Hsp70 status was determined by multiparameter flow cytometry on peripheral blood lymphocytes and single-cell suspensions of tumor specimens and cultured cells. Compared to healthy controls, circulating vesicular Hsp70 levels were significantly increased in patients with GBM, concomitant with a significant decrease in the proportion of CD3+/CD4+ helper T cells, whereas the frequency of NK cells was most prominently increased in patients with grade 3 gliomas. Elevated circulating Hsp70 levels and a higher prevalence of activated CD3−/CD56+/CD94+/CD69+ NK cells were associated with an improved OS in grade 3 gliomas, whereas high Hsp70 levels and low CD3+/CD4+ frequencies were associated with an adverse OS in GBM. It is assumed that a reduced membrane Hsp70 density on grade 4 versus grade 3 primary glioma cells and reduced CD3+/CD4+ T cell counts in GBM might drive an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment.
The Evolving Landscape of Therapeutics for Epilepsy in Tuberous Sclerosis Complex
Authors: Vitale Giovanni , Terrone Gaetano , Vitale Samuel , Vitulli Francesca , Aiello Salvatore , Bravaccio Carmela , Pisano Simone , Bove Ilaria , Rizzo Francesca , Seetahal-Maraj Panduranga , Wiese Thomas
Published: December 2023

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a rare multisystem genetic disorder characterized by benign tumor growth in multiple organs, including the brain, kidneys, heart, eyes, lungs, and skin. Pathogenesis stems from mutations in either the TSC1 or TSC2 gene, which encode the proteins hamartin and tuberin, respectively. These proteins form a complex that inhibits the mTOR pathway, a critical regulator of cell growth and proliferation. Disruption of the tuberin–hamartin complex leads to overactivation of mTOR signaling and uncontrolled cell growth, resulting in hamartoma formation. Neurological manifestations are common in TSC, with epilepsy developing in up to 90% of patients. Seizures tend to be refractory to medical treatment with anti-seizure medications. Infantile spasms and focal seizures are the predominant seizure types, often arising in early childhood. Drug-resistant epilepsy contributes significantly to morbidity and mortality. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge regarding the pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and treatment approaches for epilepsy and other neurological features of TSC. While narrative reviews on TSC exist, this review uniquely synthesizes key advancements across the areas of TSC neuropathology, conventional and emerging pharmacological therapies, and targeted treatments. The review is narrative in nature, without any date restrictions, and summarizes the most relevant literature on the neurological aspects and management of TSC. By consolidating the current understanding of TSC neurobiology and evidence-based treatment strategies, this review provides an invaluable reference that highlights progress made while also emphasizing areas requiring further research to optimize care and outcomes for TSC patients.
Prevalence and Factors Associated with Metabolic Syndrome among Non-Diabetic Saudi Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Eldakhakhny Basmah , Enani Sumia , Jambi Hanan , Ajabnoor Ghada , Al-Ahmadi Jawaher , Al-Raddadi Rajaa , Alsheikh Lubna , Abdulaal Wesam H. , Gad Hoda , Borai Anwar , Bahijri Suhad , Tuomilehto Jaakko
Published: December 2023

(1) Introduction: given the high prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in Saudi Arabia, especially in Jeddah, this study aims to understand the dietary and lifestyle-related risk factors among Jeddah’s non-diabetic adults. (2) Material and Methods: Employing a cross-sectional design, non-diabetic adults were sourced from public healthcare centers. Demographics, lifestyle, and dietary habits were surveyed. Blood pressure, anthropometrics, and fasting blood samples measuring plasma glucose, serum triglycerides, and HDL cholesterol were collected. The age cut-off for MetS was ascertained using the receiver operating characteristic curve. Variables influencing MetS were evaluated using univariate logistic regression, and consequential factors underwent multivariate analysis, adjusted for age and sex. (3) Results: Among 1339 participants, 16% had MetS, with age being the strongest predictor (p < 0.001). The optimal age cut-off was 32 years. For those <32, elevated BP in men and waist circumference (WC) in women were most prevalent. For those >32, elevated WC was dominant in both sexes. Univariate logistic regression revealed that higher income and education correlated with lower MetS prevalence, while marriage and smoking were risk factors. Adjusting for age and sex, only very high income had a significant low-risk association (p = 0.034). (4) Conclusion: MetS is notable in the studied group, with age as the pivotal predictor. High income reduces MetS risk, while marital status and smoking could increase it. Since this was a cross-sectional study, cohort studies are needed to validate our findings.
A Retrospective Histological Study on Palatal and Gingival Mucosa Changes during a Rapid Palatal Expansion Procedure
Authors: Bud Eugen , Vlasa Alexandru , Pacurar Mariana , Matei Adrian , Bud Anamaria , Szoke Andreea-Raluca , Minervini Giuseppe
Published: December 2023

The most common inflammatory reactions in the oral mucosa are found at the gingival level. The treatment of these inflammations requires, first of all, the removal of the causative factor; often, this maneuver is sufficient. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate clinical and histopathological changes that occur in terms of gingival and palatal mucosa enlargement during palatal expansion treatment and their evolution during treatment. Twenty-five (n = 25) research participants, aged between thirteen and twenty-six years old, were examined in this retrospective study. At the end of the treatment, fragments of tissue from the affected level were obtained via incisional biopsy and sent to the histopathology laboratory for a specialized examination. The changes identified were specific to mechanical traumatic injuries, thus excluding hyperplasia from other etiologies (infectious, tumoral, or non-mechanical traumatic). The examined fragments showed hyperplasia. The histopathological examination revealed the mechanical character of the lesion, strengthening the causal relationship between the insertion of the expander and the occurrence of hyperplasia of the palatal mucosa. The type of palatal expander influenced the degree of inflammation, with the severity of hyperplasia being more pronounced in the case of mini-implant-anchored rapid palatal expander (MARPE) usage than in the case of tooth-borne rapid palatal expander (RPE) usage. The analysis of the distance between the expander and the palatal mucosa did not provide conclusive results; the incidence and severity of the reaction were variable in patients with the same distance between the expander and the palatal or gingival mucosa.
Intranasal Oxytocin and Pain Reduction: Testing a Social Cognitive Mediation Model
Authors: Long Preston , Scholl Jamie L. , Wang Xiaotian , Kallsen Noah A. , Ehli Erik A. , Freeman Harry
Published: December 2023

Oxytocin is well known for its role in relationships and social cognition and has more recently been implicated in pain relief and pain perception. Connections between prosocial feelings and pain relief are also well documented; however, the effects of exogenous oxytocin on social cognition and pain have not been explored. The current study tested whether intranasally delivered oxytocin affects pain perception through prosocial behaviors. Additionally, moderation of the effects of oxytocin by life history or genetic polymorphisms is examined. Young adults (n = 43; 65% female) were administered intranasal oxytocin (24 IU) or placebo in a crossover design on two visits separated by a one-week washout period. Pain was delivered via cold pressor. Baseline measures for decision-making and social cognition were collected, as well as pain sensitivity and medication history. Saliva samples were collected for analysis of genetic markers, and urine samples were collected to assess oxytocin saturation. Following oxytocin administration, participants reported increased prosocial cognition and decision-making. Pain perception appeared to be adaptive, with procedural order and expectation affecting perception. Finally, behavioral trust and cooperation responses were significantly predicted by genetic markers. Oxytocin may increase a patient’s trust and cooperation and reduce pain sensitivity while having fewer physiological side effects than current pharmaceutical options.
Life Cycle Assessment and Circular Building Design in South Asian Countries: A Review of the Current State of the Art and Research Potentials
Authors: Talpur Bushra Danish , Liuzzi Stefania , Rubino Chiara , Cannavale Alessandro , Martellotta Francesco
Published: December 2023

A literature survey was proposed, aiming at summarizing the state of the art and, consequently, the research potential, in the increasingly popular field of circular economy, specifically applied to the construction industry in South Asian countries (Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh). In particular, the role of a life cycle assessment (LCA) to support the circular building design concept in construction projects was investigated. This review organized 71 published papers that examined environmental building assessments, certifications for sustainable buildings, the awareness of sustainable buildings, and recent advancements in this field between 2005 and 2022. The review pointed out that half of the LCA studies used the cradle-to-grave LCA methodology for environmental impact assessment, while the other half used the cradle-to-cradle LCA methodology. Regardless of the recent research, the literature still lacks the cradle-to-cradle implementation of the LCA methodology in selected countries which is essential for implementing truly circular building strategies. Moreover, the literature showed a lack of interest and awareness among all stakeholders in the construction of environmentally friendly buildings. The main barrier to carry out LCA for building performance is the unavailability of a regional database, which was pointed out in the literature, as well as the criteria for certification that are not available or do not comply with the standards of the specific contexts of Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh.
Effects and Improvements in Carpentry for Thermal Comfort in Educational Spaces in Andean Mild Equatorial Climate
Authors: Paltán-Cuenca Jessica , Zalamea-León Esteban , Astudillo-Flores Mateo , Ordoñez-Castro Alfredo , Barragan-Escandón Edgar A.
Published: December 2023

Environmental comfort is fundamental for teaching and learning processes. This work focuses on identifying shortcomings and proposing improvements for educational buildings in the Andean equatorial climate. A quantitative experimental methodology was employed, which included collecting thermal comfort data to calibrate the use of the DesignBuilder v7 environmental simulation software. Issues with thermal weakness in the carpentry were identified, both due to the choice of materials and construction sealing. These are common weaknesses that arise in the context of the Andean Ecuadorian climate, but which affect moments of thermal discomfort during study hours. With the calibrated simulator, thermal improvements achievable by working on the carpentry to reduce infiltrations by half and improving glazing with double-glazed and triple-glazed windows, achieving even uniformity in thermal transmittance compared to other envelope materials, were analyzed. By reducing infiltrations alone, the average temperature increased by between 1.07 °C and 1.61 °C, surpassing the minimum comfort threshold and remaining within locally accepted temperatures throughout the day. With very-high-standard glazing, additional improvements are made, increasing the average temperature by an additional 0.30 °C to 0.69 °C, resulting in a less efficient alternative.
Modulation of Epstein-Barr-Virus (EBV)-Associated Cancers by Co-Infections
Authors: Münz Christian
Published: December 2023

The oncogenic and persistent Epstein Barr virus (EBV) is carried by more than 95% of the human adult population. While asymptomatic in most of these, EBV can cause a wide variety of malignancies of lymphoid or epithelial cell origin. Some of these are also associated with co-infections that either increase EBV-induced tumorigenesis or weaken its immune control. The respective pathogens include Kaposi-sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), Plasmodium falciparum and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). In this review, I will discuss the respective tumor entities and possible mechanisms by which co-infections increase the EBV-associated cancer burden. A better understanding of the underlying mechanisms could allow us to identify crucial features of EBV-associated malignancies and defects in their immune control. These could then be explored to develop therapies against the respective cancers by targeting EBV and/or the respective co-infections with pathogen-specific therapies or vaccinations.