bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bridging Locomotion and Manipulation Using Reconfigurable Robotic Limbs via Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Sun Haoran , Yang Linhan , Gu Yuping , Pan Jia , Wan Fang , Song Chaoyang
Published: August 2023

Locomotion and manipulation are two essential skills in robotics but are often divided or decoupled into two separate problems. It is widely accepted that the topological duality between multi-legged locomotion and multi-fingered manipulation shares an intrinsic model. However, a lack of research remains to identify the data-driven evidence for further research. This paper explores a unified formulation of the loco-manipulation problem using reinforcement learning (RL) by reconfiguring robotic limbs with an overconstrained design into multi-legged and multi-fingered robots. Such design reconfiguration allows for adopting a co-training architecture for reinforcement learning towards a unified loco-manipulation policy. As a result, we find data-driven evidence to support the transferability between locomotion and manipulation skills using a single RL policy with a multilayer perceptron or graph neural network. We also demonstrate the Sim2Real transfer of the learned loco-manipulation skills in a robotic prototype. This work expands the knowledge frontiers on loco-manipulation transferability with learning-based evidence applied in a novel platform with overconstrained robotic limbs.
Biomimetic Carbon Sequestration and Cyanate Detoxification Using Heat-Purified Carbonic Anhydrase from Sulfurihydrogenibium yellowstonense
Authors: Hsieh Chia-Jung , Hu Chia-Jung , Yu Chi-Yang
Published: August 2023

The reaction condition for purifying carbonic anhydrase from Sulfurihydrogenibium yellowstonense (SspCA) by direct heating without prior cell lysis was optimized; heating at 70 °C for 5 min resulted in the highest total activity of 23,460 WAU (Wilbur–Anderson unit) from a 50 mL culture. Heat-purified SspCA was examined for its capability to increase the rate of the mineralization of CO2; compared with an uncatalyzed control, the onset time of CaCO3 formation was shortened by up to 71%. Cyanase can be used to degrade toxic cyanate; however, one of the limitations of this biomimetic process is that the reaction needs HCO3− as a substrate. Heat-purified SspCA was combined with heat-purified cyanase from Thermomyces lanuginosus to alleviate the HCO3− dependence; in industrial wastewater, the HCO3− required was reduced by 50% when 0.75 WAU of SspCA was added. Heat-purified SspCA is stable at 4 °C; 88% of the initial activity was retained for up to five weeks. Partially purified SspCA can be obtained with ease and applied to a variety of applications.
Associations between Neuropsychiatric Symptoms and Alzheimer’s Disease Biomarkers in People with Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Arenare Giulia , Manca Riccardo , Caffarra Paolo , Venneri Annalena ,   on behalf of the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: August 2023

Background: Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) are associated with faster decline in mild cognitive impairment (MCI). This study aimed to investigate the association between NPS severity and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) biomarkers, i.e., amyloid-β (Aβ), phosphorylated tau protein (p-tau) and hippocampal volume ratio (HR), to characterise in more detail MCI patients with a poor prognosis. Methods: A total of 506 individuals with MCI and 99 cognitively unimpaired older adults were selected from the ADNI dataset. The patients were divided into three different groups based on their NPI-Q total scores: no NPS (n = 198), mild NPS (n = 160) and severe NPS (n = 148). Regression models were used to assess the association between the severity of NPS and each biomarker level and positivity status. Results: Cerebrospinal fluid Aβ levels were positively associated with older age and lower MMSE scores, while higher p-tau levels were associated with female sex and lower MMSE scores. Only patients with severe NPS had a lower HR (β = −0.18, p = 0.050), i.e., more pronounced medio-temporal atrophy, than those without NPS. Discussion: Only HR was associated with the presence of NPS, partially in line with previous evidence showing that severe NPS may be explained primarily by greater grey matter loss. Future longitudinal studies will be needed to ascertain the relevance of this finding.
Exploring Architectural Shapes Based on Parametric Shape Grammars: A Case Study of the “Three Lanes and Seven Alleys” Historic District in Fuzhou City, China
Authors: Chen Yu-Xuan , Shu Bo , Chang Hsiao-Tung
Published: August 2023

With the development of information technology, the introduction of information technology into architectural modelling and façade design and the systematic definition of historic districts is a problem that the architectural industry continues to explore and pursue. As a shape-based and self-defining generation rule, shape grammar provides significant help in the process of the automatic generation of architectural shapes to obtain design results that meet the requirements of the original historic district. Based on the simple combination of the application of shape grammar in architectural design, combined with the field investigation method, the representative buildings in the “Three Lanes and Seven Alleys” historic district are investigated and understood in detail, and the corresponding shape grammar rules are established. The courtyard types of the historic district are divided into: “” shape, “T” shape, “=” shape, “” shape, “” shape, “” shape, “” shape, “U” shape, “” shape, and garden. In detail, the façade components include the entrance, patio, main seat, wings, cloister, pavilion, etc. The elements of its façade include saddle walls, grey sculptures, carved stones, grey tiles, wooden grilles, wooden railings, wood grain flowers, etc. On this basis, parametric design is introduced to convert the design syntax into parametric programs. Grasshopper in Rhino is mainly used to visualize and simulate the regulation, and finally, achieve the purpose of automatically generating the architectural shape and façade of the “Three Alleys and Seven Alleys” historic district by adjusting its parameters.
Utilization of Ceramic Waste Material as Cement Substitution in Concrete
Authors: Ghonaim Soheir , Morsy Rana
Published: August 2023

Researchers and engineers have been exploring alternative materials to partially substitute for cement in concrete to decrease carbon emissions and promote sustainability. Industrial pozzolanic waste is one such material that has gained attention as a potential substitute for cement. This research paper investigates the use of industrial pozzolanic waste materials, ceramic fine dust from the cyclones installed onto spray dryers in the process of manufacturing ceramic tiles, as a partial replacement for cement in concrete. Chemical analysis showed that ceramic dust could be used as pozzolana as ASTM C 618:2019. The study aims to evaluate the properties of fresh and hardened concrete; compressive strength; tensile splitting; and flexural strength of concrete mixtures. Additionally, specimens were subjected to durability performance: an acidic environment and water absorption tests. The cement was replaced in the concrete mix in proportions of 0, 5, 7, 10, 15, 20, and 30% by weight with a water-to-binder ratio of 0.45 at different curing periods. The results showed an increase in compressive strength of up to 10% replacement over time; fortunately, even with up to 30% replacement, it is still within the characteristic value of 30 MPa. The workability of the concrete decreases with replacement. The flexural tensile strength improved by 8% and the splitting strength by 5% with a replacement of 7% set against the control sample. The water absorption of concrete decreased by up to 10% replacement level, which was 15% less than that of the control mix. Concrete subjected to a 2% sulfuric acid solution (acid attack) revealed a loss in compressive strength when set against those not subjected to acid attacks. Based on the present research, ceramic dust as pozzolanic waste material can be used as a partial substitute for cement in the manufacture of good quality concrete under standard conditions.
Variant Characterization of a Representative Large Pedigree Suggests “Variant Risk Clusters” Convey Varying Predisposition of Risk to Lynch Syndrome
Authors: Barbirou Mouadh , Miller Amanda A. , Mezlini Amel , Bouhaouala-Zahar Balkiss , Tonellato Peter J.
Published: August 2023

Recently, worldwide incidences of young adult aggressive colorectal cancer (CRC) have rapidly increased. Of these incidences diagnosed as familial Lynch syndrome (LS) CRC, outcomes are extremely poor. In this study, we seek novel familial germline variants from a large pedigree Tunisian family with 12 LS-affected individuals to identify putative germline variants associated with varying risk of LS. Whole-genome sequencing analysis was performed to identify known and novel germline variants shared between affected and non-affected pedigree members. SNPs, indels, and structural variants (SVs) were computationally identified, and their oncological influence was predicted using the Genetic Association of Complex Diseases and Disorders, OncoKB, and My Cancer Genome databases. Of 94 germline familial variants identified with predicted functional impact, 37 SNPs/indels were detected in 28 genes, 2 of which (MLH1 and PRH1-TAS2R14) have known association with CRC and 4 others (PPP1R13B, LAMA5, FTO, and NLRP14) have known association with non-CRC cancers. In addition, 48 of 57 identified SVs overlap with 43 genes. Three of these genes (RELN, IRS2, and FOXP1) have a known association with non-CRC digestive cancers and one (RRAS2) has a known association with non-CRC cancer. Our study identified 83 novel, predicted functionally impactful germline variants grouped in three “variant risk clusters” shared in three familiarly associated LS groups (high, intermediate and low risk). This variant characterization study demonstrates that large pedigree investigations provide important evidence supporting the hypothesis that different “variant risk clusters” can convey different mechanisms of risk and oncogenesis of LS-CRC even within the same pedigree.
Epigenetic m6A RNA Modification Reader YTHDF1 in Merkel Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Jaguri Aayami , Steinhoff Martin , Ahmad Aamir
Published: August 2023

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and aggressive neuroendocrine cutaneous malignancy that commonly affects older individuals with a high mortality rate [...]
Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in the Vitamin D Metabolic Pathway as Survival Biomarkers in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Pérez-Durán Carmen , Márquez-Pete Noelia , Gálvez-Navas José María , Cura Yasmin , Rojo-Tolosa Susana , Pineda-Lancheros Laura Elena , Ramírez-Tortosa MCarmen , García-Collado Carlos , Maldonado-Montoro María del Mar , Villar-del-Moral Jesús María , Pérez-Ramírez Cristina , Jiménez-Morales Alberto
Published: August 2023

Several studies have suggested that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) related to vitamin D metabolism may affect CRC carcinogenesis and survival. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of 13 SNPs involved in the vitamin D metabolic pathway on CRC survival. We conducted an observational retrospective cohort study, which included 127 Caucasian CRC patient from the south of Spain. SNPs in VDR, CYP27B1, CYP2R1, CYP24A1, and GC genes were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were assessed. Cox regression analysis adjusted for metastasis, age of diagnosis, stage (IIIB, IV or IVB), ECOG score (2–4), lymph node involvement, adjuvant chemotherapy, and no family history of CRC showed that the VDR ApaI (p = 0.036), CYP24A1 rs6068816 (p < 0.001), and GC rs7041 (p = 0.006) were associated with OS in patients diagnosed with CRC, and CYP24A1 rs6068816 (p < 0.001) was associated with PFS adjusted for metastasis, age of diagnosis, stage (IIIB, IV or IVB), ECOG score (2–4), lymph node involvement, adjuvant chemotherapy, and no primary tumor resection. The rest of the SNPs showed no association with CRC survival. Thus, the SNPs mentioned above may have a key role as prognostic biomarkers of CRC.
Current Treatment of Melanoma Brain Metastases
Authors: Nowacka Agnieszka , Fajkiel-Madajczyk Anna , Ohla Jakub , Woźniak-Dąbrowska Kamila , Liss Sara , Gryczka Karol , Smuczyński Wojciech , Ziółkowska Ewa , Bożiłow Dominika , Śniegocki Maciej , Wiciński Michał
Published: August 2023

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer in which there is a strong correlation between its occurrence and exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Although it is not the most common skin cancer, it has the highest mortality rate of all skin cancers. The prognosis of patients is significantly worsened by melanoma metastasis to the brain, which often occurs in patients with advanced disease. The formation and development of melanoma metastases to the brain involve a very complex process, and their mechanisms are not fully understood. One of the ways for metastatic melanoma cells to survive and develop cancer in the brain environment is the presence of oncogenic BRAF mutation, which occurs in up to 50% of metastatic melanoma cases. Before discovering new methods of treating metastases, the overall survival of patients with this disease was 6 months. Currently, research is being conducted on new drugs using immunotherapy (immune checkpoint inhibitors: anti-PD-1, anti-CTLA-4) and targeted therapy (BRAF and MEK inhibitors) to improve the prognosis of patients. In this article, we summarize the current state of knowledge about the results of treating brain metastases with new systemic therapies.
Metastasis Associated in Colorectal Cancer 1 (MACC1) mRNA Expression Is Enhanced in Sporadic Vestibular Schwannoma and Correlates to Deafness
Authors: Breun Maria , Flock Katharina , Feldheim Jonas , Nattmann Anja , Monoranu Camelia M. , Herrmann Pia , Ernestus Ralf-Ingo , Löhr Mario , Hagemann Carsten , Stein Ulrike
Published: August 2023

Vestibular schwannoma (VS) are benign cranial nerve sheath tumors of the vestibulocochlear nerve. Their incidence is mostly sporadic, but they can also be associated with NF2-related schwannomatosis (NF2), a hereditary tumor syndrome. Metastasis associated in colon cancer 1 (MACC1) is known to contribute to angiogenesis, cell growth, invasiveness, cell motility and metastasis of solid malignant cancers. In addition, MACC1 may be associated with nonsyndromic hearing impairment. Therefore, we evaluated whether MACC1 may be involved in the pathogenesis of VS. Sporadic VS, recurrent sporadic VS, NF2-associated VS, recurrent NF2-associated VS and healthy vestibular nerves were analyzed for MACC1 mRNA and protein expression by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. MACC1 expression levels were correlated with the patients’ clinical course and symptoms. MACC1 mRNA expression was significantly higher in sporadic VS compared to NF2-associated VS (p < 0.001). The latter expressed similar MACC1 concentrations as healthy vestibular nerves. Recurrent tumors resembled the MACC1 expression of the primary tumors. MACC1 mRNA expression was significantly correlated with deafness in sporadic VS patients (p = 0.034). Therefore, MACC1 might be a new molecular marker involved in VS pathogenesis.
MRI-Guided Salvage Focal Cryoablation: A 10-Year Single-Center Experience in 114 Patients with Localized Recurrent Prostate Cancer
Authors: Wimper Yvonne , Overduin Christiaan G. , Sedelaar J. P. Michiel , Veltman Jeroen , Jenniskens Sjoerd F. M. , Bomers Joyce G. R. , Fütterer Jurgen J.
Published: August 2023

Patients with localized recurrent prostate cancer (PCa) are eligible for androgen-deprivation therapy, salvage radical prostatectomy (RP) or radiation therapy. These treatments are associated with serious side-effects, illustrating the need for alternative local treatment options with lower morbidity rates. All patients who underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided salvage focal cryoablation (SFC) with localized recurrent PCa between 2011–2021 (n = 114) were included. Two subgroups were formed: patients without (n = 99) and with prior RP (n = 15). We assessed the recurrence- (RFS) and treatment-free survival (TFS), measured from date of treatment to date of recurrence or initiation of additional salvage treatment, using Kaplan–Meier plots. Complications were reported using the Clavien–Dindo (CD) scale. Overall 1-year and 5-year RFS were 76.0% and 25.1%, and overall 1-year and 5-year TFS were 91.5% and 58.2%, respectively. Patients without prior RP showed a significantly higher 1-year (78.5% vs. 52.5%) and 5-year RFS (28.1% vs. 0.0%; p = 0.03), and a trend towards a higher 1-year (92.6% vs. 79.0%) and 5-year TFS (60.2% vs. 23.0%; p = 0.10) compared to those with prior RP. A total of 46 complications occurred in 37 patients, and the overall complication rate was 32.4% (37/114 patients). The majority (41/46; 89.1%) of complications were minor (CD 1–2). Overall (31.3 vs. 40.0%) and major (3.0 vs. 13.3%) complication rates were lower in patients without compared to those with prior RP, respectively. MRI-guided SFC is an effective and safe therapy for patients with recurrent PCa, and has proved to delay and potentially prevent the initiation of salvage treatments. Patients with locally recurrent PCa after prior RP had an increased risk of recurrence, a shortened time to additional treatment, and more complications compared to those without prior RP, which should be considered when selecting patients for SFC.
Development of an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) for the Quantification of ARID1A in Tissue Lysates
Authors: Hinsberger Manuel , Becker-Kettern Julia , Jürgens-Wemheuer Wiebke M. , Oertel Joachim , Schulz-Schaeffer Walter J.
Published: August 2023

ARID1A is a subunit of the mammalian SWI/SNF complex, which is thought to regulate gene expression through restructuring chromatin structures. Its gene ARID1A is frequently mutated and ARID1A levels are lowered in several human cancers, especially gynecologic ones. A functional ARID1A loss may have prognostic or predictive value in terms of therapeutic strategies but has not been proposed based on a quantitative method. Hardly any literature is available on ARID1A levels in tumor samples. We developed an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for ARID1A based on the current EMA and FDA criteria. We demonstrated that our ELISA provides the objective, accurate, and precise quantification of ARID1A concentrations in recombinant protein solutions, cell culture standards, and tissue lysates of tumors. A standard curve analysis yielded a ‘goodness of fit’ of R2 = 0.99. Standards measured on several plates and days achieved an inter-assay accuracy of 90.26% and an inter-assay precision with a coefficient of variation of 4.53%. When tumor lysates were prepared and measured multiple times, our method had an inter-assay precision with a coefficient of variation of 11.78%. We believe that our suggested method ensures a high reproducibility and can be used for a high sample throughput to determine the ARID1A concentration in different tumor entities. The application of our ELISA on various tumor and control tissues will allow us to explore whether quantitative ARID1A measurements in tumor samples are of predictive value.
Topology and Function of the S. cerevisiae Autophagy Protein Atg15
Authors: Marquardt Lisa , Montino Marco , Mühe Yvonne , Schlotterhose Petra , Thumm Michael
Published: August 2023

The putative phospholipase Atg15 is required for the intravacuolar lysis of autophagic bodies and MVB vesicles. Intracellular membrane lysis is a highly sophisticated mechanism that is not fully understood. The amino-terminal transmembrane domain of Atg15 contains the sorting signal for entry into the MVB pathway. By replacing this domain, we generated chimeras located in the cytosol, the vacuole membrane, and the lumen. The variants at the vacuole membrane and in the lumen were highly active. Together with the absence of Atg15 from the phagophore and autophagic bodies, this suggests that, within the vacuole, Atg15 can lyse vesicles where it is not embedded. In-depth topological analyses showed that Atg15 is a single membrane-spanning protein with the amino-terminus in the cytosol and the rest, including the active site motif, in the ER lumen. Remarkably, only membrane-embedded Atg15 variants affected growth when overexpressed. The growth defects depended on its active site serine 332, showing that it was linked to the enzymatic activity of Atg15. Interestingly, the growth defects were independent of vacuolar proteinase A and vacuolar acidification.
Stability Considerations for Bacteriophages in Liquid Formulations Designed for Nebulization
Authors: Flint Rohan , Laucirica Daniel R. , Chan Hak-Kim , Chang Barbara J. , Stick Stephen M. , Kicic Anthony
Published: August 2023

Pulmonary bacterial infections present a significant health risk to those with chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) including cystic fibrosis (CF) and chronic-obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). With the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), novel therapeutics are desperately needed to combat the emergence of resistant superbugs. Phage therapy is one possible alternative or adjunct to current antibiotics with activity against antimicrobial-resistant pathogens. How phages are administered will depend on the site of infection. For respiratory infections, a number of factors must be considered to deliver active phages to sites deep within the lung. The inhalation of phages via nebulization is a promising method of delivery to distal lung sites; however, it has been shown to result in a loss of phage viability. Although preliminary studies have assessed the use of nebulization for phage therapy both in vitro and in vivo, the factors that determine phage stability during nebulized delivery have yet to be characterized. This review summarizes current findings on the formulation and stability of liquid phage formulations designed for nebulization, providing insights to maximize phage stability and bactericidal activity via this delivery method.
Recovery of Polyphenolic Antioxidants from Coffee Silverskin Using Acid-Catalyzed Ethanol Organosolv Treatment
Authors: Smyrnakis George , Stamoulis George , Palaiogiannis Dimitrios , Chatzimitakos Theodoros , Athanasiadis Vassilis , Lalas Stavros I. , Makris Dimitris P.
Published: August 2023

The examination presented herein sought to establish a novel methodology for the efficient recovery of polyphenolic antioxidants from coffee processing residues, namely coffee silverskin (CSS). The process developed was an ethanol-based organosolv treatment, assisted by acid catalysis, using sulfuric acid or oxalic acid as the catalyst. The first approach was modeling treatment based on severity, where it was found that treatment dependence on time and temperature may well be described by linear relationships. Response surface methodology was then deployed as a consecutive stage, to optimize treatments with regard to catalyst concentration and resident time. In this case, again, linear models could effectively predict polyphenol recovery yield (YTP). For the sulfuric-acid-catalyzed treatment, the maximum theoretic YTP was found to be 10.95 ± 0.44 mg caffeic acid equivalent (CAE) g−1 DM, achieved at CSuAc = 1.5% and t = 300 min. On the other hand, the maximum YTP of 10.30 ± 0.53 could be attained at COxAc = 4%, and t = 300 min. Considering treatment severity, it was concluded that the use of oxalic acid, a food-grade organic acid, instead of sulfuric acid, a corrosive acid, would afford equivalent effects at lower severity. The high-performance liquid chromatography analyses also revealed that the extract produced through the oxalic-acid-catalyzed treatment was more enriched in neochlorogenic and chlorogenic acids, and it exhibited stronger antiradical activity, but weaker ferric-reducing effects. It is proposed that the methodology developed may contribute towards the use of coffee processing wastes as potential sources of bioactive ingredients and the design of novel functional products, in the frame of a more sustainable strategy for coffee processing companies.
Visual Measurement of Fumonisin B1 with Bipolar Electrodes Array-Based Electrochemiluminescence Biosensor
Authors: Jin Longsheng , Yu Huihui , Liu Weishuai , Xiao Ziying , Yang Haijian , Jin Bing , Wu Meisheng
Published: August 2023

Fumonisin B1 (FB1) is a toxin produced by the metabolism of Fusarium oxysporum, which can cause serious effects on the nervous, respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems of humans or animals; it is known as one of the highly toxic epidemic contaminants. Herein, we report the visual inspection of FB1 using bipolar electrodes (BPEs) with an array-based electrochemiluminescence (ECL) platform. The sensor consists of a PDMS cover and a glass substrate containing an array of 10 ITO electrodes. A specific sensing interface was constructed on the cathode of the BPE, which could modulate the ECL reactions that occurred at the anode of BPEs. To amplify the ECL signal, methylene blue (MB)-encapsulated Zr-MOFs (MB@Zr-MOFs) were synthesized and immobilized on the cathode of the BPE, which could amplify the ECL signal at the anode. By coupling the cyclic amplification effect of the DNA walker and nicking endonuclease (Nb.BbvCI), the biosensor can realize the visual measurement of FB1 in the range of 5 × 10−5~0.5 ng/mL. In addition, the developed biosensor was used to monitor the concentration of FB1 in maize and peanut samples. The recoveries were in the range of 99.2%~110.6%, which demonstrated the good accuracy of the designed BPE-ECL biosensor for FB1 assay in food samples.
Mediation Analysis of Waist Circumference in the Association of Gut Microbiota with Insulin Resistance in Children
Authors: Ayala-García Juan Carlos , Díaz-Benítez Cinthya Estefhany , Lagunas-Martínez Alfredo , Orbe-Orihuela Yaneth Citlalli , Castañeda-Márquez Ana Cristina , Ortiz-Panozo Eduardo , Bermúdez-Morales Víctor Hugo , Cruz Miguel , Burguete-García Ana Isabel
Published: August 2023

Background: Persistent gut microbiota (GM) imbalance has been associated with metabolic disease development. This study evaluated the mediating role of waist circumference in the association between GM and insulin resistance (IR) in children. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 533 children aged between 6 and 12. The anthropometry, metabolic markers, and relative abundance (RA) of five intestinal bacterial species were measured. Path coefficients were estimated using path analysis to assess direct, indirect (mediated by waist circumference), and total effects on the association between GM and IR. Results: The results indicated a positive association mediated by waist circumference between the medium and high RA of S. aureus with homeostatic model assessments for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and for insulin resistance adiponectin-corrected (HOMA-AD). We found a negative association mediated by waist circumference between the low and medium RA of A. muciniphila and HOMA-IR and HOMA-AD. Finally, when we evaluated the joint effect of S. aureus, L. casei, and A. muciniphila, we found a waist circumference-mediated negative association with HOMA-IR and HOMA-AD. Conclusions: Waist circumference is a crucial mediator in the association between S. aureus and A. muciniphila RA and changes in HOMA-IR and HOMA-AD scores in children.
Coating of Carbonized Leather Waste with the Conducting Polymer Polyaniline: Bicontinuous Composites for Dye Adsorption
Authors: Stejskal Jaroslav , Ngwabebhoh Fahanwi Asabuwa , Sáha Tomáš , Prokeš Jan
Published: August 2023

Leather waste carbonized at 800 °C in an inert atmosphere was coated in situ with the conducting polymer polyaniline. The composition of composites varied from neat carbonaceous to polyaniline. Due to the fibrous collagen structure of the original leather after carbonization, the composites had a bicontinuous conducting morphology. The resistivity of composites determined as a function of applied pressure from 0.1 to 10 MPa fell mainly into the range of units to tens of Ω cm. In contrast to neat polyaniline, the composites maintained a good level of conductivity even under alkaline conditions. The application of a composite as an adsorbent of organic-dye pollutants in water treatment was illustrated using methylene blue and methyl orange with an eye to future functional adsorbents controllable by applied electrical potential.
Bio-Coatings for Preservation of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
Authors: Ungureanu Camelia , Tihan Grațiela , Zgârian Roxana , Pandelea (Voicu) Georgica
Published: August 2023

In response to increasing concerns over food waste and safety, and the environmental impacts of traditional conservation methods, this review aims to explore the potential of bio-coatings in preserving the freshness of fruits and vegetables. Our primary objective is to provide a comprehensive analysis of recent advancements in bio-coating technologies, detailing their benefits in terms of enhancing food safety, prolonging shelf life, and reducing waste. This paper delves into various forms of bio-coatings, their applications, and their effectiveness in maintaining post-harvest quality. We further elucidate the underlying mechanisms that govern their preservation efficacy. This review is intended for researchers, industry professionals, and policy makers who are interested in sustainable preservation alternatives and their implications for food security and environmental sustainability. By the end of this review, the audience will gain a thorough understanding of the current state of bio-coating technology and its prospects in the food preservation industry.
Effect of Thermal Oxygen Conditions on the Long-Term Aging Behavior of High-Viscosity Modified Bitumen
Authors: Xing Chengwei , Qin Juze , Li Mingchen , Jin Tian
Published: August 2023

High-viscosity modified bitumen is affected by a complex thermal oxygen environment during long-term service. However, the existing standard long-term thermal oxygen aging test cannot fully simulate the effect of different thermal oxygen conditions on the aging of high-viscosity modified bitumen. In this study, on the basis of the standard pressure aging vessel test, high-viscosity modified bitumen was aged under different oxygen conditions through adjusting test parameters. Then, the analysis of the complex moduli, phase angles, and creep and recovery properties was conducted to evaluate the rheological properties of high-viscosity modified bitumen before and after aging. Moreover, gel permeation chromatography was performed to evaluate the molecular size distribution of high-viscosity modifiers during aging. The results indicate that aging improves the modulus of high-viscosity modified bitumen and changes the phase angle of that. Temperature, pressure, and time are the factors affecting the high-temperature sensitivity and viscoelastic properties of high-viscosity modified bitumen. With respect to the creep and recovery property, different high-viscosity modified bitumen exhibits different aging characteristics with the change of thermal oxygen conditions. Gel-permeation-chromatography results directly illustrate that thermal oxygen conditions influence the degradation of high-viscosity modifiers at the initial stage of long-term aging, which is the key factor affecting the rheological properties of high-viscosity modified bitumen.
Thermoelectric Performance of Ca2Si Synthesized by High-Temperature Melting
Authors: Tan Wenjie , Zhang Jiarui , Ma Fukun , Jing Min , Xing Ningning
Published: August 2023

Ca2Si was successfully synthesized via a high-temperature melting furnace and a spark plasma sintering process, allowing its thermoelectric properties to be studied. High-temperature melting furnaces were utilized to inhibit the volatilization of Ca elements during the preparation stage, ensuring the production of high-purity Ca2Si. The resistivity of Ca2Si increased gradually with rising temperature and reached 12 mΩ·cm at 873 K, demonstrating semi-metallic characteristics. In the temperature range of 323 K–873 K, Ca2Si displayed relatively low total thermal conductivity, from 1.1 to 1.7 W·m−1·K−1. Nevertheless, Ca2Si attained a maximum thermoelectric figure of merit (ZT) of 0.1 due to the atypical behavior and electrical properties of semiconductors. In contrast, Mg2Si achieved a ZT value of 0.32 at 873 K, owing to its exceptional Seebeck coefficient.
Microstructures, Mechanical Properties and Transformation Behavior in Ni49.6Ti35.4Hf15 Alloy Produced with High-Pressure Torsion
Authors: Zhang Jintao , Wang Shibo , Ding Hua , Hu Peng , Huang Yi , Zhang Yu
Published: August 2023

High-pressure torsion (HPT) was applied for the Ni49.6Ti35.4Hf15 (at.%) alloy up to 1/4, 2 and 16 turns under a pressure of 4.0 GPa. The samples were examined using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and microhardness measurements. The results indicate that the mixture of an amorphous and nanocrystalline microstructure developed in the investigated NiTiHf alloy as the number of HPT turns was increased to two. The average hardness of the samples increased from 330 Hv to 500 Hv after 16 turns of HPT. Very fine martensite developed when the HPT-processed samples were annealed at 550 °C and the finer microstructures were attained with higher HPT turns. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) tests were performed in the post-HPT annealing samples to clarify the transformation behavior after severe plastic deformation in HPT and subsequent annealing, so as to provide an experimental basis for the application of the shape memory alloy. The transformation temperature of the alloy decreased remarkably when the number of turns of HPT reached 16. It is suggested that the deformation extent and annealing temperatures should be considered in order to maintain a high transformation temperature while utilizing the strengthening effect of HPT in the NiTiHf alloy.
Efficient Degradation of Antibiotics by Activating Peroxymonosulfate (PMS) with Biochar (BC)-Modified FeOx under UVA-LED Irradiation
Authors: Chen Peng , Zhang Liping , Cheng Zhiliang , Tang Jinshan , Huang Heng , Jian Chengzong , Wei Zejun
Published: August 2023

There are obvious drawbacks for the traditional treatment methods of antibiotics, such as low efficiency and high cost. In this paper, FeOx catalysts, modified with the biochar (BC) of maple leaf (FeOx@BC), were successfully prepared by the hydrothermal method. Then, the FeOx@BC was investigated to activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS) under UVA-LED irradiation for the degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride (TC). Subsequently, the changes in valence states before and after the reaction of ions were investigated by XPS spectra, and the process mechanism was presented. The results demonstrated that the TC degradation efficiency reached 96% in the FeOx@BC + PMS + UVA-LED system within 40 min, which was higher than 57% efficiency for the α-Fe2O3 + PMS + UVA-LED system. The electron transfer was promoted in the FeOx@BC + PMS + UVA-LED system due to the doping of BC. The Fe(III) was transformed into Fe(II) under UVA-LED irradiation, and Fe(II) activated continuously PMS to generate active oxygen species. Furthermore, it had excellent reusable performance and structural stability, and the degradation efficiency was still as high as 80% after five cycles. It was proved that SO4−•, •OH, O2•− and h+ participated in the degradation process of TC to different degrees by quenching experiments and EPR tests. In summary, FeOx@BC is an inexpensive, reusable and efficient catalyst.
Katagnymene terrestris sp. nov. (Gomontiellaceae, Cyanobacteria) Isolated from the Soil between Rocks in the Republic of Korea
Authors: Lee Nam-Ju , Kim Do-Hyun , Yang Eun-Chan , Lee Ok-Min
Published: August 2023

Soil cyanobacterium, FBCC-A195 were isolated from the soil underneath the Jangnak Bridge, Republic of Korea. The FBCC-A195 was studied using light microscopy (LM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), 16S rRNA, 16S–23S ITS, and ecological data. FBCC-A195 showed the circular cross-section of the trichome, broad mucilaginous envelopes, a swirl-like pattern of thylakoids inside the cell, and the lowest length/width ratio within the genus. In the 16S rRNA phylogeny, FBCC-A195 showed a sister relationship of Hormoscilla and belonged to the family Gomontiellaceae. The p-distance of FBCC-A195 ranged from 1.7% with H. pringsheimii to 12% with Komvophoron kgarii in the family. In the secondary structure of 16S–23S ITS, D1–D1’, Box-B, and V3 helix of FBCC-A195 were distinguished from those of other taxa in the Gomontiellaceae. Based upon morphological, ecological, and molecular traits, Katagnymene terrestris proved to be a unique and novel species of the Katagnymene.
The Financial Risk Measurement EVaR Based on DTARCH Models
Authors: Liu Xiaoqian , Tan Zhenni , Wu Yuehua , Zhou Yong
Published: August 2023

The value at risk based on expectile (EVaR) is a very useful method to measure financial risk, especially in measuring extreme financial risk. The double-threshold autoregressive conditional heteroscedastic (DTARCH) model is a valuable tool in assessing the volatility of a financial asset’s return. A significant characteristic of DTARCH models is that their conditional mean and conditional variance functions are both piecewise linear, involving double thresholds. This paper proposes the weighted composite expectile regression (WCER) estimation of the DTARCH model based on expectile regression theory. Therefore, we can use EVaR to predict extreme financial risk, especially when the conditional mean and the conditional variance of asset returns are nonlinear. Unlike the existing papers on DTARCH models, we do not assume that the threshold and delay parameters are known. Using simulation studies, it has been demonstrated that the proposed WCER estimation exhibits adequate and promising performance in finite samples. Finally, the proposed approach is used to analyze the daily Hang Seng Index (HSI) and the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index (SPI).
A K-Means Classification and Entropy Pooling Portfolio Strategy for Small and Large Capitalization Cryptocurrencies
Authors: Mba Jules Clement , Angaman Ehounou Serge Eloge Florentin
Published: August 2023

In this study, we propose three portfolio strategies: allocation based on the normality assumption, the skewed-Student t distribution, and the entropy pooling (EP) method for 14 small- and large-capitalization (cap) cryptocurrencies. We categorize our portfolios into three groups: portfolio 1, consisting of three large-cap cryptocurrencies and four small-cap cryptocurrencies from various K-means classification clusters; and portfolios 2 and 3, consisting of seven small-cap and seven large-cap cryptocurrencies, respectively. Then, we investigate the performance of the proposed strategies on these portfolios by performing a backtest during a crypto market crash. Our backtesting covers April 2022 to October 2022, when many cryptocurrencies experienced significant losses. Our results indicate that the wealth progression under the normality assumption exceeds that of the other two strategies, though they all exhibit losses in terms of final wealth. In addition, we found that portfolio 3 is the best-performing portfolio in terms of wealth progression and performance measures, followed by portfolios 1 and 2, respectively. Hence, our results suggest that investors will benefit from investing in a portfolio consisting of large-cap cryptocurrencies. In other words, it may be safer to invest in large-cap cryptocurrencies than in small-cap cryptocurrencies. Moreover, our results indicate that adding large- and small-cap cryptocurrencies to a portfolio could improve the diversification benefit and risk-adjusted returns. Therefore, while cryptocurrencies may offer potentially high returns and diversification benefits in a portfolio, investors should be aware of the risks and carefully consider their investment objectives and risk tolerance before investing in them.
An Enterprise Service Demand Classification Method Based on One-Dimensional Convolutional Neural Network with Cross-Entropy Loss and Enterprise Portrait
Authors: Zhou Haixia , Chen Jindong
Published: August 2023

To address the diverse needs of enterprise users and the cold-start issue of recommendation system, this paper proposes a quality-service demand classification method—1D-CNN-CrossEntorpyLoss, based on cross-entropy loss and one-dimensional convolutional neural network (1D-CNN) with the comprehensive enterprise quality portrait labels. The main idea of 1D-CNN-CrossEntorpyLoss is to use cross-entropy to minimize the loss of 1D-CNN model and enhance the performance of the enterprise quality-service demand classification. The transaction data of the enterprise quality-service platform are selected as the data source. Finally, the performance of 1D-CNN-CrossEntorpyLoss is compared with XGBoost, SVM, and logistic regression models. From the experimental results, it can be found that 1D-CNN-CrossEntorpyLoss has the best classification results with an accuracy of 72.44%. In addition, compared to the results without the enterprise-quality portrait, the enterprise-quality portrait improves the accuracy and recall of 1D-CNN-CrossEntorpyLoss model. It is also verified that the enterprise-quality portrait can further improve the classification ability of enterprise quality-service demand, and 1D-CNN-CrossEntorpyLoss is better than other classification methods, which can improve the precision service of the comprehensive quality service platform for MSMEs.
Equity Gaps in Literacy among Elementary School Students from Two Countries: The Negative Social Resonance Effect of Intersectional Disadvantage and the Dampening Effect of Learning Capital
Authors: Ziegler Albert , Luo Linlin , Stoeger Heidrun
Published: August 2023

Students may be members of multiple disadvantaged groups whose negative effects may reinforce each other (intersectionality). In two studies dealing with elementary students’ literacy skills, we examine one negative reinforcing effect and one dampening effect of intersectionality. In Study 1, we tested the negative social resonance effect of intersectional disadvantage, which means that disadvantages in achievement of intersecting disadvantaged groups would be stronger in social judgments of achievement than in objective measurement. This assumption was confirmed with a sample of 1926 German fourth-grade students. A MANOVA showed that the disadvantages in SES, migration background, and gender were cumulative. A path analysis revealed that the negative effects were larger in teachers’ performance assessments than in objective test performance in literacy. In Study 2, the negative social resonance effect of intersectional disadvantage was replicated with a sample of 777 students from Grades 4 and 5 in the United Arab Emirates. In addition, a dampening effect of learning capital was found. This effect was comparatively larger than the negative social resonance effect of intersectional disadvantage.
A Method for Predicting the Life of Lithium-Ion Batteries Based on Successive Variational Mode Decomposition and Optimized Long Short-Term Memory
Authors: Shi Yongsheng , Li Tailin , Wang Leicheng , Lu Hongzhou , Hu Yujun , He Beichen , Zhai Xinran
Published: August 2023

Accurately predicting the remaining lifespan of lithium-ion batteries is critical for the efficient and safe use of these devices. Predicting a lithium-ion battery’s remaining lifespan is challenging due to the non-linear changes in capacity that occur throughout the battery’s life. This study proposes a fused prediction model that employs a multimodal decomposition approach to address the problem of non-linear fluctuations during the degradation process of lithium-ion batteries. Specifically, the capacity attenuation signal is decomposed into multiple mode functions using successive variational mode decomposition (SVMD), which captures capacity fluctuations and a primary attenuation mode function to account for the degradation of lithium-ion batteries. The hyperparameters of the long short-term memory network (LSTM) are optimized using the tuna swarm optimization (TSO) technique. Subsequently, the trained prediction model is used to forecast various mode functions, which are then successfully integrated to obtain the capacity prediction result. The predictions show that the maximum percentage error for the projected results of five unique lithium-ion batteries, each with varying capacities and discharge rates, did not exceed 1%. Additionally, the average relative error remained within 2.1%. The fused lifespan prediction model, which integrates SVMD and the optimized LSTM, exhibited robustness, high predictive accuracy, and a degree of generalizability.
Energy Crisis in Europe: The European Union’s Objectives and Countries’ Policy Trends—New Transition Paths?
Authors: Urbano Eva M. , Kampouropoulos Konstantinos , Romeral Luis
Published: August 2023

Amidst the ongoing European energy crisis, the EU has proposed a legislative package to enhance gas independence from Russia, diversify energy supplies, and increase renewable energy targets. However, the urgency for energy security has led some countries to prioritise gas independence over decarbonisation, potentially sacrificing or delaying EU targets. Considering this framework, this article contributes to the body of knowledge by examining the electricity mix of the six most significant EU countries in terms of generation capacity, considers their alignment with 2025 energy transition goals, and analyses the latest legislative trends to evaluate their compatibility with EU objectives. The findings from these analyses indicate that EU members are currently prioritising gas independence, which has led to re-starting or extending the lifespan of coal-fired power plants and an increasing interest in nuclear energy as a low-carbon alternative. These findings have significant implications as they reveal how countries are being steered away from their pre-crisis energy transition paths, resulting in the formation of new perspectives for both the short and long term.
Experimental Tests of Conduction/Convection Heat Transfer in Very High Porosity Foams with Lattice Structures, Immersed in Different Fluids
Authors: Bovesecchi Gianluigi , Coppa Paolo , Corasaniti Sandra , Costanza Girolamo , Potenza Michele , Tata Maria Elisa
Published: August 2023

This experimental work presents the results of measurements of thermal conductivity λ and convection heat transfer coefficient h on regular structure PLA and aluminium foams with low density ratio (~0.15), carried out with a TCP (thermal conductivity probe), built by the authors’ laboratory. Measurements were performed with two fluids, water and air: pure fluids, and samples with the PLA and aluminium foams immersed in both fluids have been tested. Four temperatures (10, 20, 30, 40 °C) and various temperature differences during the tests ΔT (between 0.35 and 9 °C) were applied. Also, tests in water mixed with 0.5% of a gel (agar agar) have been run in order to increase the water viscosity and to avoid convection starting. For these tests, at the end of the heating, the temperature of the probe reaches steady-state values, when all the thermal power supplied by the probe is transferred to the cooled cell wall; thermal conductivity was also evaluated through the guarded hot ring (GHR) method. A difference was found between the results of λ in steady-state and transient regimes, likely due to the difference of the sample volume interested by heating during the tests. Also, the effect of the temperature difference ΔT on the behaviour of the pure fluid and foams was outlined. The mutual effect of thermal conductivity and free convection heat transfer results in being extremely important to describe the behaviour of such kinds of composites when they are used to increase or to reduce the heat transfer, as heat conductors or insulators. Very few works are present in the literature about this subject, above all, ones regarding low-density regular structures.