bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
First Report of Mitochondrial DNA Copy Number Variation in Opsius heydeni (Insecta, Hemiptera, Cicadellidae) from Polluted and Control Sites
Authors: Calogero Giada Santa , Giuga Marta , D’Urso Vera , Ferrito Venera , Pappalardo Anna Maria
Published: May 2023

Mitochondrial DNA easily undergoes alterations due to exposure to stress factors. In particular, mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn) variation can be used as a biomarker of the effect of exposure to various environmental contaminants. In this study, a molecular investigation based on the evaluation of mtDNAcn variation was applied for the first time to individuals belonging to the species Opsius heydeni. A total of 20 samples were collected from two sites in eastern Sicily: Priolo Gargallo, a site with a strong anthropic impact, and the Simeto river Oasis, a control site. Specimens identified based on morphological traits were used to obtain COI gene sequences from this species that were not previously available in GenBank. After processing, the relative mtDNAcn was evaluated using real-time PCR of a portion of the COI and 18S genes. A decrease in the mtDNAcn in the specimens from the polluted site was observed. These results highlight how environmental contaminants can alter the mitochondrial genome and how Opsius heydeni can be considered a potential bioindicator species of environmental quality.
Multidrug-Resistant (MDR) Urinary Tract Infections Associated with Gut Microbiota in CoV and Non-CoV Patients in a Urological Clinic during the Pandemic: A Single Center Experience
Authors: Radu Viorel Dragos , Costache Radu Cristian , Onofrei Pavel , Miftode Egidia , Linga Iacov , Ouatu Radu Mihaita , Boiculese Lucian , Bobeica Razvan Lucian , Tanasa Vasilache Ingrid , Mititiuc Irina Luanda
Published: May 2023

The aim of the study was to compare the profile of COVID-19 (CoV)-infected patients with non-COVID-19 (non-CoV) patients who presented with a multidrug-resistant urinary tract infection (MDR UTI) associated with gut microbiota, as well as analyze the risk factors for their occurrence, the types of bacteria involved, and their spectrum of sensitivity. Methods: We conducted a case–control study on patients admitted to the urology clinic of the “Parhon” Teaching Hospital in Iasi, Romania, between March 2020 and August 2022. The study group consisted of 22 CoV patients with MDR urinary infections associated with gut microbiota. For the control group, 66 non-CoV patients who developed MDR urinary infections associated with gut microbiota were selected. Electronic medical records were analyzed to determine demographics, characteristics, and risk factors. The types of urinary tract bacteria involved in the occurrence of MDR urinary infections and their sensitivity spectrum were also analyzed. Results: Patients in both groups studied were over 60 years of age, with no differences in gender, environment of origin, and rate of comorbidities. Patients in the CoV group had a higher percentage of urosepsis (54.5% versus 21.2%, p < 0.05) and more hospitalization days (9.27 versus 6.09, p < 0.05). Regarding risk factors, the two groups had similar percentages of previous urologic interventions (95.45% versus 96.97%, p > 0.05), antibiotic therapy (77.3% versus 87.9%, p > 0.05), and the presence of permanent urinary catheters (77.27% versus 84.85%, p > 0.05). Escherichia coli (31.8% versus 42.4%, p > 0.05), Klebsiella spp. (22.7% versus 34.8%, p > 0.05), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (27.3% versus 9.1%, p > 0.05) were the most common urinary tract bacteria found in the etiology of MDR urinary infections in CoV and non-CoV patients. A high percentage of the involved MDR urinary tract bacteria were resistant to quinolones (71.4–76.2% versus 80.3–82%, p > 0.05) and cephalosporins (61.9–81% versus 63.9–83.6%, p > 0.05), both in CoV and non-CoV patients. Conclusions: Patients with urological interventions who remain on indwelling urinary catheters are at an increased risk of developing MDR urinary infections associated with gut microbiota resistant to quinolones and cephalosporins. Patients with MDR UTIs who have CoV-associated symptoms seem to have a higher rate of urosepsis and a longer hospitalization length.
Antimicrobial Resistance of Staphylococcus aureus Isolated between 2017 and 2022 from Infections at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Romania
Authors: Tălăpan Daniela , Sandu Andreea-Mihaela , Rafila Alexandru
Published: May 2023

This study aimed to evaluate the frequency of isolation of Staphylococcus aureus from different pathological samples processed in the Microbiology Laboratory of the National Institute of Infectious Diseases “Prof. Dr. Matei Balș”, Romania, between 1 January 2017 and 31 December 2022, aiming to establish the ratio of methicillin-resistant to methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus strains and the antibiotic resistance pattern of isolated microorganisms. The data of isolates originating from routine diagnostic tasks were analyzed retrospectively using laboratory data from the microbiology department. Up to 39.11% of Staphylococcus aureus strains were resistant to oxacillin (MRSA), with 49.97% resistance to erythromycin and 36.06% inducible resistance to clindamycin. Resistance rates to ciprofloxacin, rifampicin, gentamicin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole were 9.98%, 5.38%, 5.95%, and 0.96%, respectively. There was no resistance to vancomycin. Between 2017 and 2022, the percentage of MRSA strains decreased from 41.71% to 33.63%, sharply increasing to 42.42% in 2021 (the year of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the percentage of strains isolated from lower respiratory tract infections was higher than that of strains isolated from wounds or blood, as in previous years). This study showed a high percentage of MRSA strains (39.11% overall) with a higher proportion of these strains isolated from the blood (42.49%) compared to other clinical specimens.
Genetic Characterization of Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae Clinical Isolates in a Tertiary Hospital in Greece, 2018–2022
Authors: Zarras Charalampos , Karampatakis Theodoros , Pappa Styliani , Iosifidis Elias , Vagdatli Eleni , Roilides Emmanuel , Papa Anna
Published: May 2023

Background: Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) is a serious public health issue. The study aimed to identify the antimicrobial resistance and accessory genes, the clonal relatedness, and the evolutionary dynamics of selected CRKP isolates recovered in an adult and pediatric intensive care unit of a tertiary hospital in Greece. Methods: Twenty-four CRKP isolates recovered during 2018–2022 were included in the study. Next-generation sequencing was performed using the Ion Torrent PGM Platform. The identification of the plasmid content, MLST, and antimicrobial resistance genes, as well as the comparison of multiple genome alignments and the identification of core genome single-nucleotide polymorphism sites, were performed using various bioinformatics software. Results: The isolates belonged to eight sequence types: 11, 15, 30, 35, 39, 307, 323, and 512. A variety of carbapenemases (KPC, VIM, NDM, and OXA-48) and resistance genes were detected. CRKP strains shared visually common genomic regions with the reference strain (NTUH-K2044). ST15, ST323, ST39, and ST11 CRKP isolates presented on average 17, 6, 16, and 866 recombined SNPs, respectively. All isolates belonging to ST15, ST323, and ST39 were classified into distinct phylogenetic branches, while ST11 isolates were assigned to a two-subclade branch. For large CRKP sets, the phylogeny seems to change approximately every seven SNPs. Conclusions: The current study provides insight into the genetic characterization of CRKP isolates in the ICUs of a tertiary hospital. Our results indicate clonal dispersion of ST15, ST323, and ST39 and highly diverged ST11 isolates.
Trehalose Inhibits Inflammatory Responses through Mitochondrial Reprogramming in RAW 264.7 Macrophages
Authors: Yu Seungmin , Park Hyejeong , Kim Wooki
Published: May 2023

Studies reported the beneficial effects of trehalose on metabolic syndromes, hyperlipidemia, and autophagy, but its action mechanisms are still poorly understood. Even though trehalose is digested by disaccharidase and absorbed in the intestine, intact molecules encounter immune cells which form a solid balance between the allowance of nutritive substances and the removal of harmful pathogens. In this regard, the polarization of intestinal macrophages into an anti-inflammatory phenotype through metabolic regulation is emerging as a therapeutic strategy for the prevention of gastrointestinal inflammation. The current study investigated the effects of trehalose on immunological phenotypes, energy metabolism, and LPS-induced macrophage mitochondrial functioning. Results indicate that trehalose reduces prostaglandin E2 and nitric oxide, which are inflammatory mediators of LPS-induced macrophages. In addition, trehalose further significantly suppressed inflammatory cytokines and mediators via energy metabolism reprogramming towards M2-like status in LPS-stimulated macrophages.
Antioxidant Properties Mediate Nephroprotective and Hepatoprotective Activity of Essential Oil and Hydro-Alcoholic Extract of the High-Altitude Plant Skimmia anquetilia
Authors: Kukreti Neha , Chitme Havagiray R. , Varshney Vinay K. , Abdel-Wahab Basel A. , Khateeb Masood Medleri , Habeeb Mohammed Shafiuddin
Published: May 2023

There are many high-altitude plants such as Skimmia anquetilia that are unexplored for their possible medicinal values. The present study was conducted to examine the antioxidant activities of Skimmia anquetilia (SA) using in vitro and in vivo models. The SA hydro-alcoholic extracts were investigated using LC-MS for their chemical constituents. The essential oil and hydro-alcoholic extracts of SA were evaluated for pharmacological properties. The antioxidant properties were evaluated using in vitro DPPH, reducing power, cupric reducing antioxidant power, and metal chelating assays. The anti-hemolytic activity was carried out using a human blood sample. The in vivo antioxidant activities were evaluated using CCL4-induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity assay. The in vivo evaluation included histopathological examination, tissue biochemical evaluation such as the kidney function test, catalase activity, reduced glutathione activity, and lipid peroxidation estimation. The phytochemical investigation showed that the hydro-alcoholic extract contains multiple important active constituents such as L-carnosine, acacetin, linoleic acid, leucylleucyl tyrosine, esculin sesquihydrate, etc., similar to the components of SA essential oil reported in a previous study. The high amount of total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) reflect (p < 0.001) a high level of reducing power, cupric reducing, and metal chelating properties. This significantly (p < 0.001) inhibited enlargement of the liver, with a significant reduction in ALT (p < 0.01) and AST (p < 0.001). Highly significant improvement in the functioning of the kidney was noted using the blood urea and creatinine (p < 0.001) levels. Tissue-based activities showed a major rise in catalase, reduced glutathione, and reduced lipid peroxidation activities. We conclude from this study that the occurrence of a high quantity of flavonoid and phenolic contents had strong antioxidant properties, leading to hepatoprotective and nephroprotective activity. Further active constituent-specific activities should be evaluated.
Comparing the Accuracy of Micro-Focus X-ray Technology to Standard Clinical Ultrasound for Locating Small Glass Foreign Bodies in Soft Tissue
Authors: Wu Shirley , Parkman Tomas , Dunsinger Shira , Deciccio Daniel , Anderson Alisa , Lash Erica , Fletcher Jonathan , Galvin Will , Rose-Petruck Fridtjof , Becker Bruce , Rose-Petruck Christoph
Published: May 2023

Foreign bodies are found in as many as 15% of traumatic wounds. Point of Care ultrasound (POCUS) is now considered reliable for detecting FBs in wounds. Unfortunately, up to 38% of these FBs are initially missed, resulting in infections, delayed wound healing, and loss of function. Microfocus X-ray imaging (MFXI) has a significantly higher resolution (up to 100×) than conventional X-ray imaging. Therefore, it can potentially be used for Point of Care diagnostics. Up to seven glass fragments smaller than 2.5 mm were embedded in each of the 58 chicken wings and thighs. Two control samples were prepared with no glass fragments. Five emergency medicine physicians with ultrasound training imaged the samples with a Butterfly iQ+ at 1 to 10 MHz center frequencies and counted the glass pieces. This device is an example of handheld PCUS equipment that is particularly valuable in resource-limited areas and austere settings where portability is a significant factor. The same five physicians counted the number of foreign bodies in each X-ray image. The physicians were not trained to read micro-focus X-ray images but had read standard X-rays regularly as part of their medical practice and had at least 3 years of hands-on clinical practice using POCUS. Across physicians and samples, raters correctly identified an average of 97.6% of FBs using MFXI (96.5% interrater reliability) and 62.3% of FBs using POCUS (70.8% interrater reliability).
Application-Oriented Input Spectrum Design in Closed-Loop Identification
Authors: Jakowluk Wiktor , Świercz Mirosław
Published: May 2023

In the paper, a problem of real-time input design, where the spectral characteristic of the external excitation signal is optimized considering the fixed bound on the ellipsoidal constraint applied to the quality measure of the estimated model, has been presented. We designed a compensator close to the complementary sensitivity function such that the resulting closed-loop system is stable and guarantees robust performance. The contribution of this work comprises a comparison of the KYP and frequency grid methods for the worst-case minimization between the identified plant and all models in the uncertainty region. It has been noted that the input design problem considering the frequency grid is far more numerically robust than the KYP method and guarantees that more than 90% of the estimated model parameters are clustered inside the assumed confidence region. The proposed approach is verified by numerical examples, and the sensitivity of the input spectrum design to the estimates of model parameters is discussed.
Energy-Based Economic Sustainability Protocols
Authors: Taranto Federico , Assom Luigi , Chiolerio Alessandro
Published: May 2023

In this paper, a sustainability framework for global and scalable payment systems is introduced. It is based on energy and resource consumption and pollutant classes and is inspired by ISO14040 principles. This paper aims to provide guidance for the implementation of blockchain-based technologies in a Life-Cycle Assessment methodology. The impact criteria adopted in this first approximation are at the stakeholders’ level. Enhancement through Enterprise Resource Planning software integration is considered to extend the impact allocation to the level of products and services. The system is designed on environmental economic models based on resources. A continuous depletion in the quality of exchangeable output is also modelled with respect to raw material consumption. We also consider the geophysical coordinates of pollutant emissions and the concurrent emission of pollutants affecting the quality of such outputs. This framework aims to be initially applied to the CO2eq indicator, which is identified by a set of aerial pollutants with global warming potential as proposed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Nonetheless, an incentive scheme within the so-defined payment system is possible and herein suggested, including the extension to other impact criteria (e.g., pollutants released in water and soil). Multiple approximations are made in order to overcome the difficulty in sampling reservoirs of natural resources, such as (1) disregarding regeneration rate and physical limits of raw material reservoirs and (2) estimating the minimum amount of pollutants affecting the perceived quality of economic transactions. Eventually, sampling policies are outlined as fundamental tactics to foster the effectiveness of this framework.
Contribution to the Research on the Application of Bio-Ash as a Filler in Asphalt Mixtures
Authors: Šimun Miroslav , Dimter Sanja , Grubješić Goran , Vukelić Karolina
Published: May 2023

The intensive construction of all categories of roads and the very demanding maintenance of the pavement structures of existing roads due to ever-increasing traffic loads confronts us with a lack of resources and also an increase in cost for the constituent materials of asphalt mixtures. On the other hand, there is another problem: large amounts of waste material in the form of bio-ash, which is obtained by burning waste wood biomass in the production of thermal energy and/or electricity. In order to solve the environmental problem of bio-ash disposal, research was conducted on the use of waste bio-ash as a constituent material in asphalt pavements. As part of this study, the effect of asphalt concrete mix, with bio-ash as a filler, on the release of harmful substances into the environment was investigated. The possibility of using wood bio-ash (BA) as a filler in asphalt mixtures was then determined through physical and mechanical property tests. The properties of the asphalt sample’s sensitivity to the action of water (indirect tensile strength ratio—ITSR) and resistance to rutting were tested for asphalt concrete type AC 11 surf with 50% bio-ash in the filler. It was established that asphalt concrete does not release harmful substances into the environment and that the 50% share of bio-ash in the filler results in asphalt that has good resistance to water sensitivity and even greater resistance to rutting.
A Novel Fractional Sine Chaotic Map and Its Application to Image Encryption and Watermarking
Authors: Vignesh Dhakshinamoorthy , Fataf Nur Aisyah Abdul , Banerjee Santo
Published: May 2023

This article addresses the telecommunications industry’s priority of ensuring information security during the transition to next-generation networks. It proposes an image encryption system that combines watermarking techniques and a discrete fractional sine chaotic map. The authors also incorporate the principles of blockchain to enhance the security of transmitted and received image data. The proposed system utilizes a newly developed sine chaotic map with a fractional difference operator, exhibiting long-term chaotic dynamics. The complexity of this map is demonstrated by comparing it with three other fractional chaotic maps from existing literature, using bifurcation diagrams and the largest Lyapunov exponent. The authors also show the map’s sensitivity to changes in initial conditions through time-series diagrams. To encrypt images, the authors suggest a method involving watermarking of two secret images and encryption based on blockchain technology. The cover image is watermarked with the two hidden images using discrete wavelet transformations. Then, the image pixels undergo diffusion using a chaotic matrix generated from the discrete fractional sine chaotic map. This encryption process aims to protect the image data and make it resistant to unauthorized access. To evaluate the algorithm, the authors perform statistical analysis and critical sensitivity analysis to examine its characteristics. They also analyse different attacks to assess the algorithm’s ability to resist such threats and maintain image quality after decryption. The results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm effectively defends against attacks and ensures image security.
Minute-Scale Models for the Diffuse Fraction of Global Solar Radiation Balanced between Accuracy and Accessibility
Authors: Paulescu Eugenia , Paulescu Marius
Published: May 2023

The separation models are tools used in solar engineering to estimate direct normal (DNI) and diffuse horizontal (DHI) solar irradiances from measurements of global solar irradiance (GHI). This paper proposes two empirical separation models that stand out owing to their simple mathematical formulation: a rational polynomial equation. Validation of the new models was carried out against data from 36 locations, covering the four major climatic zones. Five current top minute-scale separation models were considered references. The tests were performed on the final products of the estimation: DNI and DHI. The first model (M1) operates with eight predictors (evaluated from GHI post-processed measurements and clear-sky counterpart estimates) and constantly outperforms the already established models. The second model (M2) operates with three predictors based only on GHI measurements, which gives it a high degree of accessibility. Based on a statistical linear ranking method according to the models’ performance at every station, M1 leads the hierarchy, ranking first in both DNI and DHI estimation. The high accessibility of the M2 does not compromise accuracy; it is proving to be a real competitor in the race with the best-performing current models.
Optimal Energy Integration and Off-Design Analysis of an Amine-Based Natural Gas Sweetening Unit
Authors: Berchiche Amine , Guenoune Mohamed , Belaadi Salah , Léonard Grégoire
Published: May 2023

The present paper focuses on the efficiency enhancement of the energy-intensive natural gas (NG) sweetening process in the context of upstream natural gas production. A bi-level heat integration scheme is proposed including direct recycling of available high-temperature waste heat and harnessing the excess low-temperature waste heat in an optimized organic Rankine cycle (ORC) for power production. The energy performance of the whole model was studied under a range of possible reservoir conditions. A particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm was adopted to simultaneously optimize the parameters of the heat recovery network as well as the ORC cycle parameters. Finally, in order to account for the impact of perturbations of the heat source and sink, an off-design performance analysis was conducted using real-time data from an industrial plant. The proposed integration methodology was found to be effective across most of the reservoir conditions covered in this study. At optimal integration, a reduction of 40% up to 100% in heating requirements of the amine process was reported, as well as a net electricity production of 30% up to 190% of the electrical demand of the background process. The use of propane (R290) as a working fluid resulted in the highest energy output, whereas higher carbon number fluids allowed a better energy/working pressure trade-off. The off-design analysis allowed for the quantification of the impact of operational fluctuations of the background process on integration performance. Energy savings resulting from direct heat integration were found to range from 68% up to 103% of the expected design value, whereas the ORC net energy output respective to the use of R290, R600a, and R601a was found to range from 60% to 132%, 47% to 142%, and 52% to 135%.
Fast Localization and High Accuracy Recognition of Tire Surface Embossed Characters Based on CNN
Authors: Guo Zhongfeng , Yang Junlin , Qu Xinghua , Li Yuanxin
Published: May 2023

To solve the problem of recognizing artificial tire-side pressure printing characters with low efficiency and high labor intensity, we propose a CNN-based method for tire surface character recognition. In the image pre-processing, the SSR algorithm is improved to enhance the contrast of characters, and the Normalized Cross Correlation template matching algorithm based on pyramid acceleration is proposed to quickly locate the “DOT” characters and segment them. The improved LeNet-5 network structure is used to recognize characters, and a self-built digital sample library is randomly divided according to the ratio of 8:2 to conduct digital recognition experiments. The experimental results show that the recognition accuracy of the training set can reach 95.9%, and the accuracy of the validation set is 99.5%. The accuracy of the testing set is 95.6%, which meets the practical application requirements. Moreover, the whole algorithm only needs to be implemented on a commonly configured CPU, reducing equipment costs.
Research on Optimal Operation of Regional Integrated Energy Systems in View of Demand Response and Improved Carbon Trading
Authors: Zhang Yu , Liu Zhongxiang , Wu Yuhu , Li Lianmin
Published: May 2023

In order to solve the difficulties of dispatching the regional integrated energy system (RIES) under the operating conditions of multi-energy complementary mechanisms, as well as to achieve the purpose of economic operation and low carbon operation of the system, an optimal dispatching model of RIES, including demand response (DR) and an improved carbon trading mechanism (ICTM), is proposed. Firstly, a demand response model is established, the cooling, thermal, electricity, and gas load models under demand response are built, and then an improved customer satisfaction model is proposed based on the four demand response load models. In addition, since EV trips fit a normal distribution, the charging load of EVs is predicted using a Monte Carlo method and incorporated into RIES as a demand-side load; moreover, for EVs, an improved genetic algorithm is used to optimize EV charging, aiming to reduce the peak-to-valley difference; secondly, carbon emission quotas are provided for systems and EVs based on the baseline method and gratuitous allocation, and a carbon trading model is constructed based on carbon quotas and actual A carbon trading model for the system and EV is constructed based on the carbon allowances and actual carbon emissions; finally, four operation scenarios are set up in this paper, and the unit output scheme is developed with the objective of achieving the lowest total system operation cost and lowest carbon emissions. The four typical scenarios are solved using the MATLAB/CPLEX solver and compared for analysis. The simulation results show that an improved genetic algorithm for optimizing the ordered charging method of electric vehicle charging reduces the peak valley difference by 23.06%, and the total operation cost and carbon transaction cost are reduced by 16.13% and 83.10%, respectively, which can provide a reference for the environmental protection and economic dispatch of RIES.
SLMAS: A Secure and Light Weight Mutual Authentication Scheme for the Smart Wheelchair
Authors: Almazroi Abdulwahab Ali , Liaqat Misbah , Ali Rana Liaqat , Gani Abdullah
Published: May 2023

The modern innovation called the Internet of Things (IoT) empowers individuals to connect to anybody and anything at any point, wherever. The application of the IoT in smart cities concerning smart healthcare management can improve patient welfare, user acceptance, the standard of living, and accurate illness monitoring. Powered wheelchairs (PW) with sensors, computers, and other connected assistive technologies are called smart wheelchairs. Smart wheelchairs with sensing abilities are intended to offer universal connectivity using cloud and edge computing technology. Numerous outstanding people were impacted by paralyzing phenomena, including Stephen Hawking and Max Brito. The issue of legitimacy is one of the most important difficulties in e-health applications, because of how sensitive the technology is, and this needs to be appropriately handled. To safeguard the data transport, usage, and interchange between sensor nodes/smart wheelchairs and servers, e-health applications require an authentication method. As all conversations use wireless channels, e-health apps are exposed to various vulnerabilities. Additionally, the IoT has limited computational and power capacity limitations. To combat the various security risks, the present research offers a user authentication technique that is efficient and ensures anonymity. The suggested method creates a safe connection for the authorized entity and forbids unauthorized entities from accessing the Internet of Things sensor nodes. The suggested approach has lower communication and computation overheads than the traditional techniques, making it more effective. In addition, the security verification of the presented protocol is scrutinized through AVISPA. The proposed scheme, on average, requires only 12.4% more computation cost to execute. Compared to the existing approaches, the suggested protocol’s extra computational cost can be compensated for by its enhanced security, while the suggested method’s communication cost is 46.3% smaller.
Dynamic Analysis of CRTS II Ballastless Track-Vehicle System Based on Moving Unit Method
Authors: Lei Tuo , Xu Jianxiang , Xu Longxiang , Jin Tingting , Wang Guangsen
Published: May 2023

On account of the influence of the discontinuity of CRTS II ballastless track slabs and the discrete support of track pads on the high-speed rail vehicle-ballastless track system, a vibration analysis calculation model of the ballastless track-vehicle coupling system was established on the basis of the moving unit method. The dynamic response of the system at different travel speeds and with and without consideration of the track plate discontinuities was investigated. The effect of the random process discontinuity on the dynamic response of the steel rails was analyzed by Fourier inverse transform on the high and low discontinuity spectra of ballastless rails on China’s high-speed rail. We also generated time domain samples of the track discontinuity corresponding to the three percentile spectra. The results show that the dynamic response of the track structure increases with the speed of the train under the condition of track unevenness, with the dynamic response of the steel rail being the most significant, while the dynamic response of the track slab and concrete foundation decreases step by step compared with that of the steel rail; the discontinuity of the track slab has a low impact on the vertical acceleration of the vehicle and does not affect the smoothness of the train; the magnitude of the dynamic response of the rail increases as the amplitude of the irregularities increases or the wavelength decreases. In the wavelength of 2~30 m, the maximum and as the wavelength of the discontinuity sample increases, the oscillation of the power response time curve decreases significantly and tends to be smooth.
Comparisons of Emotional Responses, Flow Experiences, and Operational Performances in Traditional Parametric Computer-Aided Design Modeling and Virtual-Reality Free-Form Modeling
Authors: Fang Yu-Min , Kao Tzu-Lin
Published: May 2023

Three-dimensional (3D) computer-aided design (CAD) is a vital tool for visualizing design ideas. While conventional parametric CAD modeling is commonly used, emerging virtual reality (VR) applications in 3D CAD modeling require further exploration. This study contrasts the emotional response, flow experience, and operational performance of design novices using VR free-form modeling (Gravity Sketch 3D) and conventional parametric CAD modeling (SolidWorks). We arranged two representative tasks for 30 participants: modeling an exact geometric shape (a cube) and a creative shape (a mug). We measured emotional response and flow experience through scales, and gathered operational performance, and further insights through semistructured interviews. The findings reveal more positive and intense emotional responses to VR free-form modeling, but its overall flow experience did not exceed expectations. No significant differences were found in concentration, time distortion sense, or control between the two techniques. Comparing modeling tasks, VR free-form modeling showed promising operational performance for early ideation, whereas conventional parametric CAD modeling proved to be more effective in 3D digitization of known shapes.
A Quantum Machine Learning Approach to Spatiotemporal Emission Modelling
Authors: Zheng Kelly , Van Griensven Jesse , Fraser Roydon
Published: May 2023

Despite the growing impact of emissions on our health and the environment, there remains an unmet need for emission concentration prediction and forecasting. The accumulating monitoring station and satellite data make the problem well-suited for quantum machine learning. This work takes a quantum machine learning approach to the spatiotemporal prediction of emission concentration. A quantum quanvolutional neural network model was developed and compared to a classical spatiotemporal ConvLSTM model using an evaluation framework of baseline models and metrics of per-pixel loss and intersection over union accuracy. The quantum quanvolutional neural network developed successfully generates one-hour-ahead emission concentration forecasts with increasingly lower loss (6.5% and 30.5% less) and higher accuracy (18.4% and 18.6% higher) compared to the input-independent and random baselines at the end of training. The quantum model was also comparable to the classical ConvLSTM model, with slightly lower loss (4%) but also slightly lower accuracy (3.7%). The study’s results suggest that the quantum machine learning approach has the potential to improve emission concentration modeling and could become a powerful tool for accurately predicting air pollution.
Comprehensive Analysis of the Global Zenith Tropospheric Delay Real-Time Correction Model Based GPT3
Authors: Chen Jian , Jiang Yushuang , Fan Ya , Zhao Xingwang , Liu Chao
Published: May 2023

To obtain a higher accuracy for the real-time Zenith Tropospheric Delay (ZTD), a refined tropospheric delay correction model was constructed by combining the tropospheric delay correction model based on meteorological parameters and the GPT3 model. The meteorological parameters provided by the Global Geodetic Observing System (GGOS) Atmosphere and the zenith tropospheric delay data provided by Centre for Orbit Determination in Europe (CODE) were used as references, and the accuracy and spatial–temporal characteristics of the proposed model were compared and studied. The results show the following: (1) Compared with the UNB3m, GPT and GPT2w models, the accuracy and stability of the GPT3 model were significantly improved, especially the estimation accuracy of temperature, the deviation (Bias) of the estimated temperature was reduced by 90.60%, 32.44% and 0.30%, and the root mean square error (RMS) was reduced by 42.40%, 11.02% and 0.11%, respectively. (2) At different latitudes, the GPT3 + Saastamoinen, GPT3 + Hopfield and UNB3m models had great differences in accuracy and applicability. In the middle and high latitudes, the Biases of the GPT3 + Saastamoinen model and the GPT3 + Hopfield model were within 0.60 cm, and the RMS values were within 4 cm; the Bias of the UNB3m model was within 2 cm, and the RMS was within 5 cm; in low latitudes, the accuracy and stability of the GPT3 + Saastamoinen model were better than those of the GPT3 + Hopfield and UNB3m models; compared with the GPT3 + Hopfield model, the Bias was reduced by 22.56%, and the RMS was reduced by 5.67%. At different heights, the RMS values of the GPT3 + Saastamoinen model and GPT3 + Hopfield model were better than that of the UNB3m model. When the height was less than 500 m, the Biases of the GPT3 + Saastamoinen, GPT3 + Hopfield and UNB3m models were 3.46 cm, 3.59 cm and 4.54 cm, respectively. At more than 500 m, the Biases of the three models were within 4 cm. In different seasons, the Bias of the ZTD estimated by the UNB3m model had obvious global seasonal variation. The GPT3 + Saastamoinen model and the GPT3 + Hopfield model were more stable, and the values were within 5 cm. The research results can provide a useful reference for the ZTD correction accuracy and applicability of GNSS navigation and positioning at different latitudes, at different heights and in different seasons.
Proposal of a New Double-Nozzle Technique for In-Gas-Jet Laser Resonance Ionization Spectroscopy
Authors: Varentsov Victor
Published: May 2023

This paper proposes a new double-nozzle technique for in-gas-jet laser resonance ionization spectroscopy. We explored the functionality of this new technique through detailed gas dynamic and Monte Carlo atom-trajectory simulations, in which results are presented and discussed. The results of similar computer simulations for JetRIS setup (as a typical representative of the conventional in-gas-jet technique nowadays) are also presented and discussed. The direct comparison of calculation results for the proposed new technique with the conventional one shows that the double-nozzle technique has many advantages compared with the one used in the JetRIS setup at GSI for future high-resolution laser spectroscopic study of heaviest elements. To fully implement the proposed new technique in all existing (or under construction) setups for in-gas-jet laser resonance ionization spectroscopy, it will be enough to replace the used supersonic nozzle with the miniature double-nozzle device described in the paper.
Ranking Startups Using DEMATEL-ANP-Based Fuzzy PROMETHEE II
Authors: Nguyen Huyen Trang , Chu Ta-Chung
Published: May 2023

In entrepreneurship management, the evaluation and selection of startups for acceleration programs, especially technology-based startups, are crucial. This process involves considering numerical and qualitative criteria such as sales, prior startup experience, demand validation, and product maturity. To effectively rank startups based on the varying importance of these criteria, a fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approach is needed. Although MCDM methods have been successful in handling complex problems, their application in startup selection and evaluating criteria interrelationships from the accelerator perspective is underexplored. To address this gap, a hybrid DEMATEL-ANP-based fuzzy PROMETHEE II model is proposed in this study, facilitating startup ranking and examining interrelationships among factors. The resulting preference values are fuzzy numbers, necessitating a fuzzy ranking method for decision-making. An extension of ranking fuzzy numbers using a spread area-based relative maximizing and minimizing set is suggested to enhance the flexibility of existing ranking MCDM methods. Algorithms, formulas, and a comparative analysis validate the proposed method, while a numerical experiment verifies the viability of the hybrid model. The final ranking of four startup projects is A4<A1<A3<A2 which indicates that startup project A2 has the highest comprehensive potential, followed by startup project A3.
Practical Consequences of Quality Views in Assessing Software Quality
Authors: Galli Tamas , Chiclana Francisco , Siewe Francois
Published: May 2023

The authors’ previously published research delved into the theory of software product quality modelling, model views, concepts, and terminologies. They also analysed this specific field from the point of view of uncertainty, and possible descriptions based on fuzzy set theory and fuzzy logic. Laying a theoretical foundation was necessary; however, software professionals need a more tangible and practical approach for their everyday work. Consequently, the authors devote this paper to filling in this gap; it aims to illustrate how to interpret and utilise the previous findings, including the established taxonomy of the software product quality models. The developed fuzzy model’s simplification is also presented with a Generalized Additive Model approximation. The paper does not require any formal knowledge of uncertainty computations and reasoning under uncertainty, nor does it need a deep understanding of quality modelling in terms of terminology, concepts, and meta-models, which were necessary to prepare the taxonomy and relevance ranking. The paper investigates how to determine the validity of statements based on a given software product quality model; moreover, it considers how to tailor and adjust quality models to the particular project’s needs. The paper also describes how to apply different software product quality models for different quality views to take advantage of the automation potential offered for the measurement and assessment of source code quality. Furthermore, frequent pitfalls are illustrated with their corresponding resolutions, including an unmeasured quality property that is found to be important and needs to be included in the measurement and assessment process.
Establishment of a Perfusion Process with Antibody-Producing CHO Cells Using a 3D-Printed Microfluidic Spiral Separator with Web-Based Flow Control
Authors: Schellenberg Jana , Dehne Michaela , Lange Ferdinand , Scheper Thomas , Solle Dörte , Bahnemann Janina
Published: May 2023

Monoclonal antibodies are increasingly dominating the market for human therapeutic and diagnostic agents. For this reason, continuous methods—such as perfusion processes—are being explored and optimized in an ongoing effort to increase product yields. Unfortunately, many established cell retention devices—such as tangential flow filtration—rely on membranes that are prone to clogging, fouling, and undesirable product retention at high cell densities. To circumvent these problems, in this work, we have developed a 3D-printed microfluidic spiral separator for cell retention, which can readily be adapted and replaced according to process conditions (i.e., a plug-and-play system) due to the fast and flexible 3D printing technique. In addition, this system was also expanded to include automatic flushing, web-based control, and notification via a cellphone application. This set-up constitutes a proof of concept that was successful at inducing a stable process operation at a viable cell concentration of 10–17 × 106 cells/mL in a hybrid mode (with alternating cell retention and cell bleed phases) while significantly reducing both shear stress and channel blockage. In addition to increasing efficiency to nearly 100%, this microfluidic device also improved production conditions by successfully separating dead cells and cell debris and increasing cell viability within the bioreactor.
Microencapsulation of Olive Oil by Dehydration of Emulsion: Effects of the Emulsion Formulation and Dehydration Process
Authors: Chaabane Donia , Mirmazloum Iman , Yakdhane Asma , Ayari Emna , Albert Krisztina , Vatai Gyula , Ladányi Márta , Koris András , Nath Arijit
Published: May 2023

Microencapsulation of extra virgin olive oil has been taken into consideration. Initially, emulsions were prepared using extra virgin olive oil and aqueous solutions of different proportions of maltodextrin (MD) having dextrose equivalent (DE) 19 and whey protein isolates (WPI), such as 100% MD, 100% WPI, 25% MD + 75% WPI, 50% MD + 50% WPI and 75% MD + 25% WPI. Subsequently, emulsions were used for dehydration by either spray-drying (SD) or freeze-drying (FD) to produce olive oil microcapsules. Emulsion stability, viscosity and droplet size influenced the characteristics of the microcapsules. The highest encapsulation efficiency was achieved using 50% MD + 50% WPI in the emulsions with subsequent SD. The moisture content of the microcapsules increased with increasing proportions of MD. The size of the microcapsules increased with increasing proportions of WPI. The bulk density and tapped density were reduced with higher proportions of MD in the microcapsules. Furthermore, microcapsules with a higher proportion of MD exhibited poor flowability and high cohesiveness. Microcapsules from the higher proportion MD emulsions, followed by SD were spherical with a smooth surface; however, microcapsules with dent structures were produced from 100% WPI in the emulsions with subsequent SD. Microcapsules, produced from emulsions with a higher proportion of WPI, followed by FD were flat flakes and had irregular surfaces.
Bisphenol-A Neurotoxic Effects on Basal Forebrain Cholinergic Neurons In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Flores Andrea , Moyano Paula , Sola Emma , García José Manuel , García Jimena , Frejo María Teresa , Guerra-Menéndez Lucia , Labajo Elena , Lobo Inés , Abascal Luisa , Pino Javier del
Published: May 2023

The widely used plasticizer bisphenol-A (BPA) is well-known for producing neurodegeneration and cognitive disorders, following acute and long-term exposure. Although some of the BPA actions involved in these effects have been unraveled, they are still incompletely known. Basal forebrain cholinergic neurons (BFCN) regulate memory and learning processes and their selective loss, as observed in Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative diseases, leads to cognitive decline. In order to study the BPA neurotoxic effects on BFCN and the mechanisms through which they are induced, 60-day old Wistar rats were used, and a neuroblastoma cholinergic cell line from the basal forebrain (SN56) was used as a basal forebrain cholinergic neuron model. Acute treatment of rats with BPA (40 µg/kg) induced a more pronounced basal forebrain cholinergic neuronal loss. Exposure to BPA, following 1- or 14-days, produced postsynaptic-density-protein-95 (PSD95), synaptophysin, spinophilin, and N-methyl-D-aspartate-receptor-subunit-1 (NMDAR1) synaptic proteins downregulation, an increase in glutamate content through an increase in glutaminase activity, a downregulation in the vesicular-glutamate-transporter-2 (VGLUT2) and in the WNT/β-Catenin pathway, and cell death in SN56 cells. These toxic effects observed in SN56 cells were mediated by overexpression of histone-deacetylase-2 (HDAC2). These results may help to explain the synaptic plasticity, cognitive dysfunction, and neurodegeneration induced by the plasticizer BPA, which could contribute to their prevention.
Estimation of Late Postmortem Interval: Where Do We Stand? A Literature Review
Authors: Franceschetti Lorenzo , Amadasi Alberto , Bugelli Valentina , Bolsi Giulia , Tsokos Michael
Published: May 2023

Estimating time since death can be challenging for forensic experts, and is one of the most challenging activities concerning the forensic world. Various methods have been assessed to calculate the postmortem interval on dead bodies in different stages of decomposition and are currently widely used. Nowadays, the only well-recognized dating technique is carbon-14 radioisotope measurement, whereas other methods have been tested throughout the years involving different disciplines with different and sometimes not univocal results. Today, there is no precise and secure method to precisely determine time since death, and late postmortem interval estimation remains one of the most debated topics in forensic pathology. Many proposed methods have shown promising results, and it is desirable that with further studies some of them might become acknowledged techniques to resolve such a difficult and important challenge. The present review aims at presenting studies about the different techniques that have been tested in order to find a valuable method for estimating time since death for skeletal remains. By providing a comprehensive overview, the purpose of this work is to offer readers new perspectives on postmortem interval estimation and to improve current practice in the management of skeletal remains and decomposed bodies.