bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Convenient Way to Quinoxaline Derivatives through the Reaction of 2-(3-Oxoindolin-2-yl)-2-phenylacetonitriles with Benzene-1,2-diamines
Authors: Aksenov Alexander V. , Arutiunov Nikolai A. , Aksenov Dmitrii A. , Samovolov Artem V. , Kurenkov Igor A. , Aksenov Nicolai A. , Aleksandrova Elena A. , Momotova Daria S. , Rubin Michael
Published: September 2022

Microwave-assisted reaction between 2-(3-oxoindolin-2-yl)-2-phenylacetonitriles andbenzene-1,2-diamines leads to the high-yielding formation of the corresponding quinoxalines as sole, easily isolaable products. The featured transformation involves unusual extrusion of phenylacetonitrile molecule and could be performed in a short sequence starting from commonly available indoles and nitroolefins.
Spatial Reorganization of Liquid Crystalline Domains of Red Blood Cells in Type 2 Diabetic Patients with Peripheral Artery Disease
Authors: Bianchetti Giada , Rizzo Gaetano Emanuele , Serantoni Cassandra , Abeltino Alessio , Rizzi Alessandro , Tartaglione Linda , Caputo Salvatore , Flex Andrea , De Spirito Marco , Pitocco Dario , Maulucci Giuseppe
Published: September 2022

In this work, we will investigate if red blood cell (RBC) membrane fluidity, influenced by several hyperglycemia-induced pathways, could provide a complementary index of HbA1c to monitor the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)-related macroangiopathic complications such as Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD). The contextual liquid crystalline (LC) domain spatial organization in the membrane was analysed to investigate the phase dynamics of the transition. Twenty-seven patients with long-duration T2DM were recruited and classified in DM, including 12 non-PAD patients, and DM + PAD, including 15 patients in any stage of PAD. Mean values of RBC generalized polarization (GP), representative of membrane fluidity, together with spatial organization of LC domains were compared between the two groups; p-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Although comparable for anthropometric characteristics, duration of diabetes, and HbA1c, RBC membranes of PAD patients were found to be significantly more fluid (GP: 0.501 ± 0.026) than non-PAD patients (GP: 0.519 ± 0.007). These alterations were shown to be triggered by changes in both LC microdomain composition and distribution. We found a decrease in Feret diameter from 0.245 ± 0.281 μm in DM to 0.183 ± 0.124 μm in DM + PAD, and an increase in circularity. Altered RBC membrane fluidity is correlated to a spatial reconfiguration of LC domains, which, by possibly altering metabolic function, are associated with the development of T2DM-related macroangiopathic complications.
Molecular Identification of Pro-Excitogenic Receptor and Channel Phenotypes of the Deafferented Lumbar Motoneurons in the Early Phase after SCT in Rats
Authors: Ji Benjun , Wojtaś Bartosz , Skup Małgorzata
Published: September 2022

Spasticity impacts the quality of life of patients suffering spinal cord injury and impedes the recovery of locomotion. At the cellular level, spasticity is considered to be primarily caused by the hyperexcitability of spinal α-motoneurons (MNs) within the spinal stretch reflex circuit. Here, we hypothesized that after a complete spinal cord transection in rats, fast adaptive molecular responses of lumbar MNs develop in return for the loss of inputs. We assumed that early loss of glutamatergic afferents changes the expression of glutamatergic AMPA and NMDA receptor subunits, which may be the forerunners of the developing spasticity of hindlimb muscles. To better understand its molecular underpinnings, concomitant expression of GABA and Glycinergic receptors and serotoninergic and noradrenergic receptors, which regulate the persistent inward currents crucial for sustained discharges in MNs, were examined together with voltage-gated ion channels and cation-chloride cotransporters. Using quantitative real-time PCR, we showed in the tracer-identified MNs innervating extensor and flexor muscles of the ankle joint multiple increases in transcripts coding for AMPAR and 5-HTR subunits, along with a profound decrease in GABAAR, GlyR subunits, and KCC2. Our study demonstrated that both MNs groups similarly adapt to a more excitable state, which may increase the occurrence of extensor and flexor muscle spasms.
Modeling DTA by Combining Multiple-Instance Learning with a Private-Public Mechanism
Authors: Wang Chunyu , Chen Yuanlong , Zhao Lingling , Wang Junjie , Wen Naifeng
Published: September 2022

The prediction of the strengths of drug–target interactions, also called drug–target binding affinities (DTA), plays a fundamental role in facilitating drug discovery, where the goal is to find prospective drug candidates. With the increase in the number of drug–protein interactions, machine learning techniques, especially deep learning methods, have become applicable for drug–target interaction discovery because they significantly reduce the required experimental workload. In this paper, we present a spontaneous formulation of the DTA prediction problem as an instance of multi-instance learning. We address the problem in three stages, first organizing given drug and target sequences into instances via a private-public mechanism, then identifying the predicted scores of all instances in the same bag, and finally combining all the predicted scores as the output prediction. A comprehensive evaluation demonstrates that the proposed method outperforms other state-of-the-art methods on three benchmark datasets.
Integrated Biological Control Using a Mixture of Two Entomopathogenic Bacteria, Bacillus thuringiensis and Xenorhabdus hominickii, against Spodoptera exigua and Other Congeners
Authors: Hrithik Md Tafim Hossain , Park Youngjin , Park Hyemi , Kim Yonggyun
Published: September 2022

Insect immunity defends against the virulence of various entomopathogens, including Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). This study tested a hypothesis that any suppression of immune responses enhances Bt virulence. In a previous study, the entomopathogenic bacterium, Xenorhabdus hominickii (Xh), was shown to produce secondary metabolites to suppress insect immune responses. Indeed, the addition of Xh culture broth (XhE) significantly enhanced the insecticidal activity of Bt against S. exigua. To analyze the virulence enhanced by the addition of Xh metabolites, four bacterial secondary metabolites were individually added to the Bt treatment. Each metabolite significantly enhanced the Bt insecticidal activity, along with significant suppression of the induced immune responses. A bacterial mixture was prepared by adding freeze-dried XhE to Bt spores, and the optimal mixture ratio to kill the insects was determined. The formulated bacterial mixture was applied to S. exigua larvae infesting Welsh onions in a greenhouse and showed enhanced control efficacy compared to Bt alone. The bacterial mixture was also effective in controlling other Spodopteran species such as S. litura and S. frugiperda but not other insect genera or orders. This suggests that Bt+XhE can effectively control Spodoptera-associated pests by suppressing the immune defenses.
Curcumin-Encapsulated Nanomicelles Improve Cellular Uptake and Cytotoxicity in Cisplatin-Resistant Human Oral Cancer Cells
Authors: Kumbar Vijay M. , Muddapur Uday , Bin Muhsinah Abdullatif , Alshehri Saad Ali , Alshahrani Mohammed Merae , Almazni Ibrahim Abdullah , Kugaji Manohar S. , Bhat Kishore , Peram Malleswara Rao , Mahnashi Mater H. , Nadaf Sameer J. , Rooge Sheetalnath B. , Khan Aejaz Abdullatif , Shaikh Ibrahim Ahmed
Published: September 2022

Oral cancer has a high mortality rate, which is mostly determined by the stage of the disease at the time of admission. Around half of all patients with oral cancer report with advanced illness. Hitherto, chemotherapy is preferred to treat oral cancer, but the emergence of resistance to anti-cancer drugs is likely to occur after a sequence of treatments. Curcumin is renowned for its anticancer potential but its marred water solubility and poor bioavailability limit its use in treating multidrug-resistant cancers. As part of this investigation, we prepared and characterized Curcumin nanomicelles (CUR-NMs) using DSPE-PEG-2000 and evaluated the anticancer properties of cisplatin-resistant cancer cell lines. The prepared CUR-NMs were sphere-shaped and unilamellar in structure, with a size of 32.60 ± 4.2 nm. CUR-NMs exhibited high entrapment efficiency (82.2%), entrapment content (147.96 µg/mL), and a mean zeta potential of −17.5ζ which is considered moderately stable. The cellular uptake and cytotoxicity studies revealed that CUR-NMs had significantly higher cytotoxicity and cellular uptake in cisplatin drug-resistant oral cancer cell lines and parental oral cancer cells compared to plain curcumin (CUR). The DAPI and FACS analysis corroborated a high percentage of apoptotic cells with CUR-NMs (31.14%) compared to neat CUR (19.72%) treatment. Conclusively, CUR-NMs can potentially be used as an alternative carrier system to improve the therapeutic effects of curcumin in the treatment of cisplatin-resistant human oral cancer.
The Technical and Economic Feasibility of the CENTEC Floating Offshore Wind Platform
Authors: Filgueira-Vizoso Almudena , Castro-Santos Laura , Iglesias David Cordal , Puime-Guillén Félix , Lamas-Galdo Isabel , García-Diez Ana Isabel , Uzunoglu Emre , Díaz Hugo , Soares C. Guedes
Published: September 2022

This paper defines a methodology for the economic feasibility analysis of a floating offshore wind farm composed of tensioned leg platforms, which are part of the EU ARCWIND research project. In this context, the phases and subphases of its life-cycle process are considered to deal with aspects such as bathymetry, characteristics of the platforms, distance from the farm to shore, distance from the farm to port and offshore wind speed. All the costs and other external parameters such as capital cost, electric tariff, interest rate, percentage of financing and corporate tax have been analysed to calculate the internal rate of return, net present value, discounted pay-back period and levelized cost of energy of the farm. This work studies a farm composed of TLP offshore wind platforms designed by CENTEC and located at Ribadeo in Spain. Results indicate the costs and the economic feasibility of this platform for deep waters. They indicate that the platform is economically feasible for the location selected.
Factors Affecting Container Seaport Competitiveness: Case Study on Port of Rijeka
Authors: Tijan Edvard , Jović Marija , Žgaljić Dražen , Aksentijević Saša
Published: September 2022

In this research, the authors aimed to investigate the factors affecting the competitiveness of container seaports and apply the research results to the case study of the Port of Rijeka. The previous related research on the topic of the Port of Rijeka is valuable, however, the seaport competitiveness factors were not elaborated in detail, which also represents a research gap. As a first step, the authors identified the competitiveness factors influencing container seaports, using the literature review method. Further, the authors conducted the case study of the Port of Rijeka, using the following identified competitiveness factors: the port’s geographical location, feeder connection, and maritime connectivity, infrastructure and superstructure of the container terminal, berth length, depth of the port and port area characteristics, road and railway infrastructure, port reputation, costs, customs procedure efficiency, and ICT systems. Finally, the authors propose measures to improve the competitiveness of the Port of Rijeka. The presented case study could be used as a reference point for similar container seaports, which are aware of their limited resources, but need to increase their efficiency and competitiveness.
Metaprofiling of the Bacterial Community in Colonized Compost Extracts by Agaricus subrufescens
Authors: Iossi Matheus Rodrigo , Palú Isabela Arruda , Soares Douglas Moraes , Vieira Wagner G. , Alves Lucas Silva , Stevani Cassius V. , Caitano Cinthia E. C. , Atum Samir V. F. , Freire Renato S. , Dias Eustáquio S. , Zied Diego Cunha
Published: September 2022

It is well-known that bacteria and fungi play important roles in the relationships between mycelium growth and the formation of fruiting bodies. The sun mushroom, Agaricus subrufescens, was discovered in Brazil ca. 1960 and it has become known worldwide due to its medicinal and nutritional properties. This work evaluated the bacterial community present in mushroom-colonized compost extract (MCCE) prepared from cultivation of A. subrufescens, its dynamics with two different soaking times and the influence of the application of those extracts on the casing layer of a new compost block for A. subrufescens cultivation. MCCEs were prepared through initial submersion of the colonized compost for 1 h or 24 h in water followed by application on casing under semi-controlled conditions. Full-length 16S rRNA genes of 1 h and 24 h soaked MCCE were amplified and sequenced using nanopore technology. Proteobacteria, followed by Firmicutes and Planctomycetes, were found to be the most abundant phyla in both the 1 h and 24 h soaked MCCE. A total of 275 different bacterial species were classified from 1 h soaked MCCE samples and 166 species from 24 h soaked MCCE, indicating a decrease in the bacterial diversity with longer soaking time during the preparation of MCCE. The application of 24 h soaked MCCE provided increases of 25% in biological efficiency, 16% in precociousness, 53% in the number of mushrooms and 40% in mushroom weight compared to control. Further investigation is required to determine strategies to enhance the yield and quality of the agronomic traits in commercial mushroom cultivation.
The Effects of Securitization for Managing Banking Risk Using Alternative Tranching Schemes
Authors: Cadenas Pedro , Gzyl Henryk
Published: September 2022

Diversification practices by banks affect their own risk of failing and the risk of the banking system as a whole (systemic risk). A seminal theoretical work has shown that linear diversification can reduce the risk of a bank failing, but at the cost of increasing systemic risk. Later, a follow-up study showed that a particular strategy of securitization with tranches can help avoid this trade-off. We extend the theoretical work on securitization by considering all possible strategies for securitization with two tranches, by finding their corresponding optimal diversification solutions, and by discussing their implications for individual and systemic risk. We show that securitization that involves exchanging a portion of both tranches brings back the dark side of diversification. In addition, we also show how different strategies of securitization can have risk amplification effects among banks when confidence shocks occur.
Electromagnetic Absorption and Mechanical Properties of Natural Rubber Composites Based on Conductive Carbon Black and Fe3O4
Authors: Pongmuksuwan Pornlada , Salayong Kiadtisak , Lertwiriyaprapa Titipong , Kitisatorn Wanlop
Published: September 2022

In contemporary civilization, the electromagnetic radiation from electronic devices and communication systems has become a substantial pollutant. High-performance electromagnetic absorbers have become a solution for absorbing unwanted electromagnetic waves. This research proposed a lightweight and flexible electromagnetic absorber produced from natural rubber filled with conductive carbon black (CCB) and Fe3O4. The effect of CCB, Fe3O4, and a combination of CCB and Fe3O4 as a hybrid filler on foam morpholog, electromagnetic reflectivity, tensile strength, and compression set properties were investigated. In addition, the effect of the alternating layered structure of CCB and Fe3O4 on electromagnetic absorption was investigated. The results indicated that the composite foam exhibited an interconnected network structure that enhanced the electromagnetic attenuation in the absorber. CCB increased the electromagnetic absorption of the foam, whereas Fe3O4 had less of an effect. The foam filled with the hybrid filler at the CCB/Fe3O4 ratio of 8/2 exhibited excellent electromagnetic absorption. The composite foam had a higher tensile modulus and higher strength compared to neat foam. The addition of CCB decreased the compression set; however, the compression set was improved by the incorporation of Fe3O4. Composite foams filled with hybrid filler can serve as highly efficient electromagnetic absorbing materials.
Experimental Investigation on the Mechanical Performance of Steel-ECC Composite Girders with Corrugated Webs under Negative Moment
Authors: Fan Zhou , Wu Fangwen , He Lanqing , He Runbin , Zeng Keyang , Liu Zhuangzhuang
Published: September 2022

In order to improve the cracking performance in the negative moment region of composite continuous girder bridges with corrugated webs, engineered cementitious composite (ECC) is used instead of conventional normal concrete (NC). Web and concrete types are used as the main research parameters in experiments. The test results indicate that steel-ECC specimens have a higher flexural load capacity and stiffness than steel-NC specimens. The cracks of steel-ECC specimens are characterised by small width and dense distribution. Nonlinear finite element models are established and verified by experimental results. The simulated load–displacement curves are similar to the experimental ones, and the models have a high degree of accuracy. The ECC slab strength, thickness and width are used as parameters for the investigation to analyse the effect of the ECC slab on the flexural bearing capacity of composite girders. Compared with the results of calculations according to the code, the bearing capacity obtained from the parametric analysis is higher. It suggests that the contribution of the ECC slab needs to be considered when calculating the bearing capacity of the steel-ECC composite girder with corrugated webs.
Mechanical Properties Study of Miniature Steel Specimens Based on the Small Punch Test and Simulation Methods
Authors: Zhang Jingwei , Guo Zijian , Liu Kanglin
Published: September 2022

The small punch test (SPT) can be very convenient to obtain mechanical properties due to its unique advantages from small-volume samples, and has gained wide popularity and appreciation among researchers. In this paper, the SPT test and finite element (FE) simulations were performed for three alloys, and the yield stresses (σYS) and ultimate tensile strengths (σUTS) from the uniaxial tensile test (UTT) were correlated with the yield force (Fy) and maximum force (Fm) of the small punch test (SPT) before and after compliance calibration. Finally, the effect of specimen size on the SPT curves was discussed. The results showed that the deviation between SPT test and FE simulation was due to the loading system stiffness, which was confirmed by the loading system compliance calibration test. The SPT curves before and after calibration have less influence on the empirical correlation results for σUTS, while the correlation results for σYS depend on the method used to determine Fy in the SPT curve. Finally, the simulation results indicated that the effect of specimen size on the force–displacement curve in the SPT is slight. This work also provides a reference for subsequent researchers to conduct empirical correlation studies using different specimen sizes.
Heat Transfer Analysis of 3D Printed Wax Injection Mold Used in Investment Casting
Authors: Burlaga Bartłomiej , Kroma Arkadiusz , Poszwa Przemysław , Kłosowiak Robert , Popielarski Paweł , Stręk Tomasz
Published: September 2022

Investment casting is one of the precise casting methods where disposable wax patterns made in wax injection molds are used to make a casting mold. The production capacity of precision foundry is determined by the time taken for producing wax patterns, which depends on the time taken for wax solidification. Wax injection molds are usually made of aluminum or copper alloys with the use of expensive and time-consuming computer numerical control (CNC) processing, which makes low-volume production unprofitable. To reduce these costs, the authors present a heat transfer analysis of a 3D printed wax injection mold. Due to the low thermal conductivity of the photopolymer resin, the influence of different cooling channels’ shapes was investigated to improve the time of the manufacturing process. Transient thermal analysis was performed using COMSOL software based on the finite element method (FEM) and included a simulation of wax injection mold cooling with cold air (−23 °C), water, and without cooling. The analysis showed that use of cooling channels in the case of photopolymer material significantly reduces the solidification time of the sample (about 10 s shorter), and that under certain conditions, it is possible to obtain better cooling than obtained with the aluminum reference wax injection mold (after approximately 25–30 s). This approach allows to reduce the production costs of low-volume castings.
Future Trends in Advanced Materials and Processes
Authors: Vizureanu Petrica
Published: September 2022

The main objective of this Special Issue was to publish original high-quality research papers covering the most recent advances in materials properties, as well as comprehensive reviews addressing the relevant state-of-the-art topics in the area of materials processing, with relevant practical applications [...]
Sol–Gel-Derived Ni3Al Coating on Nickel Alloy for Oxidation Resistance in Supercritical Water Environments
Authors: Pan Yuelong , Zhang Zhidong , Wang Daoyuan , Guo Hao , Shi Qiwu , Lu Tiecheng
Published: September 2022

Although nickel-based alloys are widely used in industries due to their oxidation and corrosion resistance, the pursuit of better performance in harsh environments is still a great challenge. In this work, we developed a sol–gel method to synthesize Ni3Al coating on a nickel alloy, assisted by a post-annealing process, and investigated the oxidation-resistant performance. The coating thickness can be controlled by designing the deposition times, which keep the pure Ni3Al phase stable. In addition, the surface morphologies indicate that the coating is compact without obvious voids or cracks. Furthermore, the oxidation-resistant property of the coating was investigated by carrying out a supercritical water oxidation experiment. The crystalline structure and surface morphology of the samples before and after 72-h oxidation demonstrated the superior oxidation resistance of the coating. This work provides a convenient method to fabricate an oxidation-resistant coating on a nickel-based alloy, which would be significant for prolonging the service life of vessels under oxidation conditions, especially for supercritical water reactions.
Graphene Quantum Dots with Blue and Yellow Luminescence Fabricated by Modulating Intercalation State
Authors: Park Kwang Hyun , Song Sung Ho
Published: September 2022

The development of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) with low toxicity, excellent dispersibility, and high photostability has led to extensive progress in bio-imaging and optical sensing applications. However, one-pot synthesis and mass production of GQDs, and tuning their photoluminescence, remains a challenge. Here we demonstrate a simple and scalable method for fabricating GQDs with high size uniformity and chemical stability, via a sequential process of inserting alkali metal into graphite (Stage I: KC8 and Stage II: KC24) and exfoliation to GQDs in a selected solvent. Structural and optical measurements were conducted, and the emitted colors of the as-prepared GQDs were blue (KC8) and yellow (KC24), respectively. The stage of graphite intercalation in the compounds played an important role in the size and thickness of the GQD. The as-prepared GQDs had clear characteristic peaks consistent with the quantum confinement effect and intrinsic/extrinsic states. Our approach will provide great potential for a wide variety of bioimaging and bioanalysis applications.
Synergistic Motion Stability of a Scorpion-like Composite Robot
Authors: Gao Qiang , Xue Jiaolong , Yan Hongwei
Published: September 2022

In this paper, a compliant control scheme based on the optimization of the contact force of the robot leg is proposed to improve the stability of the whole moving process of the robot. Firstly, according to the motion state of the robot, the change of its center of gravity is analyzed, then the stable gait of the robot is determined by the stability margin, and the smooth control of the robot’s foot trajectory is realized. Finally, the compliant control model of the robot leg is established. In the process of moving, the contact force between the legs and the ground is optimized in real-time, so that the composite robot can walk steadily on uneven terrain. The 3-D model of the scorpion composite robot was built with ADAMS software, and dynamics simulation was carried out according to the compliant control scheme. This paper takes the robot’s walking speed and torso angle as performance evaluation indexes and verifies the effectiveness of the compliant control scheme. The cooperative motion stability test is carried out on the actual uneven terrain. The test results show that the robot’s pitch angle and roll angle are between ±0.5°, which meets the motion stability requirements of the robot and verifies the correctness of the compliant control scheme and control model proposed in this paper.
An Intelligent Predictive Algorithm for the Anti-Rollover Prevention of Heavy Vehicles for Off-Road Applications
Authors: Tota Antonio , Dimauro Luca , Velardocchia Filippo , Paciullo Genny , Velardocchia Mauro
Published: September 2022

Rollover detection and prevention are among the most critical aspects affecting the stability and safety assessment of heavy vehicles, especially for off-road driving applications. This topic has been studied in the past and analyzed in depth in terms of vehicle modelling and control algorithms design able to prevent the rollover risk. However, it still represents a serious problem for automotive carmakers due to the huge counts among the main causes for traffic accidents. The risk also becomes more challenging to predict for off-road heavy vehicles, for which the incipient rollover might be triggered by external factors, i.e., road irregularities, bank angles as well as by aggressive input from the driver. The recent advances in road profile measurement and estimation systems make road-preview-based algorithms a viable solution for the rollover detection. This paper describes a model-based formulation to analytically evaluate the load transfer dynamics and its variation due to the presence of road perturbations, i.e., road bank angle and irregularities. An algorithm to detect and predict the rollover risk for heavy vehicles is also presented, even in presence of irregular road profiles, with the calculation of the ISO-LTR Predictive Time through the Phase-Plane analysis. Furthermore, the artificial intelligence techniques, based on the recurrent neural network approach, is also presented as a preliminary solution for a realistic implementation of the methodology. The paper finally assess the efficacy of the proposed rollover predictive algorithm by providing numerical results from the simulation of the most severe maneuvers in realistic off-road driving scenarios, also demonstrating its promising predictive capabilities.
Static Modelling and Analysis of a Novel Movable Tooth Drive with Logarithmic Spiral Tooth Profiles
Authors: Zhou Guocheng , Yang Yuhu
Published: September 2022

This paper presents a static model for a novel movable tooth drive with logarithmic spiral tooth profiles, to research contact force and load distribution during the meshing period. According to the geometric properties of the conjugate tooth profiles, their compatibility law considering the multi-tooth elastic meshing effect are investigated to reveal load distribution characteristic of the teeth. The static model of the mechanism is thus developed to systematically analyze variation in contact force during the rise travel. The results indicate that the contact force between the tooth and ring gear is proportional to the curvature radius of the contact point, and it increases exponentially and monotonically corresponding to the curvature radius of logarithmic spiral tooth profile; in the multi-tooth meshing condition, the load distribution of the teeth coincides with the ratio of the curvature radius of each contact point, and periodical pulsations of total contact force occur at the alternation of the teeth. Finally, the proposed model is validated by the FEM simulation of a prototype, and the influence of dimensional parameters is further discussed for the self-locking and force transmission characteristics of the tooth. The outcomes provide critical technical support for the static modelling and design of such transmission mechanism.
Efficiency Analysis of Axial Flux SynRM in Variable Speed Applications
Authors: Akar Mehmet , Eker Mustafa , Özsoy Mustafa , Gerçekçioğlu Harun Serhat
Published: September 2022

Electrical machines find their place in every field, such as industrial, transportation, home, and commercial sectors. The suitability of the electrical machine for the area in which it will be used is important in terms of energy efficiency. The selection of the motor to be used for variable speed applications such as electric vehicles is also very important. Torque and power are the determining factors in the required speed/torque or speed/power combination for electric vehicles. For this reason, the efficiency map of the motor to be used in electric vehicles should be known in detail. In this study, due to its advantages such as its lighter structure, absence of magnet, and rotor winding loss, among others, the Axial Flux Synchronous Reluctance Motor (AF-SynRM) was preferred, and it was aimed at creating an efficiency map. The motor parameters for the determined speed/torque combinations were first obtained with FEM. Then, the FEM results were experimentally verified. In order to make the obtained results more meaningful, the experimental results were compared with radial flux motors with the same output power. In addition, using FEM, von Mises stress analysis and displacement analysis were performed on the motor shaft under overload conditions to observe the mechanical effects on the moving parts of the AF-SynRM. Furthermore, mechanical load analysis on the bearings was also performed. The results show that AF-SynRM can be preferred as an alternative to other motor types, especially for applications requiring variable speed, such as electric vehicles. The study has created the efficiency map of the AF-SynRM topology for the first time.
Magnetophoretic Cell Sorting: Comparison of Different 3D-Printed Millifluidic Devices
Authors: Reiter Niclas , Auchter Jan , Weber Marius , Berensmeier Sonja , Schwaminger Sebastian P.
Published: September 2022

Cell sorting is a highly applicable technology for multiple biological, biotechnological, and medical applications. Magnetic cell sorting can be realized with microfluidic and millifluidic flow cells. Additive manufacturing and 3D printing allow for fast prototyping and validating separation processes on this small scale. Therefore, our novel approach is to use this technology to print millifluidic channels and to directly evaluate them on their magnetic separation performance and their handling for cell manipulation. In this study, two different flow cells manufactured with a 3D printer are compared in regard to their use for the magnetic cell sorting of algae. One linear flow cell geometry and one spiraling flow cell geometry have been investigated with perpendicular magnetic fields. Iron oxide nanoparticles have been synthesized and characterized prior to their use as a magnetic label for algae cells. Particle uptake by algae are investigated by a phenanthroline assay, and the particle/algae mixtures are studied by microscopy, dynamic light scattering, zeta potential, and magnetophoretic mobility measurements. Depending on magnetic susceptibility, the cells undergo different magnetophoretic forces. Interestingly, the spiraling geometry leads to a better fractionation of algae cells in accordance with their iron oxide load.
On-Street Cruising for Parking Model in Consideration with Gaming Elements and Its Impact Analysis
Authors: Wang Wei , Zhou Yuwei , Liu Jianbin , Sun Baofeng
Published: September 2022

On-street cruising by drivers impedes the effectiveness of road traffic conditions and increases energy consumption and environmental impact. Existing models of on-street cruising for parking mainly embody those intrinsic on-street parking factors and disregard the extrinsic impacts from off-street parking gaming factors. This research focused on both the intrinsic and extrinsic elements, especially gaming factors, of off-street parking, i.e., the price of off-street parking, the waiting time of off-street parking, and the difference in walking time between their parking lots to their destinations. On-street cruising for a parking model is reconstructed in this paper in consideration with the equilibrium cruising time, i.e., the maximum tolerable cruise time after evaluating the cost of on-street and off-street parking. Correlation analysis showed that the off-street parking gaming factors were all positively related with the maximum tolerable cruise time. A simulation model was further presented for on-street cruising for the parking model by the cellular automata approach with real-world data. Simulation experiments demonstrated that the average speed of vehicles on the street increases by 9.858 km/h, the average delay decreases by 44.934 s, and the price of on-street parking increases by 4.5 CNY/h. The proposed on-street cruising for parking model proved effective by decreasing the maximum tolerable cruising time to bring significant improvements in average speed, average delay, and on-street cruising vehicles in road traffic flow.
The Axiomatic Approach to Non-Classical Model Theory
Authors: Diaconescu Răzvan
Published: September 2022

Institution theory represents the fully axiomatic approach to model theory in which all components of logical systems are treated fully abstractly by reliance on category theory. Here, we survey some developments over the last decade or so concerning the institution theoretic approach to non-classical aspects of model theory. Our focus will be on many-valued truth and on models with states, which are addressed by the two extensions of ordinary institution theory known as L-institutions and stratified institutions, respectively. The discussion will include relevant concepts, techniques, and results from these two areas.
Two Novel Non-Uniform Quantizers with Application in Post-Training Quantization
Authors: Perić Zoran , Aleksić Danijela , Nikolić Jelena , Tomić Stefan
Published: September 2022

With increased network downsizing and cost minimization in deployment of neural network (NN) models, the utilization of edge computing takes a significant place in modern artificial intelligence today. To bridge the memory constraints of less-capable edge systems, a plethora of quantizer models and quantization techniques are proposed for NN compression with the goal of enabling the fitting of the quantized NN (QNN) on the edge device and guaranteeing a high extent of accuracy preservation. NN compression by means of post-training quantization has attracted a lot of research attention, where the efficiency of uniform quantizers (UQs) has been promoted and heavily exploited. In this paper, we propose two novel non-uniform quantizers (NUQs) that prudently utilize one of the two properties of the simplest UQ. Although having the same quantization rule for specifying the support region, both NUQs have a different starting setting in terms of cell width, compared to a standard UQ. The first quantizer, named the simplest power-of-two quantizer (SPTQ), defines the width of cells that are multiplied by the power of two. As it is the case in the simplest UQ design, the representation levels of SPTQ are midpoints of the quantization cells. The second quantizer, named the modified SPTQ (MSPTQ), is a more competitive quantizer model, representing an enhanced version of SPTQ in which the quantizer decision thresholds are centered between the nearest representation levels, similar to the UQ design. These properties make the novel NUQs relatively simple. Unlike UQ, the quantization cells of MSPTQ are not of equal widths and the representation levels are not midpoints of the quantization cells. In this paper, we describe the design procedure of SPTQ and MSPTQ and we perform their optimization for the assumed Laplacian source. Afterwards, we perform post-training quantization by implementing SPTQ and MSPTQ, study the viability of QNN accuracy and show the implementation benefits over the case where UQ of an equal number of quantization cells is utilized in QNN for the same classification task. We believe that both NUQs are particularly substantial for memory-constrained environments, where simple and acceptably accurate solutions are of crucial importance.
The Model of OTC Securities Market Transformation in the Context of Asset Tokenization
Authors: Popov Evgeny , Veretennikova Anna , Fedoreev Sergey
Published: September 2022

The relevance of this study stems from the fact that the development of a market for financial instruments can significantly expand lending opportunities for small- and medium-sized businesses. While research on the impact of tokenization on financial markets is extensive, literature provides virtually no description of mathematical models that can be used in the design and development of information systems issuing tokenized financial instruments. Thus, the study aims to develop mathematical models representing the transformation of the over-the-counter (OTC) securities market induced by the tokenization of underlying assets. The development of crowdlending platforms is gradually transforming the financial market landscape. The key change trends consist in transactional fragmentation both on the demand and supply sides. This paper proposes a mathematical model of internal transformation occurring in the OTC financial market, which describes the process of managing rights to underlying assets during their issuance and circulation. The model is built by analogy with the Harrison–Ruzzo–Ullman (HRU) model, applying the same principles to the relations of economic agents in exercising access rights to underlying assets as those that regulate access rights to files. The research novelty of the presented model consists in the formalization of financial market transformation occurring in the context of asset tokenization, which significantly expands the mathematical apparatus of digital financial transactions. This paper also proposes a mathematical model of competitive tokenization-induced transformation occurring in the OTC financial market, which describes transaction costs associated with attracting investment in the OTC financial market and the market for tokenized assets. In addition, the barriers of the OTC financial market and the stock market are described indicating the supply and demand trends in the context of transformation occurring in the OTC financial market under the influence of underlying asset tokenization. The novelty of this model lies in the mathematical formalization of the investment attraction process in the market for tokenized assets. The theoretical value of the developed models consists in the confirmation of significantly expanded supply capabilities of tokenized assets on the graph showing the dependence of asset returns on invested capital.
Recent Advances on Membranes for Water Purification Based on Carbon Nanomaterials
Authors: Lazarenko Nikita S. , Golovakhin Valerii V. , Shestakov Artem A. , Lapekin Nikita I. , Bannov Alexander G.
Published: September 2022

Every year the problem of water purification becomes more relevant. This is due to the continuous increase in the level of pollution of natural water sources, an increase in the population, and sharp climatic changes. The growth in demand for affordable and clean water is not always comparable to the supply that exists in the water treatment market. In addition, the amount of water pollution increases with the increase in production capacity, the purification of which cannot be fully handled by conventional processes. However, the application of novel nanomaterials will enhance the characteristics of water treatment processes which are one of the most important technological problems. In this review, we considered the application of carbon nanomaterials in membrane water purification. Carbon nanofibers, carbon nanotubes, graphite, graphene oxide, and activated carbon were analyzed as promising materials for membranes. The problems associated with the application of carbon nanomaterials in membrane processes and ways to solve them were discussed. Their efficiency, properties, and characteristics as a modifier for membranes were analyzed. The potential directions, opportunities and challenges for application of various carbon nanomaterials were suggested.
Low Birth Weight Intensifies Changes in Markers of Hepatocarcinogenesis Induced by Fructose Consumption in Rats
Authors: Almeida Lorena de Souza , Teixeira Caio Jordão , Campos Carolina Vieira , Casaloti Laís Guadalupe , Sodré Frhancielly Shirley , Capetini Vinícius Cooper , Amaral Andressa Godoy , Payolla Tanyara Baliani , Pantaleão Lucas Carminatti , Anhê Gabriel Forato , Bordin Silvana
Published: September 2022

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) due to fetal exposure to glucocorticoid excess results in metabolic inflexibility and hepatic steatosis upon nutritional stress during adulthood. We previously demonstrated that rats born to dexamethasone (DEX)-treated mothers developed hepatic steatosis when exposed to 10% fructose solution during adult life. Persistent triacylglyceride (TAG) accumulation in the liver, in turn, is a feature of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which serves as a risk factor for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In the present study, we demonstrate that the combination of IUGR and fructose treatment during adulthood also results in increased hepatic myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, AKT phosphorylation and serum aspartate transaminase. Growth-restricted rats also presented reduced hepatic TRIB3 and GADD45a after fructose treatment. Other markers of cell proliferation, such as Cyclin D, PCNA, Hgf and Hspa4/Hsp70 expression and the number of Ki-67 positive cells, were all increased in the liver of growth- restricted rats treated with fructose. On the other hand, the combination of IUGR and fructose treatment during adult life reduced the levels of IGF-1. In conclusion, our data indicate that after exposure to fructose, adult rats subjected to dexamethasone-induced IUGR display exacerbated molecular changes in markers of NASH and HCC.
Protein O-GlcNAcylation in Metabolic Modulation of Skeletal Muscle: A Bright but Long Way to Go
Authors: Liu Yang , Hu Yajie , Li Shize
Published: September 2022

O-GlcNAcylation is an atypical, dynamic and reversible O-glycosylation that is critical and abundant in metazoan. O-GlcNAcylation coordinates and receives various signaling inputs such as nutrients and stresses, thus spatiotemporally regulating the activity, stability, localization and interaction of target proteins to participate in cellular physiological functions. Our review discusses in depth the involvement of O-GlcNAcylation in the precise regulation of skeletal muscle metabolism, such as glucose homeostasis, insulin sensitivity, tricarboxylic acid cycle and mitochondrial biogenesis. The complex interaction and precise modulation of O-GlcNAcylation in these nutritional pathways of skeletal muscle also provide emerging mechanical information on how nutrients affect health, exercise and disease. Meanwhile, we explored the potential role of O-GlcNAcylation in skeletal muscle pathology and focused on its benefits in maintaining proteostasis under atrophy. In general, these understandings of O-GlcNAcylation are conducive to providing new insights into skeletal muscle (patho) physiology.
Recent Development of Heat and Mass Transport in the Presence of Hall, Ion Slip and Thermo Diffusion in Radiative Second Grade Material: Application of Micromachines
Authors: Deepthi V. V. L. , Lashin Maha M. A. , Ravi Kumar N. , Raghunath Kodi , Ali Farhan , Oreijah Mowffaq , Guedri Kamel , Tag-ElDin El Sayed Mohamed , Khan M. Ijaz , Galal Ahmed M.
Published: September 2022

This article describes the incompressible two-dimensional heat and mass transfer of an electrically conducting second-grade fluid flow in a porous medium with Hall and ion slip effects, diffusion thermal effects, and radiation absorption effects. It is assumed that the fluid is a gray, absorbing–emitting but non-scattering medium and the Rosseland approximation is used to describe the radiative heat flux in the energy equation. It is assumed that the liquid is opaque and absorbs and emits radiation in a manner that does not result in scattering. It is considered an unsteady laminar MHD convective rotating flow of heat-producing or absorbing second-grade fluid across a semi-infinite vertical moving permeable surface. The profiles of velocity components, temperature distribution, and concentration are studied to apply the regular perturbation technique. These profiles are shown as graphs for various fluid and geometric parameters such as Hall and ion slip parameters, radiation absorption, diffusion thermo, Prandtl number, Schmidt number, and chemical reaction rate. On the other hand, the skin friction coefficient and the Nusselt number are determined by numerical evaluation and provided in tables. These tables are then analysed and debated for various values of the flow parameters that regulate it. It may be deduced that an increase in the parameters of radiation absorption, Hall, and ion slip over the fluid region increases the velocity produced. The resulting momentum continually grows to a very high level, with contributions from the thermal and solutal buoyancy forces. The temperature distribution may be more concentrated by raising both the heat source parameter and the quantity of radiation. When one of the parameters for the chemical reaction is increased, the whole fluid area will experience a fall in concentration. Skin friction may be decreased by manipulating the rotation parameter, but the Hall effect and ion slip effect can worsen it. When the parameter for the chemical reaction increases, there is a concomitant rise in the mass transfer rate.
Interspecies and Intrastrain Interplay among Leishmania spp. Parasites
Authors: das Chagas Bruna Dias , Pereira Thaís Martins , Cantanhêde Lilian Motta , da Silva Gabriela Pereira , Boité Mariana Côrtes , Pereira Luiza de Oliveira Ramos , Cupolillo Elisa
Published: September 2022

Leishmania parasites present astonishing adaptative abilities that represent a matter of life or death within disparate environments during the heteroxenous parasite life cycle. From an evolutionary perspective, organisms develop methods of overcoming such challenges. Strategies that extend beyond the genetic diversity have been discussed and include variability between parasite cells during the infections of their hosts. The occurrence of Leishmania subpopulation fluctuations with variable structural genomic contents demonstrates that a single strain might shelter the variability required to overcome inconsistent environments. Such intrastrain variability provides parasites with an extraordinary ability to adapt and thus survive and propagate. However, different perspectives on this evolution have been proposed. Strains or species living in the same environment can cooperate but also compete. These interactions might increase the replication rate of some parasites but cause the loss of more aggressive competitors for others. Adaptive responses to intra- and interspecific competition can evolve as a fixed strategy (replication is adapted to the average genetic complexity of infections) or an optional strategy (replication varies according to the genetic complexity of the current infection). This review highlights the complexity of interspecies and intrastrain interactions among Leishmania parasites as well as the different factors that influence this interplay.