bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Au-Coated ZnO Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) Substrates: Synthesis, Characterization, and Applications in Exosome Detection
Authors: Adesoye Samuel , Abdullah Saqer Al , Kumari Anjali , Pathiraja Gayani , Nowlin Kyle , Dellinger Kristen
Published: November 2023

Developing a biomolecular detection method that minimizes photodamage while preserving an environment suitable for biological constituents to maintain their physiological state is expected to drive new diagnostic and mechanistic breakthroughs. In addition, ultra-sensitive diagnostic platforms are needed for rapid and point-of-care technologies for various diseases. Considering this, surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is proposed as a non-destructive and sensitive approach to address the limitations of fluorescence, electrochemical, and other optical detection techniques. However, to advance the applications of SERS, novel approaches that can enhance the signal of substrate materials are needed to improve reproducibility and costs associated with manufacture and scale-up. Due to their physical properties and synthesis, semiconductor-based nanostructures have gained increasing recognition as SERS substrates; however, low signal enhancements have offset their widespread adoption. To address this limitation and assess the potential for use in biological applications, zinc oxide (ZnO) was coated with different concentrations (0.01–0.1 M) of gold (Au) precursor. When crystal violet (CV) was used as a model target with the synthesized substrates, the highest enhancement was obtained with ZnO coated with 0.05 M Au precursor. This substrate was subsequently applied to differentiate exosomes derived from three cell types to provide insight into their molecular diversity. We anticipate this work will serve as a platform for colloidal hybrid SERS substrates in future bio-sensing applications.
The Relationship between Annealing Temperatures and Surface Roughness in Shaping the Physical Characteristics of Co40Fe40B10Dy10 Thin Films
Authors: Fern Chi-Lon , Liu Wen-Jen , Chiang Chia-Chin , Chang Yung-Huang , Chen Yuan-Tsung , Wang Yu-Zhi , Liu Jia-Wei , Lin Shih-Hung , Lin Ko-Wei , Ou Sin-Liang
Published: November 2023

Co40Fe40B10Dy10 thin films, with thicknesses varying between 10 nm and 50 nm, were grown on a Si(100) substrate. Subsequently, they underwent a 1 h annealing process in an Ar atmosphere at temperatures of 100 °C, 200 °C, and 300 °C. The oxide characteristic peaks of Dy2O3(440), Co2O3(422), and Co2O3(511) were revealed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The low-frequency alternating current magnetic susceptibility (χac) decreases with frequency. Due to thickness and the anisotropy of the magnetic crystal, the maximum χac and saturation magnetization values rise with thicknesses and annealing temperatures. As the thickness and heat treatment temperature rise, the values for resistivity and sheet resistance tend to fall. The results of atomic force microscopy (AFM) and magnetic force microscopy (MFM) show that average roughness (Ra) lowers as the annealing temperature increases, and the distribution of strip-like magnetic domain becomes more visible. As thickness and annealing temperature increase, there is a corresponding rise in surface energy. Nano-indentation testing shows that hardness initially decreases from 10 nm to 40 nm, followed by an increase at 50 nm. Notably, annealing at 300 °C leads to a significant hardening effect, marking the highest level of hardness observed. Young’s modulus increased as thicknesses and annealing temperatures increased. The magnetic, electric, and adhesive characteristics of CoFeBDy films are highly dependent on surface roughness at various annealing temperatures.
Electrocrystallization and Morphology of Copper Coatings in the Presence of Organic Additives
Authors: Kozaderov Oleg , Sotskaya Nadezhda , Yudenkova Ludmila , Buylov Nikita , Ilina Evgeniia
Published: November 2023

Copper coatings with refined grains and smooth surface morphology were electrodeposited from electrolytes comprising a novel accelerator, the disodium salt of 4,4-dithiobenzene disulfonic acid (DBDA), with sodium chloride and polyethylene glycol (PEG) as inhibitors and 2-aminobenzothiazole (ABT) as a leveler. It was found that the morphology of the coatings strongly depends on the presence and type of additives. In the presence of only DBDA and NaCl, large crystallites are formed, whereas the addition of PEG and ABT significantly decreases their size, and the most fine-grained, smooth, and defect-free copper coating is formed with the combined use of all additives. To establish the correlation between the observed morphology and the kinetics of the additive-assisted copper electrocrystallization in the proposed electrolytes, the nucleation mechanism and its parameters were determined by transient electrochemical characterization. The extended nucleation model, which takes into account not only the copper deposition but also the electric double-layer charging and hydrogen reduction process, was used to establish the electrocrystallization kinetics in the presence of the additives. The results of such kinetic analyses can help to explain the morphological effect. By using the chronopotentiometry method, it was found that the addition of the disodium salt of 4,4-dithiobenzene disulfonic acid with chloride ions gives a catalytic effect, while the sequential introduction of polyethylene glycol and 2-aminobenzothiazole provides an increasing inhibitory effect. Voltamperometry and chronoamperometry tests showed that the process is controlled by the diffusion of ions to the growing three-dimensional cluster of a new phase. The introduction of additives into the electrolyte slows down the copper electroplating process at comparatively negative potentials and increases the probability of transition from instantaneous to progressive nucleation. Moreover, the rate of the process and the density of nucleation active sites increase (up to 2–3 times) with the addition of DBDA but decrease significantly (up to 5–8 times) in the presence of PEG and ABT, which additionally confirms their catalytic and inhibitory effects, respectively, and explains the significant smoothing effect on the morphology of the Cu-coatings.
An End-Process Blockchain-Based Secure Aggregation Mechanism Using Federated Machine Learning
Authors: Mbonu Washington Enyinna , Maple Carsten , Epiphaniou Gregory
Published: November 2023

Federated Learning (FL) is a distributed Deep Learning (DL) technique that creates a global model through the local training of multiple edge devices. It uses a central server for model communication and the aggregation of post-trained models. The central server orchestrates the training process by sending each participating device an initial or pre-trained model for training. To achieve the learning objective, focused updates from edge devices are sent back to the central server for aggregation. While such an architecture and information flows can support the preservation of the privacy of participating device data, the strong dependence on the central server is a significant drawback of this framework. Having a central server could potentially lead to a single point of failure. Further, a malicious server may be able to successfully reconstruct the original data, which could impact on trust, transparency, fairness, privacy, and security. Decentralizing the FL process can successfully address these issues. Integrating a decentralized protocol such as Blockchain technology into Federated Learning techniques will help to address these issues and ensure secure aggregation. This paper proposes a Blockchain-based secure aggregation strategy for FL. Blockchain is implemented as a channel of communication between the central server and edge devices. It provides a mechanism of masking device local data for secure aggregation to prevent compromise and reconstruction of the training data by a malicious server. It enhances the scalability of the system, eliminates the threat of a single point of failure of the central server, reduces vulnerability in the system, ensures security, and transparent communication. Furthermore, our framework utilizes a fault-tolerant server to assist in handling dropouts and stragglers which can occur in federated environments. To reduce the training time, we synchronously implemented a callback or end-process mechanism once sufficient post-trained models have been returned for aggregation (threshold accuracy achieved). This mechanism resynchronizes clients with a stale and outdated model, minimizes the wastage of resources, and increases the rate of convergence of the global model.
Resolving Agent Conflicts Using Enhanced Uncertainty Modeling Tools for Intelligent Decision Making
Authors: Zhai Yanhui , Jia Zihan , Li Deyu
Published: November 2023

Conflict analysis in intelligent decision making has received increasing attention in recent years. However, few researchers have analyzed conflicts by considering trustworthiness from the perspective of common agreement and common opposition. Since L-fuzzy three-way concept lattice is able to describe both the attributes that objects commonly possess and the attributes that objects commonly do not possess, this paper introduces an L-fuzzy three-way concept lattice to capture the issues on which agents commonly agree and the issues which they commonly oppose, and proposes a hybrid conflict analysis model. In order to resolve conflicts identified by the proposed model, we formulate the problem as a knapsack problem and propose a method for selecting the optimal attitude change strategy. This strategy takes into account the associated costs and aims to provide the decision maker with the most favorable decision in terms of resolving conflicts and reaching consensus. To validate the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed model, a case study is conducted, providing evidence of the model’s efficacy and viability in resolving conflicts.
An Identity Privacy-Preserving Scheme against Insider Logistics Data Leakage Based on One-Time-Use Accounts
Authors: Sun Nigang , Zhu Chenyang , Zhang Yuanyi , Liu Yining
Published: November 2023

Digital transformation of the logistics industry triggered by the widespread use of Internet of Things (IoT) technology has prompted a significant revolution in logistics companies, further bringing huge dividends to society. However, the concurrent accelerated growth of logistics companies also significantly hinders the safeguarding of individual privacy. Digital identity has ascended to having the status of a prevalent privacy-protection solution, principally due to its efficacy in mitigating privacy compromises. However, the extant schemes fall short of addressing the issue of privacy breaches engendered by insider maleficence. This paper proposes an innovative identity privacy-preserving scheme aimed at addressing the quandary of internal data breaches. In this scheme, the identity provider furnishes one-time-use accounts for logistics users, thereby obviating the protracted retention of logistics data within the internal database. The scheme also employs ciphertext policy attribute-based encryption (CP-ABE) to encrypt address nodes, wherein the access privileges accorded to logistics companies are circumscribed. Therefore, internal logistics staff have to secure unequivocal authorization from users prior to accessing identity-specific data and privacy protection of user information is also concomitantly strengthened. Crucially, this scheme ameliorates internal privacy concerns, rendering it infeasible for internal interlopers to correlate the users’ authentic identities with their digital wallets. Finally, the effectiveness and reliability of the scheme are demonstrated through simulation experiments and discussions of security.
Effects of Metabolites, Sex, Sire, and Muscle Type on Chilled Lamb Meat Colour
Authors: Zhang Renyu , Wu Guojie , Staincliffe Maryann , McEwan John C. , Farouk Mustafa M.
Published: November 2023

Meat is an important source of high-value protein providing sustainable nutrition for human health. The discolouration of meat results in significant waste, which threatens the sustainability of meat production in terms of availability, affordability, and utilisation. Advancing the knowledge of factors and underlying mechanisms for meat discolouration supports the sustainability transformation of meat production practices. Previous studies found that colour stability may be associated with signature changes in certain metabolites, including NADH, glutamate, methionine, and testosterone. This study aimed to confirm the effect of these metabolites and sex, sire, and muscle type on lamb meat colour. NADH and glutamate improved colour stability as evidenced by the increased metmyoglobin reductase activity, while methionine and testosterone had detrimental effects. Overall, lamb meat was discoloured with retail display for up to 10 days at 4 °C. The semitendinosus muscle had higher L*, b*, and hue angle and lower a* (p < 0.05) than other muscles, especially in ewes. Lamb meat from rams had a higher L* and hue angle and lower a* than the ewes (p < 0.05), especially in the colour-labile group, suggesting an interaction between sex and sire. The outcomes of this study will help make the production of meat more sustainable by assisting the meat industry in improving the selection of animals for meat production and processing practices to reduce meat waste due to discolouration.
Machine Learning Suggests That Small Size Helps Broaden Plasmid Host Range
Authors: Wang Bing , Finazzo Mark , Artsimovitch Irina
Published: November 2023

Plasmids mediate gene exchange across taxonomic barriers through conjugation, shaping bacterial evolution for billions of years. While plasmid mobility can be harnessed for genetic engineering and drug-delivery applications, rapid plasmid-mediated spread of resistance genes has rendered most clinical antibiotics useless. To solve this urgent and growing problem, we must understand how plasmids spread across bacterial communities. Here, we applied machine-learning models to identify features that are important for extending the plasmid host range. We assembled an up-to-date dataset of more than thirty thousand bacterial plasmids, separated them into 1125 clusters, and assigned each cluster a distribution possibility score, taking into account the host distribution of each taxonomic rank and the sampling bias of the existing sequencing data. Using this score and an optimized plasmid feature pool, we built a model stack consisting of DecisionTreeRegressor, EvoTreeRegressor, and LGBMRegressor as base models and LinearRegressor as a meta-learner. Our mathematical modeling revealed that sequence brevity is the most important determinant for plasmid spread, followed by P-loop NTPases, mobility factors, and β-lactamases. Ours and other recent results suggest that small plasmids may broaden their range by evading host defenses and using alternative modes of transfer instead of autonomous conjugation.
Application of the Delphi Method for Content Validity Analysis of a Questionnaire to Determine the Risk Factors of the Chemsex
Authors: del Pozo-Herce Pablo , Martínez-Sabater Antonio , Chover-Sierra Elena , Gea-Caballero Vicente , Satústegui-Dordá Pedro José , Saus-Ortega Carles , Tejada-Garrido Clara Isabel , Sánchez-Barba Mercedes , Pérez Jesús , Juárez-Vela Raúl , Santolalla-Arnedo Iván , Baca-García Enrique
Published: November 2023

Chemsex is understood as “the intentional use of stimulant drugs to have sex for an extended time among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men”. It is a public health problem because of the increased incidence of cases and because of the consequences on the physical and mental health of those who practice it. Aim: This study aimed to analyze, with the help of the Delphi method, the content validity of a new instrument to assess the risk of behaviors associated with the chemsex phenomenon. Method: First, a bank of items identified from the literature was elaborated. Secondly, 50 experts with knowledge of the chemsex phenomenon at the national level were contacted. A Delphi group was formed with them to carry out two rounds of item evaluation. The linguistic evaluation (comprehension and appropriateness) was assessed using a Likert scale from 1 to 5 for each item. Items that did not reach a mean score of 4 were eliminated. Content assessment was calculated using each item’s content validity index (CVI) and Aiken’s V (VdA). A minimum CVI and VdA value of 0.6 was established to include the items in the questionnaire. Results: A total of 114 items were identified in the literature. In the first round of Delphi evaluation, 36 experts evaluated the items. A total of 58 items were eliminated for obtaining a CVI or VdA of less than 0.6, leaving 56 items. In a second Delphi round, 30 experts re-evaluated the 56 selected items, where 4 items were eliminated for being similar, and 10 items were also eliminated for not being relevant to the topic even though they had values higher than 0.6, leaving the scale finally composed of 52 items. Conclusion: A questionnaire has been designed to assess the risk of behaviors associated with the chemsex phenomenon. The items that make up the questionnaire have shown adequate content and linguistic validity. The Delphi method proved to be a helpful technique for the proposed objective.
Novel Approach to Organic Mulching from Natural-Based Solutions to Enhance Soil Health and Functional Value of Calafate Fruit
Authors: Betancur Matías , Retamal-Salgado Jorge , López María Dolores , Vergara-Retamales Rosa , Schoebitz Mauricio
Published: November 2023

Mulching suppresses weeds, improves soil biology, and increases physical or bioactive fruit yield in fruit orchards. However, there is no information on its impact on calafate (Berberis microphylla G. Forst.) orchards, which produce berries with high antioxidant content. To address this gap, in 2021, an experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of 5 years of mulching on soil, plants, and calafate fruit. Four mulching treatments were established: no mulch (control), geotextile, oat straw, and hazelnut shell. All mulches suppressed weeds (43%) and maintained more soil moisture (5%) than the control. Soil microbial activity increased only with hazelnut shell compared with the control, up to 46%. Only oat straw and hazelnut shell increased basal respiration and urease up to 31% and 15% more than the control. Oat straw produced the highest fruit yield with 0.44 t ha−1, while the lowest yield was produced by the control and hazelnut shell with 0.1 and 0.15 t ha−1, respectively. The geotextile with 0.35 t ha−1 of fruit produced no differences between treatments. The ORAC antioxidant capacity was only higher in the control and hazelnut shell, with a mean of 3272 µmol TE 100 g−1. Hazelnut shell mulch is recommended to improve the biological functions of the soil and the antioxidant capacity of the calafate fruit.
Exploring Key Issues in Cybersecurity Data Breaches: Analyzing Data Breach Litigation with ML-Based Text Analytics
Authors: Molitor Dominik , Raghupathi Wullianallur , Saharia Aditya , Raghupathi Viju
Published: November 2023

While data breaches are a frequent and universal phenomenon, the characteristics and dimensions of data breaches are unexplored. In this novel exploratory research, we apply machine learning (ML) and text analytics to a comprehensive collection of data breach litigation cases to extract insights from the narratives contained within these cases. Our analysis shows stakeholders (e.g., litigants) are concerned about major topics related to identity theft, hacker, negligence, FCRA (Fair Credit Reporting Act), cybersecurity, insurance, phone device, TCPA (Telephone Consumer Protection Act), credit card, merchant, privacy, and others. The topics fall into four major clusters: “phone scams”, “cybersecurity”, “identity theft”, and “business data breach”. By utilizing ML, text analytics, and descriptive data visualizations, our study serves as a foundational piece for comprehensively analyzing large textual datasets. The findings hold significant implications for both researchers and practitioners in cybersecurity, especially those grappling with the challenges of data breaches.
Attitudes of Asian and Polish Adolescents towards the Use of Ecological Innovations in CPR Training
Authors: Jaskiewicz Filip , Timler Dariusz
Published: November 2023

Background: The potential use of manikins made of environmentally friendly materials (biodegradable or easily recycled) could be a milestone in promoting cardiac arrest awareness and mass resuscitation training without the threat of generating large amounts of unprocessable waste. The main aim of the study was to compare the attitude of young adults from Asia and Poland towards cardiopulmonary resuscitation training forms and to evaluate the innovative concept of an ecological resuscitation manikin; Methods: This was a survey-based study conducted during two events in Thailand and Poland in 2023; Results: A total of 226 questionnaires were included in the final analysis. Asian respondents were significantly more likely to choose traditional training than Polish participants (78% vs. 58%, respectively). A manikin that is mainly biodegradable was the most common choice across the entire study group. Young Asians were significantly more likely to choose a traditional stationary course, while Polish respondents were highly significantly more likely to opt for hybrid training (online with practical training provided at the student’s home). Conclusions: In the total study group, young people from Poland and parts of Asia are most likely to participate in traditional on-site instructor-led training, but a comparison across groups showed a significant tendency for young Poles to choose a hybrid training option, i.e., a combination of online and hands-on training. Despite some differences, both study groups showed a strong interest in pro-environmental behavior and the use of more ecofriendly solutions than previously used in resuscitation training.
Unravelling the Impacts of Climate Variability on Surface Runoff in the Mouhoun River Catchment (West Africa)
Authors: Zouré Cheick Oumar , Kiema Arsène , Yonaba Roland , Minoungou Bernard
Published: November 2023

This study assesses the impacts of climate variability on surface runoff generation in the Mouhoun River Catchment (MRC) in Burkina Faso, in the West African Sahel. The study uses a combination of observed and reanalysis data over the period 1983–2018 to develop a SWAT model (KGE = 0.77/0.89 in calibration/validation) further used to reconstitute the complete time series for surface runoff. Results show that annual rainfall and surface runoff follow a significant upward trend (rainfall: 4.98 mm·year−1, p-value = 0.029; runoff: 0.45 m3·s−1·year−1, p-value = 0.013). Also, rainfall appears to be the dominant driver of surface runoff (Spearman’s ρ = 0.732, p-value < 0.0001), leading surface runoff at all timescales. Surface runoff is further modulated by potential evapotranspiration with quasi-decadal timescales fluctuations, although being less correlated to surface runoff (Spearman’s ρ = −0.148, p-value = 0.386). The study highlights the added value of the coupling of hydrological modeling and reanalysis datasets to analyze the rainfall–runoff relationship in data-scarce and poorly gauged environments and therefore raises pathways to improve knowledge and understanding of the impacts of climate variability in Sahelian hydrosystems.
Biologics for Chronic Rhinosinusitis—A Modern Option for Therapy
Authors: Cergan Romica , Berghi Ovidiu Nicolae , Dumitru Mihai , Vrinceanu Daniela , Manole Felicia , Serboiu Crenguta Sorina
Published: November 2023

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is an important ENT pathology which affects about 5–12% of the general population. The treatment of CRS can be pharmacological (nasal sprays, douches, systemic antibiotics and steroids), surgical (endoscopic sinus surgery) or immunological according to established algorithms. CRS was divided for many years into CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and CRS without nasal polyps (CRSsNP). New ways of classifying CRS by endotypes (presence of neutrophilia, eosinophilia, fibrosis, glandular hypertrophy and epithelial dysmorphisms) appeared after the most recent understandings of the pathophysiology of the disease. Other classifications divide CRS into primary and secondary forms, localized/diffuse types and anatomical presentation. A new type of treatment has been administered in the last years, biologics. For the moment, biologics are indicated just in the cases of the patients who have undergone ESS or have contraindications for surgery and have bilateral polyps and meet a minimum of three of the following criteria: the necessity for systemic therapies with oral or parenteral corticosteroids or contraindications to systemic steroids, significant loss of smell or impaired QoL score, comorbid asthma and type 2 inflammation. This article aims to present the most relevant studies which used the three types of biologics (anti-IgE, anti-IL5 and anti-IL4/IL3) and wishes to increase the awareness of this new type of treatment that can be used in some CRS cases.
Going Asexual: A Survey of Mites of the Genus Thyreophagus (Acari: Acaridae) Revealing a Large Number of New Parthenogenetic Species in the Holarctic Region
Authors: Klimov Pavel B. , Kolesnikov Vasiliy B. , Demard Emilie P. , Stinson Clive S. A. , Merckx Jonas , Duarte Marcus V. A. , Pedroso Luiz Gustavo A. , Khaustov Alexander A. , Myers-Hansen James Leslie , Wäkers Felix L. , Vangansbeke Dominiek
Published: November 2023

Mites of the genus Thyreophagus (Acari: Acaridae) are distributed worldwide; they inhabit concealed habitats and include several beneficial and economically important species. However, species identification is difficult because many species are poorly described or delimited and their phoretic stages are unknown or uncorrelated. Furthermore, Thyreophagus is interesting because it includes entirely asexual (parthenogenetic) species. However, among the 34 described species of Thyreophagus, the asexual status is confirmed through laboratory rearing for only two species. Here, we provide detailed descriptions of five new species from North America (four) and Europe (one) based on adults and phoretic heteromorphic deutonymphs. Four of these species were asexual, while one was sexual. For most of these mites, the asexual status was confirmed and phoretic deutonymphs were obtained through rearing in the lab. We show that asexual mites retain seemingly functional copulatory and sperm storage systems, indicating that these lineages have relatively short evolutionary lifespans. One North American species, Thyreophagus ojibwe, was found in association with the native American chestnut Castanea dentata, suggesting a possibility that this mite can be used to control chestnut blight in North America. We also provide a diagnostic key to females, males, and heteromorphic deutonymphs of the Thyreophagus species in the world.
Finite Control Set Model Predictive Control (FCS-MPC) for Enhancing the Performance of a Single-Phase Inverter in a Renewable Energy System (RES)
Authors: Lin Chang-Hua , Farooqui Shoeb Azam , Liu Hwa-Dong , Huang Jian-Jang , Fahad Mohd
Published: November 2023

A single-phase five-level T-type topology has been investigated in this article. This topology has emerged as a viable option for renewable energy systems (RES) due to its inherent benefits. The finite control set model predictive control (FCS-MPC) strategy has been implemented to this topology in order to improve the performance and overall reliability of the system. This control strategy empowers the inverter to predict future behavior based on a discrete set of control signals, enabling precise modulation and high-speed response to system dynamics. In the realm of RES, integration of FCS-MPC with multilevel inverters (MLIs) holds great potential to enhance energy conversion efficiency, grid integration, and overall system reliability. The article is structured to present an overview of the evolving landscape of power electronic systems, and the advantages of FCS-MPC. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the FCS-MPC control strategy applied to the single-phase five-level T-type topology. The study covers various aspects including the theoretical framework, hardware development, and experimental evaluation. It is obvious from the analysis that this inverter topology is reliable. Several redundant states make it fault-tolerant which helps in maintaining the output voltage at the same level even in the fault conditions. Additionally, the results show that the output load voltage is maintained at the same level irrespective of load change. Also, output load voltage has maintained the high-quality sinusoidal characteristics as the total harmonic distortion (THD) is very low. With all these features, this system is suitable within the framework of RES.
Depth Map Super-Resolution Based on Semi-Couple Deformable Convolution Networks
Authors: Liu Botao , Chen Kai , Peng Sheng-Lung , Zhao Ming
Published: November 2023

Depth images obtained from lightweight, real-time depth estimation models and consumer-oriented sensors typically have low-resolution issues. Traditional interpolation methods for depth image up-sampling result in a significant information loss, especially in edges with discontinuous depth variations (depth discontinuities). To address this issue, this paper proposes a semi-coupled deformable convolution network (SCD-Net) based on the idea of guided depth map super-resolution (GDSR). The method employs a semi-coupled feature extraction scheme to learn unique and similar features between RGB images and depth images. We utilize a Coordinate Attention (CA) to suppress redundant information in RGB features. Finally, a deformable convolutional module is employed to restore the original resolution of the depth image. The model is tested on NYUv2, Middlebury, Lu, and a Real-Sense real-world dataset created using an Intel Real-sense D455 structured-light camera. The super-resolution accuracy of SCD-Net at multiple scales is much higher than that of traditional methods and superior to recent state-of-the-art (SOTA) models, which demonstrates the effectiveness and flexibility of our model on GDSR tasks. In particular, our method further solves the problem of an RGB texture being over-transferred in GDSR tasks.
A Novel Electrokinetic-Based Technique for the Isolation of Circulating Tumor Cells
Authors: Manshadi Mohammad K. D. , Saadat Mahsa , Mohammadi Mehdi , Sanati Nezhad Amir
Published: November 2023

The separation of rare cells from complex biofluids has attracted attention in biological research and clinical applications, especially for cancer detection and treatment. In particular, various technologies and methods have been developed for the isolation of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in the blood. Among them, the induced-charge electrokinetic (ICEK) flow method has shown its high efficacy for cell manipulation where micro-vortices (MVs), generated as a result of induced charges on a polarizable surface, can effectively manipulate particles and cells in complex fluids. While the majority of MVs have been induced by AC electric fields, these vortices have also been observed under a DC electric field generated around a polarizable hurdle. In the present numerical work, the capability of MVs for the manipulation of CTCs and their entrapment in the DC electric field is investigated. First, the numerical results are verified against the available data in the literature. Then, various hurdle geometries are employed to find the most effective geometry for MV-based particle entrapment. The effects of electric field strength (EFS), wall zeta potential magnitude, and the particles’ diameter on the trapping efficacy are further investigated. The results demonstrated that the MVs generated around only the rectangular hurdle are capable of trapping particles as large as the size of CTCs. An EFS of about 75 V/cm was shown to be effective for the entrapment of above 90% of CTCs in the MVs. In addition, an EFS of 85 V/cm demonstrated a capability for isolating particles larger than 8 µm from a suspension of particles/cells 1–25 µm in diameter, useful for the enrichment of cancer cells and potentially for the real-time and non-invasive monitoring of drug effectiveness on circulating cancer cells in blood circulation.
Plant Growth-Promoting Endophytic Bacteria Isolated from Miscanthus giganteus and Their Antifungal Activity
Authors: Lovecká Petra , Kroneislová Gabriela , Novotná Zuzana , Röderová Jana , Demnerová Kateřina
Published: November 2023

Modern technologies can satisfy human needs only with the use of large quantities of fertilizers and pesticides that are harmful to the environment. For this reason, it is possible to develop new technologies for sustainable agriculture. The process could be carried out by using endophytic microorganisms with a (possible) positive effect on plant vitality. Bacterial endophytes have been reported as plant growth promoters in several kinds of plants under normal and stressful conditions. In this study, isolates of bacterial endophytes from the roots and leaves of Miscanthus giganteus plants were tested for the presence of plant growth-promoting properties and their ability to inhibit pathogens of fungal origin. Selected bacterial isolates were able to solubilize inorganic phosphorus, fix nitrogen, and produce phytohormones, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) deaminase, and siderophore. Leaf bacterial isolate Pantoea ananat is 50 OL 2 had high production of siderophores (zone ≥ 5 mm), and limited phytohormone production, and was the only one to show ACC deaminase activity. The root bacterial isolate of Pseudomonas libanensis 5 OK 7A showed the best results in phytohormone production (N6-(Δ2-isopentenyl)adenine and indole-3-acetic acid, 11.7 and 12.6 ng·mL−1, respectively). Four fungal cultures—Fusarium sporotrichioides DBM 4330, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum SS-1, Botrytis cinerea DS 90 and Sphaerodes fimicola DS 93—were used to test the antifungal activity of selected bacterial isolates. These fungal cultures represent pathogenic families, especially for crops. All selected root endophyte isolates inhibited the pathogenic growth of all tested fungi with inhibition percentages ranging from 30 to 60%. Antifungal activity was also tested in two forms of immobilization of selected bacterial isolates: one in agar and the other on dextrin-coated cellulose carriers. These results demonstrated that the endophytic Pseudomonas sp. could be used as biofertilizers for crops.
Pulicaria incisa (Lam.) DC. as a Potential Source of Antioxidant, Antibacterial, and Anti-Enzymatic Bioactive Molecules: Phytochemical Constituents, In Vitro and In Silico Pharmacological Analysis
Authors: Alreshidi Mousa , Abdulhakeem Mohammad A. , Badraoui Riadh , Amato Giuseppe , Caputo Lucia , De Martino Laura , Nazzaro Filomena , Fratianni Florinda , Formisano Carmen , De Feo Vincenzo , Snoussi Mejdi
Published: November 2023

Plants with medicinal benefits are a crucial source of compounds for developing drugs. This study was designed to determine the chemical composition, antibacterial, antibiofilm, antioxidant, and anti-enzymatic activities of Pulicaria incisa (Lam.) DC. We also reported the molecular interaction between identified molecules and several receptors associated with antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities. A total of seventeen and thirteen compounds were identified in aqueous and methanolic extracts of P. incisa, respectively. The methanolic extract yielded a higher total content of polyphenols and flavonoids of about 84.80 ± 2.8 mg GAE/g and 28.30 ± 1.2 mg QE/g, respectively. Significant antibacterial activity was recorded for both extracts, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging from 30 to 36 µg/mL, and the result was comparable to the reference antibiotic control. Antibiofilm assays revealed that both extracts were able to reduce the attachment of bacterial cells to 96-well plates, but the highest antibiofilm activity was recorded against Staphylococcus aureus. The methanolic extract also showed anti-enzymatic potency and high antioxidant activity, as demonstrated by all assays used, including DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS. These results were further validated by in silico approaches, particularly the molecular interaction of the identified compounds with the targeted receptors. These findings present P. incisa as a significant source of antibacterial, antibiofilm, antioxidant, and anti-enzymatic molecules.
A Facile One-Step Synthesis of Polystyrene/Cellulose (PS@MFC) Biocomposites for the Preparation of Hybrid Water-Absorbing Sponge Materials
Authors: Cherednichenko Kirill , Bardina Kristina , Vishnevich Alexandra , Gablina Mariia , Gataulina Anastasia , Nikolaev Yaroslav , Gushchin Pavel , Ivanov Evgenii , Kopitsyn Dmitry , Vinokurov Vladimir
Published: November 2023

The elaboration of a low-cost and effective approach to synthesize hybrid composite materials based on the conventional thermoplastics and natural biopolymers is a sustainable alternative to the production of “traditional” plastics. Cellulose is one of the most abundant biopolymers. Its fibrils possess outstanding mechanical characteristics and, hence, attract considerable interest of researchers during recent decades. However, modification of the hydrophobic polymer matrix by cellulose fibrils is significantly complicated by the hydrophilic nature of the latter. In this study, we propose an effective and low-cost approach to the synthesis of polystyrene at the cellulose microfibrils composite material via the emulsion polymerization method. The obtained fibrous composite was comprehensively analyzed with FTIR spectroscopy, SEM, TGA, and DSC, and was further employed to produce sponge hybrid materials. We investigated the influence of the cellulose/polystyrene ratio on the density, porosity, pore volume, and water uptake of the obtained sponge materials. The sample containing 70 wt.% of cellulose demonstrated the best water absorption properties while preserving its shape, even after 24 h of floating on water. The produced sponge materials might be employed as sorption materials for the purification and desalination of waters of various origins, filtration, and collection of undesirable elements under specific industrial or natural conditions.
A Comparative Study of Oil–Water Two-Phase Flow Pattern Prediction Based on the GA-BP Neural Network and Random Forest Algorithm
Authors: Sun Yongtuo , Guo Haimin , Liang Haoxun , Li Ao , Zhang Yiran , Zhang Doujuan
Published: November 2023

As global oil demand continues to increase, in recent years, countries have continued to expand the development of oil reserves, highlighting the importance of oil. In order to adapt to different strata distribution conditions, domestic drilling technology is becoming more and more perfect, resulting in a gradual increase in horizontal and inclined wells. Because of the influence of various downhole factors, the flow pattern in the wellbore will be more complex. Accurately identifying the flow pattern of multiphase flow under different well deviation conditions is very important to interpreting the production log output profile accurately. At the same time, in order to keep up with the footsteps of artificial intelligence, big data and artificial intelligence algorithms are applied to the oil industry. This paper uses the GA-BP neural network and random forest algorithm to conduct fluid flow pattern prediction research on the logging data of different water cuts at different inclinations and flow rates. It compares the predicted results with experimental fluid flow patterns. Finally, we can determine the feasibility of these two algorithms for predicting flow patterns. We use the multiphase flow simulation experiment device in the experiment. During the process, the flow patterns are observed and recorded by visual inspection, and the flow pattern is distinguished by referring to the theoretical diagram of the oil-water two-phase flow pattern. The prediction results show that the accuracy of these two algorithms can reach 81.25% and 93.75%, respectively, which verifies the effectiveness of these two algorithms in the prediction of oil–water two-phase flow patterns and provides a new idea for the prediction of oil–water two-phase flow patterns and other phases.
Effects of Topological Properties with Local Variable Apertures on Solute Transport through Three-Dimensional Discrete Fracture Networks
Authors: Huang Na , Zhang Yubao , Han Shengqun
Published: November 2023

In this study, the effects of topological properties with local variable apertures on fluid flow and solute transport through three-dimensional (3D) discrete fracture networks (DFNs) were investigated. A series of 3D DFNs with different fracture density, length, and aperture distribution were generated. The fluid flow and solute transport through the models were simulated by combining the MATLAB code and COMSOL Multiphysics. The effects of network topology and aperture heterogeneity on fluid flow and transport process were analyzed. The results show that the fluid flow and solute transport exhibit a strong channeling effect even in the DFNs with identical aperture, in which the areas of fast and slow migration fit well with the high- and low-flow regions, respectively. More obvious preferential paths of flow and migration are observed in individual fractures for the DFN with heterogeneous aperture than the model with identical aperture. Increasing the fracture length exponent reduces the available flow and transport paths for sparse fracture networks but does not significantly change the flow and transport channels for dense fracture networks. The breakthrough curves (BTCs) shift towards the right and slightly lag behind as the fracture density decreases or the aperture heterogeneity increases. The advection–diffusion equation (ADE) model cannot properly capture the evolution of BTCs for 3D DFNs, especially the long tails of BTCs. Compared to the ADE model, the mobile-immobile model (MIM) model separating the liquid phase into flowing and stagnate regions is proven to better fit the BTCs of 3D DFNs with heterogeneous aperture.
Religious Policy of the Mamluk Sultan Baybars (1260–1277 AC)
Authors: Mahamid Hatim Muhammad
Published: November 2023

This study focuses on the religious policy of the Mamluk Sultan Rukn al-Din Baybars (d. 1277), and its application throughout his rule in Egypt and Syria (Bilād al-Shām). This study also discusses the impact of this policy and its benefit for Muslims and Islam in general in the region. Dealing with the character of Baybars of Mamluk origin is very important in this study to obtain the required answers to the questions related to the Islamic character of Mamluk rule in the regions of the Middle East in the Middle Ages. Although Baybars’ background was as a slave (mamlūk), who was not familiar with the religion of Islam, he had to prove his ability to act as a leader of an Islamic state. Baybars worked to implement the principles of Islam according to the Quran and the tradition of the Prophet (sunna), thus exploiting his status as an Islamic leader and as Sultan during his reign. Baybars was strict in his religious policy toward those who committed forbidden acts according to the Islamic religion, and he was keen to punish them and implement the Sharīʿa as required, in cooperation with the ʿulamā. Baybars was given relevant degrees and titles he deserved by the revived Abbasid Caliph in Cairo, such as a “holy warrior” (Mujāhid), “partner of emir of believers/the Caliph” (Qasīm Amīr al-Mu’minīn), and other religious titles that testify his high-ranking religious status as defender of Islam.
Insights in Pharmaceutical Pollution: The Prospective Role of eDNA Metabarcoding
Authors: Papaioannou Charikleia , Geladakis George , Kommata Vasiliki , Batargias Costas , Lagoumintzis George
Published: November 2023

Environmental pollution is a growing threat to natural ecosystems and one of the world’s most pressing concerns. The increasing worldwide use of pharmaceuticals has elevated their status as significant emerging contaminants. Pharmaceuticals enter aquatic environments through multiple pathways related to anthropogenic activity. Their high consumption, insufficient waste treatment, and the incapacity of organisms to completely metabolize them contribute to their accumulation in aquatic environments, posing a threat to all life forms. Various analytical methods have been used to quantify pharmaceuticals. Biotechnology advancements based on next-generation sequencing (NGS) techniques, like eDNA metabarcoding, have enabled the development of new methods for assessing and monitoring the ecotoxicological effects of pharmaceuticals. eDNA metabarcoding is a valuable biomonitoring tool for pharmaceutical pollution because it (a) provides an efficient method to assess and predict pollution status, (b) identifies pollution sources, (c) tracks changes in pharmaceutical pollution levels over time, (d) assesses the ecological impact of pharmaceutical pollution, (e) helps prioritize cleanup and mitigation efforts, and (f) offers insights into the diversity and composition of microbial and other bioindicator communities. This review highlights the issue of aquatic pharmaceutical pollution while emphasizing the importance of using modern NGS-based biomonitoring actions to assess its environmental effects more consistently and effectively.
The Bacteriophages Therapy of Interdigital Pyoderma Complicated by Cellulitis with Antibiotic-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a Dog—Case Report
Authors: Grecu Mariana , Henea Mădălina-Elena , Rîmbu Cristina Mihaela , Simion Cătălina , Şindilar Eusebiu-Viorel , Solcan Gheorghe
Published: November 2023

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a highly pathogenic bacterium with high pathogenicity, that can cause serious infections in all species and especially in dogs. Treatment of the infection induced by this bacterium can be a challenge considering that some strains have developed resistance to most classes of antimicrobials. The use of bacteriophages to alleviate infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa has demonstrated their potential for both internal and external applications. This study aimed to illustrate the treatment with bacteriophages in bacterially complicated skin lesions that do not respond to antimicrobial therapy.