bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PECAM-1 Is Down-Regulated in γδT Cells during Remission, but Up-Regulated in Relapse of Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Zarobkiewicz Michał K. , Morawska Izabela , Kowalska Wioleta , Halczuk Paweł , Roliński Jacek , Bojarska-Junak Agnieszka A.
Published: June 2022

Introduction. PECAM-1 and NKRP1A are both involved in the vascular transmigration of T lymphocytes. Vascular transmigration is a crucial process in multiple sclerosis pathogenesis. Methods and aim. The current paper presents an analysis of PECAM-1 and NKRP1A expression on γδ T cells. Expression of PECAM-1 and NKRP1A on subsets of γδ T cells was performed with flow cytometry. Results. Based on the flow cytometry data, PECAM1 was slightly differentially modulated on γδ T cells—it was up-regulated during relapse, but down-regulated during remission. Moreover, a significant downregulation of CD3 expression was noted on γδ T cells from MS patients, most notably during relapse. Conclusions. This may be a sign of the overall activation of γδ T cells in the course of multiple sclerosis.
The Motion and Deformation of Viscoplastic Slide while Entering a Body of Water
Authors: Meng Zhenzhu , Li Xueyou , Han Shoujie , Wang Xiao , Meng Jun , Li Zhipeng
Published: June 2022

Landslide-generated waves are hazards that, commonly, exist in the natural world. The motion and deformation of a submerged landslide significantly affect the efficiency of the momentum transfer, between the slide material and the water body, and, thereby, dominate the characteristics of the associated waves. Therefore, investigating how the submerged sliding mass is moved and deformed is of great importance, not only for understanding the physical mechanism behind the slide–water interaction but also for optimizing the predictive models of the wave characteristics. In this study, we assumed the landslide as a viscoplastic fluid and used an ideal viscoplastic material, called Carbopol, to mimic a natural landslide, at the laboratory scale. We, first, determined the coordinates of three control points, including the frontal point, deepest point, and center of mass, so as to quantify the time evolution of the submerged slide motion. We, then, fit the maximums of the coordinates of the control points with an integrated parameter of the incoming landslide, with the support of experimental data. Results indicated that not only the wave features but also the submerged slide motion can be quantified by the slide parameters on impact.
Beyond Domestic Cats: Environmental Detection of Sporothrix brasiliensis DNA in a Hyperendemic Area of Sporotrichosis in Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil
Authors: Almeida-Silva Fernando , Rabello Vanessa Brito de Souza , Scramignon-Costa Bruno de Souza , Zancopé-Oliveira Rosely Maria , de Macedo Priscila Marques , Almeida-Paes Rodrigo
Published: June 2022

In Brazil, sporotrichosis has transitioned from a rural to urban disease, driven by a shift in the initiation of infection from the accidental inoculation of organic matter to the traumatic implantation of the fungus by cats. Since the emergence of zoonotic sporotrichosis caused by Sporothrix brasiliensis, investigations have largely ignored the environmental habitat of the pathogen due to its association with domestic cats. Therefore, we investigated 18 environmental samples collected from rural areas of two cities where zoonotic sporotrichosis is endemic, but where domestic cats are scarce. We utilized traditional culture methods, and samples were also examined with two molecular methods used for the clinical diagnosis of sporotrichosis: a nested-PCR targeting the ITS region and a species-specific PCR targeting the calmodulin gene. No Sporothrix colonies were identified by traditional culture methods. However, the nested-PCR and the species-specific PCR for S. brasiliensis were positive for 18 and 5 samples, respectively. Sequencing revealed that positive results with the nested-PCR were due to non-specific amplification of other Ophiostomatales DNA, rather than Sporothrix spp. Three of the five amplicons from the species-specific PCR were suitable for sequencing and confirmed the presence of S. brasiliensis DNA. Hence, we confirmed that S. brasiliensis, as with other Sporothrix species, has an environmental habitat. Our findings underscore the challenges of nested-PCR for Sporothrix environmental studies and highlight that sequencing must follow PCR protocols to definitively identify Sporothrix spp. in environmental samples.
Social Media as a Medium to Promote Local Perception Expression in China’s World Heritage Sites
Authors: Liang Xiaoxu , Hua Naisi , Martin John , Dellapiana Elena , Coscia Cristina , Zhang Yu
Published: June 2022

The assessment of public participation is one of the most fundamental components of holistic and sustainable cultural heritage management. Since the beginning of 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic became a catalyst for the transformation of participatory tools. Collaboration with stakeholders moved online due to the strict restrictions preventing on-site activities. This phenomenon provided an opportunity to formulate more comprehensive and reasonable urban heritage protection strategies. However, very few publications mentioned how social networking sites’ data could support humanity-centred heritage management and participatory evaluation. Taking five World Cultural Heritage Sites as research samples, the study provides a methodology to evaluate online participatory practices in China through Weibo, a Chinese-originated social media platform. The data obtained were analysed from three perspectives: the users’ information, the content of texts, and the attached images. As shown in the results section, individuals’ information is described by gender, geo-location, celebrities, and Key Opinion Leaders. To a greater extent, participatory behaviour emerges at the relatively primary levels, that being “informing and consulting”. According to the label detection of Google Vision, residents paid more attention to buildings, facades, and temples in the cultural heritage sites. The research concludes that using social media platforms to unveil interplays between digital and physical heritage conservation is feasible and should be widely encouraged.
Comprehensive Resilience Assessment of Complex Urban Public Spaces: A Perspective of Promoting Sustainability
Authors: Xu Hui , Li Shuxiu , Tan Yongtao , Xing Bin
Published: June 2022

Complex urban systems, such as multi-floor rail transit stations and integrated railway transport hubs, are termed “complex urban public spaces” (CUPSs). These CUPSs facilitate people’s lives, but, at the same time, are threatened by various risks due to their multi-floor structure, dense crowds, high correlation in multi-function, complex facilities, and space openness. The risk events of CUPSs could have a negative influence on public safety and further influence sustainable development. Increasing the resilience of CUPSs is an effective way to respond to risks and guarantee public safety. Therefore, it is necessary to first assess the resilience of CUPSs. In this paper, a six-level comprehensive resilience indicator system was established based on aspects of the essence of resilience. Used in combination with the methods of resilience impact score and fuzzy analytical hierarchy process, the resilience value could be calculated. The Shenzhen North Railway Station (SZ) and the Guangzhou South Railway Station (GZ) were used to validate the proposed methodology. The established resilience indicator system was shown to be comprehensive and innovative, and, regarding practicality, the proposed assessment methodology is convenient to use. This research can help policymakers to assess the resilience of CUPSs and develop relevant policies to improve the resilience of buildings, which can further enhance urban sustainability.
Relationship of Selected Soil Properties with the Micronutrients in Salt-Affected Soils
Authors: Mohiuddin Muhammad , Irshad Muhammad , Sher Sadaf , Hayat Faisal , Ashraf Ammar , Masood Salman , Bibi Sumera , Ali Jawad , Waseem Muhammad
Published: June 2022

The present study aimed to assess the relationship of soil properties in salt-affected soils. The soil samples were collected from 14 districts of Pakistan. Soil salinity and sodicity are the common features of the arid and semiarid regions. The effects of the salt’s interactions with soil micronutrients have not been well studied. Therefore, saline and non-saline soil samples were collected from different locations. The microelements (Fe, Cu, Mn, and Zn) were fractionated into water-soluble, exchangeable, carbonate, Fe + Mn oxide, organic, and residual fractions. Univariate and multivariate analysis (PCA) was carried out to determine the linear relationship between soil properties and micronutrients fractions. Results showed that the magnitude of micronutrients appeared to be affected by the salinity in soils. In saline soil, the Fe fractions differed in the order of residual > organic bound > Fe + Mn bound > carbonate bound > exchangeable > water soluble. Iron fractions varied in the non-saline soils as residual > Fe + Mn bound > organic bound > exchangeable > carbonate bound > water soluble. Copper concentration was higher in the residual and carbonate forms, and the amount was lower in the exchangeable and water-soluble forms under both saline and non-saline conditions. The water-soluble Mn fraction was lower, and the residual Mn fraction was proportionately higher than other forms of Mn in soils. Zinc was found mostly in the residual fraction in both saline and non-saline soils. The mobility factor of micronutrients in non-saline soil was greater than in saline soil. PCA revealed that organic matter (OM) and pH directly affected the fractionation of Cu, Mn, Zn, and Fe in soil. Thus, it could be inferred that salts can bring changes to the composition of micronutrients depending on the nature of the soil and the magnitude of salts.
The Effect of Colored and White Light on Growth and Phycobiliproteins, Chlorophyll and Carotenoids Content of the Marine Cyanobacteria Phormidium sp. and Cyanothece sp. in Batch Cultures
Authors: Hotos George N. , Antoniadis Theodoros I.
Published: June 2022

Two local marine cyanobacteria, Phormidium sp. and Cyanothece sp., were batch-cultured under 18–19.5 °C, at 40 ppt salinity, using white LED light of low (40 μmol photons/m2/s) and high (160 μmol/m2/s) intensity and, additionally, blue, green and red LED light. Yield was highest in high white light in both species (2.15 g dw/L in Phormidium, 1.47 g/L in Cyanothece), followed by green light (1.25 g/L) in Cyanothece and low white and green (1.26–1.33 g/L) in Phormidium. Green light maximized phycocyanin in Phormidium (0.45 mg/mL), while phycoerythrin was enhanced (0.17 mg/mL) by blue light and allophycocyanin by all colors (~0.80 mg/mL). All colors maximized phycocyanin in Cyanothece (~0.32 mg/mL), while phycoerythrin and allophycocyanin peaked under green light (~0.138 and 0.38 mg/mL, respectively). In Phormidium, maximization of chlorophyll-a (9.3 μg/mL) was induced by green light, while total carotenoids and b-carotene (3.05 and 0.89 μg/mL, respectively) by high white light. In Cyanothece, both white light intensities along with green maximized chlorophyll-a (~9 μg/mL) while high white light and green maximized total carotenoids (2.6–3.0 μg/mL). This study strongly indicates that these cyanobacteria can be cultured at the first stage under white light to accumulate sufficient biomass and, subsequently, under colored light for enhancing phycobiliproteins.
Ethyl (E)-(3-(4-((4-bromobenzyl)oxy)phenyl)acryloyl)glycinate
Authors: Fotopoulos Ioannis , Papaioannou George-Christos , Hadjipavlou-Litina Dimitra
Published: June 2022

In an attempt to develop new potent anti-inflammatory agents, a cinnamic -amino acid hybrid molecule was synthesized and in silico drug-likeness, in vitro COX-2 inhibition, and pharmacokinetic properties were studied. The results showed high cyclooxygenase inhibitory activity (IC50 = 6 µM) and favorable pharmacokinetic properties, being orally bioavailable according to Lipinski’s rule of five, making this compound a possible lead to design and develop potent COX inhibitors. The new compound, in comparison with its cinnamic acid precursor (E)-(3-(4-((4-bromobenzyl)oxy)phenyl)acrylic acid, showed improved biological activities. Compound ethyl (E)-(3-(4-((4-bromobenzyl)oxy)phenyl)acryloyl)glycinate can be used as a lead for the synthesis of more effective hybrids.
Realizing Single Chip White Light InGaN LED via Dual-Wavelength Multiple Quantum Wells
Authors: Li Yangfeng , Liu Cui , Zhang Yuli , Jiang Yang , Hu Xiaotao , Song Yimeng , Su Zhaole , Jia Haiqiang , Wang Wenxin , Chen Hong
Published: June 2022

Dual-wavelength multiple quantum wells (MQWs) have great potential in realizing high quality illumination, monolithic micro light-emitting diode (LED) displays and other related fields. Here, we demonstrate a single chip white light indium gallium nitride (InGaN) LED via the manipulation of the dual-wavelength MQWs. The MQWs contain four pairs of blue light-emitting MQWs and one pair of green light-emitting QW. The fabricated LED chips with nickel/gold (Ni/Au) as the current spreading layer emit white light with the injection current changing from 0.5 mA to 80 mA. The chromaticity coordinates of (0.3152, 0.329) closing to the white light location in the Commission International de I’Eclairage (CIE) 1931 chromaticity diagram are obtained under a 1 mA current injection with a color rendering index (CRI) Ra of 60 and correlated color temperature (CCT) of 6246 K. This strategy provides a promising route to realize high quality white light in a single chip, which will significantly simplify the production process of incumbent white light LEDs and promote the progress of high-quality illumination.
Local Electrochemical Corrosion Properties of a Nano-SiO2/MAO Composite Coating on an AM60B-Mg Alloy
Authors: Yang Xiaoyu , Mo Yu , Dai Ting , Zhao Jie , Gu Yanhong
Published: June 2022

In order to improve the corrosion resistance of the automotive AM60B-Mg alloy, a nano-SiO2/MAO composite coating was prepared on the surface of the alloy. The electrochemical properties were studied in an 80 °C corrosion environment using potentiodynamic polarization tests. Local Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (LEIS) was used to study the corrosion mechanisms of coating defect zone. The microstructure and phase of the samples were observed by confocal laser microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Macroscopic electrochemical test results showed that the impedance of the nano-SiO2/MAO coating was much higher than that of the MAO coating, by about 433 times. Local electrochemical test results showed that the minimum impedance of the nano-SiO2/MAO coating was 1–2 orders of magnitude higher than the maximum impedance of the MAO coating. The defective SiO2/MAO coating still had high corrosion resistance compared to the defective MAO coating. A physical model of local corrosion mechanisms was proposed.
Designing and Calculating the Nonlinear Elastic Characteristic of Longitudinal–Transverse Transducers of an Ultrasonic Medical Instrument Based on the Method of Successive Loadings
Authors: Nguyen Huu-Dien , Huang Shyh-Chour
Published: June 2022

This paper presents a numerical method for studying the stress–strain state and obtaining the nonlinear elastic characteristics of longitudinal–transverse transducers. The authors propose a mathematical model that uses a direct numerical solution of the boundary value problem based on the plain curved rod equations in Matlab. The system’s stress–strain state and nonlinear elastic characteristic are obtained using the method of successive loadings based on the curved rod’s linearized equations. For most ultrasonic instruments, the operating frequency of ultrasonic vibrations is close to 20 kHz. On the other hand, the received own oscillation frequencies are close to the working range. Using the method of successive loadings in the mathematical complex Matlab, a numerical calculation of the stress–strain state of a flat, curved rod at large displacements has been carried out. The proposed model can be considered an initial approximation to the solution of the spatial problem of the longitudinal–torsional transducer.
Deep Eutectic Solvents (DESs): Preliminary Results for Their Use Such as Biocides in the Building Cultural Heritage
Authors: Macchia Andrea , Strangis Romina , De Angelis Sara , Cersosimo Marica , Docci Antonella , Ricca Michela , Gabriele Bartolo , Mancuso Raffaella , La Russa Mauro Francesco
Published: June 2022

Biodeterioration is an increasingly widespread process of degradation in the context of the conservation of cultural heritage, which involves a combination of physical and chemical damages together with an aesthetic alteration of materials. For biological damage on monuments caused by pathogens, macro- and microorganisms, chemical treatments are generally used, most of the time dangerous for the environment and for the operator. In this context, new eco-friendly products represent necessary tools for the treatment of biologically deteriorated stone surfaces and represent a new challenge in the field of restoration and conservation of materials of cultural interest. A relatively new class of unconventional green solvents are deep eutectic solvents (DESs), which have peculiar chemical-physical characteristics such as being non-toxic, ecological, biodegradable, non-flammable, and stable in the presence of water. Furthermore, many DESs known in the literature have also been shown to have a biocidal action. All these characteristics make DESs very advantageous and safe, and they could be used as biocidal agents for the treatment of biodegraded surfaces of cultural heritage, being non-toxic for the environment and for the operator. So far, they are used in various fields, but they still represent a novel frontier in the cultural heritage sector. The present research aims at testing five different DESs for the first time in cultural heritage. In particular, DESs are applied to a mosaic located in the Ostia Antica Archaeological Park (Rome), and their efficiency is compared with a biocide product currently used in the restoration field, namely, Preventol RI50, through luminescence, bio-luminometry, and spectrocolorimetry analysis. The preliminary results achieved show the different behaviors of each DESs, highlighting the possibility of employing them in the field of cultural heritage. Further studies have been planned, some of which are already underway, to investigate the properties of DESs and indicate any improvements to make them more effective, both as solvents and as biocides, and easy to apply to various types of materials. The results obtained from this first study are very promising for the use of DES as a new green strategy for cleaning and conservation treatments of materials in the field of cultural heritage.
An Improved Fault Diagnosis Approach Using LSSVM for Complex Industrial Systems
Authors: Guan Shuyue , Huang Darong , Guo Shenghui , Zhao Ling , Chen Hongtian
Published: June 2022

Fault diagnosis is a challenging topic for complex industrial systems due to the varying environments such systems find themselves in. In order to improve the performance of fault diagnosis, this study designs a novel approach by using particle swarm optimization (PSO) with wavelet mutation and least square support (LSSVM). The implementation entails the following three steps. Firstly, the original signals are decomposed through an orthogonal wavelet packet decomposition algorithm. Secondly, the decomposed signals are reconstructed to obtain the fault features. Finally, the extracted features are used as the inputs of the fault diagnosis model established in this research to improve classification accuracy. This joint optimization method not only solves the problem of PSO falling easily into the local extremum, but also improves the classification performance of fault diagnosis effectively. Through experimental verification, the wavelet mutation particle swarm optimazation and least sqaure support vector machine ( WMPSO-LSSVM) fault diagnosis model has a maximum fault recognition efficiency that is 12% higher than LSSVM and 9% higher than extreme learning machine (ELM). The error of the corresponding regression model under the WMPSO-LSSVM algorithm is 0.365 less than that of the traditional linear regression model. Therefore, the proposed fault scheme can effectively identify faults that occur in complex industrial systems.
A Denoising Method of Micro-Turbine Acoustic Pressure Signal Based on CEEMDAN and Improved Variable Step-Size NLMS Algorithm
Authors: Zhang Jingqi , Chen Yugang , Li Ning , Zhai Jingyu , Han Qingkai , Hou Zengxuan
Published: June 2022

The acoustic pressure signal generated by blades is one of the key indicators for condition monitoring and fault diagnosis in the field of turbines. Generally, the working conditions of the turbine are harsh, resulting in a large amount of interference and noise in the measured acoustic pressure signal. Therefore, denoising the acoustic pressure signal is the basis of the subsequent research. In this paper, a denoising method of micro-turbine acoustic pressure signal based on the Complete Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition with Adaptive Noise (CEEMDAN) and Variable step-size Normalized Least Mean Square (VSS-NLMS) algorithms is proposed. Firstly, the CEEMDAN algorithm is used to decompose the original signal into multiple intrinsic mode functions (IMFs), based on the cross-correlation coefficient and continuous mean square error (CMSE) criterion; the obtained IMFs are divided into clear IMFs, noise-dominated IMFs, and noise IMFs. Finally, the improved VSS-NLMS algorithm is adopted to denoise the noise-dominated IMFs and combined with the clear IMF for reconstruction to obtain the final denoised signal. Adopting the above principles, the acoustic pressure signals generated by a micro-turbine with different rotation speeds and different states (normal turbine and fractured turbine) are denoised, respectively, and the results are compared with the axial flow fan test (ideal interference-free signal). The results show that the denoising method proposed in this paper has a good denoising effect, and the denoised signal is smooth and the important features are well preserved, which is conducive to the extraction of acoustic pressure signal characteristics.
Multicompartmental Mathematical Model of SARS-CoV-2 Distribution in Human Organs and Their Treatment
Authors: Afonyushkin Vasiliy N. , Akberdin Ilya R. , Kozlova Yulia N. , Schukin Ivan A. , Mironova Tatyana E. , Bobikova Anna S. , Cherepushkina Viktoriya S. , Donchenko Nikolaj A. , Poletaeva Yulia E. , Kolpakov Fedor A.
Published: June 2022

Patients with COVID-19 can develop pneumonia, severe symptoms of acute respiratory distress syndrome, and multiple organ failure. Nevertheless, the variety of forms of this disease requires further research on the pathogenesis of this disease. Based on the analysis of published data and original experiments on the concentrations of SARS-CoV-2 in biological fluids of the nasopharynx, lungs, and intestines and using a developed modular model of the virus distribution in human tissue and organs, an assessment of the SARS-CoV-2 reproduction in various compartments of the body is presented. Most of the viral particles can transport to the esophagus from the nasopharynx. The viral particles entering the gastrointestinal tract will obviously be accompanied by the infection of the intestinal epithelium and accumulation of the virus in the intestinal lumen in an amount proportional to their secretory and protein-synthetic activities. The relatively low concentration of SARS-CoV-2 in tissues implies an essential role of transport processes and redistribution of the virus from the nasopharynx and intestines to the lungs. The model simulations also suppose that sanitation of the nasopharynx mucosa at the initial stage of the infectious process has prospects for the use in medical practice.
Novel Methods for the Global Synchronization of the Complex Dynamical Networks with Fractional-Order Chaotic Nodes
Authors: Zhang Yifan , Li Tianzeng , Zhang Zhiming , Wang Yu
Published: June 2022

The global synchronization of complex networks with fractional-order chaotic nodes is investigated via a simple Lyapunov function and the feedback controller in this paper. Firstly, the GMMP method is proposed to obtain the numerical solution of the fractional-order nonlinear equation based on the relation of the fractional derivatives. Then, the new feedback controllers are proposed to achieve synchronization between the complex networks with the fractional-order chaotic nodes based on feedback control. We propose some new sufficient synchronous criteria based on the Lyapunov stability and a simple Lyapunov function. By the numerical simulations of the complex networks, we find that these synchronous criteria can apply to the arbitrary complex dynamical networks with arbitrary fractional-order chaotic nodes. Numerical simulations of synchronization between two complex dynamical networks with the fractional-order chaotic nodes are given by the GMMP method and the Newton method, and the results of numerical simulation demonstrate that the proposed method is universal and effective.
Binary Aquila Optimizer for Selecting Effective Features from Medical Data: A COVID-19 Case Study
Authors: Nadimi-Shahraki Mohammad H. , Taghian Shokooh , Mirjalili Seyedali , Abualigah Laith
Published: June 2022

Medical technological advancements have led to the creation of various large datasets with numerous attributes. The presence of redundant and irrelevant features in datasets negatively influences algorithms and leads to decreases in the performance of the algorithms. Using effective features in data mining and analyzing tasks such as classification can increase the accuracy of the results and relevant decisions made by decision-makers using them. This increase can become more acute when dealing with challenging, large-scale problems in medical applications. Nature-inspired metaheuristics show superior performance in finding optimal feature subsets in the literature. As a seminal attempt, a wrapper feature selection approach is presented on the basis of the newly proposed Aquila optimizer (AO) in this work. In this regard, the wrapper approach uses AO as a search algorithm in order to discover the most effective feature subset. S-shaped binary Aquila optimizer (SBAO) and V-shaped binary Aquila optimizer (VBAO) are two binary algorithms suggested for feature selection in medical datasets. Binary position vectors are generated utilizing S- and V-shaped transfer functions while the search space stays continuous. The suggested algorithms are compared to six recent binary optimization algorithms on seven benchmark medical datasets. In comparison to the comparative algorithms, the gained results demonstrate that using both proposed BAO variants can improve the classification accuracy on these medical datasets. The proposed algorithm is also tested on the real-dataset COVID-19. The findings testified that SBAO outperforms comparative algorithms regarding the least number of selected features with the highest accuracy.
Agglomeration Regimes of Particles under a Linear Laminar Flow: A Numerical Study
Authors: Qian Yunzhou , Usher Shane P. , Scales Peter J. , Stickland Anthony D. , Alexiadis Alessio
Published: June 2022

In this work, a combined smoothed particle hydrodynamics and discrete element method (SPH-DEM) model was proposed to model particle agglomeration in a shear flow. The fluid was modeled with the SPH method and the solid particles with DEM. The system was governed by three fundamental dimensionless groups: the Reynolds number Re (1.5~150), which measured the effect of the hydrodynamics; the adhesion number Ad (6 × 10−5~6 × 10−3), which measured the inter-particle attraction; and the solid fraction α, which measured the concentration of particles. Based on these three dimensionless groups, several agglomeration regimes were found. Within these regimes, the aggregates could have different sizes and shapes that went from long thread-like structures to compact spheroids. The effect of the particle–particle interaction model was also investigated. The results were combined into ‘agglomeration maps’ that allowed for a quick determination of the agglomerate type once α, Re, Ad were known.
Wave Loss: A Topographic Metric for Image Segmentation
Authors: Kovács Ákos , Al-Afandi Jalal , Botos Csaba , Horváth András
Published: June 2022

The solution of segmentation problems with deep neural networks requires a well-defined loss function for comparison and network training. In most network training approaches, only area-based differences that are of differing pixel matter are considered; the distribution is not. Our brain can compare complex objects with ease and considers both pixel level and topological differences simultaneously and comparison between objects requires a properly defined metric that determines similarity between them considering changes both in shape and values. In past years, topographic aspects were incorporated in loss functions where either boundary pixels or the ratio of the areas were employed in difference calculation. In this paper we will show how the application of a topographic metric, called wave loss, can be applied in neural network training and increase the accuracy of traditional segmentation algorithms. Our method has increased segmentation accuracy by 3% on both the Cityscapes and Ms-Coco datasets, using various network architectures.
Morlet Cross-Wavelet Analysis of Climatic State Variables Expressed as a Function of Latitude, Longitude, and Time: New Light on Extreme Events
Authors: Pinault Jean-Louis
Published: June 2022

This study aims to advance our knowledge in the genesis of extreme climatic events with the dual aim of improving forecasting methods while clarifying the role played by anthropogenic warming. Wavelet analysis is used to highlight the role of coherent Sea Surface Temperature (SST) anomalies produced from short-period oceanic Rossby waves resonantly forced, with two case studies: a Marine Heatwave (MHW) that occurred in the northwestern Pacific with a strong climatic impact in Japan, and an extreme flood event that occurred in Germany. Ocean–atmosphere interactions are evidenced by decomposing state variables into period bands within the cross-wavelet power spectra, namely SST, Sea Surface Height (SSH), and the zonal and meridional modulated geostrophic currents as well as precipitation height, i.e., the thickness of the layer of water produced during a day, with regard to subtropical cyclones. The bands are chosen according to the different harmonic modes of the oceanic Rossby waves. In each period band, the joint analysis of the amplitude and the phase of the state variables allow the estimation of the regionalized intensity of anomalies versus their time lag in relation to the date of occurrence of the extreme event. Regarding MHWs in the northwestern Pacific, it is shown how a warm SST anomaly associated with the northward component of the wind resulting from the low-pression system induces an SST response to latent and sensible heat transfer where the latitudinal SST gradient is steep. The SST anomaly is then shifted to the north as the phase becomes homogenized. As for subtropical cyclones, extreme events are the culmination of exceptional circumstances, some of which are foreseeable due to their relatively long maturation time. This is particularly the case of ocean–atmosphere interactions leading to the homogenization of the phase of SST anomalies that can potentially contribute to the supply of low-pressure systems. The same goes for the coalescence of distinct low-pressure systems during cyclogenesis. Some avenues are developed with the aim of better understanding how anthropogenic warming can modify certain key mechanisms in the evolution of those dynamic systems leading to extreme events.
Investigation of the Interface between Laser-Melted CoCr and a Stainless Steel Substrate
Authors: Cosma Cosmin , Teusan Christina , Gogola Peter , Simion Mihaela , Gabalcova Zuzana , Trif Adrian , Berce Petru , Balc Nicolae
Published: June 2022

Recent advances in laser technologies offer significant flexibility in the additive manufacturing domain. Extensive work was focused on material processing using laser-directed energy deposition for repairing parts. This pilot study investigated the use of selective laser melting (SLM) for depositing a superior material such as CoCr on an existing stainless steel base. The interface between these dissimilar materials was analyzed. During fabrication, both metals were gradually mixed in the liquid state as the first CoCr powder layer was melded on the steel base without obvious defects. According to SEM and EDAX, the heat-affected zone has a limited depth (<20 µm). XRD patterns recorded across the CoCr–304 interface show a homogenous mixture of γ(Fe) and α(Co) solid solutions. The microporosity calculated by CT was under 0.5%. Microhardness was measured at and near the interface region, showing that the intermixing zone has high hardness (470–480 HV1), which may be related to the fine-grained microstructure. Mechanical testing reveals that the adhesion strength at rupture is 35% higher compared with the ultimate tensile strength of 304 steel. This adhesion strength can be attributed to the complete melting of CoCr particles after laser irradiation and to the reduced thickness of the HAZ and the IZ.
Inhibitory Effect of Commercial Inhibitor VCI 379/611 on the Corrosion Behaviour of HTCS-130 Tool Steel for Hot Work
Authors: Brajčinović Sandra , Begić Hadžipašić Anita , Medved Jožef
Published: June 2022

This paper presents the results of a study of the influence of water and the commercial inhibitor VCI 379/611 on the corrosion behaviour of HTCS-130 hot work tool steel. Using the thermodynamic program Thermo-Calc, phase equilibria were determined according to the choice of calculation conditions and the known chemical composition of tool steels. From the obtained projections, it is possible to observe the secretion of individual phases at certain temperatures. To obtain insight into the corrosion resistance of steel, the following electrochemical methods were used: open circuit potential measurement; electrochemical impedance spectroscopy; and Tafel extrapolation. Metallographic tests were performed on a sample previously etched in nital to identify the microstructure of the steel. Using an optical microscope, the sample surface was analysed after each measurement. Images of the sample surface subjected to water without inhibitors indicate the occurrence of pitting corrosion. The presence of tungsten and molybdenum carbides was identified by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersion spectroscopy. It was found that the corrosion process is more pronounced in the area of the metal base while in the areas of excreted carbides, weaker corrosion activity was observed.
Strength Properties of the Heat-Resistant Inconel 718 Superalloy Additively Manufactured by Direct Laser Deposition Method under Shock Compression
Authors: Savinykh Andrey S. , Garkushin Gennady V. , Razorenov Sergey V. , Atroshenko Svetlana A. , Klimova-Korsmik Olga G. , Kislov Nikita G.
Published: June 2022

By recording and analyzing complete wave profiles using the VISAR laser interferometer, measurements of the Hugoniot elastic limit and critical fracture stresses were carried out under the spalling conditions of the heat-resistant Inconel 718 alloy, additively manufactured by direct laser deposition, at shockwave loading up to ~6.5 GPa using a light-gas gun. For comparison, similar experiments were performed with the Inconel 718 alloy made by the traditional method of vacuum induction melting. The process of the delay of an elastic compression wave during its propagation through the sample and the dependence of the spall strength on the strain before fracture in the range 105–106 s−1 were investigated. To identify the anisotropy of the strength properties of the material under study, two series of experiments were carried out on loading additively manufactured samples along and perpendicular to the direction of the deposition. The measurements performed showed that the additively manufactured Inconel 718 alloy demonstrates weak anisotropy of strength properties for both the initial and thermal-treated samples. The thermal treatment leads to a noticeable increase in the Hugoniot elastic limit and the spall strength of the samples at low strain rates. For all types of samples, there is an increase in the spall strength with an increase in the strain rate. The spall strength measured for the cast alloy practically coincides with the strength of the as-received additive alloy and is noticeably lower than the strength of the thermal-treated additive alloy over the entire range of the strain rates. The process of the decay of the elastic precursor in the cast alloy occurs much faster than in the additive one, and the minimum values of the Hugoniot elastic limit are measured for thick samples in the cast alloy.
Review on the Art of Roof Contacting in Cemented Waste Backfill Technology in a Metal Mine
Authors: Chen Fengbin , Liu Jiguang , Zhang Xiaowei , Wang Jinxing , Jiao Huazhe , Yu Jianxin
Published: June 2022

The backfilling mining method can effectively solve the environmental and safety problems caused by mining. It is the key technology to realize green mining. Scientific development has accelerated the pace of research on the rational utilization of mine solid waste and improved the research level of backfilling technology. The development history of the backfilling mining method is introduced in the present paper, and it is determined that roof-contacting backfilling is the key technology of mine-solid-waste backfilling mining. This paper introduces three calculation methods of similar roof-contacted backfilling rates. In this paper, the relationship between the characteristics of backfilling slurry made from solid waste from mines and the roof-contacted backfilling rate is systematically analyzed, such as the flow law in stope (gravity gradient), bleeding shrinkage, and natural sedimentation of backfilling slurry. It is pointed out that the characteristics of the stope, such as washing-pipe water, water for the leading way, filling pipeline, and shape of the backfilling stope, are closely related to the roof-contacted backfilling rate. The influential relationship between objective factors, such as human factors, limited auxiliary leveling measures, and backfilling “one-time operation” in the backfilling process, and high-efficiency top filling are considered, and a schematic diagram of the influencing top-filling rate and structure is drawn. At the same time, this paper summarizes the improvement measures of roof connection from three aspects. These include the use of expansive non-shrinkable materials, forced roof-contacted technology, and strengthening management level. It is pointed out that the roof-contacted filling technology is still facing severe challenges, and the research on the backfilling connection technology needs to be strengthened.
The GABAergic System and Endocannabinoids in Epilepsy and Seizures: What Can We Expect from Plant Oils?
Authors: de Oliveira Fábio Rodrigues , da Silva Nágila Monteiro , Hamoy Moisés , Crespo-López Maria Elena , Ferreira Irlon Maciel , da Silva Edilene Oliveira , de Matos Macchi Barbarella , do Nascimento José Luiz Martins
Published: June 2022

Seizures and epilepsy are some of the most common serious neurological disorders, with approximately 80% of patients living in developing/underdeveloped countries. However, about one in three patients do not respond to currently available pharmacological treatments, indicating the need for research into new anticonvulsant drugs (ACDs). The GABAergic system is the main inhibitory system of the brain and has a central role in seizures and the screening of new ACD candidates. It has been demonstrated that the action of agents on endocannabinoid receptors modulates the balance between excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters; however, studies on the anticonvulsant properties of endocannabinoids from plant oils are relatively scarce. The Amazon region is an important source of plant oils that can be used for the synthesis of new fatty acid amides, which are compounds analogous to endocannabinoids. The synthesis of such compounds represents an important approach for the development of new anticonvulsant therapies.
Biocementation of Pyrite Tailings Using Microbially Induced Calcite Carbonate Precipitation
Authors: Kang Bo , Zha Fusheng , Deng Weihao , Wang Runkai , Sun Xianguo , Lu Zhitang
Published: June 2022

Tailing sand contains a large number of heavy metals and sulfides that are prone to forming acid mine drainage (AMD), which pollutes the surrounding surface environment and groundwater resources and damages the ecological environment. Microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) technology can biocement heavy metals and sulfides in tailing sand and prevent pollution via source control. In this study, through an unconfined compressive strength test, permeability test, and toxic leaching test (TCLP), the curing effect of MICP was investigated in the laboratory and the effect of grouting rounds on curing was also analyzed. In addition, the curing mechanism of MICP was studied by means of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The experimental results showed that MICP could induce calcium carbonate precipitation through relatively complex biochemical and physicochemical reactions to achieve the immobilization of heavy metals and sulfides and significantly reduce the impact of tailing sand on the surrounding environment.
Biochemometry-Based Discovery of Phenylpropanoids from Azadirachta indica Fruits as Inhibitors of In Vitro Osteoclast Formation
Authors: Tahir Ammar , Kampleitner Carina , Wirglauer Theresa , Grienke Ulrike , Hoffmann Oskar , Rollinger Judith M.
Published: June 2022

(1) Background: Inhibition of osteoclast differentiation is the key approach in treating osteoporosis. However, using state-of-the-art treatments such as bisphosphonates and estrogen-based therapy is usually accompanied by many side effects. As opposed to this, the use of natural products as an osteoporotic remedy delivers promising outcomes with minimal side effects. (2) Methods: In the present study, we implemented a biochemometric workflow comprising (i) chemometric approaches using NMR and mass spectrometry and (ii) cell biological approaches using an osteoclast cytochemical marker (TRAP). The workflow serves as a screening tool to pursue potential in vitro osteoclast inhibitors. (3) Results: The workflow allowed for the selective isolation of two phenylpropanoids (coniferyl alcohol and sinapyl alcohol) from the fruits of neem tree (Azadirachta indica). These two isolated phenylpropanoids showed a very promising dose-dependent inhibition of osteoclast differentiation with negligible effects in terms of cell viability. (4) Conclusion: The presented workflow is an effective tool in the discovery of potential candidates for osteoclast inhibition from complex extracts. The used biochemometric approach saves time, effort and costs while delivering precise hints to selectively isolate bioactive constituents.
Novel Thiadiazole-Based Molecules as Promising Inhibitors of Black Fungi and Pathogenic Bacteria: In Vitro Antimicrobial Evaluation and Molecular Docking Studies
Authors: Rashdan Huda R. M. , Abdelrahman Mohamad T. , Shehadi Ihsan A. , El-Tanany Sara S. , Hemdan Bahaa A.
Published: June 2022

Novel 1,3,4-thiadiazole derivatives were synthesized through the reaction of methyl 2-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylidene) hydrazine-1-carbodithioate and the appropriate hydrazonoyl halides in the presence of a few drops of diisopropylethylamine. The chemical structure of the newly fabricated compounds was inferred from their microanalytical and spectral data. With the increase in microbial diseases, fungi remain a devastating threat to human health because of the resistance of microorganisms to antifungal drugs. COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) and COVID-19-associated mucormycosis (CAM) have higher mortality rates in many populations. The present study aimed to find new antifungal agents using the disc diffusion method, and minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were estimated by the microdilution assay. An in vitro experiment of six synthesized chemical compounds exhibited antifungal activity against Rhizopus oryzae; compounds with an imidazole moiety, such as the compound 7, were documented to have energetic antibacterial, antifungal properties. As a result of these findings, this research suggests that the synthesized compounds could be an excellent choice for controlling black fungus diseases. Furthermore, a molecular docking study was achieved on the synthesized compounds, of which compounds 2, 6, and 7 showed the best interactions with the selected protein targets.
Promising Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Potencies of Chemically-Profiled Extract from Withania aristata (Aiton) Pauquy against Clinically-Pathogenic Microbial Strains
Authors: Alzahrani Alhusain J.
Published: June 2022

Withania aristata (Aiton) Pauquy, a medicinal plant endemic to North African Sahara, is widely employed in traditional herbal pharmacotherapy. In the present study, the chemical composition, antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal potencies of extract from the roots of Withania aristata (Aiton) Pauquy (RWA) against drug-resistant microbes were investigated. Briefly, RWA was obtained by maceration with hydro-ethanol and its compounds were identified by use of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The antioxidant activity of RWA was determined by use of ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). The evaluation of the antimicrobial potential of RWA was performed against drug-resistant pathogenic microbial strains of clinical importance by use of the disc diffusion agar and microdilution assays. Seven compounds were identified in RWA according to HPLC analysis, including cichoric acid, caffeic acid, apigenin, epicatechin, luteolin, quercetin, and p-catechic acid. RWA had excellent antioxidant potency with calculated values of 14.0 ± 0.8 µg/mL (DPPH), 0.37 ± 0.08 mg/mL (FRAP), 760 ± 10 mg AAE/g (TAC), and 81.4% (β-carotene). RWA demonstrated good antibacterial potential against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, with inhibition zone diameters ranging from 15.24 ± 1.31 to 19.51 ± 0.74 mm, while all antibiotics used as drug references were infective, except for Oxacillin against S. aureus. Results of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assay against bacteria showed that RWA had MIC values ranging from 2.13 to 4.83 mg/mL compared to drug references, which had values ranging from 0.031 ± 0.003 to 0.064 ± 0.009 mg/mL. Similarly, respectable antifungal potency was recorded against the fungal strains with inhibition zone diameters ranging from 25.65 ± 1.14 to 29.00 ± 1.51 mm compared to Fluconazole, used as a drug reference, which had values ranging from 31.69 ± 1.92 to 37.74 ± 1.34 mg/mL. Results of MIC assays against fungi showed that RWA had MIC values ranging from 2.84 ± 0.61 to 5.71 ± 0.54 mg/mL compared to drug references, which had values ranging from 2.52 ± 0.03 to 3.21 ± 0.04 mg/mL. According to these outcomes, RWA is considered a promising source of chemical compounds with potent biological properties that can be beneficial as natural antioxidants and formulate a valuable weapon in the fight against a broad spectrum of pathogenic microbes.