bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Applying game theory for improving security in the process industries
Authors: Zhang Laobing , Reniers Genserik
Published: November 2023

Why should game theory be introduced and used in the chemical security practitioners? Security risks are initiated by deliberate behaviours for certain goals. For instance, thieves intentionally intrude a plant for stealing valuable materials, or terrorists maliciously set a fire on a chemical facility to cause societal fear. Initiators of security events (henceforth, attackers) would intelligently observe the defender’s defence plan and then schedule their attack accordingly. Powell (2007) illustrated how resources can be mis-allocated if intelligent interactions between the defender and the attacker are not considered. Game theory was invented in the economic domain for modelling both the cooperative and competitive behaviours in a multiple actors system. In the last 100 years, game theory has been theoretically improved and practically applied to various domains, such as the evolutionary biology, the nuclear balance, computer science etc. These researches have demonstrated the capability of game theory in modelling intelligent interactions. Industrial managers need quantitative recommendations to support their decision making. Conventional security risk assessment methodologies (e.g., the API SRA framework (API, 2013)), being good at studying security systematically, are not able to provide quantitative insights. Moreover, results of these conventional methodologies are not repeatable which means that applying the same methodology to the same plant, different analysts may come to different conclusions. Some quantitative security risk assessment models, for instance, by employing a Bayesian Network framework (e.g., Argenti et al. (2018); Landucci et al. (2017); Fakhravar et al. (2017)), can provide quantitative and repeatable results as well. Nevertheless, these models fail on modelling the intelligent interactions between the defender and the attacker. Game theory, conversely, has a rigorous mathematical foundation and models the intelligent interactions. A game theoretic model explicitly indicates 1) who is involved in the game; 2) what actions can each participant take; 3) what results (numbers) will each participant obtain, for each participants’ strategy combination; 4) how much information that each participant has about the game. Furthermore, outputs of a game theoretic model (i.e., equilibrium) clearly and quantitatively indicates what should the participants do (i.e., the equilibrium strategy) and what will each participant obtain (i.e., the equilibrium payoff). A critical issue is that industrial managers often prefer a qualitative approach and they have difficulties on understanding (the physical meaning of) the quantitative outputs of a game theoretical model. This issue can be addressed by requiring game developers to do a further step work by also translating/mapping their quantitative outputs to qualitative descriptions, and the latter should be expressed in terminologies that industrial practitioners are familiar with. Figure 1 illustrates the idea.
SAFETY AND SECURITY: WHAT ARE THE PARALLELS, AND WHY RESEARCH IS NEEDED?
Authors: Pasman Hans
Published: November 2023

there is no abstract, this is an opinion paper
DESIGN AND ANALYSIS OF A 3D PRINTED RC AIRCRAFT
Authors:   “Transilvania” University of Braşov, Romania, SUCIU Paul-Sebastian , ZAHARIA Sebastian-Marian ,   “Transilvania” University of Braşov, Romania
Published: November 2023

3D printing of radio-controlled aircraft brings a major advantage, especially for prototype aircraft, as it can provide performance information in the shortest time and at the lowest cost. In this study, a model of a radio-controlled aircraft with high wing and tricycle landing gear was designed, aerodynamically analysed, simulated in FEA and manufactured by 3D printing. The aerodynamic performance showed a lift coefficient of 1.15 at a drag coefficient value of 0.10. From the FEA simulation, the wing structure was proven to withstand the stresses arising during the flight of the radio-controlled aircraft. It also demonstrated the feasibility of 3D printing in the case of radio-controlled aircraft prototypes, ready for the first flight tests.
ANALYSIS OF INTERIOR NOISE IN SPECIAL PURPOSE VEHICLES
Authors:   “George Emil Palade” University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Târgu Mureș, Romania, CĂȘERIU Bianca , BLAGA Petruța ,   “George Emil Palade” University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Târgu Mureș, Romania
Published: November 2023

As vehicles have evolved from simple to complex machines with specific configurations depending on their main role, the issue of interior noise has become a topic of interest. The present paper presents a model of experimental acoustic determinations made based on standardized acoustic emission factors for a vehicle in the N2G category, taking into account the volume of the vehicle, its speed, road configuration, and the distance from the receiver. Thus, significant conclusions are reached regarding the level of acoustic emissions in the vehicle cabin. Cumulative preliminary estimates were also made for the level of interior noise in the special purpose vehicle, monitored while stationary and in motion, in order to obtain an initial picture of the cumulative impact of noise and vibrations generated by acoustic sources originating from the operation of the vehicle. Noise tests were performed under realistic operating conditions during the intensive testing period.
Banding nitrogen fertilisers and the implications for enhanced efficiency fertiliser technology
Authors:   The University of Queensland, Australia, Janke Chelsea K. , Martinez Cristina ,   The University of Queensland, Australia,   The Grains Research and Development Corporation, Australia, Dang Yash ,   The University of Queensland, Australia, Bell Michael J. ,   The University of Queensland, Australia
Published: November 2023

Fertiliser placement and type are key factors which regulate on-farm nitrogen (N) use efficiency. However, the interaction of these two management strategies is often overlooked. Efficacy assessments of enhanced efficiency fertilisers (EEFs) must consider the mode of application to not misinterpret outcomes and potentially limit EEF adoption. While the efficacy of broadcast and incorporated EEF applications is well established, recent studies have highlighted the impacts of sub-surface banding on the EEF mode of action. This chapter focuses on the impact of banded fertiliser application and the necessary considerations for effective utilisation of EEFs, including controlled release and chemically stabilised fertilisers. Key reactions within urea-based fertiliser bands are summarised to provide context for subsequent sections which discuss the impact of banding and key influencing factors on the differing EEF technologies. A case study summarises the state of the art on EEF banding, with key knowledge gaps and future trends also provided.
Synthesis and study of the same hydrazincarbothioamides as privilege pharmacophores in pharmacology
Authors: Ungur Nicon , Gulea Aurelian , Erhan Tatiana
Published: November 2023

Hydrazinecarbothioamides represent a privileged class of pharmacophores in pharmacology, thanks to an impressive number of derivatives that exhibit outstanding antimicrobial, anticancer and antifungal properties [1]. The presence of electron donor atoms such as N(nitrogen) and S(sulfur) substantially widen the spectrum of use. In the framework of theoretical studies on the structure of biologically active compounds with valuable properties were highlighted following common structural elements such as substitution of a hydrogen atom from the nitrogen atom (N) with the benzene ring, the introduction of electron-donating substituents, the presence of the atom of sulfur and condensation with carbonyl compounds from the pyridine series but also with benzaldehyde derivatives [2]. At the initial stage called "ab initio", all compounds selected for synthesis were evaluated by the computational method of correspondence to Lipinski's rule [3]. Results suggest that the evaluated compounds fall within the theoretical parameters. A simulation of their interaction with an anticancer biological target such as RR (ribonucleotide reductase, the protein responsible for the synthesis of cellular DNA) was performed. Hydrazinecarbothioamides condensed with carbonyl compounds were highlighted as having a powerful anticancer potential due to their substantially lower binding energy than of free hydrazinecarbothioamides. A new series of N-(methylphenyl)hydrazinecarbothioamides were obtained starting from corresponding methylanilines. These compounds were subsequently condensed with aromatic carbonyl compounds and heterocyclics. The research of the anticancer properties was carried out in vitro, on a series of cancer cell lines: cervical adenocarcinoma (HeLa), human pancreatic adenocarcinoma (BxPC-3), muscle tissue myosarcoma (RD) and human leukemia (HL-60). The toxicity of the compounds was evaluated on the normal renal epithelial cell line (MDCK). The results of the in vitro evaluation of anticancer properties revealed that N-(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-2-(2-hydroxybenzylidene)-hydrazinecarbothioamide inhibits the proliferation of HL-60 cancer cells in proportion of 90-98%, at both concentrations of 10 μM and 0.1 μM. This compound exhibits a higher activity than DOX (doxorubicin), drug used in cancer chemotherapy.
The opening of dehydropregnenolone epoxide leading to the non-saturated skeletal rearrangement product
Authors: Bilan Dmitri , Cojocari Sergiu , Pogrebnoi Vsevolod , Sucman Natalia , Macaev Fliur
Published: November 2023

This report presents a compound that emerges as a product of the skeletal rearrangement following the opening of dehydropregnenolone epoxide (Figure 1). The opening of the epoxy cycle in dehydropregnenolone epoxide 1 in the presence of hydrochloric acid leads to the formation of two chromatographically inseparable diastereomers 2 and 3 (Figure 1).Figure 1. Scheme of the formation of diastereomers 2 and 3 In the literature, there is an example of the epoxide opening in absolute methanol. Thus, according to Girdhar et al [1], the reaction of compound 1 with dry HCl in dry MeOH at low temperatures resulted in the formation of a major product, which was isolated and characterized as 21-chloro-3b-hydroxy-pregn-5,16-dien20-one (4, > 85%), along with a dimeric product that could not be characterized (Figure 2).Figure 2. The epoxide ring opening of 1 with dry HCl in dry MeOH We also conducted a similar synthesis and isolated a byproduct. The structure of compound 5 was assigned based on detailed spectroscopic analysis (1H, 13C, DEPT, HMBC, HSQC, COSY NMR, IR, and mass). It was shown that the formed product is not a dimer but rather a hardly separable mixture of diastereomers formed as a result of skeletal rearrangement. The presupposed structure was proved by X-ray analysis. It has been attained conditions under which compound 5 becomes the main product of the reaction, up to 45%.
Quinoline - sulfonamide - complexes with antimicrobial activity
Authors: Mangalagiu Violeta , Diaconu Dumitrela , Mangalagiu Ionel
Published: November 2023

Quinoline-sulfonamide-complexes with variously metals, especially M2+, are a relatively new class of compounds with potential practical interest as fluorescent materials (having fotoluminiscent properties) and also as drugs (having a large variety of biological activities such as antibacterial, antifungal, antiprotozoals, etc.). The emphasis of this work was to obtain hybrid quinoline – sulfonamide - complexes with antimicrobial activity. The synthesis of the hybrid derivatives is direct and efficient, in two steps: acylation of variously amino-quinoline followed by metal complexation with different metals M2+ (Zn2+, Cu2+, Co2+, Cd2+, Ni2+, Pd2+). Following this experimental setup several series of synthetic hybrid quinoline – sulfonamide - complexes was obtained. The hybrid complexes were characterized by IR and NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis and X-ray diffraction on single crystal. The antibacterial and antifungal activity was determined against gram positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus ATCC25923, gram negative bacteria Escherichia coli ATCC25922 and fungus Candida albicans ATCC10231. The obtained data from the antimicrobial assay reveal that some of the obtained hybrids have a very good antimicrobial and antifungal activity.
THE REPLACEMENT OF FLOUR-BASED FEED WITH PELLETS REDUCES DUSTINESS AND IMPROVES TENEBRIO MOLITOR BREEDERS’ SAFETY
Authors: BRAI ANNALAURA , TARCHI FRANCA , PASQUALINI CLAUDIA , POGGIALINI FEDERICA , VAGAGGINI CHIARA , FROSININI RICCARDO , SIMONI SAURO , FRANCARDI VALERIA , DREASSI ELENA
Published: November 2023

Tenebrio molitor larvae (TML) are a novel food, recently approved for human consumption in Europe. Their high content of proteins and polyunsaturated fatty acids make them a healthy source of nutrients, with potential applications in cardiovascular disease prevention. Flour-based diets are the most common feed, due to their affordability in mass-rearing conditions. Nevertheless, flour inhalation can sensitize people to asthma, increasing the risk of developing respiratory allergy among professional and domestic TML breeders. Herein, with the purpose to reduce allergens, we substituted flour-based feed with commercial pellets for young rabbit breeding. The pellets reduced the dustiness during filtration, improving safety during handling operations. Our results demonstrate that pellets can be used to breed TML without affecting their mortality or development. Interestingly, TML ameliorate growth performances increasing mean weight, total phenol content and antioxidant activity respect to the flour-based diet used as a control. Finally, fat content was comparable with the control group, but n6/n3 ratio was significantly reduced. Taken together our results strongly support the substitution of flour-based feed with commercial pellets. Key Words: Tenebrio molitor; novel foods; edible insects; allergy; pellets.
The communicative aspect of the linguocognitive approach to foreign language teaching
Authors: Motov Sergei V.
Published: November 2023

Importance. The modern state of foreign language teaching methods evokes the issue of optimizing and transforming such teaching in accordance with the requirements of the time, the changing society and new scientific paradigms, especially those affecting the issues of cognitive and communicative human activity. Under these conditions, advances and the results of modern areas of cognitive linguistics as well as the wide range of closely related cognitive sciences gain significant importance, demonstrating potential for their integration into the educational process. The purpose of the research is to isolate the communication and communicative activity interpretation key features from the cognitive sciences’ standpoint and their inclusion in the structure of communicative foreign language teaching through the linguocognitive approach perspective. Materials and Methods. The materials of the research include the scientific works of domestic and foreign researchers-cognitologists and specialists in the field of foreign language teaching methods. The research methods involve the analysis of scientific literature on the research problem, synthesis, generalization, systematization and classification. Results and Discussion. The current views on communication as part of teaching foreign languages are affected by a number of trends in cognitive linguistics and cognitive sciences in general, relevant for modern communicative foreign language education are studied. The research singles out the main components of communication from the standpoint of the cognitive sciences as well as identifies significant factors that determine effective communicative interaction in social and educational contexts. The key provisions of the linguocognitive approach to foreign language teaching are formulated, reflecting the essential side of communication in the target language within the framework of the lesson and situations of real communicative interaction. The research specifically focuses on the importance of taking into account the technological side of communication in modern society and educational environment. Conclusion. Communication as a meaningful interaction phenomenon in a foreign language class remains a foreign language education’s key element. Changes in the communicative interaction’s essence and content understanding under the cognitive sciences and the modern society digital transformation developments’ influence predetermine the significance of the linguocognitive approach as a promising approach to foreign language teaching in the modern educational context.
Abolition of feudal-dependent relations in the East Caucasus
Authors: Salikhova Leila B.
Published: November 2023

Importance. The study of the processes that took place on the Russian Empire outskirts, contributes to their further consideration and comparison with similar processes that took place in the center, as a Russian history comprehensive research is connected with the history of its different regions. Dependent estates types in the East Caucasus and their liberation from feudal dependence in the second half of the 19th century are considered. The importance of the research is determined by the importance of substantiating the peasant reform process, its connection with the various factors that pushed for the implementation of the reform in the territory. The purpose of the research is to identify the negative and positive aspects that influenced the fate of the East Caucasus peoples and the region development in connection with the reform.
Materials and Methods. The object of the research is different types of dependent class in the East Caucasus. The methods of description, synthesis, objectivity principle, historical-comparative method, etc. are used when considering the topic of the research. Archival materials and published sources are involved.
Results and Discussion. The categories of dependent people in Chechnya, Ingushetia and Daghestan are categorized, and their rights also described. It is noted that the work on the liberation of dependent estates in the Caucasus began in 1866, while the serfdom issue in the Terek region was completed by the end of 1867 and in the Daghestan region – in 1868.
Conclusion. The peasant reform carried out by the Russian authorities in the East Caucasus was half-hearted and partial. Having granted freedom to some categories of dependent estates, which was positive in the reform, it did not solve the land issue. In addition, in the Daghestan region peasants dependent on beks received freedom only in 1913.
Causes of Central-Eastern European and Baltic Countries Citizens Emigration to Great Britain (1990–2004)
Authors: Bobeshko Artem V.
Published: November 2023

Importance. In recent years, historiography, mass media, and representatives of the political elite show a growing interest in the causes of Brexit, which led to Britain’s withdrawal from the European Union. In this context, research into the Central-Eastern European and Baltic Countries Citizens Emigration to Great Britain, which contributed to the growth of anti-emigrant sentiment in the United Kingdom, is of particular importance. An important place in the study of emigration problems is occupied by analyzing the reasons for emigration and its perception by citizens of the region countries
Research Methods. The historical and genetic method is used, which allowed to consider emigration in dynamics, reveal its causes, the main characteristics of migration flows and the perception of this process by different social groups.
Results and Discussion. The socialist system collapse in Central-Eastern Europe and the Baltic States required the new governments to destroy the planned socialist economy and create new national economy organization principles. Its liberalization and integration into the world economy led at first to a decline in Gross Domestic Product, inflation, structural changes in the labor market and an increase in unemployment, especially in the difficult situation of young people. The gap in the level and quality of life between the Western Europe and Central-Eastern Europe and the Baltic states made the Eastern Europeans departure to the Great Britain attractive. Most potential emigrants according to sociological surveys and analytical research, including the commission of
K. Dastman considered short-term emigration as a behavioral strategy.
Conclusions. Difficulties in the Central-Eastern Europe and the Baltic States transition to a market economy result to an increase in migration attitudes among citizens. The main reason for emigration from Central-Eastern Europe and the Baltic states to Great Britain, as well as to other Western European countries, is economic reasons; the political factor did not play a significant role in all region countries.
Posttranslational Acylations of the Rat Brain Transketolase Discriminate the Enzyme Responses to Inhibitors of ThDP-Dependent Enzymes or Thiamine Transport
Authors: Aleshin Vasily A. , Kaehne Thilo , Maslova Maria V. , Graf Anastasia V. , Bunik Victoria I.
Published: November 2023

Transketolase (TKT) is an essential thiamine diphosphate (ThDP)-dependent enzyme of the non-oxidative branch of pentose phosphate pathway, with the glucose-6P flux through the pathway regulated in various medically important conditions. Here, we characterize the brain TKT regulation by acylation in rats with perturbed thiamine-dependent metabolism, known to occur in neurodegenerative diseases. The perturbations are modelled by administration of oxythiamine inhibiting ThDP-dependent enzymes in vivo, or by reduced thiamine availability in the presence of metformin and amprolium, inhibiting intracellular thiamine transporters. Compared to control rats, chronic administration of oxythiamine does not significantly change the modification level of the two detected TKT acetylation sites (K6 and K102), but doubles malonylation of TKT K499, concomitantly decreasing 1.7-fold the level of demalonylase sirtuin 5. The inhibitors of thiamine transporters do not change average levels of TKT acylation or sirtuin 5. TKT structures indicate that the acylated residues are distant from the active sites. The acylations-perturbed electrostatic interactions may be involved in conformational shifts and/or formation of TKT complexes with other proteins or nucleic acids. Acetylation of K102 may affect the active site entrance/exit and subunit interactions. Correlation analysis reveals that the action of oxythiamine is characterized by significant negative correlations of K499 malonylation or K6 acetylation with TKT activity, not observed upon the action of the inhibitors of thiamine transport. However, the transport inhibitors induce significant negative correlations between the TKT activity and K102 acetylation or TKT expression, absent in the oxythiamine group. Thus, perturbations in the ThDP-dependent catalysis or thiamine transport manifest in the insult-specific patterns of the brain TKT malonylation and acetylations.
Mitigating Scar Tissue Formation in Tendon Injuries: Targeting HMGB1, AMPK Activation, and Myofibroblast Migration All at Once
Authors: Zhang Jianying , Brown Roshawn , Hogan MaCalus Vinson , Wang James H-C
Published: November 2023

Tendon injuries, while prevalent, present a significant challenge in fully restoring their structural and functional integrity. Utilizing alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA)-Ai9-scleraxis (Scx)-green fluorescent protein (GFP) transgenic mice, which exhibit both Scx (a tendon cell marker) and α-SMA (a myofibroblast marker), we explored Met's effects on tendon healing and repair and its mechanisms of action. Our findings revealed that intraperitoneal (IP) injections of Met -administered before or after injury, as well as both - effectively prevent the release of HMGB1 into the tendon matrix and reduce circulating levels of HMGB1. Additionally, Met treatment increased and activated AMPK and suppressed TGF-β1 levels within the healing tendon. These interventions also improved tendon healing by blocking the migration of α-SMA+ myofibroblasts, reducing the prevalence of disorganized collagen fibers and collagen type III, and enhancing the presence of collagen type I. These outcomes highlight Met's anti-fibrotic properties on acutely injured tendons and suggest its potential for repurposing as a therapeutic agent to minimize scar tissue formation in tendon injuries, which could have profound implications in clinical practice.
Fibromyalgia as a Transparent Disease
Authors: Cohen-biton Liraz , Buskila Dan , Nissanholtz Gannot Rachel
Published: November 2023

Background: Fibromyalgia patients suffer from widespread chronic pain throughout the musculoskeletal system. There are no apparent clinical visible symptoms, and the syndrome lacks a clear medical explanation. Female fibromyalgia patients often feel they suffer from a transparent disease which is not acknowledged as an illness by their social circle. Hence, they are often exposed to skeptics and critics. One of the challenges fibromyalgia patients faces is to convince their surroundings that they are in pain and accept the presence of the invisible disease and the chronic pain in their lives. A multidisciplinary Fibrotherapy treatment model, implemented at the Ezra Le'Marpeh Rehabilitation Center, supports female fibromyalgia patients through a holistic mind-body approach, delivered in three 10-week cycles totaling 30 weeks of treatment. The research aims to understand the experiences of female fibromyalgia patients who perceive themselves as suffering from an invisible disease and the personal and familial aspects of transitioning from lack of acceptance to coping with reality and adaptation.
Methods: We interviewed 16 female fibromyalgia patients in Israel and qualitatively analyzed the data using the Grounded Theory approach.
Results: Following participation in the program, the fibromyalgia patients accepted the presence of the disease in their lives and changed their attitude toward the disease and its consequences.
Conclusions: As fibromyalgia symptoms are invisible and can suddenly burst into their lives without warning, female fibromyalgia patients often face skepticism from their social circle and have self-doubt. Therefore, participating in holistic intervention programs may improve how they accept the disease and come to terms with its existence by taking a proactive coping approach.
Internal Tree Trunk Decay Detection Using Close Range Remote Sensing Data and the PointNet Deep Learning Method
Authors: Hrdina Marek , Surový Peter
Published: November 2023

The health and stability of trees are essential information for the safety of people and property in urban greenery, parks or along roads. The stability of the trees is linked to root stability but essentially also to trunk decay. Currently used internal tree stem decay assessment methods, such as tomography or penetrometry, are reliable but usually time-consuming and unsuitable for large-scale surveys. Therefore, a new method based on close-range remote sensed data, specifically close-range photogrammetry and iPhone LiDAR, was tested to detect decayed standing tree trunks automatically. The proposed study used the PointNet deep learning algorithm for 3D data classification. It was verified in three different datasets consisting of pure coniferous trees, pure deciduous trees or mixed data to eliminate the influence of the detectable symptoms for each group and species itself. The mean achieved validation accuracies of the models were 65.5 % for Coniferous trees, 58.4 % for Deciduous trees and 57.7 % for Mixed data classification. The accuracies indicate promising data, which can be either used by practitioners for preliminary surveys or for other researchers to acquire more input data and create more robust classification models.
The Twelve Components. A Guide for the Government’s Role in Sustainable Food Chains
Authors: Rodriguez-Moreno Victor M. , Ruíz-Corral José Ariel
Published: November 2023

The manuscript delves into the intricacies of food production chains, offering a comprehensive breakdown of their components. Moreover, it sheds light on the initiatives orchestrated by government agencies to endorse sustainable practices and fortify areas of opportunity for producer organizations. While the context paints a broad picture, we contend that, to the best of our knowledge, there exists no comparable publication that succinctly encapsulates the role of government in bolstering food production chains. The document unfolds with a detailed exploration of the interaction mechanisms among the various components of the chain. Subsequently, it introduces a set of twelve elements meticulously outlining the multifaceted role of the government. Each element undergoes thorough scrutiny, fostering a nuanced understanding of the intricate relationship between the food production chain and the government's pivotal role in enhancing stability and efficiency. In conclusion, the manuscript not only lays bare the structural elements of food production chains but also presents a unique and in-depth analysis of the government's role, encapsulated within the framework of twelve essential elements.
Research on High Performance Driving System of High Power Semiconductor Laser
Authors: BIN FENG , ZHAO JunFeng , Zhang HaoFei , Li Tao , Ml JianJu
Published: November 2023

Abstract: High power semiconductor laser is a kind of photoelectric device with high efficiency and high stability, the performance of its drive system directly affects its output characteristics and service life. In order to solve the problems of stability and robustness of the output power of semiconductor laser, a semiconductor laser driving power supply with high efficiency, low ripple and strong anti-interference ability was developed. The power supply adopts full-bridge LCC resonant power topology. Firstly, a mathematical model is established to analyze the relationship between LCC resonator parameters and output current gain. Secondly, a LCC resonator parameter design method is proposed to reduce the current stress of components, and the variable frequency phase shift (PFM-PWM) composite control strategy and linear active disturbance rejection control (LADRC) algorithm are proposed, which not only ensures the zero voltage (ZVS) conduction of MOS tube, but also reduces the on-off loss of MOS tube. Improved power efficiency and suppressed output current ripple; At the same time, the instability of the output current is ensured due to the input voltage, load and parasitic parameter change of the circuit. Finally, the simulation and experimental results show that the power supply can be continuously adjustable in the output current range of 0-40A, the current ripple is less than 0.8%, and the working efficiency is up to 92%. It has the characteristics of high stability, small ripple, high efficiency, low cost and good robustness.
Engineering Biomimetic Nanoparticles through Extracellular Vesicle Coating in Cancer Tissue Models
Authors: Quiñonero Gema , Gallo Juan , Carrasco Alex , Samitier Josep , Villasante Aranzazu
Published: November 2023

Using nanoparticles (NPs) in drug delivery has exhibited promising therapeutic potential 13 in various cancer types. Nevertheless, several challenges must be addressed, including the 14 formation of the protein corona, reduced targeting efficiency and specificity, potential immune 15 responses, and issues related to NP penetration and distribution within 3-dimensional tissues. 16 To tackle these challenges, we have successfully integrated iron oxide nanoparticles into 17 neuroblastoma-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) using the parental labeling method. We first de- 18 veloped a tissue-engineered (TE) neuroblastoma model, confirming the viability and proliferation 19 of neuroblastoma cells for at least 12 days, supporting its utility for EV isolation. Importantly, EVs 20 from long-term cultures exhibited no differences compared to short-term cultures. Concurrently, 21 we designed Rhodamine (Rh), Polyacrylic acid (PAA)-functionalized magnetite nanoparticles 22 (Fe3O4@PAA-Rh) with high crystallinity, purity, and superparamagnetic properties (average size: 23 9.2 ± 2.5 nm). We then investigated the internalization of Fe3O4@PAA-Rh nanoparticles within 24 neuroblastoma cells within the TE model. Maximum accumulation was observed overnight while 25 ensuring robust cell viability. However, nanoparticle internalization was low. Taking advantage of 26 the enhanced glucose metabolism exhibited by cancer cells, glucose (Glc)-functionalized nanoparti- 27 cles (Fe3O4@PAA-Rh-Glc) were synthesized, showing superior cell uptake within the 3D model 28 without inducing toxicity. These glucose-modified nanoparticles were selected for parental labeling 29 of the TE models, showing effective NPs encapsulation into EVs. 30 Our research introduces innovative approaches to advance NPs delivery. By partially addressing 31 the challenges associated with 3D systems, optimizing internalization, and enhancing NPs stability 32 and specificity through EV-based carriers. Also, our findings hold the promise of more precise and 33 effective cancer therapies while minimizing potential side effects.
Re-distribution of Welding Residual Stress in Fatigue Crack Propagation Considering Elastic-Plastic Behaviour
Authors: Xia Yuxuan , Yue Jingxia , Yang Ke , Lei Jiankang , Garbatov Yordan
Published: November 2023

Keywords: Fatigue crack propagation; Welding residual stress; Plastic re-distribution; Stress ratio effect
Cellulases and Xylanases Are Involved in the Probiotic Effect of Bacillus subtilis in Dairy Cattle Nutrition
Authors: Bontà Valeria , Battelli Marco , Rama Erlinda , Casanova Michela , Pasotti Lorenzo , Galassi Gianluca , Colombini Stefania , Calvio Cinzia
Published: November 2023

The administration of Bacilli to dairy cows exerts a beneficial effect on dry matter intake, lactation performances and milk composition. In this work, two isogenic strains, only differing in the se-cretion level of cellulolytic and xylanolytic enzymes, were compared to establish whether B. subtilis cellulase and xylanase enzymes are involved in the positive effect exerted by these bacteria on animal nutrition. Conveniently, bacteria were grown in a newly designed growth medium based on an inexpensive waste. A multi-factorial study was conducted in which eight feed in-gredients were treated in vitro, using ruminal fluid from cannulated cows, with cultures of the two B. subtilis strains. Feed digestibility and gas production, a parameter linked to feed fermentability, were assessed. Fiber degradability was significantly higher in feeds treated with the en-zyme-overexpressing strain (10% and 5% higher than control treatment with B. subtilis-free media and the parent strain, respectively). This effect was accentuated for the most recalcitrant feeds, in which the benefits of cellulolytic and xylanolytic enzymes were maximized. Fermentability also benefited by the treatment with the enzyme-overexpressing strain, although the trend observed in gas production didn’t reach statistical difference between the two strains, and only minor changes in fermentation profiles were detected. Our results revealed that B. subtilis cellulases and xylanases effectively contribute to improving forage quality, supporting the use of Bacilli as fodder sup-plements to increase animal productivity.
Analytical and Numerical Investigation of two-dimensional Heat Transfer with Periodic Boundary Conditions
Authors: Bağlan İrem , Aslan Erman
Published: November 2023

Two-dimensional heat diffusion problem with heat source which is quasilinear parabolic problem is examined analytically and numerically. Periodic boundary conditions are used as a boundary conditions. Since the problem is not linear, Picard’s successive approximation theorem is used. Under certain conditions of natural regularity and consistency imposed on the input data, establish the existence, uniqueness and constant dependence of the solution on the data using the generalized Fourier method. As a numerical solution, implicit finite difference scheme is used. The results ob-tained from analytical and the numerical solutions are so close to each other.
Časopisi Mladi Istranin i Mladi Hrvat Viktora Cara Emina u listu Naša sloga
Authors: Jurdana Vjekoslava , Klančar Alen , Tomičić Mariela
Published: November 2023

Književno stvaralaštvo Viktora Cara Emina (1870. – 1963.) opsežno je i raznoliko, a kao pripadnik druge generacije istarskih preporoditelja veći dio svojega opusa objavljuje u jeku hrvatskoga narodnoga preporoda u Istri. Istodobno je i suradnik u listu Naša sloga. Odgojno-obrazovni i kulturni razvoj hrvatske djece i mladeži bio je jedan od najvažnijih oblika borbe za opstanak hrvatskoga bića u to vrijeme. U tom okviru valja sagledati i stvaralaštvo Cara Emina za djecu i mladež. On je 1909. godine u Opatiji pokrenuo književni mjesečnik Mladi Istranin: list za mladi svijet koji od 1910. godine izlazi pod imenom Mladi Hrvat. Taj je književni časopis za djecu i mladež idejno komplementaran s listom Naša sloga jer im je temelj narodna borba protiv odnarođivanja, domoljublje i nacionalno osvješćivanje. Cilj je ovoga rada prikazati izvornu građu o tom kako je list Naša sloga podržao i pratio pokretanje i rad Car Eminovih časopisa.
Numerical modeling and simulation of the flow drill screw process for joining A365 and A6N01 multi-material joints
Authors: Lyu Shuqiang , Ding Jing , Cui Jie , Li Bin , Sun Guanyue , Wang Gongchong , Wei Yunwei , Li Xinxin , Zhao Yan
Published: November 2023

Multi-material joints are becoming more prevalent in various manufacturing processes due to their excellent mechanical characteristics and lightweight design. In particular, joining metals of dissimilar materials, such as heterogeneous aluminum alloy, is challenging due to the mismatch of material properties and processing characteristics. Flow drill screw (FDS) technology has emerged as a promising method for achieving a reliable and durable joint between dissimilar materials. This work extensively simulates and examines the flow drill screw process for a multi-material joint of aluminum alloys A365 and A6N01. The Deform-3D software and the finite element method (FEM) were employed to generate the numerical simulation model. The thermomechanical behavior of the joint during the FDS process was considered in the model, including material flow, deformation, and temperature distribution. The simulation results indicate that the large amounts of frictional heat generated by the materials and screw cause the temperature distribution around the joint area to grow considerably non-uniform. The model shows that the screw's rotation speed, screw penetration depth, and material deformation behavior significantly affect joint strength. Higher rotation speeds generate more heat and greater tool deformation, thus reducing joint strength. The simulated results are compared with the experimental results. They are found to be in good agreement, demonstrating that the model can serve as a valuable tool for optimizing the FDS process for multi-material joining applications.
Total Sleep Deprivation enhances the brain's response to emotional faces, especially in cerebellum : an fMRI study of Young Females
Authors: Chen Dongyang , Huang Shaoyun , Sun Yueji , Wang Xuemei , Li Qian , Mu Yanli
Published: November 2023

Purpose: Investigate the impact of sleep deprivation on emotional face processing in young females
Methods: A self-control design involving two functional neuroimaging scans were conducted one month apart. One scan followed a typical night of sleep (SC), and the other followed a total night of sleep deprivation (TSD). Fourteen healthy young females were participants, with a mean age of 21.07±1.33 years (range 20-22 years), all in their follicular phase. They performed the face viewing task, which contains three long blocks, HAPPY-NEUTRAL block, FEAR-NEUTRAL block, and SAD-NEUTRAL block. Each block consisted of 6 groups of pictures. We evaluated the 4 emotions separately under the 2 conditions.ROI analysis was done by the SPM.marsbar toolbox.
Results: Behavior results: all participants felt anxious, fatigued, and lower vigor after sleep deprivation. Imaging results (TSD>SC): When CFT was set as 3.09 (equivalent to p = 0.001), only the activation caused by NEUTRAL and SAD FACES was observed. The left cerebellum IV-VI, vermis VI, X, and cerebellum Crus 1 were significantly activated under NEUTRAL FACES. In contrast, cerebellar vermis VI and the left cerebellum Crus 1 were significantly activated under SAD FACES. No results were obtained under HAPPY FACES or FEAR FACES.
Conclusion: Total sleep deprivation enhances the brain's response to NEUTRAL and SAD FACES, especially in the left cerebellum IV-VI, vermis VI, X, and cerebellum Crus 1.
Brain-wide neural recordings in mice navigating physical spaces enabled by a cranial exoskeleton
Authors: Kodandaramaiah Suhasa , Hope James , Beckerle Travis , Cheng Pin-Hao , Viavattine Zoey , Feldkamp Michael , Fausner Skylar , Saxena Kapil , Ko Eunsong , Hryb Ihor , Carter Russell , Ebner Timothy
Published: November 2023

Complex behaviors are mediated by neural computations occurring throughout the brain. In recent years, tremendous progress has been made in developing technologies that can record neural activity at cellular resolution at multiple spatial and temporal scales. However, these technologies are primarily designed for studying the mammalian brain during head fixation – wherein the behavior of the animal is highly constrained. Miniaturized devices for studying neural activity in freely behaving animals are largely confined to recording from small brain regions owing to performance limitations. We present a cranial exoskeleton that assists mice in maneuvering neural recording headstages that are orders of magnitude larger and heavier than the mice, while they navigate physical behavioral environments. Force sensors embedded within the headstage are used to detect the mouse’s milli-Newton scale cranial forces which then control the x, y, and yaw motion of the exoskeleton via an admittance controller. We discovered optimal controller tuning parameters that enable mice to locomote at physiologically realistic velocities and accelerations while maintaining natural walking gait. Mice maneuvering headstages weighing up to 1.5 kg can make turns, navigate 2D arenas, and perform a navigational decision-making task with the same performance as when freely behaving. We designed an imaging headstage and an electrophysiology headstage for the cranial exoskeleton to record brain-wide neural activity in mice navigating 2D arenas. The imaging headstage enabled recordings of Ca2+ activity of 1000s of neurons distributed across the dorsal cortex. The electrophysiology headstage supported independent control of up to 4 silicon probes, enabling simultaneous recordings from 100s of neurons across multiple brain regions and multiple days. Cranial exoskeletons provide flexible platforms for largescale neural recording during the exploration of physical spaces, a critical new paradigm for unraveling the brain-wide neural mechanisms that control complex behavior.
One-shot procedures for efficient minimum compliance topology optimization
Authors: Amir Oded
Published: November 2023

In this paper, a one-shot approach for minimum compliance topology optimization is investigated. In the convex case of variable thickness sheet optimization, an optimality criteria scheme with a single step of an iterative state solver converges to the same solutions as an accurate procedure. This remarkable behavior is explained by the crucial role of the geometric multigrid preconditioner, that generates accurate design sensitivities on a coarse scale. When applied to SIMP-based topology optimization, a one-shot procedure yields designs with the same primary load-transferring features as an accurate procedure. The difference is in the absence and presence of thin features that have a relatively minor impact on the objective. Several practical remedies are suggested that can close the small performance gaps between the one-shot procedure and an accurate one. The solution scheme is directly applicable to large-scale problems executed on parallel computers, allowing for significant computational savings.
Light-Weight Slow-Rate Attack Detection Framework for Resource-Constrained Industrial Cyber-Physical Systems
Authors: Zahid Farzana , Kuo Matthew M.Y. , Sinha Roopak
Published: November 2023

Industrial Cyber-Physical Systems (ICPS) are heterogenous computer systems interacting withphysical processes in an industrial environment. The high degree of distribution and interconnectedness poses significant security threats to ICPS, including Slow−Rate Attacks (SRA ). SRA often exploit system vulnerabilities arising from the inherent limitations of resource-constrained ICPS computers like programmable logic controller (PLC). Existing literature identify several challenges in detecting and classifying SRA in resource-constrained ICPS. In this article, we propose an optimised Online Sequential−Extreme Learning Machine (OSELM)-based, novel light-weight active security framework for SRA detection. We reduce the memory and space footprint of OSELM through optimisation techniques for deployment in resource-constrained ICPS. Also, we introduce a simple stratified k-fold cross training method to improve the binary and multi-class SRA- detection capability of the proposed framework, focusing on performance and accuracy of attack detection. Experimental results demonstrate that our proposed framework can effectively and efficiently detect binary and multi-class SRA with an accuracy of 0.975 and 0.96 with average detection times of 0.03 and 0.04 sec, respectively, using less than 3 MB of memory and 10-12% of CPU usage in PLC-based ICPS.
Association Between Impella Device Support and Elevated Rates of Gout Flares: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Sinclair Jorge , Isha Shahin , Olivero Lorenzo , Raavi Lekhya , Narra Sai Abhishek , Paghdar Smit , Jonna Sadhana , Satashia Parthkumar , Hannon Rachel , Blasavage Jessica , White Layton , Olanipekun Titilope , Bansal Pankaj , Kiley Sean , Leoni Juan Carlos , Nativí Jose N. , Lyle Melissa , Thomas Mathew , Sareyyupoglu Basar , Pham Si , Smith Michael , Franco Pablo Moreno , Patel Parag , Sanghavi Devang
Published: November 2023

Background
Impella is an advanced ventricular assist device frequently used as a bridge to heart transplantation. The association of Impella with increased rates of gout flares has not been studied. Our primary aim is to determine the rates of gout flares in patients on Impella support.
Methodology
A retrospective study was conducted between January 2017 and September 2022 involving all patients who underwent heart transplantation. The cohort was divided into groups based on Impella support for statistical analysis. In patients receiving Impella support, outcome measures were compared based on the development of gout flares.
Results
213 patients were analyzed, with 19.71% supported by Impella. Impella and non-Impella groups had similar age, race, and BMI, but more males were in the Impella group. Gout and chronic kidney disease were more prevalent in Impella-supported patients, while coronary artery disease was less common. The incidence of gout flare was significantly higher in Impella patients (31% vs. 5.3%). The Impella group had an adjusted odds ratio for in-hospital gout flare of 8.069 (95% CI = 2.13–35.08, P = 0.003). Impella-supported patients with gout flares had longer intensive care unit and hospital stays but no difference in mortality or other outcomes.
Conclusion
Our study is the first to identify the potential association between Impella support and increased rates of gout flares in hospitalized patients. Future studies are required to confirm this association and further elucidate the biological pathways. It is imperative to consider introducing appropriate measures to prevent and promptly manage gout flares in Impella-supported patients.