bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Brain Overwork Scale: A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study on the Psychometric Properties of a New 10-Item Scale to Assess Mental Distress in Mongolia
Authors: Lkhagvasuren Battuvshin , Hiramoto Tetsuya , Tumurbaatar Enkhnaran , Bat-Erdene Enkhjin , Tumur-Ochir Gantsetseg , Viswanath Vijay , Corrigan Joshua , Jadamba Tsolmon
Published: March 2023

Identifying mental distress is a complex task, particularly when individuals experience physical symptoms. Traditional self-report questionnaires that detect psychiatric symptoms using emotional words may not work for these individuals. Consequently, there is a need for a screening tool that can identify both the physical and mental symptoms of mental distress in individuals without a clinical diagnosis. Our study aimed to develop and validate a scale that measures mental distress by measuring the extent of brain overwork, which can be extrapolated as the burden of mental distress. In this population-based cross-sectional study, we recruited a total of 739 adults aged 16–65 years from 64 sampling centers of a cohort in Mongolia to validate a 10-item self-report questionnaire. Internal consistency was measured using McDonald’s ω coefficient. Test–retest reliability was analyzed using intraclass correlation coefficients. Construct and convergent validities were examined using principal component analysis (PCA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the abbreviated version of World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF) were used to evaluate criterion validity. Among the participants, 70.9% were women, 22% held a bachelor’s degree or higher, 38.8% were employed, and 66% were married. The overall McDonald’s ω coefficient was 0.861, demonstrating evidence of excellent internal consistency. The total intraclass correlation coefficient of the test–retest analysis was 0.75, indicating moderate external reliability. PCA and CFA established a three-domain structure that provided an excellent fit to the data (RMSEA = 0.033, TLI = 0.984, CFI = 0.989, χ2 = 58, p = 0.003). This 10-item scale, the Brain Overwork Scale (BOS-10), determines mental distress in three dimensions: excessive thinking, hypersensitivity, and restless behavior. All the items had higher item-total correlations with their corresponding domain than they did with the other domains, and correlations between the domain scores had a range of 0.547–0.615. BOS-10 correlated with HADS, whereas it was inversely correlated with WHOQOL-BREF. In conclusion, the results suggest that BOS-10 is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing mental distress in the general population. The scale screens for mental distress that is characterized by subjective symptoms such as excessive thinking, hypersensitivity, and restless behavior. The current findings also demonstrate that the BOS-10 is quantitative, simple, and applicable for large group testing. This scale may be useful for identifying at-risk individuals who may require further evaluation and treatment for mental distress.
Nondestructive Evaluation of Lined Paintings by THz Pulsed Time-Domain Imaging
Authors: Fukunaga Kaori
Published: March 2023

For the past 20 years, THz pulsed time-domain imaging has been used to study the internal structure of various paintings. The main advantage of this technique is that it can nondestructively provide depth profiles, as well as conditions of preparation and support layers, which are important in conservation planning. We have applied THz pulsed time-domain imaging to artworks with linings, which are additional layers of fabric or paper adhered to the back of an original painted work on canvas or paper to reinforce it, usually for conservation purposes. If the lining material or the interface between the lining and the original canvas or paper deteriorates over time, there is a risk of further problems. Therefore, THz pulsed time-domain imaging is expected to be suitable for examining lined paintings. In this paper, the investigation of artworks with lining layers using the THz pulsed time-domain imaging technique is presented, in addition to previous studies of Japanese panel screens and modern oil-canvas paintings with wax-resin linings, as well as a detached fresco painting mounted on a canvas by the “strappo” technique.
Integrating Satellite Imagery and Ground-Based Measurements with a Machine Learning Model for Monitoring Lake Dynamics over a Semi-Arid Region
Authors: Ekpetere Kenneth , Abdelkader Mohamed , Ishaya Sunday , Makwe Edith , Ekpetere Peter
Published: March 2023

The long-term variability of lacustrine dynamics is influenced by hydro-climatological factors that affect the depth and spatial extent of water bodies. The primary objective of this study is to delineate lake area extent, utilizing a machine learning approach, and to examine the impact of these hydro-climatological factors on lake dynamics. In situ and remote sensing observations were employed to identify the predominant explanatory pathways for assessing the fluctuations in lake area. The Great Salt Lake (GSL) and Lake Chad (LC) were chosen as study sites due to their semi-arid regional settings, enabling the testing of the proposed approach. The random forest (RF) supervised classification algorithm was applied to estimate the lake area extent using Landsat imagery that was acquired between 1999 and 2021. The long-term lake dynamics were evaluated using remotely sensed evapotranspiration data that were derived from MODIS, precipitation data that were sourced from CHIRPS, and in situ water level measurements. The findings revealed a marked decline in the GSL area extent, exceeding 50% between 1999 and 2021, whereas LC exhibited greater fluctuations with a comparatively lower decrease in its area extent, which was approximately 30% during the same period. The framework that is presented in this study demonstrates the reliability of remote sensing data and machine learning methodologies for monitoring lacustrine dynamics. Furthermore, it provides valuable insights for decision makers and water resource managers in assessing the temporal variability of lake dynamics.
Investigation of the Track Gauge in Curved Sections, Considering Hungarian Railway Lines
Authors: Fischer Szabolcs , Németh Dalma , Horváth Henriett
Published: March 2023

In this paper, the authors examined the change in track gauges in curves for several railway lines with low and high traffic in Hungary (i.e., secondary lines and main lines). They covered the processing of raw data as well as statistical calculations. The considered curved sections were transition curves (TCs) and circular curves (CCs), as well as—in some cases—entire curves (ECs), including TCs and CCs, but not dividing them into parts. The change of track gauge parameter as a function of elapsed time was analyzed based on the distribution functions by calculating the Vaszary-type shape number. A statistical test with the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test was performed, in which the question as to whether the measurement data of the railway lines followed a normal or lognormal distribution was examined; additionally, the skewness and kurtosis parameters were calculated and analyzed. The authors also took into account the impact of the track system and the sleepers. For the selected curves, the authors observed how the average track gauge changes and categorized them according to tolerances. In presenting and summarizing the tests, the authors formulated a conclusion for each study fulfilled. Despite higher traffic loads, the value of track degradation over time is lower for mainline curves than for secondary line curves. It is because the main line has stricter tolerances due to the higher speeds allowed, and more maintenance work is carried out on these lines. The authors concluded that the type of the track system and the sleeper type also influence the change in track gauges in curves. The accurate deterioration ratios for all analyses are contained in the paper.
Growing Heart Valve Implants for Children
Authors: Konsek Haley , Sherard Curry , Bisbee Cora , Kang Lillian , Turek Joseph W. , Rajab Taufiek K.
Published: March 2023

The current standard of care for pediatric patients with unrepairable congenital valvular disease is a heart valve implant. However, current heart valve implants are unable to accommodate the somatic growth of the recipient, preventing long-term clinical success in these patients. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a growing heart valve implant for children. This article reviews recent studies investigating tissue-engineered heart valves and partial heart transplantation as potential growing heart valve implants in large animal and clinical translational research. In vitro and in situ designs of tissue engineered heart valves are discussed, as well as the barriers to clinical translation.
Task Switching: On the Relation of Cognitive Flexibility with Cognitive Capacity
Authors: Schmitz Florian , Krämer Raimund J.
Published: March 2023

The task-switching paradigm is deemed a measure of cognitive flexibility. Previous research has demonstrated that individual differences in task-switch costs are moderately inversely related to cognitive ability. However, current theories emphasize multiple component processes of task switching, such as task-set preparation and task-set inertia. The relations of task-switching processes with cognitive ability were investigated in the current study. Participants completed a task-switching paradigm with geometric forms and a visuospatial working memory capacity (WMC) task. The task-switch effect was decomposed with the diffusion model. Effects of task-switching and response congruency were estimated as latent differences using structural equation modeling. Their magnitudes and relations with visuospatial WMC were investigated. Effects in the means of parameter estimates replicated previous findings, namely increased non-decision time in task-switch trials. Further, task switches and response incongruency had independent effects on drift rates, reflecting their differential effects on task readiness. Findings obtained with the figural tasks employed in this study revealed that WMC was inversely related to the task-switch effect in non-decision time. Relations with drift rates were inconsistent. Finally, WMC was moderately inversely related to response caution. These findings suggest that more able participants either needed less time for task-set preparation or that they invested less time for task-set preparation.
The Ice–Ocean Boundary
Authors: Orzech Mark
Published: March 2023

The ocean ice layer in polar regions is impacted by a complex and varying range of physical and thermodynamic processes [...]
Urban Sprawl Patterns, Drivers, and Impacts: The Case of Mogadishu, Somalia Using Geo-Spatial and SEM Analyses
Authors: Hassan Marwan Omar , Ling Gabriel Hoh Teck , Rusli Noradila , Mokhtar Safizahanin , Wider Walton , Leng Pau Chung
Published: March 2023

There is a lack of research on urban sprawl in developing countries, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, undergoing significant demographic change. There is an urgent need to conduct more studies on African cities and investigate spatial variations in urban sprawl to fill a knowledge gap in Sub-Saharan Countries (SSC). There have been no studies of urban sprawl in the Somali capital of Mogadishu, a fragile metropolis struggling with the legacy of decades of civil war. This study has two main objectives: (i) to examine sprawl patterns in Mogadishu, Somalia; and (ii) to identify the drivers and impacts of urban sprawl in Mogadishu, Somalia. The study used spatiotemporal imagery from 2006, 2013, and 2021 to identify sprawl patterns. A quantitative method in the form of a cross-sectional survey with 265 participants was then used to identify the drivers and impacts of sprawl, which was then analysed using the structural equation model (SEM). The spatiotemporal analysis results showed sprawl patterns in nine districts and three settlements, mainly scattered and leapfrog patterns. The SEM discovered five significant drivers: low price of land and dwelling (LP), development of transportation infrastructure (DTI), rising income, security reasons, and low commute cost (LCC), in addition to eight significant impacts: less social interaction (LSI), agriculture land and natural habitat loss (AGL NHL), unsafe environment (USE), insufficient health and educational services (IHF IEF), high public services cost (HPSC), insufficient public transport (IPT), less physical activity (LPA), pollution (POL) and mental health issues (MH). Undoubtedly, the impacts found in the study proved that urban sprawl negatively impacted the residents and environment of Mogadishu, which will continue as the security situation in the city improves and more residents are attracted.
The Extrinsic Enriched Finite Element Method with Appropriate Enrichment Functions for the Helmholtz Equation
Authors: Chai Yingbin , Huang Kangye , Wang Shangpan , Xiang Zhichao , Zhang Guanjun
Published: March 2023

The traditional finite element method (FEM) could only provide acceptable numerical solutions for the Helmholtz equation in the relatively small wave number range due to numerical dispersion errors. For the relatively large wave numbers, the corresponding FE solutions are never adequately reliable. With the aim to enhance the numerical performance of the FEM in tackling the Helmholtz equation, in this work an extrinsic enriched FEM (EFEM) is proposed to reduce the inherent numerical dispersion errors in the standard FEM solutions. In this extrinsic EFEM, the standard linear approximation space in the linear FEM is enriched extrinsically by using the polynomial and trigonometric functions. The construction of this enriched approximation space is realized based on the partition of unity concept and the highly oscillating features of the Helmholtz equation in relatively large wave numbers can be effectively captured by the employed specially-designed enrichment functions. A number of typical numerical examples are considered to examine the ability of this extrinsic EFEM to control the dispersion error for solving Helmholtz problems. From the obtained numerical results, it is found that this extrinsic EFEM behaves much better than the standard FEM in suppressing the numerical dispersion effects and could provide much more accurate numerical results. In addition, this extrinsic EFEM also possesses higher convergence rate than the conventional FEM. More importantly, the formulation of this extrinsic EFEM can be formulated quite easily without adding the extra nodes. Therefore, the present extrinsic EFEM can be regarded as a competitive alternative to the traditional finite element approach in dealing with the Helmholtz equation in relatively high frequency ranges.
New Probabilistic, Dynamic Multi-Method Ensembles for Optimization Based on the CRO-SL
Authors: Pérez-Aracil Jorge , Camacho-Gómez Carlos , Lorente-Ramos Eugenio , Marina Cosmin M. , Cornejo-Bueno Laura M. , Salcedo-Sanz Sancho
Published: March 2023

In this paper, new probabilistic and dynamic (adaptive) strategies for creating multi-method ensembles based on the coral reef optimization with substrate layers (CRO-SL) algorithm are proposed. CRO-SL is an evolutionary-based ensemble approach that is able to combine different search procedures for a single population. In this work, two different probabilistic strategies to improve the algorithm are analyzed. First, the probabilistic CRO-SL (PCRO-SL) is presented, which substitutes the substrates in the CRO-SL population with tags associated with each individual. Each tag represents a different operator which will modify the individual in the reproduction phase. In each generation of the algorithm, the tags are randomly assigned to the individuals with similar probabilities, obtaining this way an ensemble that sees more intense changes with the application of different operators to a given individual than CRO-SL. Second, the dynamic probabilistic CRO-SL (DPCRO-SL) is presented, in which the probability of tag assignment is modified during the evolution of the algorithm, depending on the quality of the solutions generated in each substrate. Thus, the best substrates in the search process will be assigned higher probabilities than those which showed worse performance during the search. The performances of the proposed probabilistic and dynamic ensembles were tested for different optimization problems, including benchmark functions and a real application of wind-turbine-layout optimization, comparing the results obtained with those of existing algorithms in the literature.
A Study on Electric Potential and Electric Field Distribution for Optimal Design of Lightning Rod Using Finite Element Method
Authors: Jang Kyung-Hoon , Seo Sang-Won , Kim Dong-Jin
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we present an electric field analysis for the optimal structural design of lightning rods for high performance with a charge transfer system (CTS). In the case of a conventional rod that is produced with an empirical design and structure without quantitative data because the design is structurally very simple, only the materials and radius of curvature of the lightning rod to concentrate the electric field at the tip part of the rod are considered. Recently, the development of new types of lightning rods, such as early streamer emission (ESE) and charge transfer system (CTS), has been introduced through simulation analysis and experiments, but detailed specifications and information about the optimal design and structure have not been fully reported. In this paper, we performed an electric field analysis of the structures and materials for the optimal structural design of lightning rods with a function of CTS through computer software analysis with consideration for the radius of curvature, the size of corona ring, and optimal position (X-axis and Y-axis) of the floating electrode. For optimal structural design of lightning rods based on electric field analysis, we used a source of lightning voltage with 1.2/50 µs based on a double exponential equation. The results revealed that the electric field on the relaxation part decreases as the radius of curvature and corona ring increases. For the radius of curvature, the electric field first decreases and then increases with increasing radius of curvature and reaches a minimum at 7 mm and a maximum above 8 mm. For the case of the corona ring, the electric field decreases with increasing corona ring, and the optimal size of the corona ring was selected as 4 mm; the size of the 4 mm corona ring uniformly formed the electric field both at the tip part of the ground current collector and the corona ring. For the electric field concentration part, we found that the optimal X-axis position of the floating electrode and the Y-axis position between the ionizer conductor and floating electrode are 7 mm and 0.1 mm, respectively. These simulation results in this paper are expected to provide useful information for the design of optimized CTS-type lightning rods.
RETRACTED: An Evolutionary Technique for Building Neural Network Models for Predicting Metal Prices
Authors: Joshi Devendra , Chithaluru Premkumar , Anand Divya , Hajjej Fahima , Aggarwal Kapil , Torres Vanessa , Thompson Ernesto
Published: March 2023

In this research, a neural network (NN) model for metal price forecasting based on an evolutionary approach is proposed. Both the neural network model’s network parameters and network architecture are selected automatically. The time series metal price data set is used to construct a novel fitness function that takes into account both error minimizations and the reproduction of the auto-correlation function. Calculating the average entropy values allowed the selection of the input parameter count for the neural network model. Gold price forecasting was performed using the proposed methodology. The optimal hidden node number, learning rate, and momentum are 9, 0.026, and 0.76, respectively, according to the evolutionary-based NN model. The proposed strategy is shown to reduce estimation error while also reproducing the auto-correlation function of the time series data set by the validation results with gold price data. The performance of the proposed method is better than other current methods, according to a comparison study.
A Novel Fractional-Order RothC Model
Authors: Bohaienko Vsevolod , Diele Fasma , Marangi Carmela , Tamborrino Cristiano , Aleksandrowicz Sebastian , Woźniak Edyta
Published: March 2023

A new fractional q-order variation of the RothC model for the dynamics of soil organic carbon is introduced. A computational method based on the discretization of the analytic solution along with the finite-difference technique are suggested and the stability results for the latter are given. The accuracy of the scheme, in terms of the temporal step size h, is confirmed through numerical testing of a constructed analytic solution. The effectiveness of the proposed discrete method is compared with that of the classical discrete RothC model. Results from real-world experiments show that, by adjusting the fractional order q and the multiplier term ζ(t,q), a better match between simulated and actual data can be achieved compared to the traditional integer-order model.
Discrete Integral and Discrete Derivative on Graphs and Switch Problem of Trees
Authors: Khalifeh M. H. , Esfahanian Abdol-Hossein
Published: March 2023

For a vertex and edge weighted (VEW) graph G with a vertex weight function fG let Wα,β(G)=∑{u,v}⊆V(G)[αfG(u)×fG(v)+β(fG(u)+fG(v))]dG(u,v) where, α,β∈ℝ and dG(u,v) denotes the distance, the minimum sum of edge weights across all the paths connecting u,v∈V(G). Assume T is a VEW tree, and e∈ E(T) fails. If we reconnect the two components of T−e with new edge ϵ≠e such that, Wα,β(Tϵ\e=T−e+ϵ) is minimum, then ϵ is called a best switch (BS) of e w.r.t. Wα,β. We define three notions: convexity, discrete derivative, and discrete integral for the VEW graphs. As an application of the notions, we solve some BS problems for positively VEW trees. For example, assume T is an n-vertex VEW tree. Then, for the inputs e∈ E(T) and w,α,β ∈ℝ+, we return ϵ, Tϵ\e, and Wα,β(Tϵ\e) with the worst average time of O(logn) and the best time of O(1) where ϵ is a BS of e w.r.t. Wα,β and the weight of ϵ is w.
Nonconvex Tensor Relative Total Variation for Image Completion
Authors: Bai Yunqing , Pei Jihong , Li Min
Published: March 2023

Image completion, which falls to a special type of inverse problems, is an important but challenging task. The difficulties lie in that (i) the datasets usually appear to be multi-dimensional; (ii) the unavailable or corrupted data entries are randomly distributed. Recently, low-rank priors have gained importance in matrix completion problems and signal separation; however, due to the complexity of multi-dimensional data, using a low-rank prior by itself is often insufficient to achieve desirable completion, which requires a more comprehensive approach. In this paper, different from current available approaches, we develop a new approach, called relative total variation (TRTV), under the tensor framework, to effectively integrate the local and global image information for data processing. Based on our proposed framework, a completion model embedded with TRTV and tensor p-shrinkage nuclear norm minimization with suitable regularization is established. An alternating direction method of multiplier (ADMM)-based algorithm under our framework is presented. Extensive experiments in terms of denoising and completion tasks demonstrate our proposed method are not only effective but also superior to existing approaches in the literature.
Recognition of Plasma-Treated Rice Based on 3D Deep Residual Network with Attention Mechanism
Authors: Tang Xiaojiang , Zhao Wenhao , Guo Junwei , Li Baoxia , Liu Xin , Wang Yuan , Huang Feng
Published: March 2023

Low-temperature plasma is a new agricultural green technology, which can improve the yield and quality of rice. How to identify the harvest rice grown by plasma seed treatment plays an important role in the popularization and application of low-temperature plasma in agriculture. This study collected hyperspectral data of harvest rice, including plasma seed treated rice, and constructed a recognition model based on the hyperspectral image (HSI) by 3D ResNet (HSI-3DResNet), which extracts spatial spectral features of HSI data cubes through 3D convolution. In addition, a spectral channels 3D attention module (C3DAM) is proposed, which can extract key features of spectra. Experiments showed that the proposed C3DAM can improve the recognition accuracy of the model to 4.2%, while the size and parameters of the model only increase by 4.1% and 3.8%, respectively. The HSI-3DResNet proposed in this study is superior to other methods with the overall accuracy of 97.47%. At the same time, the algorithm proposed in this paper was also verified on a public dataset.
Extracellular Vesicles and Their Membranes: Exosomes vs. Virus-Related Particles
Authors: Cortes-Galvez Daniela , Dangerfield John A. , Metzner Christoph
Published: March 2023

Cells produce nanosized lipid membrane-enclosed vesicles which play important roles in intercellular communication. Interestingly, a certain type of extracellular vesicle, termed exosomes, share physical, chemical, and biological properties with enveloped virus particles. To date, most similarities have been discovered with lentiviral particles, however, other virus species also frequently interact with exosomes. In this review, we will take a closer look at the similarities and differences between exosomes and enveloped viral particles, with a focus on events taking place at the vesicle or virus membrane. Since these structures present an area with an opportunity for interaction with target cells, this is relevant for basic biology as well as any potential research or medical applications.
Elasto-Kinematics and Instantaneous Invariants of Compliant Mechanisms Based on Flexure Hinges
Authors: Iandiorio Christian , Salvini Pietro
Published: March 2023

The kinematic synthesis of compliant mechanisms based on flexure hinges is not an easy task. A commonly used method is the equivalent rigid model, which involves replacing the flexure hinges with rigid bars connected with lumped hinges using the already known methods of synthesis. This way, albeit simpler, hides some interesting issues. This paper addresses the elasto-kinematics and instantaneous invariants of flexure hinges with a direct approach, making use of a nonlinear model to predict their behaviour. The differential equations that govern the nonlinear geometric response are given in a comprehensive form and are solved for flexure hinges with constant sections. The solution to the nonlinear model is then used to obtain an analytical description of two instantaneous invariants: the centre of instantaneous rotation (c.i.r.) and the inflection circle. The main result is that the c.i.r. evolution, namely the fixed polode, is not conservative but is loading-path dependent. Consequently, all other instantaneous invariants are loading-path dependent, and the property of instantaneous geometric invariants (independent of the motion time law) can no longer be used. This result is analytically and numerically evidenced. In other words, it is shown that a careful kinematic synthesis of compliant mechanisms cannot be addressed by only considering the kinematics as rigid mechanisms, and it is essential to take into consideration the applied loads and their histories.
Neotropical Frog Foam Nest’s Microbiomes
Authors: Monteiro Felipe Augusto Correia , Bezerra Saulo Gonçalves de Santiago , Castro Luzia Gabrielle Zeferino de , Oliveira Francisca Andrea da Silva , Normando Leonardo Ribeiro Oliveira , Melo Vânia Maria Maciel , Hissa Denise Cavalcante
Published: March 2023

Amphibian foam nests are unique microenvironments that play a crucial role in the development of tadpoles. They contain high levels of proteins and carbohydrates, yet little is known about the impact of their microbiomes on tadpole health. This study provides a first characterization of the microbiome of foam nests from three species of Leptodactylids (Adenomera hylaedactyla, Leptodactylus vastus, and Physalaemus cuvieri) by investigating the DNA extracted from foam nests, adult tissues, soil, and water samples, analyzed via 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing to gain insight into the factors driving its composition. The results showed that the dominant phyla were proteobacteria, bacteroidetes, and firmicutes, with the most abundant genera being Pseudomonas, Sphingobacterium, and Paenibacillus. The foam nest microbiomes of A. hylaedactyla and P. cuvieri were more similar to each other than to that of L. vastus, despite their phylogenetic distance. The foam nests demonstrated a distinct microbiome that clustered together and separated from the microbiomes of the environment and adult tissue samples. This suggests that the peculiar foam nest composition shapes its microbiome, rather than vertical or horizontal transference forces. We expanded this knowledge into amphibian foam nest microbiomes, highlighting the importance of preserving healthy foam nests for amphibian conservation.
Functional Characterization of a Novel SMR-Type Efflux Pump RanQ, Mediating Quaternary Ammonium Compound Resistance in Riemerella anatipestifer
Authors: Quan Heng , Gong Xiaowei , Chen Qiwei , Zheng Fuying , Yu Yongfeng , Liu Donghui , Wang Wenhui , Chu Yuefeng
Published: March 2023

Riemerella anatipestifer (R. anatipestifer) is a multidrug-resistant bacterium and an important pathogen responsible for major economic losses in the duck industry. Our previous study revealed that the efflux pump is an important resistance mechanism of R. anatipestifer. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that the GE296_RS02355 gene (denoted here as RanQ), a putative small multidrug resistance (SMR)-type efflux pump, is highly conserved in R. anatipestifer strains and important for the multidrug resistance. In the present study, we characterized the GE296_RS02355 gene in R. anatipestifer strain LZ-01. First, the deletion strain RA-LZ01ΔGE296_RS02355 and complemented strain RA-LZ01cΔGE296_RS02355 were constructed. When compared with that of the wild-type (WT) strain RA-LZ01, the mutant strain ΔRanQ showed no significant influence on bacterial growth, virulence, invasion and adhesion, morphology biofilm formation ability, and glucose metabolism. In addition, the ΔRanQ mutant strain did not alter the drug resistance phenotype of the WT strain RA-LZ01 and displayed enhanced sensitivity toward structurally related quaternary ammonium compounds, such as benzalkonium chloride and methyl viologen, which show high efflux specificity and selectivity. This study may help elucidate the unprecedented biological functions of the SMR-type efflux pump in R. anatipestifer. Thus, if this determinant is horizontally transferred, it could cause the spread of quaternary ammonium compound resistance among bacterial species.
Inhibition of Adherence and Biofilm Formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa by Immobilized ZnO Nanoparticles on Silicone Urinary Catheter Grafted by Gamma Irradiation
Authors: Elzahaby Dalia A. , Farrag Hala A. , Haikal Rana R. , Alkordi Mohamed H. , Abdeltawab Nourtan F. , Ramadan Mohammed A.
Published: March 2023

Nosocomial infections caused by microbial biofilm formation on biomaterial surfaces such as urinary catheters are complicated by antibiotic resistance, representing a common problem in hospitalized patients. Therefore, we aimed to modify silicone catheters to resist microbial adherence and biofilm formation by the tested microorganisms. This study used a simple direct method to graft poly-acrylic acid onto silicone rubber films using gamma irradiation to endow the silicone surface with hydrophilic carboxylic acid functional groups. This modification allowed the silicone to immobilize ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) as an anti-biofilm. The modified silicone films were characterized by FT-IR, SEM, and TGA. The anti-adherence ability of the modified silicone films was evidenced by the inhibition of biofilm formation by otherwise strong biofilm-producing Gram-positive, Gram-negative, and yeast clinical isolates. The modified ZnO NPs grafted silicone showed good cytocompatibility with the human epithelial cell line. Moreover, studying the molecular basis of the inhibitory effect of the modified silicone surface on biofilm-associated genes in a selected Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolate showed that anti-adherence activity might be due to the significant downregulation of the expression of lasR, lasI, and lecB genes by 2, 2, and 3.3-fold, respectively. In conclusion, the modified silicone catheters were low-cost, offering broad-spectrum anti-biofilm activity with possible future applications in hospital settings.
Presence and Relevance of Emerging Microorganisms in Clinical Genitourinary Samples
Authors: Rosales-Castillo Antonio , Expósito-Ruiz Manuela , Gutiérrez-Soto Miguel , Navarro-Marí José María , Gutiérrez-Fernández José
Published: March 2023

Microorganisms responsible for genitourinary infections increasingly include species other than conventional etiological agents that are of clinical and pathogenic relevance and therapeutic interest. This cross-sectional descriptive study selected samples from clinical genitourinary episodes between January 2016 and December 2019 in which emerging microbiological agents were detected. The patients’ epidemiological characteristics, clinical presentation, antibiotic treatment, and outcome were studied to identify their pathogenic role. The emerging microorganisms most frequently detected in urinary tract infections were Streptococcus bovis (58.5%) and Gardnerella spp. (23.6%) in females and S. bovis (32.3%), Aerococcus urinae (18.6%), and Corynebacterium spp. (16.9%) in males, while the most frequently detected in genital infections were S. viridans (36.4%) in females and C. glucuronolyticum (32.2%) and Gardnerella spp. (35.6%) in males. All cases in female children were produced by S. bovis. Symptomatic episodes were more frequent with Aerococcus spp. and S. bovis and the presence of leukocytosis more frequent with Aerococcus spp. Quinolones and doxycycline were most often prescribed antibiotics for genital infections and quinolones and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid for urinary infections. Urinary infection by Aerococcus spp. was more frequent in males of advanced age, Corynebacterium spp. was more frequent in permanent vesical catheter carriers, and episodes of asymptomatic bacteriuria by Gardnerella spp. were more frequent in patients with kidney transplant and chronic consumers of corticosteroid therapy. Lactobacillus spp. should be considered in urinary infections of patients of advanced age and with a previous antibiotic load. Genital infection by Gardnerella spp. was significantly associated with a history of risky sexual relations.
Anti-Pseudomonas aeruginosa Vaccines and Therapies: An Assessment of Clinical Trials
Authors: Elmassry Moamen M. , Colmer-Hamood Jane A. , Kopel Jonathan , San Francisco Michael J. , Hamood Abdul N.
Published: March 2023

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a Gram-negative opportunistic pathogen that causes high morbidity and mortality in cystic fibrosis (CF) and immunocompromised patients, including patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), severely burned patients, and patients with surgical wounds. Due to the intrinsic and extrinsic antibiotic resistance mechanisms, the ability to produce several cell-associated and extracellular virulence factors, and the capacity to adapt to several environmental conditions, eradicating P. aeruginosa within infected patients is difficult. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the six multi-drug-resistant pathogens (ESKAPE) considered by the World Health Organization (WHO) as an entire group for which the development of novel antibiotics is urgently needed. In the United States (US) and within the last several years, P. aeruginosa caused 27% of deaths and approximately USD 767 million annually in health-care costs. Several P. aeruginosa therapies, including new antimicrobial agents, derivatives of existing antibiotics, novel antimicrobial agents such as bacteriophages and their chelators, potential vaccines targeting specific virulence factors, and immunotherapies have been developed. Within the last 2–3 decades, the efficacy of these different treatments was tested in clinical and preclinical trials. Despite these trials, no P. aeruginosa treatment is currently approved or available. In this review, we examined several of these clinicals, specifically those designed to combat P. aeruginosa infections in CF patients, patients with P. aeruginosa VAP, and P. aeruginosa–infected burn patients.
Mechanisms during Strain Rate-Dependent Crack Propagation of Copper Nanowires Containing Edge Cracks
Authors: Zhou Jinjie , Xian Fankai , Shen Jinchuan
Published: March 2023

The crack propagation mechanism of Cu nanowires is investigated by using molecular dynamics methods. The microstructural evolution of crack propagation at different strain rates and crack depths is analyzed. Meanwhile, the stress intensity factor at the crack tip during crack propagation is calculated to describe the crack propagation process of Cu nanowires under each condition. The simulation results show that the competition between lattice recovery and dislocation multiplication determines the crack propagation mode. Lattice recovery dominates the plastic deformation of Cu nanowires at low strain rates, and the crack propagation mode is shear fracture. With the increase in strain rate, the plastic deformation mechanism gradually changes from lattice recovery to dislocation multiplication, which makes the crack propagation change from shear fracture to ductile fracture. Interestingly, the crack propagation mechanism varies with crack depth. The deeper the preset crack of Cu nanowires, the weaker the deformation resistance, and the more likely the crack propagation is accompanied.
Co3O4 Supported on Graphene-like Carbon by One-Step Calcination of Cobalt Phthalocyanine for Efficient Oxygen Reduction Reaction under Alkaline Medium
Authors: Tan Huang , Liu Xunyu , Wang Miaohui , Huang Hui , Huang Peipei
Published: March 2023

Exploiting cost-effective and durable non-platinum electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is of great significance for the development of abundant renewable energy conversion and storage technologies. Herein, a series of Co3O4 supported on graphene-like carbon (Co3O4/C) samples were firstly effectively synthesized by one-step calcination of cobalt phthalocyanine and their electrocatalytic performances were measured for ORR under an alkaline medium. By systematically adjusting the calcination temperature of cobalt phthalocyanine, we found that the material pyrolyzed at 750 °C (Co3O4/C−750) shows the best ORR electrocatalytic performance (half-wave potentials of 0.77 V (vs. RHE) in 0.1 M KOH) among all the control samples. Moreover, it displays better stability and superior methanol tolerance than commercial 20% Pt/C. The further electrochemical test results reveal that the process is close in characteristics to the four-electron ORR process on Co3O4/C−750. In addition, Co3O4/C−750 applied in the zinc–air battery presents 1.34 V of open circuit potential. Based on all the characterizations, the enhanced electrocatalytic performances of Co3O4/C−750 composite should be ascribed to the synergistic effect between Co3O4 and the graphene-like carbon layer structure produced by pyrolysis of cobalt phthalocyanine, as well as its high specific surface area.
Remote Operation of an Open-Path, Laser-Based Instrument for Atmospheric CO2 and CH4 Monitoring
Authors: Siozos Panagiotis , Psyllakis Giannis , Velegrakis Michalis
Published: March 2023

The technical specifications and the evaluation of the remote operation of the open-path, tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopic (TDLAS) instrument are presented. The instrument is equipped with two low optical power diode lasers in the near-infrared spectral range for the atmospheric detection of carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapors (CO2, CH4, and H2O). Additionally, the instrument eliminates the requirement of retroreflectors since it detects the back reflection of the laser beam from any topographic target. The instrument was operated remotely by measuring background concentrations of CO2 and CH4 in the atmosphere from 24 November 2022 to 4 January 2023. The accuracy of CO2 and CH4 measurement retrievals on a 200 m laser path was estimated at 20 ppm (4.8%) and 60 ppb (3.1%), respectively. The CH4 accuracy is comparable, but the CO2 accuracy is noticeably lower than the accuracy achieved in local operation. The accuracy issues raised are studied and discussed in terms of the laser driver’s cooling performance.
Clustering Approach for the Efficient Solution of Multiscale Stochastic Programming Problems: Application to Energy Hub Design and Operation under Uncertainty
Authors: Alkatheri Mohammed , Alhameli Falah , Betancourt-Torcat Alberto , Almansoori Ali , Elkamel Ali
Published: March 2023

The management of the supply chain for enterprise-wide operations generally consists of strategic, tactical, and operational decision stages dependent on one another and affecting various time scales. Their integration usually leads to multiscale models that are computationally intractable. The design and operation of energy hubs faces similar challenges. Renewable energies are challenging to model due to the high level of intermittency and uncertainty. The multiscale (i.e., planning and scheduling) energy hub systems that incorporate renewable energy resources become more challenging to model due to an integration of the multiscale and high level of intermittency associated with renewable energy. In this work, a mixed-integer programming (MILP) superstructure is proposed for clustering shape-based time series data featuring multiple attributes using a multi-objective optimization approach. Additionally, a data-driven statistical method is used to represent the intermittent behavior of uncertain renewable energy data. According to these methods, the design and operation of an energy hub with hydrogen storage was reformulated following a two-stage stochastic modeling technique. The main outcomes of this study are formulating a stochastic energy hub optimization model which comprehensively considers the design and operation planning, energy storage system, and uncertainties of DRERs, and proposing an efficient size reduction approach for large-sized multiple attributes demand data. The case study results show that normal clustering is closer to the optimal case (full scale model) compared with sequence clustering. In addition, there is an improvement in the objective function value using the stochastic approach instead of the deterministic. The present clustering algorithm features many unique characteristics that gives it advantages over other clustering approach and the straightforward statistical approach used to represent intermittent energy, and it can be easily incorporated into various distributed energy systems.
Characteristics and Controlling Role in Hydrocarbon Accumulation of Strike-Slip Faults in the Maigaiti Slope
Authors: Wang Bin , Chen Changchao , Shang Jiangwei , Lei Ming , Zhu Wenhui , Qu Yang , Sun Di , Sun Chunyan , Li Li
Published: March 2023

The Maigaiti Slope is a significant oil-gas-bearing field in the Tarim Basin. Based on 3D and 2D seismic data, systematic interpretation, stage sorting and genetic analysis of strike-slip faults in the Maigaiti Slope were carried out for the first time. The relationship between strike-slip faults and hydrocarbon accumulation was studied in combination with the fine dissection of hydrocarbon reservoirs. The study suggested that: (1) Staging and segmentation characteristics of strike-slip faults are evidently presented in the Maigaiti Slope. According to active periods, strike-slip faults can be divided into early Caledonian period, late Caledonian period, Hercynian period, and Himalayan period. According to plane distribution characteristics, strike-slip faults can be divided into the west Maigaiti Segment, mid-Maigaiti Segment, Madong Segment, and Bachu Segment. The main active periods and plane distribution of strike-slip faults in different sections are remarkably different. This analysis suggests that it is the response to multi-period and multi-directional tectonic movements, which are primarily dominated by the migration and evolution of the Hetian paleo-uplifts. (2) The coupling relationship between the active period of strike-slip faults and the trap forming period is the key to hydrocarbon accumulation in the Carboniferous–Ordovician, which determines the petroleum properties and enrichment horizon of the Cambrian post-salt system; medium-heavy oil is in the Caledonian period, light oil in the Indosinian period, and dry gas in the Himalayan period.
An Impacting Factors Analysis of Unsafe Acts in Coal Mine Gas Explosion Accidents Based on HFACS-ISM-BN
Authors: Niu Lixia , Zhao Jin , Yang Jinhui
Published: March 2023

With the development of intelligent coal mine construction, China’s coal production safety has been greatly improved, but coal mine gas explosion accidents still cannot be completely avoided and the unsafe acts of miners are an important cause of the accidents. Therefore, this study firstly collected 100 coal mine gas explosion cases in China, improved the framework of human factors analysis and classification system (HFACS) and used it to identify the causes of miners’ unsafe acts in detail. A hierarchy of the impacting factors is established. Then, combining with the interpretive structural model (ISM), the correlation between the impacting factors among different levels, especially among non-adjacent levels, is qualitatively analyzed through expert judgment. Then, the correlation among the contributing factors was quantitatively tested by chi-square test and odds ratio (OR) analysis. On this basis, a Bayesian network (BN) is constructed for the impacting factors of miners’ unsafe acts. The results show that the probability of coal mine gas explosion accident is 20% and 52%, respectively. Among the leading factors, the government’s insufficient crackdown on illegal activities had the greatest impact on miners’ violations, with a sensitive value of 13.2%. This study can provide reference for evaluating the unsafe acts of miners in coal mine gas explosion accidents by the probabilistic method.