bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Solvent-Free Enzymatic Synthesis of Dietary Triacylglycerols from Cottonseed Oil in a Fluidized Bed Reactor
Authors: Remonatto Daniela , Santaella Núbia , Lerin Lindomar Alberto , Bassan Juliana Cristina , Cerri Marcel Otávio , de Paula Ariela Veloso
Published: July 2023

The synthesis of structured lipids with nutraceutical applications, such as medium-long-medium (MLM) triacylglycerols, via modification of oils and fats represents a challenge for the food industry. This study aimed to synthesize MLM-type dietary triacylglycerols by enzymatic acidolysis of cottonseed oil and capric acid (C10) catalyzed by Lipozyme RM IM (lipase from Rhizomucor miehei) in a fluidized bed reactor (FBR). After chemical characterization of the feedstock and hydrodynamic characterization of the reactor, a 22 central composite rotatable design was used to optimize capric acid incorporation. The independent variables were cycle number (20–70) and cottonseed oil/capric acid molar ratio (1:2–1:4). The temperature was set at 45 °C. The best conditions, namely a 1:4 oil/acid molar ratio and 80 cycles (17.34 h), provided a degree of incorporation of about 40 mol%, as shown by compositional analysis of the modified oil. Lipozyme RM IM showed good operational stability (kd = 2.72 × 10−4 h−1, t1/2 = 2545.78 h), confirming the good reuse capacity of the enzyme in the acidolysis of cottonseed oil with capric acid. It is concluded that an FBR configuration is a promising alternative for the enzymatic synthesis of MLM triacylglycerols.
Electronic Properties and CO2-Selective Adsorption of (NiB)n (n = 1~10) Clusters: A Density Functional Theory Study
Authors: Hou Meiling , Zhou Xing , Fu Chao , Nie Tingting , Meng Yu
Published: July 2023

In this study, we investigated the electronic properties and selective adsorption for CO2 of nickel boride clusters (NiB)n, (n = 1~10) using the first principles method. We optimized the structures of the clusters and analyzed their stability based on binding energy per atom. It was observed that (NiB)n clusters adopt 3D geometries from n = 4, which were more stable compared to the plane clusters. The vertical electron affinity, vertical ionization energy, chemical potential, and highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO)–lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) gap were calculated. Our results revealed that (NiB)6 and (NiB)10, with high chemical potential, exhibit a higher affinity for CO2 adsorption due to a charge delivery channel that forms along the Ni→B→CO2 path. Notably, (NiB)10 demonstrated a more practical CO2 desorption temperature, as well as a broader window for the selective adsorption of CO2 over N2. The density of states analysis showed that the enhanced CO2 adsorption on (NiB)10 can be attributed to the synergistic effect between Ni and B, which provides more active sites for CO2 adsorption and promotes the electron transfer from the surface to the CO2 molecule. Our theoretical results imply that (NiB)10 should be a promising candidate for CO2 capture.
Sub-5 nm Gate-Length Monolayer Selenene Transistors
Authors: Li Qiang , Tan Xingyi , Yang Yongming , Xiong Xiaoyong , Zhang Teng , Weng Zhulin
Published: July 2023

Two-dimensional (2D) semiconductors are being considered as alternative channel materials as silicon-based field-effect transistors (FETs) have reached their scaling limits. Recently, air-stable 2D selenium nanosheet FETs with a gate length of 5 µm were experimentally produced. In this study, we used an ab initio quantum transport approach to simulate sub-5 nm gate-length double-gate monolayer (ML) selenene FETs. When considering negative-capacitance technology and underlap, we found that 3 nm gate-length p-type ML selenene FETs can meet the 2013 ITRS standards for high-performance applications along the armchair and zigzag directions in the 2028 horizon. Therefore, ML selenene has the potential to be a channel material that can scale Moore’s law down to a gate length of 3 nm.
Medicinal Mushrooms: Their Bioactive Components, Nutritional Value and Application in Functional Food Production—A Review
Authors: Łysakowska Paulina , Sobota Aldona , Wirkijowska Anna
Published: July 2023

Medicinal mushrooms, e.g., Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus (Bull.) Pers.), Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum (Curtis) P. Karst.), Chaga (Inonotus obliquus (Ach. ex Pers.) Pilát), Cordyceps (Ophiocordyceps sinensis (Berk.) G.H. Sung, J.M. Sung, Hywel-Jones and Spatafora), Shiitake (Lentinula edodes (Berk.) Pegler), and Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor (L.) Lloyd), are considered new-generation foods and are of growing interest to consumers. They are characterised by a high content of biologically active compounds, including (1,3)(1,6)-β-d-glucans, which are classified as dietary fibre, triterpenes, phenolic compounds, and sterols. Thanks to their low-fat content, they are a low-calorie product and are classified as a functional food. They have a beneficial effect on the organism through the improvement of its overall health and nutritional level. The biologically active constituents contained in medicinal mushrooms exhibit anticancer, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and immunomodulatory effects. In addition, these mushrooms accelerate metabolism, help fight obesity, and slow down the ageing processes thanks to their high antioxidant activity. The vast therapeutic properties of mushrooms are still not fully understood. Detailed mechanisms of the effects of medicinal mushrooms on the human organism still require long-term clinical studies to confirm their nutraceutical effects, their safety of use, and their dosage. Medicinal mushrooms have great potential to be used in the design of innovative functional foods. There is a need for further research on the possibility of incorporating mushrooms into food products to assess the interactions of their bioactive substances with ingredients in the food matrix. This review focuses on the properties of selected medicinal mushrooms and their effects on the human organism and presents current knowledge on the possibilities of their use in the production of functional foods.
Isolation of Pseudomonas oleovorans Carrying Multidrug Resistance Proteins MdtA and MdtB from Wastewater
Authors: Wang Haifeng , Sun Chenyang , Chen Xing , Yan Kai , He Hongxuan
Published: July 2023

The pollution of industrial wastewater has become a global issue in terms of economic development and ecological protection. Pseudomonas oleovorans has been studied as a bacterium involved in the treatment of petroleum pollutants. Our study aimed to investigate the physicochemical properties and drug resistance of Pseudomonas oleovorans isolated from industrial wastewater with a high concentration of sulfate compounds. Firstly, Pseudomonas oleovorans was isolated and then identified using matrix-assisted flight mass spectrometry and 16S rDNA sequencing. Then, biochemical and antibiotic resistance analyses were performed on the Pseudomonas oleovorans, and a microbial high-throughput growth detector was used to assess the growth of the strain. Finally, PCR and proteomics analyses were conducted to determine drug-resistance-related genes/proteins. Based on the results of the spectrum diagram and sequencing, the isolated bacteria were identified as Pseudomonas oleovorans and were positive to reactions of ADH, MTE, CIT, MLT, ONPG, and ACE. Pseudomonas oleovorans was sensitive to most of the tested antibiotics, and its resistance to SXT and CHL and MIN and TIM was intermediate. The growth experiment showed that Pseudomonas oleovorans had a good growth rate in nutrient broth. Additionally, gyrB was the resistance gene, and mdtA2, mdtA3, mdtB2, mdaB, and emrK1 were the proteins that were closely associated with the drug resistance of Pseudomonas oleovorans. Our results show the biochemical properties of Pseudomonas oleovorans from industrial wastewater with a high concentration of sulfate compounds and provide a new perspective for Pseudomonas oleovorans to participate in biological removal of chemical pollutants in industrial wastewater.
Preparation and Characterization of Metal–Organic Framework Coatings for Improving Protein Crystallization Screening
Authors: Yang Qin , Zhang Zhenkun , Wang Lin , Xing Xiwen , Zhou Jiahai , Li Long
Published: July 2023

Modifying crystallization plates can significantly impact the success rate and quality of protein crystal growth, making it a helpful strategy in protein crystallography. However, appropriate methods for preparing nano-sized particles with a high specific surface area and strategies for applying these nanoparticles to form suitable coatings on crystallization plate surfaces still need to be clarified. Here, we utilized both an ultrasonic crusher and a high-pressure homogenizer to create a nano metal–organic framework (MOF), specifically HKUST-1, and introduced a solvent evaporation method for producing MOF coatings on 96-well crystallization plates to induce protein crystal growth. The morphology of MOF coatings on the resin surface of the plate well was characterized using optical and scanning electron microscopy. Compared to the control group, crystallization screening experiments on nine proteins confirmed the effectiveness of plates with MOF coatings. Applying MOF coatings to crystallization plates is an easy-to-use, time-efficient, and potent tool for initiating crystallization experiments.
Pathogen Detection via Quantitative PCR in Milk of Healthy Cows Collected Using Different Sampling Protocols
Authors: Magro Silvia , Visentin Elena , Chiarin Elena , Cendron Filippo , Penasa Mauro , Costa Angela , Cassandro Martino , De Marchi Massimo
Published: July 2023

In this study we evaluated the prevalence of pathogens detected via quantitative PCR (qPCR) in milk from apparently healthy cows to identify the most common etiological agents present in Italian dairy farms. Milk samples were collected using a sterile protocol at quarter-level (3239 samples, 822 cows) and a conventional protocol at udder level as composite milk from the functional quarters of each cow (5464 samples, 5464 cows). The qPCR commercial kit detected Mycoplasma bovis, Mycoplasma spp., Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS), Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus dysgalactiae, Streptococcus uberis, Prototheca spp., Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp., Enterococcus spp. and Lactococcus lactis ssp. lactis as well as DNA from the penicillin resistance β-lactamase gene from staphylococci. The prevalence of specific DNA was calculated based on its presence or absence in the samples, factoring in both the sampling protocols and herds. Regardless of the sampling protocol used, the most frequently detected pathogens were CNS (26.6% in sterile and 13.9% in conventional protocol) and Streptococcus uberis (9.6% and 16.5%, respectively). These results underscore the necessity for pathogen-specific interventions at the farm level to enhance the udder health of dairy cows via management recommendations.
Antiproliferative and Tubulin-Destabilising Effects of 3-(Prop-1-en-2-yl)azetidin-2-Ones and Related Compounds in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Wang Shu , Malebari Azizah M. , Greene Thomas F. , Kandwal Shubhangi , Fayne Darren , Nathwani Seema M. , Zisterer Daniela M. , Twamley Brendan , O’Boyle Niamh M , Meegan Mary J.
Published: July 2023

A series of novel 3-(prop-1-en-2-yl)azetidin-2-one, 3-allylazetidin-2-one and 3-(buta-1,3-dien-1-yl)azetidin-2-one analogues of combretastatin A-4 (CA-4) were designed and synthesised as colchicine-binding site inhibitors (CBSI) in which the ethylene bridge of CA-4 was replaced with a β-lactam (2-azetidinone) scaffold. These compounds, together with related prodrugs, were evaluated for their antiproliferative activity, cell cycle effects and ability to inhibit tubulin assembly. The compounds demonstrated significant in vitro antiproliferative activities in MCF-7 breast cancer cells, particularly for compounds 9h, 9q, 9r, 10p, 10r and 11h, with IC50 values in the range 10–33 nM. These compounds were also potent in the triple-negative breast cancer (TBNC) cell line MDA-MB-231, with IC50 values in the range 23–33 nM, and were comparable with the activity of CA-4. The compounds inhibited the polymerisation of tubulin in vitro, with significant reduction in tubulin polymerization, and were shown to interact at the colchicine-binding site on tubulin. Flow cytometry demonstrated that compound 9q arrested MCF-7 cells in the G2/M phase and resulted in cellular apoptosis. The antimitotic properties of 9q in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells were also evaluated, and the effect on the organization of microtubules in the cells after treatment with compound 9q was observed using confocal microscopy. The immunofluorescence results confirm that β-lactam 9q is targeting tubulin and resulted in mitotic catastrophe in MCF-7 cells. In silico molecular docking supports the hypothesis that the compounds interact with the colchicine-binding domain of tubulin. Compound 9q is a novel potent microtubule-destabilising agent with potential as a promising lead compound for the development of new antitumour agents.
Systemic Chronic Treatment with Cannabidiol in Carioca High- and Low-Conditioned Freezing Rats in the Neuropathic Pain Model: Evaluation of Pain Sensitivity
Authors: Macêdo-Souza Carolina , Maisonnette Silvia Soares , Hallak Jaime E. , Crippa José A. , Zuardi Antônio W. , Landeira-Fernandez J. , Leite-Panissi Christie Ramos Andrade
Published: July 2023

Studies have shown high comorbidity of anxiety disorder and chronic pain; generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and neuropathic pain are among these pathologies. Cannabidiol (CBD) has been considered a promising treatment for these conditions. This study investigated whether chronic systemic treatment with CBD alters pain in high- (CHF) and low-freezing (CLF) Carioca rats (GAD model) and control rats (CTL) submitted to chronic neuropathic pain. The rats were evaluated in the sensory aspects (von Frey, acetone, and hot plate tests) before the chronic constriction injury of the ischiatic nerve (CCI) or not (SHAM) and on days 13 and 23 after surgery. Chronic treatment with CBD (5 mg/kg daily) was used for ten days, starting the 14th day after surgery. The open field test on the 22nd also evaluated locomotion and anxiety-like behavior. CBD treatment had an anti-allodynic effect on the mechanical and thermal threshold in all lineages; however, these effects were lower in the CHF and CLF lineages. Considering emotional evaluation, we observed an anxiolytic effect in CTL+CCI and CHF+CCI after CBD treatment and increased mobility in CLF+SHAM rats. These results suggest that the CBD mechanical anti-allodynic and emotional effects can depend on anxiety level.
Exploring the mTOR Signalling Pathway and Its Inhibitory Scope in Cancer
Authors: Mir Suhail Ahmad , Dar Ashraf , Alshehri Saad Ali , Wahab Shadma , Hamid Laraibah , Almoyad Mohammad Ali Abdullah , Ali Tabasum , Bader Ghulam Nabi
Published: July 2023

Mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a protein kinase that regulates cellular growth, development, survival, and metabolism through integration of diverse extracellular and intracellular stimuli. Additionally, mTOR is involved in interplay of signalling pathways that regulate apoptosis and autophagy. In cells, mTOR is assembled into two complexes, mTORC1 and mTORC2. While mTORC1 is regulated by energy consumption, protein intake, mechanical stimuli, and growth factors, mTORC2 is regulated by insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R), and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). mTOR signalling pathways are considered the hallmark in cancer due to their dysregulation in approximately 70% of cancers. Through downstream regulators, ribosomal protein S6 kinase β-1 (S6K1) and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E binding protein 1 (4E-BP1), mTORC1 influences various anabolic and catabolic processes in the cell. In recent years, several mTOR inhibitors have been developed with the aim of treating different cancers. In this review, we will explore the current developments in the mTOR signalling pathway and its importance for being targeted by various inhibitors in anti-cancer therapeutics.
Lipid-Based Delivery Systems for Flavonoids and Flavonolignans: Liposomes, Nanoemulsions, and Solid Lipid Nanoparticles
Authors: Ranjbar Shahla , Emamjomeh Abbasali , Sharifi Fatemeh , Zarepour Atefeh , Aghaabbasi Kian , Dehshahri Ali , Sepahvand Azadeh Mohammadi , Zarrabi Ali , Beyzaei Hamid , Zahedi Mohammad Mehdi , Mohammadinejad Reza
Published: July 2023

Herbal chemicals with a long history in medicine have attracted a lot of attention. Flavonolignans and flavonoids are considered as two classes of the above-mentioned compounds with different functional groups which exhibit several therapeutic capabilities such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and anticancer activities. Based on the studies, high hydrophobic properties of the aforementioned compounds limit their bioavailability inside the human body and restrict their wide application. Nanoscale formulations such as solid lipid nanoparticles, liposomes, and other types of lipid-based delivery systems have been introduced to overcome the above-mentioned challenges. This approach allows the aforementioned hydrophobic therapeutic compounds to be encapsulated between hydrophobic structures, resulting in improving their bioavailability. The above-mentioned enhanced delivery system improves delivery to the targeted sites and reduces the daily required dosage. Lowering the required daily dose improves the performance of the drug by diminishing its side effects on non-targeted tissues. The present study aims to highlight the recent improvements in implementing lipid-based nanocarriers to deliver flavonolignans and flavonoids.
Sicilian Rivet Wheat Landraces: Grain Characteristics and Technological Quality of Flour and Bread
Authors: Spina Alfio , Guarnaccia Paolo , Canale Michele , Sanfilippo Rosalia , Bizzini Michele , Blangiforti Sebastiano , Zingale Silvia , Lo Piero Angela Roberta , Allegra Maria , Sicilia Angelo , Nicotra Carmelo , Anastasi Umberto
Published: July 2023

In recent years, the growth of tetraploid Sicilian wheat landraces has been arousing increasing interest. In this study, eighteen local genotypes of Triticum turgidum subsp. turgidum, belonging to the groups ‘Bufala’, ‘Ciciredda’, ‘Bivona’ and ‘Paola’, and two cultivars of Triticum turgidum subsp. durum (the old variety ‘Bidì’, and a more recent variety ‘Simeto’) were assessed for the characteristics of the grain and bread-making performance of their flours and doughs, as well as the quality of the loaves. The grain of the twenty genotypes came from a field trial conducted during 2018–2019 in south-eastern Sicily. The main commercial features of the grain (thousand kernel weight and hectolitre weight), including the defects (starchy, black pointed and shrunken kernels), were determined. The wholemeal flours and doughs obtained from the grain of each genotype were evaluated for the main technological quality (physico-chemical and rheological characteristics), and processed into loaves, whose main quality indices (volume, height, weight, moisture and porosity) were assessed. The results from such analyses allowed the authors to evaluate the genotypes’ bread-making suitability. In particular, for the grain characteristics, hectolitre weight varied from 68.23 (‘Bufala Rossa Lunga 01’) to 77.43 (‘Bidì 03’) kg/hL, passing through the typical values for common and durum wheat. Among the grain defects, the black point defect was absent in all the grain samples, except for that of ‘Bufala Nera Corta 01’ (2%). Dry gluten content varied from 6.22 to 10.23 g/100 g, and sedimentation test values were low or medium-low, with values ranging from 22 to 35 mL. Amylase activity was low and highly variable among the genotypes, with the maximum value observed for ‘Bufala Rossa Corta b01’ (509 s). The doughs evidenced a poor quality for bread making with alveograph values of W ranging from 12 to 145 (10−4 × Joule) and thus the volume of the loaves varied from 346.25 cm3 of ‘Bivona’ and ‘Ciciredda’ to 415.00 cm3 of ‘Bufala Rossa Lunga’. A Tandem Cluster Analysis was conducted on a set of all the response variables. The Hierarchical Cluster Analysis was initially run. A five-cluster solution identified three clusters further segmented and two single branches. Overall, the study highlighted the possibility of using some of these landraces alone for the production of traditional breads locally appreciated or together with other ingredients for the production of crumbly baked goods such as substitutes for bread and biscuits.
Moses and Christ in the Wilderness Narrative: Transformation of Religious Traditions in 1 Cor 10
Authors: Ho Sin Pan
Published: July 2023

Unlike Islam, Judaism and Christianity, religions in antiquity were non-confessional and lacked moral instructions for worshippers. Patron–client associations seemed to depict gods-worshipper relations in Paul’s time. In this paper, I argue that Paul in 1 Cor 10:1–4 uses both his former religious traditions and those of the first audience, Jews and non-Jews, to convince them about his novel God–Christ patron–covenant theology. Paul abruptly introduced Moses (10:2), spiritual food/drink (10:3–4a) and Christ (10:4b) into the classic Jewish wandering story in the wilderness to delineate his anti-idol rhetoric throughout 1 Cor 10. Paul paradoxically warned the first audience against their idol-worshipping lifestyles by utilising and transforming Jewish Shema worship into a binitarian God–Christ covenantal relation, and idol-worship traditions to the only patron family god of the Christ-follower community. Paul’s rhetorical purpose of (re)introducing the concept of God as Moses’ God and Christ as an anti-idol polemic is a coherent theme throughout 1 Cor 10 and probably throughout 1 Cor 11–14.
Relations in Ramon Llull’s Trinitarian Ontology
Authors: Volek Peter
Published: July 2023

After his conversion in 1263, and following a vision on Mount Randa in 1273, Ramon Llull adopted a trinitarian view of the world. At the same time, he found his purpose in missionary activity, seeking to convert Christians, Muslims, and Jews to the Catholic faith. He also wanted to serve this purpose through his books. The trinitarian ontology that these books presuppose can be seen in his understanding of relations. Llull’s trinitarianism begins with the Augustinian tradition’s trinitarian understanding of the world. The basis of his trinitarian ontology lies in his understanding of correlatives, one of his most original contributions to the thought. Together with relative principles and the doctrine of God’s Dignities as absolute principles, these form the basis of his doctrine of Art, the art of combining elements. Trinitarian ontology also appears in his analysis of human’s relationship with God, in his dynamic definition of human being, and in the structure of the composition of human being. This article will show that trinitarian ontology is a presupposition of Ramon Llull’s vision of the world.
Low-Complexity Joint Angle of Arrival and Time of Arrival Estimation of Multipath Signal in UWB System
Authors: Deng Weiming , Li Jianfeng , Tang Yawei , Zhang Xiaofei
Published: July 2023

In an ultra-wideband (UWB) system, the two-dimensional (2D) multiple signal classification (MUSIC) algorithms based on high-precision 2D spectral peak search can jointly estimate the time of arrival (TOA) and angle of arrival (AOA). However, the computational complexity of 2D-MUSIC is very high, and the corresponding data model is only based on the dual antennas. To solve these problems, a low-complexity algorithm for joint AOA and TOA estimation of the multipath ultra-wideband signal is proposed. Firstly, the dual antenna sensing data model is extended to the antenna array case. Then, based on the array-sensing data model, the proposed algorithm transforms the 2D spectral peak search of 2D-MUSIC into a secondary optimization problem to extract the estimation of AOA via only 1D search. Finally, the acquired AOA estimations are brought back, and the TOA estimations are also obtained through a 1D search. Moreover, in the case of an unknown transmitted signal waveform, the proposed method can still distinguish the main path signal based on the time difference of arrival of different paths, which shows wider applications. The simulation results show that the proposed algorithm outperforms the Root-MUSIC algorithm and the estimation of signal parameters using the rotational invariance techniques (ESPRIT) algorithm, and keeps the same estimation accuracy but with greatly reduced computational complexity compared to the 2D-MUSIC algorithm.
IoTTPS: Ensemble RKSVM Model-Based Internet of Things Threat Protection System
Authors: Akram Urooj , Sharif Wareesa , Shahroz Mobeen , Mushtaq Muhammad Faheem , Aray Daniel Gavilanes , Thompson Ernesto Bautista , Diez Isabel de la Torre , Djuraev Sirojiddin , Ashraf Imran
Published: July 2023

An Internet of Things (IoT) network is prone to many ways of threatening individuals. IoT sensors are lightweight, lack complicated security protocols, and face threats to privacy and confidentiality. Hackers can attack the IoT network and access personal information and confidential data for blackmailing, and negatively manipulate data. This study aims to propose an IoT threat protection system (IoTTPS) to protect the IoT network from threats using an ensemble model RKSVM, comprising a random forest (RF), K nearest neighbor (KNN), and support vector machine (SVM) model. The software-defined networks (SDN)-based IoT network datasets such as KDD cup 99, NSL-KDD, and CICIDS are used for threat detection based on machine learning. The experimental phase is conducted by using a decision tree (DT), logistic regression (LR), Naive Bayes (NB), RF, SVM, gradient boosting machine (GBM), KNN, and the proposed ensemble RKSVM model. Furthermore, performance is optimized by adding a grid search hyperparameter optimization technique with K-Fold cross-validation. As well as the NSL-KDD dataset, two other datasets, KDD and CIC-IDS 2017, are used to validate the performance. Classification accuracies of 99.7%, 99.3%, 99.7%, and 97.8% are obtained for DoS, Probe, U2R, and R2L attacks using the proposed ensemble RKSVM model using grid search and cross-fold validation. Experimental results demonstrate the superior performance of the proposed model for IoT threat detection.
An Optical-Fiber-Based Key for Remote Authentication of Users and Optical Fiber Lines
Authors: Smirnov Alexander , Yarovikov Mikhail , Zhdanova Ekaterina , Gutor Alexander , Vyatkin Mikhail
Published: July 2023

We have shown the opportunity to use the unique inhomogeneities of the internal structure of an optical fiber waveguide for remote authentication of users or an optic fiber line. Optical time domain reflectometry (OTDR) is demonstrated to be applicable to observing unclonable backscattered signal patterns at distances of tens of kilometers. The physical nature of the detected patterns was explained, and their characteristic spatial periods were investigated. The patterns are due to the refractive index fluctuations of a standard telecommunication fiber. We have experimentally verified that the patterns are an example of a physically unclonable function (PUF). The uniqueness and reproducibility of the patterns have been demonstrated and an outline of authentication protocol has been proposed.
Enhanced Adjacency Matrix-Based Lightweight Graph Convolution Network for Action Recognition
Authors: Zhang Daqing , Deng Hongmin , Zhi Yong
Published: July 2023

Graph convolutional networks (GCNs), which extend convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to non-Euclidean structures, have been utilized to promote skeleton-based human action recognition research and have made substantial progress in doing so. However, there are still some challenges in the construction of recognition models based on GCNs. In this paper, we propose an enhanced adjacency matrix-based graph convolutional network with a combinatorial attention mechanism (CA-EAMGCN) for skeleton-based action recognition. Firstly, an enhanced adjacency matrix is constructed to expand the model’s perceptive field of global node features. Secondly, a feature selection fusion module (FSFM) is designed to provide an optimal fusion ratio for multiple input features of the model. Finally, a combinatorial attention mechanism is devised. Specifically, our spatial-temporal (ST) attention module and limb attention module (LAM) are integrated into a multi-input branch and a mainstream network of the proposed model, respectively. Extensive experiments on three large-scale datasets, namely the NTU RGB+D 60, NTU RGB+D 120 and UAV-Human datasets, show that the proposed model takes into account both requirements of light weight and recognition accuracy. This demonstrates the effectiveness of our method.
Multichannel Classifier for Recognizing Acoustic Impacts Recorded with a phi-OTDR
Authors: Barantsov Ivan Alekseevich , Pnev Alexey Borisovich , Koshelev Kirill Igorevich , Garin Egor Olegovich , Pozhar Nickolai Olegovich , Khan Roman Igorevich
Published: July 2023

The purpose of this work is to increase the security of the perimeter of an area from unauthorized intrusions by creating an improved algorithm for classifying acoustic impacts recorded with a sensor system based on a phase-sensitive optical time reflectometer (phi-OTDR). The algorithm includes machine learning, so a dataset consisting of two classes was assembled. The dataset consists of two classes. The first class is the data of the steps, and the second class is other non-stepping influences (engine noise, a passing car, a passing cyclist, etc.). As an intrusion signal, a human walking signal is analyzed and recorded in frames of 5 s, which passed the threshold condition. Since, in most cases, the intruder moves on foot to overcome the perimeter, the analysis of the acoustic effects generated during the step will increase the efficiency of the perimeter detection tools. When walking quietly, step signals can be quite weak, and background signals can contain high energy and visually resemble the signals you are looking for. Therefore, an algorithm was created that processes space–time diagrams developed in real time, which are grayscale images. At the same time, during the processing of one image, two more images are calculated, which are the result of processing the denoised autoencoder and the created mathematical model of the adaptive correlation. Then, the three obtained images are fed to the input of the created three-channel neural network classifier, which includes convolutional layers for the automatic extraction of spatial features. The probability of correctly detecting steps is 98.3% and that of background actions is 97.93%.
Research Progress and Performance Evaluation of Polyvinyl Alcohol Fiber Engineered Cementitious Composites
Authors: Cheng Long , Chen Shaochang , Chen Feng , Wang Chaohui , Chen Qian
Published: July 2023

Polyvinyl alcohol fiber engineered cementitious composites (PVA-ECC) have attracted wide attention due to their high toughness and narrow cracks. This review evaluated research results on PVA-ECC to further promote its research and application. The suitable length, diameter, and content of PVA fiber for ECC were recommended. The surface modification method of PVA fiber was determined and the dispersion evaluation method of PVA fiber was explored. An investigation into the mechanical properties of PVA-ECC was conducted, and the influence of PVA fiber content and fly ash content was evaluated. The improvement degree of PVA fiber on the durability of ECC and the strengthening mechanism was clarified. Results indicate that the recommended PVA fiber length for ECC was 12 mm, the diameter was 39 μm or 40 μm, and the content was 0.60–2.00%. The surface physical modification method was recommended for PVA fiber surface modification, and the mass equalization method was recommended for the evaluation of PVA fiber dispersion. With ordinary concrete, the tensile strain of PVA-ECC can be increased by 200–320 times, and the average improvement degree of flexural strength was 43%. Tensile strength and flexural strength of PVA-ECC increase first and then decrease with the increase in fiber content. With the increase in fly ash content, the tensile strength, compressive strength, and flexural strength of PVA-ECC decreased. PVA fiber content, fly ash content, and freeze–thaw medium are the main factors affecting the frost resistance of PVA-ECC. Compared with ordinary concrete, the average decreased degree of electric flux of PVA-ECC at 28 d was 21%, and the average decreased degree of carbonation depth of PVA-ECC at 3–28 d was 9–20%.
Comparative Valuation of Three Ecosystem Services in a Canadian Watershed Using Global, Regional, and Local Unit Values
Authors: Aziz Tariq , Nimubona Alain-Désiré , Van Cappellen Philippe
Published: July 2023

Economic valuations of ecosystem services often transfer previously estimated global unit values to the geographical setting of interest. While this approach produces quick results, its reliability depends on how representative the large-scale average unit values are for the given local context. Here, we estimate the values of three ecosystem services (ES)—water filtration, nutrient cycling, and carbon sequestration—in the Grand River watershed (GRW) of southern Ontario, Canada. The watershed covers nearly 7000 km2, has a humid continental climate and a population of close to one million people. Land cover is dominated by agriculture. We compare ES valuations using locally derived (i.e., GRW-specific) unit values to valuations based on unit values from a regional database and those compiled in the global Ecosystem Services Valuation Database (ESVD). The regional database includes mean unit values from three case studies within southern Ontario and one boreal watershed in British Columbia. As expected, the regional database yields average monetary values for the three ES that are close to those obtained using the local unit values but with larger associated uncertainties. Using the ESVD, however, results in significantly higher monetary values for the ES. For water filtration, the ESVD value is more than five times higher than the regional and local estimates. We further illustrate the effect of the extent of aggregation of forested and agricultural land categories on the ES values. For example, by subdividing the forest category into three subcategories (deciduous, coniferous, and mixed forest), the estimated value of the carbon sequestration service from forested areas within the GRW decreases by 7%. Overall, our results emphasize the importance of critically assessing the origin of unit values and the land cover resolution in ES valuation, especially when ES valuation is used as a policy-guiding tool.
Hybrid Functions Approach via Nonlinear Integral Equations with Symmetric and Nonsymmetrical Kernel in Two Dimensions
Authors: Abusalim Sahar M. , Abdou Mohamed A. , Abdel-Aty Mohamed A. , Nasr Mohamed E.
Published: July 2023

The second kind of two-dimensional nonlinear integral equation (NIE) with symmetric and nonsymmetrical kernel is solved in the Banach space L2[0,1]×L2[0,1]. Here, the NIE’s existence and singular solution are described in this passage. Additionally, we use a numerical strategy that uses hybrid and block-pulse functions to obtain the approximate solution of the NIE in a two-dimensional problem. For this aim, the two-dimensional NIE will be reduced to a system of nonlinear algebraic equations (SNAEs). Then, the SNAEs can be solved numerically. This study focuses on showing the convergence analysis for the numerical approach and generating an estimate of the error. Examples are presented to prove the efficiency of the approach.
Molecular Genetics of Retrovirus Replication
Authors: Levin Judith G. , Musier-Forsyth Karin , Rein Alan
Published: July 2023

Despite the availability of effective anti-HIV drug therapy, according to UNAIDS estimates, 1 [...]
Genetic Profile of African Swine Fever Viruses Circulating at Pig Farms in South Korea during the Outbreaks between 2022 and April 2023
Authors: Cho Ki-Hyun , Yoo Dae-Sung , Hong Seong-Keun , Kim Da-Young , Jang Min-Kyung , Kang Hae-Eun , Kim Yeon-Hee
Published: July 2023

Fifteen pig farms were affected by African swine fever (ASF) in South Korea during the outbreaks between 2022 and April 2023. The ASF virus (ASFV) genome was directly extracted from the blood and tissue samples of 15 ASFV-positive pig farms to analyze the genetic characteristics. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the 15 strains belonged to p72 genotype II and CD2v serogroup 8, which were the central variable region (CVR) I variants of the B602L gene. Fourteen strains were intergenic region (IGR) II variants, containing an additional tandem repeat sequence (TRS), between I73L and I329R, with the exception of one strain from an ASFV-infected pig farm reported on 22 January 2023, which was an IGR I variant. In addition, a single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) was detected at position 107 from the start of the IGR between A179L and A137R in six isolates. The findings of this study suggest that the sources of the virus at the pig farms from which these variants originated differed from those of other pig farms.
Channel Bed Deformation around Double Piers in Tandem Arrangement in an S-Shaped Channel under Ice Cover
Authors: Li Zhicong , Wang Jun , Sui Jueyi , Cheng Tiejie , Liu Peigui , Li Guowei
Published: July 2023

Flow structure and channel bed deformation caused by double piers in a tandem arrangement under ice-covered flow conditions in a bent channel is more complicated than those around a single pier in a straight channel. Based on experiments in an S-shaped flume, the scouring phenomenon at double piers in a tandem arrangement under an ice cover has been conducted by varying pier spacing distance, bend apex cross section (BACS), and hydraulic parameters. Results show that, under identical hydraulic conditions, the variation trend of the scour depth in the vicinity of double piers in a tandem arrangement in a bent channel is similar to that in a straight channel. The deepest depth of scour holes at the upstream BACS is more than that at piers at the downstream BACS. At each BACS, the effect resulting from the interaction of double piers gradually decreases with the pier spacing distance. Different from the characteristics of local scour at double piers in a tandem arrangement in the straight flume, when the ratio of pier spacing distance to pier diameter (L/D) is more than 15, the horseshoe vortex generated by the front pier has negligible impact on the rear pier, and the maximum depth of scour hole at the rear pier scour hole is about 90% that of the front pier. Also, when L/D is higher than 15, the influence of the rear pier on the front one is negligible, and the scour hole depth at the front pier remains the same. However, this phenomenon occurs when the straight flume’s L/D is greater than 17.
Evaluation of Flood Mitigation Physical Examination in Zhengzhou City from the Perspective of Resistance
Authors: Xie Xiaoling , Gao Xiaomeng
Published: July 2023

In recent years, the study of urban flood resistance has included the perspectives of spatial environment and multiple elements of urban space, which break through the limitation of only focusing on engineering measures in traditional disaster prevention. The article constructs a flood prevention and mitigation index system under the perspective of resistance based on the basic work of urban physical examination and ignoring the variability of population size affected by floods in different regions. It also takes 6 districts and 6 counties under the jurisdiction of Zhengzhou City as the research object, combines the relevant data of 12 cities, uses the entropy weight method and the coefficient of variation method to determine the index weights comprehensively and introduces the barrier degree diagnosis model. This article carries out urban flood control and disaster reduction special physical examination, considers resistance obstacle factors and promotes strategy analysis and research. The results show that from the perspective of spatial distribution, the flood control and flood mitigation resistance of Zhengzhou City is in a “differential” distribution state and the high resistance areas are Erqi District, Jinshui District and Gongyi City. In general, the resistance index in the southwest region was higher than that in the northeast region and there was a significant difference between urban areas and counties, showing a medium-high and medium-low resistance status. From the results of the study, to improve the level of resistance to flood mitigation in each city, it is necessary to focus on the main obstacle factors that hinder the development of the city and to fundamentally improve the level of resistance to create a more livable and healthier city according to local conditions.
Advanced Machine Learning Techniques to Improve Hydrological Prediction: A Comparative Analysis of Streamflow Prediction Models
Authors: Kumar Vijendra , Kedam Naresh , Sharma Kul Vaibhav , Mehta Darshan J. , Caloiero Tommaso
Published: July 2023

The management of water resources depends heavily on hydrological prediction, and advances in machine learning (ML) present prospects for improving predictive modelling capabilities. This study investigates the use of a variety of widely used machine learning algorithms, such as CatBoost, ElasticNet, k-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), Lasso, Light Gradient Boosting Machine Regressor (LGBM), Linear Regression (LR), Multilayer Perceptron (MLP), Random Forest (RF), Ridge, Stochastic Gradient Descent (SGD), and the Extreme Gradient Boosting Regression Model (XGBoost), to predict the river inflow of the Garudeshwar watershed, a key element in planning for flood control and water supply. The substantial engineering feature used in the study, which incorporates temporal lag and contextual data based on Indian seasons, leads it distinctiveness. The study concludes that the CatBoost method demonstrated remarkable performance across various metrics, including Mean Absolute Error (MAE), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), and R-squared (R2) values, for both training and testing datasets. This was accomplished by an in-depth investigation and model comparison. In contrast to CatBoost, XGBoost and LGBM demonstrated a higher percentage of data points with prediction errors exceeding 35% for moderate inflow numbers above 10,000. CatBoost established itself as a reliable method for hydrological time-series modelling, easily managing both categorical and continuous variables, and thereby greatly enhancing prediction accuracy. The results of this study highlight the value and promise of widely used machine learning algorithms in hydrology and offer valuable insights for academics and industry professionals.
The Pharmaceutical Pollution of Water Resources Using the Example of the Kura River (Tbilisi, Georgia)
Authors: Gurgenidze David , Romanovski Valentin
Published: July 2023

This article addresses the issues of pharmaceutical pollution of the Kura River. Existing published information on the pollution of the world’s rivers and rivers in Georgia was analyzed. Based on laboratory studies of water samples within the city of Tbilisi, which were carried out to identify psychostimulating and analeptic drugs, antibiotics of the macrolide group, nicotine, and analgesic–antipyretics, the places with the highest levels of pollution were identified. Based on the analysis of the dynamics of growth in the sales of pharmaceuticals in the world and Georgia, empirical dependencies were obtained for predicting the growth in sales as an indirect factor that indicates an increase in the pollution of natural water sources. Particular attention is paid to improving the legislative framework for the disposal of products of industrial production sectors that are related to medicine, human health, and agriculture.
Numerical Simulation of Sediment Transport in Unsteady Open Channel Flow
Authors: Duan Jennifer G. , Yu Chunshui , Ding Yan
Published: July 2023

This paper presented a two-dimensional, well-balanced hydrodynamic and sediment transport model based on the solutions of variable-density shallow-water equations (VDSWEs) and the Exner equation for bed change for simulating sediment transport in unsteady flows. Those equations are solved in a coupled way by the first-order Godunov-type finite volume method. The Harten–Lax–van Leer–Contact (HLLC) Riemann solver is extended to find the local Riemann fluxes to maintain the exact balance between the momentum term and the bed slope term. A well-balanced scheme is superior to an unbalanced scheme to minimize numerical dispersion as demonstrated by the synthetic standing contact-discontinuity test case. Following this, the model is employed to simulate two laboratory experiments and a field case, the 1996 Lake Ha! Ha! flood event in Canada. The results of water surface elevations and bed surface profiles agree well with the measurements. The accuracy and robustness of the numerical schemes make the model a good candidate for practical engineering applications.
Analysis of Structure Stability of Underwater Shield Tunnel under Different Temperatures Based on Finite Element Method
Authors: Zhu Lei , Wu Qianwen , Jiang Yuke , Li Zhenyu , Wang Yuke
Published: July 2023

The structural stability of the underwater shield tunnel during operations is affected by temperature variations. The effect of different structure temperatures on the underwater shield tunnel during the operation period was studied. By numerical simulation, the variation in the underwater shield tunnel temperature circle was analyzed. The variation patterns of the top arch, bottom arch, waist arch temperature, maximum principal stress, and settlement of the soil under different temperatures were obtained. The results showed that: (1) The early excavation time of the tunnel was short, and the temperature circle was small. The temperature circle expanded rapidly after 50 days of operating. The diffusion range increased from 1.5 m to 5.35 m: an increase of 256.7%. With the increase in time, the expansion rate of the temperature circle gradually slowed down. (2) The higher the temperature of the soil, the more complex the temperature transfer between the soil and the lining was while generating greater temperature stresses and reducing the safety of the tunnel. (3) When the tunnel was just excavated, the compression settlement of the top arch and the waist arch increased rapidly, reaching 5.43 mm and 0.24 mm, respectively. The bottom arch was squeezed by the soil on both sides, resulting in an uplift and rapid increase, reaching 4.94 mm. The settlement rate increased with the increase in the tunnel structure’s temperature. After the excavation, with the decrease in temperature, the strength of the soil and lining increased. The settlement of the top arch, bottom arch, and waist arch increased slowly with time, and the growth rate decreased gradually.