bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High Pressure Steam Oxidation: Extents and Influences
Authors: Fry A.T. , Seraffon M. , Banks J.
Published: March 2024

Laboratory-scale tests are frequently used to generate understanding of high-temperature oxidation phenomena, to characterise and rank the performance of existing, future materials and coatings. Tests within the laboratory have the advantage of being well controlled, monitored and offer the opportunity of simplification which enables the study of individual parameters through isolating them from other factors, such as temperature transients. The influence of pressure on the oxidation of power plant materials has always been considered to be less significant than the effects of temperature and Cr content, but still remains a subject of differing opinions. Experimental efforts, reported in the literature, to measure the influence of steam pressure on the rate of oxidation have not produced very consistent or conclusive results. To examine this further a series of high pressure steam oxidation exposures have been conducted in a high pressure flowing steam loop, exposing a range of materials to flowing steam at 650 and 700 °C and pressure of 25, 50 and 60 bar. Data is presented for ferritic-martensitic alloys showing the effect of increasing pressure on the mass change and oxide thickness of these alloys in the flowing steam loop. In addition the effect observed on the diffusion of aluminium from an aluminised coating in these alloys is also presented and the differences in the extent of diffusion discussed.
Steam Oxidation of the Novel Austenitic Steel of Fe-20Cr-30Ni-2Nb (at.%) at 973 K
Authors: Ueda Mitsutoshi , Yamashita Masakazu , Kawamura Kenichi , Takeyama Masao , Maruyama Toshio
Published: March 2024

Steam oxidation of a novel austenitic steel, of which composition is Fe-20Cr-30Ni-2Nb (at.%), has been conducted at 973 K to evaluate steam oxidation resistance based on detail analyses of scale morphology and scale growth. Two types of scale morphologies were observed in the solution treated sample, depending on the grain of the steel. Although thin duplex scale with the Cr-rich layer was formed in the early stage, most of the surface was covered with thick duplex scale which consists of magnetite as the outer scale and the mixture of Fe-Cr spinel and metallic Ni as the inner scale. On the other hand, surface morphology of the oxide scale was independent of grain of the steel and thick duplex scale as seen on the solution treated sample was formed on the pre-aged sample. Steam oxidation resistance of the steel is almost the same as that of commercial austenitic steels and it can be improved by the surface treatment such as shot peening. Based on the results, this steel has both enough creep rupture strength and good steam oxidation resistance for A-USC power plants.
Qualifying Welding Procedures for Repair of High Temperature Components
Authors: Newell William F.
Published: March 2024

Qualifying welding procedures for repair of components in high temperature service requires careful consideration of factors including identification of the materials involved, existing mechanical properties and service operating parameters such as temperature, pressure and environment. Selection of weld metals to match, under match or overmatch base material as well as direct and indirect consequences on the heat-affected zone also require evaluation. Application of post weld heat treatment and ramifications where dissimilar base materials are involved are discussed plus the necessity of conducting tests at the operating temperatures and conditions where information is not available from the literature. Each of these factors is discussed and examples provided.
Influence of Trace RE Element on Properties and Microstructures of SA335P91 Weld Metal
Authors: Du Haoyang , Du Mingliang , Yang Jian , Hou Laichang , Yang Yongmei
Published: March 2024

This study investigates the impact of adding small amounts of rare earth (RE) elements on the properties and microstructures of SA335P91 steel welds. The RE elements were incorporated into the weld metal using a coating process. The researchers then proposed an optimal RE formula aimed at achieving improved properties and microstructures. To evaluate the effectiveness of this approach, various tests were conducted on both welds with and without RE additions. These tests included tensile testing (both at room and high temperatures), impact testing, metallographic analysis to examine the microstructure, determination of phase transformation points, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The results revealed that the addition of RE elements has the potential to enhance the properties and modify the microstructure of SA335P91 welds.
Applications of a Phase Analysis Technology to Advanced Heat Resistant Steels and Nickel-Base Superalloys
Authors: Zhifang Peng , Fangfang Peng , Fangyu Chen
Published: March 2024

An approach to phase analysis called multiphase separation technology (MPST) has been developed to determine phase chemistries of precipitated particles with sizes visible under SEM/EPMA observations based on the data from the conventional EDS measurements on bulk steel/alloy material samples. Quite accurate results from its applications have successfully been demonstrated by comparisons of SEM/EPMA - EDS + MPST with some other currently available means, for instance, chemical extractions (CA), TEM-EDS, AP-FIM and Thermo-Calc. etc. Applied examples regarding the relations of change in phase parameters including type, composition, volume fraction, size and distribution of the precipitated particles with material qualities, creep rupture lives, property stabilities, property recovery and boiler tube failures for some advanced heat resistant steels (P92, Super304H, HR3C, TP347HFG (H)) are given through the use of the SEM/EPMA - EDS + MPST in this contribution. Examples on phase quantifications of some nickel base superalloys (Nimonic263, Inconel 740 and Rhenium-containing alloys) are also shown to reveal the feasibility of its use in determining phase chemistries of precipitated particles under different measurement conditions. Practical applications of this combined technology to the material quality control and assessments, processing parameter improvements, as well as fracture/failure analyses of high temperature components have shown that this technology is quite convenient and effective when used for microstructural analysis purposes during R&D, manufacturing and operating processes.
Development and Evaluation of Fe/Ni Dissimilar-Weld Turbine Rotor for Advanced USC
Authors: Oinuma Shun , Miyashita Shigekazu , Fujita Yoshihiro , Yoshioka Yomei , Kubo Takahiro
Published: March 2024

In order to develop an Fe/Ni dissimilar-weld rotor structure for an Advanced Ultra Super Critical turbine, fundamental studies on the metallurgical properties of Fe/Ni welds are needed. In the work reported in this paper, we studied the microstructure evolution and creep rupture properties of Fe/Ni weld joints with different compositions. Investigation of thermally aged Fe/Ni diffusion couples revealed that Fe-based ferritic steel and Alloy 617 weld joints with a large difference in Cr content showed strong C diffusion at the weld interface. This decreased the creep rupture life of the weld joint, caused by coarsening of a martensitic structure near the interface. Analysis using Fe/Ni diffusion couples and thermodynamic calculations suggested that the driving force of C diffusion is the chemical potential gradient at the interface, and the difference in Cr content between Fe and Ni accelerates the C diffusion.
Creep of the Novel Austenitic Heat Resistant Steel of Fe-20Cr-30Ni-2Nb under Steam Atmosphere at 1073 K
Authors: Misosaku Yu , Tarigan Imanuel , Takata Naoki , Ueda Mitsutoshi , Maruyama Toshio , Takeyama Masao
Published: March 2024

In this study, we have examined the creep of a novel austenitic heat resistant steel of Fe-20Cr- 30Ni-2Nb (at.%) steel at 1073K in steam and air atmospheres. Our studied steels were Fe-20Cr- 30Ni-2Nb (base steel) and that with 0.03 at. %B (B-doped steel) . The addition of boron is to intentionally increase the area fraction of Laves phase on grain boundaries (ρ). The specimen with ρ = 43% (base steel pre-aged at 1073 K/240 h) exhibits the rupture life of 262 h, whereas the rupture life of the specimen with higher ρ of 80% (B-doped steel pre-aged at 1073 K/240 h) is 833h, which is about three times longer than that of the specimen with ρ = 43%. The specimen with ρ = 80% exhibits smaller creep rate than those with lower ρ than 43% in the entire creep stage. In addition, all specimens show the creep rupture strain of about 60%. The creep rupture life is almost same to that tested under air, whereas the creep rupture strain is slightly smaller (a few percent) than that under air. In the surface of the creep ruptured specimen in steam, the intergranular oxides associated with voids or cavities are often present and grow along grain boundaries to over 100 μm in depth. The intergranular oxidation occurs more extensively in steam rather than air. These results demonstrate that stable Fe2Nb Laves phase on grain boundary could increase the creep resistance of the present steel at 1073K without ductility loss in steam as well as air, resulting in the pronounced extension of rupture life. The intergranular oxidation accelerated by steam would not give a serious effect on the creep properties of the present steel below 103 hours in rupture life.
Detection of Incipient Stress Corrosion Cracking Damage in Primary Loop Piping Using Fiber Optic Strain Gages
Authors: Jackson Benjamin K. , Bosko David , Cronin Michael T. , Warwick Jonnathan L.W. , Wall James J.
Published: March 2024

Current nondestructive examination (NDE) technology detection capabilities limit our ability to detect stress corrosion cracking (SCC) damage until it has progressed significantly. This work describes the continued development of an in-situ monitoring technique to detect and characterize mechanical damage caused by SCC, allowing the detection of the incipient stages of damage to components/piping. The application of this study is to prevent failures in the primary cooling loop piping in nuclear plants. The main benefit to the industry will be improved safety and component lifetime assessment with fewer inspections. The technique utilizes high resolution fiber optic strain gages mounted on the pipe outside diameter (OD). This technique has successfully detected changes in the residual stress profile caused by a crack propagating from the pipe inside diameter (ID). The gages have a resolution of < 1 με. It has been shown experimentally for different crack geometries that the gages can readily detect the changes of approximately 10-60 με caused on the OD of the pipe due to crack initiation on the ID. This paper focuses on the latest in the development of the technology. Details of the previous work in this effort may be found in References 1 through 3. A short summary is provided in this paper. The main recent development was the full scale accelerated SCC cracking in boiling magnesium chloride (MgCl2) experiment. In conjunction with experimentation, both 2D and 3D finite element (FEA) models with thermal and mechanical analyses have been developed to simulate the changes in residual stresses in a welded pipe section as a SCC crack progresses.
High Temperature Oxidation Behavior of Fe-9Cr Steel In CO2-O2 Gas Mixture
Authors: Hayashi Shigenari , Kaya Kietaro , Ukai Shigeharu
Published: March 2024

The high-temperature oxidation of Fe-9Cr-1Mo steel in a CO2 environment, with varying oxygen content (0.6-3%), was investigated at 700°C. While the steel heavily oxidized in pure CO2, the oxidation mass gain decreased significantly with increasing oxygen content. Microscopic analysis revealed the formation of Fe-rich nodules with an internal Cr-carbide layer beneath them. Notably, the number of nodules decreased with increasing oxygen content but remained independent of the oxidation time. To explain these observations, the authors propose that “intrinsic” defects within the initially formed protective Cr2O3 scale facilitated gas permeation. This mechanism is believed to be responsible for the observed dependence of nodule formation on the oxygen content in the gas mixtures.
Hot Corrosion Properties of Ni-Based Alloys Used in an Advanced-USC Boiler
Authors: Tanaka Yasuhiro , Komai Nobuyoshi , Takei Yasuhiro
Published: March 2024

Six types of solution treated Ni-based alloy plates having a thickness of 25mm, namely Alloy 617, Alloy 263, Alloy 740, Alloy 141, HR6W (45Ni-23Cr-7W) and HR35 (50Ni-30Cr-4W-Ti) for advanced-USC boilers, were subjected to corrosion testing. In addition, three types of conventional ferritic and five types of conventional austenitic stainless tubes were also tested to compare their corrosion properties. Hot corrosion tests were conducted in order to assess the effects of temperature, material composition and coal ash composition on hot corrosion. The maximum average metal loss and the maximum corrosion rate were observed under 700°C test conditions. Cr content in the materials played an important role in the corrosion rate, with higher Cr content materials tending to show lower rates. However, Ni-based alloy materials showed slightly greater corrosion rates than those of stainless steels having equivalent Cr content in the over-700°C test condition. It was considered that rich Ni in the alloys easily reacted with sulfur, thus forming corrosion products having low melting points, such that corrosion was accelerated. The concentration of Fe2O3 and NiO in the synthetic coal ash was also observed to affect the corrosion rate.
Revelation as Scientific in its Method
Authors: Friberg Stephen R.
Published: March 2024

This paper is an exploration of Shoghi Effendi’s statement that Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation is “scientifi c in its method,” starting from the various ways that scientific methods are implemented and including perspectives from the philosophy of science. We examine the role of diversity in achieving scientific objectivity and escape from bias, and consider how the Bahá’í process of action, reflection, consultation, and study is consistent with modern understandings of the scientific method. Because this form of learning in action can be used by everybody, and because ethical, moral, and spiritual practices are part of its way of doing things, it provides a powerful extension of science and its methods that is available to everyone and allows ready integration of spiritual values into the process.
Świadomość ubezpieczeniowa pracowników biur rachunkowych w Polsce
Authors: Jańska Anna , Dziewit Paulina
Published: March 2024

Prezentowane badania miały na celu analizę świadomości ubezpieczeniowej oraz zapotrzebowania na ubezpieczenie odpowiedzialności cywilnej biur rachunkowych oraz osób świadczących usługi księgowe w świetle aktualnych zmian rynkowych. Podjęta problematyka jest aktualna i istotna ze względu na coraz szybszą zmianę przepisów w prawie podatkowym i szoki rynkowe wywołane pandemią COVID-19 oraz wojną na Ukrainie, wpływające istotnie na prowadzenie działalności gospodarczej w Polsce, a w konsekwencji także na bieżącą pracę i zakres odpowiedzialności biur rachunkowych.W badaniach wykorzystano metody takie jak: analiza literatury, analiza aktów prawnych oraz sondaż, który został przeprowadzony w biurach rachunkowych, kancelariach podatkowych oraz wśród doradców podatkowych i innych pracowników zajmujących się księgowością.W ocenie uczestników badania wprowadzenie w Polsce obowiązkowego ubezpieczenia było potrzebne i słuszne. Zaprezentowane badania wskazują, iż w dzisiejszych czasach oraz przy teraźniejszym stopniu ryzyka występującego w powyższym zawodzie ubezpieczenie odpowiedzialności cywilnej biura jest wręcz niezbędne do prawidłowego funkcjonowania działalności gospodarczej. Wpływa ono pozytywnie na pracę podmiotów świadczących usługowe prowadzenie ksiąg rachunkowych lub doradztwo podatkowe. Respondenci wykazują wysoki poziom świadomości ubezpieczeniowej i dostrzegają zasadność korzystania z ochrony ubezpieczeniowej w ramach obowiązkowego ubezpieczenia odpowiedzialności cywilnej. Są również skłonni uiszczać dodatkowe opłaty z tytułu klauzul dodatkowych. Z perspektywy zakładów ubezpieczeniowych interesująca może być informacja potwierdzająca chęć rozszerzania ochrony ubezpieczeniowej o dodatkowe klauzule oraz deklaracje zakupu dodatkowych ubezpieczeń dobrowolnych w omówionym zakresie.
Extraction and Characterization of Dracaena fragrans Leaf Fibre
Authors:   Textile Engineering, Ethiopian Institute of Textile and Fashion Technology, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, Zegeye Lejalem Haile
Published: March 2024

Textile industries have recently become prevalent environmental pollutants as a result of natural inconsistencies and resource scarcity. As a remedy, using natural fibres for textile production is strongly encouraged. Dracaena fragrans is an Ethiopian plant with lingo-cellulosic fibres that can be used for textile applications. This study focuses on the extraction and characterization of Ethiopian Dracaena fragrans leaf fibre and evaluates its application in the textile industry. For fibre extraction, water, 10% NaOH, 1% H2O2, EDTA di (with 1.5% and 1%, respectively), 0.2% pectinase (presoak), 0.05% alpha-amylase (for 24 hours, 18 hours, and 12 hours retting), and 5% gel retting methods were utilized. Subsequently, the properties of extracted fibre, mainly fibre length, fineness, tenacity, elongation at break, and degree of whiteness, were evaluated. Longer fibres (46 ± 0.74 cm) were obtained by pectinase retting. Comparatively, finer (11.22 ± 0.64 dtex) fibres were obtained by the water retting method. Fibre with the best tenacity (54.51 ± 0.61, 53.54 ± 0.60, and 52.53 ± 0.61) was obtained by EDTA di (1%), 5% gel retting and water retting methods respectively. On the other hand, higher elongation at break (7.28 ± 0.78%) was obtained by 0.05% alpha-amylase retting with a retting time of 24 hours. And finally, the best fibre whiteness (w* = 71) was obtained by 1% H2O2 retting. Long fibres obtained by the pectinase retting method can be used for the production of packaging sacks and hessians. Fibres obtained by the water retting method can be used for the production of linen fabrics such as lace and sheeting. On the other hand, high-tenacity fibres extracted using (1%) EDTA di retting and 5% gel retting methods can be used for the production of cloths, bags, and shoes. Finally, a highly extensible fibre extracted using α-amylase (24 hours retting) can be used for the production of sports clothes.
468 https://doi.org/10.31881/TLR.2024.010 Decolourization of Synthetic Wastewater Related to the Textile Industry Using Photo-Fenton
Authors:   Faculty of Chemical Engineering, National University of the Center of Peru, Mariscal Castilla Avenue N° 3089, 12002 Huancayo, Peru, Huaman Kevin , Lozano Arlitt ,   Faculty of Chemical Engineering, National University of the Center of Peru, Mariscal Castilla Avenue N° 3089, 12002 Huancayo, Peru, Navarro Nausica ,   Faculty of Chemical Engineering, National University of the Center of Peru, Mariscal Castilla Avenue N° 3089, 12002 Huancayo, Peru, Ortega Kevin ,   Faculty of Forest Sciences and the Environment, National University of the Center of Peru, Mariscal Castilla Avenue N° 3089, 12002 Huancayo, Peru
Published: March 2024

The artisanal textile industry plays a vital role in the economy by providing a wide variety of products. However, this sector generates large quantities of wastewater containing a diversity of organic compounds, including dyes that, when released into the environment, contribute significantly to water pollution. In this research, samples of synthetic wastewater containing green aniline were subjected to decolourization using the photo-Fenton process. Synthetic textile wastewater was prepared at a concentration of 40 mg/L, and a calibration curve was established. During the treatment, ferrous sulfate (at concentrations of 50 and 150 mg/L) and H2O2 (at concentrations of 0.5 and 1.0 g/L) were added to 1 L of the synthetic effluent in a stirring medium (at 1000 rpm) and exposed to solar radiation for 1, 2, or 3 hours, while maintaining a pH of 3. To quantify the degree of decolourization, absorbance was measured at the beginning and end of the treatment using a colourimeter. The optimal conditions for Fe2+ concentration, H2O2 concentration, and treatment time, with an initial concentration of 40 mg/L, were found to be 150 mg/L, 1.0 g/L, and 3 hours, respectively. Under these conditions, the percentage of decolourization reached 97.546%. The study demonstrated that the concentration of Fe2+ and treatment time, as well as the interaction between Fe2+ concentration, H2O2 concentration, and treatment time, significantly influenced the degree of decolourization. Conversely, the concentration of H2O2 and other interactions did not exhibit significant influence.
КЛАСТЕРИЗАЦІЯ В УПРАВЛІННІ ГЛОБАЛЬНИМИ ЛАНЦЮГАМИ ПОСТАЧАННЯ
Authors: КОРНІЙКО Яна
Published: March 2024

Стаття присвячена дослідженню проблематики можливості формування глобальних ланцюгів постачання на засадах кластеризації. Проведено огляд різних сферах життя, де використовуються підходи кластеризації, при цьому було виокремлено сферу логістики та зазначено, що об'єднуючи організації різних форм власності та служб, створюється унікальне середовище, яке максимізує ефективність логістичних операцій і сприяє гнучкості у вирішенні логістичних завдань. Акцентовано увагу на тому, що морські порти можуть виступати опорними об’єктами в наданні сервісних та інших послуг в глобальних ланцюгах постачання. Доведено, що вирішальним значенням у побудові ефективних ланцюгів постачання на засадах кластеризації є забезпечення безперервних вантажопотоків через повну мереживу інтеграцію задіяних учасників та об’єктів логістичної інфраструктури на засадах кластеризації та єдиного партнерського простору. Зазначено, що кластеризація на відміну від інших організаційних форм господарювання, об’єднує зусилля влади, бізнесу та науки за принципом територіальної локалізації. Розширено загальні вимоги до кластерів питаннями подолання адміністративних й логістичних бар'єрів щодо здійснення міжнародних транспортних операцій при митному оформленні, а також сприяння партнерству між постачальниками з використанням передових інформаційних технологій. Акцентовано увагу на подібності вимог до кластеризації портової галузі з показниками, які аналізують в Індексі ефективності логістики (LPI). Представлено огляд результатів LPI 2023 року та встановлено, що фокус міжнародної торгівлі змістився з Китаю до Індії і безпосередньо до порту Сінгапур. Запропоновано розглянути можливість формування міжнародного портового кластеру безпосередньо на основі провідного міжнародно порту Сінгапур. Виокремлено важливість цифровізації для основи формування кластерів на основі морських портів з метою підвищення гнучкості та стійкості ланцюгів постачань.
Analisis Waktu Tunggu Pelayanan Foto Thorax pada Pasien Rawat Jalan
Authors: Anugrah M David , Fatimah Mustika , Novitre Ayu , Anisah Anisah
Published: March 2024

Background: The time between the patient's arrival and the testing findings is known as the waiting time for the results of a x-ray chest. The amount of time patients must wait to receive medical care from a health service unit, it also reflects how the hospital handles service components that are customized to the needs and demands of patients in public hospitals. This study aims to determine the suitability of waiting time for outpatient chest x-ray services with the standard of Indonesia Ministry of Health No.129/Menkes/SK/II/2008.Methods: The type of research used in this paper is qualitative by using the case study for analyzing the waiting time of x-ray chest in outpatients.Results: Eight patients, or 16% of the total had waiting time of three hours or more. Out of all patients, 84% or 42 patients had a waiting period of less than three hours. 22 minutes is the quickest waiting time, while 5 hours 56 minutes is the late waiting time. Such that in outpatients, the typical wait time for a x-ray chest picture is one hour and thirty minutes.Conclusions: Siloam Sriwijaya Hospital Palembang in adjusting the Minimum Service Standards the Hospital has met the minimum service standards of the Decree of the Minister of Health No. 129/Menkes/SK/II/2008 that the waiting time for a chest photo is ≤ 3 hours.
Comparison of muscle tightness between knees in individuals with unilateral osteoarthritis and its relationship with pain and function
Authors: Unuvar Bayram Sonmez , Tufekci Osman , Gercek Hasan , Torlak Mustafa Savas , Erbas Onur
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND: Unilateral osteoarthritis (OA) affects single knees and presents a unique scenario where individuals experience varying degrees of symptoms between their affected and unaffected knees. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate differences in muscle tightness between symptomatic and asymptomatic knees in individuals with unilateral knee OA while exploring the interplay among pain, functionality, and muscle tightness. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, thirty knee OA patients underwent assessments for hamstring (Active Knee Extension, Straight Leg Raise), iliotibial band (Ober Test), and quadriceps tightness (Modified Thomas Test). Pain intensity was measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and functional limitations were evaluated via the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). RESULTS: A negative correlation was observed between participants’ pain and AKE (p= 0.004, r=-0.515), ASLR (p= 0.27, r=-0.403), Ober (p= 0.010, r=-0.461) values. However, no significant correlation was found with the Modified Thomas value (p= 0.204, r=-0.239). There was also a negative correlation between participants’ WOMAC scores and AKE (p= 0.019, r=-0.427), OBER (p= 0.004, r=-0.510), and Modified Thomas (p= 0.022, r=-0.416) values, while ASLR (p= 0.286, r=-0.202) values showed no significant correlation. Comparisons between AKE, Ober, and Modified Thomas values showed higher values in asymptomatic extremities (AKE: p= 0.025, Ober: p= 0.021, Modified Thomas: p= 0.030). CONCLUSION: This study emphasizes the significance of muscle tightness in the symptomatic extremities of individuals with unilateral knee OA. The results indicate that increased muscle tightness makes pain worse and limits movement. It’s crucial for healthcare providers treating OA to focus on improving muscle flexibility, reducing pain, and enhancing overall function.
GINS2 promotes the progression of human HNSCC by altering RRM2 expression
Authors: Wang Tianxiang , Qian Luxi , Zhang Pingchuan , Du Mingyu , Wu Jing , Peng Fanyu , Yao Chengyun , Yin Rong , Yin Li , He Xia
Published: March 2024

INTRODUCTION: GINS2 exerts a carcinogenic effect in multiple human malignancies, while it is still unclear that the potential roles and underlying mechanisms of GINS2 in HNSCC. METHODS: TCGA database was used to screen out genes with significant differences in expression in HNSCC. Immunohistochemistry and qRT-PCR were used to measure the expression of GINS2 in HNSCC tissues and cells. GINS2 was detected by qRT-PCR or western blot after knockdown or overexpression. Celigo cell counting, MTT, colony formation, and flow cytometric assay were used to check the ability of proliferation and apoptosis. Bioinformatics and microarray were used to screen out the downstream genes of GINS2. RESULTS: GINS2 in HNSCC tissues and cells was up-regulated, which was correlated with poor prognosis. GINS2 gene expression was successfully inhibited and overexpressed in HNSCC cells. Knockdown of GINS2 could inhibit proliferation and increase apoptosis of cells. Meanwhile, overexpression of GINS2 could enhance cell proliferation and colony formation. Knockdown of RRM2 may inhibit HNSCC cell proliferation, while overexpression of RRM2 rescued the effect of reducing GINS2 expression. CONCLUSION: Our study reported the role of GINS2 in HNSCC for the first time. The results demonstrated that in HNSCC cells, GINS2 promoted proliferation and inhibited apoptosis via altering RRM2 expression. Therefore, GINS2 might play a carcinogen in HNSCC, and become a specific promising therapeutic target.
Expression level of non-coding (MiR-155) gene as biomarker for severity of coronaviruses infection among vaccinated and non-vaccinated Iraqi patients
Authors: Kadhim Halah , Ghareeb Abdulameer , Alhilal Mohammed
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 is influenced by genetic and epigenetic factors, including miR-155, which affects immune cell and virus functions and laboratory biomarkers. OBJECTIVE: To evaluates miR-155’s role as a biomarker for SARS-CoV-2 detection and monitoring, examining its significance in identifying infection in both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals using ROC curve analysis. METHODS: Blood samples were collected from 70 patients who attended Medical City Hospital in Baghdad from June 2022 to April 2023 and were determined to be associated with SARS-CoV-2 (35 patients were hospitalized at the Intensive Care Units due to the severity of their symptoms while the other 35 were left in the hospital upon treatment.). Additionally, 35 samples were collected as a healthy control group. RESULTS: The expression level of miR-155 in the serum of samples showed a high level (fold change: 9.81 ± 5.50) in the severe patients’ group in comparison with the moderate patients’ group (fold change: 4.17 ± 2.93) and healthy group (fold change: 1.08 ± 0.01). To assess the performance of miR-155 and laboratory biomarkers, a (ROC) curve was utilized to determine the sensitivity and specificity. CONCLUSIONS: The miR-155 gene, overexpressed in SARS-CoV-2 patients, correlates with disease activity and severity, potentially serving as a biomarker for diagnosis and a potential therapeutic target.
Multi-agent simulation of autonomous industrial vehicle fleets: Towards dynamic task allocation in V2X cooperation mode
Authors: Grosset J. , Fougères A.-J. , Djoko-Kouam M. , Bonnin J.-M.
Published: March 2024

The smart factory leads to a strong digitalization of industrial processes and continuous communication between the systems integrated into the production, storage, and supply chains. One of the research areas in Industry 4.0 is the possibility of using autonomous and/or intelligent industrial vehicles. The optimization of the management of the tasks allocated to these vehicles with adaptive behaviours, as well as the increase in vehicle-to-everything communications (V2X) make it possible to develop collective and adaptive intelligence for these vehicles, often grouped in fleets. Task allocation and scheduling are often managed centrally. The requirements for flexibility, robustness, and scalability lead to the consideration of decentralized mechanisms to react to unexpected situations. However, before being definitively adopted, decentralization must first be modelled and then simulated. Thus, we use a multi-agent simulation to test the proposed dynamic task (re)allocation process. A set of problematic situations for the circulation of autonomous industrial vehicles in areas such as smart warehouses (obstacles, breakdowns, etc.) has been identified. These problematic situations could disrupt or harm the successful completion of the process of dynamic (re)allocation of tasks. We have therefore defined scenarios involving them in order to demonstrate through simulation that the process remains reliable. The simulation of new problematic situations also allows us to extend the potential of this process, which we discuss at the end of the article.
Secured finance handling for supply chain integrated business intelligence using blockchain application scenarios
Authors: Abd Sura Khalil , Ali Mohammed Hasan , Jaber Mustafa Musa , Abosinnee Ali S. , Kareem Z.H. , Wahab Amelia Natasya Abdul , Hassan Rosilah , Jassim Mustafa Mohammed
Published: March 2024

Business intelligence is becoming more essential for supply chain administrators to make good decisions. The globalization of supply chains makes their management and control more challenging. Blockchain is a distributed digital ledger technology that guarantees traceability, transparency, and security and promises to ease global supply chain management issues. This paper proposes the Blockchain-assisted Secure Data Management Framework (BSDMF) for financial data handling for supply chain integrated business intelligence models. Analyzing, collecting, and demonstrating data could be important to a business, its supply chain performance, and sustainability. The blockchain can interrupt supply chain processes for improved finance handling, distributed management, and process automation. The study’s experimental result will help organizations deploy blockchain applications with intelligent business strategies to support supply chain management effectively. The simulation outcome has been implemented, and the recommended method achieves a computation time of fewer than 2 hours, an efficiency ratio of 97.4%, an error ratio of 94.1%, data authentication of 92.1%, and a data management ratio of 98.7%.
Robust image registration for analysis of multisource eye fundus images
Authors: López-Jasso Edgar , Felipe-Riverón Edgardo M. , Valdez-Rodríguez José E.
Published: March 2024

This study underscores the crucial role of image preprocessing in enhancing the outcomes of multimodal image registration tasks using scale-invariant feature selection. The primary focus is on registering two types of retinal images, assessing a methodology’s performance on a set of retinal image pairs, including those with and without microaneurysms. Each pair comprises a color optical image and a gray-level fluorescein image, presenting distinct characteristics and captured under varying conditions. The SIFT methodology, encompassing five stages, with preprocessing as the initial and pivotal stage, is employed for image registration. Out of 35 test retina image pairs, 33 (94.28%) were successfully registered, with the inability to extract features hindering automatic registration in the remaining pairs. Among the registered pairs, 42.42% were retinal images without microaneurysms, and 57.57% had microaneurysms. Instead of simultaneous registration of all channels, independent registration of preprocessed images in each channel proved more effective. The study concludes with an analysis of the fifth registration’s resulting image to detect abnormalities or pathologies, highlighting the challenges encountered in registering blue channel images due to high intrinsic noise.
DEFR-net: A decompose-enhance fourier residual network for fault diagnosis of rotating machine with high noise immunity
Authors: Du Baigang , Zhang Fujiang , Guo Jun , Sun Xiang
Published: March 2024

The actual operating environment of rotating mechanical device contains a large number of noisy interference sources, leading to complex components, strong coupling, and low signal to noise ratio for vibration. It becomes a big challenge for intelligent fault diagnosis from high-noise vibration signals. Thus, this paper proposes a new deep learning approach, namely decomposition-enhance Fourier residual network (DEFR-net), to achieve high noise immunity for vibration signal and learn effective features to discriminate between different types of rotational machine faults. In the proposed DEFR-net, a novel algorithm is proposed to explicitly model high-noise signals for noisy data filtering and effective feature enhancement based on a hard threshold decomposition function and muti-channel self-attention mechanism. Furthermore, it deeply integrates complementary analysis based on fast Fourier transform in the time-frequency domain and extends the breadth of network. The performance of the proposed model is verified by comparison with five state-of-the-art algorithms on two public datasets. Moreover, the noise experimental results show that the fault diagnosis accuracy is still 85.91% when the signal-to-noise-ratio reaches extreme noise of –8 dB. The results demonstrate that the proposed method is a valuable study for intelligent fault diagnosis of rotating machines in high-noise environments.
Learning rate burst for superior SGDM and AdamW integration
Authors: Lin Zhiwei , Zhang Songchuan , Zhou Yiwei , Wang Haoyu , Wang Shilei
Published: March 2024

Current mainstream deep learning optimization algorithms can be classified into two categories: non-adaptive optimization algorithms, such as Stochastic Gradient Descent with Momentum (SGDM), and adaptive optimization algorithms, like Adaptive Moment Estimation with Weight Decay (AdamW). Adaptive optimization algorithms for many deep neural network models typically enable faster initial training, whereas non-adaptive optimization algorithms often yield better final convergence. Our proposed Adaptive Learning Rate Burst (Adaburst) algorithm seeks to combine the strengths of both categories. The update mechanism of Adaburst incorporates elements from AdamW and SGDM, ensuring a seamless transition between the two. Adaburst modifies the learning rate of the SGDM algorithm based on a cosine learning rate schedule, particularly when the algorithm encounters an update bottleneck, which is called learning rate burst. This approach helps the model to escape current local optima more effectively. The results of the Adaburst experiment underscore its enhanced performance in image classification and generation tasks when compared with alternative approaches, characterized by expedited convergence and elevated accuracy. Notably, on the MNIST, CIFAR-10, and CIFAR-100 datasets, Adaburst attained accuracies that matched or exceeded those achieved by SGDM. Furthermore, in training diffusion models on the DeepFashion dataset, Adaburst achieved convergence in fewer epochs than a meticulously calibrated AdamW optimizer while avoiding abrupt blurring or other training instabilities. Adaburst augmented the final training set accuracy on the MNIST, CIFAR-10, and CIFAR-100 datasets by 0.02%, 0.41%, and 4.18%, respectively. In addition, the generative model trained on the DeepFashion dataset demonstrated a 4.62-point improvement in the Frechet Inception Distance (FID) score, a metric for assessing generative model quality. Consequently, this evidence suggests that Adaburst introduces an innovative optimization algorithm that simultaneously updates AdamW and SGDM and incorporates a learning rate burst mechanism. This mechanism significantly enhances deep neural networks’ training speed and convergence accuracy.
Model extraction via active learning by fusing prior and posterior knowledge from unlabeled data
Authors: Gao Lijun , Liu Kai , Liu Wenjun , Wu Jiehong , Jin Xiao
Published: March 2024

As machine learning models become increasingly integrated into practical applications and are made accessible via public APIs, the risk of model extraction attacks has gained prominence. This study presents an innovative and efficient approach to model extraction attacks, aimed at reducing query costs and enhancing attack effectiveness. The method begins by leveraging a pre-trained model to identify high-confidence samples from unlabeled datasets. It then employs unsupervised contrastive learning to thoroughly dissect the structural nuances of these samples, constructing a dataset of high quality that precisely mirrors a variety of features. A mixed information confidence strategy is employed to refine the query set, effectively probing the decision boundaries of the target model. By integrating consistency regularization and pseudo-labeling techniques, reliance on authentic labels is minimized, thus improving the feature extraction capabilities and predictive precision of the surrogate models. Evaluation on four major datasets reveals that the models crafted through this method bear a close functional resemblance to the original models, with a real-world API test success rate of 62.35%, which vouches for the method’s validity.
Landscape image recognition and analysis based on deep learning algorithm
Authors: Limei Nong , Dongfan Wu , Bo Zhang
Published: March 2024

Garden landscape is the combination of nature and humanity, with high aesthetic value, ecological value and cultural value, has become an important part of people’s life. Modern people have a higher pursuit for the spiritual food such as garden landscape after the material life is satisfied, which brings new challenges to the construction of urban garden landscape. As an advanced type of machine learning, deep learning applied to landscape image recognition can solve the problem of low quality and low efficiency of manual recognition. Based on this, this paper proposes a garden landscape image recognition algorithm based on SSD (Single Shot Multibox Detector), which realizes accurate extraction and recognition of image features by positioning the target, and can effectively improve the quality and efficiency of landscape image recognition. In order to test the feasibility of the algorithm proposed in this paper, experimental analysis was carried out in the CVPR 2023 landscape data set. The experimental results show that the algorithm has a high recognition accuracy for landscape images, and has excellent performance compared with traditional image recognition algorithms.
Empirical ontology design patterns and shapes from Wikidata
Authors: Carriero Valentina Anita , Groth Paul , Presutti Valentina
Published: March 2024

The ontology underlying the Wikidata knowledge graph (KG) has not been formalized. Instead, its semantics emerges bottom-up from the use of its classes and properties. Flexible guidelines and rules have been defined by the Wikidata project for the use of its ontology, however, it is still often difficult to reuse the ontology’s constructs. Based on the assumption that identifying ontology design patterns from a knowledge graph contributes to making its (possibly) implicit ontology emerge, in this paper we present a method for extracting what we term empirical ontology design patterns (EODPs) from a knowledge graph. This method takes as input a knowledge graph and extracts EODPs as sets of axioms/constraints involving the classes instantiated in the KG. These EODPs include data about the probability of such axioms/constraints happening. We apply our method on two domain-specific portions of Wikidata, addressing the music and art, architecture, and archaeology domains, and we compare the empirical ontology design patterns we extract with the current support present in Wikidata. We show how these patterns can provide guidance for the use of the Wikidata ontology and its potential improvement, and can give insight into the content of (domain-specific portions of) the Wikidata knowledge graph.
Lower-body muscular power predicts performance on urban combat simulation
Authors: Sankari Matias , Vaara Jani P. , Pihlainen Kai , Ojanen Tommi , Kyröläinen Heikki
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND: Military operations in urban environments requires faster movements and therefore may place greater demands on soldier strength and anaerobic ability. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to study how physical fitness and body composition are associated with occupational test for urban combat soldiers before and after a 5-day military field exercise (MFE). METHODS: Twenty-six conscripts (age = 20±1 yrs.) volunteered, of which thirteen completed the study. Occupational performance was determined by using the newly developed Urban Combat Simulation test (UCS); which included 50-m sprinting, moving a truck tire (56 kg) 2 meters with a sledgehammer, a 12-m kettlebell carry (2×20 kg) up the stairs with a 3-m ascent, 4-time sandbag lifts (20 kg) with obstacle crossing, and a 20-m mannequin (85 kg) drag. Aerobic and muscle fitness, as well as anaerobic capacity were measured, and, body composition was assessed with multifrequency bioimpedance analysis. RESULTS: The UCS performance correlated significantly with standing long jump performance, as well as lower and upper body maximal strength before (r = –0.56 to –0.66) and after (r = –0.59 to –0.68) MFE, and, with body mass and FFM before (r = –0.81 to –0.83) and after (r = –0.86 to –0.91) MFE. In the regression analyses, fat free mass (R2 = 0.50, p = 0.01) and counter movement jump in combat load (R2 = 0.46, p = 0.009) most strongly explained the UCS performance. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that muscle mass and lower body explosive force production together with maximal strength are key fitness components related to typical urban combat soldiers‘ military tasks. Physical training developing these components are recommended.
Relationship between one-handed push force and subjective rating of force exertion
Authors: Yi Cannan , Yang Dan , Zhou Shuyi , Li Kai Way , Hu Hong
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND: Pushing is a typical workplace activity that may result in musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). A convenient method of assessing the risk of MSDs is to determine the association between the force applied and the subjective rating of force exertion. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the relationship between the subjective rating of force exertion and the force applied to both a fixed and a movable handle. It also aimed to confirm that the participants could apply a higher one-handed push force at shoulder height than at elbow height. METHODS: A one-handed pushing experiment was conducted. In the push-to-scale session, the participants pushed a handle fixed on a rig on four levels on the CR-10 scale. The push force was measured. In the force-rating session, the participants rated their force exertions when pushing a movable handle with metal blocks suspended on the two sides. The subjective ratings on the CR-10 were recorded. RESULTS: The one-handed push force at shoulder height was significantly higher than that at elbow height. More effort was needed to push on a movable handle than a fixed one. Two regression models were established to describe the relationship between the push force and the subjective ratings of pushing for each of the fixed and movable handles, respectively. The correlation coefficient results showed that these models are adequate to describe the relationship between the one-handed push force and the ratings of the CR-10 scale. CONCLUSION: Participants applied a higher one-handed push force at shoulder height than at elbow height was confirmed. Participants needed more efforts to push the movable handle under the same CR-10 level than the fixed handle. The predictive models developed in this study may be used to estimate the push force for one-handed pushing tasks when assessing the risk of MSDs.
Established Definitions of Super-Critical Operational Modes as Automotive System Requirements
Authors: Humennyi Dmytro , Humennyi Oleksandr
Published: March 2024

This paper introduces and elaborates on Super-Critical Operational Modes (SCOMs) within automotive systems. In the landscape of increasingly software-centric automotive functionalities, SCOMs are pivotal for maneuvering through severe operational disruptions while ensuring vehicle safety and longevity. Distinctly diverging from the traditional focus on normal operational modes and isolated component failures, this research accentuates the imperative need for a systematic understanding and mitigation of SCOMs. A nuanced classification system is proposed for SCOMs: Type I (Mild), Type II (Moderate), and Type III (Severe) intensities, each distinguished by their respective intensity levels, impacts, and recovery complexities. Particularly for Type III SCOMs, an innovative approach rooted in automatic diagnostics, analysis, and internal system restructuring is advocated, thereby obviating the need for external intervention. This framework provides invaluable insights for practitioners, enabling the identification, analysis, and autonomous response to SCOMs, thereby fostering the development of resilient, self-sustaining, and safe automotive systems.