bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of machine learning in combination with mechanistic modeling to predict plasma exposure of small molecules
Authors: Mavroudis Panteleimon D. , Teutonico Donato , Abos Alexandra , Pillai Nikhil
Published: June 2023

Prediction of a new molecule’s exposure in plasma is a critical first step toward understanding its efficacy/toxicity profile and concluding whether it is a possible first-in-class, best-in-class candidate. For this prediction, traditional pharmacometrics use a variety of scaling methods that are heavily based on pre-clinical pharmacokinetic (PK) data. We here propose a novel framework based on which preclinical exposure prediction is performed by applying machine learning (ML) in tandem with mechanism-based modeling. In our proposed method, a relationship is initially established between molecular structure and physicochemical (PC)/PK properties using ML, and then the ML-driven PC/PK parameters are used as input to mechanistic models that ultimately predict the plasma exposure of new candidates. To understand the feasibility of our proposed framework, we evaluated a number of mechanistic models (1-compartment, physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK)), PBPK distribution models (Berezhkovskiy, PK-Sim standard, Poulin and Theil, Rodgers and Rowland, and Schmidt), and PBPK parameterizations (using in vivo, or in vitro clearance). For most of the scenarios tested, our results demonstrate that PK profiles can be adequately predicted based on the proposed framework. Our analysis further indicates some limitations when liver microsomal intrinsic clearance (CLint) is used as the only clearance pathway and underscores the necessity of investigating the variability emanating from the different distribution models when providing PK predictions. The suggested approach aims at earlier exposure prediction in the drug development process so that critical decisions on molecule screening, chemistry design, or dose selection can be made as early as possible.
Effects of dietary inclusion of dry distillers grains with solubles on performance, carcass characteristics, and nitrogen metabolism in meat sheep: a meta-analysis
Authors: Chelkapally Sai Chandan , Terrill Thomas H. , Estrada-Reyes Zaira M. , Ogunade Ibukun Michael , Pech-Cervantes Andres Alfredo
Published: June 2023

We conducted a meta-analysis in this scientific study to determine the effects of feeding meat sheep dry distillers grains with solubles (DDGS). Thirty-three peer-reviewed articles that met our inclusion requirements and were published between 1997 and 2021 were examined. To calculate the variation in performance, fermentation, carcass features, and nitrogen efficiency between the DDGS and control (no DDGS) treatments, we used 940 sheep weighing an average of 29.1 ± 1.5 kg. We used a hierarchical mixed model to conduct a meta-regression, subset, and dose–response analysis, while taking into consideration categorical variables like breed (pure or cross-breed), and continuous factors, like CP, NDF, and DDGS inclusion rate. Our findings indicate that sheep fed DDGS had higher (p < 0.05) final body weight (51.4 vs. 50.4 kg), neutral detergent fiber digestibility (55.9 vs. 53.8%), and total-tract ether extract digestibility (81.7 vs. 78.7%) than sheep on a control diet. No effects were observed on DMI, CP, and rumen fermentation, but dietary DDGS tended to increase (p = 0.07) HC weight (25.53 vs. 24.6 kg) and meat (redness) color (16.6 vs. 16.3) among treatment comparisons. Dietary DDGS was associated with higher N intake (29.9 vs. 26.8 g/d), fecal N (8.2 vs. 7.8 g/d), and digestibility (71.9 vs. 68.5%). Urinary nitrogen was significantly (p < 0.05) affected linearly by increasing the intake of DDGS in the diet. Based on the dose–response analysis, dietary DDGS inclusion should not exceed 20% to avoid negative effects on performance, nitrogen metabolism, and meat color. Dietary protein from DDGS should not exceed 17% to prevent reduced TVFA concentrations. Breed strongly influenced (p < 0.05) RMD in performance, and inconsistent responses were observed between crossbreed and purebred sheep comparisons. Despite these inconsistencies, no publication bias was observed, but a high variance (Ω2) among comparisons-between-studies was detected. This meta-analysis showed evidence in support of the hypothesis that feeding meat sheep DDGS at a rate of 20% can improve their performance, digestibility, carcass weight, and meat color.
Effect of Long-Term Absenteeism on the Operating Revenues, Productivity, and Employment of Enterprises
Authors: Aarstad Jarle , Kvitastein Olav Andreas
Published: June 2023

(1) Background: Previous studies have shown that absenteeism is negatively associated with employee-level performance, but we do not know how exactly absenteeism affects enterprise-level performance. To bridge this knowledge gap, we investigate how average long-term absenteeism affects Norwegian enterprises’ operating revenues and productivity. Also, we investigate if absenteeism decreases employment and whether operating revenues mediate the association. (2) Methods: We performed an enterprise-level dynamic unconditional quasi-maximum likelihood fixed-effects panel regression. (3) Results: The average share of long-term absenteeism nonlinearly decreases operating revenues and overall productivity at an increasing rate. The nonlinear effect may indicate deteriorating value creation among the share of employees largely not absent, but their productivity actually increases at an increasing rate. Thus, the overall findings indicate that the least productive employees first tend to opt out of the workforce, and as absenteeism increases, those subsequently opting out are otherwise increasingly productive. In parallel, those remaining in the workforce are increasingly productive. Absenteeism, moreover, decreases employment the following year, which is partly explained by revenue losses. However, enterprises cut their workforce due to factors beyond the impact of absenteeism on revenues.
Magnesium Oxide Nanoparticles: An Influential Element in Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) Tissue Culture
Authors: Koçak Rabia , Okcu Melih , Haliloğlu Kamil , Türkoğlu Aras , Pour-Aboughadareh Alireza , Jamshidi Bita , Janda Tibor , Alaylı Azize , Nadaroğlu Hayrunnisa
Published: June 2023

Nanotechnology is a rapidly growing field of science and technology that deals with the development of new solutions by understanding and controlling matter at the nanoscale. Since the last decade, magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO-NPs) have gained tremendous attention because of their unique characteristics and diverse applications in materials sciences and because they are non-toxic and relatively cheaply available materials. MgO-NPs can improve plant growth and contribute to plant tolerance of heavy metal toxicity. The effects of MgO-NPs on cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) plants were surveyed under in vitro conditions to find the optimum combination for cowpea tissue culture. The MgO-NPs used in the study were synthesized using walnut shell extract by the green synthesis method. MgO nanoparticles with 35–40 nm size was used in this research. When the size distribution of the MgO-NPs’ structure was examined, two peaks with 37.8 nm and 78.8 nm dimensions were obtained. The zeta potential of MgO-NPs dispersed in water was measured around −13.3 mV on average. The results showed that different doses of MgO-NPs applied to cowpea plant on all in vitro parameters significantly affected all measured parameters of cowpea plantlets under in vitro condition in a positive way. The best results in morphogenesis were MS medium supplemented with high MgO-NP applications (555 mg/L), resulting in a 25% increase in callus formation. The addition of Mg-NPs in the induction medium at concentrations at 370 mg/L increased shoot multiplication. The highest root length with 1.575 cm was obtained in MS medium containing 370 mg/L MgO. This study found that MgO-NPs greatly influenced the plantlets’ growth parameters and other measured traits; in addition, our results indicate that the efficiency of tissue culture of cowpea could be improved by increased application of MgO in the form of nanoparticles. In conclusion, the present work highlights the possibility of using MgO-NPs in cowpea tissue culture.
Universal Tick Vaccines: Candidates and Remaining Challenges
Authors: Parizi Luís Fernando , Githaka Naftaly Wang’ombe , Logullo Carlos , Zhou Jinlin , Onuma Misao , Termignoni Carlos , da Silva Vaz Itabajara
Published: June 2023

Recent advancements in molecular biology, particularly regarding massively parallel sequencing technologies, have enabled scientists to gain more insight into the physiology of ticks. While there has been progress in identifying tick proteins and the pathways they are involved in, the specificities of tick-host interaction at the molecular level are not yet fully understood. Indeed, the development of effective commercial tick vaccines has been slower than expected. While omics studies have pointed to some potential vaccine immunogens, selecting suitable antigens for a multi-antigenic vaccine is very complex due to the participation of redundant molecules in biological pathways. The expansion of ticks and their pathogens into new territories and exposure to new hosts makes it necessary to evaluate vaccine efficacy in unusual and non-domestic host species. This situation makes ticks and tick-borne diseases an increasing threat to animal and human health globally, demanding an urgent availability of vaccines against multiple tick species and their pathogens. This review discusses the challenges and advancements in the search for universal tick vaccines, including promising new antigen candidates, and indicates future directions in this crucial research field.
CRABP2 Promotes the Proliferation of Dermal Papilla Cells via the Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway
Authors: He Mingliang , Lv Xiaoyang , Cao Xiukai , Yuan Zehu , Quan Kai , Getachew Tesfaye , Mwacharo Joram M. , Haile Aynalem , Li Yutao , Wang Shanhe , Sun Wei
Published: June 2023

In our previous study of Hu sheep hair follicles, we found that CRABP2 was highly expressed in DPCs, which suggested that CRABP2 may influence the number of DPCs. In the present study, we aimed to understand the effect of CRABP2 in Hu sheep dermal papilla cells (DPCs). First, we explored the influence of CRABP2 on the ability of Hu sheep DPCs’ proliferation. Based on the results obtained from some experiments, such as CCK-8, EDU, qPCR, and Western blot experiment, we found that the overexpression of CRABP2 facilitated the proliferation of DPCs compared to the negative control group. Then, we also detected the effect of CRABP2 on the Wnt/β-catenin pathway based on the important function of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in hair follicles. The results showed that CRABP2 could activate the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in DPCs, and it rescues the proliferation of DPCs when the Wnt/β-catenin pathway was inhibited. In summary, our findings indicate that CRABP2 is a vital functional gene in the proliferation of Hu sheep DPCs. Our study will be of great use for revealing the roles of CRABP2 in the hair follicles of Hu sheep.
Automatic Penaeus Monodon Larvae Counting via Equal Keypoint Regression with Smartphones
Authors: Li Ximing , Liu Ruixiang , Wang Zhe , Zheng Guotai , Lv Junlin , Fan Lanfen , Guo Yubin , Gao Yuefang
Published: June 2023

Today, large-scale Penaeus monodon farms no longer incubate eggs but instead purchase larvae from large-scale hatcheries for rearing. The accurate counting of tens of thousands of larvae in these transactions is a challenging task due to the small size of the larvae and the highly congested scenes. To address this issue, we present the Penaeus Larvae Counting Strategy (PLCS), a simple and efficient method for counting Penaeus monodon larvae that only requires a smartphone to capture images without the need for any additional equipment. Our approach treats two different types of keypoints as equip keypoints based on keypoint regression to determine the number of shrimp larvae in the image. We constructed a high-resolution image dataset named Penaeus_1k using images captured by five smartphones. This dataset contains 1420 images of Penaeus monodon larvae and includes general annotations for three keypoints, making it suitable for density map counting, keypoint regression, and other methods. The effectiveness of the proposed method was evaluated on a real Penaeus monodon larvae dataset. The average accuracy of 720 images with seven different density groups in the test dataset was 93.79%, outperforming the classical density map algorithm and demonstrating the efficacy of the PLCS.
Investigation of the Effect of Three Commercial Water Acidifiers on the Performance, Gut Health, and Campylobacter jejuni Colonization in Experimentally Challenged Broiler Chicks
Authors: Mantzios Tilemachos , Tsiouris Vasilios , Papadopoulos Georgios A. , Economou Vangelis , Petridou Evanthia , Brellou Georgia D. , Giannenas Ilias , Biliaderis Costas G. , Kiskinis Konstantinos , Fortomaris Paschalis
Published: June 2023

This study investigated the effect of three commercial water acidifiers on the performance, gut health, and C. jejuni colonization in experimentally challenged broiler chicks. A total of 192 one-day-old broiler chicks (Ross 308®) were randomly allocated into 6 treatment groups with 4 replicates according to the following experimental design: group A, birds were not challenged and received tap water; group B, birds were challenged and received tap water; groups C, D, E, and F, birds were challenged and received tap water treated with 0.1% v/v SPECTRON®, with 0.1–0.2% v/v ProPhorce™ SA Exclusive, with 0.1–0.2% v/v Premium acid, and with 0.1–0.2% v/v Salgard® Liquid, respectively. The continuous water acidification evoked undesirable effects on broilers’ performance and to an increased number of birds with ulcers and erosions in the oral cavity and the upper esophageal area. ProPhorce™ SA Exclusive and Premium acid significantly reduced the C. jejuni counts in the crop, whereas Salgard® Liquid significantly reduced the C. jejuni counts in the ceca of birds. At slaughter age, only Premium acid significantly reduced C. jejuni counts in the ceca of birds. All the tested products ameliorated the changes induced by C. jejuni infection in the pH in the ceca of birds. It can be concluded that besides the effectiveness of the tested products in controlling C. jejuni in broilers, their continuous application evoked undesirable effects on broilers’ performance, leading to the need to modify the dosage scheme in future investigations.
IgA Nephropathy: Current Treatment and New Insights
Authors: Petrou Dimitra , Kalogeropoulos Petros , Liapis George , Lionaki Sophia
Published: June 2023

IgA Nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common cause of primary glomerulonephritis worldwide. Despite the histopathologic hallmark of mesangial IgA deposition, IgAN is a heterogenous autoimmune disease not only in terms of clinical presentation but also in long-term disease progression. The pathogenesis of the disease is complex and includes the generation of circulating IgA immune complexes with chemical and biological characteristics that favor mesangial deposition and reaction to mesangial under-glycosylated IgA1 accumulation, which leads to tissue injury with glomerulosclerosis and interstitial fibrosis. Patients with proteinuria over 1 g, hypertension, and impaired renal function at diagnosis are considered to be at high risk for disease progression and end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). Glucocorticoids have been the mainstay of treatment for these patients for years, but without long-term benefit for renal function and accompanied by several adverse events. A better understanding of the pathophysiology of IgAN in recent years has led to the development of several new therapeutic agents. In this review, we summarize the current therapeutic approach for patients with IgAN as well as all novel investigational agents.
Hepatic Anti-Oxidative Genes CAT and GPX4 Are Epigenetically Modulated by RORγ/NRF2 in Alphacoronavirus-Exposed Piglets
Authors: Gu Haotian , Liu Yaya , Zhao Yahui , Qu Huan , Li Yanhua , Ahmed Abdelkareem A. , Liu Hao-Yu , Hu Ping , Cai Demin
Published: June 2023

As a member of alpha-coronaviruses, PEDV could lead to severe diarrhea and dehydration in newborn piglets. Given that lipid peroxides in the liver are key mediators of cell proliferation and death, the role and regulation of endogenous lipid peroxide metabolism in response to coronavirus infection need to be illuminated. The enzymatic activities of SOD, CAT, mitochondrial complex-I, complex-III, and complex-V, along with the glutathione and ATP contents, were significantly decreased in the liver of PEDV piglets. In contrast, the lipid peroxidation biomarkers, malondialdehyde, and ROS were markedly elevated. Moreover, we found that the peroxisome metabolism was inhibited by the PEDV infection using transcriptome analysis. These down-regulated anti-oxidative genes, including GPX4, CAT, SOD1, SOD2, GCLC, and SLC7A11, were further validated by qRT-PCR and immunoblotting. Because the nuclear receptor RORγ-driven MVA pathway is critical for LPO, we provided new evidence that RORγ also controlled the genes CAT and GPX4 involved in peroxisome metabolism in the PEDV piglets. We found that RORγ directly binds to these two genes using ChIP-seq and ChIP-qPCR analysis, where PEDV strongly repressed the binding enrichments. The occupancies of histone active marks such as H3K9/27ac and H3K4me1/2, together with active co-factor p300 and polymerase II at the locus of CAT and GPX4, were significantly decreased. Importantly, PEDV infection disrupted the physical association between RORγ and NRF2, facilitating the down-regulation of the CAT and GPX4 genes at the transcriptional levels. RORγ is a potential factor in modulating the CAT and GPX4 gene expressions in the liver of PEDV piglets by interacting with NRF2 and histone modifications.
Power-Split Hybrid Train Configuration Design Based on a Single-Row Star Row
Authors: Li Wenyong , Zhang Zhenyu , Qu Guizheng , Cao Xiaolong , Shi Wankai , Li Guozhen
Published: June 2023

The fundamental component of a hybrid train system is the hybrid power-coupling mechanism. This paper proposes a single-row star-row power-split arrangement for the power-coupling method in a hybrid train. In order to create input and output power-split configuration schemes for a hybrid train power mechanism, a graphical–theoretical model and a relationship matrix were first established. An electromechanical path power proportion equation was then established to filter out two input power-split configurations. The working states of three developed hybrid power-coupling mechanism schemes were studied to find the scheme that fulfills hybrid train design criteria to meet the power, operating mode, and spatial structural arrangement requirements. Finally, by creating a simulation model for the entire vehicle, the dynamics, battery state of charge (SOC) value, and overall vehicle efficiency for the configuration were simulated and examined. The findings demonstrate that the single-row star-row power-split design technique presented here significantly enhances the train performance.
Application of Parametric Forced Tuned Solid Ball Dampers for Vibration Control of Engineering Structures
Authors: Reiterer Michael , Muik Joachim
Published: June 2023

In this paper, parametric forced tuned solid ball dampers (TSBD) are considered for vibration control of engineering structures in an untypical way. The special feature of the presented investigation is to evaluate the potential application of parametric forcing of the rolling cylindrical or spherical body in the runway for reducing the vertical vibrations of a vibration-prone main system. Typically, tuned solid ball dampers are applied to structures that are prone to horizontal vibrations only. The coupled nonlinear differential equations of motion are derived and the phenomenon of parametric resonance of the rolling body in the runway is analyzed. A criterion for avoiding parametric resonance is given to achieve the optimal damping effect of the TSBD. In the second part of the article, a method for the targeted use of parametric resonance to reduce the vertical vibrations of engineering structures is presented and verified, considering a biaxially harmonic excited pedestrian bridge. It is shown that, with a suitable choice of damper parameters, a stable vibration of the rolling body in the runway is formed over the course of the vibration despite the occurrence of parametric resonance and that the maximum vertical vibration amplitudes of the main system can be reduced up to 93%. Hence, the here presented untypical application of parametric forced TSBD for reducing the vertical forced vibrations of vibration-prone main systems could be successfully demonstrated.
Special Issue “Recent Trends in Natural Language Processing and Its Applications”
Authors: Mengoni Paolo , Santucci Valentino
Published: June 2023

The recent advancements in Artificial Intelligence have paved the way for remarkable achievements in tasks that have traditionally posed challenges even for humans [...]
CI-UNet: Application of Segmentation of Medical Images of the Human Torso
Authors: Qin Junkang , Wang Xiao , Mi Dechang , Wu Qinmu , He Zhiqin , Tang Yu
Published: June 2023

The study of human torso medical image segmentation is significant for computer-aided diagnosis of human examination, disease tracking, and disease prevention and treatment. In this paper, two application tasks are designed for torso medical images: the abdominal multi-organ segmentation task and the spine segmentation task. For this reason, this paper proposes a net-work model CI-UNet improve the accuracy of edge segmentation. CI-UNet is a U-shaped network structure consisting of encoding and decoding networks. Firstly, it replaces UNet’s double convolutional backbone network with a VGG16 network loaded with Transfer Learning. It feeds image information from two adjacent layers in the VGG16 network into the decoding grid via information aggregation blocks. Secondly, Polarized Self-Attention is added at the decoding network and the hopping connection, which allows the network to focus on the compelling features of the image. Finally, the image information is decoded by convolution and Up-sampling several times to obtain the segmentation results. CI-UNet was tested in the abdominal multi-organ segmentation task using the Chaos (Combined CT-MR Healthy Abdominal Organ Segmentation) open challenge dataset and compared with UNet, Attention UNet, PSPNet, DeepLabv3+ prediction networks, and dedicated network for MRI images. The experimental results showed that the average intersegmental union (mIoU) and average pixel accuracy (mPA) of organ segmentation were 82.33% and 90.10%, respectively, higher than the above comparison network. Meanwhile, we used CI-UNet for the spine dataset of the Guizhou branch of Beijing Jishuitan Hospital. The average intersegmental union (mIoU) and average pixel accuracy (mPA) of organ segmentation were 87.97% and 93.48%, respectively, which were approved by the physicians for both tasks.
Analysis of Content Profiles, Antioxidant and Anticancer Properties in Endemic Hypericum salsolifolium
Authors: Agan Veysel , Koyuncu Ismail , Agan Fatma Zehra , Balos Mehmet Maruf
Published: June 2023

This study investigated the antioxidant and anticancer properties, phenolic compounds, and content profile of Hypericum salsolifolium plant extracts prepared with different solvents. The total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, and antioxidant potential [(2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), ferric reducing antioxidant power, and cupric reducing antioxidant capacity assays] of Hypericum salsolifolium extracts obtained using solvents of different polarities (hexane, dichloromethane, methanol, and water) were measured using spectrophotometric methods. The contents of the extracts were analyzed using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma—mass spectrometry methods. Anticancer detection was performed in human lung carcinoma cells using the 3-4,5-dimethylthiazol-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide, annexin-V, and cell cycle assays, as well as fluorescence detection of acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining. The methanolic extract was determined to have higher activation values of total phenolics, total flavonoids, ferric reducing antioxidant power, and in the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay than the other extracts, and the aqueous extract had higher values in the 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) and cupric reducing antioxidant capacity assays. The methanolic extract showed a cytotoxic effect against human lung carcinoma cells (IC50: 141.96 µg/mL). It was found that Hypericum salsolifolium extract showed antioxidant and anticancer activities. It was concluded that this plant can be used as a nutritional supplement due to its glucose, phenolic compound, amino acid, and vitamin content.
Assessment of the Central Nervous System in Children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Using Magnetic Resonance (MR) Techniques
Authors: Urbanik Andrzej , Nardzewska-Szczepanik Monika , Jadczak-Szumiło Teresa , Ostrogórska Monika
Published: June 2023

The study aimed to assess central nervous systems in children diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), using the techniques of magnetic resonance (MRI). The analyses considered 200 children, both female and male, aged 6–17 years, diagnosed with FASD, as well as 32 healthy children of both sexes, aged 6–16 years. Brain anomalies as well as linear and surface area measurements of the brain and corpus callosum were assessed. 1H MRS and DWI signals were evaluated in the frontal lobes, basal ganglia, hippocampi, and cerebellum. Several brain anomalies were found in children with FASD. Qualitative assessment showed the thinning of the corpus callosum in 40% of the cases and cerebral ventricular asymmetry in 32% of the children. The mean thickness of the corpus callosum isthmus and the mean length of the corpus callosum were statistically lower in children with FASD. Higher Lip/Cr concentration and DWI values as well as lower NAA/Cr, Cho/Cr, and mI/Cr concentrations were found in multiple studied brain regions. The analysis of the present findings in the study group showed that brain MRI examinations of children with FASD more often identified a decreased corpus callosum and 1H MRS and DWI abnormalities, particularly in the region of basal ganglia.
Numerical Simulation Method for Tunnel Excavation Considering Mechanical Characteristic Variation of Soft Rock with the Confining Pressure Influence
Authors: Dong Yucang , Zhang Hai , Zhu Zhengguo , Zhu Yongquan
Published: June 2023

The accurate prediction and evaluation of stress and displacement fields of surrounding rock is the fundamental premise for the deformation control of soft rock tunnels under high geo-stress condition. However, due to the complicated mechanical characteristics of soft rock with confining pressure influence, the current numerical simulation method usually regards the mechanical parameters of surrounding rock as constant and ignores the variation of these parameters in the simulation process, which leads to results that cannot accurately reflect the mechanical behavior of surrounding rock. Therefore, this paper firstly investigates the effect of confining pressure on deformation and strength parameters for soft rock and proposes corresponding variable models for mechanical parameters with the confining pressure influence. Secondly, a transversal loop discriminant update procedure is proposed and introduced into the iteration calculation process of FLAC3D, thus forming an improved numerical simulation method. This improved method can integrally consider the mechanical parameter variation of surrounding rock with variable confining pressure and realize the automatic update for such a parameter with its variable stress state. Finally, as an application example, an improved expression of longitudinal deformation profile (LDP) for tunnels considering the confining pressure influence is proposed based on numerous simulation results for a soft rock tunnel obtained by this proposed method.
A Study on Economic Evaluation of Design Elements of Zero-Energy Buildings According to Energy Consumption and Production
Authors: Lee Soonmyung , Park Sanghoon
Published: June 2023

In order to expand the zero-energy building, it is necessary to evaluate the economic feasibility of the passive and active elements applied to achieve the zero-energy building. The purpose of this study is to verify the final energy consumption and investment cost of a building according to the change of passive and active elements. In this study, the final energy consumption was calculated by region for the passive element S/V ratio (surface-to-volume ratio), the building’s orientation, and the active element (building-integrated photovoltaic) for the Department of Energy reference building type using simulations. In addition, the change in investment cost according to changes in energy consumption and production was calculated. As a result of the study, it was reasonable to invest in passive elements rather than active elements in the central region of Korea, and it was confirmed that investment in active elements was highly economical in the southern region of Korea. It is expected that the results of this study can be used as a guideline to enable the economic analysis of design elements in the design of zero-energy buildings.
Risk Assessment of Lift-Jacking Accidents Using FFTA-FMEA
Authors: Xu Na , Di Keyi , Liu Feifei , Zhao Wencheng , Zhang Bo
Published: June 2023

Lift-jacking accidents are one of the five common accidents in the lift field, characterised as a high hazard. In addition, it is difficult to obtain absolute probabilities of risk factors for lift accidents which are ambiguous and uncertain. In order to solve related problems and perform a comprehensive risk assessment of lift-jacking accidents, a risk assessment methodology integrated with FFTA (Fuzzy Fault Tree Analysis) and FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) has been proposed. First, qualitative analysis of the fault tree was applied to identify risk factors of TE (Top Event). Then, a hybrid approach for the fuzzy set theory and weight analysis was investigated to quantify the probability of every BE (Bottom Event), and quantitative analysis was conducted. Finally, an analytical model was constructed by linking FFTA and FMEA through indicator conversion, which leads to overall risk evaluation. An application on a real project example shows that (1) the FFTA-FMEA model can aggregate expert assessment opinions and effectively eliminate ambiguity and uncertainty of risk factors of lift-jacking accidents. (2) The FFTA-FMEA model can quantify the risk of lift-jacking accidents and identify medium to high-risk factors in a multi-angle, deeper, and precise level. The method offers a theoretical framework for the development of preventive measures and safety management strategies for lift-jacking accidents. The practical application in reliability engineering demonstrates its convenience and efficiency, indicating its significant value in this field.
An Optimized Fractional-Order PID Horizontal Vibration Control Approach for a High-Speed Elevator
Authors: Tang Rui , Qin Chengjin , Zhao Mengmeng , Xu Shuang , Tao Jianfeng , Liu Chengliang
Published: June 2023

Due to factors such as uneven guide rails and airflow disturbance in the hoistway, high-speed elevators may experience significant vibrations during operation. This paper proposes an optimized fractional-order PID (FOPID) method to suppress vibrations of high-speed elevators. First, an accurate horizontal vibration model is established for the elevator car, in which the car frame and body are separate. Then, taking the control cost and the system performance as objective functions, we obtained an optimized FOPID controller based on multi-objective genetic algorithm optimization. Finally, the effectiveness of the controller in reducing elevator vibration was verified through numerical simulation. The results indicate that the horizontal acceleration controlled by the FOPID controller is reduced by about 68% compared to the case without a controller and about 25% compared to the conventional PID controller.
Axes in the Funerary Ceremonies of the Northern Pontic Scythians
Authors: Daragan Marina , Polin Sergei
Published: June 2023

Axes were rare among the Scythians but are occasionally found in Scythian kurgans. Like other weapons, axes had practical as well as social and religious roles. The Scythians not only placed axes in burials as burial gifts, but also used them at various stages of the funeral ritual. This article considers several hitherto unknown, highly unusual archaeological contexts featuring axes. These contexts show that axes were used in the ritual preceding the excavation of the grave; they completed the ritual before the filling of the grave; and they were included in the final sealing of the burial. In addition to the ritual implications of Scythian axes found in kurgan burials, this article considers the meaning of the representations of related artifacts on Scythian metalwork, as well as on the coins of Kerkinitis and Olbia. A bronze votive axe similar to the one from L’vovo Kurgan 18, Burial 2 is shown on Olbian Borysthenes coins, indicating a permanent relationship between the city and the Scythians, perhaps in the form of paying tribute (“gifts”) to the Scythians. The dating of Olbian Borysthenes coinage is also discussed.
Risk Assessment of the Impact of Heavy Metals in Urban Traffic Dust on Human Health
Authors: Mahmoud Nima , Al-Shahwani Dana , Al-Thani Hanadi , Isaifan Rima J.
Published: June 2023

Excessive exposure to heavy metals induces potential adverse health impacts in humans. More specifically, heavy metals in particulate matter (PM) have a significant impact since PM can penetrate human organs and systems, causing several morbidities. In this work, dust samples were collected from 20 different types of roads in a busy zone in Doha during the winter of 2016–2017, where a higher human exposure rate occurs due to extensive outdoor activities during this time of the year. The elemental composition in terms of the mass concentration of 30 elements was determined in each sample via an energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometer. Then, the toxicity of six heavy metals in these airborne traffic dust samples was investigated. The heavy metals reported to have a hazardous impact on human health are As, Pb, Hg, Cd, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn. The extent of carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk impact was assessed using pollution indices and then determining the health risks associated with exposure to heavy metals through inhalation, ingestion, and dermal contact. The non-carcinogenic hazard index analysis results indicate no toxicity for all metals. However, the carcinogenic risk factor results show that only chromium might induce a slight risk for children and adults. In light of this, further research is recommended to investigate more areas in urban Doha where more samples can be collected and analyzed.
Triggering of an Epidemic Outbreak via Long-Range Atmospheric Transport of Bio-Aerosols—Application to a Hypothetical Case for COVID-19
Authors: Rowe Bertrand R. , Mitchell J. Brian A. , Canosa André , Draxler Roland
Published: June 2023

In the present work, we investigate the possibility that long-range airborne transport of infectious aerosols could initiate an epidemic outbreak at distances downwind beyond one hundred kilometers. For this, we have developed a simple atmospheric transport box model, which, for a hypothetical case of a COVID-19 outbreak, was compared to a more sophisticated three-dimensional transport-dispersion model (HYSPLIT) calculation. Coupled with an extended Wells–Riley description of infection airborne spread, it shows that the very low probability of outdoor transmission can be compensated for by high numbers and densities of infected and susceptible people in the source upwind and in the target downwind, respectively, such as occur in large urban areas. This may result in the creation of a few primary cases. It is worth pointing out that the probability of being infected remains very small at the individual level. Therefore, this process alone, which depends on population sizes, geography, seasonality, and meteorology, can only “trigger” an epidemic, which could then spread via the standard infection routes.
A Fractional Analysis of Zakharov–Kuznetsov Equations with the Liouville–Caputo Operator
Authors: Ganie Abdul Hamid , Mofarreh Fatemah , Khan Adnan
Published: June 2023

In this study, we used two unique approaches, namely the Yang transform decomposition method (YTDM) and the homotopy perturbation transform method (HPTM), to derive approximate analytical solutions for nonlinear time-fractional Zakharov–Kuznetsov equations (ZKEs). This framework demonstrated the behavior of weakly nonlinear ion-acoustic waves in plasma containing cold ions and hot isothermal electrons in the presence of a uniform magnetic flux. The density fraction and obliqueness of two compressive and rarefactive potentials are depicted. In the Liouville–Caputo sense, the fractional derivative is described. In these procedures, we first used the Yang transform to simplify the problems and then applied the decomposition and perturbation methods to obtain comprehensive results for the problems. The results of these methods also made clear the connections between the precise solutions to the issues under study. Illustrations of the reliability of the proposed techniques are provided. The results are clarified through graphs and tables. The reliability of the proposed procedures is demonstrated by illustrative examples. The proposed approaches are attractive, though these easy approaches may be time-consuming for solving diverse nonlinear fractional-order partial differential equations.
An Integrated Method of Biomechanics Modeling for Pelvic Bone and Surrounding Soft Tissues
Authors: Kou Wei , Liang Yefeng , Wang Zhixing , Liang Qingxi , Sun Lining , Kuang Shaolong
Published: June 2023

The pelvis and its surrounding soft tissues create a complicated mechanical environment that greatly affects the success of fixing broken pelvic bones with surgical navigation systems and/or surgical robots. However, the modeling of the pelvic structure with the more complex surrounding soft tissues has not been considered in the current literature. The study developed an integrated finite element model of the pelvis, which includes bone and surrounding soft tissues, and verified it through experiments. Results from the experiments showed that including soft tissue in the model reduced stress and strain on the pelvis compared to when it was not included. The stress and strain distribution during pelvic loading was similar to what is typically seen in research studies and more accurate in modeling the pelvis. Additionally, the correlation with the experimental results from the predecessor’s study was strong (R2 = 0.9627). The results suggest that the integrated model established in this study, which includes surrounding soft tissues, can enhance the comprehension of the complex biomechanics of the pelvis and potentially advance clinical interventions and treatments for pelvic injuries.
Coordinating Etching Inspired Synthesis of Fe(OH)3 Nanocages as Mimetic Peroxidase for Fluorescent and Colorimetric Self-Tuning Detection of Ochratoxin A
Authors: Zhu Hongshuai , Wang Bingfeng , Liu Yingju
Published: June 2023

The development of multifunctional biomimetic nanozymes with high catalytic activity and sensitive response is rapidly advancing. The hollow nanostructures, including metal hydroxides, metal-organic frameworks, and metallic oxides, possess excellent loading capacity and a high surface area-to-mass ratio. This characteristic allows for the exposure of more active sites and reaction channels, resulting in enhanced catalytic activity of nanozymes. In this work, based on the coordinating etching principle, a facile template-assisted strategy for synthesizing Fe(OH)3 nanocages by using Cu2O nanocubes as the precursors was proposed. The unique three-dimensional structure of Fe(OH)3 nanocages endows it with excellent catalytic activity. Herein, in the light of Fe(OH)3-induced biomimetic nanozyme catalyzed reactions, a self-tuning dual-mode fluorescence and colorimetric immunoassay was successfully constructed for ochratoxin A (OTA) detection. For the colorimetric signal, 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) can be oxidized by Fe(OH)3 nanocages to form a color response that can be preliminarily identified by the human eye. For the fluorescence signal, the fluorescence intensity of 4-chloro-1-naphthol (4-CN) can be quantitatively quenched by the valence transition of Ferric ion in Fe(OH)3 nanocages. Due to the significant self-calibration, the performance of the self-tuning strategy for OTA detection was substantially enhanced. Under the optimized conditions, the developed dual-mode platform accomplishes a wide range of 1 ng/L to 5 μg/L with a detection limit of 0.68 ng/L (S/N = 3). This work not only develops a facile strategy for the synthesis of highly active peroxidase-like nanozyme but also achieves promising sensing platform for OTA detection in actual samples.
Newly Developed Electrochemiluminescence Based on Bipolar Electrochemistry for Multiplex Biosensing Applications: A Consolidated Review
Authors: Mwanza Christopher , Ding Shou-Nian
Published: June 2023

Recently, there has been an upsurge in the extent to which electrochemiluminescence (ECL) working in synergy with bipolar electrochemistry (BPE) is being applied in simple biosensing devices, especially in a clinical setup. The key objective of this particular write-up is to present a consolidated review of ECL-BPE, providing a three-dimensional perspective incorporating its strengths, weaknesses, limitations, and potential applications as a biosensing technique. The review encapsulates critical insights into the latest and novel developments in the field of ECL-BPE, including innovative electrode designs and newly developed, novel luminophores and co-reactants employed in ECL-BPE systems, along with challenges, such as optimization of the interelectrode distance, electrode miniaturization and electrode surface modification for enhancing sensitivity and selectivity. Moreover, this consolidated review will provide an overview of the latest, novel applications and advances made in this field with a bias toward multiplex biosensing based on the past five years of research. The studies reviewed herein, indicate that the technology is rapidly advancing at an outstanding purse and has an immense potential to revolutionize the general field of biosensing. This perspective aims to stimulate innovative ideas and inspire researchers alike to incorporate some elements of ECL-BPE into their studies, thereby steering this field into previously unexplored domains that may lead to unexpected, interesting discoveries. For instance, the application of ECL-BPE in other challenging and complex sample matrices such as hair for bioanalytical purposes is currently an unexplored area. Of great significance, a substantial fraction of the content in this review article is based on content from research articles published between the years 2018 and 2023.
Development and In-House Validation of an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay and a Lateral Flow Immunoassay for the Dosage of Tenofovir in Human Saliva
Authors: Cavalera Simone , Serra Thea , Abad-Fuentes Antonio , Mercader Josep V. , Abad-Somovilla Antonio , Nardo Fabio Di , D’Avolio Antonio , De Nicolò Amedeo , Testa Valentina , Chiarello Matteo , Baggiani Claudio , Anfossi Laura
Published: June 2023

Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) includes very potent drugs that are often characterized by high toxicity. Tenofovir (TFV) is a widely used drug prescribed mainly for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PreP) and the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The therapeutic range of TFV is narrow, and adverse effects occur with both underdose and overdose. The main factor contributing to therapeutic failure is the improper management of TFV, which may be caused by low compliance or patient variability. An important tool to prevent inappropriate administration is therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of compliance-relevant concentrations (ARCs) of TFV. TDM is performed routinely using time-consuming and expensive chromatographic methods coupled with mass spectrometry. Immunoassays, such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) and lateral flow immunoassays (LFIAs), are based on antibody–antigen specific recognition and represent key tools for real-time quantitative and qualitative screening for point-of-care testing (POCT). Since saliva is a non-invasive and non-infectious biological sample, it is well-suited for TDM. However, saliva is expected to have a very low ARC for TFV, so tests with high sensitivity are required. Here, we have developed and validated a highly sensitive ELISA (IC50 1.2 ng/mL, dynamic range 0.4–10 ng/mL) that allows the quantification of TFV in saliva at ARCs and an extremely sensitive LFIA (visual LOD 0.5 ng/mL) that is able to distinguish between optimal and suboptimal ARCs of TFV in untreated saliva.
Evaluation of Subtle Auditory Impairments with Multiple Audiological Assessments in Normal Hearing Workers Exposed to Occupational Noise
Authors: Samelli Alessandra Giannella , Rocha Clayton Henrique , Kamita Mariana Keiko , Lopes Maria Elisa Pereira , Andrade Camila Quintiliano , Matas Carla Gentile
Published: June 2023

Recent studies involving guinea pigs have shown that noise can damage the synapses between the inner hair cells and spiral ganglion neurons, even with normal hearing thresholds—which makes it important to investigate this kind of impairment in humans. The aim was to investigate, with multiple audiological assessments, the auditory function of normal hearing workers exposed to occupational noise. Altogether, 60 workers were assessed (30 in the noise-exposure group [NEG], who were exposed to occupational noise, and 30 in the control group [CG], who were not exposed to occupational noise); the workers were matched according to age. The following procedures were used: complete audiological assessment; speech recognition threshold in noise (SRTN); speech in noise (SN) in an acoustic field; gaps-in-noise (GIN); transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAE) and inhibitory effect of the efferent auditory pathway; auditory brainstem response (ABR); and long-latency auditory evoked potentials (LLAEP). No significant difference was found between the groups in SRTN. In SN, the NEG performed worse than the CG in signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) 0 (p-value 0.023). In GIN, the NEG had a significantly lower percentage of correct answers (p-value 0.042). In TEOAE, the NEG had smaller amplitude values bilaterally (RE p-value 0.048; LE p-value 0.045) and a smaller inhibitory effect of the efferent pathway (p-value 0.009). In ABR, the NEG had greater latencies of wave V (p-value 0.017) and interpeak intervals III-V and I-V in the LE (respective p-values: 0.005 and 0.04). In LLAEP, the NEG had a smaller P3 amplitude bilaterally (RE p-value 0.001; LE p-value 0.002). The NEG performed worse than the CG in most of the assessments, suggesting that the auditory function in individuals exposed to occupational noise is impaired, even with normal audiometric thresholds.