bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermal Regulation Performance of Shape-Stabilized-Phase-Change-Material-Based Prefabricated Wall for Green Grain Storage
Authors: Zeng Changnv , Hu Chaoxin , Li Wanwan
Published: January 2023

In order to meet the great demand for green grain storage and low carbon emissions, paraffin, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and expanded graphite (EG) were used to produce shape-stabilized phase change material (SSPCM) plates, which were then used to reconstruct building walls for existing granaries. A new type of SSPCM plate was then prefabricated with different thermal conductivities and a high latent heat. This plate could be directly adhered to the existing granary walls. In order to evaluate the thermal regulation performance of these phase change granary walls, experiments and numerical methods were established, specifically for the summer condition. The thermal behavior of the SSPCM granary wall was compared with that of the common concrete granary wall to obtain the optimal parameters. It was concluded that increasing the thickness of the SSPCM layer can reduce the temperature rise of the wall. However, the maximum latent heat utilization rate and energy storage effects were obtained when the SSPCM thickness was at an intermediate level of 30 mm. The thermal conductivity of the SSPCM had a controversial effect on the thermal resistance and latent heat utilization behaviors of the SSPCM. Considering the temperature level and energy saving rate, a 30 mm thick SSPCM plate with a thermal conductivity of 0.2 W/m·K provided a superior performance. When compared to the common wall, the optimized energy-saving rate was greatly enhanced by 35.83% for the SSPCM granary wall with a thickness of 30 mm and a thermal conductivity of 0.2 W/m·K.
Special Issue “Selected Papers from CD-MAKE 2020 and ARES 2020”
Authors: Weippl Edgar R. , Holzinger Andreas , Kieseberg Peter
Published: January 2023

In the current era of rapid technological advancement, machine learning (ML) is quickly becoming a dominant force in the development of smart environments [...]
Recent Advances and Future Challenges in the Field of Digestive Diseases
Authors: Abenavoli Ludovico , Candelli Marcello
Published: January 2023

Digestive diseases are a rapidly evolving area of clinical and research [...]
Efficacy of Music Intervention for Dental Anxiety Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Tan Kui , Liu Hao , Huang Shuang , Li Conghua
Published: January 2023

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of music therapy for dental anxiety disorders. Methods In order to gather clinical randomized controlled trials comparing the effectiveness of music interventions to traditional oral manipulation in patients with dental anxiety disorders, computer searches of the electronic databases of Wanfang, CNKI, VIP, PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Cochrane library, Scopus, and CINAHL were conducted. The search period covered from 23 December 2022, through to the development of the database. The Cochrane Handbook was used to assess the quality of the included literature, and two researchers independently conducted the literature screening and data extraction. Stata 17.0 and RevMan 5.3 were used to conduct the meta-analysis. Results The preoperative baseline levels of the music intervention group were similar to those of the control group (p > 0.05), according to the meta-analysis, and music intervention significantly decreased heart rate (I2 = 81.2%, WMD (95% CI): −7.33 (−10.07, −4.58), p < 0.0001), systolic blood pressure fluctuations (I2 = 85.6%, WMD (95% CI): −6.10(−9.25, 2.95), p < 0.0001), diastolic blood pressure (I2 = 79.7%, WMD (95% CI): −4.29(−6.57, −2.02), p < 0.0001) fluctuations, anxiety scores (I2 = 19.6%, WMD (95% CI): −9.04(−11.45, 6.63), p < 0.0001), and pain scores (I2 = 32.7%, WMD (95% CI): −7.64(−9.43, −5.85), p < 0.0001), as well as significantly lowered anxiety and pain levels and raised patients’ cooperation rates (I2 = 0%, OR (95% CI): 3.03(1.24, 7.40), p = 0.02). Conclusions Music interventions are effective for dental anxiety disorders, but given the limitations of the study, more multicenter, large-sample, high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed to further validate the findings and obtain more objective and reliable clinical evidence.
Antioxidant Activity and Metabolite Profiling of Xylocarpus granatum Extracts Using Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Heryanto Rudi , Putra Cecep Abdurohman , Khalil Munawar , Rafi Mohamad , Putri Sastia Prama , Karomah Alfi Hudatul , Batubara Irmanida
Published: January 2023

The potential application of Xylocarpus granatum, a mangrove species, as traditional medicine has been widely linked to its high secondary metabolite and antioxidant contents. However, few studies have been reported to identify and classify active metabolites responsible for such excellent biological activities. Therefore, the aim of this work was to determine the antioxidant activity, identify the metabolite profiles, and predict the metabolites acting as antioxidants in X. granatum extract using a gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS)-based metabolomics approach. The seeds, stems, fruit peel, pulp, leaves, and twigs of X. granatum were macerated with ethanol. Each extract was analyzed with GC-MS, and the data were processed using mass spectrometry data-independent analysis (MS-DIAL) software to identify the metabolites. The IC50 value of plant parts of X. granatum ranged from 7.73 to 295 ppm. A total of 153 metabolites were identified and confirmed in the X. granatum extracts. Among the identified metabolites, epicatechin and epigallocatechin were the two most abundant in the stem extracts and are expected to have the greatest potential as antioxidants. Principal component analysis (PCA) succeeded in grouping all parts of the plant into three groups based on the composition of the metabolites: group 1 (stems, fruit peel, and twigs), group 2 (seeds and pulp), and group 3 (leaves).
Optimization Studies and Compositional Oil Analysis of Pequi (Caryocar brasiliense Cambess) Almonds by Supercritical CO2 Extraction
Authors: Mateus Livia Silva , Dutra Juliete Martins , Favareto Rogério , da Silva Edson Antônio , Ferreira Pinto Leandro , da Silva Camila , Cardozo-Filho Lucio
Published: January 2023

Caryocar brasiliense Cambess (pequi) is the fruit of the pequizeiro tree found in the Brazilian Cerrado (savanna). Supercritical fluids have been used to effectively extract bioactive chemicals. In light of the paucity of research on the supercritical extraction of pequi, in this study, experimental tests were conducted on the extraction of pequi almond oil using supercritical CO2; the optimal extraction conditions were determined, and the fatty acids and active compounds in the oil were characterized. The experiments were conducted using the Box–Behnken experimental design of a three-variable system: pressure (15, 20, and 25 MPa), temperature (303.15, 318.15, and 333.15 K), and flow rate (2, 3, and 5 g.min−1). The optimal extraction conditions were 318.15 K, 25 MPa, and 5.0 g.min−1, which yielded 27.6 wt% of oil. The experimental kinetic curves were described using a second-order quadratic model (based on the Sovová model), which demonstrated a satisfactory correspondence with the kinetic curves. Significant amounts of squalene, stigmasterol, oleic fatty acids, and palmitic fatty acids were detected in pequi almond oil.
Baicalein Induces G2/M Cell Cycle Arrest Associated with ROS Generation and CHK2 Activation in Highly Invasive Human Ovarian Cancer Cells
Authors: Chuang Tzu-Chao , Shao Wei-Syun , Hsu Shih-Chung , Lee Shou-Lun , Kao Ming-Ching , Wang Vinchi
Published: January 2023

Ovarian cancer is a lethal gynecological cancer because drug resistance often results in treatment failure. The CHK2, a tumor suppressor, is considered to be an important molecular target in ovarian cancer due to its role in DNA repair. Dysfunctional CHK2 impairs DNA damage-induced checkpoints, reduces apoptosis, and confers resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs and radiation therapy in ovarian cancer cells. This provides a basis for finding new effective agents targeting CHK2 upregulation or activation to treat or prevent the progression of advanced ovarian cancer. Here, the results show that baicalein (5,6,7-trihydroxyflavone) treatment inhibits the growth of highly invasive ovarian cancer cells, and that baicalein-induced growth inhibition is mediated by the cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase. Baicalein-induced G2/M phase arrest is associated with an increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, DNA damage, and CHK2 upregulation and activation. Thus, baicalein modulates the expression of DNA damage response proteins and G2/M phase regulatory molecules. Blockade of CHK2 activation by CHK2 inhibitors protects cells from baicalein-mediated G2/M cell cycle arrest. All the results suggest that baicalein has another novel growth inhibitory effect on highly invasive ovarian cancer cells, which is partly related to G2/M cell cycle arrest through the ROS-mediated DNA breakage damage and CHK2 activation. Collectively, our findings provide a molecular basis for the potential of baicalein as an adjuvant therapeutic agent in the treatment of metastatic ovarian cancer.
Pigments and Techniques of Hellenistic Apulian Tomb Painting
Authors: Mangone Annarosa , Colombi Camilla , Eramo Giacomo , Muntoni Italo Maria , Forleo Tiziana , Giannossa Lorena Carla
Published: January 2023

The wall paintings of five Hellenistic tombs in Apulia were analysed using a multi-technique approach to discern the painting techniques used and contextualise them within the phenomenon of Hellenistic tomb painting in Southern Italy. In particular, the question was asked whether technical knowledge played a role in the reception of Hellenistic artistic models and whether this knowledge was present locally. Raman and IR spectroscopies were used to identify pigments, colourants, and binders; light and electron microscopy were used to determine the structural characteristics of the paint layers and recognise the manufacturing technique. Analyses identified a fresco application for the Tomba dei Cavalieri (Arpi) and a dry application for the Canosian hypogea. The palette—typical for Hellenistic tomb painting in Southern Italy, Etruria and Macedonia—was composed of lime (white), charcoal (black), hematite (red), goethite (yellow), and Egyptian blue (blue). In the Tomba della Nike (Arpi), meanwhile, two particularly refined preparatory layers were observed. The palette was enriched with precious cinnabar and madder lake. The colouring components of the root were mixed with clay and K-alum applied on an additional layer of lime. The use of madder lake and a pink background link the painting to the polychrome Daunian pottery, and the contribution of a local workshop to the decoration of this tomb thus seems plausible.
Molecular Dynamics Study on the Diffusion Behavior of Water Molecules and the Dielectric Constant of Vegetable/Mineral Oil Blends
Authors: Zhao Manqing , Zhang Bo , Li Jianfei , Zhang Qiankai , Li Huaqiang
Published: January 2023

Insulating oil plays a crucial role in internal insulation of oil-impregnated transformers. It has been demonstrated in a variety of experimental studies that mineral oil (MO) and vegetable oil (VO) can be blended in different ratios to improve insulation properties; however, the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon remain unclear. In this study, a molecular dynamics (MD) simulation approach was used to investigate diffusion of water molecules in VO/MO blends and dielectric constants of a mixture. The results show that the diffusion coefficient of water molecules is negatively correlated with the proportion of VO; thus, addition of VO helps to improve the insulation properties of a mixture. Due to introduction of strong polar functional groups, a decrease in the diffusion behavior of water molecules can be attributed to an increase in the interaction energy and formation of hydrogen bonds between water molecules and the mixed oil system. There is a direct correlation between the dielectric constant of a mixture and VO content; however, it is very sensitive to water content. The presence of strong polar water molecules or functional groups in a mixture leads to an increase in the dielectric constant, which results in a reduction in insulating properties. Accordingly, presence of polar groups plays an important role in determining the insulating properties of a mixture. To increase the insulation performance of a mixture, it is important to consider the diffusion-inhibiting and dielectric effects of the stronger polar groups in vegetable oil compared to those in mineral oil.
Vacuum Spin LED: First Step towards Vacuum Semiconductor Spintronics
Authors: Tereshchenko Oleg E. , Golyashov Vladimir A. , Rusetsky Vadim S. , Kustov Danil A. , Mironov Andrey V. , Demin Alexander Yu.
Published: January 2023

Improving the efficiency of spin generation, injection, and detection remains a key challenge for semiconductor spintronics. Electrical injection and optical orientation are two methods of creating spin polarization in semiconductors, which traditionally require specially tailored p-n junctions, tunnel or Schottky barriers. Alternatively, we introduce here a novel concept for spin-polarized electron emission/injection combining the optocoupler principle based on vacuum spin-polarized light-emitting diode (spin VLED) making it possible to measure the free electron beam polarization injected into the III-V heterostructure with quantum wells (QWs) based on the detection of polarized cathodoluminescence (CL). To study the spin-dependent emission/injection, we developed spin VLEDs, which consist of a compact proximity-focused vacuum tube with a spin-polarized electron source (p-GaAs(Cs,O) or Na2KSb) and the spin detector (III-V heterostructure), both activated to a negative electron affinity (NEA) state. The coupling between the photon helicity and the spin angular momentum of the electrons in the photoemission and injection/detection processes is realized without using either magnetic material or a magnetic field. Spin-current detection efficiency in spin VLED is found to be 27% at room temperature. The created vacuum spin LED paves the way for optical generation and spin manipulation in the developing vacuum semiconductor spintronics.
Ostwald Ripening and Antibacterial Activity of Silver Nanoparticles Capped by Anti-Inflammatory Ligands
Authors: Alarcon Romina , Walter Mariana , Paez Maritza , Azócar Manuel Ignacio
Published: January 2023

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been extensively studied during recent decades as antimicrobial agents. However, their stability and antibacterial activity over time have yet to be sufficiently studied. In this work, AgNPs were coated with different stabilizers (naproxen and diclofenac and 5-chlorosalicylic acid) in different concentrations. The suspensions of nanostructures were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, UV–Vis and FT-IR spectroscopic techniques. The antibacterial activity as a function of time was determined through microbiological studies against Staphylococcus aureus. The AgNPs show differences in stabilities when changing the coating agent and its concentration. This fact could be a consequence of the difference in the nature of the interaction between the stabilizer and the surface of the NPs, which were evaluated by FT-IR spectroscopy. In addition, an increase in the size of the nanoparticles was observed after 30 days, which could be related to an Ostwald maturation phenomenon. This result raises new questions about the role that stabilizers play on the surface of NPs, promoting size change in NPs. It is highly probable that the stabilizer functions as a growth controller of the NPs, thus determining an effect on their biological properties. Finally, the antibacterial activity was evaluated over time against the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. The results showed that the protective or stabilizing agents can play an important role in the antibacterial capacity, the control of the size of the AgNPs and additionally in the stability over time.
Comparable Hemodilution with Hypertonic Glucose in Patients with and without Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus during Hemodialysis
Authors: Schneditz Daniel , Niemczyk Longin , Wojtecka Anna , Szamotulska Katarzyna , Niemczyk Stanisław
Published: January 2023

(1) Background: It was examined whether glucose-induced changes in the relative blood volume are suitable to identify subjects with and without type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) during hemodialysis. (2) Methods: The relative blood volume was continuously recorded during hemodialysis and perturbed by the infusion of glucose comparable to the dose used for intravenous glucose tolerance tests. Indices of glucose metabolism were determined by the homeostatic model assessment (HOMA). Body composition was measured by a bioimpedance analysis. The magnitude and the time course of hemodilution were described by a modified gamma variate model and five model parameters. (3) Results: A total of 34 subjects were studied, 14 with and 20 without T2D. The magnitude of the hemodilution and the selected model parameters correlated with measures of anthropometry, body mass index, absolute and relative fat mass, volume excess, baseline insulin concentration, and HOMA indices such as insulin resistance and glucose disposition in a continuous analysis, but were not different in a dichotomous analysis of patients with and without T2D. (4) Conclusions: Even though the parameters of the hemodilution curve were correlated with measures of impaired glucose metabolism and body composition, the distinction between subjects with and without T2D was not possible using glucose-induced changes in the relative blood volume during hemodialysis.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids Intake Does Not Decrease the Risk of Rheumatoid Arthritis Occurrence: A Meta-Analysis. Comment on Tański et al. The Relationship between Fatty Acids and the Development, Course and Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Nutrients 2022, 14, 1030
Authors: Mathieu Sylvain , Pereira Bruno , Daïen Claire , Tournadre Anne , Soubrier Martin
Published: January 2023

In an article published in Nutrients, Tański et al. performed a systematic review and concluded that omega-3 fatty acids might contribute to a reduced incidence of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) [...]
Reply to Mathieu et al. Omega 3 Fatty Acids Intake Does Not Decrease the Risk of Rheumatoid Arthritis Occurrence: A Meta-Analysis. Comment on “Tański et al. The Relationship between Fatty Acids and the Development, Course and Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Nutrients 2022, 14, 1030”
Authors: Świątoniowska-Lonc Natalia , Tański Wojciech , Tabin Mateusz , Jankowska-Polańska Beata
Published: January 2023

In response to the comment [...]
Editorial for “Post COVID-19 Syndrome in Patients with Asymptomatic/Mild Form”
Authors: Dotan Arad , Shoenfeld Yehuda
Published: January 2023

The novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), first reported in December 2019, has infected numerous subjects worldwide [...]
Saponins: Research Progress and Their Potential Role in the Post-COVID-19 Pandemic Era
Authors: Mieres-Castro Daniel , Mora-Poblete Freddy
Published: January 2023

In the post-COVID-19 pandemic era, the new global situation and the limited therapeutic management of the disease make it necessary to take urgent measures in more effective therapies and drug development in order to counteract the negative global impacts caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and its new infectious variants. In this context, plant-derived saponins—glycoside-type compounds constituted from a triterpene or steroidal aglycone and one or more sugar residues—may offer fewer side effects and promising beneficial pharmacological activities. This can then be used for the development of potential therapeutic agents against COVID-19, either as a therapy or as a complement to conventional pharmacological strategies for the treatment of the disease and its prevention. The main objective of this review was to examine the primary and current evidence in regard to the therapeutic potential of plant-derived saponins against the COVID-19 disease. Further, the aim was to also focus on those studies that highlight the potential use of saponins as a treatment against SARS-CoV-2. Saponins are antiviral agents that inhibit different pharmacological targets of the virus, as well as exhibit anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic activity in relieving symptoms and clinical complications related to the disease. In addition, saponins also possess immunostimulatory effects, which improve the efficacy and safety of vaccines for prolonging immunogenicity against SARS-CoV-2 and its infectious variants.
PLGA Nanoparticles Containing VCAM-1 Inhibitor Succinobucol and Chemotherapeutic Doxorubicin as Therapy against Primary Tumors and Their Lung Metastases
Authors: Wang Jie , Wang Fengling , Xie Dandan , Zhou Min , Liao Jiaxing , Wu Hongliang , Dai Yue , Huang Jingbin , Zhao Yu
Published: January 2023

The treatment of malignant tumors is usually accompanied by poor prognosis due to metastasis of tumor cells. Hence, it is crucial to enhance anti-metastasis efficacy when anti-tumor treatments are conducted. It has been reported that the vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) is highly expressed on the surface of tumor cells and plays an essential role in the metastasis of tumor cells. Thus, reducing VCAM-1 expression offers hope for inhibiting the metastasis of tumor cells. Evidence has shown that succinobucol (Suc) can selectively and efficiently inhibit VCAM-1 expression. Inspired by these, we designed dual drug-loaded PLGA nanoparticles (Co-NPs) to co-deliver VCAM-1 inhibitor Suc and the chemotherapeutic doxorubicin (Dox) which could both effectively suppress primary melanoma and its lung metastases. Co-NPs were composed of PLGA encapsulated Suc and Dox as hydrophobic cores and DSPE-mPEG2000 as surface modification materials. With an appropriate particle size (122.4 nm) and a negatively charged surface (−6.77 mV) we could achieve prolonged blood circulation. The in vitro experiments showed that Co-NPs had potent cytotoxicity against B16F10 cells and could significantly inhibit VCAM-1 expression and migration of B16F10 cells. Additionally, the in vivo experiments showed that Co-NPs could efficiently suppress not only primary melanoma but also its lung metastases. In conclusion, PLGA nanoparticles containing VCAM-1 inhibitor Suc and chemotherapeutic Dox as therapy against primary tumors and their lung metastases provides a promising drug delivery strategy for the treatment of metastatic malignant tumors.
Delivery of Therapeutic Biopolymers Employing Silica-Based Nanosystems
Authors: Gándara Zoila , Rubio Noelia , Castillo Rafael R.
Published: January 2023

The use of nanoparticles is crucial for the development of a new generation of nanodevices for clinical applications. Silica-based nanoparticles can be tailored with a wide range of functional biopolymers with unique physicochemical properties thus providing several advantages: (1) limitation of interparticle interaction, (2) preservation of cargo and particle integrity, (3) reduction of immune response, (4) additional therapeutic effects and (5) cell targeting. Therefore, the engineering of advanced functional coatings is of utmost importance to enhance the biocompatibility of existing biomaterials. Herein we will focus on the most recent advances reported on the delivery and therapeutic use of silica-based nanoparticles containing biopolymers (proteins, nucleotides, and polysaccharides) with proven biological effects.
Copper Uptake and Its Effects on Two Riparian Plant Species, the Native Urtica dioica, and the Invasive Fallopia japonica
Authors: Schmitz Daniel , Girardi Johanna , Jamin Jellian , Bundschuh Mirco , Geng Benedict , Feldmann Rico , Rösch Verena , Riess Kai , Schirmel Jens
Published: January 2023

Copper accumulating in stream sediments can be transported to adjacent riparian habitats by flooding. Although being an essential element for plants, copper is toxic at high concentrations and restricts, among other things, plant growth. Besides copper, invasive plants, such as Fallopia japonica, which are known to be tolerant toward heavy metals, modify riparian habitats. If the tolerance of F. japonica is higher compared to native plants, this could accelerate invasion under high heavy metal stress. Therefore, we aimed to compare the effect of copper on two common riparian plants, the invasive F. japonica and the native Urtica dioica. We performed a pot experiment with a gradient from 0 to 2430 mg kg−1 of soil copper. We hypothesized that (i) negative effects on plant growth increase with increasing soil copper concentrations with F. japonica being less affected and (ii) accumulating higher amounts of copper in plant tissues compared to U. dioica. In support of our first hypothesis, growth (height, leaf number) and biomass (above- and belowground) of F. japonica were impacted at the 810 mg kg−1 treatment, while the growth of U. dioica was already impacted at 270 mg kg−1. Due to 100% mortality of plants, the 2430 mg kg−1 treatment was omitted from the analysis. In contrast, chlorophyll content slightly increased with increasing copper treatment for both species. While U. dioica accumulated more copper in total, the copper uptake by F. japonica increased more strongly after exposure compared to the control. In the 810 mg kg−1 treatment, copper concentrations in F. japonica were up to 2238% higher than in the control but only up to 634% higher in U. dioica. Our results indicate that F. japonica might be able to more efficiently detoxify internal copper concentrations controlling heavy metal effects compared to the native species. This could give F. japonica a competitive advantage particularly in polluted areas, facilitating its invasion success.
A Composite of Hydrogel Alginate/PVA/r-GO for Scaffold Applications with Enhanced Degradation and Biocompatibility Properties
Authors: Rasyida Amaliya , Halimah Salma , Wijayanti Ika Dewi , Wicaksono Sigit Tri , Nurdiansah Haniffudin , Silaen Yohannes Marudut Tua , Ni’mah Yatim Lailun , Ardhyananta Hosta , Purniawan Agung
Published: January 2023

We reported in this study the interrelation between the addition of 0.4, 0.8, 1.2, and 1.6 wt. % reduced graphene oxide (r-GO) into PVA/Alginate and their degradation and biocompatibility properties. The r-GO was synthesized by using the Hummer’s method. A crosslinker CaSO4 was added to prepare Alginate/PVA/r-GO Hydrogel composite. A Field Emission in Lens (FEI)-scanning electron microscopy (SEM), along with X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), was performed, characterizing the morphology of the composite. A compressive test was conducted, determining the mechanical properties of the composite with the highest achieved 0.0571 MPa. Furthermore, in vitro cytotoxicity was conducted to determine the biocompatibility properties of the studied composite. An MTT assay was applied to measure cell viability. In general, the presence of r-GO was found to have no significant effect on the morphology of the hydrogel. Indeed, adding 0.4% r-GO to the PVA/Alginate increased the cell viability up to 122.26 ± 0.93, indicating low toxicity. The studied composites have almost no changes in weight and shape, which proves that low degradation occurred in addition to this after 28 days of immersion in saline phosphate buffer solution. In conclusion, achieving minimal degradation and outstanding biocompatibility lead to PVA/Alginate/r-GO hydrogel composites being the most attractive materials for tissue engineering applications.
A Modification to Phase Estimation for Distributed Scatterers in InSAR Data Stacks
Authors: Zhao Changjun , Dong Yunyun , Wu Wenhao , Tian Bangsen , Zhou Jianmin , Zhang Ping , Gao Shuo , Yu Yuechi , Huang Lei
Published: January 2023

To improve the spatial density and quality of measurement points in multitemporal interferometric synthetic aperture radar, distributed scatterers (DSs) should be processed. An essential procedure in DS interferometry is phase estimation, which reconstructs a consistent phase series from all available interferograms. Influenced by the well-known suboptimality of coherence estimation, the performance of the state-of-the-art phase estimation algorithms is severely degraded. Previous research has addressed this problem by introducing the coherence bias correction technique. However, the precision of phase estimation is still insufficient because of the limited correction capabilities. In this paper, a modified phase estimation approach is proposed. Particularly, by incorporating the information on both interferometric coherence and the number of looks, a significant bias correction to each element of the coherence magnitude matrix is achieved. The bias-corrected coherence matrix is combined with advanced statistically homogeneous pixel selection and time series phase optimization algorithms to obtain the optimal phase series. Both the simulated and Sentinel-1 real data sets are used to demonstrate the superiority of this proposed approach over the traditional phase estimation algorithms. Specifically, the coherence bias can be corrected with considerable accuracy by the proposed scheme. The mean bias of coherence magnitude is reduced by more than 29%, and the standard deviation is reduced by more than 18% over the existing bias correction method. The proposed approach achieves higher accuracy than the current methods over the reconstructed phase series, including smoother interferometric phases and fewer outliers.
Effects of Dietary Flaxseed Oil and Ascorbic Acid on the Reproductive Performance of South African Indigenous Sheep
Authors: Ngcobo Jabulani Nkululeko , Nedambale Tshimangadzo Lucky , Nephawe Khathutshelo Agree , Chokoe Tlou Caswell , Ramukhithi Fhulufhelo Vincent
Published: January 2023

The current study aimed to evaluate the effects of the dietary inclusion of flaxseed oil and ascorbic acid on the reproductive performance of South African indigenous sheep (Ovis aries). Twenty-two matured South African indigenous rams (eight BaPedi, nine Zulu, and five Namaqua Afrikaner; age of 6 years and body weight of 64.4 ± 1.6 kg) were randomly assigned into five treatment groups (NC (standard diet), PC (basal diet), FO (5% flaxseed oil), AA (4% ascorbic acid), and FO + AA (5% flaxseed oil + 4% ascorbic acid)). Semen samples were collected during the natural breeding season using an artificial vagina. Semen samples were evaluated for macroscopic (semen volume, pH, and sperm concentration) and microscopic (morphology, malondialdehyde, membrane permeability, and sperm cell motility parameters) characteristics. Eighty-one South African indigenous ewes were synchronized using controlled intravaginal drug devices impregnated with 0.3 g progesterone for 10 days and then injected with 300 IU of Pregnant Mare Serum Gonadotropin. These ewes were then hand-mated. The data were subjected to the General Linear Model (GLM) in Minitub® 2017. A cross-tabulated Chi-Squared (χ2) test was used to track the frequencies of the conception rate. Treatment means were separated using Student’s Least Significant Difference (LSD) and considered significantly different when the p-value was less than 0.05. No considerable breed effect was observed for semen volume, semen pH, sperm concentration, intact membrane, and non-intact membrane. FO + AA led to higher semen volume (1.05 ± 0.06 mL), intact sperm membranes (88.83 ± 1.27%), and low malondialdehyde levels (0.37 ± 0.04 nmol/mL) in comparison to other treatment groups. Total sperm motility was higher in FO + AA (95.81 ± 0.80%) compared to FO, AA, PC, and NC. The conception rate was higher in FO (94%), AA (94%), and FO + AA (100%) when compared to NC (71%) and PC (79%). The testosterone concentration did not differ among PC, FO, AA, and FO + AA. It was concluded that the inclusion of 5% flaxseed oil (FO and FO + AA) improves both the semen quality and the conception rate of South African indigenous sheep.
Identification of Vibration Frequencies of Railway Bridges from Train-Mounted Sensors Using Wavelet Transformation
Authors: Erduran Emrah , Pettersen Fredrik Marøy , Gonen Semih , Lau Albert
Published: January 2023

This article presents a novel methodology to extract the bridge frequencies from the vibrations recorded on train-mounted sensors. Continuous wavelet transform is used to distinguish the bridge frequencies from the other peaks that are visible in the Fourier amplitude spectrum of the accelerations recorded on train bogies. The efficacy of the proposed method is demonstrated through numerical case studies. For this, a detailed three-dimensional finite element model that can capture the vibration characteristics of the bridge, track, and train is created, and each component of the model is separately validated. The train model used is a three-dimensional multi-degree-of-freedom system that can simulate the pitching and rolling behavior. The train was then virtually driven over the bridge at different speeds and under varying track irregularities to evaluate the robustness of the proposed method in extracting bridge frequencies from train-mounted sensors under different conditions. The proposed methodology is shown to be capable of identifying bridge modal frequencies even for aggressive track irregularity profiles and relatively high speeds of trains.
Sensor Fusion with Asynchronous Decentralized Processing for 3D Target Tracking with a Wireless Camera Network
Authors: Di Gennaro Thiago Marchi , Waldmann Jacques
Published: January 2023

We present a method to acquire 3D position measurements for decentralized target tracking with an asynchronous camera network. Cameras with known poses have fields of view with overlapping projections on the ground and 3D volumes above a reference ground plane. The purpose is to track targets in 3D space without constraining motion to a reference ground plane. Cameras exchange line-of-sight vectors and respective time tags asynchronously. From stereoscopy, we obtain the fused 3D measurement at the local frame capture instant. We use local decentralized Kalman information filtering and particle filtering for target state estimation to test our approach with only local estimation. Monte Carlo simulation includes communication losses due to frame processing delays. We measure performance with the average root mean square error of 3D position estimates projected on the image planes of the cameras. We then compare only local estimation to exchanging additional asynchronous communications using the Batch Asynchronous Filter and the Sequential Asynchronous Particle Filter for further fusion of information pairs’ estimates and fused 3D position measurements, respectively. Similar performance occurs in spite of the additional communication load relative to our local estimation approach, which exchanges just line-of-sight vectors.
On the Design of a Network Digital Twin for the Radio Access Network in 5G and Beyond
Authors: Vilà Irene , Sallent Oriol , Pérez-Romero Jordi
Published: January 2023

A Network Digital Twin (NDT) is a high-fidelity digital mirror of a real network. Given the increasing complexity of 5G and beyond networks, the use of an NDT becomes useful as a platform for testing configurations and algorithms prior to their application in the real network, as well as for predicting the performance of such algorithms under different conditions. While an NDT can be defined for the different subsystems of the network, this paper proposes an NDT architecture focusing on the Radio Access Network (RAN), describing the components to represent and model the operation of the different RAN elements, and to perform emulations. Different application use cases are identified, and among them, the paper puts the focus on the training of Reinforcement Learning (RL) solutions for the RAN. For this use case, the paper introduces a framework aligned with O-RAN specifications and discusses the functionalities needed to integrate the NDT. This use case is illustrated with the description of a RAN NDT implementation used for training an RL-based capacity-sharing solution for network slicing. Presented results demonstrate that the implemented RAN NDT is a suitable platform to successfully train the RL solution, achieving service-level agreement satisfaction values above 85%.
Safe Decision Controller for Autonomous DrivingBased on Deep Reinforcement Learning inNondeterministic Environment
Authors: Chen Hongyi , Zhang Yu , Bhatti Uzair Aslam , Huang Mengxing
Published: January 2023

Autonomous driving systems are crucial complicated cyber–physical systems that combine physical environment awareness with cognitive computing. Deep reinforcement learning is currently commonly used in the decision-making of such systems. However, black-box-based deep reinforcement learning systems do not guarantee system safety and the interpretability of the reward-function settings in the face of complex environments and the influence of uncontrolled uncertainties. Therefore, a formal security reinforcement learning method is proposed. First, we propose an environmental modeling approach based on the influence of nondeterministic environmental factors, which enables the precise quantification of environmental issues. Second, we use the environment model to formalize the reward machine’s structure, which is used to guide the reward-function setting in reinforcement learning. Third, we generate a control barrier function to ensure a safer state behavior policy for reinforcement learning. Finally, we verify the method’s effectiveness in intelligent driving using overtaking and lane-changing scenarios.
Design and Experiment of Satellite-Terrestrial Integrated Gateway with Dynamic Traffic Steering Capabilities for Maritime Communication
Authors: Koo Hyounhee , Chae Jungho , Kim Wooseong
Published: January 2023

This study presents the architectural design and implementation of a multi-RAT gateway (MRGW) supporting dual satellite and terrestrial connectivity that enables moving maritime vessels, such as autonomous surface ships, to be connected to multiple radio access networks in the maritime communication environment. We developed an MRGW combining LTE and very-small-aperture terminal (VSAT) access networks to realize access traffic steering, switching, and splitting functionalities between them. In addition, we developed communication interfaces between the MRGW and end-devices connecting to their corresponding radio access networks, as well as between the MRGW and the digital bridge system of an autonomous surface ship, enabling the MRGW to collect wireless channel information from each RAT end-device and provide the collected data to the digital bridge system to determine the optimal navigation route for the autonomous surface ship. Experiments on the MRGW with LTE and VSAT end-devices are conducted at sea near Ulsan city and the Kumsan satellite service center in Korea. Through validation experiments on a real maritime communication testbed, we demonstrate the feasibility of future maritime communication technologies capable of providing the minimum performance necessary for autonomous surface ships or digitized aids to navigation (A to N) systems.
Deep Reinforcement Learning-Based Intelligent Security Forwarding Strategy for VANET
Authors: Liu Boya , Xu Guoai , Xu Guosheng , Wang Chenyu , Zuo Peiliang
Published: January 2023

The vehicular ad hoc network (VANET) constitutes a key technology for realizing intelligent transportation services. However, VANET is characterized by diverse message types, complex security attributes of communication nodes, and rapid network topology changes. In this case, how to ensure safe, efficient, convenient, and comfortable message services for users has become a challenge that should not be ignored. To improve the flexibility of routing matching multiple message types in VANET, this paper proposes a secure intelligent message forwarding strategy based on deep reinforcement learning (DRL). The key supporting elements of the model in the strategy are reasonably designed in combination with the scenario, and sufficient training of the model is carried out by deep Q networks (DQN). In the strategy, the state space is composed of the distance between candidate and destination nodes, the security attribute of candidate nodes and the type of message to be sent. The node can adaptively select the routing scheme according to the complex state space. Simulation and analysis show that the proposed strategy has the advantages of fast convergence, well generalization ability, high transmission security, and low network delay. The strategy has flexible and rich service patterns and provides flexible security for VANET message services.
Design and Validation of Vision-Based Exercise Biofeedback for Tele-Rehabilitation
Authors: Barzegar Khanghah Ali , Fernie Geoff , Roshan Fekr Atena
Published: January 2023

Tele-rehabilitation has the potential to considerably change the way patients are monitored from their homes during the care process, by providing equitable access without the need to travel to rehab centers or shoulder the high cost of personal in-home services. Developing a tele-rehab platform with the capability of automating exercise guidance is likely to have a significant impact on rehabilitation outcomes. In this paper, a new vision-based biofeedback system is designed and validated to identify the quality of performed exercises. This new system will help patients to refine their movements to get the most out of their plan of care. An open dataset was used, which consisted of data from 30 participants performing nine different exercises. Each exercise was labeled as “Correctly” or “Incorrectly” executed by five clinicians. We used a pre-trained 3D Convolution Neural Network (3D-CNN) to design our biofeedback system. The proposed system achieved average accuracy values of 90.57% ± 9.17% and 83.78% ± 7.63% using 10-Fold and Leave-One-Subject-Out (LOSO) cross validation, respectively. In addition, we obtained average F1-scores of 71.78% ± 5.68% using 10-Fold and 60.64% ± 21.3% using LOSO validation. The proposed 3D-CNN was able to classify the rehabilitation videos and feedback on the quality of exercises to help users modify their movement patterns.
A Point Cloud Data-Driven Pallet Pose Estimation Method Using an Active Binocular Vision Sensor
Authors: Shao Yiping , Fan Zhengshuai , Zhu Baochang , Lu Jiansha , Lang Yiding
Published: January 2023

Pallet pose estimation is one of the key technologies for automated fork pickup of driverless industrial trucks. Due to the complex working environment and the enormous amount of data, the existing pose estimation approaches cannot meet the working requirements of intelligent logistics equipment in terms of high accuracy and real time. A point cloud data-driven pallet pose estimation method using an active binocular vision sensor is proposed, which consists of point cloud preprocessing, Adaptive Gaussian Weight-based Fast Point Feature Histogram extraction and point cloud registration. The proposed method overcomes the shortcomings of traditional pose estimation methods, such as poor robustness, time consumption and low accuracy, and realizes the efficient and accurate estimation of pallet pose for driverless industrial trucks. Compared with traditional Fast Point Feature Histogram and Signature of Histogram of Orientation, the experimental results show that the proposed approach is superior to the above two methods, improving the accuracy by over 35% and reducing the feature extraction time by over 30%, thereby verifying the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed method.
The Mediating Role of Sustainable Dynamic Capabilities in the Effect of Social Customer Relationship Management on Sustainable Competitive Advantage: A Study on SMEs in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alenazi Sultan Alaswad , Alanazi Tawfeeq Mohammed
Published: January 2023

This study aims at investigating the mediating role of sustainable dynamic capabilities in the effect of social customer relationship management on sustainable competitive advantage using data gathered from a convenience sample consisted of 243 managers of SMEs in Saudi Arabia via an electronic questionnaire. Using structural equation modeling by SmartPLS3.0, the study pointed out social customer relationship management is positively related to both sustainable competitive advantage and sustainable dynamic capabilities. The latter is positively associated to sustainable competitive advantage and hence, significantly mediated the effect of social customer relationship management on sustainable competitive advantage. The study contributes to the literature through filling a research gap as research on the relationship between s-CRM and dynamic capabilities in Saudi Arabia is still scarce, confirming the importance of social customer relationship management in sustaining both dynamic capabilities and competitive advantage. SMEs are required to invest in CRM and build sustainable resources and capabilities to elevate sustainable competitive advantage.
Reuse of Buffing Dust-Laden Tanning Waste Hybridized with Poly- Styrene for Fabrication of Thermal Insulation Materials
Authors: Ulfat Wajad , Mohyuddin Ayesha , Amjad Muhammad , Kurniawan Tonni Agustiono , Mujahid Beenish , Nadeem Sohail , Javed Mohsin , Amjad Adnan , Ashraf Abdul Qayyum , Othman Mohd Hafiz Dzarfan , Hassan Sadaful , Arif Muhammad
Published: January 2023

Air pollution, resulting from buffing dust waste produced by local leather tanning industry, has become a critical issue for the environment and public health. To promote a circular economy through resource recovery, this work developed a thermal insulation composite using buffing dust-laden tanning waste mixed with polystyrene and a blowing agent. To prepare the samples from leather tanning waste, different proportions of buffing dust (5–20% (w/w)) were blended with polystyrene in the presence of 3% (w/w) blowing agent. The composite material was processed in double-barreled with co-twin extruder to expose it to pressure and then heated at 200 °C. Different physico-chemical properties of composite samples were determined. The prepared composite materials had a good thermal conductivity (0.033–0.029 W/m-K), strong compression (5.21–6.25 ton), density (38–20 kg/m3), and water absorption (5–7.5%), as compared to conventional constructional insulation panels. The thermal conductivity of polystyrene was reduced to 10% after the addition of buffing dust (20% w/w). The presence of a blowing agent in the composite material enhanced its volume without compromising its physico-chemical properties. Thermo-gravimetric analysis showed that the thermal stability of the composite material ranged from 200–412 °C. FTIR analysis indicated that the composite had carbonyl and amino functional groups. The SEM images revealed the formation of voids with a decreasing homogeneity of the composite after the addition of the buffing dust waste. The EDX analysis revealed that the composite also had 62% of C and a tiny amount of Cr. This implies that the composite panels can be used for installation in buildings as thermal insulators in the construction sector. Overall, this work not only resolved the energy consumption problems during manufacturing, but it also brought positive impacts on the environment by recycling hazardous buffing dust and then reusing it as a thermal insulation material. Not only does this reduce the air pollution that results from the buffing dust waste, but this also promotes resource recovery in the framework of a circular economy.