bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on the Technology Trend Screening Framework Using Unsupervised Learning
Authors: Lee Junseok , Park Sangsung , Lee Juhyun
Published: September 2022

Outliers that deviate from a normal distribution are typically removed during the analysis process. However, the patterns of outliers are recognized as important information in the outlier detection method. This study proposes a technology trend screening framework based on a machine learning algorithm using outliers. The proposed method is as follows: first, we split the dataset by time into training and testing sets for training the Doc2Vec model. Next, we pre-process the patent documents using the trained model. The final outlier documents are selected from the preprocessed document data, through voting for the outlier documents extracted using the IQR, the three-sigma rule, and the Isolation Forest algorithm. Finally, the technical topics of the outlier documents extracted through the topic model are identified. This study analyzes the patent data on drones to describe the proposed method. Results show that, despite cumulative research on drone-related hardware and system technology, there is a general lack of research regarding the autonomous flight field.
The Mask Fitter, a Simple Method to Improve Medical Face Mask Adaptation Using a Customized 3D-Printed Frame during COVID-19: A Survey on Users’ Acceptability in Clinical Dentistry
Authors: Vichi Alessandro , Balestra Dario , Goracci Cecilia , Radford David R. , Louca Chris
Published: September 2022

COVID-19 has deeply impacted clinical strategies in dentistry and the use of surgical masks and respirators has become critical. They should adapt to the person’s facial anatomy, but this is not always easy to achieve. Bellus3D Company proposed to apply their face scan software, used with selected smartphones and tablets, to design and 3D-print a bespoke “Mask Fitter” to improve the sealing of surgical masks and respirators. Twenty dental staff participants were face scanned and a Mask Fitter for FFP2 respirators was designed and 3D-printed. Participants were asked to wear their Mask Fitter over one week and then completed a survey. Questions were asked about wearing comfort, sealing confidence, glasses or loupes fogging, both with and without the Mask Fitter. Dental staff gave positive feedback, with levels of comfort during daily use reported as similar with and without the Mask Fitter; and a higher confidence in achieving a proper seal, ranging from a 10% confidence rating of a proper seal without the Mask Fitter to 75% with the Mask Fitter. Moreover, fogging problems decreased considerably. The tested Mask Fitter device could represent an easy and low-cost procedure to improve the facial adaptation of the FFP2 respirator.
Performance Analysis of Storage Systems in Edge Computing Infrastructures
Authors: Makris Antonios , Kontopoulos Ioannis , Psomakelis Evangelos , Xyalis Stylianos Nektarios , Theodoropoulos Theodoros , Tserpes Konstantinos
Published: September 2022

Edge computing constitutes a promising paradigm of managing and processing the massive amounts of data generated by Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Data and computation are moved closer to the client, thus enabling latency- and bandwidth-sensitive applications. However, the distributed and heterogeneous nature of the edge as well as its limited resource capabilities pose several challenges in implementing or choosing an efficient edge-enabled storage system. Therefore, it is imperative for the research community to contribute to the clarification of the purposes and highlight the advantages and disadvantages of various edge-enabled storage systems. This work aspires to contribute toward this direction by presenting a performance analysis of three different storage systems, namely MinIO, BigchainDB, and the IPFS. We selected these three systems as they have been proven to be valid candidates for edge computing infrastructures. In addition, as the three evaluated systems belong to different types of storage, we evaluated a wide range of storage systems, increasing the variability of the results. The performance evaluation is performed using a set of resource utilization and Quality of Service (QoS) metrics. Each storage system is deployed and installed on a Raspberry Pi (small single-board computers), which serves as an edge device, able to optimize the overall efficiency with minimum power and minimum cost. The experimental results revealed that MinIO has the best overall performance regarding query response times, RAM consumption, disk IO time, and transaction rate. The results presented in this paper are intended for researchers in the field of edge computing and database systems.
On the Physics of Kayaking
Authors: Prétot Charlie , Carmigniani Rémi , Hasbroucq Loup , Labbé Romain , Boucher Jean-Philippe , Clanet Christophe
Published: September 2022

The propulsion force of a kayaker can be measured thanks to sensors placed on the paddle. This article aims at linking this force to the evolution of the velocity of the boat. A general model is proposed to describe the motion of a K1 kayak. To validate the model and evaluate the relevant physics parameters, three on-water kayaking trials are proposed: a pure deceleration, a standing start, and 10 × 50 m with two athletes at the national level. These trials were performed with a force sensor on the paddle and video recording. We used the deceleration to evaluate the drag of the boat. Then the standing start showed that there was an active drag coefficient while kayaking. Finally, the 10 × 50 m exhibited a power law of one-third between the velocity and the stroke rate. The acceleration during the standing start together with the relationship between the velocity and stroke rate were well captured theoretically. This approach enabled us to evaluate the important parameters to describe a kayak race: the drag of the boat, an active drag coefficient, the mean propulsive force, and a propulsive length. It can be used to characterize athletes and monitor their performances.
Intelligent Collision Avoidance Method for Ships Based on COLRGEs and Improved Velocity Obstacle Algorithm
Authors: Zhao Xingya , He Yixiong , Huang Liwen , Mou Junmin , Zhang Ke , Liu Xiao
Published: September 2022

Collision prevention is critical for navigational safety at sea, which has developed rapidly in the past decade and attracted a lot of attention. In this article, an improved velocity obstacle (IVO) algorithm for intelligent collision avoidance of ocean-going ships is proposed in various operating conditions, taking into count both a ship’s manoeuvrability and Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs). An integrated model combines a three-degree-of-freedom manoeuvring model with ship propeller characteristics to provide a precise prediction of ships in various manoeuvring circumstances. In the given case, what is different to present studies, this improved algorithm allows for decision-making in two ways: altering course and changing speed. The proposed technique is demonstrated in a variety of scenarios through simulation. The findings reveal that collision-avoidance decision-making can intelligently avoid collisions with the target ships (TSs) in multi-ship situations.
Performance Evaluation of ERA5 Extreme Precipitation in the Yangtze River Delta, China
Authors: Shen Liucheng , Wen Jiahong , Zhang Yuqing , Ullah Safi , Meng Xiangchun , Chen Guanjie
Published: September 2022

Accurate extreme precipitation information is crucial for disaster risk management, social and economic development security, and climate change research. Taking the Yangtze River Delta (YRD), China, a high-impact area of extreme precipitation, as an example, this study evaluates the spatiotemporal performance of extreme precipitation in the latest fifth-generation reanalysis dataset from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (i.e., ECMWF ERA5) for 1961–2018 based on surface observational precipitation data. The results showed that the 90th-percentile threshold of extreme precipitation extracted from ERA5 data with a daily precipitation amount >1 mm is closer to the actual observations. The ERA5 data can effectively capture the spatiotemporal patterns of the observed extreme precipitation in the YRD. The ERA5 data can successfully represent the seasonal cycle and interannual variability of daily, daytime, and nighttime extreme precipitation. However, the daytime (nighttime) extreme precipitation frequencies and amounts tend to be overestimated (underestimated) for the period 1961–2000, whereas they were significantly underestimated for the period 2000–2018. The trend estimation of seasonal and annual extreme precipitation in ERA5 needs to be improved. The ERA5 data revealed that the extreme precipitation in the YRD was dominated by large-scale precipitation, followed by convective precipitation, but their long-term trends were not clear. This study has conducted a detailed and reliable evaluation of the ERA5 extreme precipitation data. The findings serve as valuable guidance and provide accurate references to extreme climatic variables for data users and algorithm developers.
Numerical Investigation on the PM Emission Potential of Metal Sulphides Open Storage
Authors: Badas Maria Grazia , Dentoni Valentina , Angius Federico , Pinna Francesco
Published: September 2022

Numerical simulations of the wind flow around isolated stockpiles of bulk material are performed to assess the emission potential (P) of particulate matter (PM) from the pile surfaces exposed to wind erosion (i.e., industrial wind erosion). The analysis is focused on two metal sulphides (lead and zinc sulphides), which are typically stored in the open yards of industrial plants that operate in the commodity sector for the production of non-ferrous metals. The EPA methodology is applied to the numerical simulated flow fields to quantify the effect of the wind stress over the erodible surfaces of the two ores. Two alternative open bay geometries and different volumes of material stocked within the enclosing walls are considered. Moreover, the protective effect of the walls is assessed by comparing the same pile configurations without walls. This is found to be highly dependent on the wind direction, as well as to the pile configuration. A methodology that can be easily customized to specific industrial sites is proposed to define the best storage configuration for PM emission prevention and control.
Abundance, Source Apportionment and Health Risk Assessment of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Nitro-Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in PM2.5 in the Urban Atmosphere of Singapore
Authors: Wang Yan , Zhang Hao , Zhang Xuan , Bai Pengchu , Zhang Lulu , Huang Sim Joo , Pointing Stephen Brian , Nagao Seiya , Chen Bin , Toriba Akira , Tang Ning
Published: September 2022

In this study, the levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and nitro-PAHs (NPAHs) in PM2.5 samples were determined from 2020 to 2021 in Singapore. For analysis convenience, the sampling period was classified according to two monsoon periods and the inter-monsoon period. Considering Singapore’s typically tropical monsoon climate, the four seasons were divided into the northeast monsoon season (NE), southwest monsoon season (SW), presouthwest monsoon season (PSW) and prenortheast monsoon season (PNE)). The PM2.5 concentration reached 17.1 ± 8.38 μg/m3, which was slightly higher than that in 2015, and the average PAH concentration continuously declined during the sampling period compared to that reported in previous studies in 2006 and 2015. This is the first report of NPAHs in Singapore indicating a concentration of 13.1 ± 10.7 pg/m3. The seasonal variation in the PAH and NPAH concentrations in PM2.5 did not obviously differ owing to the unique geographical location and almost uniform climate changes in Singapore. Diagnostic ratios revealed that PAHs and NPAHs mainly originated from local vehicle emissions during all seasons. 2-Nitropyrene (2-NP) and 2-nitrofluoranthene (2-NFR) in Singapore were mainly formed under the daytime OH-initiated reaction pathway. Combined with airmass backward trajectory analysis, the Indonesia air mass could have influenced Singapore’s air pollution levels in PSW. However, these survey results showed that no effect was found on the concentrations of PAHs and NPAHs in PM2.5 in Indonesia during SW because of Indonesia’s efforts in the environment. It is worth noting that air masses from southern China could impact the PAH and NPAH concentrations according to long-range transportation during the NE. The results of the total incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) via three exposure routes (ingestion, inhalation and dermal absorption) for males and females during the four seasons indicated a low long-term potential carcinogenic risk, with values ranging from 10−10 to 10−7. This study systematically explains the latest pollution conditions, sources, and potential health risks in Singapore, and comprehensively analyses the impact of the tropical monsoon system on air pollution in Singapore, providing a new perspective on the transmission mechanism of global air pollution.
Inequalities in PM2.5 and SO2 Exposure Health Risks in Terms of Emissions in China, 2013–2017
Authors: Cui Tingting , Ye Zhixiang , Wang Zongyu , Zhou Jingcheng , He Chao , Hong Song , Yang Lu , Niu Xiaoxiao , Wu Qian
Published: September 2022

Exploring the health risks of diseases attributed to PM2.5 and SO2 exposure and analyzing the differences in their distribution over emissions can provide useful insights for decision-makers to reduce premature mortality due to PM2.5 and SO2 exposure. This study used exposure-response functions, health risk inequality curve (HRICU, based on Lorenz curve), and the health risk inequality coefficient (HRICO, based on Gini coefficient) to estimate population health risks of PM2.5 and SO2 exposure in China from 2013 to 2017 based on a full-coverage, high-precision PM2.5 and SO2 concentration and emission dataset. The inequality in the distribution of premature mortality was explored in terms of pollutant emissions. The results showed that (1) premature mortalities from cardiovascular disease (CVD) and respiratory disease (RD) due to PM2.5 and SO2 exposure decreased by 21% and 54%, respectively, from 2013 to 2017. (2) At a national scale, the HRICO value for the distribution of PM2.5 and SO2 health risks on emissions were lower than 0.10 and 0.20, respectively. (3) More than 20% of provinces had HRICO values above 0.1 for PM2.5 or SO2. The provinces near the national borders generally had higher HRICO for PM2.5, while the province with the most severe inequity in the distribution of SO2 health risks on emissions appeared in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, and Hainan Province.
Evaluation and Comparison of Different Machine Learning Models for NSAT Retrieval from Various Multispectral Satellite Images
Authors: Wang Ziting , Zhang Meng
Published: September 2022

As a key parameter of land surface energy balance models, near surface air temperature (NSAT) is an important indicator of the surface atmospheric environment and the urban thermal environment. At present, NSAT data are mainly captured by meteorological ground stations. In areas with a sparse distribution of meteorological stations, however, it is not possible to describe the heterogeneity of NSAT in continuous space. With the rapid development of satellite remote sensing technologies, there is now a significant method to retrieve NSAT from multispectral satellite images based on machine learning methods. In the literatures published so far, there is little reported research concerning the comprehensive evaluation and/or the systematic comparison of NSAT retrieval performances based on different machine learning models. Hence, the three most commonly-used machine learning models, Support Vector Regression (SVR), Multilayer Perceptron Neural Network (MLBPN), and Random Forest (RF), have been employed for the NSAT retrieval from various multispectral satellite images of MODIS daytime and nighttime data, Landsat 8 data, and Sentinel-2 data. Comparison of the NSAT retrieval results generated by the different machine learning models from the different types of satellite images reveals that (a) the RF-based model has a better NSAT retrieval performance than the SVR- or MLBPN-based models with respect to both the accuracy and stability, and (b) the NSAT results retrieved from the MODIS data were generally better than those from the Landsat 8 and Sentinel-2 data. To sum up, the conducted research in this article does not only provide a reference for practical applications relevant to NSAT retrievals, but also proposes an efficient RF-based model for NSAT retrieval from multispectral satellite images in continuous space.
Development and Validation of a Method for the Simultaneous Quantification of 21 Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds in Ambient and Exhaled Air by Thermal Desorption and Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Tabbal Sarah , El Aroussi Badr , Bouchard Michèle , Marchand Geneviève , Haddad Sami
Published: September 2022

Microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs) are metabolites developed by indoor molds responsible for several health effects. Their detection may be an alternative approach for fungal exposure assessment, given that the classical methods have limitations. The goal of this study was to develop and validate an analytical method to quantify 21 mVOCs in ambient and exhaled air using active sampling on sorbent tubes followed by thermal desorption and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis. Tenax/Carbograph sorbent was selected for its extraction/desorption efficiency. Reliable linearity was obtained over the concentration range of mVOCs with low limits of detection (≥1.76 ng/m3) and quantification (≥5.32 ng/m3). Furthermore, accuracy and precision in the percentage recoveries ranged between 80–118% with coefficients of variations lower than 4.35% for all mVOCs. Feasibility tests with ambient air of different places (toxicology laboratory, office, and mold contaminated bedroom) showed that variations between settings were observable and that the highest mVOCs concentrations in the bedroom. Consequently, concentrations of 17 mVOCs were higher in the volunteer’s exhalate after exposure in the bedroom than in the laboratory. In conclusion, this method allows the detection of mVOCs in a new matrix, i.e., exhaled air and targeting the contaminated environment and, therefore, intervening for the protection of human health.
Field Survey on Local Thermal Comfort of Students at a University Campus: A Case Study in Shanghai
Authors: Liu Lin , Liang Zhenxi , Liu Jing , Du Jing , Zhang Huibo
Published: September 2022

University campuses have various functional outdoor spaces characterized by diversified spatial morphology. This study focuses on the local thermal environment of a university campus by conducting fixed weather station monitoring and a mobile survey on a typical summer day. Questionnaire results of college students accompanied by the surrounding climatic conditions reveal obvious linear relationships between thermal sensation voting (TSV) and thermal index physiological equivalent temperature (PET). The range from 29.16 °C to 32.04 °C of the PET is discussed as evaluating the thermal neutral sensation. The PET variations at nine test sites are different due to their different surrounding environments. Mobile survey results across the whole university campus emphasize that the PET varied with time and space in local zones. Spatial differences in the thermal environment are small at 9:00 and larger at 14:00. A correlation analysis of the local Ta and relative humidity (RH) reveals the different effects of spatial morphology characteristic parameters. After calculating the averaged PET values of local zones, problem zones with a higher PET exceeding the thermal neutral limit are recognized. Appropriate optimization on the geometry layouts and land cover patterns is proposed, which would help guide environmentally comfortable university campus design.
Regional Features of the Arctic Sea Ice Area Changes in 2000–2019 versus 1979–1999 Periods
Authors: Matveeva Tatiana A. , Semenov Vladimir A.
Published: September 2022

One of the most striking manifestations of ongoing climate change is a rapid shrinking of the Arctic sea ice area (SIA). An important feature of the observed SIA loss is a nonlinear rate of a decline with an accelerated decrease in the 2000–2019 period relative to a more gradual decline in 1979–1999. In this study, we perform a quantitative assessment and comparison of the spatial-temporal SIA changes during these two periods. It was found that winter Arctic SIA loss is primarily associated with changes in the Barents Sea, where the SIA decline in 2000–2019 has accelerated more than three-fold in comparison with 1979–1999. In summer and autumn, rates of SIA decline in 2000–2019 increased most strongly in the Kara, Beaufort Seas, the Northwestern Passage, and inner Arctic Ocean. The amplitude of the SIA seasonal cycle has also increased in 2000–2019 in comparison with the earlier period, with the largest changes in the inner Arctic Ocean, the Kara, Laptev, East Siberian and Beaufort Seas in summer and in the Barents Sea in winter. The results may reflect a transition to a new dynamic state in the recent two decades with the triggering of positive feedbacks in the Arctic climate system.
Predictability of Intra-Seasonal Descriptors of Rainy Season over Senegal Using Global SST Patterns
Authors: Touré Abdou Kader , Fall Cheikh Modou Noreyni , Diakhaté Moussa , Wane Dahirou , Rodríguez-Fonseca Belen , Ndiaye Ousmane , Diop Mbaye , Gaye Amadou Thierno
Published: September 2022

Seasonal forecasting of the rainfall characteristics in Sahel is of crucial interest in determining crop variability in these countries. This study aims to provide further characterization of nine rainfall metrics over Senegal (Onset, cessation, LRS, CDD, CDD7, CDD15, NR90p, NR95p, NR99p) and their response to global SST patterns from 1981 to 2018. The Climate Hazards Group InfraRed Precipitation with Station (CHIRPS) dataset and the Hadley Centre Global Sea Ice and Sea Surface Temperature (HadISST) were used. The results showed strong spatio-temporal variability with a pronounced south–north gradient for all metrics. The earliest onset was observed in the south of the country from 4 July and the latest onset in the north from 9 August. Since 2012, a new regime is observed with an increase in both long dry spells and extreme wet events. Furthermore, SST forcing has shown that the North tropical Atlantic and the East Equatorial Pacific are better able to explain the interannual variability of the intraseasonal descriptors. However, the prediction of metrics is earlier for the most remote basin (Pacific) compared to the most local basin (Atlantic). These results have implications for the seasonal forecasting of Sahel’s intraseasonal variability based on SST predictors, as significant predictability is found far from the beginning of the season.
Applications of Beta Negative Binomial Distribution and Laguerre Polynomials on Ozaki Bi-Close-to-Convex Functions
Authors: Al-Shbeil Isra , Wanas Abbas Kareem , Saliu Afis , Cătaş Adriana
Published: September 2022

In the present paper, due to beta negative binomial distribution series and Laguerre polynomials, we investigate a new family FΣ(δ,η,λ,θ;h) of normalized holomorphic and bi-univalent functions associated with Ozaki close-to-convex functions. We provide estimates on the initial Taylor–Maclaurin coefficients and discuss Fekete–Szegő type inequality for functions in this family.
Optimal Control for Parabolic Uncertain System Based on Wavelet Transformation
Authors: Gu Yajing , Zhu Yuanguo
Published: September 2022

In this paper, we study a new type of optimal control problem subject to a parabolic uncertain partial differential equation where the expected value criterion is adopted in the objective function. The basic idea of Haar wavelet transformation is to transform the proposed problem into an approximate uncertain optimal control problem with arbitrary accuracy because the dimension of Haar basis tends to infinity. The relative convergence theorem is proved. An application to an optimal control problem with an uncertain heat equation is dealt with to illustrate the efficiency of the proposed method.
Some Common Fixed-Circle Results on Metric Spaces
Authors: Mlaiki Nabil , Taş Nihal , Kaplan Elif , Subhi Aiadi Suhad , Karoui Souayah Asma
Published: September 2022

Recently, the fixed-circle problems have been studied with different approaches as an interesting and geometric generalization. In this paper, we present some solutions to an open problem CC: what is (are) the condition(s) to make any circle Cϖ0,σ as the common fixed circle for two (or more than two) self-mappings? To do this, we modify some known contractions which are used in fixed-point theorems such as the Hardy–Rogers-type contraction, Kannan-type contraction, etc.
An Amended Whale Optimization Algorithm for Optimal Bidding in Day Ahead Electricity Market
Authors: Jain Kavita , Saxena Akash , Alshamrani Ahmad M. , Alrasheedi Adel Fahad , Alnowibet Khalid Abdulaziz , Mohamed Ali Wagdy
Published: September 2022

Successful privatization in other sectors leads to a restructuring in the power sector. The same practice has been adopted in the electrical industry with a deregulated electricity market (EM). This enables competition among generating companies (Genco’s) for maximizing their profit and it plays a central role. With this aim, each Genco gives a higher bid that may result in a risk of losing the opportunity to get selected at auction. The big challenge in front of a Genco is to acquire an optimal bid and this process is known as the Optimal Bidding Strategy (OBS) of a Genco. In this manuscript, a new variant of whale optimization (WOA) termed the Amended Whale Optimization Algorithm (AWOA) is proposed, to attain the OBS of thermal Genco in an EM. Once the effectiveness of new AWOA is proved on 23 benchmark functions, it is applied to five Genco strategic bidding problems in a spot market with uniform price. The results obtained from the proposed AWOA are compared with other competitive algorithms. The results reflect that AWOA outperforms in terms of the profit and convergence rate. Simulations also indicate that the proposed AWOA can successfully be used for an OBS in the EM.
Effect of Vinylene Carbonate Electrolyte Additive on the Process of Insertion/Extraction of Na into Ge Microrods Formed by Electrodeposition
Authors: Lebedev Egor , Gavrilin Ilya , Kudryashova Yulia , Martynova Irina , Volkov Roman , Kulova Tatiana , Skundin Alexander , Borgardt Nikolay , Gavrilov Sergey
Published: September 2022

Layers of germanium (Ge) microrods with a core–shell structure on titanium foils were grown by a metal-assisted electrochemical reduction of germanium oxide in aqueous electrolytes. The structural properties and composition of the germanium microrods were studied by means of scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Electrochemical studies of germanium nanowires were carried out by impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. The results showed that the addition of vinylene carbonate (VC) in the electrolyte significantly reduced the irreversible capacity during the first charge/discharge cycles and increased the long-term cycling stability of the Ge microrods. The obtained results will benefit the further design of Ge microrods-based anodes that are formed by simple electrochemical deposition.
A Review on the Degradation Implementation for the Operation of Battery Energy Storage Systems
Authors: García-Miguel Pedro Luis Camuñas , Alonso-Martínez Jaime , Arnaltes Gómez Santiago , García Plaza Manuel , Asensio Andrés Peña
Published: September 2022

A naive battery operation optimization attempts to maximize short-term profits. However, it has been shown that this approach does not optimize long-term profitability, as it neglects battery degradation. Since a battery can perform a limited number of cycles during its lifetime, it may be better to operate the battery only when profits are on the high side. Researchers have dealt with this issue using various strategies to restrain battery usage, reducing short-term benefits in exchange for an increase in long-term profits. Determining this operation restraint is a topic scarcely developed in the literature. It is common to arbitrarily quantify degradation impact into short-term operation, which has proven to have an extensive impact on long-term results. This paper carries out a critical review of different methods of degradation control for short-time operation. A classification of different practices found in the literature is presented. Strengths and weaknesses of each approach are pointed out, and future possible contributions to this topic are remarked upon. The most common methodology is implemented in a simulation for demonstration purposes.
Electrochemical Properties of LiFePO4 Cathodes: The Effect of Carbon Additives
Authors: Stenina Irina , Minakova Polina , Kulova Tatiana , Yaroslavtsev Andrey
Published: September 2022

The influence of different conductive additives (carbon nanofibers (CNFs), carbon nanoplatelets, and pyrolytic carbon from sucrose (Sucr) or polyvinylidene fluoride) on the morphology, electron conductivity, and electrochemical performance of LiFePO4-based cathodes was investigated to develop the most efficient strategy for the fabrication of high-rate cathodes. Pyrolytic carbon effectively prevents the growth of LiFePO4 grains and provides contact between them, CNFs provide fast long-range conductive pathways, while carbon nanoplatelets can be embedded in carbon coatings as high-conductive “points” which enhance the rate capability and decrease the capacity fading of LFP. The LiFePO4/CSucr/CNF showed better performance than the other cathodes due to the synergy of the high-conductive CNF network (the electronic conductivity was 1.3 × 10−2 S/cm) and the shorter Li+ ion path (the lithium-ion diffusion coefficient was 2.1 × 10−11 cm2/s). It is shown that the formation of composites based on LFP and carbon nanomaterials via mortar grinding is a more promising strategy for electrode material manufacturing than ball milling.
Brominated Porous Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Materials for Sodium-Ion Storage
Authors: Fedoseeva Yuliya V. , Shlyakhova Elena V. , Stolyarova Svetlana G. , Vorfolomeeva Anna A. , Grebenkina Mariya A. , Makarova Anna A. , Shubin Yuriy V. , Okotrub Alexander V. , Bulusheva Lyubov G.
Published: September 2022

Chemical modification improves the performance of the carbon anode in sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). In this work, porous nitrogen-doped carbon (PNC) was obtained by removing template nanoparticles from the thermal decomposition products of calcium glutarate and acetonitrile vapor. The treatment of PNC with a KOH melt led to the etching of the carbon shells at the nitrogen sites, which caused the replacement of some nitrogen species by hydroxyl groups and the opening of pores. The attached hydroxyl groups interacted with Br2 molecules, resulting in a higher bromine content in the brominated pre-activated sample (5 at%) than in the brominated PNC (3 at%). Tests of the obtained materials in SIBs showed that KOH activation has little effect on the specific capacity of PNC, while bromination significantly improves the performance. The largest gain was achieved for brominated KOH-activated PNC, which was able to deliver 234 and 151 mAh g−1 at 0.05 and 1 A g−1, respectively, and demonstrated stable long-term operation at 0.25 and 0.5 A g−1. The improvement was related to the separation of graphitic layers due to Br2 intercalation and polarization of the carbon surface by covalently attached functional groups. Our results suggest a new two-stage modification strategy to improve the storage and high-rate capability of carbon materials in SIBs.
Construction and In Vitro Evaluation of a Tumor Acidic pH-Targeting Drug Delivery System Based on Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 Bacterial Ghosts
Authors: Ma Yi , Liu Qiying , Hu Aihua , Jiang Shoujin , Wang Sijia , Liu Ran , Han Kun , Wang Jufang
Published: September 2022

Synthetic nanocarriers are a promising therapeutic delivery strategy. However, these systems are often hampered by inherent disadvantages such as strong biotoxicity and poor biocompatibility. To overcome these issues, biological carriers with commonly used chemotherapy drugs have been developed. In this work, engineered bacterial ghosts (BGs) originated from probiotic Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) were devised to specifically target acidic extracellular environments of tumor tissue. To improve the production efficiency and safety, a novel lysis protein E from phage α3 was applied to produce EcN BGs under high growth densities in high quality. In addition, the acidity-triggered rational membrane (ATRAM) peptides were displayed in EcN BGs to facilitate specific cancer cell internalization within the acidic tumor microenvironment before drug release. In conclusion, the engineered EcN BGs offer a promising means for bionic bacteria construction for hepatocellular carcinoma therapy.
Development of a Rapid, Accurate, and On-Site Detection Protocol for Red Imported Fire Ants, Solenopsis invicta (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
Authors: Kim A-Young , Koh Young Ho
Published: September 2022

A rapid, accurate, and on-site molecular diagnostic protocol for red imported fire ants (Solenopsis invicta, Si) was developed using loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assays. Si11977 (GenBank accession no. MK986826) was confirmed to be a Si-specific gene. Four-primer Si11977-LAMP (4pSi-LAMP) and six-primer Si11977-LAMP (6pSi-LAMP) assays specifically detected Si. The reaction time of 6pSi-LAMP assays was reduced by 5 min compared with 4pSi-LAMP assays. The optimal amount of polymerase and the detection limit for the 6pSi-LAMP assays were 0.1 unit/μL and 5 fg/μL, respectively. In addition, a method for extracting genomic DNA from ant tissues within 2 to 3 min and a protocol for performing on-site LAMP assays using a car heating mug and a LAMP observation box were described. The on-site Si detection protocol used in this study was possible within 30 min from DNA extraction to species identification.
Online 2D Fluorescence Monitoring in Microtiter Plates Allows Prediction of Cultivation Parameters and Considerable Reduction in Sampling Efforts for Parallel Cultivations of Hansenula polymorpha
Authors: Berg Christoph , Ihling Nina , Finger Maurice , Paquet-Durand Olivier , Hitzmann Bernd , Büchs Jochen
Published: September 2022

Multi-wavelength (2D) fluorescence spectroscopy represents an important step towards exploiting the monitoring potential of microtiter plates (MTPs) during early-stage bioprocess development. In combination with multivariate data analysis (MVDA), important process information can be obtained, while repetitive, cost-intensive sample analytics can be reduced. This study provides a comprehensive experimental dataset of online and offline measurements for batch cultures of Hansenula polymorpha. In the first step, principal component analysis (PCA) was used to assess spectral data quality. Secondly, partial least-squares (PLS) regression models were generated, based on spectral data of two cultivation conditions and offline samples for glycerol, cell dry weight, and pH value. Thereby, the time-wise resolution increased 12-fold compared to the offline sampling interval of 6 h. The PLS models were validated using offline samples of a shorter sampling interval. Very good model transferability was shown during the PLS model application to the spectral data of cultures with six varying initial cultivation conditions. For all the predicted variables, a relative root-mean-square error (RMSE) below 6% was obtained. Based on the findings, the initial experimental strategy was re-evaluated and a more practical approach with minimised sampling effort and elevated experimental throughput was proposed. In conclusion, the study underlines the high potential of multi-wavelength (2D) fluorescence spectroscopy and provides an evaluation workflow for PLS modelling in microtiter plates.
Extracellular Vesicles in Sickle Cell Disease: A Promising Tool
Authors: Lamarre Yann , Nader Elie , Connes Philippe , Romana Marc , Garnier Yohann
Published: September 2022

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the most common hemoglobinopathy worldwide. It is characterized by an impairment of shear stress-mediated vasodilation, a pro-coagulant, and a pro-adhesive state orchestrated among others by the depletion of the vasodilator nitric oxide, by the increased phosphatidylserine exposure and tissue factor expression, and by the increased interactions of erythrocytes with endothelial cells that mediate the overexpression of adhesion molecules such as VCAM-1, respectively. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been shown to be novel actors involved in SCD pathophysiological processes. Medium-sized EVs, also called microparticles, which exhibit increased plasma levels in this pathology, were shown to induce the activation of endothelial cells, thereby increasing neutrophil adhesion, a key process potentially leading to the main complication associated with SCD, vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs). Small-sized EVs, also named exosomes, which have also been reported to be overrepresented in SCD, were shown to potentiate interactions between erythrocytes and platelets, and to trigger endothelial monolayer disruption, two processes also known to favor the occurrence of VOCs. In this review we provide an overview of the current knowledge about EVs concentration and role in SCD.
Effects of Phenotypic Variation on Biological Properties of Endophytic Bacteria Bacillus mojavensis PS17
Authors: Diabankana Roderic Gilles Claret , Validov Shamil Zavdatovich , Vyshtakalyuk Alexandra Borisovna , Daminova Amina , Safin Radik Ilyasovich , Afordoanyi Daniel Mawuena
Published: September 2022

The use of microorganism-based products in agricultural practices is gaining more interest as an alternative to chemical methods due to their non-toxic bactericidal and fungicidal properties. Various factors influence the efficacy of the microorganisms used as biological control agents in infield conditions as compared to laboratory conditions due to ecological and physiological aspects. Abiotic factors have been shown to trigger phase variations in bacterial microorganisms as a mechanism for adapting to hostile environments. In this study, we investigated the stability of the morphotype and the effects of phenotypic variation on the biological properties of Bacillus mojavensis strain PS17. B. mojavensis PS17 generated two variants (opaque and translucent) that were given the names morphotype I and II, respectively. The partial sequence of the 16S rRNA gene revealed that both morphotypes belonged to B. mojavensis. BOX and ERIC fingerprinting PCR also showed the same DNA profiles in both morphotypes. The characteristics of morphotype I did not differ from the original strain, while morphotype II showed a lower hydrolytic enzyme activity, phytohormone production, and antagonistic ability against phytopathogenic fungi. Both morphotypes demonstrated endophytic ability in tomato plants. A low growth rate of the strain PS17(II) in a minimal medium was observed in comparison to the PS17(I) strain. Furthermore, the capacity for biocontrol of B. mojavensis PS17(II) was not effective in the suppression of root rot disease in the tomato plants caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. radices-lycopersici stain ZUM2407, compared to B. mojavensis PS17(I), whose inhibition was almost 47.9 ± 1.03% effective.
Quality Improvement in Mackerel Fillets Caused by Brine Salting Combined with High-Pressure Processing
Authors: Huang Chih-Hsiung , Lin Chung-Saint , Lee Yi-Chen , Ciou Jhih-Wei , Kuo Chia-Hung , Huang Chun-Yung , Tseng Chih-Hua , Tsai Yung-Hsiang
Published: September 2022

The purpose of the study is to investigate the effects of brine salting and high-pressure processing (HPP) on the microbial inactivation and quality parameters of mackerel fillets. Mackerel fillets were immersed in 3% and 9% sodium chloride brine for 90 min at refrigerator temperature, and then treated at 300, 400, 500, and 600 MPa pressure for 5 min. The microbial counts and physicochemical qualities of the fish were examined. In comparison with fish fillets treated with brine or high pressure alone, those treated with the combination of brine salting and HPP showed significantly reduced aerobic plate count (APC) and psychrotrophic bacteria count (PBC). The hardness and chewiness of salt-brined fillets were obviously lower than those of the unsalted fillets under the same pressure condition. Thus, brine salting imparted mackerel fillets a softer texture, which compensated for the HPP-induced increased hardness and chewiness of the fillets. The L* (lightness) and ΔE (colour difference) values of the fillets increased with increasing pressure, with or without brine salting. Conversely, a* (redness) values decreased with increasing pressure. The samples treated with 3% brine in combination with 300 or 400 MPa pressure had a* values similar to those of the samples processed under similar HPP conditions alone but showed lower ΔE values than the other groups. Therefore, as a very high pressure would adversely affect the texture and colour of the fish fillets, this study suggests that immersion in an appropriate brine concentration (3%) and treatment with HPP at 400 MPa for 5 min improved or maintained the colour and texture relatively well and produced a synergistic bactericidal effect.
Current Understanding on the Genetic Basis of Key Metabolic Disorders: A Review
Authors: Rodrigues Kenneth Francis , Yong Wilson Thau Lym , Bhuiyan Md. Safiul Alam , Siddiquee Shafiquzzaman , Shah Muhammad Dawood , Venmathi Maran Balu Alagar
Published: September 2022

Advances in data acquisition via high resolution genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic and metabolomic platforms have driven the discovery of the underlying factors associated with metabolic disorders (MD) and led to interventions that target the underlying genetic causes as well as lifestyle changes and dietary regulation. The review focuses on fourteen of the most widely studied inherited MD, which are familial hypercholesterolemia, Gaucher disease, Hunter syndrome, Krabbe disease, Maple syrup urine disease, Metachromatic leukodystrophy, Mitochondrial encephalopathy lactic acidosis stroke-like episodes (MELAS), Niemann-Pick disease, Phenylketonuria (PKU), Porphyria, Tay-Sachs disease, Wilson’s disease, Familial hypertriglyceridemia (F-HTG) and Galactosemia based on genome wide association studies, epigenetic factors, transcript regulation, post-translational genetic modifications and biomarker discovery through metabolomic studies. We will delve into the current approaches being undertaken to analyze metadata using bioinformatic approaches and the emerging interventions using genome editing platforms as applied to animal models.
The Impact of Corticosteroid Administration at Different Time Points on Mucosal Wound Healing in Rats: An Experimental Pilot In Vivo Study
Authors: Weinberg Evgeny , Tagger-Green Nirit , Lusthaus Michal , Vered Marilena , Mijiritsky Eitan , Chaushu Liat , Kolerman Roni
Published: September 2022

Background: Conflicting results were found regarding the effect of corticosteroid (CS) administration upon wound healing. The objective of this pilot study was to evaluate the impact of CS administration at different time points on palatal wound healing in rats. Methods: A 4.2 mm diameter punch created a secondary healing excisional palatal defect in thirty-six (36) Wistar-derived, two-month-old male rats weighing 250–270 g. We evaluated the effect of CS by comparing wound healing between three equal groups: 12 rats who were not exposed to CS and two additional groups in which 1 mg/kg dexamethasone (1 mg/kg) was administered daily, early (1–4 days) and late (5–9 days) after injury. The dynamics of the healing process were evaluated weekly in 4 sacrificed rats from each group for three weeks. The wound area was assessed both macroscopically and microscopically; the inflammation score was assessed microscopically. Results: The initial wound area in all the rats was 13.85 mm2. At the end of the study, it decreased to 4.11 ± 0.88 mm2, 7.32 ± 2.11 mm2, and 8.87 ± 3.01 mm2 in control, early, and late CS administration groups, respectively (p = 0.075). Inflammation scores showed a tendency to decrease in the third week in all groups, with no statistical differences. Conclusions: Our findings do not support the positive impact of CS administration on palatal wound healing. While microscopically, we found no difference between the CS and control groups, CS exposure was associated with a macroscopically larger final wound area, reflecting a possible harmful effect of CS.
Transcriptome and Genome Analyses Applied to Aquaculture Research
Authors: Pereiro Patricia
Published: September 2022

The Special Issue “Transcriptome and Genome Analyses Applied to Aquaculture Research” had great success among the researchers specialized in different fields of aquaculture [...]
Colour Variation in the Crocodile Lizard (Shinisaurus crocodilurus) and Its Relationship to Individual Quality
Authors: Qiu Xia , Whiting Martin J. , Du Weiguo , Wu Zhengjun , Luo Shuyi , Yue Bisong , Fu Jinzhong , Qi Yin
Published: September 2022

Colour plays a key role in animal social communication including as an indicator of individual quality. Using spectrophotometry, we examined colour variation in the throat and venter of the crocodile lizard (Shinisaurus crocodilurus), an endangered species native to southern China and northern Vietnam. We detected two broad colour variants, individuals with and without red, for each body region and each sex. A cluster analysis of spectral colour measurements (hue, chroma, luminance) revealed discrete throat and ventral morphs when measured in a single snapshot in time. However, photographic evidence revealed that the amount of red relative to body size increased as they got older. Individuals with red were equally likely to be male or female and throat colour was unrelated to ventral colour. Therefore, it is premature to claim that crocodile lizards have discrete colour morphs. We used visual modelling to show that the throat and venter were easily discriminable to a lizard visual system, suggesting they function in social communication. We also asked whether colour variation signalled individual quality. Females with red throats had greater bite force while males with red throats were older. In addition, females with red venters had larger heads. We also detected differences in morphology linked to colour. Females with red throats had slender bodies and longer tails, while individuals lacking red on their throats were stouter and had shorter tails. Finally, throat and ventral colour were unrelated to reproductive output (litter size and mass) in females. Males with greater ventral luminance contrast sired offspring from litters with greater litter mass (including stillborns), while males with greater ventral chromatic contrast sired offspring whose collective live mass (excluding stillborns) was greater. Males with greater luminance contrast also sired more live offspring (excluding stillborns). Collectively, these results suggest that male ventral colour signals individual quality in males. Conservation initiatives should take colour variation into account when planning future captive breeding and release programs for this endangered species.