bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Replicating File Segments between Multi-Cloud Nodes in a Smart City: A Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Mostafa Nour , Kotb Yehia , Al-Arnaout Zakwan , Alabed Samer , Shdefat Ahmed Younes
Published: May 2023

The design and management of smart cities and the IoT is a multidimensional problem. One of those dimensions is cloud and edge computing management. Due to the complexity of the problem, resource sharing is one of the vital and major components that when enhanced, the performance of the whole system is enhanced. Research in data access and storage in multi-clouds and edge servers can broadly be classified to data centers and computational centers. The main aim of data centers is to provide services for accessing, sharing and modifying large databases. On the other hand, the aim of computational centers is to provide services for sharing resources. Present and future distributed applications need to deal with very large multi-petabyte datasets and increasing numbers of associated users and resources. The emergence of IoT-based, multi-cloud systems as a potential solution for large computational and data management problems has initiated significant research activity in the area. Due to the considerable increase in data production and data sharing within scientific communities, the need for improvements in data access and data availability cannot be overlooked. It can be argued that the current approaches of large dataset management do not solve all problems associated with big data and large datasets. The heterogeneity and veracity of big data require careful management. One of the issues for managing big data in a multi-cloud system is the scalability and expendability of the system under consideration. Data replication ensures server load balancing, data availability and improved data access time. The proposed model minimises the cost of data services through minimising a cost function that takes storage cost, host access cost and communication cost into consideration. The relative weights between different components is learned through history and it is different from a cloud to another. The model ensures that data are replicated in a way that increases availability while at the same time decreasing the overall cost of data storage and access time. Using the proposed model avoids the overheads of the traditional full replication techniques. The proposed model is mathematically proven to be sound and valid.
Survey on the Developments of Unmanned Marine Vehicles: Intelligence and Cooperation
Authors: Bae Inyeong , Hong Jungpyo
Published: May 2023

With the recent development of artificial intelligence (AI) and information and communication technology, manned vehicles operated by humans used on the ground, air, and sea are evolving into unmanned vehicles (UVs) that operate without human intervention. In particular, unmanned marine vehicles (UMVs), including unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) and unmanned surface vehicles (USVs), have the potential to complete maritime tasks that are unachievable for manned vehicles, lower the risk of man power, raise the power required to carry out military missions, and reap huge economic benefits. The aim of this review is to identify past and current trends in UMV development and present insights into future UMV development. The review discusses the potential benefits of UMVs, including completing maritime tasks that are unachievable for manned vehicles, lowering the risk of human intervention, and increasing power for military missions and economic benefits. However, the development of UMVs has been relatively tardy compared to that of UVs used on the ground and in the air due to adverse environments for UMV operation. This review highlights the challenges in developing UMVs, particularly in adverse environments, and the need for continued advancements in communication and networking technologies, navigation and sound exploration technologies, and multivehicle mission planning technologies to improve UMV cooperation and intelligence. Furthermore, the review identifies the importance of incorporating AI and machine learning technologies in UMVs to enhance their autonomy and ability to perform complex tasks. Overall, this review provides insights into the current state and future directions for UMV development.
Combined Polarization/Magnetic Modulation of a Transverse NMR Gyroscope
Authors: Sorensen Susan S. , Walker Thad G.
Published: May 2023

In this paper, we describe a new approach to the continuous operation of a transverse spin-exchange optically pumped NMR gyroscope that utilizes modulation of both the applied bias field and the optical pumping. We demonstrate the simultaneous, continuous excitation of 131Xe and 129Xe using this hybrid modulation approach and the real-time demodulation of the Xe precession using a custom least-squares fitting algorithm. We present rotation rate measurements with this device, with a common field suppression factor of ∼1400, an angle random walk of 21 μHz/Hz, and a bias instability of ∼480 nHz after ∼1000 s.
Design of OMC-Sagnac Loop Using PDMS and Different Package Structures to Improve Sensing Performance and Optimize the Ill-Conditioned Matrix
Authors: Zhang Shumao , Yu Yang , Hu Xiaoyang , Bian Qiang , Wang Dongying , Weng Junjie , Liang Jianqiao , Wei Linyi , Jiang Peng , Luo Hong , Yang Linfeng , Yang Junbo , Zhang Zhenrong
Published: May 2023

In the process of ocean exploration, highly accurate and sensitive measurements of seawater temperature and pressure significantly impact the study of seawater’s physical, chemical, and biological processes. In this paper, three different package structures, V-shape, square-shape, and semicircle-shape, are designed and fabricated, and an optical microfiber coupler combined Sagnac loop (OMCSL) is encapsulated in these structures with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Then, the temperature and pressure response characteristics of the OMCSL, under different package structures, are analyzed by simulation and experiment. The experimental results show that structural change hardly affects temperature sensitivity, and square-shape has the highest pressure sensitivity. In addition, with an input error of 1% F.S., temperature and pressure errors were calculated, which shows that a semicircle-shape structure can increase the angle between lines in the sensitivity matrix method (SMM), and reduce the effect of the input error, thus optimizing the ill-conditioned matrix. Finally, this paper shows that using the machine learning method (MLM) effectively improves demodulation accuracy. In conclusion, this paper proposes to optimize the ill-conditioned matrix problem in SMM demodulation by improving sensitivity with structural optimization, which essentially explains the cause of the large errors for multiparameter cross-sensitivity. In addition, this paper proposes to use the MLM to solve the problem of large errors in the SMM, which provides a new method to solve the problem of the ill-conditioned matrix in SMM demodulation. These have practical implications for engineering an all-optical sensor that can be used for detection in the ocean environment.
The Use of Solar Thermal Heating in SPIRE and Non-SPIRE Industrial Processes
Authors: Tannous Hadi , Stojceska Valentina , Tassou Savas
Published: May 2023

This paper investigates the use of solar thermal energy systems in SPIRE (sustainable process industry through resource and energy efficiency) and non-SPIRE industries and evaluates the use a novel solar Fresnel collector for generating temperatures of up to 400 °C. The investigation showed that solar thermal energy systems were mostly integrated into the non-SPIRE industries like food and beverages, paper and pulp and the textile industries with temperature requirements of up to 150 °C while few of them were used in the SPIRE industries like the non-metallic minerals, chemicals, basic metals and water industries with temperature requirements of up to 1500 °C. The limitation of those solar energy systems was seen in their application in higher irradiance regions due to the limited operation temperature of certain types of solar collectors, which particularly affected the SPIRE industry sector. To increase their use in high and low irradiance regions, a novel solar thermal system developed by the EU-ASTEP project that could achieve a temperature of up to 400 °C was introduced. The calculations of the theoretical and technical potential application of the ASTEP system in EU industrial processes showed an increase of 43%, of which 802.6 TWh totalled the theoretical potential and 96.3 TWh the technical potential. This resulted in a reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 24 thousand kt CO2 equivalent, which could help industries to achieve their 2050 targets for net-zero GHG emissions.
Strategies for a Positive Anthropogenic Impact in Postwar Buildings
Authors: Piantanida Paolo , Ostorero Carlo Luigi , Vottari Antonio , Manni Valentino , Valzano Luca Saverio , Farnetani Roberto , Surra Marco
Published: May 2023

A significant portion of postwar buildings, typically concentrated in suburban areas, are now difficult assets to manage due to their poor sustainability and limited replacement feasibilities. This paper focuses on strategies to improve their metabolism using energy-saving measures based on optimizing energy needs and integrating internal and external energy sources: a new organizational model for energy management should focus first on saving energy, and then on the possibility of integration into a local energy network. This positively affects the anthropogenic impact and becomes a role model for aggregating buildings not only into a district system, but also into a wider, large-scale energy network. The paper shows a significant case study of actual retrofitting intervention that is examined in order to confirm the theoretical guidelines proposed in the first part of the paper. Moreover, another significant case study, taken from common practice, is illustrated, in which different levels of retrofitting are tested. While taking into account the complexity and fragmentation of private property both in a single building and in the city, some strategies are finally described with the aim of reducing the anthropic impact of the postwar building stock.
The Global Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) Industry: A Systematic Review and a Sectoral Survey of Its Main Developers
Authors: De Araujo Victor , Christoforo André
Published: May 2023

Recently, both authors led a comprehensive review to discuss cross-laminated timber (CLT) as an engineered wood product, addressing the information and discussion on this building input in terms of the main details, materials, production forms, performances, codes, sustainability, applications, and perspectives for residential uses. The current scenario of CLT developers was raised in that previous paper as one of the missing factors in the available literature, and was the reason why this gap became the main goal of the present study. A global perspective was driven to provide information and discussion to every possible stakeholder. A systematic review on this sector was carried out, through the Web of Science and Scopus databases, to collect information and confirm this gap, using a representative method. CLT manufacturers were identified by their own websites, using a blended strategy formed by the systematic review results combined with the search for these companies using the Google search engine. Nearly a hundred CLT developers were identified and analyzed, in a representative sampling process. Results demonstrated that the CLT industry has manufacturing plants on the five habitable continents, which evinced a global commercial interest in this timber forest product. Despite the global presence of this mass timber product, most producers are concentrated in the northern hemisphere, despite being willing to serve international markets.
Effects of Channel Width Variations on Turbulent Flow Structures in the Presence of Three-Dimensional Pool-Riffle
Authors: Hadian Sanaz , Afzalimehr Hossein , Ahmad Sajjad
Published: May 2023

Changes in the width of channels or rivers that have three-dimensional pool-riffle can affect the key parameters of river engineering and flow resistance. Understanding the effect of width changes on flow structures helps to control erosion and sedimentation in coarse-bed rivers and better design ecological restoration projects. The present study investigates the effect of the sequential pool-riffle and its interaction with the bank narrowness on the turbulent flow characteristics. For this purpose, an experimental study was conducted in variable and fixed width flume with an aspect ratio greater than five. The results showed that when the flow decelerates (entrance of the pool), the negative and low longitudinal velocities expand as the flow depth increases. From both sides of the central axis, longitudinal velocities decreased when entering the middle part of the pool and reduced the flow width. The changes in the maximum turbulence intensity values, from the central axis towards the channel bank, in the variable and fixed width modes had an increasing trend. In all three longitudinal directions along the flume, the maximum turbulence intensity and the maximum Reynolds shear stress in the variable width mode were larger than those in fixed one. Knowledge of the flow pattern along a variable width stream and better understanding of velocity and Reynolds stress distribution will help engineers to better estimate the controlling parameters in river restoration and improve hydraulic models’ performance.
Evaluating the Potential of Mangrove Phytoremediation for Mitigating Coastal Water Eutrophication in Macao SAR: A Field and Mesocosm Study
Authors: Tagulao Karen Araño , Lai Wai Ian , Lebel Alexandre , Calheiros Cristina Sousa Coutinho
Published: May 2023

Eutrophication due to anthropogenic nutrient inputs is a serious issue in many coastal and marine environments. Mangrove plants form unique intertidal forests at the edge of the land and sea, forming multifunctional ecosystems that provide an array of services, such as the phytoremediation of pollutants. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the levels of nutrients (PO43−, NO2−, NO3−, NH4+) in the coastal waters around Macao SAR, in areas with and without mangroves, in order to assess their phytoremediation potential. The work was reinforced through a mesocosm experiment with various treatments with and without mangroves. The results of the field investigations indicated a high degree of eutrophication in the coastal waters of Macao, with average values of 0.30 mg/L, 0.09 mg/L, 23.8 mg/L, and 0.36 mg/L of phosphate, nitrite, nitrate, and ammonium, respectively. There were no apparent significant differences in the levels of nutrients in areas with and without mangroves, which was most likely caused by the conditions during sampling as well as the density of the mangrove forest. The mesocosm experiments, however, revealed a clearer effect of the presence of mangroves (and sediments) in the degradation of nutrients. Therefore, it is highly recommended to plant more mangroves to help mitigate coastal water eutrophication in the area as a phytoremediation approach.
Temporal and Spatial Differences in CO2 Equivalent Emissions and Carbon Compensation Caused by Land Use Changes and Industrial Development in Hunan Province
Authors: Gu Huangling , Liu Yan , Xia Hao , Li Zilong , Huang Liyuan , Zeng Yanjia
Published: May 2023

The differences in CO2 equivalent emissions and carbon compensation due to land use changes can provide a basis for formulating low-carbon development policies in various regions according to net CO2 emissions. Based on the land use and energy consumption data of Hunan Province from 2000 to 2020, the calculation model is constructed to calculate the CO2 equivalent emissions and carbon compensation values for different cities in different periods. The results showed that: (1) From 2000 to 2020, there was a significant growth trend in the area of built-up land in Hunan Province, mainly from the forest and cropland, while the area of forest is relatively stable. (2) The net CO2 equivalent emissions from land use changes in Hunan Province shows a trend of increasing first and then decreasing with an initially fast and then slowed growth rate. Built-up land is the main carbon source, and its CO2 equivalent emissions increased by 26.78 million tons, while the forest is the main carbon sink, and its carbon absorption decreased by 4.11 × 104 tons. (3) The carbon sink areas are mainly located in Zhangjiajie and Xiangxi in western Hunan, and the CO2 equivalent emission intensity of other carbon source areas is gradually increasing from eastern Hunan to southern Hunan. (4) The carbon compensation value is very similar to the spatial distribution of CO2 equivalent emissions in different cities. The high carbon compensation areas are mainly Yueyang, Loudi, and Xiangtan due to their backward energy structure, un-upgraded industrial structure, and large net CO2 equivalent emissions, while the high carbon compensation areas are mainly Changsha, due to its high economic development level, great technological progress, and small net CO2 equivalent emissions. To achieve regional coordination and low-carbon development, it is necessary to continually improve the carbon compensation mechanism and to build on carbon compensation to promote regional low-carbon coordinated development from a low-carbon level. Meanwhile, the government should rank and direct the transformation and development of different types of cities, to build a low-carbon land development model and achieve the goal of developing carbon neutrality.
Compaction Effort Evaluation of Crumb Rubber Modified Hot Mix Asphalt
Authors: Qadr Dlzar Bakr , Talabany Aso Faiz
Published: May 2023

The primary goal of this study was to obtain the same performance from an asphalt mixture made using a Marshall impact hammer (MIH) as from asphalt made using a Superpave gyratory compactor (SGC). This was due to the expense of Superpave equipment compared with Marshall equipment. A wet process was used to blend the CR with PG 70-16 asphalt. A crushed stone aggregate was used with a 19 mm nominal maximum aggregate size, and the samples were prepared using an SGC and an MIH. The results show that nine percent CR was determined to be the optimum crumb-rubber content (OCRC). In addition, the SGC provided excellent performance in Marshall stability, density, tensile strength, and compressive strength at different numbers of blows and gyrations compared with the MIH. Moreover, the MIH required approximately 21, 21, 18, and 24 extra blows to obtain the same stability, density, tensile strength, and compressive strength, respectively, as the SGC at the design number of gyrations (Ndesign). Furthermore, modified mixtures at the OCRC increased the compressive strength in the range from 16 to 48 percent and had higher values on the index of retained strength than unmodified mixtures. As a result, they provided mixtures with less susceptibility to moisture damage. The significance of this study is that asphalt that performed the same as Superpave samples was obtained using only Marshall equipment.
The Effect of COVID-19 on the Performance of SMEs in Emerging Markets in Iran, Iraq and Jordan
Authors: Homayoun Saeid , Velashani Mohammad Ali Bagherpour , Abbas Alkhafaji Bashaer Khdhair , Jabbar Mezher Siham
Published: May 2023

This research aims to investigate the effect of COVID-19 on the performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in emerging markets in Iran, Iraq and Jordan. In order to collect the required data, a standard questionnaire provided in the literature was used. The research period is the second quarter of 2022, and its population includes managers, accountants and auditors engaged in listed and non-listed companies. The research findings indicate that the outbreak of COVID-19 has affected SMEs’ performance in investigated emerging markets. For the first time, this research has examined the impact of COVID-19 on the performance of SMEs in emerging markets. The research was conducted in the three countries of Iran, Iraq and Jordan, which have different environmental conditions indicating the impact of contextual factors on the effects of the spread of COVID-19. The results can be useful for different parties, such as SMEs’ owners and regulatory bodies in similar markets.
Carbon Pressure and Economic Growth in the Urban Agglomeration in the Middle Reaches of the Yangtze River: A Study on Decoupling Effect and Driving Factors
Authors: Ding Hanqi , Wang Zhiyuan , Huang Chunhua , Liu Luyun , Bedra Komi Bernard
Published: May 2023

Coordination between regional economic development and carbon pressure is essential for sustainable regional development. However, existing research on carbon pressure and studies on the relationship between economic growth and carbon pressure needs to be more comprehensive. This study analyzes the decoupling impact of economic growth and carbon pressure in different regions of urban agglomeration in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River by revealing the evolution of the geographical and temporal characteristics of carbon pressure from 2000 to 2020. We investigate the drivers of carbon pressure in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River urban agglomeration using the LMDI index decomposition model. The results show that (1) the carbon pressure in the urban agglomeration of the middle reaches of the Yangtze River and its three sub-city agglomerations shows a declining tendency at the beginning and later exhibits an increasing tendency; (2) from 2000 to 2020, the carbon pressure of the majority of cities increased, with Wuhan and Ezhou in the high carbon pressure area and Ji’an, Fuzhou, and Shangrao in the carbon sink surplus area; (3) the rate of decoupling climbs from 45% to 96% over time, then declines to 67%, and reaches 90% by 2020; and (4) the most prominent influence on carbon pressure in the 31 cities is energy consumption, followed by economic expansion. The research in this paper is beneficial for cities to explore solutions to coordinate economic development and carbon pressure despite the constraints of imposed by the two.
Animal Husbandry in the Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni National Park: An Economic-Structural Analysis for the Protection and Enhancement of the Territory and Local Resources
Authors: Cerrato Michele , Benincasa Giuliana , Iasi Allegra , Pergola Maria
Published: May 2023

This research seeks to deepen the current economic and structural aspects of the livestock farms in the rural territory “Casacastra” (Cilento area), to identify critical issues and development opportunities with the intention to enhance and protect the territory under study also through strengthening forms of local economy. Information about the consistency and the typology of livestock farms present in the study area, and the trend in the last twelve years, were acquired thought the consultation of the national livestock register of the Italian Ministry of Health. Subsequently, a questionnaire was submitted to a sample of farmers to better know the characteristics of the breeders and of the husbandries. The results showed that in the study area, there are 4% of the cattle and sheep herds of the Campania Region, and 7% of those with goats. The most representative farm size is the class with less than 20 animals per breeding type, and between 2010 and 2022, there has been a reduction in the number of all types of analyzed husbandries. The most represented productive orientation is that for meat, while the specialization in the production of milk in sheep and goat breeding is completely absent. The interviews revealed that the breeders are almost all over 40 years of age, with middle and high school qualifications and consolidated experience. The workforce involved in the farms is mainly the family one and often breeders are people engaged in other non-agricultural activities. Despite the permanence in some cases of archaic husbandry methods, the breeders play a key role in the study area for the protection of the territory, and the conservation and enhancement of local animal and plant genetic resources are at risk of extinction. Moreover, the survival of this rural context is linked to the development of new forms of local economy, such as the definition of an experiential rural tourist offer, in which the presence of institutions plays a fundamental role.
Assessing Land Use and Climate Change Impacts on Soil Erosion Caused by Water in China
Authors: Weng Xuerou , Zhang Boen , Zhu Jinxin , Wang Dagang , Qiu Jianxiu
Published: May 2023

Soil erosion poses a significant threat to land conservation, freshwater security, and ocean ecology. Climate change, with rainfall as one of its primary drivers, exacerbates this problem. Therefore, reliably predicting future soil erosion rates and taking into account anthropogenic influences are crucial for policymakers and researchers in the earth-system field. To address this challenge, we have developed a novel framework that combines the Bayesian Model Averaging (BMA) method with the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model to estimate erosion rates on a national scale. We used BMA to merge five Regional Climate Models (RCMs), reducing uncertainty in ensemble simulations and improving the plausibility of projected changes in climatic regimes over China under two Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) scenarios (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5). The RUSLE model was applied to forecast the effects of climate change and land-use change on water erosion in China, using high-resolution climate simulation and prediction inputs. Our findings revealed that under the RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios, average annual soil loss will increase by 21.20% and 33.06%, respectively, compared to the baseline period. Our analysis also demonstrated a clear distinction between the effects of climate change and land-use change on water erosion. Climate change leads to an increase in precipitation, which exacerbates water erosion rates, with contributions ranging from 59.99% to 78.21%. Furthermore, an increase in radiative forcing will further amplify the effects of climate change. The transformation of land from one that has not been disturbed by humans to one that has been exposed to some soil and water conservation measures will have a mitigating effect on water erosion, with a contribution of −6.96% to −4.68%. Therefore, implementing effective soil and water conservation measures can somewhat mitigate the severity of ongoing soil loss. Our findings have significant implications for policymakers seeking to develop national strategies for soil conservation and model developers working to reduce uncertainty in erosion predictions.
How Does Public Capital Affect Enterprise Technological Innovation Based on Empirical Evidence from Chinese Listed Companies
Authors: Liu Shanshan , Deng Feng , Yuan Baosheng
Published: May 2023

Public capital is an important force for promoting industrial agglomeration and enterprise technological innovation, and enterprise technological innovation is the core element in promoting green economic growth. To further reveal the influence mechanism of public capital on enterprise technological innovation, based on the data of A-share listed companies in China from 2007 to 2020, this paper uses the nonlinear moderating effect model and the intermediating effect model to verify the nonlinear influence and transmission mechanism of public capital on enterprise technological innovation. This paper discusses the influence and mechanism of public capital on enterprise innovation from the perspective of industrial agglomeration. The study finds that public capital has a significant role in promoting enterprise technological innovation. Moreover, economic public capital plays a greater role in promoting enterprise technological innovation than social public capital. Further analysis shows that the innovation effect of public capital is nonlinearly regulated by industrial agglomeration. In the initial stage of industrial agglomeration, the higher the degree of industrial agglomeration, the weaker the innovation effect of public capital; however, in the advanced stage of industrial agglomeration, the higher the degree of industrial agglomeration, the stronger the innovation effect of public capital. The nonlinear effect is realized by affecting the profits of enterprises. From enterprise heterogeneity, public capital has a significant role in promoting the technological innovation of non-state-owned enterprises but has no significant impact on the technological innovation of state-owned enterprises; public capital has a significant positive effect on the technological innovation of mid- and high-end technology enterprises, while its impact on the technological innovation of low-end technology enterprises is not significant. From the type of innovation output, public capital has a significant role in promoting enterprise green technology innovation, and the role of public capital in promoting enterprise green invention patents is greater than that of green utility model patents. This study provides a theoretical basis for government public capital investment decisions and empirical evidence for the sustainable development of enterprise technological innovation.
The Effects of Postural Training on Gait Kinematics in Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Authors: Bahiraei Saeid , Oviedo Guillermo , Hosseini Elham
Published: May 2023

This study examines the effects and durability of postural exercise on gait kinematics in people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs). Thirty-four men with mild IDDs were assigned to either the training group (n = 19) or the control group (n = 15). The TG performed the intervention over 8 weeks, 3 days/week, 1 h/day. The results indicated that the intervention program had a significant effect on some variables of gait. Additionally, in the TG between post-test and follow-up, there was no significant difference, which indicated that gait variables were maintained by the TG one month after the end of the program. This research demonstrates that postural exercises are a viable intervention for enhancing the gait of people with IDDs.
Digital Twins: Enabling Interoperability in Smart Manufacturing Networks
Authors: O’Connell Eoin , O’Brien William , Bhattacharya Mangolika , Moore Denis , Penica Mihai
Published: May 2023

As Industry 4.0 networks continue to evolve at a rapid pace, they are becoming increasingly complex and distributed. These networks incorporate a range of technologies that are integrated into smart manufacturing systems, requiring adaptability, security, and resilience. However, managing the complexity of Industry 4.0 networks presents significant challenges, particularly in terms of security and the integration of diverse technologies into a functioning and efficient infrastructure. To address these challenges, emerging digital twin standards are enabling the connection of various systems by linking individual digital twins, creating a system of systems. The objective is to develop a “universal translator” that can interpret inputs from both the real and digital worlds, merging them into a seamless cyber-physical reality. It will be demonstrated how the myriad of technologies and systems in Industry 4.0 networks can be connected through the use of digital twins to create a seamless “system of systems”. This will improve interoperability, resilience, and security in smart manufacturing systems. The paper will also outline the potential benefits and limitations of digital twins in addressing the challenges of Industry 4.0 networks.
Automated Placement of Scan and Pre-Scan Volumes for Breast MRI Using a Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Allen Timothy J. , Henze Bancroft Leah C. , Wang Kang , Wang Ping Ni , Unal Orhan , Estkowski Lloyd D. , Cashen Ty A. , Bayram Ersin , Strigel Roberta M. , Holmes James H.
Published: May 2023

Graphically prescribed patient-specific imaging volumes and local pre-scan volumes are routinely placed by MRI technologists to optimize image quality. However, manual placement of these volumes by MR technologists is time-consuming, tedious, and subject to intra- and inter-operator variability. Resolving these bottlenecks is critical with the rise in abbreviated breast MRI exams for screening purposes. This work proposes an automated approach for the placement of scan and pre-scan volumes for breast MRI. Anatomic 3-plane scout image series and associated scan volumes were retrospectively collected from 333 clinical breast exams acquired on 10 individual MRI scanners. Bilateral pre-scan volumes were also generated and reviewed in consensus by three MR physicists. A deep convolutional neural network was trained to predict both the scan and pre-scan volumes from the 3-plane scout images. The agreement between the network-predicted volumes and the clinical scan volumes or physicist-placed pre-scan volumes was evaluated using the intersection over union, the absolute distance between volume centers, and the difference in volume sizes. The scan volume model achieved a median 3D intersection over union of 0.69. The median error in scan volume location was 2.7 cm and the median size error was 2%. The median 3D intersection over union for the pre-scan placement was 0.68 with no significant difference in mean value between the left and right pre-scan volumes. The median error in the pre-scan volume location was 1.3 cm and the median size error was −2%. The average estimated uncertainty in positioning or volume size for both models ranged from 0.2 to 3.4 cm. Overall, this work demonstrates the feasibility of an automated approach for the placement of scan and pre-scan volumes based on a neural network model.
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Mixture during Pregnancy and Postpartum Weight Retention in the New Hampshire Birth Cohort Study (NHBCS)
Authors: Wang Yuting , Howe Caitlin , Gallagher Lisa G. , Botelho Julianne Cook , Calafat Antonia M. , Karagas Margaret R. , Romano Megan E.
Published: May 2023

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), widely used in industrial and consumer products, are suspected metabolic disruptors. We examined the association between a PFAS mixture during pregnancy and postpartum weight retention in 482 participants from the New Hampshire Birth Cohort Study. PFAS concentrations, including perfluorohexane sulfonate, perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorooctanoate (PFOA), perfluorononanoate (PFNA), and perfluorodecanoate, were quantified in maternal plasma collected at ~28 gestational weeks. Postpartum weight change was calculated as the difference between self-reported weight from a postpartum survey administered in 2020 and pre-pregnancy weight abstracted from medical records. Associations between PFAS and postpartum weight change were examined using Bayesian kernel machine regression and multivariable linear regression, adjusting for demographic, reproductive, dietary, and physical activity factors; gestational week of blood sample collection; and enrollment year. PFOS, PFOA, and PFNA were positively associated with postpartum weight retention, and associations were stronger among participants with a higher pre-pregnancy body mass index. A doubling of PFOS, PFOA, and PFNA concentrations was associated with a 1.76 kg (95%CI: 0.31, 3.22), 1.39 kg (−0.27, 3.04), and 1.04 kg (−0.19, 2.28) greater postpartum weight retention, respectively, among participants who had obesity/overweight prior to pregnancy. Prenatal PFAS exposure may be associated with increased postpartum weight retention.
The Risk Factors for Acute Cerebrovascular Accident (Stroke) in Patients with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2)
Authors: Alotaibi Badi A. , Aldali Jehad A. , Aldali Hamzah J. , Meo Sultan Ayoub , Alasiri Glowi A. , Elsokkary Emadeldin M. , Alotaibi Naser D. , Alotaibi Faizah
Published: May 2023

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) patients may experience an acute ischemic stroke; however, risk factors, in-hospital deaths, and outcomes have not been thoroughly investigated. This study investigates the risk factors, comorbidities, and outcomes in patients with SARS-VoV-2 infection and acute ischemic stroke compared to patients without these conditions. The present retrospective study was conducted in the King Abdullah International Medical Research Centre (KAIMRC), Ministry of National Guard, Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, during the period from April 2020 to February 2022. This study investigates the risk variables among the individuals who were diagnosed with either SARS-CoV-2 with stroke or patients with stroke alone. A total of 42,688 COVID-19 patients were registered, 187 cases of strokes were listed in COVID-19 patients, however, 5395 cases with stroke without SARS-CoV-2 infection. The results revealed that factors including age, hypertension, deep vein thrombosis, and ischemic heart disease are associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke. The results also displayed an elevated frequency of in-hospital deaths in COVID-19 patients with acute ischemic stroke. The results also showed that SARS-CoV-2 together predicts the probability of stroke and death in the study sample. The study findings conclude that ischemic strokes were infrequent in patients with SARS-CoV-2 and usually occur in the presence of other risk factors. The risk factors of ischemic strokes in patients with SARS-CoV-2 are old age, male gender, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, DVT, ischemic heart disease, and diabetes mellitus. Furthermore, the results showed a higher frequency of in-hospital deaths in COVID-19 patients with stroke compared to COVID-19 patients without stroke.
The Role of CTLA-4 in T Cell Exhaustion in Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection
Authors: Apol Ása Didriksen , Winckelmann Anni Assing , Duus Rasmus Bülow , Bukh Jens , Weis Nina
Published: May 2023

Patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) gradually develop T cell exhaustion, and the inhibitory receptor molecule, cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4), may play a role in this phenomenon. This systematic review investigates the role of CTLA-4 in the development of T cell exhaustion in CHB. A systematic literature search was conducted on PubMed and Embase on 31 March 2023 to identify relevant studies. Fifteen studies were included in this review. A majority of the studies investigating CD8+ T cells demonstrated increased expression of CTLA-4 in CHB patients, though one study found this only in HBeAg-positive patients. Three out of four studies investigating the expression of CTLA-4 on CD4+ T cells found upregulation of CTLA-4. Several studies showed constitutive expression of CLTA-4 on CD4+ regulatory T cells. CTLA-4 blockade resulted in heterogeneous responses for all T cell types, as it resulted in increased T cell proliferation and/or cytokine production in some studies, while other studies found this only when combining blockade of CTLA-4 with other inhibitory receptors. Although mounting evidence supports a role of CTLA-4 in T cell exhaustion, there is still insufficient documentation to describe the expression and exact role of CTLA-4 in T cell exhaustion in CHB.
Genetic Analysis of Dengue Virus in Severe and Non-Severe Cases in Dhaka, Bangladesh, in 2018–2022
Authors: Rahim Rummana , Hasan Abu , Phadungsombat Juthamas , Hasan Nazmul , Ara Nikhat , Biswas Suma Mita , Nakayama Emi E. , Rahman Mizanur , Shioda Tatsuo
Published: May 2023

Dengue virus (DENV) infections have unpredictable clinical outcomes, ranging from asymptomatic or minor febrile illness to severe and fatal disease. The severity of dengue infection is at least partly related to the replacement of circulating DENV serotypes and/or genotypes. To describe clinical profiles of patients and the viral sequence diversity corresponding to non-severe and severe cases, we collected patient samples from 2018 to 2022 at Evercare Hospital Dhaka, Bangladesh. Serotyping of 495 cases and sequencing of 179 cases showed that the dominant serotype of DENV shifted from DENV2 in 2017 and 2018 to DENV3 in 2019. DENV3 persisted as the only representative serotype until 2022. Co-circulation of clades B and C of the DENV2 cosmopolitan genotype in 2017 was replaced by circulation of clade C alone in 2018 with all clones disappearing thereafter. DENV3 genotype I was first detected in 2017 and was the only genotype in circulation until 2022. We observed a high incidence of severe cases in 2019 when the DENV3 genotype I became the only virus in circulation. Phylogenetic analysis revealed clusters of severe cases in several different subclades of DENV3 genotype I. Thus, these serotype and genotype changes in DENV may explain the large dengue outbreaks and increased severity of the disease in 2019.
Novel Adjuvant S-540956 Targets Lymph Nodes and Reduces Genital Recurrences and Vaginal Shedding of HSV-2 DNA When Administered with HSV-2 Glycoprotein D as a Therapeutic Vaccine in Guinea Pigs
Authors: Awasthi Sita , Onishi Motoyasu , Lubinski John M. , Fowler Bernard T. , Naughton Alexis M. , Hook Lauren M. , Egan Kevin P. , Hagiwara Masaki , Shirai Seiki , Sakai Akiho , Nakagawa Takayuki , Goto Kumiko , Yoshida Osamu , Stephens Alisa J. , Choi Grace , Cohen Gary H. , Katayama Kazufumi , Friedman Harvey M.
Published: May 2023

Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is a leading cause of genital ulcer disease and a major risk factor for acquisition and transmission of HIV. Frequent recurrent genital lesions and concerns about transmitting infection to intimate partners affect the quality of life of infected individuals. Therapeutic vaccines are urgently needed to reduce the frequency of genital lesions and transmission. S-540956 is a novel vaccine adjuvant that contains CpG oligonucleotide ODN2006 annealed to its complementary sequence and conjugated to a lipid that targets the adjuvant to lymph nodes. Our primary goal was to compare S-540956 administered with HSV-2 glycoprotein D (gD2) with no treatment in a guinea pig model of recurrent genital herpes (studies 1 and 2). Our secondary goals were to compare S-540956 with oligonucleotide ODN2006 (study1) or glucopyranosyl lipid A in a stable oil-in-water nano-emulsion (GLA-SE) (study 2). gD2/S-540956 reduced the number of days with recurrent genital lesions by 56%, vaginal shedding of HSV-2 DNA by 49%, and both combined by 54% compared to PBS, and was more efficacious than the two other adjuvants. Our results indicate that S-540956 has great potential as an adjuvant for a therapeutic vaccine for genital herpes, and merits further evaluation with the addition of potent T cell immunogens.
GENETIC STRUCTURE OF THE AIRSHIERE CATTLE SUBPOPULATION IN THE SOUTHERN REGIONS OF RUSSIA BY MICROSATELLITE LOCUS
Authors: КОВАЛЮК Н.В. , ЯКУШЕВА Л.И. , ШАХНАЗАРОВА Ю.Ю. , ВОЛЧЕНКО А.Е.
Published: May 2023

Изучена генетическая структура субпопуляции айрширской породы крупного рогатого скота (n=600) в ряде хозяйств Краснодарского и Ставропольского краев по микросателлитным локусам: BM1818, BM1824, BM2113, ETH10, ETH225, ETH3, INRA023, SPS115, TGLA126, TGLA122, TGLA227, TGLA53. Определены количество гомозиготных и гетерозиготных животных по обозначенным выше локусам, наблюдаемая и ожидаемая гетерозиготность, индекс фиксации (Fis), породоспецифичные и часто встречающиеся аллели. В исследуемой выборке айрширского скота в среднем наблюдался минимальный излишек гетерозигот (Fis=-0,03). Установлено, что уникальными для представленной выборки айрширской породы являются аллели: 184 (локус BM1824) — с частотой встречаемости 5,0%, 77 (TGLA227) — с частотой встречаемости 2,0%, 180 (TGLA53) — с частотой встречаемости 0,3%, 222 (INRA023) — с частотой встречаемости 0,5%. У животных айрширской породы выявлен аллельный вариант, который не обнаружен у джерсеев, но достаточно часто в 15,7% случаев определялся у голштинов (локус ETH3 — аллель 127), и в 13,3%  —  у айрширов. С самой высокой частотой (58,4%) в группе животных айрширской породы выявлен аллель 115 локуса TGLA126. Полученные профили можно использовать в популяционных исследованиях и в практической работе по отнесению тех или иных групп скота к айрширской породе.

The genetic structure of the subpopulation of the Ayrshire breed of cattle (n=600) was studied in a number of farms in the Krasnodar and Stavropol Territories by microsatellite loci: BM1818, BM1824, BM2113, ETH10, ETH225, ETH3, INRA023, SPS115, TGLA126, TGLA122, TGLA227, TGLA23. The number of homozygous and heterozygous animals according to the above loci, observed and expected heterozygosity, fixation index (Fis), breed-specific and frequently occurring alleles were determined. In the studied sample of Ayrshire cattle, on average, there was a minimal excess of heterozygotes (Fis=-0.03). It was established that alleles unique for the presented sample of the Ayrshire breed are: 184 (locus BM1824) - with a frequency of occurrence of 5.0%, 77 (TGLA227) — with a frequency of occurrence of 2.0%, 180 (TGLA53) — with a frequency of occurrence of 0.3 %, 222 (INRA023) with a frequency of 0.5%. In animals of the Ayrshire breed, an allelic variant was identified that was not found in Jerseys, but quite often in 15.7% of cases it was determined in Holsteins (the ETH3 locus is allele 127), and in 13.3% in Ayrshires. Allele 115 of the TGLA126 locus was identified with the highest frequency (58.4%) in the group of Ayrshire breed animals. The profiles obtained can be used in population studies and in practical work on assigning certain groups of cattle to the Ayrshire breed.
Analisis dan Penerapan Algoritma Apriori Pada Penempatan Barang Pada Toko Surya Desa Pudak
Authors: Ariyanti  , Jasmir  , Rianti Silvia
Published: May 2023

Dunia bisnis pada saat ini berkembang sangat cepat, khususnya di dunia perdagangan. Persaingan dalam dunia bisnis selalu ada, sehingga setiap orang yang berkegiatan bisnis dituntut untuk selalu bisa memikirkan dengan cara efektif dan efisien dalam pengembangan bisnis tersebut. Salah satu bentuk usaha bisnis, Toko Surya Desa Pudak yang beralamat di Jalan Jambi-Suak Kandis Km.7  Desa Pudak Muaro Jambi, merupakan sebuah toko yang menjual kebutuhan pokok dan peralatan lainnya yang ditempatkan di sebuah rak atau etalase. Banyak kejadian pembeli yang ingin belanja masih bertanya kepada karyawan dimana posisi barang yang ingin dibeli.  Maka dari itu dengan menggunakan Algoritma Apriori, toko diharapkan dapat menentukan strategi dalam menentukan pembelian barang sesuai ketersediaan barang yang dibutuhkan konsumen sehingga bisa mengatur posisi barang berdasarkan gabungan item set barang. Jadi barang yang sering dibeli oleh konsumen yaitu Mie, Roti, odol dan Sirup support 30% dan confidence 100% diketahui barang yang sering dibeli konsumen.