bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Failure Mode and Optimization for MSCSS with LRBs Based on IDA Method
Authors: Fan Buqiao , Zhang Xun’an , Xiao Yanjie , Abdulhadi Mustapha , Wang Xinwei , Shahzad Muhammad Moman
Published: July 2022

The mega-sub controlled structure system with laminate rubber bearings is an emerging seismic control system for high-rise buildings. The system is high-order statically indeterminate with numerous failure modes. To study the failure modes of the structural system and further improve its seismic performance, the dynamic equations and the finite element model of the system were established. Ten different ground motions were selected from the Pacific Earthquake Engineering Research Center ground motion database for the incremental dynamic analysis (IDA). Based on the results of the IDA, the weakest failure mode of the system was identified, and its failure path was found. Two schemes were proposed to optimize the weakest failure mode of the system, and the optimization results were compared. The results show that although the IDA curves from different ground motion inputs are diverse, the plastic hinges are all formed on the sub-structures. Failures of the system are caused by either the excessive floor drift or the excessive shear deformation of rubber bearings. By adjusting the locations and parameters of dampers and rubber bearings, the seismic performance of the system can be improved.
Influence of Crumb Rubber and Coconut Coir on Strength and Durability Characteristics of Interlocking Paving Blocks
Authors: Gamage Sajani , Palitha Sandini , Meddage D. P. P. , Mendis Shayani , Azamathulla Hazi Md. , Rathnayake Upaka
Published: July 2022

Interlocking Paving Blocks (IPB) are, nowadays, a widely used construction material. As a result of the surge in demand for IPBs, alternative materials have been investigated to be used for IPBs. This study investigated the strength and durability characteristics (compressive strength, split tensile strength, density, water absorption, skid resistance, and abrasion resistance) of IPBs in the presence of (waste materials) crumb rubber (CR) and coconut coir fibers (CCF). Both compressive and split tensile strength increased in the presence of CCF to a certain extent. CR-based IPBs showcased an increase in skid resistance that satisfied both SLS 1425 and BS EN 1338 specifications. Abrasion depths of CR-based and CCF-based samples show a comparable increase in values when the respective fraction (CR or CCF) increases. Therefore, this research fills the knowledge gap, highlighting the importance of incorporating waste materials (CR and CCF) for the IPB industry rather than open dumping.
Identification of Wind Loads on Structures Based on Modal Kalman Filter with Unknown Inputs
Authors: Zhao Pingnan , Liu Lijun , Lei Ying
Published: July 2022

Wind loads on structures are difficult to directly measure, so it is practical to identify structural wind loads based on the measurements of structural responses. However, this inversed problem is challenging compared with conventional load identification as wind loads are time-space coupled and spatially distributed dynamic loads on structures. An improved method is proposed for identifying wind loads on structures using only partial measurements of structural acceleration responses in this paper. First, the wind loads on a structure are decomposed by proper orthogonal decomposition as a series of time-space decoupled sub-distributed dynamic loads with independent basic spatial distribution functions and time history functions. Herein, structural modes are adopted as the basic spatial distribution functions and structural modes of discretized and continuous structural systems are investigated. Then, a history function of the decomposed wind load is identified in the modal domain based on modal Kalman filter with unknown inputs, which is proposed by the authors. Finally, the distributed wind loads are reconstructed for discrete or continuous structural systems. The feasibility of the proposed algorithm is verified by two numerical examples of identification of wind loads on a discrete shear frame and a wind turbine tower, respectively.
Scale Model Experiments and Simulations to Investigate the Effect of Vehicular Blockage on Backlayering Length in Tunnel Fire
Authors: Ho Yu-Tsung , Kawabata Nobuyoshi , Seike Miho , Hasegawa Masato , Chien Shen-Wen , Shen Tzu-Sheng
Published: July 2022

This study used model experiments and numerical simulations to investigate the backlayering length of a vehicle-blocked tunnel fire. The experimental setup included two types of obstacles (low obstacles and high obstacles), as well as three configurations: no obstacles, one side with a car obstacle, and two sides with a car obstacle. If there were vehicles on one side of a lane, it would have little effect on the elongation of the backlayer length. When there were vehicles on both sides of a lane, the elongation of the backlayer length was greatly reduced. In addition, the effects of the vehicular blockage ratio and blockage configuration on the properties of the backlayering length were investigated. We created Pattern A, where fire is was in the center, and Pattern B, where fire was on the side of the tunnel. In Pattern A, almost all obstacles could be approximated using the formula. When the vehicle blockage ratio of a single lane was small, an approximation formula for Pattern B was applicable. However, if the distance between stationary vehicles on the upstream side of the fire source was small, the backlayering length could have been longer than in the case with no vehicular blockage.
Block Copolymer and Cellulose Templated Mesoporous TiO2-SiO2 Nanocomposite as Superior Photocatalyst
Authors: Pal Sudipto , Taurino Antonietta , Catalano Massimo , Licciulli Antonio
Published: July 2022

A dual soft-templating method was developed to produce highly crystalline and mesoporous TiO2-SiO2 nanocomposites. Pluronic F127 as the structure-directing agent and pure cellulose as the surface area modifier were used as the templating media. While Pluronic F127 served as the sacrificing media for generating a mesoporous structure in an acidic pH, cellulose templating helped to increase the specific surface area without affecting the mesoporosity of the TiO2-SiO2 nanostructures. Calcination at elevated temperature removed all the organics and formed pure inorganic TiO2-SiO2 composites as revealed by TGA and FTIR analyses. An optimum amount of SiO2 insertion in the TiO2 matrix increased the thermal stability of the crystalline anatase phase. BET surface area measurement along with low angle XRD revealed the formation of a mesoporous structure in the composites. The photocatalytic activity was evaluated by the degradation of Rhodamine B, Methylene Blue, and 4-Nitrophenol as the model pollutants under solar light irradiation, where the superior photo-degradation activity of Pluronic F127/cellulose templated TiO2-SiO2 was observed compared to pure Pluronic templated composite and commercial Evonik P25 TiO2. The higher photocatalytic activity was achieved due to the higher thermal stability of the nanocrystalline anatase phase, the mesoporosity, and the higher specific surface area.
Heterogeneous Nanoplasmonic Amplifiers for Photocatalysis’s Application: A Theoretical Study
Authors: Awada Chawki , Hajlaoui Thameur , Al Suliman Noura , Dab Chahinez
Published: July 2022

The higher cost of Ag and Au and their resonance frequency shift limitation opened the way to find an alternative solution by developing new nanohybrid antenna based on silicon and silicon dioxide coated with metallic nanoparticles. The latter has been recently solicited as a promising configuration for more large-scale plasmonic utilisation. This work reports a multitude of fascinating new phenomenon on LSPR on silicon antenna wires coated with core-shell nanospheres and the studying of the nanoplasmonics amplifiers to control optical and electromagnetic properties of materials. The LSPR modes and their interaction with the silicon nanowires are studied using numerical methods. The suggested configuration offers resonance covering the UV-visible and NIR regions, making them an adaptable addition to the nanoplasmonics toolbox.
Stable Nickel-Based Metal–Organic Framework Containing Thiophene/Diimidazole Units for Effective Near-Infrared Photothermal Conversion
Authors: Pei Xiangran , Dang Lilong , Zhang Tingting , Chen Tian , Ren Fuxuan , Liu Shuiren
Published: July 2022

Herein, a new Ni-based metal–organic framework (MOF, 1) bearing highly structural stability is synthesized by the reaction of utilizing a rigid and functionalized linker, 2,6-bis(pyridin-4-yl)-1,7-dihydrobenzo[1,2-d:4,5-d′]diimidazole (BBI4PY), in combination with Ni(NO3)2·6H2O and dibenzo[b,d]thiophene-3,7-dicarboxylic acid 5,5-dioxide (L1) under solvothermal conditions. The crystal structure of complex 1 is determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and is demonstrated to be a two-dimensional layered structure. In addition, PXRD, IR, TGA and UV/Vis-NIR spectra are also tested carefully to explore the solid structure of this complex. Remarkably, although no significant accumulation effect could be observed between the two-dimensional layers, a stacking interaction between DMF solvent molecules and ligand L1 could be found, which might promote non-radiative transitions and trigger obvious near-infrared photothermal conversion. Under 660 nm laser (0.6 W cm−2) illumination, the temperature of complex 1 increased rapidly from room temperature to 45.2 °C, with good thermal stability and cycle durability. Its photothermal conversion efficiency could reach 10.75%. This work provides an efficient way for assessing the promise of materials in the field of photothermal therapy.
CLL-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Impair T-Cell Activation and Foster T-Cell Exhaustion via Multiple Immunological Checkpoints
Authors: Böttcher Martin , Böttcher-Loschinski Romy , Kahlfuss Sascha , Aigner Michael , Gießl Andreas , Mackensen Andreas , Schlötzer-Schrehardt Ursula , Tüting Thomas , Bruns Heiko , Mougiakakos Dimitrios
Published: July 2022

Background: Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is characterized by the clonal expansion of malignant B-cells and multiple immune defects. This leads, among others, to severe infectious complications and inefficient immune surveillance. T-cell deficiencies in CLL include enhanced immune(-metabolic) exhaustion, impaired activation and cytokine production, and immunological synapse malformation. Several studies have meanwhile reported CLL-cell–T-cell interactions that culminate in T-cell dysfunction. However, the complex entirety of their interplay is incompletely understood. Here, we focused on the impact of CLL cell-derived vesicles (EVs), which are known to exert immunoregulatory effects, on T-cell function. Methods: We characterized EVs secreted by CLL-cells and determined their influence on T-cells in terms of survival, activation, (metabolic) fitness, and function. Results: We found that CLL-EVs hamper T-cell viability, proliferation, activation, and metabolism while fostering their exhaustion and formation of regulatory T-cell subsets. A detailed analysis of the CLL-EV cargo revealed an abundance of immunological checkpoints (ICs) that could explain the detected T-cell dysregulations. Conclusions: The identification of a variety of ICs loaded on CLL-EVs may account for T-cell defects in CLL patients and could represent a barrier for immunotherapies such as IC blockade or adoptive T-cell transfer. Our findings could pave way for improving antitumor immunity by simultaneously targeting EV formation or multiple ICs.
The RNA Content of Fungal Extracellular Vesicles: At the “Cutting-Edge” of Pathophysiology Regulation
Authors: Bitencourt Tamires A. , Pessoni André M. , Oliveira Bianca T. M. , Alves Lysangela R. , Almeida Fausto
Published: July 2022

The role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in interkingdom communication is widely accepted, and their role in intraspecies communication has been strengthened by recent research. Based on the regulation promoted by EV-associated molecules, the interactions between host and pathogens can reveal different pathways that ultimately affect infection outcomes. As a great part of the regulation is ascribable to RNA contained in EVs, many studies have focused on profiling RNAs in fungal and host EVs, tracking their accumulation during infection, and identifying potential target genes. Herein, we overview the main classes of RNA contained in fungal EVs and the biological processes regulated by these molecules, portraying a state-of-the-art picture of RNAs loaded in fungal EVs, while also raising several questions to drive future investigations. Our compiled data show unambiguously that EVs act as key elements in signaling pathways, and play a crucial role in pathosystems. A complete understanding of the processes that govern RNA content loading and trafficking, and its effect on recipient cells, will lead to improved technologies to ward off infectious agents that threaten human health.
Epigenetic Memories in Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells
Authors: Aoyama Kazumasa , Itokawa Naoki , Oshima Motohiko , Iwama Atsushi
Published: July 2022

The recent development of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies has contributed to research into various biological processes. These novel NGS technologies have revealed the involvement of epigenetic memories in trained immunity, which are responses to transient stimulation and result in better responses to secondary challenges. Not only innate system cells, such as macrophages, monocytes, and natural killer cells, but also bone marrow hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) have been found to gain memories upon transient stimulation, leading to the enhancement of responses to secondary challenges. Various stimuli, including microbial infection, can induce the epigenetic reprogramming of innate immune cells and HSCs, which can result in an augmented response to secondary stimulation. In this review, we introduce novel NGS technologies and their application to unraveling epigenetic memories that are key in trained immunity and summarize the recent findings in trained immunity. We also discuss our most recent finding regarding epigenetic memory in aged HSCs, which may be associated with the exposure of HSCs to aging-related stresses.
A Mechanistic Model for Cell Cycle Control in Which CDKs Act as Switches of Disordered Protein Phase Separation
Authors: Krasinska Liliana , Fisher Daniel
Published: July 2022

Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) are presumed to control the cell cycle by phosphorylating a large number of proteins involved in S-phase and mitosis, two mechanistically disparate biological processes. While the traditional qualitative model of CDK-mediated cell cycle control relies on differences in inherent substrate specificity between distinct CDK-cyclin complexes, they are largely dispensable according to the opposing quantitative model, which states that changes in the overall CDK activity level promote orderly progression through S-phase and mitosis. However, a mechanistic explanation for how such an activity can simultaneously regulate many distinct proteins is lacking. New evidence suggests that the CDK-dependent phosphorylation of ostensibly very diverse proteins might be achieved due to underlying similarity of phosphorylation sites and of the biochemical effects of their phosphorylation: they are preferentially located within intrinsically disordered regions of proteins that are components of membraneless organelles, and they regulate phase separation. Here, we review this evidence and suggest a mechanism for how a single enzyme’s activity can generate the dynamics required to remodel the cell at mitosis.
CAR T-Cell Targeting of Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor Receptor
Authors: Achkova Daniela Yordanova , Beatson Richard Esmond , Maher John
Published: July 2022

Macrophage colony-stimulating factor receptor (M-CSFR) is found in cells of the mononuclear phagocyte lineage and is aberrantly expressed in a range of tumours, in addition to tumour-associated macrophages. Consequently, a variety of cancer therapies directed against M-CSFR are under development. We set out to engineer chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) that employ the natural ligands of this receptor, namely M-CSF or interleukin (IL)-34, to achieve specificity for M-CSFR-expressing target cells. Both M-CSF and IL-34 bind to overlapping regions of M-CSFR, although affinity of IL-34 is significantly greater than that of M-CSF. Matched second- and third-generation CARs targeted using M-CSF or IL-34 were expressed in human T-cells using the SFG retroviral vector. We found that both M-CSF- and IL-34-containing CARs enable T-cells to mediate selective destruction of tumour cells that express enforced or endogenous M-CSFR, accompanied by production of both IL-2 and interferon (IFN)-γ. Although they contain an additional co-stimulatory module, third-generation CARs did not outperform second-generation CARs. M-CSF-containing CARs mediated enhanced cytokine production and cytolytic activity compared to IL-34-containing CARs. These data demonstrate the feasibility of targeting M-CSFR using ligand-based CARs and raise the possibility that the low picomolar affinity of IL-34 for M-CSFR is detrimental to CAR function.
Flightless I Negatively Regulates Macrophage Surface TLR4, Delays Early Inflammation, and Impedes Wound Healing
Authors: Mills Stuart J. , Ahangar Parinaz , Thomas Hannah M. , Hofma Benjamin R. , Murray Rachael Z. , Cowin Allison J.
Published: July 2022

TLR4 plays a pivotal role in orchestrating inflammation and tissue repair. Its expression has finally been balanced to initiate the early, robust immune response necessary for efficient repair without excessively amplifying and prolonging inflammation, which impairs healing. Studies show Flightless I (Flii) is an immunomodulator that negatively regulates macrophage TLR4 signalling. Using macrophages from Flii+/−, WT, and FliiTg/Tg mice, we have shown that elevated Flii reduces early TLR4 surface expression, delaying and reducing subsequent TNF secretions. In contrast, reduced Flii increases surface TLR4, leading to an earlier robust TNF peak. In Flii+/− mice, TLR4 levels peak earlier during wound repair, and overall healing is accelerated. Fewer neutrophils, monocytes and macrophages are recruited to Flii+/− wounds, leading to fewer TNF-positive macrophages, alongside an early peak and a robust shift to M2 anti-inflammatory, reparative Ym1+ and IL-10+ macrophages. Importantly, in diabetic mice, high Flii levels are found in plasma and unwounded skin, with further increases observed in their wounds, which have impaired healing. Lowering Flii in diabetic mice results in an earlier shift to M2 macrophages and improved healing. Overall, this suggests Flii regulation of TLR4 reduces early inflammation and decreases the M2 macrophage phenotype, leading to impaired healing.
Programmable, Universal DNAzyme Amplifier Supporting Pancreatic Cancer-Related miRNAs Detection
Authors: Nie Kunhan , Jiang Yongjian , Wang Na , Wang Yajun , Li Di , Zhan Lei , Huang Chengzhi , Li Chunmei
Published: July 2022

The abnormal expression of miRNA is closely related to the occurrence of pancreatic cancer. Herein, a programmable DNAzyme amplifier for the universal detection of pancreatic cancer-related miRNAs was proposed based on its programmability through the rational design of sequences. The fluorescence signal recovery of the DNAzyme amplifier showed a good linear relationship with the concentration of miR-10b in the range of 10–60 nM, with a detection limit of 893 pM. At the same time, this method displayed a high selectivity for miR-10b, with a remarkable discrimination of a single nucleotide difference. Furthermore, this method was also successfully used to detect miR-21 in the range of 10–60 nM based on the programmability of the DNA amplifier, exhibiting the universal application feasibility of this design. Overall, the proposed programmable DNAzyme cycle amplifier strategy shows promising potential for the simple, rapid, and universal detection of pancreatic cancer-related miRNAs, which is significant for improving the accuracy of pancreatic cancer diagnosis.
Polypyrrole Film Deposited-TiO2 Nanorod Arrays for High Performance Ultraviolet Photodetectors
Authors: Wang Huan , Qin Pei , Feng Yun-Hui , Sun Hui-Liang , Wu Hui-Xiang , Liao Bo-Kai , Xi Yue-Bin , Wang Wei
Published: July 2022

TiO2-based ultraviolet photodetectors have drawn great attention and are intensively explored. However, the construction of TiO2-based nanocomposites with excellent ultraviolet responses remains challenging. Herein, a TiO2 nanorod array was successfully prepared on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) conductive glass by a one-step hydrothermal method. Then, polypyrrole (PPy)-TiO2 nanorod array composites were designed via subsequent in situ oxidative polymerization. The morphologies, structures, and photocurrent responses of the nanocomposites were systematically investigated. The results demonstrated that polypyrrole-TiO2 exhibited a stronger photocurrent response than pure TiO2 due to the p-n junction formed between n-type TiO2 nanorod arrays and p-type polypyrrole. The PPy-TiO2 composite obtained by deposition three times had the best photoelectric properties, exhibiting good performance with a sensitivity of 41.7 and responsivity of 3.5 × 10−3 A/W. Finally, the mechanism of the photoelectrical response of PPy-TiO2 composites was discussed, guiding the design of high-performance TiO2-based ultraviolet photodetectors.
The Effect of Scandium on the Microstructure of the Aluminium Alloy AA 6086
Authors: Žist Sandi , Steinacher Matej , Bončina Tonica , Albu Mihaela , Burja Jaka , Vončina Maja , Zupanič Franc
Published: July 2022

The investigation studied the effects of 0.2 wt.% and 1 wt.% scandium (Sc) additions on the microstructure of the aluminium alloy AA 6086 in different conditions. The alloys were produced by casting into a metallic mould, followed by various heat treatments. The alloys were examined using light microscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, microchemical analysis, differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction. The phase compositions and solidification sequences were modelled using the CALPHAD approach, which reasonably agreed with the experimental results. The addition of Sc to AA 6086 strongly reduced the grain size of the Al-rich solid solution and induced the appearance of Sc-rich phases AlSc2Si2 and L12-Al3X. Other phases identified in the Sc-free alloy were also found in the Sc-modified alloys. Homogenisation caused the dissolution of most phases and the formation of different types of dispersoids. In the alloy with 0.2% Sc, the distribution of dispersoids was not uniform. The plate-like AlMnCrSi dispersoids formed mainly at the dendrite centres, together with spherical L12 precipitates, while smaller α-AlMnSi and tetragonal t-Al3Zr dispersoids were created elsewhere. The addition of 0.2% Sc did not considerably affect the strengthening of AA 6086. The precipitation during isothermal ageing was slightly delayed and shifted to higher temperatures during continuous heating.
Natural Forsterite Strongly Enriched in Boron: Crystal Structure and Spectroscopy
Authors: Peng Bijie , He Mingyue , Yang Mei , Wu Shaokun , Fan Jingxin
Published: July 2022

Boron is a typical crustal element and largely incompatible in olivine. Most natural olivine samples have very low concentrations of boron. Recently, forsterite with high boron content (up to 60.53 wt% MgO and 1795.91 ppm B) has been discovered in the Jian forsterite jade in the Jian area of northeast China. In this study, B-rich forsterite was examined by electron microprobes, Laser Ablation-Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry, Single crystal X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and infrared spectroscopy. The B-rich forsterite is orthorhombic, existing in space group Pnma, and its unit-cell parameters are: a = 10.1918(7) Å, b = 5.9689(4) Å, c = 4.7484(3) Å, α = 90°, β = 90°, γ = 90°, and V = 288.86(3) Å3. The results of single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis indicate that the unit-cell parameters (a, b, and c) and unit-cell volume of forsterite in Jian forsterite jade are much smaller than those of known olivine. An equivalent set of Raman and infrared spectra were measured for the natural B-rich forsterite and compared to the results for mantle forsterite with a Fo value of ~91. The Raman spectrum of B-rich forsterite is similar to that of mantle olivine. We conclude that the systematic peak position shifts towards higher Raman shift with increasing Fo content. The infrared spectrum of B-rich forsterite crystals is characterized by strong absorption bands at 761, 1168, 1259, and 1303 cm−1, which are assigned to stretching vibrations of BO3 groups. Our data further confirm the existence of the B(F, OH)Si–1O–1 coupled substitution in natural B-rich forsterite.
Impact of Age and Heart Rate on Strain-Derived Myocardial Work in a Population of Healthy Subjects
Authors: Santoro Ciro , Ilardi Federica , Esposito Roberta , Mandoli Giulia Elena , Canonico Mario Enrico , Buongiorno Federica , Canciello Grazia , Prastaro Maria , Losi Maria-Angela , Esposito Giovanni
Published: July 2022

Background: The influence of age and gender on strain-imaging-derived myocardial work (MW) was recently investigated in healthy subjects. No information is available on the impact of heart rate (HR) on MW. Methods: 177 healthy subjects (47% men, mean age 42 years) underwent an echo-Doppler exam, including quantification of global longitudinal strain (GLS). Cuff blood pressure was used as a surrogate of left ventricular peak pressure to estimate global work index (GWI), global constructive work (GCW), global wasted work (GWW) and global work efficiency (GWE). Statistical analyses were performed according to age and HR tertiles. Results: GWW was higher in the third HR tertile, i.e., ≥74 bpm (74.7 ± 33.6 mmHg %) than in the first HR tertile (<66 bpm) (61.0 ± 32.5 mmHg %) (p < 0.02). In the pooled population, by adjusting for systolic blood pressure, GLS, E/e’ ratio and left atrial volume index, age was independently associated with GCW (β = 0.748) and GWI (β = 0.685) (both p < 0.0001) and HR with GWW (β = 0.212, p = 0.006) and GWE (β = −0.204, p = 0.007). Conclusions: In healthy subjects age shows a mild influence on GCW. HR exerts an independent negative impact on GWW and GWE: the higher HR the greater wasted work and lower myocardial efficiency.
Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis—Diagnostic Procedures and Treatment of Two Beijing-like TB Cases
Authors: Kozińska Monika , Skowroński Marcin , Gruszczyński Paweł , Augustynowicz-Kopeć Ewa
Published: July 2022

The Beijing/W genotype is one of the major molecular families of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC), responsible for approximately 50% of tuberculosis (TB) cases in Far East Asia and at least 25% of TB cases globally. Studies have revealed that the Beijing genotype family is associated with a more severe clinical course of TB, increased ability to spread compared to other genotypes, and an unpredictable response to treatment. Based on the profile of spacers 35–43 in the Direct Repeat (DR) locus of the MTBC genome determined by spoligotyping, classical (typical) and modern (Beijing-like) clones can be identified within the Beijing family. While the modern and ancient Beijing strains appear to be closely related at the genetic level, there are marked differences in their drug resistance, as well as their ability to spread and cause disease. This paper presents two cases of drug-resistant tuberculosis caused by rare mycobacteria from the Beijing family: the Beijing 265 and Beijing 541 subtypes. The genotypes of isolated strains were linked with the clinical course of TB, and an attempt was made to initially assess whether the Beijing subtype can determine treatment outcomes in patients.
Nomenclature and Definition of Atrophic Lesions in Small Bowel Capsule Endoscopy: A Delphi Consensus Statement of the International CApsule endoscopy REsearch (I-CARE) Group
Authors: Elli Luca , Marinoni Beatrice , Sidhu Reena , Bojarski Christian , Branchi Federica , Tontini Gian Eugenio , Chetcuti Zammit Stefania , Khater Sherine , Eliakim Rami , Rondonotti Emanuele , Saurin Jean Cristhophe , Bruno Mauro , Buchkremer Juliane , Cadoni Sergio , Cavallaro Flaminia , Dray Xavier , Ellul Pierre , Urien Ignacio Fernandez , Keuchel Martin , Kopylov Uri , Koulaouzidis Anastasios , Leenhardt Romain , Baltes Peter , Beaumont Hanneke , Marmo Clelia , McNamara Deirdre , Mussetto Alessandro , Nemeth Artur , Cuadrado Robles Enrique Perez , Perrod Guillame , Rahmi Gabriel , Riccioni Maria Elena , Robertson Alexander , Spada Cristiano , Toth Ervin , Triantafyllou Konstantinos , Wurm Johansson Gabriele , Rimondi Alessandro
Published: July 2022

(1) Background: Villous atrophy is an indication for small bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE). However, SBCE findings are not described uniformly and atrophic features are sometimes not recognized; (2) Methods: The Delphi technique was employed to reach agreement among a panel of SBCE experts. The nomenclature and definitions of SBCE lesions suggesting the presence of atrophy were decided in a core group of 10 experts. Four images of each lesion were chosen from a large SBCE database and agreement on the correspondence between the picture and the definition was evaluated using the Delphi method in a broadened group of 36 experts. All images corresponded to histologically proven mucosal atrophy; (3) Results: Four types of atrophic lesions were identified: mosaicism, scalloping, folds reduction, and granular mucosa. The core group succeeded in reaching agreement on the nomenclature and the descriptions of these items. Consensus in matching the agreed definitions for the proposed set of images was met for mosaicism (88.9% in the first round), scalloping (97.2% in the first round), and folds reduction (94.4% in the first round), but granular mucosa failed to achieve consensus (75.0% in the third round); (4) Conclusions: Consensus among SBCE experts on atrophic lesions was met for the first time. Mosaicism, scalloping, and folds reduction are the most reliable signs, while the description of granular mucosa remains uncertain.
Multi-Modal Data Analysis for Pneumonia Status Prediction Using Deep Learning (MDA-PSP)
Authors: Sheu Ruey-Kai , Chen Lun-Chi , Wu Chieh-Liang , Pardeshi Mayuresh Sunil , Pai Kai-Chih , Huang Chien-Chung , Chen Chia-Yu , Chen Wei-Cheng
Published: July 2022

Evaluating several vital signs and chest X-ray (CXR) reports regularly to determine the recovery of the pneumonia patients at general wards is a challenge for doctors. A recent study shows the identification of pneumonia by the history of symptoms and signs including vital signs, CXR, and other clinical parameters, but they lack predicting the recovery status after starting treatment. The goal of this paper is to provide a pneumonia status prediction system for the early affected patient’s discharge from the hospital within 7 days or late discharge more than 7 days. This paper aims to design a multimodal data analysis for pneumonia status prediction using deep learning classification (MDA-PSP). We have developed a system that takes an input of vital signs and CXR images of the affected patient with pneumonia from admission day 1 to day 3. The deep learning then classifies the health status improvement or deterioration for predicting the possible discharge state. Therefore, the scope is to provide a highly accurate prediction of the pneumonia recovery on the 7th day after 3-day treatment by the SHAP (SHapley Additive exPlanation), imputation, adaptive imputation-based preprocessing of the vital signs, and CXR image feature extraction using deep learning based on dense layers-batch normalization (BN) with class weights for the first 7 days’ general ward patient in MDA-PSP. A total of 3972 patients with pneumonia were enrolled by de-identification with an adult age of 71 mean ± 17 sd and 64% of them were male. After analyzing the data behavior, appropriate improvement measures are taken by data preprocessing and feature vectorization algorithm. The deep learning method of Dense-BN with SHAP features has an accuracy of 0.77 for vital signs, 0.92 for CXR, and 0.75 for the combined model with class weights. The MDA-PSP hybrid method-based experiments are proven to demonstrate higher prediction accuracy of 0.75 for pneumonia patient status. Henceforth, the hybrid methods of machine and deep learning for pneumonia patient discharge are concluded to be a better approach.
Clinical Behavior of the Gingival Margin following Conservative “Coronally Dynamic” Restorations in the Presence of Non-Carious Cervical Lesions Associated with Gingival Recession: A Pilot Study
Authors: Femiano Felice , Sorice Rossella , Femiano Rossella , Femiano Luigi , Nucci Ludovica , Grassia Vincenzo , Annunziata Marco , Baldi Andrea , Scotti Nicola , Nastri Livia
Published: July 2022

Gingival recessions (GR) are often associated with the presence of non-carious cervical lesions (NCCL). The latter result in the disappearance of the cement–enamel junction (CEJ), with consequent difficulties both in measuring the recession itself and in performing root coverage techniques. The restoration of cervical lesions is consequently an important aspect in the treatment of GR, with the re-establishment of a “new” CEJ. This pilot study aimed to verify whether restorative therapy alone, with the execution of a restoration that mimics the convexity of the natural CEJ and thanks to a slight horizontal over-contour, can stabilize a clot in the intrasulcular site and consequently is able to change the position of the gingival margin in a coronal direction. In periodontally healthy patients, with a non-thin gingival phenotype, 10 GR-associated NCCL restorations were performed using a protocol inspired by concepts of prosthetic conditioning, with a progressively reduced convexity (“coronally dynamic restoration”) and de-epithelialization of the gingival sulcus. We observed that 70% of the treated teeth showed a reduction in crown length after 15 days (−0.267 mm), without an increase in probing depth. While considering the limitations of the sample and the need to evaluate the different parameters that can affect the result, the coronally dynamic restoration of NCCL with GR was able to influence the position of the gingival margin in a coronal direction.
Asymmetric Fractal Characteristics and Market Efficiency Analysis of Style Stock Indices
Authors: Xu Chao , Ke Jinchuan , Peng Zhikai , Fang Wen , Duan Yu
Published: July 2022

As a typical complex system, the stock market has attracted the attention of scholars and investors to comprehensively understand its fractal characteristics and analyze its market efficiency. Firstly, this paper proposes an asymmetric, detrended fluctuation analysis based on overlapping sliding windows (OSW-A-MFDFA). It reduces the generation of fluctuation errors, and the calculation results are more robust and reliable. The advantage of the OSW-A-MFDFA is that it not only can reveal the multifractal characteristics of time series clearly, but also can further accurately analyze the asymmetry of fractal characteristics under different trends. Secondly, this paper focuses on the variation in the width difference and height difference of the multifractal spectrum under different trends. Finally, based on multifractality, this paper proposes a comprehensive indicator MED that can be used to measure market efficiency, which is characterized by traversing all fluctuation orders. The application revealed many interesting findings in style stock indices. Style stock indices have asymmetric multifractal characteristics, and there are significant differences in the fractal spectrum of different style assets. Moreover, the market efficiency of style stock indices is time-varying, which can be reasonably explained from the perspective of the adaptive market hypothesis.
Managing Food Imports for Food Security in Qatar
Authors: Kaitibie Simeon , Irungu Patrick , Ng’ombe John N. , Missiame Arnold
Published: July 2022

Faced with food supply disruptions due in part to geopolitics and political instability in its traditional food source markets in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, Qatar—a wealthy, highly import-dependent open economy—plans to identify a set of alternative markets that can assure it of a stable food supply chain and food security. This study develops a set of preferences and import substitution elasticities for the country’s four most important food categories: meats, dairy, vegetables, and cereals. We used quarterly food import data from 2004 to 2017 and the Restricted Source-Differentiated Almost Ideal Demand System (RSDAIDS) to estimate import-substitution elasticities for meats, dairy, vegetables, and cereals imported by Qatar. Based on our findings, India, Australia, and the Netherlands emerged as Qatar’s most competitive sources of food, followed by Brazil, Jordan, and Argentina. Qatar can assure sustained demand for food imports from the aforementioned countries in order to address its food security.
Risk Management Using Network Thinking Methodology on the Example of Rail Transport
Authors: Bekisz Agnieszka , Kowacka Magdalena , Kruszyński Michał , Dudziak-Gajowiak Dominika , Debita Grzegorz
Published: July 2022

The purpose of the article is to define the risk factors in rail transport and to show that the lack of sufficient identification of risks in individual phases affects the implementation of this type of transport. A literature study has been conducted to identify key risk factors and their impact on rail transport in Poland. For this purpose, a list of railway accidents in 2010–2020 in which people were injured, or there were significant losses in terms of the environment was presented. The realization of the objective focused on research proceedings covering the theoretical and cognitive sphere. This study included an analysis of the existing theoretical heritage in the area of risk management processes in rail transport, as well as a survey of the empirical research, which concentrated on the identification and assessment of key factors that influence the realization of rail transport in Poland. The work is of a utilitarian nature, as the need for conscious risk management has been demonstrated in rail transport, and guidelines for risk management in rail transport have been developed. In addition, the paper presents the possibilities offered by modeling a problem situation with the help of network thinking methodology for solving complex problems, including supporting creativity on the example of railroad transport in Poland. To define problem situations in the studied area, a complex process of a multifaceted approach to the analyzed issue is required. When assessing the effectiveness of risk management in rail transport, one should take into account the adverse factors influencing the studied phenomenon. The main sources used to write this article were the available literature in the field of emergency management and publications on railroad transport. The conclusions have been based on the results of logical analysis, verified empirically with the use of statistical methods.
Optimised Adjoint Sensitivity Analysis Using Adjoint Guided Mesh Adaptivity Applied to Neutron Detector Response Calculations
Authors: Buchan Andrew G. , Cacuci Dan G. , Dargaville Steven , Pain Christopher C.
Published: July 2022

This article presents a new approach for the efficient calculation of sensitivities in radiation dose estimates, subject to imprecisely known nuclear material cross-section data. The method is a combined application of adjoint-based models to perform, simultaneously, both the sensitivity calculation together with optimal adaptive mesh refinement. Adjoint-based sensitivity methods are known for their efficiency since they enable sensitivities of all parameters to be formed through only two solutions to the problem. However, the efficient solutions can also be obtained by their computation on optimal meshes, here guided by goal-based adjoint approaches. It is shown that both mesh adaptivity and sensitivity can be computed by the same adjoint solution, meaning both can be performed without additional costs. A simple demonstration is presented based on the Maynard fixed-source problem where uncertainties, with respect to material cross-sections, of doses received in local regions are examined. It is shown that the method is able to calculate sensitivities with reduced computational costs in terms of memory and potentially computational time through reduced mesh size when using adaptive resolution in comparison to uniform resolution. In particular, it is the local spatial contributions to the sensitivity that are resolved more effectively due to the adaptive meshes concentrating resolution in those areas contributing the most to its value.
Improvement of the Grid-Tied Solar-Wind System with a Storage Battery for the Self-Consumption of a Local Object
Authors: Shavolkin Olexandr , Shvedchykova Iryna , Kolcun Michal , Medved’ Dušan
Published: July 2022

This work aimed to improve how the equipment of a grid-tied solar-wind system used the installed power of the storage battery while reducing the cost of electricity consumed by a local object from the grid. A method for calculating the parameters for a given load schedule is proposed, along with the value of the reduction in electricity consumption. Values for the power generation of a wind generator and photovoltaic battery are based on archival data. The possible power ratio of the wind generator and the photovoltaic battery is 1:8.33. The formation of the state of charge of the battery involves: a calculation of its value for the morning peak according to the forecast for the next day; adjustable discharge in the evening with full or partial compensation for the load consumption according to the forecast for the next day; a night charge with a given current value. At a one-tariff plan, one battery discharge cycle per day is used. A night charge from the grid is not used. With a two-tariff plan and the use of a night battery charge from the grid, one discharge cycle is used in the spring-summer-autumn period. The simulation confirms the possibility of reducing electricity costs by 2.9 times in winter, which corresponds to the set value, alongside a complete elimination of costs in summer.
Investigation of Pyrolysis Behavior of Sewage Sludge by Thermogravimetric Analysis Coupled with Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry Using Different Heating Rates
Authors: Miskolczi Norbert , Tomasek Szabina
Published: July 2022

In this study, pyrolysis of municipal sewage sludge samples from different sources including cattle and chicken manure as well as brook mud, was investigated using a thermogravimetric analysis coupled with a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (TG-FTIR) at different heating rates (25, 50 and 100 °C/min). In order to determine the kinetic parameters, Arrhenius, model-free Kissinger–Akira–Sunose (KAS), as well as Friedman and Flynn–Wall–Ozawa (FWO) methods were compared. The thermogravimetric results revealed that pyrolysis involved different stages, and that the main decomposition reactions took place in the range of 200–600 °C. In this range, decomposition of biodegradable components (e.g., lipids and polysaccharides), proteins and carbohydrates occurred; meanwhile, there were samples (e.g., cattle manure, brook mud) in which the decomposition step could be observed even at temperatures above 700 °C. According to the Arrhenius method, the activation energies of the first decomposition stage were between 25.6 and 85.4 kJ/mol, while the activation energies of the second and third stages were in the ranges of 11.4–36.3 kJ/mol and 20.2–135 kJ/mol, respectively. The activation energies were also calculated by the KAS, Friedman and FWO methods, which were in the range of 100–300 kJ/mol for municipal sewage sludge or distillery sludge, and ranged between 9.6 and 240 kJ/mol for cattle manure, chicken manure and brook mud samples.
Occurrence of Toxic Biogenic Amines in Various Types of Soft and Hard Cheeses and Their Control by Bacillus polymyxa D05-1
Authors: Saad Marwa A. , Abd-Rabou Hagar S. , Elkhtab Ebrahim , Rayan Ahmed M. , Abdeen Ahmed , Abdelkader Afaf , Ibrahim Samah F. , Hussien Heba
Published: July 2022

Egyptian cheeses are considered an important part of the Egyptian diet. This study aimed to examine 60 random samples of different types of commercial cheeses in Egypt, including soft cheeses (Domiati and Tallaga) and hard cheeses (Cheddar and Ras). The samples were subjected to chemical and microbial examination. Biogenic amines (BAs) are nitrogenous compounds found in a variety of foods; their presence is undesirable and related to spoilage, and can result in toxicological effects in humans. Thus, BAs were determined by using a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. Moreover, the ability of Bacillus polymyxa D05-1 to reduce levels of experimentally added biogenic amines during the manufacturing of Tallaga cheese was investigated. The obtained results revealed variations in the chemical composition between the investigated samples. Furthermore, many cheese samples contained high levels of BAs, including histamine, tyramine and putrescine. Domiati cheese had the highest levels of BAs, followed by Tallaga and Cheddar, whereas Ras cheese had the lowest levels. The existence of yeasts, molds, coliforms and the high levels of BAs in cheese samples indicate the unsanitary conditions in which they were made and stored. Furthermore, addition of B. polymyxa D05-1 during Tallaga cheese manufacturing resulted in a reduction in BA levels.
Isolation and Properties of Cellulose Nanocrystals Fabricated by Ammonium Persulfate Oxidation from Sansevieria trifasciata Fibers
Authors: Indirasetyo Nafiis Lazuardi , Kusmono
Published: July 2022

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) were successfully prepared from Sansevieria trifasciata fibers (STFs) via ammonium persulfate (APS) oxidation in this study. The influences of the APS concentration (1.1, 1.5, and 1.9 M) and oxidation temperature (60, 70, and 80 °C) on the characteristics of CNCs were studied. The resulting CNCs were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The TEM observations revealed that the rod-like CNCs possessed average length and diameter ranges of 96 to 211 nm and 5 to 13 nm, respectively, which led to an aspect ratio range of 16–19. The optimum conditions for maximum crystallinity were achieved at an oxidation temperature of 70 °C, a reaction time of 16 h, and an APS concentration of 1.5 M. All CNCs exhibited lower thermal stability compared to the STFs. The CNCs could be produced from the STFs through the APS oxidation process and showed potential as nanocomposite reinforcement materials.