bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Filament Negative Regulator CDC4 Suppresses Glycogen Phosphorylase Encoded GPH1 That Impacts the Cell Wall-Associated Features in Candida albicans
Authors: Lai Wei-Chung , Hsu Hsiao-Chi , Cheng Chun-Wen , Wang Shao-Hung , Li Wan Chen , Hsieh Po-Szu , Tseng Tzu-Ling , Lin Ting-Hui , Shieh Jia-Ching
Published: February 2022

We have previously identified Candida albicans GPH1 (orf19.7021) whose protein product was associated with C. albicans Cdc4. The GPH1 gene is a putative glycogen phosphorylase because its Saccharomyces cerevisiae homolog participates in glycogen catabolism, which involves the synthesis of β-glucan of the fungal cell wall. We made a strain whose CaCDC4 expression is repressed, and GPH1 is constitutively expressed. We established a GPH1 null mutant strain and used it to conduct the in vitro virulence assays that detect cell wall function. The in vitro virulence assay is centered on biofilm formation in which analytic procedures are implemented to evaluate cell surface hydrophobicity; competence, either in stress resistance, germ tube formation, or fibronection association; and the XTT-based adhesion and biofilm formation. We showed that the constitutively expressed GPH1 partially suppresses filamentation when the CaCDC4 expression is repressed. The C. albicans Gph1 protein is reduced in the presence of CaCdc4 in comparison with the absence of CaCdc4. Compared with the wild-type strain, the gph1Δ/gph1Δ mutant displayed a reduction in the capability to form germ tubes and the cell surface hydrophobicity but an increase in binding with fibronectin. Compared with the wild-type strain, the gph1Δ/gph1Δ mutant showed a rise in adhesion, the initial stage of biofilm formation, but displayed a similar capacity to form a mature biofilm. There was no major impact on the gph1Δ/gph1Δ mutant regarding the conditions of cell wall damaging and TOR pathway-associated nutrient depletion. We conclude that GPH1, adversely regulated by the filament suppressor CDC4, contributes to cell wall function in C. albicans.
Short-Term Snow Removal Alters Fungal but Not Bacterial Beta Diversity and Structure during the Spring Snowmelt Period in a Meadow Steppe of China
Authors: Xu Hengkang , Liu Nan , Zhang Yingjun
Published: February 2022

Global climate change is altering the amounts of ice and snow in winter, and this could be a major driver of soil microbial processes. However, it is not known how bacterial and fungal communities will respond to changes in the snow cover. We conducted a snow manipulation experiment to study the effects of snow removal on the diversity and composition of soil bacterial and fungal communities. A snow manipulation experiment was carried out on the meadow steppe in Hulunbuir, Inner Mongolia, China, during the winter period October 2019–March 2020. Soil samples were collected from the topsoil (0–10 cm) in mid-March 2020 (spring snowmelt period). Snow removal significantly reduced soil moisture and soil ammonium concentration. Lower snow cover also significantly changed the fungal community structure and beta diversity. Snow removal did not affect the bacterial community, indicating that fungal communities are more sensitive to snow exclusion than bacterial communities. The relative importance analysis (using the Lindeman–Merenda–Gold method) showed that available nitrogen (AN), soil water content (SWC), total organic carbon (TOC), microbial biomass carbon (MBC), and microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN) together explained 94.59% of the variation in soil fungal beta diversity, where AN was identified as the most important predictor. These finding provide insights into potential impacts of climate warming and associated reduced snow cover on soil microbial communities and processes.
Contributions of a Histone Deacetylase (SirT2/Hst2) to Beauveria bassiana Growth, Development, and Virulence
Authors: Cai Qing , Tian Li , Xie Jia-Tao , Jiang Dao-Hong , Keyhani Nemat O.
Published: February 2022

Sirtuins are a class of histone deacetylases that promote heterochromatin formation to repress transcription. The entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana contains six sirtuin homologs. The class III histone deacetylase, BbSir2, has been previously shown to affect the regulation of carbon/nitrogen metabolism and asexual development, with only moderate effects on virulence. Here, we examine another class III histone deacetylase (BbSirT2) and show that it contributes to deacetylation of lysine residues on histone H4-K16ac. Directed gene-knockout of BbSirT2 dramatically reduced conidiation, the ability of the fungus to metabolize a range of carbon and nitrogen sources, and tolerances to oxidative, heat, and UV stress and significantly attenuated virulence in both intrahemocoel injection and topical bioassays using the Greater wax moth (Galleria mellonella) as the insect host. ΔBbSirT2 cells showed alterations in cell cycle development and hyphal septation and produced morphologically aberrant conidia. Comparative transcriptomic analyses of wild type versus ΔBbSirT2 cells indicated differential expression of 1148 genes. Differentially expressed genes were enriched in pathways involved in cell cycle and rescue, carbon/nitrogen metabolism, and pathogenesis. These included changes in the expression of polyketide synthases (PKSs) and LysM effector proteins that contribute to degradation of host toxins and target host pathways, respectively. These data indicate contributions of BbSirT2 in helping to mediate fungal stress and development, with the identification of affected gene targets that can help account for the observed reduced virulence phenotype.
Sensitivity Testing of Natural Antifungal Agents on Fusarium fujikuroi to Investigate the Potential for Sustainable Control of Kiwifruit Leaf Spot Disease
Authors: Chen Tingting , Wu Xia , Dai Yunyun , Yin Xianhui , Zhao Zhibo , Zhang Zhuzhu , Li Wenzhi , He Linan , Long Youhua
Published: February 2022

Kiwifruit is a nutritious and economically important fruit that is widely cultivated in China. In 2021, leaf spot disease of kiwifruit was discovered in the main kiwifruit-producing area of Xifeng County, Guizhou Province, China. Leaf spot disease weakens plant photosynthesis and reduces nutrient synthesis, thereby affecting plant growth. We studied the morphological characteristics and performed a combined analysis of EF-1α, RPB2, and TUB2 genes of Fusarium fujikuroi, a fungus associated with leaf spot disease. The pathogenicity of F. fujikuroi followed Koch’s hypothesis, confirming that this fungus is the cause of kiwifruit leaf spot disease. The sensitivity of seven natural antifungal agents against F. fujikuroi was measured using the mycelial growth rate method. Honokiol, cinnamaldehyde, and osthol showed good antifungal effects against F. fujikuroi, with EC50 values of 18.50, 64.60, and 64.86 μg/mL, respectively. The regression coefficient of cinnamaldehyde was the largest at 2.23, while that of honokiol was the smallest at 0.408. Fusarium fujikuroi was the most sensitive to cinnamaldehyde.
Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) in DIEP-Flap Breast Reconstructions—A Comparison of Two Reconstructive Centers with and without ERAS-Protocol
Authors: Linder Sora , Walle Leonard , Loucas Marios , Loucas Rafael , Frerichs Onno , Fansa Hisham
Published: February 2022

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) is established for autologous breast reconstruction. ERAS leads to a shortened hospital stay and improved outcome after elective surgery. In this retrospective, two-center case–control study, we compared two different treatment regimens for patients undergoing a DIEP-flap breast reconstruction from two centers, one with an established ERAS protocol and one without. All patients with DIEP breast reconstructions over the period of 12 months were included. The primary outcome measure was the length of hospital stay (LOS) in days. A total of 79 patients with 95 DIEP-flaps were analyzed. In group A (ERAS) 42 patients were operated with DIEP flaps, in group B (non-ERAS) 37 patients. LOS was significantly reduced in the ERAS group (4.51 days) compared to the non-ERAS group (6.32; p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that, in group A, LOS is significantly affected by surgery duration. BMI in the ERAS group had no effect on LOS. In group B a higher BMI resulted in a significantly higher LOS. In multivariate analysis, neither age nor type for surgery (primary/secondary/after neoadjuvant therapy, etc.) affected LOS. In both groups, no systemic or flap-related complications were observed. Comparing two reconstructive centers with and without implemented ERAS, ERAS led to a significantly decreased LOS for all patients. ERAS implementation does not result in an increased complication rate or flap loss. Postoperative pain can be well managed with basic analgesia using NSAID when intraoperative blocks are applied. The reduced use of opioids was well tolerated. With implementation of ERAS the recovery experience can be enhanced making autologous breast reconstructions more available and attractive for various patients.
Breast Cancer Patients’ Experiences with Online Group-Based Physical Exercise in a COVID-19 Context: A Focus Group Study
Authors: Garcia-Roca Maria Elena , Rodriguez-Arrastia Miguel , Ropero-Padilla Carmen , Hernando Domingo Carlos , Folch-Ayora Ana , Temprado-Albalat Maria Dolores , Boldo-Roda Ana , Collado-Boira Eladio
Published: February 2022

In patients with breast cancer, physical exercise reduces the toxicity of treatment; however, this physical exercise must meet a set of criteria, such as being guided by knowledgeable instructors. Thus, the aim of this study was to explore the perceptions of female breast cancer patients regarding the impact of an online physical exercise programme in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nineteen female breast cancer patients participated in four focus group interviews as part of a qualitative study using a thematic analysis between December 2020 and May 2021. Three major themes emerged: “Experiences and perceptions of online physical exercise with breast cancer”; “Incorporating exercise-based activity for cancer-related side effects”; and “Increasing self-esteem and empowerment”. Online, live-streamed, and supervised group activities help breast cancer patients engage and prevent the recurrence of cancer-related side effects, as well as to control COVID-19-related fear and provide an alternative to promote mental health-related quality of life.
How Elementary Pre-Service Teachers Use Scientific Knowledge to Justify Their Reasoning about the Electrification Phenomena by Friction
Authors: Métioui Abdeljalil
Published: February 2022

This article uses a qualitative research method to identify eighty elementary pre-service teachers’ conceptual representations concerning static electricity. We carry out this analysis using a paper and pencil questionnaire. This study shows that pre-service teachers have an erroneous understanding compared to those commonly accepted by the scientific community. The inaccurate representations identified are relevant for developing teaching strategies focused on conceptual conflict.
Buffer Green Patches around Urban Road Network as a Tool for Sustainable Soil Management
Authors: Petrova Slaveya , Nikolov Bogdan , Velcheva Iliana , Angelov Nikola , Valcheva Ekaterina , Katova Aneliya , Golubinova Irena , Marinov-Serafimov Plamen
Published: February 2022

Urban areas are facing a range of environmental challenges including air, water and soil pollution as a result of industrial, domestic and traffic emissions. In addition, global climate change is likely to aggravate certain urban problems and disturb the urban ecology by increasing the frequency and severity of extreme weather events. In the context of urbanization growth and the consequent impact on the environment, there is a growing interest in maintaining urban soil quality and functions as they are the medium for green infrastructure development. Furthermore, urban soils are becoming one of the key factors in the delivery of many ecosystem services such as carbon storage, climate regulation, water flow regulation, etc. On the other hand, urban soils are well-known to be a major sink of air pollutants due to the wet and dry atmospheric deposition and recirculation. Soil has the ability to degrade some chemical contaminants but when the levels are high, urban soils could hold on large amounts and pose a risk to human health. A cost-effective technological solution is to use the ability of some plant species to metabolize, accumulate and detoxify heavy metals or other harmful organic or inorganic compounds from the soil layer. The establishment of urban lawns (grass covered surfaces) is a helpful, environmentally friendly, economically sustainable and cost-effective approach to remove contaminants from polluted soils (terrains), which also has some aesthetic benefits. In this paper, an overview of the benefits and limitations of urban lawn construction is presented. The focus is on the perspectives for sustainable management of urban lawns, especially as buffer green patches in the road network surroundings, that can represent strategies to provide ecological and social multifunctionality of urban soils, and thus, increasing their ecosystem services capacity. Specifically, the paper highlights (i) the possibilities for phytoremediation of urban soils, (ii) potential of some perennial grasses and (iii) key issues that should be considered in the planning and design of urban lawns.
Adaptive Management of Cultivated Land Use Zoning Based on Land Types Classification: A Case Study of Henan Province
Authors: Liu Yanan , Wu Kening , Li Xiaoliang , Li Xiao , Cao Hailong
Published: February 2022

Cultivated land serves as an important resource to ensure national food security, and how to allocate cultivated land reasonably and sustainably is an urgent problem that needs to be solved at present. Therefore, identifying land cultivability from the basic attributes of land and carrying out adaptive management measures in different zones is an effective way. Taking Henan province as a case study area, we proposed a research scheme for the adaptive management of cultivated land use zoning based on land types. First, a three-level land types classification system at the provincial level was established from five aspects—climate, topography, geology, soil properties, and hydrological conditions—and then Henan was divided into 39 first-level units, 4358 second-level units, and 6446 third-level units. On this basis, the changes in the status of land use in Henan province from 2009 to 2018 were analyzed from the four aspects of cultivated land utilization, population, grain yield, and GDP. The amount of cultivated land decreased, while the economy grew, the population increased, and grain yield increased, indicating that it is urgent to pay attention to the problem of cultivated land, and it is necessary to identify the potential space of cultivated land and manage and protect it reasonably. Based on the land types, evaluation of cultivability was carried out, the results showed that the degree of cultivability from high to low presented a transitional spatial distribution state from the east and the south to the middle, the north, and the west. Then superimposing the status of land use, six types of protection and management zones were proposed, and management suggestions were adaptively analyzed. The ideas and methods proposed in this study can be adapted to manage and utilize cultivated land from the perspective of sustainable utilization, which is of great significance for ensuring food security.
Location of Coworking Spaces (CWSs) Regarding Vicinity, Land Use and Points of Interest (POIs)
Authors: Hölzel Marco , Kolsch Kai-Hendrik , de Vries Walter Timo
Published: February 2022

Background: The place of work is, besides the place of residence, a main travel destination in the course of the day for working people, who make up the majority of western European societies. Other daily destinations, such as those for childcare, social activities, and buying groceries, are spatially related to both of these. This article aims to detect if and how the character of the neighbourhood and the associated land use is related to the location of coworking spaces. Specifically, we investigate the spatial relation between coworking spaces (CWSs) in peripheral and non-peripheral regions to specific points of interest (POIs). These POIs could be daily destinations relevant for a common lifestyle of working people. The data rely on identifying the location of CWSs (peripheral/non-peripheral, land use) in Germany and relating the location of CWSs to the location of POIs using georeferenced data. The results show an accumulation of CWSs and POIs in non-peripheral regions and residential areas and a higher number of specific POIs in their vicinity. From these results, we infer that a relatively higher number of specific POIs in the vicinity of CWSs makes it more likely to use this service and thus provides specific advantages to users of CWSs. If work is performed in a CWS close to the place of residence, other daily destinations could be reached in a short time and the spending capacity could remain in the local economy. The quality of life could increase, and the commute is shrinking with effects on traffic, carbon emission, and work–life balance. Further research could investigate whether this also occurs in an international context, and could focus on developing social-spatial models, by making of use remote sensing. In this way, one could measure the impact on public space and on the neighbourhood of CWSs more quantitatively.
Land Cover Dynamics along the Urban–Rural Gradient of the Port-au-Prince Agglomeration (Republic of Haiti) from 1986 to 2021
Authors: Salomon Waselin , Useni Sikuzani Yannick , Sambieni Kouagou Raoul , Kouakou Akoua Tamia Madeleine , Barima Yao Sadaiou Sabas , Théodat Jean Marie , Bogaert Jan
Published: February 2022

The landscape of the Port-au-Prince agglomeration in the Republic of Haiti has undergone profound changes linked to (peri-)urban expansion supported by rapid demographic growth. We quantify the land cover dynamics along the urban–rural gradient of the Port-au-Prince agglomeration using Landsat images from 1986, 1998, 1999, 2010, and 2021 coupled with geographic information systems and landscape ecology analysis tools. The results show that over 35 years the acreage of the urban zone increased seven-fold while that of the peri-urban area increased five-fold, to the detriment of the rural zone, which was reduced by 14%. The dynamics of the landscape composition along the urban–rural gradient are characterized by a rapid progression of built-up and bare land in urban and peri-urban zones and by fields in the rural zone, in contrast to the more accentuated regression of vegetation in the peri-urban zone. The landscape of the study area has undergone significant changes due to the high demand for housing resulting from rapid population growth, in the context of a lack of territorial development planning by public authorities. This impacts the sustainability of socio-economic and ecological processes in an area where populations are highly dependent on plant resources. Our results underline the necessity to orient territorial development planning in urban, peri-urban and rural zones through an integrated and participatory approach.
In Vivo Radioprotective Potential of Newly Synthesized Azomethine and Styrylquinoline Derivatives and a Natural Polyphenol: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Nikolova Nevena , Ivanova Donika , Yaneva Zvezdelina
Published: February 2022

The aim of the present study was to investigate the radioprotective activity of silymarin, a plant substance with hepatoprotective activity, of four newly synthesized structural derivatives of anthranilic acid azomethines, and alkyl-2-styrylquinolinic acid, as well as to establish and assess the influence of the solvent type and bioactive compound dose on the in vivo radioprotective potential of the natural and novel synthetic compounds. Male Wistar strain rats weighing 110–120 g were used for the in vivo experiments. Fifteen minutes after i.p. injection of the compounds, the experimental animals were irradiated by 8 Gy. Results indicate that the compound 2-{[(3,5-dihydro-2-hydroxyphenyl)methylen] amino}-benzoic acid in a dose of 60 mg/kg body weight exhibited the highest radioprotective effect, whereas the natural extract silymarin did not manifest radioprotective potential, even in high doses.
Induction of Systemic Resistance against Sheath Blight in Rice by Different Pseudomonas Isolates
Authors: Elsharkawy Mohsen , Sakran Raghda , Ahmad Abdelmonim , Behiry Said , Abdelkhalek Ahmed , Hassan Mohamed , Khedr Amr
Published: February 2022

Sheath blight disease is a fungal pathogen that causes leaf blight in rice plants, resulting in significant yield losses throughout the growing season. Pseudomonas spp. have long been used as biocontrol agents for a variety of plant diseases. Four Pseudomonas isolates were tested for their ability to promote rice growth and generate systemic resistance to Rhizoctonia solani, the causal pathogen of sheath blight disease. In vitro, Pseudomonas isolates produced the growth hormone indole acetic acid (0.82–1.82 mg L−1). Additionally, seed treatment with Pseudomonas putida suspension outperformed P. brassicacearum, P. aeruginosa and P. resinovorans in terms of germination and vigor evaluation. The maximum seed germination of 89% was recorded after seed treatments with a fresh suspension of P. putida, followed by 87% germination in P. aeruginosa treatment, compared with only 74% germination in the untreated controls. When compared with the infected control plants, all Pseudomonas isolates were non-pathogenic to rice and their co-inoculation considerably enhanced plant growth and health by reducing the disease index to 37% and improving plant height (26%), fresh weight (140%) and dry weight (100%). All Pseudomonas isolates effectively reduced sheath blight disease incidence, as well as the fungicide carbendazim, which is recommended for field management of R. solani. In comparison to untreated control seedlings, treatment with Pseudomonas isolates enhanced the production of peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase enzymes and the expression of the phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) and NPR1 genes, which could be involved in disease incidence reduction. In conclusion, the use of Pseudomonas spp. has been demonstrated to improve rice growth and resistance to R. solani while also providing an environmentally acceptable option to the agroecosystems.
Biomagnetic Flow with CoFe2O4 Magnetic Particles through an Unsteady Stretching/Shrinking Cylinder
Authors: Ferdows Mohammad , Alam Jahangir , Murtaza Ghulam , Tzirtzilakis Efstratios E. , Sun Shuyu
Published: February 2022

The study of biomagnetic fluid flow and heat transfer containing magnetic particles through an unsteady stretching/shrinking cylinder was numerically investigated in this manuscript. Biomagnetic fluid namely blood taken as base fluid and CoFe2O4 as magnetic particles. Where blood acts as an electrically conducting fluid along with magnetization/polarization. The main concentration is to study a time-dependent biomagnetic fluid flow with magnetic particles that passed through a two dimensional stretching/shrinking cylinder under the influence of thermal radiation, heat source and partial slip condition which has not been studied yet as far as best knowledge of authors. This model is consistent with the principles of magnetohydrodynamic and ferrohydrodynamic. The flow equations, such as momentum, energy which is described physically by a system of coupled, nonlinear partial differential equation with appropriate boundary conditions and converted into a nonlinear system of ordinary differential equations by using suitable similarity transformations. The resultant ODEs numerically solved by applying by applying an efficient numerical technique based on a common finite differencing method along with central differencing, tridiagonal matrix manipulation and an iterative procedure. The values assigned to the parameters are compatible with human body conditions. The numerous results concerning velocity, temperature and pressure field, as well as the skin friction and the rate of heat transfer, are presented for the parameters exhibiting physical significance, such as ferromagnetic interaction parameter, magnetic field parameter, volume fraction, unsteady parameter, curvature parameter, etc. The main numerical findings are that the fluid velocity is decreased as the ferromagnetic number is enhanced gradually in both stretching or shrinking cases whereas, the opposite behavior is found for the skin friction coefficient. The rate of heat transfer with ferromagnetic interaction parameter was also monitored and found that opposite behavior occurs for stretching and shrinking cases. Comparisons were made to check the accuracy of the present numerical results with published literature and found to be in excellent agreement. Hopefully, this proposed model will control the blood flow rate, as well as the rate of heat transfer, such as magnetic hyperthermia.
Companion to the Ostrowski–Grüss-Type Inequality of the Chebyshev Functional with an Application
Authors: Kovač Sanja , Vukelić Ana
Published: February 2022

Recently, there have been many proven results of the Ostrowski–Grüss-type inequality regarding the error bounds for the Chebyshev functional when the functions or their derivatives belong to Lp spaces. In the existing literature, the main assumption in the weight-type results is that the derivative of the function is bounded by two constant functions. The aim of our paper is to extend those results in a way that the derivative of the function is bounded by two functions in Lp spaces. Furthermore, we give some new error estimations of the Chebyshev functional and applications to the one-point weight integral formulas.
Functional Representation of the Intentional Bounded Rationality of Decision-Makers: A Laboratory to Study the Decisions a Priori
Authors: Sáenz-Royo Carlos , Chiclana Francisco , Herrera-Viedma Enrique
Published: February 2022

The judgments of decision-makers are frequently the best way to process the information on complex alternatives. However, the performances of the alternatives are often not observable in their entirety, which prevents researchers from conducting controlled empirical studies. This paper justifies a functional representation that, due to its good predictive results, has been widely used ad hoc in studies in different branches of knowledge; it formalizes aspects of the human mental structure that influence the ability of people to decide and the intentional bounded rationality, and it subsequently analyzes how the reliability of decision-makers is affected by the difficulty of the problem and the expertise and beliefs of the decision-maker. The main research objective of this paper is to derive explicitly a general functional form that represents the behavior of a decision-maker linked to their way of thinking. This functional form allows a laboratory to be created to study a priori the performance of human decisions, i.e., the probability of choosing each of the alternatives, once the returns of the alternatives, the level of expertise, and the initial beliefs of the decision-maker are known exogenously. This laboratory will allow (1) the evaluation of decision support techniques; (2) the creation of agent-based models that anticipate group performances due to individual interactions; and (3) the development of other investigations based on statistical simulations.
Deep-Processing Service and Pricing Decisions for Fresh Products with the Rate of Deterioration
Authors: He Qingren , Li Shuting , Xu Fei , Qiu Wanhua
Published: February 2022

The mismatch between supply and demand for fresh products and those that can potentially lead to the risk of spoilage has posed huge losses for industrial companies. To reduce the risk of spoilage of fresh products, some firms have attempted to adopt a deep-processing service to alleviate the imbalance. Therefore, we developed a framework to control the spoilage of the product by taking into account the deep-processing service. First, a differential equation for an inventory model of fresh product and deep-processed product that depended on the selling price and the deteriorating rate was developed. Based on this, a profit model for fresh product and the deep-processed product was developed, and the condition of whether the deep-processing service was required was shown by optimization theory. Furthermore, the existence and its uniqueness of such proportion of deep processing and the selling price of the fresh product were proved. Research results showed the deep-processing service acted as a buffer against the mismatch between the supply and demand for the fresh product. Industrial companies should make lower profits but a quicker turnover by setting a lower selling price when both the deteriorating rate and initial freshness level are high, and vice versa.
Cross-Lingual Transfer Learning for Arabic Task-Oriented Dialogue Systems Using Multilingual Transformer Model mT5
Authors: Fuad Ahlam , Al-Yahya Maha
Published: February 2022

Due to the promising performance of pre-trained language models for task-oriented dialogue systems (DS) in English, some efforts to provide multilingual models for task-oriented DS in low-resource languages have emerged. These efforts still face a long-standing challenge due to the lack of high-quality data for these languages, especially Arabic. To circumvent the cost and time-intensive data collection and annotation, cross-lingual transfer learning can be used when few training data are available in the low-resource target language. Therefore, this study aims to explore the effectiveness of cross-lingual transfer learning in building an end-to-end Arabic task-oriented DS using the mT5 transformer model. We use the Arabic task-oriented dialogue dataset (Arabic-TOD) in the training and testing of the model. We present the cross-lingual transfer learning deployed with three different approaches: mSeq2Seq, Cross-lingual Pre-training (CPT), and Mixed-Language Pre-training (MLT). We obtain good results for our model compared to the literature for Chinese language using the same settings. Furthermore, cross-lingual transfer learning deployed with the MLT approach outperform the other two approaches. Finally, we show that our results can be improved by increasing the training dataset size.
Convolution of Decomposition Integrals
Authors: Šeliga Adam
Published: February 2022

Four different types of convolutions of aggregation functions (the upper, the lower, the super-, and the sub-convolution) are examined in the setting of both sub- and super-decomposition integrals defined on a finite space. Examples of the results of the paper are provided. As a by-product, the super-additive transformation of sub-decomposition integrals and the sub-additive transformation of super-decomposition integrals are fully characterized. Possible applications are indicated.
Extremal Binary and Ternary Codes of Length 60 with an Automorphism of Order 29 and a Generalization
Authors: Bouyuklieva Stefka , de la Cruz Javier , Villar Darwin
Published: February 2022

In this paper, all extremal Type I and Type III codes of length 60 with an automorphism of order 29 are classified up to equivalence. In both cases, it has been proven that there are three inequivalent codes. In addition, a new family of self-dual codes over non-binary fields is presented.
On the Numerical Solution of a Hyperbolic Inverse Boundary Value Problem in Bounded Domains
Authors: Chapko Roman , Mindrinos Leonidas
Published: February 2022

We consider the inverse problem of reconstructing the boundary curve of a cavity embedded in a bounded domain. The problem is formulated in two dimensions for the wave equation. We combine the Laguerre transform with the integral equation method and we reduce the inverse problem to a system of boundary integral equations. We propose an iterative scheme that linearizes the equation using the Fréchet derivative of the forward operator. The application of special quadrature rules results to an ill-conditioned linear system which we solve using Tikhonov regularization. The numerical results show that the proposed method produces accurate and stable reconstructions.
A Comparative Study of Strain Rate Constitutive and Machine Learning Models for Flow Behavior of AZ31-0.5 Ca Mg Alloy during Hot Deformation
Authors: Chaudry Umer Masood , Jaafreh Russlan , Malik Abdul , Jun Tea-Sung , Hamad Kotiba , Abuhmed Tamer
Published: February 2022

In this study, isothermal compression tests of highly ductile AZ31-0.5Ca Mg alloys were conducted at different strain rates (0.001–0.1 s−1) and temperatures (423–523 K) along with extruded direction. The flow stress characteristics were evaluated at elevated temperatures. In addition, a strain-dependent constitutive model based on the Arrhenius equation and machine learning (ML) were constructed to evaluate the stress–strain flow behavior. To build the ML model, experimental data containing temperature, strain, and strain rate were used to train various ML algorithms. The results show that under lower temperatures and higher strain rates, the curves exhibited strain hardening, which is due to the higher activation energy, while when increasing the temperature at a fixed strain rate, the strain hardening decreased and curves were divided into two regimes. In the first regime, a slight increase in strain hardening occurred, while in the second regime, dynamic recrystallization and dynamic recovery controlled the deformation mechanism. Our ML results demonstrate that the ML model outperformed the strain-dependent constitutive model.
Classical and Recent Developments of Membrane Processes for Desalination and Natural Water Treatment
Authors: Charcosset Catherine
Published: February 2022

Water supply and water treatment are of major concern all around the world. In this respect, membrane processes are increasingly used and reported for a large range of applications. Desalination processes by membranes are well-established technologies with many desalination plants implemented in coastal areas. Natural water treatment is also well implemented to provide purified water for growing population. This review covers various aspects of desalination: membranes and modules, plants, fouling (scaling, biofouling, algal blooms), cleaning, pretreatment (conventional and membrane treatments), energy and environmental issues, renewable energies, boron removal and brine disposal. Treatment of natural water focuses on removal of natural organic matter, arsenic, iron, nitrate, fluoride, pesticides and herbicides, pharmaceutical and personal care products. This review underlines that desalination and natural water treatment require identical knowledge of membrane fouling, construction of large plants, cleaning procedures, energy and environmental issues, and that these two different fields can learn from each other.
Dissimilar Dual Phase-Low Carbon Steel Joints by the GMAW Process Subjected to Impact Load
Authors: Gómora César M. , Ambriz Ricardo R. , García Christian J. , Ruíz-López Ismael , Jaramillo David
Published: February 2022

Dissimilar welding used in the automotive area are possible joints with the GMAW process; however, its structural performance must be evaluated. The focus of this work is to study the microstructural–mechanical properties of dissimilar welding DPC340Y590T dual phase–JSC270C low carbon steels. Microhardness profile, tensile, and impact tests were used to evaluate the mechanical behavior, while optical and scanning electron microscopy were employed to evaluate the microstructural changes. The tensile strength was 540 and 275 MPa in dual phase and low carbon, respectively. Weld thermal cycles were obtained by means of K type thermocouples. The welding heat input generated martensite and grain growth in the dual phase heat affect zone, while grain growth and perlite phase increased in the low carbon heat affected zone. The variation in microhardness profile was produced by the presence of different phases, and the temperature at the end of dual phase heat affect zone was approximately 242 °C. During impact tests, the absorbed energies were 19.3, 50.7, and 50.2 J for low carbon, dual phase steel, and the welded dissimilar joint respectively. Finally, dissimilar welding subjected to tensile test failed in the low carbon steel (270 MPa), out of the heat affect zone, thus a good dissimilar joint between both steels was obtained.
Characteristics of Welding Residual Stress Distribution in Dissimilar Weld Joints
Authors: An Gyubaek , Park Jeongung , Lim Woongtaek , Park Hongkyu , Han Ilwook
Published: February 2022

For the construction of ecofriendly ships, fuels such as liquefied natural gas (LNG), ammonia, and hydrogen are being discussed as alternatives. LNG fuel has recently been applied to shipbuilding. The most important aspect of an LNG propulsion ship is the LNG storage tank, because LNG is stored at a high pressure and low temperature. Cryogenic steels are needed to evaluate safety in weld joints, especially the LNG storage tank which has a dissimilar weld joint with a STS pipe. The dissimilar weld joint has a complex welding residual stress distribution. It is necessary to evaluate the effects of temperature changes that occur during the loading–unloading process of LNG. In this study, the residual stress distribution characteristics of heterogeneous welding parts welded to STS pipes using 9% Ni steel, STS, and high-manganese austenitic steel in an LNG storage tank were investigated through experimental and analytical methods. The thermal stress due to the difference in thermal expansion coefficient between cryogenic steel and the STS pipe occurred with a small amount in loading–unloading of LNG. When high-manganese austenitic steels and the STS pipe were joined, tensile stress was generated at the dissimilar weld joint owing to the temperature difference generated during the LNG loading–unloading process. STS has a homogenous weld joint and identical thermal expansion coefficients; therefore, the shrinkage and expansion were not affected by the temperature change. The welding residual stress at the dissimilar weld joints was measured via an experimental cutting method, and the results indicated that the tensile residual stress had distribution similar to the yield stress of the material. The stress generated by the temperature change and the welding residual stress overlapped and occurred during the loading–unloading process of the LNG tank; however, the final tensile stress below the tensile stress was distributed in the storage tank.
Biomedical NiTi and β-Ti Alloys: From Composition, Microstructure and Thermo-Mechanics to Application
Authors: Nespoli Adelaide , Passaretti Francesca , Szentmiklósi László , Maróti Boglárka , Placidi Ernesto , Cassetta Michele , Yada Rickey Y. , Farrar David H. , Tian Kun V.
Published: February 2022

A comprehensive, bottoms-up characterization of two of the most widely used biomedical Ti-containing alloys, NiTi and β-Ti, was carried out applying a novel combination of neutron diffraction, neutron prompt-gamma activation, surface morphology, thermal analysis and mechanical tests, to relate composition, microstructure and physical-chemical-mechanical properties to unknown processing history. The commercial specimens studied are rectangular (0.43 × 0.64 mm~0.017 × 0.025 inch) wires, in both pre-formed U-shape and straight extended form. Practical performance was quantitatively linked to the influence of alloying elements, microstructure and thermo-mechanical processing. Results demonstrated that the microstructure and phase composition of β-Ti strongly depended on the composition, phase-stabilizing elements in particular, in that the 10.2 wt.% Mo content in Azdent resulted in 41.2% α phase, while Ormco with 11.6 wt.% Mo contained only β phase. Although the existence of α phase is probable in the meta-stable alloy, the α phase has never been quantified before. Further, the phase transformation behavior of NiTi directly arose from the microstructure, whilst being highly influenced by thermo-mechanical history. A strong correlation (r = 0.878) was established between phase transformation temperature and the force levels observed in bending test at body temperature, reconfirming that structure determines performance, while also being highly influenced by thermo-mechanical history. The novel methodology described is evidenced as generating a predictive profile of the eventual biomechanical properties and practical performance of the commercial materials. Overall, the work encompasses a reproducible and comprehensive approach expected to aid in future optimization and rational design of devices of metallic origin.
EIS Investigation of the Corrosion Behavior of Steel Bars Embedded into Modified Concretes with Eggshell Contents
Authors: Meyer Yuri Alexandre , Menezes Izabella , Bonatti Rodrigo Silva , Bortolozo Ausdinir Danilo , Osório Wislei Riuper
Published: February 2022

This investigation is focused on evaluation of the corrosion behavior of embedded steel bars (SB) into concretes. Conventional and modified concretes with eggshell are prepared. Although the effect of calcium carbonate on mechanical behavior is recognized and reported, their effects as eggshell (ES) particles replacing portions of sand and cement contents are reasonably scarce. Corrosion behavior is evaluated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and the potentiodynamic polarization technique. Equivalent circuit and porous electrode behavior are also considered. The novelty concerns a promising use of concrete with ES content to maintain corrosion resistance concatenated with reasonable structural properties. For this purpose, three distinct concrete mixtures are proposed, i.e., a reference and two modified concretes. One replaces 10 wt.% with cement and another 10 wt.% with sand content. It is found that porous electrode behavior helps to predict the corrosion mechanism. Finer ES particles in concrete mixture provides a rapidly passivation on rebar. This reflects positively in corrosion current density after long-term immersion. Additionally, an environmentally friendly aspect associated with economical factor constitutes a promise use of the concrete.
Experimental Study on Mechanical Properties of Shear Square Section Steel Tube Dampers
Authors: Xiao Li , Li Yonggang , Hui Cun , Zhou Zhongyi , Deng Feng
Published: February 2022

Based on the excellent performance of shear metal dampers in building seismic capacity, the traditional shear metal damper was optimized. A double-sided shear steel tube damper with simple structure, easy replacement, and wide application is proposed. In order to study the influence of different design parameters on its seismic performance, taking the steel tube length, height, width, thickness, and connection mode as variables, five groups of 15 specimens were designed for experimental research, and the failure modes, characteristic loads and displacements, hysteretic curves, skeleton curves, stiffness degradation curves, and energy dissipation capacity of each specimen were analyzed in detail. The test results showed that the hysteretic curves of each specimen were full and that the energy dissipation capacity was good. The greater the thickness of the steel tube was, the greater the load-bearing capacity of the damper and the larger the hysteresis loop area were. The greater the width of the steel tube was, the greater the equivalent stiffness was. As displacement amplitude increased, the equivalent stiffness of the specimen showed a downward trend. The two connection modes had their own advantages and disadvantages, and a damper with reasonable connection form would need to be selected according to actual engineering needs.
Identification, Characterization, and Virulence Gene Expression of Marine Enterobacteria in the Upper Gulf of Thailand
Authors: Nimnoi Pongrawee , Pongsilp Neelawan
Published: February 2022

Enterobacteria that commonly inhabit marine environments have a great impact on human health. In this study, enterobacteria isolated from seawater in the Upper Gulf of Thailand were identified and characterized. Seawater from nine sampling sites along the Upper Gulf of Thailand contained presumptive enterobacteria that ranged from 0.22 ± 0.44 to 17.00 ± 3.97 CFU/mL. The 101 strains belonged to seven species in which Klebsiella pneumoniae was the majority (47.5% of strains). The highest prevalence was resistant to ampicillin (76.2%) and ticarcillin (72.3%), respectively, whereas none was resistant to imipenem. Forty-five antibiotic resistance patterns were observed and 33.7% exhibited multidrug resistance, emphasizing the concern about public health. Three β-lactamase genes, including ampC, blaSHV, and blaTEM, were detected at the frequencies of 47.5%, 21.8%, and 11.9%, respectively. Six virulence genes, including csgD, uge, kfu, eaeA, magA, and LTI, were detected at the frequencies of 37.6%, 31.7%, 19.8%, 16.8%, 12.9%, and 5.9%, respectively. The condition of 4% NaCl downregulated the expression of the kfu and uge genes. The 67.3% and 63.4% of strains synthesized silver nanoparticles ranging between 3.04 ± 0.64 and 20.64 ± 0.95 μg/mL and gold nanoparticles ranging between 7.77 ± 0.45 and 57.57 ± 8.00 μg/mL, respectively.
The Protective Effects of Hydrogen Sulfide New Donor Methyl S-(4-Fluorobenzyl)-N-(3,4,5-Trimethoxybenzoyl)-l-Cysteinate on the Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Fan Jing , Du Junxi , Zhang Zhongwei , Shi Wenjing , Hu Binyan , Hu Jiaqin , Xue Yan , Li Haipeng , Ji Wenjin , Zhuang Jian , Lv Pengcheng , Cheng Kui , Chen Kun
Published: February 2022

In this paper, we report the design, synthesis and biological evaluation of a novel S-allyl-l-cysteine (SAC) and gallic acid conjugate S-(4-fluorobenzyl)-N-(3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoyl)-l-cysteinate (MTC). We evaluate the effects on ischemia-reperfusion-induced PC12 cells, primary neurons in neonatal rats, and cerebral ischemic neuronal damage in rats, and the results showed that MTC increased SOD, CAT, GPx activity and decreased LDH release. PI3K and p-AKT protein levels were significantly increased by activating PI3K/AKT pathway. Mitochondrial pro-apoptotic proteins Bax and Bim levels were reduced while anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 levels were increased. The levels of cleaved caspase-9 and cleaved caspase-3 were also reduced in the plasma. The endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) was decreased, which in turns the survival rate of nerve cells was increased, so that the ischemic injury of neurons was protected accordingly. MTC activated the MEK-ERK signaling pathway and promoted axonal regeneration in primary neurons of the neonatal rat. The pretreatment of MEK-ERK pathway inhibitor PD98059 and PI3K/AKT pathway inhibitor LY294002 partially attenuated the protective effect of MTC. Using a MCAO rat model indicated that MTC could reduce cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury and decrease the expression of proinflammatory factors. The neuroprotective effect of MTC may be due to inhibition of the over-activation of the TREK-1 channel and reduction of the current density of the TREK1 channel. These results suggested that MTC has a protective effect on neuronal injury induced by ischemia reperfusion, so it may have the potential to become a new type of neuro-ischemic drug candidate.