bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Post-Anthesis Temperature and Radiation on Grain Filling and Protein Quality of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Zhang Zhenzhen , Xing Zhipeng , Zhou Nianbing , Zhao Chen , Liu Bingliang , Jia Dinghan , Wei Haiyan , Guo Baowei , Zhang Hongcheng
Published: October 2022

Due to climate change, global warming, and reduced radiation, there is an urgent need for research to explore the effects on wheat grain filling and protein-related quality. In this study, two spring and two semi-winter varieties were analyzed. Six sowing dates were set in the experiment, at 10-day intervals from the beginning of the local sowing window. The seedling population of the first sowing date (S1) was 300 × 104 plants ha−1, which was observed to have increased by about 10% by the subsequent sowing date. During the experiment, due to the different dates of sowing, the treatments were in different growth stages; so, all the treatments were grown under different day and night temperatures and radiation to study the effects on post-anthesis grain filling and protein quality. The results showed that the sowing date decreased the effective accumulated temperature (EAT) and the cumulative radiation after anthesis and increased the daily average, maximum, and minimum temperatures. The decrease in the EAT of 94.99 °C d and the increase in the daily average temperature of 1.59 °C after antrum resulted in a decrease in the wheat grain weight of 4.5 g and an increase in the grain filling rate of 0.029 mg d−1. This may be due to the shortening of the wheat filling time with the increase in the day/night temperatures. Compared with the normal sowing date, the later sowing date caused a decrease in the EAT and an increase in the Tmean, which led to an increase in the wheat protein content, wet gluten content, and sedimentation value. There was a positive correlation between the grain filling rate and the protein content in the wheat. Compared with radiation, temperature significantly regulates wheat grain filling and protein formation. These results can be used to guide the sowing date to obtain a higher quality of wheat protein in the future climate change.
Recent Progress in the Discovery and Design of Antimicrobial Peptides Using Traditional Machine Learning and Deep Learning
Authors: Yan Jielu , Cai Jianxiu , Zhang Bob , Wang Yapeng , Wong Derek F. , Siu Shirley W. I.
Published: October 2022

Antimicrobial resistance has become a critical global health problem due to the abuse of conventional antibiotics and the rise of multi-drug-resistant microbes. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a group of natural peptides that show promise as next-generation antibiotics due to their low toxicity to the host, broad spectrum of biological activity, including antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and anti-parasitic activities, and great therapeutic potential, such as anticancer, anti-inflammatory, etc. Most importantly, AMPs kill bacteria by damaging cell membranes using multiple mechanisms of action rather than targeting a single molecule or pathway, making it difficult for bacterial drug resistance to develop. However, experimental approaches used to discover and design new AMPs are very expensive and time-consuming. In recent years, there has been considerable interest in using in silico methods, including traditional machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) approaches, to drug discovery. While there are a few papers summarizing computational AMP prediction methods, none of them focused on DL methods. In this review, we aim to survey the latest AMP prediction methods achieved by DL approaches. First, the biology background of AMP is introduced, then various feature encoding methods used to represent the features of peptide sequences are presented. We explain the most popular DL techniques and highlight the recent works based on them to classify AMPs and design novel peptide sequences. Finally, we discuss the limitations and challenges of AMP prediction.
New Hygrocins K–U and Streptophenylpropanamide A and Bioactive Compounds from the Marine-Associated Streptomyces sp. ZZ1956
Authors: Yi Wenwen , Newaz Asif Wares , Yong Kuo , Ma Mingzhu , Lian Xiao-Yuan , Zhang Zhizhen
Published: October 2022

Marine-derived Streptomyces actinomycetes are one of the most important sources for the discovery of novel bioactive natural products. This study characterized the isolation, structural elucidation and biological activity evaluation of thirty compounds, including twelve previously undescribed compounds, namely hygrocins K–U (5–13, 17 and 18) and streptophenylpropanamide A (23), from the marine-associated actinomycete Streptomyces sp. ZZ1956. Structures of the isolated compounds were determined by a combination of extensive NMR spectroscopic analyses, HRESIMS data, the Mosher’s method, ECD calculations, single crystal X-ray diffraction and comparison with reported data. Hygrocins C (1), D (2), F (4), N (8), Q (11) and R (12), 2-acetamide-6-hydroxy-7-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone (22), echoside C (27), echoside A (28) and 11,11′-O-dimethylelaiophylin (30) had antiproliferative activity (IC50: 0.16–19.39 μM) against both human glioma U87MG and U251 cells with hygrocin C as the strongest active compound (IC50: 0.16 and 0.35 μM, respectively). The analysis of the structure–activity relationship indicated that a small change in the structures of the naphthalenic ansamycins had significant influence on their antiglioma activities. Hygrocins N (8), O (9), R (12), T (17) and U (18), 2-amino-6-hydroxy-7-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone (21), 2-acetamide-6-hydroxy-7-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone (22), 3′-methoxy(1,1′,4′,1″-terphenyl)-2′,6′-diol (26), echoside C (27) and echoside A (28) showed antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli with MIC values of 3–48 μg/mL.
Risk Factors and Outcomes for Multidrug Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infection in Immunocompromised Patients
Authors: Hernández-Jiménez Pilar , López-Medrano Francisco , Fernández-Ruiz Mario , Silva J. Tiago , Corbella Laura , San-Juan Rafael , Lizasoain Manuel , Díaz-Regañón Jazmín , Viedma Esther , Aguado José María
Published: October 2022

Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PSA) infection often occurs in immunocompromised patients, which also face an increased risk of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. A deeper knowledge of the risk factors for MDR-PSA infection in this patient population may help to choose appropriate empirical antibiotic therapy. Methods: a single-center case-control (1:2) retrospective study that included 48 patients with underlying immunosuppression developing MDR-PSA infection (cases) and 96 patients also immunocompromised that were infected with non-MDR-PSA (controls) was conducted. Both groups were matched by site of infection, clinical features and type of immunosuppression. Risk factors for MDR-PSA were assessed by logistic regression. Clinical outcomes were also compared between both groups. Results: immunosuppression was due to solid cancer in 63 (43.8%) patients, solid organ transplantation in 39 (27.1%), hematological disease in 35 (24.3%) and other causes in 7 (4.9%). Independent risk factors for MDR-PSA infection were diabetes mellitus (odds ratio [OR]: 4.74; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.63–13.79; p = 0.004), antibiotic therapy in the previous 3 months (OR: 5.32; 95% CI: 1.93–14.73; p = 0.001), previous MDR-PSA colonization (OR: 42.1; 95% CI: 4.49–394.8; p = 0.001) and septic shock (OR: 3.73; 95% CI: 1.36–10.21; p = 0.010). MDR-PSA cases were less likely to receive adequate empirical therapy (14 [29.2%] vs. 69 [71.9%]; p < 0.001). 30-day clinical improvement was less common in MDR-PSA cases (25 [52.1%] vs. 76 [79.2%]; p = 0.001). Conclusions: diabetes mellitus, previous MDR-PSA colonization, prior receipt of antibiotics and septic shock acted as risk factors for developing MDR-PSA infections in immunocompromised patients, who have a poorer outcome than those infected with non-MDR-PSA strains.
Occurrence and Distribution of Antibiotics in the Water, Sediment, and Biota of Freshwater and Marine Environments: A Review
Authors: Maghsodian Zeinab , Sanati Ali Mohammad , Mashifana Tebogo , Sillanpää Mika , Feng Shengyu , Nhat Tan , Ramavandi Bahman
Published: October 2022

Antibiotics, as pollutants of emerging concern, can enter marine environments, rivers, and lakes and endanger ecology and human health. The purpose of this study was to review the studies conducted on the presence of antibiotics in water, sediments, and organisms in aquatic environments (i.e., seas, rivers, and lakes). Most of the reviewed studies were conducted in 2018 (15%) and 2014 (11%). Antibiotics were reported in aqueous media at a concentration of <1 ng/L–100 μg/L. The results showed that the highest number of works were conducted in the Asian continent (seas: 74%, rivers: 78%, lakes: 87%, living organisms: 100%). The highest concentration of antibiotics in water and sea sediments, with a frequency of 49%, was related to fluoroquinolones. According to the results, the highest amounts of antibiotics in water and sediment were reported as 460 ng/L and 406 ng/g, respectively. In rivers, sulfonamides had the highest abundance (30%). Fluoroquinolones (with an abundance of 34%) had the highest concentration in lakes. Moreover, the highest concentration of fluoroquinolones in living organisms was reported at 68,000 ng/g, with a frequency of 39%. According to the obtained results, it can be concluded that sulfonamides and fluoroquinolones are among the most dangerous antibiotics due to their high concentrations in the environment. This review provides timely information regarding the presence of antibiotics in different aquatic environments, which can be helpful for estimating ecological risks, contamination levels, and their management.
Population Pharmacokinetics of Orally Administered Clindamycin to Treat Prosthetic Joint Infections: A Prospective Study
Authors: Mimram Léo , Magréault Sophie , Kerroumi Younes , Salmon Dominique , Kably Benjamin , Marmor Simon , Jannot Anne-Sophie , Jullien Vincent , Zeller Valérie
Published: October 2022

A population PK model of clindamycin orally administered to patients with prosthetic joint infections (PJIs) was developed using NONMEM 7.5. Monte-Carlo simulations were run to determine the probability of obtaining bone clindamycin concentrations equal to at least the MIC or four times the MIC for several MIC values and dosing regimens. One hundred and forty plasma concentrations prospectively obtained from 20 patients with PJIs were used. A one-compartment model with first-order absorption and elimination appropriately described the data. Mean PK-parameter estimates (F being the bioavailability) were: apparent clearance, CL/F = 23 L/h, apparent distribution volume, V/F = 103 l and absorption rate constant, Ka = 3.53/h, with respective interindividual variabilities (coefficients of variation) of 14.4%, 8.2% and 59.6%. Neither goodness-of-fit curves nor visual predictive checks indicated bias. The currently recommended 600 mg q8h regimen provided a high probability of obtaining concentrations equal to at least the MIC, except for MIC ≥ the clinical breakpoint for Staphylococcus spp. (0.25 mg/L). For such MIC values, higher daily doses and q6h regimens could be considered.
Clonal Complexes 23, 10, 131 and 38 as Genetic Markers of the Environmental Spread of Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase (ESBL)-Producing E. coli
Authors: Pérez-Etayo Lara , González David , Vitas Ana Isabel
Published: October 2022

In accordance with the global action plan on antimicrobial resistance adopted by the World Health Assembly in 2015, there is a need to develop surveillance programs for antimicrobial resistant bacteria. In this context, we have analyzed the clonal diversity of Extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli (E. coli) isolated from aquatic environments and human and food samples in Spain, with the aim of determining possible clonal complexes (CCs) that act as markers of the potential risk of transmission of these resistant bacteria. The phylogenetic groups, sequence types (STs) and CCs were determined by different Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and Multilocus Sequence Typing (MLST) techniques. Phylogroup A was prevalent and was mainly present in food and water strains, while human strains were mostly associated with phylogroup B2. According to the observed prevalence in the different niches, CC23 and CC10 are proposed as markers of phylogroups A and C, related with the spread of blaCTX-M1 and blaCTX-M15 genes. Similarly, CC131 and CC38 could be associated to the dissemination of pathogenic strains (phylogroups B2 and D) carrying mainly blaCTX-M14 and blaCTX-M15 genes. Some strains isolated from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) showed identical profiles to those isolated from other environments, highlighting the importance that water acquires in the dissemination of bacterial resistance. In conclusion, the detection of these genetic markers in different environments could be considered as an alert in the spread of ESBL.
Phytochemical Profile, Preliminary Toxicity, and Antioxidant Capacity of the Essential Oils of Myrciaria floribunda (H. West ex Willd.) O. Berg. and Myrcia sylvatica (G. Mey) DC. (Myrtaceae)
Authors: de Moraes Ângelo Antônio Barbosa , Ferreira Oberdan Oliveira , da Costa Leonardo Souza , Almeida Lorena Queiroz , Varela Everton Luiz Pompeu , Cascaes Márcia Moraes , de Jesus Pereira Franco Celeste , Percário Sandro , Nascimento Lidiane Diniz do , de Oliveira Mozaniel Santana , Andrade Eloisa Helena de Aguiar
Published: October 2022

The essential oils (EOs) of Myrciaria floribunda (Mflo) and Myrcia sylvatica (Msyl) (Myrtaceae) were obtained by hydrodistillation. The analysis of volatile constituents was performed by GC/MS. Preliminary toxicity was assessed on Artemia salina Leach. The antioxidant capacity was measured by the ABTS•+ and DPPH• radical inhibitory activities. The results indicate that the Mflo EO had the highest yield (1.02%), and its chemical profile was characterized by high levels of hydrocarbon (65.83%) and oxygenated (25.74%) monoterpenes, especially 1,8-cineole (23.30%), terpinolene (22.23%) and α-phellandrene (22.19%). Regarding the Msyl EO, only hydrocarbon (51.60%) and oxygenated (46.52%) sesquiterpenes were identified in the sample, with (Z)-α-trans-bergamotene (24.57%), α-sinensal (13.44%), and (Z)-α-bisabolene (8.33%) at higher levels. The EO of Mflo exhibited moderate toxicity against A. salina (LC50 = 82.96 ± 5.20 µg.mL−1), while the EO of Msyl was classified as highly toxic (LC50 = 2.74 ± 0.50 µg.mL−1). In addition, relative to Trolox, the EOs of Mflo and Msyl showed significant inhibitory effects (p < 0.0001) against the DPPH• radical. This study contributes to the expansion of chemical and biological knowledge on the EOs of Myrtaceae species from the Amazon region.
A Study of the Interface of Gold Nanoparticles Conjugated to Cowpea Fe-Superoxide Dismutase
Authors: Tellechea Edurne , Asensio Aaron C. , Ciaurriz Paula , Buezo Javier , López-Gómez Pedro , Urra Marina , Moran Jose F.
Published: October 2022

The iron superoxide dismutase (FeSOD) is a first barrier to defend photosynthetic organisms from superoxide radicals. Although it is broadly present in plants and bacteria, FeSODs are absent in animals. They belong to the same phylogenic family as Mn-containing SODs, which are also highly efficient at detoxifying superoxide radicals. In addition, SODs can react with peroxynitrite, and FeSOD enzyme has already been used to evaluate the anti-nitrative capacity of plant antioxidants. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have been shown to significantly improve the functionality and the efficiency of ligands, providing they are properly assembled. In this work, the characteristics of the recombinant cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) FeSOD (rVuFeSOD) immobilized onto AuNPs were investigated as a function of (1) NP surface chemistry and (2) biofunctionalization methods, either physical adsorption or covalent bonding. The NP surface chemistry was studied by varying the concentration of the ligand molecule 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid (MUA) on the NP surface. The coverage and activity of the protein on AuNPs was determined and correlated to the surface chemistry and the two biofunctionalization methods. rVuFeSOD–AuNPs conjugate stability was monitored through absorption measurements, agarose gel electrophoresis and DLS, enzymatic activity by a colorimetric assay and by in-gel activity assay, and coverage was measured by colorimetric assay. When using physical adsorption, the NP is the most perturbing agent for the activity of the enzyme. In contrast, only the NP coverage was affected by MUA ligand concentration. However, during covalent attachment, both the NP and the concentration of MUA on the surface influenced the enzyme activity, while the coverage of the NP remained constant. The results evidence the importance of the biomolecule and AuNP interaction for the functionality of the hybrid. These strategies can be used to develop electrochemical biosensors for O2•− and for peroxynitrite in biomedical applications.
Myeloperoxidase as a Potential Biomarker of Acute-Myocardial-Infarction-Induced Depression and Suppression of the Innate Immune System
Authors: Baranyi Andreas , Enko Dietmar , Meinitzer Andreas , Von Lewinski Dirk , Rothenhäusler Hans-Bernd , Harpf Leonhard , Traninger Heimo , Obermayer-Pietsch Barbara , Harb Birgit M. , Schweinzer Melanie , Platzer Moritz , Zelzer Sieglinde
Published: October 2022

While myeloperoxidase (MPO) serves as an indicator of both neutrophil and innate-immune-system function, the potential suppression of the innate immune system in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI)-induced depression might be evidenced by a decrease in MPO serum levels. The aim of this prospective study was to (1) determine whether serum concentrations of MPO vary immediately and 6 months after AMI and (2) to investigate whether MPO concentrations at the time of the AMI are significant predictors of AMI-induced depression and the depression-associated suppression of the innate immune system. A total of 109 AMI patients were assessed with the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD-17) immediately after admission to the hospital and 6 months later. The MPO status was assessed with serum samples, which were also collected immediately and 6 months after AMI. The depressive patients showed significantly lower MPO blood levels immediately and 6 months after the AMI compared to the patients without depression (ANCOVA: MPO (depression) F = 4.764, df = 1, p = 0.031). The baseline MPO was observed as a significant predictor (p = 0.027) of AMI-induced depression 6 months after AMI. MPO is a potential biomarker for AMI-induced depression, indicating a depression-associated suppression of the innate immune system.
Neuroprotective Capability of Narcissoside in 6-OHDA-Exposed Parkinson’s Disease Models through Enhancing the MiR200a/Nrf-2/GSH Axis and Mediating MAPK/Akt Associated Signaling Pathway
Authors: Fu Ru-Huei , Tsai Chia-Wen , Liu Shih-Ping , Chiu Shao-Chih , Chen Yen-Chuan , Chiang Yu-Ting , Kuo Yun-Hua , Shyu Woei-Cherng , Lin Shinn-Zong
Published: October 2022

We assessed the antioxidant potential of narcissoside from Sambucus nigra flowers (elderflowers) in Parkinson’s disease models in vitro and in vivo. The results showed that narcissoside lessened the 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) and apoptosis in SH-SY5Y cells. In the 6-OHDA-exposed Caenorhabditis elegans model, narcissoside reduced degeneration of dopaminergic neurons and ROS generation, and also improved dopamine-related food-sensitive behavior and shortened lifespan. Moreover, NCS increased total glutathione (GSH) by increasing the expression of the catalytic subunit and modifier subunit of γ-glutamylcysteine ligase in cells and nematodes. Treatment with a GSH inhibitor partially abolished the anti-apoptotic ability of narcissoside. Furthermore, narcissoside diminished the 6-OHDA-induced phosphorylation of JNK and p38, while rising activities of ERK and Akt in resisting apoptosis. The antioxidant response element (ARE)-luciferase reporter activity analysis and electromobility gel shift assay showed that narcissoside promotes the transcriptional activity mediated by Nrf2. Finally, we found that narcissoside augmented the expression of miR200a, a translational inhibitor of the Nrf2 repressor protein Keap1. Downregulation of Nrf2 and miR200a by RNAi and anti-miR200a, respectively, reversed the neuroprotective ability of narcissoside. In summary, narcissoside can enhance the miR200a/Nrf2/GSH antioxidant pathway, alleviate 6-OHDA-induced apoptosis, and has the neuroprotective potential.
Novel Active Food Packaging Films Based on Gelatin-Sodium Alginate Containing Beetroot Peel Extract
Authors: Chaari Moufida , Elhadef Khaoula , Akermi Sarra , Ben Akacha Boutheina , Fourati Mariam , Chakchouk Mtibaa Ahlem , Ennouri Monia , Sarkar Tanmay , Shariati Mohammad Ali , Rebezov Maksim , Abdelkafi Slim , Mellouli Lotfi , Smaoui Slim
Published: October 2022

Currently, the exploration of natural colorants from vegetal waste has gained particular attention. Furthermore, incorporation of these natural sources into biopolymers is an encouraging environmentally friendly approach to establishing active films with biological activities for food packaging. The present study developed bioactive antioxidant films based on gelatin-sodium alginate (NaAlg) incorporated with aqueous beetroot peel extract (BPE). Firstly, the effects of combining gelatin-NaAlg and BPE at 0.25, 0.5, and 1% on the mechanical, physical, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties of the films were analyzed. With increasing BPE, mechanico-physical properties and antioxidant and anti-foodborne pathogen capacities were enhanced. Likewise, when added to gelatin-NaAlg films, BPE remarkably increased the instrumental color properties. Moreover, during 14 days of storage at 4 °C, the impact of gelatin-NaAlg coating impregnated with BPE on microbial and chemical oxidation and on the sensory characteristics of beef meat samples was periodically assessed. Interestingly, by the end of the storage, BPE at 1% limited the microbial deterioration, enhanced the instrumental color, delayed chemical oxidation, and improved sensory traits. By practicing chemometrics tools (principal component analysis and heat maps), all data provided valuable information for categorizing all samples regarding microbiological and oxidative properties, sensory features, and instrumental color. Our findings revealed the ability of gelatin-NaAlg with BPE as an antioxidant to be employed as food packaging for meat preservation.
Syntactic and Semantic Properties of on the Contrary in British University Student Essay Writing: A Corpus-Based Systemic Functional Analysis
Authors: Zhang Yan
Published: October 2022

In contrast to previous descriptions of on the contrary (OTC) as a corrective or replacive marker requiring explicit negation, this study revealed that more than 50% of the occasions the expression was used in British tertiary level student essays, represented by British academic written English (BAWE) corpus, were not associated with a preceding negation. The frequency information provides a starting point for the qualitative analysis of the two functional types of OTC, i.e., adversative versus replacive. The notions of (topical) theme, rheme, and focus within systemic functional linguistics were proposed as descriptive frameworks to identify the distinct characteristics of each functional type. The replacive type typically employs a preceding negation and a topical theme equal to that of the clause complex preceding the conjunctive, whereas the adversative type is distinguished by the use of a different topical theme and a contrastive rheme. The analysis conducted in this study provided language teachers with a model for helping students comprehend logic semantics expressed by conjunctives by analyzing semantic features of connected clause complexes.
Contribution of Agroforestry Systems in the Cultivation of Naranjilla (Solanum quitoense) Grown in the Amazon Region of Ecuador
Authors: Vargas Yadira , Viera William , Díaz Alejandra , Tinoco Leider , Macas Julio , Caicedo Carlos , Almeida Marcelo , Vásquez-Castillo Wilson
Published: October 2022

Agroforestry systems allow conservation of natural resources and promotion of sustainable agriculture in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Nevertheless, the benefit of the associated species that are part of these production systems needs to be demonstrated. The aim of this study was to find out the influence on the crop yield, carbon sequestration, presence of earthworms, and the nutritional contribution of legume species associated with the naranjilla (Solanum quitoense) crop in an agroforestry system. The research was carried out in the Palora Experimental Farm of INIAP, using a randomized complete block design with three replications. The treatments were made up of cultivation systems (agroforestry systems with or without 50% fertilization) and monoculture as a control, with two levels of conventional fertilization (50 and 100%). In the agroforestry arrangements, Gliricidia sepium and Flemingia macrophylla were used to supply biomass. The results showed that during the three evaluation cycles, the yield of naranjilla was influenced by the quality of the biomass added to the soil and not by the amount of synthetic chemical fertilizer that was supplied. The biomass of G. sepium and F. macrophylla provided a greater amount of Mg, Mn, Zn, B, and Fe; elements that contributed to crop yield and the presence of earthworms. The results suggest that the use of legume species in agroforestry systems positively influenced naranjillla productivity, favoring sustainable agriculture in the Ecuadorian Amazon.
The Effect of the Machining Strategy on the Surface Accuracy When Milling with a Ball End Cutting Tool of the Aluminum Alloy AlCu4Mg
Authors: Varga Ján , Tóth Teodor , Kaščák Ľuboš , Spišák Emil
Published: October 2022

The article discusses the effect of milling strategies on surface quality and geometric deviations during pocket milling when the perpendicular position of the tool is used. For experimental research, an aluminum alloy, AlCu4Mg, was used. For the production, a three-axis milling machine was used, and consequently, the geometric deviations and roughness parameters of the machined surface were evaluated. Also, the surface texture from each strategy was compared. For the production strategy, the constant Z, circular pocket, constant stepover pocket auto border, and spiral strategies were used. The geometric characteristic evaluation showed the influence of the ball end mill used in the machining process. Constant Z strategy achieved the lowest shape deviations. In the spiral strategy, it was possible to observe an effect of plowing, where the cutting tool crushed the material at the tool center. There was a minimal effect on the surface texture in the circular pocket and constant stepover pocket auto border strategies. Using the constant Z strategy, a non-oriented surface texture was obtained. 3D maps of the extracted residual scallop height for each strategy were observed when examining the surface texture. The roughness parameters Ra and Rz for the circular pocket and constant stepover pocket auto border strategies were the lowest.
A Numerical Approach for the Efficient Concept Design of Laser-Based Hybrid Joints
Authors: Berges Julius Moritz , Jacobs Georg , Berroth Joerg
Published: October 2022

Laser-based plastic–metal joints have high potential to enable cost-efficient lightweight structures in multi-material design. By an appropriate load-optimized positioning of the microstructure on the joining zone, cost- and strength-optimized joints can be realized. However, there are no design methods and models to efficiently develop these tailored microstructures. Currently, time-consuming experiments are necessary to find the optimum microstructure concepts. These experiments must be repeated when requirements change, e.g., dimensions of the components. To provide a simple and efficient design tool, this paper presents an automated numerical method for the development of cost- and strength-optimized microstructure concepts for laser-based joining zones. The basis for the approach is a new numerical model which generates concepts for microstructures automatically based only on the stress tensor in the joining zone. A new finite element cohesive zone model (CZM) was developed to estimate the joint strength. The CZM parameters were efficiently derived from a finite element model of a single cavity. To determine the costs, a new model is presented that calculates the production time and the cost for any given microstructure. The models were interconnected in a combined optimization procedure and a genetic algorithm was used to determine cost- and strength-optimized microstructure concepts. The approach was applied to a demonstration example where the laser costs were reduced by up to 67% compared with benchmarks with surface-covering parallel linear cavities. The approach shows high potential for the efficient design of cost- and strength-optimal laser-based hybrid joints since it is fully based on simulation models and iterative experiments in the design stage are eliminated.
Dental Microstructural Imaging: From Conventional Radiology to In Vivo Confocal Microscopy
Authors: Romano Antonio , Di Spirito Federica , Amato Alessandra , Ferraro Giuseppe Andrea , Dipalma Gianna , Xhajanka Edit , Serpico Rosario , Inchingolo Francesco , Contaldo Maria
Published: October 2022

The innovative perspectives of the modern medical era aim to reach the highest performance and accuracy of therapeutic processes carried out for the evolution of diagnostic pathways. Digital planning and real-time diagnosis represent the hottest topics for researchers and clinicians in dentistry and oral medicine. To date, radiology is the gold-standard method for caries detection in the clinical setting. However, radiology poses a series of clinical limitations due to the use of ionizing radiation and its incapacity to recognize and detect enamel defects or early caries. In addition, radiology also presents issues surrounding its responsiveness to remineralizing agents and the microscopic gaps between the tooth and restorative treatments. To date, the evaluation of these conditions is only permitted ex vivo, with common methods in clinical practice not being applicable for establishing the actual condition of every case in every single patient. This work aims to develop state-of-the-art knowledge on conventional and unconventional innovative dental imaging techniques, focusing on those that not only promise to pursue the early and less invasive detection of dental disorders but also those that could be applied in clinical practice, with a particular interest in real-time in vivo confocal microscopy.
Response Surface Methodology Using Observational Data: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Hadiyat Mochammad Arbi , Sopha Bertha Maya , Wibowo Budhi Sholeh
Published: October 2022

In the response surface methodology (RSM), the designed experiment helps create interfactor orthogonality and interpretable response models for the purpose of process and design optimization. However, along with the development of data-recording technology, observational data have emerged as an alternative to experimental data, and they contain potential information on design/process parameters (as factors) and product characteristics that are useful for RSM analysis. Recent studies in various fields have proposed modifications to the standard RSM procedures to adopt observational data and attain considerable results despite some limitations. This paper aims to explore various methods to incorporate observational data in the RSM through a systematic literature review. More than 400 papers were retrieved from the Scopus database, and 83 were selected and carefully reviewed. To adopt observational data, modifications to the procedures of RSM analysis include the design of the experiment (DoE), response modeling, and design/process optimization. The proposed approaches were then mapped to capture the sequence of the modified RSM analysis. The findings highlight the novelty of observational-data-based RSM (RSM-OD) for generating reproducible results involving the discussion of the treatments for observational data as an alternative to the DoE, the refinement of the RSM model to fit the data, and the adaptation of the optimization technique. Future potential research, such as the improvement of factor orthogonality and RSM model modifications, is also discussed.
Design and Modelling a Graduated Dispenser for Metabolic Diseases—Phenylketonuria
Authors: Dobocan Corina Adriana , Pop Emanuela , Bogdan Monica , Grec Catalin
Published: October 2022

In metabolic diseases such as phenylketonuria (a rare disease), a very important way to keep the patient healthy is the administration of amino acid substitutes. This dispenser was designed because in other places (except home) for patients, it is very difficult to take the substitute powder due to the custom weight, which depends on the body weight. We designed and made on a 3D printer a graduated dosing device (12 g) which can be used very easily and has all the elements to be transported. In this way, the necessary dose of amino acid substitutes can be administered to patients with phenylketonuria, including infants aged 6 months–1 year, at the kindergarten or any other places with the absence of a food scale. This dispenser is very easy to carry and very useful to patients.
Test Stand for a Motor Vehicle Powered by Different Fuels
Authors: Tatarynow Dawid , Longwic Rafał , Sander Przemysław , Zieliński Łukasz , Trojgo Michał , Lotko Wincenty , Lonkwic Paweł
Published: October 2022

This article discusses current testing methods for motor vehicle engines. Traction engines have so far been tested, for example, according to WLTP (Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicle Test Procedure) driving tests, but due to the “VW—gate” incident, these are now to be supplemented by RDE (Real Driving Emissions) tests, conducted under real road conditions. The analyses of the state of knowledge and the directions of research to date unequivocally indicate the need for the construction of a stand that allows: testing of a complete vehicle admitted to traffic; testing of a motor vehicle with the possibility of simulating real operating conditions; load setting with the possibility of its regulation; feeding the engine with various fuels; modification of the software of controllers having a direct impact on the control strategies of the engine; transmission and traction control system; reading, recording and analysis of the parameters of the operation of control systems in real time; detailed recording and analysis of the combustion process occurring directly in the combustion chamber; and the measurement of emitted toxic substances. On a bench with the above features, tests were carried out on a diesel motor vehicle, which were based on recording changes in the parameters of the combustion and injection process. The tests were conducted under static and dynamic conditions. Tests under static conditions were conducted on a chassis dynamometer. They consisted of indicating the engine for different fuel dose control maps. The vehicle equipped with the test engine was driven at a constant speed on the chassis dynamometer and loaded with a drag force of 130 Nm. Tests under dynamic conditions were conducted under real traffic conditions. They were limited to the presentation of results under static conditions. The main results of the tests are given in the conclusion and include a general summary. In particular, the presented results of the diesel tests demonstrate an attempt to adapt the engine to co-power with hydrogen.
Inhibitory Effect of Coumarins and Isocoumarins Isolated from the Stems and Branches of Acer mono Maxim. against Escherichia coli β-Glucuronidase
Authors: Phong Nguyen Viet , Min Byung Sun , Yang Seo Young , Kim Jeong Ah
Published: October 2022

We isolated eight known secondary metabolites, including two isocoumarins and six coumarins, from the stems and branches of Acer mono Maxim. Their structures were confirmed using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and by comparing the data to published reports. The inhibitory effects of all compounds (1−8) on Escherichia coli β-glucuronidase were evaluated for the first time using in vitro assays. 3-(3,4-Dihydroxyphenyl)-8-hydroxyisocoumarin (1) displayed an inhibitory effect against β-glucuronidase (IC50 = 58.83 ± 1.36 μM). According to the findings of kinetic studies, compound 1 could function as a non-competitive inhibitor. Molecular docking indicated that compound 1 binds to the allosteric binding site of β-glucuronidase, and the results corroborated those from kinetic studies. Furthermore, molecular dynamics simulations of compound 1 were performed to identify the behavioral and dynamic properties of the protein–ligand complex. Our results reveal that compound 1 could be a lead metabolite for designing new β-glucuronidase inhibitors.
The Using of the Multilayer Plate Concept in the Calculus of Functionally Graded Plates
Authors: Nastasescu Vasile
Published: October 2022

In the calculus of functionally graded plates, the concept of multilayer plate is often used. For the use of this concept in this calculus, the continuous variation of the respective properties is replaced with a step variation. The first problem that arises in front of the user is related to the number of layers, which must be a finite and reasonably large number, to be accessible to the current calculus and to ensure the necessary accuracy of the results (under 5%). Another problem, generally poorly substantiated, is the one related to the assumption of a constant value of the Poisson’s ratio (usually 0.30 for the considered materials) over the entire plate thickness. The paper also contains a quantitative study of the influence of the Poisson ratio (4,…,10%), whose variation can be neglected, but only in certain circumstances. The presentation and substantiation of how to use the multilayer plate concept through models, methods and methodologies, along with the substantiation of the choice of the number of layers and the influence of the Poisson’s ratio, represent the main evidence of the originality of this work. The proposed numerical models are based on the use of common 3D finite elements. The software Ansys is used, which offers a multilayer finite element, which is taken into account in the comparative analysis of the results. The validation of the results is carried out by comparison with the analytical solution. The objective and purpose of this paper, that of completing the palette of achievements regarding the calculus of functionally graded plates, without modification of the stiffness matrices of the finite elements and using existing software products, are fulfilled.
A Federated Transfer Learning Framework Based on Heterogeneous Domain Adaptation for Students’ Grades Classification
Authors: Xu Bin , Yan Sheng , Li Shuai , Du Yidi
Published: October 2022

In the field of educational data mining, the classification of students’ grades is a subject that receives widespread attention. However, solving this problem based on machine learning algorithms and deep learning algorithms is usually limited by large datasets. The privacy problem of educational data platforms also limits the possibility of building an extensive dataset of students’ information and behavior by gathering small datasets and then carrying out the federated training model. Therefore, the balance of educational data and the inconsistency of feature distribution are the critical problems that need to be solved urgently in educational data mining. Federated learning technology enables multiple participants to continue machine learning and deep learning in protecting data privacy and meeting legal compliance requirements to solve the data island problem. However, these methods are only applicable to the data environment with common characteristics or common samples under the alliance. This results in domain transfer between nodes. Therefore, in this paper, we propose a framework based on federated transfer learning for student classification with privacy protection. This framework introduces the domain adaptation method and extends the domain adaptation to the constraint of federated learning. Through the feature extractor, this method matches the feature distribution of each party in the feature space. Then, labels and domains are classified on each side, the model is trained, and the target model is updated by gradient aggregation. The federated learning framework based on this method can effectively solve the federated transfer learning on heterogeneous datasets. We evaluated the performance of the proposed framework for student classification on the datasets of two courses. We simulated four scenarios according to different situations in reality. Then, the results of only source domain training, only target domain training, and federated migration training are compared. The experimental results show that the heterogeneous federated transfer framework based on domain adaptation can solve federated learning and knowledge transfer problems when there are little data at the data source and can be used for students’ grades classification in small datasets.
Bearing Fault Diagnosis Based on Small Sample Learning of Maml–Triplet
Authors: Cheng Qiang , He Zhaoheng , Zhang Tao , Li Ying , Liu Zhifeng , Zhang Ziling
Published: October 2022

Since the emergence of artificial intelligence and deep learning methods, the fault diagnosis of bearings in rotating machinery has gradually been realized, reducing the high costs of bearing faults. However, in the actual work of the equipment, faults rarely occur, resulting in less fault data. Therefore, it is necessary to study small sample fault data. For the case of less fault data, the Maml–Triplet fault classification learning framework based on the combination of maml and the triplet neural network is proposed. In the framework of Maml-Triplet fault classification, firstly, an initial signal feature extractor is obtained using the Maml training method. Secondly, the feature vectors corresponding to signal data are obtained using depth distance measurement learning in the triplet neural network, and the fault type is judged based on the feature vectors of unknown signal. The results show that the accuracy of the Maml–Triplet model is 2% higher than that of the triplet model alone and 5% higher than that of the Maml–CNN meta learning method. When there are fewer data samples, the accuracy gap is more obvious. Therefore, in the case of less data, the Maml–Triplet model has an excellent fault identification ability.
On Machine-Learning-Driven Surrogates for Sound Transmission Loss Simulations
Authors: Cunha Barbara Zaparoli , Zine Abdel-Malek , Ichchou Mohamed , Droz Christophe , Foulard Stéphane
Published: October 2022

Surrogate models are data-based approximations of computationally expensive simulations that enable efficient exploration of the model’s design space and informed decision making in many physical domains. The usage of surrogate models in the vibroacoustic domain, however, is challenging due to the non-smooth, complex behavior of wave phenomena. This paper investigates four machine learning (ML) approaches in the modelling of surrogates of sound transmission loss (STL). Feature importance and feature engineering are used to improve the models’ accuracy while increasing their interpretability and physical consistency. The transfer of the proposed techniques to other problems in the vibroacoustic domain and possible limitations of the models are discussed. Experiments show that neural network surrogates with physics-guided features have better accuracy than other ML models across different STL models. Furthermore, sensitivity analysis methods are used to assess how physically coherent the analyzed surrogates are.
Study of a BIM-Based Cyber-Physical System and Intelligent Disaster Prevention System in Taipei Main Station
Authors: Lin Chao-Hsiu , Ho Ming-Chin , Hsieh Po-Chuan , Shiau Yan-Chyuan , Yang Ming-Ling
Published: October 2022

Because of its large area and complicated space utilization, in the event of a disaster, rescue efforts in specific areas of Taipei Main Station would be difficult. In addition, rescue efforts are also difficult to implement, because each area is managed by different units. In order to ensure emergency and safe evacuation of passengers and reduce the loss of related property during a disaster, a suitable disaster prevention system is required. This study conducted risk assessment based on the triggering factors of disaster types over the years. After synthesizing the results of the disaster risk assessment, a disaster preparedness contingency plan was designed. According to the Incident Command System (ICS), this study formulated the usual management measures and emergency response procedures for various levels of disasters. When an accident occurs, the system can automatically initiate various emergency disaster relief measures, monitor the development of the incident, transmit disaster information, and coordinate disaster emergency response procedures. This study established a building information modeling (BIM)-based cyber-physical system (CPS) and intelligent disaster prevention system integrated under the overall management of the Intelligent Joint Emergency Operation Center. The “Taipei Main Station Intelligent Disaster Prevention System” can manage the disaster prevention and relief information of various business entities in a unified way, and provide an intelligent disaster prevention function integrating BIM and virtual reality (VR). This system is functionally verified through exercises such as short-circuiting of wires in advertising boxes, firefighter disaster relief drills, indiscriminate violent attacks, and demolition of explosives. In this study, ICS was established through expert interviews, disaster-causing factors over the years, and a cloud-based electronic management system was established in combination with the BIM platform. The system provides emergency and safe evacuation of passengers in the event of a disaster, and reduces the loss of related properties.
Effect of Compounding Retarder and PCE on the Early Properties and Hydration of High-Belite Sulphoaluminate Cement
Authors: Jing Hang , Xu Mengge , Gao Meng , Li Mengying , Dai Shibo
Published: October 2022

To cope with the problem that the setting time and hardening time of high-belite sulphoaluminate cement (HBCSA) is too fast and not easily controlled, three common retarders, citric acid (CA), β-cyclodextrin (β-CD), and borax (B), were selected and compounded with polycarboxylate superplasticizer (PCE). Based on the cement slurry fluidity, fluidity loss, setting time, and mechanical properties of cement mortar, combined with X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Zeta potential tests, the interaction and mechanism of different retarders and high-belite sulphoaluminate cement were studied. The results show that β-CD and CA can significantly delay the hydration process of HBCSA cement, effectively improve the fluidity loss, and make the dispersion more stable, but the strength of cement mortar decreases, which is not conducive to the development of strength. However, the addition of B has no obvious retarding effect on the HBCSA cement, and the dispersibility of the cement paste decreases. In microscopic tests, XRD and SEM tests verified that the combination of retarder and PCE had a certain inhibitory effect on the early hydration of HBCSA, and the zeta potential indicated that the addition of retarder would interact with PCE to improve the fluidity loss of HBCSA. In addition, when the retarders CA and B were, respectively, compounded with β-CD, the two would have a synergistic effect. The retardation effect is more obvious, and the time interval between the initial and final setting is shorter, which is more controllable. The initial fluidity is also improved under the auxiliary plasticization of cement paste by β-CD.