bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Cabin Noise of Airport Express Rail Systems
Authors: Lee Heow Pueh , Kumar Sanjay , Garg Saurabh , Lim Kian Meng
Published: December 2021

In this paper, the cabin noise of four airport express rail systems, namely the Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport MRT, the Hong Kong Airport Express, RER B service from Paris Gare du Nord to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, and the Shanghai Maglev, have been measured. These four airport express rail systems have different specifications and maximum speeds, ranging from 100 to 300 km/h. The results show a significant low-frequency noise content below 100 Hz, which would not be captured if the measurements were conducted in dB(A). The difference between Leq in terms of dB(C) and dB(A) ranges from 11.3 to 17.0 dB. The maximum speed of the Taoyuan Airport MRT was found to be the lowest at 100 km/h and with the lowest Leq in terms of 66.4 dB(A) and 81.4 dB(C). The Shanghai Maglev has a maximum speed of 300 km/h but a relatively low Leq of 69.7 dB(A), although its top speed is almost three times the maximum of the other airport rail systems. It also has the lowest Lmax of 73.1 dB(A) among the four rail systems. Moreover, the Paris RER B railway system, with its top speed of 120 km/h, was measured to have the highest Leq and Lmax values of 72.8 dB(A) and 83.8 dB(A), respectively.
The Evaluation of the Detection of Cr(VI) in Leather
Authors: Davis Stefan John , Wise William Robert , Recchia Sandro , Spinazzè Andrea , Masi Maurizio
Published: December 2021

The topic of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) in leather has been debated throughout the whole supply chain for years. However, its significance has recently increased due to proposed changes in European legislation concerned with skin-sensitising substances suggesting that acceptable Cr(VI) concentrations in leather goods should be lowered from 3 mg kg−1 to 1 mg kg−1. The proposition of a stricter limit and current analytical difficulties created the need for a review of current standard test methods. The research presented in this paper investigates both the colorimetric (Part 1) and chromatographic (Part 2) methods under BS EN ISO 17075. The focus of the study was to identify possible sources of interference leading to large statistical variance in results and to define the limit of quantification with respect to the proposed new compliance limit. This study into the colorimetric method has shown that the presence of Cr(III), dyes, and proteins can be significant interferences, becoming critical at low Cr(VI) concentrations. Dilution factors worsen the problem of detecting low concentrations: a reliable quantitative detection of 0.01 mg kg−1 and 0.003 mg kg−1 Cr(VI) in solution are required at the 3 mg kg−1 and 1 mg kg−1 compliance limits in leather, respectively. BS EN ISO 17075 part 1 was shown to be incapable of reliably resolving to 3 mg kg−1 or below in leather. Part 2 shows a marked improvement in detection limits and reliability; however, data suggest that 1 mg kg−1 Cr(VI) is not reliably detectable in leather. Suggested improvements to the established test methods and a possible alternative are discussed.
Retrospective Evaluation and Framework Development of Bone Anisotropic Material Behavior Compared with Elastic, Elastic-Plastic, and Hyper-Elastic Properties
Authors: Hamandi Farah , Tsatalis James T. , Goswami Tarun
Published: December 2021

The main motivation for studying damage in bone tissue is to better understand how damage develops in the bone tissue and how it progresses. Such knowledge may help in the surgical aspects of joint replacement, fracture fixation or establishing the fracture tolerance of bones to prevent injury. Currently, there are no standards that create a realistic bone model with anisotropic material properties, although several protocols have been suggested. This study seeks to retrospectively evaluate the damage of bone tissue with respect to patient demography including age, gender, race, body mass index (BMI), height, and weight, and their role in causing fracture. Investigators believe that properties derived from CT imaging data to estimate the material properties of bone tissue provides more realistic models. Quantifying and associating damage with in vivo conditions will provide the required information to develop mathematical equations and procedures to predict the premature failure and potentially mitigate problems before they begin. Creating a realistic model for bone tissue can predict the premature failure(s), provide preliminary results before getting the surgery, and optimize the design of orthopaedic implants. A comparison was performed between the proposed model and previous efforts, where they used elastic, hyper- elastic, or elastic-plastic properties. Results showed that there was a significant difference between the anisotropic material properties of bone when compared with unrealistic previous methods. The results showed that the density is 50% higher in male subjects than female subjects. Additionally, the results showed that the density is 47.91% higher in Black subjects than Mixed subjects, 53.27% higher than Caucasian subjects and 57.41% higher than Asian. In general, race should be considered during modeling implants or suggesting therapeutic techniques.
Curcumin Nanoparticles Enhance Antioxidant Efficacy of Diclofenac Sodium in Experimental Acute Inflammation
Authors: Boarescu Ioana , Boarescu Paul-Mihai , Pop Raluca Maria , Bocșan Ioana Corina , Gheban Dan , Râjnoveanu Ruxandra-Mioara , Râjnoveanu Armand , Bulboacă Adriana Elena , Buzoianu Anca Dana , Bolboacă Sorana D.
Published: December 2021

We investigated the in vivo effect of curcumin nanoparticles (nC) in addition to diclofenac sodium on local edema and oxidative stress parameters in carrageenan-induced paw edema on rats. Seven groups were investigated: control group (C), the acute inflammation (AI) group, an AI group treated with Diclofenac (AID, 5 mg/kg b.w. Diclofenac sodium), two AI groups treated with cC (conventional Curcumin)—AIC200 and AIcC200D (D = Diclofenac, 200 represent the concentration of active substance expressed in mg/kg b.w.), and two AI groups with nC (Curcumin nanoparticles)—AIC200 and AIcC200D. Serum and tissue oxidative stress was assessed by measuring five parameters. Curcumin nanoparticles alone and in combination with D better reduced the paw edema than D alone (p < 0.027). The rats treated with D and nC (AIcC200D) had the highest inhibition percentage on edema, reaching the maximum level of inhibition (81%) after 24 h. Conventional curcumin and nC presented antioxidant effects in acute inflammation, with significantly better results obtained for nC. The pro-oxidant markers were reduced up to 0.3 by the cC and up to 0.4 times by the nC and both solutions increased the antioxidant markers up to 0.3 times. The nC enhanced the antioxidative efficacy of D, as this combination reduced the pro-oxidant markers up to 1.3 times. Curcumin nanoparticles could represent a therapeutic option in association with classical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication in acute inflammation, as they might offer a reduction of drug dose and possible limitation of their associated side effects.
Novel Molecular Targets for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Cavalluzzo Beatrice , Mauriello Angela , Ragone Concetta , Manolio Carmen , Tornesello Maria Lina , Buonaguro Franco M. , Tvingsholm Siri Amanda , Hadrup Sine Reker , Tagliamonte Maria , Buonaguro Luigi
Published: December 2021

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of death from cancer globally. Indeed, only a few treatments are available, most of which are effective only for the early stages of the disease. Therefore, there is an urgent needing for potential markers for a specifically targeted therapy. Candidate proteins were selected from datasets of The Human Protein Atlas, in order to identify specific tumor-associated proteins overexpressed in HCC samples associated with poor prognosis. Potential epitopes were predicted from such proteins, and homology with peptides derived from viral proteins was assessed. A multiparametric validation was performed, including recognition by PBMCs from HCC-patients and healthy donors, showing a T-cell cross-reactivity with paired epitopes. These results provide novel HCC-specific tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) for immunotherapeutic anti-HCC strategies potentially able to expand pre-existing virus-specific CD8+ T cells with superior anticancer efficacy.
Comparison and Evaluation of Different Radiotherapy Techniques Using Biodosimetry Based on Cytogenetics
Authors: Nikolakopoulou Aggeliki , Peppa Vasiliki , Alexiou Antigoni , Pissakas George , Terzoudi Georgia , Karaiskos Pantelis
Published: December 2021

While rapid technological advances in radiotherapy techniques have led to a more precise delivery of radiation dose and to a decreased risk of side effects, there is still a need to evaluate the efficacy of the new techniques estimating the biological dose and to investigate the radiobiological impact of the protracted radiotherapy treatment duration. The aim of this study is to compare, at a cytogenetic level, advanced radiotherapy techniques VMAT and IMRT with the conventional 3D-CRT, using biological dosimetry. A dicentric biodosimetry assay based on the frequency of dicentrics chromosomes scored in peripheral blood lymphocytes from prostate cancer patients and PC3 human prostate cancer cell line was used. For each patient blood sample and each subpopulation of the cultured cell line, three different irradiations were performed using the 3D-CRT, IMRT, and VMAT technique. The absorbed dose was estimated with the biodosimetry method based on the induced dicentric chromosomes. The results showed a statistically significant underestimation of the biological absorbed dose of ~6% for the IMRT and VMAT compared to 3D-CRT irradiations for peripheral blood lymphocytes, whereas IMRT and VMAT results were comparable without a statistically significant difference, although slightly lower values were observed for VMAT compared to IMRT irradiation. Similar results were obtained using the PC3 cell line. The observed biological dose underestimation could be associated with the relative decreased dose rate and increase irradiation time met in modulated techniques compared to the conventional 3D-CRT irradiations.
Pre- and Perioperative Inflammatory Biomarkers in Older Patients Resected for Localized Colorectal Cancer: Associations with Complications and Prognosis
Authors: Dolin Troels , Christensen Ib , Johansen Astrid , Nielsen Hans , Jakobsen Henrik , Klein Mads , Lund Cecilia , Bojesen Stig , Nielsen Dorte , Jensen Benny , Johansen Julia
Published: December 2021

The association between pre- and perioperative inflammatory biomarkers, major complications, and survival rates after resection of colorectal cancer (CRC) in older patients is largely unknown. The aim was to investigate age-dependent differences in these associations. Serum CRP, IL-6, and YKL-40 were measured preoperatively and on the first and second day after resection of CRC (stages I–III) in 210 older (≥70 years) and 191 younger patients (<70 years). The results from the complications was presented as an odds ratio (OR, with a 95% confidence interval (CI)) with logistic regression. Results from the mortality rates were presented as a hazard ratio (HR, with a 95% CI) using Cox proportional hazards regression. The preoperative inflammatory biomarkers were higher in the older vs. the younger patients. The risk of complications was increased in older patients with a high preoperative CRP (OR = 1.25, 95% CI 1.03–1.53), IL-6 (OR = 1.57, 95% CI 1.18–2.08), and YKL-40 (OR = 1.66, 95% CI 1.20–2.28), but not in younger patients. Mortality was higher in younger patients with high preoperative YKL-40 (HR = 1.66, 95% CI 1.06–2.60). This was not found in older patients. Elevated preoperative inflammatory biomarkers among older patients were associated with an increased risk of complications, but not mortality. Preoperative inflammatory biomarkers may be useful in assessing the risk of a complicated surgical course in older patients with CRC.
Crassoascoma gen. nov. (Lentitheciaceae, Pleosporales): Unrevealing Microfungi from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in China
Authors: Liu Zuo-Peng , Zhang Sheng-Nan , Cheewangkoon Ratchadawan , Zhao Qi , Liu Jian-Kui
Published: December 2021

Microfungi associated with woody plants on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau (QTP) were investigated, and four collections associated with Potentilla fruticosa were obtained from Gansu and Qinghai provinces in China. Morphologically, they line well with Lentitheciaceae in having subglobose to globose ascomata with brown setae on the papilla but can be distinguished from other genera by its superficial, globose, black, thick-walled ascomata, and fusiform, hyaline (rarely pale brown), one-septate ascospores, surrounded by an entire mucilaginous sheath. The phylogenetic analyses based on a combined SSU, ITS, LSU and TEF1-α sequence data showed that four isolates formed a monophyletic clade among the genera of Lentitheciaceae, and present as a distinct lineage (sister clade to Darksidea). Therefore, we introduce a new genus Crassoascoma, with C. potentillae as the type to accommodate these taxa. Detailed description and illustration are provided, and the establishment of new taxa is justified with morphology and phylogenetic evidence.
Along the Lines of Nonadditive Entropies: q-Prime Numbers and q-Zeta Functions
Authors: Borges Ernesto P. , Kodama Takeshi , Tsallis Constantino
Published: December 2021

The rich history of prime numbers includes great names such as Euclid, who first analytically studied the prime numbers and proved that there is an infinite number of them, Euler, who introduced the function ζ(s)≡∑n=1∞n−s=∏pprime11−p−s, Gauss, who estimated the rate at which prime numbers increase, and Riemann, who extended ζ(s) to the complex plane z and conjectured that all nontrivial zeros are in the R(z)=1/2 axis. The nonadditive entropy Sq=k∑ipilnq(1/pi)(q∈R;S1=SBG≡−k∑ipilnpi, where BG stands for Boltzmann-Gibbs) on which nonextensive statistical mechanics is based, involves the function lnqz≡z1−q−11−q(ln1z=lnz). It is already known that this function paves the way for the emergence of a q-generalized algebra, using q-numbers defined as ⟨x⟩q≡elnqx, which recover the number x for q=1. The q-prime numbers are then defined as the q-natural numbers ⟨n⟩q≡elnqn(n=1,2,3,⋯), where n is a prime number p=2,3,5,7,⋯ We show that, for any value of q, infinitely many q-prime numbers exist; for q≤1 they diverge for increasing prime number, whereas they converge for q>1; the standard prime numbers are recovered for q=1. For q≤1, we generalize the ζ(s) function as follows: ζq(s)≡⟨ζ(s)⟩q (s∈R). We show that this function appears to diverge at s=1+0, ∀q. Also, we alternatively define, for q≤1, ζq∑(s)≡∑n=1∞1⟨n⟩qs=1+1⟨2⟩qs+⋯ and ζq∏(s)≡∏pprime11−⟨p⟩q−s=11−⟨2⟩q−s11−⟨3⟩q−s11−⟨5⟩q−s⋯, which, for q<1, generically satisfy ζq∑(s)<ζq∏(s), in variance with the q=1 case, where of course ζ1∑(s)=ζ1∏(s).
Steering Witness and Steering Criterion of Gaussian States
Authors: Ma Ruifen , Yan Taotao , Wu Dantong , Qi Xiaofei
Published: December 2021

Quantum steering is an important quantum resource, which is intermediate between entanglement and Bell nonlocality. In this paper, we study steering witnesses for Gaussian states in continuous-variable systems. We give a definition of steering witnesses by covariance matrices of Gaussian states, and then obtain a steering criterion by steering witnesses to detect steerability of any (m+n)-mode Gaussian states. In addition, the conditions for two steering witnesses to be comparable and the optimality of steering witnesses are also discussed.
Awareness and Use of OER by Higher Education Students and Educators within the Graphic Arts Discipline in Greece
Authors: Christoforidou Alexandra , Georgiadou Elissavet
Published: December 2021

In recent years, Open Educational Resources (OER) have gained significant reach globally as a means of facilitating free and open access to educational materials. However, most of the empirical research on the adoption of OER in higher education is conducted in the US, while Europe and other countries, including Greece, fall behind. To that end, this research focused on the awareness and use of OER by higher education students and educators within the Graphic Arts discipline in Greece, to provide evidence regarding the adoption of OER to university administrations and libraries and encouraging their use across campus. The findings suggest that awareness is low, especially among undergraduate students, despite the fact that educators are aware of OER and already share their work as such. This paradox is probably related to students’ vague knowledge of what OER are and how to use them for learning. Therefore, actions are required from educators, university administration and librarians to inform students of the benefits of OER adoption in the educational process as well as to communicate educators’ OER efforts to students. Moreover, participants identified as the biggest obstacle for adopting OER in Graphic Arts the lack of a portal that accommodates OER for this discipline, which lays the groundwork for further research.
Assessing the Effects of Logistics Performance on Energy Trade
Authors: Górecka Aleksandra Katarzyna , Pavlić Skender Helga , Zaninović Petra Adelajda
Published: December 2021

Logistics has become one of the most important economic sectors. It significantly affects the transport infrastructure and many other sectors that are crucial for the country’s development. It is the factor that also influences trade efficiency. However, the question arises if logistics performance is significant for the trade of critical goods which are energy raw products. The aim of the paper is primarily to investigate the EU energy trade flows in general and to estimate the effect of logistics performance on the international trade of energy raw products. The energy raw products are grouped into solid, liquid, and gaseous products, and separate estimates are made for their export and import. The analysis also differentiates between the trade flows, that is export and import within the EU and trade flows between EU member states and third countries. The empirical model is based on the theory of gravity model extended to include the six subcomponents of the Logistics Performance Index (LPI). The results present that: (1) the standard gravity model variables, such as GDPs of reporter and partner countries and contiguity, are successful in explaining the trade flows of solid and liquid raw energy but in case of gas products, are insignificant; (2) the results indicate that all logistics’ performance subcomponents are highly significant and show positive effects on the export of liquid energy products, while for the solid and gas products, it seems to be insignificant when the energy commodities are more complex and costly to transport and store, and therefore, contiguity, i.e., when countries share a common border, positively affects energy trade; (3) the EU imports most liquid energy products, but is generally very dependent on energy imports. EU policymakers should strive to either make more use of domestic resources or switch more to renewable energy sources.
Survey on Blockchain for Smart Grid Management, Control, and Operation
Authors: Aklilu Yohannes T. , Ding Jianguo
Published: December 2021

Power generation, distribution, transmission, and consumption face ongoing challenges such as smart grid management, control, and operation, resulting from high energy demand, the diversity of energy sources, and environmental or regulatory issues. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of blockchain-based solutions for smart grid management, control, and operations. We systematically summarize existing work on the use and implementation of blockchain technology in various smart grid domains. The paper compares related reviews and highlights the challenges in the management, control, and operation for a blockchain-based smart grid as well as future research directions in the five categories: collaboration among stakeholders; data analysis and data management; control of grid imbalances; decentralization of grid management and operations; and security and privacy. All these aspects have not been covered in previous reviews.
Phenomenological Modelling of Camera Performance for Road Marking Detection
Authors: Li Hexuan , Tarik Kanuric , Arefnezhad Sadegh , Magosi Zoltan Ferenc , Wellershaus Christoph , Babic Darko , Babic Dario , Tihanyi Viktor , Eichberger Arno , Baunach Marcel Carsten
Published: December 2021

With the development of autonomous driving technology, the requirements for machine perception have increased significantly. In particular, camera-based lane detection plays an essential role in autonomous vehicle trajectory planning. However, lane detection is subject to high complexity, and it is sensitive to illumination variation, appearance, and age of lane marking. In addition, the sheer infinite number of test cases for highly automated vehicles requires an increasing portion of test and validation to be performed in simulation and X-in-the-loop testing. To model the complexity of camera-based lane detection, physical models are often used, which consider the optical properties of the imager as well as image processing itself. This complexity results in high efforts for the simulation in terms of modelling as well as computational costs. This paper presents a Phenomenological Lane Detection Model (PLDM) to simulate camera performance. The innovation of the approach is the modelling technique using Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP), which is a class of Neural Network (NN). In order to prepare input data for our neural network model, massive driving tests have been performed on the M86 highway road in Hungary. The model’s inputs include vehicle dynamics signals (such as speed and acceleration, etc.). In addition, the difference between the reference output from the digital-twin map of the highway and camera lane detection results is considered as the target of the NN. The network consists of four hidden layers, and scaled conjugate gradient backpropagation is used for training the network. The results demonstrate that PLDM can sufficiently replicate camera detection performance in the simulation. The modelling approach improves the realism of camera sensor simulation as well as computational effort for X-in-the-loop applications and thereby supports safety validation of camera-based functionality in automated driving, which decreases the energy consumption of vehicles.
Testing of Heat Transfer Coefficients and Frictional Losses in Internally Ribbed Tubes and Verification of Results through CFD Modelling
Authors: Grądziel Sławomir , Majewski Karol , Majdak Marek , Mika Łukasz , Sztekler Karol , Kobyłecki Rafał , Zarzycki Robert , Pilawska Małgorzata
Published: December 2021

This paper presents experimental determination of the heat transfer coefficient and the friction factor in an internally rifled tube. The experiment was carried out on a laboratory stand constructed in the Department of Energy of the Cracow University of Technology. The tested tube is used in a Polish power plant in a supercritical circulating fluidized bed (CFB) boiler with the power capacity of 460 MW. Local heat transfer coefficients were determined for Reynolds numbers included in the range from ~6000 to ~50,000, and for three levels of the heating element power. Using the obtained experimental data, a relation was developed that makes it possible to determine the dimensionless Chilton–Colburn factor. The friction factor was also determined as a function of the Reynolds number ranging from 20,000 to 90,000, and a new correlation was developed that represents the friction factor in internally ribbed tubes. The local heat transfer coefficient and the friction factor obtained during the testing were compared with the CFD modelling results. The modelling was performed using the Ansys Workbench application. The k-ω, the k-ε and the transition SST (Share Stress Transport) turbulence models were applied.
Improving Detection of False Data Injection Attacks Using Machine Learning with Feature Selection and Oversampling
Authors: Kumar Ajit , Saxena Neetesh , Jung Souhwan , Choi Bong Jun
Published: December 2021

Critical infrastructures have recently been integrated with digital controls to support intelligent decision making. Although this integration provides various benefits and improvements, it also exposes the system to new cyberattacks. In particular, the injection of false data and commands into communication is one of the most common and fatal cyberattacks in critical infrastructures. Hence, in this paper, we investigate the effectiveness of machine-learning algorithms in detecting False Data Injection Attacks (FDIAs). In particular, we focus on two of the most widely used critical infrastructures, namely power systems and water treatment plants. This study focuses on tackling two key technical issues: (1) finding the set of best features under a different combination of techniques and (2) resolving the class imbalance problem using oversampling methods. We evaluate the performance of each algorithm in terms of time complexity and detection accuracy to meet the time-critical requirements of critical infrastructures. Moreover, we address the inherent skewed distribution problem and the data imbalance problem commonly found in many critical infrastructure datasets. Our results show that the considered minority oversampling techniques can improve the Area Under Curve (AUC) of GradientBoosting, AdaBoost, and kNN by 10–12%.
Analyzing the Impact of Cybersecurity on Monitoring and Control Systems in the Energy Sector
Authors: Alghassab Mohammed
Published: December 2021

Monitoring and control systems in the energy sector are specialized information structures that are not governed by the same information technology standards as the rest of the world’s information systems. Such industrial control systems are also used to handle important infrastructures, including smart grids, oil and gas facilities, nuclear power plants, water management systems, and so on. Industry equipment is handled by systems connected to the internet, either via wireless or cable connectivity, in the present digital age. Further, the system must work without fail, with the system’s availability rate being of paramount importance. Furthermore, to certify that the system is not subject to a cyber-attack, the entire system must be safeguarded against cyber security vulnerabilities, threats, and hazards. In addition, the article looks at and evaluates cyber security evaluations for industrial control systems, as well as their possible impact on the accessibility of industrial control system operations in the energy sector. This research work discovers that the hesitant fuzzy-based method of the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) is an operational procedure for estimating industrial control system cyber security assessments by understanding the numerous characteristics and their impacts on cyber security industrial control systems. The author evaluated the outputs of six distinct projects to determine the quality of the outcomes and their sensitivity. According to the results of the robustness analysis, alternative 1 shows the utmost effective cybersecurity project for the industrial control system. This research work will be a conclusive reference for highly secure and managed monitoring and control systems.
Path Selection for the Inspection Robot by m-Generalized q-Neutrosophic PROMETHEE Approach
Authors: Bausys Romualdas , Zavadskas Edmundas Kazimieras , Semenas Rokas
Published: December 2021

Path planning can be considered the most vital task of the autonomous robot. In this task, selecting an optimal route from the starting to the target position becomes an important problem that must be addressed when multiple competing optimization priorities are considered. Thus, a novel route assessment strategy based on a multi-criteria decision-making approach is proposed. The m-generalized q-neutrosophic PROMETHEE (PROMETHEE-mGqNS) method is applied to aggregate the competing route assessment requirements and choose an optimal route. A case study is investigated to explain the proposed strategy for path planning in a typical environment and indicates the method stability when incomplete input data characteristics are present.
Carbonate Platform Reef-Shoal Reservoir Architecture Study and Characteristic Evaluation: A Case of S Field in Turkmenistan
Authors: Wang Hao , Zhou Qiumei , Zhou Wen , Zhang Yinde , He Jianhua
Published: December 2021

Carbonate sediments are susceptible to many factors, such as paleostructure, diagenesis, and strong microbial alteration; as such, their sedimentary architecture still calls for further research. In this study, the reef and shoal bodies in the XVm and XVp layers of the Middle–Upper Jurassic Karlov-Oxfordian in the S gas field were used as the object, and the architecture of the reef-shoal facies was studied. Based on the idea of “vertical grading and horizontal boundary”, the interface characteristics of the 6th to 4th levels of reef-shoal bodies in the study area were summarized, as were four ways to determine the boundaries of reef-shoal bodies. Based on the dense well network, we quantitatively described the scale of each small layer of single reef shoal body through the point-line-surface method and established a geological database of the reef shoal bodies in the study area. In addition, we established the width and thickness of the reef shoal body and the empirical formula for relationships. The study of morphological characteristics of reef-shoal bodies and the degree of overlap revealed six architecture models of reef-shoal bodies. The vertical and lateral superimposed reefs were obtained by evaluating the reservoir space, pore throat characteristics, and physical property characteristics corresponding to various architecture models. The vertical and lateral superimposed shoals corresponded to large reservoir thicknesses. The petrophysical properties were good, and we concluded that the reef-shoal superimposed area was a sweet spot for reservoir development. We applied the research results of reef-shoal architecture reservoir characteristics to gas field development, and therefore improved well pattern deployment in the reef-shoal superimposed area. By comparing the test results of newly deployed horizontal wells with adjacent vertical wells, we confirmed that the selection of horizontal wells was better for gas field development. This study on the architecture of reef-shoal facies could guide the study of carbonate rock architecture.
Special Issue: Valorization of Material Waste for Environmental, Energetic, and Biomedical Applications
Authors: Gil Antonio
Published: December 2021

Waste management and its recovery to provide it with added value are increasingly important lines of research that fall within the concept of a Circular Economy [...]
Development and Thermophysical Profile of Cetyl Alcohol-in-Water Nanoemulsions for Thermal Management
Authors: Cabaleiro David , Losada-Barreiro Sonia , Agresti Filippo , Hermida-Merino Carolina , Fedele Laura , Lugo Luis , Barison Simona , Piñeiro Manuel M.
Published: December 2021

This study focuses on the preparation, thermophysical and rheological characterization of phase change material nanoemulsions as latent functionally thermal fluids. Aqueous dispersions with fine droplets of cetyl alcohol (with a melting temperature at ~321 K) were prepared by means of a solvent-assisted method, combining ultrasonication with non-ionic and anionic emulsifiers. Eicosyl alcohol (melting at ~337 K) and hydrophobic silica nanoparticles were tested as nucleating agents. Droplet size studies through time and after freeze–thaw cycles confirmed the good stability of formulated nanoemulsions. Phase change analyses proved the effectiveness of eicosyl alcohol to reduce subcooling to a few Kelvin. Although phase change material emulsions exhibited thermal conductivities much larger than bulk cetyl alcohol (at least 60% higher when droplets are solid), reductions in this property reached 15% when compared to water. Samples mainly showed desirable Newtonian behavior (or slight shear thinning viscosities) and modifications in density around melting transition were lower than 1.2%. In the case of phase change material nanoemulsions with 8 wt.% content of dispersed phase, enhancements in the energy storage capacity overcome 20% (considering an operational temperature interval of 10 K around solid–liquid phase change). Formulated dispersions also showed good thermal reliability throughout 200 solidification–melting cycles.
Synchronization of Fractional Order Uncertain BAM Competitive Neural Networks
Authors: Syed Ali M. , Hymavathi M. , Kauser Syeda Asma , Rajchakit Grienggrai , Hammachukiattikul Porpattama , Boonsatit Nattakan
Published: December 2021

This article examines the drive-response synchronization of a class of fractional order uncertain BAM (Bidirectional Associative Memory) competitive neural networks. By using the differential inclusions theory, and constructing a proper Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional, novel sufficient conditions are obtained to achieve global asymptotic stability of fractional order uncertain BAM competitive neural networks. This novel approach is based on the linear matrix inequality (LMI) technique and the derived conditions are easy to verify via the LMI toolbox. Moreover, numerical examples are presented to show the feasibility and effectiveness of the theoretical results.
BRCA2 Haploinsufficiency in Telomere Maintenance
Authors: Gunnarsdottir Soffía R. , Bjarnason Hördur , Thorvaldsdottir Birna , Paland Felice , Steinarsdottir Margrét , Eyfjörd Jórunn E. , Bödvarsdottir Sigrídur K.
Published: December 2021

Our previous studies showed an association between monoallelic BRCA2 germline mutations and dysfunctional telomeres in epithelial mammary cell lines and increased risk of breast cancer diagnosis for women with BRCA2 999del5 germline mutation and short telomeres in blood cells. In the current study, we analyzed telomere dysfunction in lymphoid cell lines from five BRCA2 999del5 mutation carriers and three Fanconi Anemia D1 patients by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Metaphase chromosomes were harvested from ten lymphoid cell lines of different BRCA2 genotype origin and analyzed for telomere loss (TL), multitelomeric signals (MTS), interstitial telomere signals (ITS) and extra chromosomal telomere signals (ECTS). TL, ITS and ECTS were separately found to be significantly increased gradually between the BRCA2+/+, BRCA2+/- and BRCA2-/- lymphoid cell lines. MTS were found to be significantly increased between the BRCA2+/+ and the BRCA2+/- heterozygous (p < 0.0001) and the BRCA2-/- lymphoid cell lines (p < 0.0001) but not between the BRCA2 mutated genotypes. Dysfunctional telomeres were found to be significantly increased in a stepwise manner between the BRCA2 genotypes indicating an effect of BRCA2 haploinsufficiency on telomere maintenance.
Insights into the Host-Pathogen Interaction Pathways through RNA-Seq Analysis of Lens culinaris Medik. in Response to Rhizoctonia bataticola Infection
Authors: Mishra Gyan P. , Aski Muraleedhar S. , Bosamia Tejas , Chaurasia Shiksha , Mishra Dwijesh Chandra , Bhati Jyotika , Kumar Atul , Javeria Shaily , Tripathi Kuldeep , Kohli Manju , Kumar Ranjeet Ranjan , Singh Amit Kumar , Devi Jyoti , Kumar Shiv , Dikshit Harsh Kumar
Published: December 2021

Dry root rot (Rhizoctonia bataticola) is an important disease of lentils (Lens culinaris Medik.).To gain an insight into the molecular aspects of host-pathogen interactions, the RNA-seq approach was used in lentils following inoculation with R.bataticola. The RNA-Seq has generated >450 million high-quality reads (HQRs) and nearly 96.97% were properly aligned to the reference genome. Very high similarity in FPKM (fragments per kilobase of exon per million mapped fragments) values (R > 0.9) among biological replicates showed the consistency of the RNA-Seq results. The study revealed various DEGs (differentially expressed genes) that were associated with changes in phenolic compounds, transcription factors (TFs), antioxidants, receptor kinases, hormone signals which corresponded to the cell wall modification enzymes, defense-related metabolites, and jasmonic acid (JA)/ethylene (ET) pathways. Gene ontology (GO) categorization also showed similar kinds of significantly enriched similar GO terms. Interestingly, of the total unigenes (42,606), 12,648 got assembled and showed significant hit with Rhizoctonia species. String analysis also revealed the role of various disease responsive proteins viz., LRR family proteins, LRR-RLKs, protein kinases, etc. in the host-pathogen interaction. Insilico validation analysis was performed using Genevestigator® and DEGs belonging to six major defense-response groups viz., defense-related enzymes, disease responsive genes, hormones, kinases, PR (pathogenesis related) proteins, and TFs were validated. For the first time some key miRNA targets viz. miR156, miR159, miR167, miR169, and miR482 were identified from the studied transcriptome, which may have some vital role in Rhizoctonia-based responses in lentils. The study has revealed the molecular mechanisms of the lentil/R.bataticola interactions and also provided a theoretical approach for the development of lentil genotypes resistant to R.bataticola.
Pheno-Morphological and Essential Oil Composition Responses to UVA Radiation and Protectants: A Case Study in Three Thymus Species
Authors: Mumivand Hasan , Shayganfar Alireza , Tsaniklidis Georgios , Emami Bistgani Zohreh , Fanourakis Dimitrios , Nicola Silvana
Published: December 2021

Solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation mainly includes UVA (320–400 nm). UVA intensity varies depending on the season and geographic location, while it is projected to rise owing to climate change. Since it elicits secondary metabolism, additional knowledge on the UVA dependence of phytochemical production is required for both farmers and processors, particularly under natural settings. In this field study, the pheno-morphological traits and essential oil composition responses to UVA intensity were addressed in three Thymus species [T. daenensis (endemic to Iran), T. fedtschenkoi (semi-endemic), T. vulgaris (common thyme)]. During growth, three UVA levels (ambient, enriched, excluded) were realized in combination with spraying protectants [water (control), melatonin, glutathione, iron-zinc nanofertilizer]. In T. daenensis, enriched UVA caused early flowering. The height of T. daenensis was the longest under enriched UVA, and the shortest under excluded UVA. In control plants, enriched and excluded UVA stimulated the accumulation of oxygenated metabolites in T. daenensis and T. fedtschenkoi. Altogether, under enriched UVA some phenolic compounds (e.g., thymol, carvacrol, γ-terpinene) increased in the essential oil of all three species, but others decreased. In all taxa, glutathione caused a significant essential oil content reduction. Iron-zinc nanofertilizer increased essential oil accumulation in T. daenensis and T. vulgaris. Treatments also induced an alteration of the essential oil composition. In conclusion, cultivation regime effects on the essential oil quality (composition) and quantity were strongly species dependent. T. deanensis underwent the most consistent enhancement under UVA, making the species more adaptable to climate change, whereas T. fedtschenkoi the least.
External Focus or Differential Learning: Is There an Additive Effect on Learning a Futsal Goal Kick?
Authors: Oftadeh Sara , Bahram Abbas , Yaali Rasoul , Ghadiri Farhad , Schöllhorn Wolfgang I.
Published: December 2021

(1) Background: How to optimally promote the process of acquiring and learning a new motor skill is still one of the fundamental questions often raised in training and movement science, rehabilitation, and physical education. This study is aimed at investigating the effects of differential learning (DL) and the elements of OPTIMAL theory on learning a goal-kicking skill in futsal, especially under the conditions of external and internal foci. (2) Methods: A total of 40 female beginners were randomly assigned to, and equally distributed among, five different interventions. Within a pretest and post-test design, with retention and transfer tests, participants practiced for 12 weeks, involving two 20-min sessions per week. The tests involved a kicking skill test. Data were analyzed with a one-way ANOVA. (3) Results: Statistically significant differences with large effect sizes were found between differential learning (DL) with an external focus, DL with an internal focus, DL with no focus, traditional training with an external focus, and traditional training with control groups in the post-, retention, and transfer tests. (4) Conclusions: The results indicate the clear advantages of DL. It is well worth putting further efforts into investigating a more differentiated application of instructions combined with exercises for DL.
Telemedicine Applications in the Era of COVID-19: Telesurgery Issues
Authors: Bailo Paolo , Gibelli Filippo , Blandino Alberto , Piccinini Andrea , Ricci Giovanna , Sirignano Ascanio , Zoja Riccardo
Published: December 2021

Telemedicine allows for the effective delivery of health care to patients at a distance through the application of information technology to the field of medicine. This is optimal during the COVID-19 pandemic to reduce interpersonal contact to mitigate contagion. Among the possible Telemedicine applications, there is Telesurgery, which involves more and more surgical specialties thanks to the numerous benefits in quality and cost containment. In the growing field of Telesurgery, its technical and legal implications must be considered. In this study, a traditional review of the scientific literature was carried out to identify the most relevant issues of interest in Telesurgery. The problematic legal aspects identified are mainly related to the difference in legislation between different geographical areas, which is critical in the case of malpractice. In addition, there is the possibility of a malicious hacker attack on the transmitted data stream either to steal sensitive data or to harm the patient. Finally, there are inherent difficulties with the technology used, such as latency issues in data transmission. All these critical issues are currently not adequately addressed by current legislation. Therefore, one can only hope for a legislative action to allow Telesurgery to be used safely.
Impact of Alcohol Consumption on Male Fertility Potential: A Narrative Review
Authors: Finelli Renata , Mottola Filomena , Agarwal Ashok
Published: December 2021

Alcohol abuse disorder is a serious condition, implicating more than 15 million people aged 12 years and older in 2019 in the United States. Ethanol (or ethyl alcohol) is mainly oxidized in the liver, resulting in the synthesis of acetaldehyde and acetate, which are toxic and carcinogenic metabolites, as well as in the generation of a reductive cellular environment. Moreover, ethanol can interact with lipids, generating fatty acid ethyl esters and phosphatidylethanol, which interfere with physiological cellular pathways. This narrative review summarizes the impact of excessive alcohol consumption on male fertility by describing its metabolism and how ethanol consumption may induce cellular damage. Furthermore, the impact of alcohol consumption on hormonal regulation, semen quality, and genetic and epigenetic regulations is discussed based on evidence from animal and human studies, focusing on the consequences on the offspring. Finally, the limitations of the current evidence are discussed. Our review highlights the association between chronic alcohol consumption and poor semen quality, mainly due to the development of oxidative stress, as well as its genotoxic impact on hormonal regulation and DNA integrity, affecting the offspring’s health. New landscapes of investigation are proposed for the identification of molecular markers for alcohol-associated infertility, with a focus on advanced OMICS-based approaches applied to the analysis of semen samples.
Quality of Life in the First Year of Cancer Diagnosis among Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal People Living in Regional and Remote Areas of Australia
Authors: Elder-Robinson Elaina , Diaz Abbey , Howard Kirsten , Parikh Darshit Rajeshkumar , Kar Giam , Garvey Gail
Published: December 2021

Little is known of the quality of life (QoL) of cancer patients in the Northern Territory (NT) of Australia, where healthcare delivery is geographically challenged. This exploratory study describes QoL among Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal cancer patients in the NT, in the first year of diagnosis. Participants were recruited from the only cancer care centre in the NT and completed the Assessment of Quality-of-Life questionnaire (AQoL-4D). The results were descriptively analysed. The participants’ (n = 63; mean age 58.8 years) mean AQoL utility score was 0.72 (SD 0.26); patients scored lowest in the relationships and mental health dimensions of the questionnaire (mean 0.89, SD 0.19, and 0.89, SD 0.17, respectively). Participants living in remote and very remote areas (46%) reported higher QoL scores, compared with participants in the outer regional capital city of the NT in the overall (mean 0.76, SD 0.22 and 0.78, SD 0.20 vs. 0.67, SD 0.29, respectively), and mental health dimensions (mean 0.92, SD 0.09 and mean 0.94, SD 0.06 vs. 0.85, SD 0.22, respectively). The findings were suggestive of clinically meaningful differences across socioeconomic groups, cancer and treatment types, and comorbidity status. Mean QoL scores were consistent with previous reports in other Australian cancer cohorts. The findings suggest a need to support cancer patients’ mental health and relationships during the diagnosis and treatment phase of their cancer journey.
The Social Course of Fibromyalgia: Resisting Processes of Marginalisation
Authors: Brown Nicole
Published: December 2021

This sociological article reports an empirical study into the lived experience of fibromyalgia. It includes 28 participants (26 women, 2 men) with a formal diagnosis of fibromyalgia. Data collection consisted of the completion of an identity box project and subsequent interviews. Data analysis followed the principles of iterative, inductive, semantic thematic analysis, and led to the identification of four major themes: the role of the social in making sense of the experience, the process of redefining lifegoals, the refusal to accept fibromyalgia as a diagnosis, and the consideration of identifying as a patient. These themes in turn demonstrate four forms of resistance against processes of marginalisation amongst those who have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia: (1) the incorporation of societal expectations and norms into their life-stories; (2) the re-making the lifeworld at a cerebral level through redefining reality and creating a new, socially acceptable reality; (3) the active rejection of the fibromyalgia diagnosis; and (4) the employment of active and pro-active countermeasures to assuming the sick role.