bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proteomics as a Complementary Technique to Characterize Bladder Cancer
Authors: López-Cortés Rubén , Vázquez-Estévez Sergio , Fernández Javier Álvarez , Núñez Cristina
Published: November 2021

Bladder cancer (BC) is the most common tumor of the urinary tract and is conventionally classified as either non-muscle invasive or muscle invasive. In addition, histological variants exist, as organized by the WHO-2016 classification. However, innovations in next-generation sequencing have led to molecular classifications of BC. These innovations have also allowed for the tracing of major tumorigenic pathways and, therefore, are positioned as strong supporters of precision medicine. In parallel, immunohistochemistry is still the clinical reference to discriminate histological layers and to stage BC. Key contributions have been made to enlarge the panel of protein immunomarkers. Moreover, the analysis of proteins in liquid biopsy has also provided potential markers. Notwithstanding, their clinical adoption is still low, with very few approved tests. In this context, mass spectrometry-based proteomics has remained a step behind; hence, we aimed to develop them in the community. Herein, the authors introduce the epidemiology and the conventional classifications to review the molecular classification of BC, highlighting the contributions of proteomics. Then, the advances in mass spectrometry techniques focusing on maintaining the integrity of the biological structures are presented, a milestone for the emergence of histoproteomics. Within this field, the review then discusses selected proteins for the comprehension of the pathophysiological mechanisms of BC. Finally, because there is still insufficient knowledge, this review considers proteomics as an important source for the development of BC therapies.
Oxidative Degradation of Pharmaceuticals: The Role of Tetrapyrrole-Based Catalysts
Authors: Piccirillo Giusi , Aroso Rafael T. , Rodrigues Fábio M. S. , Carrilho Rui M. B. , Pinto Sara M. A. , Calvete Mário J. F. , Pereira Mariette M.
Published: November 2021

Nowadays, society’s widespread consumption of pharmaceutical drugs and the consequent accumulation of such compounds or their metabolites in effluents requires the development of efficient strategies and systems that lead to their effective degradation. This can be done through oxidative processes, in which tetrapyrrolic macrocycles (porphyrins, phthalocyanines) deserve special attention since they are among the most promising degradation catalysts. This paper presents a review of the literature over the past ten years on the major advances made in the development of oxidation processes of pharmaceuticals in aqueous solutions using tetrapyrrole-based catalysts. The review presents a brief discussion of the mechanisms involved in these oxidative processes and is organized by the degradation of families of pharmaceutical compounds, namely antibiotics, analgesics and neurological drugs, among others. For each family, a critical analysis and discussion of the fundamental roles of tetrapyrrolic macrocycles are presented, regarding both photochemical degradative processes and direct oxidative chemical degradation.
Involvement of Transforming Growth Factor Beta Family Genes in Gonadal Differentiation in Japanese Eel, Anguilla japonica, According to Sex-Related Gene Expressions
Authors: Lin Chien-Ju , Jeng Shan-Ru , Lei Zhen-Yuan , Yueh Wen-Shiun , Dufour Sylvie , Wu Guan-Chung , Chang Ching-Fong
Published: November 2021

The gonochoristic feature with environmental sex determination that occurs during the yellow stage in the eel provides an interesting model to investigate the mechanisms of gonadal development. We previously studied various sex-related genes during gonadal sex differentiation in Japanese eels. In the present study, the members of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) superfamily were investigated. Transcript levels of anti-Müllerian hormone, its receptor, gonadal soma-derived factor (amh, amhr2, and gsdf, respectively) measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) showed a strong sexual dimorphism. Transcripts were dominantly expressed in the testis, and their levels significantly increased with testicular differentiation. In contrast, the expressions of amh, amhr2, and gsdf transcripts were low in the ovary of E2-feminized female eels. In situ hybridization detected gsdf (but not amh) transcript signals in undifferentiated gonads. amh and gsdf signals were localized to Sertoli cells and had increased significantly with testicular differentiation. Weak gsdf and no amh signals were detected in early ovaries of E2-feminized female eels. Transcript levels of amh and gsdf (not amhr2) decreased during human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG)-induced spermatogenesis in males. This study suggests that amh, amhr2, and especially gsdf might be involved in the gene pathway regulating testicular differentiation of Japanese eels.
A Neural Network Inverse Optimization Procedure for Constitutive Parameter Identification and Failure Mode Estimation of Laterally Loaded Unreinforced Masonry Walls
Authors: Albu-Jasim Qudama , Papazafeiropoulos George
Published: November 2021

A new Neural Network Optimization (NNO) algorithm for constitutive material parameter identification based on inverse analysis of experimental tests of small-scale masonry prisms under compressive loads is presented. The Concrete Damaged Plasticity (CDP) constitutive model is used for the brick and mortar of the Unreinforced Masonry (URM) walls. By comparisons with experimental data taken from laboratory tests, it is demonstrated that the constitutive parameters calibrated by application of the proposed inverse optimization procedure on the small-scale (prism) experimental results are sufficiently accurate to allow for the prediction of the mechanical response of large-scale URM walls subject to compressive and lateral loads. This eliminates the need for large-scale URM wall experimental tests for the identification of their material properties, making the calibration process more economic. After verifying the accuracy of the calibrated constitutive parameters based on the above comparisons, a numerical parametric study is performed for the investigation of the effect of material behavior and geometrical aspect ratios on the failure mechanisms of large-scale URM walls.
Fracture Properties of α– and ĸ–Al2O3 Hard Coatings Deposited by Chemical Vapor Deposition
Authors: Konstantiniuk Fabian , Tkadletz Michael , Czettl Christoph , Schalk Nina
Published: November 2021

Although α– and κ–Al2O3 hard coatings deposited by chemical vapor deposition are well established in the metal-cutting industry for their ability to increase the performance and lifetime of cutting tools, the literature on their fracture properties is scarce. Thus, within this study, the microstructure and mechanical properties of α– and κ–Al2O3 coatings were investigated and compared to each other. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy combined with electron backscatter diffraction showed that both coatings exhibited a fiber texture, where the α-Al2O3 coating displayed a (0001) texture and the κ–Al2O3 coating a (001) texture with a certain (013) contribution. Higher hardness and Young’s modulus values of 31.0 ± 0.9 GPa and 474.6 ± 12.5 GPa, respectively, were obtained for the α–Al2O3 coating, compared to 24.2 ± 0.8 GPa and 356.8 ± 7.9 GPa for κ–Al2O3. While the α–Al2O3 coating exhibited a higher fracture stress of 8.1 ± 0.3 GPa (compared to 6.4 ± 0.6 GPa for κ–Al2O3), the κ–Al2O3 coating showed a higher fracture toughness of 4.4 ± 0.3 MPa*m1/2 (compared to 3.2 ± 0.3 MPa*m1/2 for alpha).
Assessment of Genetic Diversity of Rice in Registered Cultivars and Farmers’ Fields in Burkina Faso
Authors: Barro Mariam , Konate Kadougoudiou Abdourasmane , Wonni Issa , Kassankogno Abalo Itolou , Sabot François , Albar Laurence , Somda Irénée , Béna Gilles , Ghesquière Alain , Kam Honoré , Sié Moussa , Cubry Philippe , Tollenaere Charlotte
Published: November 2021

The genetic diversity of cultivated rice in farmers’ fields remains understudied in West Africa despite the importance of rice for food security in this region. In this study, we genotyped rice samples from Burkina Faso using the C6AIR SNP (Single Nucleotide Polymorphism) array (IRRI), including 27 registered cultivars and 50 rice samples collected in rice fields from three geographical zones in western Burkina Faso. Most of the registered cultivars clustered with the indica genetic group, except seven assigned to japonica and one admix. All but one of the rice samples from farmers’ fields belonged to the indica group. The other field sample, which unexpectedly clustered with the Aus genetic group, originated from a rainfed lowland site known to differ in terms of agronomic practices, and which revealed to be highly differentiated from the five other sites. Apart from this peculiar site, the rice grown in irrigated areas did not differ from rice sampled in rainfed lowlands. Finally, obtained genetic data confirmed the high frequency of one cultivar, in congruence with farmers’ interviews. We argue on the importance to document and preserve the high agro-biodiversity observed in rice from Burkina Faso as a prerequisite to face the current challenges of growing rice demand and global change.
Analyzing and Predicting Land Use and Land Cover Changes in New Jersey Using Multi-Layer Perceptron–Markov Chain Model
Authors: Ngoy Kikombo Ilunga , Qi Feng , Shebitz Daniela J.
Published: November 2021

This study analyzed the changes of land use and land cover (LULC) in New Jersey in the United States from 2007 to 2012. The goal was to identify the driving factors of these changes and to project the five-year trend to 2100. LULC data was obtained from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. The original 86 classes were reclassified to 11 classes. Data analysis and projection were performed using TerrSet 2020. Results from 2007 to 2012 showed that the rate of LULC changes was relatively small. Most changes happened to brush/grasslands, mixed forest lands, farmlands and urban/developed lands. Urban/developed lands and the mixed-forest cover gained while farmlands lost. Using a multi-layer perceptron–Markov chain (MLP–MC) model, we projected the 2015 LULC and validated by actual data to produce a 2100 LULC. Changes from 2012 to 2100 showed that urban/developed lands, as well as brush/grasslands, would continue to gain, while farmlands would lose, although the projected landscape texture would likely be identical to the 2012 landscape. Human and natural factors were discussed. It was concluded that the MLP–MC model could be a useful model to predict short-term LULC change. Unexpected factors are likely to interfere in a long-term projection.
Batteryless Electronic System Printed on Glass Substrate
Authors: Andersson Ersman Peter , Åhlin Jessica , Westerberg David , Sawatdee Anurak , Arvén Patrik , Ludvigsson Mikael
Published: November 2021

Batteryless hybrid printed electronic systems manufactured on glass substrates are reported. The electronic system contains a sensor capable of detecting water, an electrochromic display, conductors, a silicon chip providing the power supply through energy harvesting of electromagnetic radiation, and a silicon-based microcontroller responsible for monitoring the sensor status and the subsequent update of the corresponding display segment. The silicon-based components were assembled on the glass substrate by using a pick and place equipment, while the remainder of the system was manufactured by screen printing. Many printed electronic components, often relying on organic materials, are sensitive to variations in environmental conditions, and the reported system paves the way for the creation of electronic sensor platforms on glass substrates for utilization in see-through applications in harsh conditions. Additionally, this generic hybrid printed electronic sensor system also demonstrates the ability to enable autonomous operation through energy harvesting in future smart window applications.
Generalized Model Reference Scheduling and Control Co-Design with Guaranteed Performance
Authors: Zhao Shunli , Zhang Cong , Shao Lei
Published: November 2021

In this paper, a generalized model-reference scheduling (GMRS) scheme is proposed for a networked control system (NCS) with guaranteed performance control and medium access constraint (MAC). The GMRS presented reduces conservatism to some extent, and its performance is improved by adjusting the weighted gain. In addition, two cases of uncertainty existing in the system matrix and control matrix are considered. For the first case, a co-design of guaranteed performance control and the GMRS is studied for the NCS with and without zero-order hold mechanism. For the second case, the uncertainty induced from time delay is considered in the guaranteed performance control and the GMRS co-design. Finally, illustrative examples are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed co-design schemes.
MPG Illusion and Vehicle Choice: An Empirical Study of the Japanese Household Survey
Authors: Tanaka Kenta , Iwata Kazuyuki , Managi Shunsuke
Published: November 2021

Previous studies have shown that people understand the future ancillary cost of durable goods such as an automotive vehicle. However, consumers tend to misunderstand the future benefits and costs of these goods. One of the most interesting discussions about consumer cognitive ability for future energy cost is the miles per gallon (MPG) illusion. In this study, we analyze people’s misunderstanding of the relationship between kilometers per liter (KPL) and the actual amount of fuel saved using vehicle owner survey data. We developed some questions to measure how much each person is involved with the MPG (or KPL) illusion. Additionally, our survey includes questions capturing some preferences affecting future fuel costs, such as time. Controlling for the most important respondent characteristics, such as income or gender, our empirical model analyzes the extent of the misunderstanding of how much actual KPL selections of personal auto vehicles are affected. We found that many Japanese consumers tend to misunderstand the relationship between KPL and actual fuel costs. Our results demonstrate that people who misunderstand the relationship tend to choose a higher 4.324 km per liter car than those who understand. This finding implies that the KPL illusion affects the KPL selection of consumers’ cars.
Application of Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor and Fixed Bed Hybrid Biological Reactor for Oilfield Produced Water Treatment: Influence of Total Dissolved Solids Concentration
Authors: Lusinier Nicolas , Seyssiecq Isabelle , Sambusiti Cecilia , Jacob Matthieu , Lesage Nicolas , Roche Nicolas
Published: November 2021

This experimental paper deals with the development of a hybrid biological reactor for the treatment of a synthetic oilfield produced water under an increase in total dissolved solids (TDS) concentration. To comply with strengthening regulations concerning produced water discharge and peculiar produced water compositions, a moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR) consisting in a combination of free activated sludge and moving biofilm supports was compared to a fixed bed hybrid biological reactor (FBHBR) consisting in a combination of free activated sludge and a fixed biofilm support. After a 216 days experimental period, the MBBR and the FBHBR were efficient to treat a synthetic produced water with chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal rate above 90% under an increase in TDS concentrations from 1.5 to 20 g·L−1. Ecotoxicity measurements on freshwater and marine microorganisms revealed an absence of toxicity on treated waters. A decrease in bacterial diversity indices with respect to the inoculum was observed in both bioreactors. This suggests that the increase in TDS concentrations caused the predominance of a low number of bacterial species.
Technique to Investigate Pulverizing and Abrasive Performance of Coals in Mineral Processing Systems
Authors: Grzegorzek Wojciech , Adamecki Daniel , Głuszek Grzegorz , Lutyński Aleksander , Kowol Daniel
Published: November 2021

The operating costs of breaking coal particles into fine powder, to achieve optimum combustion for the boilers in a power plant, are made up of power input to carry on an energy intensive comminution mechanism and to overcome friction losses within pulverising machines. The operating costs also include the cost of the replacement of the processing system’s components due to wear. This study presents the development and application of an attrition test machine that enables an investigation of the factors that influence pulverizing efficiency. The attrition tester simulates grinding conditions in real vertical spindle mills. In this kind of mill, as with the tester, the size reduction process results from a shearing action during the redistribution of the coal particles. The redistribution and attrition within the coal bed are forced by movement of the rollers (or by a disc rotation, in the case of the tester). The testing method was oriented toward mechanical properties, i.e., internal friction shear strength, abrasiveness and grindability. This method enables facilitated testing procedures and a more exact simulation of grinding in vertical spindle coal mills. Ball-race mills and Loesche roller mills were used.
A High-Efficiency Cooperative Control Strategy of Active and Passive Heating for a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell
Authors: Shen Chunjuan , Xu Sichuan , Pan Lei , Gao Yuan
Published: November 2021

The key to overcome PEMFC cold start failure is to raise the stack temperature above 0 °C before the electrochemical reaction. As the electrochemical reaction progresses, reaction heat is released inside the stack, which will heat the PEMFC stack. This heating method is called passive heating, referred to as PH in this article. Another method, called active heating, or simplified to AH in this article, involves artificially adding a device to the stack to input extra heat to the stack to increase the stack temperature more quickly and reduce the icing rate of the stack water. In this study, an optimal cooperative control strategy of AH and PH is explored by integrating AH and PH. The most effective cold start can be achieved when the temperature of the stack is raised to −20 °C by using AH with the reaction heat of the stack itself. This study provides guidance for optimizing the cold start performance of a PEMFC.
Pitfalls of the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism
Authors: Lim Byeongho , Hong Kyoungseo , Yoon Jooyoung , Chang Jeong-In , Cheong Inkyo
Published: November 2021

The European Union (EU), which has led international discussions on global warming, officially announced its plan for the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) in July 2021. Many existing studies have indicated the CBAM will curtail greenhouse gases, and will subsequently be positive in terms of reducing global warming. However, serious legal issues and trade disputes are expected in terms of the compatibility of the CBAM with the trade rules of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). Contrary to the EU’s explanation, the international community has a strong view of CBAM as a new trade barrier under the guise of preventing global warming. Above all, this is because it is an arbitrary measure by the EU and not the one that has been internationally agreed upon. Therefore, this paper tries to identify the pitfalls and estimate the global cost of CBAM, arguing that the mechanism is not in line with international trade rules, and that many countries will not sit back and suffer from it. The world economy will inevitably face a vicious cycle of trade retaliation. The CBAM will drive up trade costs and cause another trade distortion. While the goal of preventing climate change is good, the CBAM scheme is too costly for the world economy.
Polyolefins and Polyethylene Terephthalate Package Wastes: Recycling and Use in Composites
Authors: Jones Hannah , Saffar Florence , Koutsos Vasileios , Ray Dipa
Published: November 2021

Plastics are versatile materials used in a variety of sectors that have seen a rapid increase in their global production. Millions of tonnes of plastic wastes are generated each year, which puts pressure on plastic waste management methods to prevent their accumulation within the environment. Recycling is an attractive disposal method and aids the initiative of a circular plastic economy, but recycling still has challenges to overcome. This review starts with an overview of the current European recycling strategies for solid plastic waste and the challenges faced. Emphasis lies on the recycling of polyolefins (POs) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) which are found in plastic packaging, as packaging contributes a signification proportion to solid plastic wastes. Both sections, the recycling of POs and PET, discuss the sources of wastes, chemical and mechanical recycling, effects of recycling on the material properties, strategies to improve the performance of recycled POs and PET, and finally the applications of recycled POs and PET. The review concludes with a discussion of the future potential and opportunities of recycled POs and PET.
Investigation of Home Energy Management with Advanced Direct Load Control and Optimal Scheduling of Controllable Loads
Authors: Tamashiro Kanato , Alharbi Talal , Mikhaylov Alexey , Hemeida Ashraf M. , Krishnan Narayanan , Lotfy Mohammed Elsayed , Senjyu Tomonobu
Published: November 2021

Due to the rapid changes in the energy situation on a global scale, the amount of RES installed using clean renewable energy sources such as Photovoltaic (PV) and Wind-power Generators (WGs) is rapidly increasing. As a result, there has been a great deal of research aimed at promoting the adoption of renewable energy. Research on Demand-side Management (DSM) has also been important in promoting the adoption of RES. However, the massive introduction of PV has changed the shape of the demand curve for electricity, which significantly impacts the operational planning of thermal generators. Therefore, this paper proposes an Advanced Direct Load Control (ADLC) model to temporarily shutdown the electric connection between the power grid and Smart Houses (SHs). The most important feature of the proposed model is that it temporarily shuts down the electric connection with the power grid. The shutdown is performed twice to increase the load demand during daytime hours and reduce the peak load during night-time hours. The proposed model also promotes the self-consumption of the generated power during the shutdown period, which is expected to reduce the operating cost. This paper considers six case studies for SH, and the operational costs and carbon dioxide emissions are compared and discussed. The results show that the SH with ADLC successfully reduces the operating costs and carbon dioxide emissions.
An Inclination in Thermal Energy Using Nanoparticles with Casson Liquid Past an Expanding Porous Surface
Authors: Nazir Umar , Sohail Muhammad , Hafeez Muhammad , Krawczuk Marek , Askar Sameh , Wasif Sammar
Published: November 2021

The physical aspects of inclined MHD nanofluid toward a stretching sheet embedded in a porous medium were visualized, which has numerous applications in industry. Two types of nanoparticles, namely copper and aluminum oxide, were used, with water (limiting case of Casson liquid) as the base fluid. Similarity transformations were used to convert the partial differential equations into a set of ordinary differential equations. Closed solutions were found to examine the velocity and temperature profiles. It was observed that an increment in the magnitude of the Hartmann number, solid volume fraction, and velocity slip parameter brought a reduction in the velocity profile, and the opposite behavior was shown for the permeability parameter in Cu–water and Al2O3–water nanofluids. The temperature field, local skin friction, and local Nusselt number were further examined. Moreover, the study of Cu and Al2O3 is useful to boost the efficiency of thermal conductivity and thermal energy in particles. Reduction was captured in the velocity gradient and temperature gradient against changes in the thermal radiation number. The opposite trend was tabulated into motion with respect to the volume fraction number for both cases (Cu–water and Al2O3–water).
Performance Analysis and Test Research of PEMFC Oil-Free Positive Displacement Compressor for Vehicle
Authors: Sun Jian , Peng Bin , Zhu Bingguo
Published: November 2021

In order to study the matching characteristics of the positive displacement air compressor and the PEMFC (proton exchange membrane fuel cells), air supply subsystem, the basic operating performance parameters of the scroll and single-screw air compressors were analyzed with the focus on the oil-free double-wrap scroll compressor. According to the thermodynamic model and three-dimensional unsteady-state numerical simulation, the variation of the temperature, pressure, and velocity was obtained. Besides, under the rated operating condition of the compressor, the inlet and outlet mass flow rate of the fluid in the working chamber with the orbiting angle of the crank was achieved. Based on the built test platform, the actual working process of scroll and screw compressors was analyzed. This study indicates that the volume flow can be significantly increased by improving the speed of the positive displacement compressor. Based on the experimental measurement, when the height of the scroll tooth of the scroll compressor increases by 5 mm, the volume flow of the prototype SC2 increases by 0.17 m3/min and the exhaust temperature is reduced by 13 °C at the rated speed.
Investigating Masking Effects of Age Trends on the Correlations among Tree Ring Proxies
Authors: Arosio Tito , Ziehmer-Wenz Malin Michelle , Nicolussi Kurt , Schlüchter Christian , Leuenberger Markus Christian
Published: November 2021

Age-related trends are present in tree-ring widths (TRW), but their presence in tree rings isotope is debated. It is unclear how cambial age influences the relationships between TRW and isotopes. Tree-ring isotopes of alpine larch and cembran-pine trees showed only trends in the juvenile period (>100 years), which might mask the inter-relations between tree-ring proxies during cambial age. This work tries to unmask the age-trend influences by examining the correlations in TRW—stable isotopes with and without age-trend correction. The non-detrended and linear-detrended values of TRW, of δD and δ18O showed significant correlations for ages up to 100 years, but not afterward. However, the correlation values, after spline or first-difference time-series detrending, were not age-related. Thus, detrending methods affect the correlations in the juvenile phase and may affect climate-related interpretations. The correlations between TRW and δ13C were not age-related, while those among the isotopes were significant throughout the ages. The correlation between δ13C and δD was the exception, as it became significant only after age > 100 years, suggesting a different use of reserves in the juvenile phase. In conclusion, the relationships among the tree-ring parameters are stable in all the different detrend scenarios after the juvenile phase, and they can be used together in multi-proxy paleoclimatic studies. The data of the juvenile phase can be used after spline-detrending or first-difference time-series calculation, depending on the purpose of the analysis to remove age-related trends. The work also provides clues on the possible causes of juvenile age trends.
Influence of the Addition of Extruded Endogenous Tartary Buckwheat Starch on Processing and Quality of Gluten-Free Noodles
Authors: Han Xiao-Miao , Xing Jun-Jie , Guo Xiao-Na , Zhu Ke-Xue
Published: November 2021

Extruded starch could be used as a thickener for food processing due to its pre-gel properties. This study aimed to explore the influence of the addition of extruded endogenous Tartary buckwheat starch (ES) on the process and quality of gluten-free noodles. ES was mixed with Tartary buckwheat flour in different proportions (10–40%) to prepare the blended flour and noodles. When the content of ES was increased, the swelling power of blended flour at 90 °C had no significant changes, and the decrease in peak viscosity of blended flour was reduced. This indicated that the high-content ES could afford better thermal stability for blended flour and inhibit the swelling ability. The higher level of ES was beneficial to the formation and stabilization of dough, and the improvement of noodle tensile strength. Furthermore, there was no difference in cooking loss between noodles with 30% and 40% ES addition. The microstructure and water distribution of the noodles prepared by blended flour indicated that the gel-entrapped structure organized by the higher content ES could be closely related to the above results. In conclusion, higher ES could contribute to improving the processing properties and quality of noodles.
Monotone Iterative and Upper–Lower Solution Techniques for Solving the Nonlinear ψ−Caputo Fractional Boundary Value Problem
Authors: Boutiara Abdelatif , Benbachir Maamar , Alzabut Jehad , Samei Mohammad
Published: November 2021

The objective of this paper is to study the existence of extremal solutions for nonlinear boundary value problems of fractional differential equations involving the ψ−Caputo derivative CDa+σ;ψϱ(t)=V(t,ϱ(t)) under integral boundary conditions ϱ(a)=λIν;ψϱ(η)+δ. Our main results are obtained by applying the monotone iterative technique combined with the method of upper and lower solutions. Further, we consider three cases for ψ*(t) as t, Caputo, 2t, t, and Katugampola (for ρ=0.5) derivatives and examine the validity of the acquired outcomes with the help of two different particular examples.
The Association of Irritable Bowel Complaints and Perceived Immune Fitness among Individuals That Report Impaired Wound Healing: Supportive Evidence for the Gut–Brain–Skin Axis
Authors: Balikji Jessica , Hoogbergen Maarten M. , Garssen Johan , Verster Joris C.
Published: November 2021

The gut–brain–skin axis is important in wound healing. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between experiencing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms, perceived immune fitness, and impaired wound healing. N = 1942 Dutch students (mean (SD) age 21.3 (2.1), 83.6% women) completed an online survey. They were allocated to one of four groups: (1) control group (N = 1544), (2) wound infection (WI) group (N = 65), (3) slow healing wounds (SHW) group (N = 236), or (4) a combination group (COMBI), which experienced both WI and SHW (N = 87). Participants rated their perceived immune fitness on a scale ranging from very poor (0) to excellent (10), and the severity of IBS symptoms (constipation, diarrhea, and pain) was assessed with the Birmingham IBS Symptom Questionnaire. Compared to the control group, perceived immune fitness was significantly poorer for the SHW group (p < 0.001) and COMBI group (p < 0.001), but not for the WI group. Compared to the control group, constipation was reported significantly more frequently by the SHW group (p < 0.001) and the WI group (p = 0.012), diarrhea was reported significantly more frequent by the SHW group (p = 0.038) and the COMBI group (p = 0.004), and pain was reported significantly more frequent by the SHW group (p = 0.020) and COMBI group (p = 0.001). Correlations between IBS complaints and perceived immune fitness were statistically significant (p < 0.001), and also a highly significant and negative association was found between the percentage of participants that reported impaired wound healing and perceived immune fitness (r = −0.97, p < 0.001). In conclusion, among participants with self-reported impaired wound healing, IBS complaints were significantly more severe, and accompanied by a significantly reduced perceived immune fitness.
In Conversation with the Ancestors: Indigenizing Archaeological Narratives at Acadia National Park, Maine
Authors: Newsom Bonnie , Dana Lolar Natalie , St. John Isaac
Published: November 2021

In North America, Indigenous pasts are publicly understood through narratives constructed by archaeologists who bring Western ideologies to bear on their inquiries. The resulting Eurocentric presentations of Indigenous pasts shape public perceptions of Indigenous peoples and influence Indigenous perceptions of self and of archaeology. In this paper we confront Eurocentric narratives of Indigenous pasts, specifically Wabanaki pasts, by centering an archaeological story on relationality between contemporary and past Indigenous peoples. We focus on legacy archaeological collections and eroding heritage sites in Acadia National Park, Maine. We present the “Red Paint People” myth as an example of how Indigenous pasts become distorted through archaeological narratives influenced by Western ideologies and offer a framework for indigenizing archaeological narratives constructed previously through Western lenses, using Indigenous language and community engagement to carry out the study.
Healthier Communities of Phytoplankton and Bacteria Achieved via the Application of Modified Clay in Shrimp Aquaculture Ponds
Authors: Ding Yu , Song Xiuxian , Cao Xihua , He Liyan , Liu Shanshan , Yu Zhiming
Published: November 2021

The composition and stability of microbial communities in aquaculture water are crucial for the healthy growth of shrimp and present considerable risk to aquatic ecosystems. The modified clay (MC) method has been proposed as an efficient and safe solution for the mitigation of harmful algal blooms (HABs). Currently, the effects of MC on microbial communities in aquaculture water remain unknown. Here, we adopted the MC method to regulate shrimp-culture water quality and evaluated the effects of MC on the composition and stability of phytoplankton together with bacteria communities through high-throughput sequencing. On the one hand, a prominent change in the composition of microbial community was observed, with green algae becoming the most abundant genera and pathogens being infrequent in the MC-treated pond, which was more conducive to the growth of shrimp than that in the control pond. Moreover, MC could increase the diversity and stability of the microbial community structure in the water column, which had a higher anti-interference ability, as demonstrated by the analysis of the diversity and molecular ecological network. Taken together, MC could reduce the possibility for the occurrence of HABs and maintain a stable microbial community, which is beneficial for the health and high yield of shrimp.
CEO Compensation in Korea: Is It Different than in the US? A Comparison between Korean Non-Life Insurance Firms and US Property-Liability Insurance Firms
Authors: Han Sangyong , Mun Hyejeong
Published: November 2021

This study investigates the level, structure, and pay-for-performance relationship of CEO compensation in Korean non-life insurance companies. We find that seniority plays an important role in setting CEO compensation practices and that performance-based pay, such as bonus, is more effective than base salary in enhancing shareholder value for Korean non-life insurers. Unlike previous studies that show that international differences in executive pay have been diminished considerably since the 2000s, our evidence shows that there is a remarkable difference in CEO compensation between Korean non-life insurers and U.S. property-liability insurers. Furthermore, we provide evidence that the pay-performance relationship is weaker in Korean non-life insurance companies relative to US counterparts, suggesting that it is necessary for Korean non-life insurers to tie performance-based compensation more closely to shareholder value in the design of CEO compensation.
Fully Automated Pose Estimation of Historical Images in the Context of 4D Geographic Information Systems Utilizing Machine Learning Methods
Authors: Maiwald Ferdinand , Lehmann Christoph , Lazariv Taras
Published: November 2021

The idea of virtual time machines in digital environments like hand-held virtual reality or four-dimensional (4D) geographic information systems requires an accurate positioning and orientation of urban historical images. The browsing of large repositories to retrieve historical images and their subsequent precise pose estimation is still a manual and time-consuming process in the field of Cultural Heritage. This contribution presents an end-to-end pipeline from finding relevant images with utilization of content-based image retrieval to photogrammetric pose estimation of large historical terrestrial image datasets. Image retrieval as well as pose estimation are challenging tasks and are subjects of current research. Thereby, research has a strong focus on contemporary images but the methods are not considered for a use on historical image material. The first part of the pipeline comprises the precise selection of many relevant historical images based on a few example images (so called query images) by using content-based image retrieval. Therefore, two different retrieval approaches based on convolutional neural networks (CNN) are tested, evaluated, and compared with conventional metadata search in repositories. Results show that image retrieval approaches outperform the metadata search and are a valuable strategy for finding images of interest. The second part of the pipeline uses techniques of photogrammetry to derive the camera position and orientation of the historical images identified by the image retrieval. Multiple feature matching methods are used on four different datasets, the scene is reconstructed in the Structure-from-Motion software COLMAP, and all experiments are evaluated on a newly generated historical benchmark dataset. A large number of oriented images, as well as low error measures for most of the datasets, show that the workflow can be successfully applied. Finally, the combination of a CNN-based image retrieval and the feature matching methods SuperGlue and DISK show very promising results to realize a fully automated workflow. Such an automated workflow of selection and pose estimation of historical terrestrial images enables the creation of large-scale 4D models.
FPGA-Based Voice Encryption Equipment under the Analog Voice Communication Channel
Authors: Ge Xinyu , Sun Guiling , Zheng Bowen , Nan Ruili
Published: November 2021

This paper describes a voice encryption device that can be widely used in civil voice call encryption. This article uses a composite encryption method to divide the speech into frames, rearrange them in the time domain, and encrypt the content of the frames. The experimental results show that the device can complete the encryption normally under various analog voice call conditions, and the voice delay, quality, encryption effect, etc. are guaranteed. Compared with traditional time-domain encryption, it effectively solves the original voice information remaining in the encrypted information, and further increases the security of the voice.
Early Hypertransaminasemia after Kidney Transplantation: Significance and Evolution According to Donor Type
Authors: Solà-Porta Eulàlia , Redondo-Pachón Dolores , Arias-Cabrales Carlos , Navazo Diego , Buxeda Anna , Burballa Carla , Crespo Marta , García-Retortillo Montserrat , Pascual Julio , Pérez-Sáez María José
Published: November 2021

Early hypertransaminasemia after kidney transplantation (KT) is frequent. It has been associated with the crosstalk produced between the liver and the kidney in ischemia-reperfusion situations. However, the influence of the donor type has not been evaluated. We present a retrospective study analyzing the increase in serum aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase (AST/ALT) during the first three months post-KT in 151 recipients who received thymoglobulin as induction therapy, either from brain-death donors (DBD, n = 75), controlled circulatory death donors (cDCD, n = 33), or uncontrolled DCD (uDCD, n = 43). Eighty-five KT recipients from DBD who received basiliximab were included as controls. From KT recipients who received thymoglobulin, 33.6/43.4% presented with an increase in AST/ALT at 72 h post-KT, respectively. Regarding donor type, the percentage of recipients who experienced 72 h post-KT hypertransaminasemia was higher in uDCD group (65.1/83.7% vs. 20.3/26% in DBD and 20.7/27.6% in cDCD, p < 0.001). Within the control group, 9.4/12.9% of patients presented with AST/ALT elevation. One month after transplant, AST/ALT values returned to baseline in all groups. The multivariate analysis showed that uDCD recipients had 6- to 12-fold higher risk of developing early post-KT hypertransaminasemia. Early post-KT hypertransaminasemia is a frequent and transient event related to the kidney donor type, being more frequent in uDCD recipients.
Xeroderma Pigmentosum: General Aspects and Management
Authors: Piccione Monica , Belloni Fortina Anna , Ferri Giulia , Andolina Gloria , Beretta Lorenzo , Cividini Andrea , De Marni Emanuele , Caroppo Francesca , Citernesi Ugo , Di Liddo Rosa
Published: November 2021

Xeroderma Pigmentosum (XP) is a rare genetic syndrome with a defective DNA nucleotide excision repair. It is characterized by (i) an extreme sensitivity to ultraviolet (UV)-induced damages in the skin and eyes; (ii) high risk to develop multiple skin tumours; and (iii) neurologic alterations in the most severe form. To date, the management of XP patients consists of (i) early diagnosis; (ii) a long-life protection from ultraviolet radiation, including avoidance of unnecessary UV exposure, wearing UV blocking clothing, and use of topical sunscreens; and (iii) surgical resections of skin cancers. No curative treatment is available at present. Thus, in the last decade, in order to prevent or delay the progression of the clinical signs of XP, numerous strategies have been proposed and tested, in some cases, with adverse effects. The present review provides an overview of the molecular mechanisms featuring the development of XP and highlights both advantages and disadvantages of the clinical approaches developed throughout the years. The intention of the authors is to sensitize scientists to the crucial aspects of the pathology that could be differently targeted. In this context, the exploration of the process underlining the conception of liposomal nanocarriers is reported to focus the attention on the potentialities of liposomal technology to optimize the administration of chemoprotective agents in XP patients.
Magnetically Modified Biosorbent for Rapid Beryllium Elimination from the Aqueous Environment
Authors: Tokarčíková Michaela , Motyka Oldřich , Peikertová Pavlína , Gabor Roman , Seidlerová Jana
Published: November 2021

Although both beryllium and its compounds display high toxicity, little attention has been focused on the removal of beryllium from wastewaters. In this research, magnetically modified biochar obtained from poor-quality wheat with two distinct FexOy contents was studied as a sorbent for the elimination of beryllium from an aqueous solution. The determined elimination efficiency was higher than 80% in both prepared composites, and the presence of FexOy did not affect the sorption properties. The experimental qmax values were determined to be 1.44 mg/g for original biochar and biochar with lower content of iron and 1.45 mg/g for the biochar with higher iron content. The optimum pH values favorable for sorption were determined to be 6. After the sorption procedure, the sorbent was still magnetically active enough to be removed from the solution by a magnet. Using magnetically modified sorbents proved to be an easy to apply, low-cost, and effective technique.
A Study on Through-the-Thickness Heating in Continuous Ultrasonic Welding of Thermoplastic Composites
Authors: Jongbloed Bram C. P. , Teuwen Julie J. E. , Benedictus Rinze , Villegas Irene Fernandez
Published: November 2021

Continuous ultrasonic welding is a promising technique for joining thermoplastic composites structures together. The aim of this study was to gain further insight into what causes higher through-the-thickness heating in continuous ultrasonic welding of thermoplastic composites as compared to the static process. Thermocouples were used to measure temperature evolutions at the welding interface and within the adherends. To understand the mechanisms causing the observed temperature behaviours, the results were compared to temperature measurements from an equivalent static welding process and to the predictions from a simplified heat transfer model. Despite the significantly higher temperatures measured at the welding interface for the continuous process, viscoelastic bulk heat generation and not thermal conduction from the interface was identified as the main cause of higher through-the-thickness heating in the top adherend. Interestingly the top adherend seemed to absorb most of the vibrational energy in the continuous process as opposed to a more balanced energy share between the top and bottom adherend in the static process. Finally, the higher temperatures at the welding interface in continuous ultrasonic welding were attributed to pre-heating of the energy director due to the vibrations being transmitted downstream of the sonotrode, to reduced squeeze-flow of energy director due to the larger adherend size, and to heat flux originating downstream as the welding process continues.
Fatigue Crack Growth Behavior and Fracture Toughness of EH36 TMCP Steel
Authors: Zhu Qingyan , Zhang Peng , Peng Xingdong , Yan Ling , Li Guanglong
Published: November 2021

The fatigue crack growth behavior and fracture toughness of EH36 thermo-mechanical control process (TMCP) steel were investigated by fatigue crack growth rate testing and fracture toughness testing at room temperature. Scanning electron microscopy was used to observe the fracture characteristics of fatigue crack propagation and fracture toughness. The results indicated that the microstructure of EH36 steel is composed of ferrite and pearlite with a small amount of texture. The Paris formula was obtained based on the experimental data, and the value of fracture toughness for EH36 steel was also calculated using the J-integral method. The observations conducted on fatigue fracture surfaces showed that there were a lot of striations, secondary cracks and tearing ridges in the fatigue crack propagation region. Additionally, there existed many dimples on the fracture surfaces of the fracture toughness specimens, which indicated that the crack was propagated through the mechanism of micro-void growth/coalescence. Based on the micromechanical model, the relationship between the micro-fracture surface morphology and the fracture toughness of EH36 steel was established.