bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploration of Optimal pH in Hypothermic Machine Perfusion for Rat Liver Grafts Retrieved after Circulatory Death
Authors: Sakamoto Sodai , Bochimoto Hiroki , Shibata Kengo , Zin Nur Khatijah Mohd , Fukai Moto , Nakamura Kosei , Ishikawa Takahisa , Fujiyoshi Masato , Shimamura Tsuyoshi , Taketomi Akinobu
Published: June 2023

Ex vivo hypothermic machine perfusion (HMP) is a strategy for controlling ischemia-reperfusion injury in donation after circulatory death (DCD) liver transplantation. The pH of blood increases with a decrease in temperature and water dissociation, leading to a decrease in [H+]. This study aimed to verify the optimal pH of HMP for DCD livers. Rat livers were retrieved 30 min post-cardiac arrest and subjected to 3-h cold storage (CS) in UW solution (CS group) or HMP with UW-gluconate solution (machine perfusion [MP] group) of pH 7.4 (original), 7.6, 7.8, and 8.0 (MP-pH 7.6, 7.8, 8.0 groups, respectively) at 7–10 °C. The livers were subjected to normothermic perfusion to simulate reperfusion after HMP. All HMP groups showed greater graft protection compared to the CS group due to the lower levels of liver enzymes in the former. The MP-pH 7.8 group showed significant protection, evidenced by bile production, diminished tissue injury, and reduced flavin mononucleotide leakage, and further analysis by scanning electron microscopy revealed a well-preserved structure of the mitochondrial cristae. Therefore, the optimum pH of 7.8 enhanced the protective effect of HMP by preserving the structure and function of the mitochondria, leading to reduced reperfusion injury in the DCD liver.
Better Handgrip Strength Is Related to the Lower Prevalence of Pain and Anxiety in Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Sosowska Natalia , Guligowska Agnieszka , Sołtysik Bartłomiej , Borowiak Ewa , Kostka Tomasz , Kostka Joanna
Published: June 2023

Although handgrip strength (HGS) may be treated as a biomarker of many health problems, there is little evidence on the potential role of HGS in the prevention of pain or anxiety in older adults. We investigated the relationship of HGS to the presence of pain and anxiety among community-dwelling older adults. The study was performed in 2038 outpatients, aged 60 to 106 years. The Jamar hand-held hydraulic dynamometer was used to measure HGS. The prevalence of pain and anxiety was assessed with the Euroqol 5D questionnaire. Symptoms of depression were recorded with 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). In the multivariate logistic regression model taking into account age, sex, BMI and concomitant diseases, the significant influence of HGS on the presence of pain (odds ratio [OR]  =  0.988) in the entire study population and among men (OR  =  0.983) was found. HGS was a significant independent predictor for the presence of anxiety in the entire study population (OR  =  0.987), in women (OR  =  0.985) and in men (OR  =  0.988). In the fully adjusted model with included GDS, 1 kg higher HGS was still associated with 1.2% and 1.3% lower probability of the presence of pain and anxiety, respectively. We conclude that low HGS is associated with the presence of pain and anxiety among older adults, independent of age, sex, depression symptoms and concomitant chronic diseases. Future research should assess whether improvement of HGS would alleviate psychological dysfunction in older adults.
Psoriatic Arthritis: Development, Detection and Prevention: A Scoping Review
Authors: Kimak Agnieszka , Robak Ewa , Makowska Joanna , Woźniacka Anna
Published: June 2023

Psoriatic arthritis is a heterogenous chronic inflammatory disease that develops over time in some patients with psoriasis. The course of the disease is variable, with a broad clinical spectrum. The management of PsA has changed tremendously over the last decade, thanks to earlier diagnosis, a multidisciplinary approach and progress in pharmacological therapies. Therefore, screening for risk factors and the early signs of arthritis is highly important and recommended. Currently, research is focused on finding soluble biomarkers and developing imaging techniques that can improve the prediction of psoriatic arthritis. Among imaging modalities, ultrasonography seems to be the most accurate in detecting subclinical inflammation. Early intervention is based on the assumption that it is possible to prevent or delay psoriatic arthritis if systemic treatment for psoriasis can be administered early enough. This review article provides an overview of the current perspectives and evidence regarding the diagnosis, management and prevention of psoriatic arthritis.
The Antioxidant Protective Effect of Iris-Squid-Derived Protein Hydrolysates (>10 kDa) in HSF Fibroblast Cells Induced by H2O2
Authors: Li Na , Diao Xiaozhen , Pu Xinyi , Tang Pengjie , Elango Jeevithan , Wu Wenhui
Published: June 2023

One of the supporting factors behind the biomolecules recently used in anti-aging and skin nourishment is their antioxidant properties. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a well-known small molecule oxidant that induces apoptosis in human skin fibroblast (HSF) cells through the synthesis of inflammatory cytokines. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the antioxidant activities of protein hydrolysates prepared from Iris squid (Symplectoteuthis oualaniensis) (PHCSO) in vitro. Firstly, two peptides with MWs more than 10 kDa (PHCSO-1) and less than 10 kDa (PHCSO-2) were obtained through ultrafiltration and were characterized (molecular pattern amino acid composition, FTIR) before testing the antioxidant activity (DPPH radical scavenging activity and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity). Then, the effects of PHCSOs on HSF cell viability, H2O2-induced oxidative stress model of HSF cells, ROS fluorescence staining, level of cytokines (IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-α) and cellular antioxidant properties (SOD activity, CAT activity, GSH and MDA content) were investigated. The cell morphology was examined through fluorescence staining and inflammatory factors and antioxidant activity analysis showed that superior properties were observed in PHCSO-2 peptide compared to PHCSO-1 and PHCSO. Among the peptides, PHCSO-2 (5 mg/mL) had higher DPPH and hydroxyl radical scavenging activities of 58% and 57%, respectively. On the other hand, the PHCSO-2 treatment reduced the TNF-α activity by 25%, which indicated the effective protection of PHCSO-2 from oxidative stress damage in the skin. These findings proved that peptides with less than 10 kDa were more suitable for therapeutic purposes, with good antioxidant properties. Accordingly, the protein hydrolysate from S. oualaniensis proved to be an excellent marine-based antioxidant peptide, which could be applied in cosmetic, pharmaceutical and food industries.
A Nonlinear Free Vibration Analysis of Functionally Graded Beams Using a Mixed Finite Element Method and a Comparative Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Wu Chih-Ping , Yeh Shu-Ting , Liu Jia-Hua
Published: June 2023

Based on the Hamilton principle combined with the Timoshenko beam theory, the authors developed a mixed finite element (FE) method for the nonlinear free vibration analysis of functionally graded (FG) beams under combinations of simply supported, free, and clamped edge conditions. The material properties of the FG beam gradually and smoothly varied through the thickness direction according to the power-law distributions of the volume fractions in the constituents, and the effective material properties of the FG beam were estimated using the rule of mixtures. The von Kármán geometrical nonlinearity was considered. The FE solutions of the amplitude-frequency relations of the FG beam were obtained using an iterative process. Implementing the mixed FE method showed that its solutions converged rapidly and that the convergent solutions closely agreed with the accurate solutions reported in the literature. A multilayer perceptron (MP) back propagation neural network (BPNN) was also developed to predict the nonlinear free vibration behavior of the FG beam. After appropriate training, the prediction of the MP BPNN’s amplitude-frequency relations was entirely accurate compared to those obtained using the mixed FE method, and its central processing unit time was less time-consuming than that of the mixed FE method.
Unique Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell Using Carbon Nanotube Composite Papers with Gel Electrolyte
Authors: Kou Yi , Oya Takahide
Published: June 2023

We propose a unique form of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), paper DSSCs based on carbon-nanotube (CNT) composite papers, and the use of a gel electrolyte for the paper DSSC. In our previous study, we succeeded in developing the paper DSSC. However, its performance and lifetime were not sufficient. We considered that the problem was the use of liquid-type electrolyte. To improve the performance of the paper DSSC, a gel electrolyte was introduced to increase safety and durability. Here, a polymer gel electrolyte was synthesized using a copolymer of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) as a matrix, mixed with iodine and potassium iodide. The resulting paper DSSC had a fill factor (FF, a performance indicator) of 0.248 and a conversion efficiency of 2.43 × 10−5% with an extended working time (lifetime) of more than 110 min. Further modifications were made to the metallic CNT composite paper and the gel electrolyte, resulting in an increased conversion efficiency of 2.02 × 10−3%. This study suggests the potential of gel electrolytes in enhancing the performance of paper DSSCs, providing new insights for their future applications.
Metrology of Sheet Metal Distortion and Effects of Spot-Welding Sequences on Sheet Metal Distortion
Authors: Boldsaikhan Enkhsaikhan , Milhon Michael , Fukada Shintaro , Fujimoto Mitsuo , Kamimuki Kenichi
Published: June 2023

Refill friction stir spot welding (RFSSW) is an emerging solid-state welding technology that demonstrates an outstanding ability to join aerospace aluminum alloys. The thermomechanical processing of RFSSW may cause variations in the workpiece in the form of distortion. This study aims to establish a metrology method for sheet metal distortion with the intent to investigate the effects of RFSSW sequences on sheet metal distortion. The approach employs a robotic metrology system and the least squares method to measure and estimate the flatness of sheet metal before RFSSW and after RFSSW. The RFSSW experimentation produces five 10-spot-weld panels with five different RFSSW sequences, whereas the RFSSW sequences are based on the common practice of making sheet metal assemblies. A panel consists of two lap-welded sheets where the top sheet, a 6013-T6 aluminum alloy, is refill friction stir spot welded onto the bottom sheet, a 2029-T8 aluminum alloy. The results suggest that RFSSW sequences do have effects on sheet metal distortion. The panel with the worst distortion has a root-mean-square error of 0.8 mm as an average deviation from the ideal flatness.
Maritime Anomaly Detection for Vessel Traffic Services: A Survey
Authors: Stach Thomas , Kinkel Yann , Constapel Manfred , Burmeister Hans-Christoph
Published: June 2023

A Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) plays a central role in maritime traffic safety. Regulations are given by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and Guidelines by the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA). Accordingly, VTS facilities utilize communication and sensor technologies such as an Automatic Identification System (AIS), radar, radio communication and others. Furthermore, VTS operators are motivated to apply Decision Support Tools (DST), since these can reduce workloads and increase safety. A promising type of DST is anomaly detection. This survey presents an overview of state-of-the-art approaches of anomaly detection for the surveillance of maritime traffic. The approaches are characterized in the context of VTS and, thus, most notably, sorted according to utilized communication and sensor technologies, addressed anomaly types and underlying detection techniques. On this basis, current trends as well as open research questions are deduced.
A Unified Internal Flow Model with Fluid Momentum for General Application in Shipflooding and Beyond
Authors: van ’t Veer Riaan , Berg Joris van den , Boonstra Sander
Published: June 2023

This paper deals with the development and validation of a unified internal flow model (UIF) for the prediction of fluid behaviour in a network of 3D floodable cells such as an internal ship compartment subdivisions. The UIF model is incorporated in a generic time-domain ship-motion simulation environment. The flow model uses cell-averaged fluid momentum to account for dynamic (inertia) effects in compartments. A compartment is typically given the size of a ship compartment on board. The fluid solver can keep track of the air pressure in and air flow through compartments under isothermal assumption. Simulation results are compared against experimental data from four different configurations: a single tank draining experiment, a two compartment down-flooding experiment, an oscillating water column experiment under pressure, and a transient flooding experiment with a cruise ship in calm water. The general validity of the UIF model is demonstrated through these four examples. The newly developed UIF model overcomes the shortcomings seen in the steady Bernoulli-based simulations. Its application leads to a more accurate prediction of the floodwater progression in the ship, and it captures the fluid dynamics seen in the oscillating water column device very well, which is not possible using the steady Bernoulli approach. The general applicability of the UIF solver for internal fluid response in maritime application is thereby demonstrated. The effect of the internal compartmentalisation of a cruise ship and the effect of viscous roll damping on the transient roll response is discussed.
Taxonomy and Phylogeny of Eight New Acrophialophora Species (Sordariales, Chaetomiaceae) from China
Authors: Peng Lan , Zhang Yan-Wei , Wang Hai-Yan , Dong Chun-Bo , Chen Wan-Hao , Liang Jian-Dong , Han Yan-Feng
Published: June 2023

The genus Acrophialophora belongs to the family Chaetomiaceae. With the addition of new species and transferred species from other genera, the genus Acrophialophora has expanded. In this study, eight new species related to Acrophialophora were isolated from soil samples in China. Using muti-locus phylogenetic (ITS, LSU, tub2 and RPB2) analysis combined with morphological characteristics, eight new species (Acrophialophora curvata, A. fujianensis, A. guangdongensis, A. longicatenata, A. minuta, A. multiforma, A. rhombica, and A. yunnanensis) are described. Descriptions, illustrations, and notes of the new species are also provided.
Artificial Intelligence in Automated Detection of Disinformation: A Thematic Analysis
Authors: Santos Fátima C. Carrilho
Published: June 2023

The increasing prevalence of disinformation has led to a growing interest in leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) for detecting and combating this phenomenon. This article presents a thematic analysis of the potential benefits of automated disinformation detection from the perspective of information sciences. The analysis covers a range of approaches, including fact checking, linguistic analysis, sentiment analysis, and the utilization of human-in-the-loop systems. Furthermore, the article explores how the combination of blockchain and AI technologies can be used to automate the process of disinformation detection. Ultimately, the article aims to consider the integration of AI into journalism and emphasizes the importance of ongoing collaboration between these fields to effectively combat the spread of disinformation. The article also addresses ethical considerations related to the use of AI in journalism, including concerns about privacy, transparency, and accountability.
The Impact of Special Character Areas on Property Values and Homeowners’ Experiences: Cases from Auckland, New Zealand
Authors: Rossiter Lucy , Gu Kai
Published: June 2023

The importance of identifying and improving the distinctiveness of historical urban landscapes as a means of reinforcing place identity and supporting economic development has been widely acknowledged. However, research on the economic and social performance of heritage conservation areas is slow to develop, especially in New Zealand. In connection to the examination of Special Character Areas (SCAs) in Auckland, this paper seeks to quantify the value of the historical urban landscape and improve its management. A property value analysis is used to assess the impact of SCA designation on property values and an online questionnaire survey gathers information on homeowners’ experiences of living in an SCA. The results indicate that designated SCA properties have higher average values than non-designated properties and homeowners are appreciative of a sense of community and having certainty about the look and feel of their neighbourhood in the future. However, the majority of people who had gone through the processes of building and planning applications found it to be a negative experience because of the high cost in terms of time and money. A historic urban landscape approach to the development of management plans and design guidelines is recommended to improve the implementation of the Special Character Areas in Auckland and beyond.
Study on the Regeneration of City Centre Spatial Structure Pedestrianisation Based on Space Syntax: Case Study on 21 City Centres in the UK
Authors: Ge Tianyang , Hou Wenjun , Xiao Yang
Published: June 2023

Pedestrian priority is an important requirement for city centre regeneration. The quantitative analysis of the separation degree of pedestrians and vehicles is a key technique to measure the walkability of city centre regeneration. This paper proposes a method for measuring the walkability of the spatial structure in city centres, based on spatial topological relationships. Using space syntax as a platform, the walkability of the spatial structure of city centres is quantitatively analysed from the perspective of separation of pedestrians and vehicles, and the regeneration of pedestrianisation. Based on 21 cases of major city centres in the United Kingdom (UK), the trend of pedestrianisation regeneration from the early 20th century to the present is analysed. The analysis of the separation degree of pedestrians and vehicles and the analysis of regeneration models and the comparative analysis found that: (1) from the early 20th century to the present, the spatial structure of major city centres in the UK clearly trended toward pedestrianisation. (2) The regeneration process can be categorised into three models: the Gradual Growth Model, One Step Model and Long-Term Planning Model. (3) The three models contribute differently to the separation of pedestrians and vehicles in city centres, and their advantages and disadvantages differ. This study has implications for the theory and practice of pedestrianisation regeneration in city centres.
Emergence of Rice Blast AVR-Pi9 Resistance Breaking Haplotypes in Yunnan Province, China
Authors: Lu Lin , Wang Qun , Shi Zhufeng , Li Chengyun , Guo Zhixiang , Li Jinbin
Published: June 2023

The rice blast disease (caused by Magnaporthe oryzae) is a devastating disease in China. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of interaction for the cognate avirulence (AVR) gene with host resistance (R) genes, as well as their genetic evolution is essential for sustainable rice production. In the present study, we conducted a high-throughput nucleotide sequence polymorphism analysis of the AVR-Pi9 gene that was amplified from the rice-growing regions of the Yunnan Province in China. We detected the presence of seven novel haplotypes from 326 rice samples. In addition, the sequences of AVR-Pi9 were also obtained from two non-rice hosts, Eleusine coracana and Eleusine indica. The sequence analysis revealed the insertions and deletions in the coding and non-coding regions of the gene. The pathogenicity experiments of these haplotypes on previously characterized monogenic lines showed that the newly identified haplotypes are virulent in nature. The breakdown of resistance was attributed to the development of new haplotypes. Our results suggest that the mutation in the AVR-Pi9 gene is an alarming situation in the Yunnan province and thus needs attention.
A New Cable-Driven Model for Under-Actuated Force–Torque Sensitive Mechanisms
Authors: Muscolo Giovanni Gerardo , Fiorini Paolo
Published: June 2023

Force–torque sensors are used in many and different domains (i.e., space, medicine, biology, etc.). Design solutions of force–torque sensors can be conceived by using many types of connections or components; however, there are only a few sensors designed using cable-driven systems. This could be related to many reasons, one of which being that cables are able only to pull and not push. In this paper, a new cable-driven model for under-actuated force–torque sensing mechanisms is proposed, simulated, and tested, underlining the novelty of using cables for force–torque sensing. Analytical formulations, simulations, and physical implementations are presented in this paper. Results confirm that the new proposed model can be used for force–torque sensing mechanisms in micro- and macro- applications where under-actuation is a fundamental requirement, as in robotic surgery. The proposed model and mechanism can be used in the design of sensors and actuators. The innovative model is validated with two different test benches, opening new challenges in the design and development of under-actuated force–torque transducers.
Modelling of an In-Line Bladder-Type Hydraulic Suppressor for Pressure Ripple Reduction in Positive Displacement Pumps
Authors: Casoli Paolo , Vescovini Carlo Maria , Rundo Massimo
Published: June 2023

Positive displacement pumps are widely employed for their characteristics, but the pulsating flow they produce is a major and well-known drawback. To reduce the flow ripple produced by the pump, which in turn generates a pressure ripple, many methods have been investigated, from optimising the pump geometrical features to the introduction of active and passive systems to the delivery side. A passive system that has demonstrated to be particularly effective is the in-line bladder-type hydraulic pulsation suppressor. This device, consisting of a bladder gas-charged accumulator with a singular geometry, has been the subject of several studies. This paper describes a model based on the lumped parameter method for simulating and predicting the reduction effect on the pressure ripple achieved by the hydraulic suppressor. To validate the model, an experimental study was conducted, which confirmed the good potential of the model proposed thanks to the good agreement between the modelling results and empirical data.
Research on High-Precision Position Control of Valve-Controlled Cylinders Based on Variable Structure Control
Authors: Gao Bingwei , Zhang Wei , Zheng Lintao , Zhao Hongjian
Published: June 2023

During the operation of valve-controlled cylinder position systems, there are some problems, such as uncertainty and time-varying of the system parameters, imprecise modeling, and external interference. These problems will affect the position loading accuracy and safety reliability of the electro-hydraulic position servo system. This paper used the position servo system of a valve-controlled cylinder as the research object, and a mathematical model was established. Then, a sliding mode variable structure controller and dynamic soft variable structure controller were designed, and the Grey Wolf algorithm was used to adjust the controller parameters. The control effect of the two controllers in the valve-controlled cylinder system was verified with a simulation and experiment. The results showed that compared with the sliding mode variable structure controller, the dynamic soft variable structure controller had higher control precision and better stability and avoided the chattering phenomenon.
On Consequences of Carreau Nanofluid Model with Dufour–Soret Effects and Activation Energy Subject to New Mass Flux Condition: A Numerical Study
Authors: Ali Usman , Osman Mawia
Published: June 2023

Activation energy can be elaborated as the minimal energy required to start a certain chemical reaction. The concept of this energy was first presented by Arrhenius in the year 1889 and was later used in the oil reservoir industry, emulsion of water, geothermal as well as chemical engineering and food processing. This study relates to the impacts of mass transfer caused by temperature differences (Soret) and heat transport due to concentration gradient (Dufour) in a Carreau model with nanofluids (NFs), mixed convection and a magnetic field past a stretched sheet. Moreover, thermal radiation and activation energy with new mass flux constraints are presumed. All chemical science specifications of nanofluid are measured as constant. As a result of the motion of nanofluid particles, the fluid temperature and concentration are inspected, with some physical description. A system of coupled partial differential frameworks is used mathematically to formulate the physical model. A numerical scheme named the Runge–Kutta (R-K) approach along with the shooting technique are used to solve the obtained equations to a high degree of accuracy. The MATLAB R2022b software is used for the graphical presentation of the solution. The temperature of the nanofluid encompasses a quicker rate within the efficiency of a Dufour number. An intensifying thermal trend is observed for thermophoresis and the Brownian motion parameter. The Soret effect causes a decline in the fluid concentration, and the opposite trend is observed for rising activation energy. In addition, the local Nusselt number increases with the Prandtl number. Further, the comparative outcomes for drag force are established, with satisfying agreement with the existing literature. The results acquired here are anticipated to be applied to improving heat exchanger thermal efficiency to maintain thermal balancing control in compact heat density equipment and devices.
Fractional Equations for the Scaling Limits of Lévy Walks with Position-Dependent Jump Distributions
Authors: Kolokoltsov Vassili N.
Published: June 2023

Lévy walks represent important modeling tools for a variety of real-life processes. Their natural scaling limits are known to be described by the so-called material fractional derivatives. So far, these scaling limits have been derived for spatially homogeneous walks, where Fourier and Laplace transforms represent natural tools of analysis. Here, we derive the corresponding limiting equations in the case of position-depending times and velocities of walks, where Fourier transforms cannot be effectively applied. In fact, we derive three different limits (specified by the way the process is stopped at an attempt to cross the boundary), leading to three different multi-dimensional versions of Caputo–Dzherbashian derivatives, which correspond to different boundary conditions for the generators of the related Feller semigroups and processes. Some other extensions and generalizations are analyzed.
Violation of Neumann Problem’s Solvability Condition for Poisson Equation, Involved in the Non-Linear PDEs, Containing the Reaction-Diffusion-Convection-Type Equation, at Numerical Solution by Direct Method
Authors: Trofimov Vyacheslav , Loginova Maria , Egorenkov Vladimir , Yang Yongqiang , Yan Zhongwei
Published: June 2023

In this paper, we consider the 3D problem of laser-induced semiconductor plasma generation under the action of the optical pulse, which is governed by the set of coupled time-dependent non-linear PDEs involving the Poisson equation with Neumann boundary conditions. The main feature of this problem is the non-linear feedback between the Poisson equation with respect to induced electric field potential and the reaction-diffusion-convection-type equation with respect to free electron concentration and accounting for electron mobility (convection’s term). Herein, we focus on the choice of the numerical method for the Poisson equation solution with inhomogeneous Neumann boundary conditions. Despite the ubiquitous application of such a direct method as the Fast Fourier Transform for solving an elliptic problem in simple spatial domains, we demonstrate that applying a direct method for solving the problem under consideration results in a solution distortion. The reason for the Neumann problem’s solvability condition violation is the computational error’s accumulation. In contrast, applying an iterative method allows us to provide finite-difference scheme conservativeness, asymptotic stability, and high computation accuracy. For the iteration technique, we apply both an implicit alternating direction method and a new three-stage iteration process. The presented computer simulation results confirm the advantages of using iterative methods.
Spatial Effects of Phase Dynamics on Oscillators Close to Bifurcation
Authors: Wang Yihan , Zhu Jinjie
Published: June 2023

The phase reduction approach has manifested its efficacy in investigating synchronization behaviors in limit-cycle oscillators. However, spatial distributions of the phase value on the limit cycle may lead to illusions of synchronizations for oscillators close to bifurcations. In this paper, we compared the phase sensitivity function in the spatial domain and time domain for oscillators close to saddle-node homoclinic (SNH) bifurcation, also known as saddle-node bifurcation on an invariant circle. It was found that the phase sensitivity function in the spatial domain can show the phase accumulation feature on the limit cycle, which can be ignored in the phase sensitivity function in the time domain. As an example, the synchronization distributions of uncoupled SNH oscillators driven by common and independent noises were investigated, where the space-dependent coupling function was considered on common noise. These results shed some light on the phase dynamics of oscillators close to bifurcations.
Optimizing Vehicle Repairs Scheduling Using Mixed Integer Linear Programming: A Case Study in the Portuguese Automobile Sector
Authors: Pilar Fátima , Costa e Silva Eliana , Borges Ana
Published: June 2023

This study investigates the scheduling of mechanical repairs performed at a Portuguese firm in the automobile sector. The aim is to reduce the amount of time that vehicles spend inactive between interventions by developing a mathematical model that takes into account the available resources and mechanics, the necessary interventions, and the time required for each repair. To accomplish this, a mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) model was employed, incorporating various variables to schedule interventions, allocate resources, and determine start times for each vehicle. The problem was formulated using the AMPL modeling language, and real-world instances of the problem, derived from data provided by the company, were solved using the Gurobi solver. Results show that the developed model significantly improves the scheduling of the vehicles’ repairs at the firm, leading to a reduction of 67% on average in the downtime of the vehicles and allowing an automatic correct schedule of the mechanical interventions. Moreover, the comparison of the scheduling obtained from the developed model and the firm’s procedure shows that interventions on vehicles arriving at the repair shop are mostly repaired on the day of entry, allowing for quicker delivery to the customer.
Challenges and Opportunities in Machine Learning for Geometry
Authors: Magdalena-Benedicto Rafael , Pérez-Díaz Sonia , Costa-Roig Adrià
Published: June 2023

Over the past few decades, the mathematical community has accumulated a significant amount of pure mathematical data, which has been analyzed through supervised, semi-supervised, and unsupervised machine learning techniques with remarkable results, e.g., artificial neural networks, support vector machines, and principal component analysis. Therefore, we consider as disruptive the use of machine learning algorithms to study mathematical structures, enabling the formulation of conjectures via numerical algorithms. In this paper, we review the latest applications of machine learning in the field of geometry. Artificial intelligence can help in mathematical problem solving, and we predict a blossoming of machine learning applications during the next years in the field of geometry. As a contribution, we propose a new method for extracting geometric information from the point cloud and reconstruct a 2D or a 3D model, based on the novel concept of generalized asymptotes.
Novel Electrospun Composite Membranes Based on Polyhydroxybutyrate and Poly(vinyl formate) Loaded with Protonated Montmorillonite for Organic Dye Removal: Kinetic and Isotherm Studies
Authors: Penchev Hristo , Abdelhamid Ahmed , Ali Eman , Budurova Dessislava , Grancharov Georgy , Ublekov Filip , Koseva Neli , Zaharieva Katerina , El-Sayed Ahmed , Khalil Ahmed
Published: June 2023

The use of biodegradable polyesters derived from green sources and their combination with natural abundantly layered aluminosilicate clay, e.g., natural montmorillonite, meets the requirements for the development of new sustainable, disposable, and biodegradable organic dye sorbent materials. In this regard, novel electrospun composite fibers, based on poly β-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) and in situ synthesized poly(vinyl formate) (PVF), loaded with protonated montmorillonite (MMT-H) were prepared via electrospinning in the presence of formic acid, a volatile solvent for polymers and a protonating agent for the pristine MMT-Na. The morphology and structure of electrospun composite fibers were investigated through SEM, TEM, AFM, FT-IR, and XRD analyses. The contact angle (CA) measurements showed increased hydrophilicity of the composite fibers incorporated with MMT-H. The electrospun fibrous mats were evaluated as membranes for removing cationic (methylene blue) and anionic (Congo red) dyes. PHB/MMT 20% and PVF/MMT 30% showed significant performance in dye removal compared with the other matrices. PHB/MMT 20% was the best electrospun mat for adsorbing Congo red. The PVF/MMT 30% fibrous membrane exhibited the optimum activity for the adsorption of methylene blue and Congo red dyes.
The Modeling and Simulation of Austenite Grain Growth in 25Cr2Ni4MoV Nuclear-Power Rotor Steel
Authors: Ye Liyan , Mei Bizhou , Yu Liming
Published: June 2023

The modeling of austenite grain growth of 25Cr2Ni4MoV steel for super-large nuclear-power rotors was investigated during the common heating process including the continuous heating and isothermal heating process. Based on the isothermal grain growth model considering the steady-state grain size and the rule of additivity, a new grain growth model during the continuous heating process was established. The comparison between experimental and predicted results indicates the model has good predictability. To describe the anisotropic and isotropic grain growth during the different isothermal heating stages of the super-large nuclear-power rotor, a cellular automaton model considering anisotropic grain boundary energy for grain growth of 25Cr2Ni4MoV steel was developed. It is found that the anisotropic grain boundary energy mainly exists in the early isothermal heating stage at lower temperatures, and the normal grain growth occurs under anisotropic grain boundary energy conditions. When the temperature is not less than 1273 K and the cellular automaton step is not less than 15, the normal grain growth containing only isotropic grain boundary energy occurs. The analysis of the morphology, energy variance, topology and growth kinetics further indicates that normal grain growth of 25Cr2Ni4MoV steel can be simulated fairly well by the present CA model.
Pangenome Reconstruction of Mycobacterium tuberculosis as a Guide to Reveal Genomic Features Associated with Strain Clinical Phenotype
Authors: Negrete-Paz Andrea Monserrat , Vázquez-Marrufo Gerardo , Gutiérrez-Moraga Ana , Vázquez-Garcidueñas Ma. Soledad
Published: June 2023

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the leading causes of human deaths worldwide caused by infectious diseases. TB infection by Mycobacterium tuberculosis can occur in the lungs, causing pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB), or in any other organ of the body, resulting in extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB). There is no consensus on the genetic determinants of this pathogen that may contribute to EPTB. In this study, we constructed the M. tuberculosis pangenome and used it as a tool to seek genomic signatures associated with the clinical presentation of TB based on its accessory genome differences. The analysis carried out in the present study includes the raw reads of 490 M. tuberculosis genomes (PTB n = 245, EPTB n = 245) retrieved from public databases that were assembled, as well as ten genomes from Mexican strains (PTB n = 5, EPTB n = 5) that were sequenced and assembled. All genomes were annotated and then used to construct the pangenome with Roary and Panaroo. The pangenome obtained using Roary consisted of 2231 core genes and 3729 accessory genes. On the other hand, the pangenome resulting from Panaroo consisted of 2130 core genes and 5598 accessory genes. Associations between the distribution of accessory genes and the PTB/EPTB phenotypes were examined using the Scoary and Pyseer tools. Both tools found a significant association between the hspR, plcD, Rv2550c, pe_pgrs5, pe_pgrs25, and pe_pgrs57 genes and the PTB genotype. In contrast, the deletion of the aceA, esxR, plcA, and ppe50 genes was significantly associated with the EPTB phenotype. Rv1759c and Rv3740 were found to be associated with the PTB phenotype according to Scoary; however, these associations were not observed when using Pyseer. The robustness of the constructed pangenome and the gene–phenotype associations is supported by several factors, including the analysis of a large number of genomes, the inclusion of the same number of PTB/EPTB genomes, and the reproducibility of results thanks to the different bioinformatic tools used. Such characteristics surpass most of previous M. tuberculosis pangenomes. Thus, it can be inferred that the deletion of these genes can lead to changes in the processes involved in stress response and fatty acid metabolism, conferring phenotypic advantages associated with pulmonary or extrapulmonary presentation of TB. This study represents the first attempt to use the pangenome to seek gene–phenotype associations in M. tuberculosis.
Insights into the Structural Conformations of the Tau Protein in Different Aggregation Status
Authors: Pinzi Luca , Bisi Nicolò , Sorbi Claudia , Franchini Silvia , Tonali Nicolò , Rastelli Giulio
Published: June 2023

Tau is a protein characterized by large structural portions displaying extended conformational changes. Unfortunately, the accumulation of this protein into toxic aggregates in neuronal cells leads to a number of severe pathologies, collectively named tauopathies. In the last decade, significant research advancements were achieved, including a better understanding of Tau structures and their implication in different tauopathies. Interestingly, Tau is characterized by a high structural variability depending on the type of disease, the crystallization conditions, and the formation of pathologic aggregates obtained from in vitro versus ex vivo samples. In this review, we reported an up-to-date and comprehensive overview of Tau structures reported in the Protein Data Bank, with a special focus on discussing the connections between structural features, different tauopathies, different crystallization conditions, and the use of in vitro or ex vivo samples. The information reported in this article highlights very interesting links between all these aspects, which we believe may be of particular relevance for a more informed structure-based design of compounds able to modulate Tau aggregation.
Synthesis and In Vitro Biological Evaluation of p-Carborane-Based Di-tert-butylphenol Analogs
Authors: Braun Sebastian , Jelača Sanja , Laube Markus , George Sven , Hofmann Bettina , Lönnecke Peter , Steinhilber Dieter , Pietzsch Jens , Mijatović Sanja , Maksimović-Ivanić Danijela , Hey-Hawkins Evamarie
Published: June 2023

Targeting inflammatory mediators and related signaling pathways may offer a rational strategy for the treatment of cancer. The incorporation of metabolically stable, sterically demanding, and hydrophobic carboranes in dual cycloxygenase-2 (COX-2)/5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) inhibitors that are key enzymes in the biosynthesis of eicosanoids is a promising approach. The di-tert-butylphenol derivatives R-830, S-2474, KME-4, and E-5110 represent potent dual COX-2/5-LO inhibitors. The incorporation of p-carborane and further substitution of the p-position resulted in four carborane-based di-tert-butylphenol analogs that showed no or weak COX inhibition but high 5-LO inhibitory activities in vitro. Cell viability studies on five human cancer cell lines revealed that the p-carborane analogs R-830-Cb, S-2474-Cb, KME-4-Cb, and E-5110-Cb exhibited lower anticancer activity compared to the related di-tert-butylphenols. Interestingly, R-830-Cb did not affect the viability of primary cells and suppressed HCT116 cell proliferation more potently than its carbon-based R-830 counterpart. Considering all the advantages of boron cluster incorporation for enhancement of drug biostability, selectivity, and availability of drugs, R-830-Cb can be tested in further mechanistic and in vivo studies.
A Review of Advanced Transceiver Technologies in Visible Light Communications
Authors: He Cuiwei , Chen Chen
Published: June 2023

Visible Light Communication (VLC) is an emerging technology that utilizes light-emitting diodes (LEDs) for both indoor illumination and wireless communications. It has the potential to enhance the existing WiFi network and connect a large number of high-speed internet users in future smart home environments. Over the past two decades, VLC techniques have made significant strides, resulting in transmission data rates increasing from just a few Mbps to several tens of Gbps. These achievements can be attributed to the development of various transceiver technologies. At the transmitter, LEDs should provide high-quality light for illumination and support wide modulation bandwidths. Meanwhile, at the receiver, optics systems should have functions such as optical filtering, light concentration, and, ideally, a wide field of view (FOV). The photodetector must efficiently convert the optical signal into an electrical signal. Different VLC systems typically consider various transceiver designs. In this paper, we provide a survey of some important emerging technologies used to create advanced optical transceivers in VLC.
Therapeutic and Adverse Effects of Lasers in Dentistry: A Systematic Review
Authors: Malcangi Giuseppina , Patano Assunta , Trilli Irma , Piras Fabio , Ciocia Anna Maria , Inchingolo Alessio Danilo , Mancini Antonio , Hazballa Denisa , Di Venere Daniela , Inchingolo Francesco , de Ruvo Elisabetta , Dipalma Gianna , Inchingolo Angelo Michele
Published: June 2023

Laser therapy has become one of the gold standards of treatment in routine dentistry. In the 1970s, CO2 lasers were the first lasers to be used in oral surgery on soft tissues. Subsequently, other lasers (Diode, Nd YAG, Er: YAG, Argon and Erbium) have also been used in periodontics, implantology, orthodontics and restorative dentistry, as well as for hard tissues, such as bone, enamel and dentin. The purpose of this systematic review is to analyze both the therapeutic properties and adverse effects of laser use in dentistry, related to a non-targeted choice of medical device based on clinical need as well as an inadequate learning curve. A systematic review was performed following the PRISMA guidelines using Pubmed, Scopus and Web of Science. The use of lasers requires a specific learning curve modifying the standard surgical approach. The use of lasers provides multiple therapeutic benefits but can lead to some failures in dental treatments. In restorative dentistry, it has been found that lasers can cause cracks that can lead to fractures and/or affect the composite restoration. In periodontal treatments, the use of lasers can produce thermal damage to pulp tissue. In surgical treatments, the use of a laser caused bleeding, post-operative pain and a burning sensation. The failure of tissue cooling during laser beam emission could produce the necrosis of hard and soft tissues.
Asymmetric Shaping for Ultrafast Elliptical Bessel-like Beams
Authors: Ganguly Niladri , Dwivedi Rajeev , D’Amico Ciro , Stoian Razvan
Published: June 2023

The generation of an elliptical Bessel–Gauss beam has become a topic of interest in ultrafast laser processing of transparent materials because of its nearly non-diffractive elliptical central core. These beams can show potential in generating anisotropic structures down to the nanoscale and in producing asymmetries in the induced fields of thermo-mechanical constraints relevant for material structuring. However, maintaining the central core ellipticity is a challenge that requires further analysis, notably in the propagation behavior of phase anisotropies during the conical interference. This paper presents the controlled generation and propagation of a highly elliptical Bessel–Gauss beam using asymmetric phase-modulation technique. The study involves engineering different asymmetric phase holograms and analyzing their performances in terms of the non-diffractive property and uniformity of the generated beams. We indicate the presence in specific cases of diffraction and its influence on the invariance of the beam shape. The simulation results are in excellent agreement with the experimental results, which verifies the accuracy and reliability of our approach.
Survival Strategies of Duckweeds, the World’s Smallest Angiosperms
Authors: Ziegler Paul , Appenroth Klaus J. , Sree K. Sowjanya
Published: June 2023

Duckweeds (Lemnaceae) are small, simply constructed aquatic higher plants that grow on or just below the surface of quiet waters. They consist primarily of leaf-like assimilatory organs, or fronds, that reproduce mainly by vegetative replication. Despite their diminutive size and inornate habit, duckweeds have been able to colonize and maintain themselves in almost all of the world’s climate zones. They are thereby subject to multiple adverse influences during the growing season, such as high temperatures, extremes of light intensity and pH, nutrient shortage, damage by microorganisms and herbivores, the presence of harmful substances in the water, and competition from other aquatic plants, and they must also be able to withstand winter cold and drought that can be lethal to the fronds. This review discusses the means by which duckweeds come to grips with these adverse influences to ensure their survival. Important duckweed attributes in this regard are a pronounced potential for rapid growth and frond replication, a juvenile developmental status facilitating adventitious organ formation, and clonal diversity. Duckweeds have specific features at their disposal for coping with particular environmental difficulties and can also cooperate with other organisms of their surroundings to improve their survival chances.