bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mathematical Modeling of Monovalent Permselectivity of a Bilayer Ion-Exchange Membrane as a Function of Current Density
Authors: Gorobchenko Andrey , Mareev Semyon , Nikonenko Victor
Published: April 2022

Modification of an ion-exchange membrane with a thin layer, the charge of which is opposite to the charge of the substrate membrane, has proven to be an effective approach to obtaining a composite membrane with permselectivity towards monovalent ions. However, the mechanism of permselectivity is not clear enough. We report a 1D model based on the Nernst–Planck–Poisson equation system. Unlike other similar models, we introduce activity coefficients, which change when passing from one layer of the membrane to another. This makes it possible to accurately take into account the fact that the substrate membranes usually selectively sorb multiply charged counterions. We show that the main cause for the change in the permselectivity coefficient, P1/2, with increasing current density, j, is the change in the membrane/solution layer, which controls the fluxes of the competing mono- and divalent ions. At low current densities, counterion fluxes are controlled by transfer through the substrate membrane, which causes selective divalent ion transfer. When the current increases, the kinetic control goes first to the modification layer (which leads to the predominant transfer of monovalent ions) and then, at currents close to the limiting current, to the depleted diffusion layer (which results in a complete loss of the permselectivity). Thus, the dependence P1/2 − j passes through a maximum. An analytical solution is obtained for approximate assessment of the maximum value of P1/2 and the corresponding fluxes of the competing ions. The maximum P1/2 values, plotted as a function of the Na+ ion current density at which this maximum is reached, gives the theoretical trade-off curve between the membrane permselectivity and permeability of the bilayer monovalent selective ion-exchange membrane under consideration.
State-of-the-Art Review on Probabilistic Seismic Demand Models of Bridges: Machine-Learning Application
Authors: Soleimani Farahnaz , Hajializadeh Donya
Published: April 2022

Optimizing the serviceability of highway bridges is a fundamental prerequisite to provide proper infrastructure safety and emergency responses after natural hazards such as an earthquake. In this regard, fragility and resilience assessment have emerged as important means of describing the potential seismic risk and recovery process under uncertain inputs. Generating such assessments requires estimating the seismic demand of bridge components consisting of piers, deck, abutment, bearing, etc. The conventional probabilistic model to estimate the seismic demands was introduced more than two decades ago. Despite an extensive body of research ever attempting to improve demand models, the univariate demand model is the most common method used in practice. This work presents a comprehensive review of the evolution of demand models capturing machine-learning-based methodologies and their advantage in comparison to the conventional model. This study sheds light on understanding the existing demand models and their associated attributes along with their limitations. This study also provides an appraisal of the application of probabilistic demand models to generate fragility curves and subsequent application in the resilience assessment of bridges. Moreover, as a sound reference, this study highlights opportunities for future development leading to enhancement of the performance and applicability of the demand models.
Reactive Oxygen Species Initiate Defence Responses of Potato Photosystem II to Sap-Sucking Insect Feeding
Authors: Sperdouli Ilektra , Andreadis Stefanos , Adamakis Ioannis-Dimosthenis , Moustaka Julietta , Koutsogeorgiou Eleni , Moustakas Michael
Published: April 2022

Potato, Solanum tuberosum L., one of the most commonly cultivated horticultural crops throughout the world, is susceptible to a variety of herbivory insects. In the present study, we evaluated the consequence of feeding by the sap-sucking insect Halyomorpha halys on potato leaf photosynthetic efficiency. By using chlorophyll fluorescence imaging methodology, we examined photosystem II (PSII) photochemistry in terms of feeding and at the whole leaf area. The role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in potato’s defence response mechanism immediately after feeding was also assessed. Even 3 min after feeding, increased ROS generation was observed to diffuse through the leaf central vein, probably to act as a long-distance signalling molecule. The proportion of absorbed energy being used in photochemistry (ΦPSII) at the whole leaf level, after 20 min of feeding, was reduced by 8% compared to before feeding due to the decreased number of open PSII reaction centres (qp). After 90 min of feeding, ΦPSII decreased by 46% at the whole leaf level. Meanwhile, at the feeding zones, which were located mainly in the proximity of the leaf midrib, ΦPSII was lower than 85%, with a concurrent increase in singlet-excited oxygen (1O2) generation, which is considered to be harmful. However, the photoprotective mechanism (ΦNPQ), which was highly induced 90 min after feeding, was efficient to compensate for the decrease in the quantum yield of PSII photochemistry (ΦPSII). Therefore, the quantum yield of non-regulated energy loss in PSII (ΦNO), which represents 1O2 generation, remained unaffected at the whole leaf level. We suggest that the potato PSII response to sap-sucking insect feeding underlies the ROS-dependent signalling that occurs immediately and initiates a photoprotective PSII defence response to reduce herbivory damage. A controlled ROS burst can be considered the primary plant defence response mechanism to herbivores.
Addressing the Helper’s and Victim’s Gender Is Crucial in Schoolchildren Resuscitation Training—A Prospective, Educative Interventional Trial
Authors: Wingen Sabine , Ecker Hannes , Schroeder Daniel C. , Bartholme Bérénice , Böttiger Bernd W. , Wetsch Wolfgang A.
Published: April 2022

Background: A victim’s gender is a known factor that influences the willingness of adult bystanders to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) occurs. This study aims to identify whether gender characteristics of OHCA victims are also relevant to schoolchildren, who are the key target group of CPR trainings worldwide. Methods: A prospective, educative intervention study was performed in schoolchildren (5th–7th grade). Schoolchildren’s willingness to perform CPR was assessed by means of questionnaires before (t0) and after (t1) standardized CPR training. Participants were asked how determined they were to perform CPR in male and female OHCA victims on a 5-point Likert scale (not being determined to being very determined). A data analysis was performed according to the gender characteristics of schoolchildren. Results: Overall, 342 schoolchildren aged 10–15 years were included, and 166 male (MG) and 176 female (FG) schoolchildren served as a comparison group. Before (t0) and after (t1) the intervention, females showed a significantly higher general willingness to perform CPR than males (t0: 97.1% vs. 89.0%; p < 0.003 and t1: 95.7% vs. 98.9%; p = 0.038). The general willingness to perform CPR after training had a stronger increase in males (8.0% vs. 2.3%; p = 0.017). In the case that the OHCA victim was female, male schoolchildren were less willing to perform CPR than females at baseline (MG: n = 101;60.8% vs. FG: n = 147;84.5%; p < 0.001) and after training (MG: n = 97;58.4% vs. FG: n = 138;79.3%; p < 0.001). At t1, CPR willingness for female victims was improved in males (MG: n = 36;21.7% vs. FG: n = 19;10.9%; p = 0.006). Conclusions: The gender characteristics of OHCA victims, as well as schoolchildren themselves, have a relevant impact on the willingness to perform CPR. Training concepts should effectively motivate male schoolchildren to reduce preexisting inhibitions, especially towards female OHCA patients. Trial registration: This study was registered at the German Clinical Trials Register (Registration number: DRKS00017707) on 2 August 2019.
The Association between Psychosocial and Age-Related Factors with Adherence to Immunosuppressive Therapies after Renal Transplantation
Authors: Zachciał Justyna , Uchmanowicz Izabella , Czapla Michał , Krajewska Magdalena , Banasik Mirosław
Published: April 2022

Renal transplantation (RT) is the optimal renal replacement treatment approach in terms of patient survival and high quality of life. Proper adherence to medication is essential in order to prolong graft life and patient survival. This study aimed to investigate the effects of psychosocial factors and age-related declines on adherence in kidney transplant recipients. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of kidney transplant recipients, based on regression analysis. Patient adherence was assessed with the Basel Assessment of Adherence with Immunosuppressive Medication Scale (BAASIS). Psychosocial and age-related variables were measured with the World Health Organization’s quality of life questionnaire (WHOQoL-BREF), the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS), and the Tilburg Frailty Indicator (TFI). Results: A simple linear regression model indicated that the significant predictors of self-reported adherence (p < 0.05) were age, time since transplant, and anxiety and cognitive functions. For problems with implementing immunosuppressive medication, logistic regression models showed that gender, age, retirement status, hypercholesterolemia, and cognitive impairment were the most significant predictors (p < 0.05). However, after controlling for other predictors in the multiple regression models, anxiety and cognitive ability no longer predicted treatment adherence to immunosuppressive medication. Conclusions: Renal transplantation is the most effective therapy in chronic renal failure patients. Proper adherence to immunosuppressive therapy is critical to prolonging graft and person survival. Our study shows that occupational status more significantly influences adherence to the implementation of treatment in kidney transplant recipients.
Short- and Long-Term Outcome of Laparoscopic- versus Robotic-Assisted Right Colectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Tschann Peter , Szeverinski Philipp , Weigl Markus P. , Rauch Stephanie , Lechner Daniel , Adler Stephanie , Girotti Paolo N. C. , Clemens Patrick , Tschann Veronika , Presl Jaroslav , Schredl Philipp , Mittermair Christof , Jäger Tarkan , Emmanuel Klaus , Königsrainer Ingmar
Published: April 2022

Background: There is a rapidly growing literature available on right hemicolectomy comparing the short- and long-term outcomes of robotic right colectomy (RRC) to that of laparoscopic right colectomy (LRC). The aim of this meta-analysis is to revise current comparative literature systematically. Methods: A systematic review of comparative studies published between 2000 to 2021 in PubMed, Scopus and Embase was performed. The primary endpoint was postoperative morbidity, mortality and long-term oncological results. Secondary endpoints consist of blood loss, conversion rates, complications, time to first flatus, hospital stay and incisional hernia rate. Results: 25 of 322 studies were considered for data extraction. A total of 16,099 individual patients who underwent RRC (n = 1842) or LRC (n = 14,257) between 2002 and 2020 were identified. Operative time was significantly shorter in the LRC group (LRC 165.31 min ± 43.08 vs. RRC 207.38 min ± 189.13, MD: −42.01 (95% CI: −51.06−32.96), p < 0.001). Blood loss was significantly lower in the RRC group (LRC 63.57 ± 35.21 vs. RRC 53.62 ± 34.02, MD: 10.03 (95% CI: 1.61–18.45), p = 0.02) as well as conversion rate (LRC 1155/11,629 vs. RRC 94/1534, OR: 1.65 (1.28–2.13), p < 0.001) and hospital stay (LRC 6.15 ± 31.77 vs. RRC 5.31 ± 1.65, MD: 0.84 (95% CI: 0.29–1.38), p = 0.003). Oncological long-term results did not differ between both groups. Conclusion: The advantages of robotic colorectal procedures were clearly demonstrated. RRC can be regarded as safe and feasible. Most of the included studies were retrospective with a limited level of evidence. Further randomized trials would be suitable.
Early Postoperative Parathormone and Calcium as Prognostic Factors for Postoperative Hypocalcemia
Authors: Daskalaki Anna , Xenaki Sofia , Lasithiotakis Konstantinos , Chrysos Alexandros , Kampa Marilena , Notas George , Chrysos Emmanuel
Published: April 2022

Background. Postoperative hypocalcemia is one of the most common complications after total thyroidectomy. Parathormone (PTH) and calcium levels, measured several hours after surgery, have been suggested as valuable markers for detecting patients at risk for post-thyroidectomy hypocalcemia. We aimed to determine if early post-surgery PTH and calcium levels can be used for the early identification of patients at risk for symptomatic hypocalcemia. Methods. PTH and calcium were measured before surgery and at 10 min and 4 h post-thyroidectomy, in 77 patients. Performance characteristics of PTH and calcium levels and their post/pre-surgery ratios were calculated. Results. Four-hour calcium was a sensitive (93.75%) but not specific (67.61%) indicator of patients at risk for symptomatic hypocalcemia. The 4-h/pre-surgery PTH ratio was the most accurate (90.81%) and the most specific (94.37%) test to identify patients at risk. Serum calcium at 4-h, 4-h/pre-surgery PTH ratio, and PTH at 10 min post-surgery had the higher diagnostic odds ratios (50.86, 32.85, and 29.04, respectively). The 4-h/pre-surgery PTH ratio also had the highest (0.694) Youden’s J statistic. Conclusions. Low serum calcium levels 4 h after thyroidectomy and the 4-h/pre-surgery PTH ratio could be valuable additions to everyday clinical practice in post-thyroidectomy patients.
Intracardiac Echocardiogram: Feasibility, Efficacy, and Safety for Guidance of Transcatheter Multiple Atrial Septal Defects Closure
Authors: Seol Jae-hee , Kim Ah-young , Jung Se-yong , Choi Jae-young , Park Yeon-jae , Jung Jo-won
Published: April 2022

We aimed to determine the feasibility, efficacy, success, and safety of intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) in transcatheter multiple atrial septal defect (ASD) closure. Of 185 patients with multiple ASDs who underwent transcatheter closure, 140 (76%) patients who weighed <30kg with a narrow distance between defects or in whom single device closure was anticipated were guided by ICE and 45 patients were guided by three-dimensional (3D) transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) with or without ICE. Patients in the ICE group were relatively younger and weighed less than those in the 3D TEE group (p < 0.0001). The ratio of the distance between defects >7 mm was high, and more cases required ≥2 devices in the 3D TEE group than those in the ICE group (p < 0.0001). All patients in the 3D TEE group and seven patients (5%) in the ICE group were operated on under general anesthesia (p < 0.0001). The fluoroscopic time was shorter in the ICE group (13.98 ± 6.24 min vs. 24.86 ± 16.47 min, p = 0.0005). No difference in the complete closure rate and complications was observed. ICE-guided transcatheter and 3D TEE were feasible, safe, and effective in successful multiple ASD device closures, especially for young children and patients at high risk under general anesthesia.
A Facile In Situ Synthesis of Resorcinol-Mediated Silver Nanoparticles and the Fabrication of Agar-Based Functional Nanocomposite Films
Authors: Bang Yeong-Ju , Roy Swarup , Rhim Jong-Whan
Published: April 2022

The in situ synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was performed using resorcinol and agar to produce agar-based antioxidant and antimicrobial films. AgNPs were regularly dispersed on the film matrix, and their presence improved the thermal stability of films. Additionally, the addition of AgNPs slightly increased the agar-based film’s tensile strength (~10%), hydrophobicity (~40%), and water vapor barrier properties (~20%) at 1.5 wt% of AgNP concentration. The resorcinol also imparted UV-barrier and antioxidant activity to the agar-based film. In particular, the agar-based film containing a higher quantity of AgNPs (>1.0 wt%) was highly effective against the foodborne pathogenic bacteria L. monocytogenes and E. coli. Therefore, agar-based composite films with improved physicochemical and functional properties may be promising for active packaging.
Underwater Bearing Only Tracking Using Optimal Observer Maneuver Strategies
Authors: Nusrat Asra , Li Yaan , Cheng Chunyan , Qazi Hafeezullah , Xu Lingji
Published: April 2022

This paper considers the problem of tracking a uniform moving source using noisy bearing measurements obtained from a distant observer. Observer trajectory optimization plays a central role in this problem, with the objective to minimize the estimation error of the target state. The Bearing Only Tracking (BOT) of passive targets is mainly focused on the observer maneuver with known trajectories and rarely focused on the future prediction of observer states using adaptive optimization strategies. In this paper, observer paths using one-step ahead optimization based on a performance index are devised which are potentially useful for longer horizon observer trajectory planning in passive tracking. This performance index is the function of source parameters termed as the determinant of Error Covariance Matrix (ECM) which is numerically more efficient than the determinant of Fisher Information Matrix (FIM). The determinant of the FIM requires the calculation of future values for target states and measurements rather than the current values, which is not feasible for Kalman like filters. Therefore, in this paper, the optimization technique is implemented using the state error covariance which is readily available through Kalman filter equations and does require separate numerical calculations. Due to optimal observer maneuver, the performance of the proposed algorithm does not depend on the initial conditions as compared to the conventional tracking methods. The efficiency of the evolutionary algorithm is calculated in terms of range, position and velocity errors and simulation results show 4% fewer estimation errors for ECM based optimization than the determinant of the FIM method.
Exploring the Activity of Fungal Phenalenone Derivatives as Potential CK2 Inhibitors Using Computational Methods
Authors: Ibrahim Sabrin R. M. , Bagalagel Alaa A. , Diri Reem M. , Noor Ahmad O. , Bakhsh Hussain T. , Muhammad Yosra A. , Mohamed Gamal A. , Omar Abdelsattar M.
Published: April 2022

Cancer represents one of the most prevalent causes of global death. CK2 (casein kinase 2) activation boosted cancer proliferation and progression. Therefore, CK2 inhibition can have a crucial role in prohibiting cancer progression and enhancing apoptosis. Fungi have gained vast interest as a wealthy pool of anticancer metabolites that could particularly target various cancer progression-linked signaling pathways. Phenalenones are a unique class of secondary metabolites that possess diverse bioactivities. In the current work, the CK2 inhibitory capacity of 33 fungal phenalenones was explored using computational studies. After evaluating the usefulness of the compounds as enzyme inhibitors by ADMET prediction, the compounds were prepared for molecular docking in the CK2-α1 crystal structure (PDB: 7BU4). Molecular dynamic simulation was performed on the top two scoring compounds to evaluate their binding affinity and protein stability through a simulated physiological environment. Compound 19 had a superior binding affinity to the co-crystallized ligand (Y49). The improved affinity can be attributed to the fact that the aliphatic chain makes additional contact with Asp120 in a pocket distant from the active site.
Probiotic Yeast Saccharomyces: Back to Nature to Improve Human Health
Authors: Abid Rameesha , Waseem Hassan , Ali Jafar , Ghazanfar Shakira , Muhammad Ali Ghulam , Elasbali Abdelbaset Mohamed , Alharethi Salem Hussain
Published: April 2022

Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii is best known for its treatment efficacy against different gastrointestinal diseases. This probiotic yeast can significantly protect the normal microbiota of the human gut and inhibit the pathogenicity of different diarrheal infections. Several clinical investigations have declared S. cerevisiae var. boulardii a biotherapeutic agent due to its antibacterial, antiviral, anti-carcinogenic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immune-modulatory properties. Oral or intramuscular administration of S. cerevisiae var. boulardii can remarkably induce health-promoting effects in the host body. Different intrinsic and extrinsic factors are responsible for its efficacy against acute and chronic gut-associated diseases. This review will discuss the clinical and beneficial effects of S. cerevisiae var. boulardii in the treatment and prevention of different metabolic diseases and highlight some of its health-promising properties. This review article will provide fundamental insights for new avenues in the fields of biotherapeutics, antimicrobial resistance and one health.
Simulation of Subsurface Drainage in the Sugarcane Crop under Different Spacing and Drain Depths
Authors: Halbac-Cotoara-Zamfir Rares , Farias-Ramirez Asdrubal Jesus , de Miranda Jarbas Honorio , Moreno-Pizani Maria Alejandra , Duarte Sergio Nascimento , Paredes-Trejo Franklin Javier , Salvati Luca , Halbac-Cotoara-Zamfir Cristina
Published: April 2022

Agricultural land drainage is an instrument for growing production and a tool for the conservation of land resources. The performance of land drainage systems is thus critical for achieving sustainable agricultural production Recently, many types of software have been developed in this field for modeling and simulating the performance of these systems. SISDRENA is a simulation model of the performance of underground drainage systems. The main objectives of this paper are to simulate different combination of depths and spaces between drains and to analyze their impact on potential sugarcane productivity in the western plains of Venezuela using a land drainage system model. Therefore, three climatic scenarios were defined by annual precipitation: dry years (25% below average), normal (mean) and humid (75% above average). The scenarios were implemented in three different soil types: sandy loam, loam and silt loam, with a hydraulic conductivity of 0.19, 0.26 and 0.04 m day−1, respectively. The simulation of the yield related to soil deficit (YRD) and water stress (YRW) indicated that the highest yields were reached for the larger spacing between drains and the high conductivity hydraulic of soils. In relation to the average relative productivity (YT), it was shown that in soils with a greater water retention capacity there is an inversely proportional relationship between the spacing between drains and the productivity. We concluded that in order to reach the maximum sugarcane yield, the effect of hydraulic conductivity is more important than the changes in the precipitation pattern.
Analysis of Land Use Change and the Role of Policy Dimensions in Ecologically Complex Areas: A Case Study in Chongqing
Authors: Zuo Yiting , Cheng Jie , Fu Meichen
Published: April 2022

China has adopted policies, such as the Grain for Green program (GFGP) and China’s Western Development Strategy, to maintain ecosystem sustainability and the rational use of land resources based on economic development. Existing studies have revealed the impact of these policies on land use and land cover change (LUCC). However, more research is needed to identify what would happen if the original trajectory of land use change were to continue unaffected by policy. In this research, we employed the future land use (FLUS) model to simulate land use changes in Chongqing under the natural scenario in 2020, assuming the existence of policy and natural contexts. The relative contribution conceptual model (RCCM) estimated the contribution of policies to LUCC, assessed the characteristics of LUCC in both situations using a complex network model, and analyzed the policies affecting LUCC. The findings revealed that cropland was the key land use type in both contexts, and the stability of the land use system in the natural context was greater than in the policy context. This research contributes to new research ideas for analyzing land use change and comprehending the role of policy execution in land use change.
Interactive Effects on Habitat Quality Using InVEST and GeoDetector Models in Wenzhou, China
Authors: Zhang Xue , Liao Lingyun , Xu Zhengduo , Zhang Jiayu , Chi Mengwei , Lan Siren , Gan Qiaochun
Published: April 2022

Global urbanisation has accelerated in recent years, especially in rapidly growing coastal cities, and the destruction of habitat and natural resources has intensified. Although much attention has been paid to the study of habitat quality, there are still gaps in our understanding of the factors that influence it and their interactions. In this study, the InVEST habitat quality evaluation model and the GeoDetector model were used to construct a framework for analysing the dynamic changes in habitat quality and their influencing factors from 1992 to 2015. Wenzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China, was selected as the study area. The new framework extends studies on habitat quality change to annual analysis and reduces the lag between the actual change and the mapping time. The interactions between natural and anthropogenic factors are explored, and the effects of different types of land use conversion on habitat quality are further discussed. The results show that: (1) During the study period, cultivated and construction land areas in Wenzhou City increased the most, and forest land area decreased the most. (2) Habitat quality in Wenzhou City was generally good during the study period, but it showed a declining trend from year to year, and the distribution of habitat quality decreased from west to east. (3) The interactions between land use change and annual precipitation change and those between land use change and population density change have the most significant impact on habitat quality. The conversion of forest land to cultivated land, conversion of water area to cultivated land, and conversion of forest land to building land have the greatest impact on habitat quality. The results of the study can provide recommendations for ecological restoration, optimal integration of protected areas, and provide a reference for the healthy and sustainable development of coastal regions.
Root, Thematic Vowels and Inflectional Exponents in Verbs: A Morpho-Syntactic Analysis
Authors: Savoia Leonardo Maria , Baldi Benedetta
Published: April 2022

A long-time generative tradition treats the functional domains of the verb and noun as a result of motion and affixing; however, assuming a close correspondence between the order in syntax and morphology, as in the Mirror Principle proposed by Baker seems to be too strong a hypothesis and empirically unsustainable. Distributed Morphology (DM) incorporates this idea by translating it into rules manipulating syntactic nodes. The morphological phenomena we will investigate essentially concerns the thematic vowel (TV) and its interaction with agreement morphology. A complex micro-variation emerges, which provides us with a test bench in order to account for the word-internal morphological organization. We question the idea that morphology is an auxiliary and expensive post-syntactic component, DM, that conveys information separated from its original locus as assumed by Embick and Noyer. On the contrary, we think that a more adequate account is reached assuming that the morphology is governed by the same computational rules as the syntax, where the operation Merge combines fully interpretable sub-word elements forming complex inflected words.
A Comparative Study on Multi-Criteria Decision-Making in Dressing Process for Internal Grinding
Authors: Nguyen Huu-Quang , Le Xuan-Hung , Nguyen Thanh-Tu , Tran Quoc-Hoang , Vu Ngoc-Pi
Published: April 2022

The MCDM problem is very important and often encountered in life and in engineering as it is used to determine the best solution among various possible alternatives. In this paper, the results of the MCDM problem in the dressing process for internal grinding are presented. To perform this work, an experiment with six input parameters, including the depth and the time of fine dressing, the depth and the time of coarse dressing, non-feeding dressing, and dressing feed rate, was conducted. The experiment was designed according to the Taguchi method with the use of L16 orthogonal arrays. In addition, TOPSIS, MARCOS, EAMR and MAIRCA methods were selected for the MCDM to obtain the minimum SR and the maximum MRR simultaneously. In addition, the weight determination for criteria was implemented by MEREC and entropy methods. From the results, the best solution to the multi-criteria problem for the dressing process in internal grinding has been proposed.
Identifying Source-Language Dialects in Translation
Authors: Nisioi Sergiu , Uban Ana Sabina , Dinu Liviu P.
Published: April 2022

In this paper, we aim to explore the degree to which translated texts preserve linguistic features of dialectal varieties. We release a dataset of augmented annotations to the Proceedings of the European Parliament that cover dialectal speaker information, and we analyze different classes of written English covering native varieties from the British Isles. Our analyses aim to discuss the discriminatory features between the different classes and to reveal words whose usage differs between varieties of the same language. We perform classification experiments and show that automatically distinguishing between the dialectal varieties is possible with high accuracy, even after translation, and propose a new explainability method based on embedding alignments in order to reveal specific differences between dialects at the level of the vocabulary.
Choosing Industrial Zones Multi-Criteria Problem Solution for Chemical Industries Development Using the Additive Global Criterion Method
Authors: Shinkevich Aleksey I. , Psareva Nadezhda Yu. , Malysheva Tatyana V.
Published: April 2022

The safe development of chemical industries requires adequate control of the environmental sustainability of the areas where enterprises are located. The purpose of the article is to develop and test a methodology for solving the multicriteria problem of choosing industrial zones for the development of chemical industries using the method of an additive global criterion. The novelty of the methodology lies in the multi-criteria and complexity of the tool and the presence of a statistical base, which allows it to be used for various socio-economic purposes at all levels of government. As the main research tools, the methods of multi-criteria selection of objects, one-dimensional data scaling, additive convolution of criteria, and methods of multivariate statistical analysis for verifying the results obtained and making a decision were used. The article describes the mathematical apparatus of the technique for solving the multicriteria problem of selecting objects by the method of an additive global criterion. The solution algorithm provides for a three-level integration of particular indicators using the methods of mathematical processing of an array of different-dimensional values. The procedure for selecting the vectors of the criterion space makes it possible to select industrial zones and obtain a global criterion using the additive convolution method. In order to test the methodology, the problem of choosing industrial zones for the potential development of chemical industries in the Russian region was solved. For the development of chemical production, industrial zones have been selected that are included in the above-average environmental sustainability group: Bavlinskaya, Nurlatskaya, Bugulminskaya, and Leninogorskaya. Tendencies of decrease in ecological stability of the zones, which have relatively safe industries on their territory but are adjacent to the zones of location of environmentally unfavorable industries, are revealed. The materials of the article can be used in the development of intelligent systems for monitoring and controlling the development of chemical industries, which allow monitoring the level of environmental safety of industrial zones, identifying sources of negative environmental impact with pursuing decision-making on the organization and planning of production systems in the territorial space.
Infinite Homoclinic Solutions of the Discrete Partial Mean Curvature Problem with Unbounded Potential
Authors: Chen Yanshan , Zhou Zhan
Published: April 2022

The mean curvature problem is an important class of problems in mathematics and physics. We consider the existence of homoclinic solutions to a discrete partial mean curvature problem, which is tied to the existence of discrete solitons. Under the assumptions that the potential function is unbounded and that the nonlinear term is superlinear at infinity, we obtain the existence of infinitely many homoclinic solutions to this problem by means of the fountain theorem in the critical point theory. In the end, an example is given to illustrate the applicability of our results.
Efficiency Evaluation of Software Faults Correction Based on Queuing Simulation
Authors: Minamino Yuka , Makita Yusuke , Inoue Shinji , Yamada Shigeru
Published: April 2022

Fault-counting data are collected in the testing process of software development. However, the data are not used for evaluating the efficiency of fault correction activities because the information on the fault detection and correction times of each fault are not recorded in the fault-counting data. Furthermore, it is difficult to collect new data on the detection time of each fault to realize efficiency evaluation for fault correction activities from the collected fault-counting data due to the cost of personnel and data collection. In this paper, we apply the thinning method, using intensity functions of the delayed S-shaped and inflection S-shaped software reliability growth models (SRGMs) to generate sample data of the fault detection time from the fault-counting data. Additionally, we perform simulations based on the infinite server queuing model, using the generated sample data of the fault detection time to visualize the efficiency of fault correction activities.
Fixed Point Results for a New Rational Contraction in Double Controlled Metric-like Spaces
Authors: Deng Jia , Liu Xiaolan , Sun Yan , Zhou Mi
Published: April 2022

In this paper, we present a new type of rational contraction in double controlled metric-like spaces and improve recent results of such spaces. Moreover, there is an example to verify the correctness of our results. Finally, we also obtain some new fixed point results, which can be derive directly from our main theorem.
Multivariable Panel Data Cluster Analysis of Meteorological Stations in Thailand for ENSO Phenomenon
Authors: Dechpichai Porntip , Jinapang Nuttawadee , Yamphli Pariyakorn , Polamnuay Sakulrat , Injan Sittisak , Humphries Usa
Published: April 2022

The purpose of this research is to study the spatial and temporal groupings of 124 meteorological stations in Thailand under ENSO. The multivariate climate variables are rainfall, relative humidity, temperature, max temperature, min temperature, solar downwelling, and horizontal wind from the conformal cubic atmospheric model (CCAM) in years of El Niño (1987, 2004, and 2015) and La Niña (1999, 2000, and 2011). Euclidean distance timed and spaced with average linkage for clustering and silhouette width for cluster validation were employed. Five spatial clusters (SCs) and three temporal clusters (TCs) in each SC with different average precipitation were compared by El Niño and La Niña. The pattern of SCs and TCs was similar for both events except in the case when severe El Niño occurred. This method could be applied using variables forecasted in the future to be used for planning and managing crop cultivation with the climate change in each area.
Overexpressing CrePAPS Polyadenylate Activity Enhances Protein Translation and Accumulation in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Wang Quan , Zhuang Jieyi , Ni Shuai , Luo Haolin , Zheng Kaijie , Li Xinyi , Lan Chengxiang , Zhao Di , Bai Yongsheng , Jia Bin , Hu Zhangli
Published: April 2022

The alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is a potential platform for recombinant protein expression in the future due to various advantages. Dozens of C. reinhardtii strains producing genetically engineered recombinant therapeutic protein have been reported. However, owing to extremely low protein expression efficiency, none have been applied for industrial purposes. Improving protein expression efficiency at the molecular level is, therefore, a priority. The 3′-end poly(A) tail of mRNAs is strongly correlated with mRNA transcription and protein translation efficiency. In this study, we identified a canonical C. reinhardtii poly(A) polymerase (CrePAPS), verified its polyadenylate activity, generated a series of overexpressing transformants, and performed proteomic analysis. Proteomic results demonstrated that overexpressing CrePAPS promoted ribosomal assembly and enhanced protein accumulation. The accelerated translation was further verified by increased crude and dissolved protein content detected by Kjeldahl and bicinchoninic acid (BCA) assay approaches. The findings provide a novel direction in which to exploit photosynthetic green algae as a recombinant protein expression platform.
Theater in the Self-Cleaning Cell: Intrinsically Disordered Proteins or Protein Regions Acting with Membranes in Autophagy
Authors: Popelka Hana , Uversky Vladimir
Published: April 2022

Intrinsically disordered proteins and protein regions (IDPs/IDPRs) are mainly involved in signaling pathways, where fast regulation, temporal interactions, promiscuous interactions, and assemblies of structurally diverse components including membranes are essential. The autophagy pathway builds, de novo, a membrane organelle, the autophagosome, using carefully orchestrated interactions between proteins and lipid bilayers. Here, we discuss molecular mechanisms related to the protein disorder-based interactions of the autophagy machinery with membranes. We describe not only membrane binding phenomenon, but also examples of membrane remodeling processes including membrane tethering, bending, curvature sensing, and/or fragmentation of membrane organelles such as the endoplasmic reticulum, which is an important membrane source as well as cargo for autophagy. Summary of the current state of knowledge presented here will hopefully inspire new studies. A profound understanding of the autophagic protein–membrane interface is essential for advancements in therapeutic interventions against major human diseases, in which autophagy is involved including neurodegeneration, cancer as well as cardiovascular, metabolic, infectious, musculoskeletal, and other disorders.
Plastic Deformation Mechanism and Slip Transmission Behavior of Commercially Pure Ti during In Situ Tensile Deformation
Authors: Xin Chao , Wang Qi , Ren Junqiang , Zhang Yonghong , Wu Jinping , Chen Jie , Zhang Liang , Sang Biao , Li Le
Published: April 2022

The plastic deformation modes of commercially pure titanium (CP-Ti) were studied using an in situ tensile test monitored by electron-backscatter-diffraction (EBSD) assisted slip trace analysis. The plastic strain was primarily accommodated by prismatic slip, followed by deformation twins and pyramidal slip. The slip transmission between two adjacent grains was predicted using the geometric compatibility factor m′, which influenced not only the degree of stress concentration but also the activity of dislocation slip systems. Stress concentration mainly occurred at GBs with an m′ less than 0.5 and could be released by the activities of pyramidal slip or deformation twins with high critical shear stress (CRSS).
Characterizing Changes in Grain Growth, Mechanical Properties, and Transformation Properties in Differently Sintered and Annealed Binder-Jet 3D Printed 14M Ni–Mn–Ga Magnetic Shape Memory Alloys
Authors: Acierno Aaron , Mostafaei Amir , Toman Jakub , Kimes Katerina , Boin Mirko , Wimpory Robert C. , Laitinen Ville , Saren Andrey , Ullakko Kari , Chmielus Markus
Published: April 2022

Ni–Mn–Ga Heusler alloys are multifunctional materials that demonstrate macroscopic strain under an externally applied magnetic field through the motion of martensite twin boundaries within the microstructure. This study sought to comprehensively characterize the microstructural, mechanical, thermal, and magnetic properties near the solidus in binder-jet 3D printed 14M Ni50Mn30Ga20. Neutron diffraction data were analyzed to identify the martensite modulation and observe the grain size evolution in samples sintered at temperatures of 1080 °C and 1090 °C. Large clusters of high neutron-count pixels in samples sintered at 1090 °C were identified, suggesting Bragg diffraction of large grains (near doubling in size) compared to 1080 °C sintered samples. The grain size was confirmed through quantitative stereology of polished surfaces for differently sintered and heat-treated samples. Nanoindentation testing revealed a greater resistance to plasticity and a larger elastic modulus in 1090 °C sintered samples (relative density ~95%) compared to the samples sintered at 1080 °C (relative density ~80%). Martensitic transformation temperatures were lower for samples sintered at 1090 °C than 1080 °C, though a further heat treatment step could be added to tailor the transformation temperature. Microstructurally, twin variants ≤10 μm in width were observed and the presence of magnetic anisotropy was confirmed through magnetic force microscopy. This study indicates that a 10 °C sintering temperature difference can largely affect the microstructure and mechanical properties (including elastic modulus and hardness) while still allowing for the presence of magnetic twin variants in the resulting modulated martensite.
Development of Tool Wear Standards and Wear Mechanism for Micro Milling Ti-6Al-4V Alloy
Authors: Zheng Tao , Song Qinghua , Du Yicong , Liu Zhanqiang
Published: April 2022

With the rapid development of high-precision-device technology, new demands are put forward for micro milling. The size effect and low cutting energy of micro milling make the process expensive and difficult, especially for Ti-6Al-4V alloys. The wear of the micro-milling cutter lacks corresponding international standards and its cutting mechanism is complex. In this paper, four kinds of micro-milling cutters with different wear states were obtained by designing micro-milling experiments, and the wear process and wear mechanism were observed and analyzed. The cutter diameter reduction, end face wear, flank wear and edge radius are comprehensively analyzed. It is considered that the formulation of a micro-milling-cutter wear standard needs comprehensive consideration, and the wear of end face 30 μm, wear of flank 35 μm and tool diameter reduction 55 μm can be used as the failure criteria of the micro-milling cutter. The wear forms mainly include abrasion marks, material adhesion, built-up edges and micro-collapse blades. Adhesive wear exists in the whole cutting process and plays a major role. Abrasive wear, diffusion wear and oxidation wear will occur when the cutting temperature reaches the melting point of Co. The wear of the micro-milling cutter is analyzed more comprehensively, a new wear-failure standard is formulated and the complex wear mechanism is revealed.
Snowflake Bionic Flow Channel Design to Optimize the Pressure Drop and Flow Uniform of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells
Authors: Li Yuting , Bi Jingliang , Tang Miao , Lu Gui
Published: April 2022

The flow channel design of bipolar plates plays a significant role in the proton exchange membrane fuel cells operation, particularly in thermal and water management. The pursuit of low-pressure drop supply and flow field uniformity in PEM fuel cells has not stopped, resulting in numerous new bipolar plate flow channel designs. The biomimetic leaf vein shape-based flow channel and lung flow channel designs can significantly improve gas supply uniformity and reduce pressure drop. Therefore, we propose a snowflake-shaped bionic channel design by integrating the advantages of the leaf vein shape and lung shape channel. A 3D multi-physics fuel cell model is used to verify the feasibility and superiority of the bionic snowflake design in improving fuel cell performance, especially in reducing the pumping work. The local pressure distribution, oxygen distribution, water distribution, and current density distribution are used to reveal the enhancement mechanism of the new snowflake flow channel. The flow uniformity is further enhanced by using multi-objective (13 target parameters) and multi-parameter (18 independent variables) genetic algorithm optimization. The general goal of this work is to provide a new strategy for the thermal and water management of PEM fuel cells.
Monotheca buxifolia Driven Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Nano Material Its Characterization and Biomedical Applications
Authors: Khan Muhammad Ishaq , Shah Sumaira , Faisal Shah , Gul Safia , Khan Shahzar , Abdullah  , Shah Sajjad Ali , Shah Wajid Ali
Published: April 2022

The current study demonstrates a sophisticated and environmentally friendly synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) for a range of biological and environmental applications using Monotheca buxifolia as a bio-source. At the nanometer scale, a simple aqueous extract from Monotheca buxifolia was used to convert Zn into stable elemental zinc (Zn0). With an average size of 45.8 nm and a spherical shape, the NPs were stable and pure. The nanoparticles studied here were tested in vitro for bactericide, fungicide, biocompatibility, leishmaniasis, anti-diabetic effect, antioxidant effect, and anti-Alzheimer’s effect. According to our results, Monotheca buxifolia mediated ZnO-NPs are highly effective against spore-forming fungal strains and MDR bacterial strains. All examined bacterial isolates of UTI (urinary tract infection) were resistant to non-coated antibiotics; however, adding 1% of the produced ZnO-NPs to the treatments increased their bactericidal activity significantly. The NPs also showed dose-dependent cytotoxicity against Leishmania tropica parasites, with an LC50 of 248 μg/mL for promastigote parasites and 251 μg/mL for amastigote parasites. In addition, a significant inhibition of α-glucosidase, α-amylase, butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) was discovered, indicating anti-Alzheimer’s and anti-diabetic effects. The biocompatibility of the particles with human red blood cells was also observed. Due to their environmentally friendly production, biological safety, and exceptional physicochemical properties, ZnO-NPs could be used as a new competitor for several biological and environmental applications.
Research Progress of the Gut Microbiome in Hybrid Fish
Authors: Cui Xinyuan , Zhang Qinrong , Zhang Qunde , Zhang Yongyong , Chen Hua , Liu Guoqi , Zhu Lifeng
Published: April 2022

Fish, including hybrid species, are essential components of aquaculture, and the gut microbiome plays a vital role in fish growth, behavior, digestion, and immune health. The gut microbiome can be affected by various internal and/or external factors, such as host development, diet, and environment. We reviewed the effects of diet and dietary supplements on intestinal microorganisms in hybrid fish and the difference in the gut microbiome between the hybrid and their hybrids that originate. Then, we summarized the role of the gut microbiome in the speciation and ecological invasion of hybrid fish. Finally, we discussed possible future studies on the gut microbiome in hybrid fish, including the potential interaction with environmental microbiomes, the effects of the gut microbiome on population expansion, and fish conservation and management.