bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pathological Complete Response Following Neoadjuvant Tislelizumab Monotherapy in Treatment-Naive Locally Advanced, MMR-Deficient/MSI-High Ascending Colon Cancer: A Case Report
Authors: Hei Yue , Yang Ruixia , Kong Shengnan , Zhang Hongmei , Chen Yan
Published: December 2022

Although recent trials started the use of neoadjuvant immunotherapy (NIT) in instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) early-stage or locally advanced colorectal cancer (LACRC), little data on the treatment strategy of NIT has been shown, and whether the tirelizumab mono-immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) can be used as NIT for patients with LACRC has not been reported as yet. In this study we report on a locally advanced ascending colon cancer case with a history of incomplete intestinal obstruction which achieved a pathologic complete response (pCR) after treated with Tirelizumab as NIT. A 32-year-old man was diagnosed with locally advanced ascending colon cancer with MSI-H and dMMR. An incomplete intestinal obstruction accompanied with hyperpyrexia occurred unexpectedly and was eased by symptomatic treatment. There was no peritonitis or other acute complications. NIT (three cycles of Tirelizumab) was suggested by the MDT board and partial response was achieved according to CT scanning, and pCR was further revealed by postoperative pathology. A ctDNA clearance confirmed the R0 resection and some immunotherapy related predictors were also detected using the NGS method. Our case study contributes to the evidence on the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of f Tirelizumab as a mono ICI for an optional neoadjuvant therapy in patients with MSI-H/dMMR LACRC.
Kinematic Parameters That Can Discriminate in Levels of Functionality in the Six-Minute Walk Test in Patients with Heart Failure with a Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Fuentes-Abolafio Iván José , Trinidad-Fernández Manuel , Escriche-Escuder Adrian , Roldán-Jiménez Cristina , Arjona-Caballero José María , Bernal-López M. Rosa , Ricci Michele , Gómez-Huelgas Ricardo , Pérez-Belmonte Luis Miguel , Cuesta-Vargas Antonio Ignacio
Published: December 2022

It is a challenge to manage and assess heart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (HFpEF) patients. Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) is used in this clinical population as a functional test. The objective of the study was to assess gait and kinematic parameters in HFpEF patients during the 6MWT with an inertial sensor and to discriminate patients according to their performance in the 6MWT: (1) walk more or less than 300 m, (2) finish or stop the test, (3) women or men and (4) fallen or did not fall in the last year. A cross-sectional study was performed in patients with HFpEF older than 70 years. 6MWT was carried out in a closed corridor larger than 30 m. Two Shimmer3 inertial sensors were used in the chest and lumbar region. Pure kinematic parameters analysed were angular velocity and linear acceleration in the three axes. Using these data, an algorithm calculated gait kinematic parameters: total distance, lap time, gait speed and step and stride variables. Two analyses were done according to the performance. Student’s t-test measured differences between groups and receiver operating characteristic assessed discriminant ability. Seventy patients performed the 6MWT. Step time, step symmetry, stride time and stride symmetry in both analyses showed high AUC values (>0.75). More significant differences in velocity and acceleration in the maximum Y axis or vertical movements. Three pure kinematic parameters obtained good discriminant capacity (AUC > 0.75). The new methodology proved differences in gait and pure kinematic parameters that can distinguish two groups according to the performance in the 6MWT and they had discriminant capacity.
Does One Size Fit All? External Validation of the rCAST Score to Predict the Hospital Outcomes of Post-Cardiac Arrest Patients Receiving Targeted Temperature Management
Authors: Chen Chao-Hsien , Wang Chieh-Jen , Wang I-Ting , Yang Sheng-Hsiung , Wang Ya-Hui , Lin Chang-Yi
Published: December 2022

The revised post-Cardiac Arrest Syndrome for Therapeutic hypothermia (rCAST) score was proposed to predict neurologic outcomes and mortality among out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients. However, it has rarely been validated outside Japan. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate this issue. All adult patients admitted to our medical intensive care unit for targeted temperature management (TTM) between July 2015 and July 2021 were enrolled. Their medical records were retrieved, and rCAST scores were calculated. A total of 108 post-cardiac arrest syndrome (PCAS) patients who received TTM were analyzed. According to the rCAST score, 49.1%, 50.0%, and 0.9% of the patients were classified as low, moderate, and high severity, respectively. The areas under the curves for the rCAST score were 0.806 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.719–0.876) and 0.794 (95% CI: 0.706–0.866) to predict poor neurologic outcomes and mortality at day 28, respectively. In contrast to the original report, only low-severity patients had favorable neurologic outcomes. The rCAST score showed moderate accuracy in our OHCA patients with PCAS who received TTM to predict poor neurologic outcomes and mortality at day 28.
Reply to Ducreux, B.; Fauque, P. Comment on “Cannarella et al. DNA Methylation in Offspring Conceived after Assisted Reproductive Techniques: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11, 5056”
Authors: Cannarella Rossella , Crafa Andrea , Calogero Aldo E.
Published: December 2022

We thank our French colleagues for commenting [...]
Melatonin for Insomnia in Medical Inpatients: A Narrative Review
Authors: Salahub Christine , Wu Peter E. , Burry Lisa D. , Soong Christine , Sheehan Kathleen A. , MacMillan Thomas E. , Lapointe-Shaw Lauren
Published: December 2022

In this narrative review, we describe what is known about non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatments for insomnia in medical inpatients, with a focus on melatonin. Hospital-acquired insomnia is common, resulting in shortened total sleep time and more nighttime awakenings. Sleep disturbance has been shown to increase systemic inflammation, pain, and the likelihood of developing delirium in hospital. Treatment for insomnia includes both non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions, the latter of which requires careful consideration of risks and benefits given the known adverse effects. Though benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepine benzodiazepine receptor agonists are commonly prescribed (i.e., sedative-hypnotics), they are relatively contraindicated for patients over the age of 65 due to the risk of increased falls, cognitive decline, and potential for withdrawal symptoms after long-term use. Exogenous melatonin has a comparatively low likelihood of adverse effects and drug–drug interactions and is at least as effective as other sedative-hypnotics. Though more research is needed on both its effectiveness and relative safety for inpatients, small doses of melatonin before bedtime may be an appropriate choice for inpatients when insomnia persists despite non-pharmacological interventions.
Long-Term Outcome of Dental Implants in Immediate Function Inserted on Autogenous Grafted Bone
Authors: de Araújo Nobre Miguel , Salvado Francisco , Correia João André , Teixeira Maria Cristina Faria , Coutinho Francisco Azevedo
Published: December 2022

Background: There is a need for long-term evidence of immediate function dental implants inserted in grafted bone. The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate the outcome of full-arch rehabilitations supported by implants in grafted bone. Methods: Thirty-six patients (women: 24; men: 12; average age: 53.5 years) were included (225 implants). Primary outcome measure: to assess implant cumulative success rates evaluated through life tables. Secondary outcome measures: to evaluate implant and prosthetic survival, marginal bone loss, and the incidence of both biological and mechanical complications. Results: Twenty-five implants were unsuccessful giving a dental implant CS rate of 88.1% at 14 years and a 76.8% survival estimation (Kaplan–Meier) using the patient as the unit of analysis. No prosthesis was lost. Average MBL at 10 years was 2.01 mm. The incidence of biological complications was 36%, with smoking affecting it significantly (p < 0.001). The incidence of mechanical complications was 86.1% (45.2% and 54.8% in provisional and definitive prosthesis, respectively. Conclusions: The rehabilitation of atrophic maxillae through dental implants in immediate function inserted in grafted bone is a valid treatment alternative, despite the relevant rate of implant failures and incidence of complications.
CAL-Tutor: A HoloLens 2 Application for Training in Obstetric Sonography and User Motion Data Recording
Authors: Birlo Manuel , Edwards Philip J. Eddie , Yoo Soojeong , Dromey Brian , Vasconcelos Francisco , Clarkson Matthew J. , Stoyanov Danail
Published: December 2022

Obstetric ultrasound (US) training teaches the relationship between foetal anatomy and the viewed US slice to enable navigation to standardised anatomical planes (head, abdomen and femur) where diagnostic measurements are taken. This process is difficult to learn, and results in considerable inter-operator variability. We propose the CAL-Tutor system for US training based on a US scanner and phantom, where a model of both the baby and the US slice are displayed to the trainee in its physical location using the HoloLens 2. The intention is that AR guidance will shorten the learning curve for US trainees and improve spatial awareness. In addition to the AR guidance, we also record many data streams to assess user motion and the learning process. The HoloLens 2 provides eye gaze, head and hand position, ARToolkit and NDI Aurora tracking gives the US probe positions and an external camera records the overall scene. These data can provide a rich source for further analysis, such as distinguishing expert from novice motion. We have demonstrated the system in a sample of engineers. Feedback suggests that the system helps novice users navigate the US probe to the standard plane. The data capture is successful and initial data visualisations show that meaningful information about user behaviour can be captured. Initial feedback is encouraging and shows improved user assessment where AR guidance is provided.
Microstructural and Mechanical Characterization of Ledeburitic AISI D2 Cold-Work Tool Steel in Semisolid Zones via Direct Partial Remelting Process
Authors: Mohammed M. N. , Omar M. Z. , Jameel Al-Tamimi Adnan Naji , Sultan Hakim S. , Abbud Luay Hashem , Al-Zubaidi Salah , Abdullah Oday I. , Abdulrazaq M.
Published: December 2022

The success of the thixoforming process largely depends on the created microstructure, which must be globular in the liquid phase. The solid–liquid structural changes that occur on as-annealed D2 tool steel when it is subjected to the so-called DPRM are described in this work (direct partial remelting method). The paper discusses phase changes and how carbide dissolution affects grain boundary liquation and grain spheroidization. Equiaxed grains with undissolved carbide particles have been found in the microstructural analysis at 1250 °C; however, the carbides gradually disappear as the temperature rises. Additionally, the equiaxed grains were transformed to a globular structure, which improves the shape factor and grain size for the thixoforming process. For AISI D2 thixoforming, which produced grains with a diameter of 50 μm and a shape factor of 1.18, temperatures of 1300 °C and a holding period of 5 min were the optimum parameters. The outcomes also showed that the mechanical properties of the AISI D2 were greatly enhanced after using direct partial remelting, where hardness was increased from 220 Hv to 350 Hv and tensile strength from 791 MPa to 961 MPa.
Predict Vessel Traffic with Weather Conditions Based on Multimodal Deep Learning
Authors: Xiao Hu , Zhao Yan , Zhang Hao
Published: December 2022

Vessel management calls for real-time traffic flow prediction, which is difficult under complex circumstances (incidents, weather, etc.). In this paper, a multimodal learning method named Prophet-and-GRU (P&G) considering weather conditions is proposed. This model can learn both features of the long-term and interdependence of multiple inputs. There are three parts of our model: first, the Decomposing Layer uses an improved Seasonal and Trend Decomposition Using Loess (STL) based on Prophet to decompose flow data; second, the Processing Layer uses a Sequence2Sequence (S2S) module based on Gated Recurrent Units (GRU) and attention mechanism with a special mask to extract nonlinear correlation features; third, the Joint Predicting Layer produces the final prediction result. The experimental results show that the proposed model predicts traffic with an accuracy of over 90%, which outperforms advanced models. In addition, this model can trace real-time traffic flow when there is a sudden drop.
Spatiotemporal and Environmental Dynamics of Abundances and Diversity of Larval Fish in Artificial Reef Edge Habitats of Kitros, Pieria (Northern Aegean Sea, Eastern Mediterranean)
Authors: Kallianiotis Athanasios A. , Kamidis Nikolaos , Tselepides Anastasios , Batjakas Ioannis E.
Published: December 2022

Spatiotemporal and physiochemical influences on the abundances and diversity of ichthyoplankton were assessed in the Thermaikos Gulf and edge habitats surrounding the Pieria (Northern Greece) artificial reef complex. The collection of data was performed in edge habitats in the marine protected area near the artificial reef offshore of Kitros. Sampling trips occurred in each season of the spring, summer, and autumn in each year from 2015–2017. This artificial reef complex lies at a distance offshore of 11.5 km from Kitros and the delta of River Aliakmonas. A bongo net sampler was used to sample ichthyoplankton over a network of 16 sampling stations. Seventy species of larval fish were identified. The greatest measures of ichthyoplankton diversity were found during warmer seasons. Non-metric multidimensional scaling showed that seasons play a significant role in species assemblages, as months during the spring, summer, and autumn from different years clustered together. Ten groups of larvae were identified to the family or genus level, such as Arnoglossus spp., Callionymus spp., Crenilabrus spp., Gobius spp., Liza spp., Scorpaena spp., Solea spp., and Spicara spp. Overall, the species with the greatest abundance was the larvae of the European anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus). The second genera (in order of highest abundance) were Gobius spp. followed by relatively abundant (but lesser numbers of) larvae representing the families Callionymidae, Centracanthidae, and Bothidae. The largest total abundances were found in July 2015 and September 2016. The biodiversity index indicated that measures of diversity were greater in July 2015, which was the only sampling performed in the middle of the summer, and indicated higher diversity in autumn 2015. The aim of this study was to present the assemblages of fish larvae in the marine protected area surrounding the artificial reef of Kitros Pierias as the result of a 3-year sampling program (2015–2017). The novelty of this study is that it is the only study of Ichthyoplankton ever performed in Greece with seasonal repetitions and densely located stations around a coastal marine protected area.
MoNap1, a Nucleosome Assemble Protein 1, Regulates Growth, Development, and Pathogenicity in Magnaporthe oryzae
Authors: Zhang Shulin , Wang Yu , Cui Xinyue , Hu Jinmei , Kang Xiaoru , Liu Yuyan , Pan Yuemin
Published: December 2022

Nap1 is an evolutionarily conserved protein from yeast to human and is involved in diverse physiological processes, such as nucleosome assembly, histone shuttling between the nucleus and cytoplasm, transcriptional regulation, and the cell cycle regulation. In this paper, we identified nucleosome assemble protein MoNap1 in Magnaporthe oryzae and investigated its function in pathogenicity. Deletion of MoNAP1 resulted in reduced growth and conidiation, decreased appressorium formation rate, and impaired virulence. MoNap1 affects appressorium turgor and utilization of glycogen and lipid droplets. In addition, MoNap1 is involved in the regulation of cell wall, oxidation, and hyperosmotic stress. The subcellular localization experiments showed that MoNap1 is located in the cytoplasm. MoNap1 interacts with MoNbp2, MoClb3, and MoClb1 in M. oryzae. Moreover, deletion of MoNBP2 and MoCLB3 has no effects on vegetative growth, conidiation, and pathogenicity. Transcriptome analysis reveals that MoNAP1 is involved in regulating pathogenicity, the melanin biosynthetic process. Taken together, our results showed that MoNap1 plays a crucial role in growth, conidiation, and pathogenicity of M. oryzae.
Toward a Personalized Psychological Counseling Service in Assisted Reproductive Technology Centers: A Qualitative Analysis of Couples’ Needs
Authors: Scaravelli Giulia , Fedele Fabiola , Spoletini Roberta , Monaco Silvia , Renzi Alessia , Di Trani Michela
Published: December 2022

Infertility may have a very strong emotional impact on individuals, requiring adequate support, but few studies on patients' demands toward psychological support have been conducted. This study aims to explore the emotions related to the infertility and to the Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) procedure for which patients consider useful a psychological support. A total of 324 women completed a sociodemographic and clinical questionnaire and an open-ended questionnaire on emotional needs for psychological support. The written texts were explored by the Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC) programme and linguistic characteristics were related to sociodemographic and anamnestic variables. Specific linguistic features were connected to several individual characteristics. More specifically, differences in linguistic processes emerged comparing women with an age over or under 40 years, women undergoing their first attempts versus more attempts, women undergoing ART with or without gamete donation, and women undergoing ART for male or unknown causes, as well as those undergoing ART for female or both partners’ problems. These differences seem to confirm that older age, more attempts, gamete donation, and ART for unknown or male causes are risk factors that may worsen women's psychological well-being. This study contributes to increase the knowledge about the emotional needs of patients undergoing an ART procedure to develop specific psychological intervention programs.
Integrating Social, Economic, and Environmental Factors to Evaluate How Competitive Urban Landscapes Are for the Development of Sustainable Cities: Penang Island in Malaysia as a Case Study
Authors: Bagheri Milad , Tuan Lonik Ku Azam , Jaafar Mastura , Adam Radziah , Asma Wan Talaat Wan Izatul , Wolf Isabelle D.
Published: December 2022

The competitiveness of urban landscapes is a subject of growing attention as cities strive to become the best places to support enterprises, economic development, and high-quality living while preserving environmental resources. In evaluations of urban competitiveness, financial factors are frequently emphasized. In this systematic study for the future sustainable urban landscape (SUL), we use the instance of Penang Island, Malaysia, to present an integrated methodology for finding, evaluating, and validating good indicators for developing an urban landscape index that balances economic, sociocultural, and environmental factors. First, we provide a framework for developing such an index by developing a Delphi Analytical Hierarchy Process (DAHP) model that aids in choosing the most important aspects and sub criteria affecting the sustainability of urban landscapes. Then, under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), we demonstrate how to use these data to assess the competitiveness of various zones on Penang Island, namely Bayan Lepas and George Town. According to the quantitative results of the DAHP model, economic criteria, which were given a weight of 0.595 and a corresponding inconsistency (CI) of 0.04, had a greater influence on Penang Island’s urban landscape than environmental criteria, which were given a weight of 0.276 and a CI of 0.02, and social and cultural criteria, which were given a weight of 0.128 and a CI of 0.08. In terms of economic criteria, Zone 1 has a weight of 0.360, which indicates that it has less sway than Zone 2, which has a weight of 0.636. In the discussion, we highlight the essential elements of the methodology to assess the competitiveness of urban environments.
The Precariousness of Walloon Peri-Urban Agricultural Lands
Authors: Schmitz Serge , Pepe Lauriano
Published: December 2022

Given the increasing need for residential and economic development and also for the improvement of the living environment, for food and energy production, we should reflect on the use of agricultural lands. Even if the citizens and the regional government are rediscovering the multiple services provided by agricultural lands, we observe that the agricultural landscape in Wallonia (the southern part of Belgium) is in a precarious situation, especially at the edge of the cities. At the same time, the Regional Policy Declaration promotes the development of high-quality and close-proximity food belts, the coexistence of human and economic activities with nature, and the end of new land taken by 2050. Our paper focuses on the precariousness of agricultural lands at the edges of cities and presents a twofold research project to conduct a prospective assessment. First, we surveyed 587 Walloons on their perceptions of agricultural lands and their functions. Secondly, we analysed several case studies next to the main Walloon conurbations. Based on satellite images, agricultural parcel data, field observations, and interviews with stakeholders, we identified the services provided by these agricultural lands and the different pressures that they face. This research improves our understanding of the role(s) played by agriculture within, or at the edge of, cities, underlines the thorny issue of land ownership, and points out the diversity of situations encountered. It recommends handling the issue at multiple decision levels and involving stakeholders to develop a common vision, which considers the numerous services delivered by agricultural lands and gives weight to the decision to protect it or not.
New Aspects of Lung Transplantation: A Narrative Overview Covering Important Aspects of Perioperative Management
Authors: Fessler Julien , Finet Michaël , Fischler Marc , Le Guen Morgan
Published: December 2022

The management of lung transplant patients has continued to evolve in recent years. The year 2021 was marked by the publication of the International Consensus Recommendations for Anesthetic and Intensive Care Management of Lung Transplantation. There have been major changes in lung transplant programs over the last few years. This review will summarize the knowledge in anesthesia management of lung transplantation with the most recent data. It will highlight the following aspects which concern anesthesiologists more specifically: (1) impact of COVID-19, (2) future of transplantation for cystic fibrosis patients, (3) hemostasis management, (4) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation management, (5) early prediction of primary graft dysfunction, and (6) pain management.
Experimental Investigation of the Performance of Corn Straw Fiber Cement-Stabilized Macadam
Authors: Wang Liming , Zhu Pandeng , Song Zikun , Wang Yunlong , Gong Chun
Published: December 2022

Recently, the application of plant fibers to improve the cementitious mix performance has attracted interest in the field of road materials owing to advantages of environmental protection and cost-effectiveness. As a planting crop, corn exhibits the advantages of being a more abundant resource with a wider distribution than those of other plant fibers. In this study, the effect of corn straw fiber on the properties of cement-stabilized macadam (5% cement) was investigated with the fiber length and content as variables. The test results revealed that the addition of a small amount of fiber marginally affects the compression density of cement-stabilized macadam. At a fiber length of 10 mm and a fiber content of 1%, the maximum increase in the compressive strength was 18.8%, and the maximum increase in the splitting strength was 35.4%. Moreover, at a fiber length of 15 mm and a fiber content of 1%, the shrinkage coefficient was reduced by 29%, and the crack resistance of cement-stabilized macadam was enhanced. In addition, the dry–wet cycle durability of cement-stabilized macadam was improved.
A High-Performance ε-Ga2O3-Based Deep-Ultraviolet Photodetector Array for Solar-Blind Imaging
Authors: Zhou Shuren , Zheng Qiqi , Yu Chenxi , Huang Zhiheng , Chen Lingrui , Zhang Hong , Li Honglin , Xiong Yuanqiang , Kong Chunyang , Ye Lijuan , Li Wanjun
Published: December 2022

One of the most important applications of photodetectors is as sensing units in imaging systems. In practical applications, a photodetector array with high uniformity and high performance is an indispensable part of the imaging system. Herein, a photodetector array (5 × 4) consisting of 20 photodetector units, in which the photosensitive layer involves preprocessing commercial ε-Ga2O3 films with high temperature annealing, have been constructed by low-cost magnetron sputtering and mask processes. The ε-Ga2O3 ultraviolet photodetector unit shows excellent responsivity and detectivity of 6.18 A/W and 5 × 1013 Jones, respectively, an ultra-high light-to-dark ratio of 1.45 × 105, and a fast photoresponse speed (0.14/0.09 s). At the same time, the device also shows good solar-blind characteristics and stability. Based on this, we demonstrate an ε-Ga2O3-thin-film-based solar-blind ultraviolet detector array with high uniformity and high performance for solar-blind imaging in optoelectronic integration applications.
Application of the J-Integral and Digital Image Correlation (DIC) to Determination of Multiple Crack Propagation Law of UHPC under Flexural Cyclic Loading
Authors: Niu Yanfei , Fan Junqi , Shi Xiaoyan , Wei Jiangxiong , Jiao Chujie , Hu Jie
Published: December 2022

This study investigated the fatigue crack propagation behavior of ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) incorporated with different steel fiber lengths of 6, 13, and 20 mm under flexural cyclic loading, based on the Paris law and nonlinear fracture mechanics. In addition, multiple crack covering areas and fatigue J-integral amplitudes were employed to quantitatively evaluate the fatigue crack propagation rate and predicate the fatigue life of the UHPC during the steady development stage. The results indicated that the maximum crack opening displacement (COD) values were 0.312, 0.673, and 1.265 mm and the minimum crack growth rates were −3.05, −4.48 and −4.62 for SF6, SF13, and SF20, respectively. The critical crack length was approximately 65 mm for UHPC specimens containing different fiber length at a given fiber volume fraction (2.0%), indicating that the critical crack length was simply related to the fiber length. Interestingly, when the fatigue crack area of all the tested series reached approximately 35 mm2, fracture failure occurred. There were very small predictions between the actual tested and predicated fatigue lives, all less than 7.21%. Hence, it was reasonable to predict the fatigue life of the UHPC based on the J-integral according to the DIC technique.
Effect of CO2 on the Desulfurization of Sintering Flue Gas with Hydrated Lime
Authors: Hong Jianguo , Zou Xinqing , Qin Ziqiang , Zhou Bin , Geng Shuhua , Zhang Yuwen , Zou Xingli , Lu Xionggang
Published: December 2022

The effect of carbon dioxide (CO2) on the desulfurization of sintering flue gas with hydrate (Ca(OH)2) as an absorbent was investigated, and the formation of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) and its effect on the desulfurization was discussed. The competitive relationship between carbon dioxide (CO2) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) with the deacidification agent in sintering flue gas is discussed thermodynamically, showing that sulfates are more likely to be generated under high oxygen potential conditions and that SO2 reacts more preferentially than CO2 under a thermodynamic standard state. The amount of produced CaCO3 increases under the condition that the CO2 concentration is absolutely dominant to SO2 in the sintering flue gas atmosphere. The effect of temperature, humidity and CO2 concentration on the desulfurization of Ca(OH)2 are discussed experimentally. The increasing temperature is not conducive to desulfurization, and the humidity can promote desulfurization, while excessive humidity could inhibit desulfurization. The suitable relative humidity is 20%. In situ generated calcium carbonate has a certain desulfurization effect, but the desulfurization effect is not as good as Ca(OH)2. However, a large proportion of CaCO3 was produced in the desulfurization ash under the condition that CO2 concentration was absolutely dominant to SO2 in the sintering flue gas atmosphere.
Estimation Curve of Mixed Spline Truncated and Fourier Series Estimator for Geographically Weighted Nonparametric Regression
Authors: Laome Lilis , Budiantara I Nyoman , Ratnasari Vita
Published: December 2022

Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) is the development of multiple linear regression models used in spatial data. The assumption of spatial heterogeneity results in each location having different characteristics and allows the relationships between the response variable and each predictor variable to be unknown, hence nonparametric regression becomes one of the alternatives that can be used. In addition, regression functions are not always the same between predictor variables. This study aims to use the Geographically Weighted Nonparametric Regression (GWNR) model with a mixed estimator of truncated spline and Fourier series. Both estimators are expected to overcome unknown data patterns in spatial data. The mixed GWNR model estimator is then determined using the Weighted Maximum Likelihood Estimator (WMLE) technique. The estimator’s characteristics are then determined. The results of the study found that the estimator of the mixed GWNR model is an estimator that is not biased and linear to the response variable y.
Low-Temperature Industrial Waste Heat (IWH) Recovery Using a New Design for Fast-Charging Thermal Energy Storage Units
Authors: Ghalambaz Mehdi , Abulkhair Hani , Younis Obai , Fteiti Mehdi , Chamkha Ali J. , Moujdin Iqbal Ahmed , Alsaiari Abdulmohsen Omar
Published: December 2022

The dynamic melting of CuO–coconut oil was addressed in a latent-heat thermal energy storage unit loaded with copper foam. In a new design, the thermal storage unit is made of a shell-tube-shaped chamber, in which a liquid flow of hot phase-change material (PCM) is allowed to enter the chamber from a port at the bottom and exit at the top. A fin is mounted in the chamber to forward the entrance PCM liquid toward the solid regions. The control equations were solved using the finite element method. The impact of foam porosity, inlet pressure, fin length, and the concentrations of CuO nanoparticles on the thermal charging time of the chamber was investigated. A fast-charging time of 15 min with a foam porosity of 0.95 was achieved. A porosity of 0.95 can provide a maximum thermal charging power of 15.1 kW/kg. The inlet pressure was a significant parameter, and increasing the inlet pressure from 0.5 kPa to 4 kPa reduced the melting time by 2.6 times. The presence of the fin is not advantageous, and even a long fin could extend the thermal charging time. Moreover, dispersed nanoparticles were not beneficial to dynamic melting and extended the thermal charging time.
A New Result Concerning Nonlocal Controllability of Hilfer Fractional Stochastic Differential Equations via almost Sectorial Operators
Authors: Sivasankar Sivajiganesan , Udhayakumar Ramalingam , Hari Kishor Muchenedi , Alhazmi Sharifah E. , Al-Omari Shrideh
Published: December 2022

This manuscript mainly focused on the nonlocal controllability of Hilfer fractional stochastic differential equations via almost sectorial operators. The key ideas of the study are illustrated by using ideas from fractional calculus, the fixed point technique, and measures of noncompactness. Then, the authors establish new criteria for the mild existence of solutions and derive fundamental characteristics of the nonlocal controllability of a system. In addition, researchers offer theoretical and real-world examples to demonstrate the effectiveness and suitability of our suggested solutions.
Symmetries and Solutions for a Class of Advective Reaction-Diffusion Systems with a Special Reaction Term
Authors: Torrisi Mariano , Tracinà Rita
Published: December 2022

This paper is devoted to apply the Lie methods to a class of reaction diffusion advection systems of two interacting species u and v with two arbitrary constitutive functions f and g. The reaction term appearing in the equation for the species v is a logistic function of Lotka-Volterra type. Once obtained the Lie algebra for any form of f and g a Lie classification is carried out. Interesting reduced systems are derived admitting wide classes of exact solutions.
Correlation Filter of Multiple Candidates Match for Anti-Obscure Tracking in Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Scenario
Authors: Chen Zhen , Zheng Hongyuan , Zhai Xiangping (Bryce) , Zhang Kangliang , Xia Hua
Published: December 2022

Due to the complexity of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) target tracking scenarios, tracking drift caused by target occlusion is common and has no suitable solution. In this paper, an occlusion-resistant target tracking algorithm based on the correlated filter tracking model is proposed. First, instead of the traditional target tracking model that uses single template matching to locate the target, we locate the target by finding the optimal match based on multiple candidates templates matching. Then, in order to increase the accuracy of matching, we use the self-attentive mechanism for feature enhancement. We experiment our proposed algorithm on datasets OTB100 and UAV123, respectively, and the results show that the tracking accuracy of our algorithm outperforms the traditional correlated filtered target tracking model. In addition, we have also tested the anti-occlusion performance of our proposed algorithm on some video sequences in which the target is occluded. The results show that our proposed algorithm has a certain resistance to occlusion, especially in the UAV tracking scenario.
Fixed Points for (ξ,ω)-Weakly Cyclic Type Generalized Contraction Condition in Metric Spaces with an Application
Authors: Murthy Penumarthy Parvateesam , Sahu Pusplata , Elsonbaty Amr , Khan Khizar Hyatt , Ramaswamy Rajagopalan , Radenović Stojan
Published: December 2022

In the present work, we have introduced a new type of (ξ,ω)-weakly cyclic generalized contraction in the setting of metric spaces and established some fixed-point results. Fixed-point results are useful in establishing the existence of unique solution to differential equations. We have supplemented the derived results with suitable non-trivial examples with an application to the Boundary Value Problem, generalizing some known results. The analytical result has been verified with numerical simulation.
Modeling of Mechanisms of Wave Formation for COVID-19 Epidemic
Authors: Leonov Alexander , Nagornov Oleg , Tyuflin Sergey
Published: December 2022

Two modifications with variable coefficients of the well-known SEIR model for epidemic development in the application to the modeling of the infection curves of COVID-19 are considered. The data for these models are information on the number of infections each day obtained from the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center database. In our paper, we propose special methods based on Tikhonov regularization for models’ identification on the class of piecewise constant coefficients. In contrast to the model with constant coefficients, which cannot always accurately describe some of infection curves, the first model is able to approximate them for different countries with an accuracy of 2–8%. The second model considered in the article takes into account external sources of infection in the form of an inhomogeneous term in one of the model equations and is able to approximate the data with a slightly better accuracy of 2–4%. For the second model, we also consider the possibility of using other input data, namely the number of infected people per day. Such data are used to model infection curves for several waves of the COVID-19 epidemic, including part of the Omicron wave. Numerical experiments carried out for a number of countries show that the waves of external sources of infection found are ahead of the wave of infection by 10 or more days. At the same time, other piecewise constant coefficients of the model change relatively slowly. These models can be applied fairly reliably to approximate many waves of infection curves with high precision and can be used to identify external and hidden sources of infection. This is the advantage of our models.
Control of a Hydraulic Generator Regulating System Using Chebyshev-Neural-Network-Based Non-Singular Fast Terminal Sliding Mode Method
Authors: Alsaadi Fawaz E. , Yasami Amirreza , Alsubaie Hajid , Alotaibi Ahmed , Jahanshahi Hadi
Published: December 2022

A hydraulic generator regulating system with electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic constitution is a complex nonlinear system, which is analyzed in this research. In the present study, the dynamical behavior of this system is investigated. Afterward, the input/output feedback linearization theory is exerted to derive the controllable model of the system. Then, the chaotic behavior of the system is controlled using a robust controller that uses a Chebyshev neural network as a disturbance observer in combination with a non-singular robust terminal sliding mode control method. Moreover, the convergence of the system response to the desired output in the presence of uncertainty and unexpected disturbances is demonstrated through the Lyapunov stability theorem. Finally, the effectiveness and appropriate performance of the proposed control scheme in terms of robustness against uncertainty and unexpected disturbances are demonstrated through numerical simulations.
Therapeutic Potency of Ovothiol A on Ethanol-Induced Gastric Ulcers in Wistar Rats
Authors: Salaheldin Amira Tarek , Shehata Mohamed Refaat , Sakr Hader I. , Atia Tarek , Mohamed Ayman Saber
Published: December 2022

Peptic ulcer is a widespread disease, with a lifetime frequency of 5–10% among the general population and an annual incidence of 0.1–0.3%. Ovothiol A is naturally produced from sea urchin eggs with special antioxidant activity. Gastric ulcers were induced in rats by a single ethanol dose (5 mL/kg). The rats were divided into control, ulcer, and ulcer with 250 and 500 mg/kg ovothiol A doses. Molecular docking studies were used to examine the interactions between ovothiol A and the H+/K+ ATPase active site residues. Ovothiol A led to a significant decline (p < 0.05) in gastric juice volume, ulcer index, MDA, IL-6, and cytochrome c, while levels of gastric juice pH, GSH, CAT, GST, SOD, and NO increased. Histopathological investigation of stomach sections revealed architecture preservation of the gastric mucosa after ovothiol A administration. The anti-ulcerogenic activity of ovothiol A includes scavenging free radicals, inhibition of inflammation, regulation of apoptosis, and stabilization of fibroblast growth factors to promote gastric ulcers healing.
Two New Alkaloids and a New Butenolide Derivative from the Beibu Gulf Sponge-Derived Fungus Penicillium sp. SCSIO 41413
Authors: Ye Yuxiu , Liang Jiaqi , She Jianglian , Lin Xiuping , Wang Junfeng , Liu Yonghong , Yang Dehua , Tan Yanhui , Luo Xiaowei , Zhou Xuefeng
Published: December 2022

Marine sponge-derived fungi have been proven to be a prolific source of bioactive natural products. Two new alkaloids, polonimides E (1) and D (2), and a new butenolide derivative, eutypoid F (11), were isolated from the Beibu Gulf sponge-derived fungus, Penicillium sp. SCSIO 41413, together with thirteen known compounds (3–10, 12–16). Their structures were determined by detailed NMR, MS spectroscopic analyses, and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) analyses. Butenolide derivatives 11 and 12 exhibited inhibitory effect against the enzyme PI3K with IC50 values of 1.7 μM and 9.8 μM, respectively. The molecular docking was also performed to understand the inhibitory activity, while 11 and 12 showed obvious protein/ligand-binding effects to the PI3K protein. Moreover, 4 and 15 displayed obvious inhibitory activity against LPS-induced NF-κB activation in RAW264.7 cells at 10 µM.
Effect of Postweld Heat Treatment on Microstructure and Properties of Thick S11306 Ferritic Stainless Welded Joints
Authors: Hu Xiaodong , Ma Qingshan , Yang Yang , Xu Zhisheng , Li Yule
Published: December 2022

This study investigated the evolution of microstructure and mechanical properties of 25 mm thick S11306 ferritic stainless steel welded joints during Post weld heat treatment (PWHT) by a series of tests, including the optical microscope observation, hardness test, tensile test, bending test, and scanning electron microscope tests. The experimental results show that at as-welded and 870 °C, the toughness of welded joints was poor; and when the heat treatment temperature is between 770 and 820 °C, the content of the composite phase of lower bainite and martensite (LB/M) in the weld zone increased to 43.9~47.6%, and the mean values of tensile strength and yield strength were 476 MPa and 309 MPa, the elongation was close to 40%, and the welded joints show good toughness. The bending test of the welded joints under several groups of PWHT was qualified. Heat preservation of welded joints was conducted at 820 °C for 30 s~1 h and with the increase of holding times, the content of the LB/M in weld zone showed an upward trend, and the recrystallization of base metal zone was basically completed at 15 min. In addition, a recrystallization kinetic model of the base metal zone was also established by measuring the hardness of the base metal zone at 820 °C for different holding times, which provides reference opinions for obtaining the favorable microstructure of steel grades during PWHT in the engineering.
Design, Synthesis and Antiproliferative Evaluation of Bis-Indole Derivatives with a Phenyl Linker: Focus on Autophagy
Authors: Budovska Marianna , Michalkova Radka , Kello Martin , Vaskova Janka , Mojzis Jan
Published: December 2022

This work deals with the study of the synthesis of new bis-indole analogues with a phenyl linker derived from indole phytoalexins. Synthesis of target bis-indole thiourea linked by a phenyl linker was achieved by the reaction of [1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)indol-3-yl]methyl isothiocyanate with p-phenylenediamine. By replacing the sulfur of the thiocarbonyl group in bis-indole thiourea with oxygen using mesityl nitrile oxide, a bis-indole homodimer with a urea group was obtained. A cyclization protocol utilizing bis-indole thiourea and methyl bromoacetate was applied to synthesize a bis-indole homodimer with a thiazolidin-4-one moiety. Bis-indole homodimers derived from 1-methoxyspirobrassinol methyl ether were prepared by bromospirocyclization methodology. Among the synthesized analogues, compound 49 was selected for further study. To evaluate the mode of the mechanism of action, we used flow cytometry, Western blot, and spectroscopic analyses. Compound 49 significantly inhibited the proliferation of lung cancer cell line A549 with minimal effects on the non-cancer cells. We also demonstrated that compound 49 induced autophagy through the upregulation of Beclin-1, LC3A/B, Atg7 and AMPK and ULK1. Furthermore, chloroquine (CQ; an autophagy inhibitor) in combination with compound 49 decreased cell proliferation and induced G1 cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Compound 49 also caused GSH depletion and significantly potentiated the antiproliferative effect of cis-platin.
Monitoring and Exposure Assessment of Fosetyl Aluminium and Other Highly Polar Pesticide Residues in Sweet Cherry
Authors: Gormez Emrah , Golge Ozgur , González-Curbelo Miguel Ángel , Kabak Bulent
Published: December 2022

Cherries are popular fruits due to their health benefits, organoleptic quality, and attractive appearance. Since highly polar pesticides are of low mass and amphoteric character, and are not amenable to traditional multi-residue extraction methods, they are more commonly not included in the pesticide monitoring program. This study aims to determine twelve highly polar pesticide residues in cherry samples intended for export from Turkey. A total of 16,022 cherry samples from 2018–2020 harvests in four production areas of Turkey were analyzed using a modification of the Quick Polar Pesticides method and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The method was validated at two fortification levels (0.01 and 0.05 mg kg−1), and good recoveries (87.4–111.4%) and relative standard deviations (<6%) were achieved for all analytes. The limits of quantification were in the range of 1.08–2.55 μg kg−1. Overall, 28.4% of the analyzed cherry samples were detected with phosphonic acid, calculated as fosetyl aluminium (fosetyl-Al) in amounts up to 77.7 mg kg−1. For 2304 samples (14.4%), the residues exceeded the European Union maximum residue level of 2 mg kg−1. There is no reason to be concerned about long-term exposure to phosphonic acid/fosetyl-Al, and the other highly polar pesticides through the consumption of sweet cherry.
Tuning Size and Properties of Zinc Ascorbate Metal-Organic Framework via Acid Modulation
Authors: Tajnšek Tia Kristian , Zabukovec Logar Nataša , Mazaj Matjaž
Published: December 2022

One of the biggest advantages of MOFs is the possibility of modifying their properties and tuning their inherent activity (i.e., sorption, storage, catalytic activity etc.). Textural properties can be tuned by manipulating process and compositional parameters, among which, the effect of additives can be even further distinguished among them based on the way they affect these properties. Beyond the effect that additives have on the size and morphology of nanoMOFs, there is also an effect on properties via creating point defects—missing linker and missing node defects. In this study, we investigated the effect of four monotopic acid modulators—formic, acetic, dichloroacetic and propionic acid, their concentration and the heating type (conventional and microwave—MW) on the size, morphology and textural properties of a recently discovered bioNICS1. It was confirmed that the proposed seesaw model for the controlled size of nanoMOF crystals is less applicable in the case of MW-assisted synthesis, in comparison to conventional heating. In the case of formic acid- and propionic acid-modified materials, we demonstrated that the type of additive plays a different role in crystal growth and generation of defects, implying high tunability being crucial for a material’s structure–property performance optimization.