bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the Status of SMEs in Jordan with Respect to Industry 4.0: A Pilot Study
Authors: Shqair Maram I. , Altarazi Safwan A.
Published: September 2022

Background: Industry 4.0 is a burgeoning research area that has been addressed by many research entities. However, the literature shows that the industrial sector lacks the awareness and knowledge needed to comply with Industry 4.0 implications, particularly in developing countries. Methods: This study evaluates the status of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Jordan concerning Industry 4.0. Four criteria are assessed, including Industry 4.0 readiness, maturity, drivers, and barriers. Samples of SME respondents and Industry 4.0 experts are surveyed using an online questionnaire. Results: The results show that SMEs in Jordan are not mature enough nor ready to apply Industry 4.0. For the readiness dimension, SME respondents and experts agreed that the Jordanian SMEs’ status is between having initiatives in the pilot phase or implementing concepts to low degrees, except for autonomous workpiece and smart product aspects, in which Jordanian SMEs are behind due to financial and technological reasons. It was found that none of the Industry 4.0 investigated technologies have reached maturity levels. Customer requirements, cost reduction, competitors’ practice, productivity improvement, and quality improvement are found to be the major influencing drivers for Industry 4.0, while a lack of awareness and knowledge is found to be the crucial barrier hampering Industry 4.0 implementation. Conclusions: Jordan needs country-scale initiatives for the implementation of groundbreaking Industry 4.0 development, incorporating government agencies, industrial parties, and experts, relying on Industry 4.0’s readiness and practice status as a starting point, and considering the influential drivers and barriers to steer the development process.
Multi-Layered Graph Convolutional Network-Based Industrial Fault Diagnosis with Multiple Relation Characterization Capability
Authors: Wang Yuanxin , Pan Cunhua , Zhang Jian , Gao Ming , Zhang Haifeng , Zhong Kai
Published: September 2022

Fault diagnosis of industrial equipments is extremely important for the safety requirements of modern production processes. Lately, deep learning (DL) has been the mainstream fault diagnosis tool due to its powerful representational ability in learning and flexibility. However, most of the existing DL-based methods may suffer from two drawbacks: Firstly, only one metric is used to construct networks, thus multiple kinds of potential relationships between nodes are not explored. Secondly, there are few studies on how to obtain better node embedding by aggregating the features of different neighbors. To compensate for these deficiencies, an advantageous intelligent diagnosis scheme termed AE-MSGCN is proposed, which employs graph convolutional networks (GCNs) on multi-layer networks in an innovative manner. In detail, AE is carried out to extract deep representation features in process measurement and then combined with different metrics (i.e., K-nearest neighbors, cosine similarity, path graph) to construct the multi-layer networks for better multiple interaction characterization among nodes. After that, intra-layer convolutional and inter-layer convolutional methods are adopted for aggregating extensive neighbouring information to enrich the representation of nodes and diagnosis performance. Finally, a benchmark platform and a real-world case both verify that the proposed AE-MSGCN is more effective and practical than the existing state-of-the-art methods.
Automatic Data Clustering by Hybrid Enhanced Firefly and Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithms
Authors: Behera Mandakini , Sarangi Archana , Mishra Debahuti , Mallick Pradeep Kumar , Shafi Jana , Srinivasu Parvathaneni Naga , Ijaz Muhammad Fazal
Published: September 2022

Data clustering is a process of arranging similar data in different groups based on certain characteristics and properties, and each group is considered as a cluster. In the last decades, several nature-inspired optimization algorithms proved to be efficient for several computing problems. Firefly algorithm is one of the nature-inspired metaheuristic optimization algorithms regarded as an optimization tool for many optimization issues in many different areas such as clustering. To overcome the issues of velocity, the firefly algorithm can be integrated with the popular particle swarm optimization algorithm. In this paper, two modified firefly algorithms, namely the crazy firefly algorithm and variable step size firefly algorithm, are hybridized individually with a standard particle swarm optimization algorithm and applied in the domain of clustering. The results obtained by the two planned hybrid algorithms have been compared with the existing hybridized firefly particle swarm optimization algorithm utilizing ten UCI Machine Learning Repository datasets and eight Shape sets for performance evaluation. In addition to this, two clustering validity measures, Compact-separated and David–Bouldin, have been used for analyzing the efficiency of these algorithms. The experimental results show that the two proposed hybrid algorithms outperform the existing hybrid firefly particle swarm optimization algorithm.
Research Status of Nonlinear Feedback Shift Register Based on Semi-Tensor Product
Authors: Gao Zhe , Feng Jun-e
Published: September 2022

Nonlinear feedback shift registers (NFSRs) are the main components of stream ciphers and convolutional decoders. Recent years have seen an increase in the requirement for information security, which has sparked NFSR research. However, the NFSR study is very imperfect as a result of the lack of appropriate mathematical tools. Many scholars have discovered in recent years that the introduction of semi-tensor products (STP) of matrices can overcome this issue because STP can convert the NFSR into a quasi-linear form. As a result of STP, new NFSR research has emerged from a different angle. In view of this, in order to generalize the latest achievements of NFSRs based on STP and provide some directions for future development, the research results are summarized and sorted out, broadly including the modeling of NFSRs, the analysis of the structure of NFSRs, and the study of the properties of NFSRs.
The Abstract Cauchy Problem with Caputo–Fabrizio Fractional Derivative
Authors: Bravo Jennifer , Lizama Carlos
Published: September 2022

Given an injective closed linear operator A defined in a Banach space X, and writing CFDtα the Caputo–Fabrizio fractional derivative of order α∈(0,1), we show that the unique solution of the abstract Cauchy problem (∗)CFDtαu(t)=Au(t)+f(t),t≥0, where f is continuously differentiable, is given by the unique solution of the first order abstract Cauchy problem u′(t)=Bαu(t)+Fα(t),t≥0;u(0)=−A−1f(0), where the family of bounded linear operators Bα constitutes a Yosida approximation of A and Fα(t)→f(t) as α→1. Moreover, if 11−α∈ρ(A) and the spectrum of A is contained outside the closed disk of center and radius equal to 12(1−α) then the solution of (∗) converges to zero as t→∞, in the norm of X, provided f and f′ have exponential decay. Finally, assuming a Lipchitz-type condition on f=f(t,x) (and its time-derivative) that depends on α, we prove the existence and uniqueness of mild solutions for the respective semilinear problem, for all initial conditions in the set S:={x∈D(A):x=A−1f(0,x)}.
Research on a Real-Time Monitoring Method for the Three-Dimensional Straightness of a Scraper Conveyor Based on Binocular Vision
Authors: Lv Jiakun , Shi Peng , Wan Zhijun , Cheng Jingyi , Xing Keke , Wang Mingli , Gou Hong
Published: September 2022

Measuring the straightness of the scraper conveyor, which is an indispensable piece of equipment in a fully mechanized coal face, can prevent accidents such as derailment of the shearer and is also important for the precise positioning of the shearer and the accurate control of the hydraulic support. The existing scraper conveyor straightness measurement methods have the disadvantages of inconsistent measurement cost, accuracy, and reliability as well as low dimension of straightness description. To this end, this paper proposes a method for monitoring the three-dimensional straightness of a scraper conveyor based on binocular vision. Trapezoidal window matching technology was used to realize the image acquisition of multiple stations and multiple sensors. The bit pose acquisition model of binocular vision 3D reconstruction was used to obtain the 3D coordinates of the feature points on the sign board in each local coordinate system and the bit pose information of each sign board. The pose relay videometric method was used to convert the straightness in each local coordinate system to the global coordinate system to realize the 3D reconstruction of the scraper conveyor. Finally, the straightness measurement test of the preset scraper conveyor was carried out, and the error analysis was carried out by comparing with the manual measurement results, which showed that the measurement errors were all within ±30 mm. At the same time, the standard deviation of errors in both directions was small, which indicates that the straightness measurement method for the scraper conveyor in this paper has high reliability. In addition, the visual measurement process is independent of each other, so there is no error accumulation in the visual straightness measurement method. The analysis shows that the method of measuring the straightness of a scraper conveyor based on binocular vision can realize continuous and real-time monitoring of the scraper conveyor.
New Van der Pol–Duffing Jerk Fractional Differential Oscillator of Sequential Type
Authors: Abdelnebi Amira , Dahmani Zoubir
Published: September 2022

The subject of this paper is the existence, uniqueness and stability of solutions for a new sequential Van der Pol–Duffing (VdPD) jerk fractional differential oscillator with Caputo–Hadamard derivatives. The arguments are based upon the Banach contraction principle, Krasnoselskii fixed-point theorem and Ulam–Hyers stabilities. As applications, one illustrative example is included to show the applicability of our results.
On General Reduced Second Zagreb Index of Graphs
Authors: Buyantogtokh Lkhagva , Horoldagva Batmend , Das Kinkar Chandra
Published: September 2022

Graph-based molecular structure descriptors (often called “topological indices”) are useful for modeling the physical and chemical properties of molecules, designing pharmacologically active compounds, detecting environmentally hazardous substances, etc. The graph invariant GRMα, known under the name general reduced second Zagreb index, is defined as GRMα(Γ)=∑uv∈E(Γ)(dΓ(u)+α)(dΓ(v)+α), where dΓ(v) is the degree of the vertex v of the graph Γ and α is any real number. In this paper, among all trees of order n, and all unicyclic graphs of order n with girth g, we characterize the extremal graphs with respect to GRMα(α≥−12). Using the extremal unicyclic graphs, we obtain a lower bound on GRMα(Γ) of graphs in terms of order n with k cut edges, and completely determine the corresponding extremal graphs. Moreover, we obtain several upper bounds on GRMα of different classes of graphs in terms of order n, size m, independence number γ, chromatic number k, etc. In particular, we present an upper bound on GRMα of connected triangle-free graph of order n>2, m>0 edges with α>−1.5, and characterize the extremal graphs. Finally, we prove that the Turán graph Tn(k) gives the maximum GRMα(α≥−1) among all graphs of order n with chromatic number k.
Development and Research of a Modified Upwind Leapfrog Scheme for Solving Transport Problems
Authors: Sukhinov Alexander , Chistyakov Alexander , Kuznetsova Inna , Belova Yulia , Rahimbaeva Elena
Published: September 2022

Modeling complex hydrodynamic processes in coastal systems is an important problem of mathematical modeling that cannot be solved analytically. The approximation of convective terms is difficult from the point of view of error reduction. This paper proposes a difference scheme based on a linear combination of the Upwind Leapfrog scheme with 2/3 weight coefficient, and the Standard Leapfrog scheme with 1/3 weight coefficient. The weight coefficients are obtained as a result of solving the problem of minimizing the approximation error. Numerical experiments show the advantage of the developed scheme in comparison with other modifications of the Upwind Leapfrog scheme in the case when the convective transport prevails over the diffusion one. The proposed difference scheme solves transport problems more effectively than classical difference schemes in the case when the Péclet number falls in the range from 2 to 20. It follows that the considered difference scheme allows hydrodynamic problems to be solved in regions of complex shape effectively.
Novel Bäcklund Transformations for Integrable Equations
Authors: Gordoa Pilar Ruiz , Pickering Andrew
Published: September 2022

In this paper, we construct a new matrix partial differential equation having a structure and properties which mirror those of a matrix fourth Painlevé equation recently derived by the current authors. In particular, we show that this matrix equation admits an auto-Bäcklund transformation analogous to that of this matrix fourth Painlevé equation. Such auto-Bäcklund transformations, in appearance similar to those for Painlevé equations, are quite novel, having been little studied in the case of partial differential equations. Our work here shows the importance of the underlying structure of differential equations, whether ordinary or partial, in the derivation of such results. The starting point for the results in this paper is the construction of a new completely integrable equation, namely, an inverse matrix dispersive water wave equation.
Navigation Guidance for Percutaneous Splanchnic Nerve Radiofrequency Neurolysis: Preliminary Results
Authors: Grigoriadis Stavros , Filippiadis Dimitrios , Stamatopoulou Vasiliki , Alexopoulou Efthimia , Kelekis Nikolaos , Kelekis Alexis
Published: September 2022

Background and Objectives: To describe preliminary results upon the application of the “Cube Navigation System” (CNS) for computed tomography (CT)-guided splanchnic nerve radiofrequency neurolysis. Materials and Methods: CT-guided splanchnic nerve neurolysis was performed in five patients; in all cases, neurolysis was performed under CT guidance using the CNS. The mean patient age was 71.6 years (range 54–81 years; male/female: 5/0). Technical success, parameters of the neurolysis session and complications were evaluated. Technical success was defined as a needle position on the defined target. Session parameters included procedure time and number of scans. The CIRSE reporting system was used for complications’ classification and grading. Results: Technical success was obtained in all cases; in 1/5 patients, a slight correction in needle orientation was necessary. Mean procedure time was 12.4 min (range 8–19 min); an average of four CT scans was recorded in the five neurolysis sessions. There were no complications or material failures reported in the present study. Conclusions: Preliminary results of the present study show that computed tomography (CT)-guided splanchnic nerve radiofrequency neurolysis using the CNS is an accurate and time-efficient percutaneous procedure. More prospective and comparative studies with larger patient samples are necessary for verification of this system as well as for drawing broader conclusions.
Transcallosal and Pericallosal Courses of the Anterior Cerebral Artery
Authors: Mincă Dragoş Ionuţ , Rusu Mugurel Constantin , Rădoi Petrinel Mugurel , Hostiuc Sorin , Toader Corneliu
Published: September 2022

(1) Background: The anterior cerebral artery (ACA) has a precommunicating A1 segment, followed by a postcommunicating A2 segment. Anatomically, after it sends off from the callosomarginal artery (CMA), it continues as the pericallosal artery (PCalA). A detailed pattern of the anatomical variations of the PCalA are needed for practical reasons. (2) Methods: There were 45 retrospectively documented Computed Tomography Angiograms of 32 males and 13 females. (3) Results: In 90 sides, eleven different types of PCalA were documented: type 1: normal origin, above the genu of the corpus callosum (CC) (51.11%); type 2: low origin, below the rostrum of the CC (8.88%); type 3: late origin, above the body of the CC (3.33%); type 4, initial transcallosal course (3.33%); type 5, duplicated PCalA (1.11%); type 6, azygos PCalA (2.22%); type 7, absent PCalA (CMA type of ACA) (7.78%); type 8: CMA continued as PCalA (5.56%); type 9: PCalA continued as the cingular branch (1.11%); type 10: PCalA type of ACA, absent CMA (14.44%); type 11: triple PCalA, with an added median artery of the CC (1.11%). Different types of CMA were also documented: type 0, absent CMA (17.78%); type 1, CMA with frontoparietal distribution (45.56%); type 2, CMA with parietal distribution (22.22%); type 3, low origin of CMA, either from A1, or from A2 (8.88%); type 4, CMA continued as PCalA (5.56%). Ipsilateral combinations of PCalA and CMA types were classified as types A-P. In 33/45 cases (73.3%), the bilateral asymmetry of the combined anatomical patterns of PCalA and CMA was documented. Additional rare variations were found: (a) huge fenestration of A2; (b) bihemispheric ACAs (6/45 cases); (c) twisted arteries within the interhemispheric fissure. (4) Conclusions: The PCalA and CMA are anatomically diverse and unpredictable. Therefore, they should be documented on a case-by-case basis before surgical or endovascular approaches.
Successful Phakic Intraocular Lens Implantation with the Usage of Topical Ascorbic Acid in Patient with Reduced Corneal Endothelial Cell Density
Authors: Chen Hung-Chi , Lee Chia-Yi , Cheng Chao-Min , Hsueh Yi-Jen , Chang Chao-Kai , Wu Wei-Chi
Published: September 2022

We aimed to describe the use of topical ascorbic acid (AA) in a patient with reduced endothelial cells density (ECD) who was scheduled for phakic intraocular lens (pIOL) implantation. A 28-year-old woman presenting with dry eye and reduced ECD would like to have her high myopia (spherical equivalence >−15.0 D) corrected. The procedure of laser refractive surgery or even pIOL was not indicated for the reduced ECD of 1865/mm2 in the right eye and 2188/mm2 in the left eye, as well as level 3 dry eye. Fortunately, the ECD increased to 3144/mm2 in the right eye and 2538/mm2 in the left eye after topical AA was prescribed for one year preoperatively and one month postoperatively, with concomitant improvement of dry eye to level 1. Finally, bilateral pIOL implantation was performed smoothly and no sign of corneal decompensation was found postoperatively. Three months postoperatively, the ECD showed a satisfactory level of 2983/mm2 in the right eye and 3003/mm2 in the left eye. In conclusion, topical AA instillation might increase and maintain the density of central human corneal endothelial cells (HCECs) even after pIOL implantation.
A Pilot Study of Electrocardiographic Features in Patients with Obesity from a Tertiary Care Centre in Southern India (Electron)
Authors: Binu Aditya John , Srinath Sirish Chandra , Cherian Kripa Elizabeth , Jacob John Roshan , Paul Thomas V. , Kapoor Nitin
Published: September 2022

Background: Obesity is associated with increased all-cause mortality and cardiovascular disease (CVD). An electrocardiogram (ECG) may be used to screen for subtle signs of CVD or altered cardiac morphology in the obese. Methodology: This observational cross-sectional analysed ECG changes in patients with obesity at a tertiary care centre in southern India. Results: One hundred and fifty adult patients with a mean (SD) BMI of 39.9 (6.7) kg/m2 were recruited in the study after excluding those with comorbidities (diabetes mellitus, systemic hypertension) or on chronic medications (ACE inhibitors). The cohort showed a female predominance (69.3%), with a mean (SD) age of 45.4 (11.2) years. Most patients exhibited a sinus rhythm (78%), with one patient showing features of first-degree conduction block. Sinus tachycardia was seen in 32 (21.3%) patients. We observed left and right ventricular hypertrophy in five (3.3%) and three (2%) patients, respectively. Observed ECG patterns included a prolonged QTc in 16 (10.7%) patients, inverted T-waves (mostly in the inferior leads) in 39 (26%) patients and ST-segment depression (predominantly in the lateral leads) in 14 (9.3%) patients. A greater prevalence was noted for morbid obesity. No deaths were reported in our cohort. Conclusions: The predominant ECG variations in this cohort included tachycardia, atrial enlargement, ventricular hypertrophy, conduction defects, LAD, features of ischemia or old infarction and repolarization abnormalities, with a greater prevalence in morbid obesity. Further studies are needed to assess the impact of weight reducing measures on reversibility of these changes and determine the association with outcomes in obese patients.
Resuming Swallowing and Oral Feeding in Tracheostomized COVID-19 Patients: Experience of a Swiss COVID-Center and Narrative Literature Review
Authors: Forni Ruben , Jacot Etienne , Ruoppolo Giovanni , Amitrano Antonio , Ogna Adam
Published: September 2022

During the COVID-19 pandemic, percutaneous tracheostomy proved to be an effective option in the management of patients with prolonged periods of intubation. In fact, among other things, it allowed early discharge from ICUs and contributed to reducing overcrowding in intensive care settings, a central and critical point in the COVID pandemic. As a direct consequence, the management and the weaning of frail, tracheostomized and ventilated patients was diverted to sub-intensive or normal hospitalization wards. One central challenge in this setting is the resumption of swallowing and oral feeding, which require interdisciplinary management involving a phoniatrician, ENT, pneumologist, and speech therapist. With this article, we aim to share the experience of a Swiss COVID-19 Center and to draw up a narrative review on the issues concerning the management of the tracheostomy cannula during swallowing resumption, integrating the most recent evidence from the literature with the clinical experiences of the professionals directly involved in the management of tracheostomized COVID-19 patients. In view of the heterogeneity of COVID-19 patients, we believe that the procedures described in the article are applicable to a larger population of patients undergoing tracheostomy weaning.
Staphylococcus aureus Carotenoids Modulate the Thermotropic Phase Behavior of Model Systems That Mimic Its Membrane Composition
Authors: Manrique-Moreno Marcela , Jemioła-Rzemińska Małgorzata , Múnera-Jaramillo Jessica , López Gerson-Dirceu , Suesca Elizabeth , Leidy Chad , Strzałka Kazimierz
Published: September 2022

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a pathogenic gram-positive bacterium that normally resides in the skin and nose of the human body. It is subject to fluctuations in environmental conditions that may affect the integrity of the membrane. S. aureus produces carotenoids, which act as antioxidants. However, these carotenoids have also been implicated in modulating the biophysical properties of the membrane. Here, we investigate how carotenoids modulate the thermotropic phase behavior of model systems that mimic the phospholipid composition of S. aureus. We found that carotenoids depress the main phase transition of DMPG and CL, indicating that they strongly affect cooperativity of membrane lipids in their gel phase. In addition, carotenoids modulate the phase behavior of mixtures of DMPG and CL, indicating that they may play a role in modulation of lipid domain formation in S. aureus membranes.
Unravelling Contributions of Astrocytic Connexin 43 to the Functional Activity of Brain Neuron–Glial Networks under Hypoxic State In Vitro
Authors: Mishchenko Tatiana A. , Yarkov Roman S. , Saviuk Mariia O. , Krivonosov Mikhail I. , Perenkov Alexey D. , Gudkov Sergey V. , Vedunova Maria V.
Published: September 2022

Brain hypoxia remains an Achilles’ heel for public health that must be urgently addressed. Hypoxic damage affects both neurons and glial cells, particularly astrocytes, which are in close dynamic bi-directional communication, and are organized in plastic and tightly regulated networks. However, astroglial networks have received limited attention regarding their influence on the adaptive functional rearrangements of neural networks to oxygen deficiency. Herein, against the background of astrocytic Cx43 gap junction blockade by the selective blocker Gap19, we evaluated the features of spontaneous calcium activity and network characteristics of cells in primary cultures of the cerebral cortex, as well as the expression levels of metabotropic glutamate receptors 2 (mGluR2) and 5 (mGluR5) in the early and late periods after simulated hypoxia in vitro. We showed that, under normoxic conditions, blockade of Cx43 leads to an increase in the expression of metabotropic glutamate receptors mGluR2 and mGluR5 and long-term modulation of spontaneous calcium activity in primary cortical cultures, primarily expressed in the restructuring of the functional architectonics of neuron–glial networks through reducing the level of correlation between cells in the network and the percentage of existing correlated connections between cells. Blocking Cx43 during hypoxic injury has a pronounced neuroprotective effect. Together with the increased expression of mGluR5 receptors, a decrease in mGluR2 expression to the physiological level was found, which suggests the triggering of alternative molecular mechanisms of cell adaptation to hypoxia. Importantly, the blockade of Cx43 in hypoxic damage contributed to the maintenance of both the main parameters of the spontaneous calcium activity of primary cortical cultures and the functional architectonics of neuron–glial networks while maintaining the profile of calcium oscillations and calcium signal communications between cells at a highly correlated level. Our results demonstrate the crucial importance of astrocytic networks in functional brain adaptation to hypoxic damage and could be a promising target for the development of rational anti-hypoxic therapy.
Capturing the Liquid-Crystalline Phase Transformation: Implications for Protein Targeting to Sterol Ester-Rich Lipid Droplets
Authors: Braun R. Jay , Swanson Jessica M. J.
Published: September 2022

Lipid droplets are essential organelles that store and traffic neutral lipids. The phospholipid monolayer surrounding their neutral lipid core engages with a highly dynamic proteome that changes according to cellular and metabolic conditions. Recent work has demonstrated that when the abundance of sterol esters increases above a critical concentration, such as under conditions of starvation or high LDL exposure, the lipid droplet core can undergo an amorphous to liquid-crystalline phase transformation. Herein, we study the consequences of this transformation on the physical properties of lipid droplets that are thought to regulate protein association. Using simulations of different sterol-ester concentrations, we have captured the liquid-crystalline phase transformation at the molecular level, highlighting the alignment of sterol esters in alternating orientations to form concentric layers. We demonstrate how ordering in the core permeates into the neutral lipid/phospholipid interface, changing the magnitude and nature of neutral lipid intercalation and inducing ordering in the phospholipid monolayer. Increased phospholipid packing is concomitant with altered surface properties, including smaller area per phospholipid and substantially reduced packing defects. Additionally, the ordering of sterol esters in the core causes less hydration in more ordered regions. We discuss these findings in the context of their expected consequences for preferential protein recruitment to lipid droplets under different metabolic conditions.
Novel TiO2/GO-Al2O3 Hollow Fiber Nanofiltration Membrane for Desalination and Lignin Recovery
Authors: Zhuang Xuelong , Magnone Edoardo , Shin Min Chang , Lee Jeong In , Hwang Jae Yeon , Choi Young Chan , Park Jung Hoon
Published: September 2022

Due to its greater physical–chemical stability, ceramic nanofiltration (NF) membranes were used in a number of industrial applications. In this study, a novel NF membrane was prepared by co-depositing a titanium dioxide (TiO2) and graphene oxide (GO) composite layer directly onto a porous α-Al2O3 hollow fiber (HF) support. An 8 µm-thick TiO2/GO layer was deposited to the surface of α-Al2O3 HF support by vacuum deposition method to produce advanced TiO2/GO-Al2O3 HF NF membrane. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) micrographs, energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA), porosity, 3-point bending strength, zeta potential analysis, and hydrophilic properties by water contact angle are used for TiO2/GO-Al2O3 HF NF membrane characterization. The results show that the developed membrane’s MWCO ranged from 600 to 800 Da. The water flux, rejection of lignin, and sodium ions were 5.6 L/m2 h·bar, ~92.1%, and ~5.5%, respectively. In a five-day NF process, the TiO2/GO-Al2O3 HF NF membrane exhibits good lignin permeation stability of about 14.5 L/m2 h.
Predicting the Potentiometric Sensitivity of Membrane Sensors Based on Modified Diphenylphosphoryl Acetamide Ionophores with QSPR Modeling
Authors: Vladimirova Nadezhda , Puchkova Elena , Dar’in Dmitry , Turanov Alexander , Babain Vasily , Kirsanov Dmitry
Published: September 2022

While potentiometric, plasticized membrane sensors are known as convenient, portable and inexpensive analytical instruments, their development is time- and resource-consuming, with a poorly predictable outcome. In this study, we investigated the applicability of the QSPR (quantitative structure–property relationship) method for predicting the potentiometric sensitivity of plasticized polymeric membrane sensors, using the ionophore chemical structure as model input. The QSPR model was based on the literature data on sensitivity, from previously studied, structurally similar ionophores, and it has shown reasonably good metrics in relating ionophore structures to their sensitivities towards Cu2+, Cd2+ and Pb2+. The model predictions for four newly synthesized diphenylphosphoryl acetamide ionophores were compared with real potentiometric experimental data for these ionophores, and satisfactory agreement was observed, implying the validity of the proposed approach.
Nebivolol as a Potent TRPM8 Channel Blocker: A Drug-Screening Approach through Automated Patch Clamping and Ligand-Based Virtual Screening
Authors: Jahanfar Farhad , Sadofsky Laura , Morice Alyn , D’Amico Massimo
Published: September 2022

Transient Receptor Potential Melastatin 8 (TRPM8) from the melastatin TRP channel subfamily is a non-selective Ca2+-permeable ion channel with multimodal gating which can be activated by low temperatures and cooling compounds, such as menthol and icilin. Different conditions such as neuropathic pain, cancer, overactive bladder syndrome, migraine, and chronic cough have been linked to the TRPM8 mode of action. Despite the several potent natural and synthetic inhibitors of TRPM8 that have been identified, none of them have been approved for clinical use. The aim of this study was to discover novel blocking TRPM8 agents using automated patch clamp electrophysiology combined with a ligand-based virtual screening based on the SwissSimilarity platform. Among the compounds we have tested, nebivolol and carvedilol exhibited the greatest inhibitory effect, with an IC50 of 0.97 ± 0.15 µM and 9.1 ± 0.6 µM, respectively. This study therefore provides possible candidates for future drug repurposing and suggests promising lead compounds for further optimization as inhibitors of the TRPM8 ion channel.
Automatic Control of Hot Metal Temperature
Authors: Hashimoto Yoshinari , Masuda Ryosuke , Mulder Max , van Paassen Marinus M. (René)
Published: September 2022

To achieve the automation of blast furnace operation, an automatic control system for hot metal temperature (HMT) was developed. Nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC) which predicts up to ten-hour-ahead HMT and calculates appropriate control actions of pulverized coal rate (PCR) was constructed. Simulation validation showed that the NMPC algorithm generates control actions similar to those by the operators and that HMT can be maintained within ±10 °C of the set point. The automatic control system using NMPC was then implemented in an actual plant. As a result, the developed control system suppressed the effects of disturbances, such as the changes in the coke ratio and blast volume, and successfully reduced the average control error of HMT by 4.6 °C compared to the conventional manual operation. The developed control system has contributed to the reduction of reducing agent rate (RAR) and CO2 emissions.
Effects of Vacancies on the Structural, Elastic, Electronic and Thermodynamic Properties of C11b-VSi2 by First-Principles Calculations
Authors: Xu Shan , Duan Yonghua , Peng Mingjun , Shen Li
Published: September 2022

The effects of V and Si vacancies on structural stability, elastic properties, brittleness-toughness transition, Debye temperature and electronic properties of tetragonal C11b-VSi2 are investigated using the first-principles calculations. The vacancy formation energy and phonon dispersions confirm that perfect C11b-VSi2 and C11b-VSi2 with different atomic vacancies are thermodynamically and dynamically stable. The C11b-VSi2 with V-atom vacancies is more stable than that with Si-atom vacancies. The introduction of different atomic vacancies enhances the elastic modulus and its anisotropy of C11b-VSi2. The electron density difference and densities of state of perfect VSi2 and VSi2 with different vacancies are calculated, and the chemical bonding properties of perfect VSi2 and VSi2 with vacancies are discussed and analyzed. Additionally, the results show that the chemical bond strength of VSi2 is enhanced by the introduction of vacancies. Finally, Debye temperatures of perfect VSi2 and VSi2 with vacancies are also calculated.
Application of Transformation Treatment to Commercial Low-Grade Electrical Steels under Different Processing Conditions
Authors: Yang Ping , Ma Dandan , Wang Jinhua , Pang Shufang , Gu Xinfu
Published: September 2022

In this paper, two low-grade electrical steels are used to inspect the effect of initial columnar grains and final transformation treatment on the microstructure and textures. Results show that the Al and P elements, besides causing the surface oxidation or segregation, increase the critical transformation temperatures of steels, thus restricting the formation of strong {100} texture. Two-layer grain structure of typical surface-effect-induced transformation is developed in the steels without Al. The transformation textures in both steels are nearly random, which are much better than the {111} recrystallization texture or the memory type of transformation texture. The steel with initial columnar grained structure produces more {110}-oriented grains in finally transformed sheets, whereas the initial hot-rolled structure induces more {100}-oriented grains. In addition, high cold rolling reduction produces a one-layer grain structure in the final transformed sheets. It is confirmed again that the increase in final heating temperature leads to a transition from the memory type of transformation texture to surface-effect-induced transformation texture. For commercial steels containing harmful Al and P, the change in processing parameters during transformation treatment does not influence transformed structure and texture. Finally, the combined control of three stages of transformation during casting, hot rolling and final annealing is discussed.
Evaluation of Nanoscale Deformation Fields from Phase Field Crystal Simulations
Authors: Hallberg Håkan , Hult Blixt Kevin
Published: September 2022

Different methods for evaluation of displacement and strain fields based on phase field crystal (PFC) simulations are shown. Methods originally devised for molecular dynamics (MD) simulations or analysis of high-resolution microscopy images are adapted to a PFC setting, providing access to displacement and strain fields for systems of discrete atoms, such as in MD, as well as to continuous deformation fields. The latter being achieved by geometrical phase analysis. As part of the study, the application of prescribed non-affine deformations in a 3D structural PFC (XPFC) setting is demonstrated as well as an efficient numerical scheme for evaluation of PFC phase diagrams, such as, for example, those required to stabilize solid/liquid coexistence. The present study provides an expanded toolbox for using PFC simulations as a versatile numerical method in the analysis of material behavior at the atomic scale.
A Self-Regulated Microfluidic Device with Thermal Bubble Micropumps
Authors: Guo Gang , Wu Xuanye , Liu Demeng , Liao Lingni , Zhang Di , Zhang Yi , Mao Tianjiao , He Yuhan , Huang Peng , Wang Wei , Su Lin , Wang Shuhua , Liu Qi , Ma Xingfeng , Shi Nan , Guan Yimin
Published: September 2022

Currently, many microchips must rely on an external force (such as syringe pump, electro-hydrodynamic pump, and peristaltic pump, etc.) to control the solution in the microchannels, which probably adds manual operating errors, affects the accuracy of fluid manipulation, and enlarges the noise of signal. In addition, the reasonable integration of micropump and microchip remain the stumbling block for the commercialization of microfluidic technique. To solve those two problems, we designed and fabricated a thermal bubble micropump based on MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical systems) technique. Many parameters (voltage, pulse time, cycle delay time, etc.) affecting the performance of this micropump were explored in this work. The experimental results showed the flow rate of solution with the assistance of a micropump reached more than 15 μL/min in the optimal condition. Finally, a method about measuring total aflatoxin in Chinese herbs was successfully developed based on the integrated platform contained competitive immunoassay and our micropump-based microfluidics. Additionally, the limit of detection in quantifying total aflatoxin (AF) was 0.0615 pg/mL in this platform. The data indicate this combined technique of biochemical assays and micropump based microchip have huge potential in automatically, rapidly, and sensitively measuring other low concentration of biochemical samples with small volume.
Compact SPICE Model of Memristor with Barrier Modulated Considering Short- and Long-Term Memory Characteristics by IGZO Oxygen Content
Authors: Kim Donguk , Lee Hee Jun , Yang Tae Jun , Choi Woo Sik , Kim Changwook , Choi Sung-Jin , Bae Jong-Ho , Kim Dong Myong , Kim Sungjun , Kim Dae Hwan
Published: September 2022

This paper introduces a compact SPICE model of a two-terminal memory with a Pd/Ti/IGZO/p+-Si structure. In this paper, short- and long-term components are systematically separated and applied in each model. Such separations are conducted by the applied bias and oxygen flow rate (OFR) during indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO) deposition. The short- and long-term components in the potentiation and depression curves are modeled by considering the process (OFR of IGZO) and bias conditions. The compact SPICE model with the physical mechanism of SiO2 modulation is introduced, which can be useful for optimizing the specification of memristor devices.
Bioprocess Engineering, Transcriptome, and Intermediate Metabolite Analysis of L-Serine High-Yielding Escherichia coli W3110
Authors: Wang Chenyang , Li Qinyu , Zhou Peng , Chen Xiaojia , Shi Jiping , Zhao Zhijun
Published: September 2022

L-serine is widely used in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. However, the complicated metabolic network and regulatory mechanism of L-serine production lead to the suboptimal productivity of the direct fermentation of L-serine and limits its large-scale industrial production. In this study, a high-yield L-serine production Escherichia coli strain was constructed by a series of defined genetic modification methodologies. First, L-serine-mediated feedback inhibition was removed and L-serine biosynthetic pathway genes (serAfr, serC, and serB) associated with phosphoglycerate kinase (pgk) were overexpressed. Second, the L-serine conversion pathway was further examined by introducing a glyA mutation (K229G) and deleting other degrading enzymes based on the deletion of initial sdaA. Finally, the L-serine transport system was rationally engineered to reduce uptake and accelerate L-serine export. The optimally engineered strain produced 35 g/L L-serine with a productivity of 0.98 g/L/h and a yield of 0.42 g/g glucose in a 5-L fermenter, the highest productivity and yield of L-serine from glucose reported to date. Furthermore, transcriptome and intermediate metabolite of the high-yield L-serine production Escherichia coli strain were analyzed. The results demonstrated the regulatory mechanism of L-serine production is delicate, and that combined metabolic and bioprocess engineering strategies for L-serine producing strains can improve the productivity and yield.
Protozoan Parasites in Adult Dairy Small Ruminants and Potential Predictors for Their Presence in Faecal Samples
Authors: Lianou Daphne T. , Arsenopoulos Konstantinos V. , Michael Charalambia K. , Papadopoulos Elias , Fthenakis George C.
Published: September 2022

There is a scope to study protozoan infections in adult ewes and does, as these animals can act as reservoirs of infection for lambs and kids, for which these pathogens are harmful. The objectives of this study were to describe the prevalence of protozoan infections in faecal samples from adult sheep and goats on dairy farms across Greece and to evaluate farm-related factors potentially associated with the presence of protozoan infections in these animals. A cross-sectional study was performed on 325 sheep and 119 goat farms throughout Greece; faecal samples were collected from ewes and does and processed for the identification of protozoan parasites. Eimeria oocysts were found in faecal samples from 69% of farms (72% of sheep farms and 61% of goat farms), Giardia cysts in samples from 33% of farms (33% of sheep farms and 34% of goat farms) and Cryptosporidium oocysts in samples from 8% of farms (7% of sheep farms and 11% of goat farms). In a multivariable analysis, for the presence of Eimeria in samples from sheep farms, the lack of a designated building for lambs emerged as a significant factor; for the presence of Giardia in samples from goat farms, the availability of a main building for animals emerged as a significant factor; for the presence of Cryptosporidium, the lack of grazing and the management system emerged as the main significant factors in sheep and goat farms, respectively. Protozoa were found significantly more frequently in samples collected from farms on which farmers considered diarrhoea as an important health problem in their lambs/kids.
The Gut Microbiota at Different Developmental Stages of Apis cerana Reveals Potential Probiotic Bacteria for Improving Honeybee Health
Authors: Lanh Pham Thi , Duong Bui Thi Thuy , Thu Ha Thi , Hoa Nguyen Thi , Yoo Mi Sun , Cho Yun Sang , Quyen Dong Van
Published: September 2022

Honeybees play a vital role in the ecological environment and agricultural economy. Increasing evidence shows that the gut microbiome greatly influences the host’s health. Therefore, a thorough understanding of gut bacteria composition can lead to the development of probiotics specific for each development stage of honeybees. In this study, the gut microbiota at different developmental stages (larvae, pupae, and adults) of the honeybees Apis cerana in Hanoi, Vietnam, was assessed by sequencing the V3–V4 region in the 16S rRNA gene using the Illumina Miseq platform. The results indicated that the richness and diversity of the gut microbiota varied over the investigated stages of A. cenara. All three bee groups showed relative abundance at both phylum and family levels. In larvae, Firmicutes were the most predominant (81.55%); however, they decreased significantly along with the bee development (33.7% in pupae and 10.3% in adults) in favor of Proteobacteria. In the gut of adult bees, four of five core bacteria were found, including Gilliamella apicola group (34.01%) Bifidobacterium asteroides group (10.3%), Lactobacillus Firm-4 (2%), and Lactobacillus Firm-5 (1%). In contrast, pupae and larvae lacked almost all core bacteria except G. apicola (4.13%) in pupae and Lactobacillus Firm-5 (4.04%) in larvae. This is the first report on the gut microbiota community at different developmental stages of A. cerana in Vietnam and provides potential probiotic species for beekeeping.
Fungal Communities in Re-Emerging Fraxinus excelsior Sites in Lithuania and Their Antagonistic Potential against Hymenoscyphus fraxineus
Authors: Bakys Remigijus , Bajerkevičienė Gintarė , Pliūra Alfas , Marčiulynas Adas , Marčiulynienė Diana , Lynikienė Jūratė , Mishcherikova Valeriia , Menkis Audrius
Published: September 2022

Fifty-nine fungal taxa, isolated from re-emerging Fraxinus excelsior sites in Lithuania, were in vitro tested against three strains of Hymenoscyphus fraxineus on agar media to establish their biocontrol properties. All tested fungi were isolated from leaves and shoots of relatively healthy Fraxinus excelsior trees (<30% defoliation), which were affected by ash dieback but their phytosanitary condition has not worsened during the last decade. The inhibition of H. fraxineus growth by tested fungal taxa ranged between 16–87%. Occasionally isolated fungal taxa such as Neonectria coccinea, Nothophorma quercina, and Phaeosphaeria caricis were among the most effective fungi inhibiting the growth of H. fraxineus cultures. Among the more commonly isolated fungal taxa, Cladosporium sp., Fusarium sp., Malassezia sp., and Aureobasidium pullulans showed a strong growth inhibition of H. fraxineus.
Distribution of Glycerol Dialkyl Glycerol Tetraethers (GDGTs) in Carbonate-Type and Sulfate-Type Lacustrine Sediments: Insight into the Influence of Ionic Composition on GDGTs
Authors: Chen Yongxin , Zhang Xilong , Qi Wen , Zhang Gaoqing , Pei Yu , Fang Xuan , Xia Yanqing , Zhang Shengyin
Published: September 2022

The distribution of glycerol dialkyl glycerol tetraethers (GDGTs) in carbonate-type and sulfate-type saline lacustrine sediments from the Ordos Plateau in China is investigated to explore the influence of ionic composition on GDGTs. In general, they are relatively small (1.2–6.0 km2 surface area) and shallow ponds (0.05–0.2 m water depth) and even seasonally dry lakes. The results reveal that the concentration of GDGTs has a good positive correlation with the (nCO32− + nHCO3−)/total ions, and the concentration of GDGTs in carbonate-type lake sediments is significantly higher than that in sulfate-type lake sediments. Most GDGT-based indices show no significant differences, and the distributions of GDGTs are similar in the two types of saline lake sediments. The lack of a positive correlation between the content of clay minerals and the concentration of GDGTs may imply that the ability of clay minerals to carry terrigenous organic matter is very limited in arid climates. The branched GDGTS (brGDGTs) in the two saline lake sediments may mainly come from in situ biological production and have low terrestrial inputs. The different weathering level of feldspar minerals in the two types of saline lakes results in the difference in organic matter content, which ultimately affects the concentration of GDGTs.