bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Systematic Comparative Study on the Diagnostic Value of Transabdominal Ultrasound in Patients with Pancreatic Cystic Lesions
Authors: Hentschel Viktoria , Beckmann Jennice , Kratzer Wolfgang , Arnold Frank , Seufferlein Thomas , Walter Benjamin , Kleger Alexander , Müller Martin
Published: October 2022

Pancreatic cystic lesions are a frequent incidental finding in abdominal imaging. Despite its usually benign background, a small fraction exhibiting features suspicious for cancerous development demands continuous follow-up or surgical removal. Current guidelines advocate magnetic resonance imaging and endoscopic ultrasound to evaluate the risk of malignancy, whereas transabdominal ultrasound is perceived as subordinate imaging. The objective of this study was to analyze cyst detection rates of latest-generation ultrasound machines compared to magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, and endosonographic ultrasound and to determine inter-rater reliability. The results showed that large cysts facilitate their visualization by transabdominal ultrasound while detection rates are independent of the anatomical part of the pancreas in which they were sited. Changes in the pancreatic duct width, a connection to the pancreatic duct system, and the architectural characteristics of cysts are poorly recognized by transabdominal ultrasound compared to magnetic resonance imaging and endoscopic ultrasound. Computed tomography imaging is preferred over transabdominal ultrasound to detect calcifications and regional lymphadenopathy. Even if conducted by experienced investigators, transabdominal ultrasound examinations fail to agree with magnetic resonance imaging scans regarding cyst detection rates (κ = 0.093).
A Study of the Information Embedding Method into Raster Image Based on Interpolation
Authors: Daiyrbayeva Elmira , Yerimbetova Aigerim , Nechta Ivan , Merzlyakova Ekaterina , Toigozhinova Ainur , Turganbayev Almas
Published: October 2022

This article is devoted to the study of the improved neighbor mean interpolation (INMI) steganographic method. To date, no steganalysis of such a method of information embedding has been carried out. We implemented the INMI method of embedding messages in raster files and conducted a stegoanalysis on a set of 800 images of 225 × 225 size. Experimentally, we found that with this embedding method, the maximum container capacity is 21% and that it depends on the contents of the container. It is established that only 60 files out of 800 actually have the maximum capacity. We presented the calculation of the Type I error and the percentage of information detection in the obtained containers by the regular–singular (RS) method. The results showed that the considered steganographic algorithm is resistant to RS steganalysis and is comparable to the stegosystem of the permutation method investigated in one of our previous articles.
The Morphological Characteristics of Authigenic Pyrite Formed in Marine Sediments
Authors: Chang Jingyi , Li Yuanyuan , Lu Hailong
Published: October 2022

Pyrites are widely distributed in marine sediments, the morphology of which is applied as a proxy to infer the redox conditions of bottom water, and identify diagenetic stages and hydrocarbon leakage activities. In this review, the methods used for the morphological study of pyrite are summarized. The textural and size characteristics of euhedral pyrite and pyrite aggregates, as the formation and evolution mechanism of pyrite are discussed for their significance in reconstructing the geochemical environment. The morphological study of pyrite includes shape observation, size estimation, and surface feature analysis. Scanning electron microscope and optical microscope are the main methods for morphological observation; transmission electron microscope and scanning tunneling microscope are applicable to observe nanoscale morphological structures and crystal growth on the crystal surface, and X-ray computed tomography is capable of measuring pyrite size distribution at the scale of a micrometer. Under the marine sedimentary condition, the single crystal of pyrite appears in cube, octahedron, dodecahedron, and their intermediates, the size of which ranges from several nanometers to more than 100 µm. The morphology of euhedral pyrite is controlled by temperature, pH, the chemical composition of interstitial water, etc., and might have been experienced in later reformation processes. The pyrite aggregates occur as framboid, rod-like, fossil-infilling, etc., characterized by the comparatively large size of several microns to several millimeters. It is found that certain textures correspond with different formation mechanisms and geochemical environments. Particularly, under special geological conditions, for instance, the methane leakage and/or decomposition of gas hydrate, pyrite is anomaly enriched with morphological textures of massive framboid cluster, rod-like aggregates, etc., and framboid is found with a large mean diameter (>20 µm) and standard deviation (>10 µm). These typical features can be employed to ascertain the position of the paleo sulfate methane transition zone (SMTZ).
Experimental and Numerical Study of Cyclic Stress–Strain Response and Fatigue Crack Initiation Life of Mid-Carbon Steel under Constant and Multi-Step Amplitude Loading
Authors: Morita Kasumi , Mouri Masashi , Fincato Riccardo , Tsutsumi Seiichiro
Published: October 2022

This paper investigates the fatigue cyclic deformation behavior of mid-carbon steel. Uniaxial tensile loading tests and fatigue tests under constant and multi-step amplitude loading steps are performed to characterize the influence of loading history. The material is shown to exhibit different uniaxial ratcheting behavior depending on loading history. A smooth and gradual increase in cyclic softening is observed under smaller stress/strain conditions. Based on experimental characterization, numerical investigations are carried out to reproduce the cyclic stress–strain behavior under different variable amplitude load ranges. The nonlinear material behavior is reproduced by means of an elastoplasticity model called the Fatigue SS Model (hereafter, FSS model). The main feature of the FSS model is the ability to describe the cyclic softening behavior within a macroscopically elastic stress state. The good agreement between experimental and numerical results proves the reliability of the model to catch a realistic material response in fatigue problems. Furthermore, the present study introduces a method for the prediction of fatigue crack initiation life under variable loading conditions based on cumulative plastic work.
Multi-Ship Encounter Situation Identification and Analysis Based on AIS Data and Graph Complex Network Theory
Authors: Zhu Jixiang , Gao Miao , Zhang Anmin , Hu Yingjun , Zeng Xi
Published: October 2022

In order to detect multi-ship encounter situations and improve the safety of navigation, this paper proposed a model which was able to mine multi-ship encounter situations from Automatic identification system (AIS) data and analyze the encounter spatial-temporal process and make collision avoidance decisions. Pairwise encounters identification results and ship motion index were combined into a ship encounter graph network which can use the complex network theory to describe the encounter spatial-temporal process. Network average degree, network average distance and network average clustering coefficient were selected. Based on the recognition results of pairwise encounter identification results, a discrete multi-ship encounter network is constructed. The process of multi-ship encounters from simple to complex to simple is mined based on the process of average network degree from 0 to 0 to obtain a continuous spatial-temporal process. The results can be used for multi-ship encounter situation awareness, multi-ship collision avoidance decision-making and channel navigation evaluation, and also provide data for machine learning. Quaternary dynamic ship domain, fuzzy logic and the weighted PageRank algorithm were used to rank the whole network risk, which is critical to “key ship collision avoidance.” This method overcame the problem that the traditional collision risk evaluation method is only applicable to the difference between two ships and ship perception. The risk rank combined with the artificial potential field method was used. Compared with the traditional artificial potential field method, this method has fewer turns and a smoother trajectory.
Numerical Simulation Analysis on the Lateral Dynamic Characteristics of Deepwater Conductor Considering the Pile-Soil Contact Models
Authors: Wang Yanbin , Gao Deli , Meng Chenyu
Published: October 2022

It is important to accurately assess the interaction between the conductor and the soil to ensure the stability of the subsea wellheads during deepwater drilling. In this paper, numerical simulations were carried out to study the lateral dynamic bearing capacity of the conductor considering different contact models between the conductor and the soil. In particular, the contact surface model and contact element model were selected to study the dynamic behavior of pile–soil under a transverse periodic load. On this basis, the influence of the bending moment, the wellhead stick-up, the outer diameter (O.D.) of the conductor and the wall thickness (W.T.) of the conductor, as well as the physical parameters of the soil on the dynamic bearing capacity are discussed in detail. Analysis results show that the lateral deformation, deflection angle and von Mises stress calculated by the contact element model are greater than those calculated by the contact surface model. The maximum value of the lateral deformation and bending moment of the conductor decrease with the O.D. and W.T. of the conductor, and the cohesion and internal friction angle of the soil. However, the maximum value of the lateral deformation and bending moment of the conductor increase with the wellhead stick-up. Both the vertical force and the soil density have a negligible effect on the lateral behavior of the conductor. This study has reference value for the design and stability assessment of subsea wellheads.
Calcineurin Inhibitors Synergize with Manogepix to Kill Diverse Human Fungal Pathogens
Authors: Liston Sean D. , Whitesell Luke , Kapoor Mili , Shaw Karen J. , Cowen Leah E.
Published: October 2022

Invasive fungal infections have mortality rates of 30–90%, depending on patient co-morbidities and the causative pathogen. The frequent emergence of drug resistance reduces the efficacy of currently approved treatment options, highlighting an urgent need for antifungals with new modes of action. Addressing this need, fosmanogepix (N-phosphonooxymethylene prodrug of manogepix; MGX) is the first in a new class of gepix drugs, and acts as a broad-spectrum, orally bioavailable inhibitor of the essential fungal glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) acyltransferase Gwt1. MGX inhibits the growth of diverse fungal pathogens and causes accumulation of immature GPI-anchored proteins in the fungal endoplasmic reticulum. Relevant to the ongoing clinical development of fosmanogepix, we report a synergistic, fungicidal interaction between MGX and inhibitors of the protein phosphatase calcineurin against important human fungal pathogens. To investigate this synergy further, we evaluated a library of 124 conditional expression mutants covering 95% of the genes encoding proteins involved in GPI-anchor biosynthesis or proteins predicted to be GPI-anchored. Strong negative chemical-genetic interactions between the calcineurin inhibitor FK506 and eleven GPI-anchor biosynthesis genes were identified, indicating that calcineurin signalling is required for fungal tolerance to not only MGX, but to inhibition of the GPI-anchor biosynthesis pathway more broadly. Depletion of these GPI-anchor biosynthesis genes, like MGX treatment, also exposed fungal cell wall (1→3)-β-D-glucans. Taken together, these findings suggest the increased risk of invasive fungal infections associated with use of calcineurin inhibitors as immunosuppressants may be mitigated by their synergistic fungicidal interaction with (fos)manogepix and its ability to enhance exposure of immunostimulatory glucans.
The Effects of Chromium and Vanadium on Biomarkers of Carbohydrate and Lipid Metabolism in Workers Exposed to Coal Fly Ash
Authors: Zeneli Lulzim , Daci-Ajvazi Majlinda , Sekovanić Ankica , Jurasović Jasna , Bajraktari Demush
Published: October 2022

Chromium (Cr) and vanadium (V) are micronutrients playing a role in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism but can be toxic at high concentrations, especially in specific forms. The study documents the effect of Cr and V concentrations on glucose and lipid metabolism in workers exposed to coal fly ash. We quantified selected metals (Cr, V) in the blood and serum of workers from a thermal power plant in Kosovo and compared them with the reference biological values. We determined fasting serum glucose and lipid profiles using a biochemical analyzer Synchron CX7 (Beckman Coulter). We quantified blood and serum Cr and V by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. We also evaluated the association between carbohydrate and lipid metabolism biomarkers (glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides) and co-exposure to coal fly ash. Power plant workers had significantly higher blood Cr and V levels (p < 0.0001) and significantly lower serum Cr and V levels (p < 0.0001) than the controls. We also found statistically significant (p < 0.0001) correlations between high blood Cr levels and low glucose/blood Cr ratios as well as between high serum Cr levels and low glucose/serum Cr ratios. Finally, in power plant workers, high blood V levels significantly correlated with low triglycerides/blood V and cholesterol/blood V ratios (p < 0.0001), while high serum V levels correlated with low cholesterol/serum V ratios (p = 0.005). Based on these findings, we concluded that the glucose/Cr, triglycerides/V and cholesterol/V ratios should be considered when evaluating carbohydrate and lipid metabolism disorders in occupationally-exposed workers.
Red Blood Cell Lifespan < 74 Days Can Clinically Reduce Hb1Ac Levels in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Zhou Saijun , Dong Rongna , Wang Junmei , Zhang Li , Yu Bai , Shao Xian , Bai Pufei , Zhang Rui , Ma Yongjian , Yu Pei
Published: October 2022

Variations in the red blood cell (RBC) lifespan can affect glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) test values, but there is still a lack of evidence regarding how and to what degree the RBC lifespan influences HbA1c in the type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) population owing to the restriction of traditional RBC lifespan detection means. In this study, we monitored 464 T2DM patients and 231 healthy control finger blood glucose levels at seven time points for three consecutive months. The HbA1c levels were assessed at the end of the third month as well as the RBC lifespan was measured through the CO breath test. T2DM patients were stratified into four quartile groups according to their RBC lifespans. There was no statistical significance in HbA1c among these four groups. However, the average blood glucose in the Q1 group was significantly higher than those in the other groups. Additionally, the contribution of RBC lifespan to HbA1c test value in the Q1 group was 14.07%, which was significantly higher than those in the other groups. Finally, we used multiple linear regression models to construct a mathematical formula to correct the HbA1c test value in the Q1 group, which would benefit the management of T2DM.
A Ready-to-Use Grading Tool for Facial Palsy Examiners—Automated Grading System in Facial Palsy Patients Made Easy
Authors: Knoedler Leonard , Miragall Maximilian , Kauke-Navarro Martin , Obed Doha , Bauer Maximilian , Tißler Patrick , Prantl Lukas , Machens Hans-Guenther , Broer Peter Niclas , Baecher Helena , Panayi Adriana C. , Knoedler Samuel , Kehrer Andreas
Published: October 2022

Background: The grading process in facial palsy (FP) patients is crucial for time- and cost-effective therapy decision-making. The House-Brackmann scale (HBS) represents the most commonly used classification system in FP diagnostics. This study investigated the benefits of linking machine learning (ML) techniques with the HBS. Methods: Image datasets of 51 patients seen at the Department of Plastic, Hand, and Reconstructive Surgery at the University Hospital Regensburg, Germany, between June 2020 and May 2021, were used to build the neural network. A total of nine facial poses per patient were used to automatically determine the HBS. Results: The algorithm had an accuracy of 98%. The algorithm processed the real patient image series (i.e., nine images per patient) in 112 ms. For optimized accuracy, we found 30 training runs to be the most effective training length. Conclusion: We have developed an easy-to-use, time- and cost-efficient algorithm that provides highly accurate automated grading of FP patient images. In combination with our application, the algorithm may facilitate the FP surgeon’s clinical workflow.
The Implication of IFRS Financial Instruments Disclosure on Value Relevance
Authors: Alsarayreh Taleb , Altarawneh Mohammad Saleh , Eltweri Ahmed
Published: October 2022

The main objective of this research is to examine the effects of financial instruments declared under IFRSs on value relevance over thirteen years. The research sample included 35 European enterprises that were listed on the main market of the London Stock Exchange from 2007 to 2019. This study focuses on the adoption of IFRS.7 and IAS.32 disclosure standards, in line with previous studies. The Ohlson model (1995) was utilised in the study to evaluate the dependent variable since it is the module used most often in determining value relevance. The findings indicated that financial knowledge about financial instruments (FI) was typically valuable throughout the research. In addition, the significance of financial instruments and other disclosures when examining sub-components were not valued as relevant but rather provided information regarding the kind and level of exposure to FI risks. Furthermore, the earnings and book value of the common equity have a favourable impact on the value relevance. Hence, the key contributions of this study went beyond enriching the body of literature to make recommendations regarding the most influential determinant among financial instrument items that positively enhance value relevance.
Formal and Informal Institutions in Farmers’ Withdrawal from Rural Homesteads in China: Heterogeneity Analysis Based on the Village Location
Authors: Wang Jing , Zhao Kai , Cui Yue , Cao Hui
Published: October 2022

Withdrawal from rural homesteads (WRH) in China is mainly conducted under the guidance of government and follows the principle of farmers’ voluntary participation, in which both formal and informal institutions play essential roles. However, few studies have systematically analyzed the institutional factors in WRH. By introducing both formal and informal institutions into the analysis framework, the aim of this study was to explore the impacts of formal and informal institutions on farmers’ behavior to WRH, and the interaction between formal and informal institution in different villages. Based on survey data from farmers in Jinzhai, China, this study adopted a binary probit model and factor analysis. (1) The study revealed that farmers’ cognition of homesteads property rights and their trust in village cadres are the key formal institutional factors affecting farmers’ behavior to WRH, and farmers’ social networks, reciprocal norms, and trust in villagers are the key informal institutional factors affecting farmers’ WRH; (2) Both formal and informal institutions promote farmers’ WRH, and informal institutions play a more important role. However, there is no interaction between formal and informal institutions in the whole sample. (3) Furthermore, the effect of formal and informal institutions on farmers’ WRH have the heterogeneity of village location: there is a complementary relationship between formal and informal institutions in farmers’ WRH for villages with a medium proximity to the county seat, and a substitution relationship for villages far away from the county seat. Finally, this study discusses the implications of these findings on the new round of WRH policy.
The Internet Archive and the National Emergency Library: Copyright Law and COVID-19
Authors: Rimmer Matthew
Published: October 2022

In the tradition of legal writing about landmark intellectual property cases, this paper provides an in-depth case study and analysis of an important copyright conflict during the COVID-19 crisis. The Internet Archive established the National Emergency Library to provide for access to knowledge for those who were unable to access their usual libraries, schools, and educational institutions. In response, four large publishers have brought a copyright lawsuit against the Internet Archive, alleging both direct copyright infringement, as well as secondary copyright infringement. The Authors Guild has supported this action. Fearful of litigation, the Internet Archive has decided to close the National Emergency Library earlier than it anticipated. The litigation raises a range of issues in respect of copyright infringement, the defence of fair use, library exceptions, digital lending, and intermediary liability. The conflict also raises questions about the operation of the first sale doctrine in the digital era. There are also divided views as to what, if any, remedies are appropriate in the case over the Internet Archive and the National Emergency Library. It is argued that there needs to better mechanisms under copyright law to enable access to knowledge in a public health crisis—such as the coronavirus outbreak. This case study makes a significant contribution to our understanding of the relationship between authors, publishers, and libraries in the digital age. It also provides an insight into copyright litigation—in particular, the role of amicus curiae submissions, and the nature and scope of copyright exceptions. This paper also raises larger considerations about the intersection of copyright law with larger concerns about access to knowledge, competition policy, and public health emergencies.
Tribological Properties of Borate-Based Protic Ionic Liquids as Neat Lubricants and Biolubricant Additives for Steel-Steel Contact
Authors: Sierra Alfonso , Coleman Michael G. , Iglesias Patricia
Published: October 2022

A series of four novel halogen-free borate-based protic ionic liquids were synthesized with identical organoborate anions but dissimilar ammonium cations, to allow systematic discussion of the effects of cation alkyl chain group length on their physicochemical and tribological properties. The ionic liquids (ILs) studied showed up to a 30% friction reduction compared to a biolubricant and even displayed negligible wear when tested as neat lubricants. Blends of 1 wt.% ionic liquid and biolubricant were also investigated, leading up to maximum friction and wear reductions of 25% and 96%, respectively, compared to the base oil. Interestingly, the ionic liquid that performed least effectively as a neat lubricant due to the solidification of the fluid achieved the best tribological response as a lubricant additive. The tribological improvements were attributed to the formation of a self-assembled adsorbed layer that separated the frictional surfaces. This theory was supported by rheological studies and elemental analysis.
Synthesis and Characterization of MnO2@Cellulose and Polypyrrole-Decorated MnO2@Cellulose for the Detection of Chemical Warfare Agent Simulant
Authors: Lama Sanjeeb , Subedi Sumita , Ramesh Sivalingam , Shin Kyeongho , Lee Young-Jun , Kim Joo-Hyung
Published: October 2022

Chemical warfare agents (CWAs) have been threatening human civilization and its existence because of their rapid response, toxic, and irreversible nature. The hybrid nanostructured composites were synthesized by the hydrothermal process to detect the dimethyl methyl phosphonate (DMMP), a simulant of G-series nerve agents, especially sarin. Cellulose (CE), manganese oxide cellulose (MnO2@CE), and MnO2@CE/polypyrrole (PPy) exhibited a frequency shift of 0.4, 4.8, and 8.9 Hz, respectively, for a DMMP concentration of 25 ppm in the quartz crystal microbalance (QCM). In surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensor, they exhibited 187 Hz, 276 Hz, and 78 Hz, respectively. A comparison between CE, MnO2@CE, and MnO2@CE/PPy demonstrated that MnO2@CE/PPy possesses excellent linearity with a coefficient of determination (COD or R2) of 0.992 and 0.9547 in the QCM and SAW sensor. The hybrid composite materials showed a reversible adsorption and desorption phenomenon in the reproducibility test. The response and recovery times indicated that MnO2@CE/PPy showed the shortest response (~23 s) and recovery times (~42 s) in the case of the QCM sensor. Hence, the pristine CE and its nanostructured composites were compared to analyze the sensing performance based on sensitivity, selectivity, linearity, reproducibility, and response and recovery times to detect the simulant of nerve agents.
Robust Anti-Jamming Algorithm Based on Transmit/Receive Time-Sharing Technology
Authors: Li Baiyu , Lu Zukun , Song Jie , Xiao Wei , Qiao Jia , Huang Long , Xiao Zhibin , Lin Baojun
Published: October 2022

Transmit/Receive (T/R) time-sharing is a critical technology to ensure accurate space–time reference information of navigation signals, which solves the problem of co-channel interference between receiver and transmitter. The rapid development of the electronic information industry has led to severe frequency band conflicts between different electronic systems. Satellite navigation receivers must take measures to suppress interference to eliminate the effects of narrowband interference, mainly unintentional interference. Time-domain anti-jamming is widely used in navigation receivers for its simple and easy advantages in ensuring the validity and stability of navigation data. However, because the satellite-ground link receivers adopt transmit/receive time-sharing technology to realize the bidirectional measurement and communication function of the link, the stability of the data solution is greatly affected by anti-interference in the time domain. The anti-jamming filter of the traditional navigation receiver usually re-converges from the initial state in each signal-receiving time slot, which leads to the receiver losing high volume data due to repeated convergence. This paper proposes a robust time-domain anti-jamming technology based on transmit/receive time-sharing technology. The continuity and stability of the interference signal are used to obtain the preliminary information of the periodic transceiver. The results show that robust anti-jamming technology based on a T/R time-sharing navigation signal can effectively improve the carrier-to-noise ratio loss and data loss caused by traditional time-domain anti-jamming technology, reduce the convergence time to nanosecond level, and has bright prospects in the future application of other navigation systems.
Effects of Laminar, Turbulent, and Slip Conditions in a Fluid Film on a Dry Gas Seal
Authors: Hahn Mibbeum , Park Youngjun , Kang Minsoo , Jun Sanghyun , Jang Gunhee
Published: October 2022

A dry gas seal is a mechanical seal that prevents leakage of gas from rotating machines utilizing gas as a medium. Fluid film in a dry gas seal can exhibit laminar, turbulent, and slip behavior due to operating conditions and design parameters. A modified Reynolds equation that considers the effects of laminar, turbulent, and slip behavior of a fluid film was proposed and solved using the finite-element and Newton–Raphson methods to calculate the pressure, opening force, and leakage rate. The accuracy of the developed program was verified by comparing the simulated pressure with that of prior research, and the measured leakage with simulated leakage. The characteristics of a T-groove dry gas seal were investigated according to laminar, turbulent, and slip behavior in the fluid film. The results show that the effects of laminar, turbulent, and slip behavior in a fluid film on a dry gas seal should be considered to accurately predict the characteristics of a dry gas seal.
Geometric Design and Dynamic Analysis of a Compact Cam Reducer
Authors: Lin Tsung-Chun , Schabacker Michael , Ho Yi-Lun , Kuo Tsu-Chi , Tsay Der-Min
Published: October 2022

In this paper, the compact reducer which can be used as a rigid drive mechanism with a high-speed reduction ratio is systematically studied for kinematics and dynamics. The speed ratio is determined by the number of cam lobes and engaged rollers. The eccentric rotating conjugate lobe cam profile is synthesized by using the rigid body transformation method. To characterize the input torque based on Newton’s second law, the transmission forces of the resisting and driven multi-roller are proportional to the arm length of each actuating roller found by its geometric vector. In consideration of machining undercutting, roller limit load, and contact stresses, favorable designs can be achieved by adjusting the cam size, turret dimension, eccentricity, and roller size. Together with experimental tests, a prototype of the lobe cam reducer is made to verify the feasibility of the proposed design procedure and to investigate its kinematic and dynamic characteristics for speed reduction ratios, torques, and transmission efficiency.
Solution of Spatial Transformation Relationship of Similar Ruled Surfaces Based on Registration of Divided Regions
Authors: Han Feiyan , Hu Zhitao , He Longlong , Peng Xianlong , Yang Manzhi , Zhang Chuanwei
Published: October 2022

Since the geometric transformation relationship of similar surfaces with complex features, such as local deformation and curvature changes, is hard to be solved through global registration, this paper proposes a method for solving the spatial transformation relationship of similar ruled surfaces based on registration of divided regions. First, an adaptive region division algorithm is proposed to divide similar surfaces, and then, an improved registration algorithm is proposed by adding two constraints which are the curvature feature and differential geometric features of point clouds. Through this improved registration algorithm, the geometric transformation relationship of each sub-region can be solved, and then the spatial geometric transformation relationship of the overall similar surface can be established. Moreover, the improved registration algorithm can ensure that the differential geometric properties of corresponding points are similar after registration, which may provide a basis for mapping and reuse of process knowledge between corresponding points on similar surfaces. Finally, two similar ruled surface blades are taken as examples for simulation verification, the results show that the maximum registration error of each sub-region is 0.025 mm, which is within the allowable error range, and the registration speed of the proposed algorithm is better than the S-ICP algorithm. This proves that the method in this paper is feasible and effective.
Analytical Derivations of New Specifications for Stochastic Frontiers with Applications
Authors: Bonanno Graziella , Domma Filippo
Published: October 2022

In this paper, we propose the analytical derivations of new specifications for the stochastic frontier (SF) approach. In order to avoid some limitations of the traditional SF method, we introduce dependence between the two error components through copula functions and the asymmetry of the random error assigning a generalized logistic distribution. We report the density functions of the overall error term, some important summary measures and the derivation of the efficiency scores for both cost and production frontiers. Finally, we propose two empirical applications in order to test our methodological approach: the first one refers to the estimation of production frontiers for the Italian airport system; the second one investigates the cost efficiency of the Italian banking sector.
On Fractional Langevin Equations with Stieltjes Integral Conditions
Authors: Zhang Binlin , Majeed Rafia , Alam Mehboob
Published: October 2022

In this paper, we focus on the study of the implicit FDE involving Stieltjes integral boundary conditions. We first exploit some sufficient conditions to guarantee the existence and uniqueness of solutions for the above problems based on the Banach contraction principle and Schaefer’s fixed point theorem. Then, we present different kinds of stability such as UHS, GUHS, UHRS, and GUHRS by employing the classical techniques. In the end, the main results are demonstrated by two examples.
Cryptanalysis and Improved Image Encryption Scheme Using Elliptic Curve and Affine Hill Cipher
Authors: Lone Parveiz Nazir , Singh Deep , Stoffová Veronika , Mishra Deep Chandra , Mir Umar Hussain , Kumar Neerendra
Published: October 2022

In the present era of digital communication, secure data transfer is a challenging task in the case of open networks. Low-key-strength encryption techniques incur enormous security threats. Therefore, efficient cryptosystems are highly necessary for the fast and secure transmission of multimedia data. In this article, cryptanalysis is performed on an existing encryption scheme designed using elliptic curve cryptography (ECC) and a Hill cipher. The work shows that the scheme is vulnerable to brute force attacks and lacks both Shannon’s primitive operations of cryptography and Kerckchoff’s principle. To circumvent these limitations, an efficient modification to the existing scheme is proposed using an affine Hill cipher in combination with ECC and a 3D chaotic map. The efficiency of the modified scheme is demonstrated through experimental results and numerical simulations.
Reconstruction of Higher-Order Differential Operators by Their Spectral Data
Authors: Bondarenko Natalia P.
Published: October 2022

This paper is concerned with inverse spectral problems for higher-order (n>2) ordinary differential operators. We develop an approach to the reconstruction from the spectral data for a wide range of differential operators with either regular or distribution coefficients. Our approach is based on the reduction of an inverse problem to a linear equation in the Banach space of bounded infinite sequences. This equation is derived in a general form that can be applied to various classes of differential operators. The unique solvability of the linear main equation is also proved. By using the solution of the main equation, we derive reconstruction formulas for the differential expression coefficients in the form of series and prove the convergence of these series for several classes of operators. The results of this paper can be used for the constructive solution of inverse spectral problems and for the investigation of their solvability and stability.
Vanishing Homology of Warped Product Submanifolds in Complex Space Forms and Applications
Authors: Alkhaldi Ali H. , Laurian-Ioan Pişcoran , Ahmad Izhar , Ali Akram
Published: October 2022

In this paper, we prove the nonexistence of stable integral currents in compact oriented warped product pointwise semi-slant submanifold Mn of a complex space form M˜(4ϵ) under extrinsic conditions which involve the Laplacian, the squared norm gradient of the warped function, and pointwise slant functions. We show that i-the homology groups of Mn are vanished. As applications of homology groups, we derive new topological sphere theorems for warped product pointwise semi-slant submanifold Mn, in which Mn is homeomorphic to a sphere Sn if n≥4 and if n=3, then M3 is homotopic to a sphere S3 under the assumption of extrinsic conditions. Moreover, the same results are generalized for CR-warped product submanifolds.
Optimizing Echo State Networks for Enhancing Large Prediction Horizons of Chaotic Time Series
Authors: González-Zapata Astrid Maritza , Tlelo-Cuautle Esteban , Ovilla-Martinez Brisbane , Cruz-Vega Israel , De la Fraga Luis Gerardo
Published: October 2022

Reservoir computing has shown promising results in predicting chaotic time series. However, the main challenges of time-series predictions are associated with reducing computational costs and increasing the prediction horizon. In this sense, we propose the optimization of Echo State Networks (ESN), where the main goal is to increase the prediction horizon using a lower count number of neurons compared with state-of-the-art models. In addition, we show that the application of the decimation technique allows us to emulate an increase in the prediction of up to 10,000 steps ahead. The optimization is performed by applying particle swarm optimization and considering two chaotic systems as case studies, namely the chaotic Hindmarsh–Rose neuron with slow dynamic behavior and the well-known Lorenz system. The results show that although similar works used from 200 to 5000 neurons in the reservoir of the ESN to predict from 120 to 700 steps ahead, our optimized ESN including decimation used 100 neurons in the reservoir, with a capability of predicting up to 10,000 steps ahead. The main conclusion is that we ensured larger prediction horizons compared to recent works, achieving an improvement of more than one order of magnitude, and the computational costs were greatly reduced.
24-GAN: Portrait Generation with Composite Attributes
Authors: Kim Jiin , Yang Heekyung , Min Kyungha
Published: October 2022

We present a portrait-generation framework that can control composite attributes. Our target attribute covers the three global attributes of age, sex, and race. We built control vectors for the garget attributes and attached them to the latent vector that produced portrait images. Our generator was devised using the StyleGAN generator, and our discriminator has a dual structure for qualities and attributes. Our framework successfully generated 24 faces with the same identity while varying the three attributes. We evaluated our results from three aspects. The identity of the generated faces was estimated using Frechet inception distance, and the attributes of the generated faces were validated using a facial-attribute recognition model. We also performed a user study for further evaluation.
Perineal Massage during Pregnancy for the Prevention of Postpartum Urinary Incontinence: Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Álvarez-González María , Leirós-Rodríguez Raquel , Álvarez-Barrio Lorena , López-Rodríguez Ana F.
Published: October 2022

Background and objectives: Urinary incontinence is any involuntary loss of urine. It may result in anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and social isolation. Perineal massage has spread as a prophylactic technique for treating complications during labor. Acknowledged effects of perineal massage are reduction of incidence and severity of perineal tear and use of equipment directly related to the intrapartum perineal trauma. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of massage in urinary incontinence prevention and identification of possible differences in its form of application (self-massage or by a physiotherapist), with the previous assumption that it is effective and that there are differences between the different forms of application. Materials and Methods: A controlled clinical trial with a sample of 81 pregnant women was conducted. The participants were divided into three groups: a group that received the massage applied by a specialized physiotherapist, another group that applied the massage to themselves, and a control group that only received ordinary obstetric care. Results: No differences were identified in the incidence or severity of urinary incontinence among the three groups. The severity of the incontinence was only affected by the body mass index and the weight of the baby at the time of delivery. Conclusions: A relationship between perineal massage interventions and development of urinary incontinence has not been observed.
Polymicrobial Infections in the Immunocompromised Host: The COVID-19 Realm and Beyond
Authors: Higgins Eibhlin , Gupta Aanchal , Cummins Nathan W.
Published: October 2022

Immunosuppression changes both susceptibility to and presentation of infection. Infection with one pathogen can also alter host response to a different, unrelated pathogen. These interactions have been seen across multiple infection domains where bacteria, viruses or fungi act synergistically with a deleterious impact on the host. This phenomenon has been well described with bacterial and fungal infections complicating influenza and is of particular interest in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Modulation of the immune system is a crucial part of successful solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Herein, we present three cases of polymicrobial infection in transplant recipients. These case examples highlight complex host–pathogen interactions and the resultant clinical syndromes.
Inhibition of Zinc Dendrites Realized by a β-P(VDF-TrFE) Nanofiber Layer in Aqueous Zn-Ion Batteries
Authors: Park Geumyong , Park Hyeonghun , Seol WooJun , Suh Seokho , Jo Ji Young , Kumar Santosh , Kim Hyeong-Jin
Published: October 2022

Uncontrollable Zn dendrite formations and parasitic side reactions on Zn electrodes induce poor cycling stability and safety issues, preventing the large-scale commercialization of Zn-ion batteries. Herein, to achieve uniform Zn deposition and suppress side reactions, an electrospun ferroelectric poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-trifluoroethylene) copolymer, a P(VDF-TrFE) nanofiber layer, is introduced as an artificial solid–electrolyte interface on a Cu substrate acting as a current collector. The aligned molecular structure of β-P(VDF-TrFE) can effectively suppress localized current density on the Cu surface, lead to uniform Zn deposition, and suppress side reactions by preventing direct contact between electrodes and aqueous electrolytes. The half-cell configuration formed by the newly fabricated electrode can achieve an average coulombic efficiency of 99.2% over 300 cycles without short-circuiting at a current density of 1 mA cm−2 and areal capacity of 1 mAh cm−2. Stable cycling stability is also maintained for 200 cycles at a current density of 0.5 A g−1 in a full-cell test using MnO2 as a cathode.
Analysis of the Influence of Process Parameters on the Properties of Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Membranes for Gas Separation
Authors: Polak Daniel , Szwast Maciej
Published: October 2022

Heterogeneous membranes, otherwise known as Mixed Matrix Membranes (MMMs), which are used in gas separation processes, are the subject of growing interest. This is due to their potential to improve the process properties of membranes compared to those of homogeneous membranes, i.e., those made of polymer only. Using such membranes in a process involves subjecting them to varying temperatures and pressures. This paper investigates the effects of temperature and feed pressure on the process properties of homogeneous and heterogeneous membranes. Membranes made of Pebax®2533 copolymer and containing additional fillers such as SiO2, ZIF−8, and POSS-Ph were investigated. Tests were performed over a temperature range of 25–55 °C and a pressure range of 2–8 bar for N2, CH4, and CO2 gases. It was found that temperature positively influences the increase in permeability, while pressure influences permeability depending on the gas used, which is related to the effect of pressure on the solubility of the gas in the membrane.
Kinetic Analysis of Isothermal and Non-Isothermal Reduction of Iron Ore Fines in Hydrogen Atmosphere
Authors: Lyu Binbin , Wang Guang , Yang Fan , Zuo Haibin , Xue Qingguo , Wang Jingsong
Published: October 2022

Direct reduction of iron ore with H2 has become an alternative technology for iron production that reduces pollutant emissions. The reduction kinetics of iron ore fines in an H2 atmosphere under isothermal and non-isothermal conditions were studied by thermogravimetric analysis. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy were used to measure the mineral composition and analyse the morphology of the reduced fines, respectively. In the isothermal reduction experiment, it was found that the final reduction time was shorter, the higher the temperature, and the metallic iron particles formed a dense matrix structure. It is likely that the initial stages reduction process is the result of a combination of gaseous diffusion and interfacial chemical reaction mechanisms, and that the later stages a combination of interfacial chemical reaction and solid diffusion is the rate control mechanism. In the non-isothermal experiment, the heating rate had a significant effect on the reaction rate. The results show that the non-isothermal reduction proceeded through three stages: mixing control model, two-dimensional diffusion, and three-dimensional diffusion.
Corrosion Resistance of Mg(OH)2/Mn(OH)2 Hydroxide Film on ZK60 Mg Alloy
Authors: Wang Yongmin , Li Zhuangzhuang , Wang Yan , Sun Tianyi , Ba Zhixin
Published: October 2022

This study aims to prepare hydroxide films on the surface of ZK60 magnesium alloy to improve the corrosion resistance of the latter. The hydroxide films were fabricated with a facile hydrothermal method using Mg(NO3)2 and Mn(NO3)2 aqueous solutions. The treatment temperature was maintained at 353 K, while the treatment time was 6 h, 12 h, and 24 h. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy demonstrated that the films were composed of a mixture of Mg(OH)2 and Mn(OH)2. As revealed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), each film grew from an incomplete lamellar structure to a thick lamellar structure at changing treatment times. The corrosion current density of the 12 h film sample immersed in a simulated body fluid (SBF) reached 3.07 × 10−7 A·cm−2, which was approximately two orders of magnitude lower than that of the ZK60 magnesium alloy substrate (3.04 × 10−5 A·cm−2). In addition, the hydrogen evolution experiment showed that, even after 168 h of immersion, the 12 h film sample could still provide protection for the substrate.
Analysis of the Phenotype Differences in Siblings with Alkaptonuria
Authors: Zatkova Andrea , Olsson Birgitta , Ranganath Lakshminarayan R. , Imrich Richard
Published: October 2022

Alkaptonuria (AKU) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations within a gene coding for homogentisate 1,2-dioxygenase (HGD). To date, 251 different variants of this gene have been reported. The metabolic disorder in AKU leads to the accumulation of homogentisic acid (HGA), resulting in ochronosis (pigmentation of the connective tissues) and severe ochronotic spondylo-arthropathy, which usually manifests in the mid-thirties. An earlier genotype–phenotype correlation study showed no differences in serum HGA levels, absolute urinary excretion of HGA, or in the clinical symptoms between patients carrying HGD variants leading to 1% or >30% residual HGD activity. Still, as reported previously, the variance of the excretion of the HGA was smaller within affected siblings that share a common genotype. The present study is the first ever to systematically analyze the baseline clinical data of 24 AKU sibling pairs/groups collected in the SONIA 2 (Suitability Of Nitisinone In Alkaptonuria 2) study to evaluate phenotypical differences between patients carrying the same HGD genetic variants. We show that even between siblings there was considerable variability in the disease severity. This indicates that some other yet unidentified genetic, biomechanical, or environmental modifying factors may contribute to accelerated pigmentation and connective tissue damage observed in some patients.