bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Technological Interest and Antimicrobial Activity of Lactic Acid Bacteria Isolated from Date Paste of the Ghers Variety (Bechar, South-West of Algeria)
Authors: Razni D. , Makhloufi A. , Mebarki L. , Benyagoub E. , Sahel F. , Kechnaoui R.
Published: October 2023

Background: Dates are high nutritional value fruits. They are the basis of many traditional products and compose several oases by-products. Among these products, date paste represents a form of conservation widely practiced in Algeria to valorize common date’s surplus production for commercial purposes. Methods: First, microbiological analysis was carried out to isolate lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from date’s paste and microbial contaminants from both date fruit by-products according to standard microbiological methods before investigating the technological characteristics attributed to the isolated LAB. Second, the antimicrobial effect was evaluated through three different techniques. Result: Nine microbial contaminants were isolated from date paste and date extract, while eight LAB strains were isolated from date paste, which belong to the Streptococci and Leuconostoc strains. The SLM1 strain revealed a good acidifying power going up to 5.13 g/L of lactic acid within 6 hours of incubation compared to the other LAB strains. A moderate to strong antibacterial effect ranging up to a 20 mm zone of inhibition was revealed against bacterial contaminants. In decreasing order, the antifungal effect was significant against Penicillium sp, Aspergillus niger and A. flavus. The isolated lactic strains of streptococci could be good candidates for food preservation by extending the shelf life of foods and improving their nutraceutical and hygienic quality.
Issues and Challenges of Imputation Techniques in Genome Wide Association Studies (GWAS): A Review
Authors: Banerjee Rahul , . Bharti , Begum Shbana , Das Pankaj , Ahmad Tauqueer
Published: October 2023

A genome-wide association study (GWAS) rapidly scans DNA markers in many individuals to find genetic links to diseases. New findings aid in disease detection, treatment and prevention. Imputation predicts untyped genotypes in genetic studies when data is missing due to quality, cost, or design issues. It’s a proven statistical technique for estimating unobserved genotypes by borrowing haplotype segments from a densely genotyped reference panel. This allows estimation and testing of associations at unassayed variants.Genotype imputation is vital in analyzing genome-wide association scans, helping geneticists evaluate evidence for association at untyped genetic markers. This summary outlines missing data issues and various imputation methods.
Estimativa da Área Foliar da Alface Repicada Por Meio de Redes Neurais Artificiais
Authors: Oliveira Sabrina D. , Capuchinho Frank F. , Sousa Diogo S. , Pinheiro Gustavo H. B. , Barbosa Carlos E. B. , Alves Sueli M. F. , Melo Francisco R.
Published: October 2023

As redes neurais artificiais (RNA’s) são modelos matemáticos e existem diversas aplicações desta ferramenta na agricultura. Objetivou-se com este estudo avaliar a eficiência da RNA na estimativa da área foliar da alface. Utilizou-se folhas de alface e para o desenvolvimento da MLP foram inseridas como variáveis de entrada a largura e o comprimento das folhas determinados utilizando uma régua, e como saída a área foliar estimada pelo software ImageJ. Para comparação dos dados estimados e observados foram calculados indicadores estatísticos. A rede mostrou-se um método rápido e promissor na estimativa da área foliar para a cultura da alface.
Complicated Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in a Patient under Combined Immunosuppression
Authors: Carujo António , Reis Joel , Santos Silva André , Araújo Abreu Miguel , Ludgero Vasconcelos António
Published: October 2023

Species associated with visceral leishmaniasis, such as L. infantum, may be responsible for cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), particularly in the Mediterranean region. In immunosuppressed hosts, classification as complicated CL is essential, as the risk of mucosal leishmaniasis warrants systemic therapy. We report the case of a forty-seven-year-old male living in Portugal, with Fabry disease and receiving immunosuppressive treatment with adalimumab and methotrexate for Crohn’s disease. There was no travel history outside of Europe. He presented a two-year-old, 5.5 cm plaque with a well-defined hyperkeratotic elevated border and central, painless ulceration on his back. The biopsy revealed parasites inside macrophages suggestive of Leishmania, and PCR identified the species as L. infantum. A biopsy via nasal endoscopy excluded mucosal involvement. Classification as complicated CL dictated treatment with liposomal amphotericin B and subsequent topical paramomycin. The rarity of CL in Portugal may delay its diagnosis, especially in autochthonous infections. Treatment choice is complicated by the heterogeneity of drugs available worldwide. As the global prevalence of CL increases, it is important to be aware of this diagnosis.
Technology of Repairing the Active Main Pipeline Using Braze-Welded Couplings
Authors: Tymchik Grigoriy , Podolian Aleksandr , Serhiienko Kateryna
Published: October 2023

Background. During operation, the main pipeline needs to be repaired. During periodic diagnostics of the pipeline state defects are detected, some of which are unacceptable. The classic repairing method, that involves the shutdown of the pipeline with subsequent replacement of its defective spots, requires significant financial costs and is associated with a forced  pipeline outage and environmental violation.

Objective. The purpose of this article is to improve the technology of reinforcing sections of main high-pressure pipeline with welded couplings, which are filled with molten metal by allowing obtaining high efficiency of pipe strengthening of medium and small diameters.

Methods. Strength improvement of the active pipeline spots is realized by installing brazed-welded couplings on an active main pipeline. Strengthening the pipeline with the coupling consists in the redistribution of the load part from the pipe to the wall of the coupling, which leads to a decrease of the stress level in the pipe wall. The reinforcement efficiency of the pipeline could be evaluated by the degree of reduction of circumferential stresses in the fixed pipe wall.

Results. The article suggests a technique for strength improvement of pipeline spots using couplings filled with a molten metal that has a high elasticity modulus. The operations of formation of under-coupling layer with the parameters that provide achievement of the maximum value of the stresses reduction degree in the reinforced pipe are proposed, while ensuring an even load distribution between the wall of the pipeline spot being repaired and the coupling shell. An improved technology for fixing defective spots of the active pipeline has been proposed, designs for front seals have been proposed that facilitate the formation of under-coupling layer with optimal parameters. The proposed technique makes it possible to increase the efficiency of the pipe strengthening of small and medium diameters.

Conclusions. The article proposes an improved technology of the defective spots reinforcing of the active main pipeline using braze-welded coupling. The focus is on the design of mechanical seals that ensure the tightness of the under-coupling space during the formation of the coupling layer.

Further research would be performed in the direction of developing a mathematical model of the pipeline reinforced with braze-welded coupling, taking into account temperature changes during heating and cooling of the coupling structures during the formation of the under-coupling layer. Some research will be also performed to improve the coupling structures and methods of quality control of their mounting on the pipe.
Switched Auto-regressive Neural Control (S-ANC) for Energy Management of Hybrid Microgrid
Authors: Cavus Muhammed , Ugurluoglu Yusuf Furkan , Ayan Huseyin , Allahham Adib , Adhikari Kabita , Giaouris Damian
Published: October 2023

Switched model predictive control (S-MPC) and recurrent neural network with long short-term memory (RNN-LSTM) are powerful control methods that have been extensively studied for energy management in microgrids (MGs). These methods are complementary in terms of constraint satisfaction, computational demand, adaptability, and comprehensibility, but typically one method is chosen over the other. The S-MPC method selects optimal models and control strategies dynamically based on the system’s operating mode and performance objectives. On the other hand, integration of auto-regressive (AR) with these powerful control methods improves prediction accuracy and system conditions’ adaptability. This paper compares the two approaches to control and proposes a novel algorithm called Switched Auto-regressive Neural Control (S-ANC) that combines their respective strengths. Using a control formulation equivalent to S-MPC and the same controller model for learning, the results indicate that pure RNN-LSTM cannot provide constraint satisfaction. The novel S-ANC algorithm can satisfy constraints and deliver comparable performance to MPC while enabling continuous learning. Results indicate that S-MPC optimization increases power flows within the MG, resulting in efficient utilization of energy resources. By merging the AR and LSTM, the model’s computational time decreased by nearly 47.2%. Also, this study evaluated our predictive model’s accuracy: (i) R-squared error is 0.951, indicating strong predictive ability, and (ii) mean absolute error (MAE) and mean square error (MSE) values of 0.571 indicate accurate predictions with minimal deviations from actual values.
Sound of Sirens, Echoes of Trauma: Unpacking Socioeconomic Vulnerabilities in the Israel-Hamas Conflict
Authors: Bayer Yaakov
Published: October 2023

During periods of armed conflict, civilians face an elevated likelihood of encountering traumatic events, heightening their susceptibility to mental health disorders such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The severity of an individual's response to trauma is often modulated by both the degree of exposure to traumatic incidents and specific personal attributes. This study aims to explore the relationship between PTSD symptoms and a range of variables, including the frequency of exposure to missile alerts, individual characteristics, and socio-economic factors. The research focuses on Israeli civilians affected by rocket attacks launched by Hamas during the Israeli military operation "Guardian of the Walls" in May 2021. Our empirical analysis reveals that individuals with limited exposure to missile attacks, those belonging to larger familial units, and those possessing higher educational and income levels are generally less susceptible to post-traumatic symptoms. Data for this study were collected through comprehensive surveys that captured demographic details and employed specialized questionnaires to assess the prevalence and severity of post-traumatic symptoms. These insights have significant implications for the development of targeted preventative measures aimed at reducing the risk of PTSD among at-risk populations. Moreover, they underscore the necessity of incorporating socio-economic considerations into the provision of mental health services for communities affected by violent conflict and trauma.
Schrödinger’s Cat May Be Dead All Along
Authors: Fortela Dhan Lord , Mikolajczyk Ashley
Published: October 2023

By framing the problem of determining the state of Schrodinger’s cat as a problem of searching for Hidden Markov Model (HMM), this work shows that Schrodinger’s cat is dead with stationary probabilities P(Cat = Dead) = 1 and P(Cat = Alive) = 0 consistently in various observation-based modelling of the HMM.
ResNetMF: Enhancing Recommendation Systems with Residual Network Matrix Factorization
Authors: Payandenick Mustafa , Wang Yin Chai
Published: October 2023

In this paper, we introduce ResNetMF, a groundbreaking approach that harnesses the power of residual network matrix factorization to revolutionize recommendation systems. ResNetMF integrates residual networks, renowned for their ability to capture intricate patterns and features, with matrix factorization techniques that excel in modelling user-item interactions. This fusion presents a novel solution that surpasses the limitations of traditional recommendation systems. Through comprehensive experimentation and evaluation of diverse datasets, ResNetMF demonstrates remarkable enhancements in recommendation accuracy and efficiency. By effectively capturing both linear and nonlinear relationships in user-item interactions, ResNetMF provides superior recommendation quality. The outcomes from experiments unequivocally highlight the superiority of ResNetMF over existing state-of-the-art recommendation approaches, thereby validating its innovative nature and underscoring its potential to shape the future of recommendation systems. Through the integration of the deep residual network, ResNetMF approach facilitates the training of neural networks, enabling them to explore the underlying data layers more comprehensively. Extensive experimentation and evaluation across various datasets provide compelling evidence for the superiority of ResNetMF. Moreover, the proposed method utilized natural language processing (NLP) techniques for targeted information dissemination in recommendation systems, emphasizing the importance of personalized and relevant recommendations for user satisfaction and engagement.
Evaluation of Kunkur Fines for Utilization in the Production of Ternary Blended Cements
Authors: Mutai Victor Kiptoo , Marangu Joseph Mwiti , M’Thiruaine Cyprian Muturia , Valentini Luca
Published: October 2023

Ternary blended cements such as limestone calcined clay cement (LC3) represent a strategic binder type for the mitigation of environmental impact associated with cement production and are estimated to reduce CO2 emissions by about 40% compared to ordinary Portland cement (OPC). In this paper we explore the possibility of producing such ternary blends by utilizing secondary raw materials that may be locally available. Specifically, the primary limestone that is commonly used in LC3 is here substituted by quarry dust obtained by sourcing of “kunkur”, a carbonate-rich sedimentary rock (also known as caliche) that can be locally utilized for the production of ordinary OPC clinker. To optimize the blending proportions of ternary cements consisting of OPC, calcined clay and kunkur fines, a Design of Experiment (DoE) approach was implemented, with the further goal of exploring the possibility of reducing the amount of the OPC fraction to values lower than 50%. The properties of the formulated blends were assessed by a combination of techniques that comprise mechanical strength testing, XRD time-dependent quantitative phase analysis, SEM-EDS microstructural and microchemical analysis. The results suggest that ternary blended cements based on kunkur fines form hydration products, such as hemicarboaluminates, which are also observed in LC3. This shows that such a waste material can potentially be used in sustainable cement blends, however, the presence of kaolinite in the kunkur fines seems to affect the development of strength when compared to both OPC and conventional LC3.
An Efficient Reduction of Timer Interrupts for Model Checking of Embedded Assembly Programs
Authors: Yamane Satoshi , Kiriyama Taro , Wu Yajun
Published: October 2023

In verifying programs for embedded systems,
it is essential to reduce the verification time
because state explosion may occur in model checking.
One solution is to reduce the number of interrupt handler execution.
In particular, when periodic interrupts such as timer interrupts are incorporated, it is necessary to know the physical time.
In this paper, we define a control flow automata (CFA) that can handle time
and propose an algorithm based on interrupt handler execution reduction (IHER).
The proposed method reduces the number of interrupt executions,
including timer interrupts.
A case study verifies the effectiveness of this algorithm.
Genotypic and Phenotypic Diversity of Endemic Golden Camellias Collected from China
Authors: Tang Jianmin , Zou Rong , Yang Yishan , Jiang Yunsheng , Wang Faming , Chai Shengfeng , Wei Xiao
Published: October 2023

Plants of the golden Camellia group are not only high-quality camellia germplasm , but also a plant group with rich medicinal and nutritional value, which are used as food, cosmetics and traditional medicine in China. There are approximately 50 species in this group around the world, and more than 30 species of golden camelliaplants have been published in China. The leaves and flowers of these species have similar shapes, so they are often confused as species. Our study used simplified genome sequencing technology to construct a phylogenetic tree of plants in the Chinese golden Camellia group and describe the evolutionary relationships . At the same time, the secondary metabolic indexes of total phenols, total flavonoids, total anthocyanins and ellagic acid in the leaves were determined., and principal component clustering analysis was performed . The results showed that the chemical classification and genetic phylogenetic trees showed some of the same trends, indicating that Camellia chinensis can be used as Biomarkers for chemical type. The research results provide phylogenetic information for the genotype and performance diversity of golden camelliaregionally distributed in China. At the same time, molecular biology phylogenetic methods are used to understand or explain the characteristics of secondary metabolites of golden Camellia , and provide theoretical basis for the search and development of potential bioactive substances.
Cisplatin and Dexamethasone Separate and Combined Action on Lipid Peroxidation in Nuclear Fractions of Some Tissues of Rats
Authors: Yavroyan Zhenya , Hakobyan Nune , Hovhannisyan Agapi , Gevorgyan Emil
Published: October 2023

In chemotherapy practice the dexamethasone is used as concomitant agent to mitigate the side effects of antitumor drug cisplatin. However, it is known, that both cisplatin and dexamethasone are capable to stimulate the production of reactive oxygen spacies, which targets various biomolecules, including lipids. This work is devoted to the study of quantitative changes in products of lipid peroxidation in the nuclei of cells of some tissues of rats after separate and combined use of cisplatin and dexamethasone. The amount of lipid peroxidation products was determined by spectrophotometric method after its extraction by heptan-isopropanol mixture. When used separately, cisplatin and dexamethasone enhance the formation of lipid peroxidation products in the studied tissues of rats to various degrees. As a result of these alterations, the values of the oxidation index in the studied nuclear preparations also changed accordingly. During the combined use of cisplatin and dexamethasone there is some antagonism in the action of these drugs. Instead of the supposed summation of the effects of enhancing lipid peroxidation processes, “masking” of the effect of cisplatin with dexamethasone is observed. Thus, it has been assumed that exactly such antagonism revealed during combined action helps mitigate the side effects of cisplatin with dexamethasone.
Calculation of Forces on the High Granularity Calorimeter Stainless Steel Absorber Plates in the Compact Muon Solenoid Magnetic Field
Authors: Klyukhin Vyacheslav
Published: October 2023

The general-purpose Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) detector at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN includes the hadronic calorimeter to register the energies of the charged and neutral hadrons produced in the proton-proton collisions at the LHC at a center of mass energy 13.6 TeV. The calorimeter is located inside the superconducting solenoid of 6 m in diameter and 12.5 m in length creating the central magnetic flux density of 3.8 T. For operating optimally in the high pileup and high radiation environment of the High Luminosity LHC, the existing CMS endcap calorimeters will be replaced with a new high granularity calorimeter (HGCal) comprising of an electromagnetic and a hadronic section in each of the two endcaps. The hadronic section of the HGCAL will include 44 stainless steel absorber plates with a relative permeability value well below 1.05. The volume occupied by 22 plates in each endcap is about 21 m3. The calculation of the axial electromagnetic forces on the absorber plates is a crucial element in designing the mechanical construction of the device. With a three-dimensional computer model of the CMS magnet, the axial forces on each absorber plate are calculated and the dependence of forces on the central magnetic flux density value is presented. The method of calculation and the obtained results are discussed.
Detection, Verification and Analysis of Micro Surface Defects in steel Filament Using Eddy Current Principles, Scanning Electron Microscopy and Energy-dispersive Spectroscopy
Authors: Tran Kim Sang , Shirinzadeh Bijan , Ehrampoosh Armin , Zhao Pan , Shi Yaoyao
Published: October 2023

In the current industrial revolution, advanced technologies and methods can be effectively utilized for the detection and verification of defects in high-speed steel filament production. This paper introduces an innovative methodology for the precise detection and verification of micro surface defects found in steel filaments through the application of the Eddy current principle. Permanent magnets are employed to generates a magnetic field with high frequency surrounding a coil of sensor positioned at the filament's output end. The sensor's capacity to detect defects is validated through a meticulous rewinding process, followed by a thorough analysis involving scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Artificial defects were intentionally introduced into a sample, and their amplitudes were monitored to establish a threshold value. The amplitude signal of these created defect was identified at approximately 10% FSH, which corresponds to a crack depth of about 20 µm. In the experimental production of 182 samples covering 38 km, the defect ratio was notably high, standing at 26.37%. These defects appeared randomly along the length of the samples. The verification results underscore the exceptional precision achieved in the detection of micro surface defects within steel filaments. These defects were primarily characterized by longitudinal scratches and inclusions containing physical tungsten carbide.
Multi-Layer Ceramic Capacitors in Lighting Equipment: Presence and Characterisation of Rare Earth Elements and Precious Metals
Authors: Sideris Konstantinos M. , Fragkoulis Dimitrios , Stathopoulos Vassilis N. , Sinioros Panagiotis
Published: October 2023

In this study, multi-layer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) detached from lighting sector's waste
electrical-electronic equipment (WEEE) are characterised for the presence of rare earth elements
(REEs) and precious metals (PMs). Their digestion was carried out with HNO3 & aqua regia on a
heating plate and characterised with the use of inductively coupled plasma optical emission
spectroscopy (ICP-OES) & scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy
(SEM-EDX). The contents of REEs and PMs are 0.84 wt% and 0.60 wt%, respectively, and create an
economic stored value in MLCCs that is essentially defined by PMs of 98.67% and by Pd 78.37%.
The content of the main elements is: Nd 0.366 wt%, Y 0.220 wt%, Dy 0.131 wt%, Ag 0.467 wt%,
and Pd 0.105 wt%. The results confirm the need of selective removal and separate recycling process
of MLCCs from WEEE drivers.
Novel insights into the molecular mechanisms governing embryonic epicardium formation
Authors: Carmona Rita , Lopez-Sanchez Carmen , Garcia-Martinez Virginio , García-López Virginio , Muñoz-Chápuli Ramón , Lozano-Velasco Estefanía , Franco Diego
Published: October 2023

The embryonic epicardium originates from the proepicardium, an extracardiac primordium constituted by a cluster of mesothelial cells. In early embryos, the embryonic epicardium is characterized by a squamous cell epithelium resting on the myocardium surface. Subsequently, it invades the subepicardial space and thereafter the embryonic myocardium by means of epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Within the myocardium, epicardial-derived cells present multilineage potential, later differentiating into smooth muscle cells and contributing both to coronary vasculature and cardiac fibroblasts in the mature heart. Over the last decades, we have progressively increased our understanding of those cellular and molecular mechanisms driving proepicardial/embryonic epicardium formation. This study provides a state-of-the-art review of the transcriptional and emerging post-transcriptional mechanisms involved in the formation and differentiation of the embryonic epicardium.
Oct4/Sox2 positive breast cancer stem cell-like cells can be detected and targeted by including AURKA and Vimentin in the combinatorial marker profile
Authors: Sengupta Debomita , Thakur Debanjan , Mahapatra Elizabeth , Das Salini , Sen Sagar , Roy Arindam , Mukherjee Sutapa
Published: October 2023

Aurora Kinase A being overexpressed in majority of cancers, appear to be an attractive therapeutic target. However, a Phase III clinical trial of Alisertib, a selective AURKA inhibitor, resulted in no better response compared to the comparator arm of chemotherapeutic regimen raising question regarding ability of the same to target the undetectable stem cell functions. In silico analysis indicated regulation of AURKA by the stemness factors Oct4 and Sox2. TCGA data indicated positive correlation of each of the factors with AURKA which were eventually validated in cell lines, patient tissues and blood by flow cytometry along with Oct4 binding on AURKA promoter being detected by ChIP assay. However, indirect immunofluorescence and cell cycle analyses indicated proliferation-independent AURKA functions during asymmetric cell division, a characteristic feature of stem cells. Thorough screening of the AURKA positive cells in patient samples denoted epithelial to mesenchymal transition and significant upregulation of Vimentin, a mesenchymal marker and ABCG2, a drug resistance marker under Oct4 or Sox2 influence. Overall, our study demonstrated combinatorial selection Oct4, Sox2, AURKA, Vimentin and ABCG2 for diagnostics and intervention of circulating breast cancer stem cells as a blood-based, cost-effective and simple approach which will be beneficial in reducing relapse.
Assessment of Electromagnetic Waves System for Rising Humidity Control in Solid Masonry Walls. Case Study on Historical Buildings from Cluj Napoca, Romania
Authors: Ciotlaus Madalina , Danciu Alexandra Denisa , Dragomir Mihai , Marusceac Vladimir
Published: October 2023

Rising humidity in old and historical buildings is a current issue that affects their structure, due to water capillarity and its propagation inside the walls, a key factor in heritage preserving and its functionality. It is also responsible for materials degradation exposed to frost and defrost cycles, biodegradation and salt crystallization. Moisture also increases the heating costs of the affected buildings, due to high thermal conductivity of the moist masonries. The paper presents an unconventional method for humidity removal or stabilisation due to infiltration of capillary water into the masonries, using electromagnetic waves systems that result in changing the water polarity inside the affected walls and pushing it out of the construction. The system consist of a small box, connected to the power supply, installed inside the building, remaining on the same location throughout the entire life of the construction. By means of this procedure, not only do the walls of the structure stay moisture-free, but also the foundations and the surrounding soil. Through this process, not only the walls of the construction remains dry, but also the foundations and the soil around them. The electromagnetic wave method was applied on five different historical buildings, located in Romania, Cluj Napoca’s historical centre, in the vicinity of Somes river, with rising damp due to water capillarity. Measurements were conducted at every six months after the system installation, for a period of minimum 24 months, using the same marked locations, at a depth of 5 cm in the walls. All buildings studied are made of stone and stone with plain brick, with different chemical, type, pore direction and porosity characteristics. The measured values show in most cases, a clear decrease of wall humidity levels or a stagnation of the capillarity rise in the monitored walls, after a minimum of 24 months after the system installation. The electromagnetic wave system, as a non-destructive method, can be applied to cases with no accidental water source or high raised groundwater, for historical buildings where no exterior works are possible or interior invasive interventions.
Gravity and Information II
Authors: Kumar Naman
Published: October 2023

In a recent paper, we have shown how gravity and information can be related. The relation is based on the thermodynamic extension of the gravitational system under consideration using the holographic principle. Using this idea, we were able to derive the Gullstrand-Painlevé (GP) metric. In this short paper, we re-derive the GP metric using information. However, we now extend the spacetime to 5D with the fifth dimension being time, that is, the (3+1)D spacetime is now promoted to (3+1+1)D spacetime. We also comment on the possible Braneworld interpretation of this model.
Integrins Can Act As Suppressors of Ras-Mediated Oncogenesis in the Drosophila Wing Disc Epithelium
Authors: Martín-Bermudo Maria D. , Martínez-Abarca Millán Ana
Published: October 2023

Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide. Key to cancer initiation and progression is the crosstalk between cancer cells and their microenvironment. The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a major component of the tumour microenvironment and integrins, main cell-ECM adhesion receptors, are involved in every step of cancer progression. However, accumulating evidence has shown that integrins can act as tumour promoter but also as tumour suppressor factors, revealing that the biological roles of integrins in cancer are complex. This incites a better understating of integrin function in cancer progression. To achieve this goal, simple model organisms, such as Drosophila, offer a great potential to unravel underlying conceptual principles. Here, we find that in the Drosophila wing disc epithelium the PS integrins act as suppressors of tumours induced by a gain of function of the oncogenic form of Ras, RasV12. We show that PS integrin depletion enhances the growth, delamination and invasive behaviour of RasV12 tumour cells, as well as their ability to affect the tumour microenvironment. These results strongly suggest that integrin function as tumour suppressors might be evolutionary conserved. Drosophila can be used to understand the complex tumour modulating activities conferred by integrins, thus facilitating drug development.
A Manifesto in Defense of Pain Complexity: A Critical Review of Essential Insights in Pain Neuroscience
Authors: Picañol Párraga Javier , Castellanos Esparraguera Aida
Published: October 2023

Chronic pain has increasingly become a significant health challenge, not just as a symptomatic manifestation but also as a pathological condition with profound socioeconomic implications. Despite the expansion of medical interventions, the prevalence of chronic pain remains remarkably persistent, prompting a turn towards non-pharmacological treatments, such as therapeutic education, exercise and cognitive-behavioral therapy. With the advent of cognitive neuroscience, pain is often presented as a primary output derived from the brain, aligning with Engel's Biopsychosocial Model which views disease not solely from a biological perspective but also considering psychological and social factors. This paradigm shift, brings forward potential misconceptions and over-simplifications. The current review delves into the intricacies of nociception and pain perception. It questions long-standing beliefs like the cerebral-centric view of pain, the forgotten role of the peripheral nervous system in pain chronification, misconceptions around central sensitization syndromes, the controversy about the existence of a dedicated pain neuromatrix, the consciousness of the pain experience and the possible oversight of factors beyond the nervous system. In re-evaluating these aspects, the review emphasizes the critical need for understanding the complexity of pain, urging the scientific and clinical community to move beyond reductionist perspectives and consider the multifaceted nature of this phenomenon.
Governance of Blockchain-enabled IoT Ecosystem: The Variable Geometry Approach
Authors: Ullah Ikram , Havinga Paul
Published: October 2023

The number of Internet of Things (IoT) applications is increasing at a fast-paced and so is the interest in blockchain-enabled IoT ecosystem. IoT applications make our day-to-day life more efficient, while integrating blockchain into the IoT ecosystem (blockchain-IoT) brings security, transparency, trust, and privacy to IoT applications. Perhaps, smart logistics, smart health, and smart city are some of the potential blockchain-enabled IoT application domains. One of the reasons that is hindering the mass adoption of blockchain-IoT into mainstream applications is the lack of a dedicated governance. Without proper governance and regulations, and because of the obfuscated and concealed cryptographic nature of blockchain, blockchain can be used for various illicit activities such as ransomware, money laundering, fraud and so on. Furthermore, blockchain and IoT are relatively contemporary technologies and paucity of exclusive governance can ultimately lead to lack of confidence in these technologies. Therefore, in order to fully avail from blockchain and IoT integration (blockchain-IoT) and as well as further prevail this integration, governance can play an important role. Proper regulations and standarization are required to benefit from the novel characteristics of blockchain-IoT and avoid blockchain being used for malicious purposes. In this research, we address the role of blockchain in governance mechanisms, governance for blockchain, and finally proposed a vigorous governance framework for blockchain-enabled IoT ecosystem. We also demonstrate the applications of our proposed governance framework through a smart logistics case study. We anticipate that our proposed governance framework can facilitate and encourage blockchain and IoT integration in various application domains.
Water Balance Driven by Land Use and Land Cover Change across the Amazon Basin
Authors: Ribeiro Celso Bandeira de Melo , Mohanty Binayak , Rotunno Filho Otto Corrêa , Filgueiras Eduarda Trindade , Xavier Luciano Nóbrega Rodrigues , Araujo Afonso Augusto Magalhães de
Published: October 2023

Despite the overall extension of the Amazon basin (approximately 6,000,000),which encompasses such a complex ecosystem and territories belonging to seven different nations, it is worth mentioning that environmental assessment related to changes in land use and land cover (LULC) in this region are often conducted respecting geopolitical boundaries associated with each country or taking into account the so-called Amazon biome. With the purpose of prospecting the intricate and hidden hydrological patterns, we undertake an in-depth evaluation of the water balance along the 2001-2021 time span across the whole basin, whose behavior depends on the features deriving from the metamorphoses in land use and land cover. To accomplish that task, the influence of the components of the water balance, namely rainfall and evapotranspiration, jointly with the terrestrial topographic mapping, are examined to investigate the interactions among the physical mechanisms that make up the hydrological cycle and the corresponding physical hydrological processes triggered by deforestation and reforestation in the region. More specifically, the modeling approach was rigorously designed to also consider, separately or not Negro, Solimões, Madeira, Tapajós and Xingu hydrographic sub-basins, which are the most important ones of the Amazon basin. The results highlight that, in the southern region of the Amazon, specifically within the Madeira river sub-basin, the lowest forest coverage is observed (56.0%), whereas in the northern Negro river sub-basin, the most notable forest coverage is observed (85.0%).The most preserved forest areas, such as the Negro and Solimões river sub-basins, with percentages of 81.9% and 74.2%, respectively, have higher annual rates of precipitation and evapotranspiration over time. On the other hand, regions that suffered the most intense deforestation along the time period studied, such as the Madeira, Tapajós and Xingu sub-basins, have lower annual rates of precipitation and evapotranspiration, with a preservation percentage of 54.6%, 62.6% and 70, 7%, respectively. As the pace of deforestation slowed between 2003 and 2013, annual precipitation rates increased by 12.0%, while evapotranspiration decreased by 2.0%. The hydrological findings of this paper highlight th predominant role of the forest in the context of the global water balance of the Amazon basin and the potential to also produce distinct impacts within different parts of the basin in terms of having more or less rainfall and evaporation. In addition, those variabilities in the hydrological operational components and mechanisms due to changes in land cover and land use also reveals the potential impacts that could be expected in the surrounding areas, closer or farther, notably beyond the limits of the Amazon basin.
Magnetic Resonance Based Analytical Tools to Study Polyvinylpyrrolidone—Hydroxyapatite Composites
Authors: Petrova Alina , Mamin Georgy , Gnezdilov Oleg I. , Fadeeva Inna V. , Antonova Olga S. , Forysenkova Anna A. , Antoniac Iulian V , Rau Julietta V. , Gafurov Marat
Published: October 2023

Synthesis of biocompatible and bioresorbable composite materials such as “polymer matrix-mineral constituent,” which stimulate the natural growth of living tissues and the restoration of damaged parts of the body, is one of the challenging problems in regenerative medicine and material science. Composite films of bioresorbable polymer of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and hydroxyapatite (HA) were obtained. HA was synthesized in situ in a solution of polymer mixture. We applied electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) approaches to study their properties. EPR in two frequency ranges allowed to derive spectroscopic parameters of the nitrogen-based light and radiation-induced paramagnetic centers in HA, PVP and PVP-HA with high accuracy. It was shown that PVP did not significantly affect the EPR spectral and relaxation parameters of the radiation-induced centers in HA. Magic angle spinning (MAS) 1H NMR shows the presence of two signals at 4.7 ppm and -2.15 ppm attributed to “free” water and hydroxyl groups, while the single line - to 31P. NMR relaxation measurements for 1H and 31P show that the relaxation decays are a multicomponent process that can be described by three components of the transverse relaxation times. The obtained results demonstrated that the applied magnetic resonance methods can be used for the control of quality of the synthesis of the PVP-HA composites and, potentially, for the development of analytical tools to follow the processes of the sample treatment, resorption, and degradation.
Stream Function-Based Obstacle Avoidance Algorithm for Autonomous Underwater Vehicles
Authors: Kim Moon Hwan , Yoo Teasuk , Park Seok Joon , Oh Kyungwon
Published: October 2023

Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) are emerging as pivotal tools in underwater applications such as seafloor exploration and the inspection of pipelines or cables. Traditional land-based avoidance methods prove insufficient when applied to the complex underwater environment, largely due to the unique constraints presented by marine environments and the specific dynamics of AUVs. In this study, we introduce an improved stream function-based obstacle avoidance algorithm specifically tailored for autonomous underwater vehicles. The proposed algorithm is based on a stream function that is derived from the stream function. The stream function is characterized by a radial histogram for the cost function. In addition, constraints related to the maximum path curvature are discussed to optimize the utility of the path. Our exhaustive simulation cases validate the robustness and adaptability of the proposed algorithm, demonstrating its ability to produce feasible and optimized avoidance paths in a variety of scenarios.
Influence of Styrene Content in Solution Styrene Butadiene Rubber on Silica-Filled Tire Tread Compounds
Authors: Um Gi-Yong , Kwon Taehoon , Lee Seong Hwan , Kim Woong , Kim Jungsoo , Kim Hee Joong , Kim Kihyun , Lee Jin Hong
Published: October 2023

In tire tread applications, achieving enhanced abrasion resistance, wet grip, and rolling resistance is crucial for optimizing overall performance. To realize improvements in these attributes for silica-filled tire tread compound, it becomes imperative to improve dispersity of silica filler with investigating the effect of each component in tire tread compound. In this work, we study the effect of styrene content within solution styrene butadiene rubber (SSBR) on the properties of tire tread compounds. A higher styrene segment within SSBR contributes to increased silica dispersion and crosslink density. Thus, tire tread compounds featuring SSBR with increased styrene content not only improve physical and mechanical properties but also enhance major characteristics tailored for tire tread applications. These findings provide valuable insights into advancing the reinforced performance of tire tread compounds through the strategic utilization of SSBR enriched in styrene content.
Clinical Features of Hospitalized Stroke Patients Infected with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant
Authors: Kanno Hiroshi , Miyazaki Kazuki , Yamada Sachiko , Matsumoto Shutaro , Sagehashi Yuki , Takahashi Satoru , Kim Yongson , Namiki Keiko , Fujii Satoshi
Published: October 2023

COVID-19 has rapidly spread worldwide since December 2019. During the pandemic, SARS-CoV-2 repeatedly mutated from Alpha to Omicron. The severity and mortality are related to age, sex, and underlying diseases (respiratory, cerebrovascular, cardiovascular, metabolic, cancer, and immune diseases). We retrospectively studied 44 hospitalized stroke patients infected with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant. The mortality rate of hospitalized stroke patients with COVID-19 was 6 (13.6%). The cause of death was coagulopathy in 3 cases of ischemic stroke. High modified Rankin Scale score（mRS）of stroke patient was correlated with severity of COVID-19. The timing of vaccination is inversely correlated with COVID-19 severity. In conclusion, stroke patients with COVID-19 have high mortality rates attributed to coagulopathy. Stroke patients with high mRS scores are more likely to develop severe COVID-19. In high mRS scores, therapy for severe COVID-19 should be administered.
The Multi-Objective Model of the Hub Covering Location-Routing Problem with Simultaneous Delivery and Pickup Under Uncertainty
Authors: Ghahremani-Nahr Javid , Nozari Hamed , Samadi Parviznejad Paria , Rahmaty Maryam
Published: October 2023

In this paper, a model of the hub covering the location-routing problem with simultaneous delivery and pickup should be designed in order to minimize the total costs, minimize the maximum vehicles travel time and minimize the amount of CO_2 gas emissions. Two-stage stochastic programming is used in this paper to control the uncertainty parameters of the problem. The mathematical model aims to decide the appropriate location of hubs and vehicle routing for simultaneous delivery and pickup of products. In this regard, the results obtained from the LP-Metric method show that there is a conflict between the objective functions, and with the reduction of the amount of CO_2 gas emissions and the reduction of the maximum vehicles travel time, the total costs have increased. On the other hand, by examining the economical factor, it was observed that by reducing this factor, the robustness factors are changed and the total costs of the network are reduced. MOIWO and MOALO were used to solve the problem in large scale, the result of which was the existence of a significant difference between the calculation time averages. Also, the efficiency of these methods was very high compared to the LP-Metric method and the maximum relative difference was less than 2.83%. The results of numerical examples show a higher efficiency of the MOALO than the MOIWO.
Enhancing Urban Air Mobility Integration in Cargo Transportation through Tiltrotor Technology
Authors: Adebimpe Saheed
Published: October 2023

The burgeoning field of Urban Air Mobility (UAM) promises transformative solutions to urban transportation challenges, with the potential to revolutionize cargo logistics in metropolitan areas. This research investigates the role of tiltrotor technology as a pivotal enabler of seamless UAM integration for efficient cargo transportation within urban environments. The study delves into the existing challenges within UAM, such as infrastructure limitations and the need for adaptable aerial vehicles that can navigate confined spaces while maintaining payload capacity. Tiltrotor Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are examined as a solution to these challenges due to their unique capabilities, combining vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) with efficient forward flight. This research evaluates the potential of tiltrotor UAVs for urban cargo transportation, focusing on their operational efficiency, safety, and economic viability. Furthermore, the study explores the potential impact of tiltrotor technology on urban cargo logistics, considering factors such as reduced congestion, shorter delivery times, and environmentally sustainable operations. Real-world case studies and practical implementation strategies are discussed, shedding light on the importance of integration of tiltrotor UAVs into existing cargo transportation networks.The findings of this research underscore the transformative potential of tiltrotor technology in enhancing UAM for cargo transportation within urban areas. The study contributes valuable insights to the ongoing discourse on UAM integration and lays the groundwork for future developments in autonomous aerial cargo delivery systems.
Implementation of Simulation Modeling of Single and High-Volume Machine-Building Productions
Authors: Nikonova Tatyana , Savelyeva Nadezhda , Zhetessova Gulnara , Yurchenko Vassiliy , Černašėjus Olegas , Zharkevich Olga , Dandybaev Essim , Berg Andrey , Vassenkin Sergey , Baimuldin Murat
Published: October 2023

The authors of the article analyze the existing methods and models of technological preparation of machine-building industries. The structure of a three-level simulation model with network-centric control, the structures of individual elements of the simulation model and the process of simulation modeling are described. The criteria for choosing a rational option for the processing technological route have been determined.
During the research, a simulation program was implemented in C++. It allows you to select the optimal scenario for the operation of a production site based on two criteria: time and cost. The volume of implementation is about 2x103 lines of code. A diagram of the modeling algorithm for the implemented program, a description of the classes and their interactions are given in the article.
The developed simulation model was tested at a machine-building enterprise using the example of the “Pusher” part, manufactured under single-unit production condi-tions. The technological equipment used for the manufacture of this part was formed in the form of input data of the simulation model. The results of simulation modeling for the selected part are described. For each variant of the technological processing route, the values of variable costs and the duration of the production cycle were determined.