bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Red Raspberry Seed Oil Low Energy Nanoemulsions: Influence of Surfactants, Antioxidants, and Temperature on Oxidative Stability
Authors: Gledovic Ana , Janosevic-Lezaic Aleksandra , Tamburic Slobodanka , Savic Snezana
Published: September 2022

The aim of this study was to assess and improve the oxidative stability of red raspberry seed oil–RO, a potential topical ingredient derived from food industry by-products, on its own and when incorporated in low energy nanoemulsion (NE). The RO’s oxidative stability was assessed at 5, 25, and 40 °C during one month of storage and expressed in: peroxide value, p-anisidine, and thiobarbituric reactive substances—TBARS value, while for NEs, lipid hydroperoxides and TBARS values were monitored. Both synthetic (butylated hydroxytoluene—BHT and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid—EDTA), and natural (oregano essential oil—ORE and oak fruit extract—OAK) antioxidants were used. Pure RO and RO with BHT or ORE were stable at 5 °C and 25 °C, but at 40 °C BHT showed only moderate protection, while ORE was prooxidant. NEs prepared with new biodegradable polyglycerol esters-based surfactants, with droplet sizes of < 50 nm and narrow size distribution, showed improved physicochemical stability at room temperature, and especially at 40 °C, compared to NEs with polysorbate 80, which required the addition of antioxidants to preserve their stability. Natural antioxidants ORE and OAK were compatible with all NEs; therefore, their use is proposed as an effective alternative to synthetic antioxidants.
Review: Facial Anthropometric, Landmark Extraction, and Nasal Reconstruction Technology
Authors: Vu Nguyen Hoang , Trieu Nguyen Minh , Anh Tuan Ho Nguyen , Khoa Tran Dang , Thinh Nguyen Truong
Published: September 2022

Facial anthropometrics are measurements of human faces and are important figures that are used in many different fields, such as cosmetic surgery, protective gear design, reconstruction, etc. Therefore, the first procedure is to extract facial landmarks, then measurements are carried out by professional devices or based on experience. The aim of this review is to provide an update and review of 3D facial measurements, facial landmarks, and nasal reconstruction literature. The novel methods to detect facial landmarks including non-deep and deep learning are also introduced in this paper. Moreover, the nose is the most attractive part of the face, so nasal reconstruction or rhinoplasty is a matter of concern, and this is a significant challenge. The documents on the use of 3D printing technology as an aid in clinical diagnosis and during rhinoplasty surgery are also surveyed. Although scientific technology development with many algorithms for facial landmarks extraction have been proposed, their application in the medical field is still scarce. Connectivity between studies in different fields is a major challenge today; it opens up opportunities for the development of technology in healthcare. This review consists of the recent literature on 3D measurements, identification of landmarks, particularly in the medical field, and finally, nasal reconstruction technology. It is a helpful reference for researchers in these fields.
Quasi-Static Mechanical Properties of Post-Processed Laser Powder Bed Fusion Ti6Al4V(ELI) Parts under Compressive Loading
Authors: Muiruri Amos , Maringa Maina , du Preez Willie
Published: September 2022

The Ti6Al4V structures in aircraft and biomedical industries are usually exposed to quasi-static loads. Therefore, understanding the quasi-static behaviour of this alloy manufactured by an additive manufacturing process is paramount. This paper documents an investigation of the quasi-static mechanical properties of various microstructures of heat-treated Ti6Al4V(ELI) parts manufactured by laser powder bed fusion (LPBF). The effects of different quasi-static strain rates on different microstructures of these samples and their strain hardening are also presented. The test samples were produced using an EOSINT M280 direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) machine and, thereafter, subdivided into three major groups, namely samples C, D and E, for high-temperature annealing at different heat treatment strategies. A universal hydraulic testing machine (UTM) was used to carry out tests at strain rates of 0.001 s−1, 0.005 s−1 and 0.1 s−1. The three forms of LPBF Ti6Al4V(ELI) were found to be sensitive to quasi-static strain rate, whereby values of yield and flow stresses in each form of alloy increased with increasing strain rate. The order of the strength at each strain rate from the highest to the lowest was found to be samples C, D and E. The effects of strain rate on flow hardening were found to be significant in samples C and insignificant in samples D and E.
Machine Learning-Based Paging Enhancement in 5G Network
Authors: Choi Wan-Kyu , Pyun Jae-Young
Published: September 2022

Recently, technologies such as big data, artificial intelligence, and machine learning have been applied to intelligently and effectively operate fourth-generation (4G) and fifth-generation (5G) network systems. In particular, we are interested in using them in 4G mobility management entities and 5G access and mobility management functions (AMFs), where functional enhancement or performance improvement is required. This paper presents an enhanced paging approach based on supervised machine learning and a Markov process for the performance improvement of paging in 5G AMFs. User equipment (UE) profile information in 5G AMFs classifies subscribers into two types using a UE classifier model with k-nearest neighbors (KNN)-supervised learning. In this paper, UE movement data between next-generation NodeBs (gNodeBs) are analyzed, and the Markov process is applied to construct a transition probabilistic model. When a UE moves to an adjacent gNodeB in the 5G connection management-idle state, a method for predicting the gNodeB movement is required to perform paging effectively on the predicted gNodeBs. In the proposed paging method, the AMF applies the UE profile information to the KNN-supervised learning model and classifies the subscriber UE type. In addition, on the UE movement between gNodeBs statistics, it generates state-transition probabilities and then performs paging on the gNodeB list. Experimentally, the paging responses and signals of the proposed method are compared with the existing paging methods and presented with the result that the UE location is identified using the recently visited gNodeB list in the tracking area of the AMF.
Combining Rigorous Requirements Specifications with Low-Code Platforms to Rapid Development Software Business Applications
Authors: Galhardo Pedro , Silva Alberto Rodrigues da
Published: September 2022

Low-code development platforms have gained popularity as an effective solution to address urgent market demands for software applications. These platforms have often overcome challenges faced by traditional software development processes, including requirements engineering processes, as they tend to incorporate the requirements in their prototyping phase. However, low-code platforms have followed different approaches with proprietary languages, which is a problem when customers need to move to other technologies or intend to define the specification of their applications in a readable and platform-independent way. To mitigate these challenges, this article discusses a model-driven approach that semi-automatically produces software business applications by combining rigorous requirement specifications (defined with the ITLingo ASL language) with a concrete low-code platform (Quidgest Genio). First, we analyse the common concepts in both ITLingo ASL and Genio languages. Then, we discuss model-to-model transformations that allow converting ASL specifications into Genio low-code projects. Finally, the code generation capabilities of the Genio low-code platform are employed to generate the source code of the target software applications. To evaluate the consistency of the proposed approach, we use and discuss a simple and representative case study based on a fictitious system, the Invoice Management System (IMS), whose requirements are similar to those found in many business applications.
Ring-Overlap: A Storage Scaling Mechanism for Hyperledger Fabric
Authors: Liu Wenxuan , Zhang Donghong , Mu Chunxiao , Zhao Xiangfu , Zhao Jindong
Published: September 2022

Currently, blockchain is facing a serious storage explosion problem. While most storage scaling schemes are focused on permissionless blockchain, we propose the ring-overlap mechanism for consortium blockchain and use it to scale Hyperledger Fabric. In our scheme, all accounting nodes are divided into clusters, and each cluster contains several nodes; then, a portion of the entire block data is stored in a cluster. Block data is stored overlappingly on some cluster nodes, and each block is guaranteed to have some copies in a cluster. Theoretical analysis and simulation show that the storage occupied by nodes is significantly reduced in blockchain applications with frequent transactions, and the mechanism can still guarantee data integrity in the case of partial node failures in a single cluster. Furthermore, for transaction-frequent applications, storage space consumption can be significantly reduced without increasing excessive query time overhead.
Design of a Compact Indirect Slot-Fed Wideband Patch Array with an Air SIW Cavity for a High Directivity in Missile Seeker Applications
Authors: Kang Wootaek , Lim Tae-Heung , Kim Youngwan , An Sehwan , Joo Ji-Han , Byun Gangil
Published: September 2022

This research proposes a compact indirect slot-fed wideband patch array antenna for a missile seeker application. The proposed single antenna consists of three dielectric layers for a radiator, an air substrate-integrated waveguide (SIW) cavity, and an indirect feeding network. The rectangular patch is used as a radiator on the first substrate layer, and the air SIW cavity (ASIWC) is employed to obtain high directivity and low mutual coupling characteristics in the second substrate layer. In the third layer, an indirect feeding structure is used to achieve the wideband characteristics in the Ka-band. The single element is extended to a 4 × 1 linear array with fabrication, and the fabricated array characteristics are measured in a full anechoic chamber. The measured operating fractional frequency bandwidth is 9.2%, and the measured array gain is 11.7 dBi at the bore-sight direction (θ0 = 0∘).
Adaptive Robust Fuzzy Impedance Control of an Electro-Hydraulic Actuator
Authors: Li Mingjie , Zhang Qiang
Published: September 2022

This paper concentrates on both velocity and force control of a single-rod electro-hydraulic actuator in the presence of parameter uncertainties and uncertain nonlinearities. Both velocity control and force control are required in some cases. Impedance control and adaptive robust control are synthesized to deal with this problem. In this paper, the primary goal is velocity control while the contact force is kept in an acceptable range. To keep proper contact force with environment or workpieces, impedance control is adopted to regulate the dynamic relationship between velocity and force. Fuzzy logic is used to adjust the parameters of impedance rules to improve control performance. The velocity command of adaptive robust velocity control is determined by impedance control based on fuzzy logic. Parameter uncertainties and uncertain nonlinearities can be compensated through adaptive robust velocity control, which leads to accurate velocity tracking. The stability of the overall system was analyzed. Comparative experiments verified that the proposed control strategy has both high-accuracy velocity tracking and force regulation performance.
Peculiarities of the HVSR Method Application to Seismic Records Obtained by Ocean-Bottom Seismographs in the Arctic
Authors: Krylov Artem A. , Kulikov Mikhail E. , Kovachev Sergey A. , Medvedev Igor P. , Lobkovsky Leopold I. , Semiletov Igor P.
Published: September 2022

The application of the horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratio (HVSR) modeling and inversion techniques is becoming more and more widespread for assessing the seismic response and velocity model of soil deposits due to their effectiveness, environmental friendliness, relative simplicity and low cost. Nevertheless, a number of issues related to the use of these techniques in difficult natural conditions, such as in the shelf areas of the Arctic seas, where the critical structures are also designed, remain poorly understood. In this paper, we describe the features of applying the HVSR modeling and inversion techniques to seismic records obtained by ocean-bottom seismographs (OBS) on the outer shelf of the Laptev Sea. This region is characterized by high seismotectonic activity, as well as sparse submarine permafrost distribution and the massive release of bubble methane from bottom sediments. The seismic stations were installed for one year and their period of operation included periods of time when the sea was covered with ice and when the sea was ice-free. The results of processing of the recorded ambient seismic noise, as well as the wave recorder data and ERA5 and EUMETSAT reanalysis data, showed a strong dependence of seafloor seismic noise on the presence of sea ice cover, as well as weather conditions, wind speed in particular. Wind-generated gravity waves, as well as infragravity waves, are responsible for the increase in the level of ambient seismic noise. The high-frequency range of 5 Hz and above is strongly affected by the coupling effect, which in turn also depends on wind-generated gravity waves and infragravity waves. The described seafloor seismic noise features must be taken into account during HVSR modeling and interpretation. The obtained HVSR curves plotted from the records of one of the OBSs revealed a resonant peak corresponding to 3 Hz, while the curves plotted from the records of another OBS did not show clear resonance peaks in the representative frequency range. Since both OBSs were located in the area of sparse distribution of submarine permafrost, the presence of a resonance peak may be an indicator of the presence of a contrasting boundary of the upper permafrost surface under the location of the OBS. The absence of a clear resonant peak in the HVSR curve may indicate that the permafrost boundary is either absent at this site or its depth is beyond the values corresponding to representative seismic sensor frequency band. Thus, HVSR modeling and inversion techniques can be effective for studying the position of submarine permafrost.
Erosion Resistant Hydrophobic Coatings for Passive Ice Protection of Aircraft
Authors: Song Naiheng , Benmeddour Ali
Published: September 2022

Novel polymeric coatings, namely slippery polyurethane (SPU) coatings, with high surface hydrophobicity and superior erosion resistance against high speed solid particles and water droplets were successfully developed to protect the leading edge of fast moving aerodynamic structures, such as aircraft wings and rotor blades, against ice accretion. The coatings comprise newly synthesized surface-modifying polymers (SMPs) bearing fluorinated and polydimethylsiloxane branches at a loading level of 1–5 wt.%, based on the total resin solid, which showed good compatibility with the erosion-resistant polyurethane matrix (PU-R) and rendered effective surface hydrophobicity and slipperiness to the coatings, as evidenced by the high water contact angles of 100–115°. The coatings can be easily be sprayed or solution cast and cured at ambient temperature to provide highly durable thin coating films. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) investigation showed concentration of fluorine on the surface. The presence of 1–5 wt.% of SMPs in the polyurethane matrix slightly reduced the tensile modulus but had no significant impact on the tensile strength. All coating films exhibited good thermal stability with no material softening or degradation after heating at 121 °C for 24 h. DSC heating scans revealed no thermal transitions in the temperature range of −80 °C to 200 °C. Ice adhesion strength (IAS) tests using a static push rig in a cold room of −14 °C showed IAS as low as 220 kPa for the SPU coatings, which is much lower than that of PU-R (i.e., about 620 kPa). Sand erosion tests using 50 μm angular alumina particles at an impinging speed of 150 m/s and an impinging angle of 30° revealed very low erosion rates of ca. 100 μg/g sand for the coatings. Water droplet erosion tests at 175 m/s using 463 μm droplets with 42,000 impingements every minute showed no significant coating removal after 20 min of testing. The combination of the high surface hydrophobicity, low ice adhesion strength and superior erosion resistance makes the SPU coatings attractive for ice protection of aircraft structures, where the coatings’ erosion durability is of paramount importance.
Optimal Regulation of Parallel Closing Angle of Power System Loop Network Considering Wind–Wave Dynamics
Authors: Zhang Gang , Zhao Kai , Xie Tuo , Zhang Kaoshe
Published: September 2022

The shortage of fossil fuels has led to increasing attention on new energy technologies, such as wind power and photovoltaic energy technologies, and the volatility of new energy has become the biggest obstacle for its participation in the process of power-system restoration. This paper presents an optimal control method of the parallel closing angle of the loop network in the process of power system recovery considering the uncertainty of wind-power output. Firstly, based on solving the uncertainty of wind-power output, a probability-prediction model of wind-power output based on the quantile regression of long-term and short-term memory networks (LSTMs) is established. Based on predicting the future wind-power output interval, the probability density function of the output at each time point in the future is obtained by a kernel density estimation. Secondly, by adjusting the output of conventional units and restoring the feeder load, a multiobjective optimal-control model is established to minimize the output change of conventional units and restore the most important feeder load. Based on considering the output probability of new energy, the optimal control of the phase angle difference at both ends of the line to be paralleled is realized, and the multiobjective optimization algorithm is used to solve the established model. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method and model is verified by IEEE 39-bus system simulation.
Advanced Underground Space Technology
Authors: Gong Chenjie , Lei Mingfeng , Shen Xianda
Published: September 2022

The Special Issue titled “Advanced Underground Space Technology” was launched with an invitation to authors from all over the world to address state-of-the-art challenging topics in tunnelling and underground space technology [...]
Whole-Genome Sequencing and Comparative Genomic Analysis of Enterococcus spp. Isolated from Dairy Products: Genomic Diversity, Functional Characteristics, and Pathogenic Potential
Authors: Apostolakos Ilias , Tsigkrimani Markella , Paramithiotis Spiros , Mataragas Marios
Published: September 2022

Enterococci are commensal organisms that have probiotic effects for their hosts and can be used as adjunct cultures in fermented dairy products. The dark side of Enterococci is manifested in E. faecium and E. faecalis, which are the causative agents of nosocomial infections, and thus Enterococci have not been granted a safety status as food additives. In this context, we aimed to assess the safety and functional profile of an Enterococci collection retrieved from traditional dairy products through a high-resolution genomic characterization and comparative genomic analysis. Analysis did not reveal major differences in the main cellular processes of Enterococci. Moreover, a diverse repertoire of resistance and virulence genes was present, though known hallmark pathogenicity factors were either absent or occurred rarely. The abundance of bacteriocins and CRISPR/Cas systems suggested the ability of the isolates to suppress pathogens and evade bacteriophages, respectively. Presence–absence patterns of genes suggested that dairy-originated E. faecium are not associated with pathogenicity factors, while those of human origin are strongly linked with notorious resistance and virulence determinants. Our comparative analysis provided some notable insights regarding the genomic composition of Enterococci in the context of their origin. However, their pathogenic lifestyle is likely to be explained by the interplay of multiple genomic factors.
Compact 15 mJ Fiber–Solid Hybrid Hundred-Picosecond Laser Source for Laser Ablation on Copper
Authors: Wang Tingting , Wang Jing , Zhao Meng , Peng Hao , Zhou Jianwei , Qu Guannan , Tan Yong , Cai Hongxing
Published: September 2022

We report on a millijoule-level fiber–solid hybrid hundred-picosecond laser system with a stable performance and compact structure. The laser system is based on a master oscillator power amplifier structure containing an all-fiber master oscillator, a quasi-continuous-wave side-pumped Nd:YAG regenerative amplifier, and a double-pass amplifier. By using the filtering effect of fiber Bragg grating and the dispersion characteristics of single-mode fiber stretcher, the spectrum broadening caused by self-phase modulation effect is effectively suppressed. Thus, the gain linewidth of the Yb-doped fiber seed source and Nd:YAG laser amplifiers is accurately matched. The reason for thermally induced depolarization in the solid-state laser amplifier is theoretically analyzed, and a more flexible depolarization compensation structure is adopted in amplifier experiment. Furthermore, the pulse energy of 14.58 mJ and pulse width of 228 ps is achieved at 500 Hz repetition rate. The central wavelength is 1064.1 nm with a 3 dB bandwidth of 0.47 nm. The beam quality factors in the horizontal and vertical directions are 1.49 and 1.51, respectively. This laser system has a simple and compact structure and has a power stability of 1.9%. The high pulse energy and beam quality of this hundred-picosecond laser are confirmed by latter theoretical simulation of copper laser ablation. It is a very practical laser system for material processing and laser-induced damage.
Data Hiding of Multicompressed Images Based on Shamir Threshold Sharing
Authors: Kang Haoyang , Leng Lu , Kim Byung-Gyu
Published: September 2022

Image-based data hiding methods have been used in the development of various applications in computer vision. At present, there are two main types of data hiding based on secret sharing, namely dual-image data hiding and multi-image data hiding. Dual-image data hiding is a kind of secret sharing-based data hiding in the extreme case. During the image transmission and storage process, the two shadow images are visually highly similar. Multi-image data hiding disassembles the cover image into multiple meaningless secret images through secret sharing. Both of the above two methods can easily attract attackers’ attention and cannot effectively guarantee the security of the secret message. In this paper, through the Shamir threshold scheme for secret sharing, the secret message is disassembled into multiple subsecrets that are embedded in the smooth blocks of multiple different images, by substituting the bitmap of block truncation coding. Thus, the shortcomings of the above two data hiding methods are effectively avoided. The proposed method embeds the secret messages in the compressed images, so it satisfactorily balances the visual quality and the embedding capacity. In our method, the shadow images make sense while they are not visually similar. The compression ratio is four, so the embedding capacity of our method has an obvious advantage under the same storage space.
Comparative Evaluation of Different following Mechanisms in VR Guided Tour: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Tsai Hung-Yu , Tsai Ming-Han , Chiang Ting-Hui , Chang Che-Cheng
Published: September 2022

Given virtual reality (VR)’s popularity, VR already impacts various applications such as education and tourism. In the above applications, users usually need to follow a specific target, such as a teacher or a tour guide, to explore and learn from the environment. However, because of the constraint with visual senses and unintuitive locomotion, following a target in VR is not as easy as doing it in real life. As a result, the user may not concentrate on the audio narration or the surroundings. Therefore, finding a following mechanism that can help the user concentrate and learn in VR is important. In this paper, we focus on the following techniques in VR. We propose four types of following mechanisms: limited (which restricts the user’s ability to move), semi-limited (which constrains the user’s range of activity), improved semi-limited (with visual assistance), and not limited (user’s movement is not constrained). This study consisted of 29 participants divided into four groups and aimed to evaluate how the following mechanisms affect user experience and make users more concentrated in the virtual world. The experiment shows that the semi-limited following mechanism with visual assistance is superior to the other three types in the performance of the touring experience and helping users pay attention to the tour content.
The Importance of Cumulus Parameterization and Resolution in Simulating Rainfall over Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Amirudin Abdul Azim , Salimun Ester , Zuhairi Muhamad , Tangang Fredolin , Juneng Liew , Mohd Mohd Syazwan Faisal , Chung Jing Xiang
Published: September 2022

In this study, five simulations were conducted using the weather research and forecasting (WRF) model with different cumulus parameterizations schemes (CPSs) for the period from 2013 until 2018. A one-year simulation of 2013 with three different horizontal resolutions of 25, 5, and 1.6 km was also performed. The CPSs used were Kain–Fritsch (KF), Grell–Devenyi (GR), Betts–Miller–Janjic (BM), and a non-parameterized scheme (NC). In assessments of model resolutions, both the 25 and 5 km resolutions depicted a strong negative bias in the northeastern part of Peninsular Malaysia during December–January–February (DJF), with marginal differences between the two simulations. Among all 5 km experiments, the best performing scheme was the BM scheme for almost all seasons. Furthermore, the 5 km simulation did not exhibit significant differences relative to the 25 km of the diurnal cycle. The 1.6 km simulation showed significant added value as it was the only simulation that was able to simulate the high precipitation intensity in the morning and a precipitation peak during the evening. The 1.6 km resolution was also the only resolution capable of picking up the precipitation signals in the R4 region (South Peninsular Malaysia) compared to the other two resolutions. While both CPSs and resolutions are important for accurate predictions, the role of CPSs became less significant in a higher resolution simulation.
Potential Strong Inhibition on Ozone Production Sensitivity by Particle Uptake
Authors: Cheng Xinliang , Wang Liqiang , Fang Lijuan , Chen Shiyan , Zhou Xin , Ma Jingjun , Pan Yuqing , Li Pengfei
Published: September 2022

The accurate identification of ozone (O3) production sensitivity is central to developing O3 pollution control policies. It is determined by the relative ratio of the radical loss to the total primary radical production. However, such radical losses in the traditional sensitivity analysis typically rely on nitrogen oxide (NOx) sinks while ignoring particle uptake (collisions between compounds in the gas phase and condensed phases that result in irreversible uptake due to chemical reactions). Therefore, we combine NOx and particle uptakes to optimize peroxy radical loss estimates and thus analyze the relative sensitivity. We also assess the absolute responses of precursor reduction to O3 production. Such relative and absolute sensitivity analysis is applied to measurements in Chun’an, a county in China, where volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and NOx are both rich. Consequently, the relative sensitivity analysis presents that the dominant precursor for O3 production sensitivity shifts from volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the morning and evening to NOx in the afternoon, the main driver of which is related to NO depletion. In contrast, the absolute sensitivity analysis confirms that VOCs persistently determine the diurnal ozone production sensitivity. Moreover, they both show that particle uptake does not change the regime classification of O3 production sensitivity (i.e., VOC- or NOx-sensitive regime) but potentially has a strong inhibition on the sensitivity magnitude (within 16% and 38% for VOC- or NOx-sensitive regimes, respectively). Our results partly explain more insensitive O3 production measurements than those suggested by traditional sensitivity analyses, which has important implications for synergistic controls on O3 and fine particulate matter pollution.
Assessment of Lockdown Effectiveness during COVID-19 Pandemic Using Air Pollution Data in Armenia in March–June 2019 and 2020: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Sargsyan Aelita , Galstyan Narek , Nahatakyan Hamazasp , Morales-Suárez-Varela Maria Manuela
Published: September 2022

Various methods used by different countries’ governments to control the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the cause of pandemic in 2020, affected air quality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of lockdown in Armenia on the content of the main air pollutants—dust, SO2 and NO2. This was a cross-sectional study. We analyzed data on the concentrations of SO2, NO2 and dust from March to June, 2019 and the same period in 2020 as well as data on positive COVID-19 cases from Yerevan, Vanadzor and Hrazdan. In 2020, dust was found to be lower in Yerevan and in Hrazdan and higher in Vanadzor than in the same period in 2019. The same pattern was present for SO2 concentrations: in Yerevan and Hrazdan there was a decrease, and there was an increase in Vanadzor. The concentrations of NO2 increased in Yerevan and Hrazdan, with a slight decrease in Vanadzor. New cases of COVID-19 had a negative correlation with dust and a positive correlation with SO2. The strict quarantine measures were effective in containing the spread of COVID-19.
Detailed Evolution Characteristics of an Inclined Structure Hailstorm Observed by Polarimetric Radar over the South China Coast
Authors: Zhang Honghao , Rao Xiaona , Guo Zeyong , Liu Xiantong , Yu Xiaoding , Chen Xingdeng , Li Huiqi , Zhang Jingjing , Zeng Guangyu , Chen Shidong
Published: September 2022

A hailstorm with an inclined structure occurred in the western part of the South China coast on 27 March 2020. This study investigates the detailed evolution characteristics of this inclined structure using the Doppler radar data assimilation system (VDRAS) and the improved fuzzy logic hydrometeor classification algorithm (HCA). Obvious differential reflectivity (often referred to as ZDR) arc characteristics, ZDR column characteristics, and the specific differential phase (often referred to as KDP) of the column are observed using dual-polarization radar prior to hailfall. Both the ZDR column and KDP column reached their strongest intensities during the hailfall phase, with their heights exceeding the height of the −20 °C layer (7.997 km above ground level), displaying a cross-correlation coefficient (CC) valley during this phase. Meanwhile, two centers of strong reflectivity were found, with one (C1) being located at 2–4 km, and the other (C2) being located at 6–8 km. The maximum horizontal distance between the two centers is 8 km, suggesting a strongly inclined structure. This inclined structure was closely related to the interaction between upper-level divergent outflows and ambient horizontal winds. The updraft on the front edge of the hailstorm continued to increase, keeping C2 at the upper level. At the same time, large raindrops at the lower part of C2 are continuously lifted, leading to ice formation. These ice particles then fell obliquely from their high altitude, merging with C1.
Molecule Simulation of CH4/CO2 Competitive Adsorption and CO2 Storage in Shale Montmorillonite
Authors: Hou Dali , Gong Fengming , Tang Hongming , Guo Jianchun , Qiang Xianyu , Sun Lei
Published: September 2022

The main source of production in the middle and late stages of shale gas extraction is the adsorbed gas in shale, and the adsorbed gas in shale mainly comes from organic matter casein and clay minerals in shale; therefore, this paper uses sodium-based montmorillonite to characterize the clay minerals in shale and study the CH4 adsorption law in clay minerals, and this study has certain guiding significance for shale gas extraction. In addition, this paper also conducts a study on the competitive adsorption law of CH4 and CO2, and at the same time, predicts the theoretical sequestration of CO2 in shale clay minerals, which is a reference value for the study of CO2 burial in shale and is beneficial to the early realization of carbon neutral. In this paper, the slit model of sodium-based montmorillonite and the fluid model of CH4 and CO2 were constructed using Materials Studio software, and the following two aspects were studied based on the Monte Carlo method: Firstly, the microscopic adsorption behavior of CH4 in sodium-based montmorillonite was studied, and the simulations showed that the adsorption capacity of montmorillonite decreases with increasing temperature, increases and then decreases with increasing pressure, and decreases with increasing pore size. CH4 has two states of adsorption and free state in the slit. The adsorption type of CH4 in montmorillonite is physical adsorption. Secondly, the competitive adsorption of CH4 and CO2 in sodium-based montmorillonite was studied, and the simulations showed that the CO2 repulsion efficiency increased with increasing CO2 injection pressure, and the CO2/CH4 competitive adsorption ratio decreased with increasing pressure. The amount of CO2 storage decreased with increasing temperature and increased with increasing CO2 injection pressure.
Almost Periodic Solution for Forced Perturbed Non-Instantaneous Impulsive Model
Authors: Ma Rui , Li Mengmeng
Published: September 2022

In this paper we investigate a forced perturbed non-instantaneous impulsive model. Firstly, we prove the existence and uniqueness of an almost periodic solution for the model considered by the Banach contraction principle. Secondly, we prove that all solutions converge exponentially to the almost periodic solution. In other words, the solution of the model considered is exponentially stable. Finally, we provide some simulations to show the effectiveness of the theoretical results.
A Study of Clairaut Semi-Invariant Riemannian Maps from Cosymplectic Manifolds
Authors: Li Yanlin , Prasad Rajendra , Haseeb Abdul , Kumar Sushil , Kumar Sumeet
Published: September 2022

In the present note, we characterize Clairaut semi-invariant Riemannian maps from cosymplectic manifolds to Riemannian manifolds. Moreover, we provide a nontrivial example of such a Riemannian map.
Impact of Two Commercial S. cerevisiae Strains on the Aroma Profiles of Different Regional Musts
Authors: Patrignani Francesca , Siesto Gabriella , Gottardi Davide , Vigentini Ileana , Toffanin Annita , Englezos Vasileios , Blaiotta Giuseppe , Grieco Francesco , Lanciotti Rosalba , Speranza Barbara , Bevilacqua Antonio , Romano Patrizia
Published: September 2022

The present research is aimed at investigating the potential of two commercial Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains (EC1118 and AWRI796) to generate wine-specific volatile molecule fingerprinting in relation to the initial must applied. To eliminate the effects of all the process variables and obtain more reliable results, comparative fermentations on interlaboratory scale of five different regional red grape musts were carried out by five different research units (RUs). For this purpose, the two S. cerevisiae strains were inoculated separately at the same level and under the same operating conditions. The wines were analyzed by means of SPME-GC/MS. Quali-quantitative multivariate approaches (two-way joining, MANOVA and PCA) were used to explain the contribution of strain, must, and their interaction to the final wine volatile fingerprinting. Our results showed that the five wines analyzed for volatile compounds, although characterized by a specific aromatic profile, were mainly affected by the grape used, in interaction with the inoculated Saccharomyces strain. In particular, the AWRI796 strain generally exerted a greater influence on the aromatic component resulting in a higher level of alcohols and esters. This study highlighted that the variable strain could have a different weight, with some musts experiencing a different trend depending on the strain (i.e., Negroamaro or Magliocco musts).
IDH1 Promotes Foam Cell Formation by Aggravating Macrophage Ferroptosis
Authors: Li Ben , Wang Chufan , Lu Peng , Ji Yumeng , Wang Xufeng , Liu Chaoyang , Lu Xiaohu , Xu Xiaohan , Wang Xiaowei
Published: September 2022

A distinctive feature of ferroptosis is intracellular iron accumulation and the impairment of antioxidant capacity, resulting in a lethal accumulation of lipid peroxides leading to cell death. This study was conducted to determine whether inhibiting isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) may help to prevent foam cell formation by reducing oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-induced ferroptosis in macrophages and activating nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2). Gene expression profiling (GSE70126 and GSE70619) revealed 21 significantly different genes, and subsequent bioinformatics research revealed that ferroptosis and IDH1 play essential roles in foam cell production. We also confirmed that ox-LDL elevates macrophage ferroptosis and IDH1 protein levels considerably as compared with controls. Ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1), a ferroptosis inhibitor, reduced ox-LDL-induced elevated Fe2+ levels, lipid peroxidation (LPO) buildup, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) buildup, glutathione (GSH) depletion, glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), ferritin heavy polypeptide 1 (FTH1), and solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) protein downregulation. More crucially, inhibiting IDH1 reduced Fe2+ overload, lipid peroxidation, LDH, and glutathione depletion, and elevated GPX4, FTH1, and SLC7A11 protein expression, resulting in a reduction in ox-LDL-induced macrophage ferroptosis. IDH1 inhibition suppressed ox-LDL-induced macrophage damage and apoptosis while raising NRF2 protein levels. We have demonstrated that inhibiting IDH1 reduces ox-LDL-induced ferroptosis and foam cell formation in macrophages, implying that IDH1 may be an important molecule regulating foam cell formation and may be a promising molecular target for the treatment of atherosclerosis.
Camouflage and Exploratory Avoidance of Newborn Cuttlefish under Warming and Acidification
Authors: Court Mélanie , Paula José Ricardo , Macau Marta , Otjacques Eve , Repolho Tiago , Rosa Rui , Lopes Vanessa Madeira
Published: September 2022

Ocean warming and acidification have been shown to elicit deleterious effects on cephalopod mollusks, especially during early ontogeny, albeit effects on behavior remain largely unexplored. This study aimed to evaluate, for the first time, the effect of end-of-the-century projected levels of ocean warming (W; + 3 °C) and acidification (A; 980 µatm pCO2) on Sepia officinalis hatchlings’ exploratory behavior and ability to camouflage in different substrate complexities (sand and black and white gravel). Cuttlefish were recorded in open field tests, from which mobility and exploratory avoidance behavior data were obtained. Latency to camouflage was registered remotely, and pixel intensity of body planes and background gravel were extracted from photographs. Hatching success was lowered under A and W combined (AW; 72.7%) compared to control conditions (C; 98.8%). Motion-related behaviors were not affected by the treatments. AW delayed camouflage response in the gravel substrate compared to W alone. Moreover, cuttlefish exhibited a higher contrast and consequently a stronger disruptive pattern under W, with no changes in background matching. These findings suggest that, although climate change may elicit relevant physiological challenges to cuttlefish, camouflage and mobility of these mollusks are not undermined under the ocean of tomorrow.
Myricetin as a Potential Adjuvant in Chemotherapy: Studies on the Inhibition of Human Glutathione Transferase A1–1
Authors: Alqarni Mohammed Hamed , Foudah Ahmed Ibrahim , Muharram Magdy Mohamed , Alam Aftab , Labrou Nikolaos E.
Published: September 2022

Glutathione transferases (GSTs) are a family of Phase II detoxification enzymes that are involved in the development of multi-drug resistance (MDR) phenomena toward chemotherapeutic agents. GST inhibitors are considered candidate compounds able to chemomodulate and reverse MDR. The natural flavonoid myricetin (MYR) has been shown to exhibit a wide range of pharmacological functions, including antitumor activity. In the present work, the interaction of MYR with human glutathione transferase A1–1 (hGSTA1–1) was investigated by kinetics inhibition analysis and molecular modeling studies. The results showed that MYR binds with high affinity to hGSTA1–1 (IC50 2.1 ± 0.2 μΜ). It functions as a non-competitive inhibitor towards the electrophile substrate 1-chloro−2,4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB) and as a competitive inhibitor towards glutathione (GSH). Chemical modification studies with the irreversible inhibitor phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC), in combination with in silico molecular docking studies allowed the prediction of the MYR binding site. MYR appears to bind at a distinct location, partially overlapping the GSH binding site (G-site). The results of the present study show that MYR is a potent inhibitor of hGSTA1–1 that can be further exploited towards the development of natural, safe, and effective GST-targeted cancer chemosensitizers.
Matrix Metalloproteinases and Glaucoma
Authors: Kim Moo Hyun , Lim Su-Ho
Published: September 2022

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are enzymes that decompose extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. MMPs are thought to play important roles in cellular processes, such as cell proliferation, differentiation, angiogenesis, migration, apoptosis, and host defense. MMPs are distributed in almost all intraocular tissues and are involved in physiological and pathological mechanisms of the eye. MMPs are also associated with glaucoma, a progressive neurodegenerative disease of the eyes. MMP activity affects intraocular pressure control and apoptosis of retinal ganglion cells, which are the pathological mechanisms of glaucoma. It also affects the risk of glaucoma development based on genetic pleomorphism. In addition, MMPs may affect the treatment outcomes of glaucoma, including the success rate of surgical treatment and side effects on the ocular surface due to glaucoma medications. This review discusses the various relationships between MMP and glaucoma.
Transcriptome Meta-Analysis Confirms the Hidradenitis Suppurativa Pathogenic Triad: Upregulated Inflammation, Altered Epithelial Organization, and Dysregulated Metabolic Signaling
Authors: de Oliveira Ana Sofia Lima Estevao , Bloise Giovanna , Moltrasio Chiara , Coelho Antonio , Agrelli Almerinda , Moura Ronald , Tricarico Paola Maura , Jamain Stéphane , Marzano Angelo Valerio , Crovella Sergio , Cavalcanti Brandão Lucas André
Published: September 2022

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is an inflammatory skin condition clinically characterized by recurrent painful deep-seated nodules, abscesses, and sinus tracks in areas bearing apocrine glands, such as axillae, breasts, groins, and buttocks. Despite many recent advances, the pathophysiological landscape of HS still demands further clarification. To elucidate HS pathogenesis, we performed a meta-analysis, set analysis, and a variant calling on selected RNA-Sequencing (RNA-Seq) studies on HS skin. Our findings corroborate the HS triad composed of upregulated inflammation, altered epithelial differentiation, and dysregulated metabolism signaling. Upregulation of specific genes, such as KRT6, KRT16, serpin-family genes, and SPRR3 confirms the early involvement of hair follicles and the impairment of barrier function in HS lesioned skin. In addition, our results suggest that adipokines could be regarded as biomarkers of HS and metabolic-related disorders. Finally, the RNA-Seq variant calling identified several mutations in HS patients, suggesting potential new HS-related genes associated with the sporadic form of this disease. Overall, this study provides insights into the molecular pathways involved in HS and identifies potential HS-related biomarkers.
Novel Regulatory Roles of Hydrogen Sulfide in Health and Disease
Authors: Szabo Csaba
Published: September 2022

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Insulin Resistance and High Blood Pressure: Mechanistic Insight on the Role of the Kidney
Authors: Brosolo Gabriele , Da Porto Andrea , Bulfone Luca , Vacca Antonio , Bertin Nicole , Scandolin Laura , Catena Cristiana , Sechi Leonardo A.
Published: September 2022

The metabolic effects of insulin predominate in skeletal muscle, fat, and liver where the hormone binds to its receptor, thereby priming a series of cell-specific and biochemically diverse intracellular mechanisms. In the presence of a good secretory reserve in the pancreatic islets, a decrease in insulin sensitivity in the metabolic target tissues leads to compensatory hyperinsulinemia. A large body of evidence obtained in clinical and experimental studies indicates that insulin resistance and the related hyperinsulinemia are causally involved in some forms of arterial hypertension. Much of this involvement can be ascribed to the impact of insulin on renal sodium transport, although additional mechanisms might be involved. Solid evidence indicates that insulin causes sodium and water retention, and both endogenous and exogenous hyperinsulinemia have been correlated to increased blood pressure. Although important information was gathered on the cellular mechanisms that are triggered by insulin in metabolic tissues and on their abnormalities, knowledge of the insulin-related mechanisms possibly involved in blood pressure regulation is limited. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the cellular mechanisms that are involved in the pro-hypertensive actions of insulin, focusing on the contribution of insulin to the renal regulation of sodium balance and body fluids.
The Role of Beta-Adrenergic Receptors in Depression and Resilience
Authors: Zhang Hongxing , Cui Mengqiao , Cao Jun-Li , Han Ming-Hu
Published: September 2022

Norepinephrine is a catecholamine neurotransmitter that has been extensively implicated in the neurobiology of major depressive disorder (MDD). An accumulating body of evidence indicates that investigations into the action of norepinephrine at the synaptic/receptor level hold high potential for a better understanding of MDD neuropathology and introduce possibilities for developing novel treatments for depression. In this review article, we discuss recent advances in depression neuropathology and the effects of antidepressant medications based on preclinical and clinical studies related to beta-adrenergic receptor subtypes. We also highlight a beta-3 adrenergic receptor-involved mechanism that promotes stress resilience, through which antidepressant efficacy is achieved in both rodent models for depression and patients with major depression—an alternative therapeutic strategy that is conceptually different from the typical therapeutic approach in which treatment efficacy is achieved by reversing pathological alterations rather than by enhancing a good mechanism such as natural resilience. Altogether, in this review, we systematically describe the role of beta-adrenergic receptors in depression and stress resilience and provide a new avenue for developing a conceptually innovative treatment for depression.