bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Propagation Characteristics of Rotation Waves in Transversely Isotropic Granular Media Considering Microstructure Effect
Authors: Yu Pengqiang , Liu Yang , Shi Muke , Chen Zixuan
Published: June 2022

The purpose of this study is to develop a micromechanical-based microstructure model for transversely isotropic granular media and then use it to investigate the propagation characteristics of particle rotation waves. In this paper, the particle translation and rotation are selected as basic independent variables and the particle displacement at contact due to particle rotation is ignored. The relative deformation tensors are introduced to describe the local deformational fluctuation because of their discrete nature and microstructure effect. Based on micro–macro deformation energy conservation, the constitutive relations are derived through transferring the summation into an integral and introducing the contact fabric tensor. The governing equations and corresponding boundary conditions can then be obtained based on Hamilton’s principle. Subsequently, the dispersion characteristics and bandgap features of particle rotation waves in transversely isotropic granular media are analyzed based on the present model. The research shows that: the present microstructure model can predict 12 particle rotation waves and reflect 8 dispersion relations; the effect of the change in fabric on the dispersion relation of particle rotation waves can be mainly attributed to the effect of equivalent stiffness on frequency; and the degree of anisotropy has significant effects on the width of frequency bandgap of longitudinal waves, while it has little effect on the width of frequency bandgap of transverse and in-plane shear waves.
Smart Piezoelectric-Based Wearable System for Calorie Intake Estimation Using Machine Learning
Authors: Hussain Ghulam , Ali Saleh Al-rimy Bander , Hussain Saddam , Albarrak Abdullah M. , Qasem Sultan Noman , Ali Zeeshan
Published: June 2022

Eating an appropriate food volume, maintaining the required calorie count, and making good nutritional choices are key factors for reducing the risk of obesity, which has many consequences such as Osteoarthritis (OA) that affects the patient’s knee. In this paper, we present a wearable sensor in the form of a necklace embedded with a piezoelectric sensor, that detects skin movement from the lower trachea while eating. In contrast to the previous state-of-the-art piezoelectric sensor-based system that used spectral features, our system fully exploits temporal amplitude-varying signals for optimal features, and thus classifies foods more accurately. Through evaluation of the frame length and the position of swallowing in the frame, we found the best performance was with a frame length of 30 samples (1.5 s), with swallowing located towards the end of the frame. This demonstrates that the chewing sequence carries important information for classification. Additionally, we present a new approach in which the weight of solid food can be estimated from the swallow count, and the calorie count of food can be calculated from their estimated weight. Our system based on a smartphone app helps users live healthily by providing them with real-time feedback about their ingested food types, volume, and calorie count.
The Transformation and Development Strategy of Waterside Villages through Transport System Reconstruction: A Case Study of Anxin County, Hebei Province, China
Authors: Wang Chaoqun , He Jie
Published: June 2022

The main method of transportation of waterside villages has changed from water to land transportation because of water conservation policies, dried-up rivers, or other reasons around the Baiyangdian Lake area. To guide waterside villages around Baiyangdian Lake to adapt to modern transport systems and deal with the urbanization waves in China, this study first measured temporal accessibility and potential change under land transportation by spatial centrality indices at three different points in time (1964, 1996, and 2008) from the historical road system we reconstructed. Then, based on these indices, we proposed a village structure for decision-making support. The results show that (1) the connectivity between the road network and water in Anxin County was weakened from 1964–2008. (2) Villages with high accessibility have changed from relying on water to clustering, homogeneity, and following main highways. (3) Villages with high potential have changed from meeting the previous conditions of being close to water or main highways to having both main roads and a cluster of other villages in the vicinity. (4) Anxin County′s waterside villages can be divided into core villages, sub-core villages, connectivity villages, and sub-villages. The spatial structure formed by these four types is not only adapted to the modern transport system but also can serve the purpose of land consolidation or residential mobility focused by local government.
Smart Agent System for Cyber Nano-Manufacturing in Industry 4.0
Authors: Almakayeel Naif , Desai Salil , Alghamdi Saleh , Qureshi Mohamed Rafik Noor Mohamed
Published: June 2022

The development of Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) and the Internet of Things (IoT) has influenced Cyber-Physical Manufacturing Systems (CPMS). Collaborative manufacturing among organizations with geographically distributed operations using Nanomanufacturing (NM) requires integrated networking for enhanced productivity. The present research provides a unique cyber nanomanufacturing framework by combining digital design with various artificial neural networks (ANN) approaches to predict the optimal nano/micro-manufacturing process. It enables the visualization tool for real-time allocation of nano/micro-manufacturing resources to simulate machine availability for five types of NM processes in real-time for a dynamic machine identification system. This research establishes a foundation for a smart agent system with predictive capabilities for cyber nanomanufacturing in real-time.
The Establishment and Application of Models for Recommending Formula Fertilization for Different Maturing Genotypes of Broccoli
Authors: Li Guangqing , Yao Xueqin , Liu Chunqing , Huang Lei , Liu Chenghong , Xie Zhujie
Published: June 2022

According to the requirements of different fertilizers for early-maturing and late-maturing broccoli, this study aimed to establish the models of formula fertilization to apply them in the recommendation of fertilization by the aid of soil testing performed in main broccoli-producing areas. In this paper, based on the effective functions of for nitrogen- (N), phosphorous- (P), and potassium (K)-balanced fertilizers for broccoli of two different mature types, the models of formula fertilization were established. The recommend formula fertilization was accomplished in 12 different plots in the same broccoli-producing areas. The analysis of N, P, and K fertilizer contributions to broccoli yield indicated that the application rate of N, P, and K fertilizers for early-maturing variety was higher than that for late-maturing variety, when the yield contribution rate of N, P, and K fertilizers reached the extreme value. The contribution of K fertilization to the yield even had a significantly negative effect with the continuous increase of K fertilizer application for the late-maturing broccoli variety. The results showed that the different optimal combinations of applying N, P, and K fertilizers could be recommended, according to the different genotypes and soil nutrient levels.
Investigating Limits in Exploiting Assembled Landslide Inventories for Calibrating Regional Susceptibility Models: A Test in Volcanic Areas of El Salvador
Authors: Martinello Chiara , Mercurio Claudio , Cappadonia Chiara , Hernández Martínez Miguel Ángel , Reyes Martínez Mario Ernesto , Rivera Ayala Jacqueline Yamileth , Conoscenti Christian , Rotigliano Edoardo
Published: June 2022

This research is focused on the evaluation of the reliability of regional landslide susceptibility models obtained by exploiting inhomogeneous (for quality, resolution and/or triggering related type and intensity) collected inventories for calibration. At a large-scale glance, merging more inventories can result in well-performing models hiding potential strong predictive deficiencies. An example of the limits that such kinds of models can display is given by a landslide susceptibility study, which was carried out for a large sector of the coastal area of El Salvador, where an apparently well-performing regional model (AUC = 0.87) was obtained by regressing a dataset through multivariate adaptive regression splines (MARS), including five landslide inventories from volcanic areas (Ilopango and Coatepeque caldera; San Salvador, San Miguel, and San Vicente Volcanoes). A multiscale validation strategy was applied to verify its actual predictive skill on a local base, bringing to light the loss in the predictive power of the regional model, with a lowering of AUC (20% on average) and strong effects in terms of sensitivity and specificity.
Efficient Mobile Vehicle Data Sharing Scheme Based on Consortium Blockchain
Authors: Tian Yaping , Yang Chao , Yang Junjie , Nie Xinming
Published: June 2022

Efficient data sharing schemes are one of the key technologies in the Internet of Vehicles (IoV). However, the insufficient willingness of vehicle users to provide data makes the traditional blockchain-based IoV network have low throughput. The income of IoV providers decreases when the vehicle density increases on the road. In this paper, we investigated a mobile vehicle data sharing scheme based on the consortium blockchain. In detail, the consortium blockchain was used to limit the degree of decentralization and openness, and the optimal revenue strategy approach between vehicles and data-demand devices was obtained through the Stackelberg game. The load test library based on Node.js was used to simulate and compare the data transmission performance of the proposed consortium blockchain with traditional blockchain schemes. Simulation results show that the proposed scheme had higher buyer’s revenue, and the block transmission performance was significantly higher than that of traditional blockchain schemes.
Dynamic Response of Spatial Train-Track-Bridge Interaction System Due to Unsupported Track Using Virtual Work Principle
Authors: Yang Hongyin , Wu Nanhao , Zhang Wei , Liu Zhangjun , Fan Jianfeng , Wang Changjun
Published: June 2022

An improved spatial vehicle–track–bridge interaction system considering the unsupported track is proposed using the virtual work principle. When the track fails to be supported due to the defects under the track, the corresponding bridge–rail connection coupled matrix should be removed. Using the proposed dynamic model, a novel numerical analysis of the unilateral and bilateral unsupported sleepers in the bridge and the subgrade is carried out. The results indicate that the wheel–rail contact force changes dramatically when the vehicles pass through the unsupported track. The unsupported track has a little effect on the displacement of the bridge, but it increases the acceleration of the bridge. The displacement and acceleration of the track increase significantly with the expansion of the supported defects under the track and the increase of driving speed. For unilateral unsupported sleepers, the dynamic response on the unsupported side is slightly smaller than that of the bilateral unsupported sleeper, while the unsupported side has a limited effect on the other side of the normal support.
Experimental Study on Electromagnetic Shielding Characteristics of a Fe-Based Amorphous Soft Magnetic Composite
Authors: Yoo Jaehoon , Lee Sangmin
Published: June 2022

An Fe-based amorphous soft magnetic composite with flexibility and elasticity was fabricated to shield harmful electromagnetic waves in industrial and military defense applications. Through the combination and structural arrangement of the amorphous soft magnetic sheet and the conductive sheet, the inlet (POE) form of electromagnetic waves was artificially diversified, and shielding performance was measured according to the criteria of MIL-STD-188-125-1 in the range from 1 kHz to 10 GHz, in consideration of the electromagnetic pulse (EMP) protection. As a result, the shielding effectiveness of 80 dB was achieved in a triple “sandwiched” structure by alternately stacking an iron-based amorphous soft magnetic material on top of a flexible conductive sheet at a 90-degree angle, rather than in parallel.
Design and Application of Liquid Fertilizer pH Regulation Controller Based on BP-PID-Smith Predictive Compensation Algorithm
Authors: Meng Zihao , Zhang Lixin , Li He , Zhou Runmeng , Bu Haoran , Shan Yongchao , Ma Xiao , Ma Ruihao
Published: June 2022

The pH value of liquid fertilizer is a key factor affecting crop growth, so it is necessary to regulate its pH value. However, the pH regulation system has the characteristics of nonlinearity and time lag, which makes it difficult for the conventional controller to achieve accurate pH control. By analyzing the regulation process, this paper designs a BP-PID-Smith prediction compensator, which compensates for the error between the actual model and the theoretical model and improves the control accuracy. The pH regulation system with STM32F103ZET6 as the control core was also developed, and the performance tests were carried out under different flow rates to compare with the regulation system of PID-Smith and Smith algorithms. The experimental results showed that the maximum overshoot of the BP-PID-Smith prediction compensator was 0.27% on average, and the average adjustment time for pH value reduction from 7.5 to 6.8 was 71.39 s, which had good practicality and robustness to meet the actual control demand.
Asymmetric Quantum Multicast Network Coding: Asymmetric Optimal Cloning over Quantum Networks
Authors: Hirota Yuichi , Owari Masaki
Published: June 2022

Multicasting of quantum states is an essential feature of quantum internet. Since the noncloning theorem prohibits perfect cloning of an unknown quantum state, an appropriate protocol may depend on the purpose of the multicast. In this paper, we treat the multicasting of a single copy of an unknown state over a quantum network with free classical communication. We especially focus on protocols exactly multicasting an asymmetric optimal universal clone. Hence, these protocols are optimal and universal in terms of mean fidelity between input and output states, but the fidelities can depend on target nodes. Among these protocols, a protocol spending smaller communication resources is preferable. Here, we construct such a protocol attaining the min-cut of the network described as follows. Two (three) asymmetric optimal clones of an input state are created at a source node. Then, the state is divided into classical information and a compressed quantum state. The state is sent to two (three) target nodes using the quantum network coding. Finally, the asymmetric clones are reconstructed using LOCC with a small amount of entanglement shared among the target nodes and the classical information sent from the source node.
Potential Contribution of the Grey Wolf Optimization Algorithm in Reducing Active Power Losses in Electrical Power Systems
Authors: Abbas Mohamed , Alshehri Mohammed A. , Barnawi Abdulwasa Bakr
Published: June 2022

Active power losses have the potential to affect the distribution of power flows along transmission lines as well as the mix of energy used throughout power networks. Grey wolf optimization algorithms (GWOs) are used in electrical power systems to reduce active power losses. GWOs are straightforward algorithms to implement because of their simple structure, low storage and computing needs, and quicker convergence from the constant decrease in search space. The electrical power system may be separated into three primary components: generation, transmission, and distribution. Each component of the power system is critical in the process of distributing electricity from where it is produced to where it is used by customers. By using the GWO, it is possible to regulate the active power delivered by a high-voltage direct current network based on a multi-terminal voltage-source converter. This review focuses on the role of GWO in reducing the amount of active power lost in power systems by considering the three major components of electrical power systems. Additionally, this work discusses the significance of GWO in minimizing active power losses in all components of the electrical power system. Results show that GWO plays a key role in reducing active power losses and consequently reducing the impact of power losses on the performance of electrical components by different percentages. Depending on how the power system is set up, the amount of reduction can be anywhere from 12% to 65.5%.
UWB Positioning Algorithm Based on Fuzzy Inference and Adaptive Anti-NLOS Kalman Filtering
Authors: Wu Junkang , Zhang Zuqiong , Zhang Shenglan , Kuang Zhenwu , Zhang Lieping
Published: June 2022

To reduce the influence of non-line-of-sight (NLOS) errors in the ultra-wideband (UWB) positioning process, a UWB positioning algorithm based on fuzzy inference and adaptive anti-NLOS Kalman filtering (KF) was proposed in this paper. First of all, the NLOS errors of the channel impulse response (CIR) signal characteristics were estimated by the fuzzy inference algorithm and then initially mitigated. Next, an adaptive anti-NLOS KF algorithm was developed to perform a second mitigation on the ranging errors after mitigation of the NLOS errors with the fuzzy inference, thereby further raising the range estimation accuracy. At last, the range estimation information after error mitigation was taken as the ranging information of the LS positioning algorithm for target localization. In the static positioning experiment, the probability of producing an error range of less than 19.1 cm with the positioning algorithm combining fuzzy inference with adaptive anti-NLOS KF was 0.93, which was much better than the positioning algorithm based on fuzzy inference and the adaptive anti-NLOS KF positioning algorithm. In the dynamic positioning experiment, compared with the adaptive anti-NLOS KF positioning algorithm, the RMSE was reduced by 43.31% in the overall positioning. Furthermore, compared with those of the positioning algorithm based on fuzzy inference, the RMSEs in overall positioning were lowered by 12.89%. The positioning accuracy was improved significantly.
Development of an Engine Power Binning Method for Characterizing PM2.5 and NOx Emissions for Off-Road Construction Equipment with DPF and SCR
Authors: Yao Qi , Yoon Seungju , Tan Yi , Liu Liang , Herner Jorn , Scora George , Russell Robert , Zhu Hanwei , Durbin Tom
Published: June 2022

Aftertreatment technologies in Tier 4 off-road engines have resulted in significant emission reductions compared to older tier engines without aftertreatments. The appropriate characterization of Tier 4 engine emissions in consideration of aftertreatment operation is important for projecting emissions and developing mitigation strategies. The current method of aggregating emissions over an entire duty cycle and averaging them by engine load has a limitation in developing emission profiles over various duty cycles of Tier 4 engines, especially at low-load operations, where aftertreatment control for NOx may not be effective. In this study, an engine power binning method was developed to characterize emissions for Tier 4 construction equipment with aftertreatment systems, especially at low-power operating conditions. This binning method was applied to real-time emissions and activity data for four different types of Tier 4 construction equipment. Results show that low-power operations (<20% engine power) are responsible for 38–60% NOx and 11–51% of PM2.5 emissions depending on the equipment types. These results underscore the need for controlling NOx emissions during low-power operations. PM2.5 EFs for non-DPF backhoes were one to two orders of magnitude greater than all the other equipment due to the lack of a DPF, despite being certified to the same PM2.5 standard. This shows the benefits of DPFs on construction equipment and that they are substantial in reducing PM2.5 emissions. Estimated emission differences between using the binning and the averaging methods were 49–86% and 16–82% for NOx and PM2.5, respectively. These differences may change once the binning method is applied to larger emission datasets obtained from real-world vocational activities.
Evapotranspiration of an Abandoned Grassland in the Italian Alps: Influence of Local Topography, Intra- and Inter-Annual Variability and Environmental Drivers
Authors: Gisolo Davide , Bevilacqua Ivan , van Ramshorst Justus , Knohl Alexander , Siebicke Lukas , Previati Maurizio , Canone Davide , Ferraris Stefano
Published: June 2022

Evapotranspiration is a key variable of the hydrological cycle but poorly studied in Alpine ecosystems. The current study aimed to characterise the impact of topography and temporal variability on actual evapotranspiration (ETa) and its environmental drivers at an Alpine abandoned grassland encroached by shrubs on a steep slope. Eddy covariance, meteorological, hydrological and soil data were analysed over four growing seasons, of which two had wet and two dry conditions. The topography caused a systematic morning inflexion of ETa in all growing seasons, reflecting the valley wind system. Inter-annual differences of ETa exceeded 100 mm, and ETa means and cumulative values were significantly different between wet and dry growing seasons in the four years. Besides, ETa had a larger temporal variability in wet growing seasons. A bimodality of ETa was found in all years, caused by the onset of plant activity in the morning hours. Energy- and water-limited ETa periods were identified by comparing ETa to potential evapotranspiration (ETo). Periods of fifteen days revealed the main intra- and inter-annual differences of the environmental variables (air temperature, vapour pressure deficit—VPD, precipitation and ETa). The fixed effects of a linear mixed model based on ETa drivers explained 56% of ETa variance. The most important ETa drivers were net radiation and VPD, followed by wind speed. In growing seasons characterised by dry conditions, air temperature and the ground heat flux at the surface (either both or one of them) influenced ETa as well. The current study contributed to the understanding of topographical and temporal effects on evapotranspiration and other micrometeorological variables in an Alpine ecosystem still rarely studied.
Phenological Response of Flood Plain Forest Ecosystem Species to Climate Change during 1961–2021
Authors: Bartošová Lenka , Dížkova Petra , Bauerová Jana , Hájková Lenka , Fischer Milan , Balek Jan , Bláhová Monika , Možný Martin , Zahradníček Pavel , Štěpánek Petr , Žalud Zdeněk , Trnka Miroslav
Published: June 2022

The present study analyses 61 years of phenological observations (1961–2021) of five herb, five shrub, four tree, and one bird species representing the prevalent spring species of floodplain forest ecosystems in the Czech Republic, central Europe. The in situ observations were conducted at the Vranovice site (48°48′ N, 16°46′ E, 170 m above mean sea level) representing the Plaček’ forest National Reserve. The observed plants and bird species showed statistically significant (p < 0.05) shifts in phenological terms to an earlier date of the year, but the rate of the shift among the observed species differed. The most progressive shifts were detected for the herbs (14 days), followed by the shrubs (13 days), trees (9 days), and finally by the bird species (8 days). All the phenophases were significantly correlated with the daily maximum temperature (r = 0.72–0.91). The results also showed a decline in the correlation for species among the phenophases of the herbs and trees. The phenophases that were highly correlated in the past were less correlated and had higher variability in the last decades. We conclude that the phenological response of the ecosystem to warming in the spring resulted in higher variability and a lower correlation among the observed phenophases mainly caused by the most expressive phenological shifts of the early herbs.
A Study of the Vertical Distribution and Sub-Peaks of Ozone below 12 km over Wuyishan Region Based on Ozone Sounding in Winter
Authors: Zheng Yulan , Deng Huiying , You Huabiao , Qiu Yiming , Zhu Tianfu , Cheng Xugeng , Wang Hong
Published: June 2022

An understanding of the vertical distribution of ozone is critical to assessing the ozone variabilities both in the stratosphere and the troposphere. We collected the profiles of atmospheric ozone partial pressure and ozone volume mixing ratio (VMR) by a sounding system at the Wuyi Mountain National Meteorological Observation Station (Shaowu sounding station 58725) from November 2021 to February 2022. In this study, the vertical distribution and sub-peak phenomenon of tropospheric ozone below 12 km are investigated using mathematical statistics and synthetic analysis. The results show that the ozone partial pressure decreased from the ground to the tropopause, which is consistent with the temperature profile. However, 66.7% of cases first showed an increasing trend from the ground to about 3 km, while there were one or more temperature inversions in the corresponding temperature profiles and the atmosphere was stable and the relative humidity was high; then, in the stratosphere, the ozone partial pressure began to increase significantly, The ozone partial pressure reaches its maximum at an average height of 24.9 km, and the maximum value was 14 mPa. The ozone VMR in troposphere is the fluctuating increase from the ground to the tropopause, and 83.3% of the cases begin to rise rapidly at about 2–5 km away from the tropopause, and the ozone surge height is 2.9 km lower than the tropopause on average. Some of these tropopause ozone VMR have shown the characteristics of stratospheric ozone. The sub-peaks of tropospheric ozone below 12 km has four cases. All the sub-peaks occur between 6.7 km and 11.5 km vertically, and peak ozone VMR is 1.6–1.9 times larger than that of the average state at the same height. The maximum stratospheric ozone VMR is 8649 ppb on average, occurring at an average height of 31.3 km, and this average height of the maximum stratospheric ozone VMR is 6.4 km higher than that for the ozone partial pressure. The total ozone in the boundary layer (0–1.5 km) is 4.3 DU on average, accounting for 1.5% in total ozone column. The total ozone in the troposphere is 39.5 DU, accounting for 13.1% in total ozone column, and the total ozone in the stratosphere is 262.4 DU, accounting for 86.9% in total ozone column.
Characteristics of Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5)-Bound n-Alkanes and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in a Hong Kong Suburban Area
Authors: Gao Yuan , Ling Zhenhao , Zhang Zhuozhi , Lee Shuncheng
Published: June 2022

PM2.5 samples were collected at Tung Chung (TC), Hong Kong, during four nonconsecutive months in 2011/2012 to determine the concentrations, seasonal variations, and potential sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and n-alkanes (n-C15-n-C35). Samples were analyzed using the thermal desorption gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (TD-GC/MS) method. The concentrations of particulate PAHs ranged from 1.26–13.93 ng/m3 with a mean value of 2.57 ng/m3, dominated by 4-ring species. Phenanthrene (Phe) and fluoranthene (Flu) were the two most abundant species, accounting for 13% and 18%, respectively. The dominant sources of PAHs were coal and biomass burning. The inhalation cancer risk value in our study exceeded 1 × 10−6 but was below 1 × 10−4, implying that the inhalation cancer risk of PAHs at the TC site is acceptable. The average concertation of n-alkanes was 103.21 ng/m3 (ranging from 38.58 to 191.44 ng/m3), and C25 was the most abundant species. Both PAHs and n-alkanes showed higher concentrations in autumn and winter whilst these values were lowest in summer. The carbon preference index (CPI) and percent contribution of wax n-alkanes showed that biogenic sources were the major sources. The annual average contributions of higher plant wax to n-alkanes at TC were over 40%.
Vertical Eddy Diffusivity in the Tropical Cyclone Boundary Layer during Landfall
Authors: Chen Chen
Published: June 2022

This study investigated surface layer turbulence characteristics and parameters using 20 Hz eddy covariance data collected from five heights with winds up to 42.27 m s−1 when Super Typhoon Maria (2018) made landfall. The dependence of these parameters including eddy diffusivities for momentum (Km) and heat (Kt), vertical mixing length (Lm), and strain rate (S) on wind speed (un), height, and radii was examined. The results show that momentum fluxes (τ), turbulent kinetic energy (TKE), and Km had a parabolic dependence on un at all five heights outside three times the RMW, the maximum of Km and S increased from the surface to a maximum value at a height of 50 m, and then decreased with greater heights. However, Km and S were nearly constant with wind and height within two to three times the RMW from the TC center before landfall. Our results also found the |τ|, TKE, and Km were larger than over oceanic areas at any given wind, and Km was about one to two orders of magnitude bigger than Kt. The turbulence characteristic and parameters’ change with height and radii from the TC center should be accounted for in sub-grid scale physical processes of momentum fluxes in numerical TC models.
RbfDeSolver: A Software Tool to Approximate Differential Equations Using Radial Basis Functions
Authors: Tsoulos Ioannis G. , Tzallas Alexandros , Karvounis Evangelos
Published: June 2022

A new method for solving differential equations is presented in this work. The solution of the differential equations is done by adapting an artificial neural network, RBF, to the function under study. The adaptation of the parameters of the network is done with a hybrid genetic algorithm. In addition, this text presents in detail the software developed for the above method in ANSI C++. The user can code the underlying differential equation either in C++ or in Fortran format. The method was applied to a wide range of test functions of different types and the results are presented and analyzed in detail.
Associations between Objectively Determined Physical Activity and Cardiometabolic Health in Adult Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Lu Yining , Wiltshire Huw D. , Baker Julien S. , Wang Qiaojun , Ying Shanshan , Li Jianshe , Lu Yichen
Published: June 2022

The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to qualitatively synthesize and quantitatively assess the evidence of the relationship between objectively determined volumes of physical activity (PA) and cardiometabolic health in women. Four databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and the Cochrane library) were searched and, finally, 24 eligible studies were included, with a total of 2105 women from eight countries. A correlational meta-analysis shows that moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) was favorably associated with high-density lipoprotein (r = 0.16; 95% CI: 0.06, 0.25; p = 0.002); however, there was limited evidence for the effects of most of the other cardiometabolic biomarkers recorded from steps, total physical activity, light- and moderate-intensity physical activity and MVPA. It is most compelling and consistent that being more physically active is beneficial to the metabolic syndrome. Overall, PA levels are low in adult women, suggesting that increasing the total volume of PA is more important than emphasizing the intensity and duration of PA. The findings also indicate that, according to the confounding effects of body composition and cardiorespiratory fitness, meeting the minimal level of 150 min of moderate-intensity physical activity recommended is not enough to obtain a significant improvement in cardiometabolic indicators. Nonetheless, the high heterogeneity between studies inhibits robust conclusions.
Effects of Non-Thermal Treatment on Gilaburu Vinegar (Viburnum opulus L.): Polyphenols, Amino Acid, Antimicrobial, and Anticancer Properties
Authors: Erdal Berna , Yıkmış Seydi , Demirok Nazan Tokatlı , Bozgeyik Esra , Levent Okan
Published: June 2022

Gilaburu (Viburnum opulus L.) is an important fruit that has been studied in recent years due to its phytochemicals and health benefits. In this study, traditionally produced vinegar made from gilaburu fruit (C-GV) was evaluated. Vinegar with higher levels of bioactive components optimized by response surface methodology (RSM) was also produced using ultrasound (UT-GV). The maximum optimization result for the bioactive components was achieved at 14 min and 61.2 amplitude. The effectiveness of thermal pasteurization (P-GV) on gilaburu vinegar was evaluated. An increase was detected for every organic acid with ultrasound treatment. In the UT-GV and C-GV samples, arabinose was present, which is useful for stimulating the immune system. Gilaburu vinegar samples contained 29–31 volatile compounds. The smallest amount of volatile compounds was found in P-GV (1280.9 µg/kg), and the largest amounts of volatile compounds were found in C-GV (1566.9 µg/kg) and UT-GV (1244.10 µg/kg). In the UT-GV sample, Fe was increased, but Ca, K, Mg, and Mn were decreased. A total of 15 polyphenols were detected in C-GV, P-GV, and UT-GV samples, and gallic acid was the most common. A total of 17 free amino acids were detected in gilaburu vinegar samples. Ultrasound provided enrichment in total phenolic compounds and total free amino acids. All three vinegar samples had good antimicrobial activity against pathogens. The efficacy of C-GV, P-GV, and UT-GV samples against colon and stomach cancer was determined, but there were no significant differences between them. As a result, ultrasound treatment is notable due to its antimicrobial and anticancer activity, especially for the enrichment of phenolic compounds and amino acids in gilaburu vinegar.
Chronic Toxicity of Primary Metabolites of Chloroacetamide and Glyphosate to Early Life Stages of Marbled Crayfish Procambarus virginalis
Authors: Tresnakova Nikola , Kubec Jan , Stara Alzbeta , Zuskova Eliska , Faggio Caterina , Kouba Antonin , Velisek Josef
Published: June 2022

Degradation products of herbicides, alone and in combination, may affect non-target aquatic organisms via leaching or runoff from the soil. The effects of 50-day exposure of primary metabolites of chloroacetamide herbicide, acetochlor ESA (AE; 4 µg/L), and glyphosate, aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA; 4 µg/L), and their combination (AMPA + AE; 4 + 4 µg/L) on mortality, growth, oxidative stress, antioxidant response, behaviour, and gill histology of early life stages of marbled crayfish (Procambarus virginalis) were investigated. While no treatment effects were observed on cumulative mortality or early ontogeny, growth was significantly lower in all exposed groups compared with the control group. Significant superoxide dismutase activity was observed in exposure groups, and significantly higher glutathione S-transferase activity only in the AMPA + AE group. The gill epithelium in AMPA + AE-exposed crayfish showed swelling as well as numerous unidentified fragments in interlamellar space. Velocity and distance moved in crayfish exposed to metabolites did not differ from controls, but increased activity was observed in the AMPA and AE groups. The study reveals the potential risks of glyphosate and acetochlor herbicide usage through their primary metabolites in the early life stages of marbled crayfish.
A Novel Antiviral Protein Derived from Oenanthe javanica: Type I Interferon-Dependent Antiviral Signaling and Its Pharmacological Potential
Authors: Jo Bo-Ram , Kim Hyun-Soo , Ahn Jeong-Won , Jeoung Eui-Young , Jang Su-Kil , Yoo Yeong-Min , Joo Seong-Soo
Published: June 2022

Pathogenesis-related (PR) proteins produced in plants play a crucial role in self-defense against microbial attacks. Previously, we have identified a novel PR-1-like protein (OPRP) from Oenanthe javanica and examined its pharmacologic relevance and cell signaling in mammalian cells. Purified full-length OPRP protein significantly increased toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-dependent expression levels of genes such as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and CD80. We also found that small peptides (OPRP2 and OPRP3) designed from OPRP remarkably upregulated myxovirus resistance (Mx1), 2′-5′ oligoadenylate sythetase (OAS), and interferon (IFN) α/β genes in mouse splenocytes as well as human epithelial cells. Notably, OPRP protein distinctively activated STAT1 phosphorylation and ISGF-3γ. Interestingly, OPRP2 and OPRP3 were internalized to the cytoplasm and triggered dimerization of STAT1/STAT2, followed by upregulation of type I IFN-dependent antiviral cytokines. Moreover, OPRP1 successfully inhibited viral (Pseudo SARS-CoV-2) entry into host cells. Taken together, we conclude that OPRP and its small peptides (OPRP1 to 3) present a new therapeutic intervention for modulating innate immune activity through type I IFN-dependent antiviral signaling and a new therapeutic approach that drives an antiviral state in non-immune cells by producing antiviral cytokines.
Multi-Scale Analysis of the Composition, Structure, and Function of Decellularized Extracellular Matrix for Human Skin and Wound Healing Models
Authors: Sarmin Atiya , El Moussaid Nadia , Suntornnond Ratima , Tyler Eleanor , Kim Yang-Hee , Di Cio Stefania , Megone William , Pearce Oliver , Gautrot Julien , Dawson Jonathan , Connelly John
Published: June 2022

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a complex mixture of structural proteins, proteoglycans, and signaling molecules that are essential for tissue integrity and homeostasis. While a number of recent studies have explored the use of decellularized ECM (dECM) as a biomaterial for tissue engineering, the complete composition, structure, and mechanics of these materials remain incompletely understood. In this study, we performed an in-depth characterization of skin-derived dECM biomaterials for human skin equivalent (HSE) models. The dECM materials were purified from porcine skin, and through mass spectrometry profiling, we quantified the presence of major ECM molecules, including types I, III, and VI collagen, fibrillin, and lumican. Rheological analysis demonstrated the sol-gel and shear-thinning properties of dECM materials, indicating their physical suitability as a tissue scaffold, while electron microscopy revealed a complex, hierarchical structure of nanofibers in dECM hydrogels. The dECM materials were compatible with advanced biofabrication techniques, including 3D printing within a gelatin microparticle support bath, printing with a sacrificial material, or blending with other ECM molecules to achieve more complex compositions and structures. As a proof of concept, we also demonstrate how dECM materials can be fabricated into a 3D skin wound healing model using 3D printing. Skin-derived dECM therefore represents a complex and versatile biomaterial with advantageous properties for the fabrication of next-generation HSEs.
Growth-Suppressive and Apoptosis-Inducing Effects of Tetrandrine in SW872 Human Malignant Liposarcoma Cells via Activation of Caspase-9, Down-Regulation of XIAP and STAT-3, and ER Stress
Authors: Samsuzzaman Mohammed , Jang Byeong-Churl
Published: June 2022

Liposarcoma is a rare and heterogeneous soft tissue malignant tumor and has a significant impact on mortality with a poor prognosis. To date, there is no effective treatment for liposarcoma, whereas surgical resection is only the gold treatment with numerous adverse effects. Here we investigated whether tetrandrine inhibits the growth of SW872 human malignant liposarcoma cells. Of note, tetrandrine at 10 μM vastly inhibited growth and induced apoptosis, as evidenced by increased nuclear DNA fragmentation and sub-G1 population of SW872 cells. Mechanistically, treatment with tetrandrine led to activation of caspase-9/3 in SW872 cells, and z-VAD-fmk, a pan-caspase inhibitor, attenuated the tetrandrine-induced apoptosis and growth suppression in SW872 cells. In addition, tetrandrine treatment resulted in down-regulation of XIAP andSTAT-3 in SW872 cells, and importantly knockdown of STAT-3 caused a significant reduction of the cell survival. Tetrandrine also had abilities to up-regulate not only the expression of GRP78 and ATF-4 but also the phosphorylation of eIF-2α in SW872 cells. In summary, these results demonstrated that tetrandrine has strong growth-suppressive and apoptosis-inducing effects on SW872 cells, which are mediated through control of the intrinsic caspase pathway, down-regulation of XIAP and STAT-3, and triggering ER stress.
Alkaloids of Dicranostigma franchetianum (Papaveraceae) and Berberine Derivatives as a New Class of Antimycobacterial Agents
Authors: Wijaya Viriyanata , Janďourek Ondřej , Křoustková Jana , Hradiská-Breiterová Kateřina , Korábečný Jan , Sobolová Kateřina , Kohelová Eliška , Hošťálková Anna , Konečná Klára , Šafratová Marcela , Vrabec Rudolf , Kuneš Jiří , Opletal Lubomír , Chlebek Jakub , Cahlíková Lucie
Published: June 2022

Tuberculosis (TB) is a widespread infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The increasing incidence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) strains has created a need for new antiTB agents with new chemical scaffolds to combat the disease. Thus, the key question is: how to search for new antiTB and where to look for them? One of the possibilities is to search among natural products (NPs). In order to search for new antiTB drugs, the detailed phytochemical study of the whole Dicranostigma franchetianum plant was performed isolating wide spectrum of isoquinoline alkaloids (IAs). The chemical structures of the isolated alkaloids were determined by a combination of MS, HRMS, 1D, and 2D NMR techniques, and by comparison with literature data. Alkaloids were screened against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Ra and four other mycobacterial strains (M. aurum, M. avium, M. kansasii, and M. smegmatis). Alkaloids 3 and 5 showed moderate antimycobacterial activity against all tested strains (MICs 15.625–31.25 µg/mL). Furthermore, ten semisynthetic berberine (16a–16k) derivatives were developed and tested for antimycobacterial activity. In general, the derivatization of berberine was connected with a significant increase in antimycobacterial activity against all tested strains (MICs 0.39–7.81 μg/mL). Two derivatives (16e, 16k) were identified as compounds with micromolar MICs against M. tuberculosis H37Ra (MIC 2.96 and 2.78 µM). All compounds were also evaluated for their in vitro hepatotoxicity on a hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (HepG2), exerting lower cytotoxicity profile than their MIC values, thereby potentially reaching an effective concentration without revealing toxic side effects.
Genomic Variation-Mediating Fluconazole Resistance in Yeast
Authors: Wang Wen-Yao , Cai Hong-Qing , Qu Si-Yuan , Lin Wei-Hao , Liang Cheng-Cheng , Liu Hao , Xie Ze-Xiong , Yuan Ying-Jin
Published: June 2022

Fungal infections pose a serious and growing threat to public health. These infections can be treated with antifungal drugs by killing hazardous fungi in the body. However, the resistance can develop over time when fungi are exposed to antifungal drugs by generating genomic variations, including mutation, aneuploidy, and loss of heterozygosity. The variations could reduce the binding affinity of a drug to its target or block the pathway through which drugs exert their activity. Here, we review genomic variation-mediating fluconazole resistance in the yeast Candida, with the hope of highlighting the functional consequences of genomic variations for the antifungal resistance.
The Rheology and Printability of Cartilage Matrix-Only Biomaterials
Authors: Kiyotake Emi A. , Cheng Michael E. , Thomas Emily E. , Detamore Michael S.
Published: June 2022

The potential chondroinductivity from cartilage matrix makes it promising for cartilage repair; however, cartilage matrix-based hydrogels developed thus far have failed to match the mechanical performance of native cartilage or be bioprinted without adding polymers for reinforcement. There is a need for cartilage matrix-based hydrogels with robust mechanical performance and paste-like precursor rheology for bioprinting/enhanced surgical placement. In the current study, our goals were to increase hydrogel stiffness and develop the paste-like precursor/printability of our methacryl-modified solubilized and devitalized cartilage (MeSDVC) hydrogels. We compared two methacryloylating reagents, methacrylic anhydride (MA) and glycidyl methacrylate (GM), and varied the molar excess (ME) of MA from 2 to 20. The MA-modified MeSDVCs had greater methacryloylation than GM-modified MeSDVC (20 ME). While GM and most of the MA hydrogel precursors exhibited paste-like rheology, the 2 ME MA and GM MeSDVCs had the best printability (i.e., shape fidelity, filament collapse). After crosslinking, the 2 ME MA MeSDVC had the highest stiffness (1.55 ± 0.23 MPa), approaching the modulus of native cartilage, and supported the viability/adhesion of seeded cells for 15 days. Overall, the MA (2 ME) improved methacryloylation, hydrogel stiffness, and printability, resulting in a stand-alone MeSDVC printable biomaterial. The MeSDVC has potential as a future bioink and has future clinical relevance for cartilage repair.
CPLANE Complex and Ciliopathies
Authors: Martín-Salazar Jesús Eduardo , Valverde Diana
Published: June 2022

Primary cilia are non-motile organelles associated with the cell cycle, which can be found in most vertebrate cell types. Cilia formation occurs through a process called ciliogenesis, which involves several mechanisms including planar cell polarity (PCP) and the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway. Some gene complexes, such as BBSome or CPLANE (ciliogenesis and planar polarity effector), have been linked to ciliogenesis. CPLANE complex is composed of INTU, FUZ and WDPCP, which bind to JBTS17 and RSG1 for cilia formation. Defects in these genes have been linked to a malfunction of intraflagellar transport and defects in the planar cell polarity, as well as defective activation of the Hedgehog signalling pathway. These faults lead to defective cilium formation, resulting in ciliopathies, including orofacial–digital syndrome (OFDS) and Bardet–Biedl syndrome (BBS). Considering the close relationship, between the CPLANE complex and cilium formation, it can be expected that defects in the genes that encode subunits of the CPLANE complex may be related to other ciliopathies.
Harnessing the Potential of Enzymes as Inhaled Therapeutics in Respiratory Tract Diseases: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Vanderstocken Gilles , Woolf Nicholas L. , Trigiante Giuseppe , Jackson Jessica , McGoldrick Rory
Published: June 2022

Respiratory tract diseases (RTDs) are a global cause of mortality and affect patient well-being and quality of life. Specifically, there is a high unmet need concerning respiratory tract infections (RTIs) due to limitations of vaccines and increased antibiotic resistance. Enzyme therapeutics, and in particular plant-based enzymes, represent an underutilised resource in drug development warranting further attention. This literature review aims to summarise the current state of enzyme therapeutics in medical applications, with a focus on their potential to improve outcomes in RTDs, including RTIs. We used a narrative review approach, searching PubMed and clinicaltrials.gov with search terms including: enzyme therapeutics, enzyme therapy, inhaled therapeutics, botanical enzyme therapeutics, plant enzymes, and herbal extracts. Here, we discuss the advantages and challenges of enzyme therapeutics in the setting of RTDs and identify and describe several enzyme therapeutics currently used in the respiratory field. In addition, the review includes recent developments concerning enzyme therapies and plant enzymes in (pre-)clinical stages. The global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has sparked development of several promising new enzyme therapeutics for use in the respiratory setting, and therefore, it is timely to provide a summary of recent developments, particularly as these therapeutics may also prove beneficial in other RTDs.