bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electromagnetic Simulation Flow for Integrated Power Electronics Modules
Authors: Minardi Giovanni , Greco Giuseppe , Vinci Giovanni , Rizzo Santi Agatino , Salerno Nunzio , Sorbello Gino
Published: August 2022

The growing use of electric vehicles is requiring the implementation of power electronics applications with ever faster devices, such as silicon carbide (SiC) MOSFET, to reduce switching power losses and reach higher power density, with the final objective of improving performance and lowering the system cost. A side effect of such faster switching devices is the generation of high-frequency harmonics with significant energy, so their impact must be evaluated in terms of conducted and radiated electromagnetic interference (EMI). The optimal design of PCBs and filters for facing electromagnetic compatibility issues requires properly estimating the EMI level of different design solutions. Analysis of the current state of the art reveals that previous approaches can not effectively support a design focusing on a reduction in radiated EMI. To surpass these limits, the paper defines an electromagnetic simulation flow aimed at evaluating the radiative fields in the case of an integrated power electronics module operating in automotive applications and featuring fast SiC power devices. Then, the proposed simulation was applied to an LLC resonant converter featuring an STMicroelectronics SiC-based ACEPACK module. The work also highlights that future research efforts must concentrate on finding the best compromise between computational effort and estimation accuracy.
Service Discovery Method Based on Knowledge Graph and Word2vec
Authors: Zhou Junkai , Jiang Bo , Yang Jie , Yang Junchen , Li Hang , Wang Ning , Wang Jiale
Published: August 2022

Mashup is a new type of application that integrates multiple Web APIs. For mashup application development, the quality of the selected APIs is particularly important. However, with the rapid development of Internet technology, the number of Web APIs is increasing rapidly. It is unrealistic for mashup developers to manually select appropriate APIs from a large number of services. For existing methods, there is a problem of data sparsity, because one mashup is related to a few APIs, and another problem of over-reliance on semantic information. To solve these problems in current service discovery approaches, we propose a service discovery approach based on a knowledge map (SDKG). We embed service-related information into the knowledge graph, alleviating the impact of data sparsity and mining deep relationships between services, which improves the accuracy of service discovery. Experimental results show that our approach has obvious advantages in accuracy compared with the existing mainstream service discovery approaches.
Investigation of UAV Detection by Different Solid-State Marine Radars
Authors: Rudys Saulius , Ragulis Paulius , Laučys Andrius , Bručas Domantas , Pomarnacki Raimondas , Plonis Darius
Published: August 2022

The development of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technologies provides not only benefits but also threats. UAV technologies are developing faster than means of detecting and neutralizing them. Radar technology is one of the means of UAV detection which provides the longest detection range. Today’s market provides low-cost solid-state marine radar working on FMCW and pulse-compression principles of operation. Despite such radars having attractive features, they were not designed for UAV detection. Although they are not optimal, they could be used for UAV detection. The detection possibility of UAVs by marine radars was investigated by using three types of radars and two types of small UAVs as targets. Radar cross-section measurements of the targets were made in laboratory conditions.
LiLo: ADL Localization with Conventional Luminaries and Ambient Light Sensor
Authors: Wu Jiaxuan , Feng Yunfei , Chang Carl K.
Published: August 2022

Indoor localization is a key factor for activities of daily living (ADLs)-related services. Many studies invest effort and money on high-cost infrastructure with modified devices. In this paper, an indoor localization system (LiLo) that utilizes ambient light sensor and orientation information on smartphones to recognize ADLs is proposed. Indoor ADLs are recognized by analyzing the data combination of visible light based localization, orientation and time. In the cold start period, LiLo estimates the location based on the computed luminance field map and the frequent orientation, validating the location result by the angle of arrival information. Then, LiLo produces the locations with a machine learning classifier. Compared with previous works, LiLo leaves out the laborious device configuration setup and data collection during the off-line phase. Another advantage is that LiLo utilizes a conventional luminaire and a standard smartphone, without extra infrastructure spreading in rooms. Therefore, every resident with a smartphone can benefit from this technology. An experimental study using data collected from smartphones shows that LiLo is able to achieve high localization accuracy at a low cost.
Intelligent Diagnosis of Fish Behavior Using Deep Learning Method
Authors: Iqbal Usama , Li Daoliang , Akhter Muhammad
Published: August 2022

Scientific methods are used to monitor fish growth and behavior and reduce the loss caused by stress and other circumstances. Conventional techniques are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and prone to accidents. Deep learning (DL) technology is rapidly gaining popularity in various fields, including aquaculture. Moving towards smart fish farming necessitates the precise and accurate identification of fish biodiversity. Observing fish behavior in real time is imperative to make better feeding decisions. The proposed study consists of an efficient end-to-end convolutional neural network (CNN) classifying fish behavior into the normal and starvation categories. The performance of the CNN is evaluated by varying the number of fully connected (FC) layers with or without applying max-pooling operation. The accuracy of the detection algorithm is increased by 10% by incorporating three FC layers and max pooling operation. The results demonstrated that the shallow architecture of the CNN model, which employs a max-pooling function with more FC layers, exhibits promising performance and achieves 98% accuracy. The presented system is a novel step in laying the foundation for an automated behavior identification system in modern fish farming.
Effect of Total Replacement of Soya Bean Meal by Whole Lupine Seeds and of Gender on the Meat Quality and Fatty Acids Profile of Growing Rabbits
Authors: Guedes Cristina M. , Almeida Mariana , Closson Maude , Garcia-Santos Sofia , Lorenzo José M. , Domínguez Rubén , Ferreira Luís , Trindade Henrique , Silva Severiano , Pinheiro Victor
Published: August 2022

In Europe, the most appropriate strategy to replace soybean meal (SBM) in animal feed has been the development of diets containing locally produced protein sources. One of these sources is lupine (Lupinus spp.). The effect of the total substitution of SBM by white lupine (WL) and yellow lupine (YL) seeds in the diets of growing rabbits and of gender on meat quality and the fatty acids (FA) profile were evaluated. Sixty hybrid weaned rabbits (New Zealand × Californian) (20 rabbits per diet), were fed diets that contained 150 g/kg of SBM (SBMD) and WL (WLD) or YL (YLD) for 35 to 69 days. At the end of this period, 30 rabbits (10 rabbits per diet) were slaughtered to evaluate the carcass and meat characteristics and the FA profile of the longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle. In general, the carcass and meat characteristics (pH and colour) were not affected (p > 0.05) by diet or gender. Further, there was no observed effect (p > 0.05) of gender on meat FA and on the calculated indexes related to human health. However, diet had an effect (p < 0.05) on the FA profile, FA categories, and calculated indexes related to human health. The meat from rabbits fed SBMD presented higher (p < 0.05) saturated FA (SFA; 44 vs. 39 g/100 g average on lupine diets) and lower (p < 0.05) polyunsaturated FA (PUFA; 24 vs. 28 g/100 g average on lupine diets). Our results showed that SBM may be completely replaced by WL or YL, improving the quality of LD muscle FA in terms of nutritional quality for humans.
An Evaluation Model for the Quality of Frying Oil Using Key Aldehyde Detected by HS-GC/MS
Authors: Liu Xiaofang , Wang Shuo , Tamogami Shigeru , Chen Jieyu , Zhang Han
Published: August 2022

To establish a practical model for evaluating the oxidation of frying oil using aldehydes, the aldehydes of 10 commercial oils during frying at 180 °C were identified using headspace-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, and the changes of common aldehydes and their correlation with carbonyl values (CV) were analyzed. The results showed that the total peak area of aldehydes increased significantly with heating time, which was related to the fatty acid and tocopherol contents of the oils. There were four common aldehydes with different trends during frying, namely, pentanal, hexanal, (E)-hept-2-enal, and nonanal. Moreover, pentanal with a high correlation with CV was selected as the quality evaluating index of frying oil due to its stable accumulation over time. Based on the linear fitting relationships between CV and pentanal, as well as the initial content ratio of linoleic acid to palmitic acid and total tocopherols in oils, a predictive model was established for evaluating the quality of frying oils with high precision and non-reagent by using mass spectrometry. In summary, this work provides theoretical support for using aldehyde as the quality evaluation index of frying oil and provides a new idea for evaluating oil deterioration from the perspective of volatile compounds.
The Challenges of Translating Jane Austen’s Irony: Samples from 150 Years of Norwegian Versions of the Novels
Authors: Sørbø Marie Nedregotten
Published: August 2022

Irony is often perceived to be an inherent quality of Jane Austen’s narrative voice and attitude, but is it translatable? It has been argued that Austen should ‘stay at home’, since foreign versions tend to alter her novels in various ways. However, her novels are nevertheless translated into more languages, giving her a more global presence than ever before. What kind of Austen is received in these versions? Does she still have a sharp eye for human peculiarities and wry comments on the vagaries of romance? The study of Austen in translation is still in its early phase, with most languages yet to be investigated. This article will focus on Norwegian translations between 1871 and the present time. They include serials for newspapers and journals, paperbacks for the popular market, as well as handsome classic author editions. The challenge of understanding and transmitting Austen’s irony cuts across such genres and channels of publication and is always a prominent issue when studying them. In this article, I will choose some examples of narrative irony from the novels and compare them to several translated versions (in back-translation). They serve as illustrations of what is at stake, but also, implicitly, as demonstrations of Austen’s own peculiar voice and authorial qualities.
The Dynamic Evaporation Characteristics of Thiophanate-Methyl Droplets and Their Enhancement under Different Wind Conditions
Authors: Wang Guanqun , Ou Mingxiong , Jia Weidong , Zhou Huitao , Dai Shiqun , Dong Xiang , Wang Xiaowen , Jiang Li , Lu Wei , Wang Ming
Published: August 2022

The dynamic evaporation of single droplets was investigated under controlled conditions. In the evaporation process, a droplet was placed on a peach leaf surface. In this research, the relative humidity and temperature were kept constant, and the wind speeds and thiophanate-methyl concentrations varied. Based on these conditions, this study aimed to determine the droplets’ dynamic transforming characteristics, including the contact angle, the height of the droplets, and the evaporation rate. Five concentrations and five wind speeds were chosen, and pure water droplets at different wind speeds were used as a control group. All single droplets were generated by a syringe. The results showed that the pure water and thiophanate-methyl droplets’ evaporation mode was CCR (constant contact radius) mode. An increase in the wind speed accelerated the evaporation process, when the wind speed was 0 m/s, the evaporation was the longest, and the shortest evaporation was achieved with 2.0 m/s wind speed. An increase in wind speed enhanced the pure water droplets’ dynamic evaporation process with a maximum enhancement ratio of 3.44 times in the present work. Under the same conditions, the thiophanate-methyl droplets’ evaporation time was shorter than that of the pure water droplets. For thiophanate-methyl droplets, the higher the concentration, the shorter the dynamic evaporation process. A 1250 ppm thiophanate-methyl solution with 2.0 m/s wind speed, had an evaporation ratio that was 2.83 times greater than that measured with 0 m/s wind speed. These results could benefit farmers by suggesting that they should adjust the concentration of thiophanate-methyl depending on the wind speed in order to reduce pollution.
Lipidomics Analysis of Tea Leaves Cultured in Hydroponics Reveals That High Nitrogen Application Decreases Tea Plant Resistance to Ultraviolet Radiation
Authors: Du Sijia , Liu Meiya , Dong Fang , Yue Chuan , Ruan Jianyun , Cao Hongli , Zhang Qunfeng
Published: August 2022

Lipid composition in tea leaves is significantly affected by ultraviolet (UV) radiation and nitrogen levels. Here, to reveal the response of lipids in tea plants (Camellia sinensis L.) to the interaction between nitrogen and UV radiation, we treated tea plants with three gradients of UV radiation under two nitrogen levels by the hydroponic method. Lipidomics results show that ultraviolet radiation can decrease neutral lipid (TAG) and increase membrane lipids (including PC, PE, and PG) under hydroponic conditions, indicating that tea plants could survive UV radiation by decomposing TAG to avoid damaging cells. In addition, the accumulation of phospholipids and galactolipids may be related to avoiding UV damage and enhancing photosynthesis in tea plants under UV radiation. Furthermore, the response of lipid components to UV radiation in tea plants under low nitrogen conditions is significantly lower than that under high nitrogen conditions, which suggests that excessive nitrogen application may reduce the resistance of tea plants to UV radiation. This study provides a theoretical basis for optimizing cultivation measures based on tea UV resistance.
Effect of UV-B Irradiation on Bioactive Compounds of Red Perilla (Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton) Cultivated in a Plant Factory with Artificial Light
Authors: Yoshida Hideo , Shimada Kanae , Hikosaka Shoko , Goto Eiji
Published: August 2022

In this study, we investigated the effect of UV-B irradiation 3 days prior to harvest, on the accumulation of rosmarinic acid (RA) and anthocyanin, and the expression of genes related to phenylpropanoid and flavonoid biosynthetic pathways, in red perilla (Perilla frutescens L.). In experiment 1, seedlings at 60 days after sowing (DAS) were subjected to UV-B irradiation at 0 (control), 6, and 10 W m−2 under a 16 h light period; while in experiment 2, seedlings at 45 DAS were subjected to UV-B irradiation at 0 (control), 4 W m−2 at continuous irradiation, and 6 W m−2 at 16 h irradiation. UV irradiation of 10 W m−2 for 16 h negatively affected leaf color, while irradiation at 6 W m−2 enhanced RA biosynthesis and antioxidant capacity. Continuous UV-B irradiation of 4 W m−2 increased the RA concentration by 92% compared to the control; however, this effect was smaller than that of UV-B irradiation at 6 W m−2 for 16 h, 141% higher than that of the control and had a lower antioxidant capacity against UV-mediated ROS overproduction during the dark period. Results demonstrate that 6 W m−2 of UV-B irradiation for 16 h is suitable for enhancing the RA concentration and content of red perilla.
Capital Preservation and Current Spending with Sovereign Wealth Funds and Endowment Funds: A simulation Study
Authors: Mork Knut Anton , Trønnes Haakon Andreas , Bjerketvedt Vegard Skonseng
Published: August 2022

We simulate the future performance of the Norwegian Government Pension Fund Global as a leading example of sovereign wealth funds intended both to preserve wealth and provide regular budget contributions. Withdrawals are limited to the fund’s expected real returns; however, deviations are allowed to fund automatic stabilizers as well as discretionary fiscal policy. It also allows smoothing to avoid abrupt changes. Except for the fiscal policy part, many endowment funds are subject to similar rules. The main findings are: (i) Even if withdrawals matching expected returns maintain the fund’s value in expectation, the fund will be depleted eventually. (ii) Because the fund is invested in foreign currency, long-run purchasing power parity introduces an element of mean reversion and hence a negative serial correlation in the rates of return, so that the fund’s value is not even preserved in expectation. (iii) The use of the fund for fiscal policy introduces a substantial risk of depletion in finite time. (iv) Smoothing raises the risk of depletion after large negative financial returns, though only modestly so. Risk reduction and withdrawal rates below expected returns are explored as remedies. Risk reduction postpones the eventual depletion but does not eliminate it. Lower withdrawal rates help sustainability more fundamentally, but bounds on fiscal policy are needed for depletion risk to be eliminated.
The Role of Feeding Characteristics in Shaping Gut Microbiota Composition and Function of Ensifera (Orthoptera)
Authors: Zheng Xiang , Zhu Qidi , Qin Meng , Zhou Zhijun , Liu Chunmao , Wang Liyuan , Shi Fuming
Published: August 2022

Feeding habits were the primary factor affecting the gut bacterial communities in Ensifera. However, the interaction mechanism between the gut microbiota and feeding characteristics is not precisely understood. Here, the gut microbiota of Ensifera with diverse feeding habits was analyzed by shotgun metagenomic sequencing to further clarify the composition and function of the gut microbiota and its relationship with feeding characteristics. Our results indicate that under the influence of feeding habits, the gut microbial communities of Ensifera showed specific characteristics. Firstly, the gut microbial communities of the Ensifera with different feeding habits differed significantly, among which the gut microbial diversity of the herbivorous Mecopoda niponensis was the highest. Secondly, the functional genes related to feeding habits were in high abundance. Thirdly, the specific function of the gut microbial species in the omnivorous Gryllotalpa orientalis showed that the more diverse the feeding behavior of Ensifera, the worse the functional specificity related to the feeding characteristics of its gut microbiota. However, feeding habits were not the only factors affecting the gut microbiota of Ensifera. Some microorganisms’ genes, whose functions were unrelated to feeding characteristics but were relevant to energy acquisition and nutrient absorption, were detected in high abundance. Our results were the first to report on the composition and function of the gut microbiota of Ensifera based on shotgun metagenomic sequencing and to explore the potential mechanism of the gut microbiota’s association with diverse feeding habits.
Pathogenesis of the Homeostatic Failure of Ocular Surface as Morpho-Functional Unit
Authors: Di Zazzo Antonio
Published: August 2022

The ocular surface is a morpho-functional system in which multiple components such as cornea, conjunctiva, principal and accessory lacrimal glands, tear film, endocrine, immune, and nervous system cooperate to preserve local health [...]
Obsessive Compulsive “Paper Handling”: A Potential Distinctive Behavior in Children and Adolescents with KBG Syndrome
Authors: Demaria Francesco , Alfieri Paolo , Digilio Maria Cristina , Pontillo Maria , Di Vincenzo Cristina , Montanaro Federica Alice Maria , Ciullo Valentina , Zampino Giuseppe , Vicari Stefano
Published: August 2022

KBG syndrome (KBGS; OMIM #148050) is a rare disease characterized by short stature, facial dysmorphism, macrodontia of the upper central incisors, skeletal anomalies, and neurodevelopmental disorder/intellectual disability. It is caused by a heterozygous variant or 16q24.3 microdeletions of the ANKRD11 gene (OMIM #611192), which plays a primary role in neuronal development. KBGS traits are variable, and mild expressions of the phenotype may complicate diagnosis. The present work aims at improving the characterization of KBGS in order to facilitate its recognition. A psychopathological evaluation of 17 subjects affected by KBGS found that 10 patients exhibited peculiar behavior related to “paper handling”. These children and adolescents performed repetitive activities with paper, reminiscent of the hoarding and ordering behaviors characteristic of obsessive compulsive disorder. Their activities were time consuming and carried out in solitary, and forced interruption could generate intense emotional reactions. Paper handling may thus be understood as a potential distinct KBGS symptom akin to an obsessive compulsive symptom. Further research is needed to verify this claim.
Dynamic Penetration Process of Torpedo Anchors into Sand Foundation
Authors: Li Gang , Zhang Jinli , Niu Jinglin , Liu Jia , Yang Yiran
Published: August 2022

Torpedo anchors are a new type of anchoring system in deepwater that is much more economical than conventional anchoring methods. The dynamic penetration process is vitally important to the installation of torpedo anchors. Based on the spherical cavity expansion theory, the dynamic response characteristics of pressure-locked soils are analyzed using the Mohr-Coulomb criterion. The equations for the penetration of torpedo anchors with bullet-shaped heads are established considering rod friction. Subsequently, the analytical solutions for velocity, acceleration, and final penetration depth and the approximate analytical solution for penetration depth vs. time are obtained. The established penetration equation is solved using MATLAB software to obtain a semi-analytical solution, and the model tests on the penetration of a torpedo anchor with different initial velocities into saturated sand with different densities were conducted. A comparison of the test results shows that the analytical solution and the semi-analytical solution can well predict the model test results, indicating that the established analytical method can be used to analyze the penetration process of torpedo anchors. The research results can provide a guideline to the installation of torpedo anchors into the seabed in actual engineering.
Long-Term Follow-Up of Patients Diagnosed with COVID-19-Associated Pulmonary Aspergillosis (CAPA)
Authors: Ruiz-Ruigómez María , Fernández-Ruiz Mario , Pérez-Ayala Ana , Aguado José María
Published: August 2022

COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) have been documented during the COVID-19 pandemic. The vast majority of these patients do not meet the classic EORTC/MSGERC criteria for invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. The question arises as to whether there may have been an over-diagnosis of this disease. Here we review our experience and analyze the evolution of 27 patients who were diagnosed with CAPA during hospital admission. Surviving patients were followed-up for a mean time of 15 months (SD 3.78) by a group of experts and clinical records of diseased patients were reviewed. After expert evaluation and follow-up, 10 patients were finally assumed as CAPA according to expert opinion. These cases represent 40% of the initially CAPA assumed cases. Our data suggest the need to reconsider actual diagnosis criteria for CAPA what could drive to better identification of these patients.
Optimization Model of Permanent Basic Farmland Indicators Distribution from the Perspective of Equity: A Case from W County, China
Authors: Zhang Qun , Wu Cifang
Published: August 2022

Based on its national conditions and food availability, China has embarked on the road to establishing food security in a way by implementing the concepts of innovative, coordinated, green, open and inclusive development, and the requirements of high-quality development and a national food security strategy for a new era. As a result, the permanent basic farmland protection zone designated for high-quality arable land reserves had become a fundamental national policy. However, the allocation of permanent basic farmland protection quantity indicator is always a challenge due to the conflicts between the development and protection process. The unequal protection indicator allocation is often cited as an inefficient source of permanent basic farmland production and protection. In this article, an optimization model is introduced to allocate preservation indicators by using the Gini coefficient, a widely used index of income inequality in economics. The optimization model is based on a hierarchical structure of the multi-criteria factors and the objective weighting method. The allocation of a permanent basic farmland protection indicator in W county, China, is chosen as a case study to illustrate the application of this model with a focus on a balance between equality and efficiency. The result shows that the method can provide profound insight for land management policymakers.
Weighted Interpretive Structural Modeling for Supply Chain Risk Management: An Application to Logistics Service Providers in Turkey
Authors: Uk Zuhal Cilingir , Basfirinci Cigdem , Mitra Amit
Published: August 2022

Background: The aim of this paper is to introduce weighted interpretive structural modeling approach to supply chain risk management efforts by presenting an application to identify micro risks of logistics service providers at the industry level in Turkey. Methods: In this research, eighteen risk factors in the logistics sector have been identified through both literature review and recommendations from a group of academicians and experts in the sector. A survey was conducted to rank these risks. They were further analyzed through a weighted interpretive structural modeling (WISM) approach in order to demonstrate mutual relationships among these risks. Results: Finally, using a WISM approach, an analysis was conducted to identify the driving and dependence power of the risk factors. This study covers a variety of micro-risk factors of logistics service providers and demonstrates the relationships among them and clusters them based on their driving and dependence power. Conclusions: Such a clustering of the risk factors helps us identify those that affect the others and are of paramount importance in risk management and mitigation.
Numerical Prediction of the Effect of Laser Shock Peening on Residual Stress and Fatigue Life of Ti-6Al-4V Titanium Alloy
Authors: Ouyang Peixuan , Luo Xuekun , Dong Zhichao , Zhang Shuting
Published: August 2022

Laser shock peening (LSP) is a promising surface strengthening technology to improve the fatigue life of alloy components. In this work, the residual stress field of Ti-6Al-4V titanium alloy induced by LSP was simulated based on finite element method (FEM), and then the fatigue lives of the non-LSP and LSP-treated specimens subjected to four-point bending were predicted using the software Fe-safe. The simulation results were compared and validated with the corresponding experimental results. LSP treatment produces a maximum compressive residual stress (CRS) of up to 800 MPa on the surface of the specimen and a CRS layer with a thickness of 0.623 mm under the upper surface of the specimen. The existence of the CRS layer reduces the maximum principal stress from 608 MPa to 540 MPa and changes its location from the upper surface into the internal position at a depth of about 0.6 mm during the four-point bending process. This results in experimental and predicted fatigue lives 4.2 and 17.24 times longer for the specimens with LSP pretreatment compared to those without LSP.
Experimental and Computational Study of Novel Pyrazole Azo Dyes as Colored Materials for Light Color Paints
Authors: Nitu Sabina , Milea Marius Silviu , Boran Sorina , Mosoarca Giannin , Zamfir Alina D. , Popa Simona , Funar-Timofei Simona
Published: August 2022

This paper presents the synthesis of eight new pyrazole azo dyes using ethyl 5-amino-3-methyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxylate as the diazotization component and various active methylene derivatives as coupling components. These new azo dyes were characterized by spectroscopic (FT-IR, UV-VIS), and spectrometric (1H NMR, 13C NMR, MS) analyses. The dye structures were modeled by the MMFF94s force field and quantum chemical density functional theory (DFT) calculations using the B3LYP functional and the 6-311G(d,p) basis set, in the gas phase. Weak electrostatic hydrogen bonds for the azo and hydrazo dye tautomers were found in the ground state. The CIS, TD (using the B3LYP and M06-2X functionals), and ZINDO methods were used to estimate the dye UV-VIS spectra in ethanol, which were compared with the experimental ones. The anti-configuration arrangement of the π-bonds and the presence of the prevalent hydrazo dye tautomer were supported by the computed 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectra. A good accordance between the experimental and predicted absorption maxima and chemical shifts was observed. Color investigations using the CIEL*a*b* space were conducted for all dyes in powder and for their mixtures in water-based acrylic resins. The results confirm the newly synthesized dyes’ color properties and that they might be used for light color paints in the varnishes industry.
Microstructure and Wear Resistance of a Composite Coating Prepared by Laser Alloying with Ni-Coated Graphite on Ti-6Al-4V Alloy
Authors: Yu Huijun , Lu Lu , Wang Zifan , Chen Chuanzhong
Published: August 2022

Titanium alloys are widely used in high-tech fields, while its disadvantages such as low hardness, high coefficient of friction and poor wear resistance have restricted its applications. This study focuses on improving the friction and wear resistance of Ti-6Al-4V titanium alloys by means of laser surface alloying with Ni-coated graphite (G@Ni). The results suggest that Ni acts as a protective layer to hinder the direct contact and reaction of C and Ti in the molten pool. A part of graphite is unmelted and finally remains to form a self-lubricating wear-resistant composite coating with a compact structure. The average hardness of the coating is approximately four times that of the substrate owing to the TiC hard phase and compact microstructures as the reinforcing phase. The residual graphite in the coating plays a friction-reduction role during the wear test. The wear resistance is increased to 8.53 times that of the substrate according to wear mass loss. This study can effectively enhance the performance and expand the application of the titanium alloys by improving the wear resistance and reducing the friction.
On Principal Fuzzy Metric Spaces
Authors: Gregori Valentín , Miñana Juan-José , Morillas Samuel , Sapena Almanzor
Published: August 2022

In this paper, we deal with the notion of fuzzy metric space (X,M,∗), or simply X, due to George and Veeramani. It is well known that such fuzzy metric spaces, in general, are not completable and also that there exist p-Cauchy sequences which are not Cauchy. We prove that if every p-Cauchy sequence in X is Cauchy, then X is principal, and we observe that the converse is false, in general. Hence, we introduce and study a stronger concept than principal, called strongly principal. Moreover, X is called weak p-complete if every p-Cauchy sequence is p-convergent. We prove that if X is strongly principal (or weak p-complete principal), then the family of p-Cauchy sequences agrees with the family of Cauchy sequences. Among other results related to completeness, we prove that every strongly principal fuzzy metric space where M is strong with respect to an integral (positive) t-norm ∗ admits completion.
Changes of Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate and Glycated Hemoglobin A1c in Diabetic Macular Edema Patients Treated by Ranibizumab and Aflibercept in the Tertiary Referral Hospital
Authors: Ku Wei-Ning , Tien Peng-Tai , Lin Chun-Ju , Chiang Chun-Chi , Hsia Ning-Yi , Lai Chun-Ting , Muo Chih-Hsin , Bair Henry , Chen Huan-Sheng , Lin Jane-Ming , Chen Wen-Lu , Tsai Yi-Yu
Published: August 2022

Background and Objectives: Intravitreal injections (IVI) of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors are guideline-indicated treatments for diabetic macular edema (DME). However, some recent data have suggested that IVI VEGF inhibitors might, through systemic absorption, lead to a reduction in renal function. Our study aims to compare changes in glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) between patients who received IVI ranibizumab and aflibercept treatment and patients who have not received IVI treatments. Materials and Methods: There were 17,165 DME patients with documented ophthalmology visits in the China Medical University Hospital-Clinical Research Data Repository. Those with a history of ESRD or bevacizumab treatment history, and those with missing information on HbA1c or eGFR, were excluded. After matching by age (±2 years), gender, and the year of clinical visit, 154 patients with medical treatment (including ranibizumab and aflibercept) and 154 patients without medical treatment were included in the study. The difference between HbA1c and eGFR at baseline and 3 and 12 months after the index date between the two groups was assessed. Results: Mean HbA1c and eGFR decreased between baseline and 12 months after the index date in both groups (p < 0.05). Compared with the non-treatment group, the treatment group had significantly lower HbA1c 3 and 12 months after the index date. There was no significant difference in eGFR between the two groups. In the generalized estimating equations (GEE) model, HbA1c in the treatment group was lower than the non-treatment group (−0.44%, 95% CI = −0.75, −0.14), but eGFR was similar after adjusting for age, gender, and index-year. HbA1c and eGFR decreased with the time in the adjusted GEE model (p < 0.0001) in both groups. Conclusions: This study showed that eGFR decreased with age and time and was not related to IVI anti-VEGF treatments in our tertiary referral hospital. IVI anti-VEGF therapy was also associated with better HbA1c control. It is suggested that DME patients can receive intravitreal VEGF inhibitors without inducing more renal impairment.
Recent Advances in Age-Related Macular Degeneration Therapies
Authors: Fabre Marie , Mateo Lou , Lamaa Diana , Baillif Stéphanie , Pagès Gilles , Demange Luc , Ronco Cyril , Benhida Rachid
Published: August 2022

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) was described for the first time in the 1840s and is currently the leading cause of blindness for patients over 65 years in Western Countries. This disease impacts the eye’s posterior segment and damages the macula, a retina section with high levels of photoreceptor cells and responsible for the central vision. Advanced AMD stages are divided into the atrophic (dry) form and the exudative (wet) form. Atrophic AMD consists in the progressive atrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and the outer retinal layers, while the exudative form results in the anarchic invasion by choroidal neo-vessels of RPE and the retina. This invasion is responsible for fluid accumulation in the intra/sub-retinal spaces and for a progressive dysfunction of the photoreceptor cells. To date, the few existing anti-AMD therapies may only delay or suspend its progression, without providing cure to patients. However, in the last decade, an outstanding number of research programs targeting its different aspects have been initiated by academics and industrials. This review aims to bring together the most recent advances and insights into the mechanisms underlying AMD pathogenicity and disease evolution, and to highlight the current hypotheses towards the development of new treatments, i.e., symptomatic vs. curative. The therapeutic options and drugs proposed to tackle these mechanisms are analyzed and critically compared. A particular emphasis has been given to the therapeutic agents currently tested in clinical trials, whose results have been carefully collected and discussed whenever possible.
Synthesis and Biological Activity of Unsymmetrical Monoterpenylhetaryl Disulfides
Authors: Sudarikov Denis V. , Gyrdymova Yulia V. , Borisov Alexander V. , Lukiyanova Julia M. , Rumyantcev Roman V. , Shevchenko Oksana G. , Baidamshina Diana R. , Zakarova Nargiza D. , Kayumov Airat R. , Sinegubova Ekaterina O. , Volobueva Alexandrina S. , Zarubaev Vladimir V. , Rubtsova Svetlana A.
Published: August 2022

New unsymmetrical monoterpenylhetaryl disulfides based on heterocyclic disulfides and monoterpene thiols were synthesized for the first time in 48–88% yields. Hydrolysis of disulfides with fragments of methyl esters of 2-mercaptonicotinic acid was carried out in 73–95% yields. The obtained compounds were evaluated for antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal activity, cytotoxicity and mutagenicity.
Bioethanol Conversion into Propylene over Various Zeolite Catalysts: Reaction Optimization and Catalyst Deactivation
Authors: Xia Wei , Ma Chao , Huang Yaxin , Li Shuangshuang , Wang Xue , Chen Kun , Liu Dong
Published: August 2022

Catalytic conversions of bioethanol to propylene were investigated over different zeolite catalysts. H-ZSM-5 (SiO2/Al2O3 = 80) was found to be the most effective for propylene production. Furthermore, H-ZSM-5 (SiO2/Al2O3 = 80) was investigated under different variables of catalytic reaction (calcination temperature, feed composition, reaction temperature, and time on stream) for the conversion of ethanol to propylene. The H-ZSM-5(80) catalysts calcined at 600 °C showed the highest propylene yield. The moderate acidic site on ZSM-5 is required for the production of propylene. The activity on ZSM-5 is independent of the ethanol feed composition. H-ZSM-5 catalyst deactivation was observed, owing to dealumination. The highest propylene yield was 23.4% obtained over HZSM-5(80). Propylene, butene, and ≥C5 olefins were formed by parallel reaction from ethylene. Olefins were converted to each paraffin by sequential hydrogenation reaction. HZSM-5(80) catalyst is a promising catalyst not only for ethanol but also for the conversion of bioethanol to light olefins.
Electrodeless Synthesis of Low Dispersity Au Nanoparticles and Nanoclusters at an Immiscible Micro Water/Ionic Liquid Interface
Authors: Moshrefi Reza , Stockmann Talia Jane
Published: August 2022

Owing to their biocompatibility, optical, and catalytic properties, Au nanoparticles (NPs) have been the subject of much research. Since smaller NPs have enhanced catalytic properties and NP morphology greatly impacts their effectiveness, controlled and reproducible methods of generating Au NPs are still being sought. Herein, Au NPs were electrochemically generated at a water|ionic liquid (w|IL) immiscible micro-interface, 25 µm in diameter, using a redox active IL and compared to results at a water|oil (w|o) one. The liquid|liquid interface is advantageous as it is pristine and highly reproducible, as well as an excellent means of species and charge separation. In this system, KAuCl4 dissolved in the aqueous phase reacts under external potential control at the water|P8888TB (tetraoctylphosphonium tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate) with trioctyl(ferrocenylhexanoyl)phosphonium tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate (FcIL), an electron donor and redox active IL. FcIL was prepared with a common anion to P8888TB, which greatly enhances its solubility in the bulk IL. Simple ion transfer of AuCl4− and AuCl(4−γ)(OH)γ− at the w|P8888TB micro-interface were characterized voltammetrically as well as their heterogeneous electron transfer reaction with FcIL. This interfacial reaction generates Au NPs whose size can be thermodynamically controlled by modifying the pH of the aqueous phase. Critically, at low pH, nanoclusters, <1.7 nm in diameter, were generated owing to inhibited thermodynamics in combination with the supramolecular fluidic nature of the IL microenvironment that was observed surrounding the as-prepared NPs.
Vitamin D and Male Reproduction: Updated Evidence Based on Literature Review
Authors: Calagna Gloria , Catinella Valeria , Polito Salvatore , Schiattarella Antonio , De Franciscis Pasquale , D’Antonio Francesco , Calì Giuseppe , Perino Antonino , Cucinella Gaspare
Published: August 2022

The purpose of this study was to clarify the vitamin D (VD) effect on male infertility. Our research was conducted using the following electronic databases: MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Cochrane Library. Selection criteria included all published randomized controlled trials and non-randomized studies, focusing on vitamin D and male reproductive function. The results showed that the effects of VD on male reproduction has been investigated in three different topics: the molecular mechanism underlying VD effects on semen quality (SQ), the relationship between VD levels and SQ, and the effect of VD supplementation on SQ. Results supported the hypothesis of a relevant interrelation between concentrations of male VD and semen parameters, with particular reference to sperm motility; on the contrary, evidence on the effect of VD on male sex steroid hormone levels was inconclusive. The results of this review hold up the thesis that VD plays a role in male reproduction. Most of the data highlighted a positive effect on semen quality, particularly in sperm motility, both in fertile and infertile men. Additional dedicated studies are required to elucidate the still controversial aspects of this topic.
In Vitro Fermentation of Browsable Native Shrubs in New Zealand
Authors: Wangui James Chege , Millner James P. , Kenyon Paul R. , Tozer Peter R. , Morel Patrick C. H. , Pain Sarah J.
Published: August 2022

Information on the nutritive value and in vitro fermentation characteristics of native shrubs in New Zealand is scant. This is despite their potential as alternatives to exotic trees and shrubs for supplementary fodder, and their mitigation of greenhouse gases and soil erosion on hill-country sheep and beef farms. The objectives of this study were to measure the in vitro fermentation gas production, predict the parameters of the in vitro fermentation kinetics, and estimate the in vitro fermentation of volatile fatty acids (VFA), microbial biomass (MBM), and greenhouse gases of four native shrubs (Coprosma robusta, Griselinia littoralis, Hoheria populnea, and Pittosporum crassifolium) and an exotic fodder tree species, Salix schwerinii. The total in vitro gas production was higher (p < 0.05) for the natives than for the S. schwerinii. A prediction using the single-pool model resulted in biologically incorrect negative in vitro total gas production from the immediately soluble fraction of the native shrubs. However, the dual pool model better predicted the in vitro total gas production and was in alignment with the measured in vitro fermentation end products. The in vitro VFA and greenhouse gas production from the fermentation of leaf and stem material was higher (p < 0.05), and the MBM lower (p < 0.05), for the native shrubs compared to the S. schwerinii. The lower in vitro total gas production, VFA, and greenhouse gases production and higher MBM of the S. schwerinii may be explained by the presence of condensed tannins (CT), although this was not measured and requires further study. In conclusion, the results from this study suggest that when consumed by ruminant livestock, browsable native shrubs can provide adequate energy and microbial protein, and that greenhouse-gas production from these species is within the ranges reported for typical New Zealand pastures.
Genome-Wide Identification and Analysis of the Aureochrome Gene Family in Saccharina japonica and a Comparative Analysis with Six Other Algae
Authors: Wu Yukun , Zhang Pengyan , Liang Zhourui , Yuan Yanmin , Duan Maohong , Liu Yi , Zhang Di , Liu Fuli
Published: August 2022

Aureochrome (AUREO) is a kind of blue light photoreceptor with both LOV and bZIP structural domains, identified only in Stramenopiles. It functions as a transcription factor that responds to blue light, playing diverse roles in the growth, development, and reproduction of Stramenopiles. Most of its functions are currently unknown, especially in the economically important alga S. japonica farmed on a large scale. This study provided a comprehensive analysis of the characteristics of AUREO gene families in seven algae, focusing on the AUREOs of S. japonica. AUREO genes were strictly identified from seven algal genomes. Then AUREO phylogenetic tree was constructed from 44 conserved AUREO genes collected. These AUREO genes were divided into five groups based on phylogenetic relationships. A total of 28 genes unnamed previously were named according to the phylogenetic tree. A large number of different cis-acting elements, especially bZIP transcription factors, were discovered upstream of AUREO genes in brown algae. Different intron/exon structural patterns were identified among all AUREOs. Transcriptomic data indicated that the expression of Sj AUREO varied significantly during the different development stages of S. japonica gametophytes. Periodic rhythms of light induction experiments indicate that Sj AUREO existed in a light-dependent circadian expression pattern, differing from other similar studies in the past. This may indicate that blue light affects gametophyte development through AUREO as a light signal receptor. This study systematically identified and analyzed the AUREO gene family in seven representative brown algae, which lay a good foundation for further study and understanding of AUERO functions in agal growth and development.
Effects of Dietary Probiotic Supplementation on Egg Quality during Storage
Authors: Carvalho Camila Lopes , Andretta Ines , Galli Gabriela Miotto , Stefanello Thais Bastos , Camargo Nathalia de Oliveira Telesca , Marchiori Maiara , Melchior Raquel , Kipper Marcos
Published: August 2022

The objective of this study was to evaluate whether probiotic supplementation to laying hens can improve the quality of eggs during storage. The trial was developed in a commercial farm, in which light-weight laying hens (36 weeks old) housed in cages were randomly selected for one of two different treatments: a control group fed non-supplemented diets, or birds fed with diets supplemented with 50 g/ton of probiotics. The trial lasted for 84 days, comprising three productive phases of 28 days each. The fresh egg quality was evaluated and then the eggs were stored and randomly separated for quality assessment at each storage interval (7, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42 days). Means were compared using variance analysis considering differences at 5 and 10%. The probiotic was able to improve albumen weight, yolk length, yolk height, and yolk index (p < 0.05) during storage. Yolk color (fan) was also improved by 3.9% (p < 0.001), while increases of 1.35% (p < 0.001) in luminosity, 8.05% (p < 0.001) in red intensity, and 3.4% (p < 0.001) in yellow intensity were observed in comparison to the control group. Probiotic treatment was able to reduce by 2.03% (p < 0.001) yolk pH, and by 19.65% (p < 0.05) TBARS levels when compared to the control treatment. Therefore, the addition of probiotics to laying hen diets is an effective strategy to improve egg quality during storage.