bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Leverage Bayesian Network and Fault Tree Method on Risk Assessment of LNG Maritime Transport Shipping Routes: Application to the China–Australia Route
Authors: Chang Zheng , He Xuzhuo , Fan Hanwen , Guan Wei , He Linsheng
Published: September 2023

The China–Australia Route, which serves as the southern economic corridor of the ‘21st Century Maritime Silk Road’, bears great importance in safeguarding maritime transportation operations. This route plays a crucial role in ensuring the security and efficiency of such activities. To pre-assess the risks of this route, this paper presents a two-stage analytical framework that combines fault tree analysis and Bayesian network for evaluating the occurrence likelihood of risk of transporting liquefied natural gas (LNG) on the China–Australia Route. In the first stage, our study involved the identification of 22 risk influencing factors drawn from a comprehensive review of pertinent literature and an in-depth analysis of accident reports. These identified factors were then utilized as basic events to construct a fault tree. Later, we applied an expert comprehensive evaluation method and fuzzy set theory, and by introducing voting mechanism into expert opinions, the prior probability of basic events was calculated. In the second stage, a fault tree was transformed into a Bayesian network, which overcame the deficiency that the structure and conditional probability table of the Bayesian network find difficult to determine. Consequently, the employment of the Bayesian network architecture was applied to forecast the likelihood of LNG maritime transport along the China–Australia shipping pathway. The probability importance and critical importance of each basic event was calculated through an importance analysis. The development of a risk matrix was achieved by considering the two primary dimensions of frequency and impact, which were subsequently utilized to categorize all relevant risk factors into high, moderate, or low risk categories. This allowed for effective risk mitigation and prevention strategies to be implemented. Finally, assuming that the final risk occurs, we calculated the posterior probability of the basic event to diagnose the risk. The research findings indicate that the primary reasons for the risk of transporting LNG on the China–Australia Route are the impact of natural forces and epidemics, piracy and terrorist attacks, and the risk of LNG explosions. In the final section, we provide suggestions and risk control measures based on the research results to reduce the occurrence of risks.
Mesoscale Shoreline Evolution on a Carbonate Sand Island: Anegada, British Virgin Islands
Authors: Cescon Anna Lisa , Cooper J. Andrew G. , Jackson Derek W. T. , Collin Antoine , Gore Shannon
Published: September 2023

Anegada, the easternmost island of the Virgin Islands group (Caribbean Sea), is a low Pleistocene carbonate platform surrounded by Horseshoe Reef, the world’s third-largest fringing reef. The western part of the island consists of an extensive beachridge plain (>40 ridges). The sandy carbonate shoreline exists in three morphodynamic domains that exhibit distinctive behaviour over the 59-year study period (1953 to 2012). The northern shore is dominated by westerly longshore drift under fair-weather conditions and cross-shore sediment transport during high-energy events. Storm wave run-up and high nearshore sediment availability contribute to the construction of shore-parallel beachridges. The western end of the island is affected by refracted waves that drive strong erosion and sediment transport. This is reflected in a succession of alternating rapid shoreline recession and progradation phases over the study period. The south–central shoreline is exposed to low wave energy and is stable and colonised by mangroves. The fringing reef plays a dominant role in mesoscale shoreline morphodynamics, both as a sediment source and in wave energy dissipation. Quasi-stable points and embayments suggest a strong influence of the reef framework in controlling the shoreline’s morphology and position. Sediment transfer from the reef to the shoreline appears to take place via shore-oblique, linear sediment transport pathways that develop across the lagoon in response to the modification of incoming waves. Cannibalisation of the shoreline sediment over the past 50 years is leading to straightening of the shoreline planform. This is counter to the long-term (Holocene) development of beachridges and suggests a change from a strongly positive to negative sediment budget.
Predicting Ocean Temperature in High-Frequency Internal Wave Area with Physics-Guided Deep Learning: A Case Study from the South China Sea
Authors: Wu Song , Zhang Xiaojiang , Bao Senliang , Dong Wei , Wang Senzhang , Li Xiaoyong
Published: September 2023

Higher-accuracy long-term ocean temperature prediction plays a critical role in ocean-related research fields and climate forecasting (e.g., oceanic internal waves and mesoscale eddies). The essential component of traditional physics-based numerical models for ocean temperature prediction is solving partial differential equations (PDEs), which has immense challenges in terms of parameterization, initial values, and boundary conditions setting. Moreover, the existing machine learning models for ocean temperature prediction have “black box” problems, and the influence of external dynamic factors is not considered. Moreover, it is hard to judge whether the model satisfies certain physical laws. In this paper, we propose a physics-guided spatio-temporal data analysis model based on the widely used ConvLSTM model to achieve long-term ocean temperature prediction and adopt two schemes to train the model in vector output and multiple parallel input and multi-step output. Meanwhile, considering the spatio-temporal correlation, physical information such as oceanic stable stratification is introduced to guide the model training. We evaluate our proposed approach on several popular deep learning models in different timesteps and data volumes in the northern coast of the South China Sea, where the frequent occurrence of internal waves leads to an intensity trend of a local transformation of sea temperature. The results show higher prediction accuracy compared with the traditional LSTM, and ConvLSTM models, and the introduction of physical laws can improve data utilization while enhancing the physical consistency of the model.
A Review of Application of Machine Learning in Storm Surge Problems
Authors: Qin Yue , Su Changyu , Chu Dongdong , Zhang Jicai , Song Jinbao
Published: September 2023

The rise of machine learning (ML) has significantly advanced the field of coastal oceanography. This review aims to examine the existing deficiencies in numerical predictions of storm surges and the effort that has been made to improve the predictive accuracy through the application of ML. The readers are guided through the steps required to implement ML algorithms, from the first step of formulating problems to data collection and determination of input features to model selection, development and evaluation. Additionally, the review explores the application of hybrid methods, which combine the bilateral advantages of data-driven methods and physics-based models. Furthermore, the strengths and limitations of ML methods in predicting storm surges are thoroughly discussed, and research gaps are identified. Finally, we outline a vision toward a trustworthy and reliable storm surge forecasting system by introducing novel physics-informed ML techniques. We are meant to provide a primer for beginners and experts in coastal ocean sciences who share a keen interest in ML methodologies in the context of storm surge problems.
Therapeutic Potential of Bioactive Compounds from Edible Mushrooms to Attenuate SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Some Complications of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)
Authors: Baruah Paran , Patra Aparup , Barge Sagar , Khan Mojibur R. , Mukherjee Ashis K.
Published: September 2023

The novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a highly infectious positive RNA virus, has spread from its epicenter to other countries with increased mortality and morbidity. Its expansion has hampered humankind’s social, economic, and health realms to a large extent. Globally, investigations are underway to understand the complex pathophysiology of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) induced by SARS-CoV-2. Though numerous therapeutic strategies have been introduced to combat COVID-19, none are fully proven or comprehensive, as several key issues and challenges remain unresolved. At present, natural products have gained significant momentum in treating metabolic disorders. Mushrooms have often proved to be the precursor of various therapeutic molecules or drug prototypes. The plentiful bioactive macromolecules in edible mushrooms, like polysaccharides, proteins, and other secondary metabolites (such as flavonoids, polyphenols, etc.), have been used to treat multiple diseases, including viral infections, by traditional healers and the medical fraternity. Some edible mushrooms with a high proportion of therapeutic molecules are known as medicinal mushrooms. In this review, an attempt has been made to highlight the exploration of bioactive molecules in mushrooms to combat the various pathophysiological complications of COVID-19. This review presents an in-depth and critical analysis of the current therapies against COVID-19 versus the potential of natural anti-infective, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antithrombotic products derived from a wide range of easily sourced mushrooms and their bioactive molecules.
Holarctic Species in the Pluteus podospileus Clade: Description of Six New Species and Reassessment of Old Names
Authors: Ševčíková Hana , Malysheva Ekaterina F. , Antonín Vladimír , Borovička Jan , Dovana Francesco , Ferisin Giuliano , Eyssartier Guillaume , Grootmyers Django , Heilmann-Clausen Jacob , Kalichman Jacob , Kaygusuz Oğuzhan , Lebeuf Renée , Muñoz González Guillermo , Minnis Andrew M. , Russell Stephen D. , Saar Irja , Nielsen Ida Broman , Frøslev Tobias Guldberg , Justo Alfredo
Published: September 2023

We studied the taxonomy of Pluteus podospileus and similar species using morphological and molecular (nrITS, TEF1-α) data, including a detailed study of the type collections of P. inflatus var. alneus, Pluteus minutissimus f. major, and P. granulatus var. tenellus. Within the P. podospileus complex, we phylogenetically confirmed six species in Europe, five in Asia, and eight in North America. Based on our results, we recognize P. seticeps as a separate species occurring in North America, while P. podospileus is limited to Eurasia. We describe six new species and a new variety: P. absconditus, P. fuscodiscus, P. gausapatus, P. inexpectatus, P. millsii, and P. notabilis and its variety, P. notabilis var. insignis. We elevate Pluteus seticeps var. cystidiosus to species rank as Pluteus cystidiosus. Based on the holotype of P. inflatus var. alneus, collections of P. inflatus identified by Velenovský, and several modern collections, we resurrect the name P. inflatus. Based on molecular analyses of syntypes of Pluteus minutissimus f. major and a holotype of Pluteus granulatus var. tenellus, we synonymize them under P. inflatus. We also increase our knowledge about the morphology and distribution of P. cutefractus.
Occurrence Regionalization of Kiwifruit Brown Spot in Sichuan
Authors: Zhu Yuhang , Yao Kaikai , Ma Miaomiao , Cui Yongliang , Xu Jing , Chen Wen , Yang Rui , Wu Cuiping , Gong Guoshu
Published: September 2023

Kiwifruit brown spot caused by Corynespora cassiicola is the most significant fungal disease in Sichuan, resulting in premature defoliation, which had a significant impact on yield and fruit quality. The objective of the study was to determine the occurrence regularity and suitability of kiwifruit brown spot in Sichuan. The occurrence of the disease in the main producing region was continuously monitored, the maximum entropy (MaxEnt) model was used to predict its potential distribution, and the key environmental variables were identified using the jackknife method. The results indicated that kiwifruit brown spot was widely distributed across the entire producing region in Sichuan, predominantly affecting the variety “Hongyang”. The incidence (p < 0.01) and disease index (p < 0.05) showed a significant positive correlation with the cultivar, and decreased with the altitude increasing. The average area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 10 replicates was 0.933 ± 0.012, with an accuracy of 84.44% in a field test, confirming the reliability of the predicted results. The highly suitable distribution areas of kiwifruit brown spot were mainly located in the Chengdu and Ya’an regions. The entire Panzhihua region was an unsuitable distribution area, and the entire Pujiang County and Mingshan District were highly suitable distribution areas. The key environmental variables affecting the potential distribution of kiwifruit brown spot included isothermality (24.3–33.7%), minimum temperature in August (16.3–23.6 °C), maximum temperature in July (25.5–31.2 °C), minimum temperature in June (15.6–20.9 °C), precipitation in August (158–430 mm), and average temperature in October (15.6–18.8 °C). This study provides a theoretical basis for the reasonable layout of the cultivar and the precise prevention and control of the disease.
Interactions between Bacteria and Aspergillus fumigatus in Airways: From the Mycobiome to Molecular Interactions
Authors: Debourgogne Anne , Monpierre Lorra , Sy Khadeeja Adam , Valsecchi Isabel , Decousser Jean-Winoc , Botterel Françoise
Published: September 2023

Interactions between different kingdoms of microorganisms in humans are common but not well described. A recent analysis of the mycobiome has described the presence of different fungi and their positive and/or negative interactions with bacteria and other fungi. In chronic respiratory diseases, these different microorganisms form mixed biofilms to live inside. The interactions between Gram-negative bacteria and filamentous fungi in these biofilms have attracted more attention recently. In this review, we analyse the microbiota of the respiratory tract of healthy individuals and patients with chronic respiratory disease. Additionally, we describe the regulatory mechanisms that rule the mixed biofilms of Aspergillus fumigatus and Gram-negative bacteria and the effects of this biofilm on clinical presentations.
Serologic Rebound after Stopping Azoles for Primary Pulmonary Coccidioidomycosis: A Case-Controlled Observational Study
Authors: Shah Priyal J. , Ampel Neil M. , Girardo Marlene E. , Blair Janis E.
Published: September 2023

Background: We sought to characterize the outcomes of patients with primary pulmonary coccidioidomycosis whose post-treatment complement fixation (CF) titer increased by more than 2 dilutions (serologic rebound) after discontinuation of antifungal treatment. Methods. We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients with primary pulmonary coccidioidomycosis and identified immunocompetent, non-pregnant adults who received antifungal treatment and then experienced a serologic rebound after treatment discontinuation. We compared these to matched controls similarly treated who did not have serologic rebound. Results. Fifty-eight patients experienced serologic rebound. Thirty (52%) of these were associated with symptoms. Nine were associated with radiographic progression. The median time to serologic rebound was 3.5 months. Antifungal treatment was reinitiated in 37 (63.7%) patients. Four of the 58 (6.9%) with rebounded serology subsequently developed extra-thoracic dissemination. Compared with matched controls, patients with rebounded serology were more likely to have post-treatment symptoms, reinitiation of antifungal therapy, and a longer duration of clinical follow-up. However, they were not more likely to experience extra-thoracic dissemination. Conclusion: Serological rebound, manifested in at least 2-dilution rise of CF titer following antifungal treatment of primary pulmonary coccidioidomycosis, was uncommon, but resulted in longer clinical follow-up. Continued monitoring of such patients is important to identify the patients who develop subsequent symptoms, as well as extra-thoracic dissemination.
New Species of Bioluminescent Mycena Sect. Calodontes (Agaricales, Mycenaceae) from Mexico
Authors: Cortés-Pérez Alonso , Guzmán-Dávalos Laura , Ramírez-Cruz Virginia , Villalobos-Arámbula Alma Rosa , Ruiz-Sanchez Eduardo , Ramírez-Guillén Florencia
Published: September 2023

Mycena section Calodontes is macromorphologically distinguished by the collybioid or mycenoid basidiome, which is pink, purple, or violet, and, rarely, reddish-brown or yellowish. It is further characterized by the presence of oxalate crystals in the basal mycelium. The section comprises approximately 40 taxa, of which only five species and one variety exhibit bioluminescence. As part of an extensive study on Mycena sect. Calodontes in Mexico, specimens belonging to this section were collected and subjected to morphological analysis. Sequences from the nuclear internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of nuclear ribosomal DNA, RNA polymerase II large subunit Rpb1 (rpb1), and translation elongation factor-1α (Tef-1α) were generated to infer the relationships within Mycena sect. Calodontes using maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference. The phylogenetic evidence, along with the macro- and micromorphological features, supported the recognition of five new bioluminescent species within Mycena sect. Calodontes. Detailed macro- and micromorphological descriptions, line-drawing illustrations, and light and dark photographs of the new species are provided.
Properties of VaR and CVaR Risk Measures in High-Frequency Domain: Long–Short Asymmetry and Significance of the Power-Law Tail
Authors: Takaishi Tetsuya
Published: September 2023

This study investigates the properties of risk measure, value at risk (VaR) and conditional VaR (CVaR), using high-frequency Bitcoin data. These data allow us to conduct a high statistical analysis. Our findings reveal a disparity in VaR and CVaR values between the left and right tails of the return probability distributions. We refer to this disparity as “long–short asymmetry”. In the high-frequency domain, the tail distribution can be accurately described by a power-law function. Moreover, the ratio of CVaR to VaR is expected to be determined solely by the power-law exponent. Through empirical analysis, we confirm that this ratio property holds true for high confidence levels. Furthermore, we investigate the relationship between risk measures (VaR and CVaR) and realized volatility. We observe that they trace a trajectory in a two-dimensional plane. This trajectory changes gradually, indicating periods of both high and low risk.
Aerobic Exercise, Training Dose, and Cardiorespiratory Fitness: Effects and Relationships with Resting Plasma Neurotrophic Factors in Alzheimer’s Dementia
Authors: Salisbury Dereck L. , Li Danni , Todd Michael , Ng Ted K. S. , Yu Fang
Published: September 2023

Background: Vascular health is increasingly recognized for its roles in the pathogenesis and progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The objective of this study was to investigate effects of exercise training, dose, and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) on neurotrophic factors in community-dwelling, older adults with mild-to-moderate AD dementia. Methods: This was a pilot blood ancillary study of the FIT-AD trial. Participants in the parent study were randomized to 6-month aerobic exercise (AEx) or stretching control. For this ancillary study, resting plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), irisin, fibroblast growth factor-21 (FGF-21), and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) biomarkers were assessed at baseline, 3, and 6 months. Estimates of within- and between- group effect sizes were calculated (Cohen’s d). Relationships of biomarker change with dose and CRF change were explored with multivariable linear regression and repeated measures correlations. Results: The sample (n = 26, 18 AEx/8 stretching) averaged 77.6 ± 6.9 years old, with the majority being male (65.4%), and non-Hispanic White (92.3%); between-group effect sizes were generally small except for irisin (d = −0.44)), AEx group relative to stretching group. Associations of dose and changes in CRF with changes in neurotrophic biomarker were weak (r2 ≤ 0.025). Conclusions: The effects of exercise on BDNF, irisin, IGF-1, and FGF-21 were heterogeneous in AD. Our findings need validation in future, adequately powered exercise studies in AD.
A Retrospective Observational Study Using Administrative Databases to Assess the Risk of Spontaneous Abortions Related to Environmental and Socioeconomic Conditions
Authors: Giotta Massimo , Bartolomeo Nicola , Trerotoli Paolo
Published: September 2023

Miscarriage is one of the most frequent adverse events that occurs during pregnancy. This retrospective study aimed to verify if the environmental and socioeconomic conditions related to geographical areas where women live, and the socio-demographic and clinical factors play a role in the risk of spontaneous abortion (SA). The analyses were conducted by hospital discharge records (HDRs) from public and private hospitals in Apulia from 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2021. Women with an age over 40 years old had a major risk of SA compared with women under 18 years (OR 2.30, IC95%1.16–4.54). A reduction in the risk of SA was found for women with an endocrinological or metabolic disease (OR 0.28, 95% CI 0.19–0.41), while genetic disease greatly increases the risk (OR 9.63, IC95% 1.98–46.86). The greatest risk of spontaneous abortion was found in the province of Taranto compared to the province of Foggia (OR 2.01, 95% CI 1.52–2.64). The provinces with a higher risk of SA in the multiple comparisons were Taranto, Brindisi, and BAT. Municipalities with socioeconomic disadvantages classified as very low, low, and medium had a higher risk of SA compared to the municipalities with a high disadvantage. In conclusion, our study indicates the possible association between SA rate and environmental conditions. Additionally, the socioeconomic, clinical, and demographic factors were related to the risk of SAs.
Acquired Male Hypogonadism in the Post-Genomic Era—A Narrative Review
Authors: Grande Giuseppe , Graziani Andrea , De Toni Luca , Garolla Andrea , Milardi Domenico , Ferlin Alberto
Published: September 2023

Although precision medicine took its first steps from genomic medicine, it has gone far beyond genomics, considering the full complexity of cellular physiology. Therefore, the present time can be considered as the “post-genomic era”. In detail, proteomics captures the overall protein profile of an analyzed sample, whilst metabolomics has the purpose of studying the molecular aspects of a known medical condition through the measurement of metabolites with low molecular weight in biological specimens. In this review, the role of post-genomic platforms, namely proteomics and metabolomics, is evaluated with a specific interest in their application for the identification of novel biomarkers in male hypogonadism and in the identification of new perspectives of knowledge on the pathophysiological function of testosterone. Post-genomic platforms, including MS-based proteomics and metabolomics based on ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-HRMS, have been applied to find solutions to clinical questions related to the diagnosis and treatment of male hypogonadism. In detail, seminal proteomics helped us in identifying novel non-invasive markers of androgen activity to be translated into clinical practice, sperm proteomics revealed the role of testosterone in spermatogenesis, while serum metabolomics helped identify the different metabolic pathways associated with testosterone deficiency and replacement treatment, both in patients with insulin sensitivity and patients with insulin resistance.
Current Status of Vector-Borne Diseases in Croatia: Challenges and Future Prospects
Authors: Vilibic-Cavlek Tatjana , Janev-Holcer Natasa , Bogdanic Maja , Ferenc Thomas , Vujica Ferenc Mateja , Krcmar Stjepan , Savic Vladimir , Stevanovic Vladimir , Ilic Maja , Barbic Ljubo
Published: September 2023

Different vector-borne pathogens are present or have (re-)emerged in Croatia. Flaviviruses tick-borne encephalitis (TBEV), West Nile (WNV), and Usutu (USUV) are widely distributed in continental regions, while Toscana virus (TOSV) and sandfly fever viruses are detected at the Croatian littoral. Recently, sporadic clinical cases of Tahyna orthobunyavirus (TAHV) and Bhanja bandavirus infection and seropositive individuals have been reported in continental Croatia. Acute infections and serologic evidence of WNV, TBEV, USUV, and TAHV were also confirmed in sentinel animals and vectors. Autochthonous dengue was reported in 2010 at the Croatian littoral. Lyme borreliosis is the most widely distributed vector-borne bacterial infection. The incidence is very high in northwestern and eastern regions, which correlates with numerous records of Ixodes ricinus ticks. Acute human Anaplasma phagocytophilum infections are reported sporadically, but there are many records of serologic evidence of anaplasmosis in animals. Mediterranean spotted fever (Rickettsia conorii) and murine typhus (Rickettsia typhi) are the main rickettsial infections in Croatia. Human leishmaniasis is notified sporadically, while serologic evidence of leishmaniasis was found in 11.4% of the Croatian population. After the official eradication of malaria in 1964, only imported cases were reported in Croatia. Since vector-borne diseases show a growing trend, continuous monitoring of vectors is required to protect the population from these infections.
Estimation of Tritium Concentration in the Rain- and Groundwater in the Dry River of Hafr Al Batin, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Mamun Al
Published: September 2023

Natural tritium is widely dispersed in the environment, leading to human exposure to tritium through water ingestion, inhalation of tritium gas, and absorption through the skin. High levels of tritium in the environment can pose significant health risks due to the potential carcinogenic effects of tritium. Therefore, this study aims to estimate the tritium concentration in spiked water, rainwater, and groundwater by a liquid scintillation counter (LSC). Due to the lower detection levels of the LSC, an enrichment process of tritium ten- to thirtyfold was carried out using the electrolysis process. The enriched water was then analyzed to estimate the tritium concentration. Five reference samples were prepared by diluting a standard with known concentrations (spiked sample) to verify the precision of the measurement technique. The estimated tritium levels of the rainwater and the groundwater were within the 0.3 to 3.5 tritium units (TU) range. A comparatively higher tritium concentration was estimated for the shallow wells in the lower valley of the monitored areas. However, relatively lower concentrations were detected for wells located in the hillside areas. These findings will assist regulatory authorities in formulating strategies to ensure public safety by mitigating human exposure to tritium.
Surface Laser Micropatterning of Polyethylene (PE) to Increase the Shearing Strength of Adhesive Joints
Authors: Tofil Szymon , Kurp Piotr , Manikandan Manoharan
Published: September 2023

In the introduction, we present an overview of previous research on this subject in order to help the reader review possible technological solutions regarding the joining of construction materials. The original research presented in this article concerns the results of increasing the shear strength of adhesive joints of plastics using various types of surface preparation (laser texturing). Laser texturing consists in developing the surface by applying various geometric patterns of appropriate shapes and depths, as well as its density on the surface. The above parameters are currently selected in an empirical way as research is still being developed as part of a research project. The textures obtained in this way are subjected to microscopic examination. Then, a layer of glue is applied, and the samples prepared in this way, after drying, are subjected to various destructive tests, e.g., tensile, shear, and bending. In this article, we attempted to test the strength of the bonded joint of polyethylene (PE). The impact of a laser beam with ultrashort picosecond pulses was used in the research. Tools in the form of a TRUMPF TruMicro 5325c device integrated with a SCANLAB GALVO scanning head were used. This enabled ablative material removal without the presence of a heat affected zone (HAZ) in the non-laser part. Ultrashort laser pulses remove material without melting the non-exposed area by the laser beam. On the basis of the tests performed (in this article and previous research works of the authors), it was shown that the method increases the shear strength of the glued joints made in the tested construction materials. This is confirmed by laboratory results of tribological tests. The laser treatment parameters used, which are shown in this article, did not lead to the appearance of cracks in the micromachined materials. Research has shown that the connections between elements with a properly selected micropattern are characterized by a several-fold increase in the strength of joints, unlike materials without a micropattern. The presented method may be helpful for use as a technology for joining plastics.
Electrodeposited Zinc Coatings for Biomedical Application: Morphology, Corrosion and Biological Behaviour
Authors: Tamurejo-Alonso Purificación , González-Martín María Luisa , Pacha-Olivenza Miguel Ángel
Published: August 2023

The improvement of biodegradable metals is currently an active and promising research area for their capabilities in implant manufacturing. However, controlling their degradation rate once their surface is in contact with the physiological media is a challenge. Surface treatments are in the way of addressing the improvement of this control. Zinc is a biocompatible metal present in the human body as well as a metal widely used in coatings to prevent corrosion, due to its well-known metal protective action. These two outstanding characteristics make zinc coating worthy of consideration to improve the degradation behaviour of implants. Electrodeposition is one of the most practical and common technologies to create protective zinc coatings on metals. This article aims to review the effect of the different parameters involved in the electrochemical process on the topography and corrosion characteristics of the zinc coating. However, certainly, it also provides an actual and comprehensive description of the state-of-the-art of the use of electrodeposited zinc for biomedical applications, focusing on their capacity to protect against bacterial colonization and to allow cell adhesion and proliferation.
Circulating Current Control in Interleaved and Parallel Connected Power Converters
Authors: Javed Khalid , De Croo Ruben , Vandevelde Lieven , De Belie Frederik
Published: September 2023

This article analyzes circulating current control in single-phase power electronic converters, focusing on two different topologies: interleaved and parallel configurations. The study involves a bridgeless interleaving topology with two boost converters for increased efficiency. A parallel connection is also examined for monitoring line current, circulating currents, and power factor control. The article widely explains all current loops, including Common Mode Circulating Currents (CMCC) in the bridgeless interleaved topology and Differential Mode Circulating Currents (DMCC) in parallel-connected interleaved power converters. The proposed control scheme employs voltage and current control loops for output voltage and line current control and introduces CMCC and DMCC compensators to eliminate all types of circulating currents. An efficient Power Factor Correction (PFC) and output voltage control method is presented in this article. The effectiveness of the proposed schemes is validated through comparisons with modern control systems. The results are verified using Simulink/MATLAB and experimental setups with TI Instruments Piccolo prototypes and C2000 (TMS320F28035 microcontroller MCU) microcontrollers in parallel configurations.
Mass Flow Function Correlation for Solid and Honeycomb Land Labyrinth Seals including Fin Front Angle, Clearance, Fin Number and Honeycomb Geometry
Authors: Kim Hyeok Je , Kang Young Jun , Kim Woojun , Jo Ye Rim , Park Suhyeon , Kwak Jae Su
Published: September 2023

In this study, the effects of several geometry factors (fin front angle, clearance, number of fins, and honeycomb cell diameter and depth) on the mass flow function of solid and honeycomb land were studied experimentally. The fin front angle considered in the experiment ranged from 60 to 90 degrees, the number of fins was varied between two and three, and the diameter and depth of the honeycomb cell ranged from 1.33 to 4.00 times and 8.08 to 13.08 times the thickness of the fin tip, respectively. The experimental results showed that the mass flow function decreased as the number of fins increased for the solid land labyrinth seal, and the mass flow function increased as the clearance increased. A fin front angle of 60 degrees was found to have the minimum mass flow function. For the honeycomb land labyrinth seal, the mass flow function decreased as the number of fins increased, and the effect of the cell depth was shown to be insignificant compared to the effect of the cell diameter. The effects of cell diameter and cell depth on the mass flow function depended on the conditions of other variables. In addition, the correlation equations of the mass flow functions of the solid land and honeycomb land labyrinth seals are presented based on the experimental results, which represent the effects of the fin front angle, clearance, pressure ratio, and diameter and depth of the honeycomb cell. The correlation equation for the solid land labyrinth seal had an r2 value of 0.9822, while the correlation equation for honeycomb land had an r2 value of 0.9621.
Cyberattack Detection in Social Network Messages Based on Convolutional Neural Networks and NLP Techniques
Authors: Coyac-Torres Jorge E. , Sidorov Grigori , Aguirre-Anaya Eleazar , Hernández-Oregón Gerardo
Published: September 2023

Social networks have captured the attention of many people worldwide. However, these services have also attracted a considerable number of malicious users whose aim is to compromise the digital assets of other users by using messages as an attack vector to execute different types of cyberattacks against them. This work presents an approach based on natural language processing tools and a convolutional neural network architecture to detect and classify four types of cyberattacks in social network messages, including malware, phishing, spam, and even one whose aim is to deceive a user into spreading malicious messages to other users, which, in this work, is identified as a bot attack. One notable feature of this work is that it analyzes textual content without depending on any characteristics from a specific social network, making its analysis independent of particular data sources. Finally, this work was tested on real data, demonstrating its results in two stages. The first stage detected the existence of any of the four types of cyberattacks within the message, achieving an accuracy value of 0.91. After detecting a message as a cyberattack, the next stage was to classify it as one of the four types of cyberattack, achieving an accuracy value of 0.82.
Bivariate Unit-Weibull Distribution: Properties and Inference
Authors: Tovar-Falón Roger , Martínez-Flórez Guillermo , Páez-Martínez Luis
Published: September 2023

In this article, we introduce a novel bivariate probability distribution that is absolutely continuous. Considering the Farlie–Gumbel–Morgenstern (FGM) copula and the unit-Weibull distribution, we can obtain a bivariate unit-Weibull distribution. We evaluate the main properties of the new proposal and use two estimation methods to estimate the parameter for the bivariate probability distribution. A brief Monte Carlo simulation study is conducted to assess the behavior of the employed estimation method and the characteristics of the estimators. Ultimately, as an illustration, a real-life application is presented, demonstrating the utility of the proposal.
Portrait Sketch Generative Model for Misaligned Photo-to-Sketch Dataset
Authors: Kim Hyungbum , Kim Junho , Yang Heekyung
Published: September 2023

A deep-learning-based model for generating line-based portrait sketches from portrait photos is proposed in this paper. The misalignment problem is addressed by the introduction of a novel loss term, designed to tolerate misalignments between Ground Truth sketches and generated sketches. Artists’ sketching strategies are mimicked by dividing the portrait into face and hair regions, with separate models trained for each region, and the outcomes subsequently combined. Our contributions include the resolution of misalignment between photos and artist-created sketches, and high-quality sketch results via region-based model training. The experimental results show the effectiveness of our approach in generating convincing portrait sketches, with both quantitative and visual comparisons to State-of-the-Art techniques. The quantitative comparisons demonstrate that our method preserves the identity of the input portrait photos, while applying the style of Ground Truth sketch.
Fejér-Type Inequalities for Some Classes of Differentiable Functions
Authors: Samet Bessem
Published: September 2023

We let υ be a convex function on an interval [ι1,ι2]⊂R. If ζ∈C([ι1,ι2]), ζ≥0 and ζ is symmetric with respect to ι1+ι22, then υ12∑j=12ιj∫ι1ι2ζ(s)ds≤∫ι1ι2υ(s)ζ(s)ds≤12∑j=12υ(ιj)∫ι1ι2ζ(s)ds. The above estimates were obtained by Fejér in 1906 as a generalization of the Hermite–Hadamard inequality (the above inequality with ζ≡1). This work is focused on the study of right-side Fejér-type inequalities in one- and two-dimensional cases for new classes of differentiable functions υ. In the one-dimensional case, the obtained results hold without any symmetry condition imposed on the weight function ζ. In the two-dimensional case, the right side of Fejer’s inequality is extended to the class of subharmonic functions υ on a disk.
Collagen Hydrolysates: A Source of Bioactive Peptides Derived from Food Sources for the Treatment of Osteoarthritis
Authors: Larder Christina E. , Iskandar Michèle M. , Kubow Stan
Published: September 2023

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disorder, with a social and financial burden that is expected to increase in the coming years. Currently, there are no effective medications to treat it. Due to limited treatment options, patients often resort to supplements, such as collagen hydrolysates (CHs). CHs are products with low molecular weight (MW) peptides, often between 3 and 6 kDa, and are a result of industrialized processed collagen. Collagen extraction is often a by-product of the meat industry, with the main source for collagen-based products being bovine, although it can also be obtained from porcine and piscine sources. CHs have demonstrated positive results in clinical trials related to joint health, such as decreased joint pain, increased mobility, and structural joint improvements. The bioactivity of CHs is primarily attributed to their bioactive peptide (BAP) content. However, there are significant knowledge gaps regarding the digestion, bioavailability, and bioactivity of CH-derived BAPs, and how different CH products compare in that regard. The present review discusses CHs and their BAP content as potential treatments for OA.
Acrylonitrile–Acrylic Acid Copolymer Ultrafiltration Membranes for Selective Asphaltene Removal from Crude Oil
Authors: Yushkin Alexey A. , Balynin Alexey V. , Nebesskaya Alexandra P. , Chernikova Elena V. , Muratov Dmitriy G. , Efimov Mikhail N. , Karpacheva Galina P.
Published: September 2023

In this study, ultrafiltration membranes were developed via a nonsolvent-induced phase separation method for the removal of asphaltenes from crude oil. Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and acrylonitrile copolymers with acrylic acid were used as membrane materials. Copolymerizing acrylonitrile with acrylic acid resulted in an improvement in the fouling resistance of the membranes. The addition of 10% of acrylic acid to the polymer chain decreases the water contact angle from 71° to 43°, reducing both the total fouling and irreversible fouling compared to membranes made from a PAN homopolymer. The obtained membranes with a pore size of 32–55 nm demonstrated a pure toluene permeance of 84.8–130.4 L/(m2·h·bar) and asphaltene rejection from oil/toluene solutions (100 g/L) of 33–95%. An analysis of the asphaltene rejection values revealed that the addition of acrylic acid increases the rejection values in comparison to PAN membranes with the same pore size. Our results suggest that the acrylonitrile–acrylic acid copolymer ultrafiltration membranes have promising potential for the efficient removal of asphaltenes from crude oil.
Influence of UV Illumination on the Corrosion Behavior of New 3Ni Weathering Steel in Marine Atmospheric Environments
Authors: Xu Hongliang , Yuan Rui , Zhang Zhihui , Yang Ying , Wang Yubo , Zhang Pengcheng , Mao Xinping , Wu Huibin
Published: September 2023

We investigate the effect of pure darkness and UV illumination on the corrosion process of 3Ni weathering steels involved in both marine atmospheric environments. The corrosion behavior of 3Ni steel in both environments was assessed by cyclic acceleration experiments, electrochemical measurements, morphological analysis and physical phase analysis. The results show that UV illumination affects the corrosion process through the photovoltaic effect of the corrosion products, with photoelectrons and photo-vacancies participating in the redox reaction between the substrate and the atmospheric environment, thereby affecting the corrosion rate of 3Ni steel, the physical composition of the corrosion products and the denseness of the rust layer.
Efficient Gallium Recovery from Aqueous Solutions Using Polyacrylonitrile Nanofibers Loaded with D2EHPA
Authors: Segala Bibiane Nardes , Wenzel Bruno München , Power Nicholas P. , Krishnamurthy Satheesh , Bertuol Daniel Assumpção , Tanabe Eduardo Hiromitsu
Published: September 2023

Centrifugal spinning was utilized in producing polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers loaded with extractant di-(2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid (D2EHPA) for efficient adsorption recovery of gallium from aqueous solutions. The adsorption experimental data were best fitted by a pseudo-second-order kinetic model and the BET equilibrium isotherm model. Optimal adsorption performance by the PAN/D2EHPA nanofibers exhibited an adsorption capacity of 33.13 mg g−1 for the recovery of gallium at pH 2.5 and 55 °C. The thermodynamic parameters demonstrated that adsorption was endothermic, spontaneous, and favorable. The stability and reusability of the nanofibers was assessed, demonstrating retention of structural and functional integrity for the nanofibers over five cycles of an adsorption/desorption process, whilst retaining adsorption efficiency. The results demonstrate that PAN/D2EHPA nanofibers have excellent potential for utilization in an efficient adsorption process for gallium recovery, offering significant positive environmental impact over conventional liquid–liquid extraction methods.
Considerations of COVID-19 in Ophthalmology
Authors: Salvetat Maria Letizia , Musa Mutali , Pellegrini Francesco , Salati Carlo , Spadea Leopoldo , Zeppieri Marco
Published: September 2023

Since its emergence in early 2020, the SARS-CoV-2 infection has had a significant impact on the entire eye care system. Ophthalmologists have been categorized as a high-risk group for contracting the virus due to the belief that the eye may be a site of inoculation and transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 infection. As a result, clinical ophthalmologists, optometrists, and eyecare professionals have had to familiarize themselves with the ocular manifestations of COVID-19, as well as its treatments and vaccines. The implementation of measures to prevent the transmission of the virus, such as restrictions, lockdowns, telemedicine, and artificial intelligence (AI), have led to substantial and potentially irreversible changes in routine clinical practice, education, and research. This has resulted in the emergence of a new mode of managing patients in a routine clinical setting. This brief review aims to provide an overview of various aspects of COVID-19 in ophthalmology, including the ocular manifestations related to the disease, the modes of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 infection, precautions taken in ophthalmic practice to prevent the spread of the virus, drugs, and vaccines used in the treatment of COVID-19, the impact of the pandemic on patients, clinicians, and the eye care system as a whole, and the future of ophthalmology conditioned by this global pandemic experience.
Nigrospora oryzae Causing Leaf Spot Disease on Chrysanthemum × morifolium Ramat and Screening of Its Potential Antagonistic Bacteria
Authors: Sha Haodong , Liu Xinyi , Xiao Xiaoe , Zhang Han , Gu Xueting , Chen Weiliang , Mao Bizeng
Published: September 2023

Chrysanthemum × morifolium Ramat. is a famous perennial herb with medicinal, edible, and ornamental purposes, but the occurrence of plant diseases can reduce its value. A serious disease that caused leaf spots in C. morifolium appeared in 2022 in Tongxiang City, Zhejiang Province, China. The C. morifolium leaves with brown spots were collected and used for pathogen isolation. By completing Koch’s postulates, it was proven that the isolate had pathogenicity to infect C. morifolium. It was determined that the pathogen isolated from chrysanthemum leaves was Nigrospora oryzae, through morphology and a multilocus sequence analysis method using a combination of the internal transcribed spacer gene (ITS), beta-tubulin gene (TUB2), and translation elongation factor 1-alpha gene (TEF1-α). This is the first report of C. morifolium disease caused by N. oryzae in the world. Through dual culture assay on PDA plates, 12 strains of bacteria with antagonistic effects were selected from 231 strains from the C. morifolium phyllosphere, among which Bacillus siamensis D65 had the best inhibitory effect on N. oryzae growth. In addition, the components of a strain D65 fermentation broth were profiled by SPME-GC-Q-TOF analysis, providing a foundation for further application and research of biological control.
The Effects of Chloride on the High Temperature Pressure Oxidation of Chalcopyrite: Some Insights from Batch Tests—Part 2: Leach Residue Mineralogy
Authors: McDonald Robbie G.
Published: September 2023

The complete reaction of chalcopyrite at ≥220 °C under pressure oxidation conditions (10 or 20% w/w pulp density, PO2 700 kPa) is a clean process producing a residue consisting of hematite and un-reacted gangue minerals. However, when the process water contains chloride ions, covellite intermediate formation is significant and subsequently generates elemental sulphur that can persist for up to 60 min. Increasing the temperature to 230 °C reduces this time, although the dissolution of copper and the oxidation of sulphur still follows non-parallel reaction pathways. At 245 °C, the production of elemental sulphur in the presence of moderate chloride levels, 15 g/L, is no longer significant. The effects of other chemical additions (including enhancement of aluminium content) are also examined. Particular emphasis is given to the mineralogy of the leach residues and the deportment of iron in these residues to various phases that include hematite, basic ferric sulphate and natrojarosite. The residues are found to also contain a number of other intermediate phases in addition to covellite and sulphur, such as antlerite and clinoatacamite, depending upon the leach conditions employed.