bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Novel Statistical Analysis Algorithm for Angular Sampling for Measurement of the TRP of Spurious Emissions
Authors: Guo Gan , Yang Xiaoli , Ma Nan , Wei Ran , Zhou Yi , Xiong Yufei , Xu Xiaodong , Zhang Ping
Published: October 2023

The total radiated power (TRP) has been stipulated as the spurious emission limit for a mmWave terminal. Angular sampling is crucial for ensuring the accuracy of the measurement of the TRP of spurious emissions while improving measurement efficiency. In this study, we investigate the sampling requirements for different TRP measurement methods. A novel algorithm based on the statistical analysis of the measurement uncertainty caused by the sampling step is proposed. Specifically, the HPBW of the entire machine radiation pattern is considered instead of that of a simple antenna array. This study was conducted in strict compliance with regulatory requirements to ensure that the statistical algorithm was more closely aligned with practical testing. Based on this, the maximum sampling steps allowed by different terminal models while maintaining measurement accuracy were analyzed. The simulation results demonstrate that negligible measurement uncertainty was produced when the sampling step of the full spherical grid method was less than 6∘. However, for the two-cut and the three-cut methods, a maximum of 2 dB of measurement uncertainty should be considered. These findings are valuable inputs for the ongoing work on electromagnetic compatibility testing and standardization.
A Lightweight Network Based on Improved YOLOv5s for Insulator Defect Detection
Authors: Liu Cong , Yi Wentao , Liu Min , Wang Yifeng , Hu Sheng , Wu Minghu
Published: October 2023

Insulators on transmission lines can be damaged to different degrees due to extreme weather conditions, which threaten the safe operation of the power system. In order to detect damaged insulators in time and meet the needs of real-time detection, this paper proposes a multi-defect and lightweight detection algorithm for insulators based on the improved YOLOv5s. To reduce the network parameters, we have integrated the Ghost module and introduced C3Ghost as a replacement for the backbone network. This enhancement enables a more efficient detection model. Moreover, we have added a new detection layer specifically designed for small objects, and embedded an attention mechanism into the network, significantly improving its detection capability for smaller insulators. Furthermore, we use the K-means++ algorithm to recluster the prior boxes and replace Efficient IoU Loss as the new loss function, which has better matching and convergence on the insulator defect dataset we constructed. The experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed algorithm. Compared to the original algorithm, our model reduces the number of parameters by 41.1%, while achieving an mAP@0.5 of 94.8%. It also achieves a processing speed of 32.52 frames per second. These improvements make the algorithm well-suited for practical insulator detection and enable its deployment in edge devices.
Network Intrusion Detection Based on Amino Acid Sequence Structure Using Machine Learning
Authors: Ibaisi Thaer AL , Kuhn Stefan , Kaiiali Mustafa , Kazim Muhammad
Published: October 2023

The detection of intrusions in computer networks, known as Network-Intrusion-Detection Systems (NIDSs), is a critical field in network security. Researchers have explored various methods to design NIDSs with improved accuracy, prevention measures, and faster anomaly identification. Safeguarding computer systems by quickly identifying external intruders is crucial for seamless business continuity and data protection. Recently, bioinformatics techniques have been adopted in NIDSs’ design, enhancing their capabilities and strengthening network security. Moreover, researchers in computer science have found inspiration in molecular biology’s survival mechanisms. These nature-designed mechanisms offer promising solutions for network security challenges, outperforming traditional techniques and leading to better results. Integrating these nature-inspired approaches not only enriches computer science, but also enhances network security by leveraging the wisdom of nature’s evolution. As a result, we have proposed a novel Amino-acid-encoding mechanism that is bio-inspired, utilizing essential Amino acids to encode network transactions and generate structural properties from Amino acid sequences. This mechanism offers advantages over other methods in the literature by preserving the original data relationships, achieving high accuracy of up to 99%, transforming original features into a fixed number of numerical features using bio-inspired mechanisms, and employing deep machine learning methods to generate a trained model capable of efficiently detecting network attack transactions in real-time.
Overview on Battery Charging Systems for Electric Vehicles
Authors: Dini Pierpaolo , Saponara Sergio , Colicelli Antonio
Published: October 2023

Catalyzed by the increasing interest in bi-directional electric vehicles, this paper delves into their significance and the challenges they encounter. Bi-directional electric vehicles not only serve as transportation but also function as essential electricity resources. Central to this energy revolution are On-Board Chargers (OBCs), which are pivotal in converting alternating (AC) energy into direct (DC) energy and vice versa. In this context, we explore the various circuit architectures of OBCs employed in bi-directional electric vehicles. We delve into the intricacies of rectifiers, switching converters, and the application of advanced control and filtering technologies. Our analysis extends to the implications of these circuit architectures on aspects such as voltage regulation capability, energy efficiency, and thermal management. Furthermore, we address the broader significance of these developments in the integration of bidirectional systems, which are driving advances in circuit architectures to better harness the energy flexibility of electric vehicles. We emphasize the critical role of bi-directional electric vehicles in the transition toward a smart and sustainable energy grid. To enhance accessibility for a diverse readership, we will provide concise definitions or explanations for technical terms used throughout the paper, ensuring that our work is approachable even for those who may not be experts in the field.
The Cost to Consumers of Carbon Capture and Storage—A Product Value Chain Analysis
Authors: Hörbe Emanuelsson Anna , Johnsson Filip
Published: October 2023

High-cost abatement measures to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions in the basic commodity industry is known to result in substantial increases in the production costs. Consequently, investments in such measures are lagging behind what is required to make deep emission cuts in line with the Paris Agreement. As high-cost abatement measures (such as Carbon Capture and Storage; CCS) are perceived as expensive for the basic commodity producer, this study investigates the impacts down-stream of the product value chain when assuming full cost pass-through (i.e., the cost increase related to basic commodity production is fully passed on down-stream of the product chain to the end-consumer). We investigate the effects on both costs, by means of a techno-economic assessment, and carbon footprints, using a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), along the product value chain for the case of post-combustion CCS applied to the cement, pulp, Waste-to-Energy (WtE), and refinery industries, towards abating fossil- and process-related emissions and generating negative emissions. Here, we analyse the product value chains that involve cement to a high-speed railway, pulp to a disposable baby diaper, WtE in connection with housing and plastic products, and refineries to different transportation solutions (truck transport and air-freight). The results show that even though the costs for producing basic commodities can increase significantly (200% for cement, 75% for pulp, 230% for heat, and 6–37% for refinery products) when implementing CCS, the increases in prices for end-users are marginal (1% for the railway, 3% for the disposable baby diaper, 1% for the housing, 0.4% for truck transport and 2% for air-freight). Simultaneously, the carbon footprint associated with the end-use may be reduced by up to 36% for the railway, 31% for the diaper, 80% for the housing, and 3–23% for the refinery cases.
Influence of the Geometry of the Oxygen Removal Chamber on the Oxygen Concentration in a PEM Water Electrolysis System
Authors: Kwon Sooin , Eom Seongyong , Choi Gyungmin
Published: October 2023

In this paper, we investigate the optimization of an oxygen removal system for water electrolysis plants because high oxygen concentrations can be dangerous and compromise the quality of the hydrogen produced. The design of an oxygen removal system was investigated using numerical analysis. The results showed that the diameter of the chamber had a significant effect on the oxygen removal efficiency, and a diameter twice the size of the gas inlet was found to be optimal. The porosity of the catalyst layer also played a crucial role in the efficiency, with a lower porosity resulting in higher removal rates. Additionally, the optimal chamber length was found to be 76.8 D to achieve an oxygen mole fraction of 2.4 ppm after the chamber, which satisfied the safety criterion of 4.0 ppm. These results can aid in the design of oxygen removal systems for water electrolysis plants, providing a more efficient and safer operation.
Reducing the Flow Maldistribution in Heat Exchangers through a Novel Polymer Manifold: Numerical Evaluation
Authors: Zhang Mingkan , Yang Cheng-Min , Li Kai , Nawaz Kashif
Published: October 2023

The maldistribution of working fluid is one of the issues in heat exchangers that causes a reduction in performance of not only the heat exchanger but also the entire HVAC system. One of the methods to reduce such maldistribution is to improve manifold design to evenly distribute the flow. In the present work, an advanced maldistribution reduction manifold, which was based on a preliminary maldistribution reduction manifold, was designed to further improve the flow distribution in the heat exchanger. In the design, spiral baffles are used to create vortices in the tubes to regulate the flow in each tube. The design also keeps the tubes away from the manifold inlet to avoid direct flow from the inlet. Due to the complexity, the design of the advanced maldistribution reduction manifold is for AM only, which cannot be fabricated by traditional manufacturing. To evaluate the design, a computational fluid dynamic model is developed to study flow distribution in heat exchanger manifolds. The simulation results reveal that the relative standard deviation of the tubes in the advanced maldistribution reduction design is half of the preliminary maldistribution reduction design and about 1/20 of the reference design.
Exploring the Bioenergy Potential of Microfluidics: The Case of a T-Micromixer with Helical Elements for Sustainable Energy Solutions
Authors: Mahammedi Abdelkader , Tayeb Naas Toufik , Rahmani Kouider , Al-Kassir Awf , Cuerda-Correa Eduardo Manuel
Published: October 2023

This study explores the potential application of microfluidics in the field of bioenergy, with a particular focus on the energy potential of biogas derived from vine shoots, a locally abundant waste material. The enhanced mixing capability of a micromixer has been analyzed to make it suitable for microfluidic energy applications. Mixing index, pressure drop, and kinematic measurements within the T-micromixer with helical elements and their related mixing performances have been studied and validated using CFD for different values of Reynolds number (0.1–60) for laminar Newtonian miscible fluid. Geometrical characteristics were further examined to improve the mixing performance. Various values of twisted angles were evaluated and compared to choose the optimal angle. A new parameter, Q, was introduced to represent the ratio of vorticity square over the sum of vorticity square and deformation square intensities. Furthermore, the results of the numerical simulation were compared with the given data in the literature, showing a significant agreement, in addition to the fact that a high-quality mixture can be created with a geometry angle of 90°, and a mixing index above 0.99 can be obtained at low Reynolds numbers. The numerical investigation of the flow regimes of miscible fluid in the T-microkenics with the proposed angle can be utilized to develop the mixing performance of the micromixers in a wide variety of processes.
Probabilistic Solar Forecasts as a Binary Event Using a Sky Camera
Authors: David Mathieu , Alonso-Montesinos Joaquín , Le Gal La Salle Josselin , Lauret Philippe
Published: October 2023

With the fast increase of solar energy plants, a high-quality short-term forecast is required to smoothly integrate their production in the electricity grids. Usually, forecasting systems predict the future solar energy as a continuous variable. But for particular applications, such as concentrated solar plants with tracking devices, the operator needs to anticipate the achievement of a solar irradiance threshold to start or stop their system. In this case, binary forecasts are more relevant. Moreover, while most forecasting systems are deterministic, the probabilistic approach provides additional information about their inherent uncertainty that is essential for decision-making. The objective of this work is to propose a methodology to generate probabilistic solar forecasts as a binary event for very short-term horizons between 1 and 30 min. Among the various techniques developed to predict the solar potential for the next few minutes, sky imagery is one of the most promising. Therefore, we propose in this work to combine a state-of-the-art model based on a sky camera and a discrete choice model to predict the probability of an irradiance threshold suitable for plant operators. Two well-known parametric discrete choice models, logit and probit models, and a machine learning technique, random forest, were tested to post-process the deterministic forecast derived from sky images. All three models significantly improve the quality of the original deterministic forecast. However, random forest gives the best results and especially provides reliable probability predictions.
Potential Distribution and Suitable Habitat for Chestnut (Castanea sativa)
Authors: Metreveli Vasil , Kreft Holger , Akobia Ilia , Janiashvili Zurab , Nonashvili Zaza , Dzadzamia Lasha , Javakhishvili Zurab , Gavashelishvili Alexander
Published: October 2023

Chestnut, Castanea sativa Miller (Fagales: Fagaceae), is an ecologically and economically important tree species of the forest ecosystem in Southern Europe, North-Western Europe, Western Asia, North Africa, and the Caucasus. The distributional range of chestnut in Europe has been highly modified by humans since ancient times. Biotic and abiotic factors have dramatically changed its distribution. Historic anthropogenic range expansion makes it difficult to identify habitat requirements for natural stands of chestnut. In the Caucasus, natural stands of chestnut survived in glacial forest refugia and landscapes that have been difficult for humans to colonize. To identify the species reliable habitat requirements, we estimated the relationship between climatic variables and 620 occurrence locations of natural chestnut stands from the Caucasus and validated the model using GBIF data from outside the Caucasus. We found that our best model is reasonably accurate and the data from the Caucasus characterize chestnut stands throughout the species range well.
Microbial Community Profiling from Natural Whey Starter to Mozzarella among Different Artisanal Dairy Factories in Apulia Region (Italy)
Authors: Castellana Stefano , Bianco Angelica , Capozzi Loredana , Del Sambro Laura , Simone Domenico , Iammarino Marco , Nardelli Valeria , Caffò Annamaria , Trisolini Carmelinda , Castellana Antonella , Catalano Elisabetta , Milano Angelica , Schino Giulia , Sottili Roldano , Parisi Antonio
Published: October 2023

Mozzarella is one of the most popular unripened Apulian cheeses. Knowledge about microbial composition and variability of artisanal mozzarella and its production chain is increasingly growing. In this study, microbial communities from natural whey starters to end products from four renowned Apulian artisanal dairy factories have been explored by means of 16S metagenomics. The chemical properties of mozzarella samples were also detected and analyzed. Lactobacillus is the core acidifying component of the used starters, while some psychrophilic or contaminants bacteria appear in site-specific products. Biodiversity was found to be quite similar between the whey and mozzarella sample pools, while a significant variability among production sites (factories) has been detected. Furthermore, mozzarella microbial diversity seems to be in positive correlation with its lactic acid content. Targeted metagenomics would then be a powerful and relatively quick technique to characterize the microbiological variability of traditional milk-based foods.
Associations between the Bacterial Composition of Farm Bulk Milk and the Microbiota in the Resulting Swedish Long-Ripened Cheese
Authors: Sun Li , Höjer Annika , Johansson Monika , Saedén Karin Hallin , Bernes Gun , Hetta Mårten , Gustafsson Anders H. , Dicksved Johan , Lundh Åse
Published: October 2023

The maturation of a traditional Swedish long-ripened cheese has shown increasing variation in recent years and the ripening time is now generally longer than in the past. While the cheese is reliant on non-starter lactic acid bacteria for the development of its characteristic flavour, we hypothesised that the observed changes could be due to variations in the microbiota composition and number of bacteria in the raw milk used for production of the cheese. To evaluate associations between microbiota in the raw milk and the resulting cheese, three clusters of commercial farms were created to increase variation in the microbiota of dairy silo milk used for cheese production. Cheese production was performed in three periods over one year. Within each period, milk from the three farm clusters was collected separately and transported to the cheese production facility. Following pasteurisation, the milk was processed into the granular-eyed cheese and matured at a dedicated cheese-ripening facility. For each cheese batch, farm bulk and dairy silo milk samples, a starter culture, early process samples and cheese samples from different stages of maturation (7–20 months) were collected and their microbiota characterised using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. The microbiota in the farm bulk milk differed significantly between periods and clusters. Differences in microbiota in dairy silo milk were observed between periods, but not between farm clusters, while the cheese microbiota differed between periods and clusters. The top 13 amplicon sequence variants were dominant in early process samples and the resulting cheese, making up at least 93.3% of the relative abundance (RA). Lactococcus was the dominant genus in the early process samples and, together with Leuconostoc, also dominated in the cheese samples. Contradicting expectations, the RA of the aroma-producing genus Lactobacillus was low in cheese during ripening and there was an unexpected dominance of starter lactic acid bacteria even at the later stages of cheese ripening. To identify factors behind the recent variations in ripening time of this cheese, future studies should address the effects of process variables and the dairy environment.
Effect of Commercial and Autochthonous Bioprotective Cultures for Controlling Listeria monocytogenes Contamination of Pecorino Sardo Dolce PDO Cheese
Authors: Meloni Maria Pina , Piras Francesca , Siddi Giuliana , Migoni Mattia , Cabras Daniela , Cuccu Mario , Nieddu Gavino , McAuliffe Olivia , De Santis Enrico Pietro Luigi , Scarano Christian
Published: October 2023

The composition and physicochemical characteristics of short-aged Pecorino Sardo PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) cheese makes it permissive to Listeria monocytogenes growth. The PDO product specification stipulates that this cheese is produced with whole sheep’s milk inoculated with cultures from the area of origin. Therefore, the use of bioprotective cultures for the inhibition of pathogens in PDO cheeses is allowed only if autochthonous microorganisms are used. Furthermore, bioprotective cultures are generally used on the cheese surface to prevent the outgrowth of L. monocytogenes, the application of which can be time-consuming and require specialist technical knowledge. In this study, we examine the direct addition of bioprotective cultures to the cheese vat and compare the activity of a commercial bioprotective culture (Lactiplantibacillus plantarum) and an autochthonous lactic acid bacterium with bioprotective properties (Lactobacillus delbruekii sups. sunkii), for the inhibition of L. monocytogenes in Pecorino Sardo PDO cheese. Three types of Pecorino Sardo PDO cheese were made with bioprotective cultures added directly to the cheese milk along with the starter inoculum: PSA, with the commercial bioprotective culture; PSB, with the autochthonous bioprotective culture; and a CTRL cheese with no bioprotective culture. A challenge test was performed on each of these cheeses by artificially contaminating the cheese surface with L. monocytogenes (2 Log10 CFU/g). Three batches of each cheese type were analyzed to enumerate mesophilic and thermophilic lactic acid bacteria and to investigate the growth potential of L. monocytogenes during manufacturing, at the end of ripening, at the end of shelf-life, and after 180 days from cheese production. Both bioprotective cultures tested in this study showed inhibitory action against the pathogen with 0.3–1.8 Log10 CFU/g (colony-forming unit per gram) reduction levels. The autochthonous organism, L. sunkii, was as effective as the commercially supplied culture, and the addition of the bioprotective cultures to the cheese-making procedure offered protection against L. monocytogenes. The direct addition of bioprotective cultures to the making procedure of Pecorino Sardo PDO cheese is a potentially innovative strategy to improve the safety of this product.
Mitigation of Salmonella in Ground Pork Products through Gland Removal in Pork Trimmings
Authors: Jiménez Reagan L. , Brashears Mindy M. , Bueno López Rossy , Vargas David A. , Sanchez-Plata Marcos X.
Published: October 2023

Bio-mapping studies conducted in pork harvest and fabrication facilities have indicated that Salmonella is prevalent and mitigations are needed to reduce the pathogen in trim and ground products. Salmonella can be isolated from the lymph nodes and can cause contamination in comminuted pork products. The objective of this study was to determine if physically removing topical and internal lymph nodes in pork products prior to grinding would result in the mitigation of Salmonella and a reduction in indicators in the final ground/comminuted products. In total, three treatment groups were assigned in a commercial pork processing facility as follows: (1) untreated control, (2) topical (surface) glands removed before grinding, and (3) topical, jowl, and internal lymph nodes and glands removed before grinding. Indicator microorganisms were determined using the BioMérieux TEMPO® system and the quantification of Salmonella was performed using the BAX® System Real-Time Salmonella SalQuant® methodology. The removal of lymph nodes located on the topical and internal surfaces and in the jowl significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the presence of Salmonella and also reduced the presence of indicator organisms according to this study. Briefly, 2.5-Log CFU/sample of Salmonella was initially observed in the trim samples, and the ground samples contained 3.8-Log CFU/sample of Salmonella. The total numbers were reduced to less than 1-Log CFU/sample in both trim and ground products. This study indicates a need for lymph node mitigation strategies beginning prior to harvest, in order to prevent contamination in further-processed pork products.
Regulatory Effects of Ganoderma lucidum, Grifola frondosa, and American ginseng Extract Formulation on Gut Microbiota and Fecal Metabolomics in Mice
Authors: Zhang Fengli , Huang Wenqi , Zhao Lina
Published: October 2023

The bioactivities of Ganoderma lucidum, Grifola frondosa, and American ginseng have been extensively studied and documented. However, the effects of their complexes on the structural properties of intestinal microbiota and fecal metabolism remain unclear. Therefore, this paper aims to present a preliminary study to shed light on this aspect. In this study, an immunocompromised mouse model was induced using cyclophosphamide, and Ganoderma lucidum, Grifola frondosa, and American ginseng extract formulation (referred to as JGGA) were administered via gavage to investigate their modulatory effects on gut microbiota and fecal metabolism in mice. The effects of JGGA on immune enhancement were explored using serum test kits, hematoxylin–eosin staining, 16SrDNA high-throughput sequencing, and UHPLC-QE-MS metabolomics. The findings revealed potential mechanisms underlying the immune-enhancing effects of JGGA. Specifically, JGGA administration resulted in an improved body weight, thymic index, splenic index, carbon scavenging ability, hypersensitivity, and cellular inflammatory factor expression levels in mice. Further analysis demonstrated that JGGA reduced the abundance of Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria, while increasing the abundance of Bacteroidetes. Additionally, JGGA modulated the levels of 30 fecal metabolites. These results suggest that the immune enhancement observed with JGGA may be attributed to the targeted modulation of gut microbiota and fecal metabolism, thus promoting increased immunity in the body.
Influence of Actinidin-Induced Hydrolysis on the Functional Properties of Milk Protein and Whey Protein Concentrates
Authors: Kaur Surjit , Vasiljevic Todor , Huppertz Thom
Published: October 2023

The main aim of the study was to establish the impact of limited proteolysis by actinidin on the functionality of selected milk protein systems. The plant protease actinidin was used to produce hydrolysates (MPHs) from milk protein concentrate (MPC) and whey protein concentrate (WPC) to 0, 5, 10 or 15% of the degree of hydrolysis (DH) at an enzyme-to-substrate ratio of 1:100 (5.21 units of actinidin activity g−1 of protein). The functionalities assessed included solubility, heat stability, emulsification and foaming properties. In general, significant changes in the functionalities of MPH were associated with the extent of hydrolysis. Solubility of hydrolysates increased with increasing %DH, with WPC showing about 97% solubility at 15% DH. Emulsifying properties were negatively affected by hydrolysis, whereas heat stability was improved in the case of WPC (~25% of heat stability increased with an increase in DH to 15%). Hydrolysates from both WPC and MPC had improved foaming properties in comparison to unhydrolysed controls. These results were also supported by changes in the FTIR spectra. Further adjustment of hydrolysis parameters, processing conditions and pH control could be a promising approach to manipulate selected functionalities of MPHs obtained using actinidin.
Isolation and Evaluation of the Probiotic Activity of Lactic Acid Bacteria Isolated from Pickled Brassica juncea (L.) Czern. et Coss.
Authors: Nguyen Nguyen Hong Khoi , Giang Bach Long , Truc Tran Thanh
Published: October 2023

The naturally occurring lactic acid bacteria can be isolated from various sources. Pickled Brassica juncea (L.) Czern. et Coss. was used to isolate lactic acid bacteria (LAB). This study was conducted to compare the probiotic properties of probiotics isolated from pickled Vietnamese cabbage with some commercial strains of probiotics available on the Vietnamese market. The results showed that two strains (Lactobacillus fermentum and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum) isolated from pickled Vietnamese cabbage and three commercial strains of probiotics (Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus clausii, Lactobacillus acidophilus) all showed probiotic properties. Probiotic properties were evaluated through the ability to survive in low pH, pepsin, pancreatin, and bile salt media, the hydrophobicity of the bacteria, the antibiotic resistance, and the resistance to pathogenic bacteria. The isolated strain Lactiplantibacillus plantarum had fewer probiotic properties than Bacillus subtilis but more than the two commercial strains Bacillus clausii and Lactobacillus acidophilus, and the isolated Lactobacillus fermentum showed the fewest probiotic properties of the five strains.
A Reflective Spectroscopy and Mineralogical Investigation of Cosmetic Blush (Wet‘N’Wild) Potentially for Forensic Investigations Related to Interpersonal Violence—An Experimental Feasibility Study
Authors: Curtis Juliana , Stitle Landon , Certain Jessica , Murchland Madeline , Piszel Charlotte , Vest Jordan , McLeod Claire L. , Krekeler Mark P. S.
Published: October 2023

Interpersonal violence is a rising issue in global society and new approaches are being sought to combat the problem. Within this context, expanding forensic techniques to better document violent crime scenes is critical for improving and acquiring legal evidence, such as proving or tracing contact between victims and suspects. This project aims to demonstrate the potential for forensic investigations in the context of interpersonal violence using a field-based reflective spectroscopy approach. For this, a common cosmetic, Wet‘N’Wild “Color Icon” blush in the shade “Pearlescent Pink”, was mineralogically characterized using transmission electron microscopy and powder X-ray diffraction and subsequently investigated via reflective spectroscopy on a variety of common substrates. Differing amounts of the cosmetic product, ranging from 0.001 g to 0.075 g, were applied to a variety of substrates using a simple push method to simulate forcible contact and material transfer. Substrates included a pine wood block; (calcareous) sand from Tulum, Mexico; Ottawa sand; tile; Pergo wood; linoleum; closet material; carpets; and fabrics. The reflective spectra of cosmetic–substrate combinations were measured via an ASD FieldSpec 4 Hi-Res spectroradiometer. The Wet‘N’Wild cosmetic was reliably detected on various substrates relevant to crime scenes. Minor amounts (as low as 0.02 mg/mm2) could be detected, and average limits of detection of 0.03 mg/mm2) were achieved; however, a calcareous sand (Tulum) had a high level of detection (>0.38 mg/mm2), suggesting that further investigation is needed for more complex sand substrates. The use of the ASD spectroradiometer as a forensic tool within the context of crime scene documentation shows promise. Future work should expand the characterization of cosmetic materials across a broad range of substrates and consider systematic studies of specific population groups. Furthermore, combining this approach with hyperspectral imaging at crime scenes is a promising future direction for crime scene documentation. This work therefore demonstrates a novel method for investigating cosmetics within the context of interpersonal violence and provides a foundation for future laboratory and field work using the ASD FieldSpec 4 and hyperspectral imaging systems.
Sustainable Tannin Gels for the Efficient Removal of Metal Ions and Organic Dyes
Authors: Koopmann Ann-Kathrin , Ehgartner Caroline Ramona , Euchler Daniel , Claros Martha , Huesing Nicola
Published: October 2023

The usage of a highly efficient, low-cost, and sustainable adsorbent material as an industrial wastewater treatment technique is required. Herein, the usage of the novel, fully sustainable tannin-5-(hydroxymethyl)furfural (TH) aerogels, generated via a water-based sol–gel process, as compatible biosorbent materials is presented. In particular, this study focusses on the surface modification of the tannin biosorbent with carboxyl or amino functional groups, which, hence, alters the accessible adsorption sites, resulting in increased adsorption capacity, as well as investigating the optimal pH conditions for the adsorption process. Precisely, highest adsorption capacities are acquired for the metal cations and cationic dye in an alkaline aqueous environment using a carboxyl-functionalized tannin biosorbent, whereas the anionic dye requires an acidic environment using an amino-functionalized tannin biosorbent. Under these determined optimal conditions, the maximum monolayer adsorption capacity of the tannin biosorbent ensues in the following order: Cu2+ > RB > Zn2+ > MO, with 500, 244, 192, 131 mg g−1, respectively, indicating comparable or even superior adsorption capacities compared to conventional activated carbons or silica adsorbents. Thus, these functionalized, fully sustainable, inexpensive tannin biosorbent materials, that feature high porosity and high specific surface areas, are ideal industrial candidates for the versatile adsorption process from contaminated (heavy) metal or dye solutions.
Genome-Wide Analysis on Driver and Passenger RNA Editing Sites Suggests an Underestimation of Adaptive Signals in Insects
Authors: Zhang Yuchen , Duan Yuange
Published: October 2023

Adenosine-to-inosine (A-to-I) RNA editing leads to a similar effect to A-to-G mutations. RNA editing provides a temporo-spatial flexibility for organisms. Nonsynonymous (Nonsyn) RNA editing in insects is over-represented compared with synonymous (Syn) editing, suggesting adaptive signals of positive selection on Nonsyn editing during evolution. We utilized the brain RNA editome of Drosophila melanogaster to systematically study the LD (r2) between editing sites and infer its impact on the adaptive signals of RNA editing. Pairs of editing sites (PESs) were identified from the transcriptome. For CDS PESs of two consecutive editing sites, their occurrence was significantly biased to type-3 PES (Syn-Nonsyn). The haplotype frequency of type-3 PES exhibited a significantly higher abundance of AG than GA, indicating that the rear Nonsyn site is the driver that promotes the editing of the front Syn site (passenger). The exclusion of passenger Syn sites dramatically amplifies the adaptive signal of Nonsyn RNA editing. Our study for the first time quantitatively demonstrates that the linkage between RNA editing events comes from hitchhiking effects and leads to the underestimation of adaptive signals for Nonsyn editing. Our work provides novel insights for studying the evolutionary significance of RNA editing events.
Clinical Case Report of Non-Diabetic Hypoglycemia Due to a Combination of Germline Mutations in the MEN1 and ABCC8 Genes
Authors: Yukina Marina , Solodovnikova Ekaterina , Popov Sergey , Zakharova Victorya , Utkina Marina , Petrov Vasiliy , Troshina Ekaterina , Mokrysheva Natalia
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Non-diabetic hypoglycemia (NDH) is a collective term including the multiple causes of hypoglycemic syndrome not due to diabetes mellitus. NDH may result from insulinoma, IGF-2-omas, hypocorticism, Hirata’s disease, genital disorders of glucose metabolism, etc. One of the most common causes of NDH faced by an endocrinologist is insulinoma, which in turn can be part of the hereditary syndrome of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1). Congenital disorders of glucose metabolism in adult patients, on the contrary, are diagnosed extremely rarely, since they usually manifest in childhood. This article presents a unique clinical case of a patient with NDH and genetically verified MEN1 in combination with congenital hyperinsulinism due to an ABCC8 gene mutation. Case Report: A 43-year-old patient with hypoglycemic symptoms from childhood is presented, in whom multiple pancreatic tumors and fluctuations in glycemia from 38.7 mg/dL to 329.7 mg/dL (2.15 to 18.3 mmol/L) were detected in adulthood, but a mild course of hypoglycemic syndrome was noted. Numerous examinations that were performed to establish an accurate diagnosis are described, signs that served as a reason for expanding the complex of studies are indicated, possible pathogenetic mechanisms of the mild course of hypoglycemic syndrome and hyperglycemic conditions are discussed. Conclusion: This case report is original and highlights that we must always remain intolerant of the inexplicable. Conducting an extended gene study can help perform a correct diagnosis in complex cases.
Molecular Mechanisms Underpinning Immunometabolic Reprogramming: How the Wind Changes during Cancer Progression
Authors: Flati Irene , Di Vito Nolfi Mauro , Dall'Aglio Francesca , Vecchiotti Davide , Verzella Daniela , Alesse Edoardo , Capece Daria , Zazzeroni Francesca
Published: October 2023

Metabolism and the immunological state are intimately intertwined, as defense responses are bioenergetically expensive. Metabolic homeostasis is a key requirement for the proper function of immune cell subsets, and the perturbation of the immune–metabolic balance is a recurrent event in many human diseases, including cancer, due to nutrient fluctuation, hypoxia and additional metabolic changes occurring in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Although much remains to be understood in the field of immunometabolism, here, we report the current knowledge on both physiological and cancer-associated metabolic profiles of immune cells, and the main molecular circuits involved in their regulation, highlighting similarities and differences, and emphasizing immune metabolic liabilities that could be exploited in cancer therapy to overcome immune resistance.
On the Flow of CO2-Saturated Water in a Cement Fracture
Authors: Tafen De Nyago , Kutchko Barbara , Massoudi Mehrdad
Published: October 2023

Cement fractures represent preferential leakage pathways in abandoned wells upon exposure to a CO2-rich fluid. Understanding fracture alteration resulting from geochemical reactions is critical for assessing well integrity in CO2 storage. This paper describes a mathematical model used to investigate the physical and the chemical changes in cement properties when CO2-saturated water is injected into a wellbore. This study examines the flow of a solution of CO2-saturated water in a two-dimensional fractured cement. In this approach, a micro-continuum equation based on the Darcy–Brinkman–Stokes (DBS) equation is used as the momentum balance equation; in addition, reactive transport equations are used to study the coupled processes of reactant transport and geochemical reactions, and the model for cement porosity alteration and fracture enhancement. This paper focuses on the effects of cement porosity, fracture aperture size, and surface roughness. Mineral dissolution and precipitation mechanisms are also considered. Our simulations show that smaller initial fracture apertures tend to a high mineral precipitation self-sealing. However, a complete sealing of the fracture is not observed due to the continuous flow of CO2-saturated water. The calcite precipitation mechanism of a rough fracture (random zigzag shape) differs from that of a smooth/flat fracture surface.
Geomorphological Evolution of Volcanic Cliffs in Coastal Areas: The Case of Maronti Bay (Ischia Island)
Authors: Massaro Luigi , Forte Giovanni , De Falco Melania , Santo Antonio
Published: October 2023

The morphoevolution of coastal areas is due to the interactions of multiple continental and marine processes that define a highly dynamic environment. These processes can occur as rapid catastrophic events (e.g., landslides, storms, and coastal land use) or as slower continuous processes (i.e., wave, tidal, and current actions), creating a multi-hazard scenario. Maronti Bay (Ischia Island, Southern Italy) can be classified as a pocket beach that represents an important tourist and environmental area for the island, although it has been historically affected by slope instability, sea cliff recession, and coastal erosion. In this study, the historical morphoevolution of the shoreline was analysed by means of a dataset of aerial photographs and cartographic information available in the literature over a 25-year period. Furthermore, the role of cliff recession and its impact on the beach was also explored, as in recent years, the stability condition of the area was worsened by the occurrence of a remarkable landslide in 2019. The latter was reactivated following a cloudburst on the 26th of November 2022 that affected the whole Island and was analysed with the Dem of Difference technique. It provided an estimate of the mobilised volumes and showed how the erosion and deposition areas were distributed and modified by wave action. The insights from this research can be valuable in developing mitigation strategies and protective measures to safeguard the surrounding environment and ensure the safety of residents and tourists in this multi-hazard environment.
Incidence, Clinicopathological Features and Oncologic Outcome of Appendiceal Neoplasms: A Single-Center Cohort Study
Authors: Gómez-Báez Ferney David , Cerdán-Santacruz Carlos , Muguiro Naroa Moreno , Collado Lucía Milla , Resina Mireia Merichal , Foradada Jordi Antoni Tarragona , Grañón José Enrique Sierra , Kissler Jorge Juan Olsina
Published: October 2023

Appendiceal tumors represent a large amalgam of different tumor lineages. The continuous evolution in their pathological classifications has led to some variable recommended attitudes over time. The aim of this study is to review the incidence, clinicopathological characteristics, therapeutic approach and oncological results in this type of tumor at our institution. This is a single-centre retrospective cohort study. Every pathologic report catalogued as an appendiceal specimen was reviewed for a time period of 5 years (2013–2017) at our institution. Demographic, clinical, pathological and oncologic follow-up data were recorded. A descriptive study of the sample was completed. A total of 1434 appendiceal specimens was analyzed. Appendiceal neoplasms incidence was 3.2%. Epithelial tumors were the predominant histological subtype, making up 68% of the cases. Low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasia and neuroendocrine tumors were the most frequent neoplasms with malignant potential, with 13 and 6 cases, respectively. In more than 80% of neoplasia cases, the definitive treatment was appendectomy. Mortality cases were related to tumors with a very poor prognosis and an advanced stage. All patients had adequate oncological follow-up. Although it is still quite rare, the incidence of appendiceal tumors is increasing with an epidemiological change in favor of mucinous neoplasms currently predominating. Therefore, it is necessary to know and use an updated anatomo-pathological classification in order to provide correct treatment in the first or second surgical stage, as well as the correct follow-up of patients.
Familiar Strangers in the Shrouded Forest: Stigma, Representation and Alzheimer’s Disease in Always
Authors: Young Andrew Phillip
Published: October 2023

While literature and popular culture have sought to understand Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) in terms framed by the loss of social relationships and the strain caregivers face, this arrangement articulates AD as “being lost”, a fragmentation of temporal experience, or as irrationality punctuated by moments of self-awareness (which often operate to dehumanize those with AD). This analysis seeks, as Stefan Merrill Block puts it, to “stop looking for the lost person” in our encounter with AD. As a contemporary case study, the interactive experience Always functions as a critical intervention by not prizing moments of clarity as narrative catharsis (which literature and popular culture tend to do in the form of what is known as the “love miracle”). Instead, it serves as an important gesture toward destabilizing these practices and bridging the gap between the representation of AD and its realities. Rather than acting as a simulator of AD, Always is an abstract piece that, through design and game mechanics, opens a space for users to consider the implications of having their senses destabilized. As a result, this analysis considers how design addresses issues of social stigma, representation, storytelling and navigability.
Did John Stuart Mill Write ‘On Social Freedom’?
Authors: Loizides Antis , Neocleous Andreas , Nicolaides Panagiotis
Published: October 2023

During his final years, John Stuart Mill reportedly attempted to update the argument of On Liberty (1859). Published posthumously in 1907, ‘On Social Freedom’ represents the initial, unrefined draft of his reworked ideas. This article argues that John Stuart Mill was not the author of ‘On Social Freedom’. First, we revisit the question of the essay’s authorship traditionally: the emphasis is on the essay’s content and the historical context of the mid-twentieth-century debate on Mill as its author. We trace the disagreement to two broad reactions to Mill’s thought. Ultimately, the question of whether the manuscript’s substantial divergence from J. S. Mill’s renowned works is enough to refute his authorship depends on one’s interpretation of Mill as a systematic philosopher. Second, we tackle this task non-traditionally: the focus shifts to the tools of computer-assisted authorship identification and the use of machine learning (ML) techniques. Once we establish some key ideas, methods, and limitations of this field of studies, we present our attempts at a computer-assisted solution to the puzzle. The results of our experiments, using ML techniques, corroborate the conclusions reached via the traditional route.
Innovative Strategies for Fertility Preservation in Female Cancer Survivors: New Hope from Artificial Ovary Construction and Stem Cell-Derived Neo-Folliculogenesis
Authors: Canosa Stefano , Revelli Alberto , Gennarelli Gianluca , Cormio Gennaro , Loizzi Vera , Arezzo Francesca , Petracca Easter Anna , Carosso Andrea Roberto , Cimadomo Danilo , Rienzi Laura , Vaiarelli Alberto , Ubaldi Filippo Maria , Silvestris Erica
Published: October 2023

Recent advances in anticancer treatment have significantly improved the survival rate of young females; unfortunately, in about one third of cancer survivors the risk of ovarian insufficiency and infertility is still quite relevant. As the possibility of becoming a mother after recovery from a juvenile cancer is an important part of the quality of life, several procedures to preserve fertility have been developed: ovarian surgical transposition, induction of ovarian quiescence by gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRH-a) treatment, and oocyte and/or ovarian cortical tissue cryopreservation. Ovarian tissue cryostorage and allografting is a valuable technique that applies even to prepubertal girls; however, some patients cannot benefit from it due to the high risk of reintroducing cancer cells during allograft in cases of ovary-metastasizing neoplasias, such as leukemias or NH lymphomas. Innovative techniques are now under investigation, as in the construction of an artificial ovary made of isolated follicles inserted into an artificial matrix scaffold, and the use of stem cells, including ovarian stem cells (OSCs), to obtain neo-folliculogenesis and the development of fertilizable oocytes from the exhausted ovarian tissue. This review synthesizes and discusses these innovative techniques, which potentially represent interesting strategies in oncofertility programs and a new hope for young female cancer survivors.