bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GATR-3, a Peptide That Eradicates Preformed Biofilms of Multidrug-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: van Hoek Monique L. , Alsaab Fahad M. , Carpenter Ashley M.
Published: December 2023

Acinetobacter baumannii is a gram-negative bacterium that causes hospital-acquired and opportunistic infections, resulting in pneumonia, sepsis, and severe wound infections that can be difficult to treat due to antimicrobial resistance and the formation of biofilms. There is an urgent need to develop novel antimicrobials to tackle the rapid increase in antimicrobial resistance, and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) represent an additional class of potential agents with direct antimicrobial and/or host-defense activating activities. In this study, we present GATR-3, a synthetic, designed AMP that was modified from a cryptic peptide discovered in American alligator, as our lead peptide to target multidrug-resistant (MDR) A. baumannii. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing and antibiofilm assays were performed to assess GATR-3 against a panel of 8 MDR A. baumannii strains, including AB5075 and some clinical strains. The GATR-3 mechanism of action was determined to be via loss of membrane integrity as measured by DiSC3(5) and ethidium bromide assays. GATR-3 exhibited potent antimicrobial activity against all tested multidrug-resistant A. baumannii strains with rapid killing. Biofilms are difficult to treat and eradicate. Excitingly, GATR-3 inhibited biofilm formation and, more importantly, eradicated preformed biofilms of MDR A. baumannii AB5075, as evidenced by MBEC assays and scanning electron micrographs. GATR3 did not induce resistance in MDR A. baumannii, unlike colistin. Additionally, the toxicity of GATR-3 was evaluated using human red blood cells, HepG2 cells, and waxworms using hemolysis and MTT assays. GATR-3 demonstrated little to no cytotoxicity against HepG2 and red blood cells, even at 100 μg/mL. GATR-3 injection showed little toxicity in the waxworm model, resulting in a 90% survival rate. The therapeutic index of GATR-3 was estimated (based on the HC50/MIC against human RBCs) to be 1250. Overall, GATR-3 is a promising candidate to advance to preclinical testing to potentially treat MDR A. baumannii infections.
Architecting an Open-Source IIoT Framework for Real-Time Control and Monitoring in the Bioleaching Industry
Authors: Tarrés-Puertas Marta I. , Brosa Lluís , Comerma Albert , Rossell Josep M. , Dorado Antonio D.
Published: December 2023

Electronic waste (e-waste) contains toxic elements causing an important impact on environmental and human health. However, the presence of valuable metals, such as copper or gold, among others, make recycling a necessity for obtaining an alternative source of raw materials. Conventional metal recovery methods are environmentally unsound, prompting the exploration of greener alternatives like bioleaching, which utilizes the activity of microorganisms for a more sustainable recovery. However, the mechanisms involved in the process and the conditions to optimize the metabolic paths are still not completely known. Monitorization and automatization of the different stages composing the global process are crucial for advancing in the implementation of this novel technology at an industrial scale. For the first time, an open-source industrial IoT system is designed to enhance and regulate bioleaching by implementing real-time monitoring and control within the plant’s infrastructure. This system includes an Android app that displays real-time plant data from sensors and a robust server featuring a flexible application programming interface (API) for future applications. The app caters to specific needs such as remote sensor reading, actuator control, and real-time bioleaching alerts, ensuring secure access and proactive event management. By utilizing collected data, it minimizes downtime, equipment failures, and supply chain disruptions. The server maintains seamless communication with the plant controller, enabling efficient pump activation and sensor data transmission. A telegram bot demonstrates the API’s flexibility by forwarding plant alerts to users. During validation with concurrent remote user access, the application demonstrated its ability to prevent irreversible plant failures through an advanced alarm system. Ultimately, this IIoT system amplifies plant performance, safety, and efficiency by optimizing processes and decision-making capabilities. It emerges as a pivotal open-source tool, securing remote oversight and management of large-scale bioleaching plants, promising adaptability for future enhancements.
Local Stiffness Assessment of Geogrid-Stabilized Unbound Aggregates in a Large-Scale Testbed
Authors: Kang Mingu , Wang Han , Qamhia Issam I. A. , Tutumluer Erol , Tingle Jeb S.
Published: December 2023

This paper integrates and extends an earlier article presented at the 20th International Conference on Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering. The generation of a stiffened zone in the proximity of a geogrid is one of the primary mechanisms of mechanical stabilization of pavement unbound aggregate layers using geogrids. This paper focuses on the quantification of the stiffened zone through a local stiffness assessment using bender element (BE) sensors. Unbound aggregate base layers were constructed in a large-scale laboratory testbed. Geogrid-stabilized layers had geogrids with different-sized triangular apertures contributing to the geogrid-stiffened zone. Shear wave velocities were measured at three different heights using BE sensors, and the vertical stiffness profiles of the mechanically stabilized aggregate layers were evaluated. In addition, the conversion method between small-strain stiffness and large-strain stiffness was established from the repeated load triaxial tests with BE pairs to transform the vertical stiffness profile into that of the resilient modulus. Furthermore, dynamic cone penetration (DCP) and light-weight deflectometer (LWD) tests were performed at multiple locations into the stabilized and unstabilized unbound aggregates. From the large-scale experimental study, the local stiffness improvement owing to the geogrid enhancement was up to 16.2% in the vicinity of the geogrid location, and the extent of the local stiffened zone evaluated through various test methods was between 15.2 cm (6 in.) and 25.4 cm (10 in.) above the geogrid.
Recommendation Algorithm Based on Heterogeneous Information Network and Attention Mechanism
Authors: Li Li , Gui Xiangquan , Lv Rui
Published: December 2023

Heterogeneous information networks (HINs) contain a rich network structure and semantic information, which makes them commonly used in recommendation systems. However, most of the existing HIN-based recommendation systems rely on meta-paths for information extraction, lack meta-path information supplements, and rarely learn complex structure information in heterogeneous graphs. To address these issues, we develop a novel recommendation algorithm that integrates the attention mechanism, meta-paths, and neighbor node information (AMNRec). In the heterogeneous information network, the missing information of the meta-path is supplemented by extracting the information of users and items’ neighbor nodes. The rich interactions between nodes are captured through convolution, and the embedded representation of nodes and meta-paths is obtained through the attention mechanism. TOP-N recommendation is completed by combining users, items, neighbor nodes, and meta-paths. Experiments on three public datasets show that AMNRec not only has the best recommendation performance but also has good interpretability of the recommendation results compared with the six recommendation benchmark algorithms.
Experimental Study and Numerical Analysis of Temperature Stress in Carbon Fiber-Heated Concrete Pavement
Authors: Zhang Nengqi , Chen Zhi , Xiao Henglin , Zheng Lifei , Ma Qiang
Published: December 2023

Carbon fiber heating technology has been widely used in pavement surfaces in practical engineering projects as an environmentally friendly, efficient, and safe ice melting technique. However, the current design of carbon fiber-heated pavement focuses primarily on the ice melting effect while neglecting the crucial mechanical performance evaluation. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the temperature and thermal strain distributions of concrete pavement through model tests and develop a corresponding three-dimensional numerical model to analyze the temperature stress field distribution of carbon fiber-heated pavement. The accuracy of the numerical model is verified by comparing the model test results with the numerical analysis results. The numerical model test results indicate that the maximum compressive stress near the carbon fiber wire is 4 MPa, while the maximum tensile stress between the two carbon fiber wires is 1 MPa. According to the design standard for highway cement concrete pavement, the temperature stress induced by temperature change is significantly lower than the design value of the material’s inherent strength. In addition, a linear relationship between the depth and temperature gradient affecting temperature stress is observed after establishing a correlation between the temperature gradient and temperature stress. The findings of this study can provide valuable insight into the design of carbon fiber-heated concrete pavements.
Evaluation of Sit-to-Stand Movement Focusing on Kinematics, Kinetics, and Muscle Activity after Modern Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Hyodo Kojiro , Kanamori Akihiro , Kadone Hideki , Kajiwara Masaya , Okuno Kosuke , Kikuchi Naoya , Yamazaki Masashi
Published: December 2023

The sit-to-stand (STS) movement is important in improving satisfaction after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Reports on motion analysis using a combination of motion capture systems, force plates, and surface electromyography after TKA are limited. We aimed to compare the STS movement of patients aged over 60 who underwent modern and conventional TKA with more than 6 months of postoperative follow-up. Ten patients underwent surgery with a modern implant (Group I: Smith and Nephew JOURNEY II, Memphis, TN, USA), and ten with a conventional implant (Group II: Smith and Nephew LEGION, Memphis, TN, USA). STS movement kinematics and kinetic data were measured by synchronising a motion capture system with a force plate. Surface electromyography was used to measure the muscle activity. STS time was shorter in Group I than in Group II. Maximum knee-extension angular velocity and maximum knee-extension moment were greater in Group I than in Group II. Electromyography revealed that Group I tended to have less activity in the quadriceps femoris than Group II. Group II had a greater hip-extension moment and vertical ground reaction force, and the hip joint seemed to compensate for knee function. Group I possibly used the quadriceps muscle more effectively, due to the implant shape.
Georeferenced Analysis of Urban Nightlife and Noise Based on Mobile Phone Data
Authors: Elvas Luís B. , Nunes Miguel , Ferreira Joao C. , Francisco Bruno , Afonso Jose A.
Published: December 2023

Urban environments are characterized by a complex soundscape that varies across different periods and geographical zones. This paper presents a novel approach for analyzing nocturnal urban noise patterns and identifying distinct zones using mobile phone data. Traditional noise-monitoring methods often require specialized equipment and are limited in scope. Our methodology involves gathering audio recordings from city sensors and localization data from mobile phones placed in urban areas over extended periods with a focus on nighttime, when noise profiles shift significantly. By leveraging machine learning techniques, the developed system processes the audio data to extract noise features indicative of different sound sources and intensities. These features are correlated with geographic location data to create comprehensive city noise maps during nighttime hours. Furthermore, this work employs clustering algorithms to identify distinct noise zones within the urban landscape, characterized by their unique noise signatures, reflecting the mix of anthropogenic and environmental noise sources. Our results demonstrate the effectiveness of using mobile phone data for nocturnal noise analysis and zone identification. The derived noise maps and zones identification provide insights into noise pollution patterns and offer valuable information for policymakers, urban planners, and public health officials to make informed decisions about noise mitigation efforts and urban development.
Evaluating Physical Stress across Task Difficulty Levels in Augmented Reality-Assisted Industrial Maintenance
Authors: Alessa Faisal M. , Alhaag Mohammed H. , Al-harkan Ibrahim M. , Nasr Mustafa M. , Kaid Husam , Hammami Nacereddine
Published: December 2023

Many studies have revealed the benefits of augmented reality (AR) to enhance productivity and fulfill a quality function in industry. Yet, the potential adverse effects of AR, such as physical stress, have not been extensively studied. This study investigates the effect of task difficulty (simple versus complex maintenance tasks) on the overall performance and physical stress of individuals while interacting with multimedia instructions (i.e., AR via HoloLens versus. paper-based guidance). Twenty-eight healthy male participants with a mean age of 32.12 years (standard deviation of 2.45 years) were randomly assigned to two groups: AR-based group and paper-based group. The metrics of total maintenance time, NASA-TLX scores, and heart rate variability (HRV) were used to evaluate overall performance, perceived workload, and physical stress, respectively. The findings suggest that AR-based instruction for a complex task significantly reduced both total maintenance time (by 14.94%) and physical stress in comparison with paper-based instruction. Paper-based instruction was found to destabilize heart rhythm, increase heart rate, and cause a shift in autonomic balance due to heightened sympathetic nerve activation. This study concludes that AR-based instruction is more efficient and less stressful than paper-based instruction, indicating that the AR system may offer independent benefits in reducing physical workloads.
Self-Learning Robot Autonomous Navigation with Deep Reinforcement Learning Techniques
Authors: Pintos Gómez de las Heras Borja , Martínez-Tomás Rafael , Cuadra Troncoso José Manuel
Published: December 2023

Complex and high-computational-cost algorithms are usually the state-of-the-art solution for autonomous driving cases in which non-holonomic robots must be controlled in scenarios with spatial restrictions and interaction with dynamic obstacles while fulfilling at all times safety, comfort, and legal requirements. These highly complex software solutions must cover the high variability of use cases that might appear in traffic conditions, especially when involving scenarios with dynamic obstacles. Reinforcement learning algorithms are seen as a powerful tool in autonomous driving scenarios since the complexity of the algorithm is automatically learned by trial and error with the help of simple reward functions. This paper proposes a methodology to properly define simple reward functions and come up automatically with a complex and successful autonomous driving policy. The proposed methodology has no motion planning module so that the computational power can be limited like in the reactive robotic paradigm. Reactions are learned based on the maximization of the cumulative reward obtained during the learning process. Since the motion is based on the cumulative reward, the proposed algorithm is not bound to any embedded model of the robot and is not being affected by uncertainties of these models or estimators, making it possible to generate trajectories with the consideration of non-holonomic constrains. This paper explains the proposed methodology and discusses the setup of experiments and the results for the validation of the methodology in scenarios with dynamic obstacles. A comparison between the reinforcement learning algorithm and state-of-the-art approaches is also carried out to highlight how the methodology proposed outperforms state-of-the-art algorithms.
Three-Dimensional Structure Reconstruction System of Nasal Cavity Based on a Short-Source Acoustic Tube
Authors: Lian Xiaoqin , Ma Guochun , Gao Chao , Wang Yuqiao , Wu Yelan , Li Jin , Guan Wenyang , Gong Yonggang
Published: December 2023

The nasal cavity three-dimensional structure reconstruction is significant for the diagnosis and treatment of nasal and nasopharynx diseases. Currently, most systems for nasal cavity three-dimensional structure reconstruction are based on a long-source acoustic tube. However, the long-source acoustic tube has the weaknesses of low portability and high cost. To address these issues, a nasal cavity three-dimensional structure reconstruction system based on a short-source acoustic tube was designed in this research. The designed system comprises the lower computer of a nasal acoustic signal acquisition device and the upper computer of nasal acoustic signal analysis software. The lower computer of a nasal acoustic signal acquisition device consists of a signal processing unit, a detection unit, a microcontroller, and a USB communication interface. It is used to collect the original acoustic signal in the nasal cavity. The upper computer of nasal acoustic signal analysis software consists of the nasal cavity acoustic signal preprocessing method and the nasal cavity three-dimensional structure hierarchical reconstruction method. The nasal cavity acoustic signal preprocessing method is used to eliminate the DC offset component and suppress the high-frequency noise. Then, the nasal cavity three-dimensional structure hierarchical reconstruction method is used to establish the relationship between the cross-sectional area of the nasal cavity and the depth of the nasal cavity. In order to verify the effectiveness of the system designed in this research, the straight tube model and the simulated nasal cavity model were selected as test subjects, and the depth–cross-sectional area was selected as the evaluation indicator of the accuracy of the nasal cavity three-dimensional structure reconstruction result. The experimental results show that the root mean squared error and the mean relative error of the depth–cross-sectional area were reduced from 0.6284 cm2 to 0.0201 cm2 and 47.6467% to 1.8248%, respectively, under the straight tube model by using the nasal cavity acoustic signal preprocessing method. The root mean squared error and the mean relative error of the depth–cross-sectional area were reduced from 4.7730 cm2 to 0.1510 cm2 and 107.8128% to 3.3096%, respectively, under the simulated nasal cavity model. Meanwhile, this system can increase the effective measurement depth of the nasal cavity from 7 cm to 13 cm based on the preprocessing method. The results demonstrated that the designed system can not only reconstruct and visualize a nasal cavity three-dimensional structure with high precision but also generate comprehensive test reports. Therefore, this system can provide a basis for further auxiliary diagnosis of the disease and facilitate doctors in explaining the physiological structure of the nasal cavity to patients.
Enhanced Strain Field Reconstruction in Ship Stiffened Panels Using Optical Fiber Sensors and the Strain Function-Inverse Finite Element Method
Authors: Zhu Qingfeng , Wu Guoqing , Zeng Jie , Jiang Zhentao , Yue Yingping , Xiang Chao , Zhan Jun , Zhao Bohan
Published: December 2023

Accurately reconstructing the strain field within stiffened ship panels is crucial for effective structural health monitoring. This study presents a groundbreaking approach to strain field reconstruction in such panels, utilizing optical fiber sensors in conjunction with the strain function-inverse finite element method (SF-iFEM). A novel technique for solving nodal strain vectors, based on the element strain function, has been devised to improve the accuracy of strain reconstruction using the inverse finite element method (iFEM), addressing the limitations associated with traditional nodal displacement vector solutions. Moreover, the proposed method for determining the equivalent neutral layer of stiffened ship panels not only reduces the number of elements effectively but also establishes a strain function between the inner and outer surfaces of the structure. Using this function, a layout scheme for optical fiber sensors on the inner side of ship stiffened panels is provided, overcoming the symmetrical arrangement constraints of iFEM for sensor placement on both the inner and outer sides of the structure. The results demonstrate a significant improvement in strain reconstruction accuracy under bending and bending–torsion deformations compared to conventional iFEM. Consequently, the findings of this research will contribute to enhancing the engineering applicability of iFEM in ship structure health monitoring.
Effects of Higher Sloshing Modes on the Response of Rectangular Concrete Water Storage Tanks with Different Aspect Ratios to Near-Field Earthquakes
Authors: Abizadeh Shayan , Hosseini Mahmood , Hosseini Seyed Abbas
Published: December 2023

Near-field earthquakes have been shown to have different effects on structures than far-field events. This study examines the dynamic response of a rectangular concrete liquid storage tank with tapered walls to near-field ground motions, with particular emphasis on the effect of higher sloshing modes. The tank’s numerical modeling, calibrated using experimental results, was performed considering the tank’s wall flexibility. Seven selected near-field records were applied in each case, and the effects of the first five sloshing modes on the tank response at three different locations, including the corner, middle of the long wall, and middle of the short wall, were investigated. The effect of the earthquake incident angle on the tank’s response was also studied by applying major and minor horizontal earthquake components once along the longer and shorter tank walls, respectively, and vice versa. Results show that the tank corner may have a sloshing height up to 50% greater than the middle of the walls and that the maximum sloshing response is substantially influenced by the spectral acceleration value at the first sloshing period. Higher sloshing modes are found to affect the sloshing response, with a maximum R2 score of 0.95, depending on the excitation’s incidence angle.
Test-Retest and Inter-Rater Reliability of a Rotary Axis Encoder-Flywheel System for the Assessment of Hip Rotation Exercises
Authors: Lahuerta-Martín Silvia , Esteban-Lozano Elena , Jiménez-del-Barrio Sandra , Robles-Pérez Román , Mingo-Gómez María Teresa , Ceballos-Laita Luis , Hernando-Garijo Ignacio
Published: December 2023

Background: Flywheel devices have found extensive use as a resistance training method. Performance monitoring during functional exercises can be achieved through a coupled rotary axis encoder. However, the reliability of a rotary axis encoder-flywheel system remains underexplored for isolated movements. This study aims to assess test-retest and inter-rater reliability of a rotary axis encoder-flywheel system for assessing hip rotation movements. Methods: Twenty-nine physically active participants were included. The Conic Power Move® flywheel was used to perform hip internal and external rotation exercises. Mean and peak values for velocity, force, and power were collected using a Chronojump rotary axis encoder and the Chronojump software v.2.2.1. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and the coefficient of variation (CV) were calculated to assess relative and absolute reliability, respectively. Standard error of measurement and minimum detectable changes were also calculated. Results: Good to excellent ICCs (0.85–0.98) were achieved for test-retest and inter-rater reliability in all outcomes for both hip internal and external rotation exercises. There was acceptable test-retest absolute reliability (CV < 10%) for mean and peak velocity, and mean force of hip internal and external rotation (CV = 4.7–7%). Inter-rater absolute reliability was acceptable for mean and peak velocity, mean power, and mean force (CV = 4.7–9.8%). Conclusion: The rotational encoder-flywheel system demonstrated good to excellent relative reliability for assessing hip rotation exercises. Peak force and power values exhibit absolute reliability >10%, so the use of mean and peak velocity, mean force, and mean power seems more adequate for measurements with the rotary axis encoder-flywheel system.
Flow Condensation of Low-GWP Zeotropic Mixtures Inside 5 mm OD Micro-Finned Tube
Authors: Irannezhad Nima , Rossetto Luisa , Diani Andrea
Published: December 2023

In response to stringent rules inhibiting the implementation of refrigerants with high global warming impact, alternative candidates should undergo assessments to prove their viability. The mixtures R450A and R454B, being the center of the current focus, underwent experimentation for flow condensation inside a mini-scale micro-finned tube of 5 mm outer diameter. The operating conditions were set to be in the range of 0.1 to 0.95 for vapor quality, 75 to 400 kg m−2 s−1 for mass flux, and recorded at saturation temperatures of 30 and 40 °C. Having concluded the evaluations of thermal and hydraulic properties of heat transfer coefficient (HTC) and frictional pressure drop (FPD), a comparison was drawn between the two candidates, where R450A possessed superior HTC and higher FPD per unit length at higher vapor qualities due to lower vapor density. Ultimately, empirical models pertinent to flow condensation were compared with the acquired experimental results.
Reflection of Elastic Waves in Dipolar Gradient Half-Space under the Control of External Magnetic Field
Authors: Pei Wanrong , Wu Tongde , Wang Zhiwen , Jiang Yunlei , Zhou Chuanping , Zhou Rougang , Gong Yongping
Published: December 2023

This paper investigated the reflection of plane waves at the interface of dipolar gradient elastic solids under the control of an external magnetic field. This study focused on the increasing influence of the microstructural effect as the incident wavelength approaches the characteristic length of the microstructure or at higher frequencies. Initially, the dispersion equation for the propagation of elastic waves was derived from the dipole strain gradient theory and Maxwell’s electromagnetic theory. Subsequently, the amplitude ratios of various reflected waves to incident P-waves and incident SV-waves were calculated based on the interface conditions. Finally, the numerical results were used to discuss the impact of the external magnetic field and microstructural characteristic length on the propagation of the reflected wave. It was observed that the microstructural effect generated new wave modes and introduced dispersion characteristics into the elastic waves. Conversely, the external magnetic field primarily influences the amplitude of the elastic wave propagation via the Lorentz force without creating new wave modes or affecting the dispersion properties of the elastic wave in the dipolar gradient elastic solid.
Life Cycle Assessment of Carbon Dioxide Supply Chains: State of the Art and Methodology Description
Authors: Leonzio Grazia
Published: December 2023

Due to the increase of carbon dioxide emissions, a target for their reduction has been defined in the Paris Agreement for 2030. This topic is extremely important, and urgent actions are required so that the attention of the scientific community is mainly focused on emission reduction. In this context, carbon supply chains have an important role because they can help in carbon dioxide mitigation. In fact, in these systems, carbon dioxide is captured to be stored or used to produce valuable products. However, carbon supply chains involve many energy consumptions during the operation (causing carbon dioxide emissions and resource depletion), and an analysis of the environmental impact of the system is required. Different green metrics exist but the most effective is the life cycle assessment. The methodology of the life cycle assessment is presented in this work, with particular considerations for its application to carbon supply chains. An overview of the research presented in the literature is also considered here, with suggestions for future analyses.
Analysis of Neural Networks Used by Artificial Intelligence in the Energy Transition with Renewable Energies
Authors: Iglesias-Sanfeliz Cubero Íñigo Manuel , Meana-Fernández Andrés , Ríos-Fernández Juan Carlos , Ackermann Thomas , Gutiérrez-Trashorras Antonio José
Published: December 2023

Artificial neural networks (ANNs) have become key methods for achieving global climate goals. The aim of this review is to carry out a detailed analysis of the applications of ANNs to the energy transition all over the world. Thus, the applications of ANNs to renewable energies such as solar, wind, and tidal energy or for the prediction of greenhouse gas emissions were studied. This review was conducted through keyword searches and research of publishers and research platforms such as Science Direct, Research Gate, Google Scholar, IEEE Xplore, Taylor and Francis, and MDPI. The dates of the most recent research were 2018 for wind energy, 2022 for solar energy, 2021 for tidal energy, and 2021 for the prediction of greenhouse gas emissions. The results obtained were classified according to the type of structure and the architecture used, the inputs/outputs used, the region studied, the activation function used, and the algorithms used as the main methods for synthesizing the results. To carry out the present review, 96 investigations were used, and among them, the predominant structure was that of the multilayer perceptron, with Purelin and Sigmoid as the most used activation functions.
The Influence of the Used Bleaching Earth on the Content of Natural Dyes in Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) Oils
Authors: Marcinkowski Damian , Nizio Edyta , Golimowski Wojciech , Czwartkowski Kamil
Published: December 2023

Cold-pressed hemp oils are characterized by an intense color, which is undesirable when used directly. Therefore, research was undertaken on removing chlorophyll and carotenoids effectively. This publication presents the results of tests that verified the adsorption properties of seven bleaching earths (BE1–BE7) in two doses (2.5% and 5.0%) in the low-temperature bleaching process of hemp oils. These oils were obtained by cold and hot pressing of the seeds of three varieties of hemp (Cannabis sativa L.): Finola, Earlina 8FC, and Secuieni Jubileu. The color change and the content of carotenoid and chlorophyll pigments in the bleached oils were verified using the colorimetric method (CIE-Lab). The BEs used had different abilities to reduce the content of natural dyes connected with oil decolorization. The conducted research allowed us to characterize the influence of BEs on the organoleptic properties of the tested oils. Hemp oil obtained from the Secuieni Jubileu CP and HP hemp variety should be bleached with unmodified magnesian bentonite at 2.5%. Unmodified attapulgite clay is not recommended for this variety, as it strongly adsorbs carotenoids from the oil.
Sustainability and Resilience of Engineering Assets
Authors: Almeida Nuno , Crespo Márquez Adolfo
Published: December 2023

The frequency and severity of natural or human-induced disaster events, such as floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, fires, pandemics, hazardous material spills, groundwater contamination, structural failures, explosions, etc., as well as their impacts, have greatly increased in recent decades due to population growth and extensive urbanization, among other factors. The World Bank estimates that the total cost of cities’ and communities’ vulnerability to these types of disasters could reach more than USD 300 billion per year by 2030. However, it has been argued that investment to improve the quality and resilience of engineered physical assets that are the backbone of modern societies, such as critical infrastructure, industrial facilities, and buildings, could significantly contribute to more sustainable and prosperous societies. Engineered assets are key to the delivery of essential services, such as transport, food, water, electricity supply, health and safety, etc. Some of these physical assets are integrated into asset systems and national or regional networks, with life cycles of several decades or even centuries. It is, therefore, of great importance that strategies and life cycle decisions, such as those related to short- and long-term capital investment planning, maintenance strategies, operational plans, and asset disposal, lead to the maximization of the value derived from these assets. Moreover, it is essential that the achievement of these goals is sustainable over time. Organizations dealing with engineering assets, both public and private, must, therefore, integrate sustainability and resilience concerns into everyday operations, using budgets that are often restricted, while also meeting demanding performance requirements in risky and uncertain environments. This Special Issue collates a selection of papers reporting the latest research and case studies regarding the trends and emerging strategies used to address these challenges, with contributions discussing how asset management principles and techniques can help to push the boundaries of sophistication and innovation to improve the life cycle management of engineered assets to ensure more sustainable and resilient cities and societies.
Informational Updates and the Derivative Pricing Kernel
Authors: Bhattacharya Ayan
Published: January 2024

It is common in financial markets for market makers to offer prices on derivative instruments even though they are uncertain about the underlying asset’s value. This paper studies the mathematical problem that arises as a result. Derivatives are priced in the risk-neutral framework, so as the market maker acquires more information about the underlying asset, the change of measure for transition to the risk-neutral framework (the pricing kernel) evolves. This evolution takes a precise form when the market maker is Bayesian. It is shown that Bayesian updates can be characterized as additional informational drift in the underlying asset’s stochastic process. With Bayesian updates, the change of measure needed for pricing derivatives is two-fold: the first change is from the prior probability measure to the posterior probability measure, and the second change is from the posterior probability measure to the risk-neutral measure. The relation between the regular pricing kernel and the pricing kernel under this two-fold change of measure is characterized.
A Study of Chemical Processes of Nitrate in Atmospheric Aerosol and Snow Based on Stable Isotopes
Authors: Chen Mengxue , Niu Hewen , Xiang Yankun
Published: December 2023

Nitrate (NO3−) is a prominent atmospheric pollutant and a key chemical constituent of snow and ice, which plays a crucial role in the atmosphere and significantly impacts regional climate and environment conditions through a series of complex chemical processes. By summarizing the recent research progress on the nitrate chemical process (particularly on the isotopic measurements of NO3− (δ15N, Δ17O and δ18O)) in atmosphere and glacier snow, this study mainly investigated the chemical compositions and chemical processes, formation pathways, and photochemical reactions of nitrate in snow and atmosphere. Our results identified that the main ways of atmospheric nitrate formation are the hydrolysis of N2O5 and the reaction of ·OH with NO2; the spatial distribution of Δ17O and δ18O values of atmospheric nitrate have a significant latitudinal trend between 30° N–60° N; the study of stable isotopes (δ15N and δ18O) and the oxygen isotope anomaly (Δ17O) of nitrate have mainly been carried out over the densely populated and coastal mega cities; there exist significant gaps in the study of chemistry processes of nitrate in snow and ice and the air–snow interfaces across glaciated regions. This study provides a basic reference for more robust observations and research of nitrate in glacier areas in the future.
Solutions by Quadratures of Complex Bernoulli Differential Equations and Their Quantum Deformation
Authors: Campoamor-Stursberg Rutwig , Fernández-Saiz Eduardo , Herranz Francisco J.
Published: December 2023

It is shown that the complex Bernoulli differential equations admitting the supplementary structure of a Lie–Hamilton system related to the book algebra b2 can always be solved by quadratures, providing an explicit solution of the equations. In addition, considering the quantum deformation of Bernoulli equations, their canonical form is obtained and an exact solution by quadratures is deduced as well. It is further shown that the approximations of kth-order in the deformation parameter from the quantum deformation are also integrable by quadratures, although an explicit solution cannot be obtained in general. Finally, the multidimensional quantum deformation of the book Lie–Hamilton systems is studied, showing that, in contrast to the multidimensional analogue of the undeformed system, the resulting system is coupled in a nontrivial form.
Path Planning and Trajectory Tracking for Autonomous Obstacle Avoidance in Automated Guided Vehicles at Automated Terminals
Authors: Feng Junkai , Yang Yongsheng , Zhang Haichao , Sun Shu , Xu Bowei
Published: December 2023

During the operation of automated guided vehicles (AGVs) at automated terminals, the occurrence of conflicts and deadlocks will undoubtedly increase the ineffective waiting time of AGVs, so there is an urgent need for path planning and tracking control schemes for autonomous obstacle avoidance in AGVs. An innovative AGV autonomous obstacle avoidance path planning and trajectory tracking control scheme is proposed, effectively considering static and dynamic obstacles. This involves establishing three potential fields that reflect the influences of obstacles, lane lines, and velocities. These potential fields are incorporated into an optimized model predictive control (MPC) cost function, leveraging artificial potential fields to ensure effective obstacle avoidance. To enhance this system’s capability, a fuzzy logic system is designed to dynamically adjust the weight coefficients of the hybrid artificial potential field model predictive controller, strengthening the autonomous obstacle avoidance capabilities of the AGVs. The tracking control scheme includes a fuzzy linear quadratic regulator based on a fuzzy logic system, a dynamics model as a lateral controller, and a PI controller as a longitudinal tracker to track the pre-set trajectory and speed autonomously. Multi-scenario simulation tests demonstrate the effectiveness and rationality of our autonomous obstacle-avoidance control scheme.
Higher-Order INAR Model Based on a Flexible Innovation and Application to COVID-19 and Gold Particles Data
Authors: Almuhayfith Fatimah E. , Krishna Anuresha , Maya Radhakumari , Irshad Muhammad Rasheed , Bakouch Hassan S. , Almulhim Munirah
Published: December 2023

INAR models have the great advantage of being able to capture the conditional distribution of a count time series based on their past observations, thus allowing it to be tailored to meet the unique characteristics of count data. This paper reviews the two-parameter Poisson extended exponential (PEE) distribution and its corresponding INAR(1) process. Then the INAR of order p (INAR(p)) model that incorporates PEE innovations is proposed, its statistical properties are presented, and its parameters are estimated using conditional least squares and conditional maximum likelihood estimation methods. Two practical data sets are analyzed and compared with competing INAR models in an effort to gauge the performance of the proposed model. It is found that the proposed model performs better than the competitors.
Stability Analysis of a New Fourth-Order Optimal Iterative Scheme for Nonlinear Equations
Authors: Cordero Alicia , Reyes José A. , Torregrosa Juan R. , Vassileva María P.
Published: December 2023

In this paper, a new parametric class of optimal fourth-order iterative methods to estimate the solutions of nonlinear equations is presented. After the convergence analysis, a study of the stability of this class is made using the tools of complex discrete dynamics, allowing those elements of the class with lower dependence on initial estimations to be selected in order to find a very stable subfamily. Numerical tests indicate that the stable members perform better on quadratic polynomials than the unstable ones when applied to other non-polynomial functions. Moreover, the performance of the best elements of the family are compared with known methods, showing robust and stable behaviour.
A Novel Quick Temperature Prediction Algorithm for Battery Thermal Management Systems Based on a Flat Heat Pipe
Authors: Li Weifeng , Xie Yi , Li Wei , Wang Yueqi , Dan Dan , Qian Yuping , Zhang Yangjun
Published: January 2024

Predicting the core temperature of a Li-ion battery is crucial for precise state estimation, but it is difficult to directly measure. Existing quick temperature-predicting approaches can hardly consider the thermal mass of complex structure that may cause time delays, particularly under high C-rate dynamic conditions. In this paper, we developed a quick temperature prediction algorithm based on a thermal convolution method (TCM) to calculate the core temperature of a flat heat pipe-based battery thermal management system (FHP-BTMS) under dynamic conditions. The model could predict the core temperature rapidly through convolution of the thermal response map which contains full physical information. Firstly, in order to obtain a high fidelity spatio-temporal temperature distribution, the thermal capacitance-resistance network (TCRN) of the FHP-BTMS is established and validated by constant and dynamic discharging experiments. Then, the response map of the core temperature motivated by various impulse heat sources and heat sinks is obtained. Specifically, the dynamic thermal characteristics of an FHP are discussed to correct the boundary conditions of the TCM. Afterwards, the temperature prediction performances of the TCM and a lumped model under different step operating conditions are compared. The TCM results show a 70–80% accuracy improvement and better dynamic adaptivity than the lumped model. Lastly, a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) profile is employed. The temperature prediction accuracy results show that the TCM can maintain a relative error below 5% throughout the entire prediction period.
Lithium Metal under Static and Dynamic Mechanical Loading
Authors: Darnbrough Ed , Armstrong David E. J.
Published: January 2024

Macro-scale mechanical testing and finite element analysis of lithium metal in compression have been shown to suggest methods and parameters for producing thin lithium anodes. Consideration of engineering and geometrically corrected stress experiments shows that the increasing contact area dominates the stress increase observed during the compression, not strain hardening, of lithium. Under static loading, the lithium metal stress relaxes, which means there is a speed of deformation (engineering strainrate limit of 6.4×10−5 s−1) where there is no increase in stress during compression. Constant displacement tests show that stress relaxation depends on the initial applied stress and the amount of athermal plastic work within the material. The finite element analysis shows that barrelling during compression and the requirement for high applied stresses to compress lithium with a small height-to-width ratio are friction and geometric effects, respectively. The outcomes of this work are discussed in relation to the diminishing returns of stack pressure, the difficulty in closing voids, and potential methods for designing and producing sub-micron lithium anodes.
Effect of Parasitic Native Plant Cuscuta australis on Growth and Competitive Ability of Two Invasive Xanthium Plants
Authors: He Jianxiao , Xiao Yongkang , Yimingniyazi Amanula
Published: December 2023

The competitive ability of invasive plants is a key factor in their successful invasion, and research on this ability of invasive plants can provide a theoretical basis for the prevention and control of invasive plants. This study used Cuscuta australis, Xanthium spinosum, and Xanthium italicum as research materials and conducted outdoor controlled pot experiments to compare and study the changes in the biomass, competitiveness, and growth cycle of X. spinosum and X. italicum parasitized by C. australis at different growth stages. The results showed that (1) parasitism by C. australis increased the biomass of X. spinosum and decreased that of X. italicum, but under parasitism, the root cap ratio of X. spinosum and X. italicum increased, and the fruit biomass ratio decreased, indicating that X. spinosum and X. italicum reduced the energy input for reproduction and increased the energy input for nutrient growth to resist the impact of C. australis parasitism; (2) the relative competitive intensity calculated based on the total biomass of a single plant showed a negative value for X. spinosum during parasitism at the flowering and fruit stages, indicating an increase in competitive ability, and X. italicum showed a positive value during parasitism at the seedling and flowering stages, indicating a decrease in competitive ability; and (3) the parasitism of C. australis significantly shortened the fruit stage of X. spinosum and X. italicum, leading to a significant advance in their flowering, fruiting, and fruit ripening times. Simultaneously, it significantly reduced the morphological indicators of biomass, plant height, and crown width. Thus, C. australis parasitism has a certain inhibitory effect on the competitive ability of some invasive plants and can shorten their growth cycle, the latter of which has an important impact on their reproduction and diffusion.
Exploring Omega-3′s Impact on the Expression of Bone-Related Genes in Meagre (Argyrosomus regius)
Authors: Luján-Amoraga Leticia , Delgado-Martín Belén , Lourenço-Marques Cátia , Gavaia Paulo J. , Bravo Jimena , Bandarra Narcisa M. , Dominguez David , Izquierdo Marisol S. , Pousão-Ferreira Pedro , Ribeiro Laura
Published: December 2023

Dietary supplementation with Omega-3 fatty acids seems to promote skeletal health. Therefore, their consumption at imbalanced or excessive levels has offered less beneficial or even prejudicial effects. Fish produced in aquaculture regimes are prone to develop abnormal skeletons. Although larval cultures are usually fed with diets supplemented with Omega-3 Long Chain Polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs), the lack of knowledge about the optimal requirements for fatty acids or about their impact on mechanisms that regulate skeletal development has impeded the design of diets that could improve bone formation during larval stages when the majority of skeletal anomalies appear. In this study, Argyrosomus regius larvae were fed different levels of Omega-3s (2.6% and 3.6% DW on diet) compared to a commercial diet. At 28 days after hatching (DAH), their transcriptomes were analyzed to study the modulation exerted in gene expression dynamics during larval development and identify impacted genes that can contribute to skeletal formation. Mainly, both levels of supplementation modulated bone-cell proliferation, the synthesis of bone components such as the extracellular matrix, and molecules involved in the interaction and signaling between bone components or in important cellular processes. The 2.6% level impacted several genes related to cartilage development, denoting a special impact on endochondral ossification, delaying this process. However, the 3.6% level seemed to accelerate this process by enhancing skeletal development. These results offered important insights into the impact of dietary Omega-3 LC-PUFAs on genes involved in the main molecular mechanism and cellular processes involved in skeletal development.