bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New Insights into N-Doped Porous Carbons as Both Heterogeneous Catalysts and Catalyst Supports: Opportunities for the Catalytic Synthesis of Valuable Compounds
Authors: Pérez Mayoral Elena , Godino Ojer Marina , Ventura Márcia , Matos Ines
Published: July 2023

Among the vast class of porous carbon materials, N-doped porous carbons have emerged as promising materials in catalysis due to their unique properties. The introduction of nitrogen into the carbonaceous matrix can lead to the creation of new sites on the carbon surface, often associated with pyridinic or pyrrolic nitrogen functionalities, which can facilitate various catalytic reactions with increased selectivity. Furthermore, the presence of N dopants exerts a significant influence on the properties of the supported metal or metal oxide nanoparticles, including the metal dispersion, interactions between the metal and support, and stability of the metal nanoparticles. These effects play a crucial role in enhancing the catalytic performance of the N-doped carbon-supported catalysts. Thus, N-doped carbons and metals supported on N-doped carbons have been revealed to be interesting heterogeneous catalysts for relevant synthesis processes of valuable compounds. This review presents a concise overview of various methods employed to produce N-doped porous carbons with distinct structures, starting from diverse precursors, and showcases their potential in various catalytic processes, particularly in fine chemical synthesis.
Bile Acids and Short-Chain Fatty Acids Are Modulated after Onion and Apple Consumption in Obese Zucker Rats
Authors: Balderas Claudia , de Ancos Begoña , Sánchez-Moreno Concepción
Published: July 2023

Gut microorganisms are involved in the development and severity of different cardiovascular diseases, and increasing evidence has indicated that dietary fibre and polyphenols can interact with the intestinal microbiota. The study objective was to investigate the effect of onion and apple intake on the major types of microbial-derived molecules, such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and bile acids (BAs). Obese Zucker rats were randomly assigned (n = eight rats/group) to a standard diet (OC), a standard diet/10% onion (OO), or a standard diet/10% apple (OA). Lean Zucker rats fed a standard diet served as a lean control (LC) group. Faecal samples were collected at baseline, and 8 weeks later, the composition of the microbial community was measured, and BA and SCFA levels were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS), respectively. Rats fed onion- and apple-enriched diets had increased abundance of beneficial bacteria, such as Bifidobacterium spp. and Lactobacillus spp., enhanced SCFAs (acetic, propionic, isobutyric, and valeric acids), decreased excretion of some BAs, mainly of the primary (CA, α-MCA, and β-MCA) and secondary type (ω-MCA, HDCA, NCA, DCA, and LCA), and increased amount of taurine- and glycine-conjugated BAs compared to the OC group. The contribution of specific bioactive compounds and their metabolites in the regulation of the microbiome and the pathways linked to SCFA and BA formation and their relationship with some diseases needs further research.
Identification of 18F-FDG PET/CT Parameters Associated with Weight Loss in Patients with Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Galvez Thierry , Berkane Ikrame , Thézenas Simon , Eberlé Marie-Claude , Flori Nicolas , Guillemard Sophie , Ilonca Alina Diana , Santoro Lore , Kotzki Pierre-Olivier , Senesse Pierre , Deshayes Emmanuel
Published: July 2023

18F-FDG PET-CT is routinely performed as part of the initial staging of numerous cancers. Other than having descriptive, predictive and prognostic values for tumors, 18F-FDG PET-CT provides full-body data, which could inform on concurrent pathophysiological processes such as malnutrition. To test this hypothesis, we measured the 18F-FDG uptake in several organs and evaluated their association with weight loss in patients at diagnosis of esophageal cancer. Forty-eight patients were included in this retrospective monocentric study. 18F-FDG uptake quantification was performed in the brain, the liver, the spleen, bone marrow, muscle and the esophageal tumor itself and was compared between patients with different amounts of weight loss. We found that Total Lesion Glycolysis (TLG) and peak Standardized Uptake Values (SUVpeak) measured in the brain correlated with the amount of weight loss: TLG was, on average, higher in patients who had lost more than 5% of their usual weight, whereas brain SUVpeak were, on average, lower in patients who had lost more than 10% of their weight. Higher TLG and lower brain SUVpeak were associated with worse OS in the univariate analysis. This study reports a new and significant association between 18F-FDG uptake in the brain and initial weight loss in patients with esophageal cancer.
Association between Vitamin D Deficiency and Clinical Parameters in Men and Women Aged 50 Years or Older: A Cross-Sectional Cohort Study
Authors: Lee Ji Hyun , Kim Ye An , Kim Young Sik , Lee Young , Seo Je Hyun
Published: July 2023

Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is increasingly prevalent on a global scale and is connected to chronic health issues including diabetes, obesity, and inflammation. This study aimed to investigate the association between VDD and various clinical parameters including glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), body mass index (BMI), and inflammatory markers. This cross-sectional cohort study included Korean men and women aged 50 years and older (290 men, 125 women); VDD was classified as serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) levels below 20 ng/mL. Vitamin D deficiency was more prevalent in men (64.5%) compared to that in women (35.2%). Men with VDD had higher fat mass and HbA1c levels, lower muscle strength, and worse physical performance. Among women, VDD was associated with higher BMI, HbA1c, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and creatinine levels. In women, 25(OH)D levels exhibited an inverse relationship with HbA1c, BMI, and TNF-α concentrations. However, there were no differences in the levels of interleukin-6 and interleukin-1 beta according to vitamin D status in both men and women. Vitamin D deficiency is linked to higher HbA1c, BMI, and inflammatory markers in older Korean women, thus warranting the maintenance of sufficient vitamin D levels for overall health.
The Cellular and Humoral Immune Response to SARS-CoV-2 Messenger RNA Vaccines Is Significantly Better in Liver Transplant Patients Compared with Kidney Transplant Patients
Authors: Lautem Anja , Boedecker-Lips Simone Cosima , Schneider Elisa , Runkel Stefan , Feist Christina , Lang Hauke , Weinmann-Menke Julia , Koch Martina
Published: July 2023

Patients after organ transplantation have impaired immune response after vaccination against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. So far, published studies have reported quite different response rates to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, ranging from 15–79% in liver and kidney transplant recipients. Up to one year after the first vaccine dose, we analyzed the humoral and cellular immune response of 21 liver transplant (LTX) patients after vaccination with mRNA vaccines compared with 28 kidney transplant (KTX) patients. We evaluated IgG against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein as well as SARS-CoV-2 specific T cells using an ELISpot assay that detected IFN-γ- and/or IL-2-expressing T cells. We found a cellular and/or humoral immune response in 100% of the LTX patients compared with 68% of the KTX patients. Antibody titers against the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 were significantly higher in the LTX group, and significantly more LTX patients had detectable specific IL-2-producing T cells. The immunosuppression applied in our LTX cohort was lower compared with the KTX cohort (14% triple therapy in LTX patients vs. 79% in KTX patients). One year after the first vaccination, breakthrough infections could be detected in 41% of all organ transplant patients. None of those patients suffered from a severe course of COVID-19 disease, indicating that a partial vaccination response seemed to offer protection to immunosuppressed patients. The better immune response of LTX patients after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination might be due to less intense immunosuppressive therapy compared with KTX patients.
Combining Polymer and Cyclodextrin Strategy for Drug Release of Sulfadiazine from Electrospun Fibers
Authors: Morais Diego , Fontes Marina , Oliveira Analú , Gabbai-Armelin Paulo , Ferrisse Túlio , De Oliveira Luiz , Brighenti Fernanda , Barud Hernane , De Sousa Frederico
Published: July 2023

This study reports the fabrication of polymeric matrices through electrospinning using polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), biocompatible polymers commonly used in medical systems. These polymers were combined with an antibacterial drug, sulfadiazine sodium salt (SDS) or its supramolecular system formed with hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPβ/CD) at 1:1 molar ratio, aiming to assemble a transdermal drug delivery system. The formation of fibers was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the fibers’ surface properties were analyzed using contact angle and water vapor permeability techniques. Drug release tests and cell viability assays were performed to evaluate the potential toxicity of the material. SEM images demonstrated that the obtained fibers had nanoscale- and micrometer-scale diameters in PLGA and PMMA systems, respectively. The contact angle analyses indicated that, even in the presence of hydrophilic molecules (SDS and HPβCD), PMMA fibers exhibited hydrophobic characteristics, while PLGA fibers exhibited hydrophilic surface properties. These data were also confirmed by water vapor permeability analysis. The drug release profiles demonstrated a greater release of SDS in the PLGA system. Moreover, the presence of HPβCD improved the drug release in both polymeric systems and the cell viability in the PMMA SDS/HPβCD system. In terms of antibacterial activity, all membranes yielded positive outcomes; nevertheless, the PLGA SDS/HPβCD membrane exhibited the most remarkable results, with the lowest microbial load values. Additionally, the pseudo wound healing analysis demonstrated that the PLGA SDS/HPβCD fiber exhibited results similar to the control group. Consequently, these findings exemplify the substantial potential of the obtained materials for use in wound healing applications.
Montelukast and Telmisartan as Inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant
Authors: Mulgaonkar Nirmitee , Wang Haoqi , Zhang Junrui , Roundy Christopher M. , Tang Wendy , Chaki Sankar Prasad , Pauvolid-Corrêa Alex , Hamer Gabriel L. , Fernando Sandun
Published: July 2023

Earlier studies with montelukast (M) and telmisartan (T) have revealed their potential antiviral properties against SARS-CoV-2 wild-type (WT) but have not assessed their efficacy against emerging Variants of Concern (VOCs) such as Omicron. Our research fills this gap by investigating these drugs’ impact on VOCs, a topic that current scientific literature has largely overlooked. We employed computational methodologies, including molecular mechanics and machine learning tools, to identify drugs that could potentially disrupt the SARS-CoV-2 spike RBD-ACE2 protein interaction. This led to the identification of two FDA-approved small molecule drugs, M and T, conventionally used for treating asthma and hypertension, respectively. Our study presents an additional potential use for these drugs as antivirals. Our results show that both M and T can inhibit not only the WT SARS-CoV-2 but also, in the case of M, the Omicron variant, without reaching cytotoxic concentrations. This novel finding fills an existing gap in the literature and introduces the possibility of repurposing these drugs for SARS-CoV-2 VOCs, an essential step in responding to the evolving global pandemic.
New Highly Fluorescent Water Soluble Imidazolium-Perylenediimides: Synthesis and Cellular Response
Authors: Garcés-Garcés José , Sánchez-Martos Miguel , Martinez-Navarrete Gema , Fernández-Jover Eduardo , Encheva Mirela , León Martín , Ortiz Javier , Sastre-Santos Ángela , Fernández-Lázaro Fernando
Published: July 2023

The synthesis and characterization of two new water soluble 2,6-bis(imidazolylmethyl)-4-methylphenoxy-containing perylenediimides, PDI-1 and PDI-2, are described. These compounds demonstrate a high fluorescence quantum yield in water and were investigated as potential photosensitizers for generating reactive oxygen species with applications in anticancer activities. The HeLa cell line (VPH18) was used to evaluate their efficacy. Fluorescence microscopy was employed to confirm the successful internalization of PDI-1 and PDI-2, while confocal microscopy revealed the specific locations of both PDIs within the lysosomes and mitochondria. In vitro studies were conducted to evaluate the anticancer activity of PDI-1 and PDI-2. Remarkably, these photosensitizers demonstrated a significant ability to selectively eliminate cancer cells when exposed to a specific light wavelength. The water solubility, high fluorescence quantum yield, and selective cytotoxicity of these PDIs toward cancer cells highlight their potential as effective agents for targeted photodynamic therapy. In conclusion, the findings presented here provide a strong foundation for the future exploration and optimization of PDI-1 and PDI-2 as effective photosensitizers in photodynamic therapy, potentially leading to improved treatment strategies for cancer patients.
Trapping of Rayleigh Spheroidal Particles Using Tightly Focused Higher-Order Vector Vortex Beams
Authors: Li Dong , Zhang Hongxu , Wei Chengquan , Zhang Yundi , Gao Xize , Wen Dandan , Li Peng , Zhao Jianlin
Published: July 2023

Considering the advantages of higher-order vector vortex beams (HOVVBs) with their diverse intensity distribution of the focal field and adjustable longitudinal field component, we investigated the optical forces and torques on Rayleigh spheroidal particles induced by tightly focused HOVVBs based on the Rayleigh scattering model and dipole approximation. It was found that the maximal optical forces were obtained when the major axis of the Rayleigh spheroidal particles was parallel to the x–y plane. We achieved the three-dimensional stable trapping of Rayleigh spheroidal particles at the focus by using an HOVVB. Further analysis showed that the optical torque caused the major axis of the spheroidal particle to rotate towards the x–y plane, which is conducive to the large-scale stable trapping of Rayleigh spheroidal particles in the two-dimensional plane. Moreover, the optical torque Γx could achieve a maximum of 0.869 pN·nm at φ0 = 90° and 270°, while Γy could achieve a maximum of 0.869 pN·nm at φ0 = 0° and 180° for the case of θ0 = 30°. Our findings provide a clear strategy for extending the degrees of freedom in the control of the beam. We envision a significant role for these results in optical micro-manipulation.
Selected Topics of Social Physics: Nonequilibrium Systems
Authors: Yukalov Vyacheslav I.
Published: July 2023

This paper is devoted to nonequilibrium systems in the physics approach to social systems. Equilibrium systems have been considered in the recenly published first part of the review. The style of the paper combines the features of a tutorial and a review, which, from one side, makes it simpler to read for nonspecialists aiming at grasping the basics of social physics, and from the other side, describes several rather recent original models containing new ideas that could be of interest to experienced researchers in the field.
Soybean Plants Exposed to Low Concentrations of Potassium Iodide Have Better Tolerance to Water Deficit through the Antioxidant Enzymatic System and Photosynthesis Modulation
Authors: Lima Jucelino de Sousa , Andrade Otávio Vitor Souza , Santos Leônidas Canuto dos , Morais Everton Geraldo de , Martins Gabryel Silva , Mutz Yhan S. , Nascimento Vitor L. , Marchiori Paulo Eduardo Ribeiro , Lopes Guilherme , Guilherme Luiz Roberto Guimarães
Published: July 2023

Water deficit inhibits plant growth by affecting several physiological processes, which leads to the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that may cause oxidative stress. In this regard, iodine (I) is already known to possibly enhance the antioxidant defense system of plants and promote photosynthetic improvements under adverse conditions. However, its direct effect on water deficit responses has not yet been demonstrated. To verify the efficiency of I concerning plant tolerance to water deficit, we exposed soybean plants to different concentrations of potassium iodide (KI) fed to pots with a nutrient solution and subsequently submitted them to water deficit. A decline in biomass accumulation was observed in plants under water deficit, while exposure to KI (10 and 20 μmol L−1) increased plant biomass by an average of 40%. Furthermore, exposure to KI concentrations of up to 20 μM improved gas exchange (~71%) and reduced lipid peroxidation. This is related to the higher enzymatic antioxidant activities found at 10 and 20 μM KI concentrations. However, when soybean plants were properly irrigated, KI concentrations greater than 10 μM promoted negative changes in photosynthetic efficiency, as well as in biomass accumulation and partition. In sum, exposure of soybean plants to 10 μM KI improved tolerance to water deficit, and up to this concentration, there is no evidence of phytotoxicity in plants grown under adequate irrigation.
Investigation on Chemical Composition, Antioxidant, Antifungal and Herbicidal Activities of Volatile Constituents from Deverra tortuosa (Desf.)
Authors: Khammassi Marwa , Polito Flavio , Kochti Oumayma , Kouki Habiba , Souihi Mouna , Khedhri Sana , Hamrouni Lamia , Mabrouk Yassine , Amri Ismail , De Feo Vincenzo
Published: July 2023

This study aims to analyze the chemical composition of the essential oils (EOs) obtained from stems and umbels of D. tortuosa as well the assessment of their biological activity. EOs were extracted by hydrodistillation and analyzed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The antioxidant properties were determined by DPPH and ABTS assays. The phytotoxic potential was assessed against dicots weeds (Sinapis arvensis and Trifolium campestre), monocots weeds (Lolium rigidum) and the crop Lepidium sativum. The antifungal activity was evaluated against four target phytopathogenic fungal strains. High diversity of compounds was detected in D. tortuosa Eos, varying among plant parts and consisting mainly of α-pinene (24.47–28.56%), sabinene (16.2–18.6%), α-phellandrene (6.3–11.7%) and cis-ocimene (5.28–7.85%). D. tortuosa EOs exhibited remarkable antioxidant activity, as well as interesting variable antifungal activities depending on the dose and fungi strain. The herbicidal activity of EOs showed significant efficacy on the inhibition of germination and seedling growth of all tested herbs. These results suggest that the EOs of Deverra tortuosa represent a valuable source of antioxidant, antifungal and phytotoxic metabolites and could be potential candidates for pest management, contributing to the promotion of sustainable agriculture.
The Conservation Genetics of Iris lacustris (Dwarf Lake Iris), a Great Lakes Endemic
Authors: Cohen James Isaac , Turgman-Cohen Salomon
Published: July 2023

Iris lacustris, a northern Great Lakes endemic, is a rare species known from 165 occurrences across Lakes Michigan and Huron in the United States and Canada. Due to multiple factors, including habitat loss, lack of seed dispersal, patterns of reproduction, and forest succession, the species is threatened. Early population genetic studies using isozymes and allozymes recovered no to limited genetic variation within the species. To better explore genetic variation across the geographic range of I. lacustris and to identify units for conservation, we used tunable Genotyping-by-Sequencing (tGBS) with 171 individuals across 24 populations from Michigan and Wisconsin, and because the species is polyploid, we filtered the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) matrices using polyRAD to recognize diploid and tetraploid loci. Based on multiple population genetic approaches, we resolved three to four population clusters that are geographically structured across the range of the species. The species migrated from west to east across its geographic range, and minimal genetic exchange has occurred among populations. Four units for conservation are recognized, but nine adaptive units were identified, providing evidence for local adaptation across the geographic range of the species. Population genetic analyses with all, diploid, and tetraploid loci recovered similar results, which suggests that methods may be robust to variation in ploidy level.
Early In Vivo Osteogenic and Inflammatory Response of 3D Printed Polycaprolactone/Carbon Nanotube/Hydroxyapatite/Tricalcium Phosphate Composite Scaffolds
Authors: Nalesso Paulo Roberto Lopes , Vedovatto Matheus , Gregório Julia Eduarda Schneider , Huang Boyang , Vyas Cian , Santamaria-Jr Milton , Bártolo Paulo , Caetano Guilherme Ferreira
Published: July 2023

The development of advanced biomaterials and manufacturing processes to fabricate biologically and mechanically appropriate scaffolds for bone tissue is a significant challenge. Polycaprolactone (PCL) is a biocompatible and degradable polymer used in bone tissue engineering, but it lacks biofunctionalization. Bioceramics, such as hydroxyapatite (HA) and β tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP), which are similar chemically to native bone, can facilitate both osteointegration and osteoinduction whilst improving the biomechanics of a scaffold. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) display exceptional electrical conductivity and mechanical properties. A major limitation is the understanding of how PCL-based scaffolds containing HA, TCP, and CNTs behave in vivo in a bone regeneration model. The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of three-dimensional (3D) printed PCL-based composite scaffolds containing CNTs, HA, and β-TCP during the initial osteogenic and inflammatory response phase in a critical bone defect rat model. Gene expression related to early osteogenesis, the inflammatory phase, and tissue formation was evaluated using quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR). Tissue formation and mineralization were assessed by histomorphometry. The CNT+HA/TCP group presented higher expression of osteogenic genes after seven days. The CNT+HA and CNT+TCP groups stimulated higher gene expression for tissue formation and mineralization, and pro- and anti-inflammatory genes after 14 and 30 days. Moreover, the CNT+TCP and CNT+HA/TCP groups showed higher gene expressions related to M1 macrophages. The association of CNTs with ceramics at 10wt% (CNT+HA/TCP) showed lower expressions of inflammatory genes and higher osteogenic, presenting a positive impact and balanced cell signaling for early bone formation. The association of CNTs with both ceramics promoted a minor inflammatory response and faster bone tissue formation.
Fracture of Epoxy Matrixes Modified with Thermo-Plastic Polymers and Winding Glass Fibers Reinforced Plastics on Their Base under Low-Velocity Impact Condition
Authors: Tretyakov Ilya V. , Petrova Tuyara V. , Kireynov Aleksey V. , Korokhin Roman A. , Platonova Elena O. , Alexeeva Olga V. , Gorbatkina Yulia A. , Solodilov Vitaliy I. , Yurkov Gleb Yu. , Berlin Alexander Al.
Published: July 2023

The work is aimed at studying the impact resistance of epoxy oligomer matrices (EO) modified with polysulfone (PSU) or polyethersulfone (PES) and glass fibers reinforced plastics (GFRP) based on them under low-velocity impact conditions. The concentration dependences of strength and fracture energy of modified matrices and GFRP were determined. It has been determined that the type of concentration curves of the fracture energy of GFRP depends on the concentration and type of the modifying polymer. It is shown that strength σ and fracture energy EM of thermoplastic-modified epoxy matrices change little in the concentration range from 0 to 15 wt.%. However, even with the introduction of 20 wt.% PSU into EO, the strength increases from 164 MPa to 200 MPa, and the fracture energy from 32 kJ/m2 to 39 kJ/m2. The effect of increasing the strength and fracture energy of modified matrices is retained in GFRP. The maximum increase in shear strength (from 72 MPa to 87 MPa) is observed for GFRP based on the EO + 15 wt.% PSU matrix. For GFRP based on EO + 20 wt.% PES, the shear strength is reduced to 69 MPa. The opposite effect is observed for the EO + 20 wt.% PES matrix, where the strength value decreases from 164 MPa to 75 MPa, and the energy decreases from 32 kJ/m2 to 10 kJ/m2. The reference value for the fracture energy of GFRP 615 is 741 kJ/m2. The maximum fracture energy for GFRP is based on EO + 20 wt.% PSU increases to 832 kJ/m2 for GFRP based on EO + 20 wt.% PES—up to 950 kJ/m2. The study of the morphology of the fracture surfaces of matrices and GFRP confirmed the dependence of impact characteristics on the microstructure of the modified matrices and the degree of involvement in the process of crack formation. The greatest effect is achieved for matrices with a phase structure “thermoplastic matrix-epoxy dispersion.” Correlations between the fracture energy and strength of EO + PES matrices and GFRP have been established.
Research on Coupling Adsorption Experiments for Wall–Climbing Robots in Coal Mine Shafts
Authors: Xu Ying , Fu Wenjun
Published: July 2023

Based on the composite shaft lining structure, the research on the electromagnetic and negative pressure coupling adsorption technology of wall–climbing robots is of great significance to improve the level of safety monitoring during the construction and service of coal mine shafts. On the basis of theoretical research and computational data, the numerical simulation and simulation experiments of the coupled adsorption system of a wall–climbing robot are conducted in this research. In the ANSA software environment, of experimental models and experimental environments of electromagnetic and negative pressure adsorption devices are constructed to investigate, parameters such as air flow and the law behavior of fan pressure under different system conditions, including negative pressure and varying fan speeds. The intensity distribution of the magnetic flux inside the electromagnetic circuit under different working conditions and the law of change in the direction of movement are explored. Furthermore, the power consumption and power increment of the electromagnetic and negative pressure adsorption system under the same adsorption force output are compared and analyzed. Based on the experimental results, a series of conclusions are verified; firstly the negative pressure of the system should be formed under certain basic specific fundamental conditions; secondly, the main velocity of the negative pressure adsorption system and the full pressure of the fan are determined by the internal and external pressure difference and the fan speed, respectively; lastly, the adsorption efficiency of electromagnetic adsorption is significantly higher than that of negative pressure adsorption. These research findings are expected to introduce a new technical means approach for the safety monitoring of vertical shafts and shafts in coal mines, thereby demonstrating the theoretical significance and practical value of the application and development of an underground multi–scenario robot automation system in coal mines.
Pilot Study of Low-Light Enhanced Terrain Mapping for Robotic Exploration in Lunar PSRs
Authors: Park Jae-Min , Hong Sungchul , Shin Hyu-Soung
Published: July 2023

The recent discovery of water ice in the lunar polar shadowed regions (PSRs) has driven interest in robotic exploration, due to its potential utilization to generate water, oxygen, and hydrogen that would enable sustainable human exploration in the future. However, the absence of direct sunlight in the PSRs poses a significant challenge for the robotic operation to obtain clear images, consequently impacting crucial tasks such as obstacle avoidance, pathfinding, and scientific investigation. In this regard, this study proposes a visual simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM)-based robotic mapping approach that combines dense mapping and low-light image enhancement (LLIE) methods. The proposed approach was experimentally examined and validated in an environment that simulated the lighting conditions of the PSRs. The mapping results show that the LLIE method leverages scattered low light to enhance the quality and clarity of terrain images, resulting in an overall improvement of the rover’s perception and mapping capabilities in low-light environments.
Shipborne Multi-Function Radar Working Mode Recognition Based on DP-ATCN
Authors: Tian Tian , Zhang Qianrong , Zhang Zhizhong , Niu Feng , Guo Xinyi , Zhou Feng
Published: July 2023

There has been increased interest in recognizing the dynamic and flexible changes in shipborne multi-function radar (MFR) working modes. The working modes determine the distribution of pulse descriptor words (PDWs). However, building the mapping relationship from PDWs to working modes in reconnaissance systems presents many challenges, such as the duration of the working modes not being fixed, incomplete temporal features in short PDW slices, and delayed feedback of the reconnaissance information in long PDW slices. This paper recommends an MFR working mode recognition method based on the ShakeDrop regularization dual-path attention temporal convolutional network (DP-ATCN) with prolonged temporal feature preservation. The method uses a temporal feature extraction network with the Convolutional Block Attention Module (CBAM) and ShakeDrop regularization to acquire a high-dimensional space mapping of temporal features of the PDWs in a short time slice. Additionally, with prolonged PDW accumulation, an enhanced TCN is introduced to attain the temporal variation of long-term dependence. This way, secondary correction of MFR working mode recognition results is achieved with both promptness and accuracy. Experimental results and analysis confirm that, despite the presence of missing and spurious pulses, the recommended method performs effectively and consistently in shipborne MFR working mode recognition tasks.
Bandwidth-Controllable Third-Order Band Pass Filter Using Substrate-Integrated Full- and Semi-Circular Cavities
Authors: Pradhan Nrusingha Charan , Koziel Slawomir , Barik Rusan Kumar , Pietrenko-Dabrowska Anna
Published: July 2023

The article presents a novel circular substrate-integrated waveguide (SIW) bandpass filter (BPF) with controllable bandwidth. The proposed BPF was configured using two microstrip feed lines, semi-circular SIW cavities, capacitive slots, and inductive vias. The circular cavity was divided into two halves, and the two copies were cascaded. The resulting bisected and cascaded structures were then connected back-to-back. Finally, by introducing two inductive vias to the circular center cavity, a transmission zero was generated. In order to examine the design concept, a coupling matrix was generated. To demonstrate the theory, a third-order BPF was realized, fabricated, and experimentally validated. The BPF prototype features a wide passband of 8.7%, a low insertion loss of 1.1 dB, and a stopband of 1.5 f0 with a rejection level better than 20 dB, which makes it a potential candidate for microwave sensing and communication industries.
Accurate Nonlinearity and Temperature Compensation Method for Piezoresistive Pressure Sensors Based on Data Generation
Authors: Zou Mingxuan , Xu Ye , Jin Jianxiang , Chu Min , Huang Wenjun
Published: July 2023

Piezoresistive pressure sensors exhibit inherent nonlinearity and sensitivity to ambient temperature, requiring multidimensional compensation to achieve accurate measurements. However, recent studies on software compensation mainly focused on developing advanced and intricate algorithms while neglecting the importance of calibration data and the limitation of computing resources. This paper aims to present a novel compensation method which generates more data by learning the calibration process of pressure sensors and uses a larger dataset instead of more complex models to improve the compensation effect. This method is performed by the proposed aquila optimizer optimized mixed polynomial kernel extreme learning machine (AO-MPKELM) algorithm. We conducted a detailed calibration experiment to assess the quality of the generated data and evaluate the performance of the proposed method through ablation analysis. The results demonstrate a high level of consistency between the generated and real data, with a maximum voltage deviation of only 0.71 millivolts. When using a bilinear interpolation algorithm for compensation, extra generated data can help reduce measurement errors by 78.95%, ultimately achieving 0.03% full-scale (FS) accuracy. These findings prove the proposed method is valid for high-accuracy measurements and has superior engineering applicability.
Deep Learning Based Apples Counting for Yield Forecast Using Proposed Flying Robotic System
Authors: Yıldırım Şahin , Ulu Burak
Published: July 2023

Nowadays, Convolution Neural Network (CNN) based deep learning methods are widely used in detecting and classifying fruits from faults, color and size characteristics. In this study, two different neural network model estimators are employed to detect apples using the Single-Shot Multibox Detection (SSD) Mobilenet and Faster Region-CNN (Faster R-CNN) model architectures, with the custom dataset generated from the red apple species. Each neural network model is trained with created dataset using 4000 apple images. With the trained model, apples are detected and counted autonomously using the developed Flying Robotic System (FRS) in a commercially produced apple orchard. In this way, it is aimed that producers make accurate yield forecasts before commercial agreements. In this paper, SSD-Mobilenet and Faster R-CNN architecture models trained with COCO datasets referenced in many studies, and SSD-Mobilenet and Faster R-CNN models trained with a learning rate ranging from 0.015–0.04 using the custom dataset are compared experimentally in terms of performance. In the experiments implemented, it is observed that the accuracy rates of the proposed models increased to the level of 93%. Consequently, it has been observed that the Faster R-CNN model, which is developed, makes extremely successful determinations by lowering the loss value below 0.1.
Towards Adversarial Robustness for Multi-Mode Data through Metric Learning
Authors: Khan Sarwar , Chen Jun-Cheng , Liao Wen-Hung , Chen Chu-Song
Published: July 2023

Adversarial attacks have become one of the most serious security issues in widely used deep neural networks. Even though real-world datasets usually have large intra-variations or multiple modes, most adversarial defense methods, such as adversarial training, which is currently one of the most effective defense methods, mainly focus on the single-mode setting and thus fail to capture the full data representation to defend against adversarial attacks. To confront this challenge, we propose a novel multi-prototype metric learning regularization for adversarial training which can effectively enhance the defense capability of adversarial training by preventing the latent representation of the adversarial example changing a lot from its clean one. With extensive experiments on CIFAR10, CIFAR100, MNIST, and Tiny ImageNet, the evaluation results show the proposed method improves the performance of different state-of-the-art adversarial training methods without additional computational cost. Furthermore, besides Tiny ImageNet, in the multi-prototype CIFAR10 and CIFAR100 where we reorganize the whole datasets of CIFAR10 and CIFAR100 into two and ten classes, respectively, the proposed method outperforms the state-of-the-art approach by 2.22% and 1.65%, respectively. Furthermore, the proposed multi-prototype method also outperforms its single-prototype version and other commonly used deep metric learning approaches as regularization for adversarial training and thus further demonstrates its effectiveness.
New Electronic Tongue Sensor Array System for Accurate Liquor Beverage Classification
Authors: Leon-Medina Jersson X. , Anaya Maribel , Tibaduiza Diego A.
Published: July 2023

The use of sensors in different applications to improve the monitoring of a process and its variables is required as it enables information to be obtained directly from the process by ensuring its quality. This is now possible because of the advances in the fabrication of sensors and the development of equipment with a high processing capability. These elements enable the development of portable smart systems that can be used directly in the monitoring of the process and the testing of variables, which, in some cases, must evaluated by laboratory tests to ensure high-accuracy measurement results. One of these processes is taste recognition and, in general, the classification of liquids, where electronic tongues have presented some advantages compared with traditional monitoring because of the time reduction for the analysis, the possibility of online monitoring, and the use of strategies of artificial intelligence for the analysis of the data. However, although some methods and strategies have been developed, it is necessary to continue in the development of strategies that enable the results in the analysis of the data from electrochemical sensors to be improved. In this way, this paper explores the application of an electronic tongue system in the classification of liquor beverages, which was directly applied to an alcoholic beverage found in specific regions of Colombia. The system considers the use of eight commercial sensors and a data acquisition system with a machine-learning-based methodology developed for this aim. Results show the advantages of the system and its accuracy in the analysis and classification of this kind of alcoholic beverage.
Analysis of Plasmonic Sensors Performance Realized by Exploiting Different UV-Cured Optical Adhesives Combined with Plastic Optical Fibers
Authors: Arcadio Francesco , Marzano Chiara , Del Prete Domenico , Zeni Luigi , Cennamo Nunzio
Published: July 2023

Polymer-based surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensors can be used to realize simple, small-size, disposable, and low-cost biosensors for application in several fields, e.g., healthcare. The performance of SPR sensors based on optical waveguides can be changed by tuning several parameters, such as the dimensions and the shape of the waveguides, the refractive index of the core, and the metal nanofilms used to excite the SPR phenomenon. In this work, in order to develop, experimentally test, and compare several polymer-based plasmonic sensors, realized by using waveguides with different core refractive indices, optical adhesives and 3D printed blocks with a trench inside have been used. In particular, the sensors are realized by filling the blocks’ trenches (with two plastic optical fibers located at the end of these) with different UV-cured optical adhesives and then covering them with the same bilayer to excite the SPR phenomenon. The developed SPR sensors have been characterized by numerical and experimental results. Finally, in order to propose photonic solutions for healthcare, a comparative analysis has been reported to choose the best sensor configuration useful for developing low-cost biosensors.
Exploring Heterogeneity with Category and Cluster Analyses for Mixed Data
Authors: Distefano Veronica , Mannone Maria , Poli Irene
Published: July 2023

Precision medicine aims to overcome the traditional one-model-fits-the-whole-population approach that is unable to detect heterogeneous disease patterns and make accurate personalized predictions. Heterogeneity is particularly relevant for patients with complications of type 2 diabetes, including diabetic kidney disease (DKD). We focus on a DKD longitudinal dataset, aiming to find specific subgroups of patients with characteristics that have a close response to the therapeutic treatment. We develop an approach based on some particular concepts of category theory and cluster analysis to explore individualized modelings and achieving insights onto disease evolution. This paper exploits the visualization tools provided by category theory, and bridges category-based abstract works and real datasets. We build subgroups deriving clusters of patients at different time points, considering a set of variables characterizing the state of patients. We analyze how specific variables affect the disease progress, and which drug combinations are more effective for each cluster of patients. The retrieved information can foster individualized strategies for DKD treatment.
Pedestrian Road Traffic Accidents in Metropolitan Areas: GIS-Based Prediction Modelling of Cases in Mashhad, Iran
Authors: Mohammadi Alireza , Kiani Behzad , Mahmoudzadeh Hassan , Bergquist Robert
Published: July 2023

This study utilised multi-year data from 5354 incidents to predict pedestrian–road traffic accidents (PTAs) based on twelve socioeconomic and built-environment factors. The research employed the logistic regression model (LRM) and the fuzzy-analytical hierarchy process (FAHP) techniques to evaluate and assign weights to each factor. The susceptibility map for PTAs is generated using the “Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS)”. Subsequently, the probability of accidents in 2020 was predicted using real multi-year accident data and the Markov chain (MC) and cellular automata Markov chain (CA-MC) models, with the prediction accuracy assessed using the Kappa index. Building upon promising results, the model was extrapolated to forecast the probability of accidents in 2023. The findings of the LRM demonstrated the significance of the selected variables as predictors of accident likelihood. The prediction approaches identified areas prone to high-risk accidents. Additionally, the Kappa for no information (KNO) statistical value was calculated for both the MC and CA-MC models, which yielded values of 0.94 and 0.88, respectively, signifying a high level of accuracy. The proposed methodology is generalizable, and the identification of high-risk locations can aid urban planners in devising appropriate preventive measures.
Revitalizing Organizational Efficiency: Unpacking the Relationship between CEO Turnover, Research and Development, and Pay-Performance Sensitivities in the Financial Sector of Pakistan
Authors: Yin Xiaoyu , Wei Xiujian , Irfan Muhammad , Yasin Sonia
Published: July 2023

This study examines the relationship between senior management turnover, wage structures, and organizational efficiency in the banking industry in Pakistan. Using secondary panel data from annual reports of commercial banks and multiple regression techniques, the study finds that pay-performance sensitivity, R&D investment, and firm age positively impact organizational efficiency. At the same time, higher expense ratios are negatively associated with efficiency. CEO turnover, duality, and board size have a relatively low impact on efficiency. This study provides valuable insights for managers and policymakers in the banking sector, highlighting key areas that should be prioritized to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and increase financial performance. By offering a roadmap for decision-makers to focus their efforts, this study provides a valuable framework for achieving tremendous success in the banking industry.
A New Paradigm of a Sustainability-Balanced Scorecard Model for Sport Tourism
Authors: Heebkhoksung Krongthong , Rattanawong Wanchai , Vongmanee Varin
Published: July 2023

An integration between the principles of supply chain management in sport tourism and a sustainability-balanced scorecard leads to the development of guidance and assessment criteria for a city to be a sustainable sport tourism destination. This paper aims to present a sport tourism sustainability management model (STSM) for the development of assessment indices when selecting a city to be developed as a sport tourism city. The model consists of five perspectives, namely the financial perspective, customer perspective, internal process perspective, learning and growth perspective, and sustainability perspective. By using the Delphi technique to obtain a consensus from experts, university lecturers, independent organizations/associations, and business entities in relation to sport tourism management, the researchers define elements to assess complex perspectives for the sustainable development of sport tourism. The results show that there are five perspectives and eighteen elements in relation to the sustainable development of sport tourism. All perspectives and elements have a high consensus, as measured by Kendall’s Coefficient of Concordance (W), of 0.488. To validate the model, the researchers examined the correlation among the five perspectives using a structural equation model and found that both the absolute fit and the incremental fit are satisfactory. As the model aligns and explains empirical data, it can support decision making for management teams, be used to effectively and efficiently draft a strategy for sustainable development in sport tourism, and improve the livelihoods of residents.
Evolutionary Simulation of Carbon-Neutral Behavior of Urban Citizens in a “Follow–Drive” Perspective
Authors: Zhu Zhongwei , Qian Tingyu , Liu Lei
Published: July 2023

The implementation of low-carbon behavior by citizens is of the utmost importance in constructing China’s ecological civilization and achieving its dual-carbon objectives. As a result, exploring the formation and recurrence mechanisms of carbon-neutral citizenship behavior may have a positive impact on realizing China’s carbon reduction targets. This study explores a comprehensive analysis method of multi-subject interactive evolution of carbon-neutral citizenship behavior. It expands the connotation of behavioral intervention from individual single execution (citizens actively adhere to carbon-neutral behavior) to multi-driven implementation (citizens inspire other residents to comply with carbon-neutral behavior based on their own adherence). Furthermore, this study constructs a collaborative and interactive “follow–drive” mechanism for carbon-neutral citizenship behavior. Through Python software 3.8 simulation, this study examines the formation and stabilization process of carbon-neutral citizenship behavior under different influencing factors. The research findings are as follows: (1) If the government neglects its duties more severely, it is more inclined to adopt incentive policies, thereby increasing the likelihood that both kinds of the citizens will choose to follow carbon-neutral behavior. This suggests that the proactive introduction of relevant policies and regulations by the government has a positive influence on citizens’ carbon-neutral behavior. (2) With a higher perceived level of psychological–physical bimetric health among citizens, both kinds of the citizens are more inclined to follow and drive carbon-neutral behavior, while the chances of the government selecting incentive policies decrease, and it takes longer to attain final stability (i.e., selecting incentive policies). (3) In situations where there is a greater loss of group norms in the external environment of the citizen group, both kinds of the citizens are more likely to opt for and drive carbon-neutral behavior. This, in turn, reduces the likelihood of the government selecting incentive policies. Finally, based on the research findings, relevant policy recommendations are given.