bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating Iron-Sulfur Proteins in Infectious Diseases: A Review of Characterization Techniques
Authors: Raza Md , Jeyachandran Vivian , Bashir Sania
Published: January 2024

Iron-sulfur [Fe-S] clusters, comprising coordinated iron and sulfur atoms arranged in diverse configurations, play a pivotal role in redox reactions and various biological processes. Diverse structural variants of [Fe-S] clusters exist, each possessing distinct attributes and functions. Recent discovery of [Fe-S] clusters in infectious pathogens, such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and in viruses, such as rotavirus, polyomavirus, hepatitis virus, mimivirus, and coronavirus, have sparked interest in them being a potential therapeutics target. Recent findings have associated these [Fe-S] cluster proteins playing a critical role in structural and host protein activity. However, for a very long time, metalloenzymes containing iron-sulfur clusters have been prone to destabilization in the presence of oxygen, which led to a delayed understanding of [Fe-S] proteins compared to other non-heme iron-containing proteins. Consequently, working with [Fe-S] proteins require specialized equipment, such as anaerobic chambers to maintain cofactor integrity, and tools like ultraviolet visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, X-ray crystallography, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), Mössbauer spectroscopy and electrochemical characterization. Many of these [Fe-S] cluster proteins have been misannotated as Zinc-binding proteins when purified aerobically. Moreover, the assembly of these iron-sulfur cluster cofactors have not been fully understood since it is a multi-step assembly process. Additionally, disruptions in this assembly process have been linked to human diseases. With rapid advancements in anaerobic gloveboxes and spectroscopic techniques, characterization of these [Fe-S] cluster-containing proteins that are essential for the pathogens can open up new avenues for diagnostics and therapeutics.
Comparison of Energy Budget of Cockroach Nymph (Hemimetabolous) and Hornworm (Holometabolous) under Food Restriction
Authors: Green Charles J. , Hou Chen
Published: January 2024

Animals with different life histories budget their intake energy differently when food availability is low. It has been shown previously that hornworm (larva of Manduca sexta), a holometabolous insect species with a short development stage, prioritizes growth at the price of metabolism under food restriction, but it is unclear how hemimetabolous insect species with a relatively long development period budget their intake energy under food scarcity. Here, we use orange head cockroaches (Eublaberus posticus) to investigate this question. We found that for both species under food restriction, rates of metabolism and growth were suppressed, but the degree of reduction was more severe in growth than that of metabolism for cockroaches. Under both free-feeding and food restriction conditions, hornworms allocated a larger fraction of assimilated energy to growth than to metabolism, and cockroaches were the opposite. More importantly, when food availability was low, the fraction of assimilated energy allocated to growth was reduced by 120% in cockroaches, and the energy from growth was channeled to compensate for the reduction in metabolism; but, the fraction of assimilated energy allocated to growth was only reduced by 14% in hornworms. These results suggest that, compared to hornworms, cockroaches prioritize metabolism over growth.
Psyllids in Natural Habitats as Alternative Resources for Key Natural Enemies of the Pear Psyllids (Hemiptera: Psylloidea)
Authors: Horton David R.
Published: January 2024

The pear psyllids (Cacopsylla spp.; Psylloidea) comprise ~24 species of sap-feeding insects distributed in Europe, temperate Asia, and (as introductions) in the Americas. These pear-specialized insects are among the most damaging and difficult to control pests in orchards. Biological control increasingly is being used to replace or partially replace insecticidal management of pear psyllids. Many key natural enemies of pear psyllids regularly occur in non-orchard habitats on native plants. The presence of beneficial species both in orchard and non-orchard habitats (here referred to as “spillover”) has prompted suggestions that native plants and their associated psyllids should be conserved as alternative resources for natural enemies of pear psyllids. The expectation is that the natural enemies will move from those habitats into psyllid-infested orchards. This review shows that psyllids in native habitats are important resources for several key predators and parasitoids of pear psyllids. These resources are critical enough that some beneficials exhibit an almost nomadic existence as they move between plant species, tracking the seasonal appearance and disappearance of psyllid species. In contrast, other natural enemies show minimal or no spillover between orchard and non-orchard habitats, which likely is evidence that they exhibit limited movement at best between orchard and non-orchard habitats. To show conclusively that spillover also indicates that a beneficial species disperses between native habitats and orchards requires difficult research on insect movement. This review concludes with a brief discussion of these difficulties and possible solutions.
Toxicity and Behavioral Effects of Amending Soils with Biochar on Red Imported Fire Ants, Solenopsis invicta
Authors: Fu Jiantao , Qin Mingda , Liang Yue , Lu Yinglin , An Yuxing , Luo Yanping
Published: January 2024

Solenopsis invicta, often known as the red imported fire ants (RIFAs), is a well-known global invasive ant species that can be found in agricultural, urban, and natural environments worldwide. Simultaneously, it also inhabits the soil. Biochar is generated by the pyrolysis of organic matter under high-temperature anoxic environments and widely used in agricultural ecosystems and soil amendment. However, to date, it remains unknown as to whether soil application of biochar has a negative effect on RIFAs. In our study, we investigated the toxicity and irritability effects of different amounts of biochar (0%, 1%, 2%, 5%, 10%, and 20%) introduced into the soil on red fire ants; upon comparison with the control soil (0% biochar), the application of 1%, 2%, and 5% biochar did not result in significantly different results. But the utilization of biochar at a concentration over 10% effectively repelled the RIFAs, resulting in their departure from the treated soils. High doses of biochar were able to cause death of red fire ants; the mortality rate of red fire ants reached 55.56% after 11 days of 20% biochar treatment. We also evaluated the effects of biochar on four behaviors of red fire ants, namely aggregation, walking, grasping, and attacking; 20% of the biochar treatment group reduced aggregation by 64.22% and this value was 55.22%, 68.44%, and 62.36% for walking, grasping, and attacking. Finally, we measured the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT) enzyme activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) content in red fire ants; the results showed that the activities of the three enzymes increased with the increase in biochar addition, which indicated that a high dose of biochar induced oxidative stress in red fire ants. Our results indicate that biochar has the potential to cause toxicity and repel red imported fire ants (RIFAs) in a manner that is dependent on the concentration. We propose that biochar could be utilized in the control and manufacturing of baits for red fire ant management. This work establishes a foundation for the prevention and management of red fire ants and the logical utilization of biochar.
Aortic Valve Repair with External Annuloplasty in Bicuspid versus Tricuspid Aortic Valve Patients
Authors: Baric Davor , Sliskovic Nikola , Sestan Gloria , Gjorgjievska Savica , Unic Daniel , Kusurin Marko , Varvodic Josip , Safaric Oremus Zrinka , Jurin Ivana , Bulj Nikola , Susnjar Dubravka , Rudez Igor
Published: January 2024

Surgical repair for regurgitant bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is promising but underutilized due to perceived complexities and lack of long-term data. This study evaluated the efficacy of valve-sparing root remodeling (VSRR) or isolated valve repair combined with calibrated external ring annuloplasty in BAV versus tricuspid aortic valve (TAV) patients. All patients operated on for aortic regurgitation and/or aneurysm at our institution between 2014 and 2022 were included and entered into the Aortic Valve Insufficiency and ascending aorta Aneurysm InternATiOnal Registry (AVIATOR). Patients with successful repair at index surgery (100% in the BAV group, 93% in the TAV group, p = 0.044) were included in a systemic follow-up with echocardiography at regular intervals. Among 132 patients, 58 were in the BAV (44%) and 74 in the TAV group (56%). There were no inter-group differences in preoperative patient characteristics, except BAV patients being significantly younger (47 ± 18 y vs. 60 ± 14 y, p < 0.001) and having narrower aortic roots at the level of sinuses (41 ± 6 mm vs. 46 ± 13 mm, p < 0.001) and sinotubular junctions (39 ± 10 mm vs. 42 ± 11, p = 0.032). No perioperative deaths were recorded. At four years, there was no significant difference in terms of overall survival (96.3% BAV vs. 97.2% TAV, p = 0.373), freedom from valve reintervention (85.2% BAV vs. 93.4% TAV, p = 0.905), and freedom from severe aortic regurgitation (94.1% BAV vs. 82.9% TAV, p = 0.222). Surgical repair of BAV combined with extra-aortic annuloplasty can be performed with low perioperative morbidity and mortality and excellent mid-term results which are comparable to TAV repair.
Intradialytic Tolerance and Recovery Time in Different High-Efficiency Hemodialysis Modalities
Authors: Zakrzewska Agnieszka , Biedunkiewicz Jan , Komorniczak Michał , Jankowska Magdalena , Jasiulewicz Katarzyna , Płonka Natalia , Biedunkiewicz Bogdan , Małgorzewicz Sylwia , Tarasewicz Agnieszka , Puchalska-Reglińska Ewelina , Siebert Janusz , Dębska-Ślizień Alicja , Tylicki Leszek
Published: January 2024

There are several forms of maintenance high-efficiency hemodialysis (HD), including hemodiafiltrations (HDF) in different technical modes and expanded HD, using dialyzers with medium cut-off membranes. The aim of the study was to assess the intradialytic tolerance and length of dialysis recovery time (DRT) in these modalities. This is an exploratory, crossover study in maintenance HD patients with low comorbidity and no clinical indications for the use of high-efficiency HD, who were exposed to five intermittent dialyses in random order: high-flux hemodialysis (S-HD), expanded HD (HDx), pre-dilution HDF (PRE-HDF), mix-dilution HDF (MIX-HDF) and post-dilution HDF (POST-HDF). Twenty-four dialysis sessions of each method were included in the analysis. Dialysis parameters, including blood flow rate, dialysis fluid flow rate and temperature, and pharmacological treatment were constant. Average total convection volume for post-HDF, pre-HDF and mix-HDF were 25.6 (3.8), 61.5 (7.2) and 47.1 (11.4) L, respectively. During all therapies, patients were monitored for the similarity of their hydration statuses using bioimpedance spectroscopy, and for similar variability over time in systemic blood pressure and cardiac output, while peripheral resistance was monitored using impedance cardiography. The lowest frequency of all intradialytic adverse events were observed during HDx. Delayed DRT was the shortest during PRE-HDF. Patients were also more likely to report immediate recovery while receiving PRE-HDF. These differences did not reach statistical significance; however, the study results suggest that intradialytic tolerance and DRT may depend on the dialysis method used. This supports the need of taking into account patient preferences and quality of life while individualizing high-efficiency therapy in HD patients.
Left Atrial Stiffness Increases after Trans-Catheter Atrial Septal Closure
Authors: Tanaka Shuhei , Imamura Teruhiko , Fukuda Nobuyuki , Ueno Hiroshi , Kinugawa Koichiro
Published: January 2024

Background: Transcatheter atrial septal closures for secundum atrial septal defects (ASD) have demonstrated favorable clinical outcomes. However, the impact of device implantation on the stiffness of the left atrium remains unclear. Method: Patients with secundum ASD undergoing transcatheter closure and follow-up right heart catheterization at six months were included. We investigated the relationship between post-procedural (E/e’ ratio)/(LAs strain) ratio, an index of left atrial stiffness, and baseline characteristics, including echocardiographic and hemodynamic parameters. Results: Forty patients were included (median 69 (56, 75) years, 12 men, and pulmonary systemic flow ratio 2.27 (1.96, 2.86)). Trans-catheter ASD closure was successfully performed without any major complications, accompanying a significant reduction in right ventricular to left ventricular size ratio from 1.04 (0.87, 1.13) to 0.74 (0.66, 0.86) (p < 0.01). The (E/e’ ratio)/(LAs strain) ratio was markedly elevated the day after the procedure and was further increased 6 months later (before: 0.25 (0.17, 0.34), 1 day later: 0.34 (0.27, 0.50), 6 months later: 0.43 (0.27, 0.76), p < 0.01). The groups with higher (E/e’ ratio)/(LAs strain) ratios at 6 months had significantly more severe heart failure conditions including lower cardiac output and higher plasma B-type natriuretic peptides. Conclusions: Patients undergoing transcatheter ASD closure experienced improvement in hemodynamics and clinical symptoms but an elevation in left atrial stiffness post-procedure. The clinical ramifications of this finding, particularly during the longer-term observation period subsequent to ASD closure, warrant further investigation.
The Patterns of Impacted Third Molars and Their Associated Pathologies: A Retrospective Observational Study of 704 Patients
Authors: Al-Madani Salha Othman , Jaber Mohamed , Prasad Prathibha , Maslamani Manal Jamil Mohammad Al
Published: January 2024

Background: The study aims to investigate parameters in patients attending Fujairah Dental Center, including assessing the prevalence of impacted teeth, determining the frequency of associated pathological conditions, and evaluating the patterns and angulations of impacted third molars. Methods: It is a retrospective descriptive study of the panoramic radiographs of patients who attended Fujairah Dental Center for dental care between January 2011 and December 2017. The minimum age for inclusion was 17 years. Clinical records were used to obtain the demographic details of patients, such as age, gender, nationality, medical history, and smoking history. Seven hundred and four panoramic radiographs and clinical records of patients were analyzed. The age range was between 17 and 112 years old, with a mean age of 34 years (S.D 13.5). Results: Of the 704 panoramic radiographs evaluated, 236 (33.6%) X-rays showed teeth impaction with a total of 562 impacted teeth in the upper and lower jaws. Five hundred and twenty-five (93.4%) were impacted third molars, and 37 (6.5%) teeth were other kinds of impacted teeth. Females showed a higher frequency of impacted teeth (62.6%) compared to males (37.4%). The highest prevalence of impacted teeth was found in the 17–25 year age group (61%), and the prevalence declined with advancing age. Impacted third molars were more likely to occur in the mandible (57.3%) than in the maxilla (42.7%). Most of the impacted third molars were in the mesioangular position, followed by the vertical position. The evaluation of the depth of impacted third molars demonstrated that level C impaction was the most frequently seen, followed by level B impaction. Impacted third-molar teeth often presented with two roots (60.7%), followed by a single root (31.3%). An evaluation of the relationship between lower third molars and the inferior dental canal (IDC) revealed that the most frequently observed relation was interrupted (61.5%), followed by a distant relation to the ID canal, and 13% were superimposed. The most common morphological pattern of roots of the impacted third molars was either straight-type or curved and dilacerated roots (5.7%). Additionally, the most noticed pathological conditions associated with impacted teeth were carious second molars adjacent to impacted third molars (42%), which was more likely to be seen in the 17–25-year age group, with females having a higher prevalence than males.
Radiographic Evidence of Sufficient Transverse Plane Alignment after Weil Osteotomy without Screw Fixation
Authors: Ram Leona Marleen , Schippers Philipp , Neun Oliver , Gramlich Yves , Herrmann Eva , Klug Alexander , Hoffmann Reinhard , Fischer Sebastian
Published: January 2024

Weil osteotomy is a proven procedure to restore the harmonic distal parabola of the forefoot. In addition to the proximal displacement of the head in the sagittal plane, a displacement in the transverse plane may be necessary, with the refixation of the displaced metatarsal head historically performed by screw fixation. We aimed to determine the radiological differences among 136 feet of 127 patients with 256 Weil osteotomies retrospectively enrolled and divided into groups with (n = 182) and without (n = 74) screw fixation. Demographic data, radiographic union, pre- and postoperative metatarsal angles, and differences in the dorsoplantar view were evaluated. The mean follow-up period was 3.6 months. The mean preoperative metatarsophalangeal angle was 9.24°, and the mean postoperative angle was 12.99°. The restoration of the transversal alignment plane was equally successful in both groups, with a mean extent of angle correction of 10.58°. No nonunions of the osteotomized metatarsals were observed. The radiographic comparisons revealed no significant difference between the groups (p > 0.05). However, visibility of the joint space of the metatarsophalangeal joint was achieved significantly more often in the group without screw fixation (p < 0.05). In the absence of bony malunion and the satisfactory restoration of a harmonious parabola of the forefoot, apparently there does not appear to be a necessity for regular screw fixation after Weil osteotomy based on the available data from the present study.
The Predictors of Incidental Durotomy in Patients Undergoing Pedicle Subtraction Osteotomy for the Correction of Adult Spinal Deformity
Authors: Hamouda Abdelrahman M. , Pennington Zach , Astudillo Potes Maria , Mikula Anthony L. , Lakomkin Nikita , Martini Michael L. , Abode-Iyamah Kingsley O. , Freedman Brett A. , McClendon Jamal , Nassr Ahmad N. , Sebastian Arjun S. , Fogelson Jeremy L. , Elder Benjamin D.
Published: January 2024

Background: Pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO) is a powerful tool for sagittal plane correction in patients with rigid adult spinal deformity (ASD); however, it is associated with high intraoperative blood loss and the increased risk of durotomy. The objective of the present study was to identify intraoperative techniques and baseline patient factors capable of predicting intraoperative durotomy. Methods: A tri-institutional database was retrospectively queried for all patients who underwent PSO for ASD. Data on baseline comorbidities, surgical history, surgeon characteristics and intraoperative maneuvers were gathered. PSO aggressiveness was defined as conventional (Schwab 3 PSO) or an extended PSO (Schwab type 4). The primary outcome of the study was the occurrence of durotomy intraoperatively. Univariable analyses were performed with Mann–Whitney U tests, Chi-squared analyses, and Fisher’s exact tests. Statistical significance was defined by p < 0.05. Results: One hundred and sixteen patients were identified (mean age 61.9 ± 12.6 yr; 44.8% male), of whom 51 (44.0%) experienced intraoperative durotomy. There were no significant differences in baseline comorbidities between those who did and did not experience durotomy, with the exception that baseline weight and body mass index were higher in patients who did not suffer durotomy. Prior surgery (OR 2.73; 95% CI [1.13, 6.58]; p = 0.03) and, more specifically, prior decompression at the PSO level (OR 4.23; 95% CI [1.92, 9.34]; p < 0.001) was predictive of durotomy. A comparison of surgeon training showed no statistically significant difference in durotomy rate between fellowship and non-fellowship trained surgeons, or between orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons. The PSO level, PSO aggressiveness, the presence of stenosis at the PSO level, nor the surgical instrument used predicted the odds of durotomy occurrence. Those experiencing durotomy had similar hospitalization durations, rates of reoperation and rates of nonroutine discharge. Conclusions: In this large multisite series, a history of prior decompression at the PSO level was associated with a four-fold increase in intraoperative durotomy risk. Notably the use of extended (versus) standard PSO, surgical technique, nor baseline patient characteristics predicted durotomy. Durotomies occurred in 44% of patients and may prolong operative times. Additional prospective investigations are merited.
Different Analgesia Techniques for Postoperative Pain in Children Undergoing Abdominal Surgery for Intractable Constipation: A Retrospective Cohort Study in a Single Tertiary Children’s Hospital
Authors: Admiraal Manouk , van der Burg Fleur A. E. , Hermanns Henning , Hermanides Jeroen , Hollmann Markus W. , Benninga Marc A. , de Jong Justin , Gorter Ramon R. , Stevens Markus F.
Published: January 2024

Functional constipation in the pediatric population is a prevalent issue that is usually well managed. However, in rare cases, conservative treatment fails, and surgical intervention is necessary. This retrospective cohort study aimed to describe and compare different perioperative analgesic techniques in children undergoing major abdominal surgery for intractable constipation. Conducted between 2011 and 2021, this study enrolled patients under 18 years old who underwent initial major abdominal surgery for intractable constipation (i.e., creation of ostomy or subtotal colectomy). Patients were categorized according to the perioperative analgesic technique (i.e., systemic, neuraxial, or truncal block). Of 65 patients, 46 (70.8%) were female, and the median age was 13.5 [8.8–16.1] years during initial major abdominal surgery. Systemic analgesia was used in 43 (66.2%), neuraxial in 17 (26.2%), and truncal blocks in 5 (7.7%) of the surgeries. Patients with neuraxial analgesia reported less postoperative pain (median [interquartile range] numeric rating scale (NRS) 2.0 [0–4.0]), compared to systemic analgesia (5.0 [2.0–7.0], p < 0.001) and to truncal blocks (5.0 [3.0–6.5], p < 0.001). In this preliminary investigation, neuraxial analgesia appears to be the most effective approach to reducing acute postoperative pain in pediatric patients undergoing major abdominal surgery for intractable functional constipation. However, well-designed studies are warranted.
Insights into the Distribution Patterns of Foot and Ankle Tumours: Update on the Perspective of a University Tumour Institute
Authors: Scheele Christian , Toepfer Andreas , Beischl Simone , Dammerer Dietmar , Harrasser Norbert , von Eisenhart-Rothe Rüdiger , Lenze Florian
Published: January 2024

The rarity of foot and ankle tumours, together with the numerous histological entities, presents a challenge in accumulating sufficient patients to draw reliable conclusions. Therefore, we decided to present an update of a retrospective analysis of their distribution patterns, comprising 536 cases of foot and ankle tumours presented to our tumour board between June 1997 and June 2023. Our aim was to provide a comprehensive overview of the prevalence and distribution patterns of benign and malignant bone and soft tissue tumours of the foot and ankle. A total of 277 tumours involved bone (51.7%). Of these, 242 (87.4%) were benign and 35 (12.6%) were malignant. In addition, 259 soft tissue tumours (48.3%) were found, of which 191 (73.7%) were benign and 68 (26.3%) were malignant. The most common benign bone tumours were simple bone cysts, enchondromas, osteochondromas, aneurysmal bone cysts, and lipomas of bone. Common benign soft tissue tumours included a tenosynovial giant cell tumour, haemangioma, plantar fibromatosis, schwannoma, and lipoma. The most common malignant soft tissue tumours were synovial sarcoma, malignant melanoma, and myxofibrosarcoma. In terms of anatomical location, the hindfoot was the most common site (28.7%), followed by the midfoot (25.9%), ankle (25.4%), and forefoot (20.0%). The distribution of benign entities often follows typical patterns, which may facilitate an early diagnosis even without biopsy (e.g., simple bone cyst, plantar fibromatosis). On the other hand, the distribution patterns of many rare or malignant entities are inconsistent. Individual soft tissue malignancies occur very sporadically, even over long periods of time and in specialized tumour centres. It is therefore important to recognise that any suspicious mass in the foot and ankle must be considered a possible malignancy until proven otherwise.
Study on Machining Quality in Abrasive Water Jet Machining of Jute-Polymer Composite and Optimization of Process Parameters through Grey Relational Analysis
Authors: BRN Murthy , Beedu Rajendra , P K Jayashree , Potti Srinivasa Rao
Published: January 2024

Abrasive Water Jet Machining (AWJM) is a popular machining method used to machine polymer matrix composites that are sensitive to temperature. This method is non-thermal, and each input parameter has a significant effect on output parameters, such as material removal rate, kerf width, surface roughness, and the potential for delamination. To ensure high-quality machining, it is crucial to set these input parameters at their optimal level. This paper proposes a simple approach to predict the optimum process parameters of water jet machining operations on jute fiber-reinforced polymer composite (JFRPC). The process parameters considered are standoff distance (SOD), traverse speed (TS), and abrasive material flow rate (MFR). Conversely, surface roughness (Ra) and delamination (Da) are the output parameters. Process parameters are set using Taguchi’s L27 array, with consideration given to three levels of each input parameter. The best value for process parameters is found using grey relational analysis (GRA), and an ANOVA on GRA illustrates the impact of each input variable. After a confirmation test, it was found that the suggested parameters guarantee the best possible results.
Friction Stir Spot Welding of Thin Aluminium Sheets to Polyamide 6: A Study of the Welding Parameters and Strategies
Authors: Pereira Miguel A. R. , Galvão Ivan , Costa José Domingos , Leal Rui M. , Amaro Ana M.
Published: January 2024

The joining of aluminium alloy AA6082-T6 to polyamide 6 (PA6) by friction stir spot welding (FSSW) was investigated in the current work. Although previous studies can be found on the joining of polymers and metals by FSSW, welding using aluminium plates as thin as the ones used in this work (1 mm) was not found. The influence of the plunge depth (0.1 to 0.5 mm) and the dwell time (15 and 30 s) parameters on the welding results was studied. In general, the increase of these parameters led to the improvement of the maximum load of the joints under tensile-shear testing. Additionally, the feasibility of multiple spot welding was tested and proven. Finally, although most of the welds were performed with a pinless tool, a tool with a conical pin and a concave shoulder was used for comparison. The use of this more conventional tool resulted in joints easily broken by handling. Still, the potential of the conical pin tool was demonstrated. The different conditions were evaluated based on morphology and tensile-shear testing. The weld with the best mechanical behaviour was produced with multiple spot welding, which failed for a maximum load of about 2350 N.
The Endangered Limpet Patella ferruginea Integrates a Metapopulation across the Species’ Range
Authors: López-Márquez Violeta , Martínez-Ruiz Olivia , Guallart Javier , Acevedo Iván , Calvo Marta , Kallouche Mohammed M. , Luque Ángel A. , Templado José , Machordom Annie
Published: January 2024

The population genetics of Patella ferruginea Gmelin, 1791, an endangered limpet endemic to the western Mediterranean, has been analysed using 11 polymorphic microsatellite markers on 533 individuals from 18 localities throughout its distribution area. The results showed a deficit of heterozygotes, denoting a certain degree of inbreeding, and, with an overall FST of 0.004, a low level of genetic variability among localities. These data indicate that the species is distributed as a metapopulation (an assemblage of discrete local populations with migration among them) along most of the species’ range. Moreover, 99% of the variability observed was within populations, with only 0.41% accounting for between-population variability. No pattern of isolation-by-distance was found, and 35.5% of the individuals were recognised as migrants. Altogether, the findings indicate that most of the populations studied are connected to each other to some extent and that larvae of the species show a higher dispersal capacity than previously assumed. The exchange network does not follow a clear direction but rather shows a chaotic pattern attributed to stochastic factors resulting from the complex interaction of biotic and abiotic factors. This pattern indicates the lack of strong barriers to dispersal in the study area and permeable barriers that do not limit population connectivity. A relatively high level of self-recruitment and occasional stochastic dispersal events at variable distances are also evidenced by the analyses. Currently, marine protected areas (MPAs) safeguard the benthic adults but not the larval phase of the species. Considering our results, the conservation of P. ferruginea should be based on a holistic approach in which the protection of its habitats extends from the benthic to the pelagic zones, which will help maintain the larval pool and promote larval dispersal and settlement and, ultimately, gene flow. Lastly, conservation efforts must prioritise the survival of the extant populations of P. ferruginea, both within and outside MPAs, over measures that require the manipulation or translocation of specimens.
Multi-Objective Optimization for Ship Scheduling with Port Congestion and Environmental Considerations
Authors: Wen Xin , Chen Qiong , Yin Yu-Qi , Lau Yui-yip , Dulebenets Maxim A.
Published: January 2024

Over the past several years, port congestion has become a severe problem, as ships are often not able to reach a series of ports based on the designed schedule, which induces changes in the schedules associated with port operations. Moreover, customers can not receive their cargo in a timely manner because of port congestion. This is not only an internal problem within the shipping industry but also calls for collaboration between shipping lines and their upstream or downstream members in the maritime supply chain, including shippers and port operators. This study concentrates on the tactical planning problem for optimizing ship schedules to determine the number of ships, the projected maximum speed, and the ship service schedule, which is set for a company on a certain route. We develop a novel multi-objective programming model for the green vessel scheduling problem under port congestion, and queuing theory is used to calculate the uncertain queuing times at ports. The ultimate goal of developing this model is to maximize cost efficiency, service reliability, and environmental benefits. A multi-objective grey wolf optimizer algorithm is introduced for solving this problem, which shows some computational advantages compared to the NSGA-II algorithm commonly used at the most advanced level. Experimental results verify the application of the model and confirm that more congested periods induce more service unreliability issues rather than additional costs and emissions generated. To this end, the proposed methodology would allow designing better liner shipping schedules to alleviate port congestion and provide sustainable shipping services.
G-Net: An Efficient Convolutional Network for Underwater Object Detection
Authors: Zhao Xiaoyang , Wang Zhuo , Deng Zhongchao , Qin Hongde
Published: January 2024

Visual perception technology is of great significance for underwater robots to carry out seabed investigation and mariculture activities. Due to the complex underwater environment, it is often necessary to enhance the underwater image when detecting underwater targets by optical sensors. Most of the traditional methods involve image enhancement and then target detection. However, this method greatly increases the timeliness in practical application. To solve this problem, we propose a feature-enhanced target detection network, Global-Net (G-Net), which combines underwater image enhancement with target detection. Different from the traditional method of reconstructing enhanced images for target detection, G-Net realizes the integration of image enhancement and target detection. In addition, our feature map learning module (FML) can effectively extract defogging features. The test results in a real underwater environment show that G-Net improves the detection accuracy of underwater targets by about 5%, but also has high detection efficiency, which ensures the reliability of underwater robots in seabed investigation and aquaculture activities.
Random/Cognitive Hybrid Uncertainty Analysis of Ship Multitasking Cabin Layout
Authors: Xu Haijun , Hou Yuanhang , Li Haonan , Bao Meng , Liu Haishang
Published: January 2024

Identifying the optimal cabin layout is an important way to improve the efficiency of ship systems and ensure the efficient circulation of personnel and materials. The ship task state refers to the state maintained by the joint actions of ship machinery and equipment, cargo, and personnel when facing different jobs and tasks during operation. A cabin layout that facilitates multitasking states can improve the efficiency of collaboration between systems and ensure the operation of the ship. The demand for human flow and logistics is different in multitasking states. To express the demand in mathematical form, there is a certain random uncertainty in the numerical quantification of the demand. Thus, to better meet the needs of different states, the coefficient values of each state can be integrated using special methods. Ensuring values’ initial preference to the greatest extent inevitably produces a degree of cognitive uncertainty. Therefore, uncertainty analysis is necessary for cabin layout design to be used for multitasking states. In this paper, a deterministic optimization platform of cabin layout in multitasking states is obtained. Adjacent and circulating strength coefficients are obtained through numerical quantization of the demand for human flow and logistics. The random uncertainty in the input values of two coefficients was represented by random variables, and the cognitive uncertainty was represented by interval variables. In order to solve the problem of two types of variables, a random-interval hybrid uncertainty model was established. Through random intervalization and interval randomization, three cases, of random variables, interval variables, and random variables and interval variables, were studied. The probability distribution of the model function was used to evaluate the influence of different compositions of uncertainty parameters on the robustness of the cabin layout scheme. The necessity and effectiveness of uncertainty analysis in multitasking cabin layout are discussed below.
A Statistical Analysis of Ship Accidents (1990–2020) Focusing on Collision, Grounding, Hull Failure, and Resulting Hull Damage
Authors: Pilatis Aggelos N. , Pagonis Dimitrios-Nikolaos , Serris Michael , Peppa Sofia , Kaltsas Grigoris
Published: January 2024

In this work, over a thousand maritime casualty reports were reviewed in order to fully investigate and assess selected 213 marine accidents concerning the collision, grounding, and hull failure of ships, which occurred during the time period of 1990–2020, worldwide. Ship type and vessels’ main characteristics, as well as the cause of accidents, were categorized and analyzed statistically. The statistical software IBM SPSS© Statistics v.29 was employed for the investigation of a possible association between the above set criteria. Furthermore, the location and the extent of hull damage was extracted for all incidents, providing valuable insights into the resulting consequences for vessel integrity. These data are essential for estimating the accident’s impact on the viability of the ship, crew, and cargo. According to the main results obtained, significant correlations are deduced regarding the analyzed parameters. In collision accidents, these include the ship type, the location of the damage, visibility and age of the ship, the impact of the accident, and the type of casualty. In the case of grounding incidents, correlations emerge involving the type of ships, day/night period, the width of the resulting damage, the type of casualty, and the cause of accidents.
The Mitigation of Mutual Coupling Effects in Multi-Beam Echosounder Calibration under Near-Field Conditions
Authors: Zhang Wanyuan , Yuan Weijia , Sun Gongwu , He Tengjiao , Qu Junqi , Xu Chao
Published: January 2024

The advancement of unmanned platforms is driving the miniaturization and cost reduction of the multi-beam echosounder (MBES). In the process of MBES array calibration, the mutual coupling significantly impacts the performance of parameter estimation. We propose a correction method to mitigate the mutual coupling effects in the calibration of MBES acoustic array. Initially, a near-field focused beamforming model is established to assess the influence of mutual coupling. Subsequently, the covariance matrix in the frequency domain is constructed to enhance algorithm efficiency and simplify solution procedures. This construction eliminates the need for a low-pass filtering step after heterodyning through extracting peak values near zero frequency in the signal frequency domain. Meanwhile, the Toeplitz property is leveraged to render the estimation results independent of the mutual coupling matrix. Finally, the mutual coupling coefficients and the direction of arrival (DOA) are joint-estimated and the Cramér–Rao bound is derived. The presented method effectively addresses the engineering challenge of MBES mutual coupling calibration. Additionally, the performance of the proposed method is verified through the measured data in simulation and tank experiments.
Isolation and Identification of Alternaria alternata from Potato Plants Affected by Leaf Spot Disease in Korea: Selection of Effective Fungicides
Authors: Park Jiyoon , Kim Seoyeon , Jo Miju , An Sunmin , Kim Youngjun , Yoon Jonghan , Jeong Min-Hye , Kim Eun Young , Choi Jaehyuk , Kim Yangseon , Park Sook-Young
Published: January 2024

Brown leaf spot disease caused by Alternaria spp. is among the most common diseases of potato crops. Typical brown spot symptoms were observed in commercial potato-cultivation areas of northern Korea from June to August 2020–2021. In total, 68 isolates were collected, and based on sequence analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, the collected isolates were identified as Alternaria spp. (80.9%). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that a majority of these isolates clustered within a clade that included A. alternata. Additionally, the ITS region and rpb2 yielded the most informative sequences for the identification of A. alternata. Pathogenicity tests confirmed that the collected pathogens elicited symptoms identical to those observed in the field. In pathogenicity tests performed on seven commercial cultivars, the pathogens exhibited strong virulence in both wound and non-wound inoculations. Among the cultivars tested, Arirang-1ho, Arirang-2ho, and Golden Ball were resistant to the pathogens. Furthermore, among the fungicides tested in vitro, mancozeb and difenoconazole were found to be effective for inhibiting mycelial growth. In summary, our findings suggest that A. alternata plays a critical role in leaf disease in potato-growing regions and emphasise the necessity of continuous monitoring and management to protect against this disease in Korea.
Is Augmented Reality Technology Effective in Locating the Apex of Teeth Undergoing Apicoectomy Procedures?
Authors: Tamayo-Estebaranz Nuria , Viñas María José , Arrieta-Blanco Patricia , Zubizarreta-Macho Álvaro , Aragoneses-Lamas Juan Manuel
Published: January 2024

This study seeks to assess the accuracy of apical location using an augmented reality (AR) device with a free-hand method. Sixty (60) osteotomy site preparations were randomly assigned to one of two study groups: A. AR device (AR) (n = 30), and B. conventional free-hand method (FHM) (n = 30). Preoperative CBCT scans and intraoral scans were taken and uploaded to specialized implant-planning software to virtually plan preparations for the apical location osteotomy sites. The planning software was then used to automatically segment the teeth in each experimental model for their complete visualization using the AR device. A CBCT scan was carried out postoperatively after conducting the apical location procedures. The subsequent datasets were imported into therapeutic software to analyze the coronal, apical, and angular deviations. The Mann–Whitney non-parametric test was used. There were no statistically significant differences identified at the coronal (p = 0.1335), apical (p = 0.2401), and angular deviations (p = 0.4849) between the AR and FHM study groups. The augmented reality technique did not show a statistically significant accuracy of osteotomies for apical location when compared with the conventional free-hand method.
Dynamic Analysis of Regional Integration Development: Comprehensive Evaluation, Evolutionary Trend, and Driving Factors
Authors: Huang Gengzhi , Li Hang , Chen Siyue , Zhang Hongou , He Biao
Published: January 2024

Regional integration, as an essential measurement for solving unbalanced and uncoordinated regional development, plays an important role in achieving regional sustainable development. In this study, we aimed to construct a systematic research framework to facilitate the development of regional integration. Using 31 prefecture-level cities in the urban agglomeration in the Middle Reaches of the Yangtze River (MYR-UA) as case sites, this study applied box plots, kernel density estimation, GIS visualization tools, Markov chains, and geographic detectors to reveal the dynamic spatiotemporal evolution and factors influencing regional integration from 2009 to 2018. The results indicate that the level of regional integration and its subsystem development is suboptimal in MYR-UA; the temporal characteristic shows an upward fluctuating trend, and the spatial distribution shows remarkable spatial correlation and clustering characteristics. Additionally, we found that the level of regional integration development in MYR-UA has both “path dependence” and “self-locking” effects, and the spatial lag type has a crucial impact on the degree of regional transfer stability. The dominant factors affecting regional integration development include the GDP per capita, economic openness, industrial structure, proportion of education expenditure in fiscal expenditure, urbanization rate, proportion of environmental investment in fiscal expenditure, population density, capital flow, information flow, and technology flow. Finally, based on the findings of this study, policy recommendations for promoting regional integration are proposed.
Quick-Response Model for Pre- and Post-Disaster Evacuation and Aid Distribution: The Case of the Tula River Flood Event
Authors: Santana-Robles Francisca , Hernández-Gress Eva Selene , Martínez-López Ricardo , González-Hernández Isidro Jesús
Published: January 2024

Background: In the context of humanitarian logistics, efficiently evacuating people from disaster-stricken areas is a complex challenge. This study focuses on the Tula River region in Hidalgo, Mexico, exploring the evacuation and support of individuals in temporary shelters. Despite the fact that the topic has been addressed in the literature, it is necessary to have quick response methods that can be used by decision-makers to adapt and utilize existing spaces as temporary shelters, in addition to knowing how to evacuate people. Methods: Addressing this void, a methodology to minimize evacuation and aid distribution costs is introduced. Leveraging existing algorithms, particularly Integer Linear Programming, the model determines shelter activation and utilizes the Vehicle Routing Problem to assess aid delivery strategies. Results: The research identifies optimal evacuation routes from 13 affected areas to 34 shelters and analyzes aid distribution costs under various demand scenarios: original, increased, and decreased by 10%, based on the number of transport units allocated and Google Maps distances. It also evaluates the costs associated with humanitarian aid distribution under varying collection strategies, involving state and municipal governments. Conclusion: This approach provides a decision-making foundation and can be adapted for similar analyses in other communities during extreme events.
The Effect of Slider Configuration on Lubricant Depletion at the Slider/Disk Contact Interface
Authors: Chen Yuxin , Zhou Dongdong , Tang Zhengqiang
Published: January 2024

With decreasing clearance between the protrusion of a slider and a disk interface, there is a higher likelihood of contact occurring during shock or vibration experienced by hard disk drives (HDDs), which may induce lubricant depletion. Based on the molecular dynamics (MD) model of perfluoropolyether lubricant with a coarse-grained beads spring approach, we compared the slider configurations’ influence on the lubricant transfer volume quantitatively. By further investigating the parameters of the cylindrical asperities, including the width and depth, as well as considering the asperity amounts of the slider, we successfully observed the lubricant depletion process during slider and disk contact. The results demonstrate that the penetration depth was reduced as the asperity amount increased, mainly owing to the increased contact area between the surfaces. The decreasing depth of the asperity and the increasing width of the asperity helped to reduce the depletion volume. In addition, the utilization of a cylindrical slider configuration can contribute to a reduction in lubricant depletion resulting from contact between the head and disk.
Characterization of LaFeO3 Dielectric Ceramics Produced by Spark Plasma Sintering
Authors: Ctibor Pavel , Sedláček Josef , Illková Ksenia , Straka Libor
Published: January 2024

Commercially available LaFeO3 powder was processed using the spark plasma sintering (SPS) technique. The results of the dielectric measurement showed high permittivity, but this was strongly frequency-dependent and was also accompanied by a high loss tangent. The chemical purity of the powder and changes induced by the SPS process influenced the stability of the dielectric parameters of the bulk compacts. A microstructure with a homogeneous grain size and a certain porosity was produced. The microhardness of the sintered LaFeO3 was rather high, about 8.3 GPa. All the results are in reasonable agreement with the literature related to the production of LaFeO3 using different techniques. At frequencies as low as 100 Hz, the material behaved like a colossal permittivity ceramic, but this character was lost with the increasing frequency. On the other hand, it exhibited persistent DC photoconductivity after illumination with a standard bulb.