bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic Binaural Rendering: The Advantage of Virtual Artificial Heads over Conventional Ones for Localization with Speech Signals
Authors: Fallahi Mina , Hansen Martin , Doclo Simon , van de Par Steven , Püschel Dirk , Blau Matthias
Published: July 2021

As an alternative to conventional artificial heads, a virtual artificial head (VAH), i.e., a microphone array-based filter-and-sum beamformer, can be used to create binaural renderings of spatial sound fields. In contrast to conventional artificial heads, a VAH enables one to individualize the binaural renderings and to incorporate head tracking. This can be achieved by applying complex-valued spectral weights—calculated using individual head related transfer functions (HRTFs) for each listener and for different head orientations—to the microphone signals of the VAH. In this study, these spectral weights were applied to measured room impulse responses in an anechoic room to synthesize individual binaural room impulse responses (BRIRs). In the first part of the paper, the results of localizing virtual sources generated with individually synthesized BRIRs and measured BRIRs using a conventional artificial head, for different head orientations, were assessed in comparison with real sources. Convincing localization performances could be achieved for virtual sources generated with both individually synthesized and measured non-individual BRIRs with respect to azimuth and externalization. In the second part of the paper, the results of localizing virtual sources were compared in two listening tests, with and without head tracking. The positive effect of head tracking on the virtual source localization performance confirmed a major advantage of the VAH over conventional artificial heads.
Sensor-Level Mosaic of Multistrip KOMPSAT-3 Level 1R Products
Authors: Lee Changno , Oh Jaehong
Published: July 2021

High-resolution satellite images such as KOMPSAT-3 data provide detailed geospatial information over interest areas that are evenly located in an inaccessible area. The high-resolution satellite cameras are designed with a long focal length and a narrow field of view to increase spatial resolution. Thus, images show relatively narrow swath widths (10–15 km) compared to dozens or hundreds of kilometers in mid-/low-resolution satellite data. Therefore, users often face obstacles to orthorectify and mosaic a bundle of delivered images to create a complete image map. With a single mosaicked image at the sensor level delivered only with radiometric correction, users can process and manage simplified data more efficiently. Thus, we propose sensor-level mosaicking to generate a seamless image product with geometric accuracy to meet mapping requirements. Among adjacent image data with some overlaps, one image is the reference, whereas the others are projected using the sensor model information with shuttle radar topography mission. In the overlapped area, the geometric discrepancy between the data is modeled in spline along the image line based on image matching with outlier removals. The new sensor model information for the mosaicked image is generated by extending that of the reference image. Three strips of KOMPSAT-3 data were tested for the experiment. The data showed that irregular image discrepancies between the adjacent data were observed along the image line. This indicated that the proposed method successfully identified and removed these discrepancies. Additionally, sensor modeling information of the resulted mosaic could be improved by using the averaging effects of input data.
Experimental Characterization of the Capacitively Coupled RF-Plasma Thruster
Authors: Smirnov Pavel , Kozakov Ruslan , Schein Jochen
Published: July 2021

A novel design of a neutralizer-free plasma thruster is proposed. This setup features a capacitively coupled RF discharge for plasma generation combined with a magnetic nozzle configuration for acceleration. Characteristics of the plasma plume and ions flux are investigated with the help of emissive probes and retarding potential analyzers (RPA). Essential parameters of the thruster like ions energy, ions flux, utilization efficiencies, and thrust are estimated. The investigated system produces a beam of ions accelerated to an energy of 10 eV when operated at power levels of ~20 W and a mass flow of 1.2 mg/s. The ion energy coincides with the potential drop in the plasma plume indicating that the acceleration takes place due the formation of an ambipolar electric field in the expanding plasma. The design is compared to the data available of other similar thrusters.
AR in the Architecture Domain: State of the Art
Authors: Russo Michele
Published: July 2021

Augmented reality (AR) allows the real and digital worlds to converge and overlap in a new way of observation and understanding. The architectural field can significantly benefit from AR applications, due to their systemic complexity in terms of knowledge and process management. Global interest and many research challenges are focused on this field, thanks to the conjunction of technological and algorithmic developments from one side, and the massive digitization of built data. A significant quantity of research in the AEC and educational fields describes this state of the art. Moreover, it is a very fragmented domain, in which specific advances or case studies are often described without considering the complexity of the whole development process. The article illustrates the entire AR pipeline development in architecture, from the conceptual phase to its application, highlighting each step’s specific aspects. This storytelling aims to provide a general overview to a non-expert, deepening the topic and stimulating a democratization process. The aware and extended use of AR in multiple areas of application can lead a new way forward for environmental understanding, bridging the gap between real and virtual space in an innovative perception of architecture.
Effects of the Weight and Balance of Head-Mounted Displays on Physical Load
Authors: Ito Kodai , Tada Mitsunori , Ujike Hiroyasu , Hyodo Keiichiro
Published: July 2021

To maximize user experience in VR environments, optimizing the comfortability of head-mounted displays (HMDs) is essential. To date, few studies have investigated the fatigue induced by wearing commercially available HMDs. Here, we focus on the effects of HMD weight and balance on the physical load experienced by the user. We conducted an experiment in which participants completed a shooting game while wearing differently weighted and balanced HMDs. Afterwards, the participants completed questionnaires to assess levels of discomfort and fatigue. The results clarify that the weight of the HMD affects user fatigue, with the degree of fatigue varying depending on the center of mass position. Additionally, they suggest that the torque at the neck joint corresponds to the physical load imparted by the HMD. Therefore, our results provide valuable insights, demonstrating that, to improve HMD comfortability, it is necessary to consider both the balance and reduction of weight during HMD design.
BIM-Based Digital Twin and XR Devices to Improve Maintenance Procedures in Smart Buildings: A Literature Review
Authors: Coupry Corentin , Noblecourt Sylvain , Richard Paul , Baudry David , Bigaud David
Published: July 2021

In recent years, the use of digital twins (DT) to improve maintenance procedures has increased in various industrial sectors (e.g., manufacturing, energy industry, aerospace) but is more limited in the construction industry. However, the operation and maintenance (O&M) phase of a building’s life cycle is the most expensive. Smart buildings already use BIM (Building Information Modeling) for facility management, but they lack the predictive capabilities of DT. On the other hand, the use of extended reality (XR) technologies to improve maintenance operations has been a major topic of academic research in recent years, both through data display and remote collaboration. In this context, this paper focuses on reviewing projects using a combination of these technologies to improve maintenance operations in smart buildings. This review uses a combination of at least three of the terms “Digital Twin”, “Maintenance”, “BIM” and “Extended Reality”. Results show how a BIM can be used to create a DT and how this DT use combined with XR technologies can improve maintenance operations in a smart building. This paper also highlights the challenges for the correct implementation of a BIM-based DT combined with XR devices. An example of use is also proposed using a diagram of the possible interactions between the user, the DT and the application framework during maintenance operations.
Effect of Eigenmode Frequency on Loss Tangent Atomic Force Microscopy Measurements
Authors: Eslami Babak , Caputo Dylan
Published: July 2021

Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) is no longer used as a nanotechnology tool responsible for topography imaging. However, it is widely used in different fields to measure various types of material properties, such as mechanical, electrical, magnetic, or chemical properties. One of the recently developed characterization techniques is known as loss tangent. In loss tangent AFM, the AFM cantilever is excited, similar to amplitude modulation AFM (also known as tapping mode); however, the observable aspects are used to extract dissipative and conservative energies per cycle of oscillation. The ratio of dissipation to stored energy is defined as tanδ. This value can provide useful information about the sample under study, such as how viscoelastic or elastic the material is. One of the main advantages of the technique is the fact that it can be carried out by any AFM equipped with basic dynamic AFM characterization. However, this technique lacks some important experimental guidelines. Although there have been many studies in the past years on the effect of oscillation amplitude, tip radius, or environmental factors during the loss tangent measurements, there is still a need to investigate the effect of excitation frequency during measurements. In this paper, we studied four different sets of samples, performing loss tangent measurements with both first and second eigenmode frequencies. It is found that performing these measurements with higher eigenmode is advantageous, minimizing the tip penetration through the surface and therefore minimizing the error in loss tangent measurements due to humidity or artificial dissipations that are not dependent on the actual sample surface.
Quantitative Evaluation of the Clinical Evolution of Traumatic Onycholysis after Laser Treatment
Authors: Marcos-Tejedor Felix , Mayordomo Raquel , Pérez Pico Ana María , Cantero-Garlito Pablo A. , Iglesias-Sánchez María José
Published: July 2021

Nail disorders are the most frequent reason for visits to the podiatry clinic. Although they are not a severe health problem, these types of pathologies have a psychosocial impact on patients, affecting their self-esteem and leading to social and professional self-isolation that can cause anxiety and depression. Laser therapy is considered a potential treatment for nail disorders because it is a fast, easily applied treatment that avoids interaction with medication. However, the literature includes no definitive studies with scientific evidence about the efficacy of laser treatment in traumatic onycholysis, the most frequent clinical sign of nail disorders. Objective: We carried out an objective and quantitative study of the efficacy of laser in treating traumatic onycholysis to provide a new, non-invasive treatment for this pathology, and describe an objective method for its clinical evaluation and evolution. Methods: A strictly repetitive protocol of Nd:YAG 1064 nm laser (PinPointe FootLaser™, Spain) was applied to nails with idiopathic disorders, following the manufacturer’s instructions. The clinical evolution of nail dystrophy was quantitatively evaluated using the affected percentage of the longitudinal axis of the nail. Results: A significant improvement was obtained in nail appearance (dystrophy) in 100% of cases (p < 0.006) after treatment with Nd:YAG 1064 nm laser. Conclusion: Treating traumatic onycholysis with Nd:YAG 1064 nm laser can be a good alternative to conventional pharmacological treatments.
A Collaborative Method for Scoping Software Product Lines: A Case Study in a Small Software Company
Authors: Camacho Marta Cecilia , Álvarez Francisco , Collazos César A. , Leger Paul , Bermúdez Julián Dario , Hurtado Julio Ariel
Published: July 2021

SPL scoping is the activity for bounding Software Product Lines (SPL), gathering heterogeneous knowledge from diverse sources. For achieving an agreement among different stakeholders, a commonalty scope must be understood and committed to. However, gathering this knowledge from stakeholders with individual interests is a complex task. This paper reports the experience of scoping the SPL of a small Colombian software company, applying and evaluating a collaborative method called CoMeS-SPL. The company was looking to develop a set of products from a product previously developed with great potential to be adapted and sold to different customers. From a collaborative relationship university–enterprise model, the research groups that developed CoMeS-SPL proposed to use it answering to the company needs for defining an organization-suitable reuse scope around its platform called CORA. Both parties joined in the scoping co-production of the first SPL of the company. This method implied that the company would perform new tasks and involve other roles different for those who are used to defining the scope of a single product. The company actors considered that they obtained a useful scope and perceived the collaboration as valuable because they shared different knowledge and perspectives. The researchers were able to provide feedback on their proposed model, identifying successes and aspects to improve. The experience allowed strengthening the ties of cooperation with the company, and new projects and consultancies are being carried out.
Efficient Removal of Azo Dye from Wastewater Using the Non-Toxic Potassium Ferrate Oxidation–Coagulation Process
Authors: Jargalsaikhan Munkhtsooj , Lee Jieun , Jang Am , Jeong Sanghyun
Published: July 2021

The wastewater effluents from textile industries contain highly toxic metal complex dyes. For instance, azo dye has received significant attention owing to its toxicity and environmental stability. This study investigated the oxidation and coagulation processes to effectively remove azo dye from wastewater effluents. Potassium ferrate (K2FeO4) was selected as an oxidant because it has a high oxidation potential, is environmentally stable, and does not generate toxic byproducts. Moreover, it has a combination effect of coagulation and oxidation. Its performance was compared with a single oxidation process (using NaOCl) and a single coagulation process (using FeCl3·6H2O). Based on the jar test experiment, the optimized pH was estimated to be 3 and the optimal dosage was 56.4 mg/L for K2FeO4, and it removed nearly 100% of orange II azo dye (OD) and lissamine green B dye (LGB). However, its removal efficiency decreased when the pH increased to 12. In all processes, dye removal was completed in 5 min of the reaction. Overall, OD and LGB were effectively removed by K2FeO4, compared to the NaOCl and FeCl3·6H2O. This indicates that the combination of oxidation and coagulation of K2FeO4 outperformed the single treatment process without toxic byproduct production.
Emotion Identification in Movies through Facial Expression Recognition
Authors: Almeida João , Vilaça Luís , Teixeira Inês N. , Viana Paula
Published: July 2021

Understanding how acting bridges the emotional bond between spectators and films is essential to depict how humans interact with this rapidly growing digital medium. In recent decades, the research community made promising progress in developing facial expression recognition (FER) methods. However, no emphasis has been put in cinematographic content, which is complex by nature due to the visual techniques used to convey the desired emotions. Our work represents a step towards emotion identification in cinema through facial expressions’ analysis. We presented a comprehensive overview of the most relevant datasets used for FER, highlighting problems caused by their heterogeneity and to the inexistence of a universal model of emotions. Built upon this understanding, we evaluated these datasets with a standard image classification models to analyze the feasibility of using facial expressions to determine the emotional charge of a film. To cope with the problem of lack of datasets for the scope under analysis, we demonstrated the feasibility of using a generic dataset for the training process and propose a new way to look at emotions by creating clusters of emotions based on the evidence obtained in the experiments.
Improved Ensemble-Learning Algorithm for Predictive Maintenance in the Manufacturing Process
Authors: Hung Yu-Hsin
Published: July 2021

Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) technologies comprise sensors, devices, networks, and applications from the edge to the cloud. Recent advances in data communication and application using IIoT have streamlined predictive maintenance (PdM) for equipment maintenance and quality management in manufacturing processes. PdM is useful in fields such as device, facility, and total quality management. PdM based on cloud or edge computing has revolutionized smart manufacturing processes. To address quality management problems, herein, we develop a new calculation method that improves ensemble-learning algorithms with adaptive learning to make a boosted decision tree more intelligent. The algorithm predicts main PdM issues, such as product failure or unqualified manufacturing equipment, in advance, thus improving the machine-learning performance. Herein, semiconductor and blister packing machine data are used separately in manufacturing data analytics. The former data help in predicting yield failure in a semiconductor manufacturing process. The blister packing machine data are used to predict the product packaging quality. Experimental results indicate that the proposed method is accurate, with an area under a receiver operating characteristic curve exceeding 96%. Thus, the proposed method provides a practical approach for PDM in semiconductor manufacturing processes and blister packing machines.
Exploitation of a Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm for Designing a Lightweight Parallel Hybrid Electric Vehicle
Authors: Spano Matteo , Anselma Pier Giuseppe , Misul Daniela Anna , Belingardi Giovanni
Published: July 2021

The dramatic global climate change has driven governments to drastically tackle pollutant emissions. In the transportation field, one of the technological responses has been powertrain electrification for passengers’ cars. Nevertheless, the large amount of possible powertrain designs does not help the development of an exhaustive sizing process. In this research, a multi-objective particle swarm optimization algorithm is proposed to find the optimal layout of a parallel P2 hybrid electric vehicle powertrain with the aim of maximizing fuel economy capability and minimizing production cost. A dynamic programming-based algorithm is used to ensure the optimal vehicle-level energy management. The results show that diverse powertrain layouts may be suggested when different weights are assigned to the sizing targets related to fuel economy and production cost, respectively. Particularly, upsizing the power sources and increasing the number of gears might be advised to enhance HEV fuel economy capability through the efficient exploitation of the internal combustion engine (ICE) operation. On the other hand, reduction of the HEV production cost could be achieved by downsizing the power sources and limiting the number of gears with respect to conventional ICE-powered vehicles thanks to the interaction between ICE and electric motor.
TREASURE: Text Mining Algorithm Based on Affinity Analysis and Set Intersection to Find the Action of Tuberculosis Drugs against Other Pathogens
Authors: Sampath Pradeepa , Sridhar Nithya Shree , Shanmuganathan Vimal , Lee Yangsun
Published: July 2021

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the top causes of death in the world. Though TB is known as the world’s most infectious killer, it can be treated with a combination of TB drugs. Some of these drugs can be active against other infective agents, in addition to TB. We propose a framework called TREASURE (Text mining algoRithm basEd on Affinity analysis and Set intersection to find the action of tUberculosis dRugs against other pathogEns), which particularly focuses on the extraction of various drug–pathogen relationships in eight different TB drugs, namely pyrazinamide, moxifloxacin, ethambutol, isoniazid, rifampicin, linezolid, streptomycin and amikacin. More than 1500 research papers from PubMed are collected for each drug. The data collected for this purpose are first preprocessed, and various relation records are generated for each drug using affinity analysis. These records are then filtered based on the maximum co-occurrence value and set intersection property to obtain the required inferences. The inferences produced by this framework can help the medical researchers in finding cures for other bacterial diseases. Additionally, the analysis presented in this model can be utilized by the medical experts in their disease and drug experiments.
Realization of a Continuously Phase-Locked Few-Cycle Deep-UV/XUV Pump-Probe Beamline with Attosecond Precision for Ultrafast Spectroscopy
Authors: Khurelbaatar Tsendsuren , Gliserin Alexander , Mun Je-Hoi , Heo Jaeuk , Lee Yunman , Kim Dong-Eon
Published: July 2021

Chemical and physical processes in molecules can be controlled through the manipulation of quantum interferences between rotational, vibrational, and electronic degrees of freedom. Most of the past efforts have been focused on the control of nuclear dynamics. Even though electronic coherence and its coupling to nuclear degrees of freedom may profoundly affect the outcome of these processes, electron dynamics have received less attention. Proper investigation of electron dynamics in materials demands ultrafast sources in the visible, ultraviolet (UV), and extreme ultraviolet (XUV) spectral region. For this purpose, a few-cycle deep-UV and XUV beamlines have been constructed for studying ultrafast electron dynamics in molecules. To ensure the required high temporal resolution on the attosecond time scale, vibration isolation from environmental mechanical noise and active stabilization have been implemented to achieve attosecond timing control between pump and probe pulses with excellent stability. This is achieved with an actively phase-stabilized double-layer Mach-Zehnder interferometer system capable of continuous time-delay scans over a range of 200 fs with a root-mean-square timing jitter of only 13 as over a few seconds and ~80 as of peak-to-peak drift over several hours.
Analyzing User Digital Emotions from a Holy versus Non-Pilgrimage City in Saudi Arabia on Twitter Platform
Authors: Shakil Kashish Ara , Tabassum Kahkashan , Alqahtani Fawziah S. , Wani Mudasir Ahmad
Published: July 2021

Humans are the product of what society and their environment conditions them into being. People living in metropolitan cities have a very fast-paced life and are constantly exposed to different situations. A social media platform enables individuals to express their emotions and sentiments and thus acts as a reservoir for the digital emotion footprints of its users. This study proposes that the user data available on Twitter has the potential to showcase the contrasting emotions of people residing in a pilgrimage city versus those residing in other, non-pilgrimage areas. We collected the Arabic geolocated tweets of users living in Mecca (holy city) and Riyadh (non-pilgrimage city). The user emotions were classified on the basis of Plutchik’s eight basic emotion categories, Fear, Anger, Sadness, Joy, Surprise, Disgust, Trust, and Anticipation. A new bilingual dictionary, AEELex (Arabic English Emotion Lexicon), was designed to determine emotions derived from user tweets. AEELex has been validated on commonly known and popular lexicons. An emotion analysis revealed that people living in Mecca had more positivity than those residing in Riyadh. Anticipation was the emotion that was dominant or most expressed in both places. However, a larger proportion of users living in Mecca fell under this category. The proposed analysis was an initial attempt toward studying the emotional and behavioral differences between users living in different cities of Saudi Arabia. This study has several other important applications. First, the emotion-based study could contribute to the development of a machine learning-based model for predicting depression in netizens. Second, behavioral appearances mined from the text could benefit efforts to identify the regional location of a particular user.
Temperature Impact on Engineered Cementitious Composite Containing Basalt Fibers
Authors: Rafiei Pouya , Shokravi Hoofar , Mohammadyan-Yasouj Seyed Esmaeil , Koloor Seyed Saeid Rahimian , Petrů Michal
Published: July 2021

Engineered cementitious composite (ECC) is a new generation of fiber-reinforced concrete with high ductility and exceptional crack control capabilities. However, ECC can suffer a substantial reduction in ductility when exposed to elevated temperatures resulting in a loss of crack-bridging ability. In this study, the effect of adding basalt fiber (BF), which is an inorganic fiber with high-temperature resistance for the production of ECC, was studied. Moreover, the change in the mechanical properties of ECC, including compressive, tensile, and flexural strength, was experimentally investigated under elevated temperatures up to 400 °C. The results showed that the addition of BF to reinforced ECC improved the tensile and flexural strength of concrete effectively, but compressive strength marginally decreased. A significant decrease was observed in the range from 300 to 400 °C, while it increased smoothly when heated up to 300 °C. The compressive and flexural strength diminished after a slight strain gained when heated up to 100 °C. This work paves the way for future investigations focusing on the development of high-temperature resistance ECC.
Influence of Blood Contamination on Push-Out Bond Strength of Three Calcium Silicate-Based Materials to Root Dentin
Authors: Paulo Cristina Rodrigues , Marques Joana A. , Sequeira Diana B. , Diogo Patrícia , Paiva Rui , Palma Paulo J. , Santos João Miguel
Published: July 2021

A proper bond between root canal filling materials and dentin surface is essential to resist dislodgement and guarantee long-term success. Blood exposure is likely to occur in various clinical situations in which calcium silicate-based materials are used; therefore, it is fundamental to render data concerning the influence of blood on bond strength. The present study aims to evaluate the effect of blood contamination on the push-out bond strength obtained with three different biomaterials to root canal dentin; Ninety extracted human mono-radicular permanent teeth were selected. The root canals were prepared with Gates Glidden burs until a diameter of 1.10 mm was achieved. Teeth were then randomly divided into six experimental groups (n = 15) according to the presence/absence of blood contamination and biomaterial used for root canal filling (ProRoot® MTA, BiodentineTM, and TotalFill® BC Putty). After one week, each root was sectioned in three segments (coronal, middle, and apical regions). Specimens were then submitted to push-out bond strength tests. Fracture pattern evaluation was performed. The significance level was set at 5%.; Blood contamination did not affect the push-out bond strength of any of the three tested calcium silicate-based cements (p > 0.05). Regardless of blood contamination, TotalFill showed statistically higher push-out bond strength when compared with Biodentine (p = 0.040) and MTA (p = 0.004). Biodentine exhibited higher bond strength than MTA (p = 0.043). Biomaterials’ comparison within each radicular segment revealed statistically superior bond strength of both Biodentine and TotalFill over MTA (p < 0.05) in the coronal segment. TotalFill presented higher push-out bond strength regarding the apical segment compared to Biodentine (p = 0.003). Fractures were mostly adhesive.; Overall results indicate TotalFill presents the highest push-out bond strength values, followed by Biodentine and, lastly, MTA. Blood contamination did not affect the dislodgement resistance. Biomaterials’ comparison within each radicular segment revealed both TotalFill and Biodentine as the preferable alternatives for application in the coronal region. TotalFill might be the biomaterial of choice for placement in the apical region.
Non-Slender n-Link Chain Driven by Single-Joint and Multi-Joint Muscle Actuators: Closed-Form Dynamic Equations and Joint Reaction Forces
Authors: Biscarini Andrea
Published: July 2021

The author has derived the closed-form dynamic equations for a planar musculoskeletal chain composed of a generic number n of rigid links connected by ideal revolute joints. Single-joint and multi-joint muscles have been modeled as linear force actuators that can span from one joint to all the joints of the chain. The generic shape and size of each individual link of the chain accounts for different alignments among the center of mass of the link, the centers of rotation of the joints that articulate the link with its neighbors, and the points of application of the muscle forces and the possible contact external resistances acting on the link. The joint torque and the reaction force acting on each joint have been determined in closed-form by analytical quantification of the unique contribution of each individual kinematic and kinetic variable: (1) force of each single-joint or multi-joint muscle spanning or non-spanning the joint; (2) weight and contact external resistances acting on each individual link of the chain; (3) position, angular velocity, and angular acceleration of each individual link of the chain. The analytical results derived in this study can be applied to multilink musculoskeletal chains with deep/superficial and segmental/global muscles.
Applications of Magnesium and Its Alloys: A Review
Authors: Tan Jovan , Ramakrishna Seeram
Published: July 2021

Magnesium is a promising material. It has a remarkable mix of mechanical and biomedical properties that has made it suitable for a vast range of applications. Moreover, with alloying, many of these inherent properties can be further improved. Today, it is primarily used in the automotive, aerospace, and medical industries. However, magnesium has its own set of drawbacks that the industry and research communities are actively addressing. Magnesium’s rapid corrosion is its most significant drawback, and it dramatically impeded magnesium’s growth and expansion into other applications. This article reviews both the engineering and biomedical aspects and applications for magnesium and its alloys. It will also elaborate on the challenges that the material faces and how they can be overcome and discuss its outlook.
Frequency and Characteristics of Inland Advecting Sea Breezes in the Southeast United States
Authors: Viner Brian , Noble Stephen , Qian Jian-Hua , Werth David , Gayes Paul , Pietrafesa Len , Bao Shaowu
Published: July 2021

Sea breezes have been observed to move inland over 100 km. These airmasses can be markedly different from regional airmasses, creating a shallow layer with differences in humidity, wind, temperature and aerosol characteristics. To understand their influence on boundary layer and cloud development on subsequent days, we identify their frequency and characteristics. We visually identified sea breeze fronts on radar passing over the Savannah River Site (SRS) between March and October during 2015–2019. The SRS is ~150 km from the nearest coastal location; therefore, our detection suggests further inland penetration. We also identified periods when sea breeze fronts may have passed but were not visually observed on radar due to the shallow sea breeze airmass remaining below the radar beam elevation that ranges between approximately 1–8 km depending on the beam angle and radar source (Columbia, SC or Charleston, SC). Near-surface atmospheric measurements indicate that the dew point temperature increases, the air temperature decreases, the variation in wind direction decreases and the aerosol size increases after sea breeze frontal passage. A synoptic classification procedure also identified that inland moving sea breezes are more commonly observed when the synoptic conditions include weak to moderate offshore winds with an average of 35 inland sea breezes occurring each year, focused primarily in the months of April, May and June.
Envisioning an Integrated Assessment System and Observation Network for the North Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Coleman Liz , Mc Govern Frank M. , Ovadnevaite Jurgita , Ceburnis Darius , Baroni Thaize , Barrie Leonard , O’Dowd Colin D.
Published: July 2021

The atmosphere over the Atlantic Ocean is highly impacted by human activities on the surrounding four major continents. Globally, human activity creates significant burdens for the sustainability of key Earth systems, pressuring the planetary boundaries of environmental sustainability. Here, we propose a science-based integrated approach addressing linked science and policy challenges in the North Atlantic. There is a unique combination of ongoing anthropogenic changes occurring in the coupled atmosphere–ocean environment of the region related to climate, air and water quality, the biosphere and cryosphere. This is matched by a unique potential for the societies that surround the North Atlantic to systematically address these challenges in a dynamic and responsive manner. Three key linked science-policy challenges to be addressed as part of this proposed integrated regional approach are: (1) understanding physical and dynamic changes, (2) sustaining human and ecosystem health and (3) reducing existing knowledge gaps on the carbon budget and the Earth’s energy balance. We propose a North Atlantic multidisciplinary scientific assessment system and observation network to address these thematic challenges. We propose to build on and link with the existing research activities and observational networks and infrastructures to specifically address the key North Atlantic challenges that encompass a range of policy areas. This will strengthen the institutional response to weather, climate, environmental and ecological threats and reduce societal risk.
Enhanced Transcriptomic Resilience following Increased Alternative Splicing and Differential Isoform Production between Air Pollution Conurbations
Authors: Pan Shengkai , Feng Xiaokai , Pass Daniel , Adams Rachel A. , Wang Yusong , Dong Xuemin , Lin Zhenzhen , Jiang Chunguo , Jones Tim P. , BéruBé Kelly A. , Zhan Xiangjiang
Published: July 2021

Adverse health outcomes caused by ambient particulate matter (PM) pollution occur in a progressive process, with neutrophils eliciting inflammation or pathogenesis. We investigated the toxico-transcriptomic mechanisms of PM in real-life settings by comparing healthy residents living in Beijing and Chengde, the opposing ends of a well-recognised air pollution (AP) corridor in China. Beijing recruits (BRs) uniquely expressed ~12,000 alternative splicing (AS)-derived transcripts, largely elevating the proportion of transcripts significantly correlated with PM concentration. BRs expressed PM-associated isoforms (PMAIs) of PFKFB3 and LDHA, encoding enzymes responsible for stimulating and maintaining glycolysis. PMAIs of PFKFB3 featured different COOH-terminals, targeting PFKFB3 to different sub-cellular functional compartments and stimulating glycolysis. PMAIs of LDHA have longer 3′UTRs relative to those expressed in Chengde recruits (CRs), allowing glycolysis maintenance by enhancing LDHA mRNA stability and translational efficiency. PMAIs were directly regulated by different HIF-1A and HIF-1B isoforms. BRs expressed more non-functional Fas isoforms, and a resultant reduction of intact Fas proportion is expected to inhibit the transmission of apoptotic signals and prolong neutrophil lifespan. BRs expressed both membrane-bound and soluble IL-6R isoforms instead of only one in CRs. The presence of both IL-6R isoforms suggested a higher migration capacity of neutrophils in BRs. PMAIs of HIF-1A and PFKFB3 were downregulated in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease patients compared with BRs, implying HIF-1 mediated defective glycolysis may mediate neutrophil dysfunction. PMAIs could explain large variances of different phenotypes, highlighting their potential application as biomarkers and therapeutic targets in PM-induced diseases, which remain poorly elucidated.
Properties of Certain Multivalent Analytic Functions Associated with the Lemniscate of Bernoulli
Authors: Liu Likai , Liu Jin-Lin
Published: July 2021

Using differential subordination, we consider conditions of β so that some multivalent analytic functions are subordinate to (1+z)γ (0<γ≤1). Notably, these results are applied to derive sufficient conditions for f∈A to satisfy the condition zf′(z)f(z)2−1<1. Several previous results are extended.
Semilocal Convergence of the Extension of Chun’s Method
Authors: Cordero Alicia , Maimó Javier G. , Martínez Eulalia , Torregrosa Juan R. , Vassileva María P.
Published: July 2021

In this work, we use the technique of recurrence relations to prove the semilocal convergence in Banach spaces of the multidimensional extension of Chun’s iterative method. This is an iterative method of fourth order, that can be transferred to the multivariable case by using the divided difference operator. We obtain the domain of existence and uniqueness by taking a suitable starting point and imposing a Lipschitz condition to the first Fréchet derivative in the whole domain. Moreover, we apply the theoretical results obtained to a nonlinear integral equation of Hammerstein type, showing the applicability of our results.
Tacrolimus-Based Immunosuppressive Therapy Influences Sex Hormone Profile in Renal-Transplant Recipients—A Research Study
Authors: Szypulska-Koziarska Dagmara , Wilk Aleksandra , Marchelek-Myśliwiec Małgorzata , Śleboda-Taront Daria , Wiszniewska Barbara
Published: July 2021

It is estimated that approximately 20% of couples suffer from infertility worldwide and within renal-transplant recipients, this problem is 10 times more common. An intake of immunosuppressants may lead to hormonal imbalance. The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of tacrolimus-based therapy on the hormonal status of grafted patients. Blood samples were obtained from patients from the Department of Nephrology, Transplantology, and Internal Medicine of Independent Public Clinical Hospital No. 2, Pomeranian Medical University. All 121 patients had stable graft function for over 6 months. The blood plasma concentrations of luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, prolactin, testosterone, estradiol, cortisol were assessed by the electrochemiluminescence method. We observed decreased levels of prolactin (11.9 ng/mL) and cortisol (87.4 μg/mL) in patients under tacrolimus-based therapy. Tacrolimus-based therapy was also associated with increased testosterone and follicle-stimulating hormone in males, 4.04 ng/mL and 6.9 mLU/mL, respectively, and decreased testosterone levels in females, 0.121 ng/mL. We also assessed that immunosuppressive therapy based on tacrolimus is less nephrotoxic in comparison to other regimens. Concluding, tacrolimus-based therapy may influence the hormonal status of transplant recipients in the current study. Results presented here are believed to be helpful for clinicians and patients, especially within the aspect of willingness for biological offspring.
The Influence of Sexual Behavior and Demographic Characteristics in the Expression of HPV-Related Biomarkers in a Colposcopy Population of Reproductive Age Greek Women
Authors: Valasoulis George , Pouliakis Abraham , Michail Georgios , Daponte Athina-Ioanna , Galazios Georgios , Panayiotides Ioannis G. , Daponte Alexandros
Published: July 2021

Despite the significant scientific evolution in primary and secondary cervical cancer prevention in the battle started by George Papanicolaou in the previous century, global cervical cancer mortality rates remain disappointing. The widespread implementation of HPV-related molecular markers has paved the way to tremendous developments in cervical cancer screening, with the transition from cytological approach to the more accurate and cost-effective HPV testing modalities. However, the academic audience and different health systems have not yet adopted a universal approach in screening strategies, and even artificial intelligence modalities have been utilized from the multidisciplinary scientific armamentarium. Combination algorithms, scoring systems as well as artificial intelligent models have been so far proposed for cervical screening and management. The impact of sexual lifestyle inherently possesses a key role in the prevalence of HPV-related biomarkers. This study aimed to investigate any possible influence of sexual behavior and demographic characteristics in the expression of HPV-related biomarkers in a colposcopy population from October 2016 to June 2017, and corroborated the determining role of age at fist intercourse; the older the age, the lower the probability for DNA positivity. Multivariate analysis illustrated additionally that a number of sexual partners exceeding 4.2 was crucial, with women with ≤5 partners being approximately four times less likely to harbor a positive HPV DNA test (p < 0.0001). Similarly, a reported partner change during the last year before HPV DNA assessment contributed to 2.5 times higher odds for DNA positivity (p = 0.0006). From this perspective, the further development and validation of scoring systems quantifying lifestyle factors that could reflect cervical precancer risk seems paramount.
Comprehensive Genetic Analysis of DGAT2 Mutations and Gene Expression Patterns in Human Cancers
Authors: Graber Meghan , Barta Hayley , Wood Ryan , Pappula Amrit , Vo Martin , Petreaca Ruben C. , Escorcia Wilber
Published: July 2021

DGAT2 is a transmembrane protein encoded by the DGAT2 gene that functions in lipid metabolism, triacylglycerol synthesis, and lipid droplet regulation. Cancer cells exhibit altered lipid metabolism and mutations in DGAT2 may contribute to this state. Using data from the Catalogue of Somatic Mutations in Cancer (COSMIC), we analyzed all cancer genetic DGAT2 alterations, including mutations, copy number variations and gene expression. We find that several DGAT2 mutations fall within the catalytic site of the enzyme. Using the Variant Effect Scoring Tool (VEST), we identify multiple mutations with a high likelihood of contributing to cellular transformation. We also found that D222V is a mutation hotspot neighboring a previously discovered Y223H mutation that causes Axonal Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. Remarkably, Y223H has not been detected in cancers, suggesting that it is inhibitory to cancer progression. We also identify several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) with high VEST scores, indicating that certain alleles in human populations have a pathogenic predisposition. Most mutations do not correlate with a change in gene expression, nor is gene expression dependent on high allele copy number. However, we did identify eight alleles with high expression levels, suggesting that at least in certain cases, the excess DGAT2 gene product is not inhibitory to cellular proliferation. This work uncovers unknown functions of DGAT2 in cancers and suggests that its role may be more complex than previously appreciated.
What Antarctic Plants Can Tell Us about Climate Changes: Temperature as a Driver for Metabolic Reprogramming
Authors: Bertini Laura , Cozzolino Flora , Proietti Silvia , Falconieri Gaia Salvatore , Iacobucci Ilaria , Salvia Rosanna , Falabella Patrizia , Monti Maria , Caruso Carla
Published: July 2021

Global warming is strongly affecting the maritime Antarctica climate and the consequent melting of perennial snow and ice covers resulted in increased colonization by plants. Colobanthus quitensis is a vascular plant highly adapted to the harsh environmental conditions of Antarctic Peninsula and understanding how the plant is responding to global warming is a new challenging target for modern cell physiology. To this aim, we performed differential proteomic analysis on C. quitensis plants grown in natural conditions compared to plants grown for one year inside open top chambers (OTCs) which determine an increase of about 4 °C at midday, mimicking the effect of global warming. A thorough analysis of the up- and downregulated proteins highlighted an extensive metabolism reprogramming leading to enhanced photoprotection and oxidative stress control as well as reduced content of cell wall components. Overall, OTCs growth seems to be advantageous for C. quitensis plants which could benefit from a better CO2 diffusion into the mesophyll and a reduced ROS-mediated photodamage.
Recent Advances in the Molecular Effects of Biostimulants in Plants: An Overview
Authors: Baltazar Miguel , Correia Sofia , Guinan Kieran J. , Sujeeth Neerakkal , Bragança Radek , Gonçalves Berta
Published: July 2021

As the world develops and population increases, so too does the demand for higher agricultural output with lower resources. Plant biostimulants appear to be one of the more prominent sustainable solutions, given their natural origin and their potential to substitute conventional methods in agriculture. Classified based on their source rather than constitution, biostimulants such as humic substances (HS), protein hydrolysates (PHs), seaweed extracts (SWE) and microorganisms have a proven potential in improving plant growth, increasing crop production and quality, as well as ameliorating stress effects. However, the multi-molecular nature and varying composition of commercially available biostimulants presents challenges when attempting to elucidate their underlying mechanisms. While most research has focused on the broad effects of biostimulants in crops, recent studies at the molecular level have started to unravel the pathways triggered by certain products at the cellular and gene level. Understanding the molecular influences involved could lead to further refinement of these treatments. This review comprises the most recent findings regarding the use of biostimulants in plants, with particular focus on reports of their molecular influence.
Oxidative Power: Tools for Assessing LPMO Activity on Cellulose
Authors: Calderaro Federica , Bevers Loes E. , van den Berg Marco A.
Published: July 2021

Lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs) have sparked a lot of research regarding their fascinating mode-of-action. Particularly, their boosting effect on top of the well-known cellulolytic enzymes in lignocellulosic hydrolysis makes them industrially relevant targets. As more characteristics of LPMO and its key role have been elucidated, the need for fast and reliable methods to assess its activity have become clear. Several aspects such as its co-substrates, electron donors, inhibiting factors, and the inhomogeneity of lignocellulose had to be considered during experimental design and data interpretation, as they can impact and often hamper outcomes. This review provides an overview of the currently available methods to measure LPMO activity, including their potential and limitations, and it is illustrated with practical examples.