bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on the Mechanical Behavior and Constitutive Model of Layered Sandstone under Triaxial Dynamic Loading
Authors: Fan Wenbing , Zhang Junwen , Yang Yang , Zhang Yang , Dong Xukai , Xing Yulong
Published: April 2023

In construction engineering, rock is an important building material. During the construction process, layered rock masses are typically subjected to varying dynamic load disturbances under triaxial loads. It is thus essential to investigate the mechanical response of layered rocks under various disturbances of the triaxial loads. By using a three-dimensional SHPB, triaxial dynamic compression tests with various impact dynamic load disturbances and identical triaxial static loads were carried out on sandstones with differing bedding angles. The impact pressures were 0.8, 1.2, and 1.6 MPa, and the bedding angles were 0°, 30°, 45°, 60°, and 90°. The results showed that the ductility of the sandstone considerably increased under triaxial static loading. With the increasing bedding angle, the sandstone’s dynamic strength and coupling strength first declined and subsequently rose. As the impact pressure increased, the reflective energy ratio, peak strain, and dynamic growth factor of the sandstone essentially rose progressively. The bedding angles and dynamic loads had a major impact on the damage pattern of the layered sandstones. Additionally, a constitutive model considering bedding angle, dynamic load, and static load was established and verified. The constitutive model was able to accurately characterize the dynamic behavior of the rock under load disturbances.
A Note on the Geometry of Closed Loops
Authors: Shvalb Nir , Frenkel Mark , Shoval Shraga , Bormashenko Edward
Published: April 2023

In this paper, we utilize the Ramsey theory to investigate the geometrical characteristics of closed contours. We begin by examining a set of six points arranged on a closed contour and connected as a complete graph. We assign the downward-pointing edges a red color, while coloring the remaining edges green. Our analysis establishes that the curve must contain at least one monochromatic triangle. This finding has practical applications in the study of dynamical billiards. Our second result is derived from the Jordan curve theorem and the Ramsey theorem. Finally, we discuss Ramsey constructions arising from differential geometry. Applications of the Ramsey theory are discussed.
Review of GrabCut in Image Processing
Authors: Wang Zhaobin , Lv Yongke , Wu Runliang , Zhang Yaonan
Published: April 2023

As an image-segmentation method based on graph theory, GrabCut has attracted more and more researchers to pay attention to this new method because of its advantages of simple operation and excellent segmentation. In order to clarify the research status of GrabCut, we begin with the original GrabCut model, review the improved algorithms that are new or important based on GrabCut in recent years, and classify them in terms of pre-processing based on superpixel, saliency map, energy function modification, non-interactive improvement and some other improved algorithms. The application status of GrabCut in various fields is also reviewed. We also experiment with some classical improved algorithms, including GrabCut, LazySnapping, OneCut, Saliency Cuts, DenseCut and Deep GrabCut, and objectively analyze the experimental results using five evaluation indicators to verify the performance of GrabCut. Finally, some existing problems are pointed out and we also propose some future work.
Lattice Boltzmann Numerical Study on Mesoscopic Seepage Characteristics of Soil–Rock Mixture Considering Size Effect
Authors: Cai Peichen , Mao Xuesong , Lou Ke , Yun Zhihui
Published: April 2023

One of the hot topics in the study of rock and soil hydraulics is the size effect of a soil–rock mixture’s (SRM) seepage characteristics. The seepage process of the SRM was simulated from the pore scale through the lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) in this paper to explore the internal influence mechanism of sample size effect on the SRM seepage characteristics. SRM samples were generated using the improved Monte Carlo method (IMCM), and through 342 simulation test conditions the influence of size feature parameters such as resolution (R), segmentation type, model feature size (S), feature length ratio (F), and soil/rock particle size feature ratio (P) was examined. The study demonstrated that as R increases, the permeability of the SRM gradually rises and tends to stabilize when R reaches 60 ppi. At the same S, the dispersion degree of model permeability obtained by the four segmentation types is in the order of center < random < equal < top. With an increase in S, the permeability (k) of the SRM gradually decreases, conforming to the dimensionless mathematical model, k=a0·S−b0, and tends to stabilize at S = 80 mm. With an increase in F and an increase in S, the permeability of the SRM exhibits a linear “zonal” distribution that declines in order. When F is greater than 12, the dispersion of the permeability value distribution is especially small. With an increase in P, the permeability of the SRM decreases gradually before rising abruptly. P is crucial for the grading and structural makeup of the SRM. Overall, this paper concludes that the conditions of R = 60 ppi, center segmentation type, S = 80 mm, F ≥ 12, and P set by demand can be used to select and generate the size of the SRM optimal representative elementary volume (REV) numerical calculation model. The SRM can serve as a general reference for test and engineering construction as a common geotechnical engineering material.
Multi-Scale Annulus Clustering for Multi-Label Classification
Authors: Liu Yan , Liu Changshun , Song Jingjing , Yang Xibei , Xu Taihua , Wang Pingxin
Published: April 2023

Label-specific feature learning has become a hot topic as it induces classification models by accounting for the underlying features of each label. Compared with single-label annotations, multi-label annotations can describe samples from more comprehensive perspectives. It is generally believed that the compelling classification features of a data set often exist in the aggregation of label distribution. In this in-depth study of a multi-label data set, we find that the distance between all samples and the sample center is a Gaussian distribution, which means that the label distribution has the tendency to cluster from the center and spread to the surroundings. Accordingly, the double annulus field based on this distribution trend, named DEPT for double annulusfield and label-specific features for multi-label classification, is proposed in this paper. The double annulus field emphasizes that samples of a specific size can reflect some unique features of the data set. Through intra-annulus clustering for each layer of annuluses, the distinctive feature space of these labels is captured and formed. Then, the final classification model is obtained by training the feature space. Contrastive experiments on 10 benchmark multi-label data sets verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Roles of Marine Macroalgae or Seaweeds and Their Bioactive Compounds in Combating Overweight, Obesity and Diabetes: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Magwaza S’thandiwe , Islam Md.
Published: April 2023

Obesity and diabetes are matters of serious concern in the health sector due to their rapid increase in prevalence over the last three decades. Obesity is a severe metabolic problem that results in energy imbalance that is persistent over a long period of time, and it is characterized by insulin resistance, suggesting a strong association with type 2 diabetes (T2D). The available therapies for these diseases have side effects and some still need to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and they are expensive for underdeveloped countries. Hence, the need for natural anti-obesity and anti-diabetic drugs has increased in recent years due to their lower costs and having virtually no or negligible side effects. This review thoroughly examined the anti-obesity and anti-diabetic effects of various marine macroalgae or seaweeds and their bioactive compounds in different experimental settings. According to the findings of this review, seaweeds and their bioactive compounds have been shown to have strong potential to alleviate obesity and diabetes in both in vitro and in vivo or animal-model studies. However, the number of clinical trials in this regard is limited. Hence, further studies investigating the effects of marine algal extracts and their bioactive compounds in clinical settings are required for developing anti-obesity and anti-diabetic medicines with better efficacy but lower or no side effects.
An Exploration of the Influence of Abrasive Water Jet Pressure on the Friction Signal Characteristics of Fixed Abrasive Lapping Quartz Glass Based on HHT
Authors: Zheng Yanling , Zhang Zhao , Wang Zhankui , Pang Minghua , Ma Lijie , Su Jianxiu
Published: April 2023

Abrasive water jetting is an effective dressing method for a fixed abrasive pad (FAP) and can improve FAP machining efficiency and the impact of abrasive water jet (AWJ) pressure on the dressing effect; moreover, the machining state of FAP after dressing has not been thoroughly studied. Therefore, in this study, the FAP was dressed by using AWJ under four pressures, and the dressed FAP was subjected to lapping experiments and tribological experiments. Through an analysis of the material removal rate, FAP surface topography, friction coefficient, and friction characteristic signal, the influence of AWJ pressure on the friction characteristic signal in FAP processing was studied. The outcomes show that the impact of the dressing on FAP rises and then falls as the AWJ pressure increases. The best dressing effect was observed when the AWJ pressure was 4 MPa. In addition, the maximum value of the marginal spectrum initially rises and then falls as the AWJ pressure increases. When the AWJ pressure was 4 MPa, the peak value of the marginal spectrum of the FAP that was dressed during processing was the largest.
Full Solutions to Flow and Heat Transfer from Slip-Induced Microtube Shapes
Authors: Turkyilmazoglu Mustafa , Duraihem Faisal Z.
Published: April 2023

The main concern of this paper is to introduce some new tubular shapes whose cross-sections result from the imposition of Navier’s velocity slip at the surface. A new family of pipes induced by the slip mechanism is thus discovered. The family is shown to modify the traditional pipes with elliptical cross-sections in the absence of slip, and they partly resemble collapsible tubes. The velocity field through the new pipes is then analytically determined. Afterwards, the corresponding temperature field with a constant heat flux boundary is shown to be perturbed around the slip parameter, whose leading order is well known from the literature. The correction to this order is next evaluated analytically. The velocity and temperature fields are further discussed regarding such new shapes. More physical features, such as the wall shear stress, the centerline velocity, the slip velocity and the convective heat transfer are also studied in detail. From the solutions, it is observed that a circular pipe under the effect of a slip mechanism has the largest temperature and the lowest Nusselt number at the center of the modified pipe. The new pipes are thought to have engineering and practical value in the micromachining industry, besides offering new analytical solutions for the considered flow geometry.
Identification of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lactucae Race 1 as the Causal Agent of Lettuce Fusarium Wilt in Greece, Commercial Cultivars’ Susceptibility, and Temporal Expression of Defense-Related Genes
Authors: Tziros George T. , Karaoglanidis George S.
Published: April 2023

Fusarium wilt of lettuce is found throughout the world, causing significant yield losses. Lettuce is the most-cultivated leafy vegetable in Greece, affected by a large number of foliar and soil-borne pathogens. In this study, 84 isolates of Fusarium oxysporum, obtained from soil-grown lettuce plants exhibiting wilt symptoms, were characterized as belonging to race 1 of F. oxysporum f. sp. lactucae based on sequence analysis of the translation elongation factor 1-alpha (TEF1-α) gene and the rDNA intergenic spacer (rDNA-IGS) region. The isolates were also assigned to one single race through PCR assays with specific primers targeting race 1 and race 4 of the pathogen. In addition, four representative isolates were confirmed to be associated with race 1 based on the pathogenicity tests with a set of differential lettuce cultivars. Artificial inoculations on the most commonly cultivated lettuce cultivars in Greece revealed that the tested cultivars varied regarding their susceptibility to F. oxysporum f. sp. lactucae race 1. Cultivars (cvs.) “Cencibel” and “Lugano” were found to be highly susceptible, while cvs. “Sandalina” and “Starfighter” were the most resistant ones. Expression analysis of 10 defense-related genes (PRB1, HPL1, LTC1, SOD, ERF1, PAL1, LOX, MPK, BG, and GST) was carried out on artificially inoculated lettuce plants of the four above cultivars at different time points after inoculation. In resistant cultivars, a higher induction rate was observed for all the tested genes in comparison with the susceptible ones. Moreover, in resistant cultivars, all genes except LTC1, MPK, and GST showed their highest induction levels in their earliest stages of infection. The results of this study are expected to contribute to the implementation of an integrated management program to control Fusarium wilt of lettuce, based mainly on the use of resistant cultivars.
Exploring Bacterial and Fungal Biodiversity in Eight Mediterranean Olive Orchards (Olea europaea L.) in Tunisia
Authors: Gharsallah Houda , Ksentini Ines , Frikha-Gargouri Olfa , Hadj Taieb Karama , Ben Gharsa Haifa , Schuster Christina , Chatti-kolsi Amel , Triki Mohamed Ali , Ksantini Mohieddine , Leclerque Andreas
Published: April 2023

A wide array of bacteria and fungi are known for their association with pests that impact the health of the olive tree. The latter presents the most economically important cultivation in Tunisia. The microbial diversity associated with olive orchards in Tunisia remains unknown and undetermined. This study investigated microbial diversity to elucidate the microbial interactions that lead to olive disease, and the bio-prospects for potential microbial biocontrol agents associated with insect pests of economic relevance for olive cultivation in the Mediterranean area. Bacterial and fungal isolation was made from soil and olive tree pests. A total of 215 bacterial and fungal strains were randomly isolated from eight different biotopes situated in Sfax (Tunisia), with different management practices. 16S rRNA and ITS gene sequencing were used to identify the microbial community. The majority of the isolated bacteria, Staphylococcus, Bacillus, Alcaligenes, and Providencia, are typical of the olive ecosystem and the most common fungi are Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Cladosporium. The different olive orchards depicted distinct communities, and exhibited dissimilar amounts of bacteria and fungi with distinct ecological functions that could be considered as promising resources in biological control.
Effect of Selected Factors Influencing Biogenic Amines Degradation by Bacillus subtilis Isolated from Food
Authors: Butor Irena , Jančová Petra , Purevdorj Khatantuul , Klementová Lucie , Kluz Maciej , Huňová Ivana , Pištěková Hana , Buňka František , Buňková Leona
Published: April 2023

Modern food technology research has researched possible approaches to reducing the concentration of biogenic amines in food and thereby enhance and guarantee food safety. Applying adjunct cultures that can metabolise biogenic amines is a potential approach to reach the latter mentioned goal. Therefore, this study aims to study the crucial factors that could determine the decrease in biogenic amines concentration (histamine, tyramine, phenylethylamine, putrescine and cadaverine) in foodstuffs using Bacillus subtilis DEPE IB1 isolated from gouda-type cheese. The combined effects of cultivation temperature (8 °C, 23 °C and 30 °C) and the initial pH of the medium (5.0, 6.0, 7.0 and 8.0) under aerobic and also anaerobic conditions resulted in the decrease of the tested biogenic amines concentration during the cultivation time (another factor tested). Bacillus subtilis was cultivated (in vitro) in a medium supplemented with biogenic amines, and their degradation was detected using the high-performance liquid chromatography equipped with UV-detector. The course of biogenic amines degradation by Bacillus subtilis DEPE IB1 was significantly influenced by cultivation temperature and also the initial pH of the medium (p < 0.05). At the end of the cultivation, the concentration of all of the monitored biogenic amines was significantly reduced by 65–85% (p < 0.05). Therefore, this strain could be used for preventive purposes and contributes to food safety enhance.
Analysis of Bacterial Communities around the Adventdalen Landfill Site in Svalbard
Authors: Amores-Arrocha Hermi , Asamoah-Asare Alex K. B. , Opio Joyce , Martin Alex , Cuthbertson Lewis , Bradford Hannah R. , Avila-Jimenez Maria-Luisa , Pearce David A.
Published: April 2023

Ecosystems are often resilient enough to fully recover following a natural disturbance, or to transform into a new equilibrium favourable to the surrounding flora and fauna. However, at a local level, whether this transformation will be beneficial or not depends strongly on the level of disturbance and the available mechanisms for recovery. The Arctic, however, provides a potentially extreme environment for microbial growth and this is reflected in the microbial biodiversity, the in-situ growth rates, the biogeochemical cycling and its sensitivity to environmental change. In this study, we evaluated the current microbial biodiversity and environmental conditions around the landfill site in Adventdalen, Svalbard to identify differences across bacterial communities that might promote or accelerate naturally occurring environmental recovery. Landfill sites can induce changes in the local environment through the input of exogenous chemicals (both organic and inorganic) and microorganisms. Leachate can flow with run-off from the primary location of the landfill site due to rain, snow or ice melt and spread material into soils surrounding the site. In this study we found a strong effect of the landfill site on the bacterial diversity in the local landscape. Intervention is highly desirable to enhance the environment and improve the restoration by subtly altering the conditions at the site (such as the pH or drainage courses) and by encouraging specific groups of naturally occurring indigenous microorganisms to bioremediate the site.
Alpine Diet in Valmalenco (Lombardy, Italy): Nutritional Features of Spontaneous Plants and Traditional Dishes
Authors: Milani Fabrizia , Bottoni Martina , Giuliani Claudia , Colombo Lorenzo , Casiraghi Maria Cristina , Colombo Paola Sira , Bruschi Piero , Erba Daniela , Fico Gelsomina
Published: April 2023

Background: Along the Alps, the Alpine diet is considered to be one of the most common nutritional models. Next to traditional animal-based products, spontaneous plants of the territory are collected and eaten. Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the nutritional features of selected autochthonous plants of the territory and the typical recipe of green gnocchi. Methods: The analyses of proximate composition, carotenoid, total phenol, and mineral contents in raw and cooked plant samples and the chemical composition and in vitro starch digestibility in green and control gnocchi were performed. Results: Except for Aruncus dioicus, all the wild plants contained high levels of carotenoids (15–20 mg/100 g FW), mainly as xanthophylls. Rumex acetosa showed the highest levels of total phenols (554 mg GAE/100 g FW), and Urtica dioica can be considered to be a good dietary source of iron, calcium, and magnesium (4.9, 410, and 72 mg/100 g FW). Cooking significantly decreased the potassium and magnesium contents in all wild species, and total phenols and carotenoids in Aruncus dioicus, Blitum bonus-henricus, and Silene vulgaris (p < 0.05). The slowly digestible fraction of starch (%SDS/available starch), which is inversely correlated to insulin demand, was significantly increased in green gnocchi compared to matched control gnocchi (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Traditional consumption of spontaneous plants in the Alpine regions might increase the dietary intakes of several bioactive substances and contribute to cover the nutritional needs of micronutrients.
Nutritional Status and Its Detection in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
Authors: Jabłońska Beata , Mrowiec Sławomir
Published: April 2023

Malnutrition is an important issue in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) including Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). It is caused by altered digestion and absorption within the small bowel, inadequate food intake, and drug–nutrient interactions in patients. Malnutrition is an essential problem because it is related to an increased risk of infections and poor prognosis in patients. It is known that malnutrition is also related to an increased risk of postsurgery complications in IBD patients. Basic nutritional screening involves anthropometric parameters with body mass index (BMI) and others (fat mass, waist-to-hip ratio, muscle strength), medical history concerning weight loss, and biochemical parameters (including the Prognostic Nutritional Index). Besides standard nutritional screening tools, including the Subjective Global Assessment (SGA), Nutritional Risk Score 2002 (NRS 2002), and Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST), specific nutritional screening tools are used in IBD patients, such as the Saskatchewan Inflammatory Bowel Disease–Nutrition Risk Tool (SaskIBD-NR Tool and IBD-specific Nutritional Screening Tool). There is a higher risk of nutrient deficiencies (including iron, zinc, magnesium) and vitamin deficiencies (including folic acid, vitamin B12 and D) in IBD patients. Therefore, regular evaluation of nutritional status is important in IBD patients because many of them are undernourished. An association between plasma ghrelin and leptin and nutritional status in IBD patients has been observed. According to some authors, anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNFα) therapy (infliximab) can improve nutritional status in IBD patients. On the other hand, improvement in nutritional status may increase the response rate to infliximab therapy in CD patients. Optimization of nutritional parameters is necessary to improve results of conservative and surgical treatment and to prevent postoperative complications in patients with IBDs. This review presents basic nutritional screening tools, anthropometric and laboratory parameters, dietary risk factors for IBDs, common nutrient deficiencies, associations between anti-TNFα therapy and nutritional status, selected features regarding the influence of nutritional status, and surgical outcome in IBD patients.
Impact of Maternal Ketogenic Diet on NLRP3 Inflammasome Response in the Offspring Brain
Authors: Altınöz Sevsen , Micili Serap Cilaker , Soy Sıla , Engür Defne , Baysal Bora , Kumral Abdullah
Published: April 2023

The effects of maternal diet on the neuroimmune responses of the offspring remain to be elucidated. We investigated the impact of maternal ketogenic diet (KD) on the NLRP3 inflammasome response in the offspring’s brain. C57BL/6 female mice were randomly allocated into standard diet (SD) and ketogenic diet (KD) groups for 30 days. After mating, the presence of sperm in the vaginal smear was considered day 0 of pregnancy, and female mice continued their respective diets during pregnancy and the lactation period. Following birth, pups were further allocated into two groups and given either LPS or intraperitoneal saline on postnatal (PN) days 4, 5 and 6; they were sacrificed on PN11 or PN21. Neuronal densities were significantly lower globally in the KD group when compared to the SD group at PN11. Neuronal density in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and dentate gyrus (DG) regions were also significantly lower in the KD group when compared to the SD group at PN21. Following administration of LPS, the decrease in the neuronal count was more prominent in the SD group when compared to the KD group in the PFC and DG regions at PN11 and PN21. NLRP3 and IL-1β were higher in the KD group than in the SD group at PN21 in the PFC, CA1 and DG regions, and were significantly lower in the DG region of the KD group especially when compared to the SD group following LPS. Results of our study reveal that maternal KD negatively affects the offspring’s brain in the mouse model. The effects of KD exhibited regional variations. On the other hand, in the presence of KD exposure, NLRP3 expression after LPS injection was lower in the DG and CA1 areas but not in the PFC when compared to SD group. Further experimental and clinical studies are warranted to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the impact of antenatal KD exposure and regional discrepancies on the developing brain.
Examination of Risk Factors and Expression Patterns of Atypical Femoral Fractures Using the Japanese Adverse Drug Event Report Database: A Retrospective Pharmacovigilance Study
Authors: Toriumi Shinya , Mimori Ryuji , Sakamoto Haruhiko , Sueki Hitoshi , Yamamoto Munehiro , Uesawa Yoshihiro
Published: April 2023

Atypical femoral fracture (AFF) is a rare complication related to the use of bisphosphonates (BPs). Herein, we analyzed the risk factors and onset patterns of AFF using the Japanese Adverse Drug Event Report database and reported the findings. First, the independent risk factors for AFF were gender (female), high body mass index, and medical history of osteoporosis, arthritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Drug-related risk factors for AFF included BPs (i.e., alendronic acid, ibandronic acid, etidronic acid, zoledronic acid, minodronic acid, risedronic acid), denosumab, prednisolone, lansoprazole, rabeprazole, exemestane, letrozole, eldecalcitol, and menatetrenone. Therefore, it appears that AFF is influenced by a combination of patient backgrounds and drugs, and that the risk of developing AFF is particularly high in patients with fragile bones (e.g., osteoporosis, arthritis, and SLE). Second, in the analysis of AFF onset patterns, the onset of AFF from BPs and denosumab took a long time (>1 year) to develop. Analysis using a Weibull distribution showed wear-out failure-type AFF onset for BPs and denosumab, and both osteoporosis and cancer patients with long-term administration of these drugs showed a tendency to have an increased risk of onset. AFF developed earlier in osteoporosis patients with long-term administration of BPs and denosumab than in cancer patients.
Fabrication and Characterization of Oxygen-Generating Polylactic Acid/Calcium Peroxide Composite Filaments for Bone Scaffolds
Authors: Mohammed Abdullah , Saeed Abdu , Elshaer Amr , Melaibari Ammar A. , Memić Adnan , Hassanin Hany , Essa Khamis
Published: April 2023

The latest advancements in bone scaffold technology have introduced novel biomaterials that have the ability to generate oxygen when implanted, improving cell viability and tissue maturation. In this paper, we present a new oxygen-generating polylactic acid (PLA)/calcium peroxide (CPO) composite filament that can be used in 3D printing scaffolds. The composite material was prepared using a wet solution mixing method, followed by drying and hot melting extrusion. The concentration of calcium peroxide in the composite varied from 0% to 9%. The prepared filaments were characterized in terms of the presence of calcium peroxide, the generated oxygen release, porosity, and antibacterial activities. Data obtained from scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction showed that the calcium peroxide remained stable in the composite. The maximum calcium and oxygen release was observed in filaments with a 6% calcium peroxide content. In addition, bacterial inhibition was achieved in samples with a calcium peroxide content of 6% or higher. These results indicate that an optimized PLA filament with a 6% calcium peroxide content holds great promise for improving bone generation through bone cell oxygenation and resistance to bacterial infections.
Pentoxifylline Effects on Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients with Cytokine Storm Syndrome: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Sarhan Rania M. , E. Altyar Ahmed , Essam Abou Warda Ahmed , Saied Yasmine Mohamed , Ibrahim Haytham Soliman Ghareeb , Schaalan Mona F. , Fathy Shaimaa , Sarhan Neven , Boshra Marian S.
Published: April 2023

COVID-19 is a fatal, fast-spreading pandemic, and numerous attempts are being made around the world to understand and manage the disease. COVID-19 patients may develop a cytokine-release syndrome, which causes serious respiratory diseases and, in many cases, death. The study examined the feasibility of employing legally available anti-inflammatory pentoxifylline (PTX), a low toxicity and cost medication, to mitigate the hyper-inflammation caused by COVID-19. Thirty adult patients who tested positive for SARS-CoV2 were hospitalized owing to the cytokine storm syndrome. They were given 400 mg of pentoxifylline orally TID according to the standard COVID-19 protocol of the Egyptian Ministry of Health. Besides this, a group of thirty-eight hospitalized COVID-19 patients who received the standard COVID-19 protocol was included in the study as a control group. The outcomes included laboratory test parameters, clinical improvements, and number of deaths in both groups. After receiving PTX, all patients showed a significant improvement in C reactive protein (CRP), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels at p < 0.01 and p = 0.004, respectively, while there was an increase in total leukocyte count (TLC) and neutrophil-to-leucocyte ratio (NLR) at p < 0.01 compared to their baseline levels. The D-dimer level showed a significant increase in the treatment group at p < 0.01, while showing no statistically significant difference in the control group. The median initial ALT (42 U/L) in the treatment group showed a decrease compared to the control group (51 U/L). No statistical significance was reported regarding clinical improvement, length of stay, and death percentages between the two groups. Our results showed no significant improvement of PTX over controls in clinical outcomes of hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Nevertheless, PTX displayed a positive effect on certain inflammatory biomarkers.
Improved Tumor Control Following Radiosensitization with Ultrasound-Sensitive Oxygen Microbubbles and Tumor Mitochondrial Respiration Inhibitors in a Preclinical Model of Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Lacerda Quezia , Falatah Hebah , Liu Ji-Bin , Wessner Corinne E. , Oeffinger Brian , Rochani Ankit , Leeper Dennis B. , Forsberg Flemming , Curry Joseph M. , Kaushal Gagan , Keith Scott W. , O’Kane Patrick , Wheatley Margaret A. , Eisenbrey John R.
Published: April 2023

Tumor hypoxia (oxygen deficiency) is a major contributor to radiotherapy resistance. Ultrasound-sensitive microbubbles containing oxygen have been explored as a mechanism for overcoming tumor hypoxia locally prior to radiotherapy. Previously, our group demonstrated the ability to encapsulate and deliver a pharmacological inhibitor of tumor mitochondrial respiration (lonidamine (LND)), which resulted in ultrasound-sensitive microbubbles loaded with O2 and LND providing prolonged oxygenation relative to oxygenated microbubbles alone. This follow-up study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic response to radiation following the administration of oxygen microbubbles combined with tumor mitochondrial respiration inhibitors in a head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) tumor model. The influences of different radiation dose rates and treatment combinations were also explored. The results demonstrated that the co-delivery of O2 and LND successfully sensitized HNSCC tumors to radiation, and this was also enhanced with oral metformin, significantly slowing tumor growth relative to unsensitized controls (p < 0.01). Microbubble sensitization was also shown to improve overall animal survival. Importantly, effects were found to be radiation dose-rate-dependent, reflecting the transient nature of tumor oxygenation.
An Inquiry Concerning the Persistence of Physical Information
Authors: Krzanowski Roman
Published: April 2023

Physical information is a property of nature. How does physical information persist over time? Does it do so as an object, process, or event, which are things considered in the current persistence theories? Physical information is none of these, however, this implies that persistence theories cannot explain the persistence of information. We therefore study the persistence of snowflakes, ephemeral natural structures, to better understand the persistence of natural things, such as physical information. The transitory nature of snowflakes suggests that physical information persists as nature’s latent order, therefore, it is associated with natural structures, but it is not identical to them. This interpretation preserves the properties attributed to physical information, particularly its foundational character. The concept of physical information as latent order accords with Burgin’s General Theory of Information (GTI), which is currently the most comprehensive conceptualization of information that has been proposed.
The Effect of Spectral Resolution on the Quantification of OP-FTIR Spectroscopy
Authors: Qin Yusheng , Tong Jingjing , Li Xiangxian , Han Xin , Gao Minguang
Published: April 2023

Open-path Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (OP-FTIR) is widely used in polluted gas monitoring. The spectral resolution, as a key parameter of FTIR detection technology, affects the quantitative analysis of gas concentration. In OP-FTIR, the nonlinear least square (NLLS) method based on a synthetic background spectrum is used to quantitatively analyze the gas concentration, and the influence of the spectral resolution is studied. It is found that the influence of the spectral resolution on quantitative gas analysis is related to the full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the gas spectrum. The concentration of gases with different spectral FWHMs were quantitatively analyzed using infrared spectra with different resolutions (1, 2, 4, 8, 16 cm−1). The experimental results show that the relatively optimal spectral resolution for propane (C3H8) with a broad FWHM is 16 cm−1, where the standard deviation is 0.661 and the Allan deviation is only 0.015; the relatively optimal spectral resolution for ethylene (C2H4) with a narrow FWHM is 1 cm−1, where the standard deviation is 0.492 and the Allan deviation is only 0.256. Therefore, for the NLLS quantitative analysis method based on the synthetic background spectrum, which is used in OP-FTIR, gas with a narrow FWHM at high resolutions or gas with a broad FWHM at low resolutions is most effective for performing quantitative analyses.
Fungal Selectivity and Biodegradation Effects by White and Brown Rot Fungi for Wood Biomass Pretreatment
Authors: Qi Jiyun , Li Fangfang , Jia Lu , Zhang Xiaoyuan , Deng Shuduan , Luo Bei , Zhou Yonghui , Fan Mizi , Xia Yan
Published: April 2023

The biodegradation path and mechanism of wood varies depending on diverse fungi and tree species, as fungi possess selectivity in degradation of versatile wood components. This paper aims to clarify the actual and precise selectivity of white and brown rot fungi and the biodegradation effects on different tree species. Softwood (Pinus yunnanensis and Cunninghamia lanceolata) and hardwood (Populus yunnanensis and Hevea brasiliensis) were subjected to a biopretreating process by white rot fungus Trametes versicolor, and brown rot fungi Gloeophyllum trabeum and Rhodonia placenta with various conversion periods. The results showed that the white rot fungus Trametes versicolor had a selective biodegradation in softwood, which preferentially convert wood hemicellulose and lignin, but cellulose was retained selectively. Conversely, Trametes versicolor achieved simultaneous conversion of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin in hardwood. Both brown rot fungi species preferentially converted carbohydrates, but R. placenta had a selectivity for the conversion of cellulose. In addition, morphological observation showed that the microstructures within wood changed significantly, and the enlarged pores and the improved accessibility could be beneficial for the penetration and accessibility of treating substrates. The research outcomes could serve as fundamental knowhows and offer potentials for effective bioenergy production and bioengineering of bioresources, and provide a reference for further application of fungal biotechnology.
Sustainable Starch/Lignin Nanoparticle Composites Biofilms for Food Packaging Applications
Authors: Sun Xunwen , Li Qingye , Wu Hejun , Zhou Zehang , Feng Shiyi , Deng Pengcheng , Zou Huawei , Tian Dong , Lu Canhui
Published: April 2023

Construction of sustainable composite biofilms from natural biopolymers are greatly promising for advanced packaging applications due to their biodegradable, biocompatible, and renewable properties. In this work, sustainable advanced food packaging films are developed by incorporating lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) as green nanofillers to starch films. This seamless combination of bio-nanofiller with biopolymer matrix is enabled by the uniform size of nanofillers and the strong interfacial hydrogen bonding. As a result, the as-prepared biocomposites exhibit enhanced mechanical properties, thermal stability, and antioxidant activity. Moreover, they also present outstanding ultraviolet (UV) irradiation shielding performance. As a proof of concept in the application of food packaging, we evaluate the effect of composite films on delaying oxidative deterioration of soybean oil. The results indicate our composite film could significantly decrease peroxide value (POV), saponification value (SV), and acid value (AV) to delay oxidation of soybean oil during storage. Overall, this work provides a simple and effective method for the preparation of starch-based films with enhanced antioxidant and barrier properties for advanced food packaging applications.
Exponential Curve-Based Control Strategy for Auxiliary Equipment Power Supply Systems in Railways
Authors: Farooqui Shoeb Azam , Lin Chang-Hua , Lu Shiue-Der , Liu Hwa-Dong , Sarwar Adil , Huang Liang-Yin
Published: April 2023

An exponential curve-based (ECB) control strategy has been proposed in this paper. The proposed ECB control strategy is based on the growth and decay of charge in the series RC circuit and the harmonic elimination by detecting the Fourier expansion series of the auxiliary equipment power supply system’s (AEPSS) three-phase output voltage level. It can quickly adjust each duty cycle to the best value for driving the isolated three-phase inverter (ITPI) and produce a three-phase 380 VAC/60 Hz output. A comparison of the AEPSS output performance using the traditional voltage cancellation method (VCM) and the proposed ECB control strategy was performed. The hardware implementation of the system was performed on the prototype developed in the laboratory. These control strategies are tested under three conditions, i.e., (i) Vi = 550 VDC. (ii) Vi = 750 VDC. (iii) Vi = 800 VDC. The total harmonic distortion (THD) is 13.7%, 14.5%, and 14.9%, and the output voltage Vo is 372.3 VAC, 377.3 VAC, and 385.3 VAC using the traditional control strategy at three test conditions, respectively. However, the THD is 7.2%, 7.8%, and 8.0%, and the output voltage Vo is 382.2 VAC, 381.2 VAC, and 381.9 VAC using the proposed ECB control strategy under the test conditions. It is obvious from the hardware results that the output voltage harmonics and output voltage level for the proposed ECB control strategy are superior to the traditional VCM. The voltage produced from the AEPSS using the proposed ECB control strategy is more stable and has better quality. In addition, the filter size is also reduced.
CFD Evaluation of Thermal Conditioning in a House of Social Interest with a Solar Chimney Arrangement in Guanajuato, Mexico
Authors: Rodriguez Miranda Sergio , Gamboa G. O. , Zamora-Antuñano Marco Antonio , Farrera-Vázquez Neín , García-García Raúl
Published: April 2023

The aim of using electromechanical air conditioning in buildings is to maintain thermal comfort for its occupants; however, this type of air conditioning represents 40% of the total energy consumption of a building, generating economic and environmental impacts, because fossil fuels are the main source of energy. To reduce the use of electromechanical conditioning, it is possible to take advantage of the climatic conditions of the region to improve its performance. Due to the small number of works that quantitatively support measures aimed at improving the thermal behavior of houses in an integral way and the growth of mass construction in Mexico, in the present work, a solar chimney is incorporated in a typical type of social interest housing in Guanajuato. The incorporation of the solar chimney was simulated by using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) using ANSYS and evaluated by ASHRAE Standard 55-2017. The selected arrangement induces air flow inside without the need for external flow and obtains speeds of 0.2 m/s; thus, it could be considered for rooms within comfort zones up to an operating temperature of 29 °C according to the ASHRAE Standard 55-2017, PMV method.
Reducing the Scrap Rate on a Production Process Using Lean Six Sigma Methodology
Authors: Enache Ioana-Cătălina , Chivu Oana Roxana , Rugescu Ana-Maria , Ionita Elena , Radu Ionut Valentin
Published: April 2023

The aim of this case study is to implement the Lean Six Sigma methodology to reduce the scrap rate of the edge-bending process of a metal door case used in the assembly process of refrigeration appliances. This study was initiated because the assembly process of refrigerators does not work at maximum capacity due to the scrap that occurs for this component. Losses have direct effects on a company’s profits and on its competitiveness on the market. This research provides an overview of the identification of the most optimal and useful tools that can be used in each context; this will help to establish a protocol which can be applied in similar contexts. Although this study is limited to one process, the results will have direct effects on the assembly line of the organization. The purpose of this study is to increase the capability of the process and to improve the efficiency of the delivery of the component parts to the assembly line. This case study provides further evidence of the effectiveness of the use of the Six Sigma methodology in identifying and reducing scrap rates.
The Qurʾān and the Future of Islamic Analytic Theology
Authors: Abdelnour Mohammed Gamal
Published: April 2023

Islamic analytic theology emerges into an uncharted territory that is dominated by two loosely defined areas: analytic philosophy and analytic theology. As a nascent field, this article argues that for Islamic analytic theology to move forward, it needs to place the Qurʾān at its centre. To have a clear understanding of our terms, I begin by attempting a definition of Islamic analytic theology. Taking a normative approach to the subject, I consolidate the discussion with five methodical questions. Firstly, what has been going on in Islamic theology? (The descriptive task). Secondly, why has this been going on? (The interpretative task). Thirdly, what ought to be going on? (The normative task). Fourthly, how might we, as Muslim theologians, respond? (The pragmatic task). Fifthly, why should Muslim theologians conduct analytic theology? (The functional task) To situate Islamic analytic theology within this wider discussion, I end the article by offering some insights on how Islamic analytic theology relates to old Kalām. By the end of the article, we will have laid the groundwork showing the way forward for a more developed Islamic analytic theology.
CTCD-Net: A Cross-Layer Transmission Network for Tiny Road Crack Detection
Authors: Zhang Chong , Chen Yang , Tang Luliang , Chu Xu , Li Chaokui
Published: April 2023

Crack detection is essential for the safety maintenance of road infrastructure. However, there are two major limitations to detecting road cracks accurately: (1) tiny cracks usually possess less distinctive features and are more susceptible to noises, so they are apt to be ignored; (2) most existing methods extract cracks with coarse and thicker boundaries, which needs further improvement. To address the above limitations, we propose CTCD-Net: a Cross-layer Transmission network for tiny road Crack Detection. Firstly, we propose a cross-layer information transmission module based on an attention mechanism to compensate for the disadvantage of unobvious features of tiny cracks. With this module, the feature information from upper layers is transmitted to the next one, layer by layer, to achieve information enhancement and emphasize the feature representation of tiny crack regions. Secondly, we design a boundary refinement block to further improve the accuracy of crack boundary locations, which refines boundaries by learning the residuals between the label images and the interim coarse maps. Extensive experiments conducted on three crack datasets demonstrate the superiority and effectiveness of the proposed CTCD-Net. In particular, our method largely improves the accuracy and completeness of tiny crack detection.
Improving the Detection Accuracy of Underwater Obstacles Based on a Novel Combined Method of Support Vector Regression and Gravity Gradient
Authors: Fu Tengda , Zheng Wei , Li Zhaowei , Shen Yifan , Zhu Huizhong , Xu Aigong
Published: April 2023

Underwater gravity gradient detection techniques are conducive to ensuring the safety of submersible sailing. In order to improve the accuracy of underwater obstacle detection based on gravity gradient detection technology, this paper studies the gravity gradient underwater obstacle detection method based on the combined support vector regression (SVR) algorithm. First, the gravity gradient difference ratio (GGDR) equation, which is only related to the obstacle’s position, is obtained based on the gravity gradient equation by using the difference and ratio methods. Aiming at solving the shortcomings of the GGDR equation based on Newton–Raphson method (NRM), combined with SVR algorithm, a novel SVR–gravity gradient joint method (SGJM) is proposed. Second, the differential ratio dataset is constructed by simulating the gravity gradient data generated by obstacles, and the obstacle location model is trained using SVR. Four measuring lines were selected to verify the SVR-based positioning model. The verification results show that the mean absolute error of the new method in the x, y, and z directions is less than 5.39 m, the root-mean-square error is less than 7.58 m, and the relative error is less than 4% at a distance of less than 500 m. These evaluation metrics validate the reliability of the novel SGJM-based detection of underwater obstacles. Third, comparative experiments based on the novel SGJM and traditional NRM were carried out. The experimental results show that the positioning accuracy of x and z directions in the obstacle’s position calculation based on the novel SGJM is improved by 88% and 85%, respectively.