bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Arabic Hate Speech Detection Using Deep Recurrent Neural Networks
Authors: Anezi Faisal Yousif Al
Published: June 2022

With the vast number of comments posted daily on social media and other platforms, manually monitoring internet activity for possible national security risks or cyberbullying is an impossible task. However, with recent advances in machine learning (ML), the automatic monitoring of such posts for possible national security risks and cyberbullying becomes feasible. There is still the issue of privacy on the internet; however, in this study, only the technical aspects of designing an automated system that could monitor and detect hate speech in the Arabic language were targeted, which many companies, such as Facebook, Twitter, and others, could use to prevent hate speech and cyberbullying. For this task, a unique dataset consisting of 4203 comments classified into seven categories, including content against religion, racist content, content against gender equality, violent content, offensive content, insulting/bullying content, normal positive comments, and normal negative comments, was designed. The dataset was extensively preprocessed and labeled, and its features were extracted. In addition, the use of deep recurrent neural networks (RNNs) was proposed for the classification and detection of hate speech. The proposed RNN architecture, called DRNN-2, consisted of 10 layers with 32 batch sizes and 50 iterations for the classification task. Another model consisting of five hidden layers, called DRNN-1, was used only for binary classification. Using the proposed models, a recognition rate of 99.73% was achieved for binary classification, 95.38% for the three classes of Arabic comments, and 84.14% for the seven classes of Arabic comments. This accuracy was high for the classification of a complex language, such as Arabic, into seven different classes. The achieved accuracy was higher than that of similar methods reported in the recent literature, whether for binary classification, three-class classification, or seven-class classification, as discussed in the literature review section.
Empirical Studies on Effect of Low-Level Laser Treatment on Glioblastoma Multiforme in Combination with Ag-PMMA-PAA Nanoparticles: Paired Red Region Optical-Property Treatment Platform
Authors: Atluri Rohini , Korir Daniel , Choi Tae-Youl , Simmons Denise Perry
Published: June 2022

Glioblastoma multiforme is an aggressive, invasive, fatal primary heterogenic brain tumor. New treatments have not significantly improved the dismal survival rate. Low-level laser therapy reports indicate different tumor cells respond distinctly to low-level laser therapy based on laser dose (J/cm2) or with nanotherapeutics. We investigated the effects of pairing two optical property-driven treatment agents—a low-level laser on glioblastoma multiforme (U251) using an He-Ne laser (632.8 nm) with 18.8 nm spherical Ag-PMMA-PAA nanoparticles, with an absorbance peak at 400 nm with a broad shoulder to 700 nm. The He-Ne treatment parameters were power (14.87 ± 0.3 mW), beam diameter (0.68 cm), and exposure time 5 min leading to a 12.28 J/cm2 dose. A dose of 12.28 J/cm2 was applied to Ag-PMMA-PAA nanoparticle concentrations (110–225 μM). An amount of 110 μM Ag-PMMA-PAA nanoparticles combined with an He-Ne dose at 18 h yielded 23% U251 death compared to He-Ne alone which yielded 8% U251 death. A 225 μM Ag-PMMA-PAA nanoparticle He-Ne combination resulted in an earlier, more significant, U251 death of 38% at 6 h compared to 30% with 225 μM alone at 18 h. Both treatment agents possess inherent physical and functional properties capable of redesign to enhance the observed cell death effects. Our results provide evidence supporting next-step studies to test “the redesign hypothesis” that these paired optical-driven agents provide a tunable platform that can generate significant U251 cell death increase.
A Comprehensive Survey of Digital Twins and Federated Learning for Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), Internet of Vehicles (IoV) and Internet of Drones (IoD)
Authors: Jamil Sonain , Rahman MuhibUr , Fawad
Published: June 2022

As a result of the advancement in the fourth industrial revolution and communication technology, the use of digital twins (DT) and federated learning (FL) in the industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), the Internet of Vehicles (IoV), and the Internet of Drones (IoD) is increasing. However, the deployment of DT and FL for IoV is challenging. In this survey, we focus on DT and FL for IIoT, IoV, and IoD. Initially, we analyzed the existing surveys. In this paper, we present the applications of DT and FL in IIoT, IoV, and IoD. We also present the open research issues and future directions.
Prediction of Air Pollutant Concentrations via RANDOM Forest Regressor Coupled with Uncertainty Analysis—A Case Study in Ningxia
Authors: Ding Weifu , Qie Xueping
Published: June 2022

Air pollution has not received much attention until recent years when people started to understand its dreadful impacts on human health. According to air pollution and the meteorological monitoring data from 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2017 in Ningxia, we analyzed the impact of ground surface temperature, air temperature, relative humidity and the power of wind on air pollutant concentrations. Meanwhile, we analyze the relationships between air pollutant concentrations and meteorological variables by using the mathematical model of decision tree regressor (DTR), feedforward artificial neural network with back-propagation algorithm (FFANN-BP) and random forest regressor (RFR) according to air-monitoring station data. For all pollutants, the RFR increases R2 of FFANN-BP and DTR by up to 0.53 and 0.42 respectively, reduces root mean square error (RMSE) by up to 68.7 and 41.2, and MAE by up to 25.2 and 17. The empirical results show that the proposed RFR displays the best forecasting performance and could provide local authorities with reliable and precise predictions of air pollutant concentrations. The RFR effectively establishes the relationships between the influential factors and air pollutant concentrations, and well suppresses the overfitting problem and improves the accuracy of prediction. Besides, the limitation of machine learning for single site prediction is also overcame.
TGFβ1 Induces Senescence and Attenuated VEGF Production in Retinal Pericytes
Authors: Avramovic Dragana , Archaimbault Sébastien A. , Kemble Alicia M. , Gruener Sabine , Lazendic Mirjana , Westenskow Peter D.
Published: June 2022

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a microvascular disease of the retina and a serious complication of type I and type II diabetes mellitus. DR affects working-age populations and can cause permanent vision loss if left untreated. The standard of care for proliferative DR is inhibiting VEGF. However, the mechanisms that induce excessive VEGF production in the retina remain elusive, although some evidence links elevated VEGF in the diabetic retina with local and systemic TGFβ1 upexpression. Here, we present evidence from animal models of disease suggesting that excessive TGFβ1 production in the early DR is correlated with VEGF mRNA and protein production by senescent pericytes and other retinal cells. Collectively, these results confirm that TGFβ1 is strongly implicated in the vascular complications of DR.
Advancements in Testing Strategies for COVID-19
Authors: Asghar Rabia , Rasheed Madiha , ul Hassan Jalees , Rafique Mohsin , Khan Mashooq , Deng Yulin
Published: June 2022

The SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, also known as the disease-causing agent for COVID-19, is a virulent pathogen that may infect people and certain animals. The global spread of COVID-19 and its emerging variation necessitates the development of rapid, reliable, simple, and low-cost diagnostic tools. Many methodologies and devices have been developed for the highly sensitive, selective, cost-effective, and rapid diagnosis of COVID-19. This review organizes the diagnosis platforms into four groups: imaging, molecular-based detection, serological testing, and biosensors. Each platform’s principle, advancement, utilization, and challenges for monitoring SARS-CoV-2 are discussed in detail. In addition, an overview of the impact of variants on detection, commercially available kits, and readout signal analysis has been presented. This review will expand our understanding of developing advanced diagnostic approaches to evolve into susceptible, precise, and reproducible technologies to combat any future outbreak.
Study on New Prefabricated Reinforced Concrete Structure Technology Based on Fault-Tolerant Design
Authors: Wang Shunyao , Wang Yilin , Sheng Dapeng , Wang Yu
Published: June 2022

To reduce the impact of poor field connection on structural safety in prefabricated concrete structures, a new kind of prefabricated reinforced concrete structure—an FTPC (fault-tolerant prefabricated concrete) structure based on the fault-tolerant design concept—was proposed and studied in this paper. The horizontal load-bearing units of an FTPC structure are fully prefabricated or semi-prefabricated slabs. The vertical load-bearing units are formed by four types of prefabricated cantilever components. Prefabricated cantilever components are horizontally connected by welded connection and vertically connected by a specific connection method using steel tubes and cast-in-place concrete. A mathematical sampling method can be used to select several welded connection nodes as disconnected nodes to consider the actual weld quality. Enveloping design can be carried out to obtain the final design results of each cantilever component, which can realize the fault-tolerant design and better ensure the structure safety. Finite element analysis was carried out for a two-story villa as an example to verify the feasibility and rationality of an FTPC structure. Study results show that an FTPC structure can meet the requirements of safety and applicability. Moreover, it has the advantages of a flexible arrangement of load-bearing components, a clear force transmission mechanism, and a moderate component volume.
Solar Chimneys as an Effective Ventilation Strategy in Multi-Storey Public Housing in the Post-COVID-19 Era
Authors: Leng Pau Chung , Aw Siew Bee , Ali Nor Eeda Haji , Ling Gabriel Hoh Teck , Lee Yoke Lai , Ahmad Mohd Hamdan
Published: June 2022

This paper studies the effectiveness of a solar chimney for improving ventilation and air-exchange rates in multi-storey public housing in tropical climates for the potential mitigation of airborne disease transmission. Virtual models of a typical apartment room with natural cross-ventilation, replicated across four levels to mimic a multi-storey block, were set up with six internal wind velocity sensor points per floor. The simulation software Energy2D was then used to evaluate the performance of the models, first testing the presence of a solar chimney, and then additionally the degree to which the solar chimney model was affected by a complementary ceiling fan. Wind velocity was also measured, as this is a variable that affects ACH rates. Using a non-parametric Wilcoxon signed-rank test, the introduction of a solar chimney was found to have a significant impact on air-flow rates (a variable that positively affects air-exchange rates), resulting in a p-value of 0.000 and Z-value of −3.920. Regression analysis determined that the solar chimney’s effect was enhanced when complemented by a ceiling fan (R-squared value of 0.4687). Consequently, we propose several design strategies that may enable the adoption of the solar chimney concept to improve natural ventilation in residential units.
Management of Aggressive Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas in the Pediatric, Adolescent, and Young Adult Population: An Adult vs. Pediatric Perspective
Authors: Sheikh Irtiza N. , Elgehiny Amr , Ragoonanan Dristhi , Mahadeo Kris M. , Nieto Yago , Khazal Sajad
Published: June 2022

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is a broad entity which comprises a number of different types of lymphomatous malignancies. In the pediatric and adolescent population, the type and prognosis of NHL varies by age and gender. In comparison to adults, pediatric and adolescent patients generally have better outcomes following treatment for primary NHL. However, relapsed/refractory (R/R) disease is associated with poorer outcomes in many types of NHL such as diffuse large B cell lymphoma and Burkitt lymphoma. Newer therapies have been approved in the use of primary NHL in the pediatric and adolescent population such as Rituximab and other therapies such as chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR T-cell) therapy are under investigation for the treatment of R/R NHL. In this review, we feature the characteristics, diagnosis, and treatments of the most common NHLs in the pediatric and adolescent population and also highlight the differences that exist between pediatric and adult disease. We then detail the areas of treatment advances such as immunotherapy with CAR T-cells, brentuximab vedotin, and blinatumomab as well as cell cycle inhibitors and describe areas where further research is needed. The aim of this review is to juxtapose established research regarding pediatric and adolescent NHL with recent advancements as well as highlight treatment gaps where more investigation is needed.
Review of the Standard and Advanced Screening, Staging Systems and Treatment Modalities for Cervical Cancer
Authors: Boon Siaw Shi , Luk Ho Yin , Xiao Chuanyun , Chen Zigui , Chan Paul Kay Sheung
Published: June 2022

Cancer arising from the uterine cervix is the fourth most common cause of cancer death among women worldwide. Almost 90% of cervical cancer mortality has occurred in low- and middle-income countries. One of the major aetiologies contributing to cervical cancer is the persistent infection by the cancer-causing types of the human papillomavirus. The disease is preventable if the premalignant lesion is detected early and managed effectively. In this review, we outlined the standard guidelines that have been introduced and implemented worldwide for decades, including the cytology, the HPV detection and genotyping, and the immunostaining of surrogate markers. In addition, the staging system used to classify the premalignancy and malignancy of the uterine cervix, as well as the safety and efficacy of the various treatment modalities in clinical trials for cervical cancers, are also discussed. In this millennial world, the advancements in computer-aided technology, including robotic modules and artificial intelligence (AI), are also incorporated into the screening, diagnostic, and treatment platforms. These innovations reduce the dependence on specialists and technologists, as well as the work burden and time incurred for sample processing. However, concerns over the practicality of these advancements remain, due to the high cost, lack of flexibility, and the judgment of a trained professional that is currently not replaceable by a machine.
Safety and Efficacy of Bevacizumab in Cancer Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Herrera-Gómez Ruth Gabriela , Grecea Miruna , Gallois Claire , Boige Valérie , Pautier Patricia , Pistilli Barbara , Planchard David , Malka David , Ducreux Michel , Mir Olivier
Published: June 2022

Background: The safety of bevacizumab in combination with chemotherapy in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and digestive and nondigestive cancers is poorly documented. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated patient records of all adult cancer patients with IBD at our institution from April 2007 to May 2016 with an update in November 2019. Results: Twenty-seven patients with a history of IBD (Crohn’s disease, n = 22; ulcerative colitis, n = 5) who were treated with bevacizumab and chemotherapy for metastatic solid tumors were identified. At the time of advanced cancer diagnosis, 18 patients had quiescent IBD, whereas 9 patients had moderately active IBD. Among those with moderately active IBD, five had received corticosteroids less than six months prior to cancer diagnosis and one had received infliximab. The treated cancers were colorectal cancer (n = 13), small bowel cancer (n = 4), non-small cell lung cancer (n = 3), breast cancer (n = 3), and other cancers (n = 4). Patients received bevacizumab in combination with chemotherapy and/or as maintenance for a median of 6.7 months. Grade 2 or higher bevacizumab-related complications were proteinuria in two patients and hypertension, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and intestinal perforation in one patient each. No clinical IBD flares were observed during bevacizumab treatment. Conclusion: Bevacizumab combined with chemotherapy is safe in cancer patients with moderately active or quiescent IBD.
Is High Expression of Claudin-7 in Advanced Colorectal Carcinoma Associated with a Poor Survival Rate? A Comparative Statistical and Artificial Intelligence Study
Authors: Ianole Victor , Danciu Mihai , Volovat Constantin , Stefanescu Cipriana , Herghelegiu Paul-Corneliu , Leon Florin , Iftene Adrian , Cusmuliuc Ciprian-Gabriel , Toma Bogdan , Drug Vasile , Ciobanu Apostol Delia Gabriela
Published: June 2022

Aim: The need for predictive and prognostic biomarkers in colorectal carcinoma (CRC) brought us to an era where the use of artificial intelligence (AI) models is increasing. We investigated the expression of Claudin-7, a tight junction component, which plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of normal epithelial mucosa, and its potential prognostic role in advanced CRCs, by drawing a parallel between statistical and AI algorithms. Methods: Claudin-7 immunohistochemical expression was evaluated in the tumor core and invasion front of CRCs from 84 patients and correlated with clinicopathological parameters and survival. The results were compared with those obtained by using various AI algorithms. Results: the Kaplan–Meier univariate survival analysis showed a significant correlation between survival and Claudin-7 intensity in the invasive front (p = 0.00), a higher expression being associated with a worse prognosis, while Claudin-7 intensity in the tumor core had no impact on survival. In contrast, AI models could not predict the same outcome on survival. Conclusion: The study showed through statistical means that the immunohistochemical overexpression of Claudin-7 in the tumor invasive front may represent a poor prognostic factor in advanced stages of CRCs, contrary to AI models which could not predict the same outcome, probably because of the small number of patients included in our cohort.
StarDist Image Segmentation Improves Circulating Tumor Cell Detection
Authors: Stevens Michiel , Nanou Afroditi , Terstappen Leon W. M. M. , Driemel Christiane , Stoecklein Nikolas H. , Coumans Frank A. W.
Published: June 2022

After a CellSearch-processed circulating tumor cell (CTC) sample is imaged, a segmentation algorithm selects nucleic acid positive (DAPI+), cytokeratin-phycoerythrin expressing (CK-PE+) events for further review by an operator. Failures in this segmentation can result in missed CTCs. The CellSearch segmentation algorithm was not designed to handle samples with high cell density, such as diagnostic leukapheresis (DLA) samples. Here, we evaluate deep-learning-based segmentation method StarDist as an alternative to the CellSearch segmentation. CellSearch image archives from 533 whole blood samples and 601 DLA samples were segmented using CellSearch and StarDist and inspected visually. In 442 blood samples from cancer patients, StarDist segmented 99.95% of CTC segmented by CellSearch, produced good outlines for 98.3% of these CTC, and segmented 10% more CTC than CellSearch. Visual inspection of the segmentations of DLA images showed that StarDist continues to perform well when the cell density is very high, whereas CellSearch failed and generated extremely large segmentations (up to 52% of the sample surface). Moreover, in a detailed examination of seven DLA samples, StarDist segmented 20% more CTC than CellSearch. Segmentation is a critical first step for CTC enumeration in dense samples and StarDist segmentation convincingly outperformed CellSearch segmentation.
Dietary Intakes of Animal and Plant Proteins and Risk of Colorectal Cancer: The EPIC-Italy Cohort
Authors: Sieri Sabina , Agnoli Claudia , Pala Valeria , Grioni Sara , Palli Domenico , Bendinelli Benedetta , Macciotta Alessandra , Ricceri Fulvio , Panico Salvatore , De Magistris Maria Santucci , Tumino Rosario , Fontana Luigi , Krogh Vittorio
Published: June 2022

We prospectively investigated the associations of protein intake with colorectal cancer (CRC) risk in middle-aged Italian men and women. Food consumption was assessed by validated Epic semiquantitative food-frequency questionnaires. Multivariable Cox models stratified by center, age, and sex, adjusted for confounders, estimated the associations of animal and plant protein consumption with CRC risk by subsite. Among 44,824 men and women, we identified 539 incident CRCs after a median follow-up of 14 years. Replacing animal proteins with plant proteins was associated with a decreased risk of rectal (HR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.55–0.92) but not colon cancer. By contrast, replacing animal proteins with plant proteins from high-glycemic-index (GI) foods was associated with an increased risk of proximal and distal (including sigma) colon cancer (HR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.07–1.40) but not when animal proteins were replaced with plant proteins from low-GI foods (HR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.79–1.11). Further evaluation revealed that the increased colon cancer risk was limited to the substitution of proteins from red and processed meat, as well as dairy and eggs, with vegetable proteins from high-GI foods. Participants in the highest quintile of animal protein intake had higher plasma glucose and cholesterol levels than those in the lowest quintile. By contrast, higher intake of plant proteins from low-GI foods was inversely associated with fasting insulin and HOMA-IR levels. In conclusion, replacing animal proteins with plant proteins from high-GI foods was associated with an increased risk of colon cancer.
Mucosal-Associated Invariant T Cells in T-Cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas: A Case Series
Authors: Torre Pietro , Brescia Annalisa , Giurato Giorgio , D’Auria Raffaella , Rizzo Francesca , Motta Benedetta Maria , Giudice Valentina , Selleri Carmine , Zeppa Pio , Caputo Alessandro , Casolaro Vincenzo , Persico Marcello
Published: June 2022

Background: Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are a subset of unconventional T lymphocytes expressing a semi-invariant α/β T-cell receptor (TCR). The physiological functions of these cells, which are particularly abundant in normal liver and mucosal sites, have become clear only in recent years, but their role in most human diseases is still unknown. Since the cellular origin and etiopathogenesis of most T-lymphomas are still elusive, we decided to explore the presence of MAIT cells in biopsies from these neoplasms. Methods: Sixteen biopsies obtained from patients with a T-cell lymphoma diagnosis were analyzed via immunofluorescence staining using an anti-Vα7.2 antibody and the MR1-antigen tetramer. Positive cases were subjected to a polymerase chain reaction for the detection of Vα7.2–Jα33, Vα7.2–Jα20, or Vα7.2–Jα12 rearrangements, followed by sequencing of the CDR3α region. Results: CD3+/Vα7.2+ and CD3+/MR1-Ag-tetramer+ cells were found in 4 of 16 samples analyzed. The identification of specific TCR rearrangements confirmed the presence of these cells in all four samples. PCR and sequencing results documented the presence of multiple clones of MAIT cells in each positive sample. Conclusions: MAIT cells are frequently found in T-cell lymphomas. More in-depth studies and a larger number of samples are needed to better clarify the contribution of MAIT cells to this rare neoplasm.
Challenges in Cell Fate Acquisition to Scid-Repopulating Activity from Hemogenic Endothelium of hiPSCs Derived from AML Patients Using Forced Transcription Factor Expression
Authors: Porras Deanna P. , Reid Jennifer C. , Tanasijevic Borko , Golubeva Diana , Boyd Allison L. , Bhatia Mickie
Published: June 2022

The generation of human hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) represents a major goal in regenerative medicine and is believed would follow principles of early development. HSCs arise from a type of endothelial cell called a “hemogenic endothelium” (HE), and human HSCs are experimentally detected by transplantation into SCID or other immune-deficient mouse recipients, termed SCID-Repopulating Cells (SRC). Recently, SRCs were detected by forced expression of seven transcription factors (TF) (ERG, HOXA5, HOXA9, HOXA10, LCOR, RUNX1, and SPI1) in hPSC-derived HE, suggesting these factors are deficient in hPSC differentiation to HEs required to generate HSCs. Here we derived PECAM-1-, Flk-1-, and VE-cadherin-positive endothelial cells that also lack CD45 expression (PFVCD45−) which are solely responsible for hematopoietic output from iPSC lines reprogrammed from AML patients. Using HEs derived from AML patient iPSCs devoid of somatic leukemic aberrations, we sought to generate putative SRCs by the forced expression of 7TFs to model autologous HSC transplantation. The expression of 7TFs in hPSC-derived HE cells from an enhanced hematopoietic progenitor capacity was present in vitro, but failed to acquire SRC activity in vivo. Our findings emphasize the benefits of forced TF expression, along with the continued challenges in developing HSCs for autologous-based therapies from hPSC sources.
Methylation Status of Gene Bodies of Selected microRNA Genes Associated with Neoplastic Transformation in Equine Sarcoids
Authors: Pawlina-Tyszko Klaudia , Semik-Gurgul Ewelina , Ząbek Tomasz , Witkowski Maciej
Published: June 2022

Horses are of great importance in recreation, livestock production, as working animals in poorly developed countries, and for equine-assisted therapy. Equine sarcoids belong to the most commonly diagnosed tumors in this species. They may cause discomfort, pain, and can lead to the permanent impairment of motor function. The molecular bases of their formation are still under investigation. Our previous studies revealed altered microRNA (miRNA) expression and DNA methylation levels in sarcoid tumors. Abnormal patterns of methylation may be responsible for changes in gene expression levels, including microRNAs. Recently, the DNA methylation of gene bodies has also been shown to have an impact on gene expression. Thus, the aim of the study was to investigate the methylation pattern of gene bodies of chosen miRNAs identified in sarcoid tissue (miR-101, miR-10b, miR-200a, and miR-338-3p), which have also been established to play roles in neoplastic transformation. To this end, we applied qRT-PCR, Bisulfite Sequencing PCR (BSP), and Mquant methods. As a result, we identified the statistically significant downregulation of pri-mir-101-1, pri-mir-10b, and pri-mir-200a in the sarcoid samples in comparison to the control. The DNA methylation analysis revealed their hypermethylation. This suggests that DNA methylation may be one mechanism responsible for the downregulation of theses miRNAs. However, the identified differences in the methylation levels are not very high, which implies that other mechanisms may also underlie the downregulation of the expression of these miRNAs in equine sarcoids. For the first time, the results obtained shed light on microRNA expression regulation by gene body methylation in equine sarcoids and provide bases for further deeper studies on other mechanisms influencing the miRNA repertoire.
Assessing Landslide Susceptibility in the Northern Stretch of Arun Tectonic Window, Nepal
Authors: KC Diwakar , Dangi Harish , Hu Liangbo
Published: June 2022

The northern stretch of the Arun watershed in East Nepal is dominated by steep slopes and rugged topography and experiences extensive landslides each year. Reliable landslide susceptibility assessment can potentially be an important tool for risk evaluation and mitigation in the Himalayas. The present study explores two GIS-based bivariate statistical methods, the weight of evidence method and the frequency ratio method to assess the landslide susceptibility of the study area. Seven major variables including slope angle, slope aspect, slope shape, geology, stream proximity, stream power index and land use were examined as the major contributing factors to landslide occurrences in the assessment. The landslide susceptibility map produced from these two methods are characterized by four zones of very low, low, moderate and high susceptibility. The landslide percentage of each zone turns out to be consistent with the order of its susceptibility. The results suggest that the weight of evidence method is more sensitive to the spatial variation of relevant factors; both methods produced fairly reliable results, as confirmed by a success rate of 75% for the weight of evidence method and 71% for the frequency ratio method. The present study demonstrates that the quantitative assessment methods explored may have a promising potential for landslide assessment and prediction in the Himalayas.
Self-Lubricating Property of TiB2-Ni Coating in the Hot Forging Die of Aluminum Alloy
Authors: Wang Zhehan , Fu Tao , Xie Bing , Wang Huajun , Ye Pingyuan , Pan Xudong
Published: June 2022

Hot die forging is a forging forming method widely used in the automobile industry, shipbuilding, and the aerospace industry. In the hot die forging process of aluminum alloy, the “mold sticking” defect often occurs and results in low productivity and short die life. Herein, we prepared TiB2 reinforced nickel-based coatings by the combined use of a plasma transferred arc and plasma melt injection method, and investigated the morphology and properties of composite coatings in hot forging die conditions. The results showed that the nickel-based coating reinforced with TiB2 generated boron-rich self-lubricating products during the sliding with aluminum alloy, and the adhered aluminum alloy on a coating surface has significantly reduced quantity and transformed morphology from rough plough to smooth layer with the increase of TiB2, which is beneficial to the surface quality of the aluminum alloy counterface. The results of this research provide valuable guidelines for the design and preparation of the coatings applied in the mold in hot die forging of aluminum alloys.
Effect of Na–Sn Flux on the Growth of Type I Na8Si46 Clathrate Crystals
Authors: Morito Haruhiko , Futami Kohei , Fujiwara Kozo
Published: June 2022

In the crystal growth of Na–Si clathrate (type I, Na8Si46) during Na evaporation from a Na–Si–Sn solution at 723 K, the composition of a Na–Sn flux in the starting material strongly influences the morphology and size of the formed clathrate crystals. In this study, the crystals obtained using this flux were larger than the crystals prepared without a flux, and some of them had faceted surfaces. At the Na4Si4 (precursor):4Na–Sn (flux) = 1:4 ratio, multiple dents were observed on crystal surfaces, indicating that the precipitation of a Na9Sn4 solid phase prevented the growth of Na–Si clathrate crystals. In addition, synthesis conditions, under which type I crystals could be obtained by conventional thermal decomposition in vacuum, were established. The results of this work suggest that type I Na–Si clathrate crystals are stable even at temperatures as high as 723 K due to the suppressed evaporation of Na.
A Trans-Inverse Magnetic Coupling Single-Phase AC-AC Converter
Authors: Esmaeili Soroush , Ghobadi Kasra , Zare Hassan , Jamil Mohsin , Khan Ashraf Ali , Mahmoudi Amin
Published: June 2022

This paper introduces a new single-phase AC-AC converter based on an impedance source circuit. Like the existing single-phase impedance source AC-AC converters, it has the buck-boost ability and direct ac conversion. The input and output voltage possesses the same ground, and the phase angle is maintained and reversed smoothly. The presented converter utilizes a coupled transformer which allows the designer to exploit the transformer’s turns ratio as a variable to attain the desired output voltage. Additionally, the used transformer provides an option to obtain higher voltage gain by decreasing the turns ratio. Hence, smaller size of the coupled inductors is required for the higher voltage cases. To eliminate the switching voltage and current spikes on the power switches, a safe commutation strategy is used instead of utilizing snubber circuits. Furthermore, the input current is continuous and sinusoidal with low harmonics thanks to embedding the input inductor in series with the input source. Additionally, a dynamic voltage restorer is presented based on the proposed converter to compensate the voltage sag and swell faults. Simulation results are provided to evaluate the theoretical analysis. Finally, a laboratory prototype has been fabricated to demonstrate the validation of the presented converter.
Primary Sludge from Dairy and Meat Processing Wastewater and Waste from Biomass Enzymatic Hydrolysis as Resources in Anaerobic Digestion and Co-Digestion Supplemented with Biodegradable Surfactants as Process Enhancers
Authors: Skripsts Eriks , Mezule Linda , Klaucans Elvis
Published: June 2022

Incorporation of various alternative resources as co-digestion substrates aids to reduce the consumption of agricultural crops for biogas production. However, the efficiency and limitations of these co-substrates is still not fully understood. Use of biomass waste remaining after enzymatic hydrolysis for high value chemical fermentation, meat processing and dairy wastewater primary sludge as co-substrates in an agricultural resource anaerobic digestion plant is tackled within this study. The results showed that anionic surfactants (<200 ppm) can be used to improve fat, oil and grease (FOG) solubility in water and, at the same time, enhance the biomethane potential of FOG-containing sludge by increasing it from 1374.5 to 1765 mLCH4/gVS for meat processing wastewater primary sludge, and from 534 to 740 mLCH4/gVS for dairy wastewater primary sludge, when agricultural digestate is used as a substrate and sludge loading is not more than 10% from the volatile solids loaded. At the same time, only 549.7 mLCH4/gVS was produced as 30-day BMP when 5% biomass hydrolysis waste was used. Biomass hydrolysis waste co-digestion with primary sludge from dairy and meat processing wastewaters has an antigenic effect, and separate substrate anaerobic digestion gave a better results, thus, showing that excessive combination of various waste resources can be inhibitory for biogas production and the appropriate substrate selection and combination is a technical challenge for the biogas industry.
Histological, Morpho-Physiological, and Biochemical Changes during Adventitious Rooting Induced by Exogenous Auxin in Magnolia wufengensis Cuttings
Authors: Wang Yi , Khan Muhammad Asif , Zhu Zhonglong , Hai Tiemei , Sang Ziyang , Jia Zhongkui , Ma Luyi
Published: June 2022

Magnolia wufengensis, a rare ornamental tree species, is now in a huge gap between market demand and actual supply of seedlings. As cutting propagation is one of the most important means to solve the shortage of seedling supply, this study developed an efficient cutting propagation procedure of M. wufengensis, revealed the morphological and histological changes of adventitious root formation, and explored the rhythm correlation between rooting process and physiological and biochemical changes. Cuttings pre-treated with NAA:IBA (2:1) exhibited the best rooting performance. Anatomical analysis demonstrated that adventitious root primordia of M. wufengensis were initiated from cambial and parenchyma cells of xylem, with no relationship to the callus formed on the epidermis. The rooting process of M. wufengenis can be divided into four periods: induction phase (0–8 dap) (dap means days after planting), initiation phase (8–13 dap), expression phase (13–18 dap), and extension phase (18–28 dap). NAA:IBA (2:1) induced the accumulations of 3-indoleacetic-acid and increased the contents of peroxidase and polyphenol-oxidase near the wounding at induction phase. The initiation phase, with the first histological modifications to the formation of meristemoids, correspond to the increase of peroxidase, polyphenol-oxidase, and soluble protein contents. The synergistic reaction of low 3-indoleacetic-acid and high levels of gibberellins and zeatin also stimulates the initiation phase. In the expression and extension phase, high activities of polyphenol-oxidase, IAA-oxidase, and increased contents of soluble protein co-stimulate the emergence and outgrowth of adventitious roots. The present study not only provides optimized protocol by application of auxin combination but also presents insights in the histological, morpho-physiological, and biochemical changes in stem cuttings of M. wufengensis.
Microbial Resources and Sparkling Wine Differentiation: State of the Arts
Authors: Capozzi Vittorio , Tufariello Maria , Berbegal Carmen , Fragasso Mariagiovanna , De Simone Nicola , Spano Giuseppe , Russo Pasquale , Venerito Pasquale , Bozzo Francesco , Grieco Francesco
Published: June 2022

Consumers’ increasing interest in sparkling wine has enhanced the global market’s demand. The pro-technological yeasts strains selected for the formulation of microbial starter cultures are a fundamental parameter for exalting the quality and safety of the final product. Nowadays, the management of the employed microbial resource is highly requested by stakeholders, because of the increasing economic importance of this oenological sector. Here, we report an overview of the production processes of sparkling wine and the main characterisation criteria to select Saccharomyces and non-Saccharomyces strains appropriate for the preparation of commercial starter cultures dedicated to the primary and, in particular, the secondary fermentation of sparkling wines. We also focused on the possible uses of selected indigenous strains to improve the unique traits of sparkling wines from particular productive areas. In summary, the sparkling wine industry will get an important advantage from the management of autochthonous microbial resources associated with vineyard/wine microbial diversity.
New Dimensionless Number for the Transition from Viscous to Turbulent Flow
Authors: Di Nucci Carmine , Celli Daniele , Pasquali Davide , Di Risio Marcello
Published: June 2022

Within the framework of Classical Continuum Thermomechanics, we consider an unsteady isothermal flow of a simple isotropic linear viscous fluid in the liquid state to investigate the transient flow conditions. Despite the attention paid to this problem by several research works, it seems that the understanding of turbulence in these flow conditions is controversial. We propose a dimensionless procedure that highlights some aspects related to the transition from viscous to turbulent flow which occurs when a finite amplitude pressure wave travels through the fluid. This kind of transition is demonstrated to be described by a (first) dimensionless number, which involves the bulk viscosity. Furthermore, in the turbulent flow regime, we show the role played by a (second) dimensionless number, which involves the turbulent bulk viscosity, in entropy production. Within the frame of the 1D model, we test the performance of the dimensionless procedure using experimental data on the pressure waves propagation in a long pipe (water hammer phenomenon). The obtained numerical results show good agreement with the experimental data. The results’ inspection confirms the predominant role of the turbulent bulk viscosity on energy dissipation processes.
The Multicomponent Higher-Order Chen–Lee–Liu System: The Riemann–Hilbert Problem and Its N-Soliton Solution
Authors: Zhang Yong , Dong Huanhe , Fang Yong
Published: June 2022

It is well known that multicomponent integrable systems provide a method for analyzing phenomena with numerous interactions, due to the interactions between their different components. In this paper, we derive the multicomponent higher-order Chen–Lee–Liu (mHOCLL) system through the zero-curvature equation and recursive operators. Then, we apply the trace identity to obtain the bi-Hamiltonian structure of mHOCLL system, which certifies that the constructed system is integrable. Considering the spectral problem of the Lax pair, a related Riemann–Hilbert (RH) problem of this integrable system is naturally constructed with zero background, and the symmetry of this spectral problem is given. On the one hand, the explicit expression for the mHOCLL solution is not available when the RH problem is regular. However, according to the formal solution obtained using the Plemelj formula, the long-time asymptotic state of the mHOCLL solution can be obtained. On the other hand, the N-soliton solutions can be explicitly gained when the scattering problem is reflectionless, and its long-time behavior can still be discussed. Finally, the determinant form of the N-soliton solution is given, and one-, two-, and three-soliton solutions as specific examples are shown via the figures.
Investigation on Pore Structure and Permeability of Concrete–Rock Interfacial Transition Zones Based on Fractal Theory
Authors: Yue Juan , Sheng Jinchang , Wang Huimin , Hu Yunjin , Zhang Kailai , Luo Yulong , Zhou Qing , Zhan Meili
Published: June 2022

The concrete–rock interfacial transition zone (ITZ) is generally considered the weak layer in hydraulic engineering, for it is more permeable than the intact concrete or rocks. The water permeability of the ITZ is a critical parameter concerned with structural safety and durability. However, the permeability and pore structure of the ITZ has not been investigated previously, and the mathematical model of ITZ permeability has not been established. This study performed multi-scale experiments on the concrete–rock ITZ with various rock types (limestone, granite, and sandstone). A series of quantitative and qualitative analysis techniques, including NMR, SEM-EDS, and XRD, characterize the ITZ pore structures. The controlled constant flow method was used to determine the permeability of the concrete, rock, and ITZ. The mathematical model of ITZ permeability was proposed using the fractal theory. The consistency between the experimental data and the proposed model indicates the reliability of this study. The results of the experiment show that ITZ permeability is between 4.08 × 10−18 m2 and 5.74 × 10−18 m2. The results of the experiment and the proposed model could determine ITZ permeability in hydraulic structure safety and durability analysis.
A Novel Numerical Model of Gelant Inaccessible Pore Volume for In Situ Gel Treatment
Authors: Leng Jianqiao , Sun Xindi , Wei Mingzhen , Bai Baojun
Published: June 2022

Inaccessible pore volume (IAPV) can have an important impact on the placement of gelant during in situ gel treatment for conformance control. Previously, IAPV was considered to be a constant factor in simulators, yet it lacked dynamic characterization. This paper proposes a numerical simulation model of IAPV. The model was derived based on the theoretical hydrodynamic model of gelant molecules. The model considers both static features, such as gelant and formation properties, and dynamic features, such as gelant rheology and retention. To validate our model, we collected IAPV from 64 experiments and the results showed that our model fit moderately into these lab results, which proved the robustness of our model. The results of the sensitivity test showed that, considering rheology and retention, IAPV in the matrix dramatically increased when flow velocity and gelant concentration increased, but IAPV in the fracture maintained a low value. Finally, the results of the penetration degree showed that the high IAPV in the matrix greatly benefited gelant placement near the wellbore situation with a high flow velocity and gelant concentration. By considering dynamic features, this new numerical model can be applied in future integral reservoir simulators to better predict the gelant placement of in situ gel treatment for conformance control.
Five-Years Review of RHCE Alleles Detected after Weak and/or Discrepant C Results in Southern France
Authors: Pedini Pascal , Filosa Lugdivine , Bichel Nelly , Picard Christophe , Silvy Monique , Chiaroni Jacques , Izard Caroline , Laget Laurine , Mazières Stéphane
Published: June 2022

Immunohematology laboratories are regularly facing transfusion issues due to serological weaknesses. Altered (partial) RH antigens account for most of them. In some situations, RHCE variant alleles are involved. Herein we present our three-step molecular exploration, with allele frequencies, that has efficiently untangled RH2 phenotype weaknesses and discrepancies in our 2017–2021 cohort. In the last 5 years, the PACA Corse EFS molecular platform received 265 samples from healthy blood donors or patients with C and C/e typing difficulties. The first-intention technique (DNA array and real time PCR for RHCE*CeRN research) detected RHCE variant alleles in 143 cases (54%). The RHCE alleles classically found in African populations were the most frequent, with RHCE*CeRN allele in 40 cases (15%) and (C)ces haplotype type 1 and 2 in 26 cases (10%). A “CE” effect haplotype was suspected in 56 cases, due to the uncommon DCE haplotype that may explain the low C expression. When there were no RHCE*Ce or RHCE*CE alleles, we then searched for RHD polymorphisms by DNA array. We detected the RHD*DAU5 and RHD*DIVa in 18 and 7 cases respectively, suggesting that C ambiguity is related to the presence of these alleles which has never been described with DAU5. If no variant RHCE and RHD alleles were detected, we finally sequenced the 10 exons of both RHCE and RHD genes according to the clinical context and found seven new RHCE alleles. Thus, this molecular strategy would improve the knowledge of RHCE variants’ expression and, thus, optimize the transfusion management.
Coronavirus as the Possible Causative Agent of the 1889–1894 Pandemic
Authors: Erkoreka Anton , Hernando-Pérez Josu , Ayllon Juan
Published: June 2022

Using new and original nineteenth-century sources, we analysed the epidemiology, clinical features and virology of the 1889 pandemic, which was referred to at the time as ‘Russian flu’ or ‘Asiatic flu’. However, we rejected this identification of the disease as an ‘influenza’, which we believe to have been based on insufficient knowledge of the causative agent and instead posit that the pandemic was caused by a coronavirus. We provide a new account of the 1889–1893 pandemic, with a more detailed chronology that included at least four epidemiological waves. At the end of 1889, a new virus appeared in Europe, which could be identified as the coronavirus HCoV-OC43, causing crude death rates of 1.3 per 1000 population in St Petersburg; 2.1 per 1000 in Paris; 2.8 per 1000 in Bilbao and on the French–Spanish border; between 2.9 and 5.2 per 1000 in small towns in the Basque Country; and 5.8 deaths per 1000 in Madrid, which had the highest death rate. The clinical features of the disease differed from classical influenza pandemics in terms of the latency phase, duration, symptomatology, convalescence, immunity, age and death rates. Another factor to be considered was the neurotropic capacity of the disease. The most frequent form of the 1889 pandemic was the ‘nervous form’, with specific symptoms such as ‘heavy headache’ (céphalalgie gravative), tiredness, fever and delirium. There are strong parallels between the 1889–1894 pandemic and the COVID-19 pandemic, and a better understanding of the former may therefore help us to better manage the latter.