bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Of Cockroaches and Symbionts: Recent Advances in the Characterization of the Relationship between Blattella germanica and Its Dual Symbiotic System
Authors: Latorre Amparo , Domínguez-Santos Rebeca , García-Ferris Carlos , Gil Rosario
Published: February 2022

Mutualistic stable symbioses are widespread in all groups of eukaryotes, especially in insects, where symbionts have played an essential role in their evolution. Many insects live in obligate relationship with different ecto- and endosymbiotic bacteria, which are needed to maintain their hosts’ fitness in their natural environment, to the point of even relying on them for survival. The case of cockroaches (Blattodea) is paradigmatic, as both symbiotic systems coexist in the same organism in two separated compartments: an intracellular endosymbiont (Blattabacterium) inside bacteriocytes located in the fat body, and a rich and complex microbiota in the hindgut. The German cockroach Blattella germanica is a good model for the study of symbiotic interactions, as it can be maintained in the laboratory in controlled populations, allowing the perturbations of the two symbiotic systems in order to study the communication and integration of the tripartite organization of the host–endosymbiont–microbiota, and to evaluate the role of symbiotic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) in host control over their symbionts. The importance of cockroaches as reservoirs and transmission vectors of antibiotic resistance sequences, and their putative interest to search for AMPs to deal with the problem, is also discussed.
Prevalence of Right Ventricle Strain Changes following Anthracycline Therapy
Authors: Laufer-Perl Michal , Perelman-Gvili Moran , Sirota Dorfman Svetlana , Baruch Guy , Rothschild Ehud , Beer Gil , Arbel Yaron , Arnold Joshua H. , Rozenbaum Zach , Banai Shmuel , Topilsky Yan , Kapusta Livia
Published: February 2022

Background: Anthracycline (ANT) is the most recognized therapy known to cause cardiotoxicity, mainly left ventricle (LV) dysfunction. Global Longitudinal Strain (GLS) is the optimal tool for assessment of subclinical LV dysfunction. Right ventricle (RV) function has been recognized as an independent factor for cardiac outcomes; however, data evaluating RV GLS is limited. We aimed to evaluate the change in RV GLS following ANT therapy. Methods: The study cohort is part of the Israel Cardio-Oncology Registry (ICOR). All patients performed echocardiography before (T1) and at the end (T3) of ANT therapy. A significant reduction was defined as a relative reduction of ≥10% in RV GLS values. Results: The study included 40 female patients with breast cancer treated with ANT. During follow-up, both RV GLS and free wall longitudinal strain systolic peak (RV FWLS PK) decreased significantly (p < 0.001 and p = 0.002). Altogether, 30 (75%) and 23 (58%) patients showed RV GLS and RV FWLS PK ≥ 10% relative reduction. At T3, LV ejection fraction and LV GLS were within normal range. Conclusions: RV GLS and RV FWLS PK reduction following ANT exposure is extremely frequent, comparing to LV GLS reduction.
Structural Characterization Analyses of Low Brass Filler Biomaterial for Hard Tissue Implanted Scaffold Applications
Authors: Lim Yan Yik , Miskon Azizi , Zaidi Ahmad Mujahid Ahmad , Megat Ahmad Megat Mohamad Hamdan , Abu Bakar Muhamad
Published: February 2022

A biomaterial was created for hard tissue implanted scaffolds as a translational therapeutic approach. The existing biomaterials containing titanium dioxide filler posed a risk of oxygen gas vacancy. This will block the canaliculars, leading to a limit on the nutrient fluid supply. To overcome this problem, low brass was used as an alternative filler to eliminate the gas vacancy. Low brass with composition percentages of 0%, 2%, 5%, 15%, and 30% was filled into the polyester urethane liquidusing the metallic filler polymer reinforced method. The structural characterizations of the low brass filler biomaterial were investigated by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy. The results showed the surface membrane strength was higher than the side and cross-section. The composition shapes found were hexagon for polyester urethane and peanut for low brass. Low brass stabilised polyester urethane in biomaterials by the formation of two 5-ringed tetrahedral crystal structures. The average pore diameter was 308.9 nm, which is suitable for articular cartilage cells. The pore distribution was quite dispersed, and its curve had a linear relationship between area and diameter, suggestive of the sphere-shaped pores. The average porosities were different between using FESEM results of 6.04% and the calculated result of 3.28%. In conclusion, this biomaterial had a higher surface membrane strength and rather homogeneous dispersed pore structures.
Magnetic Investigation of Cladded Nuclear Reactor Blocks
Authors: Vértesy Gábor , Gasparics Antal , Szenthe Ildikó , Bilicz Sándor
Published: February 2022

The wall, made of ferromagnetic steel, of a nuclear reactor pressure vessel is covered by an austenitic (very weakly ferromagnetic) cladding. In this work, we investigated how the base material and the cladding can be inspected separately from each other by nondestructive magnetic measurements. It was found that with the proper choice of the magnetizing yoke, these two different materials could be measured independently of each other. The effect of the yoke’s size was studied by the numerical simulation of magnetic flux, pumped into the material during magnetic measurements. Measurements were performed by two different sizes of yokes on pure base material, on base material under cladding and on cladding itself. Experiments verified the results of the simulation. Our results can help for the future practical application of magnetic methods in the regular inspection of nuclear power plants.
A Survey of Datasets, Preprocessing, Modeling Mechanisms, and Simulation Tools Based on AI for Material Analysis and Discovery
Authors: Imran  , Qayyum Faiza , Kim Do-Hyeun , Bong Seon-Jong , Chi Su-Young , Choi Yo-Han
Published: February 2022

Research has become increasingly more interdisciplinary over the past few years. Artificial intelligence and its sub-fields have proven valuable for interdisciplinary research applications, especially physical sciences. Recently, machine learning-based mechanisms have been adapted for material science applications, meeting traditional experiments’ challenges in a time and cost-efficient manner. The scientific community focuses on harnessing varying mechanisms to process big data sets extracted from material databases to derive hidden knowledge that can successfully be employed in technical frameworks of material screening, selection, and recommendation. However, a plethora of underlying aspects of the existing material discovery methods needs to be critically assessed to have a precise and collective analysis that can serve as a baseline for various forthcoming material discovery problems. This study presents a comprehensive survey of state-of-the-art benchmark data sets, detailed pre-processing and analysis, appropriate learning model mechanisms, and simulation techniques for material discovery. We believe that such an in-depth analysis of the mentioned aspects provides promising directions to the young interdisciplinary researchers from computing and material science fields. This study will help devise useful modeling in the materials discovery to positively contribute to the material industry, reducing the manual effort involved in the traditional material discovery. Moreover, we also present a detailed analysis of experimental and computation-based artificial intelligence mechanisms suggested by the existing literature.
Evaluating the X-ray-Shielding Performance of Graphene-Oxide-Coated Nanocomposite Fabric
Authors: Türkaslan Serhat Süha , Ugur Şule Sultan , Türkaslan Banu Esencan , Fantuzzi Nicholas
Published: February 2022

Exposure to ionizing radiation (IR) during diagnostic medical procedures brings certain risks, especially when experiencing recurrent exposures. The fabrication of nano-based composites, doped with different nanoparticles, have been suggested as effective shielding materials to replace conventional lead-based ones in material sciences and nanotechnology. In this study, commercially available fabrics, used to produce scrubs and gowns for clinical staff, are modified utilizing graphene oxide (GO) nanoparticles using a layer-by-layer (LBL) technique. GO was obtained from graphite through environmentally friendly technology by using a modified–improved Hummers’ method without NaNO3. Lightweight, flexible, air- and water-permeable shielding materials are produced that are wearable in all-day clinical practice. The nanoparticles are kept to a minimum at 1 wt%; however, utilizing the LBL technique they are distributed evenly along the fibers of the fabrics to achieve as much shielding effect as possible. The evaluation of samples is accomplished by simulating real-time routine clinical procedures and the radiographic programs and devices used daily. The GO-coated nanocomposite fabrics demonstrated promising results for X-ray shielding.
Dissolution of Portlandite in Pure Water: Part 2 Atomistic Kinetic Monte Carlo (KMC) Approach
Authors: Izadifar Mohammadreza , Ukrainczyk Neven , Salah Uddin Khondakar , Middendorf Bernhard , Koenders Eduardus
Published: February 2022

Portlandite, as a most soluble cement hydration reaction product, affects mechanical and durability properties of cementitious materials. In the present work, an atomistic kinetic Monte Carlo (KMC) upscaling approach is implemented in MATLAB code in order to investigate the dissolution time and morphology changes of a hexagonal platelet portlandite crystal. First, the atomistic rate constants of individual Ca dissolution events are computed by a transition state theory equation based on inputs of the computed activation energies (ΔG*) obtained through the metadynamics computational method (Part 1 of paper). Four different facets (100 or 1¯00, 010 or 01¯0, 1¯10 or 11¯0, and 001 or 001¯) are considered, resulting in a total of 16 different atomistic event scenarios. Results of the upscaled KMC simulations demonstrate that dissolution process initially takes place from edges, sides, and facets of 010 or 01¯0 of the crystal morphology. The steady-state dissolution rate for the most reactive facets (010 or 01¯0) was computed to be 1.0443 mol/(s cm2); however, 0.0032 mol/(s cm2) for 1¯10 or 11¯0, 2.672 × 10−7 mol/(s cm2) for 001 or 001¯, and 0.31 × 10−16 mol/(s cm2) for 100 or 1¯00 were represented in a decreasing order for less reactive facets. Obtained upscaled dissolution rates between each facet resulted in a huge (16 orders of magnitude) difference, reflecting the importance of crystallographic orientation of the exposed facets.
Real-Space Image of Charged Patches in Tunable-Size Nanocrystals
Authors: Martínez-Esaín Jordi , Pérez-Rodríguez Ana , Faraudo Jordi , Barrena Esther , Yáñez Ramón , Ocal Carmen , Ricart Susagna
Published: February 2022

The remarkable dual nature of faceted-charge patchy metal fluoride nanocrystals arises from the spontaneous selective coordination of anionic and cationic ligands on the different facets of the nanocrystals. In previous studies, the identification and origin of the charge at the patches were obtained by combining computer simulations with indirect experimental evidence. Taking a step further, we report herein the first direct real-space identification by Kelvin probe force microscopy of the predicted faceted-charge patchy behavior, allowing the image of the dual faceted-charge surfaces. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy reveals the detailed nanocrystal faceting and allows unambiguously inferring the hydrophilic or hydrophobic role of each facet from the identification of the surface atoms exposed at the respective crystallographic planes. The success of the study lies in a foresighted synthesis methodology designed to tune the nanocrystal size to be suitable for microscopy studies and demanding applications.
Tool Wear Rate and Surface Integrity Studies in Wire Electric Discharge Machining of NiTiNOL Shape Memory Alloy Using Diffusion Annealed Coated Electrode Materials
Authors: Kulkarni Vinayak N. , Gaitonde Vinayak N. , Mallaiah Manjaiah , Karnik Ramesh S. , Davim Joao Paulo
Published: February 2022

Electrode material used in wire electric discharge machining (WEDM/wire EDM) plays a vital role in determining the machined component quality. In particular, when machining hard materials like nickel titanium/NiTi (NiTiNOL) shape memory alloy, the quality of electrode material is important as it may have adverse effects on the surface properties of the alloy. Different electrode materials give different performances, as each electrode material is made up of different conductivity, compositions and tensile strength. Therefore, detailed experimental studies have been carried out to understand the effect of diffusion annealed coated wires (X-type and A-type) on NiTiNOL SMA during the wire EDM process. The tool wear rate and surface roughness responses have been studied for both the electrode materials against different wire EDM variables such as pulse time, pause time, wire feed and spark gap set voltage. The impact of these process parameters on the stated output responses has been analyzed and further surface and subsurface analysis of the machined component has been carried out to understand the impact of diffusion annealed electrode materials during the wire EDM process. The investigation reveals that an A-type diffusion annealed coated wire is found to be most suitable in terms of tool wear rate, surface roughness and surface integrity during machining of NiTiNOL shape memory alloy compared to X-type and traditional brass-based electrode materials. Surface topographical properties were studied using confocal microscopic analysis and scanning electron microscope (SEM) with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) analysis. The subsurface analysis like microhardness and recast layer thickness was also studied for both the wires against different machining conditions.
Preparation of Polyvinylidene Fluoride Nano-Filtration Membranes Modified with Functionalized Graphene Oxide for Textile Dye Removal
Authors: Ahmad Hirra , Zahid Muhammad , Rehan Zulfiqar Ahmad , Rashid Anum , Akram Saba , Aljohani Meshari M. H. , Mustafa Syed Khalid , Khalid Tayyaba , Abdelsalam Nader R. , Ghareeb Rehab Y. , AL-Harbi Mohammad S.
Published: February 2022

Water scarcity has become one of the most significant problems globally. Membrane technology has gained considerable attention in water treatment technologies. Polymeric nanocomposite membranes are based on several properties, with enhanced water flux, high hydrophilicity and anti-biofouling behavior, improving the membrane performance, flexibility, cost-effectiveness and excellent separation properties. In this study, aminated graphene oxide (NH2-GO)-based PVDF membranes were fabricated using a phase-inversion method for textile dye removal. These fabricated membranes showed the highest water flux at about 170.2 (J/L.h−1.m−2) and 98.2% BSA rejection. Moreover, these membranes removed about 96.6% and 88.5% of methylene blue and methyl orange, respectively. Aminated graphene oxide-based polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes emerge as a good membrane material that enhances the membrane performance.
Fabrication of Precursor by Consolidating Aluminum Alloy Powder Using Friction Stir Welding and Its Foaming
Authors: Hangai Yoshihiko , Morohashi Hiromi , Mitsugi Hironao
Published: February 2022

In this study, we fabricated a precursor by FSW using ADC12 (Al-Si-Cu alloy) powder and foamed the obtained precursor by optical heating to fabricate the porous aluminum (Al). If ADC12 powder can be used for fabricating the precursor, it is expected that Al waste materials from the manufacturing of industrial products, such as Al cutting scraps, can be used as recycled Al chips, with which the cost of porous Al manufacturing can be reduced. The results demonstrated that ADC12 powder can be consolidated as well as the blowing agent (titanium hydride) and stabilization agent (alumina) powders can be mixed into the consolidated ADC12 by FSW to fabricate precursors at the tool traversing speed v = 10–50 mm/min. In addition, the obtained precursor can be foamed by optical heating. It was also found that the precursor with fewer cracks and defects can be obtained at v = 10, 20, and 30 mm/min versus at v = 40 and 50 mm/min. As a result, porous Al with relatively good pore structures was obtained at v = 10–30 mm/min.
Fatigue Life and Reliability of Steel Castings through Integrated Simulations and Experiments
Authors: Khan Muhammad Azhar Ali , Sheikh Anwar Khalil , Gasem Zuhair Mattoug , Asad Muhammad
Published: February 2022

The quality and performance of steel castings is always a concern due to porosities formed during solidification of the melt. Nowadays, computational tools are playing a pivotal role in analyzing such defects, followed by their minimization through mold design optimization. Even if the castings are produced with defects in a permissible range, it is important to examine their service life and performance with those defects in a virtual domain using simulation software. This paper aims to develop a methodology with a similar idea of simulation-based optimization of mold design and predictions of life and reliability of components manufactured with minimized casting defects, especially porosities. The cast parts are standard fatigue specimens which are produced through an optimized multi-cavity mold. X-ray imaging is done to determine the soundness of cast parts. Experimental work includes load-controlled fatigue testing under fully reversed condition. The fatigue life of specimens is also simulated and compared with the experimental results. The classical strength-stress model is used to determine the reliability of cast parts through which a safe-load induced stress of steel castings is determined. Finally, probability distributions are fit to the reliability results to develop the reliability models. It is found that porosities can be minimized significantly in the mold design phase using casting simulations. Nevertheless, some porosities are bound to exist, which must be included in realistic estimation of fatigue life and reliability of cast parts.
Benchmarking a 9Cr-2WVTa Reduced Activation Ferritic Martensitic Steel Fabricated via Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Gräning Tim , Sridharan Niyanth
Published: February 2022

Reduced activation ferritic (RAF) martensitic steels are promising candidates for the first wall of fusion reactors. However, current manufacturing capabilities call for these components to be made by welding wrought plates. This limits design freedom and necessitates the use of post-weld heat treatments (PWHT) in accordance with the boiler and pressure vessel code. Additive manufacturing (AM) can offer a unique solution to solve this challenge by leveraging the layer-wise deposition strategy to come up with temper bead deposition techniques to eliminate post-processing heat treatments (PPHT). However, it is necessary to benchmark the properties of RAF steels fabricated by AM with their wrought counterparts to identify the process-structure-property correlation, which is the goal of this study. The study demonstrates that while tensile properties at room temperature and high temperatures are satisfactory, the as fabricated and samples after PPHT have significant heterogeneity in tensile elongation. This has been attributed to the presence of discontinuities in the build. The as-fabricated samples have an average tensile strength of 1190 + 12 MPa and an average elongation of 15 + 5% at room temperature and 658 ± 20 MPa ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and 14 ± 7% at 600 °C. After the post-weld heat treatment, mechanical properties decrease to around 600–650 MPa and an elongation between 20–25% at room temperature to 300 MPa UTS and 25–28% elongation at 600 °C. The characterization of microstructures at various length scales demonstrates that the as-fabricated structure has a significant fraction of delta ferrite in a lath martensitic matrix. No precipitates could be identified in the as-fabricated structure. PPHT led to a decrease in the area fraction of delta ferrite and precipitation of M23C6 and MX. Detailed characterization clearly demonstrates that the lack of precipitates in the as-fabricated structure could be due to the slow tempering response of the alloy. Finally, the needs to develop new alloys to achieve the objectives stated above are articulated.
Mutators Enhance Adaptive Micro-Evolution in Pathogenic Microbes
Authors: Boyce Kylie J.
Published: February 2022

Adaptation to the changing environmental conditions experienced within a host requires genetic diversity within a microbial population. Genetic diversity arises from mutations which occur due to DNA damage from exposure to exogenous environmental stresses or generated endogenously through respiration or DNA replication errors. As mutations can be deleterious, a delicate balance must be obtained between generating enough mutations for micro-evolution to occur while maintaining fitness and genomic integrity. Pathogenic microorganisms can actively modify their mutation rate to enhance adaptive micro-evolution by increasing expression of error-prone DNA polymerases or by mutating or decreasing expression of genes required for DNA repair. Strains which exhibit an elevated mutation rate are termed mutators. Mutators are found in varying prevalence in clinical populations where large-effect beneficial mutations enhance survival and are predominately caused by defects in the DNA mismatch repair (MMR) pathway. Mutators can facilitate the emergence of antibiotic resistance, allow phenotypic modifications to prevent recognition and destruction by the host immune system and enable switching to metabolic and cellular morphologies better able to survive in the given environment. This review will focus on recent advances in understanding the phenotypic and genotypic changes occurring in MMR mutators in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic pathogens.
Development of Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction to Produce Skin-Whitening and Anti-Wrinkle Substances from Safflower Seed
Authors: Yeom Suh-Hee , Gam Da-Hye , Kim Jun-Hee , Kim Jin-Woo
Published: February 2022

In this study, ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) was applied to extract bioactive substances with skin-whitening, anti-wrinkle, and antioxidant effects from safflower seeds, and the extraction conditions were optimized by a central composite design. The independent variables, including extraction time (5.0~55.0 min), extraction temperature (26.0~94.0 °C), and ethanol concentration (0.0~100%), were optimized to increase tyrosinase activity inhibitory (TAI), collagenase activity inhibitory (CAI), and radical scavenging activity (RSA), which are indicators of skin-whitening, anti-wrinkle, and antioxidant effects. An extraction time of 26.4 min, extraction temperature of 52.1 °C, and ethanol concentration of 50.7% were found to be optimum conditions of UAE, under which TAI, CAI, and RSA were 53.3%, 91.5%, and 27.7%, respectively. The extract produced by UAE was analyzed by LC-MS/MS, and maleic acid and levulinic acid were identified as the main substances. Therefore, UAE is evaluated as an effective process to extract skin-whitening, anti-wrinkle, and antioxidant substances from safflower seeds at lower temperatures and shorter extraction times compared to the conventional extraction methods. Overall, safflower seeds extract can be used as a material for value-added cosmetics, including maleic acid and levulinic acid, which have bioactive functions.
Influence of Parameters on the Death Pathway of Gastric Cells Induced by Gold Nanosphere Mediated Phototherapy
Authors: Xin Jing , Fu Lei , Wang Jing , Wang Sijia , Zhang Luwei , Zhang Zhenxi , Yao Cuiping
Published: February 2022

Gold nanosphere (AuS) is a nanosized particle with inert, biocompatible, easily modified surface functionalization and adequate cell penetration ability. Photothermal, photochemical, and vapor effects of AuS could be activated by irradiating with nanosecond laser to cause cell death. Hence, AuS-mediated phototherapy irradiated with nanosecond laser is a promising and minimally-invasive treatment method for cancer therapy. However, various effects require different parameters to be activated. At present, few studies have reported on the influence of parameters of AuS inducing cell death under nanosecond laser irradiation. This makes it very challenging to optimize gold-nanoparticle-mediated specific or synergistic anti-cancer therapy. In this study, we revealed the main parameters and threshold values for AuS-mediated gastric cancer phototherapy with nanosecond pulsed laser irradiation, evaluated the pathway of induced cell death, and discussed the roles of photothermal, photochemical and vapor effects which can induce the cell death. The results showed that AuS-mediated phototherapy activated with nanosecond pulsed laser is an effective method for gastric therapy, mainly based on the photochemical effect. Prolonging the incubation time could decrease the irradiation dose, increase ROS-mediated photothermal effect and vapor effect, and then quickly induce cell death to improve security.
Methods Combining Genomic and Epidemiological Data in the Reconstruction of Transmission Trees: A Systematic Review
Authors: Duault Hélène , Durand Benoit , Canini Laetitia
Published: February 2022

In order to better understand transmission dynamics and appropriately target control and preventive measures, studies have aimed to identify who-infected-whom in actual outbreaks. Numerous reconstruction methods exist, each with their own assumptions, types of data, and inference strategy. Thus, selecting a method can be difficult. Following PRISMA guidelines, we systematically reviewed the literature for methods combing epidemiological and genomic data in transmission tree reconstruction. We identified 22 methods from the 41 selected articles. We defined three families according to how genomic data was handled: a non-phylogenetic family, a sequential phylogenetic family, and a simultaneous phylogenetic family. We discussed methods according to the data needed as well as the underlying sequence mutation, within-host evolution, transmission, and case observation. In the non-phylogenetic family consisting of eight methods, pairwise genetic distances were estimated. In the phylogenetic families, transmission trees were inferred from phylogenetic trees either simultaneously (nine methods) or sequentially (five methods). While a majority of methods (17/22) modeled the transmission process, few (8/22) took into account imperfect case detection. Within-host evolution was generally (7/8) modeled as a coalescent process. These practical and theoretical considerations were highlighted in order to help select the appropriate method for an outbreak.
Patterns of Kdr-L995F Allele Emergence Alongside Detoxifying Enzymes Associated with Deltamethrin Resistance in Anopheles gambiae s.l. from North Cameroon
Authors: Etang Josiane , Mandeng Stanislas Elysée , Nwane Philippe , Awono-Ambene Herman Parfait , Bigoga Jude D. , Ekoko Wolfgang Eyisap , Binyang Achille Jerome , Piameu Michael , Mbakop Lili Ranaise , Mvondo Narcisse , Tabue Raymond , Mimpfoundi Rémy , Toto Jean Claude , Kleinschmidt Immo , Knox Tessa Bellamy , Mnzava Abraham Peter , Donnelly Martin James , Fondjo Etienne
Published: February 2022

Understanding how multiple insecticide resistance mechanisms occur in malaria vectors is essential for efficient vector control. This study aimed at assessing the evolution of metabolic mechanisms and Kdr L995F/S resistance alleles in Anopheles gambiae s.l. from North Cameroon, following long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) distribution in 2011. Female An. gambiae s.l. emerging from larvae collected in Ouro-Housso/Kanadi, Be-Centre, and Bala in 2011 and 2015, were tested for susceptibility to deltamethrin + piperonyl butoxide (PBO) or SSS-tributyl-phosphoro-thrithioate (DEF) synergists, using the World Health Organization’s standard protocol. The Kdr L995F/S alleles were genotyped using Hot Ligation Oligonucleotide Assay. Tested mosquitoes identified using PCR-RFLP were composed of An. arabiensis (68.5%), An. coluzzii (25.5%) and An. gambiae (6%) species. From 2011 to 2015, metabolic resistance increased in Ouro-Housso/Kanadi (up to 89.5% mortality to deltametnrin+synergists in 2015 versus <65% in 2011; p < 0.02), while it decreased in Be-Centre and Bala (>95% mortality in 2011 versus 42–94% in 2015; p < 0.001). Conversely, the Kdr L995F allelic frequencies slightly decreased in Ouro-Housso/Kanadi (from 50% to 46%, p > 0.9), while significantly increasing in Be-Centre and Bala (from 0–13% to 18–36%, p < 0.02). These data revealed two evolutionary trends of deltamethrin resistance mechanisms; non-pyrethroid vector control tools should supplement LLINs in North Cameroon.
Evaluation of Genetic Diversity Based on Microsatellites and Phytochemical Markers of Core Collection of Cymbopogon winterianus Jowitt Germplasm
Authors: Munda Sunita , Saikia Raktim Jyoti , Begum Twahira , Bhandari Sangeeta , Gogoi Ankita , Sarma Neelav , Tamang Raghu , Lal Mohan
Published: February 2022

Cymbopogon winterianus Jowitt is an industrially important crop due to its value in the aromatic, perfumery and pharmaceutical industries. In this study, 72 accessions of C. winterianus were selected for molecular diversity analysis using SSR markers. It revealed a total of 65 polymorphic alleles showing an average of 68.10% polymorphism. The best SSR primer with competency in discriminating the germplasm was 3CM0506 with PIC (0.69), MI (0.69) and Rp (3.12). Genetic variation was studied between Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh populations. A dendrogram based on the Neighbour-Joining Method showed clustering of germplasm on the collection site. A total of six relevant genetic populations were identified through a structure harvester software analysis. Moreover, a dendrogram based on similarity, complete linkage and Euclidean distance was also elucidated differentiating the genotypes with respect to the major phytochemical constituents of the essential oil. GC-FID and GC-MS analyses of the essential oil of the 72 germplasms revealed citronellal content from 2.58–51.45%, citronellol from 0.00–26.39% and geraniol from 0.00–41.15%. This is the first molecular diversity report with 72 accessions of C. winterianus collected from the NE region using 28 SSR primers as well as their diversity based on phytochemical markers. This diversity computation will help with acquisition of the knowledge and relationship among each individual accession leading to the development of improved and essential oil component-rich cultivars.
A Graph Neural Network with Spatio-Temporal Attention for Multi-Sources Time Series Data: An Application to Frost Forecast
Authors: Lira Hernan , Martí Luis , Sanchez-Pi Nayat
Published: February 2022

Frost forecast is an important issue in climate research because of its economic impact on several industries. In this study, we propose GRAST-Frost, a graph neural network (GNN) with spatio-temporal architecture, which is used to predict minimum temperatures and the incidence of frost. We developed an IoT platform capable of acquiring weather data from an experimental site, and in addition, data were collected from 10 weather stations in close proximity to the aforementioned site. The model considers spatial and temporal relations while processing multiple time series simultaneously. Performing predictions of 6, 12, 24, and 48 h in advance, this model outperforms classical time series forecasting methods, including linear and nonlinear machine learning methods, simple deep learning architectures, and nongraph deep learning models. In addition, we show that our model significantly improves on the current state of the art of frost forecasting methods.
A Software Defined Radio Based Anti-UAV Mobile System with Jamming and Spoofing Capabilities
Authors: Ferreira Renato , Gaspar João , Sebastião Pedro , Souto Nuno
Published: February 2022

The number of incidents between unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and aircrafts at airports and airfields has been increasing over the last years. To address the problem, in this paper we describe a portable system capable of protecting areas against unauthorized UAVs, which is based on the use of low-cost SDR (software defined radio) platforms. The proposed anti-UAV system supports target localization and integrates effective jamming techniques with the generation of global positioning system (GPS) spoofing signals aimed at the drone. Real-life tests of the implemented prototype have shown that the proposed approach is capable of stopping the reliable reception of radionavigation signals and can also divert or even take control of unauthorized UAVs, whose flight path depends on the information obtained by the GPS system.
Diagnosis of Esophageal Lesions by Multi-Classification and Segmentation Using an Improved Multi-Task Deep Learning Model
Authors: Tang Suigu , Yu Xiaoyuan , Cheang Chak-Fong , Hu Zeming , Fang Tong , Choi I-Cheong , Yu Hon-Ho
Published: February 2022

It is challenging for endoscopists to accurately detect esophageal lesions during gastrointestinal endoscopic screening due to visual similarities among different lesions in terms of shape, size, and texture among patients. Additionally, endoscopists are busy fighting esophageal lesions every day, hence the need to develop a computer-aided diagnostic tool to classify and segment the lesions at endoscopic images to reduce their burden. Therefore, we propose a multi-task classification and segmentation (MTCS) model, including the Esophageal Lesions Classification Network (ELCNet) and Esophageal Lesions Segmentation Network (ELSNet). The ELCNet was used to classify types of esophageal lesions, and the ELSNet was used to identify lesion regions. We created a dataset by collecting 805 esophageal images from 255 patients and 198 images from 64 patients to train and evaluate the MTCS model. Compared with other methods, the proposed not only achieved a high accuracy (93.43%) in classification but achieved a dice similarity coefficient (77.84%) in segmentation. In conclusion, the MTCS model can boost the performance of endoscopists in the detection of esophageal lesions as it can accurately multi-classify and segment the lesions and is a potential assistant for endoscopists to reduce the risk of oversight.
Modelling and Simulation of Collaborative Surveillance for Unmanned Traffic Management
Authors: Besada Juan A. , Carramiñana David , Bergesio Luca , Campaña Ivan , Bernardos Ana M.
Published: February 2022

Unmanned traffic management (UTM) systems rely on collaborative position reporting to track unmanned aerial system (UAS) operations over wide unsurveilled (with counter-UAS systems) areas. Many different technologies, such as Remote-ID, ADS-B, FLARM, or MLAT might be used for this purpose, in addition to the direct exploitation of C2 telemetry, relayed though cellular networks. This paper provides an overview of the most used collaborative sensors and surveillance systems in this context, analyzing their main technical parameters and performance effects. In addition, this paper proposes an abstracted general statistical simulation model covering message encoding, network capacity and access, sensors coverage and distribution, message transmission and decoding. Making use of this abstracted model, this paper proposes a particularized set of simulation models for ADS-B, FLARM and Remote-Id; it is thus useful to test their potential integration in UTM systems. Finally, a comparative analysis, based on simulation, of these systems, is performed. It is shown that the most relevant effects are those related with quantification and the potential saturation of the communication channels leading to collisions and delays.
An Area Partitioning and Subgraph Growing (APSG) Approach to the Conflation of Road Networks
Authors: Nguyen Hoa-Hung , Jeong Han-You
Published: February 2022

A road network represents a set of road objects in a geographic area and their interconnections, and it is an essential component of intelligent transportation systems (ITS) enabling emerging new applications such as dynamic route guidance, driving assistance systems, and autonomous driving. As the digitization of geospatial information becomes prevalent, a number of road networks with a wide variety of characteristics may coexist. In this paper, we present an area partitioning and subgraph growing (APSG) approach to the conflation of two road networks with a large difference in the level of details and representation rules. Our area partitioning (AP) scheme partitions the geographic area using the Network Voronoi Area Diagram (NVAD) of the low-detailed road network. Next, a subgraph of the high-detailed road network corresponding to a complex intersection is extracted and aggregated into a supernode so that high precision can be achieved via 1:1 road object matching. For the unmatched road objects due to missing road objects and different representation rules, we also propose a subgraph growing (SG) scheme that sequentially inserts a new road object while keeping the consistency of its connectivity to the matched road objects by the AP scheme. From the numerical results at Yeouido, Seoul, Korea, we show that our APSG scheme can achieve an outstanding matching performance in terms of the precision, recall, and F1-score.
Narrow-Band Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) Effects on Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) Sprouts with Remote Monitoring and Recording by Internet of Things Device
Authors: Theparod Thitiya , Harnsoongnoen Supakorn
Published: February 2022

Previous studies have demonstrated that light quality critically affects plant development and growth; however, the response depends upon the plant species. This research aims to examine the effects of different light wavelengths on sunflower (Helianthus annuus) sprouts that were stimulated during the night. Natural light and narrow-band light-emitting diodes (LEDs) were used for an analysis of sunflower sprouts grown under full light and specific light wavelengths. Sunflower seeds were germinated under different light spectra including red, blue, white, and natural light. Luminosity, temperature, and humidity sensors were installed in the plant nursery and remotely monitored and recorded by an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The experiment examined seed germination for seven days. The results showed that the red light had the most influence on sunflower seed germination, while the natural light had the most influence on the increase in the root and hypocotyl lengths.
Quartz Crystal Microbalance with Impedance Analysis Based on Virtual Instruments: Experimental Study
Authors: Burda Ioan
Published: February 2022

The impedance quartz crystal microbalance (QCMI) is a versatile and simple method for making accurate measurements of the QCM sensor electrical parameters. The QCM sensor provides access to the physical parameters of the sample beyond the mass per unit area by measuring the dissipation factor, or another equivalent, ensuring a detailed analysis of the surface. By establishing a cooperative relationship between custom software and modular configurable hardware we obtain a user-defined measurement system that is called a virtual instrument. This paper aims primarily to improve and adapt existing concepts to new electronics technologies to obtain a fast and accurate virtual impedance analyzer (VIA). The second is the implementation of a VIA by software to cover a wide range of measurements for the impedance of the QCM sensor, followed by the calculation of the value of lumped electrical elements in real time. A method for software compensation of the parallel and stray capacitance is also described. The development of a compact VIA with a decent measurement rate (192 frequency points per second) aims, in the next development steps, to create an accurate impedance analyzer for QCM sensors. The experimental results show the good working capacity of QCMI based on VIA.
Recent Trends in Biosensors for Environmental Quality Monitoring
Authors: Gavrilaș Simona , Ursachi Claudiu Ștefan , Perța-Crișan Simona , Munteanu Florentina-Daniela
Published: February 2022

The monitoring of environmental pollution requires fast, reliable, cost-effective and small devices. This need explains the recent trends in the development of biosensing devices for pollutant detection. The present review aims to summarize the newest trends regarding the use of biosensors to detect environmental contaminants. Enzyme, whole cell, antibody, aptamer, and DNA-based biosensors and biomimetic sensors are discussed. We summarize their applicability to the detection of various pollutants and mention their constructive characteristics. Several detection principles are used in biosensor design: amperometry, conductometry, luminescence, etc. They differ in terms of rapidity, sensitivity, profitability, and design. Each one is characterized by specific selectivity and detection limits depending on the sensitive element. Mimetic biosensors are slowly gaining attention from researchers and users due to their advantages compared with classical ones. Further studies are necessary for the development of robust biosensing devices that can successfully be used for the detection of pollutants from complex matrices without prior sample preparation.
Biosensors to Monitor Cell Activity in 3D Hydrogel-Based Tissue Models
Authors: Fedi Arianna , Vitale Chiara , Giannoni Paolo , Caluori Guido , Marrella Alessandra
Published: February 2022

Three-dimensional (3D) culture models have gained relevant interest in tissue engineering and drug discovery owing to their suitability to reproduce in vitro some key aspects of human tissues and to provide predictive information for in vivo tests. In this context, the use of hydrogels as artificial extracellular matrices is of paramount relevance, since they allow closer recapitulation of (patho)physiological features of human tissues. However, most of the analyses aimed at characterizing these models are based on time-consuming and endpoint assays, which can provide only static and limited data on cellular behavior. On the other hand, biosensing systems could be adopted to measure on-line cellular activity, as currently performed in bi-dimensional, i.e., monolayer, cell culture systems; however, their translation and integration within 3D hydrogel-based systems is not straight forward, due to the geometry and materials properties of these advanced cell culturing approaches. Therefore, researchers have adopted different strategies, through the development of biochemical, electrochemical and optical sensors, but challenges still remain in employing these devices. In this review, after examining recent advances in adapting existing biosensors from traditional cell monolayers to polymeric 3D cells cultures, we will focus on novel designs and outcomes of a range of biosensors specifically developed to provide real-time analysis of hydrogel-based cultures.
Family Structure and Maternal Depressive Symptoms: A Cross-National Comparison of Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States
Authors: Rasmussen Kirsten , Sigler Elizabeth K. , Slighting Sadie A. , Jarvis Jonathan A. , Dufur Mikaela J. , Pribesh Shana
Published: February 2022

The purpose of this study is to understand the relationship between family structure and maternal depressive symptoms (MDS) in Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Family structures that involve transitions across life’s course, such as divorce, can alter access to resources and introduce new stressors into family systems. Using the stress process model, we examine the links between family structure, stress, resources, and MDS. Using nationally representative data from Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States and cross-sectional models for each country, we find that family structure may influence MDS differently in the UK than it does in Australia or, especially, the US. Specifically, mothers in the UK who either enter or leave a marriage after the birth of their child experience increased levels of MDS compared with mothers who do not experience a similar transition. These findings demonstrate that the effects of family structure transitions across life’s course may vary according to the country context as well as to the mother’s access to resources and exposure to stress. Considering that the effects of family structure transitions are not universal, this indicates that greater attention should be paid to the country contexts families exist in and the effects that public policies and social safety nets can have on MDS.
Improving Efficiency in Congested Traffic Networks: Pareto-Improving Reservations through Agent-Based Timetabling
Authors: Sun Luetian , Song Rui
Published: February 2022

In an urban transportation network, congestion occurs in the form of a queue behind a bottleneck. Many studies have considered a reservation-based optimization approach for queuing systems. To control the traffic density behind a bottleneck so that it does not exceed the link capacity, and to reduce the emissions and improve the sustainability of cities, we propose a new mobility service system to offer a Pareto-improving schedule for both the portion of agents making reservations and others with fixed departure time schedules. This reservation system takes the agents’ (i.e., users or vehicles here) actual arrival and departure times from a conventional system without reservations as the preferred time windows at both the origins and destinations. Such a centralized mobility service system could maintain or improve the end-to-end traveling performance for all users. The proposed reservation and end-to-end timetabling problem is formulated as a multicommodity flow optimization problem in a discretized space–time network. We use a modified dynamic programming method for the reservation strategy on the space–time network and further adopt the alternative direction method of multiplier (ADMM) based on prime and dual theory to solve the large-scale instances. A comprehensive discussion is also provided regarding the technical challenges and potential solutions when operating such a system in a real-world setting.
Vaccines, Microbiota and Immunonutrition: Food for Thought
Authors: Di Renzo Laura , Franza Laura , Monsignore Diego , Esposito Ernesto , Rio Pierluigi , Gasbarrini Antonio , Gambassi Giovanni , Cianci Rossella , De Lorenzo Antonino
Published: February 2022

Vaccines are among the most effective health measures and have contributed to eradicating some diseases. Despite being very effective, response rates are low in some individuals. Different factors have been proposed to explain why some people are not as responsive as others, but what appears to be of critical importance is the presence of a healthy functioning immune system. In this respect, a key factor in modulating the immune system, both in its adaptive and innate components, is the microbiota. While microbiota can be modulated in different ways (i.e., antibiotics, probiotics, prebiotics), an effective and somewhat obvious mechanism is via nutrition. The science of nutrients and their therapeutic application is called immunonutrition, and it is increasingly being considered in several conditions. Our review will focus on the importance of nutrition and microbiota modulation in promoting a healthy immune system while also discussing the overall impact on vaccination response.