bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polyamidoamine Dendron-Bearing Lipids as Drug-Delivery Excipients
Authors: Sarigul Ender , Zaim Merve , Senel Mehmet , Sagir Tugba , Isik Sevim
Published: November 2022

An amine-terminated polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendron and two long alkyl groups were designed as a novel drug carrier that possesses an interior for the encapsulation of drugs and a biocompatible surface. We synthesized three dendron-bearing lipids, DL-G1, DL-G2, and DL-G3, which included first, second, and third generation polyamidoamine dendrons, respectively. The synthesized dendrimer encapsulating anticancer drug, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), was prepared by extraction with chloroform from mixtures of the dendrimers and varying amounts of the drug. In vitro cytotoxicity of PAMAM conjugated di-n-dodecylamine micelles (G1, G2, G3) were analyzed on human gastric adenocarcinoma cells (AGS) by water-soluble tetrazolium-1 (WST-1) cell proliferation assay. Upon exposure to 5-FU loaded micelles, the viability of the cells decreased gradually in all generations. Cytotoxicity increased with increasing generation and reached its highest rate of 69.8 ± 3.2% upon 15 µM 5FU-loaded 25 µM PAMAM DL-3 micelle treatment. These results demonstrate that 5FU-loaded PAMAM conjugated di-n-dodecylamine treatment inhibits the proliferation of AGS cells in a generation-dependent manner.
Catalytic Enantioselective Synthesis of N-C Axially Chiral N-(2,6-Disubstituted-phenyl)sulfonamides through Chiral Pd-Catalyzed N-Allylation
Authors: Fukasawa Sota , Toyoda Tatsuya , Kasahara Ryohei , Nakamura Chisato , Kikuchi Yuuki , Hori Akiko , Richards Gary J. , Kitagawa Osamu
Published: November 2022

Recently, catalytic enantioselective syntheses of N-C axially chiral compounds have been reported by many groups. Most N-C axially chiral compounds prepared through a catalytic asymmetric reaction possess carboxamide or nitrogen-containing aromatic heterocycle skeletons. On the other hand, although N-C axially chiral sulfonamide derivatives are known, their catalytic enantioselective synthesis is relatively underexplored. We found that the reaction (Tsuji–Trost allylation) of allyl acetate with secondary sulfonamides bearing a 2-arylethynyl-6-methylphenyl group on the nitrogen atom proceeds with good enantioselectivity (up to 92% ee) in the presence of (S,S)-Trost ligand-(allyl-PdCl)2 catalyst, affording rotationally stable N-C axially chiral N-allylated sulfonamides. Furthermore, the absolute stereochemistry of the major enantiomer was determined by X-ray single crystal structural analysis and the origin of the enantioselectivity was considered.
Lemna as a Sustainable, Highly Nutritious Crop: Nutrient Production in Different Light Environments
Authors: Polutchko Stephanie K. , Stewart Jared J. , McNamara Maureen , Doherty Garcia Naiara , López-Pozo Marina , Adams William W. , Demmig-Adams Barbara
Published: November 2022

Development of a nutritious, sustainable food source is essential to address worldwide deficiencies in human micronutrients. Aquatic floating plants (e.g., species in the family Lemnaceae, duckweeds) are uniquely suited for area-efficient productivity with exceptionally high rates of growth and nutritional quality. Here, we provide an overview of the role of dietary micronutrients (with a focus on carotenoids) in human health and the promise of Lemnaceae as sustainable crops. We examine the effect of growth light environment on plant biomass production and levels of the carotenoids zeaxanthin, lutein, and pro-vitamin A (β-carotene), as well as the antioxidant vitamin E (α-tocopherol), and protein. Data on each of these nutrients are reported on a plant dry biomass basis (as relevant for nutrition) as well as relative to the required input of light energy (as relevant to resource-use efficiency).
On the Understanding of the Unity of Organic and Inorganic Nature in Terms of Hegelian Dialectics
Authors: Cinemre Cihan
Published: November 2022

The understanding of nature and its motion through Hegelian dialectics brings the notion of the organism that is intertwined with its inorganic nature. This notion is crucial first and foremost to comprehend life in its wholeness, as becoming that is in constant movement. To attain this comprehension, it is necessary to treat beings as entities invariably determining each other in their reciprocal relatedness. In this way, it becomes possible to set both the organism and its environment free of their fixity and quiescence. Within the work, to derive this mode of reasoning, the sciences and the dialectics are asserted in their unity. The relationship between the organism and its inorganic nature is one of tension. The organism in its finitude is in opposition to its inorganic nature; it is compelled to act to sublate the latter’s independence, indifference, and exteriority for its self-preservation. This is called the melting of the non-organic into fluidity that renders the organism infinite. The relationship, as tension, elicits the notion of freedom; it signifies that freedom is not merely a matter of free will, it rather pertains to the organism’s penetration into its exteriority, in which it can determine ever-changing goals for itself.
ELI Gammatron Beamline: A Dawn of Ultrafast Hard X-ray Science
Authors: Chaulagain U. , Lamač M. , Raclavský M. , Khakurel K. P. , Rao Kavya H. , Ta-Phuoc K. , Bulanov S. V. , Nejdl J.
Published: November 2022

The realization of compact X-ray sources is one of the most intriguing applications of laser-plasma based electron acceleration. These sources based on the oscillation of short micron-sized bunches of relativistic electrons provide femtosecond X-ray pulses that are collimated, bright, and partially coherent. The state-of-the-art laser plasma X-ray sources can provide photon flux of over 1011 photons/shot. The photon flux can further be enhanced with the availability of high repetition rate, high-power lasers, providing capacities complementary to the large scale facilities such as synchrotrons and X-ray free-electron lasers. Even though the optimization of such sources has been underway for the last two decades, their applications in material and biological sciences are still emerging, which entail the necessity of a user-oriented X-ray beamlines. Based on this concept, a high-power-laser-based user-oriented X-ray source is being developed at ELI Beamlines. This article reports on the ELI Gammatron beamline and presents an overview of the research accessible with the ultrashort hard X-ray pulses at the ELI Gammatron beamline.
Optical Pattern Formation in a Rydberg-Dressed Atomic Gas with Non-Hermitian Potentials
Authors: Shi Zeyun , Qin Lu , Zhao Xingdong , Huang Haibo
Published: November 2022

Spontaneous pattern formation from a spatially homogeneous background of nonlinear systems driven out of equilibrium is a widespread phenomenon in nature. However, similar phenomena and their physical realization in nonlinear systems with external potentials of gain and loss remain a challenge. We propose a scheme to realize a new type of spatial pattern formation through the self-organization of laser light in a Rydberg-dressed atomic gas with self-defocusing Kerr nonlinearity as well as non-Hermitian optical potentials. We show that by a suitable design of control and assistant laser fields, non-Hermitian optical potentials with or without parity-time (PT) symmetry for the probe laser field can be created. We find that through the nonlocal Kerr nonlinearity contributed by the long-range atom–atom interaction, a constant-intensity wave (CIW) may undergo modulation instability and induce spontaneous symmetry breaking, resulting in the emergence of various self-organized optical structures, which can be actively manipulated by tuning the nonlocality degree of the Kerr nonlinearity and by designing the non-Hermitian optical potentials. The results reported here open a door for developing non-Hermitian nonlinear optics.
Optimization for Simultaneous Removal of Product/Process-Related Impurities of Peptide Fc-Fusion Protein Using Cation Exchange Chromatography
Authors: Jeon Hyung Jin , Choi Bo Kyoung , Hwang Seo In , Kim Soo Hyun , Kim Gil Jung , Park Jae Chan , Yang Zung Yoon , Hwang Kwang Yeon
Published: November 2022

Fc fusion proteins are used as therapeutic agents with unique structures by combining the Fc domain of an antibody with other active proteins, cytokines, and enzymes. Peptide Fc-fusion proteins are complex fusion molecules that possess a structure different from that of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and are difficult to express, thereby affecting their quality. Many product/process-related impurities generated during the production of peptide Fc-fusion proteins pose a risk to the robustness of pre-existing three-column platforms for the purification of mAbs. Thus, we first evaluated the effect of pH, conductivity, and dynamic binding capacity (DBC; g of product per liter of resin) on the separation of host cell protein (HCP) and high molecular weight (HMW) and low molecular weight (LMW) proteins in strong cation exchange chromatography and then established an operating range using the design of experiments (DoE). Based on our studies, the optimal removal rates of HCP and HMW were achieved under the following conditions: 8 CV of wash buffer, 20–23 g/L of resin DBC, and an elution buffer conductivity of 63–66 mS/cm. The conductivity of the wash buffer used to remove the LMW was 50 mS/cm. In addition, reproducibility was confirmed by scaling up two batches using the Fractogel® EMD SO3− (M) resin. As a result of confirming with a validated test method in all batches, >55% yield, >98.2% purity, and >27% HCP reduction rate were satisfied. The cation exchanger exhibited an acceptable step yield and effectively reduced product/process-related impurities within the established range.
Fatal Case of Autochthonous Strongyloides stercoralis Hyperinfection in an Immunosuppressed Calabrian Patient
Authors: Colosimo Manuela , Caroleo Maria Cristina , Caruso Antonella , Luciani Filippo , Cione Erika , Talarico Giusy , Vescio Virginia , De Sarro Giovambattista , Minchella Pasquale , Nisticò Salvatore
Published: November 2022

Strongyloides stercoralis is an intestinal nematode that can induce disseminated infection in immunocompromised patients. It is most commonly acquired in tropical and subtropical countries; however, foci of the infection have also been reported in temperate geographic areas. In non-endemic areas, the diagnosis of an S. stercoralis infection is challenging due to the variety of clinical symptoms. Herein, we report the case of a patient, born and raised in the Calabria region of Southern Italy, who presented with melanoma and S. stercoralis hyperinfection, which is characterized by dyspnea, productive cough, inappetence, marked asthenia, weight loss, and Klebsiella pneumoniae bacteremia. He worked as a farmer and never traveled to another country known to be endemic for S. stercoralis. Despite the prompt identification of the parasite with sputum microscopy and the initiation of therapy with ivermectin and piperacillin–tazobactam, the patient later died. This case underscores the continued risk for S. stercoralis infection even in geographic areas that were previously considered non-endemic for the nematode and indicates that the geographic distribution of S. stercoralis may be expanding in Italy.
Single Infrared Image Stripe Removal via Residual Attention Network
Authors: Ding Dan , Li Ye , Zhao Peng , Li Kaitai , Jiang Sheng , Liu Yanxiu
Published: November 2022

The non-uniformity of the readout circuit response in the infrared focal plane array unit detector can result in fixed pattern noise with stripe, which seriously affects the quality of the infrared images. Considering the problems of existing non-uniformity correction, such as the loss of image detail and edge blurring, a multi-scale residual network with attention mechanism is proposed for single infrared image stripe noise removal. A multi-scale feature representation module is designed to decompose the original image into varying scales to obtain more image information. The product of the direction structure similarity parameter and the Gaussian weighted Mahalanobis distance is used as the similarity metric; a channel spatial attention mechanism based on similarity (CSAS) ensures the extraction of a more discriminative channel and spatial feature. The method is employed to eliminate the stripe noise in the vertical and horizontal directions, respectively, while preserving the edge texture information of the image. The experimental results show that the proposed method outperforms four state-of-the-art methods by a large margin in terms of the qualitative and quantitative assessments. One hundred infrared images with different simulated noise intensities are applied to verify the performance of our method, and the result shows that the average peak signal-to-noise ratio and average structural similarity of the corrected image exceed 40.08 dB and 0.98, respectively.
Non-Targeted Chemical Characterization of JUUL-Menthol-Flavored Aerosols Using Liquid and Gas Chromatography
Authors: Crosswhite Mark R. , Jeong Lena N. , Bailey Patrick C. , Jameson J. Brian , Lioubomirov Anastasia , Cook David , Yang Clarissa , Ozvald Adam , Lyndon Matthew , Gillman I. Gene
Published: November 2022

The aerosol constituents generated from JUUL Menthol pods with 3.0% and 5.0% nicotine by weight (Me3 and Me5) are characterized by a non-targeted approach, which was developed to detect aerosol constituents that are not known to be present beforehand or that may be measured with targeted methods. Three replicates from three production batches (n = 9) were aerosolized using two puffing regimens (intense and non-intense). Each of the 18 samples were analyzed by gas chromatography electron ionization mass spectrometry and by liquid chromatography electrospray ionization high-resolving power mass spectrometry. All chemical constituents determined to differ from control were identified and semi-quantified. To have a complete understanding of the aerosol constituents and chemistry, each chemical constituent was categorized into one of five groups: (1) flavorants, (2) harmful and potentially harmful constituents, (3) leachables, (4) reaction products, and (5) chemical constituents that were unable to be identified or rationalized (e.g., chemical constituents that could not be categorized in groups (1–4). Under intense puffing, 74 chemical constituents were identified in Me3 aerosols and 68 under non-intense puffing, with 53 chemical constituents common between both regimens. Eighty-three chemical constituents were identified in Me5 aerosol using an intense puffing regimen and seventy-five with a non-intense puffing regimen, with sixty-two chemical constituents in common. Excluding primary constituents, reaction products accounted for the greatest number of chemical constituents (approximately 60% in all cases, ranging from about 0.05% to 0.1% by mass), and flavorants—excluding menthol—comprised the second largest number of chemical constituents (approximately 25%, ranging consistently around 0.01% by mass). The chemical constituents detected in JUUL aerosols were then compared to known constituents from cigarette smoke to determine the relative chemical complexities and commonalities/differences between the two. This revealed (1) a substantial decrease in the chemical complexity of JUUL aerosols vs. cigarette smoke and (2) that there are between 55 (Me3) and 61 (Me5) unique chemical constituents in JUUL aerosols not reported in cigarette smoke. Understanding the chemical complexity of JUUL aerosols is important because the health effects of combustible cigarette smoke are related to the combined effect of these chemical constituents through multiple mechanisms, not just the effects of any single smoke constituent.
Development of Novel Formaldehyde-Free Melamine Resin for Retanning of Leather and Reduced Effluent Discharge in Water
Authors: Ashraf Muhammad , Ali Azhar , Shakoor Muhammad , Ahmad Sajid , Hussain Fida , Oh Sang-Eun
Published: November 2022

The objective of this study was to develop a novel melamine-based resin suitable for producing formaldehyde-free leather with improved retanning properties. The resin was prepared by optimized condensation of melamine, glyoxal and metanilic acid. The novel resin was compared with a commercial resin against different parameters. Functional group analysis of the polymer structure and the route of synthesis was verified with the help of FT-IR spectroscopy. A Leica metallurgical microscope coupled with a CCD camera was used for SEM analysis. The results revealed that the mechanical and organoleptic properties of the novel resin were better than those of the commercial melamine resin. Tensile strength, tear strength and percentage elongation of leather were increased by 17.43%, 10.41% and 8.62%, respectively, in the direction parallel to the backbone, while the increases in these parameters were 15.17%, 9.79% and 6.0%, respectively, in the direction perpendicular to the backbone at the same dose. We observed a 100% reduction in free formaldehyde content in retanned leather as well as in effluent produced by the novel melamine resin. Pollution load study of effluent showed reductions in chemical oxygen demand, total suspended solids and total dissolved solids by 9.21%, 5.60% and 6.97%, respectively, for the novel melamine resin, reflecting its improved exhaustion. The fiber structure of the leather produced by the novel melamine resin was more orderly arranged, showing its improved retanning. These results prove that the novel melamine resin is an effective retanning agent suitable for producing formaldehyde-free leather with a reduction in effluent pollution load. This work introduces an alternative to formaldehyde for amino resins to address its carcinogenic effects.
The 2+1-Dimensional Special Relativity
Authors: Lin De-Hone
Published: November 2022

In the new mathematical description of special relativity in terms of the relativistic velocity space, many physical aspects acquire new geometric meanings. Performing conformal deformations upon the 2-dimensional relativistic velocity space for the (2+1)-dimensional special relativity, we find that these conformal deformations correspond to the generalized Lorentz transformations, which are akin to the ordinary Lorentz transformation, but are morphed by a global rescaling of the polar angle and correspondingly characterized by a topological integral index. The generalized Lorentz transformations keep the two fundamental principles of special relativity intact, suggesting that the indexed generalization may be related to the Bondi–Metzner–Sachs (BMS) group of the asymptotic symmetries of the spacetime metric. Furthermore, we investigate the Doppler effect of light, the Planck photon rocket, and the Thomas precession, affirming that they all remain in the same forms of the standard special relativity under the generalized Lorentz transformation. Additionally, we obtain the general formula of the Thomas precession, which gives a clear geometric meaning from the perspective of the gauge field theory in the relativistic velocity space.
Design and Implementation of a Smart Intercom System through Web Services on Web of Things
Authors: Huang Hsin-Yu , Fanjiang Yong-Yi , Hung Chi-Huang , Lee Chia-An
Published: November 2022

In this paper, an embedded system is used as a host for the intercom and as a chatbot server for this system. The chatbot server controls door locks, cameras, buzzers, and related devices through web services on the WoT (Web of Things) to provide residents and visitors with better functionality and integrational services. This system can greatly improve the security and convenience of the system compared with the traditional intercom system. The resident uses the instant messaging software of the smartphone to replace the handset function, and there is no need to install and learn new apps, reducing the cost of the handset and the wiring indoors and outdoors. Whether or not the residents are at home, they can check whether there are visitors and check the status of their doors through their smartphones. Conversely, any visitor can also contact the resident through this intercom, while there is no way to confirm whether the resident is at home or not, which enhances the security of the house. This system provides flexibility in wireless installation and use and sufficient mobility for residents. The system architecture strikes a good balance between user convenience and home security and between performance and cost, effectively improving home security and reducing costs.
Intestinal Parasitic Infection and Nutritional Status in Children under Five Years Old: A Systematic Review
Authors: Fauziah Nisa , Aviani Jenifer Kiem , Agrianfanny Yukan Niko , Fatimah Siti Nur
Published: November 2022

Intestinal parasitic infections are common infectious diseases causing many health problems and impaired growth and physical development.. Children under five years old are the most vulnerable to infections, due to their immature immunity and feeding and exploratory behaviours. This systematic review aimed to assess the relationship between intestinal parasitic infections and undernutrition among children under 5 years old. Fifteen studies met the inclusion and exclusion criteria and were classified as high-quality studies. Twelve parasites were reported, including Ascaris lumbricoides, Cryptosporodium spp., Entamoeba histolytica, Enterobius vermicularis, Giardia lamblia, hookworm, Hymenolepis nana, Strongyloides sterocalis, Taenia spp. and Trichuris trichuria. Ascariasis is the most reported infection, with a prevalence ranging from 10.77% in Ethiopia to 57.14% in Malaysia, and is correlated with stunting (OR 2.17 (95% CI 1.14, 4.13), p = 0.02). Giardiasis is the second most reported infection, with a prevalence ranging from 4.43% in Ethiopia to 66.33% in the Central African Republic, and is related to an increased risk of stunting (OR 2.34 (95% CI 1.07, 5.10), p = 0.03)), wasting (OR 2.90 (95% CI 1.12, 7.49, p = 0.03)), and being underweight (OR 1.53 (95% CI 1.02, 2.29, p = 0.04)). The third and fourth most prevalent infections are T. trichiura and hookworm infections. Intestinal parasitic infections can occur very early in life and cause significant growth retardation. It is important to understand the prevalence and effects of infection based on the parasite species in order to implement therapeutic interventions and prevention controls.
Global Distribution, Dispersal Patterns, and Trend of Several Omicron Subvariants of SARS-CoV-2 across the Globe
Authors: Kopsidas Ioannis , Karagiannidou Sofia , Kostaki Evangelia Georgia , Kousi Dimitra , Douka Eirini , Sfikakis Petros P. , Moustakidis Serafeim , Kokkotis Christos , Tsaopoulos Dimitrios , Tseti Ioulia , Zaoutis Theoklis , Paraskevis Dimitrios
Published: November 2022

Our study aims to describe the global distribution and dispersal patterns of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariants. Genomic surveillance data were extracted from the CoV-Spectrum platform, searching for BA.1*, BA.2*, BA.3*, BA.4*, and BA.5* variants by geographic region. BA.1* increased in November 2021 in South Africa, with a similar increase across all continents in early December 2021. BA.1* did not reach 100% dominance in all continents. The spread of BA.2*, first described in South Africa, differed greatly by geographic region, in contrast to BA.1*, which followed a similar global expansion, firstly occurring in Asia and subsequently in Africa, Europe, Oceania, and North and South America. BA.4* and BA.5* followed a different pattern, where BA.4* reached high proportions (maximum 60%) only in Africa. BA.5* is currently, by Mid-August 2022, the dominant strain, reaching almost 100% across Europe, which is the first continent aside from Africa to show increasing proportions, and Asia, the Americas, and Oceania are following. The emergence of new variants depends mostly on their selective advantage, translated as enhanced transmissibility and ability to invade people with existing immunity. Describing these patterns is useful for a better understanding of the epidemiology of the VOCs’ transmission and for generating hypotheses about the future of emerging variants.
Intestinal Helminth Infections in Ghanaian Children from the Ashanti Region between 2007 and 2008—A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Real-Time PCR-Based Assessment
Authors: Akenten Charity Wiafe , Weinreich Felix , Paintsil Ellis Kobina , Amuasi John , Fosu Dennis , Loderstädt Ulrike , May Jürgen , Frickmann Hagen , Dekker Denise
Published: November 2022

In spite of ongoing eradication programs, helminth infections are still a medical issue in Ghana. For follow-up assessments on the decline of regional helminth infections, historic baseline prevalence values obtained with standardized diagnostic procedures can be helpful. In this retrospective cross-sectional study, real-time PCR targeting the nematodes Ancylostoma spp. (ITS2), Ascaris lumbricoides (ITS1), Enterobius vermicularis (ITS1), Necator americanus (ITS2), Strongyloides stercoralis (18S rRNA) and Trichuris trichiura (18S rRNA), the trematodes Schistosoma spp. (ITS2) as well as the cestodes Hymenolepis nana (ITS1), Taenia saginata (ITS1) and Taenia solium (ITS1) was applied with 2046 DNA eluates from stool samples of Ghanaian children from the Ashanti region collected between 2007 and 2008 in order to retrospectively define prevalence values. The overall prevalence was low with 3.8% (n = 77) and only 0.1% (n = 2) double infections with helminths were recorded. The three most frequently detected enteric helminth species comprised 2% S. stercoralis (n = 41), 0.8% H. nana (n = 16), and 0.7% N. americanus (n = 14), while only sporadic infection events were recorded for other helminth species comprising 0.1% E. vermicularis (n = 2), 0.1% Schistosoma spp. (n = 2), 0.1% T. saginata (n = 1) and 0.1% T. trichiura (n = 1). A. lumbricoides, Ancylostoma spp. and T. solium were not detected at all. In conclusion, the retrospective assessment suggests a low prevalence of enteric helminth infections in Ghanaian children from the Ashanti Region within the assessment period between 2007 and 2008.
The Primordial Particle Accelerator of the Cosmos
Authors: Yahalom Asher
Published: November 2022

In a previous paper we have shown that superluminal particles are allowed by the general relativistic theory of gravity provided that the metric is locally Euclidean. Here we calculate the probability density function of a canonical ensemble of superluminal particles as function of temperature. This is done for both space-times invariant under the Lorentz symmetry group, and for space times invariant under an Euclidean symmetry group. Although only the Lorentzian metric is stable for normal matter density, an Euclidian metric can be created under special gravitational circumstances and persist in a limited region of space-time consisting of the very early universe, which is characterized by extremely high densities and temperatures. Superluminal particles also allow attaining thermodynamic equilibrium at a shorter duration and suggest a rapid expansion of the matter density.
Ricci Soliton and Certain Related Metrics on a Three-Dimensional Trans-Sasakian Manifold
Authors: Chen Zhizhi , Li Yanlin , Sarkar Sumanjit , Dey Santu , Bhattacharyya Arindam
Published: November 2022

In this article, a Ricci soliton and *-conformal Ricci soliton are examined in the framework of trans-Sasakian three-manifold. In the beginning of the paper, it is shown that a three-dimensional trans-Sasakian manifold of type (α,β) admits a Ricci soliton where the covariant derivative of potential vector field V in the direction of unit vector field ξ is orthogonal to ξ. It is also demonstrated that if the structure functions meet α2=β2, then the covariant derivative of V in the direction of ξ is a constant multiple of ξ. Furthermore, the nature of scalar curvature is evolved when the manifold of type (α,β) satisfies *-conformal Ricci soliton, provided α≠0. Finally, an example is presented to verify the findings.
Thermal Casimir Effect in the Einstein Universe with a Spherical Boundary
Authors: Mota Herondy F. S. , Muniz Celio R. , Bezerra Valdir B.
Published: November 2022

In the present paper, we investigate thermal fluctuation corrections to the vacuum energy at zero temperature of a conformally coupled massless scalar field, whose modes propagate in the Einstein universe with a spherical boundary, characterized by both Dirichlet and Neumann boundary conditions. Thus, we generalize the results found in the literature in this scenario, which has considered only the vacuum energy at zero temperature. To do this, we use the generalized zeta function method plus Abel-Plana formula and calculate the renormalized Casimir free energy as well as other thermodynamics quantities, namely, internal energy and entropy. For each one of them, we also investigate the limits of high and low temperatures. At high temperatures, we found that the renormalized Casimir free energy presents classical contributions, along with a logarithmic term. Also in this limit, the internal energy presents a classical contribution and the entropy a logarithmic term, in addition to a classical contribution as well. Conversely, at low temperatures, it is demonstrated that both the renormalized Casimir free energy and internal energy are dominated by the vacuum energy at zero temperature. It is also demonstrated that the entropy obeys the third law of thermodynamics.
Equivalence Principle in Classical and Quantum Gravity
Authors: Paunković Nikola , Vojinović Marko
Published: November 2022

We give a general overview of various flavours of the equivalence principle in classical and quantum physics, with special emphasis on the so-called weak equivalence principle, and contrast its validity in mechanics versus field theory. We also discuss its generalisation to a theory of quantum gravity. Our analysis suggests that only the strong equivalence principle can be considered fundamental enough to be generalised to a quantum gravity context since all other flavours of equivalence principle hold only approximately already at the classical level.
Can Stray Cats Be Reservoirs of Antimicrobial Resistance?
Authors: Gargano Valeria , Gambino Delia , Orefice Tiziana , Cirincione Roberta , Castelli Germano , Bruno Federica , Interrante Paolo , Pizzo Mariangela , Spada Eva , Proverbio Daniela , Vicari Domenico , Salgado-Caxito Marília , Benavides Julio A. , Cassata Giovanni
Published: November 2022

The emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global problem that requires a One Health approach. Despite several studies have reported the role of companion animals as reservoirs of AMR, limited information is available regarding the role of cats in the circulation of AMR. In this study, we evaluated the phenotypic and genotypic profile of 75 Escherichia coli isolated from rectal swabs and fecal samples of 75 stray cats (living in solitary or in a colony) sampled in Palermo (Sicily, Italy), to determine whether these animals may participate in the spread of AMR. Susceptibility to 8 antibiotics was tested using Minimum Inhibitory Concentration assays, while the presence of the common antibiotic resistance genes blaTEM, blaCTX-M, tet(A), and tet(B) was investigated by PCR. From the 75 E. coli isolates analyzed, 43% were resistant to at least one of the eight antibiotics tested, with 31% of the isolates resistant to ampicillin, 23% to cefotaxime, 21% to tetracycline, 20% to cefazolin, and 17% to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid. Most isolates harbored the blaTEM gene (29%), followed by blaCTX-M (23%), tet(A) (21%), and tet(B) (20%). Our results confirm the fecal carriage of antibiotic-resistant E. coli and clinically relevant resistance genes in stray cats. This study highlights the potential role of stray cats in the spread of AMR in urban environments, emphasising the need to better understand their role in AMR circulation when planning strategies to combat it.
A Bayesian Statistical Model Is Able to Predict Target-by-Target Selection Behaviour in a Human Foraging Task
Authors: Clarke Alasdair D. F. , Hunt Amelia R. , Hughes Anna E.
Published: November 2022

Foraging refers to search involving multiple targets or multiple types of targets, and as a model task has a long history in animal behaviour and human cognition research. Foraging behaviour is usually operationalized using summary statistics, such as average distance covered during target collection (the path length) and the frequency of switching between target types. We recently introduced an alternative approach, which is to model each instance of target selection as random selection without replacement. Our model produces estimates of a set of foraging biases, such as a bias to select closer targets or targets of a particular category. Here we apply this model to predict individual target selection events. We add a new start position bias to the model, and generate foraging paths using the parameters estimated from individual participants’ pre-existing data. The model predicts which target the participant will select next with a range of accuracy from 43% to 69% across participants (chance is 11%). The model therefore explains a substantial proportion of foraging behaviour in this paradigm. The situations where the model makes errors reveal useful information to guide future research on those aspects of foraging that we have not yet explained.
Effects of Unilateral Eyestalk Ablation on Moulting, Growth, Reproduction and Energy Budget of Macrobrachium nobilii
Authors: SINDHU KUMARI S. , PANDIAN T.J.
Published: November 2022

Unilateral eyestalk ablation in juvenile Macrobrachium nobilii advanced the onset of sexual maturity by 88 days. During a 330.day experiment, ablated prawns undertook nine moults as adults, carried seven clutches and produced an average of 6,935 eggs. Nonablated prawns undertook four moults as adults, carried three clutches and produced only 2,042 eggs. Ablated female prawns allocated more energy for egg production than did nonablated females (0.98 J egg-1 and 0.72 J egg-1, respectively); this was accomplished by an improvement of food conversion efficiency in ablated females.
Bias in Estimating Growth Parameters Using Fabens' Mark-Recapture Procedure
Authors: Chien Yew-Hu , Condrey Richard E.
Published: November 2022

Simulations of a mark-recapture experiment are used to demonstrate the bias associated with use of a widely accepted equation for-estimating growth rates from data where absolute age is unknown. The bias results in an overestimation of K, the growth rate constant, and an underestimation of 1-, the theoretical maximum size. The bias appears to be associated with a failure to account for the redistribution of the error term when the basic growth equation is transformed to eliminate the necessity of estimating age.
INVESTIGATION OF PHYSICO-MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF COARSE-PORED EXPANDED CLAY CONCRETE FOR THREE-LAYER 3D ADDITIVE CONSTRUCTIO
Authors: Sheremet A. , Elistratkin M. , Sheremet E. , Lesovik V. , Shatalova S.
Published: November 2022

The article considers the solution of the urgent problem of the development of 3D additive technologies in Russia by creating a new model of the forming device and the development of composite materials. The purpose of this work is to study the physical, technological and thermal properties of coarse-pored expanded clay concrete. The required characteristics are determined by standard methods and requirements of regulatory documents, including modern physico-chemical methods of analysis and a wide range of modern and original research methods corresponding to modern scientific knowledge. Results. Compositions of coarse-porous expanded clay concrete with compressive strength up to 9.2 MPa, water absorption up to 25% by weight and shrinkage deformations in the range of 0.1...0.3 mm/m were obtained. To simulate the behavior of the studied systems, a two-factor three-level experiment was conducted for each type of mixture of coarse-pored expanded clay concrete, which allowed us to obtain regression equations characterizing the relationship of variable parameters with certain properties of the system. It was revealed that the value of the average density is most affected by the specific consumption of the binder. While the strength depends most on the I/O ratio. Moreover, in this case, the amount of water is less related to the porosity of the cement stone itself, and more to the consistency and stickiness of the resulting glue, its ability to evenly cover the filler particles. It is established that rationally selected compositions of structural and thermal insulation KPKB for the internal filling of a three-layer "printed" wall, homologation and thermal insulation will ensure the formation of the required technical and operational indicators.
STYLISTIC AND PROPORTIONAL ARCHITECTURAL ANALYSIS OF THE RECONSTRUCTED OBJECT ON THE EXAMPLE OF THE CHURCH OF THE POCHAEV ICON OF THE MOTHER OF GOD IN BELGOROD
Authors: Vasilenko N. , Korenkova G. , Zemskova A.
Published: November 2022

An important component of pre-project research in the reconstruction of temples is the solution of problems of spatial analysis of the shape of an architectural object and the logic of its construction (proportional, metrorhythmic, stylistic character). This article is devoted to the issues of spatial stylistic and proportional architectural analysis of the reconstructed chapel Pochaev Icon of the Mother of God God in Belgorod. The article considers the peculiarities of the style of the temple, based on the characteristic stylistic trends in the Russian Orthodox church building of the late twentieth – early twenty-first centuries, which predetermined the direction of the volumetric-plastic and constructive solution of the project proposal for reconstruction. An attempt is made to read the proportions and dimensions of the temple before and after reconstruction based on the method of proportional analysis with the identification of proportional dependencies using the golden section, the triangulation method, the Fibonacci series, reconstructed diagonals and perpendiculars, dynamic rectangles of J. Hambidge with an aspect ratio of 1: √2 and 1: √3. The stylistic and proportional architectural analysis of the temple serves as the basis for architectural and structural shaping in the process of reconstruction, determining the characteristic lines and points of newly erected forms, as well as justifying the choice of constructive solutions using reinforced concrete columns, arches, arches and arched lintels. The predominance of the innovative component in the architecture of the temple is taking into account
The Regulatory Effect of Braided Silk Fiber Skeletons with Differential Porosities on In Vivo Vascular Tissue Regeneration and Long-Term Patency
Authors: Ding Xili , Zhang Weirong , Xu Peng , Feng Wentao , Tang Xiaokai , Yang Xianda , Wang Lizhen , Li Linhao , Huang Yan , Ji Jing , Chen Diansheng , Liu Haifeng , Fan Yubo
Published: November 2022

The development of small-diameter vascular grafts that can meet the long-term patency required for implementation in clinical practice presents a key challenge to the research field. Although techniques such as the braiding of scaffolds can offer a tunable platform for fabricating vascular grafts, the effects of braided silk fiber skeletons on the porosity, remodeling, and patency in vivo have not been thoroughly investigated. Here, we used finite element analysis of simulated deformation and compliance to design vascular grafts comprised of braided silk fiber skeletons with three different degrees of porosity. Following the synthesis of low-, medium-, and high-porosity silk fiber skeletons, we coated them with hemocompatible sulfated silk fibroin sponges and then evaluated the mechanical and biological functions of the resultant silk tubes with different porosities. Our data showed that high-porosity grafts exhibited higher elastic moduli and compliance but lower suture retention strength, which contrasted with low-porosity grafts. Medium-porosity grafts offered a favorable balance of mechanical properties. Short-term in vivo implantation in rats indicated that porosity served as an effective means to regulate blood leakage, cell infiltration, and neointima formation. High-porosity grafts were susceptible to blood leakage, while low-porosity grafts hindered graft cellularization and tended to induce intimal hyperplasia. Medium-porosity grafts closely mimicked the biomechanical behaviors of native blood vessels and facilitated vascular smooth muscle layer regeneration and polarization of infiltrated macrophages to the M2 phenotype. Due to their superior performance and lack of occlusion, the medium-porosity vascular grafts were evaluated in long-term (24-months) in vivo implantation. The medium-porosity grafts regenerated the vascular smooth muscle cell layers and collagen extracellular matrix, which were circumferentially aligned and resembled the native artery. Furthermore, the formed neoarteries pulsed synchronously with the adjacent native artery and demonstrated contractile function. Overall, our study underscores the importance of braided silk fiber skeleton porosity on long-term vascular graft performance and will help to guide the design of next-generation vascular grafts.
Computational Model for Photovoltaic Solar Energy Forecasting Based on the K-Nearest Neighbor Method
Authors: Oberdan Pinheiro Rocha  , Alexandre Menezes da Silva  , Alex Álisson Bandeira Santos
Published: November 2022

Integrating PV technologies into power systems requires precise planning of PV performance. The ability to predict solar photovoltaic generation is a challenge for its integration into electrical systems. Improvements in forecasting models with more accurate results and fewer errors are necessary for the future development of microgrid projects and the dispatch of the economic sector. This research presents a computational machine learning model to predict the PV output power using historical PV output power data from a 960 kWP grid-connected PV system in southern Italy. The results showed agreement between the predicted and actual values, with errors ranging from 5% to 12%. We concluded that using machine learning techniques makes it feasible to predict the photovoltaic output power.
Selection of Internet of Things Based Communication Networks for Onshore Oil Field Monitoring
Authors: Amanda Bandeira Aragão Rigaud Lima  , Danielle Mascarenhas dos Santos  , João Vitor Silva Mendes  , Adeilson de Sousa Silva  , Herman Augusto Lepikson
Published: November 2022

Onshore oil fields usually operate remotely without continuous human assistance and communication facilities. Oil transfer from the wells to the separation and storage tanks usually occurs via pipelines in these fields. This whole system is prone to failures with significant and unpredictable environmental impacts. Therefore, properly monitoring this production system is vital to mitigate relevant problems such as leakages. This paper presents a comparative evaluation of the leading candidate communication networks for this application on onshore oil field monitoring for potential leaks. Among the analyzed technologies, LPWANS, DigiMesh, and CBRS stand out.
Розрахунок параметрів функціональної системи дихання для оптимізації вибору режимів штучної вентиляції легенів
Authors: Аралова Наталя Ігорівна , Радзійовський Павло , Радзійовська Марія
Published: November 2022

Різноманітні процеси, що відбуваються в організмі, є керованими, тобто їхній стан визначається в залежності від конкретного впливу на них керуючої сторони. При цьому природним є намагання вибрати оптимальний керуючий вплив, найкращий у порівнянні з іншими можливими способами керування. Зрозуміло, що живому організму для оптимізації вибору керуючого впливу необхідно здійснити імітацію на математичній моделі, яка дозволила б у режимі реального часу імітувати збурення і прогнозувати функціональний стан організму внаслідок цих збурень. Це стосується, зокрема, прогнозування реакції функціональних систем організму при вірусному захворюванні. У роботі узагальнено математичну модель функціональної системи дихання, яка враховувала б різний характер руху повітря в повітроносних шляхах (ламінарний, турбулентний, змішаний). Складовими частинами моделі є моделі транспортування респіраторних газів у повітроносних шляхах, альвеолярному просторі, крові легеневих капілярів, артеріальній крові, крові тканинних капілярів, тканинах і змішаній венозній крові та самоорганізації системи дихання та кровообігу. Запропонована обчислювальна процедура може бути застосована з урахуванням масиву індивідуальних даних для вибору режимів штучної вентиляції легенів у разі важкого перебігу COVID-19.
MAPPING ORGANIZATIONAL LEARNING PRACTICES IN ORGANIZATIONS IN NORTH MACEDONIA
Authors: Smilevski Cvetko , Smilevski Gorazd , Galovska Biljana , Gjorgjievski Ivan
Published: November 2022

This paper presents the findings of the preliminary empirical research for mapping practices of organizational learning in organizations in North Macedonia. This research has a diagnostic character – its intention is to record emerging forms of organizational learning practices resulting from the approaches in treatment of human resources. Based on that, the team of authors will more realistically define the subject dimensions of the action research carried out by BAS Institute of Management – Bitola, titled "Effectiveness of Action Interventions for Systemic Introduction of organizational learning in the practices of organizations in North Macedonia." The intention of this action research is to test in real life circumstances the feasibility and effectiveness of our integrated model of organizational learning already presented at the 13th IFKAD conference in Zagreb in 2013. The paper provides a brief overview of current research on similar topics, focusing on the findings of the preliminary empirical research – the key findings from the distribution of organizational learning practices and their effects on Peter Senge’s Five Disciplines: personal mastery and organizational wisdom; team learning and effective teamwork; mental models and organizational culture in organizational change; shared vision and strategic thinking, and system thinking and organizational intelligence.