bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of mechanical and morphological properties composite of Agel Leaf Fiber (ALF)-epoxy modified with carbon powder
Authors: Sulistyo Aris Budi , Wirawan Willy Artha , Muslimin Mukhlis
Published: February 2024

This research focuses on the successful development of Agel Leaf Fiber (ALF)-Epoxy composites added with Carbon Active Powder (CAP) and printed using the Vacuum Pressure Infusion (VAPRI) method. Considering the importance of determining the mechanical properties of composites as raw materials for making fishing boats, this research aims to determine the use of Agel Leaf Fiber (ALF) in polymer matrix composites. The composite morphology was analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and ImageJ software. The mechanical properties evaluated included Tensile Strength, Flexural Strength, and Hardness. The composite was prepared by incorporating CAP in varying volumes of 0 %, 10 %, and 30 % with a fixed ALF percentage of 40 %. The results showed that the addition of CAP significantly increased the tensile strength to 128.51 MPa, with 0.068 % elongation, 1787.39 MPa modulus of elasticity, and a hardness value of 75.2 HD. Furthermore, the addition of 10 % carbon exhibited a remarkable improvement in flexural strength, reaching 238.51 MPa. This improvement could be attributed to reduced porosity, resulting in enhanced bonding between ALF-CAP-Epoxy components. The flexural strength of the composite with the highest CAP content experienced a significant increase of 238.51 MPa. Thus, Agel leaf fiber has the potential to be used as a reinforcing material in the manufacture of composites and is applied in the manufacture of environmentally friendly fishing boat bodies
Integration of FMEA and Bayesian network methods for risk assessment of components delay in ferry ship construction
Authors: Ariany Zulfaidah , Pitana Trika , Vanany Iwan
Published: February 2024

Construction of new ships in Indonesia. In this case study, the construction of a 600 DWT Ro-Ro ferry. The 600 DWT Shipbuilding Project involves various risks that may affect the schedule and results. A risk assessment involving the quality control team, project lead, and production management is carried out to identify and quantify the level of risk and its consequences.

The results of this assessment assist in understanding and managing project risk, stress the importance of communication and coordination between teams, and enable better contingency planning and more effective project management. The FMEA calculation method is used to identify potential failure modes, determine the impact of each failure, and calculate a risk score based on the probability and effect of each failure. The Bayesian method updates the likelihood of failure based on new data that appears during the shipbuilding process. FMEA data is taken from the RPN (Risk Priority Number) at the Occurrence value, then weighted against the list of risks. Most risks are considered 'rare' in terms of likelihood and 'insignificant' in terms of consequence, indicating that despite potential obstacles, the impact on the project is expected to be minimal. However, several risks with 'minor' effects have been identified, highlighting the importance of effective risk planning and mitigation.

The integration of this method still needs to be improved, especially in the shipping industry. This method can be developed by making applications to control the procurement of materials at the beginning and during the construction and evaluation process at the end. The effort to make the ship construction timely according to the contract answers the shipbuilding challenges that often occur in developing countries
Design of a model for improving emergency room performance using a colored Petri net
Authors: Caicedo-Rolon Alvaro Jr , Guerrero-Gomez Gustavo , Moreno-Gamboa Faustino
Published: February 2024

Emergency rooms are one of the most complex and vital areas of healthcare institutions, which have presented overcrowding, long waiting, and length of stay times, affecting the timeliness, responsiveness, and quality of service. This research aimed to design a detailed patient flow model to improve emergency room performance using the hierarchical timed colored Petri nets. Then, the model was simulated to evaluate scenarios considering tactical decisions such as physician staff planning, operational decisions such as adjusting work schedules, and strategic decisions such as increasing observation beds. The best scenario would reduce the average waiting times for triage II patients by 17.30 % and 47.57 %, and triage III by 33.49 % and 43.49 % for medical consultation in the office or the minor surgery room, respectively. In addition, the waiting time in observation and the rate of patients left without being seen by a physician would be reduced by 92.45 % and 74.67 %, respectively. These results improve the quality and timeliness of the service and avoid putting the patient's health and life at risk. The designed model included more attributes for patients concerning the place of medical care in the emergency room, the number of visits to the physician, and the physician who will care for the patient. Moreover, the simulation model includes observation beds as a limited resource blocking new patient admission. Finally, this model is a tool to support emergency room managers in making short, medium, and long-term decisions to address problems such as overcrowding, long waiting and length of stay times, and high rates of patients left without being seen by a physician
Analysis of variation minor actinide pin configurations Np-237, AM-241, and Cm-244 in UN-PuN fueled pressurized water reactor
Authors: Syarifah Ratna Dewi , Nasrullah Muhammad , Prasetya Fajri , Mabruri Ahmad Muzaki , Arkundato Artoto , Jatisukamto Gaguk , Handayani Septy
Published: February 2024

Actinide minor is a reactor waste with high toxicity and a long half-life. Minor actinides can be reduced by reusing them as fuel mixtures in reactors. This research uses PWR reactors with the primary fuel UN-PuN or Uranium Plutonium Nitride with a burning time of 5 years. The fuel consists of enriched Uranium, reactor-grade Plutonium from LWR waste, and minor actinides including Neptunium-237, Americium-241, and Curium-244. The purpose of this study was to find a design that is effective in reducing minor actinide waste. There are six designs or cases used in the addition of minor actinides. Each case has six minor actinide pins in each assembly. The addition of minor actinides is arranged in heterogeneous cores. The analysis was carried out by observing the values of k-eff, excess reactivity, and mass of minor actinides obtained from simulations using OpenMC code 0.13.2 and the ENDF/B-VIII library. The homogeneous core obtained an excess reactivity of 9.7 % with a percentage of plutonium of 8 %. The results of the homogeneous core are used as a reference for preparing a heterogeneous core. The heterogeneous core obtained an excess reactivity of 9.9 % with a percentage of plutonium F1: 5.5 %, F2: 8 %, and F3: 10.5 %. Np-237 can be reduced by 53 kg, and Am-241 can be reduced by 61 kg with minor actinide pins in case 1. Cm-244 can be reduced by 363 kilograms with minor actinide pins in case 6. Excess reactivity in the addition of Np-237 and Am-241 decreased to 5.3 %, while the accumulation of Cm-244 increased to 12.1 %.
A rheophysical study of the non-newtonian behavior of water flow in thin channels
Authors: Veliyev Fuad , Aslanova Aida
Published: February 2024

The development of low-permeable hydrocarbon reservoirs is becoming an increasingly urgent task, and therefore, the study of the laws of fluid movement in subcapillary pores and microcracks is a crucial scientific and technical problem. The previous experimental studies revealed that a viscous liquid during flow in low-permeable reservoirs exhibits an anomalous non-Newtonian character, accompanied by a violation of the linearity of the filtration process, and, consequently, Darcy's law. It was also established that starting from a certain critical size of the opening of the crack, the flow of a Newtonian fluid (water, viscous oil) becomes non-Newtonian, with the manifestation of an initial pressure gradient and flow locking. In this research work, rheophysical aspects of the non-Newtonian behavior of water during flow in thin rectangular channels are considered experimentally. Using the microchannel model, it is established that the nonlinear rheological effect in the flow of water in micro-slits is mainly caused by the value of the electrokinetic potential of the system, by reducing of which it is possible to significantly weaken the non-Newtonian nature of the fluid. To regulate the electrokinetic potential of the fluid system, an antistatic additive was used, the optimal concentration of which was established experimentally. The optimal concentration is defined to be 0.006 %. Based on the Bingham model, the rheological parameters of water flow were estimated at different micro-slit clearances changed in the range of 10÷25 micrometers, in the absence and presence of an antistatic additive. It is also established that a reduction in the electrical potential of the fluid flow leads to a significant decrease in the yield shear stress during the flow of water in the microchannel
Comparision of both methods psi and curli: applied in solving multi-objective optimization problem of turning process
Authors: Trung Do Duc , Phuong Giang Nguyen Thi , Son Nguyen Hoai
Published: February 2024

Solving a multi-objective optimization problem involves finding the best solution to simultaneously satisfy multiple predefined objectives. Currently, various mathematical methods are available for solving optimization problems in general, and multi-objective optimization in particular. The comparison of mathematical methods when addressing the same problem has been explored in numerous studies. In this study, let’s conduct a comparison of two multi-objective optimization methods: the PSI method and the CURLI method. These two methods were applied collectively to tackle a multi-objective optimization problem related to a turning process. Experimental data were borrowed from a previous study, and a total of sixteen experiments were conducted. Roughness average (Ra), Roundness Error (RE), Tool Wear (VB), and Material Removal Rate (MRR) were the four output parameters measured in each experiment. The objective of solving the multi-objective optimization problem was to identify an experiment among the sixteen existing experiments that simultaneously minimized the three parameters of Ra, RE, and VB while maximizing MRR. The optimal results determined using the PSI and CURLI methods were also compared with the optimal results obtained through other methods (COCOSO, MABAC, MAIRCA, EAMR and TOPSIS) in published documents. The comparison results indicate that the optimal experiment found using the CURLI method consistently matches that of other methods. In contrast, the optimal results obtained through the PSI method differ significantly from those obtained through other methods. The Spearman correlation ranking coefficient between CURLI and the five methods COCOSO, MABAC, MAIRCA, EAMR, and TOPSIS is very high, ranging from 0.9 to 1. In contrast, this coefficient is very small when comparing PSI with the aforementioned five methods, falling within the range of –0.6088 to –0.3706 in this case. Ultimately, this study concludes that the CURLI method is suiTable for solving the multi-objective optimization problem in the turning process, whereas the PSI method is deemed unsuitable
Applications of safety transient voltage suppressors in the track circuits of railway signaling systems
Authors: Kornkanok Ukrit , Deeon Sansak , Wongcharoen Saktanong
Published: February 2024

This research presented the utilization of Safety Transient Voltage Suppressors (STVS) in the track circuits of railway signaling systems, occurring during circuit switching due to changes in track occupancy conditions, resulting in damage and malfunction of the BR966F2 relay. The study employed Failure Modes and Effect Analysis (FMEA) combined with 1kV actual transient overvoltage testing featuring a waveform slope of 184/380 μs. Results revealed two transient voltage suppression levels encompassing Set A_(a,b), Set B_(a) and Set C_(a,b) as well as Set A//Set B//Set C and All Mode. These configurations achieved a clamping voltage of 41.6 V, categorized as Stage 1. Configurations like Set A_(c), Set B_(b,c) and Set C_(c) displayed increased series circuit behavior leading to a clamping voltage of 48.6 V, categorized as Stage 2. The application of STVS device in the track circuit of the signaling system reduced the transient voltage by diversion of the Transient Current or ISTVS through the STVS device into the ground system or the clamping voltage at the STVS device. This prevented the transient power from flowing into and damaging the relays of the track circuit, leaving only the clamping voltage with a missing peak wave. This contributed to the stability of the track circuit within the railway signaling system while also raising the Safety Integrity Level (SIL) to a higher standard, in accordance with the specifications of IEC 16508-4 and the unique requirements of the State Railway of Thailand. These enhancements increased the advanced safety system within the track circuit, particularly for train control and train operation functions of the State Railway of Thailand
Application of the multi-criteria analysis method mairca, spotis, comet for the optimisation of sustainable electricity technology development
Authors: Tran Ngoc-Tien
Published: February 2024

The development of sustainable electricity technology is of utmost importance in addressing the increasing energy demand while mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. Fossil fuel-based electricity generation is the primary contributor to air pollution and climate change, necessitating a shift towards renewable energy sources. The efficient production, distribution, and utilization of energy resources, along with ensuring affordable energy access and environmental sustainability, are key policy objectives for any country's energy sector. However, assessing sustainable electricity technologies is a complex task due to the diverse range of evaluation criteria and impacts associated with the practical implementation of these solutions. To overcome this challenge, this study proposes a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approach to select the optimal solution for the development of sustainable electricity technology. The study employs several reliable methods, including MAIRCA, SPOTIS, COMET, and the CRITIC weighting method, to perform ranking evaluations. Based on this, an evaluation Table of criteria using linguistic variables is constructed. Furthermore, a ranking of methods for developing sustainable electricity technology is established by combining MCDM optimization methods. The results indicate that future energy policies should prioritize sustainable energy technologies, particularly water and solar thermal solutions. These findings have significant implications for development policymakers as the transition towards a sustainable energy system becomes increasingly crucial. In the future, the findings of this research can be further developed on a regional level, enabling the identification of the most appropriate energy technologies for specific regions based on their unique characteristics and requirements
Investigation and establishment of rational geometric factors of die in the deep drawing without a blank holder
Authors: Dinh Duy Van , Nguyen Sinh Van , Pham Anh Ngoc , Nguyen Luc Van , Do Viet Duc
Published: February 2024

Deep drawing is an operation to transform flat or hollow blanks to create hollow parts of the required shape and size. Deep drawing is an essential operation in sheet-forming technology to manufacture hollow parts. These parts are commonly used in the automobile, aviation, and household appliances industries. To prevent wrinkles on the rim part, a blank holder will be used to compress and flatten the workpiece before the metal is pulled into the die by the punch. Deep drawing without using workpiece holding force is applied to form hollow parts with low depth. In this case, the mould has a simple structure, helping to reduce manufacturing time and costs and making it easier to maintain and repair. The radius of the die is an essential parameter in deep drawing; it greatly affects the quality of products (making wrinkles and tears). However, this study has shown that, in deep drawing without using a blank holder, the cone angle of the die α has a major influence on the quality of the body and rim of the products, such as the products may or may not have wrinkles, either being thinned or thickened. This cone angle also affects the drawing force. This study has determined that, with α>120°, wrinkling begins to appear in the part wall, and wrinkling tends to increase as the angle α increases. The cone angle of the die for quality products is in the range of 100°<α≤120°. The taper angle smaller than 120° simultaneously increases the quality of the products and the cost of manufacturing die, so the most optimal value is determined by simulation and experimental verification as α=120°. The results of this study can be applied to fabricate hollow cylindrical parts with similar shapes when using the deep drawing method without using the blank holder
Prediction of air pollution from power generation using machine learning
Authors: Photsathian Thongchai , Suttikul Thitiporn , Tangsrirat Worapong
Published: February 2024

Electrical energy is now widely recognized as an essential part of life for humans, as it powers many daily amenities and devices that people cannot function without. Examples of these include traffic signals, medical equipment in hospitals, electrical appliances used in homes and offices, and public transportation. The process that generates electricity can pollute the air. Even though natural gas used in power plants is derived from fossil fuels, it can nevertheless produce air pollutants involving particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and carbon monoxide (CO), which affect human health and cause environmental problems. Numerous researchers have devoted significant efforts to developing methods that not only facilitate the monitoring of current air quality but also possess the capability to predict the impacts of this increasing rise. The primary cause of air pollution issues associated with electricity generation is the combustion of fossil fuels. The objective of this study was to create three multiple linear regression models using artificial intelligence (AI) technology and data collected from sensors positioned around the energy generator. The objective was to precisely predict the amount of air pollution that electricity generation would produce. The highly accurate forecasted data proved valuable in determining operational parameters that resulted in minimal air pollution emissions. The predicted values were accurate with the mean squared error (MSE) of 0.008, the mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.071, and the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of 0.006 for the turbine energy yield (TEY). For the CO, the MSE was 2.029, the MAE was 0.791, and the MAPE was 0.934. For the NOx, the MSE was 69.479, the MAE was 6.148, and the MAPE was 0.096. The results demonstrate that the models developed have a high level of accuracy in identifying operational conditions that result in minimal air pollution emissions, with the exception of NOx. The accuracy of the NOx model is relatively lower, but it may still be used to estimate the pattern of NOx emissions
Research on the dynamics of a heavy mechanized bridge in the deployment phase of the lifting frame
Authors: Thang Tran Duc , Le Duong Van , Chu Dat Van
Published: February 2024

This article presents a dynamic model of the TMM-3M heavy mechanized bridge during the frame lifting stage, which is driven by a hydraulic system, constituting the initial phase of the bridge erection process. The model is constructed as a multi-body dynamic system, taking into account the elastic deformation of the rear outriggers, front tires, and front suspension system. The research model integrates a mechanical system controlled by hydraulic cylinders, with pressure being considered as a variable reacting to external loads during the system's operation. Lagrangian equations of the second kind are utilized to establish a system of differential equations describing the oscillations of the system and form the basis for investigating the dynamics of the frame lifting process. The system of differential equations is solved numerically using MATLAB simulation software based on the Runge-Kutta algorithm. The study has revealed laws regarding the displacement and velocity of components within the system, evaluating the stability of the TMM-3M heavy mechanized bridge during operation. This research paves the way for a comprehensive understanding of the working process of the TMM-3M heavy mechanized bridge, aiming for practical improvements to minimize deployment or retrieval time, reduce the number of deployment team members, enhance the automation of the operation process to reduce the workload for operators
Implementation of curcumin concentration coating to improve power efficiency in wireless power transfer
Authors: Abidin Zainal , Siswanto Eko , Wijayanti Widya , Winarto
Published: February 2024

The research object in this research is the copper winding in the WPT system which characteristics will be observed after being coated with a concentration of curcumin. From the experiment of coating the curcumin concentration: H2O on the surface of the copper coil, it shows that there is an influence of physical phenomena from the curcumin concentration material. The strength of the magnetic field (B) and electric current (I) increased after the process of coating the concentration of curcumin: H2O on the copper coil for 0–5 hours. A coil wound with an electric current produces a strong magnetic field (B1), while the curcumin compound (C20H21O6) contains two aromatic benzene rings which produce a strong magnetic field on 6p (B2). Measuring the magnetic field strength using a Gauss meter after the curcumin concentration coating process showed an increase in the magnetic field strength and electric current. Assuming the equation for magnetic field strength B=B1+B2. Increasing the strength of the magnetic field and electric current in the copper winding of the wireless power transfer (WPT) system will affect the power efficiency of the copper windings L1 (transceiver) and L2 (receiver). The process of coating curcumin on a layer of copper to determine the electromechanical effect of curcumin. Utilization of curcumin as an alternative to increase power efficiency in WPT and increase conductivity in copper windings
Modeling of road damage prediction due to overload using HDM-4 method
Authors: Arifin Muhammad Zainul , Prabowo Prabowo , Wicaksono Agus Dwi
Published: February 2024

The road use load should essentially conform to the plan load as stated in the design guidelines. But in reality, the load received by the road is more than standard, so it has the potential to accelerate road damage. This study aims to predict the increase in the value of the International Roughness Index (IRI) and model the increase in value (IRI) due to overload. The approach method used in the analysis is the prediction of an increase in the IRI value due to excess load. The data collection method is carried out on road sections which include IRI values, vehicle load testing, CBR values and environmental conditions. The location of data collection is carried out on BTS Provincial Road. Surabaya City – Legundi. The analysis method for the prediction of the IRI value is the HDM-4 method, while to model the prediction of the increase in the IRI value is used exponential method with various parameters related to the results. The prediction results show that overload affects the increase in the IRI value. From the initial IRI value of 2.37, if the road is traversed by vehicles with standard loads for 20 years, the IRI value increases to 10.42. While the road traveled by overloaded vehicles within 20 years from an IRI value of 2.37 will increase to 16.88. With overload, the IRI value increases very sharply with the exponential model y=2.3583e0.0982x. While the standard load by generating an exponential model y=2.3825e0.0739x. From the results of the exponential model, load overload resulted in a significant increase in the IRI value with a growth rate of 0.0982. When compared to normal expenses which only experienced a growth rate of 0.0739. The modeling results show that overload will increase the growth of very high IRI values with the exponential model increase graph
Study of the influence of the technical level of railway vehicles on braking characteristics
Authors: Abdullaev Ayaz , Huseynov Ilham , Elyazov Israil , Abdullaev Ramin
Published: February 2024

In the article, the traction transmission of modern STADLER KISS trains is studied. The study of the effect of the technical level of the traction transmission on the braking characteristics of the train is discussed. The application of an innovative traction reducer is proposed, which allows to increase the result indicator according to the unit consumption of the traction transmission. Taking the reduction of the mass of the proposed thrust reducer as one of the main factors shaping the effect on the braking system, the possibility of reducing the inertia coefficient of the rotating parts and the technical parameters considered in the equation of motion of the train is shown. Taking into account the method of calculating the braking distance, the braking distance in different speed ranges is calculated in a practical example, by evaluating the braking efficiency, the possibility of reducing the braking distance by 5 % and reducing the braking time in proportion is shown. As a result of the experiments carried out by the researchers, it became clear that the technical level of traction transmission, consisting of multi-stage innovative reducers, directly affects the movement of trains. Thus, increasing the value of the coefficient of inertia of the rotating parts should allow accelerating the acceleration and braking times of the trains, passing the flats quickly, reducing the braking distance and saving some fuel resources. By conducting emergency braking tests, experimental values of the train's braking distance and braking time were determined and their compliance with the reported values was confirmed. Taking into account the advantages of the proposed reducer, a comparative description of the graphs of the dependence of braking distance and braking time on speed is given
Bubble Detection with Semantic Segmentation for Multiphase Flow Particle Image Velocimetry
Authors: Pinto Walisson , Pinto Antonio , Cavalin Paulo Rodrigo , Menotti David , Paula Igor Braga , Ayala Helon
Published: February 2024

In this paper, we present an evaluation of semantic segmentation for bubble detection in multiphase flow particle image velocimetry (PIV), from which a lot of applications in oil, gas, and chemical industries, for instance, can benefit. The problem is challenging, however, given the differences in contrast that can make the bubble almost invisible at blind eye. Thus, for this research we have collected and manually annotated a dataset with 1161 images, and trained a U-Net neural network to perform the detection of the bubbles. The experiments presented pixel accuracies of about 86.78% on the largest test set, with more challenging images, but more than 99% can be achieved with more training images and less test images. We believe that, although preliminary, the results are encouraging towards the development of a fully-automated Computer Vision-based system for PIV, but more effort should be put into expanding the training set and enhancing the evaluation protocol in future work.
Evaluation of the nominal thickness of pipelines using neural networks through the dispersion curves drawn with the SAFE method
Authors: Boechat Daniel , Lavor Barbara , Sesini Paula Aida , Ayala Helon , Braga Arthur Martins
Published: February 2024

Inspection through non-destructive testing is important for the analysis of oil well structures in different phases of the project, whether during execution, during the production period, or at closure. In this context, the propagation of ultrasonic waves is an important ally to assessing the integrity of structural components, through the tracing of dispersion curves, which show the pair frequency x wavelength for a specific waveguide. This study presents a neural network framework for estimating the percentage of nominal pipeline thickness. The neural network inputs are dispersion curves obtained by simulation, using the semi-analytical finite element method (SAFE), that presents a computational cost reduced compared with the totally numerical simulation. In this way, 100 samples were generated. The case studied consists of a hollow cylinder with different thickness sizes. From the results, it is concluded that the adopted methodology is efficient to predict the percentage of nominal pipeline thickness.
Calibração de Energia para a Seleção Online de Elétrons com Alta Taxa e Utilizando um Conjunto de árvores de Decisão com Reforço por Gradiente e Informação Especialista de Calorimetria
Authors: Alves Arthur , Silva Paulo , Simas Filho Eduardo , Farias Paulo César , Marin Juan , Seixas José Manoel , Souza Edmar , Laforge Bertrand
Published: February 2024

Em física experimental de altas energias, e preciso lidar com um grande volume de informações, sendo grande parte delas proveniente do ruído de fundo que dificulta a caracterização dos fenômenos de interesse particular de um dado experimento. Deste modo, e necessário um complexo processo de seleção online de eventos (trigger). No ATLAS, maior experimento do LHC (Large Hadron Collider), o sistema de trigger opera em duas etapas de seleção sequenciais, denominadas primeiro e alto nível. No caso de elétrons, importantes como mensageiros da nova física que se deseja observar, o sistema de trigger se apoia fortemente no sistema de calorimetria, que mede a energia da partícula incidente. Neste trabalho, e proposto um método de calibração de energia baseado em um conjunto de arvores de decisão com reforço por gradiente (Gradient Boosted Decision Trees Ensemble – GBDTE) para melhorar a acuidade da estimativa da energia na etapa rápida do trigger de alto nível do experimento ATLAS. Com esse método proposto, e possível reduzir os requisitos computacionais e aumentar a eficiencia na seleção de partículas eletromagnéticas, como elétrons.
The last of them? A new relic karaurid stem salamander from the Lower Cretaceous of Western Siberia, Russia
Authors: Skutschas Pavel , Kolchanov Veniamin , Anpilogova Ekaterina , Parakhin Igor , Averianov Alexander , Jones Marc
Published: February 2024

A new karaurid stem salamander, Kuzbassia sola gen. et sp. nov., from the Lower Cretaceous (Aptian) Ilek Formation of Shestakovo 1 locality in Western Siberia, Russia, is described on the basis of isolated vertebrae, including incomplete atlantal and trunk vertebral centra. The new taxon is diagnosed by the following unique combination of vertebral characters: the presence of a shallow dorsolateral depression and low ridges (longitudinal, vertical and oblique ridges) flanking this depression on the lateral surface of the atlantal centrum; the absence of deep lateral grooves or depressions on the lateral surfaces and ventral depression on the ventral surface of the atlantal centrum; the absence of ventro-lateral ridges, transverse processes and alar processes associated with the transverse processes on the atlantal centrum; anterior cotyles with elliptical anterior outline, located at an angle of approximately 150–160 degrees to each other; and the presence of a pair of rugose surfaces with low tubercles (= ?anterior basapophyses) on the ventral surface of the anterior portion of the trunk vertebral centrum. Kuzbassia sola gen. et sp. nov. is the last karaurid salamander in the fossil record to date.
Anomalies of the vertebral and pleural scutes in the Middle Jurassiс turtle Annemys variabilis (Xinjiangchelyidae) from the Berezovsk coal mine (Krasnoyarsk Territory, Russia)
Authors: Cherepanov Gennady , Obraztsova Ekaterina , Shvets Sofiia , Danilov Igor
Published: February 2024

The anomalies of the vertebral and pleural scutes in the Middle Jurassiс turtle Annemys variabilis (Xinjiangchelyidae) from the Berezovsk coal mine (Krasnoyarsk Territory, Russia) have been studied based of more than 1000 isolated neural plates. Symmetric and asymmetric abnormal scute patterns have been found. Comparison of the anomalies as well as their frequencies in Annemys variabilis and extant turtles demonstrates similar abnormal scute patterns. It is assumed that the high level of the scute variation of Annemys variabilis is caused by the instability of the developmental mechanisms, which are common for all turtles.
First sauropod dinosaur remains from the Early Cretaceous Shestakovo 3 locality, Western Siberia, Russia
Authors: Averianov Alexander , Podlesnov Andrey , Slobodin Dmitry , Skutschas Pavel , Feofanova Olga , Vladimirova Olga
Published: February 2024

KOKM A, the associated caudal vertebrae of a sauropod from the Lower Cretaceous (Aptian) Ilek Formation at Shestakovo 3 locality in Kemerovo–Kuzbass oblast, Western Siberia, Russia, shows a unique combination of derived caudal vertebrae and plesiomorphic and highly diverse haemal arches (chevrons). The anterior, middle, and posterior caudal vertebrae are deeply procoelous with a ball-like posterior condyle. There are five type of chevrons: closed Y-shaped anterior chevrons with a small haemal canal, closed asymmetric middle chevrons with a small ventral slit, open forked middle chevrons with large ventral slit, separate posterior chevrons with chevron facets, and separate posterior rodlike chevrons without chevron facets. The equal weight and extended implied weighting parsimony analyses place KOKM A within Turiasauria and Titanosauria, respectively. Both these analyses place Sibirotitan astrosacralis from the nearby Shestakovo 1 locality of the same stratigraphic unit in Mamenchisauridae. Both equal weight and extended implied weighting analyses combining S. astrosacralis and KOKM A in a single terminal taxon place it as a non-lithostrotian titanosaur, in particular, as a sister taxon for Daxiatitan binglingi from the Lower Cretaceous of China. D. binglingi is similar to S. astrosacralis and KOKM A in structure of cervical and caudal vertebrae, respectively. This suggests attribution of KOKM A to S. astrosacralis.
First find of an ornithomimid theropod dinosaur in the Upper Cretaceous of the Russian Far East
Authors: Averianov Alexander , Skutschas Pavel , Bolotsky Yuriy , Bolotsky Ivan
Published: February 2024

A fragmentary tibia of an actively growing sub-adult individual from the Upper Cretaceous (Maastrichtian) Udurchukan Formation at Kundur, Amur oblast, Far East, Russia, is similar to the tibia of Qiupalong henanensis from the Maastrichtian of Henan Province, China, in bearing a weak posteromedial ridge at the distal end and equally projecting distal malleoli. Qiupalong had a transcontinental distribution and likely originated in North America. Similarly, lambeosaurine hadrosaurids from the Udurchukan Formation have American affinities and their ancestors may had dispersed from North America to East Asia together with a Qiupalong-like ornithomimid. Q. henanensis and Ornithomimidae indet. from Kundur are the only records of the Maastrichtian Ornithomimidae in Asia outside Gobi Desert.
A tiny duck (Sibirionetta formozovi sp. nov.), a giant grey partridge (Titanoperdix felixi gen. et sp. nov.), a new rail (Porzana payevskyi sp. nov.), and other birds from the Early Pleistocene of Baikalian Siberia
Authors: Zelenkov Nikita , Palastrova Ekaterina , Martynovich Nikolay , Klementiev Alexey , Sizov Alexander , Volkova Natalia
Published: February 2024

The paper describes fossil birds from the Early Pleistocene (Gelasian) of Malye Goly locality in the Baikal area of the East Siberia (Irkutsk Region, Russia). This is the first studied bird fauna from the Early Pleistocene of the Northern Asia, shedding the first light on the early Quaternary bird associations of the Siberia. A tiny fossil duck Sibirionetta formozovi sp. nov. is the first fossil representative of the modern genus Sibirionetta, the modern endemic of Eastern Siberia. This find documents the long-time (at least since the Early Pleistocene) presence of these ducks in the region. A new large pheasant-sized phasianid bird Titanoperdix felixi gen. et sp. nov. is a large-sized representative of the grey partridge evolutionary lineage (Perdicini). This find is in agreement with the fact that modern relatively small grey partridges (genus Perdix) are phylogenetically nested within the larger-bodied pheasants. Among other birds from the locality are Tadorna tadorna, three other ducks (including one diving form), Perdix cf. dauurica, Porzana payevskyi sp. nov., Podicipedidae gen. indet., Scolopacidae gen. indet., and Corvidae gen. indet. The assemblage indicates a rather productive water body with mostly open landscapes in the vicinity. The avifauna from Malye Goly does not show any considerable affinity with the Late Pliocene avian assemblages from Southern Transbaikalia and Northern Mongolia, as well as with the Early Pleistocene bird fauna of Eastern China, and thus most likely represents a separate paleornithogeographical unit. Porzana payevskyi sp. nov. is one of the oldest confirmed representatives of Porzana s.s. in the fossil record, supporting the Asian origin of the genus and a probable out-of-Asia dispersal to North America in the Early Pleistocene.
Squirrels (Rodentia, Sciuridae) of the Early Miocene Tagay fauna in Eastern Siberia
Authors: Sinitsa Maxim , Tesakov Alexey
Published: February 2024

The Tagay vertebrate fauna (Olkhon Island, Lake Baikal, Russia) dated to the late Early Miocene yielded a diverse association of sciurine rodents, including flying squirrel Hylopetes sp., tree squirrels Sciurus cf. lii, Sciurus sp., and Blackia cf. miocaenica, and a numerically dominant small marmotine Miospermophilus debruijni. The presence of flying and tree squirrels indicates the presence of wooded biotopes. The record of Blackia is remarkably distant (more than 4000 km) from the nearest synchronous records in western Asia (Anatolia) and Eastern Europe thus implying a continuous distribution range of this genus stretching through the middle latitudes of the Holarctic and likely marking the continental belt of temperate forests in late Early Miocene. Marmotines of North American origin document direct faunal communication between temperate faunas of the Old and New Worlds at that time.
Histological stability of the Malolyakhovsky mammoth tissues to permafrost conditions
Authors: Garmaeva Darima , Efremova Sardaana , Grigoreva Lena , Cheprasov Maksim , Khayrullin Radik , Dugunov Igor , Kirillina Maria , Hwang Woo Suk
Published: February 2024

This work presents a histological analysis of adipose, muscle, cartilaginous tissue, walls of blood vessels and tendons of the Malolyakhovsky mammoth, found on the island of Maly Lyakhovsky of the New Siberian archipelago in 2012, for signs of preservation and stability of tissue structures to permafrost conditions. We have also performed a comparative analysis of the obtained histological data with the data from other woolly mammoths from the available literature. It was revealed that the tissues which were most preserved and resistant to permafrost conditions were the ones with a compact structure of connective tissue. The results of the work and the data obtained are of great importance for further research in the field of paleontology. In the future, they can be used in a comparative analysis with other representatives of woolly mammoths and mammals of the mammoth fauna.
Type material of Trochodendroides richardsonii (Heer) Krysht. (Cercidiphyllaceae) from the Atanikerdluk (Paleocene, Greenland)
Authors: Zolina Anastasia , Golovneva Lina
Published: February 2024

Type material of Trochodendroides richardsonii (Heer) Krysht. from the Paleocene Atanikerdluk locality, Greenland, was restudied based on the original collection stored in the National Museum of Ireland, Dublin. This work allowed us to reveal the main diagnostic features of this species facilitating an emended diagnosis. Photos of the lectotype and syntypes are presented for the first time. The restudy of the collections stored in Dublin, Saint Petersburg and Stockholm shows that T. richardsonii was distributed in the early Paleocene in Greenland and Svalbard. The revision of T. richardsonii type material allows us to distinguish this species from the other species of the genus Trochodendroides Berry with similar morphology.
Nepetin Attenuates Atopic Dermatitis in HaCaT Cells and BALB/c Mice Through MyD88-MKK3/6-Akt Signaling
Authors: Gong Guowei , Ganesan Kumar , Zheng Yuzhong , Xiao Jian , Dong Tina , Tsim Karl
Published: February 2024

Nepetin is a type of O-methylated flavone (6-hydroxy luteolin) and has been
found in many herbal medicines that exhibit various pharmacological properties, including
anti-inflammatory responses. Here, we aimed to investigate the efficacy of nepetin
in attenuating inflammatory responses in cultured keratinocytes and 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene
(DNCB)-induced atopic dermatitis (AD) in BALB/c mice. Various assay
methods including cell viability, flow cytometry, fluorometry, confocal microscopy,
western blot, ELISA techniques, staining methods, score and scratch frequency assessment,
etc. were employed to explore the mechanisms. LPS-treated keratinocytes showed
a significant increase in inflammatory mediators (iNOS, COX-2, PGES2, and NO) and
cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) in a dose-dependent manner. Treatment with
nepetin prevented LPS-induced cell death and inhibited inflammatory mediators and the
production of cytokines in cultured keratinocytes. This inhibition was achieved by
nepetin, which inhibited LPS-induced ROS production and the translocation of NF-κB
in the cultures, thereby inhibiting the generation of inflammatory mediators and/or cytokines.
In a mouse model of AD, treatment with nepetin reduced skin inflammation
symptoms in a dose-dependent manner, as evidenced by the significant reduction of inflammation-
related cytokines, skin lesions, and behavior scores. Based on the present in
vitro and in vivo study, nepetin is the safest bioactive compound with potential therapeutic
applications for AD-related skin lesions and adverse skin reactions.
Treatment of MRSA Infection: Where are We?
Authors: Nazli Adila , Tao Wenlan , You Hengyao , He Xiaoli , He Yun
Published: February 2024

Staphylococcus aureus is a leading cause of septicemia, endocarditis, pneumonia, skin and soft tissue infections, bone and joint infections, and hospital-acquired infections. In particular, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is associated
with high morbidity and mortality, and continues to be a major public health problem.
The emergence of multidrug-resistant MRSA strains along with the wide consumption
of antibiotics has made anti-MRSA treatment a huge challenge. Novel treatment strategies (e.g., novel antimicrobials and new administrations) against MRSA are urgently
needed. In the past decade, pharmaceutical companies have invested more in the research and development (R&D) of new antimicrobials and strategies, spurred by favorable policies. All research articles were collected from authentic online databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, by using different combinations of keywords, including ‘anti-MRSA’, ‘antibiotic’, ‘antimicrobial’, ‘clinical trial’,
‘clinical phase’, clinical studies’, and ‘pipeline’. The information extracted from articles
was compared to information provided on the drug manufacturer’s website and ClinicalTrials.gov (https://clinicaltrials.gov/) to confirm the latest development phase of anti-MRSA agents. The present review focuses on the current development status of new
anti-MRSA strategies concerning chemistry, pharmacological target(s), indications,
route of administration, efficacy and safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics,
and aims to discuss the challenges and opportunities in developing drugs for anti-MRSA
infections.
Pharmacokinetics of Anti-rheumatic Drugs Methotrexate and
Tofacitinib with its Metabolite M9 in Rats by UPLC-MS/MS
Authors: Gu Er-min , Xue Lingjie , Zhou Chenjian , Xia Yang , Dai Ge-xin
Published: February 2024

Background:

Tofacitinib is an oral JAK inhibitor for the treatment of rheumatoid
arthritis (RA). The clinical efficacy and safety of an administered tofacitinib, either
monotherapy or in combination with conventional synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic
drugs, mainly methotrexate (MTX), have been evaluated. The high plasma concentration
with delayed medicine clearance may affect the liver and/or kidney functions. In
this study, an ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-
MS/MS) method for the quantitative analysis of methotrexate, tofacitinib, and
metabolite M9 in plasma of Sprague Dawley (SD) rats was developed, and its effectiveness
was validated as well.

Methods:

Methotrexate, tofacitinib, M9 and fedratinib (internal standard, IS) were separated
by gradient elution. The chromatography was performed on an Acquity BEH
C18 (2.1 mm × 50 mm, 1.7 μm) column with the mobile phases of acetonitrile and 0.1%
formic acid aqueous solution with different proportions at the flow rate of 0.30 mL/min.
In the positive ionization mode, the analyzes were detected using a Xevo TQ-S triple
quadrupole tandem mass spectrometer, with the following mass transition pairs: m/z
313.12 → 148.97 for tofacitinib, m/z 329.10 → 165.00 for M9 and m/z 455.12 →
308.05 for methotrexate.

Results:

The obtained results manifested good calibration linearity over the ranges of tofacitinib
at 0.1-100 ng/mL, M9 at 0.05-100 ng/mL, and methotrexate at 0.05-100
ng/mL. The lower limit of quantifications (LLOQs) of methotrexate, tofacitinib and M9
were 0.05 ng/mL, 0.1 ng/mL and 0.05 ng/mL, respectively. Intra-day and inter-day accuracy
values were confirmed with a range of -6.3% to 12.7%, while intra-day and inter--
day precision values were ≤14.4%. Additionally, recoveries were greater than 86.5% for
each compound without significant matrix effects.

Conclusion:

The currently established analytical method exhibited great potential for
the evaluation of plasma concentrations of methotrexate, tofacitinib and M9 simultaneously,
greatly reducing the detection time, which would serve as a supplementary role in
formulating dose decisions to achieve personalized treatment, identify drugs that cause
adverse reactions and finally, to assess drug-drug interactions on clinical studies.
MNK: A Novel Promising Target for Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Shu Pei , Lei Yanna , Gao Ge , Li Xiaoyu , Qin Diyuan , Zhang Benxia , Chen Yue , Ma Qizhi , Wang Yongsheng
Published: February 2024

Cancer immunotherapy has demonstrated remarkable success in the treatment
of multiple advanced malignancies, especially approaches to target the immune checkpoint.
Nonetheless, the limited response rate remains a barrier to broader application.
Identifying other ways to extend the beneficiaries to a large extent is needed. Emerging
evidence has shown that mitogen-activated protein kinase-interacting kinases (MNKs)
could be regarded as a novel, attractive target for cancer immunotherapy that is closely
correlated with cancer biology and therapies. A comprehensive understanding of the
role and mechanism of MNKs in cancer will shed light on the discovery of novel therapeutic
strategies for cancer treatment. In this review, we outlined the structure of MNKs,
their function and expression, and how MNKs affect tumor progression and elucidated
the evidence supporting MNKs as a new promising treatment modality in human cancers.