bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cost-Sensitive Laplacian Logistic Regression for Ship Detention Prediction
Authors: Tian Xuecheng , Wang Shuaian
Published: December 2022

Port state control (PSC) is the last line of defense for substandard ships. During a PSC inspection, ship detention is the most severe result if the inspected ship is identified with critical deficiencies. Regarding the development of ship detention prediction models, this paper identifies two challenges: learning from imbalanced data and learning from unlabeled data. The first challenge, imbalanced data, arises from the fact that a minority of inspected ships were detained. The second challenge, unlabeled data, arises from the fact that in practice not all foreign visiting ships receive a formal PSC inspection, leading to a missing data problem. To address these two challenges, this paper adopts two machine learning paradigms: cost-sensitive learning and semi-supervised learning. Accordingly, we expand the traditional logistic regression (LR) model by introducing a cost parameter to consider the different misclassification costs of unbalanced classes and incorporating a graph regularization term to consider unlabeled data. Finally, we conduct extensive computational experiments to verify the superiority of the developed cost-sensitive semi-supervised learning framework in this paper. Computational results show that introducing a cost parameter into LR can improve the classification rate for substandard ships by almost 10%. In addition, the results show that considering unlabeled data in classification models can increase the classification rate for minority and majority classes by 1.33% and 5.93%, respectively.
An Analysis of the Photo-Thermoelastic Waves Due to the Interaction between Electrons and Holes in Semiconductor Materials under Laser Pulses
Authors: Alshehri Hashim M. , Lotfy Khaled
Published: December 2022

In this paper, the interaction between holes and electrons in semiconductor media is analyzed based on the existing mathematical–physical model. The elasto-thermodiffusion (ETD) theory, according to photothermal (PT) transport processes, has been used to study the model under the impact of the non-Gaussian laser pulse. A one-dimensional (1D) electronic/thermoelastic deformation is described, in detail, by the governing field equations. The governing field equations are taken in non-dimensional forms. The governing equations are established based on coupled elasticity theory, plasma diffusion equations, and moving equations. To determine the physical field quantities in this problem analytically in the Laplace domain, some boundary conditions are taken at the free surface of the semiconductor medium. The inversion of the Laplace transform is implemented using a numerical method to obtain the complete solutions in the time domain for the basic physical fields involved. The effects of the phase lag (relaxation time) of the temperature gradient, phase lag of the heat flux, and laser pulses are graphically obtained and discussed in comparison to silicon and germanium semiconductor materials. The wave behavior of the main fields in the semiconductors, according to optoelectronics and the thermoelastic processes, is obtained and graphically represented.
Research Progress on Corrosion Behaviors and Improvement Methods of Medical Degradable Mg−Based Alloys
Authors: Zhang Yuan , Liu Wei , Liu Yun , Zhang Mingshan , Tian Yaqiang , Chen Liansheng
Published: December 2022

Due to the spontaneous degradability, excellent biocompatibility, favorable bone−inducibility, and antimicrobial properties, Mg−based alloys acting as miniature intravascular stents and bone−fixation materials have shown great development−potential. Regrettably, the uneven degradation model and excessive dissolution rate restricted their clinical application. In this study, the latest research on five methods (high−purity or amorphous, micro−alloying, heat−treatment, plastic−deformation, and surface modification) in medical Mg alloy degradation behaviors was reviewed. The corrosion mechanisms of Mg alloys under different processes were summarized. In addition, the effects of microstructure characteristics and film−layer features on corrosion resistance were systematically discussed. Ultimately, existing problems and future development directions of medical Mg−based alloys were reviewed.
Study of Al Addition on Sintered CuCrFeNiTi as a Potential Alloy for Automotive Components
Authors: Rocha-Rangel Enrique , Estrada-Guel Ivanovich , Castillo-Robles José A. , Rodríguez-García José A. , Garay-Reyes Carlos G. , Villalobos-Aragón Alejandro , Gómez-Esparza Cynthia D. , Calles-Arriaga Carlos Adrián , Martínez-Sánchez Roberto
Published: December 2022

CrCuFeNiTiAlx high-entropy alloys (where x = 0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.5 and 5.0 mol percent or mol %) were processed through powder metallurgy. Aluminum concentration was varied in the alloy to determine its effect on the microstructure and phase formation within the CrCuFeNiTiAlx system. X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies revealed the presence of structures mainly composed of FCC and BCC solid-solution (SS) phases in the CrCuFeNiTi alloy. The addition of aluminum content is responsible for an increased volume fraction of the BCC phase on the sintered alloys. XRD results also indicate the formation of compounds of a chemical composition and crystalline structure different from those of FCC and BCC SS phases. The presence of these compounds was also confirmed through mapping of elements and punctual chemical analysis through energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Bulk samples exhibited microstructures with multimodal grain size. From the microhardness test results, it was determined that addition of Al is proportional to an increase in hardness.
Immaturin-Nuclease as a Model System for a Gene-Programmed Sexual Development and Rejuvenescence in Paramecium Life History
Authors: Haga Nobuyuki , Usui Toshinori , Takenaka Yasuhiro , Chiba Yuta , Abe Tomoaki
Published: December 2022

Fertilization-initiated development and adult-onset aging are standard features in the life history of eukaryotes. In Paramecium, the number of cell divisions after the birth of a new generation is an essential parameter of sexual phase transition and aging. However, the gene driving this process and its evolutionary origin have not yet been elucidated. Here we report several critical outcomes obtained by molecular genetics, immunofluorescence microscopy, transformation by microinjection, and enzymological analysis. The cloned immaturin gene induces sexual rejuvenation in both mature and senescent cells by microinjection. The immaturin gene originated from proteobacteria’s glutathione-S-transferase (GST) gene. However, immaturin has been shown to lose GST activity and instead acquire nuclease activity. In vitro substrates for immaturin-nuclease are single- and double-stranded DNA, linear and circular DNA, and single-stranded viral genome RNA such as coronavirus. Anti-immaturin antibodies have shown that the subcellular localizations of immaturin are the macronucleus, cytoplasm, cell surface area, and cilia. The phase transition of sexuality is related to a decrease in the intracellular abundance of immaturin. We propose that sexual maturation and rejuvenation is a process programmed by the immaturin gene, and the sexual function of each age is defined by both the abundance and the intracellular localization mode of the immaturin-nuclease.
Resource Intensity Trends in the South African Ferrochrome Industry from 2007 to 2020
Authors: Dlamini Reuben , von Blottnitz Harro
Published: December 2022

Processing resource requirements in mineral extractive industries tend to increase over time as ore grades decrease, which consequently increases the environmental footprint of operations and products. This phenomenon may be alleviated by cleaner production interventions. South Africa is the largest global supplier of chromium. This study investigates the impact of cleaner production process improvements on selected resource intensities of the South African ferrochrome industry. Sustainability data, available since the start of regular sustainability reporting in 2007, were used to compile resource intensity trends. This was followed by a review of industry capital projects relating to resource-use optimisation, interrogated in interviews with industry experts, to ascertain their effect on resource intensities. The emergence of a symbiotic relationship with the platinum-group metals industry was identified as a major development, with chromite ore intensity decreasing from 2.54 to 1.98 kg per kg ferrochrome. Electrical energy intensity was observed to decrease from 3.47 to 2.86 kWh per ton ferrochrome, mainly as a result of cleaner smelting technology, though cogeneration fired by furnace off-gases also contributed significantly. The introduction of cleaner production interventions in the South African ferrochrome industry was thus documented to have resulted in decreased resource use intensities.
The Impact of Municipal Waste on Seasonal and Spatial Changes in Selected Macro- and Micro-Nutrient Contents on the Background of Soil Biological Activity—A Case Study
Authors: Lemanowicz Joanna , Bartkowiak Agata , Breza-Boruta Barbara , Sowiński Paweł , Haddad Samir A. , Jaskulska Iwona
Published: December 2022

Landfilling is the least desirable of waste management methods, but despite tightening legal regulations it remains among the most common. Assessing the impact of landfills on the soil environment is even more important when there are arable lands in their vicinity. Therefore, the study examined soils on and directly adjacent to a landfill. Soil samples were collected from eight points (S1–S8) on the landfill premises, and from one more (S9) and a control (C), both of which were outside the premises. The parameters analyzed were pH in KCl and the contents of: organic carbon (OC), total nitrogen (TN), available phosphorus (AP), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), total iron (TFe), total manganese (TMn), available iron (AFe) and available manganese (AMn). The activities of alkaline (AlP) and acid (AcP) phosphatase and phosphorus microorganisms (PSM) were tested. The results of biological parameters were used to calculate the resistance index (RS). The soils were alkaline (pH in KCl 7.09–7.65 at S1–S8). Using the RS index values for AlP and AcP the resistance of the soils was: AlP > AcP. The negative values of RS for PSM in most cases indicate a heavy human impact on this parameter. The tested points were found to have been significantly affected by changes in the content of bioavailable P, K and Mg. The total content of tested trace elements in the analyzed soil material did not exceed the geochemical background value. The soil in a sector that had been closed off for two years (S2) showed the highest biological activity. The physicochemical and biological parameters used in the research show the scale of processes going on in the soil environment and the degree (or lack) of its negative exposure to the influence of municipal waste stored at the Municipal Waste Disposal Plant.
How Theoretical Evaluations Can Generate Guidelines for Designing/Engineering Metalloproteins with Desired Metal Affinity and Selectivity
Authors: Dudev Todor
Published: December 2022

Almost half of all known proteins contain metal co-factors. Crucial for the flawless performance of a metalloprotein is the selection with high fidelity of the cognate metal cation from the surrounding biological fluids. Therefore, elucidating the factors controlling the metal binding and selectivity in metalloproteins is of particular significance. The knowledge thus acquired not only contributes to better understanding of the intimate mechanism of these events but, also, significantly enriches the researcher’s toolbox that could be used in designing/engineering novel metalloprotein structures with pre-programmed properties. A powerful tool in aid of deciphering the physical principles behind the processes of metal recognition and selectivity is theoretical modeling of metal-containing biological structures. This review summarizes recent findings in the field with an emphasis on elucidating the major factors governing these processes. The results from theoretical evaluations are discussed. It is the hope that the physical principles evaluated can serve as guidelines in designing/engineering of novel metalloproteins of interest to both science and industry.
Exercise-Induced ADAR2 Protects against Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease through miR-34a
Authors: Wang Zhijing , Zhu Yaru , Xia Lu , Li Jing , Song Meiyi , Yang Changqing
Published: December 2022

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a growing health problem that is closely associated with insulin resistance and hereditary susceptibility. Exercise is a beneficial approach to NAFLD. However, the relief mechanism of exercise training is still unknown. In this study, mice on a normal diet or a high-fat diet (HFD), combined with Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, hydrochloride (L-NAME) mice, were either kept sedentary or were subjected to a 12-week exercise running scheme. We found that exercise reduced liver steatosis in mice with diet-induced NAFLD. The hepatic adenosine deaminases acting on RNA 2 (ADAR2) were downregulated in NAFLD and were upregulated in the liver after 12-week exercise. Next, overexpression of ADAR2 inhibited and suppression promoted lipogenesis in HepG2 cells treated with oleic acid (OA), respectively. We found that ADAR2 could down-regulate mature miR-34a in hepatocytes. Functional reverse experiments further proved that miR-34a mimicry eliminated the suppression of ADAR2 overexpression in lipogenesis in vitro. Moreover, miR-34a inhibition and mimicry could also affect lipogenesis in hepatocytes. In conclusion, exercise-induced ADAR2 protects against lipogenesis during NAFLD by editing miR-34a. RNA editing mediated by ADAR2 may be a promising therapeutic candidate for NAFLD.
Correction: Quake et al. Early Introduction of Multi-Allergen Mixture for Prevention of Food Allergy: Pilot Study. Nutrients 2022, 14, 737
Authors: Quake Antonia Zoe , Liu Taryn Audrey , D’Souza Rachel , Jackson Katherine G. , Woch Margaret , Tetteh Afua , Sampath Vanitha , Nadeau Kari C. , Sindher Sayantani , Chinthrajah R. Sharon , Cao Shu
Published: December 2022

In the original publication [...]
Uptake and Survival of African Swine Fever Virus in Mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) and Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Larvae
Authors: Olesen Ann Sofie , Lazov Christina Marie , Lecocq Antoine , Accensi Francesc , Jensen Annette Bruun , Lohse Louise , Rasmussen Thomas Bruun , Belsham Graham J. , Bøtner Anette
Published: December 2022

Insect production offers a sustainable source of nutrients for livestock. This comes with a risk for transmission of pathogens from the insects into the livestock sector, including viruses causing serious diseases, such as African swine fever virus (ASFV), classical swine fever virus and foot-and-mouth disease virus. ASFV is known to survive for a long time within animal meat and byproducts. Therefore, we conducted experimental exposure studies of insects to ASFV using larvae of two key insect species produced for food and feed, the mealworm; Tenebrio molitor, and the black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens. The larvae were exposed to ASFV POL/2015/Podlaskie, via oral uptake of serum or spleen material from ASFV-infected pigs. Using qPCR, the amounts of viral DNA present immediately after exposure varied from ~104.7 to 107.2 genome copies per insect. ASFV DNA was detectable in the larvae of H. illucens for up to 3 days post exposure and in T. molitor larvae for up to 9 days post exposure. To assess the presence of infectious virus within the larvae and with this, the risk of virus transmission via oral consumption, pigs were fed cakes containing larvae exposed to ASFV. Pigs that consumed 50 T. molitor or 50 H. illucens virus-exposed larvae did not become infected with ASFV. Thus, it appears, that in our experimental setting, the risk of ASFV transmission via consumption of unprocessed insect larvae, used as feed, is low.
A Case Report on Skin Sebum Extraction Using High Lateral Resolution Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Luna Jannat Amrin , Saleah Sm Abu , Kim Hyunmo , Kang Dongwan , Seong Daewoon , Kim Yoonseok , Kim Hayoung , Wijesinghe Ruchire Eranga , Kim Jeehyun , Jeon Mansik
Published: December 2022

Pores are the microscopic openings in the skin that emit oils and sweat. Pores can appear larger due to acne, sun damage, or increased sebum production, a waxy and oily substance that causes oily skin. Investigating and extracting sebum from facial pores is essential for treating skin issues as the enlargement of the pores causes higher susceptibility of the skin to microbe aggressions and inflammatory reactions. In this study, we assessed the volumetric size of pores before and after the sebum extraction using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). To properly estimate the volume of the sebum before and after extraction, multiple cross-sectional OCT images were selected. The area of a single pixel was calculated from the OCT images using the scanning range. Furthermore, an algorithm was developed to use the pixel area to calculate the full volumetric size of the skin pore. This research illustrates the use of a high-resolution microscopic analysis using SD-OCT in dermatological research and can operate as a guideline for future research investigations in evaluating non-destructively wounded tissue analysis, underlying skin biochemistry, and facial statistical approaches in skin parameters for moisturizer treatment.
Flat-Top Focal Spot and Polarization Conversion Obtained in Tightly Focused Circularly Polarized Light
Authors: Stafeev Sergey S. , Zaitsev Vladislav D. , Kotlyar Victor V.
Published: December 2022

In this paper, using the Richards–Wolf equations, the focusing of circularly polarized light with flat diffractive lenses is considered. It is shown that, as the numerical aperture (NA) of the lens increases, the size of the focal spot first decreases and then begins to grow. The minimum focal spot is observed at NA = 0.96 (FWHM = 0.55 λ). With a further increase in the numerical aperture of the lens, the growth of the longitudinal component leads to an increase in the size of the focal spot. When a flat diffractive lens is replaced by an aplanatic lens, the size of the focal spot decreases monotonically as the numerical aperture of the lens increases. In this case, the minimum focal spot will be FWHM = 0.58 λ and, with a larger numerical aperture, NA = 0.99. We also reveal that, at the focus of a circularly polarized laser beam, different radius circles are observed to be centered on the optical axis, where polarization vectors rotate oppositely (clockwise and anticlockwise). This phenomenon of radius-dependent ‘spin’ separation may be interpreted as a manifestation of the radial spin Hall effect at the focus.
Trends of Medicinal Plant Use over the Last 2000 Years in Central Europe
Authors: Dal Cero Maja , Saller Reinhard , Leonti Marco , Weckerle Caroline S.
Published: December 2022

Medicinal plant knowledge in Central Europe can be traced back from the present to antiquity, through written sources. Approximately 100 medicinal plant taxa have a history of continuous use. In this paper, we focus on use patterns over time and the link between historical and traditional uses with the current scientific evidence. We discuss our findings against the backdrop of changing eras and medicinal concepts. Based on use-records from totally 16 historical, popular and scientific herbals, we analyze how use categories of 102 medicinal plant taxa developed over time. Overall, 56 of the 102 taxa maintained continuous use throughout all time periods. For approximately 30% of the continuous uses, scientific evidence supporting their use exists, compared to 11% for recently added uses and 6% for discontinuous uses. Dermatology and gastroenterology are use categories that are relevant across all time periods. They are associated with a high diversity of medicinal taxa and continuously used medicinal species with scientific evidence. Antidotes, apotropaic (protective) magic, and humoral detoxification were important use categories in the past. New applications reflecting biomedical progress and epidemiological challenges are cardiovascular and tonic uses. Changes in medicinal concepts are mirrored in plant use and specifically in changes in the importance of use categories. Our finding supports the concept of social validation of plant uses, i.e., the assumption that longstanding use practice and tradition may suggest efficacy and safety.
The Impact of N.I. Vavilov on the Conservation and Use of Plant Genetic Resources in Scandinavia: A Review
Authors: Solberg Svein Ø. , Loskutov Igor G. , Breian Line , Diederichsen Axel
Published: December 2022

In this review we examine Nikolai Ivanovich Vavilov’s relationship to Scandinavia and the impact he and his ideas have had on Scandinavia. We trace the historical connections from Vavilov back to 18th century scientists, such as Carl Von Linneaus (Sweden) and 19th century European scientists such as Alphonse de Candolle (Switzerland), Henry de Vilmorin (France), and William Bateson (England). Vavilov has influenced the conservation work in Scandinavia resulting amongst other in the establishment of the Nordic Gene Bank in 1979 and the Svalbard Global Seed Vault which started operating in 2008. Vavilov travelled to Scandinavia in 1921 and in 1931 to give lectures and exchange ideas, especially with the breeders at the Swedish Seed Association (Svalöf) in Scania, Sweden, but also at the Copenhagen University in Denmark. Vavilov did not recognize Scandinavia as part of a center of origin of cultivated plants. It was only after World War II, when P.M. Zhukovsky, a scholar of N.I Vavilov, developed the concept of mega-centers of diversity of cultivated plants, that Scandinavia became part of what he termed the European-Siberian Region of Diversity. We list species domesticated in Scandinavia or Northern Europe, and we further discuss concepts related to crop evolution and highlight the great impact Vavilov has had by inspiring scientists across disciplines and over many decades.
Hydrogen-, Helium-, and Lithium-like Bound States in Classical and Quantum Plasmas
Authors: Ebeling Werner , Röpke Gerd
Published: December 2022

We study the effective interactions and the mass action constants for pair and triple associations in classical and quantum plasmas. Avoiding double counting, we derive new expressions for the mass action constants. The calculations resulted in values that were substantially smaller than the standard ones in relevant temperature ranges by up to 50 percent. On this basis, we determine the pressure of H, He and Li plasmas and the osmotic coefficient of electrolytes with higher charges such as, e.g., seawater. Classical and quantum Coulomb systems show strong similarities. The contributions in low orders with respect to the interaction e2 are suppressed by thermal and screening effects. The contributions of weakly bound states, near the continuum edge, to the mass action constants are reduced, replacing the exponential functions with cropped exponentials. The new mass action constants are consistent with well-known extended limiting cases of screening effects. We analyze classical examples including the salts CaCl2 and LaCl3, and a model of seawater including multiple associations. In the case of quantum systems, we follow the work of Planck–Brillouin–Larkin for H plasmas and study He and Li plasmas. The equation of state (EoS) for wide-density regions is obtained through the concatenation of the EoS for the low-density region of partial ionization with the EoS of degenerate plasmas, where all bound states are dissolved and Fermi, Hartree–Fock and Wigner contributions dominate.
Hemigraphis alternata Leaf Extract Incorporated Agar/Pectin-Based Bio-Engineered Wound Dressing Materials for Effective Skin Cancer Wound Care Therapy
Authors: Koshy Jijo , Sangeetha Dhanaraj
Published: December 2022

The rapidly expanding area of regenerative medicine may soon enter a new phase owing to developments in biomaterials and their application in generating new tissues. Chemicals and synthetic drugs are currently the subject of heated debate due to their effects on human health and the environment. Therefore, scientists seek out new products and procedures that are harmless to both the environment and human health concerns. Bio-based materials provide excellent functional qualities with a variety of applications. This study resulted in the development of a film with antimicrobial, hydrophilic, and anti-cancer properties, which is most beneficial in the medical sectors. In this study, we developed a blended biodegradable film containing agar and pectin (AP), with excellent surface functional properties framed through a casting technique. Additionally, the property can be changed by the addition of extract of hemigraphis alternata (HA) extract. The incorporation of extract in AP (APH) can be used for anti-cancer wound care therapy. The fabricated film is biodegradable, biocompatible, and non-toxic. This material is entirely based on a green methodology, and it was prepared in a concise manner without the use of any hazardous solvents. Based on the overall nature of biopolymer, the prepared material is a promising alternative to our society.
Phase Equilibria, Diffusion and Structure in the Epoxypolycaprolactone System
Authors: Plyusnina Irina O. , Budylin Nikita Yu. , Shapagin Alexey V.
Published: December 2022

Currently, there is no quantitative approach for the phase structure of cured thermoplastic systems modified with thermoplastic predicting. To solve this problem, we carried out the first stage of the study on a model polycaprolactone–epoxy oligomer (PCL–DGEBA) system. Using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), refractometry and optical interferometry, a phase diagram for PCL–DGEBA mixtures was constructed, and the Flory–Huggins interaction parameters of PCL–DGEBA mixtures were calculated. The structure of PCL–DGEBA mixtures with different PCL content was analyzed by optical microscopy. The change in the structure formation mechanism with increasing PCL concentration was shown. The diffusion coefficients are calculated by the Motano–Boltzmann method. The values of the apparent activation energy of the viscous flow PCL and of self-diffusion of DGEBA are determined. The obtained data will be used for the in situ curing kinetics and phase equilibria in the diffusion zone investigations in order to develop a quantitative method for predicting the phase structure of cured systems.
Immobilization of Strontium Aluminate into Recycled Polycarbonate Plastics towards an Afterglow and Photochromic Smart Window
Authors: El-Hefnawy Mohamed E. , Ismail Ali I. , Alhayyani Sultan , Al-Goul Soha T. , Zayed Mohamed M. , Abou Taleb Manal
Published: December 2022

A transparent smart window made of recycled polycarbonate plastic (PCP) waste was prepared and immobilized with strontium aluminate phosphor nanoparticles (SAPN). It has afterglow emission, super-hydrophobicity, durability, photostability, good mechanical properties, ultraviolet protection, and high optical transmittance. To create an afterglow emission polycarbonate smart window (SAPN@PCP), recycled polycarbonate waste was integrated with various concentrations of SAPN (15–52 nm). SAP micro-scale powder was made using the solid-state high temperature method. The SAP nanoparticles were produced using the top-down method. To create a colorless plastic bulk, recycled polycarbonate waste was inserted into a hot bath. This colorless plastic was thoroughly combined with SAPN and cast to create an afterglow luminous smart window. To investigate its photoluminescence properties, spectrum profiles of excitation and emission were measured. According to the luminescence parameters, the phosphorescent colorless polycarbonate plates displayed a change in color to strong green under UV illumination and greenish-yellow in a dark box. The afterglow polycarbonate smart window displayed two emission peaks at 496 and 526 nm, and an absorption wavelength of 373 nm. Upon increasing the SAPN ratio, the hydrophobic activity, hardness, photostability, and UV protection were improved. Luminescent polycarbonate substrates with lower SAPN ratio demonstrated rapid and reversible fluorescence under UV light, while the higher SAPN content in the luminous polycarbonate substrates showed afterglow.
Conversion of Free Fatty Acid in Calophyllum inophyllum Oil to Fatty Acid Ester as Precursor of Bio-Based Epoxy Plasticizer via SnCl2–Catalyzed Esterification
Authors: Kusumaningtyas Ratna Dewi , Prasetiawan Haniif , Anggraeni Nanda Dwi , Anisa Elva Dianis Novi , Hartanto Dhoni
Published: December 2022

The preparation and application of bio based plasticizers derived from vegetable oils has gained increasing attention in the polymer industry to date due to the emerging risk shown by the traditional petroleum-based phthalate plasticizer. Epoxy fatty acid ester is among the prospective alternative plasticizers since it is ecofriendly, non-toxic, biodegradable, low migration, and low carbon footprint. Epoxy plasticizer can be synthesized by the epoxidation reaction of fatty acid ester. In this study, the preparation of fatty acid ester as a green precursor of epoxy ester plasticizer was performed via esterification of free fatty acid (FFA) in high acidic Calophyllum inophyllum Seed Oil (CSO) using methanol in the presence of SnCl2.2H2O catalyst. The analysis of the process variables and responses using Box–Behnken Design (BBD) of Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was also accomplished. It was found that the quadratic model is the most appropriate model for the optimization process. The BBD analysis demonstrated that the optimum FFA conversion and residual FFA content were 75.03% and 4.59%, respectively, achieved at the following process condition: a reaction temperature of 59.36 °C, a reaction time of 117.80 min, and a catalyst concentration of 5.61%. The fatty acid ester generated was an intermediate product which can undergo a further epoxidation process to produce epoxy plasticizer in polymeric material production.
A Novel Starch from Talisia floresii Standl Seeds: Characterization of Its Physicochemical, Structural and Thermal Properties
Authors: Canto-Pinto Jorge C. , Reyes-Pérez Eduardo , Pérez-Pacheco Emilio , Ríos-Soberanis Carlos R. , Chim-Chi Yasser A. , Lira-Maas José D. , Estrada-León Raciel J. , Dzul-Cervantes Mario A. A. , Mina-Hernández José H.
Published: December 2022

Colok seed (Talisia floresii Standl) represents 80% of the total fruit weight and is obtained from trees that grow mainly in Yucatan Peninsula. The aim of this work was the physicochemical characterization from colok starch seeds as an alternative to conventional sources and to identify its characteristics for potential applications in different industrial sectors. Starch yield was 42.1% with low levels of lipids, ashes and fibers. The amylose content was 33.6 ± 1.15%. The gelatinization temperature was 85 ± 0.25 °C. Color analysis resulted in a starch with an intermediate luminosity, reflecting a dark color. Finally, in morphology, starch granule exhibited an average size of 18.7 μm, spherical, uniform and without fractures. Overall results demonstrated that isolated colok starch can be used in food products that require high processing temperatures, such as sauces, cookies, noodles, bread and food packages.
Design and Development of a High-Speed Precision Internal Grinding Machine and the Associated Grinding Processes
Authors: Chang Zhou , Jia Qian , Hu Lai
Published: December 2022

In order to meet the P2-grade bearing grinding requirements, we designed a high-speed internal grinding machine to be used for grinding bearing raceways and inner circles. The machine has a T-type layout and a four-axis numerical control linkage. It is supported by hydrostatic pressure and driven directly by a torque motor. In addition, it is equipped with a high-speed hydrostatic grinding wheel spindle. Our design includes a hydrostatic workpiece shaft and hydrostatic turntable, and the process has a good engineering application value. Finally, the designed precision grinding machine was used to grind a P2-grade bearing raceway.
Franz Jägerstätter and the Way of the Cross: Conscientious Objection in the Greater German Reich
Authors: Skiles William Stewart
Published: December 2022

While Jägerstätter’s life and courageous stand against Hitler and National Socialism are well known and documented, the connections between his reading of scripture, his understanding of the way of the cross, and his conscientious objection have not been sufficiently explored by scholars. In his letters and writings, Jägerstätter repeatedly appealed to scripture’s call for the Christian to bear his or her cross and endure suffering, which he then used to support his stand as a conscientious objector to the Nazi regime. In one form or another, he refers to bearing the cross dozens of times in his letters and writings to emphasize the Christian’s call to obedience and discipleship to the glory of God. This article will examine his understanding of the cruciform life in the Greater German Reich, as one who conscientiously traveled the way of the cross. Jägerstätter used scripture as authoritative above other sources of knowledge or guidance—such as church hierarchy or tradition, experience, and feeling—to see the evil of National Socialism with clarity of vision; to prioritize his responsibilities to God, family, community, and the state; and to refine his conscience as a subject of the Greater German Reich. In these ways, Jägerstätter stood as a steadfast and committed man of faith and a model for the virtues of conscientious objection in the Christian tradition.
The Inequities of National Adaptation to Climate Change
Authors: Edmonds Heidi K. , Lovell C. A. Knox , Lovell Julie E.
Published: December 2022

With global efforts to mitigate climate change lagging behind what is necessary to achieve Paris Agreement global warming targets, global mean temperatures are increasing, and weather extremes are becoming more frequent and more severe. When mitigation falters, adaptation to current and anticipated future climate conditions becomes increasingly urgent. This study provides a novel collection of adaptive capacity and adaptation readiness indicators, which it aggregates into a composite adaptation index to assess the relative adaptation performance of nations. Adaptation performance is assessed using two complementary techniques, a distance to frontier analysis and a dominance analysis. Developed countries perform relatively well and developing countries perform relatively poorly in both exercises. Adaptation performance is found to be closely and positively related to both national income per capita and greenhouse gas emissions per capita, highlighting the inequities of global adaptation performance. These adaptation inequities are consistent with the IPCC assessment that nations most affected by climate change are those that are least able to adapt and contribute least to the problem, creating a need for assistance from developed countries.
An Intelligent Multi-Floor Navigational System Based on Speech, Facial Recognition and Voice Broadcasting Using Internet of Things
Authors: Ullah Mahib , Li Xingmei , Hassan Muhammad Abul , Ullah Farhat , Muhammad Yar , Granelli Fabrizio , Vilcekova Lucia , Sadad Tariq
Published: December 2022

Modern technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and physical systems used as navigation systems play an important role in locating a specific location in an unfamiliar environment. Due to recent technological developments, users can now incorporate these systems into mobile devices, which has a positive impact on the acceptance of navigational systems and the number of users who use them. The system that is used to find a specific location within a building is known as an indoor navigation system. In this study, we present a novel approach to adaptable and changeable multistory navigation systems that can be implemented in different environments such as libraries, grocery stores, shopping malls, and official buildings using facial and speech recognition with the help of voice broadcasting. We chose a library building for the experiment to help registered users find a specific book on different building floors. In the proposed system, to help the users, robots are placed on each floor of the building, communicating with each other, and with the person who needs navigational help. The proposed system uses an Android platform that consists of two separate applications: one for administration to add or remove settings and data, which in turn builds an environment map, while the second application is deployed on robots that interact with the users. The developed system was tested using two methods, namely system evaluation, and user evaluation. The evaluation of the system is based on the results of voice and face recognition by the user, and the model’s performance relies on accuracy values obtained by testing out various values for the neural network parameters. The evaluation method adopted by the proposed system achieved an accuracy of 97.92% and 97.88% for both of the tasks. The user evaluation method using the developed Android applications was tested on multi-story libraries, and the results were obtained by gathering responses from users who interacted with the applications for navigation, such as to find a specific book. Almost all the users find it useful to have robots placed on each floor of the building for giving specific directions with automatic recognition and recall of what a person is searching for. The evaluation results show that the proposed system can be implemented in different environments, which shows its effectiveness.
A Deep-Learning-Based Collaborative Edge–Cloud Telemedicine System for Retinopathy of Prematurity
Authors: Luo Zeliang , Ding Xiaoxuan , Hou Ning , Wan Jiafu
Published: December 2022

Retinopathy of prematurity is an ophthalmic disease with a very high blindness rate. With its increasing incidence year by year, its timely diagnosis and treatment are of great significance. Due to the lack of timely and effective fundus screening for premature infants in remote areas, leading to an aggravation of the disease and even blindness, in this paper, a deep learning-based collaborative edge-cloud telemedicine system is proposed to mitigate this issue. In the proposed system, deep learning algorithms are mainly used for classification of processed images. Our algorithm is based on ResNet101 and uses undersampling and resampling to improve the data imbalance problem in the field of medical image processing. Artificial intelligence algorithms are combined with a collaborative edge–cloud architecture to implement a comprehensive telemedicine system to realize timely screening and diagnosis of retinopathy of prematurity in remote areas with shortages or a complete lack of expert medical staff. Finally, the algorithm is successfully embedded in a mobile terminal device and deployed through the support of a core hospital of Guangdong Province. The results show that we achieved 75% ACC and 60% AUC. This research is of great significance for the development of telemedicine systems and aims to mitigate the lack of medical resources and their uneven distribution in rural areas.
Electroencephalography Reflects User Satisfaction in Controlling Robot Hand through Electromyographic Signals
Authors: Kim Hyeonseok , Miyakoshi Makoto , Kim Yeongdae , Stapornchaisit Sorawit , Yoshimura Natsue , Koike Yasuharu
Published: December 2022

This study addresses time intervals during robot control that dominate user satisfaction and factors of robot movement that induce satisfaction. We designed a robot control system using electromyography signals. In each trial, participants were exposed to different experiences as the cutoff frequencies of a low-pass filter were changed. The participants attempted to grab a bottle by controlling a robot. They were asked to evaluate four indicators (stability, imitation, response time, and movement speed) and indicate their satisfaction at the end of each trial by completing a questionnaire. The electroencephalography signals of the participants were recorded while they controlled the robot and responded to the questionnaire. Two independent component clusters in the precuneus and postcentral gyrus were the most sensitive to subjective evaluations. For the moment that dominated satisfaction, we observed that brain activity exhibited significant differences in satisfaction not immediately after feeding an input but during the later stage. The other indicators exhibited independently significant patterns in event-related spectral perturbations. Comparing these indicators in a low-frequency band related to the satisfaction with imitation and movement speed, which had significant differences, revealed that imitation covered significant intervals in satisfaction. This implies that imitation was the most important contributing factor among the four indicators. Our results reveal that regardless of subjective satisfaction, objective performance evaluation might more fully reflect user satisfaction.
Deep Learning-Based ADHD and ADHD-RISK Classification Technology through the Recognition of Children’s Abnormal Behaviors during the Robot-Led ADHD Screening Game
Authors: Lee Wonjun , Lee Sanghyub , Lee Deokwon , Jun Kooksung , Ahn Dong Hyun , Kim Mun Sang
Published: December 2022

Although attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children is rising worldwide, fewer studies have focused on screening than on the treatment of ADHD. Most previous similar ADHD classification studies classified only ADHD and normal classes. However, medical professionals believe that better distinguishing the ADHD–RISK class will assist them socially and medically. We created a projection-based game in which we can see stimuli and responses to better understand children’s abnormal behavior. The developed screening game is divided into 11 stages. Children play five games. Each game is divided into waiting and game stages; thus, 10 stages are created, and the additional waiting stage includes an explanation stage where the robot waits while explaining the first game. Herein, we classified normal, ADHD–RISK, and ADHD using skeleton data obtained through games for ADHD screening of children and a bidirectional long short-term memory-based deep learning model. We verified the importance of each stage by passing the feature for each stage through the channel attention layer. Consequently, the final classification accuracy of the three classes was 98.15% using bi-directional LSTM with channel attention model. Additionally, the attention scores obtained through the channel attention layer indicated that the data in the latter part of the game are heavily involved in learning the ADHD–RISK case. These results imply that for ADHD–RISK, the game is repeated, and children’s attention decreases as they progress to the second half.
Diagnosis of Operating Conditions of the Electrical Submersible Pump via Machine Learning
Authors: Brasil Jéssica , Maitelli Carla , Nascimento João , Chiavone-Filho Osvaldo , Galvão Edney
Published: December 2022

In wells that operate by electrical submersible pump (ESP), the use of automation tools becomes essential in the interpretation of data. However, the fact that the wells work with automated systems does not guarantee the early diagnosis of operating conditions. The analysis of amperimetric charts is one of the ways to identify fail conditions. Generally, the analysis of these histographics is performed by operators who are often overloaded, generating a decrease in the efficiency of observing the well operating conditions. Currently, technologies based on machine learning (ML) algorithms create solutions to early diagnose abnormalities in the well’s operation. Thus, this work aims to provide a proposal for detecting the operating conditions of the ESP pump from electrical current data from 24 wells in the city of Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte state, Brazil. The algorithms used were Decision Tree, Support Vector Machine, K-Nearest Neighbor and Neural Network. The algorithms were tested without and with hyperparameter tuning based on a training dataset. The results confirm that the application of the ML algorithm is feasible for classifying the operating conditions of the ESP pump, as all had an accuracy greater than 87%, with the best result being the application of the SVM model, which reached an accuracy of 93%.
Framework to Detect Schizophrenia in Brain MRI Slices with Mayfly Algorithm-Selected Deep and Handcrafted Features
Authors: Manic K. Suresh , Rajinikanth Venkatesan , Al-Bimani Ali Saud , Taniar David , Kadry Seifedine
Published: December 2022

Brain abnormality causes severe human problems, and thorough screening is necessary to identify the disease. In clinics, bio-image-supported brain abnormality screening is employed mainly because of its investigative accuracy compared with bio-signal (EEG)-based practice. This research aims to develop a reliable disease screening framework for the automatic identification of schizophrenia (SCZ) conditions from brain MRI slices. This scheme consists following phases: (i) MRI slices collection and pre-processing, (ii) implementation of VGG16 to extract deep features (DF), (iii) collection of handcrafted features (HF), (iv) mayfly algorithm-supported optimal feature selection, (v) serial feature concatenation, and (vi) binary classifier execution and validation. The performance of the proposed scheme was independently tested with DF, HF, and concatenated features (DF+HF), and the achieved outcome of this study verifies that the schizophrenia screening accuracy with DF+HF is superior compared with other methods. During this work, 40 patients’ brain MRI images (20 controlled and 20 SCZ class) were considered for the investigation, and the following accuracies were achieved: DF provided >91%, HF obtained >85%, and DF+HF achieved >95%. Therefore, this framework is clinically significant, and in the future, it can be used to inspect actual patients’ brain MRI slices.
DEM Study of the Motion Characteristics of Rice Particles in the Indented Cylinder Separator
Authors: Yu Xinzhi , Jiang Xuesong , Gu Haiyang , Shen Fei
Published: December 2022

The precise separation of rice particles is an important step in rice processing. In this paper, discrete element simulations of the motion of rice particles of different integrity in an indented cylinder separator were carried out using numerical simulation methods. The effects of single factors (cylinder rotation rate, cylinder axial inclination angle, and collection trough inclination angle) on the motion trajectories of particles are investigated and the probability distribution functions of particles are obtained. The statistical method of Kullback-Leibler divergence is used to quantitatively evaluate the differences in the probability distribution functions of the escape angles of particles of different degrees of integrity. The purpose of this paper is to determine the optimum parameters for an indent cylinder separator by understanding the material cylinder separating process from particle scale and to provide a basis for the numerical design of a grain particle cylinder separators.