bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gigaspora roseae and Coriolopsis rigida Fungi Improve Performance of Quillaja saponaria Plants Grown in Sandy Substrate with Added Sewage Sludge
Authors: Pereira Guillermo , Castillo-Novales Diyanira , Salazar Cristian , Atala Cristian , Arriagada-Escamilla Cesar
Published: December 2024

The use of living organisms to treat human by-products, such as residual sludge, has gained interest in the last years. Fungi have been used for bioremediation and improving plant performance in contaminated soils. We investigated the impact of the mycorrhizal fungus (MF) Gigaspora roseae and the saprophytic fungus (SF) Coriolopsis rigida on the survival and growth of Quillaja saponaria seedlings cultivated in a sandy substrate supplemented with residual sludge. Q. saponaria is a sclerophyllous tree endemic to Chile, known for its high content of saponins. We inoculated plants with the MF, the SF, and a combination of both (MF + SF). Following inoculation, varying doses of liquid residual sludge equivalent to 0, 75, and 100% of the substrate’s field capacity were applied. After 11 months, we found a positive influence of the utilized microorganisms on the growth of Q. saponaria. Particularly, inoculation with the SF resulted in higher plant growth, mycorrhizal colonization percentage, and higher enzymatic activity, especially after the application of the sludge. This increase was more evident with higher doses of the applied sludge. These results highlight the potential of combined microorganism and residual sludge application as a sustainable strategy for enhancing plant growth and reducing waste.
Biocontrol of Mycotoxigenic Fungi by Actinobacteria
Authors: Maud Louise , Barakat Nathalie , Bornot Julie , Snini Selma P. , Mathieu Florence
Published: December 2024

Actinobacteria are well known for their production of metabolites of interest. They have been previously studied to identify new antibiotics in medical research and for their ability to stimulate plant growth in agronomic research. Actinobacteria represents a real source of potential biocontrol agents (BCAs) today. With the aim of reducing the use of phytosanitary products by 50% with the different Ecophyto plans, a possible application is the fight against mycotoxin-producing fungi in food matrices and crops using BCAs. To deal with this problem, the use of actinobacteria, notably belonging to the Streptomyces genus, or their specialized metabolites seems to be a solution. In this review, we focused on the impact of actinobacteria or their metabolites on the development of mycotoxigenic fungi and mycotoxin production on the one hand, and on the other hand on their ability to detoxify food matrices contaminated by mycotoxins.
Is WALANT Really Necessary in Outpatient Surgery?
Authors: Bocchino Guido , Pietramala Silvia , Capece Giacomo , Arioli Leopoldo , Greco Alessio , La Rocca Stella , Rocchi Lorenzo , Fulchignoni Camillo
Published: December 2024

Introduction: The Wide Awake Local Anesthesia No Tourniquet (WALANT) technique has revolutionized outpatient hand surgery, enabling procedures such as carpal tunnel release and trigger finger release without a tourniquet. Its benefits include patient cooperation during surgery, especially for tendon repairs. However, WALANT has limitations, including a steep learning curve, longer operative preparation time, and risks such as digital ischemia and adrenaline-induced cardiac ischemia. This study evaluates the safety and effectiveness of local anesthesia with a tourniquet for short-duration outpatient hand surgeries. Materials and Methods: This case series included 300 patients undergoing carpal tunnel or trigger finger release between February 2023 and March 2024. Local anesthesia with lidocaine was administered, and a tourniquet was applied to the proximal arm. Demographic data, operative time, and pain levels during tourniquet use (measured by VAS) were recorded. Results: The average surgical time was 12 min. Most procedures involved carpal tunnel release. The average VAS pain score was 3.73, with older patients and longer surgeries reporting higher discomfort. Tourniquet release was required in only 1% of cases due to discomfort. Conclusions: For short outpatient hand surgeries, local anesthesia with a tourniquet is a safe, effective alternative to WALANT, challenging its routine use and highlighting the need for tailored anesthetic approaches.
Enhanced Reinforcement Learning Algorithm Based-Transmission Parameter Selection for Optimization of Energy Consumption and Packet Delivery Ratio in LoRa Wireless Networks
Authors: Zholamanov Batyrbek , Bolatbek Askhat , Saymbetov Ahmet , Nurgaliyev Madiyar , Yershov Evan , Kopbay Kymbat , Orynbassar Sayat , Dosymbetova Gulbakhar , Kapparova Ainur , Kuttybay Nurzhigit , Koshkarbay Nursultan
Published: December 2024

Wireless communication technologies (WSN) are pivotal for the successful deployment of the Internet of Things (IoT). Among them, long-range (LoRa) and long-range wide-area network (LoRaWAN) technologies have been widely adopted due to their ability to provide long-distance communication, low energy consumption (EC), and cost-effectiveness. One of the critical issues in the implementation of wireless networks is the selection of optimal transmission parameters to minimize EC while maximizing the packet delivery ratio (PDR). This study introduces a reinforcement learning (RL) algorithm, Double Deep Q-Network with Prioritized Experience Replay (DDQN-PER), designed to optimize network transmission parameter selection, particularly the spreading factor (SF) and transmission power (TP). This research explores a variety of network scenarios, characterized by different device numbers and simulation times. The proposed approach demonstrates the best performance, achieving a 17.2% increase in the packet delivery ratio compared to the traditional Adaptive Data Rate (ADR) algorithm. The proposed DDQN-PER algorithm showed PDR improvement in the range of 6.2–8.11% compared to other existing RL and machine-learning-based works.
A New Soil-Based Solution for Reducing the Persistence of Parasites in Zoos
Authors: Hernández José Ángel , Viña Cándido , Lozano João , Zubiría Izaro , Baena Miguel , Abreu-Ramos Inês , Salmo Rami , Valderrábano Esther , Pérez-Anzúrez Gustavo , Paz-Silva Adolfo , Muíño Rodrigo , Cazapal-Monteiro Cristiana , Arias María Sol , Camiña Mercedes
Published: December 2024

Controlling parasites in zoo animals is a significant challenge, making practical infection prevention methods essential. This study evaluated a novel solution using parasitophagous fungi-treated forage seeds to reduce soil parasite persistence. We conducted two experiments to assess the soil distribution of the fungi Mucor circinelloides (ovicidal) and Duddingtonia flagrans (larvicidal). Forage seeds were immersed in a submerged culture containing 106 spores/mL and subsequently sown in plastic trays (trial 1) and demarcated ground plots (40 × 30 cm) framed with wood (trial 2). Fifteen days later, Ascaris suum and cyathostomin eggs were placed above the germinated vegetation. After a 25–30-day period, the viability of roundworm eggs reduced by 62%, and half of them remained undeveloped; a 64% reduction in the counts of L3 cyathostomins was recorded. In trial 2, viability decreased by 55% in roundworm eggs, with an infectivity rate of 30%, while L3 counts lessened by 57%. It has been concluded that the risk of infection by ascarids and cyathostomins can be reduced by at least half by sowing the soil with forage seeds pre-treated with fungi, providing a practical solution for parasite control in zoos.
COSMC-Regulated O-Glycosylation: A Bioinformatics-Driven Biomarker Identification for Stratifying Glioblastoma Stem Cell Subtypes
Authors: Aghamiri Sara Sadat , Amin Rada
Published: December 2024

Glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs) are key drivers of relapse, metastasis, and therapy resistance in glioblastoma due to their adaptability and diversity, which make them challenging to target effectively. This study explores the O-glycosylation in differentiating two key GSC subtypes, CD133 and CD44. We utilized the TCGA dataset of GBM and presented the reproducible bioinformatics analysis for our results. Our profiling showed enriched O-glycosylation signatures in CD44-expressing GBM cells over CD133, with Cosmc, the chaperone for core mucin-type O-glycosylation, significantly upregulated in the CD44-positive group. Moreover, Cosmc was associated with shorter progression-free intervals, suggesting its potential as an indicator of aggressive disease. High Cosmc expression also enriched immune-related pathways, including inflammatory response and antigen presentation, and was associated with presence of myeloid cells, T cells, and NK cells. Additionally, elevated Cosmc correlated with extracellular matrix (ECM) pathways and stromal cell populations, such as perivascular fibroblasts. These findings position O-glycosylation, specially, Cosmc as a promising biomarker for distinguishing GSC subclones, with relevance to immune modulation, and ECM dynamics, identifying it as a potential target for novel GBM therapies.
Investigation of the Effects of Fosfomycin in Kidney Damage Caused by CLP-Induced Sepsis
Authors: Yildiz Ilknur Esen , Mercantepe Tolga , Bahceci Ilkay , Arpa Medeni , Batcik Sule , Yildiz Yasin , Tumkaya Levent
Published: December 2024

Sepsis, a life-threatening condition characterized by dysregulated host responses to infection, often leads to multi-organ dysfunction, including kidney injury. Kidney damage in sepsis can have severe consequences and is associated with high mortality rates. This study aimed to investigate the potential therapeutic effects of fosfomycin (FOS), a broad-spectrum antibiotic with immunomodulatory properties, on kidney damage induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced sepsis in a rodent model. In total, 24 rats were randomly divided into three groups. Group 1 (n = 8), the healthy control group (C), received a single dose of 0.9% NaCl (saline) solution via an intraperitoneal (i.p.) route. To group 2 (n = 8), the CLP group, CLP-induced sepsis was applied without medication, and a single dose of 0.9% NaCl (saline) solution was applied i.p. before induction. To group 3 (n = 8), the CLP + FOS (500 mg/kg) group, a single dose of 500 mg/kg FOS was administered i.p. before sepsis induction. The effects of fosfomycin on kidney function, histopathological changes, inflammatory markers, oxidative stress, and apoptosis were assessed. In the fosfomycin-treated group, the histological analysis results demonstrated reduction in kidney tissue damage and inflammation. Additionally, fosfomycin attenuated the upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and reduced oxidative stress markers in kidney tissue. Furthermore, fosfomycin treatment was associated with a decrease in apoptotic cell death in the kidney. These findings suggest that fosfomycin may have a protective effect on kidney damage caused by CLP-induced sepsis. The potential mechanisms underlying this protection include the modulation of inflammation, reduction of oxidative stress, and inhibition of apoptosis.
Analysis of Clinically Symptomatic Patients to Differentiate Inflammatory Breast Cancer from Mastitis in Asian Women
Authors: Mun Han Song , Oh Ha Yeun
Published: December 2024

Purpose: To differentiate inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) from mastitis in Asian women presenting with symptoms of inflammation. Methods: Between January 2012 and June 2024, 101 Asian women with symptoms of inflammation underwent breast ultrasound (US). Clinical and demographic data were extracted from patients’ medical records. US analysis assessed lesion bilaterality, location, type, size, internal changes, and lymph node status. Patients with suspicious findings had US-guided biopsies, and pathology reports were reviewed for tumor histology and immunohistochemical markers. Logistic regression was used to determine odds ratios. Results: Of the 101 participants, 14 (13.9%) were diagnosed with IBC and 87 (86.1%) were diagnosed with mastitis. Patients with IBC were significantly older (46.4 vs. 38.4 years, p = 0.020) and showed a higher prevalence of postmenopausal status (57.1% vs. 12.6%, p < 0.0001). These patients experienced a longer symptom onset duration (37.7 vs. 12.7 days, p = 0.002) and more frequent localized symptoms like swelling (50.0% vs. 13.8%, p = 0.004). US findings showed that 21.4% of IBC lesions involved the entire breast, compared to only 1.1% in patients with mastitis (p = 0.001). Biopsy results revealed that invasive ductal carcinoma was the most common malignancy (78.6%). Logistic regression identified symptom onset duration (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.07, p = 0.014) and swelling (adjusted OR 15.24, p = 0.016) as significant predictors of IBC. Conclusion: In Asian women, age, menopausal status, symptom onset duration, and swelling are effective in differentiating IBC from mastitis. Logistic regression confirmed that symptom onset duration and swelling are significant predictors of IBC, with US findings indicating larger lesion sizes and more frequent whole-breast involvement.
Assessing Supply Chain Resilience to Mitigate Disruption: The Focus on Cross-Border Suppliers
Authors: Banomyong Ruth , Bhusiri Narath , Julagasigorn Puthipong , Varadejsatitwong Paitoon
Published: December 2024

Background: Cross-border suppliers have always been points of disruption, further impacting international trade, businesses, and societies along the chain. Understanding the current resilience capabilities of cross-border suppliers is a stepping-stone to implementing resilience initiatives and policies to mitigate disruptions. However, no guidelines or practical tools exist to help cross-border suppliers conduct a deep-dive analysis of their resilience. Therefore, this paper proposes an assessment tool to guide cross-border suppliers in assessing their resilience capabilities. Methods: The supplier-focused resilience assessment approach was adapted from the Logistics Performance Index concept. The questionnaire and its resilience assessment dimensions were established through a literature review with the support of experienced cross-border professionals. Case study validation was further conducted to demonstrate the tool’s applicability. Results: The assessment evaluation through the Cross-Border Resilience Performance Index facilitates detailed analysis and benchmarking, enabling recommendations for necessary resilience initiatives and policies. Conclusions: This study contributes to the supply chain literature by adding a more practical resilience assessment approach focusing on cross-border suppliers. The Cross-Border Resilience Performance Index is the study’s primary contribution and is novel to the literature. The tool’s advantages include ease of use, replication potential, and its ability to glean comprehensive insights, ultimately improving supplier resilience and supply chain robustness. By implementing more precise initiatives, the tool increases the chances of cross-border suppliers being selected and maintained by buyers, helping them sustain their businesses and better respond to changing conditions to mitigate disruptions.
Sensitivity Analysis and Influence Evaluation of Progressive Wall Thickness of Honeycomb Structures as Energy Absorber Produced by Additive Technology Multi-Jet Fusion
Authors: Kalina Tomas , Chval Zdenek , Sedlacek Frantisek , Spirk Stanislav
Published: December 2024

The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of polymeric cell structures for the production of energy absorbers and to focus on the geometric optimization of polymeric cell structures producible by additive technologies to achieve the required deformation characteristics, high material efficiency and the low weight of the resulting absorber. A detailed analysis of different types of cell structures (different lattice structures and honeycombs) and their properties was performed. Honeycombs, which have been further examined in more detail, are best suited for absorbing large amounts of energy and high levels of material efficiency at known load directions. Honeycombs have the potential to absorb large amounts of energy relative to their low weight and their deformation characteristics have a relatively constant course. Honeycombs have the major disadvantage of an initial peak. However, this peak can be removed by appropriately adjusting the geometry of the honeycomb. Thanks to the possibilities that additive technology allows us, honeycombs with progressive wall thickness have been designed and researched. The output of this study is a detailed analysis of the properties and several design recommendations for the design of a honeycomb with a progressive wall thickness to achieve the required properties.
Evaluation of the Microstructure and Properties of As-Cast Magnesium Alloys with 9% Al and 9% Zn Additions
Authors: Tuz Lechosław , Novák Vít , Tatíček František
Published: December 2024

The need to reduce energy consumption means that it is necessary to reduce the weight of vehicles. However, a thick wall of massive elements promotes the formation of casting defects, which must be removed by either plastic processing (straightening) or welding methods (surface and internal discontinuities). Basic alloys contain Al and Zn as the main alloying elements. The studies involved an evaluation of the microstructure and properties of alloys at ambient and elevated temperatures. The microstructure observation revealed a dendritic structure with the presence of low-melting eutectic, and intermetallic and Laves phases in the interdendritic areas. The presence of these phases may pose significant limitations during welding work. Thermal conductivity coefficient measurements showed that it is constant at temperatures up to 200 °C and is 49 W/mK for 9% Al and 77 W/mK for 9% Zn. The tensile test reveal that the most favorable tensile strength (120 MPa) occurs at temperatures of 150 °C for the 9% Zn alloy and at 180 °C for the 9% Al alloy.
Graphical Feature Construction-Based Deep Learning Model for Fatigue Life Prediction of AM Alloys
Authors: Wu Hao , Wang Anbin , Gan Zhiqiang , Gan Lei
Published: December 2024

Fatigue failure poses a serious challenge for ensuring the operational safety of critical components subjected to cyclic/random loading. In this context, various machine learning (ML) models have been increasingly explored, due to their effectiveness in analyzing the relationship between fatigue life and multiple influencing factors. Nevertheless, existing ML models hinge heavily on numeric features as inputs, which encapsulate limited information on the fatigue failure process of interest. To cure the deficiency, a novel ML model based upon convolutional neural networks is developed, where numeric features are transformed into graphical ones by introducing two information enrichment operations, namely, Shapley Additive Explanations and Pearson correlation coefficient analysis. Additionally, the attention mechanism is introduced to prioritize important regions in the image-based inputs. Extensive validations using experimental results of two laser powder bed fusion-fabricated metals demonstrate that the proposed model possesses better predictive accuracy than conventional ML models.
Innovative Approaches on the Estimation of the Effective Permittivity of Fibrous Media
Authors: Camacho Hernandez Jesus Nain , Link Guido
Published: December 2024

Estimating the effective permittivity of anisotropic fibrous media is critical for advancing electromagnetic applications, requiring detailed microstructural and orientation analyses. This study introduces innovative approaches for disclosing the orientation and microstructure of fibers, leading to mixing relations. It particularly focuses on two specific fiber configurations: 1. wave-curved fibers and 2. a collection of interconnected fibers. The first approach uses sinusoidal wave fibers, considering their curvature and direction. Conversely, the approach for the interconnected fibers operates on the principle of representing fibers as a collection of straight segments. Investigations on fibrous media for both approaches were performed using numerical calculations at the microwave frequency of 2.45 GHz. Each fibrous medium was treated as an effective medium by using fibers significantly smaller than the microwave wavelength. A thorough comparison was made between the proposed mixing relations, numerical data, and state-of-the-art mixing relations to assess their consistency and validity. The comparison of the proposed approaches with traditional models shows an improved accuracy of up to 70% and 8% for the real and imaginary components of the permittivity, respectively. Additionally, the root-mean-square errors were determined as 0.001 + j0.003 and 0.001 – j0.007 for the sinusoidal and interconnected straight fibers approaches, respectively. In addition, a woven alumina fabric was used to compare the experimental resonance frequency with that from simulations using the permittivity of the fabric estimated by the interconnected straight fibers approach. These findings advance the predictive accuracy of permittivity estimation in fibrous media, providing a robust foundation for engineering applications.
Comparison of Ignition Process and Thermodynamic Conditions of TC4 and TC17 Alloys Under High-Speed Rubbing Ignition
Authors: Li Yajun , Li Jianjun , Zu Zichong , Wang Congzhen , Zhang Yuqi , Shao Lei , Huang Jinfeng
Published: December 2024

This study investigates the combustion characteristics and critical thermodynamic conditions for the ignition of TC4 and TC17 alloys under high-speed friction conditions. The results indicate that, under identical rubbing conditions, both the critical pressure and the ignition temperature of the TC17 alloy are higher than those of the TC4 alloy. The critical ignition conditions for both alloys increase with thickness, while they decrease with increasing rotational speed, oxygen concentration, and oxygen pressure. The primary characteristics in the initial stage of friction ignition are abrasive and adhesive wear. As the duration of friction increases, material from the friction surface begins to peel away, creating favorable conditions for ignition. At the moment of ignition, significant peeling occurs, along with visible cracks and molten structures, resulting in the production of a substantial amount of titanium oxide on the friction surface. Based on the ignition theory proposed by Frank-Kamenetskii, the reaction order, adsorption coefficient, pre-exponential factor, and activation energy of the ignition criterion under high-speed friction conditions were determined by fitting and analyzing the experimental results. The ignition temperatures of the TC4 and TC17 alloys at different speeds were predicted with a relative error of less than 2.06%. This demonstrates that the Frank-Kamenetskii model can be utilized to explain the critical ignition conditions of titanium alloys under high-speed rubbing conditions.
Modeling and Characteristic Test for a Crank-Connecting Rod Mem-Inerter Device
Authors: Zhang Xiao-Liang , Chen Ya-Lin , Nie Jia-Mei , Zhu Wei-An
Published: December 2024

This paper presents a mechanical crank-connecting rod mem-inerter device, with its output and memory characteristics being investigated and validated. Previous research suggests that a hydraulic mem-inerter generates a sizeable damping force, practically transforming it into a mem-dashpot. This greatly influences a system’s vibration characteristics when using a hydraulic mem-inerter. In contrast, the proposed crank-connecting rod inerter exhibits negligible damping force, addressing the issue of excessive damping in hydraulic inerters and potentially enhancing the actual isolation effect. We successfully developed a prototype of the trial production device, and a bench characteristic test was conducted. Our quasi-static test results indicate that frictional resistance during device operation can be negligible. Our dynamic characteristic test results reveal that the characteristic curves of the device on the momentum–velocity plane can be displayed as a pinched hysteresis loop. Our results are in agreement with the simulation outcomes, which proves that the crank-connecting rod inerter is a physical realization of a mem-inerter device.
Modeling of Chatter Stability for the Robot Milling of Natural Marble
Authors: Huang Jixiang , Huang Hui , Huang Shengui , Yin Fangchen
Published: December 2024

Industrial robots are widely used in the field of processing because of their many advantages, such as their high flexibility and wide processing range, but the chatter phenomenon limits their application. In this study, a chatter model for the robot milling of natural marble is established that analyzes the effect of the milling parameters and position. The chatter stability model is first established based on the zeroth-order approximation method, in which the robot milling system is simplified into a vibration system with two degrees of freedom. The milling force coefficients are determined by robot milling experiments, and the modal parameters of the robot milling system are identified based on the single-point excitation and pickup methods, which are essential for the establishment of the chatter stability model. Second, robot milling experiments are conducted to verify the established model, proving its high prediction accuracy. Finally, the effect of the milling parameters and position on the chatter stability of the robot milling system is discussed. These conclusions can be references for the robot milling of natural marble.
Enhanced STag Marker System: Materials and Methods for Flexible Robot Localisation
Authors: Heselden James R. , Paparas Dimitris , Stevenson Robert L. , Das Gautham P.
Published: December 2024

Accurate localisation is key for the autonomy of mobile robots. Fiducial localisation utilises relative positions of markers physically deployed across an environment to determine a localisation estimate for a robot. Fiducial markers are strictly designed, with very limited flexibility in appearance. This often results in a “trade-off” between visual customisation, library size, and occlusion resilience. Many fiducial localisation approaches vary in their position estimation over time, leading to instability. The Stable Fiducial Marker System (STag) was designed to address this limitation with the use of a two-stage homography detection. Through its combined square and circle detection phases, it can refine detection stability. In this work, we explore the utility of STag as a basis for a stable mobile robot localisation system. Key marker restrictions are addressed in this work through contributions of three new chromatic STag marker types. The hue/greyscale STag marker set addresses constraints in customisability, the high-capacity STag marker set addresses limitations in library size, and the high-occlusion STag marker set improves resilience to occlusions. These are designed with compatibility with the STag detection system, requiring only preprocessing steps for enhanced detection. They are assessed against the existing STag markers and each shows clear improvements. Further, we explore the viability of various materials for marker fabrication, for use in outdoor and low-light conditions. This includes the exploration of “active” materials which induce effects such as retro-reflectance and photo-luminescence. Detection rates are experimentally assessed across lighting conditions, with “active” markers assessed on the practicality of their effects. To encapsulate this work, we have developed a full end-to-end deployment for fiducial localisation under the STag system. It is shown to function for both on-board and off-board localisation, with deployment in practical robot trials. As a part of this contribution, the associated software for marker set generation/detection, physical marker fabrication, and end-to-end localisation has been released as an open source distribution.
Exponential Trajectory Tracking Control of Nonholonomic Wheeled Mobile Robots
Authors: Petrov Plamen , Kralov Ivan
Published: December 2024

Trajectory tracking control is important in order to realize autonomous driving of mobile robots. From a control standpoint, trajectory tracking can be stated as the problem of stabilizing a tracking error system that describes both position and orientation errors of the mobile robot with respect to a time-parameterized path. In this paper, we address the problem for the trajectory tracking of nonholonomic wheeled mobile robots, and an exponential trajectory tracking controller is designed. The stability analysis is concerned with studying the local exponential stability property of a cascade system, provided that two isolated subsystems are exponentially stable and under certain bound conditions for the interconnection term. A theoretical stability analysis of the dynamic behaviors of the closed-loop system is provided based on the Lyapunov stability theory, and an exponential stability result is proven. An explicit estimate of the set of feasible initial conditions for the error variables is determined. Simulation results for verification of the proposed tracking controller under different operating conditions are given. The obtained results show that the problem of trajectory tracking control of nonholonomic wheeled mobile robots is solved over a large class of reference trajectories with fast convergence and good transient performance.
Quantitative Controllability Metric for Disturbance Rejection in Linear Unstable Systems
Authors: Lee Haemin , Park Jinseong
Published: December 2024

This paper introduces a novel Gramian-based quantitative metric to evaluate the disturbance rejection capabilities of linear unstable systems. The proposed metric addresses key limitations of the previously introduced degree of disturbance rejection (DoDR) metrics, including their dependency on the final time and numerical problems arising from differential equation computations. Specifically, this study defines the steady-state solution of the DoDR metric, which avoids numerical issues by relying only on solving four algebraic equations, even when the Gramian matrices diverge. This study further strengthens its contributions by providing rigorous mathematical proofs supporting the proposed method, ensuring a strong theoretical foundation. The derived results demonstrate that the proposed metric represents the sum of the steady-state input energies required to reject the disturbances in the asymptotically stable and anti-stable subsystems. Numerical examples demonstrated that the proposed metric maintained the physical meaning of the original DoDR while offering practical computational advantages. This study represents a significant step toward the efficient and reliable assessment of disturbance rejection capabilities in unstable systems.
Factor Investment or Feature Selection Analysis?
Authors: Mai Jifang , Zhang Shaohua , Zhao Haiqing , Pan Lijun
Published: December 2024

This study has made significant findings in A-share market data processing and portfolio management. Firstly, by adopting the Lasso method and CPCA framework, we effectively addressed the problem of multicollinearity among feature indicators, with the Lasso method demonstrating superior performance in handling this issue, thus providing a new method for financial data processing. Secondly, Deep Feedforward Neural Networks (DFN) exhibited exceptional performance in portfolio management, significantly outperforming other evaluated machine learning methods, and achieving high levels of out-of-sample performance and Sharpe ratios. Additionally, we consistently identified price changes, earnings per share, net assets per share, and excess returns as key factors influencing predictive signals. Finally, this study combined the Lasso method with DFN, providing a new perspective and methodological support for asset pricing measurement in the financial field.
Optimizing Dynamic Evacuation Using Mixed-Integer Linear Programming
Authors: Obaid Hamoud Bin , Trafalis Theodore B. , Abushaega Mastoor M. , Altherwi Abdulhadi , Hamzi Ahmed
Published: December 2024

This study presents a new approach to optimize the dynamic evacuation process through a dynamic traffic assignment model formulated using mixed-integer linear programming (MILP). The model approximates the travel time for evacuee groups with a piecewise linear function that accounts for variations in travel time due to load-dependent factors. Significant delays are transferred to subsequent groups to simulate delay propagation. The primary objective is to minimize the network clearance time—the total time required for the last group of evacuees to reach safety from the start of the evacuation. Given the model’s computational intensity, a simplified version is introduced for comparison. Both the original and simplified models are tested on small networks and benchmarked against the Cell Transmission Model, a well-regarded method in dynamic traffic assignment literature. Additional objectives, including average travel time and average evacuation time, are explored. A sensitivity analysis is conducted to assess how varying the number of evacuee groups impacts model outcomes.
GC/MS Fatty Acid Profile of Marine-Derived Actinomycetes from Extreme Environments: Chemotaxonomic Insights and Biotechnological Potential
Authors: Cunha Marlene B. , Jorge André F. , Nunes Maria João , Sousa Joana R. , Lança Maria João , Gomes da Silva Marco , Gaudêncio Susana P.
Published: December 2024

This study investigated the fatty acids (FA) profile of 54 actinomycete strains isolated from marine sediments collected off the Portugal continental coast, specifically from the Estremadura Spur pockmarks field, by GC/MS. Fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) were prepared from the ethyl acetate lipidic extracts of these strains and analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/MS), with FA identification performed using the NIST library. The identified FAs varied from C12:0 to C20:0, where 32 distinct FAs were identified, including 7 branched-chain fatty acids (BCFAs), 9 odd-chain fatty acids (OCFAs), 8 monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), 6 saturated fatty acids (SFAs), 1 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), and 1 cyclic chain fatty acid (CCFA). The average expressed content was BCFA (47.54%), MUFA (28.49%), OCFA (26.93%), and SFA (22.16%), of which i-C16:0, C18:1ω9, and C16:0 were predominant, while PUFA (3.58%) and CCFA (0.41%) were identified as minor components. The identified BCFA were i-C16:0, a-C15:0, i-C15:0, i-C15:1ω6, a-C16:0, a-C14:0, and i-C17:0, which include combined branching and unsaturation and branching and odd. SFAs were present in all species, with C16:0 and C18:0 being the most representative. Rare OCFAs C19:1ω9, C17:1ω7, C15:0, and C17:0 were expressed. PUFA C18:1ω9 was detected; within this class, omega families ω9, ω7, ω6, and ω5 were identified, and no ω3 was detected. The only CCFA was benzene-butanoic acid (benzene-C4:0). These findings highlight the metabolic versatility of actinomycetes, providing valuable insights into microbial chemotaxonomy and offering promising biochemical leads for the development of biofuel, nutraceutical, and antifungal agents. Furthermore, these results underline the diversity and biotechnological potential of FAs in actinomycetes, uncovering their potential to be used as microbial cell factories, and paving the way for innovations in biofuels, pharmaceuticals, and eco-friendly industrial products.
Structure Diversity and Properties of Some Bola-like Natural Products
Authors: Stonik Valentin A. , Makarieva Tatyana N. , Shubina Larisa K. , Guzii Alla G. , Ivanchina Natalia V.
Published: December 2024

In their shapes, molecules of some bipolar metabolites resemble the so-called bola, a hunting weapon of the South American inhabitants, consisting of two heavy balls connected to each other by a long flexible cord. Herein, we discuss the structures and properties of these natural products (bola-like compounds or bolaamphiphiles), containing two polar terminal fragments and a non-polar chain (or chains) between them, from archaea, bacteria, and marine invertebrates. Additional modifications of core compounds of this class, for example, interchain and intrachain cyclization, hydroxylation, methylation, etc., expand the number of known metabolites of this type, providing their great structural variety. Isolation of such complex compounds individually is problematic, since they usually exist as mixtures of regioisomers and stereoisomers, that are very difficult to be separated. The main approaches to the study of their structures combine various methods of HPLC/MS or GC/MS, 2D-NMR experiments and organic synthesis. The recent identification of new enzymes, taking part in their biosynthesis and metabolism, made it possible to understand molecular aspects of their origination and some features of evolution during geological times. The promising properties of these metabolites, such as their ability to self-assemble and stabilize biological or artificial membranes, and biological activities, attract additional attention to them.
Impairment of Microcirculation Parameters in Patients with a History of Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Authors: Vouillarmet Julien , Josset-Lamaugarny Audrey , Moret Myriam , Cugnet-Anceau Christine , Michon Paul , Disse Emmanuel , Sigaudo-Roussel Dominique
Published: December 2024

Background and Objectives: According to the International Working Group on Diabetic Foot (IWGDF) risk classification, the estimated risk of developing a diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is much higher in patients with a history of DFUs (Grade 3) compared to those with a peripheral neuropathy but without a history of DFUs (Grades 1 and 2). It has been suggested that microcirculation impairment is involved in DFU genesis and could be taken into account to refine the existing risk classification. The aim of this study was to evaluate microcirculation parameters in patients with diabetes according to their estimated DFU risk. Materials and Methods: A total of 172 patients with type 2 diabetes associated with a peripheral neuropathy and/or a history of DFUs were included and classified into two groups (Grade 1–2 and Grade 3) according to the IWGDF classification. All patients underwent an evaluation of peripheral neuropathy, plantar sudomotor function, and skin microcirculation parameters. These different parameters were compared between both groups. Results: There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of age, diabetes duration, transcutaneous oxygen pressure level, skin microcirculatory reactivity, neuropathy disability score, neuropathy symptom score, or thermal sensitivity. Patients in Grade 3 were more likely to present with retinopathy (OR 3.15, 95%CI [1.53; 6.49]) and severe sudomotor dysfunction (OR 2.73 95%CI [1.29; 5.80] but less likely to have abnormal VPT (OR 0.20 95%CI [0.05; 0.80]). Conclusions: The present study found more retinopathy and a more pronounced alteration to sudomotor function in Grade 3 patients, suggesting that these parameters could be considered to better identify patients at high risk of DFUs.
Benefits of Cilostazol’s Effect on Vascular and Neuropathic Complications Caused by Diabetes
Authors: Musial Diego Castro , Ajita Maria Eduarda , Bomfim Guilherme Henrique Souza
Published: December 2024

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a global health concern with a rising incidence, particularly in aging populations and those with a genetic predisposition. Over time, DM contributes to various complications, including nephropathy, retinopathy, peripheral arterial disease (PAD), and neuropathy. Among these, diabetic neuropathy and PAD stand out due to their high prevalence and significant impact on patients’ quality of life. Diabetic distal symmetric polyneuropathy, the most common form of diabetic neuropathy, is driven by neuroinflammation stemming from prolonged hyperglycemia. Simultaneously, hyperglycemia significantly increases the risk of PAD, a condition further exacerbated by factors like smoking, age, and sedentary lifestyles. PAD frequently manifests as claudication, a debilitating symptom marked by pain and cramping during physical activity, which limits mobility and worsens patients’ outcomes. Cilostazol, a phosphodiesterase-3 inhibitor, has proven effective in managing intermittent claudication in PAD by improving walking distances and enhancing blood flow. Recent studies have also explored its potential benefits for diabetic neuropathy. Cilostazol’s mechanisms include vasodilation, platelet inhibition, and increased cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels, which may contribute to improved neurological outcomes. However, variability in the clinical evidence due to inconsistent treatment protocols highlights the need for further investigation. This review explores cilostazol’s mechanisms of action and therapeutic applications for managing neuropathy and PAD in diabetic patients, aiming to provide insights into its potential as a dual-purpose pharmacological agent in this high-risk population.
Electro-Conductive Modification of Polyvinylidene Fluoride Membrane for Electrified Wastewater Treatment: Optimization and Antifouling Performance
Authors: Shi Jinzhuo , Hu Yisong , Li Songhua , Xiao Wenqian , Yang Yuan , Ji Jiayuan
Published: December 2024

Electro-conductive membranes coupled with a low-voltage electric field can enhance pollutant removal and mitigate membrane fouling, demonstrating significant potential for electrified wastewater treatment. However, efficient fabrication of conductive membranes poses challenges. An in situ oxidative polymerization approach was applied to prepare PVDF-based conductive membranes (PVDF-CMs) and response surface methodology (RSM) was adopted to optimize modification conditions enhancing membrane performance. The anti-fouling property of the conductive membranes was analyzed using model pollutants. The results indicate that when the concentrations of the pyrrole, BVIMBF4, and FeCl3·6H2O are 0.9 mol/L, 4.8 mmol, and 0.8 mol/L, respectively, the electrical resistance of the PVDF-CM is 93 Ω/sq with the water contact angle of 31°, demonstrating good conductivity and hydrophilicity. Batch membrane filtration experiments coupled with negative voltage indicated that when an external voltage of 2.0 V is applied, membrane fouling rates for the conductive membrane filtering BSA and SA solutions are reduced by 17.7% and 17.2%, respectively, compared to the control (0 V). When an external voltage of 0.5 V is applied, the membrane fouling rate for the conductive membrane filtering HA solution is reduced by 72.6%. This study provides a valuable reference for the efficient preparation of conductive membranes for cost-effective wastewater treatment.
Separate Application of Vermicompost and Mycorrhization Enhances Antioxidant Production and SPF in Anadenanthera colubrina (Vell.) Brenan Seedlings
Authors: de Carvalho João Gabriel Lira , Falcão Eduarda Lins , Bastos Filho Carmelo José Albanez , Wu Qiang-Sheng , da Silva Fábio Sérgio Barbosa
Published: December 2024

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and vermicompost can be efficient in enhancing the accumulation of metabolites, whereas there are no reports about their effects on antioxidant bioactive molecules and Sun Protection Factor (SPF) in Anadenanthera colubrina, a species used in cosmetic formulations. We hypothesized that the combination of AMF inoculation and vermicompost supplementation would synergistically optimize the production of these compounds and improve the antioxidant capacity and SPF of the plant leaves. A completely randomized experiment was set up in a factorial design with three mycorrhizal inoculation treatments (control, Acaulospora longula, and Gigaspora albida) and two substrate proportions (soil alone and soil with 10% vermicompost). After 126 days, the leaves were harvested to evaluate the content of primary metabolites, phenolics, antioxidant capacity, and SPF. Vermicompost did not synergize with AMF to enhance biomolecule synthesis in A. colubrina; instead, it neutralized the mycorrhizal effects. However, plants grown in soil supplemented with vermicompost showed an increase in metabolite and SPF accumulation compared to those grown solely in soil. Seedlings colonized by G. albida and grown in soil also exhibited enhanced anabolism. Therefore, this is the first report in the literature regarding the mitigating effect of vermicompost application on the SPF of mycorrhizal plants. Future studies should consider analyzing these factors in field conditions to attest the need of these agricultural tools.
Determination of the De Novo Minimum Selection Concentration of Trimethoprim In Vivo for Escherichia coli Using Galleria mellonella: A Pilot Study
Authors: Macleod Jaime Knox , Gestels Zina , Abdellati Said , Vanbaelen Thibaut , Kenyon Chris , Manoharan-Basil Sheeba Santhini
Published: December 2024

We investigated whether the maximum residual levels of trimethoprim permitted in food (Acceptable Daily Intake—ADI) could select for de novo trimethoprim resistance in Escherichia coli in vivo. We designed chronic infection models of E. coli in Galleria mellonella and exposed them to sub-ADI doses of trimethoprim through a single-dosing regimen. The emergence of trimethoprim resistance was determined by isolating the target bacteria on selective agar plates, followed by species confirmation using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was assessed via the E-test to determine E. coli susceptibility to trimethoprim. Notably, exposure to as low as one-tenth of the ADI dose through a single-dosing regimen resulted in the selection of trimethoprim-resistant E. coli. Our findings indicate that trimethoprim doses ten-fold lower than the established ADI threshold could induce resistance to trimethoprim in E. coli. These results highlight the importance of considering antimicrobial resistance induction as a key factor when determining ADI levels in food.
Uncertainty Analysis of Biogas Generation and Gas Hydrate Accumulations in the Baiyun Sag, South China Sea
Authors: Su Pibo , Liang Jinqiang , Cheng Huai , Lv Yaoyao , Zhang Wei , Zhu Zuofei
Published: December 2024

In this study, we use petroleum systems modeling (PSM) to quantitatively simulate the uncertainty of biogenic gas generation modes and their impact on the spatial distribution and resource assessment of gas hydrates in the Baiyun Sag, South China Sea. The results are as follows: (1) Biogenic gas generation is significantly affected by thermal state and organic matter type. Low temperature is a primary reason for gas hydrate occurrence in shallower sediments when sufficient methane gas is present. This may be due to higher thermal conductivity of the overlying sediments, slower sediment burial rates, or other geological processes. (2) Natural gas hydrate resources are significantly controlled by biogenic gas generation. In addition to the thermal conditions of the source rock or sediment, the nature of the organic matter is another crucial factor. Generally, low-temperature methanogens produce more methane gas because they require less energy, whereas high-temperature methanogens require more energy and thus produce less methane gas. (3) The biogas generation thermal model is key to controlling the location and quantity of natural gas hydrate resources. The three possible gas-phase models, K0, K1, and K2 (representing different methanogens), produce varying amounts of methane gas over time, resulting in different amounts of natural gas hydrate resources. Additionally, the preservation of various methanogens in biogas source rocks can alter reservoir formation locations, influencing the scale and genetic model of natural gas hydrate resources.