bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anti-Inflammatory Effects of GLP-1R Activation in the Retina
Authors: Puddu Alessandra , Maggi Davide
Published: October 2022

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is an incretin hormone, mainly produced by enteroendocrine L cells, which participates in the regulation of glucose homeostasis, and in reduction in body weight by promoting satiety. Actions of GLP-1 are mediated by activation of its receptor GLP-1R, which is widely expressed in several tissues including the retina. The effects of GLP-1R activation are useful in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In addition, the activation of GLP-1R has anti-inflammatory effects in several organs, suggesting that it may be also useful in the treatment of inflammatory diseases. Inflammation is a common element in the pathogenesis of several ocular diseases, and the protective effects of treatment with GLP-1 emerged also in retinal diseases. In this review we highlight the anti-inflammatory effects of GLP-1R activation in the retina. Firstly, we summarized the pathogenic role of inflammation in ocular diseases. Then, we described the pleiotropic effects of GLP-1R activation on the cellular components of the retina which are mainly involved in the pathogenesis of inflammatory retinal diseases: the retinal ganglion cells, retinal pigment epithelial cells and endothelial cells.
Evaluation of Safety of Stewart’s Wood Fern (Dryopteris stewartii) and Its Anti-Hyperglycemic Potential in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Mice
Authors: Hanif Uzma , Raza Chand , Liaqat Iram , Rani Maryam , Afifi Sherif M. , Esatbeyoglu Tuba , Bahadur Saraj , Shahid Sara
Published: October 2022

Diabetes has become a critical challenge to the global health concerns. Cytotoxicity and development of resistance against available drugs for management of diabetes have shifted the focus of global scientific researchers from synthetic to herbal medications. Therefore, the current study was conducted to investigate the possible anti-hyperglycemic potential of Dryopteris stewartii using Swiss albino mice. To evaluate any possible toxic effect of the plant, acute oral toxicity test was performed while the anti-diabetic effects of aqueous and ethanol extracts at 500 mg/kg, positive, negative and normal control were assessed simultaneously. The anti-diabetic study revealed that aqueous extract has higher anti-diabetic potential than ethanol extract while lowered blood glucose level at second week reaching 150 mg/dL, exerting stronger anti-diabetic effects, compared to ethanol extract (190 mg/dL). Oral glucose tolerance findings revealed that aqueous extract decreased blood glucose level by −0.41-fold, compared to ethanol extract showing a decrease by only −0.29-folds. The histopathological evaluation of liver and pancreas of all groups revealed normal cell architecture with no morphological abnormalities. These results suggested the possible use of D. stewartii as anti-diabetic herbal drug in near future. However, these recommendations are conditioned by deep mechanistic studies.
Cardiac Disease Alters Myocardial Tissue Levels of Epoxyeicosatrienoic Acids and Key Proteins Involved in Their Biosynthesis and Degradation
Authors: Aliwarga Theresa , Dinh Jean C. , Heyward Scott , Prasad Bhagwat , Gharib Sina A. , Lemaitre Rozenn N. , Sotoodehnia Nona , Totah Rheem A.
Published: October 2022

CYP2J2 is the main epoxygenase in the heart that is responsible for oxidizing arachidonic acid to cis-epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs). Once formed, EETs can then be hydrolyzed by soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH, encoded by EPHX2) or re-esterified back to the membrane. EETs have several cardioprotective properties and higher levels are usually associated with better cardiac outcomes/prognosis. This study investigates how cardiovascular disease (CVD) can influence total EET levels by altering protein expression and activity of enzymes involved in their biosynthesis and degradation. Diseased ventricular cardiac tissues were collected from patients receiving Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) or heart transplants and compared to ventricular tissue from controls free of CVD. EETs, and enzymes involved in EETs biosynthesis and degradation, were measured using mass spectrometric assays. Terfenadine hydroxylation was used to probe CYP2J2 activity. Significantly higher cis- and trans-EET levels were observed in control cardiac tissue (n = 17) relative to diseased tissue (n = 24). Control cardiac tissue had higher CYP2J2 protein levels, which resulted in higher rate of terfenadine hydroxylation, compared to diseased cardiac tissues. In addition, levels of both NADPH-Cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase (POR) and sEH proteins were significantly higher in control versus diseased cardiac tissue. Overall, alterations in protein and activity of enzymes involved in the biosynthesis and degradation of EETs provide a mechanistic understanding for decreased EET levels in diseased tissues.
Description of the First Registered Case of Lopes–Maciel–Rodan Syndrome in Russia
Authors: Koshevaya Yuliya S. , Kusakin Aleksey V. , Buchinskaia Natalia V. , Pechnikova Valentina V. , Serebryakova Elena A. , Koroteev Alexander L. , Glotov Andrey S. , Glotov Oleg S.
Published: October 2022

Lopes–Maciel–Rodan syndrome (LOMARS) is an extremely rare disorder, with only a few cases reported worldwide. LOMARS is caused by a compound heterozygous mutation in the HTT gene. Little is known about LOMARS pathogenesis and clinical manifestations. Whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed to achieve a definitive molecular diagnosis of the disorder. All NGS-identified variants underwent the Sanger confirmation. In addition, a literature review on genetic variations in the HTT gene was conducted. The paper reports a case of LOMARS in a pediatric patient in Russia. A preterm girl of non-consanguineous parents demonstrated severe psychomotor developmental delays in her first 12 months. By the age of 6 years, she failed to develop speech but was able to understand everyday phrases and perform simple commands. Autism-like behaviors, stereotypies, and bruxism were noted during the examination. WES revealed two undescribed variants of unknown clinical significance in the HTT gene, presumably associated with the patient’s phenotype (c.2350C>T and c.8440C>A). Medical re-examination of parents revealed that the patient inherited these variants from her father and mother. Lopes–Maciel–Rodan syndrome was diagnosed based on overlapping clinical findings and the follow-up genetic examination of parents. Our finding expands the number of reported LOMARS cases and provides new insights into the genetic basis of the disease.
The Association between Elevated Hematocrit and Retinal Artery Occlusion in Adult Patients
Authors: Lai Wei-Yu , Lin Pei-Chin , Yin Chun-Hao , Yang Kuang-Tsu , Shih En-Jie , Chen Jin-Shuen
Published: October 2022

Retinal artery occlusion (RAO) is most commonly caused by embolism. Evidence showed that hematocrit (Hct) levels are often associated with embolic events. In this study, we aim to investigate the relationship between Hct levels and RAO. This retrospective study enrolled RAO patients between January 2011 and March 2020, who were 1:4 matched by age, gender, index date, and relevant comorbidities with the non-RAO group. Patient characteristics and laboratory data were collected. Univariate conditional logistic regression was applied by estimating crude matched odds ratios to determine the relevant factors for the occurrence of RAO. Furthermore, a narrative review of the relevant study was conducted to explore the association between Hct levels and embolism. Between January 2011 to March 2020, 82 RAO patients and 328 non-RAO patients matched with age, gender, index date, comorbidities of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, chronic kidney disease, stroke, and atrial fibrillation were enrolled after excluding ineligible individuals. Conditional logistic regression analysis showed that Hct level ≥ 40% was associated with developing RAO. A forest plot showed a trend of a non-linear dose-response association between Hct levels and ischemic vascular events in male patients. Hct levels ≥ 40% in patients older than 65 years with at least six comorbidities could be associated with RAO. We suggest that older patients who have multiple comorbidities, combined with elevated Hct levels, should be informed of the possible occurrence of RAO.
Machine Learning Analyses Revealed Distinct Arterial Pulse Variability According to Side Effects of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine (BNT162b2)
Authors: Chen Chun-Chao , Chang Che-Kai , Chiu Chun-Chih , Yang Tsung-Yeh , Hao Wen-Rui , Lin Cheng-Hsin , Fang Yu-Ann , Jian William , Hsu Min-Huei , Yang Tsung-Lin , Liu Ju-Chi , Hsiu Hsin
Published: October 2022

Various adverse events and complications have been attributed to COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) vaccinations, which can affect the cardiovascular system, with conditions such as myocarditis, thrombosis, and ischemia. The aim of this study was to combine noninvasive pulse measurements and frequency domain analysis to determine if the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine (BNT162b2) vaccination and its accompanying cardiovascular side effects will induce changes in arterial pulse transmission and waveform. Radial blood pressure waveform and photoplethysmography signals were measured noninvasively for 1 min in 112 subjects who visited Shuang-Ho Hospital for a BNT162b2 vaccination. Based on side effects, each subject was assigned to Group N (no side effects), Group CV (cardiac or vascular side effects), Group C (cardiac side effects only), or Group V (vascular side effects only). Two classification methods were used: (1) machine-learning (ML) analysis using 40 harmonic pulse indices (amplitude proportions, phase angles, and their variability indices) as features, and (2) a pulse-variability score analysis developed in the present study. Significant effects on the pulse harmonic indices were noted in Group V following vaccination. ML and pulse-variability score analyses provided acceptable AUCs (0.67 and 0.80, respectively) and hence can aid discriminations among subjects with cardiovascular side effects. When excluding ambiguous data points, the AUC of the score analysis further improved to 0.94 (with an adopted proportion of around 64.1%) for vascular side effects. The present findings may help to facilitate a time-saving and easy-to-use method for detecting changes in the vascular properties associated with the cardiovascular side effects following BNT162b2 vaccination.
A Data Driven Modelling Approach for the Strain Rate Dependent 3D Shear Deformation and Failure of Thermoplastic Fibre Reinforced Composites: Experimental Characterisation and Deriving Modelling Parameters
Authors: Gerritzen Johannes , Hornig Andreas , Gröger Benjamin , Gude Maik
Published: October 2022

The 3D shear deformation and failure behaviour of a glass fibre reinforced polypropylene in a shear strain rate range of γ˙=2.2×10−4 to 3.4 1s is investigated. An Iosipescu testing setup on a servo-hydraulic high speed testing unit is used to experimentally characterise the in-plane and out-of-plane behaviour utilising three specimen configurations (12-, 13- and 31-direction). The experimental procedure as well as the testing results are presented and discussed. The measured shear stress–shear strain relations indicate a highly nonlinear behaviour and a distinct rate dependency. Two methods are investigated to derive according material characteristics: a classical engineering approach based on moduli and strengths and a data driven approach based on the curve progression. In all cases a Johnson–Cook based formulation is used to describe rate dependency. The analysis methodologies as well as the derived model parameters are described and discussed in detail. It is shown that a phenomenologically enhanced regression can be used to obtain material characteristics for a generalising constitutive model based on the data driven approach.
Evaluation of Bioactive Glass and Low Viscosity Resin as Orthodontic Enamel Sealer: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Al Shehab Abdullah , Bakry Ahmed Samir , Hill Robert , Alsulaimani Fahad Faiz , Abbassy Mona Aly
Published: October 2022

The study aimed to evaluate the effect of applying fluoride bioactive glass (FBAG) and Alpha-Glaze® (resin sealer) on the shear bond strength of orthodontic brackets to enamel bonded by Transbond XT, brushing–abrasion durability, and their protective effect against simulated cariogenic acidic attack. Materials include 135 extracted premolars that were divided into three groups—FBAG, Alpha-Glaze, and control. The shear bond strength test was measured using an Instron Universal Testing Machine. The brushing abrasion challenge took place with a tooth-brushing simulator. Transmitted light microscopy examinations were performed after the specimens were demineralized for 4 days. The results show that the shear bond strength values of the three groups did not report any statistically significant differences: FBAG (28.1 ± 5.5 Mpa), Alpha-Glaze (32.5 ± 7.4 Mpa), and control (30.7 ± 6.5 Mpa) p < 0.05. The Adhesive Remenant Index (ARI) study showed chipping of enamel in 6.6% of Alpha-Glaze and control specimens and 40% of specimens had their enamel surface covered with resin. Furthermore, 30% of the FBAG and 100% of the Alpha-Glaze sealer specimens resisted the abrasion test. In conclusion, FBAG can serve as an orthodontic-sealer capable of protecting the enamel surface surrounding orthodontic brackets. However, the Alpha-Glaze sealer did not offer the capability of protecting the enamel.
Advanced Scene Perception for Augmented Reality
Authors: Rambach Jason , Stricker Didier
Published: October 2022

Augmented reality (AR), combining virtual elements with the real world, has demonstrated impressive results in a variety of application fields and gained significant research attention in recent years due to its limitless potential [...]
Numerical Simulation of Scalar Mixing and Transport through a Fishing Net Panel
Authors: Yang Xinyue , Zeng Xianglai , Gualtieri Carlo , Cuthbertson Alan , Wang Ruo-Qian , Shao Dongdong
Published: October 2022

With the rapid development of commercial aquaculture in recent decades, large numbers of submerged cages or pens are clustered in fish farms that are commonly located within inland lakes, reservoirs, and coastal embayments around the world. The submerged structures have significant influence on both the flow fields and mass transport processes in surrounding water bodies. While existing studies have concentrated mainly on the flow blockage effects produced by fish cages, the associated effect on near-field mass transport processes, important for pollution transport and dispersal, remains largely unclear. To address this knowledge gap, a CFD (computational fluid dynamics) model was established using OpenFOAM to investigate the wake characteristics and scalar transport processes through a fishing net panel, as representative of a key component of the fish cage or pen. In this model, the net panel was represented as porous media, and the finite volume method was applied to solve the governing flow equations with the standard k-ε model used for turbulence closure. Experimental data from previous studies were used to calibrate and validate the numerical model, which was applied to different scenarios over a range of net solidities and incoming flow velocities. Overall, the numerical model results demonstrated that porous media schematization could adequately reproduce the blocking effect from the net panel on the mean flow field, as well as the induced changes to scalar transport, with satisfactory accuracy. The flow velocity reduction across the net panel was found to strengthen with increasing net solidity and decreasing incoming velocity, while the scalar concentration decay tended to become enhanced when the incoming velocity was decreased. The lateral profile of the scalar concentration exhibited a self-similar Gaussian distribution with the spreading width of the plume reduced by increasing the incoming velocity. This lateral concentration distribution was minimally affected by the upstream scalar source location relative to the net panel, when adopting the current RANS and porous media modelling approach. The model results provide useful references for the assessment of the environmental impacts and carrying capacity of cage-based fish farming.
Oral Chronic Hyperplastic Candidiasis and Its Potential Risk of Malignant Transformation: A Systematic Review and Prevalence Meta-Analysis
Authors: Lorenzo-Pouso Alejandro I. , Pérez-Jardón Alba , Caponio Vito Carlo Alberto , Spirito Francesca , Chamorro-Petronacci Cintia M. , Álvarez-Calderón-Iglesias Óscar , Gándara-Vila Pilar , Lo Muzio Lorenzo , Pérez-Sayáns Mario
Published: October 2022

Chronic hyperplastic candidiasis (CHC) is a prototypical oral lesion caused by chronic Candida infection. A major controversy surrounding CHC is whether this oral lesion owns malignant transformation (MT) potential. The aim of the present study was to evaluate current evidence on the MT of CHC and to determine the variables which have the greatest influence on cancer development. Bibliographical searches included PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus and LILACS. The cohort studies and case series used to investigate the MT of CHC were deemed suitable for inclusion. The quality of the enrolled studies was measured by the Joanna Briggs Institute scale. Moreover, we undertook subgroup analyses, assessed small study effects, and conducted sensitivity analyses. From 338 studies, nine were finally included for qualitative/quantitative analysis. The overall MT rate for CHC across all studies was 12.1% (95% confidential interval, 4.1–19.8%). Subgroup analysis showed that the MT rate increased when pooled analysis was restricted to poor quality studies. It remains complex to affirm whether CHC is an individual and oral, potentially malignant disorder according to the retrieved evidence. Prospective cohort studies to define the natural history of CHC and a consensus statement to clarify a proper set of diagnostic criteria are strongly needed. PROSPERO ID: CRD42022319572.
Taxonomy and Phylogenetic Appraisal of Dothideomycetous Fungi Associated with Magnolia, Lilium longiflorum and Hedychium coronarium
Authors: Silva Nimali I. de , Thambugala Kasun M. , Tennakoon Danushka S. , Karunarathna Samantha C. , Kumla Jaturong , Suwannarach Nakarin , Lumyong Saisamorn
Published: October 2022

This paper highlights the taxonomy of some interesting saprobic microfungi associated with dead plant materials of Hedychium coronarium, Lilium longiflorum, and Magnolia species. The taxa reported in this study belong to the orders Pleosporales and Kirschsteiniotheliales (Dothideomycetes). These taxa were identified based on multi-locus phylogeny of nuclear ribosomal DNA (rDNA) (LSU, SSU, and ITS) and protein-coding genes (tef1-α and rpb2), together with comprehensive morphological characterization. Two novel saprobic species, Leptoparies magnoliae sp. nov. and Neobambusicola magnoliae sp. nov., are introduced from Magnolia species in Thailand. Another new species, Asymmetrispora zingiberacearum sp. nov., is also described from dead stems of H. coronarium, which is the first asexual morph species of the genus Asymmetrispora. In addition, Ramusculicola thailandica and Kirschsteiniothelia thailandica are reported as new host records from dead twigs of Magnolia species. Sphaerellopsis paraphysata is reported as a new host record from L. longiflorum. Newly described taxa are compared with other similar species and detailed descriptions, micrographs, and phylogenetic trees to show the positions are provided.
Soil Quality Assessment in a Landslide Chronosequence of Indian Himalayan Region
Authors: Goyal Deepesh , Joshi Varun , Gupta Neha , Cabral-Pinto Marina M. S.
Published: October 2022

Landslides cause ecosystem degradation; they can significantly alter and deteriorate the soil quality. The analysis of deterioration in soil quality is critical as it provides baseline evidence for subsequent revegetation and management of forest. The effects of landslides on the natural environment (losses of soil resources), on the other hand, have received little consideration. Such information about the status of loss of soil resources in the landslide–disturbed areas of the Garhwal Himalayas is lacking. Therefore, the objective of the study is to assess the changes in soil quality restoration after the occurrence of landslides. A chronosequence of four landslide disturbed sites, L6–6–year–old, L16–16–year–old, L21–21–year–old and L26–26–year–old, was selected in the Alaknanda watershed of Uttarakhand. Seventy–six samples have been collected from the four landslide sites and a reference site (undisturbed site). The sites L6 and L16 are considered as recent landslide sites, whereas L21 and L26 are considered as old landslide sites. Entisols (Lithic–Udorthents) predominate in all the studied sites. The results have demonstrated that with the increasing age of landslides, the soil quality progressively improves with time, and the concentration of soil nutrients, viz., available phosphorus (AP), available potassium (AK) and mineralisable nitrogen (MN), in old landslide sites reaches to about 84%, 87% and 97%, respectively, of the reference site. Soil Quality Index (SQI) scores have been calculated using the Integrated Quality Index (IQI) equation. The disturbed sites L6, L16, L21 and L26 and the reference site have SQI scores of 0.136, 0.279, 0.447, 0.604 and 0.882, respectively. However, significant differences exist between the SQI of all the studied sites (p < 0.05, Tukey’s HSD), which implies that the concentration of soil organic carbon (SOC) and available nutrients was reduced due to the occurrence of landslides. The results also suggested that SOC, AP and clay fraction can be considered important evaluation indicators to assess soil quality and development.
Testing the Triggering Hypothesis: Effect of Cognate Status on Code-Switching and Disfluencies
Authors: Neveu Anne , McDonald Margarethe , Kaushanskaya Margarita
Published: October 2022

“Triggered switching” is the theory that code-switching happens more often with words connected to both languages, such as cognates. Corpus analyses have supported this theory; however, they do not allow testing for directional causality. Here, we test the triggering hypothesis through a picture-naming task, and examine whether cognates trigger code-switches, as well as more subtle interference effects resulting in disfluencies. Forty English-Spanish bilinguals completed a picture-cued sentence production task in three conditions: English-only, Spanish-only, and mixed. Half of the pictures represented Spanish-English cognates. Unsurprisingly, participants were more likely to code-switch when asked to use both their languages compared to only their dominant or non-dominant language. However, participants were not more likely to switch languages for cognate than for non-cognate trials. Participants tended to be more fluent on cognate trials in the dominant and the non-dominant condition, and on non-cognate trials in the mixed-language condition, although these effects were not significant. These findings suggest that both language context and cognate status are important to consider when testing both overt switches and disfluencies in bilingual speech production.
Application of Optimization Techniques in the Dairy Supply Chain: A Systematic Review
Authors: Malik Mohit , Gahlawat Vijay Kumar , Mor Rahul S , Dahiya Vijay , Yadav Mukheshwar
Published: October 2022

Background: The global dairy market is experiencing a massive transition as dairy farming has recently undergone modernization. As a result, the dairy industry needs to improve its operational efficiencies by implementing effective optimization techniques. Conventional and emerging optimization techniques have already gained momentum in the dairy industry. This study’s objective was to explore the optimization techniques developed for or implemented in the dairy supply chain (DSC) and to investigate how these techniques can improve the DSC. Methods: A systematic review approach based on PRISMA guidelines were adopted to conduct this review. The authors used descriptive statistics for statistical analysis. Results: Modernization has led the dairy industry to improve its operational efficiencies by implementing the most effective optimization techniques. Researchers have used mathematical modeling-based methods and are shifting to artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) -based approaches in the DSC. The mathematical modeling-based techniques remain dominant (56% of articles), but AI and ML-based techniques are gaining traction (used in around 44% of articles). Conclusions: The review findings show insight into the benefits and implications of optimization techniques in the DSC. This research shows how optimization techniques are associated with every phase of the DSC and how new technologies have affected the supply chain.
Casting and Characterization of A319 Aluminum Alloy Reinforced with Graphene Using Hybrid Semi-Solid Stirring and Ultrasonic Processing
Authors: Andilab Bernoulli , Emadi Payam , Ravindran Comondore
Published: October 2022

Advanced metallurgical processing techniques are required to produce aluminum matrix composites due to the tendency of the reinforcement particles to agglomerate. In this study, graphene nano-platelet reinforcement particles were effectively incorporated into an automotive A319 aluminum alloy matrix using a liquid metallurgical route. Due to its low density, it is a highly difficult task to produce an aluminum matrix composite reinforced with graphene. Hence, this study explored a novel approach to prevent particle floating to the melt surface and agglomeration. This was achieved via a hybrid semi-solid stirring of A319, followed by ultrasonic treatment of the liquid melt using a sonication probe. The microstructure and graphene particles were characterized using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Furthermore, the interfacial products produced with the incorporation of graphene in liquid aluminum were analyzed with X-ray diffraction. The tensile test results exhibited 10, 11 and 32% improvements in ultimate tensile strength, yield strength, and ductility of A319 reinforced with 0.05 wt.% addition of graphene. Analysis of strengthening models demonstrated primary contribution from Hall-Petch followed by CTE mismatch and load bearing mechanism. The results from this research enable the potential for using cost-effective, efficient and simple liquid metallurgy methods to produce aluminum reinforced graphene composites with improved mechanical properties.
Characterization of the Native Oxide Shell of Copper Metal Powder Spherical Particles
Authors: Mahmoud Morsi M.
Published: October 2022

The native oxide layer that forms on copper (Cu) metal spherical particle surfaces under ambient handling conditions has been shown to have a significant effect on sintering behavior during microwave heating in a previous study, where an abnormal expansion was observed and characterized during sintering of Cu compacts using reducing gases. Because microwave (MW) heating is selective and depends greatly on the dielectric properties of the materials, this thin oxide layer will absorb MW energy easily and can consequently be heated drastically starting from room temperature until the reduction process occurs. In the current study, this oxide ceramic layer was qualitatively and quantitatively characterized using the carrier gas hot extraction (CGHE) method, Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), and a dual-beam focused ion beam (FIB)/scanning electron microscope (SEM) system that combines both FIB and SEM in one single instrument. Two different commercial gas-atomized spherical Cu metal powders with different particle sizes were investigated, where the average oxygen content of the powders was found to be around 0.575 wt% using the CGHE technique. Furthermore, AES spectra along with depth profile measurements were used to qualitatively characterize this oxide layer, with only a rough quantitative thickness approximation due to method limitations and the electron beam reduction effect. For the dual-beam FIB-SEM system, a platinum (Pt) coating was first deposited on the Cu particle surfaces prior to any characterization in order to protect and to preserve the oxide layer from any possible beam-induced reduction. Subsequently, the Pt-coated Cu particles were then cross-sectioned in the middle in situ using an FIB beam, where SEM micrographs of the resulted fresh sections were characterized at a 36° angle stage tilt with four different detector modes. Quantitative thickness characterization of this native oxide layer was successfully achieved using the adapted dual-beam FIB-SEM setup with more accuracy. Overall, the native Cu oxide layer was found to be inhomogeneous over the particles, and its thickness was strongly dependent on particle size. The thickness ranged from around 22–67 nm for Cu powder with a 10 µm average particle size (APS) and around 850–1050 nm for one with less than 149 µm.
Excitation and Reception of Higher-Order Guided Lamb Wave’s A1 and S1 Modes in Plastic and Composite Materials
Authors: Kazys Rymantas Jonas , Sestoke Justina , Mazeika Liudas
Published: October 2022

Contemporary technologies are employing composite plate materials developed by using various innovative materials (nanostructures, mica structures, etc.). Application of higher-order modes could allow better detection and characterization of defects characteristic of planar plastic and composite structures, mainly due to shorter wavelength. However, excitation of higher-order modes meets many problems, especially in the case of the air-coupled technique, and is not sufficiently investigated. This is relevant in the cases of paper, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), membranes, GFRP, GLARE, CFRP and other composite structures. The objective of the paper was investigation of the excitation and reception of higher-order guided Lamb wave modes in plastic and composite plates. Therefore, it is appropriate to develop new non-contact ultrasonic measurement methods based on the excitation and reception of guided waves for the study of such objects. The obtained results clearly demonstrate the possibility to excite and receive efficiently different higher-order guided Lamb wave modes with very different phase velocities. The presented comparison of the experimental results with the simulation results showed a good agreement. The combination of air-coupled excitation and non-contact reception enables a non-destructive evaluation and characterization of moving plastic objects and composite structures.
Organosilicon-Based Plasma Nanocoating on Crust Leather for Water-Repellent Footwear
Authors: Ruzafa-Silvestre Carlos , Juan-Fernández Blanca , Carbonell-Blasco María Pilar , Bañón-Gil Elena , Orgilés-Calpena Elena , Arán-Ais Francisca
Published: October 2022

In this study, functional nanocoatings for water-repellent footwear leather materials were investigated by chemical plasma polymerisation by implanting and depositing the organosilicon compound hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO) using a low-pressure plasma system. To this end, the effect of monomers on leather plasma deposition time was evaluated and both the resulting plasma polymers and the deposited leather samples were characterised using different experimental techniques, such as: Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In addition, leather samples were tested by standard tests for color change, water resistance, surface wetting resistance and dynamic water contact angle (DWCA). The resulting polysiloxane polymers exhibited hydrophobic properties on leather. Furthermore, these chemical surface modifications created on the substrate can produce water repellent effects without altering the visual leather appearance and physical properties. Both plasma coating treatments and nanocoatings with developed water-repellency properties can be considered as a more sustainable, automated and less polluting alternative to chemical conventional processing that can be introduced into product-finishing processes in the footwear industry.
Adaptive Compensation Tracking Control for Time-Varying Delay Nonlinear Systems with Unknown Actuator Dead Zone
Authors: Ma Libin , Wang Mao
Published: October 2022

This paper concerns the problem of adaptive compensation tracking control for a class of time-varying delay nonlinear systems with unknown structures and unknown actuator dead zones where time-varying delays are unknown. First, a variable separation approach is used to overcome the difficulty in dealing with a nonstrict-feedback structure, and multilayer neural networks are used to approximate the unknown nonlinear structures with time-varying delays. On this basis, we designed an adaptive multilayer neural-network compensation controller to reduce the error of multilayer neural networks. Furthermore, for unknown actuator dead zones, this paper separates the controller and adopts multilayer neural networks to deal with unknown actuator dead zones. In order to reduce the error of the dead-zone controller, wer designed an adaptive compensation controller for the dead zones. Lastly, this paper proves the stability of the systems with the Lyapunov method, and simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the scheme.
A Profit Maximization Inventory Model: Stock-Linked Demand Considering Salvage Value with Tolerable Deferred Payments
Authors: Patel Amisha , Talati Isha , Oza Ankit D. , Burduhos-Nergis Dumitru Doru , Burduhos-Nergis Diana Petronela
Published: October 2022

Every business owner wishes that all sales were made on a cash basis, but in a cutthroat market, it is not always feasible. To entice buyers to purchase their goods, dealers may need to offer sales with credit terms. Unfortunately, selling with deferred payment conditions introduces a completely new facet of business management. Additionally, the salvage amount or value is significant for determining depreciation and can have an impact on the company’s overall depreciable amount used in its depreciation schedule. This study looks at an inventory model with the best possible pricing and ordering policy for retailers. Research is derived from when inventory is subjected to a constant deterioration rate and associated with appropriate salvage value. A perishable payments strategy inventory model is created, with the demand as a function of the stock level as well as selling price. Manufacturers provide to the retailer a tolerable deferred payment scheme to repay against the purchase products. That the cycle length and order size will rise under tolerable deferred period is refuted. The study’s goal is to determine the optimal replenishment cycle length and selling price to optimize retailer’s net income. With reference to cycle length and selling price, we developed an algorithm with a numerical example to optimize the net profit. The results are mathematically proven, and data is provided to validate the aforementioned model. Numerical examples are used to validate the model, and sensitivity analysis was performed. Using mathematical tools, a 3D graph will be used to demonstrate the concavity of the objective function.
Bivariate Poisson 2Sum-Lindley Distributions and the Associated BINAR(1) Processes
Authors: Irshad Muhammed Rasheed , Chesneau Christophe , D’cruz Veena , Khan Naushad Mamode , Maya Radhakumari
Published: October 2022

Discrete-valued time series modeling has witnessed numerous bivariate first-order integer-valued autoregressive process or BINAR(1) processes based on binomial thinning and different innovation distributions. These BINAR(1) processes are mainly focused on over-dispersion. This paper aims to propose new bivariate distributions and processes based on a recently proposed over-dispersed distribution: the Poisson 2S-Lindley distribution. The new bivariate distributions, denoted by the abbreviations BP2S-L(I) and BP2S-L(II), are then used as innovation distributions for the BINAR(1) process. Properties are investigated for both distributions as well as for the BINAR(1) processes. The distribution parameters are estimated using the maximum likelihood method, and the BINAR(1)BP2S-L(I) and BINAR(1)BP2S-L(II) process parameters are estimated using the conditional least squares and conditional maximum likelihood methods. Monte Carlo simulation experiments are conducted to study large and small sample performances and for the comparison of the estimation methods. The Pittsburgh crime series and candy sales datasets are then used to compare the new BINAR(1) processes to some other existing BINAR(1) processes in the literature.
Modeling Nonlinear Hydroelastic Response for the Endwall of the Plane Channel Due to Its Upper-Wall Vibrations
Authors: Barulina Marina , Santo Loredana , Popov Victor , Popova Anna , Kondratov Dmitry
Published: October 2022

A mathematical model for studying the nonlinear response of the endwall of a narrow channel filled with a viscous fluid to the vibration of the channel’s upper wall was formulated. The channel, formed by two parallel, rigid walls, was investigated. The right end-channel wall was supported by a nonlinear spring. At the end of the left channel, the fluid flowed into a cavity with constant pressure. The upper channel wall oscillated according to a given law. As a result of the interaction between the endwall and the upper wall via a viscous fluid, the forced, nonlinear oscillations of the channel endwall arose. The fluid motion was considered in terms of the hydrodynamic lubrication theory. The endwall was studied as a spring-mass system with a nonlinear cubic restoring force. The coupled hydroelasticity problem was formulated, and it was shown that the problem under consideration was reduced to a single equation in the form of the Duffing equation. The nonlinear hydroelastic response of the end wall was determined by means of the harmonic balance method. The results of numerical experiments on nonlinear hydroelastic response behavior and a comparison with the case when the support spring is linear were presented. The obtained results are of a fundamental nature and can be used in modeling various devices and systems that have narrow channels filled with viscous fluid and are subjected to vibrations on one side of the channel. For example, coolant pipes are subjected to vibrations from the engine. Of particular interest is the application of the presented solution to the mathematical modeling of nano- and micro-spacecraft systems with fluids since the proposed decision allows for the consideration of some boundary effects, which is important for nano- and micro-spacecraft due to their small size.
Meta-Heuristic Optimization of LSTM-Based Deep Network for Boosting the Prediction of Monkeypox Cases
Authors: Eid Marwa M. , El-Kenawy El-Sayed M. , Khodadadi Nima , Mirjalili Seyedali , Khodadadi Ehsaneh , Abotaleb Mostafa , Alharbi Amal H. , Abdelhamid Abdelaziz A. , Ibrahim Abdelhameed , Amer Ghada M. , Kadi Ammar , Khafaga Doaa Sami
Published: October 2022

Recent technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and big data are essential for supporting healthcare monitoring systems, particularly for monitoring Monkeypox confirmed cases. Infected and uninfected cases around the world have contributed to a growing dataset, which is publicly available and can be used by artificial intelligence and machine learning to predict the confirmed cases of Monkeypox at an early stage. Motivated by this, we propose in this paper a new approach for accurate prediction of the Monkeypox confirmed cases based on an optimized Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) deep network. To fine-tune the hyper-parameters of the LSTM-based deep network, we employed the Al-Biruni Earth Radius (BER) optimization algorithm; thus, the proposed approach is denoted by BER-LSTM. Experimental results show the effectiveness of the proposed approach when assessed using various evaluation criteria, such as Mean Bias Error, which is recorded as (0.06) using BER-LSTM. To prove the superiority of the proposed approach, six different machine learning models are included in the conducted experiments. In addition, four different optimization algorithms are considered for comparison purposes. The results of this comparison confirmed the superiority of the proposed approach. On the other hand, several statistical tests are applied to analyze the stability and significance of the proposed approach. These tests include one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), Wilcoxon, and regression tests. The results of these tests emphasize the robustness, significance, and efficiency of the proposed approach.
Invasive Prenatal Diagnostic Testing for Aneuploidies in Singleton Pregnancies: A Comparative Review of Major Guidelines
Authors: Giovannopoulou Eirini , Tsakiridis Ioannis , Mamopoulos Apostolos , Kalogiannidis Ioannis , Papoulidis Ioannis , Athanasiadis Apostolos , Dagklis Themistoklis
Published: October 2022

Sophisticated screening protocols for genetic abnormalities constitute an important component of current prenatal care, aiming to identify high-risk pregnancies and offer appropriate counseling to parents regarding their options. Definite prenatal diagnosis is only possible by invasive prenatal diagnostic testing (IPDT), mainly including amniocentesis and chorionic villous sampling (CVS). The aim of this comparative review was to summarize and compare the existing recommendations on IPDT from the most influential guidelines. All the reviewed guidelines highlight that IPDT is indicated based on a positive screening test rather than maternal age alone. Other indications arise from medical history and sonography, with significant variations identified between the guidelines. The earlier time for amniocentesis is unequivocally set at ≥15 gestational weeks, whereas for CVS, the earlier limit varies from ≥10 to ≥11 weeks. Certain technical aspects and the overall approach demonstrate significant differences. Periprocedural management regarding Rhesus alloimmunization, virologic status and use of anesthesia or antibiotics are either inconsistent or insufficiently addressed. The synthesis of an evidence-based algorithm for IPDT is of crucial importance to healthcare professionals implicated in prenatal care to avoid unnecessary interventions without compromising optimal prenatal care.
Fatigue Resistance Analysis of the Orthotropic Steel Deck with Arc-Shaped Stiffener
Authors: Liu Peng , Chen Yixuan , Lu Hongping , Zhao Jian , An Luming , Wang Yuanqing
Published: October 2022

The orthotropic steel deck is widely used in long-span steel bridges due to its simplicity and efficiency. The welded joint of the U-rib to e deck panel area is extremely sensitive to fatigue cracks. In this study, an orthotropic steel deck with an arc-shape stiffener was proposed that aimed to alleviate the fatigue cracks and enhance the fatigue resistance in long-span steel bridges. Based on the Mingzhu Bay steel bridge, the proposed steel deck FE model was first established. Then, the moving vehicle load was applied to investigate the impact of the arc-shape stiffener on the fatigue stress amplitude and distribution. The Miner fatigue cumulative damage theory was employed to evaluate the fatigue life of the orthotropic steel deck with arc-shaped stiffener, and comparative analyses were carried out. Finally, the results show the maximum stress of the orthotropic steel deck with an arc-shaped stiffener is reduced by 15%, and the fatigue life is improved by 40% compared with the OSD.
Removal of Pb(II) from Water by FeSiB Amorphous Materials
Authors: Zhang Xiang-Yun , He Liang-Liang , Du Jin-Ying , Yuan Zi-Zhou
Published: October 2022

Amorphous materials have shown great potential in removing azo dyes in wastewaters. In this study, the performance of FeSiB amorphous materials, including FeSiB amorphous ribbons (FeSiBAR), and FeSiB amorphous powders prepared by argon gas atomization (FeSiBAP) and ball-milling (FeSiBBP), in removing toxic Pb(II) from aqueous solution was compared with the widely used zero valent iron (ZVI) powders (FeCP). The results showed that the removal efficiency of all the amorphous materials in removing Pb(II) from aqueous solution are much better than FeCP. Pb(II) was removed from aqueous solution by amorphous materials through the combined effect of absorption, (co)precipitation and reduction. Furthermore, FeSiBAP and FeSiBBP have relatively higher removal efficiencies than FeSiBAR due to a high specific surface area. Although the FeSiBBP has the highest removal efficiency up to the first 20 min, the removal process then nearly stopped due to aggregation.
High-Temperature Oxidation of CrN/ZrN Multilayer Coatings
Authors: Vorontsov Andrey , Filippov Andrey , Shamarin Nickolay , Moskvichev Evgeny , Novitskaya Olga , Knyazhev Evgenii , Denisova Yuliya , Leonov Andrei , Denisov Vladimir , Tarasov Sergei
Published: October 2022

Multilayer nitride coatings provide some of the best performance when in their use for the production of metalworking tools. In this work, vacuum-arc plasma-assisted deposited multilayer ZrN/CrN coatings with different numbers of constituent layers were characterized for high-temperature oxidization in air using weighing, confocal and scanning electron microscopy and synchrotron XRD. Oxidizing at 300 °C did not deteriorate the coating surfaces, while higher temperatures caused surface deterioration and oxidation accompanied by cracking, delamination and considerable mass gains. The coating with higher number of thinner layers showed higher oxidation resistance due to more prominent oxygen barrier effect.
Mechanisms of Ardisia japonica in the Treatment of Hepatic Injury in Rats Based on LC-MS Metabolomics
Authors: Fu Tian , Qin Shuiling , He Huajuan , Zhang Kefeng , Zhang Wei , Tang Xin , Wu Wei
Published: October 2022

The mechanism of action of Ardisia japonica in the treatment of immune liver injury was systematically analyzed from the perspective of the biological metabolic network by using non-targeted metabolomics combined with biological network analysis tools. A rat model of acute immune hepatic injury was established by Concanavalin A (Con A) and the efficacy of the treatment of acute immune liver injury was judged by gavage of A. japonica. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-based plasma metabolomics was used to identify the key metabolites and metabolic pathways for the hepatoprotective effects of A. japonica. The results demonstrated that A. japonica reduced the levels of inflammatory parameters, decreased hepatic malondialdehyde levels, and enhanced hepatic antioxidant enzyme activity in animal experiments. The clustering of metabolomic samples showed significant separation in principal component analysis plots and the three groups in PLS-DA and OPLS-DA models could be clearly distinguished in multivariate statistical analysis. Among the 937 total metabolites, 445 metabolites were significantly different between the control and model groups, while 144 metabolites were identified as metabolites with differences between the model and administration groups, and a total of 39 differential metabolites were identified to affect the metabolic levels of the three groups. The differential metabolites were principally involved in the citric acid cycle, glutathione metabolism, vitamin B6 metabolism, and steroid hormone biosynthesis. This study found that A. japonica can significantly inhibit acute liver injury in rats, and exert a hepatoprotective effect through anti-inflammatory effect, inhibition of lipid peroxidation, improvement of the antioxidant defense system, and regulation of metabolites and related metabolic pathways. This study will provide a theoretical basis for the application of A. japonica in the treatment of the liver injury.