bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Institutional Innovation on a Public Tender: The Case of Madrid Metropolitan Forest
Authors: Romero-Muñoz Sara , Alméstar Manuel , Sánchez-Chaparro Teresa , Muñoz Sanz Víctor
Published: June 2023

The introduction of forests in cities has been an observable trend in recent years, with planned forest management projects proliferating around the world. The fact that many urban forests in the public space are traditionally managed by top-down bureaucratic procedures and guided by expert knowledge raises questions about whether green areas should follow the same management approach as other urban infrastructures, such as mobility infrastructures, or whether they should explore a collaborative approach designed to engage diverse stakeholders. This article examines the challenges of innovating in urban forests, changing the management rules that may limit participatory and deliberative processes to support decision-making. In particular, we analyzed how introducing a co-creation stage impacted the traditional competitive public tender procedure in the Madrid Metropolitan Forest project, using the Institutional Analysis and Development (IAD) framework. Results showed that the costs and benefits of innovation differ among involved actors, generating unintended deterrent effects for experimentation. To mitigate these decoupling effects, we suggest a strategic design of working rules and updating the shared incentive to move from a competitive and transactional logic to a more collaborative and co-creative form of connection.
Children’s Participation in Care and Protection Decision-Making Matters
Authors: Cashmore Judith , Kong Peiling , McLaine Meredith
Published: June 2023

Laws and policies in different jurisdictions provide a range of mechanisms that allow children involved in child protection processes and care proceedings to express their views when decisions that affect them are being made. Whether these mechanisms facilitate children’s involvement and whether they result in children’s views being heard and “given due weight in accordance with the age and maturity of the child”, as required by article 12 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, is the focus of this article. The law, policy and practice in New South Wales, Australia, are used to provide a contextual illustration of the wider theoretical and practical issues, drawing on international comparisons and research. It is clear there is still some way to go to satisfy the requirements of article 12 in Australia and other jurisdictions. These mechanisms often do not provide the information children need to understand the process, nor do they consistently encourage meaningful participation through trusted advocates who can accurately convey children’s views to those making the decisions. It is generally unclear how children’s views are heard, interpreted, and weighted in decision-making processes. The research findings from a number of countries, however, are clear and consistent that children often feel ‘unheard’ and that they have had few opportunities to say what is important to them. A number of conclusions and practice suggestions are outlined for how the law could better accommodate children’s views.
“Lights and Shades” of Fertility Preservation in Transgender Men Patients: A Clinical and Pathological Review
Authors: D’Amato Antonio , Cascardi Eliano , Etrusco Andrea , Laganà Antonio Simone , Schonauer Luca Maria , Cazzato Gerardo , Vimercati Antonella , Malvasi Antonio , Damiani Gianluca Raffaello , Di Naro Edoardo , Trojano Giuseppe , Cicinelli Ettore , Vitagliano Amerigo , Dellino Miriam
Published: June 2023

Fertility preservation (FP) is becoming a critical issue in transgender men who desire biological offspring in the future. The prevalence of transgender individuals in the United States is increasing, and as a result, the demand for gender-affirming surgeries (GAS) and associated FP techniques is rising. Despite the growing demand, there is currently no personalized approach to FP for transgender men, and the available techniques have limitations that require further investigation. In the present review we carefully examine the existing literature on this topic to highlight the shortcomings of current methods and areas where additional research is needed to advance the field. Hormonal therapy (HT), which is an integral part of gender transition in transgender men, can have a significant impact on fertility and may increase the risk of various diseases. Moreover, GAS usually leads to permanent sterility in these patients. Therefore, it is essential to provide patients with accurate information about the benefits and potential risks of different FP techniques, taking into account the patient’s reproductive goals. This review underscores the complex and multifaceted nature of FP in transgender men and emphasizes the need for further research to develop more effective and personalized approaches to FP for this population.
The Female Reproductive Tract Microbiota: Friends and Foe
Authors: Kumar Lokesh , Dwivedi Monika , Jain Natasha , Shete Pranali , Solanki Subhash , Gupta Rahul , Jain Ashish
Published: June 2023

We do not seem to be the only owner of our body; it houses a large population of microorganisms. Through countless years of coevolution, microbes and hosts have developed complex relationships. In the past few years, the impact of microbial communities on their host has received significant attention. Advanced molecular sequencing techniques have revealed a remarkable diversity of the organ-specific microbiota populations, including in the reproductive tract. Currently, the goal of researchers has shifted to generate and perceive the molecular data of those hidden travelers of our body and harness them for the betterment of human health. Recently, microbial communities of the lower and upper reproductive tract and their correlation with the implication in reproductive health and disease have been extensively studied. Many intrinsic and extrinsic factors influences the female reproductive tract microbiota (FRTM) that directly affects the reproductive health. It is now believed that FRTM dominated by Lactobacilli may play an essential role in obstetric health beyond the woman’s intimate comfort and well-being. Women with altered microbiota may face numerous health-related issues. Altered microbiota can be manipulated and restored to their original shape to re-establish normal reproductive health. The aim of the present review is to summarize the FRTM functional aspects that influence reproductive health.
Polymorphisms of the GCLC Gene Are Novel Genetic Markers for Susceptibility to Psoriasis Associated with Alcohol Abuse and Cigarette Smoking
Authors: Efanova Ekaterina , Bushueva Olga , Saranyuk Roman , Surovtseva Anna , Churnosov Mikhail , Solodilova Maria , Polonikov Alexey
Published: June 2023

The aim of this pilot study was to investigate whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in the gene encoding the catalytic subunit of glutamate cysteine ligase (GCLC) are associated with the risk and clinical features of psoriasis. A total of 944 unrelated individuals, including 474 patients with a diagnosis of psoriasis and 470 healthy controls, were recruited for the study. Six common SNPs in the GCLC gene were genotyped using the MassArray-4 system. Polymorphisms rs648595 (OR = 0.56, 95% CI 0.35–0.90; Pperm = 0.017) and rs2397147 (OR = 0.54, 95% CI 0.30–0.98; Pperm = 0.05) were associated with susceptibility to psoriasis in males. In the male group, diplotype rs2397147-C/C × rs17883901-G/G was associated with a decreased risk of psoriasis (FDR-adjusted p = 0.014), whereas diplotype rs6933870-G/G × rs17883901-G/G (FDR-adjusted p = 0.045) showed an association with an increased disease risk in females. The joint effects of SNPs with tobacco smoking (rs648595 and rs17883901) and alcohol abuse (rs648595 and rs542914) on psoriasis risk were observed (Pperm ≤ 0.05). We also found multiple sex-independent associations between GCLC gene polymorphisms and various clinical features such as earlier disease onset, the psoriatic triad, and specific localizations of skin lesions. The present study is the first to show that polymorphisms of the GCLC gene are significantly associated with the risk of psoriasis and related to its clinical features.
Self-Optimizing Control System to Maximize Power Extraction and Minimize Loads on the Blades of a Wind Turbine
Authors: Rivas Carlos E. , Malo Gilson D. , Minchala Luis I. , Probst Oliver
Published: June 2023

This research proposes a methodology for designing and testing a self-optimizing control (SOC) algorithm applied to a wind energy conversion system (WECS). The SOC maximizes WECS power output and reduces the mechanical stress of the wind turbine (WT) blades by optimizing a multiobjective cost function. The cost function computation uses a combined blade element momentum (BEM) and thin-wall beam (TWB) model for calculating wind the turbine power output and blades’ stress. The SOC deployment implies a low computational cost due to an optimization space reduction via a matrix projection applied to a measurement vector, based on a prior offline calculation of a projection matrix, H. Furthermore, the SOC optimizes the operation of the WECS in the presence of uncertainty associated with the wind speed variation by controlling a linear combination of measured variables to a set point. A MATLAB simulation of a wind turbine model allows us to compare the WECS operating with the SOC, a baseline classic control system (BCS), and a nonlinear model predictive controller (NMPC). The SOC algorithm is evaluated in terms of power output, blades’ stress, and computational cost against the BCS and NMPC. The power output and blades’ stress performance of the SOC algorithm are compared with that of the BCS and NMPC, showing a significant improvement in both cases. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed SOC can effectively optimize a WECS operation in real time with minimal computational costs.
Industrial Process Monitoring Based on Parallel Global-Local Preserving Projection with Mutual Information
Authors: Wu Tianshu , Yin Hongpeng , Yang Zhimin , Yao Jie , Qin Yan , Wu Peng
Published: June 2023

This paper proposes a parallel monitoring method for plant-wide processes by integrating mutual information and Bayesian inference into a global-local preserving projections (GLPP)-based multi-block framework. Unlike traditional multivariate statistic process monitoring (MSPM) methods, the proposed MI-PGLPP method transforms plant-wide monitoring into several sub-block monitoringtasks by fully taking advantage of a parallel distributed framework. First, the original datasets of the process are divided into a group of data blocks by quantifying the mutual information of process variables. The block indexes of new data are generated automatically. Second, each data block is modeled by the GLPP method. The variable information and local structure are well preserved during the whole projection. Third, Bayesian inference is introduced to generate final statistics of the process by the probability framework. To illustrate the algorithm performance, a detailed case study is performed on the Tennessee Eastman process. Compared with the principle component analysis and GLPP-based method, the proposed MI-PGLPP provides higher FDRs and superior performance for plant-wide process monitoring.
Rolling-Sliding Performance of Radial and Offset Roller Followers in Hydraulic Drivetrains for Large Scale Applications: A Comparative Study
Authors: Amoroso Pedro , Ostayen Ron A. J. van , Perassi Federica
Published: June 2023

Generally speaking, excessive side thrust and roller slippage are two different aspects affecting cam-roller mechanisms. In novel large-scale hydraulic drivetrains for offshore wind turbines, the highly dynamic nature of these mechanisms combined with the interplay of cyclic loads, frictional torques and inertia promote slippage at the cam-roller interface. At larger scales, the effects of roller inertia become much more pronounced, as the inertia escalates exponentially with the roller’s radius. This study presents a comparative analysis between radial and offset roller followers in novel large-scale hydraulic drivetrains, where offset followers are incorporated to minimize the side thrust. The framework encompasses a comprehensive kinematic and force analysis, to provide the inputs for two lubrication models integrated into the torque-balance equation, where the possibility of slippage is allowed. The findings reveal that the equivalent side thrust can be reduced by 51% with offset followers. Both configurations experience slippage during the low-load phase, but it rapidly diminishes during the high-load phase. This sudden transition in rolling conditions results in a sharp increase in surface temperature and traction force, emphasizing the importance of minimizing sliding at the interface. However, besides the substantial side thrust reduction, offset followers showed superior tribological performance, mitigating undesirable thermal and frictional effects.
Intelligent Position Controller for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) Based on Supervised Deep Learning
Authors: Cardenas Javier A. , Carrero Uriel E. , Camacho Edgar C. , Calderon Juan M.
Published: June 2023

In recent years, multi-rotor UAVs have become valuable tools in several productive fields, from entertainment to agriculture and security. However, during their flight trajectory, they sometimes do not accurately perform a specific set of tasks, and the implementation of flight controllers in these vehicles is required to achieve a successful performance. Therefore, this research describes the design of a flight position controller based on Deep Neural Networks and subsequent implementation for a multi-rotor UAV. Five promising Neural Network architectures are developed based on a thorough literature review, incorporating LSTM, 1-D convolutional, pooling, and fully-connected layers. A dataset is then constructed using the performance data of a PID flight controller, encompassing diverse trajectories with transient and steady-state information such as position, speed, acceleration, and motor output signals. The tuning of hyperparameters for each type of architecture is performed by applying the Hyperband algorithm. The best model obtained (LSTMCNN) consists of a combination of LSTM and CNN layers in one dimension. This architecture is compared with the PID flight controller in different scenarios employing evaluation metrics such as rise time, overshoot, steady-state error, and control effort. The findings reveal that our best models demonstrate the successful generalization of flight control tasks. While our best model is able to work with a wider operational range than the PID controller and offers step responses in the Y and X axis with 97% and 98% similarity, respectively, within the PID’s operational range. This outcome opens up possibilities for efficient online training of flight controllers based on Neural Networks, enabling the development of adaptable controllers tailored to specific application domains.
Research on the Coupled Phase-Tuning Vibration Characteristics of a Two-Stage Planetary Transmission System
Authors: Yan Pengfei , Li Yaning , Gao Qiang , Wang Tao , Zhang Chen
Published: June 2023

Mesh phasing has a dramatic impact on the static and dynamic behaviours of planetary gear systems. This research investigates the coupled phase-tuning mechanism of two-stage planetary gear systems and the corresponding relationship with the coupled vibration of the system. Due to the inherent meshing symmetry of the system, the phase-coupled tuning mechanism of the two-stage planetary system is derived based on meshing force relationships and coupling characteristics between different stages. The excitation and suppression relationships associated with the teeth number, harmonic order, and coupling vibration of the coupled system are clearly described. To study the effect of coupled phase tuning on the vibration response of a two-stage planetary gear system, a nonlinear dynamic model was established. The vibration responses under different tuning modes were calculated, and a coupled phase-tuning law for two-stage planetary systems was verified. Model 3 was used as a research tool to build a two-stage planetary transmission experimental platform, and the transverse vibration and torsional vibration of the first stage sun gear were analysed to further verify the correctness of the phase-coupling tuning law.
Comparative Evaluation of High-Speed Bearingless Cross-Flow Fan Designs for Lithography Excimer Lasers
Authors: Bagaric Ivana , Hu Rennan , Steinert Daniel , Nussbaumer Thomas , Kolar Johann Walter
Published: June 2023

This study conducted a comparative evaluation of two bearingless cross-flow fan designs for applications in deep ultraviolet lithography excimer lasers, where maximizing the speed and power of the fan has a direct influence on the throughput and scanning speed of these devices. Using bearingless motor technology enables a combined generation of bearing force and drive torque and leads to a compact, hermetically sealed, and conveniently maintainable drive system. With identical bearingless motors on both rotor sides, it is possible to drive the cross-flow fan symmetrically to high rotational speeds at low torsional loads. The rotor prototypes were optimised, analysed, and pushed to high-speed operation and evaluated with respect to their rotor dynamic and fluid dynamic performance using finite element methods and experimental measurements. For both prototypes, successful numerical studies were performed, where a modal analysis enabled theoretical predictions of expected resonance frequencies, and a CFD analysis visualised local flow effects and provided cross-flow fan design comparisons. A stable operation of up to 12,000 rpm and 5500 rpm was accomplished for the two elaborated designs.
Mathematical Model for Fault Handling of Singular Nonlinear Time-Varying Delay Systems Based on T-S Fuzzy Model
Authors: Cao Jianing , Chen Hua
Published: June 2023

In this paper, a mathematical model based on the T-S fuzzy model is proposed to solve the fault estimation (FE) and fault-tolerant control (FTC) problem for singular nonlinear time-varying delay (TVD) systems with sensor fault. TVD is is extremely difficult to solve and the Laplace transform is devised to build an equal system free of TVD. Additionally, the sensor fault is changed to actuator fault by the developed coordinate transformation. A fuzzy learning fault estimator is first built to estimate the detailed sensor fault information. Then, a PI FTC scheme is suggested aiming at minimizing the damage caused by the fault. Simulation results from multiple faults reveal that the FE and FTC algorithms are able to estimate the fault and guarantee the system performance properly.
An Adaptive Zeroing Neural Network with Non-Convex Activation for Time-Varying Quadratic Minimization
Authors: Yi Hang , Peng Wenjun , Xiao Xiuchun , Feng Shaojin , Zhu Hengde , Zhang Yudong
Published: June 2023

The field of position tracking control and communication engineering has been increasingly interested in time-varying quadratic minimization (TVQM). While traditional zeroing neural network (ZNN) models have been effective in solving TVQM problems, they have limitations in adapting their convergence rate to the commonly used convex activation function. To address this issue, we propose an adaptive non-convex activation zeroing neural network (AZNNNA) model in this paper. Using the Lyapunov theory, we theoretically analyze the global convergence and noise-immune characteristics of the proposed AZNNNA model under both noise-free and noise-perturbed scenarios. We also provide computer simulations to illustrate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed model. Compared to existing ZNN models, our proposed AZNNNA model outperforms them in terms of efficiency, accuracy, and robustness. This has been demonstrated in the simulation experiment of this article.
Effect of Heat Treatment on Microstructural Evolution in Additively Manufactured 316L Stainless Steel
Authors: Wang Wei-Yi , Godfrey Andrew , Liu Wei
Published: June 2023

316L stainless steel samples were prepared by selective laser melting (SLM) and annealed at 1000 °C for durations of between 1 and 6 h to investigate both the kinetics of microstructural evolution during heat treatment and the effect of annealing on mechanical properties. The as-printed materials contain a high density of oxide particles and dislocations, forming a dislocation cell substructure that shows high thermal stability during heat treatment. Moreover, coarsened oxide particles act as pinning barriers for moving dislocations and grain boundaries, thus extending the recovery and recrystallization process. The process of recrystallization can be effectively tracked by measuring the density of the low-angle misorientation boundaries associated with the oxide particles and dislocations, as characterized by high-resolution EBSD. The evolution of mechanical properties during annealing shows a strong relationship with the observed microstructural changes, suggesting possible optimization of strength and ductility of SLM-prepared metal samples by use of appropriate heat treatments.
Optimization of Dry Turning of Inconel 601 Alloy Based on Surface Roughness, Tool Wear, and Material Removal Rate
Authors: Jovicic Goran , Milosevic Aleksandar , Kanovic Zeljko , Sokac Mario , Simunovic Goran , Savkovic Borislav , Vukelic Djordje
Published: June 2023

In this work, the dry turning of Inconel 601 alloy in a dry environment with PVD-coated cutting inserts was studied. Turning was performed at various cutting speeds, feeds, insert shapes, corner radii, rake angles, and approach angles. After machining, arithmetic mean surface roughness (Ra) and flank wear (VB) were measured, and the material removal rate was also calculated (MRR). An analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to determine the effects of the turning input parameters. For the measured values, the turning process was modeled using an artificial neural network (ANN). Based on the obtained model, the process parameters were optimized using a genetic algorithm (GA). The objective function was to simultaneously minimize Ra and VB and maximize MRR. The accuracy of the model and the optimal values were further validated by confirmation experiments. The maximum percentage errors, which are less than 2%, indicate the possibility of practical implementation of the hybrid approach for modeling and optimization of dry turning of Inconel 601 alloy.
Complete Genome Analysis of Subtercola sp. PAMC28395: Genomic Insights into Its Potential Role for Cold Adaptation and Biotechnological Applications
Authors: Yamada Ryoichi , Han So-Ra , Park Hyun , Oh Tae-Jin
Published: June 2023

This study reports the complete genome sequence of Subtercola sp. PAMC28395, a strain isolated from cryoconite in Uganda. This strain possesses several active carbohydrate-active enzyme (CAZyme) genes involved in glycogen and trehalose metabolism. Additionally, two specific genes associated with α-galactosidase (GH36) and bacterial alpha-1,2-mannosidase (GH92) were identified in this strain. The presence of these genes indicates the likelihood that they can be expressed, enabling the strain to break down specific polysaccharides derived from plants or the shells of nearby crabs. The authors performed a comparative analysis of CAZyme patterns and biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) in several Subtercola strains and provided annotations describing the unique characteristics of these strains. The comparative analysis of BGCs revealed that four strains, including PAMC28395, have oligosaccharide BGCs, and we confirmed that the pentose phosphate pathway was configured perfectly in the genome of PAMC28395, which may be associated with adaptation to low temperatures. Additionally, all strains contained antibiotic resistance genes, indicating a complex self-resistance system. These results suggest that PAMC28395 can adapt quickly to the cold environment and produce energy autonomously. This study provides valuable information on novel functional enzymes, particularly CAZymes, that operate at low temperatures and can be used for biotechnological applications and fundamental research purposes.
Significant Microbial Changes Are Evident in the Reproductive Tract of Pregnant Rhesus Monkeys at Mid-Gestation but Their Gut Microbiome Does Not Shift until Late Gestation
Authors: Amaral Wellington Z. , Lubach Gabriele R. , Rendina Danielle N. , Phillips Gregory J. , Lyte Mark , Coe Christopher L.
Published: June 2023

Vaginal and rectal specimens were obtained from cycling, pregnant, and nursing rhesus monkeys to assess pregnancy-related changes in the commensal bacteria in their reproductive and intestinal tracts. Using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, significant differences were found only in the vagina at mid-gestation, not in the hindgut. To verify the apparent stability in gut bacterial composition at mid-gestation, the experiment was repeated with additional monkeys, and similar results were found with both 16S rRNA gene amplicon and metagenomic sequencing. A follow-up study investigated if bacterial changes in the hindgut might occur later in pregnancy. Gravid females were assessed closer to term and compared to nonpregnant females. By late pregnancy, significant differences in bacterial composition, including an increased abundance of 4 species of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium adolescentis, were detected, but without a shift in the overall community structure. Progesterone levels were assessed as a possible hormone mediator of bacterial change. The relative abundance of only some taxa (e.g., Bifidobacteriaceae) were specifically associated with progesterone. In summary, pregnancy changes the microbial profiles in monkeys, but the bacterial diversity in their lower reproductive tract is different from women, and the composition of their intestinal symbionts remains stable until late gestation when several Firmicutes become more prominent.
Investigation on Recrystallization Channel for Vertical C-Shaped-Channel Nanosheet FETs by Laser Annealing
Authors: Chen Zhuo , Zhu Huilong , Wang Guilei , Wang Qi , Xiao Zhongrui , Zhang Yongkui , Liu Jinbiao , Lu Shunshun , Du Yong , Yu Jiahan , Xiong Wenjuan , Kong Zhenzhen , Du Anyan , Yan Zijin , Zheng Yantong
Published: June 2023

Transistor scaling has become increasingly difficult in the dynamic random access memory (DRAM). However, vertical devices will be good candidates for 4F2 DRAM cell transistors (F = pitch/2). Most vertical devices are facing some technical challenges. For example, the gate length cannot be precisely controlled, and the gate and the source/drain of the device cannot be aligned. Recrystallization-based vertical C-shaped-channel nanosheet field-effect transistors (RC-VCNFETs) were fabricated. The critical process modules of the RC-VCNFETs were developed as well. The RC-VCNFET with a self-aligned gate structure has excellent device performance, and its subthreshold swing (SS) is 62.91 mV/dec. Drain-induced barrier lowering (DIBL) is 6.16 mV/V.
Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles—Solution-Based Synthesis and Characterizations
Authors: Bhandari Khagendra P. , Sapkota Dhurba R. , Jamarkattel Manoj K. , Stillion Quenton , Collins Robert W.
Published: June 2023

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles have shown great potential because of their versatile and promising applications in different fields, including solar cells. Various methods of synthesizing ZnO materials have been reported. In this work, controlled synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles was achieved via a simple, cost-effective, and facile synthetic method. Using transmittance spectra and film thickness of ZnO, the optical band gap energies were calculated. For as-synthesized and annealed ZnO films, the bandgap energies were found to be 3.40 eV and 3.30 eV, respectively. The nature of the optical transition indicates that the material is a direct bandgap semiconductor. Spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) analysis was used to extract dielectric functions where the onset of optical absorption of ZnO was observed at lower photon energy due to annealing of the nanoparticle film. Similarly, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) data revealed that the material is pure and crystalline in nature, with the average crystallite size of ~9 nm.
Opisthorchis viverrini—Current Understanding of the Neglected Hepatobiliary Parasite
Authors: Liau Matthias Yi Quan , Toh En Qi , Shelat Vishalkumar Girishchandra
Published: June 2023

Opisthorchiasis due to Opisthorchis viverrini infection continues to be a significant public healthcare concern in various subregions of Southeast Asia, particularly in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Vietnam. The main mode of transmission is via consumption of raw or undercooked fish, which is deeply embedded in the culture and tradition of the people living near the Mekong River. After ingestion, the flukes migrate to the bile ducts, potentially causing many hepatobiliary complications, including cholangitis, cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, advanced periductal fibrosis and cholangiocarcinoma. Several mechanisms of opisthorchiasis-associated cholangiocarcinogenesis have been proposed and elucidated in the past decade, providing insight and potential drug targets to prevent the development of the sinister complication. The gold standard for diagnosing opisthorchiasis is still via stool microscopy, but the advent of novel serological, antigen, and molecular tests shows promise as more convenient, alternative diagnostic methods. The mainstay of treatment of opisthorchiasis is praziquantel, while treatment of opisthorchiasis-associated cholangiocarcinoma depends on its anatomic subtype and resectability. Thus far, the most successful fluke control programme is the Lawa model based in Thailand, which raised awareness, incorporated education, and frequent surveillance of intermediate hosts to reduce transmission of opisthorchiasis. Development of vaccines using tetraspanins shows promise and is currently ongoing.
The Inverse Optimization of Lithographic Source and Mask via GA-APSO Hybrid Algorithm
Authors: Liu Junbo , Zhou Ji , Sun Haifeng , Jin Chuan , Wang Jian , Hu Song
Published: June 2023

Source mask optimization (SMO) is an effective method for improving the image quality of high-node lithography. Reasonable algorithm optimization is the critical issue in SMO. A GA-APSO hybrid algorithm, combining genetic algorithm (GA) and adaptive particle swarm optimization (APSO), was proposed to inversely obtain the global optimal distribution of the pixelated source and mask in the lithographic imaging process. The computational efficiency was improved by combining the GA and PSO algorithms. Additionally, the global search and local search were balanced through adaptive strategies, leading to a closer result to the global optimal solution. To verify the performance of GA-APSO, simple symmetric patterns and complex patterns were optimized and compared with GA and APSO, respectively. The results show that the pattern errors (PEs) of the resist image optimized by GA-APSO were reduced by 40.13–52.94% and 10.28–33.31% compared to GA and APSO, respectively. The time cost of GA-APSO was reduced by 75.91–87.00% and 48.43–58.66% compared to GA and APSO, respectively. Moreover, repeated calculation showed that the GA-APSO results were relatively stable. The results demonstrate the superior performance of GA-APSO in efficiency, accuracy, and repeatability for source and mask optimization.
Invasive and Native Plants Differentially Respond to Exogenous Phosphorus Addition in Root Growth and Nutrition Regulated by Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi
Authors: Yang Xionggui , Shen Kaiping , Xia Tingting , He Yuejun , Guo Yun , Wu Bangli , Han Xu , Yan Jiawei , Jiao Min
Published: June 2023

Plant invasion has severely damaged ecosystem stability and species diversity worldwide. The cooperation between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and plant roots is often affected by changes in the external environment. Exogenous phosphorus (P) addition can alter the root absorption of soil resources, thus regulating the root growth and development of exotic and native plants. However, it remains unclear how exogenous P addition regulates the root growth and development of exotic and native plants mediated by AMF, affecting the exotic plant invasion. In this experiment, the invasive plant Eupatorium adenophorum and native plant Eupatorium lindleyanum were selected and cultured under intraspecific (Intra-) competition and interspecific (Inter-) competition conditions, involving inoculation with (M+) and without AMF (M−) and three different levels of P addition including no addition (P0), addition with 15 mg P kg−1 soil (P15), and addition with 25 mg P kg−1 soil (P25) for the two species. Root traits of the two species were analyzed to study the response of the two species’ roots to AMF inoculation and P addition. The results showed that AMF significantly promoted the root biomass, length, surface area, volume, tips, branching points, and carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and P accumulation of the two species. Under M+ treatment, the Inter- competition decreased the root growth and nutrient accumulation of invasive E. adenophorum but increased the root growth and nutrient accumulation of native E. lindleyanum relative to the Intra- competition. Meanwhile, the exotic and native plants responded differently to P addition, exhibiting root growth and nutrient accumulation of invasive E. adenophorum increased with P addition, whereas native E. lindleyanum reduced with P addition. Further, the root growth and nutrition accumulation of native E. lindleyanum were higher than invasive E. adenophorum under Inter- competition. In conclusion, exogenous P addition promoted the invasive plant but reduced the native plant in root growth and nutrient accumulation regulated by AMF, although the native plant outcompeted the invasive plant when the two species competed. The findings provide a critical perspective that the anthropogenic P fertilizer addition might potentially contribute to the successful invasion of exotic plants.
The Contribution of PGPR in Salt Stress Tolerance in Crops: Unravelling the Molecular Mechanisms of Cross-Talk between Plant and Bacteria
Authors: Giannelli Gianluigi , Potestio Silvia , Visioli Giovanna
Published: June 2023

Soil salinity is a major abiotic stress in global agricultural productivity with an estimated 50% of arable land predicted to become salinized by 2050. Since most domesticated crops are glycophytes, they cannot be cultivated on salt soils. The use of beneficial microorganisms inhabiting the rhizosphere (PGPR) is a promising tool to alleviate salt stress in various crops and represents a strategy to increase agricultural productivity in salt soils. Increasing evidence underlines that PGPR affect plant physiological, biochemical, and molecular responses to salt stress. The mechanisms behind these phenomena include osmotic adjustment, modulation of the plant antioxidant system, ion homeostasis, modulation of the phytohormonal balance, increase in nutrient uptake, and the formation of biofilms. This review focuses on the recent literature regarding the molecular mechanisms that PGPR use to improve plant growth under salinity. In addition, very recent -OMICs approaches were reported, dissecting the role of PGPR in modulating plant genomes and epigenomes, opening up the possibility of combining the high genetic variations of plants with the action of PGPR for the selection of useful plant traits to cope with salt stress conditions.
Development and Biomechanics of Grewia lasiocarpa E. Mey. Ex Harv. Trichomes Exudate
Authors: Akwu Nneka Augustina , Naidoo Yougasphree , Singh Moganavelli , Dewir Yaser Hassan , Magyar-Tábori Katalin , Lekhooa Makhotso , Aremu Adeyemi Oladapo
Published: June 2023

Grewia lasiocarpa E. Mey. Ex Harv., Malvaceae (forest raisin) is a tropical small tree or shrub valued for its ecological importance as well as its nutritional, antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-cancer properties as well as its ecological and ornamental importance. Glandular and non-glandular trichomes are present on the fruits, stem bark and leaves of G. lasiocarpa and these trichomes are the first line of defense. They are important structures that plants use to combat biotic and abiotic stress. The development of G. lasiocarpa trichomes and the biomechanics of the exudates present in the glandular (capitate) trichome were investigated for the first time using advanced microscopy techniques [Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Transmission electron microscope (TEM)]. The pressurized cuticular striations may play a role in the exudates’ biomechanics, i.e., releasing secondary metabolites present in the capitate trichome, which was observed to be multidirectional. The presence of many glandular trichomes on a plant implies an increase in the amount of phytometabolites. A common precursor for the development of trichomes (non-glandular and glandular) was observed to be DNA synthesis associated with a periclinal cell division, thus the final fate of the cell is determined by cell cycle regulation, polarity, and expansion. The glandular trichomes of G. lasiocarpa are multicellular and polyglandular, while the non-glandular (glandless) trichomes are either single-celled or multicellular. Since, trichomes ‘house’ phytocompounds of medicinal, nutritional, and agronomical benefits; the molecular and genetic study of the glandular trichomes of Grewia lasiocarpa will be beneficial to humanity.
Coffee Pulp: A Sustainable and Affordable Source for Developing Functional Foods
Authors: Pérez Calvo Angélica , Paz Ruiz Nelson , Delgado Espinoza Zuly
Published: June 2023

Coffee cultivation in the Department of Cauca, Colombia, is vital for much of the department’s economy. Coffee processing generates waste, such as pulp, which accounts to about 40% of the fresh fruit. Currently, in most cases in Cauca, coffee byproducts are discarded, and, in other cases, the coffee pulp is used for fertilizers, generating environmental problems due to its decomposition. This research aims to design a process for supplying a functional food in the form of an energy bar based on coffee pulp and other components of the region, such as quinoa and panela, helping to mitigate the environmental impact of coffee production. Our research included four phases. First, we determined the study area; in the second phase, we studied an energy bar’s nutritional and physical characteristics. Then, the requirements and specifications of the bar were defined, and the authors documented the process diagram, variables within the process, and the quality plan. Finally, the authors conducted experiments to determine optimal mixing proportions. From the experiment with the mixtures, we found a formulation that satisfies the needs and specifications of the bar which is composed of 50% cereals, 30% panela syrup, and 20% coffee pulp. The selected formulation’s qualitative properties (organoleptic, chemical, and microbial) are acceptable for human consumption and provide high energy content of 365.21 and 291.56 kcal/100 g for the energy bar and coffee pulp raisins, respectively.
NN-Based Parallel Model Predictive Control for a Quadrotor UAV
Authors: Qi Jun , Chu Jiru , Xu Zhao , Huang Cong , Zhu Minglei
Published: June 2023

A novel neural network (NN)-based parallel model predictive control (PMPC) method is proposed to deal with the tracking problem of the quadrotor unmanned aerial vehicles (Q-UAVs) system in this article. It is well known that the dynamics of Q-UAVs are changeable while the system is operating in some specific environments. In this case, traditional NN-based MPC methods are not applicable because their model networks are pre-trained and kept constant throughout the process. To solve this problem, we propose the PMPC algorithm, which introduces parallel control structure and experience pool replay technology into the MPC method. In this algorithm, an NN-based artificial system runs in parallel with the UAV system to reconstruct its dynamics model. Furthermore, the experience replay technology is used to maintain the accuracy of the reconstructed model, so as to ensure the effectiveness of the model prediction algorithm. Furthermore, a convergence proof of the artificial system is also given in this paper. Finally, numerical results and analysis are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the PMPC algorithm.
Mass Spectrometry and Pharmacological Approaches to Measuring Cooption and Reciprocal Activation of Receptor Tyrosine Kinases
Authors: Linzer Jason , Phelps Zachary , Vummidi Shivasuryan , Lee Bo Young Elizabeth , Coant Nicolas , Haley John D.
Published: June 2023

Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) can show extensive crosstalk, directly and indirectly. Elucidating RTK crosstalk remains an important goal in the clinical combination of anti-cancer therapies. Here, we present mass spectrometry and pharmacological approaches showing the hepatocyte growth factor receptor (MET)-promoting tyrosine phosphorylation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and other membrane receptors in MET-amplified H1993 NSCLC cells. Conversely, in H292 wt-EGFR NSCLC cells, EGFR promotes the tyrosine phosphorylation of MET. Reciprocal regulation of the EGFR and insulin receptor (IR) was observed in the GEO CRC cells, where inhibition of the EGFR drives tyrosine phosphorylation of the insulin receptor. Similarly, in platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR)-amplified H1703 NSCLC cells, inhibition of the EGFR promotes the tyrosine phosphorylation of the PDGFR. These RTK interactions are used to illustrate basic principles applicable to other RTK signaling networks. More specifically, we focus on two types of RTK interaction: (1) co-option of one RTK by another and (2) reciprocal activation of one receptor following the inhibition of a distinct receptor.
Constant or Variable? A Performance Analysis among Portfolio Insurance Strategies
Authors: Mancinelli Daniele , Oliva Immacolata
Published: June 2023

In this paper, we propose a comparison among three portfolio insurance strategies, namely the constant proportion portfolio insurance, the time-invariant portfolio protection, and the exponential proportion portfolio insurance, via an in-depth performance analysis. We aim to ascertain whether strategies characterized by variable parameters can outperform those with constant parameters by measuring potential returns, investment riskiness, downside protection capability, and ability to capture market upside. The results, achieved in a model-free framework by exploiting bootstrapping techniques, advise that no winning strategy exists overall, even when considering different volatility regimes, rebalancing frequencies, and protection levels.
Use of 3D Inferred Imagining for Detection of Changes in Geology in Longwall-Type Excavation Front
Authors: Lewińska Paulina
Published: June 2023

In this paper, I will show and describe a method of integrating infrared images with a 3D model of the front of an excavation in the longwall type of workings. I will also test the created 3D model for its potential usefulness in geological prospecting, used for looking for changes in geological layout at the front of the excavation. Geological information on the amount of coal in the front is important for the economic side of the excavation. The mine does not want to take out waste rock, but mostly for the safety of operations. The longwall shearers and plows are not designed for excavation in extremely changeable conditions, so if too much shale appears, this might change the speed and economic results of excavation. In addition, if a fold appears, this can destroy the excavating complex. Currently, the geological survey requires a geologist to get to the front, often to the unsupported roof part of the wall, clean the front and sample, and measure the geology. This is dangerous for the geologist. Thus, remote, infrared measurements would improve the safety of the staff and allow the survey to be taken in more places along the longwall. In this paper, I will also propose how such a system could be implemented and what the limitations are.
Influence of Psychological Variables in Adolescence: The Mediating Role of Self-Esteem in the Relationship between Self-Efficacy and Satisfaction with Life in Senior High School Students
Authors: Usán Supervía Pablo , Salavera Bordás Carlos , Juarros Basterretxea Joel , Latorre Cosculluela Cecilia
Published: June 2023

Background: During the school years, many contextual and academic scenarios ensue that demand students mobilise their intrapersonal and social abilities. The way these situations are faced will determine the future personality of teenage students. This study aims to analyse the relationship between self-esteem and self-efficacy and the possible mediating role of satisfaction with life in secondary school students. Methods: The study comprises 816 participants, both male (N = 426; 52.20%) and female (N = 390; 47.89%) from 11 private and public secondary schools. The instruments used are the Academic Self-Efficacy Scale (ASES), the Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale (RSES) and the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS). Results: The results reveal a gender difference in terms of self-esteem and significant correlations between the three constructs under consideration. Self-esteem is found to play a mediating role between self-efficacy and life satisfaction. Conclusion: The study reveals that self-esteem has significant influence in self-efficacy and life satisfaction in adolescents and in the mediating role that self-esteem plays in the relationship between the other two constructs. This emphasises the importance of building self-esteem towards the personal and psychological development of students.
Numerical Analysis of the Structural and Flow Rate Characteristics of the Fuel Injection Pump in a Marine Diesel Engine
Authors: Binyamin Binyamin , Lim Ocktaeck
Published: June 2023

A reciprocating fuel pump system was investigated using a modeling approach. The diesel pump system comprises a variable-sized barrel and plunger. This study investigates the effect of diesel, propane, and DME fuels on the plunger barrel’s deformation and flow rate characteristics. It compares the barrel and plunger displacement as a function of working pressure. Based on the multi-field coupling theory, a numerical fluid–solid thermal coupling model was developed to characterize the operational fluctuations in deformation and clearance. Due to the distinct deformation patterns of the two components, the appropriate clearance for the pump’s head and stem must be set independently. In addition, significant AMESim parameters compared and confirmed the discharge flow rates of three distinct fuels. The results show that the maximum displacement for the plunger stem was 0.00266 mm at 7.5 mm from the top of the stem, which was 6.94% lower than the literature result. The DME fuel showed flow stability initially (from 0.0 to 0.4 s) when using a plunger diameter of 23.85 mm. According to the plunger diameters, the marine fuel injection pump’s discharge flow rates increased, minimizing the wearing between the barrel/plunger. The research findings revealed that the suggested structural and flow rate model is recommended for alternative marine fuel applications.