bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seroprevalence of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies in Cats during Five Waves of COVID-19 Epidemic in Thailand and Correlation with Human Outbreaks
Authors: Thongyuan Suporn , Thanongsaksrikul Jeeraphong , Srimanote Potjanee , Phongphaew Wallaya , Eiamcharoen Piyaporn , Thengchaisri Naris , Bosco-Lauth Angela , Decaro Nicola , Yodsheewan Rungrueang
Published: February 2024

Human-to-animal SARS-CoV-2 transmission was observed, including a veterinarian contracting COVID-19 through close contact with an infected cat, suggesting an atypical zoonotic transmission. This study investigated the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in cats during human outbreaks and elucidated the correlation between cat infections and human epidemics. A total of 1107 cat serum samples were collected and screened for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies using a modified indirect ELISA human SARS-CoV-2 antibody detection kit. The samples were confirmed using a cPass™ neutralization test. The SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity rate was 22.67% (199/878), mirroring the trend observed in concomitant human case numbers. The waves of the epidemic and the provinces did not significantly impact ELISA-positive cats. Notably, Chon Buri exhibited a strong positive correlation (r = 0.99, p = 0.009) between positive cat sera and reported human case numbers. Additionally, the cPass™ neutralization test revealed a 3.99% (35/878) seropositivity rate. There were significant differences in numbers and proportions of positive cat sera between epidemic waves. In Samut Sakhon, a positive correlation (r = 1, p = 0.042) was noted between the proportion of positive cat sera and human prevalence. The findings emphasize the need for ongoing surveillance to comprehend SARS-CoV-2 dynamics in both human and feline populations.
Quantifying the Impact of Different Dietary Rumen Modulating Strategies on Enteric Methane Emission and Productivity in Ruminant Livestock: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Pepeta Bulelani N. , Hassen Abubeker , Tesfamariam Eyob H.
Published: February 2024

A meta-analysis was conducted with an aim to quantify the beneficial effects of nine different dietary rumen modulating strategies which includes: the use of plant-based bioactive compounds (saponin, tannins, oils, and ether extract), feed additives (nitrate, biochar, seaweed, and 3-nitroxy propanol), and diet manipulation (concentrate feeding) on rumen fermentation, enteric methane (CH4) production (g/day), CH4 yield (g/kg dry matter intake) and CH4 emission intensity (g/kg meat or milk), and production performance parameters (the average daily gain, milk yield and milk quality) of ruminant livestock. The dataset was constructed by compiling global data from 110 refereed publications on in vivo studies conducted in ruminants from 2005 to 2023 and anlayzed using a meta-analytical approach.. Of these dietary rumen manipulation strategies, saponin and biochar reduced CH4 production on average by 21%. Equally, CH4 yield was reduced by 15% on average in response to nitrate, oils, and 3-nitroxy propanol (3-NOP). In dairy ruminants, nitrate, oils, and 3-NOP reduced the intensity of CH4 emission (CH4 in g/kg milk) on average by 28.7%. Tannins and 3-NOP increased on average ruminal propionate and butyrate while reducing the acetate:propionate (A:P) ratio by 12%, 13.5% and 13%, respectively. Oils increased propionate by 2% while reducing butyrate and the A:P ratio by 2.9% and 3.8%, respectively. Use of 3-NOP increased the production of milk fat (g/kg DMI) by 15% whereas oils improved the yield of milk fat and protein (kg/d) by 16% and 20%, respectively. On the other hand, concentrate feeding improved dry matter intake and milk yield (g/kg DMI) by 23.4% and 19%, respectively. However, feed efficiency was not affected by any of the dietary rumen modulating strategies. Generally, the use of nitrate, saponin, oils, biochar and 3-NOP were effective as CH4 mitigating strategies, and specifically oils and 3-NOP provided a co-benefit of improving production parameters in ruminant livestock. Equally concentrate feeding improved production parameters in ruminant livestock without any significant effect on enteric methane emission. Therefore, it is advisable to refine further these strategies through life cycle assessment or modelling approaches to accurately capture their influence on farm-scale production, profitability and net greenhouse gas emissions. The adoption of the most viable, region-specific strategies should be based on factors such as the availability and cost of the strategy in the region, the specific goals to be achieved, and the cost–benefit ratio associated with implementing these strategies in ruminant livestock production systems.
Fish Responses to Alternative Feeding Ingredients under Abiotic Chronic Stress
Authors: Sánchez-Velázquez Julieta , Peña-Herrejón Guillermo Abraham , Aguirre-Becerra Humberto
Published: February 2024

Aquaculture has become one of the most attractive food production activities as it provides high-quality protein for the growing human population. However, the abiotic chronic stress of fish in intensive fish farming leads to a detrimental condition that affects their health and somatic growth, comprising productive performance. This work aims to comprehensively review the impact of alternative and novel dietary protein sources on fish somatic growth, metabolism, and antioxidative capacity under environmental/abiotic stressors. The documental research indicates that ingredients from rendered animal by-products, insects, bacteria as single-cell proteins, and fungal organisms (e.g., yeast, filamentous fungus, and mushrooms) benefit fish health and performance. A set of responses allows fish growth, health, and survival to remain unaffected by feeding with alternative ingredients during chronic environmental stress. Those ingredients stimulate the production of enzymes such as catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and selenoproteins that counteract ROS effects. In addition, the humoral immune system promotes immunoglobulin production (IgM) and cortisol plasmatic reduction. Further investigation must be carried out to establish the specific effect by species. Additionally, the mixture and the pre-treatment of ingredients such as hydrolysates, solid fermentations, and metabolite extraction potentialize the beneficial effects of diets in chronically stressed fish.
Pen-Based Swine Oral Fluid Samples Contain Both Environmental and Pig-Derived Targets
Authors: Tarasiuk Grzegorz , Remmenga Marta D. , O’Hara Kathleen C. , Talbert Marian K. , Rotolo Marisa L. , Zaabel Pam , Zhang Danyang , Giménez-Lirola Luis G. , Zimmerman Jeffrey J.
Published: February 2024

Laboratory methods for detecting specific pathogens in oral fluids are widely reported, but there is little research on the oral fluid sampling process itself. In this study, a fluorescent tracer (diluted red food coloring) was used to test the transfer of a target directly from pigs or indirectly from the environment to pen-based oral fluid samples. Pens of ~30, ~60, and ~125 14-week-old pigs (32 pens/size) on commercial swine farms received one of two treatments: (1) pig exposure, i.e., ~3.5 mL of tracer solution sprayed into the mouth of 10% of the pigs in the pen; (2) environmental exposure, i.e., 20 mL of tracer solution was poured on the floor in the center of the pen. Oral fluids collected one day prior to treatment (baseline fluorescence control) and immediately after treatment were tested for fluorescence. Data were evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, with Youden’s J statistic used to set a threshold. Pretreatment oral fluid samples with fluorescence responses above the ROC threshold were removed from further analysis (7 of 96 samples). Based on the ROC analyses, oral fluid samples from 78 of 89 pens (87.6%), contained red food coloring, including 43 of 47 (91.5%) pens receiving pig exposure and 35 of 42 (83.3%) pens receiving environmental exposure. Thus, oral fluid samples contain both pig-derived and environmental targets. This methodology provides a safe and quantifiable method to evaluate oral fluid sampling vis-à-vis pen behavior, pen size, sampling protocol, and target distribution in the pen.
Screening of Litter-Size-Associated SNPs in NOX4, PDE11A and GHR Genes of Sheep
Authors: Li Jiajun , Gong Yiming , Wang Xiangyu , He Xiaoyun , He Xiaolong , Chu Mingxing , Di Ran
Published: February 2024

In previous studies, NOX4, PDE11A and GHR genes have been screened as important candidate genes for litter size in sheep by using the GWAS method; however, neither their effects on litter size nor the loci associated with litter size have been identified. In this study, three candidate loci (c.1057-4C > T in NOX4, c.1983C > T in PDE11A and c.1618C > T in GHR) were first screened based on our previous resequencing data of 10 sheep breeds. After the three loci were genotyped using Sequenom MassARRAY technology, we carried out population genetics analysis on the three loci and performed association analysis between the polymorphism of the three loci and the litter size of sheep. The results of population genetics analysis suggested that c.1057-4C > T in NOX4 and c.1983C > T in PDE11A may be subject to natural or artificial selection. The results of association analysis indicated that litter size was significantly associated with c.1057-4C > T in NOX4 and c.1983C > T in PDE11A (p < 0.05) in Small Tail Han sheep, and there was no significant interaction effect between the two loci on the litter size. In summary, c.1057-4C > T in NOX4 and c.1983 C > T in PDE11A can be considered candidate molecular markers for improving litter size in sheep.
Polylactic Glycolic Acid-Mediated Delivery of Plectasin Derivative NZ2114 in Staphylococcus epidermidis Biofilms
Authors: Ma Xuanxuan , Yang Na , Mao Ruoyu , Hao Ya , Teng Da , Huang Yinhua , Wang Jianhua
Published: February 2024

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are antibiotic candidates; however, their instability and protease susceptibility limit clinical applications. In this study, the polylactic acid–glycolic acid (PLGA)–polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) drug delivery system was screened by orthogonal design using the double emulsion–solvent evaporation method. NZ2114 nanoparticles (NZ2114-NPs) displayed favorable physicochemical properties with a particle size of 178.11 ± 5.23 nm, polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.108 ± 0.10, ζ potential of 4.78 ± 0.67 mV, actual drug-loading rate of 4.07 ± 0.37%, encapsulation rate of 81.46 ± 7.42% and cumulative release rate of 67.75% (120 h) in PBS. The results showed that PLGA encapsulation increased HaCaT cell viability by 20%, peptide retention in 50% serum by 24.12%, and trypsin tolerance by 4.24-fold. Meanwhile, in vitro antimicrobial assays showed that NZ2114-NPs had high inhibitory activity against Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis) (4–8 μg/mL). Colony counting and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) confirmed that NZ2114-NPs were effective in reducing the biofilm thickness and bacterial population of S. epidermidis G4 with a 99% bactericidal rate of persister bacteria, which was significantly better than that of free NZ2114. In conclusion, the results demonstrated that PLGA nanoparticles can be used as a reliable NZ2114 delivery system for the treatment of biofilm infections caused by S. epidermidis.
Efficacy of Continuous vs. Intermittent Administration of Cefepime in Adult ICU Patients with Gram-Negative Bacilli Bacteremia: A Randomized Double-Blind Clinical Study
Authors: Álvarez-Moreno Carlos Arturo , Nocua-Báez Laura Cristina , Ortiz Guillermo , Torres Juan Carlos , Montenegro Gabriel , Cervera Williams , Zuluaga Luis Fernando , Gómez Alonso
Published: February 2024

Introduction: The objective of this study was to compare the continuous infusion of cefepime with the intermittent infusion in patients with sepsis caused by Gram-negative bacilli (GNB). Methods: Randomized 1:1 multicenter double-blinded placebo-controlled study with allocation concealment; multicenter study in the intensive care units of Colombia. Patients with sepsis, severe sepsis or septic shock, and GNB-suspected bacteremia. Cefepime was administered for 7 to 14 days over 30 m intermittently every 8 h over 24 h plus continuous saline solution (0.9%) (G1) or 3 g administered continuously plus saline solution every 8 h (0.9%) (G2). The percentage of clinical response at 3, 7, and 14 days, relapse at 28 days, and mortality at discharge were measured. Results: The recruitment was stopped at the suggestion of the Institutional Review Board (IRB) following an FDA alert about cefepime. Thirty-two patients were randomized; 25 received the intervention, and GNB bacteremia was confirmed in 16 (9 G1 and 7 G2). Favorable clinical response in days 3, 7, and 14 was 88.8%, 88.8%, and 77.8% (G1) and was similar for G2 (85.7%). There were no relapses or deaths in G2, while in G1, one relapse and two deaths were observed. Conclusions: The results of this study support the use of cefepime for the treatment of Gram-negative infections in critically ill patients, but we could not demonstrate differences between continuous or intermittent administration because of the small sample size, given the early suspension of the study.
Insight into the Antioxidant Activity of Ascorbic Acid-Containing Gelatin Nanoparticles in Simulated Chronic Wound Conditions
Authors: Morán María del Carmen , Porredon Cristina , Gibert Coloma
Published: February 2024

Chronic wounds differ from acute wounds by remaining in the inflammatory phase for a long time. This chronic inflammation confers a high concentration of inflammatory cytokines, proteases, and ROS. Likewise, the pH environment of chronic wounds has been recorded within the range of 7.2–8.9 due to the alkaline by-products of bacterial proliferation. In this work, differences in pH between healthy skin and chronic cutaneous wounds have been used for the design and development of pH-responsive gelatin-based nanoparticles (NPs). Ascorbic acid (AA), as an antioxidant compound that can neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS), has been the therapeutic model compound included in these NPs. The goal of the present work has been the preparation and characterization (physicochemical and biological properties) of NPs for the effective release of AA under simulated chronic wound conditions. In vitro experiments demonstrated total AA release at pH corresponding to the chronic wounds. The biocompatible character of these gelatin-based NPs based on their hemolytic and cytotoxicity responses has been highlighted under in vitro conditions. The reversible and protective antioxidant properties of the AA-including NPs in erythrocytes and skin cell lines, respectively, have been confirmed to be modulated by the gelatin A gel strength.
Lipoxygenase LOX3 Is the Enigmatic Tocopherol Oxidase in Runner Bean (Phaseolus coccineus)
Authors: Kruk Jerzy , Jedynak Paweł , Kędracka-Krok Sylwia , Szymańska Renata , Gabruk Michał
Published: February 2024

Purification of extracts from the etiolated seedlings of runner bean (Phaseolus coccineus), coupled with mass spectrometry analysis of proteins revealed that the enzyme responsible for tocopherol oxidation activity is lipoxygenase, an enzyme known for enzymatic lipid peroxidation of unsaturated lipids. Biochemical analysis of the activity, along with the expression profile of three LOX isoforms (LOX1, LOX2, LOX3) in various parts of the etiolated seedlings, revealed that LOX3 was the major isoform expressed in the epicotyls, indicating that this isoform was responsible for the tocopherol oxidation activity; in the primary leaves, besides LOX3, the other two isoforms might have also contributed to the activity. The experiments performed in the model systems showed that unsaturated lipids were not required for the tocopherol oxidase activity, but that lipids were necessary to provide an optimal, hydrophobic environment of the substrate for the reaction. The experiments on lipoxygenase and tocopherol oxidase activities in the leaves of light-grown P. coccineus plants during aging and during storage of the extracts from etiolated seedlings showed that the activity of the first reaction decreased considerably faster than the latter, indicating different mechanisms of both reactions performed by the same enzyme. As LOX3 was shown to occur in the apoplast of the related species P. vulgaris, the question as to the physiological function of LOX3 in the tocopherol oxidation activity in P. coccineus is discussed.
Special Issue on Ultrasonic Modeling for Non-Destructive Testing
Authors: Darmon Michel
Published: February 2024

This Special Issue of Applied Sciences focuses on advancing modeling methods for the ultrasonic Non-destructive Testing (NDT) of materials [...]
Clinical Applications for Dentistry and Oral Health, 2nd Volume
Authors: Gandini Paola , Scribante Andrea
Published: February 2024

In recent years, dentistry has extended the aspects of its research and its cooperation with other disciplines [...]
Evaluating Turkey-Derived Lactic-Acid-Producing Bacteria as Potential Probiotics for Use in Commercial Turkeys
Authors: Johnson Abigail , Weber Bonnie P. , Nair Divek T. , Singer Randall S. , Kollanoor Johny Anup , Johnson Timothy J.
Published: February 2024

Lactic-acid-producing bacteria (LAB) are widely used in the poultry industry, and they are positively associated with gut health and growth performance. Despite their wide use in poultry production, LAB appear to be highly variable in their ability to modulate poultry gut health and growth performance. Furthermore, most commercially available LAB probiotics are not host specific; thus, few poultry-specific and even fewer turkey-specific probiotics exist. The objective of this study was to use probiotic screening assays to compare relevant phenotypic differences amongst different species of turkey-derived LAB, in an effort to identify potential probiotics for use in turkey production. Different in vitro assays were used to compare the probiotic potential (phenotype) of each turkey-derived LAB isolate. Twenty-four isolates representing eight different species and five different genera were used for our experiments. These assays included acid tolerance, bile tolerance, and adhesion ability. There was variability in assay performance across many individual strains in every assay performed. Isolates between species and, in some cases, isolates within the same species, differed in their performance between the assays. Some isolates that were identified performed favorably in all the assays in this study. In conclusion, high-performing isolates were identified in this study, which hold potential for influencing turkey health and productivity.
Shape Deviation Network of an Injection-Molded Gear: Visualization of the Effect of Gate Position on Helix Deviation
Authors: Low Jing Chong , Iba Daisuke , Yamazaki Daisuke , Seo Yuichiro
Published: February 2024

The purpose of this study is to develop an evaluation method for assessing the relative relationship between gear tooth shape deviations on every gear tooth using network theory. Our previous study introduced a method for representing the phase difference between each helix deviation as a network, demonstrating that it is possible to identify the relative relationship between gear tooth deviations. However, there has been no in-depth analysis of the impact of injection molding on the gear’s phase difference network. In this paper, we begin by measuring the gear tooth shape deviation, calculating the correlation coefficient, and expressing it as an adjacency matrix. When the adjacency matrix was visualized and displayed as a pixel plot, a periodic pattern was formed. The relationship between the position of the gate used to inject molten resin material into the injection mold and the pixel plot were then investigated in detail, and it was confirmed that the helix deviation network of a gear manufactured with the injection molding process is useful as a new indicator for the manufacturing error of injection-molded plastic gear.
The Effect of Brewing Time on the Antioxidant Activity of Tea Infusions
Authors: Winiarska-Mieczan Anna , Baranowska-Wójcik Ewa
Published: February 2024

Many studies have found that tea has an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-obesogenic and anti-diabetic effect, mostly associated with the content of anti-oxidant compounds. Polyphenols, being the main secondary metabolites in tea, are often considered the physiological markers determining a tea’s quality. Apart from the tea production process and tea components, brewing conditions can also influence the levels of antioxidants in tea. This study aimed to verify whether the brewing time of various tea types (5, 10 and 15 min) affects the level of extraction of antioxidant compounds into infusions and their antioxidant activity. We examined 11 types of tea: green leaf tea, green tea bags, white tea bags, black tea bags, red tea bags, black leaf tea, yerba mate, raspberry tea bags, butterfly pea flower (Clitoria ternatea) tea, white lychee plum tea and hibiscus flower tea. Total polyphenol (TPC), flavonoids and anthocyanins content, as well as determination of antiradical and antioxidant capacity with DPPH radical and ABTS radical cation, were determined using spectrophotometric assays. Due to the antioxidant activity of tea infusions, the optimum brewing time for green tea (leaf and bags), black tea (leaf and bags), butterfly pea flower tea, white tea, white lychee plum tea, raspberry tea and yerba mate is 15 min. Red tea brewing time should be ten minutes, and for hibiscus flower tea it should be five minutes. The results refer to the brewing temperature recommended by tea manufacturers.
Analysis of Vehicle-Bridge Coupling Vibration Characteristics of Curved Girder Bridges
Authors: Cao Hengtao , Lu Yao , Chen Daihai
Published: February 2024

When vehicles move on a bridge, the coupling effect between vehicles and bridges can affect driving safety and comfort, especially for curved bridges, therefore, choosing reasonable design parameters for curved bridges is crucial. In this article, a three-span curved continuous box-girder bridge was taken as the research object; the entire process of vehicle-bridge coupling vibration of highway curved girder bridges was conducted via numerical simulation and the vehicle-bridge coupling vibration analysis program Cmck 1.0 was developed. Then, the influence factors such as curvature radius, constraint mode, and vehicle characteristics on the vehicle-bridge coupling vibration of curved girder bridges were explored. The results showed that as the curvature radius increased, the dynamic response of the bridge offered a gradually decreasing trend and compared to the vertical dynamic response, the torsional response was more sensitive to the influence of the curvature radius. Different constraint methods significantly impacted the dynamic response of bridges, and the vertical and torsional dynamic responses of bridges under general constraint arrangement of straight bridges were increased compared to those under boundary conditions for curved beam bridges. As the axle load of the car decreases, the bridge mid-span vertical and torsional dynamic responses showed a decreasing trend. In contrast, the lateral dynamic response gradually increased.
A Method for Modeling and Testing Near-Real-Time System Scenarios
Authors: Górski Tomasz , Stecz Wojciech
Published: February 2024

Unmanned platforms are becoming more and more widely used in both civilian and military applications. The flight safety of such aircraft is crucial. Therefore, it becomes necessary to formally model and rigorously test their software. Commencement of an unmanned air vehicle’s (UAV) operation requires it undergoing a certification process, which further heightens the quality requirements. The validation process of the designed system is presented on the example of verifying the correctness of the operational scenario involving the transfer of control over a UAV between two ground control stations (GCSs). The paper introduces the method of designing unmanned aerial vehicles and testing their functionality based on finite-state machines. The architecture description of the system encompasses the use cases view and logical view of the 1+5 architectural views model. The paper concentrates on system requirements and their transformation into unified modeling language (UML) state machine diagrams. The authors present a method of mapping requirements to functions related to flight safety and system dynamics models expressed as communicating extended finite-state machines (CEFSMs). Moreover, the paper shows the rules for testing the correctness of state machine models using methods based on determining flows in directed graphs. It should be emphasized that the paper considers the certification of UAV software components from the system safety viewpoint, which directly affects the airworthiness of the air platform.
Dental Solid Waste Analysis: A Scoping Review and Research Model Proposal
Authors: Mitsika Ioanna , Chanioti Maria , Antoniadou Maria
Published: February 2024

In the face of 21st-century environmental challenges, including climate change, migration pressures, and waste disposal issues, certain healthcare sectors, notably dentistry, pose a significant global environmental footprint with concerns about carbon emissions and waste production. This scoping review searches the paradox that healthcare, while dedicated to safeguarding health, inadvertently contributes to environmental degradation through waste accumulation and disposal. The analysis of the relevant literature emphasizes the imperative for an environmentally sustainable approach to dental waste measurement, disposal methods, and comprehensive education for stakeholders. Aligned with the World Conference on Sustainable Development and the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda, the study adhered to PRISMA-ScR systematic review guidelines and the Institute of Medicine’s recommendations. The study utilized Medline/PubMed and international organization websites for data retrieval, employing Boolean operator queries in Medline. The systematic literature analysis identified six cross-sectional studies (2004–2023) highlighting variations in dental waste composition due to the lack of standardized identification methods. This heterogeneity underscores the need for a proposed research model, emphasizing comprehensive methodologies and healthcare staff training in waste management, thus transforming the analysis into a scoping review. The study advocates for environmentally conscious dental practices, contributing to broader sustainable healthcare goals through sharing of a research protocol for dental solid waste management.
Finite Element Model of Canine-Specific Vertebrae Incorporating Biomechanical Tissue Nonlinearity
Authors: Kostenko Ernest , Šengaut Jakov , Višniakov Nikolaj , Maknickas Algirdas
Published: February 2024

As dogs are considered valuable members of many families, ensuring their health and well-being is essential. This study introduces a numerical nonlinear model that explores the complexities of canine vertebrae, with a specific focus on their experimentally observed mechanical properties. The model underwent rigorous testing, and its results were compared with actual data on the compression of canine lumbar vertebrae. The numerical results and experimental data comparison had a 12% RRMSE. This research enhances our understanding of canine bone health and lays the groundwork for future initiatives aimed at treating and mitigating bone-related diseases in dogs.
Overview of FEM-Based Resistance Models for Local Buckling of Welded Steel Box Section Columns
Authors: Quillupangui Irvin , Somodi Balázs , Kövesdi Balázs
Published: February 2024

The local buckling behavior of welded square box section columns subjected to pure compression is investigated. Local buckling represents a crucial failure mode in thin-walled structures, exerting a significant impact on their overall stability and load bearing capacity. The primary objective of this research is to perform an extensive literature review considering the theoretical background of buckling phenomena and encompassing key findings and methodologies reported in previous studies. Additionally, the development and validation of a novel numerical model is presented, capable of accurately predicting the ultimate buckling capacity. Two different calculation methods are applied in the present study: (i) a numerical model using equivalent geometric imperfections to cover the residual stresses and out-of-straightness of plates, (ii) realistic geometric imperfections combined with an assumed residual stress pattern which has an experimental-based background. The objective of the numerical investigation is to investigate the accuracy of the numerical model by using different residual stress and imperfection patterns taken from the international literature. Many test results are collected from the international literature, to which the computational results are compared, and the effect of the residual stresses and geometric imperfections are analyzed. Based on the numerical analysis, the accuracy of the imperfection models is assessed and the imperfection model leading to the most accurate resistance is determined. The calculated buckling capacities are also compared to analytical design approaches, in which accuracy is also analyzed and evaluated. The current investigation proved the buckling curve developed by Schillo gives the most accurate results to the numerically calculated buckling resistance.
Low Temperature Combustion Modeling and Predictive Control of Marine Engines
Authors: Modabberian Amin , Storm Xiaoguo , Shamekhi Amir-Mohammad , Vasudev Aneesh , Zenger Kai , Hyvönen Jari , Mikulski Maciej
Published: February 2024

The increase of popularity of reactivity-controlled compression ignition (RCCI) is attributed to its capability of achieving ultra-low nitrogen oxides (NOx) and soot emissions with high brake thermal efficiency (BTE). The complex and nonlinear nature of the RCCI combustion makes it challenging for model-based control design. In this work, a model-based control system is developed to control the combustion phasing and the indicated mean effective pressure (IMEP) of RCCI combustion through the adjustments of total fuel energy and blend ratio (BR) in fuel injection. A physics-based nonlinear control-oriented model (COM) is developed to predict the main combustion performance indicators of an RCCI marine engine. The model is validated against a detailed thermo-kinetic multizone model. A novel linear parameter-varying (LPV) model coupled with a model predictive controller (MPC) is utilized to control the aforementioned parameters of the developed COM. The developed system is able to control combustion phasing and IMEP with a tracking error that is within a 5% error margin for nominal and transient engine operating conditions. The developed control system promotes the adoption of RCCI combustion in commercial marine engines.
The Effect of Acute Physical Fatigue on Information Processing, Pain Threshold and Muscular Performance
Authors: Clemente-Suárez Vicente Javier , Fuentes-García Juan Pedro , Castro Maria Antonio , Tornero-Aguilera Jose Francisco , Martínez-Guardado Ismael
Published: February 2024

This study explores the multifaceted effects of acute physical fatigue on information processing, pain threshold, and muscular performance. Enrolling 28 recreational athletes, we used a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) protocol to induce fatigue and conducted pre- and post-intervention assessments. Our findings revealed significant physiological and performance adaptations following the HIIT sessions. Key observations included increased heart rate and rate of perceived exertion and an enhancement in horizontal jump performance and isometric hand strength but no significant change in cognitive processing speed. Remarkably, participants demonstrated a notable increase in pain threshold and blood lactate levels post-exercise. These results challenge traditional views of fatigue, indicating not only a physiological but also a psychological resilience to high-intensity stress. This study provides new insights into the complex interplay between physical fatigue, cognitive function, and pain perception, highlighting the comprehensive effects of HIIT on both physiological and psychological dimensions of human performance.
Comparative Studies between Frequency Domain Analysis and Time Domain Analysis on Free-Field One-Dimensional Shear Wave Propagation
Authors: Kim Sun-Hoon , Kim Kwang-Jin
Published: February 2024

In Korea, the underground silo structure for low- and intermediate-level radioactive waste disposal facilities has been constructed and operated since 2014. Large-scale earthquakes occurred in 2016 and 2017, respectively, in Gyeongju and Pohang areas near the underground silo structures, and interest in the stability of the underground silo increased significantly. In this paper, one-dimensional free-field analyses have been carried out before the three-dimensional silo dynamic analyses subjected to earthquake loadings. As an additional study, a new form of the finite element equilibrium equation is derived in terms of relative motions, which is essentially the same equation expressed in terms of total motions where the base shear force is applied to the earthquake load. The accuracy of conventional finite element solutions is evaluated by directly comparing them with closed-form solutions by frequency domain analysis such as SHAKE91.
Redispatch Model for Real-Time Operation with High Solar-Wind Penetration and Its Adaptation to the Ancillary Services Market
Authors: Balzer Kristian , Watts David
Published: February 2024

Modern electrical power systems integrate renewable generation, with solar generation being one of the pioneers worldwide. In Latin America, the greatest potential and development of solar generation is found in Chile through the National Electric System. However, its energy matrix faces a crisis of drought and reduction of emissions that limits hydroelectric generation and involves the definitive withdrawal of coal generation. The dispatch of these plants is carried out by the system operator, who uses a simplified mechanism, called “economic merit list” and which does not reflect the real costs of the plants to the damage of the operating and marginal cost of the system. This inefficient dispatch scheme fails to optimize the availability of stored gas and its use over time. Therefore, a real-time redispatch model is proposed that minimizes the operation cost function of the power plants, integrating the variable generation cost as a polynomial function of the net specific fuel consumption, adding gas volume stock restrictions and water reservoirs. In addition, the redispatch model uses an innovative “maximum dispatch power” restriction, which depends on the demand associated with the automatic load disconnection scheme due to low frequency. Finally, by testing real simulation cases, the redispatch model manages to optimize the operation and dispatch costs of power plants, allowing the technical barriers of the market to be broken down with the aim of integrating ancillary services in the short term, using the power reserves in primary (PFC), secondary (SCF), and tertiary (TCF) frequency control.
Using Diverse Data Sources to Impute Missing Air Quality Data Collected in a Resource-Limited Setting
Authors: Kebalepile Moses Mogakolodi , Dzikiti Loveness Nyaradzo , Voyi Kuku
Published: February 2024

The sustainable operation of ambient air quality monitoring stations in developing countries is not always possible. Intermittent failures and breakdowns at air quality monitoring stations often affect the continuous measurement of data as required. These failures and breakdowns result in missing data. This study aimed to impute NO2, SO2, O3, and PM 10 to produce complete data sets of daily average exposures from 2010 to 2017. Models were built for (a) an individual pollutant at a monitoring station, (b) a combined model for the same pollutant from different stations, and (c) a data set with all the pollutants from all the monitoring stations. This study sought to evaluate the efficacy of the Multiple Imputation by Chain Equations (MICE) algorithm in successfully imputing air quality data that are missing at random. The application of classification and regression trees (CART) analysis using the MICE package in the R statistical programming language was compared with the predictive mean matching (PMM) method. The CART method performed better, with the pooled R-squared statistics of the imputed data ranging from 0.3 to 0.7, compared to a range of 0.02 to 0.25 for PMM. The MICE algorithm successfully resolved the incompleteness of the data. It was concluded that the CART method produced better reliable data than the PMM method. However, in this study, the pooled R2 values were accurate for NO2, but not so much for other pollutants.
Evaluation of Surrogate Aerosol Experiments to Predict Spreading and Removal of Virus-Laden Aerosols
Authors: Beimdiek Janis , Schmid Hans-Joachim
Published: February 2024

Estimating the infection risks of indoor environments comprises the assessment of the behavior of virus-laden aerosols, i.e., their spreading, mixing, removal by air purifiers, etc. A promising experimental approach is based on using non-hazardous surrogate aerosols of a similar size, e.g., salt particles, to mimic virus aerosol behavior. This manuscript addresses the issue of how a successful transfer of such experiments can be accomplished. Corresponding experiments in two very different environments, a large community hall and a seminar room, with the optional use of air purifiers in various constellations, are conducted. While high particle concentrations are advantageous in terms of avoiding the influence of background aerosol concentrations, it is shown that the appropriate consideration of aggregation and settling are vital to theoretically describe the experimentally determined course of particle concentrations. A corresponding model equation for a well-mixed situation is derived, and the required parameters are thoroughly determined in separate experiments independently. It is demonstrated that the clean air delivery rates (CADRs) of air purifiers determined with this approach may differ substantially from common approaches which do not explicitly take aggregation into account.
Assessing the Performance of Water Vapor Products from ERA5 and MERRA-2 during Heavy Rainfall in the Guangxi Region of China
Authors: Huang Ning , Fu Shiyang , Chen Biyan , Huang Liangke , Jin Wenping
Published: February 2024

Precipitable water vapor (PWV) is a crucial factor in regulating the Earth’s climate. Moreover, it demonstrates a robust correlation with precipitation. Situated in a region known for the generation and development of tropical cyclones, Guangxi in China is highly susceptible to floods triggered via intense rainfall. The atmospheric water vapor in this area displays prominent spatiotemporal features, thus posing challenges for precipitation forecasting. The water vapor products within the MERRA-2 and ERA5 reanalysis datasets present an opportunity to overcome constraints associated with low spatiotemporal resolution. In this study, the PWV data derived from GNSS and meteorological measurements in Guangxi from 2016 to 2018 were used to evaluate the accuracy of MERRA-2 and ERA5 water vapor products and their relationship with water vapor variations during extreme rainfall. Using GNSS PWV as a reference, the average bias of MERRA-2 PWV and ERA5 PWV for heavy rainfall was −0.22 mm and 1.84 mm, respectively, with average RMSE values of 3.72 mm and 3.31 mm. For severe rainfall, the average bias of MERRA-2 PWV and ERA5 PWV was −0.14 mm and 2.92 mm, respectively, with average RMSE values of 4.28 mm and 4.01 mm. During heavy rainfall days from Days 178 to 184 in 2017, the average bias of MERRA-2 PWV and ERA5 PWV was 0.92 mm and 2.42 mm, respectively, with average RMSE values of 4.04 mm and 3.40 mm. The accuracy was highest at the Guiping and Hechi stations and lowest at the Hezhou and Rongshui stations. Furthermore, when comparing MERRA-2/ERA5 PWV with GNSS PWV and actual precipitation, the trends in the variations of MERRA-2/ERA5 PWV were generally consistent with GNSS PWV and aligned with the increasing or decreasing trends of actual precipitation. In addition, ERA5 PWV exhibited high accuracy. Before the onset of heavy rainfall, PWV has a sharp surge. During heavy rainfall, PWV reaches its peak value. Subsequently, after the cessation of heavy rainfall, PWV tends to stabilize. Therefore, the reanalysis data of PWV can effectively reveal significant changes in water vapor and actual precipitation during periods of heavy rainfall in the Guangxi region.
A Comparison between Invariant and Equivariant Classical and Quantum Graph Neural Networks
Authors: Forestano Roy T. , Comajoan Cara Marçal , Dahale Gopal Ramesh , Dong Zhongtian , Gleyzer Sergei , Justice Daniel , Kong Kyoungchul , Magorsch Tom , Matchev Konstantin T. , Matcheva Katia , Unlu Eyup B.
Published: February 2024

Machine learning algorithms are heavily relied on to understand the vast amounts of data from high-energy particle collisions at the CERN Large Hadron Collider (LHC). The data from such collision events can naturally be represented with graph structures. Therefore, deep geometric methods, such as graph neural networks (GNNs), have been leveraged for various data analysis tasks in high-energy physics. One typical task is jet tagging, where jets are viewed as point clouds with distinct features and edge connections between their constituent particles. The increasing size and complexity of the LHC particle datasets, as well as the computational models used for their analysis, have greatly motivated the development of alternative fast and efficient computational paradigms such as quantum computation. In addition, to enhance the validity and robustness of deep networks, we can leverage the fundamental symmetries present in the data through the use of invariant inputs and equivariant layers. In this paper, we provide a fair and comprehensive comparison of classical graph neural networks (GNNs) and equivariant graph neural networks (EGNNs) and their quantum counterparts: quantum graph neural networks (QGNNs) and equivariant quantum graph neural networks (EQGNN). The four architectures were benchmarked on a binary classification task to classify the parton-level particle initiating the jet. Based on their area under the curve (AUC) scores, the quantum networks were found to outperform the classical networks. However, seeing the computational advantage of quantum networks in practice may have to wait for the further development of quantum technology and its associated application programming interfaces (APIs).
Limit Cycles of Discontinuous Piecewise Differential Hamiltonian Systems Separated by a Straight Line
Authors: Casimiro Joyce A. , Llibre Jaume
Published: February 2024

In this article, we study the maximum number of limit cycles of discontinuous piecewise differential systems, formed by two Hamiltonians systems separated by a straight line. We consider three cases, when both Hamiltonians systems in each side of the discontinuity line have simultaneously degree one, two or three. We obtain that in these three cases, this maximum number is zero, one and three, respectively. Moreover, we prove that there are discontinuous piecewise differential systems realizing these maximum number of limit cycles. Note that we have solved the extension of the 16th Hilbert problem about the maximum number of limit cycles that these three classes of discontinuous piecewise differential systems separated by one straight line and formed by two Hamiltonian systems with a degree either one, two, or three, which such systems can exhibit.
Binomial Series Involving Harmonic-like Numbers
Authors: Li Chunli , Chu Wenchang
Published: February 2024

By computing definite integrals, we shall examine binomial series of convergence rate ±1/2 and weighted by harmonic-like numbers. Several closed formulae in terms of the Riemann and Hurwitz zeta functions as well as logarithm and polylogarithm functions will be established, including a conjectured one made recently by Z.-W. Sun.
Multiplicity of Solutions for Discrete 2n-TH Order Periodic Boundary Value Problem with φp-Laplacian
Authors: Zuo Jiabin , Hammouti Omar , Taarabti Said
Published: February 2024

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the existence and multiplicity of nontrivial solutions with the φp-Laplacian for the discrete 2n-th order periodic boundary value issue. To support these conclusions, we have employed variational techniques and contemporary critical point theory. A few new findings are expanded upon and enhanced. We give an example to show how our key findings can be applied.
Menthol Pretreatment Alleviates Campylobacter jejuni-Induced Enterocolitis in Human Gut Microbiota-Associated IL-10−/− Mice
Authors: Heimesaat Markus M. , Langfeld Luis Q. , Schabbel Niklas , Shayya Nizar W. , Mousavi Soraya , Bereswill Stefan
Published: February 2024

Human Campylobacter jejuni infections are of worldwide importance and represent the most commonly reported bacterial enteritis cases in middle- and high-income countries. Since antibiotics are usually not indicated and the severity of campylobacteriosis is directly linked to the risk of developing post-infectious complications, non-toxic antibiotic-independent treatment approaches are highly desirable. Given its health-promoting properties, including anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory activities, we tested the disease-alleviating effects of oral menthol in murine campylobacteriosis. Therefore, human gut microbiota-associated IL-10−/− mice were orally subjected to synthetic menthol starting a week before C. jejuni infection and followed up until day 6 post-infection. Whereas menthol pretreatment did not improve campylobacteriosis symptoms, it resulted in reduced colonic C. jejuni numbers and alleviated both macroscopic and microscopic aspects of C. jejuni infection in pretreated mice vs. controls. Menthol pretreatment dampened the recruitment of macrophages, monocytes, and T lymphocytes to colonic sites of infection, which was accompanied by mitigated intestinal nitric oxide secretion. Furthermore, menthol pretreatment had only marginal effects on the human fecal gut microbiota composition during the C. jejuni infection. In conclusion, the results of this preclinical placebo-controlled intervention study provide evidence that menthol application constitutes a promising way to tackle acute campylobacteriosis, thereby reducing the risk for post-infectious complications.