bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identifying Gaps within the Education System in Uganda to Prepare Students for More Sustainable Water Management in the Future
Authors: Nalumenya Brian , Rubinato Matteo , Kennedy Michael , Catterson Jade , Bakamwesiga Hilary
Published: June 2023

Due to climate change and increased urbanisation, the current level of freshwater withdrawals and corresponding water usage in Uganda has increased, affecting the availability of these resources and becoming a concern. Education can play a crucial role in providing support to and training students on sustainable water use, both at home and in relation to school activities. Therefore, it is imperative that the education system develops actions, approaches and materials to achieve this goal. The paper assesses the current state of existing Ugandan education on this subject, by identifying the water-related topics currently featured in the curriculum at different class levels, with the aid of questionnaires conducted in four schools in Uganda. Three questionnaires (one for primary school pupils, one for secondary school pupils and one for teachers) were designed for collecting targeted data, and thematic analysis was adopted to analyse the data collected. The results revealed important insights regarding students’ behaviours towards water usage at home. They also revealed that water sustainability topics are delivered in the science curriculum at the primary level, as opposed to geography at the secondary level, confirming that overall, there is a lack of integrated practical teaching incorporated within the courses currently taught in Ugandan schools.
An Intelligent Semi-Honest System for Secret Matching against Malicious Adversaries
Authors: Liu Xin , Kong Jianwei , Luo Dan , Xiong Neal , Xu Gang , Chen Xiubo
Published: June 2023

With natural language processing as an important research direction in deep learning, the problems of text similarity calculation, natural language inference, question and answer systems, and information retrieval can be regarded as text matching applications for different data and scenarios. Secure matching computation of text string patterns can solve the privacy protection problem in the fields of biological sequence analysis, keyword search, and database query. In this paper, we propose an Intelligent Semi-Honest System (ISHS) for secret matching against malicious adversaries. Firstly, a secure computation protocol based on the semi-honest model is designed for the secret matching of text strings, which adopts a new digital encoding method and an ECC encryption algorithm and can provide a solution for honest participants. The text string matching protocol under the malicious model which uses the cut-and-choose method and zero-knowledge proof is designed for resisting malicious behaviors that may be committed by malicious participants in the semi-honest protocol. The correctness and security of the protocol are analyzed, which is more efficient and has practical value compared with the existing algorithms. The secure text matching has important engineering applications.
Security Analysis of Web Open-Source Projects Based on Java and PHP
Authors: Yin Zhen , Lee Scott Uk-Jin
Published: June 2023

During website development, the selection of suitable computer language and reasonable use of relevant open-source projects is imperative. Although the two languages, PHP and Java, have been extensively investigated in this context, there are not many security test reports based on their open-source projects. In this article, we conducted separate security analyses on web-related open-source projects based on PHP and Java. To this end, different open-source frameworks and services are used to design websites used to test experimental attacks on 12 popular open-source filters available on GitHub, as well as investigate the use of Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) in the Firefox browser environment. Using malicious payloads published by Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP) and others, Cross-site Scripting (XSS), Local File Inclusion (LFI), SQL injection, and LDAP injection are performed on the test targets. The experimental results reveal that although PHP-based open-source projects are more vulnerable to attacks than Java-based ones, there is significant room for improvement. Finally, a whitelist-based filtering scheme is proposed. This scheme filters the inline attributes of label elements so that the filter has an excellent detection rate of malicious payloads while having an excellent pass rate of benign payloads. Effective references and suggestions for web developers are also included to aid the selection of open-source web projects, and feasible solutions to improve filter performance are proposed.
Integrating FPGA Acceleration in the DNAssim Framework for Faster DNA-Based Data Storage Simulations
Authors: Marelli Alessia , Chiozzi Thomas , Battistini Nicholas , Zuolo Lorenzo , Micheloni Rino , Zambelli Cristian
Published: June 2023

DNA-based data storage emerged in this decade as a promising solution for long data durability, low power consumption, and high density. However, such technology has not yet reached a good maturity level, requiring many investigations to improve the information encoding and decoding processes. Simulations can be key to overcoming the time and the cost burdens of the many experiments imposed by thorough design space explorations. In response to this, we have developed a DNA storage simulator (DNAssim) that allows simulating the different steps in the DNA storage pipeline using a proprietary software infrastructure written in Python/C language. Among the many operations performed by the tool, the edit distance calculation used during clustering operations has been identified as the most computationally intensive task in software, thus calling for hardware acceleration. In this work, we demonstrate the integration in the DNAssim framework of a dedicated FPGA hardware accelerator based on the Xilinx VC707 evaluation kit to boost edit distance calculations by up to 11 times with respect to a pure software approach. This materializes in a clustering simulation latency reduction of up to 5.5 times and paves the way for future scale-out DNA storage simulation platforms.
MSGSA: Multi-Scale Guided Self-Attention Network for Crowd Counting
Authors: Sun Yange , Li Meng , Guo Huaping , Zhang Li
Published: June 2023

The use of convolutional neural networks (CNN) for crowd counting has made significant progress in recent years; however, effectively addressing the scale variation and complex backgrounds remain challenging tasks. To address these challenges, we propose a novel Multi-Scale Guided Self-Attention (MSGSA) network that utilizes self-attention mechanisms to capture multi-scale contextual information for crowd counting. The MSGSA network consists of three key modules: a Feature Pyramid Module (FPM), a Scale Self-Attention Module (SSAM), and a Scale-aware Feature Fusion (SFA). By integrating self-attention mechanisms at multiple scales, our proposed method captures both global and local contextual information, leading to an improvement in the accuracy of crowd counting. We conducted extensive experiments on multiple benchmark datasets, and the results demonstrate that our method outperforms most existing methods in terms of counting accuracy and the quality of the generated density map. Our proposed MSGSA network provides a promising direction for efficient and accurate crowd counting in complex backgrounds.
The Statistical Characteristics Analysis for Overvoltage of Elevated Transmission Line under High-Altitude Electromagnetic Pulse Based on Rosenblatt Transformation and Polynomial Chaos Expansion
Authors: Liu Zheng , Hei Dongwei , Mao Congguang , Du Chuanbao , Nie Xin , Wu Wei , Chen Wei
Published: June 2023

A High-Altitude Electromagnetic Pulse (HEMP) could induce very fast transient overvoltage (VFTO) with nanosecond level rise time and mega-volt amplitude, which severely threatens the electrical devices connected to the elevated transmission line. An elevated transmission line with different locations may suffer different levels of HEMP threat since the dip angle could influence the polarization of the HEMP wave. The combination of Rosenblatt Transformation and Polynomial Chaos Expansion (R-PCE) is introduced in this paper. With this method, the efficiency of calculating the overvoltage of an elevated transmission line under HEMP is improved, speeding up 24.75 times. The influence of different factors (dip angle, elevated height, and earth conductivity) on the overvoltage of elevated transmission lines applied in power systems is calculated and analyzed. The numerical result shows with 99.9% confidence that the overvoltage would be over 3.7 MV of amplitude and 6.7 × 1014 V/s of voltage derivative, which is much more rigorous than a lighting pulse. We also find that elevated transmission lines may have a larger HEMP threat in a small dip angle area. The corresponding data are shown at the end of the paper, which could be useful for relative researchers in pulse injection experiments and reliable evaluation.
Laser Ablation Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles for Polymer Nanocomposites
Authors: De Muijlder Thomas , Voué Michel , Leclère Philippe
Published: June 2023

Silver nanoparticles were synthesized via laser ablation in two different organic solvents (tetrahydrofuran and toluene). The influence of solvent choice on the production and behavior of silver nanoparticles dispersed in a polystyrene matrix was investigated. UV–Vis spectroscopy, ellipsometry and scanning probe microscopy techniques were used for characterization. The silver nanoparticles’ optical properties were modified by the existence of a core-shell structure appearing in toluene-ablated particles. For both solvents and, in particular, for the toluene case, the particles showed good dispersion in the matrix. Additionally, the interphase behavior of the doped polymer films was influenced by the synthesis process, affecting the mechanical and optical (dielectric) properties. The observed results for the nanocomposite are attributed to the formation of a core-shell structure around the particles directly due to the ablation in organic solvents. These findings contribute to the understanding of silver/polystyrene nanocomposites and offer opportunities for developing tailored functional materials by using laser ablation in liquids.
Method for Forecasting the Remaining Useful Life of a Furnace Transformer Based on Online Monitoring Data
Authors: Radionov Andrey A. , Liubimov Ivan V. , Yachikov Igor M. , Abdulveleev Ildar R. , Khramshina Ekaterina A. , Karandaev Alexander S.
Published: June 2023

Implementing the concept of a “smart furnace transformer” should stipulate its information support throughout its life cycle. This requires improving techniques for estimating the transformer’s health and forecasting its remaining useful life (RUL). A brief review of the problem being solved has shown that the known RUL estimation techniques include processing the results of measuring the facility state parameters using various mathematical methods. Data processing techniques (deep learning, SOLA, etc.) are used, but there is no information on their application in online monitoring systems. Herewith, fast (shock) changes in the resource caused by the failures and subsequent recoveries of the facility’s health have not been considered. This reduces the RUL forecasting accuracy for the repairable equipment, including transformers. It is especially relevant to consider the impact of sudden state changes when it comes to furnace transformers due to a cumulative wear effect determined by their frequent connections to the grid (up to 100 times a day). The proposed approach is based on calculating the RUL by analytical dependencies, considering the failures and recoveries of the facility state. For the first time, an engineering RUL forecasting technique has been developed, based on the online diagnostic monitoring data results provided in the form of time series. The equipment’s relative failure tolerance index, calculated with analytical dependencies, has first been used in RUL forecasting. As a generalized indicator, a relative failure tolerance index considering the facility’s state change dynamics has been proposed. The application of the RUL forecasting technique based on the results of dissolved gas analysis of a ladle furnace unit’s transformer is demonstrated. The changes in the transformer state during the operation period from 2014 to 2022 have been studied. The RUL was calculated in the intensive aging interval; the winding dismantling results were demonstrated, which confirmed developing destructive processes in the insulation. The key practical result of the study is reducing accidents and increasing the service life of the arc and ladle furnace transformers. The techno-economic effect aims to ensure process continuity and increase the metallurgical enterprise’s output (we cannot quantify this effect since it depends on the performance of a particular enterprise). It is recommended to use the technique to forecast the RUL of repairable facilities equipped with online monitoring systems.
A Hybrid Experimental-Numerical Method to Support the Design of Multistage Pumps
Authors: Fontana Federico , Masi Massimo
Published: June 2023

The paper uses a hydraulic performance analysis method to support the design of stock production multistage pumps. The method relies on a hybrid numerical–experimental approach conceived as a trade-off between accuracy and cost. It is based on CFD analyses incorporating experimental data of leakage flows across the sealing elements to obtain accurate predictions without the need of inclusion in the CFD model of small-scale features, which strongly increase the model complexity and computational effort. The aim of the paper is to present and validate this method. To this end, a 6-stage vertical pump manufactured by the stainless-steel metal-sheets-forming technique was considered as the benchmark. A series of experimental tests were performed to hydraulically characterize the impeller and return-channels-sealing elements by means of an “ad hoc” designed test rig. The characteristic curves of the sealing elements were embedded on the CFD model implemented in accordance with the strategy proposed in a previous authors’ work to obtain satisfactory predictions of multistage pumps’ hydraulic performance with minimum computational effort with the analytical correction of single-stage single-channel computations to account for the interaction between adjacent stages. To further explore the capabilities of the hybrid model, axial thrust measurements were performed by means of another “ad hoc” designed experimental apparatus. The application of the method to the benchmark pump shows that the hybrid model predicts the static head and efficiency with an error value lower than 1% at its best efficiency operation, and estimates the axial thrust with a 5% average error in the operating range from approximately 70% to 120% of the best efficiency duty.
Techno-Economic Optimization of Mini-Grid Systems in Nigeria: A Case Study of a PV–Battery–Diesel Hybrid System
Authors: Elegeonye Hillary Iruka , Owolabi Abdulhameed Babatunde , Ohunakin Olayinka Soledayo , Yakub Abdulfatai Olatunji , Yahaya Abdullahi , Same Noel Ngando , Suh Dongjun , Huh Jeung-Soo
Published: June 2023

This paper presents a feasibility analysis of the technical, environmental, and economic sustainability of an existing mini-grid technology system in Nigeria. The study investigates the cost and other operational parameters of the Gbamu-Gbamu solar–battery–diesel hybrid mini-grid, specifically the 85 kWp solar PV installation in the Ijebu East Local Government area of Ogun state. Situated within the Owo forest in South-West Nigeria, the mini-grid aims to reduce the effects of global warming and promote sustainable technological development in rural communities by increasing energy access through renewable sources. To assess the system’s viability, this research utilized RETScreen Expert software to validate the techno-economic and environmental sustainability of the installed mini-grid solar–PV–battery–diesel system in the region. Climatic data for the study were obtained from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The results demonstrate that the system is economically feasible and environmentally viable, as indicated by the positive net present value (NPV) and an average monthly irradiance of 4.78 kW/h/m2. Furthermore, the system achieved a 92.9% reduction in GHG emissions, provided a reasonable payback period of four years, and enabled a yearly electricity export of 203 MWh. These findings highlight the system’s potential to enhance energy access and mitigate climate change.
Alternative Surface-Mounted Permanent Magnet Topology for Reducing Voltage and Torque Harmonics in Shaft Generators
Authors: Son Rak-Won , Lee Ju
Published: June 2023

Traditional diesel generators on a merchant ship, composed of a wound rotor synchronous generator and a four-stroke diesel engine, supply electrical power for various loads. Recently, shaft generators for merchant ships have been increasingly replacing diesel generators to reduce CO2 emissions through fuel efficiency improvement. In particular, permanent magnet synchronous generators have replaced induction generators due to their high-efficiency characteristics at light loads. The surface-mounted permanent magnet rotor can be a suitable topology owing to the relatively short constant power range. This generator can also operate as a motor according to the propulsion mode, so minimizing the harmonics of the induced voltage with the torque pulsation being essential. This paper proposes an alternative surface permanent magnet topology. Three magnets comprise one pole, with one bread-loaf magnet and two rectangular magnets. It helps to simplify the magnetization and assembly of the rotor because of the flat bottom shape of the magnet. Due to the low remanence of two rectangular magnets at the pole edge, this rotor structure effectively makes the air-gap magnetic flux density sinusoidal with production costs reduced. The step-skew suppresses higher-order harmonics. The total harmonic distortion comparison of the two-dimensional finite element analysis and the no-load test result shows under 6% difference from the interior permanent magnet prototype machine. A comparison of harmonic characteristics with other rotors shows that the proposed modular pole has sufficient competitiveness compared to the tapered bread-loaf type. It can be applied as a substitute for the tapered bread-loaf magnet in direct-drive ship propulsion systems and is expected to shorten the manufacturing process and time.
Environmental Aspect Concerning Phthalates Contamination: Analytical Approaches and Assessment of Biomonitoring in the Aquatic Environment
Authors: Savoca Dario , Barreca Salvatore , Lo Coco Riccardo , Punginelli Diletta , Orecchio Santino , Maccotta Antonella
Published: June 2023

This review is a survey of recent progress in studies concerning the impact of phthalic acid esters in aquatic organisms. After introducing the classification, properties, sources, fate, and toxic effects related to phthalates, an overview of the techniques of extraction and analysis of these substances is provided. As a result, the general concepts of environmental bioindicators, biomonitoring systems, and other concepts related to phthalate contamination in the aquatic environment are presented. Recent bioaccumulation data of different phthalates are summarised in a table and organised according to the type of organism, tissue, and geographical area of sampling. Bioindicator organisms that are more representative of the different phthalates are highlighted and discussed as along with other variables that may be relevant in the assessment of the environmental pollution of these substances. The final part looks at the environmental perspectives and suggests new directions and research objectives to be achieved in the future.
Molecular Dynamics Simulation of the Effect of Low Temperature on the Properties of Lignocellulosic Amorphous Region
Authors: Jiang Xuewei , Wang Wei , Guo Yuanyuan , Dai Min
Published: June 2023

In this paper, a molecular model of cellulose amorphous region-water molecule was developed using Materials Studio software by applying the molecular dynamics method. The effect of low temperature on the properties of the lignocellulosic amorphous region, the main component of wood, was investigated in an attempt to explain the macroscopic property changes from a microscopic perspective and to provide a theoretical basis for the safe use of wood and wood products in low-temperature environments and other related areas of research. Dynamic simulations were carried out at 20 °C, 0 °C, −30 °C, −70 °C, −110 °C and −150 °C for the NPT combinations to obtain the energy, volume, density, and hydrogen bonding change trends of their models, respectively. The changes in the microstructure of the water molecule–cellulose amorphous region model were analyzed, and the mechanical properties were calculated. The results showed that the interaction between the amorphous cellulose region and water molecules was enhanced as the temperature decreased, the density of the models increased, and the volume decreased. The number of total hydrogen bonds and the number of hydrogen bonds between water molecule–cellulose chains increased for each model, and the decrease in temperature made the cellulose molecular activities weaker. The values of G, E, and K increased with the decrease in temperature, and K/G decreased with the decrease in temperature. It shows that the decrease in temperature is beneficial to enhance the mechanical properties of the amorphous region of cellulose and increases the stiffness of the material. However, the toughness and plasticity decrease when the temperature is too low.
Critical Analysis of Payments for Ecosystem Services: Case Studies in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania
Authors: Osewe Ibrahim , Hălălișan Aureliu-Florin , Talpă Nicolae , Popa Bogdan
Published: June 2023

The concept of payments for ecosystem services (PES) has been identified as a promising mechanism for use in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, with several potential advantages and benefits, including the ability to raise new funding for landscape management, increase the efficiency of conservation approaches, secure ecosystem services (ES), and benefit poor rural communities. Starting from understanding the complex relationship between human dependence on natural resources and the environment, this paper aims to determine the degree to which the various criteria affect the success of PES that involve forests. Primary data were collected using a mixed questionnaire that was sent to institutions that had implemented PES schemes in the region and 25 case studies of PES implemented in the region from various publications were used for the secondary data. The data were mainly analyzed using comparative analysis. The results indicated that PES success is higher when bundled ES are considered, financing is medium- to long-term, implementation is at the regional level, combined transaction types (cash and in-kind) are used, and both private buyers and public sellers are involved. This paper provides a good benchmark for decision makers on PES performance and the model presented may serve as one of the tools for improving livelihoods and ensuring the achievement of sustainable development goals.
Effects of Ficus carica L. Water Extract on Taxus cuspidata Sieb. et Zucc. Growth
Authors: Li Qianqian , Huang Jin , Yang Xue , Gul Zarmina , Sun Wenxue , Qiao Bin , Cheng Jiabo , Li Chunying , Zhao Chunjian
Published: June 2023

Our research group successfully designed the F. carica and Taxus cuspidata Sieb. et Zucc mixed forest, and confirmed that their interspecific relationship was stable and F. carica has a promoting effect on neighboring T. cuspidata growth. However, the promoting mechanism has not been elucidated. In this study, F. carica was used as the donor plant and T. cuspidata was used as the recipient plant. T. cuspidata seedlings were irrigated with F. carica root extracts of different concentrations (10.0, 20.0, 40.0 g·L−1), and the plant height, base diameter, photosynthetic parameters, photosynthetic pigments, MDA contents, and antioxidant enzyme activities were measured. Soil physical and chemical properties, enzyme activities, and microbial diversity were measured. The results showed that the abundance of growth-promoting bacteria increased and the number of pathogenic bacteria decreased in the rhizosphere of T. cuspidata soil. It was speculated that the chemicals secreted by F. carica roots interacted with soil microorganisms of T. cuspidata soil after enrichment, changed soil microbial diversity, and indirectly promoted the growth of T. cuspidata. UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS was used to analyze F. carica root water extract and F. carica root exudates, respectively, and it was found that the main components were similar. Therefore, the promoting effect of F. carica on T. cuspidata is mainly caused by the accumulation of potential chemicals in F. carica root exudates in the soil through interaction with soil microorganisms. Furthermore, the allelopathic-promoting mechanism of F. carica on T. cuspidata was discussed from various aspects, to provide a theoretical basis for the protection, breeding, and sustainable management of T. cuspidata resources.
Marine-Based Biorefinery: A Path Forward to a Sustainable Future
Authors: Zaky Abdelrahman , Abomohra Abdelfatah
Published: June 2023

Biofuels and bio-based products are among the best alternatives to fossil-based fuels and chemicals due to their capacity for net-negative carbon emissions, which is a vital contribution to the global ambition of a net-zero economy [...]
Syntrophic Growth of Biomaibacter acetigenes Strain SP2 on Lactate and Glycerol
Authors: Parshina Sofiya , Zhuravleva Elena , Nikitina Anna A. , Grouzdev Denis , Kostrikina Nadezhda , Kevbrin Vadim , Novikov Andrey , Kopitsyn Dmitry , Kolganova Tatyana , Baslerov Roman , Nozhevnikova Alla N. , Litti Yuriy
Published: June 2023

A moderately thermophilic Gram-positive chemo-organotrophic bacterium, strain SP2, was isolated by serial dilutions with crotonate and yeast extract as substrates from a butyrate-degrading methanogenic enrichment obtained from thermophilically digested sludge of the Kuryanoskaya wastewater treatment plant (Moscow, Russia). Cells of strain SP2 are spore-forming rods, sometimes occurring in short chains. The bacterium is an obligate anaerobe that grows at temperatures from 20 to 70 °C (55–60 °C optimum) within a pH range of 3.5–8 (7.5 optimum) and with NaCl concentrations of up to 2.5%. The strain utilized yeast extract and simple sugars as carbon and energy sources. Thiosulfate was used as an electron acceptor when grown on sucrose, resulting in the formation of hydrogen sulfide and the accumulation of elemental sulfur globules inside the cells. Strain SP2 is phylogenetically related to Biomaibacter acetigenes strain SK-G1T as revealed by comparison with the 16S rRNA gene (99.9% identity) and genome (ANI 99%, dDDH 90%) of both strains. It is interesting that strain SP2 was capable of syntrophic conversion of glycerol and lactate when co-cultivated with hydrogenotrophic methanogen, which was not previously shown for the SK-G1T type of strain. The isolation and in-depth study of new facultatively syntrophic microorganisms is important for wastewater treatment ecotechnologies due to their ability to switch to an alternative source of carbon and energy and therefore greater resistance to changing environmental conditions in bioreactors.
Antioxidant and Anti-Cytotoxicity Effect of Phenolic Extracts from Psidium guajava Linn. Leaves by Novel Assisted Extraction Techniques
Authors: Mazumder Md. Anisur Rahman , Tolaema Arif , Chaikhemarat Pongpasin , Rawdkuen Saroat
Published: June 2023

Phytochemicals (PCs) are gaining popularity due to their antioxidant effects and potential protection against infection, cardiovascular disease, and cellular metabolic activity. These PCs must be retained as much as possible during extraction. This research focused on the extraction of PC from Psidium guajava Linn. leaves due to higher antioxidant potential. Solvent extraction (SE), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) using distilled water (DW) or 60% (v/v) ethanol/water (ET) were used for the extraction of PC. ET shows higher total phenolic (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) as well as higher antioxidant activity than DW. Phytochemical screening demonstrated that all of the screening showed positive results in all extraction methods, except glycoside. There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) in TPC and TFC during MAE/ET, SE/ET, and UAE/ET. Antioxidant analysis shows that MAE and SE resulted in high (p < 0.05) DPPH and FRAP values for ET and DW, respectively. MAE/ET showed the highest inhibitory activity (IC50 = 16.67 µg/mL). HPLC and TLC analysis reveal the fingerprint of morin, which might function as an anticancer agent with other bioactives. Increasing the extract content increased the inhibitory activity of SW480 cells via MTT assay. In conclusion, MAE/ET is the most efficient among the extraction techniques in terms of anti-cytotoxicity effects.
Development of Smart Films of a Chitosan Base and Robusta Coffee Peel Extract for Monitoring the Fermentation Process of Pickles
Authors: Yan Jiatong , Yu Hongda , Yang Zhouhao , Li Lin , Qin Yuyue , Chen Haiyan
Published: June 2023

Smart film is widely used in the field of food packaging. The smart film was prepared by adding anthocyanin-rich Robusta coffee peel (RCP) extract into a chitosan (CS)–glycerol (GL) matrix by a solution-casting method. By changing the content of RCP (0, 10%, 15% and 20%) in the CS–GL film, the related performance indicators of CS–GL–RCP films were studied. The results showed that the CS–GL–RCP films had excellent mechanical properties, and CS–GL–RCP15 film maintained the tensile strength (TS) of 16.69 MPa and an elongation-at-break (EAB) of 18.68% with RCP extract. CS–GL–RCP films had the best UV-vis light barrier property at 200–350 nm and the UV transmittance was close to 0. The microstructure observation results showed that CS–GL–RCP films had a dense and uniform cross section, which proved that the RCP extract had good compatibility with the polymer. In addition, the CS–GL–RCP15 film was pH-sensitive and could exhibit different color changes with different pH solutions. So, the CS–GL–RCP15 film was used to detect the fermentation process of pickles at 20 ± 1 °C for 15 days. The pickles were stored in a round pickle container after the boiling water had cooled. The color of the CS–GL–RCP15 film changed significantly, which was consistent with the change of pickles from fresh to mature. The color of the smart film changed significantly with the maturity of pickles, and the difference of ΔE of film increased to 8.89 (15 Days), which can be seen by the naked eye. Therefore, CS–GL–RCP films prepared in this study provided a new strategy for the development of smart packaging materials.
Investigation of Fractal Characteristics of Karman Vortex for NACA0009 Hydrofoil
Authors: Zhang Fangfang , Zuo Yaju , Zhu Di , Tao Ran , Xiao Ruofu
Published: June 2023

A Karman vortex is a phenomenon of fluid flow that can cause fluctuation and vibration. As a result, it leads to fatigue damage to structures and induces safety accidents. Therefore, the analysis of the shedding law and strength of the Karman vortex is significant. To further understand the laws of turbulent Karman vortex shedding and strength, this study conducts a numerical vorticity simulation of a Karman vortex at the trailing edge of a hydrofoil based on the two-dimensional simplified model of the NACA0009 hydrofoil under different Reynolds numbers. Combined with image segmentation technology, the fractal characteristics of a turbulent Karman vortex at the trailing edge of a hydrofoil are extracted, the number and total area of vortex cores are calculated, and the fractal dimension of the vortex is obtained. The results show that the fractal dimension can characterize the change in vortex shape and strength under different Reynolds numbers, and that the fractal analysis method is feasible and effective for the shedding analysis of a turbulent Karman vortex.
Gelation and Orientation Dynamics Induced by Contact of Protein Solution with Transglutaminase Solution
Authors: Kakinoki Kasumi , Kurasawa Ryuta , Maki Yasuyuki , Dobashi Toshiaki , Yamamoto Takao
Published: June 2023

Gel growth induced by contact of polymer solutions with crosslinker solutions yields an emerging class of anisotropic materials with many potential applications. Here, we report the case of a study on the dynamics in forming anisotropic gels using this approach with an enzyme as a trigger of gelation and gelatin as the polymer. Unlike the previously studied cases of gelation, the isotropic gelation was followed by gel polymer orientation after a lag time. The isotropic gelation dynamics did not depend on concentrations of the polymer turning into gel and of the enzyme inducing gelation, whereas, for the anisotropic gelation, the square of the gel thickness was a linear function of the elapsed time, and the slope increased with polymer concentration. The gelation dynamics of the present system was explained by a combination of diffusion-limited gelation followed by free-energy-limited orientation of polymer molecules.
Success and Pitfalls of Genetic Testing in Undiagnosed Diseases: Whole Exome Sequencing and Beyond
Authors: Barili Valeria , Ambrosini Enrico , Uliana Vera , Bellini Melissa , Vitetta Giulia , Martorana Davide , Cannizzaro Ilenia Rita , Taiani Antonietta , De Sensi Erika , Caggiati Patrizia , Hilton Sarah , Banka Siddharth , Percesepe Antonio
Published: June 2023

Novel approaches to uncover the molecular etiology of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) are highly needed. Even using a powerful tool such as whole exome sequencing (WES), the diagnostic process may still prove long and arduous due to the high clinical and genetic heterogeneity of these conditions. The main strategies to improve the diagnostic rate are based on family segregation, re-evaluation of the clinical features by reverse-phenotyping, re-analysis of unsolved NGS-based cases and epigenetic functional studies. In this article, we described three selected cases from a cohort of patients with NDD in which trio WES was applied, in order to underline the typical challenges encountered during the diagnostic process: (1) an ultra-rare condition caused by a missense variant in MEIS2, identified through the updated Solve-RD re-analysis; (2) a patient with Noonan-like features in which the NGS analysis revealed a novel variant in NIPBL causing Cornelia de Lange syndrome; and (3) a case with de novo variants in genes involved in the chromatin-remodeling complex, for which the study of the epigenetic signature excluded a pathogenic role. In this perspective, we aimed to (i) provide an example of the relevance of the genetic re-analysis of all unsolved cases through network projects on rare diseases; (ii) point out the role and the uncertainties of the reverse phenotyping in the interpretation of the genetic results; and (iii) describe the use of methylation signatures in neurodevelopmental syndromes for the validation of the variants of uncertain significance.
Transposable Elements Shape the Genome Diversity and the Evolution of Noctuidae Species
Authors: Zhang Chunhui , Wang Lei , Dou Liang , Yue Bisong , Xing Jinchuan , Li Jing
Published: June 2023

Noctuidae is known to have high species diversity, although the genomic diversity of Noctuidae species has yet to be studied extensively. Investigation of transposable elements (TEs) in this family can improve our understanding of the genomic diversity of Noctuidae. In this study, we annotated and characterized genome-wide TEs in ten noctuid species belonging to seven genera. With multiple annotation pipelines, we constructed a consensus sequence library containing 1038–2826 TE consensus. The genome content of TEs showed high variation in the ten Noctuidae genomes, ranging from 11.3% to 45.0%. The relatedness analysis indicated that the TE content, especially the content of LINEs and DNA transposons, is positively correlated with the genome size (r = 0.86, p-value = 0.001). We identified SINE/B2 as a lineage-specific subfamily in Trichoplusia ni, a species-specific expansion of the LTR/Gypsy subfamily in Spodoptera exigua, and a recent expansion of SINE/5S subfamily in Busseola fusca. We further revealed that of the four TE classes, only LINEs showed phylogenetic signals with high confidence. We also examined how the expansion of TEs contributed to the evolution of noctuid genomes. Moreover, we identified 56 horizontal transfer TE (HTT) events among the ten noctuid species and at least three HTT events between the nine Noctuidae species and 11 non-noctuid arthropods. One of the HTT events of a Gypsy transposon might have caused the recent expansion of the Gypsy subfamily in the S. exigua genome. By determining the TE content, dynamics, and HTT events in the Noctuidae genomes, our study emphasized that TE activities and HTT events substantially impacted the Noctuidae genome evolution.
Whole Exome Sequencing to Find Candidate Variants for the Prediction of Kidney Transplantation Efficacy
Authors: Aghamir Seyed Mohammad Kazem , Roudgari Hassan , Heidari Hassan , Salimi Asl Mohammad , Jafari Abarghan Yousef , Soleimani Venous , Mashhadi Rahil , Khatami Fatemeh
Published: June 2023

Introduction: Kidney transplantation is the optimal treatment strategy for some end-stage renal disease (ESRD); however, graft survival and the success of the transplantation depend on several elements, including the genetics of recipients. In this study, we evaluated exon loci variants based on a high-resolution Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) method. Methods: We evaluated whole-exome sequencing (WES) of transplanted kidney recipients in a prospective study. The study involved a total of 10 patients (5 without a history of rejection and 5 with). About five milliliters of blood were collected for DNA extraction, followed by whole-exome sequencing based on molecular inversion probes (MIPs). Results: Sequencing and variant filtering identified nine pathogenic variants in rejecting patients (low survival). Interestingly, in five patients with successful kidney transplantation, we found 86 SNPs in 63 genes 61 were variants of uncertain significance (VUS), 5 were likely pathogenic, and five were likely benign/benign. The only overlap between rejecting and non-rejecting patients was SNPs rs529922492 in rejecting and rs773542127 in non-rejecting patients’ MUC4 gene. Conclusions: Nine variants of rs779232502, rs3831942, rs564955632, rs529922492, rs762675930, rs569593251, rs192347509, rs548514380, and rs72648913 have roles in short graft survival.
Characterization of Gold of the Murcielago Fluvial Placer (Central Honduras) and Its Possible Primary Sources
Authors: Nazzareni Sabrina , Alunno Simona , Zaccarini Federica , Mattioli Michele , Murroni Alessandro , Michele Alessandro Di , Renzulli Alberto
Published: June 2023

The Murcielago gold placer is located in the Lepaguare Valley, Olancho Department (Central Honduras). The placer mineralogy includes silicates (quartz, garnets, amphibole, Ca-pyroxene, micas, epidote, and tourmaline); calcite; and in the heavy fraction, zircon, ilmenite–rutile, magnetite, hematite, cassiterite, and cinnabar. Gold grains recovered from the Murcielago placer production plant are mainly flattened grains with a moderately to high elliptical shape. The composition of the gold grains varies continuously in the range Au46Ag54 to Au88Ag12. Few of them are characterized by Au-rich rims of a few microns in size (Ag 3-1 atoms percent (at%)). Gold from the Canan lode deposit, a nearby hydrothermal Au mineralization area, has a composition (from Au54Ag44 to Au81Ag19) overlapping the composition of the Murcielago grains. Inclusions in the alluvial gold particles are arsenopyrite, pyrite, acanthite, sphalerite, and hematite. On the basis of the placer mineralogy and the gold grains analyses, possible gold source(s) include the Canan lode and skarn gold deposits in the area. We obtained new data on the Murcielago gold placer that will be the basis for an exploration of the potential sources of gold in the area.
Effects of Combined Training Programs in Individuals with Fibromyalgia: A Systematic Review
Authors: Sousa Mónica , Oliveira Rafael , Brito João Paulo , Martins Alexandre Duarte , Moutão João , Alves Susana
Published: June 2023

Fibromyalgia is a rheumatic disease characterised by chronic widespread muscular pain and its treatment is carried out by pharmacological interventions. Physical exercise and a healthy lifestyle act as an important mechanism in reducing the symptoms of the disease. The aims of this study were to analyse and systematise the characteristics of combined training programs (i.e., type and duration of interventions, weekly frequency, duration and structure of training sessions and prescribed intensities) and to analyse their effects on people diagnosed with fibromyalgia. A systematic literature search was performed using the PRISMA method and then randomised controlled trial articles that met the eligibility criteria were selected. The Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale was used to assess the quality and risk of the studies. A total of 230 articles were selected, and in the end, 13 articles met the defined criteria. The results showed different exercise interventions such as: combined training, high-intensity interval training, Tai Chi, aerobic exercise, body balance and strength training. In general, the different interventions were beneficial for decreasing physical symptoms and improving physical fitness and functional capacity. In conclusion, a minimum duration of 14 weeks is recommended for better benefits. Moreover, combined training programs were the most effective for this population, in order to reduce the symptoms of the disease with a duration between 60 and 90 min, three times a week with a light to moderate intensity.
Moderating Effect of Variables Associated with Positive Mental Health in a Mediation Model on Depression among College Students: Protocol for a Longitudinal Study
Authors: Thongprem Thanthai , Deechaiya Rawich , Chanachai Saranphong , Ngaoratsamee Angkul , Wongpakaran Nahathai , Wiriyacosol Punjaree , Wongpakaran Tinakon
Published: June 2023

Background: Depression is significant mental health issue among university students and can decrease their ability to succeed academically. While various factors associated with mental health problems have been identified, researchers are increasingly exploring the role of positive mental health, such as character strengths and inner strengths, in relation to mental health problems. Objective: This study aims to build upon previous research by examining the influence of positive mental health on the mediation model of depression among students enrolled at Chiang Mai University. Method/Design: This study will employ an observational and longitudinal study that collects data from undergraduate students at Chiang Mai University during the 2023–2024 academic year. The primary outcome of this study will be depression. In the mediation models, insecure attachment and negative family climate will serve as predictors, while borderline personality symptoms will be the mediator. Positive mental health, including character strengths, inner strengths, and resilience, will be tested for moderation effects on the mediation models. Data will be collected at three intervals, with a three-month gap between each collection period. Discussion and Conclusion: This study will provide insights into the positive and negative mental health outcomes of university students in Chiang Mai. Through comprehensive analysis, this study intends to offer valuable insights into both positive and negative mental health outcomes among university students in Chiang Mai. Moreover, by employing a longitudinal approach, it aims to establish a more robust understanding of the causal relationships between positive mental health, predictors, mediators, and depression. The study’s limitations will also be discussed.
Effects of Target Variables on Interpersonal Distance Perception for Young Taiwanese during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Chen Yi-Lang , Rahman Andi
Published: June 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected not only public health but also people’s daily lives. Among various strategies to prevent infection, mask wearing and vaccination are considered to be the most effective methods; however, they may affect the comfortable interpersonal distance (IPD) for social interactions. In 2023, although the COVID-19 epidemic is considered to be similar to influenza, the public health sector of Taiwan still plans to give each person at least one dose per year, and even two does for special cases such as the elderly; and more than 90% of Taiwanese are still accustomed to wearing masks in public areas. Compared with mask wearing, studies examining the effects of vaccination on IPD are lacking. Therefore, an online survey was conducted in this study to collect the IPD data of 50 male and 50 female participants to elucidate the effects of mask wearing, vaccination, and target sex variables on IPD. The results showed that all variables significantly affected IPD (all p < 0.001). The effect of masks on IPD (49.1 cm) was slightly greater than that of vaccination (43.5 cm). The IPDs reported for wearing and not wearing masks were 145.7 and 194.8 cm, respectively, and those for vaccinated and unvaccinated were 148.5 and 192.0 cm, respectively. Regardless of participant sex, the IPDs for the female targets were significantly shorter than those for the male targets, which was consistent with the results of previous studies. Although mask wearing and vaccination are functionally different in nature, the findings indicate that the effects of both on IPD are nearly identical, jointly shortening IPD to approximately 93 cm. This implies that not only masks but also vaccination could lead to the shortening of IPD and may cause challenges in the prevention and control of COVID-19 transmission.
Prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes, Impaired Fasting Glucose, and Diabetes Risk in an Adult and Older North-Eastern Portuguese Population
Authors: Magalhães Pedro M. , Teixeira José E. , Bragada João P. , Duarte Carlos M. , Bragada José A.
Published: June 2023

The aims of this study were (1) to evaluate the prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) in a middle-aged north-eastern Portuguese population, (2) to analyze the prevalence of impaired fasting glucose (IFG), and (3) to assess the risk of T2D in this community-based sample. An exploratory, retrospective, and cross-sectional study was conducted from a total of 6570 individuals aged 18–102 years, among which 3865 were women (57.4 ± 18.1 years) and 2705 were men (60.0 ± 16.8 years). T2D diagnosis, IFG, and the diabetes risk score (low to very high risk) were assessed. The prevalence of T2D in this adult and an older north-eastern Portuguese population was 17.4%. A higher prevalence of T2D was reported in men (22.2%) than in women (14.0%); however, this was without significant differences (p = 0.086). Otherwise, the prevalence of T2D was significantly different among the age groups and increased with age (p < 0.001). Regarding IFG, a higher percentage of cases was observed in men (14.1%) than in women (8.4%) (p < 0.001). The risk of developing T2D in the next 10 years showed an association with sex and age group (p < 0.001) with a small-to-moderate effect (V = 0.1–0.3). Men and the elderly had the highest percentage of cases in the moderate-to-very high-risk bands. The current research confirmed a higher prevalence of T2D, IFG, and diabetes risk than previous Portuguese epidemiological reports. The results also suggest potential prediabetes cases, which should be carefully monitored. The current research adds evidence to the worldwide trend of the increasing prevalence of T2D and intermediate hyperglycemia (i.e., prediabetes).