bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emergence and Dissemination of Extraintestinal Pathogenic High-Risk International Clones of Escherichia coli
Authors: Kocsis Béla , Gulyás Dániel , Szabó Dóra
Published: December 2022

Multiresistant Escherichia coli has been disseminated worldwide, and it is one of the major causative agents of nosocomial infections. E. coli has a remarkable and complex genomic plasticity for taking up and accumulating genetic elements; thus, multiresistant high-risk clones can evolve. In this review, we summarise all available data about internationally disseminated extraintestinal pathogenic high-risk E. coli clones based on whole-genome sequence (WGS) data and confirmed outbreaks. Based on genetic markers, E. coli is clustered into eight phylogenetic groups. Nowadays, the E. coli ST131 clone from phylogenetic group B2 is the predominant high-risk clone worldwide. Currently, strains of the C1-M27 subclade within clade C of ST131 are circulating and becoming prominent in Canada, China, Germany, Hungary and Japan. The C1-M27 subclade is characterised by blaCTX-M-27. Recently, the ST1193 clone has been reported as an emerging high-risk clone from phylogenetic group B2. ST38 clone carrying blaOXA-244 (a blaOXA-48-like carbapenemase gene) caused several outbreaks in Germany and Switzerland. Further high-risk international E. coli clones include ST10, ST69, ST73, ST405, ST410, ST457. High-risk E. coli strains are present in different niches, in the human intestinal tract and in animals, and persist in environment. These strains can be transmitted easily within the community as well as in hospital settings. WGS analysis is a useful tool for tracking the dissemination of resistance determinants, the emergence of high-risk mulitresistant E. coli clones and to analyse changes in the E. coli population on a genomic level.
The Effect of Sunscreens on the Skin Barrier
Authors: Gonzalez-Bravo Alicia , Montero-Vilchez Trinidad , Arias-Santiago Salvador , Buendia-Eisman Agustin
Published: December 2022

Transepidermal water-loss (TEWL), stratum-corneum hydration (SCH), erythema, elasticity, pH and melanin, are parameters of the epidermal barrier function and skin homeostasis that objectively indicate the integrity of the skin barrier. Sunscreens are necessary to protect people from skin cancer, but could modify the skin barrier function. Nevertheless, there are not many studies on their impact on skin homeostasis. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of sunscreens on the epidermal-barrier function and skin homeostasis of healthy individuals. A prospective observational study was designed. TEWL, SCH, erythema, elasticity, pH and melanin were measured on the cheek and volar region of the forearm, using non-invasive methods before and after applying sunscreen. Four different sunscreens were tested, one full-body sunscreen and three facial sunscreens. The study included 51 healthy volunteers, 72.5% (37/51) women, with a mean age of 41.63 years. After full-body sunscreen application, temperature increased by 0.68 °C (p < 0.001), pH by 0.16 units (p < 0.001), and elasticity by 0.22% (p = 0.039), while melanin decreased by 10.95 AU (p < 0.001), erythema by 28.79 AU (p < 0.001) and TEWL by 0.66 g·m−2·h−1 (p = 0.019). On the cheek, facial sunscreen 1 increased temperature by 0.51 °C, TEWL 0.7 g·m−2·h−1 (p < 0.05), pH by 0.12 units (p < 0.001) and elasticity by 0.059% (p < 0.001), but decreased erythema by 19.87 AU (p < 0.05) and SCH by 5.63 AU (p < 0.001). Facial sunscreen 2 increased temperature by 0.67 °C, TEWL by 1.93 g·m−2·h−1 (p < 0.001), pH by 0.42 units (p < 0.001) and elasticity by 0.12% (p < 0.01), but decreased melanin by 15.2 AU (p = 0.000), erythema by 38.61 AU (p < 0.05) and SCH by 10.80 AU (p < 0.01). Facial sunscreen 3 increased temperature by 1.15 °C, TEWL by 2.29 g·m−2·h−1 (p < 0.001), pH by 0.46 units (p < 0.001) and elasticity by 0.15% (p < 0.01), but decreased erythema by 35.7 (p < 0.05) and SCH by 10.80 AU (p < 0.01). In conclusion, sunscreen could slightly modify the skin-barrier function. All of them decreased erythema, likely in relation to anti-inflammatory power.
A Review on Modelling of Viscoelastic Contact Problems
Authors: Wang Dongze , de Boer Gregory , Neville Anne , Ghanbarzadeh Ali
Published: December 2022

Approaches to solving viscoelastic problems have received extensive attention in recent decades as viscoelastic materials have been widely applied in various fields. An overview of relevant modelling approaches is provided in the paper. The review starts with a brief introduction of some basic terminologies and theories that are commonly used to describe the contact behaviour of viscoelastic materials. By building up the complexity of contact problems, including dry contact, lubricated contact, thermoviscoelastic contact and non-linear viscoelastic contact, tentative analytical solutions are first introduced as essential milestones. Afterwards, a series of numerical models for the various types of contact problems with and without surface roughness are presented and discussed. Examples, in which computational tools were employed to assist the analysis of viscoelastic components in different fields, are given as case studies to demonstrate that a comprehensive numerical framework is currently being developed to address complex viscoelastic contact problems that are prevalent in real life.
A Top-Down Approach and Thermal Characterization of Luminescent Hybrid BPA.DA-MMA@Ln2L3 Materials Based on Lanthanide(III) 1H-Pyrazole-3,5-Dicarboxylates
Authors: Łyszczek Renata , Vlasyuk Dmytro , Podkościelna Beata , Głuchowska Halina , Piramidowicz Ryszard , Jusza Anna
Published: December 2022

In this study, novel hybrid materials exhibiting luminescent properties were prepared and characterized. A top-down approach obtained a series of polymeric materials with incorporated different amounts (0.1; 0.2; 0.5; 1, and 2 wt.%) of dopants, i.e., europium(III) and terbium(III) 1H-pyrazole-3,5-dicarboxylates, as luminescent sources. Methyl methacrylate and bisphenol A diacrylate monomers were applied for matrix formation. The resulting materials were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermal analysis methods (TG-DTG-DSC, TG-FTIR) in air and nitrogen atmosphere, as well as by luminescence spectroscopy. The homogeneity of the resulting materials was investigated by means of optical microscopy. All obtained materials exhibited good thermal stability in both oxidizing and inert atmospheres. The addition of lanthanide(III) complexes slightly changed the thermal decomposition pathways. The main volatile products of materials pyrolysis are carbon oxides, water, methyl methacrylic acid and its derivatives, bisphenol A, 4-propylphenol, and methane. The luminescence properties of the lanthanide complexes and the prepared hybrid materials were investigated in detail.
A Study of 2D Contour Measurement System at Tool Center Point of Machine Tools
Authors: Yu Ben-Fong , Chen Jenq-Shyong , Tsai Hung-Yih
Published: December 2022

This study proposes a 2D contour measurement system at the tool center point (TCP) that consists of a Blu-ray pickup head and position sensitive detector (PSD). The TCP displacement is equivalent to the relative position between the tool and workpiece. When the machine tools operate the machine part along the desired contour, the TCP displacement affects the machining geometric accuracy. To evaluate the TCP displacement, the contour errors are measured by the cross-grid encoder (KGM) in practice. However, it is difficult to install KGM as it is large and expensive. In this study, an optical measurement system (OMS) is constructed to measure the TCP displacement, named TCP-OMS. A Blu-ray pickup head was installed on the spindle as a tool, and a PSD was installed on the table as a workpiece. To enhance the measurement signal’s resolution and precision of TCP-OMS, the noise was reduced by an AC voltage stabilizer, a DC regulator, and a low-pass filter. The experimental results show that the resolution of displacement measurement was less than 1 μm, and the linearity regions of the X-orientation and Y-orientation were ±3 mm. The motion test on the circular paths were performed on an actual machine tool, and the repeatability tests of this measurement system were verified. The measurement data of circular paths were collected by TCP-OMS and KGM and the results were then compared. When the feed rate of the circular paths increased, the circular deviations were magnified, simultaneously. The axis reversal spikes were observed at the quadrants of a circular path. These measurement results of TCP-OMS matched with the measurement results of KGM. The TCP-OMS developed in this study is characterized by simple installation, compactness, and a low price. It is suitable for 2D contour measurement at the tool center point of machine tools.
Magnetorheological Finishing of Chemically Treated Electroless Nickel Plating
Authors: Kumar Mayank , Bhavani Tharra , Rawal Sunil , Sidpara Ajay
Published: December 2022

Electroless nickel plating with a nanofinished surface is used in space mirrors, automobile parts, aircraft components, optical instruments, and electronic equipment. Finishing of these components using conventional finishing techniques is limited due to size, shape, material, and process constraints. This work reports the nanofinishing of electroless nickel-plated surfaces using a magnetorheological finishing process where the surfaces are pre-treated with chemicals. The chemicals used in this work are hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and hydrofluoric acid (HF). The effect of exposure time and concentration on the microhardness and roughness is studied to understand the surface chemistry after chemical treatment. The hydrogen peroxide forms a passivated layer, and it helps in easy material removal. Hydrofluoric acid improves surface quality and also helps in the removal of contaminants. The finished surface is characterized to understand the effect of chemical treatment on the finishing rate and surface topography. Normal and tangential forces are mainly affected by the hardness and surface condition after the chemical treatment. The best combination of parameters (chemical treatment with 1% HF for 30 min) was obtained and finishing was carried out to obtain a nanofinished surface with its areal surface roughness (Sa) reduced to 10 nm.
An Adaptive Proportional Plus Damping Control for Teleoperation Systems with Asymmetric Time-Varying Communication Delays
Authors: Bao Jigang , Fu Liyue , Zhang Haochen , Zhang Ancai , Guo Wenhui , Chen Tiansheng
Published: December 2022

Communication delay is an important factor affecting the stability and performance of telerobotic systems. In this paper, a new adaptive proportional damping controller is proposed to improve the stability and performance of the system in the presence of the cases such as asymmetric communication delay, unknown gravity torque, friction torque, and other disturbance torques. The proposed proportional damping control method combines the RBF neural network and adaptive control strategy to compensate for the unknown torque. The stability and robustness of the system are enhanced by adding error-damping items, operator force, and environmental force items. The Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional is employed to analyze and prove the exponential stability and signal boundedness of the closed-loop system. The simulation results verify the correctness of the proposed method, and the comparison with the results of other control methods shows the effectiveness of the designed control strategy.
An Examination of Multi-Key Fully Homomorphic Encryption and Its Applications
Authors: Yuan Minghao , Wang Dongdong , Zhang Feng , Wang Shenqing , Ji Shan , Ren Yongjun
Published: December 2022

With the rapid development of the Internet of Things (IoT) technology, the security problems it faces are increasingly prominent and have attracted much attention in industry and the academy. Traditional IoT architecture comes with security risks. Illegal intrusion of attackers into the network layer disrupts the availability of data. The untrusted transmission environment increases the difficulty of users sharing private data, and various outsourced computing and application requirements bring the risk of privacy leakage. Multi-key fully homomorphic encryption (MKFHE) realizes operations between ciphertexts under different key encryption and has great application potential. Since 2012, the first MKFHE scheme LTV12 has been extended from fully homomorphic encryption (FHE) and has ignited the enthusiasm of many cryptographic researchers due to its lattice-based security and quantum-resistant properties. According to its corresponding FHE scheme, the MKFHE schemes can be divided into four kinds: Gentry–Sahai–Water (GSW), number theory research unit (NTRU), Brakerski–Gentry–Vaikuntanathan (BGV), and FHE over the tour (TFHE). Efficiency and cost are urgent issues for MKFHE. New schemes are mainly improved versions of existing schemes. The improvements are mostly related to the four parts of MKFHE: security assumption, key generation, plaintext encryption, and ciphertext processing. We classified MKFHE schemes according to the improved partial schemes, and we present some improved techniques and the applications of MKFHE.
Deep Transfer Learning Framework for Bearing Fault Detection in Motors
Authors: Kumar Prashant , Kumar Prince , Hati Ananda Shankar , Kim Heung Soo
Published: December 2022

The domain of fault detection has seen tremendous growth in recent years. Because of the growing demand for uninterrupted operations in different sectors, prognostics and health management (PHM) is a key enabling technology to achieve this target. Bearings are an essential component of a motor. The PHM of bearing is crucial for uninterrupted operation. Conventional artificial intelligence techniques require feature extraction and selection for fault detection. This process often restricts the performance of such approaches. Deep learning enables autonomous feature extraction and selection. Given the advantages of deep learning, this article presents a transfer learning–based method for bearing fault detection. The pretrained ResNetV2 model is used as a base model to develop an effective fault detection strategy for bearing faults. The different bearing faults, including the outer race fault, inner race fault, and ball defect, are included in developing an effective fault detection model. The necessity for manual feature extraction and selection has been reduced by the proposed method. Additionally, a straightforward 1D to 2D data conversion has been suggested, altogether eliminating the requirement for manual feature extraction and selection. Different performance metrics are estimated to confirm the efficacy of the proposed strategy, and the results show that the proposed technique effectively detected bearing faults.
Modeling Multiple-Event Catastrophe Bond Prices Involving the Trigger Event Correlation, Interest, and Inflation Rates
Authors: Sukono  , Ibrahim Riza Andrian , Saputra Moch Panji Agung , Hidayat Yuyun , Juahir Hafizan , Prihanto Igif Gimin , Halim Nurfadhlina Binti Abdul
Published: December 2022

The issuance of multiple-event catastrophe bonds (MECBs) has the potential to increase in the next few years. This is due to the increasing trend in the frequency of global catastrophes, which makes single-event catastrophe bonds (SECBs) less relevant. However, there are obstacles to issuing MECBs since the pricing framework is still little studied. Therefore, this study aims to develop such a new pricing framework. The model uniquely involves three new variables: the trigger event correlation, interest, and inflation rates. The trigger event correlation rate was accommodated by the involvement of the copula while the interest and inflation rates were simultaneously considered using an integrated autoregressive vector stochastic model. After the model was obtained, the model was simulated on storm catastrophe data in the United States. Finally, the effect of the three variables on MECB prices was also analyzed. The analysis results show that the three variables make MECB prices more fairly than other models. This research is expected to guide special purpose vehicles to set fairer MECB prices and can also be used as a reference for investors in choosing MECBs based on the rates of trigger event correlation and the real interest they can expect.
Enhancing the Modbus Communication Protocol to Minimize Acquisition Times Based on an STM32-Embedded Device
Authors: Zagan Ionel , Găitan Vasile Gheorghiță
Published: December 2022

The primary function of a distributed bus is to connect sensors, actuators, and control units that are used for an acquisition process. Application domains, such as industrial monitoring and control systems, manufacturing processes, or building automation, present different requirements that are not exactly invariable and coherent. Updating data from Modbus-type devices involves updating data through a technique called polling, which involves repeatedly scanning the registers from each device. This paper highlights the performance of Modbus communication, considering scenarios in which distributed devices are integrated and accessed registers are or are not at consecutive addresses. The Modbus protocol allows reading one or more holding-type data registers. If the registers are not at consecutive addresses, multiple requests are required, with implications for the real-time characteristics of the data acquisition system. We studied the data update times within the SMARTConvert application when variable numbers of registers are accessed, and we designed an extension for the Modbus protocol. The major reason Modbus is used in current research is that no assumptions are required about application semantics, and the performance/resource ratio for generic services is excellent.
Information Spreading Considering Repeated Judgment with Non-Recursion
Authors: Fu Yufang , Cao Bin , Zhang Wei , Luo Zongwei
Published: December 2022

This paper investigates an information spreading mechanism under repeated judgment. In a generalized model, we prove that given a necessary condition, information under repeated judgment can sustain continuous spreading. Furthermore, we generalize the aforementioned spreading model on heterogeneous networks and calculate the analytic solution of the final state, in which spreaders finally have a stable scale to ensure that information can continuously spread when repeated judgment of information takes place. Moreover, the simulation results show that the more neighbors the spreaders have, the quicker the information vanishes. This finding suggests that in terms of information spreading under repeated judgement, it is not better to have more neighbors, quite contrary to common opinion.
Fixed-Time Distributed Optimization for Multi-Agent Systems with Input Delays and External Disturbances
Authors: Xu Xuening , Yu Zhiyong , Jiang Haijun
Published: December 2022

This study concentrates on a fixed-time distributed optimization problem for multi-agent systems (MASs) with input delay and external disturbances. First, by adopting the Artstein model reduction technique, the time-delay system is first transformed into a delay-free one, and external disturbances are then effectively eliminated by using an integral sliding mode control strategy. Second, a new centralized optimization mechanism is developed that allows all agents to reach the same state in a fixed time and then converge to the optimal value of the global objective function. Meanwhile, the optimization problem is extended to switching topologies. Moreover, as the gradient information of the global objective function is difficult to obtain in advance, we construct a decentralized optimization protocol that enables all agents to acquire the same state in a certain amount of time while also optimizing the global optimization problem. Finally, two numerical simulations are presented to validate the effectiveness and reliability of the developed control strategy.
Differential Subordination and Differential Superordination for Classes of Admissible Multivalent Functions Associated with a Linear Operator
Authors: Ali Ekram E. , Srivastava Hari M. , El-Ashwah Rabha M. , Albalahi Abeer M.
Published: December 2022

In this paper, we first introduce a linear integral operator ℑp(a,c,μ)(μ>0;a,c∈R;c>a>−μp;p∈N+:={1,2,3,…}), which is somewhat related to a rather specialized form of the Riemann–Liouville fractional integral operator and its varied form known as the Erdélyi–Kober fractional integral operator. We then derive some differential subordination and differential superordination results for analytic and multivalent functions in the open unit disk U, which are associated with the above-mentioned linear integral operator ℑp(a,c,μ). The results presented here are obtained by investigating appropriate classes of admissible functions. We also obtain some Sandwich-type results.
Theory of Functional Connections Subject to Shear-Type and Mixed Derivatives
Authors: Mortari Daniele
Published: December 2022

This study extends the functional interpolation framework, introduced by the Theory of Functional Connections, initially introduced for functions, derivatives, integrals, components, and any linear combination of them, to constraints made of shear-type and/or mixed derivatives. The main motivation comes from differential equations, often appearing in fluid dynamics and structures/materials problems that are subject to shear-type and/or mixed boundary derivatives constraints. This is performed by replacing these boundary constraints with equivalent constraints, obtained using indefinite integrals. In addition, this study also shows how to validate the constraints’ consistency when the problem involves the unknown constants of integrations generated by indefinite integrations.
Necessary and Sufficient Conditions for Normalized Wright Functions to Be in Certain Classes of Analytic Functions
Authors: Al-Hawary Tariq , Aldawish Ibtisam , Frasin Basem Aref , Alkam Osama , Yousef Feras
Published: December 2022

In this paper, the function classes SPp(σ,ν) and UCSP(σ,ν) are investigated for the normalized Wright functions. More precisely, several sufficient and necessary conditions are provided so that the aforementioned functions are in these classes. Furthermore, several corollaries will follow from our results.
A Note on Type-Symmetries in Finite Games
Authors: Soeiro Renato , Pinto Alberto A.
Published: December 2022

In two-action generalized polymatrix games, Nash equilibria are support-type-symmetric, i.e., determined by supports for each type of player. We show that such a property does not generalize straightforwardly for games with at least three actions or where interaction weights have different signs (neither all positive nor negative). A non-trivial condition on interaction weights must be satisfied, which may go unnoticed as it is trivially satisfied for: (i) two-action games, (ii) conformity games, and (iii) congestion games. We derive this condition and the corresponding simplified analytic equation for mixed strategies.
Effects of Diffusion-Induced Nonlinear Local Volume Change on the Structural Stability of NMC Cathode Materials of Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Iqbal Noman , Choi Jinwoong , Lee Changkyu , Ayub Hafiz Muhammad Uzair , Kim Jinho , Kim Minseo , Kim Younggee , Moon Dongjae , Lee Seungjun
Published: December 2022

Electrochemical stress induced by the charging/discharging of electrode materials strongly affects the lifetime of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) by regulating mechanical failures. Electrochemical stress is caused by a change in the local volume of the active materials associated with the lithium-ion concentration. The local volume change of certain active materials, such as nickel-rich LiNixMnyCozO2 (NMC), varies nonlinearly with the lithium content, which has not been considered in the stress calculations in previous studies. In this paper, the influence of nonlinear local volume change on the mechanical response of NMC-active materials is investigated numerically. The goal is achieved by using a concentration-dependent partial molar volume calculated from the previously obtained local volume change experimental results. A two-dimensional axisymmetric model was developed to perform finite element simulations by fully coupling lithium diffusion and stress generation at a single particle level. The numerical results demonstrate that (1) the global volume change of the particle evolves nonlinearly, (2) the stress response correlates with the rate of change of the active particle’s volume, and (3) stress–concentration coupling strongly affects the concentration levels inside the particle. We believe this is the first simulation study that highlights the effect of a concentration-dependent partial molar volume on diffusion-induced stresses in NMC materials. The proposed model provides insight into the design of next-generation NMC electrode materials to achieve better structural stability by reducing mechanical cracking issues.
Degenerate Multi-Term Equations with Gerasimov–Caputo Derivatives in the Sectorial Case
Authors: Fedorov Vladimir E. , Boyko Kseniya V.
Published: December 2022

The unique solvability for the Cauchy problem in a class of degenerate multi-term linear equations with Gerasimov–Caputo derivatives in a Banach space is investigated. To this aim, we use the condition of sectoriality for the pair of operators at the oldest derivatives from the equation and the general conditions of the other operators’ coordination with invariant subspaces, which exist due to the sectoriality. An abstract result is applied to the research of unique solvability issues for the systems of the dynamics and of the thermoconvection for some viscoelastic media.
Economic Dispatch for Smart Buildings with Load Demand of High Volatility Based on Quasi-Quadratic Online Adaptive Dynamic Programming
Authors: Chen Kairui , Zhu Zhangmou , Wang Jianhui
Published: December 2022

In this paper, a quasi-quadratic online adaptive dynamic programming (QOADP) algorithm is proposed to realize optimal economic dispatch for smart buildings. Load demand of high volatility is considered, which is modeled by an uncontrollable state. To reduce residual errors of the approximation structure, a quasi-quadratic-form parametric structure was designed elaborately with a bias term to counteract effects of uncertainties. Based on action-dependent heuristic dynamic programming (ADHDP), an implementation of the QOADP algorithm is presented that involved obtaining optimal economic dispatch for smart buildings. Finally, hardware-in-loop (HIL) experiments were conducted, and the performance of the proposed QOADP algorithm is superior to that of two other typical algorithms.
Latin Matchings and Ordered Designs OD(n−1, n, 2n−1)
Authors: Jin Kai , Zhu Taikun , Gu Zhaoquan , Sun Xiaoming
Published: December 2022

This paper revisits a combinatorial structure called the large set of ordered design (LOD). Among others, we introduce a novel structure called Latin matching and prove that a Latin matching of order n leads to an LOD(n−1, n, 2n−1); thus, we obtain constructions for LOD(1, 2, 3), LOD(2, 3, 5), and LOD(4, 5, 9). Moreover, we show that constructing a Latin matching of order n is at least as hard as constructing a Steiner system S(n−2, n−1, 2n−2); therefore, the order of a Latin matching must be prime. We also show some applications in multiagent systems.
Keyword-Enhanced Multi-Expert Framework for Hate Speech Detection
Authors: Zhong Weiyu , Wu Qiaofeng , Lu Guojun , Xue Yun , Hu Xiaohui
Published: December 2022

The proliferation of hate speech on the Internet is harmful to the psychological health of individuals and society. Thus, establishing and supporting the development of hate speech detection and deploying evasion techniques is a vital task. However, existing hate speech detection methods tend to ignore the sentiment features of target sentences and have difficulty identifying some implicit types of hate speech. The performance of hate speech detection can be significantly improved by gathering more sentiment features from various sources. In the use of external sentiment information, the key information of the sentences cannot be ignored. Thus, this paper proposes a keyword-enhanced multiexperts framework. To begin, the multi-expert module of multi-task learning is utilized to share parameters and thereby introduce sentiment information. In addition, the critical features of the sentences are highlighted by contrastive learning. This model focuses on both the key information of the sentence and the external sentiment information. The final experimental results on three public datasets demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed model.
A Method of Optimizing Cell Voltage Based on STA-LSSVM Model
Authors: Xu Chenhua , Tu Zhicheng , Zhang Wenjie , Cen Jian , Xiong Jianbin , Wang Na
Published: December 2022

It is challenging to control and optimize the aluminum electrolysis process due to its non-linearity and high energy consumption. Reducing the cell voltage is crucial for energy consumption reduction. This paper presents an intelligent method of predicting and optimizing cell voltage based on the evaluation of modeling the comprehensive cell state. Firstly, the Savitzky–Golay filtering algorithm(SGFA) is adopted to denoise the sample data to improve the accuracy of the experimental model. Due to the influencing factors of the cell state, a comprehensive evaluation model of the cell state is established. Secondly, the model of the least squares supports vector machine (LSSVM) is proposed to predict the cell voltage. In order to improve the accuracy of the model, the state transition algorithm (STA) is employed to optimize the structure parameters of the model. Thirdly, the optimization and control model of the cell voltage is developed by an analysis of the technical conditions. Then, the STA is used to realize the optimization of the front model. Finally, the actual data were applied to the experiments of the above method, and the proposed STA was compared with other methods. The results of experiments show that this method is efficient and satisfactory. The optimization value of average cell voltage based on the STA-LSSVM is 3.8165v, and it can be used to guide process operation. The DC power consumption is 11,971 KW·h per tonne of aluminum, with a reduction in power consumption of 373 KW·h. This result guarantees the reduction of aluminum electrolysis energy consumption.
Numerical Investigation of the Magnetized Reactive Viscous Couple Stress Fluid Flow Down an Inclined Riga Plate with Variable Viscosity
Authors: Adesanya Samuel Olumide , Yusuf Tunde Abdulkadir , Lebelo Ramoshweu Solomon
Published: December 2022

Accurate determination of optimum flow and heat transfer condition is one of the major challenges faced in the application of magnetic fluid in the field of medicine and engineering, especially when applied as ferrofluids for targeted drug deliveries, treatment of hyperthermia, sealants in computer hard drives, lubricants in car shafts. In view of these important applications, a mathematical investigation of the flow and heat transfer behavior of reactive magnetic fluids containing nanostructures is presented based on a couple of stress constitutive models. The reactive fluid is assumed to flow through inclined magnetized solid boundaries for energy conversion. The formulation leads to nonlinear coupled equations. The dimensionless equations are numerically solved using the spectral Chebyshev assumed solution for the weighted residual technique, and the correctness of the solution is confirmed using the shooting Runge–Kutta method. The effects of various fluid parameters on velocity, temperature, skin friction, and heat transfer rates are described in tabular and graphical form, along with suitable physical explanations. Thermal analysis computations are also presented. According to the findings, an enhanced couple of stress fluid and variable viscosity parameters reduced the skin drag and heat transfer rate at the bottom wall. Furthermore, the thermal stability of the flow can be achieved with increasing values modified Hartman number while increasing couple stress parameter encourages thermal instability in the flow domain.
Antimicrobial and Toxic Effects of Boswellia serrata Roxb. and Mentha piperita Linn. Essential Oils on Vaginal Inhabitants
Authors: Bogavac Mirjana A. , Perić Tamara M. , Mišković Jovana , Karaman Maja
Published: December 2022

Commercial essential oils (EOs) of incense, Boswellia serrata Roxb, and mint, Mentha piperita L., were investigated against vaginal bacterial and Candida albicans isolates for antimicrobial potential and safety use. The antimicrobial activity of EOs was investigated through a double-dilution micro-plate assay. A brine shrimp assay was used for the determination of toxicity, while the determination of the chemical composition of EOs was carried out using GS–MS. Obtained minimal inhibitory (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) point to the activity of mint essential oil (EO) against the multi-resistant P. aeruginosa isolate (MIC/MBC at 6.25 µL/mL), while MIC and MBC values for other isolates were reached at higher concentrations (25–50 µL/mL). According to the toxicity assay, the incense EO reached the LC50 value at 3.07 µL/mL, while mint EO showed higher toxicity at lower concentrations (0.5 µL/mL) and the LC50 could not be determined. The highest antimicrobial potential was obtained for incense against P. aeruginosa. Although the toxicity assay showed high toxicity of mint EO to the eggs of aquatic crustaceans Artemia salina, further testing of EO toxicity is proposed, for example on healthy cell-lines. According to the GC/MS spectrometry, the most represented components of mint EO were the oxygenated hydrocarbons L-menthone (20.86%) and menthol (31.86%), and they could be proposed for further antimicrobial and toxicity investigation.
Post-Traumatic-Related Technical Errors in Orthopantomographic Imaging
Authors: Almășan Oana , Roman Raluca Ancuța , Hedeşiu Mihaela , Bran Simion , Roman Sara , Petric Bianca , Dinu Cristian
Published: December 2022

Background: This study aimed at identifying errors encountered in orthopantomography (OPG) in post-traumatic patients caused by limitations in performing a correct technique. Methods: A retrospective observational study was performed. Diagnosis, exposure/processing mistakes, positioning-related errors, and bimaxillary immobilization were evaluated. Results: Thirty panoramic radiographs with mandible fractures were examined. Twelve error types were encountered: errors in exposure or processing, air radiolucency in the palatoglossal space, errors in the alignment of the Frankfort horizontal plane: head in flexion, with a joyful expression or head extended, with a somber appearance, errors towards the mid-sagittal plane (lateral head inclination, deviation, or rotation), errors caused by the non-use of the bite-block or inappropriate position on the device, errors caused by positioning outside the focal plane, artifacts/shadow images produced by post-operative metal plates, and bimaxillary immobilization errors. The number of errors per radiograph ranged from two to a maximum of five. The most dominant ones were inappropriate alignment in the focal plane and lateral rotation of the head in over 70% of cases. Lateral deviation and palatoglossal air were present in more than 50% of images. Conclusions: In trauma cases, technical difficulties in obtaining a proper OPG image are common and often insurmountable, limiting the diagnosis.
Evaluation of Fatigue Performance of Press Hardening Steel Joints Welded by GMAW-CSC and PAW Processes
Authors: de Lima Elias Hoffmann , de Almeida Diego Tolotti , Souza Daniel , Bianchi Kleber Eduardo , Mohrbacher Hardy
Published: December 2022

The application of press hardening steels is spreading from automobiles, where crashworthiness demands are critical, to other segments, such as the agricultural and road transport industries. However, the operational conditions to which such equipment is exposed requires the application of heavier sheet gages and adapted joining processes. In this context, fatigue is recognized as the critical failure mode. The present article describes the procedures and results of fatigue testing performed on GMAW-CSC and PAW butt-welded specimens of 1500 MPa press hardening steel. Both methods are suitable alternatives to laser welding when joining relatively heavy-gaged components. The obtained fatigue results are also related to heat-affected zone characteristics and weld bead surfaces. Additionally, some ground-flush GMAW-CSC specimens were tested. The test results indicate that both welding procedures provide suitable fatigue performance. As-welded GMAW-CSC joints on this ultra-high strength steel accomplished a fatigue performance similar to welds of conventional steel. However, a remarkable performance increase was observed after flush grinding the weld beads. The plasma welding process presented less good results due to the more extensive manufacturing and geometric variability. The results indicate that adopting a suitable arc welding process, in association with post-weld geometry improvement, provides a fatigue performance that is competitive with laser-welded press hardening steels.
Comparative Analysis of the Liver Transcriptome of Beijing You Chickens and Guang Ming Broilers under Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium Infection
Authors: Wang Zixuan , Wang Hailong , Barreto Sánchez Astrid Lissette , Thiam Mamadou , Zhang Jin , Li Qinghe , Zheng Maiqing , Wen Jie , Li Hegang , Zhao Guiping , Wang Qiao
Published: December 2022

Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (ST) is a food-borne pathogen that can infect animals and humans. It is currently the most common bacterial pathogen that negatively affects the poultry industry. Although different chicken breeds have been observed to exhibit diverse resistance to ST infection, the underlying genetic mechanisms remain unclear and the genes involved in this differential disease resistance need to be identified. To overcome this knowledge gap, we used a liver transcriptome analysis to screen differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in two different chicken breeds (local Beijing You (BY) and commercial Guang Ming No. 2 broiler line B (GM)) before and after ST infection. We also performed weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) to detect hub genes, and employed selection signal analysis of candidate genes. Three promising genes (EGR1, JUN and FOS) were eventually identified, and were significantly and differentially expressed in the same breed under different conditions, and in the two breeds after ST infection. Hub genes, such as PPFIA4 and ZNF395, were identified using WGCNA, and were associated with the ratio of heterophils to lymphocytes (H/L), an indicator of disease resistance. the present study identified several genes and pathways associated with resistance to ST infection, and found that BY had greater resistance to ST infection than GM. The results obtained provide valuable resources for investigating the mechanisms of resistance to ST infection in different chicken breeds.
Near-Infrared Metabolomic Fingerprinting Study of Lichen Thalli and Phycobionts in Culture: Aquaphotomics of Trebouxia lynnae Dehydration
Authors: Bruñas Gómez Irene , Casale Monica , Barreno Eva , Catalá Myriam
Published: December 2022

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is an accurate, fast and safe technique whose full potential remains to be exploited. Lichens are a paradigm of symbiotic association, with extraordinary properties, such as abiotic stress tolerance and adaptation to anhydrobiosis, but subjacent mechanisms await elucidation. Our aim is characterizing the metabolomic NIRS fingerprints of Ramalina farinacea and Lobarina scrobiculata thalli, and of the cultured phycobionts Trebouxia lynnae and Trebouxia jamesii. Thalli collected in an air-dry state and fresh cultivated phycobionts were directly used for spectra acquisition in reflectance mode. Thalli water peaks were associated to the solvation shell (1354 nm) and sugar–water interactions (1438 nm). While northern–southern orientation related with two hydrogen bonded (S2) water, the site was related to one hydrogen bonded (S1). Water, lipids (saturated and unsaturated), and polyols/glucides contributed to the profiles of lichen thalli and microalgae. R. farinacea, with higher desiccation tolerance, shows higher S2 water than L. scrobiculata. In contrast, fresh phycobionts are dominated by free water. Whereas T. jamesii shows higher solvation water content, T. lynnae possesses more unsaturated lipids. Aquaphotomics demonstrates the involvement of strongly hydrogen bonded water conformations, polyols/glucides, and unsaturated/saturated fatty acids in the dehydration process, and supports a “rubbery” state allowing enzymatic activity during anhydrobiosis.
Identification of a Green Algal Strain Collected from the Sarno River Mouth (Gulf of Naples, Italy) and Its Exploitation for Heavy Metal Remediation
Authors: Barra Lucia , Sardo Angela , Moros Maria , Smerilli Arianna , Chiaiese Pasquale , Percopo Isabella , Cavalletti Elena , Castro-Hinojosa Christian , Balzano Sergio
Published: December 2022

Heavy metals (HMs) can induce both chronic and acute harmful effects on marine and freshwater biota. The environmental impact of HMs in freshwater, seawater, soil, and wastewater can be limited using microbes, including microalgae, that are able to remove metals from environmental matrices. Indeed, they can passively adsorb and actively accumulate these persistent pollutants within their organelles, limiting their detrimental effects on cellular metabolism. The Sarno River is a 30 km long freshwater stream located in Southern Italy, polluted by partially untreated municipal, agricultural, and industrial wastewaters. In spite of this, microalgal cultures from Sarno River or Sarno River Mouth have never been established. In the present study, we isolated a green algal strain from the Sarno River Mouth and determined its ability to grow in polluted seawater containing different concentrations of cadmium, lead, or zinc. This strain was found to be able to accumulate these elements within its biomass in a dose-dependent manner. Growth inhibition experiments confirm the relatively low toxicity of Cd and Pb below 50 µM, while algal growth was seriously affected in Zn-amended media. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study focused on the ability of microalgae from Sarno River Mouth to tolerate and uptake HMs.
Efficacy and Safety of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation in Treatment of Clostridioides difficile Infection among Pediatric Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Tun Kyaw Min , Hsu Mark , Batra Kavita , Lo Chun-Han , Laeeq Tooba , Vongsavath Tahne , Mohammed Salman , Hong Annie S.
Published: December 2022

Background and Aims: Cases of Clostridioides difficile infection have been rising among the pediatric and adolescent population. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has emerged as an alternative therapy for recurrent C. difficile infection. We aim to perform the first systematic review and meta-analysis investigating the safety and efficacy of fecal microbiota transplantation for C. difficile infection in children and adolescents. Methods: A literature search was performed using variations of the keywords “pediatrics”, “C. difficile infection”, and “fecal microbiota transplantation” in PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane, and Google Scholar from inception to 30 June 2022. The resulting 575 articles were independently screened by three authors. Fourteen studies that satisfied the eligibility criteria were included in the meta-analysis. Results: The pooled success rate of FMT in the overall cohort was 86% (95% confidence interval: 77–95%; p < 0.001; I2 = 70%). There were 38 serious adverse events in 36 patients with a pooled rate of 2.0% (95% confidence interval: 0.0–3.0%; p = 0.1; I2 = 0.0%) and 47 adverse events in 45 patients with a pooled rate of 15% (95% confidence interval: 5.0–25.0%; p = 0.02; I2 = 54.0%). There was no death associated with FMT. Conclusions: FMT was concluded to be an effective and safe therapy in pediatric and adolescent patients with C. difficile infection. Underlying comorbidities may impede the efficacy. A rigorous screening process of the donors is recommended prior to embarking on FMT. There is no universal and cost-effective way to monitor the long-term outcomes of FMT. While promising, metagenomic sequencing may not be available in settings with limited resources. Robust data from randomized clinical trials is warranted.
Role of Indigenous Bacteria in Corrosion of Two Types of Carbon Steel
Authors: Stancu Mihaela Marilena
Published: December 2022

This study aimed to investigate the presence of both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria in a water sample collected from a nuclear power plant and establish if the indigenous bacteria or the products of their metabolic activities could initiate the corrosion of two different types of carbon steel (i.e., A570, 1045). The aerobic (heterotrophic, iron-oxidizing) and anaerobic (sulfate-reducing) bacteria were detected in low numbers in the water sample. Three bacterial strains were isolated by the enrichment procedure from this sample. Based on phenotypic and genotypic characteristics, the isolated bacteria were identified as Stenotrophomonas maltophilia IBBCn1 (MT893712), Stenotrophomonas maltophilia IBBCn2 (MT893713), and Bacillus thuringiensis IBBCn3 (MT893714). The bacteria existing in the water sample were able to initiate the corrosion of carbon steel A570 and 1045. The sulfate-reducing bacteria were detected in higher numbers than the heterotrophic bacteria and iron-oxidizing bacteria at the end of the biocorrosion experiments. The carbon steel coupons revealed macroscopic and microscopic changes in the surface characteristics, and these changes could be due to biofilm formation on their surfaces and the accumulation of the corrosion products. The corrosion rate varied from one type of carbon steel to another, depending on the incubation conditions and the chemical composition of the coupons.
Impaired VEGF-A-Mediated Neurovascular Crosstalk Induced by SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein: A Potential Hypothesis Explaining Long COVID-19 Symptoms and COVID-19 Vaccine Side Effects?
Authors: Talotta Rossella
Published: December 2022

Long coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) is a newly discovered syndrome characterized by multiple organ manifestations that persist for weeks to months, following the recovery from acute disease. Occasionally, neurological and cardiovascular side effects mimicking long COVID-19 have been reported in recipients of COVID-19 vaccines. Hypothetically, the clinical similarity could be due to a shared pathogenic role of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike (S) protein produced by the virus or used for immunization. The S protein can bind to neuropilin (NRP)-1, which normally functions as a coreceptor for the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A. By antagonizing the docking of VEGF-A to NRP-1, the S protein could disrupt physiological pathways involved in angiogenesis and nociception. One consequence could be the increase in unbound forms of VEGF-A that could bind to other receptors. SARS-CoV-2-infected individuals may exhibit increased plasma levels of VEGF-A during both acute illness and convalescence, which could be responsible for diffuse microvascular and neurological damage. A few studies suggest that serum VEGF-A may also be a potential biomarker for long COVID-19, whereas evidence for COVID-19 vaccines is lacking and merits further investigation.