bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
First Data on the Age and Growth of Schmidt’s cod Lepidion schmidti (Moridae) from Waters of the Emperor Seamounts (Northwestern Pacific)
Authors: Korostelev Nikolai B. , Maltsev Igor V. , Orlov Alexei M.
Published: June 2023

This study presents the first data of growth and age of Schmidt’s cod Lepidion schmidti, a rare and poorly studied member of the Moridae family (Gadiformes, Teleostei). The research was focused on the Emperor Seamounts area with the aim of investigating the age, growth rates, and longevity of this species. The analysis involved examining annual growth increments on sagittal otoliths. Data were taken from longline catches in 2014 and 2016, resulting in the collection of 140 individuals and the use of 70 otoliths for age determination. The results revealed that Schmidt’s cod can live for up to 49 years, with a mean age of 31.5 years in the catches. The relationship between body weight and total length was described by a power function, indicating positive allometric growth. The most suitable growth model for this species was determined to be the Von Bertalanffy growth equation. These results provide valuable insights to add to the limited knowledge of growth and age in the Moridae family and emphasize the long lifespan and slow growth of Schmidt’s cod.
Invasive Fungal Infections: The Early Killer after Liver Transplantation
Authors: Breitkopf Robert , Treml Benedikt , Bukumiric Zoran , Innerhofer Nicole , Fodor Margot , Rajsic Sasa
Published: June 2023

Background: Liver transplantation is a standard of care and a life-saving procedure for end-stage liver diseases and certain malignancies. The evidence on predictors and risk factors for poor outcomes is lacking. Therefore, we aimed to identify potential risk factors for mortality and to report on overall 90-day mortality after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT), especially focusing on the role of fungal infections. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed medical charts of all patients undergoing OLT at a tertiary university center in Europe. Results: From 299 patients, 214 adult patients who received a first-time OLT were included. The OLT indication was mainly due to tumors (42%, 89/214) and cirrhosis (32%, 68/214), including acute liver failure in 4.7% (10/214) of patients. In total, 8% (17/214) of patients died within the first three months, with a median time to death of 15 (1–80) days. Despite a targeted antimycotic prophylaxis using echinocandins, invasive fungal infections occurred in 12% (26/214) of the patients. In the multivariate analysis, patients with invasive fungal infections had an almost five times higher chance of death (HR 4.6, 95% CI 1.1–18.8; p = 0.032). Conclusions: Short-term mortality after OLT is mainly determined by infectious and procedural complications. Fungal breakthrough infections are becoming a growing concern. Procedural, host, and fungal factors can contribute to a failure of prophylaxis. Finally, invasive fungal infections may be a potentially modifiable risk factor, but the ideal perioperative antimycotic prophylaxis has yet to be determined.
Development and Replication of a Genome-Wide Polygenic Risk Score for Chronic Back Pain
Authors: Tsepilov Yakov A. , Elgaeva Elizaveta E. , Nostaeva Arina V. , Compte Roger , Kuznetsov Ivan A. , Karssen Lennart C. , Freidin Maxim B. , Suri Pradeep , Williams Frances M. K. , Aulchenko Yurii S.
Published: June 2023

Chronic back pain (CBP) is a complex heritable trait and a major cause of disability worldwide. We developed and validated a genome-wide polygenic risk score (PRS) for CBP using a large-scale GWAS based on UK Biobank participants of European ancestry (N = 265,000). The PRS showed poor overall predictive ability (AUC = 0.56 and OR = 1.24 per SD, 95% CI: 1.22–1.26), but individuals from the 99th percentile of PRS distribution had a nearly two-fold increased risk of CBP (OR = 1.82, 95% CI: 1.60–2.06). We validated the PRS on an independent TwinsUK sample, obtaining a similar magnitude of effect. The PRS was significantly associated with various ICD-10 and OPCS-4 diagnostic codes, including chronic ischemic heart disease (OR = 1.1, p-value = 4.8 × 10−15), obesity, metabolism-related traits, spine disorders, disc degeneration, and arthritis-related disorders. PRS and environment interaction analysis with twelve known CBP risk factors revealed no significant results, suggesting that the magnitude of G × E interactions with studied factors is small. The limited predictive ability of the PRS that we developed is likely explained by the complexity, heterogeneity, and polygenicity of CBP, for which sample sizes of a few hundred thousand are insufficient to estimate small genetic effects robustly.
Sterile Silicone Ring Tourniquets in Limb Surgery: A Prospective Clinical Trial in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Orthopedic Surgery
Authors: Bae Kunhyung , Kim Gisu , Aldosari Amaal M. , Gim Yeonji , Kwak Yoon Hae
Published: June 2023

Sterile silicone ring tourniquets (SSRTs) reduce intraoperative bleeding and provide a wide surgical view. Moreover, they reduce the risk of contamination and are cheaper than conventional pneumatic tourniquets. Our study describes the perioperative outcomes of sterile silicone ring tourniquet placement in pediatric patients undergoing orthopedic surgery. We prospectively recruited 27 pediatric patients aged < 18 years who underwent 30 orthopedic surgeries between March and September 2021. Following complete surgical draping, all operations were initiated by placing SSRTs. We investigated the demographic and clinical characteristics of these patients, details of the tourniquet used, and intra- and postoperative outcomes of tourniquet placement. Owing to the narrowness of tourniquet bands and tourniquet placement at the proximal ends of the extremities, wide surgical fields were achieved, without limiting joint range of motion. Bleeding control was effective. Tourniquets were applied and removed rapidly and safely, regardless of limb circumference. None of the patients experienced postoperative pain, paresthesia, skin problems at the application site, surgical site infections, ischemic problems, or deep vein thrombosis. SSRTs effectively reduced intraoperative blood loss and facilitated wide operative fields in pediatric patients with various limb sizes. These tourniquets allow quick, safe, and effective orthopedic surgery for pediatric patients.
Sport in the Laryngectomized Patient: A Literature Review and Single Case Presentation
Authors: Mesolella Massimo , Allosso Salvatore , Salerno Grazia , Motta Gaetano
Published: June 2023

Background: Total laryngectomy is an operation that involves numerous problems for the patient, especially in daily life: loss of the fact, loss of voice, evident scars and persistence of the tracheostoma. Much is known about rehabilitation programs involving the voice, swallowing, shoulder girdle rehabilitation; less explored is the field of sport and sports rehabilitation in the laryngectomized patient. Methods: We conduced systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement in order to evaluate the possibilities of practicing sports for the patient after total laryngectomy. Results: From an initial search of 4191 papers, we have come to include six papers for this literature review. We have also reported one of our clinical cases referring to a laryngectomized patient who swims competitively at an amateur level even after surgery with a particular device. The purpose of this work is to understand the role and importance of sport in rehabilitation and the possibilities that a frail patient like the laryngectomized patient has in practicing sport. Surely the best results are obtained in subjects who practiced sports before surgery. Conclusion: It is evident that sport is important in the psychological and motor recovery of the laryngectomized patient. There is still a lack of clear rehabilitation protocols, especially for water sports, which allow all laryngectomized patients to return to sports. We believe that early resumption of physical activity makes the experience of the disease less dramatic.
Sustainable Land Management and Climate Change Adaptation for Small-Scale Land Users in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Critchley William , Harari Nicole , Mollee Eefke , Mekdaschi-Studer Rima , Eichenberger Joana
Published: June 2023

Land is both a source and a sink of carbon dioxide (CO2), the chief greenhouse gas. Through sustainable land management (SLM), it can capture extra CO2 and store it as carbon in vegetation and soil. SLM can also reduce CO2 emissions from the land. Thus, SLM is viewed as the key land-based solution for climate change mitigation. Yet, SLM also provides effective climate change (CC) adaptation practices—such as agroforestry, mulching and water harvesting—which confer resilience, and simultaneously help secure production. This is especially valuable for land users in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) who depend on rainfed agriculture. They are amongst the poorest on Earth and the most vulnerable to CC impacts, despite their minimal carbon footprint. The World Overview of Conservation Approaches and Technologies (WOCAT) manages the Global SLM Database: this holds a rich and ever-growing collection of SLM practices. Analysis of the database for rainfed SSA sheds light on which SLM technologies are effective in CC adaptation, and how well they cope with changing rainfall and temperature. Both “mechanisms” and “attributes” are explored, yielding new insights. This perspective paper showcases current developments in the field, and summarizes future directions for SLM as a CC adaptation solution for land users in SSA.
Variants of Boundary Changes—A Case Study of Poland
Authors: Kociuba Dagmara , Kociuba Waldemar
Published: June 2023

The aim of this paper is to formulate a theoretical framework for the issue of changes in administrative boundaries and to systematize the issues by selecting distinctive variants. Considering the variety of procedures and forms of boundary changes, the case study is conducted in Poland. This study analyzed the provisions of 271 decisions on boundary changes and granting city status from 2009–2022, which covered a total of 1887.8 km2. It was the basis for selecting 31 variants of boundary changes in eight categories: (1) formal legal, (2) territorial expansion; (3) unit status; (4) cadastral division; (5) territorial tiers; (6) administrative division; (7) frequency of changes; (8) area. In addition, the interactions that occur between the different variants are demonstrated, and the main regularities are identified. Boundary changes are conducted mainly in the application variant. The introduction of the fast-track variant initiated an unprecedented wave of restitution of the city’s status. Territorial expansion of units occurs most frequently in the commune–city variant within the third-tier (commune) units. Small-area, one-off annexations in the suburban zones of cities in the parcel and precinct variants dominate. The results can be contextually applied in comparative studies.
Navigating the Biocosmos: Cornerstones of a Bioeconomic Utopia
Authors: Onyeali Wolfgang , Schlaile Michael P. , Winkler Bastian
Published: June 2023

One important insight from complexity science is that the future is open, and that this openness is an opportunity for us to participate in its shaping. The bioeconomy has been part of this process of “future-making”. But instead of a fertile ecosystem of imagined futures, a dry monoculture of ideas seems to dominate the landscape, promising salvation through technology. With this article, we intend to contribute to regenerating the ecological foundations of the bioeconomy. What would it entail if we were to merge with the biosphere instead of machines? To lay the cornerstones of a bioeconomic utopia, we explore the basic principles of self-organization that underlie biological, ecological, social, and psychological processes alike. All these are self-assembling and self-regulating elastic structures that exist at the edge of chaos and order. We then revisit the Promethean problem that lies at the foundation of bioeconomic thought and discuss how, during industrialization, the principles of spontaneous self-organization were replaced by the linear processes of the assembly line. We ultimately propose a bioeconomy based on human needs with the household as the basic unit: the biocosmos. The biocosmos is an agroecological habitat system of irreducible complexity, a new human niche embedded into the local ecosystem.
Obesity and Clonal Hematopoiesis of Indeterminate Potential: Allies in Cardiovascular Diseases and Malignancies
Authors: Komic Luka , Kumric Marko , Urlic Hrvoje , Rizikalo Azer , Grahovac Marko , Kelam Jelena , Tomicic Marion , Rusic Doris , Ticinovic Kurir Tina , Bozic Josko
Published: June 2023

The clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP) is a term used to describe individuals who have detectable somatic mutations in genes commonly found in individuals with hematologic cancers but without any apparent evidence of such conditions. The mortality rate in individuals with CHIP is remarkably higher than the influence ascribed to hematologic malignancies, and it is plausible that cardiovascular diseases (CVD) could elucidate the apparent disparity. Studies have shown that the most frequently altered genes in CHIP are associated with the increased incidence of CVDs, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and myeloid malignancies, as well as obesity. Additionally, multiple research studies have confirmed that obesity is also independently associated with these conditions, particularly the development and progression of atherosclerotic CVD. Considering the shared pathogenetic mechanisms of obesity and CHIP, our objective in this review was to investigate both preclinical and clinical evidence regarding the correlation between obesity and CHIP and the resulting implications of this interaction on the pathophysiology of CVDs and malignancies. The pro-inflammatory condition induced by obesity and CHIP enhances the probability of developing both diseases and increases the likelihood of developing CVDs, T2DM and malignancies, suggesting that a dangerous vicious loop may exist. However, it is vital to conduct additional research that will suggest targeted treatment options for obese individuals with CHIP in order to reduce harmful effects connected to these conditions.
Clinical, Dermoscopic, and Histological Characteristics of Melanoma Patients According to the Age Groups: A Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Słowińska Monika , Czarnecka Iwona , Czarnecki Robert , Tatara Paulina , Nasierowska-Guttmejer Anna , Lorent Małgorzata , Cierniak Szczepan , Owczarek Witold
Published: June 2023

Background: Although the role of melanoma risk factors is well documented, their correlation with patients’ age is less frequently analyzed. Method: The analysis was performed among 189 melanoma patients in different age groups, including <30 years, 31–60 years, and >60 years, to investigate the risk factors, topography, and coexistence of morphological features of 209 melanomas (dermoscopic and histopathological). Results: Among the youngest age group, no correlation with the presence of estimated risk factors was found. The most common dermoscopic pattern was spitzoid and multicomponent asymmetric. The group of middle-aged patients was the most diverse in terms of the occurrence of risk factors, solar lentiginosis, dermoscopic patterns, topography, histological subtypes, and invasiveness of melanomas. The oldest group characterized a strong correlation between solar lentiginosis, NMSC comorbidity, the prevalence of facial melanomas, the dermoscopic pattern of melanoma arising on chronic sun-damaged skin, and regression. Conclusion: The findings regarding the presence of age-specific features in melanoma patients, especially in the youngest and middle-aged groups, might be helpful for clinicians and to target secondary prevention efforts.
Surface Properties and Tribological Behavior of Additively Manufactured Components: A Systematic Review
Authors: Orgeldinger Christian , Seynstahl Armin , Rosnitschek Tobias , Tremmel Stephan
Published: June 2023

Innovative additive manufacturing processes for resilient and sustainable production will become even more important in the upcoming years. Due to the targeted and flexible use of materials, additive manufacturing allows for conserving resources and lightweight design enabling energy-efficient systems. While additive manufacturing processes were used in the past several decades mainly for high-priced individualized components and prototypes, the focus is now increasingly shifting to near-net-shape series production and the production of spare parts, whereby surface properties and the tribological behavior of the manufactured parts is becoming more and more important. Therefore, the present review provides a comprehensive overview of research in tribology to date in the field of additively manufactured components. Basic research still remains the main focus of the analyzed 165 papers. However, due to the potential of additive manufacturing processes in the area of individualized components, a certain trend toward medical technology applications can be identified for the moment. Regarding materials, the focus of previous studies has been on metals, with stainless steel and titanium alloys being the most frequently investigated materials. On the processing side, powder bed processes are mainly used. Based on the present literature research, the expected future trends in the field of tribology of additively manufactured components can be identified. In addition to further basic research, these include, above all, aspects of process optimization, function integration, coating, and post-treatment of the surfaces.
The Influence of Hydrofluoric Acid Temperature and Application Technique on Ceramic Surface Texture and Shear Bond Strength of an Adhesive Cement
Authors: Cuzic Cristiana , Jivanescu Anca , Negru Radu Marcel , Hulka Iosif , Rominu Mihai
Published: June 2023

All-ceramic restorations are the foundation of modern esthetic dentistry. Clinical approaches for preparation, durability, aesthetics, and repair have been reformed by the idea of adhesive dentistry. The aim of the study and the objective question was to evaluate the impact of heated hydrofluoric acid pretreatment and the application technique’s influence on the surface morphology and roughness of leucite-reinforced glass–ceramic materials (IPS Empress CAD, Ivoclar Vivadent), which is fundamental for understanding the adhesive cementation process. Scanning electron microscopy was used to observe the effectiveness of the two HF (Yellow Porcelain Etch, Cerkamed) application techniques and the HF’s temperature impact on the surface topography of the ceramic. Based on surface conditioning methods, the adhesive cement (Panavia V5, Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc., Tokyo, Japan) was applied to the conditioned ceramic samples and light-cured. Shear bond strength values were correlated with the micro-retentive surface texture of the ceramic. With universal testing equipment at a 0.5 mm/min crosshead speed, SBS values between the resin cement and the ceramic material were assessed until failure. Analyzing the fractured surfaces of the specimens by digital microscopy, the failure modes were divided into three categories: adhesive, cohesive, and mixed failure. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to statistically analyze the collected data. The results show that alternative treatment methods affected the material’s surface characteristics and have an influence on the shear bond strength.
Laser-Induced Transferred Antibacterial Nanoparticles for Mixed-Species Bacteria Biofilm Inactivation
Authors: Nastulyavichus Alena , Tolordava Eteri , Kudryashov Sergey , Khmelnitskii Roman , Ionin Andrey
Published: June 2023

In the present study, copper and silver nanoparticles with a concentration of 20 µg/cm2 were synthesized using the method of laser-induced forward transfer (LIFT). The antibacterial activity of the nanoparticles was tested against bacterial biofilms that are common in nature, formed by several types of microorganisms (mixed-species bacteria biofilms): Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The Cu nanoparticles showed complete inhibition of the bacteria biofilms used. In the course of the work, a high level of antibacterial activity was demonstrated by nanoparticles. This activity manifested in the complete suppression of the daily biofilm, with the number of bacteria decreasing by 5–8 orders of magnitude from the initial concentration. To confirm antibacterial activity, and determine reductions in cell viability, the Live/Dead Bacterial Viability Kit was used. FTIR spectroscopy revealed that after Cu NP treatment, there was in a slight shift in the region, which corresponded to fatty acids, indicating a decrease in the relative motional freedom of molecules.
Enhanced Power Factor and Ultralow Lattice Thermal Conductivity Induced High Thermoelectric Performance of BiCuTeO/BiCuSeO Superlattice
Authors: Yang Xuewen , Sun Zhiqian , Ge Guixian , Yang Jueming
Published: June 2023

Based on the first-principles calculations, the electronic structure and transport properties of BiMChO (M=Cu and Ag, Ch=S, Se, and Te) superlattices have been studied. They are all semiconductors with indirect band gaps. The increased band gap and decreased band dispersion near the valence band maximum (VBM) lead to the lowest electrical conductivity and the lowest power factor for p-type BiAgSeO/BiCuSeO. The band gap value of BiCuTeO/BiCuSeO decreases because of the up-shifted Fermi level of BiCuTeO compared with BiCuSeO, which would lead to relatively high electrical conductivity. The converged bands near VBM can produce a large effective mass of density of states (DOS) without explicitly reducing the mobility µ for p-type BiCuTeO/BiCuSeO, which means a relatively large Seebeck coefficient. Therefore, the power factor increases by 15% compared with BiCuSeO. The up-shifted Fermi level leading to the band structure near VBM is dominated by BiCuTeO for the BiCuTeO/BiCuSeO superlattice. The similar crystal structures bring out the converged bands near VBM along the high symmetry points Γ-X and Z-R. Further studies show that BiCuTeO/BiCuSeO possesses the lowest lattice thermal conductivity among all the superlattices. These result in the ZT value of p-type BiCuTeO/BiCuSeO increasing by over 2 times compared with BiCuSeO at 700 K.
The Effect of W Content on the Microstructure, Mechanics and Electrical Performance of an FeCrCo Alloy
Authors: Wang Huiqi , Zhang Hui , Liu Mangxian , Liu Jianqun , Yan Zhipeng , Zhang Changming , Li Yapeng , Feng Junjun
Published: June 2023

In this paper, FeCrCoW alloys with different W contents (0.4, 2.1 and 3.4 at%) are designed and studied in order to overcome the existing shortcomings of resistance materials. These resistance materials have high resistivity and a low temperature coefficient of resistivity. It is observed that the addition of W has a remarkable effect on the phase structure of the alloy. In particular, when the W content is 3.4 at%, the single BCC phase of the alloy can be transformed into the BCC and FCC phase. Meanwhile, when analyzed by transmission electron microscopy, there are stacking faults and martensite in FeCrCoW alloy with W content of 3.4 at%. These features are related to excessive W content. In addition, the strength of the alloy can be improved, and the ultimate tensile strength and yield strength are both very high, which are considered as grain-boundary strengthening and solid solution strengthening, caused by the addition of W. The electrical resistivity of the FeCrCoW alloys decreases when the content of W is more than 2.1 at%. The maximum resistivity of the alloy is 170 ± 1.5 μΩ·cm. Moreover, the unique properties of the transition metal allow the alloy to have a low temperature coefficient of resistivity in the temperature range of 298~393 K. The temperature coefficient of resistivity values of the W0.4, W2.1 and W3.4 alloys are −0.0073, −0.0052 and −0.0051 ppm/K. Therefore, this work provides a vision for resistance alloys, which can achieve highly stable resistivity and high strengths in a certain temperature range.
Study on Degradation Law and the Equivalent Thickness Model of Steel Subjected to Sulfate Corrosion
Authors: Zhang Tong , Xu Qian , Yang Fan , Gao Shan
Published: June 2023

In order to study the variation of mechanical properties of steel under acid rain corrosion conditions in northern China, monotonic tensile tests were conducted on Q235 steel with a thickness of 3.0 mm and 4.5 mm using a method of artificially prepared simulated acid rain solution for indoor accelerated corrosion. The results show that the failure mode of corroded steel standard tensile coupon includes normal fault and oblique fault. The failure patterns of the test specimen show that the thickness of the steel and corrosion rate affected the corrosion resistance. Larger thicknesses and lower corrosion rates will delay the failure mode of corrosion on steel. The strength reduction factor (Ru), deformability reduction factor (Rd) and energy absorption reduction factor (Re) decrease linearly with the increasing corrosion rate from 0% to 30%. The results are interpreted also from the microstructural point of view. The number, size, and distribution of the pits are random when the steel is subjected to sulfate corrosion. The higher the corrosion rate, the clearer, denser, and more hemispherical the corrosion pits. The microstructure of steel tensile fracture can be divided into intergranular fracture and cleavage fracture. As the corrosion rate increases, the dimples at the tensile fracture gradually disappear and the cleavage surface gradually increases. An equivalent thickness reduction model is proposed based on Faraday’s law and the meso-damage theory.
Design of Vibrating Systems Using Solution Spaces
Authors: Xu Duo , Zhang Yunzhe , Zimmermann Markus
Published: June 2023

Due to complex component interactions and multidisciplinary and possibly conflicting requirements, it is challenging to identify appropriate design goals for individual components to keep the vibration of a mechanical system below a specified level. Existing development methods are limited in that they only provide precise component targets without tolerance. Tolerance is required, however, for reconciling conflicting requirements and to provide freedom for component design. This paper presents a systematic design method for vibrating systems based on so-called solution spaces. It consists of (1) system modeling, (2) solution space computation, (3) component modeling and (4) detailed design. Solution spaces are admissible value ranges and serve as component requirements that guide independent component design. Meeting these component requirements guarantees that the overall system design goal with respect to vibration and possibly other disciplines is achieved. The proposed method is applied to an industry use case, where the rubber mount and geometrical layout of a vibratory rammer are modified to improve its dynamic and static performance. Both the system model and component model are validated by experiments. The vibration of a reference design is reduced by 48%.
Eulerian–Eulerian RSTM-PDF Modeling of Turbulent Particulate Flow
Authors: Kartushinsky Aleaxander , Michaelides Efstathios E. , Hussainov Medhat , Shcheglov Igor , Akhmadullin Ildar
Published: June 2023

A novel 3D computational model was developed for the turbulent particulate two-phase flow simulation in the rectangular channel. The model is based on the Eulerian approach applied to 3D Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes modeling and statistical Probability Distribution Function method. The uniqueness of the method lies in the direct calculation of normal and transverse components of the Reynolds stresses for both gas and particles. Two cases were examined: a conventional channel flow and grid-generated turbulence flow. The obtained numerical results have been verified and validated by the experimental data, received from the turbulent particle dispersion test. The computed values of the particles’ turbulent dispersion and the maximum value of the particulate concentration distribution show good agreement with the experimental results. The examples are ranged from coal and other bulk material pneumatic transport, vertical fluidized beds, coal gasifiers, and chemical reactors.
A Novel High-Speed and Low-PDP Approximate Full Adder Cell for Image Blending
Authors: Shahrokhi Seyed Hossein , Hosseinzadeh Mehdi , Reshadi Midia , Gorgin Saeid
Published: June 2023

This paper presents a new and high-performance inaccurate Full Adder Cell utilizing the Carbon Nanotube Field Effect Transistor (CNFET) technology. Comprehensive simulations are performed at the transistor and application levels to justify the performance of our design. Simulations performed using the HSPICE tool confirm the significant improvement in the performance of the proposed circuit delay, power-delay product (PDP) and energy-delay product (EDP) compared to competitor designs. Additionally, via a MATLAB tool, the image blending (alpha blending) application uses inaccurate Full Adder cells. Software simulations confirm the suitable quality of the final images according to the image quality evaluation criteria.
Counting Traversing Hamiltonian Cycles in Tiled Graphs
Authors: Vegi Kalamar Alen
Published: June 2023

Recently, the problem of counting Hamiltonian cycles in 2-tiled graphs was resolved by Vegi Kalamar, Bokal, and Žerak. In this paper, we continue our research on generalized tiled graphs. We extend algorithms on counting traversing Hamiltonian cycles from 2-tiled graphs to generalized tiled graphs. We further show that, similarly as for 2-tiled graphs, for a fixed finite set of tiles, counting traversing Hamiltonian cycles can be performed in linear time with respect to the size of such graph, implying that counting traversing Hamiltonian cycles in tiled graphs is fixed-parameter tractable.
Experimental Validation of Fractional PID Controllers Applied to a Two-Tank System
Authors: Sorcia-Vázquez Felipe de J. , Rumbo-Morales Jesse Y. , Brizuela-Mendoza Jorge A. , Ortiz-Torres Gerardo , Sarmiento-Bustos Estela , Pérez-Vidal Alan F. , Rentería-Vargas Erasmo M. , De-la-Torre Miguel , Osorio-Sánchez René
Published: June 2023

An experimental validation of fractional-order PID (FOPID) controllers, which were applied to a two coupled tanks system, is presented in this article. Two FOPID controllers, a continuous FOPID (cFOPID) and a discrete FOPID (dFOPID), were implemented in real-time. The gains tuning process was accomplished by applying genetic algorithms while considering the cost function with respect to the tracking error and control effort. The gains optimization process was performed directly to the two-tanks non-linear model. The real-time implementation used a National Instruments PCIe-6321 card as a data acquisition system; for the interface, we used a Simulink Matlab and Simulink Desktop Real-Time Toolbox. The performance of the fractional controllers was compared with the performance of classical PID controllers.
Trapezoidal Interval Type-2 Fuzzy PIPRECIA-MARCOS Model for Management Efficiency of Traffic Flow on Observed Road Sections
Authors: Xu Wei , Das Dillip Kumar , Stević Željko , Subotić Marko , Alrasheedi Adel F. , Sun Shiru
Published: June 2023

Road infrastructure management is an extremely important task of traffic engineering. For the purpose of efficient management, it is necessary to determine the efficiency of the traffic flow through PAE 85%, AADT and other exploitation parameters on the one hand, and the number of different types of traffic accidents on the other. In this paper, a novel TrIT2F (trapezoidal interval type-2 fuzzy) PIPRECIA (pivot pairwise relative criteria importance assessment)-TrIT2F MARCOS (measurement of alternatives and ranking according to compromise solution) was developed in order to, in a defined set of 14 road segments, identify the most efficient one for data related to light goods vehicles. Through this the aims and contributions of the study can be manifested. The evaluation was carried out on the basis of seven criteria with weights obtained using the TrIT2F PIPRECIA, while the final results were presented through the TrIT2F MARCOS method. To average part of the input data, the Dombi and Bonferroni operators have been applied. The final results of the applied TrIT2F PIPRECIA-TrIT2F MARCOS model show the following ranking of road segments, according to which Vrhovi–Šešlije M-I-103 with a gradient of −1.00 represents the best solution: A5 > A8 > A2 > A1 > A4 > A3 > A6 > A12 > A13 = A14 > A11 > A7 > A9 > A10. In addition, the validation of the obtained results was conducted by changing the values of the four most important criteria and changing the size of the decision matrix. Tests have shown great stability of the developed TrIT2F PIPRECIA-TrIT2F MARCOS model.
Toward Secure and Resilient Networks: A Zero-Trust Security Framework with Quantum Fingerprinting for Devices Accessing Network
Authors: Zaid Bassfar , Sayeed Ashar , Bala Priti , Alshehri Ali , Alanazi Abdulaziz Mohammed , Zubair Swaleha
Published: June 2023

The importance of network security has increased with the emergence of networked systems in contemporary computing, making it an essential aspect of protecting digital assets and safeguarding against cyber threats. The current security mechanisms, which rely on cryptographic keys, may be susceptible to a number of attacks, such as media access control (MAC) spoofing, which might provide unauthorized users access to network resources. This study introduces a new approach, namely a zero-trust security framework with quantum fingerprinting for devices accessing a network, that utilizes quantum technology to protect networks from security threats and intruders. The proposed architecture relies on quantum fingerprinting to authenticate devices trying to access the network, and it is built on the zero-trust security concept. The framework is intended to offer a thorough, multi-layered approach to network security that may change in response to evolving security risks and specifications. By protecting against MAC spoofing and other types of device impersonation, the adoption of quantum fingerprinting adds another degree of protection. The proposed framework may be used to construct a reliable and scalable network security solution in different network environments.
Study of Pricing of High-Dimensional Financial Derivatives Based on Deep Learning
Authors: Liu Xiangdong , Gu Yu
Published: June 2023

Many problems in the fields of finance and actuarial science can be transformed into the problem of solving backward stochastic differential equations (BSDE) and partial differential equations (PDEs) with jumps, which are often difficult to solve in high-dimensional cases. To solve this problem, this paper applies the deep learning algorithm to solve a class of high-dimensional nonlinear partial differential equations with jump terms and their corresponding backward stochastic differential equations (BSDEs) with jump terms. Using the nonlinear Feynman-Kac formula, the problem of solving this kind of PDE is transformed into the problem of solving the corresponding backward stochastic differential equations with jump terms, and the numerical solution problem is turned into a stochastic control problem. At the same time, the gradient and jump process of the unknown solution are separately regarded as the strategy function, and they are approximated, respectively, by using two multilayer neural networks as function approximators. Thus, the deep learning-based method is used to overcome the “curse of dimensionality” caused by high-dimensional PDE with jump, and the numerical solution is obtained. In addition, this paper proposes a new optimization algorithm based on the existing neural network random optimization algorithm, and compares the results with the traditional optimization algorithm, and achieves good results. Finally, the proposed method is applied to three practical high-dimensional problems: Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman equation, bond pricing under the jump Vasicek model and option pricing under the jump diffusion model. The proposed numerical method has obtained satisfactory accuracy and efficiency. The method has important application value and practical significance in investment decision-making, option pricing, insurance and other fields.
Rescheduling Out-of-Gauge Trains with Speed Restrictions and Temporal Blockades on the Opposite-Direction Track
Authors: Liao Zhengwen
Published: June 2023

Out-of-gauge trains are trains with loading freight that exceeds the loading limitation border. Considering collision avoidance, the out-of-gauge trains have speed restriction of their own, and the trains running on the parallel track. Therefore, it is necessary to execute a train rescheduling procedure to rearrange the train paths of the out-of-gauge trains and the affected trains based on the fundamental timetable. For rescheduling the timetable, considering the blockades and the speed restrictions caused by the out-of-gauge trains, this paper proposed a time-space-state network representation for describing the out-of-gauge train rescheduling problem. A novel concept, speed allowance, is introduced to describe the train speed restriction due to the out-of-gauge trains. An integer programming model based on the time-space network is proposed to minimize the total train delay when running the out-of-gauge trains. The model can be solved by the rolling-time horizon approach for reducing computational time. A numerical example is conducted based on the conventional railway in China, demonstrating the solution performance of the model and the practical use of the methodology. Gurobi solver cannot obtain an optimal solution within 1 h when the planning-time horizon is greater than 120 min. With the rolling-time horizon approach, the rescheduled timetable can be obtained within 124 s for the 300 min planning-time horizon using 180 min rolling-time window.
Solitonic View of Generic Contact CR-Submanifolds of Sasakian Manifolds with Concurrent Vector Fields
Authors: Vandana  , Budhiraja Rajeev , Siddiqui Aliya Naaz , Alkhaldi Ali Hussain
Published: June 2023

This paper mainly devotes to the study of some solitons such as Ricci and Yamabe solitons and also their combination called Ricci-Yamabe solitons. In the geometry of solitons, a fundamental question is to identify the conditions under which these solitons can be trivial. Firstly, in this paper we study some extensive results on generic contact CR-submanifolds of Sasakian manifolds endowed with concurrent vector fields. Then some applications of solitons such as Ricci and Ricci-Yamabe solitons on such submanifolds with concurrent vector fields in the same ambient manifold have been discussed.
A Deep Learning Approach to Analyze NMR Spectra of SH-SY5Y Cells for Alzheimer’s Disease Diagnosis
Authors: Costanti Filippo , Kola Arian , Scarselli Franco , Valensin Daniela , Bianchini Monica
Published: June 2023

The SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell line is often used as an in vitro model of neuronal function and is widely applied to study the molecular events leading to Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Indeed, recently, basic research on SH-SY5Y cells has provided interesting insights for the discovery of new drugs and biomarkers for improved AD treatment and diagnosis. At the same time, untargeted NMR metabolomics is widely applied to metabolic profile analysis and screening for differential metabolites, to discover new biomarkers. In this paper, a compression technique based on convolutional autoencoders is proposed, which can perform a high dimensionality reduction in the spectral signal (up to more than 300 times), maintaining informative features (guaranteed by a reconstruction error always smaller than 5%). Moreover, before compression, an ad hoc preprocessing method was devised to remedy the scarcity of available data. The compressed spectral data were then used to train some SVM classifiers to distinguish diseased from healthy cells, achieving an accuracy close to 78%, a significantly better performance with respect to using standard PCA-compressed data.
A Review of Recent Advances on Deep Learning Methods for Audio-Visual Speech Recognition
Authors: Ivanko Denis , Ryumin Dmitry , Karpov Alexey
Published: June 2023

This article provides a detailed review of recent advances in audio-visual speech recognition (AVSR) methods that have been developed over the last decade (2013–2023). Despite the recent success of audio speech recognition systems, the problem of audio-visual (AV) speech decoding remains challenging. In comparison to the previous surveys, we mainly focus on the important progress brought with the introduction of deep learning (DL) to the field and skip the description of long-known traditional “hand-crafted” methods. In addition, we also discuss the recent application of DL toward AV speech fusion and recognition. We first discuss the main AV datasets used in the literature for AVSR experiments since we consider it a data-driven machine learning (ML) task. We then consider the methodology used for visual speech recognition (VSR). Subsequently, we also consider recent AV methodology advances. We then separately discuss the evolution of the core AVSR methods, pre-processing and augmentation techniques, and modality fusion strategies. We conclude the article with a discussion on the current state of AVSR and provide our vision for future research.
Isolation of Mycosporine-like Amino Acids from Red Macroalgae and a Marine Lichen by High-Performance Countercurrent Chromatography: A Strategy to Obtain Biological UV-Filters
Authors: Vega Julia , Bárcenas-Pérez Daniela , Fuentes-Ríos David , López-Romero Juan Manuel , Hrouzek Pavel , Figueroa Félix López , Cheel José
Published: June 2023

Marine organisms have gained considerable biotechnological interest in recent years due to their wide variety of bioactive compounds with potential applications. Mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) are UV-absorbing secondary metabolites with antioxidant and photoprotective capacity, mainly found in organisms living under stress conditions (e.g., cyanobacteria, red algae, or lichens). In this work, five MAAs were isolated from two red macroalgae (Pyropia columbina and Gelidium corneum) and one marine lichen (Lichina pygmaea) by high-performance countercurrent chromatography (HPCCC). The selected biphasic solvent system consisted of ethanol, acetonitrile, saturated ammonium sulphate solution, and water (1:1:0.5:1; v:v:v:v). The HPCCC process for P. columbina and G. corneum consisted of eight separation cycles (1 g and 200 mg of extract per cycle, respectively), whereas three cycles were performed for of L. pygmaea (1.2 g extract per cycle). The separation process resulted in fractions enriched with palythine (2.3 mg), asterina-330 (3.3 mg), shinorine (14.8 mg), porphyra-334 (203.5 mg) and mycosporine-serinol (46.6 mg), which were subsequently desalted by using precipitation with methanol and permeation on a Sephadex G-10 column. Target molecules were identified by HPLC, MS, and NMR.
Influence of Coronary Artery Bypass Grafts on Blood Aminothiols in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Ivanov Alexander Vladimirovich , Popov Mikhail Aleksandrovich , Metelkin Arkady Andreevich , Aleksandrin Valery Vasil’evich , Agafonov Evgeniy Gennad’evich , Kruglova Maria Petrovna , Silina Ekaterina Vladimirovna , Stupin Victor Aleksandrovich , Maslennikov Ruslan Andreevich , Kubatiev Aslan Amirkhanovich
Published: June 2023

Coronary artery disease (CAD) and the coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) are associated with a decreased blood glutathione (bGSH) level. Since GSH metabolism is closely related to other aminothiols (homocysteine and cysteine) and glucose, the aim of this study was to reveal the associations of bGSH with glucose and plasma aminothiols in CAD patients (N = 35) before CABG and in the early postoperative period. Forty-three volunteers with no history of cardiovascular disease formed the control group. bGSH and its redox status were significantly lower in CAD patients at admission. CABG had no significant effect on these parameters, with the exception of an increase in the bGSH/hemoglobin ratio. At admission, CAD patients were characterized by negative associations of homocysteine and cysteine with bGSH. All these associations disappeared after CABG. An association was found between an increase in oxidized GSH in the blood in the postoperative period and fasting glucose levels. Thus, CAD is associated with the depletion of the intracellular pool and the redox status of bGSH, in which hyperhomocysteinemia and a decrease in the bioavailability of the extracellular pool of cysteine play a role. The present study indicates that CABG causes disruptions in aminothiol metabolism and induces the synthesis of bGSH. Moreover, glucose becomes an important factor in the dysregulation of GSH metabolism in CABG.
Effect of Al Content on the Wear Evolution of Ti1-xAlxN-Coated Tools Milling Ti-6Al-4V Alloy
Authors: Fan Guanghui , Zhang Jingjie , Zhang Peirong , Du Jin , Xu Chonghai , Yi Mingdong , Zhang Guoqing
Published: June 2023

Ti1-xAlxN coating is formed by replacing some Ti atoms in TiN with Al atoms, and their properties are closely related to Al content (0 < x < 1). Recently, Ti1-xAlxN-coated tools have been widely used in the machining of Ti-6Al-4V alloy. In this paper, the hard-to-machine material Ti-6Al-4V alloy is used as the study material. Ti1-xAlxN-coated tools are used for milling experiments. The evolution of the wear form and the wear mechanism of Ti1-xAlxN-coated tools are studied, and the influence of Al content (x = 0.52, 0.62) and cutting speed on tool wear are analyzed. The results show that the wear on the rake face changes from the initial adhesion and micro-chipping to coating delamination and chipping. Wear on the flank face varies from the initial adhesion and grooves to boundary wear, build-up layer, and ablation. The main wear mechanisms of Ti1-xAlxN-coated tools are dominated by adhesion, diffusion, and oxidation wear. Ti0.48Al0.52N coating protects the tool well and extends its service life.
Wavefront Characteristics of a Digital Holographic Optical Element
Authors: Lee Beom-Ryeol , Marichal-Hernández José Gil , Rodríguez-Ramos José Manuel , Son Wook-Ho , Hong Sunghee , Son Jung-Young
Published: June 2023

In this study, a 50 × 50 mm holographic optical element (HOE) with the property of a spherical mirror was recorded digitally on a silver halide photoplate using a wavefront printing method. It consisted of 51 × 96 hologram spots with each spot measuring 0.98 × 0.52 mm. The wavefronts and optical performance of the HOE were compared with those of reconstructed images from a point hologram displayed on DMDs of different pixel structures. The same comparison was also performed with an analog-type HOE for a heads-up display and with a spherical mirror. A Shack–Hartmann wavefront sensor was used to measure the wavefronts of the diffracted beams from the digital HOE and the holograms as well as the reflected beam from the analog HOE and the mirror when a collimated beam was incident on them. These comparisons revealed that the digital HOE could perform as a spherical mirror, but they also revealed astigmatism—as in the reconstructed images from the holograms on DMDs—and that its focusability was worse than that of the analog HOE and the spherical mirror. A phase map, i.e., the polar coordinate-type presentation of the wavefront, could visualize the wavefront distortions more clearly than the reconstructed wavefronts obtained using Zernike polynomials. The phase map revealed that the wavefront of the digital HOE was more distorted than those of the analog HOE and the spherical mirror.