bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IRAK3 Knockout and Wildtype THP-1 Monocytes as Models for Endotoxin Detection Assays and Fusobacterium nucleatum Bacteriophage FNU1 Cytokine Induction
Authors: Binte Mohamed Yakob Adil Siti Saleha , Kabwe Mwila , Cianciarulo Cassandra , Nguyen Trang Hong , Irving Helen , Tucci Joseph
Published: October 2023

Microbial resistance to antibiotics poses a tremendous challenge. Bacteriophages may provide a useful alternative or adjunct to traditional antibiotics. To be used in therapy, bacteriophages need to be purified from endotoxins and tested for their effects on human immune cells. Interleukin-1 Receptor Associated Kinase-3 (IRAK3) is a negative regulator of inflammation and may play a role in the modulation of immune signalling upon bacteriophage exposure to immune cells. This study aimed to investigate the immune effects of crude and purified bacteriophage FNU1, a bacteriophage that targets the oral pathobiont Fusobacterium nucleatum, on wildtype and IRAK3 knockout THP-1 monocytic cell lines. The IRAK3 knockout cell line was also used to develop a novel endotoxin detection assay. Exposure to crude FNU1 increased the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (Tumour necrosis factor – alpha (TNF-α) and Interleukin 6 (IL-6)) compared to purified FNU1 in wildtype and IRAK3 knockout THP-1 monocytes. In the IRAK3 knockout THP-1 cells, exposure to crude FNU1 induced a higher immune response than the wildtype monocytes, supporting the suggestion that the inhibitory protein IRAK3 regulates reactions to endotoxins and impurities in bacteriophage preparations. Finally, the novel endotoxin detection assay generated here provides a robust and accurate method for determining endotoxin concentrations.
Advance in Neurotoxicity Research from Development to Aging
Authors: Cutuli Debora , Petrosini Laura , Gelfo Francesca
Published: October 2023

A substance capable of inducing a consistent pattern of neural dysfunction in the chemistry or structure of the nervous system may be defined as neurotoxic [...]
Activation of Chaperone-Mediated Autophagy Inhibits the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Function by Degrading This Receptor in Human Lung Epithelial Carcinoma A549 Cells
Authors: Xiong Rui , Shao Dan , Do Sandra , Chan William K.
Published: October 2023

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor and a substrate protein of a Cullin 4B E3 ligase complex responsible for diverse cellular processes. In the lung, this receptor is responsible for the bioactivation of benzo[a]pyrene during tumorigenesis. Realizing that the AHR function is affected by its expression level, we are interested in the degradation mechanism of AHR in the lung. Here, we have investigated the mechanism responsible for AHR degradation using human lung epithelial A549 cells. We have observed that the AHR protein levels increase in the presence of chloroquine (CQ), an autophagy inhibitor, in a dose-dependent manner. Treatment with 6-aminonicotinamide (6-AN), a chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA) activator, decreases AHR protein levels in a concentration-dependent and time-dependent manner. This decrease suppresses the ligand-dependent activation of the AHR target gene transcription, and can be reversed by CQ but not MG132. Knockdown of lysosome-associated membrane protein 2 (LAMP2), but not autophagy-related 5 (ATG5), suppresses the chloroquine-mediated increase in the AHR protein. AHR is resistant to CMA when its CMA motif is mutated. Suppression of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in A549 cells is observed when the AHR gene is knocked out or the AHR protein level is reduced by 6-AN. Collectively, we have provided evidence supporting that AHR is continuously undergoing CMA and activation of CMA suppresses the AHR function in A549 cells.
Antibody-Based and Cell Therapies for Advanced Mastocytosis: Established and Novel Concepts
Authors: Valent Peter , Akin Cem , Arock Michel , Gleixner Karoline V. , Greinix Hildegard , Hermine Olivier , Horny Hans-Peter , Ivanov Daniel , Orfao Alberto , Rabitsch Werner , Reiter Andreas , Schulenburg Axel , Sotlar Karl , Sperr Wolfgang R. , Ustun Celalettin
Published: October 2023

Advanced systemic mastocytosis (SM) is a heterogeneous group of myeloid neoplasms characterized by an uncontrolled expansion of mast cells (MC) in one or more internal organs, SM-induced tissue damage, and poor prognosis. Advanced SM can be categorized into aggressive SM (ASM), MC leukemia (MCL), and SM with an associated hematologic neoplasm (SM–AHN). In a vast majority of all patients, neoplastic cells display a KIT mutation, mostly D816V and rarely other KIT variants. Additional mutations in other target genes, such as SRSF2, ASXL1, or RUNX1, may also be identified, especially when an AHN is present. During the past 10 years, improved treatment approaches have led to a better quality of life and survival in patients with advanced SM. However, despite the availability of novel potent inhibitors of KIT D816V, not all patients enter remission and others relapse, often with a multi-mutated and sometimes KIT D816V-negative disease exhibiting multi-drug resistance. For these patients, (poly)chemotherapy, antibody-based therapies, and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation may be viable treatment alternatives. In this article, we discuss treatment options for patients with drug-resistant advanced SM, including novel KIT-targeting drugs, antibody-based drugs, and stem cell-eradicating therapies.
Qualitative Research Methods for Large Language Models: Conducting Semi-Structured Interviews with ChatGPT and BARD on Computer Science Education
Authors: Dengel Andreas , Gehrlein Rupert , Fernes David , Görlich Sebastian , Maurer Jonas , Pham Hai Hoang , Großmann Gabriel , Eisermann Niklas Dietrich genannt
Published: October 2023

In the current era of artificial intelligence, large language models such as ChatGPT and BARD are being increasingly used for various applications, such as language translation, text generation, and human-like conversation. The fact that these models consist of large amounts of data, including many different opinions and perspectives, could introduce the possibility of a new qualitative research approach: Due to the probabilistic character of their answers, “interviewing” these large language models could give insights into public opinions in a way that otherwise only interviews with large groups of subjects could deliver. However, it is not yet clear if qualitative content analysis research methods can be applied to interviews with these models. Evaluating the applicability of qualitative research methods to interviews with large language models could foster our understanding of their abilities and limitations. In this paper, we examine the applicability of qualitative content analysis research methods to interviews with ChatGPT in English, ChatGPT in German, and BARD in English on the relevance of computer science in K-12 education, which was used as an exemplary topic. We found that the answers produced by these models strongly depended on the provided context, and the same model could produce heavily differing results for the same questions. From these results and the insights throughout the process, we formulated guidelines for conducting and analyzing interviews with large language models. Our findings suggest that qualitative content analysis research methods can indeed be applied to interviews with large language models, but with careful consideration of contextual factors that may affect the responses produced by these models. The guidelines we provide can aid researchers and practitioners in conducting more nuanced and insightful interviews with large language models. From an overall view of our results, we generally do not recommend using interviews with large language models for research purposes, due to their highly unpredictable results. However, we suggest using these models as exploration tools for gaining different perspectives on research topics and for testing interview guidelines before conducting real-world interviews.
Data-Driven Prediction of Cement-Stabilized Soils Tensile Properties
Authors: Castaneda-Lopez Mario , Lenoir Thomas , Sanfratello Jean-Pierre , Thorel Luc
Published: October 2023

The indirect tensile strength of two geomaterials treated with variable cement contents, degrees of compaction and water contents were tested after several curing times. A statistical review through an analysis of variance allows for identifying the significant variables and generating prediction models. The distribution of associated uncertainties was measured. Based on these probabilistic results, numerical models were constructed using Latin Hypercube Sampling as the space filling technique. Predictions from the numerical sampling were in accordance with the experimental results. The numerical results suggest that the net gain in accuracy was not affected by the soil type. In addition, it increases rapidly as a function of the sampling size. The proposed approach is broad. It can help to highlight the physical mechanisms involved in behaviors of multi-component materials.
A Single Biaryl Monophosphine Ligand Motif—The Multiverse of Coordination Modes
Authors: Miroslaw Barbara , Dybala Izabela , Jasiński Radomir , Demchuk Oleg M.
Published: October 2023

Biaryl monophosphines are important precursors to active catalysts of palladium-mediated cross-coupling reactions. The efficiency of the phosphine-based transition metal complex catalyst has its origin in the electronic structure of the complex used and the sterical hindrance created by the ligand at an active catalyst site. The aim of this paper is to shed some light on the multiverse of coordination modes of biaryl monophosphine ligands. Here, we present the analysis of the X-ray single crystal structures of palladium(II) complexes of a family of biaryl monophosphine ligands and the first crystallographic report on a related phosphine sulfide. Despite the common biaryl monophosphine ligand motif, they show diverse coordination modes (i) starting from the activation of aromatic C atoms and producing a C,P metallacycle, through (ii) the O,P chelation to Pd(II) ions with a simultaneous demethylation reaction of one of the methoxy groups, ending up with (iii) the monodentate coordination to metal cations via P atoms or (iv) via S atoms in the case of phosphine sulfide. We relate our results to the crystal structures found in the Cambridge Structural Database to show the multiverse of coordination modes in the group of biaryl monophosphine ligands.
Deciphering the Chemical Fingerprint of Astragalus membranaceus: Volatile Components Attractive to Bruchophagus huonchili Wasps
Authors: Zhang Chaoran , Bai Penghua , Kang Jie , Dong Tian , Zheng Haixia , Zhang Xianhong
Published: October 2023

Bruchophagus huonchili is a pest that poses a serious threat to the yield and quality of Astragalus membranaceus seeds. In this study, we employed solid-phase microextraction (SPME) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to identify volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in A. membranaceus pods during the pod-filled period. Additionally, we utilized a Y-tube olfactometer to measure the behavioral response of B. huonchili to different individual VOCs and specific VOC-based formulations. The most effective formulations were further evaluated for their effectiveness in attracting wasps in the field. Our findings revealed that A. membranaceus pods emit 25 VOCs, including green leaf volatiles (GLVs) and terpenoid and aromatic compounds. Among these compounds, five were found to be most attractive to B. huonchili at the following concentrations: 10 µg/µL cis-β-ocimene, 500 µg/µL hexyl acetate, 100 µg/µL hexanal, 1 µg/µL decanal, and 10 µg/µL β-caryophyllene, with respective response rates of 67.65%, 67.74%, 65.12%, 67.57%, and 66.67%. In addition, we evaluated 26 mixed VOC formulations, and three of them were effective at attracting B. huonchili. Furthermore, field experiments showed that one of the formulations was significantly more effective than the others, which could be used for monitoring B. huonchili populations.
The Need for the Closer Monitoring of Novel Drugs in MS: A Siponimod Retrospective Cohort Study (Realhes Study)
Authors: Sancho-López Arantxa , Ruiz-Antorán Belén , Hernangómez Teresa , Ramírez-García Almudena , Gómez-Estévez Irene , Sanabria-Cabrera Judith , Llop Rius Roser , Pedrós Consuelo , Campodonico Diana , Jiménez-Jorge Silvia , García Luque Amelia , Costa Frossad França Lucienne , Montané Eva , Aldea-Perona Ana , Téllez Lara Nieves , Bosch Ferrer Montserrat , Rodriguez Jiménez Consuelo , Bonilla-Toyos Elvira , Sabín Muñoz Julia , Avendaño-Solá Cristina , Blasco Quilez María ,   on behalf of the REALHES-Study Group
Published: October 2023

Background: Severe cases of lymphopenia have been reported during siponimod clinical trials, which may negatively impact its benefit/risk profile. Objective: We aimed to evaluate the incidence of lymphopenia following the initiation of siponimod treatment in clinical practice. The secondary objectives included the analysis of factors predisposing to and the clinical relevance of lymphopenia events. Methods: In this multicenter retrospective cohort study, information collected from the medical records of 129 patients with MS from 15 tertiary hospitals in Spain who initiated treatment with Siponimod were followed-up for at least 3 months, including at least one lymphocyte count evaluation per patient. Results: Of the 129 patients, 121 (93.6%) reported lymphopenia events, including 110 (85.3%) with grade ≤ 3 and 11 (8.5%) with grade 4 lymphopenia, higher than those reported in the pivotal clinical trial (73.3% and 3.3% for grade ≤ 3 and grade 4 lymphopenia, respectively). The study included an unexpectedly high proportion of male subjects (72.9%), which might have led to an underestimation of the actual magnitude of the risk. Conclusions: In this study, the incidence and severity of lymphopenia after starting siponimod treatment were higher than those reported in previous clinical trials. Therefore, our results reinforce the need for the closer monitoring of novel MS drugs in clinical practice, as well as larger and longer follow-up studies to properly characterize this risk.
The Importance of Arterial Blood Flow Detection for Risk Stratification and Eradication to Achieve Definitive Hemostasis of Severe Non-Variceal UGI Hemorrhage
Authors: Jensen Dennis M.
Published: October 2023

Background: Non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NVUGIB) is a common medical problem worldwide. Independent endoscopic risk factors for rebleeding and mortality of NVUGIB that are treatable are stigmata of recent hemorrhage (SRH) and arterial blood flow underneath SRH. The specific aims of this paper are to describe the importance of arterial blood flow detection for risk stratification and as a guide to definitive hemostasis of severe NVUGIB. Methods: This is a review of randomized controlled trials and prospective cohort study methodologies and results which utilized a Doppler endoscopic probe (DEP) for the detection of arterial blood underneath SRH, for risk stratification, and as a guide to definitive hemostasis. The results are compared to visually guided hemostasis based upon SRH. Results: Although SRH have been utilized to guide endoscopic hemostasis of NVUGIB for 50 years, when most visually guided treatments are applied to lesions with major SRH, arterial blood flow underneath SRH is not obliterated in 25–30% of patients and results in rebleeding. Definitive hemostasis, significantly lower rebleeding rates, and improvements in other clinical outcomes resulted when DEP was used for risk stratification and as a guide to obliteration of arterial blood flow underneath SRH. Conclusions: DEP-guided endoscopic hemostasis is a very effective and safe new method to improve patient outcomes for NVUGIB.
Impaired Executive Functioning Associated with Alcohol-Related Neurocognitive Disorder including Korsakoff’s Syndrome
Authors: Janssen Gwenny T. L. , Egger Jos I. M. , Kessels Roy P. C.
Published: October 2023

(1) Background: chronic alcohol use is consistently associated with impaired executive functioning, but its profile across the spectrum from mild to major alcohol-related cognitive impairment is, to date, unclear. This study aims to compare executive performances of patients with alcohol-induced neurocognitive disorder, including Korsakoff’s syndrome (KS), by using a computerized assessment battery allowing a fine-grained and precise neuropsychological assessment; (2) Methods: performances of 22 patients with alcohol-related cognitive impairment (ARCI) and 20 patients with KS were compared to those of 22 matched non-alcoholic controls. All participants were diagnosed in accordance with DSM-5-TR criteria and were at least six weeks abstinent from alcohol prior to assessment. Executive function was evaluated using four subtests of Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB®); (3) Results: significant differences between groups were found on spatial working memory (updating), sustained attention and inhibitory control, set shifting, and planning. Healthy controls performed significantly better than both patient groups (Games-Howell post hoc; p < 0.05), but no differences in performance were found between the ARCI and KS group; (4) Conclusions: ARCI and KS patients showed significant executive impairments, most prominent in updating, set-shifting and general planning abilities. Findings suggest equivalent levels of executive function in ARCI and KS patients. Our results highlight executive function as a significant hallmark of alcohol-induced neurocognitive disorder and stipulate the importance of early assessment and evaluation of skills to guide treatment.
Personalized Risk Assessment of Hepatic Fibrosis after Cholecystectomy in Metabolic-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease: A Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Suárez Miguel , Martínez Raquel , Torres Ana María , Ramón Antonio , Blasco Pilar , Mateo Jorge
Published: October 2023

Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MASLD) is a condition that is often present in patients with a history of cholecystectomy. This is because both situations share interconnected metabolic pathways. This study aimed to establish a predictive model that allows for the identification of patients at risk of developing hepatic fibrosis following this surgery, with potential implications for surgical decision-making. A retrospective cross-sectional analysis was conducted in four hospitals using a database of 211 patients with MASLD who underwent cholecystectomy. MASLD diagnosis was established through liver biopsy or FibroScan, and non-invasive test scores were included for analysis. Various Machine Learning (ML) methods were employed, with the Adaptive Boosting (Adaboost) system selected to build the predictive model. Platelet level emerged as the most crucial variable in the predictive model, followed by dyslipidemia and type-2 diabetes mellitus. FIB-4 score proved to be the most reliable non-invasive test. The Adaboost algorithm improved the results compared to the other methods, excelling in both accuracy and area under the curve (AUC). Moreover, this system holds promise for implementation in hospitals as a valuable diagnostic support tool. In conclusion, platelet level (<150,000/dL), dyslipidemia, and type-2 diabetes mellitus were identified as primary risk factors for liver fibrosis in MASLD patients following cholecystectomy. FIB-4 score is recommended for decision-making, particularly when the indication for surgery is uncertain. This predictive model offers valuable insights into risk stratification and personalized patient management in post-cholecystectomy MASLD cases.
Recurrence and Complication Rates of Surgical Treatment for Blount’s Disease in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ramella Marco , Depaoli Alessandro , Menozzi Grazia Chiara , Gallone Giovanni , Cerasoli Tosca , Rocca Gino , Trisolino Giovanni
Published: October 2023

Background: Blount’s disease is a growth disorder of the proximal tibia that causes progressive genu varum in children. Surgical treatment is recommended if the deformity worsens, but which intervention is best remains controversial. This study aims to identify factors influencing outcomes and determine the most effective surgical approach. Methods: A systematic review was conducted of studies published before January 2022. Results: In total, 63 retrospective studies with CEBM IIIb/IV levels were included (1672 knees in 1234 patients). The most commonly reported treatment was acute correction via osteotomy (47%), followed by hemiepiphysiodesis (22%) and gradual correction (18%). Combined procedures were reported in 13% of cases. The overall recurrence rate was 18%, with a significant difference when comparing the recurrence rates after gradual correction with those after hemiepiphysiodesis (7% and 29%, respectively). Major complications beyond recurrence were observed in 5% of cases. A meta-analysis of the available raw data showed a significantly increased recurrence rate (39%) among treated children who were between 4.5 and 11.25 years of age and were followed for a minimum follow-up of 2.5 years. Conclusions: Overall, poor evidence with which to establish an optimal treatment for Blount’s disease was found. This study remarked on the need for early diagnosis, classification, and treatment of infantile tibia vara, since a significant rate of recurrence was found in neglected cases.
Synergistic Effect of Carbon-Based Reinforcements on the Mechanical Properties of Cement-Based Composites
Authors: Lavagna Luca , Suarez-Riera Daniel , Pavese Matteo
Published: October 2023

Carbon reinforcements are used to improve the mechanical properties of cement, allowing the preparation of a strengthened and toughened composite. Functionalization through a reaction with acid is necessary to guarantee both a good dispersion in water and a strong interaction with cement. Different functionalized reinforcements improve the mechanical properties of the composites in comparison with pristine cement. The use of a combination of carbon fibers, carbon nanotubes, and graphene nanoplatelets were analyzed in order to verify their synergistic effect. The use of functionalized carbon nanotubes and carbon fibers demonstrates an improvement of 71% in flexural strength and 540% in fracture energy.
Effect of Highly Hydrophilic Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles on Macrophage Function and Survival
Authors: Korakaki Efterpi , Simos Yannis Vasileios , Karouta Niki , Spyrou Konstantinos , Zygouri Panagiota , Gournis Dimitrios Panagiotis , Tsamis Konstantinos Ioannis , Stamatis Haralambos , Dounousi Evangelia , Vezyraki Patra , Peschos Dimitrios
Published: October 2023

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) have garnered significant attention in the medical sector due to their exceptional superparamagnetic properties and reliable tracking capabilities. In this study, we investigated the immunotoxicity of SPIONs with a modified surface to enhance hydrophilicity and prevent aggregate formation. The synthesized SPIONs exhibited a remarkably small size (~4 nm) and underwent surface modification using a novel “haircut” reaction strategy. Experiments were conducted in vitro using a human monocytic cell line (THP-1). SPIONs induced dose-dependent toxicity to THP-1 cells, potentially by generating ROS and initiating the apoptotic pathway in the cells. Concentrations up to 10 μg/mL did not affect the expression of Nrf2, HO-1, NF-κB, or TLR-4 proteins. The results of the present study demonstrated that highly hydrophilic SPIONs were highly toxic to immune cells; however, they did not activate pathways of inflammation and immune response. Further investigation into the mechanisms of cytotoxicity is warranted to develop a synthetic approach for producing effective, highly hydrophilic SPIONs with little to no side effects.
How Metaphors of Organizational Accidents and Their Graphical Representations Can Guide (or Bias) the Understanding and Analysis of Risks
Authors: Bracco Fabrizio , Ivaldi Martina
Published: October 2023

The history of safety science has seen the flourishing of several models and metaphors aimed at describing organizational accidents’ dynamics. Metaphors and their graphical representations are powerful tools to frame risks and adverse events in socio-technical systems; they help in coping with systemic complexity but can also become a constraint and even bias the understanding of our environment. This paper aims to investigate how metaphors and their graphical representations influence the comprehension of organizational accidents, how they could be misinterpreted, and, as a result, generate misunderstandings of events. To address these questions, we analyze three paradigmatic accident causation models, typical of three phases in the evolution of models in the last century, describing how the related metaphors and depictions could influence the perception and understanding of risk factors. In addition, we present some possible misunderstandings that could be produced by the metaphor and graphical features of representations, with a particular focus on safety outcomes. Eventually, we provide a framework with the basic characteristics of an effective model and metaphor for the description and analysis of organizational accidents in modern complex socio-technical systems. This framework could be used as a guide for proposing new and more effective models in safety science.
The Port Environmental Index: A Quantitative IoT-Based Tool for Assessing the Environmental Performance of Ports
Authors: Milošević Teodora , Piličić Stjepan , Široka Matija , Úbeda Ignacio Lacalle , Pellicer Andreu Belsa , Garcia Rafael Vaño , Salvador Carlos E. Palau , Garnier Charles , Tserga Eirini , Traven Luka
Published: October 2023

The increasing exchange of goods by sea is contributing significantly to pollution in port areas. Although several methods have been developed to assess the environmental performance of ports, most of them have shortcomings including a qualitative-only approach and self-assessment of environmental performance. Therefore, there is a pressing need to develop a different approach based on quantitative measurements obtained through measurements at ports. In this paper we present the Port Environmental Index (PEI), a quantitative composite index of port environmental performance driven by IoT. The index allows for environmental measurements to be collected in real time or close to real time through sensors providing an assessment of a port’s environmental performance in real time. In addition, since the methodology for creating the index is standardised, the index makes it possible to compare different ports and rank them in terms of their environmental performance. As a proof of concept (PoC) this paper also describes the application of the index to the port of Thessaloniki (Greece).
Assessment of Wave Power Density Using Sea State Climate Change Initiative Database in the French Façade
Authors: Ponce de León Sonia , Restano Marco , Benveniste Jérôme
Published: October 2023

This study considers assessing the wave energy potential in the French façade. The objective is to investigate the validity of satellite altimetry-based estimates of wave renewable energy potential using the homogenized multi-mission altimeter data made available by the European Space Agency Sea State Climate Change Initiative (Sea_State_cci). The empirical model of Gommenginger et al. (2003) is adopted to calculate the wave period, which is required to estimate the wave power density from both the radar altimeter’s significant wave height and backscatter coefficient. The study comprises 26 years of data, from January 1992 to December 2018. In the winter season, the wave resource is abundant and higher than in other seasons. On average, the highest value is about 99,000 W/m offshore. In the coastal zone, the wave power density is also relatively high, with values of about 60,000 W/m in the North and South regions of the French Atlantic coast. The seasonal spatial distribution of the wave power density is presented to identify potential sites of interest for the development of the marine renewable energy sector and to make renewable energy supply more resilient. The analysis reveals large inter-annual and interseasonal variability in the wave resource in the French façade in the past 26 years. The study shows the feasibility of satellite altimetry-based assessments of wave renewable energy potential as a promising and powerful tool.
Sinking Behavior of Netting Panels Made with Various Twine Materials, Solidity Ratios, Knot Types, and Leadline Weights in Flume Tank
Authors: Shan Chenxu , Tang Hao , Thierry Nyatchouba Nsangue Bruno , Liu Wei , Zhang Feng , Zhu Meixi , Zhang Can , Xu Liuxiong , Hu Fuxiang
Published: October 2023

Netting is an important component of fishing gear design, and its ability to sink determines the effectiveness of fishing gears such as purse seines, falling nets, and stick-held nets. Therefore, it is crucial to thoroughly investigate the sinking parameters (sinking depth and sinking speed) of the netting panel as a function of the leadline weights using various twine materials, knot types, and solidity ratios. In this study, a generalized additive model (GAM) was utilized to analyze the impact of each factor on the sinking performances of the netting. The results revealed that the sinking depth of the netting was positively correlated with sinking time and leadline weight. However, the netting featured a maximum sinking depth limit, indicating that the sinking depth would not increase beyond a leadline weight of 69.5 g. During the initial phase of the sinking process, the sinking velocity of each netting panel initially increased but gradually decreased over time. The incorporation of a leadline weight reduced sinking time. Thereby, polyester netting exhibited the shortest average sinking time. A comparison of netting types with similar solidity ratios showed that the maximum sinking depth of the nylon netting was 13.20% and 10.11% greater than that of polyethylene and polyester nettings, respectively. In addition, nylon nets’ time average sinking speed was 64.58% and 4.62% greater than that of polyethylene and polyester nettings, respectively. The analysis of the GAM model clearly showed that the leadline weight has a significant effect on the netting sinking speed and depth. To ensure that the netting can reach its maximum sinking speed, it is strongly recommended to use nylon and polyester nettings with a low solidity ratio, i.e., a lower twine diameter and greater mesh size with a higher leadline weight, when constructing fishing gear such as purse seines with higher net leadline weights.
Research on the Multi-Equipment Cooperative Scheduling Method of Sea-Rail Automated Container Terminals under the Loading and Unloading Mode
Authors: Yang Yongsheng , Sun Shu , He Sha , Jiang Yajia , Wang Xiaoming , Yin Hong , Zhu Jin
Published: October 2023

A sea-rail automated container terminal (SRACT) plays a crucial role in the global logistics network, combining the benefits of sea and railway transportation. However, addressing the challenges of multi-equipment cooperative scheduling in terminal and railway operation areas is essential to ensure efficient container transportation. For the first time, this study addresses the cooperative scheduling challenges among railway gantry cranes, yard cranes, and automated guided vehicles (AGVs) under the loading and unloading mode in SRACTs, ensuring efficient container transportation. This requires the development of a practical scheduling model and algorithm. In this study, a mixed integer programming model was established for the first time to study the multi-equipment cooperative scheduling problem of a SRACT under the loading and unloading mode. A self-adaptive chaotic genetic algorithm was designed to solve the model, and the practicability and effectiveness of the model and algorithm were verified by simulation experiments. Furthermore, this study also proposes an AGV number adjustment strategy to accommodate changes in vessel arrival delays and train container types. Simulation experiments demonstrated that this strategy significantly reduces loading and unloading time, decreases equipment energy consumption, and improves the utilization rate of AGVs. This research provides valuable guidance for ongoing SRACT projects and advances and methodological approaches in multi-equipment co-operative scheduling for such terminals.
Editorial for the Special Issue on Underwater Wireless Communications and Sensor Networks Technology
Authors: Mohsan Syed Agha Hassnain
Published: October 2023

In the scientific, military, and industrial world, the deployment of robust, reliable, secure, and efficient wireless communication links is of particular importance [...]
Research on Visual Perception for Coordinated Air–Sea through a Cooperative USV-UAV System
Authors: Cheng Chen , Liu Dong , Du Jin-Hui , Li Yong-Zheng
Published: October 2023

The identification and classification of obstacles in navigable and non-navigable regions, as well as the measurement of distances, are crucial topics of investigation in the field of autonomous navigation for unmanned surface vehicles (USVs). Currently, USVs mostly rely on LiDAR and ultrasound technology for the purpose of detecting impediments that exist on water surfaces. However, it is worth noting that these approaches lack the capability to accurately discern the precise nature or classification of those obstacles. Nevertheless, the limited optical range of unmanned vessels hinders their ability to comprehensively perceive the entirety of the surrounding information. A cooperative USV-UAV system is proposed to ensure the visual perception ability of USVs. The multi-object recognition, semantic segmentation, and obstacle ranging through USV and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) perspectives are selected to validate the performance of a cooperative USV-UAV system. The you only look once-X (YOLOX) model, the proportional–integral–derivative-NET (PIDNet) model, and distance measurements based on a monocular camera are utilized to realize these problems. The results indicate that by integrating the viewpoints of USVs and UAVs, a collaborative USV-UAV system, employing the aforementioned methods, can successfully detect and classify different objects surrounding the USV. Additionally, it can differentiate between navigable and non-navigable regions for unmanned vessels through visual recognition, while accurately determining the distance between the USV and obstacles.
A Review of Empirical Studies of Cultural Ecosystem Services in National Parks: Current Status and Future Research
Authors: Cheng Xin
Published: October 2023

Cultural ecosystem services (CES) provided by national parks (NP) have been increasingly recognized and appreciated by the public and researchers. However, they are often under-represented in ecosystem services evaluations due to their intangible nature. As a result, their application in supporting NP conservation and management remains limited. To map the knowledge generated by CES within NP and to support NP practices, this study conducted a review of 199 empirical studies to identify the geographic distribution of research, specific NP habitats/ecosystems that supply CES, frequently addressed CES subcategories, CES evaluation methods, and challenges and prospects for future studies. The results revealed the following: a disparity exists in the global distribution of studies, and the majority of research is conducted in Europe and the USA, with limited knowledge about CES in developing countries. Studies on CES derived from specific NP habitats/ecosystems are limited, and not all the services have received equal attention. Multiple evaluation methods have been employed to assess CES, primarily relying on non-monetary approaches. Among these, participatory mapping-related methods and social-media-based methods are widely favored by researchers. Based on those findings, this study makes the following recommendations: (1) further research is needed in order to investigate a wider range of NP habitats/ecosystems worldwide, especially in developing countries; (2) comprehensive evaluation methods should be employed, considering all services, especially those less addressed; (3) more diverse methods for evaluating CES should be developed, with a particular emphasis on combining various methods to enhance evaluation accuracy; (4) the use of diverse techniques, such as machine learning for social-media-based methods, is encouraged to support data collection and processing to improve the efficacy of evaluation; (5) further studies on the relationships between CES and NP features can assist stakeholders in more effectively addressing CES by enabling the management and adjustment of these features; (6) future studies should integrate CES evaluation into an ecosystem services framework to support application in NP conservation and sustainable management.
Edible Garden Cities: Rethinking Boundaries and Integrating Hedges into Scalable Urban Food Systems
Authors: Adams David , Larkham Peter J. , Hardman Michael
Published: October 2023

Connecting to and extending recent debates around more-than-human thinking, this paper explores how porous boundary treatments and plot layouts might encourage ecological exchanges within new urban and peri-urban developments. This study therefore responds to suggestions for innovative plot designs that facilitate positive trans-species interactions, especially considering wider anxieties surrounding biodiversity loss and recognition of the need for climate-resilient garden spaces. Focusing on a recent example of a large-scale residential development in the English midlands, this paper outlines the socio-economic, cultural and ecological significance of embedding different hedgerow designs into early planning considerations; revealing the need to move beyond current models. The discussion then turns to how such ambitions might encourage sustainable land use, particularly through creating potentially scalable urban agricultural systems that sustain healthy food choices.
Combined Influences of Water Content and Coarse Grain Content on Shear Strength of Unsaturated Soil Mixture
Authors: Su Yu , Han Bo , Duan Junyi , Zhao Fumin
Published: October 2023

An interlayer existed between the ballast layer and subgrade in the conventional railway substructure. Considering that the shear strength τ of the interlayer soil was influenced by the changes in the ballast grain content and water content, this aspect was explored in the present study. Monotonic triaxial tests were fulfilled, which considered five coarse grain contents fv and three water contents of fine soil wf. The results showed that the growth in fv contributed to an increment in τ of the soil mixture under both saturation and unsaturation. Conversely, in previous studies, the growth of fv induced an increment in τ under saturation, but a decline in that under unsaturation. This was explained by the competing influences of fv and suction ψ: in previous studies, increasing fv induced a decline in the dry density of the fine soil fraction ρd–f, which contributed to a decline in ψ. When the negative influence of declining ψ outweighed the positive influence of the incrementing fv, the τ of the soil mixture decreased. Meanwhile, modelling of the τ–ψ relationship in the soil mixture with varying fv was performed. This proposed model was examined using the test results from both the present and previous studies, which shows its reasonably good performance.
4D Printing Shape-Morphing Hybrid Biomaterials for Advanced Bioengineering Applications
Authors: Chiesa Irene , Ceccarini Maria Rachele , Bittolo Bon Silvia , Codini Michela , Beccari Tommaso , Valentini Luca , De Maria Carmelo
Published: October 2023

Four-dimensional (4D) printing is an innovative additive manufacturing technology used to fabricate structures that can evolve over time when exposed to a predefined environmental stimulus. 4D printed objects are no longer static objects but programmable active structures that accomplish their functions thanks to a change over time in their physical/chemical properties that usually displays macroscopically as a shapeshifting in response to an external stimulus. 4D printing is characterized by several entangled features (e.g., involved material(s), structure geometry, and applied stimulus entities) that need to be carefully coupled to obtain a favorable fabrication and a functioning structure. Overall, the integration of micro-/nanofabrication methods of biomaterials with nanomaterials represents a promising approach for the development of advanced materials. The ability to construct complex and multifunctional triggerable structures capable of being activated allows for the control of biomedical device activity, reducing the need for invasive interventions. Such advancements provide new tools to biomedical engineers and clinicians to design dynamically actuated implantable devices. In this context, the aim of this review is to demonstrate the potential of 4D printing as an enabling manufacturing technology to code the environmentally triggered physical evolution of structures and devices of biomedical interest.
Study on the Performance and Mechanism of Glass Fiber-Reinforced MgO-SiO2-H2O Cement
Authors: Zhang Tingting , Zhang Jingbin , Zhao Yang , Ai Hongmei
Published: October 2023

The magnesium silicate hydrate system (MgO-SiO2-H2O) possesses issues such as susceptibility to cracking, brittleness, and poor volumetric stability, which hinder its development and practical use in engineering applications. This study aimed to enhance the properties of the MgO-SiO2-H2O system by incorporating glass fiber as a reinforcing material. The mechanical properties, shrinkage properties, and properties during accelerated aging were tested at different content levels of glass fiber. Additionally, the reaction mechanism and microscopic morphology were characterized using microscopic testing methods. The results revealed that the addition of glass fiber improved the mechanical properties of the MgO-SiO2-H2O system; meanwhile, with an increase in fiber content, the mechanical properties showed an initial increase followed by a decreasing trend. With a glass fiber content of 0.6%, the system exhibited a flexural strength of 7.9 MPa at 28 d, a compressive strength of 42.5 MPa at 28 d, and a 27.2% increase in splitting tensile strength compared to the control group. At a fiber content of 0.9%, the flexural toughness steadily increased, reaching a maximum value of 2.238 N·m, which is 5.41 times greater than that of the control group. Moreover, the incorporation of glass fiber effectively inhibited the shrinkage of the MgO-SiO2-H2O system. Accelerated aging experiments confirmed that the glass fiber in the MgO-SiO2-H2O system did not undergo significant deterioration or corrosion, thereby maintaining long-term stability. These findings have important theoretical and practical significance for the application and development of the MgO-SiO2-H2O system.
Correlation between Infill Percentages, Layer Width, and Mechanical Properties in Fused Deposition Modelling of Poly-Lactic Acid 3D Printing
Authors: Moradi Mahmoud , Rezayat Mohammad , Rozhbiany Fakhir Aziz Rasul , Meiabadi Saleh , Casalino Giuseppe , Shamsborhan Mahmoud , Bijoy Amar , Chakkingal Sidharth , Lawrence Mathews , Mohammed Nasli , Karamimoghadam Mojtaba
Published: October 2023

The field of additive manufacturing (AM) has seen a transformation in the production of intricate and complex parts for various applications. Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM), among AM techniques, has garnered significant attention, particularly in fields like fibre-reinforced composites (FRC). In this study, the world of FDM-printed Polylactic Acid (PLA) components is explored, with a focus on how mechanical properties are influenced by infill percentages and layer widths. Through the utilisation of Response Surface Methodology (RSM), the optimisation of FDM-PLA 3D printing for a wide range of biomaterial applications is achieved, along with the unveiling of the potential for remarkable improvements in mechanical performance. Notably, a remarkable 91% reduction in surface roughness for PLA composites was achieved, accompanied by an impressive 25.6% and 34.1% enhancement in the tensile strength and Young’s modulus of fibre-reinforced PLA composites, respectively. This work, positioned at the crossroads of FDM, lays the groundwork for substantial advancements in the realm of additive manufacturing.
Embedded Model Predictive Control of Tankless Gas Water Heaters to Enhance Users’ Comfort
Authors: Conceição Cheila , Quintã André , Ferreira Jorge A. F. , Martins Nelson , Santos Marco P. Soares dos
Published: October 2023

Water heating is a significant part of households’ energy consumption, and tankless gas water heaters (TGWHs) are commonly used. One of the limitations of these devices is the difficulty of keeping hot water temperature setpoints when changes in water flow occur. As these changes are usually unexpected, the controllers typically used in these devices cannot anticipate them, strongly affecting the users’ comfort. Moreover, considerable water and energy waste are associated with the long-time response to cold starts. This work proposes the development of a model predictive control (MPC) to be deployed in low-cost hardware, such that the users’ thermal comfort and water savings can be improved. Matlab/Simulink were used to develop, validate and automatically generate C code for implementing the controller in microcontroller-based systems. Hardware-in-the-loop simulations were performed to evaluate the performance of the MPC algorithm in 8-bit and 32-bit microcontrollers. A 6.8% higher comfort index was obtained using the implementation on the 32-bit microcontroller compared to the current deployments; concerning the 8-bit microcontroller, a 4.2% higher comfort index was achieved. These applications in low-cost hardware highlight that users’ thermal comfort can be successfully enhanced while ensuring operation safety. Additionally, the environmental impact can be significantly reduced by decreasing water and energy consumption in cold starts of TGWHs.
Kinematic Modelling of a 3RRR Planar Parallel Robot Using Genetic Algorithms and Neural Networks
Authors: García-Samartín Jorge Francisco , Barrientos Antonio
Published: October 2023

Kinematic modelling of parallel manipulators poses significant challenges due to the absence of analytical solutions for the Forward Kinematics (FK) problem. This study centres on a specific parallel planar robot, specifically a 3RRR configuration, and addresses the FK problem through two distinct methodologies: Genetic Algorithms (GA) and Neural Networks (NN). Utilising the Inverse Kinematic (IK) model, which is readily obtainable, both GA and NN techniques are implemented without the need for closed-loop formulations or non-systematic mathematical tools, allowing for easy extension to other robot types. A comparative analysis against an existing numerical method demonstrates that the proposed methodologies yield comparable or superior performance in terms of accuracy and time, all while reducing development costs. Despite GA’s time consumption limitations, it excels in path planning, whereas NN delivers precise results unaffected by stochastic elements. These results underscore the feasibility of using neural networks and genetic algorithms as viable alternatives for real-time kinematic modelling of robots when closed-form solutions are unavailable.