bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Adaptive Barrier Function Terminal Sliding Mode Controller for Partial Seizure Disease Based on the Pinsky–Rinzel Mathematical Model
Authors: Mokhtare Zahra , Vu Mai The , Mobayen Saleh , Rojsiraphisal Thaned
Published: August 2022

This paper proposes an adaptive barrier function terminal sliding mode control method for partial seizure based on the Pinsky–Rinzel model. A terminal sliding mode control technique is designed to achieve the convergence of trajectories to the desired value in a finite time, while an adaptive barrier function is used to ensure that the outputs, which are independent of the disturbance boundary, converge to the predetermined zero location. The performance of the proposed approach is checked for the nonlinear two-compartmental Pinsky–Rinzel pyramidal neuron model. The obtained method of the finite time stability, in the presence of uncertainty and disturbance, is proven by the Lyapunov theory. The simulation results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme. Finite time convergence, robustness, chattering-free dynamics and near-zero error are the advantages of the proposed technique.
Improved Sliding Algorithm for Generating No-Fit Polygon in the 2D Irregular Packing Problem
Authors: Luo Qiang , Rao Yunqing
Published: August 2022

This paper introduces an efficient and robust sliding algorithm for the creation of no-fit polygons. The improved algorithm can cope with complex cases and is given an implementation in detail. The proposed concept of a touching group can simplify the judging process when recognizing the potential translation vector for an orbital polygon. In addition, the generation of the no-fit polygon only involves three main steps based on the proposed concept. The proposed algorithm has a mechanism that searches other start positions to generate a complete no-fit polygon for handling complex cases. To improve the efficiency, many acceleration strategies have been proposed, such as point exclusion strategy and point inclusion test. The robust and efficient performance of the algorithm is tested by well-known benchmark instances and degenerate and complex cases, such as holes, interlocking concavities and jigsaw-type pieces. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm can produce complete no-fit polygons for complex cases, and acceleration strategies can reduce the creation time of no-fit polygon on benchmark instances by more than sixteen percent on average.
A Deep Learning-Based Approach for a Numerical Investigation of Soil–Water Vertical Infiltration with Physics-Informed Neural Networks
Authors: Yang Yuting , Mei Gang
Published: August 2022

The infiltration of water into the soil can lead to slope instability, which is one of the important causes of many geological hazards (such as landslides and debris flows). Therefore, the numerical investigation of the soil–water infiltration process provides the prerequisite for the determination of slope stability, which is of great significance for geological hazard prevention. In this study, we propose a deep learning-based approach for a numerical investigation of soil–water vertical infiltration with physics-informed neural networks and perform a comprehensive evaluation and analysis of the soil–water infiltration process in different soil types. In the proposed approach, the partial differential equation for soil–water infiltration is combined with the neural network based on physics-informed neural networks (PINNs) to obtain numerical analysis of the soil–water infiltration process. The results indicate that (1) compared with the traditional numerical method, the PINN-based method for the numerical investigation of soil–water vertical infiltration proposed in this study has a smaller error and can obtain more accurate numerical results. (2) During vertical infiltration of water in the different soil types, the light loam is the fastest, the heavy-loam the second and the medium loam the slowest. medium-loam soils are less susceptible to water infiltration of the three soil types and are more suitable for the filling of artificial slopes and dams. The proposed approach could be employed for the simulation of soil–water infiltration processes, not only for the discrimination of slope stability under rainfall conditions, but also for the selection of artificial slopes and dams to fill soil to prevent slope instability.
Differed Growth Stage Dynamics of Root-Associated Bacterial and Fungal Community Structure Associated with Halophytic Plant Lycium ruthenicum
Authors: Li Yan , He Xuemin , Yuan Hongfei , Lv Guanghui
Published: August 2022

Lycium ruthenicum, a halophytic shrub, has been used to remediate saline soils in northwest China. However, little is known about its root-associated microbial community and how it may be affected by the plant’s growth cycle. In this study, we investigate the microbial community structure of L. ruthenicum by examining three root compartments (rhizosphere, rhizoplane, and endosphere) during four growth stages (vegetative, flowering, fruiting, and senescence). The microbial community diversity and composition were determined by Illumina MiSeq sequencing of the 16S V3–V4 and 18S ITS regions. Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Planctomycetes, and Acidobacteria were the dominant bacterial phyla, while Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, and Mortierellomycota were the most dominant fungal phyla. The alpha diversity of the bacterial communities was highest in the rhizosphere and decreased from the rhizosphere to the endosphere compartments; the fungal communities did not show a consistent trend. The rhizosphere, rhizoplane, and endosphere had distinct bacterial community structures among the three root compartments and from the bulk soil. Additionally, PERMANOVA indicated that the effect of rhizocompartments explained a large proportion of the total community variation. Differential and biomarker analysis not only revealed that each compartment had unique biomarkers and was enriched for specific bacteria, but also that the biomarkers changed with the plant growth cycle. Fungi were also affected by the rhizocompartment, but to a much less so than bacteria, with significant differences in the community composition along the root compartments observed only during the vegetative and flowering stages. Instead, the growth stages appear to account for most of the fungal community variation as demonstrated by PCoA and NMDS, and supported by differential and biomarker analysis, which revealed that the fungal community composition in the rhizosphere and endosphere were dynamic in response to the growth stage. Many enriched OTUs or biomarkers that were identified in the root compartments were potentially beneficial to the plant, meanwhile, some harmful OTUs were excluded from the root, implying that the host plant can select for beneficial bacteria and fungi, which can promote plant growth or increase salt tolerance. In conclusion, the root compartment and growth stage were both determinant factors in structuring the microbial communities of L. ruthenicum, but the effects were different in bacteria and fungi, suggesting that bacterial and fungal community structures respond differently to these growth factors.
Vaginal Leptothrix: An Innocent Bystander?
Authors: Vieira-Baptista Pedro , Lima-Silva Joana , Preti Mario , Sousa Carlos , Caiano Fernanda , Stockdale Colleen K. , Bornstein Jacob
Published: August 2022

Leptothrix are long bacteria of rare occurrence; although these bacteria have been implicated in causing vaginal symptoms identical to candidiasis, studies on prevalence and effect on overall vaginal health are lacking. In this study, we evaluated data of women referred to a private clinic for treating vulvovaginal symptoms (n = 1847) and reassessed data of our previous and ongoing studies (n = 1773). The overall rate of leptothrix was 2.8% (102/3620), and the mean age of affected women was 38.8 ± 10.65 years (range 18−76). The majority of the women with leptothrix had normal vaginal flora (63.7% [65/102]). Leptothrix was associated with a higher risk of candidiasis (relative risk (RR) 1.90, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1600–3.1013; p = 0.010) and a lower risk of bacterial vaginosis (RR 0.55, 95% CI, 0.3221–0.9398; p = 0.029) and cytolytic vaginosis (RR 0.11, 95% CI, 0.0294–0.4643; p = 0.002). No cases of trichomoniasis were observed. Human immunodeficiency virus infection increased the risk of leptothrix (RR 3.0, 95% CI, 1.6335–5.7245; p = 0.000). Among the women evaluated for vulvovaginal symptoms, 2.4% (45/1847) had leptothrix, and in 26.7% (12/45), leptothrix was considered the causative entity. This study suggests that leptothrix occurrence is rare; it remains unresolved if it can be a cause of vulvar symptoms.
Co-Infection of L. monocytogenes and Toxoplasma gondii in a Sheep Flock Causing Abortion and Lamb Deaths
Authors: De Angelis Maria Elisabetta , Martino Camillo , Chiaverini Alexandra , Di Pancrazio Chiara , Di Marzio Violeta , Bosica Serena , Malatesta Daniela , Salucci Stefania , Sulli Nadia , Acciari Vicdalia Aniela , Pomilio Francesco
Published: August 2022

Abortion in livestock is a public health burden, and the cause of economic losses for farmers. Abortion can be multifactorial, and a deep diagnostic investigation is important to reduce the spread of zoonotic disease and public health prevention. In our study, a multidisciplinary investigation was conducted to address the cause of increased abortion and lamb mortality on a farm, which detected a co-infection of Listeria monocytogenes and Toxoplasma gondii. Hence, it was possible to conclude that this was the reason for a reduced flock health status and the cause of an increased abortion rate. Furthermore, the investigation work and identification of the L. monocytogenes infection root allowed the reduction of economic loss.
The Role of Cutibacterium acnes in Sarcoidosis: From Antigen to Treatable Trait?
Authors: Kraaijvanger Raisa , Veltkamp Marcel
Published: August 2022

Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes, formerly Propionibacterium acnes) is considered to be a non-pathogenic resident of the human skin, as well as mucosal surfaces. However, it also has been demonstrated that C. acnes plays a pathogenic role in diseases such as acne vulgaris or implant infections after orthopedic surgery. Besides a role in infectious disease, this bacterium also seems to harbor immunomodulatory effects demonstrated by studies using C. acnes to enhance anti-tumor activity in various cancers or vaccination response. Sarcoidosis is a systemic inflammatory disorder of unknown causes. Cultures of C. acnes in biopsy samples of sarcoidosis patients, its presence in BAL fluid, tissue samples as well as antibodies against this bacterium found in serum of patients with sarcoidosis suggest an etiological role in this disease. In this review we address the antigenic as well as immunomodulatory potential of C. acnes with a focus on sarcoidosis. Furthermore, a potential role for antibiotic treatment in patients with sarcoidosis will be explored.
Intra-Laboratory Calibration Exercise for Quantification of Microplastic Particles in Fine-Grained Sediment Samples: Special Focus on the Influence of User Experience
Authors: Piccardo Manuela , Priami Gabriele Salvatore , Anselmi Serena , Bevilacqua Stanislao , Renzi Monia
Published: August 2022

An intra-laboratory calibration to quantify microplastic in fine-grained marine sediments was performed with two objectives: (a) to determine the recovery rate of self-produced microplastics characterized by a size ranging from 220 µm to 5 mm and differing in color (pink, orange, gray, yellow, silver), shape (fragments, filaments, spheres, films), and chemical composition (polystyrene, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, polypropylene, poly(methyl methacrylate)) artificially introduced into real samples; and (b) to analyze whether operator experience can be a key factor in the quality of the results. To answer this question, the same protocol was assigned to an experienced and an inexperienced operator. The results of this comparison are detailed in terms of root mean square and percent error. Possible strategies to increase the recovery rate are presented, and an ad hoc category, namely “glitter”, was created to adjust the results with respect to this unique type of microplastic usually ignored and excluded from the analysis.
Comparative Study of Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Potential of Olea ferruginea Fruit Extract and Its Mediated Selenium Nanoparticles
Authors: Hassan Hammad Ul , Raja Naveed Iqbal , Abasi Fozia , Mehmood Ansar , Qureshi Rahmatullah , Manzoor Zahid , Shahbaz Muhammad , Proćków Jarosław
Published: August 2022

Nanotechnology, the science of the recent era, has diverse applications in agriculture. Selenium (Se) is a non-metal and an essential micronutrient for animals and humans. In this study, selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) were biosynthesized by using Olea ferruginea fruit extracts. The size, shape, chemical nature, and identification of functional groups involved in the synthesis of SeNPs were studied by UV-visible spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), and Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) spectrometry. SeNP synthesis was confirmed by an absorption peak at 258 nm by UV-visible spectroscopy. SEM showed that SeNPs were spherical, smooth, and between 60 and 80 nm in size. FTIR spectrometry confirmed the presence of terpenes, alcohols, ketones, aldehydes, and esters as well as phyto-constituents, such as alkaloids and flavonoids, that possibly act as reducing or capping agents of SeNPs in an aqueous solution of Olea ferruginea. Antimicrobial activity was examined against bacterial pathogens, such as Klebsiella pneumonia, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Staphylococcus epidermitis, as well as fungal pathogens, such as Aspergillus niger and Fusarium oxysporum, by using the well-diffusion method. Antioxidant activity was observed using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, ABTs assay, and reducing power assay. At a higher concentration of 400 ppm, biosynthesized SeNPs showed an inhibition zone of 20.5 mm, 20 mm, 21 mm, and 18.5 mm against Klebsiella pneumonia, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Staphylococcus epidermitis, respectively. Similarly, SeNPs also demonstrated a zone of inhibition against Aspergillus niger and Fusarium oxysporum of 17.5 and 21 mm, respectively. In contrast to Olea ferruginea fruit extracts, Olea ferruginea-mediated SeNPs demonstrated strong antimicrobial activity. By performing the DPPH, ABTs, and reducing power assay, SeNPs showed 85.2 ± 0.009, 81.12 ± 0.007, and 80.37 ± 0.0035% radical scavenging potential, respectively. The present study could contribute to the drug development and nutraceutical industries.
Synthesis of Functionalized Azepines via Cu(I)-Catalyzed Tandem Amination/Cyclization Reaction of Fluorinated Allenynes
Authors: Philippova Anna N. , Vorobyeva Daria V. , Gribanov Pavel S. , Godovikov Ivan A. , Osipov Sergey N.
Published: August 2022

An efficient method for the selective preparation of trifluoromethyl-substituted azepin-2-carboxylates and their phosphorous analogues has been developed via Cu(I)-catalyzed tandem amination/cyclization reaction of functionalized allenynes with primary and secondary amines.
Electric Current Generation by Increasing Sucrose in Papaya Waste in Microbial Fuel Cells
Authors: Rojas-Flores Segundo , De La Cruz-Noriega Magaly , Benites Santiago M. , Delfín-Narciso Daniel , Luis Angelats-Silva , Díaz Felix , Luis Cabanillas-Chirinos , Moises Gallozzo Cardenas
Published: August 2022

The accelerated increase in energy consumption by human activity has generated an increase in the search for new energies that do not pollute the environment, due to this, microbial fuel cells are shown as a promising technology. The objective of this research was to observe the influence on the generation of bioelectricity of sucrose, with different percentages (0%, 5%, 10% and 20%), in papaya waste using microbial fuel cells (MFCs). It was possible to generate voltage and current peaks of 0.955 V and 5.079 mA for the cell with 20% sucrose, which operated at an optimal pH of 4.98 on day fifteen. In the same way, the internal resistance values of all the cells were influenced by the increase in sucrose, showing that the cell without sucrose was 0.1952 ± 0.00214 KΩ and with 20% it was 0.044306 ± 0.0014 KΩ. The maximum power density was 583.09 mW/cm2 at a current density of 407.13 A/cm2 and with a peak voltage of 910.94 mV, while phenolic compounds are the ones with the greatest presence in the FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy) absorbance spectrum. We were able to molecularly identify the species Achromobacter xylosoxidans (99.32%), Acinetobacter bereziniae (99.93%) and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (100%) present in the anode electrode of the MFCs. This research gives a novel use for sucrose to increase the energy values in a microbial fuel cell, improving the existing ones and generating a novel way of generating electricity that is friendly to the environment.
Analytical Approaches for the Determination of Buprenorphine, Methadone and Their Metabolites in Biological Matrices
Authors: Shan Xiaoyue , Cao Chengjian , Yang Bingsheng
Published: August 2022

The abuse of buprenorphine and methadone has grown into a rising worldwide issue. After their consumption, buprenorphine, methadone and their metabolites can be found in the human organism. Due to the difficulty in the assessment of these compounds by routine drug screening, the importance of developing highly sensitive analytical approaches is undeniable. Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry is the preferable technique for the determination of buprenorphine, methadone and their metabolites in biological matrices including urine, plasma, nails or oral fluids. This research aims to review a critical discussion of the latest trends for the monitoring of buprenorphine, methadone and their metabolites in various biological specimens.
Evaluation of Association between Blood Phenotypes A, B and AB and Feline Coronavirus Infection in Cats
Authors: Spada Eva , Carrera Nulla Alice , Perego Roberta , Baggiani Luciana , Proverbio Daniela
Published: August 2022

Cats are susceptible to feline coronavirus (FCoV), a highly contagious virus with fecal–oral transmission. In people, susceptibility to coronavirus infection, such as SARS-CoV infection, has been associated with the ABO blood group, with individuals with blood group O having significantly lower risk of SARS-CoV infection. This study evaluated a possible association between feline blood group phenotypes A, B and AB and serostatus for antibodies against FCoV. We also investigated risk or protective factors associated with seropositivity for FCoV in the investigated population. Feline populations were surveyed for AB group system blood types and for presence of antibodies against FCoV. Blood phenotype, origin, breed, gender, reproductive status and age of cats were evaluated as protective or risk factors for coronavirus infection. No blood type was associated with FCoV seropositivity, for which being a colony stray cat (p = 0.0002, OR = 0.2, 95% CI: 0.14–0.54) or a domestic shorthair cat (p = 0.0075, OR = 0.2, 95% CI = 0.09–0.69) were protective factors. Based on results of this study, feline blood phenotypes A, B or AB do not seem to predispose cats to seropositivity for FCoV. Future studies on other feline blood types and other infections could clarify whether feline blood types could play a role in predisposing to, or protecting against, feline infections.
Ovarian Filariasis in a Wild Southern Tamandua (Tamanduatetradactyla; Mammalia: Myrmecophagidae)
Authors: Fromme Lilja , Yogui Débora Regina , Alves Mario Henrique , Díaz-Delgado Josué , Desbiez Arnaud Leonard Jean , Santos André Luis Quagliatto , Guerra Juliana Mariotti , Langeheine Marion , Siebert Ursula , Brehm Ralph , Catão-Dias José Luiz , Navas-Suárez Pedro Enrique
Published: August 2022

Knowledge of reproductive health in wild southern tamanduas (Tamandua tetradactyla; Mammalia: Myrmecophagidae) is fragmentary. During necropsies of roadkill xenarthran species in Brazil, a case of ovarian filariasis in an adult female southern tamandua was observed. Macroscopically, both ovaries were irregularly enlarged and had numerous smooth protuberances. Histologically, the affected ovarian parenchyma presented adult nematodes (including females with microfilaria) surrounded by pleocellular inflammatory infiltrates. The morphological characteristics of the nematodes were consistent with the superfamily Filarioidea (order Spirurida). The adjacent ovarian parenchyma had developing and atretic follicles at different stages of maturation. Filarial nematodes were not observed in other tissues. The cause of death of this tamandua was fatal acute polytrauma as a consequence of the motor vehicle collision. This case adds to a prior report of ovarian filariasis in two southern tamanduas in Nicaragua and Guatemala, dating back almost 100 years, and suggests filarial infections could potentially have an impact on reproductive success in southern tamanduas and possibly other xenarthrans. Several xenarthran species are under different levels of threat and knowledge of their basic reproductive health is crucial for conservation programs.
Genetic Characterization of the Central Variable Region in African Swine Fever Virus Isolates in the Russian Federation from 2013 to 2017
Authors: Mazloum Ali , Van Schalkwyk Antoinette , Chernyshev Roman , Shotin Andrey , Korennoy Fedor I. , Igolkin Alexey , Sprygin Alexander
Published: August 2022

African swine fever virus (ASFV), classified as genotype II, was introduced into Georgia in 2007, and from there, it spread quickly and extensively across the Caucasus to Russia, Europe and Asia. The molecular epidemiology and evolution of these isolates are predominantly investigated by means of phylogenetic analysis based on complete genome sequences. Since this is a costly and time-consuming endeavor, short genomic regions containing informative polymorphisms are pursued and utilized instead. In this study, sequences of the central variable region (CVR) located within the B602L gene were determined for 55 ASFV isolates submitted from 526 active African swine fever (ASF) outbreaks occurring in 23 different regions across the Russian Federation (RF) between 2013 and 2017. The new sequences were compared to previously published data available from Genbank, representing isolates from Europe and Asia. The sequences clustered into six distinct groups. Isolates from Estonia clustered into groups 3 and 4, whilst sequences from the RF were divided into the remaining four groups. Two of these groups (5 and 6) exclusively contained isolates from the RF, while group 2 included isolates from Russia as well as Chechnya, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Ukraine. In contrast, group 1 was the largest, containing sequences from the RF, Europe and Asia, and was represented by the sequence from the first isolate in Georgia in 2007. Based on these results, it is recommended that the CVR sequences contain significant informative polymorphisms to be used as a marker for investigating the epidemiology and spread of genotype II ASFVs circulating in the RF, Europe and Asia.
Prospects for Using Phosphate-Solubilizing Microorganisms as Natural Fertilizers in Agriculture
Authors: Timofeeva Anna , Galyamova Maria , Sedykh Sergey
Published: August 2022

Phosphates are known to be essential for plant growth and development, with phosphorus compounds being involved in various physiological and biochemical reactions. Phosphates are known as one of the most important factors limiting crop yields. The problem of phosphorus deficiency in the soil has traditionally been solved by applying phosphate fertilizers. However, chemical phosphate fertilizers are considered ineffective compared to the organic fertilizers manure and compost. Therefore, increasing the bioavailability of phosphates for plants is one of the primary goals of sustainable agriculture. Phosphate-solubilizing soil microorganisms can make soil-insoluble phosphate bioavailable for plants through solubilization and mineralization. These microorganisms are currently in the focus of interest due to their advantages, such as environmental friendliness, low cost, and high biological efficiency. In this regard, the solubilization of phosphates by soil microorganisms holds strong potential in research, and inoculation of soils or crops with phosphate-solubilizing bacteria is a promising strategy to improve plant phosphate uptake. In this review, we analyze all the species of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria described in the literature to date. We discuss key mechanisms of solubilization of mineral phosphates and mineralization of organic phosphate-containing compounds: organic acids secreted by bacteria for the mobilization of insoluble inorganic phosphates, and the enzymes hydrolyzing phosphorus-containing organic compounds. We demonstrate that phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms have enormous potency as biofertilizers since they increase phosphorus bioavailability for the plant, promote sustainable agriculture, improve soil fertility, and raise crop yields. The use of phosphate-solubilizing microbes is regarded as a new frontier in increasing plant productivity.
Unsteady 3D-CFD Simulation of a Large Active Area PEM Fuel Cell under Automotive Operation Conditions—Efficient Parameterization and Simulation Using Numerically Reduced Models
Authors: Haslinger Maximilian , Lauer Thomas
Published: August 2022

Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) are promising devices for securing future sustainable mobility. Their field of application ranges from locally emission-free stationary power generation to propulsion systems for vehicles of all kinds. Computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulations are successfully used to access the internal states and processes with high temporal and spatial resolution. It is challenging to obtain reliable physical values of material properties for the parameterization of the numerous governing equations. The current work addresses this problem and uses numerically reduced models to parameterize sophisticated transient 3D-CFD models of a commercial PEMFC. Experimental data from a stack test stand were available as a reference for numerical optimization of selected parameters and validation purposes. With an innovative meshing approach, the homogenized channels approach, a reduction of computational cells by 87% could be achieved, thus enabling the unsteady simulation of a 120 s load step with a computational mesh that represents the entire fuel cell geometry with reasonable computational effort. The water formation and the transport processes during the load step were analyzed. The self-humidification strategy of the fuel cell gases was visualized and the uniformity of the simulated quantities was discussed. An outlook on possible future work on efficient parameterization is given.
Numerical Study of Inclination Effect of the Floating Solar Still Fitted with a Baffle in 3D Double Diffusive Natural Convection
Authors: Almeshaal Mohammed A. , Maatki Chemseddine
Published: August 2022

A three-dimensional computational study of double-diffusive natural convection was conducted to explore the impact of tilt on the thermal and solutal performance of a floating pyramidal solar still filled with an air-steam mixture. In the present work, the still is cooled from the upper walls and is maintained at a low vapor concentration. The bottom wall of the still is maintained at a hot temperature and high concentration. Four different models of baffles placed in the upper region of the solar still have been studied. The mathematical formulation of the equations governing the problem is based on the vector current potential -vorticity formalism. The numerical method of finite volumes is used. The effect of Rayleigh and tilt angle of the floating solar still on the flow structure, iso-temperatures, iso-concentrations, and heat and mass transfer rates were examined. The most relevant results of this study are (i) an uncooled air-vapor mixture outlet was observed during tilting for the solar still equipped with a small, flat baffle, (ii) triangular and curvilinear baffle configurations are suitable to guide the air-vapor mixture towards the cold walls during the tilting of the solar still floating on the sea, and (iii) the triangular baffle configuration is the most relevant design, enhancing thermal and solutal performance by 20%.
Histopathological Evaluation of Annona muricata in TAA-Induced Liver Injury in Rats
Authors: Al-Medhtiy Morteta H. , Jabbar Ahmed Aj. , Shareef Suhayla Hamad , Ibrahim Ibrahim Abdel Aziz , Alzahrani Abdullah R. , Abdulla Mahmood Ameen
Published: August 2022

This research in vivo assessed the impact of the ethanolic extract of Annona muricata (A. muricata) on the histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and biochemistry of thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver cirrhosis in Sprague Dawley rats. The rats, gavaged precisely with two doses of A. muricata (250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg) with TAA, presented a substantial reduction in the liver index and hepatocyte propagation, with much lower cell injury. These groups showed meaningfully down-regulated proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in the liver and spleen, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) in liver parenchymal tissue. The liver homogenate displayed enhanced antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity, along with a decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. The serum levels of bilirubin, total protein, albumin, and liver enzymes alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were returned to normal and were similar to that of the normal control and silymarin with TAA-treated groups. Oral acute toxicity revealed no evidence of any toxic symbols or mortality in rats, indicating the safety of A. muricata. Therefore, the normal microanatomy of hepatocytes, the clampdown of PCNA, α-SMA, TGF-β, improved antioxidant enzymes (SOD and CAT), and condensed MDA with repairs of liver biomarkers validate the hepatoprotective effect of A. muricata.
Analysis of Reservoir Stability during Natural Gas Hydrate Exploitation under Incline Seafloor
Authors: Zhao Xiaolong , Wang Zenglin , Zhao Yizhong , Zuo Jiaqiang , Chen Gang , Li Peng , Liang Wei , Jia Weixia , Wang Bing , Chen Xue
Published: August 2022

Natural gas hydrates (NGHs) have been recognized as a potential substitute for traditional fossil fuels. Mining NGH reservoirs can decrease the strength of the reservoirs, especially while improving production, and the double-well mining of NGHs also significantly reduces the strength of reservoirs. This study develops a thermofluid-solid multifield coupling model for mining NGHs through depressurization while considering the NGH decomposition kinetics and physical properties of NGH reservoirs. The influence of the formation responses and burial conditions on the slope stability in the depressurization process of NGHs is analyzed by combining it with the finite-element strength-reduction method. Results show that the decomposition zones of NGHs are nonuniformly distributed in space and have an irregular prismatic shape. The pore pressure propagates from the wellbores to the surrounding areas, forming cylindrical high-pressure-drop zones. Plastic zones first appear in the decomposition zones of NGHs; then, they gradually spread to the slope shoulder and toe, eventually coalescing to form a plastic zone. The stability of submarine slopes declines with the increasing slope angle, reservoir thickness, and initial saturation of the reservoir, while it increases with the growing burial depth of the reservoir. The seabed settlement grows with the growing slope angle and initial saturation, and thickness of reservoirs, while it decreases with the rising burial depth of the reservoir.
Malaria Publications before and during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Mala Wanida , Wilairatana Polrat , Wattanapisit Apichai , Kotepui Kwuntida Uthaisar , Kotepui Manas
Published: August 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been reported to affect malaria intervention strategies, the suspension of malaria elimination programs, and the publication of malaria research. We compared differences in authorship, affiliations, countries, funding sources, article types, keywords, languages, and citations between studies published before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The searches were performed online using the Scopus database on 8 April 2022. The searches were limited to two periods: before the COVID-19 pandemic (2018–2019) and during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020–2021). The information of authorship, affiliations, countries, funding sources, article types, keywords, languages, and citations between studies published before and during the COVID-19 pandemic were compared using frequency and percentage. The relationships between the most productive authors, countries, affiliations, journals, and frequently used keywords were visualized using the VOSviewer (version 1.6.18) software. A total of 2965 articles were identified in two periods and, among those, 1291 relevant studies were included. There was no difference in malaria publications before and during the COVID-19 pandemic (679 articles, 52.6% vs. 612 articles, 47.4%). Compared between the two periods, the preliminary trend of malaria publications in terms of authorship, affiliations, countries, funding sources, article types, keywords, languages, and citations were different. In conclusion, the current study showed the preliminary trends in malaria publications before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings of this study would encourage researchers to perform a scoping review or systematic review to better understand the direction of malaria publications during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Islamic Revivalism and Muslim Consumer Ethics
Authors: Mohamed Nasir Kamaludeen
Published: August 2022

Although scholars have examined the link between religiosity and consumer ethics, the idea of Muslim consumer ethics has not received much traction within academia. The idea of Muslim consumer ethics is a manifestation of religious revivalism. Yet, its discussion must consider the critical roles played by Muslim youth and their consumption of new media because the latter has a profound effect on shaping and directing popular Muslim youth cultures. Muslim consumer ethics encompass the moral and humanistic dimension of living in a globalized world as an extension of an individual’s religious practice. This phenomenon of ethical consumption has also been commoditized in a lucrative halal industry that fosters a Muslim identity market.
Time Restrictions on Life Annuity Benefits: Portfolio Risk Profiles
Authors: Olivieri Annamaria , Pitacco Ermanno
Published: August 2022

Due to the increasing interest in several markets in life annuity products with a guaranteed periodic benefit, the back-side effects of some features that may prove to be critical either for the provider or the customer should be better understood. In this research, we focus on the time frames defined by the policy conditions of life annuities. While the payment phase coincides with the post-retirement period in the traditional annuity product, arrangements with alternative time frames are being offered in the market. Time restrictions, in particular, could be welcomed both by customers and providers, as they result in a reduction in expected costs and equivalence premiums. However, due to the different impact of longevity risk on different age ranges, time restrictions could increase risks to the provider, at least in relative terms. On the other hand, time restrictions reduce the duration of the provider’s liability, which should therefore be less exposed to financial risk. We focus on this issue, examining the probability distribution of the total portfolio payout resulting from alternative time frames for life annuity arrangements, first addressing longevity risk only, and then including also financial risk. The discussion is developed in view of understanding whether a reduction in the equivalence premium implied by time restrictions should be matched by higher premium loading and required capital rates.
Fast Seismic Landslide Detection Based on Improved Mask R-CNN
Authors: Fu Rao , He Jing , Liu Gang , Li Weile , Mao Jiaqi , He Minhui , Lin Yuanyang
Published: August 2022

For emergency rescue and damage assessment after an earthquake, quick detection of seismic landslides in the affected areas is crucial. The purpose of this study is to quickly determine the extent and size of post-earthquake seismic landslides using a small amount of post-earthquake seismic landslide imagery data. This information will serve as a foundation for emergency rescue efforts, disaster estimation, and other actions. In this study, Wenchuan County, Sichuan Province, China’s 2008 post-quake Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV) remote sensing images are used as the data source. ResNet-50, ResNet-101, and Swin Transformer are used as the backbone networks of Mask R-CNN to train and identify seismic landslides in post-quake UAV images. The training samples are then augmented by data augmentation methods, and transfer learning methods are used to reduce the training time required and enhance the generalization of the model. Finally, transfer learning was used to apply the model to seismic landslide imagery from Haiti after the earthquake that was not calibrated. With Precision and F1 scores of 0.9328 and 0.9025, respectively, the results demonstrate that Swin Transformer performs better as a backbone network than the original Mask R-CNN, YOLOv5, and Faster R-CNN. In Haiti’s post-earthquake images, the improved model performs significantly better than the original model in terms of accuracy and recognition. The model for identifying post-earthquake seismic landslides developed in this paper has good generalizability and transferability as well as good application potential in emergency responses to earthquake disasters, which can offer strong support for post-earthquake emergency rescue and disaster assessment.
Satellite Clock Batch Estimation Accuracy Analysis and Its Impacts on PPP
Authors: Li Menghao , Huang Weiquan , Li Hui , Wang Renlong , Cui Peng
Published: August 2022

The ultra-rapid satellite clock product based on the satellite clock batch estimation is commonly used for high-precision and reliable precise point positioning (PPP) services. In order to clarify the effect of different ranging errors on the satellite clock batch estimation accuracy, the source of the satellite clock bias induced by the batch observation model is classified into the initial clock bias (ICB) and time-dependent bias (TDB). In addition to the effect of the ICB and TDB, the analytic relationship between the observation redundancy and the satellite clock batch estimation accuracy are derived and verified. The suitable number of stations is suggested to be 40 for the satellite clock batch estimation to achieve the counterbalance between the efficiency and saturable accuracy. For the PPP based on the batch-estimated satellite clock, the impacts of the ICB and TDB on PPP are clarified. The satellite clock batch estimation and PPP experiments are carried out to investigate the impacts of the ICB and TDB on the satellite clock batch estimation accuracy and the PPP performance. The ICB causes a significant bias for the batch-estimated satellite clock. The TDB is impacted by the assimilation ability of the batch-estimated satellite clock to the satellite orbit error. The convergence time and the positioning accuracy after the convergence of PPP are primarily affected by the ICB and TDB, respectively.
Evaluation of Albedo Schemes in WRF Coupled with Noah-MP on the Parlung No. 4 Glacier
Authors: Liu Lian , Menenti Massimo , Ma Yaoming
Published: August 2022

Meteorological variables (e.g., air temperature (T2), radiation flux, and precipitation) determine the evolution of glacier mass and characteristics. Observations of these variables are not available with adequate spatial coverage and spatiotemporal resolution over the Tibetan Plateau. Albedo is the key factor of net radiation and is determined by the land cover and snow-related variables. This study focuses on evaluating the performance of the albedo parameterization scheme in WRF coupled with Noah-MP in terms of glacio-meteorological variables, by conducting experiments applying the standard surface albedo scheme with the default vegetation and corrected to ice cover and the modified glacial albedo scheme to the Parlung No. 4 Glacier in the 2016 ablation season. In situ glacio-meteorological element observations and MODIS-retrieved albedo are selected to assess the performance of the model. The key results are as follows. First, compared to the air temperature bias of 1.56 °C in WRF applying the standard surface albedo scheme and the default vegetation cover, realistic land-use categories considerably reduce the model warm bias on the glacier. The model using realistic land-use categories yields similar T2 diurnal patterns to the observations, with a mean bias of only −0.5 °C, no matter which glacial albedo scheme is implemented. Second, the default glacial albedo scheme gives a rather high albedo value of 0.68, causing an apparent underestimation of the net shortwave radiation and net radiation; the modified glacial albedo scheme gives a mean albedo value of 0.35, close to the in situ observations, helping to relieve underestimations of net shortwave radiation and net radiation. Compared with the MODIS albedo of the glacier, WRF applying the default glacial albedo scheme apparently overestimates the albedo with a mean error of 0.18, while WRF applying the modified glacial albedo scheme slightly underestimates the albedo with a mean error of only −0.08. Third, the mean net radiation flux (142 W m−2) and high ground heat flux (182 W m−2) values that were estimated by WRF applying the corrected land cover and the modified glacial albedo scheme result in the heating of the glacier surface and subsurface, causing ice melt and the liquid water content to increase more quickly and preferentially, equating to an estimated ice thickness decrease of 1 m by mid-June in the ablation region. Our study confirms the ability of the WRF model to reproduce glacio-meteorological variables as long as a reasonable glacial albedo scheme and the corrected land cover is applied and provides a theoretical reference for researchers that are committed to further improvement of the glacial albedo scheme.
The Surface Urban Heat Island and Key Mitigation Factors in Arid Climate Cities, Case of Marrakesh, Morocco
Authors: Gourfi Abdelali , Taïbi Aude Nuscia , Salhi Salima , Hannani Mustapha El , Boujrouf Said
Published: August 2022

The use of vegetation is one of the effective methods to combat the increasing Urban Heat Island (UHI). However, vegetation is steadily decreasing due to urban pressure and increased water stress. This study used air temperature measurements, humidity and an innovative advanced earth system analysis to investigate, at daytime, the relationship between green surfaces, built-up areas and the surface urban heat island (SUHI) in Marrakesh, Morocco, which is one of the busiest cities in Africa and serves as a major economic centre and tourist destination. While it is accepted that UHI variation is generally mitigated by the spatial distribution of green spaces and built-up areas, this study shows that bare areas also play a key role in this relationship. The results show a maximum mean land surface temperature difference of 3.98 °C across the different city neighbourhoods, and bare ground had the highest correlation with temperature (r = 0.86). The correlation between the vegetation index and SUHI is decreasing over time, mainly because of the significant changes in the region’s urban planning policy and urban growth. The study represents a relevant overview of the factors impacting SUHI, and it brings a new perspective to what is known so far in the literature, especially in arid climate areas, which have the specificity of large bare areas playing a major role in SUHI mitigation. This research highlights this complex relationship for future sustainable development, especially with the challenges of global warming becoming increasingly critical.
Energy-Barycenter Based Waveform Centroid Algorithm for Pulse Lidar Ranging System
Authors: Qi Baoling , Wang Lijun , Guo Dongbin , Wang Chunhui
Published: August 2022

This paper proposes an energy-barycenter-based waveform centroid algorithm (EWCA) for a high-precision Lidar ranging system. Firstly, the emission and echo pulse models of the pulse Lidar ranging system are established. Secondly, based on analyzing the merits and demerits of the conventional waveform centroid algorithm (CWCA) and intensity-weighted waveform centroid discrimination algorithm (IWCD). Moreover, combined with the characteristics of the energy moment distribution, the adaptive strategy is used to select the point with the higher signal as the calculation time series, and we proposed the EWCA to calculate the timing moment. Finally, we compared EWCA with CWCA and IWCD through simulation and actual experiments. The experimental simulation results show EWCA has higher accuracy and robustness than the comparison algorithm with different SNR. EWCA can achieve an average error of 0.1235 ns, a standard deviation of 0.0848 ns, and variance of 0.0072 ns at an SNR of 5 dB. At the same time, the Lidar ranging system is established to compare these methods further, and the ranging error of the proposed method can be within 20 mm when the measured distance is 40 m. This method has higher timing accuracy and application range, which has the potential to handle further ranging tasks.
Prediction Algorithm for Satellite Instantaneous Attitude and Image Pixel Offset Based on Synchronous Clocks
Authors: Huang Lingfeng , Dong Feng , Fu Yutian
Published: August 2022

To ensure a high signal-to-noise ratio and high image volume, a geostationary orbiting ocean remote-sensing system needs to maintain high platform stability over a long integration time because it is affected by satellite attitude changes. When the observation target is the ocean, it is difficult to extract image features because of the lack of characteristic objects in the target area. In this paper, we attempt to avoid using image data for satellite attitude and image pixel offset estimation. We obtain the satellite attitude by using equipment such as gyroscopes and performing time registration between the satellite attitude and the image data to achieve pixel offset matching between images. According to the law of satellite attitude change, we designed a Kalman-like filter fitting (KLFF) algorithm based on the satellite attitude change model and the Nelder–Mead search principle. The discrete attitude data were time-marked by a synchronization system, and high-precision estimation of the satellite attitude was achieved after fitting with the KLFF algorithm. When the measurement accuracy of the equipment was 1.0 × 10−3°, the average prediction error of the algorithm was 1.09 × 10−3°, 21.58% better than the traditional interpolation prediction result of 1.39 × 10−3°. The peak value of the fitting angle error reached 2.5 × 10−3°. Compared with the interpolation prediction result of 6.2 × 10−3°, the estimated stability of the satellite attitude improved by about 59.68%. After using the linear interpolation method to compensate for the estimated pixel offset, its discrete range was 0.697 pixels. Compared with the 1.476 pixels of the interpolation algorithm, it was 52.8% lower, which improved the noise immunity of the algorithm. Finally, a KLFF algorithm was designed based on the satellite attitude change model by using external measurement data and the synchronous clock as a benchmark. The instantaneous attitude of the satellite was accurately estimated in real time, and the offset matching between the images was realized, which lays the foundation for in-orbit satellite data processing.