bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hermite-Hadamard Inequalities in Fractional Calculus for Left and Right Harmonically Convex Functions via Interval-Valued Settings
Authors: Khan Muhammad Bilal , Macías-Díaz Jorge E. , Treanțǎ Savin , Soliman Mohammed S. , Zaini Hatim Ghazi
Published: March 2022

The purpose of this study is to define a new class of harmonically convex functions, which is known as left and right harmonically convex interval-valued function (LR-𝓗-convex IV-F), and to establish novel inclusions for a newly defined class of interval-valued functions (IV-Fs) linked to Hermite–Hadamard (H-H) and Hermite–Hadamard–Fejér (H-H-Fejér) type inequalities via interval-valued Riemann–Liouville fractional integrals (IV-RL-fractional integrals). We also attain some related inequalities for the product of two LR-𝓗-convex IV-Fs. These findings enable us to identify a new class of inclusions that may be seen as significant generalizations of results proved by Iscan and Chen. Some examples are included in our findings that may be used to determine the validity of the results. The findings in this work can be seen as a considerable advance over previously published findings.
Environment-Friendly Catalytic Mineralization of Phenol and Chlorophenols with Cu- and Fe- Tetrakis(4-aminophenyl)-porphyrin—Silica Hybrid Aerogels
Authors: Győri Enikő , Kecskeméti Ádám , Fábián István , Szarka Máté , Lázár István
Published: March 2022

Fenton reactions with metal complexes of substituted porphyrins and hydrogen peroxide are useful tools for the mineralization of environmentally dangerous substances. In the homogeneous phase, autooxidation of the prophyrin ring may also occur. Covalent binding of porphyrins to a solid support may increase the lifetime of the catalysts and might change its activity. In this study, highly water-insoluble copper and iron complexes of 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-aminophenyl)porphyrin were synthesized and bonded covalently to a very hydrophilic silica aerogel matrix prepared by co-gelation of the propyl triethoxysilyl-functionalized porphyrin complex precursors with tetramethoxysilane, followed by a supercritical carbon dioxide drying. In contrast to the insoluble nature of the porphyrin complexes, the as-prepared aerogel catalysts were highly compatible with the aqueous phase. Their catalytic activities were tested in the mineralization reaction of phenol, 3-chlorophenol, and 2,4-dichlorophenol with hydrogen peroxide. The results show that both aerogels catalyzed the oxidation of phenol and chlorophenols to harmless short-chained carboxylic acids under neutral conditions. In batch experiments, and also in a miniature continuous-flow tubular reactor, the aerogel catalysts gradually reduced their activity, due to the slow oxidation of the porphyrin ring. However, the rate and extent of the degradation was moderate and did not exclude the possibility that the as-prepared catalysts, as well as their more stable derivatives, might find practical applications in environment protection.
Induced Radionuclides and Their Activity Concentration in Gel Dosimeters Irradiated by Carbon Ion Beam
Authors: Toyohara Masumitsu , Minohara Shinichi , Kusano Yohsuke , Gotoh Hiroaki , Tanaka Yoichiro , Yuhara Masaru , Yamashita Yu , Shimono Yoshiaki
Published: March 2022

Radioactivity was measured in a micellar gel dosimeter, a polymer gel dosimeter, and water was irradiated by carbon ion beams at various beam energy conditions. Monte Carlo simulation was also performed to estimate the radioactivity. Short-lived positron-emitting nuclides were observed immediately after irradiation, but they decayed rapidly into the background. At 24 h post-irradiation, the dominant measured radioactivity was of 7Be. The simulation also showed minor activity of 24Na and 3H; however, they were not experimentally observed. The measured radioactivity was independent of the type of gel dosimeter under all irradiation conditions, suggesting that the radioactivity was induced by the interaction of carbon ions with water (the main component of the gel dosimeters). The ratio between the simulated and measured radioactivity was within 0.9–1.5. The activity concentration of 7Be was found to be less than 1/10 of the value derived using the exemption concept proposed by the International Atomic Energy Agency. This result should be applicable to irradiated gel dosimeters containing mainly water and 0–4 wt.% C and 0–1.7 wt.% N.
Behavioral and Disease-Related Characteristics of Patients with Acute Stroke during the Coronavirus Disease Pandemic
Authors: Park Dougho , Jeong Eunhwan , Lee Su Yun , Kim Mansu , Hong Dae Young , Kwon Heum Dai , Kim Mun-Chul
Published: March 2022

This study aimed to evaluate the behavioral and disease-related characteristics of patients with acute stroke during the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. This retrospective study was conducted using the Korean Stroke Registry database from a single cerebrovascular specialty hospital. We categorized the COVID-19 pandemic (February 2020 to June 2021) into three waves according to the number of COVID-19 cases recorded and the subjective fear index of the general population and matched them with the corresponding pre-COVID-19 (January 2019 to January 2020) periods. The total number of acute stroke hospitalizations during the pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 periods was 402 and 379, respectively. The number of acute stroke hospitalizations recorded during the regional outbreak of COVID-19 was higher than that recorded during the corresponding pre-COVID-19 period (97 vs. 80). Length of hospital stay was significantly longer during the COVID-19 pandemic than during the pre-COVID-19 period (11.1 and 8.5 days, respectively; p = 0.003). There were no significant differences in the time from onset to hospital arrival, rate of acute intravenous/intra-arterial (IV/IA) treatments, and door-to-IV/IA times between the pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 periods. This study suggests that specialty hospitals can effectively maintain the quality of healthcare through the management of acute time-dependent diseases, even during pandemics.
An Innovative Model of Positive Education with Traditional Chinese Moral Values: An Evaluation of Project Bridge
Authors: Chan Gloria Hongyee , Lee Gabriel Kwun Wa , Kong Chris Yiu Wah , Lo T. Wing
Published: March 2022

Project Bridge, as a new, contextualized positive education program, is designed to enhance university students’ character strengths and moral development, resulting in the promotion of their psychological wellbeing. Taking into account the differences between Western and Chinese cultures, the project integrated both Western and Asian concepts and values in the delivery of university education that would likely bring about optimal outcomes. In the evaluation, mixed methods were applied to demonstrate the outcomes of this newly developed positive education program. Pre- and post-test, as well as reflective writing, were adopted to measure the outcomes. Both quantitative and qualitative results demonstrated satisfying outcomes. Implications and future developments are discussed in the conclusion.
Evolution of the Public-Health Response to COVID-19 Pandemic in Spain: A Descriptive Qualitative Study
Authors: Rodriguez-Arrastia Miguel , García-Martín Manuel , Romero-López Ana , Ropero-Padilla Carmen , Ruiz-Gonzalez Cristofer , Roman Pablo , Sanchez-Labraca Nuria
Published: March 2022

The capacity of hospitals and primary care centres has, rightfully, been at the centre of public and political debate on resource availability and control measures during the outbreak of COVID-19 and lockdown. Thus, the aim of this study is to describe the public and professional perceptions towards the evolution of the COVID-19 public-health response, in order to analyse and learn lessons for future health policies in similar situations in the future. A descriptive qualitative study was conducted through 41 in-depth interviews between January and June 2021. Twenty-one healthcare professionals and twenty service users participated in our study. The participants were recruited using purposive sampling. After our data analysis, three main themes emerged: (i) experiences during an unprecedented public health threat: the impact and challenges of early control measures, and outcomes for the public image of nursing; (ii) overcoming the impact of the outbreak on the healthcare system: professional coping strategies in the context of the pandemic, and institutional considerations in hospitals and primary care; and (iii) the efficiency of resource management during the outbreak: perceptions of professionals and healthcare users. Health providers and service users demand structural and organisational changes, as well as resource-optimisation strategies for front-line workers. Nurses need to be involved in decision making in order to provide evidence-based guidelines and ensure well-resourced and supported care practice.
The Second Side of the Coin—Resilience, Meaningfulness and Joyful Moments in Home Health Care Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Gebhard Doris , Neumann Julia , Wimmer Magdalena , Mess Filip
Published: March 2022

Nursing literature predominantly focuses on job demands but is scarce for resources related to nurses’ work. In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, resources that can buffer the health-impairing effects of increased demands gain importance. The aim of this study is to explore resilience, meaning of work and joyful moments in home health care workers in South Germany during the pandemic. Resilience and meaning of work were measured quantitatively; moments of joy were investigated qualitatively by audio diaries and analyzed with qualitative content analysis. In all, 115 home health care workers (mean age = 47.83 ± 11.72; 81.75% female) filled in the questionnaires and 237 diary entries were made by 23 persons (mean age = 46.70 ± 10.40; 91.30% female). The mean scores of resilience (5.52 ± 1.04; 1–7) and meaning of work (4.10 ± 0.92; 1–5) showed high levels, with significantly higher values in females. Home care workers experienced joyful moments 334 times in 60 different types in the categories of social relationships, work content, work organization, work environment and self-care. A deeper understanding of resilience, meaning of work and joyful moments provides a basis for the development of worksite health promotion programs that address both demands and resources in home health care workers.
Impact of COVID-19 on Hospital Admissions and Healthcare Quality Indicators in Non-COVID Patients: A Retrospective Study of the First COVID-19 Year in a University Hospital in Spain
Authors: Domingo Laia , Comas Mercè , Jansana Anna , Louro Javier , Tizón-Marcos Helena , Cos Maria Lourdes , Roquer Jaume , Chillarón Juan José , Cirera Isabel , Pascual-Guàrdia Sergi , Sala Maria , Castells Xavier
Published: March 2022

Few studies have assessed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on non-COVID diseases and healthcare quality. We aimed to evaluate changes in rates of hospitalisations, complications, in-hospital mortality, and readmissions among patients with non-COVID diseases during a one-year period after the pandemic onset. From March 2018 to February 2021 a retrospective observational study of hospital admissions in a university hospital in Spain was conducted. Non-COVID hospitalisations admitted through the emergency department were compared between the pre-COVID period (n = 28,622) and the COVID period (n = 11,904). We assessed rate ratios (RaR), comparing the weekly number of admissions and risk ratios (RR) to examine rates of complications, in-hospital mortality, readmissions, and severity. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. The weekly admission rate dropped by 20.8% during the complete lockdown. We observed significant reductions in admissions related to diseases of the respiratory system and circulatory system. Admissions for endocrine and metabolic diseases increased. The complication rates increased (RR = 1.21, 95% CI: 1.05;1.4), while in-hospital mortality rates held steady during the COVID period (RR = 1.09, 95% CI: 0.98;1.2). Hospital efforts to maintain quality and safety standards despite disruptions translated into a moderate increase in complications but not in in-hospital mortality. Reduced hospitalisations for conditions requiring timely treatment may have significant public health consequences.
Preliminary Clinical Surgical Experience with Temporary Simultaneous Use of an Endoscope during Exoscopic Neurosurgery: An Observational Study
Authors: Murai Yasuo , Shirokane Kazutaka , Sato Shun , Higuchi Tadashi , Kubota Asami , Ozeki Tomohiro , Matano Fumihiro , Sasakai Kazuma , Yamaguchi Fumio , Morita Akio
Published: March 2022

The use of an endoscope in exoscopic transcranial neurosurgery for skull-base lesions has not yet been investigated. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the advantages, disadvantages, and safety of “simultaneous temporary use of an endoscope during exoscopic surgery” (exo-endoscopic surgery (EES)). Consecutive exo-endoscopic surgeries performed by experienced neurosurgeons and assistants were analyzed. Surgical complications and time were compared with previous consecutive microsurgeries performed by the same surgeon. A questionnaire survey was conducted on 16 neurosurgeons with experience in both “temporary simultaneous use of endoscope during microscopic surgery” (micro-endoscopic surgery (MES)) and EES. EES was performed in 18 of 76 exoscopic surgeries, including tumor removal (n = 10), aneurysm clipping (n = 5), and others (n = 3). There were no significant differences in operative time, anesthesia time, or complications from microsurgery by the same operator. According to the questionnaire survey results, compared with MES, EES had a wider field of view due to its lack of an eyepiece, was easier when loading and unloading instruments into and out of the surgical field, and was more suitable for the simultaneous observation of two fields of view. Overall, 79.2% of surgeons indicated that EES may be better suited than MES to simultaneously observe two fields of view.
Circulating and Platelet MicroRNAs in Cardiovascular Risk Assessment and Antiplatelet Therapy Monitoring
Authors: Procyk Grzegorz , Klimczak-Tomaniak Dominika , Sygitowicz Grażyna , Tomaniak Mariusz
Published: March 2022

Micro-ribonucleic acids (microRNAs) are small molecules that take part in the regulation of gene expression. Their function has been extensively investigated in cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Most recently, miRNA expression levels have been suggested as potential biomarkers of platelet reactivity or response to antiplatelet therapy and tools for risk stratification for recurrence of ischemic evens. Among these, miR-126 and miR-223 have been found to be of particular interest. Despite numerous studies aimed at understanding the prognostic value of miRNA levels, no final conclusions have been drawn thus far regarding their utility in clinical practice. The aim of this review is to critically appraise the evidence on the association between miRNA expression, cardiovascular risk and on-treatment platelet reactivity as well as provide insights on future developments in the field.
Near Chromosome-Level Genome Assembly and Annotation of Rhodotorula babjevae Strains Reveals High Intraspecific Divergence
Authors: Martín-Hernández Giselle C. , Müller Bettina , Brandt Christian , Hölzer Martin , Viehweger Adrian , Passoth Volkmar
Published: March 2022

The genus Rhodotorula includes basidiomycetous oleaginous yeast species. Rhodotorula babjevae can produce compounds of biotechnological interest such as lipids, carotenoids, and biosurfactants from low value substrates such as lignocellulose hydrolysate. High-quality genome assemblies are needed to develop genetic tools and to understand fungal evolution and genetics. Here, we combined short- and long-read sequencing to resolve the genomes of two R. babjevae strains, CBS 7808 (type strain) and DBVPG 8058, at chromosomal level. Both genomes are 21 Mbp in size and have a GC content of 68.2%. Allele frequency analysis indicates that both strains are tetraploid. The genomes consist of a maximum of 21 chromosomes with a size of 0.4 to 2.4 Mbp. In both assemblies, the mitochondrial genome was recovered in a single contig, that shared 97% pairwise identity. Pairwise identity between most chromosomes ranges from 82 to 87%. We also found indications for strain-specific extrachromosomal endogenous DNA. A total of 7591 and 7481 protein-coding genes were annotated in CBS 7808 and DBVPG 8058, respectively. CBS 7808 accumulated a higher number of tandem duplications than DBVPG 8058. We identified large translocation events between putative chromosomes. Genome divergence values between the two strains indicate that they may belong to different species.
The Effect of Antibiotics on the Infant Gut Fungal Microbiota
Authors: Ventin-Holmberg Rebecka , Saqib Schahzad , Korpela Katri , Nikkonen Anne , Peltola Ville , Salonen Anne , de Vos Willem M. , Kolho Kaija-Leena
Published: March 2022

Antibiotics are commonly used drugs in infants, causing disruptions in the developing gut microbiota with possible detrimental long-term effects such as chronic inflammatory diseases. The focus has been on bacteria, but research shows that fungi might have an important role as well. There are only a few studies on the infant gut fungal microbiota, the mycobiota, in relation to antibiotic treatment. Here, the aim was to investigate the impact of antibiotics on the infant gut mycobiota, and the interkingdom associations between bacteria and fungi. We had 37 antibiotic-naïve patients suffering from respiratory syncytial virus, of which 21 received one to four courses of antibiotics due to complications, and 16 remained antibiotic-naïve throughout the study. Fecal samples were collected before, during and after antibiotic treatment with a follow-up period of up to 9.5 months. The gut mycobiota was studied by Illumina MiSeq sequencing of the ITS1 region. We found that antibiotic use affected the gut mycobiota, most prominently seen as a higher relative abundance of Candida (p < 0.001), and a higher fungal diversity (p = 0.005–0.04) and richness (p = 0.03) in the antibiotic-treated infants compared to the antibiotic-naïve ones at multiple timepoints. This indicates that the gut mycobiota could contribute to the long-term consequences of antibiotic treatments.
Anti-Adipogenic Lanostane-Type Triterpenoids from the Edible and Medicinal Mushroom Ganoderma applanatum
Authors: Peng Xing-Rong , Wang Qian , Su Hai-Guo , Zhou Lin , Xiong Wen-Yong , Qiu Ming-Hua
Published: March 2022

Our previous research has shown that lanostane triterpenoids from Ganoderma applanatum exhibit significant anti-adipogenesis effects. In order to obtain more structurally diverse lanostane triterpenoids to establish a structure–activity relationship, we continued the study of lanostane triterpenoids from the fruiting bodies of G. applanatum, and forty highly oxygenated lanostane-type triterpenoinds (1–40), including sixteen new compounds (1–16), were isolated. Their structures were elucidated using NMR spectra, X-ray crystallographic analysis, and Mosher’s method. In addition, some of their parts were evaluated to determine their anti-adipogenesis activities in the 3T3-L1 cell model. The results showed that compounds 16, 22, 28, and 32 exhibited stronger anti-adipogenesis effects than the positive control (LiCl, 20 mM) at the concentration of 20 μM. Compounds 15 and 20 could significantly reduce the lipid accumulation during the differentiation process of 3T3-L1 cells, comparable to the untreated group. Their IC50 values were 6.42 and 5.39 μM, respectively. The combined results of our previous and present studies allow us to establish a structure-activity relationship of lanostane triterpenoids, indicating that the A-seco-23→26 lactone skeleton could play a key role in anti-adipogenesis activity.
Artificial Intelligence-Driven Prediction Modeling and Decision Making in Spine Surgery Using Hybrid Machine Learning Models
Authors: Saravi Babak , Hassel Frank , Ülkümen Sara , Zink Alisia , Shavlokhova Veronika , Couillard-Despres Sebastien , Boeker Martin , Obid Peter , Lang Gernot
Published: March 2022

Healthcare systems worldwide generate vast amounts of data from many different sources. Although of high complexity for a human being, it is essential to determine the patterns and minor variations in the genomic, radiological, laboratory, or clinical data that reliably differentiate phenotypes or allow high predictive accuracy in health-related tasks. Convolutional neural networks (CNN) are increasingly applied to image data for various tasks. Its use for non-imaging data becomes feasible through different modern machine learning techniques, converting non-imaging data into images before inputting them into the CNN model. Considering also that healthcare providers do not solely use one data modality for their decisions, this approach opens the door for multi-input/mixed data models which use a combination of patient information, such as genomic, radiological, and clinical data, to train a hybrid deep learning model. Thus, this reflects the main characteristic of artificial intelligence: simulating natural human behavior. The present review focuses on key advances in machine and deep learning, allowing for multi-perspective pattern recognition across the entire information set of patients in spine surgery. This is the first review of artificial intelligence focusing on hybrid models for deep learning applications in spine surgery, to the best of our knowledge. This is especially interesting as future tools are unlikely to use solely one data modality. The techniques discussed could become important in establishing a new approach to decision-making in spine surgery based on three fundamental pillars: (1) patient-specific, (2) artificial intelligence-driven, (3) integrating multimodal data. The findings reveal promising research that already took place to develop multi-input mixed-data hybrid decision-supporting models. Their implementation in spine surgery may hence be only a matter of time.
Current Status of Neuromodulation-Induced Cortical Prehabilitation and Considerations for Treatment Pathways in Lower-Grade Glioma Surgery
Authors: Hamer Ryan P. , Yeo Tseng Tsai
Published: March 2022

The infiltrative character of supratentorial lower grade glioma makes it possible for eloquent neural pathways to remain within tumoural tissue, which renders complete surgical resection challenging. Neuromodulation-Induced Cortical Prehabilitation (NICP) is intended to reduce the likelihood of premeditated neurologic sequelae that otherwise would have resulted in extensive rehabilitation or permanent injury following surgery. This review aims to conceptualise current approaches involving Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS-NICP) and extraoperative Direct Cortical Stimulation (eDCS-NICP) for the purposes of inducing cortical reorganisation prior to surgery, with considerations derived from psychiatric, rehabilitative and electrophysiologic findings related to previous reports of prehabilitation. Despite the promise of reduced risk and incidence of neurologic injury in glioma surgery, the current data indicates a broad but compelling possibility of effective cortical prehabilitation relating to perisylvian cortex, though it remains an under-explored investigational tool. Preliminary findings may prove sufficient for the continued investigation of prehabilitation in small-volume lower-grade tumour or epilepsy patients. However, considering the very low number of peer-reviewed case reports, optimal stimulation parameters and duration of therapy necessary to catalyse functional reorganisation remain equivocal. The non-invasive nature and low risk profile of rTMS-NICP may permit larger sample sizes and control groups until such time that eDCS-NICP protocols can be further elucidated.
Thrust-Bearing Layout Design of a Large-Sized Hydrostatic Rotary Table to Withstand Eccentric Loads for Horizontal Boring Machine Applications
Authors: Huang Hua-Chih , Yang Shen-Hen
Published: March 2022

There is an increasing demand for large-sized hydrostatic rotary tables due to the industrial need for the precision machining of large workpieces for wind generation, aerospace, shipbuilding, and national defense applications. As a consequence, under eccentric loads, the deformation of the large-sized hydrostatic rotary table of a horizontal boring machine would negatively affect machining precision. Indeed, the hydrostatic thrust-bearing recess layout design is the main factor that affects the rotary table’s resistance against deformations caused by eccentric loads. This study focused on the capillary-compensated constant-pressure large-sized hydrostatic rotary table for a horizontal boring machine. ANSYS software was used to simulate the thermal and structural deformation of the worktable under eccentric loads. In addition to the original layout of the hydrostatic thrust bearing, three other bearing recess layouts, which involved two different recess diameters, were designed in order to examine the deformation of the worktable under eccentric loads. The results showed that, in terms of a single-ring hydrostatic thrust-bearing layout, a larger recess diameter resulted in a smaller worktable deformation compared to a smaller recess diameter; in terms of a dual-ring hydrostatic thrust bearing layout, the worktable deformation was smaller than that of the single-ring layout with a larger recess diameter. Under the spatial and geometric constraints of the worktable, adopting a hydrostatic thrust bearing with a dual-ring recess layout would minimize the worktable deformation under eccentric loads. For thermal deformation in a single-ring hydrostatic bearing pad layout, however, a larger recess diameter resulted in a larger worktable thermal deformation compared to a smaller recess diameter.
Tensile Examination and Strength Evaluation of Latewood in Japanese Cedar
Authors: Takahashi Akihiro , Yamamoto Naoyuki , Ooka Yu , Toyohiro Toshinobu
Published: March 2022

With the crisis awareness of global warming and natural disasters, utilization of local wood has drawn increasing attention in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It is necessary to investigate the deformation and fracture of the structural tissue in wood in order to improve the safety and reliability of wood application. However, deformation and fracture mechanisms of the structural tissue in each annual ring are unknown. The mechanical characteristics of wood are reflected in the properties of earlywood and latewood. In the present study, microstructural observation and tensile tests were conducted to examine the relationship between the mechanical properties and fracture behavior of latewood in the growth direction in Japanese cedar. Brittle fracture behavior of the latewood specimen was confirmed based on the tensile stress–strain curve and features of the fracture surface. Moreover, two fracture modes, tensile fracture and shear fracture, were recognized. Weibull analysis of tensile strength in each fracture mode was performed to evaluate the reliability and utility of brittle latewood. Lastly, two fracture mechanisms were discussed based on the failure observation findings by a scanning electron microscope.
Effects of Biological and Chemical Degradation on the Properties of Scots Pine Wood—Part I: Chemical Composition and Microstructure of the Cell Wall
Authors: Broda Magdalena , Popescu Carmen-Mihaela , Curling Simon F. , Timpu Daniel Ilie , Ormondroyd Graham A.
Published: March 2022

Research on new conservation treatment for archaeological wood requires large amounts of wooden material. For this purpose, artificial wood degradation (biological—using brown-rot fungus Coniophora puteana, and chemical—using NaOH solution) under laboratory conditions was conducted to obtain an abundance of similar samples that mimic naturally degraded wood and can serve for comparative studies. However, knowledge about its properties is necessary to use this material for further study. In this study, the chemical composition and microstructure of degraded cell walls were investigated using FT-IR, XRD, helium pycnometry and nitrogen absorption methods. The results show that biological degradation caused the loss of hemicelluloses and celluloses, including the reduction in cellulose crystallinity, and led to lignin modification, while chemical degradation mainly depleted the amount of hemicelluloses and lignin, but also affected crystalline cellulose. These changes affected the cell wall microstructure, increasing both surface area and total pore volume. However, the chemical degradation produced a greater number of mesopores of smaller size compared to fungal decomposition. Both degradation processes weakened the cell wall’s mechanical strength, resulting in high shrinkage of degraded wood during air-drying. The results of the study suggest that degraded wood obtained under laboratory conditions can be a useful material for studies on new consolidants for archaeological wood.
Leaching of Copper Contained in Waste Printed Circuit Boards, Using the Thiosulfate—Oxygen System: A Kinetic Approach
Authors: Salinas-Rodríguez Eleazar , Hernández-Ávila Juan , Cerecedo-Sáenz Eduardo , Arenas-Flores Alberto , Veloz-Rodríguez Maria A. , Toro Norman , Gutiérrez-Amador Maria del P. , Acevedo-Sandoval Otilio A.
Published: March 2022

The present work is related to the treatment of crushed waste of printed circuit boards (WPCBs) from electrical and electronic devices (WEEE), carrying out the recovery of copper in solution. In the first stage, the studied material was characterized by AAS, SEM-EDS, and XRD. The results revealed significantly high amounts of copper (744.42 mg/g), compared with the rest of the metals present in the sample, mainly iron and zinc. In the second stage of the work, alkali dynamic leaching experiments were carried out in the S2O3−2− O2 medium, evaluating important kinetic variables in order to verify the controlling step of the system and adjust the data to a kinetic model. According to the results obtained from the various experimental tests executed, it was found that in the studied system of S2O3−2− O2, the leaching of copper was preferably adjusted to the model of spherical particles with a shrinking core finding a mixed chemical–diffusive control, with values of Ea = 25.78 kJ/mol and n = 0.22 (for the leaching reagent), indicating that the reaction was controlled by the oxygen transport to the solid–liquid interface and also by the chemical reaction in the surface of particles, obtaining up to 99.82% copper in solution.
Grain Growth Behavior and Electrical Properties of 0.96(K0.46−xNa0.54−x)Nb0.95Sb0.05O3–0.04Bi0.5(Na0.82K0.18)0.5ZrO3 Ceramics
Authors: Park Yeon-Ju , Yoo Il-Ryeol , Choi Seong-Hui , Cho Jiung , Cho Kyung-Hoon
Published: March 2022

This study investigated the causes of microstructural changes and the resultant electrical properties according to the sintering temperature of 0.96(K0.46−xNa0.54−x)Nb0.95Sb0.05O3-0.04Bi0.5(Na0.82K0.18)0.5ZrO3 lead-free ceramics by analyzing the correlation between vacancy concentrations and 2D nucleation. When sintered for 4 h, no grain growth occurred for the x = 0.000 composition over a wide temperature range, demonstrating that the existence of initial vacancies is essential for grain growth. As x increased, that is, as the vacancy concentration increased, the critical driving force (ΔGC) for 2D nucleation decreased, and abnormal grain growth was promoted. The number and size of these abnormal grains increased as the sintering temperature increased, but at sintering temperatures above 1100 °C, they decreased again owing to a large drop in ΔGC. The x = 0.005 specimen sintered at 1085 °C exhibited excellent piezoelectric properties of d33 = 498 pC/N and kp = 0.45 due to the large number of large abnormal grains with an 83% tetragonal phase fraction. The x = 0.000 specimen sintered at 1130 °C with suppressed grain growth exhibited good energy storage properties because of its very high relative density and small grain size of 300 to 400 nm.
Research on Modeling and Load Simulation Algorithm of Tracked Vehicle Braking System on Mu-Split Road Surfaces
Authors: Yang Xuefeng , Zhou Xiaojun , Fu Yimeng , Wan Bowen
Published: March 2022

The efficient work of the braking system ensures the safety of the driver’s life and property during the driving process. For tracked vehicles, a reliable braking system is the guarantee of completing the job or the task. This paper studies a high-speed electric-driven tracked vehicle’s driving state on different mu-split road surfaces and establishes the braking system model and the longitudinal dynamics model of the vehicle and driving wheels. Steering stability analysis was carried out and a relative motion between the two-sided braking systems resulting in a transfer torque was found. A load simulation test system has been built and the improved forward speed tracking algorithm has been used to adjust the inertia by combining the flywheel and the loading motor to simulate the load of the driving wheel. The results of the motor load simulation test show that the load simulation algorithm in this paper can effectively simulate the load on the driving wheel and restore working conditions of the real tracked vehicle. This paper also conducts the combined braking test of the two-sided system which gives the torque situation on both sides of the vehicle and obtains the transfer torque by applying the load simulation algorithm.
Modified Remora Optimization Algorithm for Global Optimization and Multilevel Thresholding Image Segmentation
Authors: Liu Qingxin , Li Ni , Jia Heming , Qi Qi , Abualigah Laith
Published: March 2022

Image segmentation is a key stage in image processing because it simplifies the representation of the image and facilitates subsequent analysis. The multi-level thresholding image segmentation technique is considered one of the most popular methods because it is efficient and straightforward. Many relative works use meta-heuristic algorithms (MAs) to determine threshold values, but they have issues such as poor convergence accuracy and stagnation into local optimal solutions. Therefore, to alleviate these shortcomings, in this paper, we present a modified remora optimization algorithm (MROA) for global optimization and image segmentation tasks. We used Brownian motion to promote the exploration ability of ROA and provide a greater opportunity to find the optimal solution. Second, lens opposition-based learning is introduced to enhance the ability of search agents to jump out of the local optimal solution. To substantiate the performance of MROA, we first used 23 benchmark functions to evaluate the performance. We compared it with seven well-known algorithms regarding optimization accuracy, convergence speed, and significant difference. Subsequently, we tested the segmentation quality of MORA on eight grayscale images with cross-entropy as the objective function. The experimental metrics include peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR), structure similarity (SSIM), and feature similarity (FSIM). A series of experimental results have proved that the MROA has significant advantages among the compared algorithms. Consequently, the proposed MROA is a promising method for global optimization problems and image segmentation.
Left (Right) Regular and Transposition Regular Semigroups and Their Structures
Authors: Zhang Xiaohong , Du Yudan
Published: March 2022

Regular semigroups and their structures are the most wonderful part of semigroup theory, and the contents are very rich. In order to explore more regular semigroups, this paper extends the relevant classical conclusions from a new perspective: by transforming the positions of the elements in the regularity conditions, some new regularity conditions (collectively referred to as transposition regularity) are obtained, and the concepts of various transposition regular semigroups are introduced (L1/L2/L3, R1/R2/R3-transposition regular semigroups, etc.). Their relations with completely regular semigroups and left (right) regular semigroups, proposed by Clifford and Preston, are analyzed. Their properties and structures are studied from the aspects of idempotents, local identity elements, local inverse elements, subsemigroups and so on. Their decomposition theorems are proved respectively, and some new necessary and sufficient conditions for semigroups to become completely regular semigroups are obtained.
Advancements of Artificial Intelligence in Liver-Associated Diseases and Surgery
Authors: Taha Anas , Ochs Vincent , Kayhan Leos N. , Enodien Bassey , Frey Daniel M. , Krähenbühl Lukas , Taha-Mehlitz Stephanie
Published: March 2022

Background and Objectives: The advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) based technologies in medicine is progressing rapidly, but the majority of its real-world applications has not been implemented. The establishment of an accurate diagnosis with treatment has now transitioned into an artificial intelligence era, which has continued to provide an amplified understanding of liver cancer as a disease and helped to proceed better with the method of procurement. This article focuses on reviewing the AI in liver-associated diseases and surgical procedures, highlighting its development, use, and related counterparts. Materials and Methods: We searched for articles regarding AI in liver-related ailments and surgery, using the keywords (mentioned below) on PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library. Choosing only the common studies suggested by these libraries, we segregated the matter based on disease. Finally, we compiled the essence of these articles under the various sub-headings. Results: After thorough review of articles, it was observed that there was a surge in the occurrence of liver-related surgeries, diagnoses, and treatments. Parallelly, advanced computer technologies governed by AI continue to prove their efficacy in the accurate screening, analysis, prediction, treatment, and recuperation of liver-related cases. Conclusions: The continual developments and high-order precision of AI is expanding its roots in all directions of applications. Despite being novel and lacking research, AI has shown its intrinsic worth for procedures in liver surgery while providing enhanced healing opportunities and personalized treatment for liver surgery patients.
Conservative Trio-Therapy for Varus Knee Osteoarthritis: A Prospective Case-Study
Authors: Puls Luise , Hauke Dorian , Camathias Carlo , Hügle Thomas , Barg Alexej , Valderrabano Victor
Published: March 2022

Background and Objectives: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a frequent cause of pain, functional limitations, and a common reason for surgical treatment, such as joint replacement. Conservative therapies can reduce pain and improve function; thus, delaying or even preventing surgical intervention. Various individual conservative therapies show benefits, but combination therapies remain underexplored. The aim of this prospective case-study was to assess the effect of a conservative combination therapy in patients with painful varus knee OA. Materials and Methods: With strong inclusion and exclusion criteria, nine patients with painful varus knee OA (mean age 56 years (range 51–63 years) were selected and monitored over six months, using the following clinical outcome scores: pain visual analog scale (VAS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis index (WOMAC score), short-form–36 items (SF-36) quality of life score, and the sports frequency score. All patients received a standardized conservative trio-therapy with varus-reducing hindfoot shoe-insoles with a lateral hindfoot wedge, oral viscosupplementation, and physiotherapy for six months. Results: The pain was reduced significantly from initial VAS values of 5.4 points (range, 3–10) to values of 0.6 points (range, 0–3; p < 0.01), at the end of treatment. After six months, seven out of nine patients reported no pain at all (VAS 0). The WOMAC score improved significantly, from initial values of 35 (range, 10–56) to values of 2 (range, 0–9; p < 0.01). The SF-36 score showed significant improvement after six months in all four domains of physical health (p < 0.01) and in two of the four domains of mental health (p < 0.05). The sports frequency score increased by at least one level in six out of nine patients after six months. Conclusions: The conservative trio-therapy in patients with varus knee OA showed positive initial clinical results: less pain, higher function, better quality of life, and higher sport activity. Further studies are required to evaluate the long-term effect.
Existential Insights in Cancer: Meaning in Life Adaptability
Authors: Carreno David F. , Eisenbeck Nikolett
Published: March 2022

Previous research demonstrated that the cancer diagnosis and treatment evoke existential concerns, especially ones related to meaning in life and meaning-making processes. The cancer experience is a vital challenge that often entails changes in what is personally important in life. Firstly, this paper collects evidence supporting that meaning adaptability, the way people adapt their meaning in life to the cancer experience, is a central element in the mental health of cancer patients. Various theories that could account for this meaning adaptability are introduced. Secondly, the paper provides a compilation of studies showing how people change what is significant in their lives within the course of cancer. Finally, the paper presents the available psychological therapies directed to facilitate meaning adaptability in this population. Meaning-centered interventions have been demonstrated to be effective in alleviating the suffering related to the cancer experience and promoting personal growth.
The Morphology of Impacted Maxillary Central Incisors: A Systematic Review
Authors: Mockutė Guoda , Klimaitė Gustė , Smailienė Dalia
Published: March 2022

Background and Objectives: The knowledge of the morphology of impacted maxillary central incisors may lead to more effective treatment. Therefore, this systematic review aimed to evaluate the morphology of impacted maxillary central incisors and compare them with contralateral teeth. Material and methods: This systematic review adhered to the PRISMA statement. The literature search was carried out using PubMed (Medline database), Cochrane Library, ProQuest, Web of Science and Science Direct electronic databases with no publication date restrictions up to July 2021. Data assessing the morphology of unilaterally impacted maxillary central incisors (ICI) evaluated with CBCT were extracted, and the quality of the studies was evaluated. Crown length, root length, and root dilaceration of impacted maxillary central incisors were compared with contralateral unimpacted teeth. Results: The initial database search identified a total number of 287 studies. After applying the selection criteria, 21 articles were selected for a full-text analysis, and four retrospective studies involving 205 patients were included in the systematic review. According to the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS), two of included articles were graded as “Good” and the remaining two as “Fair” quality. The results showed no difference between impacted teeth and their contralateral crowns, or a minor decrease in ICI crown length (from 0.15 to 0.56 mm). The root lengths of impacted maxillary central incisors were considerably shorter than contralateral incisors (from 2.13 to 3.22 mm) and, as dental age increased, root growth decreased and the incidence of root dilaceration was more frequent. Conclusions: The root lengths of impacted maxillary central incisors were considerably shorter compared to the contralateral incisors. Root dilacerations frequency and severity increased as dental age increased.
Processing Route Optimization and Characterization of Al6063–SiCp Metal-Matrix Composite Sheets
Authors: Soliman Mohamed , Akram Mohamad , Dawoud Michael , Elsabbagh Ahmed , Taha Mohamed A. , Palkowski Heinz
Published: March 2022

The target of this study is to develop routes for processing Al–SiCp (SiC particulate) sheets with improved microstructures; namely, the uniform distribution of SiCp and minimized porosity throughout the whole material, thereby improving its mechanical properties. Al–SiCp composites reinforced with 5, 10, and 15 vol.% SiC and having three average sizes of 29, 17, and 8.5 µm were produced using a semi-automated stir-casting machine; finally, the bars were hot rolled to get the final sheet dimensions. The rolling steps were performed based on the results of thermomechanical simulations performed on the cast blocks. The first rolling steps were applied according to a safe rolling schedule to avoid cracking via encouraging dynamic recrystallization. The last rolling steps were performed to improve the hardness and strength of the metal matrix composites (MMCs). A refinement in grain size from an average of 420 µm in the as-cast condition to an average of about 85 µm after rolling was observed. Some heterogeneity in grain size was observed where the regions with larger, elongated grains were associated with the zones depleted by SiCp reinforcement. Reinforcing with SiCp led to a small increase in tensile strength of 10–20 MPa, and this was further improved to about 60 MPa and 110 MPa for the 5 and 10 vol.% SiCp conditions, respectively, after a T6 heat treatment.
Research on Microstructures and Properties of High-Strength Anticorrosion Twinning-Induced Plasticity Steels
Authors: Si Yongli , Wang Xingfu , Liang Juhua , Han Fusheng
Published: March 2022

The microstructures, mechanical properties, and anticorrosion properties of Fe–25Mn–Cr(12, 18 wt.%)–CN TWIP steels compared with nominal Fe–22Mn–0.6C TWIP steel (TWIP-ref) in the solid-solution state were investigated in the present study by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), tensile tests, and potentiodynamic polarization measurement, etc. The results show that the Fe–Mn–Cr–CN TWIP steels have excellent mechanical properties and anticorrosion properties compared to the TWIP-ref steel. The strain-hardening rate of the 12CrN steel is lower than that of the TWIP-ref steel because of the relatively late generation of high-density deformation twins, which resulted in less tensile strength increments during the tensile test. Moreover, M23C6 precipitates enriched with Mn and Fe formed in the Fe–Mn–Cr–CN steel as the Cr content increased, which had an important influence on the mechanical properties and anticorrosion properties. In the Fe–Mn–Cr–CN TWIP steels, because of the influence of the M23C6 precipitation in the 18CrN sample, the yield strength (σYS) is increased slightly, while the ultimate tensile strength (σUTS) and elongation to failure are decreased. In addition, 18CrN has poor corrosion resistance because of the formation of M23C6 precipitation (i.e., it has relatively negative corrosion potential (Ecorr) and a smaller corrosion current density (Icorr)).