bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strategic Selection of Refractory High-Entropy Alloy Coatings for Hot-Forging Dies by Applying Decision Science
Authors: Jayaraman Tanjore V. , Canumalla Ramachandra
Published: December 2023

We compiled, assessed, and ranked refractory high-entropy alloys (RHEAs) from the existing literature to identify promising coating materials for hot-forging dies. The selection methodology was rigorously guided by decision science principles, seamlessly integrating multiple attribute decision making (MADM), principal component analysis (PCA), and hierarchical clustering (HC). By employing a combination of twelve diverse MADM methods, we successfully ranked a total of 22 RHEAs. This analytical technique unveiled the top five RHEAs: Ti20-Zr20-Hf20-Nb20-Cr20, Al20.4-Mo10.5-Nb22.4-Ta10.1-Ti17.8-Zr18.8, Ti20-Zr20-Hf20-Nb20-V20, Al11.3-Nb22.3-Ta13.1-Ti27.9-V4.5-Zr20.9, and Al7.9-Hf12.8-Nb23-Ta16.8-Ti18.9-Zr20.6 pertinent for generating data on other significant properties, including wear resistance, fatigue (both thermal and mechanical), bonding compatibility with the substrate die material, oxidation resistance, potential reactions with the workpiece, cost-effectiveness, fabricability, and more. The three highest-ranked RHEAs share key characteristics, including a body-centered cubic (BCC) crystal structure, thermal conductivity below ~70 W/mK, and impressive yield strength at ambient and elevated temperatures, surpassing 1100 MPa. Moreover, they exhibit a remarkable ~73% similarity among themselves. The decision science-driven analyses yield sound metallurgical insights and provide valuable guidelines for developing RHEA coatings tailored for hot-forging dies. The strategy for designing RHEA-based coating materials for hot-forging dies should focus on compositions featuring a substantial presence of refractory metals while maintaining a BCC crystal structure. This combination is likely to deliver the desired blend of thermal and mechanical properties, rendering these coatings exceptionally well-suited for the demanding requirements of hot-forging operations.
Effect of Graphite Powder Addition on Microstructure and Room Temperature Mechanical Properties of Ti-45Al-8Nb Alloys
Authors: Wang Sheng , Jin Yuliang , Chen Xiguo , Yang Xiaohong
Published: December 2023

The enhancement of the mechanical properties of TiAl alloys through the introduction of a second-phase reinforcement is highly essential. In this paper, using graphite powder as a carbon source, the Ti2AlC phase is introduced to improve the compression and friction properties of the TiAl alloy. Concurrently, the effects of graphite powder additions on the microstructure and room-temperature mechanical properties of Ti-45Al-8Nb-xC (mass%) alloys are investigated. The results show that as the volume fraction of Ti2AlC and the interdendritic γ phase increases, the length–diameter ratio of the Ti2AlC phase decreases with increases in the graphite powder addition. The addition of graphite powder results in a refining effect on the grain size and lamellar spacing of the Ti-45Al-8Nb-xC (mass%) alloys. As the graphite powder content increases from 0 to 0.9 mass%, the microhardness increases from 557 HV to 647 HV. The room-temperature compressive strength and strain of the Ti-45Al-8Nb-xC (mass%) alloys first increase and then decrease with the addition of graphite powder. Specifically, when the content of graphite powder is 0.6 mass%, the alloy exhibits a maximum compressive strength and strain of 1652 MPa and 22.2%, respectively. Compared with the alloy without the graphite powder addition, the compressive strength and strain are improved by 37.7% and 62.1%, respectively. The wear resistance of the alloys is improved through the addition of graphite powder and the wear rate decreases from 5.062 to 2.125 × 10−4 mm3·N−1·m−1 as the content of graphite powder increases from 0 to 0.9 mass%.
Study on the Performance of Nano-Zinc Oxide/Basalt Fiber Composite Modified Asphalt and Mixture
Authors: Li Chaojie , Li Zhenxia , Guo Tengteng , Chen Yuanzhao , Ma Junying , Wang Jing , Jin Lihui
Published: December 2023

In order to improve the service quality of roads and resolve the problem of defects in the conventional asphalt pavement in service, this paper uses a 5.3% aluminate coupling agent to modify the surface of nano-ZnO and prepares a composite-modified asphalt with nano-ZnO and basalt fiber (BF) as modifiers. First, the basic performance of different types of asphalt was investigated by means of a rotary film oven experiment. Then, a dynamic shear rheology experiment was carried out to analyze the high-temperature anti-rutting performance of the composite-modified asphalt at different temperatures and frequencies. Then, using a bending creep stiffness test, the low-temperature properties of the composite-modified asphalt were investigated. Finally, the microstructure and modification mechanisms of the composite-modified asphalt were analyzed with scanning electron microscopy and infrared spectroscopy. The results indicate that the anti-aging performance of the nano-ZnO/BF composite-modified asphalt is significantly improved after adding fibers to the modified asphalt. The average mass loss ratio is only 0.192%. At 46 °C, the rutting coefficient of the composite-modified asphalt was increased by 62.3%. The frequency master curve is always at the highest position and continues to rise, indicating a significant improvement in the high-temperature anti-rutting performance of the composite-modified asphalt. At 24 °C, the creep stiffness modulus S value of the composite-modified asphalt increased by 24.9%; moreover, there is no obvious effect of improving low temperature, but the variation range of creep tangent slope m of the modified asphalt after aging is decreased, which further shows that the addition of a modifier can decrease the influence of aging on asphalt. Nanoparticles are uniformly dispersed in the asphalt and form a three-dimensional interconnected structure with BF, which effectively improves the overall performance of the asphalt. Nano-ZnO and fibers have weak chemical reactions in matrix asphalt, but they are physically dispersed and compatible.
Bio-Based Tannin Foams: Comparing Their Physical and Thermal Response to Polyurethane Foams in Lightweight Sandwich Panels
Authors: Rodrigues Marlon Bender Bueno , Côrrea Ronan , De Cademartori Pedro Henrique G. , Ribeiro Ana C. R. , Coldebella Rodrigo , Delucis Rafael A. , Lunkes Nayara , Missio André L.
Published: December 2023

Rigid polyurethane foams are the better-performing material for the most common insulation purposes, like sandwich panels. Nevertheless, they are highly flammable materials, release toxic gases, and are manufactured from fossil sources. As an alternative, tannin foams are bio-based materials that work as innovative alternatives thanks to their great fire resistance, as well as lower smoke and harmful gases emissions. In the present study, lab-made foams of both materials were compared through morphology, thermal and fire degradation, mechanical properties, and water affinity in order to fill the technological gap between them and their related sandwich panels. It was observed that tannin foams are still relatively inhomogeneous (since formaldehyde was not used) and present a high affinity for water but have higher thermal and fire resistance. The flat compression strength of the polyurethane sandwiches was greater than that of tannin sandwiches (3.61 and 3.09 MPa, respectively) thanks, mainly, to the crosslinking degree difference between the resins. Also, tannin foams presented a lower weight loss (−70.684% lower weight loss in flammability tests than polyurethane foams) and the ability to self-extinguish the flame. Therefore, sandwich panels with tannin foam cores could be successful materials in areas that require protection against fire, such as the building engineering and automotive industries.
Custom ASIC Design for SHA-256 Using Open-Source Tools
Authors: Franck Lucas Daudt , Ginja Gabriel Augusto , Carmo João Paulo , Afonso José A. , Luppe Maximiliam
Published: December 2023

The growth of digital communications has driven the development of numerous cryptographic methods for secure data transfer and storage. The SHA-256 algorithm is a cryptographic hash function widely used for validating data authenticity, identity, and integrity. The inherent SHA-256 computational overhead has motivated the search for more efficient hardware solutions, such as application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). This work presents a custom ASIC hardware accelerator for the SHA-256 algorithm entirely created using open-source electronic design automation tools. The integrated circuit was synthesized using SkyWater SKY130 130 nm process technology through the OpenLANE automated workflow. The proposed final design is compatible with 32-bit microcontrollers, has a total area of 104,585 µm2, and operates at a maximum clock frequency of 97.9 MHz. Several optimization configurations were tested and analyzed during the synthesis phase to enhance the performance of the final design.
The Potential of Grapevine Leaf Extract in Treating Hyperpigmentation
Authors: Shecori Shani , Kher Mafatlal M. , Azagury Aharon , Drori Elyashiv
Published: December 2023

Hyperpigmentation, characterized by the excessive accumulation of melanin in the skin, is a common dermatological concern triggered by various factors, including UV radiation exposure. This study investigates the potential of grapevine leaf extracts in treating hyperpigmentation induced by UV radiation, focusing on 11 European and 12 Israeli grapevine varieties. Our research explores the correlations between total polyphenol content (TPC), tyrosinase inhibition, sun protection factor (SPF), and half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of these extracts. Our findings reveal substantial variation in TPC among grapevine varieties’ leaves, with the Israeli varieties showing higher TPC levels than the European ones. Correlation analysis demonstrates a robust link between TPC and SPF, indicating that increased TPC contributes to enhanced sun protection properties. However, TPC alone does not strongly correlate with tyrosinase inhibition, suggesting the importance of specific polyphenols in tyrosinase inhibition. Furthermore, the study identifies specific peaks in the HPLC analysis that correlate with desired activities. In summary, our research highlights the potential of grapevine leaf extracts, especially those from Israeli indigenous varieties, in addressing hyperpigmentation. It emphasizes the importance of specific polyphenols rather than TPC alone in achieving the desired effects. These findings open doors for further investigation into identifying and isolating active compounds from grapevine leaves for skincare applications.
Simultaneous Skin Rejuvenation in Patients Undergoing Medical Treatment for Actinic Keratosis and Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer: A Case Series Analysis
Authors: Sciamarrelli Nadia , Rosset François , Boskovic Sara , Borriello Silvia , Mastorino Luca , Ribero Simone , Quaglino Pietro , Broganelli Paolo
Published: December 2023

This original article presents the findings of a comprehensive case series, shedding light on the efficacy of diverse treatment modalities for managing precancerous and cancerous skin lesions and their remarkable rejuvenation effects on the skin. A particular focus is placed on the promising outcomes achieved through the application of a combination treatment involving 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) and salicylic acid, which demonstrates enduring and noteworthy results. Furthermore, alternative therapeutic approaches, including 5-FU monotherapy, Methyl aminolevulinate–photodynamic therapy (MAL-PDT), and the combination of Imiquimod therapy with MAL-PDT, exhibit substantial potential for patients seeking non-surgical solutions. These treatments manifest as valuable tools in improving skin texture and mitigating the effects of photodamage. Nevertheless, the intricate interplay between the chosen treatment, the extent of photodamage, and individual patient characteristics, with a particular emphasis on age, necessitates long-term follow-up to gauge treatment outcomes and the likelihood of lesion recurrence. Notably, these treatments are associated with a significant degree of inflammation, igniting curiosity regarding enhanced skin cellular turnover and the potential for a more youthful skin appearance. Our findings accentuate the promise of topical fluorouracil (5-FU) and photodynamic therapy (PDT) in combating photoaging among patients with actinic keratoses. However, a need for further in-depth research is evident to unravel the nuanced relationships between these treatments, the severity of photodamage, and the influence of patient-specific factors. Such comprehensive investigations are instrumental in optimizing patient care and outcomes, offering a holistic approach to managing photodamage within the context of actinic keratoses. This work, when combined with existing literature, provides valuable insights and serves as a catalyst for future research to fully unlock the potential of these treatments, ultimately enhancing the quality of patient care.
A Novel Preparation Method of (Ti,Zr,Nb,Mo,W)B2-SiC Composite Ceramic Based on Reactive Sintering of Pre-Alloyed Metals
Authors: Zu Yufei , Wang Zi , Tian Hongliang , Wu Fan , Fu Lianshen , Dai Jixiang , Sha Jianjun
Published: December 2023

High-entropy diboride-based (MeB2-based) ceramics are promising high-temperature structural materials because of their excellent mechanical properties, high-temperature stability, and oxidation resistance. In order to achieve low-temperature sintering of the high-entropy ceramics, a novel preparation method of high-entropy (Ti,Zr,Nb,Mo,W)B2-SiC ceramics based on reactive sintering of pre-alloyed solid-solution metals and nonmetals of Si, C, B4C was conducted in the current work. Mechanical alloying behavior of the mixed metal powders, as well as the phase composition, microstructure, mechanical properties, and oxidation behavior of the as-sintered MeB2-SiC ceramic were investigated. The XRD, SEM, and EPMA results indicated that the primary MeB2 solid-solution and SiC phases could be successfully formed during reactive sintering at a relatively low temperature of 1650 °C. The as-sintered MeB2-SiC ceramics had a high relative density of 97.8% and high mechanical properties (hardness of 19.74 ± 0.8 GPa, flexure strength of 533 ± 38 MPa, and fracture toughness of 6.01 ± 0.77 MPa·m1/2). Combining the oxidation behavior and microstructure evolution of the oxidation layer, a continuous and relatively dense MeOx-SiO2 oxidation layer was gradually formed and covered on the external surface, leading to decelerating oxidation behavior after an oxidation exposure time of 10 min.
Optimizing Tunable LC Devices with Twisted Light
Authors: Otón José M. , Pereiro-García Javier , Quintana Xabier , Caño-García Manuel , Otón Eva , Geday Morten A.
Published: December 2023

Tunable circular devices made of liquid crystals or other materials, like lenses, axicons, or phase plates, are often constrained by limitations in size, tunability, power, and other parameters. These constraints restrict their use and limit their applicability. In this review, a thorough study of the use of light’s orbital angular momentum in the manufacturing of liquid crystal (LC) devices is presented. Twisted light fosters the simultaneous optimization of most critical parameters. Experimental demonstrations of the unmatched performance of tunable LC lenses, axicons, and other elements in parameters such as lens diameter (>1″), power and tunability (>±6 diopters), fill factor (>98%), and time response have been achieved by reversible vortex generation created by azimuthal phase delay. This phase delay can eventually be removed within the optical system so that lens performance is not affected.
Synthesis, Crystal Structure, Hirshfeld Surface Analysis, Energy Framework Calculations, and Halogen Bonding Investigation of Benzene-1,3,5-triyltris((4-chlorophenyl)methanone)
Authors: Hassanain Hawazen M. , Al-Sharif Samah , Al-Ghamdi Huda A. , Nahari Layla M. , Al-Sulami Ahlam I. , Mousally Sameera M. , Al-Zaydi Khadijah M.
Published: December 2023

We synthesized 1,3,5-triyltris((4-chlorophenyl)methanone) by a condensation reaction in glacial acetic acid and studied utilizing spectroscopic and analytical techniques such as ultraviolet, infrared, mass, elemental, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, as well as X-ray crystallography. The effect of chlorine substitution in the 1,3,5-triaroylbenzene compound in solid-state arrangements was studied. Halogen bonds are detected in the solid-state structures of the titled compound. A dimeric structure is formed due to the presence of two C-Cl···Cl Type I halogen interactions. Additionally, a delocalized Type III C-Cl···π interaction were reported. C-Cl···H hydrogen bonding and π···π interaction were also reported. Hirshfeld surface analysis, 3D fingerprint, the energy framework, and the electro-optic potential were used to evaluate such interactions.
Structural Characterization of β-Xylosidase XynB2 from Geobacillus stearothermophilus CECT43: A Member of the Glycoside Hydrolase Family GH52
Authors: Gavira Jose Antonio , Contreras Lellys M. , Alshamaa Hassan Mohamad , Clemente-Jiménez Josefa María , Rodríguez-Vico Felipe , Las Heras-Vázquez Francisco Javier , Martínez-Rodríguez Sergio
Published: December 2023

β-xylosidases (4-β-d-xylan xylohydrolase, E.C. 3.2.1.37) are glycoside hydrolases (GH) catalyzing the hydrolysis of (1→4)-β-d-xylans, allowing for the removal of β-d-xylose residues from its non-reducing termini. Together with other xylan-degrading enzymes, β-xylosidases are involved in the enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass, making them highly valuable in the biotechnological field. Whereas different GH families are deeply characterized from a structural point of view, the GH52 family has been barely described. In this work, we report the 2.25 Å resolution structure of Geobacillus stearothermophilus CECT43 XynB2, providing the second structural characterization for this GH family. A plausible dynamic loop closing the entrance of the catalytic cleft is proposed based on the comparison of the available GH52 structures, suggesting the relevance of a dimeric structure for members of this family. The glycone specificity at the −1 site for GH52 and GH116 members is also explained by our structural studies.
The Influence of Design on Stress Concentration Reduction in Dental Implant Systems Using the Finite Element Method
Authors: Pala Eser , Ozdemir Ismail , Grund Thomas , Lampke Thomas
Published: December 2023

Dental implant fracture is closely connected to the stress buildup surrounding the implant system during static loading. In areas where the cross-section of the implant rapidly changes or where the geometry of the implant system has discontinuities, stress concentrations arise. Therefore, the implant’s design is crucial in preventing early failure of the implant system, including fracture, screw loosening, and increased leakage, in addition to reducing stresses at the implant–abutment interface. In the current work, three-dimensional (3D) models of mechanically connected Ti6-Al-4V implant systems in various dimensions were constructed. Finite element analysis (FEA) was used to conduct a stress study of the created implants under actual acting force static loading conditions in accordance with ISO 14801. In the created models, design elements including implant screw type, thickness, and taper angle of abutment were modified in order to increase the longevity of the implants. The results show that the equivalent stress level was dramatically reduced from 596.22 MPa to 212.72 MPa in the implant model, which exhibits a more homogeneous stress pattern under static loading conditions. By increasing the implant wall thickness from 0.15 mm to 0.40 mm in the region adjacent to the abutment, the stress levels, especially at the internal screw, were significantly reduced. Also, the design modification in Model B, establishing contact between the abutment and the upper part of the conical surface of the implant, resulted in a decrease in stress in the internal screw. Thus, enhanced homogeneity in stress distribution not only improves the harmony between the implant and surrounding tissues, thus increasing patient comfort and reducing the risk of complications, but also holds promise for the development of new implants capable of withstanding the forces encountered in the oral environment due to the relatively smoother stress transmission observed in this model.
Environmental DNA in a Biofilm Can Be Used to Assess Diatom Ecological Health in Stream Water Ecology
Authors: Kim Keonhee , Cho Hyeonjin , Kim Jeong-Hui , Yang Yun-Mo , Ju Hyunji , Jang Min-Ho , Jeong Hyun-Gi
Published: December 2023

In urban and agricultural streams, assessing aquatic ecosystem health is critical due to widespread pollution. Traditional methods for evaluating attached diatoms crucial for ecosystem monitoring face limitations such as species misidentification and sample damage. This study was conducted in the Miho River within the Geum River system and highlights the effectiveness of environmental DNA (eDNA) techniques for more accurate and efficient genetic-based analysis than conventional microscopic analysis methods. When eDNA-based assessments were compared with traditional microscopic methods, this study found that eDNA analysis often revealed poorer ecosystem health. Notably, eDNA assessments showed a stronger correlation with phosphorus concentrations, underlining their precision and importance in ecological studies. These findings suggest that eDNA has potential as a valuable tool for comprehensive biomonitoring. However, the use of international genetic barcode databases in eDNA analysis could lead to the identification of unrecorded species in Korea. Therefore, this study recommends developing a localized genetic barcode database and constructing eDNA information through meta-barcoding, focusing on native species. This approach is crucial for enhancing the accuracy and applicability of eDNA-based health assessments in national biomonitoring efforts.
A Turiasaurian (Dinosauria, Sauropoda) Tooth from the Pliensbachian Hasle Formation of Bornholm, Denmark, Shows an Early Jurassic Origin of the Turiasauria
Authors: Milàn Jesper , Mateus Octávio
Published: December 2023

Turiasauria is a clade of basal sauropod dinosaurs hitherto only known from the Middle Jurassic (Bathonian) to the Lower Cretaceous (Valanginian). A new find of a shed tooth crown from the Lower Jurassic (Pliensbachian), Halse Formation of Bornholm, Denmark, is spoon-like, asymmetrical, and heart-shaped, which identifies the tooth as turiasaurian, pushing the origin of the Turiasauria some 17 My back into the Lower Jurassic. This suggests a North Pangean/Laurasian origin of the turiasaurian clade, which then, during the Middle to Late Jurassic, dispersed through Europe, India, and Africa, with their latest representatives found in the Early Cretaceous of England and North America. Furthermore, this is the first record of a sauropod from the Pliensbachian in Europe.
Tardigrades (Tardigrada) of Colombia: Historical Overview, Distribution, New Records, and an Updated Taxonomic Checklist
Authors: Venencia-Sayas Dayanna , Londoño Rosana , Daza Anisbeth , Pertuz Luciani , Marín-Muñoz Gabriel , Londoño-Mesa Mario H. , Lisi Oscar , Camarda Daniele , Quiroga Sigmer
Published: December 2023

Tardigrades, with over 1450 species, are important organisms in ecological understanding and are valuable biological models (e.g., due to their extremotolerant capabilities). While their biodiversity is better known in Europe and North America, Central and South America have only recently started making significant contributions. Through a comprehensive review of scientific literature, biological collections, web portal consultations, and the addition of new records, this study clarifies the current knowledge of tardigrade biodiversity in Colombia. Past research started in the early 20th century, but most data are unreliable due to information gaps and the absence of specimens in biological collections. The last decade has witnessed a resurgence in tardigrade research in Colombia, leading to new species descriptions and a more robust understanding of their biodiversity. Nevertheless, the majority of the territory remains unexplored. A total of 43 known species from our analysis are present in Colombia: 26 records accepted by the literature and 17 questioned in the literature but representing distinct taxa surely present in Colombia. Other species records are considered doubtful. Our study recommends considering mostly scientific records based on verifiable material deposited in scientific collections (highlighting their importance in studying and safeguarding biodiversity) and encourages future researchers to contribute while adhering to legal requirements.
Cactus Cladodes and Sugarcane Bagasse Can Partially Replace Earless Corn Silage in Diets of Lactating Dairy Cows
Authors: Medeiros Izaac P. S. , Guido Sebastião I. , Gama Marco A. S. , Silva Carlos H. M. , Siqueira Michelle C. B. , Silva Camila S. da , Netto Antonio J. , Felix Silas B. , Rabelo Milena N. , Santos Thayane V. M. , Leite Maria A. M. , Ferreira Marcelo A.
Published: December 2023

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of replacing earless corn silage (ECS) with cactus cladodes (CC; Opuntia spp.) and sugarcane bagasse (SB) on nutrient intake, digestibility, feeding behavior, milk yield (MY), and composition of lactating dairy cows. Ten Holstein cows, weighing 571 ± 97.0 kg and producing 23.0 ± 4.4 kg of milk per day, were assigned to two contemporaneous 5 × 5 Latin squares. Treatments consisted of five levels of ECS replacement with CC plus SB (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100%). The results showed a linear increase in dry matter (DM) intake (p < 0.05) (15.98 and 18.73 kg/day) and a quadratic increase (p < 0.05) in crude protein and energy intake (2.97 kg/day and 27.52 Mcal/day at 95.4 and 88.6% substitution, respectively). Apparent DM digestibility increased (p < 0.05), but fiber digestibility decreased linearly (p < 0.05). Treatments had a quadratic effect (p < 0.05) on MY and fat-corrected MY (24.17 kg/day and 21.9 kg/day at 63.9% and 38.6% CC plus SB, respectively). Milk fat (3.26 and 2.35%) and total solids content decreased linearly (p < 0.05), whereas the percentages of protein, lactose, and nonfat solids increased (p < 0.05). Additionally, the CC–SB diets linearly reduced the time spent on feeding and rumination and total chewing time. For Holstein cows fed common semiarid diets, milk production can be maximized by replacing 38.6% of ECS with CC plus SB.
Investigating the Combined Impact of Water–Diesel Emulsion and Al2O3 Nanoparticles on the Performance and the Emissions from a Diesel Engine via the Design of Experiment
Authors: Mostafa A. , Mourad M. , Mustafa Ahmad , Youssef I.
Published: December 2023

This study aims to assess the impact of the water ratio and nanoparticle concentration of neat diesel fuel on the performance characteristics of and exhaust gas emissions from diesel engines. The experimental tests were conducted in two stages. In the first stage, the effects of adding water to neat diesel fuel in ratios of 2.5% and 5% on engine performance and emissions characteristics were examined and compared to those of neat diesel at a constant engine speed of 3000 rpm under three different engine loads. A response surface methodology (RSM) based on a central composite design (CCD) was utilized to simulate the design of the experiment. According to the test results, adding water to neat diesel fuel increased the brake-specific fuel consumption and reduced the brake thermal efficiency compared to neat diesel fuel. In the examination of exhaust emissions, hydrocarbons (HC), carbon monoxide (CO), and nitrogen oxides (NOx) in the tested fuel containing 2.5% of water were decreased in comparison to pure diesel fuel by 16.62%, 21.56%, and 60.18%, respectively, on average, through engine loading. In the second stage, due to the trade-off between emissions and performance, the emulsion fuel containing 2.5% of water is chosen as the best emulsion from the previous stage and mixed with aluminum oxide nanoparticles at two dose levels (50 and 100 ppm). With the same engine conditions, the emulsion fuel mixed with 50 ppm of aluminum oxide nanoparticles exhibited the best performance and the lowest emissions compared to the other evaluated fuels. The outcomes of the investigations showed that a low concentration of 50 ppm with a small amount of 11 nm of aluminum oxide nanoparticles combined with a water diesel emulsion is a successful method for improving diesel engine performance while lowering emissions. Additionally, it was found that the mathematical model could accurately predict engine performance parameters and pollution characteristics.
Diagnostic Performance of Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Parathyroid Localization of Primary Hyperparathyroidism: A Systematic Review
Authors: Scheepers Max H. M. C. , Al-Difaie Zaid , Brandts Lloyd , Peeters Andrea , Winkens Bjorn , Al-Taher Mahdi , Engelen Sanne M. E. , Lubbers Tim , Havekes Bas , Bouvy Nicole D. , Postma Alida A.
Published: December 2023

Accurate preoperative localization is crucial for successful minimally invasive parathyroidectomy in primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). Preoperative localization can be challenging in patients with recurrent and/or multigland disease (MGD). This has led clinicians to investigate multiple imaging techniques, most of which are associated with radiation exposure. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers ionizing radiation-free and accurate imaging, making it an attractive alternative imaging modality. The objective of this systematic review is to provide an overview of the diagnostic performance of MRI in the localization of PHPT. PubMed and Embase libraries were searched from 1 January 2000 to 31 March 2023. Studies were included that investigated MRI techniques for the localization of PHPT. The exclusion criteria were (1) secondary/tertiary hyperparathyroidism, (2) studies that provided no diagnostic performance values, (3) studies published before 2000, and (4) studies using 0.5 Tesla MRI scanners. Twenty-four articles were included in the systematic review, with a total of 1127 patients with PHPT. In 14 studies investigating conventional MRI for PHPT localization, sensitivities varied between 39.1% and 94.3%. When employing more advanced MRI protocols like 4D MRI for PHPT localization in 11 studies, sensitivities ranged from 55.6% to 100%. The combination of MR imaging with functional techniques such as 18F-FCH-PET/MRI yielded the highest diagnostic accuracy, with sensitivities ranging from 84.2% to 100% in five studies. Despite the limitations of the available evidence, the results of this review indicate that the combination of MR imaging with functional imaging techniques such as 18F-FCH-PET/MRI yielded the highest diagnostic accuracy. Further research on emerging MR imaging modalities, such as 4D MRI and PET/MRI, is warranted, as MRI exposes patients to minimal or no ionizing radiation compared to other imaging modalities.
Experimental Examination of Conventional, Semi-Automatic, and Automatic Volumetry Tools for Segmentation of Pulmonary Nodules in a Phantom Study
Authors: Hlouschek Julian , König Britta , Bos Denise , Santiago Alina , Zensen Sebastian , Haubold Johannes , Pöttgen Christoph , Herz Andreas , Opitz Marcel , Wetter Axel , Guberina Maja , Stuschke Martin , Zylka Waldemar , Kühl Hilmar , Guberina Nika
Published: December 2023

The aim of this study is to examine the precision of semi-automatic, conventional and automatic volumetry tools for pulmonary nodules in chest CT with phantom N1 LUNGMAN. The phantom is a life-size anatomical chest model with pulmonary nodules representing solid and subsolid metastases. Gross tumor volumes (GTVis) were contoured using various approaches: manually (0); as a means of semi-automated, conventional contouring with (I) adaptive-brush function; (II) flood-fill function; and (III) image-thresholding function. Furthermore, a deep-learning algorithm for automatic contouring was applied (IV). An intermodality comparison of the above-mentioned strategies for contouring GTVis was performed. For the mean GTVref (standard deviation (SD)), the interquartile range (IQR)) was 0.68 mL (0.33; 0.34–1.1). GTV segmentation was distributed as follows: (I) 0.61 mL (0.27; 0.36–0.92); (II) 0.41 mL (0.28; 0.23–0.63); (III) 0.65 mL (0.35; 0.32–0.90); and (IV) 0.61 mL (0.29; 0.33–0.95). GTVref was found to be significantly correlated with GTVis (I) p < 0.001, r = 0.989 (III) p = 0.001, r = 0.916, and (IV) p < 0.001, r = 0.986, but not with (II) p = 0.091, r = 0.595. The Sørensen–Dice indices for the semi-automatic tools were 0.74 (I), 0.57 (II) and 0.71 (III). For the semi-automatic, conventional segmentation tools evaluated, the adaptive-brush function (I) performed closest to the reference standard (0). The automatic deep learning tool (IV) showed high performance for auto-segmentation and was close to the reference standard. For high precision radiation therapy, visual control, and, where necessary, manual correction, are mandatory for all evaluated tools.
Validity of the Espiro Mobile Application in the Interpretation of Spirometric Patterns: An App Accuracy Study
Authors: Savic-Pesic Darinka , Chamorro Nuria , Lopez-Rodriguez Vanesa , Daniel-Diez Jordi , Torres Creixenti Anna , El Mesnaoui Mohamed Issam , Benavides Navas Viviana Katherine , Castellanos Cotte Jose David , Abellan Cano Iván , Da Costa Azevedo Fátima Alexandra , Trenza Peñas María , Voelcker-Sala Iñaki , Villalobos Felipe , Satue-Gracia Eva-María , Martin-Lujan Francisco
Published: December 2023

Spirometry is a pulmonary function test where correct interpretation of the results is crucial for accurate diagnosis of disease. There are online tools to assist in the interpretation of spirometry results; however, as yet none are validated. We evaluated the interpretation accuracy of the Espiro app using pulmonologist interpretations as the gold standard. This is an observational descriptive study in which 118 spirometry results were interpreted by the Espiro app, two pulmonologists, two primary care physicians, and two residents of a primary care training program. We determined the interpretation accuracy of the Espiro app and the concordance of the pattern and severity interpretation between the Espiro app and each of the observers using Cohen’s kappa coefficient (k). We obtained a sensitivity and specificity for the Espiro app of 97.5% (95% confidence interval (CI): 86.8–99.9%) and 94.9% (95%CI: 87.4–98.6%) with pulmonologist 1 and 100% (95%CI: 91.6–100%) and 98.7% (95%CI: 92.9–99.9%) with pulmonologist 2. The concordance for the pattern interpretation was greater than k 0.907, representing almost perfect agreement. The concordance of the severity interpretation was greater than k 0.807, representing substantial to almost perfect agreement. We concluded that the Espiro app is a valid tool for spirometry interpretation.
Rare Condition of Aberrant Arterial Supply to a Normal Lung: A Cases Series and Literature Review
Authors: Chang Yu-Yun , Lai Yen-Jun , Huang Chun-Chieh
Published: December 2023

Herein, we describe an aberrant artery to a normal lung, focusing on its classification, embryological hypotheses, diagnostic methods, and treatment modalities. We present three cases of aberrant arterial supply to a normal lung in various age groups (51 years, 5 months, and 29 years). The cases presented symptoms ranging from hemoptysis to respiratory distress. Successful transarterial embolization was performed in the 5-month-old infant. In addition, we collected case reports published from 1962 to the present from the literature to compare the trends in management and variations in manifestations.
Arrhythmic Risk and Treatment after Transcatheter Atrial Septal Defect Closure
Authors: Deaconu Silvia , Deaconu Alexandru , Marascu Gabriela , Stanculescu Mihaela Octavia , Cozma Dragoș , Cinteza Eliza , Vatasescu Radu
Published: December 2023

Atrial septal defect (ASD) represents the most common congenital heart defect identified in adulthood. Atrial and ventricular geometric remodeling due to intracardiac shunt increase the risk of arrhythmias, especially atrial fibrillation (AF). Clinical, echocardiography, electrocardiogram, and device-related predictors may be used to assess the risk of atrial arrhythmias after ASD closure. The underlying mechanisms in these patients are complex and at least in part independent of the structural remodeling secondary to hemodynamic overload. Device closure of the ASD itself and its timing impact future arrhythmia risk, as well as posing a challenge for when transseptal puncture is required. Sudden cardiac death (SCD) risk is higher than in the general population and an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) may be indicated in selected cases.
Addition of Kidney Dysfunction Type to MELD-Na for the Prediction of Survival in Cirrhotic Patients Awaiting Liver Transplantation in Comparison with MELD 3.0 with Albumin
Authors: Yeom Kyeong-Min , Chang Jong-In , Yoo Jeong-Ju , Moon Ji Eun , Sinn Dong Hyun , Kim Young Seok , Kim Sang Gyune
Published: December 2023

It is well known that renal dysfunction has a devastating effect on the prognosis of liver cirrhosis. In this study, the aim was to assess whether the incorporation of the kidney dysfunction type into the MELD-Na score enhances its predictive capacity for outcomes in patients awaiting liver transplantation (LT), compared to utilizing the MELD 3.0 score with albumin. In total, 2080 patients awaiting the LT were enrolled at two tertiary care institutions in Korea. Discrimination abilities were analyzed by using Harrell’s c-index and iAUC values between MELD-Na-kidney dysfunction type (MELD-Na-KT) and MELD 3.0 with albumin. Clinical endpoints encompassed 3-month survival, 3-month transplant-free survival (TFS), overall survival (OS), and total TFS. Out of the total of 2080 individuals, 669 (32.16%) were male. Regarding the types of renal function impairment, 1614 (77.6%) were in the normal group, 112 (5.38%) in the AKD group, 320 (15.35%) in the CKD group, and 34 (1.63%) were in the AKD on CKD group. MELD 3.0 with albumin showed better discrimination (c-index = 0.714) compared to MELD-Na-KT (c-index = 0.708) in predicting 3-month survival. Similar results were observed for OS, 3-month TFS, and total TFS as well. When divided by sex, MELD 3.0 with albumin showed the comparable prediction of 3-month survival to MELD-Na-KT (c-index 0.675 vs. 0.671, p-value 0.221) in males. However, in the female group, MELD 3.0 with albumin demonstrated better results compared to MELD-Na-KT (c-index 0.733 vs. 0.723, p-value 0.001). The integration of kidney dysfunction types into the MELD-Na did not yield superior prognostic results compared to the MELD 3.0 score with albumin. Rather, in the female group, the MELD 3.0 score with albumin was better able to predict survival. These findings suggest that laboratory values pertaining to liver dysfunction or creatinine levels may be more significant than the type of kidney dysfunction when predicting the short-term prognosis of LT candidates.
Musculoskeletal Radiology Education: A National Survey by the Italian College of Musculoskeletal Radiology
Authors: Albano Domenico , Fusco Stefano , Zappia Marcello , Sconfienza Luca Maria , Giovagnoni Andrea , Aliprandi Alberto , Messina Carmelo
Published: December 2023

Background: Our aim was to understand how musculoskeletal training is structured in Italian residency programmes and the needs of young trainees. Methods: We sent out an online questionnaire (17 questions) to Italian Society of Radiology residents and board-certified radiologists aged up to 39 years. Results: A total of 1144 out of 4210 (27.2%) members participated in the survey; 64.7% were residents and 35.3% were board-certified radiologists. Just 26.6% of participants had dedicated rotations for musculoskeletal training during their residency, although this percentage substantially increased in replies from northern Italy. One-fourth of residents had a scheduled period of musculoskeletal ultrasound. Most participants (76.3%) had <20 h per year of musculoskeletal lessons. The majority considered their musculoskeletal education poor (57.7%) or average (21.9%). According to 84.8% of replies, no dedicated training period about interventional musculoskeletal procedures was scheduled. Further, just 12.8% of residents took active part in such interventions. Nearly all participants believed that the musculoskeletal programme during residency needs to be improved, particularly concerning practices in ultrasound (92.8%), MRI cases interpretation/reporting (78.9%), and practice in ultrasound-guided interventional procedures (64.3%). Conclusions: Despite some differences in the structure of musculoskeletal education provided by different regions, there is a shared demand for improvement in musculoskeletal training.
Cross-Silo, Privacy-Preserving, and Lightweight Federated Multimodal System for the Identification of Major Depressive Disorder Using Audio and Electroencephalogram
Authors: Gupta Chetna , Khullar Vikas , Goyal Nitin , Saini Kirti , Baniwal Ritu , Kumar Sushil , Rastogi Rashi
Published: December 2023

In this day and age, depression is still one of the biggest problems in the world. If left untreated, it can lead to suicidal thoughts and attempts. There is a need for proper diagnoses of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and evaluation of the early stages to stop the side effects. Early detection is critical to identify a variety of serious conditions. In order to provide safe and effective protection to MDD patients, it is crucial to automate diagnoses and make decision-making tools widely available. Although there are various classification systems for the diagnosis of MDD, no reliable, secure method that meets these requirements has been established to date. In this paper, a federated deep learning-based multimodal system for MDD classification using electroencephalography (EEG) and audio datasets is presented while meeting data privacy requirements. The performance of the federated learning (FL) model was tested on independent and identically distributed (IID) and non-IID data. The study began by extracting features from several pre-trained models and ultimately decided to use bidirectional short-term memory (Bi-LSTM) as the base model, as it had the highest validation accuracy of 91% compared to a convolutional neural network and LSTM with 85% and 89% validation accuracy on audio data, respectively. The Bi-LSTM model also achieved a validation accuracy of 98.9% for EEG data. The FL method was then used to perform experiments on IID and non-IID datasets. The FL-based multimodal model achieved an exceptional training and validation accuracy of 99.9% when trained and evaluated on both IID and non-IIID datasets. These results show that the FL multimodal system performs almost as well as the Bi-LSTM multimodal system and emphasize its suitability for processing IID and non-IIID data. Several clients were found to perform better than conventional pre-trained models in a multimodal framework for federated learning using EEG and audio datasets. The proposed framework stands out from other classification techniques for MDD due to its special features, such as multimodality and data privacy for edge machines with limited resources. Due to these additional features, the framework concept is the most suitable alternative approach for the early classification of MDD patients.
Using YOLO Object Detection to Identify Hare and Roe Deer in Thermal Aerial Video Footage—Possible Future Applications in Real-Time Automatic Drone Surveillance and Wildlife Monitoring
Authors: Povlsen Peter , Bruhn Dan , Durdevic Petar , Arroyo Daniel , Pertoldi Cino
Published: December 2023

Wildlife monitoring can be time-consuming and expensive, but the fast-developing technologies of uncrewed aerial vehicles, sensors, and machine learning pave the way for automated monitoring. In this study, we trained YOLOv5 neural networks to detect points of interest, hare (Lepus europaeus), and roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) in thermal aerial footage and proposed a method to manually assess the parameter mean average precision (mAP) compared to the number of actual false positive and false negative detections in a subsample. This showed that a mAP close to 1 for a trained model does not necessarily mean perfect detection and provided a method to gain insights into the parameters affecting the trained models’ precision. Furthermore, we provided a basic, conceptual algorithm for implementing real-time object detection in uncrewed aircraft systems equipped with thermal sensors, high zoom capabilities, and a laser rangefinder. Real-time object detection is becoming an invaluable complementary tool for the monitoring of cryptic and nocturnal animals with the use of thermal sensors.
Bayesian Forecasting of Bounded Poisson Distributed Time Series
Authors: Liu Feng-Chi , Chen Cathy W. S. , Ho Cheng-Ying
Published: December 2023

This research models and forecasts bounded ordinal time series data that can appear in various contexts, such as air quality index (AQI) levels, economic situations, and credit ratings. This class of time series data is characterized by being bounded and exhibiting a concentration of large probabilities on a few categories, such as states 0 and 1. We propose using Bayesian methods for modeling and forecasting in zero-one-inflated bounded Poisson autoregressive (ZOBPAR) models, which are specifically designed to capture the dynamic changes in such ordinal time series data. We innovatively extend models to incorporate exogenous variables, marking a new direction in Bayesian inferences and forecasting. Simulation studies demonstrate that the proposed methods accurately estimate all unknown parameters, and the posterior means of parameter estimates are robustly close to the actual values as the sample size increases. In the empirical study we investigate three datasets of daily AQI levels from three stations in Taiwan and consider five competing models for the real examples. The results exhibit that the proposed method reasonably predicts the AQI levels in the testing period, especially for the Miaoli station.
Relationship between Information Scrambling and Quantum Darwinism
Authors: Tian Feng , Zou Jian , Li Hai , Han Liping , Shao Bin
Published: December 2023

A quantum system interacting with a multipartite environment can induce redundant encoding of the information of a system into the environment, which is the essence of quantum Darwinism. At the same time, the environment may scramble the initially localized information about the system. Based on a collision model, we mainly investigate the relationship between information scrambling in an environment and the emergence of quantum Darwinism. Our results show that when the mutual information between the system and environmental fragment is a linear increasing function of the fragment size, the tripartite mutual information (TMI) is zero, which can be proved generally beyond the collision model; when the system exhibits Darwinistic behavior, the TMI is positive (i.e., scrambling does not occur); when we see the behavior of an “encoding” environment, the TMI is negative (i.e., scrambling occurs). Additionally, we give a physical explanation for the above results by considering two simple but illustrative examples. Moreover, depending on the nature of system and environment interactions, it is also shown that the single qubit and two-qubit systems behave differently for the emergence of quantum Darwinism, and hence the scrambling, while their relationship is consistent with the above conclusion.