bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Challenges to Systems of Long-Term Care: Mapping of the Central Concepts from an Umbrella Review
Authors: Barreira Luís Filipe , Paiva Abel , Araújo Beatriz , Campos Maria Joana
Published: January 2023

The ageing of the population poses urgent challenges to the health and social protection sectors, including the need for greater adequacy and integration of health care services provided to older people. It is considered necessary and urgent to understand the state-of-the-art of community-based models of care for older people in institutional care and at home. This study aims to map the concepts that politicians and providers need to address through an umbrella review as a review method. Articles describing the structuring aspects of care models appropriate to the needs in long-term care and systematic reviews or meta-analyses targeting people aged 65 years or more were considered. A total of 350 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. The results identified the need to contribute to effective and more efficient integration and articulation of all the stakeholders, based essentially on professional care at the patient’s homes, focused on their needs using the available technologies, empowering patients and families. Eight categories emerged that addressed factors and variables involved in care models for the long-term care needs of institutionalised and home-based older people as a guarantee of accessibility to healthcare and to enhance the well-being and quality of life of patients and family caregivers.
Socialisation Agents’ Use(fulness) for Older Consumers Learning ICT
Authors: Aleti Torgeir , Figueiredo Bernardo , Martin Diane M. , Reid Mike
Published: January 2023

This research investigates the socialisation agents older consumers use to learn about information and communication technologies (ICT). We surveyed 871 older consumers in Victoria, Australia, about whom they would most likely turn to for advice (i.e., their preferred socialisation agents) if they needed help using or fixing an ICT device. They were asked to identify the most and second most likely source of advice. Participants were also asked to assess the usefulness of the advice received from their preferred agents and to estimate their level of ICT knowledge. The findings reveal that older consumers tend to rely on younger family members. Still, the agency they receive from non-familial sources is essential when preparing for a digital consumer role. Surprisingly, ICT knowledge is determined by the socialisation agency received by older adults’ second advice option—which is less likely to be their own adult children. This research expands current knowledge about how older consumers perceive various ICT socialisation agents. Consumer socialisation theory suggests that socialisation agents impact how consumers function in the marketplace. Although the first choice of socialisation agent may be perceived as beneficial for older adults, the advice given does not relate to marketplace functioning regarding improved ICT knowledge.
Application of Deep Learning Model in the Sonographic Diagnosis of Uterine Adenomyosis
Authors: Raimondo Diego , Raffone Antonio , Aru Anna Chiara , Giorgi Matteo , Giaquinto Ilaria , Spagnolo Emanuela , Travaglino Antonio , Galatolo Federico Andrea , Cimino Mario Giovanni Cosimo Antonio , Lenzi Jacopo , Centini Gabriele , Lazzeri Lucia , Mollo Antonio , Seracchioli Renato , Casadio Paolo
Published: January 2023

Background: This study aims to evaluate the diagnostic performance of Deep Learning (DL) machine for the detection of adenomyosis on uterine ultrasonographic images and compare it to intermediate ultrasound skilled trainees. Methods: Prospective observational study were conducted between 1 and 30 April 2022. Transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) diagnosis of adenomyosis was investigated by an experienced sonographer on 100 fertile-age patients. Videoclips of the uterine corpus were recorded and sequential ultrasound images were extracted. Intermediate ultrasound-skilled trainees and DL machine were asked to make a diagnosis reviewing uterine images. We evaluated and compared the accuracy, sensitivity, positive predictive value, F1-score, specificity and negative predictive value of the DL model and the trainees for adenomyosis diagnosis. Results: Accuracy of DL and intermediate ultrasound-skilled trainees for the diagnosis of adenomyosis were 0.51 (95% CI, 0.48–0.54) and 0.70 (95% CI, 0.60–0.79), respectively. Sensitivity, specificity and F1-score of DL were 0.43 (95% CI, 0.38–0.48), 0.82 (95% CI, 0.79–0.85) and 0.46 (0.42–0.50), respectively, whereas intermediate ultrasound-skilled trainees had sensitivity of 0.72 (95% CI, 0.52–0.86), specificity of 0.69 (95% CI, 0.58–0.79) and F1-score of 0.55 (95% CI, 0.43–0.66). Conclusions: In this preliminary study DL model showed a lower accuracy but a higher specificity in diagnosing adenomyosis on ultrasonographic images compared to intermediate-skilled trainees.
Basic Income and the Status of Women in an Established Gender-Equal Welfare State: Results from the Finnish Basic Income Experiment
Authors: Kangas Olli , Ylikännö Minna
Published: January 2023

Debates on the gendered effects of universal basic income (UBI) tend to bifurcate into two opposing views. On the one hand, UBI is seen as a strong incentive for women to stay at home and be permanently locked into their care responsibilities. On the other hand, UBI is seen as a tool for empowerment, increasing women’s autonomy, fortifying their capacity to act, and guaranteeing their individual income and income security. This paper contributes to these debates by asking if UBI enhances women’s empowerment or not. Using the survey data compiled in the context of the Finnish basic income experiment (2017–2018), we compare survey responses from the UBI treatment group (n = 586) and the control group (n = 1047). Our results based on χ2 statistics and regression analyses show that, while UBI did not affect employment, it was positively associated with individual capacities and confidence in various aspects of life. However, these empowering effects were universal and did not differ between women and men. Our results indicate that UBI is not a gender equality-related issue in established gender-equal Nordic welfare states. On the basis of our findings, we also argue that the previous academic discussion on UBI and on results from various experiments is too universalising. It does not pay sufficient attention to the national social policy contexts where experiments have been carried out.
Cryptic Oral Microbiota: What Is Its Role as Obstructive Sleep Apnea-Related Periodontal Pathogens?
Authors: Téllez Corral Mayra A. , Herrera Daza Eddy , Cuervo Jimenez Hayde K. , Bravo Becerra María del Mar , Villamil Jean Carlos , Hidalgo Martinez Patricia , Roa Molina Nelly S. , Otero Liliana , Cortés María E. , Parra Giraldo Claudia M.
Published: January 2023

Periodontitis has been commonly linked to periodontopathogens categorized in Socransky’s microbial complexes; however, there is a lack of knowledge regarding “other microorganisms” or “cryptic microorganisms”, which are rarely thought of as significant oral pathogens and have been neither previously categorized nor connected to illnesses in the oral cavity. This study hypothesized that these cryptic microorganisms could contribute to the modulation of oral microbiota present in health or disease (periodontitis and/or obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients). For this purpose, the presence and correlation among these cultivable cryptic oral microorganisms were identified, and their possible role in both conditions was determined. Data from oral samples of individuals with or without periodontitis and with or without OSA were obtained from a previous study. Demographic data, clinical oral characteristics, and genera and species of cultivable cryptic oral microorganisms identified by MALDI-TOF were recorded. The data from 75 participants were analyzed to determine the relative frequencies of cultivable cryptic microorganisms’ genera and species, and microbial clusters and correlations tests were performed. According to periodontal condition, dental-biofilm-induced gingivitis in reduced periodontium and stage III periodontitis were found to have the highest diversity of cryptic microorganism species. Based on the experimental condition, these findings showed that there are genera related to disease conditions and others related to healthy conditions, with species that could be related to different chronic diseases being highlighted as periodontitis and OSA comorbidities. The cryptic microorganisms within the oral microbiota of patients with periodontitis and OSA are present as potential pathogens, promoting the development of dysbiotic microbiota and the occurrence of chronic diseases, which have been previously proposed to be common risk factors for periodontitis and OSA. Understanding the function of possible pathogens in the oral microbiota will require more research.
Extrusion Effect or Promotion Effect? The Effect of Environmental Regulation on Enterprise Green Innovation
Authors: Wang Wei , Chen Hailin
Published: January 2023

This paper took the policy of China’ Air Pollution Prevention and Control Action Plan as an exogenous shock to reflect the change in environmental regulation intensity. By matching environmental policies with micro data of listed companies in China, this paper explored the effect and mechanisms of environmental regulation on enterprise green innovation. Through constructing difference-in-difference (DID) and difference-in-difference-in-difference (DDD) models, we found the following to be the case: (1) Environmental regulation had a significant positive effect with the green innovation level of Chinese listed companies. (2) Compared with non-regulated industries, this policy has led to a significant increase (5.4%) in the amount of firms’ green patent applications in regulated industries, and the promoting effect was more obvious in key areas that are strictly controlled by this policy. (3) Compared with non-state-owned enterprises, it had a stronger impact on the green innovation of state-owned enterprises. (4) Mechanistic analysis showed that China’s environmental regulation can play a resource compensation effect by increasing environmental protection subsidies for enterprises’ green innovation behaviors. Additionally, it can force firms to increase investment in environmental pollution governance by raising pollution penalties, thus exerting the forcing effect. This paper provides new evidence for Porter’s hypothesis and can provide a reference for developing countries promoting green innovation through environmental policies and regulations.
Quality of Life in Patients over Age 65 after Intestinal Ostomy Creation as Treatment of Large Intestine Disease
Authors: Chrobak-Bień Joanna , Marciniak Anna , Kozicka Izabela , Lakoma Kuiken Anna , Włodarczyk Marcin , Sobolewska-Włodarczyk Aleksandra , Ignaczak Anna , Borowiak Ewa
Published: January 2023

Introduction: For patients with severe intestinal diseases, ostomy surgery can be health-preserving and even lifesaving. Unfortunately, stoma creation also results in a morbidity that patients must manage. Utilization of the correct ostomy appliances is essential for the patient to regain full daily fitness. Patients also now have access to stoma clinics and fistula support groups where they can receive education and emotional support. Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the quality of life of patients over 65 years of age with an intestinal stoma, created for treatment of severe colorectal disease. Material and methods: The study involved 100 patients (52 women, 48 men) over the age of 65 with an intestinal stoma. Demographic and medical information was collected. The patients completed diagnostic surveys using the SF-36v2 questionnaire and the author’s questionnaire. Results: Analysis demonstrated statistically significant relationships between the quality of life of the patient population and stressors of everyday life. Furthermore, there are statistically significant relationships between quality of life and demographic factors including age, marital status, place of residence, and education. Only gender was not a statistically significant factor. Conclusions: A lengthened time interval to intestinal stoma creation is associated with an improved quality of life as well as psychological and emotional acceptance of the intestinal stoma. Support relationships with loved ones is associated with the acceptance of an intestinal stoma. There is a relationship between acceptance of an intestinal stoma and demographic factors such as marital status, place of residence, and education. Gender did not show any significant relationship. Stoma complications are not related to the acceptance of an intestinal stoma.
Effect of Arylazo Sulfones on DNA: Binding, Cleavage, Photocleavage, Molecular Docking Studies and Interaction with A375 Melanoma and Non-Cancer Cells
Authors: Mikra Chrysoula , Mitrakas Achilleas , Ghizzani Virginia , Katsani Katerina R. , Koffa Maria , Koukourakis Michael , Psomas George , Protti Stefano , Fagnoni Maurizio , Fylaktakidou Konstantina C.
Published: January 2023

A set of arylazo sulfones, known to undergo N–S bond cleavage upon light exposure, has been synthesized, and their activity in the dark and upon irradiation towards DNA has been investigated. Their interaction with calf-thymus DNA has been examined, and the significant affinity observed (most probably due to DNA intercalation) was analyzed by means of molecular docking “in silico” calculations that pointed out polar contacts, mainly via the sulfonyl moiety. Incubation with plasmid pBluescript KS II revealed DNA cleavage that has been studied over time and concentration. UV-A irradiation considerably improved DNA damage for most of the compounds, whereas under visible light the effect was slightly lower. Moving to in vitro experiments, irradiation was found to slightly enhance the death of the cells in the majority of the compounds. Naphthylazosulfone 1 showed photo-disruptive effect under UV-A irradiation (IC50 ~13 μΜ) followed by derivatives 14 and 17 (IC50 ~100 μΜ). Those compounds were irradiated in the presence of two non-cancer cell lines and were found equally toxic only upon irradiation and not in the dark. The temporal and spatial control of light, therefore, might provide a chance for these novel scaffolds to be useful for the development of phototoxic pharmaceuticals.
Development of a Versatile Method to Construct Direct Electron Transfer-Type Enzyme Complexes Employing SpyCatcher/SpyTag System
Authors: Yanase Takumi , Okuda-Shimazaki Junko , Asano Ryutaro , Ikebukuro Kazunori , Sode Koji , Tsugawa Wakako
Published: January 2023

The electrochemical enzyme sensors based on direct electron transfer (DET)-type oxidoreductase-based enzymes are ideal for continuous and in vivo monitoring. However, the number and types of DET-type oxidoreductases are limited. The aim of this research is the development of a versatile method to create a DET-type oxidoreductase complex based on the SpyCatcher/SpyTag technique by preparing SpyCatcher-fused heme c and SpyTag-fused non-DET-type oxidoreductases, and by the in vitro formation of DET-type oxidoreductase complexes. A heme c containing an electron transfer protein derived from Rhizobium radiobacter (CYTc) was selected to prepare SpyCatcher-fused heme c. Three non-DET-type oxidoreductases were selected as candidates for the SpyTag-fused enzyme: fungi-derived flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD)-dependent glucose dehydrogenase (GDH), an engineered FAD-dependent d-amino acid oxidase (DAAOx), and an engineered FMN-dependent l-lactate oxidase (LOx). CYTc-SpyCatcher (CYTc-SC) and SpyTag-Enzymes (ST-GDH, ST-DAAOx, ST-LOx) were prepared as soluble molecules while maintaining their redox properties and catalytic activities, respectively. CYTc-SC/ST-Enzyme complexes were formed by mixing CYTc-SpyCatcher and SpyTag-Enzymes, and the complexes retained their original enzymatic activity. Remarkably, the heme domain served as an electron acceptor from complexed enzymes by intramolecular electron transfer; consequently, all constructed CYTc-SC/ST-Enzyme complexes showed DET ability to the electrode, demonstrating the versatility of this method.
A Versatile Toolset for Genetic Manipulation of the Wine Yeast Hanseniaspora uvarum
Authors: Heinisch Jürgen J. , Murra Andrea , Jürgens Kai , Schmitz Hans-Peter
Published: January 2023

Hanseniaspora uvarum is an ascomycetous yeast that frequently dominates the population in the first two days of wine fermentations. It contributes to the production of many beneficial as well as detrimental aroma compounds. While the genome sequence of the diploid type strain DSM 2768 has been largely elucidated, transformation by electroporation was only recently achieved. We here provide an elaborate toolset for the genetic manipulation of this yeast. A chromosomal replication origin was isolated and used for the construction of episomal, self-replicating cloning vectors. Moreover, homozygous auxotrophic deletion markers (Huura3, Huhis3, Huleu2, Huade2) have been obtained in the diploid genome as future recipients and a proof of principle for the application of PCR-based one-step gene deletion strategies. Besides a hygromycin resistance cassette, a kanamycin resistance gene was established as a dominant marker for selection on G418. Recyclable deletion cassettes flanked by loxP-sites and the corresponding Cre-recombinase expression vectors were tailored. Moreover, we report on a chemical transformation procedure with the use of freeze-competent cells. Together, these techniques and constructs pave the way for efficient and targeted manipulations of H. uvarum.
Behavioral and Pharmacokinetics Studies of N-Methyl-2-Aminoindane (NM2AI) in Mice: An Aminoindane Briefly Used in the Illicit Drug Market
Authors: Tirri Micaela , Corli Giorgia , Arfè Raffaella , Marchetti Beatrice , Bilel Sabrine , Bernardi Tatiana , Boccuto Federica , Odoardi Sara , Mestria Serena , Strano-Rossi Sabina , Marti Matteo
Published: January 2023

Drug forums are considered as the main platform sources that have contributed to the increase in NPS popularity, especially for those not yet known to law enforcement and therefore not yet illegal. An example is the new synthetic stimulant NM2AI, which has a very short history of human use and abuse. Little is known regarding this compound, but some information from internet forums and the scientific literature indicates NM2AI as a structural derivate of MDAI, which is known for its entactogenic activity. Indeed, the purpose of this study is to evaluate, for the first time, the in vivo acute effect induced by the intraperitoneal injection of NM2AI (1–10–30–100 mg/kg) in mice. We demonstrate the sensory (by visual placing and object tests) and physiological (core temperature measurement) function variations, nociceptor (by tail pinch test) and strength (grip test) alterations, and sensorimotor (time on rod and mobility) decrease. Moreover, we verify the mild hallucinogenic effect of NM2AI (by startle/prepulse inhibition test). Lastly, we perform a pharmacokinetic study on mice blood samples, highlighting that the main active metabolite of NM2AI is 2-aminoindane (2AI). Taken together, our data confirm the suspected entactogenic activity of NM2AI; however, these in vivo effects appear atypical and less intense with respect to those induced by the classic stimulants, in surprising analogy with what is reported by networked users.
Efficacy of Conventional and Organic Insecticides against Scaphoideus titanus: Field and Semi-Field Trials
Authors: Prazaru Stefan Cristian , D’Ambrogio Lisa , Dal Cero Martina , Rasera Mirko , Cenedese Giovanni , Guerrieri Enea , Pavasini Marika , Mori Nicola , Pavan Francesco , Duso Carlo
Published: January 2023

Scaphoideus titanus is the main vector of phytoplasmas associated with Flavescence dorée (FD), one of the most serious threats to viticulture in many European countries. To minimize the spread of this disease, mandatory control measures against S. titanus were decided in Europe. In the 1990s, the repeated application of insecticides (mainly organophosphates) proved to be an effective measure to control the vector and the related disease in north-eastern Italy. These insecticides and most of the neonicotinoids were recently banned from European viticulture. Serious FD issues detected in the recent years in northern Italy could be related to the use of less effective insecticides. Trials aimed at evaluating the efficacy of the most used conventional and organic insecticides in the control of S. titanus have been performed in semi-field and field conditions to test this hypothesis. In efficacy trials, carried out in four vineyards, etofenprox and deltamethrin proved to be the best conventional insecticides, while pyrethrins were the most impactful among organic insecticides. Insecticide residual activity was evaluated in semi-field and field conditions. Acrinathrin showed the most significant residual effects in both conditions. In semi-field trials, most of the pyrethroids were associated with good results in terms of residual activity. However, these effects declined in field conditions, probably due to high temperatures. Organic insecticides showed poor results in terms of residual efficacy. Implications of these results in the context of Integrated Pest Management in conventional and organic viticulture are discussed.
Spatial Pattern of Changing Vegetation Dynamics and Its Driving Factors across the Yangtze River Basin in Chongqing: A Geodetector-Based Study
Authors: Yao Bo , Ma Lei , Si Hongtao , Li Shaohua , Gong Xiangwen , Wang Xuyang
Published: January 2023

Revealing the spatial dynamics of vegetation change in Chongqing and their driving mechanisms is of major value to regional ecological management and conservation. Using several data sets, including the SPOT Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), meteorological, soil, digital elevation model (DEM), human population density and others, combined with trend analysis, stability analysis, and geographic detectors, we studied the pattern of temporal and spatial variation in the NDVI and its stability across Chongqing from 2000 to 2019, and quantitatively analyzed the relative contribution of 18 drivers (natural or human variables) that could influence vegetation dynamics. Over the 20-year period, we found that Chongqing region’s NDVI had an annual average value of 0.78, and is greater than 0.7 for 93.52% of its total area. Overall, the NDVI increased at a rate of 0.05/10 year, with 81.67% of the areas undergoing significant expansion, primarily in the metropolitan areas of Chongqing’s Three Gorges Reservoir Area (TGR) and Wuling Mountain Area (WMA). The main factors influencing vegetation change were human activities, climate, and topography, for which the most influential variables respectively were night light brightness (NLB, 51.9%), annual average air temperature (TEM, 47%), and elevation (ELE, 44.4%). Furthermore, we found that interactions between differing types of factors were stronger than those arising between similar ones; of all pairwise interaction types tested, 92.9% of them were characterized by two-factor enhancement. The three most powerful interactions detected were those for NLB ∩ TEM (62.7%), NLB ∩ annual average atmospheric pressure (PRS, 62.7%), and NLB ∩ ELE (61.9%). Further, we identified the most appropriate kind or range of key elements shaping vegetation development and dynamics. Altogether, our findings can serve as a timely scientific foundation for developing a vegetative resource management strategy for the Yangtze River basin that duly takes into account local climate, terrain, and human activity.
Sevoflurane Exposure of Clinical Doses in Pregnant Rats Induces Vcan Changes without Significant Neural Apoptosis in the Offspring
Authors: Jin Yi , Hu Xiaoxue , Meng Fanhua , Luo Qing , Liu Henry , Yang Zeyong
Published: January 2023

Background and Objectives: Sevoflurane is a commonly used inhalational anaesthetic in clinics. Prolonged exposure to sevoflurane can induce significant changes in lipid metabolism and neuronal damage in the developing brain. However, the effect of exposure of pregnant rats to clinical doses of sevoflurane remains unclear. Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight pregnant rats were randomly and equally divided into sevoflurane exposure (S) group, control (C) and a blank group at gestational day (G) 18; Rats in S group received 2% sevoflurane with 98% oxygen for 6 h in an anesthetizing chamber, while C group received 100% oxygen at an identical flow rate for 6 h in an identical chamber. Partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), ultra performance liquid chromatography/time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC/TOF-MS) and MetaboAnalyst were used to analysis acquire metabolomics profiles, and immunohistochemical changes of neuronalapoptosis in hippocampus and cortex of neonatal rats were also analyzed. Results: This study aimed to explore lipidomics and transcriptomics changes related to 2% sevoflurane exposure for 6 h in the developing brains of newborn offspring rats. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography/time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC/TOF–MS) and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analyses were used to acquire metabolomics and transcriptomics profiles. We used RNA-seq to analyse the expression of the coding and non-coding transcripts in neural cells of the cerebral cortex. No significant differences in arterial oxygen tension (PaO2), arterial carbon dioxide tension (PaCO2), or arterial blood gas were found between the groups. The relative standard deviation (RSD) of retention times was <1.53%, and the RSDs of peak areas ranged from 2.13% to 8.51%. Base peak chromatogram (BPC) profiles showed no differences between the groups. We evaluated the partial least square-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) model. In negative ion mode, R2X was over 70%, R2Y was over 93%, and Q2 (cum) was over 80%. Cell apoptosis was not remarkably enhanced by TUNEL and haematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining in the sevoflurane-exposed group compared to the control group (p > 0.05). Glycerophospholipid (GP) and sphingolipid metabolism disturbances might adversely influence neurodevelopment in offspring. The expression of mRNAs (Vcan gene, related to neuronal development, function and repair) of the sevoflurane group was significantly increased in the differential genes by qRT-PCR verification. Conclusions: GP and sphingolipid metabolism homeostasis may be potential therapeutic approaches against inhalational anaesthetic-induced neurodegenerative disorders. Meanwhile, sevoflurane-induced Vcan changes indicated some lipidomic and transcriptomic changes, even if neural cell apoptosis was not significantly changed in the usual clinical dose of sevoflurane exposure.
σ-Aromatic MAl6S6 (M = Ni, Pd, Pt) Stars Containing Planar Hexacoordinate Transition Metals
Authors: Bai Li-Xia , Guo Jin-Chang
Published: January 2023

Hypercoordinate transition-metal species are mainly dominated by the 18-valence-electron (18ve) counting. Herein, we report ternary MAl6S6 (M = Ni, Pd, Pt) clusters with the planar hexacoordinate metal (phM) centers, which feature 16ve counting instead of the classic 18ve rule. These global-minimum clusters are established via unbiased global searches, followed by PBE0 and single-point CCSD(T) calculations. The phM MAl6 units are stabilized by six peripheral bridging S atoms in these star-like species. Chemical bonding analyses reveal that there are 10 delocalized electrons around the phM center, which can render the aromaticity according to the (4n + 2) Hückel rule. It is worth noting that adding an (or two) electron(s) to its π-type lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) will make the system unstable.
Modified Technogenic Asphaltenes as Enhancers of the Thermal Conductivity of Paraffin
Authors: Gorbacheva Svetlana N. , Borisova Yulia Yu. , Makarova Veronika V. , Antonov Sergey V. , Borisov Dmitry N. , Yakubov Makhmut R.
Published: January 2023

The low thermal conductivity of paraffin and other organic phase change materials limits their use in thermal energy storage devices. The introduction of components with a high thermal conductivity such as graphene into these materials leads to an increase in their thermal conductivity. In this work, we studied the use of inexpensive carbon fillers containing a polycyclic aromatic core, due to them having a structural similarity with graphene, to increase the thermal conductivity of paraffin. As such fillers, technogenic asphaltenes isolated from ethylene tar and their modified derivatives were used. It is shown that the optimal concentration of carbon fillers in the paraffin composite, which contributes to the formation of a structural framework and resistance to sedimentation, is 5 and 30 wt. %, while intermediate concentrations are ineffective, apparently due to the formation of large aggregates, the concentration of which is insufficient to form a strong framework. It has been found that the addition of asphaltenes modified with ammonium persulfate in acetic acid significantly increases the thermal conductivity of paraffin by up to 72%.
Enhanced Corrosion Resistance and Local Therapy from Nano-Engineered Titanium Dental Implants
Authors: Guo Tianqi , Scimeca Jean-Claude , Ivanovski Sašo , Verron Elise , Gulati Karan
Published: January 2023

Titanium is the ideal material for fabricating dental implants with favorable biocompatibility and biomechanics. However, the chemical corrosions arising from interaction with the surrounding tissues and fluids in oral cavity can challenge the integrity of Ti implants and leach Ti ions/nanoparticles, thereby causing cytotoxicity. Various nanoscale surface modifications have been performed to augment the chemical and electrochemical stability of Ti-based dental implants, and this review discusses and details these advances. For instance, depositing nanowires/nanoparticles via alkali-heat treatment and plasma spraying results in the fabrication of a nanostructured layer to reduce chemical corrosion. Further, refining the grain size to nanoscale could enhance Ti implants’ mechanical and chemical stability by alleviating the internal strain and establishing a uniform TiO2 layer. More recently, electrochemical anodization (EA) has emerged as a promising method to fabricate controlled TiO2 nanostructures on Ti dental implants. These anodized implants enhance Ti implants’ corrosion resistance and bioactivity. A particular focus of this review is to highlight critical advances in anodized Ti implants with nanotubes/nanopores for local drug delivery of potent therapeutics to augment osseo- and soft-tissue integration. This review aims to improve the understanding of novel nano-engineered Ti dental implant modifications, focusing on anodized nanostructures to fabricate the next generation of therapeutic and corrosion-resistant dental implants. The review explores the latest developments, clinical translation challenges, and future directions to assist in developing the next generation of dental implants that will survive long-term in the complex corrosive oral microenvironment.
Inhibition of Free Radical Polymerization: A Review
Authors: Maafa Ibrahim M.
Published: January 2023

Polymerization reactions have caused several severe accidents in the past since they are prone to runaways due to their highly exothermic and auto-accelerating nature. The heat generated during these uncontrolled runaway reactions surpasses the heat removal capacity of the cooling system leading to the auto-acceleration of the reactions. If proper measures are not taken to attenuate this auto-accelerative nature, dangerous consequences ensue, such as rampant boiling of the reaction system fluids or vapor production from secondary reactions. Both these consequences may eventually lead to over-pressurization followed by a thermal explosion. Thus, to eliminate the associated risk, polymerization reactions in industries are carried out in the presence of inhibitors which are injected into the reaction system before the initiation of polymerization. In this review, I have summarized various accidents that have happened in the past due to runaway polymerization implicating that there is an urgent necessity to do further research in this relatively less explored field of polymerization inhibition. To this end, I have completed an exhaustive survey of the various types of inhibitors used in industries and their inhibition mechanisms focusing mainly on the auto-initiated polymerization of styrene, methyl methacrylate, and acrylic acid monomer. Lastly, the synergism in the inhibition performance of a mixture of two types of inhibitors was also compared and discussed in detail.
A Green Approach for Recycling Compact Discs
Authors: La Mantia Francesco Paolo , Liarda Domenico , Ceraulo Manuela , Mistretta Maria Chiara
Published: January 2023

Compact discs (CDs) and digital versatile discs (DVDs) are mainly made by polycarbonate disc, a thin layer of aluminum or silver, a thin layer of a coating and a thin layer of a label of paper or PET. The recycling of these discs is difficult due to the removal of these non-polymeric layers and to our best knowledge, no industrial plants have been resent for their recycling. In this work, we propose a facile way to remove the non-polymeric layers and investigate the effect of the repetitive extrusion process on the processability and on the mechanical properties of the recycled polycarbonate. A few works have been published dealing with both the removal of the non-polymeric layers and the mechanical recycling of the disk of polycarbonate. In our approach, the removal of the non-polymeric layers is easily obtained through a thermo-mechanical treatment in a basic solution by ammonia. This process can be considered green because is made at a low temperature with a small amount of water and a very small amount of ammonia, saving energy and water. The properties of the polycarbonate remain good if the mechanical recycling is made after drying the post-consumer polycarbonate.
Potential Applications of Thermoresponsive Poly(N-Isoproplacrylamide)-Grafted Nylon Membranes: Effect of Grafting Yield and Architecture on Gating Performance
Authors: Kajornprai Todsapol , Katesripongsa Putita , Nam Sang Yong , Hamid Zuratul Ain Abdul , Ruksakulpiwat Yupaporn , Suppakarn Nitinat , Trongsatitkul Tatiya
Published: January 2023

This study illustrated the potential applications of thermoresponsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAm) grafted nylon membranes with different grafting yields and grafting architecture. The thermoresponsive gating performance at temperatures below and above the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of PNIPAm (32 °C) were demonstrated. The linear PNIPAm-grafted nylon membrane exhibited a sharp response over the temperature range 20–40 °C. The grafting yield of 25.5% and 21.9%, for linear and crosslinked PNIPAm respectively, exhibited highest thermoresponsive gating function for water flux and had a stable and repeatable “open-closed” switching function over 5 cycle operations. An excellent oil/water separation was obtained at T < 32 °C, at which the hydrophilic behavior was observed. The linear PNIPAm-grafted nylon membrane with 35% grafting yield had the highest separation efficiency of 99.7%, while PNIPAm structures were found to be independent of the separation efficiency. In addition, the membranes with thermoresponsive gas permeability were successfully achieved. The O2 and CO2 transmission rates through the PNIPAm-grafted nylon membranes decreased when the grafting yield increased, showing the better gas barrier property. The permeability ratio of CO2 to O2 transmission rates of both PNIPAm architectures at 25 °C and 35 °C were around 0.85 for low grafting yields, and approximately 1 for high grafting yields. Ultimately, this study demonstrated the possibility of using these thermoresponsive smart membranes in various applications.
Size-Threshold Effect in the Capital Structure–Firm Performance Nexus in the MENA Region: A Dynamic Panel Threshold Regression Model
Authors: Attia Eman Fathi , Ezz Eldeen Hamsa hany , Daher Sameh said
Published: January 2023

This paper investigates the nonlinear relationship between capital structure and firm performance in the MENA region using a sample of 499 listed firms over the 2007–2020 period, or 6986 firm-year observations. Specifically, we examine the size-threshold effect in the capital structure–firm performance nexus. To do so, this study applies a dynamic panel threshold regression model (DPTR). The findings show that there is a nonlinear relationship between debt and firm performance (Tobin’s Q, ROA, and ROE). Specifically, the threshold values of firm size for the three models are estimated at 9.126 (about $1 million), 15.48 (about $5 million), and 16.816 (about $20 million), respectively, between the low- and the high-sized regimes. In the lower regime, the firm’s value (Q) increases when debt increases; however, in the higher regime, this value decreases when debt increases. Furthermore, in the lower regime, the performances (ROA and ROE) of small firms decrease when debt increases; however, in the upper regime, when debt increases, the performances of large firms increase. The results are several robustness tests. These results support the predictions of signal, pecking order, and trade-off theories. Managers of large (small) MENA firms should increase (decrease) the use of debt to improve performance.
Eye-in-Hand Robotic Arm Gripping System Based on Machine Learning and State Delay Optimization
Authors: Chen Chin-Sheng , Hu Nien-Tsu
Published: January 2023

This research focused on using RGB-D images and modifying an existing machine learning network architecture to generate predictions of the location of successfully grasped objects and to optimize the control system for state delays. A five-finger gripper designed to mimic the human palm was tested to demonstrate that it can perform more delicate missions than many two- or three-finger grippers. Experiments were conducted using the 6-DOF robot arm with the five-finger and two-finger grippers to perform at least 100 actual machine grasps, and compared to the results of other studies. Additionally, we investigated state time delays and proposed a control method for a robot manipulator. Many studies on time-delay systems have been conducted, but most focus on input and output delays. One reason for this emphasis is that input and output delays are the most commonly occurring delays in physical or electronic systems. An additional reason is that state delays increase the complexity of the overall control system. Finally, it was demonstrated that our network can perform as well as a deep network architecture with little training data and omitting steps, such as posture evaluation, and when combined with the hardware advantages of the five-finger gripper, it can produce an automated system with a gripping success rate of over 90%. This paper is an extended study of the conference paper.
Masked Face Emotion Recognition Based on Facial Landmarks and Deep Learning Approaches for Visually Impaired People
Authors: Mukhiddinov Mukhriddin , Djuraev Oybek , Akhmedov Farkhod , Mukhamadiyev Abdinabi , Cho Jinsoo
Published: January 2023

Current artificial intelligence systems for determining a person’s emotions rely heavily on lip and mouth movement and other facial features such as eyebrows, eyes, and the forehead. Furthermore, low-light images are typically classified incorrectly because of the dark region around the eyes and eyebrows. In this work, we propose a facial emotion recognition method for masked facial images using low-light image enhancement and feature analysis of the upper features of the face with a convolutional neural network. The proposed approach employs the AffectNet image dataset, which includes eight types of facial expressions and 420,299 images. Initially, the facial input image’s lower parts are covered behind a synthetic mask. Boundary and regional representation methods are used to indicate the head and upper features of the face. Secondly, we effectively adopt a facial landmark detection method-based feature extraction strategy using the partially covered masked face’s features. Finally, the features, the coordinates of the landmarks that have been identified, and the histograms of the oriented gradients are then incorporated into the classification procedure using a convolutional neural network. An experimental evaluation shows that the proposed method surpasses others by achieving an accuracy of 69.3% on the AffectNet dataset.
Automated Damage Detection Using Lamb Wave-Based Phase-Sensitive OTDR and Support Vector Machines
Authors: Zahoor Rizwan , Catalano Ester , Vallifuoco Raffaele , Zeni Luigi , Minardo Aldo
Published: January 2023

In this paper, we propose and demonstrate a damage detection technique based on the automatic classification of the Lamb wave signals acquired on a metallic plate. In the reported experiments, Lamb waves are excited in an aluminum plate through a piezoelectric transducer glued onto the monitored structure. The response of the monitored structure is detected through a high-resolution phase-sensitive optical time-domain reflectometer (ϕ-OTDR). The presence and location of a small perturbation, induced by placing a lumped mass of 5 g on the plate, are determined by processing the optical fiber sensor data through support vector machine (SVM) classifiers trained with experimental data. The results show that the proposed method takes full advantage of the multipoint sensing nature of the ϕ-OTDR technology, resulting in accurate damage detection and localization.
The Chess–Thomas Adult Temperament Questionnaire: Psychometric Properties of the Lithuanian Version
Authors: Lazdauskas Tomas , McDevitt Sean C.
Published: January 2023

Evidence-based information accumulated over the years has demonstrated the importance of having a culturally embedded temperament assessment instrument. Thus, the aim of this article was to investigate the psychometric properties of a Lithuanian version of the adult temperament scale derived from the Chess–Thomas Adult Temperament Questionnaire. The sample consisted of 654 participants between 13 and 79 years of age (M = 30.9, SD = 11.9). The structure of the questionnaire was validated using confirmatory factor analysis, the measurement invariance (configural, metric, and scalar) was evaluated to demonstrate equivalence under different conditions, and the reliability was tested using internal consistency and test–retest methods. A confirmatory factor analysis of nine theoretically based scales demonstrated a good model fit (χ2 = 4928.6, df = 1137, p < 0.001; CFI = 0.916; TLI = 0.909; RMSEA = 0.071). The scales evidenced equivalence across age, gender, education, and social status. Reliability analyses also showed adequate results: Cronbach’s alpha fell within a range of 0.61 to 0.86 (Mdn = 0.73) and retest within one month ranged between 0.65 and 0.95 (Mdn = 0.73). These findings suggest that the Lithuanian version of the questionnaire measures dimensions similar to the original nine Chess–Thomas temperament characteristics.
The Possibility of Using Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage/Battery Hybrid Energy Storage Systems Instead of Generators as Backup Power Sources for Electric Aircraft
Authors: Alafnan Hamoud , Pei Xiaoze , Khedr Moanis , Alsaleh Ibrahim , Albaker Abdullah , Alturki Mansoor , Mansour Diaa-Eldin A.
Published: January 2023

The annual growth rate of aircraft passengers is estimated to be 6.5%, and the CO2 emissions from current large-scale aviation transportation technology will continue to rise dramatically. Both NASA and ACARE have set goals to enhance efficiency and reduce the fuel burn, pollution, and noise levels of commercial aircraft. However, such radical improvements require radical solutions. With the current traditional aircraft designs based on gas turbines or piston engines, these goals are infeasible. Small-scale aircraft have successfully proven emission reductions using energy storage systems, such as Alice aircraft. This paper involves an investigation of the possibility of using superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES)/battery hybrid energy storage systems (HESSs) instead of generators as backup power sources to improve system efficiency and reduce emissions. Two different power system architectures of electric aircraft (EA) were compared in terms of reliability and stability in a one-generator failure scenario. As weight is crucial in EA designs, the weights of the two systems were compared, including the generators and energy storage systems. The two EA systems were built in Simulink/MATLAB to compare their reliability and stability. With the currently available technologies, based on the energy density of 250 Wh/kg for lithium-ion batteries and a power density of 8.8 kW/kg for generators, the use of the generators as backup sources proved more efficient than the use of HESS. The break-even point was observed at 750 Wh/kg for battery energy density. Any value more than the 750 Wh/kg energy density makes HESS lighter and more efficient than generators.
The Impact of Economic Policy Uncertainty on Executives’ Self-Interest Behaviors: Evidence from China
Authors: Huang Hong , Liu Chang , He Yuqian
Published: January 2023

This paper empirically studies the impact of economic policy uncertainty on executives’ self-interest behaviors, distinguishes explicit self-interest behaviors from implicit ones, and studies the moderating effect of internal control. The results illustrate that rising policy uncertainty will inhibit explicit self-interest behaviors of executives, yet the implicit ones will be encouraged. Internal control can regulate the above effects. Further research proves that the above-mentioned impact is more significant in state-owned enterprises (SOEs). Stable institutional investors and sound market competition can play a certain role in governance. Our paper contributes to the literature on the impact of economic policy uncertainty on corporate governance.
The National Early Warning Score 2(NEWS2) to Predict Early Progression to Severe Community-Acquired Pneumonia
Authors: Tajarernmuang Pattraporn , Sanwirat Pimchanok , Inchai Juthamas , Phinyo Phichayut , Limsukon Atikun
Published: January 2023

This study aimed to assess the predictive performance of the National Early Warning Score 2 (NEWS2) to identify the early progression to severe disease in patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). A prospective-cohort study was conducted among patients with CAP admitted to a university hospital between October 2020 and December 2021. The endpoint of interest was the progression to severe CAP, defined as the requirement for a mechanical ventilator, a vasopressor, or death within 72 h after hospital admission. Among 260 patients, 53 (25.6%) had early progression to severe CAP. The median NEWS2 of the early progression group was higher than that of the non-progression group [8 (6–9) vs. 7 (5–8), p = 0.015, respectively]. The AUROC of NEWS2 to predict early progression to severe CAP was 0.61 (95% CI: 0.52–0.70), while IDSA/ATS minor criteria ≥ 3 had AUROC 0.56 (95% CI 0.48–0.65). The combination of NEWS2 ≥ 8, albumin level < 3 g/dL and BUN ≥ 30 mg/dL improved AUROC from 0.61 to 0.71 (p = 0.015). NEWS2 and IDSA/ATS minor criteria showed fair predictive-accuracy in predicting progression to severe CAP. The NEWS2 cut-off ≥ 8 in combination with low albumin and uremia improved predictive-accuracy, and could be easily used in general practice.