bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adhesion and Surface Roughness of Apatite-Containing Carbomer and Improved Ionically Bioactive Resin Compared to Glass Ionomers
Authors: Işık Handan Yıldırım , Çilingir Aylin
Published: July 2023

The surface roughness of different glass–ionomer-based materials and their shear bond strength with a resin composite with and without thermal cycling were evaluated. Ketac Molar (KM, 3M ESPE, St. Paul, MN, USA), Glass Carbomer (GC, GCP Dental, Leiden, The Netherlands), Bioactive (BA, PULPDENT, Corporation, Watertown, MA, USA) and Fuji II LC (FJ, GC, Tokyo, Japan) were used to prepare the specimens and they were kept in distilled water at 37 °C for 24 h. The surface roughness of the specimens was measured with a profilometer (n = 6). A universal adhesive resin was applied on glass–ionomer materials and cylindrical universal composites were applied and polymerized, respectively (n = 16). The specimens were divided into two subgroups. The first subgroup was subjected to thermal cycling. Shear bond strength was investigated for both subgroups (n = 8). Stereomicroscopy and SEM examinations were performed. The roughest surface was obtained in the GC group (p < 0.05). The shear bond strength of the specimens without thermal cycling was higher than that of those with thermal cycling (p < 0.05). The lowest shear bond was measured in the GC group (p < 0.05). Although FJ, KM and BA have been observed to be suitable materials for clinical use, BA, in particular, is evidenced to become the best option among the materials we tested. GC cement’s long-term performance needs to be improved.
A Custom Regional DNA Barcode Reference Library for Lichen-Forming Fungi of the Intermountain West, USA, Increases Successful Specimen Identification
Authors: Kerr Michael , Leavitt Steven D.
Published: July 2023

DNA barcoding approaches provide powerful tools for characterizing fungal diversity. However, DNA barcoding is limited by poor representation of species-level diversity in fungal sequence databases. Can the development of custom, regionally focused DNA reference libraries improve species-level identification rates for lichen-forming fungi? To explore this question, we created a regional ITS database for lichen-forming fungi (LFF) in the Intermountain West of the United States. The custom database comprised over 4800 sequences and represented over 600 formally described and provisional species. Lichen communities were sampled at 11 sites throughout the Intermountain West, and LFF diversity was characterized using high-throughput ITS2 amplicon sequencing. We compared the species-level identification success rates from our bulk community samples using our regional ITS database and the widely used UNITE database. The custom regional database resulted in significantly higher species-level assignments (72.3%) of candidate species than the UNITE database (28.3–34.2%). Within each site, identification of candidate species ranged from 72.3–82.1% using the custom database; and 31.5–55.4% using the UNITE database. These results highlight that developing regional databases may accelerate a wide range of LFF research by improving our ability to characterize species-level diversity using DNA barcoding.
Correction: Deng et al. Distinct Roles of Ena ATP Family Proteins in Sodium Accumulation, Invasive Growth, and Full Virulence in Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. J. Fungi 2023, 9, 566
Authors: Deng Tian-Ci , Yang Ji-Yun , Sun Mei-Ling , Zhang Yun-Zhao , Pan Yun-Ting , Huang Lin
Published: July 2023

In the original publication [...]
Performance of a Support Vector Machine Learning Tool for Diagnosing Diabetic Retinopathy in Clinical Practice
Authors: Nissen Tobias P. H. , Nørgaard Thomas L. , Schielke Katja C. , Vestergaard Peter , Nikontovic Amar , Dawidowicz Malgorzata , Grauslund Jakob , Vorum Henrik , Aasbjerg Kristian
Published: July 2023

Purpose: To examine the real-world performance of a support vector machine learning software (RetinaLyze) in order to identify the possible presence of diabetic retinopathy (DR) in patients with diabetes via software implementation in clinical practice. Methods: 1001 eyes from 1001 patients—one eye per patient—participating in the Danish National Screening Programme were included. Three independent ophthalmologists graded all eyes according to the International Clinical Diabetic Retinopathy Disease Severity Scale with the exact level of disease being determined by majority decision. The software detected DR and no DR and was compared to the ophthalmologists’ gradings. Results: At a clinical chosen threshold, the software showed a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of 84.9% (95% CI: 81.8–87.9), 89.9% (95% CI: 86.8–92.7), 92.1% (95% CI: 89.7–94.4), and 81.0% (95% CI: 77.2–84.7), respectively, when compared to human grading. The results from the routine screening were 87.0% (95% CI: 84.2–89.7), 85.3% (95% CI: 81.8–88.6), 89.2% (95% CI: 86.3–91.7), and 82.5% (95% CI: 78.5–86.0), respectively. AUC was 93.4%. The reference graders Conger’s Exact Kappa was 0.827. Conclusion: The software performed similarly to routine grading with overlapping confidence intervals, indicating comparable performance between the two groups. The intergrader agreement was satisfactory. However, evaluating the updated software alongside updated clinical procedures is crucial. It is therefore recommended that further clinical testing before implementation of the software as a decision support tool is conducted.
Special Issue: Present and Future Perspectives of Vascular Interventional Radiology
Authors: Frandon Julien , Beregi Jean-Paul
Published: July 2023

The field of vascular interventional radiology has witnessed remarkable advancements, transforming the landscape of patient care for both vascular and non-vascular pathologies [...]
Changes in Land-Cover/Land-Use Pattern in the Fortore River Basin (Southern Italy) and Morphodynamic Implications
Authors: Magliulo Paolo , Cusano Angelo , Iacomino Caputo Giovanni , Russo Filippo
Published: July 2023

In Southern Italy, studies dealing with the analysis of multidecadal land-use/land-cover (LULC) changes at the basin scale are scarce. This is an important gap, considering the deep interrelationships between LULC, soil erosion, and river and coastal dynamics. This study provides a contribution in filling this gap by analyzing the LULC patterns and changes in an area of southern Italy, i.e., the Fortore River basin, which occurred between 1960 and 2018. To this end, we conducted a GIS-aided comparison and analysis of LULC data from 1960, 1990, and 2018, respectively. The LULC changes were analyzed at both the basin and the physiographic unit scale. The results showed that most of the LULC changes occurred between the 1960s and 1990s, while from the 1990s onward, great stability in LULC was evident in the basin. The obtained data were mostly coherent with national-, regional-, and basin-scale trends, although some scale-dependent discrepancies were noted. The river and shoreline dynamics fully reflected the duration and the amount of phases of the changes in LULC stability at the basin scale.
Spatial-Temporal Dynamics of Water Conservation in Gannan in the Upper Yellow River Basin of China
Authors: Che Xichen , Jiao Liang , Zhu Xuli , Wu Jingjing , Li Qian
Published: July 2023

Water resources are the material basis for human social development. They play an essential role in human production and life. They are vital for the healthy growth of ecosystem services. The quantitative assessment of the water conservation (WC) function is of great significance to the management of regional ecosystems and the construction of ecological civilization. Gannan is an influential water supply area in the upper Yellow River Basin. Understanding the current status and future changes of its WC function can provide scientific support for the stable use and sustainable development of water resources in the upper Yellow River Basin; its ecological status is highly important. The present study quantitatively assesses the WC function of Gannan based on the InVEST model. It aims to explore the regional ecological compensation mechanism, enhance regional ecological regulation capacity and increase water supply by studying the trend in changes in the WC function and the influence mechanism. The results show that: (1) The overall trend in WC capacity in Gannan increased during the period 2000–2020. (2) The spatial distribution of WC in Gannan varies from year to year, but there is some similarity, showing a high degree in the southwest and a low degree in the northeast. (3) Climatic factors are the dominant factors underlying the spatial and temporal distribution of WC in Gannan. (4) The important areas of WC are located in the southwest and southeast of Gannan.
Spatial Distribution Pattern, Evolution and Influencing Mechanism of Ecological Farms in China
Authors: Guo Dahao , Lin Yuancheng , Wang Min , Huang Zirou
Published: July 2023

Nowadays, the challenges of energy depletion, environmental pollution and food security caused by extensive agriculture development are attracting global attention. In China, the construction of ecological farms is a key initiative to effectuate the goal of peaking carbon dioxide emissions and achieving carbon neutrality, contributing to high-quality agricultural development. Based on this, this study selects the national-level ecological farms directories issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) of China in 2021 and 2022, and collects the corresponding economic, social and physical geographic data for GIS spatial analysis and Geodetector. The results are as follows: (1) The distribution of ecological farms in various provinces of China is uneven and spatially clustered. It generally presents a ‘high in the east and low in the west with concentrated cores’ pattern. The construction scope significantly expanded over time, and the high-value areas of nuclear density are concentrated in East China, with the development core transitioned from East China to Central China. (2) Environmental conditions, industrial foundation, economic and social development level, science and technology level and financial support all significantly affect the spatial distribution of ecological farms in China, among which the science and technology level has the most significant enhancement effect on other factors. (3) Environmental conditions provide the construction basis for ecological farms, while economic and social development level and financial support determine the number of ecological farms. The industrial foundation affects the scale of ecological farms in China, while the level of science and technology eliminates the restrictions of other factors to a certain extent. This study provides a reference for optimizing the spatial distribution pattern of ecological farms in China and promoting ecological agriculture. In addition, it presents a viable approach to safeguarding food security.
Farmland Dynamics and Its Grain Production Efficiency and Ecological Security in China’s Major Grain-Producing Regions between 2000 and 2020
Authors: Li Ying , Han Xu , Zhou Bingbing , Lv Ligang , Fan Yeting
Published: July 2023

Understanding the land use/cover changes associated with agricultural production is essential for food security in increasingly urbanizing areas. Such studies have been widely conducted in different regions of China; yet, its major grain-producing regions (MGPRs) remain less studied. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted analyses of the land use conversion matrix, spatial hot spots, decoupling, and index evaluation from a spatiotemporal perspective, to quantify the MGPRs’ farmland changes and its grain production efficiency and ecological security during 2000–2020. The results showed the following: (1) Farmland in the MGPRs experienced a net decline of 2.54 × 104 km2, with significant spatial heterogeneity in the area, extent, and speed of loss/gain. (2) Farmland gain came from mostly forest, grassland, and unused land, with hotspots in northeastern China, while farmland loss increasingly changed to construction lands, with hotspots covering east-central China and in the suburbs surrounding capital cities. (3) Grain production in the MGPRs increased by 1.6 times in the past 20 years, via its strong decoupling from farmland quantity in especially central-eastern China. (4) Land ecological security in the MGPRs was less secure but has been improving with non-homogeneous regional differences, while it demonstrated a spatial pattern of “higher security in the north–south and lower in the middle”. Our findings suggested that China’s MGPRs would continue to lose farmland and China’s food security should require a sustainable decoupling of grain production and farmland quantity while maintaining ecological security. This study has significant policy implications for farmland conservation in China’s MGPRs, as well as highlighting the landscape sustainability opportunities of urbanization-associated farmland loss in densely populated human–environment systems in general.
A Case of Delirious Mania Treated with Electroconvulsive Therapy
Authors: Tripodi Beniamino , Carbone Manuel Glauco , Matarese Irene , Lattanzi Lorenzo , Medda Pierpaolo
Published: July 2023

(1) Background: Delirious mania is a neuropsychiatric condition characterized by the rapid onset of delirium, psychosis, and mania. Due to the presence of catatonic signs and symptoms, some authors considered this syndrome to be a specific excited catatonia subtype. Usually, delirious mania is responsive to intravenous benzodiazepines (BZDs) or to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). (2) Methods: In the present study, we describe the case of a 64-year-old woman with a diagnosis of recurrent major depressive disorder. We assessed the severity of the clinical picture and the response to ECT treatment with the Bush–Francis Catatonia Rating Scale (BFCRS). (3) Results: After eleven sessions of ECT, the patient presented a reduced BFCRS total score, with a resolution of the autonomic abnormalities (temperature, respiratory, and heart rate). (4) Conclusions: These data demonstrate how important it is to diagnose this syndrome as soon as possible to set up an effective therapy, avoiding the use of antipsychotic drugs and preventing potentially fatal complications. The initial administration of BZDs IV and the subsequent ECT application, associated with intensive care of life-threatening general medical conditions, guaranteed us a good level of efficacy in obtaining a complete resolution of the clinical picture.
Reproductive Counseling and Care in Cystic Fibrosis: A Multidisciplinary Approach for a New Therapeutic Era
Authors: McGlynn Julie , DeCelie-Germana Joan K. , Kier Catherine , Langfelder-Schwind Elinor
Published: July 2023

With the advent of highly effective modulator therapies, many people with cystic fibrosis (CF) are living longer, healthier lives. Pregnancy rates for women with CF more than doubled between 2019 and 2021, reflecting increases in both planned and unplanned pregnancies. For men with CF, CF-associated infertility can be mitigated with assistive reproductive technology, yet patient knowledge of these challenges and options is variable. Preconception and prenatal counseling for individuals with CF and for parents of children with CF who wish to expand their families requires nuanced discussions to promote informed reproductive decisions, drawing from a combination of standard practice recommendations and CF-specific assessments. This review article synthesizes the current literature and practice recommendations regarding reproductive counseling and care in CF, outlining the role of genetic counseling, carrier screening, teratogen counseling, in vitro fertilization and pre-implantation genetic diagnosis, and careful assessment and management of cystic fibrosis-related diabetes when present. Via a multidisciplinary, patient-centered approach, clinicians can support adults with CF and parents of children with CF as they make informed reproductive decisions and embark on family planning.
The Reticulon-4 3-bp Deletion/Insertion Polymorphism Is Associated with Structural mRNA Changes and the Risk of Breast Cancer: A Population-Based Case–Control Study with Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Pourzand Pouria , Tabasi Farhad , Fayazbakhsh Fariba , Sarhadi Shamim , Bahari Gholamreza , Mohammadi Mohsen , Jomepour Sahar , Nafeli Mohammad , Mosayebi Fatemeh , Heravi Mehrdad , Taheri Mohsen , Hashemi Mohammad , Ghavami Saeid
Published: July 2023

Breast cancer (BC) is a complex disease caused by molecular events that disrupt cellular survival and death. Discovering novel biomarkers is still required to better understand and treat BC. The reticulon-4 (RTN4) gene, encoding Nogo proteins, plays a critical role in apoptosis and cancer development, with genetic variations affecting its function. We investigated the rs34917480 in RTN4 and its association with BC risk in an Iranian population sample. We also predicted the rs34917480 effect on RTN4 mRNA structure and explored the RTN4’s protein–protein interaction network (PPIN) and related pathways. In this case–control study, 437 women (212 BC and 225 healthy) were recruited. The rs34917480 was genotyped using AS-PCR, mRNA secondary structure was predicted with RNAfold, and PPIN was constructed using the STRING database. Our findings revealed that this variant was associated with a decreased risk of BC in heterozygous (p = 0.012), dominant (p = 0.015), over-dominant (p = 0.017), and allelic (p = 0.035) models. Our prediction model showed that this variant could modify RTN4’s mRNA thermodynamics and potentially its translation. RTN4’s PPIN also revealed a strong association with apoptosis regulation and key signaling pathways highly implicated in BC. Consequently, our findings, for the first time, demonstrate that rs34917480 could be a protective factor against BC in our cohort, probably via preceding mechanisms.
New Scenarios in Heart Transplantation and Persistency of SARS-CoV-2 (Case Report)
Authors: Mitrofanova Lubov , Makarov Igor , Gorshkov Andrey , Vorobeva Olga , Simonenko Maria , Starshinova Anna , Kudlay Dmitry , Karonova Tatiana
Published: July 2023

Heart transplantation is a treatment of choice for patients with severe heart failure. Infection transmission from a donor to a recipient remains a prominent problem in organ transplantation. However, the risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in nonlung organ transplantation is still unclear. In this article we presented a case of a 28-year-old pregnant woman who developed heart failure soon after recovery from a SARS-CoV-2 infection in the third trimester of gestation. In the postpartum period, the heart disease worsened and the patient required cardiac transplantation. We examined the recipient’s heart and made a diagnosis of left ventricular noncompaction cardiomyopathy. Immunohistochemical analysis showed SARS-CoV-2 antigen expression in the donor’s heart before transplantation, and after the transplantation, an endomyocardial biopsy was taken. Moreover, an ultrastructural assessment of the endomyocardial specimen revealed endothelial and pericyte injury and a single particle on the surface of the endothelium consistent with SARS-CoV-2 viral particles. Recent findings in the literature associated these damages with SARS-CoV-2 infection. The present study describes the rare case of SARS-CoV-2 transmission from donor to postpartum recipient through a heart transplant and demonstrates the importance of endomyocardial biopsy before and after heart transplantation.
Synthesis and Characterization of β-Cyclodextrin-Hybridized Exfoliated Kaolinite Single Nanosheets as Potential Carriers of Oxaliplatin with Enhanced Loading, Release, and Cytotoxic Properties
Authors: Alqahtani Mashael , Nasser Nourhan , Bin Jumah May , AlZahrani Saleha , Allam Ahmed , Abukhadra Mostafa , Bellucci Stefano
Published: July 2023

Natural kaolinite was subjected to a successful exfoliation process into separated kaolinite nanosheets (KNs), followed by hybridization with β-cyclodextrin biopolymer (β-CD), forming an advanced bio-nanocomposite (β-CD/KNs). The synthetic products were evaluated as enhanced delivery structures for oxaliplatin chemotherapy (OXAPN). The hybridization of KNs with β-CD polymer notably enhanced the loading capacity to 355.3 mg/g (β-CD/KNs) as compared to 304.9 mg/g for KNs. The loading of OXAPN into both KNs and β-CD/KNs displayed traditional pseudo-first-order kinetics (R2 > 0.85) and a conventional Langmuir isotherm (R2 = 0.99). The synthetic β-CD/KNs validates a greater occupied effective site density (98.7 mg/g) than KNs (66.3 mg/g). Furthermore, the values of the n steric parameter (4.7 (KNs) and 3.6 (β-CD/KNs)) reveal the vertical orientation of the loaded molecules and the loading of them by multi-molecular mechanisms. These mechanisms are mainly physical processes based on the obtained Gaussian energy (<8 KJ/mol) and loading energy (<40 KJ/mol). The release profiles of both KNs and β-CD/KNs extend for about 120 h, with remarkably faster rates for β-CD/KNs. According to the release kinetic findings, the release of OXAPN displays non-Fickian transport behavior involving the cooperation of diffusion and erosion mechanisms. The KNs and β-CD/KNs as free particles showed considerable cytotoxicity and anticancer properties against HCT-116 cancer cell lines (71.4% cell viability (KNs) and 58.83% cell viability (β-CD/KNs)). Additionally, both KNs and β-CD/KNs significantly enhanced the OXAPN’s cytotoxicity (2.04% cell viability (OXAPN/KNs) and 0.86% cell viability (OXAPN/β-CD/KNs).
Percolation in Carbon Nanotube-Reinforced Polymers for Strain-Sensing Applications: Computational Investigation on Carbon Nanotube Distribution, Curvature, and Aggregation
Authors: Pontefisso Alessandro , Zappalorto Michele
Published: July 2023

The present article investigates the possibility of simulating the electrical conductivity of carbon nanotube-reinforced polymer composites by numerical methods. Periodic representative volume elements are generated by randomly distributing perfectly conductive reinforcements in an insulating matrix and are used to assemble an electrical network representative of the nanocomposite, where the nanotube–nanotube contacts are considered equivalent resistors modeled by means of Simmons’ equation. A comparison of the results with experimental data from the literature supports the conclusion that a random distribution of reinforcements is not suitable for simulating this class of materials since percolation thresholds and conductivity trends are different, with experimental percolation taking place before the expectations. Including nanotube curvature does not solve the issue, since it hinders percolation even further. In agreement with experimental observations, the investigation suggests that a suitable approach requires the inclusion of aggregation during the volume element generation to reduce the volume fraction required to reach percolation. Some solutions available in the literature to generate properly representative volume elements are thus listed. Concerning strain sensing, the results suggest that representative volume elements generated with random distributions overestimate the strain sensitivity of the actual composites.
Genetic Algorithm Optimization of Beams in Terms of Maximizing Gaps between Adjacent Frequencies
Authors: Domagalski Łukasz , Kowalczyk Izabela
Published: July 2023

The aim of this paper is to optimize the thickness variation function of simply supported and cantilever beams, in terms of maximizing gaps between chosen neighboring frequencies, and to analyze the obtained results. The optimization results are examined in terms of achieving the objective function (related to eigenvalue problems), but also in terms of their dynamic stiffness (forced vibrations excited by a point harmonic load). In the optimization process, a genetic algorithm was used. Problems related to structural dynamics were solved by FEM implementation into the algorithm. Sample results were presented, and the developed algorithm was analyzed in terms of the results convergence by examining several variable parameters. The authors demonstrated the validity of applying the described optimization tool to the presented problems. Conclusions were drawn regarding the correlation between stiffness and mass distribution in the optimized beams and the natural frequency modes in terms of which they were optimized.
A Study on a Polymeric Foam Based on Pulse Proteins and Cellulose Fibrils
Authors: Jarpa-Parra Marcela , Moraga-Bustos Sergio , Gutiérrez-Turner Eduardo , Tabilo-Munizaga Gipsy
Published: July 2023

Biofoams are a challenge for scientists in terms of innovation. Incorporation of cellulose fibrils (CF), might help improve the microstructure of foams, thus this study focuses on studying the impact of CF on the foaming properties and rheology of lentil protein (LP) foams at various pH and CF concentrations. Additionally, LP-CF mixtures were transformed into solid foams, and their microstructure, physical properties, and morphology were evaluated. CF concentration significantly impacted on LP-CF foam properties, primarily due to high viscosity values. Increased CF concentration resulted in improved FS values (up to 77 min) at all pH values. This is likely attributed to associative interactions and coacervates formation. Also, foam microstructure could be related to apparent viscosity, suggesting the role of viscosity in preserving the integrity of the wet foam structure during freezing and lyophilization processes. However, elevated viscosity values might negatively impact properties such as foaming capacity and produce denser microstructures. The microstructure and morphology analysis revealed that certain foams exhibited a sponge-like structure with open pores and semi-spherical shapes, supported by CF fibers extending and forming layers. However, the structure itself was irregular. While others exhibited non-uniform, irregular pore size, and shape, along with a denser structure. These findings contribute to understanding the behavior of LP-CF mixtures, although additional investigations on mechanical properties, biodegradability, and hydrophobicity are necessary to reach their full potential for various applications.
3D Printing for Dental Applications
Authors: Figueiredo-Pina Célio Gabriel , Serro Ana Paula
Published: July 2023

Due to increased life expectancy and greater concern among populations regarding oral health problems and aesthetics, in the last few years, there has been a growing demand for dental structures and devices to replace/restore missing/damaged teeth [...]
Machine Learning-Based Prediction of the Compressive Strength of Brazilian Concretes: A Dual-Dataset Study
Authors: Silva Vitor Pereira , Carvalho Ruan de Alencar , Rêgo João Henrique da Silva , Evangelista Francisco
Published: July 2023

Lately, several machine learning (ML) techniques are emerging as alternative and efficient ways to predict how component properties influence the properties of the final mixture. In the area of civil engineering, recent research already uses ML techniques with conventional concrete dosages. The importance of discussing its use in the Brazilian context is inserted in an international context in which this methodology is already being applied, and it is necessary to verify the applicability of these techniques with national databases or what is created from national input data. In this research, one of these techniques, an artificial neural network (ANN), is used to determine the compressive strength of conventional Brazilian concrete at 7 and 28 days by using a database built through publications in congresses and academic works and comparing it with the reference database of Yeh. The data were organized into nine variables in which the data samples for training and test sets vary in five different cases. The eight possible input variables were: consumption of cement, blast furnace slag, pozzolana, water, additive, fine aggregate, coarse aggregate, and age. The response variable was the compressive strength of the concrete. Using international data as a training set and Brazilian data as a test set, or vice versa, did not show satisfactory results in isolation. The results showed a variation in the five scenarios; however, when using the Brazilian and the reference data sets together as test and training sets, higher R2 values were obtained, showing that in the union of the two databases, a good predictive model is obtained.
Slope Stability Prediction Using k-NN-Based Optimum-Path Forest Approach
Authors: Liu Leilei , Zhao Guoyan , Liang Weizhang
Published: July 2023

Slope instability can lead to catastrophic consequences. However, predicting slope stability effectively is still challenging because of the complex mechanisms and multiple influencing factors. In recent years, machine learning (ML) has received great attention in slope stability prediction due to its strong nonlinear prediction ability. In this study, an optimum-path forest algorithm based on k-nearest neighbor (OPFk-NN) was used to predict the stability of slopes. First, 404 historical slopes with failure risk were collected. Subsequently, the dataset was used to train and test the algorithm based on randomly divided training and test sets, respectively. The hyperparameter values were tuned by combining ten-fold cross-validation and grid search methods. Finally, the performance of the proposed approach was evaluated based on accuracy, F1-score, area under the curve (AUC), and computational burden. In addition, the prediction results were compared with the other six ML algorithms. The results showed that the OPFk-NN algorithm had a better performance, and the values of accuracy, F1-score, AUC, and computational burden were 0.901, 0.902, 0.901, and 0.957 s, respectively. Moreover, the failed slope cases can be accurately identified, which is highly critical in slope stability prediction. The slope angle had the most important influence on prediction results. Furthermore, the engineering application results showed that the overall predictive performance of the OPFk-NN model was consistent with the factor of safety value of engineering slopes. This study can provide valuable guidance for slope stability analysis and risk management.
Analysis of the Relationship between the Organizational Resilience Factors and Key Performance Indicators’ Recovery Time in Uncertain Environments in Industrial Enterprises
Authors: Huber Michael , Komatina Nikola , Paunović Vladan , Nestić Snežana
Published: July 2023

In terms of uncertain business conditions, the ability of an enterprise to bounce back after severe disruptions, or simply resilience, may be seen as one of the major features needed to sustain successful business operations. This research has the objective of proposing an algorithm for the organizational resilience assessment in industrial companies and conducting an analysis of the relationship between the organizational Resilience Factors and Key Performance Indicators recovery times. As the variables that are an integral part of the research are exposed to a high degree of uncertainty, they are modeled using fuzzy set theory. The methodology used for the research is an enhanced fuzzy Delphi, where the fuzzy geometric mean is employed as an aggregation operator. The relationship between the organizational resilience factors and Key Performance Indicators’ recovery time is based on the correlation analysis. The proposed model is based on real data from one complex industrial enterprise. The main finding of the research is that calculations indicate a significant negative correlation between treated variables.
Stability of Nonlinear Implicit Differential Equations with Caputo–Katugampola Fractional Derivative
Authors: Dai Qun , Zhang Yunying
Published: July 2023

The purpose of this paper is to study nonlinear implicit differential equations with the Caputo–Katugampola fractional derivative. By using Gronwall inequality and Banach fixed-point theorem, the existence of the solution of the implicit equation is proved, and the relevant conclusions about the stability of Ulam–Hyers are obtained. Finally, the correctness of the conclusions is verified by an example.
An Unusual Case of Erdheim Chester Disease (ECD) with Knee Pain: A Case Report
Authors: Joo Yong Bum , Kim Young Mo , Lee Woo Yong , Lee Kun Woo , Chung Hyung-Jin
Published: July 2023

Background: Erdheim Chester disease (ECD) is a rare, non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis of unknown etiology that occurs in multiple organs. The clinical characteristics of ECD are unknown, making it difficult to diagnose. Case presentation: A 61-year-old woman presented with left knee pain and contracture. She had recent medical problems such as recurrent urinary tract infection, pericardial effusion, and pleural effusion. Simple radiography and magnetic resonance imaging of the knee revealed an osteosclerotic lesion. Under suspicion of malignancy, other radiologic modalities were performed, but there were no significant results showing malignancy. A bone biopsy of the knee lesion led to a final diagnosis of ECD. The patient was treated with systemic steroids and was ultimately tried on PEG-interferon. Conclusion: This report describes an unusual presentation of ECD involving the skeletal system and multiple extraskeletal organs. Owing to its non-specific nature, ECD was notably difficult to diagnose. Therefore, if a patient has knee pain and other multiorgan presentations without malignancy, clinicians should suspect ECD.
TiCN Cermets with MnFeCoNiCu High Entropy Alloy Binder
Authors: Pötschke Johannes , Spalden Mathias von , Vornberger Anne
Published: July 2023

Cermets are composites of a TiCN hard phase and a metal binder, typically a mixture of Co and Ni. They offer excellent combinations of hardness and fracture toughness as well as bending strength. Due to the current classification of both Co and Ni as CRM as well as CMR there is interest that their use shall be limited and their amount within cermets reduced. Within this study, a novel high entropy alloy-based metal binder system, comprising only elements that are not strong oxide or carbide formers is investigated with regard to their mechanical and microstructural properties they offer in TiCN-based cermets. Within the investigated equimolar MnFeCoNiCu composition, small Cu precipitations are found after sintering. Due to this, the Cu content was systematically reduced, and the maximal solubility estimated at which still a full solid solution occurs. With an optimized Cu content, dense cermets with a single FCC binder phase and with hardness values of up to 1213 HV30 and fracture toughness values of 14.8 MPa·m1/2 could be achieved.
Hydrothermal Coating of the Biodegradable Mg-2Ag Alloy
Authors: Mohammadi-Zerankeshi Meysam , Zohrevand Mohammad , Alizadeh Reza
Published: July 2023

Developing antibacterial biodegradable Mg alloys is of paramount importance to prevent infection and inflammation during the healing process. In this regard, the Mg-2Ag alloy is proposed as a suitable candidate with appropriate biocompatibility as well as antibacterial activity. However, its rapid degradation rate limits its clinical application. To tackle this problem, the hydrothermal coating technique was employed to synthesize a barrier coating to enhance the degradability of the Mg-2Ag alloy using distilled water as the reagent. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) micrographs and X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns showed that a hydroxide coating was formed on the studied samples. Furthermore, it was observed that the substrate microstructure plays an essential role in the obtained coating quality and hence, the degradation behavior. The dendritic microstructure with the nonuniform distribution of Ag-rich precipitates of the as-cast Mg-2Ag alloy lead to undesirable cracks and holes in the coating owing to Mg deficiency to form Mg(OH)2, whereas the solution-treated alloy with a homogenized microstructure resulted in the formation of a more compact, thick, and integrated coating, which remarkably improved the corrosion resistance of the alloy.
LDH-A Promotes Metabolic Rewiring in Leucocytes from the Intestine of Rats Treated with TNBS
Authors: Mendoza-Arroyo Belen , Rosales-Hernández Martha Cecilia , Pacheco-Yépez Judith , Rivera-Antonio Astrid Mayleth , Márquez-Flores Yazmín Karina , Cárdenas-Jaramillo Luz María , Reséndiz-Albor Aldo Arturo , Arciniega-Martínez Ivonne Maciel , Cruz-Hernández Teresita Rocío , Abarca-Rojano Edgar
Published: July 2023

Although the aetiology of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) is still unknown, one of their main characteristics is that the immune system chronically affects the permeability of the intestinal lamina propria, in turn altering the composition of the microbiota. In this study, the TNBS rat model of colitis was used because it contains a complex inflammatory milieu of polymorphonuclear cells (PMN) and lymphocytes infiltrating the lamina propria. The aim of the present study was to investigate six dehydrogenases and their respective adaptations in the tissue microenvironment by quantifying enzymatic activities measured under substrate saturation conditions in epithelial cells and leukocytes from the lamina propria of rats exposed to TNBS. Our results show that in the TNBS group, an increased DAI score was observed due to the presence of haemorrhagic and necrotic areas in the colon. In addition, the activities of G6PDH and GADH enzymes were significantly decreased in the epithelium in contrast to the increased activity of these enzymes and increased lactate mediated by the LDH-A enzyme in leukocytes in the lamina propria of the colon. Over the past years, evidence has emerged illustrating how metabolism supports aspect of cellular function and how a metabolic reprogramming can drive cell differentiation and fate. Our findings show a metabolic reprogramming in colonic lamina propria leukocytes that could be supported by increased superoxide anion.
A Scale Factor Calibration Method for MEMS Resonant Accelerometers Based on Virtual Accelerations
Authors: Zhai Zhaoyang , Xiong Xingyin , Ma Liangbo , Wang Zheng , Wang Kunfeng , Wang Bowen , Zhang Mingjiang , Zou Xudong
Published: July 2023

This paper presents a scale factor calibration method based on virtual accelerations generated by electrostatic force. This method uses a series of voltage signals to simulate the inertial forces caused by the acceleration input, rather than frequent and laborious calibrations with high-precision instruments. The error transfer model of this method is systematically analyzed, and the geometrical parameters of this novel micromachined resonant accelerometer (MRA) are optimized. The experimental results demonstrate that, referring to the traditional earth’s gravitational field tumble calibration method, the error of the scale factor calibration is 0.46% within ±1 g by using our method. Moreover, the scale factor is compensated by virtual accelerations. After compensation, the maximum temperature drift of the scale factor decreases from 2.46 Hz/g to 1.02 Hz/g, with a temperature range from 40 °C to 80 °C.
A Neural Network Approach to Reducing the Costs of Parameter-Setting in the Production of Polyethylene Oxide Nanofibers
Authors: Solis-Rios Daniel , Villarreal-Gómez Luis Jesús , Goyes Clara Eugenia , Fonthal Rico Faruk , Cornejo-Bravo José Manuel , Fong-Mata María Berenice , Calderón Arenas Jorge Mario , Martínez Rincón Harold Alberto , Mejía-Medina David Abdel
Published: July 2023

Nanofibers, which are formed by the electrospinning process, are used in a variety of applications. For this purpose, a specific diameter suited for each application is required, which is achieved by varying a set of parameters. This parameter adjustment process is empirical and works by trial and error, causing high input costs and wasting time and financial resources. In this work, an artificial neural network model is presented to predict the diameter of polyethylene nanofibers, based on the adjustment of 15 parameters. The model was trained from 105 records from data obtained from the literature and was then validated with nine nanofibers that were obtained and measured in the laboratory. The average error between the actual results was 2.29%. This result differs from those taken in an evaluation of the dataset. Therefore, the importance of increasing the dataset and the validation using independent data is highlighted.
Microfluidizing Technique Application for Algerian Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf Effects Enhanced Volatile Content, Antimicrobial, and Anti-Mycotoxigenic Properties
Authors: Boudechicha Amel , Aouf Abdelhakim , Farouk Amr , Ali Hatem S. , Elkhadragy Manal F. , Yehia Hany M. , Badr Ahmed Noah
Published: July 2023

Medicinal plant extracts are a promising source of bioactive minor contents. The present study aimed to evaluate the distinguished volatile content of Algerian Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf before and after the microfluidization process and their related antimicrobial and anti-mycotoxigenic impacts and changes. The GC-MS apparatus was utilized for a comparative examination of Algerian lemongrass essential oil (LGEO) with its microfluidization nanoemulsion (MF-LGEO) volatile content. The MF-LGEO was characterized using Zetasizer and an electron microscope. Cytotoxicity, antibacterial, and antifungal activities were determined for the LGEO and MF-LGEO. The result reflected changes in the content of volatiles for the MF-LGEO. The microfluidizing process enhanced the presence of compounds known for their exceptional antifungal and antibacterial properties in MF-LGEO, namely, neral, geranial, and carvacrol. However, certain terpenes, such as camphor and citronellal, were absent, while decanal, not found in the raw LGEO, was detected. The droplet diameter was 20.76 ± 0.36 nm, and the polydispersity index (PDI) was 0.179 ± 0.03. In cytotoxicity studies, LGEO showed higher activity against the HepG2 cell line than MF-LGEO. Antibacterial LGEO activity against Gram-positive bacteria recorded an inhibitory zone from 41.82 ± 2.84 mm to 58.74 ± 2.64 mm, while the zone ranged from 12.71 ± 1.38 mm to 16.54 ± 1.42 mm for Gram-negative bacteria. Antibacterial activity was enhanced to be up to 71.43 ± 2.54 nm and 31.54 ± 1.01 nm for MF-LGEO impact against Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens. The antifungal effect was considerable, particularly against Fusarium fungi. It reached 17.56 ± 1.01 mm and 13.04 ± 1.37 mm for LGEO and MF-LGEO application of a well-diffusion assay, respectively. The MF-LGEO was more promising in reducing mycotoxin production in simulated fungal growth media due to the changes linked to essential compounds content. The reduction ratio was 54.3% and 74.57% for total aflatoxins (AFs) and ochratoxin A (OCA) contents, respectively. These results reflect the microfluidizing improvement impact regarding the LGEO antibacterial, antifungal and anti-mycotoxigenic properties.
Directional Crystallization of Conjugated Molecules during Coating Processes
Authors: Smilgies Detlef-M. , Li Ruipeng
Published: July 2023

The coating of organic molecules from the solution phase can result in directional crystal growth under certain conditions, even on a smooth isotropic surface and without the need of any kind of graphoexpitaxial preparation of the substrate. Based on reviewing the results from a variety of coating techniques and coating parameters, we identified that it is crucial for the coating speed to match the growth speed of the fastest growing crystal plane to achieve a high degree of directional crystallization.
The Influences of Pore Blockage by Natural Organic Matter and Pore Dimension Tuning on Pharmaceutical Adsorption onto GO-Fe3O4
Authors: He Ming-Cyuan , Lin Sian-Jhang , Huang Tao-Cheng , Chen Guan-Fu , Peng Yen-Ping , Chen Wei-Hsiang
Published: July 2023

The ubiquitous presence of pharmaceutical pollution in the environment and its adverse impacts on public health and aquatic ecosystems have recently attracted increasing attention. Graphene oxide coated with magnetite (GO-Fe3O4) is effective at removing pharmaceuticals in water by adsorption. However, the myriad compositions in real water are known to adversely impact the adsorption performance. One objective of this study was to investigate the influence of pore blockage by natural organic matter (NOM) with different sizes on pharmaceutical adsorption onto GO-Fe3O4. Meanwhile, the feasibility of pore dimension tuning of GO-Fe3O4 for selective adsorption of pharmaceuticals with different structural characteristics was explored. It was shown in the batch experiments that the adsorbed pharmaceutical concentrations onto GO-Fe3O4 were significantly affected (dropped by 2–86%) by NOM that had size ranges similar to the pore dimensions of GO-Fe3O4, as the impact was enhanced when the adsorption occurred at acidic pHs (e.g., pH 3). Specific surface areas, zeta potentials, pore volumes, and pore-size distributions of GO-Fe3O4 were influenced by the Fe content forming different-sized Fe3O4 between GO layers. Low Fe contents in GO-Fe3O4 increased the formation of nano-sized pores (2.0–12.5 nm) that were efficient in the adsorption of pharmaceuticals with low molecular weights (e.g., 129 kDa) or planar structures via size discrimination or inter-planar π-π interaction, respectively. As excess larger-sized pores (e.g., >50 nm) were formed on the surface of GO-Fe3O4 due to higher Fe contents, pharmaceuticals with larger molecular weights (e.g., 296 kDa) or those removed by electrostatic attraction between the adsorbate and adsorbent dominated on the GO-Fe3O4 surface. Given these observations, the surface characteristics of GO-Fe3O4 were alterable to selectively remove different pharmaceuticals in water by adsorption, and the critical factors determining the adsorption performance were discussed. These findings provide useful views on the feasibility of treating pharmaceutical wastewater, recycling valuable pharmaceuticals, or removing those with risks to public health and ecosystems.
Illustrated Neuropathologic Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Doher Nicholas , Davoudi Vahid , Magaki Shino , Townley Ryan A. , Haeri Mohammad , Vinters Harry V.
Published: July 2023

As of 2022, the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) among individuals aged 65 and older is estimated to be 6.2 million in the United States. This figure is predicted to grow to 13.8 million by 2060. An accurate assessment of neuropathologic changes represents a critical step in understanding the underlying mechanisms in AD. The current method for assessing postmortem Alzheimer’s disease neuropathologic change follows version 11 of the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center (NACC) coding guidebook. Ambiguity regarding steps in the ABC scoring method can lead to increased time or inaccuracy in staging AD. We present a concise overview of how this postmortem diagnosis is made and relate it to the evolving understanding of antemortem AD biomarkers.