bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experience in the Application of Augmented Reality Technology in the Surgical Treatment of Patients Suffering Primary and Recurrent Pelvic Tumors
Authors: Ivanov Vladimir M. , Krivtsov Anton M. , Smirnov Anton Yu. , Grebenkov Vladimir G. , Surov Dmitry A. , Korzhuk Michail S. , Strelkov Sergey V. , Ivanova Elena G.
Published: December 2023

Surgical treatment of locally spread tumors in pelvic organs remains an urgent and complicated oncological problem. The recurrence rate after radical treatment ranges from 15.1% to 45.2%. The key to successful and safe surgical intervention lies in meticulous planning and intraoperative navigation, including the utilization of augmented reality (AR) technology. This paper presents the experience of clinically testing an AR technology application algorithm in the surgical treatment of 11 patients. The main stages of the algorithm are described. Radical operations incorporating intraoperative AR technology with favorable outcomes were performed on eight patients. One patient underwent a palliative intervention, while two patients did not undergo surgery. The testing of the algorithm for the application of AR technology in the surgical treatment of primary and recurrent pelvic tumors demonstrated both a technical possibility and reproducibility of this algorithm and the AR technology itself in clinical practice.
Prediction of Asthma Exacerbations in Children
Authors: Sarikloglou Evangelia , Fouzas Sotirios , Paraskakis Emmanouil
Published: December 2023

Asthma exacerbations are common in asthmatic children, even among those with good disease control. Asthma attacks result in the children and their parents missing school and work days; limit the patient’s social and physical activities; and lead to emergency department visits, hospital admissions, or even fatal events. Thus, the prompt identification of asthmatic children at risk for exacerbation is crucial, as it may allow for proactive measures that could prevent these episodes. Children prone to asthma exacerbation are a heterogeneous group; various demographic factors such as younger age, ethnic group, low family income, clinical parameters (history of an exacerbation in the past 12 months, poor asthma control, poor adherence to treatment, comorbidities), Th2 inflammation, and environmental exposures (pollutants, stress, viral and bacterial pathogens) determine the risk of a future exacerbation and should be carefully considered. This paper aims to review the existing evidence regarding the predictors of asthma exacerbations in children and offer practical monitoring guidance for promptly recognizing patients at risk.
Differences in Radiosensitivity According to EGFR Mutation Status in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Clinical and In Vitro Study
Authors: Tanaka Hidekazu , Karita Masako , Ueda Kazushi , Ono Taiki , Kajima Miki , Manabe Yuki , Fujimoto Koya , Yuasa Yuki , Shiinoki Takehiro
Published: December 2023

Unlike drug selection, radiation parameters (field, dose) are not based on driver gene mutations in patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This study aimed to compare radiosensitivity in NSCLC with and without EGFR driver gene mutations using clinical and in vitro data. The clinical study included 42 patients who underwent whole-brain radiotherapy for brain metastases from NSCLC; of these, 13 patients had EGFR mutation-positive tumors. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to calculate the cranial control rate without intracranial recurrence. In the in vitro study, colony formation and double-strand DNA breaks were examined in two EGFR mutation-negative and three EGFR mutation-positive NSCLC-derived cell lines. Colony formation was assessed 14 days after irradiation with 0 (control), 2, 4, or 8 Gy. DNA double-strand breaks were evaluated 0.5 and 24 h after irradiation. EGFR mutation-positive patients had a significantly better cranial control rates than EGFR mutation-negative patients (p = 0.021). EGFR mutation-positive cells formed significantly fewer colonies after irradiation with 2 or 4 Gy than EGFR mutation-negative cells (p = 0.002, respectively) and had significantly more DNA double-strand breaks at 24 h after irradiation (p < 0.001). Both clinical and in vitro data suggest that EGFR mutation-positive NSCLC is radiosensitive.
10,600 nm High Level-Laser Therapy Dosimetry in Management of Unresponsive Persistent Peripheral Giant Cell Granuloma to Standard Surgical Approach: A Case Report with 6-Month Follow-Up
Authors: Hanna Reem , Benedicenti Stefano
Published: December 2023

Peripheral giant cell granuloma (PGCG) is a non-neoplastic, tumour-like reactive lesion that exclusively involves the gingiva and/or the alveolar crest. The surgical approach with a scalpel has been the golden standard of treatment for PGCG, but the scientific literature reports a high rate of lesion recurrence. Hence, this unique case report aimed to evaluate the efficacy of λ 10,600 nm high-level laser therapy (HLLT) in eradicating persistent, aggressive, and recurrent PGCG that failed to respond to standard surgical treatment. A fit and healthy thirty-four-year-old Caucasian male presented with a two-month history of recurrent episodes of an oral mucosal lesion involving the buccal and lingual interdental papillae between the lower right second premolar (LR5) and lower right first molar (LR6), which was surgically excised with a scalpel three times previously. A λ 10,600 nm-induced HLLT was chosen as a treatment modality at a lower peak power of 1.62 W, measured with a power metre, emitted in gated emission mode (50% duty cycle), whereby the average output power reaching the target tissue was 0.81 W. The spot size was 0.8 mm. Ninety seconds was the total treatment duration, and the total energy density was 7934.78 J/cm2. Patient self-reporting outcomes revealed minimal to no post-operative complications. Initial healing was observed on the 4th day of the post-laser treatment, and a complete healing occurred at two-weeks post-operatively. The histological analysis revealed PGCG. This unique case report study demonstrated the efficacy of λ 10,600 nm-induced HLLT and its superiority to eradicate persistent aggressive PGCG over the standard surgical approach with minimal to no post-operative complications, accelerating wound healing beyond the physiological healing time associated with no evidence of PGCG recurrence at the six-month follow-up timepoint. Based on the significant findings of this unique study and the results of our previous clinical studies, we can confirm the validity and effectiveness of our standardised λ 10,600 nm laser dosimetry-induced HLLT and treatment protocol in achieving optimal outcomes. Randomised controlled clinical trials with large data comparing λ 10,600 nm with our dosimetry protocol to the standard surgical treatment modality at long follow-up timepoints are warranted.
Monitoring the Epidemiology of Otitis Using Free-Text Pediatric Medical Notes: A Deep Learning Approach
Authors: Lanera Corrado , Lorenzoni Giulia , Barbieri Elisa , Piras Gianluca , Magge Arjun , Weissenbacher Davy , Donà Daniele , Cantarutti Luigi , Gonzalez-Hernandez Graciela , Giaquinto Carlo , Gregori Dario
Published: December 2023

Free-text information represents a valuable resource for epidemiological surveillance. Its unstructured nature, however, presents significant challenges in the extraction of meaningful information. This study presents a deep learning model for classifying otitis using pediatric medical records. We analyzed the Pedianet database, which includes data from January 2004 to August 2017. The model categorizes narratives from clinical record diagnoses into six types: no otitis, non-media otitis, non-acute otitis media (OM), acute OM (AOM), AOM with perforation, and recurrent AOM. Utilizing deep learning architectures, including an ensemble model, this study addressed the challenges associated with the manual classification of extensive narrative data. The performance of the model was evaluated according to a gold standard classification made by three expert clinicians. The ensemble model achieved values of 97.03, 93.97, 96.59, and 95.48 for balanced precision, balanced recall, accuracy, and balanced F1 measure, respectively. These results underscore the efficacy of using automated systems for medical diagnoses, especially in pediatric care. Our findings demonstrate the potential of deep learning in interpreting complex medical records, enhancing epidemiological surveillance and research. This approach offers significant improvements in handling large-scale medical data, ensuring accuracy and minimizing human error. The methodology is adaptable to other medical contexts, promising a new horizon in healthcare analytics.
Principles of Urbanscape Transformation in the Historical Perimeter of Split, Croatia
Authors: Bartulović Hrvoje , Grgić Ana
Published: December 2023

The genesis of the historical core of the city of Split, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, rests on the continuity of urban life. The city has been subject to constant change over the course of almost two millennia, transforming from an ancient imperial palace into today’s city. The ever-changing urban landscape implies the need for a continual dialogue between old and new, especially considering the efforts made throughout history to develop a new image of the city. By analysing three examples—Milesi Palace from the Baroque period, Bajamonti Palace from the age of Classicism, and Nakić Palace from the Secession period, all national heritage listed buildings, the significance of the urban logic behind their construction, as well as the impact these buildings had on the image of the city, is established. All three buildings are located on the perimeter of the city’s public zone, and in different periods, they established new sets of urban rules, which they hold to this day. By researching their influence on the formation of Split’s urban tissue on their immediate and wider surroundings, their role in the city-building process is defined, thus revealing their impact on the formation of the urbanscape, as well as the relationships between architectural heritage and the city’s transformation.
NASH/NAFLD-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma: An Added Burden
Authors: Georgescu Doina , Lighezan Daniel , Rosca Ciprian , Nistor Daciana , Ancusa Oana , Suceava Ioana , Iancu Mihaela , Kundnani Nilima
Published: December 2023

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most frequently found primary malignancy of the liver, showing an accelerated upward trend over the past few years and exhibiting an increasing relationship with metabolic syndrome, obesity, dyslipidemia and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The connection between these risk factors and the occurrence of HCC is represented by the occurrence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) which later, based on genetic predisposition and various triggers (including the presence of chronic inflammation and changes in the intestinal microbiome), may evolve into HCC. HCC in many cases is diagnosed at an advanced stage and can be an incidental finding. We present such a scenario in the case of a 41-year-old male patient who had mild obesity and mixed dyslipidemia, no family or personal records of digestive pathologies and who recently developed a history of progressive fatigue, dyspepsia and mild upper abdominal discomfort initially thought to be linked to post-COVID syndrome, as the patient had COVID-19 pneumonia a month prior. The abdominal ultrasound revealed a mild hepatomegaly with bright liver aspect of the right lobe (diffuse steatosis), a large zone of focal steatosis (segments IV, III and II) and a left lobe tumoral mass, highly suggestive of malignancy. Point shear wave elastography at the right lobe ruled out an end-stage chronic liver disease. Additional laboratory investigations, imaging studies (magnetic resonance imaging) and histopathological examination of liver fragments confirmed a highly aggressive HCC, with poorly differentiation-G3, (T4, N 1M 0) and stage IVA, associated with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). A sorafenib course of treatment was attempted, but the patient discontinued it due to severe side effects. The subsequent evolution was extremely unfavorable, with rapid degradation, a few episodes of upper digestive bleeding, hepatic insufficiency and mortality in a couple of months. Conclusions: Diagnosis of NASH-related HCC is either an accidental finding or is diagnosed at an advanced stage. In order to earn time for a proper treatment, it becomes important to diagnose it at an early stage, for which regular check-ups should be performed in groups having the risk factors related to it. Patients suffering from obesity and mixed dyslipidemia should undergo periodic abdominal ultrasound examinations. This should be emphasized even more in the cases showing NASH. Complaints of any kind post-COVID-19 should be dealt with keenly as little is yet known about its virulence and its long-term side effects.
Uncovering the Fungal Diversity and Biodeterioration Phenomenon on Archaeological Carvings of the Badami Cave Temples: A Microcosm Study
Authors: Agrawal Shivankar , Khumlianlal Joshua , Devi Sarangthem Indira
Published: December 2023

The Badami Caves are a significant example of ancient Indian rock-cut architecture, dating back to the 6th century. These caves are situated in the Malaprabha River valley and are part of the candidate UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the “Evolution of Temple Architecture—Aihole-Badami-Pattadakal”, which is considered to be the cradle of temple architecture in India. Our study aimed to investigate the diversity, distribution, and biodeterioration phenomena of the fungal communities present on the cave surfaces. The study also conducted a comprehensive analysis of fungal biodeterioration on the cave carvings. Utilizing specialized techniques, the dissolution of calcite, alterations in pH levels, and biomineralization capabilities of isolated fungal strains were monitored. Additionally, this study analyzed fungal acid production using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Our findings revealed that the major genera of fungi found on the cave surfaces included Acremonium, Curvularia, Cladosporium, Penicillium, and Aspergillus. These isolated fungi were observed to produce acids, leading to the dissolution of calcium carbonate and subsequent decrease in pH values. Notably, the dominant genus responsible for acid production and the promotion of biomineralization was Aspergillus. These discoveries provide valuable insight into the ecology and functions of fungi inhabiting stone surfaces, contributing to our understanding of how to preserve and protect sculptures from biodeterioration.
Mild Traumatic Brain Injury as a Risk Factor for Parkinsonism, Tics, and Akathisia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Khan Nashaba , Romila Laura , Ciobica Alin , Burlui Vasile , Kamal Fatima Zahra , Mavroudis Ioannis
Published: December 2023

This meta-analysis aimed to assess the association between mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and the risk of developing Parkinsonism. A systematic literature review was conducted using PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases. Studies were eligible if they reported on the association between MTBI and Parkinsonism. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) were calculated using a random-effects model. Publication bias was assessed using Egger’s and Begg’s tests. A total of 18 studies were included in this meta-analysis, with 1,484,752 participants. The overall OR for Parkinsonism in individuals with a history of mTBI was 1.637 (95% CI, 1.203–2.230; p = 0.01), indicating a significant association. The OR for Parkinson’s disease (PD) specifically was 1.717 (95% CI, 1.206–2.447; p = 0.01). However, insufficient data on tics and akathisia limited a meta-analysis. There was no evidence of publication bias according to Egger’s (p = 0.8107) and Begg’s (p = 0.4717) tests. This meta-analysis provides evidence that mTBI is a significant risk factor for Parkinsonism, particularly PD. However, the findings should be interpreted with caution due to the heterogeneity among the studies included and the study’s limitations. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and to investigate the underlying mechanisms of the mTBI–Parkinsonism association.
Tribological Application of Nanocomposite Additives in Industrial Oils
Authors: Bukvić Milan , Gajević Sandra , Skulić Aleksandar , Savić Slobodan , Ašonja Aleksandar , Stojanović Blaža
Published: December 2023

The demand for an improvement in the tribological properties of lubricants used in various industrial plants, the automotive industry, and other power transmissions has resulted in the development of a whole family of improved lubricants based on nanotechnology. Especially important are nanotube additives, which significantly improve the tribological properties of lubricants, primarily by reducing the friction coefficient and wear of the coupled elements but also by reducing the temperature load and increasing the stability of the oil film between the lubricated surfaces. The properties of nanotube-based additives were further improved using elements such as metal oxides and compounds based on titanium, molybdenum, aluminum, etc. This paper presents the results obtained in the field of research and application of nanocomposite lubricant additives. It also gives a partial comparative analysis of the research conducted in this field. The primary goal of this paper is to analyze the research results in the field of the application of nanotubes in lubricants and to indicate the importance of their application, such as improving the tribological properties of machines and reducing power losses. Furthermore, this paper shows the negative impact of nanoparticles on the environment and human health and the costs of applying some types of nanoparticles.
Investigation of Corrosion Behavior of Oxygen-Free Copper Canisters in Groundwater Chemistry of Deep Geological Repositories
Authors: Yun Tae Ho , Kim Taeyong , Kim Seunghyun , Kim Jisoo
Published: December 2023

The disposal of nuclear waste represents a paramount concern for human safety, and the corrosion resistance of containers within the disposal environment stands as a critical factor in ensuring the integrity of such waste containment systems. In this report, the corrosion behavior of copper canisters was monitored in Olkiluoto-simulated/-procured groundwater (South Korea) with different temperatures. The exposure of copper in the procured groundwater at 70 °C revealed a 3.7-fold increase in corrosion vulnerability compared with room temperature conditions, with a current density of 12.7 μA/cm2. During a three-week immersion test in a controlled 70 °C chamber, the canister in the Korean groundwater maintained a constant weight. In contrast, its counterpart in the simulated groundwater revealed continuous weight loss, indicating heightened corrosion. An X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis identified corrosion byproducts, specifically Cu2Cl3(OH) and calcite (CaCO3), in the simulated groundwater, confirming its corrosive nature. The initial impedance analysis revealed distinct differences: Korean groundwater exhibits high pore resistance and diffusion effects, while the simulated groundwater shows low pore resistance. Consequently, the corrosion of copper canisters in the Korean environment is deemed relatively stable because of significant differences in ion concentrations.
Impact of Nitroxyl Radicals on Photovoltaic Conversion Properties of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Imae Ichiro , Akazawa Ryosuke , Harima Yutaka
Published: December 2023

Nitroxyl radicals, characterized by unique redox properties, have been investigated for their potential influence on the photovoltaic conversion properties of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). In this study, we investigated the influence of nitroxyl radicals as donor sites in DSSCs. We observed that the redox activity of nitroxyl radicals significantly enhanced the photovoltaic conversion efficiency of DSSCs; this finding can offer new insights into the application of these radicals in solar energy conversion. Furthermore, we found that increasing the proportion of nitroxyl radicals improved the DSSC performance. Through a combination of experimental and analytical approaches, we elucidated the mechanism underlying this enhancement and highlighted the potential for more efficient DSSCs using nitroxyl radicals as key components. These findings provide new avenues for developing advanced DSSCs with improved performances and sustainability.
Special Issue “Advances in Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Polymeric Materials”
Authors: Kijo-Kleczkowska Agnieszka , Gnatowski Adam
Published: December 2023

The Special Issue “Advances in Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Polymeric Materials” aimed to publish papers that deal with the thermomechanical and electrical properties of polymers and their composites with other materials [...]
Evaluation of the NOx Reduction Performance of Mortars Containing Zeolite/Activated Red Clay Coated with a TiO2 Photocatalyst
Authors: Joo Bong-chul , Kim Hyeok-Jung
Published: December 2023

Globally, there is a growing concern about air pollution due to rapid industrialization and urbanization. Therefore, in this study, an experimental study was conducted to evaluate the performance of reducing nitrogen oxides, a precursor to fine dust, in mortars coated with a titanium dioxide (TiO2) photocatalyst, which has the effect of decomposing pollutants. In particular, in this study, zeolite and activated red clay were used as cement substitutes to improve the fine dust reduction performance of the TiO2 photocatalyst. A total of 14 different mixtures were designed, considering the substitution rates of zeolite and activated red clay (30%, 40%, and 50%) and the cement–fine aggregate ratio (1:2 and 1:3) as experimental variables. A TiO2 photocatalyst was employed in this study to evaluate the NOx reduction performance. As zeolite and activated red clay were added, the compressive strength and flexural strength of the mortars decreased by 15% to 60%, while the absorption rate increased by 5% to 16%. The NOx reduction efficiency of up to 67.4% was confirmed in the H50-3 specimen with the TiO2 catalyst. The NOx reduction performance of mortars with the TiO2 photocatalyst sprayed on their surface improved as the substitution ratio of zeolite and activated red clay increased. Additionally, it was confirmed that the NOx reduction effect of specimens using activated red clay was superior to those using zeolite. Therefore, through this study, it was confirmed that the NOx reduction performance of the TiO2 photocatalyst can be improved when zeolite and activated red clay are used as cement substitutes.
In Situ Construction of a Co2P/CoP Heterojunction Embedded on N-Doped Carbon as an Efficient Electrocatalyst for a Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Lei Ying , Lin Feng , Hong Nengyu , Zhang Jian , Wang Yulin , Ben Haijie , Li Jianguang , Ding Liyong , Lv Liang
Published: December 2023

Noble metal-free electrocatalysts have received widespread attention in a hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) due to the importance of renewable energy development. Herein, a Co2P/CoP heterojunction embedded on an N-doped carbon (Co2P/CoP/NC) electrocatalyst was prepared via an in situ pyrolysis method. The as-prepared electrocatalyst exhibited efficient electrocatalytic activity for HER in an acidic solution. The Co2P/CoP/NC catalyst displayed an overpotential of 184 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and a low Tafel slope of 82 mV dec−1, which could be attributed to the tight Co2P/CoP heterojunction and the synergetic effect of Co2P/CoP and N-doped carbon. In addition, the electrochemical active surface area of Co2P/CoP/NC was 75.2 m2 g−1, which indicated that more active regions can be applied for the HER process. This report may pave a new way for the design of efficient and low-cost N-doped-carbon-supported 3d transition metal phosphide electrocatalysts.
Evaluating the Accuracy of Bonded Block Models for Prediction of Rockmass Analog Mechanical Behavior
Authors: West Isabella , Walton Gabriel , Sinha Sankhaneel
Published: December 2023

Large-scale rock formations, referred to as “rockmasses”, consist of intact rock separated by pre-existing discontinuities (i.e., joints). The mechanical behavior of rockmasses is difficult to directly test in the laboratory due to the required specimen scale. Instead, Synthetic Rockmass Modeling (SRM) is often used to simulate field-scale rockmass behavior. SRM requires a calibrated discrete element model (DEM) of intact rock combined with a Discrete Fracture Network (DFN). While the SRM concept has been informally determined to provide reasonable results based on practitioner experience, detailed and peer-reviewed validation is lacking. The goal of this study was to evaluate the predictive capabilities of the SRM method. Previously available data on intact and rockmass analog laboratory specimens of Blanco Mera granite containing DFNs with two joint sets were used as a basis for the SRM created in this study. Specifically, the intact DEM was a Bonded Block Model (BBM), generated to match the grain structure and composition of Blanco Mera granite and the model’s input parameters were calibrated so that the behavior of the BBM matched that of the intact laboratory specimens. The predictive capabilities of the model were evaluated by recreating the DFN from the jointed laboratory specimens within the intact BBM and comparing the behavior of the jointed models back to the jointed laboratory specimens, which has not been previously studied in the literature. The BBM was found capable of approximately predicting the behavior of rockmass analog specimens containing a pre-existing DFN without further calibration, which shows potential for the use of SRM in both industry and academia. Specifically, the BBM predicted the strength, dilatancy, and microfracturing behavior of the jointed laboratory specimens.
Effects of Pulsed Current on the Microstructure and Properties of Laser Cladded TC17 Titanium Alloy
Authors: Liu Zhao , Liu Ping , Zhou Liucheng , Wang Lingfeng
Published: December 2023

In this study, a titanium alloy substrate was cladded with TC17 titanium alloy powder using the pulsed-current (PC)-assisted laser cladding technique. The primary objective of this research was to assess the impact of varying pulsed current intensities on the morphology, microstructure, and properties of samples. It is observed that the utilization of pulsed currents significantly enhances the metallurgical adhesion between the samples, concurrently diminishing the occurrence of porosity within the cladding layer. The incorporation of a pulsed current also has a positive impact on the microhardness and corrosion resistance of the samples. Furthermore, the synergistic influence of laser energy and a pulsed electrical current is found to promote a structural evolution in materials towards a state with lower electrical resistance. The introduction of a pulsed current leads to preferential growth of β grains with <100>// cladding direction in the cladding zone and obtains the typical {100} < 001 > cube texture, while the substrate zone exhibits a distinctive stripe-like configuration formed by the primary α-phase constituents. The outcomes of this study show the pivotal role of pulsed currents as an auxiliary technique for enhancing the properties and effecting microstructural modifications in titanium alloys during the laser cladding process.
Advanced Integration of Glutathione-Functionalized Optical Fiber SPR Sensor for Ultra-Sensitive Detection of Lead Ions
Authors: Wang Jiale , Niu Kunpeng , Hou Jianguo , Zhuang Ziyang , Zhu Jiayi , Jing Xinyue , Wang Ning , Xia Binyun , Lei Lei
Published: December 2023

It is crucial to detect Pb2+ accurately and rapidly. This work proposes an ultra-sensitive optical fiber surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor functionalized with glutathione (GSH) for label-free detection of the ultra-low Pb2+ concentration, in which the refractive index (RI) sensitivity of the multimode-singlemode-multimode (MSM) hetero-core fiber is largely enhanced by the gold nanoparticles (AuNPs)/Au film coupling SPR effect. The GSH is modified on the fiber as the sensing probe to capture and identify Pb2+ specifically. Its working principle is that the Pb2+ chemically reacts with deprotonated carboxyl groups in GSH through ligand bonding, resulting in the formation of stable and specific chelates, inducing the variation of the local RI on the sensor surface, which in turn leads to the SPR wavelength shift in the transmission spectrum. Attributing to the AuNPs, both the Au substrates can be fully functionalized with the GSH molecules as the probes, which largely increases the number of active sites for Pb2+ trapping. Combined with the SPR effect, the sensor achieves a sensitivity of 2.32 × 1011 nm/M and a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.43 pM. It also demonstrates exceptional specificity, stability, and reproducibility, making it suitable for various applications in water pollution, biomedicine, and food safety.
Biocompatible Hydrogel-Based Liquid Marbles with Magnetosomes
Authors: Bielas Rafał , Kubiak Tomasz , Molcan Matus , Dobosz Bernadeta , Rajnak Michal , Józefczak Arkadiusz
Published: December 2023

Liquid marbles are widely known for their potential biomedical applications, especially due to their versatility and ease of preparation. In the present work, we prepared liquid marbles with various cores composed of water, agar-based hydrogels, magnetic fluids, or non-aqueous substances. As a coating material, we used biocompatible particles of plant origin, such as turmeric grains and Lycopodium pollen. Additionally, we provided marbles with magnetic properties by incorporating either magnetosomes or iron oxide nanoparticles as a powder or by injecting another magnetic fluid. Structures obtained in this way were stable and susceptible to manipulation by an external magnetic field. The properties of the magnetic components of our marbles were verified using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). Our approach to encapsulation of active substances such as antibiotics within a protective hydrogel core opens up new perspectives for the delivery of hydrophobic payloads to the inherently hydrophilic biological environment. Additionally, hydrogel marbles enriched with magnetic materials showed promise as biocompatible heating agents under alternating magnetic fields. A significant innovation of our research was also the fabrication of composite structures in which the gel-like core was surrounded without mixing by a magnetic fluid covered on the outside by the particle shell. Our liquid marbles, especially those with a hydrogel core and magnetic content, due to the ease of preparation and favorable properties, have great potential for biomedical use. The fact that we were able to simultaneously produce, functionalize (by filling with predefined cargo), and manipulate (by means of an external magnetic field) several marbles also seems to be important from an application point of view.
Microstructure and Wear Behavior of Ti-xFe-SiC In Situ Composite Ceramic Coatings on TC4 Substrate from Laser Cladding
Authors: Zhao Xiaojun , Lyu Peize , Fang Shenqin , Li Shaohao , Tu Xiaoxuan , Ren Penghe , Liu Dian , Chen Lyuming , Xiao Lairong , Liu Sainan
Published: December 2023

Titanium alloys are widely used in various structural materials due to their lightweight properties. However, the low wear resistance causes significant economic losses every year. Therefore, it is necessary to implement wear-resistant protection on the surface of titanium alloys. In this study, four types of in situ composite ceramic coatings with two-layer gradient structures were prepared on a Ti-6Al-4V (TC4) substrate using laser cladding. In order to reduce the dilution rate, a transition layer (Ti-40SiC (vol.%)) was first prepared on TC4 alloy. Then, a high-volume-fraction in situ composite ceramic working layer (Ti-xFe-80SiC (vol.%)) with different contents of Fe-based alloy powder (x = 0, 5, 10 and 15 vol.%) was prepared. The working surface of Ti-40SiC (TL) exhibited a typical XRD pattern of Ti, TiC, Ti5Si3, and Ti3SiC2. In comparison, both Ti-80SiC (WL-F0) and Ti-5Fe-80SiC (WL-F5) exhibited similar phase compositions to the TL coating, with no new phase identified in the coatings. However, the TiFeSi2 and SiC phases were presented in Ti-10Fe-80SiC (WL-F10) and Ti-15Fe-80SiC (WL-F15). It is proven that the addition of the Fe element could regulate the in situ reaction in the original Ti-Si-C ternary system to form the new phases with high hardness and good wear resistance. The hardness of the WL-F15 (1842.9 HV1) is five times higher than that of the matrix (350 HV1). Due to the existence of self-lubricating phases such as Ti5Si3 and Ti3SiC2, a lubricating film was presented in the WL-F0 and WL-F5 coatings, which could block the further damage of the friction pair and enhance the wear resistance. Furthermore, a wear-transition phenomenon was observed in the WL-F10 and WL-F15 coatings, which was similar to the friction behavior of structural ceramics. Under the load of 10 N and 20 N, the wear volume of WL-F15 coating is 5.2% and 63.7% of that in the substrate, and the depth of friction of WL-15 coating is only 14.4% and 80% of that in the substrate. The transition of wear volume and depth can be attributed to the wear mechanism changing from oxidation wear to adhesive wear.
Preparation, Mechanical Properties and Strengthening Mechanism of W-Re Alloys: A Review
Authors: Zheng Zhenghui , Lai Chen , Zhou Wenyuan , Wang Ying , Zhang Yingxiao , Wang Jinshu
Published: December 2023

W-Re alloys are one of the most important refractory materials with excellent high-temperature performance that were developed to improve the brittleness of tungsten. In the present work, we firstly summarized the research progress on the preparation and strengthening methods of a W-Re alloy. Then, the strengthening mechanisms of the W-Re alloy were discussed, including the influence of Re, solid solution strengthening, second-phase reinforcement and fine-grain strengthening. The results showed that the softening effect of Re was mainly related to the transformation of the preferred slip plane and the introduction of additional d-valence electrons. Some transition elements and refractory metal elements effectively strengthened the W-Re alloy. Carbides can significantly enhance the high-temperature mechanical properties of W-Re alloys, and the reasons are twofold: one is the interaction between carbides and dislocations, and the other is the synergistic strengthening effect between carbides and Re. The objective of this work was to enhance the comprehension on W-Re alloys and provide future research directions for W-Re alloys.
Finite Element Analysis and Experimental Study of Manufacturing Thin-Walled Five-Branched AISI 304 Stainless Steel Tubes with Different Diameters Using a Hydroforming Process
Authors: El-Aty Ali Abd , Xu Yong , Xie Wenlong , Xia Liang-Liang , Hou Yong , Zhang Shihong , Ahmed Mohamed M. Z. , Alzahrani Bandar , Ali Alamry , Huang Xinyue , Sobh Arafa S.
Published: December 2023

This study aims to investigate the feasibility of hydroforming (HF) technology coupled with response surface optimization for producing high-quality five-branched AISI 304 stainless steel tubes with different diameters, addressing the shortcomings of traditional manufacturing processes. Conventional techniques often result in issues with multiple consumables, low precision, and subpar performance. The research focuses on finding optimal forming parameters for a more effective process. Initial attempts at a five-branched tube proved unfeasible. Instead, a multi-step forming approach was adopted, starting with the formation of the upper branch tube followed by the two reducing lower branch tubes, a strategy termed “first three, then five”. This method, enhanced by a subsequent solid solution treatment, yielded promising results: the combined height of the upper and lower branches was 141.1 mm, with a maximum thinning rate of 26.67%, reduced to 25.33% after trimming. These outcomes met the product usage requirements. Additionally, the study involved designing and developing dies for manufacturing five-branched tubes with different diameters using servo HF equipment. The effectiveness of the multi-step forming process and parameter combinations was confirmed through experimental validation, aligning closely with the FE simulation results. The maximum thinning rate observed in the experiments was 27.60%, indicating that FE simulation and response surface methodology can effectively guide the production of high-quality parts with superior performance.
A Convolutional Neural Network Based on Attention Mechanism for Designing Vibration Similarity Models of Converter Transformers
Authors: Wang Hao , Zhang Li , Sun Youliang , Zou Liang
Published: December 2023

A vibration scale training model for converter transformers is proposed by combining attention modules with convolutional neural networks to solve the nonlinear problem of converter transformers in similar processes. Firstly, according to the structure and operating parameters of the converter transformer, a reliable three-dimensional multi-field coupled finite element model was established considering the influence of the winding and iron core component structure on the overall vibration characteristics. By changing different input parameters such as the size and voltage of the finite element model, corresponding output parameters are obtained, and a dataset is established through data expansion for training and verifying the attention convolution model. By analyzing the prediction processes and results of five prediction models on different operating conditions datasets, it is shown that attention convolution has higher accuracy, faster convergence speed, more stable training process, and better generalization performance in the prediction process of converter transformer recognition. Based on the predictive model, a prototype of the proportional vibration model for the converter transformer with scale factor of 0.2 was designed and manufactured. By analyzing the basic experimental items and vibration characteristics of the prototype, the stability of the prototype and the reliability of the prediction model were verified.
A Three-State Space Modeling Method for Aircraft System Reliability Design
Authors: Wang Yao , Wang Fengtao , Feng Yue , Cao Shancheng
Published: December 2023

Reliability is an inherent attribute of a system through optimal system design. However, during the aircraft system development process, the reliability evaluation and system function design efforts are often disconnected, leading to a divide between reliability experts and system designers in their work schedule. This disconnect results in an inefficient aircraft system reliability optimization process, known as the “two-skin” phenomenon. To address this issue, a three-state space model is proposed. Firstly, an analysis was conducted on the relationship between the system function architecture developed by the system designers and the reliability evaluation performed by the reliability experts. Secondly, based on the principle of function flow, the state of failure was categorized into “physical failure” and “non-physical failure”. Additionally, a new state of “function loss” was introduced as the third state for the system, in addition to the traditional states of “normal” and “faulty”. Thirdly, through the state of “Function loss”, an effective integration of system fault modes and function modes was achieved, leading to an optimized system reliability model. A three-state space modeling method was then developed by transforming the system function architecture into a system reliability model. Finally, this new model was applied to an aircraft’s rudder and fly-by-wire control system. The results demonstrate that the function architecture at the design stage of the system can be accurately transformed into the new three-state space model. The structure aligns closely with the function architecture and can be effectively utilized in quantitative system reliability calculations. In this way, the process of ensuring system reliability can be seamlessly integrated into the system optimization design process. This integration alleviates the issue of disjointed work between reliability experts and system designers, leading to a more streamlined and efficient aircraft system optimization process.
Optimal Debt Ratio and Dividend Payment Policies for Insurers with Ambiguity
Authors: Zhu Dan , Chen Cuixia , Liu Bing
Published: December 2023

This study considers the optimal debt ratio and dividend payment policies for an insurer concerned about model misspecification. We assume that the insurer can invest all of its asset to the financial market and the ambiguity may exist in the risky asset. Taking into account the ambiguous situation, the insurer aims to maximize the expected utility of a discounted dividend payment until it ruins. Under some assumption, we prove that there exists classical solutions of the optimal debt ratio, dividend payment policies, and value functions that show that the existence of ambiguity can affect the optimal debt ratio and dividend policies significantly.
Innovative Approach for the Determination of a DC Motor’s and Drive’s Parameters Using Evolutionary Methods and Different Measured Current and Angular Speed Responses
Authors: Jesenik Marko , Ravber Miha , Trbušić Mislav
Published: December 2023

The determination is presented of seven parameters of a DC motor’s drive. The determination was based on a comparison between the measured and simulated current and speed responses. For the parameters’ determination, different evolutionary methods were used and compared to each other. The mathematical model presenting the DC drives model was written using two coupled differential equations, which were solved using the Runge–Kutta first-, second-, third- and fourth-order methods. The approach allows determining the parameters of controlled drives in such a way that the controller is taken into account with the measured voltage. Between the tested evolutionary methods, which were Differential Evolution with three strategies, Teaching-Learning Based Optimization and Artificial Bee Colony, the Differential Evolution (DE/rand/1/exp) can be suggested as the most appropriate for the presented problem. Measurements with different sampling times were used, and it was found out that at least some measuring points should be at the speed-up interval. Different lengths of the measured signal were tested, and it is sufficient to use a signal consisting of the drive’s acceleration and a short part of the stationary operation. The analysis showed that the procedure has good repeatability. The biggest deviation of calculated parameters considering 10 repeated measurements was 6% in case of the La calculation. The deviations of all the other parameters’ calculations were less than 2%.
An Adaptive Low Computational Cost Alternating Direction Method of Multiplier for RELM Large-Scale Distributed Optimization
Authors: Wang Ke , Huo Shanshan , Liu Banteng , Wang Zhangquan , Ren Tiaojuan
Published: December 2023

In a class of large-scale distributed optimization, the calculation of RELM based on the Moore–Penrose inverse matrix is prohibitively expensive, which hinders the formulation of a computationally efficient optimization model. Attempting to improve the model’s convergence performance, this paper proposes a low computing cost Alternating Direction Method of Multipliers (ADMM), where the original update in ADMM is solved inexactly with approximate curvature information. Based on quasi-Newton techniques, the ADMM approach allows us to solve convex optimization with reasonable accuracy and computational effort. By introducing this algorithm into the RELM model, the model fitting problem can be decomposed into a set of subproblems that can be executed in parallel to achieve efficient classification performance. To avoid the storage of expensive Hessian for large problems, BFGS with limited memory is proposed with computational efficiency. And the optimal parameter values of the step-size search method are obtained through Wolfe line search strategy. To demonstrate the superiority of our methods, numerical experiments are conducted on eight real-world datasets. Results on problems arising in machine learning suggest that the proposed method is competitive with other similar methods, both in terms of better computational efficiency as well as accuracy.
Time Series Forecasting during Software Project State Analysis
Authors: Romanov Anton , Yarushkina Nadezhda , Filippov Alexey , Sergeev Pavel , Andreev Ilya , Kiselev Sergey
Published: December 2023

Repositories of source code and their hosting platforms are important data sources for software project development and management processes. These sources allow for the extraction of historical data points for the product development process evaluation. Extracted data points reflect the previous development experience and allow future planning and active development tracking. The aim of this research is to create a predictive approach to control software development based on a time series extracted from repositories and hosting platforms. This article describes the method of extracting parameters from repositories, the approach to creating time series models and forecasting their behavior. Also, the article represents the proposed approach for software project analyses based on fuzzy logic principles. The novelty of this approach is the ability to perform an expert evaluation of different stages of software product development based on the forecasted values of interested parameters and a fuzzy rule base.
Automatic Recognition of Indoor Fire and Combustible Material with Material-Auxiliary Fire Dataset
Authors: Hou Feifei , Zhao Wenqing , Fan Xinyu
Published: December 2023

Early and timely fire detection within enclosed spaces notably diminishes the response time for emergency aid. Previous methods have mostly focused on singularly detecting either fire or combustible materials, rarely integrating both aspects, leading to a lack of a comprehensive understanding of indoor fire scenarios. Moreover, traditional fire load assessment methods such as empirical formula-based assessment are time-consuming and face challenges in diverse scenarios. In this paper, we collected a novel dataset of fire and materials, the Material-Auxiliary Fire Dataset (MAFD), and combined this dataset with deep learning to achieve both fire and material recognition and segmentation in the indoor scene. A sophisticated deep learning model, Dual Attention Network (DANet), was specifically designed for image semantic segmentation to recognize fire and combustible material. The experimental analysis of our MAFD database demonstrated that our approach achieved an accuracy of 84.26% and outperformed the prevalent methods (e.g., PSPNet, CCNet, FCN, ISANet, OCRNet), making a significant contribution to fire safety technology and enhancing the capacity to identify potential hazards indoors.