bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Fact of Return to Work in Cervical Cancer Survivors and the Impact of Survival Rate: An 11-Year Follow-Up Study
Authors: Sun Yu-Shan , Chen Wei-Liang , Wu Wei-Te , Wang Chung-Ching
Published: October 2021

The aim of the current cohort study was to explore the relationship between return to work (RTW) after cervical cancer treatment and different medical and occupational covariates. We also investigated the effect of RTW on all-cause mortality and survival outcomes of cervical cancer survivors. Data were collected between 2004 and 2015 from the database of the Taiwan Cancer Registry, Labor Insurance Database, and National Health Insurance Research Database. The associations between independent variables and RTW were analyzed by Cox proportional hazard models. A total of 4945 workers (82.3%) who returned to work within 5 years after being diagnosed with cervical cancer. Patients who underwent surgical treatment were more likely to RTW by the 5th year compared to other groups, with a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.21 (95% CI: 1.01~1.44). Small company size and a monthly income greater than NT 38,200 were inversely associated with RTW (HR = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.84~0.98 and HR = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.44~0.53). Furthermore, RTW showed a statistically significant decrease in the risk of all-cause mortality in the fully adjusted HR, (HR = 0.42, p < 0.001). Some medical and occupational factors are associated with RTW in cervical cancer survivors. Returning to work may have a beneficial effect on the survival of patients with cervical cancer.
Effects of Global Postural Reeducation versus Specific Therapeutic Neck Exercises on Pain, Disability, Postural Control, and Neuromuscular Efficiency in Women with Chronic Nonspecific Neck Pain: Study Protocol for a Randomized, Parallel, Clinical Trial
Authors: Mendes-Fernandes Tânia , Puente-González Ana Silvia , Márquez-Vera Manuel Antonio , Vila-Chã Carolina , Méndez-Sánchez Roberto
Published: October 2021

Background: Chronic nonspecific neck pain is the most frequent form of neck pain. It is more prevalent in women, and a costly public health issue. It is commonly associated with biomechanical, functional, proprioceptive, and postural impairments. The aim of this trial is to compare the effects of global postural exercises versus specific therapeutic exercises on neck pain, disability, mobility, pressure pain threshold, kinesiophobia, pain catastrophizing, postural control, and neuromuscular efficiency in women with chronic nonspecific neck pain. Methods and analysis: This study is a randomized, parallel-group and single blinded clinical trial. Sixty-two women with nonspecific chronic neck pain were recruited from the community of Guarda, Portugal, and randomly assigned to one of two intervention groups: (1) global postural reeducation (GPR group), (2) specific therapeutic exercises (STE group). The intervention was carried out over 4 weeks, with two sessions per week (eight sessions), and applied by a physiotherapist and paired with a daily individual at-home-exercise program. Primary outcomes are neck pain intensity and disability (Numerical Pain Rating Scale, Neck Disability Index). Secondary outcomes are cervical mobility and pressure pain threshold (CROM, algometry), attitude to pain (kinesiophobia, pain catastrophizing), standing postural control (Center of Pressure (COP) displacements), and neuromuscular efficiency (electromyography). There are four points of evaluation where the outcomes were assessed twice before the intervention, 1 week apart, and the two post-intervention assessments will be carried out after four and eight sessions. The objective was to increase scientific knowledge of different exercise modalities, such as global postural reeducation, in musculoskeletal disorders. Trial registration: ClínicalTrials.gov (NCT04402463), prospectively registered (data 22 May 2020).
The Interactive Effect of COVID-19 Risk and Hospital Measures on Turnover Intentions of Healthcare Workers: A Time-Lagged Study
Authors: Majeed Mehwish , Irshad Muhammad , Bartels Jos
Published: October 2021

COVID-19 has led to a global health emergency worldwide. As a result, healthcare workers undergo distress mainly due to the perceived risk of contracting the virus. Such stress might cause them to leave their jobs. In this context, the current study: (1) introduced the concept of perceived risk of COVID-19 and measured it by adapting and validating an existing scale available on the risk of infectious diseases and (2) investigated its outcomes, underlying mechanisms, and boundary conditions for healthcare workers. With the support of conservation of resources theory, the current study aimed to investigate the association between perceived risk of COVID-19 and turnover intentions among healthcare workers, particularly Doctors, nurses, and paramedics staff. This study also aimed to investigate the mediating role of perceived fear of COVID-19 between perceived risk of COVID-19 and turnover intention. The current study also aimed to examine the buffering role that perceptions of hospital measures against COVID-19 could have on diminishing workers’ turnover intentions. Data were collected through a three time-lag email survey of healthcare workers in Pakistan (N = 178) who currently provide treatment to COVID-19 patients. The results supported the hypothesis that perceived risk of COVID-19 enhances fear of COVID-19 among healthcare workers and, consequently, their turnover intentions. Perceptions of hospital measures against COVID-19 weaken the relationship between perceived risk of COVID-19 and fear of COVID-19, which reduces turnover intentions of health care workers. The current study offers implications for theory, practitioners, and society.
Effect of Flexibility Training Associated with Multicomponent Training on Posture and Quality of Movement in Physically Inactive Older Women: A Randomized Study
Authors: Sobrinho Andressa Crystine da Silva , Almeida Mariana Luciano de , Rodrigues Guilherme da Silva , Finzeto Larissa Chacon , Silva Vagner Ramon Rodrigues , Bernatti Rodrigo Fenner , Bueno Junior Carlos Roberto
Published: October 2021

Background: Multicomponent training has considerable adherence among older populations, but there is a lack of literature on the benefits of this training on older people’s posture. Literature also lacks stretching protocols that work the body in an integrated/unified way and respect the principle of individuality in exercise training. We evaluated the effect of a multicomponent training protocol combined or not with flexibility training in improving the posture and quality of movement in physically inactive older women, according to a score lower than 9.11 in the Modified Baecke Questionnaire for the Elderly (MBQE). Methods: 142 participants were evaluated and randomized in three training groups: multicomponent training (MT = 52), multicomponent and flexibility training (MFT = 43), and a control group (CG = 47). We evaluated joint amplitude using goniometry, flexibility with sit and reach and hands behind the back tests, quality of movement with the functional movement screen, and posture using biophotogammetry. Results: The MFT group had 15 parameters—flexibility and posture—with a very large effect size (ES > 1.30) and nine with average ES (0.50–0.79). MT presented two variables with large ES (0.80–1.25) and seven with average ES. CG presented three variables with high ES and five with average ES. Both interventions improved the quality of movement. Conclusions: These results demonstrate that 14 weeks of multicomponent and flexibility training in a group intervention can improve flexibility and posture levels in physically inactive older women.
Encoding a Categorical Independent Variable for Input to TerrSet’s Multi-Layer Perceptron
Authors: Evenden Emily , Pontius Jr Robert Gilmore
Published: October 2021

The profession debates how to encode a categorical variable for input to machine learning algorithms, such as neural networks. A conventional approach is to convert a categorical variable into a collection of binary variables, which causes a burdensome number of correlated variables. TerrSet’s Land Change Modeler proposes encoding a categorical variable onto the continuous closed interval from 0 to 1 based on each category’s Population Evidence Likelihood (PEL) for input to the Multi-Layer Perceptron, which is a type of neural network. We designed examples to test the wisdom of these encodings. The results show that encoding a categorical variable based on each category’s Sample Empirical Probability (SEP) produces results similar to binary encoding and superior to PEL encoding. The Multi-Layer Perceptron’s sigmoidal smoothing function can cause PEL encoding to produce nonsensical results, while SEP encoding produces straightforward results. We reveal the encoding methods by illustrating how a dependent variable gains across an independent variable that has four categories. The results show that PEL can differ substantially from SEP in ways that have important implications for practical extrapolations. If users must encode a categorical variable for input to a neural network, then we recommend SEP encoding, because SEP efficiently produces outputs that make sense.
miR-542-3p Attenuates Bone Loss and Marrow Adiposity Following Methotrexate Treatment by Targeting sFRP-1 and Smurf2
Authors: Zhang Ya-Li , Liu Liang , Su Yu-Wen , Xian Cory J.
Published: October 2021

Intensive methotrexate (MTX) treatment for childhood malignancies decreases osteogenesis but increases adipogenesis from the bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs), resulting in bone loss and bone marrow adiposity. However, the underlying mechanisms are unclear. While microRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as bone homeostasis regulators and miR-542-3p was recently shown to regulate osteogenesis in a bone loss context, the role of miR-542-3p in regulating osteogenesis and adipogenesis balance is not clear. Herein, in a rat MTX treatment-induced bone loss model, miR-542-3p was found significantly downregulated during the period of bone loss and marrow adiposity. Following target prediction, network construction, and functional annotation/ enrichment analyses, luciferase assays confirmed sFRP-1 and Smurf2 as the direct targets of miR-542-3p. miRNA-542-3p overexpression suppressed sFRP-1 and Smurf2 expression post-transcriptionally. Using in vitro models, miR-542-3p treatment stimulated osteogenesis but attenuated adipogenesis following MTX treatment. Subsequent signalling analyses revealed that miR-542-3p influences Wnt/β-catenin and TGF-β signalling pathways in osteoblastic cells. Our findings suggest that MTX treatment-induced bone loss and marrow adiposity could be molecularly linked to miR-542-3p pathways. Our results also indicate that miR-542-3p might be a therapeutic target for preserving bone and attenuating marrow fat formation during/after MTX chemotherapy.
Zika Virus: A New Therapeutic Candidate for Glioblastoma Treatment
Authors: Francipane Maria Giovanna , Douradinha Bruno , Chinnici Cinzia Maria , Russelli Giovanna , Conaldi Pier Giulio , Iannolo Gioacchin
Published: October 2021

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive among the neurological tumors. At present, no chemotherapy or radiotherapy regimen is associated with a positive long-term outcome. In the majority of cases, the tumor recurs within 32–36 weeks of initial treatment. The recent discovery that Zika virus (ZIKV) has an oncolytic action against GBM has brought hope for the development of new therapeutic approaches. ZIKV is an arbovirus of the Flaviviridae family, and its infection during development has been associated with central nervous system (CNS) malformations, including microcephaly, through the targeting of neural stem/progenitor cells (NSCs/NPCs). This finding has led various groups to evaluate ZIKV’s effects against glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs), supposedly responsible for GBM onset, progression, and therapy resistance. While preliminary data support ZIKV tropism toward GSCs, a more accurate study of ZIKV mechanisms of action is fundamental in order to launch ZIKV-based clinical trials for GBM patients.
Linalool Nanoemulsion Preparation, Characterization and Antimicrobial Activity against Aeromonas hydrophila
Authors: Zhong Weiming , Tang Puyu , Liu Ting , Zhao Tianyu , Guo Jiajing , Gao Zhipeng
Published: October 2021

Aeromonas hydrophila is one of the most important aquatic pathogens causing huge economic losses to aquaculture. Linalool, a vital ingredient of a variety of essential oils, was proved as a good antimicrobial agent in our previous studies. However, the low solubility and volatility of Linalool obstruct its application in the field of aquatic drugs. Thus, in this study, Linalool nano-emulsion (LN) was prepared to solve these obstructions. We investigated the physicochemical properties, antibacterial activity, and mode of action of LN against A. hydrophila. LN with different medium chain triglycerides (MCT) concentrations were prepared by ultrasonic method. The results showed that the emulsion droplet size of LN was the smallest when MCT was not added to the formulation. Nano-emulsions are usually less than 500 nm in diameter. In our study, LN in this formulation were spherical droplet with a diameter of 126.57 ± 0.85 nm and showed good stability. LN showed strong antibacterial activity, the MIC and MBC values were 0.3125% v/v and 0.625% v/v, respectively. The bacterial population decreased substantially at 1 × MIC of LN. LN exhibited disruptive effect on cell membranes by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The present study provided a formulation of Linalool nano-emulsion preparation. Moreover, the good antibacterial activity of LN showed in our study will promote the application of Linalool for the control and prevention of A. hydrophila in aquaculture.
Female Mice with Selenocysteine tRNA Deletion in Agrp Neurons Maintain Leptin Sensitivity and Resist Weight Gain While on a High-Fat Diet
Authors: Torres Daniel J. , Pitts Matthew W. , Seale Lucia A. , Hashimoto Ann C. , An Katlyn J. , Hanato Ashley N. , Hui Katherine W. , Remigio Stella Maris A. , Carlson Bradley A. , Hatfield Dolph L. , Berry Marla J.
Published: October 2021

The role of the essential trace element selenium in hypothalamic physiology has begun to come to light over recent years. Selenium is used to synthesize a family of proteins participating in redox reactions called selenoproteins, which contain a selenocysteine residue in place of a cysteine. Past studies have shown that disrupted selenoprotein expression in the hypothalamus can adversely impact energy homeostasis. There is also evidence that selenium supports leptin signaling in the hypothalamus by maintaining proper redox balance. In this study, we generated mice with conditional knockout of the selenocysteine tRNA[Ser]Sec gene (Trsp) in an orexigenic cell population called agouti-related peptide (Agrp)-positive neurons. We found that female TrspAgrpKO mice gain less weight while on a high-fat diet, which occurs due to changes in adipose tissue activity. Female TrspAgrpKO mice also retained hypothalamic sensitivity to leptin administration. Male mice were unaffected, however, highlighting the sexually dimorphic influence of selenium on neurobiology and energy homeostasis. These findings provide novel insight into the role of selenoproteins within a small yet heavily influential population of hypothalamic neurons.
m6A Modified Short RNA Fragments Inhibit Cytoplasmic TLS/FUS Aggregation Induced by Hyperosmotic Stress
Authors: Yoneda Ryoma , Ueda Naomi , Kurokawa Riki
Published: October 2021

Translocated in LipoSarcoma/Fused in Sarcoma (TLS/FUS) is a nuclear RNA binding protein whose mutations cause amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. TLS/FUS undergoes LLPS and forms membraneless particles with other proteins and nucleic acids. Interaction with RNA alters conformation of TLS/FUS, which affects binding with proteins, but the effect of m6A RNA modification on the TLS/FUS–RNA interaction remains elusive. Here, we investigated the binding specificity of TLS/FUS to m6A RNA fragments by RNA pull down assay, and elucidated that both wild type and ALS-related TLS/FUS mutants strongly bound to m6A modified RNAs. TLS/FUS formed cytoplasmic foci by treating hyperosmotic stress, but the cells transfected with m6A-modified RNAs had a smaller number of foci. Moreover, m6A-modified RNA transfection resulted in the cells obtaining higher resistance to the stress. In summary, we propose TLS/FUS as a novel candidate of m6A recognition protein, and m6A-modified RNA fragments diffuse cytoplasmic TLS/FUS foci and thereby enhance cell viability.
Could a Conversational AI Identify Offensive Language?
Authors: da Silva Daniela America , Louro Henrique Duarte Borges , Goncalves Gildarcio Sousa , Marques Johnny Cardoso , Dias Luiz Alberto Vieira , da Cunha Adilson Marques , Tasinaffo Paulo Marcelo
Published: October 2021

In recent years, we have seen a wide use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications in the Internet and everywhere. Natural Language Processing and Machine Learning are important sub-fields of AI that have made Chatbots and Conversational AI applications possible. Those algorithms are built based on historical data in order to create language models, however historical data could be intrinsically discriminatory. This article investigates whether a Conversational AI could identify offensive language and it will show how large language models often produce quite a bit of unethical behavior because of bias in the historical data. Our low-level proof-of-concept will present the challenges to detect offensive language in social media and it will discuss some steps to propitiate strong results in the detection of offensive language and unethical behavior using a Conversational AI.
Modelling of Harbour and Coastal Structures
Authors: Karambas Theophanis V. , Samaras Achilleas G.
Published: October 2021

The world’s coasts are being continuously reshaped by the interplay between natural- and human-induced pressures [...]
Natural Processes and Anthropogenic Activity in the Indus River Sedimentary Environment in Pakistan: A Critical Review
Authors: Khan Usman , Janjuhah Hammad Tariq , Kontakiotis George , Rehman Adnanul , Zarkogiannis Stergios D.
Published: October 2021

The Indus River is Asia’s longest river, having its origin in the Tibet Mountain northwest of Pakistan. Routed from northern Gilgit and flowing to the plains, the river passes through several provinces and is connected by numerous small and large tributaries. The river was formed tectonically due to the collusion of the Indian and Eurasian plates, which is referred to as the Indus suture Plains zone (ISPZ). The geological setting of the study area is mainly composed of igneous and metamorphic rocks. The river passed through a variety of climatic zones and areas, although the predominant climate is subtropic arid and sub arid to subequatorial. Locally and globally, anthropogenic activities such as building, dams, and water canals for irrigation purposes, mining exploration, and industries and factories all affected the physical and chemical behaviors of the sediments in various rivers. The main effect of human activities is the reworking of weathered soil smectite, a chemical weathering indicator that rises in the offshore record about 5000 years ago. This material indicates increased transport of stronger chemically weathered material, which may result from agriculture-induced erosion of older soil. However, we also see evidence for the incision of large rivers into the floodplain, which is also driving the reworking of this type of material, so the signal may be a combination of the two. Sediments undergo significant changes in form and size due to clashing with one another in the high-charge river.
A Novel Model Structured on Predictive Churn Methods in a Banking Organization
Authors: Silveira Leonardo José , Pinheiro Plácido Rogério , Junior Leopoldo Soares de Melo
Published: October 2021

A constant in the business world is the frequent movement of customers joining or abandoning companies’ services and products. The customer is one of the company’s most important assets. Reducing the customer abandonment rate has become a matter of survival and, at the same time, the most efficient way to maintain the customer base, since the replacement of dropouts by new customers costs, on average, 40% more. Aiming to mitigate the churn (customer evasion) phenomenon, this study compared predictive models to discover the most efficient method to identify customers who tend to drop out in the context of a banking organization. A literature review of related works on the subject found the neural network, decision tree, random forest and logistic regression models were the most cited, and thus the models were chosen for this work. Quantitative analyses were carried out on a sample of 200,000 credit operations, with 497 explanatory variables. The statistical treatment of the data and the developments of predictive models of churn were performed using the Orange data mining software. The most expressive results were achieved using the random forest model, with an accuracy of 82%.
Simulation of Policy Tools’ Effects on Farmers’ Adoption of Conservation Tillage Technology: An Empirical Analysis in China
Authors: Liu Hongbin , Wu Mengyao , Liu Xinhua , Gao Jiaju , Luo Xiaojuan , Wu Yan
Published: October 2021

Conservation tillage technology (CTT) provides a new solution to the problem of cultivated land protection. Using effective policy tools to ensure that farmers adopt conservation tillage technology is crucial to the sustainable utilization of cultivated land resources and the development of agricultural modernization. This study aims to explore the decision-making and the dynamic influence mechanism involved in using policy tools to influence farmers’ technology adoption behaviors by constructing a theoretical framework. Based on survey data of farmers in Liaoning Province, China, the Agent Belief–Desire–Intention (BDI) model is applied. The results show that the implementation of policy tools promotes farmers’ adoption of CTT, but different types of policy tools have different impacts on the decision-making behavior of farmers; a change in the intensity of the policy tools will also cause differences in farmers’ behavioral responses. In addition, policy tools must be implemented in a timely manner, as the number of farmers adopting CTT reaches the maximum within 2–3 years. Based on the above research results, in order to effectively promote farmers’ adoption of CTT, the government should pay attention to the role of information-inducing policy and set flexible policy subsidies and punishment standards.
Robust Neutralizing Antibody Responses 6 Months Post Vaccination with BNT162b2: A Prospective Study in 308 Healthy Individuals
Authors: Terpos Evangelos , Karalis Vangelis , Ntanasis-Stathopoulos Ioannis , Gavriatopoulou Maria , Gumeni Sentiljana , Malandrakis Panagiotis , Papanagnou Eleni-Dimitra , Kastritis Efstathios , Trougakos Ioannis P. , Dimopoulos Meletios A.
Published: October 2021

Elucidating long-term immunity following COVID-19 vaccination is essential for decision-making regarding booster shots. The aim of this study was to investigate the kinetics of neutralizing antibodies (Nabs) against SARS-CoV-2 up to six months after the second vaccination dose with the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine. Nabs levels were measured on days 1 (before the first vaccine shot), 8, 22 (before the second shot), 36, 50, and 3 and 6 months after the second vaccination (NCT04743388). Three hundred and eight healthy individuals without malignant disease were included in this study. At six months, 2.59% of the participants had a Nabs value less than 30%, while 11.9% had Nabs values of less than 50%. Importantly, 58% of the subjects had Nabs values of more than 75%. Nabs were initially eliminated at a relatively slow rate, but after three months their elimination was 5.7 times higher. Older age was inversely associated with Nabs levels at all examined timepoints. Interestingly, a population modeling analysis estimated that half of the subjects will have Nabs values less than 73.8% and 64.6% at 9 and 12 months, respectively, post vaccination completion. In conclusion, we found a persistent but declining anti-SARS-CoV-2 humoral immunity at six months following full vaccination with BNT162b2 in healthy individuals, which was more pronounced among older persons. These data may inform the public health policies regarding the prioritization of booster vaccine shots.
Carbon Electrodes in Perovskite Photovoltaics
Authors: Pradid Preawpun , Sanglee Kanyanee , Thongprong Non , Chuangchote Surawut
Published: October 2021

High-performance lab-scale perovskite solar cells often have a precious metal as the top electrode. However, there are drawbacks to using metal top electrodes on a large scale, such as inducing degradation processes, requiring a high-temperature deposition process under vacuum, and having low scalability. Recently many studies have shown the potentials of using a carbon electrode because of its conductivity, flexibility, low cost, and ease of fabrication. This review article presents an overview of using carbon materials to replace the top electrode in perovskite photovoltaics. We discuss various fabrication techniques, various carbon-based device structures, and the advantages of using carbon materials. A collection of research works on device performance, large-scale fabrication, and device stability is presented. As a result, this review offers insight into the future of large-scale flexible solar cells.
Impact of A-Site Cation Deficiency on Charge Transport in La0.5−xSr0.5FeO3−δ
Authors: Merkulov Oleg V. , Samigullin Ruslan R. , Markov Alexey A. , Patrakeev Mikhail V.
Published: October 2021

The electrical conductivity of La0.5−xSr0.5FeO3−δ, investigated as a function of the nominal cation deficiency in the A-sublattice, x, varying from 0 to 0.02, has demonstrated a nonlinear dependence. An increase in the x value from 0 to 0.01 resulted in a considerable increase in electrical conductivity, which was shown to be attributed mainly to an increase in the mobility of the charge carriers. A combined analysis of the defect equilibrium and the charge transport in La0.5−xSr0.5FeO3−δ revealed the increase in the mobility of oxygen ions, electrons, and holes by factors of ~1.5, 1.3, and 1.7, respectively. The observed effect is assumed to be conditioned by a variation in the oxide structure under the action of the cationic vacancy formation. It was found that the cation deficiency limit in La0.5−xSr0.5FeO3−δ did not exceed 0.01. A small overstep of this limit was shown to result in the formation of (Sr,La)Fe12O19 impurity, which even in undetectable amounts reduced the conductivity of the material. The presence of (Sr,La)Fe12O19 impurity was revealed by X-ray diffraction on the ceramic surface after heat treatment at 1300 °C. It is most likely that the formation of traces of the liquid phase under these conditions is responsible for the impurity migration to the ceramic surface. The introduction of a cation deficiency of 0.01 into the A-sublattice of La0.5−xSr0.5FeO3−δ can be recommended as an effective means to enhance both the oxygen ion and the electron conductivity and improve ceramic sinterability.
Effect of Microimplant Neck Design with and without Microthread on Pullout Strength and Destruction Volume
Authors: Tseng Yu-Chuan , Chen Han-Sheng , Hsiao Szu-Yu , Hsu Kun-Jung , Chen Chun-Ming
Published: October 2021

The microthread neck concept has been applied to dental implants. This study investigated the pullout strength and destruction volume of orthodontic microimplants with and without the microthread neck design. Fifteen microimplants (diameter: 1.5 × 10 mm) of three types (Types A and B: without microimplant neck; Type C: with microimplant neck) were tested. The insertion torque (IT), Periotest value (PTV), horizontal pullout strength (HPS), and horizontal destruction volume (HDV) of each type were measured. Kruskal–Wallis H test and Dunn’s post-hoc comparison test were performed to compare the measured values of the three types of microimplants. The correlations of the measured values were used to perform the Spearman’s correlation coefficient analysis. The ITs of Types B (8.8 Ncm) and C (8.9 Ncm) were significantly higher than those of Type A (5.2 Ncm). Type B yielded the lowest PTV (4.1), and no statistical differences in PTV were observed among the three types. Type A had a significantly lower HPS (158.8 Ncm) than Types B (226.9 Ncm) and C (212.8 Ncm). The three types did not exhibit any significant differences in the HDV. The results of the Spearman’s correlation coefficient test revealed that HDV (ρ = 0.710) and IT (ρ = 0.813) were strongly correlated with HPS, whereas for PTV and HPS, it was not. HPS was strongly and significantly correlated with HDV. The orthodontic microimplant with a microimplant neck design did not perform better than that without a microthread in the mechanical strength test.
Shaping the Microstructure of High-Aluminum Cast Iron in Terms of the Phenomenon of Spontaneous Decomposition Generated by the Presence of Aluminum Carbide
Authors: Gilewski Robert , Kopyciński Dariusz , Guzik Edward , Szczęsny Andrzej
Published: October 2021

A suitable aluminum additive in cast iron makes it resistant to heat in a variety of environments and increases the abrasion resistance of the cast iron. It should be noted that high-aluminum cast iron has the potential to become an important eco-material. The basic elements from which it is made—iron, aluminum and a small amount of carbon—are inexpensive components. This material can be made from contaminated aluminum scrap, which is increasingly found in metallurgical scrap. The idea is to produce iron castings with the highest possible proportion of aluminum. Such castings are heat-resistant and have good abrasive properties. The only problem to be solved is to prevent the activation of the phenomenon of spontaneous decomposition. This phenomenon is related to the Al4C3 hygroscopic aluminum carbide present in the structure of cast iron. Previous attempts to determine the causes of spontaneous disintegration by various researchers do not describe them comprehensively. In this article, the mechanism of the spontaneous disintegration of high-aluminum cast iron castings is defined. The main factor is the large relative geometric dimensions of Al4C3 carbide. In addition, methods for counteracting the phenomenon of spontaneous decay are developed, which is the main goal of the research. It is found that a reduction in the size of the Al4C3 carbide or its removal lead to the disappearance of the self-disintegration effect of high-aluminum cast iron. For this purpose, an increased cooling rate of the casting is used, as well as the addition of elements (Ti, B and Bi) to cast iron, supported in some cases by heat treatment. The tests are conducted on the cast iron with the addition of 34–36% mass aluminum. The molten metal is superheated to 1540 °C and then the cast iron samples are cast at 1420 °C. A molding sand with bentonite is used to produce casting molds.
The Effect of Zr Addition on Melting Temperature, Microstructure, Recrystallization and Mechanical Properties of a Cantor High Entropy Alloy
Authors: Campari Enrico Gianfranco , Casagrande Angelo , Colombini Elena , Gualtieri Magdalena Lassinantti , Veronesi Paolo
Published: October 2021

The effect of Zr addition on the melting temperature of the CoCrFeMnNi High Entropy Alloy (HEA), known as the “Cantor’s Alloy”, is investigated, together with its micro-structure, mechanical properties and thermomechanical recrystallization process. The base and Zr-modified alloys are obtained by vacuum induction melting of mechanically pre-alloyed powders. Raw materials are then cold rolled and annealed. recrystallization occurred during the heat treatment of the cold-rolled HEA. The alloys are characterized by X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, thermal analyses, mechanical spectroscopy and indentation measures. The main advantages of Zr addition are: (1) a fast vacuum induction melting process; (2) the lower melting temperature, due to Zr eutectics formation with all the Cantor’s alloy elements; (3) the good chemical alloy homogeneity; and (4) the mechanical properties improvement of re-crystallized grains with a coherent structure. The crystallographic lattice of both alloys results in FCC. The Zr-modified HEA presents a higher recrystallization temperature and smaller grain size after recrystallization with respect to the Cantor’s alloy, with precipitation of a coherent second phase, which enhances the alloy hardness and strength.
Circulating Fluidized Bed Fly Ash Mixed Functional Cementitious Materials: Shrinkage Compensation of f-CaO, Autoclaved Hydration Characteristics and Environmental Performance
Authors: Zhang Wei , Liu Xiaoming , Zhang Zengqi , Wang Yaguang , Xue Yang , Hao Xiansheng , Lu Yang
Published: October 2021

Circulating fluidized bed (CFB) fly ash is a by-product from CFB power generation, which is hard to utilize in cement because it contains f-CaO and SO3. This work aims to explore the mechanism of the shrinkage compensation of free-CaO (f-CaO) and the autoclaved hydration characteristics and environmental performance of CFB fly ash mixed cementitious materials (CMM). In this work, long-term volume stability of CMM is improved with the addition of CFBFA. These findings suggest that the compressive strength of sample CMM0.5 is the highest under both standard condition (67.21 MPa) and autoclaved condition (89.56 MPa). Meanwhile, the expansion rate (0.0207%) of sample CMM0.5 is the lowest, which proves the shrinkage compensation effect of f-CaO in CFBFA. The main hydration products of CMM0.5 are Ca2SiO4•H2O (C-S-H) gel, CaAl2Si2O7(OH)2•H2O (C-A-S-H) gel and Ca(OH)2. In addition, the high polymerization degree of [Si(Al)O4] and the densified microstructure are presented at the sample CMM0.5. The leaching results indicates that the heavy metals in CMM0.5 satisfies the WHO standards for drinking water due to physical encapsulation and charge balance. Therefore, this investigation provides a novel method of using CFB fly ash in cement.
Experimental Research of Ratio between Residual and Elastic Strains εres/εE in High-Strength Concrete Beams Subjected to Bending
Authors: Bayat Hydayatullah , Ubysz Andrzej , Maj Marek , Chalecki Marek , Wójt Jarosław , Tamrazyan Ashot
Published: October 2021

In the mechanics of concrete constructions, one distinguishes between residual and elastic strains. Cyclic loadings evoke changes mainly in the elastic strains; however, the total strains are decided by the sum of the residual and elastic strains. The knowledge of the ratio between the residual and total strains allows to predict the total deformations of a construction assuming it is made from an ideally elastic material. This paper presents the effect of the load level at the values of the residual strains for beams made of high-strength concretes and subjected to bending. The investigations showed that the share of residual strains for these concretes differed from the share of residual strains for concretes of lower classes. The investigations were made for cyclically loaded concrete samples and ferroconcrete beams for various relative load levels. The ratio between the residual and total strains was presented in the form of a dependence on the relative load level of the element. An important conclusion was that, after the crack formation, the share of residual stresses reduced, along with the increase in the concrete strength and elastic features of the construction which started to predominate.
Integrating Cluster Analysis into Multi-Criteria Decision Making for Maintenance Management of Aging Culverts
Authors: Marsili Francesca , Bödefeld Jörg
Published: October 2021

Negligence in relation to aging infrastructure systems could have unintended consequences and is therefore associated with a risk. The assessment of the risk of neglecting maintenance provides valuable information for decision making in maintenance management. However, infrastructure systems are interdependent and interconnected systems of systems characterized by hierarchical levels and a multiplicity of failure scenarios. Assessment methodologies are needed that can capture the multidimensional aspect of risk and simplify the risk assessment, while also improving the understanding and interpretation of the results. This paper proposes to integrate the multi-criteria decision analysis with data mining techniques to perform the risk assessment of aging infrastructures. The analysis is characterized by two phases. First, an intra failure scenario risk assessment is performed. Then, the results are aggregated to carry out an inter failure scenario risk assessment. A cluster analysis based on the k-medoids algorithm is applied to reduce the number of alternatives and identify those which dominate the decision problem. The proposed approach is applied to a system of aging culverts of the German waterways network. Results show that the procedure allows to simplify the analysis and improve communication with infrastructure stakeholders.
Estimating Gini Coefficient from Grouped Data Based on Shape-Preserving Cubic Hermite Interpolation of Lorenz Curve
Authors: Shang Songpu , Shang Songhao
Published: October 2021

The Lorenz curve and Gini coefficient are widely used to describe inequalities in many fields, but accurate estimation of the Gini coefficient is still difficult for grouped data with fewer groups. We proposed a shape-preserving cubic Hermite interpolation method to approximate the Lorenz curve by maximizing or minimizing the strain energy or curvature variation energy of the interpolation curve, and a method to estimate the Gini coefficient directly from the coefficients of the interpolation curve. This interpolation method can preserve the essential requirements of the Lorenz curve, i.e., non-negativity, monotonicity, and convexity, and can estimate the derivatives at intermediate points and endpoints at the same time. These methods were tested with 16 grouped quintiles or unequally spaced datasets, and the results were compared with the true Gini coefficients calculated with all census data and results estimated with other methods. Results indicate that the maximum strain energy interpolation method generally performs the best among different methods, which is applicable to both equally and unequally spaced grouped datasets with higher precision, especially for grouped data with fewer groups.
Symbol-Pair Distance of Repeated-Root Constacyclic Codes of Prime Power Lengths over \({{\mathbb{F}_{p^m}[u]}/{\langle u^3\rangle}}\)
Authors: Charkani Mohammed , Dinh Hai , Laaouine Jamal , Yamaka Woraphon
Published: October 2021

Let p be a prime, s, m be positive integers, γ be a nonzero element of the finite field Fpm, and let R=Fpm[u]/⟨u3⟩ be the finite commutative chain ring. In this paper, the symbol-pair distances of all γ-constacyclic codes of length ps over R are completely determined.
An Algorithmic Approach Is Superior to the 99th Percentile Upper Reference Limits of High Sensitivity Troponin as a Threshold for Safe Discharge from the Emergency Department
Authors: Kang Taekyung , Kim Gwang Sil , Byun Young Sup , Kim Jongwoo , Kim Sollip , Chang Jeonghyun , Yoo Soo Jin
Published: October 2021

Background and Objectives: High-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-TnI) is an important indicator of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) among patients presenting with chest discomfort at the emergency department (ED). We aimed to determine a reliable hs-TnI cut-off by comparing various values for a baseline single measurement and an algorithmic approach. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the hs-TnI values of patients who presented to our ED with chest discomfort between June 2019 and June 2020. We evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of AMI with the Beckman Coulter Access hs-TnI assay by comparing the 99th percentile upper reference limits (URLs) based on the manufacturer’s claims, the newly designated URLs in the Korean population, and an algorithmic approach. Results: A total of 1296 patients who underwent hs-TnI testing in the ED were reviewed and 155 (12.0%) were diagnosed with AMI. With a single measurement, a baseline hs-TnI cut-off of 18.4 ng/L showed the best performance for the whole population with a sensitivity of 78.7%, specificity of 95.7%, negative predictive value (NPV) of 97.1%, and positive predictive value (PPV) of 71.3%. An algorithm using baseline and 2–3 h hs-TnI values showed an 100% sensitivity, 97.7% specificity, an NPV of 100%, and a PPV of 90.1%. This algorithm used a cut-off of <4 ng/L for a single measurement 3 h after symptom onset or an initial level of <5 ng/L and a change of <5 ng/L to rule a patient out, and a cut-off of ≥50 ng/L for a single measurement or a change of ≥20 ng/L to rule a patient in. Conclusions: The algorithmic approach using serial measurements could help differentiate AMI patients from patients who could be safely discharged from the ED, ensuring that patients were triaged accurately and did not undergo unnecessary testing. The cut-off values from previous studies in different countries were effective in the Korean population.
The Effect of Three Surgical Therapies to Increase Keratinized Mucosa Surrounding Dental Implants with Peri-Implantitis: A Pilot Study
Authors: Lee In-Kyung , Choi Hyun-Seok , Jeong Sang-Heon , Lee Jung-Tae
Published: October 2021

Background and Objectives: The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of three different methods for increasing the keratinized mucosa (KM) surrounding dental implants with peri-implantitis. Materials and methods: Twenty implant sites with peri-implantitis were divided into: (1) porcine collagen matrix (CM) group: seven implant sites; (2) apically positioned flap (APF) group: eight implant sites; and (3) free gingival graft (FGG) group: five implant sites. The KM width and clinical parameters (probing pocket depth (PPD) and bleeding on probing (BOP)) were measured at time points: before surgery (T0) and 30 (T1), 60 (T2), 90 (T3), and 180 (T4) days after surgery. Results: Regarding KM width, all the groups had significant differences for increasing horizontal and vertical KM width. The CM and FGG groups had greater KM than the APF group. There was a decrease in PPD in all three groups. APF and FGG showed significant differences in PPD at T1 and T2 compared to T0. Only the FGG group showed a significant difference in PPD at T3 and T4 compared with that at T0. BOP values were also reduced in all the groups at T1–T4 compared to T0. The APF and FGG groups showed a significant decrease in BOP. Conclusions: Three surgical therapies presented favorable results for increasing the KM surrounding implants. Compared with the FGG group, the CM showed similar results in increasing the KM around the dental implants with peri-implantitis.
Characterization of Extracellular Vesicles Labelled with a Lipophilic Dye Using Fluorescence Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis
Authors: Midekessa Getnet , Godakumara Kasun , Dissanayake Keerthie , Hasan Mohammad Mehedi , Reshi Qurat Ul Ain , Rinken Toonika , Fazeli Alireza
Published: October 2021

Research on extracellular vesicles (EVs) has intensified over the past decade, including fluorescent membrane labeling of EVs. An optimal fluorescent method requires the size of EVs to be preserved after labeling. Lipophilic fluorescent dyes, such as CellMask™ Green (CMG), have been widely used for this purpose. Here, we investigated conditions affecting the optimum CMG labeling of EVs derived from human choriocarcinoma cells (JAr) and different biological fluids using fluorescence NTA (fl-NTA). The effect of CMG labeling on the size, concentration and zeta potential (ZP) on JAr EVs purified with different methods were measured along with biological fluid-derived EVs. With the increase of CMG dye concentration, a significant decrease in the mean size of fluorescent nanoparticles (fl-NPs) was observed. The ZP of fl-NPs originating from JAr cells with the lowest and highest dye concentrations showed a significant shift towards more and less negative ZP values, respectively. Differences in the concentration of fl-NPs were observed for JAr EVs purified using size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) alone and SEC in combination with tangential flow filtration. The proportion of CMG labeling of NPs varied across different biological sources. CMG labeling may be a reliable technique for the detection of EVs using fl-NTA.
Optimization of Membrane Protein TmrA Purification Procedure Guided by Analytical Ultracentrifugation
Authors: Li Dongdong , Chu Wendan , Sheng Xinlei , Li Wenqi
Published: October 2021

Membrane proteins are involved in various cellular processes. However, purification of membrane proteins has long been a challenging task, as membrane protein stability in detergent is the bottleneck for purification and subsequent analyses. Therefore, the optimization of detergent conditions is critical for the preparation of membrane proteins. Here, we utilize analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC) to examine the effects of different detergents (OG, Triton X-100, DDM), detergent concentrations, and detergent supplementation on the behavior of membrane protein TmrA. Our results suggest that DDM is more suitable for the purification of TmrA compared with OG and TritonX-100; a high concentration of DDM yields a more homogeneous protein aggregation state; supplementing TmrA purified with a low DDM concentration with DDM maintains the protein homogeneity and aggregation state, and may serve as a practical and cost-effective strategy for membrane protein purification.
Waste Reutilization in Polymeric Membrane Fabrication: A New Direction in Membranes for Separation
Authors: Goh Pei Sean , Othman Mohd Hafiz Dzarfan , Matsuura Takeshi
Published: October 2021

In parallel to the rapid growth in economic and social activities, there has been an undesirable increase in environmental degradation due to the massively produced and disposed waste. The need to manage waste in a more innovative manner has become an urgent matter. In response to the call for circular economy, some solid wastes can offer plenty of opportunities to be reutilized as raw materials for the fabrication of functional, high-value products. In the context of solid waste-derived polymeric membrane development, this strategy can pave a way to reduce the consumption of conventional feedstock for the production of synthetic polymers and simultaneously to dampen the negative environmental impacts resulting from the improper management of these solid wastes. The review aims to offer a platform for overviewing the potentials of reutilizing solid waste in liquid separation membrane fabrication by covering the important aspects, including waste pretreatment and raw material extraction, membrane fabrication and characterizations, as well as the separation performance evaluation of the resultant membranes. Three major types of waste-derived polymeric raw materials, namely keratin, cellulose, and plastics, are discussed based on the waste origins, limitations in the waste processing, and their conversion into polymeric membranes. With the promising material properties and viability of processing facilities, recycling and reutilization of waste resources for membrane fabrication are deemed to be a promising strategy that can bring about huge benefits in multiple ways, especially to make a step closer to sustainable and green membrane production.
Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Titanium Alloys
Authors: Shugurov Artur
Published: October 2021

Titanium and its alloys are widely used engineering materials within the aerospace, automotive, energy, and chemical industries [...]