bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
When Attitudes Become Obstacles: An Exploratory Study of Future Physicians’ Concerns about Reporting Child Maltreatment
Authors: Dynes Morgan E. , Rasiah Stephne S. , Knox Michele
Published: May 2023

Background: Child maltreatment (CM) makes up a significant portion of events under the larger umbrella term of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Therefore, we need to develop a competent healthcare workforce that is prepared to assess and report CM in order to create a comprehensive framework for assessing and addressing ACEs. The objective of the present study was to examine the obstacles to reporting CM among a sample of future physicians. Methods: Two samples of medical students and residents (N = 196) completed the Healthcare Provider Attitudes Toward Child Maltreatment Reporting Scale and rated how likely they would be to report suspected CM. Results: Medical students were found to have more negative feelings about and perceive more obstacles to reporting CM compared to residents in our sample. Scores on the Reporting Responsibilities subscale were not significantly associated with increased likelihood of reporting CM. However, lower scores on the Concerns about Reporting subscale were related to an increased likelihood of reporting CM. Conclusions: Future physicians who perceived fewer obstacles to reporting CM reported being more likely to report suspected CM. Misinformed fears about outcomes such as retaliation, removal of the child from the home, and being sued may interfere with future physicians’ adherence to mandated reporting responsibilities. Efforts should be made early in physician education to identify and address common myths and misconceptions around mandated reporting and its outcomes.
Thirty-Fold Increase in Relative Sensitivity of Dy3+ Luminescent Boltzmann Thermometers Using Multiparameter and Multilevel Cascade Temperature Readings
Authors: Antić Željka , Ćirić Aleksandar , Sekulić Milica , Periša Jovana , Milićević Bojana , Alodhayb Abdullah N. , Alrebdi Tahani A. , Dramićanin Miroslav D.
Published: May 2023

The sensitivity of luminescent Boltzmann thermometers is restricted by the energy difference between the thermally coupled excitement levels of trivalent lanthanides, and their values further decrease with increases in temperature, rendering their use at high temperatures difficult. Here, we demonstrate how to overcome this sensitivity limitation by employing multiparameter and multilevel cascade temperature readings. For this purpose, we synthesized Dy3+:Y2SiO5, a phosphor whose emission is known to begin quenching at very high temperatures. Its photoluminescence-emission features, later used for thermometry, consisted of two blue emission bands centered around 486 nm and 458 nm, and two bands centered around 430 nm and 398 nm, which were only visible at elevated temperatures. Next, we performed thermometry using the standard luminescence-intensity ratio (LIR) method, which employs the 4F9/2 and 4I15/2 Dy3+ levels’ emissions and the multilevel cascade method, which additionally uses the 4G11/2 level and overlapping intensities of 4I13/2, 4M21/2, 4K17/2, and 4F7/2 levels to create two LIRs with a larger energy difference than the standard LIR. This approach yielded a sensitivity that was 3.14 times greater than the standard method. Finally, we simultaneously exploited all the LIRs in the multiparameter temperature readings and found a relative sensitivity that was 30 times greater than that of the standard approach.
Targeting Pro-Survival Autophagy Enhanced GSK-3β Inhibition-Induced Apoptosis and Retarded Proliferation in Bladder Cancer Cells
Authors: Shirono Yuko , Bilim Vladimir , Anraku Tsutomu , Kuroki Hiroo , Kazama Akira , Murata Masaki , Hiruma Kaede , Tomita Yoshihiko
Published: May 2023

Advanced bladder cancer (BC) (local invasive and/or metastatic) is not curable even with cytotoxic chemotherapy, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and targeted treatment. Targeting GSK-3β is a promising novel approach in advanced BC. The induction of autophagy is a mechanism of secondary resistance to various anticancer treatments. Our objectives are to investigate the synergistic effects of GSK-3β in combination with autophagy inhibitors to evade GSK-3β drug resistance. Small molecule GSK-3β inhibitors and GSK-3β knockdown using siRNA promote the expression of autophagy-related proteins. We further investigated that GSK-3β inhibition induced the nucleus translocation of transcription factor EB (TFEB). Compared to the GSK-3β inhibition alone, its combination with chloroquine (an autophagy inhibitor) significantly reduced BC cell growth. These results suggest that targeting autophagy potentiates GSK-3β inhibition-induced apoptosis and retarded proliferation in BC cells.
Correction: Bringolf et al. Major Ion Toxicity to Glochidia of Common and Imperiled Freshwater Mussel Species. Diversity 2022, 14, 95
Authors: Bringolf Robert B. , Raines Brenna K. , Ratajczak Robert E. , Haskins David Lee
Published: May 2023

Figures 5 and 6 (and their corresponding legends) were inadvertently omitted from the final publication of the original paper [...]
Managing Employee Motivation in Slovak Universities from the Perspectives of Time and Age
Authors: Hitka Milos , Lizbetinova Lenka , Javorcikova Jana , Lorincova Silvia , Vanderkova Katarina
Published: May 2023

Human resources refer to a special and unique field as they are the most valuable but also the most costly factor of production. The aim of the research is to analyze the level of motivation of university teachers in Slovakia in terms of time and age, and to define the motivational needs of university teachers. The method of sociological questioning is used. The collected data from 2016 university teachers from Slovak technical universities are analyzed using the Tukey HSD test. Based on the research results, it can be stated that university teachers are the most motivated by relational and financial motivational factors. There is a significant change in the level of average importance of motivational factors across time (years), but there is no change in their structure. In terms of the age factor, significant differences over time are identified. Finally, Slovak teachers display the need for a more respected social status and a better image of their profession. The research findings will help university managers in raising the level of teachers’ motivation and in designing motivation programs.
A Bingham Plastic Fluid Solver for Turbulent Flow of Dense Muddy Sediment Mixtures
Authors: Adams Ian , Simeonov Julian , Bateman Samuel , Keane Nathan
Published: May 2023

We have developed and tested a numerical model for turbulence resolving simulations of dense mud–water mixtures in oscillatory bottom boundary layers, based on a low Stokes number formulation of the two-phase equations. The resulting non-Boussinesq equation for the fluid momentum is coupled to a transport equation for the mud volumetric concentration, giving rise to a volume-averaged fluid velocity that is non-solenoidal, and the model was implemented as a new compressible flow solver. An oscillating pressure gradient force was implemented in the correction step of the standard semi-implicit method for pressure linked equations (SIMPLE), for consistency with the treatment of other volume forces (e.g., gravity). The flow solver was further coupled to a new library for Bingham plastic materials, in order to model the rheological properties of dense mud mixtures using empirically determined concentration-dependent yield stress and viscosity. We present three direct numerical simulation tests to validate the new MudMixtureFoam solver against previous numerical solutions and experimental data. The first considered steady flow of Bingham plastic fluid with uniform concentration around a sphere, with Bingham numbers ranging from 1 to 100 and Reynolds numbers ranging from 0.1 to 100. The second considered the development of turbulence in oscillatory bottom boundary layer flow, and showed the formation of an intermittently turbulent layer with peak velocity perturbations exceeding 10 percent of the freestream flow velocity and occurring at a distance from the bottom comparable to the Stokes boundary layer thickness. The third considered the effects of density stratification due to resuspended sediment on turbulence in oscillatory bottom boundary layer flow with a bulk Richardson number of 1×10−4 and a Stokes–Reynolds number of 1000, and showed the formation of a lutocline between 20 and 40 Stokes boundary layer depths. In all cases, the new solver produced excellent agreement with the previous results.
Fractal Analysis of Coal Pore Structure Based on Computed Tomography and Fluid Intrusions
Authors: Chen Xuexi , Ma Ruiyue , Wu Jinsui , Sun Jihong
Published: May 2023

As a non-homogeneous porous medium, the structural complexity of coal directly affects pore structure parameters and gas percolation characteristics, which in turn determine the fractal dimension of coal samples. Among them, the specific surface area of coal largely determines the complexity of the pore structure and is closely related to coal and gas protrusion hazards. To investigate the relationship between the fractal dimension of coal and its specific surface area, we analyzed the pore structure of coal samples using low-temperature nitrogen adsorption, the mercury pressure method, and X-ray micro-computed tomography (CT) experiments. By calculating the fractal dimension of coal and reconstructing it in three dimensions, the morphological characteristics and distribution of pores can be described qualitatively and quantitatively. The fractal dimension of coal samples was found to increase exponentially with the specific surface area based on measurements of large pores and mesopores via the mercury pressure method and those of small pores and micropores using the nitrogen adsorption method. X-ray micro-CT experiments revealed that the fractal dimension of large pores (i.e., >2 μm) conformed to this pattern.
FPGA Implementation of Parameter-Switching Scheme to Stabilize Chaos in Fractional Spherical Systems and Usage in Secure Image Transmission
Authors: Adeyemi Vincent-Ademola , Tlelo-Cuautle Esteban , Sandoval-Ibarra Yuma , Nuñez-Perez Jose-Cruz
Published: May 2023

The main objective of this work was to implement the parameter-switching chaos control scheme for fractional-order spherical systems and develop a chaos-based image encryption and transmission system. The novelty in the developed secure communication system is the application of the parameter-switching scheme in the decryption of RGB and grayscale images, which undergo one round of encryption using the chaotic states of the fractional system and a diffusion process. The secure communication system has a synchronized master and slave topology, resulting in transmitter and receiver systems for encrypting and decrypting images, respectively. This work was demonstrated numerically and also implemented on two FPGAs, namely Artix-7 AC701 and Cyclone V. The results show that the parameter-switching scheme controls chaos in the fractional-order spherical systems effectively. Furthermore, the performance analysis of the image encryption and transmission system shows that there is no similarity between the original and encrypted images, while the decryption of the encrypted images is without a loss of quality. The best result in terms of the encryption was obtained from the chaotic state x of the fractional-order system, with correlation coefficients of 0.0511 and 0.0392 for the RGB and grayscale images, respectively. Finally, the utilization of the FPGA logical resources shows that the implementation on Artix-7 AC701 is more logic-efficient than on Cyclone V.
Extractive Fishing Gear in the Mazarrón Bay (Murcia Region, Spain) during the First Half of the 20th Century: A Heritage Prone to Being Forgotten
Authors: Moreno-Muñoz Daniel , García-Marín Ramón , Espejo-Marín Cayetano
Published: May 2023

Fishing in the Mazarrón Bay has been practiced since prehistoric times. This was one of the basic pillars of the area’s economy; however, due to the development of tourism, this maritime activity has been pushed into the background. The changes in the fishermen’s way of fishing in the last decades of the 20th century, as a consequence of the proliferation of boats with greater extractive capacity, have meant that much of the fishing gear has fallen into disuse. The main objective of this research is the compilation of information on their use and the available tools of this heritage in order to preserve their history. In order to do so, the archives of the Mazarrón Fishermen’s Guild were consulted and interviews were conducted with local fishermen over 80 years of age, who fished with devices that are no longer in use today. The results show that it is possible to promote them as tourist attractions, with the aim of raising awareness of the fishing identity and the environment in which it is practiced, in the southeast of the Iberian Peninsula.
Adaptability and Stability Analyses of Improved Strawberry Genotypes for Tropical Climate
Authors: Nascimento Daniele Aparecida , Gomes Gabriella Correia , de Oliveira Luiz Vitor Barbosa , de Paula Gomes Gabriel Francisco , Ivamoto-Suzuki Suzana Tiemi , Ziest André Ricardo , Mariguele Keny Henrique , Roberto Sergio Ruffo , de Resende Juliano Tadeu Vilela
Published: May 2023

Strawberries are grown worldwide, and the fruit is known for its flavor, pleasant aroma, and the presence of important nutraceutical compounds. Under temperate conditions, the species is octaploid and presents a complex inheritance. Exploring polyploidy in varietal crosses is the main alternative to developing genotypes of high-temperature regions; thus, breeding programs must evaluate the interaction based on parameters, such as the heritability, stability, easy propagation, and adaptability to different soil and climate variations. To estimate the stability and temporal adaptability of pre-selected triple hybrids of day-neutral strawberries, thirty-six experimental genotypes, three commercial genotypes (‘Albion,’ ‘Monterey,’ and ‘Dover’), and four single hybrids (‘RVFS07,’ ‘RVFS06,’ ‘RVDA11,’ and ‘RVCA16’) were evaluated in a protected cultivation from August to February under tropical climate conditions (southern hemisphere) using the mixed linear model (MLM). The genotypes RVFS07M-34, RVFS07M-24, RCDA11M-04, RVFS07M-154, RVFS07M-36, RVFS07M-33, RVFS07M-80, RVFS07M-10, RVDA11M-21, RVDA11M-13, and RVFS06AL-132 had the highest values of total fruit mass, adaptability, and stability. The mean predicted genotypic values of the selected genotypes was 138% higher than the mean of the controls. Therefore, these genotypes have the potential to be released as cultivars.
The Relationship between Social Support Correlates and Feelings of Loneliness among Male UK Recreational Anglers
Authors: Trott Mike , Tully Mark , Torrance Andy , Smith Lee
Published: May 2023

The benefits of access to blue spaces (exposure to aquatic environments) have been well reported. One common activity conducted in these spaces is recreational angling. Studies have shown that several correlates are associated with recreational angling, including a lower incidence of anxiety disorders compared to non-anglers. What is currently unknown is how measures of social support relate to feelings of loneliness in this population. The aim of this study, therefore, is to examine experiences of loneliness and social support in male UK anglers. In total, 1752 participants completed an online survey. The results of this study showed that the higher the number of friends or family that anglers hear from and feel close to, the less likely they are to report a lack of companionship, the less likely they are to report feeling left out, and the less likely they are to report feelings of isolation. Furthermore, more than half of the sample reported hardly ever or never having feelings of loneliness, suggesting that recreational angling does not affect feelings of loneliness.
Association between High Ambient Temperatures and Road Crashes in an Australian City with Temperate Climate: A Time-Series Study, 2012–2021
Authors: Li Yannan , Varghese Blesson , Liu Jingwen , Bi Peng , Tong Michael
Published: May 2023

(1) Background: High ambient temperatures are associated with increased morbidity and mortality rates, and some evidence suggests that high temperatures increase the risk of road crashes. However, little is known regarding the burden of road crashes attributable to no-optimal high temperatures in Australia. Therefore, this study examined the effects of high temperatures on road crashes using Adelaide in South Australia as a case study. (2) Methods: Ten-year daily time-series data on road crashes (n = 64,597) and weather during the warm season (October–March) were obtained between 2012 and 2021. A quasi-Poisson distributed lag nonlinear model (DLNM) was used to quantify the cumulative effect of high temperatures over the previous five days. The associations and attributable burden at moderate and extreme temperature ranges were computed as relative risk (RR) and attributable fraction. (3) Results: There was a J-shaped association between high ambient temperature and the risk of road crashes during the warm season in Adelaide, and pronounced effects were observed for minimum temperatures. The highest risk was observed at a 1 day lag and lasting for 5 days. High temperatures were responsible for 0.79% (95% CI: 0.15–1.33%) of road crashes, with moderately high temperatures accounting for most of the burden compared with extreme temperatures (0.55% vs. 0.32%). (4) Conclusions: In the face of a warming climate, the finding draws the attention of road transport, policy, and public health planners to design preventive plans to reduce the risk of road crashes attributable to high temperatures.
Identification of Clinician Training Techniques as an Implementation Strategy to Improve Maternal Health: A Scoping Review
Authors: Vamos Cheryl A. , Foti Tara R. , Reyes Martinez Estefanny , Pointer Zoe , Detman Linda A. , Sappenfield William M.
Published: May 2023

Training is a key implementation strategy used in healthcare settings. This study aimed to identify a range of clinician training techniques that facilitate guideline implementation, promote clinician behavior change, optimize clinical outcomes, and address implicit biases to promote high-quality maternal and child health (MCH) care. A scoping review was conducted within PubMed, CINAHL, PsycInfo, and Cochrane databases using iterative searches related to (provider OR clinician) AND (education OR training). A total of 152 articles met the inclusion/exclusion criteria. The training involved multiple clinician types (e.g., physicians, nurses) and was predominantly implemented in hospitals (63%). Topics focused on maternal/fetal morbidity/mortality (26%), teamwork and communication (14%), and screening, assessment, and testing (12%). Common techniques included didactic (65%), simulation (39%), hands-on (e.g., scenario, role play) (28%), and discussion (27%). Under half (42%) of the reported training was based on guidelines or evidence-based practices. A minority of articles reported evaluating change in clinician knowledge (39%), confidence (37%), or clinical outcomes (31%). A secondary review identified 22 articles related to implicit bias training, which used other reflective approaches (e.g., implicit bias tests, role play, and patient observations). Although many training techniques were identified, future research is needed to ascertain the most effective training techniques, ultimately improving patient-centered care and outcomes.
Experimental Tests and Numerical Analyses for the Dynamic Characterization of a Steel and Wooden Cable-Stayed Footbridge
Authors: Nicoletti Vanni , Quarchioni Simone , Tentella Luca , Martini Riccardo , Gara Fabrizio
Published: May 2023

Vibrations are an issue of increasing importance in current footbridge design practice. More sophisticated footbridges with increasing spans and more effective construction materials result in lightweight structures and a high ratio of live load to dead load. As a result of this trend, many footbridges have become more susceptible to vibrations when subjected to dynamic loads. The most common dynamic loads on footbridges, other than wind loading, are pedestrian-induced footfall forces due to the movement of people. This paper concerns the experimental and numerical dynamic characterization of a newly built steel and wooden cable-stayed footbridge. The footbridge was dynamically tested in situ under ambient vibration, and the results allowed the real dynamic behavior of the footbridge to be captured. The dynamic response under pedestrian dynamic loads was also investigated and compared with the limitations provided by the main international codes and guidelines for footbridge serviceability assessment. A numerical model of the footbridge was also developed and updated based on the experimental outcomes. Then, the calibrated model was used to numerically assess the footbridge’s serviceability following the guideline prescriptions for pedestrian load simulation, and the design accuracy was also validated. This paper aims to increase the state-of-the-art knowledge about footbridge dynamic testing so as to support the design of new and futuristic structures as well as prove the effectiveness of using the requirements of codes and guidelines for footbridge serviceability assessment by adopting a calibrated numerical model.
Larissa Heart Failure Risk Score and Mode of Death in Acute Heart Failure: Insights from REALITY-AHF
Authors: Xanthopoulos Andrew , Bourazana Angeliki , Matsue Yuya , Fujimoto Yudai , Oishi Shogo , Akiyama Eiichi , Suzuki Satoshi , Yamamoto Masayoshi , Kida Keisuke , Okumura Takahiro , Giamouzis Grigorios , Skoularigis John , Triposkiadis Filippos , Kitai Takeshi
Published: May 2023

Patients with heart failure (HF) patients may die either suddenly (sudden cardiac death/SCD) or progressively from pump failure. The heightened risk of SCD in patients with HF may expedite important decisions about medications or devices. We used the Larissa Heart Failure Risk Score (LHFRS), a validated risk model for all-cause mortality and HF rehospitalization, to investigate the mode of death in 1363 patients enrolled in the Registry Focused on Very Early Presentation and Treatment in Emergency Department of Acute Heart Failure (REALITY-AHF). Cumulative incidence curves were generated using a Fine–Gray competing risk regression, with deaths that were not due to the cause of death of interest as a competing risk. Likewise, the Fine–Gray competing risk regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between each variable and the incidence of each cause of death. The AHEAD score, a well-validated HF risk score ranging from 0 to 5 (atrial fibrillation, anemia, age, renal dysfunction, and diabetes mellitus), was used for the risk adjustment. Patients with LHFRS 2–4 exhibited a significantly higher risk of SCD (HR hazard ratio adjusted for AHEAD score 3.15, 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.30–7.65), p = 0.011) and HF death (adjusted HR for AHEAD score 1.48, 95% CI (1.04–2.09), p = 0.03), compared to those with LHFRS 0,1. Regarding cardiovascular death, patients with higher LHFRS had significantly increased risk compared to those with lower LHFRS (HR 1.44 adjusted for AHEAD score, 95% CI (1.09–1.91), p = 0.01). Lastly, patients with higher LHFRS exhibited a similar risk of non-cardiovascular death compared to those with lower LHFRS (HR 1.44 adjusted for AHEAD score, 95% CI (0.95–2.19), p = 0.087). In conclusion, LHFRS was associated independently with the mode of death in a prospective cohort of hospitalized HF patients.
Multilingualism and Multiculturalism in Family Guy: Challenges in Dubbing and Subtitling L3 Varieties of Spanish
Authors: Bosch Fábregas Mariazell Eugènia
Published: May 2023

Multilingualism and multiculturalism are verbally and visually recurrent in the sitcom Family Guy (1999-in production) through a combination of a main language of communication (L1) and other languages (L3) in the source language (SL) or source text (ST). The use of L3 is tantamount to tokenism and stereotyping characters, especially those whose recurrence is incidental and part of jokes. This paper compares two versions of the episode “Road to Rhode Island” (American and Spanish DVDs) and addresses a scene to analyze the linguistic challenges and lexical choices in dubbing and subtitling L1 and L3 in two geographical varieties of Spanish: Latin American Spanish and Peninsular Spanish. In this regard, this study focuses on the role and function of L3 in translation, the techniques to represent L3 in translation, L1 and L3 translation techniques, and which techniques are used in translation. Overall, this paper explores how the Spanish DVD adds a new L3 in the target text (TT) to maintain its original function in subtitling and dubbing, and the differences in the American DVD: L3TT omission in subtitling and L3TT change of function and meaning in dubbing, which ultimately accentuates linguistic and cultural misrepresentation and stereotypes.
Unveiling the Effects of Quicklime on the Properties of Sulfoaluminate Cement–Ordinary Portland Cement–Mineral Admixture Repairing Composites and Their Sulphate Resistance
Authors: Shi Chen , Yang Ying
Published: May 2023

Aiming at the problem of repeated repair of concrete caused by the damage of concrete structure repair system in a sulphate environment, the quicklime modified sulphoaluminate cement (CSA)–ordinary Portland cement (OPC) –mineral admixture composite repair material was utilised to obtain the law and mechanism of quicklime, improving the mechanical properties and sulphate resistance of composite repair materials. In this paper, the effects of quicklime on the mechanical properties, as well as sulphate resistance of CSA–OPC–ground granulated blast furnace slag (SPB) and CSA–OPC–silica fume (SPF) composites, were studied. The findings reveal that the addition of quicklime improves the stability of ettringite in SPB and SPF composite systems, promotes the pozzolanic reaction of mineral admixtures in composite systems, and significantly increases the compressive strength of both SPB and SPF systems. The 8 h compressive strength of SPB and SPF composite systems increased by 154% and 107%, and the 28 d compressive strength enhanced by 32% and 40%. After the quicklime was added, the formation of C-S-H gel and calcium carbonate in SPB and SPF composite systems was promoted, the porosity was reduced, and the pore structure was refined. The porosity was reduced by 2.68% and 0.48%, respectively. The mass change rate of various composite systems under sulphate attack was reduced, and the mass change rate of the SPCB30 and SPCF9 composite systems decreased to 0.11% and −0.76% after 150 dry–wet cycles. Additionally, the mechanical strength of different composite systems under sulphate attack was improved, so that the sulphate resistance of different ground granulated blast furnace slag and silica fume composite systems was improved.
A Research Investigation into the Impact of Reinforcement Distribution and Blast Distance on the Blast Resilience of Reinforced Concrete Slabs
Authors: Wu Yangyong , Wang Jianhui , Liu Fei , Mu Chaomin , Xia Ming , Yang Shaokang
Published: May 2023

Reinforcement is one of the important factors affecting the anti-blast performance of reinforced concrete (RC) slabs. In order to study the impact of different reinforcement distribution and different blast distances on the anti-blast performance of RC slabs, 16 model tests were carried out for RC slab members with the same reinforcement ratio but different reinforcement distribution and the same proportional blast distance but different blast distances. By comparing the failure patterns of RC slabs and the sensor test data, the impact of reinforcement distribution and blast distance on the dynamic response of RC slabs was analyzed. The results show that, under contact explosion and non-contact explosion, the damage degree of single-layer reinforced slabs is more serious than that of double-layer reinforced slabs. When the scale distance is the same, with the increase of distance, the damage degree of single-layer reinforced slabs and double-layer reinforced slabs increases first and then decreases, and the peak displacement, rebound displacement and residual deformation near the center of the bottom of RC slabs gradually increase. When the blast distance is small, the peak displacement of single-layer reinforced slabs is smaller than that of double-layer reinforced slabs. When the blast distance is large, the peak displacement of double-layer reinforced slabs is smaller than that of single-layer reinforced slabs. No matter how large the blast distance, the rebound peak displacement of the double-layer reinforced slabs is smaller, and the residual displacement is larger. The research in this paper provides a reference for the anti-explosion design, construction and protection of RC slabs.
Preparation and Characterization of Crosslinked Electrospun Gelatin Fabrics via Maillard Reactions
Authors: Dechojarassri Duangkamol , Kaneshige Ryota , Tamura Hiroshi , Furuike Tetsuya
Published: May 2023

In this study, nonwoven gelatin (Gel) fabrics crosslinked using N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (GlcNAc) were characterized and compared with those crosslinked using methylglyoxal (MG) and by thermal dehydration. We prepared Gel with 25% concentration along with Gel/GlcNAc and Gel/MG with a GlcNAc-to-Gel ratio of 5% and MG-to-Gel ratio of 0.6%. A high voltage of 23 kV, solution temperature of 45 °C, and distance of 10 cm between the tip and the collector were applied during electrospinning. The electrospun Gel fabrics were crosslinked by heat treatment at 140 and 150 °C for 1 d. The electrospun Gel/GlcNAc fabrics were treated at 100 and 150 °C for 2 d, while the Gel/MG fabrics were heat-treated for 1 d. The Gel/MG fabrics exhibited higher tensile strength and lower elongation than the Gel/GlcNAc fabrics. Overall, Gel/MG crosslinked at 150 °C for 1 d showed a significant enhancement in tensile strength, high hydrolytic degradation, and excellent biocompatibility, with cell viability percentages of 105 and 130% at 1 and 3 d, respectively. Therefore, MG is a promising Gel crosslinker.
Assessing the Rheological, Mechanical, and Photocatalytic Properties of Niobium Oxide-Incorporated White Cement Pastes
Authors: Silvestro Laura , Maroli Caroline , Koch Brenda , Ruviaro Artur Spat , Lima Geannina , Kempka Mariane , Marin Camila Fabiano de Freitas , Mezalira Daniela Zambelli , Gleize Philippe Jean Paul
Published: May 2023

Niobium oxide (Nb2O5) is a semiconductor that exhibits photocatalytic properties, making it potentially valuable in addressing air pollution, self-cleaning, and self-disinfection in cement-based materials (CBMs). Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the impact of different Nb2O5 concentrations on various parameters, including rheological characteristics, hydration kinetics (measured using isothermal calorimetry), compressive strength, and photocatalytic activity, specifically in the degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) in white Portland cement pastes. The incorporation of Nb2O5 increased the yield stress and viscosity of the pastes by up to 88.9% and 33.5%, respectively, primarily due to the larger specific surface area (SSA) provided by Nb2O5. However, this addition did not significantly affect the hydration kinetics or the compressive strength of the cement pastes after 3 and 28 days. Tests focusing on the degradation of RhB in the cement pastes revealed that the inclusion of 2.0 wt.% of Nb2O5 was insufficient to degrade the dye when exposed to 393 nm UV light. However, an interesting observation was made concerning RhB in the presence of CBMs, as it demonstrated a degradation mechanism that was not dependent on light. This phenomenon was attributed to the production of superoxide anion radicals resulting from the interaction between the alkaline medium and hydrogen peroxide.
The Theory of the Surface Wettability Angle in the Formation of an Oil Film in Internal Combustion Piston Engines
Authors: Wróblewski Piotr
Published: May 2023

In internal combustion piston engines, the formation of an oil film is completely different from that seen in industrial machines. The molecular adhesion force at the interface between the surface coating of engine parts and the lubricating oil determines the load-carrying capacity and the ability to form a lubricated film. The geometry of the lubricating wedge between the surfaces of the piston rings and the cylinder wall is created by the thickness of the oil film and the height of the ring’s coverage with lubricating oil. This condition is affected by many of the parameters that characterize the engine’s operation and the physical and chemical parameters of the coatings used for the cooperating pairs. For lubricant particles that reach energies that are higher than the potential energy barrier regarding adhesive attraction at the interface, slippage occurs. Therefore, the value of the contact angle of the liquid on the surface of the coating depends on the value of the intermolecular force of attraction. According to the current author, there is a strong relationship between the contact angle and the lubrication effect. The paper shows that the surface potential energy barrier is a function of the contact angle and contact angle hysteresis (CAH). The innovation of the current work consists in examining the contact angle and CAH under the conditions of thin layers of lubricating oil, in cooperation with hydrophilic and hydrophobic coatings. The thickness of the lubricant film was measured under various speed and load conditions, using optical interferometry. The study shows that CAH is a better interfacial parameter for correlation with the effect of hydrodynamic lubrication. This paper presents the mathematical relationships relating to a piston engine, various coatings, and lubricants.
Effects of Intravitreal Ranibizumab Injection on Peripheral Retinal Microcirculation and Cytokines in Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion with Macular Edema
Authors: Yasuda Kanako , Noma Hidetaka , Mimura Tatsuya , Nonaka Ryota , Sasaki Shotaro , Suganuma Noboru , Shimura Masahiko
Published: May 2023

Background and Objectives: To investigate peripheral blood flow in retinal vessels and vessel diameters after intravitreal ranibizumab injection (IRI) and the relationship between these parameters and cytokines in branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) with macular edema. Materials and Methods: We assessed relative flow volume (RFV) and the width of the main and branch retinal arteries and veins in the occluded and non-occluded regions before and after IRI in 37 patients with BRVO and macular edema. Measurements were made using laser speckle flowgraphy (LSFG). When performing IRI, we obtained samples of aqueous humor and analyzed them using the suspension array method to evaluate vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), placental growth factor (PlGF), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-AA, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule (sICAM)-1, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and interferon-inducible 10-kDa protein (IP-10). Results: In both retinal regions, before and after IRI, the RFV in the main artery and vein showed a significant correlation with the summed RFV in the respective branch vessels 1 and 2. In the occluded region, the RFV in the main vein was significantly negatively correlated with MCP-1, PDGF-AA, IL-6, and IL-8; the RFV in branch vein 1 was significantly negatively correlated with PlGF, MCP-1, IL-6, and IL-8; PDGF-AA was significantly negatively correlated with the width of the main and branch veins; and the RFVs of the main artery and vein decreased significantly from before to 1 month after IRI. Conclusions: Contrary to expectations, the study found that anti-VEGF therapy does not affect RFV in arteries and veins in patients with BRVO and macular edema. Furthermore, retinal blood flow is poor in patients with high MCP-1, IL-6, and IL-8. Finally, high PDGF-AA may result in smaller venous diameters and reduced retinal blood flow.
Characteristics of the Manifestation of Multiple Sclerosis in Children in Lithuania
Authors: Afanasjeva Brigita , Afanasjevas Dominykas , Endzinienė Milda , Balnytė Renata
Published: May 2023

Background and Objectives: Multiple sclerosis (MS) starts quite rarely in childhood, comprising just 3–10% of all diagnosed cases of MS population. The age of onset of the disease may be related to the initial phenotype and the prognosis of MS. The aim of the study is to assess the characteristics of the manifestation of MS in children. Materials and Methods: Two groups of patients were analyzed: those diagnosed with MS in childhood (0 < 18 years of age) and who developed MS in 2005–2021, and those diagnosed in adulthood (≥18 years old). The data were collected from the database of the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences Kauno Klinikos. Results: For the analysis, 105 patients were selected: 35 children (group A) and 70 adults (group B). At the onset of the disease, 62.9% of children and 70.0% of adults experienced visual disturbances (p > 0.05). Isolated symptoms were more common in children (65.7%) as compared to adults (28.6%), p < 0.001. Sensory disorders were more common in adults than in children (p < 0.001). Optic nerve and cerebral hemispheres were the most affected in group A (p < 0.05). During the first year after diagnosis, the median number of relapses in group A was higher (3, range 1–5) as compared to group B (1, range 1–2) (p < 0.001). Recovery time after a relapse was shorter in children as compared to adults (p < 0.001). Oligoclonal bands were found in 85.7% of children and in 98.6% of adults. Oligoclonal bands were less common in the childhood-onset than in the adult-onset group (p = 0.007). Conclusions: The initial symptoms of multiple sclerosis in pediatric patients usually appeared around the age of 16, with a similar frequency in boys and girls, and in most of the childhood cases the initial symptoms were limited to the dysfunction of a single part of the nervous system children usually started with visual disorders, while sensory, coordination and motor disorders were less common. The course of the disease in juvenile patients with MS was more aggressive in the first year as there were more relapses, but the functional impairment recovered faster as compared to adults.
Mechanical Properties and in Vivo Assessment of Electron Beam Melted Porous Structures for Orthopedic Applications
Authors: Wu Yan , Wang Yudong , Liu Mengxing , Shi Dufang , Hu Nan , Feng Wei
Published: May 2023

Electron beam melting (EBM) is an additive manufacturing technique with the ability to produce porous implants with desired properties for orthopedic applications. This paper systematically investigated the mechanical properties and in vivo performance of two commonly used stochastic porous structures (the Voronoi structure and the randomized structure) fabricated by the EBM process. The pore geometries of two porous structures were characterized through micro-computed tomography (μCT). In addition, clinically relevant mechanical performances were evaluated for both structures, including tensile testing, shear testing and abrasion resistance testing. In vivo assessment of the two porous structures was further conducted in a dog model for three different follow-up periods. It was found that the Voronoi structures showed a higher mechanical strength compared to the randomized structures, even though both structures exhibited similar pore geometries. Further analysis revealed that the non-uniform stress distribution caused by the sample size and boundary effects led to a decrease in strength in the randomized structures. The in vivo assessments revealed the Voronoi structure exhibited a higher bone ingrowth ratio compared to the randomized structure due to its radially oriented pore geometry and homogenous pore size distribution. This study suggested that the EBM Ti-6Al-4V Voronoi porous structure has favorable mechanical performance and good osseointegration properties for orthopedic implants.
Comparative Assessment of Mechanical Properties and Fatigue Life of Conventional and Multistep Rolled Forged Connecting Rods of High Strength AISI/SAE 4140 Steel
Authors: Khan Wajid Ali , Hayat Qamar , Ahmed Furqan , Ali Mohsin , Zain-ul-Abdein Muhammad
Published: May 2023

This paper aims to improve the mechanical properties and fatigue life of AISI/SAE 4140 alloy steel connecting rods (CRs). Conventional CRs are typically manufactured through open die forging/hammering, blocking, and hot forging processes. In the present work, a modification to the process route has been proposed such that the open die forging/hammering was completely replaced with a multistep asymmetrical reducer rolling technique. Four rolling passes were introduced to achieve the desired preform shape and size. The effect of each rolling pass on grain size, mechanical properties, and fatigue life was investigated. Samples from each multistep rolling, blocking, and forging stage were subjected to impact, hardness, tensile, and fatigue testing. Metallography using optical and scanning electron microscopes was also conducted to reveal metallurgical changes. Fatigue testing and fractography were performed using the R.R. Moore Rotating-Beam Fatigue testing machine and scanning electron microscope, respectively, to evaluate the fatigue life and the fracture behavior of both the conventional and multistep rolled forged CRs. It was observed that, unlike the conventional forging process, multistep asymmetrical rolling gradually reduces grain size as the rolling progresses and improves yield, tensile, and impact strengths, hardness, and ductility. In comparison to conventional forging, multistep rolling led to an almost 33% and 29% increase in yield and tensile strengths, respectively. Moreover, the fatigue life of multistep rolled CR increased by more than five times compared to conventional CR.
Revealing of Intracellular Antioxidants in Dendrobium nobile by High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Rao Dan , Zhao Ruoxi , Hu Yadong , Li Hongjie , Chun Ze , Zheng Shigang
Published: May 2023

The medicinal plant Dendrobium nobile is an important natural antioxidant resource. To reveal the antioxidants of D. nobile, high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) was employed for metabolic analysis. The H2O2-induced oxidative damage was used in human embryonic kidney 293T (H293T) cells to assess intracellular antioxidant activities. Cells incubated with flower and fruit extracts showed better cell survival, lower levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and higher catalase and superoxide dismutase activities than those incubated with root, stem, and leaf extracts (p < 0.01). A total of 13 compounds were newly identified as intracellular antioxidants by association analysis, including coniferin, galactinol, trehalose, beta-D-lactose, trigonelline, nicotinamide-N-oxide, shikimic acid, 5′-deoxy-5′-(methylthio)adenosine, salicylic acid, isorhamnetin-3-O-neohespeidoside, methylhesperidin, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, and cis-aconitic acid (R2 > 0.8, Log2FC > 1, distribution > 0.1%, and p < 0.01). They showed lower molecular weight and higher polarity, compared to previously identified in vitro antioxidants in D. nobile (p < 0.01). The credibility of HPLC-MS/MS relative quantification was verified by common methods. In conclusion, some saccharides and phenols with low molecular weight and high polarity helped protect H293T cells from oxidative damage by increasing the activities of intracellular antioxidant enzymes and reducing intracellular ROS levels. The results enriched the database of safe and effective intracellular antioxidants in medicinal plants.
Photoinduced Photocatalyst-Free Cascade Cyclization of Alkynes with Sodium Sulfinates for the Synthesis of Benzothiophenes and Thioflavones
Authors: Dong Hongqiang , Chen Chunli , Zhao Jinlei , Ji Yigang , Yang Wenchao
Published: May 2023

The subject of this investigation is a new method for the construction of sulfonylated heterocycles which overcomes the limitations of classical approaches using a cheap feedstock sulfonylating agent, especially under photocatalyst- and metal-free conditions.
Phytanic Acid Intake and Lifestyle Modifications on Quality of Life in Individuals with Adult Refsum Disease: A Retrospective Survey Analysis
Authors: Li Jeffrey J. , Kim Jane J. , Nausheen Fauzia
Published: May 2023

Adult Refsum disease (ARD) is a rare peroxisomal biogenesis disorder inherited in an autosomal recessive fashion and is often characterized by retinitis pigmentosa, cerebellar ataxia, and polyneuropathy. Many patients with ARD require diet modification, psychosocial support, and various specialist visits to manage their symptoms. In this study, we explored the quality of life in individuals with ARD by analyzing retrospective survey data collected by the Coordination of Rare Diseases at Sanford (CoRDS) Registry and Global Defeat Adult Refsum Everywhere (DARE) Foundation. Statistical tests used were frequencies, mean, and median. There were 32 respondents, ranging between 11 and 32 responses for each question. The mean age at diagnosis was 35.5 ± 14.5 years (range 6–64) with 36.4% male and 63.6% female respondents. The average age for retinitis pigmentosa diagnosis was 22.8 ± 15.7 years (range 2–61). Dieticians were the most frequently seen (41.7%) for management of low-phytanic-acid diets. Most participants exercise at least once per week (92.5%). Depression symptoms were reported in 86.2% of the participants. Early diagnosis of ARD is important for managing symptoms and preventing progression of visual impairment due to phytanic acid buildup. Interdisciplinary approach should be used for patients to address physical and psychosocial impairments of ARD.
Biocontrol Potential of an Endophytic Pseudomonas poae Strain against the Grapevine Trunk Disease Pathogen Neofusicoccum luteum and Its Mechanism of Action
Authors: Niem Jennifer Millera , Billones-Baaijens Regina , Stodart Benjamin J. , Reveglia Pierluigi , Savocchia Sandra
Published: May 2023

Grapevine trunk diseases (GTDs) impact the sustainability of vineyards worldwide and management options are currently limited. Biological control agents (BCAs) may offer a viable alternative for disease control. With an aim to develop an effective biocontrol strategy against the GTD pathogen Neofusicoccum luteum, this study investigated the following: (1) the efficacy of the strains in suppressing the BD pathogen N. luteum in detached canes and potted vines; (2) the ability of a strain of Pseudomonas poae (BCA17) to colonize and persist within grapevine tissues; and (3) the mode of action of BCA17 to antagonize N. luteum. Co-inoculations of the antagonistic bacterial strains with N. luteum revealed that one strain of P. poae (BCA17) suppressed infection by 100% and 80% in detached canes and potted vines, respectively. Stem inoculations of a laboratory-generated rifampicin-resistant strain of BCA17 in potted vines (cv. Shiraz) indicated the bacterial strain could colonize and persist in the grapevine tissues, potentially providing some protection against GTDs for up to 6 months. The bioactive diffusible compounds secreted by BCA17 significantly reduced the spore germination and fungal biomass of N. luteum and the other representative GTD pathogens. Complementary analysis via MALDI-TOF revealed the presence of an unknown cyclic lipopeptide in the bioactive diffusible compounds, which was absent in a non-antagonistic strain of P. poae (JMN13), suggesting this novel lipopeptide may be responsible for the biocontrol activity of the BCA17. Our study provided evidence that P. poae BCA17 is a potential BCA to combat N. luteum, with a potential novel mode of action.