bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Review of the Geographical Distribution, Indigenous Benefits and Conservation of African Baobab (Adansonia Digitata L.) Tree in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Adesina John Adekunle , Zhu Jiangang
Published: May 2022

Indigenous trees have great economic potential and ecological benefits for enhancing environmental prosperity, mostly in forestry and the forest products sector in the developing countries of Sub-Sahara Africa. The baobab (Adansonia Digitata L.) is known as the African green jewel in both fruit production and medicinal benefits also remarkable for so many forest products exported across the world. Research conducted in the different Sub-Saharan African sub-regions has shown this iconic tree with a majestic outlook has a priority tree species for local and foreign use and conservation. However, data on the benefits and conservation of baobab trees in Africa, especially the Sub-Saharan countries is limited. This study aimed to assess the predominant geo-graphical distribution of the tree, the indigenous (cultural, socio-economic, ecological, and medical/health) benefits, and the conservation strategies of the baobab resources in Sub-Saharan Africa. The baobab tree's succulent roots, bulbs, branches, fruit, pods, foliage, and petals are all nourishing. Baobab parts have been used for diverse reasons in Africa, some countries of Asia, and Europe for the past two centuries due to their medicinal well-being properties. In addition, the medicinal applications of the plant parts are discussed. Many authors have highlighted the baobab tree as one of the most important trees to be saved and localized in Africa because of its high indigenous usage and commercial worth. Anthropogenic global warming may induce a drop in baobab species, which could inflict negative impacts on African economies. As a result, it's critical to research the species' likely future distribution and develop conservation policies. Literature was consulted for records and availability of this tree in the Western, Central, Eastern, and Southern African species records and it was also analyzed what percentage of the current environment would be appropriate in the future. Recent studies suggested that farmers and the locals be provided free seeds and seedlings to encourage biological rejuvenation to maximize the plant's potential, people should be informed about the additional uses of baobab that have been discovered. Individuals must also be educated on simple sustainable agroforestry activities that can be performed in plant and forest management.
Automatic Semantic Segmentation of Salient Patterns in Temporal Images for Digital Image Correlation-based Structural Health Monitoring of Large Structures
Authors: Chan Christopher Chun Ki , Kumar David , Chiang Chih-Hung , Ferworn Alexander
Published: May 2022

Large structures such as wind turbines are subject to environmental factors and varying operational loads which may result in structural damage, making components of these large structures prone to performance and mechanical degradation. The use of high-definition optical vision sensors in digital image correlation (DIC) allow for the application of a non-destructive image registration technique in which it measures finite three-dimensional deformations on surfaces through correlations of a unique pattern or set of unique localized patterns. However, the physical placement of an artificial marker such as a unique speckled pattern on the surface of the structure is time-consuming and often impractical for large structures. Therefore, we propose a novel auto-mated methodology that searches and segments salient and unique regions of an image as well as for all subsequent images to assist in performing efficient displacement measurements for vibrational study and structural health monitoring purposes. Our algorithm is validated on a con-trolled set of images, as well as on a small structure and large real-world wind turbine, which suggests the algorithm’s efficacy without the use of artificial markers for large structural health monitoring.
Pendidikan perdamaian: sebuah urgensi di tengah maraknya konflik sosial berdimensi suku, agama, ras, dan antar-golongan di indonesia
Authors: Ganes Harpendya  , Sumantri Siswo Hadi , Wahyudi Bambang
Published: May 2022

Abstract: This article aims to outline the dynamics of social conflict in Indonesia and analyze the urgency of the implementation of peace education as one of the efforts to prevent conflict in the society. This article was compiled using library research methods, with a primary focus on ethnic, religious, racial, and interracial social conflicts (SARA). Researchers collect data from various sources, such as journal articles, books, and other related sources. The results of this study show that social conflicts in Indonesia are experiencing a high escalation, especially after the New Order government or during the transition period, which is characterized by many casualties and material losses. The escalation of the conflict decreased after 2003, after the agreement and resolution of conflicts in various regions. Social conflict has been a trend again since 2014-2019. This time, the main cause is the existence of political-religious issues that accelerated during political years. In addition, other results show that peace education has an important role in preventing potential social conflicts, which can be optimized on formal, nonformal, and informal pathways.

Abstrak: Artikel ini bertujuan menguraikan dinamika konflik sosial di Indonesia dan menganalisis urgensi pelaksanaan pendidikan perdamaian sebagai salah satu upaya pencegahan konflik di masyarakat. Artikel ini disusun dengan menggunakan metode studi pustaka (library research), dengan fokus utama pada konflik sosial berdimensi suku, agama, ras, dan antargolongan (SARA). Peneliti mengumpulkan data dari berbagai sumber, seperti artikel jurnal, buku, dan sumber lain yang terkait. Hasil dari penelitian ini menunjukan bahwa konflik sosial di Indonesia mengalami eskalasi tinggi, terutama pasca pemerintahan Orde Baru atau pada masa transisi, yang ditandai dengan banyaknya korban jiwa dan kerugian materi. Eskalasi konflik menurun pasca tahun 2003, setelah adanya kesepakatan dan resolusi konflik di berbagai daerah. Konflik sosial kembali menjadi tren semenjak tahun 2014-2019. Kali ini penyebab utamanya adalah adanya isu politik-agama, kemudian terakselerasi pada tahun-tahun politik. Selain itu, hasil lain menunjukan bahwa pendidikan perdamaian memiliki peran penting dalam mencegah potensi konflik sosial, yang dapat dioptimalkan pada jalur formal, nonformal, dan informal.
TAPHONOMIC CONTROLS ON MICROBIALITE TEXTURES FROM THE STEAMBOAT POINT MEMBER, UPPER ORDOVICIAN BIGHORN DOLOMITE, WESTERN TETON MOUNTAINS, USA
Authors: BAYS ANDREW , IBARRA YADIRA , SANON SONICAH , HAYZELDEN CLIVE
Published: May 2022

The Bighorn Dolomite is a massive, cliff-forming dolostone unit found across the state of Wyoming and adjacent areas that records the transition from greenhouse to icehouse conditions during the Late Ordovician. The basal Steamboat Point Member of the Bighorn Dolomite contains cm-scale mottled fabrics often attributed to the ichnogenus Thalassinoides, but their origin remains enigmatic in Upper Ordovician strata. The development of mottled fabrics may have significant implications for marine chemistry and paleoecology. We analyzed cm-scale mottled fabrics from the basal Steamboat Point Member of the western Teton Mountains to determine their origin and develop criteria for identification of similar mottled fabrics found in other Upper Ordovician strata. In vertical cross-section, massive, m-scale exposures display vertical columns (approximately 1 cm in diameter) that anastomose and maintain decimeter-scale vertical continuity. Microscopically, the columns are composed of micro-peloidal micritic textures surrounded by spar and microspar, whereas the intercolumnar matrix is composed of dolomicrite grains, skeletal clasts, and intraclasts. We interpret the microscopic peloidal texture as a product of benthic microbial calcification that coalesced to form mesoclots—diagnostic features of thrombolitic microbialites. Paragenetic analyses reveal evidence for early lithified microbial biofilms despite dolomite replacement and aggrading neomorphism. These observations indicate the Steamboat Point Member of the Bighorn Dolomite was deposited in seawater that was highly supersaturated with respect to carbonate, consistent with other studies that suggest deposition during greenhouse conditions prior to the end-Ordovician glaciation. We present a novel ternary diagram that contains criteria to help differentiate between burrows, microbialite textures, or physical processes that may result in mottled fabrics in the rock record.
Herbart’s Epistemological Model and Its Influence on The Forming of Neo-Kantian Programs of Philosophy
Authors: Pertsev Alexey S.
Published: May 2022

The theoretical heritage of J.F. Herbart is still an underinvestigated page in the history of world philosophical thought. The epistemological component of his works has not been the object of close attention until now, and the appeal to Herbart’s texts was carried out mainly in the context of Herbertarian pedagogy. The article is devoted to the epistemological model of Herbart and its influence on the formation of the neo-Kantian program of philosophy at the end of the 19th century. It is suggested that Herbart anticipated neo-Kantian attempts to sci­entize philosophy by proposing modeling as a method of constructing a philo­sophical theory: Herbart’s program was based on the mathematical method and consistent deterministic construction. The article also emphasizes that Herbart’s concept provided a reliable basis for the central problems of neo-Kantian thought: discussions about extensive and intensive quantities, their measurabil­ity, infinitesimal magnitude, mechanistic theory of perception, the requirement to translate philosophical concepts into the language of mathematics as a source of verification of the entire theory. Herbart identified a significant array of factual material, concentrated around the mechanics of cognition, and demonstrated a new for his time way of working with a text, the analysis of which was based not on a reference to the “historical” Kant, his vision or language, but modeling and the corresponding redefinition of the basic provisions of the entire system. Even though neo-Kantians criticized Herbart’s conclusions, his mathematical psychology became an essential consolidating factor for the emergence of the Marburg school.
Application of Artificial Intelligence Combined with 5G Technology in the Reform of English Teaching in Universities
Authors: Sun Xia
Published: May 2022

The language assistance and learning sectors have currently undergone restructuring in the period of 5G and artificial intelligence, influenced by technologies, cloud services, learning techniques, CNNs, speaker identification, language processing, virtual environments, expanded actuality, and blended actuality. This study introduces a routing protocol of modernized energy-optimized (low energy adaptive clustering hierarchical) LEACH protocol (M-LEACH) using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and 5G net technologies. The dataset can be collected and then the dataset is pre-processed using normalization to eliminate the impulse noises. After that, the features are extracted by the Variational autoencoder (VAE). Here, a Random Forest (RF) classifier can be utilized for classifies these features with accurate performance. For better transmission of information, the M-LEACH routing algorithm can be used in the 5G net service. Finally, the performances are examined and the result is compared with other existing methods. The result can be obtained using the MATLAB software tool.
Does obese patients benefit from isolated aortic valve replacement through a partial upper sternotomy?
Authors: Xie Xian-Biao , Dai Xiao-Fu , Qiu Zhi-Huang , Jiang De-Bin , Wu Qing-Song , Dong Yi , Chen Liangwan
Published: May 2022

Objective: Controversial opinions exist for aortic valve replacement(AVR) through partial upper sternotomy in obese patients. Moreover, this study sought to investigate the potential clinical advantage of partial upper sternotomy aortic valve replacement (mini-AVR) over conventional full sternotomy aortic valve replacement (con-AVR) in obese patients.Methods: This was a retrospective and observational study. From January 2015 to December 2020, a total of 184 obese [body mass index (BMI)≥30 kg/m2] patients undergoing isolated primary AVR were included: 98 patients underwent conventional full sternotomy and 86 patients underwent partial upper sternotomy. Propensity score(PS) matching was applied to eliminate the basline imbalances in the mini-AVR and the con-AVR groups.Results: After one-to-one propensity score matching,two groups of 60 patients were obtained.No in-hospital death occurred in the two groups.In addition,cardiopulmonary bypass time and total operative time were similar across the 2 groups, but the aortic cross-clamp time was significantly shorter in the con-AVR group (P = .022). The amount of mediastinal drainage at 48 hours after surgery (P=.018) and postoperative blood transfusions (P=.014) were significantly lower in the mini-AVR group. There was no difference in ventilation time (P=.145), but a shorter intensive care unit stay time (P=.021) in the mini-AVR group.Conclusion: This study demonstrates that aortic valve replacement through a mini-AVR in obese patients is a safe and effective procedure. It outperformed con-AVR in terms of blood loss,blood product transfusion,and ICU stay.
Different Markov chains modulate visual stimuli processing in a Go-Go experiment in 2D, 3D and augmented reality
Authors: Mugruza-Vassallo Carlos Andrés , Granados José , Flores-Benites Victor , Córdoba-Berríos Luz
Published: May 2022

The introduction of Augmented Reality (AR) has atracted several developments, although the people’s experience of AR has not been clearly studied or contrasted with the human experience to 2D and 3D environments. Here, the directional task was applied in 2D, 3D and AR using simplified stimulus in video games to determine whether there is a difference in human answer reaction time prediction using context stimulus. Testing of the directional task adapted task paradigm is in the Supplementary MaterialResearch question: Are the main differences between 2D, 3D and AR able to be predicted using Markov chains?Methods: A computer was fitted with a digital acquisition card in order to record, test and validate the reaction time (RT) of participants (see Supplementary Material) attached to the arranged RT for the theory of Markov chain probability. A prior survey was conducted and served as a pre-assessment in order to better interpret the data collected from the user throughout the experiment. A Markov chain analysis was performed on the participants’ data. Subsequently, the way certain factors influenced participants RT amongs the three tasks time on the accuracy of the participants was sought in the three tasks (environments) were statististically tested using ANOVA.Results: Markov chains of order 1 and 2 successfully reproduced the average reaction time by participants in 3D and AR tasks, having only 2D task with the variance predicted with the current state. Moreover, a clear explanation of delayed reaction time at every modality was done and quantified.Our results suggest that unconscious preparation of selective choices is not restricted to current motor preparation. Instead, decisions at different environment evolve from the dynamics of preceding cognitive activity.
A Deep Learning Framework for Grocery Product Detection and Recognition
Authors: Selvam Prabu , Koilraj Joseph Abraham Sundar
Published: May 2022

Object detection and recognition are the most important and challenging problems in computer vision. The remarkable advancements in deep learning techniques have significantly accelerated the momentum of object detection/recognition in recent years. Meanwhile, scene text detection/recognition is also a critical task in computer vision and has gotten more attention from many researchers due to its wide range of applications. This work focuses on detecting and recognizing multiple retail products stacked on the shelves and off the shelves in the grocery stores by identifying the label texts. In this paper, we proposed a new framework is composed of three modules: (a) Retail product detection, (b) Product-text detection (c) Product-text recognition. In the first module, on-the-shelf and off-shelf retail products are detected using the YOLOv5 object detection algorithm. In the second module, we improve the performance of the state-of-the-art text detection algorithm named, “TextSnake”, by replacing the backbone network (ResNet50 + FPN) and a post-processing technique, WHBBR (Width Height based Bounding Box Reconstruction), is proposed to detect regular and irregular text. In the final module, we used a text recognition network named “SCATTER” to recognize the retail product's text information. The YOLOv5 algorithm accurately detects both on-the-shelf and off-the-shelf grocery products from the video frames and the static images. The experimental results show that the proposed text reconstruction approach WHBBR improves the performance of the state-of-the-art techniques on both regular and irregular text. The enhanced text detection and incorporated text recognition methods greatly support our proposed framework to recognize the on-the-shelf retail products by extracting product information such as product name, brand name, price, expiring date, etc. The recognized text contexts around the retail products can be used as the identifier to distinguish the product.
Effects of a Proactive Analgesic Protocol On Pain and Opioid Use in Hospitalized Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Results from a Randomized Control Trial
Authors: Berry Sameer , Takakura Will , Patel Devin , Govalan Rajalakshmi , Ghafari Afsoon , Kiefer Elizabeth , Huang Shao-Chi , Bresee Catherine , Nuckols Teryl K. , Melmed Gil Y.
Published: May 2022

Background: Most hospitalized patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) experience pain. Despite the known risks associated with opioids in IBD including risk for misuse, overdose, infection, readmission, and even death, opioid use is more prevalent in IBD than any other chronic gastrointestinal condition. Most hospitalized IBD patients receive opioids; however, opioids have not been shown to improve pain during hospitalization. Methods: We conducted a randomized controlled trial in hospitalized patients with IBD to evaluate the impact of a proactive opioid-sparing analgesic protocol. Wearable devices measured activity and sleep throughout their hospitalization. Chronic opioid users, post-operative, and pregnant patients were excluded. The primary endpoint was a change in pain scores from admission to discharge. Secondary endpoints included opioid use, functional activity, sleep duration and quality, and length of stay.Results: Of 329 adults with IBD evaluated for eligibility, 33 were enrolled and randomized to the intervention or usual care. Both the intervention and control group demonstrated significant decreases in pain scores from admission to discharge (-2.6±2.6 vs. -3.0±3.2). Those randomized to the intervention had lower pain scores than the control group regardless of hospital day (3.02±0.90 vs 4.29±0.81, p=0.059), used significantly fewer opioids (daily MME 11.8±15.3 vs 30.9±42.2, p=0.027), and had a significantly higher step count by Day 4 (2330±1709 vs 1050±1214; p=0.014). There were no differences in sleep duration, sleep quality, readmission, or length-of-stay between the two groups.Conclusions: A proactive analgesic protocol does not result in worsening pain but does significantly reduce opioid-use in hospitalized IBD patients.
Enhanced stent visualization system for percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with chronic kidney disease: effects on contrast media volume and radiation exposure
Authors: Tian Yunpeng , Zhao Xiangdong , Yang Yang , Cai Xiaoshu , Jian Lian , Guo Suzhen , Xia Dasheng , Chen Xin , Li Chao , Guo Qianyu , Chen Bingwei , Lu Chengzhi
Published: May 2022

Objective
We aimed to assess the impact of using enhanced stent visualization (ESV) systems on contrast media volume and radiation dose in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), especially for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Background
Coronary heart disease (CHD) is associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) as they share the similar pathological pathway. In addition, the iodinated contrast media used for angiography is a risk factor for contrast-associated acute kidney injury (CA-AKI), which could aggravate the progression of CKD. We hypothesized that ESV systems have the potential to reduce the use of contrast media as well as radiation dose, however, few study reported the impact on contrast media with use of ESV systems.
Methods
We retrospectively collected 124 patients with acute coronary syndromes underwent PCI from May 2020 to July 2021. Patients were divided into ESV-guided group (n = 64) and angiography-guided group (n = 60). Procedural parameters including contrast media volume, radiation exposure (in Air Kerma), number of cines, cine frames, fluoroscopy and procedure time were recorded and analyzed.
Results
Groups were comparable for patient characteristics. A significant reduction in contrast media volume (174.7 ± 29.6 ml vs. 132.6 ± 22.3ml, p = 0.0001), radiation exposure (907.62 ± 534.94 mGy vs. 1316.11 ± 768.14 mGy, p = 0.002) and procedure time (53.06 ± 21.20 min vs. 72.00 ± 30.55min, p = 0.01) with the use of ESV systems. Similar results were observed in the subgroup analysis for the patients with CKD.
Conclusion
This study suggested that the use of ESV is associated with reduced contrast media usage, radiation dose and procedure time during PCI. The same results were observed in subgroup analysis in patients with CKD, which is of great significance in decreasing the occurrence of contrast-induced nephropathy and mitigating the progression of CKD and CHD.
Comparison of the intensity of the anterior talofibular ligament repaired by LARS artificial and natural ligaments: a biomechanical study
Authors: jin Wenming , Zheng Jia , Zhao Gen , Li Han , Xiang Dulei , Li Bao , liu Xinwei
Published: May 2022

Background: There are numerous surgical options for anterior talofibular ligament injury, but new biomechanical studies have demonstrated that existing surgical options cannot entirely restore the initial ATFL's biomechanical indensity. The goal of this study was to determine the biomechanical indensity of LARS talofibular ligament artificial ligament repair.Methods: 12 fresh frozen human ankle specimens, average age 57±25.1 years (range 44~63 years), 12 cases of specimens sorted into two groups using the random number table approach, each group of 6 specimens, LARS group A, natural ligament group B, two groups of the identical biomechanical studies, evaluation of the highest failure load and stiffness in the two groups, respectively.Results: The mean final failure load of the LARS repair group (378.6±25.7N) was significantly higher than that of the intact ATFL group (146.7±38.1N)(P=0.032). The mean stiffness of LARS group (27.6±4.7N/mm) was significantly higher than that of intact ATFL group (15.7±2.2N/mm)(P=0.022).LARS repair group failed because of suture pullout of the anchor at the fibula(4/6) and the talus (2/6)Conclusions: In fresh frozen cadaver models, the indensity and stiffness of ATFL restored by LARS ligaments are much higher than natural ligaments. Although the therapeutic benefit of LARS artificial ligaments has yet to be determined. Before this approach may be used in the therapeutic treatment of ankle ligament injuries, more study is needed.
Changes in pacing variation with increasing race duration in ultra-triathlon races
Authors: Stjepanovic Mirko , Knechtle Beat , Weiss Katja , Nikolaidis Pantelis Theodoros , Cuk Ivan , Thuany Mabliny , Sousa Caio Victor
Published: May 2022

Background: Despite the increasing scientific interest in the relationship between pacing and performance in endurance sports, little information is available about pacing and pacing variation in ultra-endurance events such as ultra-triathlons. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the trends of pacing, pacing variation, the influence of age, sex, and performance level in ultra-triathlons of different distances.Methods: We analysed 969 finishers (849 men, 120 women) in 46 ultra-triathlons longer than the original Ironman® distance (e.g., Double-, Triple-, Quintuple- and Deca Iron ultra-triathlons) held from 2004-2015. Pacing speed was calculated for every cycling and running lap. Pacing variation was calculated as the coefficient of variation (%) between the average speed of each lap. Performance level (i.e., fast, moderate, slow) was defined according to the 33.3 and 66.6 percentile of the overall race time. A multivariate analysis (two-way ANOVA) was applied for the overall race time as the dependent variable with ‘sex’ and ‘age group’ as independent factors. Another multivariate model with ‘age’ and ‘sex’ as covariates (two-way ANCOVA) was applied with pacing variation (cycling and running) as the dependent variable with ‘race’ and ‘performance level’ as independent factors.Results: Different pacing patterns were observed by event and performance level. The general pacing strategy applied was positive pacing. In Double and Triple Iron ultra-triathlon, faster athletes paced more evenly with less variation than moderate or slower athletes. The variation in pacing speed increased with the length of the race. There was no significant difference in pacing variation between faster, moderate, and slower athletes in Quintuple and Deca Iron ultra-triathlon. Women had a slower overall performance than men. The best overall times were achieved at the age of 30-39 years.Conclusion: Successful ultra-triathlon athletes adapted a positive pacing strategy in all race distances. The variation in pacing speed increased with the length of the race. In shorter ultra-triathlon distances (i.e., Double and Triple Iron ultra-triathlon), faster athletes paced more evenly with less variation than moderate or slower athletes. In longer ultra-triathlon distances (i.e., Quintuple and Deca Iron ultra-triathlon), there was no significant difference in pacing variation between faster, moderate, and slower athletes.
Non-destructive techniques for determination magnetic particle and element contents in grapevine leaves and soil as an eco-sustainable tool for environmental pollution assessment in the agricultural areas
Authors: Milicevic Tijana , Relić Dubravka , Urošević Mira Aničić , Castanheiro Ana , Orlić Jovana , Samson Roeland , Popović Aleksandar
Published: May 2022

Concentration of magnetic particulate matter (PM) on leaf surface (an indicator of current pollution) and topsoil (an indicator of magnetic PM which have geogenic or historical pollution origin) were assessed in agricultural areas (conventional and organic vineyards). Main aim of this study was to explore whether magnetic parameters (saturation isothermal remanent magnetization, SIRM, and magnetic susceptibility, χ) can be a proxy for magnetic PM pollution and associated PTEs in agricultural areas. Besides, wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (WD-XRF) was investigated as screening method for total PTE content in soil and leaf samples. Both magnetic parameters (SIRM and χ) pinpoint soil pollution, while SIRM was more suitable for evaluating magnetic PM accumulated on leaves. The values of both magnetic parameters were significantly (p < 0.01) correlated within same type of sample (soil-soil or leaf-leaf), but not between different matrixes (soil-leaf). Differences between magnetic particles’ grain sizes among vegetation season in vineyards were obtained by observing SIRM/χ ratio. WD-XRF revealed to be an appropriate screening method for soil and leaf total element contents in agricultural ambient. For more precise application of WD-XRF leaf measurements, specific calibration using similar matrix to plant material is required. In parallel, measurements of SIRM, χ and element content (by WD-XRF) can be recommended as user-friendly, fast and eco-sustainable techniques for determining magnetic PM and PTE pollution hotspots in agricultural ambient.
Nanoscaled reusable palladium catalyst supported on chitosan hybrid composite microcapsules reinforced with ZnO nanoparticles for Heck coupling reactions
Authors: Çalışkan Melike , Baran Talat
Published: May 2022

In the present work, a novel nanocatalyst system (Pd@CS-ZnO) was developed by adorning palladium nanoparticles on the hybrid nanocomposite consisting of chitosan and ZnO nanoparticles which are prepared as a suitable stabilizer. Morphological/structural features of Pd@CS-ZnO were studied by FT-IR, TEM, SEM, XRD, and EDS analyses. The catalytic efficiency of Pd@CS-ZnO was then assessed as a heterogeneous nanocatalyst against Heck coupling reaction. The tests revealed that Pd@CS-ZnO was a useful nanocatalyst which can couple the reactions of various aryl halides (I, Br, Cl) with styrene. Additionally, Pd@CS-ZnO nanocatalyst proved to be easily separated with filtration and reapplied for six consecutive reaction runs. Moreover, it was found that Pd@CS-ZnO was one of the most effective catalysts against Heck reaction by protecting its chemical structure. Furthermore, the designed catalyst system offers other benefits such as (1) cost efficiency, (2) eco-friendly nature, (3) facile preparation, (4) moisture/air insensitivity, (5) easy work up, and (6) high yields.
Investigation on ultrasonic assisted embossing process of micro-features with variable curvature as functional surface using ultra-thin sheet of 5052 aluminum alloy
Authors: Cheng Lidong , Wang Chunju , Zhang Shuhan , Zhong Qi , Ma Zhenwu , He Haidong
Published: May 2022

Functional surface with pattern micro-features of sine waves fabricated by ultra-thin metallic sheet is very useful as a shield charactered by variable curvature to diffusely reflect strong light on the severe condition and reduce weight. A novel ultrasonic assisted embossing is developed to precisely fabricate the complex curved surface using its advantages of “Blaha effect”. Effects of embossing parameters were studied by considering the change of strain states. Improvement of shape accuracy by ultrasonic energy and duration time was investigated in the reducing of the springback and increasing of the amplitude of formed sine waves micro-features. Analysis and discussion of the deformation behaviors and springback were carried out in ultrasonic assisted embossing from the viewpoint of residual acoustic softening effect and eliminating residual stress. Experimental results indicate that the ultrasonic assisted embossing process is helpful for precisely manufacturing the complex surface with variable curvature using ultra-thin metallic sheet.
Intra-operative hemi-diaphragm electrical stimulation does not change mitochondrial function in cardiothoracic surgery patients
Authors: Mankowski Robert T. , Wohlgemuth Stephanie E. , Bresciani Guilherme , Martin A. Daniel , Arnaoutakis George , Martin Tomas , Jeng Eric , Ferreira Leonardo , Machuca Tiago , Rackauskas Mindaugas , Smuder Ashley J. , Beaver Thomas , Leeuwenburgh Christiaan , Smith Barbara K.
Published: May 2022

Background
Mechanical ventilation during cardiothoracic surgery is life-saving, but leads to ventilator-induced diaphragm dysfunction (VIDD) and prolongs weaning from the ventilator and hospital stay. Intra-operative diaphragm electrical stimulation may preserve mitochondrial function, and thus prevent VIDD.
Methods
We studied 21 patients stimulating a phrenic nerve of one hemidiaphragm every 30 min for 1min during a surgery. We collected diaphragm biopsies after the last stimulation and analyzed for mitochondrial respiration in permeabilized fibers, and protein expression and enzymatic activity of biomarkers of muscle atrophy, oxidative stress and mitophagy.
Results
Patients received on average 6.2 (1.9) stimulation bouts. Stimulated hemidiaphragm showed attenuated integrative and intrinsic mitochondrial respiratory function. There were no significant differences between oxidative stress, mitophagy and atrophy protein expression levels, and mitochondrial enzyme activities.
Conclusions
Intraoperative phrenic nerve electrical stimulation led to an impairment of mitochondrial respiration in the stimulated hemidiaphragm without differences in biomarkers of atrophy and oxidative stress. Future studies warrant investigating optimal stimulation doses and testing post-operative chronic stimulation effects on weaning from the ventilator and rehabilitation outcomes.
Trial registration:
NCT03303040, Registered on the 5th of October 2017. No retrospective registration statement needed – first subject was enrolled on 2/14/2018.
An Analysis of Economic Losses from Cyberattacks:Based on Input–Output Model and Production Function
Authors: Kokaji Akiyoshi , Goto Atsuhiro
Published: May 2022

Recently, there has been an increase in the global economic losses from cyberattacks. However, analysis of economic damage caused by cyberattacks in Japan has been analyzed mainly for the attacked companies and the damage to other companies, industries, and the whole country has not been sufficiently analyzed. Using the input–output model, this study analyzes the amount of economic loss from cyberattacks in Japan in order to improve the accuracy of damage prediction and various national measures. Specifically, first, we estimate the annual damage amount by industry based on cyber incident data collected through interviews and hearings by Japanese independent administrative agencies. Second, using the input-output model, we devise a model estimating the amount of damage to the entire country. Third, using the guessing method, we compare our findings with existing well-known overseas guesses and verified this model. The results show that the direct, spillover, and total damages to all industries (nationwide) are approximately 279 billion yen, 443.8 billion yen, and 722.7 billion yen, respectively. This study contributes to the future research on cyber resilience, by analyzing the damage caused by cyberattacks from a macroeconomic perspective using production functions and input–output tables.
Highly Compressible Hydrogel Reinforced with Cellulose Nanocrystals for Ultrasound Scanning via Microwave-Assisted Synthesis
Authors: Cheng Der-Yun , Liao Yi-Hsiang , Yu Jiashing , Liao Ying-Chih
Published: May 2022

In this study, a rapid fabrication method was developed to prepare hydrogel structures with high mechanical strength and low attenuation coefficient for ultrasound scanning. Poly acrylic acid (PAA) hydrogel was first prepared via a free radical polymerization approach. To shorten the process time (~ 30 minutes in water bath), microwave heating was applied to facilitate the reaction and reduce the reaction time down to 80 seconds. The produced hydrogels showed excellent elasticity but had a low compressive strength of 100 kPa. To further enhance the mechanical strengths of PAA hydrogels, cellulosenanocrystals (CNCs) were added to the precursor solution. After the microwave assisted crosslinking process, the compressive strength of the hydrogel increased to 350 kPa. Moreover, the ultimate compressive strain was enhanced from 60% to 80% with great recoverability. The PAA/CNC hydrogel has a great ultrasound trnansimission for high-quality ultrasound images comparable to conventional liquid hydrogels. To demonstrate the feasibility of the PAA/CNC hydrogel in ultrasonic medical applications, a customized ultrasound probe coat was created with a 3D printed mold and practically used in the ultrasound scanning process.
Influence of access cavity preparation on calcium hydroxide removal using different cleaning protocols: A confocal laser scanning microscopy study
Authors: Falakaloğlu Seda , Özata Merve Yeniçeri , Güneş Betül , Silva Emmanuel João Nogueira Leal , Gündoğar Mustafa , Topal Burcu Güçyetmez
Published: May 2022

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of endodontic access cavities design on the removal of calcium hydroxide medication of the apical third of mandibular incisor root canal walls and dentinal tubules with different cleaning protocols: EDDY sonic activation, Er,Cr:YSGG laser-activated irrigation, or conventional irrigation with IrriFlex.Materials and MethodsSeventy eight extracted human mandibular incisors were assigned to six experimental groups [n = 13] according to the endodontic access cavity and cleaning protocol for calcium hydroxide removal: traditional access cavity (TradAC)/EDDY; ultra-conservative access cavity performed in the incisal edge (UltraAC.Inc)/EDDY; TradAC/Er,Cr:YSGG; UltraAC.Inc/Er,Cr:YSGG; TradAC/IrriFlex; or UltraAC.Inc/IrriFlex. Confocal laser scanning microscopy images were used to measure the non-penetration percentage, maximum residual calcium hydroxide penetration depth, and penetration area at 2 and 4 mm from the apex. Data were statistically analyzed using Shapiro–Wilk and WRS2 package for two-way comparison of non-normally distributed parameters (depth of penetration, area of penetration, and percentage of non-penetration) according to cavity and cleaning protocol with the significance level set at 5%.ResultsThe effect of cavity and cleaning protocol interactions on penetration depth, penetration area and non-penetration percentage was not found statistically significant at 2 and 4 mm level (p > 0.05).ConclusionThe present study demonstrated that TradAC or UltraAC.Inc preparations with different cleaning protocols in extracted mandibular incisors did not influence the remaining calcium hydroxide at 2 and 4 mm from the apex.Clinical RelevanceThis study highlighted that TradAC or UltraAC.Inc, access cavities design and the different cleaning protocols have not influenced the remaining calcium hydroxide apical third of mandibular incisor.
Acute endurance exercise increases fasting plasma homocysteine concentrations in female long-distance runners under similar dietary and living conditions
Authors: Minematsu Ayako , Serizawa Naho , Shinagawa Akiho , Yamazaki Tomoki , Miyakoshi Yuichi , Yano Tomohiro , Ota Masako
Published: May 2022

Background: Increased plasma homocysteine levels are a risk factor for stress fractures and poor bone quality independent of changes in bone mineral density. Homocysteine concentrations vary with dietary habits and exercise. This study investigated changes in plasma homocysteine concentration in female long-distance track and field athletes with a high risk of developing fatigue fractures. Methods: Six female long-distance track and field athletes with high abilities were assessed under similar dietary conditions, with and without transient endurance exercise. A day before and on the morning of blood sampling, the participants underwent a restricted exercise period (Res), during which exercise was restricted, and an exercise period (Exe), during which transient endurance exercise was performed. Results: In four participants, the Res plasma homocysteine concentration was significantly lower than that of the Exe (P <0.05). Furthermore, the mean plasma homocysteine concentration overall in Res was significantly lower than that of Exe (P <0.01).Conclusions: Transient endurance exercise increased early morning fasting plasma homocysteine levels the following day when dietary conditions are stable.
The indicators for early blood transfusion in patients with placental abruption with Intrauterine Fetal Death: A retrospective review
Authors: Sano Yasuko , Kasai Michi , Shinoda Satoru , Miyagi Etsuko , Aoki Shigeru
Published: May 2022

Background: Placental abruption (PA) with intrauterine fetal death (IUFD) is associated with a high risk of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) resulting from severe disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Therefore, sufficient blood products must be prepared for coagulation factor replacement and deliveryat higher medical institutions,. We retrospectively reviewed patients with PA and IUFD（PA-IUFD） to identify possible factors that may indicate the need for early blood transfusion and investigated whether the Japanese scoring system for PPH can be applied in such cases.Methods: We used a database of 16,058 pregnant patients who delivered at Yokohama City University Medical Center between January 2000 and February 2016. Thirty-three patients were diagnosed with PA-IUFD before delivery and categorized into two groups–blood transfusion and non-transfusion–to compare the maternal characteristics and pregnancy outcomes.Results: In patients with PA-IUFD, the transfusion group exhibited significantly more blood loss, lower fibrinogen levels and platelet count, higher fibrin degradation products (FDP), D-dimer, and prothrombin time, and a tendency for tachycardia on admission compared to the non-transfusion group. Many patients in this group bore normal fibrinogen levels on admission but later displayed markedly decreased fibrinogen levels. The Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology (JSOG) DIC score was significantly higher in the transfusion than the non-transfusion group.Conclusions: In PA-IUFD, fibrinogen level, platelet count, D-dimer, FDP, heart rate, and JSOG DIC score on admission may indicate the need for blood transfusion. However, even with normal fibrinogen levels on admission, continuous monitoring is indispensable for identifying progressive fibrinogen reductions in patients with PA-IUFD.
Effect of Self Etch Primer Application on the Bond Failure Rate of a Mandibular Bonded Lingual Retainer
Authors: OZLU Fethiye CAKMAK , Yazicioglu Sabahat
Published: May 2022

Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of self-etch primer (SEP) application on the bond failure rate of a mandibular bonded lingual retainer over 24 months.Materials and Methods: The average age of the 86 individuals included in this study was 17 years 4 months. After the removal of the orthodontic appliances, the lingual retainers, which were made of six-stranded stainless steel wire, were bent and bonded onto the lingual surface of all mandibular anterior teeth. The study was performed using a split-mouth design. In the study group, the SEP was administered to the teeth’s lingual surfaces. In the control group, they were etched using 37% phosphoric etchant liquid gel. After etching, the primer was applied. The adhesive resin was applied and the retainer was fitted. The patients were re-evaluated over 24 months. The first bond failures and the amount of adhesive remaining on the tooth were recorded as the adhesive remnant index (ARI) scores.The chi-square test was used to compare the bond failure rates and ARI scores between the groups. The survival rates of the retainers were estimated using the Kaplan–Meier test. The significance level was P < 0.05.Results: The bond failure rates, ARI scores, and survival rates did not differ significantly between the groups.Conclusions: The results of this study demonstrated that an SEP can be used successfully in mandibular lingual retainer bonding.Clinical Relevance: In situations where saliva isolation is difficult, bonding a fixed lingual retainer with SEP is recommended.Trial registration: NCT05340595. Registered 28 April 2022 - Retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/results/NCT05340595
Application of grey BP neural network model based on wavelet denoising to predict the residual settlement of goafs
Authors: Zhang Xiangdong , Li Wenliang , Zhang Xuefeng , Cai Guanjun , Meng Kejing , Shen Zhen
Published: May 2022

The residual settlement of goafs is a nonlinear process with time series. To study its settlement law and prediction model, we chose the Mentougou mining area in Beijing as a example. The wavelet threshold denoising method was used to optimize the measured data, and the Grey GM (1,1) and BP neural network models were combined in series. A grey BP neural network model based on wavelet denoising was proposed, the prediction accuracy of different models was calculated, and the prediction results were compared with the original data. The results showed that the prediction accuracy of the grey BP neural network combined model was higher than that of the single GM (1,1) model. Furthermore, the mean absolute percentage and root mean square errors of the grey BP neural network model after wavelet denoising were 0.35% and 16.05, respectively, both less than the errors of the combined prediction model using the original data. Thus, the combination model optimized by wavelet analysis had a high prediction accuracy, strong stability, and accorded with the law of change of measured data. It accurately reflected the goaf surface subsidence process, and therefore has a strong popularization and application value.
Rapid differentiation of SARS-CoV-2 variants on a nanotechnology enhanced DNA-chip
Authors: Dai Hongjie , Liu Ying , Yang Yang , Wang Guanghui , Hu Ruibin , Shao Pan-Lin , Tang Jiahu , Xu Ziyi , Liu Yan , Xiao Hongjun , Lv Jiahui , Yang Jingkai , Niu Dan , Meijie Tang , Yuan Jing , Zhang Bo
Published: May 2022

With the persistence of the COVID-19 pandemic caused primarily by constant viral mutations, rapid identification of different lineages of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) by large-scale screening at the point-of-care could be key to monitoring and assessing viral evolutions. Herein, we developed a Fluorescence Enhanced Microarray for Multiplex Analysis of Nucleic acids (FEMMAN) for detecting 8 SARS-CoV-2 variants simultaneously in ~ 3 hours without the need of RNA extraction, opening the possibility of point-of-care testing of multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants while reducing the cost significantly to ~ $ 7 per sample from ~ $100 by Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS). Combined with isothermal amplification, the multiplexed RNA assay achieved single-copy detection sensitivity and single nucleotide variant (SNV) distinction owing to the nanotechnology based plasmonic gold (pGOLD) near-infrared fluorescence enhancing platform. Probing 10 targets of three mutational hotspots in S gene, we differentiated 8 viral lineages (Wild type, Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Lambda, Mu, and Omicron) of SARS-CoV-2, validated using nasopharyngeal swabs obtained from 127 individuals, achieving a 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity in SARS-CoV-2 detection, and a 91.1% concordance with NGS in variant identification. The scalable, multiplexed FEMMAN assay could shift the paradigm of COVID-19 diagnostic and surveillance from positive/negative assessments to simultaneous lineage identification in large-scale screening, greatly facilitating the global monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 variants.