bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modulation of Thermal Insulation and Mechanical Property of Silica Aerogel Thermal Insulation Coatings
Authors: Di Zhigang , Ma Shengjun , Wang Huanhuan , Guan Zichao , Lian Bingjie , Qiu Yunpeng , Jiang Yiming
Published: September 2022

In this paper, high-performance silica aerogel (SiO2 aerogel) thermal insulation coatings were obtained and profited from the excellent thermal insulation capability of SiO2 aerogel. The comprehensive properties and thermal insulation mechanism of the coatings were investigated via Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), contact angle, and temperature difference tests. Results showed that there was a contradiction between thermal insulation and mechanical property in this coating after the addition amount and proportion of silica aerogel, hollow glass microsphere, glass fibers, aqueous acrylic emulsion, and dispersing agents were optimized carefully. When the mass ratio of hollow glass to SiO2 aerogel microspheres was 1:1, the overall performance of the coating was the best with thermal conductivity of 0.050 W/(m·K) and adhesive strength of 1024 kPa.
Superhydrophobic SiO2/Trimethylchlorosilane Coating for Self-Cleaning Application of Construction Materials
Authors: Kurbanova Aliya , Myrzakhmetova Nurbala , Akimbayeva Nazgul , Kishibayev Kazhmukhan , Nurbekova Marzhan , Kanagat Yernar , Tursynova Arailym , Zhunussova Tomiris , Seralin Aidar , Kudaibergenova Rabiga , Toktarbay Zhexenbek , Toktarbaiuly Olzat
Published: September 2022

This study has demonstrated, for the first time, the potential application of coatings to protect bricks or architectures against detrimental atmospheric effects via a self-cleaning approach. In this research, a facile fabrication method was developed to produce amorphous SiO2 particles and their hierarchical structures via applying trimethylchlorosilane (TMCS). They were fully characterized by various surface analytic tools, including a goniometer, SEM, AFM, zeta sizer, and a spectroscopic technique (FTIR), and then applied as super hydrophobic coatings on glass and sand. The characterization results revealed that the SiO2 particles are amorphous, quasi-spherical particles with an average diameter of 250–300 nm, and the hierarchical structures in the film were assembled from building blocks of SiO2 and TMCS. The wettability of the films can be controlled by changing the pH of the SiO2/TCMS dispersion. A super hydrophobic surface with a water contact angle of 165° ± 1° was achieved at the isoelectric point of the films. The obtained translucent super hydrophobic SiO2/TMCS coatings show good self-cleaning performances for glass and sand as construction materials. This study indicated that the superhydrophobic coatings may have potential applications in the protection of buildings and construction architectures in the future.
Effects of Different Degrees of Hydrophobic Treatment on Soil–Water Characteristic Curves and Infiltration Coefficients of Hygroscopic Soils
Authors: Li Xiaolong , Zhou Haiqing , Chen Botong , Song Xiao , Liu Ziqiang , Zhao Jian , Yin Guohong , Li Yuling , Zong Yuncui , Li Qiushi , Han Chunpeng
Published: September 2022

Soil treated with silicone hydrophobic material for a long time can effectively improve the saturated permeability of the ground, which has been confirmed. However, the long time will increase the cost in engineering construction. Secondly, the mechanism of alteration of soil–water properties by silicone hydrophobic materials is not understood. This lack of understanding is not conducive to the engineering application of silicone hydrophobic materials. Therefore, variable-head permeability and matrix suction tests under 15 different test conditions were conducted with different hydrophobic material dosage and action time as variables in this paper. The soil–water characteristic curve (SWCC) was plotted according to the test results, the unsaturated permeability coefficient was calculated, and curve fitting was performed. It can be seen from the test data that, with the increase in the dosage of hydrophobic materials and the action time, the permeability coefficient and the air-entry value showed a downward trend. Nevertheless, as the reaction proceeded, a mutation occurred at 4 h. When the minimum dosage and action time were used, the soil’s permeability coefficient and air-entry value decreased by 80.65% and 71.09%. The test results show that, even when the action time was 2 h, the hydrophobic material could maintain the permeability of the soil and reduce its air-entry value; thus, the hydrophobic material could effectively reduce the rise of capillary water in the soil and protect the roadbed.
Investigation on Physical Properties of IGZO Thin Films under the Conditions of Mixing Oxygen and Argon
Authors: Zhang Yanyan , Pan Yong
Published: September 2022

Amorphous indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO) is the most suitable material choice for optoelectronic devices such as thin film transistor (TFT). However, usually, the physical properties of IGZO are of concern rather than the preparation process, which will complicate the control of the main properties of the material. To obtain a simple method of controlling IGZO properties, different proportions of mixed gases of oxygen and argon were added in the process of preparing thin films by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) for studying the fluence of atmosphere on the growth of IGZO. The structure and components of the film are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), which confirmed the amorphous structure. A red-shift of the absorption peak in range of 450–850 nm was generated with the increase in argon concentration. Meanwhile, the transmission spectra showed that the transmittance of the material was lower than 80% in the range of 450–850 nm. Then, different target samples have a wide photoluminescence band at 200–800 nm. Oxygen vacancy defects were considered to be closely related to the photoluminescence behavior. The smallest surface roughness of the films prepared under 50% Ar and 50% O2 and the largest in 100% Ar are proved by atom force microstructure (AFM). Importantly, the greater difference in electrical properties reflects the sensitivity of different oxygen and argon concentrations to material effects. The carrier concentration can be adjusted from 1.08 × 1011 to 1.33 × 1016 by this method. Finally, the IGZO achieved in this work was used in a transistor, which reflected good diode characteristics.
Investigation of Rheological Test Methods for the Suitability of Mortars for Manufacturing of Textile-Reinforced Concrete Using a Laboratory Mortar Extruder (LabMorTex)
Authors: Kalthoff Matthias , Raupach Michael , Matschei Thomas
Published: September 2022

One of the promising technologies to produce carbon textile-reinforced concrete structures is extrusion. For defect-free extrusion, high requirements are placed on the fresh concrete, since it must be transportable through the augers in the extruder and must not change the desired geometric shape after leaving the mouthpiece. For the rheologic description of suitable concretes or mortars for the extrusion process, there is currently a lack of test methods to characterise the fresh concrete before extrusion. At present, new mixtures are first tested in elaborate trials on laboratory extruders before they can be transferred to production scale. The development of compounds is strongly dependent on the know-how and experience of the users. Within the scope of this paper, different methods were investigated and systematic suitability tests for a successful extrusion have been carried out. The results show that the fresh mortar can only be roughly described by the measured data during the mixing process, such as the temperature or the torque. The use of a capillary rheometer only allows a basic characterisation of the fresh mortar. A clear differentiation of the fresh mortar can be made with the help of sphere penetration tests. These allow the mortar to be classified as unsuitable for the extrusion process or as extrudable before the extrusion process, and the suitability of new mixtures can be assessed in advance. The newly developed method offers the possibility of greatly accelerating the implementation of new formulations for the extrusion process, regardless of the experience of the subsequent users, and reducing the need for complex experiments using laboratory extruders.
Application of Artificial Intelligence Methods Depending on the Tasks Solved during COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Tolmachev Ivan , Kaverina Irina , Vrazhnov Denis , Starikov Iurii , Starikova Elena , Kostuchenko Evgeny
Published: September 2022

Health systems challenges that emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as a lack of resources and medical staff, are forcing solutions which optimize healthcare performance. One of the solutions is the development of clinical decision support systems (CDSS) based on artificial intelligence (AI). We classified AI-based clinical decision-supporting systems used during the pandemic and evaluated the mathematical algorithms present in these systems. Materials and methods: we searched for articles relevant to the aim of the study in the Scopus publication database. Results: depending on the purpose of the development a clinical decision support system based on artificial intelligence during pandemic, we identified three groups of tasks: organizational, scientific and diagnostic. Tasks such as predicting of pandemic parameters, searching of analogies in pandemic progression, prioritization of patients, use of telemedicine are solved for the purposes of healthcare organization. Artificial intelligence in drugs and vaccine development, alongside personalized treatment programs, apply to new scientific knowledge acquisition. Diagnostic tasks include the development of mathematical models for assessing COVID-19 outcomes, prediction of disease severity, analysis of factors influencing COVID-19 complications. Conclusion: artificial intelligence methods can be effectively implemented for decision support systems in solving tasks that face healthcare during pandemic.
Structures and Luminescent Properties of Rare-Earth Metal–Organic Framework Series with Thieno[3,2b]thiophene-2,5-dicarboxylate
Authors: Yudina Yuliya A. , Demakov Pavel A. , Ryadun Alexey A. , Fedin Vladimir P. , Dybtsev Danil N.
Published: September 2022

Four new rare-earth metal–organic frameworks containing thieno[3,2b]thiophene-2,5-dicarboxylate (ttdc2−) with general formulae [M2(DMF)4(ttdc)3] (M3+ = Y3+ for 1, La3+ for 2, Tb3+ for 3) and [M2(H2O)2(ttdc)3] (M3+ = Lu3+ for 4) were synthesized. Their crystal structures were determined by performing a single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Coordination polymers 1–3 are based on the binuclear metal-carboxylate building units with the formulae {M2(DMF)4(OOCR)6}. The six-connected blocks in 1–3 form a three-dimensional network with the primitive cubic (pcu) topology. Coordination framework 4 is based on chains comprised by stretched pseudo-binuclear metal-carboxylate building units. The chains are interconnected in four directions with ttdc2− linkers forming the 3D framework. The luminescent properties were studied for the synthesized frameworks in the solid state. All the coordination frameworks show a broad blue emission band (λex = 380 nm) typical for intra-ligand electron transitions. The sensing properties of 3 dispersions in solutions were investigated in detail and the luminescent response (quenching) was discovered in the presence of cinnamaldehyde and quinoline in diluted solutions at concentrations of as low as 4 × 10−1 vol.% and 4 × 10−2 vol.% (~3 × 10−3 M), respectively.
Ignition Growth Characteristics of JEOL Explosive during Cook-Off Tests
Authors: Wang Xinyu , Jiang Chunlan , Wang Zaicheng , Lei Wenxing , Fang Yuande
Published: September 2022

In order to study the reaction growth process of insensitive JEOL explosive after ignition under cook-off, a series of cook-off tests were carried out on JEOL explosive using a self-designed small cook-off bomb system. A thermocouple was used to measure the internal temperature of the explosive, and a camera recorded macro images of the cook-off process. The temperature change law of JEOL explosive before and after ignition under different heating rates and the smoke ejection caused by the reaction in the slit were studied. The research results showed that the ignition time decreased as the heating rate increased, while the ignition temperature was not sensitive to the heating rate. When the heating rate was faster, the internal temperature gradient of the explosive was larger, and the ignition point appeared at the highest temperature position. As the heating rate decreased, the internal temperature gradient of the explosive decreased, the ignition point appeared random, and multiple ignition points appeared at the same time. The growth process of the ignition point could be divided into severe thermal decomposition, slow combustion, and violent combustion stages. When the heating rate reduced from 7 to 1 °C/min, the burning rate obviously increased.
Growth of Thin AlN Films on Si Wafers by Reactive Magnetron Sputtering: Role of Processing Pressure, Magnetron Power and Nitrogen/Argon Gas Flow Ratio
Authors: Sandager Matilde Kammer , Kjelde Christian , Popok Vladimir
Published: September 2022

AlN is a wide band gap semiconductor that is of growing industrial interest due to its piezoelectric properties, high breakdown voltage and thermal conductivity. Using magnetron sputtering to grow AlN thin films allows for high deposition rates and uniform coverage of large substrates. One can also produce films at low substrate temperatures, which is required for many production processes. However, current models are inadequate in predicting the resulting structure of a thin film when different sputter parameters are varied. In this work, the growth of wurtzite AlN thin films has been carried out on Si(111) substrates using reactive direct current magnetron sputtering. The influence of the processing pressure, magnetron power and N2/Ar ratio on the structure of the grown films has been analyzed by investigating crystallinity, residual film stress and surface morphology using X-ray diffraction, profilometry, atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. In every case, the films were found to exhibit c-axis orientation and tensile stress. It was found that high-quality AlN films can be achieved at an N2/Ar ratio of 50% and a low pressure of 0.2 Pa. High magnetron powers (900–1200 W) were necessary for achieving high deposition rates, but they led to larger film stress.
The Family of MII3(TeIVO3)2(OH)2 (M = Mg, Mn, Co, Ni) Compounds—Prone to Inclusion of Foreign Components into Large Hexagonal Channels
Authors: Eder Felix , Weil Matthias , Missen Owen P. , Kolitsch Uwe , Libowitzky Eugen
Published: September 2022

MII3(TeIVO3)2(OH)2 (M = Mg, Mn, Co, Ni) compounds crystallize isotypically in the hexagonal space group P63mc (No. 186) with unit-cell parameters of a ≈ 13 Å, c ≈ 5 Å. In the crystal structure, a framework with composition M3(TeO3)2(OH)1.50.5+ defines large hexagonal channels extending along [001] where the remaining OH− anions are located. Crystal-growth studies under mild hydrothermal conditions with subsequent structure analyses on basis of X-ray diffraction methods revealed that parts of other anions present in solution such as CO32−, SO42−, SeO42−, NO3−, Cl− or Br− could partly replace the OH− anions in the channels. The incorporation of such anions into the M3(TeO3)2(OH)2 structure was confirmed by energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS) measurements and Raman spectroscopy of selected single-crystals.
Metal-Doped Nanostructured Carbonic Materials and Their H2 Adsorption—An Experimental Approach
Authors: Mirea Radu , Rimbu Gimi A. , Iordoc Mihai
Published: September 2022

Experimental assessment of the hydrogen (H2)-adsorption capacities of metal-doped carbon nanostructured materials were investigated in this study. Given their intrinsic characteristics, nanostructured carbonic materials show great potential for different applications that require H2, one such being their use as hydrogen carriers in the automotive sector. The current paper considers two types of carbonic substrates (carbon nanotubes and polyaniline) functionalized and doped with platinic metals: Pt, Ru and Ir. The H2-adsorption capacities of the materials were assessed at 293 K and at relatively low pressures (10, 20 and 30 bar). Thus, nanostructured polyaniline (p-C6H5NH2) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MW-CNTs) were subject to noble-metal doping in order to assess their physical H2-adsorption capacities. The two types of substrates have different structures and characteristics, one being a “synthetic metal” and the other an amorphous carbon substrate. The metals used for doping were Platinum (Pt), Iridium (Ir) and Ruthenium (Ru), and the doping procedure consisted of chemical reaction between the metals’ salts and the carbonic substrate after the latter’s physical activation. Physical H2-adsorption capacity was determined with equipment designed to measure porous materials’ adsorption capacities at pressures ranging from 1 to 200 bar. The obtained results showed an increase inH2-adsorption capacity of 293% from 10 to 30 bar for Ru, 270% for Ir and 256% for Pt doping in the case of the MW-CNTs, and 296% for Ru, 282% for Ir and 251% for Pt from 10 to 30 bar in the case of p-C6H5NH2. As the main conclusion, even though Pt is known to be the main metal used in reactions involving H2, Ru and Ir showed better potential for this application, namely, as hydrogen-carrier materials for use in the automotive sector.
Mandibular Clinical Arch Forms in Iraqi Population: A National Survey
Authors: Ali Munther A. , Yassir Yassir A.
Published: September 2022

Background: This study aims to identify mandibular clinical arch forms and dimensions in the Iraqi population. Materials and methods: The study sample consisted of pre-treatment mandibular study models of the Iraqi population. The most labial aspect of 13 proximal contact areas was digitized using AutoCAD software to determine the clinical bracket point for every tooth. The dental arches were classified into three types: tapered, ovoid, and square. The arch dimensions were identified using four linear and two proportional measurements. Results: A total of 1005 study models were collected. The arch forms were distributed as ovoid (47%), tapered (36.2%), and square (16.8%), with no significant difference in the distribution between Arabs and Kurds. The ovoid arch form was predominant in class I and class III malocclusion, while the tapered arch form was predominant in class II. All the linear measurements were greater in the males than in the females. The arch widths decreased as the arch form shifted from square to ovoid to tapered, while the arch depths showed the reverse relation. Conclusions: According to this study, ovoid and tapered archwires should suit the majority of Iraqi patients. The ovoid arch form was the most predominant in the subjects with class I and class III malocclusion, while the tapered arch form was the most predominant in the class II subjects.
3′UTR Deletion of NONO Leads to Corpus Callosum Anomaly, Left Ventricular Non-Compaction and Ebstein’s Anomaly in a Male Fetus
Authors: Giuffrida Maria Grazia , Goldoni Marina , Genovesi Maria Luce , Carpentieri Giovanna , Torres Barbara , Deac Anca Daniela , Cecchetti Serena , Martinelli Anna , Vaisfeld Alessandro , Flex Elisabetta , Bernardini Laura
Published: September 2022

NONO (Non-Pou Domain-Containing Octamer-Binding Protein) gene maps on chromosome Xq13.1 and hemizygous loss-of-function nucleotide variants are associated with an emerging syndromic form of intellectual developmental disorder (MRXS34; MIM #300967), characterized by developmental delay, intellectual disability, poor language, dysmorphic facial features, and microcephaly. Structural brain malformation, such as corpus callosum and cerebellar abnormalities, and heart defects, in particular left ventricular non-compaction (LVNC), represent the most recurrent congenital malformations, recorded both in about 80% of patients, and can be considered the distinctive imaging findings of this disorder. We present on a further case of NONO-related disease; prenatally diagnosed in a fetus with complete corpus callosum agenesis; absence of septum pellucidum; pericallosal artery; LVNC and Ebstein’s anomaly. A high-resolution microarray analysis demonstrated the presence of a deletion affecting the NONO 3′UTR; leading to a marked hypoexpression of the gene and the complete absence of the protein in cultured amniocytes. This case expands the mutational spectrum of MRXS34, advises to evaluate NONO variants in pre- and postnatal diagnosis of subjects affected by LVNC and other heart defects, especially if associated with corpus callosum anomalies and confirm that CNVs (Copy Number Variants) represent a non-negligible cause of Mendelian disorders.
Peritoneal Seeding Is More Common in Gastric Cancer Patients with FGFR2 Amplification or High Tumor Mutation Burden
Authors: Kim Hyunjin , Park Sujin , Kang So Young , Ahn Soomin , Kim Kyoung-Mee
Published: September 2022

Fibroblast growth factor receptor-2 (FGFR2) gene alterations have been identified in solid tumors. FGFR2 amplification is found in 2–9% of gastric carcinomas. We hypothesized that FGFR2 could be associated with peritoneal seeding and studied 360 advanced gastric carcinoma patients; 222 (61.7%) were male, 246 (73.7%) had poorly differentiated histology, and 175 (48.6%) presented with peritoneal seeding. High tumor mutation burden (TMB) was observed in 44 (12.2%) patients, high microsatellite instability (MSI) was observed in 12 (3.33%) patients, ERBB2 amplification was observed in 44 (12.2%) patients, EBV positivity was observed in 10 (10/278; 3.6%) patients, and PD-L1 positivity was observed in 186 (186/264; 70.5%) cases. We found FGFR2 amplification in 26 (7.2%) patients, of which 12 (46.2%) were female and 22 (84.6%) had poorly differentiated histology. In these 26 cases, the copy number of FGFR2 amplification ranged from 3.7 to 274. Eighteen of them showed seeding, and this association was statistically significant (18/26, 69.2%; 157/334, 47%; p = 0.023). In addition, high TMB was significantly associated with seeding (p = 0.028; OR = 1.83). Poorly differentiated histology was significantly associated with seeding (p = 0.04) but not with FGFR2 amplification (p > 0.1). Seeding was frequent in gastric carcinoma patients with FGFR2 amplification, in patients with high TMB, or in those who were female. The subgroup of patients with FGFR2 amplification could be potential candidates for targeted therapeutic agents.
Long-Term Psychosocial Consequences of Whole-Body Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Reporting of Incidental Findings in a Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Korbmacher-Böttcher Dorina , Bamberg Fabian , Peters Annette , Linkohr Birgit , Ladwig Karl-Heinz , Schwettmann Lars , Weckbach Sabine , Schlett Christopher L. , Rospleszcz Susanne
Published: September 2022

Management of radiological incidental findings (IF) is of rising importance; however, psychosocial implications of IF reporting remain unclear. We compared long-term psychosocial effects between individuals who underwent whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with and without reported IF, and individuals who did not undergo imaging. We used a longitudinal population-based cohort from Western Europe. Longitudinal analysis included three examinations (exam 1, 6 years prior to MRI; exam 2, MRI; exam 3, 4 years after MRI). Psychosocial outcomes included PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire), DEEX (Depression and Exhaustion Scale), PSS-10 (Perceived Stress Scale) and a Somatization Scale. Univariate analyses and adjusted linear mixed models were calculated. Among 855 included individuals, 25% (n = 212) underwent MRI and 6% (n = 50) had at least one reported IF. Compared to MRI participants, non-participants had a higher psychosocial burden indicated by PHQ-9 in exam 1 (3.3 ± 3.3 vs. 2.5 ± 2.3) and DEEX (8.6 ± 4.7 vs. 7.7 ± 4.4), Somatization Scale (5.9 ± 4.3 vs. 4.8 ± 3.8) and PSS-10 (14.7 ± 5.7 vs. 13.7 ± 5.3, all p < 0.05) in exam 3. MRI participation without IF reporting was significantly associated with lower values of DEEX, PHQ-9 and Somatization Scale. There were no significant differences at the three timepoints between MRI participants with and without IF. In conclusion, individuals who voluntarily participated in whole-body MRI had less psychosocial burden and imaging and IF reporting were not associated with adverse long-term psychosocial consequences. However, due to the study design we cannot conclude that the MRI exam itself represented a beneficial intervention causing improvement in mental health scores.
Effects of Laser Application on Alveolar Bone Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Osteoblasts: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Lazăr Luminița , Manu Doina Ramona , Dako Timea , Mârțu Maria-Alexandra , Suciu Mircea , Ormenișan Alina , Păcurar Mariana , Lazăr Ana-Petra
Published: September 2022

Mesenchymal stem cells isolated from the bone marrow have a great differentiation potential, being able to produce many cell lines, including osteoblasts. Osteoblasts have an important role in bone remodeling by actively participating in the maturation and mineralization of the extracellular matrix. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of laser application on the viability and proliferation of osteoblasts. Methods: Alveolar bone was harvested from 8 patients and placed into a culture medium to induce proliferation of mesenchymal stem cells. These were differentiated into osteoblasts in special conditions. The cells from each patient were split into two groups, one was treated using a 980 nm laser (1W output power, pulsed mode, 20 s, 50 mm distance) (laser “+”) and the other one did not receive laser stimulation (laser “-”). Results: Using the confocal microscope, we determined that the cells from the laser “+” group were more active when compared to the laser “-” group. The number of cells in the laser “+” group was significantly greater compared to the laser “-” group as the ImageJ-NIH software showed (p = 0.0072). Conclusions: Laser application increases the proliferation rate of osteoblasts and intensifies their cellular activity.
HPV Tests Comparison in the Detection and Follow-Up after Surgical Treatment of CIN2+ Lesions
Authors: Bottari Fabio , Iacobone Anna Daniela , Radice Davide , Preti Eleonora Petra , Preti Mario , Franchi Dorella , Boveri Sara , Sandri Maria Teresa , Passerini Rita
Published: September 2022

Background: HPV tests differ for technology, targets, and information on genotyping of high risk (HR) HPV. In this study, we evaluated the performance of 6 HPV DNA tests and one mRNA test in the detection of cervical intraepithelial lesions (CIN) and as a test-of-cure in the follow-up after surgical conservative treatment. Methods: One hundred seventy-two women referred to the European Institute of Oncology, Milan, for surgical treatment of pre-neoplastic cervical lesions, were enrolled in this study (IEO S544) from January 2011 to June 2015. For all women, a cervical sample was taken before treatment (baseline) and at the first follow-up visit (range 3 to 9 months): on these samples Qiagen Hybrid Capture 2 (HC2), Roche Linear Array HPV Test (Linear Array), Roche Cobas 4800 HPV test (Cobas), Abbott RealTime High Risk HPV test (RT), BD Onclarity HPV assay (Onclarity), Seegene Anyplex II HPV HR Detection (Anyplex), and Hologic Aptima HPV Assay (Aptima) histology and cytology were performed at baseline, and the same tests and cytology were performed at follow-up. Results: At baseline 158/172 (92%), histologies were CIN2+, and 150/172 (87%) women were recruited at follow-up. Assuming HC2 as a comparator, the concordance of HPV tests ranges from 91% to 95% at baseline and from 76% to 100% at follow-up (PABAK ranging from 0.81 to 0.90 at baseline and PABAK ranging from 0.53 to 1 at follow-up). All HPV showed a very good sensitivity in CIN2+ detection at baseline, more than 92%, and a very good specificity at follow-up, more than 89%. Conclusions: HPV tests showed a good concordance with HC2 and a very good and comparable sensitivity in CIN2+ detection. Hence, an HPV test represents a valid option as test-of-cure in order to monitor patients treated for CIN2+ lesions during follow-up.
Comparison in Terms of Accuracy between DLP and LCD Printing Technology for Dental Model Printing
Authors: Tsolakis Ioannis A. , Papaioannou William , Papadopoulou Erofili , Dalampira Maria , Tsolakis Apostolos I.
Published: September 2022

Background: The aim of this study is to evaluate the accuracy of a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) 3D printer compared to a Direct Light Processing (DLP) 3D printer for dental model printing. Methods: Two different printers in terms of 3D printing technology were used in this study. One was a DLP 3D printer and one an LCD 3D printer. The accuracy of the printers was evaluated in terms of trueness and precision. Ten STL reference files were used for this study. For trueness, each STL file was printed once with each 3D printer. For precision, one randomly chosen STL file was printed 10 times with each 3D printer. Afterward, the models were scanned with a model scanner, and reverse engineering software was used for the STL comparisons. Results: In terms of trueness, the comparison between the LCD 3D printer and DLP 3D printer was statistically significant, with a p-value = 0.004. For precision, the comparison between the LCD 3D printer and the DLP 3D printer was statistically significant, with a p-value = 0.011. Conclusions: The DLP 3D printer is more accurate in terms of dental model printing than the LCD 3D printer. However, both DLP and LCD printers can accurately be used to print dental models for the fabrication of orthodontic appliances.
Integrating Industry 4.0 in Higher Education Using Challenge-Based Learning: An Intervention in Operations Management
Authors: Vilalta-Perdomo Eliseo , Michel-Villarreal Rosario , Thierry-Aguilera Ricardo
Published: September 2022

Industry 4.0 is predicted to significantly transform the jobs and skill profiles of workers. Implications for higher education may involve dramatic changes in the demand for knowledge and skills. In response to this, a Challenge-Based Learning (CBL) intervention was designed with the aim of developing working skills for the future of work on undergraduate students by embedding the Industry 4.0 theme in the Operations Management curricula. The CBL intervention was implemented in two different academic terms at a UK university, and views from 302 undergraduate business students were captured using document analysis. The benefits are reported in terms of knowledge acquisition and the application and development of key desirable working abilities for the future. The results suggest that CBL increases students’ understanding of Industry 4.0 issues in real-life settings. It also provides an environment for soft-skills training for skills, including collaboration, communication, planning and problem-solving. This study provides a blueprint for the implementation of CBL in the Operations Management curricula. The study validates existing findings obtained from the application of CBL in other disciplines. Whilst the proposed CBL intervention might be easily replicated in business schools in the UK, the findings on students’ experiences might not be directly generalized to other contexts or disciplines.
A High-Capacity Reversible Data-Hiding Scheme for Medical Image Transmission Using Modified Elias Gamma Encoding
Authors: Manikandan V. M. , Murthy Kandala Sree Rama , Siddineni Bhavana , Victor Nancy , Maddikunta Praveen Kumar Reddy , Hakak Saqib
Published: September 2022

Reversible data hiding (RDH) is a recently emerged research domain in the field of information security domain with broad applications in medical images and meta-data handling in the cloud. The amount of data required to handle the healthcare sector has exponentially increased due to the increase in the population. Medical images and various reports such as discharge summaries and diagnosis reports are the most common data in the healthcare sector. The RDH schemes are widely explored to embed the medical reports in the medical image instead of sending them as separate files. The receiver can extract the clinical reports and recover the original medical image for further diagnosis. This manuscript proposes an approach that uses a new lossless compression-based RDH scheme that creates vacant room for data hiding. The proposed scheme uses run-length encoding and a modified Elias gamma encoding scheme on higher-order bit planes for lossless compression. The conventional Elias gamma encoding process is modified in the proposed method to embed some additional data bits during the encoding process itself. The revised approach ensures a high embedding rate and lossless recovery of medical images at the receiver side. The experimental study is conducted on both natural images and medical images. The average embedding rate from the proposed scheme for the medical images is 0.75 bits per pixel. The scheme achieved a 0 bit error rate during image recovery and data extraction. The experimental study shows that the newly introduced scheme performs better when compared with the existing RDH schemes.
Regularized Zero-Forcing Dirty Paper Precoding in a High-Throughput Satellite Communication System
Authors: Yang Mingchuan , Shao Xinye , Xue Guanchang , Liu Botao , Su Yanyong
Published: September 2022

In order to maximize the available data rate and spectrum utilization efficiency, a high-throughput satellite communication system adopts the full spectrum reuse scheme, which will cause serious co-frequency interference. In this paper, a forward link model, considering the effects of free space loss, rainfall attenuation, and beam gain, is established, and the classical low-complexity of the zero-forcing precoding algorithm is improved in order to solve the serious co-frequency interference. Moreover, the regularized zero-forcing precoding algorithm considering the influence of system noise is studied, and a low complexity regularized zero-forcing dirty paper precoding algorithm is proposed, whose basic principle is to sort users based on the principle of channel maximum norm selection and practical application scenarios. Simulation results show that it can encode users sequentially, according to the channel conditions, to maximize the SINR (signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio) and increase the throughput of the system.
Bidding Strategy of Two-Layer Optimization Model for Electricity Market Considering Renewable Energy Based on Deep Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Ji Xiu , Li Cong , Li Dexin , Qi Chenglong
Published: September 2022

In the future, the large-scale participation of renewable energy in electricity market bidding is an inevitable trend. In order to describe the Nash equilibrium effect and market power between renewable energy and traditional power generators in the tacit competition in the electricity market, a bidding strategy based on deep reinforcement learning is proposed. The strategy is divided into two layers; the inner layer is the electricity market clearing model, and the outer layer is the deep reinforcement learning optimization algorithm. Taking the equilibrium supply function as the clearing model of the electricity market, considering the green certificate trading mechanism and the carbon emission mechanism, and taking the maximization of social welfare as the objective function, the optimal bidding on the best electricity price is solved. Finally, the calculation examples of the 3-node system and the 30-node system show that compared with other algorithms, more stable convergence results can be obtained, the Nash equilibrium in game theory can be reached, social welfare can be maximized, renewable energy has more market power in the market. The market efficiency evaluation index is introduced to analyze the market efficiency of the two case systems. The final result is one of great significance and value to the reasonable electricity price declaration, the optimization of market resources, and the policy orientation of the electricity market with renewable energy.
Design and Experimental Study of a Curved Contact Quadrupole Railgun
Authors: Du Xiangyu , Liu Shaowei , Guan Jiao
Published: September 2022

The railgun is a promising weapon, but suffers from poor contact and harsh magnetic field environment. We used the moment of inertia to measure the deformation resistance of the rail, studied the contact characteristics of the railgun by contact force, and compared the performances of different structures of the rail. The magnetic field environment in the bore and the thrust on the armature of different structure railguns were studied by FEM-BEM simulation, and the final structure of the hyperbolic augmented quadrupole railgun was determined. The new structure of the railgun possesses better deformation resistance and contact characteristics, and can provide an electromagnetic shielding area and greater thrust. The test results show that the proposed railgun exhibits less rail damage and less armature ablation after launch.
Stability and Stabilization of TS Fuzzy Systems via Line Integral Lyapunov Fuzzy Function
Authors: Meredef Imad eddine , Hammoudi Mohamed Yacine , Betka Abir , Hamiane Madina , Mimoune Khalida
Published: September 2022

This paper is concerned with the stability and stabilization problem of a Takagi-Sugeno fuzzy (TSF) system. Using a non-quadratic function (well-known integral Lyapunov fuzzy candidate (ILF)) and some lemmas, new sufficient conditions are established as linear matrix inequalities (LMIs), which are solved with a stochastic fractal search (SFS). The main advantage of the technique used is its small conservatives. Motivated by the mean value theorem, a state feedback controller based on a non-quadratic Lyapunov function is designed. Unlike other approaches based on poly-quadratic Lyapunov candidates, stability conditions of the closed loop are obtained in LMI regions. It is important to highlight that the time derivatives of membership functions do not appear in the used line integral Lyapunov function, which is the well-known problem of poly-quadratic Lyapunov functions. A numerical example is given to show the advantages and the utility of the integral Lyapunov fuzzy candidate, which provides a wider feasibility region than other Lyapunov functions.
Population Epigenetics: The Extent of DNA Methylation Variation in Wild Animal Populations
Authors: Chapelle Valentine , Silvestre Frédéric
Published: September 2022

Population epigenetics explores the extent of epigenetic variation and its dynamics in natural populations encountering changing environmental conditions. In contrast to population genetics, the basic concepts of this field are still in their early stages, especially in animal populations. Epigenetic variation may play a crucial role in phenotypic plasticity and local adaptation as it can be affected by the environment, it is likely to have higher spontaneous mutation rate than nucleotide sequences do, and it may be inherited via non-mendelian processes. In this review, we aim to bring together natural animal population epigenetic studies to generate new insights into ecological epigenetics and its evolutionary implications. We first provide an overview of the extent of DNA methylation variation and its autonomy from genetic variation in wild animal population. Second, we discuss DNA methylation dynamics which create observed epigenetic population structures by including basic population genetics processes. Then, we highlight the relevance of DNA methylation variation as an evolutionary mechanism in the extended evolutionary synthesis. Finally, we suggest new research directions by highlighting gaps in the knowledge of the population epigenetics field. As for our results, DNA methylation diversity was found to reveal parameters that can be used to characterize natural animal populations. Some concepts of population genetics dynamics can be applied to explain the observed epigenetic structure in natural animal populations. The set of recent advancements in ecological epigenetics, especially in transgenerational epigenetic inheritance in wild animal population, might reshape the way ecologists generate predictive models of the capacity of organisms to adapt to changing environments.
Construct the Framework for the Allocation of Resources Invested in Ecological Governance from the Urban–Rural Land Use Coupling
Authors: Su Qingmu , Wang Linya
Published: September 2022

With the rapid development of urbanization, cities need more external resources to meet their ultimate demand, which leads to the transfer of land use function between urban and rural areas. How to measure the urban–rural land use coupling remains to be studied. In addition, due to the difficulty in evaluating the unequal development and coupling between urban and rural areas, resource-consuming regions often evade their responsibility for environmental pollution, resulting in unfair allocation of invested resources. Therefore, a framework for the allocation of resources invested in ecological governance was built from the perspective of urban–rural land use coupling. This framework made clear the urban–rural coupling and applied Gini coefficient to judge the overall imbalance in the region. According to the unbalanced structure of the region, the allocation framework based on the location quotient was used to redistribute the resources invested in ecological governance, and the attribution of responsibility was made clear, which can promote regional fairness. The main conclusions are: (I) Taiwan’s overall urban–rural coupling is 8.3, that is, every hectare of land development in Taiwan requires 8.30 hectares of ecological land to meet development needs. The urban area needs to rely heavily on the ecological resources provided by the rural area. (II) The environmental problems of the urban area need to be solved by the urban area itself, while the rural area requires the urban area to be responsible for its ecological governance, and it needs to be responsible for the resource consumption of the external systems. This research provides a new perspective for the research on urban–rural coupling and resource allocation.
Microalgae and Cyanobacteria Biomass Pretreatment Methods: A Comparative Analysis of Chemical and Thermochemical Pretreatment Methods Aimed at Methane Production
Authors: de Oliveira Maria C. , Bassin Isabelli D. , Cammarota Magali C.
Published: September 2022

Anaerobic digestion of microalgae and cyanobacteria was first proposed as a destination for algal biomass accumulated on stabilization ponds since it could not be disposed of directly in the environment. Now, the versatility of algal biomass makes them a suitable candidate to produce biofuels and other biomolecules in biorefineries. Anaerobic digestion of biomass is advantageous because it does not require the extraction of specific cellular constituents or drying of the biomass. Nevertheless, challenges remain regarding biomass concentration and their resistant cell walls, which are factors that could hamper methane yield. Many pretreatment methods, including chemical and thermochemical, have been proposed to break down the complex polymers present on the cell wall into smaller molecules. Unfortunately, the relationship between biomass solubilization and methane yield is not well defined. This article intends to review the anaerobic digestion of algal biomass and the role of chemical and thermochemical pretreatments in enhancing methane production. Several pretreatment conditions selected from the scientific literature were compared to verify which conditions actually improve methane yield. The severity of the selected pretreatments was also assessed using the combined severity factor. Results suggest that thermochemical pretreatment in less severe conditions is the most efficient, leading to a greater increase in methane yield. Only enzymatic pretreatments and some thermal pretreatments result in a positive energy balance. The large-scale implementation of pretreatment methods requires technological innovations to reduce energy consumption and its integration with other processes in wastewater treatment plants.
Probiotic Characteristics of Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus as Influenced by Carao (Cassia grandis)
Authors: Paz David , Aleman Ricardo S. , Cedillos Roberto , Olson Douglas W. , Aryana Kayanush , Marcia Jhunior , Boeneke Charles
Published: September 2022

Carao is considered a functional ingredient since its bioactive compounds are meaningful in nutritional, pharmacological, and medicinal applications. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of carao pulp powder on the bacterial viability, acid tolerance, bile tolerance, and protease activity of S. thermophilus STI-06 and L. bulgaricus LB-12. M17 broth with 0.5% lactose and MRS broth were used for S. thermophilus and L. bulgaricus, respectively, for determining bacterial viability, acid tolerance, and bile tolerance. Skim milk was used to study the protease activity of both bacteria. The carao was added at 0 (control), 1.3, 2.6, and 5.3 (g/L) into the broths and skim milk. The broths were enumerated for bacterial viability (every 2 h), bile tolerance (every 4 h), and acid tolerance (every 30 min), and the skim milk was analyzed for protease activity (every 12 h). The General Linear Model (PROC GLM) was used to analyze the data. The 2.6 g/L and 5.3 g/L usage level of carao improved the acid tolerance of S. thermophilus. Carao did not affect the acid tolerance of L. bulgaricus. The usage of 5.3 g/L of carao significantly improved the bile tolerance and protease activity of both bacteria. However, carao did not affect the viability of either bacteria. Overall, 5.3 g/L of carao with these probiotics could be recommended in fermentation processes.
Using Merged Pre-Fishery Abundance as a Parameter Evaluating the Status of Atlantic Salmon and Anadromous Brown Trout Populations: A Norwegian Case Study
Authors: Lamberg Anders , Imsland Albert Kjartansson D.
Published: September 2022

Methods used to monitor variation in population sizes in both Atlantic salmon and anadromous brown trout (sea trout) have been widely used in Norway the last 20 years. However, a national management regime, based on population data, has only been established for one of the two species, the Atlantic salmon. One prerequisite for using this “one species” model is that there is negligible interspecific competition between salmon and trout in the rivers. This may, however, be an oversimplification of the real situation. The pre-fishery abundance (PFA), monitored with combination of underwater video systems, snorkelling counts, and catch statistics will, in most rivers, include both salmon and Sea Trout. In the present study, we estimated a total PFA for rivers, or groups of rivers, in eight regions in Norway in 2019. The total size of each river system was measured by abiotic factors such as river area, river length, annual mean water flow, and size of precipitation field; additionally, one biotic factor, smolt age, was used to standardise PFA data across regions. A comparison shows that the standardised total PFA of salmon and trout varies across regions where the highest estimated PFA was four times higher than the lowest. Compared to the traditional one-species approach, the merged PFA data show a different population status in the eight regions. The difference in the two approaches was mainly linked to the variation in size in anadromous brown trout populations. Merging data from salmon and trout populations in defined regions may be a better input in a management model than the current model used by the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Salmon Management (VRL).