bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on Polypropylene Twisted Bundle Fiber Reinforced Lightweight Foamed Concrete
Authors: Mydin Md Azree Othuman , Abdullah Mohd Mustafa Al Bakri , Razak Rafiza Abdul , Nawi Mohd Nasrun Mohd , Risdanareni Puput , Puspitasari Poppy , Sandu Andrei Victor , Baltatu Madalina Simona , Vizureanu Petrica
Published: February 2023

Recent industrial developments have focused more and more on the applications of lightweight foamed concrete (LFC) in the construction industry, having advantages over normal-strength concrete. LFC, however, has several drawbacks including brittleness, high porosity, excessive drying shrinkage, rapid cracking, and low deformation resistance. Practical engineering typically chooses steel fiber or polymer fiber to increase the tensile and fracture resistance of LFC. The polypropylene twisted bundle fiber (PTBF) was added to the LFC with varying weight fractions of 0.0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0% and 2.5%. Three low densities of LFC were prepared, specifically 500 kg/m3, 700 kg/m3 and 900 kg/m3. The mechanical and durability properties of PTBF-reinforced LFC were determined through compression, flexural, splitting tensile, flow table, porosity, and water absorption tests. The results show that the addition of PTBF in LFC significantly improves the strength properties (compressive, flexural, and splitting tensile strengths) and reduces the water absorption capacity and porosity. The optimal weight fraction of PTBF was between 1.5 and 2.0% for mechanical properties enhancement. The inclusion of PTBF increased the ductility of LFC, and the specimens remain intact from loading to failure. The PTBF reduces the original cracks of the LFC and inhibits the development of further cracks in the LFC.
Methodological Approach of Environmental Experience Design to Enhancing Occupants’ Well-Being, Bangladesh
Authors: Chowdhury Sajal , Noguchi Masa , Doloi Hemanta
Published: February 2023

Bangladesh is an emerging nation that is urbanizing the fastest. Generally, middle-income families (as the main economic contributors) reside in high-density urban housing due to their socioeconomic disparities in Dhaka, Bangladesh, where physical design aspects focus on current housing sectors. The congested living situation worsens indoor environmental quality and has a negative impact on occupants’ mental well-being in their dwellings, resulting in a direct or indirect adverse effect on their productivity. Occupants’ living conditions can be improved by adjusting individual perceptions and experiences in their domestic environments. This study has developed an “Environmental Experience Design (EXD)” methodological approach that reflects a user-centered design theoretical framework. A field study on dwelling units (±1000 sq ft) conducted throughout the selected housings in Dhaka, Bangladesh, was carried out to examine occupants’ domestic experiences using semi-structured and structured interviews. After binary and thematic coding with significance, “Association Rules and Cluster Analysis” were used to ascertain relationships between three aspects (spatial, environmental, and user context) to explore and customize outcomes. This EXD methodological approach can be utilized to create an environmental (architectural) design solution that will enhance mental well-being by considering occupants’ needs and demands in household settings locally and worldwide.
Emergency Department Visits among Cancer Patients during SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic
Authors: Valsecchi Davide , Porcu Luca , Khater Abdelrahman , Battista Rosa Alessia , Giordano Leone , Cascinu Stefano , Assanelli Andrea , Lazzari Chiara , Gregorc Vanesa , Mirabile Aurora
Published: February 2023

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a global impact. Patients with cancer, their caregivers, and physicians need to balance the challenges associated with COVID-19 while ensuring cancer care. Nevertheless, emotional distress and hospital departmental reorganization could have led to a decrease in ED admissions even among oncological patients. Methods: We compared the 72 days of the pandemic in 2020 with the same calendar days in 2019 and 2021, defining a 20% decrease in ED visits as clinically significant. We studied the cause for visit, its severity, outcome (admission vs. discharge vs. death vs. hospice/palliative care), the tumor site, and method of arrival to the ED for the 3 time periods. Results: A significant decrease in ED oncological visits was found in 2020 compared to 2019, before returning to similar numbers in 2021. Fear, anxiety, and worry, in addition to hospital departmental reorganization, surely had an important role in the delay of ED visits, which resulted in irreparable consequences.
Editorial for the Special Edition of Advanced Prostate Cancer: From Bench to Bedside
Authors: Saad Fred
Published: February 2023

Prostate cancer is generally viewed as a slow-growing unaggressive cancer, yet it is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in men around the world [...]
CAR-T Therapy in GBM: Current Challenges and Avenues for Improvement
Authors: Pant Ayush , Lim Michael
Published: February 2023

Completed clinical trials of CAR-T cells in glioblastoma (GBM) have revealed key challenges that limit their efficacy. These include incomplete antigen coverage, downregulation of target antigen in response to therapy, exposure to immunosuppressive cells and cytokines in the tumor microenvironment and exhaustion of CAR-T cells. To overcome these challenges, CAR-T cells have been modified to maximize effector function and resist immunosuppression in the tumor while limiting toxicities to the host. Adoption of these novel CAR-T strategies in GBM can overcome the “cold tumor” phenotype of GBM and trigger an inflammatory cascade that maximizes tumor clearance and minimizes CAR-T dysfunction. To achieve this, understanding and harnessing the antigenic, metabolic and immunological composition of GBM is crucial. Here we review the findings from completed clinical trials of CAR-T cells in GBM as well as novel strategies that could improve CAR-T survival and function in the tumor.
Neck Surgery for Non-Well Differentiated Thyroid Malignancies: Variations in Strategy According to Histopathology
Authors: López Fernando , Al Ghuzlan Abir , Zafereo Mark , Vander Poorten Vincent , Robbins K. Thomas , Hamoir Marc , Nixon Iain J. , Tufano Ralph P. , Randolph Gregory , Pace-Asciak Pia , Angelos Peter , Coca-Pelaz Andrés , Khafif Avi , Ronen Ohad , Rodrigo Juan Pablo , Sanabria Álvaro , Palme Carsten E. , Mäkitie Antti A. , Kowalski Luiz P. , Rinaldo Alessandra , Ferlito Alfio
Published: February 2023

Lymph node metastases in non-well differentiated thyroid cancer (non-WDTC) are common, both in the central compartment (levels VI and VII) and in the lateral neck (Levels II to V). Nodal metastases negatively affect prognosis and should be treated to maximize locoregional control while minimizing morbidity. In non-WDTC, the rate of nodal involvement is variable and depends on the histology of the tumor. For medullary thyroid carcinomas, poorly differentiated thyroid carcinomas, and anaplastic thyroid carcinomas, the high frequency of lymph node metastases makes central compartment dissection generally necessary. In mucoepidermoid carcinomas, malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors, sarcomas, and malignant thyroid teratomas or thyroblastomas, central compartment dissection is less often necessary, as clinical lymphnode involvement is less common. We aim to summarize the medical literature and the opinions of several experts from different parts of the world on the current philosophy for managing the neck in less common types of thyroid cancer.
Ethanol Metabolism and Melanoma
Authors: Zhai Zili , Yamauchi Takeshi , Shangraw Sarah , Hou Vincent , Matsumoto Akiko , Fujita Mayumi
Published: February 2023

Malignant melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer. Despite significant efforts in sun protection education, melanoma incidence is still rising globally, drawing attention to other socioenvironmental risk factors for melanoma. Ethanol and acetaldehyde (AcAH) are ubiquitous in our diets, medicines, alcoholic beverages, and the environment. In the liver, ethanol is primarily oxidized to AcAH, a toxic intermediate capable of inducing tumors by forming adducts with proteins and DNA. Once in the blood, ethanol and AcAH can reach the skin. Although, like the liver, the skin has metabolic mechanisms to detoxify ethanol and AcAH, the risk of ethanol/AcAH-associated skin diseases increases when the metabolic enzymes become dysfunctional in the skin. This review highlights the evidence linking cutaneous ethanol metabolism and melanoma. We summarize various sources of skin ethanol and AcAH and describe how the reduced activity of each alcohol metabolizing enzyme affects the sensitivity threshold to ethanol/AcAH toxicity. Data from the Gene Expression Omnibus database also show that three ethanol metabolizing enzymes (alcohol dehydrogenase 1B, P450 2E1, and catalase) and an AcAH metabolizing enzyme (aldehyde dehydrogenase 2) are significantly reduced in melanoma tissues.
CD169+ Macrophages in Primary Breast Tumors Associate with Tertiary Lymphoid Structures, Tregs and a Worse Prognosis for Patients with Advanced Breast Cancer
Authors: Briem Oscar , Källberg Eva , Kimbung Siker , Veerla Srinivas , Stenström Jenny , Hatschek Thomas , Hagerling Catharina , Hedenfalk Ingrid , Leandersson Karin
Published: February 2023

The presence of CD169+ macrophages in the draining lymph nodes of cancer patients is, for unknown reasons, associated with a beneficial prognosis. We here investigated the prognostic impact of tumor-infiltrating CD169+ macrophages in primary tumors (PTs) and their spatial relation to tumor-infiltrating B and T cells. Using two breast cancer patient cohorts, we show that CD169+ macrophages were spatially associated with the presence of B and T cell tertiary lymphoid-like structures (TLLSs) in both PTs and lymph node metastases (LNMs). While co-infiltration of CD169+/TLLS in PTs correlated with a worse prognosis, the opposite was found when present in LNMs. RNA sequencing of breast tumors further confirmed that SIGLEC1 (CD169) expression was associated with mature tertiary lymphoid structure (TLS), and Treg and Breg signatures. We propose that the negative prognostic value related to CD169+ macrophages in PTs is a consequence of an immunosuppressive tumor environment rich in TLSs, Tregs and Bregs.
Exosomes as a Source of Biomarkers for Gastrointestinal Cancers
Authors: Yu Jingjing , Ostowari Arsha , Gonda Amber , Mashayekhi Kiarash , Dayyani Farshid , Hughes Christopher C. W. , Senthil Maheswari
Published: February 2023

Exosomes are small, lipid-bilayer bound extracellular vesicles of 40–160 nanometers in size that carry important information for intercellular communication. Exosomes are produced more by tumor cells than normal cells and carry tumor-specific content, such as DNA, RNA, and proteins, which have been implicated in tumorigenesis, tumor progression, and treatment response. Due to the critical role of exosomes in cancer development and progression, they can be exploited to develop specific biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Since exosomes are present in various biofluids, such as blood, saliva, urine, and peritoneal fluid, they are ideally suited to be developed as liquid biopsy tools for early diagnosis, molecular profiling, disease surveillance, and treatment response monitoring. In the past decade, numerous studies have been published about the functional significance of exosomes in a wide variety of cancers, with a particular focus on exosome-derived RNAs and proteins as biomarkers. In this review, utilizing human studies on exosomes, we highlight their potential as diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive biomarkers in gastrointestinal cancers.
Real Check RIO: A Real-World Analysis of Nivolumab in First Line Metastatic Melanoma Assessing Efficacy, Safety and Predictive Factors
Authors: Afrăsânie Vlad-Adrian , Alexa-Stratulat Teodora , Gafton Bogdan , Froicu Eliza-Maria , Sur Daniel , Lungulescu Cristian Virgil , Gherasim-Morogai Natalia , Afrăsânie Irina , Miron Lucian , Marinca Mihai-Vasile
Published: February 2023

We performed a retrospective study on 51 metastatic melanoma patients treated with Nivolumab in first line, at the Regional Institute of Oncology (RIO) Iasi, Romania between April 2017 and December 2019. We studied the efficacy and safety of anti-PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy on a treatment-naive population. After a median follow-up of 36 months, the median progression free survival (PFS) was 26 months (95% CI, 15–36) and the median overall survival (OS) was 31 months (95% CI, 20.1–41.8). At 12 months after the initiation of immunotherapy, the percentage of patients alive was 70%, and at 24 months 62.5%. The most common adverse events observed were dermatological (23.5%) and grade ≥3 was identified in 4 (6.8%) patients. Multivariate analysis indicated that the presence of liver metastases (HR 4.42; 95% CI: 1.88–10.4, p = 0.001) and a neutrophils/lymphocytes ratio (NLR) were associated with poor survival (HR 3.21; 95% CI: 1.04–9.87, p = 0.04). Although retrospective data on a small group of patients were analyzed, we can conclude that our results in RIO are similar to those described in clinical trials and other real-world studies. Our study highlights the potential usefulness of liver metastases and NLR as novel predictive factors in clinical decision-making.
Altering the Regioselectivity of T1 Lipase from Geobacillus zalihae toward sn-3 Acylglycerol Using a Rational Design Approach
Authors: Albayati Samah Hashim , Masomian Malihe , Ishak Siti Nor Hasmah , Leow Adam Thean Chor , Ali Mohd Shukuri Mohamad , Shariff Fairolniza Mohd , Noor Noor Dina Muhd , Rahman Raja Noor Zaliha Raja Abd
Published: February 2023

The regioselectivity characteristic of lipases facilitate a wide range of novel molecule unit constructions and fat modifications. Lipases can be categorized as sn-1,3, sn-2, and random regiospecific. Geobacillus zalihae T1 lipase catalyzes the hydrolysis of the sn-1,3 acylglycerol chain. The T1 lipase structural analysis shows that the oxyanion hole F16 and its lid domain undergo structural rearrangement upon activation. Site-directed mutagenesis was performed by substituting the lid domain residues (F180G and F181S) and the oxyanion hole residue (F16W) in order to study their effects on the structural changes and regioselectivity. The novel lipase mutant 3M switches the regioselectivity from sn-1,3 to only sn-3. The mutant 3M shifts the optimum pH to 10, alters selectivity toward p-nitrophenyl ester selectivity to C14-C18, and maintains a similar catalytic efficiency of 518.4 × 10−6 (s−1/mM). The secondary structure of 3M lipase comprises 15.8% and 26.3% of the α-helix and β-sheet, respectively, with a predicted melting temperature (Tm) value of 67.8 °C. The in silico analysis was conducted to reveal the structural changes caused by the F180G/F181S/F16W mutations in blocking the binding of the sn-1 acylglycerol chain and orientating the substrate to bond to the sn-3 acylglycerol, which resulted in switching the T1 lipase regioselectivity.
Applications of Hantzsch Esters in Organocatalytic Enantioselective Synthesis
Authors: Faisca Phillips Ana Maria , Pombeiro Armando J. L.
Published: February 2023

Hantzsch esters (1,4-dihydropyridine dicarboxylates) have become, in this century, very versatile reagents for enantioselective organic transformations. They can act as hydride transfer agents to reduce, regioselectively, a variety of multiple bonds, e.g., C=C and C=N, under mild reaction conditions. They are excellent reagents for the dearomatization of heteroaromatic substances, and participate readily in cascade processes. In the last few years, they have also become useful reagents for photoredox reactions. They can participate as sacrificial electron and hydrogen donors and when 4-alkyl or 4-acyl-substituted, they can act as alkyl or acyl radical transfer agents. These last reactions may take place in the presence or absence of a photocatalyst. This review surveys the literature published in this area in the last five years.
Photocatalytic Decomposition of Azo Dyes and Phenols Using Polymer Composites Containing Nanostructured Poly(Titanium Oxide) Doped with Gold or Silver Nanoparticles under Light Irradiation in a Wide Wavelength Range
Authors: Salomatina Evgeniia , Shelud’ko Pavel , Kuz’michev Vsevolod , Smirnova Larisa
Published: February 2023

The photocatalytic properties of poly(titanium oxide) (PTO) dispersed in optically transparent polymeric matrices of different natures under the action of both UV and visible light on aqueous solutions of azo dyes and phenols were investigated. PTO in materials forms clusters of mixed polymorphic modification—anatase and rutile—with an average size ~12 nm. With a one-electron transition Ti4+ + e− → Ti3+ accompanied by a reversible break of the Ti-O bond, the formation of electron-hole pairs and, consequently, active oxygen species occurs in PTO under UV irradiation. The PTO band gap in nanocomposites is 3.11–3.35 eV. Its doping with gold and silver nanoparticles with sizes from ~10 to ~30 nm reduces the PTO band gap by up to 2.11 eV, which leads to the operating wavelength range extension of the materials. It provides the enhancement of nanocomposites’ photocatalytic properties under UV irradiation and is the reason for their high activity under visible light action. It was found that azo dyes decompose by ~90% in this case. A phenol and para-nitrophenol conversion of 80–90% was proven at ~60 min upon their aqueous solutions’ visible-light irradiation at the nanocomposite concentration in a solution of 0.5 g/L.
Lipids of Platelet-Rich Fibrin Reduce the Inflammatory Response in Mesenchymal Cells and Macrophages
Authors: Kargarpour Zahra , Panahipour Layla , Mildner Michael , Miron Richard J. , Gruber Reinhard
Published: February 2023

Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) has a potent anti-inflammatory activity but the components mediating this effect remain unknown. Blood lipids have anti-inflammatory properties. The question arises whether this is also true for the lipid fraction of PRF. To answer this question, lipid fractions of solid and liquid PRF were tested for their potential to lower the inflammatory response of ST2 bone marrow stromal cells and primary bone marrow macrophages exposed to IL1β and TNFα, and LPS, respectively. Cytokine production and the underlying signalling pathway were analysed by RT-PCR, immunoassays, and Western blotting. We report here that lipids from solid and liquid PRF substantially lowered cytokine-induced expression of IL6, CCL2 and CCL5 in ST2 cells. Moreover, the inflammatory response induced by Pam3CSK4, the agonist of Toll-like receptor (TLR) TLR2, was partially reduced by the lipid extracts in ST2 cells. The PRF lipids further reduced the LPS-induced expression of IL1β, IL6 and CCL5 in macrophages at the transcriptional level. This was confirmed by showing the ability of PRF lipids to diminish IL6 at the protein level in ST2 cells and macrophages. Likewise, PRF lipid extracts reduced the phosphorylation of p38 and JNK and moderately decreased the phosphorylation of NFκB-p65 in ST2 cells. These findings suggest that the lipid fraction is at least partially responsible for the anti-inflammatory activity of PRF in vitro.
Administration of Secretome Derived from Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells Induces Hepatoprotective Effects in Models of Idiosyncratic Drug-Induced Liver Injury Caused by Amiodarone or Tamoxifen
Authors: Huang Ya-Lin , De Gregorio Cristian , Silva Verónica , Elorza Álvaro A. , Léniz Patricio , Aliaga-Tobar Víctor , Maracaja-Coutinho Vinicius , Budini Mauricio , Ezquer Fernando , Ezquer Marcelo
Published: February 2023

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is one of the leading causes of acute liver injury. While many factors may contribute to the susceptibility to DILI, obese patients with hepatic steatosis are particularly prone to suffer DILI. The secretome derived from mesenchymal stem cell has been shown to have hepatoprotective effects in diverse in vitro and in vivo models. In this study, we evaluate whether MSC secretome could improve DILI mediated by amiodarone (AMI) or tamoxifen (TMX). Hepatic HepG2 and HepaRG cells were incubated with AMI or TMX, alone or with the secretome of MSCs obtained from human adipose tissue. These studies demonstrate that coincubation of AMI or TMX with MSC secretome increases cell viability, prevents the activation of apoptosis pathways, and stimulates the expression of priming phase genes, leading to higher proliferation rates. As proof of concept, in a C57BL/6 mouse model of hepatic steatosis and chronic exposure to AMI, the MSC secretome was administered endovenously. In this study, liver injury was significantly attenuated, with a decrease in cell infiltration and stimulation of the regenerative response. The present results indicate that MSC secretome administration has the potential to be an adjunctive cell-free therapy to prevent liver failure derived from DILI caused by TMX or AMI.
Fabrication and Properties of Epitaxial VO2 Thin Film on m-Al2O3 Substrate
Authors: Kumar Manish , Rani Sunita , Lee Hyun Hwi
Published: February 2023

A thin film of thermochromic VO2 was prepared on m-Al2O3 substrate using a radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering technique. The epitaxial growth of the monoclinic M1 phase of VO2 on the m-Al2O3 substrate was confirmed through synchrotron X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements. The transformation of this monoclinic M1 phase into a rutile phase at ~68 °C was reflected in the temperature-dependent XRD measurements of the VO2 thin film. The temperature-dependent electrical resistance measurements of this sample also revealed an abrupt metal-to-insulator transition at ~68 °C, which is reversible in nature. Temperature-dependent X-ray absorption (XAS) measurements at V L-edge and O K-edge were performed to study the electronic structure of the epitaxial VO2/m-Al2O3 thin film during the metal-to-insulator (MIT) transition.
A Single-Variable Zigzag Approach to Model Imperfect Interfaces in Layered Beams
Authors: Monetto Ilaria , Massabò Roberta
Published: February 2023

The flexibility of the bonds between the adjacent layers of multi-layered systems and their degradation or the presence of delaminations strongly affect mechanical response and final collapse. The formulation of accurate and efficient models able to capture the complex local distributions of stresses and displacements, which arise due to the layered structure and imperfect bonding, is of great importance for the design and verification of the systems. In this paper a novel and effective “single-variable zigzag” theory is formulated to analyze beams with homogeneous layers made of the same material and imperfect interfaces, which allow sliding between the layers. The primal variable is a fictitious bending displacement, which is derived in order to define all other kinematic and static quantities in terms of it. The “zigzag” technique describes multilayer systems with imperfect interfaces as equivalent single-layers, so that the problem is governed by equations similar to those of the classical theories for homogeneous beams; the “single-variable” formulation facilitates the implementation into numerical schemes and eliminates well-known numerical problems. Explicit solutions are straightforwardly derived for simply supported beams subjected to uniform and sinusoidal transverse loads. The results for some exemplary structural elements confirm the accuracy and efficiency of the approach. The study is preliminary to the single-variable reformulation and numerical implementation of the zigzag models for laminates with elastic mismatch between the layers.
Effective Detection of the Machinability of Stainless Steel from the Aspect of the Roughness of the Machined Surface
Authors: Duspara Miroslav , Savković Borislav , Dudic Branislav , Stoić Antun
Published: February 2023

Reliable measurement of surface roughness (Ra) is extremely important for quality control of production processes. The cost of the equipment and the duration of the measurement process are very high. The aim of this work is to develop a device for non-destructive measurement of specific roughness levels on stainless steel using computer vision. The device should be structurally simple, affordable, accurate, and safe for practical use. The purpose of the device is to effectively detect the level of roughness of the treated surface obtained by the water jet cutting process. On the basis of the obtained results, it is possible to adjust the parameters during the cutting process. The principle of operation of the device is based on measuring the intensity of the visible spectrum of the light reflected from the surface of the sample to be measured and correlating these values with the values of the measured roughness. After testing several variants of the device, the so-called vertical measurement variant was developed using the following equipment: violet light LED, optical filter and light splitter, USB 2.0 web camera, Arduino microcontroller, personal computer, and LabView programming interface.
The Effect of Deformation Temperature on the Deformation Mechanism of a Medium-Mn Advanced High-Strength Steel (AHSS)
Authors: Chen Po-Chung , Peng Tzu-Ting , Chan Yu-Cheng , Chen Jun-Ming , Chang Chih-Pu
Published: February 2023

The deformation mechanism of a medium-Mn advanced high strength steel (AHSS) over a temperature range from 25 °C to 400 °C has been studied. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to characterize the microstructures of specimens after the tensile test at different temperatures. Four deformation mechanisms were found, namely deformation-induced martensitic (DIM) transformation, deformation-induced bainitic (DIB) transformation, deformation twinning and dislocation glide. Among these deformation mechanisms, DIM and DIB were very effective mechanisms to contribute work hardening. The product of ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and total elongation (TEL) of the AHSS reached a value higher than 65 GPa%, when these two mechanisms occurred. The highest UTS × TEL value of 84 GPa% was obtained at 150 °C. From the results of the present research, it is suggested that warm working is a good processing route for obtaining a combination of high strength and high ductility in medium-Mn AHSS.
High-Peak-Power Passively Q-Switched Laser at 589 nm with Intracavity Stimulated Raman Scattering
Authors: Chen Jian-Cheng , Ho Yu-Wen , Tu Yueh-Chi , Liang Hsing-Chih , Chen Yung-Fu
Published: February 2023

A novel scheme was developed for a diode-pumped passively Q-switched Nd:YVO4/KGW Raman laser at 589 nm with a diode-to-orange conversion efficiency reaching 11.4%. The compact near-concentric cavity was designed to achieve the criterion of good passive Q-switching and to contain a coupled resonator for intracavity stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) and second harmonic generation (SHG). The dependence of the output performance on the initial transmission of the saturable absorber was explored in detail. Furthermore, the output performance was studied by considering the influence of the pump-to-mode size ratio. By using an initial transmission of 50%, the highest pulse energy and peak power were 110 μJ and 118 kW, respectively, at a pump duration of 40 μs and a pump frequency of 10 kHz.
Novel ZnO-Based Nanostructures: Synthesis, Characterization and Applications
Authors: Leprince-Wang Yamin , Jing Guangyin , El Zein Basma
Published: February 2023

The Special Issue “Novel ZnO-Based Nanostructures: Synthesis, Characterization and Applications” is a collection of 13 papers, including 3 review papers and 10 original articles dedicated to both experimental research works and numerical simulations on ZnO nanostructures [...]
Study on the Chromogenic Mechanism of Violet-Red to Orange-Red Spinel
Authors: Du Yang , Guo Ying
Published: February 2023

In this paper, the chemical composition and spectroscopy of 38 violet-red to orange-red spinel samples were analyzed by energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometer and UV-visible spectrophotometer, based on CIE LAB color space, to explore the effects of different chromogenic ions on spinel color transition. The results show that the chroma C* is mainly controlled by the variation of color coordinates a*, and the hue angle h° is mainly controlled by the variation of color coordinates b*. Spinel can be divided into iron-bearing spinel and chromium–vanadium-bearing spinel according to their chromogenic elements, where Fe is mostly present in the form of Fe2+, which is mainly replaced with Mg2+ in tetrahedral voids, while Cr3+ and V3+ are mainly replaced with Al3+ in octahedral voids, and the level of Al content indicates the degree of isomorphism in spinel. The lightness L* of spinel decreases with increasing Cr content, and the hue h° decreases with increasing Fe and increases with increasing V content.
Palatine Tonsil Measurements and Echogenicity during Tonsillitis Using Ultrasonography: A Case–Control Study
Authors: Abdelgabar Zohida A. , Hassan Mahasin G. , Elmahdi Tasneem S. A. , Sheikh Shanoo , Dator Wireen Leila T.
Published: February 2023

This case–control study aimed to assess the size and echogenicity of inflamed tonsils using ultrasonography. It was carried out at different hospitals, nurseries, and primary schools in Khartoum state. About 131 Sudanese volunteers between 1 and 24 years old were recruited. The sample included 79 volunteers with normal tonsils and 52 with tonsillitis according to hematological investigations. The sample was divided into groups according to age—1–5 years old, 6–10 years old, and more than ten years. Measurements in centimeters of height (AP) and width (transverse) of both tonsils (right and left) were taken. Echogenicity was assessed according to normal and abnormal appearances. A data collection sheet containing all the study variables was used. The independent samples test (t-test) showed an insignificant height difference between normal controls and cases with tonsillitis. The transverse diameter increased significantly with inflammation (p-value < 0.05) for both tonsils in all groups. Echogenicity can differentiate between normal and abnormal tonsils (p-value < 0.05 using the chi-square test) for samples from 1–5 years and 6–10 years. The study concluded that measurements and appearance are reliable indicators of tonsillitis, which can be confirmed with the use of ultrasonography, helping physicians to make the correct diagnosis and decisions.
Deep Learning Provides a New Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Based Prognostic Biomarker for Recurrence Prediction in High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Liu Lili , Wan Haoming , Liu Li , Wang Jie , Tang Yibo , Cui Shaoguo , Li Yongmei
Published: February 2023

This study aims to use a deep learning method to develop a signature extract from preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to evaluate its ability as a non-invasive recurrence risk prognostic marker in patients with advanced high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC). Our study comprises a total of 185 patients with pathologically confirmed HGSOC. A total of 185 patients were randomly assigned in a 5:3:2 ratio to a training cohort (n = 92), validation cohort 1 (n = 56), and validation cohort 2 (n = 37). We built a new deep learning network from 3839 preoperative MRI images (T2-weighted images and diffusion-weighted images) to extract HGSOC prognostic indicators. Following that, a fusion model including clinical and deep learning features is developed to predict patients’ individual recurrence risk and 3-year recurrence likelihood. In the two validation cohorts, the consistency index of the fusion model was higher than both the deep learning model and the clinical feature model (0.752, 0.813 vs. 0.625, 0.600 vs. 0.505, 0.501). Among the three models, the fusion model had a higher AUC than either the deep learning model or the clinical model in validation cohorts 1 or 2 (AUC = was 0.986, 0.961 vs. 0.706, 0.676/0.506, 0.506). Using the DeLong method, the difference between them was statistically significant (p < 0.05). The Kaplan–Meier analysis distinguished two patient groups with high and low recurrence risk (p = 0.0008 and 0.0035, respectively). Deep learning may be a low-cost, non-invasive method for predicting risk for advanced HGSOC recurrence. Deep learning based on multi-sequence MRI serves as a prognostic biomarker for advanced HGSOC, which provides a preoperative model for predicting recurrence in HGSOC. Additionally, using the fusion model as a new prognostic analysis means that can use MRI data can be used without the need to follow-up the prognostic biomarker.
Efficient Equality Test on Identity-Based Ciphertexts Supporting Flexible Authorization
Authors: Li Na
Published: February 2023

In the cloud, uploading encrypted data is the most effective way to ensure that the data are not leaked. However, data access control is still an open problem in cloud storage systems. To provide an authorization mechanism to limit the comparison of a user’s ciphertexts with those of another, public key encryption supporting the equality test with four flexible authorizations (PKEET-FA) is presented. Subsequently, more functional identity-based encryption supporting the equality test (IBEET-FA) further combines identity-based encryption with flexible authorization. The bilinear pairing has always been intended to be replaced due to the high computational cost. Hence, in this paper, we use general trapdoor discrete log groups to construct a new and secure IBEET-FA scheme, which is more efficient. The computational cost for the encryption algorithm in our scheme was reduced to 43% of that of the scheme of Li et al. In Type 2 and 3 authorization algorithms, the computational cost of both was reduced to 40% of that of the scheme of Li et al. Furthermore, we give proof that our scheme is secure against one-wayness under the chosen identity and chosen ciphertext attacks (OW-ID-CCA), and indistinguishable against chosen identity and chosen ciphertext attacks (IND-ID-CCA).
Distribution of the Age of Gossip in Networks
Authors: Abd-Elmagid Mohamed A. , Dhillon Harpreet S.
Published: February 2023

We study a general setting of gossip networks in which a source node forwards its measurements (in the form of status updates) about some observed physical process to a set of monitoring nodes according to independent Poisson processes. Furthermore, each monitoring node sends status updates about its information status (about the process observed by the source) to the other monitoring nodes according to independent Poisson processes. We quantify the freshness of the information available at each monitoring node in terms of Age of Information (AoI). While this setting has been analyzed in a handful of prior works, the focus has been on characterizing the average (i.e., marginal first moment) of each age process. In contrast, we aim to develop methods that allow the characterization of higher-order marginal or joint moments of the age processes in this setting. In particular, we first use the stochastic hybrid system (SHS) framework to develop methods that allow the characterization of the stationary marginal and joint moment generating functions (MGFs) of age processes in the network. These methods are then applied to derive the stationary marginal and joint MGFs in three different topologies of gossip networks, with which we derive closed-form expressions for marginal or joint high-order statistics of age processes, such as the variance of each age process and the correlation coefficients between all possible pairwise combinations of age processes. Our analytical results demonstrate the importance of incorporating the higher-order moments of age processes in the implementation and optimization of age-aware gossip networks rather than just relying on their average values.
Talking Together: The Effects of Traditional Māori Pedagogy on Children’s Early Literacy Development
Authors: Derby Melissa
Published: February 2023

This article presents findings from a project that sought to determine the effects of a home-based literacy intervention on bilingual (English and Te Reo Māori) preschool children’s early literacy skills. The culturally responsive intervention, which was adapted from Tender Shoots, incorporated traditional Māori teaching and learning approaches, such as the use of storytelling, songs, games, and reminiscing about the past, as practices for supporting key cognitive skills crucial to foundational literacy, specifically phonological awareness and vocabulary knowledge. Over a 12-week period, during which the intervention was conducted, data were gathered from eight Māori preschool children and their families. The study utilised a crossover design. Four children and their families participated in the Rich Reading and Reminiscing (RRR) component of the intervention, which ran for six weeks, followed by the Strengthening Sound Sensitivity (SSS) portion of the intervention. The remaining four children completed the intervention in the reverse order of delivery. The crossover approach established a control in the study and allowed the effects of each part of the intervention on the aforementioned cognitive skills to be more clearly revealed. Overall, the data indicate that traditional Māori pedagogical practices helped to strengthen the early literacy skills of the children participating in the study.
Applying a Neural Network to Predict Surface Roughness and Machining Accuracy in the Milling of SUS304
Authors: Tsai Ming-Hsu , Lee Jeng-Nan , Tsai Hung-Da , Shie Ming-Jhang , Hsu Tai-Lin , Chen Hung-Shyong
Published: February 2023

Surface roughness and machining accuracy are essential indicators of the quality of parts in milling. With recent advancements in sensor technology and data processing, the cutting force signals collected during the machining process can be used for the prediction and determination of the machining quality. Deep-learning-based artificial neural networks (ANNs) can process large sets of signal data and can make predictions according to the extracted data features. During the final stage of the milling process of SUS304 stainless steel, we selected the cutting speed, feed per tooth, axial depth of cut, and radial depth of cut as the experimental parameters to synchronously measure the cutting force signals with a sensory tool holder. The signals were preprocessed for feature extraction using a Fourier transform technique. Subsequently, three different ANNs (a deep neural network, a convolutional neural network, and a long short-term memory network) were applied for training in order to predict the machining quality under different cutting conditions. Two training methods, namely whole-data training and training by data classification, were adopted. We compared the predictive accuracy and efficiency of the training process of these three models based on the same training data. The training results and the measurements after machining indicated that in predicting the surface roughness based on the feed per tooth classification, all the models had a percentage error within 10%. However, the convolutional neural network (CNN) and long short-term memory (LSTM) models had a percentage error of 20% based on the whole-data training, while that of the deep neural network (DNN) model was over 50%. The percentage error for the machining accuracy prediction based on the whole-data training of the DNN and CNN models was below 10%, while that of the LSTM model was as large as 20%. However, there was no significant improvement in the results of the classification training. In all the training processes, the CNN model had the best analytical efficiency, followed by the LSTM model. The DNN model performed the worst.
A Unified Approach to the Analysis of DC/AC Converters, Based on the Study of Electromagnetic Processes in a Series RLC Circuit
Authors: Hinov Nikolay
Published: February 2023

This paper presents a unified approach to the analysis of DC/AC converters based on an equivalent representation of their AC circuit as a series RLC circuit. The resonant DC/AC converter with reverse diodes was chosen as the basis of the examination, and the obtained ratios for this device were used to derive the main ratios describing the operation of the other types of DC/AC converters—voltage source inverters (VSI) and current source inverters (CSI). Based on the commonality of electromagnetic processes in power circuits, the expressions for the current through the inductance and the voltage of the capacitor are found in a compact form with their initial phases. The base ratios found through the analysis are normalized to the control frequency, thereby summarizing all possible operating modes. In this way, electromagnetic processes in a whole class of power electronic devices are described from general positions, which is convenient from a methodical point of view with a view to improving power electronics education. The proposed analysis approach is also applicable to three-phase DC/AC inverters, taking into account the specifics related to the presence of three phases and, accordingly, their mutual influence in the formation of the output currents and voltages. On the other hand, the basic ratios determined through the application of the unified analysis approach are also useful with a view to creating engineering design methodologies, in which the values of all circuit elements are determined with comparatively simplified calculation procedures.
An Efficient System Based on Experimental Laboratory in 3D Virtual Environment for Students with Learning Disabilities
Authors: Elfakki Abir Osman , Sghaier Souhir , Alotaibi Abdullah Alhumaidi
Published: February 2023

Virtual reality applications can enhance the education and training of students with learning disabilities, along with their quality of life. Virtual worlds offer opportunities for creating a highly interactive, complex simulation. Modeling and scripting tools can be applied in these worlds. Providing functionalities for managing presentations, administration as well as assessment of coursework in an educational context, virtual learning environments support teaching and learning in schools. Learning disabilities such as “dyslexia, dyscalculia, attention issues (ADHD), and disability in retrieving information”, which students need to do physics experiments, are a major source of concern since they impair a person’s ability to learn. Traditional teaching methods do not appear to support the same thought in the situation of students with learning disabilities, who normally need a significant investment of time, money, and people for individual tutoring. Students with this problem have difficulty envisioning or visualizing what they are being taught, in addition to breaking down and processing the material. To address the above issues, this paper develops and evaluates a 3D virtual physics laboratory to improve cognitive skills in physics experiments for students with learning disabilities. The environment is created based on specially designed criteria for disabled students. The study proves the effectiveness of the 3D virtual environment in improving the cognitive skills in the physics of students with learning disabilities.
Scalable and Optimal QoS-Aware Manufacturing Service Composition via Business Process Decomposition
Authors: Xiang Jiayan , Kang Guosheng , Cheng Hangyu , Liu Jianxun , Wen Yiping , Xu Junhua
Published: February 2023

With the adoption of service-oriented manufacturing modes, more and more manufacturing services are released over manufacturing service platforms. As it is known, the problem of the QoS (Quality of Service)-aware manufacturing service composition is NP-hard. Thus, the optimization remains a challenging research issue, especially in the situation of large-scale manufacturing service data which arouse a scalability problem as well. To improve both the optimization performance and scalability of the QoS-aware manufacturing service composition, this paper proposes a scalable and optimal QoS-aware manufacturing service composition approach via business process decomposition. Specifically, the service composition process is decomposed by using a refined process structure tree (RPST). Moreover, an optimized service composition is achieved layer by layer based on the refined process structure tree in a bottom-up manner. For the atomic tasks or the compound tasks in the same layer of RPST, the corresponding QoS-aware service selection is optimized by calculating Skyline services, which can be carried out in parallel if necessary. When the optimization arrives at the root node, the complete service composition plans are derived. In our approach, the optimal manufacturing service candidates are picked out stage by stage. In this way, both the optimality and scalability of the whole approach can be guaranteed. Extensive experiments are conducted to verify the optimality and scalability of our approach.
Determination of Pyrolysis and Kinetics Characteristics of Chicken Manure Using Thermogravimetric Analysis Coupled with Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Gu Jie , Chong Cheng Tung , Mong Guo Ren , Ng Jo-Han , Chong William Woei Fong
Published: February 2023

The valorization of chicken manure via pyrolysis can give biowaste a second life to generate value and contribute to the circular economy. In the present study, the thermal degradation and pyrolysis characteristics of chicken manure pyrolysis were investigated via thermogravimetric analyses (TGA) coupled with optimization methods. Thermogravimetric data were obtained for the samples at five heating rates of 5, 10, 20, 30 and 50 °C/min over a range of temperature under inert conditions. The manure devolatilization process was initiated at between 328 and 367 °C to overcome the global activation energy barrier. The determined activation energy of the manure via Flynn–Wall–Ozawa (FWO), Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose (KAS), Friedman and Kissinger methods was in the range of 167.5–213.9 kJ/mol. By using the particle swarm optimization (PSO) method, the pyrolytic kinetic parameters of the individual component present in the manure were calculated, in which the activation energy for cellulose (227.8 kJ/mol) was found to be higher than that of hemicellulose (119 kJ/mol) and lignin (134.3 kJ/mol). Based on intrinsic transition-state theory, the pre-exponential factor and activation energy of the manure can be correlated through a linear equation ln Aα = 0.2006 Eα − 1.2847. The devolatilization characteristics of the chicken manure were elucidated via the optimization process, paving the way for the design of thermochemical conversion reactors and processes.