bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Redox Status of Postmenopausal Women with Single or Multiple Cardiometabolic Diseases Has a Similar Response to Mat Pilates Training
Authors: Amaral Ana Luiza , Batista Jaqueline Pontes , Mariano Igor Moraes , Gonçalves Ludimila Ferreira , Tavares Júlia Buiatte , de Souza Adriele Vieira , Caixeta Douglas C. , Teixeira Renata R. , de Oliveira Erick P. , Espindola Foued S. , Puga Guilherme Morais
Published: July 2022

Postmenopausal women have a high prevalence of cardiometabolic diseases and that may associate with higher oxidative stress. Exercise can contribute to the treatment of such diseases, but some modalities, such as Mat Pilates, need to be further studied in terms of their physiological responses. Our aim was to investigate the effects of 12 weeks of Mat Pilates on redox status in postmenopausal women with one or multiple comorbidities of cardiometabolic diseases. Forty-four postmenopausal women were divided into two groups: SINGLE, composed of women with one cardiometabolic disease (n = 20) and MULT, with multimorbidity (n = 24). Mat Pilates training was conducted three times a week for 12 weeks, and each session lasted 50 min. Plasma samples were collected before and after training to analyze the following redox markers: superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, total antioxidant capacity due to ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), reduced glutathione (GSH), uric acid, and carbonyl protein. ANCOVA showed interaction effects in FRAP (p = 0.014). Both groups had reduced levels of catalase (p = 0.240) and GSH (p = 0.309), and increased levels of carbonyl protein (p = 0.053) after intervention. In conclusion, the redox status of postmenopausal women shows no changes mediated by Mat Pilates training between SINGLE and MULT, except for greater reductions of FRAP in SINGLE.
Preventive Effect of Cocoa Flavonoids via Suppression of Oxidative Stress-Induced Apoptosis in Auditory Senescent Cells
Authors: del Mar Rivas-Chacón Luz , Yanes-Díaz Joaquín , de Lucas Beatriz , Riestra-Ayora Juan Ignacio , Madrid-García Raquel , Sanz-Fernández Ricardo , Sánchez-Rodríguez Carolina
Published: July 2022

Presbycusis or Age-related hearing loss (ARHL) is a sensorineural hearing loss that affects communication, leading to depression and social isolation. Currently, there are no effective treatments against ARHL. It is known that cocoa products have high levels of polyphenol content (mainly flavonoids), that are potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents with proven benefits for health. The objective is to determine the protective effect of cocoa at the cellular and molecular levels in Presbycusis. For in vitro study, we used House Ear Institute-Organ of Corti 1 (HEI-OC1), stria vascularis (SV-k1), and organ of Corti (OC-k3) cells (derived from the auditory organ of a transgenic mouse). Each cell line was divided into a control group (CTR) and an H2O2 group (induction of senescence by an oxygen radical). Additionally, every group of every cell line was treated with the cocoa polyphenolic extract (CPE), measuring different markers of apoptosis, viability, the activity of antioxidant enzymes, and oxidative/nitrosative stress. The data show an increase of reactive oxidative and nitrogen species (ROS and RNS, respectively) in senescent cells compared to control ones. CPE treatment effectively reduced these high levels and correlated with a significant reduction in apoptosis cells by inhibiting the mitochondrial-apoptotic pathway. Furthermore, in senescence cells, the activity of antioxidant enzymes (Superoxide dismutase, SOD; Catalase, CAT; and Glutathione peroxidase, GPx) was recovered after CPE treatment. Administration of CPE also decreased oxidative DNA damage in the auditory senescent cells. In conclusion, CPE inhibits the activation of senescence-related apoptotic signaling by decreasing oxidative stress in auditory senescent cells.
Carotenoids in Human Skin In Vivo: Antioxidant and Photo-Protectant Role against External and Internal Stressors
Authors: Darvin Maxim E. , Lademann Jürgen , von Hagen Jörg , Lohan Silke B. , Kolmar Harald , Meinke Martina C. , Jung Sora
Published: July 2022

The antioxidant system of the human body plays a crucial role in maintaining redox homeostasis and has an important protective function. Carotenoids have pronounced antioxidant properties in the neutralization of free radicals. In human skin, carotenoids have a high concentration in the stratum corneum (SC)—the horny outermost layer of the epidermis, where they accumulate within lipid lamellae. Resonance Raman spectroscopy and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy are optical methods that are used to non-invasively determine the carotenoid concentration in the human SC in vivo. It was shown by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy that carotenoids support the entire antioxidant status of the human SC in vivo by neutralizing free radicals and thus, counteracting the development of oxidative stress. This review is devoted to assembling the kinetics of the carotenoids in the human SC in vivo using non-invasive optical and spectroscopic methods. Factors contributing to the changes of the carotenoid concentration in the human SC and their influence on the antioxidant status of the SC in vivo are summarized. The effect of chemotherapy on the carotenoid concentration of the SC in cancer patients is presented. A potential antioxidant-based pathomechanism of chemotherapy-induced hand-foot syndrome and a method to reduce its frequency and severity are discussed.
Increased Heme Oxygenase 1 Expression upon a Primary Exposure to the Respiratory Syncytial Virus and a Secondary Mycobacterium bovis Infection
Authors: Canedo-Marroquín Gisela , Soto Jorge A. , Andrade Catalina A. , Bueno Susan M. , Kalergis Alexis M.
Published: July 2022

The human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) is the leading cause of severe lower respiratory tract infections in infants. Because recurrent epidemics based on reinfection occur in children and adults, hRSV has gained interest as a potential primary pathogen favoring secondary opportunistic infections. Several infection models have shown different mechanisms by which hRSV promotes immunopathology to prevent the development of adaptive protective immunity. However, little is known about the long-lasting effects of viral infection on pulmonary immune surveillance mechanisms. As a first approach, here we evaluated whether a primary infection by hRSV, once resolved, dampens the host immune response to a secondary infection with an attenuated strain of Mycobacterium bovis (M. Bovis) strain referred as to Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG). We analyzed leukocyte dynamics and immunomodulatory molecules in the lungs after eleven- and twenty-one-days post-infection with Mycobacterium, using previous hRSV infected mice, by flow cytometry and the expression of critical genes involved in the immune response by real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Among the latter, we analyzed the expression of Heme Oxygenase (HO)-1 in an immunization scheme in mice. Our data suggest that a pre-infection with hRSV has a conditioning effect promoting lung pathology during a subsequent mycobacterial challenge, characterized by increased infiltration of innate immune cells, including interstitial and alveolar macrophages. Our data also suggest that hRSV impairs pulmonary immune responses, promoting secondary mycobacterial colonization and lung survival, which could be associated with an increase in the expression of HO-1. Additionally, BCG is a commonly used vaccine that can be used as a platform for the generation of new recombinant vaccines, such as a recombinant BCG strain expressing the nucleoprotein of hRSV (rBCG-N-hRSV). Therefore, we evaluated if the immunization with rBCG-N-hRSV could modulate the expression of HO-1. We found a differential expression pattern for HO-1, where a higher induction of HO-1 was detected on epithelial cells compared to dendritic cells during late infection times. This is the first study to demonstrate that infection with hRSV produces damage in the lung epithelium, promoting subsequent mycobacterial colonization, characterized by an increase in the neutrophils and alveolar macrophages recruitment. Moreover, we determined that immunization with rBCG-N-hRSV modulates differentially the expression of HO-1 on immune and epithelial cells, which could be involved in the repair of pulmonary tissue.
Muscone and (+)-Borneol Cooperatively Strengthen CREB Induction of Claudin 5 in IL-1β-Induced Endothelium Injury
Authors: Li Yu-Chen , Li Yi , Zhang Yu-Ning , Zhao Qiong , Zhang Pei-Lin , Sun Meng-Ru , Liu Bao-Lin , Yang Hua , Li Ping
Published: July 2022

Claudin 5 is one of the major proteins of tight junctions and is responsible for cerebrovascular integrity and BBB function. Muscone and (+)-borneol is the major ingredient of moschus and borneolum, respectively, with antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activities. This study investigated whether muscone and (+)-borneol combination protected claudin 5 by targeting ROS-mediated IL-1β accumulation. Muscone and (+)-borneol reduced cerebral infarct volume and cerebrovascular leakage with claudin 5 protection in mice after stroke, largely due to inhibiting ROS accumulation and inflammatory infiltrate of microglia. Muscone reduced ROS and then blocked the CaN/Erk1/2 pathway to decrease IL-1β release, while (+)-borneol removed mitochondrial ROS and attenuated the SDH/Hif-1α pathway to inhibit IL-1β transcription, thereby jointly reducing IL-1β production. Accumulated IL-1β disrupted cAMP/CREB activation and attenuated transcriptional regulation of claudin 5. Muscone and (+)-borneol combination cooperatively protected BBB function by blocking IL-1β-mediated cAMP/CREB/claudin 5 cascades. Mutation of Ser133 site of CREB or knockdown of claudin 5 weakened the effects of muscone and (+)-borneol on upregulation of TEER value and downregulation of FITC-dextran permeability, suggesting that targeting CREB/claudin 5 was an important strategy to protect vascular integrity. This study provided ideas for the studies of synergistic protection against ischemic brain injury about the active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs).
The Hidden Notes of Redox Balance in Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Piccirillo Silvia , Magi Simona , Preziuso Alessandra , Serfilippi Tiziano , Cerqueni Giorgia , Orciani Monia , Amoroso Salvatore , Lariccia Vincenzo
Published: July 2022

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are versatile molecules that, even if produced in the background of many biological processes and responses, possess pleiotropic roles categorized in two interactive yet opposite domains. In particular, ROS can either function as signaling molecules that shape physiological cell functions, or act as deleterious end products of unbalanced redox reactions. Indeed, cellular redox status needs to be tightly regulated to ensure proper cellular functioning, and either excessive ROS accumulation or the dysfunction of antioxidant systems can perturb the redox homeostasis, leading to supraphysiological concentrations of ROS and potentially harmful outcomes. Therefore, whether ROS would act as signaling molecules or as detrimental factors strictly relies on a dynamic equilibrium between free radical production and scavenging resources. Of notice, the mammalian brain is particularly vulnerable to ROS-mediated toxicity, because it possesses relatively poor antioxidant defenses to cope with the redox burden imposed by the elevated oxygen consumption rate and metabolic activity. Many features of neurodegenerative diseases can in fact be traced back to causes of oxidative stress, which may influence both the onset and progression of brain demise. This review focuses on the description of the dual roles of ROS as double-edge sword in both physiological and pathological settings, with reference to Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.
Single-Cell Transcriptome Analysis of Radiation Pneumonitis Mice
Authors: Yang Miaomiao , Fan Qiang , Hei Tom K. , Chen Guodong , Cao Wei , Meng Gang , Han Wei
Published: July 2022

Radiation-induced lung injury (RILI), especially radiation pneumonitis (RP), is a common clinical complication associated with thoracic radiotherapy for malignant tumors. However, the specific contributions of each cell subtype to this process are unknown. Here, we provide the single-cell pathology landscape of the RP in a mouse model by unbiased single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq). We found a decline of type 2 alveolar cells in the RP lung tissue, with an expansion of macrophages, especially the Fabp4low and Spp1high subgroup, while Fabp4high macrophages were almost depleted. We observed an elevated expression of multiple mitochondrial genes in the RP group, indicating a type 2 alveolar cell (AT2) response to oxidative stress. We also calculated the enrichment of a cGAS-STING signaling pathway, which may be involved in regulating inflammatory responses and cancer progression in AT2 cells of PR mice. We delineate markers and transcriptional states, identify a type 2 alveolar cell, and uncover fundamental determinants of lung fibrosis and inflammatory response in RP lung tissue of mice.
Special Issue on Nano/Microscale Heat Transfer
Authors: Qiu Lin
Published: July 2022

Nano/Microscale heat transfer is widely encountered in many fields of science and engineering, such as microelectronics, thermoelectrics, heat storage, thermal energy utilization, and thermal management [...]
Recurrent Neural Network-Based Multimodal Deep Learning for Estimating Missing Values in Healthcare
Authors: Kim Joo-Chang , Chung Kyungyong
Published: July 2022

This estimation method operates by integrating the input values that are redundantly collected from heterogeneous devices through the selection of a representative value and estimating missing values by using a multimodal RNN. Users use a heterogeneous healthcare platform mainly in a mobile environment. Users who pay a relatively large amount of attention to healthcare possess various types of healthcare devices and collect data through their mobile devices. The collected data may be duplicated depending on the types of these devices. This data duplication causes an ambiguity issue in that it is difficult to determine which value among multiple data should be taken as the user’s actual value. Accordingly, it is necessary to create a neural network structure that considers the data value at the time previous to the current time. RNNs are appropriate for handling data with a time series characteristic. To learn an RNN-based neural network, learning data that have the same time step are required. Therefore, an RNN in which one variable becomes single-modal was designed for each learning run. In the RNN, a cell is a gated recurrent unit (GRU) cell that presents sufficient accuracy in the small resource environment of mobile devices. The RNNs that are learned according to the variables can each operate without additional learning, even if the situation of the user’s mobile device changes. In a heterogeneous environment, missing values are generated by various types of errors, including errors caused by battery charge and discharge, sensor failure, equipment exchange, and near-field communication errors. The higher the missing value ratio, the greater the number of errors that are likely to occur. For this reason, to achieve a more stable heterogeneous health platform, missing values must be considered. In this study, a missing value was estimated by means of multimodal deep learning; that is, a multimodal deep learning method was designed with one neural network that was connected with each learned single-modal RNN using a fully connected network (FCN). Each RNN input value delivers mutual influence through the weights of the FCN, and thereby, it is possible to estimate an output value even if any one of the input values is missing. According to the evaluation in terms of representative value selection, when a representative value was selected by using the mean or median, the most stable service was achieved. As a result of the evaluation according to the estimation method, the accuracy of the RNN-based multimodal deep learning method is 3.91%p higher than that of the SVD method.
Probabilistic Stability Analysis of Deep Rock Tunnel Excavated by Mechanized Tunneling Considering Anisotropic Initial Stresses
Authors: Do Duc Phi , Guo Xiangfeng , Dias Daniel
Published: July 2022

Due to the complex geological conditions, the construction of underground tunnels in the rocks exhibiting creep behaviors is a great challenge and the structures’ long-term stability is of main importance. The excavation by tunnel boring machines (TBM) of a tunnel that is supported by a double flexible/concrete liner is considered a potential technical solution. However, the efficiency of such a support system on the stability at long-term of a tunnel must be verified in the real condition by considering both the effects of uncertainties of the time-dependent rock behavior and anisotropy of initial stress state. In this paper, the subset simulation and the Sobol global sensitivity analysis are chosen to estimate the failure probability of the tunnel supports and quantify the importance of different random parameters, respectively. The results reveal that considering the anisotropy of initial stresses increases the failure probability, especially in the concrete support elements. In addition, the parameters of initial stresses are the ones of main importance for both liners according to the Sobol indices. Therefore, the anisotropy of initial stresses and the related uncertainties should be considered for reliable tunnel designs.
Liver Disease Assessment in Children with Fontan and Glenn Surgeries for Univentricular Hearts—The Role of Elastography and Biochemical Fibrosis Markers
Authors: Mareș Roxana-Cristina , Meliț Lorena Elena , Togănel Rodica , Mareș Răzvan-Gheorghiță , Mărginean Cristina Oana
Published: July 2022

Background: Children born with single-ventricle hearts require surgery in order to survive. Liver fibrosis is a known complication of Fontan surgery for univentricular hearts. Methods: In this study on 13 post-Fontan and 21 post-Glenn patients, we used elastography (shearwave and transient elastography) as well as serum biochemical fibrosis markers to evaluate the degree of liver fibrosis in comparison to 32 controls. Results: The mean Emedian and Vmedian values determined by shear wave elastography in the Fontan Group were significantly higher than the controls (4.85 kPa vs. 3.91 kPa and 1.25 m/s vs. 1.12 m/s, respectively). Fontan patients had significantly increased Fibrotest, Actitest, AST-to-Platelet Ratio index, ALT and GammaGT levels compared to controls. For post-Glenn patients, the mean Emedian and Vmedian values were similar to healthy controls, whereas the Fibrotest, Actitest and AST-to-Platelet Ratio index were significantly increased. Using transient elastography, we found significantly higher values for Emedian and Vmedian in Fontan patients compared to Glenn patients. Conclusions: Elastography and biochemical fibrosis markers are valuable non-invasive tools for screening and monitoring liver fibrosis in patients with Fontan and Glenn interventions.
A Voltammetric Sensor for the Determination of Hydroxylamine Using a Polypyrrole Nanotubes-Modified Electrode
Authors: Mohammadzadeh Jahani Peyman , Beitollahi Hadi , Di Bartolomeo Antonio
Published: July 2022

In this work, we develop an electrochemical sensor using a polypyrrole nanotubes-modified graphite screen-printed electrode (PPy NTs/GSPE) for sensing hydroxylamine. The PPy NTs/GSPE-supported sensor has an appreciable electrocatalytic performance and great stability for hydroxylamine oxidation. Compared to a bare graphite screen-printed electrode, we demonstrate that using the PPy NTs/GSPE leads to a significant reduction in the oxidation potential of hydroxylamine. The standard curve shows a linear relationship ranging from 0.005 to 290.0 μM (R2  =  0.9998), with a high sensitivity (0.1349 μA/μM) and a narrow limit of detection (LOD) of 0.001 μM. In addition, the PPy NTs/GSPE has satisfactory outcomes for hydroxylamine detection in real specimens.
Investigating Attention Mechanism for Page Object Detection in Document Images
Authors: Naik Shivam , Hashmi Khurram Azeem , Pagani Alain , Liwicki Marcus , Stricker Didier , Afzal Muhammad Zeshan
Published: July 2022

Page object detection in scanned document images is a complex task due to varying document layouts and diverse page objects. In the past, traditional methods such as Optical Character Recognition (OCR)-based techniques have been employed to extract textual information. However, these methods fail to comprehend complex page objects such as tables and figures. This paper addresses the localization problem and classification of graphical objects that visually summarize vital information in documents. Furthermore, this work examines the benefit of incorporating attention mechanisms in different object detection networks to perform page object detection on scanned document images. The model is designed with a Pytorch-based framework called Detectron2. The proposed pipelines can be optimized end-to-end and exhaustively evaluated on publicly available datasets such as DocBank, PublayNet, and IIIT-AR-13K. The achieved results reflect the effectiveness of incorporating the attention mechanism for page object detection in documents.
Authentication in the Internet of Medical Things: Taxonomy, Review, and Open Issues
Authors: Alsaeed Norah , Nadeem Farrukh
Published: July 2022

The Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) has revolutionized the world of healthcare by remotely connecting patients to healthcare providers through medical devices connected over the Internet. IoMT devices collect patients’ medical data and share them with healthcare providers, who analyze it for early control of diseases. The security of patients’ data is of prime importance in IoMT. Authentication of users and devices is the first layer of security in IoMT. However, because of diverse and resource-constrained devices, authentication in IoMT is a challenging task. Several authentication schemes for IoMT have been proposed in the literature. However, each of them has its own pros and cons. To identify, evaluate and summarize the current literature on authentication in IoMT, we conducted a systematic review of 118 articles published between 2016 and 2021. We also established a taxonomy of authentication schemes in IoMT from seven different perspectives. We observed that most of the authentication schemes use a distributed architecture and public key infrastructure. It was also observed that hybrid cryptography approaches have become popular to overcome the shortcomings of single cryptographic approaches. Authentication schemes in IoMT need to support end-to-end, cross-layer, and cross-domain authentication. Finally, we discuss some open issues and future directions.
Assessment of the Perspective Ratios in Rail Crossings as an Important Evaluation Factor of Rail Crossings
Authors: Dedík Milan , Mašek Jaroslav , Gašparík Jozef , Ľupták Vladimír
Published: July 2022

It is currently necessary to solve several bottlenecks in railway infrastructure. This is important because it is needed to improve railway infrastructure to be faster, safer and of high quality. Rail crossings on railway lines are also a significant bottleneck. There are still many rail crossings and a high number of accidents in many countries of the European Union. The issue of rail crossings must be addressed because many rail crossings reduce the flow of road and railway traffic. However, it is about the safety of transportation, as several serious and fatal traffic accidents have happened at rail crossings. Many times, the perspective ratios of the rail crossings are a significant problem and the main cause of traffic accidents. Therefore, it is important to propose a certain methodological procedure for the assessment of the perspective ratios in rail crossings. The main contribution goal is to briefly describe the development of the rail crossings number according to security devices and analyze the factors influencing the rail crossing potential and restrictive elements factors of the rail crossings as a matter of priority. Great emphasis is placed on the perspective ratios as a key safety factor. The heuristic procedure of the perspective ratios determination is presented within the proposals. Subsequently, there are analyzed the perspective ratios at the selected rail crossing with the light protection device and to assess whether these ratios are safe for the given crossing in the event of the light protection device failure. The rail crossing in the Czech Republic has been selected as a representative on railway line no. 196 from České Budějovice to Horní Dvořiště in the empirical part of the research. The rail crossing has been analyzed in terms of its characteristics and parameters and has been assessed as complying with legal regulations.
Study on the Method of Household Waste Collection: Case Study
Authors: Panainte-Lehadus Mirela , Vulpe Mihai , Nedeff Valentin , Mosnegutu Emilian , Przydatek Grzegorz , Tomozei Claudia , Chitimus Dana
Published: July 2022

This article presents research on how household waste is collected. An online survey, with 348 participants, from the Romanian region of Bacau, was conducted from October 2018 to May 2019. The online questionnaire included a set of over 40 questions, some with the aim of identifying the nature of the people participating, but most of the questions being designed to determine the collection methods for household waste. The major goal of the current study, as previously stated, was to determine the primary way of collecting household garbage from the public, while also learning various details about the participants, including their residence location, gender, age, and level of education. Referring to the means used for collecting household waste, the following items were noted: trash cans, cardboard boxes, dumpsters, and raffia bags. As a result of the study carried out, the following conclusions were drawn: it was noticed that 70 percent of those who participated in the survey came from urban areas; a larger percentage of female respondents took part in the survey (128 from 348); the majority of respondents were aged 18–29 (182); 178 respondents had a higher education level; collection of household waste in garbage bags represented 62.9 percent of the total collection methods. Following statistical processing of the data, and an overview of the main ways in which household waste was collected, a number of connections were found between the characteristics of the respondents and their household waste collection. What is noteworthy is that the characteristics of the respondents could be grouped into cumulative factors that played an important role in household waste collection: the first group formed by level of education and location of the respondents, and the second group formed by age and gender of the respondents.
Zinc-Doped Magnesium Borate Glass: A Potential Thermoluminescence Dosimeter for Extended Range of Dosimetric Applications
Authors: Bakhsh Muhammad , Yasuda Hiroshi , Ahmad Nisar , Ding Wong Jeannie Hsiu , Shahrim Mustafa Iskandar
Published: July 2022

In this study, we report the dosimetric properties of zinc-doped magnesium borate (MgB4O7:Zn) glass, which was originally synthesized. MgB4O7:Zn glass was successfully synthesized through the melt-quenching technique. The amorphous nature of the synthesized samples was observed through X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and further confirmed through field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) analysis. The glass-forming ability and thermal stability were estimated to be 0.61 and 1.62, respectively. The TL dosimetric characteristics, i.e., dose response, reproducibility, TL sensitivity, minimum detectable dose and signal stability, are reported. The synthesized sample demonstrated a simple glow curve with a single well-defined dosimetric peak at 240 °C with an optimal heating rate of 7 °C s−1. The synthesized glass demonstrated a linear dose response from 3 Gy to 5 kGy. The promising dosimetric characteristics demonstrate the potential of the synthesized glass to be recommended as a TL dosimeter for a wide range of applications.
The Application of a 3-Dimensional Printing Technique in Refining the Orthodontic Trans-Palatal Arch
Authors: Kuang Yunchun , Hu Bo , Feng Ge , Huang Lan , Song Jinlin
Published: July 2022

The aim of this article was to describe the process of designing and manufacturing 3D TPAs and to discuss some clinical cases in which 3D TPAs were used. Digital models were acquired by scanning the casts, scanning the PVS impressions or scanning the dentitions directly. The scanning data in a common STL format was used for the computer design that follows. Then, the design instructions were sent to a 3D printer for fabrication. Finally, manual polishing should be performed. Seven clinical cases in which 3D TPAs were used to assist orthodontic treatment were presented and discussed. The presented clinical cases demonstrated that the 3D TPA was a simple, convenient appliance for the patient and the doctor, and thus, might be more cleansable. The 3D TPA could be designed in different types based on the clinical needs of each case. The application of 3D TPA could be expanded, but clinical trials are necessary to verify the advantages reported here.
Multi-Objective Design for Critical Supporting Parameters of Vacuum-Insulated Glazing with a Case Study
Authors: Zhang Yifu , Yuan Wei , Han Lianjie , Zhang Ruihong , Xi Xiaobo
Published: July 2022

Vacuum-insulated glazing (VIG) has excellent sound and heat insulation and anti-fogging properties, having been a typical structure–function-integrated glass deep processing product. However, overlapping, vacancy and excessive spacing distance of the supporting pillars will increase the concentrated stress for the glass substrate, raising the potential risk of failure. Therefore, this study, aiming to address the high cost of sample preparation and the multiple factors affecting stress distribution, developed a multi-objective design for supporting stress. In this paper, a multi-objective optimization model was designed based on comprehensive mechanical analysis under square-distributed supporting. The critical supporting pillars radius as well as the critical spacing distance were solved and met the strength requirement. Case simulation demonstrated that a 0.2 mm or more radius and a 63 mm or less spacing distance for the supporting pillars were acceptable placement methods which conformed to the design requirements. This research will act as a theoretical reference for future studies, promoting the in-depth development of VIG and exploration of high-strength safety products.
Construction Forms and Seismic Performance of the Ancient Chinese Buildings Joined by Tenon–Mortise Joints
Authors: Pan Linglong , Zhou Man , Zhuang Haiyan , Wang Juan
Published: July 2022

Zijincheng, also known as the Forbidden City, is the largest and best-preserved ancient palace-type wooden building in China, built without using a single nail. Since it was built in 1420, it has served as a palace where the emperor lives and works. Almost 600 years old, it has gone through two dynasties (i.e., the Ming and Qing dynasties (AD 1368–AD 1912)) and 24 emperors. It has survived more than 200 devastating earthquakes throughout its history, and it is still standing strong. In this paper, the authors introduce the construction technology of the ancient Chinese wooden structure as well as the greatest secret of the well seismic performance of the Forbidden City. The study found that the secret to the Forbidden City’s ability to withstand many powerful earthquakes lies in the flexibility of its timber structure, which is mainly reflected in the application of the tenon-mortise joints, energy-dissipation capacity of Dougong brackets and shallow-buried columns. The seismic responses of a 1:5 reduced-scale model of Shoukang Palace of the Forbidden City under different earthquake magnitudes are studied through a series of shaking table tests.
A Model-Based Approach to Automated Validation and Generation of PLC Code for Manufacturing Equipment in Regulated Environments
Authors: McCarthy Damian , McMorrow Dermot , O’Dowd Noel P. , McCarthy Conor T. , Hinchy Eoin P.
Published: July 2022

Validation is a critical stage of the equipment design process as it provides documentary evidence that the equipment is performing as per specification and ensures consistent product quality is maintained at all times. The advent of Industry 4.0 has led to a requirement for reconfigurable manufacturing systems as manufacturers adapt to an increased customer demand for personalised products. As equipment control software becomes increasingly complex to accommodate these requirements, a new approach to equipment validation is required. This paper presents a methodology for the design and validation of equipment in regulated manufacturing environments, using a model-based design platform (MathWorks® Simulink®) to model and digitally validate the Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) code required to control manufacturing equipment. A workflow is presented detailing the steps required to implement this approach and a demonstration model was developed as a proof of concept. Validation documentation and PLC code are automatically generated based on the system model and the functionality of the generated PLC code was successfully verified on a physical demonstrator, proving the feasibility of the proposed approach. Adoption of the approach outlined in this work would enable manufacturers in regulated industries, such as medical devices and pharmaceutical products, to rapidly design, build, reconfigure and revalidate manufacturing equipment as required to accommodate an increased demand for customised products.
Design Dimensions of Co-Located Multi-Device Audio Experiences
Authors: Geary David , Francombe Jon , Hentschel Kristian , Murphy Damian
Published: July 2022

The widespread distribution of mobile computing presents new opportunities for the consumption of interactive and immersive media experiences using multiple connected devices. Tools now exist for the creation of these experiences; however, there is still limited understanding of the best design practices and use cases for the technology, especially in the context of audio experiences. In this study, the application space of co-located multi-device audio experiences is explored and documented through a review of the literature and a survey. Using the obtained information, a set of seven design dimensions that can be used to characterise and compare experiences of this type is proposed; these are synchronisation, context, position, relationship, interactivity, organisation, and distribution. A mapping of the current application space is presented where four categories are identified using the design dimensions, these are public performances, interactive music, augmented broadcasting, and social games. Finally, the overlap between co-located multi-device audio and audio-augmented reality (AAR) experiences is highlighted and discussed. This work will contribute to the wider discussion about the role of multiple devices in audio experiences and provide a source of reference for the design of future multi-device audio experiences.
Numerical Study of Rock Damage Mechanism Induced by Blasting Excavation Using Finite Discrete Element Method
Authors: Ke Wenhui , Wang Xun , Yan Chengzeng , Qiao Chuyin
Published: July 2022

In this paper, the mechanism of rock damage induced by blasting excavation is numerically studied by using an FDEM-based multiphysics fracture analysis software, MultiFracS. Based on the drainage channel project of Guanggu 1st Road to Gaoxin 4th Road, a numerical model considering the near-field fracture process is established to study the influence of a millisecond delay and construction technology on the blasting excavation. Firstly, the double side drift method model is established to analyze the influence of different millisecond delays on the peak blasting vibration velocity. Then, the rock fracture process of the surrounding rock around the blast holes under the blasting excavation construction technology of the double side drift method, the reserved core soil method, and the CRD method is studied, respectively. The numerical simulation results show that the mainshock phases of the blasting vibration velocity waveform generated by different bores overlap when the millisecond delay is small. With the increase in the millisecond delay, the mainshock phase is gradually separated, and the superposition effect of the blasting vibration is weakened. When the millisecond delay is greater than 40 ms, the peak blasting vibration velocity is not affected by the millisecond delay. In the three kinds of blasting excavation construction technologies, the double side drift method has a better effect on the deformation and the fracture control of the surrounding rock. The optimal millisecond delay and the rock fracture evolution process of the surrounding rock around blast holes with different blasting excavation construction technologies are obtained.
Energetic Radiation from Subsequent-Stroke Leaders: The Role of Reduced Air Density in Decayed Lightning Channels
Authors: Kereszy Istvan , Rakov Vladimir , Czumbil Levente , Muresan Alexandru , Ding Ziqin , Micu Dan , Cooray Vernon
Published: July 2022

Leaders of subsequent strokes in negative cloud-to-ground lightning are known to produce X-ray/gamma-ray emissions detectable at distances of a few kilometers or less from the lightning channel. These leaders usually develop in decayed but still warm channels of preceding strokes. We computed electric field waveforms at different points along the path of subsequent leader as those points are traversed by the leader tip. For a typical subsequent leader, the electric field peak is a few MV/m, which is sufficient for production of energetic radiation in a warm (reduced air density) channel. We examined the dependence of electric field peak on the leader model input parameters, including the prospective return-stroke peak current (a proxy for the leader tip potential) and leader propagation speed, and compared model predictions with measurements.
Efficacy of Pilates in Functional Body Composition: A Systematic Review
Authors: Pereira Mário José , Dias Gonçalo , Mendes Rodrigo , Mendes Rui Sousa , Martins Fernando , Gomes Ricardo , Gama José , Castro Maria António , Vaz Vasco
Published: July 2022

Background: The aim of this review was to collect and systematize results of studies from the last 5 years concerning the influence of the Pilates method (PM) on functional body composition (FBC). Methods: The criteria of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) were used in this review. We conducted research in three scientific databases: (i) Web of Science Core Collection, (ii) SCOPUS, and (iii) search directory of the library catalog of the Faculty of Sport and Physical Education of the University of Coimbra—EBSCO Discovery Services. We found 334 articles, covering the period between 1 January 2017 and 31 December 2021. After the selection process, we found 33 eligible articles. Results: The main results seem to point to a tendency to get a better body weight and body fat percentage (BFP), hip circumference (HC), waist, and skinfolds from the chest, abdomen, triceps, and supra-iliac in mostly female samples. Available evidence indicates that, in body composition (BC) and FBC, Pilates practice tends to be effective in reducing obesity as a multifactorial condition. Conclusions: It is concluded that there is a marked trend in the benefits of Pilates in FBC, which is in line with other systematic reviews at the BC level (which includes body weight (BW) and body mass index (BMI)) and in the reduction of the percentage of fat mass (FM). It is also concluded that there is a vast lack of studies on the male population, preventing further scientific development in this area. The limitations of this systematic review can be overcome with studies that bring together multidisciplinary aspects of FBC, better designed and methodologically more robust, which will allow more reliable analyses for the implementation of the Pilates method in terms of FBC. In addition, further studies with a male sample or mixed samples (men vs. women) could confirm the trend of no gender differences in the benefits of Pilates practice.
Special Issue on Clinical Applications of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Genitourinary Cancers
Authors: Stanzione Arnaldo
Published: July 2022

In the field of oncologic imaging, MRI represents one of the most powerful diagnostic tools at physicians’ disposal, with its superb contrast resolution and its capability to assess both the morphological and functional features of neoplasms [...]
Effect of Climate Variability on Water Footprint of Some Grain Crops under Different Agro-Climatic Regions of Egypt
Authors: Swelam Atef , Farag Ahmed , Ramasamy Selvaraju , Ghandour Atef
Published: July 2022

The water footprint (WF), based on irrigation water quality, is important as a decision-making tool for crop selection based on the comparative advantage of water consumption and yield to maximize agricultural water productivity and sustainably improve water use efficiency. This paper presents a generic link between climate variability and water footprint. To support this link, a case study is presented for wheat and maize in different agro-climate zones in Egypt. In this study, the three agro-ecological zones, Nile Delta, Middle Egypt, and Upper Egypt, were selected to represent three different microclimates. The climate data were analyzed to estimate reference evapotranspiration (ETo) and calculate crop water use (CWU) for wheat and maize from 2015 through 2019. Cultivated area and yield data were analyzed during the study period. Water footprint (WF) was calculated for old land (clay soils) and new lands (sandy soils) in three climate regions based on blue and grey water. Green water was excluded due to negligible rainfall depths in Egypt. The results showed that the mean values of WF for maize were 1067, 1395, 1655 m3/ton in old land and 1395, 1634, 2232 m3/ton in new land under the three climate regions, respectively, while it was 923, 982, 1117 m3/ton in old land and 1180, 1258, 1452 m3/ton for wheat in new land for the three regions, respectively. The results show that the crop water use fluctuated over regions due to climate variability where the CWU values were 6211, 7335, 8007 m3/ha for maize and 4348, 4825, 5774 m3/ha for wheat in the three regions, respectively. The results show an 11% and 33% increase in maize and an 18% and 29% increase in wheat CWU in Middle and Upper Egypt regions comparing to what was observed in Nile Delta due to an increase in solar radiation, temperature, and wind speed. The Egypt mean value of wheat water footprint was 1152 m3/ton and mean value of maize water footprint was 1563 m3/ton. The data clearly show the effect of microclimate variability on WF and irrigation requirements between regions. The methodology and results from this study provide a pathway to help the policy makers to mitigate climate change impacts on crop yield and to enhance water resources management in major crop production regions by redistribution of the cropping patterns based on the comparative advantages of each crop within each region. The crop choices relative to the soil water retention characteristics could also contribute to the moderation of microclimate, which affects ETo and ETc and the water footprint.
Spatial Analysis of the Vulnerability to Flooding in the Rural Context: The Case of the Emilia Romagna Region
Authors: Di Giustino Gianmarco , Bonora Alberto , Federico Katia , Reho Matelda , Lucertini Giulia
Published: July 2022

The adversities of climate change represent a serious risk factor on both food production, rural territories and landscapes. In light of these irreversible trends, the process of adaptation of the rural territory is a necessary step, in order to increase its climate resilience. In this study, the vulnerability assessment was the tool used to evaluate the specific phenomenon of “flooding and backwatering” in the case study of Emilia Romagna region (Italy). The approach was based on the IPCC’s risk analysis methodology, populated by different layers regarding specifical proxies related to the adaptive capacity and the sensitivity of the territory to water stagnation, then we assessed with the normalization process of the different information levels. The aim of the research consisted in the realization of a regional map of the vulnerability to floods and backwaters, in order to rank the territory to this specific phenomenon. The final result could be useful both for the relationship with planning choices and for local-based actions in agricultural policies that in Italy are taken at regional level.
A Unified Grey Riccati Model
Authors: Yeh Ming-Feng , Chang Ming-Hung , Luo Ching-Chuan
Published: July 2022

The grey Riccati model (GRM) is a generalization of the grey Verhulst model (GVM). Both the GRM and GVM generally perform well in simulating and forecasting the raw sequences with a bell-shaped or single peak feature. Although there are several methods to solve the Riccati differential equation, the existing time response functions of the GRM are generally complicated. In order to reduce the computational complexity of the time response function, this study attempts to transform the Riccati equation into a Bernoulli equation with the help of a known particular solution. Then, a unified time response function of the GRM is obtained by the proposed methodology. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed unified grey Riccati model performs the same as the grey generalized Verhulst model (a kind of grey Riccati model) and is better than the traditional grey Verhulst model. The fact also reveals that the newly developed grey Riccati model is reasonable and effective.
Complex Dynamics Analysis of a Discrete Amensalism System with a Cover for the First Species
Authors: Zhou Qimei , Chen Fengde , Lin Sijia
Published: July 2022

Of interest is the dynamics of the discrete-time amensalism model with a cover on the first species. We first obtain the existence and stability of fixed points and the conditions for the permanent coexistence of two species. Then we demonstrate the occurrence of flip bifurcation by using the central manifold theorem and bifurcation theory. A hybrid control strategy is used to control the flip bifurcation and stabilize unstable periodic orbits embedded in the complex attractor. Numerical simulation verifies the feasibility of theoretical analysis and reveals some novel and exciting dynamic phenomena.