bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Health Monitoring Apps: An Evaluation of the Persuasive System Design Model for Human Wellbeing
Authors: Hussian Asif , Mateen Abdul , Amin Farhan , Abid Muhammad Ali , Ullah Saeed
Published: July 2023

In the current era of ubiquitous computing and mobile technology, almost all human beings use various self-monitoring applications. Mobile applications could be the best health assistant for safety and adopting a healthy lifestyle. Therefore, persuasive designing is a compulsory element for designing such apps. A popular model for persuasive design named the Persuasive System Design (PSD) model is a generalized model for whole persuasive technologies. Any type of persuasive application could be designed using this model. Designing any special type of application using the PSD model could be difficult because of its generalized behavior which fails to provide moral support for users of health applications. There is a strong need to propose a customized and improved persuasive system design model for each category to overcome the issue. This study evaluates the PSD model and finds persuasive gaps in users of the Mobile Health Monitoring application, developed by following the PSD model. Furthermore, this study finds that users misunderstand health-related problems when using such apps. A misunderstanding of this nature can have serious consequences for the user’s life in some cases.
The Spatiotemporal Distribution, Abundance, and Seasonal Dynamics of Cotton-Infesting Aphids in the Southern U.S.
Authors: Mahas John W. , Mahas Jessica B. , Ray Charles , Kesheimer Adam , Steury Todd D. , Conzemius Sophia R. , Crow Whitney , Gore Jeffrey , Greene Jeremy K. , Kennedy George G. , Kerns David , Malone Sean , Paula-Moraes Silvana , Roberts Phillip , Stewart Scott D. , Taylor Sally , Toews Michael , Jacobson Alana L.
Published: July 2023

Cotton leafroll dwarf virus (CLRDV) is an emerging aphid-borne pathogen infecting cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L., in the southern United States (U.S.). The cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover, infests cotton annually and is the only known vector to transmit CLRDV to cotton. Seven other species have been reported to feed on, but not often infest, cotton: Protaphis middletonii Thomas, Aphis craccivora Koch, Aphis fabae Scopoli, Macrosiphum euphorbiae Thomas, Myzus persicae Sulzer, Rhopalosiphum rufiabdominale Sasaki, and Smynthurodes betae Westwood. These seven have not been studied in cotton, but due to their potential epidemiological importance, an understanding of the intra- and inter-annual variations of these species is needed. In 2020 and 2021, aphids were monitored from North Carolina to Texas using pan traps around cotton fields. All of the species known to infest cotton, excluding A. fabae, were detected in this study. Protaphis middletonii and A. gossypii were the most abundant species identified. The five other species of aphids captured were consistently low throughout the study and, with the exception of R. rufiabdominale, were not detected at all locations. The abundance, distribution, and seasonal dynamics of cotton-infesting aphids across the southern U.S. are discussed.
A Late-Detected Paraganglioma in a Young Patient with Resistant Hypertension and Severe Aortic Regurgitation—A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Istratoaie Sabina , Kovacs Emese , Manole Simona , Inceu Andreea Ioana , Axente Dan Damian , Bungărdean Raluca Maria , Șerban Adela Mihaela
Published: July 2023

Background: Paraganglioma is a rare neuroendocrine tumor derived from chromaffin cells. The overproduction of catecholamines accounts for the presenting symptoms and cardiovascular complications. The clinical presentation frequently overlaps with the associated cardiac diseases, delaying the diagnosis. Multimodality imaging and a multidisciplinary team are essential for the correct diagnosis and adequate clinical management. Case Summary: A 37-year-old woman with a personal medical history of long-standing arterial hypertension and radiofrequency ablation for atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia presented with progressive exertional dyspnea and elevated blood pressure values, despite a comprehensive pharmacological treatment with six antihypertensive drugs. The echocardiography showed a bicuspid aortic valve and severe aortic regurgitation. The computed tomography angiography revealed a retroperitoneal space-occupying solid lesion, with imaging characteristics suggestive of a paraganglioma. The multidisciplinary team concluded that tumor resection should be completed first, followed by an aortic valve replacement if necessary. The postoperative histopathology examination confirmed the diagnosis of paraganglioma. After the successful resection of the tumor, the patient was asymptomatic, and the intervention for aortic valve replacement was delayed. Discussion: This was a rare case of a late-detected paraganglioma in a young patient with resistant hypertension overlapping the clinical presentation and management of severe aortic regurgitation. A multimodality imaging approach including transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging had an emerging role in establishing the diagnosis and in guiding patient management and follow-up. The resection of paraganglioma was essential for the optimal timing of surgical correction for severe aortic regurgitation. We further reviewed various cardiovascular complications induced by pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas.
JAK Inhibition in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA): Better Understanding of a Promising Therapy for Refractory Cases
Authors: Melki Isabelle , Frémond Marie-Louise
Published: July 2023

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a heterogeneous group of diseases with probably differential underlying physiopathology. Despite the revolutionary era of biologics, some patients remain difficult to treat because of disease severity, drug adverse events, drug allergy or association with severe comorbidities, i.e., uveitis, interstitial lung disease and macrophagic activation syndrome. Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitors are small molecules that target JAK/Signal Transducers and Activators of Transcription (STAT) pathways, which could then prevent the activity of several proinflammatory cytokines. They may provide a useful alternative in these cases of JIA or in patients actually affected by Mendelian disorders mimicking JIA, such as type I interferonopathies with joint involvement, and might be the bridge for haematopoietic stem cell transplantation in these disabling conditions. As these treatments may have side effects that should not be ignored, ongoing and further controlled studies are still needed to provide data underlying long-term safety considerations in children and delineate subsets of JIA patients that will benefit from these promising treatments.
One-Year Survival after Cardiac Surgery in Frail Older People—Social Support Matters: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Castro Maria de Lurdes , Alves Marta , Papoila Ana Luisa , Botelho Amália , Fragata José
Published: July 2023

There are increasing rates of cardiac surgery in the elderly. Frailty, depression, and social vulnerability are frequently present in older people, and should be considered while assessing risk and providing treatment options. We aimed to analyse the impact of clinically relevant variables on survival at one year, and identify areas of future intervention. We performed a prospective cohort study at a University Hospital, with a sample of 309 elective cardiac surgery patients 65 years old and over. Their socio-demographic and clinical variables were collected. Frailty prevalence was 61.3%, while depression was absent in the majority of patients. Mortality was 1.6% and 7.8% at 30 days and 12 months, respectively. After Kaplan–Meier analysis, severe frailty (p = 0.003), severe depression (p = 0.027), pneumonia until 30 days (p = 0.014), and re-operation until 12 months (p = 0.003) significantly reduced survival, while social support increased survival (p = 0.004). In the adjusted multivariable Cox regression model, EuroSCORE II (HR = 1.27 [95% CI 1.069–1.499] p = 0.006), pneumonia until 30 days (HR = 4.19 [95% CI 1.169–15.034] p = 0.028), re-intervention until 12 months (HR = 3.14 [95% CI 1.091–9.056] p = 0.034), and social support (HR = 0.24 [95% CI 0.079–0.727] p = 0.012) explained time until death. Regular screening for social support, depression, and frailty adds relevant information regarding risk stratification, perioperative interventions, and decision-making in older people considered for cardiac surgery.
An Examination of Packing Methods for Grafts to Prevent Freezing Injury during Transportation for Liver Transplantation
Authors: Kurihara Kei , Ito Taihei , Aida Naohiro , Kenmochi Takashi , Kusaka Mamoru , Egawa Hiroto
Published: July 2023

Background: University of Wisconsin solution (UW) may freeze at temperatures below −0.7 °C, damaging the graft. The present study assessed the effectiveness of the liver graft package protocol, which recommends filling a package with sufficient liquid to prevent grafts from sustaining freezing injury. Methods: We filled ice cubes at two temperatures (−80 and −20 °C) around packages and performed a comparative study with four groups based on the temperature and filling of the second layer with lactated Ringer’s solution (LR) (A: −80 °C, LR−; B: −80 °C, LR+; C: −20 °C, LR−; D: −20 °C, LR+). The bovine liver was used as a graft and preserved for 6 h in the first isolation bag filled with UW. Results: While temperatures dropped below −0.7 °C at some points for 6 h in groups A, B, C, they never dropped to −0.7 °C in group D. The macroscopic findings in groups A, B, C showed freezing of the UW and grafts, but no such results in group D. A pathological study including electron microscopy showed freezing injury in groups A, B, and C but no significant changes in group D. Conclusions: The graft package protocol prevents freezing of the UW and liver grafts.
Lazarus Phenomenon or the Return from the Afterlife—What We Know about Auto Resuscitation
Authors: Rzeźniczek Piotr , Gaczkowska Agnieszka Danuta , Kluzik Anna , Cybulski Marcin , Bartkowska-Śniatkowska Alicja , Grześkowiak Małgorzata
Published: July 2023

Autoresuscitation is a phenomenon of the heart during which it can resume its spontaneous activity and generate circulation. It was described for the first time by K. Linko in 1982 as a recovery after discontinued cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). J.G. Bray named the recovery from death the Lazarus phenomenon in 1993. It is based on a biblical story of Jesus’ resurrection of Lazarus four days after confirmation of his death. Up to the end of 2022, 76 cases (coming from 27 countries) of spontaneous recovery after death were reported; among them, 10 occurred in children. The youngest patient was 9 months old, and the oldest was 97 years old. The longest resuscitation lasted 90 min, but the shortest was 6 min. Cardiac arrest occurred in and out of the hospital. The majority of the patients suffered from many diseases. In most cases of the Lazarus phenomenon, the observed rhythms at cardiac arrest were non-shockable (Asystole, PEA). Survival time after death ranged from minutes to hours, days, and even months. Six patients with the Lazarus phenomenon reached full recovery without neurological impairment. Some of the causes leading to autoresuscitation presented here are hyperventilation and alkalosis, auto-PEEP, delayed drug action, hypothermia, intoxication, metabolic disorders (hyperkalemia), and unobserved minimal vital signs. To avoid Lazarus Syndrome, it is recommended that the patient be monitored for 10 min after discontinuing CPR. Knowledge about this phenomenon should be disseminated in the medical community in order to improve the reporting of such cases. The probability of autoresuscitation among older people is possible.
Effect of New Complete Dentures and Simple Dietary Advice on Cognitive Screening Test among Edentulous Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Komagamine Yuriko , Suzuki Hiroyuki , Iwaki Maiko , Minakuchi Shunsuke , Kanazawa Manabu
Published: July 2023

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI), including memory loss, has been attracting attention in Japan. This study assessed the effect of new complete dentures provision alone and with dietary intervention on cognitive functions assessed using the Japanese version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA-J). A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 70 older adults who required new complete dentures. The participants had new complete dentures fabricated and were randomly classified into the intervention or control group. The intervention group received simple dietary advice, and the control group only received denture care advice. Cognitive function was assessed using the MoCA-J before and at 3 and 6 months after treatment. The between-group comparison and within-group comparison were analyzed. No significant differences were reported for comparisons between the intervention and control groups. A significant increase was revealed in the within-group comparisons for the total scores between the 3- and 6-month assessments (p = 0.002) and between the baseline and 6-month assessments (p = 0.012) in the intervention group. In the control group, a significant increase in the total scores was not revealed between any of evaluation period. Complete denture replacement combined with simple dietary intervention may help improve MoCA-J scores in edentulous older adults.
Sex Differences in Repolarization Markers: Telemonitoring for Chronic Heart Failure Patients
Authors: Moscucci Federica , Sciomer Susanna , Maffei Silvia , Meloni Antonella , Lospinuso Ilaria , Carnovale Myriam , Corrao Andrea , Di Diego Ilaria , Caltabiano Cristina , Mezzadri Martina , Mattioli Anna Vittoria , Gallina Sabina , Rossi Pietro , Magrì Damiano , Piccirillo Gianfranco
Published: July 2023

Aging and chronic heart failure (CHF) are responsible for the temporal inhomogeneity of the electrocardiogram (ECG) repolarization phase. Recently, some short period repolarization–dispersion parameters have been proposed as markers of acute decompensation and of mortality risk in CHF patients. Some important differences in repolarization between sexes are known, but their impact on ECG markers remains unstudied. The aim of this study was to evaluate possible differences between men and women in ECG repolarization markers for the telemonitoring of CHF patients. Method: 5 min ECG recordings were collected to assess the mean and standard deviation (SD) of the following variables: QT end (QTe), QT peak (QTp), and T peak to T end (Te) in 215 decompensated CHF (age range: from 49 to 103 years). Thirty-day mortality and high levels of NT-pro BNP (<75 percentile) were considered markers of decompensated CHF. Results: A total of 34 patients (16%) died during the 30-day follow-up, without differences between sexes. Women showed a more preserved ejection fraction and higher LDL and total cholesterol levels. Among female patients, implantable cardioverter devices, statins, and antiplatelet agents were less used. Data for Te mean showed increased values among deceased men and women compared to survival, but TeSD was shown to be the most reliable marker for CHF reacutization in both sexes. Conclusion: TeSD could be considered a risk factor for CHF worsening and complications for female and male patients, but different cut offs should be taken into account. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT04127162.)
Identifying Risk Factors Associated with Major Complications and Refractory Course in Patients with Osteomyelitis of the Jaw: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Fenelon Mathilde , Gernandt Steven , Aymon Romain , Scolozzi Paolo
Published: July 2023

Despite improved knowledge regarding the diagnosis and treatment of osteomyelitis of the jaw (OMJ), it remains a clinical challenge for oral and maxillofacial surgeons. This study aimed to identify risk factors associated with severe forms of OMJ, i.e., related to the occurrence of major complications or the refractory course of the disease. A retrospective study was performed based on the medical records of all patients diagnosed with OMJ from the past 20 years. Collected data included demographic information, medical and dental history, clinical, radiological, and bacterial findings as well as treatment modalities. The main outcome variables were the onset of major complications and treatment results. Fifty-four patients were included. Our results showed that alcohol and smoking habits, as well as malnutrition, were significantly associated with the occurrence of major complications. We also established that dental implant-induced OMJ should be considered an aggressive subtype of OMJ. Finally, clinical bone exposure was significantly associated with unfavorable outcomes, whereas dental causes or radiological evidence of periosteal reaction were predictive of successful outcomes. Identifying such factors could be useful in preventing serious complications and informing patients about the refractory course of the disease based on the presence of these factors.
Decoding the Clinical Significance of Immunoglobulin G4 in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Tan Li Fen , Sakthiswary Rajalingham , Veshaaliini Uma Rajeswaran , Shaharir Syahrul Sazliyana , Wahab Asrul Abdul , Aziz Suraya , Sutan Rosnah
Published: July 2023

Immunoglobulin (Ig) G4 accounts for 4–6% of the total IgG in a healthy human. Several evidence-based studies have suggested that the level of IgG4 is significantly elevated in autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The clinical significance of IgG4 in RA with regard to disease activity, severity, and treatment response remains elusive. We consecutively recruited 174 patients with RA from our rheumatology clinic. All subjects were assessed for their disease activity based on DAS28, radiographic joint damage based on the Modified Sharp Score (MSS), the functional capacity based on the Health Assessment Questionnaire –Disability Index (HAQ-DI), and treatment responsiveness using the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) response criteria. The serum IgG4 of the recruited subjects was measured via the ELISA test. The mean serum IgG4 level was 60.23 ± 30.08 mg/dL. We found that serum IgG4 had significant positive correlations with disease activity (r = 0.406; p < 0.001), ESR (r = 0.155; p = 0.041), CRP (r = 0.269; p < 0.001), joint damage (r = 0.195; p = 0.012) and functional disability (r = 0.909; p < 0.001). Subjects with elevated IgG4 (IgG4 > 86 mg/dL) had significantly higher ESR, CRP, HAQ-DI, and DAS 28 and a poorer treatment response compared to the group with non-elevated IgG4. After multivariate analysis, only HAQ-DI (OR = 4.229, 95% CI 1.302, 15.751, p = 0.018) and DAS28 (OR = 3.743, 95% CI 1.062, 13.193, p = 0.040) remained significantly associated with elevated serum IgG4. The preliminary findings of this study could suggest serum IgG4 to be a potential biomarker of disease activity and functional disability in RA.
Measuring Resilience to Sea-Level Rise for Critical Infrastructure Systems: Leveraging Leading Indicators
Authors: Amer Lamis , Erkoc Murat , Feagin Rusty A. , Kameshwar Sabarethinam , Mach Katharine J. , Mitsova Diana
Published: July 2023

There has been a growing interest in research on how to define and build indicators of resilience to address challenges associated with sea-level rise. Most of the proposed methods rely on lagging indicators constructed based on the historical performance of an infrastructure sub-system. These indicators are traditionally utilized to build curves that describe the past response of the sub-system to stressors; these curves are then used to predict the future resilience of the sub-system to hypothesized events. However, there is now a growing concern that this approach cannot provide the best insights for adaptive decision-making across the broader context of multiple sub-systems and stakeholders. As an alternative, leading indicators that are built on the structural characteristics that embody system resilience have been gaining in popularity. This structure-based approach can reveal problems and gaps in resilience planning and shed light on the effectiveness of potential adaptation activities. Here, we survey the relevant literature for these leading indicators within the context of sea-level rise and then synthesize the gained insights into a broader examination of the current research challenges. We propose research directions on leveraging leading indicators as effective instruments for incorporating resilience into integrated decision-making on the adaptation of infrastructure systems.
A Numerical Prediction of the Resistance of Bulk Carriers in Brash Ice Channels
Authors: Sun Haisu , Ni Xuan , Zhang Yuxin , Chen Kang , Ni Baoyu
Published: July 2023

Ship resistance increases significantly when navigating a brash ice channel. In this study, the numerical method is applied to predict the full-scale ship resistance of bulk carriers in brash ice channels. The viscous flow computational fluid dynamics (CFD) solver was coupled with the discrete element method (DEM) to establish the brash ice model. The Euler multiphase flow’s volume of fluid (VOF) model was applied to simulate the interaction between the ship and water. The ship–brash ice interaction was simulated. Predictions of ships’ total resistance based on the numerical method and the Finnish Swedish ice class rules (FSICR) method were compared with the experimental results carried out in Hamburg Ship Model Basin (HSVA) ice tank. The numerical resistance shows a good agreement with the HSVA experiment reports and a better performance than the FSICR method. The present study shows that the numerical method could provide reasonable and practical ice resistance predictions for engineering applications.
Assessment of Pain in Osteoarthritis of the Knee
Authors: Thirumaran Aricia Jieqi , Deveza Leticia Alle , Atukorala Inoshi , Hunter David J.
Published: July 2023

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) pain is a subjective and personal experience, making it challenging to characterise patients’ experiences and assess their pain. In addition, there is no global standard for the assessment of pain in KOA. Therefore, this article examines the possible methods of assessing and characterising pain in patients with KOA using clinical symptoms, pain assessment tools, and imaging. We examine the current methods of assessment of pain in KOA and their application in clinical practice and clinical trials. Furthermore, we explore the possibility of creating individualised pain management plans to focus on different pain characteristics. With better evaluation and standardisation of pain assessment in these patients, it is hoped that patients would benefit from improved quality of life. At the same time, improvement in pain assessment would enable better data collection regarding symptom response in clinical trials for the treatment of osteoarthritis.
The Clinical Efficacy of Contouring Periarticular Plates on a 3D Printed Bone Model
Authors: Sakong Seung-yeob , Cho Jae-Woo , Kim Beom-Soo , Park Sung-Jun , Lim Eic-Ju , Oh Jong-Keon
Published: July 2023

We report our experience of preoperative plate contouring for periarticular fractures using three-dimensional printing (3DP) technology and describe its benefits. We enrolled 34 patients, including 11 with humerus midshaft fractures, 12 with tibia plateau fractures, 2 with pilon fractures, and 9 with acetabulum fractures. The entire process of plate contouring over the 3DP model was videotaped and retrospectively analyzed. The total time and number of trials for the intraoperative positioning of precontoured plates and any further intraoperative contouring events were prospectively recorded. The mismatch between the planned and postoperative plate positions was evaluated. The average plate contouring time was 9.2 min for humerus shaft, 13.8 min for tibia plateau fractures, 8.8 min for pilon fractures, and 11.6 min for acetabular fractures. Most precontoured plates (88%, 30/34) could sit on the planned position without mismatch. In addition, only one patient with humerus shaft fracture required additional intraoperative contouring. Preoperative patient specific periarticular plate contouring using a 3DP model is a simple and efficient method that may alleviate the surgical challenges involved in plate contouring and positioning.
A Modeling Approach for Analyzing the Hydrological Impacts of the Agribusiness Land-Use Scenarios in an Amazon Basin
Authors: Cunha Zandra A. , Mello Carlos R. , Beskow Samuel , Vargas Marcelle M. , Guzman Jorge A. , Moura Maíra M.
Published: July 2023

The Xingu River Basin (XRB) in the Brazilian Amazon region has a great relevance to the development of northern Brazil because of the Belo Monte hydropower plant and its crescent agribusiness expansion. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of the Lavras Simulation of the Hydrology (LASH) model to represent the main hydrological processes in the XRB and simulate the hydrological impacts in the face of land-use change scenarios. Following the trend of the most relevant agribusiness evolution in the XRB, four agribusiness scenarios (S) were structured considering the increase in grasslands (S1: 50% over the native forest; S2: 100% over the native forest) and soybean plantations (S3: 50% over the native forest; S4: 100% over native forest). Average hydrographs were simulated, and the frequency duration curves (FDC) and average annual values of the main hydrological components for each scenario were compared. The results showed that, in general, changes in land use based on deforestation in the XRB would lead to an increase in flood streamflow and a reduction in baseflow. The increases in direct surface runoff varied from 4.4% for S1 to 29.8% for S4 scenarios. The reduction in baseflow varied from −1.6% for S1 to −4.9% for S2. These changes were reduced when the entire XRB was analyzed, but notable for the sub-basins in its headwater region, where the scenarios were more effective.
Food Security from the Forest: The Case of the Commodification of Baobab Fruit (Adansonia digitata L.) in Boundou Region, Senegal
Authors: Owolodun Babatunde , Merten Sonja
Published: July 2023

Wild edible fruits from the forest have often been regarded as poverty food; however, there has been a notable shift in recent years as these wild edible fruits have gained increasing recognition for their significance in global food security, especially in agricultural societies such as Senegal. This paper contributes to the debate on how the forest plays a role in diets and nutrition security using the example of wild fruit (Baobab) found in the Boundou Region in Senegal. The livelihood strategies of people in this region have been subject to external influences, such as climate shock and restrictions enforced as the area became a protected area in 2009. These external influences have resulted in the loss of pasture use and the prohibition of hunting. Restriction of access to these previous commons (pasture, wildlife) diminishes the resilience of the local population. However, a new alternative of seasonal usage of wild fruit, specifically baobab, for commercial purposes has emerged as everybody in the community has unrestricted access to collecting these wild edible fruits within the protected area, which is uncommon in other protected areas. The commodification and commercialization of these wild fruits bring essential cash income to many households, thereby improving food security.
Mitral Annular Calcification and Thromboembolic Risk
Authors: Morariu Paula Cristina , Tanase Daniela Maria , Iov Diana Elena , Sîrbu Oana , Oancea Alexandru Florinel , Mircea Cornel Gabriel , Chiriac Cristina Petronela , Baroi Genoveva Livia , Morariu Ionela-Daniela , Dascălu Cristina Gena , Şorodoc Laurenţiu , Floria Mariana
Published: July 2023

Thromboembolic (TE) risk scores used for atrial fibrillation (AF) patients do not include mitral annular calcification (MAC) as a potential indicator of vascular disease. This research evaluated the correlation between MAC and TE risk scores (CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc). We compared TE risk score values and clinical and echocardiographic data in patients with and without MAC. We included, prospectively, 103 patients: 40.8% with AF, 83.5% with hypertension, 30.1% with type II diabetes mellitus, 79.6% with chronic heart failure, and 7.8% with a history of stroke. We identified MAC in 50.5% of patients. The mean CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores were 2.56 ± 1.135 and 4.57 ± 1.61, respectively. In MAC patients, both scores tended to increase significantly compared with the control (2.88 ± 1.114 versus 2.24 ± 1.06, p = 0.005, and 5.21 ± 1.51 versus 3.92 ± 1.46, p < 0.001, respectively). The left ventricular ejection fraction negatively correlated with the presence of MAC (r = −0.254, p = 0.01). The presence of MAC was a risk factor for vascular disease (OR = 2.47, χ2 = 34.32, p < 0001). Conclusions: The presence of MAC is associated with greater TE risk scores and a higher risk of vascular disease. It appears that adding MAC as a vascular disease parameter to TE risk scores may have benefits for patients by improving their predictive value.
Analysis of Refractive Errors in a Large Italian Cohort of Pediatric Subjects Post the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Lanza Michele , Ruggiero Adriano , Ruggiero Matteo , Iodice Clemente Maria , Simonelli Francesca
Published: July 2023

Background: The prevalence of refractive errors has sharply risen over recent decades. Despite the established role of genetics in the onset and progression of such conditions, the environment was also shown to play a pivotal role. Indeed, the COVID-19 pandemic has majorly impacted people’s lifestyles and healthy habits, especially among the youth, which might have led to a significant increase in this trend. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the actual prevalence of refractive errors in a large cohort of pediatric patients. Methods: A large cohort of 496 participants was screened through anamnesis, a non-cycloplegic autorefractometry, a corrected and uncorrected visual acuity assessment, and a questionnaire and was retrospectively evaluated. Results: Overall, refractive errors were present in 25.1% of eyes, of which 14.6% were diagnosed with myopia/myopic astigmatism and 10.5% with hyperopia/hyperopic astigmatism. Among the patients enrolled, 298 (60%) had their eyes checked one year earlier or before and 122 (25%) had never had ophthalmological consultations; a total of 105 (21%) needed glasses and 34 (7%) required a change in their previous prescription. A substantial increase in daily electronic device screen exposure was declared by 426 patients (87.6%). Conclusions: Pediatric patients appear to have a higher prevalence of refractive errors than before.
An Analysis of Edge Chipping in LiTaO3 Wafer Grinding Using a Scratch Test and FEA Simulation
Authors: Hwang Haeseong , Han Seungho , Lee Hyunseop
Published: July 2023

Lithium tantalite (LiTaO3) is a representative multifunctional single-crystal material with electro-optical, acoustic, piezoelectric, pyroelectric, and nonlinear optical properties used as a substrate for surface acoustic wave (SAW) devices. To enhance SAW device performance, thinner LiTaO3 substrates with improved surface roughness are desired. Chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) is employed to achieve the desired surface roughness after grinding. However, the thinning process increases the risk of substrate fracture, especially at the edges, resulting in edge chipping. Edge chipping can lead to complete substrate failure during SAW device fabrication, requiring an effective wafer geometry to prevent it. The study utilizes scratch tests and finite element analysis (FEA) to identify the optimal edge shape (C-cut, trimmed, and thinned) for preventing edge chipping on LiTaO3 wafers. The C-cut edge refers to the rounding of the wafer’s edge, while the trimmed edge refers to the machining of the wafer’s edge to be perpendicular to the wafer surface. As a result of the scratch tests, we observed edge-chipping lengths of 115 and 227 μm on the C-cut and trimmed edges, respectively, while the thinned edge (half C-cut) resulted in complete wafer fracture. In the finite element analysis (FEA), edge-chipping lengths of 80, 120, and 150 μm were obtained on the C-cut, trimmed, and thinned edges (half C-cut), respectively. In conclusion, it has been confirmed that the C-cut, trimmed, and thinned edge shapes are effective in preventing edge chipping. However, considering that the C-cut edge shape becomes thinner through grinding, using the trimmed edge shape appears to be the most effective.
Development of Al/Mg Bimetal Processed by Ultrasonic Vibration-Assisted Compound Casting: Effects of Ultrasonic Vibration Treatment Duration Time
Authors: Li Qingqing , Guan Feng , Xu Yuancai , Zhang Zheng , Fan Zitian , Jiang Wenming
Published: July 2023

In this work, ultrasonic vibration treatment (UVT) was introduced to improve the interfacial microstructure and bonding strength of A356/AZ91D bimetal processed via lost foam compound casting (LFCC). The interfacial microstructure and mechanical properties of the Al/Mg bimetal processed via LFCC with different UVT durations were investigated. Results revealed the UVT did not change the composition of phases at the interface. The Al/Mg bimetallic interface consisted of an intermetallic compound area (β-Al3Mg2 + γ-Al12Mg17 + Mg2Si) and eutectic area (δ-Mg + γ-Al12Mg17 + Mg2Si). When the duration of the UVT was increased, the gathered Mg2Si particles at the intermetallic compound area were refined to sizes of no more than 5 μm and became more homogeneously dispersed in the intermetallic compound area and diffused in the eutectic area, which could be attributed to the removal of oxide film and the acoustic cavitation and streaming flow effects induced by the UVT. The microhardness of the Al/Mg bimetallic interface was not obviously changed by the increase in UVT duration. The shear strength of the Al/Mg bimetal was increased with UVT and reached maximum with a UVT duration of 5 s, with a value of 56.7 MPa, which was increased by 70.3%, compared with Al/Mg bimetal without UVT. This could be attributed to the removal of the oxide film at the Al/Mg bimetallic interface, which improved the metallurgical bonding of the Al/Mg interface. Additionally, the refined and homogeneously dispersed Mg2Si particles played an important role in suppressing the propagation of cracks and enhancing the shear strength of the Al/Mg bimetal.
Photocatalytic Evaluation and Application as a Sensor for the Toxic Atmospheres (Propane and Carbon Monoxide) of Nickel Antimonate (NiSb2O6) Powders
Authors: Morales-Bautista Jacob , Guillén-Bonilla Héctor , Guillén-Bonilla Alex , Rodríguez-Betancourtt Verónica-María , Ramírez-Ortega Jorge Alberto , Guillén-Bonilla José Trinidad
Published: July 2023

Nickel antimonate (NiSb2O6) powders were synthesized using a wet chemistry process assisted by microwave radiation and calcination from 600 to 700 °C to evaluate their photocatalytic and gas-sensing properties. The crystalline phase obtained at 800 °C of trirutile-type nickel antimonate was confirmed with powder X-ray diffraction. The morphology and size of the nanostructures were analyzed employing electron microscopy (SEM and TEM), identifying irregular particles and microrods (~277 nm, made up of polyhedral shapes of size ~65 nm), nanorods with an average length of ~77 nm, and nanostructures of polyhedral type of different sizes. UV-vis analysis determined that the bandgap of the powders obtained at 800 °C was ~3.2 eV. The gas sensing tests obtained a maximum response of ~5 for CO (300 ppm) at 300 °C and ~10 for C3H8 (500 ppm) at 300 °C. According to these results, we consider that NiSb2O6 can be applied as a gas sensor. On the other hand, the photocatalytic properties of the antimonate were examined by monitoring the discoloration of malachite green (MG) at five ppm. MG concentration monitoring was carried out using UV-visible spectroscopy, and 85% discoloration was achieved after 200 min of photocatalytic reaction.
Lightweight and Elegant Data Reduction Strategies for Training Acceleration of Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Demidovskij Alexander , Tugaryov Artyom , Trutnev Aleksei , Kazyulina Marina , Salnikov Igor , Pavlov Stanislav
Published: July 2023

Due to industrial demands to handle increasing amounts of training data, lower the cost of computing one model at a time, and lessen the ecological effects of intensive computing resource consumption, the job of speeding the training of deep neural networks becomes exceedingly challenging. Adaptive Online Importance Sampling and IDS are two brand-new methods for accelerating training that are presented in this research. On the one hand, Adaptive Online Importance Sampling accelerates neural network training by lowering the number of forward and backward steps depending on how poorly a model can identify a given data sample. On the other hand, Intellectual Data Selection accelerates training by removing semantic redundancies from the training dataset and subsequently lowering the number of training steps. The study reports average 1.9x training acceleration for ResNet50, ResNet18, MobileNet v2 and YOLO v5 on a variety of datasets: CIFAR-100, CIFAR-10, ImageNet 2012 and MS COCO 2017, where training data are reduced by up to five times. Application of Adaptive Online Importance Sampling to ResNet50 training on ImageNet 2012 results in 2.37 times quicker convergence to 71.7% top-1 accuracy, which is within 5% of the baseline. Total training time for the same number of epochs as the baseline is reduced by 1.82 times, with an accuracy drop of 2.45 p.p. The amount of time required to apply Intellectual Data Selection to ResNet50 training on ImageNet 2012 is decreased by 1.27 times with a corresponding decline in accuracy of 1.12 p.p. Applying both methods to ResNet50 training on ImageNet 2012 results in 2.31 speedup with an accuracy drop of 3.5 p.p.
Prediction and Analysis of the Price of Carbon Emission Rights in Shanghai: Under the Background of COVID-19 and the Russia–Ukraine Conflict
Authors: Liu Qing , Jin Huina , Bai Xiang , Zhang Jinliang
Published: July 2023

In the spring of 2022, a new round of epidemic broke out in Shanghai, causing a shock to the Shanghai carbon trading market. Against this background, this paper studied the impact of the new epidemic on the price of Shanghai carbon emission rights and tried to explore the prediction model under the unexpected event. First, because a model based on point value data cannot capture the information hidden in inter-day price fluctuation, based on the interval price of Shanghai carbon emission rights (SHEA) and its influencing factors, an autoregressive conditional interval model with jumping and exogenous variables (ACIXJ) was established to explore the influence of the Russian–Ukrainian conflict and COVID-19 on the interval price of SHEA, respectively. The empirical results show that the conflict between Russia and Ukraine has no obvious influence on the price of SHEA, but COVID-19 led to a decline in the price trend of SHEA over four days before the city was closed, and the volatility changed significantly on the day before the city was closed. The price fluctuation was the strongest within 3 days after the city was closed; In addition, in order to accurately predict the interval data of SHEA against the background of COVID-19, based on the interval data decomposition algorithm (BEMD), a hybrid forecasting model of NDGM-ACIXJ/CNN-LSTM was constructed, in which the discrete gray model of approximate nonhomogeneous exponential series (NDGM) combined with the ACIXJ model is used to predict the high-frequency sub-interval, and the convolution neural network long-term and short-term memory model (CNN-LSTM) is used to predict the low-frequency sub-interval. The empirical results show that the prediction model proposed in this article has higher prediction precision than the reference models (ACIX, ACIXJ, NDGM-ACIXJ, BEMD-ACIX/CNN-LSTM, BEMD-ACIXJ/CNN-LSTM).
Fuzzy Differential Subordination and Superordination Results for Fractional Integral Associated with Dziok-Srivastava Operator
Authors: Alb Lupaş Alina
Published: July 2023

Fuzzy set theory, introduced by Zadeh, gives an adaptable and logical solution to the provocation of introducing, evaluating, and opposing numerous sustainability scenarios. The results described in this article use the fuzzy set concept embedded into the theories of differential subordination and superordination from the geometric function theory. In 2011, fuzzy differential subordination was defined as an extension of the classical notion of differential subordination, and in 2017, the dual concept of fuzzy differential superordination appeared. These dual notions are applied in this paper regarding the fractional integral applied to Dziok–Srivastava operator. New fuzzy differential subordinations are proved using known lemmas, and the fuzzy best dominants are established for the obtained fuzzy differential subordinations. Dual results regarding fuzzy differential superordinations are proved for which the fuzzy best subordinates are shown. These are the first results that link the fractional integral applied to Dziok–Srivastava operator to fuzzy theory.
A New Sine Family of Generalized Distributions: Statistical Inference with Applications
Authors: Benchiha SidAhmed , Sapkota Laxmi Prasad , Al Mutairi Aned , Kumar Vijay , Khashab Rana H. , Gemeay Ahmed M. , Elgarhy Mohammed , Nassr Said G.
Published: July 2023

In this article, we extensively study a family of distributions using the trigonometric function. We add an extra parameter to the sine transformation family and name it the alpha-sine-G family of distributions. Some important functional forms and properties of the family are provided in a general form. A specific sub-model alpha-sine Weibull of this family is also introduced using the Weibull distribution as a parent distribution and studied deeply. The statistical properties of this new distribution are investigated and intended parameters are estimated using the maximum likelihood, maximum product of spacings, least square, weighted least square, and minimum distance methods. For further justification of these estimates, a simulation experiment is carried out. Two real data sets are analyzed to show the suggested model’s application. The suggested model performed well compares to some existing models considered in the study.
Bone Morphogenetic Protein-9 Promotes Osteogenic Differentiation and Mineralization in Human Stem-Cell-Derived Spheroids
Authors: Lee Sung-Bin , Lee Hyun-Jin , Park Jun-Beom
Published: July 2023

Background and Objectives: Alkaline phosphatase activity, mineralized matrix, and osteogenic-related gene expression have been shown to increase in response to bone morphogenetic protein-9 (BMP-9). In this study, spheroids derived from human gingival stem cells were used to determine the effects of BMP-9 on cell survival, osteogenesis, and mineralization. Materials and Methods: Human gingival stem cells were used to produce spheroids and then grown to concentrations of 0, 0.1, 1, 10, and 100 ng/mL with BMP-9. On days 1, 3, 5, and 7, morphological examination was carried out. A live/dead assay and Cell Counting Kit-8 was used to assess the vitality of cells. On days 7 and 14, alkaline phosphatase activity assays were carried out using a commercially available kit to examine the osteogenic differentiation of cell spheroids. Alizarin Red Staining was performed on the 7th and 14th days to evaluate mineralization, and RUNX2 and COL1A1 expression levels were evaluated on the 7th and 14th days using real-time polymerase chain reactions. Results: The BMP-9 added at the measured quantities did not appear to alter the shape of the well-formed spheroids produced by stem cells on day 1. In addition, treatment with BMP-9 at doses of 0, 0.1, 1, 10, or 100 ng/mL did not significantly alter cell diameter. Throughout the whole experimental process, viability was maintained. On day 14, the alkaline phosphatase activity in the groups dosed with 0.1, 1, 10, or 100 ng/mL was statistically higher than that in the unloaded control group (p < 0.05). According to qPCR data, the mRNA expression level of RUNX2 with 1 ng/mL dosing was higher on day 7 compared to that of the unloaded control group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: These findings suggest that BMP-9 can be employed to stimulate early osteogenic differentiation in stem cell spheroids.
Development of Hydrogen–Oxygen Fuel Cells Based on Anion-Exchange Electrolytes and Catalysts with Reduced Platinum Content
Authors: Korchagin Oleg , Bogdanovskaya Vera , Vernigor Inna , Radina Marina , Stenina Irina , Yaroslavtsev Andrey
Published: July 2023

Studies have been carried out to optimize the composition, formation technique and test conditions of membrane electrode assemblies (MEA) of hydrogen–oxygen anion-exchange membranes fuel cells (AEMFC), based on Fumatech anion-exchange membranes. A non-platinum catalytic system based on nitrogen-doped CNT (CNTN) was used in the cathode. PtMo/CNTN catalysts with a reduced content of platinum (10–12 wt.% Pt) were compared with 10 and 60 wt.% Pt/CNTN at the anode. According to the results of studies under model conditions, it was found that the PtMo/CNTN catalyst is significantly superior to the 10 and 60 wt.% Pt/CNTN catalyst in terms of activity in the hydrogen oxidation reaction based on the mass of platinum. The addition of the Fumion ionomer results in minor changes in the electrochemically active surface area and activity in the hydrogen oxidation reaction for each of the catalysts. In this case, the introduction of ionomer–Fumion leads to a partial blocking of the outer surface and the micropore surface, which is most pronounced in the case of the 60Pt/CNTN catalyst. This effect can cause a decrease in the characteristics of MEA AEMFC upon passing from 10PtMo/CNTN to 60Pt/CNTN in the anode active layer. The maximum power density of the optimized MEA based on 10PtMo/CNTN was 62 mW cm−2, which exceeds the literature data obtained under similar test conditions for MEA based on platinum cathode and anode catalysts and Fumatech membranes (41 mW cm−2). A new result of this work is the study of the effect of the ionomer (Fumion) on the characteristics of catalysts. It is shown that the synthesized 10PtMo/CNTN catalyst retains high activity in the presence of an ionomer under model conditions and in the MEA based on it.
Production and Bioconversion Efficiency of Enzyme Membrane Bioreactors in the Synthesis of Valuable Products
Authors: Padhan Bandana , Ray Madhubanti , Patel Madhumita , Patel Rajkumar
Published: July 2023

The demand for bioactive molecules with nutritional benefits and pharmaceutically important properties is increasing, leading researchers to develop modified production strategies with low-cost purification processes. Recent developments in bioreactor technology can aid in the production of valuable products. Enzyme membrane bioreactors (EMRs) are emerging as sustainable synthesis processes in various agro-food industries, biofuel applications, and waste management processes. EMRs are modified reactors used for chemical reactions and product separation, particularly large-molecule hydrolysis and the conversion of macromolecules. EMRs generally produce low-molecular-weight carbohydrates, such as oligosaccharides, fructooligosaccharides, and gentiooligosaccharides. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the use of EMRs for the production of valuable products, such as oligosaccharides and oligodextrans, and we discuss their application in the bioconversion of inulin, lignin, and sugars. Furthermore, we critically summarize the application and limitations of EMRs. This review provides important insights that can aid in the production of valuable products by food and pharmaceutical industries, and it is intended to assist scientists in developing improved quality and environmentally friendly prebiotics using EMRs.