bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Central Load-Bearing Control in the Construction Process of the Concrete Spherical Joint Nandu River Swing Bridge: A Case Study
Authors: Liu Tao , Fan Jianfeng , Peng Ziqiang
Published: April 2022

The rotating mechanism is a significant procedure in swing bridges. In this paper, the Nandu River swing bridge is taken as an engineering case study to exhibit the critical technology of the monitoring process and the construction method of the swing bridge. The research focuses on the central load-bearing control system used to guarantee the security of the construction process. The mechanical problems during the construction process are discussed. Simultaneously, the cable tension and gravity center test are introduced. The non-Hertz contact theory is utilized to calculate the stress distribution of the spherical joint. Furthermore, the overturning moment is computed to monitor the stability of the rotating system based on the stress distribution calculation of the spherical joint. The monitoring process of central load-bearing control is entirely exhibited and discussed. Concurrently, the calculating result of the real-time overturning moment reflects the stability of the rotating construction process, and adjustments are made to ensure the safety of construction. The results show that, during the cable tension process, the middle position of the main arch exhibited 162.3 mm maximum vertical displacement. Meanwhile, the fraction moment was greatly larger than the unbalanced moment. Furthermore, the maximum overturning moment value was 2094.38 kN·m, which was smaller than the resistance of the overturning moment. The present research demonstrates that the non-Hertz contact theory fits the calculation of spherical joint stress distribution. Simultaneously, the middle position of the main arch should be monitored to control the vertical displacement at the cable tensioning stages. The gravity center test and stability control of the rotating construction are the key steps to reaching central load-bearing control.
Artificial Neural Network Modeling for Predicting and Evaluating the Mean Radiant Temperature around Buildings on Hot Summer Days
Authors: Xie Yuquan , Hu Wen , Zhou Xilin , Yan Shuting , Li Chuancheng
Published: April 2022

In recent years, the phenomenon of urban warming has become increasingly serious, and with the number of urban residents increasing, the risk of heatstroke in extreme weather has become higher than ever. In order to mitigate urban warming and adapt to it, many researchers have been paying increasing attention to outdoor thermal comfort. The mean radiant temperature (MRT) is one of the most important variables affecting human thermal comfort in outdoor urban spaces. The purpose of this paper is to predict the distribution of MRT around buildings based on a commonly used multilayer neural network (MLNN) that is optimized by genetic algorithms (GA) and backpropagation (BP) algorithms. Weather data from 2014 to 2018 together with the related indexes of the grid were selected as the input parameters for neural network training, and the distribution of the MRT around buildings in 2019 was predicted. This study obtained very high prediction accuracy, which can be combined with sensitivity analysis methods to analyze the important input parameters affecting the MRT on hot summer days (the days with the highest air temperature over 30 °C). This has significant implications for the optimization strategies for future building and urban designers to improve the thermal conditions around buildings.
Mechanical Properties of Seawater Sea-Sand Concrete Exposed to Daily Temperature Variations
Authors: Qiao Sihua , Xiong Zhe , Li Yinglei , Ye Zhiwei , He Shaohua , Li Lijuan , Zeng Yin
Published: April 2022

The durability of a concrete structure is affected by temperature cycles that occur during the structure’s service life. This paper presents an experimental and theoretical study of the mechanical properties of seawater sea-sand concrete when exposed to temperature variations. By using compressive tests on cylindrical concrete specimens, the effects of thermal cycling (e.g., the amplitude of temperature variations and cycling times) on the mechanical properties of seawater sea-sand concrete, such as failure modes, compressive strength, stress–strain relationship, Young’s modulus, ultimate strain, Poisson’s ratio and toughness are investigated. Microstructures of both unconditioned and conditioned concrete samples are examined by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to understand the mechanisms behind the strength changes. Finally, the stress–strain model is proposed for seawater sea-sand concrete subjected to daily temperature variations, and the proposed model is verified by the experimental data.
A Never-Ending Journey in Search for Novel Cell Biology Techniques
Authors: Kalyuzhny Alexander E.
Published: April 2022

Cell techniques undergo rapid advancement across different areas of biomedical research [...]
Cytotoxicity and Wound Closure Evaluation in Skin Cell Lines after Treatment with Common Antiseptics for Clinical Use
Authors: Ortega-Llamas Laura , Quiñones-Vico María I. , García-Valdivia Marta , Fernández-González Ana , Ubago-Rodríguez Ana , Sanabria-de la Torre Raquel , Arias-Santiago Salvador
Published: April 2022

In recent years, new therapies, such as skin cell lines injections, have emerged to promote re-epithelialization of damaged areas such as chronic ulcers or to treat patients with severe burns. Antiseptics are commonly used during wound clinical management to avoid serious infections, but they may delay the healing process due to their apparent cytotoxicity to skin cells. The cytotoxicity of ethanol, chlorhexidine digluconate, sodium hypochlorite, povidone iodine and polyhexanide was evaluated in this in vitro study on human fibroblasts and keratinocytes. Treatments were applied to each cell type culture every 48 h for 14 days. To determine the cytotoxic of antiseptics, cell viability (Live/Dead®) and cell proliferation (AlamarBlue™) assays were performed on cell monolayers. Cell migration capacity was evaluated with a wound closure assay. Results showed how chlorhexidine digluconate and ethanol significantly reduced the viability of keratinocytes and inhibited cell migration. Povidone iodine followed by chlorhexidine digluconate significantly reduced fibroblast cell viability. Povidone iodine also inhibited cell migration. Sodium hypochlorite was the least detrimental to both cell types. If epithelial integrity is affected, the wound healing process may be altered, so the information gathered in this study may be useful in selecting the least aggressive antiseptic after treatment with new emerging therapies.
Locomotor Exercise Enhances Supraspinal Control of Lower-Urinary-Tract Activity to Improve Micturition Function after Contusive Spinal-Cord Injury
Authors: Deng Lingxiao , Sui Tao , Wang Dong V. , Hou Shaoping , Cao Xiaojian , Peng Kaiwen , Xu Zaocheng , Xu Xiaoming
Published: April 2022

The recovery of lower-urinary-tract activity is a top priority for patients with spinal-cord injury. Historically, locomotor training improved micturition function in both patients with spinal cord injury and animal models. We explore whether training augments such as the supraspinal control of the external urethral sphincter results in enhanced coordination in detrusor-sphincter activity. We implemented a clinically relevant contusive spinal-cord injury at the 12th thoracic level in rats and administered forced wheel running exercise for 11 weeks. Awake rats then underwent bladder cystometrogram and sphincter electromyography recordings to examine the micturition reflex. Subsequently, pseudorabies-virus-encoding red fluorescent protein was injected into the sphincter to trans-synaptically trace the supraspinal innervation of Onuf’s motoneurons. Training in the injury group reduced the occurrence of bladder nonvoiding contractions, decreased the voiding threshold and peak intravesical pressure, and shortened the latency of sphincter bursting during voiding, leading to enhanced voiding efficiency. Histological analysis demonstrated that the training increased the extent of spared spinal-cord tissue around the epicenter of lesions. Compared to the group of injury without exercise, training elicited denser 5-hydroxytryptamine-positive axon terminals in the vicinity of Onuf’s motoneurons in the cord; more pseudorabies virus-labeled or c-fos expressing neurons were detected in the brainstem, suggesting the enhanced supraspinal control of sphincter activity. Thus, locomotor training promotes tissue sparing and axon innervation of spinal motoneurons to improve voiding function following contusive spinal-cord injury.
Plasmonic Nanosensors: Design, Fabrication, and Applications in Biomedicine
Authors: Nocerino Valeria , Miranda Bruno , Tramontano Chiara , Chianese Giovanna , Dardano Principia , Rea Ilaria , De Stefano Luca
Published: April 2022

Current advances in the fabrication of smart nanomaterials and nanostructured surfaces find wide usage in the biomedical field. In this context, nanosensors based on localized surface plasmon resonance exhibit unprecedented optical features that can be exploited to reduce the costs, analytic times, and need for expensive lab equipment. Moreover, they are promising for the design of nanoplatforms with multiple functionalities (e.g., multiplexed detection) with large integration within microelectronics and microfluidics. In this review, we summarize the most recent design strategies, fabrication approaches, and bio-applications of plasmonic nanoparticles (NPs) arranged in colloids, nanoarrays, and nanocomposites. After a brief introduction on the physical principles behind plasmonic nanostructures both as inherent optical detection and as nanoantennas for external signal amplification, we classify the proposed examples in colloid-based devices when plasmonic NPs operate in solution, nanoarrays when they are assembled or fabricated on rigid substrates, and nanocomposites when they are assembled within flexible/polymeric substrates. We highlight the main biomedical applications of the proposed devices and offer a general overview of the main strengths and limitations of the currently available plasmonic nanodevices.
Nanoparticle-Mediated Signaling for Aptamer-Based Multiplexed Detection of Cortisol and Neuropeptide Y in Serum
Authors: Sardesai Naimesh , Liu Yi , Shia Regina , Mirau Peter , Chávez Jorge L. , Swami Nathan S.
Published: April 2022

Multiplexed profiling of the expression of neurochemical biomarkers of stress, for periodic assessment to enable augmentation of human performance, requires wash-free detection platforms that exhibit reproducible signals from samples in biological matrices. However, alterations in aptamer conformation after binding to targets, such as cortisol, are minimal based on NMR spectra, and the methylene blue signaling is blocked by serum proteins. Hence, in this study, we explore aptamer derivatization with magnetic nanoparticles that are conjugated with multiple methylene blue moieties, to amplify signals and alter the net charge configuration for repulsing serum proteins, so that the aptamer conformation upon target recognition can lead to a signal ON assay in serum media. Based on this, a microchip platform with addressable electrodes that are immobilized with selective aptamer receptors is developed for multiplexed detection of cortisol (1–700 ng/mL) and neuropeptide Y (5–1000 pg/mL) in patient-derived serum samples, which is validated by immunoassays. We envision the application of this sensor for profiling a wider array of human performance biomarkers under stress-related events to develop stress augmentation methodologies.
Cardiovascular Manifestations in Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) Associated with COVID-19 According to Age
Authors: Campanello Claudia , Mercuri Claudia , Derchi Maria , Trocchio Gianluca , Consolaro Alessandro , Caorsi Roberta , Ravelli Angelo , Rimini Alessandro , Marasini Maurizio , Gattorno Marco
Published: April 2022

Cardiac involvement in multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) associated with coronavirus-19 disease is often observed with a high risk of heart failure. The aim is to describe cardiovascular involvement, management and early outcome in MIS-C by comparing cardiovascular manifestations in children younger and older than 6 years old. This retrospective observational study included 25 children with MIS-C, admitted to a single pediatric center between March 2020 and September 2021. The median age was 5 years (13 patients under 6 years and 12 over 6 years); coronary artery abnormalities were observed in 77% of preschoolers, with small and medium aneurysms in half of the cases and two cases of mild ventricular dysfunction. School-age children presented myopericardial involvement with mild to moderate ventricular dysfunction in 67% of cases, and two cases of transient coronary dilatation. There was a significant NT-pro-BNP and inflammatory markers increase in 25 of the patients, and mild elevation of troponin I in 9. All patients were treated with intravenous immunoglobulin and corticosteroids, and 8 with anakinra. None of the patients needed inotropes or intensive care unit admission. Our study shows the frequent cardiovascular involvement in MIS-C with a peculiar distribution, according to different age group: coronary artery anomalies were more frequent in the younger group, and myopericardial disease in the older one. A prompt multitarget, anti-inflammatory therapy could probably contribute to a favorable outcome.
The Genetic and Molecular Basis of Developmental Language Disorder: A Review
Authors: Mountford Hayley S. , Braden Ruth , Newbury Dianne F. , Morgan Angela T.
Published: April 2022

Language disorders are highly heritable and are influenced by complex interactions between genetic and environmental factors. Despite more than twenty years of research, we still lack critical understanding of the biological underpinnings of language. This review provides an overview of the genetic landscape of developmental language disorders (DLD), with an emphasis on the importance of defining the specific features (the phenotype) of DLD to inform gene discovery. We review the specific phenotype of DLD in the genetic literature, and the influence of historic variation in diagnostic inclusion criteria on researchers’ ability to compare and replicate genotype–phenotype studies. This review provides an overview of the recently identified gene pathways in populations with DLD and explores current state-of-the-art approaches to genetic analysis based on the hypothesised architecture of DLD. We will show how recent global efforts to unify diagnostic criteria have vastly increased sample size and allow for large multi-cohort metanalyses, leading the identification of a growing number of contributory loci. We emphasise the important role of estimating the genetic architecture of DLD to decipher underlying genetic associations. Finally, we explore the potential for epigenetics and environmental interactions to further unravel the biological basis of language disorders.
A Selective Screening Strategy Performed in Pre-School Children and Siblings to Detect Familial Hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Thajer Alexandra , Baumgartner Margot , Jorda Anselm , Hallwirth Ulrike , Lischka Julia , Greber-Platzer Susanne
Published: April 2022

(1) Background: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), a most common genetic disorder, is underdiagnosed and untreated, especially in children. Individuals with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia mostly present without clinical symptoms and are not informed about their high risk for myocardial infarction. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent premature atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events in patients with FH. The aim was to evaluate the detection rate of pre-school children with FH at school doctor visits in Vienna and, moreover, to examine the frequency of FH identified in the children’s siblings by this type of screening. (2) Methods: The selective FH- screening was implemented at the school enrolment examinations in the public primary schools of Vienna. The study period included the school years starting in 2017 to 2020. FH was suspected if a questionnaire on hypercholesterolemia, or cardiovascular events in the family history or on the presence of xanthomas or xanthelasma, was positive. Subsequently, lipid testing was performed on pre-school children and their siblings and elevated lipid screening was defined as either positive by LDL-C ≥ 160 mg/dL and/or non-HDL-C ≥ 190 mg/dL or as borderline by LDL-C ≥ 130 mg/dL and/or non-HDL-C ≥ 160 mg/dL. (3) Results: 66,108 pre-school children participated in the school enrolment examination in 868 public elementary schools in Vienna. In 512 (4%) children, the questionnaire caused suspicion of FH. 344 families agreed their participation in the study. Out of 344 (52% male) tested pre-school children, 20 individuals (40% male) had elevated blood lipid levels with a mean LDL-C of 155 ± 29 mg/dL and a non-HDL-C of 180 ± 24 mg/dL. Out of 291 (44% male) tested siblings, 17 individuals (41% male) showed elevated lipids with a mean LDL-C of 144 ± 19 mg/dL, and a non-HDL-C of 174 ± 19 mg/dL. (4) Conclusions: Screening is the key for early diagnosis and treatment of FH. We have implemented a pre-school screening strategy in cooperation with school physicians. We could identify 20 pre-school children and 17 siblings with an elevated lipid screening test. Full implementation of FH-screening in the pre-school examination visits in Vienna would help to detect high-risk children.
Antidiabetic Drug Sitagliptin with Divalent Transition Metals Manganese and Cobalt: Synthesis, Structure, Characterization Antibacterial and Antioxidative Effects in Liver Tissues
Authors: El-Megharbel Samy , Al-Baqami Najah , Al-Thubaiti Eman , Qahl Safa , Albogami Bander , Hamza Reham
Published: April 2022

Metals and their complexes have an increasing number of medical applications. Sitagliptin (STG) acts as an antidiabetic drug. Mn(II) and Co(II) complexes were studied and characterized based on physical characterization, FT-IR, DG/TG, XRD, ESM, and TEM. Data revealed that STG acts as a bidentate ligand through the oxygen atom of a carbonyl group and the nitrogen atom of an amino group. Magnetic measurement data revealed that the Mn/STG metal complex has a square planner geometry. The experiment was performed on 40 male albino rats who were divided into four groups: the control group, STG group, group treated with STG/Mn, and group treated with Co/STG. Biomarkers for hepatic enzymes and antioxidants were found in the blood, and hepatic tissue histology was evaluated. STG in combination with Mn and Co administration showed potent protective effects against hepatic biochemical alterations induced by STG alone, as well as suppressing oxidative stress and structural alterations. These complexes prevented any stress and improved hepatic enzymatic levels more than STG alone. The STG/Mn complex was highly effective against Bacillus subtilis and Streptococcus pneumonia, while STG/Co was highly effective against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureas. Therefore, STG combined with Mn and Co produced a synergistic effect against oxidative stress and improved the histological structure of the liver tissues. STG metal complexes with Mn and Co showed the most potential ameliorative antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects.
Prospects and Challenges of Flexible Stretchable Electrodes for Electronics
Authors: Hou Wei , Liao Qingwei , Xie Shuang , Song Yujun , Qin Lei
Published: April 2022

The application of flexible electronics in the field of communication has made the transition from rigid physical form to flexible physical form. Flexible electrode technology is the key to the wide application of flexible electronics. However, flexible electrodes will break when large deformation occurs, failing flexible electronics. It restricts the further development of flexible electronic technology. Flexible stretchable electrodes are a hot research topic to solve the problem that flexible electrodes cannot withstand large deformation. Flexible stretchable electrode materials have excellent electrical conductivity, while retaining excellent mechanical properties in case of large deformation. This paper summarizes the research results of flexible stretchable electrodes from three aspects: material, process, and structure, as well as the prospects for future development.
Rational Analysis of Drag Reduction Variation Induced by Surface Microstructures Inspired by the Middle Section of Barchan Dunes at High Flow Velocity
Authors: Jiang Jiawei , Shen Yizhou , Xu Yangjiangshan , Wang Zhen , Liu Senyun , Liu Weilan , Tao Jie
Published: April 2022

Aerodynamic drag reduction is a key element for the design of aircrafts, and it is also considered to be affected by the flow velocity. Herein, the influence of high flow velocity on the drag reduction induced by the surface microstructure inspired by a cross-section of barchan dune was investigated by the computational fluid dynamics method in this work. Overall, the drag reduction ratio was decreased while the pressure drag and viscous resistance enhanced simultaneously with the augmentation of flow velocity. Otherwise, drag analysis revealed that the total drag was a power function of flow velocity, which meant that the effect of flow velocity on drag was extremely fierce. Additionally, the microstructure improved the thickness of the boundary layer with a growth rate of 14.2%, and then reduced the viscosity resistance with limits during the development process of flow velocity. Furthermore, the micro-vortex caused by the surface microstructure provided the reverse wall shear stress, with the maximum value ranging from −4.77 Pa to −51.27 Pa, and then reduced the velocity gradient above the microstructure, thereby improving the drag reduction. However, both Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) and large eddy simulation (LES) calculations showed that the excessive velocity could lead to the dissipation of micro-vortex, which augmented the contact area between the fluid and the surface, resulting in the enlargement of viscous resistance. Finally, it was confirmed that the variation of surface microstructure height had a significant influence on drag reduction at high flow velocity. The underlying mechanism of drag reduction could also provide theoretical guidance for the design and optimization of drag reduction coatings in aeronautical applications.
A Review of In-Service Coating Health Monitoring Technologies: Towards “Smart” Neural-Like Networks for Condition-Based Preventive Maintenance
Authors: Frias-Cacho Xavier , Castro Mickaël , Nguyen Dang-Dan , Grolleau Anne-Marie , Feller Jean-Francois
Published: April 2022

In line with the recent industrial trends of hyperconnectivity, 5G technology deployment, the Internet of Things (IoT) and Industry 4.0, the ultimate goal of corrosion prevention is the invention of smart coatings that are able to assess their own condition, predict the onset of corrosion and alert users just before it happens. It is of particular interest to tackle corrosion that occurs in non-accessible areas where human inspectors or handheld devices are useless. To accomplish this, a variety of technologies that are embedded or could potentially be embedded into the coatings are being developed to monitor coating condition, which are based, for instance, on the evolution of electrochemical or mechanical properties over time. For these technologies to be fully embedded into the coatings and work remotely, solutions are needed for connectivity and power supply. A paradigm shift from routine prescheduled maintenance to condition-based preventive maintenance could then become a reality. In this work, the technologies that enable the in-service monitoring of organic anticorrosion coatings were compiled. Soon, some of them could be integrated into the sensing elements of autonomous, connected neural-like networks that are capable of remotely assessing the condition of the anticorrosion protection of future infrastructures.
Process Research on the Microgroove Depth Uniformity of Bursting Discs Using Femtosecond Lasers
Authors: Jiang Hao , Li Ming , Xie Herui
Published: April 2022

This study proposes an ultrafast laser ablation method for improving the depth uniformity of microgrooves in bursting discs. Under a lower laser fluence, the influence of the spot overlap rate on the depth uniformity of microgrooves was studied. The results show that 80% of the spot overlap ratio has good performance in ablation efficiency and depth uniformity of microgrooves. On this basis, the relationship between the number of laser scanning layers and the depth of microgrooves was studied, and the number of scanning layers needed to ablate 70 µm microgrooves was obtained. Based on the combination of the process parameters and the optimization of the laser scanning path, laser ablation of bursting disc microgrooves with a specific shape was realized. The depth uniformity of microgrooves in different sections of the bursting disc was not worse than 4 µm. The preliminary bursting test shows that the bursting pressure between the discs was no more than 0.06 Mpa. Compared with the results of the traditional processing method, the microgroove depth uniformity of bursting discs was greatly improved. Therefore, femtosecond laser ablation technology provides an advanced manufacturing method for bursting disc microgroove machining.
Generation of Basis Sets for Accurate Molecular Calculations: Application to Helium Atom and Dimer
Authors: Ema Ignacio , Ramírez Guillermo , López Rafael , García de la Vega José Manuel
Published: April 2022

A new approach for basis set generation is reported and tested in helium atom and dimer. The basis sets thus computed, named sigma, range from DZ to 5Z and consist of the same composition as Dunning basis sets but with a different treatment of contractions. The performance of the sigma sets is analyzed for energy and other properties of He atom and He dimer, and the results are compared with those obtained with Dunning and ANO basis sets. The sigma basis sets and their extended versions up to triple augmented provide better energy values than Dunning basis sets of the same composition, and similar values to those attained with the currently available ANO. Extrapolation to complete basis set of correlation energy is compared between the sigma basis sets and those of Dunning, showing the better performance of the former in this respect.
Cognitive Hybrid Intelligent Diagnostic System: Typical Architecture
Authors: Rumovskaya Sophiya
Published: April 2022

The research refers to the modeling of the meaningful and relatively stable visual-figurative and verbal-sign representation of real problems in medical diagnostics of the human organs and systems. The core results of the research are presented. Here, a new visual metalanguage is proposed. It describes the solution of a diagnostic problem by combining several interconnected processes of reasoning in different languages defining “a state of human organs and systems”, “a diagnostic problem” and elements of its decomposition. In the paper, a subject-figurative model of the cognitive hybrid intelligent diagnostic system, its typical architecture, and a synthesis algorithm are provided. Due to the integration of imitation of an internal subject-figurative vision of medical diagnostic problems and the corresponding communication statements of private diagnoses with imitation of the behavior inherent for councils in problem situations, the future implementation of such system prototypes will reduce the number of medical errors. The further stage of this research is the approbation of all solutions for the problem of diagnosing diseases of the pancreas on the materials of the Kaliningrad Regional Clinical Hospital and experimental study of the system. The research is limited by the subject area of medicine but can be generalized to the other areas.
Correction: Park et al. Synergistic Effect of MWCNT and Carbon Fiber Hybrid Fillers on Electrical and Mechanical Properties of Alkali-Activated Slag Composites. Crystals 2020, 10, 1139
Authors: Park Hyeong Min , Park Chanho , Bang Jinho , Lee Minwook , Yang Beomjoo
Published: April 2022

In the original article [...]
Do Serum C-Reactive Protein Trends Predict Treatment Outcome in Patients with Knee Periprosthetic Joint Infection Undergoing Two-Stage Exchange Arthroplasty?
Authors: Lee Sheng-Hsun , Chu Chun-Ting , Chang Chih-Hsiang , Hu Chih-Chien , Chen Szu-Yuan , Lu Tung-Wu , Lin Yu-Chih
Published: April 2022

Two-stage exchange arthroplasty is the standard treatment for knee periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). This study aimed to determine whether serial changes in C-reactive protein (CRP) values can predict the prognosis in patients with knee PJI. We retrospectively enrolled 101 patients with knee PJI treated with two-stage exchange arthroplasty at our institution from 2010 to 2016. We excluded patients with spacer complications and confounding factors affecting CRP levels. We tested the association between treatment outcomes and qualitative CRP patterns or quantitative CRP levels. Of the 101 patients, 24 (23.8%) had recurrent PJI and received surgical intervention after two-stage reimplantation. Patients with a fluctuating CRP pattern were more likely to receive antibiotics for a longer period (p < 0.001). There was greater risk of treatment failure if the CRP levels were higher when antibiotics were switched from an intravenous to oral form (p = 0.023). The patients who received antibiotics for longer than six weeks (p = 0.017) were at greater risk of treatment failure after two-stage arthroplasty. Although CRP patterns cannot predict treatment outcomes, CRP fluctuation in the interim period was associated with longer antibiotic duration, which was related to a higher treatment failure rate.
Dental and Maxillofacial Cone Beam CT—High Number of Incidental Findings and Their Impact on Follow-Up and Therapy Management
Authors: Braun Michael J. , Rauneker Thaddaeus , Dreyhaupt Jens , Hoffmann Thomas K. , Luthardt Ralph G. , Schmitz Bernd , Dammann Florian , Beer Meinrad
Published: April 2022

Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is increasingly used for dental and maxillofacial imaging. The occurrence of incidental findings has been reported, but clinical implications of these findings remain unclear. The study’s aim was to identify the frequency and clinical impact of incidental findings in CBCT. A total of 374 consecutive CBCT examinations of a 3 year period were retrospectively evaluated for the presence, kind, and clinical relevance of incidental findings. In a subgroup of 54 patients, therapeutic consequences of CBCT incidental findings were queried from the referring physicians. A total of 974 incidental findings were detected, involving 78.6% of all CBCT, hence 2.6 incidental findings per CBCT. Of these, 38.6% were classified to require treatment, with an additional 25.2% requiring follow-up. Incidental findings included dental pathologies in 55.3%, pathologies of the paranasal sinuses and airways in 29.2%, osseous pathologies in 14.9% of all CBCT, and findings in the soft tissue or TMJ in few cases. Clinically relevant dental incidental findings were detected significantly more frequently in CBCT for implant planning compared to other indications (60.7% vs. 43.2%, p < 0.01), and in CBCT with an FOV ≥ 100 mm compared to an FOV < 100 mm (54.7% vs. 40.0%, p < 0.01). Similar results were obtained for paranasal incidental findings. In a subgroup analysis, 29 of 54 patients showed incidental findings which were previously unknown, and the findings changed therapeutical management in 19 patients (35%). The results of our study highlighted the importance of a meticulous analysis of the entire FOV of CBCT for incidental findings, which showed clinical relevance in more than one in three patients. Due to a high number of clinically relevant incidental findings especially in CBCT for implant planning, an FOV of 100 × 100 mm covering both the mandible and the maxilla was concluded to be recommendable for this indication.
The Role of Urinary VEGF in Observational Studies of BPS/IC Patients: A Systematic Review
Authors: Abreu-Mendes Pedro , Costa Aurora , Charrua Ana , Pinto Rui Almeida , Cruz Francisco
Published: April 2022

Background: Bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis (BPS/IC) is a chronic pain condition, often underdiagnosed, with an important impact on patient quality of life. More recently, an association between VEGF and its receptors has been suggested in BPS/IC pathophysiology, due to their role in promoting angiogenesis and inflammation, which can enhance bladder pain. Eventually, VEGF may be used as a biomarker for the diagnosis and prognostication of BPS/IC. To further clarify this issue, this review aims to critically summarize the available information, giving rise to a solid starting point for future studies. Methods: We systematically searched PubMed and Embase, using the queries “urinary VEGF”, “urinary VEGF” AND “pain”, “urinary VEGF” AND “lower urinary tract symptoms” and “urinary VEGF” AND “LUTS” from January 2016 to February 2022. Results: A total of 1026 papers were identified from which 7 articles were included in this study, which assessed 1036 participants. Regarding VEGF levels, overactive bladder (OAB) and healthy patients were used for comparison with BPS/IC patients. VEGF concentration seems to be higher when compared to healthy patients and overactive bladder (OAB) patients. Higher levels of VEGF were associated with pain severity, while a decrease in VEGF concentration was associated with pain and symptom improvement in women. However, these findings were not constant in all studies. Conclusions: There is a trend toward a relevant association between increased VEGF levels and pain or symptom severity in BPS/IC patients. Although there are some discrepancies among the studies and the number of patients included is small, VEGF and its receptors should be considered for future studies regarding its use in BPS/IC pathophysiology, diagnosis and prognostication.
The Impact and Evaluation of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Teaching of Biology from the Perspective of Slovak School Teachers
Authors: Babosová Ramona , Bartková Alexandra , Langraf Vladimír , Vondráková Mária , Sandanusová Anna
Published: April 2022

The closing of schools due to COVID-19 was a critical incident that should have caused a rethinking of education in our country. Among the many changes that this crisis has brought, one is fully remote teaching. Our research focuses on a comparison of the changes between on-site and remote forms of biology teaching, the opinions and feelings of teaching staff across all the institutional levels, and their opinions regarding the usage of online teaching tools in the future. The research shows that teachers have used both time-tested teaching aids and modern technology to generate an environment that would be as close to on-site teaching as possible. Similarly, the teachers with longer teaching experience had felt a greater degree of stress during the remote teaching period. Teachers of primary and tertiary schools agree that they can imagine having a combined form of education in the future but that the practical classes of biology must be completed on-site. On the other hand, most secondary school teachers want to preserve only the on-site form of teaching. Our study provides information on the current state of coping with the pandemic situation in Slovakia from teachers’ perspectives.
A Dual-Mode Control Scheme to Improve Light Load Efficiency for Active-Clamp Flyback Converter
Authors: Tran Thanh Nhat Trung , Wang Hung-Chia , Wang Jian-Min
Published: April 2022

A novel dual-mode control scheme is proposed in this paper that permits the active-clamp flyback (ACF) converter to operate in both the quasi-resonant (QR) mode under light load and the active-clamp mode under medium or heavy load. The mode transition is performed based on the external dual-mode control circuit. In addition, the proposed converter incorporates a new QR mode valley switching (VS) control circuit that reduces switching loss in the main switch by achieving VS. Under medium to full load, the proposed converter becomes an ACF converter designed to achieve zero-voltage switching (ZVS), which reduces switching losses in both power switches. The proposed dual-mode control ACF converter has the following advantages: (1) compared with conventional ACF converters, the proposed ACF converters minimize switching losses by combining VS and ZVS; (2) under light load conditions, the frequency-limiting QR control mechanism is used to avoid disadvantageous switching losses caused by high switching frequencies. The 65 W ACF converter prototype with a DC 155 V input and a DC 19 V/3.42 A output under 65 kHz switching frequency was implemented. The experimental results demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed control scheme. The efficiency of the proposed converter reached 79% at a load of 3.5 W, which is 11% higher than the conventional ACF converter.
Electric Mobility: An Overview of the Main Aspects Related to the Smart Grid
Authors: Barreto Rúben , Faria Pedro , Vale Zita
Published: April 2022

Electric mobility has become increasingly prominent, not only because of the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also because of the proven implementations in the electric and transport sector. This paper, considering the smart grid perspective, focuses on the financial and economic benefits related to Electric Vehicle (EV) management in Vehicle-to-Building (V2B), Vehicle-to-Home (V2H), and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technologies. Vehicle-to-Everything is also approached. The owners of EVs, through these technologies, can obtain revenue from their participation in the various ancillary and other services. Similarly, providing these services makes it possible to increase the electric grid’s service quality, reliability, and sustainability. This paper also highlights the different technologies mentioned above, giving an explanation and some examples of their application. Likewise, it is presented the most common ancillary services verified today, such as frequency and voltage regulation, valley filling, peak shaving, and renewable energy supporting and balancing. Furthermore, it is highlighted the different opportunities that EVs can bring to energy management in smart grids. Finally, the SWOT analysis is highlighted for V2G technology.
Correction: Frick et al. Voltage Flip Efficiency Enhancement for Piezo Energy Harvesting. Electronics 2021, 10, 2400
Authors: Frick Vincent , Wassouf Liana , Jamshidpour Ehsan
Published: April 2022

In the original publication [...]
Effects of Climate and Drought on Stem Diameter Growth of Urban Tree Species
Authors: Dervishi Vjosa , Poschenrieder Werner , Rötzer Thomas , Moser-Reischl Astrid , Pretzsch Hans
Published: April 2022

Urbanization and climate change are two inevitable megatrends of this century. Knowledge about the growth responses of urban trees to climate is of utmost importance towards future management of green infrastructure with the aim of a sustainable provision of the environmental ecosystem services. Using tree-ring records, this study analyzed growth response to climate by stem diameter at breast height (DBH) of 1178 trees in seven large cities worldwide, including Aesculus hippocastanum L. in Munich; Platanus × hispanica Münchh. in Paris; Quercus nigra L. in Houston; Quercus robur L. in Cape Town; Robinia pseudoacacia L. in Santiago de Chile, Munich, and Würzburg; and Tilia cordata Mill. in Berlin, Munich, and Würzburg. Climate was characterized following the de Martonne aridity index (DMI). Overall, trees showed an 8.3% lower DBH under arid than humid climate at the age of 100. Drought-tolerant tree species were overall not affected by climate. However, R. pseudoacacia showed a lower diameter when growing in semi-dry than humid climate. In contrast, drought-sensitive tree species were negatively affected by arid climate. Moreover, the effect of drought years on annual diameter increment was assessed. P. × hispanica and R. pseudoacacia appeared as the most drought-resistant species. The highest sensitivity to drought was detected in T. cordata and Q. robur. A. hippocastanum and Q. nigra showed a lower diameter growth during drought events, followed by a fast recovery. This study’s findings may contribute to a better understanding of urban tree growth reactions to climate, aiming for sustainable planning and management of urban trees.
Evasive Planning for the Management of Eucalyptus Rust Austropuccinia psidii for Espírito Santo State, Brazil
Authors: Silva Lilianne Gomes da , Jesus Junior Waldir Cintra de , Pezzopane José Eduardo Macedo , Alves Fábio Ramos , Moraes Willian Bucker , Pirovani Daiani Bernardo , Mafia Reginaldo Gonçalves , Amaral José Francisco Teixeira do , Guerra Filho Plinio Antonio , Curty Thuelem Azevedo , Carvalho José Romário de , Santos Alexandre Rosa dos
Published: April 2022

Eucalyptus is one of the most exploited forest genera on the planet. Eucalyptus has a variety of uses, mainly because of its great diversity and versatility. Brazil is among the main producers of cellulose, paper, and wood panels in the world. One of the factors limiting the production of Eucalyptus spp. is the occurrence of diseases such as rust caused by the fungus Austropuccinia psidii. This work aimed to map areas at risk of eucalyptus rust in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil. The study was carried out in two stages: (i) mapping the rust risk areas in the state through the Geographic Information System (GIS) and (ii) applying fuzzy standardization to the infection index to generate a risk index. It was found through GIS and fuzzy standardization that most of the areas surveyed presented medium to high risk of rust occurrence. Thus, it becomes necessary to adopt complementary management measures to control the disease, especially for the months of April to November. The methodology used in this study can be implemented for other diseases and forest species in other parts of the world.
Coupled Relationship between Soil Physicochemical Properties and Plant Diversity in the Process of Vegetation Restoration
Authors: Zhao Yan , Zhao Muxin , Qi Lele , Zhao Chensong , Zhang Wenjun , Zhang Yanjun , Wen Wen , Yuan Jie
Published: April 2022

An in-depth exploration of plant–soil interactions can improve our knowledge of the succession and evolution of forest ecosystems. To understand the coupling relationship between species diversity and soil physicochemical properties in natural secondary forests during the process of vegetation restoration, the species diversity of trees, shrubs and herbs and the physicochemical properties of soil at different depths were investigated in six forest communities in the Qinling Huoditang area over two years (2013 and 2019). The analysis indicated that the soil nutrient content in the region decreased during this period, but the plant diversity index showed no obvious change. Through RDA and regression analysis, we determined that the correlations between plant diversity and soil physicochemical properties were discrete. The tree and herb species diversity were most closely related to the surface soil, while shrub diversity was more strongly regulated by the middle soil layer. Available phosphorus had the strongest effect on trees, and the main factors affecting shrubs were NO3-N and NH4-N. Herb growth was more limited by soil physical properties such as the soil bulk density and porosity. We concluded that evident correlations exist between soil physicochemical properties and plant communities. After six years of natural restoration, the plant diversity index did not change significantly. However, the soil nutrient content decreased obviously. This study provides a reference for the management of vegetation restoration processes in forest ecosystems.
A Review of Digital Era Governance Research in the First Two Decades: A Bibliometric Study
Authors: Ravšelj Dejan , Umek Lan , Todorovski Ljupčo , Aristovnik Aleksander
Published: April 2022

The emergence of digital technologies has profoundly affected and transformed almost every aspect of societal relations. These impacts have also reached public administration, including its governance. Digital technologies’ rise has paved the way for the surfacing of a new public governance model called the Digital Era Governance (DEG) model (often referred to as e-government, digital government, e-governance, or digital governance) in which digital technologies play a central role. Therefore, the main aim of this paper is to provide a comprehensive and in-depth examination of DEG research over the past two decades. Bibliometric analysis is based on the Scopus database that contains 9175 documents published between 2001 and 2020. In this context, several established and innovative bibliometric approaches are applied. The results reveal the growth of DEG research over the last two decades, especially in recent years, as accelerated by several of the most relevant documents published in reputable journals such as Government Information Quarterly. Most DEG research has been conducted in Anglo-Saxon countries, as confirmed while examining the most relevant authors’ affiliations and collaborations. The results also indicate that DEG has advanced from conventional public services to citizen-oriented e-services by including citizens’ participation and, most recently, even to smart services by facilitating emerging and disruptive technologies. The findings add to the stock of scientific knowledge and support the evidence-based policymaking needed to successfully pursue a sustainable future.
Effects of Glucose and Corn Syrup on the Physical Characteristics and Whipping Properties of Vegetable-Fat Based Whipped Creams
Authors: Zeng Yongchao , Zeng Di , Liu Tongxun , Cai Yongjian , Li Yonghao , Zhao Mouming , Zhao Qiangzhong
Published: April 2022

The aim of this work is to evaluate the effects of glucose and corn syrup on the physical characteristics and whipping properties of whipped creams. The interfacial protein concentration and apparent viscosity of emulsions increased with an increasing sugar concentration. In whipped creams, a shorter optimum whipping time (top), higher fat coalescence degree, higher firmness and higher stability were detected as sugar concentration increased. The partial coalescence degree, overrun and firmness of whipped cream with 30 wt% glucose reached 76.49%, 306% and 3.82 N, respectively, significantly (p < 0.05) higher than those (67.15%, 235% and 3.19 N) with 30 wt% corn syrup. Compared with glucose at the same sugar concentration, higher interfacial protein concentration and less-shaped aggregates and coalescences were observed for the emulsions upon the addition of corn syrup, which caused a lower degree of fat coalescence and a lower firmness of whipped cream. The differences could be explained by the presence of maltodextrin (MDX) in corn syrup, which protects absorbed protein throughout freezing and retards the formation of a continuous network during whipping. As a result, the addition of sugars could well improve stability of emulsion, firmness and foam stability of whipped cream efficiently. With a 25–30 wt% sugar addition, even if there was a lower partial coalescence degree and firmness compared with glucose, whipped cream with corn syrup exhibited relatively good stability. These results suggest that MDX improves the stability of emulsion and, thus, has a potential use in low-sugar whipped cream.