bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early Experience with the Biotronik Protego ICD Lead
Authors: Seiler Thomas , Grebmer Christian , Hilfiker Gabriela , Kobza Richard , Berte Benjamin
Published: November 2022

Background: In the last decade, newer generation ICD leads have been developed based on mechanistic insides of priorly failing leads. The aim of our study was to assess the long-term performance and mechanisms of failure of the 2013-introduced Biotronik Protego ICD lead in a real-world population. Methods: All patients, who underwent implantation of a Protego ICD lead at the Heart Centre Lucerne (Lucerne, Switzerland) between November 2013 and March 2017, were followed up with semi-annual device-controls. The primary endpoint was defined as lead failure, secondary endpoints compromised all-cause death, (in)appropriate shocks and the need for reintervention. Results: A total of 64 patients (mean age 66.7 ± 8.7 years, 30% female) underwent implantation of a Protego ICD lead: 78% for primary prevention, 53% had underlying ischemic heart disease, and 40.6% had a dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 32.6 ± 10.5%. A total of 24 patients were treated with cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), and their baseline LVEF improved from 27.8 ± 7.3% before to 39.8 ± 12.5 after implantation (p < 0.001). Mean time to follow-up was 5.5 ± 0.9 years. Overall, 14 patients (26.6%) suffered from at least one episode of sustained ventricular tachycardia; in total 10 patients (15.6%) died. Two patients experienced lead failure due to lead fracture after 5.5 and 5.7 years, which was clinically apparent by an abrupt rise in lead impedance (>2000 Ω) and by repetitive inappropriate shocks, respectively. Conclusions: In this retrospective observational study, the calculated annual lead failure rate of the Biotronik Protego ICD lead was 0.59% per patient—thus, the durability and long-term performance seem to be promising.
Characteristics of Grape Shelf Eye Injuries at Vineyards in Japan
Authors: Kikushima Wataru , Sakurada Yoichi , Kashiwagi Kenji
Published: November 2022

We aimed to investigate the characteristics and visual outcomes of farm work-associated eye injuries at vineyards. We retrospectively reviewed medical charts of patients with farm work-associated eye injuries. The eyes were divided into two groups according to the type of farming that contributed to the eye injury: the vineyard and other farming groups. Injury types, surgical procedures, and changes in visual acuity were statistically evaluated. After initial treatment, patients were followed up at different periods. We examined 30 eyes, including 14 eye injuries in the vineyard group and 16 eye injuries in the other farming group. The mean age of the patients was 58.8 ± 16.7 years, and 83.3% were male. None of the patients wore any safety eyewear at the time of injury. After initial treatment, the mean best-corrected visual acuity significantly improved from 0.83 ± 0.94 at baseline to 0.30 ± 0.57 at the final follow-up (p = 5.8 × 10−4). Eye injuries in the vineyard group were mostly caused by the penetration of wires of grape shelves and were frequent from winter to spring. We concluded that farm work-associated eye injuries at vineyards have characteristic properties compared with those during other farm work. The use of safety eyewear is strongly recommended to prevent eye injuries during farm work.
Quantitative Assessment of Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes Using Machine Learning Predicts Survival in Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer
Authors: Zheng Qingyuan , Yang Rui , Ni Xinmiao , Yang Song , Jiao Panpan , Wu Jiejun , Xiong Lin , Wang Jingsong , Jian Jun , Jiang Zhengyu , Wang Lei , Chen Zhiyuan , Liu Xiuheng
Published: November 2022

(1) Purpose: Although assessment of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) has been acknowledged to have important predictive prognostic value in muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC), it is limited by inter- and intra-observer variability, hampering widespread clinical application. We aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of quantitative TILs score based on a machine learning (ML) algorithm to identify MIBC patients who might benefit from immunotherapy or the de-escalation of therapy. (2) Methods: We constructed an artificial neural network classifier for tumor cells, lymphocytes, stromal cells, and “ignore” cells from hematoxylin-and-eosin-stained slide images using the QuPath open source software. We defined four unique TILs variables based on ML to analyze TILs measurements. Pathological slide images from 133 MIBC patients were retrospectively collected as the discovery set to determine the optimal association of ML-read TILs variables with patient survival outcomes. For validation, we evaluated an independent external validation set consisting of 247 MIBC patients. (3) Results: We found that all four TILs variables had significant prognostic associations with survival outcomes in MIBC patients (p < 0.001 for all comparisons), with higher TILs score being associated with better prognosis. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses demonstrated that electronic TILs (eTILs) variables were independently associated with overall survival after adjustment for clinicopathological factors including age, sex, and pathological stage (p < 0.001 for all analyses). Results analyzed in different subgroups showed that the eTILs variable was a strong prognostic factor that was not redundant with pre-existing clinicopathological features (p < 0.05 for all analyses). (4) Conclusion: ML-driven cell classifier-defined TILs variables were robust and independent prognostic factors in two independent cohorts of MIBC patients. eTILs have the potential to identify a subset of high-risk stage II or stage III-IV MIBC patients who might benefit from adjuvant immunotherapy.
Utilization of Two- and Three-Dimensional Transesophageal Echocardiography in Successfully Guiding Transcatheter Mitral Valve in Bioprosthetic Mitral Valve/Mitral Ring Implantation without Complications in Patients with Thrombus in Left Atrium/Left Atrial Appendage
Authors: Elmarzouky Zeyad M. , Hsiung Ming-Chon , Darwish Amr , Dulal Subash , Maturi Bhanu , Yin Wei-Hsian , Lee Yung-Tsai , Tsao Tien-Ping , Wei Jeng , Nanda Navin C.
Published: November 2022

Background. The aim of this study is to describe, for the first time to our knowledge, the utilization of both two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in successfully performing transcatheter mitral valve (MV) in bioprosthetic MV/MV annulopasty ring implantation using the apical approach in 12 patients (pts) with co-existing left atrial appendage (LAA) and/or LA (left atrium) body thrombus, which is considered a contraindication for this procedure. Methods and Results. All pts were severely symptomatic with severe bioprosthetic MV stenosis/regurgitation except one with a previous MV annuloplasty ring and severe native MV stenosis. Thrombus in LAA and/or LA body was noted in all by 2D and 3DTEE. All were at high/prohibitive risk for redo operation and all refused surgery. Utilizing both 2D and 3DTEE, especially 3DTEE, guidewires and the prosthesis deployment system could be manipulated under direct vision into the LA avoiding any contact with the thrombus. The procedure was successful in all with amelioration of symptoms and no embolic or other complications over a mean follow-up of 21 months. Conclusion. Our study demonstrates the feasibility of successfully performing this procedure in pts with thrombus in LAA and/or LA body without any complications.
The Role of Immediate Post-Procedural Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) in Predicting the Early Radiologic Response of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) Nodules to Drug-Eluting Bead Transarterial Chemoembolization (DEB-TACE)
Authors: Fronda Marco , Mistretta Francesco , Calandri Marco , Ciferri Fernanda , Nardelli Floriana , Bergamasco Laura , Fonio Paolo , Doriguzzi Breatta Andrea
Published: November 2022

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of unenhanced cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) performed at the end of drug-eluting bead transarterial chemoembolization (DEB-TACE) in predicting HCC nodules’ early radiologic response to treatment, assessed using mRECIST criteria with a 30–60 day four-phase contrast-enhanced CT follow-up. Fifty-nine patients (81 lesions) subjected to DEB-TACE as exclusive treatment for HCC lesions (naive/relapse) between February 2020 and October 2021 were prospectively enrolled. In a post-interventional unenhanced CBCT procedure, two experienced radiologists evaluated for each lesion the overall intensity of the contrast media deposit, the homogeneity of the enhancement, and the presence of smooth and complete margins. The univariate analysis found that lesions with complete response (CR+) had a significantly higher incidence of clear and complete margins than CR− lesions (76.9% vs. 17.2%, p = 0.003) and a higher intensity score (67.3% vs. 27.6%, p = 0.0009). A Dmax <30 mm was significantly more common among CR+ than CR− lesions (92.3% vs. 69%, p = 0.01). These features were confirmed as significant predictors for CR+ by multivariate binary logistic regression. The homogeneity of the enhancement did not affect the DEB-TACE outcome. Post-interventional unenhanced CBCT is effective in predicting early radiological response to DEB-TACE, since the presence of an intense contrast media deposit with clear and complete margins in treated HCC lesions is associated with CR.
Risk Factors of Sudden Cardiac Arrest during the Postoperative Period in Patient Undergoing Heart Valve Surgery
Authors: Duchnowski Piotr
Published: November 2022

Background: Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is the sudden cessation of normal cardiac activity with hemodynamic collapse. This usually leads to sudden cardiac death (SCD) when cardiopulmonary resuscitation is not undertaken. In patients undergoing heart valve surgery, postoperative SCA is a complication with a high risk of death, cerebral hypoxia and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). Therefore, knowledge of the predictors of postoperative SCA is extremely important as it enables the identification of patients at risk of this complication and the application of the special surveillance and therapeutic management in this group of patients. The aim of the study was to evaluate the usefulness of selected biomarkers in predicting postoperative SCA in patients undergoing heart valve surgery. Methods: This prospective study was conducted on a group of 616 consecutive patients with significant valvular heart disease that underwent elective valve surgery with or without coronary artery bypass surgery. The primary end-point at the intra-hospital follow-up was postoperative SCA. The secondary end-point was death from all causes in patients with postoperative SCA. Patients were observed until discharge from the hospital or until death. Logistic regression was used to assess the relationships between variables. Results: The postoperative SCA occurred in 14 patients. At multivariate analysis, only NT-proBNP (odds ratio (OR) 1.022, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.012–1.044; p = 0.03) remained independent predictors of the primary end-point. Age and NT-proBNP were associated with an increased risk of death in patients with postoperative SCA. Conclusions: The results of the presented study indicate that SCA in the early postoperative period in patients undergoing heart valve surgery is an unpredictable event with high mortality. The potential predictive ability of the preoperative NT-proBNP level for the occurrence of postoperative SCA and death in patients after SCA demonstrated in the study may indicate that the overloaded and damaged myocardium in patients undergoing heart valve surgery is particularly sensitive to non-physiological conditions prevailing in the perioperative period, which may cause serious hemodynamic disturbances in the postoperative period and lead to death.
Cord Blood Cardiovascular Biomarkers in Left-Sided Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Soveral Iris , Guirado Laura , Escobar-Diaz Maria C. , Alcaide María José , Martínez Josep Maria , Rodríguez-Sureda Víctor , Bijnens Bart , Antolin Eugenia , Llurba Elisa , Bartha Jose L. , Gómez Olga , Crispi Fàtima
Published: November 2022

Fetal echocardiography has limited prognostic ability in the evaluation of left-sided congenital heart defects (left heart defects). Cord blood cardiovascular biomarkers could improve the prognostic evaluation of left heart defects. A multicenter prospective cohort (2013–2019) including fetuses with left heart defects (aortic coarctation, aortic stenosis, hypoplastic left heart, and multilevel obstruction (complex left heart defects) subdivided according to their outcome (favorable vs. poor), and control fetuses were evaluated in the third trimester of pregnancy at three referral centers in Spain. Poor outcome was defined as univentricular palliation, heart transplant, or death. Cord blood concentrations of N-terminal precursor of B-type natriuretic peptide, Troponin I, transforming growth factor β, placental growth factor, and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 were determined. A total of 45 fetuses with left heart defects (29 favorable and 16 poor outcomes) and 35 normal fetuses were included, with a median follow-up of 3.1 years (interquartile range 1.4–3.9). Left heart defects with favorable outcome showed markedly increased cord blood transforming growth factor β (normal heart median 15.5 ng/mL (6.8–21.4) vs. favorable outcome 51.7 ng/mL (13.8–73.9) vs. poor outcome 25.1 ng/mL (6.9–39.0), p = 0.001) and decreased placental growth factor concentrations (normal heart 17.9 pg/mL (13.8–23.9) vs. favorable outcome 12.8 pg/mL (11.7–13.6) vs. poor outcome 11.0 pg/mL (8.8–15.4), p < 0.001). Poor outcome left heart defects had higher N-terminal precursor of B-type natriuretic peptide (normal heart 508.0 pg/mL (287.5–776.3) vs. favorable outcome 617.0 pg/mL (389.8–1087.8) vs. poor outcome 1450.0 pg/mL (919.0–1645.0), p = 0.001) and drastically reduced soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 concentrations (normal heart 1929.7 pg/mL (1364.3–2715.8) vs. favorable outcome (1848.3 pg/mL (646.9–2313.6) vs. poor outcome 259.0 pg/mL (182.0–606.0), p < 0.001). Results showed that fetuses with left heart defects present a distinct cord blood biomarker profile according to their outcome.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Metabolic Control of Diabetic Patients in Diabetic Retinopathy and Its Screening
Authors: Romero-Aroca Pedro , Baget-Bernaldiz Marc , Sagarra Ramon , Hervás Esther , Blasco Reyes , Molina Julia , Moreno Empar F. , Garcia-Curto Eugeni
Published: November 2022

(1) Background: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a complication of diabetes mellitus (DM), screening programs of which have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of the present study was to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the screening of diabetes patients in our healthcare area (HCA). (2) Methods: We carried out a retrospective study of patients with DM who had attended the DR screening program between January 2015 and June 2022. We studied attendance, DM metabolic control and DR incidence. (3) Results: Screening for DR decreased in the first few months of the pandemic. The incidence of mild and moderate DR remained stable throughout the study, and we observed little increase in severe DR, proliferative DR and neovascular glaucoma during 2021 and 2022. (4) Conclusions: The current study shows that during the COVID-19 pandemic, screening program attendance decreased during the year 2020, which then recovered in 2021. Regarding the most severe forms of DR, a slight increase in cases was observed, beginning in the year 2021. Nevertheless, we aimed to improve the telemedicine systems, since the conditions of a significant proportion of the studied patients worsened during the pandemic; these patients are likely those who were already poorly monitored.
0.6-V 1.65-μW Second-Order Gm-C Bandpass Filter for Multi-Frequency Bioimpedance Analysis Based on a Bootstrapped Bulk-Driven Voltage Buffer
Authors: Carrillo Juan M. , de la Cruz-Blas Carlos A.
Published: November 2022

A bootstrapping technique used to increase the intrinsic voltage gain of a bulk-driven MOS transistor is described in this paper. The proposed circuit incorporates a capacitor and a cutoff transistor to be connected to the gate terminal of a bulk-driven MOS device, thus achieving a quasi-floating-gate structure. As a result, the contribution of the gate transconductance is cancelled out and the voltage gain of the device is correspondingly increased. The technique allows for implementing a voltage follower with a voltage gain much closer to unity as compared to the conventional bulk-driven case. This voltage buffer, along with a pseudo-resistor, is used to design a linearized transconductor. The proposed transconductance cell includes an economic continuous tuning mechanism that permits programming the effective transconductance in a range sufficiently wide to counteract the typical variations that process parameters suffer during fabrication. The transconductor has been used to implement a second-order Gm-C bandpass filter with a relatively high selectivity factor, suited for multi-frequency bioimpedance analysis in a very low-voltage environment. All the circuits have been designed in 180 nm CMOS technology to operate with a 0.6-V single-supply voltage. Simulated results show that the proposed technique allows for increasing the linearity and reducing the input-referred noise of the bootstrapped bulk-driven MOS transistor, which results in an improvement of the overall performance of the transconductor. The center frequency of the bandpass filter designed can be programmed in the frequency range from 6.5 kHz to 37.5 kHz with a power consumption ranging between 1.34 μW and 2.19 μW. The circuit presents an in-band integrated noise of 190.5 μVrms and is able to process signals of 110 mVpp with a THD below −40 dB, thus leading to a dynamic range of 47.4 dB.
Which Is Better in Clinical and Radiological Outcomes for Lumbar Degenerative Disease of Two Segments: MIS-TLIF or OPEN-TLIF?
Authors: Hu Weiran , Yang Guang , Wang Hongqiang , Wu Xiaonan , Ma Haohao , Zhang Kai , Gao Yanzheng
Published: November 2022

Objective: To compare the clinical and radiological outcomes of minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) and traditional open transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (OPEN-TLIF) in the treatment of two-level lumbar degenerative diseases. Methods: The clinical data of 112 patients were retrospectively analyzed, and were divided into an MIS-TLIF group and OPEN-TLIF group. The operative time, intraoperative fluoroscopy, blood loss, postoperative drainage volume, bed rest time, the content of creatine kinase(CK) and complications, were recorded. VAS score and ODI index were used to evaluate clinical efficacy. Bridwell grading was used to evaluate postoperative interbody fusion. Screw position was evaluated by Rao grading. Results: Compared with the OPEN-TLIF group, the MIS-TLIF group had longer operation times, more intraoperative fluoroscopy times, but shorter postoperative bed times (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in blood loss, postoperative drainage and postoperative CK content between the two groups (p > 0.05). There was no difference in VAS score and ODI index during the follow-up (p > 0.05). There was no significant difference in the interbody fusion rate between the two groups (p > 0.05). There was no significant difference in the distribution of type A screws, but the type B screw in the MIS-TLIF group was higher (p < 0.05). There was no difference in the incidence of complications between the two groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The postoperative quality of life score and radiological outcomes of the two types of surgery in two-level lumbar degenerative diseases was similar, and there was no significant difference in muscle injury and complications, but the operation time and intraoperative radiation exposurewere higher than in the OPEN-TLIF group, and the pedicle screws were more likely to deviate laterally out of the vertebral body. Therefore, OPEN-TLIF is recommended for patients with lumbar degenerative diseases of two segments.
Sustainability Reporting and Management Control System: A Structured Literature Review
Authors: Rahi ABM Fazle , Johansson Jeaneth , Fagerström Arne , Blomkvist Marita
Published: November 2022

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the management accounting literature by reviewing how previous studies conceptualised the relationship between sustainability reporting and management control systems, analysing the main themes and discussing potential future developments of the sustainability reporting and management control systems (SRMCS) research agenda. This study builds on the structured literature review method by categorising and synthesising 15 years of research into the topic “sustainability reporting and management control”. Approximately 500 relevant articles were identified in the first round of searching Google Scholar and Scopus with the selected keywords, but after filtering and manual assessment, 45 articles were selected for the full review. Coding reliability was maintained with the K-alpha test. Our findings divulge that the researcher looks at the management control and the sustainability reporting agenda with just one eye. They either focus on management control or sustainability reporting. Very little research focuses on relationships. In addition, from the methodological point of view, we found that qualitative case studies and interviews dominate the field, together with commentary papers. We proposed a framework showing a complex and multifaceted relationship (a spider diagram) to conceptualise the synthesis of the literature. This framework is intended as a blueprint for the relationship between sustainability reporting and management control in order to design and redesign a company’s internal strategies on management control systems (MCS).
Digital Images to the Rescue of Academics as Knowledge Resources for Educating Curriculum Studies Students
Authors: Khoza Simon Bhekumuzi
Published: November 2022

Educating is an action of using knowledge to assist students to address their real-world personal needs, generating unique personal skills and values. Digital images, as images that consist of picture elements, have become important resources for sustaining education. A cause of concern is that academics use such images to drive learning for sustainability. The intention is to motivate students thereby, thus enhancing their education. In the process, students must comprehend their unique internal intelligence. As such, this study explores the academics’ usage of digital images to educate curriculum studies students at a university in South Africa. Ten academics were purposively and conveniently sampled for this study. Online reflective activities, focus-group discussions, observations, and semi-structured interviews were used for data collection. A pragmatic paradigm with participatory action research, content analysis, and a natural identity framework were used to frame this study. The findings reveal that academics were able to educate students to understand both large and small pictures of the digital images. The large and small pictures represented performance-based and competence-based curricula. However, it was difficult for the students to apply or link what they experienced by way of the digital images to their curriculum studies and real-world problems until the participatory action research was extended from Phase One to Phase Two. Consequently, this study suggests that the reflection stage of participatory action research is the dominant stage of the education process. Reflection supports students in their quest for understanding their internal intelligence, thus naturally addressing their personal, societal, and professional needs.
Research Progress of Coating Preparation on Light Alloys in Aviation Field: A Review
Authors: Li Nan , Wang Qiang , Dong Fang , Liu Xin , Han Peng , Han Yu
Published: November 2022

This paper systematically introduces the application status of coating-preparation technology on light alloys in the field of aviation parts repair. Included are the advantages and disadvantages of thermal spraying technology and laser cladding technology in the application process, as well as the research status and application prospects of the emerging cold spray (CS) technology and supersonic laser deposition (SLD) technology. Compared with traditional thermal-spraying technology, CS has many advantages, such as low spraying temperature, low oxygen content of the coating, and low porosity, which can effectively avoid oxidation, burning loss, phase change, and grain length during thermal spraying. CS can prepare oxygen-sensitive, heat-sensitive, amorphous, and nanomaterial coatings that are difficult to prepare by traditional thermal-spraying technology. However, in the preparation of high-strength super-hard alloys, CS has shortcomings such as low deposition efficiency and bonding strength. SLD overcomes the shortcomings of CS while inheriting the advantages of CS. In the future, both technologies will be widely used in repairing and remanufacturing in the field of aviation. Based on the principles of CS and SLD, this paper introduces, in detail, the deposition mechanism of the coating, and the specific application examples of CS in the aviation field at the present stage are described. The research and application status of the two technologies in the fields of anti-corrosion coating, wear-resistant coating, functional coating, repair, and remanufacturing in recent years are reviewed. Finally, the application and development prospects of CS and SLD are discussed.
Identification of the Four-Bar Linkage Size in a Beam Pumping Unit Based on Cubature Kalman Filter
Authors: Yin Jiaojian , Sun Dong , Ma Hongzhang
Published: November 2022

While the size of the four-bar linkage is the basis of kinematic performance analysis in a beam pumping unit, there is still a lack of effective and direct measurement of it. Since the motor input power and the polished rod position are commonly used production data, a size identification algorithm of the four-bar linkage based on the motor input power and the polished rod position is proposed in this paper. Firstly, the kinematic model of a beam pumping unit, the speed model of a motor, the initial value, and the state space model are established. Secondly, a Cubature Kalman filter with nonlinear constraints is designed and the size identification algorithm is worked out. Lastly, the model and the size identification algorithm are validated based on the simulated and measured data, and the characteristics of identification with different measurement covariance are studied. The results demonstrate that both the model and the algorithm are feasible. The maximum relative error between the identified and the real size increases from 0.23% to 9.37% when the covariance increases from 10−6 to 10−1. With the measured covariance of the polished rod velocity, the maximum relative error is 7.09%. A comparison of several current identification methods demonstrates that the proposed algorithm is more accurate.
Evaluation of a Hydrogen Powered Scooter Toy Prototype
Authors: Salazar Santiago , Malagón Dionisio , Forero-García Edwin , Torres María Josefina , Velasco Peña Marco Antonio
Published: November 2022

Electric scooters are used as alternative ways of transport because they easily make travel faster. However, the batteries can take around 5 h to charge and have an autonomy of 30 km. With the presence of the hydrogen cell, a hybrid system reduces the charging times and increases the autonomy of the vehicle by using two types of fuel. An increase of up to 80% in maximum distance and of 34% in operating times is obtained with a 1:10 scale prototype with the hydrogen cell; although more energy is withdrawn, the combined fuel efficiency increases, too. This suggests the cell that is used has the same behavior as some official reported vehicles, which have a long range but low power. This allows concluding that use of the cell is functional for load tests and that the comparison factor obtained works as input for real-scale scooter prototypes to compete with the traditional electric scooters.
Bulk Fabrication of SS410 Material Using Cold Metal Transfer-Based Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing Process at Optimized Parameters: Microstructural and Property Evaluation
Authors: Singh Amritbir , Nath Tameshwer , Dommeti Satya Gowtam , Sekar Shiva
Published: November 2022

To make metallic parts for manufacturing industries, additive manufacturing (AM) has acquired considerable significance. However, most efforts have concentrated on powder-based techniques, and there remains a dearth of the experimental evidence on the mechanical characteristics and structural behavior of metallic elements produced using wire-and-arc additive manufacturing (WAAM). This article examined the optimal parameters to enable bulk fabrication of thick walls made with a SS410 wire. The objective was to assess the optimized variables utilizing response surface methodology (RSM), followed by the microstructural analysis and mechanical property evaluation. During optimization, the influence of wire feed speed, travel speed, and gas flow rate on bead width and height was determined. Further, the optimized variables resulted in the successful formation of thick walls. Secondly, the microstructural analysis mainly featured the martensite and delta ferrite, with the latter’s percentage increasing with build height. The maximum micro-hardness of 452 HV was obtained at the base of the wall. In addition, the remarkable increases in the standard deviation of micro-hardness represent the great extent of anisotropy in the thick wall. Moreover, the maximum UTS (803 ± 8 MPa) and YS (659 ± 10 MPa) are achieved for the OB sample, which is similar to conventional components. However, the current investigation’s percentage elongation of 5% (max) demands more study before the actual use of the WAAM manufactured SS410 material. Therefore, due to the significant degree of anisotropy and poor percentage elongation, the findings conclude that post-processing is required after bulk SS410 manufacturing.
Orthogonal Learning Rosenbrock’s Direct Rotation with the Gazelle Optimization Algorithm for Global Optimization
Authors: Abualigah Laith , Diabat Ali , Zitar Raed Abu
Published: November 2022

An efficient optimization method is needed to address complicated problems and find optimal solutions. The gazelle optimization algorithm (GOA) is a global stochastic optimizer that is straightforward to comprehend and has powerful search capabilities. Nevertheless, the GOA is unsuitable for addressing multimodal, hybrid functions, and data mining problems. Therefore, the current paper proposes the orthogonal learning (OL) method with Rosenbrock’s direct rotation strategy to improve the GOA and sustain the solution variety (IGOA). We performed comprehensive experiments based on various functions, including 23 classical and IEEE CEC2017 problems. Moreover, eight data clustering problems taken from the UCI repository were tested to verify the proposed method’s performance further. The IGOA was compared with several other proposed meta-heuristic algorithms. Moreover, the Wilcoxon signed-rank test further assessed the experimental results to conduct more systematic data analyses. The IGOA surpassed other comparative optimizers in terms of convergence speed and precision. The empirical results show that the proposed IGOA achieved better outcomes than the basic GOA and other state-of-the-art methods and performed better in terms of solution quality.
Optimal Location and Operation of PV Sources in DC Grids to Reduce Annual Operating Costs While Considering Variable Power Demand and Generation
Authors: Grisales-Noreña Luis Fernando , Montoya Oscar Danilo , Ramos-Paja Carlos Andres
Published: November 2022

Due to the need to include renewable energy resources in electrical grids as well as the development and high implementation of PV generation and DC grids worldwide, it is necessary to propose effective optimization methodologies that guarantee that PV generators are located and sized on the DC electrical network. This will reduce the operation costs and cover the investment and maintenance cost related to the new technologies (PV distributed generators), thus satisfying all technical and operative constraints of the distribution grid. It is important to propose solution methodologies that require short processing times, with the aim of exploring a large number of scenarios while planning energy projects that are to be presented in public and private contracts, as well as offering solutions to technical problems of electrical distribution companies within short periods of time. Based on these needs, this paper proposes the implementation of a Discrete–Continuous Parallel version of the Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm (DCPPSO) to solve the problem regarding the integration of photovoltaic (PV) distributed generators (DGs) in Direct Current (DC) grids, with the purpose of reducing the annual costs related to energy purchasing as well as the investment and maintenance cost associated with PV sources in a scenario of variable power demand and generation. In order to evaluate the effectiveness, repeatability, and robustness of the proposed methodology, four comparison methods were employed, i.e., a commercial software and three discrete–continuous methodologies, as well as two test systems of 33 and 69 buses. In analyzing the results obtained in terms of solution quality, it was possible to identify that the DCPPSO proposed obtained the best performance in relation to the comparison methods used, with excellent results in relation to the processing times and standard deviation. The main contribution of the proposed methodology is the implementation of a discrete–continuous codification with a parallel processing tool for the evaluation of the fitness function. The results obtained and the reports in the literature for alternating current networks demonstrate that the DCPPSO is the optimization methodology with the best performance in solving the problem of the optimal integration of PV sources in economic terms and for any kind of electrical system and size.
Self-Adapting Spherical Search Algorithm with Differential Evolution for Global Optimization
Authors: Zhao Jian , Zhang Bochen , Guo Xiwang , Qi Liang , Li Zhiwu
Published: November 2022

The spherical search algorithm is an effective optimizer to solve bound-constrained non-linear global optimization problems. Nevertheless, it may fall into the local optima when handling combination optimization problems. This paper proposes an enhanced self-adapting spherical search algorithm with differential evolution (SSDE), which is characterized by an opposition-based learning strategy, a staged search mechanism, a non-linear self-adapting parameter, and a mutation-crossover approach. To demonstrate the outstanding performance of the SSDE, eight optimizers on the CEC2017 benchmark problems are compared. In addition, two practical constrained engineering problems (the welded beam design problem and the pressure vessel design problem) are solved by the SSDE. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm is highly competitive compared with state-of-the-art algorithms.
Knowledge Gradient: Capturing Value of Information in Iterative Decisions under Uncertainty
Authors: Lee Donghun
Published: November 2022

Many real-life problems that involve decisions under uncertainty are often sequentially repeated and can be approached iteratively. Knowledge Gradient (KG) formulates the decision-under-uncertainty problem into repeatedly estimating the value of information observed from each possible decisions and then committing to a decision with the highest estimated value. This paper aims to provide a multi-faceted overview of modern research on KG: firstly, on how the KG algorithm is formulated in the beginning with an example implementation of its most frequently used implementation; secondly, on how KG algorithms are related to other problems and iterative algorithms, in particular, Bayesian optimization; thirdly, on the significant trends found in modern theoretical research on KG; lastly, on the diverse examples of applications that use KG in their key decision-making step.
Embedded Learning Approaches in the Whale Optimizer to Solve Coverage Combinatorial Problems
Authors: Becerra-Rozas Marcelo , Cisternas-Caneo Felipe , Crawford Broderick , Soto Ricardo , García José , Astorga Gino , Palma Wenceslao
Published: November 2022

When we face real problems using computational resources, we understand that it is common to find combinatorial problems in binary domains. Moreover, we have to take into account a large number of possible candidate solutions, since these can be numerous and make it complicated for classical algorithmic techniques to address them. When this happens, in most cases, it becomes a problem due to the high resource cost they generate, so it is of utmost importance to solve these problems efficiently. To cope with this problem, we can apply other methods, such as metaheuristics. There are some metaheuristics that allow operation in discrete search spaces; however, in the case of continuous swarm intelligence metaheuristics, it is necessary to adapt them to operate in discrete domains. To perform this adaptation, it is necessary to use a binary scheme to take advantage of the original moves of the metaheuristics designed for continuous problems. In this work, we propose to hybridize the whale optimization algorithm metaheuristic with the Q-learning reinforcement learning technique, which we call (the QBWOA). By using this technique, we are able to realize an smart and fully online binarization scheme selector, the results have been statistically promising thanks to the respective tables and graphs.
Poliseek: A Fast XACML Policy Evaluation Engine Using Dimensionality Reduction and Characterized Search
Authors: Deng Fan , Yu Zhenhua , Zhan Xinrui , Wang Chongyu , Zhang Xiaolin , Zhang Yangyang , Qin Zilu
Published: November 2022

Due to evaluation performance limits and compatibility problems with PDP (Policy Decision Point) in practical information systems, some established schemes have limits in handling massive complex requests. To address the existing challenges of fast rule match on interval values, we propose a novel policy evaluation engine, namely Poliseek with three desired modules. A preprocessing module of Poliseek is equipped with a static encoding strategy and converts the XACML rules and requests into four-dimensional numeric vectors in an attribute space. Owing to a novel optimization object of minimizing interval collisions, a dimensionality reducer and diffuser module can generate candidate values related to each rule vector in the identification space. These values and requests are handled by a fast policy evaluation module using well-constructed hash buckets and a characterized search algorithm. The experimental results show that if the number of requests reaches 10,000, Poliseek can find the target rule approximately 1090, 15, and 15 times faster than the Sun PDP, XEngine, and SBA-XACML, respectively. Poliseek also offers a fast evaluation progress of handling 10,000 complex policy rules with interval attribute values in 275.9 ms, which shows its strong robustness and practicality.
Insights into the Influence of Signal Peptide on the Enzymatic Properties of Alginate Lyase AlyI1 with Removal Effect on Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilm
Authors: Zhang Ming-Jing , Yun Shuai-Ting , Wang Xiao-Chen , Peng Li-Yang , Dou Chuan , Zhou Yan-Xia
Published: November 2022

Most reports on signal peptides focus on their ability to affect the normal folding of proteins, thereby affecting their secreted expression, while few studies on its effects on enzymatic properties were published. Therefore, biochemical characterization and comparison of alginate lyase rALYI1/rALYI1-1 (rALYI1: without signal peptides; rALYI1-1:with signal peptides) were conducted in our study, and the results showed that the signal peptide affected the biochemical properties, especially in temperature and pH. rALYI1 (32.15 kDa) belonging to polysaccharide lyase family 7 was cloned from sea-cucumber-gut bacterium Tamlana sp. I1. The optimum temperature of both rALYI1 and rALYI1-1 was 40 °C, but the former had a wider optimum temperature range and better thermal stability. The optimum pH of rALYI1 and rALYI1-1 were 7.6 and 8.6, respectively. The former was more stable and acid resistant. Noticeably, rALYI1 was a salt-activated enzyme and displayed remarkable salt tolerance. Alginate, an essential polysaccharide in algae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms, is composed of α-L-guluronate and β-D-mannuronate. It is also found in our study that rALYI1 is also effective in removing mature biofilms compared with controls. In conclusion, the signal peptide affects several biochemical properties of the enzyme, and alginate lyase rALYI1 may be an effective method for inhibiting biofilm formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Overview of Phlorotannins’ Constituents in Fucales
Authors: Catarino Marcelo D. , Pires Sónia M. G. , Silva Sónia , Costa Filipa , Braga Susana S. , Pinto Diana C. G. A. , Silva Artur M. S. , Cardoso Susana M.
Published: November 2022

Fucales are an order within the Phaeophyceae that include most of the common littoral seaweeds in temperate and subtropical coastal regions. Many species of this order have long been a part of human culture with applications as food, feedand remedies in folk medicine. Apart from their high nutritional value, these seaweeds are also a well-known reservoir of multiple bioactive compounds with great industrial interest. Among them, phlorotannins, a unique and diverse class of brown algae-exclusive phenolics, have gathered much attention during the last few years due to their numerous potential health benefits. However, due to their complex structural features, combined with the scarcity of standards, it poses a great challenge to the identification and characterization of these compounds, at least with the technology currently available. Nevertheless, much effort has been taken towards the elucidation of the structural features of phlorotannins, which have resulted in relevant insights into the chemistry of these compounds. In this context, this review addresses the major contributions and technological advances in the field of phlorotannins extraction and characterization, with a particular focus on Fucales.
Regulation of Inflammation-Mediated Endothelial to Mesenchymal Transition with Echinochrome a for Improving Myocardial Dysfunction
Authors: Song Byeong-Wook , Kim Sejin , Kim Ran , Jeong Seongtae , Moon Hanbyeol , Kim Hojin , Vasileva Elena , Mishchenko Natalia , Fedoreyev Sergey , Stonik Valentin , Lee Min , Kim Jongmin , Kim Hyoung , Han Jin , Chang Woochul
Published: November 2022

Endothelial–mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is a process by which endothelial cells (ECs) transition into mesenchymal cells (e.g., myofibroblasts and smooth muscle cells) and induce fibrosis of cells/tissues, due to ischemic conditions in the heart. Previously, we reported that echinochrome A (EchA) derived from sea urchin shells can modulate cardiovascular disease by promoting anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity; however, the mechanism underlying these effects was unclear. We investigated the role of EchA in the EndMT process by treating human umbilical vein ECs (HUVECs) with TGF-β2 and IL-1β, and confirmed the regulation of cell migration, inflammatory, oxidative responses and mitochondrial dysfunction. Moreover, we developed an EndMT-induced myocardial infarction (MI) model to investigate the effect of EchA in vivo. After EchA was administered once a day for a total of 3 days, the histological and functional improvement of the myocardium was investigated to confirm the control of the EndMT. We concluded that EchA negatively regulates early or inflammation-related EndMT and reduces the myofibroblast proportion and fibrosis area, meaning that it may be a potential therapy for cardiac regeneration or cardioprotection from scar formation and cardiac fibrosis due to tissue granulation. Our findings encourage the study of marine bioactive compounds for the discovery of new therapeutics for recovering ischemic cardiac injuries.
Structural Pharmacology of Cation-Chloride Cotransporters
Authors: Zhao Yongxiang , Cao Erhu
Published: November 2022

Loop and thiazide diuretics have been cornerstones of clinical management of hypertension and fluid overload conditions for more than five decades. The hunt for their molecular targets led to the discovery of cation-chloride cotransporters (CCCs) that catalyze electroneutral movement of Cl− together with Na+ and/or K+. CCCs consist of two 1 Na+-1 K+-2 Cl− (NKCC1-2), one 1 Na+-1 Cl− (NCC), and four 1 K+-1 Cl− (KCC1-4) transporters in human. CCCs are fundamental in trans-epithelia ion secretion and absorption, homeostasis of intracellular Cl− concentration and cell volume, and regulation of neuronal excitability. Malfunction of NKCC2 and NCC leads to abnormal salt and water retention in the kidney and, consequently, imbalance in electrolytes and blood pressure. Mutations in KCC2 and KCC3 are associated with brain disorders due to impairments in regulation of excitability and possibly cell volume of neurons. A recent surge of structures of CCCs have defined their dimeric architecture, their ion binding sites, their conformational changes associated with ion translocation, and the mechanisms of action of loop diuretics and small molecule inhibitors. These breakthroughs now set the stage to expand CCC pharmacology beyond loop and thiazide diuretics, developing the next generation of diuretics with improved potency and specificity. Beyond drugging renal-specific CCCs, brain-penetrable therapeutics are sorely needed to target CCCs in the nervous system for the treatment of neurological disorders and psychiatric conditions.
Evaluation of Ceramics Adsorption Filter as a Pretreatment for Seawater Reverse-Osmosis Desalination
Authors: Wang Jingwei , Sim Lee Nuang , Ho Jia Shin , Nakano Keiko , Kinoshita Yusuke , Sekiguchi Kenichiro , Chong Tzyy Haur
Published: November 2022

Seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) is the most energy-efficient process for desalination to produce drinking water from seawater. However, its sustainability is still challenged by membrane fouling. Appropriate feed water quality is one of the crucial prerequisites for SWRO operation. In the current study, a ceramic adsorption filter (CAF), which was predominantly coated with an aluminum-based adsorbent (i.e., Alumina, Al2O3), was employed to enhance the pretreatment performance of SWRO. The fouling performance of SWRO pre-treated with a CAF was evaluated by feeding with real ultrafiltration (UF)-filtrated seawater collected from a seawater desalination R&D facility in Singapore. The flux decline profile showed that the presence of CAF after UF could mitigate around 10–30% of SWRO fouling. Based on the autopsy of the fouled SWRO membranes, it was observed that SWRO with CAF pre-treatment and daily regeneration could alleviate around 77.5% of Ca-induced inorganic fouling as well as 76% of lower biofouling. The present work highlights the potential of applying adsorption technology to enhance pre-treatment performance to extend the lifespan of SWRO membranes. Coupling the adsorbents on a ceramic filter should be a useful way to ease their implementation, i.e., inline adsorption and re-generation.