bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Myosteatosis Is Not Associated with Complications or Survival in HCC Patients Undergoing Trans Arterial Embolization
Authors: Masetti Chiara , Pugliese Nicola , Lofino Ludovica , Colapietro Francesca , Ceriani Roberto , Lleo Ana , Poretti Dario , Pedicini Vittorio , De Nicola Stella , Torzilli Guido , Rimassa Lorenza , Aghemo Alessio , Lanza Ezio
Published: December 2022

Alterations in nutritional status, in particular sarcopenia, have been extensively associated with a poor prognosis in cirrhotic patients regardless of the etiology of liver disease. Less is known about the predictive value of myosteatosis, defined as pathological fat infiltration into the skeletal muscle. We retrospectively analyzed a cohort of 151 cirrhotic patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who underwent their first trans-arterial embolization (TAE) between 1 March 2011 and 1 July 2019 at our Institution. Clinical and biochemical data were collected. Sarcopenia was assessed using the L3-SMI method while myosteatosis with a dedicated segmentation suite (3D Slicer), using a single slice at an axial plane located at L3 and calculating the IMAC (Intramuscular Adipose Tissue Content Index). The sex-specific cut-off values for defining myosteatosis were IMAC > −0.44 in males and >−0.31 in females. In our cohort, 115 (76%) patients were included in the myosteatosis group; 128 (85%) patients had a coexistent diagnosis of sarcopenia. Patients with myosteatosis were significantly older and showed higher BMI than patients without myosteatosis. In addition, male gender and alcoholic- or metabolic-related cirrhosis were most represented in the myosteatosis group. Myosteatosis was not associated with a different HCC burden, length of hospitalization, complication rate, and readmission in the first 30 days after discharge. Overall survival was not influenced by the presence of myosteatosis.
Management of Patients with Type V Hyperlipoproteinemia: An Uncommon Phenotype of Dyslipidemia with Chylomicronemia and Severe Hypertriglyceridemia
Authors: Chang Ya-Hui , Lin Dai-Yi , Tsai Chia-Ling , Liang Chih-Hung , Yu Yu-Ting , Hsieh Yi-Lin , Chuang Jen-Yu , Chen Yi-Han , Yeh Hung-I , Lin Chao-Feng
Published: December 2022

Hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) remains a risk-enhancing factor of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. We aimed to report real-world data on the management of patients with type V hyperlipoproteinemia (HLP5), an uncommon phenotype of dyslipidemia characterized by fasting chylomicronemia and severe HTG. Between July 2018 and May 2021, 90 patients with HTG, including 83 patients with type IV hyperlipoproteinemia (HLP4) and 7 patients with HLP5, were identified by plasma apolipoprotein B (apoB) and lipoprotein electrophoresis. Patients with HLP5 were younger, had higher total cholesterol (TC) (264.9 ± 26.7 mg/dL vs. 183.9 ± 26.1 mg/dL; p < 0.01) and higher triglyceride (TG) (1296.7 ± 380.5 mg/dL vs. 247.6 ± 96.1 mg/dL; p < 0.01), and had lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (30.6 ± 4.8 mg/dL vs. 40.5 ± 8.7 mg/dL; p < 0.01) and lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (62.9 ± 16.4 vs. 103.0 ± 21.1 mg/dL; p < 0.01) compared with patients with HLP4. Despite an aggressive use of statin and fenofibrate with greater reductions in TG (-65.9 ± 13.7% vs. -27.9 ± 30.5%; p < 0.01) following 6 months of treatment, patients with HLP5 had persistent HTG (440.1 ± 239.0 mg/dL vs. 173.9 ± 94.8 mg/dL; p < 0.01) and an increase in LDL-C (28.3 ± 57.2% vs. -19.5 ± 32.0%; p < 0.01) compared with patients with HLP4. Our findings highlight that the lack of novel TG-lowering medications and management guidelines remains an unmet medical need in patients with HLP5. Closely monitoring lipid profiles, full assessment of individual’s risk of cardiovascular disease, and emphasis on medication adherence are of clinical importance.
Quality of Life Assessment of Chronic Otitis Media Patients Following Surgery
Authors: Cavaliere Michele , Di Lullo Antonella Miriam , Capriglione Pasquale , Motta Gaetano , Cantone Elena
Published: December 2022

Chronic otitis media (COM) is a persistent inflammation of the middle ear. COM often requires surgical management and represents one of the most disabling pathologies in the field of otolaryngology, not only due to hearing loss but also because recurrent otorrhea seriously affects the quality of life (QoL) of patients. The COMOT-15 questionnaire is a reliable, valid and sensitive tool for measuring the QoL of patients with COM. The aim of this study was to evaluate QoL by using the Italian version of the COMOT-15 in COM patients undergoing surgery based on age and different operation techniques. This observational retrospective study involved fifty-two consecutive patients undergoing surgical treatment for COM according to Nadol criteria. Preoperatively (T0) and 12 months after surgery (T1) patients underwent clinical examination, imaging, the Italian version of the COMOT-15 and pure tone audiometry. After surgery, we observed an improvement of QoL in 84.6% of the population. The COMOT-15 overall score, ear symptoms and hearing subscores showed significantly better ratings after surgery in the whole analyzed group. However, the separate analysis of patients operated with open techniques and closed techniques showed a significant improvement in ear symptoms subscore in both groups and a significant improvement in hearing subscore and mental health subscore only in patients operated on with closed techniques. Moreover, we observed a positive correlation between age and Δ-COMOT. This study shows the crucial role of a reliable and suitable questionnaire such as the COMOT-15 in evaluating COM patients, including clinical symptoms, functional and psychological impairments and highlighting a positive correlation between age and COMOT-15 results.
Trends and Hotspots Concerning Macular Hole between 2002 and 2021: A 20-Year Bibliometric Study
Authors: Shu Yiyang , Shao Yuting , Wang Yimin , Bi Yanlong
Published: December 2022

Background: Macular hole (MH) can severely impair central vision. Although it can be treated with vitrectomy surgery, avoiding recurrence and improving visual acuity are still priorities to be addressed. This study aims to reveal the trends and hotspots about MH. Methods: The Web of Science Core Collection (WOSCC) was used to perform a bibliometric analysis investigating trends of MH research from 2002 to 2021. We evaluated the details of associated regions, institutions, authors, and journals. To construct and overlay network visualizations, VOSviewer software was used. Results: In total, 1518 publications were collected. Our analysis showed that MH research is becoming increasingly relevant, with Japan achieving the largest number of publications (291), largest number of citations (7745 in total), and highest h-index value (48). Retina published the most publications on this topic, totaling more than the next two journals combined. An analysis of keyword co-occurrence was evaluated, highlighting several novel keywords of interest, such as flap technique, transplantation, epiretinal proliferation (EP), foveal microstructure, and retinal sensitivity. Conclusions: Details on MH research were uncovered by comprehensively analyzing the global trends and hotspots over the past two decades, presenting valuable information for future MH research. Japan, the USA, and China hold leading positions in research on this topic. Amendable surgical methods are a potential focus for improving prognosis.
Ethical Foundations of the Accompanying Patient’s Role for an Enhanced Patient Experience: A Scoping Review
Authors: Shankland Mylène , Ferrand Amaryllis , Ganache Isabelle , Côté Marie-Andrée , Pomey Marie-Pascale
Published: December 2022

In recent years, recognizing patients’ experiential knowledge to improve the quality of care has resulted in the participation of patient advisors at various levels of healthcare systems. Some who are working at the clinical level are called accompanying patients (AP). A PRISMA-ScR exploratory scoping review of the literature was conducted on articles published from 2005 to 2021. Articles not in English or French and grey literature were excluded. The databases searched included Medline, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The data were organized according to the similarities in the ethical foundations of the included papers. Out of 2095 identified papers, 8 met inclusion criteria. Terms used to describe APs included peer support, resource parent, and peer health mediator. The clinical settings included psychiatry/mental health and neonatology. APs, patients, healthcare professionals, managers and policy makers were included in the studies. Three personal ethical foundations describing the foundations of the AP role were found: resilience, listening skills and altruism. The ethical foundations of this role also addressed interpersonal and interprofessional relationships with other actors in the healthcare system. The literature on the ethical foundations of APs is sparse, with heterogeneous methodologies. Further studies mobilizing well-defined methodologies would further validate the current results and deepen our understanding of the ethical foundations of the AP role.
A Threshold GARCH Model for Chilean Economic Uncertainty
Authors: Chávez Diego , Contreras-Reyes Javier E. , Idrovo-Aguirre Byron J.
Published: December 2022

In this paper, an autoregressive moving average (ARMA) model with threshold generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity (TGARCH) innovations is considered to model Chilean economic uncertainty time series. Uncertainty is measured through the Business Confidence Index (BCI) and Consumer Perception Index (CPI). The BCI time series provide useful information about industry; commerce; the finance, mining, construction, and agricultural sectors; and the global economic situation and the general business situation. As a counterpart, the CPI time series measure the perception of consumers regarding the state of the Chilean economy, evaluating their economic situation and expectations. The ARMA-TGARCH model is compared with the classical seasonal ARIMA and threshold AR ones. The results show that the ARMA-TGARCH model explains the regime changes in economic uncertainty better than the others, given that negative shocks are associated with statistically significant and quantitatively larger levels of volatility produced by the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, a diagnostic analysis and prediction performance illustrates the suitability of the proposed model. Using a cross-validation analysis for the forecasting performance, a proposed heteroscedastic model may effectively help improve the forecasting accuracy for observations related to pessimism periods like the social uprising and the COVID-19 crisis which produced volatility in the Chilean uncertainty indexes.
The Moderating Effect of Perceived Risk on Users’ Continuance Intention for FinTech Services
Authors: Jangir Kshitiz , Sharma Vikas , Taneja Sanjay , Rupeika-Apoga Ramona
Published: December 2022

The study’s aim is to investigate how FinTech users’ perceived risk influences their continuance intention to use FinTech services. The new model, which was based on the Expectation Confirmation Model, was created to achieve the study’s aim. The Partial Least Square Structural Equation Model was used to investigate the proposed model and the relationship between the adopted constructs. The sample consists of 802 individual survey responses from northern India from April to June 2022. The proposed model explains 45.4% of the variance in the continuance intention of FinTech users, which is significantly influenced by perceived usefulness and satisfaction. Furthermore, perceived risk, as a moderator, significantly moderates continuance intention through satisfaction and satisfaction through confirmation. However, perceived risk was found to have an insignificant moderating effect on the relationship between perceived usefulness and satisfaction as well as perceived usefulness and continuance intention. The findings provide insights to FinTech service providers about the factors that influence users’ intent to continue using FinTech services.
Modeling and Assessment of Land Degradation Vulnerability in Arid Ecosystem of Rajasthan Using Analytical Hierarchy Process and Geospatial Techniques
Authors: Yadav Brijesh , Malav Lal Chand , Jiménez-Ballesta Raimundo , Kumawat Chiranjeev , Patra Abhik , Patel Abhishek , Jangir Abhishek , Nogiya Mahaveer , Meena Roshan Lal , Moharana Pravash Chandra , Kumar Nirmal , Sharma Ram Prasad , Yadav Lala Ram , Obi Reddy Gangalakunta P. , Mina Banshi Lal
Published: December 2022

Wind erosion is a major natural disaster worldwide, and it is a key problem in western Rajasthan in India. The Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), the Geographic Information System (GIS), and remote sensing satellite images are effective tools for modeling and risk assessment of land degradation. The present study aimed to assess and model the land degradation vulnerable (LDV) zones based on the AHP and geospatial techniques in the Luni River basin in Rajasthan, India. This study was carried out by examining important thematic layers, such as vegetation parameters (normalized difference vegetation index and land use/land cover), a terrain parameter (slope), climatic parameters (mean annual rainfall and land surface temperature), and soil parameters (soil organic carbon, soil erosion, soil texture, and soil depth), using the Analytical Hierarchical Process (AHP) and geospatial techniques in the Luni River basin in Rajasthan, India. The weights derived for the thematic layers using AHP were as follows: NDVI (0.27) > MAR (0.22) > LST (0.15) > soil erosion (0.12) > slope (0.08) > LULC (0.06) > SOC (0.04) > soil texture (0.03) > soil depth (0.02). The result indicates that nearly 21.4 % of the total area is prone to very high degradation risks; 12.3% is prone to high risks; and 16%, 24.3%, and 26% are prone to moderate, low, and very low risks, respectively. The validation of LDV was carried out using high-resolution Google Earth images and field photographs. Additionally, the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve found an area under the curve (AUC) value of 82%, approving the prediction accuracy of the AHP technique in the study area. This study contributes by providing a better understanding of land degradation neutrality and sustainable soil and water management practices in the river basin.
Material Defects in Friction Stir Welding through Thermo–Mechanical Simulation: Dissimilar Materials with Tool Wear Consideration
Authors: Das Debtanay , Bag Swarup , Pal Sukhomay , Sharma Abhay
Published: December 2022

Despite the remarkable capabilities of friction stir welding (FSW) in joining dissimilar materials, the numerical simulation of FSW is predominantly limited to the joining of similar materials. The material mixing and defects’ prediction in FSW of dissimilar materials through numerical simulation have not been thoroughly studied. The role of progressive tool wear is another aspect of practical importance that has not received due consideration in numerical simulation. As such, we contribute to the body of knowledge with a numerical study of FSW of dissimilar materials in the context of defect prediction and tool wear. We numerically simulated material mixing and defects (surface and subsurface tunnel, exit hole, and flash formation) using a coupled Eulerian–Lagrangian approach. The model predictions are validated with the experimental results on FSW of the candidate pair AA6061 and AZ31B. The influence of tool wear on tool dimensions is experimentally investigated for several sets of tool rotations and traverse speeds and incorporated in the numerical simulation to predict the weld defects. The developed model successfully predicted subsurface tunnel defects, surface tunnels, excessive flash formations, and exit holes with a maximum deviation of 1.2 mm. The simulation revealed the substantial impact of the plate position, on either the advancing or retreating side, on the defect formation; for instance, when AZ31B was placed on the AS, the surface tunnel reached about 50% of the workpiece thickness. The numerical model successfully captured defect formation due to the wear-induced changes in tool dimensions, e.g., the pin length decreased up to 30% after welding at higher tool rotations and traverse speeds, leading to surface tunnel defects.
Compressive Strength Prediction of Cemented Backfill Containing Phosphate Tailings Using Extreme Gradient Boosting Optimized by Whale Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Xiong Shuai , Liu Zhixiang , Min Chendi , Shi Ying , Zhang Shuangxia , Liu Weijun
Published: December 2022

Unconfined compressive strength (UCS) is the most significant mechanical index for cemented backfill, and it is mainly determined by traditional mechanical tests. This study optimized the extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) model by utilizing the whale optimization algorithm (WOA) to construct a hybrid model for the UCS prediction of cemented backfill. The PT proportion, the OPC proportion, the FA proportion, the solid concentration, and the curing age were selected as input variables, and the UCS of the cemented PT backfill was selected as the output variable. The original XGBoost model, the XGBoost model optimized by particle swarm optimization (PSO-XGBoost), and the decision tree (DT) model were also constructed for comparison with the WOA-XGBoost model. The results showed that the values of the root mean square error (RMSE), coefficient of determination (R2), and mean absolute error (MAE) obtained from the WOA-XGBoost model, XGBoost model, PSO-XGBoost model, and DT model were equal to (0.241, 0.967, 0.184), (0.426, 0.917, 0.336), (0.316, 0.943, 0.258), and (0.464, 0.852, 0.357), respectively. The results show that the proposed WOA-XGBoost has better prediction accuracy than the other machine learning models, confirming the ability of the WOA to enhance XGBoost in cemented PT backfill strength prediction. The WOA-XGBoost model could be a fast and accurate method for the UCS prediction of cemented PT backfill.
Up-Conversion Luminescence and Magnetic Properties of Multifunctional Er3+/Yb3+-Doped SiO2-GdF3/LiGdF4 Glass Ceramics
Authors: Secu Corina , Bartha Cristina , Radu Cristian , Secu Mihail
Published: December 2022

Glassy nanocomposites containing Yb3+/Er3+-doped GdF3 and LiGdF4 nanocrystals have been prepared by controlled crystallization of the xerogel and the structural, up-conversion luminescence, and magnetic properties were analyzed and discussed. Structural and morphological analysis showed uniform distribution of both GdF3 and LiGdF4 nanocrystals (tens of nm size), embedded in silica glass matrix as the result of thermal decomposition of the trifluoracetates, revealed as a strong exothermic peak at about 300 °C; the Li-ions co-doping showed a strong influence on the GdF3 and LiGdF4 nanocrystalline fraction. The energy dispersive spectrometry mapping showed Gd, F and Yb, Er within the nanocrystals but not in the silica glass matrix. X-ray diffraction pattern analysis indicated the crystalline lattice distortion consistent with the Yb/Er incorporation in both fluoride nanocrystals. The “green” ((2H11/2, 4S3/2) →4I15/2) and “red” (4F9/2→4I15/2) up-conversion luminescences at 525, 545, and 660 nm observed under 980 nm laser light pumping were assigned to the Er3+ ions deexcitation through a two-photon process. The magnetic properties of the nanocomposite are strongly temperature dependent. The magnetization hysteresis loops show a ferromagnetic behavior at low temperatures (5K) related to the rare-earth ions contribution and the saturation magnetization of 39 emu/g. At 300 K a paramagnetic behavior was observed that was ascribed to the non-interacting localized nature of the magnetic moment of the rare-earth ions. Hence, such novel, multifunctional magnetic and optical materials can allow the intertwining between magnetism and photonics and might offer new opportunities for new magneto-optical device development.
A Weighted Solution Concept under Replicated Behavior
Authors: Liao Yu-Hsien
Published: December 2022

In the framework of traditional transferable-utility (TU) models, the participants are either entirely involved or not involved in interactive processes with some other participants. Based on the distribution notion of the equal allocation of non-separable costs (EANSC), all participants first receive their marginal contributions and further distribute the remaining utilities equally. In real-world situations, however, participants might adopt different participation levels to participate. Moreover, participants might represent coalitions of different scales; participants might have corresponding influences under different situations. Thus, in this paper we propose a generalization of the EANSC by considering weights and replicated notions under conditions of multi-choice behavior simultaneously. In order to dissect the mathematical accuracy and the applied rationality of this expanded EANSC, a specific reduction is introduced to present an axiomatic result and a dynamic process, respectively.
Remark on a Fixed-Point Theorem in the Lebesgue Spaces of Variable Integrability Lp(·)
Authors: Khamsi Mohamed A. , Méndez Osvaldo D.
Published: December 2022

In a personal communication, Prof. Domínguez Benavides noted that a fixed-point theorem for modular nonexpansive mappings in Lp(·)(Ω) obtained under the assumptions p+<∞ and the property (R) satisfied by ρ will force p−>1. Therefore, the conclusion is well known. In this note, we establish said conclusion without the assumption p+<∞.
Multi-Objective Multi-Scale Optimization of Composite Structures, Application to an Aircraft Overhead Locker Made with Bio-Composites
Authors: Martínez Xavier , Pons-Prats Jordi , Turon Francesc , Coma Martí , Barbu Lucía Gratiela , Bugeda Gabriel
Published: December 2022

The use of composite materials has grown exponentially in transport structures due to their weight reduction advantages, added to their capability to adapt the material properties and internal micro-structure to the requirements of the application. This flexibility allows the design of highly efficient composite structures that can reduce the environmental impact of transport, especially if the used composites are bio-based. In order to design highly efficient structures, the numerical models and tools used to predict the structural and material performance are of great importance. In the present paper, the authors propose a multi-objective, multi-scale optimization procedure aimed to obtain the best possible structure and material design for a given application. The procedure developed is applied to an aircraft secondary structure, an overhead locker, made with a sandwich laminate in which both, the skins and the core, are bio-materials. The structural multi-scale numerical model has been coupled with a Genetic Algorithm to perform the optimization of the structure design. Two optimization cases are presented. The first one consists of a single-objective optimization problem of the fibre alignment to improve the structural stiffness of the structure. The second optimization shows the advantages of using a multi-objective and multi-scale optimization approach. In this last case, the first objective function corresponds to the shelf stiffness, and the second objective function consists of minimizing the number of fibres placed in one of the woven directions, looking for a reduction in the material cost and weight. The obtained results with both optimization cases have proved the capability of the software developed to obtain an optimal design of composite structures, and the need to consider both, the macro-structural and the micro-structural configuration of the composite, in order to obtain the best possible solution. The presented approach allows to perform the optimisation of both the macro-structural and the micro-structural configurations.
News and Updates from 2022 on Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Marine Products
Authors: Vasarri Marzia , Degl’Innocenti Donatella
Published: December 2022

Inflammation and oxidative stress are often the common denominators of most modern chronic diseases and disorders, resulting in serious problems for health care systems [...]
Fatigue Strength Estimation of Ductile Cast Irons Containing Solidification Defects
Authors: Ronchei Camilla
Published: December 2022

The goal of the present paper is to discuss the accuracy and reliability of a procedure for the fatigue strength estimation of defective metals by considering some experimental data available in the literature. In particular, the fatigue behaviour of three ductile cast irons (DCIs) containing solidification defects (i.e., micro-shrinkage porosity) is simulated through the above a procedure, based on the joined application of the area-parameter model and the Carpinteri et al. multiaxial fatigue criterion. The fatigue strength of such DCIs subjected to both uniaxial (rotating bending or torsion) and biaxial (combined tension and torsion) cyclic loading is evaluated and compared with the experimental results.
Recent Trends and Applications of Nanoencapsulated Bacteriocins against Microbes in Food Quality and Safety
Authors: Shafique Bakhtawar , Ranjha Muhammad Modassar Ali Nawaz , Murtaza Mian Anjum , Walayat Noman , Nawaz Asad , Khalid Waseem , Mahmood Shahid , Nadeem Muhammad , Manzoor Muhammad Faisal , Ameer Kashif , Aadil Rana Muhammad , Ibrahim Salam A.
Published: December 2022

Bacteriocins are ribosomal-synthesized peptides or proteins produced by bacterial strains and can inhibit pathogenic bacteria. Numerous factors influence the potential activity of bacteriocins in food matrices. For example, food additives usage, chemical composition, physical conditions of food, and sensitivity of proteolytic enzymes can constrain the application of bacteriocins as beneficial food preservatives. However, novel bacteriocin nanoencapsulation has appeared as an encouraging solution. In this review, we highlight the bacteriocins produced by Gram-negative bacteria and Gram-positive bacteria including lactic acid bacteria that have shown positive results as potential food preservatives. In addition, this review encompasses the major focus on bacteriocins encapsulation with nanotechnology to enhance the antimicrobial action of bacteriocins. Several strategies can be employed to encapsulate bacteriocins; however, the nanotechnological approach is one of the most effective strategies for avoiding limitations. Nanoparticles such as liposomes, chitosan, protein, and polysaccharides have been discussed to show their importance in the nanoencapsulation method. The nanoparticles are combined with bacteriocins to develop the nano-encapsulated bacteriocins from Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria including LAB. In food systems, nanoencapsulation enhances the stability and antimicrobial functionality of active peptides. This nanotechnological application provides a formulation of a broad range of antimicrobial peptides at the industry-scale level. Nano-formulated bacteriocins have been discussed along with examples to show a broader antimicrobial spectrum, increase bacteriocins’ applicability, extend antimicrobial spectrum and enhance stability.
Silicon Carbide Nanostructures as Potential Carbide Material for Electrochemical Supercapacitors: A Review
Authors: Ojha Gunendra Prasad , Kang Gun Woong , Kuk Yun-Su , Hwang Ye Eun , Kwon Oh Hoon , Pant Bishweshwar , Acharya Jiwan , Park Yong Wan , Park Mira
Published: December 2022

Silicon carbide (SiC) is a very promising carbide material with various applications such as electrochemical supercapacitors, photocatalysis, microwave absorption, field-effect transistors, and sensors. Due to its enticing advantages of high thermal stability, outstanding chemical stability, high thermal conductivity, and excellent mechanical behavior, it is used as a potential candidate in various fields such as supercapacitors, water-splitting, photocatalysis, biomedical, sensors, and so on. This review mainly describes the various synthesis techniques of nanostructured SiC (0D, 1D, 2D, and 3D) and its properties. Thereafter, the ongoing research trends in electrochemical supercapacitor electrodes are fully excavated. Finally, the outlook of future research directions, key obstacles, and possible solutions are emphasized.
Contact and Tribological Study of Micro/Nano Groove Texture on the Surface of Gas Bearing Materials Based on Nanoscale
Authors: Yang Liguang , Ma Wensuo , Gao Fei , Xi Shiping , Ma Zhenyu , Ma Zhenhao
Published: December 2022

As a kind of sliding bearing, the gas bearing is widely used in high-speed rotating machinery. It realizes energy cleaning in the field of high-speed rotating machinery. In order to solve the problem of reducing the service life of gas bearings due to friction during startup and shutdown, we use micromachining technology to process groove textures with different groove widths on the surface of 0Cr17Ni7Al, a common material for gas bearings. A ball–disc friction contrast test is conducted under dry friction conditions with and without texture. The experiment shows that the lowest average friction coefficient of 0.8 mm texture is σ = 0.745. When the friction radius is 22.5 mm, the wear rate of 1.0 mm texture is the lowest at ω = 3.118 × 10−4mm3/N·mm. However, the maximum friction coefficient reached is σ = 0.898. Under the nanometer scale, the contact between friction pairs is fully analyzed. The influence mechanism of different groove widths, friction impacts and climbing heights on the friction and wear properties of the micromechanical groove texture on the surface of 0Cr17Ni7Al stainless steel is studied at the nano-fractal scale. The effects of different width grooves on the surface texture and tribological properties of the micromachine are studied.
Pharmacokinetic Study of Intranasal Dexamethasone and Methylprednisolone Compared with Intravenous Administration: Two Open-Label, Single-Dose, Two-Period, Two-Sequence, Cross-Over Study in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Cárdenas Graciela , Bobes Raúl J. , Fragoso Gladis , Pérez-Osorio Nicolas I. , Hernández Marisela , Espinosa Alejandro , Fleury Agnes , Flores José ,   The Revival Project Consortium, Laclette Juan Pedro , Sciutto Edda , Jung-Cook Helgi
Published: December 2022

Dexamethasone (DXM) and methylprednisolone (MEP) are potent glucocorticoids used to control several inflammatory conditions. Evidence of delayed DXM reaching the central nervous system (CNS) as well as tachyphylaxis and systemic, undesirable side effects are the main limitations of peripheral delivery. Intranasal administration offers direct access to the brain as it bypasses the blood–brain barrier. The Mucosal Atomization Device is an optimal tool that can achieve rapid absorption into the CNS and the bloodstream across mucosal membranes. This study was designed to evaluate and compare the bioavailability of DXM and MEP after intranasal versus intravenous administration. Two open-label, balanced, randomized, two-treatment, two-period, two-sequence, single-dose, crossover studies were conducted, which involved healthy male and female adult volunteers. After intranasal administration, DXM and MEP were detected in plasma after the first sampling time. Mean peak concentrations of DXM and MEP were 86.61 ng/mL at 60 min and 843.2 ng/mL at 1.5 h post-administration, respectively. DXM and MEP showed high absolute bioavailability, with values of 80% and 95%, respectively. No adverse effects were observed. DXM and MEP systemic bioavailability by intranasal administration was comparable with the intravenous one, suggesting that the intranasal route can be used as a non-invasive and appropriate alternative for systemic drug delivery.
Association Studies in Clinical Pharmacogenetics
Authors: Zubiaur Pablo , Abad-Santos Francisco
Published: December 2022

In recent times, the progress of Clinical Pharmacogenetics has been remarkable [...]
Recent Development in the Processing, Properties, and Applications of Epoxy-Based Natural Fiber Polymer Biocomposites
Authors: Alsuwait Raed B. , Souiyah Miloud , Momohjimoh Ibrahim , Ganiyu Saheed Adewale , Bakare Azeez Oladipupo
Published: December 2022

Growing environmental concerns have increased the scientific interest in the utilization of natural fibers for the development of epoxy biocomposite materials. The incorporation of one or more fibers in the production of hybrid epoxy polymer composites has been a subject of discussion. It is interesting to acknowledge that natural/synthetic fiber hybridized epoxy composites have superior properties over natural/natural fiber hybridized epoxy composites. Significant efforts have been devoted to the improvement of natural fiber surface modifications to promote bonding with the epoxy matrix. However, to achieve sufficient surface modification without destroying the natural fibers, optimization of treatment parameters such as the concentration of the treatment solution and treatment time is highly necessary. Synthetic and treated natural fiber hybridization in an epoxy matrix is expected to produce biocomposites with appreciable biodegradability and superior mechanical properties by manipulating the fiber/matrix interfacial bonding. This paper presents a review of studies on the processing of epoxy natural fiber composites, mechanical properties, physical properties such as density and water absorption, thermal properties, biodegradability study, nondestructive examination, morphological characterizations, and applications of epoxy-based natural fiber biocomposites. Other aspects, including a review of variables that enhance the mechanical and functional performance of epoxy/natural fibers composites while also increasing the biodegradability of the composite material for environmental sustainability, were presented. The future research focus was elucidated. It is hoped that this review will stimulate and refocus research efforts toward advancing the manufacture of epoxy/natural fiber composites to meet the growing demand for biocomposite materials in the global world.
Activation/Inhibition of Gene Expression Caused by Alcohols: Relationship with the Viscoelastic Property of a DNA Molecule
Authors: Fujino Kohei , Nishio Takashi , Fujioka Keita , Yoshikawa Yuko , Kenmotsu Takahiro , Yoshikawa Kenichi
Published: December 2022

Alcohols are used in the life sciences because they can condense and precipitate DNA. Alcohol consumption has been linked to many diseases and can alter genetic activity. In the present report, we carried out experiments to make clear how alcohols affect the efficiency of transcription-translation (TX-TL) and translation (TL) by adapting cell-free gene expression systems with plasmid DNA and RNA templates, respectively. In addition, we quantitatively analyzed intrachain fluctuations of single giant DNA molecules based on the fluctuation-dissipation theorem to gain insight into how alcohols affect the dynamical property of a DNA molecule. Ethanol (2–3%) increased gene expression levels four to five times higher than the control in the TX-TL reaction. A similar level of enhancement was observed with 2-propanol, in contrast to the inhibitory effect of 1-propanol. Similar alcohol effects were observed for the TL reaction. Intrachain fluctuation analysis through single DNA observation showed that 1-propanol markedly increased both the spring and damping constants of single DNA in contrast to the weak effects observed with ethanol, whereas 2-propanol exhibits an intermediate effect. This study indicates that the activation/inhibition effects of alcohol isomers on gene expression correlate with the changes in the viscoelastic mechanical properties of DNA molecules.
Cost Modelling for Recycling Fiber-Reinforced Composites: State-of-the-Art and Future Research
Authors: Shehab Essam , Meiirbekov Arshyn , Amantayeva Akniyet , Tokbolat Serik
Published: December 2022

Fiber-reinforced composites, such as carbon and glass fibers, are widely used across various industries. This is mainly a result of their outperforming properties in contrast with traditional materials. As a response to the environmental legal enforcement of the recycling of composite materials, several recycling methods such as mechanical, thermal, and chemical recycling, have been developed. Despite various merits, these recycling methods still face challenges, such as the heterogeneity of material, the quality of the recycled product, the high cost of recycling, and a lack of an established market. Since, in many cases, the financial aspect tends to be the major barrier to recycling composites, the appropriate cost modelling of the recycling process requires urgent consideration. To the knowledge of the authors, there is no prior research efforts on the reviewing of cost modelling techniques on composites recycling. Cost modelling research projects for different recycling technologies, with their findings and limitations, are sought from the literature and reported in this paper. It is found that recycling techniques still cannot compete with traditional landfilling in terms of cost, and are dependent on fiber recovery rates and plant capacities. Following a comprehensive literature review, research gaps are identified to formulate the research directions in this field.
Metal Recovery and Electricity Generation from Wastewater Treatment: The State of the Art
Authors: Chen Qing-Yun , Lu Ruo-Chen , Zhu Yu-Cheng , Wang Yun-Hai
Published: December 2022

The recovery of metal resources from wastewater is very important for both resource recovery and wastewater treatment. Compared with traditional metal-polluted wastewater treatment technologies, advanced wastewater treatment technologies with the functions of both recovering metals and generating electricity have been developed rapidly in recent years. These advanced technologies include microbial fuel cells, photo fuel cells, coupled redox fuel cells, etc. In this paper, these advanced technologies are elaborated from their principles to their applications in wastewater treatment for metals recovery and electricity generation. The recent progress of these technologies was also reviewed. The effects of different metal ions, cell configurations, and various operating parameters on their performance were also discussed. Although these technologies are promising, the challenges and the efforts needed to overcome them are also highlighted.
Bringing the Inert to Life: The Activation of Animate Beings
Authors: VanPool Christine S. , VanPool Todd L.
Published: December 2022

Animist cultures around the world are based on interactions among humans and other-than-human beings. Humans are active agents in this process and often establish alliances with other-than-human beings to accomplish a variety of goals. The means of establishing these alliances is an emerging area of interest in studies of animist ontologies. We demonstrate here that these allies are often object-persons specifically made or modified by humans to have desired spiritual and physical properties. Examples of common object-persons range from domestic residences to shamanic drums to sacred bundles used for ritual activities. We further establish that object-persons go through a life cycle typically starting with a process that activates and modifies latent agency. We demonstrate this process using case studies from the North American Southwest, especially during the Medio period (AD 1200 to 1450) occupation of the Casas Grandes region of northwestern Mexico and the southwestern United States. Our primary examples are the creation of three Mesoamerican-style ballcourts and a water reservoir at Paquimé, which is the ceremonial and political center of the Medio period world. These examples reflect the underlying animistic ontology of this culture and provide a case study of the relationship between material religion and ritual practice that frames animistic religious practices.
Lock-In Thermal Test Simulation, Influence, and Optimum Cycle Period for Infrared Thermal Testing in Non-Destructive Testing
Authors: Ramos Silva António , Vaz Mário , Leite Sofia , Mendes Joaquim
Published: December 2022

Lock-in thermal tests (LTTs) are one of the best ways to detect defects in composite materials. The parameter that most affects their performance is the cycle period of the stimulation wave. Its influence on the amplitude-phase results was determined by performing various numeric simulations and laboratory tests. The laboratory tests were used to infer part of the simulation parameters, namely the input and output heat, corresponding to the stimulation and natural convection. The simulations and the analysis of their results focus on the heat flow inside the sample and the manner they change for different geometries. This was performed for poly(methyl methacrylate (PMMA) and carbon fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRPs). The simulation of these materials was also used to create prediction surfaces and equations. These predict the amplitude and phase for a sample with a thickness l and a cycle period. These new findings were validated with new laboratory tests and two new samples. These validated the prediction surfaces and equations and can now be used as a reference for future works and industrial applications.
RANSAC for Robotic Applications: A Survey
Authors: Martínez-Otzeta José María , Rodríguez-Moreno Itsaso , Mendialdua Iñigo , Sierra Basilio
Published: December 2022

Random Sample Consensus, most commonly abbreviated as RANSAC, is a robust estimation method for the parameters of a model contaminated by a sizable percentage of outliers. In its simplest form, the process starts with a sampling of the minimum data needed to perform an estimation, followed by an evaluation of its adequacy, and further repetitions of this process until some stopping criterion is met. Multiple variants have been proposed in which this workflow is modified, typically tweaking one or several of these steps for improvements in computing time or the quality of the estimation of the parameters. RANSAC is widely applied in the field of robotics, for example, for finding geometric shapes (planes, cylinders, spheres, etc.) in cloud points or for estimating the best transformation between different camera views. In this paper, we present a review of the current state of the art of RANSAC family methods with a special interest in applications in robotics.
Wearable-Measured Sleep and Resting Heart Rate Variability as an Outcome of and Predictor for Subjective Stress Measures: A Multiple N-of-1 Observational Study
Authors: de Vries Herman J. , Pennings Helena J. M. , van der Schans Cees P. , Sanderman Robbert , Oldenhuis Hilbrand K. E. , Kamphuis Wim
Published: December 2022

The effects of stress may be alleviated when its impact or a decreased stress-resilience are detected early. This study explores whether wearable-measured sleep and resting HRV in police officers can be predicted by stress-related Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) measures in preceding days and predict stress-related EMA outcomes in subsequent days. Eight police officers used an Oura ring to collect daily Total Sleep Time (TST) and resting Heart Rate Variability (HRV) and an EMA app for measuring demands, stress, mental exhaustion, and vigor during 15–55 weeks. Vector Autoregression (VAR) models were created and complemented by Granger causation tests and Impulse Response Function visualizations. Demands negatively predicted TST and HRV in one participant. TST negatively predicted demands, stress, and mental exhaustion in two, three, and five participants, respectively, and positively predicted vigor in five participants. HRV negatively predicted demands in two participants, and stress and mental exhaustion in one participant. Changes in HRV lasted longer than those in TST. Bidirectional associations of TST and resting HRV with stress-related outcomes were observed at a weak-to-moderate strength, but not consistently across participants. TST and resting HRV are more consistent predictors of stress-resilience in upcoming days than indicators of stress-related measures in prior days.
Honeycomb Artifact Removal Using Convolutional Neural Network for Fiber Bundle Imaging
Authors: Kim Eunchan , Kim Seonghoon , Choi Myunghwan , Seo Taewon , Yang Sungwook
Published: December 2022

We present a new deep learning framework for removing honeycomb artifacts yielded by optical path blocking of cladding layers in fiber bundle imaging. The proposed framework, HAR-CNN, provides an end-to-end mapping from a raw fiber bundle image to an artifact-free image via a convolution neural network (CNN). The synthesis of honeycomb patterns on ordinary images allows conveniently learning and validating the network without the enormous ground truth collection by extra hardware setups. As a result, HAR-CNN shows significant performance improvement in honeycomb pattern removal and also detailed preservation for the 1961 USAF chart sample, compared with other conventional methods. Finally, HAR-CNN is GPU-accelerated for real-time processing and enhanced image mosaicking performance.
Assessment of Three-Dimensional Kinematics of High- and Low-Calibre Hockey Skaters on Synthetic Ice Using Wearable Sensors
Authors: Khandan Aminreza , Fathian Ramin , Carey Jason , Rouhani Hossein
Published: December 2022

Hockey skating objective assessment can help coaches detect players’ performance drop early and avoid fatigue-induced injuries. This study aimed to calculate and experimentally validate the 3D angles of lower limb joints of hockey skaters obtained by inertial measurement units and explore the effectiveness of the on-ice distinctive features measured using these wearable sensors in differentiating low- and high-calibre skaters. Twelve able-bodied individuals, six high-calibre and six low-calibre skaters, were recruited to skate forward on a synthetic ice surface. Five IMUs were placed on their dominant leg and pelvis. The 3D lower-limb joint angles were obtained by IMUs and experimentally validated against those obtained by a motion capture system with a maximum root mean square error of 5 deg. Additionally, among twelve joint angle-based distinctive features identified in other on-ice studies, only three were significantly different (p-value < 0.05) between high- and low-calibre skaters in this synthetic ice experiment. This study thus indicated that skating on synthetic ice alters the skating patterns such that the on-ice distinctive features can no longer differentiate between low- and high-calibre skating joint angles. This wearable technology has the potential to help skating coaches keep track of the players’ progress by assessing the skaters’ performance, wheresoever.
Wireless Sensing Technology Combined with Facial Expression to Realize Multimodal Emotion Recognition
Authors: Dang Xiaochao , Chen Zetong , Hao Zhanjun , Ga Macidan , Han Xinyu , Zhang Xiaotong , Yang Jie
Published: December 2022

Emotions significantly impact human physical and mental health, and, therefore, emotion recognition has been a popular research area in neuroscience, psychology, and medicine. In this paper, we preprocess the raw signals acquired by millimeter-wave radar to obtain high-quality heartbeat and respiration signals. Then, we propose a deep learning model incorporating a convolutional neural network and gated recurrent unit neural network in combination with human face expression images. The model achieves a recognition accuracy of 84.5% in person-dependent experiments and 74.25% in person-independent experiments. The experiments show that it outperforms a single deep learning model compared to traditional machine learning algorithms.