bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Trail Running versus Road Running—Effects on Neuromuscular and Endurance Performance—A Two Arm Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Drum Scott Nolan , Rappelt Ludwig , Held Steffen , Donath Lars
Published: March 2023

Running on less predictable terrain has the potential to increase the stimulation of the neuromuscular system and can boost aerobic performance. Hence, the purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of trail versus road running on neuromuscular and endurance performance parameters in running novices. Twenty sedentary participants were randomly assigned to either a trail (TRAIL; n = 10) or road running (ROAD; n = 10) group. A supervised and progressive, moderate intensity, and work-load-matched 8 wk endurance running program on TRAIL or ROAD was prescribed (i.e., randomized). Static balance (BESS test), dynamic balance (Y-balance test), gait analysis (RehaGait test, with regard to stride time single task, stride length dual task, velocity single task), agility performance (t-test), isokinetic leg strength (BIODEX), and predicted VO2max were assessed in pre- and post-tests. rANOVA analysis revealed no significant time–group interactions. Large effect sizes (Cohen’s d) for pairwise comparison were found for TRAIL in the BESS test (d = 1.2) and predicted (pred) VO2max (d = 0.95). Moderate effects were evident for ROAD in BESS (d = 0.5), stride time single task (d = 0.52), and VO2max predicted (d = 0.53). Possible moderate to large effect sizes for stride length dual task (72%), velocity single task (64%), BESS test (60%), and the Y-balance test left stance (51%) in favor of TRAIL occurred. Collectively, the results suggested slightly more beneficial tendencies in favor of TRAIL. Additional research is needed to clearly elucidate differences between TRAIL and ROAD, not only in novices but also in experienced exercisers.
Do Environmental Regulations Facilitate a Low-Carbon Transformation in China’s Resource-Based Cities?
Authors: Xie Wancheng , Chapman Andrew , Yan Taihua
Published: March 2023

Resource-based cities (RBCs) are not only important for ensuring national resource and energy security, but they also face serious ecological and environmental problems. To achieve China’s carbon peaking and neutrality goals in the coming years, RBCs’ achievement of a low-carbon transformation has become increasingly significant. The core of this study is an investigation as to whether governance, including environmental regulations, can facilitate the low-carbon transformation of RBCs. Based on RBC data from 2003 to 2019, we establish a dynamic panel model to research the influence and mechanism of environmental regulations on low-carbon transformation. We found that China’s environmental regulations facilitate a low-carbon transformation in RBCs. Mechanism analysis identified that the environmental regulations facilitate the low-carbon transformation in RBCs by strengthening foreign direct investment, enhancing green technology innovation and promoting industrial structure upgrading. Heterogeneity analysis found that the environmental regulations play a greater role in facilitating the low-carbon transformation of RBCs in regions with more developed economies and less dependence on resources. Our research provides theoretical and policy implications for environmental regulations for the low-carbon transformation of RBCs in China, applicable to other resource-based areas.
Th17/Treg Imbalance: Implications in Lung Inflammatory Diseases
Authors: Thomas Rony , Qiao Sai , Yang Xi
Published: March 2023

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) and T helper 17 cells (Th17) are two CD4+ T cell subsets with antagonist effects. Th17 cells promote inflammation, whereas Tregs are crucial in maintaining immune homeostasis. Recent studies suggest that Th17 cells and Treg cells are the foremost players in several inflammatory diseases. In this review, we explore the present knowledge on the role of Th17 cells and Treg cells, focusing on lung inflammatory diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), sarcoidosis, asthma, and pulmonary infectious diseases.
High-Molecular-Weight Exopolysaccharides Production from Tuber borchii Cultivated by Submerged Fermentation
Authors: Chen Cheng-Chun , Nargotra Parushi , Kuo Chia-Hung , Liu Yung-Chuan
Published: March 2023

Truffles are known worldwide for their peculiar taste, aroma, and nutritious properties, which increase their economic value. However, due to the challenges associated with the natural cultivation of truffles, including cost and time, submerged fermentation has turned out to be a potential alternative. Therefore, in the current study, the cultivation of Tuber borchii in submerged fermentation was executed to enhance the production of mycelial biomass, exopolysaccharides (EPSs), and intracellular polysaccharides (IPSs). The mycelial growth and EPS and IPS production was greatly impacted by the choice and concentration of the screened carbon and nitrogen sources. The results showed that sucrose (80 g/L) and yeast extract (20 g/L) yielded maximum mycelial biomass (5.38 ± 0.01 g/L), EPS (0.70 ± 0.02 g/L), and IPS (1.76 ± 0.01 g/L). The time course analysis of truffle growth revealed that the highest growth and EPS and IPS production was observed on the 28th day of the submerged fermentation. Molecular weight analysis performed by the gel permeation chromatography method revealed a high proportion of high-molecular-weight EPS when 20 g/L yeast extract was used as media and the NaOH extraction step was carried out. Moreover, structural analysis of the EPS using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed that the EPS was β-(1–3)-glucan, which is known for its biomedical properties, including anti-cancer and anti-microbial activities. To the best of our knowledge, this study represents the first FTIR analysis for the structural characterization of β-(1–3)-glucan (EPS) produced from Tuber borchii grown in submerged fermentation.
Artful—An AR Social Self-Guided Tour App for Cultural Learning in Museum Settings
Authors: Grammatikopoulou Athina , Grammalidis Nikos
Published: March 2023

The cultural heritage sector has often acted as catalyst in allowing groups to coexist harmonically by investing in intercultural dialogue. Nonetheless, the vast majority of cultural experiences offered by cultural institutions rarely take provisions to make such experiences inclusive for groups with diverse sociocultural characteristics. In this context, this study explores the hypothesis that the adoption of Web 2.0 design patterns could enhance the public’s participation and inclusion by making visitors co-creators of the offered cultural experience, and help museums transform into more inclusive spaces by enhancing knowledge sharing and social learning. A self-guided tour tool with augmented reality and social features is proposed to facilitate the creation of an online learning community for museum staff and visitors, and to enable information sharing and interactions. Initially, the paper’s theoretical background is presented, focusing on the analysis of social educational theories. Next, a state-of-the-art analysis is conducted. The two aforementioned analyses provide both direction and impetus to the design process and research inquiry. Following this, the key functionalities of the proposed application are presented. A preliminary small-scale experiment conducted in an art exhibition showed that its use could be efficient, as positive feedback was obtained.
Assessing Fine-Grained Explicitness of Song Lyrics
Authors: Rospocher Marco , Eksir Samaneh
Published: March 2023

Music plays a crucial role in our lives, with growing consumption and engagement through streaming services and social media platforms. However, caution is needed for children, who may be exposed to explicit content through songs. Initiatives such as the Parental Advisory Label (PAL) and similar labelling from streaming content providers aim to protect children from harmful content. However, so far, the labelling has been limited to tagging the song as explicit (if so), without providing any additional information on the reasons for the explicitness (e.g., strong language, sexual reference). This paper addresses this issue by developing a system capable of detecting explicit song lyrics and assessing the kind of explicit content detected. The novel contributions of the work include (i) a new dataset of 4000 song lyrics annotated with five possible reasons for content explicitness and (ii) experiments with machine learning classifiers to predict explicitness and the reasons for it. The results demonstrated the feasibility of automatically detecting explicit content and the reasons for explicitness in song lyrics. This work is the first to address explicitness at this level of detail and provides a valuable contribution to the music industry, helping to protect children from exposure to inappropriate content.
A Space Fractional Uphill Dispersion in Traffic Flow Model with Solutions by the Trial Equation Method
Authors: Soliby Rfaat Moner , Jamaian Siti Suhana
Published: March 2023

This paper has two main objectives. First, we modify the traffic flow model by introducing the uphill dispersion that derives from the fact that, in peak hours, drivers tend to travel from low to high density regions. This means that the proposed model recovers wrong-way travel and is free from advected discontinuity. Second, in order to describe the anomalous transport behavior, we fractalize the proposed model to include dynamics with the fractional in space. As a result of adopting the fractional Fick’s law, several moving jam waves are presented which elucidate the non-homogeneity of driving styles. Then, the GFFD fractional derivative and the trail equation method are applied and for some special cases solutions are simulated which could help transportation engineers to understand traffic behavior and thus make appropriate decisions when constructing a traffic signals network.
Study of Cyclohexane and Methylcyclohexane Functionalization Promoted by Manganese(III) Compounds
Authors: Neves Eduardo S. , Fernandes Christiane , Horn Adolfo
Published: March 2023

Alkane functionalization using safe and low-energy processes is of great interest to industry and academia. Aiming to contribute to the process of saturated hydrocarbon functionalization, we have studied a set of three manganese(III) complexes as catalysts for promoting the oxidation of saturated hydrocarbons (cyclohexane and methylcyclohexane) in the presence of hydrogen peroxide or trichloroisocyanuric acid (TCCA). The mononuclear manganese(III) compounds were prepared using the ligands H2LMet4 (6,6’-((1,4-diazepane-1,4-diyl)bis(methylene))bis(2,4-dimethylphenol), H2salen (2,2’-((1E,1’E)-(ethane-1,2-diylbis(azaneylylidene))bis(methaneylylidene))diphenol) and H2salan (2,2’-((ethane-1,2-diylbis(azanediyl))bis(methylene))diphenol). The catalytic processes were carried out in acetonitrile at 25 and 50 °C for 24 h. The increase in the temperature was important to get a better conversion. The compounds did not promote cyclohexane oxidation in the presence of H2O2. However, they were active in the presence of TCCA, employing a ratio of 1000:333:1 equivalents of the substrate:TCCA:catalyst. The best catalytic activity was shown by the compound [Mn(salen)Cl], reaching conversions of 14.5 ± 0.3% (25 °C) and 26.3 ± 1.1% (50 °C) (yield for chlorocyclohexane) and up to 12.1 ± 0.5% (25 °C) and 29.8 ± 2.2% (50 °C) (total yield for the mixture of the products 1-chloro-4-methylcyclohexane, 3-methylcyclohexene and 1-methylcyclohexene). The interaction of the catalysts with TCCA was studied using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), suggesting that the catalysts [Mn(LMet4)Cl] and [Mn(salan)Cl] act via a different mechanism from that observed for [Mn(salen)Cl].
Genetic Association between the Levels of Plasma Lipids and the Risk of Aortic Aneurysm and Aortic Dissection: A Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Li Rui , Zhang Chao , Du Xinling , Chen Shi
Published: March 2023

Although a growing number of studies have attempted to uncover the relationship between plasma lipids and the risk of aortic aneurysm (AA), it remains controversial. Meanwhile, the relationship between plasma lipids and the risk of aortic dissection (AD) has not been reported on. We conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to evaluate the potential relationship between genetically predicted plasma levels of lipids and the risk of AA and AD. Summary data on the relationship between genetic variants and plasma lipids were obtained from the UK Biobank and Global Lipids Genetics Consortium studies, and data on the association between genetic variants and AA or AD were taken from the FinnGen consortium study. Inverse-variance weighted (IVW) and four other MR analysis methods were used to evaluate effect estimates. Results showed that genetically predicted plasma levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol, or triglycerides were positively correlated with the risk of AA, and plasma levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were negatively correlated with the risk of AA. However, no causal relationship was found between elevated lipid levels and the risk of AD. Our study revealed a causal relationship between plasma lipids and the risk of AA, while plasma lipids had no effect on the risk of AD.
Cycle Characteristics and Pregnancy Outcomes of Early Rescue Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection Cycles in Normal and Hyper-Ovarian Response Women: A Six-Year Retrospective Study
Authors: Chen Liang , Zhou Hanjing , Liu Xueli , Zhao Jing , Qi Qianrong , Xie Qingzhen
Published: March 2023

This study aims to analyze the cycle characteristics, pregnancy, and neonatal outcomes in early rescue intracytoplasmic sperm injection (r-ICSI) cycles in normal and hyper-ovarian response women in their first IVF/ICSI attempts. Data from short-term in vitro fertilization (IVF, N = 7148), early r-ICSI (N = 618), and ICSI (N = 1744) cycles were retrospectively analyzed from normal and hyper-ovarian women who underwent their first IVF/ICSI cycles at our center from October 2015 to October 2021. The r-ICSI group was subdivided into partial r-ICSI (N = 451) and total r-ICSI (N = 167) based on the number of fertilized oocytes in the IVF part. Cyclic characteristics, pregnancy, delivery and neonatal outcomes in the fresh cycle were compared among the four groups; pregnancy, delivery and neonatal outcomes in frozen-thawed cycles were compared regarding cleavage and blastocyst transfers derived from r-ICSI cycles. Partial r-ICSI cycles showed different cyclic characteristics compared to total r-ICSI cycles, presenting as elevated AMH and estradiol levels on trigger day and an increased number of oocytes retrieved. Early r-ICSI delayed blastocyst development as seen by the increase in the number of day 6 blastocysts. There was no significant difference among the groups in clinical pregnancy, pregnancy loss, and live birth in fresh cleavage-stage embryo transfer cycles. However, early r-ICSI groups showed a reduction in clinical pregnancy and live birth rates in fresh blastocyst transfer cycles but not in the frozen-thawed cycles. For pregnant women, early r-ICSI did not show a negative effect on the risk of preterm birth, Cesarean section, neonatal birth weight, and sex ratio. In conclusion, early r-ICSI had comparable pregnancy, delivery, and neonatal outcomes when compared with short-term IVF and ICSI groups in fresh cleavage-stage embryo transfer cycles, but early r-ICSI did result in reduced pregnancy outcomes in fresh blastocyst embryo cycles, possibly due to delayed blastocyst development and asynchronization with the endometrium.
Comparison between the Flapless Surgical Approach and a Novel Single Incision Access in Terms of Recovery Time and Comfort after Extraction of Impacted Inferior Third Molars: A Randomised, Blinded, Split-Mouth Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Materni Alberto , Pasquale Claudio , Signore Antonio , Benedicenti Stefano , Amaroli Andrea
Published: March 2023

The recent attention to quality of life and oral health care procedures reflects a renewed ‘patient-based’ approach to dealing with non-life-threatening conditions. In the current study, we proposed a novel surgical approach to the extraction of impacted inferior third molars (iMs3) through a randomised, blinded, split-mouth controlled clinical trial following the CONSORT guidelines. The novel surgical procedure, hereinafter referred to as single incision access (SIA), will be compared with our previously described flapless surgical approach (FSA). The predictor variable was the novel SIA approach, involving access through a single incision without removal of soft tissue, on the impacted iMs3. The primary endpoint was the acceleration of the iMs3 extraction healing time. The secondary endpoints were the incidences of pain and oedema as well as gum health (pocket probing depth and attached gingiva). The study was carried out on 84 teeth of 42 patients with both iMs3 impacted. The cohort was composed of 42% Caucasian males and 58% Caucasian females, aged 23.8 ± 7.9 (17–49) years. We observed faster recovery/wound-healing on the SIA side (33.6 ± 4.3 days) than at the FSA side (42.1 ± 5.4 days; p < 0.05). The FSA approach confirmed the evidence previously detected concerning early post-surgery improvement in terms of attached gingiva and reduced oedema and pain, with respect to the traditional envelope flap. The novel SIA approach follows the early positive post-surgery FSA results.
The Multiple Facets and Disorders of B Cell Functions in Hepatitis B Virus Infection
Authors: Ablikim Dilhumare , Zeng Xiaoqing , Xu Chunli , Zhao Mengxiao , Yang Xuecheng , Feng Xuemei , Liu Jia
Published: March 2023

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection continues to be a global public health burden. B cells play a pivotal role in mediating HBV clearance and can participate in the development of anti-HBV adaptive immune responses through multiple mechanisms, such as antibody production, antigen presentation, and immune regulation. However, B cell phenotypic and functional disorders are frequently observed during chronic HBV infection, suggesting the necessity of targeting the disordered anti-HBV B cell responses to design and test new immune therapeutic strategies for the treatment of chronic HBV infection. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of the multiple roles of B cells in mediating HBV clearance and pathogenesis as well as the latest developments in understanding the immune dysfunction of B cells in chronic HBV infection. Additionally, we discuss novel immune therapeutic strategies that aim to enhance anti-HBV B cell responses for curing chronic HBV infection.
Comparing the Long-Term Success Rates of Tooth Preservation and Dental Implants: A Critical Review
Authors: Sartoretto Suelen Cristina , Shibli Jamil Awad , Javid Kayvon , Cotrim Khalila , Canabarro Antonio , Louro Rafael Seabra , Lowenstein Adam , Mourão Carlos Fernando , Moraschini Vittorio
Published: March 2023

Implant therapy is considered a predictable, safe, and reliable rehabilitation method for edentulous patients in most clinical scenarios. Thus, there is a growing trend in the indications for implants, which seems attributable not only to their clinical success but also to arguments such as a more “simplified approach” based on convenience or the belief that dental implants are as good as natural teeth. Therefore, the objective of this critical literature review of observational studies was to discuss the evidence concerning the long-term survival rates and treatment outcomes, comparing endodontically or periodontally treated teeth with dental implants. Altogether, the evidence suggests that the decision between keeping a tooth or replacing it with an implant should carefully consider the condition of the tooth (e.g., amount of remaining tooth and degree of attachment loss and mobility), systemic disorders, and patient preference. Although observational studies revealed high success rates and long-term survival of dental implants, failures and complications are common. For this reason, attempts should be made to first save maintainable teeth over the long-term, instead of immediately replacing teeth with dental implants.
Association between Stress and Physical Fitness of University Students Post-COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Suwannakul Boonsita , Sangkarit Noppharath , Manoy Pacharee , Amput Patchareeya , Tapanya Weerasak
Published: March 2023

Post-COVID-19 pandemic, most universities changed their educational model from online courses to onsite learning, allowing students to attend regular face-to-face classes. These changes can cause stress in students, which affects physical fitness. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between stress levels and physical fitness in female university students. The participants were 101 female university students, 18–23 years of age. All participants completed the Suan Prung Stress Test-60 (SPST-60). The physical fitness test included body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, as well as musculoskeletal fitness. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to determine the associations between SPST-60 scores and physical fitness. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. We found a negative correlation between the sources of stress scores, here environment, and maximal oxygen consumption (β = −0.291; 95% CI, −0.551, −0.031). We also found that symptoms of stress scores in the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems were positively associated with waist-hip circumference ratio (WHR) (β = 0.010; 95% CI, 0.002, 0.017 and β = 0.006; 95% CI, 0.000, 0.012, respectively). Moreover, the symptoms of stress, here emotion, were positively associated with the WHR (β = 0.005; 95 %CI, 0.001, 0.009) and negatively associated with upper extremity muscle strength (β = −0.005; 95% CI, −0.009, 0.000). The results of this study confirmed the associations between stress levels in the post-COVID-19 pandemic era and WHR, maximal oxygen consumption, and upper extremity muscle strength. As a result, stress reduction or prevention alternatives should be considered in order to maintain physical fitness and prevent stress disorders.
Proposal of Zero-Emission Tug in South Korea Using Fuel Cell/Energy Storage System: Economic and Environmental Long-Term Impacts
Authors: Kim Kyunghwa , Park Kido , Roh Gilltae , Choung Choungho , Kwag Kyuhyeong , Kim Wook
Published: March 2023

This study presents the results of economic and environmental analysis for two types of zero-emission ships (ZESs) that are receiving more attention to meet strengthened environmental regulations. One of the two types of ZES is the ZES using only the energy storage system (All-ESS), and the other is the ZES with fuel cell and ESS hybrid system (FC–ESS). The target ship is a tug operating in South Korea, and the main parameters are based on the specific circumstances of South Korea. The optimal capacity of the ESS for each proposed system is determined using an optimization tool. The total cost for a ship’s lifetime is calculated using economic analysis. The greenhouse gas (GHG) emission for the fuel’s lifecycle (well-to-wake) is calculated using environmental analysis. The results reveal that the proposed ZESs are 1.7–3.4 times more expensive than the conventional marine gas oil (MGO)-fueled ship; however, it could be reduced by 1.3–2.4 times if the carbon price is considered. The proposed ZESs have 58.7–74.3% lower lifecycle GHG emissions than the one from the conventional ship. The results also highlight that the electricity- or hydrogen-based ZESs should reduce GHG emissions from the upstream phase (well-to-tank) to realize genuine ZESs.
A Model of Urban and Socio-Technical Participation: Between Deliberative Democracy and Strong Governance—The Case of the City of Messina
Authors: Musolino Monica , Viganò Federica
Published: March 2023

This paper deals with transformation processes in an area of Messina where post-earthquake (1908) slums still exist. Over the last few years, the area has undergone important changes, resulting in a new, rather complex neighborhood scenario, but one that has highlighted its importance as an example for the urban regeneration of the whole city. This essay focuses on the participatory processes adopted by an NGO to involve the residents and some of the more vulnerable occupants in a new model for socio-technical change regarding energy and eco-sustainability.
Transnational Religious Practices as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage: The Complex Case of the Traditional Latin Mass
Authors: Kwasniewski Peter , Parowicz Izabella , Shaw Joseph , Stec Piotr
Published: March 2023

The 2003 UNESCO Convention definition of intangible cultural heritage (ICH) covers religious practices and rites, as can be seen from normative descriptions and dozens of actual examples, many of which are Catholic religious traditions. The Traditional Latin Mass (TLM), practiced in one form or another for over 1500 years by an ever-increasing number of peoples and nations and in possession of a common stable set of rules, meets the UNESCO criteria for listing as ICH; in fact, it is arguably the best possible example. It is also a complicated one. After the Catholic Church’s liturgical reform in the 1960s and 1970s, new rites were introduced and the old rites were officially abandoned; nevertheless, a minority of clergy and laity continued to celebrate the TLM, and, over time, the legitimacy of their attachment to it was recognised by several popes, who also spoke regularly of the great value of the Church’s cultural and artistic patrimony and recommended that it remained joined with its religious origins. In contrast, the current pope, Francis, has recently become opposed to the continuation of the old rites. Be this as it may, it is quite possible that such a threatened but deeply appreciated international ICH as the TLM could be proposed for listing by several states that (unlike the Holy See) have signed the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, to give it a recognition appropriate to its immense historical and present-day cultural value.
Post-COVID Syndrome and Cardiorespiratory Fitness—26-Month Experience of Single Center
Authors: Sova Milan , Sovova Eliska , Ozana Jaromir , Moravcova Katarina , Sovova Marketa , Jelinek Libor , Mizera Jan , Genzor Samuel
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Persistent post-COVID syndrome, also referred to as long COVID, is a pathologic entity that involves persistent physical, medical, and cognitive sequelae following COVID-19. Decreased fitness has repeatedly been reported in numerous studies dealing with post-COVID syndrome, however, it is still not fully clear which groups of patients may be more susceptible for persisting symptoms. Aim: The aim of our study was to evaluate the number of post-COVID patients with cardiac symptoms, where these patients were evaluated by CPET and the results compared with a control group of patients. Methods: Follow-up of patients in post-COVID outpatient clinic from 1 March 2020 to 31 May 2022. Inclusion criteria were positive PCR test for SARS-CoV-2 and age 18–100. The initial examination was performed 4–12 weeks after the disease onset. All patients with possible cardiac symptoms had completed cardiopulmonary exercise testing. The control group was randomly selected from a database of clients in 2019, with the preventive reason for evaluation. Results: From 1 March 2020 to 31 May 2022, 2732 patients (45.7% males) were evaluated with a mean age of 54.6 ± 14.7. CPET was indicated only in 97 patients (3.5%). Seventy-four patients (26 male) achieved the exercise maximum and a comparison were made with a control group (same age (p = 0.801), BMI (p = 0.721), and sex ratio). No significant dependence between the parameter VO2 max mL/kg/min and post-COVID disability was demonstrated (p = 0.412). Spearman’s correlation analysis did not show a significant relationship between the parameter VO2 max mL/kg/min and the severity of COVID-19 (p = 0.285). Conclusions: Cardiac symptoms occurred in only a small percentage of patients in our study. There is a need for further studies that would objectively evaluate the effect of COVID-19 disease on the patient’s health.
A Mixed-Integer Linear Formulation for a Dynamic Modified Stochastic p-Median Problem in a Competitive Supply Chain Network Design
Authors: Sadeghi Amir Hossein , Sun Ziyuan , Sahebi-Fakhrabad Amirreza , Arzani Hamid , Handfield Robert
Published: March 2023

Background: The Dynamic Modified Stochastic p-Median Problem (DMS-p-MP) is an important problem in supply chain network design, as it deals with the optimal location of facilities and the allocation of demand in a dynamic and uncertain environment. Methods: In this research paper, we propose a mixed-integer linear formulation for the DMS-p-MP, which captures the key features of the problem and allows for efficient solution methods. The DMS-p-MP adds two key features to the classical problem: (1) it considers the dynamic nature of the problem, where the demand is uncertain and changes over time, and (2) it allows for the modification of the facility locations over time, subject to a fixed number of modifications. The proposed model uses robust optimization in order to address the uncertainty of demand by allowing for the optimization of solutions that are not overly sensitive to small changes in the data or parameters. To manage the computational challenges presented by large-scale DMS-p-MP networks, a Lagrangian relaxation (LR) algorithm is employed. Results: Our computational study in a real-life case study demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed formulation in solving the DMS p-Median Problem. The results show that the number of opened and closed buildings remains unchanged as the time horizon increases due to the periodic nature of our demand. Conclusions: This formulation can be applied to real-world problems, providing decision-makers with an effective tool to optimize their supply chain network design in a dynamic and uncertain environment.
Phase Equilibria, Thermodynamics and Solidified Microstructure in the Copper–Zirconium–Yttrium System
Authors: Jing Fengting , Liu Yuling , Du Yong , Shi Chenying , Hu Biao , He Xiancong
Published: March 2023

A copper alloy with the addition of zirconium and yttrium is an attractive high strength and high conductivity (HSHC) copper alloy. The study of the solidified microstructure, thermodynamics and phase equilibria in the ternary Cu–Zr–Y system is expected to provide new insight into designing an HSHC copper alloy. In this work, the solidified and equilibrium microstructure and phase transition temperatures in the Cu–Zr–Y ternary system were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) and differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). The isothermal section at 973 K was experimentally constructed. No ternary compound was found, while the Cu6Y, Cu4Y, Cu7Y2, Cu5Zr, Cu51Zr14 and CuZr phases substantially extended into the ternary system. According to the experimental phase diagram data from the present work and the literature, the Cu–Zr–Y ternary system was assessed using the CALPHAD (CALculation of PHAse diagrams) method. The isothermal sections, vertical section and liquidus projection calculated by the present thermodynamic description agree well with the experimental results. This study not only establishes a thermodynamic description of the Cu–Zr–Y system, but also contributes to the design of a copper alloy with the required microstructure.
Life Cycle Assessment of River Sand and Aggregates Alternatives in Concrete
Authors: Anh Le Hung , Mihai Florin-Constantin , Belousova Anna , Kucera Radek , Oswald Klaus-Dieter , Riedel Wolfgang , Sekar Naveedh Ahmed , Schneider Petra
Published: March 2023

Urbanization processes in Asia are still ongoing; thus, aggregate demand is expected to increase in following years. Even though construction and demolition waste is a source for secondary building materials in industrialized countries, it is not yet an alternative construction material source in Vietnam as the urbanization process is still ongoing. Thus, there is a need for river sand and aggregates alternatives in concrete, namely manufactured sand (m-sand) from primary solid rock materials and secondary waste materials. The focus in the present study for Vietnam was on m-sand sand as alternative for river sand, and different ashes as alternatives for cement in concrete. The investigations comprised concrete lab tests according to the formulations of concrete strength class C 25/30 in accordance with DIN EN 206, followed by a lifecycle assessment study in order to identify the environmental impact of the alternatives. In total 84 samples were investigated, consisting of 3 reference samples, 18 samples with primary substitutes, 18 samples with secondary substitutes, and 45 samples with cement substitutes. This kind of holistic investigation approach comprising material alternatives and accompanying LCA was the first study for Vietnam, and even for Asia, and represents a substantial added value for future policy development in order to cope with resource scarcity. The results show that with the exception of metamorphic rocks, all m-sands meet the requirements for quality concrete. In terms of cement replacement, the mixes showed that a higher percentage of ash reduces the compressive strength. The compressive strength values of the mixes with up to 10% coal filter ash or rice husk ash were equivalent to the C25/30 standard concrete formulation. Higher ash contents up to 30% lead to the reduction of the concrete quality. The LCA study’s results highlighted the better environmental footprints across environmental impact categories in the 10% substitution material in comparison to the use of primary materials. The LCA analysis results showed that cement as a component in concrete holds the highest footprint. The use of secondary waste as alternative for cement provides significant environmental advantage.
Probability Density Function Models for Float Glass under Mechanical Loading with Varying Parameters
Authors: Symoens Evelien , Van Coile Ruben , Jovanović Balša , Belis Jan
Published: March 2023

Glass as a construction material has become indispensable and is still on the rise in the building industry. However, there is still a need for numerical models that can predict the strength of structural glass in different configurations. The complexity lies in the failure of glass elements largely driven by pre-existing microscopic surface flaws. These flaws are present over the entire glass surface, and the properties of each flaw vary. Therefore, the fracture strength of glass is described by a probability function and will depend on the size of the panels, the loading conditions and the flaw size distribution. This paper extends the strength prediction model of Osnes et al. with the model selection by the Akaike information criterion. This allows us to determine the most appropriate probability density function describing the glass panel strength. The analyses indicate that the most appropriate model is mainly affected by the number of flaws subjected to the maximum tensile stresses. When many flaws are loaded, the strength is better described by a normal or Weibull distribution. When few flaws are loaded, the distribution tends more towards a Gumbel distribution. A parameter study is performed to examine the most important and influencing parameters in the strength prediction model.
Microstructure Evolution with Rapid Thermal Annealing Time in (001)-Oriented Piezoelectric PZT Films Integrated on (111) Si
Authors: Wang Yingying , Zhu Hanfei , Xue Yinxiu , Yan Peng , Ouyang Jun
Published: March 2023

In our recently published paper (Y.-Y. Wang et al., High performance LaNiO3-buffered, (001)-oriented PZT piezoelectric films integrated on (111) Si, Appl. Phys. Lett. 121, 182902, 2022), highly (001)-oriented PZT films with a large transverse piezoelectric coefficient e31,f prepared on (111) Si substrates were reported. This work is beneficial for the development of piezoelectric micro-electro-mechanical systems (Piezo-MEMS) because of (111) Si’s isotropic mechanical properties and desirable etching characteristics. However, the underlying mechanism for the achievement of a high piezoelectric performance in these PZT films going through a rapid thermal annealing process has not been thoroughly analyzed. In this work, we present complete sets of data in microstructure (XRD, SEM and TEM) and electrical properties (ferroelectric, dielectric and piezoelectric) for these films with typical annealing times of 2, 5, 10 and 15 min. Through data analyses, we revealed competing effects in tuning the electrical properties of these PZT films, i.e., the removal of residual PbO and proliferation of nanopores with an increasing annealing time. The latter turned out to be the dominating factor for a deteriorated piezoelectric performance. Therefore, the PZT film with the shortest annealing time of 2 min showed the largest e31,f piezoelectric coefficient. Furthermore, the performance degradation occurred in the PZT film annealed for 10 min can be explained by a film morphology change, which involved not only the change in grain shape, but also the generation of a large amount of nanopores near its bottom interface.
Evaluation of the Wear and Mechanical Properties of Titanium Diboride-Reinforced Titanium Matrix Composites Prepared by Spark Plasma Sintering
Authors: Ayodele Olusoji Oluremi , Babalola Bukola Joseph , Olubambi Peter Apata
Published: March 2023

The synthesis of x-wt.% (where x = 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10) TiB2-reinforced titanium matrix was accomplished through the spark plasma sintering technique (SPS). The sintered bulk samples were characterized, and their mechanical properties were evaluated. Near full density was attained, with the sintered sample having the least relative density of 97.5%. This indicates that the SPS process aids good sinterability. The Vickers hardness of the consolidated samples improved from 188.1 HV1 to 304.8 HV1, attributed to the high hardness of the TiB2. The tensile strength and elongation of the sintered samples decreased with increasing TiB2 content. The nano hardness and reduced elastic modulus of the consolidated samples were upgraded due to the addition of TiB2, with the Ti-7.5 wt.% TiB2 sample showing the maximum values of 9841 MPa and 188 GPa, respectively. The microstructures display the dispersion of whiskers and in-situ particles, and the X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) showed new phases. Furthermore, the presence of TiB2 particles in the composites enhanced better wear resistance than the unreinforced Ti sample. Due to dimples and large cracks, ductile and brittle fracture behavior was noticed in the sintered composites.
Investigation on Polishing the Concave Surface of Zirconia Ceramics with Magnetic Compound Fluid Enhanced by Hydration Reaction
Authors: Li Xiaoxing , Huang Jian , Cao Qipeng , Liao Yuhui , Feng Ming
Published: March 2023

Zirconia ceramics are prominent engineering materials and are widely used in computers, consumer electronics, and the fifth-generation communication industry. However, zirconia ceramics are a typical hard-to-cut material, and the product structures are more complex as the demanding on the industry increases. In this case, the polishing efficiency should be improved for meeting these requirements. To overcome the problem of polishing concave surfaces of zirconia ceramics, a small polishing tool with a magnetic compound fluid (MCF) was invented. The effect of the polishing parameters on the surface roughness and material removal rate was analyzed by an L9(33) orthogonal experiment. The weight ratio of the parameters was also studied based on the experimental results. With the combination of chemical and mechanical functions, the polishing characteristics were further examined. Based on the soaking experiments, the material removal mechanism is discussed. The results are as follows: (1) the optimal polishing parameters were the revolution speed of the MCF carrier nc of 400 rpm, the working gap h of 0.1 mm, the CIP size D of 5 μm for better surface roughness, the revolution speed of the MCF carrier nc of 400 rpm, the working gap h of 0.1 mm, and the CIP size D of 7 μm for a higher material removal rate. The impact degrees on surface roughness and material removal rate were a revolution speed of the MCF carrier of 54% > working gap of 31%> CIP size of 15% and working gap of 40% > revolution speed of the MCF carrier of 32% > and CIP size of 18%, respectively. (2) Surface roughness was rapidly reduced in the first 20 min and tended to be stable in the last 10 min of polishing. A circular polished area was observed on the flat workpiece for studying the typical material removal curve, and the deepest point was found at the fringe of the material removal curve. The concave workpiece was polished successfully, and the best surface roughness Ra reached 1 nm and 1.2 nm. (3) A pH = 10 with a sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution has a greater performance in hardness reduction. The chemical and mechanical functions were combined to remove material to enhance the polishing efficiency. All in all, the proposed polishing method with a combination of a small MCF polishing tool and hydration reaction was effective for polishing zirconia ceramics.
MemConFuzz: Memory Consumption Guided Fuzzing with Data Flow Analysis
Authors: Du Chunlai , Cui Zhijian , Guo Yanhui , Xu Guizhi , Wang Zhongru
Published: March 2023

Uncontrolled heap memory consumption, a kind of critical software vulnerability, is utilized by attackers to consume a large amount of heap memory and consequently trigger crashes. There have been few works on the vulnerability fuzzing of heap consumption. Most of them, such as MemLock and PerfFuzz, have failed to consider the influence of data flow. We proposed a heap memory consumption guided fuzzing model named MemConFuzz. It extracts the locations of heap operations and data-dependent functions through static data flow analysis. Based on the data dependency, we proposed a seed selection algorithm in fuzzing to assign more energy to the samples with higher priority scores. The experiment results showed that the MemConFuzz has advantages over AFL, MemLock, and PerfFuzz with more quantity and less time consumption in exploiting the vulnerability of heap memory consumption.
Uniform Asymptotic Estimate for the Ruin Probability in a Renewal Risk Model with Cox–Ingersoll–Ross Returns
Authors: Cheng Ming , Wang Dingcheng
Published: March 2023

Consider an insurance risk model with arbitrary dependence structures between the claim sizes. Suppose that the risky investment in the insurer can be established by the Cox–Ingersoll–Ross model. When the claim-size distribution is heavy-tailed, a uniform asymptotic formula for ruin probability is obtained.
A High Throughput BFV-Encryption-Based Secure Comparison Protocol
Authors: Kuo Tzu-Hsiang , Wu Ja-Ling
Published: March 2023

Secure comparison is a fundamental problem in multiparty computation. There are two different parties, each holding an l-bit integer, denoted by a and b, respectively. The goal of secure comparison is to compute the order relationship between a and b, say (a>b)∈{0,1}, without revealing their inputs to any others. Since previous solutions based on homomorphic encryption need at least Ω(l) encryptions for each l-bit comparison, the total encryption time leads to a computational bottleneck for these protocols. This work presents a fast, semi-honest, secure comparison protocol based on the BFV encryption scheme. With its vector-like plaintext space, the number of required encryptions can be significantly reduced; actually, only six encryptions are needed for each comparison in our protocol. In other words, the proposed protocol can achieve the time complexity O˜(λ+l) for a given security parameter λ. As a result, 4096-bit integers can be securely compared within 12.08 ms, which is 280 times faster than the state-of-the-art homomorphic encryption-based secure comparison protocol. Furthermore, we can compare k pairs of l⋅k−1-bit integers with almost the same execution time as comparing l-bit integers and achieve higher throughput regardless of the compared integer size.
The Choice of Machine Learning Algorithms Impacts the Association between Brain-Predicted Age Difference and Cognitive Function
Authors: Lee Won Hee
Published: March 2023

Machine learning has been increasingly applied to neuroimaging data to compute personalized estimates of the biological age of an individual’s brain (brain age). The difference between an individual’s brain-predicted age and their chronological age (brainPAD) is used as a biomarker of brain aging and disease, but the potential contribution of different machine learning algorithms used for brain age prediction to the association between brainPAD and cognitive function has not been investigated yet. Here, we applied seven commonly used algorithms to the same multimodal brain imaging data (structural and diffusion MRI) from 601 healthy participants aged 18–88 years in the Cambridge Centre for Ageing and Neuroscience to assess variations in brain-predicted age. The inter-algorithm similarity in brain-predicted age and brain regional regression weights was examined using the Pearson’s correlation analyses and hierarchical clustering. We then assessed to what extent machine learning algorithms impact the association between brainPAD and seven cognitive variables. The regression models achieved mean absolute errors of 5.46–7.72 years and Pearson’s correlation coefficients of 0.86–0.92 between predicted brain age and chronological age. Furthermore, we identified a substantial difference in linking brainPAD to cognitive measures, indicating that the choice of algorithm could be an important source of variability that confounds the relationship between brainPAD and cognition.
Evolutionary Analysis of Knowledge-Based Networks of the Electronic Information Industry from a Dual Innovation Perspective
Authors: Hao Jiajia , Li Chunling , Khaliq Nosherwan , Yin Qingqian , Ullah Mirzat
Published: March 2023

It provides specific theoretical guidance to enhance the enterprise’s independent innovation capabilities by studying the knowledge utilization and the evolution of innovation under different innovation strategies and revealing the law of innovation path. Based on the data of invention patents of 579 electronic information enterprises from 2010 to 2019, this paper constructs a knowledge-based network based on social network analysis to study the evolution process of density, centrality, and structural holes of knowledge. The evolution analysis of 3360 knowledge-based networks shows that the electronic information industry’s overall knowledge integration capacity is in the middle and lower reaches. The widespread knowledge reliance in the electronic information industry is small, the industry is out of the ‘capacity traps’, and diversified development has gradually become a trend. At the same time, cross-domain knowledge reorganization is increasing. The results show that the overall knowledge reliance degree of enterprises applying an exploitative innovation strategy is deeper than that of enterprises applying an exploratory innovation strategy. The knowledge integration capabilities and cross-domain knowledge reorganization capabilities of enterprises applying exploratory innovation strategies are higher than those of enterprises applying exploitative innovation strategy.