bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epidemiology of Mucormycosis in Greece; Results from a Nationwide Prospective Survey and Published Case Reports
Authors: Drogari-Apiranthitou Maria , Skiada Anna , Panayiotides Ioannis , Vyzantiadis Timoleon-Achilleas , Poulopoulou Aikaterina , Christofidou Myrto , Antoniadou Anastasia , Roilides Emmanuel , Iosifidis Elias , Mamali Vassiliki , Argyropoulou Athina , Sympardi Styliani , Charalampaki Nikoletta , Antonakos Nikolaos , Mantzana Paraskevi , Mastora Zafeiria , Nicolatou-Galitis Ourania , Orfanidou Maria , Pana Zoi-Dorothea , Pavleas Ioannis , Pefanis Angelos , Sakka Vissaria , Spiliopoulou Anastasia , Stamouli Maria , Tofas Polydoros , Vagiakou Eleni , Petrikkos George
Published: March 2023

Mucormycosis has emerged as a group of severe infections mainly in immunocompromised patients. We analysed the epidemiology of mucormycosis in Greece in a multicentre, nationwide prospective survey of patients of all ages, during 2005–2022. A total of 108 cases were recorded. The annual incidence declined after 2009 and appeared stable thereafter, at 0.54 cases/million population. The most common forms were rhinocerebral (51.8%), cutaneous (32.4%), and pulmonary (11.1%). Main underlying conditions were haematologic malignancy/neutropenia (29.9%), haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (4.7%), diabetes mellitus (DM) (15.9%), other immunodeficiencies (23.4%), while 22.4% of cases involved immunocompetent individuals with cutaneous/soft-tissue infections after motor vehicle accident, surgical/iatrogenic trauma, burns, and injuries associated with natural disasters. Additionally, DM or steroid-induced DM was reported as a comorbidity in 21.5% of cases with various main conditions. Rhizopus (mostly R. arrhizus) predominated (67.1%), followed by Lichtheimia (8.5%) and Mucor (6.1%). Antifungal treatment consisted mainly of liposomal amphotericin B (86.3%), median dose 7 mg/kg/day, range 3–10 mg/kg/day, with or without posaconazole. Crude mortality was 62.8% during 2005–2008 but decreased significantly after 2009, at 34.9% (p = 0.02), with four times fewer haematological cases, fewer iatrogenic infections, and fewer cases with advanced rhinocerebral form. The increased DM prevalence should alert clinicians for timely diagnosis of mucormycosis in this patient population.
Emergence of the Fungal Rosette Agent in the World: Current Risk to Fish Biodiversity and Aquaculture
Authors: Gozlan Rodolphe Elie , Combe Marine
Published: March 2023

The emergence of pathogenic fungi is a major and rapidly growing problem (7% increase) that affects human and animal health, ecosystems, food security, and the economy worldwide. The Dermocystida group in particular has emerged relatively recently and includes species that affect both humans and animals. Within this group, one species in particular, Sphareothecum destruens, also known as the rosette agent, represents a major risk to global aquatic biodiversity and aquaculture, and has caused severe declines in wild fish populations in Europe and large losses in salmon farms in the USA. It is a species that has been associated with a healthy carrier for millions of years, but in recent decades, the host has managed to invade parts of Southeast Asia, Central Asia, Europe, and North Africa. In order to better understand the emergence of this new disease, for the first time, we have synthesized current knowledge on the distribution, detection, and prevalence of S. destruens, as well as the associated mortality curves, and the potential economic impact in countries where the healthy carrier has been introduced. Finally, we propose solutions and perspectives to manage and mitigate the emergence of this fungus in countries where it has been introduced.
Assessment of Amikacin- and Capreomycin-Related Adverse Drug Reactions in Patients with Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis and Exploring the Role of Genetic Factors
Authors: Freimane Lauma , Barkāne Linda , Kivrane Agnija , Sadovska Darja , Ulanova Viktorija , Ranka Renāte
Published: March 2023

Following the introduction of all-oral treatment regimens for patients with drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB), second-line injectable drug applications have been reduced in the last few years. However, they are still important for anti-TB therapy. This study aims to analyze the occurrence of amikacin- and capreomycin-related adverse drug reactions (ADR) in patients with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) and evaluate the role of multiple patient-, disease-, and therapy-related factors on the frequency of the observed adverse events. In addition, the possible role of genetic risk factors was studied by full-length mitochondrial DNA sequencing. Toward this aim, we retrospectively evaluated 47 patients with MDR-TB who received amikacin and/or capreomycin. In total, 16 (34.0%) patients developed ototoxicity and 13 (27.7%) developed nephrotoxicity, including 3 (6.4%) patients who experienced both adverse events. Ototoxicity development was more common in patients who received amikacin. No other factors showed a significant impact. Nephrotoxicity was likely associated with previous renal health impairment. Full mitochondrial genome sequencing did not reveal any specific ADR-associated variants, and results showed no differences in adverse event occurrence for any specific variants, mutation count, or mitochondrial haplogroup. The absence of the previously reported ototoxicity-related mtDNA variants in our patients with ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity highlighted the complex nature of the ADR occurrence.
Personal Health Record for Personalizing Research and Care Trajectories: A Proof of Concept Pilot with Diet in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
Authors: Broekstra Reinder , Campmans-Kuijpers Marjo J. E. , Dijkstra Gerard , Ranchor Adelita V. , Eijdems Elisabeth W. H. M.
Published: March 2023

Combinations of health-related research data and clinical data generated, e.g., from wearables, can increasingly provide new insights about a person’s health. Combining these data in a personal health record (PHR), which is managed by citizens themselves, can enhance research and enable both personalized care and prevention. We piloted a hybrid PHR using it for scientific research and the concomitant return of individual findings for clinical information and prevention purposes. The obtained information on the quality of daily dietary intake allowed researchers to further investigate the association between diet and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). Additionally, the feedback enabled participants to adjust their food intake to improve the quality and prevent nutritional deficiency, thereby increasing their health. Our results showed that a PHR including a Research Connection can be successfully used for both purposes but requires a good embedding in both research and healthcare processes with the cooperation of healthcare professionals and researchers. Addressing these challenges is key in the pursuit of delivering personalized medicine and building learning health systems with PHRs.
Relationship between Slip Severity and BMI in Patients with Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis Treated with In Situ Screw Fixation
Authors: Lim Jun-Hyuk , Song Hyeongmin , Kang Gyo Rim , Kim Sungmin , Jung Sung-Taek
Published: March 2023

Background: Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is a hip disorder that occurs in adolescence before epiphyseal plate closure, causing anatomical changes in the femoral head. Obesity is known to be the single most important risk factor for idiopathic slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE), which is highly related to mechanical factors. Meanwhile, as increased slip angle increases major complications in patients with SCFE, slip severity is an important factor to evaluate prognosis. In obese patients with SCFE, higher shear stress is loaded on the joint, which increases the likelihood of slip. The study aim was to assess the patients with SCFE treated with in situ screw fixation according to the degree of the obesity and to find any factors affecting the severity of slip. Methods: Overall, 68 patients (74 hips) with SCFE who were treated with in situ fixation screw fixation were included (mean age 11.38, range: 6–16) years. There were 53 males (77.9%) and 15 females (22.1%). Patients were categorized underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obese depending on BMI percentile for age. We determined slip severity of patients using the Southwick angle. The slip severity was defined as mild if the angle difference was less than 30 degrees, moderate if the angle difference was between 30 and 50 degrees, and severe if the angle difference was greater than 50 degrees. To examine the effects of several variables on slip severity, we used a univariable and multivariate regression analysis. The following data were analyzed: age at surgery, sex, BMI, symptom duration before diagnosis (acute, chronic, and acute on chronic), stability, and ability to ambulate at the time of the hospital visit. Results: The mean BMI was 25.18 (range: 14.7–33.4) kg/m2. There were more patients with overweight and obese than those with normal weight in SCFE (81.1% vs. 18.9%). We did not find significant differences between overall slip severity and degree of obesity or in any subgroup analysis. Conclusions: We did not find a relationship between slip severity and degree of obesity. A prospective study related to the mechanical factors affecting the slip severity according to the degree of obesity is needed.
Prognosis Factors of Patients Undergoing Renal Replacement Therapy
Authors: Muñoz-Terol José Manuel , Rocha José L. , Castro-de la Nuez Pablo , Egea-Guerrero Juan José , Gil-Sacaluga Luis , García-Cabrera Emilio , Vilches-Arenas Angel
Published: March 2023

Background: Survival in patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) on renal replacement therapy (RRT) is less than that of the general population of the same age, and depends on patient factors, the medical care received, and the type of RRT used. The objective of this study is to analyze the factors associated with survival in patients undergoing RRT. Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study of adult patients with an incident of ESKD on RRT in Andalusia from 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2018. Patient characteristics, nephrological care received, and survival from the beginning of RRT were evaluated. A survival model for the patient was developed according to the variables studied. Results: A total of 11,551 patients were included. Median survival was 6.8 years (95% CI (6.6; 7.0)). After starting RRT, survival at one year and five years was 88.7% (95% CI (88.1; 89.3)) and 59.4% (95% CI (58.4; 60.4)), respectively. Age, initial comorbidity, diabetic nephropathy, and a venous catheter were independent risk factors. However, non-urgent initiation of RRT and follow-up in consultations for more than six months had a protective effect. It was identified that renal transplantation (RT) was the most influential independent factor in patient survival, with a risk ratio of 0.13 (95% CI (0.11; 0.14)). Conclusions: The receiving of a kidney transplant was the most beneficial modifiable factor in the survival of incident patients on RRT. We consider that the mortality of the renal replacement treatment should be adjusted, taking into account both modifiable and nonmodifiable factors to achieve a more precise and comparable interpretation.
Validation and Application of a Spanish Version of the ALR-RSI Scale (Ankle Ligament Reconstruction—Return to Sport after Injury) in an Active Non-Athlete Population
Authors: Pérez- de la Cruz Sagrario
Published: March 2023

The most recent scale to quantify psychological readiness before returning to sport is the ALR-RSI (Ankle Ligament Reconstruction—Return to Sport after Injury) scale. The aim of this study was the cross-cultural adaptation to Spanish and application of the ALR-RSI scale in a sample of active people who were not professional athletes, and to carry out an initial psychometric analysis of the functioning of the instrument in this sample. The sample consisted of 257 participants (161 men and 96 women) aged between 18 and 50 years. The adequacy of the model obtained in the exploratory study was confirmed, obtaining a model composed of one factor and 12 indicators in total. The estimated parameters were statistically significant (p < 0.05), and the factor loadings presented values higher than 0.5; thus, all indicators revealed a satisfactory saturation in the latent variable (convergent validity). Regarding internal consistency, the Cronbach’s alpha value was 0.886 (excellent internal consistency). This study demonstrated that the ALR-RSI in Spanish is a valid and reproducible scale for evaluating psychological readiness to return to non-professional physical activity after ankle ligament reconstruction in the Spanish population.
An Evidence-Based Update on the Potential Association between Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lymphangioleiomyomatosis
Authors: Pascalau Nicoleta Anamaria , Radu Andrei-Flavius , Cseppento Delia Carmen Nistor , Andronie-Cioara Felicia Liana , Jurcau Anamaria , Mos Calin , Bungau Alexa Florina , Bungau Simona Gabriela
Published: March 2023

Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) represents an uncommon disorder characterized by cystic lung destruction and chronic respiratory failure. Lung damage caused by various mechanisms may represent a hypothesis for studying the association between LAM and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), which is the most prevalent autoinflammatory rheumatic disease and may affect the lungs as an extra-articular manifestation. Despite their distinct clinical presentations, the pathophysiology of both disorders includes dysregulated immunological function, abnormal cellular development, and inflammation. Current research suggests a potential relationship between RA and LAM, as some RA patients have been reported to develop LAM. However, the association of RA and LAM raises important therapeutic dilemmas. For this reason, the trajectory of a patient who was identified in our medical records as suffering from both LAM and RA, treated with many novel molecules and biological therapy, but with a negative outcome due to respiratory and multiorgan failure, has been exemplified. The delay in the diagnosis of LAM is due to a correlation between RA and LAM, worsening the vital prognosis and also hindering pulmonary transplantation. In addition, extensive research is essential for understanding the potential connection between these two disorders and discovering any similar mechanisms involved that may underlie their occurrence. This may contribute to the development of new therapeutic options that target shared pathways implicated in the pathogenesis of RA and LAM.
Transparency and Disclosure and Financial Distress of Non-Financial Firms in India under Competition: Investors’ Perspective
Authors: Kanoujiya Jagjeevan , Abraham Rebecca , Rastogi Shailesh , Bhimavarapu Venkata Mrudula
Published: March 2023

Transparency and disclosure (T&D) of information trigger the interest of all stakeholders, including investors in a company. Cognizance of the company’s financial health before investing is very necessary. Disclosure of information in the firm’s financial reports reflects the firm’s financial performance. A firm’s financial health protects investors’ and other stakeholders’ interests and the firm’s long-term sustainability. Owing to the importance of T&D and a firm’s financial health, this paper investigates the impact of T&D on the financial distress (FD) of non-financial firms (NFFs) listed in India. This study examines both linear and nonlinear connectivity of T&D and financial distress (FD). Their association is also investigated in a competitive scenario (under the moderating effect of competition). The panel data analysis is incorporated into the study having 78 NFFs as cross-sectional units with a timeframe from 2016 to 2020. Altman Z-score measures a firm’s FD (higher Z-score means low FD). BOS (Berger, Ofek and Swary) and AC (Almeida and Campello) scores are taken to consider investors’ perspectives of the firm’s FD. The T&D and Lerner indexes are used to assess the level of T&D and competition. The findings reveal that a higher T&D level decreases a firm’s financial stability or increases a firm’s FD. In nonlinear association, it is found that T&D has an inverted U-curved connection with financial stability or U-curved association with FD. It indicates that initially, higher T&D reduces FD, and after a threshold, it increases FD. However, under competition, T&D is not found to be significantly impactful for FD. The study is novel as no previous study has focused on such association under competition and taking investors’ perspective of a firm’s FD.
Carbon Emission Reduction Effects of the Digital Economy: Mechanisms and Evidence from 282 Cities in China
Authors: Meng Ziyu , Li Wen-Bo , Chen Chaofan , Guan Chenghua
Published: March 2023

The digital economy has great potential to boost innovation and social productivity, and it plays an important role in helping to achieve carbon peak and carbon neutrality. This study focuses on analyzing and testing the role of the digital economy in promoting carbon reduction in Chinese cities. Based on panel data of 282 cities in China from 2011 to 2019, this study measured the development level of the digital economy and carbon emission intensity by constructing a digital economy development level evaluation index system and a carbon emission inversion model, respectively. It was found that the digital economy can significantly reduce urban carbon emissions by promoting industrial structure upgrading and green innovation, and the digital economy will have a more obvious promotion effect on urban carbon emission reduction over time. This conclusion was found to be valid after we performed robustness tests such as the instrumental variable method, quasi-experimental analysis, and placebo test. Furthermore, heterogeneity analysis showed that eastern, regenerative, and provincial capital cities are better able to promote carbon emission reduction under the development of the digital economy. This study provides new empirical evidence at the city level for developing the digital economy to reduce urban carbon emissions and acts as a useful reference for developing countries to realize “smart carbon emission reduction”.
Assessing the Spatial Agricultural Land Use Transition in Thiès Region, Senegal, and Its Potential Driving Factors
Authors: Faye Bonoua , Du Guoming , Mbaye Edmée , Liang Chang’an , Sané Tidiane , Xue Ruhao
Published: March 2023

The agricultural land use transition (ALUT) assessment can be a prominent tool for comprehensively implementing suitable agricultural land use and agricultural development in Senegal. Based on remote sensing and survey data, this investigation aimed to simultaneously assess the geographical dispersion of ALUT and its probable mechanisms and determine the agricultural land functions in the Thiès region. Through ArcGIS and ENVI software, the remote sensing data of 2000, 2010, and 2020, the transfer matrix method and a spatial index calculation were used to characterize the ALUT. Then, the mixed linear regression model was constructed to determine the relationship between ALUT and its potential driving factors. The main results show that ALUT was about −588.66 km2. Regarding spatial distribution, a positive net ALUT was experienced in the north-west department of Tivaouane; conversely, a negative transition was noted in the southern Mbour department. The agricultural land per capita (0.37 ha/per) and the per capita agricultural income (USD $167.18) were unsatisfactory, and only 59.49% of the respondents frequently used fertilizers for production. The linear regression model showed that rainfall variability, research and development, soil salinization, and land tenure were significant at 1% (p < 0.01) with agricultural land change, living security, and ecological functions. Parallelly, transportation facilities (p < 0.01) and agricultural investment (p < 0.01) were also significant with agricultural land morphology change, while population growth (p < 0.1) was only correlated with agricultural land morphology change. These factors reflect the farmer’s income and often induce land abandonment and degradation of agricultural land. Consequentially, the ALUT in the Thiès region revealed several insights, such as the need to strengthen land use reforms and research and development. Therefore, agricultural land use is impacted by many fields that require an inter-discipline research method for practical and balanced use. Such endeavors could start with reconciling agricultural development and land conservation.
Landscape Implications of Contemporary Abandonment of Extensive Sheep Grazing in a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System
Authors: Fernández-García Víctor , Calvo Leonor
Published: March 2023

In Southern Europe, the abandonment of the traditional transhumant system where sheep graze lowland areas during winter and distant mountain systems during summer has led to an important cultural loss and still poorly understood ecological consequences. We investigate the landscape-scale implications of contemporary sheep grazing patterns in a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS). Our analysis showed a heterogeneous use of mountain grazing areas between 1990 and 2020. The areas most used by sheep had more abundance of pasture, fewer forests, and structurally different landscapes than those that had been fully abandoned by sheep. Likewise, we have detected decreasing trends in landscape diversity in those areas not used by sheep over the study period, whereas landscape heterogeneity is maintained in those areas grazed by sheep. Our study constitutes an original analysis of landscape patterns and shifts in relation to extensive sheep grazing by using novel approaches that combine interviews, updated satellite time series, and state-of-the-art landscape analysis techniques. Likewise, our results constitute a benchmark as they inform on the importance of preserving extensive sheep grazing if we aim to maintain the cultural heritage, and traditional diverse landscape and the semi-natural grasslands in the Mountains of León.
Dose–Response Meta-Analysis of Corticosteroid Effects in SARS Outbreak: A Model for Risk Stratification and Screening Strategy for Osteonecrosis of Femoral Head Post-Corticosteroid Therapy for COVID-19
Authors: Muthu Sathish , Jeyaraman Madhan , Selvaraj Preethi , Jeyaraman Naveen , Potty Anish , Gupta Ashim
Published: March 2023

Corticosteroids (CS) have been used in the management regimens for COVID-19 disease to mitigate the cytokine storm and ill effects of the pulmonary inflammatory cascade. With the rampant use of CS, clinicians started reporting the occurrence of osteonecrosis of the femoral head (OFH). In this systematic review, we aim to analyze the literature and identify the definitive cumulative dose and duration of CS needed for the development of OFH based on the SARS model and generate a risk-based screening recommendation for OFH in convalescent COVID-19 patients to facilitate early identification and management. An electronic database search was conducted until December 2022 in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and CNKI (China Knowledge Resource Integrated Database). Studies involving CS therapy and osteonecrosis data in SARS patients were included. Three authors independently extracted the data from the included studies and a dose–response meta-analysis was performed for various doses and duration of CS utilized in the included studies. We selected 12 articles with 1728 patients in the analysis. The mean age was 33.41 (±4.93) years. The mean dosage of CS administered was 4.64 (±4.7) g which was administered for a mean duration of 29.91 (±12.3) days. The risk of osteonecrosis increases at pooled OR of 1.16 (95% CI 1.09–1.23, p < 0.001) per 2.0 g increase in the cumulative dose of CS usage. Similarly, the risk increases at pooled OR of 1.02 (95% CI 1.01–1.03, p < 0.001) per 5 days of increase in the cumulative duration of CS usage. A cumulative dosage of 4 g and a duration of 15 days were determined as the critical cut-off for the non-linear dose–response relationship observed. Appropriate and frequent screening of these individuals at regular intervals would help in the identification of the disease at an early stage in order to treat them appropriately.
A New Approach in Prebiotic Chemistry Studies: Proline Sorption Triggered by Mineral Surfaces Analysed Using XPS
Authors: Cueto-Díaz Eduardo J. , Gálvez-Martínez Santos , Colin-García María , Mateo-Martí Eva
Published: March 2023

The role of minerals in the origin of life and prebiotic evolution remains unknown and controversial. Mineral surfaces have the potential to facilitate prebiotic polymerization due to their ability to adsorb and concentrate biomolecules that subsequently can catalyse reactions; however, the precise nature of the interaction between the mineral host and the guest biomolecule still needs to be understood. In this context, we spectroscopically characterized, using infrared, X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques, the interaction between L-proline and montmorillonite, olivine, iron disulphide, and haematite (minerals of prebiotic interest), by evaluating their interaction from a liquid medium. This work provides insight into the chemical processes occurring between proline, the only cyclic amino acid, and this selection of minerals, each of them bearing a particular chemical and crystal structures. Proline was successfully adsorbed on montmorillonite, haematite, olivine, and iron disulphide in anionic and zwitterionic chemical forms, being the predominant form directly related to the mineral structure and composition. Silicates (montmorillonite) dominate adsorption, whereas iron oxides (haematite) show the lowest molecular affinity. This approach will help to understand structure-affinity relationship between the mineral surfaces and proline, one of the nine amino acids generated in the Miller-Urey experiment.
Cardiovascular Disease and Cardiac Imaging in Inflammatory Arthritis
Authors: Madenidou Anastasia-Vasiliki , Mavrogeni Sophie , Nikiphorou Elena
Published: March 2023

Cardiovascular morbidity and mortality are more prevalent in inflammatory arthritis (IA) compared to the general population. Recognizing the importance of addressing this issue, the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) published guidelines on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk management in IA in 2016, with plans to update going forward based on the latest emerging evidence. Herein we review the latest evidence on cardiovascular disease in IA, taking a focus on rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and axial spondylarthritis, reflecting on the scale of the problem and imaging modalities to identify disease. Evidence demonstrates that both traditional CVD factors and inflammation contribute to the higher CVD burden. Whereas CVD has decreased with the newer anti-rheumatic treatments currently available, CVD continues to remain an important comorbidity in IA patients calling for prompt screening and management of CVD and related risk factors. Non-invasive cardiovascular imaging has been attracting much attention in view of the possibility of detecting cardiovascular lesions in IA accurately and promptly, even at the pre-clinical stage. We reflect on imaging modalities to screen for CVD in IA and on the important role of rheumatologists and cardiologists working closely together.
Evaluation of Nano Fluids with Minimum Quantity Lubrication in Turning of Ni-Base Superalloy UDIMET 720
Authors: Özbek Onur
Published: March 2023

This article focuses on turning superalloy Udimet 720, which is difficult to work with, using different coolant/lubricant methods. The study includes delivering Graphene and Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes nanopowders homogeneously dispersed in vegetable oil to the cutting area with the minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) method. Experiments at different cutting speeds and feed rates were repeated in four different cutting environments. Compared to dry turning, the cutting zone temperature of the cutting fluid delivered to the cutting zone by MQL methods decreased. In addition, thanks to the nanopowders, it formed an oil film by better penetrating the cutting tool-chip interface and reducing the cutting tool’s wear. With the reduced cutting tool wear, the cutting tool could maintain its form for a longer period of time, so better quality surfaces were obtained on the workpiece surface. As a result of the study, it was found that cutting zone temperature improved by 30%, tool wear by 51.8% and surface roughness by 43.9%.
Conventional and Recent Advances of Vegetable Oils as Metalworking Fluids (MWFs): A Review
Authors: Afonso Inês S. , Nobrega Glauco , Lima Rui , Gomes José R. , Ribeiro João E.
Published: March 2023

Vegetable oils have been used as metalworking fluids (MWFs) for many years, particularly in small-scale metalworking operations and in industries where environmental regulations are strict. Before the development of modern MWFs, vegetable oils were one of the most common lubricants used for metalworking tools. The use of vegetable oils can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Greece, and Rome, where olive oil was commonly used to lubricate metal tools and weapons. Today, vegetable oils are used as MWFs in a variety of applications. They are often combined with additives or nanoparticles to enhance their performance, such as improving the lubricity, cooling properties, and stability of the oil, as well as reducing friction and wear on the cutting tool. Additives, such as antioxidants, anti-wear agents, and extreme pressure (EP) additives, can be used to improve the performance of vegetable oils as cutting fluids. Compared to standard MWFs, vegetable oils are generally more biodegradable and environmentally friendly, and can be more cost-effective. However, MWFs may offer superior performance in certain areas, such as lubrication and cooling. Ultimately, the choice of MWFs will depend on the specific requirements of the metalworking operation and the balance between performance, cost, and environmental considerations. As the demand for sustainability and environmental responsibility continues, the use of vegetable oils as MWFs is likely to become even more popular in the future. Overall, vegetable oils offer a viable and potentially attractive alternative to standard MWFs in certain applications. This review highlights both conventional and most recent advances in vegetal oils frequently used as lubricant fluids in manufacturing processes.
Preparation and Load-Bearing Capacity of Lattice Cell Warren Truss Slot Resin-Stiffener-Reinforced Foam Sandwich Material
Authors: Chen Xueshan , Tian Wei , Jin Xiaoke , Zhu Chenyan
Published: March 2023

This study optimized and proposed a Warren truss slot-hole structure with a double-sided, square shallow slot and vertical and horizontal corrugated symmetry, achieved with inclined holes based on the stability and a good bearing capacity of an inclined strut truss structure. The tetrahedral truss lattice cells were obverse and reverse-staggered in the central core of the structure. Compared with the double-sided, square shallow groove cylindrical straight hole, the resin consumption of the Warren truss slot holes was similar to that of a vacuum-assisted resin infusion; however, the external flat compression force of the Warren truss slot holes on the resin stiffener structure doubled, and its bending contact force increased by approximately 1.5 times. Furthermore, the resulting Warren truss-slotted resin structure exhibited a late failure time. Compared with the double-sided, square shallow groove cylindrical straight hole foam-core sandwich composite, the Warren truss slot resin-stiffener-reinforced sandwich composite exhibited an increase of 4.7 kN in the flat compression load, an improvement of ~40% in flat compressive strength performance, an increase of ~0.58 kN in the bending load, and an improvement of ~60% in the bending strength, demonstrating its better bearing strength performance.
Influence of Mix Design on Physical, Mechanical and Durability Properties of Multi-Recycled Aggregate Concrete
Authors: Kim Jeonghyun , Grabiec Anna M. , Ubysz Andrzej , Yang Sungchul , Kim Namho
Published: March 2023

The decrease in the quality of recycled aggregate due to an increase in the number of recycling is a primary factor that limits the multi-recycling of concrete. This degradation adversely affects concrete performance; thus, the characteristics of recycled aggregate should be considered during the mix design stage, but little research has taken that into account. This study investigates the effect of the equivalent mortar volume (EMV) mix design on some physical, mechanical and durability properties of concrete made of multiple recycled coarse aggregates at 50% and 100% replacement ratios compared to concrete made by the conventional mix design (CMD). The results showed that the performances of concrete by the CMD decreased with an increasing number of recycling cycles. The properties of EMV-based concrete deteriorated with an increase in the number of recycling cycles at 100% replacement ratio due to poor workability caused by a shortage of fresh mortar. However, at 50% replacement, the EMV-based concrete exhibited similar performance across the three cycles of recycling, as well as improved properties over natural aggregate concrete. This study demonstrated that an appropriate mix design and optimal aggregate replacement ratio can offset the property loss of multiple recycled aggregate concrete.
Preparation and Properties of (Cu, Ni) Co-Doped ZnO Nanoparticle-Reinforced Cu-Ni Nanocomposite Coatings
Authors: Tan Haifeng , He Chunlin , Yang Jie , Sunyu Haixuan , Ling Yunhe , Zhang Jinlin , Song Guihong
Published: March 2023

Here, 2% Cu + 2% Ni co-doped ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized using the hydrothermal method and were used as particle reinforcements of Cu-Ni nanocomposite coatings prepared by electroplating technology. The effects of the added (Cu, Ni) co-doped ZnO nanoparticles (2–8 g/L) on the phase structure, surface morphology, thickness, microhardness, corrosion resistance, and photocatalytic properties of the coatings were investigated. The nanocomposite coatings have obvious diffraction peaks on the crystal planes of (111), (200), and (220), showing a wurtzite structure. The surface of the nanocomposite coatings is cauliflower-like, and becomes smoother and denser with the increase in the addition of nanoparticles. The grain size, thickness, microhardness, corrosion resistance, and photocatalytic properties of the nanocomposite coating reach a peak value when the added (Cu, Ni) co-doped ZnO nanoparticles are 6 g/L. At this concentration, the mean crystallite size of the coating reaches a minimum of 15.31 nm, and the deposition efficiency of the coating is the highest. The (Cu, Ni) co-doped ZnO nanoparticle reinforcement makes the microhardness reach up to 658 HV. The addition of nanoparticles significantly improves the corrosion resistance and photocatalytic properties of nanocomposite coatings. The minimum corrosion current density is 2.36 × 10−6 A/cm2, the maximum corrosion potential is −0.301 V, and the highest decolorization rate of Rhodamine B is 28.73% after UV irradiation for 5 h.
Grain Refinement Mechanism of 5A06 Aluminum Alloy Sheets during Cold Rotary Forging
Authors: Han Xinghui , Chen Wenyi , Hu Xuan , Hua Lin , Chai Fang
Published: March 2023

This paper studies the grain refinement mechanisms of 5A06 aluminum alloy sheets in cold rotary forging (CRF). The results show that the grains are clearly refined from 25.1 µm to 11.8 µm during the CRF process. The grain refinement mechanism can be divided into two modes: (1) The grains with a small Schmid factor (SF) are activated by multi-slip systems, and dense dislocations are segregated along the boundaries of interior regions with different slip systems, which results in a rapidly increasing strain localization along these boundaries. Since the strain localization restrains the coordinate slip deformation between different interior regions, the grains are directly separated into several finer grains. (2) The grains with a large SF are primarily activated by a single slip system, and the dislocation migrates smoothly along most microband boundaries. Then, a more severe lattice rotation causes a transformation to a hard orientation and multi-slip system activation, which contributes to an increase in the rapid misorientation across microband boundaries and thus promotes significant SF grain refinement.
Effect of Graphene Oxide on the Mechanical Properties and Durability of High-Strength Lightweight Concrete Containing Shale Ceramsite
Authors: Hong Xiaojiang , Lee Jin Chai , Ng Jing Lin , Md Yusof Zeety , He Qian , Li Qiansha
Published: March 2023

An effective pathway to achieve the sustainable development of resources and environmental protection is to utilize shale ceramsite (SC), which is processed from shale spoil to produce high-strength lightweight concrete (HSLWC). Furthermore, the urgent demand for better performance of HSLWC has stimulated active research on graphene oxide (GO) in strengthening mechanical properties and durability. This study was an effort to investigate the effect of different contents of GO on HSLWC manufactured from SC. For this purpose, six mixtures containing GO in the range of 0–0.08% (by weight of cement) were systematically designed to test the mechanical properties (compressive strength, flexural strength, and splitting tensile strength), durability (chloride penetration resistance, freezing–thawing resistance, and sulfate attack resistance), and microstructure. The experimental results showed that the optimum amount of 0.05% GO can maximize the compressive strength, flexural strength, and splitting tensile strength by 20.1%, 34.3%, and 24.2%, respectively, and exhibited excellent chloride penetration resistance, freezing–thawing resistance, and sulfate attack resistance. Note that when the addition of GO was relatively high, the performance improvement in HSLWC as attenuated instead. Therefore, based on the comprehensive analysis of microstructure, the optimal addition level of GO to achieve the best mechanical properties and durability of HSLWC is considered to be 0.05%. These findings can provide a new method for the use of SC in engineering.
Design and Control of an Energy-Efficient Speed Regulating Method for Pump-Controlled Motor System under Negative Loads
Authors: Wang Huashuai , Zhang Yanbin , Li Geqiang , Liu Rongsheng , Zhou Xin
Published: March 2023

Pump-controlled motor hydrostatic system (PCMH) is widely applied for rotary driving in heavy industry and construction machinery due to its high-power density and efficient speed regulation performance. However, the contradiction of the PCMH system between energy saving and speed control appears when it deals with negative loads. To address this contradiction, an energy-efficient speed regulating method based on electro-proportional counterbalance valves (EPCBVs) is designed, along with the corresponding controller. The working principle of the proposed scheme is that under a negative-load operation mode, determined by the supervisory controller according to system states and reference inputs, the speed of the hydraulic motor is controlled by a velocity controller through adjustment of the control signal of the EPCBV, and that the inlet pressure of the hydraulic motor is maintained at a defined low point by a pressure controller through pump displacement control. Comparative experiments between the EPCBV and T-CBV (a PCMH system based on a typical CBV) systems are conducted to verify the superiority of the proposed scheme in energy-efficient speed regulation under negative loads. The results show that, in most of the working conditions, the EPCBV system shows better adaption than the T-CBV system to varying negative loads and maintains higher stability than the T-CBV. Moreover, the speed accuracy of the EPCBV system can be maintained above 95%, which is greater than that of the T-CBV system, varying from 48% to 90%. Furthermore, the maximum power consumption is only about 4 Kw and is far less than that of the T-CBV system, which is about 13.79 Kw. The power-saving ratio changes from 20% to 82%, but it goes beyond 50% in most of the working conditions. The proposed method is easy to implement in practical application and is of great significance to the PCMH system for energy-efficient speed control under negative loads.
PTA-Welded Coatings with Saturation Magnetization above 1.3 T Using FeCrBSi Powders with Chemical Composition Similar to AISI 430 Ferrite Stainless Steel
Authors: Fu Yingqing , Wang Haiming , Huang Wenhao , Pan Zhoujian , Liu Changhao , Zhao Lei , Li Chao , Zhu Liangyu , Huang Naibao
Published: March 2023

Fe-Cr-based soft magnetic alloy (SMA) monolayer coatings with high saturation magnetization (Ms) above 1.3 T were deposited onto AISI 1010 substrate by co-axial powder feeding plasma transferred arc (PTA) welding, using FeCrBSi self-fluxing powders Fe313, which have a similar chemical composition to AISI 430 ferritic stainless steel (FSS). The effect of welding parameters on the phase assemblage, microstructure, hardness and magnetic performance of the coatings was investigated. The results show that the coating’s maximum width and the welding surplus height increased with the rise in welding heat input and powder distribution density, respectively. The coating’s Ms increased sharply, but its coercivity (Hc) decreased with the growth in the substrate dilution ratio. The coating’s Hc increased whereas its Ms decreased with the increment in welding heat input. The as-welded coating C3 with optimum magnetic performance had a dendrites–eutectics composite structure, where the columnar or equiaxed sorbitic pearlite dendritic cores surrounded by network-like eutectics α(Fe,Cr) + (Fe1−xCrx)2B were the main contents. Moreover, (Fe,Cr)7C3 and CrB had also been detected, and they were mainly distributed in the interdendritic regions. The body-centered cubic (b.c.c.) α(Fe,Cr) multi-element solid solution contributes to a high Ms of 1.61 T, and the borides (Fe1−xCrx)2B and CrB as well as (Fe,Cr)7C3 and other carbides cause a high Hc of 58.6 Oe and hardness HV0.3 of 4.90 ± 0.06 GPa, much higher than that of AISI 430 FSS (HV < 1.8 GPa). The current work verifies the feasibility of fabricating Ni- and Co-free FeCrBSi SMA coatings with high Ms and high hardness via PTA welding, and since the feedstock powders have chemical composition similar to AISI 430 FSS, the work may bring about novel applications for AISI 430 FSS in particular cases where the considerable wear-resistant performance as well as superior soft magnetic and anti-corrosive properties are required.
Magnetoelectric Properties of Ni-PZT-Ni Heterostructures Obtained by Electrochemical Deposition of Nickel in an External Magnetic Field
Authors: Poddubnaya Natalia , Filippov Dmitry , Laletin Vladimir , Aplevich Aliaksei , Yanushkevich Kazimir
Published: March 2023

This paper studied the influence of external electric and magnetic fields on the magnetoelectric properties of layered structures of metal-piezoelectric-metal. The structures under study had the shape of a square 4 mm wide and were obtained in two steps: first, by the chemical deposition of nickel with a thickness of 0.5 μm, and then by the electrochemical deposition of nickel with a thickness of 50 μm on each side onto a lead zirconate–lead titanate substrate. Electrochemical deposition was carried out without a magnetic field on both non-polarized and polarized ceramics. Electrochemical deposition was also carried out in a magnetic field on a non-polarized and polarized PZT ceramic substrate. A magnetic field of 500 Oe at electrochemical deposition was applied in all cases in the direction of structure polarization. The maximum ME voltage coefficient 300 mV/(cmOe) was obtained at transverse orientation at bias magnetic field near 20 Oe.
Fourier Graph Convolution Network for Time Series Prediction
Authors: Liao Lyuchao , Hu Zhiyuan , Hsu Chih-Yu , Su Jinya
Published: March 2023

The spatio-temporal pattern recognition of time series data is critical to developing intelligent transportation systems. Traffic flow data are time series that exhibit patterns of periodicity and volatility. A novel robust Fourier Graph Convolution Network model is proposed to learn these patterns effectively. The model includes a Fourier Embedding module and a stackable Spatial-Temporal ChebyNet layer. The development of the Fourier Embedding module is based on the analysis of Fourier series theory and can capture periodicity features. The Spatial-Temporal ChebyNet layer is designed to model traffic flow’s volatility features for improving the system’s robustness. The Fourier Embedding module represents a periodic function with a Fourier series that can find the optimal coefficient and optimal frequency parameters. The Spatial-Temporal ChebyNet layer consists of a Fine-grained Volatility Module and a Temporal Volatility Module. Experiments in terms of prediction accuracy using two open datasets show the proposed model outperforms the state-of-the-art methods significantly.
Analytical Approximations of Well Function by Solving the Governing Differential Equation Representing Unsteady Groundwater Flow in a Confined Aquifer
Authors: Kumbhakar Manotosh , Singh Vijay P.
Published: March 2023

A solution of the governing equation representing the drawdown in a horizontal confined aquifer, where groundwater flow is unsteady, was first provided by Theis and is famously known as the Theis solution. This solution was given in terms of an exponential integral, also called the well function, for which simple and reliable approximations are preferred due to their practical applications. To that end, several approximations are available in the literature, of which some are based on series approximations for the integral, and others are numerical approximations. This study employs three kinds of homotopy-based methods, namely the homotopy analysis method (HAM), homotopy perturbation method (HPM), and optimal homotopy asymptotic method (OHAM), for analytically solving the governing partial differential equation (PDE). For convenience, the PDE is first converted to a boundary value problem (BVP) using a similarity transformation. Comparing the series approximations obtained using these methods with the Theis solution, it is found that the 10th-order HAM, and just three terms of OHAM-based solutions, provide accurate approximations. On the other hand, the HPM-based solution is found to be accurate only within a small domain. Further, the proposed approximations are compared with several series and numerical approximations available in the literature using the percentage error. The proposed methodology provides accurate approximations of the well function by directly solving the governing differential equation in a general framework and thus can be adapted to other practical situations arising in groundwater flow.
A Review of q-Difference Equations for Al-Salam–Carlitz Polynomials and Applications to U(n + 1) Type Generating Functions and Ramanujan’s Integrals
Authors: Cao Jian , Huang Jin-Yan , Fadel Mohammed , Arjika Sama
Published: March 2023

In this review paper, our aim is to study the current research progress of q-difference equations for generalized Al-Salam–Carlitz polynomials related to theta functions and to give an extension of q-difference equations for q-exponential operators and q-difference equations for Rogers–Szegö polynomials. Then, we continue to generalize certain generating functions for Al-Salam–Carlitz polynomials via q-difference equations. We provide a proof of Rogers formula for general Al-Salam–Carlitz polynomials and obtain transformational identities using q-difference equations. In addition, we gain U(n+1)-type generating functions and Ramanujan’s integrals involving general Al-Salam–Carlitz polynomials via q-difference equations. Finally, we derive two extensions of the Andrews–Askey integral via q-difference equations.