bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early Bronchiolitis Contributes to Preschool Asthma
Authors: Chang Jih-Chin , Chiou Jeng-Yuan , Ko Jiunn-Liang , Huang Jing-Yang , Lue Ko-Huang
Published: December 2021

This study aims to analyze whether bronchiolitis in children younger than one-year-old contributes to subsequent asthma. Medical data were retrieved from the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan. Participants were divided into study (N = 65,559) and control (N = 49,656) groups, depending on whether they had early bronchiolitis. Incidences of asthma, potential comorbidities, and associated medical conditions were compared. The incidence of childhood asthma was significantly higher in the study group (aHR = 1.127, 95% CI: 1.063–1.195). Children with bronchiolitis hospitalization displayed higher asthma risk in the period between two and four years of age. The risk diminished as the children grew up. No relevant synergistic effects were found between bronchiolitis and atopic dermatitis. In conclusion, bronchiolitis before one year of age exhibits predictive value for development of preschool asthma, especially in children with bronchiolitis hospitalizations.
The Virtual Corrosion Engineer
Authors: Thyagarajan Aarthi , Hamer Wouter , Phophichitra Joy , Valliappan Valliappan , Ramesh Abitha , Shenai Prathamesh , Laycock Nicholas
Published: December 2021

The conventional corrosion management process consists of defining the expected process conditions, identifying potential corrosion threats, and estimating their likely rate, then using that information to develop mitigation plans and inspection schedules. The Virtual Corrosion Engineer (VCE) project aims to improve this process by utilizing online monitoring data to automate the running of the best available corrosion models and provide a continuously updated dashboard in real time. This paper provides an overview of the VCE, together with a brief discussion of the underlying models for two exemplar damage mechanisms, High-Temperature Hydrogen Attack (HTHA) and Under Deposit Corrosion (UDC) in steam generators.
A Supervised Machine-Learning Prediction of Textile’s Antimicrobial Capacity Coated with Nanomaterials
Authors: Mirzaei Mahsa , Furxhi Irini , Murphy Finbarr , Mullins Martin
Published: December 2021

Textile materials, due to their large surface area and moisture retention capacity, allow the growth of microorganisms, causing undesired effects on the textile and on the end-users. The textile industry employs nanomaterials (NMs)/composites and nanofibers to enhance textile features such as water/dirt-repellent, conductivity, antistatic properties, and enhanced antimicrobial properties. As a result, textiles with antimicrobial properties are an area of interest to both manufacturers and researchers. In this study, we present novel regression models that predict the antimicrobial activity of nano-textiles after several washes. Data were compiled following a literature review, and variables related to the final product, such as the experimental conditions of nano-coating (finishing technologies) and the type of fabric, the physicochemical (p-chem) properties of NMs, and exposure variables, were extracted manually. The random forest model successfully predicted the antimicrobial activity with encouraging results of up to 70% coefficient of determination. Attribute importance analysis revealed that the type of NM, shape, and method of application are the primary features affecting the antimicrobial capacity prediction. This tool helps scientists to predict the antimicrobial activity of nano-textiles based on p-chem properties and experimental conditions. In addition, the tool can be a helpful part of a wider framework, such as the prediction of products functionality embedded into a safe by design paradigm, where products’ toxicity is minimized, and functionality is maximized.
Sliding Dispersion Entropy-Based Fault State Detection for Diaphragm Pump Parts
Authors: Zhou Chengjiang , Jia Yunhua , Bai Haicheng , Xing Ling , Yang Yang
Published: December 2021

Aiming at the disadvantages of low trend, poor characterization performance, and poor anti-noise performance of traditional degradation features such as dispersion entropy (DE), a fault detection method based on sliding dispersion entropy (SDE) is proposed. Firstly, a sliding window is added to the signal before extracting the DE feature, and the root mean square of the signal inside the sliding window is used to replace the signal in the window to realize down sampling, which enhances the trend of DE. Secondly, the hyperbolic tangent sigmoid function (TANSIG) is introduced to map the signals to different categories when extracting the DE feature, which is more in line with the signal distribution of mechanical parts and the monotonicity of the degradation feature is improved. For noisy signal, the introduction of locally weighted scatterplot smoothing (LOWESS) can remove the burrs and fluctuations of the SDE curve, and the anti-noise performance of SDE is improved. Finally, the SDE state warning line is constructed based on the 2σ criterion, which can determine the fault warning point in time and effectively. The state detection results of bearing and check valve show that the proposed SDE improves the trend, monotonicity, and robustness of the state tracking curve, and provides a new method for fault state detection of mechanical parts.
Effects of Three Different Types of Aloin on Optical, Mechanical, and Antibacterial Properties of Waterborne Coating on Tilia europaea Surface
Authors: Yan Xiaoxing , Huang Nan
Published: December 2021

The microcapsules were prepared by using melamine-formaldehyde resin as the wall material and aloin as the core material. The aloin was dissolved in ethanol and water to prepare microcapsules. The aloin powder, the aloin microcapsules prepared with ethanol as the solvent, and the aloin microcapsules prepared with water as the solvent were, respectively, added to the waterborne coating with different contents and coated on the surface of Tilia europaea. The effects of different modifiers and contents on the coating’s optical properties, mechanical properties, and antibacterial properties were explored. The results showed that the aloin microcapsules prepared with ethanol as the solvent had good morphology and comprehensive properties. When the content was 7.0%, the color difference of the waterborne coating was small, the adhesion was grade 3, the impact resistance was 12 kg·cm, and the antibacterial rate was 87.8%. In terms of antibacterial properties, the uncoated aloin powder, the coated aloin microcapsules prepared with ethanol as the solvent, and the aloin microcapsules prepared with water all have certain antibacterial properties and the antibacterial rates reached 99.2%, 97.3%, and 67.3%, respectively. This study provides a certain reference for developing antibacterial wood furniture coatings.
Study on the Influence and Law of Waterproof System Design Factors on the Typical Stress of Bridge Deck Pavement
Authors: Fu Jiancun , Shen Aiqin , Zhang Huan
Published: December 2021

To improve the structural design rationality of cement concrete bridge deck pavement systems and reduce diseases such as interlayer displacement and rutting in the early stage of bridge deck use, this paper studies the influence and law of the coupling effect of various factors of the waterproof system on the typical stress of bridge deck pavement and determines the best structure combination for the bridge deck pavement structure. A finite element model was established by using commercial software to simulate the mechanical response of different types of waterproof bonding layer, waterproof leveling layer, and impervious structure layer under different parameters. The simulation results show that when the thickness of the pavement layer was 8 cm, the maximum shear stress of the pavement layer occurred in the middle of the wearing course and the junction between layers. When the pavement layers were continuous, the maximum strain of the waterproof bonding layer with the “rubber asphalt + protective plate” structure in the transverse and longitudinal directions was the largest. When the waterproof leveling layer was cement concrete, the structure bore a large amount of stress and easily produced cracks, resulting in water damage. High-density water-based asphalt concrete with a low permeability coefficient can reduce the interlayer shear stress and effectively ensure the interlayer bonding effect. On this basis, the following bridge deck pavement structure was proposed: waterproof system + multifunctional waterproof layer + load-bearing structure layer + surface functional layer.
Negative Thermal Quenching of Photoluminescence from Liquid-Crystalline Molecules in Condensed Phases
Authors: Sami Hussain , Younis Osama , Maruoka Yui , Yamaguchi Kenta , Siddhant Kumar , Hisano Kyohei , Tsutsumi Osamu
Published: December 2021

The luminescence of materials in condensed phases is affected by not only their molecular structures but also their aggregated structures. In this study, we designed new liquid-crystalline luminescent materials based on biphenylacetylene with a bulky trimethylsilyl terminal group and a flexible alkoxy chain. The luminescence properties of the prepared materials were evaluated, with a particular focus on the effects of phase transitions, which cause changes in the aggregated structures. The length of the flexible chain had no effect on the luminescence in solution. However, in crystals, the luminescence spectral shape depended on the chain length because varying the chain length altered the crystal structure. Interestingly, negative thermal quenching of the luminescence from these materials was observed in condensed phases, with the isotropic phase obtained at high temperatures exhibiting a considerable increase in luminescence intensity. This thermal enhancement of the luminescence suggests that the less- or nonemissive aggregates formed in crystals are dissociated in the isotropic phase. These findings can contribute toward the development of new material design concepts for useful luminescent materials at high temperatures.
Effect of Nano-Si3N4 on the Mechanical Properties of Cement-Based Materials
Authors: Zhu Jianping , Zhu Lifei , Feng Chunhua , Guan Xuemao , Sun Yujiang , Zhang Wenyan
Published: December 2021

In this paper, in order to improve the wear resistance of road cement, nano-Si3N4 (NSN) was incorporated into cement, and the effect of NSN on compressive strength and wear resistance of road cement was investigated. The main variable of the experimental investigation was the dosage of NSN. The experimental results showed that the addition of NSN could significantly improve the compressive strength and wear resistance of cement paste. Compared with the reference group, the wear resistance can be improved by 46.5% and the compressive strength of cement paste can be improved by 12.3% when the addition of NSN is 0.16% by weight. In addition, the improvement mechanisms of NSN on cement paste were revealed by hydration heat, XRD, DTA-TG, nanoindentation, nitrogen adsorption, and SEM for microscopic phase tests. Through the microscopic analysis, the addition of NSN can accelerate the hydration reaction and promote the hydration degree, optimize the pore structure, and make the cement paste more compact. Additionally, NSN can improve the performance of the interface transition zone (ITZ) and increase the content of HD C-S-H gel. The action mechanism of NSN is mainly dominated by the surface effect, filling effect, and larger surface energy of NSN thereby improving the mechanical properties of cement-based materials. These research results have guiding significance for the design of the high wear resistance and high compressive strength of cement-based materials.
Reactive Crystallization Kinetics of K2SO4 from Picromerite-Based MgSO4 and KCl
Authors: Albis Abad , Jiménez Yecid P. , Graber Teófilo A. , Lorenz Heike
Published: December 2021

In this work, the kinetic parameters, the degrees of initial supersaturation (S0) and the profiles of supersaturation (S) were determined for the reactive crystallization of K2SO4 from picromerite (K2SO4.MgSO4.6H2O) and KCl. Different reaction temperatures between 5 and 45 °C were considered, and several process analytical techniques were applied. Along with the solution temperature, the crystal chord length distribution (CLD) was continuously followed by an FBRM probe, images of nucleation and growth events as well as the crystal morphology were captured, and the absorbance of the solution was measured via ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. In addition, the ion concentrations were analyzed. It was found that S0 is inversely proportional to the reactive crystallization temperature in the K+, Mg2+/Cl−, SO42−//H2O system at 25 °C, where S0 promotes nucleation and crystal growth of K2SO4 leading to a bimodal CLD. The CLD was converted to square-weighted chord lengths for each S0 to determine the secondary nucleation rate (B), crystal growth rate (G), and suspension density (MT). By correlation, from primary nucleation rate (Bb) and G with S0, the empirical parameters b = 3.61 and g = 4.61 were obtained as the order of primary nucleation and growth, respectively. B versus G and MT were correlated to the reaction temperature providing the rate constants of B and respective activation energy, E = 69.83 kJ∙mol−1. Finally, a general Equation was derived that describes B with parameters KR = 13,810.8, i = 0.75 and j = 0.71. The K2SO4 crystals produced were of high purity, containing maximal 0.51 wt% Mg impurity, and were received with ~73% yield at 5 °C.
Suppressing Diffraction-Related Intensity Losses in Transmissive Single-Crystal X-ray Optics
Authors: Klimova Nataliya , Snigireva Irina , Snigirev Anatoly , Yefanov Oleksandr
Published: December 2021

The highest-quality X-ray optics can be made of single-crystal materials such as silicon, germanium, or, even better, diamond. Unfortunately, such X-ray optics have one drawback: diffraction losses or the “glitch effect”. This effect manifests itself as follows: at some energies of X-rays, the intensity of the transmitted beam drops due to the fact that some crystalline planes have satisfied the diffraction condition. Diffraction losses are usually observed in spectroscopic experiments when the energy of the X-rays changes in a certain range. However, this effect might also influence any experiment using X-rays, especially at higher energies. In this paper, we propose a method to overcome the glitch problem in transmissive optics. This is achieved using small rotations of the optical element. We describe the algorithm for “glitch-free” measurements in detail and the theory behind it.
Pathological Features and Prognostication in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Chen Kabytto , Collins Geoffrey , Wang Henry , Toh James Wei Tatt
Published: December 2021

The prognostication of colorectal cancer (CRC) has traditionally relied on staging as defined by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) and American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) TNM staging classifications. However, clinically, there appears to be differences in survival patterns independent of stage, suggesting a complex interaction of stage, pathological features, and biomarkers playing a role in guiding prognosis, risk stratification, and guiding neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapies. Histological features such as tumour budding, perineural invasion, apical lymph node involvement, lymph node yield, lymph node ratio, and molecular features such as MSI, KRAS, BRAF, and CDX2 may assist in prognostication and optimising adjuvant treatment. This study provides a comprehensive review of the pathological features and biomarkers that are important in the prognostication and treatment of CRC. We review the importance of pathological features and biomarkers that may be important in colorectal cancer based on the current evidence in the literature.
In-House Immunofluorescence Assay for Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Antigens in Cells from Nasopharyngeal Swabs as a Diagnostic Method for COVID-19
Authors: Lam Athene Hoi-Ying , Cai Jian-Piao , Leung Ka-Yi , Zhang Ricky-Ruiqi , Liu Danlei , Fan Yujing , Tam Anthony Raymond , Cheng Vincent Chi-Chung , To Kelvin Kai-Wang , Yuen Kwok-Yung , Hung Ivan Fan-Ngai , Chan Kwok-Hung
Published: December 2021

Immunofluorescence is a traditional diagnostic method for respiratory viruses, allowing rapid, simple and accurate diagnosis, with specific benefits of direct visualization of antigens-of-interest and quality assessment. This study aims to evaluate the potential of indirect immunofluorescence as an in-house diagnostic method for SARS-CoV-2 antigens from nasopharyngeal swabs (NPS). Three primary antibodies raised from mice were used for immunofluorescence staining, including monoclonal antibody against SARS-CoV nucleocapsid protein, and polyclonal antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein and receptor-binding domain of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Smears of cells from NPS of 29 COVID-19 patients and 20 non-infected individuals, and cells from viral culture were stained by the three antibodies. Immunofluorescence microscopy was used to identify respiratory epithelial cells with positive signals. Polyclonal antibody against SARS-CoV-2 N protein had the highest sensitivity and specificity among the three antibodies tested, detecting 17 out of 29 RT-PCR-confirmed COVID-19 cases and demonstrating no cross-reactivity with other tested viruses except SARS-CoV. Detection of virus-infected cells targeting SARS-CoV-2 N protein allow identification of infected individuals, although accuracy is limited by sample quality and number of respiratory epithelial cells. The potential of immunofluorescence as a simple diagnostic method was demonstrated, which could be applied by incorporating antibodies targeting SARS-CoV-2 into multiplex immunofluorescence panels used clinically, such as for respiratory viruses, thus allowing additional routine testing for diagnosis and surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 even after the epidemic has ended with low prevalence of COVID-19.
Deep Learning-Based Heart Sound Analysis for Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction Diagnosis
Authors: Yang Yang , Guo Xing-Ming , Wang Hui , Zheng Yi-Neng
Published: December 2021

The aggravation of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) could lead to ventricular remodeling, wall stiffness, reduced compliance, and progression to heart failure with a preserved ejection fraction. A non-invasive method based on convolutional neural networks (CNN) and heart sounds (HS) is presented for the early diagnosis of LVDD in this paper. A deep convolutional generative adversarial networks (DCGAN) model-based data augmentation (DA) method was proposed to expand a HS database of LVDD for model training. Firstly, the preprocessing of HS signals was performed using the improved wavelet denoising method. Secondly, the logistic regression based hidden semi-Markov model was utilized to segment HS signals, which were subsequently converted into spectrograms for DA using the short-time Fourier transform (STFT). Finally, the proposed method was compared with VGG-16, VGG-19, ResNet-18, ResNet-50, DenseNet-121, and AlexNet in terms of performance for LVDD diagnosis. The result shows that the proposed method has a reasonable performance with an accuracy of 0.987, a sensitivity of 0.986, and a specificity of 0.988, which proves the effectiveness of HS analysis for the early diagnosis of LVDD and demonstrates that the DCGAN-based DA method could effectively augment HS data.
Large-Scale Tissue Microarray Evaluation Corroborates High Specificity of High-Level Arginase-1 Immunostaining for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Lennartz Maximilian , Gehrig Eva , Weidemann Sören , Gorbokon Natalia , Menz Anne , Büscheck Franziska , Hube-Magg Claudia , Hinsch Andrea , Reiswich Viktor , Höflmayer Doris , Fraune Christoph , Jacobsen Frank , Bernreuther Christian , Lebok Patrick , Sauter Guido , Wilczak Waldemar , Steurer Stefan , Burandt Eike , Marx Andreas H. , Simon Ronald , Krech Till , Clauditz Till S. , Minner Sarah , Dum David , Uhlig Ria
Published: December 2021

Arginase-1 catalyzes the conversion of arginine to ornithine and urea. Because of its predominant expression in hepatocytes, it serves as a marker for hepatocellular carcinoma, although other tumor entities can also express arginase-1. To comprehensively determine arginase-1 expression in normal and neoplastic tissues, tissue microarrays containing 14,912 samples from 117 different tumor types and 608 samples of 76 different normal tissue types were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. In normal tissues, arginase-1 was expressed in the liver, the granular layer of the epidermis, and in granulocytes. Among tumors, a nuclear and cytoplasmic arginase-1 immunostaining was predominantly observed in hepatocellular carcinoma, where 96% of 49 cancers were at least moderately positive. Although 22 additional tumor categories showed occasional arginase immunostaining, strong staining was exceedingly rare in these entities. Staining of a few tumor cells was observed in squamous cell carcinomas of various sites. Staining typically involved maturing cells with the beginning of keratinization in these tumors and was significantly associated with a low grade in 635 squamous cell carcinomas of various sites (p = 0.003). Teratoma, urothelial carcinoma and pleomorphic adenomas sometimes also showed arginase expression in areas with squamous differentiation. In summary, arginase-1 immunohistochemistry is highly sensitive and specific for hepatocellular carcinoma if weak and focal staining is disregarded.
Klebsiella pneumoniae and Colistin Susceptibility Testing: Performance Evaluation for Broth Microdilution, Agar Dilution and Minimum Inhibitory Concentration Test Strips and Impact of the “Skipped Well” Phenomenon
Authors: Elias Rita , Melo-Cristino José , Lito Luís , Pinto Margarida , Gonçalves Luísa , Campino Susana , Clark Taane G. , Duarte Aida , Perdigão João
Published: December 2021

The emergence of multidrug resistant Gram-negative pathogens, particularly carbapenemase producers, has forced clinicians to use last line antibiotics, such as colistin. Since colistin susceptibility testing presents several challenges, this study aimed at evaluating the performance of two alternative susceptibility methods for Klebsiella pneumoniae, namely, agar dilution (AD) and MIC test strips (MTS). These approaches were compared with the reference method, broth microdilution (BMD), and provide a quantitative description for the “skipped well” (SW) phenomenon. Colistin susceptibility was evaluated by BMD and AD in parallel and triplicate, using 141 K. pneumoniae clinical isolates while MTS performance was evaluated only for a subset (n = 121). Minimum inhibitory concentration analysis revealed that a substantial part (n = 26/141; 18.4%) of the initial isolates was deemed undetermined by BMD due to the following: discordance between replicates (1.4%); presence of multiple SWs (7.8%); and the combination of both events (9.2%). Both AD and MTS revealed a high number of false-susceptible strains (“very major errors”), 37.5% and 68.8%, respectively. However, AD agreement indices were reasonably high (EA = 71.3% and CA = 94.8%). For MTS these indices were lower, in particular EA (EA = 41.7% and CA = 89.6), but the approach enabled the detection of distinct sub-populations for four isolates. In conclusion, this study provides the most comprehensive study on the performance of AD and MTS for colistin susceptibility testing in K. pneumoniae, highlighting its limitations, and stressing the importance of sample size and composition. Further, this study highlights the impact of the SW phenomenon associated with the BMD method for K. pneumoniae.
Pneumococcal Serotype Identification by Capsular Sequence Typing (CST): A Modified Novel Approach for Serotyping Directly in Clinical Samples
Authors: Marmaras Nektarios , Xirogianni Athanasia , Papandreou Anastasia , Petinaki Efthymia , Papaevangelou Vana , Tsolia Maria , Tzanakaki Georgina
Published: December 2021

As almost 60–70% of Invasive Pneumococcal Disease (IPD) is identified by nonculture methods in Greece, serotyping is of high importance for the better monitoring of pneumococcal serotypes due to the availability of conjugate vaccines. The aim of the study was the modification and direct application of the Capsular Sequence Typing (CST) assay in clinical samples in order to serotype Streptococcus pneumoniae culture-negative, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR_-positive samples, followed by CST group specific single-tube PCR assays. A two-step PCR modified assay was applied on a total of 306 samples (such as CSF, blood, pleural and middle ear fluids, isolates) obtained from 283 patients with IPD. The overall performance permits a rapid, accurate and cost-effective method for nonculture pneumococcal serotyping. As the management of IPD is closely related to the continuous monitoring of pneumococcal serotypes, the proposed approach proved to be a valuable tool for the typing and epidemiological monitoring of S. pneumoniae, for the evaluation of the overall impact of vaccination programs in the era of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines, in order to initiate the appropriate vaccination strategy.
Biomarkers of Cholestasis and Liver Injury in the Early Phase of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome and Their Pathophysiological Value
Authors: Harnisch Lars-Olav , Baumann Sophie , Mihaylov Diana , Kiehntopf Michael , Bauer Michael , Moerer Onnen , Quintel Michael
Published: December 2021

Background: Impaired liver function and cholestasis are frequent findings in critically ill patients and are associated with poor outcomes. We tested the hypothesis that hypoxic liver injury and hypoxic cholangiocyte injury are detectable very early in patients with ARDS, may depend on the severity of hypoxemia, and may be aggravated by the use of rescue therapies (high PEEP level and prone positioning) but could be attenuated by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Methods: In 70 patients with ARDS, aspartate-aminotransferase (AST), alanin-aminotransferase (ALT) and gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT) were measured on the day of the diagnosis of ARDS and three more consecutive days (day 3, day 5, day 10), total bile acids were measured on day 0, 3, and 5. Results: AST levels increased on day 0 and remained constant until day 5, then dropped to normal on day 10 (day 0: 66.5 U/l; day 3: 60.5 U/l; day 5: 63.5 U/l, day 10: 32.1 U/l), ALT levels showed the exact opposite kinetic. GGT was already elevated on day 0 (91.5 U/l) and increased further throughout (day 3: 163.5 U/l, day 5: 213 U/l, day 10: 307 U/l), total bile acids levels increased significantly from day 0 to day 3 (p = 0.019) and day 0 to day 5 (p < 0.001), but not between day 3 and day 5 (p = 0.217). Total bile acids levels were significantly correlated to GGT on day 0 (p < 0.001), day 3 (p = 0.02), and in a trend on day 5 (p = 0.055). PEEP levels were significantly correlated with plasma levels of AST (day 3), ALT (day 5) and GGT (day 10). Biomarker levels were not associated with the use of ECMO, prone position, the cause of ARDS, and paO2. Conclusions: We found no evidence of hypoxic liver injury or hypoxic damage to cholangiocytes being caused by the severity of hypoxemia in ARDS patients during the very early phase of the disease. Additionally, mean PEEP level, prone positioning, and ECMO treatment did not have an impact in this regard. Nevertheless, GGT levels were elevated from day zero and rising, this increase was not related to paO2, prone position, ECMO treatment, or mean PEEP, but correlated to total bile acid levels.
Association of Corneal Biomechanics Properties with Myopia in a Child and a Parent Cohort: Hong Kong Children Eye Study
Authors: Tang Shu-Min , Zhang Xiu-Juan , Yu Marco , Wang Yu-Meng , Cheung Carol Y. , Kam Ka-Wai , Young Alvin L. , Chen Li-Jia , Tham Clement C. , Pang Chi-Pui , Yam Jason C.
Published: December 2021

Associations between corneal biomechanics, axial elongation and myopia are important but previous results are conflicting. Our population-based study aimed to investigate factors associated with corneal biomechanics, and their relationships with myopia in children and adults. Data from 3643 children and 1994 parents showed that children had smaller deformation amplitudes (DA) than parents (p < 0.001). A larger DA was significantly associated with elongated axial length (AL; children: ß = 0.011; adults: ß = 0.0013), higher corneal curvature (children: ß = 0.0086; adults: ß = 0.0096), older age (children: ß = 0.010; adults: ß = 0.0013), and lower intraocular pressure (IOP; children: ß = −0.029; adults: ß = −0.031) in both cohorts. The coefficient of age for DA in children was larger than in adults (p < 0.001), indicating that the DA change with age in children is faster than in adults. DA was significantly associated with spherical equivalent (p < 0.001) resulting from its correlation with AL and corneal curvature. In conclusion, the cornea is more deformable in adults than in children, whereas corneal deformation amplitude increases faster with age in children than that in adults, along with AL elongation. Longer AL, steeper corneal curvature, older age and smaller IOP correspond to a more deformable cornea. The association between corneal deformation amplitude and refraction was mediated via AL and corneal curvature.
The Primary Outbreaks of Burkitt Lymphoma in the Oral Cavity. A Report of Two Cases, Review of the Literature and Dental Implications
Authors: Kulczyk Tomasz , Daktera-Micker Agata , Biedziak Barbara , Wziątek Agnieszka , Bednarek-Rajewska Katarzyna
Published: December 2021

Two cases of Sporadic Burkitt’s lymphoma in children aged 11 and 8 years with primary symptoms in the oral cavity are reported. The first symptoms of the disease appeared in the oral cavity and were initially misdiagnosed as an inflammatory condition in one case and incidental findings not associated with the primary reason for visiting the dentist’s office in the second case. Biopsies of the lesions revealed the actual cause of the observed changes and contributed to the prompt initiation of polychemotherapy treatment. A review of current literature presents the known symptoms of Burkitt’s Lymphoma in the oral cavity and the available diagnostic methods. The role of the primary care physicians—the pedodontist and paediatrician—in the diagnostic and therapeutic process is discussed.
Correction: Cruciani et al. Ivermectin for Prophylaxis and Treatment of COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Diagnostics 2021, 11, 1645
Authors: Cruciani Mario , Pati Ilaria , Masiello Francesca , Malena Marina , Pupella Simonetta , De Angelis Vincenzo
Published: December 2021

The correct affiliation 1 should be “Italian National Blood Centre, National Institute of Health, 00162 Rome, Italy” [...]
Radical Complexity
Authors: Bouchaud Jean-Philippe
Published: December 2021

This is an informal and sketchy review of five topical, somewhat unrelated subjects in quantitative finance and econophysics: (i) models of price changes; (ii) linear correlations and random matrix theory; (iii) non-linear dependence copulas; (iv) high-frequency trading and market stability; and finally—but perhaps most importantly—(v) “radical complexity” that prompts a scenario-based approach to macroeconomics heavily relying on Agent-Based Models. Some open questions and future research directions are outlined.
On the Role of the Excitation/Inhibition Balance of Homeostatic Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Brütt Maximilian , Kaernbach Christian
Published: December 2021

Homeostatic models of artificial neural networks have been developed to explain the self-organization of a stable dynamical connectivity between the neurons of the net. These models are typically two-population models, with excitatory and inhibitory cells. In these models, connectivity is a means to regulate cell activity, and in consequence, intracellular calcium levels towards a desired target level. The excitation/inhibition (E/I) balance is usually set to 80:20, a value characteristic for cortical cell distributions. We study the behavior of these homeostatic models outside of the physiological range of the E/I balance, and we find a pronounced bifurcation at about the physiological value of this balance. Lower inhibition values lead to sparsely connected networks. At a certain threshold value, the neurons develop a reasonably connected network that can fulfill the homeostasis criteria in a stable way. Beyond the threshold, the behavior of the artificial neural network changes drastically, with failing homeostasis and in consequence with an exploding number of connections. While the exact value of the balance at the bifurcation point is subject to the parameters of the model, the existence of this bifurcation might explain the stability of a certain E/I balance across a wide range of biological neural networks. Assuming that this class of models describes the self-organization of biological network connectivity reasonably realistically, the omnipresent physiological balance might represent a case of self-organized criticality in order to obtain a good connectivity while allowing for a stable intracellular calcium homeostasis.
Temporal and Spatial Changes in Crop Patterns, Use of Inputs and Hydrological Alteration in the Case of Fogera Floodplain, Ethiopia
Authors: Desta Mare Addis , Zeleke Gete , Payne William A. , Abebe Wubneh Belete
Published: December 2021

More than half of the world’s population consumes rice. Recently, the area sown with modern rice varieties has expanded, and the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides has increased in various countries. Wetland hydrology is also influenced by chemical and physical characteristics. Hence, this research focused on temporal and spatial changes in crop patterns, input usage, and hydrology in the Ethiopian Fogera floodplain, with the following objectives: (a) What are the spatial and temporal trends in crop production patterns? (b) What input changes have occurred to produce rice and other crops? (c) What hydrological changes have occurred in the area with intensification of production systems? Primary data were gathered through a questionnaire, focus group discussions, interviews, and field observations. Secondary data were obtained from Landsat imageries, the SWAT model, water flow measurements, and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). NDVI results indicated that the area cultivated for rice is increasing while the area of other crops is decreasing. Agricultural inputs are used in rice systems but were not used before the introduction of rice. Recession farming activities have also diminished wetland areas. Water flow showed a decrease, whereas Nitrogen and Phosphorus showed an increase with Pearson’s correlation values −0.069 and −0.072, respectively. Flow of water was negatively correlated with N and P water concentration, whereas N and P contents were positively correlated. In conclusion, growth of intensive rice systems has had negative environmental consequences on wetland ecology. Therefore, policies to regulate and manage wetland uses are recommended.
Digital Competence of University Teachers of Social and Legal Sciences from a Gender Perspective
Authors: Cored Bandrés Sergio , Liesa Orús Marta , Vázquez Toledo Sandra , Latorre Cosculluela Cecilia , Anzano Oto Silvia
Published: December 2021

Higher Education institutions must respond to the major challenges posed by the technological transformations of recent years. For this, one of the key aspects is that the teachers working in them are trained to incorporate these technologies in teaching–learning processes, which requires them to be digitally competent. To analyse how gender relates to the level of competence of teachers, the types of ICT tools that they use, and their attitudes towards their implementation in teaching–learning processes, this quantitative research was carried out with the participation of 121 university teachers from the Autonomous Community of Aragon, all of them from the area of Social and Legal Sciences. The results show a differentiated profile between men and women in terms of their attitudes, beliefs, and self-perception regarding their management skills and effectiveness.
Assessment of the Application of Content and Language Integrated Learning in a Multilingual Classroom
Authors: Baranova Tatiana , Mokhorov Dmitriy , Kobicheva Aleksandra , Tokareva Elena
Published: December 2021

(1) Background: based on the constantly increasing requirements for modern university graduates, we have developed an educational model that allows us to introduce content and language integrated learning into classes with a multilingual approach, which will allow students to use several foreign languages in the process of professional communication. The purpose of the paper is to evaluate the efficiency of a newly introduced integrated learning model from the perspective of students, to identify the impact of such a model on students’ professional discipline learning outcomes and to determine if the learning model contributes to an improvement in foreign language proficiency. (2) Methods: for our research we used qualitative and quantitative data from students’ records of professional discipline and Spanish testing, as well as surveys and interviews on proposed learning model efficiency. Two groups of students took part in the experiment (N = 23 and N = 24). (3) Results: results on students’ Spanish proficiency showed that the proposed learning model had a positive influence. Students from the experimental group got higher results on Listening, Reading and Speaking. According to results on professional discipline, both groups achieved approximately equal scores. Moreover, students described such a proposed learning model as efficient and progressive, giving a lot of advantages. (4) Conclusions: the experiment conducted confirmed the efficiency of the proposed learning model. In conclusion, it can be recommended for the realization of a multilingual approach, as well as the learning of a professional discipline.
Does a University’s Enslavement History Play a Role in Black Student–White Faculty Interactions? A Structural Equation Model
Authors: Garibay Juan C. , Mathis Christopher
Published: December 2021

Drawing upon Hartman’s (1997) notion of the afterlife of slavery and Critical Race Quantitative Inquiry, this study examines whether Black college students’ emotional responses to their institution’s history of slavery plays a role in contemporary interactions with white faculty. Using structural equation modeling techniques on a sample of 92 Black students from a southern U.S. institution historically involved in slavery, findings highlight the significance of background characteristics, students’ emotional responses to their institution’s slavery history, and experiences with racial microaggressions during college in predicting negative interactions with white faculty. Implications for research, policy, and practice are discussed.
An Evaluation of Safety Training for a Diverse Disaster Response Workforce: The Case of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill
Authors: Sarpy Sue Ann , Burke Michael J.
Published: December 2021

(1) Background: In this case study, we examined the safety-training-related experiences of individuals from six racial-ethnic groups (Asians (Vietnamese), Blacks, Hispanics, Isleños, Native Americans, and Whites) involved in the cleanup of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. (2) Methods: We assessed, via a survey, 495 disaster response trainees’ reactions to the design and delivery of training, learning, safety performance, and injury and illness experience. (3) Results: Our results showed statistically significant racial-ethnic group differences with respect to reactions to training, components of learning (i.e., cognitive, skill, and affective), and safety performance (i.e., use of personal protective equipment, engaging in safe work practices, communicating of safety information, and exercising employee rights and responsibilities). In general, Asians and Isleños group members had lower reactions to training, self-reported learning, and safety performance. Additionally, we found that the safety climate interacted with learning to positively affect safety performance. (4) Conclusions: We discuss the implications of our findings for improving the quality of safety training in relation to addressing language and literacy concerns, developing training that is useful and engaging for volunteer and other cleanup workers from the contaminated region, and promoting a positive safety climate to enhance training transfer.
Fuzzy Logic-Based Direct Power Control Method for PV Inverter of Grid-Tied AC Microgrid without Phase-Locked Loop
Authors: Ahmad Shameem , Mekhilef Saad , Mokhlis Hazlie , Karimi Mazaher , Pourdaryaei Alireza , Ahmed Tofael , Jhuma Umme Kulsum , Afzal Suhail
Published: December 2021

A voltage source inverter (VSI) is the key component of grid-tied AC Microgrid (MG) which requires a fast response, and stable, robust controllers to ensure efficient operation. In this paper, a fuzzy logic controller (FLC)-based direct power control (DPC) method for photovoltaic (PV) VSI was proposed, which was modelled by modulating MG’s point of common coupling (PCC) voltage. This paper also introduces a modified grid synchronization method through the direct power calculation of PCC voltage and current, instead of using a conventional phase-locked loop (PLL) system. FLC is used to minimize the errors between the calculated and reference powers to generate the required control signals for the VSI through sinusoidal pulse width modulation (SPWM). The proposed FLC-based DPC (FLDPC) method has shown better tracking performance with less computational time, compared with the conventional MG power control methods, due to the elimination of PLL and the use of a single power control loop. In addition, due to the use of FLC, the proposed FLDPC exhibited negligible steady-state oscillations in the output power of MG’s PV-VSI. The proposed FLDPC method performance was validated by conducting real-time simulations through real time digital simulator (RTDS). The results have demonstrated that the proposed FLDPC method has a better reference power tracking time of 0.03 s along with reduction in power ripples and less current total harmonic distortion (THD) of 1.59%.
Identification of Buffer and Surface Traps in Fe-Doped AlGaN/GaN HEMTs Using Y21 Frequency Dispersion Properties
Authors: Raja P. Vigneshwara , Subramani Nandha Kumar , Gaillard Florent , Bouslama Mohamed , Sommet Raphaël , Nallatamby Jean-Christophe
Published: December 2021

The buffer and surface trapping effects on low-frequency (LF) Y-parameters of Fe-doped AlGaN/GaN high-electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) are analyzed through experimental and simulation studies. The drain current transient (DCT) characterization is also carried out to complement the trapping investigation. The Y22 and DCT measurements reveal the presence of an electron trap at 0.45–0.5 eV in the HEMT structure. On the other hand, two electron trap states at 0.2 eV and 0.45 eV are identified from the LF Y21 dispersion properties of the same device. The Y-parameter simulations are performed in Sentaurus TCAD in order to detect the spatial location of the traps. As an effective approach, physics-based TCAD models are calibrated by matching the simulated I-V with the measured DC data. The effect of surface donor energy level and trap density on the two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) density is examined. The validated Y21 simulation results indicate the existence of both acceptor-like traps at EC –0.45 eV in the GaN buffer and surface donor states at EC –0.2 eV in the GaN/nitride interface. Thus, it is shown that LF Y21 characteristics could help in differentiating the defects present in the buffer and surface region, while the DCT and Y22 are mostly sensitive to the buffer traps.
Electromagnetic Torque Ripple in Multiple Three-Phase Brushless DC Motors for Electric Vehicles
Authors: Shchur Ihor , Jancarczyk Daniel
Published: December 2021

This paper investigated an electromagnetic torque ripple level of BLDC drives with multiple three-phase (TP) permanent magnet (PM) motors for electric vehicles. For this purpose, mathematical models of PM machines of different armature winding sets-single (STP), dual (DTP), triple (TTP), and quadruple (QTP) ones of asymmetrical configuration and optimal angular displacement between winding sets were developed and corresponding computer models in the Matlab/Simulink environment were created. In conducted simulation, the influence of various factors on the electromagnetic torque ripple of the multiple-TP BLDC drives was investigated—degree of modularity, magnetic coupling between armature winding sets, and drive operation in open and closed-loop control systems. Studies have shown an increase of the electromagnetic torque ripple generated by one module in the multiple TP BLDC drives with magnetically coupled winding sets, due to additional current pulsations caused by magnetic interactions between the machine modules. However, the total electromagnetic torque ripples are much lower than in similar drives with magnetically insulated winding sets. Compared with the STP BLDC drive, the multiple TP BLDC drives with the same output parameters showed a reduction of the electromagnetic torque ripple by 27.6% for the DTP, 32.3% for the TTP, and 34.0% for the QTP BLDC drive.
Photovoltaic Power Plant Collection and Connection to HVDC Grid with High Voltage DC/DC Converter
Authors: Huang Xinke , Wang Huan , Zhou Yu , Zhang Xinlei , Wang Yibo , Xu Honghua
Published: December 2021

Photovoltaic (PV) power plant collection and connection to a high voltage direct current (HVDC) grid has many advantages. Compared with the traditional AC collection and grid-connection scheme, it can reduce the power conversion links and improve the system efficiency. As one of the most important devices in the application of a PV HVDC collection and grid-connection system, a high voltage, large capacity, high step-up ratio DC/DC converter is the critical technology. A DC/DC converter scheme based on a boost full bridge isolated power module cascaded in input parallel output series (IPOS) structure is proposed to meet the technical requirements of PV power conversion with high voltage, large capacity, and high step-up ratio. The operation mode of the power module is analyzed, the soft switching method is proposed, and the constraint to realize the soft switching of the power module is deduced. Aiming to resolve the problem of multi-module voltage and current equalization in a cascaded DC/DC converter, a distributed module equalization control strategy is proposed to realize the reliable operation of a power module and converter. A 5 kV/80 kW standard power module is developed, the DC/DC converter experimental platform is built, and the proposed system scheme and control strategy are verified by experiments. Based on a 14-power module input parallel output series connection, a ±30 kV/1 MW PV DC/DC converter is developed, a ±30 kV PV HVDC collection and grid-connection demonstration system is established, and the experimental test is completed to realize the stable operation of the system.