bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pre-Swirl Ducts, Pre-Swirl Fins and Wake-Equalizing Ducts for the DTC Hull: Design and Scale Effects
Authors: Nicorelli Giacomo , Villa Diego , Gaggero Stefano
Published: May 2023

A pre-swirl fin (PSF), pre-swirl duct (PSD) and wake-equalizing duct (WED) energy-saving devices (ESD) are designed for the Duisburg Test Case (DTC). To this aim, a simulation-based design optimization method, combining RANSE analyses (ship resistance) with BEM calculations (unsteady propeller performances) in a simplified optimization process realized through a parametric description of ESD geometries, was employed. Fully resolved RANSE analyses were used to validate the outcomes of this affordable design process, which identifies devices capable of saving energy in the delivered power for this type of challenging test case by up to 2.6%. Comparisons with model-scale calculations, furthermore, permit us to discuss the influence of each appendage in different flowfields (model- and full-scale, as well as under the action of the simplified or the resolved propeller) and the reliability of the full-scale extrapolation methods recently proposed for these types of devices.
Study on Complex Wake Characteristics of Yawed Wind Turbine Using Actuator Line Method
Authors: Wang Tengyuan , Zhou Shuni , Cai Chang , Wang Xinbao , Wang Zekun , Zhang Yuning , Shi Kezhong , Zhong Xiaohui , Li Qingan
Published: May 2023

In modern large-scale wind farms, power loss caused by the wake effect is more than 30%, and active yaw control can greatly reduce the influence of the wake effect by deflecting the wind turbine’s wake. The yawed wind turbine’s wake characteristics are complex, and a deep comprehension of a yawed turbine’s wake is necessary. The actuator line method combined with URANS (unsteady Reynold-averaged Navier–Stokes equations) is used to study the yawed wind turbine’s wake characteristics in this paper. Compared with an un-yawed wind turbine, a yawed one has two main characteristics, deflection and deformation. With an increasing yaw angle, turbine wake shows an increasing deflection. The results indicated that deflection at different height was different, the wake profile showed the biggest deflection at about the hub height, while the smallest deflection existed at the top and bottom of the yawed turbine’s wake. This can be visually demonstrated by the evolution of a kidney-shape velocity distribution at the vertical cross-section. Two-dimensional and three-dimensional presentations of velocity deficit distributions are presented in this paper. The evolution of an irregular kidney-shape distribution is discussed in this paper. It is formed by the momentum exchange caused by the counter-rotating vortex pair. The results indicated that the counter-rotating vortex pair was composed of the streamwise vortex flux brought by the tip vortex. Furthermore, when the wind turbine rotated clockwise and yawed clockwise, the negative vorticity of counter-rotating vortex first appeared in the upper left position.
mTOR Plays a Conserved Role in Regulation of Nutritional Metabolism in Bivalve Sinonovacula constricta
Authors: Zhang Qian , Li Yanrong , Liao Kai , Chen Deshui , Qiu Yangyang , Yan Xiaojun , Xu Jilin
Published: May 2023

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) has been shown to play a central role in regulating cell growth and metabolism. However, little is known about the function of mTOR in nutrient metabolism in bivalve mollusks. In this study, the role of mTOR in the regulation of nutrient metabolism was investigated in Sinonovacula constricta. First, the activation of mTOR was assayed after starvation and refeeding. Afterwards, the role of mTOR in the regulation of nutrient metabolism was investigated using an activator (MHY1485) or inhibitor (rapamycin) of mTOR. The open reading frame of the S. constricta mTOR is 7416 bp in length and encodes a polypeptide consisting of 2471 amino acids. The mTOR amino acid sequence of S. constricta was highly conserved when compared with other species and had a close evolutionary relationship with the TOR proteins of Crassostrea gigas and Lingula anatine. mTOR was expressed in the intestine, exhalent siphon, labial palppus, muscle, inhalent siphon, gill, mantle, digestive land, and gonad tissue of S. constricta, with the highest expression in muscle. During starvation, the level of phosphorylated mTOR protein was relatively low, and the ratio of LC3II/LC3I protein and the AMPKα mRNA level significantly increased with the increase in starvation time. After feeding, the level of phosphorylated mTOR protein increased from 0.13 to 0.56, and the ratio of LC3II/I protein and AMPKα mRNA level decreased from 1.17 to 0.38. MHY1485 significantly increased the level of phosphorylated 4E-BP1 and significantly decreased the ratio of LC3II/I proteins. Furthermore, MHY1485 significantly increased the mRNA level of the glucose metabolism-related gene glucokinase (GK), significantly decreased the mRNA expression of the G6P gene, and significantly increased the mRNA expression of the lipid synthesis-related genes sterol-regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP) and stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD). Rapamycin significantly reduced the level of phosphorylated 4E-BP1 and the mRNA expression of mTOR, and the expression level of phosphorylated 4EBP1 decreased from 0.97 to 0.28. Meanwhile, it also significantly reduced the mRNA expression of glucose metabolism-related genes GK, pyruvate kinase (PK), glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1), and G6P, as well as lipid synthesis-related genes SCD and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC). These results indicate a conserved role of mTOR in regulating nutritional metabolism, including glucose metabolism, lipid synthesis, and autophagy in S. constricta.
Ganoderma resinaceum and Perenniporia fraxinea: Two Promising Wood Decay Fungi for Pharmaceutical Degradation
Authors: Buratti Simone , Rinaldi Francesca , Calleri Enrica , Bernardi Marco , Oliva Desdemona , Malgaretti Maura , De Girolamo Giuseppe , Barucco Barbara , Girometta Carolina Elena , Savino Elena
Published: May 2023

Wood decay fungi (WDF) are a well-known source of enzymes and metabolites which have applications in numerous fields, including myco-remediation. Pharmaceuticals are becoming more problematic as environmental water pollutants due to their widespread use. In this study, Bjerkandera adusta, Ganoderma resinaceum, Perenniporia fraxinea, Perenniporia meridionalis and Trametes gibbosa were chosen from WDF strains maintained in MicUNIPV (the fungal research collection of the University of Pavia) to test their potential to degrade pharmaceuticals. The degradation potential was tested in spiked culture medium on diclofenac, paracetamol and ketoprofen, three of the most common pharmaceuticals, and irbesartan, a particularly difficult molecule to degrade. G. resinaceum and P. fraxinea were found to be the most effective at degradation, achieving 38% and 52% (24 h) and 72% and 49% (7 d) degradations of diclofenac, 25% and 73% (24 h) and 100% (7 d) degradations of paracetamol and 19% and 31% (24 h) and 64% and 67% (7 d) degradations of ketoprofen, respectively. Irbesartan was not affected by fungal activity. The two most active fungi, G. resinaceum and P. fraxinea, were tested in a second experiment in discharge wastewater collected from two different wastewater treatment plants in northern Italy. A high degradation was found in azithromycin, clarithromycin and sulfametoxazole (from 70% up to 100% in 7 days).
Onychomycosis: Old and New
Authors: Maskan Bermudez Narges , Rodríguez-Tamez Giselle , Perez Sofia , Tosti Antonella
Published: May 2023

Onychomycosis is a common chronic fungal infection of the nail that causes discoloration and/or thickening of the nail plate. Oral agents are generally preferred, except in the case of mild toenail infection limited to the distal nail plate. Terbinafine and itraconazole are the only approved oral therapies, and fluconazole is commonly utilized off-label. Cure rates with these therapies are limited, and resistance to terbinafine is starting to develop worldwide. In this review, we aim to review current oral treatment options for onychomycosis, as well as novel oral drugs that may have promising results in the treatment of onychomycosis.
Effects of Sensorimotor Training on Transversus Abdominis Activation in Chronic Low Back Pain Patients
Authors: Marchand Felix , Laudner Kevin , Delank Karl-Stefan , Schwesig René , Steinmetz Anke
Published: May 2023

(1) Background: The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the effect of sensorimotor training on transversus abdominis activation. (2) Methods: Seventy-five patients with chronic low back pain were randomly assigned to one of three groups (whole body vibration training using Galileo®, coordination training using Posturomed®, or physiotherapy (control)). Transversus abdominis activation was measured by using sonography pre- and post-intervention. Second, changes in clinical function tests and their correlation with the sonographic measurements were determined. (3) Results: All three groups showed an improvement in activation of the transversus abdominis post-intervention, with the Galileo® demonstrating the largest improvement. There were no relevant (r > 0.5) correlations between activation of the transversus abdominis muscle and any clinical tests. (4) Conclusions: The present study provides evidence that sensorimotor training on the Galileo® significantly improves the activation of the transversus abdominis muscle.
Five-to-Fifteen—Parental Perception of Developmental Profile from Age 5 to 8 Years in Children Born Very Preterm
Authors: Mäkilä Eeva , Ekblad Mikael O. , Rautava Päivi , Lapinleimu Helena , Setänen Sirkku
Published: May 2023

Children born very preterm have increased risk of developmental difficulties. We examined the parental perception of developmental profile of children born very preterm at 5 and 8 years by using the parental questionnaire Five-to-Fifteen (FTF) compared to full-term controls. We also studied the correlation between these age points. The study included 168 and 164 children born very preterm (gestational age < 32 weeks and/or birth weight ≤ 1500 g) and 151 and 131 full-term controls. The rate ratios (RR) were adjusted for sex and the father’s educational level. At 5 and 8 years, children born very preterm were more likely to have higher scores (more difficulties) compared to controls in motor skills (RR = 2.3, CI 95% = 1.8–3.0 at 5 years and RR = 2.2, CI 95% = 1.7–2.9 at 8 years), executive function (1.7, 1.3–2.2 and 1.5, 1.2–2.0), perception (1.9, 1.4–2.5 and 1.9, 1.5–2.5), language (1.5, 1.1–1.9 and 2.2, 1.7–2.9), and social skills (1.4, 1.1–1.8 and 2.1, 1.6–2.7), and at 8 years in learning (1.9, 1.4–2.6) and memory (1.5, 1.2–2.0). There were moderate-to-strong correlations (r = 0.56–0.76, p < 0.001) in all domains between 5 and 8 years in children born very preterm. Our findings suggest that FTF might help to earlier identify children at the greatest risk of incurring developmental difficulties persisting to school-age.
Japanese Economic Performance after the Pandemic: A Sectoral Analysis
Authors: Thorbecke Willem
Published: May 2023

The COVID-19 crisis battered the Japanese economy. The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether the pandemic has left scars. To this end, it employs out-of-sample forecasting models and detailed stock market data for 30 sectors and disaggregated current account data for the 3 years after the first case occurred. The findings indicate that stock prices in sectors such as tourism, education, and cosmetics remain far below forecasted values after three years. Office equipment and semiconductor stock prices initially fell more than predicted but have since recovered. Other sectors such as bicycle parts and home appliances gained at first but are now performing as expected. Sectors such as home delivery and electronic entertainment continue to outperform. The results also indicate that income flows from Japanese investments abroad are much larger than forecasted, keeping the Japanese current account in surplus even as imports of oil and commodities have created persistent trade deficits. Since the travails of hard-hit sectors such as tourism reflect their exposure to the COVID-19 pandemic rather than bad choices made by firms, policymakers should consider employing cost-effective ways to stimulate economic activity in these sectors.
Blockchain and Artificial Intelligence as Enablers of Cyber Security in the Era of IoT and IIoT Applications
Authors: Ferrag Mohamed Amine , Maglaras Leandros , Benbouzid Mohamed
Published: May 2023

The fifth revolution of the industrial era—or Industry 5 [...]
A Framework for a User-Perception-Based Approach to Integrate Landscape Protection in Soft Mobility Planning
Authors: Di Ruocco Irina , D’Auria Alessio , D’Alterio Rosaria R. , De Rosa Agostino
Published: May 2023

The relationship with bike infrastructure is missing in the current examination of user perception, which places a great deal of emphasis on visual aesthetic quality or surveys. Italy is experiencing the great development of cycling infrastructures, and the related plans, in line with sustainability objectives, have the task of examining users in various aspects. The purpose of this study is to examine users’ criteria based on perceptions of the landscape in the presence of cycling infrastructures and to analyze the current infrastructures and understand their alignment with sustainable plans. One of the multiple-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) methods based on fuzzy comprehensive evaluation (FCE) was utilized, and it entails identifying the factors that constitute an index and assessing the priority of these factors in relation to other components. The findings demonstrate that the primary variables are distinct aspects of the landscape that are objective. We discovered that these components perform better for urban than metropolitan sectors in this study, as we divided the scenarios into metropolitan and general (urban, suburban, and coastal urban) scenarios.
Review of Land Use Change Detection—A Method Combining Machine Learning and Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Liu Bo , Song Wei , Meng Zhan , Liu Xinwei
Published: May 2023

Land use change detection (LUCD) is a critical technology with applications in various fields, including forest disturbance, cropland changes, and urban expansion. However, the current review articles on LUCD tend to be limited in scope, rendering a comprehensive review challenging due to the vast number of publications. This paper systematically reviewed 3512 articles retrieved from the Web of Science Core database between 1985 and 2022, utilizing a combination of bibliometric analysis and machine learning methods with LUCD as the main focus. The results indicated an exponential increase in the number of LUCD studies, indicating continued growth in this research field. Commonly used methods include classification-based, threshold-based, model-based, and deep learning-based change detection, with research themes encompassing forest logging and vegetation succession, urban landscape dynamics, and biodiversity conservation and management. To build an intelligent change detection system, researchers need to develop a flexible framework that integrates data preprocessing, feature extraction, land use type interpretation, and accuracy evaluation, given the continuous evolution and application of remote sensing data, deep learning, big data, and artificial intelligence.
The Evolution of Historic Agroforestry Landscape in the Northern Apennines (Italy) and Its Consequences for Slope Geomorphic Processes
Authors: Brandolini Filippo , Compostella Chiara , Pelfini Manuela , Turner Sam
Published: May 2023

Historic agricultural practices have played a dominant role in shaping landscapes, creating a heritage which must be understood and conserved from the perspective of sustainable development. Agroforestry (i.e., the practice of combining trees with agriculture or livestock) has existed since ancient times in European countries, and it has been recognised as one of the most resilient and multifunctional cultural landscapes, providing a wide range of economic, sociocultural, and environmental benefits. This research explores aspects of the history, physical characteristics, decline, and current state of conservation of historic agroforestry systems on the Northern Apennines in Italy, using an interdisciplinary approach combining archival sources, landscape archaeology, dendrochronology, and GIS analysis. Furthermore, through computer-based modelling, this research aims to evaluate how the abandonment of this historic rural land-use strategy impacted slope geomorphic processes over the long term. The importance of environmental values attached to traditional rural landscapes has received much attention even beyond the heritage sector, justifying the definition of transdisciplinary approaches necessary to ensure the holistic management of landscapes. Through the integration of the Unit Stream Power-Based Erosion Deposition (USPED) equation with landscape archaeological data, the paper shows how restoring the historic agroforestry landscape could significantly mitigate soil mass movements in the area. Thus, the interdisciplinary workflow proposed in this study enables a deep understanding of both the historical evolution of agroforestry systems and its resulting effects for cumulative soil erosion and deposition in the face of climate change.
Identification of Urban Clusters Based on Multisource Data—An Example of Three Major Urban Agglomerations in China
Authors: Wang Gaoyuan , Wang Yixuan , Li Yangli , Chen Tian
Published: May 2023

Accurately identifying the boundary of urban clusters is a crucial aspect of studying the development of urban agglomerations. This process is essential for comprehending and optimizing smart and compact urban development. Existing studies often rely on a single category of data, which can result in coarse identification boundaries, insufficient detail accuracy, and slight discrepancies between the coverage and the actual conditions. To accurately identify the extent of urban clusters, this study proposes and compares the results of three methods for identifying dense urban areas of three major agglomerations in China: Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei, the Yangtze River Delta, and the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area. The study then integrates the results of these methods to obtain a more effective identification approach. The social economic method involved extracting a density threshold based on the fused nuclear density of socio-economic vitality data, including population, GDP, and POI, while the remote sensing method evaluated feature indices based on remote sensing images, including the density index, continuity index, gradient index, and development index. The traffic network method utilizes land transportation networks and travelling speeds to identify the minimum cost path and delineate the boundary by 20–30 min isochronous circles. The results obtained from the three methods were combined, and hotspots were identified using GIS overlay analysis and spatial autocorrelation analysis. This method integrates the multi-layered information from the previous three methods, which more comprehensively reflects the characteristics and morphology of urban clusters. Finally, the accuracy of each identification result is verified and compared. The results reveal that the average overall accuracy (OA) of the three areas delineated by the first three methods are 57.49%, 30.88%, and 33.74%, respectively. Furthermore, the average Kappa coefficients of these areas are 0.4795, 0.2609, and 0.2770, respectively. After performing data fusion, the resulting average overall accuracy (OA) was 85.34%, and the average Kappa coefficient was 0.7394. These findings suggest that the data fusion method can effectively delineate dense urban areas with greater accuracy than the previous three methods. Additionally, this method can accurately reflect the scope of urban clusters by depicting their overall boundary contour and the distribution of internal details in a more scientific manner. The study proposes a feasible method and path for the identification of urban clusters. It can serve as a starting point for formulating spatial planning policies for urban agglomerations, aiding in precise and scientific control of boundary growth. This can promote the rational allocation of resources and optimization of spatial structure by providing a reliable reference for the optimization of urban agglomeration space and the development of regional spatial policies.
Regional Development, Rural Transformation, and Land Use/Cover Changes in a Fast-Growing Oil Palm Region: The Case of Jambi Province, Indonesia
Authors: Rustiadi Ernan , Pravitasari Andrea Emma , Priatama Rista Ardy , Singer Jane , Junaidi Junaidi , Zulgani Zulgani , Sholihah Rizqi Ianatus
Published: May 2023

The development policies implemented in Jambi Province, Indonesia, since the New Order era, have encouraged transformations in demography, regional paradigms, growth base sectors, and growth actors. This study aims to understand how the central government’s demographic policies and plantation development program have impacted regional land cover change, rural development transformation, and economic development in Sumatra Island’s biodiversity-rich rainforest region (Jambi Province). This study explores the shifts in village typology that have occurred. Descriptive analysis and cluster analysis were applied to collect data at the provincial level that included population, poverty rate, levels of education, HDI, GRDP, Gini index, and land cover. Village Potential Data at the village level was then used to build an infrastructure index and a diversity of activities index. The results of this study indicated that macro development indicators are in a positive trend: HDI, educational levels, GRDP per capita, and the proportion of the tertiary sector in GRDP have all increased. The growth of the tertiary sector was largely driven by the trade and motorized-vehicle repair sectors. The provincial landscape has changed significantly due to the expansion of oil palm plantations. At the village level, the infrastructure index and diversity index show an increase in the number of facilities and variations in economic activity in most villages. Some shifts in rural typology are highlighted: the increase in urban villages and in villages that specialize in oil palm plantation or other industrial plantation crops.
Effectiveness of Epley–Canalith Repositioning Procedure versus Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy in Diabetic Patients with Posterior Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Shaphe Mohammad Abu , Alshehri Mohammed M. , Alajam Ramzi Abdu , Beg Rashid Ali , Hamdi Najat Ibrahim A. , Nanjan Saravanakumar , Esht Vandana , Aljahni Mohammed A. , Ahmed Hashim , Ahmad Ausaf , Aafreen  , Khan Ashfaque , Khan Abdur Raheem
Published: May 2023

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a common inner ear disorder, characterized by brief episodes of vertigo caused by changes in head position. The condition can cause significant functional impairment and reduced quality of life. BPPV is especially common among diabetic patients. The Epley–canalith repositioning procedure (CRP) and vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) are two commonly used interventions for the treatment of BPPV. The objective of this study is to compare the effectiveness of Epley–canalith repositioning procedure (ECRP) and Vestibular Rehabilitation (VR) therapy in the management of vertigo among Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus patients. A total of 30 subjects with Type 2 diabetes mellitus, aged between 40 and 65 years, were randomly allocated to either the ECRP or VR therapy groups using a lottery method, and then underwent Epley–canalith repositioning procedure or vestibular rehabilitation therapy, respectively. The outcomes measured by the study were Vertigo Symptom Scale–Short Form (VSS–sf) score and Berg Balance Scale (BBS) score, assessed pre-treatment (pre) and 4 weeks post-treatment (post). The results demonstrated that both ECRP and VR therapy led to improvements in VSS–sf and BBS scores. However, VR therapy was found to be more effective, resulting in a 13.6% higher improvement in VSS–sf scores (p = 0.03) and a 5.1% higher improvement in BBS scores (p = 0.51) compared to ECRP. Both Epley–canalith repositioning procedure and vestibular rehabilitation therapy are effective in managing BPPV in diabetic patients. Although the differences in BBS scores are not statistically significant, VRT demonstrated a trend towards greater improvement. Vestibular rehabilitation therapy can be used by clinicians as another rehabilitation technique for improving vertigo, postural stability, and activity of daily living in diabetic patients with BPPV.
The Anti-Cancer Effect of Cinnamon Aqueous Extract: A Focus on Hematological Malignancies
Authors: Caserta Santino , Genovese Claudia , Cicero Nicola , Gangemi Sebastiano , Allegra Alessandro
Published: May 2023

Cinnamon is an evergreen and tropical plant of the family Lauraceae, growing particularly in Sri Lanka, whose aqueous extract has been tested in different studies to evaluate its possible use as an anti-cancer compound. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments seem to confirm that it acts on various cellular pathways, contributing to down-regulating the activity of molecules that stimulate the proliferation and survival of cells such as the transcription factors NF-KB and AP-1, COX-2, dihydrofolate reductase and pro-angiogenic substances such as VEGF, while up-regulating the function of immune cells against tumors, such as cytotoxic CD8+ T cells. In hematological malignancies, aqueous cinnamon extract has been studied in order to understand if it is possible to count on its help, alone or in combination with traditional drugs such as doxorubicin, to treat patients. The aim of our work is to investigate results from in vitro and in vivo studies about the possible anti-cancer effect of aqueous cinnamon extract in hematological malignancies and the different pathways involved in its action. The possibility of using cinnamon extract in clinical practice is discussed; even if its use could appear very interesting, more studies are necessary to clear the real potentiality of this substance in cancer.
Refixation of a Large Osteochondral Fragment with Magnesium Compression Screws—A Case Report
Authors: Deichsel Adrian , Palma Kries Lucas Klaus , Raschke Michael J. , Peez Christian , Briese Thorben , Glasbrenner Johannes , Herbst Elmar , Kittl Christoph
Published: May 2023

Introduction: Osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD) is a disease affecting the subchondral bone and the overlying articular cartilage. The etiology is most likely a combination of biological and mechanical factors. The incidence is highest in children >12 years old and it predominantly affects the knee. In high-grade OCD lesions, free osteochondral fragments usually are refixed via titanium screws or biodegradable screws or pins. In this case, headless compression screws made from magnesium were used for refixation. Case report: A thirteen-year-old female patient with a two-year history of knee pain was diagnosed with an OCD lesion of the medial femoral condyle. After initial conservative treatment, displacement of the osteochondral fragment occurred. Refixation was performed using two headless magnesium compression screws. At the 6 months follow up, the patient was pain free, and the fragment showed progressive healing while the implants were biodegrading. Discussion: Existing implants for refixation of OCD lesions either require subsequent removal or show less stability and possible inflammatory reactions. The new generation of magnesium screws used in this case did not lead to a gas release, as described for previous magnesium implants, while maintaining stability during continuous biodegradation. Conclusions: The data available to date on magnesium implants for the treatment of OCD are promising. However, the evidence on the magnesium implants in refixation surgery of OCD lesions is still limited. Further research needs to be conducted to provide data on outcomes and possible complications.
What Is Next in Pediatric B-Cell Precursor Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Talleur Aimee , Pui Ching-Hon , Karol Seth
Published: May 2023

Cure rates now exceed 90% in many contemporary trials for children with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). However, treatment remains suboptimal, and therapy is toxic for all patients. New treatment options potentially offer the chance to reduce both treatment resistance and toxicity. Here, we review recent advances in ALL diagnostics, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. In addition to describing recently published results, we also attempt to project the impact of these new developments into the future to imagine what B-ALL therapy may look like in the next few years.
Human Ovarian Follicular Fluid Mesenchymal Stem Cells Express Osteogenic Markers When Cultured on Bioglass 58S-Coated Titanium Scaffolds
Authors: Riva Federica , Bloise Nora , Omes Claudia , Ceccarelli Gabriele , Fassina Lorenzo , Nappi Rossella Elena , Visai Livia
Published: May 2023

Recent studies have reported that stem cells (human follicular fluid mesenchymal stem cells or hFF-MSCs) are present in ovarian follicular fluid (hFF) and that they have a proliferative and differentiative potential which is similar to that of MSCs derived from other adult tissue. These mesenchymal stem cells, isolated from human follicular fluid waste matter discarded after retrieval of oocytes during the IVF process, constitute another, as yet unutilized, source of stem cell materials. There has been little work on the compatibility of these hFF-MSCs with scaffolds useful for bone tissue engineering applications and the aim of this study was to evaluate the osteogenic capacity of hFF-MSCs seeded on bioglass 58S-coated titanium and to provide an assessment of their suitability for bone tissue engineering purposes. Following a chemical and morphological characterization with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), cell viability, morphology and expression of specific osteogenic markers were examined after 7 and 21 days of culture. The hFF-MSCs seeded on bioglass and cultured with osteogenic factors, when compared with those seeded on tissue culture plate or on uncoated titanium, exhibited enhanced cell viability and osteogenic differentiation, as reflected by increased calcium deposition and increased ALP activity with expression and production of bone-related proteins. Taken together, these results demonstrate that MSCs from human follicular fluid waste materials can be easily cultured in titanium scaffolds coated with bioglass, having osteoinductive properties. This process has significant potential for regenerative medicine applications and indicates that hFF-MSCs may be a valid alternative to hBM-MSC cells in experimental models in bone tissue engineering.
Artificial Neural Network-Based Predictive Model for Finite Element Analysis of Additive-Manufactured Components
Authors: Grozav Sorin D. , Sterca Alexandru D. , Kočiško Marek , Pollák Martin , Ceclan Vasile
Published: May 2023

Additive manufacturing is becoming one of the most utilized tools in an increasing number of fields from Industry 4.0 concepts, engineering, and manufacturing to aerospace and medical applications. One important issue with additive-manufactured components is their orthotropic behaviour where mechanical properties are concerned. This behaviour is due to the layer-by-layer manufacturing process and is particularly hard to predict since it depends on a number of factors, including the manufacturing parameters used during the manufacturing process (speed, temperature, etc.). This study aimed to create and train an artificial neural network-based predictive model using empirical tensile strength data obtained from additive manufactured test parts using the FDM method and PLA material. The predictive model was designed to predict mechanical characteristics for different orientation axis, which were used to set the material properties for finite element analysis. Results indicate a strong correlation between predicted finite element analysis behaviour and real-world tests on additive-manufactured components. The neural network model was trained to an accuracy of ~93% for predicting the mechanical characteristics of 3D-printed PLA material. Using the predicted mechanical characteristics for defining a custom orthotropic material profile in finite element analysis, the simulated failure mode and the behaviour of a complex geometry component agreed with the real-world test.
Ochratoxin A-Imprinted nanoMIPs Prepared by Solid Phase Synthesis: Effect of Mimic Template on Binding Properties
Authors: Serra Thea , Anfossi Laura , Cavalera Simone , Chiarello Matteo , Nardo Fabio Di , Testa Valentina , Baggiani Claudio
Published: May 2023

The solid-phase polymerization synthesis (SPPS) represents one of the most innovative approaches to the preparation of nano-sized molecularly imprinted polymers. One of its main features consists of the use of a solid support on which the template molecule is covalently grafted. It implies that the imprinting process does not involve the target molecule as is, but, rather, a structural modification of it. It is known that the rationally designed mimic N-(4-chloro-1-hydroxy-2-naphthoylamido)-(L)-phenylalanine (CHNA-Phe) is able to generate, by bulk polymerization, imprinted materials capable of recognizing the mycotoxin Ochratoxin A (OTA). In this work, we wanted to verify whether the CHNA-Phe can be a useful mimic template in the SPPS technique. The binding isotherm were measured in the pH range of 4–8 and the binding affinities for CHNA-Phe and OTA were compared, showing that CHNA-Phe-imprinted nanoMIPs recognize, in buffered water, equally well OTA, and that the overall molecular recognition depends markedly from pH-related ionic interactions between the ligand and the binding site. There results confirm that in the SPPS method, it is possible and convenient to use as mimic templates a molecule whose three-dimensional structure is to some extent different from the target without substantial loss of selectivity or binding affinity.
The Crossing Number of Join of a Special Disconnected 6-Vertex Graph with Cycle
Authors: Ding Zongpeng , Qian Xiaomei
Published: May 2023

The crossing number of a graph G, cr(G), is defined as the smallest possible number of edge-crossings in a drawing of G in the plane. There are almost no results concerning crossing number of join of a disconnected 6-vertex graph with cycle. The main aim of this paper is to give the crossing number of the join product Q+Cn for the disconnected 6-vertex graph Q consisting of the two 3-cycles, where Cn is the cycle on n vertices.
Application of Fuzzy Network Using Efficient Domination
Authors: Kumaran Narayanan , Meenakshi Annamalai , Mahdal Miroslav , Prakash Jayavelu Udaya , Guras Radek
Published: May 2023

Let Heff (Veff, Eeff) be a finite simple connected graph of order m with vertex set Veff and edge set Eeff. A dominating set Sds⊆Veff is called an efficiently dominating set if, for every vertex ua∈VG, NGua∩Sds=1—where NG [ua] denotes the closed neighborhood of the vertex ua. Using efficient domination techniques and labelling, we constructed the fuzzy network. An algorithm has been framed to encrypt and decrypt the secret information present in the network, and furthermore, the algorithm has been given in pseudocode. The mathematical modelling of a strong fuzzy network is defined and constructed to elude the burgeoning intruder. Using the study of the efficient domination of fuzzy graphs, this domination parameter plays a nuanced role in encrypting and decrypting the framed network. One of the main purposes of fuzzy networks is encryption, so one of our contributions to this research is to build a novel combinatorial technique to encrypt and decode the built-in fuzzy network with a secret number utilizing effective domination. An illustration with an appropriate secret message is provided along with the encryption and decryption algorithms. Furthermore, we continued this study in intuitionistic fuzzy networks.
Determining the Main Resilience Competencies by Applying Fuzzy Logic in Military Organization
Authors: Bekesiene Svajone , Nakonechnyi Oleksandr , Kapustyan Olena , Smaliukiene Rasa , Vaičaitienė Ramutė , Bagdžiūnienė Dalia , Kanapeckaitė Rosita
Published: May 2023

Military training programs have been developed to enhance soldier resilience competencies, which are necessary for soldiers to perform their duties effectively under stress. The ongoing military conflict in Ukraine and the experience of previous military missions abroad emphasize the need for effective training that helps soldiers recover quickly and continue their missions. However, selecting the most suitable resilience training program is challenging and the selection criteria need to be optimized to ensure the most needed competencies are considered. This study aimed to utilize a fuzzy MCDM method to establish the priority weight of decision-making criteria, identifying the core competencies necessary for soldier resilience training, and utilizing the fuzzy TOPSIS method to rank and select the most appropriate training program. The evaluation results were calculated using the MATLAB (R2020b) mathematical package developed by MathWorks. The application of the hierarchical MCDA model based on fuzzy sets theory indicated that mental agility is the most important competence in high-stress environments. The study found that the Mindfulness-Based Mind Fitness Training (MMFT) program, which is intended to regulate soldiers’ emotions, had the highest rank among evaluated options according to the combined FAHP sub-factor fuzzy weights and alternatives evaluation conducted using FTOPSIS. The study provides valuable information on the selection of military resilience training programs.
Citrinin Is a Potential Quorum Sensing Inhibitor against Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Ji Hongrui , Zhao Lu , Lv Kaiwen , Zhang Yuzhu , Gao Haibo , Gong Qianhong , Yu Wengong
Published: May 2023

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that infects patients by regulating virulence factors and biofilms through a quorum sensing (QS) system to protect itself from antibiotics and environmental stress. Therefore, the development of quorum sensing inhibitors (QSIs) is expected to become a new strategy for studying drug resistance to P. aeruginosa infections. Marine fungi are valuable resources for screening QSIs. A marine fungus, Penicillium sp. JH1, with anti-QS activity was isolated from the offshore waters of Qingdao (China), and citrinin, a novel QSI, was purified from secondary metabolites of this fungus. Citrinin could significantly inhibit the production of violacein in Chromobacterium violaceum CV12472 and the production of three virulence factors (elastase, rhamnolipid and pyocyanin) in P. aeruginosa PAO1. It could also inhibit the biofilm formation and motility of PAO1. In addition, citrinin downregulated the transcript levels of nine genes (lasI, rhlI, pqsA, lasR, rhlR, pqsR, lasB, rhlA and phzH) associated with QS. Molecular docking results showed that citrinin bound to PqsR and LasR with better affinity than the natural ligands. This study laid a foundation for the further study of the structure optimization and structure–activity relationship of citrinin.
A Systematic Review of Randomized Clinical Trials Evaluating the Efficacy of Minimally Invasive Surgery for Soft Tissue Management: Aesthetics, Postoperative Morbidity, and Clinical Results
Authors: Ardila Carlos M. , González-Arroyave Daniel , Vivares-Builes Annie Marcela
Published: May 2023

Background and Objectives: The necessity for less invasive and patient-friendly surgical therapies guided the development of the “minimally invasive surgical technique” (MIST). The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the efficacy of MIST for soft tissue management considering aesthetic results, postoperative morbidity, and clinical outcomes. Materials and Methods: Several databases were used to conduct a thorough analysis of the scientific evidence. To investigate randomized clinical trials (RCTs), MeSH terms and keywords were provided. Results: Eleven RCTs were chosen. These experiments included 273 patients. The trials that explored MIST for papilla preservation presented greater efficacy in increasing papillary height (p < 0.05). MIST showed stable clinical outcomes for the management of excessive gingival display and with a flapless technique for single implant placement. Considering the treatment of gingival recessions, some RCTs presented greater root coverage with MIST (p < 0.05), while other trials did not show differences between groups. Regarding aesthetic perception, five RCTs indicated high patient satisfaction with MIST (p < 0.05). Similarly, six RCTs reported that patients in the MIST group presented significantly less post-surgical pain and lower wound healing scores (p < 0.01). Conclusions: It was concluded that using MIST resulted in more clinical studies reporting better clinical outcomes. Considering aesthetic appearance, slightly more than half of the clinical trials also showed improved results with MIST. Likewise, regarding postoperative morbidity, 60% of the clinical trials also described better scores with MIST. All of this indicates that MIST is a good alternative for the management of soft tissues.
Prognostic Factors for Prolonged In-Hospital Stay in Patients with Heart Failure
Authors: Ignatavičiūtė Eglė , Žaliaduonytė Diana , Zabiela Vytautas
Published: May 2023

Background and Objectives: Heart failure (HF) is a threatening health condition that is associated with an increasing prevalence and high expenses because of frequent patient hospitalizations. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the factors that influence the length of in-hospital stay in HF patients. Materials and Methods: A total of 220 patients (43.2% men), admitted to the Department of Cardiology, Kaunas Hospital of Lithuanian University of Health Sciences from the 1st of January 2021 to the 31st of May 2021, were included in this study. According to the length of in-hospital stay, patients were stratified into two groups: the first group’s length of stay (LOS) was from 1 to 8 days, and the second group’s LOS was 9 days or more. Results: The median LOS was 8 (6–10) days. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed five predictors as independent factors associated with prolonged hospitalization. These predictors included treatment interruption (OR 3.694; 95% CI 1.080–12.630, p = 0.037), higher value of NT-proBNP (OR 3.352; 95% CI 1.468–7.659, p = 0.004), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≤ 50 mL/min/1.73 m2 (OR 2.423; 95% CI 1.090–5.383, p = 0.030), systolic blood pressure (BP) ≤ 135 mmHg (OR 3.100; 95% CI 1.421–6.761, p = 0.004) and severe tricuspid valve regurgitation (OR 2.473; 95% CI 1.086–5.632, p = 0.031). Conclusions: Several variables were identified as significant clinical predictors for prolonged length of in-hospital stay in HF patients where treatment interruption, higher NT-proBNP value and lower systolic BP at admission were the most important.
Application of Hybrid Electrobaromembrane Process for Selective Recovery of Lithium from Cobalt- and Nickel-Containing Leaching Solutions
Authors: Butylskii Dmitrii , Troitskiy Vasiliy , Chuprynina Daria , Dammak Lasâad , Larchet Christian , Nikonenko Victor
Published: May 2023

New processes for recycling valuable materials from used lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) need to be developed. This is critical to both meeting growing global demand and mitigating the electronic waste crisis. In contrast to the use of reagent-based processes, this work shows the results of testing a hybrid electrobaromembrane (EBM) method for the selective separation of Li+ and Co2+ ions. Separation is carried out using a track-etched membrane with a pore diameter of 35 nm, which can create conditions for separation if an electric field and an oppositely directed pressure field are applied simultaneously. It is shown that the efficiency of ion separation for a lithium/cobalt pair can be very high due to the possibility of directing the fluxes of separated ions to opposite sides. The flux of lithium through the membrane is about 0.3 mol/(m2 × h). The presence of coexisting nickel ions in the feed solution does not affect the flux of lithium. It is shown that the EBM separation conditions can be chosen so that only lithium is extracted from the feed solution, while cobalt and nickel remain in it.
Achieving High Strength and Good Ductility in a Nb-Containing CoCrNi-Based High-Entropy Alloy by Grain Boundary and Precipitates Strengthening
Authors: Yu Zewen , Lin Yaojun
Published: May 2023

Face-centered cubic (FCC) high-entropy alloys (HEAs) have attracted considerable attention due to their excellent mechanical properties; however, an insufficient yield strength (YS) limits their widespread engineering applications. To improve the strength of FCC HEAs, the present work aims to develop fine-grained Nb-containing CoCrNi-based HEAs with precipitates. In the present work, a single-phase FCC CoCrNi1.5Nb0.2 HEA was processed by cold rolling followed by annealing at a higher temperature and aging at a lower temperature, yielding fine- and ultra-fine-grained FCC matrices and two types of precipitates: ultra-fine granular C15 Laves phase CoCrNb-based precipitates and ultra-fine lath-shaped D019-structured ε-Ni3Nb-based precipitates. The resultant alloy exhibits a combination of high strength (approximately 1409 MPa of yield strength) and good ductility (10.1% of uniform elongation). The contributions of grain boundary and precipitation strengthening to YS were analyzed and calculated. The mechanisms underlying good ductility were discussed.
Numerical Simulation of the Slag Splashing Process in A 120 Ton Top-Blown Converter
Authors: Yang Guang , Li Baokuan , Sun Meijia , Qin Deyue , Zhong Liangcai
Published: May 2023

Slag splashing operations at the end of the converter blow process can improve the furnace liner life and the converter operation rate. However, the effect of factors on slag splashing at actual dimensions is yet to be fully understood. A three-dimensional transient mathematical model coupled with the response surface analysis has been established to investigate the effects of the amount of remaining slag, oxygen lance height, and top-blowing nitrogen flowrate on the slag splashing process in a 120 ton top-blown converter. The predicted splashing density is validated by the experimental data. The numerical simulation results show that the splashing density and the splashing area ratio increase with the amount of remaining slag, which has the greatest effect on slag splashing. As the oxygen lance height decreases, the splashing density and the splashing area ratio first increase and then decrease. The top-blowing nitrogen flowrate is positively correlated with the splashing area ratio. When the oxygen lance height is high, the impact of the top-blowing nitrogen flowrate on the splashing density is not significant. The splashing density increases with increasing top-blowing nitrogen flowrate as the oxygen lance height is low.