bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Service Quality of Medical Information O2O Platform on Continuous Use Intention: Case of South Korea
Authors: Myung Judong , Kim Boyoung
Published: October 2022

Digital transformation of the healthcare industry is being accelerated due to the evolution of digital intelligence information technology such as artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and big data. As online-to-offline (O2O)-based consumption life, based on platforms, becomes routinized along with the COVID-19 pandemic, the O2O platforms on medical activities are gaining attention. This study targeted the medical information O2O platform users and aimed to verify the effects of service quality factors on the platform users’ continuous use intention with the mediation of perceived usefulness and perceived convenience. Based on previous studies, four such factors: context-based affordability, immediacy of connection, reliability, and safety were defined as the medical information O2O platform service quality components. This study targeted 369 users of medical information O2O platforms with market dominance in Korea and conducted a questionnaire survey. According to analysis results, context-based affordability and immediacy of connection had a positive (+) effect on perceived usefulness and convenience, and they were confirmed to affect continuous-use intention with the mediation of the perceived usefulness and convenience. Meanwhile, reliability did not affect the perceived usefulness and convenience, whereas safety had a positive (+) effect on perceived usefulness but did not have the same effect (+) on perceived convenience. Consequently, it was ascertained that context-based affordability and immediacy of connection are more important factors to the medical information O2O platform consumers than reliability and safety.
Artificial Neural Network Training Using Structural Learning with Forgetting for Parameter Analysis of Injection Molding Quality Prediction
Authors: Maarif Muhammad Rifqi , Listyanda R. Faiz , Kang Yong-Shin , Syafrudin Muhammad
Published: October 2022

The analysis of influential machine parameters can be useful to plan and design a plastic injection molding process. However, current research in parameter analysis is mostly based on computer-aided engineering (CAE) or simulation which have been demonstrated to be inadequate for analyzing complex behavioral changes in the real injection molding process. More advanced approaches using machine learning technology specifically with artificial neural networks (ANNs) brought promising results in terms of prediction accuracy. Nevertheless, the black box and distributed representation of ANN prevent humans from gaining an insight into which process parameters give a significant influence on the final prediction output. Therefore, in this paper, we develop a simpler ANN model by using structural learning with forgetting (SLF) as the algorithm for the training process. Instead of typical backpropagation which generated a fully connected layer of the ANN model, SLF only reveals the important neurons and connections. Hence, the training process of SLF leaves only influential connections and neurons. Since each of the neurons specifically on the input layer represent each of the injection molding parameters, the ANN-SLF model can be further investigated to determine the influential process parameters. By applying SLF to the ANN training process, this experiment has successfully extracted a set of significant injection molding process parameters.
Myocardial Injury Portends a Higher Risk of Mortality and Long-Term Cardiovascular Sequelae after Hospital Discharge in COVID-19 Survivors
Authors: Rinaldi Riccardo , Basile Mattia , Salzillo Carmine , Grieco Domenico Luca , Caffè Andrea , Masciocchi Carlotta , Lilli Livia , Damiani Andrea , La Vecchia Giulia , Iannaccone Giulia , Bonanni Alice , De Pascale Gennaro , Murri Rita , Fantoni Massimo , Liuzzo Giovanna , Sanna Tommaso , Massetti Massimo , Gasbarrini Antonio , Valentini Vincenzo , Antonelli Massimo , Crea Filippo , Montone Rocco Antonio ,   on behalf of the Gemelli against COVID Group
Published: October 2022

Background: Cardiovascular sequelae after COVID-19 are frequent. However, the predictors for their occurrence are still unknown. In this study, we aimed to assess whether myocardial injury during COVID-19 hospitalization is associated to CV sequelae and death after hospital discharge. Methods: In this prospective observational study, consecutive patients who were admitted for COVID-19 in a metropolitan COVID-19 hub in Italy, between March 2021 and January 2022, with a ≥ 1 assessment of high sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) were included in the study, if they were alive at hospital discharge. Myocardial injury was defined as elevation hs-cTnI > 99th percentile of the upper reference limit. The incidence of all-cause mortality and major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE, including cardiovascular death, admission for acute or chronic coronary syndrome, hospitalization for heart failure, and stroke/transient ischemic attack) at follow-up were the primary outcomes. Arrhythmias, inflammatory heart diseases, and/or thrombotic disorders were analyzed as well. Results: Among the 701 COVID-19 survivors (mean age 66.4 ± 14.4 years, 40.2% female), myocardial injury occurred in 75 (10.7%) patients. At a median follow-up of 270 days (IQR 165, 380), all-cause mortality (21.3% vs. 6.1%, p < 0.001), MACCE (25.3% vs. 4.5%, p < 0.001), arrhythmias (9.3% vs. 5.0%, p = 0.034), and inflammatory heart disease (8.0% vs. 1.1%, p < 0.001) were more frequent in patients with myocardial injury compared to those without. At multivariate analysis, myocardial injury (HR 1.95 [95% CI:1.05–3.61]), age (HR 1.09 [95% CI:1.06–1.12]), and chronic kidney disease (HR 2.63 [95% CI:1.33–5.21]) were independent predictors of death. Myocardial injury (HR 3.92 [95% CI:2.07–7.42]), age (HR 1.05 [95% CI:1.02–1.08]), and diabetes (HR 2.35 [95% CI:1.25–4.43]) were independent predictors of MACCE. Conclusion: In COVID-19 survivors, myocardial injury during the hospital stay portends a higher risk of mortality and cardiovascular sequelae and could be considered for the risk stratification of COVID-19 sequelae in patients who are successfully discharged.
Switching Antipsychotic Medications in People with Schizophrenia: A 4-Year Naturalistic Study
Authors: Cascino Giammarco , Ceres Rossella , Monteleone Alessio Maria , Bucci Paola , Giordano Giulia Maria , Galderisi Silvana , Monteleone Palmiero
Published: October 2022

Although generally effective in ameliorating the core manifestations of schizophrenia, antipsychotics (APs) may lead to only suboptimal responses or may be associated with a variety of treatment-related adverse events which require additional treatment strategies. Under such clinical circumstances, switching APs represents a rational treatment option. The present study aimed to identify the variables that predict AP switch and to quantify the frequency of this phenomenon in people with schizophrenia in real-life. A secondary analysis was conducted on the data collected at baseline and at a 4-year follow-up from a large sample of community-dwelling Italian people with schizophrenia. Demographic and clinical variables as well as information about AP treatment were recorded at two time points. Over the 4-year period, 34.9% of the 571 participants switched the AP; in particular, 8.4% of participants switched from first-generation APs (FGAs) to second-generation APs or vice versa, while 8.2% of them switched to clozapine. Logistic regression models showed that combination of APs at baseline was negatively associated with AP switch, while treatment with FGAs and the presence of extrapyramidal symptoms at baseline were associated with AP class switch. Although the aim of the present study was not to assess predictors of clinical relapse in people with schizophrenia, we might speculate that switching APs represents a surrogate indicator of treatment failure in some patients and could lead into relapse, which is a costly aspect of schizophrenia management in both economic and human terms. The sooner such a negative outcome can be predicted and managed, the sooner the treatment can be optimized to avoid it.
Age- and Severity-Associated Humoral Immunity Response in COVID-19 Patients: A Cohort Study from Wuhan, China
Authors: Zhu An , Liu Min , Li Yang , Lei Qing , Wu Qiaoyi , Lin Mingxi , Lai Danyun , Lu Linfang , Yu Siqi , Guo Shujuan , Jiang Hewei , Hou Hongyan , Zheng Yunxiao , Wang Xuening , Ma Mingliang , Zhang Bo , Chen Hong , Xue Junbiao , Zhang Hainan , Qi Huan , Sun Ziyong , Wang Feng , Fan Xionglin , Tao Shengce , Xu Zhaowei
Published: October 2022

Age has been found to be the single most significant factor in COVID-19 severity and outcome. However, the age-related severity factors of COVID-19 have not been definitively established. In this study, we detected SARS-CoV-2-specific antibody responses and infectious disease-related blood indicators in 2360 sera from 783 COVID-19 patients, with an age range of 1–92 years. In addition, we recorded the individual information and clinical symptoms of the patients. We found that the IgG responses for S1, N, and ORF3a and the IgM for NSP7 were associated with severe COVID-19 at different ages. The IgM responses for the S-protein peptides S1-113 (aa 673–684) and S2-97 (aa 1262–1273) were associated with severe COVID-19 in patients aged <60. Furthermore, we found that the IgM for S1-113 and NSP7 may play a protective role in patients aged <60 and >80, respectively. Regarding clinical parameters, we analyzed the diagnostic ability of five clinical parameters for severe COVID-19 in six age groups and identified three-target panel, glucose, IL-6, myoglobin, IL-6, and NT proBNP as the appropriate diagnostic markers for severe COVID-19 in patients aged <41, 41–50, 51–60, 61–70, 71–80, and >80, respectively. The age-associated severity factors revealed here will facilitate our understanding of COVID-19 immunity and diagnosis, and eventually provide meaningful information for combating the pandemic.
Variation in Vortex-Induced Vibration Phenomenon Due to Surface Roughness on Low- and High-Mass-Ratio Circular Cylinders: A Numerical Study
Authors: Anwar Muhammad Usman , Khan Niaz Bahadur , Arshad Muhammad , Munir Adnan , Bashir Muhammad Nasir , Jameel Mohammed , Rehman Muhammad Faisal , Eldin Sayed M.
Published: October 2022

Fluid–structure interaction has been widely studied in the last few decades due to its wide range of applications in engineering fields. This phenomenon plays an important design role, for example, in offshore risers, high slender buildings, chimney stacks and heat exchangers. The vortex shedding generated from a bluff body can induce high-amplitude oscillations, known as vortex-induced vibrations (VIVs). This study presents a numerical analysis to investigate the impact of surface roughness on VIV in the crossflow direction of a circular cylinder. The study also investigates the impact of surface roughness with variation in mass ratio from 2.4 to 11 at a high Reynolds number (Re) = 104 using Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) equations. The study concludes that roughness on a cylinder results in a reduction in amplitude response. Furthermore, the lock-in region is narrower compared to that of a smooth cylinder, irrespective of the mass ratio. However, it is observed that the impact of surface roughness is more significant in high-mass-ratio cylinders where the lock-in region is more squeezed and shifted toward lower reduced velocities. Furthermore, the vortex mode beyond reduced velocities Ur = 5.84 and 7.52 was observed to be 2S for high and low mass ratios, respectively.
Extended State Observer-Based Fuzzy Adaptive Backstepping Force Control of a Deep-Sea Hydraulic Manipulator with Long Transmission Pipelines
Authors: Chen Yanzhuang , Zhang Qifeng , Tian Qiyan , Feng Xisheng
Published: October 2022

The force tracking control of deep-sea hydraulic manipulator systems with long transmission pipelines is disposed via fuzzy adaptive backstepping control based on an extended state observer in this paper. The pipeline model is established and then used to estimate the pressures in cylinder chambers, which are used to obtain the output force. In this process, the velocity of the piston, which is unmeasured, is needed, and an extended state observer is constructed to estimate the unmeasurable velocity signal. To cope with parameter uncertainties caused by changes in working depth, an adaptive algorithm is combined with the backstepping controller. Fuzzy logic is employed to design self-tuners that can automatically adjust the control parameters to guarantee force control performance from shallow seas to deep seas. The experimental results illustrate the success of the proposed control method. Comparative experimental results demonstrate that the extended state observer-based fuzzy adaptive backstepping controller has a relatively better tracking performance in different working conditions.
Renal Nutrition—Where It Has Been and Where It Is Going
Authors: Kopple Joel D. , Ekramzadeh Maryam
Published: October 2022

This paper is a synopsis of an invited lecture entitled, The Future of Renal Nutrition, that was presented at the Japanese Society of Dialysis Therapy, July 2022. The purpose of this presentation is to suggest some of the advances in the field of renal nutrition that the authors think are likely to occur during the next several years. There will be continued development of methods for precisely diagnosing and classifying protein-energy wasting and developing methods to treat this disorder. Why weight loss commonly occurs when the GFR decreases to about 30–35 mL/min/1.73 m2 and why substantial weight loss (>5%/year) is associated with increased mortality will be investigated. Clinical consequences of the interactions between gut microbiota, nutrient intake and other environmental influences will continue to be examined. The clinical value of diets high in fruits and vegetables or other plants for chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients will continue to be studied. Our knowledge of how different diets and medicines affect intestinal absorption, metabolism and excretion of nutrients will expand. Precision medicine will be extended to precision nutrition. There will be more focus on the effects of nutritional disorders and dietary treatment on the emotional status and quality of life of people with kidney disease and their families. Nutritional centers that provide centralized nutritional assessment and dietary counselling for CKD patients may develop in more urban centers. More clinical trials will be conducted to test whether nutritional management improves clinical outcomes in people with kidney disease. It is hoped that the foregoing comments will encourage more research on these topics.
An Analytical Framework for Evaluating Farmland Market Regulation: Examining the German Land Transaction Law
Authors: Meissner Luise , Kappenberg Lisa , Musshoff Oliver
Published: October 2022

Farmland market regulation and related political interventions are prominent in the current discussion, in particular, because the market faces big price increases. This discussion is often shaped by subjective and emotional perceptions. Its complexity is increased by the considerable number of affected parties and opposing arguments. The parties involved may be focused on different aspects and have different requirements with regard to farmland market regulation instruments. The objective of this paper is to present an analytical framework for more efficient observation and evaluation of the ongoing discussion. The framework was developed using information about the relevant political interventions to structure the arguments and parties. It allows for a holistic evaluation of farmland market regulation. To provide an example of how farmland market regulation can be analyzed, the German land transaction law was broken down by process, parties, and arguments. Within the analytical framework, arguments are weighted individually. As a result, the various farmland market instruments can be discussed in a structured way. Additionally, the framework provides information about the utility of the respective instruments in defined cases from different perspectives.
MDEALNS for Solving the Tapioca Starch Logistics Network Problem for the Land Port of Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand
Authors: Chueadee Chakat , Kriengkorakot Preecha , Kriengkorakot Nuchsara
Published: October 2022

Background: This research aimed to establish a network linked to generation, for the transport route of tapioca starch products to a land port, serving as the logistics hub of Thailand’s Nakhon Ratchasima province. Methods: The adaptive large neighborhood search (ALNS) algorithm, combined with the differential evolution (DE) approach, was used for the problem analysis, and this method was named modified differential evolution adaptive large neighborhood search (MDEALNS) is a new method that includes six steps, which are (1) initialization, (2) mutation, (3) recombination, (4) updating with ALNS, (5) Selection and (6) repeat the (2) to (5) steps until the termination condition is met. The MDEALNS algorithm designed a logistics network linking the optimal route and a suitable open/close factory allocation with the lowest transport cost for tapioca starch. The operating supply chain of tapioca starch manufacturing in the case study. The proposed methods have been tested with datasets of the three groups of test instances and the case study consisted of 404 farms, 33 factories, and 1 land port. Results: The computational results show that MDEALNS method can reduced the distance and the fuel cost and outperformed the highest performance of the original method used by LINGO, DE, and ALNS. Conclusions: The computational results show that MDEALNS method can reduced the distance and the fuel cost and outperformed the highest performance of the original method used by LINGO, DE, and ALNS.
Electrocaloric Effect in Different Oriented BaZr0.15Ti0.85O3 Single Crystals
Authors: Ou Yun , Lei Chihou , Shan Dongliang
Published: October 2022

The electrocaloric effect of ferroelectrics is promising for new solid-state refrigeration. However, the current research on the electrocaloric effect of bulk ferroelectrics mainly focuses on (001) orientation. Thus, we studied the electrocaloric effect of BaZr0.15Ti0.85O3 single crystals with different orientations through the nonlinear thermodynamic approach and entropy analysis. The results show that the dipolar entropy of (111)-oriented BaZr0.15Ti0.85O3 single crystals exhibits a greater change after applying an external electric field, compared with (001)- and (110)-orientations, and the (001)-oriented electrocaloric responses are consistent with experimental observations. The (111)-oriented BaZr0.15Ti0.85O3 single crystals have a more significant electrocaloric response, resulting in a broader work temperature range with a large electrocaloric effect. These insights offer an alternative way to enhance the electrocaloric response of ferroelectric single crystals.
Preparation of Cemented Carbide and Study of Copper-Accelerated Salt Spray Corrosion and Erosion Behavior
Authors: Wei Shasha , Li Yuanyou , Wang Renxin , Yang Hu , Guo Ziming , Lin Rongchuan , Huang Qingmin , Zhou Yuhui
Published: October 2022

(1) Mud pulser carbide rotors, as a core component of ground communication in crude oil exploration, are often subjected to mud erosion and acid corrosion, resulting in pitting pits on the surface, which affects the accuracy. The purpose of this study was to investigate the acid corrosion and erosion behavior of cemented carbide materials and provide a reference for the wider application of cemented carbide materials in the petrochemical industry. (2) Experimental samples of tungsten–cobalt carbide were sintered at a low pressure by powder metallurgy. The petrochemical application environment was simulated by accelerated salt spray corrosion and solid slurry erosion with the aid of acidic copper, and the experimental phenomena were analyzed by SEM (scanning electron microscope), EDS (Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy), and XRD (X-ray diffraction). (3) The experimental results show that the coercivity of the pitted cobalt-cemented tungsten carbide prepared in this study was 17.89 KA/m, and the magnetic saturation strength was 14.42 G·cm3/g. The corrosion rate was the fastest during the acidic copper acceleration experiments from 4 h to 16 h, and the corrosion products of WCo3 and Co3O4 were generated on the corrosion surface. The maximum erosion rate of 0.00104 in the erosion experiment corresponds to a corrosion sample with a corrosion time of 36 h. (4) Therefore, the coercive magnetic force and magnetic saturation strength could be derived from the prepared carbide hard phase grains and carbon content in the appropriate range. The corrosion product in the corrosion process slowed the corrosion rate, and a large amount of cobalt and a small amount of tungsten was lost by oxidation during the corrosion process. The corrosion time had the greatest effect on the erosion performance of the carbide, and the long corrosion time led to surface sparseness, which reduced the erosion resistance.
A Simulation Methodology for Analyzing the Energy-Absorption Capabilities of Nanofluidic-System-Filled Tube under Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar Experiment
Authors: Zhang Shuming , Zhu Ziqian , Li Shuaijun , Yu Fei , Tian Chunping , Yao Lu
Published: October 2022

The energy-absorption mechanism of nanofluidic systems is being investigated under dynamic cases, represented by the split Hopkinson pressure bar experiment. However, the cost of this cannot be ignored. Therefore, numerical simulation is playing an increasingly important role in optimizing the split Hopkinson pressure bar experimental technology and analyzing its accuracy. In this paper, a three-dimensional finite element simulation model of the split Hopkinson pressure bar experimental devices was proposed to analyze the energy-absorption capabilities of nanofluidic-system-filled tubes. The reliability of this methodology was discussed in terms of model construction, model validation and potential application, indicating the simulation methodology is applicable to further investigation and can provide a reference for engineering practice. The simulation results showed that the infiltration pressure and the mass ratio of solid to liquid determine the post-buckling compression stress and the effective compression stroke, respectively.
Investigation of Biaxial Properties of CFRP with the Novel-Designed Cruciform Specimens
Authors: Zhang Xiaowen , Zhu Haiyang , Lv Zhixing , Zhao Xiangrun , Wang Junwei , Wang Qi
Published: October 2022

The biaxial loading properties of carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) are critical for evaluating the performance of composite structures under the complex stress state. There are currently no standardized specimens for the CFRP biaxial experiments. This work developed a new design criterion for the cruciform specimen coupled with the Hashin criterion. The finite element analysis was conducted to investigate the effect of geometric parameters on the stress distribution in the test area. The embedded continuous laying method (ECLM) was proposed to achieve the thinning of the center of the test region without introducing defects. The manufacturing quality of the cruciform specimens was verified by the ultrasonic C-scanning test. The biaxial test platform consisting of the biaxial loading system, digital image correlation (DIC) system, strain electrical measurement system, and acoustic emission detection system was constructed. The biaxial tensile tests under different biaxial loading ratios were conducted. The results showed that the biaxial failure efficiently occurred in the test area of the cruciform specimens designed and manufactured in this paper. The failure modes and morphology were characterized using macro/microscopic experimental techniques. The biaxial failure envelope was obtained. The results can be used to guide the design of composite structures under biaxial stress.
Numerical Simulation of Failure Behavior of Brittle Heterogeneous Rock under Uniaxial Compression Test
Authors: Liu Jia , Ma Fengshan , Guo Jie , Zhou Tongtong , Song Yewei , Li Fangrui
Published: October 2022

Rocks have formed heterogeneous characteristics after experiencing complex natural geological processes. Studying the heterogeneity of rocks is significant for rock mechanics. In this study, a linear parallel bond model with Weibull distribution in two-dimensional particle flow code (PFC2D) is adopted to study the mechanical characteristics and brittle failure mode of granite rock specimens with different heterogeneity. Firstly, we selected several combinations of key micro-parameters of the parallel bond model. Then, we subjected them to a Weibull distribution to satisfy heterogeneity, respectively. Finally, we chose one optimal combination plan after comparing the stress–strain curves of heterogeneous rock specimens. We analyzed the simulated results of heterogeneous rock specimens. The crack distribution of rock specimens under peak stress shows different characteristics: a diagonal shape in rock specimens with low heterogeneity indexes, or a rotated “y” shape in rock specimens with high heterogeneity indexes. As for failure mode, the numerical simulation results show high consistency with the laboratory experiment results. The rock specimen breaks down almost diagonally, and the whole specimen tends to form an x-shaped conjugate shear failure or the well-known “hour-glass” failure mode. With the increase of the homogeneity index of the rock specimen, the shear rupture angle becomes larger and larger. Generally, the crack number increases with time, and when the rock specimen reaches the peak failure point, the number of cracks increases sharply. The development of cracks in numerical rock specimens under compression test is a result of the coalescence of many microscopic cracks. Furthermore, tensile cracks formed initially, followed by shear behavior along the macroscopic crack plane. We also preliminarily study the mechanical characteristics of heterogeneous rock specimens with discontinuous structural planes. The discontinuous structural planes are simulated by the smooth-joint model. We can conclude that the discontinuous structural planes and the microscopic structural planes which contribute to the heterogeneity have a mutual influence on each other.
Iron Oxide-Au Magneto-Plasmonic Heterostructures: Advances in Their Eco-Friendly Synthesis
Authors: Miola Marta , Multari Cristina , Vernè Enrica
Published: October 2022

In recent years, nanotechnologies have attracted considerable interest, especially in the biomedical field. Among the most investigated particles, magnetic based on iron oxides and Au nanoparticles gained huge interest for their magnetic and plasmonic properties, respectively. These nanoparticles are usually produced starting from processes and reagents that can be the cause of potential human health and environmental concerns. For this reason, there is a need to develop simple, green, low-cost, and non-toxic synthesis methods and reagents. This review aims at providing an overview of the most recently developed processes to produce iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles, Au nanoparticles, and their magneto-plasmonic heterostructures using eco-friendly approaches, focusing the attention on the microorganisms and plant-assisted syntheses and showing the first results of the development of magneto-plasmonic heterostructures.
Label Noise Learning Method for Metallographic Image Recognition of Heat-Resistant Steel for Use in Pressure Equipment
Authors: Shen Zhiyuan , Hu Haijun , Huang Ziyi , Zhang Yu , Wang Yafei , Li Xiufeng
Published: October 2022

In metallographic examination, spherular pearlite gradation, an important step in a metallographic examination, is the main indicator used to assess the reliability of heat-resistant steel. Recognition of pearlite spheroidization via the manual way mainly depends on the subjective perceptions and experience of each inspector. Deep learning-based methods can eliminate the effects of the subjective factors that affect manual recognition. However, images with incorrect labels, known as noisy images, challenge successful application of image recognition of deep learning models to spherular pearlite gradation. A deep-learning-based label noise method for metallographic image recognition is thus proposed to solve this problem. We use a filtering process to pretreat the raw datasets and append a retraining process for deep learning models. The presented method was applied to image recognition for spherular pearlite gradation on a metallographic image dataset which contains 422 images. Meanwhile, three classic deep learning models were also used for image recognition, individually and coupled with the proposed method. Results showed that accuracy of image recognition by a deep learning model solely is lower than the one coupled with our method. Particularly, accuracy of ResNet18 was improved from 72.27% to 77.01%.
Effect of NaCl Solution and Simulated Concrete Pore Solution Environment on the Efficiency of Steel Bar Energized Corrosion
Authors: Jianyu Yang , Xin Ye , Cong Jiang , Weijun Yang
Published: October 2022

As the main problem of the durability deterioration of concrete structures, the corrosion of steel bars is usually made by the method of electrified corrosion with a short cycle and low cost. However, there is a big difference between the actual corrosion depth and the theoretical corrosion depth after the reinforcement is electrified. In this paper, through the accelerated corrosion test of steel bars, the change law and influence factors of corrosion efficiency of steel bars in concrete simulated pore solution and NaCl solution are studied. The test results show that the corrosion efficiency of reinforcement in the NaCl solution is higher than that in the concrete simulated pore solution, and the corrosion efficiency in the NaCl solution changes in two stages with the corrosion degree of reinforcement. The corrosion efficiency of concrete in the simulated pore solution decreases with the increase of corrosion degree of reinforcement, which is more significant than that in the NaCl solution. Under the same conditions, the corrosion efficiency is higher in the chloride ion solution with high concentration, and the influence of chloride ion concentration change in the simulated pore solution of concrete on the corrosion efficiency is more significant. The corrosion efficiency of reinforcement under low current density is higher than that under high current density.
Modeling of Electrical Conductivity for Polymer–Carbon Nanofiber Systems
Authors: Khalil Arjmandi Sajad , Khademzadeh Yeganeh Jafar , Zare Yasser , Rhee Kyong
Published: October 2022

There is not a simple model for predicting the electrical conductivity of carbon nanofiber (CNF)–polymer composites. In this manuscript, a model is proposed to predict the conductivity of CNF-filled composites. The developed model assumes the roles of CNF volume fraction, CNF dimensions, percolation onset, interphase thickness, CNF waviness, tunneling length among nanoparticles, and the fraction of the networked CNF. The outputs of the developed model correctly agree with the experimentally measured conductivity of several samples. Additionally, parametric analyses confirm the acceptable impacts of main factors on the conductivity of composites. A higher conductivity is achieved by smaller waviness and lower radius of CNFs, lower percolation onset, less tunnel distance, and higher levels of interphase depth and fraction of percolated CNFs in the nanocomposite. The maximum conductivity is obtained at 2.37 S/m by the highest volume fraction and length of CNFs.
Six New Unsymmetrical Imino-1,8-naphthalimide Derivatives Substituted at 3-C Position—Photophysical Investigations
Authors: Kotowicz Sonia , Korzec Mateusz , Małecki Jan , Golba Sylwia , Siwy Mariola , Maćkowski Sebastian , Schab-Balcerzak Ewa
Published: October 2022

In this research, six novel unsymmetrical imino-1,8-naphthalimides (AzNI) were synthesized. Comprehensive thermal (thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), optical (UV-Vis, photoluminescence), and electrochemical (CV, DPV) studies were carried out to characterize these new compounds. The molecules showed the onset of thermal decomposition in the temperature range 283–372 °C and molecular glass behavior. Imino-1,8-naphthalimides underwent reduction and oxidation processes with the electrochemical energy band gap (Eg) below 2.41 eV. The optical properties were evaluated in solvents with different polarities and in the solid-state as a thin films and binary blends with poly(N-vinylcarbazole): (2-tert-butylphenyl-5-biphenyl-1,3,4-oxadiazole) (PVK:PBD). Presented compounds emitted blue light in the solutions and in the green or violet spectral range in the solid-state. Their ability to emit light under external voltage was examined. The devices with guest-host structure emitted light with the maximum located in the blue to red spectral range of the electroluminescence band (EL) depending on the content of the AzNI in the PVK:PBD matrix (guest-host structure).
Removal Mechanism and Electrochemical Milling of (TiB+TiC)/TC4 Composites
Authors: Fan Shukai , Hu Xiaoyun , Ma Xin , Lu Yuting , Li Hansong
Published: October 2022

Titanium matrix composite (TiB+TiC)/TC4 has excellent physical properties and is a completely new composite material with great application prospects in the next generation of the aerospace field. However, there are problems, such as tool loss and material overheating, when using conventional processing methods. Electrochemical milling is a low-cost, high-efficiency processing method for difficult-to-machine metal materials with no tool wear. In this research, the feasibility of the electrochemical milling of (TiB+TiC)/TC4 and removal mechanisms during processing was reported for the first time. The feasibility of electrochemical milling is verified by the current efficiency experiment and basic processing experiment. Through the adjustment of the processing parameters, the final material removal rate increased by 52.5% compared to that obtained in the first processing, while the surface roughness decreased by 27.3%. The removal mechanism during processing was further performed based on the current efficiency experiment; three stages were observed and concluded during the electrolytic dissolution. This research proved that electrochemical milling is an excellent low-cost method for roughing and semi-finishing (TiB+TiC)/TC4 composites and provides guidance for better electrochemical milling in the titanium matrix composites.
Research on the Mathematical Model for Optimal Allocation of Human Resources in the Operation and Maintenance Units of a Heavy Haul Railway
Authors: Shen Linfang , Liu Kuoyu , Chai Jinfei , Ma Weibin , Guo Xiaoxiong , Li Yao , Zhao Peng , Liu Boying
Published: October 2022

According to the existing personnel structure, quantity, development strategy, and market demand of the Shuohuang Railway Company’s operation and maintenance project, the demand quantity of various employees of the company for the past three years is predicted, and a human resource optimization model based on existing human resources and future plans is established. Then, the optimal solutions of the two mathematical models were calculated and analyzed using LINGO software. Finally, combined with the actual situation, the optimal allocation of human resources for the operation and maintenance project of KY company was obtained. The following conclusions are obtained. (1) For the optimal allocation model of existing human resources, the maximum net profit of the optimal staffing model is CNY 3258000. (2) The human resources allocation cost of the minimum dismissal model is CNY 81000. (3) The human resources allocation cost of the lowest cost model is CNY 15500. The research results can effectively guide the human resource management of the operation and maintenance project of the Shuohuang Railway Company, and have important theoretical and practical significance for further analysis of human resources model and its optimal allocation method.
Entropy-Randomized Clustering
Authors: Popkov Yuri S. , Dubnov Yuri A. , Popkov Alexey Yu.
Published: October 2022

This paper proposes a clustering method based on a randomized representation of an ensemble of possible clusters with a probability distribution. The concept of a cluster indicator is introduced as the average distance between the objects included in the cluster. The indicators averaged over the entire ensemble are considered the latter’s characteristics. The optimal distribution of clusters is determined using the randomized machine learning approach: an entropy functional is maximized with respect to the probability distribution subject to constraints imposed on the averaged indicator of the cluster ensemble. The resulting entropy-optimal cluster corresponds to the maximum of the optimal probability distribution. This method is developed for binary clustering as a basic procedure. Its extension to t-ary clustering is considered. Some illustrative examples of entropy-randomized clustering are given.
Robustness Learning via Inference-Softmax Cross Entropy in Misaligned Distribution of Image
Authors: Song Bingbing , Wang Ruxin , He Wei , Zhou Wei
Published: October 2022

Adversarial examples easily mislead vision systems based on deep neural networks (DNNs) trained with softmax cross entropy (SCE) loss. The vulnerability of DNN comes from the fact that SCE drives DNNs to fit on the training examples, whereas the resultant feature distributions between the training and adversarial examples are unfortunately misaligned. Several state-of-the-art methods start from improving the inter-class separability of training examples by modifying loss functions, where we argue that the adversarial examples are ignored, thus resulting in a limited robustness to adversarial attacks. In this paper, we exploited the inference region, which inspired us to apply margin-like inference information to SCE, resulting in a novel inference-softmax cross entropy (I-SCE) loss, which is intuitively appealing and interpretable. The inference information guarantees that it is difficult for neural networks to cross the decision boundary under an adversarial attack, and guarantees both the inter-class separability and the improved generalization to adversarial examples, which was further demonstrated and proved under the min-max framework. Extensive experiments show that the DNN models trained with the proposed I-SCE loss achieve a superior performance and robustness over the state-of-the-arts under different prevalent adversarial attacks; for example, the accuracy of I-SCE is 63% higher than SCE under the PGD50un attack on the MNIST dataset. These experiments also show that the inference region can effectively solve the misaligned distribution.
Structural Equation Modeling-Based Multi-Group Analysis: Examining the Role of Gender in the Link between Entrepreneurship Orientation and Entrepreneurial Intention
Authors: Sobaih Abu Elnasr E. , Elshaer Ibrahim A.
Published: October 2022

This research examines the role of gender in the link between entrepreneurship orientation and entrepreneurial intention. More exactly, the research examines the differences between male and female senior students in relation to the effect of risk-taking, innovativeness, and pro-activeness on their entrepreneurial intention. For this purpose, a quantitative research method was conducted through a self-administered questionnaire to a sample of students at King Faisal University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The results of structural equation modeling (SEM) by AMOS software showed a significant positive direct impact of risk-taking on entrepreneurial intention and a significant positive indirect impact through innovativeness and pro-activeness for the structural model of male and female. In the comparison between the two groups using multi-group analysis, the results showed that impacts of risk-taking and innovativeness on entrepreneurial intention were found to be positive and significant in the two groups and the differences in p-value were significant. This means that there are significant differences between males and females in relation to the impact of risk-taking and innovativeness on entrepreneurial intention. These differences were because males were found to be more risk-taking than females whereas females were found to be more innovative than males. On the other side, the results confirmed no significant differences between the two groups in relation to the effect of pro-activeness on entrepreneurial intention. The findings of the study have noble implications for scholars and policymakers, which we have discussed and elaborated on.
Survey on Mathematical Models and Methods of Complex Logical Dynamical Systems
Authors: Kong Xiangshan , Sun Qilong , Li Haitao
Published: October 2022

Logical dynamical systems (LDSs) have wide applications in gene regulation, game theory, digital circuits, and so on. In LDSs, phenomena such as impulsive effect, time delays, and asynchronous behavior are not negligible, which generate complex LDSs. This paper presents a detailed survey on models and methods of investigating LDSs. Firstly, some preliminary results on LDSs and semi-tensor product (STP) method are presented. Secondly, some new developments on modeling complex LDSs are summarized, including switched LDSs, probabilistic LDSs, delayed LDSs, LDSs with impulsive effects, asynchronous LDSs, constrained LDSs, and implicit LDSs. Finally, the control design techniques of LDSs are reviewed, including reachable set approach, sampled-data control, event-triggered control, and control Lyapunov function method.
Parenchyma-Sparing Liver Resection or Regenerative Liver Surgery: Which Way to Go?
Authors: Botea Florin , Bârcu Alexandru , Kraft Alin , Popescu Irinel , Linecker Michael
Published: October 2022

Liver resection for malignant tumors should respect oncological margins while ensuring safety and improving the quality of life, therefore tumor staging, underlying liver disease and performance status should all be attentively assessed in the decision process. The concept of parenchyma-sparing liver surgery is nowadays used as an alternative to major hepatectomies to address deeply located lesions with intricate topography by means of complex multiplanar parenchyma-sparing liver resections, preferably under the guidance of intraoperative ultrasound. Regenerative liver surgery evolved as a liver growth induction method to increase resectability by stimulating the hypertrophy of the parenchyma intended to remain after resection (referred to as future liver remnant), achievable by portal vein embolization and liver venous deprivation as interventional approaches, and portal vein ligation and associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy as surgical techniques. Interestingly, although both strategies have the same conceptual origin, they eventually became caught in the never-ending parenchyma-sparing liver surgery vs. regenerative liver surgery debate. However, these strategies are both valid and must both be mastered and used to increase resectability. In our opinion, we consider parenchyma-sparing liver surgery along with techniques of complex liver resection and intraoperative ultrasound guidance the preferred strategy to treat liver tumors. In addition, liver volume-manipulating regenerative surgery should be employed when resectability needs to be extended beyond the possibilities of parenchyma-sparing liver surgery.
A New Apheresis Device for Antithrombotic Drug Removal during Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery
Authors: Mair Helmut , Micka Norman , Vogt Ferdinand , Rosenzweig Dow , Vogel Frank , Baumer Benedikt , Ulrich Stephanie , Lamm Peter
Published: October 2022

Background and Objectives: The hemoadsorption device CytoSorb® (CytoSorbents Inc., Princeton, NJ, USA) has been shown to efficiently remove ticagrelor from whole blood in vitro. A promising clinical experience was made with the integration of the hemoadsorption cartridge on the cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) circuit during cardiac surgery to reduce adverse events. Materials and Methods: In this report, we describe a novel approach using a new apheresis platform, PUR-01 (Nikkisio Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan), which was used as the extracorporeal circuit where CytoSorb® could be installed for the removal of ticagrelor during off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) procedures. Results: In a 74-year-old male (index case) with coronary artery disease and dual antiplatelet therapy, hemoadsorption was initiated with a skin incision for OPCAB surgery and was continued for 221 min to eliminate ticagrelor. The blood volume that had circulated through the CytoSorb® was 39.04 L in total. Thus far, this treatment strategy has been used in four cases with CHD and DAPT who needed OPCAB surgery. The intraoperative and postoperative courses were uneventful in all patients. No device-related adverse events occurred. Conclusions: The combination of the PUR-01 apheresis pump and hemoadsorption with the CytoSorb® column during OPCAB procedures appears to be safe and effective in eliminating antiplatelet drugs.
Perioperative Management and Clinical Outcomes of Liver Transplantation for Children with Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Qiu Huan-Rong , Zhang Liang , Zhu Zhi-Jun
Published: October 2022

Background and Objectives: Liver transplantation (LT) has been accepted as a life-saving option as a last resort for children with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH). Perioperative management of LT for HoFH poses extra challenges for clinicians largely due to premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVDs). We aimed to analyze our data of pediatric LT recipients with HoFH, with special attention paid to perioperative management and clinical outcomes. Materials and Methods: After obtaining approval from the local ethics committee, the clinical data of pediatric patients with HoFH who underwent LT at our institution between January 2014 and February 2021 were retrospectively studied. Results: Six pediatric LT recipients with HoFH were included in the analysis. Although ASCVDs were common before LT, all children with HoFH survived the perioperative period without in-hospital mortality. However, one patient experienced acute myocardial infarction two months following LT and was successfully treated with medical interventions. Post-LT metabolic improvement was shown by declines in serum total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels in the early post-LT period (for TC: 14.7 ± 3.2 mmol/L vs. 5.5 ± 1.8 mmol/L, p < 0.001; for LDL-C: 10.6 ± 2.2 mmol/L vs. 3.6 ± 1.2 mmol/L, p < 0.001, respectively) and at the last follow-up (for TC: 14.7 ± 3.2 mmol/L vs. 4.5 ± 0.9 mmol/L, p = 0.001; for LDL-C: 10.6 ± 2.2 mmol/L vs. 2.8 ± 0.6 mmol/L, p = 0.001, respectively). Dietary restrictions could be lifted after LT. However, three patients required restarting lipid-lowering therapy after LT due to suboptimal LDL-C levels and progression of ASCVDs. Conclusions: Our data suggest that LT can be a safe and feasible therapeutic option for well-selected patients with HoFH, offering relaxed dietary restrictions and remarkable reductions in LDL-C levels. However, concerns remain regarding progression of ASCVDs after LT.