bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting sepsis onset using a machine learned causal probabilistic network algorithm based on electronic health records data
Authors: Valik John Karlsson , Ward Logan , Tanushi Hideyuki , Johansson Anders F. , Färnert Anna , Mogensen Mads Lause , Pickering Brian W. , Herasevich Vitaly , Dalianis Hercules , Henriksson Aron , Nauclér Pontus
Published: July 2023

Sepsis is a leading cause of mortality and early identification improves survival. With increasing digitalization of health care data automated sepsis prediction models hold promise to aid in prompt recognition. Most previous studies have focused on the intensive care unit (ICU) setting. Yet only a small proportion of sepsis develops in the ICU and there is an apparent clinical benefit to identify patients earlier in the disease trajectory. In this cohort of 82,852 hospital admissions and 8038 sepsis episodes classified according to the Sepsis-3 criteria, we demonstrate that a machine learned score can predict sepsis onset within 48 h using sparse routine electronic health record data outside the ICU. Our score was based on a causal probabilistic network model—SepsisFinder—which has similarities with clinical reasoning. A prediction was generated hourly on all admissions, providing a new variable was registered. Compared to the National Early Warning Score (NEWS2), which is an established method to identify sepsis, the SepsisFinder triggered earlier and had a higher area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) (0.950 vs. 0.872), as well as area under precision-recall curve (APR) (0.189 vs. 0.149). A machine learning comparator based on a gradient-boosting decision tree model had similar AUROC (0.949) and higher APR (0.239) than SepsisFinder but triggered later than both NEWS2 and SepsisFinder. The precision of SepsisFinder increased if screening was restricted to the earlier admission period and in episodes with bloodstream infection. Furthermore, the SepsisFinder signaled median 5.5 h prior to antibiotic administration. Identifying a high-risk population with this method could be used to tailor clinical interventions and improve patient care.
Dynamic response of deepwater test string under fluctuations in axial force and internal pressure
Authors: Sun Qiaolei , Liu Yuwei , Deng Long , Wang Jiangang , Feng Ding
Published: July 2023

In this study, a mechanical model suitable for deepwater test string was proposed. An analysis of the dynamic response of the test string under different frequencies, different water depths and different fluctuation amplitudes was carried out by using the finite element method based on the change in the internal pressure and axial force measured. The results of the analysis showed that the response parameters (maximum stress and maximum deformation) tended to be stable after one period of fluctuation in the axial force and half a period of fluctuation in the internal pressure, respectively. When a sine waveform fluctuation in the internal pressure and axial force occurred, the response parameters increased with an increase in the amplitude of the fluctuation and increased with an increase in the frequency of fluctuation, and the amplitude of variation decreased with an increase in the fluctuation period. Under fluctuation in the axial force, the response parameter decreased with an increase in the water depth. The response parameter decreased first and then increased with an increase in the water depth when the fluctuation in the internal pressure occurred with a sine waveform. The maximum deformation and stress of the test string always changed with a change in the load when the fluctuation in the internal pressure and axial force had a sine waveform, and the test string under a load with a sine waveform was prone to periodic fatigue failure. The relevant conclusions provide a basis for the analysis and prevention of fatigue failure in test strings.
Intermediate-temperature proton conductivity of Li+/H+ ion-exchanged material (Li,H)3.5Zn0.25GeO4
Authors: Matsui Toshiaki , Ozeki Takashi , Miyazaki Kazunari , Nagasaka Sadahiro , Muroyama Hiroki , Imagawa Kenichi , Okada Yoshimi , Eguchi Koichi
Published: July 2023

This study demonstrates the development of novel proton conductors operative at intermediate temperatures, especially 300–400 °C, through the simple ion-exchange method.
Design and analysis of a novel fast adder using logical effort method
Authors: Tavakolaee Hamid , Ardeshir Gholamreza , Baleghi Yasser
Published: July 2023

Addition, as one of the fundamental math operations, is applied widely in Very‐large‐scale integration systems and digital signal processing, such that the computational speed of a system depends mainly on the computational speed of its adders. There are various types of digital adders based on different methods. A novel adder is proposed which performs addition based on a path with a fewer number of levels, and, hence, with higher computational speed and lower power consumption. The goal and innovation is to design a structured fast adder that has a block that can be expanded to higher bits, and in this design, the calculation speed and power consumption of the proposed circuit are optimal. Each proposed adder circuit has several levels, and the formulae of each level are stated. Each level of the circuit is designed with a number of multiplexers and OR gates. The performance of the proposed adder has been investigated and evaluated in two parts of mathematical calculations and simulation, and it has also been compared with other existing fast adders, such as ripple carry adder, carry skip adder, carry select adder, carry look ahead adder and prefix kogge‐stone in cases of 8, 16, 32 and 64 bits. The results show that the proposed collector has a good performance compared to other adders‐based power consumption, power delay product and delay area product metrics.
Rhombus-shaped, M-shaped- solitons, 2D-lumps vector and tunneling in perturbed Gerdjikov–Ivanov equation with fourth-order dispersion: Modulation instability and global bifurcation
Authors: Abdel-Gawad H. I.
Published: July 2023

The Perturbed Gerdjikov–Ivanov Equation (PGIE) describes optical solitons in nonlinear fiber optics and photonic crystal fibers. It was currently studied in the literature. Here, we consider a new complex field equation, the PGIE with fourth-order dispersion. The exact solutions of the aforementioned equation are obtained by implementing the unified method. These solutions are evaluated numerically and they are shown in graphs. Our objectives, here, are to inspect the onset of self- steepening and self-phase modulation and investigate the structures of solitons produced. It is found that these phenomena are launched for high values of the relevant coefficients, and they may be overlapped. Multiple solitons shapes are observed; M-shaped solitons, rhombus shapes, solitons with tunneling, 2D-lumps vector, and solitons- cascade. Further, the analysis of modulation instability (MI) and global bifurcation are carried out. It is established that the MI triggers when the coefficient of Raman scattering exceeds a critical value. It is worth mentioning that two kinds of bifurcations can be studied, namely local and global bifurcations. Here, we are concerned with studying global bifurcation. This is based on constructing the phase portrait via Hamiltonian function.
Effect of Early Erythropoietin on Retinopathy of Prematurity: A Stratified Meta-Analysis
Authors: Fischer Hendrik S. , Reibel Nora J , Bührer Christoph , Dame Christof
Published: July 2023

Background: Recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) lost its role in minimizing red blood cell transfusion in very preterm infants after it had been associated with severe retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Previous systematic reviews did not stratify ROP by gestation and birth weight (BW). Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of early prophylactic rhEPO on ROP in a stratified meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Methods: The databases EMBASE, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched in January 2022 and complemented by citation searching. RCTs comparing early rhEPO treatment with no treatment or placebo were selected if they were published in a peer-reviewed journal and reported ROP outcomes. Previously unpublished data were requested from the study authors to allow stratified analyses by gestational age (GA) and BW. Data were extracted and analyzed using the standard methods of the Cochrane Neonatal Review Group. Pre-specified outcomes were “ROP stage ≥3” (primary outcome) and “any ROP.” Results: Fourteen RCTs, comprising 2,040 infants of <29 weeks of GA, were included for meta-analysis. Data syntheses showed no effects of rhEPO on ROP stage ≥3 or on any ROP, neither in infants of <29 weeks GA, nor in infants of <1,000 g BW, nor in any GA strata. The risk ratio (95% confidence interval) for ROP stage ≥3 in infants of <29 weeks of GA was 1.13 (0.84, 1.53), p = 0.41 (quality of evidence: moderate). Conclusions: The present meta-analysis detected no effects of early rhEPO on ROP in any comparison, but most stratified analyses were limited by low statistical power.
Sensitisation to House Dust Mite Component Der p 23 Is Associated with Severe Symptoms and Asthma in Allergic Rhinitis Patients
Authors: Gao Yunbo , Li Jingyun , Xu Xu , Wang Chengshuo , Zhang Yuan , Zhang Luo
Published: July 2023

Introduction: House dust mite (HDM) is an important source of airborne allergens in China as it contains several allergenic components that can cause allergic rhinitis (AR) and other allergic diseases. This study aimed to determine the clinical characteristics and disease severity in AR patients sensitised to different allergenic HDM components. Methods: This was a retrospective study, which examined 129 patients who were first diagnosed with only HDM-induced AR at the Department of Allergy of Beijing Tongren Hospital from December 2019 to April 2021. Clinical characteristics and disease severity of the patients were assessed based on the sensitisation to specific Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der p) and Dermatophagoides farinae (Der f) allergenic components, including Der p 1, Der p 2, Der p 23, Der f 1, and Der f 2, employing multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) with correspondence analysis chart of MCA. Results: Among HDM-induced AR cases, the positive rate of Der p 1 was the highest (87.6%), followed by Der p 2 (78.3%), Der f 2 (76.64%), Der f 1 (68.2%), and Der p 23 (37.2%). Multiple correspondence analyses showed that sensitisation to Der p 23 was associated with severe AR symptoms and asthma; sensitisation to Der p 2, Der f 1, and Der f 2 was associated with moderate AR; and no sensitisation to Der p 23 was associated with mild AR. Conclusion: Der p 23 sensitisation is prevalent in northern China and may be associated with severe symptoms and asthma in AR patients.
Injustice and Embitterment: Crucial Stressors in Psychosomatic Patients
Authors: Linden Michael , Lieberei Barbara
Published: July 2023

Objective: “Disorders specifically associated with stress” are receiving increasing attention in clinical practice, research, and modern classification systems of mental disorders. This includes not only reactions to “extremely threatening or horrific events” as it is characteristic for “post-traumatic stress disorders” but also a variety of day-to-day experiences. Examples are experiences of injustice, humiliation, or breach of trust which can have dire psychological consequences such as feelings of embitterment, a strong and crippling emotion. This study investigated the frequency of feelings of injustice and concomitant embitterment across different areas of daily life of psychosomatic patients. Methods: In an observational archival study, 200 inpatients of a department of behavioral medicine filled in the “Differential Life Burden Scale, DLB-Scale” and the “Post-Traumatic Embitterment Scale, PTED-Scale” which asks for experiences of injustice and embitterment. Results: More than half of all patients (58.5%) reported about very or extremely unjust and unfair life events and 51.5% additionally about feelings of embitterment. This was primarily associated with complaints about problems in the family and the workplace and was accompanied by an impairment of well-being. Conclusions: The findings indicate that experiences of injustice and embitterment are frequently seen in psychosomatic inpatients and should get special attention.
The Interplay of Autophagy and Oxidative Stress in the Kidney: What Do We Know?
Authors: Guo Haihua , Bechtel-Walz Wibke
Published: July 2023

Background: Autophagy, as an indispensable metabolism, plays pivotal roles in maintaining intracellular homeostasis. Nutritional stress, amino acid deficiency, oxidative stress, and hypoxia can trigger its initiation. Oxidative stress in the kidney activates essential signal molecules, like mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and silent mating-type information regulation 2 homolog-1 (SIRT1), to stimulate autophagy, ultimately leading to degradation of intracellular oxidative substances and damaged organelles. Growing evidence suggests that autophagy protects the kidney from oxidative stress during acute ischemic kidney injury, chronic kidney disease, and even aging. Summary: This review emphasizes the cross talk between reactive oxygen species (ROS) signaling pathways and autophagy during renal homeostasis and chronic kidney disease according to the current latest research and provides therapeutic targets during kidney disorders by adjusting autophagy and suppressing oxidative stress. Key Messages: ROS arise through an imbalance of oxidation and antioxidant defense mechanisms, leading to impaired cellular and organ function. Targeting the overproduction of ROS and reactive nitrogen species, reducing the antioxidant enzyme activity and the recovery of the prooxidative-antioxidative balance provide novel therapeutic regimens to contribute to recovery in acute and chronic renal failure. Although, in recent years, great progress has been made in understanding the molecular mechanisms of oxidative stress and autophagy in acute and chronic renal failure, the focus on clinical therapies is still in its infancy. The growing number of studies on the interactive mechanisms of oxidative stress-mediated autophagy will be of great importance for the future treatment and prevention of kidney diseases.
Lemborexant Attenuates Regurgitation without Worsening Objective Parameters on Reflux Monitoring in Patients with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Insomnia: A Single-Arm Proof-of-Concept Study
Authors: Hoshikawa Yoshimasa , Momma Eri , Kawami Noriyuki , Iwakiri Katsuhiko
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Esophageal hypersensitivity is associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Since sleep disturbance causes esophageal hypersensitivity, hypnotics may ameliorate GERD. However, zolpidem prolongs esophageal acid clearance. Lemborexant is a new hypnotic with higher efficacy and fewer adverse events than zolpidem. Therefore, the present study investigated the effects of lemborexant on GERD. Methods: Patients with heartburn and/or regurgitation and insomnia who did not take acid suppressants or hypnotics in the last month were recruited. Symptom assessments using GerdQ and reflux monitoring were performed before and after a 28-day treatment with 5 mg lemborexant at bedtime. The primary outcome was a change in the total GerdQ score, excluding the score for insomnia. Secondary outcomes were changes in each GerdQ score and the following parameters on reflux monitoring: the acid exposure time (AET), number of reflux events (RE), acid clearance time (ACT), and post-reflux swallow-induced peristaltic wave (PSPW) index. Results: Sixteen patients (age 45.0 [33.3–56.0], 11 females [68.8%]) completed the intervention (1 patient did not tolerate the second reflux monitoring). The total GerdQ score, excluding the score for insomnia, did not significantly change (8.0 [6.0–9.0] before vs. 7.0 [6.3–9.0] after p = 0.16). GerdQ showed the significant attenuation of regurgitation (2.0 [2.0–3.0] vs. 1.0 [0–2.8] p = 0.0054) but not heartburn (2.5 [1.0–3.0] vs. 1.0 [0.3–2.0] p = 0.175). No significant differences were observed in AET, RE, ACT, or PSPW index before and after the intervention. Conclusion: Lemborexant attenuated regurgitation without the worsening of objective reflux parameters. A randomized placebo-controlled study is warranted in the future.
Women with disabilities’ experiences of intimate partner violence: a qualitative study from Sweden
Authors: Anyango Cartrine , Goicolea Isabel , Namatovu Fredinah
Published: July 2023

Background

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is a prevalent form of gender-based violence affecting one in three women globally. It is also a preventable cause of ill-health, disability, and death. Current research suggests that women with disabilities are at a significantly higher risk of experiencing violence throughout their lifetime. They are almost twice as likely to experience violence compared to men with disabilities or men and women without disabilities. Additionally, they experience higher rates of all types of violence. This increased vulnerability may be due to factors related to disability such as dependence on others for support, mistrust, and social and physical isolation. Although there is existing research on IPV against women in general, there is limited knowledge on IPV against women with disabilities. To address this gap in knowledge, this study aimed to explore women with disabilities’ perceptions and experiences of being victims/survivors of IPV in Sweden.

Methods

This was a qualitative study conducted through in-depth interviews with eleven women with disabilities. The participants were aged eighteen years upwards. The collected data was analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis with a constructivist epistemological standpoint.

Results

We developed four themes. Theme one: “multiple abuse by multiple abusers, over time,” describes the participants’ experiences of various types of violence from different perpetrators for prolonged periods. Theme two: “psychological abuse—harmful, but neglected and difficult to prove,” explains how women with disabilities’ perceive psychological abuse as harmful, but not given the same level of seriousness as physical violence. It also expresses the difficulties they encountered in providing tangible evidence to prove instances of psychological abuse. Theme three: “abuse does not end with separation,” highlights how abuse can continue beyond separation/divorce. Theme four: “surviving abusive relationships” describes the different and evolving ways the participants used to navigate their abusive relationships.

Conclusions

Women with disabilities face all forms of abuse. They find it challenging to prove psychological abuse, and the system is inadequate in addressing its harm. The abuse also continues after separation or divorce. The support system should consider the needs of women with disabilities who experience violence, both during and after the abusive relationship. Service providers should be better equipped to detect and handle all types of IPV, especially psychological abuse.
Conceitos de Corrupção e sua Percepção em Países Desenvolvidos
Authors: Alves Silva Antenor
Published: July 2023

Corrupção é um fenômeno sociopolítico, temporal e espacialmente disperso, mesmo que de modo não uniforme. Por conta disso, torna-se objeto de interesse das mais diversas áreas do conhecimento humano ‒ da Filosofia, passando pela Ciência Política e pelas Ciências Sociais, até o Direito ‒, pois está diretamente relacionado a uma série de problemas sociais, que demanda soluções cada vez mais eficientes aos grupos humanos diretamente afetados pelos seus efeitos. Uma das semelhanças notáveis no significado de corrupção, onde quer que seja considerada, é a conotação de degradação, em maior ou menor grau, de algum parâmetro moral estabelecido ‒ especialmente se considerada a coisa pública, o que talvez induza o pesquisador a compreendê-lo como um mal cometido ao coletivo. Assim, o estudo sobre a fragilidade da moralidade humana, mesmo que panorâmico, pode ter países considerados menos corruptos, que apresentam quadro econômico desenvolvido, como ponto de partida metodológico válido.
SIMULATION RESULTS OF THE TIDAL CURRENT REGIME IN CAMRANII BAY USING .FINITE ELEMENT METHOD
Authors: Long Bui Hong , Chung Tran Van
Published: July 2023

In this paper we present the experimental simulation results of the tidal currents in Cam Ranh bay, Thuy Trieu lagoon area. Finite element method was used here due to the follwing reasons: - The bottom topography of the research area is complex (bay, lagoon), and the boundary conditions are sufficient (the fluid boundary is narrow). - Measured data on the research area are comprehensive, which will enable the comparision with the calculated results. - This model has already been tested in the proposed physical environment. The simulation results of the tidal currents in Cam Ranh bay show that: - There are two typical tidal stages occuring at flood tide phase (tidal currents coming into the bay). Stage 1: The maximum tidal current directions are west-northwestward, maximum velocity of tidal currents reached 103.4 cm/s. Stage II: The peak tidal current directions are mainly north-northeastward, maximum of the peak currents at this stage was decreased by nearly 50% in comparison with stage I, reached 53.4 cm/s. -At ebb tide phase (tidal currents going out the bay), the peak tidal currents are mainly south -southwestward and their velocity may reach up to 129.6 cm/s. The comparison between calculated results and measured data of tidal currents collectedfrom 23 field stations shows that both data agree well with each other. The deviation of velocity between the measured data and maximum calculated data is 2.7 cm/s, average 0.8 cm/s, according to their absolute values. The maximum deviation of current direction is about 9.90, average is 2.60 These compared results are quite good, however they are just initial results. The model will be further developed and improved in the coming time.
Effect of photovoltaic energy penetration on photovoltaic–wind renewable energy system
Authors: Das Madhumita , Mandal Ratan
Published: July 2023

India is a tropical country that gets a significant amount of solar irradiation that is suitable for photovoltaic (PV) applications. The country is also endowed with wind energy in its large coastal areas. India is an agro-economic country that has a growing need for irrigation. Utilization of hybrid renewable energy for the agricultural needs of the country would be a step toward a sustainable future. For the environmental conditions of Haldia, India, a stand-alone PV–wind–lead-acid battery hybrid renewable energy system (HRES) was developed to cater to the needs of agricultural activities. An investigation was conducted on the impact of PV penetration on the system wind energy capacity, battery capacity, capacity shortage, net present cost, cost of energy (COE), PV and wind energy percentage and surplus energy produced. The optimization was based on the assumption that the HRES had no unmet load and the lowest COE. This research provided a range of wind energy capacities for the location with no unmet loads. The research discovered the ideal HRES of the site with a COE of US$0.312/kWh. This study may help farmers by boosting their reliance on power from renewable energy sources and decreasing their dependency on grid power for agricultural activities.
Uterine Rupture at Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina: A Five Year Review
Authors: Mohammed LAWAL Abdulfattah
Published: July 2023

Background: Uterine rupture, despite being one of the most devastating obstetric complication associated with significant maternal and perinatal morbidities and mortality, is still prevalent in developing countries. Objectives: To determine the prevalence, aetiologic risk and other contributing factors, complications as well as outcome of Obstetric Uterine rupture at Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina. Study Design: A Five year retrospective study that reviewed uterine rupture in Obstetrics and Gynaecology department of Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina from 1st January 2010 to December 31st 2014. Results: There were 42 uterine ruptures out of 9995 deliveries, with an incidence of 4.2 per 1000 deliveries. The mean age of the patients was 31yrs± 0.9. The highest incidence was among unbooked patients (85%). The diagnosis was made pre-operatively in 88.1% of the cases. Major risk factors were prolonged obstructed labour (26.2%), previous caesarean section scar (19%) and Oxytocin infusion in unscarred (14.3%) and scarred Uteri (11.9%) as well as use of Misoprostol (11.9%). Majority of the ruptures occurred anteriorly (52.4%) while scar dehiscence accounted for 23.8% of cases. Repair with bilateral tubal ligation was the most frequent mode of treatment (47.6%), while hysterectomy was done for patients with extensive ruptures (34.3%). The commonest complication was postoperative Anaemia (38.1%). There were two maternal deaths, with a case fatality rate of 4.8%, while the perinatal mortality was 78.6%. Conclusion: Uterine rupture is still a major cause of maternal and perinatal morbidities and mortality in our setting. Antenatal care with skilled facility-based deliveries will reduce its incidence and associated complications.
Pharmacological and Genetic Suppression of VDAC1 Alleviates the Development of Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Endothelial and Fibroblast Cell Cultures upon Hyperglycemic Conditions
Authors: Belosludtsev Konstantin N. , Serov Dmitriy A. , Ilzorkina Anna I. , Starinets Vlada S. , Dubinin Mikhail V. , Talanov Eugeny Yu. , Karagyaur Maxim N. , Primak Alexandra L. , Belosludtseva Natalia V.
Published: July 2023

Prolonged hyperglycemia related to diabetes and its complications leads to multiple cellular disorders, the central one being the dysfunction of mitochondria. Voltage-dependent anion channels (VDAC) of the outer mitochondrial membrane control the metabolic, ionic, and energy cross-talk between mitochondria and the rest of the cell and serve as the master regulators of mitochondrial functions. Here, we have investigated the effect of pharmacological suppression of VDAC1 by the newly developed inhibitor of its oligomerization, VBIT-4, in the primary culture of mouse lung endotheliocytes and downregulated expression of VDAC1 in human skin fibroblasts on the progression of mitochondrial dysfunction upon hyperglycemic stress. The cells were grown in high-glucose media (30 mM) for 36 h. In response to hyperglycemia, the mRNA level of VDAC1 increased in endotheliocytes and decreased in human skin fibroblasts. Hyperglycemia induced overproduction of mitochondrial ROS, an increase in the susceptibility of the organelles to mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT) pore opening and a drop in mitochondrial membrane potential, which was accompanied by a decrease in cell viability in both cultures. Treatment of endotheliocytes with 5 µM VBIT-4 abolished the hyperglycemia-induced increase in susceptibility to spontaneous opening of the MPT pore and ROS generation in mitochondria. Silencing of VDAC1 expression in human skin fibroblasts exposed to high glucose led to a less pronounced manifestation of all the signs of damage to mitochondria. Our data identify a mitochondria-related response to pharmacological and genetic suppression of VDAC activity in vascular cells in hyperglycemia and suggest the potential therapeutic value of targeting these channels for the treatment of diabetic vasculopathies.
Effect of Pole Head Profile on Torque Performance of a Disc-Type Multipole Magnetorheological Brake
Authors: Shiao Yaojung , Bollepelly Manichandra
Published: July 2023

A magnetorheological brake (MRB) works on the shearing effect of MR fluid in the magnetic field to develop resistance between the stator and the rotor, which are relative moving surfaces. Researchers achieved high torque volume ratios in magnetorheological fluid braking systems by adding multiple layers and using multipole approaches. Even though several designs already exist, there is a need for innovative ideas and advanced structures of MRBs for practical engineering applications. The number of magnetic poles, pole geometry and placement have a significant effect on the performance of multipole MR brakes. This research focused on the effect of the pole head geometry in a multipole dual disc compact MR brake to understand the relationship between the geometry and its magnetic flux flow. The magnetic field generated by the electromagnetic coil’s orthogonal travel through pole heads, rotor and MR fluid layers results in friction to fulfill the action of braking that achieves maximum brake torque. This flow depends on the magnetic pole head area and corresponding core dimensions. This study considered polygon, square, hexagon, trapezoid and ellipse pole head profiles in place of the conventional circular pole and the best possible core dimensions were used for each geometry. To study the brake’s performance, COMSOL Multiphysics software (version 5.5) commonly used for 3D electromagnetic modeling was used to simulate and examine the magnetic flux intensity for various pole head configurations. Results indicate an improvement compared to previous works, considering the same dimensional limitations and the flux leakage between the adjacent poles being much less. The hexagonal and elliptical pole heads had better magnetic field area, magnetic intensity distribution and higher magnetic flux lines piercing through the MR fluid perpendicularly than the circular and square pole heads. An increment of 3.88% for braking torque performance was obtained, and the braking torque was significantly enhanced.
Modern Approaches to Providing Telematics Oral Health Services in Pediatric Dentistry: A Narrative Review
Authors: Pisano Massimo , Bramanti Alessia , Menditti Dardo , Sangiovanni Giuseppe , Santoro Rossella , Amato Alessandra
Published: July 2023

A structural and organizational redesign of the dental care system is necessary today due to current trends in the demographic process and the accompanying changes in the population’s healthcare needs. The purpose of this article is to review the literature, analyzing those trends that today represent useful tools for the oral health of pediatric patients, with particular reference to teledentistry and all the supports it uses to reach remote territories or patients who, for various reasons, cannot have access to dental care. An independent literature search was conducted in three electronic databases: PubMed/MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and the COCHRANE library. Thirty-one articles were considered. Reported findings highlight that teledentistry has been used in pediatrics to educate and promote oral health and to provide remote diagnosis and monitoring through mobile health applications, smartphone cameras and apps, intraoral cameras, websites and search engines, and telephonic communications. Specifically, teledentistry has been beneficial in providing dental care in remote locations with difficult access to pediatric dentists, conducting remote diagnostic and screening programs, monitoring patients between appointments, promoting children’s oral health through dental education, and providing behavioral counseling prior to office visits. Future research should further investigate the long-term use, additional applications, and cost-effectiveness of teledentistry in children.
Data-Driven Model Space Method for Fault Diagnosis of High-Speed Train Air Brake Pipes
Authors: Ma Weigang , Wang Jing , Song Xin , Qi Jiaqi , Yu Yaping , Hu Dengfang
Published: July 2023

A data-driven fault diagnosis method is proposed in this study to address the challenge of handling a large volume of pressure data in the air brake pipe of high-speed trains. The suggested method utilizes a BP (back propagation) neural network to transform the time series pressure data into model elements in the model space, ensuring simplicity and stability. Various fitting functions, including Fourier basis, Gaussian basis, polynomial basis, sine basis, and others, are employed to accurately fit the pressure curve of the air brake pipe. The fault diagnosis process involves two steps: classifying the fault based on an optimal approximation equation and diagnosing it by analyzing the topological relationship of the model elements in the model space. The proposed method achieves an average fault diagnosis accuracy of 89.8%, with high accuracy rates for different fault states: 98% for normal state, 88% for blockage state, 84% for leakage state, and 96% for compressor fault state. Compared to the hidden Markov model method, the proposed method improves the average diagnostic accuracy by 2% for known working conditions and 4.87% for all working conditions, demonstrating its effectiveness and reliability. The fault diagnosis of the air brake tube in high-speed trains is of great significance, which aims to realize accurate fault diagnosis and prediction through sensor data monitoring and signal processing technology, so as to ensure the safe operation of high-speed trains. These studies provide an important theoretical and practical basis for the improvement and application of fault diagnosis methods.
A Numerical Simulation of the Underwater Supersonic Gas Jet Evolution and Its Induced Noise
Authors: Yu Wei , Wang Baoshou , Zhang Chun
Published: July 2023

To explore the complex flow field and noise characteristics of underwater high-speed gas jets, the mixture multiphase model, large eddy simulation method, and Ffowcs Williams–Hawking (FW–H) acoustic model were used for simulations, and the numerical methods were validated by the gas jet noise experimental results. The results revealed that during the initial stages, the jet collided with the water surface and created low-pressure high-temperature gas bubbles, accompanied by much high-frequency noise. When the jet reached its maximum length, its impact weakened, the bubble broke, the jet transformed into a conical shape, and the jet noise changed from high- to low-frequency. The pressure fluctuation peaked near the position at which the Mach number reached 1, indicating that the jet was the most unstable at the sonic point. Additionally, at low frequencies, the sound pressure levels between jets with different nozzle pressure ratios were similar, whereas above 400 Hz, under-expanded jets had higher sound pressure levels. This paper provides theoretical guidance for the study of underwater jet noise.
SATCOM Earth Station Arrays Anti-Jamming Based on MVDR Algorithm
Authors: Xi Yanpeng , Liu Jian , Zhao Wenhao
Published: July 2023

In modern life, a large amount of information is transmitted through satellites. The anti-jamming ability of satellite communication earth stations is the basis for ensuring the smooth flow of information. In the case that multiple small earth stations cannot communicate due to jamming, the minimum variance distortionless response (MVDR) algorithm based on reflector antenna array is proposed. Firstly, the gain expression of satellite communication earth station antenna is derived, and the mathematical model of the received signal of the reflector antenna array is established. Then, the MVDR beamforming algorithm based on the reflector antenna is proposed and applied to the satellite communication earth station reflector antenna array, and the anti-jamming capability of the reflector antenna array using this algorithm is analyzed through simulation. The simulation results show that the earth station reflector antenna array using MVDR algorithm can effectively achieve array gain of the direction of the satellite signal, suppress the jamming signals, increase the output signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR) of the reflector antenna array, and increase the output signal to jamming plus noise ratio with the increase in the number of snapshots.
Pulsed Electric Fields vs. Pectolytic Enzymes in Arinto Vinification: Effects on Yield and Oenological Parameters
Authors: Aguiar-Macedo Mafalda , Redondo Luis M. , Pereira Marcos Teotónio , Silva Carlos
Published: July 2023

The increase in awareness of consumers and producers regarding the sustainable production and consumption of food commodities is motivating the emergence of new technologies to improve the efficiency of pre-established methods and reduce or supplant the usage of production factors. Thus, innovative technologies, such as the nonthermal application of pulsed electric fields (PEFs), may play a crucial role in the optimization of processes, both economically and environmentally (shrinkage of wastage, energy efficiency and decrease in the use of food additives), without compromising the quality of the final product. Thus, a comparison was made between the application of commercial-grade enzymes and PEF treatment to assess the impact on cuvée white grape must and on wine yield and quality. Oenological parameters were evaluated during alcoholic fermentation and after 3 months, with tartaric stability measured after 6 months. For this, assays resorting to 1.5 tons of Arinto grapes were separated into nine similar batches: three control, three treated with enzymes (1.5 g/100 kg) and three subjected to PEFs (1 kV/cm; 2 kJ/kg) at a rate of 4 ton/h. PEFs presented the highest increase in cuvée wine yield of 5.47%; a reduction of 19% of wine lees production was also determined. The effect of PEFs on pH, total acidity, turbidity, total phenols, color intensity, %Ye, total dry extract, volatile acidity and tartaric stability was studied and compared with control and enzymatic treatment. PEF and enzyme usage direct costs were determined; the employment of PEFs represented a direct cost of 0.12 EUR/ton, while enzyme usage was 1.80 EUR/ton.
Mechanical Properties of Slag-Based Geopolymer Grouting Material for Homogenized Micro-Crack Crushing Technology
Authors: Li Wenjie , Liang Bin , Yue Jinchao
Published: July 2023

Homogenized micro-crack crushing can fully retain the bearing capacity of concrete pavement, but local weak road base needs to be reinforced before being directly overlaid with hot-mixed asphalt. Therefore, indoor tests were conducted to study the mechanical properties of slag-based geopolymer as a grouting material for weak road base, and the morphology and influence of polymerization reactants were observed. Concurrently, on-site grouting tests were conducted to study the grouting effect. The results show that the compressive strength, flexural strength and bonding strength of slag-based geopolymer all increase with age. The maximum compressive strength and flexural strength of the geopolymer at 28 d were 18.88 MPa and 6.50 MPa, respectively. The maximum flexural bonding strength at 14 d was 4.58 MPa. As the ratio between water and slag powder increased, the compressive strength and flexural strength gradually decreased, while the bonding strength first increased and then decreased. In the range of ratios of water to slag powder from 0.26 to 0.28, the above three strengths were relatively high, and the compressive shear bonding strength was the highest when the ratio of water to slag powder was 0.28. The shrinkage of the slag-based geopolymer increases with the increase in ratio of water to slag powder, and the porosity also increases, resulting in a decrease in compactness after consolidation. When the ratio of water to slag powder was 0.28, the reactant was mainly a gel-phase material, and the shrinkage crack of the consolidated geopolymer was relatively small. After grouting the weak road base of the concrete pavement, the voids at the bottom of the concrete pavement slab were effectively filled, and the deflection of the pavement slab was significantly reduced. The average deflections of monitoring line I, monitoring line II and monitoring line III decreased by 49%, 41% and 54%, respectively, after grouting. After solidification, the slag-based geopolymer was distributed in layers, which further compacted the road structure layer and improved the bearing capacity.
Rare Earth Elements Recovery from Primary and Secondary Resources Using Flotation: A Systematic Review
Authors: Julapong Pongsiri , Numprasanthai Apisit , Tangwattananukul Ladda , Juntarasakul Onchanok , Srichonphaisarn Palot , Aikawa Kosei , Park Ilhwan , Ito Mayumi , Tabelin Carlito Baltazar , Phengsaart Theerayut
Published: July 2023

Rare earth minerals (REMs) contain rare earth elements (REEs) that are important in modern technologies due to their unique magnetic, phosphorescent, and catalytic properties. However, REMs are not only non-renewable resources but also non-uniformly distributed on the Earth’s crust, so the processing of REE-bearing secondary resources via recycling is one potential route to ensure the long-term sustainability of REE supply. Flotation—a method that separates materials based on differences in their surface wettability—is a process applied for both mineral processing and recycling of REEs, especially when the particles are fine and/or a high-purity product is required. In this review, studies about rare earth flotation from 2012 to 2021 were systematically reviewed using the PRISMA guideline. It was found that most REM flotation research works focused on finding better collectors and depressants while, for recycling, studies on advanced flotation techniques like froth flotation, ion flotation, solvent sublation, electroflotation, and adsorbing colloid flotation with an emphasis on the recovery of dissolved REEs from aqueous solutions dominated.
Integrated Photovoltaics Potential for Passenger Cars: A Focus on the Sensitivity to Electrical Architecture Losses
Authors: Karoui Fathia , Chambion Bertrand , Claudon Fabrice , Commault Benjamin
Published: July 2023

Vehicle integrated photovoltaics (VIPV) are among the identified solutions to reduce the environmental impacts of the transport sector. The model developed here simulates the VIPV system. It considers various usage patterns and vehicle types, several characteristics of the photovoltaic system and all the losses that may decrease energy yield. Focusing on a passenger car, simulations indicate the order of influence of the parameters on the outputs of the model: geographic locality, shading, thresholds due to extra-consumption needed to charge the vehicle’s battery from the photovoltaic (PV) system and occurrence of recharge with the grid. With technology projections for 2030, with 30% shading, VIPV will cover a distance of up to 1444 km per year. This represents up to 12% of the driven mileage. For the best month, it can reach up to 14 km/day. For average Europe and realistic conditions, VIPV cover 648 km per year. Life cycle assessment (LCA) of a solarized passenger car shows a negative balance for a low-carbon electricity mix and average solar irradiance. In favorable conditions, the carbon footprint is up to 489 kg of CO2-equivalent avoided emissions on a 13-year lifespan. Beyond the focus on km and LCA, VIPV may provide useful functions in non-interconnected zones and for resilience in disaster areas.
Essential Oils from Different Parts of Azorean Cryptomeria japonica (Thunb. ex L.f.) D. Don (Cupressaceae): Comparison of the Yields, Chemical Compositions, and Biological Properties
Authors: Lima Ana , Arruda Filipe , Janeiro Alexandre , Rodrigues Tânia , Baptista José , Figueiredo Ana Cristina , Lima Elisabete
Published: July 2023

Azorean Cryptomeria japonica is widely used for local wood production, generating large amounts of aerial-part biomass residues that can be a sustainable source of value-added bioproducts. This comparative study aimed (i) to determine the yield and chemical profile of the essential oils (EOs) extracted by hydrodistillation from Azorean C. japonica foliage, leaves, male cones (MCs), and female cones (FCs), and (ii) to investigate the antimicrobial and brine shrimp lethality (BSL) effects of the obtained EOs and some major components. The EOs yield revealed a wide range (ca. 1–3%, w/d.w.) and their chemical composition, analysed by GC–MS and GC–FID, showed the presence of seventy-one components. Monoterpene hydrocarbons (38–71%) dominated in all the studied EOs, mainly α-pinene (17–45% of total EOs), decreasing as follows: cone EOs > leaf EOs > foliage EOs. Oxygen-containing monoterpenes (mainly terpinen-4-ol) also dominated in cone EOs. Contrariwise, oxygen-containing sesquiterpenes (mainly elemol) and diterpene hydrocarbons (mainly phyllocladene) dominated in foliage/leaf EOs. The studied EOs exhibited activity against Gram-positive bacteria but no activity against Gram-negative bacteria. A similar trend was displayed by α-pinene. Only the cone EOs showed antifungal activity against Penicillium chrysogenum, but this was significantly lower than those of α-pinene and terpinen-4-ol. Moreover, FC EO should also be considered for further investigation due to its high toxicity on BSL bioassay. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the variability of yield, chemical profile, and bioactivities in the EOs from different parts of the Azorean C. japonica, expanding the knowledge of the potentialities of C. japonica aerial-part EOs, particularly the ones from the cone samples.
Yeast Models of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Type 8 Mimic Phenotypes Seen in Mammalian Cells Expressing Mutant VAPBP56S
Authors: Stump AnnaMari L. , Rioux Daniel J. , Albright Richard , Melki Guiliano L. , Prosser Derek C.
Published: July 2023

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a complex neurodegenerative disease that results in the loss of motor neurons and can occur sporadically or due to genetic mutations. Among the 30 genes linked to familial ALS, a P56S mutation in VAPB, an ER-resident protein that functions at membrane contact sites, causes ALS type 8. Mammalian cells expressing VAPBP56S have distinctive phenotypes, including ER collapse, protein and/or membrane-containing inclusions, and sensitivity to ER stress. VAPB is conserved through evolution and has two homologs in budding yeast, SCS2 and SCS22. Previously, a humanized version of SCS2 bearing disease-linked mutations was described, and it caused Scs2-containing inclusions when overexpressed in yeast. Here, we describe a yeast model for ALS8 in which the two SCS genes are deleted and replaced with a single chromosomal copy of either wild-type or mutant yeast SCS2 or human VAPB expressed from the SCS2 promoter. These cells display ER collapse, the formation of inclusion-like structures, and sensitivity to tunicamycin, an ER stress-inducing drug. Based on the phenotypic similarity to mammalian cells expressing VAPBP56S, we propose that these models can be used to study the molecular basis of cell death or dysfunction in ALS8. Moreover, other conserved ALS-linked genes may create opportunities for the generation of yeast models of disease.
Seismic Assessment of a Single-Column Elevated Station Structure
Authors: Li Yi-Fan , Zhuang Liang-Dong , Wu Zhen-Hao
Published: July 2023

Single-column elevated station structures are irregular structures with long-span cantilever beams and individual pier columns in the transverse section. The uneven mass and stiffness in the horizontal and vertical planes necessitate research on the seismic performance of these structures. This study performed a nonlinear response-history analysis (NRHA) of a single-column elevated station structure using the finite element program MSC.MARC and analysed its seismic performance under different seismic intensities. The stress states of the primary components were evaluated, and the effect of vertical earthquake motion on the seismic performance of the structure was considered. The torsional behavior caused by the uneven mass and stiffness in both horizontal and vertical directions should be considered, and energy dissipation measures should be taken to reduce the internal force and deformation of the bottom-pier columns and second-floor columns in the process of designation to improve the seismic performance of the structure. A bidirectional pushover analysis (BPA) was applied. The load amplification factor was adjusted to optimize the BPA results. The results of the modified BPA were similar to those of the NRHA, indicating the computational reliability of the modified BPA. The modified BPA method was accurate, applicative, and efficient. The BPA can improve computational efficiency compared to NRHA and can be widely applied in the structural design process for practical engineering applications.