bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incidence of Secondary Osteoarthritis after Primary Shoulder and Knee Empyema and Its Risk Factors
Authors: Böhle Sabrina , Finsterbusch Luise , Kirschberg Julia , Rohe Sebastian , Heinecke Markus , Matziolis Georg , Röhner Eric
Published: February 2024

Empyema of the joint is an orthopedic emergency that is associated with a prolonged healing process despite adequate surgical and medical therapy. The risk of developing postinfectious osteoarthritis (OA) after successfully treated joint empyema is unknown. Both incidence and risk factors are important for prognostication and would therefore be clinically relevant for the selection of an adequate infectious therapy as well as for the individual follow-up of patients. The aim of this retrospective clinical study was to describe the risk of secondary OA after empyema based on knee and shoulder joint infections after successful primary infection treatment and its risk factors. Thirty-two patients were examined clinically and radiographically after completion of treatment for primary empyema of the knee or shoulder joint. Patients with previous surgery or injections in the affected joint were excluded from the study. The cumulative incidence of new-onset radiographic OA was 28.6%, representing a 5.5-fold increased risk of developing OA compared to the normal population. A figure of 25% of patients underwent total knee arthroplasty after knee empyema. Identified risk factors for primary empyema were obesity, hyperuricemia, and rheumatoid arthritis. Only about 60% of the patients tested positive for bacteria. Staphylococcus aureus, the most common pathogen causing joint empyema, was present in approximately 40% of cases. Secondary osteoarthritis, as a possible secondary disease after joint empyema, could be demonstrated and several risk factors for the primary empyema were identified.
Optimizing Hysterectomy: A Prospective Comparative Analysis of Surgical Techniques and Their Impact on Women’s Lives
Authors: Yurtkal Aslihan , Canday Mujde
Published: February 2024

Study Objective: To investigate diverse hysterectomy techniques to determine their influence on patient outcomes, including pain levels, sexual function, anxiety, and quality of life. Of particular focus is the comparison between vessel sealing and traditional suturing in abdominal, vaginal, and laparoscopic hysterectomies. This study is unique in its comprehensive evaluation, considering patient satisfaction, recommendation rates, recovery times, and various other aspects. Method: Our prospective cohort study adhered to ethical guidelines, involving a meticulous assessment of patients, including medical history, anxiety levels, pelvic pain, sexual function, and quality of life. Surgical methods were explained to patients, allowing them to actively participate in the decision-making process. Sociodemographic information was collected, and exclusion criteria were applied. Hysterectomy methods included total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH), laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH), vaginal hysterectomy (VH), and a modified vaginal technique known as VH Mujas. Several parameters were recorded, including operation indications, uterine volume, hospital stay, operation duration, pre-operative and post-operative complications, and more. Results: In all groups, a statistically significant increase was found in pre-operative–post-operative FSFI sexual function values (p < 0.001). The patient’s basal Beck Anxiety Scale scores significantly decreased following the decision for vaginal surgery, both in the VH and VH Mujas groups (p < 0.05). However, Beck Anxiety Scale scores at patients’ initial assessments significantly increased following the decision for abdominal and laparoscopic surgery (p < 0.001). According to the results of the SF-36 quality of life assessment, an increase was observed in all post-operative quality of life parameters in patients who underwent surgery with different methods due to VH (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Our comprehensive comparison of hysterectomy techniques demonstrated that VH, particularly when utilizing the Mujas technique, outperforms other hysterectomy methods regarding patient safety and post-operative satisfaction but also offers the benefit of minimal invasiveness. Notably, this is reflected in improved quality of life, enhanced sexual function, lower pain scores, and favorable cosmetic results. The success of a hysterectomy procedure depends on precise indications, surgical planning, proper patient selection, and effective communication. This study emphasizes the significance of these factors in achieving optimal outcomes. The development of specialized vascular closure devices can further enhance the feasibility of vaginal hysterectomy, making it a preferable choice in gynecological surgery. The study contributes valuable insights into selecting the most suitable hysterectomy method for patients and optimizing their recovery.
Spatio-Temporal Patterns of Land Use and Cover Change in the Lancang–Mekong River Basin during 2000–2020
Authors: Lang Fansi , Liang Yutian , Li Shangqian , Cheng Zhaofeng , Li Guanfeng , Guo Zijing
Published: February 2024

Exploring the mechanisms that drive land use and cover change (LUCC) is essential for informing the formulation and implementation of effective policies aimed at optimizing land use patterns. In this study, we examined the spatial and temporal patterns of LUCC within the Lancang–Mekong River Basin (LMRB) using Globeland30 data for the years 2000, 2010, and 2020. Firstly, we analyzed the quantitative characteristics of LUCC within the LMRB in terms of the value of change and rate of change. Additionally, we investigated the converting characteristics of LUCC within the LMRB by employing land use transition matrices and land use transition probability matrices. Furthermore, we depicted the spatial distribution of LUCC within the LMRB through land use mapping and statistical analysis. The results indicate a substantial decline in forests, coupled with a notable expansion in cultivated land. Given the vital role of forests as carbon sinks, reforestation can enhance ecological services and address challenges related to climate change. Converting cultivated land to forests is an effective human intervention promoting forest transition. This study applies binary logistic models to explore the mechanisms that influence the conversion from cultivated land to forests. The results reveal that slopes ranging from 5° to 15° have the lowest probability of conversion, whereas distances between the cultivated land and the nearest tourist attraction ranging from 9 km to 18 km have the highest probability. Moreover, the conversion process is positively associated with traffic conditions and significantly influenced by human interventions. Within the study area, China, Laos, and Myanmar show a tendency to convert cultivated land into natural LULC types, while Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam tend to encroach on cultivated land and expand artificial surfaces. Promoting ecological restoration in the LMRB requires cooperation among these countries.
Seasonal Drought Dynamics and the Time-Lag Effect in the MU Us Sandy Land (China) Under the Lens of Climate Change
Authors: Wang Fuqiang , Li Ruiping , Wang Sinan , Wang Huan , Shi Yanru , Zhang Yin , Zhao Jianwei , Yang Jinming
Published: February 2024

Sand prevention and control are the main tasks of desertification control. The MU Us Sandy Land (MUSL), one of China’s four main deserts, frequently experiences droughts and has a very fragile biological environment. Climate change is the main factor leading to drought, and it may result in more serious drought situations in the future. The Temperature Vegetation Dryness Index (TVDI) was established using land surface temperature and normalized difference vegetation index data. In this paper, we investigate spatial and temporal change characteristics, future change trends, and the time-lag effect of TVDI on climate factors at different scales in MUSL from 2001 to 2020 using Sen + Mann–Kendall trend analysis, Hurstexponent, partial correlation analysis, and lag analysis methods. The results show that (1) the overall drought shows a spatial characteristic of gradually alleviating from west to east (TVDI = 0.6). A significant drying trend dominated 38.5% of the pixels in the fall (Z = 1.99), and a highly significant drying trend dominated the rest of the three seasons (Z average = 2.95) and the whole year (Z = 3.47). (2) In the future, dry autumn, winter, and the whole year will be dominated by continuous drying, and spring and summer will mainly change from dry to wet. The main relationships between winter TVDI and temperature (−0.06) and precipitation (−0.07) were negative, while evapotranspiration (0.18) showed a positive correlation. The six land use types in spring, summer, fall, and the whole year were primarily non-significantly positively correlated with temperature and evapotranspiration. (3) At the seasonal scale, the sensitive factors in spring and autumn were opposite, with spring TVDI responding quickly to precipitation (0.3 months) and being less sensitive to temperature (1.8 months) and evapotranspiration (2 months). At the interannual scale, desert land TVDI was most sensitive to precipitation (2.6 months) and least responsive to temperature (3 months).
Application of the Sustainable Sites Initiative Rating System in Urban Green Space Construction in China—The Case of Xuhui Runway Park
Authors: Lin Guangsi , Zhu Xin , He Xiaoqi
Published: February 2024

The Sustainable Sites Initiative (SITES) is a comprehensive evaluation system for sustainable landscape, which has been promoted successfully and widely recognized in the landscape architecture industry. However, the existing research lacks attention to the applicability of SITES to urban green space construction projects in China. Therefore, exploring the application of the SITES evaluation system in the context of Chinese urban green space development is of great importance. Building upon theoretical research on sustainable landscapes, this study focuses on urban green space projects as the research carrier, with SITES as the subject of investigation. Utilizing the case study method, a thorough description and analysis of Xuhui Runway Park, a representative case officially certified by SITES in China, is provided. Across four stages—project initiation and planning, scheme design, construction, and operation—this study discusses the approaches employed in Chinese urban green space projects to meet the requirements of the SITES evaluation system. By evaluating the applicability of SITES to Chinese urban green space projects, identifying limitations in system promotion, and offering references for sustainable design practices, this study advances the application and promotion of SITES in China and contributes to the sustainable development of the landscape architecture industry.
The Law as Fragment
Authors: Maslin Kimberly
Published: February 2024

When Hannah Arendt writes about the law, she does so as a political theorist, genocide survivor and critic of modernity. She also writes as a phenomenologist, which is to say, she is mindful not only that people create the law, but that law constitutes a people. In Origins, she calls attention to the importance of the rule of law in the emergence of totalitarianism. In On Revolution, she seeks a way of grounding political authority in something other than an Absolute. In the process, Arendt looks to another group of intellectuals who grappled with the nature of authority under conditions of modernity—the Early German Romantics. Romantic fragments are philosophical, poetic, even musical. For Arendt, the most highly valued fragments are historical because these fragments provide not only protection against totalitarianism but also a possible solution to the problem of authority. In this article, I explore Arendt’s interpretation of the Declaration of Independence as a historical fragment. She draws on a phenomenological approach to fragments, found primarily in the work of Rahel Varnhagen and Dorothea Veit-Schlegel, to create a resilient yet malleable basis for authority, thereby grounding political authority in concrete historical events, rather than in human nature.
The Circadian Rhythm of the Behavior and Gut Microbiota in Dybowski’s Frogs (Rana dybowskii) during the Autumn Migration Period
Authors: Hu Nan , Li Yingdong , Wang Meizhang , Ji Haoyu , Zhang Xian , San Baolong , Shi Hongyue
Published: February 2024

Many amphibian behaviors and physiological functions adapt to daily environmental changes through variations in circadian rhythms. However, these adaptations have yet to be reported in Dybowski’s frog (Rana dybowskii). We aimed to elucidate the dynamic changes in the behavior and gut microbiota of R. dybowskii within a 24 h cycle during their migration to hibernation sites. Thus, we monitored their behavior at 4 h intervals and collected samples for microbiome analysis. We found that the juvenile frogs arrived at hibernation sites earlier than the adults. Among the adults, the male frogs arrived earlier. The richness and diversity of the gut microbiota in the adult R. dybowskii were lowest at 14:00. At 6:00, the differences between the males and females were most significant. At 18:00, there was an increase in the activity of Bacteroides, Coprobacillus, Ruminococcus, and Dorea in the intestinal tracts of the male frogs, whereas in the intestinal tract of the female frogs, there was an increase in the activity of Pseudoramibacter_Eubacterium, Desulfovibrio, Anaerotruncus, and PW3. This indicated diurnal rhythmic variations in the gut microbiota and significant sex-based differences in the microbial activity at different time points. Our findings contribute to the understanding of the circadian rhythm of R. dybowskii and provide crucial insights into improving breeding strategies.
Prospects for Using Computer Accommodography to Predict Myopia Development in Young Adults
Authors: Zelentsov Roman , Poskotinova Liliya , Moiseeva Alexandra , Kudryavtsev Alexander V.
Published: February 2024

The diagnostic value of the computer accommodation method remains insufficiently studied. Accommodative and refractive error is a common problem, accounting for 23% of the world’s population. The aim of the study was to investigate the objective parameters of accommodative insufficiency in young people with and without myopia. A cross-sectional study was carried out using a random sample of 116 of university students at the age of 21–23 years. Normal ranges for accommodation parameters in non-myopic participants were defined by 10th and 90th percentile values. The normal ranges were from −0.17 to −0.38 conventional units (c.u.) for accommodative response coefficient (ARC), from 0.08 to 0.41 c.u. for deviation of ARC (σARC), from 0.0 to 0.43 c.u. for accommodogram growth coefficient (AGC), from 54.26 to 58.55 microfluctuations per minute (mcf/min) for coefficient of microfluctuations (CMF), and from 2.58 to 5.26 c.u. for deviation of CMF (σCMF). Signs of computer visual syndrome were observed in 40.9% of non-myopic participants, eye strain in 11.9%, accommodation cramp in 4.5%, and absence or little accommodative response in 3.6%. Therefore, computer accommodation assessment allowed the detection of young people with an increased risk of myopia among those without this ophthalmic pathology.
Harnessing γδ T Cells against Human Gynecologic Cancers
Authors: Conejo-Garcia Jose R. , Anadon Carmen M. , Lopez-Bailon Luis U. , Chaurio Ricardo A.
Published: February 2024

Immuno-oncology has traditionally focused on conventional MHC-restricted αβ T cells. Yet, unconventional γδ T cells, which kill tumor cells in an MHC-unrestricted manner, display characteristics of effector activity and stemness without exhaustion and are nearly universally observed in human gynecologic malignancies, correlating with improved outcomes. These cells do not have a clear counterpart in mice but are also found in the healthy female reproductive tract. Interventions that modulate their in vivo activity, or cellular therapies utilizing γδ T cells as an allogeneic, “off-the-shelf” platform (e.g., for chimeric antigen receptor expression) hold significant potential against challenging tumors like ovarian cancer, which has been stubbornly resistant to the immune checkpoint inhibitors that change the landscape of other human tumors. Here, we discuss recent discoveries on the specific populations of γδ T cells that infiltrate human gynecologic cancers, their anti-tumor activity, and the prospect of redirecting their effector function against tumor cells to develop a new generation of immunotherapies that extends beyond the traditional αβ T cell-centric view of the field.
Leveraging the Potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area: Logistics Challenges and Development Paths for Future Value Chains in Africa
Authors: Nitsche Benjamin , Mensah Henry Kofi , Straube Frank , Barigye Vianney
Published: February 2024

Background: With a rapidly growing young population, the African continent provides a high but barely exploited economic potential. Creating an African free trade zone is one of the African Union’s major initiatives to increase prosperity. Even though the AfCFTA has already come into force, its potential has not yet been fully exploited. This study investigates the logistics challenges associated with the AfCFTA and potential solutions and development paths for future value chains. Methods: The study builds upon a two-stage research process. First, applying the Nominal Group Technique with a group of 19 industry experts, current challenges and strategies to deal with them are conducted, and statements about potential development paths emerging from the AfCFTA are synthesized. Second, a questionnaire among additional industry experts is done to assess the results of the first stage. Results: The article sheds light on the barely untapped field of logistics challenges hindering the AfCFTA to leverage its potential. Strategy fields to address current challenges are explained, and the first indications of how the AfCFTA will shape supply chains in the mid-term are outlined. Conclusions: The article underlines the importance of logistics in the development of pan-African value chains and highlights potential development paths that may arise in the medium term. It also emphasizes the growing need for cooperation between politics, business, and research to overcome current logistics challenges and leverage the potential of the AfCFTA.
Evaluating the Tribological Behaviour in Cutting Operations Using a Modified Ball-on-Disc Open Tribotester
Authors: Nassef Belal G , Pape Florian , Poll Gerhard , Schenzel Jan , Bergmann Benjamin , Denkena Berend
Published: February 2024

Predicting the tribological behaviour in the secondary shear zone in the metal-cutting processes is considered a significant challenge in contemporary research. This work investigated the frictional performance in the secondary shear zone of a planing process using a modified ball-on-disc open tribometer. The values of the coefficient of friction (COF) were tracked between an AISI4140 + QT disc (chip) and a cemented carbide ball (cutting tool) coated with TiAlN under three contact pressures of 0.5, 1, and 2 GPa at a range of sliding speeds starting from 0.2 m/s to 1.6 m/s. The tests were conducted under both dry and lubricated conditions using three commercial cutting fluids of CSF 35 straight oil, Vasco 6000, and Zubora 67H emulsions. Also, the MWFs were tested for their rheological properties and wettability. The tribometer results validated the same COF trend as that in the actual metal-cutting experiments, particularly at 0.5 and 1 GPa in dry conditions. Moreover, Zubora 67H emulsion is proven to be the optimal choice due to it reducing the COF between the rubbing contacts by up to 78%. Furthermore, it showed the lowest contact angle and viscosity index, revealing its ability to easily penetrate, especially at higher temperatures, within the secondary cutting zone.
Effects of O2/Ar Ratio on Preparation and Dielectric Properties of CaZrO3 Films by Radio Frequency (RF) Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Ding Mingjian , Xie Bing , Lv Ming , Lu Zhenya
Published: February 2024

CaZrO3 (CZO) thin films were deposited on Pt/Ti/SiO2/Si substrates at 450 °C by radio-frequency magnetron sputtering technology. The microstructures and dielectric properties of CZO thin films were investigated. X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that the perovskite orthogonal CZO phase would be promoted by a higher O2 partial pressure in the flow ratio of O2/Ar after thin films were annealed at 700 °C for 3 h in air. The films prepared under the flow ratio of O2/Ar (20:40, 30:40 and 40:40) show the main perovskite crystal phase of CaZrO3 with a small amount of Ca0.2Zr0.8O1.8. The main crystal phase was Ca0.2Zr0.8O1.8 when the film was deposited under an O2/Ar ratio of 40:10. The annealed film with a 40:40 O2/Ar ratio exhibits a dielectric performance with a high dielectric constant (εr) of 25 at 1 MHz, a temperature coefficient of permittivity of not more than 122.7 ppm/°C from 0 °C to 125 °C, and a low leakage current density of about 2 × 10−7 A/cm2 at 30 V with an ohmic conduction mechanism.
Evolution of Grain Boundary Character Distribution in B10 Alloy from Friction Stir Processing to Annealing Treatment
Authors: Feng Wen , Zhou Junjie , Wang Shihao , Sun Ting , Zhao Tianyu , Jiang Yingying
Published: February 2024

In this study, the grain boundary character distribution (GBCD) of a B10 alloy was optimized, employing thermomechanical processing consisting of friction stirring processing (FSP) and annealing treatment. Using electron backscatter diffraction, the effects of rotational speed of FSP and annealing time on the evolution of GBCD were systematically investigated. The GBCD evolution was analyzed concerning various parameters, such as the fraction of low-Σ coincidence site lattice (CSL) boundaries, the average number of grains per twin-related domain (TRD), the length of longest chain (LLC), and the triple junction distribution. The experimental results revealed that the processing of a 1400 rpm rotational speed of FSP followed by annealing at 750 °C for 60 min resulted in the optimum grain boundary engineering (GBE) microstructure with the highest fraction of low-Σ CSL boundaries being 82.50% and a significantly fragmented random boundary network, as corroborated by the highest average number of grains per TRD (14.73) with the maximum LLC (2.14) as well as the highest J2/(1 − J3) value (12.76%). As the rotational speed of FSP increased from 600 rpm to 1400 rpm, the fraction of low-Σ CSL boundaries monotonously increased. The fraction of low-Σ CSL boundaries first increased and then decreased with an increase in annealing time. The key to achieving GBE lies in inhibiting the recrystallization phenomenon while stimulating abundant multiple twinning events through strain-induced boundary migration.
Application of Calcium Sulfate Whiskers to Cement-Based Materials: A Review
Authors: Liu Guoqiang , Liao Yongpang , Sha Xun , Liu Guangmin , Zhang Yingjie , Guo Rongxin , Yue Yao
Published: February 2024

In recent years, significant attention has been paid to the use of calcium sulfate whiskers (CSWs) to enhance the performance of cement-based materials (CBM). This technology has attracted widespread interest from researchers because it enhances the performance and sustainability of CBM by modifying the crystal structure of calcium sulfate. This article summarizes the fundamental properties and preparation methods of calcium sulfate whisker materials as well as their applications in cement, potential advantages and disadvantages, and practical applications and prospects. The introduction of CSWs has been demonstrated to enhance the strength, durability, and crack resistance of CBM while also addressing concerns related to permeability and shrinkage. The application of this technology is expected to improve the quality and lifespan of buildings, reduce maintenance costs, and positively impact the environment. The use of CSWs in CBM represents a promising material innovation that offers lasting and sustainable advancement in the construction industry.
Convergence of High-Order Derivative-Free Algorithms for the Iterative Solution of Systems of Not Necessarily Differentiable Equations
Authors: Regmi Samundra , Argyros Ioannis K. , George Santhosh
Published: February 2024

In this study, we extended the applicability of a derivative-free algorithm to encompass the solution of operators that may be either differentiable or non-differentiable. Conditions weaker than the ones in earlier studies are employed for the convergence analysis. The earlier results considered assumptions up to the existence of the ninth order derivative of the main operator, even though there are no derivatives in the algorithm, and the Taylor series on the finite Euclidian space restricts the applicability of the algorithm. Moreover, the previous results could not be used for non-differentiable equations, although the algorithm could converge. The new local result used only conditions on the divided difference in the algorithm to show the convergence. Moreover, the more challenging semi-local convergence that had not previously been studied was considered using majorizing sequences. The paper included results on the upper bounds of the error estimates and domains where there was only one solution for the equation. The methodology of this paper is applicable to other algorithms using inverses and in the setting of a Banach space. Numerical examples further validate our approach.
An Algorithm for Solving the Problem of Phase Unwrapping in Remote Sensing Radars and Its Implementation on Multicore Processors
Authors: Martyshko Petr S. , Akimova Elena N. , Sosnovsky Andrey V. , Kobernichenko Victor G.
Published: February 2024

The problem of the interferometric phase unwrapping in radar remote sensing of Earth systems is considered. Such interferograms are widely used in the problems of creating and updating maps of the relief of the Earth’s surface in geodesy, cartography, environmental monitoring, geological, hydrological and glaciological studies, and for monitoring transport communications. Modern radar systems have ultra-high spatial resolution and a wide band, which leads to the need to unwrap large interferograms from several tens of millions of elements. The implementation of calculations by these methods requires a processing time of several days. In this paper, an effective method for equalizing the inverse vortex field for phase unwrapping is proposed, which allows solving a problem with quasi-linear computational complexity depending on the interferogram size and the number of singular points on it. To implement the method, a parallel algorithm for solving the problem on a multi-core processor using OpenMP technology was developed. Numerical experiments on radar data models were carried out to investigate the effectiveness of the algorithm depending on the size of the source data, the density of singular points and the number of processor cores.
Efficiency of Various Tiling Strategies for the Zuker Algorithm Optimization
Authors: Blaszynski Piotr , Palkowski Marek , Bielecki Wlodzimierz , Poliwoda Maciej
Published: February 2024

This paper focuses on optimizing the Zuker RNA folding algorithm, a bioinformatics task with non-serial polyadic dynamic programming and non-uniform loop dependencies. The intricate dependence pattern is represented using affine formulas, enabling the automatic application of tiling strategies via the polyhedral method. Three source-to-source compilers—PLUTO, TRACO, and DAPT—are employed, utilizing techniques such as affine transformations, the transitive closure of dependence relation graphs, and space–time tiling to generate cache-efficient codes, respectively. A dedicated transpose code technique for non-serial polyadic dynamic programming codes is also examined. The study evaluates the performance of these optimized codes for speed-up and scalability on multi-core machines and explores energy efficiency using RAPL. The paper provides insights into related approaches and outlines future research directions within the context of bioinformatics algorithm optimization.
The Nine-Year Survival of Patients Operated for Non-Small-Cell Lung Carcinoma in a Tertiary Centre: The Impact of the Tumour Stage and Other Patient-Related Parameters
Authors: Vlăsceanu Silviu , Mahler Beatrice , Marghescu Angela Ștefania , Bădărău Ioana Anca , Moldovan Horațiu , Gheorghiță Daniela , Costache Mariana , Savu Cornel
Published: February 2024

Background and Objectives: The mainstay treatment of non-small-cell lung carcinoma is still surgery, but its impact on survival beyond nine years has never been reported/analysed in Romania. Therefore, we studied the clinical characteristics and the short- and long-term survival of a population of 1369 patients diagnosed and treated in a single institution, with the variables included in the database being collected retrospectively. Materials and Methods: In this paper, we aimed to study a number of factors that might influence prognosis and survival in non-small bronchopulmonary carcinoma. Consequently, we analysed a series of parameters such as the age of patients, their sex, the histopathological type, the tumour stage, the presence of bronchial invasion, and the completeness of surgical resection. Results: All patients underwent major lung resection for curative purposes (pneumonectomy, lobectomy, or bilobectomy) between January 2015 and January 2023. The vital status of patients included in the study was obtained by checking the DGEP (General Directorate for Persons Record) database and verifying the reporting of “non-deceased” by the hospital administrative database, as well as by telephone interviews (with patients or their relatives). On univariate analysis, predictors of worse survival were the following: male sex (the hazard of death was 1.54 times higher in men); pT (compared to pT1 tumours, pT2 tumours have a 1.60 times higher hazard of death, pT3 tumours have a 2.16 times higher hazard, and pT4 tumours have a 2.97 times higher hazard); maximum tumour size (a 10 mm increase in tumour size is associated with a 10% increase in the hazard of death); the degree of differentiation (compared to patients with G1 tumours, those with G3 tumours have a 2.16 times higher hazard of death); resectability (compared to R0, R1 B+ has a 1.84 times higher hazard of death, R1 V+ has a 1.82 times higher hazard of death, and R1 B+&V+ has a 2.40 times higher hazard of death). Conclusions: As a result, long-term survival can be achieved after complete surgery for NSCLC, and factors that classically predict overall survival suggest that both the initial tumour aggressiveness and host characteristics act beyond the period usually considered in oncology.
Heterogeneous Microstructure and Tensile Properties of an Austenitic Stainless Steel
Authors: Chen Qingxin , Wang Haichao , Li Zhanjiang , Tian Jun , Huang Jianeng , Dai Pinqiang
Published: February 2024

Stainless steel (SS) exhibits excellent ductility; however, its low strength hinders its practical applications. To achieve good synergy between strength and ductility, a heterogeneous structure was introduced into a newly developed nitrogen-alloyed low-nickel austenitic steel, QN1803. The received QN1803 was cold-rolled and annealed at 993 K for different durations, and the microstructural evolution and tensile mechanical properties were investigated. The yield strength (1130 MPa) of the QN1803 annealed at a temperature of 993 K for 15 min was approximately three times higher than that of the as-received sample (314 MPa). The short annealing time of 15 min yielded a heterogeneous structure with grain size distributions ranging from nanoscale to micron-scale. The annealed QN1803 exhibited typical dislocation cells and dislocation walls caused by slipping after cold rolling. During annealing, a step-like lamellar structure is formed. The high yield strength was obtained from the large number of twins and hard ultrafine grains. The good ductility is due to the large number of dislocations generated in the soft grains and the GNDs around the heterogeneous interfaces. Additionally, the lamella structure of the material also contributes to improved ductility to a certain degree. The aim of this paper is to develop new materials with both high yield strength and excellent toughness based on more economical materials cost.
Galvanic Corrosion of E690 Offshore Platform Steel in a Simulated Marine Thermocline
Authors: Hu Jiezhen , Lin Guodong , Deng Peichang , Li Ziyun , Tian Yuwan
Published: February 2024

Marked changes in temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO) content, and nutrient content typically occur in marine thermoclines, which are key factors that affect the corrosion of metals. Offshore platforms require marine metals to be exposed to deep-sea environments and thus increase their penetration into the marine thermocline. This study investigates the galvanic corrosion of E690 steel in a marine thermocline using a simulated marine thermocline (SMT). Specifically, the corrosion of E690 steel was analyzed using the wire beam electrode (WBE) technique, linear polarization (LP), corrosion morphology, and weight loss measurement. Results indicated that the SMT had a stable multilayer structure, and the variations in temperature, DO, pH, and nutrient concentration in the SMT were similar to those in the natural marine thermocline. There were two forms of E690 steel corrosion in the SMT: galvanic corrosion and seawater corrosion. The corrosion rate of seawater corrosion was influenced by the DO concentration. Galvanic corrosion occurred after the intrusion of E690 steel into the marine thermocline. The driver of galvanic corrosion was the difference values for Ecorrs of E690 steel at various depths of the marine thermocline. The Ecorr of E690 steel was influenced by the temperature, pH, and DO of the seawater, in the following order: DO >> T > pH. The continuous reduction in Ecorr with depth contributed to large-scale galvanic corrosion, and the oscillation variation in Ecorr with depth was the reason for small-scale galvanic corrosion. The primary anodic regions of galvanic corrosion were located in the area with the fastest temperature variation in the thermocline, and the position of the anodic regions rose with time. The anodic regions gradually expanded with time. The proportion of galvanic corrosion in the average corrosion rate could increase up to approximately 80% in the stable anodic region. There were many hemispherical corrosion pits on the surface of the single electrodes that were at the depths of 75 cm, 105 cm, and 135 cm. These single electrodes comprised a long-term, sustainable anodic region of galvanic corrosion.
Squeezing Droplet Formation in a Flow-Focusing Micro Cross-Junction
Authors: Azzini Filippo , Pulvirenti Beatrice , Rossi Massimiliano , Morini Gian Luca
Published: February 2024

Motivated by the increasing need of optimised micro-devices for droplet production in medical and biological applications, this paper introduces an integrated approach for the study of the liquid–liquid droplet creation in flow-focusing micro cross-junctions. The micro-junction considered is characterised by a restriction of the channels cross-sections in the junction, which has the function of focusing the flow in the region of the droplet formation. The problem is studied numerically in the OpenFOAM environment and validated by a comparison with experimental results obtained by high-speed camera images and micro-PIV measurements. The analysis of the forces acting on the dispersed phase during the droplet formation and the diameter of the droplets obtained numerically are considered for the development of a model of the droplet breakup under the squeezing regime. On the basis of energy balancing during the breakup, a relation between interfacial tension, the size of the cross-sections in the junction, and the time interval needed for droplet creation is obtained, which yields a novel correlation between the dimensionless length of the droplet and the dimensionless flow rate. This research expands our knowledge of the phenomenon of drop creation in micro-junctions with restrictions providing new aid for the optimal design of micro-drop generators.
Advanced Fabrication of 3D Micro/Nanostructures of Gallium Oxide with a Tuned Band Gap and Optical Properties
Authors: Jamwal Nishant Singh , Kiani Amirkianoosh
Published: February 2024

Gallium oxide (Ga2O3) is a promising material for high-power semiconductor applications due to its wide band gap and high breakdown voltage. However, the current methods for fabricating Ga2O3 nanostructures have several disadvantages, including their complex manufacturing processes and high costs. In this study, we report a novel approach for synthesizing β-Ga2O3 nanostructures on gallium phosphide (GaP) using ultra-short laser pulses for in situ nanostructure generation (ULPING). We varied the process parameters to optimize the nanostructure formation, finding that the ULPING method produces high-quality β-Ga2O3 nanostructures with a simpler and more cost-effective process when compared with existing methods. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) were used to characterize the samples, which indicated the presence of phosphorous. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirmed the formation of gallium oxide, along with a minor amount of phosphorus-containing compounds. Structural analysis using X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed the formation of a monoclinic β-polymorph of Ga2O3. We also measured the band gap of the materials using reflection electron energy loss spectroscopy (REELS), and found that the band gap increased with higher nanostructure formation, reaching 6.2 eV for the optimized sample. Furthermore, we observed a change in the heterojunction alignment, which we attribute to the change in the oxidation of the samples. Our results demonstrate the potential of ULPING as a novel, simple, and cost-effective method for fabricating Ga2O3 nanostructures with tunable optical properties. The ULPING method offers a green alternative to existing fabrication methods, making it a promising technology for future research in the field of Ga2O3 nanostructure fabrication.
Surface Roughness of Interior Fine Flow Channels in Selective Laser Melted Ti-6Al-4V Alloy Components
Authors: Islam Shamoon Al , Hao Liang , Javaid Zunaira , Xiong Wei , Li Yan , Jamil Yasir , Chen Qiaoyu , Han Guangchao
Published: February 2024

A challenge remains in achieving adequate surface roughness of SLM fabricated interior channels, which is crucial for fuel delivery in the space industry. This study investigated the surface roughness of interior fine flow channels (1 mm diameter) embedded in SLM fabricated TC4 alloy space components. A machine learning approach identified layer thickness as a significant factor affecting interior channel surface roughness, with an importance score of 1.184, followed by scan speed and laser power with scores of 0.758 and 0.512, respectively. The roughness resulted from thin layer thickness of 20 µm, predominantly formed through powder adherence, while from thicker layer of 50 µm, the roughness was mainly due to the stair step effect. Slow scan speeds increased melt pools solidification time at roof overhangs, causing molten metal to sag under gravity. Higher laser power increased melt pools temperature and led to dross formation at roof overhangs. Smaller hatch spaces increased roughness due to overlapping of melt tracks, while larger hatch spaces reduced surface roughness but led to decreased part density. The surface roughness was recorded at 34 µm for roof areas and 26.15 µm for floor areas. These findings contribute to potential adoption of TC4 alloy components in the space industry.
Enhancing the Spin Hall Effect of Cylindrically Polarized Beams
Authors: Kovalev Alexey A. , Nalimov Anton G. , Kotlyar Victor V.
Published: February 2024

Two linked gear wheels in a micromachine can be simultaneously rotated in opposite directions by using a laser beam that has in its section areas the spin angular momentum (SAM) of the opposite sign. However, for instance, a cylindrical vector beam has zero SAM in the focus. We alter a cylindrical vector beam so as to generate areas in its focus where the SAM is of opposite signs. The first alteration is adding to the cylindrical vector beam a linearly polarized beam. Thus, we study superposition of two rotationally symmetric beams: those with cylindrical and linear polarization. We obtain an expression for the SAM and prove two of its properties. The first property is that changing superposition coefficients does not change the shape of the SAM density distribution, whereas the intensity changes. The second property is that maximal SAM density is achieved when both beams in the superposition have the same energy. The second perturbation is adding a spatial carrier frequency. We study the SAM density of a cylindrical vector beam with a spatial carrier frequency. Due to periodic modulation, upon propagation in space, such a beam is split into two beams, having left and right elliptic polarization. Thus, in the beam transverse section, areas with the spin of different signs are separated in space, which is a manifestation of the spin Hall effect. We demonstrate that such light beams can be generated by metasurfaces, with the transmittance depending periodically on one coordinate.
Characterization of Thin AlN/Ag/AlN-Reflector Stacks on Glass Substrates for MEMS Applications
Authors: Behl Christian , Behlert Regine , Seiler Jan , Helke Christian , Shaporin Alexey , Hiller Karla
Published: February 2024

Thin metal layers such as silver (Ag) are being utilized for various optical and plasmonic applications as well as for electrical purposes, e.g., as transparent electrodes in display devices or solar cells. This paper focuses on optical MEMS applications such as the Fabry–Pérot interferometer (FPI). Within such filters, reflector materials such as distributed Bragg reflectors (DBRs) or subwavelength gratings (SWGs) have been widely used so far, whereas metallic thin films (MTFs) were limited in application due to their comparatively higher absorption. In this paper, thin sputtered Ag layers with thicknesses of 20, 40 and 60 nm on glass substrates have been investigated, and it is shown that the absorption is very low in the visible spectral range (VIS) and increases only in near-infrared (NIR) with increasing wavelength. Thus, we consider Ag-thin layers to be an interesting reflector material at least for the VIS range, which can be easily fabricated and integrated. However, Ag is not inert and stable when exposed to the atmosphere. Hence, it needs a passivation material. For this purpose, AlN has been chosen in this contribution, which can be deposited by sputtering as well. In this contribution, we have chosen thin AlN layers for this purpose, which can also be deposited by sputtering. Thus, various AlN/Ag/AlN-reflector stacks were created and patterned by lift-off technology preferably. The fabricated reflectors were characterized with respect to adhesion, stress, cohesion, homogeneity, and most importantly, their optical properties. It was found that the thickness of the AlN can be used to adjust the reflectance–transmittance ratio in the VIS range, and influences the adsorption in the NIR range as well. Based on the measured values of the reflectors with 40 nm Ag, an exemplary transmission filter characteristics has been predicted for a wavelength range from 400 to 800 nm. Both the maximum transmittance and the full width at half maximum (FWHM) can be tuned by variation of the AlN thickness from 20 to 60 nm.
Influence of Organic Matter from Native Fish on the Antimicrobial Efficacy of Sodium Hypochlorite (NaClO) in Reducing Salmonella spp. Population
Authors: Reis Jaqueline Oliveira , Cavalcante Carine Baggio , Nunes Nathaly Barros , Neto Adelino Cunha , Machado Maxsueli Aparecida Moura , Porto Yuri Duarte , Castro Vinicius Silva , Figueiredo Eduardo Eustáquio de Souza
Published: February 2024

Salmonella spp. is not part of the fish microbiota, being introduced through contaminated water or improper handling. In slaughterhouses, five parts per million (ppm) of free chlorine is recommended in the washing step to eliminate this pathogen. However, Salmonella spp. is still detected in fish processing plants due to persistent contamination as a result of chlorine–organic matter interactions that reduce chlorine effectiveness. Therefore, this study aimed to test whether organic matter contained in culture media and fish washes interferes with the efficacy of chlorine at 2 and 5 ppm, and what is the time of action required to inactivate ATCC and wild strains of S. typhimurium. For this, the elimination or survival of these strains was investigated when exposed to chlorinated solution for different durations (0, 5, 30, 60, 90 and 120 min) in culture medium, 0.85% saline solution and fish wash (in natura and sterilized). The results showed that the use of 5 ppm of free chlorine is efficient, even when the chlorine remains in contact with the organic matter (washed from the fish), as it reduced the bacterial population by ~5 log log10 CFU/mL of Salmonella spp., showing that this reduction was due to interactions, as long as the chlorine action time was 30 min.
Effects of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis IU100 on Immunomodulation and Gut Microbiota in Immunosuppressed Mice
Authors: Zhou Limian , Yin Xindi , Fang Bing , He Jingjing , Zhan Jing , Zhang Xiaoxu , Wang Ran
Published: February 2024

Probiotics are live microorganisms with immunomodulatory effects in a strain-specific and dose-dependent manner. Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis IU100 is a new probiotic strain isolated from healthy adults. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of IU100 on cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced immunosuppression in mice. The results showed that IU100 significantly ameliorated CTX-induced decreases in body weight and immune organ indices. The promoted delayed-type hypersensitivity, serum hemolysins and immunoglobulin (IgA, IgG and IgM) levels after IU100 treatment indicated its enhancing role in cellular and humoral immunity. In addition, oral administration of IU100 increased serum cytokine (IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IFN-γ, TNF-α) levels dose-dependently, which are associated with CTX-induced shifts in the Th1/Th2 balance. The probiotic IU100 also modulated the composition of gut microbiota by reducing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio; increasing beneficial Muribaculaceae and the Lachnospiraceae NK4A136 group; and inhibiting harmful Clostridium sensu stricto 1, Faecalibaculum and Staphylococcus at the genus level. The above genera were found to be correlated with serum cytokines and antibody levels. These findings suggest that IU100 effectively enhances the immune function of immunosuppressed mice, induced by CTX, by regulating gut microbiota.