bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Cohort Study in Intensive Care Units: Health Decisions Related to Blood Transfusion during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Juárez-Vela Raúl , García-Erce José Antonio , Gea-Caballero Vicente , Ruiz de Viñaspre-Hernandez Regina , Santos-Sánchez José Ángel , Sánchez-González Juan Luis , Andrés-Esteban Eva María , Czapla Michał , Tejada Clara Isabel , Nanwani-Nanwani Kapil Laxman , Serrano-Lázaro Ainhoa , Quintana-Díaz Manuel
Published: July 2022

Critically ill polytrauma patients with hemorrhage require a rapid assessment to initiate hemostatic resuscitation in the shortest possible time with the activation of a massive transfusion or a critical hemorrhage management protocol. The hospital reality experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic in all countries was critical, as it was in Spain; according to the data published daily by the Ministry of Health on its website, during the period of this study, the occupancy rate of intensive care units (ICUs) by patients diagnosed with the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) rose to 23.09% in Spain, even reaching 45.23% at the end of January 2021. We aimed to analyze the changes observed during the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic period regarding the effectiveness of Spanish ICUs in terms of mortality reduction. We present a cross-sectional study that compares two cohorts of patients admitted to ICUs across all autonomous communities of Spain with a diagnosis of polytrauma. Results: Only age was slightly higher at admission during the first wave of the pandemic (47.74 ± 18.65 vs. 41.42 ± 18.82 years, p = 0.014). The transfusion rate during the pandemic increased by 10.4% compared to the previous stage (p = 0.058). Regarding hemostatic components, the use of tranexamic acid increased from 1.8% to 10.7% and fibrinogen concentrates from 0.9% to 1.9%. In the case of prothrombin complex concentrates, although there was a slight increase in their use, there were no significant differences during the pandemic compared to the previous period. Conclusion: Mortality showed no difference before and during the pandemic, despite the observed change in the transfusion policy. In summary, the immediate and global implementation of patient blood management (PBM) based on clinical transfusion algorithms should be mandatory in all hospitals in our country.
Dermatology and COVID-19: The Hidden Pandemic
Authors: Recalcati S. , Nazzaro G.
Published: July 2022

Since December 2019, a novel coronavirus, known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has been rapidly spreading across the world, leading to the declared pandemic of COVID-19 [...]
Early Diagnosis of Lung Cancer: The Urgent Need of a Clinical Test
Authors: Gasparri Roberto , Guaglio Alessandra , Spaggiari Lorenzo
Published: July 2022

Globally, lung cancer continues to be the leading cause of cancer death in men and women [...]
REM-Predominant Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Balcan Baran , Celik Yeliz , Newitt Jennifer , Strollo Patrick J. , Peker Yüksel
Published: July 2022

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is common in adults with coronary artery disease (CAD). OSA that occurs predominantly during rapid-eye movement (REM) sleep has been identified as a specific phenotype (REM-predominant OSA) in sleep clinic cohorts. We aimed to examine the association of REM-predominant OSA with excessive sleepiness, functional outcomes, mood, and quality of life in a CAD cohort, of whom 286 OSA patients with total sleep time ≥ 240 min, and REM sleep ≥ 30 min, were included. REM-predominant OSA was defined as a REM-apnea-hypopnea-index (AHI) /non-REM (NREM) AHI ≥ 2. In all, 73 (25.5%) had REM-predominant OSA. They were more likely to be female (26.0% vs. 9.9%; p = 0.001), and more obese (42.5% vs. 24.4%; p = 0.003) but had less severe OSA in terms of AHI (median 22.6/h vs. 36.6/h; p < 0.001) compared to the patients with non-stage specific OSA. In adjusted logistic regression models, female sex (odds ratio [OR] 4.64, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.85–11.64), body-mass-index (BMI; OR 1.17; 95% CI 1.07–1.28) and AHI (OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.91–0.95) were associated with REM-predominant OSA. In univariate linear regression models, there was a dose-response relationship between REM-AHI and Zung Self-rated Depression Scale but not excessive sleepiness, functional outcomes, and anxiety scores. Among the Short Form-36 subdomains, Vitality, Mental Health, and Mental Component Summary (MCS) scores were inversely correlated with REM-AHI. In multivariate linear models, only MCS remained significantly associated with REM-AHI after adjustment for age, BMI, and sex (β-coefficient −2.20, %95 CI [−0.56, −0.03]; p = 0.028). To conclude, female sex and BMI were related to REM-predominant OSA in this revascularized cohort. MCS was inversely associated with REM-AHI in the multivariate model.
An Interdisciplinary Approach to Müllerian Outflow Tract Obstruction Associated with Cloacal Malformation and Cloacal Exstrophy
Authors: Sack Bryan S. , Speck K. Elizabeth , Hryhorczuk Anastasia L. , Sandberg David E. , Kraft Kate H. , Ralls Matthew W. , Keegan Catherine E. , Quint Elisabeth H. , Dendrinos Melina L.
Published: July 2022

People with cloacal malformation and 46,XX cloacal exstrophy are at risk of developing Müllerian outflow tract obstruction (OTO). Management of OTO requires expertise of many medical and surgical specialties. The primary presenting symptom associated with OTO is cyclical and later continuous pain and can be initially quelled with hormonal suppression as a temporizing measure to allow for patient maturation. The decision for timing and method of definitive treatment to establish a patent outflow tract that can also be used for penetrative sexual activity and potential fertility is a complicated one and incredibly variable based on patient age alone. To understand the management approach to OTO, we put forth five phases with associated recommendations: (1) caregiver and patient education and evaluation before obstruction; (2) presentation, diagnosis, and symptom temporization; (3) readiness assessment; (4) peri-procedural management; (5) long-term surveillance. This review will emphasize the importance of interdisciplinary team management of the complex shared medical, surgical, and psychological decision making required to successfully guide developing patients with outflow obstruction secondary to cloacal malformations and cloacal exstrophy through adolescence.
Predicting Actual Social Skill Expression from Personality and Skill Self-Concepts
Authors: Breil Simon M. , Mielke Ina , Ahrens Helmut , Geldmacher Thomas , Sensmeier Janina , Marschall Bernhard , Back Mitja D.
Published: August 2022

Social skills are of key importance in everyday and work life. However, the way in which they are typically assessed via self-report questionnaires has one potential downside; self-reports assess individuals’ global self-concepts, which do not necessarily reflect individuals’ actual social behaviors. In this research, we aimed to investigate how self-concepts assessed via questionnaires relate to skill expression assessed via behavioral observations after short interpersonal simulations. For this, we used an alternative behavior-based skill assessment approach designed to capture expressions of predefined social skills. Self- and observer ratings were collected to assess three different social skills: agency (i.e., getting ahead in social situations), communion (i.e., getting along in social situations), and interpersonal resilience (i.e., staying calm in social situations). We explored how these skills were related to self-concepts by differentiating between a classic personality measure (i.e., Big Five Inventory 2; BFI-2) and a novel skill questionnaire (i.e., Behavioral, Emotional, and Social Skills Inventory; BESSI). The results (N = 137) showed that both personality and skill self-concepts predicted self-rated skill expression, with the BESSI showing incremental validity. For both personality and skills self-concepts, the relationships with observer-rated skill expression were significant for agency but not for communion or interpersonal resilience. We discuss these results and highlight the theoretical and practical importance of differentiating between skill self-concepts and actual skill expression.
Numerical Study on Hydrodynamic Coefficient Estimation of an Underactuated Underwater Vehicle
Authors: Hong Lin , Wang Xin , Zhang Desheng , Xu Hang
Published: August 2022

Hydrodynamic coefficient estimation is crucial to the shape design, dynamic modeling, and control of underwater vehicles. In this paper, we conduct a numerical study on the hydrodynamic coefficient estimation of an underactuated underwater vehicle (actuated only in the surge, heave, and yaw degrees of freedom) by adopting the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) approach. Firstly, the mechanical structure of an underactuated underwater vehicle is briefly introduced, and the dynamic model of the underwater vehicle with hydrodynamic effects is established. Then, steady and unsteady Reynolds Averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) simulations are carried out to numerically simulate the towing test, rotating arm test, and Planar Motion Mechanism (PMM) test of the underwater vehicle numerically. To simulate unsteady motions of the underactuated underwater vehicle, a sliding mesh model is adopted to simulate flows in the computational fluid domain that contain multiple moving zones and capture the unsteady interactions between the underwater vehicle and the flow field. Finally, the estimated hydrodynamic coefficients of the underwater vehicle are validated in a physical experiment platform, and the results show that the numerical estimates are in good agreement with the experimental data.
How Mainstream and Alternative Media Shape Online Mobilization: A Comparative Study of News Coverages in Post-Colonial Macau
Authors: Xu Min
Published: July 2022

Protests today involve more identities and interests and have more complex relationships with the media ecology than previously. Former studies indicate the need to identify framing patterns within the changing media politics of activism. The current study empirically investigates the media framing of a social-media-driven protest in post-Colonial Macau, China. Drawing on the framing theory and content analysis methodology of 243 news coverage articles, reports, and posts published during the protest, this study explores the correlation between multimedia features. The results show that news coverage of the protest exhibits an issue–attention cycle. Media stance can affect the features of protest coverages significantly. Compared with mainstream media, alternative media adopted a more positive tone in reporting the protests, including quotations from news sources and the framing devices of the protest paradigm (show, goals, public attitude, impact) in favorable terms. The result suggests the activists’ alternative media counteracted the mainstream media’s marginalization by using a form of “legitimization paradigm”.
Mental Health Symptom Reduction Using Digital Therapeutics Care Informed by Genomic SNPs and Gut Microbiome Signatures
Authors: Pedroso Inti , Kumbhare Shreyas Vivek , Joshi Bharat , Saravanan Santosh K. , Mongad Dattatray Suresh , Singh-Rambiritch Simitha , Uday Tejaswini , Muthukumar Karthik Marimuthu , Irudayanathan Carmel , Reddy-Sinha Chandana , Dulai Parambir S. , Sinha Ranjan , Almonacid Daniel Eduardo
Published: July 2022

Neuropsychiatric diseases and obesity are major components of morbidity and health care costs, with genetic, lifestyle, and gut microbiome factors linked to their etiology. Dietary and weight-loss interventions can help improve mental health, but there is conflicting evidence regarding their efficacy; and moreover, there is substantial interindividual heterogeneity that needs to be understood. We aimed to identify genetic and gut microbiome factors that explain interindividual differences in mental health improvement after a dietary and lifestyle intervention for weight loss. We recruited 369 individuals participating in Digbi Health’s personalized digital therapeutics care program and evaluated the association of 23 genetic scores, the abundance of 178 gut microbial genera, and 42 bacterial pathways with mental health. We studied the presence/absence of anxiety or depression, or sleep problems at baseline and improvement on anxiety, depression, and insomnia after losing at least 2% body weight. Participants lost on average 5.4% body weight and >95% reported improving mental health symptom intensity. There were statistically significant correlations between: (a) genetic scores with anxiety or depression at baseline, gut microbial functions with sleep problems at baseline, and (b) genetic scores and gut microbial taxa and functions with anxiety, depression, and insomnia improvement. Our results are concordant with previous findings, including the association between anxiety or depression at baseline with genetic scores for alcohol use disorder and major depressive disorder. As well, our results uncovered new associations in line with previous epidemiological literature. As evident from previous literature, we also observed associations of gut microbial signatures with mental health including short-chain fatty acids and bacterial neurotoxic metabolites specifically with depression. Our results also show that microbiome and genetic factors explain self-reported mental health status and improvement better than demographic variables independently. The genetic and microbiome factors identified in this study provide the basis for designing and personalizing dietary interventions to improve mental health.
Effects of Mediterranean Diet Combined with CrossFit Training on Trained Adults’ Performance and Body Composition
Authors: Ficarra Salvatore , Di Raimondo Domenico , Navarra Giovanni Angelo , Izadi Mohammad , Amato Alessandra , Macaluso Francesco Paolo , Proia Patrizia , Musiari Gaia , Buscemi Carola , Barile Anna Maria , Randazzo Cristiana , Tuttolomondo Antonino , Buscemi Silvio , Bellafiore Marianna
Published: July 2022

CrossFit is a high-intensity training discipline increasingly practiced in recent years. Specific nutritional approaches are usually recommended to maximize performance and improve body composition in high-intensity training regimens; notwithstanding, to date there are no targeted nutritional recommendations for CrossFit athletes. The Mediterranean Diet (MD) is a diet approach with a well-designed proportion of macronutrients, using only available/seasonal food of the Mediterranean area, whose health benefits are well demonstrated. No studies have evaluated this dietary strategy among CrossFit athletes and practitioners; for this reason, we tested the effects of 8 weeks of MD on CrossFit athletes’ performance and body composition. Participants were assigned to two groups: a diet group (DG) in which participants performed CrossFit training plus MD, and a control group (CG) in which participants partook in the CrossFit training, continuing their habitual diet. Participants were tested before and after the 8 weeks of intervention. At the end of the study, no significant difference was noted in participants’ body composition, whereas improvements in anaerobic power, explosive strength of the lower limbs, and CrossFit-specific performance were observed only in the DG. Our results suggest that adopting a MD in CrossFit athletes/practitioners could be a useful strategy to improve specific strength, endurance, and anaerobic capacity while maintaining overall body composition.
Assessment of the Relationship between Land Use and Flood Risk Based on a Coupled Hydrological–Hydraulic Model: A Case Study of Zhaojue River Basin in Southwestern China
Authors: Xu Chaowei , Fu Hao , Yang Jiashuai , Wang Lingyue
Published: July 2022

As an ecological consequence of intensified anthropogenic activities, more frequent extreme rainfalls have resulted in significant increases in water levels and discharge in southwestern China. This phenomenon presents a significant challenge in flood risk and ecological management. Land use is one of the major factors significantly affecting the flooding process, and it is inextricably tied to the ecological risk of floods. Hence, flood risk estimates based on land use are essential for flood control and land use planning. In this study, a coupled hydrologic–hydraulic model was developed to analyze the relationship between flood ecological risk and land use in order to provide new insights into current flood risk management practices. Ten real flood events (of different magnitudes) in the Zhaojue river basin (650 km2) were chosen to evaluate the credibility and performance of the coupled model’s application. Promising results were obtained, with sufficient reliability for flood risk assessment purposes. The results of our flood risk analysis also indicated that the model effectively reproduced overland flow and competently accounted for flood evolution. This work is significant in the understanding of the mechanism of the flood process and its relationship with land use, and it can be used in decision support for the prevention and mitigation of flood disasters and for land use planning.
Temporal and Spatial Evolution Characteristics and Its Driving Mechanism of Land Use/Land Cover Change in Laos from 2000 to 2020
Authors: Zhang Yu , Niu Xiaoyu , Hu Yunfeng , Yan Huimin , Zhen Lin
Published: August 2022

Land use/land cover change (LUCC) research is of great significance to land conservation and regional sustainable development. At present, there is a lack of research on the long-term timing of the change process and mechanisms of LUCC that accords with the national level in Laos. Based on the Global Land-Cover product with the Fine Classification System at 30 m (GLC_FCS30) data set as well as economic and social statistical data, the authors analyzed the spatiotemporal regularity and driving mechanism of LUCC in Laos from 2000 to 2020 by using dynamic degree, flow direction analysis, principal component analysis, correlation analysis and other methods. The results show that: (1) Laos is rich in natural ecological resources. In 2020, the forest and shrubland areas accounted for 53.3% and 32.4% of the land area, respectively; (2) from 2000 to 2020, the rate of LUCC across the country continued to rise, and the integrated dynamic degree of LUCC was 14.4%. The change in impervious surfaces is the most drastic. The area of evergreen broad-leaved forest, evergreen needle-leaved forest and grassland continued to shrink, while the area of rainfed cropland, irrigated cropland, deciduous broad-leaved forest, shrubland, wetland and the water body continued to expand; (3) the LUCC process mainly occurred between forest, shrubland and cropland. The LUC with the largest transfer out area is evergreen broad-leaved forest (8.91 × 103 km2), and the LUC with the largest transfer into the area is shrubland (8 × 103 km2); (4) in the past 20 years, the LUCC process in Laos has been mainly affected by macro-socioeconomic development, agricultural development, and forestry development. The population is the key factor driving LUCC in Laos. This study can provide decision-making support for the rational planning and utilization of land resources in Laos.
Simulating the Spatial Mismatch between Ecosystem Services’ (ESs’) Supply and Demand Based on Their Spatial Transfer in Urban Agglomeration Area, China
Authors: Liu Min , Fan Jianpeng , Li Yuanzheng , Sun Linan
Published: August 2022

Ecosystem service spatial transfer is considered a feature that can deliver ecosystem services at a distance to meet the demands in areas with uneven spatial distribution of natural and social economic development. The natural ES spatial transfer distance and intensity were simulated by using the modified breaking point model in the Central Plains urban agglomeration (CPUA) with the cities of Luoyang, Zhengzhou, Shangqiu, and Huaibei stretching across. It is shown that there is a spatial mismatch between ES supply from ecospace and its demands from cities; relying only on natural spatial transfer, none of the ESs of the ecospace can be transported to corresponding population centers; and a spatial gap between ES supply and demand is illustrated in urban agglomeration areas. Intercity cooperation in ecosystem management and landscape planning based on ES spatial transfer would be good choices for cities, giving full play to comparative advantages to achieve sustainable development for the entire CPUA.
Study on Spatial–Temporal Evolution Characteristics and Restrictive Factors of Urban–Rural Integration in Northeast China from 2000 to 2019
Authors: Sun Yige , Yang Qingshan
Published: August 2022

With the rapid development of urbanization and the widening gap between urban and rural areas, how to effectively enhance the balanced development of urban and rural areas as well as promote the integrated development of urban and rural areas have become heated topics. Based on the basic theory of urban–rural integration and spatial balance, this paper establishes a comprehensive evaluation system. Using a coupling coordination model and an obstacle degree model, this paper selects 32 indicators from aspects of economy, society and ecology to measure the development level of urban–rural integration in 34 prefecture-level cities in Northeast China from 2000 to 2019. We also analyze the spatial pattern, evolution type characteristics and obstacle factors of urban–rural relations. The results show that: (1) The growth rate of urban development in Northeast China is higher than that of rural development. Except for rural ecology, all dimensions of urban and rural areas have increased year by year, but there are large spatial differences within the region. (2) The urban–rural integration development level of Northeast China is growing constantly and the types of urban and rural coordination are all rising to a higher level. Areas with high urban–rural coordination levels are concentrated in the Harbin–Changchun urban agglomeration and the central and southern Liaoning urban agglomeration, with obvious agglomeration effects. (3) In the coordinated development of urban and rural areas, the restrictive degree of the rural social subsystem was higher than that of the urban subsystem. The restrictive factors in the coordinated development of urban and rural areas are relatively stable, and include per capita consumption expenditure, per capita public budget expenditure, books in public libraries per thousand people, etc. (4) The functions of rural social elements should be enhanced, and the social urban–rural integrated development mechanism should be established to promote the integrated development of urban and rural society.
Native or Exotic: A Bibliographical Review of the Debate on Ecological Science Methodologies: Valuable Lessons for Urban Green Space Design
Authors: de Carvalho Catarina Archer , Raposo Mauro , Pinto-Gomes Carlos , Matos Rute
Published: August 2022

Knowledge from ecological sciences is an important reference for landscape design as Urban Green Spaces (UGS) play a critical role in the ecological protection of cities. There is an ongoing debate among ecologists on the value of exotic vegetation to ecosystem resilience and integrity, with authors arguing that in order for ecosystems to survive in future climates, exotic species with similar conditions in their current range must be considered. Others deem biodiversity vital for ecosystem functions and services, stating that most biodiversity losses are man-induced and should be addressed through the enhancement of native communities. Through a literature review, we confronted the arguments used in this debate, with the aim of conducting a comprehensive analysis of the potential of exotic and native vegetation in different aspects of the vegetation’s performance. The outcomes are important for the assessment of vegetation assemblages within UGS projects. Despite the strong arguments regarding their performative and adaptive capacity, we conclude that exotics pose significant ecological risks and have multiple negative impacts on ecosystem processes. Natives not only present high adaptive capacity, but also provide additional benefits for biodiversity, ecosystem integrity, and for people. In a broader framework, the literature demonstrates a preference for the use of native species in most situations.
Landscape Is Alive: Nuwuvi Pilgrimage and Power Places in Nevada
Authors: Stoffle Richard , Arnold Richard , Van Vlack Kathleen
Published: August 2022

Cultural landscapes are defined at Creation, according to the beliefs of the Nuwuvi (Paiute) and Newe (Shoshone peoples). After Creation, the Native people came to understand the purpose of living landscapes and special places within them. During this time, some places that were designated as essential parts of landscapes at Creation had been inscribed by Native people with peckings and paintings and honored with offerings. Special spiritual places within the landscape were networked like the pearls on a string to produce the foundation of pilgrimage trails. This is an analysis of one such valley landscape in southern Nevada, USA and a pilgrimage trail extending between the Pahranagat Valley and the Corn Creek oasis at the foot of the Paiute Origin place called Nuvagantu (Spring Mountains). Tribal representatives from 18 consulting tribes participated in a special environmental impact assessment to explain this landscape, its components, and potential impacts that could derive from it being removed from a wildlife refuge to become a part of a military land and air use area.
Comparing Island Effects for Different Dependency Types in Norwegian
Authors: Kobzeva Anastasia , Sant Charlotte , Robbins Parker T. , Vos Myrte , Lohndal Terje , Kush Dave
Published: August 2022

Recent research suggests that island effects may vary as a function of dependency type, potentially challenging accounts that treat island effects as reflecting uniform constraints on all filler-gap dependency formation. Some authors argue that cross-dependency variation is more readily accounted for by discourse-functional constraints that take into account the discourse status of both the filler and the constituent containing the gap. We ran a judgment study that tested the acceptability of wh-extraction and relativization from nominal subjects, embedded questions (EQs), conditional adjuncts, and existential relative clauses (RCs) in Norwegian. The study had two goals: (i) to systematically investigate cross-dependency variation from various constituent types and (ii) to evaluate the results against the predictions of the Focus Background Conflict constraint (FBCC). Overall we find some evidence for cross-dependency differences across extraction environments. Most notably wh-extraction from EQs and conditional adjuncts yields small but statistically significant island effects, but relativization does not. The differential island effects are potentially consistent with the predictions of the FBCC, but we discuss challenges the FBCC faces in explaining finer-grained judgment patterns.
A Comprehensive Review on the Anti-Cancer Effects of Oleuropein
Authors: Rishmawi Sabreen , Haddad Fatma , Dokmak Ghadeer , Karaman Rafik
Published: July 2022

In Mediterranean cuisine and culture, olive oil and olive fruits play a significant role. Many people believe that those who consume olive oil and its fruit live longer and have a decreased risk of illness. Olive leaves were used to treat a range of diseases in ancient times, including malaria fever and lower earaches. Although it was not understood at the time what key components were responsible for these effects because they had not yet been discovered, Oleuropein is now recognized as one of the primary elements in immature olive fruits and leaves. Later research was carried out to determine the effects of this molecule, and it was determined that it functions as an antioxidant. Oleuropein consumption has aided in cancer treatment over the years, and this was assumed to be owing to its antioxidant properties. Oleuropein’s effects on cancer, however, go beyond that; it is now known that Oleuropein functions as both an anti-proliferative and an apoptotic promoter in many cancer cells. The kinetics and dosages of Oleuropein and the mechanisms behind its involvement and effects in cancer are explored in this review. Finally, the effects of Oleuropein in combination with anticancer medicines are investigated.
Exploring the Role of Krebs von den Lungen-6 in Severe to Critical COVID-19 Patients
Authors: D’Agnano Vito , Scialò Filippo , Perna Francesco , Atripaldi Lidia , Sanduzzi Stefano , Allocca Valentino , Vitale Maria , Pastore Lucio , Bianco Andrea , Perrotta Fabio
Published: July 2022

COVID-19 encompasses a broad spectrum of clinical conditions caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection. More severe cases experience acute respiratory and/or multiorgan failure. KL-6 is a glycoprotein expressed mainly from type II alveolar cells with pro-fibrotic properties. Serum KL-6 concentrations have been found in patients with COVID-19. However, the relevance of KL-6 in patients with severe and critical COVID-19 has not been fully elucidated. Methods: Retrospective data from consecutive severe to critical COVID-19 patients were collected at UOC Clinica Pnuemologica “Vanvitelli”, A.O. dei Colli, Naples, Italy. The study included patients with a positive rhinopharyngeal swab for SARS-CoV-2 RNA with severe or critical COVID-19. Results: Among 87 patients, 24 had poor outcomes. The median KL-6 value in survivors was significantly lower when compared with dead or intubated patients (530 U/mL versus 1069 U/mL p < 0.001). KL-6 was correlated with body mass index (BMI) (r: 0.279, p: 0.009), lung ultrasound score (LUS) (r: 0.429, p < 0.001), Chung Score (r: 0.390, p < 0.001). KL-6 was associated with the risk of death or oro-tracheal intubation (IOT) after adjusting for gender, BMI, Charlson Index, Chung Score, and PaO2/FIO2 (OR 1.003 95% CI 1.001–1.004, p < 0.001). Serum KL-6 value of 968 has a sensitivity of 79.2%, specificity of 87.1%, PPV 70.4%, NPV 91.5%, AUC: O.85 for risk of death or IOT. Conclusions: The presented research highlights the relevance of serum KL-6 in severe to critical COVID-19 patients in predicting the risk of death or IOT.
Feasibility of Novel Software-Based Perfusion Indicators for the Ileal J-Pouch—On the Path towards Objective and Quantifiable Intraoperative Perfusion Assessment with Indocyanine Green Near-Infrared Fluorescence
Authors: Lobbes Leonard A. , Hoveling Richelle J. M. , Berns Susanne , Schmidt Leonard R. , Strobel Rahel M. , Schineis Christian , Lauscher Johannes C. , Beyer Katharina , Weixler Benjamin
Published: July 2022

Background: In restorative proctocolectomy with ileal J-pouch, perfusion assessment is vital to prevent complications such as anastomotic leak (AL). Indocyanine green near-infrared fluorescence (ICG-NIRF) is gaining popularity, while its interpretation and relevance remain subjective. This study aimed to evaluate a standardized ICG-NIRF imaging protocol combined with a novel, software-based assessment to detect areas of impaired perfusion and a possible correlation with AL of the pouch. Methods: In this prospective study, patients undergoing ileal J-pouch for ulcerative colitis at an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) referral center were included. Intraoperatively, strictly standardized ICG-NIRF visualization was performed and video-recorded. Postoperatively, a specific software was utilized to determine the change in fluorescence intensity per second (i/s) for systematic regions of interest, generating perfusion-time curves and a pixel-to-pixel map. These were analysed in detail and correlated with clinical outcome (primary end point: AL within 30 days; clearly defined and screened for by pouchoscopy). Results: Four out of 18 included patients developed AL of the ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA). In the AL group, the perfusion curves on the area adjacent to the IPAA (pouch apex) displayed considerably lower ingress/inflow (median = 1.7; range = 8.5; interquartile-range = 3.8 i/s) and egress/outflow (median = −0.1; range = 0.7; interquartile-range = 0.5 i/s) values than in the non-AL group (ingress: median = 4.3; range = 10.3; interquartile-range = 4.0 i/s); egress: median = (−1.1); range = 3.9; interquartile range = 1.0 i/s). This was confirmed by further novel parameters of pouch perfusion (maximum ingress; maximum egress) and pixel-to-pixel analysis. Conclusions: This study presents the feasibility of a novel methodology to precisely assess pouch perfusion with ICG-NIRF, identifying comparable, quantifiable, and objective parameters to potentially detect perfusion-associated complications in surgery in real-time.
Deformation Behavior and Constitutive Model of 34CrNi3Mo during Thermo-Mechanical Deformation Process
Authors: Jia Xiang-Dong , Zhou Ying , Wang Yi-Ning
Published: July 2022

With higher creep strength and heat resistance, 34CrNi3Mo has been widely used in the production of engine rotors, steam turbine impellers, and turbine blades. To investigate the hot deformation behaviors of 34CrNi3Mo steel, hot compressive tests were conducted on a Gleeble-3500 thermomechanical simulator, under the temperature range of 1073 K–1373 K and strain rate ranges of 0.1 s−1–20 s−1. The results show that the flow stress of 34CrNi3Mo steel under high temperatures is greatly influenced by the deformation temperature and strain rate, and it is the result of the interaction between strain hardening, dynamic recovery, and recrystallization. Under the same deformation rate, as the deformation temperature increases, the softening effect of dynamic recrystallization and dynamic recovery gradually increases, and the flow stress gradually decreases. Under the same deformation temperature, with the increase of strain rate, the influence of strain hardening on 34CrNi3Mo steel is gradually in power, and the flow stress gradually increases. To predict the flow stress of 34CrNi3Mo steel accurately, a modified Arrhenius-type constitutive model considering the effects of strain, temperature, and strain rate at the same time was made based on the experiment data. On this basis, the evolution law of deformation activation and instability characteristics of 34CrNi3Mo steel were investigated, and the processing map of 34CrNi3Mo steel was established. The formability of 34CrNi3Mo steel under high temperature deformation was revealed, which provided a theoretical foundation of the equation of reasonable hot working process.
Effect of Pre-Anodized Film on Micro-Arc Oxidation Process of 6063 Aluminum Alloy
Authors: Li Linwei , Yang Erhui , Yan Zhibin , Xie Xiaomeng , Wei Wu , Li Weizhou
Published: July 2022

In the current investigation, micro-arc oxidation (MAO) ceramic coatings on aluminum are galvanostatically synthesized at various processing stages in an alkaline silicate system. The resultant coatings are systematically investigated in terms of the following respects: The working voltage and surface sparking evolution over the studied course of MAO are recorded by the signal acquisition system and the real-time imaging, respectively; the phase composition, the surface morphology, and the polished cross-section of the coatings are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) assisted with an energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS), respectively. In particular, with the help of a low-rate increase in working voltage, the evolution of the sparks, the energy consumption, and the microstructure development of aluminum in alkaline silicate electrolyte by pre-anodizing are systematically investigated. The results show that the pre-anodized film can accelerate the evolution process of MAO spark and shorten the reaction process in the early stage of MAO reaction, reducing energy consumption and improving the corrosion resistance of the MAO coating. The γ-Al2O3 phase content after pre-anodized is significantly increased in MAO coatings. In particular, the thicker the pre-anodized film (beyond 8 μm) was broken down and fragmentation thinning in the early stage of the MAO process with the presence of micro discharges. This is due to the fact that the electron transition will be released by the emission of radiative recombination and reveals obvious galvanoluminescence (GL) behavior on the surface of the pre-anodized film. Further, based on the present MAO coating microstructure, a model of coating growth after pre-anodized that evolves over time is proposed.
Effect of the Internal Humidity of Concrete on Frost Resistance and Air Void Structure under Different Low Temperature Conditions
Authors: Ge Xueliang , Ke Mingyong , Liu Weibao , Wang Heng , Lu Cairong , Mei Guoxing , Yang Hu
Published: July 2022

From the perspective of combining macroscopic and microscopic properties, this paper simulates the freeze–thaw cycle process at different freezing low temperatures based on the climate simulation equipment and by setting the curing conditions with different temperatures and relative humidity to produce different moisture conditions in concrete. The frost resistance properties and microscopic air void performance of concrete with different internal water content under different freezing low temperatures in freeze–thaw cycles were systematically studied. The results show that the higher the internal water content of concrete, the more obvious the mass loss rate and dynamic elastic modulus loss of concrete in the freeze–thaw process, and the more serious the deterioration of the air void parameter performance of the air-entraining agent introduced into concrete, which is manifested as the average bubble diameter and bubble spacing factor become larger and the bubble specific surface area decreases. In addition, in the case of the same internal moisture content of concrete, the freezing temperature used in the freeze–thaw cycle also has an important impact on the frost resistance of concrete and air void parameters; the lower the freezing temperature used, the more significant the decline in the frost resistance of concrete, the more obvious the deterioration of air void parameters.
Self-Powered Photodetector Based on FTO/n-TiO2/p-CuMnO2 Transparent Thin Films
Authors: Lazau Carmen , Nicolaescu Mircea , Orha Corina , Şerban Viorel , Bandas Cornelia
Published: July 2022

A self-powered photodetector with the FTO/n-TiO2/p-CuMnO2 configuration, representing the novelty of the work, was successfully achieved for the first time and presumes two steps: deposition of the n-type semiconductor (TiO2) by the doctor blade method and of the p-type semiconductor (CuMnO2) by the spin coating technique, respectively. Investigation techniques of the structural and morphological characteristics of the as-synthesized heterostructures, such as XRD, UV-VIS analysis, and SEM/EDX and AFM morphologies, were used. The I-t measurements of the photodetector showed that the responsivity in the self-powered mode was 2.84 × 107 A W−1 cm2 and in the 1 V bias mode it was 1.82 × 106 A W−1 cm2. Additionally, a self-powered current of 14.2 nA was generated under UV illumination with an intensity of 0.1 mW/cm2. Furthermore, under illumination conditions, the response time (tres) and the recovery time (trec) of the sensor exhibited a good response; thus, tres = 7.30 s and trec = 0.4 s for the self-powered mode, and in the 1 V bias mode, these were tres = 15.16 s and trec = 2.18 s. The above results show that the transparent heterojunction device of n-TiO2/p-CuMnO2 exhibited a self-powered ultraviolet photodetector with high sensitivity.
The Effect of Fluorides (BaF2, MgF2, AlF3) on Structural and Luminescent Properties of Er3+-Doped Gallo-Germanate Glass
Authors: Leśniak Magdalena , Mach Gabriela , Starzyk Bartłomiej , Sadowska Karolina , Ragiń Tomasz , Żmojda Jacek , Kochanowicz Marcin , Kuwik Marta , Miluski Piotr , Jimenez Gloria Lesly , Baranowska Agata , Dorosz Jan , Pisarski Wojciech , Pisarska Joanna , Olejniczak Zbigniew , Dorosz Dominik
Published: July 2022

The effect of BaF2, MgF2, and AlF3 on the structural and luminescent properties of gallo-germanate glass (BGG) doped with erbium ions was investigated. A detailed analysis of infrared and Raman spectra shows that the local environment of erbium ions in the glass was influenced mainly by [GeO]4 and [GeO]6 units. Moreover, the highest number of non-bridging oxygens was found in the network of the BGG glass modified by MgF2. The 27Al MAS NMR spectrum of BGG glass with AlF3 suggests the presence of aluminum in tetra-, penta-, and octahedral coordination geometry. Therefore, the probability of the 4I13/2→4I15/2 transition of Er3+ ions increases in the BGG + MgF2 glass system. On the other hand, the luminescence spectra showed that the fluoride modifiers lead to an enhancement in the emission of each analyzed transition when different excitation sources are employed (808 nm and 980 nm). The analysis of energy transfer mechanisms shows that the fluoride compounds promote the emission intensity in different channels. These results represent a strong base for designing glasses with unique luminescent properties.
A Study on the Prediction of Compressive Strength of Self-Compacting Recycled Aggregate Concrete Utilizing Novel Computational Approaches
Authors: de-Prado-Gil Jesús , Palencia Covadonga , Jagadesh P. , Martínez-García Rebeca
Published: July 2022

A considerable amount of discarded building materials are produced each year worldwide, resulting in ecosystem degradation. Self-compacting concrete (SCC) has 60–70% coarse and fine particles in its composition, so replacing this material with another waste material, such as recycled aggregate (RA), reduces the cost of SCC. This study compares novel Artificial Neural Network algorithm techniques—Levenberg–Marquardt (LM), Bayesian regularization (BR), and Scaled Conjugate Gradient Backpropagation (SCGB)—to estimate the 28-day compressive strength (f’c) of SCC with RA. A total of 515 samples were collected from various published papers, randomly splitting into training, validation, and testing with percentages of 70, 10 and 20. Two statistical indicators, correlation coefficient (R) and mean squared error (MSE), were used to assess the models; the greater the R and lower the MSE, the more accurate the algorithm. The findings demonstrate the higher accuracy of the three models. The best result is achieved by BR (R = 0.91 and MSE = 43.755), while the accuracy of LM is nearly the same (R = 0.90 and MSE = 48.14). LM processes the network in a much shorter time than BR. As a result, LM and BR are the best models in forecasting the 28 days f’c of SCC having RA. The sensitivity analysis showed that cement (28.39%) and water (23.47%) are the most critical variables for predicting the 28-day compressive strength of SCC with RA, while coarse aggregate contributes the least (9.23%).
Trace Element Contents in Petrol-Contaminated Soil Following the Application of Compost and Mineral Materials
Authors: Wyszkowski Mirosław , Kordala Natalia
Published: July 2022

The global use of petroleum hydrocarbons as raw materials and an energy source in industry results in serious environmental, health, and ecological problems. Consequently, there is growing interest in the development of technologies for the rehabilitation of contaminated areas. This study was undertaken in order to determine the effect of different phytostabilising materials (compost, bentonite, and CaO) on the trace element content in soil contaminated with unleaded petroleum 95 (0, 2.5, 5, and 10 cm3 kg−1 of soil). The doses of petroleum applied to the soil were based on the previously conducted preliminary experiment. The highest petroleum dose (10 cm3 kg−1 of soil) significantly reduced the chromium, zinc, and cobalt contents in the soil. Petroleum increased the cadmium, lead, nickel, and copper contents in the soil. The materials used for phytostabilisation (compost, bentonite, calcium oxide) had a significant effect on the trace element content in the soil. The application of mineral materials (bentonite and calcium oxide) was more effective than the application of compost, compared to the control series (without soil amendments) as they reduced the contents of cadmium, chromium, nickel, and cobalt in the soil to the greatest extent. The reduction effect of bentonite and calcium oxide on the content of these trace elements in the soil was stronger than compost.
Wear Behavior between Aesthetic Restorative Materials and Bovine Tooth Enamel
Authors: Hatanaka Akihiko , Sawada Tomofumi , Sen Kazuyo , Saito Takahiro , Sasaki Kaori , Someya Tomoko , Hattori Masayuki , Takemoto Shinji
Published: July 2022

Tooth enamel wear occurs because of daily mastication and occlusion. This study investigated the wear behavior of bovine teeth against aesthetic restorative materials in vitro. Abrader specimens were fabricated using four tooth-colored restorative materials (zirconia, lithium disilicate glass ceramic, dental porcelain, and resin composite), with bovine tooth enamel as a control. Flattened bovine tooth enamel was used as the substrate specimen. These materials were characterized by Vickers hardness tests and surface roughness measurements. Two-body wear tests between the abrader and substrate specimens were performed, and the worn topographies were evaluated using a contour-measuring instrument and 3D laser microscope. The restorative materials and bovine tooth enamel had similar surface roughness but different hardness and wear behaviors. Bovine teeth showed the largest wear in tooth–tooth contact as the abrader and substrate specimens. Compared to bovine teeth, zirconia, lithium disilicate glass ceramic, and dental porcelain showed greater hardness and less wear on their surfaces, and less substrate wear of the opposite tooth enamel. The lowest hardness resin composite showed intermediate wear on its surface, resulting in the lowest substrate wear. Accordingly, dentists should pay attention to the selection of restorative materials to reconstruct their morphologies owing to different wear behaviors.
Physical Properties of Modified Polyphenylene Oxide as a Composite Material for Hydrogen Fuel Cell Stack Enclosure Suitable for Injection Molding
Authors: Lee Soo-Lim , Kim Bong-Ju , Lee Seon-Bong
Published: August 2022

There is an increasing need for securing development technology for suitable materials to obtain more productive and lightweight automobile parts, including hydrogen fuel cell stack enclosures. Due to the poor moldability of Poly-Phenylene Oxide (PPO), which excels in terms of mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties, studies are being actively conducted to commercialize modified-PPO (mPPO). However, there is a lack of studies regarding injection molding analysis for pre-verification of the suitability of injection molding in the process of developing engineering plastic resins. Thus, this study utilized the following procedure: (1) it measured the physical properties of mPPO, (2) it selected sample candidates, (3) it applied the Design Of Experiments (DOE) to conduct an injection molding analysis, and finally, (4) it proposed an enclosure-dedicated mPPO due to its suitability for injection molding. The results of this study demonstrated the excellent moldability of mPPO with a mixing ratio of PPO 50%/Poly-Amide66(PA66) 50% among 16 samples by investigating the fill time, deflection, time to reach ejection temperature, void phenomenon and cycle time. Therefore, mPPO with a mixing ratio of PPO 50%/PA66 50% will exhibit the best moldability and increased productivity in manufacturing enclosures.