bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Water-Repellent Coatings on Corrosion Resistance by Femtosecond Laser Processing
Authors: Zhao Zexu , Luo Guoyun , Cheng Manping , Song Lijun
Published: November 2022

Metal corrosion causes huge economic losses and major disasters every year. Inspired by the lotus leaf and nepenthes pitcher, the superhydrophobic surfaces (SHS) and the slippery liquid-infused porous surfaces (SLIPS) were produced as a potential strategy to prevent metal corrosion. However, how to prepare stable water-repellent coatings that can prevent the intrusion of corrosive ions remains to investigate. In this work, we first fabricated a micro/nano hierarchical structure on the aluminum surface by femtosecond laser processing. Then, the SHS was prepared on the above structure by fluorosilane modification. Finally, the SLIPS was fabricated on the SHS by coating lubricant. The morphology and wettability of the fabricated samples were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy and contact angle measurements. Furthermore, the corrosion resistance properties of SHS and SLIPS in simulated seawater were characterized by electrochemical measurements. From the comparison of the electrochemical parameters of different immersion times, both water-repellent coatings are effective in protecting the aluminum alloy from corrosion in simulated seawater due to reduced contact area between the metal substrate and corrosive solution. In comparison with the SHS, the SLIPS has a corrosion inhibition efficiency of up to 99.95% and it maintains long-term stability in the corrosive solution. This work also provides a promising method for the water-repellent coatings by femtosecond laser processing for metal corrosion prevention in practical industrial applications.
Phase Transition and Optical Properties of VO2 and Al: ZnO/VO2 Thin Films
Authors: Saharan Chirag , Rana Pawan S. , Kumar Manish
Published: November 2022

Thermochromic Vanadium dioxide (VO2) has strong potential for smart window applications but its commercial scale usage is limited due to low visible light transmission. To address this issue, aluminum doped zinc oxide (AZO) anti-reflecting layer is integrated with VO2 layer in the present work. VO2 single layer and AZO/VO2 bilayer thin film samples were deposited by sputtering technique on quartz substrate. The single-phase growth of VO2 and AZO in single layer and bilayer thin film samples is confirmed by X-ray diffraction measurements. Monoclinic M1 phase of VO2 is detected in VO2 and AZO/VO2 thin film samples at room temperature. Monoclinic to rutile structural phase transition (SPT) in these samples is studied by performing temperature-dependent X-ray diffraction measurements. SPT in VO2 thin film samples is close to 68 °C and SPT temperature appears slightly lower in AZO/VO2 sample as compared to VO2 sample. Spectral transmittance measurement at room temperature showed significant improvement in the visible transmittance of AZO bilayer film than that of single layer VO2 thin film. These results demonstrate the possibility of integration of anti-reflecting layers such as AZO with VO2 layer for better visible transmittances suitable for large-scale smart window applications.
Rare Earth Ion-Doped Y2.95R0.05MgAl3SiO12 (R = Yb, Y, Dy, Eu, Sm) Garnet-Type Microwave Ceramics for 5G Application
Authors: Ye Zijun , Jiang Yu , Mao Minmin , Xiu Zhiyu , Chi Mengjiao , Wu Guofa , Liu Bing , Wang Dawei , Yang Bin , Song Kaixin
Published: November 2022

In this work, Y2.95R0.05MgAl3SiO12 (R = Yb, Y, Dy, Eu, Sm) microwave single-phase dielectric ceramics were successfully prepared via a conventional ceramic sintering technology by doping a series of rare earth elements (Yb, Y, Dy, Eu, Sm) with different ionic radii for the first time. The effects of A-sites occupied by rare earth elements on the microwave dielectric properties of Y2.95R0.05MgAl3SiO12 were studied using crystal structure refinement, a scanning electron microscope (SEM), bond valence theory, P-V-L theory, and infrared reflection spectroscopy. It was found that the ionicity of the Y-O bond, the lattice energy, the bond energy, and the bond valance of the Al(Tet)-O bond had important effects on the microwave dielectric properties. Particularly, the optimum microwave dielectric properties, εr = 9.68, Q × f = 68,866 GHz, and τf = −35.8 ppm/°C, were obtained for Y2.95Dy0.05MgAl3SiO12 when sintered at 1575 °C for 6 h, displaying its potential for 5G communication.
Operation Mechanisms of Flexible RF Silicon Thin Film Transistor under Bending Conditions
Authors: Ye Haotian , Lan Kuibo , Ma Zhenqiang , Qin Guoxuan
Published: November 2022

We fabricate a flexible silicon thin-film transistor (TFT) on a plastic substrate as a key component and representative example to analyze the major influencing factors of flexible devices under bending conditions. Experimental and two-dimensional device modeling results reveal that bending radius and device dimensions have a significant influence on the radio-frequency (RF) performance of the flexible silicon nanomembrane (SiNM) TFT under bending conditions. Carrier mobility and electric field extracted from the model, together with theoretical analysis, were employed to study the performance dependence and the operation mechanisms of the bended TFTs. The carrier mobility and electric field are increased monotonically with larger bending strains, which lead to better RF performance. They also showed a consistent change trend with different device parameters (e.g., gate length, oxide thickness). Flexible SiNM TFTs with a smaller gate length and a larger gate dielectric thickness are shown to have better RF performance robustness with bending strains. The analysis provides a guideline for the study of flexible electronics under bending conditions.
New Cyanido-Bridged Complexes of Zn(II) and/or Ag(I) with TPymT and Tptz Ligands: Synthesis, Structural and Fluorescent Properties
Authors: Visinescu Diana , Shova Sergiu , Popescu Delia-Laura , Alexandru Maria-Gabriela
Published: November 2022

The use of two triazine-derived pincer ligands led to the obtaining of a heterometallic compound and of an unexpected 3D coordination polymer (CP). Therefore, by reacting 2,4,6-tri(2-pyridyl)-1,3,5-triazine (tptz) with Zn(NO3)2 and K[Ag(CN)2], the cyanido-bridged [Ag(CN)(m-CN)]2[Zn(tptz)(H2O)] (1) trinuclear complex was formed. Compound 1 crystallizes in the orthorhombic polar space group Aea2 and the crystal packing involves argentophilic interactions. When 2,4,6-Tris(2-pyrimidyl)-1,3,5-triazine (TPymT) was used as a ligand, along with the same precursors as for 1, a 3D CP was assembled, [Ag6(CN)6(TPymT)2] (2). The formation of 2 was favored, most likely, by the dicyanoargentate(I) ion dissociation and its interesting topology is due to the bridging cyanide ligands and argentophilic interactions. The fluorescence of both compounds was studied and compared to the emission features of their ligands. For the two coordination compounds, ligand-centered fluorescence data are discussed.
Fourier Transformation Infrared Spectroscopic Analysis of Enamel Following Different Surface Treatments: An Invitro Study
Authors: Sharma Sonali , Hegde Mithra N. , Ramesh Sindhu
Published: November 2022

Dental caries is an oral disease that has a global footprint. The first onslaught is subsurface, and at this stage, it can be remineralized. This study attempts to analyze the compositional changes that occur during demineralization and different surface treatment remineralization protocols. Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the compositional changes caused by different surface treatments on demineralized enamel. Methodology: Six extracted intact posterior teeth were selected and sectioned mesiodistally to achieve two halves. Each half was further divided into six equal sizes to achieve 12 samples per tooth. Except for one sample, which served as the control for that particular tooth, the remaining samples were placed in a demineralizing solution (acetate 0.1 Mol/L, calcium 0.1 Mol/L, phosphate 0.1 Mol/L and fluoride 0.1 mg/L pH 5.0) for 24 h. The samples were then assigned to groups and surface-treated as described below. The samples were grouped as follows so as to subject each sample to the following different surface treatments: Group 1: control, Group 2: Demineralized, Group 3: Laser 1 Watt, Group 4: Laser 2 Watts, Group 5: Laser 3 Watts, Group 6: Laser 3.5 Watts, Group 7: CPP-ACPF, Group 8: CPP-ACPF & Laser 3.5 Watts, Group 9: Enafix, Group 10: Enafix & Laser 3.5 Watts, Group 11: MI Paste and Group 12: MI Paste & Laser 3.5 Watts. The laser used for irradiating the samples in the respective laser groups utilized different wattages of an 810 nm aluminum–gallium–arsenide laser for 30 s. The samples were analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectrometry coupled with attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR). A qualitative analysis was performed. Result: The 3.5 watts aluminum–gallium–arsenide laser followed by CPP-ACPF caused compositional changes in the organic and inorganic components of the enamel tissues, and these changes were similar to those of the control teeth. Conclusion: Aluminum–gallium–arsenide laser irradiation alone does cause compositional changes and makes the enamel conducive for remineralization.
The Influence of the Calcination Time on Synthesis of Nanomaterials with Small Size, High Crystalline Nature and Photocatalytic Activity in the TiO2 Nanoparticles Calcined at 500 °C
Authors: Alhalili Zahrah , Smiri Moez
Published: November 2022

The development of new materials with diverse applications that fit well in the context of the current economy, where energy issues abound, is paramount. The goal of this study was to generate materials with high photocatalytic properties, at low cost and with less energy, and without health and ecological risks. Such materials would allow for a form of sustainable development that respects nature. This study investigated the influence of calcination time on titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) produced by green synthesis using Aloe vera leaf extract under a constant temperature of 500 °C. The interaction between synthesis conditions like calcination time and the size of nanoparticles produced in relation to changes in photocatalytic activity were analyzed and discussed. The results showed that when calcination was increased at 500 °C, the synthesis of small-diameter nanoparticles was promoted. TiO2 were 23 ± 2 nm (D1) and 83 ± 5 nm (D2) after 5 h and 1 h of calcination, respectively. Moreover, the calcination duration promoted an increase in crystalline nature. In the same way, the level of reduction of azo dye Remazol Red Brilliant F3B (RR180) increased when calcination time increased, and therefore, changed the optic and photo-catalytic properties of the TiO2 nanomaterial. In addition, TiO2 nanopowders (size 23 ± 2 nm) had the higher efficiency in photodegradation (100%) of dye RR180 under visible light irradiation for 60 min for up to one hour duration, but TiO2 NPs (83 ± 5 nm) had the higher efficiency (100%) for up to two hours duration.
On the Theory of Unsteady-State Operation of Bulk Continuous Crystallization
Authors: Makoveeva Eugenya V. , Alexandrov Dmitri V. , Ivanov Alexander A.
Published: November 2022

Motivated by an important application in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, we consider the non-stationary growth of a polydisperse ensemble of crystals in a continuous crystallizer. The mathematical model includes the effects of crystal nucleation and growth, fines dissolution, mass influx and withdrawal of product crystals. The steady- and unsteady-state solutions of kinetic and balance equations are analytically derived. The steady-state solution is found in an explicit form and describes the stationary operation mode maintained by the aforementioned effects. An approximate unsteady-state solution is found in a parametric form and describes a time-dependent crystallization scenario, which tends toward the steady-state mode when time increases. It is shown that the particle-size distribution contains kinks at the points of fines dissolution and product crystal withdrawal. Additionally, our calculations demonstrate that the unsteady-state crystal-size distribution has a bell-shaped profile that blurs with time due to the crystal growth and removal mechanisms. The analytical solutions found are the basis for investigating the dynamic stability of a continuous crystallizer.
Reproductive Outcomes in Young Breast Cancer Survivors Treated (15–39) in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Rushton Moira , Pudwell Jessica , Wei Xuejiao , Powell Madeleine , Richardson Harriet , Velez Maria P.
Published: November 2022

We conducted a population-based, retrospective, matched-cohort study to examine the impact of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment on fertility outcomes. Relative risks of infertility, childbirth, premature ovarian insufficiency (POI; age < 40) and early menopause (age < 45) were calculated using modified Poisson regression. Our primary cohort included young women (15–39) with early stage BC diagnosed 1995–2014. Five cancer-free patients were matched to each BC patient by birth year and census subdivision. The BC cohort was further divided by treatment with chemotherapy vs. no chemotherapy treatment. 3903 BC patients and 19,515 cancer-free women. BC patients treated with chemotherapy were at increased risk of infertility (RR 1.81; 95% CI 1.60–2.04), and POI (RR 6.25; 95% CI 5.15–7.58) and decreased childbirth (RR 0.85; 95% CI 0.75–0.96), compared to women without cancer. BC patients who did not receive chemotherapy were also at increased risk of infertility (RR 1.80 95% CI 1.48–2.18) and POI (RR 2.12 95% CI 1.37–3.28). All young BC survivors face an increased risk of diagnosed infertility and POI relative to women without cancer, independent of chemotherapy. These results emphasize the importance of pre-treatment fertility counselling for young women diagnosed with BC.
Clinical Delays and Comparative Outcomes in Younger and Older Adults with Colorectal Cancer: A Systematic Review
Authors: Castelo Matthew , Sue-Chue-Lam Colin , Paszat Lawrence , Scheer Adena S. , Hansen Bettina E. , Kishibe Teruko , Baxter Nancy N.
Published: November 2022

Outcome disparities between adults <50 with colorectal cancer (CRC) and older adults may be explained by clinical delays. This study synthesized the literature comparing delays and outcomes between younger and older adults with CRC. Databases were searched until December 2021. We included studies published after 1990 reporting delay in adults <50 that made comparisons to older adults. Comparisons were described narratively and stage between age groups was meta-analyzed. 39 studies were included representing 185,710 younger CRC patients and 1,422,062 older patients. Sixteen delay intervals were compared. Fourteen studies (36%) found significantly longer delays among younger adults, and nine (23%) found shorter delays among younger patients. Twelve studies compared time from symptom onset to diagnosis (N younger = 1538). Five showed significantly longer delays for younger adults. Adults <50 years also had higher odds of advanced stage (16 studies, pooled OR for Stage III/IV 1.76, 95% CI 1.52–2.03). Ten studies compared time from diagnosis to treatment (N younger = 171,726) with 4 showing significantly shorter delays for younger adults. All studies showing longer delays for younger adults examined pre-diagnostic intervals. Three studies compared the impact of delay on younger versus older adult. One showed longer delays were associated with advanced stage and worse survival in younger but not older adults. Longer delays among younger adults with CRC occur in pre-diagnostic intervals.
Functional and Safety Characterization of Weissella paramesenteroides Strains Isolated from Dairy Products through Whole-Genome Sequencing and Comparative Genomics
Authors: Apostolakos Ilias , Paramithiotis Spiros , Mataragas Marios
Published: November 2022

Strains belonging to the Weissella genus are frequently recovered from spontaneously fermented foods. Their functional, microbial-modulating, and probiotic traits enhance not only the sensorial properties but also the nutritional value, beneficial effects, and safety of fermented products. Sporadic cases of opportunistic pathogenicity and antibiotic resistance have deprived safety status from all Weissella species, which thus remain understudied. Our study increased the number of available high-quality and taxonomically accurate W. paramesenteroides genomes by 25% (9 genomes reported, leading to a total of 36 genomes). We conducted a phylogenetic and comparative genomic analysis of the most dominant Weissella species (W. cibaria, W. paramesenteroides, W. viridescens, W. soli, W. koreensis, W. hellenica and W. thailadensis). The phylogenetic tree corroborated species assignment but also revealed phylogenetic diversity within the Weissella species, which is likely related to the adaptation of Weissella in different niches. Using robust alignment criteria, we showed the overall absence of resistance and virulence genes in Weissella spp., except for one W. cibaria isolate carrying blaTEM-181. Enrichment analysis showed the association of Weissella species several CAZymes, which are essential for biotechnological applications. Additionally, the combination of CAZyme metabolites with probiotics can potentially lead to beneficial effects for hosts, such as the inhibition of inflammatory processes and the reduction of cholesterol levels. Bacteriocins and mobile genetic elements MGEs (Inc11 plasmid and ISS1N insertion sequence) were less abundant, however W. thailadensis and W. viridescens showed significant association with specific bacteriocin-encoding genes. Lastly, an analysis of phenotypic traits underlined the need to carefully evaluate W. cibaria strains before use as food additives and suggested the possibility of employing W. paramesenteroides and W. hellenica in the fermentation process of vegetable products. More studies providing high-resolution characterization of Weissella strains from various sources are necessary to elucidate the safety of Weissella spp. and exploit their beneficial characteristics.
Prognostic Nutritional Index, Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) Score, and Inflammatory Biomarkers as Predictors of Deep Vein Thrombosis, Acute Pulmonary Embolism, and Mortality in COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Mureșan Adrian Vasile , Hălmaciu Ioana , Arbănași Emil Marian , Kaller Réka , Arbănași Eliza Mihaela , Budișcă Ovidiu Aurelian , Melinte Răzvan Marian , Vunvulea Vlad , Filep Rareș Cristian , Mărginean Lucian , Suciu Bogdan Andrei , Brinzaniuc Klara , Niculescu Raluca , Russu Eliza
Published: November 2022

Background: Numerous tools, including nutritional and inflammatory markers, have been evaluated as the predictors of poor outcomes in COVID-19 patients. This study aims to verify the predictive role of the prognostic nutritional index (PNI), CONUT Score, and inflammatory markers (monocyte to lymphocyte ratio (MLR), neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), systemic inflammatory index (SII), Systemic Inflammation Response Index (SIRI), and Aggregate Index of Systemic Inflammation (AISI)) in cases of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and acute pulmonary embolism (APE) risk, as well as mortality, in COVID-19 patients. Methods: The present study was designed as an observational, analytical, retrospective cohort study, and included 899 patients over the age of 18 who had a COVID-19 infection, confirmed through real time-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and were admitted to the County Emergency Clinical Hospital and Modular Intensive Care Unit of UMFST “George Emil Palade” of Targu Mures, Romania between January 2020 and March 20212. Results: Non-Surviving patients were associated with a higher incidence of chronic kidney disease (p = 0.01), cardiovascular disease (atrial fibrillation (AF) p = 0.01; myocardial infarction (MI) p = 0.02; peripheral arterial disease (PAD) p = 0.0003), malignancy (p = 0.0001), tobacco (p = 0.0001), obesity (p = 0.01), dyslipidemia (p = 0.004), and malnutrition (p < 0.0001). Multivariate analysis showed that both nutritional and inflammatory markers had a high baseline value and were all independent predictors of adverse outcomes for all enrolled patients (for all p < 0.0001). The presence of PAD, malignancy, and tobacco, were also independent predictors of all outcomes. Conclusions: According to our findings, higher MLR, NLR, PLR, SII, SIRI, AISI, CONUT Score, and lower PNI values at admission strongly predict DVT risk, APE risk, and mortality in COVID-19 patients. Moreover, PAD, malignancy, and tobacco, all predicted all outcomes, while CKD predicts APE risk and mortality, but not the DVT risk.
Factors Predictive for Immunomodulatory Therapy Response and Survival in Patients with Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis—Retrospective Cohort Analysis
Authors: Lewandowska Katarzyna B. , Barańska Inga , Sobiecka Małgorzata , Radwan-Rohrenschef Piotr , Dybowska Małgorzata , Franczuk Monika , Roży Adriana , Skoczylas Agnieszka , Bestry Iwona , Kuś Jan , Tomkowski Witold Z. , Szturmowicz Monika
Published: November 2022

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is one of the interstitial lung diseases with clearly established diagnostic criteria. Nevertheless, pharmacologic treatment recommendations are still lacking. Most specialists use steroids as first-line drugs, sometimes combined with an immunosuppressive agent. Aim: The aim of the present retrospective study was to establish predictive factors for treatment success and survival advantage in HP patients. Methods: We analyzed the short-term treatment outcome and overall survival in consecutive HP patients treated with prednisone alone or combined with azathioprine. Results: The study group consisted of 93 HP patients, 54 (58%) with fibrotic HP and 39 (42%) with non-fibrotic HP. Mean (± SD) VCmax % pred. and TL,co % pred. before treatment initiation were 81.5 (±20.8)% and 48.3 (±15.7)%, respectively. Mean relative VCmax and TL,co change after 3–6 months of therapy were 9.5 (±18.8)% and 21.4 (±35.2)%, respectively. The short-term treatment outcomes were improvement in 49 (53%) patients, stabilization in 16 (17%) patients, and progression in 28 (30%) patients. Among those with fibrotic HP, improvement was noted in 19 (35%) cases. Significant positive treatment outcome predictors were fever after antigen exposure, lymphocyte count in broncho-alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) exceeding 54%, RV/TLC > 120% pred., and ill-defined centrilobular nodules in high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT). An increased eosinophil count in BALF and fibrosis in HRCT were significant negative treatment outcome predictors. The presence of fibrosis in HRCT remained significant in a multivariate analysis. A positive response to treatment, as well as preserved baseline VCmax (% pred.) and TLC (% pred.), predicted longer survival, while fibrosis in HRCT was related to a worse prognosis. Conclusion: Immunomodulatory treatment may be effective in a significant proportion of patients with HP, including those with fibrotic changes in HRCT. Therefore, future trials are urgently needed to establish the role of immunosuppressive treatment in fibrotic HP.
Diagnosis of Cervical Cancer and Pre-Cancerous Lesions by Artificial Intelligence: A Systematic Review
Authors: Allahqoli Leila , Laganà Antonio Simone , Mazidimoradi Afrooz , Salehiniya Hamid , Günther Veronika , Chiantera Vito , Karimi Goghari Shirin , Ghiasvand Mohammad Matin , Rahmani Azam , Momenimovahed Zohre , Alkatout Ibrahim
Published: November 2022

Objective: The likelihood of timely treatment for cervical cancer increases with timely detection of abnormal cervical cells. Automated methods of detecting abnormal cervical cells were established because manual identification requires skilled pathologists and is time consuming and prone to error. The purpose of this systematic review is to evaluate the diagnostic performance of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies for the prediction, screening, and diagnosis of cervical cancer and pre-cancerous lesions. Materials and Methods: Comprehensive searches were performed on three databases: Medline, Web of Science Core Collection (Indexes = SCI-EXPANDED, SSCI, A & HCI Timespan) and Scopus to find papers published until July 2022. Articles that applied any AI technique for the prediction, screening, and diagnosis of cervical cancer were included in the review. No time restriction was applied. Articles were searched, screened, incorporated, and analyzed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines. Results: The primary search yielded 2538 articles. After screening and evaluation of eligibility, 117 studies were incorporated in the review. AI techniques were found to play a significant role in screening systems for pre-cancerous and cancerous cervical lesions. The accuracy of the algorithms in predicting cervical cancer varied from 70% to 100%. AI techniques make a distinction between cancerous and normal Pap smears with 80–100% accuracy. AI is expected to serve as a practical tool for doctors in making accurate clinical diagnoses. The reported sensitivity and specificity of AI in colposcopy for the detection of CIN2+ were 71.9–98.22% and 51.8–96.2%, respectively. Conclusion: The present review highlights the acceptable performance of AI systems in the prediction, screening, or detection of cervical cancer and pre-cancerous lesions, especially when faced with a paucity of specialized centers or medical resources. In combination with human evaluation, AI could serve as a helpful tool in the interpretation of cervical smears or images.
Update in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Root Canal Therapy in Temporary Dentition through Different Rotatory Systems: A Systematic Review
Authors: Casaña Ruiz Mª Dolores , Martínez Laura Marqués , Miralles Esther García
Published: November 2022

The need to perform fast, effective and efficient pulpectomies has led to the development of numerous valid rotary systems. Its technical features allow the clinician to obtain good results in less working time. The objective of this study is to compare the characteristics of the different current rotary systems to favor a correct diagnosis and subsequent treatment. A systematic review of the literature has been carried out in accordance with the PRISMA recommendations. A search was carried out in PubMed, Embase Scopus, Cochrane and Web of Science databases, and was completed with a manual search. The following variables were extracted from the selected studies: author, year, sample, rotary systems used (length, diameter, taper, speed), obturation material and irrigant. From the initial electronic search of the five databases, 315 articles were identified. Once the duplicate articles were eliminated, a total of 233 remained. After reading both title and abstract, 200 articles were eliminated, leaving 33. On account of reading the full text, 22 were eliminated for not answering the research question or the inclusion criteria, leaving a total of 11 articles for the systematic review. Rotary systems which are able to adapt to the root anatomy of primary teeth and allow rapid and simple instrumentation, without producing excessive extrusion of debris at the root apex, will be the ones that provide the best results to the pediatric dentist during the performance of pulp treatment in primary teeth. Clinical success will only be achieved through proper prior diagnosis.
The Diagnostic Accuracy of Pure-Tone Audiometry Screening Protocols for Vestibular Schwannoma in Patients with Asymmetrical Hearing Loss—A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Gheorghe Liliana , Negru Dragos , Cobzeanu Mihail Dan , Palade Octavian Dragos , Botnariu Eosefina Gina , Cobzeanu Bogdan Mihail , Cobzeanu Maria-Luiza
Published: November 2022

(1) Background: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the gold standard investigation for all patients who present with asymmetrical hearing loss (AHL) and a high index of suspicion for vestibular schwannoma (VS). However, pure-tone audiometry (PTA) is an investigation that can be used for the screening of these patients in order to reduce the costs. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of different PTA protocols for VS in patients with ASHL, when compared with MRI; (2) Methods: Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases were used to find relevant studies. All prospective and retrospective observational studies that evaluated the accuracy of PTA protocols for the screening of VS were assessed, according to the international guidelines; (3) Results: We analyzed seven studies (4369 patients) of poor-to-moderate quality. Their pooled sensitivity was good (0.73–0.93), but their specificity was low (0.31–0.60). All protocols were located in the right lower quadrant on the likelihood scattergram, and the post-test probabilities for positive and negative diagnosis of these protocols were extremely low; (4) Conclusions: PTA protocols cannot be used for a proper screening or diagnosis of vestibular schwannoma despite their good sensibility, and MRI remains the gold standard for this purpose.
Context-Aware Ubiquitous Learning Based on Case Methods and Team-Based Projects: Design and Validation
Authors: Suartama I Kadek , Triwahyuni Eges , Suranata Kadek
Published: November 2022

Since the development of information and communication technology ‘learning media’ have been recognized as increasingly important courses by educators to assist students training to be professional teachers to understand the process of designing, developing, utilizing, managing, and evaluating learning resources. The context-aware ubiquitous learning approach design based on case methods and team-based projects has been proposed to guide activities in the student learning process. Therefore, this research aims to describe the design and determine the feasibility or validity of context-aware ubiquitous learning based on case methods and a team-based project model using the research and development (R&D) approach. The procedure consists of (1) model development and (2) product validation. It is important to note that the validation aspect involved five learning material/design experts, five ‘learning media’ experts, and 162 students from state and private universities in Indonesia after which the data obtained from experts and students were analyzed using the descriptive statistics. The results showed that the learning model designed is suitable for use in the student learning process.
RETRACTED: Wang et al. Resource Allocation Algorithm Based on Power Control and Dynamic Transmission Protocol Configuration for HAPS-IMT Integrated System. Electronics 2022, 11, 44
Authors: Wang Li , Zhao Xiaoyan , Wang Cheng , Wang Weidong
Published: November 2022

The published article [...]
A Prediction Method with Data Leakage Suppression for Time Series
Authors: Liu Fang , Chen Lizhi , Zheng Yuanfang , Feng Yongxin
Published: November 2022

In view of the characteristics of the collected time series, such as being high noise, non-stationary and nonlinear, most of the current methods are designed to smooth or denoise the whole time series at one time and then divide the training set and testing set, which will lead to using the information of the testing set in the training process, resulting in data leakage and other problems. In order to reduce the impact of noise on time series prediction and prevent data leakage, a prediction method with data leakage suppression for time series (DLS) is proposed. This prediction method carries out multiple variational mode decomposition on the time series by overlapping slicing and improves the noise reduction threshold function to perform noise reduction processing on the decomposed time series. Furthermore, the idea of deep learning is introduced to establish a neural network multi-step prediction model, so as to improve the performance of time series prediction. The different datasets are selected as experimental data, and the results show that the proposed method has a better prediction effect and lower prediction error, compared with the common multi-step prediction methods, which verifies the superiority of the prediction method.
Gaming for Training Voluntary Control of Pupil Size
Authors: Cardinali Leonardo , Roatta Silvestro , Pertusio Raffaele , Testa Marcella , Moglia Cristina
Published: November 2022

Users can “voluntarily” control the size of their pupil by switching focus from a far target A (large pupil size) to a near target B (small pupil size), according to the pupillary accommodative response (PAR). Pupil size is governed by smooth muscles and has been suggested as communication pathway for patients affected by paralysis of skeletal muscles, such as in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We here present a video game that relies on PAR: a 2d side-scroller game where the user, by varying pupil size, controls the height at which a spaceship is moving aiming at colliding with bubbles to burst them and score points. The height at which the spaceship flies inversely depends on pupil area. The game is implemented on a Raspberry Pi board equipped with a IR camera and may record the time course of pupil size during the game, for off-line analysis. This application is intended as a tool to train and familiarize with the control of pupil size for alternative augmentative communication.
Design and Implementation of Demand Side Response Based on Binomial Distribution
Authors: Li Ming , Ye Jin
Published: November 2022

The application of microgrids (MG) is more and more extensive, therefore it is important to improve the system management method of microgrids. The intended costs can be further minimized when the energy management system is unified with demand side response (DSR) strategies. In this work, we propose a generic method of modeling the equipment in a microgrid including multiple stochastic loads. The microgrid model can be generated on a computer by converting the energy circuit diagram into a signal flow diagram. Then, a demand side response method based on binomial distribution is introduced, and loads are set to different probabilities according to importance. By applying the probability of loads and changing the return coefficient of loads, the problem of individual differences in demand side responses is solved, so as to improve consumer satisfaction. The proposed model is constructed as a mixed-integer linear program (MILP). Cases studies demonstrate feasibility of the proposed modeling method. The demand side response achieves the expected goal. The system management method reduces the operation cost of the energy system of microgrids.
Research on the Application of Uncertainty Quantification (UQ) Method in High-Voltage (HV) Cable Fault Location
Authors: Yang Bin , Xia Zhanran , Gao Xinyun , Tu Jing , Zhou Hao , Wu Jun , Li Mingzhen
Published: November 2022

In HV cable fault location technology, line parameter uncertainty has an impact on the location criterion and affects the fault location result. Therefore, it is of great significance to study the uncertainty quantification of line parameters. In this paper, an impedance-based fault location criterion was used for an uncertainty study. Three kinds of uncertainty factors, namely the sheath resistivity per unit length, the equivalent grounding resistance on both sides, and the length of the cable section, were taken as random input variables without interaction. They were subject to random uniform distribution within a 50% amplitude variation. The relevant statistical information, such as the mean value, standard deviation and probability distribution, of the normal operation and fault state were calculated using the Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) method, the polynomial chaos expansion (PCE) method, and the univariate dimension reduction method (UDRM), respectively. Thus, the influence of uncertain factors on fault location was analyzed, and the calculation results of the three uncertainty quantification methods compared. The results indicate that: (1) UQ methods are effective for simulation analysis of fault locations, and UDRM has certain application prospects for HV fault location in practice; (2) the quantification results of the MCS, PCE, and UDRM were very close, while the mean convergence rate was significantly higher for the UDRM; (3) compared with the MCS, PCE, and UDRM, the PCE and UDRM had higher accuracy, and MCS and UDRM required less running time.
WSPRT Methods for Improving Power System Automation Devices in the Conditions of Distributed Generation Sources Operation
Authors: Kulikov Aleksandr , Ilyushin Pavel , Loskutov Anton , Suslov Konstantin , Filippov Sergey
Published: November 2022

The trend towards the decentralization and decarbonization of the energy sector stimulates the adoption of generation facilities based on renewable energy sources (RES) and distributed generation (DG) facilities that utilize secondary energy resources. Operation features of DG facilities, such as a high speed of electromechanical transient processes and significant deviations of power quality indicators from standard values, require improvement and an increase in the speed of automation devices. Modern electroautomatic devices must determine the operating regions (normal and emergency) and adapt the operation algorithms to the conditions of the current mode. The study presented proposes methods developed to use the Wald Sequential Probability Ratio Test (WSPRT) to improve the reliability and efficiency of the power system automation devices. The paper provides examples of using WSPRT in the devices of automatic frequency load shedding, automatic transformer disconnection, and power quality control. The results of mathematical modeling confirm the high performance of WSPRT in power system automation devices owing to an increase in the reliability of operating regions identification and speed of response. For example, in the automatic frequency load shedding (AFLS) algorithm for a network with DG facilities at a sampling rate that meets the requirements of the IEC 61850 (80 samples per period), the acceptance time does not exceed 1 ms. The study substantiates the need to use WSPRT in the logic blocks of automation devices employed in active distribution networks.
Towards a Smart City—The Study of Car-Sharing Services in Poland
Authors: Pawełoszek Ilona
Published: November 2022

In recent years, Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) has attracted much attention in the context of smart city development. One of the models of intelligent mobility is car-sharing, a modern and convenient form of renting vehicles through a mobile application. Car-sharing is a solution that can help to mitigate the effects of excessive traffic congestion, noise, and air pollution in cities. In Poland, car-sharing has developed in recent years. To increase its popularity, it is necessary to look at the barriers from the user’s perspective. The presented study is a diagnosis of car-sharing problems based on customer reviews. The reviews were obtained from the Google Play store and cover the applications of Poland’s three largest car-sharing service providers. Descriptive statistics and sentiment analysis were used to identify the problems. The study of users’ comments made it possible to establish that car-sharing has gained tremendous popularity in recent years, reflected in the number of reviews. Moreover, car-sharing services are assessed positively by the majority of users. Women perceive services more positively than men, although they are a minority among car-sharing users. The main problems described in the comments relate to the operation of the application, in particular, the registration of new users and the unclear payment policy.
The Impact of Using Co-Compost on Resource Management and Resilience of Smallholder Agriculture in South India
Authors: Fendel Veronika , Kranert Martin , Maurer Claudia , Garcés-Sánchez Gabriela , Huang Jingjing , Ramakrishna Girija
Published: November 2022

Agriculture is the main source of income in India, with most farmers being smallholders and facing multiple challenges, such as climate change and land degradation. For the sustainable implementation of alternative circular approaches, it is important that agriculture benefits. To assess this, the impact of using co-compost (organic waste and black water consisting of feces and urine) was evaluated through surveys of 120 smallholder farmers in two case studies in South India. All 149 questions related to the overarching research question: what is the impact of using co-compost on closing loops in smallholder agriculture in terms of resource management and resilience. Secondary smallholder resources were found to be well managed and local networks and economies proved to be particularly effective in pandemics, reinforcing the potential for nutrient sources from urban areas. For most farmers, using co-compost improved yields (90%), soil (80%), plant health (93%) and, consequently, profits (67%), as well as water management (53%). Water management was significantly less of a problem for co-compost users (15%) than non-users (42%). In addition, the users of co-compost were able to save resources. Chemical fertilizer use was significantly reduced from 1.42 ± 2.1 to 0.9 ± 1.35 t (acre∙year)−1, with total savings ranging from 37 to 44%. Overall, 67% were able to reduce chemical fertilizer use and 25% were able to reduce chemical spray use. Additionally, 53% reduced water consumption by 30.3% ± 19.92%. The visible benefits could motivate others to try co-composting. The reservations of non-users were due to personal or societal aspects (25%). In addition, the desire of farmers to convert to organic farming and try alternative farming methods, such as using smart technologies, vermicomposting or co-compost, was high (43%) and was positively influenced by the profitable use of alternative circular concepts. Information dissemination was mainly promoted by advertising (60%) and demonstrations (27%), which influenced openness to alternative circular concepts and products. In conclusion, co-composting and co-recycling approaches have a positive impact on the resource management and resilience of smallholder agriculture and thus, contribute to achieving sustainability goals.
The Role and Significance of Bacillus and Lactobacillus Species in Thai Fermented Foods
Authors: Sivamaruthi Bhagavathi Sundaram , Alagarsamy Karthikeyan , Suganthy Natarajan , Thangaleela Subramanian , Kesika Periyanaina , Chaiyasut Chaiyavat
Published: November 2022

Fermented foods (FFs) are prepared through controlled or spontaneous microbial growth, promoting the conversion of complex food components by microbial enzymatic action. FFs are common in the cuisine of Southeast Asian countries. Furthermore, FFs have recently become popular worldwide, due to their proposed and proven beneficial health effects. The microbes present in FFs affect the quality, taste, and flavor of the food. Thailand is famous for its versatile range of foods, especially FFs. Fermented beans, fish, meat, sausages, vegetables, and fruits are commonly consumed in Thailand. Thai fermented foods (TFFs) are a key source of bioactive micro-organisms and molecules, and several studies have detailed the isolation, identification, and characterization of potent microbial strains from TFFs; however, a detailed literature review of Bacillus and Lactobacillus species in TFFs is not available. Therefore, in this review, we summarize the available information on representative TFFs, as well as Bacillus and Lactobacillus species in TFFs and their bioactive properties.
Influence of Abaca Fiber Inclusion on the Unconfined Compressive Strength of Reconstituted Sandy Silts
Authors: Albuja-Sánchez Jorge , Alcívar Eduardo , Escobar Daniela , Montero Juan , Realpe Guillermo , Muñoz Andrés , Peñaherrera-Aguirre Mateo
Published: November 2022

The present investigation determines the influence of abaca (Musa textilis) fiber inclusion on the simple compressive strength of reconstituted sandy silt specimens. For this purpose, fibers of different lengths (5, 10 and 15 mm) and quantities (0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0% of soil dry weight) are added to produce the reconstituted specimens. Subsequently, the physical and mechanical behavior of soil–fiber mixtures were evaluated through compaction and unconfined compression tests. The experimental results showed that increases in fiber content or length, or both, led to a 1235.1% increase in maximum compression stress (compared to the fiber-free soil). Compression failure occurred at a greater axial strain when 10 and 15 mm fibers were added at 1% dosage or in percentages equal to or greater than 1.5% regardless of fiber length. A series of linear mixed models identified statistically significant effects of fiber length and percentage on the level of effort and on the unitary deformation.
Wetland Fire Assessment and Monitoring in the Paraná River Delta, Using Radar and Optical Data for Burnt Area Mapping
Authors: Del Valle Héctor , Sione Walter Fabián , Aceñolaza Pablo Gilberto
Published: November 2022

In the past decades, important research has been carried out to map the natural disturbances in the Paraná River Delta. The benefits of the combined use optical and radar data are also known. The main objective of this paper is to assess the wetland fire cartography through a synergetic use of radar and optical data. We focus on integrating radar (SAOCOM) and Sentinel 1, as well as Sentinel 2 optical data, concerning the fires impact analyses in the wetland areas. The generation of water masks through the radar images can contribute to improve the burned wetland area estimations. The relationship between landforms, vegetation cover, and the spatial/temporal resolution imposed by the flood pulse, play a vital role in the results. Burnt areas represent a total of 2439.57 sq km, which is more than 85% of the wetland, during the winter and spring (Q3 and Q4) periods. Understanding the wetland heterogeneity and its recovery pattern after a fire, is crucial to improve the cartography of the burned areas; for this, biweekly or monthly image compositions periodicity are of crucial importance. The inclusion of different indexes, for optical and radar images, improve the precision for the final classification. The results obtained here are promising for post-flood and post-fire evaluation, even applying radar and optical data integration into the evaluation and the monitoring of wetland fires is far from being a uniform standardized process.
Screening of Saccharomyces and Non-Saccharomyces Wine Yeasts for Their Decarboxylase Activity of Amino Acids
Authors: Siesto Gabriella , Corbo Maria , Pietrafesa Rocchina , Sinigaglia Milena , Romano Patrizia , Bevilacqua Antonio
Published: November 2022

The type and quantity of precursor amino acids present in grape must that are used by wine yeasts affect the organoleptic and health properties of wine. The aim of this work was to conduct a preliminary screening among Saccharomyces and non-Saccharomyces indigenous strains, which were previously isolated from different Italian regional grape varieties. This was performed in order to evaluate their decarboxylase activity on certain important amino acids—such as arginine, proline, serine, and tyrosine—that are present in grape must. In particular, a qualitative test on 122 wine yeasts was performed on a decarboxylase medium using arginine, proline, serine, and tyrosine as precursor amino acids. Our results showed a considerable variability among the microbial species tested for this parameter. Indeed, Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains exhibited a high decarboxylase capability of the four amino acids tested; moreover, only 10% of the total (i.e., a total of 81) did not show this trait. A high recovery of decarboxylation ability for at least one amino acid was also found for Zygosaccharomyces bailii and Hanseniaspora spp. These findings can, therefore, promote the inclusion of decarboxylase activity as an additional characteristic in a wine yeast selection program in order to choose starter cultures that possess desirable technological traits; moreover, this also can contribute to the safeguarding of consumer health.