bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Instantiation and Implementation of HEAD Metamodel in an Industrial Environment: Non-IoT and IoT Case Studies
Authors: Kashmar Nadine , Adda Mehdi , Ibrahim Hussein , Morin Jean-François , Ducheman Tony
Published: July 2023

Access to resources can take many forms: digital access via an onsite network, through an external site, website, etc., or physical access to labs, machines, information repositories, etc. Whether access to resources is digital or physical, it must be allowed, denied, revoked, or disabled using robust and coherent access control (AC) models. What makes the process of AC more complicated is the emergence of digital transformation technologies and pervasive systems such as the internet of things (IoT) and industry 4.0 systems, especially with the growing demand for transparency in users’ interaction with various applications and services. Controlling access and ensuring security and cybersecurity in IoT and industry 4.0 environments is a challenging task. This is due to the increasing distribution of resources and the massive presence of cyber-threats and cyber-attacks. To ensure the security and privacy of users in industry sectors, we need an advanced AC metamodel that defines all the required components and attributes to derive various instances of AC models and follow the new and increasing demand for AC requirements due to continuous technology upgrades. Due to the several limitations in the existing metamodels and their inability to answer the current AC requirements, we have developed a Hierarchical, Extensible, Advanced, Dynamic (HEAD) AC metamodel with significant features that overcome the existing metamodels’ limitations. In this paper, the HEAD metamodel is employed to specify the needed AC policies for two case studies inspired by the computing environment of Institut Technologique de Maintenance Industrielle (ITMI)-Sept-Îles, QC, Canada; the first is for ITMI’s local (non-IoT) environment and the second for ITMI’s IoT environment. For each case study, the required AC model is derived using the domain-specific language (DSL) of HEAD metamodel, then Xtend notation (an expressive dialect of Java) is utilized to generate the needed Java code which represents the concrete instance of the derived AC model. At the system level, to get the needed AC rules, Cypher statements are generated and then injected into the Neo4j database to represent the Next Generation Access Control (NGAC) policy as a graph. NGAC framework is used as an enforcement point for the rules generated by each case study. The results show that the HEAD metamodel can be adapted and integrated into various local and distributed environments. It can serve as a unified framework, answer current AC requirements and follow policy upgrades. To demonstrate that the HEAD metamodel can be implemented on other platforms, we implement an administrator panel using VB.NET and SQL.
Hybrid NOMA Protocol with Relay Adaptive AF/DF Collaboration and Its Modeling Analysis in NB-IoT
Authors: Li Suoping , Gao Ruiman , Jia Tongtong , Yang Hailing , Yang Sa
Published: July 2023

In order to meet the demand for large-scale device access in Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) and to overcome the problem that some resources are wasted due to the use of single decode-and-forward (DF) or amplify-and-forward (AF) collaboration in traditional collaborative communication, this paper introduces a non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) and orthogonal multiple access (OMA) hybrid access method into the NB-IoT and proposes a new Hybrid NOMA transmission protocol with relay adaptively selectable collaboration, which is represented as an algorithm. Based on this protocol, we classify the whole transmission process into five states after deriving the outage probability of each link. We then consider the system as a discrete-time Markov model, the closed expressions of the system outage probability and throughput are derived based on the system steady-state probability. In order to improve the system’s reliability, we further optimize the above protocol by allowing the source node to retransmit the unsuccessful received superimposed signals a limited number of times. Numerical results and simulations show that the outage probability is lower when multiple retransmissions are possible. The proposed relay adaptive collaborative hybrid NOMA transmission protocol has advantages over the pure OMA transmission mode.
Development of Directional 14 MeV-Fusion Neutron Detector Using Liquid-Scintillator-Filled Capillaries
Authors: Teshigawara Masataka , Takada Eiji , Sumida Shuhei , Shinohara Kouji , Nishitani Takeo , Siriyaporn Sangaroon , Liao Longyong , Ogawa Kunihiro , Isobe Mitsutaka , Matsuyama Shigeo , Miwa Misako , Toyama Sho , Murata Isao , Tamaki Shingo , Kusaka Sachie
Published: July 2023

Triton burnup studies have been performed in fusion experimental devices to evaluate the confinement performance of 3.5 MeV alpha particles. For this purpose, the generation rate of deuterium-tritium (D-T)-born 14 MeV neutrons has been measured using a scintillating fiber detector. The directionality of this detector provides excellent selectivity for 14 MeV neutrons; however, the lack of a pulse–shape discrimination (PSD) capability limits high-energy gamma-ray reduction. In this study, we developed a new 14 MeV neutron detector with directionality that can discriminate neutrons and gamma rays based on the PSD technique by filling capillaries with a liquid scintillator. The performance of this detector was evaluated at the FNL (Tohoku University, Japan) and OKTAVIAN (Osaka University, Japan). The detector response was modeled using the particle and heavy ion transport code system (PHITS). The experimental and simulation results demonstrated that the detector has a directional response to fast neutrons and excellent PSD capability.
A Two-Stage Image Inpainting Technique for Old Photographs Based on Transfer Learning
Authors: Chen Mingju , Duan Zhengxu , Li Lan , Yi Sihang , Cui Anle
Published: July 2023

To address the challenge of sparse old photo datasets, we apply transfer learning to image inpainting tasks. Specifically, we improve a two-stage image inpainting network that focuses on collaborative subtasks. We also design a transform module based on the cross-aggregation of windows to improve long-distance contextual information acquisition in image inpainting and enhance the integrity of images in terms of structure and texture. Our improved two-stage network has a significantly better repair performance compared to that of the current common inpainting methods. We further apply transfer learning techniques by utilizing the improved two-stage image inpainting network as the base network and decoupling the generator into a feature extractor and classifier, which consist of an encoder and a decoder, respectively. We obtain a domain-invariant feature extractor through minimax game training using source and target domain data. This feature extractor can be combined with the original encoder to restore old photo images. To verify the effectiveness of our approach, we conducted comparative experiments. Our results show that the PSNR, SSIM, and FID indexes of the model using transfer learning are 11.8%, 2.96%, and 44.4% higher than those without transfer learning, respectively. These findings suggest that applying transfer learning techniques can be an effective solution to address the challenge of sparse old photo datasets in image inpainting tasks.
Lightweight Tunnel Defect Detection Algorithm Based on Knowledge Distillation
Authors: Zhu Anfu , Wang Bin , Xie Jiaxiao , Ma Congxiao
Published: July 2023

One of the greatest engineering feats in history is the construction of tunnels, and the management of tunnel safety depends heavily on the detection of tunnel defects. However, the real-time, portability, and accuracy issues with the present tunnel defect detection technique still exist. The study improves the traditional defect detection technology based on the knowledge distillation algorithm, the depth pooling residual structure is designed in the teacher network to enhance the ability to extract target features. Next, the MobileNetv3 lightweight network is built into the student network to reduce the number and volume of model parameters. The lightweight model is then trained in terms of both features and outputs using a multidimensional knowledge distillation approach. By processing the tunnel radar detection photos, the dataset is created. The experimental findings demonstrate that the multidimensional knowledge distillation approach greatly increases the detection efficiency: the number of parameters is decreased by 81.4%, from 16.03 MB to 2.98 MB, while the accuracy is improved by 2.5%, from 83.4% to 85.9%.
Thermal Comfort Influences Positive Emotions but Not Negative Emotions When Visiting Green Spaces during Summer
Authors: Niu Jiaqi , Xiong Jiangpeng , Qin Hongqiao , Wu Haoyan , Zhang Kai , Yan Jie , Ye Lin , Han Guifeng
Published: July 2023

Emotional responses are psychological responses produced by multiple stimuli. This study aimed to clarify the effects of thermal comfort on emotions in green spaces with different characteristics in summer. Four green spaces were selected in an urban park in Chongqing, China, and 919 residents completed questionnaires. The questionnaire consisted of a thermal sensation vote (TSV) and a Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS). Positive affect (PA) and negative affect (NA) are two dimensions included in the PANAS, both with scores ranging from 10 to 50. In parallel with the questionnaire, meteorological measurements were taken, and the collected data were used for thermal environment simulation to obtain physiological equivalent temperatures (PET). The results showed that the effect of thermal comfort in green spaces on PA far exceeded that of NA. PET increased from 20 °C to 55 °C, the average PA decreased by 7.2 scores, and NA did not change significantly. The negative effect of PET on PA was significant in less-shaded spaces, and the positive effect on NA was significant in well-shaded spaces with a high visible green index. PET mainly influences the emotions of being strong, proud, inspired, active, and attentive in PA and distressed, irritable, and afraid in NA. Emotions became less susceptible to PET and TSV as individuals aged. PET at 31–33 °C favored PA for people of all ages. This study provided practical information about thermal comfort and the design of green spaces with the goal of promoting mental health.
CFD Simulation of SCR Systems Using a Mass-Fraction-Based Impingement Model
Authors: Quissek Max , Budziankou Uladzimir , Pollak Sebastian , Lauer Thomas
Published: July 2023

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) are an essential tool for the development of diesel engine aftertreatment systems using selective catalytic reduction (SCR) to reduce nitrous oxides (NOx). In urea-based SCR, liquid urea–water solution (UWS) is injected into the hot exhaust gas, where it transforms into gaseous ammonia. This ammonia serves as a reducing agent for NOx. CFD simulations are used to predict the ammonia distribution in the exhaust gas at the catalyst inlet. The goal is to achieve the highest possible uniformity to realize homogeneous NOx reduction across the catalyst cross section. The current work focuses on the interaction of UWS droplets with the hot walls of the exhaust system. This is a crucial part of the preparation of gaseous ammonia from the injected liquid UWS. Following experimental investigations, a new impingement model is described based on the superposition of four basic impingement behaviors, each featuring individual secondary droplet characteristics. The droplet–wall heat transfer, depending on surface temperature and impingement behavior, is also calculated using a newly parameterized model. Applying the presented approach, the cooling of a steel plate from intermittent spray impingement is simulated and compared to measurements. The second validation case is the distribution of ammonia at the catalyst inlet of an automotive SCR system. Both applications show good agreement and demonstrate the quality of the new model.
Consumers’ Quality Perception and Acceptance of Suboptimal Food: An Online Survey in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Authors: Lim See Meng , Law Hanbin , Lee Siew Siew
Published: July 2023

Suboptimal food is defined as physically imperfect food that deviates from the norm in terms of appearance without compromising its intrinsic quality or safety. Consumers’ quality perception and acceptance of suboptimal food contribute to food waste. Therefore, this study aims to explore consumers’ quality perception and acceptance of suboptimal food and the factors associated with the acceptance of suboptimal food. An online survey was conducted among 414 consumers residing in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, through convenience sampling. They completed an online questionnaire asking for sociodemographic information, quality perception and acceptance of suboptimal food, and information related to food waste. Only 11.4% of consumers chose suboptimal foods, with visually deviated suboptimal foods (apples with brown spots) having the lowest acceptance (9.9%). Consumers perceived suboptimal foods as unattractive and that they should be consumed quickly. Malays were less likely to accept suboptimal foods, while middle-income households were more likely to accept suboptimal foods at home. In conclusion, consumers have a low acceptance of suboptimal food, and suboptimal food was perceived as unappealing and that it should be consumed quickly. Notwithstanding the findings that emerge from this, the results may lack generalisability to the wider population as only a convenience sample was used.
Finite-Time Stabilization of Unstable Orbits in the Fractional Difference Logistic Map
Authors: Uzdila Ernestas , Telksniene Inga , Telksnys Tadas , Ragulskis Minvydas
Published: July 2023

A control scheme for finite-time stabilization of unstable orbits of the fractional difference logistic map is proposed in this paper. The presented technique is based on isolated perturbation impulses used to correct the evolution of the map’s trajectory after it deviates too far from the neighborhood of the unstable orbit, and does not require any feedback control loops. The magnitude of the control impulses is determined by means of H-rank algorithm, which helps to reveal the pseudo-manifold of non-asymptotic convergence of the fractional difference logistic map. Numerical experiments are used to illustrate the effectiveness and the feasibility of the proposed approach, which is applicable beyond the studied fractional difference logistic map.
An Image-Denoising Framework Using ℓq Norm-Based Higher Order Variation and Fractional Variation with Overlapping Group Sparsity
Authors: Zhang Xi , Cai Guangcheng , Li Minmin , Bi Shaojiu
Published: July 2023

As one of the most significant issues in imaging science, image denoising plays a major role in plenty of image processing applications. Due to the ill-posed nature of image denoising, total variation regularization is widely used in image denoising problems for its capability to suppress noise and preserve image edges. Nevertheless, traditional total variation will inevitably yield undesirable staircase artifacts when applied to recorded images. Inspired by the success of ℓq norm minimization and overlapping group sparsity in image denoising, and the effective staircase artifacts removal by fractional total variation, the hybrid model which combines the fractional order total variation with overlapping group sparsity and higher order total variation with ℓq norm is developed in this paper to restore images corrupted by Gaussian noise. An efficient algorithm based on the parallel linear alternating direction method of multipliers is developed for solving the corresponding model and the numerical experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach against several state-of-the-art methods, in terms of peak signal-to-noise ratio and structure similarity index measure values.
Proniosomal Gel-Loaded Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors (Sildenafil, Vardenafil, and Tadalafil): Prospects for Topical Penile Therapy of Tadalafil for Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Mohamed Soad A. , Rofaeil Remon Roshdy , Salem Hesham , Elrehany Mahmoud , Asiri Yahya I. , Al Fatease Adel , Abdelkader Hamdy
Published: July 2023

Oral phosphodiesterase inhibitors have emerged as a game changer for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) since attaining FDA approval for its first member, sildenafil, in 1998. Topical penile therapy could be a viable replacement for oral medication that would transform the treatment of ED for many decades to come. This innovative idea could offer a safer topical alternative with less vision and cardiovascular side effects than the oral route. This work aims at developing proniosomal gels for three selected members (sildenafil, vardenafil, and tadalafil) and investigating the proniosomal gels on a rodent model. Niosomes derived from the parent proniosomal gels were characterized for entrapment efficiency (EE%), size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, and morphology. Proniosomal gels were evaluated for skin permeation, in vivo mating behaviors, and biochemical assays of nitric oxide (NO) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) post penile topical administrations. The optimized proniosomes loaded with tadalafil (F1-T) were compared with oral tablets (Cialis®). Proniosomal gels demonstrated significant enhancement of skin penetration by up to 5.5-fold, compared to control topical suspension. Tadalafil-loaded proniosomes showed superior skin permeability over sildenafil- and vardenafil-loaded proniosomes. In addition, significant improvement was noticed regarding intromission number, intromission ratio, NO, and cGMP for the proniosomal gel F1-T, compared to the untreated control. No statistically significant (p > 0.05) differences in sexual performance or biochemical parameters (NO and cGMP levels) were recorded among orally and topically (tadalafil proniosomal gel) administered groups. These findings support tadalafil topical penile therapy as a promising alternative to the oral route.
Brain Targeted AAV1-GALC Gene Therapy Reduces Psychosine and Extends Lifespan in a Mouse Model of Krabbe Disease
Authors: Herdt Aimee R. , Peng Hui , Dickson Dennis W. , Golde Todd E. , Eckman Elizabeth A. , Lee Chris W.
Published: July 2023

Krabbe disease (KD) is a progressive and devasting neurological disorder that leads to the toxic accumulation of psychosine in the white matter of the central nervous system (CNS). The condition is inherited via biallelic, loss-of-function mutations in the galactosylceramidase (GALC) gene. To rescue GALC gene function in the CNS of the twitcher mouse model of KD, an adeno-associated virus serotype 1 vector expressing murine GALC under control of a chicken β-actin promoter (AAV1-GALC) was administered to newborn mice by unilateral intracerebroventricular injection. AAV1-GALC treatment significantly improved body weight gain and survival of the twitcher mice (n = 8) when compared with untreated controls (n = 5). The maximum weight gain after postnatal day 10 was significantly increased from 81% to 217%. The median lifespan was extended from 43 days to 78 days (range: 74–88 days) in the AAV1-GALC-treated group. Widespread expression of GALC protein and alleviation of KD neuropathology were detected in the CNS of the treated mice when examined at the moribund stage. Functionally, elevated levels of psychosine were completely normalized in the forebrain region of the treated mice. In the posterior region, which includes the mid- and the hindbrain, psychosine was reduced by an average of 77% (range: 53–93%) compared to the controls. Notably, psychosine levels in this region were inversely correlated with body weight and lifespan of AAV1-GALC-treated mice, suggesting that the degree of viral transduction of posterior brain regions following ventricular injection determined treatment efficacy on growth and survivability, respectively. Overall, our results suggest that viral vector delivery via the cerebroventricular system can partially correct psychosine accumulation in brain that leads to slower disease progression in KD.
Genetic History of the Altai Breed Horses: From Ancient Times to Modernity
Authors: Kusliy Mariya A. , Yurlova Anna A. , Neumestova Alexandra I. , Vorobieva Nadezhda V. , Gutorova Natalya V. , Molodtseva Anna S. , Trifonov Vladimir A. , Popova Kseniya O. , Polosmak Natalia V. , Molodin Vyacheslav I. , Vasiliev Sergei K. , Semibratov Vladimir P. , Iderkhangai Tumur-O. , Kovalev Alexey A. , Erdenebaatar Diimaajav , Graphodatsky Alexander S. , Tishkin Alexey A.
Published: July 2023

This study focuses on expanding knowledge about the genetic diversity of the Altai horse native to Siberia. While studying modern horses from two Altai regions, where horses were subjected to less crossbreeding, we tested the hypothesis, formulated on the basis of morphological data, that the Altai horse is represented by two populations (Eastern and Southern) and that the Mongolian horse has a greater genetic proximity to Eastern Altai horses. Bone samples of ancient horses from different cultures of Altai were investigated to clarify the genetic history of this horse breed. As a genetic marker, we chose hypervariable region I of mitochondrial DNA. The results of the performed phylogenetic and population genetic analyses of our and previously published data confirmed the hypothesis stated above. As we found out, almost all the haplotypes of the ancient domesticated horses of Altai are widespread among modern Altai horses. The differences between the mitochondrial gene pools of the ancient horses of Altai and Mongolia are more significant than between those of modern horses of the respective regions, which is most likely due to an increase in migration processes between these regions after the Early Iron Age.
New Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Model for Nepal Himalayas by Integrating Distributed Seismicity and Major Thrust Faults
Authors: Maharjan Saroj , Poujol Antoine , Martin Christophe , Ameri Gabriele , Baumont David , Hashemi Kiana , Benjelloun Yacine , Shible Hussein
Published: July 2023

Nepal is one of the most seismically active regions in the world, as highlighted by the recent devastating 2015, Mw~7.8 Gorkha earthquake, and a robust assessment of seismic hazard is paramount for the design of earthquake-resistant structures. In this study, we present a new probabilistic seismic hazard assessment (PSHA) for Nepal. We considered data and findings from recent scientific publications, which allowed us to develop a unified magnitude homogenized seismicity catalog and propose alternative seismic source characterization (SSC) models including up-to-date parameters of major thrust faults like main frontal thrust (MFT) and main boundary thrust (MBT), while also considering existing SSC models and various seismic hazard modeling strategies within a logic tree framework. The sensitivity analyses show the seismic hazard levels are generally higher for SSC models integrating the major thrust faults, followed by homogenous volume sources and smoothed seismicity approach. The seismic hazard maps covering the entirety of Nepal are presented as well as the uniform hazard spectra (UHS) for five selected locations (Kathmandu, Pokhara, Biratnagar, Nepalganj, and Dipayal) at return periods of 475- and 2475-years considering Vs,30 = 760 m/s. The results obtained are generally consistent with most recent studies. However, a notable variability in seismic hazard levels and several discrepancies with respect to the Nepal Building Building Code NBC105: 2020 and global hazard model, GEM are noted, and possible causes are discussed.
Compilation of Regional Homogeneous Seismic Catalog for Identification of Tsunamigenic Zones in the Black Sea Region
Authors: Oynakov Emil , Dimitrova Liliya , Pashova Lyubka , Dragomirov Dragomir
Published: July 2023

Although tsunamis in the Black Sea are rare and less destructive, recently, their study has been the subject of interest due to the increasing concentration of population and infrastructure in low-lying coastal areas. This study aims to elucidate the spatial–temporal characteristics of earthquakes in the Black Sea region (27° E–42° E and 40° N–47° N) over a century to clarify the seismicity pattern further to be used for probabilistic seismic and tsunami hazard analysis. Significant volumes of seismic data from international and national databases were analyzed, and the results obtained from previous research were supplemented and expanded. Earthquakes over the period 1905–2022 from eight up-to-date seismic catalogs were used to compile a unified catalog after conversion to the moment magnitude scale Mw. The best-fit linear relationship between several magnitude scales and Mw was determined using the general orthogonal regression (GOR) and the least squares method (LSM). After the declustering procedure, the compiled catalog consists of 18,528 unique events. To assess the catalog data quality, the magnitude of completeness Mc was estimated for the entire catalog (1905–2022) and the so-called instrumental catalog (1977–2022). In addition, the spatial distribution of the completeness magnitude Mc and the recurrence b-plot slope in the Gutenberg–Richter distribution law were assessed using the goodness-of-fit and maximum likelihood methods from the instrumental catalog data. Finally, the most significant earthquakes within the Black Sea boundaries were estimated with their parameters and focal mechanisms. A possibility of the realization of strong quakes in the near future with tsunamigenic potential in the Black Sea region was concluded.
The Intra-Hospital Medical Dispute Burden and Capacities: A Nationwide Survey in Taiwan
Authors: Chia Wen-Chun , Chen Li-Sheng , Wang Sen-Te
Published: July 2023

(1) Background: Medical disputes have long been resolved via lawsuits. Alternative dispute resolutions have been promoted for their benefits and win–win results. This study aims to investigate Taiwanese hospital medical dispute capacities and burdens. (2) Methods: This study used 2015 nationwide questionnaire data. The number and value of medical disputes that occurred in 2014 was examined to evaluate hospitals’ capabilities. Poisson regressions were used to determine the impact of coping abilities on the incidence of disputes and the associated compensation. (3) Results: The response rate of the questionnaire was 90%. Hospital features associated with higher medical disputes incidence included those of a scale ≤ 100 or 200–499 and having a dispute–inform process of over 4 h. In contrast, hospitals whose compensation fund was solely based on medical liability insurance reported less medical dispute incidence. The features associated with higher compensation were lack of continuing training and having a dispute–inform process over 4 h. In contrast, hospitals with standard operating procedures for in-hospital mediation and solicitude paid lower compensation. (4) Conclusions: Hospitals with quicker response times experienced fewer medical disputes and paid lower compensation. Dispute coping skills, other than reaction time, were more visible in compensation bargaining, but were not significantly correlated with incidence.
Facilitators Associated with Nursing Burnout in the Ambulatory Care Setting as COVID-19 Subsides: A Rapid Review
Authors: Lieneck Cristian , Bair Jolene , Ardell Stephanie , Aldridge Brittany , Austin B. J.
Published: July 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the healthcare industry and its workforce, particularly nurses, who have been at the forefront of patient care. As the world begins to emerge from the pandemic, attention is turning to the long-term effects of the crisis on nurses’ mental health and well-being, and specifically nursing burnout. Prevalent risk factors related to nursing burnout often historically involve high workload, insufficient support and/or resources, work–life imbalance, and even lack of autonomy and organization climate challenges. Understanding the factors that contribute to nursing burnout to help mitigate it is vital to ensuring the ongoing health and well-being of the nursing workforce, especially since the ongoing waning of coronavirus (COVID-19). This rapid review identifies 36 articles and explores the latest research on nursing burnout in outpatient (ambulatory care) healthcare facilities as the global pandemic continues to subside, and therefore identifies constructs that suggest areas for future research beyond previously identified contributing factors of nursing burnout while the pandemic virus levels were high.
Family Medicine and Primary Healthcare: The Past, Present and Future
Authors: Arghittu Antonella , Castiglia Paolo , Dettori Marco
Published: July 2023

As defined by the World Health Organisation in the conference held in Alma Ata, Kazakhstan, in 1978, “Primary health care is essential health care based on practical, scientifically sound, and socially acceptable methods and technology made universally accessible to individuals and families in the community through their full participation and at a cost that the community and country can afford to maintain at every stage of their development in the spirit of self-reliance and self-determination” [...]
Psychometric Assessment of the Romanian Version of the Index of Dental Anxiety and Fear (IDAF-4C+)
Authors: Done Alexandra Elena , Preoteasa Elena , Preoteasa Cristina Teodora
Published: July 2023

Background and Objectives: The goal of this study was to assess the validity of the Romanian version of the Index of Dental Anxiety and Fear (IDAF-4C+) questionnaire. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on a convenience sample of past patients and their acquaintances through an online questionnaire administered on the Google Forms platform between May 2021 and September 2022. The sections of the survey were demographic characteristics, the dental anxiety scale questionnaire, the IDAF-4C+ questionnaire, a single question about dental fear, and previous dental treatments. Results: In total, 239 participants were included in the study, and the mean age was 37. The IDAF-4C questionnaire had good internal validity (Cronbach alpha was 0.945). The IDAF-4C had good convergent validity, and it was positively correlated with the dental anxiety scale (r = 0.825, p < 0.001) and the question about the fear of going to the dentist (r = 0.738, p < 0.001). The questionnaire had good reliability, and the intraclass correlation was 0.985. Lower levels of dental anxiety were associated with scaling, orthodontic treatment, and dental implants. A confirmatory factor analysis was conducted after the removal of the first question from the phobia module, and residual covariance was added between items four and nine of the stimulus module, showing a good fit for the retained questions of the IDAF-4C+, grouped by module. Conclusions: The Romanian version of the IDAF-4C+ showed acceptable psychometric properties.
Material and Performance Optimisation for Syngas Preparation Using Artificial Intelligence (AI)-Based Machine Learning (ML)
Authors: Peksen Murphy M.
Published: July 2023

Working towards a more sustainable future with zero emissions, the International Future Laboratory for Hydrogen Economy at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) exhibits concerted efforts across various hydrogen technologies. The current research focuses on pre-reforming processes for high-quality reversible solid oxide cell feedstock preparation. An AI-based machine learning model has been developed, trained, and deployed to predict and optimise the controlled utilisation of methane gas. Using a blend of design of experiments and a validated 3D computational fluid dynamics model, pre-reforming process data have been generated for various syngas mixtures. The results of this study indicate that it is possible to achieve a targeted methane utilisation rate of 20% while decreasing the amount of catalyst material by 11%. Furthermore, it was found that precise process parameters could be determined efficiently and with minimal resource consumption in order to achieve higher methane fuel utilisation rates of 25% and 30%. The machine learning model has been effectively employed to analyse and optimise the fuel outlet conditions of the pre-reforming process, contributing to a better understanding of high-quality syngas preparation and furthering sustainable research efforts for a safe reversible solid oxide cell (r-SOC) process.
SARS-CoV-2 Infection Increases the Risk of Muscle Injury in Professional Male Soccer Players—A Retrospective Analysis of the Italian and Spanish Major Leagues
Authors: Miccinilli Sandra , Bravi Marco , Conti Giorgio , Bressi Federica , Sterzi Silvia , Santacaterina Fabio , Ciccozzi Massimo
Published: July 2023

A retrospective cohort study on professional soccer players from the Serie A and LaLiga was conducted to investigate the correlation between SARS-CoV-2 infection and muscle injuries. Players were divided into two groups based on whether they contracted the SARS-CoV-2 infection (C+) or not (C−) during the 2020/2021 season. In the 2019–2020 season, both championships showed a similar number of muscular injuries (MI) between C+ and C− (Serie A: p = 0.194; 95% CI: −0.044 to 0.215, LaLiga p = 0.915; 95% CI: −0.123 to 0.137). In the 2020–2021 season, C+ had a significantly higher number of MI compared to C− in both championships (Serie A: p < 0.05; 95% CI 0.731 to 1.038; LaLiga: p < 0.05; 95% CI: 0.773 to 1.054). Multiple linear regression analysis confirmed that belonging to C+ in the season 2020/2021 was the variable that most strongly influenced the probability of having a muscle injury. Survival analysis revealed a hazard ratio of 3.73 (95% CI 3.018 to 4.628) and of 5.14 (95% CI 3.200 to 8.254) for Serie A and LaLiga respectively. We found an association between SARS-CoV-2 infection and increased risk of muscle injury, emphasizing the importance of carefully considering the infection in the decision-making process for returning to sport. Therefore, SARS-CoV-2 infection should be judged as a real injury requiring specific assessment and training programs.
Binder-Free CoMn2O4 Nanoflower Particles/Graphene/Carbon Nanotube Composite Film for a High-Performance Lithium-Ion Battery
Authors: Tong Xin , Yang Bo , Li Fei , Gu Manqi , Zhan Xinxing , Tian Juan , Huang Shengyun , Wang Gang
Published: July 2023

Manganese-based bimetallic oxides show a high theoretical specific capacity, making them a potential next-generation lithium-ion battery anode material. However, as with metal oxide anode materials, aggregation, volume expansion, and poor conductivity are the main obstacles. In this manuscript, flexible CoMn2O4/graphene/carbon nanotube films were successfully prepared through a facile filtration strategy and a subsequent thermal treatment process. When used as anodes for lithium batteries, these films can be pressed onto nickel foam without other conductive additives and binders, which simplifies the manufacturing process. When used as an anode in the lithium-ion battery, CoMn2O4/GR/CNT film exhibits a high discharge capacity of 881 mAh g−1 after 55 cycles. This value is ~2 times higher than the discharge capacity of CoMn2O4. The three-dimensional GR/CNT carrier effectively dispersed CoMn2O4, preventing its aggregation and alleviating the problem of volume expansion.
Beyond Vegetation: A Review Unveiling Additional Insights into Agriculture and Forestry through the Application of Vegetation Indices
Authors: Vélez Sergio , Martínez-Peña Raquel , Castrillo David
Published: July 2023

Vegetation indices (VIs) have long been a crucial tool for monitoring plant growth and health, assessing the impact of environmental factors on vegetation, and supporting decision-making processes in agriculture and forestry. Traditionally, these mathematical formulations, leveraging the spectral response of plants to sunlight, have been instrumental in assessing vegetation health. However, emerging research suggests some unconventional applications that extend the scope of VIs. This article surveys the traditional and novel uses of VIs in various fields, including other applications such as climate change studies, disaster management, or microorganism assessment. It underscores the value of VIs, such as the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), or the enhanced vegetation index (EVI), in tracking climate-related shifts, mitigating the impact of disasters, assessing microbial terroir, organic production, and even aiding the wine industry. Nonetheless, despite their promise, the practical application of VIs also presents interpretational and technical challenges that need to be addressed. Hence, while the vast potential of VIs is underscored in this article, it also calls for continued technological advancements and research efforts to fully harness their benefits, ultimately aiding in the sustainable management of our environment. The objective of this review is not only to reflect on the current situation, but also to explore innovative and unconventional applications of vegetation indices. This involves anticipating the potential of this dynamic and rapidly advancing scientific tool, rather than solely following mainstream approaches.
Wearable Cardioverter Defibrillator Shortens the Lengths of Stay in Patients with Left Ventricular Dysfunction after Myocardial Infarction: A Single-Centre Real-World Experience
Authors: Cardelli Laura Sofia , Delbaere Quentin , Massin François , Granier Mathieu , Casella Gianni , Barbato Gaetano , Dupasquier Valentin , Macia Jean-Christophe , Leclercq Florence , Pasquie Jean-Luc , Roubille François
Published: July 2023

The wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WCD) has been proven to be effective in preventing sudden cardiac death (SCD) in patients soon after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤35%. The aim of this study was to assess whether a WCD may shorten the length of an initial hospital stay (total length, days in the intensive care unit (ICU) and in the acute cardiac care unit (ACCU)) among these patients. This was a single-centre, retrospective observational study of patients referred for the management of SCD risk post-AMI and LVEF ≤35%, in a tertiary care hospital. The clinical characteristics and length of index hospitalization of the group of patients discharged, with or without WCD, were compared. A propensity score analysis was performed, then weighted regression models were conducted. A total of 101 patients in the WCD group and 29 in the control group were enrolled in the analysis. In the weighted regression models, WCD significantly reduced the days spent in ACCU (p < 0.001). WCD patients had significantly fewer days spent in ACCU (5.5 ± 2.6 vs. 8.4 ± 12.8 days, p < 0.001) and shorter hospitalizations (10.2 ± 5.7 vs. 13.4 ± 17.6 days, p = 0.005), compared with the control group. It was concluded that the WCD appears to reduce the total length of hospitalization and lengths of stay in ACCU for patients post-AMI and with left ventricular dysfunction.
Infective Endocarditis Risk with Melody versus Sapien Valves Following Transcatheter Pulmonary Valve Implantation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Prospective Cohort Studies
Authors: Machanahalli Balakrishna Akshay , Dilsaver Danielle B. , Aboeata Ahmed , Gowda Ramesh M. , Goldsweig Andrew M. , Vallabhajosyula Saraschandra , Anderson Jason H. , Simard Trevor , Jhand Aravdeep
Published: July 2023

Background: Transcatheter pulmonary valve implantation (TPVI) is an effective non-surgical treatment method for patients with right ventricle outflow tract dysfunction. The Medtronic Melody and the Edwards Sapien are the two valves approved for use in TPVI. Since TPVI patients are typically younger, even a modest annual incidence of infective endocarditis (IE) is significant. Several previous studies have shown a growing risk of IE after TPVI. There is uncertainty regarding the overall incidence of IE and differences in the risk of IE between the valves. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in the MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, and Cochrane databases from inception to 1 January 2023 using the search terms ‘pulmonary valve implantation’, ‘TPVI’, or ‘PPVI’. The primary outcome was the pooled incidence of IE following TPVI in Melody and Sapien valves and the difference in incidence between Sapien and Melody valves. Fixed effect and random effect models were used depending on the valve. Meta-regression with random effects was conducted to test the difference in the incidence of IE between the two valves. Results: A total of 22 studies (including 10 Melody valve studies, 8 Sapien valve studies, and 4 studies that included both valves (572 patients that used the Sapien valve and 1395 patients that used the Melody valve)) were used for the final analysis. Zero IE incidence following TPVI was reported by eight studies (66.7%) that utilized Sapien valves compared to two studies (14.3%) that utilized Melody valves. The pooled incidence of IE following TPVI with Sapien valves was 2.1% (95% CI: 0.9% to 5.13%) compared to 8.5% (95% CI: 4.8% to 15.2%) following TPVI with Melody valves. Results of meta-regression indicated that the Sapien valve had a 79.6% (95% CI: 24.2% to 94.4%, p = 0.019; R2 = 34.4) lower risk of IE incidence compared to the Melody valve. Conclusions: The risk of IE following TPVI differs significantly. A prudent valve choice in favor of Sapien valves to lower the risk of post-TPVI endocarditis may be beneficial.
Alteration of Metabolic Syndrome Is Associated with the Decreased Risk of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Jin Eun Hyo , Choi Yoon Jin , Lim Joo Hyun , Shin Cheol Min , Han Kyungdo , Lee Dong Ho
Published: July 2023

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) can be resolved through active control. We aimed to examine the effect of changes in MetS status on colorectal cancer (CRC) risk. A total of 5,704,611 Korean national insurance beneficiaries that received two consecutive biennial mandatory health exams (2009–2011) were followed-up until 2017. MetS was determined as the presence of at least three of five components. Participants were categorized into four groups according to the change in MetS status; MetS-never, -resolved, -developed, or -persistent. A Cox proportional hazards model adjusted for age, sex, smoking, alcohol drinking, and physical exercise was used. Participants who recovered from MetS had a higher risk of CRC than those free of MetS but had a lower risk than those with persistent MetS (HR: 0.91, 95% CI: 0.86–0.95 vs. HR: 0.75, 95% CI: 0.73–0.78; reference: persistence group). Among the five MetS components, resolving high blood pressure, abdominal obesity, and blood sugar had a preventive effect on CRC prevention, while normalization of lipid profile did not reduce CRC risk independently. Resolving MetS could reduce CRC risk compared to having persistent MetS, indicating the necessity of considering control of MetS as a CRC prevention policy.
Effect of the Abutment Rigidity on the Wear Resistance of a Lithium Disilicate Glass Ceramic: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Kosewski Przemysław , De Angelis Francesco , Sorrentino Edoardo , Mielczarek Agnieszka , Buonvivere Matteo , D’Arcangelo Camillo
Published: July 2023

Lithium disilicate (LDS) glass ceramics are among the most common biomaterials in conservative dentistry and prosthodontics, and their wear behavior is of paramount clinical interest. An innovative in vitro model is presented, which employs CAD/CAM technology to simulate the periodontal ligament and alveolar bone. The model aims to evaluate the effect of the abutment rigidity on the wear resistance of the LDS glass ceramic. Two experimental groups (LDS restorations supported by dental implants, named LDS-on-Implant, or by hybrid ceramic tooth replicas with artificial periodontal ligament, named LDS-on-Tooth-Replica) and a control group (LDS-Cylinders) were compared. Fifteen samples (n = 15) were fabricated for each group and subjected to testing, with LDS antagonistic cusps opposing them over 120,000 cycles using a dual axis chewing simulator. Wear resistance was analyzed by measuring the vertical wear depth (mm) and the volume loss (mm3) on each LDS sample, as well as the linear antagonist wear (mm) on LDS cusps. Mean values were calculated for LDS-Cylinders (0.186 mm, 0.322 mm3, 0.220 mm, respectively), LDS-on-Implant (0.128 mm, 0.166 mm3, 0.199 mm, respectively), and LDS-on-Tooth-Replica (0.098 mm, 0.107 mm3, 0.172 mm, respectively) and compared using one-way-ANOVA and Tukey’s tests. The level of significance was set at 0.05 in all tests. Wear facets were inspected under a scanning electron microscope. Data analysis revealed that abutment rigidity was able to significantly affect the wear pattern of LDS, which seems to be more intense on rigid implant-abutment supports compared to resilient teeth replicas with artificial periodontal ligament.
Differing Aspects of Free and Bound Waves in Obtaining Orbital Velocities from Surface Wave Records
Authors: Saprykina Yana , Kuznetsov Sergey , Aydogan Burak , Ayat Berna , Shtremel Margarita
Published: July 2023

In coastal zones, the accurate calculation of orbital particle velocities from surface wave measurements is quite important for estimating sediment transport, which is essentially controlled by the near-bottom velocity field. The main difficulty in obtaining orbital velocities from surface wave profiles is associated with the simultaneous existence of free and bound waves of the second harmonic with the same frequencies but different wave numbers. In a laboratory experiment, a discrepancy between the orbital velocities measured at different depths and the velocities obtained from synchronous wave records with the widely used transfer function of the linear theory was shown. The main reason for this was the different attenuations of free and bound waves with depth. Modeling with high spatial resolution made it possible to separate the free and bound waves and confirm this finding. It was found that free wave amplitudes decay with depth in exact accordance with the linear theory, while bound wave amplitudes decay much faster than the linear wave and Stokes theories predict. This difference and the unknown law of bound waves’ attenuation can lead to the inference of inaccurate orbital velocities from free surface elevations.
A Review on the Antimicrobial Activity of Chitosan Microspheres: Milestones Achieved and Miles to Go
Authors: Muthu Manikandan , Pushparaj Suraj Shiv Charan , Gopal Judy , Sivanesan Iyyakkannu
Published: July 2023

Chitosan is a natural biodegradable polymer that is recovered from marine shell wastes. It has been widely employed in anticancer, antioxidant, and antibacterial applications due to its outstanding qualities, including biological compatibility, muco-adhesivity, hemocompatibility, and biodegradability. The contributions of this polymer have established it with respect to biomedical applications. The distinct morphologies of chitosan, such as in nanoparticulate and microparticulate for MS and as derivatives and composites have extended its visages even beyond biomedicine. This review specifically summarizes the biomedical highlights of chitosan-based MS. Special attention has been focused on the antimicrobial accomplishments of chitosan-based MS. The impact of chitosan MS against bacteria, fungi and viruses has been reviewed. The gaps in its usage for antimicrobial investigations have been addressed. The lack of significant contribution from chitosan MS towards antifungal and antiviral applications has been explicitly highlighted. Future recommendations and the scope for expansion have been suggested.