bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Revolutionizing Donor Heart Procurement: Innovations and Future Directions for Enhanced Transplantation Outcomes
Authors: Leon Marc
Published: July 2024

Heart failure persists as a critical public health challenge, with heart transplantation esteemed as the optimal treatment for patients with end-stage heart failure. However, the limited availability of donor hearts presents a major obstacle to meeting patient needs. In recent years, the most groundbreaking progress in heart transplantation has been in donor heart procurement, significantly expanding the donor pool and enhancing clinical outcomes. This review comprehensively examines these advancements, including the resurgence of heart donation after circulatory death and innovative recovery and evaluation technologies such as normothermic machine perfusion and thoraco-abdominal normothermic regional perfusion. Additionally, novel preservation methods, including controlled hypothermic preservation and hypothermic oxygenated perfusion, are evaluated. The review also explores the use of extended-criteria donors, post-cardiopulmonary resuscitation donors, and high-risk donors, all contributing to increased donor availability without compromising outcomes. Future directions, such as xenotransplantation, biomarkers, and artificial intelligence in donor heart evaluation and procurement, are discussed. These innovations promise to address current limitations and optimize donor heart utilization, ultimately enhancing transplantation success. By identifying recent advancements and proposing future research directions, this review aims to provide insights into advancing heart transplantation and improving patient outcomes.
Advances in Psychotropic Treatment for Pregnant Women: Efficacy, Adverse Outcomes, and Therapeutic Monitoring
Authors: Costa Bárbara , Vale Nuno
Published: July 2024

Advancements in psychotropic therapy for pregnant women are pivotal for addressing maternal mental health during the perinatal period. Screening for mood and anxiety symptoms during pregnancy is recommended to enable early intervention. Psychotropic medications, including antidepressants, benzodiazepines, antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers, are commonly used, but challenges remain regarding their safety and efficacy during pregnancy. Pregnancy induces significant changes in pharmacokinetics, necessitating personalized dosing strategies and careful monitoring. Real-time monitoring technologies, such as smartphone-integrated platforms and home-based monitoring, enhance accessibility and accuracy. Prospective studies and collaboration among healthcare providers are essential for evidence-based guidelines and optimal treatment strategies. Reducing stigma around mental health during pregnancy is crucial to ensure women seek help and discuss treatment options, promoting understanding and acceptance within the community.
Seminological, Hormonal and Ultrasonographic Features of Male Factor Infertility Due to Genetic Causes: Results from a Large Monocentric Retrospective Study
Authors: Mazzilli Rossella , Petrucci Simona , Zamponi Virginia , Golisano Bianca , Pecora Giulia , Mancini Camilla , Salerno Gerardo , Alesi Laura , De Santis Ilaria , Libi Fabio , Rossi Carla , Borro Marina , Raffa Salvatore , Visco Vincenzo , Defeudis Giuseppe , Piane Maria , Faggiano Antongiulio
Published: July 2024

Objectives: Evaluate the prevalence of genetic factors in a large population of infertile subjects and define the seminological, hormonal, and ultrasonographic features for each alteration. Methods: This single-center retrospective study included male partners of infertile couples undergoing genetic investigations due to oligozoospermia or azoospermia evaluated from January 2012 to January 2022. The genetic investigations consist of karyotype, CFTR gene mutations plus variant of the IVS8-5T polymorphic trait, Y chromosome microdeletion, and Next Generation Sequencing panel to analyze genes implicated in congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH). Results: Overall, 15.4% (72/466) of patients received a diagnosis of genetic cause of infertility. Specifically, 23 patients (31.9%) harbor mutations in the CFTR gene, 22 (30.6%) have a 47, XXY karyotype, 14 (19.4%) patients show a Y chromosome microdeletion, 7 (9.7%) have structural chromosomal anomalies, and 6 (8.3%) have CHH. Overall, 80.6% of patients were azoospermic and 19.4% oligozoospermic (sperm concentration 3.5 ± 3.8 million/mL). Almost all patients presented hormonal alterations related to the specific genotype, while the main ultrasound alterations were testicular hypoplasia, calcifications/microcalcifications, and enlarged/hyperechoic epididymis. Conclusions: The prevalence of genetic abnormalities in males of infertile couples was 15.4% in our Center. CFTR gene disease-causing variants resulted in more frequent, with various clinical features, highlighting the complexity and heterogeneity of the presentation. Other investigations are needed to understand if conditions like ring chromosomes and other translocations are related to infertility or are incidental factors.
Heightened Serum Mitochondrial Biomarkers; FGF21 and NOS in Pediatric Anemia and a Negative Correlation between GDF15 and Serum Ferritin
Authors: Çakmak Hatice Mine , Alpay Merve , Mahdızadeh Cansu , Özalp Seray Çevikel , Türay Sevim , Özde Şükriye , Kocabay Kenan
Published: July 2024

Objective: Mitochondrial dysfunction is closely linked to chronic disorders. This study aims to explore the correlation between pediatric anemia and mitochondrial markers, specifically fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), growth/differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15), and nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). Method: This study included 66 children, with 34 diagnosed with anemia and 32 in the healthy control group. Statistically significant biomarkers were determined through cutoff levels. Results: Among the participants, 34 children were classified as anemic, while 32 were categorized as healthy. The study revealed that FGF21 levels ≥ 0.745 pg/mL and eNOS levels ≥ 1.265 µg/mL predicted anemia. Hemoglobin levels exhibited a negative correlation with FGF21 (r = −0.381; p = 0.002) and eNOS levels (r = −0.462; p < 0.001). Furthermore, a significant negative correlation was observed between GDF-15 and ferritin (r = −0.311; p = 0.019), while eNOS levels correlated positively with folate (r = 0.313; p = 0.019). Conclusions: Anemia induced elevated mitochondrial biomarkers; FGF21 and eNOS levels. The findings suggest that the long-term ramifications of anemia in childhood may be associated with mitochondrial dysfunction.
Management of Acute Coronary Syndromes in Older People: Comprehensive Review and Multidisciplinary Practice-Based Recommendations
Authors: Narendren Ahthavan , Whitehead Natalie , Burrell Louise M. , Yudi Matias B. , Yeoh Julian , Jones Nicholas , Weinberg Laurence , Miles Lachlan F. , Lim Han S. , Clark David J. , Al-Fiadh Ali , Farouque Omar , Koshy Anoop N.
Published: July 2024

Managing health care for older adults aged 75 years and older can pose unique challenges stemming from age-related physiological differences and comorbidities, along with elevated risk of delirium, frailty, disability, and polypharmacy. This review is aimed at providing a comprehensive analysis of the management of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) in older patients, a demographic substantially underrepresented in major clinical trials. Because older patients often exhibit atypical ACS symptoms, a nuanced diagnostic and risk stratification approach is necessary. We aim to address diagnostic challenges for older populations and highlight the diminished sensitivity of traditional symptoms with age, and the importance of biomarkers and imaging techniques tailored for older patients. Additionally, we review the efficacy and safety of pharmacological agents for ACS management in older people, emphasizing the need for a personalized and shared decision-making approach to treatment. This review also explores revascularization strategies, considering the implications of invasive procedures in older people, and weighing the potential benefits against the heightened procedural risks, particularly with surgical revascularization techniques. We explore the perioperative management of older patients experiencing myocardial infarction in the setting of noncardiac surgeries, including preoperative risk stratification and postoperative care considerations. Furthermore, we highlight the critical role of a multidisciplinary approach involving cardiologists, geriatricians, general and internal medicine physicians, primary care physicians, and allied health, to ensure a holistic care pathway in this patient cohort.
Evaluation of Endocervical Curettage in Colposcopy in the Turkish Cervical Cancer Screening Program
Authors: Akgor Utku , Ozgul Nejat , Gunes Ali Can , Turkyılmaz Murat , Gultekin Murat
Published: July 2024

Background/Objectives: To investigate the risk factors for CIN2+ lesions (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 3 or worse) in endocervical curettage (ECC) and to evaluate the relationship between the addition of ECC to punch biopsy in terms of the yield of CIN2+ lesions. Methods: Between February 2018 and 2019, data on colposcopy results from 11,944 patients were gathered from the Cancer Department of the Turkish Ministry of Health across the country. A total of 6370 women whom were referred to colposcopy were included in this study. Risk factors were identified using both univariate and multivariate logistic analyses. Results: The median age was 42 years old (range, 30–65). ASC-H (atypical squamous cells-suggestive of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion)/HSIL (high-grade intraepithelial lesion) cytology (OR 7.648 95% CI (3.933–14.871)) and HPV (human papillomavirus)-16/18 infection (OR 2.541 95% CI (1.788–3.611)) were identified as risk factors for having CIN2+ lesions. CIN2+ diagnostic yield by ECC is only 1.2% all patients. CIN2+ diagnostic yield by punch biopsy and ECC are 9.7% and 6% of patients, respectively. A higher CIN2+ yield by ECC was observed with increasing age. Among cytology groups, ASC-H/HSIL has highest CIN2+ yield by ECC. Finally, in patients with incomplete visualization of the squamocolumnar junction (SCJ), ECC yields approximately twice as many CIN2+ lesions. Conclusions: ECC should be considered in cases of advanced patient age and in situations where the SCJ is not routinely visualized. In addition, evaluation of the endocervical canal is necessary in HPV-positive cases infected with HPV-16/18 types and in cases infected with HPV of any type but with cytological abnormalities.
Facilitating Corticomotor Excitability of the Contralesional Hemisphere Using Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation to Improve Upper Limb Motor Recovery from Stroke—A Scoping Review
Authors: Tam Pui Kit , Oey Nicodemus Edrick , Tang Ning , Ramamurthy Guhan , Chew Effie
Published: July 2024

Upper limb weakness following stroke poses a significant global psychosocial and economic burden. Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) is a potential adjunctive treatment in rehabilitation. However, traditional approaches to rebalance interhemispheric inhibition may not be effective for all patients. The supportive role of the contralesional hemisphere in recovery of upper limb motor function has been supported by animal and clinical studies, particularly for those with severe strokes. This review aims to provide an overview of the facilitation role of the contralesional hemisphere for post-stroke motor recovery. While more studies are required to predict responses and inform the choice of NIBS approach, contralesional facilitation may offer new hope for patients in whom traditional rehabilitation and NIBS approaches have failed.
Controversies and Clarifications Regarding the Role of Aspirin in Preeclampsia Prevention: A Focused Review
Authors: Rottenstreich Amihai
Published: July 2024

Preeclampsia is one of the leading causes of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. In recent decades, many studies have evaluated different interventions in order to prevent the occurrence of preeclampsia. Among these, administration of low-dose aspirin from early pregnancy showed consistent evidence of its prophylactic role. In this article, we review the scientific literature on this topic, highlighting the rationale for aspirin use, who should be treated, the timing of initiation and cessation of therapy, the importance of proper dosing, and its role in the prevention of other adverse outcomes.
Epidemiologic Trends in Maxillofacial Trauma Surgery in Germany—Insights from the National DRG Database 2005–2022
Authors: Meisgeier Axel , Pienkohs Simon , Dürrschnabel Florian , Moosdorf Laura , Neff Andreas
Published: July 2024

Background: Maxillofacial trauma (MFT) caused by falls, interpersonal violence or traffic accidents leading to fractures of different facial regions, including the midface and the mandible, are common clinical conditions requiring open reduction and internal fixation. The aim of this study was to analyze the incidence and time trends in MFT-associated surgeries regarding different facial regions in the German healthcare system over time. Materials and methods: Nationwide data regarding the national diagnosis-related group (DRG) inpatient billing system was received from the German Federal Statistical Office for the years 2005–2022. We estimated the age–gender standardized incidence of MFT-associated procedures classified by the Operation and Procedure Classification System (OPS) and evaluated age- and gender-adjusted time trends using Poisson regression analysis. Results: The total standardized incidence rate of MFT-associated procedures in the observational period 2005–2022 was 25.1 (♀13.3; ♂37.5) per 100,000 person-years within a slight significant annual decrease of 0.5%. A significant increase in the incidence of MFT-related procedures within the observational period was found in older adults from 60 to 79 years (+55.1%; ♀+54.8%; ♂+56.3%) and elderly patients over 80 years (+66.7%; ♀+59.1%; ♂+85.1%). Other significant trends are decreases in MFT-related procedures performed in children from 0–14 years (−28.1%; ♀−30.3%; ♂−27.3%) and young adults between 15 and 35 years (−20.4%; ♀−7.3%; ♂−22.5%). Conclusions: MFT-associated surgery is a persisting challenge in the German healthcare system. There is an ongoing transition in MFT-associated surgeries from younger to older patients beyond the scope of demographic change, highlighting the increasing importance of interdisciplinary treatment of patients with pre-existing conditions in maxillofacial surgery. Implementation of injury prevention measures might be beneficial in this population.
Leveraging 3D Atrial Geometry for the Evaluation of Atrial Fibrillation: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Sharp Alexander J. , Betts Timothy R. , Banerjee Abhirup
Published: July 2024

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Managing risk of stroke and AF burden are pillars of AF management. Atrial geometry has long been recognized as a useful measure in achieving these goals. However, traditional diagnostic approaches often overlook the complex spatial dynamics of the atria. This review explores the emerging role of three-dimensional (3D) atrial geometry in the evaluation and management of AF. Advancements in imaging technologies and computational modeling have enabled detailed reconstructions of atrial anatomy, providing insights into the pathophysiology of AF that were previously unattainable. We examine current methodologies for interpreting 3D atrial data, including qualitative, basic quantitative, global quantitative, and statistical shape modeling approaches. We discuss their integration into clinical practice, highlighting potential benefits such as personalized treatment strategies, improved outcome prediction, and informed treatment approaches. Additionally, we discuss the challenges and limitations associated with current approaches, including technical constraints and variable interpretations, and propose future directions for research and clinical applications. This comprehensive review underscores the transformative potential of leveraging 3D atrial geometry in the evaluation and management of AF, advocating for its broader adoption in clinical practice.
Evaluation of Short-Term Effects on Colorectal Surgery Elective Patients after Implementing a Patient Blood Management Program: A Multicenter Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Carannante Filippo , Capolupo Gabriella Teresa , Barberio Manuel , Altamura Amedeo , Miacci Valentina , Scopigno Martina Zenobia , Circhetta Erika , Costa Gianluca , Caricato Marco , Viola Massimo Giuseppe
Published: July 2024

Introduction: Patients who undergo surgery may require a blood transfusion and patients undergoing major colorectal surgery are more prone to preoperative and perioperative anemia. Blood transfusions have, however, long been associated with inflammatory and oncological complications. We aim to investigate the effects of an optimal implementation of a patient blood management (PBM) program in our hospital. Methods: This study retrospectively reviewed data from two different prospectively maintained databases of all patients undergoing elective major colorectal surgery with either a laparoscopic, open, or robotic approach from January 2017 to December 2022 at two different high-volume colorectal surgery Italian centers: the Colorectal Surgery Unit of Fondazione Policlinico Campus Bio-Medico in Rome and the Colorectal Surgery Unit of Fondazione Cardinale Panico in Tricase (Lecce). Our study compares the first group, also known as pre-PBM (January 2017–December 2018) and the second group, known as post-PBM (January 2021–December 2022). Results: A total of 2495 patients, who satisfied the inclusion and exclusion criteria, were included in this study, with, respectively, 1197 patients in the pre-PBM group and 1298 in the post- PBM group. The surgical approach was similar amongst the two groups, while the operative time was longer in the pre-PBM group than in the post-PBM group (273.0 ± 87 vs. 215.0 ± 124 min; p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in preparatory Hb levels (p = 0.486), while anemia detection was significantly higher post-PBM (p = 0.007). However, the rate of transfusion was drastically reduced since the implementation of PBM, with p = 0.032 for preoperative, p = 0.025 for intraoperative, and p < 0.001 for postoperative. Conclusions: We confirmed the need to reduce blood transfusions and optimize transfusion procedures to improve short-term clinical outcomes of patients. The implementation of the PBM program was associated with a significant reduction in the rate of perioperative transfusions and an increase in only appropriate transfusions.
Business Models Definition for Next-Generation Vision Inspection Systems
Authors: Lupi Francesco , Maffei Antonio , Lanzetta Michele
Published: July 2024

Automated industrial Visual Inspection Systems (VIS) are predominantly designed for specific use cases, resulting in constrained adaptability, high setup requirements, substantial capital investments, and significant knowledge barriers. This paper explores the business potential of recent alternative architectures proposed in the literature for the visual inspection of individual products or complex assemblies within highly variable production environments, utilizing next-generation VIS. These advanced VIS exhibit significant technical (hardware and software) enhancements, such as increased flexibility, reconfigurability, Computer Aided Design (CAD)-based integration, self-X capabilities, and autonomy, as well as economic improvements, including cost-effectiveness, non-invasiveness, and plug-and-produce capabilities. The new trends in VIS have the potential to revolutionize business models by enabling as-a-service approaches and facilitating a paradigm shift towards more sustainable manufacturing and human-centric practices. We extend the discussion to examine how these technological innovations, which reduce the need for extensive coding skills and lengthy reconfiguration activities for operators, can be implemented as a shared resource within a circular lifecycle. This analysis includes detailing the underlying business model that supports shared utilization among different stakeholders, promoting a circular economy in manufacturing by leveraging the capabilities of next-generation VIS. Such an approach not only enhances the sustainability of manufacturing processes but also democratizes access to state-of-the-art inspection technologies, thereby expanding the possibilities for autonomous manufacturing ecosystems.
Production of Ceramic Investment Casting Shells Using Lithography-Based Ceramic Manufacturing and Binder Jetting Technology
Authors: Sviridova Irina , Holling Hendrik , Tang Wenchao , Küll Alexander , Terán Christian Mendieta
Published: July 2024

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the utilization of 3D printing technology for the fabrication of ceramic shells in the context of investment casting. This study encompasses an exploration of various 3D printing techniques such as binder jetting technology and lithography-based ceramic manufacturing applied to ceramic materials tailored for investment casting applications for different materials. Comparative analyses between conventionally manufactured shells and those produced through 3D printing techniques are presented, shedding light on the potential advantages and challenges associated with the adoption of additive manufacturing in investment casting processes. The findings of this study reveal that both methods offer viable solutions for creating ceramic materials suitable as shells for investment casting. Both lithography-based ceramic manufacturing and binder jetting technology exhibit unique advantages and challenges. Lithography-based ceramic manufacturing demonstrates a superior surface finish and resolution, making it particularly suitable for intricate designs and fine details. On the other hand, binder jetting technology presents advantages in terms of speed and scalability, allowing for the rapid production of larger components.
Elucidating Temporal Patterns in Coral Health and Assemblage Structure in Papahānaumokuākea
Authors: Fukunaga Atsuko , Pascoe Kailey H. , Kosaki Randall K. , Burns John H. R.
Published: July 2024

Coral reefs worldwide are under increasing levels of pressure due to global and local stressors. Long-term monitoring of coral reefs through repeated observations at fixed survey sites allows scientists to assess temporal patterns in coral-reef communities and plays important roles in informing managers of the state of the ecosystems. Here, we describe coral assemblages in Papahānaumokuākea, the largest contiguous fully protected marine conservation area in the United States, using long-term monitoring data collected from 20 permanent (fixed) sites at three islands/atolls, Lalo, Kapou and Manawai, between 2014 and 2021. Significant temporal shifts in coral colony composition were detected at some of the monitoring sites, which were attributed to the impact of a mass coral bleaching event in 2014 and Hurricane Walaka in 2018. In particular, the bleaching affected multiple sites at Kapou and one site at Manawai where coral assemblages shifted from the Montipora dilatata/flabellata/turgescens complex to M. capitata dominance; despite being the dominant species at multiple monitoring sites prior to the bleaching, the M. dilatata/flabellata/turgescens complex has not been recorded at any of our monitoring sites in recent years. Coral conditions, such as bleaching, predation, subacute tissue loss, Porites pigmentation response and trematodiasis, did not show differences in the occurrence among the three islands/atolls once the site and temporal variabilities, as well as environmental covariates for bleaching, were considered. Coral genera, however, exhibited different sensitivities to these conditions. These findings highlight the importance of continuing coral reef monitoring at the species level, covering a broad range of coral assemblage compositions and habitat types in Papahānaumokuākea.
Informer-Based Model for Long-Term Ship Trajectory Prediction
Authors: Xiong Caiquan , Shi Hao , Li Jiaming , Wu Xinyun , Gao Rong
Published: July 2024

Ship trajectory prediction is a complex time series forecasting problem that necessitates models capable of accurately capturing both long-term trends and short-term fluctuations in vessel movements. While existing deep learning models excel in short-term predictions, they struggle with long-sequence time series forecasting (LSTF) due to difficulties in capturing long-term dependencies, resulting in significant prediction errors. This paper proposes the Informer-TP method, leveraging Automatic Identification System (AIS) data and based on the Informer model, to enhance the ability to capture long-term dependencies, thereby improving the accuracy of long-term ship trajectory predictions. Firstly, AIS data are preprocessed and divided into trajectory segments. Secondly, the time series is separated from the trajectory data in each segment and input into the model. The Informer model is utilized to improve long-term ship trajectory prediction ability, and the output mechanism is adjusted to enable predictions for each segment. Finally, the proposed model’s effectiveness is validated through comparisons with baseline models, and the influence of various sequence lengths Ltoken on the Informer-TP model is explored. Experimental results show that compared with other models, the proposed model exhibits the lowest Mean Squared Error, Mean Absolute Error, and Haversine distance in long-term forecasting, demonstrating that the model can effectively capture long-term dependencies in the trajectories, thereby improving the accuracy of long-term vessel trajectory predictions. This provides an effective and feasible method for ensuring ship navigation safety and advancing intelligent shipping.
Research on the Supergain Properties and Influencing Factors of a Vector Hydrophone Vertical Array in the Deep Sea
Authors: Liang Yan , Zhang Weixuan , Chen Yu , Meng Zhou
Published: July 2024

Increasing array gains is one of the keys to improving underwater targets’ detection capabilities. This paper presents a high-gain approach for a vector hydrophone vertical array (VHVA) that combines white noise gain constraint (WNGC) with vector joint processing to preserve strong robustness and provide noticeable gains. Firstly, this approach treats the VHVA as four independent sub-arrays and achieves sub-array supergains by decorrelating noise using WNGC. The beam outputs of the four sub-arrays are then equated to a single-vector hydrophone, the combination gain of which is obtained by leveraging the strong signal correlation and the weak noise correlation between the sound pressure and the particle velocity. Lastly, the sub-array supergain and combination gain are superposed to provide the spatial gain of the VHVA. It is also summarized that low-frequency signals, coherent noise, accurate elevation-angle estimation, and stable phase differences are required for the VHVA to achieve supergain. The simulation and sea trial confirm that this approach can effectively boost the array gain. The maximum spatial gain in the experiment was increased by 9 dB at a range twice the sea’s depth while operating at a low frequency. This method shows enormous potential for improving the performance of deep-sea target detection.
Eutrophication Risk Potential Assessment between Forest and Agricultural Sub-Catchments Using LCIA Principles
Authors: Bernasová Tereza , Nedbal Václav , Ghorbani Mohammad , Brom Jakub , Amirahmadi Elnaz , Bernas Jaroslav
Published: July 2024

The management of landscapes and agricultural activities significantly impacts phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) losses, directly influencing eutrophication risk. This study quantifies the eutrophication potential of different land covers through in-situ measurements and analysis of runoff and inorganic substances. The research was conducted in two sub-catchments in the Bedřichovský stream basin, Novohradské hory, Czech Republic: a forest-dominated upper sub-catchment (UFS) and an agricultural lower sub-catchment (LAS). Water flows and surface water samples were measured over a hydrological year (November 2017 to October 2018) to determine runoff and concentrations of nitrate (N-NO3−) and phosphate (P-PO43−). The ReCiPe 2016 method, as a tool for LCIA, was used to quantify the eutrophication potential, converting N and P concentrations into nitrogen equivalents (N eq ha−1 sub-catchment) for marine eutrophication and phosphorus equivalents (P eq ha−1 sub-catchment) for freshwater eutrophication. The potential loss of species (species·yr ha−1 sub-catchment) was assessed as follows. Results indicate UFS has about 60% lower freshwater and 80% lower marine eutrophication potential compared to LAS, along with about 60% lower potential for biodiversity loss. This highlights the role of forest and grassland covers in mitigating eutrophication and protecting water sources. These findings can guide landscape management practices to reduce eutrophication potential, enhancing environmental quality and biodiversity conservation.
Long-Term Ecological and Environmental Quality Assessment Using an Improved Remote-Sensing Ecological Index (IRSEI): A Case Study of Hangzhou City, China
Authors: Cai Cheng , Li Jingye , Wang Zhanqi
Published: July 2024

The integrity and resilience of our environment are confronted with unprecedented challenges, stemming from the escalating pressures of urban expansion and the need for ecological preservation. This study proposes an Improved Remote Sensing Ecological Index (IRSEI), which employs humidity (WET), the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Land Surface Temperature (LST), a standardized Building–Bare Soil Index (NDBSI), aerosol optical depth (AOD), and the comprehensive salinity index (CSI). The IRSEI model was utilized to assess the ecological quality of Hangzhou over the period from 2003 to 2023. Additionally, the random forest model was employed to analyze the factors driving ecological quality. Furthermore, the gradient effect in the horizontal direction away from the urban center was examined using the buffer zone method. Our analysis reveals the following: (1) approximately 95% of the alterations in ecological quality observed from 2003 to 2023 exhibited marginal improvements, declines, or were negligible; (2) the transformations in IRSEI during this period, including variations in surface temperature and transportation networks, exhibited strong correlations (0.85) with human activities. Moreover, the influence of AOD and the comprehensive salinity index on IRSEI demonstrated distinct spatial disparities; (3) the IRSEI remained generally stable up to 30 km outside the city center, indicating a trend of agglomeration in the center and significant areas in the surroundings. The IRSEI serves as a robust framework for bolstering the assessment of regional ecological health, facilitating ecological preservation and rejuvenation efforts, and fostering coordinated sustainable regional development.
Predicting Land Use and Land Cover Changes in the Chindwin River Watershed of Myanmar Using Multilayer Perceptron-Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Bol Theint Thandar , Randhir Timothy O.
Published: July 2024

This study investigates the potential anthropogenic land use activities in the 114,000-km2 Chindwin River Watershed (CRW) in northwestern Myanmar, a biodiversity hotspot. This research evaluates current and future land use scenarios, particularly focusing on areas that provide ecosystem services for local communities and those essential for biodiversity conservation. Remote sensing and geographical information systems were employed to evaluate land use changes in the CRW. We used a supervised classification approach with a random tree to generate land use and land cover (LULC) classifications. We calculated the percentage of change in LULC from 2010 to 2020 and projected future LULC change scenarios for approximately 2030 and 2050. The accuracy of the LULC maps was validated using Cohen’s Kappa statistics. The multilayer perceptron artificial neural network (MLP-ANN) algorithm was utilized to predict future LULC. Our study found that human settlements, wetlands, and bare land areas have increased while forest land has declined. The area covered by human settlements (0.36% of the total in 2000) is projected to increase from 264 km2 in 2000 to 424 km2 by 2050. The study also revealed that forest land has connections to other land categories, indicating a transformation of forest land into other types. The predicted future land use until 2050 reflects the potential impacts of urbanization, population growth, and infrastructure development in the CRW.
Research on the Factors Influencing the Spatial Quality of High-Density Urban Streets: A Framework Using Deep Learning, Street Scene Images, and Principal Component Analysis
Authors: Li Kerun
Published: July 2024

Urban space constitutes a complex system, the quality of which directly impacts the quality of life for residents. In high-density cities, factors such as the green coverage in street spaces, color richness, and accessibility of services are crucial elements affecting daily life. Moreover, the application of advanced technologies, such as deep learning combined with street view image analysis, has certain limitations, especially in the context of high-density urban streets. This study focuses on the street space quality within the urban fabric of the Macau Peninsula, exploring the characteristics of the street space quality within the context of high-density urban environments. By leveraging street view imagery and multi-source urban data, this research employs principal component analysis (PCA) and deep-learning techniques to conduct a comprehensive analysis and evaluation of the key indicators of street space quality. Utilizing semantic segmentation and ArcGIS technology, the study quantifies 16 street space quality indicators. The findings reveal significant variations in service-related indicators such as the DLS, ALS, DCE, and MFD, reflecting the uneven distribution of service facilities. The green coverage index and color richness index, along with other service-related indicators, are notably influenced by tourism and commercial activities. Correlation analysis indicates the presence of land-use conflicts between green spaces and service facilities in high-density urban settings. Principal component analysis uncovers the diversity and complexity of the indicators, with cluster analysis categorizing them into four distinct groups, representing different combinations of spatial quality characteristics. This study innovatively provides a quantitative assessment of street space quality, emphasizing the importance of considering multiple key factors to achieve coordinated urban development and enhance spatial quality. The results offer new perspectives and methodologies for the study of street space quality in high-density urban environments.
An Investigation of the Output Performances of a Triboelectric Nanogenerator Lubricated with TiO2-Doped Oleic Acid
Authors: Shao Jiaqi , Yu Guoyan , He Yixing , Li Jun , Hou Mingxing , Wang Xianmin , Zhang Ping , Wang Xianzhang
Published: July 2024

In the past decade, triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have attracted significant attention across various fields due to their compact size, light weight, high output voltage, versatile shapes, and strong compatibility. However, substantial wear at solid–solid contact interfaces presents a major obstacle to the electrical output stability of TENGs. The objective of this study is to investigate the output performances of TENGs lubricated with TiO2-doped oleic acid. The results suggest that the triboelectrical performances of the polyimide (PI) film sliding against a steel ball under 0.1 wt% TiO2-doped oleic acid are significantly improved compared to those under dry conditions; the growth rates are 35.2%, 103.6, and 85.6%, respectively. Moreover, the coefficient of friction dropped from 0.31 to 0.066. The wear and performance enhancement mechanism are also analyzed. This study provides an effective approach to improve both the electrical performances and tribological behaviors.
Investigation of Thermal and Spectroscopic Properties of Tellurite-Based Glasses Doped with Rare-Earth Oxides for Infrared Solid-State Lasers
Authors: Boussetta Ahlem , Al-Syadi Aref M. , Damak Kamel , Ersundu Ali Erçin , Çelikbilek Ersundu Miray , Ramadan Essam , Alshehri Ali M. , Hussein Khalid I. , Maalej Ramzi , Yousef El Sayed
Published: July 2024

The thermal and optical properties of 60TeO2-20K2TeO3-10WO3-10Nb2O5 (in mol%) glasses doped with Ho2O3, Er2O3, and Tm2O3 were explored in the present work. The thermal stability, refractive index n, extinction coefficient k, absorption coefficient α, and optical band gap of the glasses were evaluated. The UV–Vis–NIR absorption spectra, the Judd–Ofelt intensity parameter, the spectroscopic quality factor, and the emission and absorption cross-sections were calculated to investigate the effects of Er3+ and Tm3+, respectively, on the band spectroscopic properties of Ho3+ ions. The results showed that the maximum emission cross-section was approximately 8×10−21 cm2, and the values of the full width at half maximum (FWHM), quality factor (σe×FWHM), and gain coefficient of Ho3+: 5I7→5I8 were also reported. The value of the FWHM×σe was 1200×10−28 cm3, which showed greater gain characteristics than earlier study results. For 2 μm mid-infrared solid-state lasers, the glasses that were examined might be a good host material.
The Research Effects of Variable Temperature and Early Strength Agent on the Mechanical Properties of Cement-Stabilized Macadam
Authors: Xue Yanhua , Ge Dongdong , Lv Songtao , Wei Hui , Lu Weiwei , Peng Liangchen
Published: July 2024

In cold regions with high daily temperature gradients (>20 °C), the durability of cement-stabilized macadam (CSM) base materials is poor and prone to cracking. To effectively reduce the cracking of semi-rigid base layers in cold regions with high daily temperature gradients and extend fatigue life, this study focused on cracking and fatigue characteristics of CSM with a 10% commercial early strength agent (ESA) added by the external mixing method under different curing conditions. The ESA was manufactured by Jiangsu Subote New Materials Co., Ltd. (Nanjing, China). The curing conditions were divided into variable temperature (0–20 °C) and standard temperature (20 °C). CSM curing was carried out through a programmable curing box. The research results indicated that the variable temperature curing conditions reduced the strength and fatigue resistance of CSM and accelerated the modulus attenuation rate of CSM. At the same time, the drying shrinkage of CSM was greater. The temperature shrinkage coefficient and strain of CSM under variable temperature conditions were smaller than those under standard temperature conditions. The effect of variable temperature conditions on the cracking and durability of CSM could not be ignored in cold regions. Compared to standard temperature curing conditions, the indirect tensile strength of CSM reduced by 31.04% under variable temperature conditions, the coefficient of variation increased by 2.97 times, and the discrete type significantly increased. Compared with CSM without ESA, the dry and temperature shrinkage strains of CSM with 10% ESA were reduced by 24.65% and 26.10%, respectively. At a stress level of 0.6, compared to standard temperature curing conditions, the fatigue life of CSM decreased by 97.19% under variable temperature conditions. Under variable temperature conditions, the fatigue life of CSM with 10% ESA increased by 196 times compared to 0% ESA. Adding ESA enhanced the anti-shrinkage cracking, strength, and durability of CSM under variable temperatures. ESA incorporation effectively compensated for the weakened characteristics of CSM under variable temperature conditions. The study proposed a practical approach for boosting the durability of CSM in cold environments.
High-Gain Dual-Polarization Microstrip Antenna Based on Transmission Focusing Metasurface
Authors: Sun Yibo , Cai Bin , Yang Lingling , Wu Ling , Cheng Yongzhi , Luo Hui , Chen Fu , Li Xiangcheng
Published: July 2024

In this paper, a single-feed microstrip antenna (MA) equipped with a transmission-mode focusing metasurface (MS) is proposed to achieve dual-polarization capabilities and superior high-gain radiation performance. The original-feed MA comprises two distinct layers of coaxial-fed tangential patches, enabling it to emit a circular polarization (CP) wave with a gain of 3.5 dBic at 5.6 GHz and linear polarization (LP) radiation with a gain of 4 dBi at 13.7 GHz. To improve the performance of the single-feed MA, a dual-polarization transmission focusing MS is proposed and numerically substantiated. By positioning the originally designed MA at the focal point of the MS, we create a transmission-mode MS antenna system capable of achieving CP and LP radiations with the significantly higher gains of 12.9 dBic and 14.8 dBi at 5.6 GHz and 13.7 GHz, respectively. Measurements conducted on the fabricated dual-polarization focusing MS antenna closely align with the simulation results, validating the effectiveness of our approach. This work underscores the significant potential of dual-polarization high-speed data systems and offers a practical solution for enhancing antenna gains in contemporary wireless communication systems.
Advanced Material Strategy for Restoring Damaged Endodontically Treated Teeth: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Caussin Elisa , Izart Mathieu , Ceinos Romain , Attal Jean-Pierre , Beres Fleur , François Philippe
Published: July 2024

The restoration of endodontically treated teeth (ETT) remains a significant challenge in modern dentistry. These teeth often suffer from substantial structural damage due to both the original pathology and the invasive nature of endodontic procedures. Consequently, ETT are more susceptible to fractures compared to vital teeth, necessitating restorative strategies that can effectively restore both function and aesthetics while minimizing the risk of failure. In recent years, advances in adhesive dentistry and the development of high-strength ceramics have further expanded the restorative options for ETT. Bonded restorations have gained popularity as they preserve more tooth structure and enhance the overall strenght of the tooth-restoration complex. The choice of restorative material and technique is influenced by numerous factors, including the amount of remaining tooth structure, the functional requirements of the tooth, and the aesthetic demands of the patient. Despite the plethora of available materials and techniques, the optimal approach to restoring ETT remains a topic of ongoing research and debate. In this comprehensive review, the current state of and recent advances in restoring damaged endodontically treated teeth are explored. Numerous therapeutic options exist, involving a wide range of materials. This article aims to present the biomaterial advancements of the past decade and their applications, offering alternative approaches to treating damaged ETT with the goal of prolonging their retention on the dental arch and serving as a valuable resource for dental practitioners who face this issue daily.
Mullite-Fibers-Reinforced Bagasse Cellulose Aerogels with Excellent Mechanical, Flame Retardant, and Thermal Insulation Properties
Authors: Wang Shuang , Sun Miao , Lv Junyi , Gu Jianming , Xu Qing , Li Yage , Zhang Xin , Duan Hongjuan , Li Shaoping
Published: July 2024

Cellulose aerogels are considered as ideal thermal insulation materials owing to their excellent properties such as a low density, high porosity, and low thermal conductivity. However, they still suffer from poor mechanical properties and low flame retardancy. In this study, mullite-fibers-reinforced bagasse cellulose (Mubce) aerogels are designed using bagasse cellulose as the raw material, mullite fibers as the reinforcing agent, glutaraldehyde as the cross-linking agent, and chitosan as the additive. The resulted Mubce aerogels exhibit a low density of 0.085 g/cm3, a high porosity of 93.2%, a low thermal conductivity of 0.0276 W/(m∙K), superior mechanical performances, and an enhanced flame retardancy. The present work offers a novel and straightforward strategy for creating high-performance aerogels, aiming to broaden the application of cellulose aerogels in thermal insulation.
Design Factors of Ti-Base Abutments Related to the Biomechanics Behavior of Dental Implant Prostheses: Finite Element Analysis and Validation via In Vitro Load Creeping Tests
Authors: Martínez-Grau Jordi , Robles Daniel , Pérez Román A. , Marimon Xavier , Fernández-Hernández Saray , Aroso Carlos , Brizuela-Velasco Aritza
Published: July 2024

This study has been carried out to analyze the influence of the design of three geometric elements (wall thickness, platform width, and chamfer) of Ti-base abutments on the distribution of stresses and strains on the implant, the retention screw, the Ti base, and the bone. This study was carried out using FEA, analyzing eight different Ti-base models based on combinations of the geometric factors under study. The model was adapted to the standard Dynamic Loading Test For Endosseous Dental Implants. A force of 360 N with a direction of 30° was simulated and the maximum load values were calculated for each model, which are related to a result higher than the proportional elastic limit of the implant. The transferred stresses according to von Mises and microdeformations were measured for all the alloplastic elements and the simulated support bone, respectively. These results were validated with a static load test using a creep testing machine. The results show that the design factors involved with the most appropriate stress distribution are the chamfer, a thick wall, and a narrow platform. A greater thickness (0.4 mm) is also related to lower stress values according to von Mises at the level of the retaining screws. In general, the distributions of tension at the implants and microdeformation at the level of the cortical and trabecular bone are similar in all study models. The in vitro study on a Ti-base control model determined that the maximum load before the mechanical failure of the implant is 360 N, in accordance with the results obtained for all the Ti-base designs analyzed in the FEA. The results of this FEA study show that modifications to the Ti-base design influence the biomechanical behavior and, ultimately, the way in which tension is transferred to the entire prosthesis–implant–bone system.
A Two-Layer Graphene Nonwoven Fabric for Effective Electromagnetic Interference Shielding
Authors: Wu Ying , Tang Haijun , Kang Liying , Li Hongfu , Jiang Naisheng
Published: July 2024

Rapid advancements and proliferation of electronic devices in the past decades have significantly intensified electromagnetic interference (EMI) issues, driving the demand for more effective shielding materials. Herein, we introduce a novel two-layer graphene nonwoven fabric (2-gNWF) that shows excellent EMI shielding properties. The 2-gNWF fabric comprises a porous fibrous upper layer and a dense conductive film-like lower layer, specifically designed to enhance EMI shielding through the combined mechanisms of reflection, multiple internal reflections, and absorption of electromagnetic waves. The 2-gNWF exhibits a remarkable EMI shielding effectiveness (SE) of 80 dB while maintaining an impressively low density of 0.039 g/cm3, surpassing the performance of many existing graphene-based materials. The excellent EMI shielding performance of 2-gNWF is attributed to the multiple interactions of incident electromagnetic waves with its highly conductive network and porous structure, leading to efficient energy dissipation. The combination of high EMI SE and low density makes 2-gNWF ideal for applications that require lightweight yet effective shielding properties, demonstrating the significant potential for advanced EMI shielding applications.