bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Benzene Oxidation over Pt Loaded on Fly Ash Zeolite X
Authors: Kalvachev Yuri , Todorova Totka , Kolev Hristo , Merker Daniel , Popov Cyril
Published: July 2023

In the present study, zeolite X (FANaX) was synthesized from coal fly ash (FA) by a two-step high-temperature method. In order to follow the effect of different contaminants in the starting coal ash, zeolite X was also synthesized from pure chemicals according to a classical recipe (NaX). Iron was loaded on this reference zeolite with the amount which was contained in the coal FA. The final catalytic samples were obtained by wet impregnation of Pt nanoparticles on both types of zeolite crystals. The most active samples in the benzene oxidation were the platinum-modified ones and, among them, the Pt-impregnated FA zeolite (Pt FANaX). The comparison of the catalytic activity of Pt FANaX with the reference PtFe NaX zeolite showed a temperature difference of 10 °C in favor of Pt FANaX at 50% benzene conversion. From these results, it can be concluded that FA zeolites are a good, cheaper and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional zeolites, synthesized from pure chemicals, which can be applied in the preparation of catalysts for the purification of gaseous mixtures from harmful organic compounds.
Pd- and PdO-Decorated TiO2 Nanospheres: Hydrogen Sensing Properties under Visible Light Conditions at Room Temperature
Authors: Thathsara Thilini , Harrison Christopher J. , Hocking Rosalie K. , Shafiei Mahnaz
Published: July 2023

As a promising sustainable and clean energy source for the future, hydrogen plays an important role. Due to its high flammability and the explosive nature of hydrogen gas, it is crucial to employ reliable sensors that can detect the presence of hydrogen gas in air at room temperature (RT). By utilizing light, the working temperature of such gas sensors can be reduced whilst simultaneously enhancing sensing performance. In this study, sensors have been fabricated that introduces nano-Schottky junctions (Pd–TiO2) via a facile chemical method and p–n heterojunctions (PdO–TiO2), through both chemical and hydrothermal methods, with a mean Pd nanoparticle (NP) diameter of 4.98 ± 0.49 nm and 4.29 ± 0.45 nm, respectively. The hydrothermally treated Pd-decorated TiO2 nanosphere (HPT NS) shows a response of 100.88% toward 500 ppm hydrogen with a faster response and recovery (77 s and 470 s, respectively). Meanwhile, hydrothermally untreated Pd-decorated TiO2 (PT) NSs show a response of 100.29% with slow response and recovery times (240 s and 3146 s, respectively) at 30 °C under 565 nm visible light and a bias of 500 mV. The experimental results confirm that introducing both metallic Pd and PdO onto the TiO2 NSs open a novel approach for detecting hydrogen gas through light-induced sensing at room temperature using low voltage bias.
Myoclonus Secondary to Amantadine: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Rissardo Jamir Pitton , Fornari Caprara Ana Letícia
Published: July 2023

The usual adverse events of amantadine are dizziness, dry mouth, and peripheral edema. Postmarketing experience has revealed abnormal movements such as tremors, involuntary muscle contractions, and gait abnormalities. Herein, we report a case of an elderly male who presented with generalized twitching associated with amantadine. A 64-year-old male presenting with jerking movements within one day of onset was admitted. Sudden and involuntary distal lower and upper limb muscle twitching was observed. The subject presented subsequent brief movements when attempting to stand or hold arms antigravity. He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease three years ago. Eight days before the presentation to the emergency department, he consulted with his primary care physician, who prescribed amantadine to improve his motor symptoms. On the seventh day, he developed brisk abnormal movements. Laboratory exams, neuroimaging, and electroencephalogram were unremarkable. Amantadine was discontinued. After three days, the patient reported that his jerking movements had fully recovered. To the authors’ knowledge, 22 individuals with amantadine-associated myoclonus had already been reported in the literature. The pathophysiology of amantadine-induced myoclonus is probably related to serotoninergic pathways. Myoclonus secondary to amantadine was slightly more common in men. The population affected was elderly, with a mean and median age of 67.7 and 64 years.
Simultaneous Integration of D-STATCOMs and PV Sources in Distribution Networks to Reduce Annual Investment and Operating Costs
Authors: Rincón-Miranda Adriana , Gantiva-Mora Giselle Viviana , Montoya Oscar Danilo
Published: July 2023

This research analyzes electrical distribution networks using renewable generation sources based on photovoltaic (PV) sources and distribution static compensators (D-STATCOMs) in order to minimize the expected annual grid operating costs for a planning period of 20 years. The separate and simultaneous placement of PVs and D-STATCOMs is evaluated through a mixed-integer nonlinear programming model (MINLP), whose binary part pertains to selecting the nodes where these devices must be located, and whose continuous part is associated with the power flow equations and device constraints. This optimization model is solved using the vortex search algorithm for the sake of comparison. Numerical results in the IEEE 33- and 69-bus grids demonstrate that combining PV sources and D-STATCOM devices entails the maximum reduction in the expected annual grid operating costs when compared to the solutions reached separately by each device, with expected reductions of about 35.50% and 35.53% in the final objective function value with respect to the benchmark case. All computational validations were carried out in the MATLAB programming environment (version 2021b) with our own scripts.
Extraction-Free RT-PCR Surveillance Testing and Reporting for SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Carney Patrick R. , Duellman Tyler , Chan Jia-Yi , Wells Lauren , Tessmer Michael , Frater-Rubsam Leah , Zeller Molly , Field Mark , Speers James , Tyrrell Kelly , Thompson Luke , Bondurant Michael , Morin Tami , Dagnon Tamra , Goff Brian , Runde Corissa , Splinter-Bondurant Sandra , Konsitzke Charles , Kelly Patrick , Bradfield Christopher A. , Hyman Joshua
Published: July 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated sensitive, fast, and inexpensive testing for the virus in 2020 prior to the widespread availability of vaccines. Early testing efforts were limited by bottlenecks on reagents, low-throughput testing options, and the slow return of test results. In this paper, we detail the testing pipeline we established at the University of Wisconsin-Madison for rapid, inexpensive, and sensitive surveillance testing for SARS-CoV-2, and we highlight the strengths of the platform that would allow it to be applied to other disease surveillance projects, SARS-CoV-2 variant testing, or future pandemics. This pipeline can be quickly established for further accreditation and clinical application.
Structure, Conformation and Contact Analyses of Six Aromatic Diamide Diesters
Authors: Osman Islam Ali , McKee Vickie , Jelsch Christian , Gallagher John F.
Published: July 2023

Six meta-substituted isophthalamide diesters (DxE) and pyridinedicarboxamides (PxE) are reported with spectroscopic and crystal structure analyses (D = meta-C6H4; P = meta-pyridine; xE = 2-/3-/4-ethyl ester substitution). Comparisons are made between the solid-state and minimised structures from ab initio computational calculations. The six compounds are potentially useful ligands for metal-complex coordination, spanning a range of molecular conformations. D2E adopts a planar molecular structure, as influenced by the C-H⋯O intramolecular interactions with all 34 nonhydrogen atoms within 0.1 Å of the D2E mean molecular plane. Extensive intermolecular ring⋯ring stacking arises with the shortest interplanar C⋯C of 3.372(2) Å. For D3E (Z′ = 4) and D4E, the hierarchy of intermolecular interactions is the determining factor driving the crystal structure formation with concomitant twinning, as influenced by the weaker interactions. In the pyridine-related P2E, the O1W water molecule (site occupancy = 0.441(5)) forms four hydrogen bonds, as follows: (i) O1W−H⋯O=C, (ii) O1W−H⋯π(arene) and (iii) two aromaticC−H⋯O1W. The meta- and para-substituted PxE·2(H2O) structures (x = 3 or 4) adopt open conformations with pairs of hydrogen-bonded water molecules located in molecular niches between the flanking benzamide ester groups. The Hirshfeld surface, two-dimensional fingerprint plots and contact enrichment ratio were investigated to statistically analyse the different types of intermolecular interactions.
Initial Imaging Findings of Breast Liposarcoma: A Case Report
Authors: Alduraibi Sharifa Khalid
Published: July 2023

Liposarcoma of the breast is a rare form of cancerous tumor that can be mistaken for primary breast cancer. A recent instance involved a woman who was 54 years old and went in for her annual screening mammogram. The mammogram revealed that she had a 1 cm focal asymmetry of equal density in her right axillary tail, approximately 9 cm from the nipple. After nine months, the patient observed a rapidly growing mass even though the initial ultrasound scan did not detect anything unusual. A targeted mammogram demonstrated a large and dense mass confined to the right axillary tail, followed by an ultrasound scan that revealed a heterogeneous hyperechoic, echogenic mass. Histopathology after surgery showed that the patient had an undifferentiated pleomorphic breast liposarcoma. This diagnosis was reached after the patient underwent surgery.Liposarcoma of the breast is a concerning condition that needs careful management and close monitoring, although it is relatively uncommon. Early detection of the patient’s condition and prompt treatment can help improve the patient’s prognosis. This can be accomplished by remaining vigilant with routine screenings and following up on any unusual findings or changes in breast tissue. However, it is possible to diagnose this condition as primary breast cancer incorrectly; consequently, healthcare providers need to conduct comprehensive evaluations to ensure diagnostic accuracy and the delivery of appropriate treatment.
Have Teachers’ Perceptions of Parental Engagement Changed Following COVID-19? Evidence from a Mixed-Methods Longitudinal Case Study
Authors: Jones Cat , Palikara Olympia
Published: July 2023

Parental engagement is of interest to teachers, school leaders, researchers, and policy makers as a key driver of pupil outcomes. Existing evidence suggests that parental engagement with learning in the home is most effective, but English schools often prioritise school-based events. However, the move to home-learning due to COVID-19 required parents and teachers to play different roles in relation to learning and in relation to each other. Little is known about how this has affected teachers’ perceptions of parental engagement. This mixed-methods, longitudinal case study examined whether teachers’ perceptions of parental engagement changed during COVID-19. Data was gathered from teachers at one large English primary school using interviews (n = 9) and questionnaires (n = 16). Data from before and after the school closures was compared. Teachers reported that parental engagement had become increasingly digital, flexible, and wellbeing-focussed during the school closures. However, teachers were pessimistic about the likelihood of retaining any benefits and their future plans remained focussed on school-based parental engagement events. Whilst school closures resulted in a temporary positive shift towards partnerships and family-centric parental engagement, teachers now need time and training to embed these changes. Without this, some of the potential benefits of the home-learning period may be lost.
Advanced Thermal Control Using Chip Cooling Laminate Chip (CCLC) with Finite Element Method for System-in-Package (SiP) Technology
Authors: Oukaira Aziz , Said Dhaou , Zbitou Jamal , Lakhssassi Ahmed
Published: July 2023

This paper introduces a novel approach to address thermal management challenges in system-in-package (SiP) technology, which is a significant concern in various advanced technologies. The main objective is to assess the electrical and thermal performance of the SiP model by utilizing Chip Cooling Laminate Chip (CCLC) technology. To achieve this, we employed finite element method (FEM) analysis using COMSOL Multiphysics® and MATLAB® to compare the results of electrical and thermal SiP models with and without CCLC technology. The numerical simulations revealed that, as opposed to the traditional model, the temperature variation decreased significantly with a uniform temperature distribution when employing the CCLC technology. Additionally, the thermal conduction performance of the packaging system using CCLC demonstrated remarkable reliability and resolution with cost-effective micro-devices, particularly in micro-medicine applications. The analysis of the electrical and thermal models reported a maximum error between them of 1.15 ∘C.
In-Memory Computing Integrated Structure Circuit Based on Nonvolatile Flash Memory Unit
Authors: Xu Peilong , Lan Dan , Wang Fengyun , Shin Incheol
Published: July 2023

Artificial intelligence has made people’s demands for computer computing efficiency increasingly high. The traditional hardware circuit simulation method for neural morphology computation has problems of unstable performance and excessive power consumption. This research will use non-volatile flash memory cells that are easy to read and write to build a convolutional neural network structure to improve the performance of neural morphological computing. In the experiment, floating-gate transistors were used to simulate neural network synapses to design core cross-array circuits. A voltage subtractor, voltage follower and ReLU activation function are designed based on a differential amplifier. An Iris dataset was introduced in this experiment to conduct simulation experiments on the research circuit. The IMC circuit designed for this experiment has high performance, with an accuracy rate of 96.2% and a recall rate of 60.2%. The overall current power consumption of the hardware circuit is small, and the current power consumption of the subtractor circuit and ReLU circuit does not exceed 100 µA, while the power consumption of the negative feedback circuit is about 440 mA. The accuracy of analog circuits under the IMC architecture is above 93%, the energy consumption is only about 360 nJ, and the recognition rate is about 12 μs. Compared with the classic von Neumann architecture, it reduces the circuit recognition rate and power consumption while meeting accuracy requirements.
Skeleton-Based Human Action Recognition Based on Single Path One-Shot Neural Architecture Search
Authors: Jiang Yujian , Yu Saisai , Wang Tianhao , Sun Zhaoneng , Wang Shuang
Published: July 2023

Skeleton-based human action recognition based on Neural Architecture Search (NAS.) adopts a one-shot NAS strategy. It improves the speed of evaluating candidate models in the search space through weight sharing, which has attracted significant attention. However, directly applying the one-shot NAS method for skeleton recognition requires training a super-net with a large search space that traverses various combinations of model parameters, which often leads to overly large network models and high computational costs. In addition, when training this super-net, the one-shot NAS needs to traverse the entire search space of the complete skeleton recognition task. Furthermore, the traditional method does not consider the optimization of the search strategy. As a result, a significant amount of search time is required to obtain a better skeleton recognition network model. A more efficient weighting model, a NAS skeleton recognition model based on the Single Path One-shot (SNAS-GCN) strategy, is proposed to address the above challenges. First, to reduce the model search space, a simplified four-category search space is introduced to replace the mainstream multi-category search space. Second, to improve the model search efficiency, a single-path one-shot approach is introduced, through which the model randomly samples one architecture at each step of the search training optimization. Finally, an adaptive Covariance Matrix Adaptation Evolution Strategy (CMA-ES) is proposed to obtain a candidate structure of the perfect model automatically. With these three steps, the entire network architecture of the recognition model (and its weights) is fully and equally trained significantly. The search and training costs will be greatly reduced. The search-out model is trained by the NTU-RGB + D and Kinetics datasets to evaluate the performance of the proposed model’s search strategy. The experimental results show that the search time of the proposed method in this paper is 0.3 times longer than that of the state-of-the-art method. Meanwhile, the recognition accuracy is roughly comparable compared to that of the SOTA NAS-GCN method.
DPNet: Dual-Pyramid Semantic Segmentation Network Based on Improved Deeplabv3 Plus
Authors: Wang Jun , Zhang Xiaolin , Yan Tianhong , Tan Aihong
Published: July 2023

Semantic segmentation finds wide-ranging applications and stands as a crucial task in the realm of computer vision. It holds significant implications for scene comprehension and decision-making in unmanned systems, including domains such as autonomous driving, unmanned aerial vehicles, robotics, and healthcare. Consequently, there is a growing demand for high precision in semantic segmentation, particularly for these contents. This paper introduces DPNet, a novel image semantic segmentation method based on the Deeplabv3 plus architecture. (1) DPNet utilizes ResNet-50 as the backbone network to extract feature maps at various scales. (2) Our proposed method employs the BiFPN (Bi-directional Feature Pyramid Network) structure to fuse multi-scale information, in conjunction with the ASPP (Atrous Spatial Pyramid Pooling) module, to handle information at different scales, forming a dual pyramid structure that fully leverages the effective features obtained from the backbone network. (3) The Shuffle Attention module is employed in our approach to suppress the propagation of irrelevant information and enhance the representation of relevant features. Experimental evaluations on the Cityscapes dataset and the PASCAL VOC 2012 dataset demonstrate that our method outperforms current approaches, showcasing superior semantic segmentation accuracy.
The Evaluation of Green Building’s Feasibility: Comparative Analysis across Different Geological Conditions
Authors: McKenna Jessica , Harris Sophia , Heinrich Kris , Stewart Taylor , Gharehbaghi Koorosh
Published: July 2023

Green building materials have nontoxic properties and are made from recycled materials. This means they are, in most cases, created from renewable resources in comparison to non-renewable resources. This research aims to further improve the justification of green buildings and their materials. This is undertaken to determine the validity of such construction techniques. This research utilizes both qualitative and quantitative methods through five Australian case studies. The case studies, which are based on new and redeveloped structures, are selected via different geological locations and are evaluated via logical argumentation along with correlation research. Further, the research will address the problem by identifying a variety of green building materials that can be used to substitute non-green building materials. With careful comparisons among the five buildings, the green signs and implementation advantages and disadvantages will be evaluated. The result of this comparison will assist in improving the current education around the topic of green building and benefit the overall response to positive change within the construction industry. Although green building initiatives are not difficult to apply, they can be cost efficient. To maximize their cost efficiency, these initiatives need to be fully adopted. This includes the adaptation of specific building orientation, design, and sealing off penetrations to greatly improve passive heating and cooling. Further, the use of rainwater tanks also assists with energy efficiency by reducing the amount of mains water used. The utilization of natural lighting along with an advanced solar power system would further reduce the overall energy usage.
Microbial Community Succession and Its Correlation with Quality Characteristics during Gray Sufu Fermentation
Authors: Zhao Lei , Liu Yang , Xu Qiong , Yu Yi , Zheng Guojian , Wang Yue , Zhang Qingping , Xu Xiaoqian , Zhang Nana , Chu Jiayue , Zhang Yuzhu , Sun Yingyi , Zhao Qin , Zhang Yinan , Qu Qinfeng , Zhong Jiang
Published: July 2023

Gray sufu, a traditional fermented food derived from soybeans, undergoes a complex fermentation process. This study aimed to investigate the dynamics of the microbial community during sufu fermentation and its relationship with key quality characteristics. Through systematic sampling of sufu at different phases of fermentation, 143 bacterial genera and 84 fungal genera involved in the process were identified. Among these, Chishuiella, Enterococcus, Lactococcus, and Weissella emerged as the predominant bacterial communities. After seven days of ripening fermentation, Trichosporon supplanted Diutina as the predominant fungus, accounting for more than 84% of all fungi. Using redundancy analysis, significant correlations between microbiota and physicochemical properties were uncovered. Chishuiella and Empedobacter displayed positive relationships with pH, soluble protein, and amino nitrogen content. In addition, five biogenic amines were detected, and it was determined that tyramine accounted for more than 75% of the total biogenic amines in the final gray sufu products. Spearman correlation analysis revealed significant positive relationships between Lactococcus, Enterococcus, Tetragenococcus, Halanaerobium, and Trichosporon and the five biogenic amines examined. These findings shed light on the complex interactions between microorganisms and biogenic amines during the fermentation of gray sufu, thereby facilitating the development of microbial regulation strategies for better quality control.
On Stability of Second Order Pantograph Fractional Differential Equations in Weighted Banach Space
Authors: Dida Ridha , Boulares Hamid , Moumen Abdelkader , Alzabut Jehad , Bouye Mohamed , Laskri Yamina
Published: July 2023

This work investigates a weighted Banach space second order pantograph fractional differential equation. The considered equation is of second order, expressed in terms of the Caputo–Hadamard fractional operator, and constructed in a general manner to accommodate many specific situations. The asymptotic stability of the main equation’s trivial solution has been given. The primary theorem was demonstrated in a unique manner by employing the Krasnoselskii’s fixed point theorem. We provide a concrete example that supports the theoretical findings.
Rendzinas of the Russian Northwest: Diversity, Genesis, and Ecosystem Functions: A Review
Authors: Abakumov Evgeny
Published: July 2023

Rendzinas in the taiga zone are intrazonal soils; moreover, all of their processes occur in ways that are different from podzolic soil formation, which is typical for the zonal taiga boreal ecosystem. At the same time, the habitats of carbonate soils are known as places in which there is a concentration of biodiversity in the more southern regions, as they are drier, are insolated, and have a higher trophic state than zonal podzols. The biotopes on carbonate soils are becoming more southern and are dominated by nemoralis species of flora, including abundant calciphilous plant species. Carbonate soils regulate biogeochemical processes within their distribution and in the geochemically subordinate landscapes of Northwest Russia. They are associated with the existence of a number of specially protected natural areas, as well as the implementation of a number of important ecosystem services. Carbonate soils of the southern taiga are endangered and require special protection. The belt of the carbonate soils in the northwestern Russian and Baltic regions extends to Poland and is the basis for the formation of a special landscape–ecological framework with specific biodiverse, biogeochemical, and geographical characteristics. The intensive extraction of limestone from quarries leads to the destruction of rendzinas, which makes them increasingly rare and extremely vulnerable. The rate of recovery of rendzina soils after technogenic impacts is much slower than the regeneration of zonal podzols; therefore, they are an almost non-renewable resource. Thus, rendzinas are an important component of the Northwest Russian soil cover, where all factors of soil formation “refract” and acquire specificity, leading to radical changes not only in the soil-forming potential of the environment but in all of the components of terrestrial ecosystems. In other words, the island of alkaline rocks inherited from the ancient seas is currently pedogeochemically actualized in the soil cover of vast taiga areas.
Diagnostic Technology: Trends of Use and Availability in a 10-Year Period (2011–2020) among Sixteen OECD Countries
Authors: Martella Manuela , Lenzi Jacopo , Gianino Maria Michela
Published: July 2023

Background. Overuse of imaging results in cost increases, with little to no benefit to patients. The purpose of this study is to evaluate imaging tests and radiology equipment over a ten-year period in 16 Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries. Methods. Twelve countries were included in a time-trend analysis based on OECD indicators on diagnostic imaging (computer tomography [CT], magnetic resonance imaging [MRI], and positron emission tomography [PET]). These annual indicators included the number of exams per 1000 population, the number of devices per million population, and the number of exams per device. Average annual percent change was used to measure country-specific trends. Results. Most countries saw a rise in the exam-to-scanner ratio for CT, MRI, and PET, demonstrating a faster increase in exam volume than device volume. Italy exhibited an increase in CT, MRI, and PET equipment units during the same period, but not in exams, most likely due to a reduction in medical procedures during the pandemic. Only in Luxemburg, CT and PET examinations increased despite a reduction in scanners. Conclusions. Considering the expected increasing demand for diagnostics due to the evolving needs of the population, proper governance and resource allocation are necessary requirements for cost-efficient health systems.
Physical Activity Levels and Predictors during COVID-19 Lockdown among Lebanese Adults: The Impacts of Sociodemographic Factors, Type of Physical Activity and Work Location
Authors: Harmouche-Karaki Mireille , Mahfouz Maya , Salameh Pascale , El Helou Nour
Published: July 2023

Background: Although effective against COVID-19, national lockdowns have several deleterious behavioral and health effects, including physical inactivity. The objective of this study is to assess physical activity (PA) levels during lockdown and the predictors of PA among Lebanese adults, while comparing classical statistics to machine learning models. Methods: Data were collected using an online questionnaire, with PA being evaluated through the “International Physical Activity Questionnaire” (IPAQ)—long form. Machine learning models were applied to predict total PA ≥ 600 MET·min/week. Results: Among 795 participants, while 67.5% auto-declared a decrease in PA level during lockdown, 36.2% did not meet the minimum recommendations for PA. Multivariate analysis showed that participants who went to their workplace during lockdown had significantly higher total and job-related PA, higher walking and moderate PA, and lower sitting time. PA level and intensity increased with age, while sitting time decreased. Participants who practiced a combination of both outdoor and at-home workouts had higher total, housework and leisure-related PA, and higher moderate and vigorous-intensity PA. Machine learning models confirmed these findings as well as the importance of outdoor activity for total PA levels, with Random Forest being the highest-performing model. Conclusions: Bringing to light the levels of physical inactivity and sedentary behavior, this study highlighted the importance of outdoor activity in contributing to PA.
Safe and Effective Administration of Caplacizumab in COVID-19-Associated Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura
Authors: Bruzzese Antonella , Vigna Ernesto , Terzi Dario , Greco Sonia , Martino Enrica Antonia , Vangeli Valeria , Mendicino Francesco , Lucia Eugenio , Olivito Virginia , Labanca Caterina , Morelli Rosellina , Neri Antonino , Morabito Fortunato , Zinno Francesco , Mastroianni Antonio , Gentile Massimo
Published: July 2023

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a potentially life-threatening, rare acute thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA), caused by a severe ADAMTS13 deficiency. As the COVID-19 pandemic rapidly spread around the globe, much data about the pathogenicity of this virus were published. Soon after the detection of the first cases of COVID-19, it was clear that there was a wide range of COVID coagulopathy manifestations, such as deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary thromboembolism, and thrombotic microangiopathies. In the literature, little data have been reported about the association between TTP and COVID-19, and the treatment of COVID-19-associated TTP is still under debate. Here we present the case of a 46-year-old woman who developed a COVID-associated TTP, successfully treated with plasma exchange (PEX), steroids, and caplacizumab.
Agronomic, Sensory and Essential Oil Characterization of Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) Accessions
Authors: Abduche Galvão Pimentel Fernanda , Altenhofen da Silva Mariana , Sartorio de Medeiros Simone Daniela , Queiroz Luz José Magno , Sala Fernando César
Published: July 2023

Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) is one of the main condiments for fresh consumption and essential oil production. The aim of the present work was to assess the agronomic characterization and analyze the essential oil of 63 basil accessions. The experiment was conducted in two stages in a greenhouse using vases and a hydroponic cultivation system. Oil extraction was performed employing the Soxhlet method. There was a significant variation in the agronomic characteristics among the evaluated accessions. The estimated total contents of essential oils ranged from 0.05 to 0.40%, and the major volatile fraction was methyl-eugenol. In the present study, accessions with superior performance compared to commercial varieties were found. Accession BL11 presented agronomic characteristics suitable for cultivation in a hydroponic system due to its better plant structure and late flowering. Accession BL24 stood out for essential oil extraction, producing 17.6% of linalool and a high intensity of color and odor. Accessions BL11 and BL24 presented market potential, given their higher mass productivity and higher essential oil yield, respectively. These accessions can be made available as new varieties in addition to being used in genetic improvement programs for this species.
Black Carbon Concentration Estimation with Mobile-Based Measurements in a Complex Urban Environment
Authors: Tang Minmeng , Acharya Tri Dev , Niemeier Deb A.
Published: July 2023

Black carbon (BC) is a significant source of air pollution since it impacts public health and climate change. Understanding its distribution in the complex urban environment is challenging. We integrated a land use model with four machine learning models to estimate traffic-related BC concentrations in Oakland, CA. Random Forest was the best-performing model, with regression coefficient (R2) values of 0.701 on the train set and 0.695 on the validation set with a root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.210 mg/m3. Vehicle speed and local road systems were the most sensitive variables in estimating BC concentrations. However, this approach was inefficient at identifying hyperlocal hotspots, especially in a complex urban environment where highways and truck routes are significant emission sources. Using the land use method to estimate BC concentrations may lead to underestimating some localized hotspots. This work can improve air quality exposure assessment for vulnerable populations and help emphasize potential environmental justice issues.
A Pilot Study of the Effect of a Non-Contact Boxing Exercise Intervention on Respiratory Pressure and Phonation Aerodynamics in People with Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Watts Christopher R. , Thijs Zoë , King Adam , Carr Joshua C. , Porter Ryan
Published: July 2023

This study investigated the effects of a non-contact boxing exercise program on maximum expiratory pressure and aerodynamic voice measurements. Methods: Eight adult males diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease participated in the study. Individuals participated in twice-weekly exercise classes lasting one hour across 12-months. Dependent variables were measured on three baseline days and then at six additional time points. A pressure meter acquired maximum expiratory pressure, and a pneumotachograph system acquired transglottal airflow and subglottal air pressure. Results: Measures of average maximum expiratory pressure significantly increased after 9- and 12- months of exercise when compared to baseline. There was an increasing trend for these measures in all participants, with a corresponding large effect size. Measures of transglottal airflow and subglottal pressure did not change over the course of 9- or 12-months, although their stability may indicate that the exercise program influenced maintenance of respiratory-phonatory coordination during voicing. Conclusions: A non-contact boxing exercise program had a significant effect on maximum expiratory pressure in people with Parkinson’s disease. The aerobic nature of the program and challenges to the respiratory muscles potentially explain the “ingredient” causing this effect. The small sample size of this pilot study necessitates future research incorporating larger and more diverse participants.
How to Manage Metallosis: A Retrospective Cohort Analysis after Revision Hip Surgery
Authors: Bruschetta Antongiulio , Palco Michelangelo , Fenga Domenico , Giuca Gabriele , Holzer Lukas A. , Alito Angelo , Cacciola Giorgio , De Meo Federico , Cavaliere Pietro
Published: July 2023

Background: Adverse local tissue reactions to metal debris are due to a metal-on-metal bearing complication caused by micromotions at modular interfaces that induce corrosion of the protective oxide layer. This process could lead to wear, fretting, and abrasion with the release of metal ions locally and systemically, which may cause adverse local reactions in nearby tissues. The aim of this study is to describe a series of patients with painful local adverse tissue reactions secondary to corrosion at the modular neck–body interface, to document the clinical presentation, diagnostic workup, and surgical findings of our research, and to search for a possible correlation between metallosis and infection. Methods: A retrospective study of patients with adverse local tissue reactions due to metal surface corrosion was performed. Blood samples were collected to identify erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C reactive protein, and procalcitonin, and a magnetic resonance imaging protocol was performed. Results: Serum cobalt and chromium levels of the 43 patients tested were significantly higher on average. However, both erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein were significantly elevated. Magnetic resonance imaging showed adverse reactions to metal debris with large soft tissue masses and surrounding tissue damage. Conclusions: Corrosion in hip prosthesis can lead to the release of metal ions and debris locally and systemically, resulting in local soft tissue changes. A “tumor-like” debridement can reduce this complication.
The Impact of COVID-19 on the Epidemiology and Outcomes of Candidemia: A Retrospective Study from a Tertiary Care Center in Lebanon
Authors: El Zakhem Aline , Mahmoud Omar , Zakhour Johnny , Nahhal Sarah B. , El Ghawi Nour , Omran Nadine , El Sheikh Walaa G. , Tamim Hani , Kanj Souha S.
Published: July 2023

Invasive fungal infections, notably candidemia, have been associated with COVID-19. The epidemiology of candidemia has significantly changed during the COVID-19 pandemic. We aim to identify the microbiological profile, resistance rates, and outcomes of COVID-19-associated candidemia (CAC) compared to patients with candidemia not associated with COVID-19. We retrospectively collected data on patients with candidemia admitted to the American University of Beirut Medical Center between 2004 and 2022. We compared the epidemiology of candidemia during and prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, we compared the outcomes of critically ill patients with CAC to those with candidemia without COVID-19 from March 2020 till March 2022. Among 245 candidemia episodes, 156 occurred prior to the pandemic and 89 during the pandemic. Of the latter, 39 (43.8%) were CAC, most of which (82%) were reported from intensive care units (ICU). Non-albicans Candida (NAC) spp. were predominant throughout the study period (67.7%). Candida auris infection was the most common cause of NAC spp. in CAC. C. glabrata had decreased susceptibility rates to fluconazole and caspofungin during the pandemic period (46.1% and 38.4%, respectively). The mortality rate in the overall ICU population during the pandemic was 76.6%, much higher than the previously reported candidemia mortality rate observed in studies involving ICU patients. There was no significant difference in 30-day mortality between CAC and non-CAC (75.0% vs. 78.1%; p = 0.76). Performing ophthalmic examination (p = 0.002), CVC removal during the 48 h following the candidemia (p = 0.008) and speciation (p = 0.028) were significantly associated with a lower case-fatality rate. The epidemiology of candidemia has been significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic at our center. Rigorous infection control measures and proper antifungal stewardship are essential to combat highly resistant species such as C. auris.
Symptomatic Intracranial Hemorrhage after Ischemic Stroke Treated with Bridging Revascularization Therapy
Authors: Amaral Simon , Duloquin Gauthier , Béjot Yannick
Published: July 2023

(1) Background: bridging revascularization therapy is now the standard of care in patients with ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion. This study aimed to determine the frequency of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) related to this treatment, and to assess contributing factors and patients’ outcomes. (2) Methods: consecutive ischemic stroke patients treated with bridging therapy were prospectively enrolled. sICH (intracranial hemorrhage with an increase in NIHSS score of ≥4 points) was assessed on imaging at 24 h. The functional status of patients was measured at 6 months using the mRS score; (3) Results: 176 patients were included (mean age 68.7 ± 1.2 years, 52.3% women), among whom 15 (8.5%) had sICH. Patients with sICH had more frequent alcohol abuse (30.1% versus 9.7%, p = 0.023), prestroke use of dual antiplatelet therapy (14.3% versus 1.3%, p = 0.002), higher NIHSS scores at admission (median score 20.5 versus 15, p = 0.01), greater systolic blood pressure upon admission, more frequent vascular intracranial calcifications (p = 0.004), leukoaraiosis (p = 0.001), and intracranial atheroma (p = 0.02), and higher neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratios (p = 0.02) and neutrophil-to-platelet ratios (p = 0.04). At 6-month follow-up, 9 (60%) patients with sICH died, versus 18% of patients without sICH (p < 0.001). Only 1 (7%) patient with sICH had a good functional outcome, defined as an mRS score of 0 to 2, versus 51% of patients without sICH. (4) Conclusions: one in twelve ischemic stroke patients treated with bridging therapy suffered sICH. Given the observed poor outcomes after sICH, further studies are required to better identify patients at risk to help clinicians in guiding therapeutic strategies.
Membranous and Membraneless Interfaces—Origins of Artificial Cellular Complexity
Authors: Stano Pasquale , Tsumoto Kanta
Published: July 2023

Living cell architecture is based on the concept of micro-compartmentation at different hierarchical levels [...]
Individual Feature Selection of Rolling Bearing Impedance Signals for Early Failure Detection
Authors: Becker-Dombrowsky Florian Michael , Koplin Quentin Sean , Kirchner Eckhard
Published: July 2023

Condition monitoring of technical systems has increasing importance for the reduction of downtimes based on unplanned breakdowns. Rolling bearings are a central component of machines because they often support energy-transmitting elements like shafts and spur gears. Bearing damages lead to a high number of machine breakdowns; thus, observing these has the potential to reduce unplanned downtimes. The observation of bearings is challenging since their behavior in operation cannot be investigated directly. A common solution for this task is the measurement of vibration or component temperature, which is able to show an already occurred bearing damage. Measuring the electrical bearing impedance in situ has the ability to gather information about bearing revolution speed and bearing loads. Additionally, measuring the impedance allows for the detection and localization of damages in the bearing, as early research has shown. In this paper, the impedance signal of five fatigue tests is investigated using individual feature selection. Additionally, the feature behavior is analyzed and explained. It is shown that the three different bearing operational time phases can be distinguished via the analysis of impedance signal features. Furthermore, some of the features show a significant change in behavior prior to the occurrence of initial damages before the vibration signals of the test rig vary from a normal state.
Analysis and Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Digital Education Based on Complex Fuzzy Clustering Algorithms
Authors: Albaity Majed , Mahmood Tahir , Ali Zeeshan
Published: July 2023

Digital education is very important and valuable because it is a subpart of artificial intelligence, which is used in many real-life problems. Digital education is the modern utilization of digital techniques and tools during online purchasing, teaching, research, and learning and is often referred to as technology-enhanced learning or e-learning programs. Further, similarity measures (SM) and complex fuzzy (CF) logic are two different ideas that play a very valuable and dominant role in the environment of fuzzy decision theory. In this manuscript, we concentrate on utilizing different types of dice SM (D-SM) and generalized dice SM (GD-SM) in the environment of a CF set (CFS), called CF dice SM (CFD-SM), CF weighted dice SM (CFWD-SM), CF generalized dice SM (CFGD-SM), and CF weighted generalized dice SM (CFWGD-SM), and also derived associated outcomes. Furthermore, to evaluate or state the supremacy and effectiveness of the derived measures, we aim to evaluate the application of artificial intelligence in digital education under the consideration of derived measures for CF information and try to verify them with the help of several examples. Finally, with the help of examples, we illustrate the comparison between the presented and existing measures to show the supremacy and feasibility of the derived measures.
Application of Multivariate Statistical Techniques as an Indicator of Variability of the Effects of COVID-19 on the Paris Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control
Authors: Prieto Jose Manuel , Amor-Esteban Víctor , Almorza-Gomar David , Turias Ignacio , Piniella Francisco
Published: July 2023

The first pandemic of the 21st Century was declared at the beginning of the year 2020 due to the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Its effects devastated the world economy and greatly affected maritime transport, one of the precursors of globalisation. This paper studies the effects of the pandemic on this type of transport, using data from 23,803 Paris Memorandum of Understanding Port State Control (PSC) inspections conducted in the top 10 major European ports. Comparisons have been made between Pre-COVID (2013–2019) and COVID (2020–2021) years, by way of multivariate methodologies: CO-X-STATIS, X-STATIS, and correspondence tables. The results were striking and indicate a clear change in the conduct of inspections during the COVID period, both quantitatively and qualitatively, showing a drastic reduction in the number of inspections and a change in type, with exhaustive inspections assuming a secondary role. Another notable result came from the use of the same methodology to study the different countries of registry and their evolution within PSC inspections during the Pre-COVID and COVID periods, where different behaviours were identified based on a ship’s flag. These results can help us to determine important supervisory objectives for each country’s maritime administration and their inspectors, to indicate weaknesses in the inspection routines caused by the pandemic, and to attempt corrections to improve maritime safety.
Modelling Crack Growth in Additively Manufactured Inconel 718 and Inconel 625
Authors: Jones Rhys , Ang Andrew , Peng Daren , Champagne Victor K. , Michelson Alex , Birt Aaron
Published: July 2023

This paper first examines crack growth in a range of tests on additively manufactured (AM) and conventionally manufactured Inconel 718. It is shown that whereas when the crack growth rate (da/dN) is plotted as a function of the range of the stress intensity factor (ΔK), the crack growth curves exhibit considerable scatter/variability, when da/dN is expressed in terms of the Schwalbe crack driving force (Δκ), then each of the 33 different curves essentially collapse onto a single curve. This relationship appears to hold over approximately six orders of magnitude in da/dN. The same phenomenon also appears to hold for 20 room temperature tests on both conventionally and additively manufactured Inconel 625. Given that the 53 studies examined in this paper were taken from a wide cross section of research studies it would appear that the variability in the da/dN and ΔK curves can (to a first approximation) be accounted for by allowing for the variability in the fatigue threshold and the cyclic fracture toughness terms in the Schwalbe crack driving force. As such, the materials science community is challenged to address the fundamental science underpinning this observation.