bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of public awareness and performance toward the safe use of household disinfectants-cleaners to prevent COVID-19 in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi
Authors: Alwan Nisreen , Almazrouei Shatha , Almazrouei Mariam , Aldhaheri Jawaher , Alismaili Fahad , Ghach Wissam
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Disinfection is one of the most effective hygienic practices that would limit the spread of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) through deactivating the coronavirus on contaminated skin, supplies, and surfaces. However, the type and concentration of disinfectants should be carefully selected to avoid damaging surfaces and to limit the side effects of these chemicals on household members and users. The aim of this study is to assess the public levels of awareness and performance concerning the safe use of household cleaning products and disinfectants during the spread of COVID-19 in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

Methods

The cross-sectional study was conducted between October and December 2021 among 750 residents of Abu Dhabi, Al Dhafrah, and Al-Ain regions. A google survey was distributed electronically for the online recruitment of the general population. Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to determine whether significant differences exist in the levels of awareness and performance with regard to gender, region, education level, and diagnosis with COVID-19. Spearman correlation was used to test if any correlation existed between levels of awareness and performance. Kruskal-Wallis test was also used to check if significant differences exist in the mean score of performance with respect to irritation-to-poisoning symptoms.

Results

The study population recorded a lower mean score of awareness (5.37 out of 12) than performance (11.75 out of 16). The majority of the study population claimed a minimum of one irritation-to-poisoning symptom during the handling of household cleaners and disinfectants. Significant differences exist in the awareness and performance mean scores among various educational levels (P < 0.001). The level of awareness was statistically significant with regard to infection with SARS-CoV-2 (P < 0.05). Also, the level of performance was significantly different between males and females (P < 0.001). Kruskal-Wallis test showed that the mean score of performance is statistically significant with all the studied irritation-to poisoning symptoms (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Awareness campaigns and training programs are recommended to address the safe use of household cleaning products and disinfectants in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Improving kidney care for people with severe mental health difficulties: a thematic analysis of twenty-two healthcare providers’ perspectives
Authors: Cogley Clodagh , Carswell Claire , Bramham Jessica , Bramham Kate , Smith Aoife , Holian John , Conlon Peter , D’Alton Paul
Published: June 2023

Introduction

People with severe mental health difficulties (SMHDs) and concurrent kidney disease have less access to quality kidney care and worse clinical outcomes. Our research investigates the barriers and facilitators to effective kidney care for people with SMHDs, and how care might be improved for this underserved population.

Methods

We conducted semi-structured interviews with twenty-two physical (n = 14) and mental (n = 8) healthcare professionals with experience working with people with SMHDs and concurrent kidney disease. Interview data were analysed and interpreted using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results

Four themes were generated from the data: 1. “It’s about understanding their limitations and challenges, without limiting their rights” describes how some people with SMHDs need additional support when accessing kidney care due to challenges with their mental state, motivation, cognitive difficulties, or mistrust of the healthcare system. 2. “There are people falling through the cracks” describes how the separation of physical and mental healthcare, combined with under-resourcing and understaffing, results in poorer outcomes for people with SMHDs. 3. “Psychiatry is a black spot in our continuing medical education” describes how many renal healthcare providers have limited confidence in their understanding of mental health and their ability to provide care for people with SMHDs. 4. “When they present to a busy emergency department with a problem, the staff tend to go ‘…psych patient”” describes how stigma towards people with SMHDs can negatively impact quality of care.

Conclusion

Healthcare professionals accounts’ describe how people with SMHDs and kidney disease can have favourable outcomes if they have appropriate hospital, community and social supports. Findings indicate that effective management of kidney disease for people with SMHDs requires integrated physical and mental health care, which takes an individualised “whole person” approach to addressing the interaction between kidney disease and mental health.
Case report: Squamous cell carcinoma and spindle cell sarcoma (SCS) arising in a mature cystic teratoma of the ovary
Authors: Qian Xue-qian , Chen Li-li , Zhu Chang-kun , Chen Ya-xia , Wan Xiao-yun
Published: June 2023

Objective

Malignant transformation of mature ovarian teratoma is a rare phenomenon, mainly occurring in postmenopausal period. Squamous cell carcinoma accounts for 80% of all malignant transformations. Sarcoma transformation is much less common and tends to imply a poorer prognosis and aggressiveness.

Case report

We report a case of undifferentiated sarcoma with squamous cell carcinoma in a mature cystic teratoma of the ovary in a 36-year-old woman. The tumor shows epithelial and stromal components. This is a unique report of a benign teratoma of the ovary with malignant transformation, showing epithelial and sarcomatous components. This young woman presented with abdominal distension and a rapidly enlarging ovario-derived pelvic mass with a slightly elevated CA199 tumor marker of 115.9 U/ml. The woman underwent transabdominal excision of the left ovarian cyst on October 20, 2020. During the operation, rapid freezing pathological examination did not indicate malignancy. The postoperative paraffin pathology revealed undifferentiated sarcoma with squamous cell carcinoma (from mature cystic teratoma malignancy), and she finally received comprehensive staging surgery. Postoperative paraffin pathology showed no residual cancer in uterus and other tissues, and all lymph nodes were negative. The patient was finally diagnosed with ovarian malignant tumor IC1 stage (high-grade spindle cell sarcoma complicated with squamous cell carcinoma). Chemotherapy was completed three times after surgery, and no signs of recurrence were found after follow-up.

Conclusion

The preoperative diagnosis and intraoperative rapid freezing examination of malignant transformation of mature teratoma of ovary are challenging.
An ML-Based Approach for HCF Life Prediction of Additively Manufactured AlSi10Mg Considering the Effects of Powder Size and Fatigue Damage
Authors: Bian Zhi , Wang Xiaojia , Zhang Zhe , Song Chao , Gao Tongzhou , Hu Weiping , Sun Linlin , Chen Xiao
Published: June 2023

As a popular technique, additive manufacturing (AM) has garnered extensive utilization in various engineering domains. Given that numerous AM metal components are exposed to fatigue loads, it is of significant importance to investigate the life prediction methodology. This study aims to investigate the high-cycle fatigue (HCF) behavior of AM AlSi10Mg, taking into account the influences of powder size and fatigue damage, and a novel ML-based approach for life prediction is presented. First, the damage-coupled constitutive model and fatigue damage model are derived, and the Particle Swarm Optimization method is employed for the material parameters’ calibration of M AlSi10Mg. Second, the numerical implementation of theoretical models is carried out via the development of a user-defined material subroutine. The predicted fatigue lives of AM AlSi10Mg with varying powder sizes fall within the triple error band, which verifies the numerical method and the calibrated material parameters. After that, the machine learning approach for HCF life prediction is presented, and the Random Forest (RF) and K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN) models are employed to predict the fatigue lives of AM AlSi10Mg. The RF model achieves a smaller MSE and a larger R2 value compared to the KNN model, signifying its superior performance in predicting the overall behavior of AM AlSi10Mg. Under the same maximum stress, a decrease in the stress ratio from 0.5 to −1 leads to a reduction in fatigue life for both powder sizes. As the powder size decreases, the rate of damage evolution accelerates, leading to shorter fatigue life.
Flowering Phenology of Olive Cultivars in Two Climate Zones with Contrasting Temperatures (Subtropical and Mediterranean)
Authors: Medina-Alonso María G. , Cabezas Jose M. , Ríos-Mesa Domingo , Lorite Ignacio J. , León Lorenzo , de la Rosa Raúl
Published: June 2023

The large amount of olive cultivars conserved in germplasm banks can be used to overcome some of the challenges faced by the olive growing industry, including climate warming. One effect of climate warming in olive is the difficulty to fulfill the chilling requirements for flowering due to mild winter temperatures. In the present work, we evaluate seven olive cultivars for their adaptation to high winter temperatures by comparing their flowering phenology in the standard Mediterranean climate of Cordoba, Southern Iberian Peninsula, with the subtropical climate of Tenerife, Canary Islands. Flowering phenology in Tenerife was significantly earlier and longer than in Cordoba. However, genotype seems to have little influence on the effects of the lack of winter chilling temperatures, as in Tenerife. This was found even though the cultivars studied had a high genetic distance between them. In fact, all the cultivars tested in Tenerife flowered during the three-year study but showed asynchronous flowering bud burst. ‘Arbequina’ showed an earlier day of full flowering compared with the rest of the cultivars. The results observed here could be of interest to refine the phenological simulation models, including the length of the flowering period. More genetic variability should be evaluated in warm winter conditions to look for adaptation to climate warming.
Differences in the Physiological Indicators of Seed Germination and Seedling Establishment of Durum Wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) Cultivars Subjected to Salinity Stress
Authors: Hmissi Manel , Chaieb Mohamed , Krouma Abdelmajid
Published: June 2023

To investigate the effects of salinity stress on durum wheat cultivars at the critical stages of germination and seedling establishment under salinity stress, a study was conducted on eight durum wheat cultivars (Karim, Khiar, Inrat100, Maali, Monastir, Portodur, Razeg, and Salim) subjected to an increasing salinity concentration by using sodium chloride (NaC) (0, 2, 4, 6, and 10 g L−1). Germination and seedling physiological parameters were measured and thoroughly analyzed. Salinity stress significantly decreased germination capacity (GC), germination rate (GR), final germination capacity (FGC), germination index (GI), mean daily germination (MDG), and velocity coefficient (Vc), whereas mean germination time (MGT) and the stress index (SI) increased. Plantlet growth and initial vigor (IV) were also significantly hampered. Regarding all these traits, the cultivars’ differences were revealed: Karim and Salim were the least affected, whereas Razeg and Maali were the most affected, and the other cultivars occupied an intermediate position. Depending on cultivar, salinity stress decreased the germination capacity and delayed its initiation. At low salinity stress (2–4 g L−1 NaCl), the osmotic effect (OE) was the main cause of germination inhibition, whereas at high salinity stress (6–10 g L−1 NaCl), the toxic effect (TE) dominated and irreversibly inhibited the germination process. The initial vigor and the stress index that clearly discriminate among the studied cultivars are useful traits for screening tolerant genotypes. Otherwise, durum wheat showed a higher plasticity with salinity at the germination stage, allowing it to develop better tolerance at this stage, as compared to early stage plantlet growth.
Impact of Chemically Diverse Organic Residue Amendment on Soil Enzymatic Activities in a Sandy Loam Soil
Authors: Sharma Sandeep , Sharma Neha , Gupta Nihar , Angmo Padma , Siddiqui Manzer H. , Rahman Md Atikur
Published: June 2023

To monitor soil biological quality, it is of paramount importance to assess how chemically diverse organic residue amendments reciprocate to organic matter. The present incubation study aimed to evaluate the effect of organic residue amendments varying widely in their biochemical composition on the dynamics of soil enzymatic activity. The changes in the pattern of soil enzymatic activity have been monitored over a period of 63 days using a total of eleven different crop residues. The enzyme activity (dehydrogenase, fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis, acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase and phytase) in soils amended with chemically diverse organic residues were significantly higher as compared to the control. It was further observed that the enzymatic activities in Azadirachta indica, Avena sativa and Lens culinaris continued to be higher up to 28 days after their incorporation (DAI). Our study showed that plant residues varying in different cellulose and hemicellulose contents influenced the enzymatic activities as well as functional diversity of soil microbial communities.
Absorption, Translocation, and Metabolism of Glyphosate and Imazethapyr in Smooth Pigweed with Multiple Resistance
Authors: Nalin Daniel , Munhoz-Garcia Gustavo Vinícios , Witter Ana Paula Werkhausen , Takeshita Vanessa , Oliveira Claudia de , Adegas Fernando Storniolo , Tornisielo Valdemar Luiz , Oliveira Junior Rubem Silvério de , Constantin Jamil
Published: June 2023

The evolution of herbicide-resistant weeds is the major challenge for chemical management worldwide, increasing production costs, and reducing yield. This work aimed to evaluate the putative resistance of the Amaranthus hybridus population from Candido Mota (CMT) to glyphosate and imazethapyr and to investigate the non-target site mechanisms involved. Dose–response studies were conducted under greenhouse conditions and the control and biomass reduction were evaluated 28 days after application (DAA). Absorption, translocation, and metabolization studies were evaluated at 72 h after treatment (HAT) using radiometric techniques. The dose–response results show different responses among populations to glyphosate and imazethapyr. The CMT population was not controlled with labeled herbicide doses. Based on biomass reduction, the resistance factor was 16.4 and 9.4 to glyphosate and imazethapyr, respectively. The CMT absorbed 66% of 14C-glyphosate and 23% of 14C-imazethapyr at 72 HAT. Although the CMT population absorbed more glyphosate than the susceptible population (12.6%), translocation was impaired for both herbicides in the CMT when compared to the SUS population. There was no evidence that herbicide metabolization was involved in CMT resistance to the herbicides studied. Understanding the mechanisms endowing resistance allows better decision-making. This is the first study that describes non-target-site resistance mechanisms in an Amaranthus hybridus population from Brazil.
In-Season Crop Type Detection by Combing Sentinel-1A and Sentinel-2 Imagery Based on the CNN Model
Authors: Mao Mingxiang , Zhao Hongwei , Tang Gula , Ren Jianqiang
Published: June 2023

In-season crop-type maps are required for a variety of agricultural monitoring and decision-making applications. The earlier the crop type maps of the current growing season are obtained, the more beneficial it is for agricultural decision-making and management. With the availability of a large amount of high spatiotemporal resolution remote sensing data, different data sources are expected to increase the frequency of data acquisition, which can provide more information in the early season. To explore the potential of integrating different data sources, a Dual-1DCNN algorithm was built based on the CNN model in this study. Moreover, an incremental training method was used to attain the network on each data acquisition date and obtain the best detection date for each crop type in the early season. A case study for Hengshui City in China was conducted using time series of Sentinel-1A (S1A) and Sentinel-2 (S2) attained in 2019. To verify this method, the classical methods support vector machine (SVM), random forest (RF), and Mono-1DCNN were implemented. The input for SVM and RF was S1A and S2 data, and the input for Mono-1DCNN was S2 data. The results demonstrated the following: (1) Dual-1DCNN achieved an overall accuracy above 85% at the earliest time.; (2) all four types of models achieved high accuracy (F1s were greater than 90%) on summer maize after sowing one month later; (3) for cotton and common yam rhizomes, Dual-1DCNN performed best, with its F1 reaching 85% within 2 months after cotton sowing, 15 days, 20 days, and 45 days ahead of Mono-1DCNN, SVM, and RF, respectively, and its extraction of the common yam rhizome was achieved 1–2 months earlier than other methods within the acceptable accuracy. These results confirmed that Dual-1DCNN offered significant potential in the in-season detection of crop types.
Melatonin Mitigated Salinity Stress on Alfalfa by Improving Antioxidant Defense and Osmoregulation
Authors: Guo Xiaoqian , Shi Yu , Zhu Guanglong , Zhou Guisheng
Published: June 2023

Melatonin (MT) is a growth regulator and antioxidant that can resist peroxidation damage on plants caused by environmental stresses. In this study, the alleviation effects of melatonin on alfalfa under salt stress were investigated in terms of photosynthesis, antioxidant enzymes, and osmoregulation. The alfalfa seedlings were cultured in 200 mM NaCl Hoagland solution. Five levels of MT (0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4 mM) were applied as a foliar spray. Generally, the foliar spray of MT increased root length, root surface area, height, leaf length and width, aerial and root biomass, SPAD readings, the content of proline and soluble protein, and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT). Malonaldehyde (MDA) content was decreased by MT foliar spray. The beneficial effects of MT on alfalfa under salt stress were dosage-dependent, and excessive MT levels inhibited alfalfa growth. The alleviating effects of MT on salt stress were more pronounced at 0.3 mM MT. This study suggested that exogenous MT foliar spray at appropriate levels can ameliorate the adverse effects of salt stress on alfalfa seedlings.
A Moderate Wetting and Drying Regime Combined with Appropriate Nitrogen Application Increases Grain Yield and Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Rice
Authors: Huang Hanghang , Xu Rongyue , Yu Jixiang , Zhang Weiyang , Gu Junfei , Zhu Kuanyu , Zhang Jianhua , Yang Jianchang
Published: June 2023

This study investigated whether and how irrigation regimes interact with nitrogen (N) application rates to mediate the grain yield, N use efficiency (NUE) and water use efficiency (WUE) in rice and to understand the underlying mechanism. A field experiment was conducted with two irrigation regimes, continuously flooded (CF) and alternate wetting and moderate drying (AWMD), and three N application rates, 120 kg ha−1 N (a low N rate, LN), 240 kg ha−1 N (a medium N rate, MN) and 360 kg ha−1 N (a high N rate, HN) in 2021 and 2022. The results showed that the grain yield exhibited the lowest values at the LN, regardless of the irrigation regime, while it was the highest at the MN when the CF regime was adopted. The grain yield was comparable between the MN and HN regarding the AWMD regime. AWMD significantly increased the grain yield, NUE and WUE compared to CF at the same N rate, which was attributed to a higher photosynthetic rate, improved population quality, enhanced nonstructural carbohydrate remobilization from stems to grains during grain filling, and elevated activities of enzymes involved in N assimilation in the roots. The results suggest that an AWMD regime combined with MN treatment could pronounce a synergistic interaction on the grain yield, NUE and WUE in rice by improving root and shoot physiological performances.
Assessment of the Quality of ‘Red Jonaprince’ Apples during Storage after Delayed Harvesting and 1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) Preharvest and Postharvest Treatment
Authors: Tomala Kazimierz , Guzek Dominika , Głąbska Dominika , Małachowska Maria , Widłak Łukasz , Krupa Tomasz , Gutkowska Krystyna
Published: June 2023

Changing the harvesting time of apples from the optimum harvest window to delayed harvesting may be applied if it is impossible to harvest apples at the optimal time, but it requires changing other factors, as they influence the quality of fruits and shelf life. The aim of the study was to assess the quality of ‘Red Jonaprince’ apples during storage after delayed harvesting and 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) preharvest and postharvest treatment for various storage times. Apples were studied within four groups subjected to preharvest and postharvest treatments, as follows: Group 0—no 1-MCP treatment; Group 1—1-MCP preharvest treatment; Group 2—1-MCP postharvest treatment; and Group 3—1-MCP preharvest and postharvest treatment. All apples were subjected to ultra-low oxygen (ULO) storage conducted for 3, 5 or 6 months, while the analyses were conducted directly after ULO storage (simulated shelf life—0 days) and after simulated shelf life (7 days). For firmness, in the case of 1-MCP applied only preharvest (Group 1) and only postharvest (Group 2), before shelf life, the longer ULO storage resulted in obtaining lower values of firmness (p < 0.0001). If 1-MCP was not applied postharvest (Group 0 and Group 1), and short ULO storage was applied (3 and 5 months for Group 0; 3 months for Group 1), after shelf-life lower values of firmness were observed (p < 0.0001). For soluble solids content (SSC), in the case of 1-MCP not applied preharvest (Group 0 and Group 2), before shelf life, and for 1-MCP applied postharvest (Group 2) after shelf life, the longer ULO storage resulted in obtaining lower values of SCC (p < 0.0001). For titratable acidity (TA), in the case of all the studied groups after shelf life, as well as in case of 1-MCP applied only preharvest (Group 1) also before shelf life, the longer ULO storage resulted in obtaining lower values of TA (p < 0.0001). Except for the 1-MCP applied only postharvest (Group 2), in the case of short ULO storage applied (3 and 5 months for Group 0; 5 months for Group 1; 5 months for Group 3), after shelf-life lower values of TA were observed (p < 0.0001). If delayed harvesting must be conducted, applying 1-MCP not only postharvest, but also preharvest, allows obtaining the most stable firmness and SSC, which do not decrease during storage and shelf life. Taking this into account, it may be concluded, that in the case of delayed harvesting, combining 1-MCP applied preharvest and postharvest should be recommended to keep the quality parameters stable during storage and shelf life.
Risk Factors Associated with the Development of Hospital-Acquired Infections in Hospitalized Patients with Severe COVID-19
Authors: Solís-Huerta Fernando , Martinez-Guerra Bernardo Alfonso , Roman-Montes Carla Marina , Tamez-Torres Karla Maria , Rajme-Lopez Sandra , Ortíz-Conchi Narciso , López-García Norma Irene , Villalobos-Zapata Guadalupe Yvonne , Rangel-Cordero Andrea , Santiago-Cruz Janet , Xancal-Salvador Luis Fernando , Méndez-Ramos Steven , Ochoa-Hein Eric , Galindo-Fraga Arturo , Ponce-de-Leon Alfredo , Gonzalez-Lara Maria Fernanda , Sifuentes-Osornio Jose
Published: June 2023

Recognition of risk factors for hospital-acquired infections (HAI) in patients with COVID-19 is warranted. We aimed to describe factors associated with the development of HAI in patients with severe COVID-19. We conducted a retrospective cohort study including all adult patients admitted with severe COVID-19 between March 2020 and November 2020. The primary outcome was HAI development. Bivariate and multiple logistic regression models were constructed. Among 1540 patients, HAI occurred in 221 (14%). A total of 299 episodes of HAI were registered. The most common HAI were hospital-acquired/ventilation-associated pneumonia (173 episodes) and primary bloodstream infection (66 episodes). Death occurred in 387 (35%) patients and was more frequent in patients with HAI (38% vs. 23%, p < 0.01). Early mechanical ventilation (aOR 18.78, 95% CI 12.56–28.07), chronic kidney disease (aOR 3.41, 95% CI 1.4–8.27), use of corticosteroids (aOR 2.95, 95% CI 1.92–4.53) and tocilizumab (aOR 2.68, 95% CI 1.38–5.22), age ≥ 60 years (aOR 1.91, 95% CI 1.27–2.88), male sex (aOR 1.52, 95% CI 1.03–2.24), and obesity (aOR 1.49, 95% CI 1.03–2.15) were associated with HAI. In patients with severe COVID-19, mechanical ventilation within the first 24 h upon admission, chronic kidney disease, use of corticosteroids, use of tocilizumab, age ≥ 60 years, male sex, and obesity were associated with a higher risk of HAI.
Simulation of Vancomycin Exposure Using Trough and Peak Levels Achieves the Target Area under the Steady-State Concentration–Time Curve in ICU Patients
Authors: Ibe Yuta , Ishigo Tomoyuki , Fujii Satoshi , Takahashi Satoshi , Fukudo Masahide , Sato Hideki
Published: June 2023

The therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of vancomycin (VCM) in critically ill patients often results in the estimated area being under the concentration–time curve (AUC) values that deviate from individual observations. In this study, we investigated the factors influencing the achievement of the target AUC of VCM at steady-state in critically ill patients. We retrospectively collected data from patients treated with VCM in an intensive care unit (ICU). Multivariate analysis was used to adjust for significant factors with p < 0.05 and identify new factors affecting the achievement of the target AUC at steady-state for VCM. Among the 113 patients included in this study, 72 (64%) were in the 1-point group (trough only), whereas 41 (36%) were in the 2-point group (trough/peak). The percentage of patients achieving the target AUC at the follow-up TDM evaluation was significantly higher in the two-point group. Multivariate analysis showed that being in the 2-point group and those with a 20% or more increase (or decrease) in creatinine clearance (CCr) were both significantly associated with the success rate of achieving the target AUC at the follow-up TDM. Novel findings revealed that in patients admitted to the ICU, changes in renal function were a predictor of AUC deviation, with a 20% or more increase (or decrease) in CCr being an indicator. We believe the indicators obtained in this study are simple and can be applied clinically in many facilities. If changes in renal function are anticipated, we recommend an AUC evaluation of VCM with a two-point blood collection, close monitoring of renal function, and dose adjustment based on reanalyzing the serum concentrations of VCM.
Evaluation of Fluoride Concentration in Commercially Available Bottled Water in Romania—A Potential Risk Factor for Dental Fluorosis
Authors: Mihalas Eugeniu , Gavrila Laura , Sirghe Ana , Toma Vasilica , Decolli Yllka , Savin Carmen
Published: June 2023

Fluoride (F) ions actively participate in the dental enamel remineralisation process and inhibit the activity of cariogenic bacteria of the oral biofilm. However, increased systemic intake of F during critical periods of amelogenesis can lead to dental fluorosis (DF). The necessity of our study stemmed from the growing consumption of bottled water, as water is one of the primary sources of F in humans, and labelling F concentration is optional. Our aim was to evaluate the F concentration in bottled natural mineral or spring still waters available on the market in Iasi, Romania. We purchased forty different brands of still bottled water from the major grocery stores and tested them using an ion-selective electrode method. The reliability of the data was assessed by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), while the differences between the obtained and labelled F values were examined using a paired samples t-test. The tested F levels ranged between 0.0338 and 4.6262 milligrams per litter (mg/L). The majority of the samples, around 85% recorded F values ranging from 0.232 to 0.0338 mg/L, offering slight or no benefit in caries prevention. Another 10% of the samples had F values ranging between 0.3 and 0.4 mg/L and could provide a dental health benefit. A percentage of 5% of the tested samples recorded F levels above the optimal level of 0.7 mg/L, as set by the American Dental Association (ADA) and the United States Department of Health and Human Services (U.S. HHS). This elevated F concentration poses a potential risk for DF in infants and toddlers, indicating that regular consumption of these samples may be unsafe.
Analysis of Recent Deep Learning Techniques for Arabic Handwritten-Text OCR and Post-OCR Correction
Authors: Najam Rayyan , Faizullah Safiullah
Published: June 2023

Arabic handwritten-text recognition applies an OCR technique and then a text-correction technique to extract the text within an image correctly. Deep learning is a current paradigm utilized in OCR techniques. However, no study investigated or critically analyzed recent deep-learning techniques used for Arabic handwritten OCR and text correction during the period of 2020–2023. This analysis fills this noticeable gap in the literature, uncovering recent developments and their limitations for researchers, practitioners, and interested readers. The results reveal that CNN-LSTM-CTC is the most suitable architecture among Transformer and GANs for OCR because it is less complex and can hold long textual dependencies. For OCR text correction, applying DL models to generated errors in datasets improved accuracy in many works. In conclusion, Arabic OCR has the potential to further apply several text-embedding models to correct the resultant text from the OCR, and there is a significant gap in studies investigating this problem. In addition, there is a need for more high-quality and domain-specific OCR Arabic handwritten datasets. Moreover, we recommend the practical development of a space for future trends in Arabic OCR applications, derived from current limitations in Arabic OCR works and from applications in other languages; this will involve a plethora of possibilities that have not been effectively researched at the time of writing.
A Refined Multiscale Symbolic Diverse Entropy Technique for Detecting Weak Faults in Rotating Machinery
Authors: Li Shunming , Hou Yuzhe , Lu Jiantao , Feng Mengqi
Published: June 2023

In rotating machinery components, it is difficult to extract incipient weak fault features directly from vibration signals. A fault feature extraction method based on refined multiscale symbolic dispersion entropy (RMSDE) is proposed. This method mainly combines symbolic coding and dynamic complexity evaluation to achieve multi-dimensional feature extraction. By constructing multiple sets of simulation signals to evaluate the correlation performance of the proposed method, the superior performance in complexity estimation, anti-noise interference and computational efficiency is mainly demonstrated. When RMSDE is combined with a self-organizing fuzzy logic classifier (SOF), the results show that the proposed RMSDE-SOF method can achieve high-precision fault diagnosis of rotating machinery. The effectiveness and robustness of the proposed method in fault feature extraction and diagnosis are verified by using the rolling bearing dataset and gear dataset, which contain multiple fault types, and the comprehensive performance of the proposed method is better than that of similar feature extraction methods. The final results show that the proposed method is superior to the other methods in rotating machinery fault diagnosis.
Research on the Safety Assessment of Corbel Beams of Reservoir Radial Gates Based on Real States
Authors: Lin Jiayi , Wang Ronglu , Zhao Yan , Sun Yuelin
Published: June 2023

The radial gate corbel beam is a kind of gate support structure more often used in large and medium-sized reservoirs, but the current corresponding structural design code does not give a review calculation method for it. Because there are obvious differences between a corbel and a corbel beam in structural form and force, if the corbel beam is just simplified in the calculation as a corbel structure, it can easily lead to misjudgment of insufficient bearing capacity. This misjudgment has a significant impact on later safety assessment, danger removal, and reinforcement. Currently, there are limited studies available on the internal stress distribution of the corbel beam. In this study, taking the danger removal and reinforcement of the radial gate beam of a medium reservoir in Beijing as an example, the concrete quality of the dam was tested by the core drilling method, and two safety review methods of the corbel beam for different types of reservoirs were proposed in combination with the Code for Design of Hydraulic Concrete Structures (SL191-2008). Then, three different types of calculation model were established by the method of theoretical mechanics calculation and finite element simulation. Combined with the safety test data, the stress state of the combined stress structure of the corbel beam and gate pier under the real state was analyzed and the safety evaluation was carried out. The calculation results of these two corbel beam safety review methods were respectively reduced by 32% and 47% compared with the current calculation method. Engineering practice has proved the rationality of the two safety evaluation methods proposed in this paper, which can provide a certain reference for similar engineering reinforcement.
Conductivity Enhancement of Graphene and Graphene Derivatives by Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Koutsioukis Apostolos , Vrettos Katerina , Belessi Vassiliki , Georgakilas Vasilios
Published: June 2023

In this article, a facile way for the doping of graphene and graphene derivatives with silver nanoparticles at different Ag ratios is described. Ag nanoparticles were formed directly on the surface of two different graphene substrates dispersed in dimethylformamide by the reduction of Ag cations with NaBH4. A few layered graphene nanosheets (FLG) produced from graphite and reduced graphene oxide functionalized with amino arylsulfonates (f-rGO) were used as substrates. The final graphene/Ag nanoparticle hybrid in the form of solid, dense spots showed enhanced electrical conductivity, which can be attributed to the formation of conductive interconnections between the 2D nanosheets. Importantly, electrical conductivities of 20 and 167 103 S m−1 were measured for the hybrids of f-rGO and FLG, respectively, with the higher Ag percentage without an annealing process. A representative hybrid f-rGO with Ag nanoparticles was used for the development of a highly conductive water-based gravure ink with excellent printing properties.
Augmented Reality Applications for Synchronized Communication in Construction: A Review of Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: El Kassis Rita , Ayer Steven K. , El Asmar Mounir
Published: June 2023

Many researchers in the construction field have explored the utilization of augmented reality (AR) and its impact on the industry. Previous studies have shown potential uses for AR in the construction industry. However, a comprehensive critical review exploring the ways in which AR supports synchronized communication is still missing. This paper aims to fill this gap by examining trends identified in the literature and by analyzing both beneficial and challenging attributes. This work was performed by collecting numerous journal and conference papers, using keywords including “augmented reality”, “construction”, and “synchronous communication”. The papers were then categorized based on the reported attributes that were indicated to be challenges or benefits. Throughout the analysis, several benefits were consistently reported, including training, visualization, instantly sharing information, decision making, and intuitive interaction. Similarly, several challenges were consistently reported, such as difficulty in manipulation, unfriendly interface, device discomfort, and sun brightness. Regarding other attributes, such as field of view, cost, safety hazards, and hands-free mode, researchers provided divergent reports regarding whether they were beneficial or detrimental to AR communication. These findings provide valuable guidance for future researchers and practitioners, enabling them to leverage AR for synchronized communication in ways that consistently offer value.
Advances and Challenges in IoT-Based Smart Drug Delivery Systems: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Raikar Amisha S. , Kumar Pramod , Raikar Gokuldas (Vedant) S. , Somnache Sandesh N.
Published: June 2023

In the current era of technology, the internet of things (IoT) plays a vital role in smart drug delivery systems. It is an emerging field that offers promising solutions for improving the efficacy, safety, and patient compliance of drug therapies. IoT-based drug delivery systems leverage advanced devices, sophisticated sensors, and smart tools to monitor and analyse the health matrices of the patient in real-time, allowing for personalised and targeted drug delivery. This technology is implemented through various types of devices, including wearable and implantable devices such as infusion pumps, smart pens, inhalers, and auto-injectors. However, the development and implementation of IoT-based drug delivery systems pose several challenges, such as ensuring data security and privacy, regulatory compliance, compatibility, and reliability. In this paper, the latest research on smart wearable devices and its analysis are addressed. It also focuses on the challenges of ensuring the safe and efficient use of this technology in healthcare applications.
Outer Topology Network Synchronization Using Chaotic Nodes with Hidden Attractors
Authors: Villalobos-Aranda Carlos Andrés , Arellano-Delgado Adrian , Zambrano-Serrano Ernesto , Pliego-Jiménez Javier , Cruz-Hernández César
Published: June 2023

This paper addresses the synchronization problem in outer topology networks using chaotic nodes with hidden attractors. Specifically, we analyze bidirectionally coupled networks with various inner–outer coupling topologies to identify the optimal configuration that encourages outer synchronization. The inner–outer coupled networks incorporate a chaotic system capable of generating hidden attractors. To assess the stability of the synchronization state, we conduct numerical simulations and examine the maximum Lyapunov exponent of the generic variational equations. Our results reveal the most suitable bidirectional inner–outer coupling network topology for achieving outer synchronization.
Hyers–Ulam and Hyers–Ulam–Rassias Stability for Linear Fractional Systems with Riemann–Liouville Derivatives and Distributed Delays
Authors: Kiskinov Hristo , Madamlieva Ekaterina , Zahariev Andrey
Published: June 2023

The aim of the present paper is to study the asymptotic properties of the solutions of linear fractional system with Riemann–Liouville-type derivatives and distributed delays. We prove under natural assumptions (similar to those used in the case when the derivatives are first (integer) order) the existence and uniqueness of the solutions in the initial problem for these systems with discontinuous initial functions. As a consequence, we also prove the existence of a unique fundamental matrix for the homogeneous system, which allows us to establish an integral representation of the solutions to the initial problem for the corresponding inhomogeneous system. Then, we introduce for the studied systems a concept for Hyers–Ulam in time stability and Hyers–Ulam–Rassias in time stability. As an application of the obtained results, we propose a new approach (instead of the standard fixed point approach) based on the obtained integral representation and establish sufficient conditions, which guarantee Hyers–Ulam-type stability in time. Finally, it is proved that the Hyers–Ulam-type stability in time leads to Lyapunov stability in time for the investigated homogeneous systems.
Carboxymethylated Rhizoma alismatis Polysaccharides Regulate Calcium Oxalate Crystals Growth and Reduce the Regulated Crystals’ Cytotoxicity
Authors: Cheng Xiao-Yan , Ouyang Jian-Ming
Published: June 2023

Objective: This study explored the effects of polysaccharides (RAPD) extracted from the traditional anti-stone Chinese medicine Rhizoma alismatis and their carboxymethylated derivatives (RAPs) on the crystal phase, morphology, and size of calcium oxalate (CaOx). It also determined the damaging ability of the regulated crystals on human renal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2). Methods: RAPD carboxymethylation with a carboxyl group (–COOH) content of 3.57% was carried out by the chloroacetic acid solvent method. The effects of –COOH content in RAPs and RAP concentration on the regulation of CaOx crystal growth were studied by controlling the variables. Cell experiments were conducted to explore the differences in the cytotoxicity of RAP-regulated crystals. Results: The –COOH contents of RAPD, RAP1, RAP2, and RAP3 were 3.57%, 7.79%, 10.84%, and 15.33%, respectively. RAPs can inhibit the growth of calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) and induce the formation of calcium oxalate dihydrate (COD). When the –COOH content in RAPs was high, their ability to induce COD formation was enhanced. In the crystals induced by RAPs, a high COD content can lower the damage to cells. In particular, the cytotoxicity of the crystals induced by RAP3 was the lowest. When the concentration of RAP3 increased, the cytotoxicity gradually increased due to the reduced size of the formed COD crystals. An interaction was observed between RAPs and crystals, and the number of RAPs adsorbed in the crystals was positively correlated with the –COOH content in RAPs. Conclusions: RAPs can reduce the damage of CaOx to HK-2 cells by regulating the crystallization of CaOx crystals and effectively reducing the risk of kidney stone formation. RAPs, especially RAP3 with a high carboxyl group content, has the potential to be developed as a novel green anti-stone drug.
Total Healing of a Partial Rupture of the Supraspinatus Tendon Using Barbotage Technique Associated with Platelet-Rich Plasma: A Randomized, Controlled, and Double-Blind Clinical Trial
Authors: de Castro Renato Luiz Bevilacqua , Antonio Breno Pazinatto , Giovannetti Gustavo Atra , Annichino-Bizzacchi Joyce Maria
Published: June 2023

The prevalence of partial rotator cuff tears (PRCTs) is high in the general population. Our hypothesis is that barbotage, when associated with platelet-rich plasma (PRP), is an effective method for healing these tears. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of barbotage with or without PRP on the healing of partial supraspinatus tendon tears (PSTTs). This study assessed the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index score and ultrasound (US) images at 6 weeks and 6 months after treatment. Patients in both groups showed clinical improvement, with no significant difference in scores at 6 weeks. However, at 6 months, the PRP group exhibited significant improvement (p = 0.019). Both groups experienced a reduction in ST tear size, but the PRP group demonstrated a significant enhancement at 6 weeks and 6 months. In conclusion, the US-guided barbotage technique, whether associated with PRP or saline solution, proved to be an effective treatment for clinical improvement and reduction in the size of PSTT. Better clinical improvement results were observed with PRP at 6 months. The combination of PRP with barbotage was superior in reducing the size of the ST tear at both 6 weeks and 6 months, resulting in complete healing in 79.3% of the tears.
Multi-Joint Bionic Mechanism Based on Non-Circular Gear Drive
Authors: Liu Dawei , Zhang Tao , Cao Yuetong
Published: June 2023

Aiming at the nonlinear expansion/contraction drive problem between different cables in multi-joint cable drive mechanisms, a mechanical drive method based on a non-circular gear drive was proposed, which could replace the servo-sensing control system and minimize the system’s complexity and cost. A multi-joint single-degree-of-freedom (DOF) bending mechanism was constructed with several T-shaped components and cross-shaped components. The principle of the multi-joint mechanism driven by non-circular gears was clarified. The corresponding relationships between the joint bending angle, cables’ extension/retraction amount and non-circular gear transmission ratio were established. Using the Bowden cable driving, a multi-DOF bending mechanism decoupling scheme was proposed. Considering the adverse effect of non-circular gear hysteresis on the motion of multi-joint mechanisms, a non-circular gear backlash elimination method was proposed. The expression of the backlash of the non-circular gear with respect to the axial movement amount was deduced, which could enable the precise control of the backlash. A two-DOF multi-joint bionic mechanism driven by the non-circular gear was developed. The experimental results show that the mechanism can achieve coordinated bending motion by precisely controlling the line extension/contraction through non-circular gears. This multi-joint bionic mechanism driven by non-circular gears has the characteristics of reliable structure and simple control, and it is expected to be applied to bionic fish and bionic quadruped robots in the future.
A Biomimetic Polymer for the Extraction and Purification of Superior Analogues of Amphotericin B
Authors: Cowen Todd , Walmsley Simon , Karim Kal , Haser Resul , Caffrey Patrick , Piletska Elena , Rawlings Bernard , Piletsky Sergey A.
Published: June 2023

Amphotericin B has been an essential drug in the fight against leishmaniasis and fungal pathogens for decades, and has more recently gained attention for the very limited microbial resistance displayed against it. However, its toxicity has restricted its use to only the most severe cases of disease, and attempts to reduce these ill effects via formulation have had only minor success. Genetic engineering has allowed the development of superior amphotericin analogues, notably 16-descarboxyl-16-methyl amphotericin B (MeAmB), which shows a ten-fold reduction in toxicity in addition to a slight improvement in therapeutic activity. However, MeAmB is difficult to extract from its bacterial source and purify. Presented here is an alternative method of MeAmB purification. A biomimetic polymer with a high affinity for MeAmB was designed via computational modelling and synthesised. Prepared as a separation column, the polymer was able to retain the target MeAmB whilst allowing the removal of cell debris from the bacterial extract. Starting with a simple bacterial extract, the relatively simple process allowed the purification of an MeAmB salt complex at approximately 70% MeAmB, and likely higher purification from further extraction. The mean MeAmB recovery between the pre-purification extract sample and the final product was 81%. This is the first successful demonstration of extraction or purification of any amphotericin molecule with any polymeric material. The biomimetic polymer was additionally reusable and simple to fabricate, giving this technique significant advantages over traditional methods of extraction and purification of valuable compounds.