bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strategies to Reduce the Use of Antibiotics in Fresh and Chilled Equine Semen
Authors: Zabala Sonsoles Mercedes , Serres Consuelo , Montero Natalia , Crespo Francisco , Lorenzo Pedro Luis , Pérez-Aguilera Verónica , Galán Carmen , Domínguez-Gimbernat Mónica , Oliet Agustín , Moreno Santiago , González-Zorn Bruno , Gutiérrez-Cepeda Luna
Published: January 2024

The study assessed the impact of four equine semen processing techniques on sperm quality and microbial load immediately post-processing and after 48 h of refrigeration. The aim was to explore the potential reduction of prophylactic antibiotic usage in semen extenders. Semen from ten adult stallions was collected and processed under a strict hygiene protocol and divided into four aliquots: Simple Centrifugation with antibiotics (SC+), Simple Centrifugation (SC−), Single-Layer Colloidal Centrifugation (CC−), and Filtration (with SpermFilter®) (F−), all in extenders without antibiotics. Sperm motility, viability, and microbial load on three culture media were assessed. No significant differences were observed in the main in the sperm quality parameters among the four protocols post-processing and at 48 h (p < 0.05 or p < 0.1). Microbial loads in Columbia 5% Sheep Blood Agar and Schaedler vitamin K1 5% Sheep Blood Agar mediums were significantly higher (p < 0.10) for raw semen than for CS+, CC−, and F− post-processing. For Sabouraud Dextrose Agar medium, the microbial load was significantly higher (p < 0.10) in raw semen compared to CS+ and F−. No significant differences (p < 0.10) were found in 48 h chilled samples. Regardless of antibiotic presence, the evaluated processing methods, when combined with rigorous hygiene measures, maintained semen quality and reduced microbial load to the same extent as a traditional protocol using antibiotics.
Comparative Responses of Orange-Foot and Common-Foot Haliotis gigantea to Carotenoid-Enriched Diets: Survival, Heat Tolerance, and Bacterial Resistance
Authors: Ke Yizhou , Liu Shuyi , Zeng Wencui , Gao Xiaolong , Cai Mingyi , You Weiwei
Published: January 2024

Carotenoids, known to enhance survival, heat tolerance, and bacterial resistance, play an essential role in the nutrition of economically important aquatic animals. This study specifically examined their impact as feed additives on the abalone Haliotis gigantea. We prepared 13 compound feeds with varying levels of astaxanthin, zeaxanthin, and β-carotene, and administered them to both common-footed and orange-footed H. gigantea. The survival rate of H. gigantea was about 70–80%, with no significant differences in survival observed among the various carotenoid-supplemented feeding groups or when compared with the control group, nor between orange-footed and common-footed individuals. In heat attachment duration experiments, orange-foot abalones exhibited longer attachment durations with certain concentrations of astaxanthin and zeaxanthin, whereas common-foot abalones showed extended durations with astaxanthin, zeaxanthin, and β-carotene, indicating that common-foot abalones might benefit more from these carotenoids. Additionally, our results showed similar patterns and levels of Vibrio harveyi AP37 resistance in both orange-footed and common-footed H. gigantea, suggesting a uniform response to carotenoid supplementation in their bacterial defense mechanisms. This study suggests the potential benefits of carotenoid supplementation in H. gigantea and contributes to the theoretical basis for developing high-quality artificial compound feeds.
The Optimization of Covert Communication in Asymmetric Jammer-Assist Systems
Authors: Qiao Sen , Zhu Ruizhi , Ji Xiaopeng , Zhao Junjie , Ding Huihui
Published: January 2024

This research investigates the feasibility of covert and reliable communication between Alice and Bob in the presence of a vigilant adversary, Willie, employing a jammer in a complex Gaussian channel. Alice strategically manipulates the noise-power ratio along the real and imaginary axes to disrupt Willie’s detection capabilities. Covertness constraints are quantified using KL divergence, and transmission performance is assessed through mutual information. Additionally, an optimization method is introduced to enhance covert communication by fine-tuning the amplitude gain and noise-power ratio. Numerical results confirm the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed method, showcasing its ability to maximize covert transmission rates.
Cardiac Nuclear Imaging Findings in Atypical Variants of Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy
Authors: De Feo Maria Silvia , Conte Miriam , Frantellizzi Viviana , Filippi Luca , Evangelista Laura , Ricci Maria , De Vincentis Giuseppe
Published: January 2024

Background: In addition to the typical form resembling the classical Japanese octopus trap, atypical variants of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) sparing the left ventricular apex have emerged over the years. The aim of this systematic review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the cardiac nuclear imaging findings in atypical variants. Methods: This systematic review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The literature research was carried out online on the Pubmed, Scopus, Central (Cochrane Library), and Web Of Science databases. Results: A total of 14 articles were ultimately selected. Myocardial perfusion scintigraphy was performed in nine studies, followed by 123I-mIBG scintigraphy, 123I-BMIPP scintigraphy, and 18F-FDG PET. In seven cases, a single cardiac nuclear imaging technique was performed, while in the remaining five and two cases, two and three different imaging modalities were, respectively, used. The most common atypical variant of our selection was the midventricular form, followed by reverse/inverted/basal TTC, with only a single case reported of a focal pattern. Conclusions: As the reason why TTC variants occur is still not clear, a deeper understanding of the current knowledge could be the basis for providing more insights into this fascinating disorder and its uncommon manifestations.
The Future for End-Stage Kidney Disease Treatment: Implantable Bioartificial Kidney Challenge
Authors: Nalesso Federico , Garzotto Francesco , Cattarin Leda , Bettin Elisabetta , Cacciapuoti Martina , Silvestre Cristina , Stefanelli Lucia F. , Furian Lucrezia , Calò Lorenzo A.
Published: January 2024

Despite limited organ availability and post-transplant complications, kidney transplantation remains the optimal treatment for End-Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD). However, innovative dialysis technologies such as portable, wearable, and implantable bioartificial kidney systems are being developed with the aim of addressing these issues and improving patient care. An ideal implantable device could combine bioreactors and blood ultrafiltration to replicate key native cell functions for solute reabsorption, secretion, and endocrinologic activities. Today, the feasibility of an implantable bioreactor for renal cell therapy opens the challenge of developing a fully implantable bioartificial kidney based on silicon nanopore membranes to ensure immunological isolation, cell viability, and the possibility of maintaining a blood substrate for metabolic activities. Current technology is not sufficient to obtain an efficient artificial bioreactor to reach physiological blood purification, which requires a more complex system to produce an ultrafiltrate from the blood that can be processed by cells and eliminated as urine. The number of cells in the bioreactor, endocrine activity, immunological cell isolation, solute and fluid secretion/reabsorption, cell viability, blood and ultrafiltration flow control, and thrombogenicity are fundamental issues that require a new technology that today appears to be a challenge for the design of an implantable artificial kidney. This review aims to analyze the state of the art in this particular field of kidney replacement therapy to highlight the current limitations and possible future technology developments to create implanted and wearable organs capable of treating ESKD with artificial organs that can replicate all native kidneys functions.
Evaluation of the Synergies of Land Use Changes and the Quality of Ecosystem Services in the Andean Zone of Central Ecuador
Authors: Pazmiño Yadira Carmen , Felipe José Juan de , Vallbé Marc , Cargua Franklin , Pazmiño Yomara
Published: January 2024

The scarcity of information that allows for understanding the importance of natural resources from an economic approach is often a limitation to establishing parameters related to environmental investment in conservation plans. This study proposes a methodology that allows for modeling the variability of páramo land uses and the EV of the Chambo-Ecuador sub-basin from bioeconomic monitoring that links the economic rent of páramo land uses with remote sensing tools and geographic information systems. Multilayer Perception, Markov Chains, and Automata Cells algorithms were efficient for the detection of land uses in páramo; the normalized differential humidity index was the most relevant variable to identify crops, showing that leaf properties and water stress are linked to crop yields in the Andean region. The páramo decreased by 13% between 2000 and 2010, increasing its degradation to 19% between 2010 and 2020. A 28% reduction is expected between 2000 and 2030; the EV between 2000 and 2020 was $2.86 × 108 and $2.59 × 108 respectively. In 2030, EV is expected to decrease to $2.48 × 108. Transitions in land use and EV are associated with productive dynamics, which decrease environmental services, such as water retention and carbon storage, intensifying changes in the ecosystem climate.
Investigation on Response of Site of Typical Soil–Rock Composite Strata in Changchun Induced by Shield Construction of Parallel Twin Tunnels
Authors: Li Liyun , Yao Aijun
Published: January 2024

Underground engineering construction will inevitably change the stress state of surrounding strata, which will force a negative impact on the surrounding environment, even leading to the large deformation and damage of some adjacent structures. With a focus on the deformation of a typical soil–rock composite stratum site in the construction of Changchun Metro, relying on the shield construction of a parallel twin tunnel project between Northeast Normal University Station and Gong-Nong Square Station, which belongs to the Changchun Metro Line 1, the site deformation characteristics during the shield driving process of parallel twin tunnels were studied. Based on the data obtained from field monitoring and numerical simulation, ground settlement in shield driving was analyzed, the settlement trough was studied with the Peck formula, and the action of shield driving on the adjacent tunnel was discussed. Moreover, the influence range of shield driving was suggested, and the interaction between the twin tunnels with different axis spacings in shield driving was discussed. Some regular results obtained can provide support through data for similar projects in Changchun, China.
On Construction of Bounded Sets Not Admitting a General Type of Riesz Spectrum
Authors: Lee Dae Gwan
Published: January 2024

We construct a bound set that does not admit a Riesz spectrum containing a nonempty periodic set for which the period is a rational multiple of a fixed constant. As a consequence, we obtain a bounded set V with an arbitrarily small Lebesgue measure such that for any positive integer N, the set of exponentials with frequencies in any union of cosets of NZ cannot be a frame for the space of square integrable functions over V. These results are based on the proof technique of Olevskii and Ulanovskii from 2008.
The Aerodynamic Effect of Biomimetic Pigeon Feathered Wing on a 1-DoF Flapping Mechanism
Authors: Yeh Szu-I , Hsu Chen-Yu
Published: January 2024

This study focused on designing a single-degree-of-freedom (1-DoF) mechanism emulating the wings of rock pigeons. Three wing models were created: one with REAL feathers from a pigeon, and the other two models with 3D-printed artificial remiges made using different strengths of material, PLA and PETG. Aerodynamic performance was assessed in a wind tunnel under both stationary (0 m/s) and cruising speed (16 m/s) with flapping frequencies from 3.0 to 6.0 Hz. The stiffness of remiges was examined through three-point bending tests. The artificial feathers made of PLA have greater rigidity than REAL feathers, while PETG, on the other hand, exhibits the weakest strength. At cruising speed, although the artificial feathers exhibit more noticeable feather splitting and more pronounced fluctuations in lift during the flapping process compared to REAL feathers due to the differences in weight and stiffness distribution, the PETG feathered wing showed the highest lift enhancement (28% of pigeon body weight), while the PLA feathered wing had high thrust but doubled drag, making them inefficient in cruising. The PETG feathered wing provided better propulsion efficiency than the REAL feathered wing. Despite their weight, artificial feathered wings outperformed REAL feathers in 1-DoF flapping motion. This study shows the potential for artificial feathers in improving the flight performance of Flapping Wing Micro Air Vehicles (FWMAVs).
By Carrot or by Stick: The Influence of Encouraging and Discouraging Facial Feedback on Implicit Rule Learning
Authors: Liu Yiling , Ouyang Muxin , Peng Wenjie , Zhang Wenyang , Lu Keming , He Yujun , Zeng Xiangyan , Yuan Jie
Published: January 2024

Implicit learning refers to the process of unconsciously learning complex knowledge through feedback. Previous studies investigated the influences of different types of feedback (e.g., social and non-social feedback) on implicit learning. This study focused on the social information presented in the learning situation and tried to explore the effects of different social feedback on implicit rule learning. We assigned participants randomly into an encouraging facial feedback group (happy expression for correct answer, neutral but not negative expression for incorrect answer) and a discouraging facial feedback group (neutral but not happy expression for correct answer, negative expression for incorrect answer). The implicit learning task included four difficulty levels, and social feedback was presented in the learning phase but not the testing phase in two experiments. The only difference between the two experiments was that the sad face used as negative feedback in Experiment 1 was replaced with an angry face in Experiment 2 to enhance the ecological validity of the discouraging facial feedback group. These two experiments yielded consistent results: the performances in the encouraging facial feedback group were more accurate in both the learning and the testing phases at all difficulty levels. These findings indicated that the influence of encouraging social feedback for a better implicit learning achievement was stable and established a new groundwork for future research on incentive-based education, making it critical to investigate the impact of various forms of encouraging-based education on learning.
Is It Safe Enough? An IPA Study of How Couple Therapists Make Sense of Their Decision to Either Stop or Continue with Couple Therapy When Violence Becomes the Issue
Authors: Snellingen Jan Frode , Carlin Pål Erik , Vetere Arlene
Published: January 2024

Background: Couple therapists will encounter couple violence in their practice at some point. In this context, one of the main questions they must address is whether to continue with conjoint sessions. This study explores how couple therapists make sense of their decision whether or not to continue with conjoint sessions when violence has become an issue. Methods: This qualitative study used four semi-structured focus groups and Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to analyse the data from the twelve experienced couple therapist participants. Results: Our IPA analysis led to three main group experiential themes across the focus groups: (1) Is it safe enough? (2) Do we have a joint and regenerative project? (3) Three key sources for sense making. Conclusion: Partner violence challenges the realm of couple therapy. This article explored how the couple therapists orient themselves and grapple with decision making when violence becomes an issue. The article offers unique insights regarding what the therapists orient themselves towards and how they try to form an impression of whether to continue conjoint sessions. We outline immediate clinical implications and propose measures for building individual and organisational capacity regarding “clinical sense making”. Suggestions for further research are also addressed.
Enforcement of Fairness Norms by Punishment: A Comparison of Gains and Losses
Authors: Windrich Ivo , Kierspel Sabrina , Neumann Thomas , Berger Roger , Vogt Bodo
Published: January 2024

Although in everyday life decisions about losses are prevalent (e.g., the climate crisis and the COVID-19 crisis), there is hardly any research on decisions in the loss domain. Therefore, we conducted online experiments with a sample of 672 participants (mostly students), using third-party punishment dictator games (DGs) in the loss domain to explore the impact of losses and punishment threats on the conformity to the fairness norm. Subjects in the treatment condition have to divide a loss of −10 € with the threat of a third-party punishment with different strengths (control: gains, no punishment). Overall, the statistical evidence seems rather weak, but when it comes to losses, subjects are more rational and straightforward with their words and deeds than with gains. Therefore, in the loss domain, subjects are more likely to believe that the fairness norm should be followed, and they subjectively perceive that the others do as well. Furthermore, although dictators’ decisions are more selfish in the loss domain, dictators there react more strongly to the punishment threat by reducing their demands than in the gains domain. This holds as long as the punishment threat is strong enough, as judged from a rational perspective.
Behavior of Fibers in Geopolymer Concrete: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Sharma Ujjwal , Gupta Nakul , Bahrami Alireza , Özkılıç Yasin Onuralp , Verma Manvendra , Berwal Parveen , Althaqafi Essam , Khan Mohammad Amir , Islam Saiful
Published: January 2024

Over the last decades, cement has been observed to be the most adaptive material for global development in the construction industry. The use of ordinary concrete primarily requires the addition of cement. According to the record, there has been an increase in the direct carbon footprint during cement production. The International Energy Agency, IEA, is working toward net zero emissions by 2050. To achieve this target, there should be a decline in the clinker-to-cement ratio. Also, the deployment of innovative technologies is required in the production of cement. The use of alternative binding materials can be an easy solution. There are several options for a substitute to cement as a binding agent, which are available commercially. Non-crystalline alkali-aluminosilicate geopolymers have gained the attention of researchers over time. Geopolymer concrete uses byproduct waste to reduce direct carbon dioxide emissions during production. Despite being this advantageous, its utilization is still limited as it shows the quasi-brittle behavior. Using different fibers has been started to overcome this weakness. This article emphasizes and reviews various mechanical properties of fiber-reinforced geopolymer concrete, focusing on its development and implementation in a wide range of applications. This study concludes that the use of fiber-reinforced geopolymer concrete should be commercialized after the establishment of proper standards for manufacturing.
Hybrid Makerspaces and Networks for the Circular City: A Case Study of Leuven, Belgium
Authors: Schroder Ingrid , Elwakil Reham , Steemers Koen
Published: January 2024

This study addresses the questions of how makerspaces can be drivers for urban circular development and what are the roles of coordinating policy, makers, and materials to achieve success. The network of maker activities in the city of Leuven is a flagship initiative that illustrates the mechanisms that support integrated circular urban production. This study draws on the Pop-Machina project, funded by EC Horizon 2020, which identifies the links between the maker movement and the circular economy in seven European cities. The case study project in Leuven, confirmed as the most impactful amongst those studied in the Pop-Machina project, is examined to assess how local knowledge and policy measures can provide a means of activating a circular maker ecology. Through desk research, spatial urban analysis, and interviews with key stakeholders, this study provides a critical narrative of the development, success factors, and hurdles related to circular making processes in the city. The study introduces the notion of hybrid makerspaces as a manifestation of linking maker activities to create critical mass and share material, human, and spatial resources. It demonstrates how successful hybrid makers are supported by local, national, and international policy on the one hand and by integration with the city’s community, educational, and business groups on the other. It is this constellation of social, political, and spatial conditions that lies at the success of the project.
Breaking Barriers in Neuro-Oncology: A Scoping Literature Review on Invasive and Non-Invasive Techniques for Blood–Brain Barrier Disruption
Authors: Pinkiewicz Miłosz , Pinkiewicz Mateusz , Walecki Jerzy , Zaczyński Artur , Zawadzki Michał
Published: January 2024

The blood–brain barrier (BBB) poses a significant challenge to drug delivery for brain tumors, with most chemotherapeutics having limited permeability into non-malignant brain tissue and only restricted access to primary and metastatic brain cancers. Consequently, due to the drug’s inability to effectively penetrate the BBB, outcomes following brain chemotherapy continue to be suboptimal. Several methods to open the BBB and obtain higher drug concentrations in tumors have been proposed, with the selection of the optimal method depending on the size of the targeted tumor volume, the chosen therapeutic agent, and individual patient characteristics. Herein, we aim to comprehensively describe osmotic disruption with intra-arterial drug administration, intrathecal/intraventricular administration, laser interstitial thermal therapy, convection-enhanced delivery, and ultrasound methods, including high-intensity focused and low-intensity ultrasound as well as tumor-treating fields. We explain the scientific concept behind each method, preclinical/clinical research, advantages and disadvantages, indications, and potential avenues for improvement. Given that each method has its limitations, it is unlikely that the future of BBB disruption will rely on a single method but rather on a synergistic effect of a combined approach. Disruption of the BBB with osmotic infusion or high-intensity focused ultrasound, followed by the intra-arterial delivery of drugs, is a promising approach. Real-time monitoring of drug delivery will be necessary for optimal results.
Refusal of Adjuvant Therapies and Its Impact on Local Control and Survival in Patients with Bone and Soft Tissue Sarcomas of the Extremities and Trunk
Authors: Mentrup Franziska , Klein Alexander , Lindner Lars Hartwin , Nachbichler Silke , Holzapfel Boris Michael , Albertsmeier Markus , Knösel Thomas , Dürr Hans Roland
Published: January 2024

Background: In soft tissue or bone sarcomas, multimodal therapeutic concepts represent the standard of care. Some patients reject the therapeutic recommendations due to several reasons. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of that rejection on both prognosis and local recurrence. Methods: Between 2012 and 2019, a total of 828 sarcoma patients were surgically treated. Chemotherapy was scheduled as a neoadjuvant, and adjuvant multi-agent therapy was performed following recommendations from an interdisciplinary tumor board. Radiotherapy, if deemed appropriate, was administered either in a neoadjuvant or an adjuvant manner. The recommended type of therapy, patient compliance, and the reasons for refusal were documented. Follow-ups included local recurrences, diagnosis of metastatic disease, and patient mortality. Results: Radiotherapy was recommended in 407 (49%) patients. A total of 40 (10%) individuals did not receive radiation. A reduction in overall survival and local recurrence-free survival was evident in those patients who declined radiotherapy. Chemotherapy was advised for 334 (40%) patients, 250 (75%) of whom did receive all recommended cycles. A total of 25 (7%) individuals did receive a partial course while 59 (18%) did not receive any recommended chemotherapy. Overall survival and local recurrence-free survival were reduced in patients refusing chemotherapy. Overall survival was worst for the group of patients who received no chemotherapy due to medical reasons. Refusing chemotherapy for non-medical reasons was seen in 8.8% of patients, and refusal of radiotherapy for non-medical reasons was seen in 4.7% of patients. Conclusions: Divergence from the advised treatment modalities significantly impacted overall survival and local recurrence-free survival across both treatment modalities. There is an imperative need for enhanced physician-patient communication. Reducing treatment times, as achieved with hypofractionated radiotherapy and with therapy in a high-volume sarcoma center, might also have a positive effect on complying with the treatment recommendations.
Harnessing Sulforaphane Potential as a Chemosensitizing Agent: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Sailo Bethsebie Lalduhsaki , Liu Le , Chauhan Suravi , Girisa Sosmitha , Hegde Mangala , Liang Liping , Alqahtani Mohammed S. , Abbas Mohamed , Sethi Gautam , Kunnumakkara Ajaikumar B.
Published: January 2024

Recent advances in oncological research have highlighted the potential of naturally derived compounds in cancer prevention and treatment. Notably, sulforaphane (SFN), an isothiocyanate derived from cruciferous vegetables including broccoli and cabbage, has exhibited potent chemosensitizing capabilities across diverse cancer types of bone, brain, breast, lung, skin, etc. Chemosensitization refers to the enhancement of cancer cell sensitivity to chemotherapy agents, counteracting the chemoresistance often developed by tumor cells. Mechanistically, SFN orchestrates this sensitization by modulating an array of cellular signaling pathways (e.g., Akt/mTOR, NF-κB, Wnt/β-catenin), and regulating the expression and activity of pivotal genes, proteins, and enzymes (e.g., p53, p21, survivin, Bcl-2, caspases). When combined with conventional chemotherapeutic agents, SFN synergistically inhibits cancer cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and metastasis while potentiating drug-induced apoptosis. This positions SFN as a potential adjunct in cancer therapy to augment the efficacy of standard treatments. Ongoing preclinical and clinical investigations aim to further delineate the therapeutic potential of SFN in oncology. This review illuminates the multifaceted role of this phytochemical, emphasizing its potential to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of anti-cancer agents, suggesting its prospective contributions to cancer chemosensitization and management.
Evaluation the Effect of Sonodynamic Therapy with 5-Aminolevulinic Acid and Sodium Fluorescein by Preclinical Animal Study
Authors: Huang Chiung-Yin , Li Jui-Chin , Chen Ko-Ting , Lin Ya-Jui , Feng Li-Ying , Liu Hao-Li , Wei Kuo-Chen
Published: January 2024

Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) is a novel tumor treatment that combines biosafe sonosensitizers and noninvasive focused ultrasound to eradicate solid tumors. Sonosensitizers such as 5-aminolevulinic acid and fluorescein have great potential in tumor treatment. Here, rodent subcutaneous and brain tumor models were used to evaluate the treatment effect of both 5-ALA- and fluorescein-mediated SDT. The subcutaneous tumor growth rates of both SDT groups were significantly inhibited compared with that of the control groups. For intracranial tumors, 5-ALA-SDT treatment significantly inhibited brain tumor growth, while fluorescein-SDT exerted no therapeutic effect in animals. The distribution of fluorescein in the brain tumor region underwent further assessment. Seven days post tumor implantation, experimental animals received fluorescein and were sacrificed for brain specimen collection. Analysis of the dissected brains revealed no fluorescence signals, indicating an absence of fluorescein accumulation in the early-stage glioma tissue. These data suggest that the fluorescein-SDT treatment response is closely related to the amount of accumulated fluorescein. This study reports the equivalent effects of 5-ALA and fluorescein on the treatment of somatic tumors. For orthotopic brain tumor models, tumor vascular permeability should be considered when choosing fluorescein as a sonosensitizer. In conclusion, both fluorescein and 5-ALA are safe and effective SDT sonosensitizers, and the tumor microenvironment and pathologic type should be considered in the selection of adequate sonosensitizers.
Icephobic Coating Based on Epoxy/Polydimethylsiloxane Interpenetrating Polymer Network Gel
Authors: Zhao Lin , Hao Tianhui , Xie Qiang , Tian Yuan , Zhang Jifeng , Guo Haotian
Published: January 2024

Ice accretion endangers the safety and reliability of equipment operation in frigid regions. Silicone polymer icephobic coatings present themselves as an effective strategy. However, they face durability challenges, which is a crucial foundation for expanding their application. In this work, a durable icephobic coating was prepared based on an epoxy/polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) gel. In the process, epoxy was used to improve mechanical performance. IPN technology was used to integrate PDMS and epoxy. Low-molecular-weight silicone oil was used to adjust the elastic modulus of the coating by reducing crosslinking. The mechanical properties, icephobicity and durability of the coatings were characterized through elastic modulus measurements, ice adhesion strength tests, and icing/deicing cycle tests, respectively. Results shows the ice adhesion strength of the epoxy/PDMS IPN gel coating was approximately 8 kPa when the elastic modulus was 0.18 MPa. Additionally, the epoxy/PDMS IPN gel has good durability, weather resistance, and substrate adhesion. After 25 icing/deicing cycle tests, the coating remained undamaged, and the ice adhesion strength was stable in the range of 3–14 kPa. Within the range of −5 to −30 °C, the ice adhesion strength of the coating was stable and less than 20 kPa. After 168 h of salt spray aging test, the ice adhesion strength of the coating was maintained at 48.72 ± 5.27 kPa. This can provide a reference for an icephobic coating design.
Environmentally Benign Grape Seed Oil for Corrosion Inhibition: Cutting-Edge Computational Modeling Techniques Revealing the Intermolecular and Intramolecular Synergistic Inhibition Action
Authors: Batah Ahmed , Al-Moubaraki Aisha H. , Noor Ehteram A. , Al-Ahmari Jamilah M. , Al-Ghamdi Azza A. , Id El Mouden Omar , Salghi Rachid , Chafiq Maryam , Chaouiki Abdelkarim , Ko Young Gun
Published: January 2024

The growing interest in eco-friendly alternatives has sparked research into essential oils as corrosion inhibitors, offering an innovative approach. Investigating their unique properties, researchers aim to advance corrosion engineering for a sustainable future. Despite promising lab results, the exact mechanism of their action in corrosion engineering is not fully understood, highlighting the need for further exploration. Using computational modeling, we explored how grape seed oil (GSO) compounds interact with carbon steel (C38) surfaces, unraveling the inhibitive properties against corrosion. Employing various simulation methods, such as density functional theory (DFT), density functional-based tight-binding (DFTB), and molecular dynamics (MD), this study validates experimental findings and unveils novel insights into the underlying mechanisms of these interactions. Quantitative analysis quantifies the inter- and intramolecular synergistic effect and suggests that the LA@OA promotes the charge-transfer process. DFTB calculations reveal that the synergistic action in the parallel adsorption configuration of LA and OA molecules is sufficiently strong to form a stable adsorption layer on the Fe surface with a large negative value of Eads (6.74 eV). Experimental results demonstrated that the inhibition performance of GSO extract exhibited a notable increase with increasing concentrations, reaching a higher efficiency of 79% at 0.5 g/L of GSO. EIS results demonstrated that the existence of the GSO inhibitor film increases the resistance of the charge transfer (about 80 Ω cm2 at 0.5 g/L), indicating the superior barrier anticorrosion properties of the formed film. The theoretical results validate the exceptional anticorrosion performance and provide compelling evidence of the remarkable ability to prevent corrosion of C38 substrate. The findings offer potential pathways for the development of eco-friendly alternatives and interestingly provide a foundation understanding in the field.
Clinical Applications of Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography: An Updated Review
Authors: Chong Yu Jeat , Azzopardi Matthew , Hussain Gulmeena , Recchioni Alberto , Gandhewar Jaishree , Loizou Constantinos , Giachos Ioannis , Barua Ankur , Ting Darren S. J.
Published: January 2024

Since its introduction, optical coherence tomography (OCT) has revolutionized the field of ophthalmology and has now become an indispensable, noninvasive tool in daily practice. Most ophthalmologists are familiar with its use in the assessment and monitoring of retinal and optic nerve diseases. However, it also has important applications in the assessment of anterior segment structures, including the cornea, conjunctiva, sclera, anterior chamber, and iris, and has the potential to transform the clinical examination of these structures. In this review, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the potential clinical utility of anterior segment OCT (AS-OCT) for a wide range of anterior segment pathologies, such as conjunctival neoplasia, pterygium, scleritis, keratoconus, corneal dystrophies, and infectious/noninfectious keratitis. In addition, the clinical applications of AS-OCT (including epithelial mapping) in preoperative planning and postoperative monitoring for corneal and refractive surgeries are discussed.
Good Performance of Revised Scoring Systems in Predicting Clinical Outcomes of Aeromonas Bacteremia in the Emergency Department: A Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Wen Cheng-Yang , Hu Sung-Yuan , Hsieh Ming-Shun , Huang Shih-Che , Shen Chia-Hui , Tsai Yi-Chun
Published: January 2024

Background: Aeromonas species, Gram-negative, non-sporulating, facultative, and anaerobic bacilli, widely distributed in aquatic environments, derive various infections, including bacteremia. Most of these infections were opportunistic and found in patients with predisposing conditions. Among the infections, bacteremia remains with notable mortality, reported from 15% to 45%. However, predicting systems for assessing the mortality risk of this disease have yet to be investigated. We aimed to validate the performance of specific predictive scoring systems to assess the clinical outcomes of Aeromonas bacteremia and applied the revised systems to predict mortality risk. Methods: A retrospective observational study reviewed patients with bacteremia caused by Aeromonas spp. based on at least one positive blood culture sample collected in the emergency department from January 2012 to December 2020. The outcome was in-hospital mortality. We used seven predictive scoring systems to predict the clinical outcome. According to the effectiveness in predicting mortality, we revised three of the seven predictive scoring systems by specific characteristics to refine their risk-predicting performances. Results: We enrolled 165 patients with bacteremia caused by Aeromonas spp., including 121 males (73.3%) and 44 females (26.7%), with a mean age of 66.1 ± 14.9 years and an average length of hospital stay of 12.4 ± 10.9 days. The overall mortality rate was 32.7% (54/165). The non-survivors had significantly higher scores in MEDS (6.7 ± 4.2 vs. 12.2 ± 3.3, p < 0.001), NEWS (4.0 ± 2.8 vs. 5.3 ± 3.0, p = 0.008), and qSOFA (0.3 ± 0.6 vs. 0.6 ± 0.7, p = 0.007). Regarding mortality risk prediction, the MEDS demonstrated the best predictive power with AUC of ROC measured up to 0.834, followed by NEWS (0.626) and qSOFA (0.608). We revised the MEDS, NEWS, and qSOFA by hemoglobin and lactate. We found that the revised scores had better powerful performance, including 0.859, 0.767, and 0.691 of the AUC of ROC, if the revised MEDS ≥10, revised NEWS ≥8, and revised qSOFA ≥2, respectively. Conclusions: MEDS, NEWS, and qSOFA were good tools for predicting outcomes in patients with Aeromonas spp. bacteremia. The revised MEDS, NEWS, and qSOFA demonstrated more powerful predicting performance than the original scoring systems. We suggested that patients with higher scores in revised MEDS (≥10), revised NEWS (≥8), and revised qSOFA (≥2) received early goal-directed therapy and appropriate broad-spectrum antibiotic treatment as early as possible to reduce mortality.
Imaging Features of Plantar Vein Thrombosis: An Easily Overlooked Condition in the Differential Diagnosis of Foot Pain
Authors: Miranda Frederico Celestino , e Castro Adham do Amaral , Yoshimura Fábio Brandão , Godoy-Santos Alexandre Leme , Santos Durval do Carmo Barros , Rosemberg Laercio Alberto , Taneja Atul Kumar
Published: January 2024

Plantar vein thrombosis is a venous disorder affecting deep plantar veins that can manifest with non-specific localized pain, plantar foot pain, swelling, and sensation of fullness. Plantar veins are not routinely assessed during sonographic scans for deep venous thrombosis, which makes plantar venous thrombosis a commonly missed diagnosis. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the venous anatomy of the foot and imaging findings of plantar venous thrombosis as well as discusses the current literature on the topic and its differential diagnoses.
Improved State-of-Charge Estimation of Lithium-Ion Battery for Electric Vehicles Using Parameter Estimation and Multi-Innovation Adaptive Robust Unscented Kalman Filter
Authors: Li Cheng , Kim Gi-Woo
Published: January 2024

In this study, an improved adaptive robust unscented Kalman Filter (ARUKF) is proposed for an accurate state-of-charge (SOC) estimation of battery management system (BMS) in electric vehicles (EV). The extended Kalman Filter (EKF) algorithm is first used to achieve online identification of the model parameters. Subsequently, the identified parameters obtained from the EKF are processed to obtain the SOC of the batteries using a multi-innovation adaptive robust unscented Kalman filter (MIARUKF), developed by the ARUKF based on the principle of multi-innovation. Co-estimation of parameters and SOC is ultimately achieved. The co-estimation algorithm EKF-MIARUKF uses a multi-timescale framework with model parameters estimated on a slow timescale and the SOC estimated on a fast timescale. The EKF-MIARUKF integrates the advantages of multiple Kalman filters and eliminates the disadvantages of a single Kalman filter. The proposed algorithm outperforms other algorithms in terms of accuracy because the average root mean square error (RMSE) and the mean absolute error (MAE) of the SOC estimation were the smallest under three dynamic conditions.
Study of the Interaction of a Hydraulic Fracture with a Natural Fracture in a Laboratory Experiment Based on Ultrasonic Transmission Monitoring
Authors: Zenchenko Evgeny V. , Turuntaev Sergey B. , Nachev Victor A. , Chumakov Tikhon K. , Zenchenko Petr E.
Published: January 2024

This paper presents the results of experiments on the study of a hydraulic fracture’s interaction with a preexisting fracture. A distinctive feature of the conducted experiments is the ability to use ultrasonic transmitting monitoring to measure the fracture propagation and opening simultaneously with the pore pressure measurements at several points of the porous saturated sample. It allows us to obtain the pressure distributions at various experiment stages and to establish a relation between the pore pressure distribution and hydraulic fracture propagation and its interaction with macroscopic natural fractures. The possibilities of active ultrasonic monitoring have been expanded due to preliminary calibration experiments, which make it possible to estimate the fracture opening via attenuation of ultrasonic pulses. The experiment demonstrated the most complex scenario of fracture interactions when a hydraulic fracture intersected with a natural fracture and the natural fracture in the vicinity of the intersection was also opened. The additional complications arise from fracture arrangement: the hydrofracture was normal with respect to the base plane, while the natural fracture was slanted. This led to gradual growth of the intersection zone as the hydrofracture propagated. The experiments show that the natural fracture limited the fracture’s propagation. This was caused by the hydraulic fracturing fluid leaking into the natural fracture; thus, both the hydraulic fracture and natural fracture compose a united hydraulic system.
Conducting a Geographical Information System-Based Multi-Criteria Analysis to Assess the Potential and Location for Offshore Wind Farms in Poland
Authors: Przewoźniak Magdalena , Wyrwa Artur , Zyśk Janusz , Raczyński Maciej , Pluta Marcin
Published: January 2024

Offshore wind energy is becoming an increasingly important element in the decarbonisation of energy systems. This study aims to estimate the technical potential for offshore wind energy in the Polish exclusive economic zone (EZZ) of the Baltic Sea. Such estimates are necessary to plan the expansion of energy infrastructure. This paper proposes a multi-criteria analysis for the estimation of offshore wind potential and site selection using QGIS software (QGIS Desktop 3.28.6). The criteria include wind velocity, water depth, distance from nature conservation areas, distance from submarine cables and gas pipelines, distance from shipping routes, distance from fishing areas, distance from shipwrecks, and distance from the coastline. The best sites are identified through the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). The results show that the total suitable marine area of 16,218.67 square kilometres can be divided into three parts, in which the highly suitable area for offshore wind farms accounts for 17.55%, the moderately suitable area accounts for 48.56%, and the marginally suitable area accounts for 10.26%. Two different wind turbine placement configurations are being considered, in which wind turbines with a nominal capacity of 15 MW are laid out: 2.5 km and 2 km apart from each other. The corresponding overall electrical capacities only in highly suitable areas equal ca. 9 GW and 15 GW, respectively. If this area is extended to also include the moderately suitable parts, these values increase to ca. 31 GW and 50 GW. The results indicate that the technical potential of offshore wind in the Polish EEZ is significant and should be taken into account when designing the future electricity generation mix.
Reducing CO2 Emissions of Hybrid Heavy-Duty Trucks and Buses: Paving the Transition to Low-Carbon Transport
Authors: Zacharof Nikiforos , Bitsanis Evangelos , Broekaert Stijn , Fontaras Georgios
Published: January 2024

This study investigates the CO2 reduction potential of powertrain hybridisation on heavy-duty lorries and city buses. The analysis considers modern parallel and serial hybrid architectures, assessing their efficiency and limits in CO2 emission reduction through vehicle simulation in VECTO, which is the official tool of the European Commission for calculating heavy-duty vehicle fuel and energy consumption. The results reveal distinct trends for each vehicle type and architecture. In lorries, more significant improvements are observed in urban delivery profiles, reaching up to ~16%, indicating the benefits of hybridisation in transient conditions with energy recuperation opportunities. City buses, particularly those with serial architectures, exhibit significant emission reductions that reach 36%, making them suitable for urban environments. The optimisation of electric motor size and performance plays a crucial role in achieving emission reductions, while battery capacity must be carefully considered to avoid adverse effects. For lorries in urban delivery use, further improvements of 17.5% can be achieved by utilising a 160 kW engine motor and 30 kWh battery. Buses are already quite well optimised, with serial architecture presenting the highest benefits with a 120 kW electric motor and a battery of 11 kWh. Future research should focus on supercapacitors and gearboxes to improve efficiency at higher vehicle speeds and assess hybridisation potential in interurban coach travel. The heavy-duty vehicle sector can make significant strides towards low-carbon transport by maximising hybrid powertrain efficiency and emission reductions.
Cost–Benefit Analysis of Monitoring Insect Pests and Aerial Spraying of Insecticides: The Case of Protecting Pine Forests against Dendrolimus pini in Brandenburg (Germany)
Authors: Maaß Oliver , Kehlenbeck Hella
Published: January 2024

Monitoring of insect pests and aerial spraying of insecticides have proven to be effective in protecting forests against needle-feeding insect pests. However, the literature on the economic viability of insect monitoring and aerial spraying of insecticides is scant. This research conducts a cost–benefit analysis of monitoring insect pests and use of insecticides for 5600 ha of managed pine forests. The case studied is the mass outbreak of the pine tree lappet moth (Dendrolimus pini L.) in Brandenburg (Germany) in 2014. Costs were estimated based on information from standardized questionnaires and semi-structured expert interviews. Benefits were analyzed by comparing the loss of revenue due to D. pini with the costs of insect monitoring and insecticide spraying in two scenarios of pine production (with protection vs. without protection). The results show that monitoring D. pini and aerial spraying of insecticides are economically beneficial to forest owners. The total net present value (NPV) of protection was about EUR 1965 ha−1 at a discount rate of 0% and the benefit–cost ratio (BCR) was about 22.14. NPVs and BCRs per hectare were highest for protecting stands with high site index and stands in the age class of 20–39 years. Sensitivity analyses revealed that NPV results are more sensitive to changes in timber prices than to changes in protection costs. The authors conclude that monitoring insect pests and aerial spraying of insecticides are economically viable options to protect forests against needle-feeding insect pests.