bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Device-Aided Therapies in Parkinson’s Disease—Results from the German Care4PD Study
Authors: Fründt Odette , Hanff Anne-Marie , Möhl Annika , Mai Tobias , Kirchner Christiane , Amouzandeh Ali , Buhmann Carsten , Krüger Rejko , Südmeyer Martin
Published: April 2023

Data on the use of device-aided therapies (DATs) in people with Parkinson’s disease (PwP) are scarce. Analyzing data from the Care4PD patient survey, we (1) evaluated application frequency and type of DAT in a larger, nationwide, cross-sectoral PwP sample in Germany; (2) analyzed the frequency of symptoms indicative for advanced PD (aPD) and need for DAT amongst the remaining patients and (3) compared the most bothersome symptoms and need for professional long-term care (LTC) of patients with and without suspected aPD. Data from 1269 PwP were analyzed. In total, 153 PwP (12%) received DAT, mainly deep brain stimulation (DBS). Of the remaining 1116 PwP without DAT, >50% fulfilled at least one aPD criterion. Akinesia/rigidity and autonomic problems were most bothersome for PwP with and without suspected aPD, with more tremor in the non-aPD and more motor fluctuations and falls in the aPD group. To recapitulate, the German DAT application rate is rather low, although a large proportion of PwP fulfills aPD criteria indicating a need for intensified treatment strategies. Many reported bothersome symptoms could be overcome with DAT with benefits even for LTC patients. Thus, precise and early identification of aPD symptoms (and therapy-resistant tremor) should be implemented in future DAT preselection tools and educational trainings.
The Quality of Life Supports Model as a Vehicle for Implementing Rights
Authors: Morán Lucía , Gómez Laura E. , Verdugo Miguel Ángel , Schalock Robert L.
Published: April 2023

The Quality of Life Supports Model (QOLSM) is emerging as a new framework that is applicable to people with disabilities in general, but specially to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The aim of this conceptual paper is twofold. Firstly, it aims to show the overlap between the QOLSM and the Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities (CRPD), highlighting how the former can be used to address many of the goals and rights embedded in the latter. Secondly, the article seeks to illustrate the connection between these two frameworks and highlight the importance of acknowledging and measuring the rights of people with IDD. Therefore, we posit that the new #Rights4MeToo scale is ideal for: (a) providing accessible means and opportunities for people with IDD to identify and communicate their needs regarding their rights; (b) enhancing the supports and services that families and professionals provide to them; and (c) guiding organizations and policies to identify strengths and needs in relation to rights and quality of life. We also discuss future research needs and summarize the main findings of this article, highlighting its implications for practice and research.
Teacher Burnout in Saudi Arabia: The Catastrophic Role of Parental Disengagement
Authors: Sideridis Georgios , Alghamdi Mohammed H.
Published: April 2023

The present study predicts teacher burnout from previous experiences, efficacious beliefs, student achievement, and parental engagement. Data came from the Trends in International Mathematics and Science study (TIMSS 2019) and utilized a random sample of n = 2000 from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It was hypothesized that parental engagement and involvement in school may represent a salient factor in understanding teacher burnout in that if parental disengagement is high, necessary supports and resources available to the teacher are withdrawn. This thesis was tested using the cusp catastrophe with linear negative predictors of teacher burnout being teacher satisfaction, years of experience, teacher efficacy, and student achievement. The role of parental disengagement was verified with critically low levels of parental engagement being associated with abrupt and unpredictable levels of teacher burnout. It is concluded that parental engagement and involvement in schools may provide critical supports that are necessary for teachers to successfully manage their workload.
Elements of Biophilic Design Increase Visual Attention in Preschoolers
Authors: Fadda Roberta , Congiu Sara , Roeyers Herbert , Skoler Tricia
Published: April 2023

Biophilic design increases attention among adults, but little is known about the influence of biophilic design on attention in childhood. We assessed visual attention in 4–5-year-old children as a function of high and low degrees of biophilic design. In the high-biophilic-design condition, the children saw four plants, which were placed on their desks. In the low-biophilic-design condition, the children saw no plants on their desks. The children viewed a series of abstract images on a computer screen while their visual attention was measured with an eye tracker. We found that the durations of the children’s first fixations were significantly higher in the high-biophilic-design compared to those in the low-biophilic-design. This study demonstrates the potential of biophilic design to increase visual attention in indoor environments. The implications of this finding for architecture and building design are discussed.
Comparative Performance Evaluation of Retrofit Alternatives for Upgrading Simply Supported Bridges Using 3D Fiber-Based Analysis
Authors: Ghazal Homam , Mwafy Aman
Published: April 2023

This study aims to select an effective mitigation approach from different alternatives to upgrade substandard RC bridges to meet the seismic performance objectives of current design standards. The performance assessment results for an existing benchmark bridge confirmed that the bent curvature ductility and bearing displacement control the seismic response. Thus, five contemporary retrofit solutions were investigated, including adding different supplementary lateral force-resisting systems (SLFRSs), replacing old bearings with those equipped with shape memory alloy (SMA), and combinations of these retrofit options. Fourteen earthquake records representing long- and short-period seismic events and the seismo-tectonic characteristics of a moderate seismic region were progressively scaled and applied separately in the two orthogonal directions of detailed simulation models representing the retrofitted benchmark bridge. This study provided insights into the impact of combining contemporary seismic risk mitigation techniques on improving the seismic performance of substandard bridges and presented a range of fragility functions for delaying structural damage and minimizing disruption of existing bridges to avoid traffic interruption. The dynamic response simulation results in the longitudinal direction (LD) confirmed that utilizing SMA bearings reduces curvature ductility and bearing displacement demands. Although the probabilistic assessment study in the transverse direction (TD) indicated that SMA bearings adequately reduce displacement demands, the bridge should be equipped with SLFRSs to overcome the bents’ high curvature ductility demands. Therefore, the most effective retrofit technique in TD is achieved using both SMA bearings and steel bracings.
A Simplified Inverse Analysis Procedure for the Stress-Crack Opening Relationship of Fiber-Reinforced Concrete
Authors: Carvalho Pedro Paulo Martins de , Lameiras Rodrigo de Melo
Published: April 2023

The direct tensile test (DTT) is the most recommended test to determine the tensile behavior of fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC). However, this test is challenging to perform. Several studies have investigated inverse analysis to determine this behavior through simplified tests, such as the bending test. This study deals with developing a new approach to perform an inverse analysis for the three-point bending test (3PBT) involving FRC. A new proposed methodology concerns carrying out the inverse analysis procedure by parts. Initially, the parameters that influence the initial part of the stress–crack opening curve are adjusted. Progressively, the other parameters are adjusted considering the increment of the curve section. This procedure provides an implemented algorithm with more efficiency. A new strategy that deals with the establishment of criteria for parameters is proposed. Its results are compared with experimental data from other literature, whose steel fiber-reinforced concrete (SFRC) tested characteristics present different attributes such as fibers, shape, and length. The proposed methodology obtained the stress–crack opening curves in direct tension with reasonable accuracy, indicating that this methodology can be helpful in the characterization of the post-cracking FRC behavior.
A Neural Network Trained by Multi-Tracker Optimization Algorithm Applied to Energy Performance Estimation of Residential Buildings
Authors: Gong Yu , Zoltán Erzsébet Szeréna , Gyergyák János
Published: April 2023

Energy performance analysis in buildings is becoming more and more highlighted, due to the increasing trend of energy consumption in the building sector. Many studies have declared the great potential of soft computing for this analysis. A particular methodology in this sense is employing hybrid machine learning that copes with the drawbacks of single methods. In this work, an optimized version of a popular machine learning model, namely feed-forward neural network (FFNN) is used for simultaneously predicting annual thermal energy demand (ATED) and annual weighted average discomfort degree-hours (WADDH) by analyzing eleven input factors that represent the building circumstances. The optimization task is carried out by a multi-tracker optimization algorithm (MTOA) which is a powerful metaheuristic algorithm. Moreover, three benchmark algorithms including the slime mould algorithm (SMA), seeker optimization algorithm (SOA), and vortex search algorithm (VSA) perform the same task for comparison purposes. The accuracy of the models is assessed using error and correlation indicators. Based on the results, the MTOA (with root mean square errors 2.48 and 5.88, along with Pearson correlation coefficients 0.995 and 0.998 for the ATED and WADHH, respectively) outperformed the benchmark techniques in learning the energy behavior of the building. This algorithm could optimize 100 internal variables of the FFNN and acquire the trend of ATED and WADHH with excellent accuracy. Despite different rankings of the four algorithms in the prediction phase, the MTOA (with root mean square errors 9.84 and 95.96, along with Pearson correlation coefficients 0.972 and 0.997 for the ATED and WADHH, respectively) was still among the best, and altogether, the hybrid of FFNN-MTOA is recommended for promising applications of building energy analysis in real-world projects.
Simulation of Load–Slip Capacity of Timber–Concrete Connections with Dowel-Type Fasteners
Authors: Manojlović Dragan , Rašeta Andrija , Vukobratović Vladimir , Čeh Arpad , Kozarić Ljiljana , Jovanović Đorđe , Starčev-Ćurčin Anka
Published: April 2023

Quality assessment of stiffness and load-carrying capacity of composite connections is of great importance when it comes to designing timber–concrete composite structures. The new European regulation intended explicitly for timber–concrete structures has made a significant contribution to this field, considering that until today there was no adequate design standard. Due to the proposed general expressions for determining the stiffness and load-carrying capacity of composite connections made with dowel-type fasteners, which are incapable of describing most of the commonly applied fasteners, engineering, and scientific practice remained deprived of a quality assessment of the essential mechanical properties of the connection. In order to overcome this problem, this paper proposes a numerical model of the connection suitable for determining the whole load–slip curve, allowing it to estimate the stiffness and load-carrying capacity of the connection. The model was developed by considering the non-linear behavior of timber and fasteners, which is determined through simple experimental tests. For the numerical model validation, experimental tests were carried out at the level of the applied materials and on the models of the composite connection. Through numerical simulations, analysis of obtained results, and comparison with experimental values, it can be confirmed that it is possible to simulate the pronounced non-linear behavior of the timber–concrete connection using the proposed model. The estimated values of stiffness and load-carrying capacity are in agreement with the conducted experimental testing. At the same time, the deviations are much less than the ones obtained from recommendations given by the new regulation. Additionally, apart from evaluating the value and the simulation of the complete curve, it is possible to determine local effects, such as the crushing depth in timber and concrete, the fastener’s rotation, and the participation of forces in the final capacity of the connection.
Multi-Objective Optimization of Ultra-Low Energy Housing in Hot Summer Cold Winter Climate Zone of China Based on a Probabilistic Behavioral Model
Authors: Xiang Junmi , Liu Hongcheng , Li Xiaojun , Jones Phil , Perisoglou Emmanouil
Published: April 2023

Occupant behavior has an important impact on building energy consumption, and the accuracy of an occupant behavior model directly affects the reliability of energy consumption simulation results. Ultra-low energy buildings are crucial to achieving building energy conservation and carbon dioxide reduction in China. In order to effectively promote the development of ultra-low energy buildings in Hot Summer and Cold Winter Climate Zones. where most residents adopt a “part-time, part-space” pattern of intermittent energy use behavior, and to solve the problem of poor indoor thermal environments and the high incremental cost of ultra-low energy, the study described in this paper takes Changsha as an example to carry out a multi-objective optimization study on ultra-low energy housing using a probabilistic behavioral model. On the basis of a probability model representing the residents’ actual behavior in Changsha, the optimization objective indicators, key variables and the technology benchmarks for ultra-low energy building were determined, then multi-objective optimization was carried out for a range of energy efficient technologies to obtain the Pareto optimal solutions. The results showed that the set of optimal solutions could reduce energy demand by 50.2 to 60.2% and reduce indoor thermal discomfort time by 3.52–11.09% compared with those of a reference base case, which just meets the requirements of the current design standard for energy efficient domestic buildings. An optimum solution for energy savings and indoor thermal comfort, along with economic costs, was identified, which can assist in decision-making by providing different preferences and provide useful reference for the design of ultra-low energy buildings in Hot Summer and Cold Winter Climate regions.
The Right to Comfort in Social Housing: Energy and Thermal Performances as Parameters of a Systemic Analysis
Authors: Rocha Luciana , Póvoas Rui Fernandes , Restivo Joana
Published: April 2023

This paper proposes a critical analysis of the intervention, over time, in the housing estates built under the Improvement Plan for the city of Porto. This plan enabled the construction of a significant number of dwellings within a limited period of time, promoting a broad and impactful urban and social restructuring of the city in the mid-twentieth century. Several post-construction interventions over the last decades were important opportunities to improve the quality of life of the inhabitants and to enhance the energy performance of the buildings. However, these buildings are still subject to architectural and construction challenges in terms of ‘energy poverty’ and the adaptation of the domestic comfort parameters. Thus, this research analyses the intervention strategies used in these buildings and the constraints resulting from current legislation and funding conditions that significantly impact design decisions. The study points to significant changes in the implementation of measures to improve the state of buildings, becoming progressively more concerned with energy consumption and thermal comfort. The discussion also highlights the impact of current measures on the comfort of interior spaces, current problems, and alternative means of balancing energy and comfort. The relevance of this research lies in the joint analysis of the interventions and frequent efficiency and comfort problems as a motto to improve the implementation of future strategies in developing a more energetically balanced housing stock. The paper also aims to deconstruct the preconceptions often associated with interventions geared towards thermal comfort, especially in social housing.
Comprehensive Transformation of Escherichia coli for Nicotinamide Mononucleotide Production
Authors: Bi Tianjiao , Wu Tao , Yang Linyan , Xu Yan , Mu Xiaoqing
Published: April 2023

Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) is a key precursor of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide and an important source of cellular energy. It can prevent neuronal mitochondrial defects and alleviate heart fibrosis. Strategies to improve NMN production have important implications for human health. Through plasmid expression technology and CRISPR/Cas9 technology, we engineered Escherichia coli for efficient NMN production. First, we upregulated the expression of genes encoding key enzymes in the NMN synthesis pathway, enabling E. coli to directly produce NMN, and established the important role of the nicotinamide mononucleotide transporter in the transport of NMN from cells. The content of NMN was 0.24 g·L−1 at 24 h. Second, we strengthened the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) cycle, and the concentration of NMN was 0.49 g·L−1 at 24 h. Third, we increased the synthesis of the NMN precursor 5-phosphate ribose-1-phosphate and obtained an NMN content of 0.49 g·L−1 at 12 h and 1.11 g·L−1 at 24 h. Fourth, we introduced nicotinamide riboside kinase (NRK) and found that it was effective only for a period of time. The content of NMN was 0.54 g·L−1 at 12 h but only 1.05 g·L−1 at 24 h. Finally, we combined these strategies to regulate the whole metabolic flow, revealing that integrating multiple pathways promoted NMN production. During fermentation, we added 1 g·L−1 nicotinamide and 10 g·L−1 glucose, yielding an extracellular NMN concentration of 1.11 g·L−1.
Hydroformylation of Alkenes over Phosphorous-Free Rhodium Supported on N-Doped Silica
Authors: Kardasheva Yulia , Terenina Maria , Sokolov Daniil , Sinikova Natalia , Kardashev Sergey , Karakhanov Eduard
Published: April 2023

A new phosphorous-free rhodium supported on a nitrogen-doped silica was successfully used as a catalyst for the hydroformylation of alkenes. The obtained material and the catalyst were characterized by XRD, XPS, FTIR, SEM, TEM, ICP AES, and low-temperature nitrogen adsorption–desorption measurements. The catalytic performance was studied by the example of the hydroformylation of octene-1 at temperatures of 80–140 °C and a pressure of 5.0 MPa. The catalyst provided a 99% conversion of 1-octene with a 98% yield of aldehydes and showed a good conversion of styrene and cyclohexene. The catalyst can be repeatedly used in ten consecutive cycles, with its activity remaining constant.
Molecular and Functional Characterization of Different BrainSphere Models for Use in Neurotoxicity Testing on Microelectrode Arrays
Authors: Hartmann Julia , Henschel Noah , Bartmann Kristina , Dönmez Arif , Brockerhoff Gabriele , Koch Katharina , Fritsche Ellen
Published: April 2023

The currently accepted methods for neurotoxicity (NT) testing rely on animal studies. However, high costs and low testing throughput hinder their application for large numbers of chemicals. To overcome these limitations, in vitro methods are currently being developed based on human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) that allow higher testing throughput at lower costs. We applied six different protocols to generate 3D BrainSphere models for acute NT evaluation. These include three different media for 2D neural induction and two media for subsequent 3D differentiation resulting in self-organized, organotypic neuron/astrocyte microtissues. All induction protocols yielded nearly 100% NESTIN-positive hiPSC-derived neural progenitor cells (hiNPCs), though with different gene expression profiles concerning regional patterning. Moreover, gene expression and immunocytochemistry analyses revealed that the choice of media determines neural differentiation patterns. On the functional level, BrainSpheres exhibited different levels of electrical activity on microelectrode arrays (MEA). Spike sorting allowed BrainSphere functional characterization with the mixed cultures consisting of GABAergic, glutamatergic, dopaminergic, serotonergic, and cholinergic neurons. A test method for acute NT testing, the human multi-neurotransmitter receptor (hMNR) assay, was proposed to apply such MEA-based spike sorting. These models are promising tools not only in toxicology but also for drug development and disease modeling.
Natural History of Glaucoma Progression in the DBA/2J Model: Early Contribution of Müller Cell Gliosis
Authors: Amato Rosario , Cammalleri Maurizio , Melecchi Alberto , Bagnoli Paola , Porciatti Vittorio
Published: April 2023

Glaucoma is a chronic optic neuropathy characterized by progressive degeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) and the resulting mechanical stress are classically considered the main causes of RGC death. However, RGC degeneration and ensuing vision loss often occur independent of IOP, indicating a multifactorial nature of glaucoma, with the likely contribution of glial and vascular function. The aim of the present study was to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the time course of neuro–glial–vascular changes associated with glaucoma progression. We used DBA/2J mice in the age range of 2–15 months as a spontaneous model of glaucoma with progressive IOP elevation and RGC loss typical of human open-angle glaucoma. We found that the onset of RGC degeneration at 10 months of age coincided with that of IOP elevation and vascular changes such as decreased density, increased lacunarity and decreased tight-junction protein zonula occludens (ZO)-1, while hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were already significantly upregulated at 6 months of age together with the onset of Müller cell gliosis. Astrocytes, however, underwent significant gliosis at 10 months. These results indicate that Müller cell activation occurs well before IOP elevation, with probable inflammatory consequences, and represents an early event in the glaucomatous process. Early upregulation of HIF-1α and VEGF is likely to contribute to blood retinal barrier failure, facilitating RGC loss. The different time courses of neuro–glial–vascular changes during glaucoma progression provide further insight into the nature of the disease and suggest potential targets for the development of efficient therapeutic intervention aside from IOP lowering.
The Mitochondrial Permeability Transition Pore—Current Knowledge of Its Structure, Function, and Regulation, and Optimized Methods for Evaluating Its Functional State
Authors: Endlicher René , Drahota Zdeněk , Štefková Kateřina , Červinková Zuzana , Kučera Otto
Published: April 2023

The mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) is a calcium-dependent, ion non-selective membrane pore with a wide range of functions. Although the MPTP has been studied for more than 50 years, its molecular structure remains unclear. Short-term (reversible) opening of the MPTP protects cells from oxidative damage and enables the efflux of Ca2+ ions from the mitochondrial matrix and cell signaling. However, long-term (irreversible) opening induces processes leading to cell death. Ca2+ ions, reactive oxygen species, and changes in mitochondrial membrane potential regulate pore opening. The sensitivity of the pore to Ca2+ ions changes as an organism ages, and MPTP opening plays a key role in the pathogenesis of many diseases. Most studies of the MPTP have focused on elucidating its molecular structure. However, understanding the mechanisms that will inhibit the MPTP may improve the treatment of diseases associated with its opening. To evaluate the functional state of the MPTP and its inhibitors, it is therefore necessary to use appropriate methods that provide reproducible results across laboratories. This review summarizes our current knowledge of the function and regulation of the MPTP. The latter part of the review introduces two optimized methods for evaluating the functional state of the pore under standardized conditions.
Disruption of Glioblastoma Multiforme Cell Circuits with Cinnamaldehyde Highlights Potential Targets with Implications for Novel Therapeutic Strategies
Authors: Srivastava Shraddha , Patil Ketki , Thompson Elizabeth W. , Nakhai Shadi A. , Kim Yoo Na , Haynes Casey , Bryant Crystal , Pai S. Balakrishna
Published: April 2023

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a major aggressive primary brain tumor with dismal survival outcome and few therapeutic options. Although Temozolomide (TMZ) is a part of the standard therapy, over time, it can cause DNA damage leading to deleterious effects, necessitating the discovery of drugs with minimal side effects. To this end, we investigated the effect of cinnamaldehyde (CA), a highly purified, single ingredient from cinnamon, on the GBM cell lines U87 and U251 and the neuroglioma cell line H4. On observing similar impact on the viability in all the three cell lines, detailed studies were conducted with CA and its isomer/analog, trans-CA (TCA), and methoxy-CA (MCA) on U87 cells. The compounds exhibited equal potency when assessed at the cellular level in inhibiting U87 cells as well as at the molecular level, resulting in an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) and an increase in the apoptotic and multicaspase cell populations. To further characterize the key entities, protein profiling was performed with CA. The studies revealed differential regulation of entities that could be key to glioblastoma cell circuits such as downregulation of pyruvate kinase-PKM2, the key enzyme of the glycolytic pathway that is central to the Warburg effect. This allows for monitoring the levels of PKM2 after therapy using recently developed noninvasive technology employing PET [18F] DASA-23. Additionally, the observation of downregulation of phosphomevalonate kinase is significant as the brain tumor initiating cells (BTIC) are maintained by the metabolism occurring via the mevalonate pathway. Results from the current study, if translated in vivo, could provide additional efficacious treatment options for glioblastoma with minimal side effects.
Exploring a Paradigm Shift in Primary Teeth Root Canal Preparation: An Ex Vivo Micro-CT Study
Authors: Schachter Dora , Blumer Sigalit , Sarsur Sara , Peretz Benjamin , Sella Tunis Tatiana , Fadela Shada , Kharouba Johnny , Elbahary Shlomo
Published: April 2023

Traditional hand instrumentation is a commonly used technique to perform pulpectomy in deciduous teeth by most specialists in pedodontics. Lately, dentists have embraced rotary instrumentation as a safe and effective alternative. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of root canal preparation in extracted primary molars between manual and two rotary file systems using micro-CT. Thirty-six extracted human second primary mandibular molars were divided into three groups according to the instrumentation method: (1) Manually instrumented (MI) group (n = 9) in which the teeth were treated using K-files up to size 30; (2) Kedo-Ssystem (KS) group (n = 9); (3) ProTaper Gold system (PTG) group (n = 10) and control group (n-8). Each tooth was scanned before and after the retrograde root canal preparation. Residual dentin volume was calculated using micro-CT scans to evaluate the technique’s efficacy. Additionally, the preparation time and procedural errors were recorded for each tooth preparation. A one-way ANOVA test was carried out to compare the groups’ dentin volume and preparation time. The mean preparation time using the manual method (13.14 min) was more than two times longer than that of the rotary techniques (4.62 min and 6.45 min). The manual preparation method using a K-file removed almost half the root canal material when compared with the rotor method (p = 0.025). Conclusion: our results suggest that rotary instrumentation is more efficient for root canal preparation in primary teeth than the traditional manual method. This finding may call for a paradigm shift in current clinical practices, where manual instrumentation is still commonly preferred.
Exploring the Association between Changing Crop Types and Water Scarcity: A Case Study over West-Central India
Authors: Kulkarni Sneha , Kumar Vinay , Bhanage Vinayak , Gedam Shirishkumar
Published: April 2023

In recent years, semi-arid regions of India, especially Marathwada, have been continuously under the grip of drought. Increasing water scarcity and depleting ground water levels have accentuated the agrarian crisis with an increased number of farmers committing suicide in this region. To understand this issue, the present paper deals with the roots of the drought severities concerning the summer monsoon rainfall and changing crop types over the districts of the Marathwada region, India, from 1996 to 2018. In this study, drought severities were quantified using station-based rainfall, groundwater level, and crop data (10 most cultivated crops) collected from various national agencies. The increasing rainfall trends over the Latur, Beed, and Aurangabad districts depict positive signs for agriculture. In contrast, other districts were under decreasing rainfall trends, but these declining rates were not statistically significant. The alarming fall of ground water level from 4 to 5 m during the considered period was noticed over most of the region, which is a cause for concern. The significant changes in agricultural practices from low-water-requirement crops such millet (bajra), sorghum (jowar), and wheat to high-water-requirement crops such as sugarcane and cotton were observed over Beed, Latur, Osmanabad, and Parbhani. An increase in the yield of cash crops demands an augmented water supply, which is becoming responsible for the rapidly declining ground water level. Therefore, this study claims that more than rainfall vagaries, the severe impact of droughts is a reflection of changing agricultural practices and poor management of water resources.
Effect of Mechanical Vibration on Microstructure and Properties of Laser Cladding WC-Reinforced Nickel-Based Alloy Coatings
Authors: Gao Zhongtang , Ren Congcong , Li Jinzhou , Gao Zhiming , Du Lifei , Qiao Zhuhui , Zhang Chuanwei
Published: April 2023

Ni-WC composite coatings on 35CrMoV alloy surface were successfully prepared by mechanical vibration field-assisted laser cladding technology. Optical microscopy (OM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to study the microstructure of the composite coatings without vibration and at different vibration frequencies; the phase composition of the cladding layer was studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD); and an energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) was used for elemental plane scanning analysis. The grain growth trend under different convection directions was simulated. The wear resistance and mechanical properties of the composite coating were analyzed by friction and wear testing machine, three-dimensional surface profiler, and microhardness tester. The vibration field generated by the self-improved shaking table device is used to assist laser cladding. The effect of mechanical vibration on the quality of the cladding layer was studied. The results show that compared with the coating without mechanical vibration, an appropriate increase in vibration frequency contributes to the refinement of the grains. The original coarse dendrite structure becomes a fine needle-like structure, and the fine grain size gradually decreases. The application of vibration can improve the effect of grain refinement. The vibration makes the grain size distribution more uniform and the microhardness fluctuation of the cladding layer decreases. The experimental results show that mechanical vibration can improve the microstructure uniformity of the coating by selecting suitable vibration parameters. The average friction coefficient and wear width are reduced, and the microhardness is also increased.
Firefly Algorithm and Neural Network Employment for Dilution Analysis of Super Duplex Stainless Steel Clads over AISI 1020 Steel Using Gas Tungsten Arc Process
Authors: Majid Mohd. , Goel Love , Saxena Abhinav , Srivastava Ashish Kumar , Singh Gyanendra Kumar , Verma Rajesh , Bhutto Javed Khan , Hussein Hany S.
Published: April 2023

Traditional low-carbon steels provide the strength needed to satisfy industrial demands. Low-carbon steel’s poor corrosion resistance is one of its main drawbacks. Due to this restriction, corrosion-resistant materials such as super duplex stainless steels are frequently used for cladding onto the surface of low-carbon steel. The cladded surface possesses superior chloride stress corrosion cracking resistance, pitting and crevice corrosion resistance, yield strength, ductility, and impact toughness. Mild steel with measurements of 300 × 300 × 12 mm has been selected as the substrate material, and super duplex stainless steel (S32950) with an electrode diameter of 2.4 mm has been selected as the filler wire. Gas Tungsten Arc (GTA) cladding was performed onto the surface of low-carbon steel for experimentation. The clad was deposited in the flat position with four different currents, i.e., 120 A, 130 A, 140 A, and 150 A. Cladding was performed on different layers of each current level, i.e., single layer, double layers, and triple layers. After experimenting and overviewing the outcomes, it can be concluded that the optimum input parameters would be a 3-layered clad at a 140 A current level. Cladding of the super duplex stainless steel over mild steel improves the corrosive properties. The percentage ratio of reactivation current density to activation current density (Ir/Ia%) improves from 29% (mild steel) to 4.1% at the top layer and 11.9% at the intermediate layer. The microhardness of the clad decreases with an increase in both the current level and the number of layers. Microhardness varies between 191–248 at the clad, 170–189 at the HAZ, and 143–153 at the substrate for a 1 kgf load. Dilution refers to the change in the cladding alloy composition due to the mixing of the molten matrix. The composition of the clad changes under a high dilution, resulting in a decrease in the mechanical as well as corrosion properties of the clad. However, if the dilution is too small, the bond between the substrate and the clad is poor. Therefore, dilution is one of the most important process control parameters and the key to obtaining high-quality cladding. Thus, the dilution effect is also analyzed on all three clad layers deposited at various current levels using the firefly algorithm (FA) and artificial neural network (ANN). It is observed that dilution levels are found to be more approachable to the experimental setup data with FA in comparison to ANN for various current levels.
Photoluminescent Coatings on Zinc Alloy Prepared by Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation in Aluminate Electrolyte
Authors: Maltanava Hanna , Stojadinovic Stevan , Vasilic Rastko , Karpushenkov Sergey , Belko Nikita , Samtsov Michael , Poznyak Sergey
Published: April 2023

Thick ZnO/ZnAl2O4 coatings were synthesized on zinc alloy Z1 substrates through plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) for different anodization times. The prepared coatings were characterized by scanning SEM, XRD, diffuse reflectance and photoluminescence spectroscopy in order to establish the relationship between their structural and optical properties and PEO processing parameters. Under different PEO processing conditions (anodization time—1–10 min and applied voltage—370 and 450 V) ceramic coatings with a mean thickness of 2–12 μm were prepared. XRD analysis explored the coating structure composed of zinc oxide (wurtzite) and zinc aluminate spinel. The content of ZnAl2O4 in the coatings grows with increasing the applied voltage and anodization time. Photoluminescence (PL) measurements showed that the PEO coatings have several bands in the visible and near-infrared regions associated with their composite structure. The PL spectra significantly depend on the PEO processing parameters due to varying ZnO and ZnAl2O4 content in the coatings. The insight in the relationship between the ZnAl2O4 structure and the photoluminescent properties of ZnO/ZnAl2O4 coatings has been provided using the combination of XRD and luminescence spectroscopy.
Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Variants via Different Diagnostics Assays Based on Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism Analysis
Authors: Specchiarello Eliana , Matusali Giulia , Carletti Fabrizio , Gruber Cesare Ernesto Maria , Fabeni Lavinia , Minosse Claudia , Giombini Emanuela , Rueca Martina , Maggi Fabrizio , Amendola Alessandra , Garbuglia Anna Rosa
Published: April 2023

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is characterized by fast evolution with the appearance of several variants. Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) technology is considered the gold standard for monitoring known and new SARS-CoV-2 variants. However, the complexity of this technology renders this approach impracticable in laboratories located in areas with limited resources. We analyzed the capability of the ThermoFisher TaqPath COVID-19 RT-PCR (TaqPath) and the Seegene Novaplex SARS-CoV-2 Variant assay (Novaplex) to detect Omicron variants; the Allplex VariantII (Allplex) was also evaluated for Delta variants. Sanger sequencing (SaS) was the reference method. The results obtained with n = 355 nasopharyngeal samples were: negative with TaqPath, although positive with other qualitative molecular assays (n = 35); undetermined (n = 40) with both the assays; negative for the ∆69/70 mutation and confirmed as the Delta variant via SaS (n = 100); positive for ∆69/70 and confirmed as Omicron BA.1 via SaS (n = 80); negative for ∆69/70 and typed as Omicron BA.2 via SaS (n = 80). Novaplex typed 27.5% of samples as undetermined with TaqPath, 11.4% of samples as negative with TaqPath, and confirmed 100% of samples were Omicron subtypes. In total, 99/100 samples were confirmed as the Delta variant with Allplex with a positive per cent agreement (PPA) of 98% compared to SaS. As undermined samples with Novaplex showed RdRp median Ct values (Ct = 35.4) statistically higher than those of typed samples (median Ct value = 22.0; p < 0.0001, Mann–Whitney test), the inability to establish SARS-CoV-2 variants was probably linked to the low viral load. No amplification was obtained with SaS among all 35 negative TaqPath samples. Overall, 20% of samples which were typed as negative or undetermined with TaqPath, and among them, twelve were not typed even by SaS, but they were instead correctly identified with Novaplex. Although full-genome sequencing remains the elected method to characterize new strains, our data show the high ability of a SNP-based assay to identify VOCs, also resolving samples typed as undetermined with TaqPath.
Post-Traumatic Cilia Remaining Inert in the Posterior Chamber for 50 Years
Authors: Teodoru Cosmin Adrian , Roman Mihai Dan , Hașegan Adrian , Matei Claudiu , Mohor Cosmin , Munteanu Mihnea , Vică Mihaela Laura , Matei Horea Vladi , Stanca Horia , Cerghedean-Florea Maria-Emilia , Dura Horațiu
Published: April 2023

Intraocular foreign body injuries (IOFB) can lead to a number of intraocular pathologies; the visual results depend on the mechanism of the injury, the type of foreign body and the subsequent complications. The presence of intraocular cilia (eye lashes) following penetrating injury or surgical intervention is uncommon. In the present paper, we present a case of a 58-year-old woman with a history of eye trauma and a perforated corneal wound in the left eye that occurred 50 years ago. On the ophthalmological exam we noticed in the anterior chamber a straight linear extension, resembling cilia, extending behind the iris. The patient reports that it appeared during COVID-19 infection, after repeated episodes of coughing. After a follow-up period, we decided to remove the eyelash; 24 h after surgery, the patient complained of severe eye pain. Intraocular pressure (IOP) in LE was 54 mmHg. The slit-lamp examination showed perikeratic congestion, corneal edema and mydriasis. Eye hypotensive treatment was started immediately and the patient’s general condition slightly improved. Intraocular cilia can be tolerated for many years without causing any ocular reaction. The decision for surgical intervention must be taken according to the individual needs of the patient and his ocular characteristics with careful pre- and post-operative follow up.
The Significance of Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) Examination in Cushing’s Syndrome—A Systematic Review
Authors: Radecka Aleksandra , Lubkowska Anna
Published: April 2023

In recent years, the usefulness of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) as a valuable complementary method of assessing the content and distribution of adipose and lean tissue as well as bone mineral density and estimating the risk of fractures has been increasingly confirmed. The diagnosis and treatment of Cushing’s syndrome remain challenging, and monitoring the effects of treatment is often necessary. DXA tests offer a potential solution to many problems related to the availability of a quick, detailed, and reliable analysis of changes in the content and distribution of individual body composition components. The article discusses total body DXA scans (FMI, VAT, ALMI), lumbar spine scans (VFA, TBS), and osteoporosis scans (BMD, T-score, Z-score)—all are of potential interest in Cushing’s syndrome. The article discusses the use of the most important indicators obtained from a DXA test (FMI, VAT, ALMI, BMD, T-score, Z-score, VFA, TBS) and their clinical significance in Cushing’s syndrome was verified. The literature from the last decade was used for the study, available in MEDLINE, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect.
Ultrasound Assessment of Larynx and Trachea in the Neonatal Period, Examination Standard with Predictive Values—Study Protocol
Authors: Paprocki Łukasz , Migda Bartosz , Bokiniec Renata
Published: April 2023

Diseases of the larynx and trachea are a heterogenous group of disorders. Their diagnosis frequently requires invasive methods. Ultrasound is a non-invasive, repeatable and safe diagnostic method, which has recently, thanks to the development of technology, provided for very accurate imaging of even small structures, as well as their assessment on dynamic examination. Ultrasound examination of the larynx and trachea will be performed in 2022–2023 in a group of randomly selected 300 stable neonates born between 32 and 42 weeks of gestation. The results of this study will be presented after data collection in accordance with the adopted methodology. To date, this will be the first study to describe the ultrasound anatomy of the larynx and trachea and to establish reference ranges for the size of individual structures of the larynx and trachea in the neonatal population. We expect that our study will contribute to the further development of this part of ultrasonography and will reduce the number of invasive procedures performed in the diagnostics of these organs in the future. This manuscript is a study protocol registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier NCT05636410) and approved by the Bioethics Committee of the Medical University of Warsaw (KB 65/A2022).
Optimal Skin Cancer Detection Model Using Transfer Learning and Dynamic-Opposite Hunger Games Search
Authors: Dahou Abdelghani , Aseeri Ahmad O. , Mabrouk Alhassan , Ibrahim Rehab Ali , Al-Betar Mohammed Azmi , Elaziz Mohamed Abd
Published: April 2023

Recently, pre-trained deep learning (DL) models have been employed to tackle and enhance the performance on many tasks such as skin cancer detection instead of training models from scratch. However, the existing systems are unable to attain substantial levels of accuracy. Therefore, we propose, in this paper, a robust skin cancer detection framework for to improve the accuracy by extracting and learning relevant image representations using a MobileNetV3 architecture. Thereafter, the extracted features are used as input to a modified Hunger Games Search (HGS) based on Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and Dynamic-Opposite Learning (DOLHGS). This modification is used as a novel feature selection to alloacte the most relevant feature to maximize the model’s performance. For evaluation of the efficiency of the developed DOLHGS, the ISIC-2016 dataset and the PH2 dataset were employed, including two and three categories, respectively. The proposed model has accuracy 88.19% on the ISIC-2016 dataset and 96.43% on PH2. Based on the experimental results, the proposed approach showed more accurate and efficient performance in skin cancer detection than other well-known and popular algorithms in terms of classification accuracy and optimized features.
Optimized 18F-FDG PET-CT Method to Improve Accuracy of Diagnosis of Metastatic Cancer
Authors: Black Richard , Barentsz Jelle , Howell David , Bostwick David G. , Strum Stephen B.
Published: April 2023

The diagnosis of cancer by FDG PET-CT is often inaccurate owing to subjectivity of interpretation. We compared the accuracy of a novel normalized (standardized) method of interpretation with conventional non-normalized SUV. Patients (n = 393) with various malignancies were studied with FDG PET/CT to determine the presence or absence of cancer. Target lesions were assessed by two methods: (1) conventional SUVmax (conSUVmax) and (2) a novel method that combined multiple factors to optimize SUV (optSUVmax), including the patient’s normal liver SUVmax, a liver constant (k) derived from a review of the literature, and use of site-specific thresholds for malignancy. The two methods were compared to pathology findings in 154 patients being evaluated for mediastinal and/or hilar lymph node (MHLNs) metastases, 143 evaluated for extra-thoracic lymph node (ETLNs) metastases, and 96 evaluated for liver metastases. OptSUVmax was superior to conSUVmax for all patient groups. For MHLNs, sensitivity was 83.8% vs. 80.7% and specificity 88.7% vs. 9.6%, respectively; for ETLNs, sensitivity was 92.1% vs. 77.8% and specificity 80.1% vs. 27.6%, respectively; and for lesions in the liver parenchyma, sensitivity was 96.1% vs. 82.3% and specificity 88.8% vs. 23.0%, respectively. Optimized SUVmax increased diagnostic accuracy of FDG PET-CT for cancer when compared with conventional SUVmax interpretation.