bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognostic Trends and Current Challenges in Candidemia: A Comparative Analysis of Two Multicenter Cohorts within the Past Decade
Authors: Agnelli Caroline , Guimarães Thaís , Sukiennik Teresa , Lima Paulo Roberto Passos , Salles Mauro José , Breda Giovanni Luís , Queiroz-Telles Flavio , Chaves Magri Marcello Mihailenko , Mendes Ana Verena , Camargo Luís Fernando Aranha , Morales Hugo , de Carvalho Hessel Dias Viviane Maria , Rossi Flávia , Colombo Arnaldo Lopes
Published: April 2023

Candidemia remains a major public health challenge due to its high mortality rates, especially in developing countries. Monitoring epidemiological trends may provide insights for better clinical outcomes. This study aimed to describe trends in the epidemiology, therapeutic practices, and mortality in candidemia through a retrospective comparative analysis between two surveillance cohorts of all candidemic adults at eleven tertiary hospitals in Brazil, from 2010–2011 (Period I) versus 2017–2018 (Period II). A total of 616 cases were diagnosed, with 247 being from Period II. These patients were more likely to have three or more coexisting comorbidities [72 (29.1%) vs. 60 (16.3%), p < 0.001], had a prior history of in-hospital admissions more often [102 (40.3%) vs. 79 (21.4%), p = 0.001], and presented with candidemia earlier after admission, within 15 days (0–328) vs. 19 (0–188), p = 0.01. Echinocandins were more frequently prescribed [102 (41.3%) vs. 50 (13.6%), p = 0.001], but time to antifungal initiation [2 days (0–14) vs. 2 (0–13), p = 0.369] and CVC removal within 48 h [90/185 (48.6%) vs. 148/319 (46.4%), p = 0.644] remained unchanged. Additionally, many patients went untreated in both periods I and II [87 (23.6%) vs. 43 (17.4%), p = 0.07], respectively. Unfortunately, no improvements in mortality rates at 14 days [123 (33.6%) vs. 93 (37.7%), p = 0.343] or at 30 days [188 (51.4%) vs. 120 (48.6%), p = 0.511] were observed. In conclusion, mortality rates remain exceedingly high despite therapeutic advances, probably associated with an increase in patients’ complexity and suboptimal therapeutic interventions. Management strategies should be tailored to suit epidemiological changes, expedite diagnosis to reduce the number of untreated eligible patients and guarantee early antifungal initiation and source control.
Survival of Patient-Specific Unicondylar Knee Replacement
Authors: Weber Patrick , Beck Melina , Klug Michael , Klug Andreas , Klug Alexander , Glowalla Claudio , Gollwitzer Hans
Published: April 2023

Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) in isolated medial or lateral osteoarthritis leads to good clinical results. However, revision rates are higher in comparison to total knee arthroplasty (TKA). One reason is suboptimal fitting of conventional off-the-shelf prostheses, and major overhang of the tibial component over the bone has been reported in up to 20% of cases. In this retrospective study, a total of 537 patient-specific UKAs (507 medial prostheses and 30 lateral prostheses) that had been implanted in 3 centers over a period of 10 years were analyzed for survival, with a minimal follow-up of 1 year (range 12 to 129 months). Furthermore, fitting of the UKAs was analyzed on postoperative X-rays, and tibial overhang was quantified. A total of 512 prostheses were available for follow-up (95.3%). Overall survival rate (medial and lateral) of the prostheses after 5 years was 96%. The 30 lateral UKAs showed a survival rate of 100% at 5 years. The tibial overhang of the prosthesis was smaller than 1 mm in 99% of cases. In comparison to the reported results in the literature, our data suggest that the patient-specific implant design used in this study is associated with an excellent midterm survival rate, particularly in the lateral knee compartment, and confirms excellent fitting.
Investigation and Modelling of Economic Systematic Risk and Capital Requirement: A Monte Carlo Simulation
Authors: Benhamed Adel , Gassouma Mohamed Sadok
Published: April 2023

This paper tests the ability of the regulatory capital requirement to cover credit losses at default, as carried out by the economic (optimal) capital requirement in Tunisian banks. The common factor in borrowers that leads to a credit default is systematic risk. However, the sensitivity to these factors differs between borrowers. To this end, we derived two kinds of sensitivity to systematic risk: the first is recognised by the Basel Committee; the second is derived from an economic approach. Hence, we can observe the impact of sensitivity to systematic risk on capital requirements. Empirically, we studied a sample of 100 individual borrowers from a Tunisian deposit bank that had credit in January 2020. We estimated the default probability for each borrower and then simulated their systematic risk sensitivity using the Monte Carlo approach, and compared them with the regulatory risk sensitivity. Then, we tested their effects on the economic and regulatory capital requirements. The results indicate that regulatory capital overestimates economic capital. This is due to the overestimation of borrowers’ contagion in terms of default risk, as shown by the superiority of their regulatory sensitivity systematic risk compared to the simulated risk. This leads banks to devote more capital than is really necessary to reach the regulatory standard. Hence, there was an increase in capital costs and the possibility of an arbitrage opportunity.
How Does Land Transfer Impact the Household Labor Productivity in China? Empirical Evidence from Survey Data in Shandong
Authors: Cui Baomin , Tang Lingling , Liu Jianxu , Sriboonchitta Songsak
Published: April 2023

As the transfer speed of land use rights accelerates, the production efficiency of farmer households keeps increasing as well. Based on field survey data of 1368 farmer households in Shandong in 2019, this paper applied the average treatment effect (ATE) and propensity score matching (PSM) to investigate the impact of land transfer on the productivity of farmer households. The results indicate that land transfer has a positive effect on the overall labor productivity of farmer households participating in land transfer. The impact of land transfer on productivity has an obvious asymmetry between transfer-in households and transfer-out households. More specifically, land transfer-in plays a greater role in promoting participants’ overall labor productivity, while land transfer-out has some positive effect on non-agricultural productivity. This study is of great significance in improving the overall welfare level of farmer households and promoting the reform and high-quality development of farm businesses.
Quantitative Analysis and Cause Exploration of Architectural Feature Changes in a Traditional Chinese Village: Lingquan Village, Heyang County, Shaanxi Province
Authors: Qi Yingtao , Ren Yulin , Zhou Dian , Wang Yupeng , Liu Yujia , Zhang Bin
Published: April 2023

It is crucial for the protection and sustainable development of villages in China to effectively determine the changes that have occurred in traditional villages’ architectural features and the causes of such changes in order to provide timely feedback, correct protection planning, and construction in these villages. This paper analyzed quantitative indexes at three different scales in Lingquan village, namely construction land, public infrastructure, and the form, material, and color of roofs, using remote sensing images at different time points, drone shooting, and a field survey. It was found that the rate of change of the architectural features at the village and street levels were low, with an overall trend of improvement observed. However, the residential roof features at the building level showed more changes, with a trend of deterioration observed. It was also found that the active participation of the government was the main reason for the substantial improvement observed in the village’s street-level features. Further, for residential houses, the lack of standard guidance for their protection and renovation, as well as the lack of protection awareness and participation mechanisms, were the main reasons found for the deterioration of the village’s building-level features. Finally, the study forwarded some suggestions in order to provide reference value for the timely revision of protection strategies for many villages in China similar to Lingquan village.
Quantitative Evaluation of Oxygen Extraction Fraction Changes in the Monkey Brain during Acute Stroke by Using Quantitative Susceptibility Mapping
Authors: Meng Yuguang , Li Chun-Xia , Zhang Xiaodong
Published: April 2023

Background: The oxygen extraction fraction (OEF) indicates the brain’s oxygen consumption and can be estimated by using the quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) MRI technique. Recent studies have suggested that OEF alteration following stroke is associated with the viability of at-risk tissue. In the present study, the temporal evolution of OEF in the monkey brain during acute stroke was investigated using QSM. Methods: Ischemic stroke was induced in adult rhesus monkeys (n = 8) with permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO) by using an interventional approach. Diffusion-, T2-, and T2*-weighted images were conducted on day 0, day 2, and day 4 post-stroke using a clinical 3T scanner. Progressive changes in magnetic susceptibility and OEF, along with their correlations with the transverse relaxation rates and diffusion indices, were examined. Results: The magnetic susceptibility and OEF in injured gray matter of the brain significantly increased during the hyperacute phase, and then decreased significantly on day 2 and day 4. Moreover, the temporal changes of OEF in gray matter were moderately correlated with mean diffusivity (MD) (r = 0.52; p = 0.046) from day 0 to day 4. Magnetic susceptibility in white matter progressively increased (from negative values to near zero) during acute stroke, and significant increases were seen on day 2 (p = 0.08) and day 4 (p = 0.003) when white matter was significantly degenerated. However, significant reduction of OEF in white matter was not seen until day 4 post-stroke. Conclusion: The preliminary results demonstrate that QSM-derived OEF is a robust approach to examine the progressive changes of gray matter in the ischemic brain from the hyperacute phase to the subacute phase of stroke. The changes of OEF in gray matter were more prominent than those in white matter following stroke insult. The findings suggest that QSM-derived OEF may provide complementary information for understanding the neuropathology of the brain tissue following stroke and predicting stroke outcomes.
Prolongation of Pregnancy in Patients with HELLP Syndrome Using Methylprednisolone: A Retrospective Multicentric Analysis
Authors: Hosten Anna Katharina , Bonitz Jennifer , Thäle Volker , Tchirikov Michael
Published: April 2023

Background: Immediate delivery is an established concept for preventing life-threatening complications in mothers with HELLP syndrome; however, it is associated with preterm births. Methods: Cases of HELLP syndrome diagnosed at the university hospitals of Halle and Magdeburg (Germany) were analyzed retrospectively. Each patient of the treatment group was administered 64 mg of methylprednisolone (MP) intravenously for 10 days, with the dosage being reduced by 50% every other day in patients from Halle (n = 65). Almost immediate delivery was performed in the control groups (n = 45, Halle; n = 28, Magdeburg). Results: Pregnancies in the treatment group were prolonged by 4 days (median 1–55 days). The platelet counts increased from 76,060 ± 22,900/μL to 117,430 ± 39,065/μL in the MP group compared with an increase from 66,500 ± 25,852/μL to 83,430 ± 34,608/μL in control group 1 and from 78,890 ± 19,100/μL to 131,080 ± 50,900/µL in control group 2 (p < 0.001). Severe neonatal complications were significantly reduced in the treatment group (p < 0.05): sepsis, 9.25% vs. 24%; ventilation, 44.6% vs. 46.5%; and infant death, 1.6% vs. 8.6%. Conclusions: In a selected collective of patients with HELLP syndrome, prolongation of pregnancy using MP treatment improved maternal and neonatal outcomes.
First Study of Ascaris lumbricoides from the Semiwild Population of the Sumatran Orangutan Pongo abelii in the Context of Morphological Description and Molecular Phylogeny
Authors: Civáňová Křížová Kristína , Seifertová Mária , Baruš Vlastimil , Hodová Iveta , Mašová Šárka , Nurcahyo Wisnu , Foitová Ivona
Published: April 2023

There is little evidence that the already described and accepted taxa of ascarids (Ascaris lumbricoides, A. suum, and A. ovis) infecting individuals of taxonomically distant groups (hominids, pigs, sheep, goats, and dogs) can be genetically or morphologically distinguished. However, despite described morphological differences, e.g., due to intraspecific variation, these are insufficient for species determination and may indicate differences amongst ascarids because of cross infections, hybrid production, and specific adaptations to hosts. Herein, the results of a molecular and morphological analysis of ascarids parasitising Sumatran orangutans (Pongo abelii Lesson, 1827) in native populations are presented. The research took place in the Bukit Lawang area, Indonesia, in 2009. Throughout the year, fresh faecal samples were collected regularly from 24 orangutans, and all were examined for the presence of nematode adults. Only five adult worms from two orangutan females were found during regular collection. Using the integrative taxonomic approach, the nematodes found were identified as A. lumbricoides. The significance of the find and its rarity is documented by the fact that this is the first confirmed finding of adult ascarids from an original orangutan site (not from a zoo) in more than 130 years (including the long-term study spanning the last 20 years focusing on orangutan parasites and natural antiparasitic drugs). More accurate morphometric parameters and genetic differences for the identification of ascarids were established. These parameters will be helpful for other findings in great apes and will also be suitable for further and precise determination of this parasite. The details distinguishing between male and female specimens are also stated and well defined. A comprehensive evaluation of the situation of Ascaris species parasitising orangutans, including a comparison with previously described orangutan parasite (i.e., A. satyri—species inquirenda), is discussed.
Study on Modelling Method of Resilient Mat Used under Floating Slab Track
Authors: Xu Zhuosheng , Sun Xiaojing , Qiao Chang , Wang Tingting , Ma Meng
Published: April 2023

Kelvin’s model is widely used to simulate the dynamic characteristic of a resilient mat under a slab track. To develop an effective calculation model for a resilient mat using a solid element, a three-parameter viscoelasticity model (3PVM) was employed. With the help of the user-defined material mechanical behavior, the proposed model was implemented in software ABAQUS. To validate the model, a laboratory test was performed on a slab track with a resilient mat. Then, a finite element model of the track-tunnel-soil system was built. The calculation results using the 3PVM was compared with those using Kelvin’s model and the test results. The results indicate that the 3PVM can better reflect the dynamic characteristics of resilient mat than Kelvin’s model, especially over 10 Hz. Compared with the test results, the 3PVM has an average error of 2.7 dB and a max error of 7.9 dB at 5 Hz.
One-Step Solid-State Synthesis of Ni-Rich Cathode Materials for Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Wang Lifan , Shi Qinling , Zhan Chun , Liu Guicheng
Published: April 2023

Ni-rich cathodes are expected to serve as critical materials for high-energy lithium-ion batteries. Increasing the Ni content can effectively improve the energy density but usually leads to more complex synthesis conditions, thus limiting its development. In this work, a simple one-step solid-state process for synthesizing Ni-rich ternary cathode materials NCA (LiNi0.9Co0.05Al0.05O2) was presented, and the synthesis conditions were systematically studied. It was found that the synthesis conditions have a substantial impact on electrochemical performance. Furthermore, the cathode materials produced through a one-step solid-state process exhibited excellent cycling stability, maintaining 97.2% of their capacity after 100 cycles at a rate of 1 C. The results show that a one-step solid-state method can successfully synthesize Ni-rich ternary cathode material, which has great potential for application. Optimizing the synthesis conditions also provides valuable ideas for the commercial synthesis of Ni-rich cathode materials.
Resulting Effect of the p-Type of ZnTe: Cu Thin Films of the Intermediate Layer in Heterojunction Solar Cells: Structural, Optical, and Electrical Characteristics
Authors: Ahmed Moustafa , Alshahrie Ahmed , Shaaban Essam R.
Published: April 2023

The microstructural, electrical, and optical properties of Cu-doped and undoped ZnTe thin films grown on glass substrates are covered in this article. To determine the chemical makeup of these materials, both energy-dispersive X-ray (EDAX) spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were employed. The cubic zinc-blende crystal structure of ZnTe and Cu-doped ZnTe films was discovered using X-ray diffraction crystallography. According to these microstructural studies, the average crystallite size increased as the amount of Cu doping increased, whereas the microstrain decreased as the crystallinity increased; hence, defects were minimized. The Swanepoel method was used to compute the refractive index, and it was found that the refractive index rises as the Cu doping levels rises. The optical band gap energy was observed to decrease from 2.225 eV to 1.941 eV as the Cu content rose from 0% to 8%, and then slightly increase to 1.965 eV at a Cu concentration of 10%. The Burstein–Moss effect may be connected to this observation. The larger grain size, which lessens the dispersion of the grain boundary, was thought to be the cause of the observed increase in the dc electrical conductivity with an increase in Cu doping. In structured undoped and Cu-doped ZnTe films, there were two carrier transport conduction mechanisms that could be seen. According to the Hall Effect measurements, all the grown films exhibited a p-type conduction behavior. In addition, the findings demonstrated that as the Cu doping level rises, the carrier concentration and the Hall mobility similarly rise, reaching an ideal Cu concentration of 8 at.%, which is due to the fact that the grain size decreases grain boundary scattering. Furthermore, we examined the impact of the ZnTe and ZnTe:Cu (at Cu 8 at.%) layers on the efficiency of the CdS/CdTe solar cells.
Physical and Mechanical Behavior of New Ternary and Hybrid Eco-Cements Made from Construction and Demolition Waste
Authors: Frías Moisés , Monasterio Manuel , Moreno-Juez Jaime
Published: April 2023

Construction and demolition waste (CDW) currently constitutes a waste stream with growing potential use as a secondary raw material in the manufacture of eco-cements that offer smaller carbon footprints and less clinker content than conventional cements. This study analyzes the physical and mechanical properties of two different cement types, ordinary Portland cement (OPC) and calcium sulfoaluminate (CSA) cement, and the synergy between them. These cements are manufactured with different types of CDW (fine fractions of concrete, glass and gypsum) and are intended for new technological applications in the construction sector. This paper addresses the chemical, physical, and mineralogical characterization of the starting materials, as well as the physical (water demand, setting time, soundness, water absorption by capillary action, heat of hydration, and microporosity) and mechanical behavior of the 11 cements selected, including the two reference cements (OPC and commercial CSA). From the analyses obtained, it should be noted that the addition of CDW to the cement matrix does not modify the amount of water by capillarity with respect to OPC cement, except for Labo CSA cement which increases by 15.7%, the calorimetric behavior of the mortars is different depending on the type of ternary and hybrid cement, and the mechanical resistance of the analysed mortars decreases. The results obtained show the favorable behavior of the ternary and hybrid cements made with this CDW. Despite the variations observed in the different types of cement, they all comply with the current standards applicable to commercial cements and open up a new opportunity to improve sustainability in the construction sector.
Contrast Enhancement in MRI Using Combined Double Action Contrast Agents and Image Post-Processing in the Breast Cancer Model
Authors: MacDonald David , van Veggel Frank C. J. M. , Tomanek Boguslaw , Blasiak Barbara
Published: April 2023

Gd- and Fe-based contrast agents reduce T1 and T2 relaxation times, respectively, are frequently used in MRI, providing improved cancer detection. Recently, contrast agents changing both T1/T2 times, based on core/shell nanoparticles, have been introduced. Although advantages of the T1/T2 agents were shown, MR image contrast of cancerous versus normal adjacent tissue induced by these agents has not yet been analyzed in detail as authors considered changes in cancer MR signal or signal-to-noise ratio after contrast injection rather than changes in signal differences between cancer and normal adjacent tissue. Furthermore, the potential advantages of T1/T2 contrast agents using image manipulation such as subtraction or addition have not been yet discussed in detail. Therefore, we performed theoretical calculations of MR signal in a tumor model using T1-weighted, T2-weighted, and combined images for T1-, T2-, and T1/T2-targeted contrast agents. The results from the tumor model are followed by in vivo experiments using core/shell NaDyF4/NaGdF4 nanoparticles as T1/T2 non-targeted contrast agent in the animal model of triple negative breast cancer. The results show that subtraction of T2-weighted from T1-weighted MR images provides additional increase in the tumor contrast: over two-fold in the tumor model and 12% in the in vivo experiment.
Design and 3D Printing of Stretchable Conductor with High Dynamic Stability
Authors: Liu Chao , Wang Yuwei , Wang Shengding , Xia Xiangling , Xiao Huiyun , Liu Jinyun , Hu Siqi , Yi Xiaohui , Liu Yiwei , Wu Yuanzhao , Shang Jie , Li Run-Wei
Published: April 2023

As an indispensable part of wearable devices and mechanical arms, stretchable conductors have received extensive attention in recent years. The design of a high-dynamic-stability, stretchable conductor is the key technology to ensure the normal transmission of electrical signals and electrical energy of wearable devices under large mechanical deformation, which has always been an important research topic domestically and abroad. In this paper, a stretchable conductor with a linear bunch structure is designed and prepared by combining numerical modeling and simulation with 3D printing technology. The stretchable conductor consists of a 3D-printed bunch-structured equiwall elastic insulating resin tube and internally filled free-deformable liquid metal. This conductor has a very high conductivity exceeding 104 S cm−1, good stretchability with an elongation at break exceeding 50%, and great tensile stability, with a relative change in resistance of only about 1% at 50% tensile strain. Finally, this paper demonstrates it as a headphone cable (transmitting electrical signals) and a mobile phone charging wire (transmitting electrical energy), which proves its good mechanical and electrical properties and shows good application potential.
Laser-Treated Steel Surfaces Gliding on Snow at Different Temperatures
Authors: Maggiore Ettore , Corsaro Carmelo , Fazio Enza , Mirza Inam , Ripamonti Francesco , Tommasini Matteo , Ossi Paolo M.
Published: April 2023

With the goal of substituting a hard metallic material for the soft Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) presently used to make the bases of skis for alpine skiing, we used two non-thermodynamic equilibrium surface treatments with ultra-short (7–8 ps) laser pulses to modify the surface of square plates (50 × 50 mm2) made of austenitic stainless steel AISI 301H. By irradiating with linearly polarized pulses, we obtained Laser Induced Periodic Surface Structures (LIPSS). By laser machining, we produced a laser engraving on the surface. Both treatments produce a surface pattern parallel to one side of the sample. For both treatments, we measured with a dedicated snow tribometer the friction coefficient µ on compacted snow at different temperatures (−10 °C; −5 °C; −3 °C) for a gliding speed range between 1 and 6.1 ms−1. We compared the obtained µ values with those of untreated AISI 301H plates and of stone grinded, waxed UHMWPE plates. At the highest temperature (−3 °C), near the snow melting point, untreated AISI 301H shows the largest µ value (0.09), much higher than that of UHMWPE (0.04). Laser treatments on AISI 301H gave lower µ values approaching UHMWPE. We studied how the surface pattern disposition, with respect to the gliding direction of the sample on snow, affects the µ trend. For LIPSS with pattern, orientation perpendicular to the gliding direction on snow µ (0.05) is comparable with that of UHMWPE. We performed field tests on snow at high temperature (from −0.5 to 0 °C) using full-size skis equipped with bases made of the same materials used for the laboratory tests. We observed a moderate difference in performance between the untreated and the LIPSS treated bases; both performed worse than UHMWPE. Waxing improved the performance of all bases, especially LIPSS treated.
Measurement and Classification Criteria of Strength Decrease Rate and Brittleness Indicator Index for Rockburst Proneness Evaluation of Hard Rocks
Authors: Du Kun , Yang Songge , Zhou Jian , Wang Lichang
Published: April 2023

Rockburst is one of the common geological hazards. It is of great significance to study the evaluation indexes and classification criteria of the bursting liability of hard rocks, which is important for the prediction and prevention of rockbursts in hard rocks. In this study, the evaluation of the rockburst tendency was conducted using two indoor non-energy indexes, namely the brittleness indicator (B2) and the strength decrease rate (SDR). The measuring methods of B and SDR as well as the classification criteria were analyzed. Firstly, the most rational calculation formulas for B and SDR were selected based on previous studies. The B2 equaled to the ratio between the difference and sum of uniaxial compressive strength and Brazilian tensile strength of rocks. The SDR was the average stress decrease rate of the post-peak stage in uniaxial compression tests and equaled the uniaxial compressive strength dividing the duration time of post-peak rock failure in uniaxial compression tests. Secondly, the uniaxial compression tests of different rock types were designed and carried out, and the change trend of B and SDR with the increase of loading rate in uniaxial compression tests were studied in detail. The results showed that after the loading rate was greater than 5 mm/min or 100 kN/min, the B value was affected, limited by the loading rate, while the SDR value was more affected by the strain rate. The displacement control, with a loading rate of 0.1–0.7 mm/min, was recommended for the measurement of B and SDR. The classification criteria of B2 and SDR were proposed, and four grades of rockburst tendency were defined for SDR and B2 according to the test results.
Do the Mechanical Properties of Calcium-Silicate-Based Cements Influence the Stress Distribution of Different Retrograde Cavity Preparations?
Authors: Ashi Tarek , Richert Raphaël , Mancino Davide , Jmal Hamdi , Alkhouri Sleman , Addiego Frédéric , Kharouf Naji , Haïkel Youssef
Published: April 2023

The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of the mechanical properties of three different calcium-silicate-based cements on the stress distribution of three different retrograde cavity preparations. Biodentine™ “BD”, MTA Biorep “BR”, and Well-Root™ PT “WR” were used. The compression strengths of ten cylindrical samples of each material were tested. The porosity of each cement was investigated by using micro-computed X-ray tomography. Finite element analysis (FEA) was used to simulate three retrograde conical cavity preparations with an apical diameter of 1 mm (Tip I), 1.4 mm (Tip II), and 1.8 mm (Tip III) after an apical 3 mm resection. BR demonstrated the lowest compression strength values (17.6 ± 5.5 MPa) and porosity percentages (0.57 ± 0.14%) compared to BD (80 ± 17 MPa–1.22 ± 0.31%) and WR (90 ± 22 MPa–1.93 ± 0.12%) (p < 0.05). FEA demonstrated that the larger cavity preparation demonstrated higher stress distribution in the root whereas stiffer cement demonstrated lower stress in the root but higher stress in the material. We can conclude that a respected root end preparation associated with cement with good stiffness could offer optimal endodontic microsurgery. Further studies are needed to define the adapted cavity diameter and cement stiffness in order to have optimal mechanical resistance with less stress distribution in the root.
Editorial
Authors: Gasteratos Antonios , Kostavelis Ioannis
Published: April 2023

In recent decades, the research on autonomous driving technologies has enabled the automotive industry to introduce vehicles supported by Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) to the market [...]
An Inverse Kinematics Approach for the Analysis and Active Control of a Four-UPR Motion-Compensated Platform for UAV–ASV Cooperation
Authors: Pereira Pedro , Campilho Raul , Pinto Andry
Published: April 2023

In the present day, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology is being used for a multitude of inspection operations, including those in offshore structures such as wind-farms. Due to the distance of these structures to the coast, drones need to be carried to these structures via ship. To achieve a completely autonomous operation, the UAV can greatly benefit from an autonomous surface vehicle (ASV) to transport the UAV to the operation location and coordinate a successful landing between the two. This work presents the concept of a four-link parallel platform to perform wave-motion synchronization to facilitate UAV landings. The parallel platform consists of two base floaters connected with rigid rods, linked by linear actuators to a top mobile platform for the landing of a UAV. Using an inverse kinematics approach, a study of the position of the cylinders for greater range of motion and a workspace analysis is achieved. The platform makes use of a feedback controller to reduce the total motion of the landing platform. Using the robotic operating system (ROS) and Gazebo to emulate wave motions and represent the physical model and actuator system, the platform control system was successfully validated.
Heat Transfer Enhancement of MHD Natural Convection in a Star-Shaped Enclosure, Using Heated Baffle and MWCNT–Water Nanofluid
Authors: Bilal Sardar , Shah Imtiaz Ali , Ghachem Kaouther , Aydi Abdelkarim , Kolsi Lioua
Published: April 2023

Fluids have played and still play a vital role in attaining an optimized output from industrial processes. However, due to technological advancement, fluids with high hydrothermal characteristics are required. In order to overcome these challenges, researchers have developed fluids with dispersed nanoparticles, which are recognized as nanofluids. Various types of nanoparticles can be added to base fluids to produce thermally enhanced liquids. Among these, the addition of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) is considered the best due to the considerable enhancement of thermophysical properties and the stability of the solution. Thus, in the present investigation, an analysis of the heat transfer characteristics of an MWCNT–water nanofluid included in a star-shaped cavity equipped with a hot rectangular baffle is conducted. In addition, a uniform magnetic field is applied along the x-direction to oppose the convective flow generated by variations in density. Mathematical formulations under assumed boundary conditions and physical assumptions are established in the form of dimensionless PDEs. The finite-element-method-based software “COMSOL” is used to execute the numerical simulations. PARADISO is employed to resolve the developed non-linear system of equations. The effects of the governing parameters on the velocity and temperature fields are presented through streamlines and isotherms. The Nusselt number is evaluated to depict the impact of the addition of nanoparticles (MWCNTs) on the heat transfer enhancement. Changes in the horizontal and vertical components of velocity are also evaluated against the Rayleigh number and nanoparticle volume fraction via cutline representation.
Model for Choosing the Shape Parameter in the Multiquadratic Radial Basis Function Interpolation of an Arbitrary Sine Wave and Its Application
Authors: Sun Jian , Wang Ling , Gong Dianxuan
Published: April 2023

In multiquadratic radial basis function (MQ-RBF) interpolation, shape parameters have a direct effect on the interpolation accuracy. The paper presents an MQ-RBF interpolation technique with optimized shape parameters for estimating the parameters of sine wave signals. At first, we assessed the impact of basic sinusoidal parameters on the MQ-RBF interpolation outcomes through numerical experiments. The results indicated that the angular frequency of a sine wave is a crucial determinant of the corresponding MQ-RBF interpolation shape parameters. A linear regression method was then used to establish the optimal parameter selection formula for a single-frequency sine wave, based on a large volume of experimental data. For multi-frequency sinusoidal signals, appropriate interpolation shape parameters were selected using the random walk algorithm to create datasets. These datasets were subsequently used to train several regression models, which were then evaluated and compared. Based on its operational cost and prediction accuracy, the random forest algorithm was chosen to establish the shape parameter selection model for multi-frequency sinusoidal signals. The inclusion of the Bayesian optimizer resulted in a highly accurate model. The establishment of this model enabled the adaptive selection of the corresponding shape parameters for any sine wave signal, providing a convenient means of selecting MQ-RBF interpolation shape parameters. Furthermore, the paper proposes an MQ-RBF interpolation subdivision least squares method that significantly improves the estimation accuracy of sine wave parameters. The practicality of the method was validated by successfully applying it in the calibration of the clock delay mismatch of a time-interleaved analog-to-digital converter system.
Multi-Objective LQG Design with Primal-Dual Method
Authors: Lee Donghwan
Published: April 2023

The objective of this paper is to investigate a multi-objective linear quadratic Gaussian (LQG) control problem. Specifically, we examine an optimal control problem that minimizes a quadratic cost over a finite time horizon for linear stochastic systems subject to control energy constraints. To tackle this problem, we propose an efficient bisection line search algorithm that outperforms other approaches such as semidefinite programming in terms of computational efficiency. The primary idea behind our algorithm is to use the Lagrangian function and Karush–Kuhn–Tucker (KKT) optimality conditions to address the constrained optimization problem. The bisection line search is employed to search for the Lagrange multiplier. Furthermore, we provide numerical examples to illustrate the efficacy of our proposed methods.
BroadBand-Adaptive VMD with Flattest Response
Authors: Shen Xizhong , Li Ran
Published: April 2023

A mixed signal with several unknown modes is common in the industry and is hard to decompose. Variational Mode Decomposition (VMD) was proposed to decompose a signal into several amplitude-modulated modes in 2014, which overcame the limitations of Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD), such as sensitivity to noise and sampling. We propose an improved VMD, which is simplified as iVMD. In the new algorithm, we further study and improve the mathematical model of VMD to adapt to the decomposition of the broad-band modes. In the new model, the ideal flattest response is applied, which is derived from the mathematical integral form and obtained from different-order derivatives of the improved modes’ definitions. The harmonics can be treated via synthesis in our new model. The iVMD algorithm can decompose the complex harmonic signal and the broad-band modes. The new model is optimized with the alternate direction method of multipliers, and the modes with adaptive broad-band and their respective center frequencies can be decomposed. the experimental results show that iVMD is an effective algorithm based on the artificial and real data collected in our experiments.
Study on the Selection of Pharmaceutical E-Commerce Platform Considering Bounded Rationality under Probabilistic Hesitant Fuzzy Environment
Authors: Guo Zixue , Liu Sijia
Published: April 2023

The selection of a pharmaceutical e-commerce platform is a typical multi-attribute group decision-making (MAGDM) problem. MAGDM is a common problem in the field of decision-making, which is full of uncertainty and fuzziness. A probabilistic hesitant fuzzy multi-attribute group decision-making method based on generalized TODIM is proposed for the selection of pharmaceutical e-commerce under an uncertain environment. Firstly, the credibility of a probabilistic hesitant fuzzy element is defined, and a credibility-based method for adjusting the weights of decision-makers and determining attribute weights is proposed, which fully considers the reliability of information provided by the decision-makers. Secondly, the power average (PA) operator is extended to the probabilistic hesitant fuzzy environment. The probabilistic hesitant fuzzy power average (PHFPA) operator and the probabilistic hesitant fuzzy power weighted average (PHFPWA) operator are defined, and their properties are discussed. Thirdly, considering the usual information expression of decision-makers in real life and the different risk attitudes towards gain and loss, the generalized TODIM method is extended to the probabilistic hesitant fuzzy environment to construct a prospect theory-based group decision-making method in the probabilistic hesitant fuzzy environment. Finally, the feasibility of the method in this paper is proved through the case of pharmaceutical e-commerce platform selection, and the stability of the method in this paper is verified by sensitivity analysis.
The Alternating Direction Search Pattern Method for Solving Constrained Nonlinear Optimization Problems
Authors: Feng Aifen , Chang Xiaogai , Shang Youlin , Fan Jingya
Published: April 2023

We adopt the alternating direction search pattern method to solve the equality and inequality constrained nonlinear optimization problems. Firstly, a new augmented Lagrangian function with a nonlinear complementarity function is proposed to transform the original constrained problem into a new unconstrained problem. Under appropriate conditions, it has been proven that there is a 1-1 correspondence between the local and global optimal solutions of the new unconstrained problem and the original constrained problem. In this way, the optimal solution of the original problem can be obtained by solving the new unconstrained optimization problem. Furthermore, based on the characteristics of the new problem, the alternating direction pattern search method was designed and its convergence was demonstrated. Numerical experiments were implemented to illustrate the availability of the new augmented Lagrangian function and the algorithm.
BooLSPLG: A Library with Parallel Algorithms for Boolean Functions and S-Boxes for GPU
Authors: Bikov Dushan , Bouyukliev Iliya , Dzhumalieva-Stoeva Mariya
Published: April 2023

In this paper, we present a library with sequential and parallel functions for computing some of the most important cryptographic characteristics of Boolean and vectorial Boolean functions. The library implements algorithms to calculate the nonlinearity, algebraic degree, autocorrelation, differential uniformity and related tables of vectorial Boolean functions. For the sake of completeness, we provide the mathematical basis of these algorithms. Furthermore, we compare the performance of the parallel functions from the developed software with the corresponding sequential functions and with analogous functions from the well-known SageMath and SET packages. Functions from BooLSPLG can be used to develop efficient algorithms for constructing Boolean and vectorial Boolean functions with good cryptographic properties. The parallel part of the library is implemented using a CUDA parallel programming model for recent NVIDIA GPU architectures. BooLSPLG is an open-source software library written in CUDA C/C++ with explicit documentation, test examples, and detailed input and output descriptions of all functions, both sequential and parallel, and it is available online.
Strategic Electricity Production Planning of Turkey via Mixed Integer Programming Based on Time Series Forecasting
Authors: Yörük Gökay , Bac Ugur , Yerlikaya-Özkurt Fatma , Ünlü Kamil Demirberk
Published: April 2023

This study examines Turkey’s energy planning in terms of strategic planning, energy policy, electricity production planning, technology selection, and environmental policies. A mixed integer optimization model is proposed for strategic electricity planning in Turkey. A set of energy resources is considered simultaneously in this research, and in addition to cost minimization, different strategic level policies, such as CO2 emission reduction policies, energy resource import/export restriction policies, and renewable energy promotion policies, are also considered. To forecast electricity demand over the planning horizon, a variety of forecasting techniques, including regression methods, exponential smoothing, Winter’s method, and Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average methods, are used, and the best method is chosen using various error measures. The optimization model constructed for Turkey’s Strategic Electricity Planning is obtained for two different planning intervals. The findings indicate that the use of renewable energy generation options, such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric alternatives, will increase significantly, while the use of fossil fuels in energy generation will decrease sharply. The findings of this study suggest a gradual increase in investments in renewable energy-based electricity production strategies are required to eventually replace fossil fuel alternatives. This change not only reduces investment, operation, and maintenance costs, but also reduces emissions in the long term.
Integral Inequalities Involving Strictly Monotone Functions
Authors: Jleli Mohamed , Samet Bessem
Published: April 2023

Functional inequalities involving special functions are very useful in mathematical analysis, and several interesting results have been obtained in this topic. Several methods have been used by many authors in order to derive upper or lower bounds of certain special functions. In this paper, we establish some general integral inequalities involving strictly monotone functions. Next, some special cases are discussed. In particular, several estimates of trigonometric and hyperbolic functions are deduced. For instance, we show that Mitrinović-Adamović inequality, Lazarevic inequality, and Cusa-Huygens inequality are special cases of our obtained results. Moreover, an application to integral equations is provided.
In Situ Electrospinning of “Dry-Wet” Conversion Nanofiber Dressings for Wound Healing
Authors: Liu Shanfei , Wu Guilin , Wang Wen , Wang Heng , Gao Yingjun , Yang Xuhong
Published: April 2023

Rapid wound dressings provide an excellent solution strategy for the treatment of wounds in emergency situations. In this study, aqueous solvent-based PVA/SF/SA/GelMA nanofiber dressings fabricated by a handheld electrospinning device could deposit quickly and directly on the wound, perfectly fitting wounds with various sizes. Using an aqueous solvent overcame the disadvantage of using the current organic solvents as the medium for rapid wound dressings. The porous dressings had excellent air permeability to ensure smooth gas exchange at the wound site. The distribution range of the tensile strength of the dressings was 9–12 Kpa, and the tensile strain was between 60–80%, providing sufficient mechanical support during wound healing. The dressings could absorb 4–8 times their own weight in solution and could rapidly absorb wound exudates from wet wounds. The nanofibers formed ionic crosslinked hydrogel after absorbing exudates, maintaining the moist condition. It formed a hydrogel–nanofiber composite structure with un-gelled nanofibers and combined the photocrosslinking network to maintain a stable structure at the wound location. The in vitro cell culture assay indicated that the dressings had excellent cell cytocompatibility, and the addition of SF contributed to cell proliferation and wound healing. The in situ deposited nanofiber dressings had excellent potential in the urgent treatment of emergency wounds.
Prevalence and Etiology of Community- and Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia in Saudi Arabia and Their Antimicrobial Susceptibility Patterns: A Systematic Review
Authors: Alshammari Mohammed Kanan , Alotaibi Mzoun Abdulaziz , AlOtaibi Ahad Sanad , Alosaime Hanan Tareq , Aljuaid Mona Awadh , Alshehri Budur Mohammed , AlOtaibi Yasmen Bejad , Alasmari Asma Ali , Alasmari Ghadi Ali , Mohammed Maram Hussain , Althobaiti Shumukh Mohammed , Almuhaya Reem Abdulrahman , Alkhoshi Taef Awadh , Alosaimi Asma Sulayyih , Alotaibi Alanoud Akeel
Published: April 2023

(1) Background and Objectives: Pneumonia is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, including in Saudi Arabia, and the prevalence and etiology of the disease varies depending on the setting. The development of effective strategies can help reduce the adverse impact of this disease. Therefore, this systematic review was conducted to explore the prevalence and etiology of community-acquired and hospital-acquired pneumonia in Saudi Arabia, as well as their antimicrobial susceptibility. (2) Materials and Methods: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 recommendations were followed for this systematic review. Several databases were used to perform a thorough literature search, and papers were then assessed for eligibility by two independent reviewers. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used to extract the data from the relevant research and evaluate its quality. (3) Results: This systematic review included 28 studies that highlighted the fact that gram-negative bacteria, particularly Acinetobacter spp. and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, were the common cause of hospital-acquired pneumonia, while Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus spp. were responsible for community-acquired pneumonia in children. The study also found that bacterial isolates responsible for pneumonia showed high resistance rates against several antibiotics, including cephalosporins and carbapenems. (4) Conclusions: In conclusion, the study found that different bacteria are responsible for community- and hospital-acquired pneumonia in Saudi Arabia. Antibiotic resistance rates were high for several commonly used antibiotics, highlighting the need for rational antibiotic use to prevent further resistance. Moreover, there is a need to conduct more regular multicenter studies to assess etiology, resistance, and susceptibility patterns of pneumonia-causing pathogens in Saudi Arabia.