bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Balloon Dacryocystoplasty with Pushed Monocanalicular Intubation as a Primary Management for Primary Acquired Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction
Authors: Lai Chun-Chieh , Yang Cheng-Ju , Lin Chia-Chen , Chi Yi-Chun
Published: March 2023

Given the improvement in the instrument and techniques, novel surgical interventions emerged to avoid the osteotomy from the gold standard dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) for treating primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction (PANDO). This study’s aim is to compare the surgical outcomes of antegrade balloon dacryocystoplasty (DCP) with pushed monocanalicular intubation (MCI) to balloon DCP alone in patients with complete PANDO. Adult patients with complete PANDO receiving balloon DCP followed by pushed MCI or balloon DCP alone from December 2014 to May 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. A total of 37 eyes of 29 patients were treated with balloon DCP with pushed MCI for 1 month, whereas 35 eyes of 28 patients were treated with balloon DCP alone. The success rates at 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after operation were 89.2%, 73.0%, and 70.2%, respectively, in balloon DCP with MCI group, and 62.9%, 62.9%, and 60.0%, respectively, in the balloon DCP alone group. The balloon DCP with pushed MCI group had a better success rate but only reached statistical significance at 1 month postoperatively (p < 0.01). Subgroup analysis was performed based on age. The success rate in those under 65 in the combined balloon DCP with MCI group was significantly higher than in balloon DCP alone group (72.7% vs. 9.1%, p = 0.004), whereas there was no significant difference between those aged at least 65 in the combined group and the balloon DCP alone group (69.2% vs. 83.3%, p = 0.2). Conclusively, there was no significant difference in the success rate between antegrade balloon DCP with and without pushed MCI in general. Nevertheless, the former procedure was associated with significantly higher surgical success rate than the latter in younger patients.
The Association of Four Natural Molecules—EGCG, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12, and HA—To Counteract HPV Cervical Lesions: A Case Report
Authors: Grandi Giovanni , Botticelli Laura , Fraia Pietro Di , Babalini Carla , Masini Meris , Unfer Vittorio
Published: March 2023

Precancerous lesions of the uterine cervix, due to HPV infections, are still today a great medical challenge. This clinical case highlighted the effectiveness of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), vitamin B12, folic acid, and hyaluronic acid (HA) in counteracting HPV lesions in a 39-year-old patient with a long history of viral persistence, cervical lesions of various degree, and several unsuccessful surgical approaches. After eight weeks of treatment, both the histological and cytological analyses revealed only a chronic cervicitis without any malignant lesions or cellular dysplasia, thus reducing the urgency of an invasive surgery, a total hysterectomy.
Robotic Gastrointestinal Surgery: State of the Art and Future Perspectives
Authors: Milone Marco , Bianchi Paolo Pietro
Published: March 2023

Since its inception, robotic surgery has made incredible progress and has undergone significant development in an extremely short period of time [...]
Agricultural Intensification Reduces the Portfolio of Wetland Ecosystem Services: European Danube River Lowlands as a Global Biodiversity Hotspot
Authors: Racoviceanu Tudor , Cazacu Constantin , Adamescu Mihai , Giucă Relu , Bucur Magdalena , Fedoriak Mariia , Angelstam Per
Published: March 2023

Anthropogenic landscape transformations have promoted the provision of ecosystem services (ES) at the expense of other ES, biodiversity, and human well-being. We analysed the transformation portfolios of ES provisions, the costs of transformation, and the rivalry between ES categories and biodiversity conservation during the pre-communist and communist eras. We also examined EU influences in Romania’s Danube River lowlands. The environmental history of social-ecological systems was used to: (1) map transformations of natural environments; (2) analyse the outputs of human modes of production, including crops, fish, timber, and livestock, using economic valuation methods and by appropriating the primary means of production; and (3) describe ideologies and values as drivers of ES transformations. During the communist era, the surface area of the agricultural land increased at the expense of natural ecosystems. This resulted in increased provisions being made for crops and timber at the expense of the fish supply; it also caused a reduction in livestock. The costs of land reclamation, hydrotechnical works, and the use of fertilizers and pesticides, resulted in a net annual loss of EUR 36 million for the entire case study area, disregarding the losses of other ES. Achieving a balanced portfolio of ES requires a discussion about the need for nature restoration, transdisciplinary social-ecological research, and the identification of key leverage points.
The Effectiveness of Psychological Interventions for Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Nagy Zsófia , Szigedi Eszter , Takács Szabolcs , Császár-Nagy Noémi
Published: March 2023

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a long-term disorder that significantly impairs somatic, emotional, and psychological functioning. The objective of this review is to identify, appraise, and synthesize the effects of psychological interventions (e.g., cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), emotional disclosure (ED), group therapy (GT), mindfulness (M), patient education (PE), and relaxation (R)) on biopsychosocial outcomes in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). A systematic search of all relevant existing randomized clinical trials (RCTs) was conducted using the following online bibliographic databases: JSTOR, PubMed, PsycNET, and The Cochrane Library. Reference lists were searched for additional reports. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool (RoB 2.0) was used to assess the risk of bias in the included studies. After the selection process, 57 articles were included and 392 were excluded. Three separate meta-analyses were conducted involving psychological interventions as the main variables, showing: (1) significant positive medium effect sizes for average values (Hedges-g = 0.399, Z = 0.399, p = 0.009); (2) significant positive large effect sizes for maximum values (Hedges-g = 0.856, Z = 4.223, p < 0.001); and (3) non-significant results for minimum values (Hedges-g = −0.047, Z = −0.335, p = 0.738). These results demonstrate that, when grouped, psychological interventions are, on average, moderately effective in treating RA. Overall, this review shows consistent, supportive evidence that psychological interventions can significantly contribute to the standard medical care of RA patients. However, more high-quality, large-sample RCTs still need to confirm these findings.
Green Tea Consumption and the COVID-19 Omicron Pandemic Era: Pharmacology and Epidemiology
Authors: Storozhuk Maksim , Lee Siyun , Lee Jin I. , Park Junsoo
Published: March 2023

In spite of the development of numerous vaccines for the prevention of COVID-19 and the approval of several drugs for its treatment, there is still a great need for effective and inexpensive therapies against this disease. Previously, we showed that green tea and tea catechins interfere with coronavirus replication as well as coronavirus 3CL protease activity, and also showed lower COVID-19 morbidity and mortality in countries with higher green tea consumption. However, it is not clear whether green tea is still effective against the newer SARS-CoV-2 variants including omicron. It is also not known whether higher green tea consumption continues to contribute to lower COVID-19 morbidity and mortality now that vaccination rates in many countries are high. Here, we attempted to update the information regarding green tea in relation to COVID-19. Using pharmacological and ecological approaches, we found that EGCG as well as green tea inhibit the activity of the omicron variant 3CL protease efficiently, and there continues to be pronounced differences in COVID-19 morbidity and mortality between groups of countries with high and low green tea consumption as of December 6, 2022. These results collectively suggest that green tea continues to be effective against COVID-19 despite the new omicron variants and increased vaccination.
Oil/Water Mixtures and Emulsions Separation Methods—An Overview
Authors: José Maria Helena , Canejo João Paulo , Godinho Maria Helena
Published: March 2023

Catastrophic oil spill accidents, oily industrial wastewater, and other types of uncontrolled release of oils into the environment are major global issues since they threaten marine ecosystems and lead to a big economic impact. It can also affect the public health of communities near the polluted area. This review addresses the different types of oil collecting methods. The focus of this work will be on the different approaches to materials and technologies for oil/water separation, with a special focus on water/oil emulsion separation. Emulsified oil/water mixtures are extremely stable dispersions being, therefore, more difficult to separate as the size of the droplets in the emulsion decreases. Oil-absorbent materials, such as sponges, foams, nanoparticles, and aerogels, can be adjusted to have both hydrophobic and oleophilic wettability while displaying a porous structure. This can be advantageous for targeting oil spills in large-scale environmental and catastrophic sets since these materials can easily absorb oil. Oil adsorbent materials, for example, meshes, textiles, membranes, and clays, involve the capture of the oily material to the surface of the adsorbent material, additionally attracting more attention than other technologies by being low-cost and easy to manufacture.
Numerical Simulation of Moisture Diffusion in the Microstructure of Asphalt Mixtures
Authors: Tu Chongzhi , Luo Rong , Huang Tingting
Published: March 2023

Laboratory tests were carried out in accordance with ASTM C664-10(2020) to measure diffusion parameters in an asphalt mixture. These diffusion parameters are effective measures for use in asphalt mixtures. However, the tests could not provide detailed images of the water vapour distribution in the asphalt mixture. To solve this problem, this study provides a method for establishing a numerical model of moisture diffusion in an asphalt mixture, and gives a more detailed picture of the water vapour movement inside the asphalt mixture. Through numerical simulation results obtained under different external conditions, it was demonstrated that water molecules were mainly concentrated in medium III after 100 days of diffusion. After 1000 days of diffusion, the water molecules gradually penetrated the asphalt film in the aggregate particles. Additionally, the water vapour concentrations in the asphalt mixture varied significantly from spot to spot, and various concentration gradients were formed at different locations. These findings revealed that water vapour concentrations in an asphalt mixture vary significantly from spot to spot, forming various concentration gradients at different locations. These findings will be helpful in revealing the mechanism of water damage caused by moisture in asphalt mixtures.
Nitriding Behaviour and Microstructure of High-Nitrogen Stainless Steel during Selective Laser Melting
Authors: Sun Xin , Ren Jianbiao , Wang Yachao , Zhao Dingguo , Wang Shuhuan , Xiong Xiaojing , Rao Jeremy Heng
Published: March 2023

High-nitrogen stainless steels are widely used due to their excellent comprehensive performance. In this study, the effects of process parameters (laser power, scanning speed, and cavity pressure) on the formation of high-nitrogen stainless steels were studied by using conventional selective laser melting and high-pressure selective laser melting (HPSLM). The nitrogen content, nitrogen emission, phase composition, microstructure, and microhardness of the high-nitrogen stainless steel samples obtained through selective laser melting (SLM) were analysed by using an oxygen/nitrogen/hydrogen analyser, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and electron backscatter diffraction. The results showed that the maximum nitrogen emission in the SLM sample was 0.175 wt.%, the emission rate reached up to 54.7%, and the maximum nitrogen content in the HPSLM sample was 1.07 wt.%. There was no significant difference between the phase peak positions of the SLM samples with different laser powers and the original powder. The main phase of the HPSLM sample changed at 0.3 MPa (from α-Fe to γ-Fe phase); the microstructure of the SLM sample was mainly composed of columnar and cellular crystals, and columnar crystal bands formed along the direction of heat flow. The HPSLM sample was mainly composed of equiaxed crystals with a grain size of 10–15 μm. At an energy density of 136 J/mm3, the microhardness and relative density reached their peak values of 409 HV and 98.85%, respectively.
Design and Optimization of a Self-Protected Thin Film c-Si Solar Cell against Reverse Bias
Authors: Saif Omar M. , Zekry Abdelhalim , Shaker Ahmed , Abouelatta Mohammed , Alanazi Tarek I. , Saeed Ahmed
Published: March 2023

Current mismatch due to solar cell failure or partial shading of solar panels may cause a reverse biasing of solar cells inside a photovoltaic (PV) module. The reverse-biased cells consume power instead of generating it, resulting in hot spots. To protect the solar cell against the reverse current, we introduce a novel design of a self-protected thin-film crystalline silicon (c-Si) solar cell using TCAD simulation. The proposed device achieves two distinct functions where it acts as a regular solar cell at forward bias while it performs as a backward diode upon reverse biasing. The ON-state voltage (VON) of the backward equivalent diode is found to be 0.062 V, which is lower than the value for the Schottky diode usually used as a protective element in a string of solar cells. Furthermore, enhancement techniques to improve the electrical and optical characteristics of the self-protected device are investigated. The proposed solar cell is enhanced by optimizing different design parameters, such as the doping concentration and the layers’ thicknesses. The enhanced cell structure shows an improvement in the short-circuit current density (JSC) and the open-circuit voltage (VOC), and thus an increased power conversion efficiency (PCE) while the VON is increased due to an increase of the JSC. Moreover, the simulation results depict that, by the introduction of an antireflection coating (ARC) layer, the external quantum efficiency (EQE) is enhanced and the PCE is boosted to 22.43%. Although the inclusion of ARC results in increasing VON, it is still lower than the value of VON for the Schottky diode encountered in current protection technology.
Effect of Crystallographic Orientations on Bendability in a Strongly Textured Mg-9Al Extrusion Plate and Texture Evolution during Three-Point Bending
Authors: Wei Jiansheng , Jiang Shunong , Wan Yingchun , Liu Chuming
Published: March 2023

The dependence of bendability on crystallographic orientations and texture evolution was investigated in a strongly textured Mg-9Al extrusion plate by bending along four directions. Results show that the bars have relatively small and reasonably close bendability when bent along the extrusion direction, transverse direction, and through-thickness direction. In contrast, the bendability of the 45° bar is much larger. Microstructure examination indicates that twins are prevalent in all bars. Furthermore, a detailed analysis of deformation mechanisms suggests that the initial texture transforms towards a basal texture during bending. Nevertheless, the texture transformation efficiency is drastically lower when basal slip—in contrast to tensile twinning—is the dominant deformation mechanism. The difference in texture evolution efficiency was used to rationalize the varied bendability along different directions. The findings of this provide insights into improving the bendability of magnesium alloys.
Valorization of Vetiver Root Biochar in Eco-Friendly Reinforced Concrete: Mechanical, Economic, and Environmental Performance
Authors: Neve Sameer , Du Jiang , Barhemat Rojyar , Meng Weina , Bao Yi , Sarkar Dibyendu
Published: March 2023

Biochar has shown great promise in producing low-cost low-carbon concrete for civil infrastructure applications. However, there is limited research comparing the use of pristine and contaminated biochar in concrete. This paper presents comprehensive laboratory experiments and three-dimensional nonlinear finite element analysis on the mechanical, economical, and environmental performance of reinforced concrete beams made using concrete blended with biochar generated from vetiver grass roots after the roots were used in an oil extraction process. Both pristine biochar and biochar that were used to treat wastewater through adsorbing heavy metals (100 mg/L of Pb, Cu, Cd, and Zn) were investigated. The biochar was used to replace up to 6% Portland cement in concrete. Laboratory experiments were conducted to characterize the workability, mechanical properties, shrinkage, and leaching potential of the concrete blended with biochar. The results showed that using biochar could increase the compressive strengths and reduce the shrinkage of concrete without causing a leaching problem. The results from finite element analysis of the reinforced concrete beams showed that the use of biochar was able to increase the flexural performance of the beams as well as their economic and environmental performance. This research will promote the development and structural applications of low-cost low-carbon concrete.
Effects of Wall Thickness Variation on Hydrogen Embrittlement Susceptibility of Additively Manufactured 316L Stainless Steel with Lattice Auxetic Structures
Authors: Khedr Mahmoud , Hamada Atef , Abd-Elaziem Walaa , Jaskari Matias , Elsamanty Mahmoud , Kömi Jukka , Järvenpää Antti
Published: March 2023

In the present study, the hydrogen embrittlement (HE) susceptibility of an additively manufactured (AM) 316L stainless steel (SS) was investigated. The materials were fabricated in the form of a lattice auxetic structure with three different strut thicknesses, 0.6, 1, and 1.4 mm, by the laser powder bed fusion technique at a volumetric energy of 70 J·mm−3. The effect of H charging on the strength and ductility of the lattice structures was evaluated by conducting tensile testing of the H-charged specimens at a slow strain rate of 4 × 10−5 s−1. Hydrogen was introduced to the specimens via electrochemical charging in an NaOH aqueous solution for 24 h at 80 °C before the tensile testing. The microstructure evolution of the H-charged materials was studied using the electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) technique. The study revealed that the auxetic structures of the AM 316L-SS exhibited a slight reduction in mechanical properties after H charging. The tensile strength was slightly decreased regardless of the thickness. However, the ductility was significantly reduced with increasing thickness. For instance, the strength and uniform elongation of the auxetic structure of the 0.6 mm thick strut were 340 MPa and 17.4% before H charging, and 320 MPa and 16.7% after H charging, respectively. The corresponding values of the counterpart’s 1.4 mm thick strut were 550 MPa and 29% before H charging, and 523 MPa and 23.9% after H charging, respectively. The fractography of the fracture surfaces showed the impact of H charging, as cleavage fracture was a striking feature in H-charged materials. Furthermore, the mechanical twins were enhanced during tensile straining of the H-charged high-thickness material.
Microstructure and High-Temperature Ablation Behaviour of Hafnium-Doped Tungsten-Yttrium Alloys
Authors: Wu Rui , Huang Chuanbing , Zhang Huifeng , Lv Haozhong , Sun Xiaoming , Lan Hao , Zhang Weigang
Published: March 2023

W is a widely used refractory metal with ultra-high melting point up to 3410 °C. However, its applications are limited by poor ablation resistance under high-temperature flame and air flow, which is crucial for aerospace vehicles. To improve the ablation resistance of W under extreme conditions, W-Y alloys doped with different Hf mass fractions (0, 10, 20, and 30) were prepared using the fast hot pressing sintering method. Microstructure and ablation behaviours at 2000 °C were investigated. Results showed that adding an appropriate amount of Hf improved the properties of the W-Y alloy evidently. In particular, the hardness of the alloy increased with the increased content of Hf. The formation of the HfO2 layer on the surface during ablation decreased the mass and linear ablation rates, indicating enhanced ablation resistance. However, excessive Hf addition will result in crack behaviour during ablation. With a Hf content of 20 wt.%, the alloy exhibited high stability and an excellent ablation resistance.
Investigation of the Internal Structure of Hardened 3D-Printed Concrete by X-CT Scanning and Its Influence on the Mechanical Performance
Authors: Chen Yanjuan , Kuva Jukka , Mohite Ashish , Li Zhongsen , Rahier Hubert , Al-Neshawy Fahim , Shu Jiangpeng
Published: March 2023

As we know, 3DPC is printed layer by layer compared with mold-casting conventional concrete. Pore structure and layer-to-layer interface are two main aspects of the internal structure for 3DPC, which decide 3DPC’s mechanical performance. The layer-to-layer interface caused by printing is specific to 3DPC. The emphasis of this study lies in the layer-to-layer interfaces of 3DPC. The first aim of this study is to quantify the characteristics of the layer-to-layer interface and therefore characterize different aspects of the interfaces. The second aim of this study is to explore how the internal structure of printed concrete influences the mechanical performance of 3DPC. This research set out to design a series of experimental comparisons between 3DPC and casted concrete with the same compositions. Mechanical tests, i.e., compressive stress, ultrasonic Pulse Velocity test, flexural tension, and tension splitting, as well as the Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity test, were performed to check the mechanical performance of 3DPC. Contrary to what has often been expected, the mechanical test results showed the printed concrete has a quality not worse than casted concrete with the same recipe. Meanwhile, the X-ray computed tomography (X-CT) is used to characterize the internal structure, pore shapes, and interfaces of 3DPC. First, the investigation revealed that the lower total porosity and fewer big voids could be the fundamental causes meaning 3DPC has a better mechanical performance than casted concrete. Second, the statistics based on aspect ratio show that the distribution curves follow similar trends, regardless of the printed or casted concrete. Third, this study quantified the depth of the different interfaces for 3DPC. The results suggest that the porosity in an interface varies in a range. The author’s pioneer work has contributed to our present understanding of the interfaces of 3DPC.
Calculation of the Heat Flux from a Ball Screw Nut to the Nut Raceway
Authors: Kuo Tzu-Chien , Yang An-Shik , Hwang Yih-Chyun , Hsieh Wen-Hsin
Published: March 2023

In the field of precision machining, temperature fluctuation tends to cause the most significant machining errors. In particular, heat, which is generated in the nut of the ball screw feed system during movement, can deform the screw shaft significantly. In order to calculate and evaluate the thermal deformation of the ball screw shaft, the rate of the heat transfer from the nut to the screw shaft must be known. This rate can be calculated by subtracting the heat transfer rate to the nut raceway from the heat generation rate of the nut. Hence, it is necessary to calculate the heat flux from the nut to the nut raceway. This paper introduces a novel method to calculate the heat flux from the nut to the nut raceway. The new approach also enables calculations for different operating conditions. Furthermore, an experimental setup is established to measure the temperature increase, from 0 to 180 s after the nut starts moving, for various operating conditions. It is then theoretically shown that the 0–180 s temperature increase/heat flux curves for the nut are “universal”, i.e., the curve remains unchanged for the different operating conditions. Subsequently, a thermal model using the finite element method (FEM) is developed to simulate the nut temperature increase over time, which is then compared with the experimental data. As a result, it becomes possible to determine the heat flux from the nut to the nut raceway and calculate the 0–180 s temperature increase/heat flux curve (ΔT˜0~180s,Training Data) for the training group. Finally, the heat flux from the nut to the nut raceway is calculated for ten different operating conditions in the test group using the 0–180 s temperature increase/heat flux curve of the training group (ΔT˜0~180s,Training Data). The corresponding temperature curves are then calculated by inputting the values of the heat fluxes into the FEM model. The highest root mean square error (RMSE) between the calculated and experimentally measured temperature increase was 0.16 °C for Test 7 (the error was 10.7%). This result indicates that the new method is valid and feasible for calculating the heat flux from a ball screw nut to the nut raceway.
An Enhanced Simulation-Based Multi-Objective Optimization Approach with Knowledge Discovery for Reconfigurable Manufacturing Systems
Authors: Barrera-Diaz Carlos Alberto , Nourmohammadi Amir , Smedberg Henrik , Aslam Tehseen , Ng Amos H. C.
Published: March 2023

In today’s uncertain and competitive market, where manufacturing enterprises are subjected to increasingly shortened product lifecycles and frequent volume changes, reconfigurable manufacturing system (RMS) applications play significant roles in the success of the manufacturing industry. Despite the advantages offered by RMSs, achieving high efficiency constitutes a challenging task for stakeholders and decision makers when they face the trade-off decisions inherent in these complex systems. This study addresses work task and resource allocations to workstations together with buffer capacity allocation in an RMS. The aim is to simultaneously maximize throughput and to minimize total buffer capacity under fluctuating production volumes and capacity changes while considering the stochastic behavior of the system. An enhanced simulation-based multi-objective optimization (SMO) approach with customized simulation and optimization components is proposed to address the abovementioned challenges. Apart from presenting the optimal solutions subject to volume and capacity changes, the proposed approach supports decision makers with knowledge discovery to further understand RMS design. In particular, this study presents a customized SMO approach combined with a novel flexible pattern mining method for optimizing an RMS and conducts post-optimal analyses. To this extent, this study demonstrates the benefits of applying SMO and knowledge discovery methods for fast decision support and production planning of an RMS.
Terminal One Axis Stabilization Properties of a Spinning Satellite Employing Simple Magnetic Attitude Control
Authors: Roldugin Dmitry , Ovchinnikov Mikhail
Published: March 2023

A spin stabilized satellite reorientation maneuver in the inertial space is investigated. Spin axis pointing and nutation damping magnetic attitude control algorithms are utilized. Evolutionary equations for the oscillations of a symmetrical satellite near the required position are derived. The exact solution for the wobble amplitude is obtained for the averaged equations of motion. Spin axis attitude angles relative to the required direction are analyzed. Optimal control gain is found for the reorientation maneuver. Theoretical results are verified with numerical simulation.
Geodesics and Translation Curves in Sol04
Authors: Erjavec Zlatko
Published: March 2023

A translation curve in a Thurston space is a curve such that for given unit vector at the origin, the translation of this vector is tangent to the curve in every point of the curve. In most Thurston spaces, translation curves coincide with geodesic lines. However, this does not hold for Thurston spaces equipped with twisted product. In these spaces, translation curves seem more intuitive and simpler than geodesics. In this paper, geodesics and translation curves in Sol04 space are classified and the curvature properties of translation curves are investigated.
An Adapted Multi-Objective Genetic Algorithm for Healthcare Supplier Selection Decision
Authors: Mohamed Marwa F. , Eltoukhy Mohamed Meselhy , Al Ruqeishi Khalil , Salah Ahmad
Published: March 2023

With the advancement of information technology and economic globalization, the problem of supplier selection is gaining in popularity. The impact of supplier selection decisions made were quick and noteworthy on the healthcare profitability and total cost of medical equipment. Thus, there is an urgent need for decision support systems that address the optimal healthcare supplier selection problem, as this problem is addressed by a limited number of studies. Those studies addressed this problem mathematically or by using meta-heuristics methods. The focus of this work is to advance the meta-heuristics methods by considering more objectives rather than the utilized objectives. In this context, the optimal supplier selection problem for healthcare equipment was formulated as a mathematical model to expose the required objectives and constraints for the sake of searching for the optimal suppliers. Subsequently, the problem is realized as a multi-objective problem, with the help of this proposed model. The model has three minimization objectives: (1) transportation cost; (2) delivery time; and (3) the number of damaged items. The proposed system includes realistic constraints such as device quality, usability, and service quality. The model also takes into account capacity limits for each supplier. Next, it is proposed to adapt the well-known non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA)-III algorithm to choose the optimal suppliers. The results of the adapted NSGA-III have been compared with several heuristic algorithms and two meta-heuristic algorithms (i.e., particle swarm optimization and NSGA-II). The obtained results show that the adapted NSGA-III outperformed the methods of comparison.
Research on Location Selection for Urban Networks of Less-than-Truckload Express Enterprises Based on Improved Immune Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Tan Kangye , Xu Fang , Fang Xiaozhao , Li Chunsheng
Published: March 2023

With the transformation and upgrading of the world economy entering a new normal, changes in the fields of industry and consumption have brought new business opportunities, and there is a large space for the less-than-truckload (LTL) express market. Considering the urban network resource operation status, this study aims to solve the optimization problem of urban location selection for LTL express under the common delivery model. To minimize the total cost of logistics and distribution, we established an integer programming model with constraints such as radiation range and service-capacity limitations. A model with a fixed reality-node strategy, an expanded initial antibody group strategy, improved traditional elite individual retention strategy and a node-clustering strategy was introduced. An improved immune optimization algorithm was further designed to obtain globally optimal solutions. With the comparison of existing algorithms, the results verified the practicability of the proposed model to solve the urban location-selection problems for LTL express. We then conducted an empirical analysis of a real-world enterprise’s reasonable urban network location selection in a central-south city of China. The simulation results further verified the effectiveness of our proposed algorithm. This study provides new solutions and methods for resource utilization and urban network optimization of LTL-express enterprises.
Structural Analysis of Projected Networks of Shareholders and Stocks Based on the Data of Large Shareholders’ Shareholding in China’s Stocks
Authors: Liu Ruijie , Huang Yajing
Published: March 2023

This paper establishes a shareholder-stock bipartite network based on the data of large shareholders’ shareholding in the Shanghai A-share market of China in 2021. Based on the shareholder-stock bipartite network, the statistically validated network model is applied to establish a shareholder projected network and a stock projected network, whose structural characteristics can intuitively reveal the overlapping portfolios among different shareholders, as well as shareholder allocation structures among different stocks. The degree of nodes in the shareholder projected network obeys the power law distribution, the network aggregation coefficient is large, while the degree of most nodes in the stock projected network is small and the network aggregation coefficient is low. Furthermore, the two projected networks’ community structures are analyzed, respectively. Most of the communities in the shareholder projected network and stock projected network are small-scaled, indicating that the majority of large shareholders hold different shares from each other, and the investment portfolios of large shareholders in different stocks are also significantly different. Finally, by comparing the stock projected sub-network obtained from the shareholder-stock bipartite sub-network in which the degree of shareholder nodes is 2 and the original stock projected network, the effectiveness of the statistically validated network model, and the community division method on the research of the shareholder-stock bipartite network are further verified. These results have important implications for understanding the investment behavior of large shareholders in the stock market and contribute to developing investment strategies and risk management practices.
Characterization Results on Lifetime Distributions by Scaled Reliability Measures Using Completeness Property in Functional Analysis
Authors: Kayid Mohamed , Shrahili Mansour
Published: March 2023

In this article, using the scaled (weighted) residual life variable, some scaled measures, the scaled mean residual life and the scaled hazard rate, are introduced. Several scales are considered as examples of the derivation of the scaled measures. The measures are developed for the case of a weighted residual life at a random time, and it is shown that the measures are scale-free in these cases. This property proves useful in situations where a relative comparison of the lifetime distribution is studied. Some characterization properties are derived in terms of scaled measures evaluated at some sequences of random time points that follow a typical distribution. Examples are used to illustrate, examine, and satisfy the obtained characterizations.
PGA: A New Hybrid PSO and GA Method for Task Scheduling with Deadline Constraints in Distributed Computing
Authors: Shao Kaili , Song Ying , Wang Bo
Published: March 2023

Distributed computing, e.g., cluster and cloud computing, has been applied in almost all areas for data processing, while high resource efficiency and user satisfaction are still the ambition of distributed computing. Task scheduling is indispensable for achieving the goal. As the task scheduling problem is NP-hard, heuristics and meta-heuristics are frequently applied. Every method has its own advantages and limitations. Thus, in this paper, we designed a hybrid heuristic task scheduling problem by exploiting the high global search ability of the Genetic Algorithm (GA) and the fast convergence of Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO). Different from existing hybrid heuristic approaches that simply sequentially perform two or more algorithms, the PGA applies the evolutionary method of a GA and integrates self- and social cognitions into the evolution. We conduct extensive simulated environments for the performance evaluation, where simulation parameters are set referring to some recent related works. Experimental results show that the PGA has 27.9–65.4% and 33.8–69.6% better performance than several recent works, on average, in user satisfaction and resource efficiency, respectively.
On AP–Henstock–Kurzweil Integrals and Non-Atomic Radon Measure
Authors: Kalita Hemanta , Hazarika Bipan , Becerra Tomás Pérez
Published: March 2023

The AP–Henstock–Kurzweil-type integral is defined on X, where X is a complete measure metric space. We present some properties of the integral, continuing the study’s use of a Radon measure μ. Finally, using locally finite measures, we extend the AP–Henstock–Kurzweil integral theory to second countable Hausdorff spaces that are locally compact. A Saks–Henstock-type Lemma is proved here.
New Hybrid Phenalenone Dimer, Highly Conjugated Dihydroxylated C28 Steroid and Azaphilone from the Culture Extract of a Marine Sponge-Associated Fungus, Talaromyces pinophilus KUFA 1767
Authors: Machado Fátima P. , Rodrigues Inês C. , Georgopolou Aikaterini , Gales Luís , Pereira José A. , Costa Paulo M. , Mistry Sharad , Hafez Ghoran Salar , Silva Artur M. S. , Dethoup Tida , Sousa Emília , Kijjoa Anake
Published: March 2023

An undescribed hybrid phenalenone dimer, talaropinophilone (3), an unreported azaphilone, 7-epi-pinazaphilone B (4), an unreported phthalide dimer, talaropinophilide (6), and an undescribed 9R,15S-dihydroxy-ergosta-4,6,8 (14)-tetraen-3-one (7) were isolated together with the previously reported bacillisporins A (1) and B (2), an azaphilone derivative, Sch 1385568 (5), 1-deoxyrubralactone (8), acetylquestinol (9), piniterpenoid D (10) and 3,5-dihydroxy-4-methylphthalaldehydic acid (11) from the ethyl acetate extract of the culture of a marine sponge-derived fungus, Talaromyces pinophilus KUFA 1767. The structures of the undescribed compounds were elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR as well as high-resolution mass spectral analyses. The absolute configuration of C-9′ of 1 and 2 was revised to be 9′S using the coupling constant value between C-8′ and C-9′ and was confirmed by ROESY correlations in the case of 2. The absolute configurations of the stereogenic carbons in 7 and 8 were established by X-ray crystallographic analysis. Compounds 1,2, 4–8, 10 and 11 were tested for antibacterial activity against four reference strains, viz. two Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212) and two Gram-negative (Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853), as well as three multidrug-resistant strains, viz. an extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing E. coli, a methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and a vancomycin-resistant E. faecalis (VRE). However, only 1 and 2 exhibited significant antibacterial activity against both S. aureus ATCC 29213 and MRSA. Moreover, 1 and 2 also significantly inhibited biofilm formation in S. aureus ATCC 29213 at both MIC and 2xMIC concentrations.
The Recurrence of Ptosis after Correction Surgery Is Associated with Refractive Error
Authors: Ke Yu , Meng Jie , Zhou Min , Wu Pengsen , Zhang Fan , Hei Xiangqing , Huang Danping
Published: March 2023

Background and objectives: Previous studies on ptosis recurrence after correction surgery have tended to focus on postoperative complications, surgical methods and suspension materials, few have mentioned refractive error. This research is to investigate the potential relation between refractive error and recurrence after correction surgery in pediatric patients with simple congenital ptosis. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of data from patients with simple congenital ptosis who were treated at Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center (ZOC) between 2017 and 2020. In total, 111 eyelids of 85 patients without surgery-related complications who underwent frontalis muscle flap suspension (FMFS) for simple congenital ptosis were included. Postoperative changes in eyelid height were assessed. Cycloplegic refraction was assessed before surgery and during the follow-up period (every 3 months after surgery). Recurrence in the postoperative period was defined as a marginal reflex distance 1 (MRD1) of <1 mm. Results: There were 16 recurrence and 69 non-recurrence cases, with no statistically significant differences, in terms of patient age at the time of surgery, patient sex, or preoperative MRD1, between the recurrence and non-recurrence groups. The postoperative cylindrical diopter (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 0.432, p = 0.005), laterality (adjusted OR = 0.202, p = 0.006), and preoperative MRD1 (adjusted OR = 0.617, p = 0.019) were associated with ptosis recurrence after surgery. Differences between the recurrence and non-recurrence groups in spherical diopter and spherical equivalent (SE) before and after surgery were not statistically significant. In addition, preoperative refractive error and postoperative spherical diopter were not significantly associated with ptosis recurrence after correction surgery. Conclusions: Ptosis recurrence after FMFS in pediatric cases of congenital ptosis is associated with refractive error. Timely refractive correction and amblyopia treatment may help to reduce ptosis recurrence.
Importance of Retesting for the Final Diagnosis of Post-Stroke Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Koren Dominik , Slavkovska Miriam , Vitkova Marianna , Gdovinova Zuzana
Published: March 2023

Background and Objectives: Post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) has been defined as all problems in cognitive function that occur following a stroke. Studies published thus far on the prevalence of PSCI and post-stroke dementia (PSD) have shown conflicting estimates. The aim of this study was screening for cognitive impairment (CogI) in patients with an ischaemic stroke and finding the relationship between CogI (and its changes) and cardiovascular risk factors and imaging procedures—CT/MRI. Materials and Methods: We prospectively included patients with an ischaemic stroke admitted in the period from October 2019 to May 2022. In this period, 1328 patients were admitted, 305 of whom met the established inclusion criteria and underwent an examination of cognitive functions using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Of these, 50 patients appeared for the control examination after 6 months. Results: In the retested group, CogI at discharge was diagnosed in 37 patients (74%). In follow-up testing after 6 months, CogI was present in 30 patients (60%). Only arterial hypertension (OR: 15; 95% CI; Pearson r: 0.001), lower education level (less than 13 years) (OR: 9.7; 95% CI 2.0–48.5; Pearson r: 0.002), and higher age were significantly associated with CogI after stroke. Conclusions: We established the prevalence of CogI and its course after 6 months in a well-defined group of patients after a mild ischaemic stroke (mean NIHSS: 2 and mean mRS: 1 at the discharge). Our results show that the prevalence of CogI after an ischaemic stroke at discharge is relatively high (74%), and it tends to be a spontaneous reduction. Cognitive functions were changed in 35% of patients. The definition of PSCI was completed in only 24% of individuals. Only an examination several months after a stroke can give us more accurate information about the true prevalence of persistent CogI after a stroke.
Therapeutic Potential of Two Derivative Prescriptions of Rokumijiogan, Hachimijiogan and Bakumijiogan against Renal Damage in Nephrectomized Rats
Authors: Park Chan Hum , Tanaka Takashi , Akimoto Yoshie , Jeon Jin Pyeong , Yokozawa Takako
Published: March 2023

Background: Hachimijiogan (HJG) and Bakumijiogan (BJG), two derivative prescriptions of Rokumijiogan (RJG), were selected to investigate their renoprotective potential in the 5/6 nephrectomized (5/6Nx) rat model. Methods: Rats were treated with HJG and BJG orally at 150 mg/kg body weight/day once daily for 10 weeks after resection of 5/6 of the renal volume, and their renoprotective effects were compared with 5/6Nx vehicle-treated and sham-operated control rats. Results: Improvements in renal lesions, glomerulosclerosis, tubulointerstitial injury, and arteriosclerotic lesions estimated by histologic scoring indices in the HJG-treated group were compared with those in the BJG-treated group. HJG- and BJG-treated groups ameliorated the renal function parameters. Elevated levels of renal oxidative stress-related biomarkers were reduced, while decreased antioxidant defence systems (superoxide dismutase and the glutathione/oxidized glutathione ratio) were increased in the HJG-treated group rather than the BJG-treated group. In contrast, BJG administration significantly reduced expression of the inflammatory response through oxidative stress. The HJG-treated group showed a decrease in inflammatory mediators through the JNK pathway. To gain a deeper understanding of their therapeutic action, the effects of the main components detected in HJG and BJG were evaluated using the LLC-PK1 renal tubular epithelial cell line, which is the renal tissue most vulnerable to oxidative stress. Corni Fructus and Moutan Cortex-originated compositions afforded important protection against oxidative stress induced by peroxynitrite. Conclusions: From our described and discussed analyses, it can be concluded that RJG-containing prescriptions, HJG and BJG are an excellent medicine for chronic kidney disease. In the future, appropriately designed clinical studies in people with chronic kidney disease are necessary to evaluate the renoprotective activities of HJG and BJG.
A Simple, Semi-Quantitative Acyl Biotin Exchange-Based Method to Detect Protein S-Palmitoylation Levels
Authors: Buffa Valentina , Adamo Giorgia , Picciotto Sabrina , Bongiovanni Antonella , Romancino Daniele P.
Published: March 2023

Protein S-palmitoylation is a reversible post-translational lipidation in which palmitic acid (16:0) is added to protein cysteine residue by a covalent thioester bond. This modification plays an active role in membrane targeting of soluble proteins, protein–protein interaction, protein trafficking, and subcellular localization. Moreover, palmitoylation is related to different diseases, such as neurodegenerative pathologies, cancer, and developmental defects. The aim of this research is to provide a straightforward and sensitive procedure to detect protein palmitoylation based on Acyl Biotin Exchange (ABE) chemistry. Our protocol setup consists of co-immunoprecipitation of native proteins (i.e., CD63), followed by the direct detection of palmitoylation on proteins immobilized on polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) membranes. With respect to the conventional ABE-based protocol, we optimized and validated a rapid semi-quantitative assay that is shown to be significantly more sensitive and highly reproducible.
Interplay between Forced Convection and Electroconvection during the Overlimiting Ion Transport through Anion-Exchange Membranes: A Fourier Transform Analysis of Membrane Voltage Drops
Authors: Hernández-Pérez Lorena , Martí-Calatayud Manuel , Montañés Maria , Pérez-Herranz Valentín
Published: March 2023

Electrodialysis (ED) applications have expanded in recent years and new modes of operation are being investigated. Operation at overlimiting currents involves the phenomenon of electroconvection, which is associated with the generation of vortices. These vortices accelerate the process of solution mixing, making it possible to increase the transport of ions across the membranes. In this work, frequency analysis is applied to investigate the interaction between different parameters on the development of electroconvection near anion-exchange membranes, which would provide a basis for the development of ED systems with favored electroconvection. Chronopotentiometric curves are registered and Fast Fourier Transform analysis is carried out to study the amplitude of the transmembrane voltage oscillations. Diverse behaviors are detected as a function of the level of forced convection and current density. The synergistic combination of forced convection and overlimiting currents leads to an increase in the signal amplitude, which is especially noticeable at frequencies around 0.1 Hz. Fast Fourier Transform analysis allows identifying, for a given system, the conditions that lead to a transition between stable and chaotic electroconvection modes.