bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic Potential of Exosomes in Tendon and Tendon–Bone Healing: A Systematic Review of Preclinical Studies
Authors: Zou Mingrui , Wang Jingzhou , Shao Zhenxing
Published: May 2023

Exosomes have been proven to play a positive role in tendon and tendon–bone healing. Here, we systematically review the literature to evaluate the efficacy of exosomes in tendon and tendon–bone healing. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, a systematic and comprehensive review of the literature was performed on 21 January 2023. The electronic databases searched included Medline (through PubMed), Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Library and Ovid. In the end, a total of 1794 articles were systematically reviewed. Furthermore, a “snowball” search was also carried out. Finally, forty-six studies were included for analysis, with the total sample size being 1481 rats, 416 mice, 330 rabbits, 48 dogs, and 12 sheep. In these studies, exosomes promoted tendon and tendon–bone healing and displayed improved histological, biomechanical and morphological outcomes. Some studies also suggested the mechanism of exosomes in promoting tendon and tendon–bone healing, mainly through the following aspects: (1) suppressing inflammatory response and regulating macrophage polarization; (2) regulating gene expression, reshaping cell microenvironment and reconstructing extracellular matrix; (3) promoting angiogenesis. The risk of bias in the included studies was low on the whole. This systematic review provides evidence of the positive effect of exosomes on tendon and tendon–bone healing in preclinical studies. The unclear-to-low risk of bias highlights the significance of standardization of outcome reporting. It should be noted that the most suitable source, isolation methods, concentration and administration frequency of exosomes are still unknown. Additionally, few studies have used large animals as subjects. Further studies may be required on comparing the safety and efficacy of different treatment parameters in large animal models, which would be conducive to the design of clinical trials.
Transformative Effect of COVID-19 Pandemic on Magnetic Resonance Imaging Services in One Tertiary Cardiovascular Center
Authors: Shelkovnikova Tatiana A. , Maksimova Aleksandra S. , Ryumshina Nadezhda I. , Mochula Olga V. , Vaizov Valery K. , Ussov Wladimir Y. , Anfinogenova Nina D.
Published: May 2023

The aim of study was to investigate the transformative effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) services in one tertiary cardiovascular center. The retrospective observational cohort study analyzed data of MRI studies (n = 8137) performed from 1 January 2019 to 1 June 2022. A total of 987 patients underwent contrast-enhanced cardiac MRI (CE-CMR). Referrals, clinical characteristics, diagnosis, gender, age, past COVID-19, MRI study protocols, and MRI data were analyzed. The annual absolute numbers and rates of CE-CMR procedures in our center significantly increased from 2019 to 2022 (p-value < 0.05). The increasing temporal trends were observed in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCMP) and myocardial fibrosis (p-value < 0.05). The CE-CMR findings of myocarditis, acute myocardial infarction, ischemic cardiomyopathy, HCMP, postinfarction cardiosclerosis, and focal myocardial fibrosis prevailed in men compared with the corresponding values in women during the pandemic (p-value < 0.05). The frequency of myocardial fibrosis occurrence increased from ~67% in 2019 to ~84% in 2022 (p-value < 0.05). The COVID-19 pandemic increased the need for MRI and CE-CMR. Patients with a history of COVID-19 had persistent and newly occurring symptoms of myocardial damage, suggesting chronic cardiac involvement consistent with long COVID-19 requiring continuous follow-up.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Decommissioning Manmade Structures in the Marine Environment; Current Trends and Implications for the Future
Authors: Davies Abigail J. , Hastings Astley
Published: May 2023

The decommissioning of manmade structures in the marine environment causes large volumes of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to be released. Current GHG emissions calculation methods for decommissioning offshore oil and gas industry infrastructure leave large sources of GHG emissions unaccounted for. The results presented here show that these consequential decommissioning GHG emissions are underreported by 50%. Until now, no study has looked at the cumulative impact of decommissioning, but this study shows that globally offshore oil and gas infrastructure decommissioning has produced 25 MtCO2e to date, around 0.5% of annual global GHG emissions. Importantly, this study also shows that due to the growth of the offshore wind industry, increasing numbers of manmade structures will be emplaced in the marine environment, and GHG emissions from decommissioning will increase 200-fold to 5 GtCO2e by 2067. Crucially, this growth of GHG emissions is not compatible with the Paris Agreement, and new decommissioning methods will be required to meet this challenge.
Assessing the Impact of the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami on South Andaman’s Coastal Shoreline: A Geospatial Analysis of Erosion and Accretion Patterns
Authors: Singh Saurabh , Singh Suraj Kumar , Prajapat Deepak Kumar , Pandey Vikas , Kanga Shruti , Kumar Pankaj , Meraj Gowhar
Published: May 2023

The 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami significantly impacted the coastal shoreline of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, causing widespread destruction of infrastructure and ecological damage. This study aims to analyze the short- and long-term shoreline changes in South Andaman, focusing on 2004–2005 (pre- and post-tsunami) and 1990–2023 (to assess periodic changes). Using remote sensing techniques and geospatial tools such as the Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS), shoreline change rates were calculated in four zones, revealing the extent of the tsunami’s impact. During the pre- and post-tsunami periods, the maximum coastal erosion rate was −410.55 m/year, while the maximum accretion was 359.07 m/year in zone A, the island’s east side. For the 1990–2023 period, the most significant coastal shoreline erosion rate was also recorded in zone A, which was recorded at −2.3 m/year. After analyzing the result, it can be seen that the tsunami severely affected the island’s east side. To validate the coastal shoreline measurements, the root mean square error (RMSE) of Landsat-7 and Google Earth was 18.53 m, enabling comparisons of the accuracy of different models on the same dataset. The results demonstrate the extensive impact of the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami on South Andaman’s coastal shoreline and the value of analyzing shoreline changes to understand the short- and long-term consequences of such events on coastal ecosystems. This information can inform conservation efforts, management strategies, and disaster response plans to mitigate future damage and allocate resources more efficiently. By better understanding the impact of tsunamis on coastal shorelines, emergency responders, government agencies, and conservationists can develop more effective strategies to protect these fragile ecosystems and the communities that rely on them.
Alternative Feed Formulations Impact Growth Performance, Flesh Quality and Consumer Acceptance of Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Authors: Vale Pereira Gabriella do , Conceição Luis E. C. , Soares Filipe , Petereit Jessica , Buck Bela H. , Johansen Johan , Dias Jorge , Faccenda Filippo
Published: May 2023

This trial aimed to assess the growth performance of trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fed novel formulations, evaluate fish welfare status, and determine flesh quality as part of the evaluation of sustainable feeds. A control diet containing fish meal and soy products (CTRL) was compared to: a diet with processed animal proteins (PAP); a diet without PAP (NoPAP); a PAP diet lower in protein (PAP−); and a NoPAP diet higher in protein (NoPAP+). Groups of 50 fish, weighing 58.84 ± 1.39 g (IBW), were allocated to 20 tanks and fed with formulated diets ad libitum over 91 days. Better growth performance was observed after the experiment in fish fed the NoPAP+ diet when compared to other diets. Protein retention was higher in CTRL diets than in PAP and PAP− diets. Protein and phosphorous digestibility were lower in fish fed PAP− diet. Diets did not influence the texture analysis. However, sensory analysis revealed higher acceptance for fish fed the NoPAP diet when compared to the PAP diet. Lysozyme was higher in the NoPAP diet than in other treatments. In addition, long-term predictions using FEEDNETICSTM software suggest some of these alternative formulations may be economically sustainable. Overall, these results support the hypothesis that the new formulations are viable options for trout farming.
The Novel Monoclonal IgG1-Antibody AB90-E8 as a Diagnostic Tool to Rapidly Distinguish Aspergillus fumigatus from Other Human Pathogenic Aspergillus Species
Authors: Kakoschke Tamara Katharina , Kleinemeier Christoph , Knösel Thomas , Kakoschke Sara Carina , Ebel Frank
Published: May 2023

In most cases, invasive aspergillosis (IA) is caused by A. fumigatus, though infections with other Aspergillus spp. with lower susceptibilities to amphotericin B (AmB) gain ground. A. terreus, for instance, is the second leading cause of IA in humans and of serious concern because of its high propensity to disseminate and its in vitro and in vivo resistance to AmB. An early differentiation between A. fumigatus and non-A. fumigatus infections could swiftly recognize a potentially ineffective treatment with AmB and lead to the lifesaving change to a more appropriate drug regime in high-risk patients. In this study, we present the characteristics of the monoclonal IgG1-antibody AB90-E8 that specifically recognizes a surface antigen of A. fumigatus and the closely related, but not human pathogenic A. fischeri. We show immunostainings on fresh frozen sections as well as on incipient mycelium picked from agar plates with tweezers or by using the expeditious tape mount technique. All three methods have a time advantage over the common procedures currently used in the routine diagnosis of IA and outline the potential of AB90-E8 as a rapid diagnostic tool.
Green Management of Postharvest Anthracnose Caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides
Authors: Peralta-Ruiz Yeimmy , Rossi Chiara , Grande-Tovar Carlos David , Chaves-López Clemencia
Published: May 2023

Fruits and vegetables are constantly affected by postharvest diseases, of which anthracnose is one of the most severe and is caused by diverse Colletotrichum species, mainly C. gloeosporioides. In the last few decades, chemical fungicides have been the primary approach to anthracnose control. However, recent trends and regulations have sought to limit the use of these substances. Greener management includes a group of sustainable alternatives that use natural substances and microorganisms to control postharvest fungi. This comprehensive review of contemporary research presents various sustainable alternatives to C. gloeosporioides postharvest control in vitro and in situ, ranging from the use of biopolymers, essential oils, and antagonistic microorganisms to cultivar resistance. Strategies such as encapsulation, biofilms, coatings, compounds secreted, antibiotics, and lytic enzyme production by microorganisms are revised. Finally, the potential effects of climate change on C. gloeosporioides and anthracnose disease are explored. Greener management can provide a possible replacement for the conventional approach of using chemical fungicides for anthracnose postharvest control. It presents diverse methodologies that are not mutually exclusive and can be in tune with the needs and interests of new consumers and the environment. Overall, developing or using these alternatives has strong potential for improving sustainability and addressing the challenges generated by climate change.
Aspergillus Conidia and Allergens in Outdoor Environment: A Health Hazard?
Authors: De Linares Concepción De , Navarro David , Puigdemunt Rut , Belmonte Jordina
Published: May 2023

Aspergillus is a genus of saprophytic fungus widely distributed in the environment and associated with soil, decaying vegetation, or seeds. However, some species, such as A. fumigatus, are considered opportunistic pathogens in humans. Their conidia (asexual spores) and mycelia are associated with clinical diseases known as invasive aspergillosis (IA), mainly related to the respiratory tract, such as allergic asthma, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), or hypersensitivity. However, they can also disseminate to other organs, particularly the central nervous system. Due to the dispersal mechanism of the conidia through the air, airborne fungal particle measurement should be used to prevent and control this mold. This study aims to measure the outdoor airborne concentration of Aspergillus conidia and the Asp f 1 allergen concentration in Bellaterra (Barcelona, Spain) during 2021 and 2022, and to compare their dynamics to improve the understanding of the biology of this genus and contribute to a better diagnosis, prevention, and therapeutic measures in the face of possible health problems. The results show that both particles were airborne nearly all year round, but their concentrations showed no correlation. Due to Asp f 1 not being present in the conidia itself but being detectable during their germination and in hyphal fragments, we report the relevance of the aero-immunological analysis as a methodology to detect the potential pathogenic hazard of this fungus.
SARS-CoV-2 in the Middle Ear-CovEar: A Prospective Pilot Study
Authors: Rubicz Nina , Poier-Fabian Nikolaus , Paar Christian , Winkler-Zamani Markus , Hermann Philipp , Raidl Stefan , Zwittag Paul Martin
Published: May 2023

In post-mortem analyses, SARS-CoV-2 was found in the middle ear of some, but not all, patients with COVID-19. It is not clear whether SARS-CoV-2 penetrated the ear passively post mortem, or existed in the middle ear of living patients during, and perhaps also after, infection. This study investigated whether SARS-CoV-2 can be found in the middle ear of living patients during ear surgery. Swabs from the nasopharynx, the filter connected to the tracheal tube and secretions from the middle ear were collected during middle ear surgery. All samples were tested for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 using PCR. History of vaccination, COVID-19 history and contact with SARS-CoV-2-positive individuals were recorded preoperatively. Postoperative SARS-CoV-2 infection was noted at the follow-up visit. Overall, 63 participants (62%) were children and 39 (38%) were adults. SARS-CoV-2 was found in the middle ear and in the nasopharynx of two and four CovEar study participants, respectively. The filter connected to the tracheal tube was sterile in all cases. Cycle threshold (ct) values of the PCR test were between 25.94 and 37.06. SARS-CoV-2 penetrated the middle ear of living patients and was found in asymptomatic patients. The presence of SARS-CoV-2 in the middle ear may have implications for ear surgery and can pose a risk of infection for operating room staff. It may also directly affect the audio–vestibular system.
Uterine Artery Embolization for the Treatment of Symptomatic Uterine Fibroids of Different Sizes: A Single Center Experience
Authors: Cappelli Alberta , Mosconi Cristina , Cocozza Maria Adriana , Brandi Nicolò , Bartalena Laura , Modestino Francesco , Galaverni Maria Cristina , Vara Giulio , Paccapelo Alexandro , Pizzoli Gloria , Villa Gioia , Seracchioli Renato , Renzulli Matteo
Published: May 2023

The present study aimed to evaluate the clinical and radiological 1-year outcomes of uterine artery embolization (UAE) performed in a selected population of women with symptomatic myomas and who do not wish to conceive. Between January 2004 and January 2018, a total of 62 patients with pre-menopausal status and with no wish to conceive in the future underwent UAE for the treatment of symptomatic fibroids. All the patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and/or transvaginal ultrasonography (TV-US) before and after the procedure at 1-year follow-up. Clinical and radiological parameters were recorded, stratifying the population into 3 groups according to the size of the dominant myoma (group 1: <50 mm; group 2: ≥50 and ≤80 mm; group 3: >80 mm). Mean fibroid diameter was significantly reduced (42.6% ± 21.6%) at 1-year follow-up, with excellent improvements in terms of both symptoms and quality of life. No significant difference was observed regarding baseline dimension and the number of myomas. No major complications were reported (2.5%). The present study confirms the safety and efficacy of UAE in the treatment of symptomatic fibroids in pre-menopausal women with no desire to conceive.
Unlocking the Diagnostic Potential of Saliva: A Comprehensive Review of Infrared Spectroscopy and Its Applications in Salivary Analysis
Authors: Delrue Charlotte , De Bruyne Sander , Speeckaert Marijn M.
Published: May 2023

Infrared (IR) spectroscopy is a noninvasive and rapid analytical technique that provides information on the chemical composition, structure, and conformation of biomolecules in saliva. This technique has been widely used to analyze salivary biomolecules, owing to its label-free advantages. Saliva contains a complex mixture of biomolecules including water, electrolytes, lipids, carbohydrates, proteins, and nucleic acids which are potential biomarkers for several diseases. IR spectroscopy has shown great promise for the diagnosis and monitoring of diseases such as dental caries, periodontitis, infectious diseases, cancer, diabetes mellitus, and chronic kidney disease, as well as for drug monitoring. Recent advancements in IR spectroscopy, such as Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and attenuated total reflectance (ATR) spectroscopy, have further enhanced its utility in salivary analysis. FTIR spectroscopy enables the collection of a complete IR spectrum of the sample, whereas ATR spectroscopy enables the analysis of samples in their native form, without the need for sample preparation. With the development of standardized protocols for sample collection and analysis and further advancements in IR spectroscopy, the potential for salivary diagnostics using IR spectroscopy is vast.
LULC Change Effects on Environmental Quality and Ecosystem Services Using EO Data in Two Rural River Basins in Thrace, Greece
Authors: Vatitsi Katerina , Ioannidou Nena , Mirli Anastasia , Siachalou Sofia , Kagalou Ifigenia , Latinopoulos Dionissis , Mallinis Giorgos
Published: May 2023

Rural abandonment and associated rapid urbanization, agricultural intensification, and climate change have been key factors transforming terrestrial landscapes, with significant impacts on the environmental quality and the ecosystem services (ES) provided to human welfare. In this study, two understudied rural river basins located in Thrace, North Greece, were selected to assess changes in landscape pattern, composition, and eco-environmental quality and ecosystem services values (ESV). Cloud-based remote sensing (RS) analyses of multitemporal Landsat imagery in the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform were applied for multitemporal land use/land cover changes (LULCC) quantification between 1984–2021, along with landscape pattern, eco-environmental quality, and ES assessment. Although ecosystem changes observed were not extensive over this period, eco-environmental quality appeared to be affected due to fragmentation. Preserving the ecosystem’s naturalness can enhance cultural ES to avoid further values loss originating from provisioning ES exploitation. This study highlights the strong connection between landscape configuration and eco-environmental quality, emphasizing the strong impact that anthropogenic activities have on the environment. The monitoring of the effects of LULCC on ecosystem health and the economic value of ES is crucial for the introduction of spatial planning and restoration policies.
Is There Still a Place for Surgery in Patients with PCOS? A Review
Authors: Della Corte Luigi , Boccia Dominga , Palumbo Mario , Mercorio Antonio , Ronsini Carlo , Bifulco Giuseppe , Giampaolino Pierluigi
Published: May 2023

Objective: The surgical management of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) represents an unclear option compared to medical therapy, and it is necessary to deepen the role of minimally invasive surgery, represented by laparoscopic ovarian drilling (LOD) and transvaginal hydrolaparoscopy (THL), for the treatment of PCOS in infertile women resistant to drug therapy and to establish its success in terms of ovulation and pregnancy rates. Methods: A search was performed in the main electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library) from 1994 to October 2022 in order to evaluate the role of surgery in patients with PCOS resistant to pharmacological treatment. Only original scientific articles in English were included. Results: Seventeen studies were analyzed in this review. In all analyzed studies, more than 50% of the population underwent spontaneous ovulation after surgical treatment without great differences between the two surgical techniques (LOD and THL). More than 40% of patients delivered, with a higher rate after LOD, although eight ectopic pregnancies and sixty-three miscarriages were reported. A lower risk of adhesion formation after THL has been reported. No clear data regarding the effect of surgery on the regularization of the menstrual cycle has been described. A reduction in LH and AMH serum levels as well as the LH/FSH ratio compared to preoperative levels for both surgical techniques has been described. Conclusions: Despite the scarcity and heterogeneity of data, surgical therapy could be considered an effective and safe approach in the management of PCOS patients with resistance to pharmacological treatment who desire to become pregnant.
Effects of Nutrition Interventions on Athletic Performance in Soccer Players: A Systematic Review
Authors: Aguinaga-Ontoso Ines , Guillen-Aguinaga Sara , Guillen-Aguinaga Laura , Alas-Brun Rosa , Guillen-Grima Francisco
Published: May 2023

Background: More than 270 million participants and 128,893 professional players play soccer. Although UEFA recommendations for nutrition in elite football exist, implementing these guidelines among professional and semiprofessional soccer players remains suboptimal, emphasizing the need for targeted and individualized nutritional strategies to improve adherence to established recommendations. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive search in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and clinical trial registers. Inclusion criteria focused on professional or semiprofessional soccer players, nutrition or diet interventions, performance improvement outcomes, and randomized clinical trial study types. We assessed quality using the Risk of Bias 2 (RoB 2) tool. We identified 16 eligible articles involving 310 participants. No nutritional interventions during the recovery period effectively improved recovery. However, several performance-based interventions showed positive effects, such as tart cherry supplementation, raw pistachio nut kernels, bicarbonate and mineral ingestion, creatine supplementation, betaine consumption, symbiotic supplements, and a high-carbohydrate diet. These interventions influenced various aspects of soccer performance, including endurance, speed, agility, strength, power, explosiveness, and anaerobic capacity. Conclusions: Specific strategies, such as solutions with bicarbonate and minerals, high carbohydrate diets, and supplements like creatine, betaine, and tart cherry, can enhance the performance of professional soccer players. These targeted nutritional interventions may help optimize performance and provide the competitive edge required in professional soccer. We did not find any dietary interventions that could enhance recovery.
Risk of Infections Secondary to the Use of Targeted Therapies in Hematological Malignancies
Authors: Andreescu Mihaela
Published: May 2023

Concurrent infections in hematological malignancies (HM) are major contributors to adverse clinical outcomes, including prolonged hospitalization and reduced life expectancy. Individuals diagnosed with HM are particularly susceptible to infectious pathogens due to immunosuppression, which can either be inherent to the hematological disorder or induced by specific therapeutic strategies. Over the years, the treatment paradigm for HM has witnessed a tremendous shift, from broad-spectrum treatment approaches to more specific targeted therapies. At present, the therapeutic landscape of HM is constantly evolving due to the advent of novel targeted therapies and the enhanced utilization of these agents for treatment purposes. By initiating unique molecular pathways, these agents hinder the proliferation of malignant cells, consequently affecting innate and adaptive immunity, which increases the risk of infectious complications. Due to the complexity of novel targeted therapies and their associated risks of infection, it often becomes a daunting task for physicians to maintain updated knowledge in their clinical practice. The situation is further aggravated by the fact that most of the initial clinical trials on targeted therapies provide inadequate information to determine the associated risk of infection. In such a scenario, a cumulative body of evidence is paramount in guiding clinicians regarding the infectious complications that can arise following targeted therapies. In this review, I summarize the recent knowledge on infectious complications arising in the context of targeted therapies for HM.
A Fluid-Structure Interaction Method for the Elastohydrodynamic Lubrication Characteristics of Rubber-Plastic Double-Layer Water-Lubricated Journal Bearings
Authors: Shen Yuankang , Zhang Yao , Zhang Xiuli , Zheng Hongyu , Wei Guorui , Wang Mingyang
Published: May 2023

This paper proposes a fluid-structure interaction (FSI) numerical calculation method for investigation of the elastohydrodynamic lubrication performance of the rubber-plastic double-layer water-lubricated journal bearings. The accuracy and rapidity of the FSI method are improved by studying the effect of mesh density and by comparing the calculation results with those in the literature. Based on the proposed method, a series of numerical simulations are carried out to reveal the influence of operating conditions and structural parameters on the lubrication performance of the rubber-plastic bearings. Numerical results show that the bush deformation of the rubber-plastic bearing is between that of the rubber bearing and the plastic bearing, and the deformation area is close to that of the rubber bearing. The bearing load carrying capacity increases significantly with the rotational speed, eccentricity ratio, bearing length, and decrease with the clearance. But the influences of the plastic layer elastic modulus and thickness on bearing load are unremarkable. The effect of bush deformation on bearing load is noticeable when the eccentricity ratio is more than 0.8. The results are expected to provide design references for the bearings.
Investigation of the Friction Properties of a New Artificial Imitation Cartilage Material: PHEMA/Glycerol Gel
Authors: Hua Zikai , Hu Mindie , Chen Yiwen , Huang Xiuling , Gao Leiming
Published: May 2023

The absence of artificial articular cartilage could cause the failure of artificial joints due to excessive material wear. There has been limited research on alternative materials for articular cartilage in joint prostheses, with few reducing the friction coefficient of artificial cartilage prostheses to the range of the natural cartilage friction coefficient (0.001–0.03). This work aimed to obtain and characterize mechanically and tribologically a new gel for potential application in articular replacement. Therefore, poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA)/glycerol synthetic gel was developed as a new type of artificial joint cartilage with a low friction coefficient, especially in calf serum. This glycerol material was developed via mixing HEMA and glycerin at a mass ratio of 1:1. The mechanical properties were studied, and it was found that the hardness of the synthetic gel was close to that of natural cartilage. The tribological performance of the synthetic gel was investigated using a reciprocating ball-on-plate rig. The ball samples were made of a cobalt-chromium-molybdenum (Co-Cr-Mo) alloy, and the plates were synthetic glycerol gel and two additional materials for comparison, which were ultra-high molecular polyethylene (UHMWPE) and 316L stainless steel. It was found that synthetic gel exhibited the lowest friction coefficient in both calf serum (0.018) and deionized water (0.039) compared to the other two conventional materials for knee prostheses. The surface roughness of the gel was found to be 4–5 μm through morphological analysis of wear. This newly proposed material provided a possible solution as a type of cartilage composite coating with hardness and tribological performance close to the nature of use in wear couples with artificial joints.
Experimental and Numerical Simulation on the Penetration for Basic Magnesium Sulfate Cement Concrete
Authors: Mei Qiquan , Yu Hongfa , Ma Haiyan , Tan Yongshan , Wu Zhangyu
Published: May 2023

The penetration resistance of the new material Basic Magnesium Sulfate Cement (BMSC) is studied through comprehensive application of an experimental and numerical simulation method. This paper consists of three parts. The first part introduces the preparation of Basic Magnesium Sulfate Cement Concrete (BMSCC) and the study of its dynamic mechanical properties. In the second part, on-site testing was carried out on both BMSCC and an ordinary Portland cement concrete (OPCC) target, and the anti-penetration performance of the two materials was analyzed and compared from three aspects: penetration depth, crater diameter and volume, and failure mode. In the last part, the numerical simulation analysis was carried out based on LS-DYNA, and the effects of factors, such as material strength and penetration velocity on the penetration depth, are analyzed. According to the results, the BMSCC targets have better penetration resistance performance than OPCC under the same conditions, mainly manifested in smaller penetration depth, smaller crater diameter and volume, as well as fewer cracks.
Synthesis and Improved Photoluminescence of SnF2-Derived CsSnCl3-SnF2:Mn2+ Perovskites via Rapid Thermal Treatment
Authors: Xu Jisheng , Wu Haixia , Lu Xinye , Huang Yaqian , Chen Jianni , Zhou Wendi , Lin Zewen , Song Jie , Li Hongliang , Huang Rui
Published: May 2023

We report a rapid synthesis method for producing CsSnCl3:Mn2+ perovskites, derived from SnF2, and investigate the effects of rapid thermal treatment on their photoluminescence properties. Our study shows that the initial CsSnCl3:Mn2+ samples exhibit a double luminescence peak structure with PL peaks at approximately 450 nm and 640 nm, respectively. These peaks originate from defect-related luminescent centers and the 4T1→6A1 transition of Mn2+. However, as a result of rapid thermal treatment, the blue emission is significantly reduced and the red emission intensity is increased nearly twofold compared to the pristine sample. Furthermore, the Mn2+-doped samples demonstrate excellent thermal stability after the rapid thermal treatment. We suggest that this improvement in photoluminescence results from enhanced excited-state density, energy transfer between defects and the Mn2+ state, as well as the reduction of nonradiative recombination centers. Our findings provide valuable insights into the luminescence dynamics of Mn2+-doped CsSnCl3 and open up new possibilities for controlling and optimizing the emission of rare-earth-doped CsSnCl3.
Ceramic Thermal Insulator Based on Diatomite Obtained by Starch Consolidation Casting
Authors: Alvarado Cinthya , Alvarado-Quintana Hernán , Siche Raúl
Published: May 2023

Researchers are continuously seeking to develop new materials to protect against inclement weather and thus optimize energy efficiency in housing. This research aimed to determine the influence of corn starch percentage on the physicomechanical and microstructural properties of a diatomite-based porous ceramic. The starch consolidation casting technique was applied to fabricate a diatomite-based thermal insulating ceramic with hierarchical porosity. Diatomite mixtures with 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% starch were consolidated. The results show that starch content significantly influences apparent porosity, and this, in turn, influences several parameters, such as thermal conductivity, diametral compressive strength, microstructure, and water absorption of diatomite-based ceramics. The porous ceramic processed by the starch consolidation casting method corresponding to the mixture of diatomite with 30% starch obtained the best properties, with a thermal conductivity of 0.0984 W/m·K, an apparent porosity of 57.88%, a water absorption of 58.45%, and a diametral compressive strength of 35.18 kg/cm2 (3.45 MPa). Our results reveal that the diatomite-based ceramic thermal insulator obtained by starch consolidation is effective for use on roofs to improve thermal comfort in dwellings located in cold regions.
Sol-Gel Synthesis and Photoluminescence Properties of a Far-Red Emitting Phosphor BaLaMgTaO6:Mn4+ for Plant Growth LEDs
Authors: Fan Niansi , Du Quan , Guo Rui , Luo Lan , Wang Li
Published: May 2023

Far-red (FR) emitting LEDs are known as a promising supplement light source for photo-morphogenesis of plants, in which FR emitting phosphors are indispensable components. However, mostly reported FR emitting phosphors are suffering from problems of wavelength mismatch with LED chips or low quantum efficiency, which are still far from practical applications. Here, a new efficient FR emitting double-perovskite phosphor BaLaMgTaO6:Mn4+ (BLMT:Mn4+) has been prepared by sol-gel method. The crystal structure, morphology and photoluminescence properties have been investigated in detail. BLMT:Mn4+ phosphor has two strong and wide excitation bands in the range of 250–600 nm, which matches well with a near-UV or blue chip. Under 365 nm or 460 nm excitation, BLMT:Mn4+ emits an intense FR light ranging from 650 to 780 nm with maximum emission at 704 nm due to 2Eg → 4A2g forbidden transition of Mn4+ ion. The critical quenching concentration of Mn4+ in BLMT is 0.6 mol%, and its corresponding internal quantum efficiency is as high as 61%. Moreover, BLMT:Mn4+ phosphor has good thermal stability, with emission intensity at 423 K keeping 40% of the room temperature value. The LED devices fabricated with BLMT:Mn4+ sample exhibit bright FR emission, which greatly overlaps with the absorption curve of FR absorbing phytochrome, indicating that BLMT:Mn4+ is a promising FR emitting phosphor for plant growth LEDs.
Study of the Mechanisms of Radiation Softening and Swelling upon Irradiation of TiTaNbV Alloys with He2+ Ions with an Energy of 40 keV
Authors: Giniyatova Sholpan G. , Kadyrzhanov Kayrat K. , Shlimas Dmitriy I. , Borgekov Daryn B. , Uglov Vladimir V. , Kozlovskiy Artem L. , Zdorovets Maxim V.
Published: May 2023

This paper presents simulation results of the ionization losses of incident He2+ ions with an energy of 40 keV during the passage of incident ions in the near-surface layer of alloys based on TiTaNbV with a variation of alloy components. For comparison, data on the ionization losses of incident He2+ ions in pure niobium, followed by the addition of vanadium, tantalum, and titanium to the alloy in equal stoichiometric proportions, are presented. With the use of indentation methods, the dependences of the change in the strength properties of the near-surface layer of alloys were determined. It was established that the addition of Ti to the composition of the alloy leads to an increase in resistance to crack resistance under high-dose irradiation, as well as a decrease in the degree of swelling of the near-surface layer. During tests on the thermal stability of irradiated samples, it was found that swelling and degradation of the near-surface layer of pure niobium affects the rate of oxidation and subsequent degradation, while for high-entropy alloys, an increase in the number of alloy components leads to an increase in resistance to destruction.
Effect of Curing Conditions on the Hydration of MgO in Cement Paste Mixed with MgO Expansive Agent
Authors: Zhao Xuefeng , Mao Zhongyang , Huang Xiaojun , Luo Penghui , Deng Min , Tang Mingshu
Published: May 2023

Using the volume expansion generated by the hydration of the MgO expansive agent to compensate for the shrinkage deformation of concrete is considered to be an effective measure to prevent concrete shrinkage and cracking. Existing studies have mainly focused on the effect of the MgO expansive agent on the deformation of concrete under constant temperature conditions, but mass concrete in practical engineering experiences a temperature change process. Obviously, the experience obtained under constant temperature conditions makes it difficult to accurately guide the selection of the MgO expansive agent under actual engineering conditions. Based on the C50 concrete project, this paper mainly investigates the effect of curing conditions on the hydration of MgO in cement paste under actual variable temperature conditions by simulating the actual temperature change course of C50 concrete so as to provide a reference for the selection of the MgO expansive agent in engineering practice. The results show that temperature was the main factor affecting the hydration of MgO under variable temperature curing conditions, and the increase in the temperature could obviously promote the hydration of MgO in cement paste, while the change in the curing methods and cementitious system had an effect on the hydration of MgO, though this effect was not obvious.
Metaheuristic Optimization of Random Forest for Predicting Punch Shear Strength of FRP-Reinforced Concrete Beams
Authors: Yang Peixi , Li Chuanqi , Qiu Yingui , Huang Shuai , Zhou Jian
Published: May 2023

Predicting the punching shear strength (PSS) of fiber-reinforced polymer reinforced concrete (FRP-RC) beams is a critical task in the design and assessment of reinforced concrete structures. This study utilized three meta-heuristic optimization algorithms, namely ant lion optimizer (ALO), moth flame optimizer (MFO), and salp swarm algorithm (SSA), to select the optimal hyperparameters of the random forest (RF) model for predicting the punching shear strength (PSS) of FRP-RC beams. Seven features of FRP-RC beams were considered as inputs parameters, including types of column section (TCS), cross-sectional area of the column (CAC), slab’s effective depth (SED), span–depth ratio (SDR), compressive strength of concrete (CSC), yield strength of reinforcement (YSR), and reinforcement ratio (RR). The results indicate that the ALO-RF model with a population size of 100 has the best prediction performance among all models, with MAE of 25.0525, MAPE of 6.5696, R2 of 0.9820, and RMSE of 59.9677 in the training phase, and MAE of 52.5601, MAPE of 15.5083, R2 of 0.941, and RMSE of 101.6494 in the testing phase. The slab’s effective depth (SED) has the largest contribution to predicting the PSS, which means that adjusting SED can effectively control the PSS. Furthermore, the hybrid machine learning model optimized by metaheuristic algorithms outperforms traditional models in terms of prediction accuracy and error control.
Rib Reinforcement Bionic Topology Optimization under Multi-Scale Cyclic Excitation
Authors: Xiao Zhongmin , Wu Longfei , Zhu Dachang , Wu Wenqiang , Zhang Chunliang , Li Fangyi
Published: May 2023

Thin-walled structures have problems such as low stiffness, large deflection, and vibration. The layout of rib reinforcement in thin-walled structures plays a vital role in providing structural strength and rigidity and reducing structural weight. A multi-scale bionic topology optimization method with a cyclic variable load is proposed in this paper to optimize dynamic flexibility by simulating the growth law of leaf vein formation and distribution. A material interpolation method is adopted to penalize the material attributes of rib reinforcement according to their thickness, based on polynomial interpolation. Combined with the layout of rib reinforcement and SIMP, the mathematical model of rib reinforcement layout optimization with cyclic variable loading is proposed, and the sensitivity of thin-walled dynamic flexibility to the rib reinforcement thickness is analyzed. Two typical examples of thin-walled structures are presented to validate the proposed method. Considering the impact effect of multi-scale cyclic loads such as wind speed, pressure, and raindrops acting on the leaf vein, the natural frequencies of bionic topological structures of heart-shaped and elliptical leaf veins are increased by 63.44% and 47.2%, respectively. Considering the change in radial thickness, the mass of the automotive door inner panel with a bionic topological structure increased by 3.2%, the maximum stress value was reduced by 1.4% and 36.8%, and deformation was reduced by 37.6% and 27.1% under the anti-concave and sinking conditions, respectively. Moreover, the first-order natural frequency of the automotive door’s inner panel with a bionic topological structure increased to 30.45%, 3.7% higher than the original.
Sandwich-Type Theorems for a Family of Non-Bazilevič Functions Involving a q-Analog Integral Operator
Authors: Hadi Sarem H. , Darus Maslina , Ghanim Firas , Alb Lupaş Alina
Published: May 2023

This article presents a new q-analog integral operator, which generalizes the q-Srivastava–Attiya operator. Using this q-analog operator, we define a family of analytic non-Bazilevič functions, denoted as Tq,τ+1,uμ(ϑ,λ,M,N). Furthermore, we investigate the differential subordination properties of univalent functions using q-calculus, which includes the best dominance, best subordination, and sandwich-type properties. Our results are proven using specialized techniques in differential subordination theory.
Robust Surveillance Schemes Based on Proportional Hazard Model for Monitoring Reliability Data
Authors: Nabeel Moezza , Ali Sajid , Shah Ismail , Almazah Mohammed M. A. , Al-Duais Fuad S.
Published: May 2023

Product reliability is a crucial component of the industrial production process. Several statistical process control techniques have been successfully employed in industrial manufacturing processes to observe changes in reliability-related quality variables. These methods, however, are only applicable to single-stage processes. In reality, manufacturing processes consist of several stages, and the quality variable of the previous stages influences the quality of the present stage. This interdependence between the stages of a multistage process is an important characteristic that must be taken into account in process monitoring. In addition, sometimes datasets contain outliers and consequently, the analysis produces biased results. This study discusses the issue of monitoring reliability data with outliers. To this end, a proportional hazard model has been assumed to model the relationship between the significant quality variables of a two-stage dependent manufacturing process. Robust regression technique known as the M-estimation has been implemented to lessen the effect of outliers present in the dataset corresponding to reliability-related quality characteristics in the second stage of the process assuming Nadarajah and Haghighi distribution. The three monitoring approaches, namely, one lower-sided cumulative sum and two one-sided exponentially weighted moving average control charts have been designed to effectively monitor the two-stage dependent process. Using Monte Carlo simulations, the efficiency of the suggested monitoring schemes has been examined. Finally, two real-world examples of the proposed control approaches are provided in the study.
Securing IoT Devices Running PureOS from Ransomware Attacks: Leveraging Hybrid Machine Learning Techniques
Authors: Ahanger Tariq Ahamed , Tariq Usman , Dahan Fadl , Chaudhry Shafique A. , Malik Yasir
Published: May 2023

Internet-enabled (IoT) devices are typically small, low-powered devices used for sensing and computing that enable remote monitoring and control of various environments through the Internet. Despite their usefulness in achieving a more connected cyber-physical world, these devices are vulnerable to ransomware attacks due to their limited resources and connectivity. To combat these threats, machine learning (ML) can be leveraged to identify and prevent ransomware attacks on IoT devices before they can cause significant damage. In this research paper, we explore the use of ML techniques to enhance ransomware defense in IoT devices running on the PureOS operating system. We have developed a ransomware detection framework using machine learning, which combines the XGBoost and ElasticNet algorithms in a hybrid approach. The design and implementation of our framework are based on the evaluation of various existing machine learning techniques. Our approach was tested using a dataset of real-world ransomware attacks on IoT devices and achieved high accuracy (90%) and low false-positive rates, demonstrating its effectiveness in detecting and preventing ransomware attacks on IoT devices running PureOS.
Passive Fuzzy Controller Design for the Parameter-Dependent Polynomial Fuzzy Model
Authors: Ku Cheung-Chieh , Sun Chein-Chung , Jian Shao-Hao , Chang Wen-Jer
Published: May 2023

This paper discusses a passive control issue for Nonlinear Time-Varying (NTV) systems subject to stability and attenuation performance. Based on the modeling approaches of Takagi-Sugeno (T-S) fuzzy model and Linear Parameter-Varying (LPV) model, a Parameter-Dependent Polynomial Fuzzy (PDPF) model is constructed to represent NTV systems. According to the Parallel Distributed Compensation (PDC) concept, a parameter-dependent polynomial fuzzy controller is built to achieve robust stability and passivity of the PDPF model. Furthermore, the passive theory is applied to achieve performance, constraining the disturbance effect on the PDPF systems. To develop the stability criteria, by introducing a parameter-dependent polynomial Lyapunov function, one can derive some stability conditions, which belong to the term of Sum-Of-Squares (SOS) form. Based on the Lyapunov function, two stability criteria are proposed to design the corresponding PDPF controller, such that the NTV system is robustly stable and passive. Finally, two examples are applied to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed stability criterion.
Bayesian Estimations of Shannon Entropy and Rényi Entropy of Inverse Weibull Distribution
Authors: Ren Haiping , Hu Xue
Published: May 2023

In this paper, under the symmetric entropy and the scale squared error loss functions, we consider the maximum likelihood (ML) estimation and Bayesian estimation of the Shannon entropy and Rényi entropy of the two-parameter inverse Weibull distribution. In the ML estimation, the dichotomy is used to solve the likelihood equation. In addition, the approximation confidence interval is given by the Delta method. Because the form of estimation results is more complex in the Bayesian estimation, the Lindley approximation method is used to achieve the numerical calculation. Finally, Monte Carlo simulations and a real dataset are used to illustrate the results derived. By comparing the mean square error between the estimated value and the real value, it can be found that the performance of ML estimation of Shannon entropy is better than that of Bayesian estimation, and there is no significant difference between the performance of ML estimation of Rényi entropy and that of Bayesian estimation.