bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emotional Exhaustion, a Proxy for Burnout, Is Associated with Sleep Health in French Healthcare Workers without Anxiety or Depressive Symptoms: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Coelho Julien , Taillard Jacques , Bernard Adèle , Lopez Régis , Fond Guillaume , Boyer Laurent , Lucas Guillaume , Alla François , Buysse Daniel J. , Wallace Meredith L. , Verdun-Esquer Catherine , Geoffroy Pierre-Alexis , d’Incau Emmanuel , Philip Pierre , Micoulaud-Franchi Jean-Arthur
Published: February 2023

Burnout is frequent among healthcare workers, and sleep problems are suspected risk factors. The sleep health framework provides a new approach to the promotion of sleep as a health benefit. The aim of this study was to assess good sleep health in a large sample of healthcare workers and to investigate its relationship with the absence of burnout among healthcare workers while considering anxiety and depressive symptoms. A cross-sectional Internet-based survey of French healthcare workers was conducted in summer 2020, at the end of the first COVID-19 lockdown in France (March to May 2020). Sleep health was assessed using the RU-SATED v2.0 scale (RegUlarity, Satisfaction, Alertness, Timing, Efficiency, Duration). Emotional exhaustion was used as a proxy for overall burnout. Of 1069 participating French healthcare workers, 474 (44.3%) reported good sleep health (RU-SATED > 8) and 143 (13.4%) reported emotional exhaustion. Males and nurses had a lower likelihood of emotional exhaustion than females and physicians, respectively. Good sleep health was associated with a 2.5-fold lower likelihood of emotional exhaustion and associations persisted among healthcare workers without significant anxiety and depressive symptoms. Longitudinal studies are needed to explore the preventive role of sleep health promotion in terms of the reduction in burnout risk.
Hyperglycemia and Glycemic Variability Associated with Glucocorticoids in Women without Pre-Existing Diabetes Undergoing Neoadjuvant or Adjuvant Taxane Chemotherapy for Early-Stage Breast Cancer
Authors: Mahin Dana , Lavasani Sayeh Moazami , Cristobal Leon , Tank Patel Niki , Sedrak Mina , Stewart Daphne , Waisman James , Yuan Yuan , Yu Wai , Samoa Raynald , Ruel Nora , Yost Susan E. , Lee Hayley , Kil Sung Hee , Mortimer Joanne E.
Published: February 2023

Glucocorticoids, which are administered with chemotherapy, cause hyperglycemia. Glycemic variability among breast cancer patients without diabetes is not well known. A retrospective cohort study was conducted involving early-stage breast cancer patients without diabetes who received dexamethasone prior to neoadjuvant or adjuvant taxane chemotherapy between August 2017–December 2019. Random blood glucose levels were analyzed, and steroid-induced hyperglycemia (SIH) was defined as a random glucose level of >140 mg/dL. A multivariate proportional hazards model was used to identify the risk factors of SIH. Out of 100 patients, the median age was 53 years (IQR: 45–63.5). A total of 45% of patients were non-Hispanic White, 28% Hispanic, 19% Asian, and 5% African American. The incidence of SIH was 67%, and glycemic fluctuations were highest in those with glucose levels of >200 mg/dL. Non-Hispanic White patients represented a significant predictor for time to SIH, with a hazard ratio of 2.5 (95% CI: 1.04, 5.95, p = 0.039). SIH was transient in over 90% of the patients, and only seven patients remained hyperglycemic after glucocorticoid and chemotherapy completion. Pretaxane dexamethasone-induced hyperglycemia was observed in 67% of the patients, with the greatest glycemic lability in those patients with blood glucose levels of >200 mg/dL. The non-Hispanic White patients had a higher risk of developing SIH.
Challenges in DICER1-Associated Lung Disease
Authors: Masarweh Kamal , Mordechai Oz , Gur Michal , Bar-Yoseph Ronen , Bentur Lea , Ilivitzki Anat
Published: February 2023

Pleuropulmonary blastoma (PPB) is a tumor occurring almost exclusively in infants and young children. This is the most common primary-lung malignancy in childhood. There is age-associated progression through a distinctive sequence of pathologic changes, from a purely multicystic lesion type I to a high-grade sarcoma type II and III. While complete resection is the cornerstone treatment for type I PPB, aggressive chemotherapy with a less favorable prognosis is associated with type II and III. DICER1 germline mutation is positive in 70% of children with PPB. Diagnosis is challenging, as it resembles congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM) in imaging. Although PPB is an extremely rare malignancy, over the past five years we have encountered several children diagnosed with PPB in our medical center. Herein, we present some of these children and discuss diagnostic, ethical, and therapeutic challenges.
Tumor Microenvironment Regulation and Cancer Targeting Therapy Based on Nanoparticles
Authors: Han Shulan , Chi Yongjie , Yang Zhu , Ma Juan , Wang Lianyan
Published: February 2023

Although we have made remarkable achievements in cancer awareness and medical technology, there are still tremendous increases in cancer incidence and mortality. However, most anti-tumor strategies, including immunotherapy, show low efficiency in clinical application. More and more evidence suggest that this low efficacy may be closely related to the immunosuppression of the tumor microenvironment (TME). The TME plays a significant role in tumorigenesis, development, and metastasis. Therefore, it is necessary to regulate the TME during antitumor therapy. Several strategies are developing to regulate the TME as inhibiting tumor angiogenesis, reversing tumor associated macrophage (TAM) phenotype, removing T cell immunosuppression, and so on. Among them, nanotechnology shows great potential for delivering regulators into TME, which further enhance the antitumor therapy efficacy. Properly designed nanomaterials can carry regulators and/or therapeutic agents to eligible locations or cells to trigger specific immune response and further kill tumor cells. Specifically, the designed nanoparticles could not only directly reverse the primary TME immunosuppression, but also induce effective systemic immune response, which would prevent niche formation before metastasis and inhibit tumor recurrence. In this review, we summarized the development of nanoparticles (NPs) for anti-cancer therapy, TME regulation, and tumor metastasis inhibition. We also discussed the prospect and potential of nanocarriers for cancer therapy.
Analysis of Occupational Therapy Students’ Pedagogical Practices for the Forging of Professional Identity and Development of Professional Intelligence: A Scoping Review
Authors: Souto-Gómez Ana-Isabel , Talavera-Valverde Miguel-Ángel , Márquez-Álvarez Luis-Javier , García-de-la-Torre María-del-Pilar
Published: February 2023

Pedagogical practices contribute to enhancing professional intelligence which is an indicator of maturity and development of professional identity. The research guiding question was: What are the pedagogical practices involved in occupational therapy students’ professional identity formation? A scoping review using a six-stage methodological framework was used to capture a variety of evidence describing how professional identity has been conceptualised and integrated into the occupational therapy curriculum while noticing a link to professional intelligence. Databases included were: Ovid MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, ProQuest ERIC, Scopus, Web of Science, CSIC, Dialnet, PubMed, Pubmed Central, OTDBASE and Scielo. Qualitative content analysis was used to categorise learning outcomes into five components of professional identity that were associated with the pedagogical practices identified in the studies. n = 58 peer-reviewed journal articles were recorded. The articles were classified as intervention studies (n = 31; 53.4%), reviews (n = 12; 20.7%) and theoretical articles (n = 15; 25.9%). To ensure the feasibility of collecting and reporting results, we narrowed the focus to n = 31 intervention studies that provided information on pedagogical practices and learning outcomes on professional identity forging in students. This scoping review illustrates the variety of contexts in which students learn, the multiple dimensions of identity establishment, and the variety of pedagogical practices. These findings can be used to adapt and design focused formative curricula that support the development of professional identity.
Fabrication of Fluorine-Free Superhydrophobic Surface on Aluminum Substrate for Corrosion Protection and Drag Reduction
Authors: Fu Jingguo , Sun Yihe , Wang Jingye , Zhang Hongpeng , Zhang Jifeng , Ji Yulong
Published: February 2023

A fluorine-free cerium palmitate superhydrophobic surface on an aluminum plate was fabricated via a two-step electrodeposition method. The mechanical durability, anti-corrosion performance, water repellency and drag reduction properties were tested. The results indicate that a superhydrophobic surface with a densely packed convex island shape with micro-pores and nano-scale strips was formed on the aluminum plate. Furthermore, the as-prepared surface exhibits excellent water-repelling ability with a water contact angle of 162.3° and a sliding angle of 1.5°. Owing to the protective effect of the convex island structure on the surface, the surface also shows superb mechanical durability, which is a shortcoming of ordinary electrodeposited surfaces. Moreover, compared with bare aluminum, the corrosion inhibition efficiency of the superhydrophobic surface is 99.55% and the surface drag decreases by 65.3% at a lower flow rate. Therefore, it is believed that the environmentally friendly fluorine-free superhydrophobic surface has promising potential applications in marine engineering.
A Geo-Hazard Risk Assessment Technique for Analyzing Impacts of Surface Subsidence within Onyeama Mine, South East Nigeria
Authors: Nduji Nixon N. , Madu Christian N. , Okafor Chukwuebuka C. , Ezeoha Martins U.
Published: February 2023

This paper proposes a geo-hazard risk assessment technique to analyze the impacts of surface subsidence monitored in a major coal mine in Nigeria. In many developing countries, disaster risk management schemes have mainly focused on traditional singular hazard assessment, vulnerability assessment, or risk assessment. However, it is difficult to use a singular application to adequately address hazard assessment due to the variation in data requirements, factors associated with the hazards, and the various elements at risk. Most times, hazard assessment schemes heavily rely on data and techniques from different global organizations that collate data on disasters, using various scales and objectives to make informed decisions. Several challenges seemingly arise from total reliance on these kinds of data due to standardization, the exact number of potential victims, and the purpose of the data collection. This makes disaster information collected at the local level unique and assessment schemes more complete; however, the coverage is limited worldwide. The proposed approach combines the spatial relationship between vulnerability assessment and elements at risk to highlight the grave consequences of potential disasters. Thus, the aim is to underscore the importance of integrating local-level inputs in analyzing risk factors and vulnerability indicators for hazard assessment. This study was conducted at the Onyeama coal mine in South East Nigeria. This area has experienced severe negative impacts of subsidence over the years. We exploit data from Sentinel-1 Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Satellites and Small-Baseline Subset Differential Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (SBAS-DInSAR) technique to map the study area. The results generate an elements-at-risk database with a particular focus on population density, road networks, and building networks identified as indices for loss estimation.
Numerical Analysis of a Transtibial Prosthesis Socket Using 3D-Printed Bio-Based PLA
Authors: Plesec Vasja , Humar Jani , Dobnik-Dubrovski Polona , Harih Gregor
Published: February 2023

Lower-limb prosthesis design and manufacturing still rely mostly on the workshop process of trial-and-error using expensive unrecyclable composite materials, resulting in time-consuming, material-wasting, and, ultimately, expensive prostheses. Therefore, we investigated the possibility of utilizing Fused Deposition Modeling 3D-printing technology with inexpensive bio-based and bio-degradable Polylactic Acid (PLA) material for prosthesis socket development and manufacturing. The safety and stability of the proposed 3D-printed PLA socket were analyzed using a recently developed generic transtibial numeric model, with boundary conditions of donning and newly developed realistic gait cycle phases of a heel strike and forefoot loading according to ISO 10328. The material properties of the 3D-printed PLA were determined using uniaxial tensile and compression tests on transverse and longitudinal samples. Numerical simulations with all boundary conditions were performed for the 3D-printed PLA and traditional polystyrene check and definitive composite socket. The results showed that the 3D-printed PLA socket withstands the occurring von-Mises stresses of 5.4 MPa and 10.8 MPa under heel strike and push-off gait conditions, respectively. Furthermore, the maximum deformations observed in the 3D-printed PLA socket of 0.74 mm and 2.66 mm were similar to the check socket deformations of 0.67 mm and 2.52 mm during heel strike and push-off, respectively, hence providing the same stability for the amputees. We have shown that an inexpensive, bio-based, and bio-degradable PLA material can be considered for manufacturing the lower-limb prosthesis, resulting in an environmentally friendly and inexpensive solution.
Different Conical Angle Connection of Implant and Abutment Behavior: A Static and Dynamic Load Test and Finite Element Analysis Study
Authors: Körtvélyessy Győző , Szabó Árpád László , Pelsőczi-Kovács István , Tarjányi Tamás , Tóth Zsolt , Kárpáti Krisztina , Matusovits Danica , Hangyási Botond Dávid , Baráth Zoltán
Published: February 2023

Dental implants are artificial dental roots anchoring prosthetic restorations to replace natural teeth. Dental implant systems may have different tapered conical connections. Our research focused on the mechanical examination of implant–superstructure connections. Thirty-five samples with 5 different cone angles (24°, 35°, 55°, 75°, and 90°) were tested for static and dynamic loads, carried out by a mechanical fatigue testing machine. Fixing screws were fixed with a torque of 35 Ncm before measurements. For static loading, samples were loaded with a force of 500 N in 20 s. For dynamic loading, the samples were loaded for 15,000 cycles with a force of 250 ± 150 N. In both cases, the compression resulting from load and reverse torque was examined. At the highest compression load of the static tests, a significant difference (p = 0.021) was found for each cone angle group. Following dynamic loading, significant differences (p < 0.001) for the reverse torques of the fixing screw were also shown. Static and dynamic results showed a similar trend: under the same loading conditions, changing the cone angle—which determines the relationship between the implant and the abutment—had led to significant differences in the loosening of the fixing screw. In conclusion, the greater the angle of the implant–superstructure connection, the smaller the screw loosening due to loading, which may have considerable effects on the long-term, safe operation of the dental prosthesis.
Correlation between Friction and Wear in Cylindrical Anchorages Simulated with Wear Machine and Analyzed with Scanning Probe and Electron Microscope
Authors: Dąbrowa Tomasz , Badura Dominik , Pruchnik Bartosz , Gacka Ewelina , Kopczyński Władysław , Mikulewicz Marcin , Gotszalk Teodor , Kijak Edward
Published: February 2023

This paper presents the possibilities of applying atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques to the study of the wear of prosthetic biomaterials. In the conducted research, a zirconium oxide sphere was used as a test piece for mashing, which was moved over the surface of selected biomaterials: polyether ether ketone (PEEK) and dental gold alloy (Degulor M). The process was carried out with constant load force in an artificial saliva environment (Mucinox). An atomic force microscope with an active piezoresistive lever was used to measure wear at the nanoscale. The advantage of the proposed technology is the high resolution of observation (less than 0.5 nm) in the three-dimensional (3D) measurements in a working area of 50 × 50 × 10 µm. The results of nano wear measurements in two measurement setups are presented: zirconia sphere (Degulor M and zirconia sphere) and PEEK were examined. The wear analysis was carried out using appropriate software. Achieved results present a tendency coincident with the macroscopic parameters of materials.
Crystal Structure, Raman, FTIR, UV-Vis Absorption, Photoluminescence Spectroscopy, TG–DSC and Dielectric Properties of New Semiorganic Crystals of 2-Methylbenzimidazolium Perchlorate
Authors: Balashova Elena , Zolotarev Andrey , Levin Aleksandr A. , Davydov Valery , Pavlov Sergey , Smirnov Alexander , Starukhin Anatoly , Krichevtsov Boris , Zhang Hongjun , Li Fangzhe , Luo Huijiadai , Ke Hua
Published: February 2023

Single crystals of 2-methylbenzimidazolium perchlorate were prepared for the first time with a slow evaporation method from an aqueous solution of a mixture of 2-methylbenzimidazole (MBI) crystals and perchloric acid HClO4. The crystal structure was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD) and confirmed by XRD of powder. Angle-resolved polarized Raman and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) absorption spectra of crystals consist of lines caused by molecular vibrations in MBI molecule and ClO4− tetrahedron in the region ν = 200–3500 cm−1 and lattice vibrations in the region of 0–200 cm−1. Both XRD and Raman spectroscopy show a protonation of MBI molecule in the crystal. An analysis of ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) absorption spectra gives an estimation of an optical gap Eg~3.9 eV in the crystals studied. Photoluminescence spectra of MBI-perchlorate crystals consist of a number of overlapping bands with the main maximum at Ephoton ≅ 2.0 eV. Thermogravimetry-differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC) revealed the presence of two first-order phase transitions with different temperature hysteresis at temperatures above room temperature. The higher temperature transition corresponds to the melting temperature. Both phase transitions are accompanied by a strong increase in the permittivity and conductivity, especially during melting, which is similar to the effect of an ionic liquid.
The Fracture Load as a Function of the Material Thickness: The Key to Computing the Strength of Monolithic All-Ceramic Materials?
Authors: Schweiger Josef , Erdelt Kurt-Jürgen , Graf Tobias , Sciuk Thomas , Edelhoff Daniel , Güth Jan-Frederik
Published: February 2023

The thickness of a material has a significant impact on its fracture load. The aim of the study was to find and describe a mathematical relationship between the material thickness and the fracture load for dental all-ceramics. In total, 180 specimens were prepared from a leucite silicate ceramic (ESS), a lithium disilicate ceramic (EMX), and a 3Y-TZP zirconia ceramic (LP) in five thicknesses (0.4, 0.7, 1.0, 1.3, and 1.6 mm; n = 12). The fracture load of all specimens was determined using the biaxial bending test according to the DIN EN ISO 6872. The regression analyses for the linear, quadratic, and cubic curve characteristics of the materials were conducted, and the cubic regression curves showed the best correlation (coefficients of determination (R2): ESS R2 = 0.974, EMX R2 = 0.947, LP R2 = 0.969) for the fracture load values as a function of the material thickness. A cubic relationship could be described for the materials investigated. Applying the cubic function and material-specific fracture-load coefficients, the respective fracture load values can be calculated for the individual material thicknesses. These results help to improve and objectify the estimation of the fracture loads of restorations, to enable a more patient- and indication-centered situation-dependent material choice.
Hexagonal Boron Nitride for Photonic Device Applications: A Review
Authors: Ogawa Shinpei , Fukushima Shoichiro , Shimatani Masaaki
Published: February 2023

Hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) has emerged as a key two-dimensional material. Its importance is linked to that of graphene because it provides an ideal substrate for graphene with minimal lattice mismatch and maintains its high carrier mobility. Moreover, hBN has unique properties in the deep ultraviolet (DUV) and infrared (IR) wavelength bands owing to its indirect bandgap structure and hyperbolic phonon polaritons (HPPs). This review examines the physical properties and applications of hBN-based photonic devices that operate in these bands. A brief background on BN is provided, and the theoretical background of the intrinsic nature of the indirect bandgap structure and HPPs is discussed. Subsequently, the development of DUV-based light-emitting diodes and photodetectors based on hBN’s bandgap in the DUV wavelength band is reviewed. Thereafter, IR absorbers/emitters, hyperlenses, and surface-enhanced IR absorption microscopy applications using HPPs in the IR wavelength band are examined. Finally, future challenges related to hBN fabrication using chemical vapor deposition and techniques for transferring hBN to a substrate are discussed. Emerging techniques to control HPPs are also examined. This review is intended to assist researchers in both industry and academia in the design and development of unique hBN-based photonic devices operating in the DUV and IR wavelength regions.
On the Legal and Economic Implications of Tele-Driving
Authors: Hoffmann Thomas , Prause Gunnar
Published: February 2023

While the idea of autonomous vehicles has been enthusiastically embraced by scientists and commercial markets alike, ranging from solving the last mile problem across shared economy models in various segments to human transportation logistics, more than just a few aspects require further development before driverless urban logistics can be organized more thoroughly and meaningfully for our practical purposes. Before fully autonomous vehicles become standard, many of these shortcomings can be addressed (in part) by the remote operation of vehicles. Besides the various technological challenges, remote operation of vehicles also has many important legal and economic implications, impacting a wide area, including data protection, liability for torts performed, and mundane fields such as road traffic law. Based on a case study of a start-up developing remote operation solutions in Germany (Vay), this paper analyses and further develops the regulatory framework of remote operation solutions by highlighting their legal and economic implications. Since remote operation solutions are comprised of cyber-physical systems, this research is located in the context of Smart Cities and Industry 5.0, i.e., our research contributes to the related regulatory framework of the Smart City concept as well as to Industry 5.0 in international terms. Finally, the paper discusses future perspectives and proposes specific modes of compliance.
Self-Docking Characteristics and Sliding Mode Control on Space Electromagnetic Docking Mechanism
Authors: Wei Boyu , Zhang Jie , Kong Ning , Ma Shuai , Wang Bo , Han Runqi
Published: February 2023

Electromagnetic docking technology can realize the flexible docking and safe separation of spacecraft, and presents broad application prospects. However, an electromagnetic force with nonlinearity and uncertainty properties increases the difficulties of the electromagnetic docking control. In this work, the magnetic dipole far-field model of a single coil has been established by simplifying the electromagnetic docking device. Afterward, the electromagnetic force and electromagnetic torque models were obtained during space electromagnetic docking. The space electromagnetic docking dynamics model was established by analyzing the influences of disturbance force and disturbance torque caused by a geomagnetic field. According to the one-dimensional docking reference trajectory, the sliding mode variable structure controllers based on exponential reaching law were proposed and verified. The quasi-sliding mode control method has been adopted to solve the chattering problem in sliding mode variable structure control. The simulation results show that it is necessary to design and add an electromagnetic controller to achieve flexible docking. The sliding mode variable structure controller based on quasi sliding mode can realize one-dimensional electromagnetic flexible docking, and have made good tracking effect on the reference trajectory. Compared with the control method based on exponential reaching law, it can reduce the chattering phenomenon in the control process. The sliding mode variable structure control strategy based on quasi sliding mode presented good robustness. Therefore, it can provide theoretical guidance and control reference for the flexible docking process between electromagnetic satellites.
Experimental Study on Electro-Spark Additive/Subtractive Repair for Worn Cemented Carbide
Authors: Liu Yu , Qu Jiawei , Cai Xintong , Zhang Wenchao , Zhang Shengfang
Published: February 2023

Worn cemented carbide tool bits are often discarded because of the difficulty of their repair, resulting in a great deal of waste. Surface strengthening technology often extends the service life of worn tools. Electro-spark deposition (ESD) coating and matrix materials are metallurgically and closely bonded, and the approach has the characteristics of small heat input, a small heat-affected zone, and low repair cost, so it is suitable for strengthening the surface of cemented carbide tools. As the surface of cemented carbide tools is often not flat, which affects the uniformity of the deposited layer, the surface needs to be polished before ESD. Therefore, this paper proposed a method involving the electro-spark additive and subtractive repair of worn cemented carbide. Experiments involving the ultrasonic-assisted EDM grinding (UEDG) of cemented carbide were carried out. The effect of brass, 45 steel, and tungsten electrode materials on the removal rate, tool wear, and surface roughness were investigated. The results showed that the material removal rate of the tungsten electrode could reach 3.27 mm3/min, while the electrode loss was only 8.16%, and the average surface roughness was only 2.465 μm, which was better than the other two electrodes. Thus, the tungsten electrode exhibited a high material removal rate, low electrode loss, and good surface quality. The effects of the TiC, TiN, and TC4 electrodes on cemented carbide ESD were studied using optical 3D surface topography and other instruments, and the surface roughness, thickness, and hardness of the deposited layer were compared. The results showed that the surface roughness of the TC4 material reached 52.726 μm, which was better than that of the TiN and TiC materials. The thickness of the TiC deposition layer was 172.409 μm and the hardness value was 2231.9 HV; thus, the thickness and hardness of the TiC material’s sedimentary layer were better than those of the TiN and TC4 materials.
Continuous Wavelet Transform of Time-Frequency Analysis Technique to Capture the Dynamic Hedging Ability of Precious Metals
Authors: Su Chi-Wei , Wang Kai-Hua , Lobonţ Oana-Ramona , Qin Meng
Published: February 2023

Exploring the hedging ability of precious metals through a novel perspective is crucial for better investment. This investigation applies the wavelet technique to study the complicated correlation between global economic policy uncertainty (GEPU) and the prices of precious metals. The empirical outcomes suggest that GEPU exerts positive influences on the prices of precious metals, indicating that precious metals could hedge against global economic policy uncertainty, which is supported by the inter-temporal capital asset pricing model (ICAPM). Among them, gold is better for long-term investment than silver, which is more suitable for the short run in recent years, while platinum’s hedging ability is virtually non-existent after the global trade wars. Conversely, the positive influences from gold price on GEPU underline that the gold market plays a prospective role in the situation of economic policies worldwide, which does not exist in the silver market. Besides, the effects of platinum price on GEPU change from positive to negative, suggesting that the underlying cause of its forward-looking effect on GEPU alters from the investment value to the industrial one. In the context of the increasing instability of global economic policies, the above conclusions could offer significant lessons to both investors and governments.
Patients with Diabetes Experienced More Serious and Protracted Sickness from the COVID-19 Infection: A Prospective Study
Authors: Bashir Muiez , Inzamam Wani , Robbani Irfan , Banday Tanveer Rasool , Al-Misned Fahad A. , El-Serehy Hamed A. , Vladulescu Carmen
Published: February 2023

Background and Objectives: In December 2019, a flu-like illness began in the Chinese city of Wuhan. This sickness mainly affected the lungs, ranging from a minor respiratory tract infection to a severe lung involvement that mimicked the symptoms of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The World Health Organization (WHO) labelled this sickness as a pandemic in March 2020, after it quickly spread throughout the world population. It became clear, as the illness progressed, that people with concomitant illnesses, particularly diabetes mellitus (DM) and other immunocompromised states, were outmatched by this illness. This study was aimed to evaluate the correlation between Computed Tomographic Severity Score (CTSS) and underlying diabetes mellitus in coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 patients. Materials and Methods: This was a hospital-based prospective study in which a total of 152 patients with reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) positive COVID status who underwent high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of the chest were evaluated and categorized into mild, moderate and severe cases based on the extent of lung parenchymal involvement. A total score from 0–25 was given, based on the magnitude of lung involvement. Statistical analysis was used to derive a correlation between DM and CTSS, if any. Results: From our study, it was proven that patients with underlying diabetic status had more severe involvement of the lung as compared to non-diabetics, and it was found to be statistically significant (p = 0.024). Conclusions: On analysis of what we found based on the study, it can be concluded that patients with underlying diabetic status had a more prolonged and severe illness in comparison to non-diabetics, with higher CTSS in diabetics than in non-diabetics.
A Cross-Sectional Investigation of the Association between Arterial Stiffness and Depressive Symptoms, Anxiety Symptoms, and Quality of Life
Authors: Yoo Tae-Kyung , Lee Seunghee , Hwang Soo-Young , Ahn Curie , Park Saejong , Lee Jong-Young
Published: February 2023

Background and Objectives: Previous studies have assessed the association between arterial stiffness and depressive and anxiety symptoms, but the results were inconsistent. We aimed to conduct a cross-sectional study to assess the relationship between arterial stiffness, depressive and anxiety symptoms, and quality of life. Materials and Methods: We analyzed the 2014–2015 Korea Institute of Sport Science Fitness Standards project data. Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) was measured to assess arterial stiffness. High baPWV was defined as a baPWV higher than 1400 cm/s. Participants completed Beck’s depressive symptoms inventory (BDI), Beck’s anxiety symptoms inventory (BAI), and the World Health Organization’s Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQOL-Bref). We performed a logistic regression analysis by adjusting confounding factors and used the inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) method. Results: 1936 participants were included in the analysis (men 43.9%, median age 47). Participants with a high baPWV had higher odds of depressive symptoms compared to those with a normal baPWV (aOR 1.920, 95% CI 1.062–3.472, p = 0.031; IPTW OR 2.637, 95% CI 1.219–5.704, p = 0.014). In addition, baPWV was significantly associated with depressive symptoms in the IPTW model in men but not in women (OR 2.497, 95% CI 1.004–6.207, p = 0.049). High baPWV was not associated with anxiety symptoms in all models, but it was associated with poor QOL in women (OR 4.561, 95% CI 1.465–14.199, p = 0.009). Conclusions: High baPWV was associated with higher odds of depressive symptoms, especially in men. Our study suggests a modest association between arterial stiffness and depressive symptoms in Korean adults.
Polymer-Infiltrated Metal–Organic Frameworks for Thin-Film Composite Mixed-Matrix Membranes with High Gas Separation Properties
Authors: Min Hyo Jun , Kim Min-Bum , Bae Youn-Sang , Thallapally Praveen K. , Lee Jae Hun , Kim Jong Hak
Published: February 2023

Thin-film composite mixed-matrix membranes (TFC-MMMs) have potential applications in practical gas separation processes because of their high permeance (gas flux) and gas selectivity. In this study, we fabricated a high-performance TFC-MMM based on a rubbery comb copolymer, i.e., poly(2-[3-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4-hydroxyphenyl] ethyl methacrylate)-co-poly(oxyethylene methacrylate) (PBE), and metal–organic framework MOF-808 nanoparticles. The rubbery copolymer penetrates through the pores of MOF-808, thereby tuning the pore size. In addition, the rubbery copolymer forms a defect-free interfacial morphology with polymer-infiltrated MOF-808 nanoparticles. Consequently, TFC-MMMs (thickness = 350 nm) can be successfully prepared even with a high loading of MOF-808. As polymer-infiltrated MOF is incorporated into the polymer matrix, the PBE/MOF-808 membrane exhibits a significantly higher CO2 permeance (1069 GPU) and CO2/N2 selectivity (52.7) than that of the pristine PBE membrane (CO2 permeance = 431 GPU and CO2/N2 selectivity = 36.2). Therefore, the approach considered in this study is suitable for fabricating high-performance thin-film composite membranes via polymer infiltration into MOF pores.
Enhanced Antioxidant and Anticancer Potential of Artemisia carvifolia Buch Transformed with rol A Gene
Authors: Khan Amna Naheed , Dilshad Erum
Published: February 2023

Secondary metabolites have been shown to possess a range of biological functions. Flavonoids, due to their ability to scavenge ROS, are famous antioxidants. The plants of Artemisia species are rich sources of flavonoids; however, the amount of these metabolites is less. In the current study, the flavonoid content was detected and then enhanced by genetically modifying the Artemisia carvifolia Buch with Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain GV3101 carrying rol A gene. The transformation of rol A gene was confirmed with PCR and the gene copy number was confirmed by Southern blot analysis. The HPLC analysis revealed the presence of catechin (3.19 ug/mg DW) and geutisic acid (2.22 ug/mg DW) in transformed plants, unlike wild-type plants. In transformed plants, all detected flavonoids (vanillic acid, rutin, catechine, gallic acid, syringic acid, caffeic acid, coumaric acid, geutisic acid, ferulic acid, and cinnamic acid) were increased up to several folds. Real-time qPCR revealed the higher expression levels of the genes for flavonoid biosynthesis enzymes phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) and chalcone synthase (CHS) in plants transformed with rol A genes, as the expression levels were increased up to 9–20-fold and 2–6-fold, respectively. The rol A transgenic lines T3 and T5 carrying two copies of rol A gene, particularly showed higher expression of both PAL and CHS gene, with the highest expression in T3 line. The transgenic lines demonstrated an average increase of 1.4-fold in the total phenolic content and 1–2-fold in the total flavonoid content as compared to wild-type plants. Total antioxidant capacity and total reducing power were increased up to an average of 1–2-fold and 1.5–2-fold respectively, along with increased free radical scavenging ability. Furthermore, the rol A gene transgenics were found to have much greater cytotoxic capacity than the A. carvifolia wild-type plant against the MCF7, HeLA, and HePG2 cancer cell lines. Current findings show that the rol A gene effectively increases the flavonoid content of A. carvifolia Buch, boosting the plant’s capacity as an antioxidant and an anticancer. This is the first-ever report, demonstrating the genetic transformation of Artemisia carvifolia Buch with rol A gene.
Assessment of Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D and Its Association in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Elderly Patients with Kidney Disease: A Retrospective Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Shahwan Moyad , Hassan Nageeb , Mazin Noor , Jairoun Ammar , Al Khoja Sahab , Shahwan Monzer , Najjar Osama , Al-Qirim Tariq
Published: February 2023

The overall aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and its association with diabetic nephropathy in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. This study is a single center retrospective cross-sectional design conducted at private medical center. The study group included all patients (18 years or older) suffering from type 2 diabetes mellitus that attended the diabetic clinic from September 2019 to January 2021. The main outcome variable is a trough level of (<20 ng/mL) for 25OHD. The patients were categorized as having diabetic nephropathy based on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Total glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), creatinine serum, Alb: Cr ratio, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C), systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were compared between vitamin D deficiency groups. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to investigate the association between vitamin D deficiency and other significant anthropometric and biochemical factors. A p value < 0.05 was chosen as the criterion to make decisions regarding statistical significance. Among the 453 diabetic patients included in study, 48.6% (n = 220) were male and 51.4% (n = 233) were female. The mean age ± S.D of the patients was 54.5 ± 10.6 years old. Out of 453 diabetic patients, 71.1% (95% CI: 66.9%–75.3%) had vitamin D deficiency (25OHD < 20 ng/mL). There was a statistically significant association between 25OHD level and diabetic nephropathy in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Diabetic patients with e-GFR < 60 mL/min more likely to have vitamin D deficiency (p < 0.001). Similarly, individuals with Alb: Cr ratio > 30 mg/g were more likely to have vitamin D deficiency (p < 0.001). Moreover, diabetic patients with serum creatinine > 1.8 mg/dL were more likely to have vitamin D deficiency (p < 0.001). The study revealed a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. A significant association was reported between 25-hydroxyvitamin D, e-GFR and Alb: Cr ratio.
Design of a Low-Reflection Flat Lens Antenna Based on Conformal Transformation Optics
Authors: Nazarzadeh Fateme , Heidari Abbas Ali
Published: February 2023

In this paper, a wideband flat lens antenna with low reflection and good performance is presented based on conformal transformation optics (CTO). Physical space optimization is applied to eliminate singular refractive index values. Furthermore, we employ the optical path rescaling method to enhance the sub-unity refractive indices and to reduce reflection. Therefore, an implementable all-dielectric isotropic medium is obtained. The final flat lens profile comprises six layers with a constant permittivity value in each layer. Simulation results of the three-dimensional structure indicate that the designed flat lens operates in a wide frequency bandwidth. The flat lens antenna has an S11 value of less than −15 dB in the frequency range of 13 to 30 GHz. The proposed lens was designed and simulated using COMSOL Multiphysics, and radiation performance results were validated using the CST Studio Suite. The simulated radiation pattern shows that the side lobe level is less than −16.5 dB in two simulation software programs, and the half-power beam width varies from 5.6° to 2.7° with increasing frequency. Moreover, the simulated antenna gain is about 28.3–35.5 dBi in the 13–30 GHz frequency range.
Non-Unique Solutions of Magnetohydrodynamic Stagnation Flow of a Nanofluid towards a Shrinking Sheet Using the Solar Radiation Effect
Authors: Alabdulhadi Sumayyah , Ishak Anuar , Waini Iskandar , Ahmed Sameh
Published: February 2023

This study aims to investigate the magnetohydrodynamic flow induced by a moving surface in a nanofluid and the occurrence of suction and solar radiation effects using the Buongiorno model. The numerical findings are obtained using MATLAB software. The effects of various governing parameters on the rates of heat and mass transfer along with the nanoparticles concentration and temperature profiles are elucidated graphically. Non-unique solutions are discovered for a specific variation of the shrinking strength. The temporal stability analysis shows that only one of them is stable as time passes. Furthermore, raising the Brownian motion parameter reduces both the local Sherwood number and the local Nusselt number for both solutions. It is also observed that increasing the thermophoresis parameter reduces the rate of heat transfer, whereas the opposite trend is observed for the rate of mass transfer.
Modulation of the Morphological Architecture of Mn2O3 Nanoparticles to MnCoO Nanoflakes by Loading Co3+ Via a Co-Precipitation Approach for Mosquitocidal Development
Authors: Mohamed Rania A. , Kassem Lamyaa M. , Ghazali Niveen M. , Elgazzar Elsayed , Mostafa Wageha A.
Published: February 2023

The spread of many infectious diseases by vectors is a globally severe issue. Climate change and the increase of vector resistance are the primary sources of rising mosquito populations. Therefore, advanced approaches are needed to prevent the dispersal of life-threatening diseases. Herein, Mn2O3 NPs and MnCoO nanocomposites were presented as mosquitocidal agents. The synthesized samples were prepared by a co-precipitation route and characterized using different techniques indicating the change of host Mn2O3 structure to 2D MnCoO nanoflakes with Co3+ integration. The thermal decomposition of the nanoparticles was examined by TGA analysis, showing high stability. The energy gap (Eg) of Mn2O3 was estimated within the visible spectrum of the value 2.95 eV, which reduced to 2.80 eV with doping support. The impact of Mn2O3 and MnCoO on immature stages was investigated by semithin photomicrographs exhibiting significant changes in the midgut, fat tissue and muscles of the third larval instar. Moreover, the external deformations in pupae were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
SET Kinetics of Ag/HfO2-Based Diffusive Memristors under Various Counter-Electrode Materials
Authors: Chekol Solomon Amsalu , Nacke Richard , Aussen Stephan , Hoffmann-Eifert Susanne
Published: February 2023

The counter-electrode (CE) material in electrochemical metallization memory (ECM) cells plays a crucial role in the switching process by affecting the reactions at the CE/electrolyte interface. This is due to the different electrocatalytic activity of the CE material towards reduction–oxidation reactions, which determines the metal ion concentration in the electrolyte and ultimately impacts the switching kinetics. In this study, the focus is laid on Pt, TiN, and W, which are relevant in standard chip technology. For these, the influence of CE metal on the switching kinetics of Ag/HfO2-based volatile ECM cells is investigated. Rectangular voltage pulses of different amplitudes were applied, and the SET times were analyzed from the transient curves. The results show that CE material has a significant effect on the SET kinetics, with differences being observed depending on the voltage regime. The formation of interfacial oxides at the CE/electrolyte interface, particularly for non-noble metals, is also discussed in relation to the findings. Overall, this work highlights the important role of the CE material in the switching process of Ag/HfO2-based diffusive memristors and the importance of considering interfacial oxide formation in the design of these devices.
Influence of Aerosolization on Endothelial Cells for Efficient Cell Deposition in Biohybrid and Regenerative Applications
Authors: Cheremkhina Maria , Klein Sarah , Babendreyer Aaron , Ludwig Andreas , Schmitz-Rode Thomas , Jockenhoevel Stefan , Cornelissen Christian G. , Thiebes Anja Lena
Published: February 2023

The endothelialization of gas exchange membranes can increase the hemocompatibility of extracorporeal membrane oxygenators and thus become a long-term lung replacement option. Cell seeding on large or uneven surfaces of oxygenator membranes is challenging, with cell aerosolization being a possible solution. In this study, we evaluated the endothelial cell aerosolization for biohybrid lung application. A Vivostat® system was used for the aerosolization of human umbilical vein endothelial cells with non-sprayed cells serving as a control. The general suitability was evaluated using various flow velocities, substrate distances and cell concentrations. Cells were analyzed for survival, apoptosis and necrosis levels. In addition, aerosolized and non-sprayed cells were cultured either static or under flow conditions in a dynamic microfluidic model. Evaluation included immunocytochemistry and gene expression via quantitative PCR. Cell survival for all tested parameters was higher than 90%. No increase in apoptosis and necrosis levels was seen 24 h after aerosolization. Spraying did not influence the ability of the endothelial cells to form a confluent cell layer and withstand shear stresses in a dynamic microfluidic model. Immunocytochemistry revealed typical expression of CD31 and von Willebrand factor with cobble-stone cell morphology. No change in shear stress-induced factors after aerosolization was reported by quantitative PCR analysis. With this study, we have shown the feasibility of endothelial cell aerosolization with no significant changes in cell behavior. Thus, this technique could be used for efficient the endothelialization of gas exchange membranes in biohybrid lung applications.