bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Quality of Mother–Child Feeding Interactions Predicts Psychopathological Symptoms in Offspring and Mothers Seven Years Later: A Longitudinal Study on the General Population
Authors: Cimino Silvia , Andrei Federica , De Pascalis Leonardo , Trombini Elena , Tambelli Renata , Cerniglia Luca
Published: December 2023

The increased risk of internalizing and externalizing symptoms in children has been observed in the presence of maternal psychopathology. This study aimed to investigate a potential pathway involving the quality of early interactions between mothers and their children. A sample of 150 mother–child dyads underwent assessment when the children were 3 years old and around the age of 10. Video recordings of feeding exchanges between mothers and children were analyzed to evaluate the quality of mother–child interactions. Maternal psychopathology and child internalizing and externalizing symptoms were measured through self-report and report-form measures completed by mothers. The quality of mother–child feeding interactions at three years of age significantly differentiated (p < 0.001), eight years later, between mothers at high and low psychopathological risk and between children exhibiting clinical and subclinical internalizing symptoms. Clinically relevant child symptoms were notably more prevalent when the mother–child interaction quality at three years of age was maladaptive, particularly in the context of concurrent high maternal psychopathological risk. The study findings underscore the importance of focusing on the early quality of mother–child feeding interactions to identify potential situations of maternal and child clinical risk for the development of psychopathological symptoms and to guide preemptive measures and policies.
Positron Emission Tomography-Derived Radiomics and Artificial Intelligence in Multiple Myeloma: State-of-the-Art
Authors: Manco Luigi , Albano Domenico , Urso Luca , Arnaboldi Mattia , Castellani Massimo , Florimonte Luigia , Guidi Gabriele , Turra Alessandro , Castello Angelo , Panareo Stefano
Published: December 2023

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a heterogeneous neoplasm accounting for the second most prevalent hematologic disorder. The identification of noninvasive, valuable biomarkers is of utmost importance for the best patient treatment selection, especially in heterogeneous diseases like MM. Despite molecular imaging with positron emission tomography (PET) has achieved a primary role in the characterization of MM, it is not free from shortcomings. In recent years, radiomics and artificial intelligence (AI), which includes machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) algorithms, have played an important role in mining additional information from medical images beyond human eyes’ resolving power. Our review provides a summary of the current status of radiomics and AI in different clinical contexts of MM. A systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus was conducted, including all the articles published in English that explored radiomics and AI analyses of PET/CT images in MM. The initial results have highlighted the potential role of such new features in order to improve the clinical stratification of MM patients, as well as to increase their clinical benefits. However, more studies are warranted before these approaches can be implemented in clinical routines.
A Novel Deformation Analytical Solution and Constitutive Model for Fractured Rock Masses
Authors: Zhu Zeqi , Cui Lan , Dong Youkou , Sheng Qian , Tian Kaiwei , Guo Zhenshan
Published: December 2023

In order to study the deformation and stability of a fractured rock mass, existing research suggests that fracture deformation, which is usually obtained by evaluating the equivalent deformation modulus, dominates the deformation of a fractured rock mass. However, this parameter is difficult to obtain in theory and practice, which limits the application of rock mass deformation analysis methods. In order to calculate the deformation of fractured rock masses, the mass of the rock is regarded as a sponge-like material, and it is assumed that the deformation of a water-saturated fractured rock mass under external force load is approximately equal to the net flow of fracture water. Based on this assumption, firstly, the relationship between rock mass deformation and fracture flow is studied through a single-fracture rock mass model. The hydraulic properties of the fracture are characterized by the permeability coefficient, and the fracture deformation in the rock mass is equivalent to the fracture flow. The fracture deformation calculation formula is derived from the fracture hydraulics calculation formula, and this is compared with the measured data. The rationality of the calculation formula was verified. On this basis, the calculation formula for rock mass deformation, including multiple groups of fracture surfaces, is proposed, and the stress-strain constitutive relationship of a complex rock mass is established. The correctness of the calculation method was verified by comparing it with other theoretical calculation results.
Performance of a Raft-Type Wave Energy Converter with Diverse Mooring Configurations
Authors: Zhang Yuan , Chen Xuanyu , Xu Peng , Zhao Xizeng , el Moctar Ould , Jiang Changqing
Published: December 2023

The development and utilization of wave energy, heralded as a potential leading source of clean energy worldwide, have garnered considerable attention from the global research community. Among the diverse array of wave energy converters (WECs), the raft-type WEC stands out for its potential to efficiently harness and utilize wave energy, offering high energy conversion rates and a broad frequency response range. This paper delves into the evaluation of a raft-type WEC’s performance in various mooring configurations under different wave conditions. Our analysis primarily focuses on the dynamics of the two-body WEC using a weakly nonlinear three-dimensional potential flow solver. The considered device comprises two interconnected floating barges, incorporating a power take-off system at the hinged connection point. This investigation involves the use of equivalent linear damping to model the power take-off (PTO) system. To validate the numerical simulations, we conduct physical model experiments with WECs. Additionally, the coupling of the raft-type WEC’s dynamics and its mooring dynamics was examined, highlighting the performance differences between various mooring systems through a comparative analysis.
A Tidal Flat Adjacent to a Fringe Mangrove Forest Mitigates pCO2 Increases and Enhances Lateral Export of Dissolved Carbon
Authors: Nakamura Wataru , Wang Kangnian , Ono Kenji , Endo Toru , Watanabe Shin , Mori Taiki , Furukawa Keita , Fujimoto Kiyoshi , Sasaki Jun
Published: December 2023

Carbon export from mangrove forests to the oceans partly acts as a sink for atmospheric CO2, exceeding the rate of carbon burial in mangrove soils. Primary production in ecosystems adjacent to mangroves may prevent degassing and enhance further carbon export from mangroves to the oceans. In this study, we continuously monitored carbonate chemistry parameters (pCO2, dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), total alkalinity (TA)) and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in a tidal flat adjacent to a fringe mangrove forest over a spring-neap tidal cycle. Mean pCO2 during the entire period was 923 ± 318 μatm, and the export of TA, DIC, and DOC from the mangroves to the ocean was 36 ± 26 mmol m−2 d−1, 42 ± 39 mmol m−2 d−1, and 10 ± 9 mmol m−2 d−1, respectively. Semi-monthly pCO2 variations in the mangrove front were controlled by the tidal level during spring tide and by photosynthesis and respiration on the tidal flat during neap tide. This means that during neap tide, photosynthesis on the tidal flat offset the increase in pCO2 caused by the porewater export from the mangrove soil. The DIC/TA export ratio in this study was 1.17 ± 0.08, which was lower than the global average of 1.41 ± 1.39, indicating that the tidal flat adjacent to the mangrove forest may act as a buffer zone to mitigate the increase in pCO2, resulting in much of the exported DIC being stored in the ocean.
Parametric Study on Mooring System Design of Submerged Floating Tunnel under Extreme Wave and Seismic Excitation
Authors: Chung Woo Chul , Jin Chungkuk , Kim MooHyun , Kim Sewon
Published: December 2023

This study proposes a mooring design strategy for a submerged floating tunnel (SFT) subject to extreme waves and earthquakes. Several critical design parameters, such as submerged depth and mooring station interval, are taken into account. As a target structure, a 700 m long SFT system with permanent stations at both ends, representing the fixed–fixed-end boundary condition, is established. To consider coupled dynamics between the tunnel and the mooring system with structural elasticity, an efficient time-domain simulation model is established. Three combinations of environmental conditions are considered: extreme wave only, extreme earthquake only, and both extreme earthquake and operating wave. First, to check the submerged-depth effect on the dynamic response of the SFT system, including mooring tension, two different submerged-depth (deep and shallow) types are simulated and analyzed. It is confirmed that the deep submerged-depth model (A-type) has an advantage under extreme wave conditions, whereas the shallow submerged-depth model (B-type) is equipped with better resistance when subject to an earthquake. Thus, the compromise submerged-depth model (C-type) is newly devised to enhance structural integrity under various environmental circumstances. Furthermore, a mooring station interval sensitivity test with the C-type is performed and demonstrates the integrity of the C-type.
Can the Seed Trade Provide a Potential Pathway for the Global Distribution of Foliar Pathogens? An Investigation into the Use of Heat Treatments to Reduce Risk of Dothistroma septosporum Transmission via Seed Stock
Authors: Tubby Katherine , Forster Jack , Mullett Martin , Needham Robert , Smith Olivia , Snowden James , McCartan Shelagh
Published: December 2023

The international plant trade results in the accidental movement of invasive pests and pathogens, and has contributed significantly to recent range expansion of pathogens including Dothistroma septosporum. Seeds are usually thought to present a lower biosecurity risk than plants, but the importation of Pinus contorta seeds from North America to Britain in the mid-1900s, and similarities between British and Canadian D. septosporum populations suggests seeds could be a pathway. Dothistroma septosporum has not been isolated from seeds, but inadequately cleaned seed material could contain infected needle fragments. This case study investigated whether cone kilning, and wet and dry heat treatments could reduce D. septosporum transmission without damaging seed viability. Pinus needles infected with D. septosporum were incubated alongside cones undergoing three commercial seed extraction processes. Additional needles were exposed to temperatures ranging from 10 to 67 °C dry heat for up to 48 h, or incubated in water heated to between 20 and 60 °C for up to one hour. Pinus sylvestris seeds were exposed to 60 and 65 dry heat °C for 48 h, and further seed samples incubated in water heated to between 20 and 60 °C for up to one hour. Dothistroma septosporum survived the three kilning processes and while seeds were not damaged by dry heat exceeding 63.5 °C, at this temperature no D. septosporum survived. Wet heat treatments resulted in less than 10% pathogen survival following incubation at 40 °C, while at this temperature the seeds suffered no significant impacts, even when submerged for one hour. Thus, commercial seed kilning could allow D. septosporum transmission, but elevated wet and dry heat treatments could be applied to seed stock to minimise pathogen risk without significantly damaging seed viability.
Primary Resistance to EGFR Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs): Contexts and Comparisons in EGFR-Mutated Lung Cancer
Authors: Kobayashi Keigo
Published: December 2023

The discovery of the efficacy of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutated non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients has revolutionized lung cancer therapy. Although almost all responders acquire drug resistance within a few years, many studies have revealed several acquired-resistant mechanisms and developed therapeutic strategies countervailing them, most notably against the EGFR T790M gatekeeper mutation. However, little progress has been made in terms of elucidating the mechanisms of primary resistance. Primary resistance may be defined into two types of resistance, clinically representing patients that do not respond (non-responders) to EGFR-TKIs. The first group consists of approximately 10% of patients that are insensitive to EGFR-TKIs from the outset (intrinsic primary resistance), and 20–30% of the second group consists of patients that seem to clinically benefit at first, but experience early relapse within six months (late primary resistance). In this review, we first provide an overview of drug-induced lung cancer dynamics. We then delve into the mechanisms of primary resistance, with a primary focus on two specific subtypes of resistance. We suggest that “intrinsic primary resistance” is characterized by pre-existing somatic and genomic changes and cell of origins, while “late primary resistance” is correlated with the drug-tolerant persister state. Developing therapeutic strategies to overcome primary resistance is crucial to prolonging the duration of EGFR-TKI therapy. Ultimately, this will allow for an enhanced understanding of lung cancer’s evolutional process, leading to the reversal of acquired resistance and the complete eradication of lung cancer.
Total Knee Arthroplasty in Patients with Ipsilateral Hip Fusion: Technical Notes and Literature Review
Authors: Savin Liliana , Pinteala Tudor , Botez Paul , Miu Smaranda , Forna Norin , Mihailescu Dan , Popescu Dragos Cristian , Enescu George , Sirbu Paul Dan
Published: December 2023

Numerous studies report the success and outcomes of the total knee arthroplasty (TKA); however, few papers present patients with knee osteoarthritis and ipsilateral hip fusion. One controversy when treating patients requiring a TKA with prior ipsilateral hip fusion is whether to first perform a total hip arthroplasty (THA) of the fused hip, followed by the ipsilateral TKA, or to proceed with the TKA without replacing the hip; studies suggest that the position of the fused hip is a key factor when making this therapeutical decision. In addition, performing a TKA in patients with an ipsilateral fused hip may require modifications to the surgical technique generated by the lack of joint mobility in the hip. We identified 12 studies encompassing 30 patients with hip fusion and ipsilateral TKA in current orthopedic literature, but only six offered insights on patient positioning on the operating table during surgery. This study aims to review the current literature on patients with knee osteoarthritis and prior ipsilateral hip fusion and to present some technical considerations when performing a TKA on a 75-year-old patient with hip ankylosis who underwent a total ipsilateral knee arthroplasty in our clinic.
Exploring the Form of a Smart City District: A Morphometric Comparison with Examples of Previous Design Models
Authors: Venerandi Alessandro , Fusco Giovanni , Caglioni Matteo
Published: December 2023

In key moments of urban history, urban design is confronted with the emergence of new paradigmatic design models, such as the garden city and the radiant city. Recently, the Smart City seems to have gained centre stage in the public debate. However, despite its emblazoned technological features, the Smart City remains a hazy concept in the urban design domain to such an extent that almost any form can be built under the Smart City label. While this may sound libertarian and progressist, it is also concerning since different urban forms are associated with different societal outcomes. This paper aims to investigate the forms of Smart City districts through morphometric comparison. More specifically, it proposes a replicable methodology based on 18 metrics of urban form and statistical analysis to compare a Smart City district with other city areas with known design models of reference. Such a methodology is applied to three case studies on the French Riviera: Méridia, a Smart City district, Hôtel-des-Postes, a 19th-century traditional district, and Sophia Antipolis, a sprawling technopark. The results show that Méridia has a hybrid form that partly resembles Hôtel-des-Postes (higher densities, gridiron plan, and functional mix) and partly Sophia Antipolis (bulky buildings with large setbacks). However, the top–down approach used in the production of the physical space ultimately renders Méridia more similar to Sophia Antipolis than Hôtel-des-Postes. This study provides one of the first morphometric characterisations of a Smart City district, but also a replicable methodology that can further the morphological understanding of the Smart City phenomenon worldwide.
Urban Land Carbon Emission and Carbon Emission Intensity Prediction Based on Patch-Generating Land Use Simulation Model and Grid with Multiple Scenarios in Tianjin
Authors: Li Xiang , Liu Zhaoshun , Li Shujie , Li Yingxue , Wang Weiyu
Published: December 2023

With regard to the aims of achieving the “Dual Carbon” goal and addressing the significant greenhouse gas emissions caused by urban expansion, there has been a growing emphasis on spatial research and the prediction of urban carbon emissions. This article examines land use data from 2000 to 2020 and combines Grid and the PLUS model to predict carbon emissions in 2030 through a multi-scenario simulation. The research findings indicate the following: (1) Between 2000 and 2020, construction land increased by 95.83%, with carbon emissions also increasing. (2) By 2030, for the NDS (natural development scenario), carbon emissions are expected to peak at 6012.87 × 104 t. Regarding the ratio obtained through the EDS (economic development scenario), construction land is projected to grow to 3990.72 km2, with expected emissions of 6863.29 × 104 t. For the LCS (low-carbon scenario), the “carbon peak” is expected to be reached before 2030. (3) The intensity of carbon emissions decreases as the city size increases. (4) The shift of the center of carbon emission intensity and the center of construction land all indicate movement towards the southeast. Studying the trends of regional land use change and the patterns of land use carbon emissions is beneficial for optimizing the land use structure, thereby enabling us to achieve low-carbon emission reductions and sustainable urban development.
Identification and Analysis of Potential Open-Sharing Subjects of Unit-Affiliated Green Spaces in Shanghai Based on POI Data
Authors: Liu Bo , Zheng Sijun , Zhang Lang , Liu Jialin , Fu Tingting , Hao Ruijun , Yin Ming
Published: December 2023

In the post-pandemic era, the need for accessible urban green open spaces has increased. There is an urgent need to accurately identify large-scale unit-affiliated green spaces and focus on the potential for open sharing. Therefore, using POI data from the Gaode map of Shanghai obtained via web crawler, combined with remote sensing image data and the current green space data, the subjects of unit-affiliated green spaces in the main urban area and five new towns of Shanghai were identified in 2021. On this basis, in-depth explorations were carried out in terms of the type and number of subjects, the overall layout, and the grading of potential open sharing. A new application path for identifying subjects of unit-affiliated green spaces based on the POI data was established. The analysis of the potential openness of the subjects strongly supports the open sharing of unit-affiliated green spaces; the open sharing of unit-affiliated green spaces can compensate for the deficiencies in the fairness and efficiency of urban green spaces.
Pilot Lipidomics Study of Copepods: Investigation of Potential Lipid-Based Biomarkers for the Early Detection and Quantification of the Biological Effects of Climate Change on the Oceanic Food Chain
Authors: Wood Paul L. , Wood Michael D. , Kunigelis Stan C.
Published: December 2023

Maintenance of the health of our oceans is critical for the survival of the oceanic food chain upon which humanity is dependent. Zooplanktonic copepods are among the most numerous multicellular organisms on earth. As the base of the primary consumer food web, they constitute a major biomass in oceans, being an important food source for fish and functioning in the carbon cycle. The potential impact of climate change on copepod populations is an area of intense study. Omics technologies offer the potential to detect early metabolic alterations induced by the stresses of climate change. One such omics approach is lipidomics, which can accurately quantify changes in lipid pools serving structural, signal transduction, and energy roles. We utilized high-resolution mass spectrometry (≤2 ppm mass error) to characterize the lipidome of three different species of copepods in an effort to identify lipid-based biomarkers of copepod health and viability which are more sensitive than observational tools. With the establishment of such a lipid database, we will have an analytical platform useful for prospectively monitoring the lipidome of copepods in a planned long-term five-year ecological study of climate change on this oceanic sentinel species. The copepods examined in this pilot study included a North Atlantic species (Calanus finmarchicus) and two species from the Gulf of Mexico, one a filter feeder (Acartia tonsa) and one a hunter (Labidocerca aestiva). Our findings clearly indicate that the lipidomes of copepod species can vary greatly, supporting the need to obtain a broad snapshot of each unique lipidome in a long-term multigeneration prospective study of climate change. This is critical, since there may well be species-specific responses to the stressors of climate change and co-stressors such as pollution. While lipid nomenclature and biochemistry are extremely complex, it is not essential for all readers interested in climate change to understand all of the various lipid classes presented in this study. The clear message from this research is that we can monitor key copepod lipid families with high accuracy, and therefore potentially monitor lipid families that respond to environmental perturbations evoked by climate change.
Research on an Intelligent Classification Algorithm of Ferrography Wear Particles Based on Integrated ResNet50 and SepViT
Authors: He Lei , Wei Haijun , Gao Wenjie
Published: December 2023

The wear particle classification algorithm proposed is based on an integrated ResNet50 and Vision Transformer, aiming to address the problems of a complex background, overlapping and similar characteristics of wear particles, low classification accuracy, and the difficult identification of small target wear particles in the region. Firstly, an ESRGAN algorithm is used to improve image resolution, and then the Separable Vision Transformer (SepViT) is introduced to replace ViT. The ResNet50-SepViT model (SV-ERnet) is integrated by combining the ResNet50 network with SepViT through weighted soft voting, enabling the intelligent identification of wear particles through transfer learning. Finally, in order to reveal the action mechanism of SepViT, the different abrasive characteristics extracted by the SepViT model are visually explained using the Grad-CAM visualization method. The experimental results show that the proposed integrated SV-ERnet has a high recognition rate and robustness, with an accuracy of 94.1% on the test set. This accuracy is 1.8%, 6.5%, 4.7%, 4.4%, and 6.8% higher than that of ResNet101, VGG16, MobileNetV2, AlexNet, and EfficientV1, respectively; furthermore, it was found that the optimal weighting factors are 0.5 and 0.5.
Application of Fluorescent Carbon Dots as Catalysts for the Ring-Opening Reaction of Epoxides
Authors: Crista Diana M. A. , Esteves da Silva Joaquim C. G. , Pinto da Silva Luís
Published: December 2023

Considering the increased anthropogenic emissions of CO2 into the atmosphere, it is important to develop economic incentives for the use of CO2 capture methodologies. The conversion of CO2 into heterocyclic carbonates shows significant potential. However, there is a need for suitable organocatalysts to reach the required efficiency for these reactions. Given this, there has been an increasing focus on the development of organocatalytic systems consisting of a nucleophile and a hydrogen bond donor (HBD) so that CO2 conversion can occur in ambient conditions. In this work, we evaluated the potential of fluorescent carbon dots (CDs) as catalytic HBDs in the ring-opening reaction of epoxides, which is typically the rate-limiting step of CO2 conversion reactions into heterocyclic carbonates. The obtained results demonstrated that the CDs had a relevant catalytic effect on the studied model reaction, with a rate constant of 0.2361 ± 0.008 h−1, a percentage of reactant conversion of 70.8%, and a rate constant enhancement of 32.2%. These results were better than the studied alternative molecular HBDs. Thus, this study demonstrated that CDs have the potential to be used as HBDs and employed in organocatalyzed CO2 conversion into value-added products.
Facile Synthesis of Platinum Nanoparticle-Embedded Reduced Graphene Oxide for the Detection of Carbendazim
Authors: Pushparajah Suthira , Hasegawa Shinichi , Pham Tien Song Hiep , Shafiei Mahnaz , Yu Aimin
Published: December 2023

In recent years, there has been a significant interest in the advancement of electrochemical sensing platforms to detect pesticides with high sensitivity and selectivity. Current research presents a novel approach utilising platinum nanoparticles (NPs) and reduced graphene oxide deposited on a glassy carbon electrode (Pt-rGO/GCE) for direct electrochemical measurement of carbendazim (CBZ). A straightforward one-step electrodeposition process was applied to prepare the Pt-rGO sensing platform. The incorporation of conductive rGO nanosheets along with distinctive structured Pt NPs significantly enhanced the effective electrode surface area and electron transfer of CBZ. Additionally, when exposed to 50 µM CBZ, Pt-rGO/GCE exhibited a higher current response compared to the bare electrode. Further investigations were performed to analyse and optimise the experimental parameters that could influence pesticide detection. Under the optimised conditions of pH 7 and 5 min of accumulation time, the Pt-rGO/GCE sensor showed a linear concentration detection range from 0.1 µM to 50 µM, with a detection limit of 3.46 nM. The fabricated sensor was successfully employed for CBZ detection in milk and tap water with 98.88% and 98.57% recovery, respectively. The fabricated sensor showed higher sensitivity and reproducibility, thus indicating the potential of this technology in the development of reliable sensors for the detection of CBZ or similar pesticides in forthcoming applications.
Process Parameter Optimization for Laser Powder Bed Fusion of Fe-Si Alloy Considering Surface Morphology and Track Width of Single Scan Track
Authors: Jang Ho Sung , Kim Su Heon , Park Geon-Woo , Jeon Jong Bae , Kim Donghwi , Kim Dohyung , Kim Wang Ryeol , Choi Yoon Suk , Shin Sunmi
Published: December 2023

A laser power bed fusion (L-PBF) manufacturing process was optimized by analyzing the surface morphology and track width w of single scan tracks (SSTs) on Fe-3.4wt.%Si. An SST was evaluated under process conditions of laser power P, scan speed V, and energy density E = P/V. The SST surface shape was mainly affected by E; desirable thin and regular tracks were obtained at E = 0.3 and 0.4 J/mm. An L-PBF process window was proposed considering the optimal w of SST, and the appropriate range of E for the alloy was identified to be 0.24 J/mm to 0.49 J/mm. w showed a strong relationship with E and V, and an analytic model was suggested. To verify the process window derived from the appropriate w of SST, cubic samples were manufactured with the estimated optimal process conditions. Most samples produced had a high density with a porosity of <1%, and the process window derived from SST w data had high reliability. This study presents a comprehensive approach to enhancing additive manufacturing for Fe-3.4Si alloy, offering valuable insights for achieving high-quality samples without the need for time-intensive procedures.
Minimizing Deformations in High-Temperature Vacuum Carburizing
Authors: Atraszkiewicz Radomir Piotr , Dybowski Konrad
Published: December 2023

This article presents the results of a study on reducing deformations resulting from high-temperature vacuum carburizing and post-carburizing heat treatment. The idea was to increase the strength of steel at elevated temperatures by pre-carburizing at heat-up to the process temperature (SC—stage carburizing). It has been shown that the use of carburizing in stages from a lower temperature to the target temperature, compared to traditional vacuum carburizing at a constant temperature (Constant-Temperature Carburizing—CTC), has a significant impact on the chemical and phase composition of the technological layer, surface after the process and, consequently, on its mechanical properties. It was shown that the retained austenite content after stage carburizing was reduced by approximately 45%, as was the thickness of the gear teeth measured at the pitch diameter. Additionally, uniform stress distribution was demonstrated for the SC process. Carbon saturation of austenite increases the yield strength, and therefore the dimensional stability of steel heat-treated at elevated temperatures also improves, which effectively permits high-temperature treatment of critical steel parts such as, for example, gear wheels, for which high dimensional accuracy is required.
Analysis of Factors Affecting the Preparation of Mullite Whiskers from Silica-Rich Slag and Application Studies
Authors: Zhu Shangwen , Gu Xiaohua , Liu Siwen , Liu Yan
Published: December 2023

This paper presents an in-depth comparative study of the effects of different molten salt systems, catalyst additions, preparation temperatures, temperature rise rates, and holding times on the properties of mullite whiskers during their preparation process, as well as exploring the enhancement of the toughening effect of mullite whiskers on ceramics. The morphology, crystal structure, and composition of the whiskers were analyzed via SEM, XRD, TG, strength tests, etc. The results show that the best-performing mullite whisker was prepared with an aluminum sulfate molten salt system, with the addition of aluminum fluoride catalyst at 4%, a temperature increase rate of 5 °C, a temperature increase up to 850 °C, and a holding time of 5 h, and its aspect ratio reached 20.64. By adding different contents of mullite whiskers and comparing the toughness strengths and wear rates of the silicon carbide ceramics, it was found that the toughness strength of the ceramics was improved by more than 16.5% and the wear rate was lower than 0.4% when the addition of mullite whisker was more than 3%.
Orientation-Dependent Mechanical Behavior of 3D Printed Polylactic Acid Parts: An Experimental–Numerical Study
Authors: Vanaei Saeedeh , Rastak Mohammadali , El Magri Anouar , Vanaei Hamid Reza , Raissi Kaddour , Tcharkhtchi Abbas
Published: December 2023

In Additive Manufacturing, wherein the construction of parts directly from 3D models is facilitated, a meticulous focus on enhancing the mechanical characteristics of these components becomes imperative. This study delves into the nuanced impact of the orientation of deposited layers on the mechanical properties of 3D printed Polylactic Acid (PLA) parts. Experimental testing, coupled with predictive modeling using Tsai–Hill and Tsai–Wu criteria, forms the crux of our investigation. The predicted ultimate strength from both criteria exhibits commendable agreement with the 3D printed specimens across a spectrum of orientation angles. Concurrently, Finite Element Simulations are meticulously executed to forecast mechanical behavior, taking into account the observed elasticity and plasticity in various orientations. Our observations reveal a significant augmentation in Young’s modulus and ductility/elongation—40% and 70%, respectively—when transitioning from θ = 0° to θ = 90°. Furthermore, the ultimate strength experiences a notable increase, leading to varied failure modes contingent upon θ. These findings underscore the pivotal role played by the orientation of printed layers in shaping the anisotropic behavior of 3D printed PLA parts, thereby integrating key process variables for optimization objectives. This study contributes valuable insights for professionals in the engineering, design, and manufacturing domains who seek to harness the advantages of 3D printing technology while ensuring that the mechanical integrity of 3D printed parts aligns with their functional requisites. It emphasizes the critical consideration of orientation as a design parameter in the pursuit of optimization objectives.
Anthropomorphic Design and Self-Reported Behavioral Trust: The Case of a Virtual Assistant in a Highly Automated Car
Authors: Lawson-Guidigbe Clarisse , Amokrane-Ferka Kahina , Louveton Nicolas , Leblanc Benoit , Rousseaux Virgil , André Jean-Marc
Published: December 2023

The latest advances in car automation present new challenges in vehicle–driver interactions. Indeed, acceptance and adoption of high levels of automation (when full control of the driving task is given to the automated system) are conditioned by human factors such as user trust. In this work, we study the impact of anthropomorphic design on user trust in the context of a highly automated car. A virtual assistant was designed using two levels of anthropomorphic design: “voice-only” and “voice with visual appearance”. The visual appearance was a three-dimensional model, integrated as a hologram in the cockpit of a driving simulator. In a driving simulator study, we compared the three interfaces: two versions of the virtual assistant interface and the baseline interface with no anthropomorphic attributes. We measured trust versus perceived anthropomorphism. We also studied the evolution of trust throughout a range of driving scenarios. We finally analyzed participants’ reaction time to takeover request events. We found a significant correlation between perceived anthropomorphism and trust. However, the three interfaces tested did not significantly differentiate in terms of perceived anthropomorphism while trust converged over time across all our measurements. Finally, we found that the anthropomorphic assistant positively impacts reaction time for one takeover request scenario. We discuss methodological issues and implication for design and further research.
Transient Response of Homogenous and Nonhomogenous Bernoulli Production Lines
Authors: Hadžić Neven , Ložar Viktor , Opetuk Tihomir , Keser Robert
Published: December 2023

The transient response of production systems is of significant importance especially if present advancements in Digital Twinning technology are taken into account. While the steady-state response enables long-term strategic decision making, the transient response enables more detailed simulation concerning aspects like production losses and preventive maintenance. This is especially relevant if nonhomogenous aspects of production systems are taken into account. An analytical and approximative solution to the problem of the transient response of homogenous and nonhomogenous Bernoulli production systems is developed in this paper based on the eigendecomposition of transition matrices, the eigenvalue problem, and the finite-state method. In particular, sub-resonant and resonant nonhomogeneous production lines are introduced for the first time. Also, the most significant key performance indicators are developed as functions of the time elapsed from the first cycle. Finally, the relationship between the number of eigenvalues and the accuracy of the results is inspected by employing a sensitivity analysis. The presented theoretical framework was employed in the case of a wood processing facility to present the potential application of the theory in the case of long- and short-term management of production systems.
Primal Structure with Closure Operators and Their Applications
Authors: Al-Omari Ahmad , Alqahtani Mesfer H.
Published: December 2023

Acharjee et al. have created a new structure in mathematics called a primal. Therefore, the primary goal of this research was to introduce and explore more primal space features. Additionally, we studied some of the fundamental characteristics of two novel operators that we define using primal spaces. Using these new operators, we were able to create a weaker version of the original topology. Finally, we provide some examples to further illustrate our discussion of some of their characteristics.
A System of Coupled Impulsive Neutral Functional Differential Equations: New Existence Results Driven by Fractional Brownian Motion and the Wiener Process
Authors: Moumen Abdelkader , Ferhat Mohamed , Benaissa Cherif Amin , Bouye Mohamed , Biomy Mohamad
Published: December 2023

Conditions for the existence and uniqueness of mild solutions for a system of semilinear impulsive differential equations with infinite fractional Brownian movements and the Wiener process are established. Our approach is based on a novel application of Burton and Kirk’s fixed point theorem in extended Banach spaces. This paper aims to extend current results to a differential-inclusions scenario. The motivation of this paper for impulsive neutral differential equations is to investigate the existence of solutions for impulsive neutral differential equations with fractional Brownian motion and a Wiener process (topics that have not been considered and are the main focus of this paper).
n-Tuples on Scaffold Diversity Inspired by Drug Hybridisation to Enhance Drugability: Application to Cytarabine
Authors: García-Castro Miguel , Fuentes-Rios David , López-Romero J. Manuel , Romero Antonio , Moya-Utrera Federico , Díaz-Morilla Amelia , Sarabia Francisco
Published: December 2023

A mathematical concept, n-tuples are originally applied to medicinal chemistry, especially with the creation of scaffold diversity inspired by the hybridisation of different commercial drugs with cytarabine, a synthetic arabinonucleoside derived from two marine natural products, spongouridine and spongothymidine. The new methodology explores the virtual chemical-factorial combination of different commercial drugs (immunosuppressant, antibiotic, antiemetic, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer) with the anticancer drug cytarabine. Real chemical combinations were designed and synthesised for 8-duples, obtaining a small representative library of interesting organic molecules to be biologically tested as proof of concept. The synthesised library contains classical molecular properties regarding the Lipinski rules and/or beyond rules of five (bRo5) and is represented by the covalent combination of the anticancer drug cytarabine with ibuprofen, flurbiprofen, folic acid, sulfasalazine, ciprofloxacin, bortezomib, and methotrexate. The insertion of specific nomenclature could be implemented into artificial intelligence algorithms in order to enhance the efficiency of drug-hunting programs. The novel methodology has proven useful for the straightforward synthesis of most of the theoretically proposed duples and, in principle, could be extended to any other central drug.
Caries Lesion Assessment Using 3D Virtual Models by Examiners with Different Degrees of Clinical Experience
Authors: Porumb (Chifor) Ioana , Leucuta Daniel-Corneliu , Nigoghossian Marion , Culic Bogdan , Lucaciu Patricia Ondine , Culic Carina , Badea Iulia Clara , Leghezeu Alexa-Nicole , Nicoara Andra Gabriela , Simu Meda-Romana
Published: December 2023

Background and Objectives: Dental caries is a preventable, reversible disease in its early stages. This study evaluated the intra-rater agreement of International Caries Assessment and Detection System (ICDAS) scores with Medit i500® and Omnicam® scanners versus traditional clinical examinations and the inter-rater agreement using the Omnicam® among senior dentists and dental students and between these two groups. Materials and Methods: A total of 24 patients aged between 21 and 34 years, randomly selected from dental students and interns, underwent four examinations (three intraoral scans and one clinical examination), and the corresponding ICDAS scores were recorded by a randomly selected rater out of the 31 available examiners. The examination team consisted of dental students, dentists with less than 3 years, and dentists with more than 5 years of clinical experience. The following inter- and intra-rater agreement tests for the ordinal data were chosen: Fleiss’ kappa coefficient, Cohen’s weighted kappa, and inter-class correlations. Results: For all examination techniques, there was statistically significant agreement for the experienced raters (p < 0.05). The highest positive interclass correlation was obtained for inter-rater agreement tests of 288 observations recorded by senior dentists: ICC = 0.969 (95% CI 0.949–0.981). Conclusions: Intra-rater reliability was excellent for Omnicam compared to clinical exams conducted by senior dentists but moderate for Medit i500. Although inter-rater agreement using Omnicam was poor between students and between senior dentists and students, it was excellent among senior dentists.
Neck and Shoulder Pain with Scapular Dyskinesis in Computer Office Workers
Authors: Moon Seong Eun , Kim Young Kyun
Published: December 2023

Background and Objectives: Computer office workers spend long periods in front of a computer, and neck and shoulder pain are common. Scapular dyskinesis (SD) is associated with neck and shoulder pain. However, SD in computer office workers has not been elucidated. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of SD, neck and shoulder pain, disability, and working hours in computer office workers. Materials and Methods: In total, 109 computer office workers participated in this study. The results of a scapular dyskinesis test (SDT), lateral scapular slide test (LSST), neck disability index (NDI), shoulder pain and disability index (SPADI), visual analog scale (VAS) scores of the neck and shoulder, and working hours were recorded. Results: Ninety-eight computer office workers (89.9%) had SD. Computer office workers with SD had significantly higher NDI (p = 0.019), neck VAS (p = 0.041), and dominant shoulder VAS scores (p = 0.043). The LSST results showed a significantly greater distance (p = 0.016) in participants with SD. Conclusions: The prevalence of SD was very high in computer office workers, and neck and shoulder pain were more prevalent in workers with obvious SD.
An Update on the Superior Cerebellar Artery Origin Type
Authors: Davidoiu Ana-Maria , Lazăr Mihai , Vrapciu Alexandra Diana , Rădoi Petrinel Mugurel , Toader Corneliu , Rusu Mugurel Constantin
Published: December 2023

Background and Objectives: The microanatomy of the superior cerebellar artery (SCA) is clinically significant. We, thus, aimed at patterning unilateral and bilateral possibilities of SCA origin. Materials and Methods: In total, 205 archived records of computed tomography and magnetic resonance angiograms were used. There were defined types of SCA origin from the basilar artery (BA): “0”—absent SCA, “1”—preterminal, “2”—collateral SCA, with SCA appearing as a terminal branch of BA, and “3”—SCA from the posterior cerebral artery (PCA) of the cerebral type. Fenestrations and duplications of SCA were recorded. Bilateral combinations of types were recorded as follows: A (1 + 0), B (1 + 1), C (1 + 2), D (1 + 3), E (1 + duplicated SCA), F (2 + 2), G (2 + 3), H (3 + 3), I (3 + duplicated SCA), J (1 + fenestrated SCA). Results: Type 0 SCAs were found in 0.25%, type 1 in 71.29%, type 2 in 19.06%, and type 3 in 9.41%. Absent and fenestrated SCAs were each found in a single case. The most frequent combinations were B (58.05%), C (13.17%) and F (13.17%). Bilateral symmetrical types occurred in 70.7% of cases. Fetal types of PCA and the artery of Percheron modified the BA ends. Combinations of C, F, and G changed the BA ends or tips; thus, different subtypes resulted in five BA bifurcation patterns, including five BA trifurcations and one BA quadrifurcation. BA trifurcation was also found in cases with duplicated SCAs. Conclusions: The SCA has various anatomical possibilities of origin and bilateral combinations that are not presented in anatomical lectures. Details on the specific end of the BA should be gathered on a case-by-case basis.
Study of a Methodology for Calculating Contact Stresses during Blade Processing of Structural Steel
Authors: Kozlov Victor , Babaev Artem , Schulz Nikita , Semenov Artem , Shevchuk Anton
Published: December 2023

The article presents data about the distribution of contact stresses on the rake surface of the cutter when turning steel (Fe-0.4 C-1Cr), which were obtained by the split cutter method. The article also provides graphs of the effect of the uncut chip thickness a and the rake angle γ on the main parameters of the plots of shear τ and normal σ contact stresses. For this case, The initial data were obtained by longitudinal turning of a steel workpiece with the measurement of the technological components of the cutting force by a three-component Kistler dynamometer, followed by the calculation of the physical components of the cutting force. The rake angle varied widely, from +35 to −10°, and the uncut chip thickness a varied from 0.05 to 0.37 mm. A decrease in the rake angle from +35 to −10° leads to a significant increase in the maximum normal contact stress at the cutting edge σmax: from 400 to 1400 MPa with the uncut chip thickness a = 0.37 mm. In the area of small uncut chip thickness, a (less than 0.1 mm), the paradoxical increase in the magnitude of the greatest normal contact stress with a large positive rake angle (more than +15°) is explained by the indentation (pressing) of the being machined material under the rounded cutting edge of the cutter in the chip formation zone, and their paradoxical decrease with a negative rake angle is due to the presence of a sag (deflection) of the transient surface. According to the magnitude of the reference points obtained on the basis of experimental data, it is possible to plot the contact stresses epures on the rake surface of the cutting tools when machining steel.