bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationships between Clinical and Non-Clinical Variables concerning Traumatic Dental Injuries in Deciduous Teeth Attended in a Children’s Hospital
Authors: Ferrés-Amat Elvira , Díaz-Martínez Cristina , Herrera-Martínez Sira , Galofré-Kessler Neus , Astudillo-Rozas Wilson , Aceituno-Antezana Oscar , Valdivia-Gandur Iván , Maura-Solivellas Isabel
Published: June 2023

This study aimed to describe Traumatic Dental Injuries (TDI) in a child population, with a discussion focused on the impact of non-clinical variables on TDI. A cross-sectional, descriptive, and relational study about TDI in deciduous dentition in a children’s hospital was performed. A total of 166 patients were included, of which 51.8% were male and 48.2% were female. Subluxation was the most observed injury (37.5%), and high-severity lesions predominated (60.2%). Regarding non-clinical variables, 89.2% of the patients attended urgent care centers within 24 h, and 43.4% within the first 3 h. Pointed objects were the leading cause of TDI (47%). Most TDIs were concentrated between the ages of 2 and 4 (53.5%). Concerning the place of TDI occurrence, the school (41.6%) was associated with faster urgent dental care attendance, and the home (37.3%) was associated with TDI occurrence in children under 2 years of age. Previous TDI experience (24.1% of patients) did not generate differences in the time interval between the TDI and arrival at the hospital, compared with children without a TDI history. While the behavior of clinical variables agrees with the literature reviewed, several non-clinical variables show wide differences. There is a need to identify the non-clinical variables that can significantly interact with phenomena specific to the study population (social, demographic, and cultural). The study of these variables can be useful in applying health policies. In the group studied, the non-clinical data reveals the need to educate parents or guardians on the importance of timely care in TDI, the long-term consequences of traumatism affecting deciduous dentition, and the implication of the maturation of the child’s motor skills in TDI.
CDKN2A/B Homozygous Deletions in Astrocytomas: A Literature Review
Authors: Yuile Alexander , Satgunaseelan Laveniya , Wei Joe Q. , Rodriguez Michael , Back Michael , Pavlakis Nick , Hudson Amanda , Kastelan Marina , Wheeler Helen R. , Lee Adrian
Published: June 2023

Genomic alterations of CDKN2A and CDKN2B in astrocytomas have been an evolving area of study for decades. Most recently, there has been considerable interest in the effect of CDKN2A and/or CDKN2B (CDKN2A/B) homozygous deletions (HD) on the prognosis of isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH)-mutant astrocytomas. This is highlighted by the adoption of CDKN2A/B HD as an essential criterion for astrocytoma and IDH-mutant central nervous system (CNS) WHO grade 4 in the fifth edition of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Classification of Central Nervous System Tumours (2021). The CDKN2A and CDKN2B genes are located on the short arm of chromosome 9. CDKN2A encodes for two proteins, p14 and p16, and CDKN2B encodes for p15. These proteins regulate cell growth and angiogenesis. Interpreting the impact of CDKN2A/B alterations on astrocytoma prognosis is complicated by recent changes in tumour classification and a lack of uniform standards for testing CDKN2A/B. While the prognostic impact of CDKN2A/B HD is established, the role of different CDKN2A/B alterations—heterozygous deletions (HeD), point mutations, and promoter methylation—is less clear. Consequently, how these alternations should be incorporated into patient management remains controversial. To this end, we reviewed the literature on different CDKN2A/B alterations in IDH-mutant astrocytomas and their impact on diagnosis and management. We also provided a historical review of the changing impact of CDKN2A/B alterations as glioma classification has evolved over time. Through this historical context, we demonstrate that CDKN2A/B HD is an important negative prognostic marker in IDH-mutant astrocytomas; however, the historical data is challenging to interpret given changes in tumour classification over time, variation in the quality of evidence, and variations in the techniques used to identify CDKN2A/B deletions. Therefore, future prospective studies using uniform classification and detection techniques are required to improve the clinical interpretation of this molecular marker.
Growth and Characterization of Centimeter-Scale Pentacene Crystals for Optoelectronic Devices
Authors: Postnikov Valery A. , Kulishov Artem A. , Yurasik Georgy A. , Sorokina Nataliya I. , Sorokin Timofei A. , Grebenev Vadim V.
Published: June 2023

In this work, we present results on the growth of centimeter-scale pentacene crystals using the physical vapor transport method in a dual-temperature zone horizontal furnace. It was established that intensive crystal growth processes occurred in transition regions with sudden temperature changes, while crystal growth was practically not observed in regions with slightly varying temperatures. During crystal growth, co-precipitating golden needle-like crystals reaching lengths of more than 10 mm were obtained. Using the method of single-crystal X-ray diffraction at 85 and 293 K for dark-blue lamellar pentacene crystals, the crystal structure was refined in a triclinic system with sp.gr. P1¯. It was established that the golden needle crystals consisted of molecules of the pentacene derivative—5,14-pentacenedione, the crystal structure of which was solved for the first time in a rhombic system with sp.gr. P212121. The absorption and luminescence spectra of pentacene and 5,14-pentacenedione in toluene solutions were obtained and analyzed. The electrical properties of the prepared pentacene thin films and single crystals grown under physical vapor transport conditions were evaluated by fabricating and characterizing field-effect transistors (FETs). It was shown that the presence of impurities in the commercial pentacene material had a significant effect on the morphological quality of thin polycrystalline films and noticeably reduced the hole mobility.
High-Resolution Profiling of Atmospheric Turbulence Using UAV Autopilot Data
Authors: Shelekhov Alexander , Afanasiev Alexey , Shelekhova Evgeniya , Kobzev Alexey , Tel’minov Alexey , Molchunov Alexander , Poplevina Olga
Published: June 2023

The capabilities of hovering unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in low-altitude sensing of atmospheric turbulence with high spatial resolution are studied experimentally. The vertical profile of atmospheric turbulence was measured at the Basic Experimental Observatory (Tomsk, Russian Federation) with three quadcopters hovering at altitudes of 4, 10, and 27 m in close proximity (~5 m) to anemometers installed on weather towers. The behavior of the longitudinal and lateral wind velocity components in the 0–10 Hz frequency band is analyzed. In addition, the obtained wind velocity components were smoothed over 1 min by the moving average method to describe long turbulent wind gusts. The discrepancy between the UAV and anemometer data is examined. It is found that after smoothing, the discrepancy does not exceed 0.5 m/s in 95% of cases. This accuracy is generally sufficient for measurements of the horizontal wind in the atmosphere. The spectral and correlation analysis of the UAV and anemometer measurements is carried out. The profiles of the longitudinal and lateral scales of turbulence determined from turbulence spectra and autocorrelation functions are studied based on the UAV and anemometer data.
Optimizing Performance in Federated Person Re-Identification through Benchmark Evaluation for Blockchain-Integrated Smart UAV Delivery Systems
Authors: Dong Chengzu , Zhou Jingwen , An Qi , Jiang Frank , Chen Shiping , Pan Lei , Liu Xiao
Published: June 2023

In recent years, edge-based intelligent UAV delivery systems have attracted significant interest from both the academic and industrial sectors. One key obstacle faced by these smart UAV delivery systems is data privacy, as they rely on vast amounts of data from users and UAVs for training machine learning models for person re-identification (ReID) purposes. To tackle this issue, federated learning (FL) has been extensively adopted as a promising solution since it only involves sharing and updating model parameters with a central server, without transferring raw data. However, traditional FL still suffers from the problem of having a single point of failure. In this study, we present a performance optimization method for federated person re-identification using benchmark analysis in blockchain-powered edge-based smart UAV delivery systems. Our method integrates a decentralized FL mechanism enabled by blockchain, which eliminates the necessity for a central server and stores private data on a decentralized permissioned blockchain, thus preventing a single point of failure. We employ the person ReID application in intelligent UAV delivery systems as a representative example to drive our research and examine privacy concerns. Additionally, we introduce the Federated Re-identification Consensus (FRC) protocol to address the scalability issue of the blockchain in supporting UAV delivery systems. The efficiency of our proposed method is illustrated through experiments on energy efficiency, confirmation time, and throughput. We also explore the effects of the incentive mechanism and analyze the system’s resilience under various security attacks. This study offers valuable insights and potential solutions for addressing data privacy and security challenges in the fast-growing domain of smart UAV delivery systems.
LAP and IRS Enhanced Secure Transmissions for 6G-Oriented Vehicular IoT Services
Authors: Min Lingtong , Li Jiawei , He Yixin , Si Qin
Published: June 2023

In 6G-oriented vehicular Internet of things (IoT) services, the integration of a low altitude platform (LAP) and intelligent reflecting surfaces (IRS) provides a promising solution to achieve seamless coverage and massive connections at low cost. However, due to the open nature of wireless channels, how to protect the transmission of privacy information in LAP-based IRS symbiotic vehicular networks remains a challenge. Motivated by the above, this paper investigates the LAP and IRS enhanced secure transmission problem in the presence of an eavesdropper. Specifically, we first deploy a fixed LAP equipped with IRS to overcome the blockages and introduce artificial noise against the eavesdropper. Next, we formulate a total secure channel capacity maximization problem by optimizing the phase shift, power distribution coefficient, and channel allocation. To effectively solve the formulated problem, we design an iterative algorithm with polynomial complexity, where the optimization variables are solved in turn. In addition, the complexity and convergence of the proposed iterative algorithm are analyzed theoretically. Finally, numerical results show that our proposed secure transmission scheme outperforms the comparison schemes in terms of the total secure channel capacity.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Liberal Arts Education: An Empirical Study in Hong Kong
Authors: Li Qingyun , Zhang Youliang , Cheung Kam Wing , Zhang Zhongyang , Lam King Sun
Published: June 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has instigated considerable unprecedented challenges to tertiary education in the aftermath of the mass shutdown of universities across Hong Kong since early 2020. Accordingly, shifting the traditional modalities to the online model has been opted for as the only reasonable alternative in the breakout period. It is, then, essential for educators to perceive the extent to which students’ learning attainments and experiences have been negatively impacted by these educational changes in the post-pandemic era. With the aim of examining the abrupt changes which the freshmen students’ e-learning experiences and their learning environment have undergone before and after the pandemic, the present quantitative study was conducted at a Liberal Arts Institution in Hong Kong, whose data was collected via the web-based questionnaire FYSLES, or “first-year student learning experience survey”. Quantitative analysis of responses indicated that students’ impressions and experience of liberal arts education, and students’ personalities and skills development, presented a U-shaped trend during the COVID-19 pandemic. The underlying rationale of this study is addressed to higher education policymakers to orient and add value to their safety measures, pertinent recommendations, as well as in context strategies that could be established in view of the pandemic’s detrimental effects.
Assessment of the Attractiveness and Passage Efficiency of Different Fish Passage Solutions at a Hydropower Plant by Combining Fine Scale 2D-Telemetry and Hydraulic Numerical Modelling
Authors: Renardy Séverine , Ciraane Utashi D. , Benitez Jean-Philippe , Dierckx Arnaud , Gelder Justine , Silva Ana T. , Archambeau Pierre , Dewals Benjamin , Pirotton Michel , Erpicum Sébastien , Ovidio Michaël
Published: June 2023

Mitigation measures for downstream-migrating Atlantic salmon smolts (Salmo salar L.) are commonly insufficiently attractive to enable safe entrance and passage with no delay. Combining 2D telemetry with hydrodynamic modelling has been shown to be a good tool to better understand the influence of hydrodynamic factors on the migration route choice of fishes. In this study, we investigated the smolt downstream migration at a hydropower plant in Belgium that offers five migration routes, including two Archimedes screws and one nature-like fishway. At the hydropower plant, the Archimedes screws were the most used migration routes, due to higher discharges and more important water depths at their entrance. The weir and the canal intake were less used by the smolts. The nature-like fishway turned out to be less used, with 23% of the smolts. Its associated crossing time was significantly longer, probably due to shallow water depths and high flow velocities. The nature-like fishway had the potential to become a good migration route for salmon smolts after improvements to increase attractiveness and passage efficiency. Moreover, the Archimedes screws were not detrimental to the smolts and did not cause any significant delays to the crossing time.
Assessment of the Impact of a New Industrial Discharge on an Urban Wastewater Treatment Plant: Proposal for an Experimental Protocol
Authors: Collivignarelli Maria Cristina , Caccamo Francesca Maria , Bellazzi Stefano , Abbà Alessandro , Bertanza Giorgio
Published: June 2023

Assessing the compatibility of industrial discharges with the biological process of a municipal wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) may represent a critical task. Indeed, either focusing only on chemical characterization or ecotoxicity tests designed to assess the impact on surface waters may lead to questionable or misleading conclusions. The feasibility of an industrial connection to the sewer should better take into account the features of the downstream WWTP, in particular by studying the potential effects on the biomass of that specific plant. With this aim, a multi-step experimental protocol applicable by water utilities has been proposed: (step 1) calculation of the flow rate/load ratio between industrial discharge (ID) and urban wastewater (WW); (step 2) analysis of the modified operating conditions of the biological stage; (step 3) experimental assessment of the impact of the ID on the WWTP biomass by means of respirometric tests. An application of this protocol is presented in this work as a case study, namely a new ID (average flowrate 200 m3 d−1) coming from an aqueous waste treatment plant (AWTP) to be connected to the public sewer. The integrated evaluation of results showed that no negative impacts could be expected on the downstream urban activated sludge WWTP (treating a flow rate of around 45,000 m3 d−1).
Health-Promoting Role of Fermented Pigeon Pea (Cajanus cajan L (Mill)) Milk Enriched with γ-aminobutyric Acid (GABA) Using Probiotic Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Dad-13
Authors: Yogeswara Ida Bagus Agung , Kusumawati I Gusti Ayu Wita , Nursini Ni Wayan , Mariyatun Mariyatun , Rahayu Endang Sutriswati , Haltrich Dietmar
Published: June 2023

This study aimed to enhance γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in pigeon pea milk (CCM). The drink was prepared from germinated pigeon pea and fermented using the probiotic Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Dad-13. Various nutrients significantly increased the GABA content in pigeon pea milk, i.e., sucrose 3% (4409 mg/L), monosodium glutamate (MSG) 1% (59,562 mg/L), and whey 4% (5283 mg/L), respectively. Glutamate decarboxylase (GAD)-encoding genes were identified in the genome of the strain. The strain carried only one gadB gene, and no other gad genes were found in the genomes when compared with other strains. During fermentation, various metabolites, including organic acids, amino acid derivatives, and flavonoids, were detected. These metabolites may promote anti-inflammatory activity in cytokines such as TNF-α and IL6. In conclusion, the development of fermented pigeon pea enriched with GABA using probiotic L. plantarum Dad-13 shows promising potential as a functional food that can promote health benefits and help prevent diseases.
Wildfire Intensity and Fire Emissions in Siberia
Authors: Ponomarev Evgenii I. , Zabrodin Andrey N. , Shvetsov Eugene G. , Ponomareva Tatiana V.
Published: June 2023

An analysis of fire characteristics in the boreal forests of Siberia (50–75° N, 60–140° E) was performed for the period 2002–2022. We found a positive trend in the proportion of high-intensity fires in dominant forest stands of Siberia based on long-term series of variations in the Fire Radiative Power (FRP) measurements from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS). Our results showed that there was an increase in the proportion of areas of high-intensity fires over the past decade on about ~30% of the boreal forests of Siberia, including the Arctic zone. For the sample group of fires, the level of correlation (R2 = 0.80–0.94) between the fire impact, classified according to the NBR/dNBR technology, and the integral FRP values was revealed. The intensity of combustion in terms of FRP is associated with the volume of burned biomass and determines the dynamics of specific emissions values per unit area. The results suggest that further increase in fire emissions in Siberia will be determined not only by an increase of burned areas, but also by a redistribution of low- and high-intensity burning and an increase in specific emission values. Finally, we estimated that Siberian fires are responsible for about 5–20% of the total volume of greenhouse gas emissions in the Russian Federation, depending on the fire season scenario. The recurrence of extremely high emissions (296–350 Tg C/year) will make it possible to consider part of Siberian forests as a source of carbon in the nearest future.
Genome-Wide Comparative Analysis of Lactiplantibacillus pentosus Isolates Autochthonous to Cucumber Fermentation Reveals Subclades of Divergent Ancestry
Authors: Page Clinton A. , Pérez-Díaz Ilenys M. , Pan Meichen , Barrangou Rodolphe
Published: June 2023

Lactiplantibacillus pentosus, commonly isolated from commercial cucumber fermentation, is a promising candidate for starter culture formulation due to its ability to achieve complete sugar utilization to an end pH of 3.3. In this study, we conducted a comparative genomic analysis encompassing 24 L. pentosus and 3 Lactiplantibacillus plantarum isolates autochthonous to commercial cucumber fermentation and 47 lactobacillales reference genomes to determine species specificity and provide insights into niche adaptation. Results showed that metrics such as average nucleotide identity score, emulated Rep-PCR-(GTG)5, computed multi-locus sequence typing (MLST), and multiple open reading frame (ORF)-based phylogenetic trees can robustly and consistently distinguish the two closely related species. Phylogenetic trees based on the alignment of 587 common ORFs separated the L. pentosus autochthonous cucumber isolates from olive fermentation isolates into clade A and B, respectively. The L. pentosus autochthonous clade partitions into subclades A.I, A.II, and A.III, suggesting substantial intraspecies diversity in the cucumber fermentation habitat. The hypervariable sequences within CRISPR arrays revealed recent evolutionary history, which aligns with the L. pentosus subclades identified in the phylogenetic trees constructed. While L. plantarum autochthonous to cucumber fermentation only encode for Type II-A CRISPR arrays, autochthonous L. pentosus clade B codes for Type I-E and L. pentosus clade A hosts both types of arrays. L. pentosus 7.8.2, for which phylogeny could not be defined using the varied methods employed, was found to uniquely encode for four distinct Type I-E CRISPR arrays and a Type II-A array. Prophage sequences in varied isolates evidence the presence of adaptive immunity in the candidate starter cultures isolated from vegetable fermentation as observed in dairy counterparts. This study provides insight into the genomic features of industrial Lactiplantibacillus species, the level of species differentiation in a vegetable fermentation habitat, and diversity profile of relevance in the selection of functional starter cultures.
Analysis of the Total Leakage Characteristics of Finger Seal Considering Fractal Wear and Fractal Porous Media Seepage Effects
Authors: Lei Junjie , Liu Meihong , Chang Wei , Wan Yongneng
Published: June 2023

As an advanced flexible dynamic sealing technology, the leakage characteristics of a finger seal (FS) is one of the key research areas in this technology field. Based on the fractal theory, this paper establishes a mathematical model of the FS main leakage rate considering the fractal wear effect by taking into account the influence of the wear height on the basis of the eccentric annular gap flow equation. Based on the Hagen-Poiseuille law and the fractal geometry theory of porous media, a mathematical model of the FS side leakage rate considering the fractal porous media seepage effect is developed. Then, a mathematical model of the FS total leakage rate is established. The results show that the mathematical model of the FS total leakage rate is verified with the test results, the maximum error rate is less than 5%, and the mathematical model of the FS total leakage rate is feasible. With the gradual increase in working conditions and eccentricity, the FS main leakage rate gradually increases. In addition, the effects of the fractal dimension, fractal roughness parameters and porosity after loading on the FS main leakage rate are negligible. As the fractal dimension of tortuosity after loading gradually decreases, the fractal dimension of porosity after loading gradually increases, and the FS side leakage rate gradually increases. As the porosity after loading gradually increases, the FS side leakage rate gradually increases. Under different working conditions, different fractal characteristic parameters and different porosities after loading, the weight of the FS main leakage rate is much greater than that of the FS side leakage rate by more than 95%.
Localization of Insertion Sequences in Plasmids for L-Cysteine Production in E. coli
Authors: Heieck Kevin , Brück Thomas
Published: June 2023

Insertion sequence elements (ISE) are often found to be responsible for the collapse of production in synthetically engineered Escherichia coli. By the transposition of ISE into the open reading frame of the synthetic pathway, E. coli cells gain selection advantage over cells expressing the metabolic burdensome production genes. Here, we present the exact entry sites of insertion sequence (IS) families 3 and 5 within plasmids for l-cysteine production in evolved E. coli populations. Furthermore, we identified an uncommon occurrence of an 8-bp direct repeat of IS5 which is atypical for this particular family, potentially indicating a new IS5 target site.
Urate Biology and Biochemistry: A Year in Review 2022
Authors: King Rachel D. , Kelley Eric E.
Published: June 2023

The past year generated significant change and advancement of the urate field with novel insights regarding the role of uric acid (UA) in multiple pathophysiologic processes from gout to COVID-19. While these contributions continue to move the field forward, the basic biochemistry and biology of UA is often overlooked, being lost in the shadow of clinical associations and omics. However, the seminal impact of UA begins with biochemistry and the associated interplay with cell biology. In these basic reactions and resultant impacts on physiology, UA mediates its influence on clinical outcomes. As such, this review focuses on published advances in UA biochemistry and biology in 2022 and associates these advances with downstream consequences.
Tutors Matter: The Relationship between Medical Students’ Satisfaction from Their Tutor and Their Overall Satisfaction from Clinical Rotations
Authors: Dickman Nomy , Hijazi Basem , Samson Abraham O. , Even Lea
Published: June 2023

Background and Aim: Medical students are required to complete a number of clinical rotations in hospital departments, affiliated with the Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, under the supervision of a department tutor. Our experience shows that departments receiving good scores typically also receive good feedback for their tutor. Accordingly, our aim was to assess the tutor contribution to students’ overall satisfaction from clinical rotations in hospital departments across northern Israel. Methods: Here, we recorded the students’ reported satisfaction with tutors as well as the satisfaction with clinical rotations in different departments of Galilee Medical Center (GMC) in Naharia, and Baruch Padeh Medical Center in Poria. The students’ reported satisfaction was assessed numerically and verbally using questionnaires over a period of three years. Results: We find that the students reported satisfaction with a clinical rotation is positively and significantly correlated with the student satisfaction with the tutor, and less with other factors such as hospital organization and department facilities, geographical distance from home, working hours, etc. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that medical schools can increase students’ satisfaction through investment in good tutors.
Prognostic Value of Plasma Catestatin Concentration in Patients with Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction in Two-Year Follow-Up
Authors: Wołowiec Łukasz , Banach Joanna , Budzyński Jacek , Wołowiec Anna , Kozakiewicz Mariusz , Bieliński Maciej , Jaśniak Albert , Olejarczyk Agata , Grześk Grzegorz
Published: June 2023

The primary objective of the study was to evaluate the prognostic value of measuring plasma catestatin (CST) concentration in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) as a predictor of unplanned hospitalization and all-cause death independently and as a composite endpoint at 2-year follow-up. The study group includes 122 hospitalized Caucasian patients in NYHA classes II to IV. Patients who died during the 24-month follow-up period (n = 44; 36%) were significantly older on the day of enrollment, were more likely to be in a higher NYHA class, had lower TAPSE, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, and platelet count, higher concentrations of CST, NT-proBNP, troponin T, creatinine, and glucose, and higher red cell distribution width value and leukocyte and neutrocyte count than patients who survived the follow-up period. Plasma catestatin concentration increased with NYHA class (R = 0.58; p <0.001) and correlated significantly with blood NT-proBNP concentration (R = 0.44; p <0.001). We showed that higher plasma catestatin concentration increased the risk of all-cause death by more than five times. Plasma CST concentration is a valuable prognostic parameter in predicting death from all causes and unplanned hospitalization in patients with HFrEF.
Trends and Risk Factors for Surgical Site Infection after Treatment of the Ankle Fracture: National Cohort Study
Authors: Kang Hwa-Jun , Kwon Young-Min , Byeon Sun-ju , Kim Hyong Nyun , Sung Il-Hoon , Subramanian Sivakumar Allur , Kim Sung Jae
Published: June 2023

Surgical site infection (SSI) is a major complication after the surgical treatment of ankle fractures that can result in catastrophic consequences. This study aimed to determine the incidence of SSI in several cohorts from national insurance databases over the past 12 years and identify its predictors. The claimed data for patients (n = 1,449,692) with ankle fractures between 2007 and 2019 were investigated, and a total of 41,071 patients were included in the final analysis. The covariates included were age, sex, season, fracture type (closed vs. open), type of surgical fixation procedure, and comorbidities of each patient. All subjects were divided into two groups according to the SSI after the surgical fixation of the ankle fracture (no infection group vs. infection group). The number of SSIs after the surgical treatment of ankle fractures was 874 (2.13%). Open fractures [odds ratio, (OR) = 4.220] showed the highest risk for SSI, followed by the male sex (OR = 1.841), an increasing number of comorbidities (3–5, OR = 1.484; ≥6, OR = 1.730), a history of dementia (OR = 1.720) or of myocardial infarction (OR = 1.628), and increasing age (OR = 1.010). The summer season (OR = 1.349) showed the highest risk among the four seasons for SSI after ankle fracture surgery.
Bronchoscopist-Directed Continuous Flow Propofol Based Analgosedation during Flexible Interventional Bronchoscopy and EBUS
Authors: Evers Georg , Mohr Michael , Sprakel Lena , Galonska Jule , Görlich Dennis , Schulze Arik
Published: June 2023

Sedation techniques in interventional flexible bronchoscopy and endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial-needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) are inconsistent and the evidence for required general anesthesia under full anesthesiologic involvement is scarce. Moreover, we faced the challenge of providing bronchoscopic care with limited personnel. Hence, we retrospectively identified 513 patients that underwent flexible interventional bronchoscopy and/or EBUS-TBNA out of our institution between January 2020 and August 2022 to evaluate our deep analgosedation approach based on pethidine/meperidine bolus plus continuous flow adjusted propofol, the bronchoscopist-directed continuous flow propofol based analgosedation (BDcfP) in a two-personnel setting. Consequently, 502 out of 513 patients received BDcfP for analgosedation. We identified cardiovascular comorbidities, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and arterial hypertension as risk factors for periprocedural hypotension. Propofol flow rate did not correlate with hypotension. Theodrenaline and cafedrine might be used to treat periprocedural hypotension. Moreover, midazolam might be used to support the sedative effect. In conclusion, BDcfP is a safe and feasible sedative approach during interventional flexible bronchoscopy and EBUS-TBNA. In general, after the implementation of safety measures, EBUS-TBNA and interventional flexible bronchoscopy via BDcfP might safely be performed even with limited personnel.
Feasibility and Acceptance of Self-Guided Mobile Ultrasound among Pregnant Women in Routine Prenatal Care
Authors: Pontones Constanza A. , Titzmann Adriana , Huebner Hanna , Danzberger Nina , Ruebner Matthias , Häberle Lothar , Eskofier Bjoern M. , Nissen Michael , Kehl Sven , Faschingbauer Florian , Beckmann Matthias W. , Fasching Peter A. , Schneider Michael O.
Published: June 2023

Background and objectives: Mobile and remote ultrasound devices are becoming increasingly available. The benefits and possible risks of self-guided ultrasound examinations conducted by pregnant women at home have not yet been well explored. This study investigated aspects of feasibility and acceptance, as well as the success rates of such examinations. Methods: In this prospective, single-center, interventional study, forty-six women with singleton pregnancies between 17 + 0 and 29 + 6 weeks of gestation were included in two cohorts, using two different mobile ultrasound systems. The participants examined the fetal heartbeat, fetal profile and amniotic fluid. Aspects of feasibility and acceptance were evaluated using a questionnaire. Success rates in relation to image and video quality were evaluated by healthcare professionals. Results: Two thirds of the women were able to imagine performing the self-guided examination at home, but 87.0% would prefer live support by a professional. Concerns about their own safety and that of the child were expressed by 23.9% of the women. Success rates for locating the target structure were 52.2% for videos of the fetal heartbeat, 52.2% for videos of the amniotic fluid in all four quadrants and 17.9% for videos of the fetal profile. Conclusion: These results show wide acceptance of self-examination using mobile systems for fetal ultrasonography during pregnancy. Image quality was adequate for assessing the amniotic fluid and fetal heartbeat in most participants. Further studies are needed to determine whether ultrasound self-examinations can be implemented in prenatal care and how this would affect the fetomaternal outcome
Effect of Post-Processing Treatment on Fatigue Performance of Ti6Al4V Alloy Manufactured by Laser Powder Bed Fusion
Authors: Mancisidor Ane Miren , García-Blanco María Belén , Quintana Iban , Arrazola Pedro José , Espinosa Elixabete , Cuesta Mikel , Albizuri Joseba , Garciandia Fermin
Published: June 2023

Fatigue properties of parts are of particular concern for safety-critical structures. It is well-known that discontinuities in shape or non-uniformities in materials are frequently a potential nucleus of fatigue failure. This is especially crucial for the Ti6Al4V alloy, which presents high susceptibility to the notch effect. This study investigates how post-processing treatments affect the mechanical performance of Ti6Al4V samples manufactured by laser powder bed fusion technology. All the fatigue samples were subjected to a HIP cycle and post-processed by machining and using combinations of alternative mechanical and electrochemical surface treatments. The relationship between surface properties such as roughness, topography and residual stresses with fatigue performance was assessed. Compressive residual stresses were introduced in all surface-treated samples, and after tribofinishing, roughness was reduced to 0.31 ± 0.10 µm, which was found to be the most critical factor. Fractures occurred on the surface as HIP removed critical internal defects. The irregularities found in the form of cavities or pits were stress concentrators that initiated cracks. It was concluded that machined surfaces presented a fatigue behavior comparable to wrought material, offering a fatigue limit superior to 450 MPa. Additionally, alternative surface treatments showed a fatigue behavior equivalent to the casting material.
Comparison of Sensitivity-Guided and Black-Box Machine Tool Parameter Identification
Authors: Ellinger Johannes , Piendl Daniel , Zaeh Michael F.
Published: June 2023

Dynamic machine tool simulation models can be used for various applications such as process simulations, design optimization, and condition monitoring. However, all these applications require that the model replicates the real system’s behavior as accurately as possible. Next to carefully building the model, the parameterization of the model, that is, determining the parameter values the model is based upon, is the most crucial step. This paper describes the application of both sensitivity-based and black-box parameter identification to a machine tool. It further provides a comparison between these two methods and the method of sequential assembly. It is shown that both methods can increase the mode shape conformity by more than 25% and significantly reduce damping deviations. However, sensitivity-based parameter identification is the most economical method, offering the chance to update a dynamic machine tool model within minutes.
Mean Drift Wave Forces on Arrays of Bodies Surrounded by Thin Porous Surfaces
Authors: Konispoliatis Dimitrios N. , Mavrakos Spyridon A.
Published: June 2023

A semi-analytical solution is presented for the evaluation of mean drift wave forces on arrays of structures composed of impermeable vertical cylindrical bodies and surrounded by thin, porous surfaces. The porous cell is assumed to have fine pores so that a linear pressure drop can be considered. The mean drift wave forces on the array are determined via two principally different approaches: the momentum conservation theory and the direct integration of all pressure contributions upon the bodies’ instantaneous wetted surfaces. A solution method that solves the corresponding diffraction problem following the multiple scattering approach is proposed to account for the hydrodynamic interaction phenomena between the waves and the bodies. Numerical results are presented which illustrate the consistency of each of the two approaches in accurately evaluating the mean wave drift forces on several examined array configurations. It is shown that the thin, porous surface significantly reduces the drift forces on the array of bodies, whereas at specific wave frequencies, local enhancements of the forces’ values are noted due to the amplified wave field between the members of the array.
Improving Maritime Domain Awareness in Brazil through Computer Vision Technology
Authors: Emerick de Magalhães Matheus , Barbosa Carlos Eduardo , Cordeiro Kelli de Faria , Isidorio Daysianne Kessy Mendes , Souza Jano Moreira de
Published: June 2023

This article discusses the Brazilian maritime authority’s efforts to monitor and control vessels in specific maritime areas using data from the naval traffic control system. Anomalies in vessel locations can signal security threats or illegal activities, such as drug trafficking and illegal fishing. A reliable Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) is necessary to reduce such occurrences. This study proposes a data-driven framework, CV-MDA, which uses computer vision to enhance MDA. The approach integrates vessel records and camera images to create an annotated dataset for a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) model. This solution supports detecting, classifying, and identifying small vessels without trackers or that have deliberately shut down their tracking systems in order to engage in illegal activities. Improving MDA could enhance maritime security, including identifying warships invading territorial waters and preventing illegal activities.
Effect of Carbide Orientation on Wear Characteristics of High-Alloy Wear-Resistant Cast Irons
Authors: Gaqi Yila , Kusumoto Kenta , Shimizu Kazumichi , Purba Riki Hendra
Published: June 2023

Both erosive and abrasive wear are common in mechanical systems and moving components in industrial production. Once they occur in machine parts, the task of breakdown maintenance should be carried out, leading to high production costs. Previous research has shown that high-chromium cast iron (HCCI), a commonly used wear-resistant material, experiences repeated particle impacts that break up the chromium carbides (M7C3) on its surface, resulting in the formation of fine fracture carbides. It has been reported that erosion wear occurs progressively due to the shedding of protrusions caused by the plastic deformation of the material’s matrix. Thus, the erosion wear characteristics of a material are strongly affected by carbides, which come in various shapes and can affect resistance. This research examined the orientation of carbides on the microstructure and their effects on erosion and abrasion properties. The wear tests showed that 27 wt.% chromium content high-alloy cast irons showed the best wear resistance properties due to the coarse strips of M7C3 carbides that effectively suppressed wear propagation. Additionally, the M2C carbides crystallized around the M7C3 carbides which support the M7C3 carbide to reduce plastic deformation and carbide peel-out. Consequently, the wear resistance properties of this material are significantly improved.
Ion-Selective Scattering Studied Using the Variable-Energy Electron Irradiation in the Ba0.2K0.8Fe2As2 Superconductor
Authors: Cho Kyuil , Kończykowski Marcin , Tanatar Makariy A. , Mazin Igor I. , Liu Yong , Lograsso Thomas A. , Prozorov Ruslan
Published: June 2023

Low-temperature variable-energy electron irradiation was used to induce non-magnetic disorder in a single crystal of a hole-doped iron-based superconductor, Ba1−xKxFe2As2, x = 0.80. To avoid systematic errors, the beam energy was adjusted non-consequently for five values between 1.0 and 2.5 MeV when sample resistance was measured in situ at 22 K. For all energies, the resistivity raises linearly with the irradiation fluence suggesting the creation of uncorrelated dilute point-like disorder (confirmed by simulations). The rate of the resistivity increase peaks at energies below 1.5 MeV. Comparison with calculated partial cross-sections points to the predominant creation of defects in the iron sublattice. Simultaneously, superconducting Tc, measured separately between the irradiation runs, is monotonically suppressed as expected, since it depends on the total scattering rate, hence on the total cross-section, which is a monotonically increasing function of the energy. Our work experimentally confirms an often-made assumption of the dominant role of the iron sub-lattice in iron-based superconductors.
Research of the Pre-Processing Strategy Influence on the Tribological Properties of PEI Processed by Fused Filament Fabrication Technology
Authors: Mitaľ Gerhard , Gajdoš Ivan , Spišák Emil
Published: June 2023

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) layer generation strategies on abrasive wear resistance and compare the material loss of PEI (polyetherimide) plastic specimens based on different specimen building strategies. The study also compares a newly proposed path generation strategy (parallel paths in layers with 0.25 mm displacement of alternate layers) with samples from a previous study where samples were printed without displacement of alternate layers, i.e., layers stacked perpendicularly to each other. The primary focus was on the weight loss due to abrasive wear before and after the test. The tests were conducted on a tribometer constructed according to ASTM G65/16 standards using dry sand. Two printing directions were examined: X (longitudinal) and Z (portrait) orientations. For X construction, three orientations of deposition path generation were utilized, resulting in three samples for each orientation (nine samples in total for X construction). The same approach was applied to Z construction, resulting in another nine samples. In total, 18 samples were produced and tested. The deposited infill path width was 0.5 mm, and the layer thickness used in printing was 0.254 mm. Garnet abrasive Fe3Al2(SiO4)3 was employed in this test. Analysis of the experimental data revealed a relationship between the construction method (X and Z orientations) and the variation in different orientations (1X–3X and 1Z–3Z). The research results can be categorized as overall and partial. The overall results indicate poorer wear resistance for 1X–3X and 1Z–3Z specimens, while the partial results illustrate the findings within each individual specimen.
Evaluation of Human Gingival Fibroblasts (HGFs) Behavior on Innovative Laser Colored Titanium Surfaces
Authors: Zara Susi , Fioravanti Giulia , Ciuffreda Angelo , Annicchiarico Ciro , Quaresima Raimondo , Mastrangelo Filiberto
Published: June 2023

The use of ytterbium laser to obtain colored titanium surfaces is a suitable strategy to improve the aesthetic soft tissue results and reduce implant failures in oral rehabilitation. To investigate the relationship between novel laser-colored surfaces and peri-implant soft tissues, Human Gingival Fibroblasts (HGFs) were cultured onto 12 colored titanium grade 1 light fuchsia, dark fuchsia, light gold, and dark gold disks and their viability (MTT Assay), cytotoxicity (lactate dehydrogenase release), and collagen I secretion were compared to the machined surface used as control. Optical and electronic microscopies showed a HGF growth directly correlated to the roughness and wettability of the colored surfaces. A higher viability percentage on dark fuchsia (125%) light gold (122%), and dark gold (119%) samples with respect to the machined surface (100%) was recorded. All specimens showed a statistically significant reduction of LDH release compared to the machined surface. Additionally, a higher collagen type I secretion, responsible for an improved adhesion process, in light fuchsia (3.95 μg/mL) and dark gold (3.61 μg/mL) compared to the machined surface (3.59 μg) was recorded. The in vitro results confirmed the innovative physical titanium improvements due to laser treatment and represent interesting perspectives of innovation in order to ameliorate aesthetic dental implant performance and to obtain more predictable osteo and perio-osteointegration long term implant prognosis.
TiNbN Hard Coating Deposited at Varied Substrate Temperature by Cathodic Arc: Tribological Performance under Simulated Cutting Conditions
Authors: Gonzalez-Carmona Juan Manuel , Mambuscay Claudia Lorena , Ortega-Portilla Carolina , Hurtado-Macias Abel , Piamba Jeferson Fernando
Published: June 2023

This study focused on investigating the adhesion and tribological properties of niobium-doped titanium nitride (TiNbN) coatings deposited on D2 steel substrates at various substrate temperatures (Ts) under simulated cutting conditions. X-ray diffraction confirmed the presence of coatings with an FCC crystalline structure, where Nb substitutes Ti atoms in the TiN lattice. With increasing Ts, the lattice parameter decreased, and the crystallite material transitioned from flat-like to spherical shapes. Nanoindentation tests revealed an increase in hardness (H) with Ts, while a decrease in the elastic modulus (E) resulted in an improved elastic strain limit for failure (H/E) and plastic deformation resistance (H3/E2), thereby enhancing stiffness and contact elasticity. Adhesion analysis showed critical loads of ~50 N at Ts of 200 and 400 °C, and ~38 N at Ts of 600 °C. Cohesive failures were associated with lateral cracking, while adhesive failures were attributed to chipping spallation. The tribological behavior was evaluated using a pin-on-disk test, which indicated an increase in friction coefficients with Ts, although they remained lower than those of the substrate. Friction and wear were influenced by the surface morphology, facilitating the formation of abrasive particles. However, the absence of coating detachment in the wear tracks suggested that the films were capable of withstanding the load and wear.