bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between e-cigarette and conventional cigarette use among Spanish adolescents
Authors: Aonso-Diego Gema , Secades-Villa Roberto , García-Pérez Ángel , Weidberg Sara , Fernández-Hermida José Ramón
Published: April 2023

In recent years, studies have highlighted the upward trend in electronic cigarette use among adolescents, as well as the potential of e-cigarette use to lead to subsequent conventional cigarette use. The study’s aims were two-fold: 1) to examine the progression from e-cigarette use to conventional cigarette use; and 2) to analyze the differences in the severity of smoking pattern among dual users (i.e., e-cigarette and conventional cigarette use), cigarette-only smokers, and e-cigarette-only users in a Spanish adolescent population. Data were obtained from the ESTUDES, a representative survey of addictive behaviors of Spanish adolescents aged 14-18, which was comprised of 38,010 adolescents (Mage = 15.69; SD = 1.19; 51.35% females). Results indicate that lifetime e-cigarette use increased the prevalence of subsequent conventional cigarette use by 1.86 times (95% CI 1.74, 1.99), and the prevalence of conventional cigarette use in the last month by 2.38 times (95% CI 2.19, 2.58), independently of whether the e-cigarette contains nicotine or not. Dual users showed a higher percentage of daily smokers, and a greater number of cigarettes per day, a higher use of e-cigarettes with nicotine, and an earlier age of smoking onset. Regarding risk perception, e-cigarette-only users perceived both conventional tobacco and e-cigarettes as less harmful (all p-values < .001). These findings document the strength of association between e-cigarette and conventional cigarettes, and underscore the importance of developing legal restrictions and prevention strategies aimed at reducing e-cigarette use, which in turn would reduce tobacco use.
Consumo de cannabis en población adulta en Galicia: Prevalencias y características asociadas
Authors: Rey-Brandariz Julia , Santiago-Pérez María Isolina , Candal-Pedreira Cristina , Varela-Lema Leonor , Ruano-Ravina Alberto , Martinez Cristina , Veiga Sergio , Otero Miriam , Malvar Alberto , Pérez-Ríos Mónica
Published: April 2023

El cannabis es la droga ilegal más consumida en España con un consumo que se concentra principalmente en la adolescencia y primeros años de la edad adulta. Los objetivos de este estudio fueron estimar la prevalencia de consumo de cannabis, de trastorno por consumo de cannabis (CUD) y de consumo dependiente (CD) en la población gallega ≥16 años y caracterizar a los consumidores y a los consumidores dependientes. Los datos proceden de dos estudios transversales del Sistema de Información sobre Conductas de Riesgo realizados en 2017 (n = 7.841) y 2018 (n = 7.853). Se utilizó el test de adicción al cannabis (CAST) para identificar a los consumidores con CUD y/o CD. Se estimaron prevalencias y se ajustaron modelos de regresión para identificar variables asociadas al consumo y CD de cannabis.  El 2,7% (IC 95%: 2,5-3,0) de la población gallega ≥16 años consumía cannabis en el momento de la encuesta (2017-2018), siendo esta prevalencia del 9% en el grupo de 16-24 años. La prevalencia disminuye con la edad y es superior en hombres en todos los grupos etarios. La prevalencia de CUD en los consumidores fue del 69,5% (IC 95% 61,1-78,1) y de CD del 49,2% (IC 95% 44,6 -53,9). Consumir tabaco es el mayor determinante para ser consumidor de cannabis [OR = 19,8 (IC 95% 13,8-28,4)] y consumir diariamente cannabis para ser consumidor dependiente [OR = 5,5 (IC 95% 3,2-9,5)]. El consumo de cannabis entre la población gallega es bajo, aunque entre los jóvenes de 16-24 años, que son los que muestran más probabilidad de CD, la prevalencia es elevada. Las medidas de prevención deben dirigirse especialmente a la población más joven de 16 años para frenar su consumo y el desarrollo de consecuencias como el CUD y el CD.
Impact of alcohol control policy on hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke mortality rates in Lithuania: An interrupted time series analysis
Authors: Kim Kawon Victoria , Rehm Jürgen , Feng Xinyang , Jiang Huan , Manthey Jakob , Radišauskas Ričardas , Štelemėkas Mindaugas , Tran Alexander , Zafar Anush , Lange Shannon
Published: April 2023

Given the causal impact of alcohol use on stroke, alcohol control policies should presumably reduce stroke mortality rates. This study aimed to test the impact of three major Lithuanian alcohol control policies implemented in 2008, 2017 and 2018 on sex- and stroke subtype-specific mortality rates, among individuals 15+ years-old. Joinpoint regression analyses were performed for each sex- and stroke subtype-specific group to identify timepoints corresponding with significant changes in mortality rate trends. To estimate the impact of each policy, interrupted time series analyses using a generalized additive mixed model were performed on monthly sex- and stroke subtype-specific age-standardized mortality rates from January 2001-December 2018. Significant average annual percent decreases were found for all sex- and stroke subtype-specific mortality rate trends. The alcohol control policies were most impactful on ischemic stroke mortality rates among women. The 2008 policy was followed by a positive level change of 4,498 ischemic stroke deaths per 100,000 women and a negative monthly slope change of -0.048 ischemic stroke deaths per 100,000 women. Both the 2017 and 2018 policy enactment timepoints coincided with a significant negative level change for ischemic stroke mortality rates among women, at -0.901 deaths and -1.431 deaths per 100,000 population, respectively. Hemorrhagic stroke mortality among men was not affected by any of the policies, and hemorrhagic stroke mortality among women and ischemic stroke mortality among men were only associated with the 2008 policy. Our study findings suggest that the impact of alcohol control policies on stroke mortality may vary by sex and subtype.
Substitution of higher-strength beers with zero-alcohol beers: Interrupted time series analyses of Spanish household purchase data, 2017-2022
Authors: Anderson Peter , Kokole Daša
Published: April 2023

In its action plan (2022-2030) to reduce the harmful use of alcohol, WHO calls on economic operators to “substitute, whenever possible, higher-alcohol products with no-alcohol and lower-alcohol products in their overall product portfolios, with the goal of decreasing the overall levels of alcohol consumption in populations and consumer groups”. This paper investigates substitution within beer brands at the level of the consumer, based on Spanish household purchase data using interrupted time series analysis. For households (n = 1791, 9.1% of all households) that newly bought at least one of eleven branded zero-alcohol beers (responsible for over three-quarters of all zero-alcohol beer purchased), the associated purchases of all grams of alcohol after the first purchase of zero-alcohol beer were reduced by 5.5%, largely due to substituting every one litre of higher strength beer (ABV > 3.5%) with 0.75 litres of same-branded zero-alcohol beer (ABV = 0.0%). For households (n = 337, 1.8% of all households) that had never previously purchased a same-branded higher-strength beer, but newly purchasing a same-branded zero-alcohol beer, the associated purchases of all grams of alcohol after the first purchase of zero-alcohol beer were reduced by 14%; this reduction was largely due to such households’ decreasing their associated purchases of wines and spirits. Thus, at the level of the consumer, based on Spanish household purchase data of branded zero-alcohol beers, the evidence behind WHO’s call for substitution appears to be substantiated.
Sobre la cuestión de inconstitucionalidad planteada por el Tribunal Supremo respecto de la publicidad del juego
Authors: Chóliz Montañés Mariano
Published: April 2023

Editorial.
Examination of the Event Horizon and Internal Geometry of the Schwarzschild Metric in Kruskal-Szekeres Coordinates
Authors: Laforet Christopher
Published: April 2023

It is demonstrated mathematically that the Schwarzschild radius is the end point of gravitational collapse using the definitions of the Kruskal-Szekeres coordinates and their relationship to the Schwarzschild coordinate basis vectors over the coordinate chart. The extrinsic nature of the Kruskal-Szekeres coordinates obscures the asymptote that separates the internal and external spacetimes at the horizon. It is proven that all observers that hypothetically reach the horizon are coincident with each other at the horizon, regardless of where or when they began falling relative to each other. It is also proven that all worldlines become null geodesics at the event horizon in Kruskal-Szekeres coordinates and intersect the point T=X=0 there. In the frame of falling observers, the event horizon relativistically contracts to zero size as the horizon is approached. The internal solution is describing a spherically symmetric vacuum surrounded by an infinitely dense shell that is infinitely far away in space and exists a finite time in the past relative to an observer in the vacuum.
Elementary Steps in Steady State Kinetic Model Approximation for the Homo-Heterogeneous Photocatalysis of Carbamazepine
Authors: Shahar Yuval , Rytwo Giora
Published: April 2023

Elucidating physicochemical processes in the degradation of pollutants may optimize their removal from water sources. This work presents a set of elementary steps in the photocatalytic degradation of carbamazepine (CBZ), assuming a steady state approximation in an Advanced Oxidation Process (AOP) combining short-wave ultraviolet radiation (UVC), homogeneous reagent (H2O2) and heterogeneous (TiO2) catalyst. Elementary steps include excitation of both reagent/catalysts by UVC photons, adsorption of CBZ on the excited TiO2, or its oxidation by hydroxyl radicals. Assuming the steady state approximation on the intermediate products (excited TiO2, CBZ- excited TiO2 complex, and hydroxyl radicals), leads to rate laws for degradation of CBZ, in which UVC radiation, TiO2, and H2O2 are pseudo first order at all concentrations or intensities, whereas CBZ is shifts from pseudo first order at low concentrations to pseudo-zero order at high concentrations. Several experiments to test the mechanism were conducted, in which varying CBZ, H2O2, and TiO2 concentrations, and UVC radiation intensities. Measured results indeed fit the suggested mechanism for the first three, but irradiation intensity appears to shift from pseudo-second to pseudo-first order with increased intensities. A corrected elementary step was adapted to fit the results.
NanoLuc Binary Technology as a Methodological Approach: An Important New Tool for Studying the Localization of Androgen Receptor and Androgen Receptor Splice Variant V7 Homo- and Heterodimers
Authors: Guzman Juan , Weigelt Katrin , Neumann Angela , Tripal Philipp , Schmid Benjamin , Winter Zoltan , Palmisano Ralph , Culig Zoran , Cronauer Marcus V. , Muschler Paul , Wullich Bernd , Taubert Helge , Wach Sven
Published: April 2023

The androgen/androgen receptor (AR)-signaling axis plays a central role in the development and growth of prostate cancer (PCa) cells. Upon androgen-binding the AR dimerizes with another AR, translocates into the nucleus where the AR-dimer activates/inactivates androgen-dependent genes. In consequence treatments for locally advanced or metastatic PCa are commonly based on androgen deprivation therapies (ADT). Unfortunately, the clinical benefits of ADT are only transitory and most tumors develop mechanisms allowing the AR to bypass its need for physiological levels of circulating androgens. In the clinic failure of ADT is often characterized by the synthesis of a C-terminally truncated, constitutively active AR splice variant, termed AR-V7. In contrast to AR, the constitutively active AR-V7 does no longer need androgenic stimuli for nuclear entry and/or dimerization. The goal of the present study was to mechanistically decipher the interaction between full-length AR (AR-FL) and AR-V7 in AR-null HEK-293 cells using the NanoLuc Binary Technology (NanoBiT) structural complementation assay under androgen stimulation and deprivation conditions. Our data point toward a hypothesis that AR-FL/AR-FL homodimers form in the cytoplasm, whereas AR-V7/AR-V7 localize in the nucleus. However, after 15 min of androgen stimulation, all AR-FL/AR-FL, AR-FL/AR-V7 and AR-V7/AR-V7 dimers localized in the nucleus. In this way, we can show an androgen-regulated interaction between AR-FL and AR-V7 at forming heterodimers that localize in the nucleus, whereas AR-V7/AR-V7 dimers were found to localize in the absence of androgens in the nucleus. Treatment with enzalutamide diminished the luminescence of AR-FL homodimers and AR-FL/AR-V7 heterodimers but not AR-V7/AR-V7 homodimers.
Assessing the Feasibility of Wave Energy Harvesting through Coastal Wave Modeling and Forecasting with Long Short-Term Memory Optimization using Univariate Time Series Approach
Authors: Lawal Zaharaddeeen Karami , Yassin Hayati , Lai Daphne Teck Ching , Idris Azam Che
Published: April 2023

. Accurate coastal wave direction and speed forecasts are crucial in coastal and marine engineering, marine energy, maritime transport, fisheries, naval navigation, environmental research, and risk management. Approximately 269 km of Brunei Darussalam's coastline can generate between 15 and 126 GW of wave energy. As part of the preliminary feasibility study of wave energy harvesting in Brunei Darussalam and net zero commitment, in this study, we used two numerical methods, namely, finite difference and spectral element methods, for modeling and simulation of wave speed and direction. The mean error between numerical and analytical solutions was calculated in each simulation. Explanatory data analysis was used to provide insight into the study data. We then proposed wave direction and speed forecasting models using Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) stacking on the data computed from the Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) sensor data. A univariate time series forecasting approach was adopted for this research. KerasTuner hyperparameter tuning API was used for tuning and optimizing hyperparameters, leading us to build models with the least training and test errors. Seven separate prediction experiments were conducted for wave speed and direction in degree and radian units for the next 1, 3, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 24 hours, respectively. Mean squared error (MSE) was used as a metric for both training and testing. The experimental results show that wave speed forecast has the lowest MSEs compared to direction, regardless of the unit of measure, but has a longer runtime. Moreover, the forecast of direction in the degree unit has the least errors compared to the radian unit; the running time of the latter is higher than that of the former. In the future, we intend to use advanced multivariate time series techniques to forecast wave speed and direction.
Research and Implementation of Low-Power Anomaly Recogni-Tion Method for Intelligent Manhole Covers
Authors: Guo Jiahu , Wang Kai , Sun Jianquan , Jia Youcheng
Published: April 2023

This paper addresses the difficulty of balancing real-time response and low power consumption in intelligent manhole cover application scenarios. It proposes a method to distinguish normal and abnormal events by segmenting the boundary where the acceleration of the intelligent manhole cover deviates from a set threshold and lasts for a certain period, based on the difference in vibration patterns of the intelligent manhole cover when a normal event and an abnormal event occur. This paper uses digital output motion sensor data autonomous data fusion to implement the pattern mentioned above recognition algorithm, which reduces the MCU computing and working time and the overall power consumption of the system while meeting the real-time response requirements. The test results demonstrate that the method has a high rate of anomaly recognition accuracy. The method ensures the system's real-time response capability, and the actual low power consumption test demonstrates that the device can operate continuously for 9.5 years. The low power consumption index exceeds the requirements of the existing national standard, thereby resolving the issue that it is challenging to balance intelligent manhole cover abnormality recognition and low power consumption.
Influences of Cold Rolling and Aging on Microstructure and Property of CuCrSn Alloy
Authors: Chen Tao , Zhang Qingke , Liu Feng , Feng Xiaolong , Xu Cheng , Song Zhenlun
Published: April 2023

The CuCrSn alloy is promising as high-strength and high-conductivity Cu alloy due to its relative low smelting requirement, while thus far reports on the CuCrSn alloy is still quite lacked. In this study, the microstructure and properties of Cu-0.20Cr-0.25Sn (wt%) specimens prepared under different rolling and aging combinations were comprehensively characterized, in order to reveal the effects of cold rolling and aging on the CuCrSn alloy. The results show that increasing the aging temperature from 400 ºC to 450 ºC can obviously accelerates the precipitation, and the cold rolling before aging significantly increases the initial microhardness and promotes the precipitation. Whereas, the deformation hardening will be eliminated during the aging process, making the microhardness even decrease monotonically when the aging temperature and the rolling ratio before aging are high. Performing the cold rolling after the aging can maximize the effects of precipitation strengthening and deformation strengthening, and its adverse impact on the conductivity is not serious. A tensile strength of 506.5 MPa and a conductivity of 70.33% IACS were obtained with such a treatment, only the elongation decreases. Different strength-conductivity combinations of the CuCrSn alloy can be achieved through appropriate combinations of the aging and post aging cold rolling conditions.
The Enhancement of Overall Performance of Lubricating Grease by Adding Layered Double Hydroxides
Authors: Li Yong , Zhou Weidong , Xue Wanan , Huang Yongwang , Zhang Qiang , Han Jingbin
Published: April 2023

In this paper, MgAl Layered double hydroxides (LDH) were synthesized by co-precipitation method using a colloid mill and characterized by XRD, IR and SEM. The LDHs was repeatedly tested and compared with different bearing lifetime tester in lithium base grease, and it was found that the environmental-friendly LDHs had greater performance than the traditional antioxidant, and it was the development direction of a new generation of environmental-friendly antioxidants in the future. By adding LDHs into large electric shovel greats (GRK-A) in open-pit coal mine, it can be seen by PDSC evaluation that the service lifetime of grease is extended by 20% while the overall performance of grease is not affected. With the increase of LDHs addition, the grease sample gets the greater activation energy, the stronger thermal oxidation and decomposition resistance. Comparing the energy storage modulus and flow transition index at different temperatures, it can be seen that adding the right amount of LDHs needs close attention for the system oxidation resistance and viscoelasticity. For the electric shovel grease system, the best oxidation resistance and rheological properties can be achieved by adding 2% of LDHs. The rheological viscosity-temperature curves show that the grease samples with different ratios of solid LDHs have better low-temperature properties than the mine grease.
Swine Backyard Production Systems in Central Chile: Characterizing Farm Structure, Animal Management and Production Value Chain
Authors: Baumberger Cecilia , Di Pillo Francisca , Galdames Pablo , Oyarzun Cristobal , Marambio Victor , Jimenez-Bluhm Pedro , Hamilton-West Christopher
Published: April 2023

Backyard production systems (BPS) are highly distributed in central Chile. Poultry BPS have been previously characterized; however, swine BPS have not yet been deeply characterized in central Chile. In addition, there is evidence that zoonotic pathogens, such as influenza A virus and Salmonella spp., are circulating in both poultry and pigs kept these production systems. A total of 358 BPS located in central Chile were evaluated between 2013 and 2015 by interviewing farm owners. Severe deficiencies in biosecurity measures were observed. The value chain of swine backyard production identified feeding, products and veterinary visits, and replacement or breeding animals as the main inputs to the backyard. The most common origin of swine replacements was from outside the BPS (63%). Meat and live animals (piglets and breeding animals) were identified as the main outputs of the system. In 16% of BPS, breeding animals were lent to other BPS, indicating the existence of animal and animal products movement in and out of backyard farms. Results from this study suggest that swine BPS in central Chile represent an animal-human interphase that need special attention to direct preventive measures aimed at avoiding the introduction and dissemination of animal pathogens and the emergence of zoonotic pathogens.
Using Waste Concentrated Sodium Hydroxide Solution From Aluminum Production and Fabric Softener As Phase Transfer Agent in the Environmentally Friendly Biodiesel Synthesis
Authors: DOS SANTOS SANDRO LUIZ BARBOSA , NELSON DAVID LEE , Silva Lucas Paconio , Pedro Moises , SANTOS WALLANS TORRES PIO DOS , WENTZ ALEXANDRE PEREIRA , Pessoa Fernando L. P. , Agblavor Foster A. , Bortoleto Daniel A.
Published: April 2023

Red mud (RM) is a residue obtained from the production of alumina. It contains a high concentration of metal oxides and waste concentrated sodium hydroxide solution (pH = 13). To increase the value of RM, an environmentally friendly process of transesterification using waste cooking oil (WCO), MeOH and concentrated sodium hydroxide solution (CSHS) from aluminum production was proposed. Triglycerides of WCO reacted with MeOH at 60 oC to yield mixtures of fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) in the presence of 2.03% (w/w) CSHS/WCO using the CSHS (0.204 mol L-1, predetermined by potentiometric titration) from aluminum production by the Bayer process or with the addition of 0.68% (w/w) fabric softener (3% w/w cetyltrimethylammonium chloride in solution) as a phase transfer (PTA) agent. The addition of PTA to the catalyst resulted in a better yield of the products (greater than 98% yield). A simplified mechanism is presented to account for the experimental results.
Numerical Study of Velocity and Mixture Fraction Fields in a Turbulent Non-reacting Propane Jet Flow Issuing into Parallel Co-Flowing Air in Isothermal Condition through OpenFOAM
Authors: Aghajanpour Abdolreza , Khatibi Seyedalireza
Published: April 2023

The present work is a numerical simulation of velocity and mixture fraction fields in a turbulent non-reaction Propane jet flow issuing into parallel co-flowing air, in isothermal condition which has been experimentally described here: http://www.sandia.gov/TNF/DataArch/ProJet.html. The objective is a better understanding of the flow structure and mixing process, a situation in which there is no chemical interaction and heat-transfer. The two-equation Realizable k-ε eddy viscosity turbulence model has been used to simulate the turbulent flow field on a 2D plane (i.e., on a 5-degree sector of the experimental domain), because Realizable k-ε more accurately predicts the spreading rate of both planar and round jets and presents the best proficiency in comparison with all versions of the k-ε models. Afterward, axial and radial profiles of mean velocities, turbulence energy, mean mixture fraction, the mixture fraction half radius (Lf), and the mass flux diagram have been numerically elicited for grid independent mesh (mesh B) and compared with corresponding experimental data to assess the numerical model. To obtain turbulence kinetic energy, k, due to lack of w' in the experimental data, the assumption of w'=v' seems to be valid. Simulations have demonstrated that mean mixture fraction (at radial proﬁles at locations x/D=0, 4, 15, 30 and 50) and its half radius, Lf, which characterizes jet width expanse, are prominently well-captured; Moreover, mean vertical velocity fields (in X-direction: Umean) have revealed less accuracy but still conspicuously well-captured. However, mean vertical velocity fields (in Y-direction: Vmean) have disclosed less resolution; Likewise, turbulence kinetic energy, k, have manifested moderate accuracy (between Umean and Vmean). It should be noticed that although numerical results for absolute pressure, p, have been obtained on aforementioned sections, there were no experimental data to compare with them. Thus, the corresponding numerical data has not been demonstrated in this study.
Capacity and Mechanisms of Pb(II) and Cd(II) Sorption on Five Plant-based Biochars
Authors: Yu Yan , He Jiangtao , Sun Jingyang , Pei Zixuan , Wu Qidong , Yu Rui
Published: April 2023

China is a large agricultural country that produces a large amount of crop straw every year. Thus, the development of cost-effective and economic application of invasive plants is warranted. Biochars derived from crop straw has been proven to be promising for adsorbent materials. However, less studies have focused on biochar derived from different types of crop straw as adsorbent under the same conditions to compare their adsorption performance. Here, we characterized the five biochars in the same system (600 ℃). In results, GBC has higher ash content, pH, CEC, specific surface area, mineral composition and oxygen-containing functional groups. The adsorption kinetics can be explained adequately by pseudo-second-order model and Langmuir model, indicating that the adsorption behavior of the biochar is both physical adsorption and chemical adsorption, the adsorption process includes complexation reaction, cationic π bond, ion precipitation and electrostatic adsorption. In conclusion, GBC exhibited higher metal equilibrium adsorption capacities (125 mg·g-1 for Pb2+, 29 mg·g-1 for Cd2+). The solution pH, biochar dosing, pyrolysis temperature and the properties of these heavy metals were responsible for adsorption capacity, thus showing stronger affinity and better adsorption effect. Our results are important for the selection and utilization of plant-based biochar for different heavy metals.
Mechanical Properties and Toughening Mechanisms of a Promising Zr-Y-Ta-O Composite Ceramics
Authors: Pi Zhipeng , Fu Xiaoteng , Zhang Fan , Zhu Wang
Published: April 2023

ZrO2-YO1.5-TaO2.5(ZYTO) composite ceramic is considered to be the candidate of next generation of thermal barrier coatings as its excellent thermal stability and low thermal conductivity in high temperature, however, the mechanical properties and fracture tougheness of ZYTO system may be the shortcomings compared with the 8YSZ. In this study, ZYTO composite ceramics were successfully prepared by chemical coprecipitation reaction, the microsture of resulting composites were studied as a function of doping of M-YTaO4. Mechanical properties, including the density, porosity, hardness and Young's modulus, are determinate; the toughening mechanism were verified by the crack growth behavior of Vickers indentation test Results suggested that M-YTaO4 refines the fluorite phase grain and strengthens the grain interface in the composite ceramic. The thermal mismatch between the second phase and matrix produces residual stress in the bulk and affects the crack propagation behavior. With the increase of M-YTaO4 doping, the grain coarsening and ferroelastic domains are observed in the experiments. The ferroelastic domains with orthogonal polarization directions near crack tip evidences the ferroelastic toughening mechanism. The competition among these crack behaviors, such as cracks deflection, bridging and bifurcation, dominates the actual fracture toughness of the composite. The best toughening formula is determinate in the two-phase region and the highest fracture toughness is about to 3.1MPa·m1/2. Above all, mechanical properties of ZYTO composite ceramics look potential for thermal barrier coatings materials.
Dynamic of a Flexible Rotor-Bearing System Supported by Worn Tilting Journal Bearings Experiencing Rub-Impact
Authors: Tofighi-Niaki Ebrahim , Safizadeh Mir Saeed
Published: April 2023

Wear usually occurs in the loaded part of hydrodynamic bearings and leads the bearing geometry imperfections. This paper investigates the effects of wear-induced geometric imperfections of tilting pad journal bearings (TPJBs) on the dynamic behavior of the system. Furthermore, the effect of wear on the journal-bearing rub-induced contact pressure severity is investigated. A novel tribo-dynamic model is proposed for a flexible rotor-worn TPJB which integrates a mixed elastohydrodynamic model with a rotor-worn TPJB thermal and dynamic model to assess the effects of the bearing wear progression on the rotor-TPJB behavior. Based on the results, wear changes the temperature distribution of the pads and oil film as well as the dynamic behavior of the system. Dynamic simulations reveal a higher vibration level and contact pressure for the worn TPJBs near the system's critical speed and service speed. Finally, thermal and dynamic condition indicators are suggested to detect TPJB wear severity at its early stages.
Hysteresis Behavior Modeling of Magnetorheological Elastomers Under Impact Loadings Using MultiLayers Exponential Based Preisach Model Enhanced With Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Mohd Alawi Alawiyah Hasanah , Hudha Khisbullah , Kadir Zulkiffli Bin Abd , Amer Noor Hafizah
Published: April 2023

Magnetorheological elastomers (MREs) are a type of smart material that can change their mechanical properties in response to external magnetic fields. These unique properties make them ideal for various applications, including vibration control, noise reduction, and shock absorption. This paper presents an approach for modeling the impact behavior of MREs. The proposed model uses a combination of exponential functions arranged in a multi-layer Preisach model to capture the nonlinear behavior of MREs under impact loads. The model is trained using particle swarm optimization (PSO) and validated using experimental data from drop impact tests conducted on MRE samples under various magnetic field strengths. The results demonstrate that the proposed model can accurately predict the impact behavior of MREs, making it a useful tool for designing MRE-based devices that require precise control of their impact response. The model's response closely matches the experimental data, with a maximum prediction error of 10% or less. Furthermore, the interpolated model's response shows good agreement with the experimental data, with a maximum percentage error of less than 8.5%.
Salmon Processing Discards: A Potential Source of Bioactive Peptides – A Review
Authors: Ramakrishnan Vegneshwaran V. , Hossain Abul , Dave Deepika , Shahidi Fereidoon
Published: April 2023

Salmon aquaculture generates 80% of the total revenue of finfish aquaculture across Canada. Salmon farming is carried out in a multilevel process, and at least 60% of the total production is considered as by-products, including skin, head, viscera, trimming, frames, bones, and roes. These by-products are an excellent source of protein, which can be converted to protein hydrolysates through enzymatic hydrolysis and non-enzymatic processes such as chemical hydrolysis (acid and alkaline) and salt extraction. Several studies have reported that peptides from salmon protein hydrolysates possess bioactivities, including antihypertensive, antioxidant, anticancer, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, anti-allergic, and cholesterol-lowering effects. Incorporating in-silico computational methods is gaining more attention to identify potential peptides from source protein. The in-silico methods can be used to predict the properties of the peptides and thereby predetermine the processing, isolation, and purification steps that can be used for the peptides of interest. Therefore, it is essential to implement robust, standardized, and cost-effective processing techniques that can easily be transferrable and scale up for industrial applications. This contribution summarizes the latest research information on Atlantic salmon, production statistics, growth lifecycle, processing, protein production techniques, nutritional and functional properties, peptide production and purification processes, as well as potential health benefits as a nutraceutical product.
Sea-Level Rise Effects on Changing Hazard Exposure to Far-Field Tsunamis in a Volcanic Pacific Island
Authors: Welsh Rebecca , Williams Shaun , Bosserelle Cyprien , Paulik Ryan , Chan Ting Josephina , Wild Alec , Talia Lameko
Published: April 2023

Coastal flooding exacerbated by climate change is recognised as a major global threat which is expected to impact more than a quarter of people currently residing in Pacific Islands countries. While most research in the last decade has focused on understanding the dynamics and impacts of future coastal flooding from extreme sea levels, relative sea level rise (RSLR) effects on tsunami hazards are not well understood. Far-field or distant-sourced tsunamis tend to have relatively lower impacts in Pacific Island states compared with locally sourced events, but there is limited understanding on how the impact of far-field tsunamis changes over time due to RSLR. Using the hydrodynamics software BG-Flood, we modelled the Tōhoku tsunami from propagation to inundation in Samoa under incremental SLR to examine the effects that RSLR has on changing the exposure of the built environment (e.g., buildings) to a far-field tsunami. Outputs of maximum tsunami inundation and flow depth intensities which incorporate incremental SLR were then combined with digital representations of buildings and depth-damage functions in the RiskScape multi-hazard risk modelling software to assess the changes in building exposure over time. Results indicate that present day buildings exposure in Samoa to a Tōhoku-oki type far-field tsunami will increase by approx. 600% with 1 m RSLR by 2080–2130, and approx. 2,350% with 2 m RSLR by 2130–2140. These findings provide a useful baseline for tsunami hazard risk assessment under changing sea level conditions in analogous island environments.
Rapid In Vitro Assessment of Antimicrobial Drug Effect Bridging Clinically Relevant Pharmacokinetics: A Comprehensive Methodology
Authors: Nikolaou Michael , Tam Vincent H.
Published: April 2023

Rapid in vitro assessment of antimicrobial drug efficacy under clinically relevant pharmacokinetic conditions is an essential element of both drug development and clinical use. Here we present an overview of a novel integrated methodology for rapid assessment of such efficacy, particularly against emergence of resistant bacterial strains, as jointly researched by the authors in recent years. This methodology enables rapid in vitro assessment of antimicrobial efficacy of a single or multiple drugs in combination, following clinically relevant pharmacokinetics. The proposed methodology entails (a) automated collection of longitudinal time-kill data in an optical-density instrument; (b) processing of collected time-kill data with the aid of a mathematical model to de-termine optimal dosing regimens under clinically relevant pharmacokinetics for a single or mul-tiple drugs; and (c) in vitro validation of promising dosing regimens in a hollow fiber system. Proof-of-concept of this methodology through a number of in vitro studies is discussed. Future directions for refinement of optimal data collection and processing are discussed.
Physical Exercise and Changes in AST/ALT Rates in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials
Authors: Silva Mariana , Santos Felipe , Lagares Laura , Macedo Rodrigo , Takanami Luji , Almeida Luiz , Bomfim Eric , Santos Clarcson
Published: April 2023

Aim: To investigate how much aerobic and resisted physical exercise affects the behavior of AST and ALT proteins in the NAFLD spectrum. Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a pathology resulting from the excessive accumulation of triglycerides in the liver. The pathophysiology of the disease comes from several mechanisms, among them, metabolic, environmental, and genetic. The measurement of liver enzymes, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) are essential to perform a differential diagnosis of NAFLD with other pathologies that affect the liver. The non-pharmacological treatment of NAFLD is based on aerobic and resisted physical exercise, and one of its aims is to reduce the inflammatory markers AST and ALT. Materials and Methods: Systematic review carried out in PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Cochrane databases. Clinical trials that evaluated the effect of physical exercise on NAFLD on AST and ALT enzymes were included. Results: A total of 24 clinical trials met the inclusion criteria, with a sample size of 1141 participants, aged 20-82 years. The study protocol varied between aerobic exercise and resistance exercise with a weekly frequency between 2-6 times a week, a duration of 20-90 minutes for aerobics, and an intensity between 50-80% of peak VO2 and/or maximum HR for the resisted. Of the 24 studies included, only five showed improvements in both enzymes in the intervention group. Conclusion: Physical exercise cannot make significant changes in the behavior of AST and ALT liver parameters.
Performance Analysis of Segmentation and Classification of CT scanned Ovarian Tumours using UNet and Deep Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Kodipalli Ashwini , Gururaj Vaishnavi , VR Shriya , Fernandes Steven L , Dasar Santosh
Published: April 2023

The difficulty in detecting tumors in earlier stages is the major cause of mortalities of patients, despite the advancements in treatment and research regarding ovarian cancer. Deep Learning algorithms are applied to serve the purpose of a diagnostic tool by applying them on CT scan images of the ovarian region. The images go through a series of pre-processing techniques and further the tumor is segmented using the UNet model. Instances are then classified into two categories – benign and malignant tumors. Classification is performed using Deep Learning models like CNN, ResNet, DenseNet, Inception-ResNet, VGG16 and Xception along with Machine Learning models such as Random Forest, Gradient Boosting, AdaBoosting, XGBoosting. DenseNet 121 emerges as the best model on this dataset even after applying optimization on the Machine Learning models by obtaining an accuracy of 95.7%. The current work demonstrates the comparison of multiple CNN architectures among themselves and with common Machine Learning algorithms, with and without optimization techniques applied.
OculusGraphy: Comparison Between Human and Rabbit Electroretinogram Based on Time-Domain and Time-Frequency Domain Analysis
Authors: Zhdanov Aleksei , Constable Paul , Manjur Sultan Mohammad , Dolganov Anton , Posada-Quintero Hugo F. , Lizunov Aleksander
Published: April 2023

Background: The electroretinogram is a clinical test used to assess the function of the photoreceptors and retinal circuits of various cells in the eye, with the recorded waveform being the result of the summated response of neural generators across the retina. Methods: The present investigation involved an analysis of the electroretinogram waveform in both the time and time-frequency domain through the utilization of the discrete wavelet transform and continuous wavelet transform techniques. The primary aim of this study was to monitor and evaluate the effects of treatment in a New Zealand rabbit model of endophthalmitis via electroretinogram waveform analysis. Results: The wavelet scalograms were analyzed using various mother wavelets, including the Daubechies, Ricker, Wavelet Biorthogonal 3.1 (bior3.1), Morlet, Haar, and Gaussian wavelets. Distinctive variances were identified in the wavelet scalograms. Conclusions: The study compared Adult, Child, and Rabbit electroretinogram responses using DWT and CWT, finding that Adult signals had higher power than Child signals, and Rabbit signals showed differences in a-wave and b-wave depending on the type of response tested, while Haar Wavelet was found to be superior in visualizing frequency components in electrophysiological signals.
Characterisation of Agarose Gels in Solvent and Non-solvent Media
Authors: Roux Denis C. D. , Jeacomine Isabelle , Maîtrejean Guillaume , Caton François , Rinaudo Marguerite
Published: April 2023

Abstract: Agarose is known to form a homogeneous thermoreversible gel in aqueous medium over a critical polymer concentration. The solid-liquid phase transitions are thermoreversible but depend on the molecular structure of the agarose sample tested. Then, in a first step, the structure was characterised by 1H and 13C NMR in D2O and in DMSO which is a solvent of agarose whatever the temperature. A low yield in methyl substituent on the D-galactose unit was determined. Then, evolution of the 1H NMR spectrum was followed as a function of temperature in increasing and decreasing temperature process from 25 to 80°C. A large thermal hysteresis is obtained and discussed. It helps to interpret rheological behaviour. In fact, NMR signals are related to proton relaxation and especially to proton involved in H-bonds between water and -OH agarose for tightly bound water and agarose/agarose in chain packing. In a second step, water was exchanged against ethanol which is a non solvent of agarose. A stable gel was demonstrated and characterised by rheology to be compared with aqueous behaviour. Bound water playing the role of plasticizer is probably removed and the gel is much stronger (and brittle) in ethanol with a larger thermal stability. It is the first time that such gel is characterised without phase transition when passing from a good-solvent to a non-solvent. This extends the domains of application of agarose.
Recent Advances in the Genomic Resources for Sheep
Authors: Woolley Shernae A. , Salavati Mazdak , Clark Emily L.
Published: April 2023

Sheep (Ovis aries) provide a vital source of protein and fibre to human populations. In coming decades, as the pressures associated with rapidly changing climates increase, breeding sheep sustainably as well as producing enough protein to feed a growing human population will pose a considerable challenge for sheep production across the globe. High quality reference genomes and other genomic resources can help to meet these challenges by: 1) informing breeding programmes by adding a priori information about the genome, 2) providing tools such as pangenomes for characterising and conserving genetic diversity, and 3) improving our understanding of fundamental biology using the power of genomic information to link cell, tissue and whole animal scale knowledge. In this review we describe recent advances in the genomic resources available for sheep, discuss how these might help to meet future challenges for sheep production, and provide some insight into what the future might hold.
Transforming Growth Factor Beta and Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition Alter Homologous Recombination Repair Gene Expression and Sensitize BRCA Wild Type Ovarian Cancer Cells to Olaparib
Authors: Roberts Cai M. , Rojas-Alexandre Mehida , Hanna Ruth E. , Lin Z Ping , Ratner Elena S.
Published: April 2023

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) remains the most lethal gynecologic malignancy, largely due to metastasis and drug resistant recurrences. Fifteen percent of ovarian tumors carry mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2, rendering them vulnerable to treatment with PARP inhibitors such as olaparib. Recent studies have shown that TGFβ can induce “BRCAness” in BRCA wild-type cancer cells. Given that TGFβ is a known driver of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), and the con-nection between EMT and metastatic spread in EOC and other cancers, we asked if TGFβ and EMT alter susceptibility of EOC to PARP inhibition. Epithelial EOC cells were transiently treated with soluble TGFβ and their clonogenic potential, expression and function of EMT and DNA repair genes, and response to PARP inhibitors compared with untreated controls. A second epithelial cell line was compared to its mesenchymal derivative for EMT and DNA repair gene expression and drug responses. We found that TGFβ and EMT resulted in downregulation of genes responsible for homologous recombination (HR) and sensitized cells to olaparib. HR efficiency was reduced in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, mesenchymal cells displayed sensitivity to olaparib, cis-platin, and the DNA-PK inhibitor Nu-7441. Therefore, treatment of disseminated, mesenchymal tumors may represent an opportunity to expand clinical utility of PARP inhibitors and similar agents.
Feasibility and Efficacy of Morning Light Therapy for Adults with Sleep Disorders: A Pilot Randomized Open Label Two-Arm Study
Authors: Yoon Jihyun , Heo Seok-Jae , Lee Hyangkyu , Sul Eun Gyeong , Han Tae-Hwa , Kwon Yu-Jin
Published: April 2023

Background and Objectives: Light therapy (LT) is used as an adjunctive treatment for sleep problems. This study evaluates the impact of LT on sleep quality and sleep-related parameters in patients with sleep disorders. Materials and Methods: We performed a pilot randomized, open-label clinical trial. Fourteen patients aged 20–60 years with sleep disorders for more than three months were randomized into the control and LT groups (1:1 ratio). The LT group was instructed to use a device that provides bright LT (6000 K, 380 lux, wavelength 480 nm) for at least 25 minutes before 09:00 am for two weeks. A self-reported questionnaire was used to evaluate circadian preference, mood, and sleep-related parameters. We analyzed serum cortisol levels and clock genes expression. Results: The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), insomnia severity index, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality index were significantly improved within the LT group only after the two-week period. When comparing the two groups, only the change in ESS significant was significant (mean difference; control: -0.14 vs LT: -1.43, p=0.021) after adjusting for baseline characteristics. There were no significant differences in serum cortisol or clock genes expression. Conclusions: LT can improve daytime sleepiness in patients with sleep disorders; however, further well-designed studies are warranted to confirm its efficacy.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells Therapies Approved by Regulatory Agencies Around the World
Authors: Fernández-Garza Luis E. , Barrera-Barrera Silvia A. , Barrera-Saldaña Hugo A.
Published: April 2023

Cell therapy has used mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) which in cell culture are multipotent progenitors, capable of producing a variety of cells limited to the mesoderm layer. There are two types of MSCs sources: 1) adult MSCs, which are obtained from the bone marrow, adipose tissue, peripheral blood, and dental pulp; and 2) neonatal tissue-derived MSCs, obtained from extra-embryonic tissues such as the placenta, amnion, and umbilical cord. Until April 2023, there are 1,120 registered clinical trials using MSCs therapies worldwide, but there are only 12 MSCs therapies that have been approved by regulatory agencies for commercialization. Nine of the twelve approved MSCs products are from Asia, with South Korea being the country with the most approved therapies. In the future, MSCs will play an important role in the treatment of many diseases. However, there are many issues to deal with before their application and usage in medical practice. Some strategies have been proposed to face these problems with the hope of reaching the objective of applying these MSCs therapies at optimal therapeutic levels.