bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Similarities and Disparities of e-Commerce in the European Union in the Post-Pandemic Period
Authors: Gogonea Rodica Manuela , Moraru Liviu Cătălin , Bodislav Dumitru Alexandru , Păunescu Loredana Maria , Vlăsceanu Carmen Florentina
Published: February 2024

The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in notable transformations of the commerce landscape, particularly in the realm of electronic commerce. This sector has experienced a precipitous advancement, characterized by substantial modifications of online business under-takings, encompassing both products and services. The aim of the current research was to explore the similarities and differences between European Union member states in the context of e-commerce in the post-pandemic period, taking into consideration the population’s level of education, the risk of poverty, as well as households’ access to the internet. The analysis was conducted for the year 2021, which represented the most recent year for which data were available, and was based on the application of the hierarchical cluster methodology, which included the Ward method and the Robust Tests of Equality of Means (Welch and Brown–Forsythe). Five clusters resulted, which included a minimum of three countries and a maximum of nine. The present study focused on examining the similarities and disparities within clusters, as well as among countries belonging to those clusters. These observed similarities and disparities are believed to be the outcome of various indicators that influence the realm of electronic commerce, and they are contingent upon the economic development level of each country and their ability to cope with the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The information obtained in this study pertains to the future of electronic commerce in the sense of identifying premises that allow the development and application of development strategies.
Estimation of Above-Ground Forest Biomass in Nepal by the Use of Airborne LiDAR, and Forest Inventory Data
Authors: KC Yam Bahadur , Liu Qijing , Saud Pradip , Gaire Damodar , Adhikari Hari
Published: February 2024

Forests play a significant role in sequestering carbon and regulating the global carbon and energy cycles. Accurately estimating forest biomass is crucial for understanding carbon stock and sequestration, forest degradation, and climate change mitigation. This study was conducted to estimate above-ground biomass (AGB) and compare the accuracy of the AGB estimating models using LiDAR (light detection and ranging) data and forest inventory data in the central Terai region of Nepal. Airborne LiDAR data were collected in 2021 and made available by Nepal Ban Nigam Limited, Government of Nepal. Thirty-two metrics derived from the laser-scanned LiDAR point cloud data were used as predictor variables (independent variables), while the AGB calculated from field data at the plot level served as the response variable (dependent variable). The predictor variables in this study were LiDAR-based height and canopy metrics. Two statistical methods, the stepwise linear regression (LR) and the random forest (RF) models, were used to estimate forest AGB. The output was an accurate map of AGB for each model. The RF method demonstrated better precision compared to the stepwise LR model, as the R2 metric increased from 0.65 to 0.85, while the RMSE values decreased correspondingly from 105.88 to 60.9 ton/ha. The estimated AGB density varies from 0 to 446 ton/ha among the sample plots. This study revealed that the height-based LiDAR metrics, such as height percentile or maximum height, can accurately and precisely predict AGB quantities in tropical forests. Consequently, we confidently assert that substantial potential exists to monitor AGB levels in forests effectively by employing airborne LiDAR technology in combination with field inventory data.
The Evolution and Economic and Social Effects of the Spatial and Temporal Pattern of Transport Superiority Degree in Southern Xinjiang, China
Authors: Li Songhong , Wang Hongwei , Liu Xiaoyang , Yang Zhen
Published: February 2024

Transportation significantly influences economically underdeveloped arid regions, impacting economic growth and social progress. Analyzing Transport Superiority Degree (TSD) and its implications in such regions is crucial. A new arid region-specific evaluation framework addresses traditional limitations by considering indicators like route connectivity and desert interference. This article conducts an empirical study using Southern Xinjiang as a research case. It combines comprehensive evaluation methods, spatial autocorrelation methods, spatial Durbin models, and coupling coordination models to depict Transport Support Capability (TSC), Transport Access Capacity (TAC), and Transport Guarantee Capacity (TGC) at different scales in Southern Xinjiang from 2000 to 2020. The study reveals spatial patterns, evolutionary characteristics, economic impacts, and social effects of TSD at various scales. Key findings include: (1) Rapid expansion of transportation infrastructure in Southern Xinjiang. The levels of TSD at different scales have gradually increased, and spatial and temporal pattern differences are evident. At the county level, TSD forms a “core-periphery” spatial pattern centered around the Southern Xinjiang Railway, with “high-high” agglomeration areas centered around Kashgar city and “low-low” agglomeration areas centered around Qiemo County. (2) Prefectural-level TSD improvements have limited impacts on regional development, while county-level TSC, TAC, TGC, and TSD positively affect economic and social growth but also exhibit competitive effects. (3) TSD is transitioning from non-coordinated to coordinated development with economic and social progress at different scales. This research informs transportation facility evaluation in arid regions.
Distinguishing Geogenic Load and Anthropogenic Contribution to Soil Contamination in Mineralised Mountain Landscape of Ore Mountains (Czech Republic) Using Cumulative Distribution Functions
Authors: Hošek Michal , Pavlíková Petra , Šoltýs Matěj , Tůmová Štěpánka , Matys Grygar Tomáš
Published: February 2024

In ore regions impacted by mining and metal smelting emissions, distinguishing between geogenic anomalies and anthropogenic contamination poses a significant challenge. In a study from two areas with different mining histories in the Ore Mountains, Czech Republic, we demonstrate that sampling of topsoils and subsoils respecting local geology and correct soil data treatment respecting soil textural variability effects are indispensable to the correct construction and interpretation of geochemical maps and identification of anthropogenic contamination by As, Cu, Pb, and Zn. The list of analysed elements must include both potentially toxic and lithogenic elements, otherwise natural controls of soil composition cannot be deciphered. By using empirical cumulative distribution functions, we found that local backgrounds for As/Fe and Pb/Ti are naturally elevated (5.7 to 9.8 times and 2.1 to 2.7 times higher, respectively) compared to the global averages. We constructed geochemical maps with topsoil minus subsoil concentrations to show the main directions of spreading anthropogenic contamination. The anthropogenic diffuse contamination contribution was calculated and expressed as an enrichment relative to the local background (16% and 12% for As/Fe and 17% and 14% for Pb/Ti, respectively). This corresponds to topsoil enrichment by ca. 15 and 14 mg kg−1 for As and ca. 35 and 42 mg kg−1 for Pb in the two study areas. The obtained estimates were comparable to the results from the local peat archives. The approach we used is efficient in deciphering natural and anthropogenic controls of PTEs in geochemically complicated areas.
Spatial–Temporal Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Eco-Efficiency of Cultivated Land Use in the Yangtze River Delta Region
Authors: Fan Yeting , Ning Wenjing , Liang Xinyuan , Wang Lingzhi , Lv Ligang , Li Ying , Wang Junxiao
Published: February 2024

The sustainable utilization of regional cultivated land systems in the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) region over the past 40 years has been severely impacted by rapid urbanization processes. Improving the eco-efficiency of cultivated land use (ECLU) plays a significant role in achieving the sustainable utilization of farmland and high-quality development of agriculture and rural areas. In this study, the spatial–temporal features and influencing factors of the ECLU in the YRD are investigated by various methods, such as a super-efficient SBM model, hot spot analysis, Dagum Gini coefficient, and panel tobit model. The findings indicate the following: the ECLU showed an overall high level from 2000 to 2020; the ECLU varied significantly over time and space in the YRD. The ECLU presented obvious spatial agglomeration in the YRD: southern regions exhibited a concentration of cold spots, while hot spots were primarily found in the east and north of the YRD. The trend of regional differences in ECLU during the research period fluctuated upwards in the YRD, and the density difference super-variable was the main source of regional differences. Increases in urbanization level and GDP per capita contributed to ECLU enhancement in the YRD, and agricultural intensity levels and agricultural industrial structures played a negative role in ECLU improvement. Finally, we suggest that different regions should adapt to local conditions, scientifically and reasonably allocate cultivated land production resources, and promote the coordinated improvement of ECLU. This study could provide a reference for policymakers to formulate better decisions on cultivated land utilization and management.
Policy Development in China’s Protected Scenic and Historic Areas
Authors: Zhan Qiaoqiao , Furuya Katsunori , Tang Xiaolan , Li Zhehui
Published: February 2024

In China, scenic and historic areas are protected areas which are highly integrated with natural and cultural resources. The study analyzed policies based on the theory of policy instruments using content analyses. The results demonstrated that China’s scenic and historic areas have experienced four phases of development: primary development (1980–1994), exploration and growth (1995-–2006), deepening and maturity (2007–2018), and integration and optimization (2019–2023). Policy intensity is trending upwards, and contemporary policy authority and restraints are insufficient. The policy instruments showed an imbalance, and are mainly environmentally-type, with only a few supply- and demand-type. Policy topics mainly include management and planning protection. The Chinese government has played a leading role, taking many restraining measures to quickly protect scenic resources. Stronger and more effective policies with more specific content will favor the protection of scenic and historic areas. In the future, financial input, international exchanges, and outsourcing services should be increased to promote the vital development of scenic and historic areas. Legislation, establishment, social participation, operation, and ticket systems must be comprehensive. Overall, the study provides theoretical support for further reforms of China’s scenic and historic areas and lessons for improving the conservation quality of the world’s protected areas.
Lower-Limb Perfusion and Cardiovascular Physiology Are Significantly Improved in Non-Healthy Aged Adults by Regular Home-Based Physical Activities—An Exploratory Study
Authors: Florindo Margarida , Gregório João , Rodrigues Luís Monteiro
Published: February 2024

Common daily activities including walking might be used to improve cardiovascular health in the presence of disease. Thus, we designed a specific home-based physical activity program to assess cardiovascular indicators in an older, non-active, non-healthy population. Ten participants, with a mean age of 62.4 ± 5.6 years old, were chosen and evaluated twice—upon inclusion (D0), and on day 30 (D30)—following program application. Perfusion was measured in both feet by laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) and by polarised spectroscopy (PSp). Measurements were taken at baseline (Phase 1) immediately after performing the selected activities (Phase 2) and during recovery (Phase 3). Comparison outcomes between D0 and D30 revealed relevant differences in Phase 1 recordings, namely a significant increase in LDF perfusion (p = 0.005) and a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure (p = 0.008) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) (p = 0.037). A correlation between the increase in perfusion and the weekly activity time was found (p = 0.043). No differences were found in Phase 2, but, in Phase 3, LDF values were still significantly higher in D30 compared with D0. These simple activities, regularly executed with minimal supervision, significantly improved the lower-limb perfusion while reducing participants’ systolic pressure and MAP, taken as an important improvement in their cardiovascular status.
Enhanced Monofocal Intraocular Lenses in Fuchs’ Endothelial Dystrophy Patients: Results from Triple Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty Procedure
Authors: Mencucci Rita , Romualdi Giovanni , De Vitto Chiara , Cennamo Michela
Published: February 2024

Purpose: Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) is currently regarded as the most effective surgical procedure for addressing Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy (FECD), frequently performed in conjunction with cataract surgery. In this retrospective study, we present a comparison of visual performance, clinical outcomes, and optical quality between two types of monofocal Intraocular Lenses (IOLs): one standard and one enhanced intermediate vision model, implanted in patients who underwent combined phacoemulsification and DMEK surgery. Methods: This single center comparative retrospective study was conducted at the Eye Clinic of the University of Florence (Italy) and included a total of 48 eyes of 48 patients affected by FECD and cataract. All patients underwent combined DMEK with phacoemulsification procedures. The patients’ data were analyzed and divided into two groups: one group (standard group) consisted of 24 eyes that underwent phaco-DMEK with implantation of a monofocal IOL, and the second group (enhanced monofocal group) included 24 eyes that underwent phaco-DMEK with implantation of an enhanced monofocal IOL. In both groups, the following monocular visual outcomes were evaluated 6 months after surgery: Uncorrected Distance Visual Acuity (UDVA) and Best-Corrected Distance Visual Acuity (BCDVA) at 4 mts; Uncorrected Intermediate Visual Acuity (UIVA), Distance-Corrected Intermediate Visual Acuity (DCIVA) at 66 cm; Uncorrected Near Visual Acuity (UNVA) and Best Corrected Near Visual Acuity (BCNVA). Monocular defocus curves were also assessed. Furthermore, optical quality in terms of Contrast Sensitivity (CS) in photopic conditions, Higher-Order Aberrations (HOAs) at a pupil size of 5 mm. Modulation Transfer Function (MTF), Objective Scatter Index (OSI), and Strehl ratio, were also analyzed. A Patient-Reported Spectacle Independence Questionnaire was revised to evaluate spectacle independence outcomes. Results: the two groups did not exhibit statistically significant differences in terms of UDVA, BCDVA, UNVA and BCNVA, photopic CS, HOAs, OSI, Strehl ratio, and MTF. However, in the phaco-DMEK enhanced monofocal IOL group, significantly better results were observed in terms of UIVA and DCIVA as well as a different defocus curve profile at 1.50 D, providing better defocus results at intermediate distance compared with the ZCB00 IOL. Conclusion: In our study, we found that enhanced monofocal lens performed favorable visual outcomes, even in cases of FECD, compared to standard monofocal IOLs. Comparable optical quality observed in the Eyhance group could allow surgeons to consider these lenses as a viable option for selected patients with FECD.
De Novo Variants Found in Three Distinct Schizophrenia Populations Hit a Common Core Gene Network Related to Microtubule and Actin Cytoskeleton Gene Ontology Classes
Authors: Loe-Mie Yann , Plançon Christine , Dubertret Caroline , Yoshikawa Takeo , Yalcin Binnaz , Collins Stephan C. , Boland Anne , Deleuze Jean-François , Gorwood Philip , Benmessaoud Dalila , Simonneau Michel , Lepagnol-Bestel Aude-Marie
Published: February 2024

Schizophrenia (SZ) is a heterogeneous and debilitating psychiatric disorder with a strong genetic component. To elucidate functional networks perturbed in schizophrenia, we analysed a large dataset of whole-genome studies that identified SNVs, CNVs, and a multi-stage schizophrenia genome-wide association study. Our analysis identified three subclusters that are interrelated and with small overlaps: GO:0007017~Microtubule-Based Process, GO:00015629~Actin Cytoskeleton, and GO:0007268~SynapticTransmission. We next analysed three distinct trio cohorts of 75 SZ Algerian, 45 SZ French, and 61 SZ Japanese patients. We performed Illumina HiSeq whole-exome sequencing and identified de novo mutations using a Bayesian approach. We validated 88 de novo mutations by Sanger sequencing: 35 in French, 21 in Algerian, and 32 in Japanese SZ patients. These 88 de novo mutations exhibited an enrichment in genes encoding proteins related to GO:0051015~actin filament binding (p = 0.0011) using David, and enrichments in GO: 0003774~transport (p = 0.019) and GO:0003729~mRNA binding (p = 0.010) using Amigo. One of these de novo variant was found in CORO1C coding sequence. We studied Coro1c haploinsufficiency in a Coro1c+/− mouse and found defects in the corpus callosum. These results could motivate future studies of the mechanisms surrounding genes encoding proteins involved in transport and the cytoskeleton, with the goal of developing therapeutic intervention strategies for a subset of SZ cases.
Development of a Recycling Process and Characterization of EVA, PVDF, and PET Polymers from End-of-Life PV Modules
Authors: Królikowski Marek , Fotek Michał , Żach Piotr , Michałowski Marcin
Published: February 2024

Photovoltaic (PV) modules are highly efficient power generators associated with solar energy. The rapid growth of the PV industry will lead to a sharp increase in the waste generated from PV panels. However, electro-waste can be successfully used as a source of secondary materials. In this study, a unique procedure for recycling PV modules was developed. In the first stage, the aluminum frame and junction box, 18wt%. and 1wt%. of the module, respectively, were removed. The following stage was crucial, involving a mechanical–thermal method to remove the glass, which accounts for 70wt%. As a result, only 11wt%. of the initial mass of the PV was subjected to the next stage of chemical delamination, which reduced the amount of solvent used. Toluene was used to swell the ethylene vinyl acetate, EVA, and allow for the separation of the PV module. The effects of temperature and ultrasound on separation time were investigated. After the separation of silicon cells, metal ribbons, EVA, and the backsheet were obtained. The purity of the polymers was determined by FTIR and elemental analysis. Thermal properties were measured using DSC calorimetry to determine the basic parameters of the material.
Experimental Evaluation of the Effects of Discrete-Grading-Induced Discontinuities on the Material Properties of Functionally Graded Ti-6Al-4V Lattices
Authors: Ye Junyang , Babazadeh-Naseri Ata , Higgs III C. Fred , Fregly Benjamin J.
Published: February 2024

In this study, we compared the material properties of linearly and sharply graded Ti6Al4V additively manufactured samples to investigate whether the more severe discontinuities caused by sharp grading can reduce performance. We performed compression testing with digital image correlation (DIC) in two loading directions for each grading design to simulate iso-stress and iso-strain conditions. We extracted the elastic stiffness, yield strength, yield strain, and energy absorption capacity of each sample. In addition, we used micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) imaging to examine the printing quality and dimensional accuracy. We found that sharply graded struts have a 12.95% increase in strut cross-sectional areas, whereas linearly graded struts produced an average of 49.24% increase compared to design. However, sharply graded and linearly graded FGL samples do not have statistically significant differences in elastic stiffness and yield strength. For the iso-strain condition, the average DIC-corrected stiffnesses for linearly and sharply graded samples were 6.15 GPa and 5.43 GPa, respectively (p = 0.4466), and the yield stresses were 290.4 MPa and 291.2 MPa, respectively (p = 0.5734). Furthermore, we confirmed different types of printing defects using micro-CT, including defective pores and disconnected struts. These results suggest that the loss of material properties caused by manufacturing defects outweighs the adverse effects of discrete-grading-induced discontinuities.
Ductility Variation and Improvement of Strain-Hardening Cementitious Composites in Structural Utilization
Authors: Diao Pinxin , Ling Zongyou , Bai Yunbo , Lu Weihua , Zhang Yongxing
Published: February 2024

Strain-hardening cementitious composite (SHCC) has the obvious advantages of excellent material properties such as its high tensile and compressive strengths, high tensile strain capacity, and excellent durability against multi-cracking performance with very fine crack widths. In particular, the multi-cracking performance of SHCC during structural utilization is obviously reduced compared to that of SHCC in uniaxial tension tests using dumbbell-shaped specimens of small size. The corresponding tensile strain capacity of SHCC during structural utilization is, thus, significantly decreased compared to that of SHCC in uniaxial tension tests. However, the reduction in the ductility of SHCC during structural utilization has not been sufficiently understood, and further study is required. This paper presents an experimental investigation into the ductility variation of flexural-failed and shear-failed SHCC members as well as the ductility improvement of SHCC members with steel reinforcement compared with that of SHCC in uniaxial tension tests using small-sized specimens. This study focuses on not only the decrease in the crack elongation performance of the SHCC material during structural utilization but also the increase in the crack elongation performance of SHCC members with steel reinforcement. The results demonstrate that the crack elongation performance of flexural-failed and shear-failed SHCC members is significantly reduced compared to that of SHCC in the uniaxial tension tests. Moreover, it was confirmed that steel reinforcement can effectively improve the SHCC member, increasing the strain-hardening capacity and multi-cracking performance. The load-carrying capacity of the flexural-failed SHCC member with steel reinforcement seemed to increase linearly with an increase in the reinforcement ratio, accompanied by an increase in the distribution of multiple fine cracks in the flexural-failed SHCC member with steel reinforcement.
The Study of Radioactive Contaminations within the Production Processes of Metal Titanium for Low-Background Experiments
Authors: Zykova Marina , Voronina Elena , Chepurnov Alexander , Leder Mikhail , Kornilova Maria , Tankeev Alexey , Vlasov Sergey , Chub Alexander , Gangapshev Albert , Gezhaev Ali , Tekueva Dzhamilya , Avetisov Igor
Published: February 2024

Ultra-low-radioactivity titanium alloys are promising materials for the manufacture of low-background detectors which are being developed for experiments in astroparticle physics and neutrino astrophysics. Structural titanium is manufactured on an industrial scale from titanium sponge. The ultra-low-background titanium sponge can be produced on an industrial scale with a contamination level of less than 1 mBq/kg of uranium and thorium isotopes. The pathways of contaminants during the industrial production of structural titanium were analyzed. The measurements were carried out using two methods: inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS) and gamma spectroscopy using high-purity germanium detectors (HPGes). It was shown that the level of contamination with radioactive impurities does not increase during the remelting of titanium sponge and mechanical processing. We examined titanium alloy samples obtained at different stages of titanium production, namely an electrode compaction, a vacuum arc remelting with a consumable electrode, and a cold rolling of titanium sheets. We found out that all doped samples that were studied would be a source of uranium and thorium contamination in the final titanium alloys. It has been established that the only product allowed obtaining ultra-low-background titanium was the commercial VT1-00 alloy, which is manufactured without master alloys addition. The master alloys in the titanium production process were found cause U/Th contamination.
Influence of Unit Water Content Control on Concrete Performance in the Ready-Mixed Concrete Production Process
Authors: Park Sang-Hoon , Ryu Hwa-Sung , Park Won-Jun
Published: February 2024

This study examined the effects of increasing concrete unit water content and artificially controlling water content on concrete performance in the production process of ready-mixed concrete. Results showed that changes in the unit water content of 20 concrete mix proportions without air-entraining significantly reduced concrete compressive strength, increased porosity, and in-creased occurrence of bleeding. A unit water content increase of 25 kg/m3 or more may reduce the compressive strength of concrete below the design standard and significantly affect the occurrence of bleeding water. Moreover, an extra unit water content of at least 25 kg/m3 could significantly affect the diffusion of chloride ions in the concrete. The carbonation depth of concrete was extremely high with the increase in unit water content and water addition. In the production of concrete requiring at least normal strength or durability, the extra water change to total unit water content should be maintained at 15 kg/m3 or less. And a water–cement ratio of 48% or less and a unit water content of 155 kg/m3 or less are considered effective for management of concrete quality. Considering the aggregate type, absorption rate, and moisture state, the management of unit water content error in concrete production processes requires greater.
Preparation and Characterization of Novel Sulfoaluminate-Cement-Based Nonautoclaved Aerated Concrete
Authors: Peng Feifei , Chen Chang , Jiu Shaowu , Song Qiang , Chen Yanxin
Published: February 2024

The production of autoclaved aerated concrete via the autoclaving process incurs substantial energy consumption, posing a challenge to sustainable economic development. Herein, a novel nonautoclaved aerated concrete (NAAC) was prepared using sulfoaluminate cement as the primary raw material and aluminum powder as the aerating agent. The physicomechanical characteristics and pore structures of the sulfoaluminate-cement-based (SAC) NAAC (SAC-NAAC) were examined through X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetry, and scanning electron microscopy. The findings revealed that the optimal mechanical attributes of the SAC-NAAC were achieved at a water–cement ratio of 0.55, with a specific content ratio of polycarboxylate superplasticizer–borax–calcium stearate–sodium hydroxide at 0.24%:0.32%:0.36%:2.90%, along with 0.40% aluminum powder. The SAC-NAAC samples, with a bulk density range of 600–750 g/m3, exhibited a compressive strength of 3.55–4.16 MPa, porosity of 45.9–63.5%, and water absorption rate of 60.2–74.4%. The weight loss in the SAC-NAAC with different aluminum powder contents ranged between 15.23% and 16.83%. The prismatic ettringite (AFt) crystals served as the main source of strength for the SAC-NAAC, and AH3 was attached to the AFt surfaces in a microcrystalline gel phase, thereby further enhancing the strength of the SAC-NAAC. Thus, the lightweight, high-strength SAC-NAAC has great potential as a nonautoclaved aerated concrete.
Quantitative Detection of Defects in Multi-Layer Lightweight Composite Structures Using THz-TDS Based on a U-Net-BiLSTM Network
Authors: Zhang Dandan , Li Lulu , Zhang Jiyang , Ren Jiaojiao , Gu Jian , Li Lijuan , Jiang Baihong , Zhang Shida
Published: February 2024

Multi-layer lightweight composite structures are widely used in the field of aviation and aerospace during the processes of manufacturing and use, and, as such, they inevitably produce defects, damage, and other quality problems, creating the need for timely non-destructive testing procedures and the convenient repair or replacement of quality problems related to the material. When using terahertz non-destructive testing technology to detect defects in multi-layer lightweight composite materials, due to the complexity of their structure and defect types, there are many signal characteristics of terahertz waves propagating in the structures, and there is no obvious rule behind them, resulting in a large gap between the recognition results and the actual ones. In this study, we introduced a U-Net-BiLSTM network that combines the strengths of the U-Net and BiLSTM networks. The U-Net network extracts the spatial features of THz signals, while the BiLSTM network captures their temporal features. By optimizing the network structure and various parameters, we obtained a model tailored to THz spectroscopy data. This model was subsequently employed for the identification and quantitative analysis of defects in multi-layer lightweight composite structures using THz non-destructive testing. The proposed U-Net-BiLSTM network achieved an accuracy of 99.45% in typical defect identification, with a comprehensive F1 score of 99.43%, outperforming the CNN, ResNet, U-Net, and BiLSTM networks. By leveraging defect classification and thickness recognition, this study successfully reconstructed three-dimensional THz defect images, thereby realizing quantitative defect detection.
Biomimetic Use of Food-Waste Sources of Calcium Carbonate and Phosphate for Sustainable Materials—A Review
Authors: Piras Sara , Salathia Saniya , Guzzini Alessandro , Zovi Andrea , Jackson Stefan , Smirnov Aleksei , Fragassa Cristiano , Santulli Carlo
Published: February 2024

Natural and renewable sources of calcium carbonate (CaCO3), also referred to as “biogenic” sources, are being increasingly investigated, as they are generated from a number of waste sources, in particular those from the food industry. The first and obvious application of biogenic calcium carbonate is in the production of cement, where CaCO3 represents the raw material for clinker. Overtime, other more added-value applications have been developed in the filling and modification of the properties of polymer composites, or in the development of biomaterials, where it is possible to transform calcium carbonate into calcium phosphate for the substitution of natural hydroxyapatite. In the majority of cases, the biological structure that is used for obtaining calcium carbonate is reduced to a powder, in which instance the granulometry distribution and the shape of the fragments represent a factor capable of influencing the effect of addition. As a result of this consideration, a number of studies also reflect on the specific characteristics of the different sources of the calcium carbonate obtained, while also referring to the species-dependent biological self-assembly process, which can be defined as a more “biomimetic” approach. In particular, a number of case studies are investigated in more depth, more specifically those involving snail shells, clam shells, mussel shells, oyster shells, eggshells, and cuttlefish bones.
Low-Temperature Growth of InGaAs Quantum Wells Using Migration-Enhanced Epitaxy
Authors: Liu Linsheng , Chen Ruolin , Kong Chongtao , Deng Zhen , Liu Guipeng , Yan Jianfeng , Qin Le , Du Hao , Song Shuxiang , Zhang Xinhui , Wang Wenxin
Published: February 2024

The growth of InGaAs quantum wells (QWs) epitaxially on InP substrates is of great interest due to their wide application in optoelectronic devices. However, conventional molecular beam epitaxy requires substrate temperatures between 400 and 500 °C, which can lead to disorder scattering, dopant diffusion, and interface roughening, adversely affecting device performance. Lower growth temperatures enable the fabrication of high-speed optoelectronic devices by increasing arsenic antisite defects and reducing carrier lifetimes. This work investigates the low-temperature epitaxial growth of InAs/GaAs short-period superlattices as an ordered replacement for InGaAs quantum wells, using migration-enhanced epitaxy (MEE) with low growth temperatures down to 200–250 °C. The InAs/GaAs multi-quantum wells with InAlAs barriers using MEE grown at 230 °C show good single crystals with sharp interfaces, without mismatch dislocations found. The Raman results reveal that the MEE mode enables the growth of (InAs)4(GaAs)3/InAlAs QWs with excellent periodicity, effectively reducing alloy scattering. The room temperature (RT) photoluminescence (PL) measurement shows the strong PL responses with narrow peaks, revealing the good quality of the MEE-grown QWs. The RT electron mobility of the sample grown in low-temperature MEE mode is as high as 2100 cm2/V∗s. In addition, the photoexcited band-edge carrier lifetime was about 3.3 ps at RT. The high-quality superlattices obtained confirm MEE’s effectiveness for enabling advanced III-V device structures at reduced temperatures. This promises improved performance for applications in areas such as high-speed transistors, terahertz imaging, and optical communications.
The Approach of Physiotherapists in the Management of Patients with Persistent Pain and Comorbid Anxiety/Depression: Are There Any Differences between Male and Female Professionals?
Authors: Chiesa Michele , Nicolini Gregorio , Buoli Massimiliano
Published: February 2024

Background and Objectives: Chronic pain is a prevalent condition that is frequently complicated by mood and anxiety disorders. The purpose of the present article is to identify differences in the management of patients with chronic pain and anxiety/mood disorders depending on the physiotherapists’ gender. Materials and Methods: An ad hoc questionnaire was developed and sent to 327 physiotherapists by e-mail. The two groups identified by gender were compared by unpaired-sample t tests for continuous variables and χ2 tests for qualitative ones. A binary logistic regression was then performed with factors resulting as statistically significant in univariate analyses as independent variables and gender as a dependent one. Results: Female physiotherapists exhibited a higher level of confidence than male physiotherapists in administering continued physiotherapy for patients affected by Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) (p = 0.01), as well as for individuals who had previously engaged with a mental health professional (p = 0.01). Furthermore, female physiotherapists believed that pharmacotherapy was less associated with motor side effects (p < 0.01) and more frequently recognized the importance of training to identify affective disorders (p = 0.01) and the need for more education in mental health (p = 0.01). The binary logistic regression model confirmed that female professionals were less likely to work = freelance (p = 0.015) and were more confident in the receival of physiotherapy by patients with GAD (p = 0.05). Conclusions: Female physiotherapists compared to male ones seem to be more comfortable with patients affected by mental conditions and to be more aware of the need for training on mental health. Further studies are needed to confirm the results of the present study.
Emergence and Genomic Characterization of a spa Type t4407 ST6-SCCmec Type IVa Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Strain Isolated from Al-Karak Hospital, Jordan
Authors: Gaber Yasser , TumAllah Heba M. , AbdelAllah Nourhan H. , Al-Zereini Wael A. , Abu-Lubad Mohammad A. , Aqel Amin A. , Elkhatib Walid F. , Goering Richard V. , Soliman Ahmed M.
Published: February 2024

Background and Objectives: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a major concern in Jordanian hospitals in terms of infection control. The purpose of this study was to identify the resistance patterns of Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated from surfaces of critical locations within the Al-Karak Governmental Hospital in 2019. Additionally, the study aimed to conduct whole-genome sequencing on the isolates. Materials and Methods: In February 2019, fourteen S. aureus strains were isolated from surfaces in critical sites in the Al-Karak Governmental Hospital. These isolates underwent antibiogram testing to determine their resistance profile. Genome sequencing using the Illumina MiSeq platform was applied to the extracted DNA from these isolates. The genomic data, including coding sequences, were analyzed to identify lineage, resistance genes, and plasmids. Results: The antibiogram results revealed that 11 of the 14 isolates were resistant to oxacillin, 6 to linezolid, and 1 to rifampicin, while none showed resistance to chloramphenicol. Eleven isolates were identified as MRSA, with a novel spa type (t4407) not previously reported in Jordan. High-quality sequencing data were obtained for only one isolate, i.e., A29, the genome showed 2,789,641 bp with a 32.7% GC content and contained 2650 coding sequences. Genomic analysis indicated the ST6 lineage, mecA gene (SCCmec type IVa(2B)), and a hybrid plasmid (pJOR_blaZ) carrying the blaZ gene for β-lactam resistance. Genomic data were deposited in NCBI (CP104989). The A29 genome closely resembled an MRSA genome isolated from a Danish hospital in 2011. The SNP analysis revealed identical antimicrobial resistance genes in these two genomes. Conclusions: This study unveils the first genomic sequence of an MRSA isolate from Jordan, marked by distinctive genotypic traits. The findings enhance our understanding of the MRSA types circulating in Jordan and the region and substantiate the phenomenon of intercontinental MRSA transmission.
Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approaches for a Diabetic Patient Presenting with Secondary Syphilis and Severe Odynophagia
Authors: Bramantono Bramantono , Sutanto Henry , Susanto Hermawan , Arfijanto Muhammad Vitanata , Hadi Usman
Published: February 2024

Syphilis, an infectious disease caused by the spirochete Treponema pallidum, represents a pervasive global epidemic. Secondary syphilis is typically marked by the emergence of highly contagious mucocutaneous manifestations, including non-pruritic rashes on the palms and soles of the feet, alopecia, mucous patches, and condyloma lata. Here, we report a rare case of a 30-year-old male with newly discovered type 2 diabetes mellitus who presented with severe odynophagia due to secondary syphilis, confirmed by both nontreponemal VDRL/RPR and treponemal TPHA tests. Following the administration of a single-dose intramuscular injection of benzathine penicillin G 2.4 million units, the symptoms gradually decreased, allowing the patient to regain his health.
Navigation-Assisted One-Staged Posterior Spinal Fusion Using Pedicle Screw Instrumentation in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis—A Case Series
Authors: Chang Pao-Lung , Chen Michael Jian-Wen , Hsiao Pang-Hsuan , Lin Chia-Yu , Lo Yuan-Shun , Tseng Chun , Li Ling-Yi , Lai Chien-Ying , Chen Hsien-Te
Published: February 2024

Background and Objectives: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a prevalent three-dimensional spinal disorder, with a multifactorial pathogenesis, including genetics and environmental aspects. Treatment options include non-surgical and surgical treatment. Surgical interventions demonstrate positive outcomes in terms of deformity correction, pain relief, and improvements of the cardiac and pulmonary function. Surgical complications, including excessive blood loss and neurologic deficits, are reported in 2.27–12% of cases. Navigation-assisted techniques, such as the O-arm system, have been a recent focus with enhanced precision. This study aims to evaluate the results and complications of one-stage posterior instrumentation fusion in AIS patients assisted by O-arm navigation. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study assesses 55 patients with AIS (12–28 years) who underwent one-stage posterior instrumentation correction supported by O-arm navigation from June 2016 to August 2023. We examined radiological surgical outcomes (initial correction rate, loss of correction rate, last follow-up correction rate) and complications as major outcomes. The characteristics of the patients, intraoperative blood loss, operation time, number of fusion levels, and screw density were documented. Results: Of 73 patients, 55 met the inclusion criteria. The average age was 16.67 years, with a predominance of females (78.2%). The surgical outcomes demonstrated substantial initial correction (58.88%) and sustained positive radiological impact at the last follow-up (56.56%). Perioperative complications, including major and minor, occurred in 18.18% of the cases. Two patients experienced a major complication. Blood loss (509.46 mL) and operation time (402.13 min) were comparable to the literature ranges. Trend analysis indicated improvements in operation time and blood loss over the study period. Conclusions: O-arm navigation-assisted one-stage posterior instrumentation proves reliable for AIS corrective surgery, achieving significant and sustained positive radiological outcomes, lower correction loss, reduced intraoperative blood loss, and absence of implant-related complications. Despite the challenges, our study demonstrates the efficacy and maturation of this surgical approach.
An Experimental Investigation on the Relation between Corrosion and Thermohydraulic Behavior in Heat Exchangers for Geothermal Applications
Authors: Simons Arne , Faes Willem , Depover Tom , Lecompte Steven , De Paepe Michel , Verbeken Kim
Published: February 2024

The potential use of carbon steel in CO2-saturated brine is studied for its potential use in heat exchangers in geothermal applications. A dedicated setup, including a double-pipe heat exchanger, is developed to study the relation between corrosion and the thermohydraulic behavior inside heat exchangers. Hot brine flows inside the inner carbon steel tube, thus corroding the inner surface of this tube. The thermohydraulic behavior of the heat exchanger, i.e., the pressure drop over the pipe and the heat transfer rate through the pipe, are continuously monitored. On the other hand, weight-loss experiments and microscopic analyses are performed on samples that are periodically removed from the setup. The corrosion rate is studied as a function of temperature, i.e., the entrance vs. the exit of the heat-exchanging section, and flow. Therefore, an experiment with static brine and a uniform temperature is used as a reference. The corrosion rate is generally higher in dynamic compared to static conditions. Furthermore, the corrosion rate increases with increasing temperature in dynamic conditions, whereas it decreases with increasing temperature in static conditions. These observations might be explained by the different corrosion products that formed. The corrosion products have no significant effect on the pressure drop over the pipe, but clear fluctuations in the heat transfer coefficient are observed. The origin of these fluctuations should be further studied before the observed heat transfer coefficient can be used as a measure for corrosion.
Effect of a Photolithography Polymer Mask’s Dynamic Viscoelasticity on Microchannel Cross-Sectional Shapes of Glass Processed by Micropowder Blasting
Authors: Takada Mikinari , Hamamoto Mao , Yagyu Hiromasa
Published: February 2024

In this study, a micropowder blasting system with varying processing temperatures was proposed to control the cross-sectional shape of a channel processed on a glass substrate. Based on an analysis of the processing temperature-dependence of the dynamic viscoelastic properties of a commercial mask material for micropowder blasting, a processing temperature control system that can be installed in a micropowder blasting machine was designed. The erosion of the mask during micropowder blasting depended on the loss tangent in dynamic viscoelasticity, and showed a maximum value at a processing temperature of 100 °C. Moreover, we confirmed that the maximum decrease in the width of the processed microchannel was 30 µm (12%) by mask erosion, and this change was large compared with the maximum change in the thickness of the eroded mask. These results clarified that varying the processing temperature using a mask could control the cross-section of the processed line pattern profile on glass, and a small-width channel was realized at a processing temperature of 109 °C.
Anti-Obesity Effect of Different Opuntia stricta var. dillenii’s Prickly Pear Tissues and Industrial By-Product Extracts in 3T3-L1 Mature Adipocytes
Authors: Gómez-López Iván , Eseberri Itziar , Cano M. Pilar , Portillo María P.
Published: February 2024

Opuntia stricta var. dillenii fruit is a source of phytochemicals, such as betalains and phenolic compounds, which may play essential roles in health promotion. The aim of this research was to study the triglyceride-lowering effect of green extracts, obtained from Opuntia stricta var. dillenii fruit (whole fruit, pulp, peel, and industrial by-products (bagasse)) in 3T3-L1 mature adipocytes. The cells were treated on day 12, for 24 h, after the induction of differentiation with the extracts, at doses of 10, 25, 50, or 100 μg/mL. The expression of genes (PCR-RT) and proteins (Western blot) involved in fatty acid synthesis, fatty acid uptake, triglyceride assembly, and triglyceride mobilisation was determined. The fruit pulp extraction yielded the highest levels of betalains, whereas the peel displayed the greatest concentration of phenolic compounds. The extracts from whole fruit, peel and pulp were effective in reducing triglyceride accumulation at doses of 50 μg/mL or higher. Bagasse did not show this effect. The main mechanisms of action underpinning this outcome encompass a reduction in fatty acids synthesis (de novo lipogenesis), thus limiting their availability for triglyceride formation, alongside an increase in triglyceride mobilisation. However, their reliance is contingent upon the specific Opuntia extract.
Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans Cytolethal Distending Toxin Induces Cellugyrin-(Synaptogyrin 2) Dependent Cellular Senescence in Oral Keratinocytes
Authors: Shenker Bruce J. , Korostoff Jonathan , Walker Lisa P. , Zekavat Ali , Dhingra Anuradha , Kim Taewan J. , Boesze-Battaglia Kathleen
Published: February 2024

Recently, we reported that oral-epithelial cells (OE) are unique in their response to Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans cytolethal distending toxin (Cdt) in that cell cycle arrest (G2/M) occurs without leading to apoptosis. We now demonstrate that Cdt-induced cell cycle arrest in OE has a duration of at least 7 days with no change in viability. Moreover, toxin-treated OE develops a new phenotype consistent with cellular senescence; this includes increased senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) activity and accumulation of the lipopigment, lipofuscin. Moreover, the cells exhibit a secretory profile associated with cellular senescence known as the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), which includes IL-6, IL-8 and RANKL. Another unique feature of Cdt-induced OE senescence is disruption of barrier function, as shown by loss of transepithelial electrical resistance and confocal microscopic assessment of primary gingival keratinocyte structure. Finally, we demonstrate that Cdt-induced senescence is dependent upon the host cell protein cellugyrin, a homologue of the synaptic vesicle protein synaptogyrin. Collectively, these observations point to a novel pathogenic outcome in oral epithelium that we propose contributes to both A. actinomycetemcomitans infection and periodontal disease progression.