bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Short-Term Outdoor Air Pollution on Clinical Status and Prognosis of Hospitalized Patients with Coronary Artery Disease Treated with Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Desperak Piotr , Desperak Aneta , Szyguła-Jurkiewicz Bożena , Rozentryt Piotr , Lekston Andrzej , Gąsior Mariusz
Published: January 2022

Background: The aim of this study was to determine the influence of acute exposure to air pollutants on patients’ profile, short- and mid-term outcomes of hospitalized patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) treated with coronary angioplasty. Methods: Out of 19,582 patients of the TERCET Registry, 7521 patients living in the Upper Silesia and Zaglebie Metropolis were included. The study population was divided into two groups according to the diagnosis of chronic (CCS) or acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Data on 24-h average concentrations of particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter <10 μm (PM10), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen monoxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and ozone (O3) were obtained from eight environmental monitoring stations. Results: No significant association between pollutants’ concentration with baseline characteristic and in-hospital outcomes was observed. In the ACS group at 30 days, exceeding the 3rd quartile of PM10 was associated with almost 2-fold increased risk of adverse events and more than 3-fold increased risk of death. Exceeding the 3rd quartile of SO2 was connected with more than 8-fold increased risk of death at 30 days. In the CCS group, exceeding the 3rd quartile of SO2 was linked to almost 2,5-fold increased risk of 12-month death. Conclusions: The acute increase in air pollutants’ concentrations affect short- and mid-term prognosis in patients with CAD.
Analysis of a Trichinellosis Outbreak in Poland after Consumption of Sausage Made of Wild Boar Meat
Authors: Różycki Mirosław , Korpysa-Dzirba Weronika , Bełcik Aneta , Pelec Tomasz , Mazurek Justyna , Cencek Tomasz
Published: January 2022

An outbreak of trichinellosis due to the consumption of sausage made from wild boar meat unexamined for the presence of Trichinella spp. was reported in Poland in December 2020. The outbreak affected eight people. Examination of the sausages made of wild boar meat collected during epidemiological investigation indicated a high level of Trichinella spp. Larvae per gram (>30 lpg) and therefore the threat of an infection in humans after consumption of such product was significant. Over the years, the main source of trichinellosis in Poland has been wild boar meat, and the majority of trichinellosis cases were related to the consumption of traditional raw meat products such as Polish sausage. Taking this into account, there is the need for better education of consumers in the Trichinella spp. endemic regions and among cultures consuming traditional raw meat products.
Sex Differences in Glioblastoma—Findings from the Swedish National Quality Registry for Primary Brain Tumors between 1999–2018
Authors: Tavelin Björn , Malmström Annika
Published: January 2022

Sex disparities in glioblastoma (GBM) have received increasing attention. Sex-related differences for several molecular markers have been reported, which could impact on clinical factors and outcomes. We therefore analyzed data on all patients with GBM reported to the Swedish National Quality Registry for Primary Brain Tumors, according to sex, with a focus on prognostic factors and survival. All glioma patients registered during 20 years, from 1 January 1999 until 31 December 2018, with SNOMED codes 94403, 94413, and 94423, were analyzed. Chi2-test, log-rank test, and Kaplan–Meier analyses were performed. We identified 5243 patients, of which 2083 were females and 3160 males, resulting in a ratio of 1:1.5. We found sex related differences, with women having diagnostic surgery at a significantly higher age (p = 0.001). Women were also reported to have a worse preoperative performance status (PPS) (<0.001). There was no gender difference for the type of surgery performed. For women with radical surgery, overall survival was slightly better than for men (p = 0.045). The time period did not influence survival, neither for 1999–2005 nor 2006–2018, after temozolomide treatment was introduced (p = 0.35 and 0.10, respectively). In the multivariate analysis including sex, age, surgery, and PPS, a survival advantage was noted for women, but this was not clinically relevant (HR = 0.92, p = 0.006). For patients with GBM; sex-related differences in clinical factors could be identified in a population-based cohort. In this dataset, for survival, the only advantage noted was for women who had undergone radical surgery, although this was clinically almost negligible.
Prognostic Impact of CD36 Immunohistochemical Expression in Patients with Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer Treated with Cystectomy and Adjuvant Chemotherapy
Authors: Pardo Juan Carlos , Sanhueza Tamara , Ruiz de Porras Vicenç , Etxaniz Olatz , Rodriguez Helena , Martinez-Cardús Anna , Grande Enrique , Castellano Daniel , Climent Miquel A. , Lobato Tania , Estudillo Lidia , Jordà Mireia , Carrato Cristina , Font Albert
Published: January 2022

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by a cystectomy is the standard treatment in muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). However, the role of chemotherapy in the adjuvant setting remains controversial, and therefore new prognostic and predictive biomarkers are needed to improve the selection of MIBC patients. While lipid metabolism has been related to several biological processes in many tumours, including bladder cancer, no metabolic biomarkers have been identified as prognostic in routine clinical practice. In this multicentre, retrospective study of 198 patients treated with cystectomy followed by platinum-based adjuvant chemotherapy, we analysed the immunohistochemical expression of CD36 and correlated our findings with clinicopathological characteristics and survival. CD36 immunostaining was positive in 30 patients (15%) and associated with more advanced pathologic stages (pT3b-T4; p = 0.015). Moreover, a trend toward lymph node involvement in CD36-positive tumours, especially in earlier disease stages (pT1-T3; p = 0.101), was also observed. Among patients with tumour progression during the first 12 months after cystectomy, disease-free survival was shorter in CD36-positive tumours than in those CD36-negative (6.51 months (95% CI 5.05–7.96) vs. 8.74 months (95% CI 8.16–9.32); p = 0.049). Our results suggest an association between CD36 immunopositivity and more aggressive features of MIBC and lead us to suggest that CD36 could well be a useful prognostic marker in MIBC.
An Update on New Generation Transcatheter Aortic Valves and Delivery Systems
Authors: Santangelo Gloria , Ielasi Alfonso , Pellicano Mariano , Latib Azeem , Tespili Maurizio , Donatelli Francesco
Published: January 2022

Over the last 15 years, the management of aortic valve disease has been changed by transcatheter aortic valve replacement, which has become the standard of care across the entire spectrum of surgical risk. As a result of continuous evolution of this technique, several next-generation transcatheter heart valves (THVs) have been developed to minimize procedural complications and improve patient outcomes. This review aims to provide an update on the new generation THVs and delivery systems.
MicroRNAs miR-451a and Let-7i-5p Profiles in Circulating Exosomes Vary among Individuals with Different Sickle Hemoglobin Genotypes and Malaria
Authors: Oxendine Harp Keri , Bashi Alaijah , Botchway Felix , Dei-Adomakoh Yvonne , Iqbal Shareen A. , Wilson Michael D. , Adjei Andrew A. , Stiles Jonathan K. , Driss Adel
Published: January 2022

Sickle cell disease (SCD) occurs when two alleles of mutated hemoglobin (HbS or HbC) are inherited (HbSS and HbSC) rather than one (HbAS or HbAC), which indicates a person carries the sickle cell trait. The high prevalence of these two alleles in Africa have been associated with reduced malaria susceptibility. Recent in vitro research has been shown that microRNAs (miRNAs) miR-451a and let-7i-5p are differentially expressed in HbSS erythrocytes compared to healthy controls (HbAA) and are overexpressed in Plasmodium-infected malaria erythrocytes. However, these miRNAs have not been fully examined in the plasma of people with different sickle hemoglobin genotypes. Plasma circulating miRNAs are commonly encapsulated in extracellular vesicles, such as exosomes, and are thought to play a role in disease development. Circulating exosomal miR-451a and let-7i-5p were quantified from individuals with various hemoglobin genotypes (HbAA, HbAS, HbAC, HbSS, HbSC, and HbCC) with (+) and without (−) malaria. The results showed a higher level of exosomal let-7i-5p and miR-451a in HbSS-. Exosomal let-7i-5p and miR-451a levels were lower in HbSS+ compared to other genotypes. Based on the area under the curve (AUC) of the Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROCs), both exosomal miRNAs may be useful disease biomarkers for SCD with malaria. Finally, miR-451a and let-7i-5p modulate genes involved in inflammation, making them potential biomarkers of pathogenesis for both diseases.
A Review of Nanocarbon-Based Solutions for the Structural Health Monitoring of Composite Parts Used in Renewable Energies
Authors: Lemartinel Antoine , Castro Mickael , Fouché Olivier , De-Luca Julio-César , Feller Jean-François
Published: January 2022

The growing demands for electrical energy, especially renewable, is boosting the development of wind turbines equipped with longer composite blades. To reduce the maintenance cost of such huge composite parts, the structural health monitoring (SHM) is an approach to anticipate and/or follow the structural behaviour along time. Apart from the development of traditional non-destructive testing methods, in order to reduce the use of intrusive instrumentation there is a growing interest for the development of “self-sensing materials”. An interesting route to achieve this, can be to introduce carbon nanofillers such as nanotubes (CNT) in the composite structures, which enables to create systems that are sensitive to both strain and damage. This review aims at updating the state of the art of this topic so far. A first overview of the existing SHM techniques for thermoset based wind turbine blades composites is presented. Then, the use of self-sensing materials for strain and damage sensing is presented. Different strategies are overviewed and discussed, from the design of conductive composites such as carbon fibres reinforced polymers, to the elaboration of conductive nano-reinforced polymer composites. The origins of sensing mechanisms along with the percolation theory applied to nanofillers dispersed in polymer matrices are also detailed.
Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty Biomechanics
Authors: Roche Christopher P.
Published: January 2022

The reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) prosthesis has been demonstrated to be a viable treatment option for a variety of end-stage degenerative conditions of the shoulder. The clinical success of this prosthesis is at least partially due to its unique biomechanical advantages. As taught by Paul Grammont, the medialized center of rotation fixed-fulcrum prosthesis increases the deltoid abductor moment arm lengths and improves deltoid efficiency relative to the native shoulder. All modern reverse shoulder prostheses utilize this medialized center of rotation (CoR) design concept; however, some differences in outcomes and complications have been observed between rTSA prostheses. Such differences in outcomes can at least partially be explained by the impact of glenoid and humeral prosthesis design parameters, surgical technique, implant positioning, patient-specific bone morphology, and usage in humeral and glenoid bone loss situations on reverse shoulder biomechanics. Ultimately, a better understanding of the reverse shoulder biomechanical principles will guide future innovations and further improve clinical outcomes.
Adaptive Digital Hologram Binarization Method Based on Local Thresholding, Block Division and Error Diffusion
Authors: Cheremkhin Pavel A. , Kurbatova Ekaterina A. , Evtikhiev Nikolay N. , Krasnov Vitaly V. , Rodin Vladislav G. , Starikov Rostislav S.
Published: January 2022

High-speed optical reconstruction of 3D-scenes can be achieved using digital holography with binary digital micromirror devices (DMD) or a ferroelectric spatial light modulator (fSLM). There are many algorithms for binarizing digital holograms. The most common are methods based on global and local thresholding and error diffusion techniques. In addition, hologram binarization is used in optical encryption, data compression, beam shaping, 3D-displays, nanofabrication, materials characterization, etc. This paper proposes an adaptive binarization method based on a combination of local threshold processing, hologram division into blocks, and error diffusion procedure (the LDE method). The method is applied for binarization of optically recorded and computer-generated digital holograms of flat objects and three-dimensional scenes. The quality of reconstructed images was compared with different methods of error diffusion and thresholding. Image reconstruction quality was up to 22% higher by various metrics than that one for standard binarization methods. The optical hologram reconstruction using DMD confirms the results of the numerical simulations.
Few-Shot Object Detection: Application to Medieval Musicological Studies
Authors: Ibrahim Bekkouch Imad Eddine , Eyharabide Victoria , Le Page Valérie , Billiet Frédéric
Published: January 2022

Detecting objects with a small representation in images is a challenging task, especially when the style of the images is very different from recent photos, which is the case for cultural heritage datasets. This problem is commonly known as few-shot object detection and is still a new field of research. This article presents a simple and effective method for black box few-shot object detection that works with all the current state-of-the-art object detection models. We also present a new dataset called MMSD for medieval musicological studies that contains five classes and 693 samples, manually annotated by a group of musicology experts. Due to the significant diversity of styles and considerable disparities between the artistic representations of the objects, our dataset is more challenging than the current standards. We evaluate our method on YOLOv4 (m/s), (Mask/Faster) RCNN, and ViT/Swin-t. We present two methods of benchmarking these models based on the overall data size and the worst-case scenario for object detection. The experimental results show that our method always improves object detector results compared to traditional transfer learning, regardless of the underlying architecture.
Effects of Exposure to Trade Antifouling Paints and Biocides on Larval Settlement and Metamorphosis of the Compound Ascidian Botryllus schlosseri
Authors: Cima Francesca , Varello Roberta
Published: January 2022

To evaluate the effects of antifouling paints and biocides on larval settlement and metamorphosis, newly hatched swimming larvae of the compound ascidian Botryllus schlosseri, a dominant species of soft-fouling in coastal communities, were exposed to (i) substrata coated with seven antifouling paints on the market containing different biocidal mixtures and types of matrices and (ii) sea water containing various concentrations of eight biocidal constituents. All antifouling paints showed high performance, causing 100% mortality and metamorphic inhibition, with ≥75% not-settled dead larvae. All antifouling biocides prevented the settlement of larvae. The most severe larval malformations, i.e., (i) the formation of a bubble encasing the cephalenteron and (ii) the inhibition of tail resorption, were observed after exposure to metal and organometal compounds, including tributyltin (TBT) at 1 μM (325.5 µg L−1), zinc pyrithione (ZnP) at 1 μM (317.7 µg L−1), and CuCl at 0.1 μM (98.99 µg L−1), and to antimicrobials and fungicides, including Sea-Nine 211 at 1 μM (282.2 µg L−1) and Chlorothalonil at 1 μM (265.9 µg L−1). The herbicides seemed to be less active. Irgarol 1051 was not lethal at any of the concentrations tested. Diuron at 250 μM (58.2 mg L−1) and 2,3,5,6-tetrachloro-4-(methylsulphonyl)pyridine (TCMS pyridine) at 50 μM (14.8 mg L−1) completely inhibited larval metamorphosis. These results may have important implications for the practical use of different antifouling components, highlighting the importance of their testing for negative impacts on native benthic species.
Investigating Spatial Distribution of Green-Tide in the Yellow Sea in 2021 Using Combined Optical and SAR Images
Authors: Ma Yufei , Wong Kapo , Tsou Jin Yeu , Zhang Yuanzhi
Published: January 2022

Optical remote sensing is limited to clouds and rain. It is difficult to obtain ground object images in severe weather. Microwave remote sensing can penetrate clouds and rain to obtain ground object images. Therefore, this paper combines optical and microwave data to analyze the time and space of the green-tide in the Yellow Sea in 2021. Compared with a single data source, the distribution characteristics increase the frequency of time observation and show the green-tide changes in more detail. The continuous remote sensing observation time is 80 days. Ulva prolifera has experienced discovery (mid-late May), development (mid-late May to early June), outbreak (early June to mid-late June), decline (late June to mid-July), and extinction (late July to mid-August) in five stages; the development period drifts along the northeast direction, the outbreak period drifts along the northwest direction, the decline and extinction periods are mainly in the Rizhao and Qingdao waters. Ulva prolifera has a tendency to drift northward as a whole, drifting through Yancheng, Lianyungang, Linyi, Rizhao and Qingdao waters eventually landing on the coast of Qingdao and gradually disappearing.
AIS-Based Scenario Simulation for the Control and Improvement of Ship Emissions in Ports
Authors: Kao Sheng-Long , Chung Wu-Hsun , Chen Chao-Wei
Published: January 2022

Maritime transport is a major mode of transportation. Over 80% of international freight is carried by this mode. A port is a hub of ships and freight in maritime transport. Because of growing environmental concerns, how to effectively monitor, control, and improve ship emissions in a port has become a challenge for port administrations. This study combines automatic identification systems (AIS), ship emission estimation model (SEEM), geographic information system (GIS) mapping, and a scenario simulation technique to create a ship emission scenario simulation model (SESSM) for mapping and assessing current ship emissions alongside various “what-if” improvement options in a port area. A case study of the Port of Keelung in Taiwan is used to illustrate and verify the proposed model. In this case, the distribution and density of ship carbon emissions are mapped, with the ship berthing status being identified as the primary source of ship emissions. Meanwhile, nine “what-if” scenarios based on various combinations of speed policies and shore power supplies are simulated and analyzed. The results show that the proposed scenario simulation model is an effective tool to assess various “what-if” emission improvement options and to identify key factors for emission reduction. The effect of shore power supply on carbon emission reduction is significantly greater than speed policies. If investment costs are an issue, a balanced emission improvement option is suggested by combining a new speed policy and 50% shore power supply.
Improving of Pyrolysis Oil from Macroalgae Cladophora glomerata with HDPE Pyrolysis Oil
Authors: Uebe Jochen , Kryževičius Žilvinas , Kuhan Aravindaraj , Torkelis Arturas , Kosychova Lidija , Žukauskaitė Audronė
Published: January 2022

The slow pyrolysis of macroalgae at moderate temperatures in the reactor used resulted in an oil with a slightly better calorific value than that of the literature, but the other properties were not convincing. Therefore, co-pyrolysis with HDPE offers a way out in this study. However, this did not improve the property profile as a fuel, as the co-pyrolysate was incombustible due to its high water content. Only a mixture of the pyrolysis oil from algae and of the HDPE wax from the initial pyrolysis of HDPE resulted in a diesel-like product: the density was from 807 kg m−3, the viscosity 3.39 mm2 s−1, the calorific value was 46 MJ kg−1, and the oxidation stability was 68 min. The isoparaffin index indicates only a low branching of the paraffins, and therefore a low research octane number of 80. The blend did not need any further stabilizing additives.
COVID-19 Associated Pulmonary Aspergillosis: Diagnostic Performance, Fungal Epidemiology and Antifungal Susceptibility
Authors: Lackner Nina , Thomé Claudius , Öfner Dietmar , Joannidis Michael , Mayerhöfer Timo , Arora Rohit , Samardzic Eldina , Posch Wilfried , Breitkopf Robert , Lass-Flörl Cornelia
Published: January 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) raises concerns as to whether it contributes to an increased mortality. The incidence of CAPA varies widely within hospitals and countries, partly because of difficulties in obtaining a reliable diagnosis. We implemented a routine screening of respiratory specimens in COVID-19 ICU patients for Aspergillus species using culture and galactomannan (GM) detection from serum and/or bronchoalveolar lavages (BAL). Out of 329 ICU patients treated during March 2020 and April 2021, 23 (7%) suffered from CAPA, 13 of probable, and 10 of possible. In the majority of cases, culture, microscopy, and GM testing were in accordance with CAPA definition. However, we saw that the current definitions underscore to pay attention for fungal microscopy and GM detection in BALs, categorizing definitive CAPA diagnosis based on culture positive samples only. The spectrum of Aspergillus species involved Aspergillus fumigatus, followed by Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, and Aspergillus nidulans. We noticed changes in fungal epidemiology, but antifungal resistance was not an issue in our cohort. The study highlights that the diagnosis and incidence of CAPA is influenced by the application of laboratory-based diagnostic tests. Culture positivity as a single microbiological marker for probable definitions may overestimate CAPA cases and thus may trigger unnecessary antifungal treatment.
Volatiles Produced by Yeasts Related to Prunus avium and P. cerasus Fruits and Their Potentials to Modulate the Behaviour of the Pest Rhagoletis cerasi Fruit Flies
Authors: Mozūraitis Raimondas , Apšegaitė Violeta , Radžiutė Sandra , Aleknavičius Dominykas , Būdienė Jurga , Stanevičienė Ramunė , Blažytė-Čereškienė Laima , Servienė Elena , Būda Vincas
Published: January 2022

Yeast produced semiochemicals are increasingly used in pest management programs, however, little is known on which yeasts populate cherry fruits and no information is available on the volatiles that modify the behaviour of cherry pests including Rhagoletis cerasi flies. Eighty-two compounds were extracted from the headspaces of eleven yeast species associated with sweet and sour cherry fruits by solid phase micro extraction. Esters and alcohols were the most abundant volatiles released by yeasts. The multidimensional scaling analysis revealed that the odour blends emitted by yeasts were species-specific. Pichia kudriavzevii and Hanseniaspora uvarum yeasts released the most similar volatile blends while P. kluyveri and Cryptococcus wieringae yeasts produced the most different blends. Combined gas chromatographic and electroantennographic detection methods showed that 3-methybutyl acetate, 3-methylbutyl propionate, 2-methyl-1-butanol, and 3-methyl-1-butanol elicited antennal responses of both R. cerasi fruit fly sexes. The two-choice olfactometric tests revealed that R. cerasi flies preferred 3-methylbutyl propionate and 3-methyl-1-butanol but avoided 3-methybutyl acetate. Yeast-produced behaviourally active compounds indicated a potential for use in pest monitoring and control of R. cerasi fruit flies, an economically important pest of cherry fruits.
Effect of COVID-19 on International Trade among the Visegrad Countries
Authors: Ugurlu Erginbay , Jindřichovská Irena
Published: January 2022

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has been detrimental to all countries, despite the continuous efforts of governments on all continents to attempt to mitigate its damaging effects. All economic and social indicators have worsened. This study explores the impact of COVID-19 on international trade among the Visegrad Four (V4) countries. We employ data from Eurostat and FRED to explore this influence, using the monthly import and export data for the 2010 M1–2021 M4period. We estimate the trade model for each member country of the V4, exploring their trade relations with other V4 members. We employ a shift dummy and impulse dummy to show the effect of country lockdowns initiating possible structural change. After exploration, we found that the COVID-19 impact was evident in all countries, but not with the same strength. Looking outside the V4 group, we can also see that there are strong trade relations with Germany, which is the strongest European economy. For further exploration, we suggest investigating these outside links to complete the picture.
Quantification of Ecosystem-Scale Methane Sinks Observed in a Tropical Rainforest in Hainan, China
Authors: Liu Zhihao , Li Hong , Wu Fangtao , Wang Hui , Chen Huai , Zhu Qiuan , Yang Gang , Liu Weiguo , Chen Dexiang , Li Yide , Peng Changhui
Published: January 2022

Tropical rainforest ecosystems are important when considering the global methane (CH4) budget and in climate change mitigation. However, there is a lack of direct and year-round observations of ecosystem-scale CH4 fluxes from tropical rainforest ecosystems. In this study, we examined the temporal variations in CH4 flux at the ecosystem scale and its annual budget and environmental controlling factors in a tropical rainforest of Hainan Island, China, using 3 years of continuous eddy covariance measurements from 2016 to 2018. Our results show that CH4 uptake generally occurred in this tropical rainforest, where strong CH4 uptake occurred in the daytime, and a weak CH4 uptake occurred at night with a mean daily CH4 flux of −4.5 nmol m−2 s−1. In this rainforest, the mean annual budget of CH4 for the 3 years was −1260 mg CH4 m−2 year−1. Furthermore, the daily averaged CH4 flux was not distinctly different between the dry season and wet season. Sixty-nine percent of the total variance in the daily CH4 flux could be explained by the artificial neural network (ANN) model, with a combination of air temperature (Tair), latent heat flux (LE), soil volumetric water content (VWC), atmospheric pressure (Pa), and soil temperature at −10 cm (Tsoil), although the linear correlation between the daily CH4 flux and any of these individual variables was relatively low. This indicates that CH4 uptake in tropical rainforests is controlled by multiple environmental factors and that their relationships are nonlinear. Our findings also suggest that tropical rainforests in China acted as a CH4 sink during 2016–2018, helping to counteract global warming.
The Origin of Dust Particles in Atmospheric Air in Krakow (Poland) (Atmospheric Background)
Authors: Pietras Bartłomiej Gabriel
Published: January 2022

For several decades air pollution in Krakow has been a serious and an unresolved environmental and social problem. The causes of high concentration of particulate matter, such as PM10 and PM2.5 in Krakow are both natural and anthropogenic. Nevertheless, the sources of dust pollution have not been fully determined yet. The main source of dust in Krakow is local emissions, however, particles from adjacent areas might also contribute significantly to the pollution. Transboundary dust should also be taken into account while investigating the problem. The aim of the study is to determine what type of particles are present in the atmospheric air in Krakow and to make an attempt at determining their sources. The analytical method applied in the study was the Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive Spectrometry (SEM-EDS). In addition, the HYSPLIT model was used for data analysis and for determination of particles source areas. The analysis of individual dust particles indicates that they are very diverse in terms of chemical composition and particle size. Moreover, the analysis shows that the particles are of various origins, such as anthropogenic and natural, as well as that some of them are formed in the air by chemical reactions. The analysis of particulate matter demonstrates that the majority of it consists of particles with a diameter of less than 1 μm. The concentration of very fine soot particles (nanoparticles) seems to be the highest, however, spherical aluminosilicate particles such as iron and titanium oxides are also found.
Corrosion Protection Oxide Scale Formed on Surface of Fe-Ni-M (M = Al, Cr, Cu) Inert Anode for Molten Salt Electrolysis
Authors: Kim Myungjae , Kang Jungshin , Kim Jiwoo , Kim Jiwoong
Published: January 2022

An oxide scale formed on the surface of metal anodes is crucial for determining the overall quality of molten salt electrolysis (MSE), particularly for the durability of the anode materials. However, the material properties of oxide scales are yet to be revealed, particularly in ternary spinel oxide phases. Therefore, we investigate the mechanical and thermal properties of spinel oxides via first-principles calculations. The oxides are calculated using the models of normal (cubic) and inverse (orthorhombic) spinel compounds. The d-orbital exchange correlation potential of transition metal oxides is addressed using the generalized gradient approximation plus Hubbard U. The lattice constant, formation energy, cohesive energy, elastic modulus, Poisson’s ratio, universal anisotropy index, hardness, minimal thermal conductivity, and thermal expansion coefficient are calculated. Based on the calculated mechanical and thermal properties of the spinel compound, the Fe–Ni–Al inert anode is expected to be the most suitable oxide scale for MSE applications among the materials investigated in our study.
Effect of Solidification and Hot Rolling Processes on Wear Performance of TiC-Reinforced Wear-Resistant Steel
Authors: Deng Xiangtao , Wang Qi , Huang Long , Cao Yi , Wang Zhaodong
Published: January 2022

As a commonly reinforcing phase in wear-resistant materials, TiC is often added into wear-resistant materials to improve the wear resistance. The independently developed stepped molds with variable thicknesses were used to prepare the TiC-reinforced steels with the same composition though melt solidification processing to study the effect of the solidification rate on the particle size and wear performance. The effect of the hot rolling compression ratio on the particle size and wear performance was also studied. The length and aspect ratios of the particles in heat-treated TiC-reinforced steels with different billet thicknesses and rolling compression ratios were measured. With the increasing in the billet thickness and the decreasing in the rolling compression ratio, the length and aspect ratio of the particles increased in heat-treated TiC-reinforced steels, and the hardness decreased slightly. The three-body abrasive wear behavior of the TiC-reinforced steels was conducted using a standard dry sand rubber wheel wear testing procedure, and the modeling of the wear mechanism was established. The particle size is the main factor affecting wear resistance when the hardness of TiC-reinforced steels is similar. When the particles size is moderate, about 2–6 μm, the particle can break the sand tip and hinder the sand tip from sliding on the surface. In this manner, the mass loss decreased and the wear resistance improved. The large particles will be broken easily by the abrasive, and the small particles are removed easily by the abrasive in the wear process. So, the large and small particles cannot effectively prevent the damage of the abrasive to the matrix, and they have less of an effect on improving wear resistance.
Zinc Slag as a Partial or Total Replacement for Mineral Filler in Warm Mix Asphalt and Its Effects on Self-Healing Capacity and Performance Characteristics
Authors: Fakhri Mansour , Javadi Sajad , Sassani Alireza , Torabi-Dizaji Mohsen
Published: January 2022

Utilizing the self-healing properties of asphalt materials is a way to improve the service life of asphalt pavements. Enhanced self-healing capabilities can be achieved through mixture modification. Using waste or by-product materials to modify asphalt mixtures can provide further environmental benefits. However, with a given mixture modification method, the resulting materials should be adequately vetted to ensure that enhanced self-healing capability is not attained at the expense of the mixture’s overall performance. This research aims to investigate the feasibility of using zinc slag filler to enhance the self-healing properties of warm mix asphalt (WMA) and evaluates the rutting susceptibility and moisture-resistance of the slag-modified mixtures. To this end, zinc slag filler was used to replace a portion of the mineral filler at different replacement rates in WMA mixtures. Self-healing capabilities of the resulting mixtures were studied under microwave induction heating. The influence of zinc slag modification on asphalt mixture’s characteristics and conventional performance indicators were evaluated by the Texas boiling test, the three-point bending test, and the Kim test (a deformation test). Also, the adhesion between bitumen and aggregate was evaluated using the broken sample from the three-point bending test and digital image analysis. The results of self-healing tests demonstrated that the heat generation capability of the specimens increased with filler replacement rate, such that the specimens with 100% of the mineral filler replaced with slag showed the highest heating performance. Zinc slag filler showed the potential to improve the moisture resistance of WMA by enhancing aggregate–bitumen adhesion and thus reducing stripping. The slag-modified WMA samples exhibited better tensile strength ratio (TSR) and deformation resistance than their non-modified equivalents.
Mathematical Simulation of Casson MHD Flow through a Permeable Moving Wedge with Nonlinear Chemical Reaction and Nonlinear Thermal Radiation
Authors: Khan Zeeshan , Rasheed Haroon Ur , Khan Ilyas , Abu-Zinadah Hanaa , Aldahlan Maha A.
Published: January 2022

The influence of the chemical interaction and dynamic micropolar convective heat transfer flow of Casson fluid caused by a moving wedge immersed in a porous material was explored. The Joule heating owing to magnetized porous matrix heating was also deliberated. The mathematical formulation for mass conservation, momentum, energy, and concentration profiles was expressed in the form of partial differential equations. The dimensionless set of ordinary equations was reduced from modeled equations via a transformation framework and then solved by the RK4 built-in function in MATLAB SOFTWARE by taking a step size of Δη=0.01. The existing work was compared with the published work. The iteration procedure was stopped until all of the nodes in the η-direction met the convergence condition 10−5. The physical appearance of material parameters on the flow field, temperature, concentration, drag force, and Nusselt number was discussed through plots. The numerical results were obtained for limiting circumstances. The unsteadiness factor thinned the velocity boundary layer but decreased the thermal and concentration boundary layers. By increasing the Eckert number, the nondimensional temperature profile was enhanced. The novelty of the present study is that no one has numerically investigated the magnetized Casson fluid over a moving wedge in the presence of a chemical reaction and thermal radiation.
Alginate Hydrogels with Aloe vera: The Effects of Reaction Temperature on Morphology and Thermal Properties
Authors: Bialik-Wąs Katarzyna , Raftopoulos Konstantinos N. , Pielichowski Krzysztof
Published: January 2022

In this study, we investigated the impact of reaction temperature on the physicochemical, structural, morphological, and thermal properties of sodium alginate/poly (vinyl alcohol)-based hydrogels, both in the pure form and with the addition of 20% (v/v) Aloe vera solution. The materials were prepared by chemical crosslinking at temperatures in the range of 65–75 °C. Poly (ethylene glycol) diacrylate was used as a crosslinking agent. The extent to which the crosslinking reaction proceeded was studied as a function of the reaction temperature, along with the thermal properties and morphology of the final materials. A measurement of gel fraction, in agreement with differential scanning calorimetry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, showed that a higher temperature of reaction promoted the crosslinking reaction. On the basis of the aforementioned techniques, as well as by energy dispersive X-ray analysis under an electron microscope, it was also shown that the bioadditive Aloe vera promoted the crosslinking reaction.
Modeling of Hyperparameter Tuned Deep Learning Model for Automated Image Captioning
Authors: Omri Mohamed , Abdel-Khalek Sayed , Khalil Eied M. , Bouslimi Jamel , Joshi Gyanendra Prasad
Published: January 2022

Image processing remains a hot research topic among research communities due to its applicability in several areas. An important application of image processing is the automatic image captioning technique, which intends to generate a proper description of an image in a natural language automated. Image captioning is a recently developed hot research topic, and it started to receive significant attention in the field of computer vision and natural language processing (NLP). Since image captioning is considered a challenging task, the recently developed deep learning (DL) models have attained significant performance with increased complexity and computational cost. Keeping these issues in mind, in this paper, a novel hyperparameter tuned DL for automated image captioning (HPTDL-AIC) technique is proposed. The HPTDL-AIC technique encompasses two major parts, namely encoder and decoder. The encoder part utilizes Faster SqueezNet with the RMSProp model to generate an effective depiction of the input image via insertion into a predefined length vector. At the same time, the decoder unit employs a bird swarm algorithm (BSA) with long short-term memory (LSTM) model to concentrate on the generation of description sentences. The design of RMSProp and BSA for the hyperparameter tuning process of the Faster SqueezeNet and LSTM models for image captioning shows the novelty of the work, which helps to accomplish enhanced image captioning performance. The experimental validation of the HPTDL-AIC technique is carried out against two benchmark datasets, and the extensive comparative study pointed out the improved performance of the HPTDL-AIC technique over recent approaches.
Oscillation Attenuation in a Building-like Structure by Using a Flexible Vibration Absorber
Authors: Trujillo-Franco Luis Gerardo , Flores-Morita Nestor , Abundis-Fong Hugo Francisco , Beltran-Carbajal Francisco , Dzul-Lopez Alejandro Enrique , Rivera-Arreola Daniel Eduardo
Published: January 2022

This is a theoretical, numerical, and experimental study on the vibration attenuation capability of the dynamic response of a building-like structure using a dynamic vibration absorber in cantilever flexible beam configuration, taking into account gravitational effects associated with its mass. The dynamic model of the primary vibrating structure with the passive vibration control device is obtained using the Euler–Lagrange formulation considering the flexible vibration absorber as a generalized system of one degree of freedom. The application of the Hilbert transform to the frequency response function to determine the tuning conditions between this nonlinear flexible beam vibration absorber and the primary system is also proposed. In this fashion, Hilbert transform analysis is then carried out to show that nonlinearities present in the dynamic model do not significantly contribute to the performance of the implemented absorber. Therefore, it is valid to linearize the equations of motion to obtain the tuning condition in which the flexible vibration absorber can attenuate undesirable harmonic vibrations that are disturbing to the building-like flexible structure. Thus, the present study shows that the Hilbert transform can be applied to obtain tuning conditions for other configurations of dynamic vibration absorbers in nonlinear vibrating systems. Simulation and experimental results are included to demonstrate the efficient performance of the presented vibration absorption scheme.
Non-Instantaneous Impulsive BVPs Involving Generalized Liouville–Caputo Derivative
Authors: Salem Ahmed , Abdullah Sanaa
Published: January 2022

This manuscript investigates the existence, uniqueness and Ulam–Hyers stability (UH) of solution to fractional differential equations with non-instantaneous impulses on an arbitrary domain. Using the modern tools of functional analysis, we achieve the required conditions. Finally, we provide an example of how our results can be applied.
Upper Hemi-Sternotomy Provides Benefit for Patients with Isolated or Combined Mitral Valve Surgery
Authors: Oezpeker Cenk Ulvi , Barbieri Fabian , Hoefer Daniel , Bonaros Nikolaos , Grimm Michael , Mueller Ludwig
Published: January 2022

Background and objectives: Certain clinical and anatomical conditions are absolute or relative contraindications for safe mitral valve surgery via the right mini-thoracotomy access. It is uncertain whether patients with these contraindications may benefit from the less invasive approach via upper hemi-sternotomy compared to standard full sternotomy. Materials and methods: Out of 2052 mitral valve surgery patients, operated from 6/04 through 2/19, 1535 were excluded due to the different criteria for eligibility to both approaches. Out of these, 350 received full sternotomy and 167 upper hemi-sternotomy. After propensity score matching, 164 pairs were analyzed for operative variables, postoperative complications and 30-day and one-year survival. Results: Upper hemi-sternotomy was associated with a survival benefit of 30 days (99.4% vs. 82.1%; p < 0.001) and one-year (93.9% vs. 79.9% p < 0.001, HR 0.26, 95% CI 0.14–0.49). Cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic cross-clamp times were comparable in both groups. Upper hemi-sternotomy resulted in less low cardiac output syndrome (18.9% vs. 31.1%; p = 0.011); ventilation time (8 vs. 13 h; p < 0.001), length of intensive care stay (1 vs. 2 days; p < 0.001) and total hospital stay (8 vs. 9 days; p < 0.001) were shorter in the upper hemi-sternotomy group. Conclusion: In patients undergoing mitral valve surgery, upper hemi-sternotomy is associated with short- and mid-term survival benefits as well as lower postoperative complication rates compared to full sternotomy. Hence, the less invasive upper hemi-sternotomy can be a valid approach in patients with contraindications for right mini-thoracotomy.
Phenolic Profile, Antioxidant and Enzyme Inhibition Properties of the Chilean Endemic Plant Ovidia pillopillo (Gay) Meissner (Thymelaeaceae)
Authors: Cortés Carmen , González-Cabrera Diego A. , Barrientos Ruth , Parra Claudio , Romero-Parra Javier , Pertino Mariano Walter , Areche Carlos , Sepúlveda Beatriz , Bórquez Jorge , Torres-Benítez Alfredo , Simirgiotis Mario J.
Published: January 2022

Ovidia pillopillo (Lloime) is an endemic species of the Valdivian Forest of Chile. Little is known on the chemistry and biological activity of this plant. In this study, the phenolic profile, antioxidant capacities and enzyme inhibition capacities (against tyrosinase and cholinesterase) of the plant were investigated for the first time. The phenolic profile of the plant was obtained by UHPLC-MS fingerprinting with high resolution, which showed the presence of several flavonoids and coumarins. The antioxidant potential was measured by FRAP and ORAC (45.56 ± 1.32; 25.33 ± 1.2 μmol Trolox equivalents/g dry plant, respectively) plus ABTS and DPPH methods (IC50 = 9.95 ± 0.05 and 6.65 ± 0.5 μg/mL, respectively). Moreover, the flavonoid and phenolic contents were determined (57.33 ± 0.82 and 38.42 ± 1.32, μg of Trolox and quercetin equivalents/100 g dry weight, respectively). The ethanolic extract showed cholinesterase (IC50 = 1.94 ± 0.07 and 2.73 ± 0.05 μg/mL, for AChE and BuChE, respectively) and tyrosinase (4.92 ± 0.05 μg/mL) enzyme inhibition activities. Based on these in vitro studies, in silico simulations were performed, which determined that the major compounds as ligands likely docked in the receptors of the enzymes. These results suggest that Ovidia pillopillo produce interesting special coumarins and flavonoids, which are potential candidates for the exploration and preparation of new medicines.
Proteomic Shifts Reflecting Oxidative Stress and Reduced Capacity for Protein Synthesis, and Alterations to Mitochondrial Membranes in Neurospora crassa Lacking VDAC
Authors: Shuvo Sabbir R. , Motnenko Anna , Krokhin Oleg V. , Spicer Victor , Court Deborah A.
Published: January 2022

Voltage-dependent anion-selective channels (VDAC) maintain the bidirectional flow of small metabolites across the mitochondrial outer membrane and participate in the regulation of multiple cellular processes. To understand the roles of VDAC in cellular homeostasis, preliminary proteomic analyses of S100 cytosolic and mitochondria-enriched fractions from a VDAC-less Neurospora crassa strain (ΔPor-1) were performed. In the variant cells, less abundant proteins include subunits of translation initiation factor eIF-2, enzymes in the shikimate pathway leading to precursors of aromatic amino acids, and enzymes involved in sulfate assimilation and in the synthesis of methionine, cysteine, alanine, serine, and threonine. In contrast, some of the more abundant proteins are involved in electron flow, such as the α subunit of the electron transfer flavoprotein and lactate dehydrogenase, which is involved in one pathway leading to pyruvate synthesis. Increased levels of catalase and catalase activity support predicted increased levels of oxidative stress in ΔPor-1 cells, and higher levels of protein disulfide isomerase suggest activation of the unfolded protein response in the endoplasmic reticulum. ΔPor-1 cells are cold-sensitive, which led us to investigate the impact of the absence of VDAC on several mitochondrial membrane characteristics. Mitochondrial membranes in ΔPor-1 are more fluid than those of wild-type cells, the ratio of C18:1 to C18:3n3 acyl chains is reduced, and ergosterol levels are lower. In summary, these initial results indicate that VDAC-less N. crassa cells are characterized by a lower abundance of proteins involved in amino acid and protein synthesis and by increases in some associated with pyruvate metabolism and stress responses. Membrane lipids and hyphal morphology are also impacted by the absence of VDAC.