bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Slow Steaming on Fuel Consumption and CO2 Emissions of a Container Ship
Authors: Pelić Vladimir , Bukovac Ozren , Radonja Radoslav , Degiuli Nastia
Published: March 2023

Modern marine propulsion systems must be reliable, energy efficient, environmentally friendly, and economical. Efforts to reduce fuel costs and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions per nautical mile have a significant impact on the choice of propulsion system. Considering that there is no alternative for maritime transport, various technical and technological solutions are being considered that aim to improve efficiency and reduce the negative impact on the environment. One of the ways to achieve this goal is slow steaming, which reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The designed speed of the vessel has a significant impact on the efficiency of slow steaming. Slow steaming is particularly suitable for large container ships with a design speed of more than 20 knots. In this paper, the effects of slow steaming are analyzed using the example of a container ship with diesel-engine propulsion. Propulsion systems with low-speed and medium-speed marine diesel engines with mechanical power transmission are investigated. Data on the required engine power and propeller speed were used for the study, obtained from calculations during testing of the ship’s hull model. The effects of speed reduction on specific fuel consumption and emission reduction were analyzed using numerical models of two-stroke and four-stroke diesel engines. The models were calibrated and validated using data provided by the engine manufacturers. The paper analyses four different cases where one or two low-speed diesel engines, or three or four medium-speed diesel engines, are used for propulsion. The analysis concludes that slow steaming can effectively reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, but the choice of the optimal propulsion system is highly dependent on maritime market conditions in maritime transportation. The choice of propulsion system affects the potential of slow steaming.
Two Types of Payments of Tax on Profit: Advanced Payments and at the End of Periods: Consideration within BFO Theory with Variable Profit
Authors: Brusov Peter , Filatova Tatiana , Kulik Veniamin
Published: March 2023

Two modifications of a modern theory of capital structure—the Brusov–Filatova–Orekhova (BFO) theory—with variable income are considered: (1) with the income tax payments at the end of periods and (2) with advance income tax payments. BFO formulas for the WACC, and for company capitalization, V, were derived for these two cases. Using the obtained formulas, the dependence of the weighted average cost of capital, WACC; the discount rate; WACC–g (here, g, is the growth rate); company value, V; and the equity cost, ke, on the leverage level, L, at different values of g, at different values of the debt capital cost, kd, and at different values of company age, n, were studied. Comparing the results for cases (1) and (2) shows that case (2) is always preferable for both the company and the regulator. Recommendations have been developed for both parties to expand the practice of advance income tax payments. The managerial implications are as follows. Companies may choose to pay income tax either in advance or at the end of the reporting period in accordance with current results and tax laws. The developed methodology makes it possible to study companies with growing profits and companies with falling profits, which is very important in practice. It also allows the study of companies for which profits could rise and fall in different periods.
Linguistic Variation, Social Meaning and Covert Prestige in a Northern Moroccan Arabic Variety
Authors: Benítez Fernández Montserrat
Published: March 2023

This paper addresses how gender and age, as macro-sociological factors, influence variation and change in the Northern Moroccan Arabic variety of Ouezzane, and how social meaning plays a role in this variation. To do so, it examines the high degree of variability in the realization of two phonetic variables, the voiceless alveolar plosive /t/ and the voiceless uvular plosive /q/, in a corpus of semi-scripted interviews with 20 local informants. The data for the study was gathered during several fieldwork campaigns carried out between 2014 and 2021. The analysis combines quantitative and qualitative methods. Quantitative comparisons are drawn across gender and three age categories (under 30, between 30 and 50, and over 50) to search for gender and/or age markers, while the data are qualitatively analyzed with regard to the increase in the use of certain allophones, attrition and loss of other variants, and metalinguistic comments made by informants on those traits. These two methods make it possible to identify how the phonetic variables analyzed contribute to the construction of various identities, such as an “older person” identity, as well as self-affiliation with particular social groups, such as “artisans” or “rural women”, from which other groups, such as male university graduates, are keen to distance themselves.
Impact of Animal By-Products on Diet Digestibility and Fecal Quality in Beagle Dogs
Authors: Chuppava Bussarakam , Siebert Diana-Christin , Visscher Christian , Kamphues Josef , Abd El-Wahab Amr
Published: March 2023

In animal feeds and pet food, meat industry rendered by-products as a source of high-quality protein are commonly used. Among all rendered protein sources, poultry carcasses and neck meal are frequently used as ingredients in commercial pet foods due to their agreeable fatty acid and amino acid profiles, and they have no impact on the palatability of the diet. Nonetheless, it is unclear how poultry by-product meal affects companion animals regarding diet digestibility and fecal quality. This study either aimed to provide information on poultry by-product meal, including coarsely, finely, or very finely ground varieties, regarding their nutrient digestibility and characteristics of feces in dogs. One type of animal by-product meal was used in the three aforementioned particle sizes. Beagle dogs (n = 6; body weight, 16.6 kg ± 2.03) participated in a crossover experiment design. Each trial consisted of a five day adaptation period to the diet, and five days of fecal samples were collected and measured for individual apparent nutritional digestibility and fecal scores. The animal by-product supplementation in the diet of dogs was well accepted, with an acceptable percentage of apparent nutrient digestibility. Different particle sizes had no significant effect on the organic matter, crude protein, and crude fat digestibility as well as the fecal fatty acid concentrations. In addition, feces remained firm and well-formed and increased fecal dry matter. This indicates that poultry by-products should be taken into account as a potential dietary protein source in dog food.
Complications in Patients with Chronic Type B Aortic Dissection (cTBAD)—A Long-Term Analysis
Authors: Mohajeri Darya , Rammos Christos , Tsagakis Konstantinos , Schlosser Thomas , Ruhparwar Arjang , Rassaf Tienush , Jánosi Rolf Alexander , Lortz Julia
Published: March 2023

Chronic type B aortic dissection (cTBAD) is a rare but challenging condition that requires individual treatment strategies. Especially the long-term therapy impacts prognosis. In this single-center retrospective study, we evaluated patients with cTBAD in our vascular outpatient clinic over 10 years. Follow-up consultations included contrast-enhanced, electrocardiogram-triggered, high-resolution CT angiography (CTA) covering the entire aorta. Evaluated characteristics went beyond demographic characteristics combining the treatment approach and the timing and occurrence of potential complications. We analyzed 133 patients in total (n = 92, 69.2% male) with cTBAD with a mean follow-up of 67.7 months. Most of them underwent invasive treatment (n = 102, 76.7%), the majority received thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) (n = 82, 61.7%). A total of 80 patients (60.2%) had major complications, whereas over a third was free of complications even after 5 years. Most common complications were progress of dissection and endoleaks, aneurysms of true (TL) and false lumen (FL) were more common in the later time periods. The treatment of cTBAD in terms of timing, therapy approach, and complications is still challenging for the entire aortic team. Nevertheless, the early recognition of complications permits promising treatment options and highlights the importance of frequent follow-up examinations especially within the first years.
Heat Accumulation-Induced Surface Structures at High Degrees of Laser Pulse Overlap on Ti6Al4V Surfaces by Femtosecond Laser Texturing
Authors: Babadjanov Farkhod , Specht Uwe , Lukasczyk Thomas , Mayer Bernd
Published: March 2023

In this work, femtosecond laser pulses at high repetition rates were used to fabricate unique microstructures on the surface of Ti6Al4V. We investigated the influence of pulse overlap and laser repetition rates on structure formation. Laser texturing with a high degree of overlap resulted in melting of the material, leading to the formation of specific microstructures that can be used as cavities for drug delivery. The reason for melt formation is attributed to local heat accumulation at high repetition rates. Such structures can be fabricated on materials with low thermal conductivity, which prevent heat dissipation into the bulk of the material. The heat accumulation effect has also been demonstrated on steel, which also has low thermal conductivity.
Penetration Coefficients of Commercial Nanolimes and a Liquid Mineral Precursor for Pore-Imitating Test Systems—Predictability of Infiltration Behavior
Authors: Hoyt Andra-Lisa Maria , Staiger Marc , Schweinbeck Marcel , Cölfen Helmut
Published: March 2023

Nanolimes have been commercially available for over a decade as a remineralization agent for natural stone to combat deterioration. While they have been applied successfully and studied extensively, their penetration abilities in different materials have not yet been readily quantifiable in situ and in real time. Using two transparent pore-imitating test systems (acrylic glass (PMMA) and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)) and light microscopy, the penetration coefficients (PCs) of two nanolimes (CaLoSiL (CLS) and Nanorestore Plus (NRP)), as well as their solvents, were determined experimentally in square channels of about 100 µm diameter. Their PCs and those for a previously published glass–resin-based test system were also predicted based on measurable material parameters or literature values using the Lucas–Washburn equation. Additionally, a liquid mineral precursor (LMP) of calcium carbonate based on complex coacervation (CC) was investigated as an alternative to the solid particle dispersions of nanolime. In general, the dispersions behaved like their pure solvents. Overall, trends could be reasonably well predicted with both literature and experimentally determined properties using the Lucas–Washburn equation. In absolute terms, the prediction of observed infiltration behavior was satisfactory for alcohols and nanolimes but deviated substantially for water and the aqueous LMP. The commercially available PMMA chips and newly designed PDMS devices were mostly superior to the previously published glass–resin-based test system, except for the long-term monitoring of material deposition. Lastly, the transfer of results from these investigated systems to a different, nontransparent mineral, calcite, yielded similar PC values independently of the original data when used as the basis for the conversion (all PC types and all material/liquid combinations except aqueous solutions in PDMS devices). This knowledge can be used to improve the targeted design of tailor-made remineralization treatments for different application cases by guiding solvent choice, and to reduce destructive sampling by providing a micromodel for pretesting, if transferability to real stone samples proves demonstrable in the future.
Laser Ablation Study of Cutting Ceramics with Consideration of the Beam Inclination Angle
Authors: Weixler Jodok , Zweifel Marc , Schudeleit Timo , Bambach Markus , Wegener Konrad
Published: March 2023

Silicon alumina nitride (SiAlON) and alumina toughened zirconia (ATZ) ceramics are applied for ceramic cutting tools to machine, e.g., cast iron, nickel base alloys and other difficult-to-machine materials. The state of the art technology for manufacturing of the cutting tool geometry is grinding. Laser processing of ceramics is already studied in terms of ablation rate and roughness evaluation with the application of dental implant manufacturing. In the present study, laser machining of the mentioned ceramics is explored with a laser beam source of 1064 nm wavelength and 10 ps pulse duration (FWHM). The angle dependent energy specific removal rate is described in a model and the optimal pulse fluence for the different materials and the irradiation angles can be derived. For processing at irradiation angle of up to 75° no decrease of the relative absorption could be observed. For ATZ, lowest surface roughness is determined for both, orthogonal and quasi-tangential processing angle. For SiAlON, the roughness decreases constantly for higher tilt angles. A significant difference in the material answer with change of the sample composition can be detected and the results show the potential of further developing SiAlON ceramics towards machineability for laser ablation.
Estimation of Fixed Effects Partially Linear Varying Coefficient Panel Data Regression Model with Nonseparable Space-Time Filters
Authors: Li Bogui , Chen Jianbao , Li Shuangshuang
Published: March 2023

Space-time panel data widely exist in many research fields such as economics, management, geography and environmental science. It is of interest to study the relationship between response variable and regressors which come from above fields by establishing regression models. This paper introduces a new fixed effects partially linear varying coefficient panel data regression model with nonseparable space-time filters. On the basis of approximating the varying coefficient functions with a powerful B-spline method, the profile quasi-maximum likelihood estimators of parameters and varying coefficient functions are constructed. Under some regular conditions, we derive their consistency and asymptotic normality. Monte Carlo simulation shows that our estimates have good finite performance and ignoring spatial and serial correlations may lead to inefficiency of estimates. Finally, the driving forces of Chinese resident consumption rate are studied using our estimation method.
On a Conjecture of Cai–Zhang–Shen for Figurate Primes
Authors: Zhang Junli , Niu Pengcheng
Published: March 2023

A conjecture of Cai–Zhang–Shen for figurate primes says that every integer k>1 is the sum of two figurate primes. In this paper, we give an equivalent proposition to the conjecture. By considering extreme value problems with constraints about the conjecture in the cases of odd and even integers and using the method of Lagrange multipliers, the Cardano formula for cubic equations, and the contradiction, we prove the conjecture.
Approximate Solutions of a Fixed-Point Problem with an Algorithm Based on Unions of Nonexpansive Mappings
Authors: Zaslavski Alexander J.
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we study a fixed-point problem with a set-valued mapping by using an algorithm based on unions of nonexpansive mappings. We show that an approximate solution is reached after a finite number of iterations in the presence of computational errors. This result is an extension of the results known in the literature.
Solving SIVPs of Lane–Emden–Fowler Type Using a Pair of Optimized Nyström Methods with a Variable Step Size
Authors: Rufai Mufutau Ajani , Ramos Higinio
Published: March 2023

This research article introduces an efficient method for integrating Lane–Emden–Fowler equations of second-order singular initial value problems (SIVPs) using a pair of hybrid block methods with a variable step-size mode. The method pairs an optimized Nyström technique with a set of formulas applied at the initial step to circumvent the singularity at the beginning of the interval. The variable step-size formulation is implemented using an embedded-type approach, resulting in an efficient technique that outperforms its counterpart methods that used fixed step-size implementation. The numerical simulations confirm the better performance of the variable step-size implementation.
Facilitating Conditions as the Biggest Factor Influencing Elementary School Teachers’ Usage Behavior of Dynamic Mathematics Software in China
Authors: Yuan Zhiqiang , Liu Jing , Deng Xi , Ding Tianzi , Wijaya Tommy Tanu
Published: March 2023

Dynamic mathematics software, such as GeoGebra, is one of the most important teaching and learning media. This kind of software can help teachers teach mathematics, especially geometry, at the elementary school level. However, the use of dynamic mathematics software of elementary school teachers is still very limited so far. This study analyzed the factors influencing elementary school teachers’ usage behavior of dynamic mathematics software. Four independent variables, namely performance expectancy (PE), effort expectancy (EE), social influence (SI), and facilitating conditions (FC) from the united theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT), were used to understand elementary school teachers’ usage behavior of dynamic mathematics software. A questionnaire survey was conducted in the Hunan and Guangdong provinces of China. Two hundred and sixty-six elementary school mathematics teachers provided valid questionnaire data. The partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) approach was used to analyze the data. The results showed that facilitating conditions and effort expectancy significantly affect elementary school teachers’ usage behavior of dynamic mathematics software, and facilitating conditions were the biggest factor that affected user behavior. The moderating effects of gender, major, and training on all relationships in the dynamic mathematics software usage conceptual model were not significant. This study contributes by developing a model and providing new knowledge to elementary school principals and the government about factors that can increase the adoption of dynamic mathematics software.
Fuzzy Method Based on the Removal Effects of Criteria (MEREC) for Determining Objective Weights in Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Problems
Authors: Saidin Mohamad Shahiir , Lee Lai Soon , Marjugi Siti Mahani , Ahmad Muhammad Zaini , Seow Hsin-Vonn
Published: March 2023

In multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) research, the criteria weights are crucial components that significantly impact the results. Many researchers have proposed numerous methods to establish the weights of the criterion. This paper provides a modified technique, the fuzzy method based on the removal effects of criteria (MEREC) by modifying the normalization technique and enhancing the logarithm function used to assess the entire performance of alternatives in the weighting process. Since MCDM problems intrinsically are ambiguous or complex, fuzzy theory is used to interpret the linguistic phrases into triangular fuzzy numbers. The comparative analyses were conducted through the case study of staff performance appraisal at a Malaysian academic institution and the simulation-based study is used to validate the effectiveness and stability of the presented method. The results of the fuzzy MEREC are compared with those from a few different objective weighting techniques based on the correlation coefficients, outlier tests and central processing unit (CPU) time. The results of the comparative analyses demonstrate that fuzzy MEREC weights are verified as the correlation coefficient values are consistent throughout the study. Furthermore, the simulation-based study demonstrates that even in the presence of outliers in the collection of alternatives, fuzzy MEREC is able to offer consistent weights for the criterion. The fuzzy MEREC also requires less CPU time compared to the existing MEREC techniques. Hence, the modified method is a suitable alternative and efficient for computing the objective criteria weights in the MCDM problems.
Privacy-Preserving Public Route Planning Based on Passenger Capacity
Authors: Zhang Xin , Zhang Hua , Li Kaixuan , Wen Qiaoyan
Published: March 2023

Precise route planning needs huge amounts of trajectory data recorded in multimedia devices. The data, including each user’s location privacy, are stored as cipher text. The ability to plan routes on an encrypted trajectory database is an urgent necessity. In this paper, in order to plan a public route while protecting privacy, we design a hybrid encrypted random bloom filter (RBF) tree on encrypted databases, named the encrypted random bloom filter (eRBF) tree, which supports pruning and a secure, fast k nearest neighbor search. Based on the encrypted random bloom filter tree and secure computation of distance, we first propose a reverse k nearest neighbor trajectory search on encrypted databases (RkNNToE). It returns all transitions, in which each takes the query trajectory as one of its k nearest neighbor trajectories on the encrypted database. The results can be the indicator of a new route’s capacity in route planning. The security of the trajectory and query is proven via the simulation proof technique. When the number of points in the trajectory database and transition database are 1174 and 18,670, respectively, the time cost of an R2NNToE is about 1200 s.
An Efficient Optimal Derivative-Free Fourth-Order Method and Its Memory Variant for Non-Linear Models and Their Dynamics
Authors: Sharma Himani , Kansal Munish , Behl Ramandeep
Published: March 2023

We propose a new optimal iterative scheme without memory free from derivatives for solving non-linear equations. There are many iterative schemes existing in the literature which either diverge or fail to work when f′(x)=0. However, our proposed scheme works even in these cases. In addition, we extended the same idea for iterative methods with memory with the help of self-accelerating parameters estimated from the current and previous approximations. As a result, the order of convergence increased from four to seven without the addition of any further functional evaluation. To confirm the theoretical results, numerical examples and comparisons with some of the existing methods are included which reveal that our scheme is more efficient than the existing schemes. Furthermore, basins of attraction are also included to describe a clear picture of the convergence of the proposed method as well as some of the existing methods.
A Survey on the Hausdorff Dimension of Intersections
Authors: Mattila Pertti
Published: March 2023

Let A and B be Borel subsets of the Euclidean n-space with dimA+dimB>n. This is a survey on the following question: what can we say about the Hausdorff dimension of the intersections A∩(g(B)+z) for generic orthogonal transformations g and translations by z?
Antibacterial Indole Diketopiperazine Alkaloids from the Deep-Sea Cold Seep-Derived Fungus Aspergillus chevalieri
Authors: Yan Li-Hong , Du Feng-Yu , Li Xiao-Ming , Yang Sui-Qun , Wang Bin-Gui , Li Xin
Published: March 2023

A large body of fungal secondary metabolites has been discovered to exhibit potent antibacterial activities with distinctive mechanisms and has the potential to be an untapped resource for drug discovery. Here, we describe the isolation and characterization of five new antibacterial indole diketopiperazine alkaloids, namely 24,25-dihydroxyvariecolorin G (1), 25-hydroxyrubrumazine B (2), 22-chloro-25-hydroxyrubrumazine B (3), 25-hydroxyvariecolorin F (4), and 27-epi-aspechinulin D (5), along with the known analogue neoechinulin B (6) from a fungal strain of deep-sea cold seep-derived Aspergillus chevalieri. Among these compounds, 3 and 4 represented a class of infrequently occurring fungal chlorinated natural products. Compounds 1–6 showed inhibitory activities against several pathogenic bacteria with MIC values ranging from 4 to 32 μg/mL. It was revealed that compound 6 could induce structural damage to the Aeromonas hydrophila cells based on the observation by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), which led to the bacteriolysis and death of A. hydrophila, suggesting that neoechinulin B (6) might be a potential alternative to novel antibiotics development.
Optical Coherence Tomography Biomarkers in Predicting Treatment Outcomes of Diabetic Macular Edema after Ranibizumab Injections
Authors: Chang Yen-Chieh , Huang Yu-Te , Hsu Alan Y. , Meng Ping-Ping , Lin Chun-Ju , Lai Chun-Ting , Hsia Ning-Yi , Chen Huan-Sheng , Tien Peng-Tai , Lin Jane-Ming , Chen Wen-Lu , Tsai Yi-Yu
Published: March 2023

Background and Objectives: The identification of possible biomarkers that can predict treatment response among DME eyes is important for the individualization of treatment plans. We investigated optical coherence tomography (OCT)-based biomarkers that may predict the one-year real-life outcomes among diabetic macular edema (DME) eyes following treatment by intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) injections. Materials and Methods: A total of 65 eyes from 35 treatment-naïve patients with DME treated with ranibizumab injection were recruited. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central retinal thickness (CRT), intraocular pressure (IOP), and OCT scans were retrospectively recorded at baseline before treatment and at 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after treatment. The OCT scans were evaluated for biomarkers of interest, which included central retinal thickness (CRT), amount and locations of hyperreflective foci (HRF), subretinal fluid (SRF), intraretinal cysts (IRC), large outer nuclear layer cyst (LONLC), ellipsoid zone disruption (EZD), disorganization of retinal inner layers (DRIL), hard exudates (HE), epiretinal membrane (ERM), and vitreomacular interface (VMI). Correlations between these OCT biomarkers and outcome measures (visual and structural) were statistically analyzed. Results: A total of 65 eyes from 35 patients with DME were enrolled. The mean age was 64.2 ± 10.9 years old. Significant improvement in terms of mean BCVA (p < 0.005) and mean CRT was seen at final follow-up compared to baseline. The biomarkers of DRIL, LONLC, and SRF were found to be predictive for at least 50 μm CRT reduction after treatment (with odds ratio of 8.69, 8.5, and 17.58, respectively). The biomarkers of IRC, LONLC, and SRF were predictive for significant improvement in terms of BCVA and CRT after treatment. Finally, the number of HRF was predictive for both BCVA improvement and a CRT reduction of less than 100 μm after treatment. No serious complications were reported during the study. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated the utility of OCT biomarkers as therapeutic predictors of ranibizumab treatment among DME eyes.
Programmed Death-Ligand 1-Positive Squamous Cell Carcinoma Spontaneously Regressed after Percutaneous Needle Biopsy
Authors: Sasahara Masayuki , Takahashi Hiroki , Ohchi Takashi , Nomura Naohiro , Kodama Kentaro , Ikeda Kimiyuki , Nishikiori Hirotaka , Okamoto Kenzo , Chiba Hirofumi
Published: March 2023

Spontaneous lung cancer regression is a very rare course of disease. A 60-year-old male patient was admitted to our hospital with pneumonia and a 19 mm-sized nodule shadow in the S4 of the left lung on chest computed tomography (CT). A percutaneous needle biopsy was performed, and a diagnosis of programmed death-ligand 1-positive squamous cell lung carcinoma was made based on pathological findings. The patient was followed up with imaging because the lesion has reduced in size on chest CT. We report the possibility that cellular immune mechanisms triggered by needle biopsy contributed to spontaneous regression.
A Retrospective Comparative Study of Endoscopic Treatment of Gastrocnemius Contracture using the Modified Soft Tissue Release Kit
Authors: Li Yiming , Wang Zengguang , Gan Yaokai , Jiao Xin , Xu Chen , Zhao Jie , Dai Kerong
Published: March 2023

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of endoscopic gastrocnemius recession using the self-developed Modified Soft Tissue Release Kit. Materials and Methods: This retrospective review followed up 22 patients (34 feet) who underwent endoscopic surgery and 20 patients (30 feet) who received open surgery between January 2020 and January 2022. The American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score and the maximum ankle dorsiflexion angle were evaluated preoperatively and at the last follow-up. Postoperative complications were recorded. Patient satisfaction was surveyed at the last follow-up. The comparison between quantitative data was analyzed with the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The comparison between qualitative data was analyzed with the chi-square test. Results: There was no significant difference in the baseline characteristics between the two groups. The AOFAS score in the endoscopic group increased from 50 (18) points preoperatively to 90 (13) points at the last follow-up; the maximum ankle dorsiflexion angle increased from −7.7 (2.8) degrees to 10.6 (3.6) degrees. The AOFAS score in the open group improved from 47 (15) points preoperatively to 90 (18) points at the last follow-up; the maximum ankle dorsiflexion angle increased from −7.6 (4.0) degrees to 10.7 (3.3) degrees. The change values of the AOFAS scores in the endoscopic and open groups were 39 (15) and 40.5 (11) points, respectively, and there was no significant difference between them. The change values of the maximum ankle dorsiflexion angles in the endoscopic and open groups were 19.5 (4.3) and 19.1 (4.9) degrees, respectively, and there was no significant difference between them. There were no complications, such as sural nerve injury, in both groups. There was no significant difference between the two groups in satisfaction with the surgical outcome. Conclusions: Endoscopic gastrocnemius recession using the Modified Soft Tissue Release Kit can significantly improve the foot function with significant mid-term efficacy and high safety.
Role of Nutrition in the Etiopathogenesis and Prevention of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) in a Group of Obese Adults
Authors: Metro Daniela , Buda Martina , Manasseri Luigi , Corallo Francesco , Cardile Davide , Lo Buono Viviana , Quartarone Angelo , Bonanno Lilla
Published: March 2023

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is liver damage characterized by an accumulation of triglycerides in hepatocytes of >5% (due to an alteration of the balance of the lipid metabolism in favour of lipogenesis compared to lipolysis) that is not induced by the consumption of alcohol. The pathology includes simple steatosis and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, or NASH (steatosis associated with microinflammatory activities), which can evolve in 15% of subjects with hepatic fibrosis to cirrhosis and the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. The aim of this study is to report the role of macro- and micronutrients in the pathogenesis and prevention of NAFLD in obese subjects. A total of 22 obese or overweight patients with hepatic steatosis were monitored periodically, evaluating their eating habits, fasting glycaemia, lipid picture, liver enzymes, anthropometric parameters, nutrition status, liver ultrasound, oxidative stress, and adherence to the Mediterranean diet. A statistical analysis shows a significant positive relationship between total cholesterol and the Mediterranean adequacy index (MAI) (r = −0.57; p = 0.005) and a significant negative relationship between ALT transaminases and the MAI (r = −0.56; p = 0.007). Nutrition and diet are important factors in the pathogenesis and prevention of NAFLD. The dietary model, based on the canons of the Mediterranean diet, prevents and reduces the accumulation of fat in hepatocytes. Therefore, in agreement with other studies in the literature, we can state that a dietary model characterized by foods rich in fibre, carotenoids, polyphenols, ω3 fatty acids, folic acid, and numerous other molecules is inversely correlated with the serum levels of ALT transaminases, an enzyme whose level increases when the liver is damaged and before the most obvious symptoms of organ damage appear.
Research Regarding Molybdenum Flakes’ Improvement on the Hydrogen Storage Efficiency of MgH2
Authors: Cheng Changshan , Zhang Haoyu , Song Mengchen , Wu Fuying , Zhang Liuting
Published: March 2023

As an efficient hydrogen storage material, magnesium hydride (MgH2) has a high capacity of 7.6 wt%. However, its performance deteriorates because of high thermodynamic and kinetic temperatures and the fast agglomeration of its nanocrystals during the hydrogen uptake and release process. The exploration of efficient catalysts is a popular, but currently challenging, topic. Therefore, we successfully prepared flake-like molybdenum (Mo) catalysts and doped them into MgH2 to enhance its properties. We found that the incorporation of 7wt%Mo into MgH2 could reduce the starting desorption temperature by approximately 100 °C. In addition, the 7wt%Mo-doped MgH2 could desorb almost all of the H2 within 20 min at a 325 °C isothermal condition. For hydrogenation, MgH2-7wt%Mo could absorb approximately 5 wt% of hydrogen within 5 min at a 250 °C isothermal condition with a hydrogen pressure of 3 MPa. In addition, the MgH2-7wt%Mo composite could maintain approximately 98% of the initial capacity at the end of 22 cycles, presenting good cycling performance.
Histopathological, Immunohistochemical, Biochemical, and In Silico Molecular Docking Study of Fungal-Mediated Selenium Oxide Nanoparticles on Biomphalaria alexandrina (Ehrenberg, 1831) Snails
Authors: Ibrahim Amina M. , Ghazy Mahassen , El-Sayed Heba , Abd El-Hameed Rehab M. , Khalil Rehab G. , Korany Shereen M. , Aloufi Abeer S. , Hammam Olfat A. , Morad Mostafa Y.
Published: March 2023

Daphnia magna and freshwater snails are used as delicate bioindicators of contaminated aquatic habitats. Due to their distinctive characteristics, selenium oxide nanoparticles (SeONPs) have received interest regarding their possible implications on aquatic environments. The current study attempted to investigate the probable mechanisms of fungal-mediated selenium nanoparticles’ ecotoxicological effects on freshwater Biomphalaria alexandrina snails and Daphnia magna. SeONPs revealed a toxicological impact on D. magna, with a half-lethal concentration (LC50) of 1.62 mg/L after 24 h and 1.08 mg/L after 48 h. Survival, fecundity, and reproductive rate were decreased in B. alexandrina snails exposed to SeONPs. Furthermore, the aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were markedly elevated, while albumin and total protein levels decreased. Histopathological damage in the hermaphrodite and digestive glands was detected by light, electron microscopy, and immunohistochemistry studies. The molecular docking study revealed interactions of selenium oxide with the ALT and AST. In conclusion, B. alexandrina snails and D. magna could be employed as bioindicators of selenium nanomaterial pollution in aquatic ecosystems. This study emphasizes the possible ecological effects of releasing SeONPs into aquatic habitats, which could serve as motivation for regulatory organizations to monitor and control the use and disposal of SeONPs in industry.
Decellularization of Mouse Kidneys to Generate an Extracellular Matrix Gel for Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Derived Renal Organoids
Authors: Nag Sparshita , Boyd Ashleigh S.
Published: March 2023

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality characterized by progressive renal fibrosis, and in extreme cases, renal failure. Human CKD models that replicate the biological complexity of the kidney and CKD are lacking and will be invaluable in identifying drugs to revert and/or prevent fibrosis. To address this unmet need, we developed 3D renal organoids where human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) were differentiated to renal progenitors within a renal extracellular matrix (rECM) gel, based on the premise that an rECM could recreate the renal niche to facilitate hiPSC-derived renal progenitor generation. We used mouse kidneys as a source of rECM and identified that superior detergent-mediated decellularization of mouse kidneys was achieved with a combination of 0.5% w/v Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate and 1% v/v Triton-X and mechanical agitation for 60 h. HiPSCs that underwent specification to become metanephric mesenchyme (MM) were subsequently cultured within the rECM gel and, notably, mesenchymal to epithelial transition (MET) was observed, as judged by expression of nephron markers K-cadherin, Nephrin and WT1. These data demonstrate a role for rECM gel in developing human renal organoids from hiPSCs, which will aid the further development of a human disease model for renal fibrosis.
Future of Neutron Star Studies with Fast Radio Bursts
Authors: Popov Sergei B. , Pshirkov Maxim S.
Published: March 2023

Fast radio bursts (FRBs) were discovered only in 2007. However, the number of known events and sources of repeating bursts grows very rapidly. In the near future, the number of events will be ≳104 and the number of repeaters ≳100. Presently, there is a consensus that most of the sources of FRBs might be neutron stars (NSs) with large magnetic fields. These objects might have different origin as suggested by studies of their host galaxies which represent a very diverse sample: from regions of very active star formation to old globular clusters. Thus, in the following decade we expect to have a very large sample of events directly related to extragalactic magnetars of different origin. This might open new possibilities to probe various aspects of NS physics. In the review we briefly discuss the main directions of such future studies and summarize our present knowledge about FRBs and their sources.
Serotypes and Antibiotic Resistance of Streptococcus pneumoniae before and after the Introduction of the 13-Valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine for Adults and Children in a Rural Area in Japan
Authors: Ono Takashi , Watanabe Masahiro , Hashimoto Koichi , Kume Yohei , Chishiki Mina , Okabe Hisao , Sato Masatoki , Norito Sakurako , Chang Bin , Hosoya Mitsuaki
Published: March 2023

The increase in non-vaccine serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae and their multidrug resistance have become an issue following the introduction of the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13). In this study, we investigated the serotypes and drug resistance of S. pneumoniae detected in adult and pediatric outpatients at a hospital in a rural area of Japan between April 2012 and December 2016. Serotypes of the bacterium were identified using the capsular swelling test and multiplex polymerase chain reaction testing of DNA extracted from the specimens. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined using the broth microdilution method. The serotype 15A was classified using multilocus sequence typing. The results showed that the prevalence of non-vaccine serotypes increased significantly in children from 50.0% in 2012–2013 to 74.1% in 2016 (p ≤ 0.006) and in adults from 15.8% in 2012–2013 to 61.5% in 2016 (p ≤ 0.026), but no increase in drug-resistant isolates was evident. However, an increase in the drug-resistant serotypes 15A and 35B was observed in children. Although isolates of these two serotypes showed cefotaxime susceptibility, cefotaxime resistance was confirmed for the serotype 15A isolates. Future trends in the spread of these isolates should be monitored with caution.
Genetic Determinants of Macrolide and Fluoroquinolone Resistance in Mycoplasma genitalium and Their Prevalence in Moscow, Russia
Authors: Edelstein Inna Alexandrovna , Guschin Alexandr Evgenjevich , Romanov Andrew Vyacheslavovich , Negasheva Ekaterina Sergeevna , Kozlov Roman Sergeevich
Published: March 2023

Macrolide (MLR) and fluoroquinolone (FQR) resistance in Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) has recently become a major problem worldwide. The available data on the prevalence of MLR and FQR in MG in Russia are limited. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the prevalence and pattern of mutations in 213 MG-positive urogenital swabs from patients in Moscow between March 2021 and March 2022. MLR- and FQR-associated mutations were searched in 23S rRNA as well as in the parC and gyrA genes using Sanger sequencing. The prevalence of MLR was 55/213 (26%), with A2059G and A2058G substitutions being the two most common variants (36/55, 65%, and 19/55, 35%, respectively). FQR detection showed 17% (37/213); two major variants were D84N (20/37, 54%) and S80I (12/37, 32.4%) and three minor variants were S80N (3/37, 8.1%), D84G (1/37, 2.7%), and D84Y (1/37, 2.7%). Fifteen of the fifty-five MLR cases (27%) simultaneously harbored FQR. This study revealed the high frequency of MLR and FQR. We conclude that the improvement of patient examination algorithms and therapeutic approaches should be combined with the routine monitoring of antibiotic resistance based on the sensitivity profiles presented. Such a complex approach will be essential for restraining the development of treatment resistance in MG.
Synergistic Inhibitory Effect of Honey and Lactobacillus plantarum on Pathogenic Bacteria and Their Promotion of Healing in Infected Wounds
Authors: Li Mei , Xiao Hong , Su Yongmei , Cheng Danlin , Jia Yan , Li Yingli , Yin Qi , Gao Jieying , Tang Yong , Bai Qunhua
Published: March 2023

Prevention and control of infections have become a formidable challenge due to the increasing resistance of pathogens to antibiotics. Probiotics have been discovered to have positive effects on the host, and it is well-known that some Lactobacilli are effective in treating and preventing inflammatory and infectious diseases. In this study, we developed an antibacterial formulation consisting of honey and Lactobacillus plantarum (honey–L. plantarum). The optimal formulation of honey (10%) and L. plantarum (1 × 109 CFU/mL) was used to investigate its antimicrobial effect and mechanism in vitro, and its healing effect on wound healing of whole skin infections in rats. Biofilm crystalline violet staining and fluorescent staining results indicated that the honey–L. plantarum formulation prevented the biofilm formation in Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and increased the number of dead bacteria in the biofilms. Further mechanism studies revealed that the honey–L. plantarum formulation may inhibit biofilm formation by upregulating biofilm-related genes (icaA, icaR, sigB, sarA, and agrA) and downregulating quorum sensing (QS) associated genes (lasI, lasR, rhlI, rhlR, and pqsR). Furthermore, the honey–L. plantarum formulation decreased the number of bacteria in the infected wounds of rats and accelerated the formation of new connective tissue to promote wound healing. Our study suggests that the honey–L. plantarum formulation provides a promising option for the treatment of pathogenic infections and wound healing.
Second-Order Statistics of Self-Splitting Structured Beams in Oceanic Turbulence
Authors: Liu Liming , Liu Yulu , Chang Hao , Huang Jifei , Zhu Xinlei , Cai Yangjian , Yu Jiayi
Published: March 2023

Free-space optical communication is restricted by random media-stimulated beam degradation. However, partially coherent structured beams modulated by the coherence structure can potentially mitigate this negative effect. By employing the extended Huygens–Fresnel integral, we provide an examination of the second-order statistical features of a common type of partly coherent structured beams, self-splitting structured beams, in a turbulent ocean. The implications of turbulence parameters relating to the ocean and beginning beam parameters corresponding to the progression of such beam propagation attributes are fully investigated. Our numerical outcomes show that, for turbulence with a low-dissipation kinetic energy rate per unit mass of fluid, small Kolmogorov inner scale, large relative strength of temperature to salinity undulations, and large dissipation rate of mean-square temperature has a greater negative effect on the structured beams. In addition, we suggest an effective approach, enhancing the order of the beam and reducing the coherence length of the beams, to lower the oceanic turbulence-induced negative effects, and thus have future extensive possibilities in free-space optical communication.
Single-Layered Phase-Change Metasurfaces Achieving Polarization- and Crystallinity-Dependent Wavefront Manipulation
Authors: Hu Jie , Chen Yujie , Zhang Wenting , Tang Ziyi , Lan Xiang , Deng Qinrong , Cui Hengyu , Li Ling , Huang Yijia
Published: March 2023

As a promising platform for versatile electromagnetic (EM) manipulations, metasurfaces have drawn wide interest in recent years due to their unique EM properties and small footprints. However, although great efforts have been made to achieve multifunctionalities, the design of tunable metasurfaces with high compactness is still challenging. Here, a simple yet powerful design methodology for single-layered reconfigurable metasurfaces composed of nonvolatile phase-change material Ge2Sb2Se4Te1 (GSST) is proposed with average working amplitudes of 72.6% and 53% at different crystallization levels. The proposed metasurfaces could not only enable independent phase control at different crystallization levels but also introduced another polarization degree of freedom. As a proof of concept, we numerically demonstrate three kinds of metadevices in the infrared region achieving a multi-focus metalens with tunable foci, multistate vortex beam generator with adjustable topological charges and multi-channel meta-hologram with three independent information channels. It is believed that these multifunctional metasurfaces with both tunability and compactness are promising for various applications including information encryption, chiroptical spectroscopy, chiral imaging and wireless communication.
Quick Decline and Stem Pitting Citrus tristeza virus Isolates Induce a Distinct Metabolomic Profile and Antioxidant Enzyme Activity in the Phloem Sap of Two Citrus Species
Authors: Dandlen Susana A. , Da Silva José P. , Miguel Maria Graça , Duarte Amílcar , Power Deborah M. , Marques Natália Tomás
Published: March 2023

Susceptibility to the severe Citrus tristeza virus (CTV), T36, is higher for Citrus macrophylla (CM) than for C. aurantium (CA). How host-virus interactions are reflected in host physiology is largely unknown. In this study, the profile of metabolites and the antioxidant activity in the phloem sap of healthy and infected CA and CM plants were evaluated. The phloem sap of quick decline (T36) and stem pitting (T318A) infected citrus, and control plants was collected by centrifugation, and the enzymes and metabolites analyzed. The activity of the antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), in infected plants increased significantly in CM and decreased in CA, compared to the healthy controls. Using LC-HRMS2 a metabolic profile rich in secondary metabolites was assigned to healthy CA, compared to healthy CM. CTV infection of CA caused a drastic reduction in secondary metabolites, but not in CM. In conclusion, CA and CM have a different response to severe CTV isolates and we propose that the low susceptibility of CA to T36 may be related to the interaction of the virus with the host’s metabolism, which reduces significantly the synthesis of flavonoids and antioxidant enzyme activity.