bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can SARS-CoV-2 Infection Exacerbate Alzheimer’s Disease? An Overview of Shared Risk Factors and Pathogenetic Mechanisms
Authors: Villa Chiara , Rivellini Eleonora , Lavitrano Marialuisa , Combi Romina
Published: January 2022

The current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV)-2, is affecting every aspect of global society, including public healthcare systems, medical care access, and the economy. Although the respiratory tract is primarily affected by SARS-CoV-2, emerging evidence suggests that the virus may also reach the central nervous system (CNS), leading to several neurological issues. In particular, people with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are a vulnerable group at high risk of contracting COVID-19, and develop more severe forms and worse outcomes, including death. Therefore, understanding shared links between COVID-19 and AD could aid the development of therapeutic strategies against both. Herein, we reviewed common risk factors and potential pathogenetic mechanisms that might contribute to the acceleration of neurodegenerative processes in AD patients infected by SARS-CoV-2.
Implication of Electrophysiological Biomarkers in Psychosis: Focusing on Diagnosis and Treatment Response
Authors: Lee Ho Sung , Kim Ji Sun
Published: January 2022

Precision medicine has been considered a promising approach to diagnosis, treatment, and various interventions, considering the individual clinical and biological characteristics. Recent advances in biomarker development hold promise for guiding a new era of precision medicine style trials for psychiatric illnesses, including psychosis. Electroencephalography (EEG) can directly measure the full spatiotemporal dynamics of neural activation associated with a wide variety of cognitive processes. This manuscript reviews three aspects: prediction of diagnosis, prognostic aspects of disease progression and outcome, and prediction of treatment response that might be helpful in understanding the current status of electrophysiological biomarkers in precision medicine for patients with psychosis. Although previous EEG analysis could not be a powerful method for the diagnosis of psychiatric illness, recent methodological advances have shown the possibility of classifying and detecting mental illness. Some event-related potentials, such as mismatch negativity, have been associated with neurocognition, functioning, and illness progression in schizophrenia. Resting state studies, sophisticated ERP measures, and machine-learning approaches could make technical progress and provide important knowledge regarding neurophysiology, disease progression, and treatment response in patients with schizophrenia. Identifying potential biomarkers for the diagnosis and treatment response in schizophrenia is the first step towards precision medicine.
Efficacy of Twice a Day Bismuth Quadruple Therapy for Second-Line Treatment of Helicobacter pylori Infection
Authors: Kim Jeemyoung , Gong Eun Jeong , Seo Myeongsook , Seo Hyun Il , Park Jong Kyu , Lee Sang Jin , Han Koon Hee , Jeong Woo Jin , Kim Young Don , Cheon Gab Jin
Published: January 2022

Bismuth quadruple therapy (BQT) is an effective treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection. However, frequent dosing schedules of BQT regimen often compromise drug adherence and may affect treatment outcomes. This retrospective study aimed to investigate the efficacy of twice-daily BQT compared to that of four times a day therapy. From August 2018 to November 2020, adult patients who failed first-line standard triple therapy and underwent BQT were eligible. Patients were categorized into two groups according to dosing schedule: (i) the BQT group (n = 213) who received standard BQT administered four times a day; and (ii) the BQTb group (n = 141) who received proton pump inhibitor, bismuth 600 mg, metronidazole 500 mg, and tetracycline 1 g twice a day. The eradication rate did not differ between the BQT (92.5%) and the BQTb groups (90.1%) (p = 0.441). Adherence and adverse event rate were similar between the two groups. Multivariate analysis showed that current smoking was associated with eradication failure; however, dosing frequency was not associated with the efficacy of eradication therapy. This study suggested that twice a day BQT is as effective as four times a day therapy for second-line treatment of H. pylori infection.
Investigating the Impact of Situational Influences and Social Support on Social Commerce during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Bazi Saleh , Haddad Hadeel , Al-Amad Amjad H. , Rees Daniel , Hajli Nick
Published: January 2022

Without question, 2020 was an unprecedented period for all businesses and consumers in the world, especially for social commerce businesses. Growing online shopping during the pandemic has proliferated the appetite of social commerce websites. Drawing on the situational influences’ theory and social support theory, the purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of situational influences during the COVID-19 pandemic on online purchase intention across the big five personality traits. The data were collected via online survey. The sample consisted of 349 social commerce website users in the UK. The model was tested using Partial Least Squares-Structured Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). The results showed the different cohorts of buying intention on social commerce websites. Social support does not impact online purchase intention, while other situational factors do. Moreover, the model varied across the big five personality traits. The study substantially contributes to social commerce by investigating the social support and situational influences across different types of personality traits on online purchase intention during the pandemic.
Modeling of the 1783 Tsunami Event in Scilla Generated by Landslide
Authors: Minniti Francesca , Barbaro Giuseppe , Foti Giandomenico
Published: January 2022

In 1783, an event that has gone down in history as the great seismic crisis in Calabria began, during which two major earthquakes occurred, affecting the Calabrian ridge from the Strait to the north. Between 6 and 7 February in Scilla a tsunami occurred that caused the greatest number of victims in Italy: 1500 people. The mechanism that triggered the tsunami was the detachment of a ridge of rock due to a violent earthquake that affected the area; this detachment caused a subaerial landslide which, by sliding, then deposited the rock on the seabed a few kilometers from the coast, immediately generating the tsunami event. The objective of this study is to perform numerical simulations for tsunami events that occurred in history and use models that perform the propagation of a tsunami, using the best possible bathymetric and topographic data and the historical data to compare the validity of the results. In this way, one can obtain the validation of a model that can be used to simulate possible events of this magnitude on the Calabrian coasts and therefore be able to develop a reliable early warning tsunami system; it also has the advantage of perfectly combining computational burdens and the validity of results.
Are Potential Tourists Willing to Pay More for Improved Accessibility? Preliminary Evidence from the Gargano National Park
Authors: Sica Edgardo , Sisto Roberta , di Santo Naomi
Published: January 2022

Due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic, tourist destinations have been increasingly selected on the basis of health, safety and social distancing criteria. In this framework, protected natural areas represent ideal tourist destinations due to the presence of wide and open spaces, services for tourists and attention to nature. The present paper focused on accessible tourism, a subset of sustainable tourism that is increasingly gaining greater importance within the tourism sector. By applying the Contingent Valuation Method, the study investigated whether potential tourists are effectively willing to pay extra money to be granted more accessible facilities in a natural area. To this end, a logit model was estimated to determine the probability that tourists exhibit a higher WTP for accessible tourism facilities. The analysis was carried out in the Gargano National Park, Southern Italy, an area traditionally characterised by large tourist flows that have increased further during the recent pandemic. The results showed that only a limited percentage of the respondents are willing to pay a higher amount for improved accessibility. These results represent an interesting starting point to outline an adequate strategy for the tourism valorisation of the natural area.
Molecular Identification and Appraisal of the Genetic Variation of Taenia saginata in Central Regions of Vietnam
Authors: Tran Thi Giang , Azzena Ilenia , Scarpa Fabio , Cossu Piero , Danh Le Cong , Ton Nu Phuong Anh , Chau Ngo Thi Minh , Sanna Daria , Casu Marco
Published: January 2022

Taenia saginata is a globally distributed tapeworm responsible for human taeniasis due to the ingestion of raw or undercooked beef. T. saginata is present in several Asian countries, including China, Thailand, Lao PDR, Cambodia, and Vietnam, but little is known about its genetic variation. Studying the tapeworm’s phylogeographic patterns is crucial to better understanding their association with the geographic distribution of taeniasis/cysticercosis in human populations. In the present study, 38 specimens of this putative species were collected in central regions of Vietnam and analysed using the mitochondrial gene Cytochrome c Oxidase subunit I (COI) as a molecular marker to assess the correct species identification and investigate the level of genetic variation at different geographic scales. Phylogenetic and phylogeographic analyses were carried out on a dataset that included COI sequences from Vietnamese specimens and from all conspecifics available in GenBank to date. The results showed that the collected Vietnamese specimens belonged to the species T. saginata. In Southeast Asia, signs of a possible founder effect were discovered, with the most common haplotypes frequent and present in many countries, except Lao PDR, which shares its most common haplotype only with individuals from Thailand. Remarkably, a unique taxonomic entity was found worldwide, even though the available COI sequences of T. saginata belonging to non-Asiatic countries are, at present, limited. Therefore, future studies including more COI sequences from a higher number of countries and the use of a combined molecular approach with multiple genetic markers would be useful to provide deeper insight into the global genetic variation of this species.
Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Scope and Limitation of Ongoing and Innovative Therapies for Treating Chronic Hepatitis B
Authors: Akbar Sheikh Mohammad Fazle , Al Mahtab Mamun , Yoshida Osamu , Hiasa Yoichi
Published: January 2022

Millions of people of the world suffer from chronic hepatitis B (CHB), a pathological entity in which the patients are chronically infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and express hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and HBV DNA, as well as evidence of liver damages. Considerable numbers of CHB patients develop cirrhosis of the liver and hepatocellular carcinoma if untreated. Two groups of drugs (interferons and nucleoside analogs) are used to treat CHB patients, but both are endowed with considerable adverse effects, increased costs, extended duration of therapy, and limited efficacy. Thus, there is a pressing need to develop new and innovative therapeutics for CHB patients, and many such drugs have been developed during the last four decades. Some of these drugs have inspired considerable optimism to be a game-changer for the treatment of CHB. Here, we first discuss why ongoing therapeutics such as interferon and nucleoside analogs could not stand the test of time. Next, we dissect the scope and limitation of evolving therapies for CHB by dissecting the cellular and molecular mechanisms of some of these innovative therapeutics.
MnBi2Se4-Based Magnetic Modulated Heterostructures
Authors: Petrov Evgeniy K. , Kuznetsov Vladimir M. , Eremeev Sergey V.
Published: January 2022

Thin films of magnetic topological insulators (TIs) are expected to exhibit a quantized anomalous Hall effect when the magnetizations on the top and bottom surfaces are parallel and a quantized topological magnetoelectric effect when the magnetizations have opposite orientations. Progress in the observation of these quantum effects was achieved earlier in the films with modulated magnetic doping. On the other hand, the molecular-beam-epitaxy technique allowing the growth of stoichiometric magnetic van der Waals blocks in combination with blocks of topological insulator was developed. This approach should allow the construction of modulated heterostructures with the desired architecture. In the present paper, based on the first-principles calculations, we study the electronic structure of symmetric thin film heterostructures composed of magnetic MnBi2Se4 blocks (septuple layers, SLs) and blocks of Bi2Se3 TI (quintuple layers, QLs) in dependence on the depth of the magnetic SLs relative to the film surface and the TI spacer between them. Among considered heterostructures we have revealed those characterized by nontrivial band topology.
Morphological and Functional Characteristics of the Peroneus Muscles in Patients with Lateral Ankle Sprain: An Ultrasound-Based Study
Authors: Arima Satoshi , Maeda Noriaki , Komiya Makoto , Tashiro Tsubasa , Fukui Kazuki , Kaneda Kazuki , Yoshimi Mitsuhiro , Urabe Yukio
Published: January 2022

Background and Objectives: The effectiveness of multiple ultrasound evaluations of the peroneus muscles morphology, including muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) and connective tissue, after lateral ankle sprain (LAS) is unknown. This study aimed to measure the peroneus muscles after LAS at three points, adding distal 75% to the conventional measurement points, in order to obtain a detailed understanding of the post-injury morphology and to propose a new evaluation index of the peroneus muscles for multiple LAS. Materials and Methods: Participants with and without LAS (LAS and control groups, 16 each) were recruited. The muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) and muscle echogenicity were measured using a B-mode ultrasound system at 25%, 50%, and 75% proximal to the line connecting the fibular head to the lateral malleolus. The ankle evertor strength was measured using a handheld dynamometer. Simultaneously, the peroneus longus (PL) and peroneus brevis (PB) muscle activities were measured using surface electromyography. Measurements for the LAS side, non-LAS side, and control leg were performed separately. Results: The CSA was significantly higher at 75% on the LAS side than on the non-LAS side and in the control leg. Muscle echogenicity of the LAS side at 75% was significantly lower than that of the non-LAS side and the control leg. Muscle activity of the PL was significantly lower and the PB was higher on the LAS side than on the non-LAS side and in the control leg. Conclusions: The PL was less active than the PB, while the PB was found to be overactive, suggesting that PB hypertrophy occurs due to an increase in the percentage of muscle fibers and a decrease in the connective tissue. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate the condition of the PL and PB separately after LAS.
A Lower Level of Post-Vaccinal Antibody Titer against Influenza Virus A H1N1 May Protect Patients with Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases from Respiratory Viral Infections
Authors: Milanovic Milomir S. , Kadijevich Djordje M. , Stojanovich Ljudmila , Milovanovic Branislav , Djokovic Aleksandra
Published: January 2022

Background and Objectives: The concentration of antibodies against virus influenza A H1N1 in the titer (≥1:32) positively correlates with resistance to flu in healthy persons. In elderly and immune-compromised patients, an influenza vaccine may be less immunogenic. Hypothesis: A lower post-vaccinal antibody titer (≥1:16) may be sero-protective against respiratory viral infections in patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases. Materials and Methods: Fifty patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus—24; Rheumatoid Arthritis—15; and Sjögren’s Syndrome—11), who were at least 65 years old or whose relative disease duration (disease duration/age) was greater than 1/8, were examined. Thirty-four of them were vaccinated with a trivalent inactivated non-adjuvant influenza vaccine. The antibody concentration against influenza virus A H1N1 was measured using the standardized hemagglutination inhibition test and patients who got any respiratory viral infection were registered. To test the hypothesis, a correlative analysis was applied, followed by a binary logistic regression that included potential confounding variables, such as age, disease duration and therapy (personal/health-related conditions). Results: Vaccinated patients were significantly less affected by respiratory viral infections (21% vs. 75%). The lower titer considered (≥1:16) was significantly present more often among vaccinated patients (68% vs. 6%). The correlation between its presence/absence and that of respiratory viral infections was –0.34 (p < 0.05). The binary logistic regression evidenced the relevance of this correlation, confirming the hypothesis. Vaccination was associated with the 87.3% reduction in the likelihood of getting respiratory viral infections, whereas the lower antibody titer (≥1:16) was associated with the 77.6% reduction in the likelihood of getting respiratory viral infections. The vaccine was well tolerated by all patients and after vaccination no exacerbation of the underlying disease was observed. Conclusions: A lower antibody titer (≥1:16) against influenza virus A H1N1 could be protective against respiratory viral infections for certain autoimmune rheumatic diseases patients, which confirms the clinical effectiveness of influenza vaccination.
The Relationship of 25(OH)D3 with Diabetes Mellitus and the Mediation Effect of Lipid Profile in Chinese Rural Population of Henan Province
Authors: Zhang Mimi , Yu Fei , Xue Yuan , Song Lulu , Du Mengsi , Li Xing , Li Wenjie
Published: January 2022

Background and Objectives: Studies suggest that vitamin D is involved in the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and influences serum lipids levels, while lipid disorders are also closely related to T2DM. This study attempts to explore the complex relationship of serum 25(OH)D3, serum lipids, and T2DM among Chinese population. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 2326 subjects. The chi-square (χ2) test was applied to compare the prevalence of T2DM or dyslipidemia between two serum 25(OH)D3 levels. Linear regression was applied to analyze the correlation between serum lipids and 25(OH)D3 contents. Univariate and logistic analysis were used to explore the relationship between two lipid levels and T2DM. Mediation analysis was used to explore whether serum lipids mediate the relationship between two serum 25(OH)D3 levels and T2DM. Results: Compared to subjects with 25(OH)D3 ≥ 30 ng/mL, subjects with 25(OH)D3 < 30 ng/mL were higher in the prevalence of T2DM. The occurrences of high TG and low HDL-C were significantly higher in vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency than those in vitamin D sufficiency. Serum 25(OH)D3 content showed a reverse correlation with TC, TG, and LDL-C, but positive correlation with HDL-C. The odds ratios (ORs) (95% confidence intervals, 95%CI) of T2DM by comparing TG ≥ 2.26 mmol/L vs. TG < 2.26 mmol/L and HDL-C < 1.04 mmol/L vs. HDL-C ≥ 1.04 mmol/L in all participants were 2.48 (1.94–3.18) and 1.37 (1.07–1.75), respectively. Serum TG or HDL-C level partially mediated the relationship between two 25(OH)D3 level and T2DM. Conclusions: Serum 25(OH)D3 < 30 ng/mL seems to be associated with T2DM or dyslipidemia (high TG and low HDL-C) in our study, but there is still no proof of a cause–effect relationship. Moreover, serum TG or HDL-C level partially mediated the relationship between 25(OH)D3 levels and T2DM.
Phosphatidylserine Exposed Lipid Bilayer Models for Understanding Cancer Cell Selectivity of Natural Compounds: A Molecular Dynamics Simulation Study
Authors: Radhakrishnan Navaneethan , Kaul Sunil C. , Wadhwa Renu , Sundar Durai
Published: January 2022

Development of drugs that are selectively toxic to cancer cells and safe to normal cells is crucial in cancer treatment. Evaluation of membrane permeability is a key metric for successful drug development. In this study, we have used in silico molecular models of lipid bilayers to explore the effect of phosphatidylserine (PS) exposure in cancer cells on membrane permeation of natural compounds Withaferin A (Wi-A), Withanone (Wi-N), Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester (CAPE) and Artepillin C (ARC). Molecular dynamics simulations were performed to compute permeability coefficients. The results indicated that the exposure of PS in cancer cell membranes facilitated the permeation of Wi-A, Wi-N and CAPE through a cancer cell membrane when compared to a normal cell membrane. In the case of ARC, PS exposure did not have a notable influence on its permeability coefficient. The presented data demonstrated the potential of PS exposure-based models for studying cancer cell selectivity of drugs.
Post-Processing Techniques to Enhance the Quality of Metallic Parts Produced by Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Mahmood Muhammad Arif , Chioibasu Diana , Ur Rehman Asif , Mihai Sabin , Popescu Andrei C.
Published: January 2022

Additive manufacturing (AM) processes can produce three-dimensional (3D) near-net-shape parts based on computer-aided design (CAD) models. Compared to traditional manufacturing processes, AM processes can generate parts with intricate geometries, operational flexibility and reduced manufacturing time, thus saving time and money. On the other hand, AM processes face complex issues, including poor surface finish, unwanted microstructure phases, defects, wear tracks, reduced corrosion resistance and reduced fatigue life. These problems prevent AM parts from real-time operational applications. Post-processing techniques, including laser shock peening, laser polishing, conventional machining methods and thermal processes, are usually applied to resolve these issues. These processes have proved their capability to enhance the surface characteristics and physical and mechanical properties. In this study, various post-processing techniques and their implementations have been compiled. The effect of post-processing techniques on additively manufactured parts has been discussed. It was found that laser shock peening (LSP) can cause severe strain rate generation, especially in thinner components. LSP can control the surface regularities and local grain refinement, thus elevating the hardness value. Laser polishing (LP) can reduce surface roughness up to 95% and increase hardness, collectively, compared to the as-built parts. Conventional machining processes enhance surface quality; however, their influence on hardness has not been proved yet. Thermal post-processing techniques are applied to eliminate porosity up to 99.99%, increase corrosion resistance, and finally, the mechanical properties’ elevation. For future perspectives, to prescribe a particular post-processing technique for specific defects, standardization is necessary. This study provides a detailed overview of the post-processing techniques applied to enhance the mechanical and physical properties of AM-ed parts. A particular method can be chosen based on one’s requirements.
Transmission Electron Microscopy Study on the Precipitation Behaviors of Laser-Welded Ferritic Stainless Steels and Their Implications on Intergranular Corrosion Resistance
Authors: Sommer Niklas , Warres Clementine , Lutz Tarek , Kahlmeyer Martin , Böhm Stefan
Published: January 2022

The intergranular corrosion susceptibility of ferritic stainless-steel weldments is strongly dependent on chromium carbide precipitation phenomena. Hence, stabilization is widely used to mitigate the aforementioned precipitation. In contrast, stabilization has proved ineffective to fully prevent intergranular corrosion due to segregation of unreacted chromium during solid-state heat-treatments. To analyze the precipitation behavior of 17 wt.-% chromium ferritic stainless steels during laser welding, sheets of unstabilized and titanium-stabilized ferritic stainless steels were welded in a butt joint configuration and characterized with special consideration of precipitation behavior by means of transmission electron microscopy. While unstabilized ferritic stainless steels exhibit pronounced chromium precipitate formation at grain boundaries, titanium-stabilization leads to titanium precipitates without adjacent chromium segregation. However, corrosion tests reveal three distinctive corrosion mechanisms within the investigated ferritic stainless steels based on their inherent precipitation behaviors. In light of the precipitation formation, it is evident that immersion in sulfuric acid media leads to the dissolution of either grain boundaries or the grain boundary vicinity. As a result, the residual mechanical strength of the joint is substantially degraded.
Effect of Ni Concentration on the Surface Morphology and Corrosion Behavior of Zn-Ni Alloy Coatings
Authors: Farooq Ameeq , Ahmad Sohaib , Hamad Kotiba , Deen Kashif Mairaj
Published: January 2022

This research work aims to develop electrodeposited Zn-Ni alloy coatings with controlled dissolution tendencies on a mild steel substrate. The varying Ni concentration in the electroplating bath, i.e., 10, 15, 20 and 25 g·L−1, affected the surface morphology and electrochemical properties of the deposited Zn-Ni alloy coatings. SEM and EDS analysis revealed the resulting variation in surface morphology and composition. The electrochemical behavior of different coatings was evaluated by measuring the open circuit potential and cyclic polarization trends in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution. The degradation behavior of the electrodeposited Zn-Ni coatings was estimated by conducting a salt spray test for 96 h. The addition of Ni in the coating influenced the coating thickness and surface morphology of the coatings. The coating thickness decreased from 38.2 ± 0.5 μm to 20.7 ± 0.5 μm with the increase in Ni concentration. Relatively negative corrosion potential (<−1074 ± 10 mV) of the Zn-Ni alloy coatings compared to the steel substrate (−969 mV) indicated the sacrificial dissolution behavior of the Zn-rich coatings. On the other hand, compared to the pure Zn (26.12 mpy), ~4 times lower corrosion rate of the Zn-Ni coating (7.85 mpy) was observed by the addition of 25 g·L−1 Ni+2 in the bath solution. These results highlighted that the dissolution rate of the sacrificial Zn-Ni alloy coatings can effectively be tuned by the addition of Ni in the alloy coating during the electrodeposition process.
A Review on Part Geometric Precision Improvement Strategies in Double-Sided Incremental Forming
Authors: Ullah Sattar , Xu Peng , Li Xiaoqiang , Li Yanle , Han Kai , Li Dongsheng
Published: January 2022

Low geometric accuracy is one of the main limitations in double-sided incremental forming (DSIF) with a rough surface finish, long forming time, and excessive sheet thinning. The lost contact between the support tool and the sheet is considered the main reason for the geometric error. Researchers presented different solutions for geometric accuracy improvement, such as toolpath compensation, adaptation, material redistribution, and heat-assisted processes. Toolpath compensations strategies improve geometric precision without adding extra tooling to the setup. It relies on formulas, simulation, and algorithm-based studies to enhance the part accuracy. Toolpath adaptation improves the part accuracy by adding additional equipment such as pneumatically or spring-loaded support tools or changing the conventional toolpath sequence such as accumulative-DSIF (ADSIF) and its variants. It also includes forming multi-region parts with various arrangements. Toolpath adaptation mostly requires experimental trial-and-error experiments to adjust parameters to obtain the desired shape with precision. Material redistribution strategies are effective for high-wall-angle parts. It is the less studied area in the geometric precision context in the DSIF. The heat-assisted process mainly concentrates on hard-to-form material. It can align itself to any toolpath compensation or adaptation strategy. This work aims to provide DSIF variants and studies, which focus on improving geometric accuracy using various methodologies. It includes a brief survey of tool force requirements for different strategies, sheet thickness variation in DSIF, and support tool role on deformation and fracture mechanism. Finally, a brief discussion and future work are suggested based on the insights from several articles.
Modification of Biocorrosion and Cellular Response of Magnesium Alloy WE43 by Multiaxial Deformation
Authors: Anisimova Natalia , Martynenko Natalia , Novruzov Keryam , Rybalchenko Olga , Kiselevskiy Mikhail , Rybalchenko Georgy , Straumal Boris , Salishchev Gennady , Mansharipova Almagul , Kabiyeva Aigul , Gabdullin Maratbek , Dobatkin Sergey , Estrin Yuri
Published: January 2022

The study shows that multiaxial deformation (MAD) treatment leads to grain refinement in magnesium alloy WE43. Compared to the initial state, the MAD-processed alloy exhibited smoother biocorrosion dynamics in a fetal bovine serum and in a complete cell growth medium. Examination by microCT demonstrated retardation of the decline in the alloy volume and the Hounsfield unit values. An attendant reduction in the rate of accumulation of the biodegradation products in the immersion medium, a less pronounced alkalization, and inhibited sedimentation of biodegradation products on the surface of the alloy were observed after MAD. These effects were accompanied with an increase in the osteogenic mesenchymal stromal cell viability on the alloy surface and in a medium containing their extracts. It is expected that the more orderly dynamics of biodegradation of the WE43 alloy after MAD and the stimulation of cell colonization will effectively promote stable osteosynthesis, making repeat implant extraction surgeries unnecessary.
The Response of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) Plants to Three Abiotic Stresses Applied with Increasing Intensity: Hypoxia, Salinity, and Water Deficit
Authors: Jayawardhane Jayamini , Goyali Juran C. , Zafari Somaieh , Igamberdiev Abir U.
Published: January 2022

Exposing plants to gradually increasing stress and to abiotic shock represents two different phenomena. The knowledge on plants’ responses following gradually increasing stress is limited, as many of the studies are focused on abiotic shock responses. We aimed to investigate how cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) plants respond to three common agricultural abiotic stresses: hypoxia (applied with the increasing time of exposure to nitrogen gas), salinity (gradually increasing NaCl concentration), and water deficit (gradual decrease in water supply). We hypothesized that the cowpea plants would increase in tolerance to these three abiotic stresses when their intensities rose in a stepwise manner. Following two weeks of treatments, leaf and whole-plant fresh weights declined, soluble sugar levels in leaves decreased, and lipid peroxidation of leaves and roots and the levels of leaf electrolyte leakage increased. Polyphenol oxidase activity in both roots and leaves exhibited a marked increase as compared to catalase and peroxidase. Leaf flavonoid content decreased considerably after hypoxia, while it increased under water deficit treatment. NO emission rates after 3 h in the hypoxically treated plants were similar to the controls, while the other two treatments resulted in lower values of NO production, and these levels further decreased with time. The degree of these changes was dependent on the type of treatment, and the observed effects were more substantial in leaves than in roots. In summary, the responses of cowpea plants to abiotic stress depend on the type and the degree of stress applied and the plant organs.
Novel Fabrication Technology for Clamped Micron-Thick Titanium Diaphragms Used for the Packaging of an Implantable MEMS Acoustic Transducer
Authors: Prochazka Lukas , Huber Alexander , Schneider Michael , Ghafoor Naureen , Birch Jens , Pfiffner Flurin
Published: January 2022

Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) acoustic transducers are highly sophisticated devices with high sensing performance, small size, and low power consumption. To be applied in an implantable medical device, they require a customized packaging solution with a protecting shell, usually made from titanium (Ti), to fulfill biocompatibility and hermeticity requirements. To allow acoustic sound to be transferred between the surroundings and the hermetically sealed MEMS transducer, a compliant diaphragm element needs to be integrated into the protecting enclosure. In this paper, we present a novel fabrication technology for clamped micron-thick Ti diaphragms that can be applied on arbitrary 3D substrate geometry and hence directly integrated into the packaging structure. Stiffness measurements on various diaphragm samples illustrate that the technology enables a significant reduction of residual stress in the diaphragm developed during its deposition on a polymer sacrificial material.
Paleoenvironmental Conditions during the Paleocene–Eocene Transition Imprinted within the Glauconitic Giral Member of the Barmer Basin, India
Authors: Roy Choudhury Tathagata , Banerjee Santanu , Khanolkar Sonal , Meena Sher Singh
Published: January 2022

The roughly 6 m thick limestone–green shale alternation within the lignite-bearing Giral Member of the Barmer Basin corresponds to a marine flooding event immediately after the Paleocene–Eocene transition. A detailed characterization of the glauconite using Electron Probe Micro Analyzer (EPMA), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Mössbauer and Field Emission Gun-Scanning Electron Microscope (FEG-SEM) reveals its origin in the backdrop of prevailing warm climatic conditions. The glauconite pellets vary from fine silt-sized to coarse sand-sized pellets, often reaching ~60% of the rock by volume. Mineralogical investigation reveals a ‘nascent’ to ‘slightly evolved’ character of the marginal marine-originated glauconite showing considerable interstratification. The chemical composition of the glauconite is unusual with a high Al2O3 (>10 wt%) and moderately high Fe2O3(total) contents (>15 wt%). While the K2O content of these glauconites is low, the interlayer sites are atypically rich in Na2O, frequently occupying ~33% of the total interlayer sites. The Mössbauer spectrum indicates 10% of the total iron is in ferrous form. High tetrahedral Al3+ of these glauconites suggests a high-alumina substrate that transformed to glauconite by octahedral Al-for-Fe substitution followed by the addition of K into the interlayer structure. The unusually high Na2O suggests the possibility of a soda-rich pore water formed by the dissolution of alkaline volcanic minerals. The Giral glauconite formation could have been a part of the major contributors in the Fe-sequestration cycle in the Early Eocene shelves. Warm climate during the Early Eocene time favored the glauconitization because of the enhanced supply of Fe, Al, and Si and proliferation of an oxygen-depleted depositional environment.
Automatic Gemstone Classification Using Computer Vision
Authors: Chow Bona , Reyes-Aldasoro Constantino
Published: January 2022

This paper presents a computer-vision-based methodology for automatic image-based classification of 2042 training images and 284 unseen (test) images divided into 68 categories of gemstones. A series of feature extraction techniques (33 including colour histograms in the RGB, HSV and CIELAB space, local binary pattern, Haralick texture and grey-level co-occurrence matrix properties) were used in combination with different machine-learning algorithms (Logistic Regression, Linear Discriminant Analysis, K-Nearest Neighbour, Decision Tree, Random Forest, Naive Bayes and Support Vector Machine). Deep-learning classification with ResNet-18 and ResNet-50 was also investigated. The optimal combination was provided by a Random Forest algorithm with the RGB eight-bin colour histogram and local binary pattern features, with an accuracy of 69.4% on unseen images; the algorithms required 0.0165 s to process the 284 test images. These results were compared against three expert gemmologists with at least 5 years of experience in gemstone identification, who obtained accuracies between 42.6% and 66.9% and took 42–175 min to classify the test images. As expected, the human experts took much longer than the computer vision algorithms, which in addition provided, albeit marginal, higher accuracy. Although these experiments included a relatively low number of images, the superiority of computer vision over humans is in line with what has been reported in other areas of study, and it is encouraging to further explore the application in gemmology and related areas.
Study on Fluidization Characteristics of Magnetically Fluidized Beds for Microfine Particles
Authors: Tian Yakun , Song Shulei , Xu Xuan , Wei Xinyu , Yan Shanwen , Zhan Mingzhe
Published: January 2022

The bed pressure drop, minimum fluidized gas velocity, bed density, and bed expansion rate are important parameters characterizing the fluidization characteristics of gas-solid fluidized beds. By analyzing these parameters, the advantages and disadvantages of the fluidization state can be known. In this study, experiments were conducted to study the fluidization characteristics of a gas-solid magnetically fluidized bed for microfine particles by changing the magnetic field strength, magnetic field addition sequence, and static bed height. The experimental results show that when the magnetic field strength increased from 0 KA/m to 5 KA/m, the minimum fluidized gas velocity of particles increased from 4.42 cm/s to 10.32 cm/s, while the bed pressure drop first increased and then decreased. When the magnetic field strength is less than 3.4 KA/m, the microfine particles in the bed are mainly acted on by the airflow; while when the magnetic field strength is greater than 3.4 KA/m, the microfine particles are mainly dominated by the magnetic field. The magnetic field addition sequence affects the fluidization quality of microfine particles. The fluidized bed with ‘adding magnetic field first’ shows a more stable fluidization state than ‘adding magnetic field later’. Increasing of the static bed height reduces the bed expansion rate. The bed expansion rate is up to 112.5% at a static bed height of h0 = 40 mm and H = 5 KA/m. This will broaden the range of density regulation of a single magnetic particle and lay the advantage of gas-solid magnetically fluidized bed for microfine particles in the field of separation of fine coal.
The Effect of Freeze-Thaw Cycling and the Initial Mass of Water on the Unfrozen Water Content of Calcium Bentonites Modified by Copper Ions
Authors: Nartowska Edyta , Kozłowski Tomasz
Published: January 2022

This research was conducted with the use of the DSC method; it involved the examination of the unfrozen water content in two model (source) calcium bentonites (≥75% smectite), after one to three freeze-thaw cycles in the natural state, as well as after the ion exchange for a potentially toxic element (Cu2+). The freeze-thaw cycles do not affect the unfrozen water content at a given negative temperature in a statistically significant manner. However, a statistically significant influence of temperature, the initial mass of the water, and the clay type on the change of the unfrozen water content was found. Moreover, the empirical models of predicting the unfrozen water in the bentonite after the exchange for Cu2+ ion were created, for which the parameter was the mass of the water and the mass of the dry soil, at the temperature of −2 °C.
Editorial for Special Issue “Clay Minerals and Waste Fly Ash Ceramics”
Authors: Valášková Marta
Published: January 2022

This Special Issue published a collection of eight scientific contributions [...]
To Capture Personnel Spiritual Belief of the Nursing Students
Authors: Parwanda Dr. Geeta , Bansal Dr. Rahul
Published: January 2022

Background: Science gets impact on physical health. “Science gets us physical comforts, spirituality brings us mental calm”. Dalai lama 2006.
The meaning of spirituality and spiritual care among nurses is culturally constituted and influenced by many factors such as the nurse’s ethnic background, religious affiliation, level of education and clinical experience. Spiritual care is a recognized field in nursing (Bald acchino 2006) and an element of quality nursing care (Mc Even 2005). Many scientific studies have shown that when meditation and chanting is done in groups it has more benefits than when done individually. (Dr. K.K Aggarwal, 2017).
Agama Kristen dan Hoax: Peran Agama Kristen dalam Menekan Hoax
Authors: Siburian Donny Paskah Martianus
Published: January 2022

In the 4.0 era information has been transforming much faster and influencing daily interactions. Based on social recent phenomenon people were not given the interest to utilize these opportunities to look for the truth instead of prioritizing emotions, preferences to justify. This social atmosphere absolutely reduces the essential meaning of the ‘truth’ itself.  The 'truth' and 'untruth' can not be seen. The capability to analyze by the clear mind of intellect as one of the values of being a religious human has been paralyzed. The truth is claimed by like or dislike to something. How religion especially Christianity has its crucial functions as a social institution to reduce the hoax spreading behavior in its congregation will be provided in this paper. This study took palace in the HKBP Church in Bagansiapiapi, Rokan Hilir, Riau, Indonesia using the qualitative approach by taking the data from observation and interviews. The result shows found that religion by its dogma and religious leader comprehensively reduce the hoax spreading behavior in the congregation.Realitas Kemajuan Informasi 4.0 telah memengaruhi kehidupan. Berdasarkan fenomena terkini memperlihatkan bahwa orang-orang tidak lagi mau memberikan perhatian pada kebenaran yang hakiki dari sebuah informasi yang ia terima. Melainkan cenderung mengklaim kebenaran tersebut seturut dengan preferensi subjektif. Atmosfer kehidupan sosial seperti ini mereduksi perbedaan antara suka-tidak suka dan benar-salah menjadi demikian tipis. Alih-alih menjalani proses nalar yang panjang dan melelahkan, masyarakat cenderung tergesa-gesa mengklaim sesuatu yang disukainya sebagai kebenaran, sebaliknya tergesa-gesa menganggap salah atau sesat sesuatu yang dibenci/tidak disukai. Penelitian ini mencoba mengeksplorasi bagaimana agama sebagai pranata, khususnya agama Kristen memainkan peran yang krusial pada fenomena hoax. Penelitian ini dilaksanakan di Jemaat Gereja HKBP Bagansiapiapi ressort Bagansiapiapi, kabupaten Rokan Hilir, provinsi Riau-Indonesia menggunakan metodologi penelitian kualitatif dengan teknik wawancara dan observasi. Temuan memperlihatkan bahwa agama Kristen secara sistematis dan praksis menjalankan perannya sebagai pranata sosial melalui lembaga gereja. Peran tersebut berakar dari doktrin yang menekan prilaku penyebaran hoax. Penelitian juga memperlihatkan pemuka agama andil dalam menekan perilaku penyebar hoax bagi jemaat
Strategi Optimalisasi Implementasi Pendidikan Karakter Pada Kurikulum PAK Tingkat SMA Acuan K-13
Authors: Ballu Edwin
Published: January 2022

There is a decline in character values as indicated by an increase of moral decadence indicators, such as dropouts due to promiscuity, gambling, drug abuse among students, brawls between students, and gangs that unsettle the public, and other social issues that involve students. These issues are a barometer that character education has not optimally implemented. The study concentrated on the research question and research objectives of how to optimize character education through K-13. The strategy implementation to maximize the embed of character values can realize through three main approaches: integrating character values through PAK subjects, extracurricular activities, and school culture. Theories are used in action research by referring to curriculum theory and character education using qualitative research methods.
Kemerosotan nilai karakter yang ditunjukkan dengan meningkatnya indikator dekadensi moral, seperti; kasus putus sekolah karena pergaulan bebas, perjudian, penyalahgunaan narkoba di kalangan pelajar, tawuran antar pelajar, geng yang meresahkan masyarakat dan masalah sosial lainnya yang melibatkan pelajar. Isu-isu tersebut menjadi barometer bahwa pendidikan karakter belum dilaksanakan secara optimal. Kajian dikonsentrasikan pada pertanyaan penelitian sekaligus tujuan penelitian bagaimana mengoptimalkan pendidikan karakter melalui K-13. Proses implementasi sebagai strategi dengan maksud optimalisasi penanamam nilai-nilai karakter dapat terwujud dengan baik, melalui tiga strategi utama yaitu melalui pengintegrasian nilai-nilai karakter melalui mata pelajaran PAK, melalui kegiatan ekstrakurikuler, dan melalui budaya sekolah. Teori yang digunakan dalam penelitian tindakan dengan merujuk pada teori kurikulum dan pendidikan karakter dengan menggunakan metode penelitian kualitatif.
Studi Interaksi Obat Antihiperlipidemia Pada Pasien Rawat Jalan RSUD Dr. M.M. Dunda Limboto
Authors: Hasan Rahma
Published: January 2022

Hyperlipidemia is an abnormal lipid condition of metabolism which is characterized by increasing the level of blood lipid. Hyperlipidemia is often followed by other diseases. Therefore, the treatment of hyperlipidemia is often combined with other drugs and potentially increases the occurrence of drugsinteractions. This study aimed to identify the severity of antihyperlipidemic drugsinteractions to the outpatients at Dr. M.M Dunda Limboto Regional PublicHospital on January to March 2018.This research was included in the observation (survey) research, the type of research was the analytic survey and the data was obtained retrospectively. The type of data analysis was univariate analysis and the data was managed theoretically using the guidelines of Stockley Drug Interactionand drugs.com application review. Of the 170 prescription sheets that met the inclusion criteria, 67.65 % were potentially triggered the drugs interactions and 32.35 % had no drugs interactions. One of Antihyperlipidemic drug was often prescribed and mostly generated the interactions was simvastatin (64.12 %). Of the 170 prescriptions, 209 cases of severity of drugs interactions were found, with minor severity of 27.27 %, moderate severity of 47.85 % and major severity of 24.88 %.

Hiperlipidemia merupakan suatu keadaan ketidaknormalan metabolisme lipid yang ditandai dengan adanya peningkatan kadar lipid dalam darah. Hiperlipidemiasering diikuti dengan penyakit lain. Sehingga pengobatan hiperlipidemia seringdikombinasikan bersama obat lain dan berpotensi meningkatkan terjadinyainteraksi obat. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengidentifikasi tingkat keparahaninteraksi obat antihiperlipidemia pada pasien rawat jalan RSUD Dr. M.M DundaLimboto periode Januari sampai Maret 2018. Penelitian ini termasuk penelitian observasi (survei), jenis penelitian survei analitik dan data diambil secara retrospektif. Jenis analisis data adalah analisis univariat dan data dikelola secara teoritik menggunakan Stockley Drug Interaction dan review aplikasi drugs.com. Dari 170 lembar resep yang memenuhi kriteria inklusi, diperoleh 67,65 % berpotensi mengalami interaksi obat dan 32,35 % tidak mengalami interaksi obat. Antihiperlipidemia yang sering diresepkan dan paling besar menimbulkan interaksi obat adalah simvastatin (64,12 %). Dari 170 lembar resep, ditemukan 209 kasus tingkat keparahan interaksi obat, dengan tingkat keparahan minor sebesar 27,27 %, tingkat keparahan moderat sebesar 47,85% dan tingkat keparahan mayor sebesar 24,88 %.