bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Funtana Morimenta Ichnosite (Sardinia, Italy): a Potential Geotourist Attraction
Authors: Zoboli Daniel , Pillola Gian Luigi 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe late Middle Pleistocene ichnosite of Funtana Morimenta (Gonnesa, Italy) provides a relevant scientific and didactic interest. In this site, tracks of megacerine deer and dwarf mammoths of the Ice Age are well-preserved and visible in situ. The geosite has also historic importance, and it has been mentioned since the beginning of the nineteenth century for the sedimentological features and its palaeontological content. For these reasons, the Funtana Morimenta ichnosite would represent an efficient tool for developing educational goals, such as teaching activities or field trips. Unfortunately, in the last years, it has shown significant deterioration because its sedimentological features (poorly cemented aeolian sandstone) made it susceptible to weathering. For this site to be available for future generations, great attention should be posed to its safeguard and avoid the permanent disappearance of what is currently a full-fledged natural and scientific resource. The conservation actions herein proposed will provide several benefits: they are meant to (i) valorize the aeolian deposits and the visible ichnofossils; (ii) show visitors, tourists, or students the geo-palaeontological richness of the territory; (iii) encourage tourists to explore the other numerous geosites spread in the island of Sardinia; and (iv) allow private entrepreneurs or local public administrations to develop economic opportunities.
Biofeedback: e-health prediction based on evolving fuzzy neural network and wearable technologies
Authors: Malcangi Mario , Nano Giovanni 
Published: March 2021

AbstractRecent advances in wearable microelectronics and new neural networks paradigms, capable to evolve and learn online such as the Evolving Fuzzy Neural Network (EFuNN), enable the deploy of biofeedback-based applications. The missed physiologic response could be recovered by measuring uninvasively the vital signs such as the heart rate, the bio impedance, the body temperature, the motion activity, the blood pressure, the blood oxygenation and the respiration rate. Then, the prediction could be performed applying the evolving ANN paradigms. The simulation of a wearable biofeedback system has been executed applying the Evolving Fuzzy Neural Network (EFuNN) paradigm for prediction. An highly integrated wearable microelectronic device for uninvasively vital signs measurement has been deployed. Simulation results demonstrate that biofeedback control model could be an effective reference design that enables short and long-term e-health prediction. The biofeedback framework was been then defined.
Optimization of hydrolysis conditions for xylans and straw hydrolysates by HPLC analysis
Authors: Beckendorff Alexander , Lamp Anne , Kaltschmitt Martin 
Published: March 2021

AbstractOligosaccharide analysis is commonly done by acid hydrolysis and following HPLC analysis. A major problem is the incomplete hydrolysis of oligosaccharides and disaccharides and the increasing formation of volatile furfural from pentose monomers and hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) from hexose monomers. This paper optimizes the conditions of hydrolysis approaches and proposes a method for oligosaccharide quantification. The optimal condition for hydrolysis of model xylan from corn cob was found to be for 100 °C hydrolysis temperature, 120 min hydrolysis time, and 2 wt% sulfuric acid concentration. Under these conditions, the total free and bound xylose yield was 77.4% and hemicellulose conversion 87.4% respectively; no degradation products were found. The optimal conditions for hydrolysis of model xylan from beech wood were found to be for 120 °C hydrolysis temperature, 120 min hydrolysis time, and 2 wt% sulfuric acid concentration. Under these conditions, the total free and bound xylose yield was 65.1% and hemicellulose conversion 70.5% respectively; no degradation products were found. For pentosan hydrolysate, conditions were further optimized (110 °C, 60 min, 2 wt% H2SO4). Standard addition of xylan from the corn cob for hydrolysation showed similar conversion rates (< 2% deviation); no matrix effects were detected.
Tribological performance of various metal-doped carbon dots as water-based lubricant additives and their potential application as additives of poly(ethylene glycol)
Authors: Tang Weiwei , Zhu Xuejun , Li Yufeng 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAdvances in nano-lubricant additives are vital to the pursuit of energy efficiency and sustainable development. Carbon dots (CDs) have been widely investigated in the domain of lubricant additives owing to their extraordinary tribological properties, in particular, their friction-reducing and anti-wear properties. Metal-doped CDs are a new type of CDs, and their friction-reducing and anti-wear properties are attracting increasing attention. Therefore, a series of CDs doped with various divalent metal ions have been successfully synthesized via one-pot pyrolysis. The tribological properties of the synthesized CDs as water-based lubricant additives are in the following order: Zn-CDs > Cu-CDs ≫ Mg-CDs > Fe-CDs > U-CDs. Specifically, adding 1.0 wt% of Zn-CDs into water-based lubricant results in 62.5% friction and 81.8% wear reduction. Meanwhile, the load-carrying capacity of the water-based lubricant increases from 120 N to at least 500 N. Zn-CDs as an additive have long service life. Additionally, anion-tuned Zn-CDs fabricated via anion exchange exhibit promise as lubricant additives for poly(ethylene glycol). Based on the results of wear scar surface analyses, it is discovered that tribochemical films, primarily composed of iron oxides, nitrides, metal carbonates, zinc oxides, zinc carbonates, organic compounds, and embedded carbon cores, formed on the rubbing surfaces with a thickness of approximately 270 nm when Zn-CDs are used as additives. This film combined with the “ball-bearing” and third-particle effects of Zn-CDs contributed to excellent lubrication performance.
Structure, tribological properties, and the growth mechanism of in-situ generated TiC in titanium cermet
Authors: Sun Xiaolei , Luo Yong , Wang Junyang , Wang Qingliang , Qiao Jianghao , Beadling Andrew , Bryant Michael , Jin Zhongmin 
Published: March 2021

AbstractTitanium cermet combining metallic toughness with ceramic wear resistance has been proven to be a potential candidate for implanted joint material. In this work, titanium cermet was synthesized by means of the elevated temperature solid carburizing technology. The Ti13Nb13Zr alloy surface was found to be converted into TiC ceramic layer combined with a carbon strengthened diffusion zone underneath. The overall thickness of the carburized region grew to about 100 µm after 120 min carburization at 1,500 K. In order to clarify the growth behaviors of TiC ceramic layer, a growth mechanism is proposed. At the beginning of carburizing process, carbonaceous gas decomposed from carburizer due to high temperature and then converted to free atomic carbons through reduction reaction. Then, in-situ generated TiC ceramic layer possessing certain thickness formed on the surface, meanwhile, the inner carbon diffusion zone also grew inwards due to physical diffusion of carbon, and finally forming a gradient carbon distribution. In addition, the tribological behaviors of the new materials were evaluated through reciprocating ball-on-plate sliding wear tests in bovine calf serum. Although there was an increase in friction coefficient, the wear rate decreased by 59.6% due to the formation of the wear-resistant TiC ceramic layer. The wear mechanisms evolved from severe abrasive wear for bare Ti13Nb13Zr alloy to mild adhesive wear for titanium cermet.
See clearly on rainy days: Hybrid multiscale loss guided multi-feature fusion network for single image rain removal
Authors: Fu Huiyuan , Zhang Yu , Ma Huadong 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe quality of photos is highly susceptible to severe weather such as heavy rain; it can also degrade the performance of various visual tasks like object detection. Rain removal is a challenging problem because rain streaks have different appearances even in one image. Regions where rain accumulates appear foggy or misty, while rain streaks can be clearly seen in areas where rain is less heavy. We propose removing various rain effects in pictures using a hybrid multiscale loss guided multiple feature fusion de-raining network (MSGMFFNet). Specially, to deal with rain streaks, our method generates a rain streak attention map, while preprocessing uses gamma correction and contrast enhancement to enhanced images to address the problem of rain accumulation. Using these tools, the model can restore a result with abundant details. Furthermore, a hybrid multiscale loss combining L1 loss and edge loss is used to guide the training process to pay attention to edge and content information. Comprehensive experiments conducted on both synthetic and real-world datasets demonstrate the effectiveness of our method.
Optimization of a load control system algorithm for electrically propelled ships using data mining
Authors: Lee Jong-Hak , Lee Hun-Seok , Oh Jin-Seok 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe international maritime organization is reinforcing regulations on ship emissions and carbon dioxide, such as sulfur and nitrogen oxides. To solve this, electric propulsion vessels can use a battery-controlled load control system (LCS) to satisfy emission regulations. In this study, load data measured for one year on a ship is analyzed using a self-organizing map (SOM). Based on the analysis results, the optimal power generation capacity and battery capacity are designed, and a LCS algorithm is built. Model the ship's power generation system using MATLAB Simulink to verify the algorithm and verify its effectiveness. The LCS algorithm proposed in this study has a 1.01% reduction in fuel consumption and a 10.97% battery charge compared to the existing LCS algorithm.
Conversion of geared DC motor into stepper motor using switching delay time signals
Authors: Dadi Venkatarao , Peravali Swapna , Busi Rambabu 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIn solar tracking system, general stepper motor is used to control the stepwise movement and low speed of solar panel in vertical motion. Degree of rotation is directly proportional to stepwise movement (stepping method) of stepper motor. But it is cumbersome process to hold a solar panel at a particular vertical position depending on the sun’s position using low cost stepper motors. So, geared DC motor is implemented into stepper motor for low-speed applications using Stepping Method (GDCSM). Degree per step movement of geared DC motor is identified using Step angle switching delay time signal (A) of microcontroller. Speed of geared DC motor is controlled by passing fixed time interval between the pulses where the pulses have fixed width. Controlling speed is implemented by using Step delay time signal (D) of microcontroller. Combining effect of switching delay time signals A and D represents the Stepping Method. Stepping method resembles the step movement and controlling speed of the stepper motor. Speed of 10RPM & 30RPM geared DC motors is operated at 10V DC power supply. Microcontroller ATmega 328P with switching delay time signals is used to control the geared DC motors. Performance of 10RPM & 30RPM GDCSM is analyzed with stepper motors in terms of Relative slip degree error per revolution (RE$$_\mathrm{{S}}$$

S

) and acceptable slippage degree tolerance under open loop condition. Change in consuming voltage tolerance ($$\varDelta$$
Δ
) during rotation of GDCSM is another parameter which is used to maintain the constant actual total step count per revolutions of GDCSM. At 40 ms of step angle delay time (A), 10RPMGDCSM has 120 steps per revolution. At 25 ms of A, 30RPMGDCSM has 55 steps per revolution. Speed of 10RPM & 30RPM GDCSM is controllable up to 2RPM when its RE$$_\mathrm{{S}}$$

S

or acceptable slippage degree tolerance value is less than or equal to 1%. If $$\varDelta$$
Δ
value of GDCSM is less than or equal to − 0.4%, then it behaves like stepper motor. GDCSM is suitable to hold and control vertical position of solar tracking system with low speed and step movement. Performance of geared DC motor experimentally showed better result than commercial available stepper motors like 28BYJ-48 or STP-43d1027-01.
The Effect of COVID-19 and Its Control Measures on Sexual Satisfaction Among Married Couples in Kenya
Authors: Osur Joachim , Ireri Edward Mugambi , Esho Tammary 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Background
COVID-19 was first diagnosed in Kenya in March 2020 following which the government instituted control measures which could have affected people's sexual satisfaction and overall quality of life including restrictions in travels; ban on alcohol consumption and closure of bars; 9 pm to 5 am curfew; ban on political rallies, and closure of many workplaces with people being encouraged to work from home.

Aim
The objective of this study was to determine how perceived and experienced sexual satisfaction changed with the advent of COVID-19 among heterosexual married individuals in Kenya.

Methods
The study was a cross-sectional survey. Data was collected virtually using monkey survey from social groups. A total of 194 participants responded to the survey.

Outcomes
The difference in overall sexual satisfaction as well as satisfaction with sex frequency; sex process; and time, place and ambience around sexual intercourse before and during COVID-19.

Results
Most of the participants (73.4%) reported that they were satisfied with their marital sex before COVID-19 but the proportion of those reporting satisfaction dropped to 58.4% when they were asked about their experience during the COVID-19 pandemic. Among participants surveyed during the pandemic itself, therefore, 41.3% reported that they were currently sexually dissatisfied whereas just 26.6% reported that they were dissatisfied even prior to the pandemic. There was a significant difference in the overall distributions before and during COVID-19 (χ² = 38.86, P&lt; .001).

Clinical Translation
COVID-19 pandemic should be considered an etiology of sexual dissatisfaction and possibly sexual dysfunctions and COVID-19 control measures should incorporate ways of enhancing sexual well-being.

Conclusion
There was perceived increase in dissatisfaction with sex which could be a pointer to the falling quality of life during COVID-19 pandemic especially among the most sexually active men aged 31–50 years living in places where COVID-19 control measures are being stringently implemented.
Predictors of Outcomes of Therapy-Related Acute Myeloid Leukemia After Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Nampoothiri Ram Vasudevan , Law Arjun Datt , Lam Wilson , Chen Carol , Al-Shaibani Zeyad , Loach David , Michelis Fotios V. , Kim Dennis Dong Hwan , Mattsson Jonas , Kumar Rajat , Lipton Jeffrey Howard , Viswabandya Auro 
Published: March 2021

Background/Objective:
Existing literature on allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) in therapy- related acute myeloid leukemia (t-AML) is confounded by the inclusion of patients with secondary AML and t-MDS. We aim to report our 20-year experience of HSCT in t-AML.

Methods:
We retrospectively reviewed patients with t-AML who underwent HSCT. Patients were analyzed for prior malignancy, therapy, time to diagnosis of t-AML, transplant details, relapse-free survival (RFS), overall survival (OS), and predictors of outcomes.

Results:
In total, 68 patients (59.9% female; median age, 56.5 years) underwent HSCT. Acute and chronic graft-versus- host disease (GVHD) occurred in 39 (57.4%) and 23 (33.8%) patients, respectively. Cumulative incidence of relapse, nonrelapse mortality, RFS, and OS at 2 years were 17.9%, 34.5%, 47.6%, and 49.3%, respectively. Significant predictors of reduced OS were presence of 11q23 rearrangement (hazard ratio [HR], 3.24), using induction regimens other than FLAG- Ida or 7 + 3 (HR, 3.65), haploidentical donors (HR, 3.48), Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 2 or higher (HR, 5.83), and using cyclosporine A–methotrexate as GVHD prophylaxis (HR, 2.41). A significant decrement in survival was seen with an increasing number of any of these prognostic factors.

Conclusion:
Outcomes of t-AML are satisfactory after allo-HSCT. Patients with t-AML with good-risk karyotypes, good performance status, having HLA-matched donors, and receiving intensive induction regimens have better outcomes after HSCT.
Molecular and clinical assessment of maturity-onset diabetes of the young revealed low mutational rate in Moroccan families
Authors: Trhanint Said , Bouguenouch Laila , Abourazzak Sana , El Ouahabi Hanan , Latrech Hanane , Benyakhlef Salma , Bennani Bahia , El Bouchikhi Ihssane , Moufid Fatima Zahra , Ouldim Karim , El Ghadraoui Lahsen , Maazouzi Nadia 
Published: March 2021

Background:
Maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) is a monogenic form of diabetes characterized by autosomal dominant inheritance. To offer an adequate patient management and therapeutic treatment for MODY patients, in addition to an early efficient diagnosis of their asymptomatic relatives, it is crucial to set an accurate molecular diagnosis. Hence, our aim was to determine the frequency of HNF1A and GCK genes among Moroccan-suspected MODY patients.

Methods:
Twenty suspected MODY patients were screened for HNF1A and GCK mutations using Sanger sequencing and MLPA methods. Segregation analysis of identified mutations was performed among family members. The pathogenic nature of missense variants was predicted using bioinformatic tools.

Results:
A total of two mutations were revealed among all patients raising the diagnostic rate to 10%. We identified a large novel GCK deletion (c.209-?_1398+?del) by MLPA in one patient and a previously reported missense substitution (c.92G > A) in HNF1A gene.

Conclusion:
This is the first investigation to perform the molecular diagnosis of MODY suspected patients. Our findings constitute a primary contribution towards unraveling the genetic landscape involved in the pathogenesis of MODY disease in Morocco.
The first report on CFTR mutations of meconium ileus in cystic fibrosis population in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Banjar Hanaa , Qeretli Raef , Ramadan Ali , Al-Ibraheem Abdullah , Bnatig Fahad 
Published: March 2021

Introduction:
Meconium ileus (MI) is one of the most common causes of intestinal obstruction in newborns. It is the earliest clinical manifestation of cystic fibrosis (CF). MI is suspected if a baby fails to pass meconium shortly after birth and develops symptoms of bowel obstruction, such as distention of the abdomen or vomiting. MI can lead to bowel perforation, a twisting of the bowel, or inflammation and infection of the abdominal cavity.

Objectives:
To find the incidence and prevalence of meconium ileus in cystic fibrosis patients and to report on the most common gene mutation of MI in CF patients.

Methodology:
Retrospective review of the medical documentations of all MI patients during the period of 1989-2018.

Results:
A total of 40 CF confirmed patients were presented with MI. Twenty-nine patients (71%) are alive and 11 patients (29%) died or lost to follow-up. The following CFTR mutations were found: Eight patients (20%) with c.2988+1G>A; Intron 18. Seven patients (17.5%) with c.1418delG; Exon 11. Five patients (12.5%) with c.579+1G>T; Intron 5. Four patients (10%) with c.1911delG; Exon 14. Four patients (10%) with c.1521_1523delCTT; Exon 11. Four patients (10%) with c.416A>T; Exon 13. Three patients (7.5%) with c.2421A>G; Exon 14. Two patients (5%) with c.3908A>C; Exon 21. One patient (2.5%) with c.3889dupT; Exon 24. One patient (2.5%) with c.1657C>T; Exon 12. One patient (2.5%) with c.2547C>A; Exon 14a. Eighteen patients (45%) were presented with vomiting, 38 patients (95%) had postnatal radiological findings, 7 patients (17.5%) had electrolytes imbalance. Five patients (12.5%) had cholestasis and 4 patients (10%) developed chronic liver disease. Thirty-five patients (79.5%) underwent surgical repair and 9 patients (20.5%) were treated medically. Mean age of operation was 2.25 (2) days. Of 9 patients, 6 (66.6%) were treated with gastrograffin enema, 2 patients (22.2%) with oral N-acetylcysteine and 1 patient (11.1%) with saline rectal wash. Thirteen patients (31.5%) required TPN. Five patients had recurrent operation.

Conclusion:
CF and meconium ileus are commonly present in CF patients in Saudi Arabia. Prognosis is similar to other CFs without MI, if treated early. Thirty percent of our CF/MI patients have intronic mutations.
Outcomes of Vascularized Lymph Node Transplantation for Treatment of Lymphedema
Authors: Schaverien Mark V. , Asaad Malke , Selber Jesse C. , Liu Jun , Chen Dawn N. , Hall Melissa S. , Butler Charles E. 
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND:
A growing body of evidence supports the efficacy of surgical treatments for lymphedema. This study reports the outcomes of vascularized lymph node transplantation (VLNT) for the treatment of patients with lymphedema compared with maximal conservative treatment alone.

STUDY DESIGN:
Consecutive patients undergoing VLNT to treat primary and secondary lymphedema affecting the upper or lower extremities were included. All patients were optimized preoperatively with conservative therapy. Demographic and treatment information was collected, and outcomes data were electronically captured prospectively; descriptive statistics were performed.

RESULTS:
There were 134 patients included that had achieved maximal reductions by conservative therapy preoperatively. This series included jejunal mesenteric (n = 25), groin (n = 43), lateral thoracic (n = 31), omental or right gastroepiploic (n = 21), and submental (n = 14) VLN flaps. At 24 months postoperatively, there were significant reductions in limb volume change (mean [SD] 45.7% [8.7%]; p = 0.002) LDex score (mean [SD] 59.8% [8.7%]; p < 0.001), Lymphedema Life Impact Scale score (mean [SD] 61.6% [5.9]; p < 0.001), and cellulitis episodes (97.9%; p < 0.001). At 3 and 6 months postoperatively, limb volume change was significantly greater for the upper than the lower extremity, otherwise outcomes were similar. There were no flap losses and overall outcomes were similar between the different VLN flap types.

CONCLUSIONS:
Treatment of lymphedema using VLNT resulted in progressive, significant reductions in limb volume, bioimpedance spectroscopy measurements of extracellular fluid, and episodes of cellulitis, with improved patient-reported outcomes and limb function measures compared with maximal conservative therapy alone. The complication rate was low and there were no significant outcomes differences between the VLNT types.
Locking the door: tackling credential abuse
Authors: Mansfield-Devine Steve 
Published: March 2021

Credential abuse is a major issue facing organisations of all sizes. It affects not only simple login processes but also solutions and technologies such as application programming interfaces (APIs), the deployment of Internet of Things (IoT) devices and machine-to-machine authentication. Cyber criminals and nation-state attackers alike have automated the process of credential abuse while also refining highly targeted attacks. And the problem is getting worse. Credential abuse is a major issue facing organisations of all sizes. Cyber criminals and nation-state attackers alike have automated the process while also refining highly targeted attacks. The problem is getting worse and credential abuse presents itself in many forms. And there are equally as many solutions touted by vendors, all of which have their own challenges and weaknesses. However, there are successful solutions available and tackling the issue just takes a proper awareness of the problem and applying the appropriate technology and training, writes Steve Mansfield-Devine.