bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of post-weld heat treatment on the microstructure and hardness of dissimilar buttered and welded joints with nickel alloys
Authors: Silva Roneles de Santana , Orozco Mario César Sánchez , Fals Hipolito Domingo Carvajal , Silva José Hilton Ferreira da 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Dissimilar joints are often used by the oil and gas industry to join components such as forged flanges and piping used in subsea operations. The technique consists of buttering the forged flange before the closure weld is made. After the buttering runs, the forged flange is subjected to a post weld heat treatment (PWHT). However, the true effectiveness of PWHT has been questioned after failures began to occur in the fusion zone of the forging piece and nickel alloy. The present work aims to investigate the influence of PWHT on the mechanical and microstructural behavior of the buttered dissimilar interface of AISI 4130 steel with nickel alloys. GMAW-P and GMAW-C welding processes with AWS ERNiCrMo-3 (Inconel 625) and AWS ERNiCrMo-15 (Inconel 725) filler metals and the application of PWHT were used. The microstructure at the interface of the buttered fusion line were characterized by optical microscopy (OM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Microhardness analyses were performed at the interface of the buttered weld. The results showed that the welding procedure is critical for controlling the partially diluted zones (PDZs) at the buttered weld interface. It was also found that regardless of the welding procedure, PWHT made the interface more brittle.
Evaluation of Aerosols in a Simulated Orthodontic Debonding Procedure
Authors: Pratt Alessandra , Eckermann Nile , Venugopalan Shankar Rengasamy , Uribe Lina Moreno , Barlow Lauren , Nonnenmann Matthew 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Dental practitioners may be at risk for exposure to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2 when performing aerosol generating procedures. Though recent evidence suggests that coronavirus may be transmitted through aerosol generating procedures, it is unknown whether common procedures performed in dental clinics generate aerosol. The aim of this study was to simultaneously quantify airborne concentrations of the bacteriophage MS2 near the oral cavity of a dental mannequin and behind personal protective equipment (i.e., face shield) of the practitioner during a simulated orthodontic debanding procedure. A deband was performed 10 times on a dental mannequin. Optical Particle Counters and SKC Biosamplers were used to measure particle concentration and to collect virus aerosol generated during the procedure, both near the oral cavity and behind the orthodontists face shield. A plaque assay was used to determine the viable virus airborne concentration. When comparing the two measuring locations, near the oral cavity and behind the clinician’s face shield, there was no statistically significant difference of virus concentrations or particle size distribution. This study suggests that debanding under these conditions generates live virus aerosol and a face shield does not provide increased protection from virus aerosol during the procedure.
Dynamic Spatial Monitoring for Urbanization Area Sprawl and Land-Use Using Multi-Spectral and Temporal Remotely Sensed Satellite Images
Authors: Dibs Hayder , Ali Alaa Hussein , Al-Ansari Nadhir 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Spatio-temporal analysis for Urban Growth patterns is vital for city management and planning. Nowadays, AL-Hilla city is challenged lack of reliable urban datasets for urban sprawl management and planning. It suffered from a massive fragmentation of agricultural lands and orchards after 2003 and their transformation and conversion into residential lands, and that’s leads to a decrease in the plantation and vegetation lands, which affects the climate, increase temperatures, winds, and dust storms in the two past decades, especially in the summer and drought seasons. This study focuses on assessing, monitoring, and estimating the urbanization growth and detection of the changes in Land-Cover using different temporal, spectral, and spatial different satellite images. A supervised image classification technique, the Mahalanobis Distance (MD) was adopted. Three different maps of Land-Use/Land-Cover were generated for the period of 2002, 2011, and 2022, and were employed to assess and analyze the vegetation land degradation and urban sprawl quantitatively, and visually. A confusion Matrix was adopted to perform the accuracy assessment. A statistical comparison was conducted to calculate the changes between the land categories. It is found, over the past 20 years, urbanization increased rapidly in AL-Hilla city by 20.31km2, from 33.40 km2 in 2002 to about 73.97 km2 in 2022. An average annual increasing rate during the period from 2002 to 2011 was recorded at about 6.7%. However, urban area sprawl was higher for the next decade during the period from 2011 to 2022, with the increased rate of average annual recorded at about 3.8%. Urban area growth of AL-Hilla city increased three times from 2002 to 2022 and that is about 27.98% of the total area of AL-Hilla city. In general, this urban growth leads to the Urbanization sprawl, and expansion into other Lands classes; Water area, Soil area, and Vegetation area.
Clinical comparative study of single-use and reusable digital flexible ureteroscopy for the treatment of lower pole stones:a retrospective case-controlled study
Authors: Qiang Jing , Fan Liu , Xin Wang , Xiaobin Yuan , Xuhui Zhang , Xiaoming Cao 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Objectives:To compare the clinical efficacy and safety of single-use and reusable digital flexible ureteroscopy for the treatment of lower pole stones.
Methods:We enrolled 135 patients underwent reusable flexible ureteroscopy (FURS) and 78 patients underwent single-use digital FURS. Demographic,clinical variables,anatomical parameters of the lower calyx and perioperative indicators were compared in the two groups.
Results: 36 patients in the infundibuloureter angle (IPA) ＜45° subgroup had a mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy (mini-PCNL), including 25 patients in the reusable FURS group and 11 patients in the single-use FURS group.The demographic and clinical variables in the two FURS groups were comparable.There was no statistical difference in the success rate of stone searching(P>0.05). In terms of the success rate of lithotripsy,there was also no statistical difference in the IPA ≥45°subgroup(P>0.05),whereas single-use FURS was superior in the IPA<45°subgroup(χ2=6.513,P=0.011).The length of the working fiber in the reusable FURS and single-use FURS groups was 3.20±0.68 mm and 1.75±0.47 mm, respectively(t=18.297, P<0.05).The use of a stone basket in the reusable FURS (31/135,23.0%) was significantly higher than that in the single-use FURS(8/78,10.3%) (χ2=5.336, P=0.021).Compared with the reusable FURS group, the single-use FURS group had shorter operation times(P<0.05) and higher stone-free rate(SFR) (χ2=4.230, P=0.040).There was no statistical difference in the intraoperative transfer of mini-PCNL and postoperative complications between the two groups(P>0.05).
Conclusions:Single-use and reusable FURS are alternative methods for removal of lower pole stones (i.e., 2 cm or less). Single-use FURS has a high success rate of lithotripsy,shorter operation time,and high stone-free rate.
Effects of Nanometer Particle Size on the Properties of Activated Carbon from Terminalia Catappa Fruits Waste
Authors: Purhanudin Noorain , Idris Fadzidah Mohd , Pallan Nur Fadilah Baharuddin 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Activated carbon (AC) derived from agricultural by-products,
such as Terminalia catappa (TC) fruit waste has been
demonstrated as a potential AC material in reducing the production
cost in the industry. It also retains the benefits of agricultural
by-products, such as being abundant and renewable, environmentally
safe, and structurally porous. Several studies have been conducted
on the materials’ properties of the prepared ACs from TC fruits at
various particle sizes. The top-down approach of high energy ball
milling (HEBM) is a simple technique used in reducing the particle
size of TC to the nanoscale. Moreover, the ACs have been
successfully synthesized by pre-carbonization methods, as well as
chemical and physical activations. The pre-carbonization process
was performed at 400 oC for 4 hours. The chemical
activation was conducted using the KOH impregnation ratio as an
activating agent, and a further physical process to activate the
carbon was performed in a horizontal tube furnace at 750
oC for two hours with N2 gas flow. The
properties and characteristics of Terminalia catappa
fruits as ACs were obtained by calculating the percentage yield of
ACs and analysis of the surface morphology and elemental
composition, particle size, phase analysis, structural analysis,
and surface area by using FESEM-EDX, TEM, XRD, Raman spectroscopy,
and BET respectively. The percentage yield of ACs was increased
with reduced particle size from TC powder, which was in the range
of 30–71%. The surface morphology of the prepared ACs reflected the
porous structure and the most abundant elements found in the ACs
were C, O, and K. The average particle size of all crushed samples
obtained was less than 100 nm. The XRD result confirmed the
formation of crystalline structures of the graphitic carbon. The
results of surface area analysis indicate that the pore size of the
activated carbon is mostly in the range of mesopore, whereas the
structural analysis depicts that the ratio of
ID/IG of AC is nearly the same in between 0.8
to 0.92 and is slightly lower than TC. Thus, the development of
agricultural waste-derived mesoporous activated carbon materials is
potentially useful for various applications.
Synergetic Water Demand and Sustainable Supply Strategies in GCC Countries: Data-Driven Recommendations
Authors: Khoury Ibrahim Al , Ghanimeh Sophia , Jawad Dima , Atieh Maya 
Published: November 2022

Abstract

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, characterized with poor water resources and high oil/gas income, rely heavily on seawater desalination and non-renewable groundwater abstraction. The need to shift to demand-side solutions and sustainable supply alternatives has been long advocated; yet this study is the first to “quantify” its impact on the water management system of Qatar – considered a study case of GCC countries. In this research, a scenario-based approach was utilized to predict the impact of water demand control and wastewater reuse (and the resulting synergies) on desalinated water consumption, groundwater resources and wastewater infrastructure. To this effect, country-specific models for Qatar were developed to forecast yearly household water demand, wastewater generation and residential construction growth, up to year 2050. The outcomes showed that tariff reforms and regulated greywater reuse would reduce the household demand for desalinated water by up to 27% and 7%, respectively. Also, intensive reuse of Treated Sewage Effluent (TSE) would reduce 40–80% of total groundwater abstraction for irrigation. Finally, adopting an integrated water strategy, with combined demand and supply management targets, creates synergies that would: (1) limit the exploitation of groundwater resources to a range close to their safe yield; and (2) delay the need for expansion of the water and wastewater infrastructure by more than a decade. Data-driven recommendations were provided accordingly.
Psychological distress and its associated factors among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Hunan, China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Wang Chunyu , Yan Jin , Ma Chenjuan 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background: Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) experience a high risk for psychological distress. Understanding what factors contributing to this risk is vital for developing effective interventions to address COPD-related psychological distress.
Objectives: To examine psychological distress and its associated factors in COPD patients in China.
Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. Using cluster random sampling, 351 COPD patients participated in and completed a questionnaire survey from June 2021 to January 2022. Instruments used in this research included a self-designed social-demographic questionnaire, the Kessler Psychological distress scale (K10), the COPD Knowledge Question (COPD-Q), the Type D Personality Scale (DS-14), the COPD Assessment Test (CAT), and modified Medical Research Council Dyspnea Score (mMRC). Multivariate regressions were used in the final analysis.
Results: Among 351 COPD patients, 307 (or 87.5%) had psychological distress. Our binary analysis indicated that psychological distress scores significantly associated with monthly household income (F=2.861, P<0.05), exercise frequency (F=4.039, P<0.01), type D personality (t=5.843, P<0.01), years with COPD (rs=0.156, P＜0.01), frequency of acute exacerbation (rs=0.114, P＜0.05), mMRC score (rs=0.301, P<0.01), and CAT score (rs=0.415, P<0.01). Our final multivariate generalized linear model showed that exercise frequency was an independent protective factor of psychological distress in COPD patients, while type D personality, mMRC score and CAT score were independent risk factors. No relationship was observed between psychological distress and knowledge of COPD.
Conclusions: Psychological distress is commonly presented among COPD patients in China. Findings from this study suggest promoting and increasing frequency of exercise will be beneficial in reducing psychological distress among COPD patients. This study also highlights the importance of assessing personality type, dyspnea, and impact of COPD on daily living for preventing and managing psychological distress due to COPD.
Application of Piezoelectric Technology in Nondestructive Testing of Wooden Pallets for Falling Damage Prediction
Authors: Zhou Xinyu , Ai Mengyao , Gao Shan , Gao Ge , Du Xinyu 
Published: November 2022

Abstract

The wooden pallet can easily suffer fractures during storage and transportation, shortening its service life. This study aimed to develop a nondestructive testing method based on the piezoelectric effect for damage detection of wooden pallets by a simulated drop test of the pallet. It was found that piezoelectric signal peak for wooden pallets decreases with increasing number of falls. Signal rebounded post-damage and the rebounding amplitude depended on the damage degree. Both temperature and moisture content have significant effects on the detection results of falling damage. The degree of falling damage of the wooden pallet can be detected through piezoelectric measurement, and the maximum life of the wooden pallet can be predicted using the handling activity of logistics. The structure of wooden pallets under normal temperature and air-dry conditions was relatively stable, whereas lowering the temperature or enhancing the moisture content could accelerate the damage to wooden pallets in use.
A predictive model of subjective wellbeing in the elderly population
Authors: Trescato Isotta , Roversi Chiara , Vettoretti Martina , Camillo Barbara Di , Facchinetti Andrea 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background: The rapid growing proportion of elderly people on world’s population poses several challenges, especially related to public health. Among these, the increase in chronic diseases can be noted, which recent evidence attributes also to the lowering of the subjective assessment of wellbeing. Therefore, being able to predict changes in wellbeing could be key to manage this problem. In this study, we investigate for the first time the possibility of developing a purely predictive model of perceived wellbeing for population aged over 50.
Methods: Data from the European SHARE project were used, specifically the demographic, health, social and financial variables of 9649 subjects. The subjective wellbeing was measured through the CASP-12 scale. Study outcome was defined binary, i.e., worsening/not worsening of the variation of CASP-12 in2 years. Logistic regression, logistic regression with LASSO regularization, and random forest were considered as candidate models. Performance was assessed in terms of accuracy in correctly predicting the outcome and area under the curve(AUC).
Results: The best performing model was the logistic regression, achieving accuracy = 0.659 and AUC = 65.99%. All models proved to be able to generalize both across subjects and over time. The most predictive variables were CASP-12score at baseline, the presence of depression and financial difficulties.
Conclusions: Predicting 2-year variations in wellbeing via modeling techniques ispossible, albeit with some limitations, probably originating from the subjectivenature of the outcome.
Association of prediabetes with the risks of adverse health outcomes and complex multimorbidity: an observational study
Authors: Wu Yafei , Fan Xiude , Zhang Yue , Han Junming , Yuan Zhongshang , Cheng Yiping , Feng Xiaoshan , Wang Zhixiang , Shi Yingzhou , Xuan Ruirui , Dong Yingchun , Tian Yang , Yuan Zinuo , Dong Hang , Guo Qingling , Song Yongfeng , Zhao Jiajun 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background
As an abnormal state of glucose metabolism, prediabetes may cause serious damage to human health like diabetes, but it is often ignored in public health management. Here, we aim to evaluate prediabetes as a risk factor for common diseases across body system and assess whether prediabetes poses a health hazard like diabetes.
Methods
We conducted an observational study using data from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database from 2016 to 2018. A total of 16,650,296 patients were collected from NIS database, and 76 common diseases of various body systems were selected for analysis based on previous literature. Logistic regression model and further in-depth subgroup analysis were used to estimate the relationship between prediabetes and the risk of 76 health outcomes and prediabetes-related multimorbidity.
Main results:
Among 116,779 patients with prediabetes, the mean age was 61.4 years, 60,440 (51.8%) were female and 72,322 (64.2%) were white. Prediabetes mellitus was associated with the risk of 22 nonoverlapping diseases with significant multiple test results and odds ratios (ORs) greater than 1.50. Compared with normoglycemia, the adjusted OR for prediabetes was 4.74 (4.63–4.85) for accompanying two prediabetes-related diseases (i.e., simple multimorbidity), and 11.74 (11.43–12.05) for four or more diseases (i.e., complex multimorbidity). The proportion of older people (≥ 65 years of age) increases with the increase of number of prediabetes-related diseases.
Conclusions
Prediabetes was associated with a significantly higher risk of co-existing multiple adverse health outcomes and multimorbidity. Prediabetes, thus, might represent an important target for multimorbidity prevention, and stronger emphasis on its management and reduction seems necessary to reduce the risk of the development of multiple comorbidities, especially before the onset of overt diabetes.
Zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) demonstrate cognitive flexibility in using phonology and sequence of syllables in auditory discrimination
Authors: Ning Zhi-Yuan , Honing Henkjan , Cate Carel ten 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Zebra finches rely mainly on syllable phonology rather than on syllable sequence when they discriminate between two songs. However, they can also learn to discriminate two strings of containing the same set of syllables by their sequence. How learning about the phonological characteristics of syllables and their sequence relate to each other and to the composition of the stimuli is still an open question. We compared whether and how the zebra finches’ relative sensitivity for syllable phonology and syllable sequence depends on the differences between syllable strings. Zebra finches were trained in a Go-Left/Go-Right task to discriminate either between two strings in which each string contained a unique set of song syllables or two strings in which both strings contained the same set of syllables, but in a different sequential order. We assessed to what extent the birds in the two experimental groups attend to the spectral characteristics and the sequence of the syllables by measuring the responses to test strings consisting of spectral modifications or sequence changes. Our results showed no difference in the number of trials needed to discriminate strings consisting of either different or identical sets of syllables. Both experimental groups attended to changes in spectral features in a similar way, but the group for which both training strings consisted of the same set of syllables responded more strongly to changes in sequence than the group for which the training strings consisted of different sets of syllables. This outcome suggests the presence of an additional learning process to learn about syllable sequence when learning about syllable phonology is not sufficient to discriminate two strings. Our study thus demonstrates that the relative importance of syllable phonology and sequence depends on which of these features vary among stimuli. This indicates cognitive flexibility in the acoustic features that songbirds might use in their song recognition.
Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) based Metal-polyphenol nanoformulations alleviates chondrocytes inflammation by modulating synovial macrophages polarization
Authors: Wei Hong , Xu Sheng , Huang Quanxin , Jin Zhiqiang , Zheng Li , Zhao Jinmin , Qin Zainen 
Published: November 2022

Abstract

The activation of M1-type macrophages are dominant cells secreting proinflammatory present within the inflamed synovium in the progression of osteoarthritis (OA). Increased oxidative stress, such as redundant ROS and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), are important factors in driving macrophages to polarize into M1 type. In this study, metal-polyphenol nanoformulations (Cu-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (Cu-EGCG) nanosheets) were synthesized through the coordination interaction between EGCG and copper ions, which possess the antioxidant effect of EGCG and anti-inflammatory of Cu2+. Results showed that Cu-EGCG nanosheets are biocompatible and the Cu2+could be sustained released from the nanoparticles. Exhibiting multienzyme-like antioxidative activity, Cu-EGCG nanosheets could effectively scavenge the excessive intracellular ROS, leading to significantly decreased expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines, which could reduce the expression of M1-type macrophages and exhibit excellent promotion on shifting macrophages to M2 phenotypes. Moreover, the secreted factor from the cell supernatant of Cu-EGCG treated macrophages exhibited anti-inflammatory potential in chondrocytes of inflamed synovial joints. This study suggests a novel strategy for OA therapy by using metal-polyphenol nanoformulations targeting macrophages.