bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Exogenous Hormones on Spawning Performances, Serum Gonadotropin and Sex Steroid Hormone in Manchurian Trout (Brachymystax lenok) during Sexual Maturation
Authors: Pan Yucai , Xu Gefeng , Huang Tianqing , Gu Wei , Liu Enhui , Wang Gaochao
Published: July 2024

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of salmon gonadotropin releasing hormone analog (S-GnRH-A) and human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) on the serum levels of gonadotropins (GtHs) and sex steroid hormones in Manchurian trout during sexual maturity. Females in the treatment group were injected with 20 µg/kg S-GnRH-A and 400 IU/kg HCG, whilst males were injected with half the amount. Blood samples were collected at 0, 5, 10, and 20 days post injection (dpi). The results showed an increase in female follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels in the treatment group at 5 dpi, and from 5 dpi onwards, a difference was observed between the groups, with higher FSH levels in the treatment group compared to the control group. In males, FSH levels showed group differences at only 5 dpi (p < 0.05) and were higher in the treatment group. In females, luteinizing hormone (LH) peaked at 10 dpi in the treatment group, and there were differences between the two groups at 10 dpi and 20 dpi. In males, LH was significantly higher in the treatment group than in the control group at 5 dpi and 10 dpi (p < 0.05). In females, estradiol (E2) was significantly higher in the treatment group than in the control group at 5 dpi and 10 dpi (p < 0.05), whereas in males, the difference between the two groups was only observed at 5 dpi (p < 0.05). The female testosterone (T) level in the treatment group was significantly higher than that of the control group at 5 dpi and 10 dpi (p < 0.05), while T levels were significantly higher in the male treatment group than in the control group at 5 dpi (p < 0.05). The level of 17α–hydroxyprogesterone (17α-OHP) in the females of the treatment group was significantly higher than that of the control group at 5 dpi and 10 dpi (p < 0.05), and 17α-OHP levels were significantly higher in the male treatment group than in the control group at 10 and 20 dpi (p < 0.05). The fish were successfully spawned after S-GnRH-A and HCG injections, and brood amount, fertilization rate, and hatching rate were significantly increased (p < 0.05). This study provides a framework for a better understanding of the mechanisms of exogenous hormone-mediated control of reproduction in Manchurian trout.
Advancements in Soft Soil Stabilization by Employing Novel Materials through Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Somadas Pooja , Sarvade Purushotham G. , Nayak Deepak
Published: July 2024

Stabilization using industrial by-products is presently gaining importance in the construction sector for improving the geotechnical characteristics of soft soils. The optimum dosage of stabilisers has become of great interest to experimenters in terms of improved strength, time, and economy for construction projects. This work presents the utilization of biomedical waste ash for improving the strength of soft soil. In this paper, response surface methodology (RSM) was adopted to determine the optimum combination curing period (C) and biomedical waste ash (BA) quantity for attaining the maximum unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of soft soil and to reduce the number of trial tests required. The response factors C and BA were varied from 0 to 14 days and 4% to 20%, respectively, and the experiments were conducted according to the experimental plan provided by the RSM design. Based on a Face-centred Central Composite Design (FCCCD), a mathematical equation was created for the experimental results. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to determine the generated model’s significance, and the results indicated a statically significant model (p ≤ 0.05). The results revealed that the curing period imparts more influence towards strength improvement, and the optimum dosage was 19.912% BA, with curing of 14 days to yield a maximum UCS of 203.008 kPa. This optimization technique may be suggested to obtain a preliminary estimation of strength prior to stabilization.
Constraining the Geometry of NeRFs for Accurate DSM Generation from Multi-View Satellite Images
Authors: Wan Qifeng , Guan Yuzheng , Zhao Qiang , Wen Xiang , She Jiangfeng
Published: July 2024

Neural Radiance Fields (NeRFs) are an emerging approach to 3D reconstruction that use neural networks to reconstruct scenes. However, its applications for multi-view satellite photogrammetry, which aim to reconstruct the Earth’s surface, struggle to acquire accurate digital surface models (DSMs). To address this issue, a novel framework, Geometric Constrained Neural Radiance Field (GC-NeRF) tailored for multi-view satellite photogrammetry, is proposed. GC-NeRF achieves higher DSM accuracy from multi-view satellite images. The key point of this approach is a geometric loss term, which constrains the scene geometry by making the scene surface thinner. The geometric loss term alongside z-axis scene stretching and multi-view DSM fusion strategies greatly improve the accuracy of generated DSMs. During training, bundle-adjustment-refined satellite camera models are used to cast rays through the scene. To avoid the additional input of altitude bounds described in previous works, the sparse point cloud resulting from the bundle adjustment is converted to an occupancy grid to guide the ray sampling. Experiments on WorldView-3 images indicate GC-NeRF’s superiority in accurate DSM generation from multi-view satellite images.
FEINT: Automated Framework for Efficient INsertion of Templates/Trojans into FPGAs
Authors: Surabhi Virinchi Roy , Sadhukhan Rajat , Raz Md , Pearce Hammond , Krishnamurthy Prashanth , Trujillo Joshua , Karri Ramesh , Khorrami Farshad
Published: July 2024

Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) play a significant and evolving role in various industries and applications in the current technological landscape. They are widely known for their flexibility, rapid prototyping, reconfigurability, and design development features. FPGA designs are often constructed as compositions of interconnected modules that implement the various features/functionalities required in an application. This work develops a novel tool FEINT, which facilitates this module composition process and automates the design-level modifications required when introducing new modules into an existing design. The proposed methodology is architected as a “template” insertion tool that operates based on a user-provided configuration script to introduce dynamic design features as plugins at different stages of the FPGA design process to facilitate rapid prototyping, composition-based design evolution, and system customization. FEINT can be useful in applications where designers need to tailor system behavior without requiring expert FPGA programming skills or significant manual effort. For example, FEINT can help insert defensive monitoring, adversarial Trojan, and plugin-based functionality enhancement features. FEINT is scalable, future-proof, and cross-platform without a dependence on vendor-specific file formats, thus ensuring compatibility with FPGA families and tool versions and being integrable with commercial tools. To assess FEINT’s effectiveness, our tests covered the injection of various types of templates/modules into FPGA designs. For example, in the Trojan insertion context, our tests consider diverse Trojan behaviors and triggers, including key leakage and denial of service Trojans. We evaluated FEINT’s applicability to complex designs by creating an FPGA design that features a MicroBlaze soft-core processor connected to an AES-accelerator via an AXI-bus interface. FEINT can successfully and efficiently insert various templates into this design at different FPGA design stages.
Evaluation of the Potential Flight Ability of the Casuarina Moth, Lymantria xylina (Lepidoptera: Erebidae)
Authors: Zhang Jifeng , Wang Baode , Ren Haojie , Chen Jianing , Li Junnan , Sun Yuanyuan , Cui Yonghong , Wang Rong , Liu Mengxia , Zhang Feiping
Published: July 2024

Lymantria xylina Swinhoe (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) is a potentially invasive pest, similar to Lymantria dispar asiatica Vnukovskij and Lymantria dispar japonica Motschulsky (Lepidoptera: Erebidae). To evaluate its potential for spread and flight distance related to egg deposition on vessels at ports, we employed a flight mill to assess the flight capabilities of its adults under varying conditions. Our findings revealed that females primarily flew short distances and ceased flying after 3:00 AM, whereas males covered much longer distances throughout the day. Sex, age, and flight duration significantly influenced flight ability. Females exhibited weaker flight capability than males, and their ability declined with increasing age or flight duration. Notably, 1-day-old moths displayed the strongest flight ability, with average flight distances of up to 3.975 km for females and 8.441 km for males. By the fifth day, females no longer flew, and males experienced reduced flight ability. After continuous hanging for 16 h, females lost most of their flight capacity, while males remained capable of flight even after 32 h. Additionally, female flight ability decreased significantly after mating, possibly due to factors such as egg-carrying capacity, weight, and load ratio. This study provides a foundation for assessing the risk of long-distance dispersal of L. xylina via ocean-going freighters, considering female moths’ phototactic flight and oviposition.
A Rapid, Non-Destructive Method to Detect Counterfeit Integrated Circuits Using a Resonant Cavity System
Authors: Nechiyil Aditya , Lee Robert , Chapman Gregg
Published: July 2024

The counterfeiting of integrated circuits (ICs) has been a growing issue. Current available methods used to detect counterfeit ICs can be expensive, imprecise, and time-consuming. This paper explores the resonant cavity system: a non-contact, non-destructive method to rapidly differentiate counterfeit ICs from authentic ones. The system captures a unique signature of an IC placed inside it. Data were captured for ICs of various technologies and authenticities. The data included return loss values captured at various transverse electric (TE) modes between 2.8 GHz and 6 GHz. This allowed for the comparison of the effectiveness of the various TE modes in being able to distinguish ICs. The resonant cavity system was able to distinguish most of the ICs at higher TE modes.
Revolutionizing Gastrointestinal Disorder Management: Cutting-Edge Advances and Future Prospects
Authors: Suri Chahat , Pande Babita , Sahu Tarun , Sahithi Lakkakula Suhasini , Verma Henu Kumar
Published: July 2024

In recent years, remarkable strides have been made in the management of gastrointestinal disorders, transforming the landscape of patient care and outcomes. This article explores the latest breakthroughs in the field, encompassing innovative diagnostic techniques, personalized treatment approaches, and novel therapeutic interventions. Additionally, this article emphasizes the use of precision medicine tailored to individual genetic and microbiome profiles, and the application of artificial intelligence in disease prediction and monitoring. This review highlights the dynamic progress in managing conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and gastrointestinal cancers. By delving into these advancements, we offer a glimpse into the promising future of gastroenterology, where multidisciplinary collaborations and cutting-edge technologies converge to provide more effective, patient-centric solutions for individuals grappling with gastrointestinal disorders.
Oncologic Outcomes of Patients with Early-Stage Cervical Cancer after Minimally Invasive Radical Hysterectomy and Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
Authors: Tanaka Tomohito , Nishie Ruri , Murakami Hikaru , Tsuchihashi Hiromitsu , Toji Akihiko , Ueda Shoko , Morita Natsuko , Hashida Sousuke , Terada Shinichi , Maruoka Hiroshi , Taniguchi Kohei , Komura Kazumasa , Ohmichi Masahide
Published: July 2024

Background: The sentinel lymph node is the first node that cancer cells reach when migrating from the primary site. However, oncological outcomes after sentinel lymph node biopsy (SNB) have not been reported for cervical cancer. In this study, oncological outcomes were compared between patients receiving SNB and pelvic lymphadenectomy (PLD) for early-stage cervical cancer. Methods: One hundred and four patients with clinical stage 1A2, 1B1, and 2A1 cervical cancer were included in this study. All patients underwent laparoscopic or robot-assisted radical hysterectomy with SNB or PLD. Fifty-two patients with tumors ≤2 cm underwent SNB. Disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were compared between the groups. Results: The median (interquartile range) tumor size was 12 (7–20) mm in the SNB group and 20 (13–25) mm in the PLD group. Lymph node metastasis occurred in one patient in the SNB group and in nine patients in the PLD group. The median follow-up periods were 42 (24–60) and 82 (19–101) months in the SNB group and PLD group, respectively. The 3-year DFS rates were 100% in SNB and 91.5% in PLD. The 3-year OS was 100% in both groups. Conclusions: SNB was sufficient in cervical cancer patients with tumors ≤2 cm, suggesting that PLD might not be necessary for these patients.
Reliability of EuroSCORE II on Prediction of Thirty-Day Mortality and Long-Term Results in Patients Treated with Sutureless Valves
Authors: Di Bacco Lorenzo , D’Alonzo Michele , Baudo Massimo , Montisci Andrea , Di Eusanio Marco , Folliguet Thierry , Solinas Marco , Miceli Antonio , Fischlein Theodor , Rosati Fabrizio , Muneretto Claudio
Published: July 2024

Background: EuroSCORE II (ES2) is a reliable tool for preoperative cardiac surgery mortality risk prediction; however, a patient’s age, a surgical procedure’s weight and the new devices available may cause its accuracy to drift. We sought to investigate ES2 performance related to the surgical risk and late mortality estimation in patients who underwent aortic valve replacement (AVR) with sutureless valves. Methods: Between 2012 and 2021, a total of 1126 patients with isolated aortic stenosis who underwent surgical AVR by means of sutureless valves were retrospectively collected from six European centers. Patients were stratified into three groups according to the EuroSCORE II risk classes (ES2 < 4%, ES2 4–8% and ES2 > 8%). The accuracy of ES2 in estimating mortality risk was assessed using the standardized mortality ratio (O/E ratio), ROC curves (AUC) and Hosmer–Lemeshow (HL) test for goodness-of-fit. Results: The overall observed mortality was 3.0% (predicted mortality ES2: 5.39%) with an observed/expected (O/E) ratio of 0.64 (confidential interval (CI): 0.49–0.89). In our population, ES2 showed a moderate discriminating power (AUC 0.65, 95%CI 0.56–0.72, p < 0.001; HL p = 0.798). Good accuracy was found in patients with ES2 < 4% (O/E ratio 0.54, 95%CI 0.23–1.20, AUC 0.75, p < 0.001, HL p = 0.999) and for patients with an age < 75 years (O/E ratio 0.98, 95%CI 0.45–1.96, AUC 0.76, p = 0.004, HL p = 0.762). Moderate discrimination was observed for ES2 in the estimation of long-term risk of mortality (AUC 0.64, 95%CI: 0.60–0.68, p < 0.001). Conclusions: EuroSCORE II showed good accuracy in patients with an age < 75 years and patients with ES2 < 4%, while overestimating risk in the other subgroups. A recalibration of the model should be taken into account based on the complexity of actual patients and impact of new technologies.
Safety of High-Dose Vitamin C in Non-Intensive Care Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19: An Open-Label Clinical Study
Authors: Corrao Salvatore , Raspanti Massimo , Agugliaro Federica , Gervasi Francesco , Di Bernardo Francesca , Natoli Giuseppe , Argano Christiano
Published: July 2024

Background: Vitamin C has been used as an antioxidant and has been proven effective in boosting immunity in different diseases, including coronavirus disease (COVID-19). An increasing awareness was directed to the role of intravenous vitamin C in COVID-19. Methods: In this study, we aimed to assess the safety of high-dose intravenous vitamin C added to the conventional regimens for patients with different stages of COVID-19. An open-label clinical trial was conducted on patients with COVID-19. One hundred four patients underwent high-dose intravenous administration of vitamin C (in addition to conventional therapy), precisely 10 g in 250 cc of saline solution in slow infusion (60 drops/min) for three consecutive days. At the same time, 42 patients took the standard-of-care therapy. Results: This study showed the safety of high-dose intravenous administration of vitamin C. No adverse reactions were found. When we evaluated the renal function indices and estimated the glomerular filtration rate (eGRF, calculated with the CKD-EPI Creatinine Equation) as the main side effect and contraindication related to chronic renal failure, no statistically significant differences between the two groups were found. High-dose vitamin C treatment was not associated with a statistically significant reduction in mortality and admission to the intensive care unit, even if the result was bound to the statistical significance. On the contrary, age was independently associated with admission to the intensive care unit and in-hospital mortality as well as noninvasive ventilation (N.I.V.) and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) (OR 2.17, 95% CI 1.41–3.35; OR 7.50, 95% CI 1.97–28.54; OR 8.84, 95% CI 2.62–29.88, respectively). When considering the length of hospital stay, treatment with high-dose vitamin C predicts shorter hospitalization (OR −4.95 CI −0.21–−9.69). Conclusions: Our findings showed that an intravenous high dose of vitamin C is configured as a safe and promising therapy for patients with moderate to severe COVID-19.
Physical Health in Patients with Post-COVID-19 6 and 12 Months after an Inpatient Rehabilitation: An Observational Study
Authors: Müller Katrin , Ottiger Marcel , Poppele Iris , Wastlhuber Alois , Stegbauer Michael , Schlesinger Torsten
Published: July 2024

Background: Rehabilitation is an effective and feasible approach for post-COVID patients to improve physical health. However, knowledge regarding the long-term impact of rehabilitation on the physical health of these patients is lacking. Methods: Changes in physical health of 127 patients with COVID-19 as an occupational disease or work accident were assessed in a longitudinal observational study. Post-COVID symptoms, functional status, functional exercise capacity, endurance capacity, physical performance, quadricep strength, handgrip strength, motor balance ability, and self-reported physical performance were examined at the beginning as well as 6 and 12 months after the rehabilitation. Group differences concerning sex, age, acute COVID status, comorbidities prior to COVID-19, and aftercare interventions were also analysed. Results: Even 12 months after rehabilitation, the prevalence of post-COVID symptoms (28.6–94.7%) remained remarkably high in the study population. Significant improvements in various aspects of physical health were observed 6 (r = 0.288–0.755) and 12 months (r = 0.189–0.681) after the rehabilitation. Participants demonstrated enhanced endurance, strength, and balance function, as well as improvement in subjective physical ability. Significant group differences were observed between younger and older patients, those with mild–moderate and severe–critical COVID-19, and patients with and without pre-existing cardiovascular disease, metabolic disease, psychological disease, neuro-sensory disease, musculoskeletal disease, and exercising in an outpatient group. Conclusions: The study identifies persistent challenges in COVID-19 recovery, despite significant improvements in physical health 6 and 12 months after rehabilitation. Further research and the implementation of standardised approaches are required to enhance the outcomes of post-COVID rehabilitation, with a focus on developing personalised care strategies for long-term recovery.
Perfusion in Pedicled Skin Flaps: Initial Insights from Smartphone-Based Thermal Imaging Protocol
Authors: Fiedler Lukas S. , Lippert Burkard M. , Adrian Lukas , Meyer Tobias
Published: July 2024

Objective: Successful outcomes in head and neck surgery rely on maintaining perfusion in pedicled skin flaps. Thermal imaging offers a noninvasive means to assess tissue perfusion, potentially aiding in predicting flap viability. This pilot study explores the utility of SBTI (smartphone-based thermal imaging) for predicting flap vitality and monitoring during surgery. Methods: Thermal imaging was employed using the FLIR One System. An imaging protocol was established, defining points of interest (T1-T4) on pedicled skin flaps. Conducted over four months, the study integrated SBTI into reconstructive surgery for the face, head and neck defects post-tumor resections. SBTI’s effectiveness was assessed with n = 11 pedicled flaps, capturing images at key stages and correlating them with clinical flap assessment. Thermal images were retrospectively graded by two surgeons, evaluating flap perfusion on a scale from 1 to 5, based on temperature differences (1 = ΔT < 2 °C, 2 = ΔT ≥ 2 °C, 3 = ΔT ≥ 4 °C, 4 = ΔT ≥ 6 °C, and 5 = ΔT ≥ 8 °C), with assessments averaged for consensus and compared with the clinical assessment control group. Results: The study encountered challenges during implementation, leading to the exclusion of six patients. Patient data included 11 cases with n = 44 SBTI images. Intraoperative assessments consistently showed good perfusion. One postoperative dehiscence was noted, which retrospectively coincided with intraoperative SBTI grading, but not with clinical assessment. Statistical analysis indicated consistent outcomes following clinical and SBTI assessments. Thermal imaging accurately predicted flap viability, although it had limitations with small flaps. Conclusion: SBTI proved effective, inexpensive, and noninvasive for assessing tissue perfusion, showing promise for predicting flap viability and intraoperative monitoring in head and neck surgery.
The Management of Aortic Coarctation Associated with Hypoplastic Arches and Particular Arch Anatomies: A Literature Review
Authors: Margarint Irina-Maria , Youssef Tammam , Robu Mircea , Rotaru Iulian , Popescu Alexandru , Untaru Olguta , Filip Cristina , Stiru Ovidiu , Iliescu Vlad Anton , Vladareanu Radu
Published: July 2024

The surgical management of aortic coarctation in newborns needs to ensure postoperative evolution and long-term results as much as possible. Patients with a Gothic arch have a higher rate of postoperative hypertension, while newborns with a bovine arch have higher rates of restenosis and, thus, an additional risk of mortality. Late hypertension, even in anatomically successfully repaired patients, confers a high risk for cardiovascular events. This review of the literature focuses on the management of aortic coarctations associated with hypoplastic arch and particular arch anatomies, focusing on surgical techniques and their outcomes.
Monitoring of Immune Memory by Phenotypical Lymphocyte Subsets Identikit: An Observational Study in a Blood Donors’ Cohort
Authors: Di Domenico Marina , Serretiello Enrica , Smimmo Annafrancesca , Vieira e Silva Fábio França , Raimondi Sonia Anna , Pascariello Caterina , Marino Maria Michela , Lo Muzio Lorenzo , Caponio Vito Carlo Alberto , Cantore Stefania , Ballini Andrea
Published: July 2024

The cross-talk between the innate and adaptive immune response represents the first defense weapon against the threat of pathogens. Substantial evidence has shown a relationship between immune phenotype lymphocytes and COVID-19 disease severity and/or implication in susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Recently, belonging to ABO blood groups has been investigated as a correlation factor to COVID-19 disease. This pilot study investigated lymphocyte typing in a cohort of blood donors to understand the underlying mechanism in SARS-CoV-2 infection linked to the blood group. The study cohort consisted of 20–64-year-old subjects, without comorbidities, from both sexes, who were COVID-19 vaccinated with previous or no infection history. Whole blood samples, collected at A.O.R.N. Sant’Anna and San Sebastiano Hospital (Campania Region), were processed by multiparametric cytofluorimetric assay, to characterize CD4+ helper and CD8+ cytotoxic T cell CD3+ subpopulations. The CD45RA, CCR7, CD27, CD28, CD57 and PD-1 markers were investigated to delineate the peripheral T-cell maturation stages. Differences were detected in ABO blood types in CD3+, CD4+ gated on CD3+, CD8+ and CD8+ gated on CD3+ percentage. These results contribute to identifying a memory cell “identikit” profile in COVID-19 disease, thus leading to a useful tool in precision medicine.
Skin Ultrasound Assessment of Patients with Systemic Scleroderma—An Observational Study
Authors: Palici Camelia , Ciurea Paulina Lucia , Bita Cristina Elena , Barbulescu Andreea Lili , Florescu Alesandra , Musetescu Anca Emanuela , Vreju Florentin , Dinescu Stefan Cristian
Published: July 2024

This study aims to analyze the changes in dermal thickness in patients with systemic scleroderma (SSc) in comparison with normal skin and also compare clinical forms with diffuse and limited cutaneous involvement. The study group consisted of female patients diagnosed with SSc with a disease history not exceeding 5 years. The areas of interest for ultrasound examination included the proximal phalanx of the third finger, the second intermetacarpal space, and the extension surface of the lower third of the forearm. The study included 20 patients diagnosed with SSc and 14 controls. SSc patients were subdivided into two subgroups based on the clinical form. Compared to the control group, patients with SSc had higher mean measurements in all three skin areas, with statistically significant differences in the hand and forearm areas. Patients with diffuse SSc displayed, on average, higher skin thickness compared to limited SSc in all skin areas examined, with a statistically significant difference only in the forearm area. Based on disease manifestations, significant differences were observed only with regard to the presence of pulmonary hypertension in the diffuse SSc group. In conclusion, skin ultrasound is a useful and accessible imaging method for diagnosing and quantifying dermal fibrosis in systemic scleroderma.
Research on the Manifestation and Formation Mechanism of New Characteristics of Land Disputes: Evidence from the Yangtze River Economic Belt, China
Authors: Tan Shukui , Zou Shangjun , Zhao Yi , He Qingsong , Zhang Maomao
Published: July 2024

Land disputes have significantly disrupted legal order, production, and social harmony, and has been regarded as a quintessential challenge in public governance, attracting worldwide attentions from scholars. As an emblematic feature of China’s latest reform and opening-up strategy, the Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB) in China has experienced rapid development after entering the new era (2012–2021) alongside substantial risks and challenges, particularly regarding land disputes. Better understanding of the manifestation and formation mechanism of new characteristics of land disputes is beneficial for contemporary public governance and for achieving a high-quality development of the YREB, whose Gross Domestic Product (GDP) accounted for 46.3% of the national GDP in 2023. A total of 325,105 land dispute cases in 11 provinces or municipalities of the YREB from 2012 to 2021 were collected and analyzed. On this basis, an evaluation index system of the new characteristics of land disputes, named the overall land dispute (OLD) index, was constructed according to measurement theory by coupling the interactions of quantity, claim amounts, duration periods, and the appeal rate of land dispute. Then, the OLD index was evaluated by descriptive statistical methods, a geographic information system (GIS) spatial analysis, a center of gravity model, kernel density estimation, and Theil index methods, to reveal the new characteristics and formation mechanisms of land disputes in the YREB from 2012 to 2021. The results indicated that: (1) The OLD index exhibited a trend of an initial increase followed by a decline, indicating that land disputes in the YREB showed signs of alleviation. (2) The government’s capacity for resolving land disputes was significantly improved, as evidenced by the decline in the OLD index from 0.59 in 2018 to 0.51 in 2021. This improvement could be attributed to the effectiveness of enhanced governmental working mechanisms, regulatory standards, and the integration of digital technologies. (3) The analysis of the center of gravity model indicated that the focus of land disputes shifted westward, propelled by national policy support for upstream regions of the YREB and the need for land ecological protection. (4) The analysis of kernel density estimation indicated that regional disparities in land disputes within the YREB had declined, driven by a positive trend toward balanced regional development and rural governance. This study provides scientific insights into the new characteristics of land disputes in the YREB and guidance for policy decision making on effective land dispute management.
Refining Long-Time Series of Urban Built-Up-Area Extraction Based on Night-Time Light—A Case Study of the Dongting Lake Area in China
Authors: Chen Yinan , Ren Fu , Du Qingyun , Zhou Pan
Published: July 2024

By studying the development law of urbanization, the problems of disorderly expansion and resource wastage in urban built-up areas can be effectively avoided, which is crucial for the long-term sustainable development of cities. This study proposes a high-precision urban built-up-area extraction method for county-level cities for small and medium-sized towns in county-level regions. Our process is based on the Defense Meteorological Satellite/Operational Linescan System (DMSP/OLS) and the NASA/NOAA Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS), which develops long-term series of coordinated night-time light (NTL) datasets. We then combined this with the Normalized Vegetation Index (NDVI) to calculate the Vegetation-Adjusted NTL Urban Index (VANUI). We combine land use data and a support vector machine (SVM) for semi-supervised classification learning to propose a high-precision urban built-up-area extraction method for county-level cities. We achieved the following results: (1) we fit binary polynomials to the DMSP/OLS and VIIRS NTL datasets based on the correspondence of the mean values to construct a consistent time series of NTL data. (2) Our method effectively improves the accuracy of urban built-up-area extraction, especially for county-level cities, with an overall accuracy of 91.84% and a Kappa coefficient of 0.83. (3) Our method can perform a long-time series of urban built-up-area extraction, and, by studying the spatial and temporal changes in urban built-up areas, it can provide valuable information for sustainable urban development and urban planning.
Effect of Crushed Flaxseed Consumption on Cardiovascular Risk Indicators in Menopausal Women
Authors: Lenártová Petra , Gažarová Martina , Kopčeková Jana , Mrázová Jana
Published: July 2024

Flaxseed is known for its numerous health benefits and is often used in the prevention and treatment of civilizational diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of consuming crushed flaxseed on cardiovascular risk in 51 menopausal women. The intervention lasted for 8 weeks, during which participants received a daily dose of 40 g of crushed flaxseed from two varieties with differing lignan contents. Participants were divided into three subgroups based on the variety of flaxseed consumed: (1) high-lignan group (HL), (2) low-lignan group (LL), and (3) control group (no flaxseed consumption). Biochemical blood parameters were measured using a BiOLis 24i Premium automatic analyzer. Body composition was assessed using an InBody 720 device. In the lipid profile, we observed a significant increase in total cholesterol (T-C) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels, along with a significant decrease in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels in both the HL and LL groups. Triglyceride (TG) levels exhibited no significant change, whereas high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels were significantly reduced in both the HL (p < 0.01) and LL (p < 0.01) groups. Visceral fat area (VFA) and percent body fat (PBF) showed a slight decreasing trend in the HL group, whereas in the LL group, VFA showed a slight increase. Body mass index (BMI) remained stable across all groups. These findings suggest that for the modulation of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, the daily dosage, duration of consumption, form of intake, and the specific variety of flaxseed (based on lignan content) are crucial factors.
Health Technology Assessment of Cardiopulmonary Bypass Circuit with and without Phosphorylcholine Coating: A Retrospective Study on Safety and Efficiency in Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Condello Ignazio , Nasso Giuseppe , Scrivo Salvatore , Fiore Flavio , Speziale Giuseppe
Published: July 2024

Background: Phosphorylcholine has emerged as a potential adjunctive agent in cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) circuits. Phosphorylcholine serves as a coating for the CPB circuit, potentially enhancing biocompatibility and reducing thrombotic events. However, its impact on specific patient populations and procedural outcomes remains underexplored. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study, we analyzed data from 60 patients who underwent cardiac surgery with CPB, comprising 20 cases each of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), mitral valve repair, and aortic valve replacement. The patient cohort was divided into two groups—30 patients whose CPB circuits were coated with phosphorylcholine (phosphorylcholine-coated group) and 30 patients who did not receive phosphorylcholine supplementation or circuit coating. Both groups underwent surgery with identical CPB circuit designs. We assessed the absence of adverse events, safety, and efficacy parameters, including blood loss, clotting, and the structural integrity of the CPB circuit. Additionally, we measured changes in mean albumin levels (g/dL), mean platelet counts (×109/L), and antithrombin III (ATIII) levels before and after CPB. Results: The retrospective analysis revealed an absence of adverse events in both groups. In the phosphorylcholine-coated group compared to the non-phosphorylcholine-coated group, there was a notable difference in the delta change in mean albumin levels (0.87 ± 0.1 vs. 1.65 ± 0.2 g/dL, p-value 0.021), mean platelet counts (42.251 ± 0.121 vs. 54.21 ± 0.194 × 109/L, p-value 0.049), and ATIII levels (16.85 ± 0.2 vs. 31.21 ± 0.3 p-value 0.017). There was a notable reduction in the perioperative consumption of human complex units after CPB (3 vs. 12, p-value 0.019). Conclusions: Both groups, phosphorylcholine and non-phosphorylcholine, demonstrated the absence of adverse events and that the systems are safe for iatrogenic complication. Our findings suggest that the use of phosphorylcholine coating on the CPB circuit, in the absence of supplementary phosphorylcholine, in cardiac surgery is associated with favorable changes in mean albumin levels, mean platelet counts, and ATIII levels. Further research is warranted to elucidate the full extent of phosphorylcholine’s impact on patient outcomes and CPB circuit performance.
Evaluation of the Colonization of Plants from Five Quercus Taxa Native to Greece by Tuber aestivum (Ascomycota, Pezizales)
Authors: Daskalopoulos Vassileios , Polemis Elias , Kioupidi Irini-Evangelia , Trigas Panayiotis , Zervakis Georgios I.
Published: July 2024

Fungi of the genus Tuber are famous for their hypogeous ascomata (truffles), many of which possess noteworthy organoleptic properties. T. aestivum shows a wide geographic distribution, has many plant symbionts and is well adapted to various climatic conditions. In this study, five Quercus taxa native to Greece (i.e., Q. coccifera, Q. ilex, Q. ithaburensis subsp. macrolepis, Q. pubescens and Q. trojana subsp. trojana) were inoculated with spore suspensions obtained from a single ascoma of T. aestivum. The fungal colonization of oak roots was evaluated at three, seven and 12 months after inoculation; the respective colonization rates for each time period were as follows: low to medium (17–41%) for Q. pubescens, Q. ithaburensis subsp. macrolepis and Q. trojana subsp. trojana, medium to relatively high (58–80%) for Q. ithaburensis subsp. macrolepis, Q. ilex, Q. pubescens and Q. trojana subsp. trojana, and medium to high (45–87%) for all oak species examined. Positive correlations were assessed between the number of colonized root tips and the total root tips number, but no significant differences were detected between the inoculated plants and the respective control as regards plant growth. The ectomycorrhizae formed by T. aestivum with Q. ithaburensis subsp. macrolepis and Q. trojana subsp. trojana are described for the first time. The outcome of the study evidences the feasibility of generating the seedlings of various indigenous oak species (covering a large range of diverse habitats) successfully inoculated with autochthonous truffles to be readily used for cultivation purposes.
The Interplay between Obesity and Inflammation
Authors: Savulescu-Fiedler Ilinca , Mihalcea Razvan , Dragosloveanu Serban , Scheau Cristian , Baz Radu Octavian , Caruntu Ana , Scheau Andreea-Elena , Caruntu Constantin , Benea Serban Nicolae
Published: July 2024

Obesity is an important condition affecting the quality of life of numerous patients and increasing their associated risk for multiple diseases, including tumors and immune-mediated disorders. Inflammation appears to play a major role in the development of obesity and represents a central point for the activity of cellular and humoral components in the adipose tissue. Macrophages play a key role as the main cellular component of the adipose tissue regulating the chronic inflammation and modulating the secretion and differentiation of various pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Inflammation also involves a series of signaling pathways that might represent the focus for new therapies and interventions. Weight loss is essential in decreasing cardiometabolic risks and the degree of associated inflammation; however, the latter can persist for long after the excess weight is lost, and can involve changes in macrophage phenotypes that can ensure the metabolic adjustment. A clear understanding of the pathophysiological processes in the adipose tissue and the interplay between obesity and chronic inflammation can lead to a better understanding of the development of comorbidities and may ensure future targets for the treatment of obesity.
Comprehensive Review of Robotized Freight Packing
Authors: Pantoja-Benavides German , Giraldo Daniel , Montes Ana , García Andrea , Rodríguez Carlos , Marín César , Álvarez-Martínez David
Published: July 2024

Background: This review addresses the emerging field of automated packing cells, which lies at the intersection of robotics and packing problems. Integrating these two fields is critical for optimizing logistics and e-commerce operations. The current literature focuses on packing problems or specific robotic applications without addressing their integration. Methods: To bridge this gap, we conducted a comprehensive review of 46 relevant studies, analyzing various dimensions, including the components of robotic packing cells, the types of packing problems, the solution approaches, and performance comparisons. Results: Our review reveals a significant trend towards addressing online packing problems, which reflects the dynamic nature of logistics operations where item information is often incomplete. We also identify several research gaps, such as the need for standardized terminologies, comprehensive methodologies, and the consideration of real-world constraints in robotic algorithms. Conclusions: This review uniquely integrates insights from robotics and packing problems, providing a structured framework for future research. It highlights the importance of considering practical robotic constraints. It proposes a research structure that enhances the reproducibility and comparability of results in real-world scenarios. By doing so, we aim to guide future research efforts and facilitate the development of more robust and practical automated packing systems.
Cellular Senescence in Germ Cell Neoplasia In Situ (GCNIS) and Other Histological Types of Testicular Cancer
Authors: Tatanis Vasileios , Veroutis Dimitris , Pantelis Pavlos , Theocharous George , Sarlanis Helen , Georgiou Alexandros , Mulita Francesk , Peteinaris Angelis , Natsos Anastasios , Moulavasilis Napoleon , Kavantzas Nikolaos , Kotsinas Athanassios , Adamakis Ioannis
Published: July 2024

Background and Objectives: The presence and contribution of senescent cells in premalignant lesions is well documented, but not in germ cell neoplasia in situ. The purpose of this study is to identify the presence of senescent cells in pre-malignant testicular conditions and in different histological types of testicular cancer. Materials and Methods: Thirty patients who underwent orchiectomy due to testicular tumors were included. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) testicular tissue for each patient was available. Sections from these specimens were examined by immunohistochemical analysis with the following markers: GL13 for cellular senescence, p21WAF1/Cip1 for cell cycle arrest, and Ki67 for cell proliferation. Results: Thirteen (43.3%) suffered from seminoma with a mean total proportion of GCNIS senescence of 20.81 ± 6.81%. In the group of embryonal testicular tumors, nine (30%) patients were included, with an average rate of 6.64 ± 5.42% of senescent cells in GCNIS. One (3.3%) patient suffered from chondrosarcoma in which 7.9% of GL13+ cells were detected in GCNIS. Four (13.4%) patients suffered from teratoma and three (10%) from yolk sac tumors, while GCNIS senescence was detected in a range of 4.43 ± 1.78% and 3.76 ± 1.37%, respectively. Conclusions: Cellular senescence was detected in both germ cell neoplasia in situ and testicular cancer, but was more prevalent within the premalignant lesions.
Ni-Doped Activated Carbon from Invasive Plants as a Potential Catalyst
Authors: Dudek Kamil , Wojtaszek Konrad , Żabiński Piotr
Published: July 2024

In this study we synthesized and characterized Ni/AC (Activated Carbon) systems. AC was obtained through pyrolysis of golden rod’s dried biomass. Ni nanoparticles were deposited on AC’s surface using a wet impregnation method from a nickel nitrate solution. SEM, MP-AES and DSC-TGA techniques were used for surficial and structural characterization, while ash content was made to check mineral ingredients input. The DSC-TGA study revealed that all carbons show good thermal stability up to 900 °C, which is far above operating temperatures in the methanation process. For all three carbons the BET isotherms were made as well. They show that in most cases the carbon’s surface is well developed and can adsorb decent amounts of metal. MP-AES helped to evaluate the efficiency of the impregnation process, which reached 76 mg of Ni per 1 g of carbon. The SEM-EDS study showed good distribution of Ni nanoparticles across AC’s surface. We also made a comparison of our systems to similar materials from other works.
New Insights into the Ingot Breakdown Mechanism of Near-β Titanium Alloy: An Orientation-Driven Perspective
Authors: Liu Xianghong , Wang Tao , Ren Xiaolong , Fu Jie , Cheng Liang , Zhu Bin , Wang Kaixuan
Published: July 2024

The ingot breakdown behavior of a typical near-β titanium alloy, Ti-55511, was investigated by various multi-pass upsetting processes. Particular emphasis was placed on the breakdown mechanism of the ultra-large β grains. The results showed that the upsetting far above the β-transus yielded uniform and refined macrostructure with relatively coarse grain size. In contrast, subtransus deformation within the (α + β) dual-phase field caused severe strain localization and macroscale shear bands. It was found that the static recrystallization during the post-deformation annealing was determined by the preferential grain orientations, which were closely related to the processing conditions. During β-working, the stable <001>-oriented grains were predominant and fragmentized mainly via a so-called “low-angle grain boundary merging” mechanism, even under a fairly low deformation. However, the vast <001> grain area was unbeneficial for microstructural conversion since it provided minor nucleation sites for the subsequent annealing. In contrast, the α/β-working produced the majority <111>-orientated grains, which were strongly inclined to strain localization. Highly misoriented deformation/shear bands were massively produced within the <111> grains, providing abundant nucleation sites for static recrystallization and, hence, were favorable for microstructural refinement. Furthermore, the intrinsic causes for deformation nonuniformity were discussed in detail, as well as the competition between microstructural homogeneity and refinement.
Experimental Investigations of the AC-Conductivity in NaTaO3 Ceramic Materials Doped with Cu and Al Metal Ions
Authors: Malaescu Iosif , Sfirloaga Paula , Marin Catalin Nicolae
Published: July 2024

Two ceramic samples of sodium tantalate (NaTaO3), doped with metal ions of copper (Cu; sample S1) or aluminum (Al; sample S2), were obtained by the sol-gel method. Complex impedance measurements in the frequency range (200 Hz–2 MHz) and at temperatures between 30 °C and 90 °C allowed identification of a transition temperature from semiconductor-type behavior to conductor-type behavior for each sample (52 °C for sample S1 and 54 °C for sample S2). In the temperature range with semiconductor behavior, the activation energy of each sample was determined. Based on the Mott’s variable-range hopping (VRH) model, the density of localized states at the Fermi level, N(EF), the hopping distance (R) and the hopping energy (W) were determined, for the first time, on NaTaO3 samples doped with Cu or Al metal ions. The increase in N(EF) of sample S2 compared to N(EF) of sample S1 was explained by the decrease in the hopping distance of charge carriers in sample S2 compared to that in sample S1. Additionally, using the correlated barrier hopping (CBH) model, the energy band gap (Wm) and the hopping (crossover) frequency (ωh) at various temperatures were determined. Knowledge of these electrical properties is very important for explaining the electrical conduction mechanisms in metal ion-doped compounds, with perovskite structure being of interest for the use of these materials in the conversion of thermoelectric energy, photocatalytic applications, electronics or other applications.
Precipitation Behavior and Strengthening–Toughening Mechanism of Nb Micro-Alloyed Direct-Quenched and Tempered 1000 MPa Grade High-Strength Hydropower Steel
Authors: Pan Zhongde , Wang Enmao , Wu Huibin
Published: July 2024

Faced with the rapid development of large-scale pumped-storage power stations, the trade-off between the strength and toughness of hydropower steels in extreme environments has been limiting their application. The effects of Nb micro-alloying and direct quenching and tempering processes on the strengthening–toughening mechanism of 1000 MPa grade high-strength hydropower steel are studied in this paper, and the precipitation behavior of Nb is discussed. The results showed that only the 0.025Nb steel using the DQT process achieved a cryogenic impact energy of more than 100 J at −60 °C. Under the DQT process, a large number of deformation bands and dislocations were retained, refining the prior austenite grains and providing more nucleation sites for the precipitation of NbC during the cooling process. The DQT process has a more obvious local strain concentration, mainly focusing on the refined lath boundary, which indicates that the refinement of the microstructure also promotes the stacking of dislocations. The improvement in fine grain strengthening and dislocation strengthening by the DQT process jointly led to an increase in strength, resulting in a better combination of strength and toughness.