bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Game engine y framework open-source para el desarrollo de videojuegos 2D
Authors:   , Miramira Morales Bryan Antony , Espinal Campos Sergio Alejandro
Published: September 2023

Actualmente, en el campo de desarrollo de videojuegos es común el uso de herramientas sofisticadas que ayudan a acelerar la construcción de un juego, ya sea en 2D o 3D. Usualmente son llamadas Game Engine, el cual es una aplicación de escritorio que provee de una interfaz para la construcción de personajes, escenarios y todas las funcionalidades necesarias para la elaboración de un videojuego totalmente funcional y eficiente. Dicha herramienta permite a los desarrolladores de juegos centrar todos sus esfuerzos en diseñar su idea de juego (trama, personajes, escenarios, jugabilidad, etc.) sin preocuparse en cómo se implementará la lógica a nivel de desarrollo de software (patrones, arquitectura, pipeline, audio, render y otros). Sin embargo, la mayoría de estas herramientas están especializadas en realizar tareas para entornos en 3D, asimismo normalmente son muy genéricos, ya que no cuentan con funcionalidades destinados para géneros de juegos en específicos. Esto ocasiona que los desarrolladores de videojuegos 2D tengan que invertir mucho tiempo en realizar configuraciones en los Game Engines para generar gráficos 2D e implementar funcionalidades para entornos 2D y géneros de juegos en específico, lo cual ocasiona una reducción notable en la productividad, en la publicación de juegos y el riesgo de construir videojuegos con problemas de rendimiento y bugs. Por ello, el presente proyecto propone la elaboración de un Game Engine para la construcción de juegos en 2D que utiliza su propio Game Framework para lograr una mayor flexibilidad en la extensiones de funcionalidades futuras. Asimismo, aplicaremos patrones de diseño y arquitectura especializadas en videojuegos, con el fin de asegurar un alto rendimiento y eficiencia del producto final.
American tradition of intellectual competitions: contests and Olympiads
Authors: Gulov Artem P.
Published: September 2023

Importance. The Olympiad movement is gaining popularity around the world, attracting the attention of schoolchildren as a reliable tool for self-development and study of subjects at an increased level. The problem of the study is the analysis of foreign practices of organizing intellectual competitions for schoolchildren, in the context of the development of creative abilities of students. The focus of our attention is the national ecosystem of the implementation of intellectual competitions in the United States. The purpose of our study is refracted in identifying the peculiarities of the implementation of these competitive events in the American tradition, while the relevance is due to the success of the US teams at international olympiads.
Materials and methods. Methodologically, we rely on the principles of systemic, de-factional and cultural approaches. Among the theoretical methods we used are the study of scientific literature on the topic, including in English; generalization, categorization, comparative analysis, as well as analysis of US legal acts in the field of education, and websites of operators of intellectual competitions.
Results. As a result of the study, a number of features of the American system for the selection and development of talented schoolchildren in school were established, among the features were the decentralization of the organization of competitions and the widespread introduction of team competitions.
Conclusion. The novelty of the study is refracted in the study of the features of the competitive and Olympiad movement in the United States at the present stage. The theoretical significance lies in the increase in pedagogical knowledge about foreign education in the implementation of the Olympiad movement, at the practical level, the obtained data can be adapted and introduced into domestic practices for finding talented youth.
Competences of specialized translation / interpreting trainers in the contemporary environment
Authors: Stepanova Maria M. , Sbrodova Olga A.
Published: September 2023

Importance. We analyzed and ranked the competences of a specialized translation / interpreting trainer required in the rapidly changing world with the ever-evolving translator/interpreter job duties. The purpose of this study is to support specialized translation / interpreting trainer curriculum developmentand upgrades for university degrees and further education programs.
Research Methods. We analyzed the regulations and performed anonymous online surveys with Google Forms. The survey results were averaged and ranked.
Results and Discussion. We identified 21 translation / interpreting and teaching skills and knowledge components. Then we surveyed the translation trainers to assess the significance of each component. The survey results were ranked to obtain a list of the 10 most relevant skills and knowledge components.The top ones are translation and translation editing, translation assessment and providing a rationale for it, and knowing how to teach translation and / or interpreting. These are the key competences for the specialized translation / interpreting trainer.
Conclusions. This study shows that the specialized translation / interpreting trainercompetences include the translator / interpreter competences, common university-level teaching competences, and specific translation / interpreting teaching competences.
Scientific and educational discourse in a process of a student foreign language education
Authors: Dronov Ivan S.
Published: September 2023

Importance. The continuity and intensity of the society development process is determined by a person’s need for socialization. At the present stage of its existence, social institutions are directly connected not only with the communication process, but also with certain areas of scientific knowledge. However, detailed descriptions of new types of discourse that have arisen as a result of mutual integration are rare. Consequently, such precedents need to be studied in detail and the definition of characteristic features. The purpose of the study is to characterize the scientific and educational type of discourse in the process of teaching a foreign language and to substantiate its methodical potential.
Materials and methods. With the use of theoretical analysis of scientific and methodical literature, systematization of conceptual approaches to the definition of the term “discourse” and comparative analysis of available interpretations, a characteristic of scientific and educational discourse is developed and its methodical potential is theoretically substantiated.
Results and Discussion. The author’s definition of the term “discourse” is proposed, which means the process of speech communication in an institutionalized context between communicants with a set of status-role models. The author’s definition of the term “scientific and educational discourse” is also proposed as a complex, complex and multi-layered system of acts of scientific communication that contributes to the formation of skills and abilities necessary for socialization, structurally correlated with a certain social institution. The author’s characteristic of scientific and educational discourse is described and developed.
Conclusion. The synergy of scientific and educational types of discourse in the foreign language teaching process contributes to the successful socialization of the student, the acquisition of foreign language communicative competence and can also exist in the structural formation of any social institution, influencing the communists who are in the given status-role models.
Травмачутливі тексти в підручниках з української мови та читання для НУШ: редакторський погляд
Authors: Фіялка Світлана Борисівна , Гончарук Тамара Григорівна
Published: September 2023

У статті досліджено травмачутливі тексти в підручниках Нової української школи (НУШ) з української мови та читання, їх вплив на світосприйняття українських школярів, які стали свідками воєнних злочинів Російської Федерації. Мета статті полягає у виявленні травмачутливих аспектів у текстах підручників та пропонуванні методів покращення змісту навчальних видань.
Унаслідок змін, пов’язаних із повномасштабною війною, в учнів спостерігається зниження рівня соціальної адаптивності, стресостійкості, що спричиняє потребу перегляду та доповнення підручників. Навчальні видання мають бути не лише освітнім засобом, з дотриманням усіх норм та стандартів, а й повинні позитивно впливати на психоемоційний стан дитини, допомогти пережити складні часи.
З огляду на сучасний стан, у навчальних текстах підручників НУШ виявлено травматичний контент з таких тем, як сімейні стосунки, дружба, спілкування з однокласниками, спогади про довоєнне життя. За звичайних умов такі твори сприймалися б спокійно, проте зараз тексти не сприятимуть відновленню травмованої війною психіки учнів. Особливу увагу варто звернути на добір художніх творів, а також інформаційних текстів, в яких йдеться про зруйновані Російською Федерацією об’єкти інфраструктури.
Запропоновано методи вдосконалення підручників для зниження травматичного ефекту на психіку учнів через введення казкотерапевтичних текстів на уроках чи під час позакласного читання. Застосовуючи казкотерапію, вдасться уникнути прямих натяків та повчань, стимулювати творчу активність школярів, донести до учнів потрібні настанови та сприяти їхньому психоемоційному відновленню.
Температурний дрейф спектральної чутливості кремнієвого фотодіода
Authors: Воронько Андрій Олександрович , Новіков Денис Олександрович , Шимановський Олександр Бенедиктович
Published: September 2023

В статті проведено аналіз зміни спектральної чутливості кремнієвого фотодіода зі зміною його температури. Дана область досліджень є актуальною, оскільки в системах контролю температури процесу газофазної епітаксії в якості чутливого елемента використовуються кремнієві фотодіоди. Технічні характеристики отриманих напівпровідникових приладів здебільшого визначаються якістю гетероструктур, які використовують для їхнього виготовлення. Для прецизійного контролю температури поверхні активних шарів твердих розчинів А3В5 під час проведення газофазної епітаксії з металоорганічних сполук (ГФЕ МОС) використовують метод оптичної пірометрії. Оскільки рельєф та параметри поверхні при осадженні значно змінюються, використання класичної пірометрії призводить до значних похибок вимірювання, тому використовується метод пірометрії з компенсацією випромінювання. Даний метод поєднує в собі вимірювання випромінювання поверхні пластини та її відбивальної здатності. Це дає можливість визначити істинне значення температури поверхні, товщину шару та рівномірність розподілу тепла по пластині в реальному часі. Однак, для високої прецизійності необхідно враховувати температурний коефіцієнт зміни ампер-ватної чутливості кремнієвого фотодіода. У даній статті розглянуто основи технології ГФЕ МОС, а також висвітлено особливості процесу епітаксії в реакторі, що потребує високоточного контролю температури. Наведено аналітичне та емпіричне дослідження зміни ампер-ватної чутливості кремнієвого фотодіода та вплив на точність вимірювання. Результати дослідження поліпшують точність вимірювання реальної температури при застосуванні пірометричних систем контролю параметрів в технології ГФЕ МОС і допомагають зрозуміти та врахувати вплив температурних факторів на точність вимірювання для покращення технології епітаксії з металоорганічних сполук.
Impact of ORBIS on public policies – open consultations of draft regulatory documents and the Pharmaceutical Strategy for Europe
Authors: Rudzki Piotr , Czerepow-Bielik Olga , Karaźniewicz-Łada Marta
Published: September 2023

Public policies and regulations strongly influence research and manufacturing in pharmaceutical sector. Therefore, it is of critical importance that these policies and regulations are of high quality as well as appropriately balanced between general rules and detailed solutions. The process of public consultations prolongs adoption of novel documents. On the other hand, comments from different stakeholders like academia, industry, public administration and patients allow 360-degree critical evaluation of the document and a better understanding of the topic.
This mini-review summarizes the contributions of numerous members of ORBIS project team in open consultations of draft regulatory documents published by European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH). ORBIS project feedback on the Pharmaceutical Strategy for Europe is also presented.
ORBIS project members contributed to open consultations of two ICH draft guidelines, and three EMA draft documents. ORBIS project was also active during the European Commission’s efforts to develop Pharmaceutical Strategy for Europe.
The interaction between representatives of academic and industrial sectors allowed to form balanced comments. We hope that this paper will inspire more researchers to participate in future open consultations on public policies.
Analysing the Parallels and Trajectories of Social Media and Big Tobacco
Authors: Williams Ryan Thomas
Published: September 2023

This article explores the significant parallels between big tobacco companies and major social networking sites regarding their influence on public health and society. While acknowledging the fundamental differences in their products and services, the paper scrutinises both industries through five primary lenses: addiction, misinformation, lack of regulation, harm to public health, and youth targeting. Both industries exhibit addictive characteristics, have faced criticism for the spread of misinformation, operate with limited regulation and transparency, and have raised concerns about targeting young demographics. Moreover, the potential harm to public health is a significant concern, with tobacco leading to well-established physical health issues. At the same time, excessive social media use has been linked to psychological harm, particularly among young users. The comparison underscores the necessity for greater regulation and oversight of social media companies, highlighting the urgent need for more comprehensive policies to mitigate potential harm and safeguard public health in the digital age.
Reverse Onco-Cardiology: What Is the Evidence for Breast Cancer? A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: BOUTAS IOANNIS , Kontogeorgi Adamantia , Kalantaridou Sophia N , Dimitrakakis Constantine , Patsios Panagiotis , Kalantzi Maria , Xanthos Theodoros
Published: September 2023

Breast cancer and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) represent significant global health challenges, with CVD being the leading cause of mortality and breast cancer showing a complex pattern of incidence and mortality. We explore the intricate interplay between these two seemingly distinct medical conditions, shedding light on their shared risk factors and potential pathophysiological connections.
A specific connection between hypertension (HTN), atrial fibrillation (AF), myocardial infarction (MI), and breast cancer was evaluated. HTN is explored in detail, emphasizing the role of aging, menopause, insulin resistance, and obesity as common factors linking HTN and breast cancer. Moreover, an attempt is made to identify the potential impact of antihypertensive medications and highlight the increased risk of breast cancer among those women, with a focus on potential mechanisms. A summary of key findings underscores the need for a multisystemic approach to understanding the relationship between CVD and breast cancer is also explored with a highlight for all the gaps in current research, such as the lack of clinical observational data on MI and breast cancer in humans and the need for studies specifically designed for breast cancer. This paper concludes that there should be a focus on potential clinical applications of further investigation in this field, including personalized prevention and screening strategies for women at risk.
Overall, the authors attempt to provide a comprehensive overview of the intricate connections between breast cancer and cardiovascular diseases, emphasizing the importance of further research in this evolving field of cardio-oncology.
Efficacy of Switching to Adalimumab for Maintenance of Remission Following Induction Therapy with Tacrolimus in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Numa Keijiro , Kakimoto Kazuki , Tanaka Yasuyoshi , Mizuta Noboru , Kinoshita Naohiko , Nakazawa Kei , Koshiba Ryoji , Hirata Yuki , Ota Kazuhiro , Miyazaki Takako , Nakamura Shiro , Nishikawa Hiroki
Published: September 2023

Background: Tacrolimus (TAC) effectively induces remission in refractory ulcerative colitis (UC). However, TAC therapy usually lasts for 3 months. Although azathioprine (AZA) is often used in maintenance therapy, the relapse rate remains high. Herein, we evaluated the efficacy of adalimumab (ADA) for remission maintenance in patients with UC after induction therapy with TAC.
Methods: We prospectively enrolled patients with moderate-to-severe UC who achieved clinical remission after 3 months of TAC therapy with endoscopic non-mucosal healing (Cohort A). After TAC discontinuation, the remission maintenance rate for up to 1 year after starting ADA therapy was examined. We retrospectively enrolled patients with UC treated with TAC (Cohort B). Among patients in clinical remission after TAC treatment for 3 months, those who received AZA as remission maintenance therapy after TAC discontinuation constituted the AZA group. Patients in Cohort A who received ADA and AZA as remission maintenance therapy after TAC discontinuation constituted the ADA group. We compared the remission maintenance rates in AZA and ADA groups for up to 5 years after TAC discontinuation.
Results: In Cohort A, of the 46 patients with UC treated with TAC, 17 were eligible for analysis after receiving ADA as remission maintenance therapy. A notable 88.2% (15/17) were still in remission 1 year after starting ADA. The ADA group (n=16) exhibited a significantly higher relapse-free rate than the AZA group (n=26) (p<0.05; log-rank test).
Conclusion: Switching to ADA for remission maintenance in patients with refractory UC who achieved clinical remission with TAC is clinically useful.
Effects of the Use of a Passive Lumbar Exoskeleton in Muscle under Laboratory Conditions
Authors: Iranzo Sofía , Belda Lois Juan Manuel , Martinez-de-Juan Jose Luis , Prats-Boluda Gema
Published: September 2023

The introduction of exoskeletons in the industry has focused on improving worker safety. Exoskeletons have the objective of decreasing the risk of injury or fatigue when performing physically demanding tasks. The exoskeleton’s effects on the muscles is one of the most common focus in the assessments. The present study aims to analyse the muscle interactions generated by using a passive lumbar exoskeleton during load-handling tasks in laboratory conditions with and without an exoskeleton. Electromyographic data of the muscles involved in the task were recorded from twelve participants performing load-handling tasks. Correlation Coefficient, Coherence Coefficient, Mutual Information, and Multivariate Sample Entropy were calculated to determine if there were significant differences in muscle interactions between the two test conditions. Results showed statistically significant differences for all pairs of muscles and indicated that the use of the exoskeleton implied more constant values throughout the exercise. The Directed Conditional Granger Causality was obtained to study the directionality of the interactions, with significant differences in two muscle pairs Gluteus-Quadriceps and Gluteus-Lumbar in the gravity-positive direction in both cases. In conclusion, EMG parameters chosen appear to be appropriate measurements for studying the exoskeleton effects over muscle couplings.
Neuropsychiatric Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Antibodies Involved, Clinical Characteristics and Treatment
Authors: Gopaul Darren Avinash , Vaillant Angel
Published: September 2023

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic idiopathic autoimmune disease affecting various organs. Patients with SLE also present numerous neuropsychiatric manifestations. These neuro-psychiatric manifestations are referred to as neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE). Neuropsychiatric involvement in patients with SLE was first mentioned by Kaposi more than 100 years ago and is a generic term that refers to neurological and psychiatric symp-toms resulting directly from or as a complication of SLE. NPSLE affects both the CNS and PNS and can manifest as various symptoms, such as cognitive dysfunction, organic brain syndromes, delirium, seizures, headache, and psychosis. NPSLE was previously referred to as ‘lupus cerebri-tis’ or lupus sclerosis. However, these terms are no longer recommended because there is no de-finitive pathological cause for the neuropsychiatric manifestations of SLE.[2]
A Structured Narrative Prompt for Large Language Models to Create Pertinent Narratives of Simulated Agents’ Life Events: A Sentiment Analysis Comparison
Authors: Lynch Christopher J. , Jensen Erik , Zamponi Virginia , O'Brien Kevin , Frydenlund Erika , Gore Ross
Published: September 2023

Large language models (LLMs) excel in providing natural language responses that sound authoritative, reflect knowledge of the context area, and can present from a range of varied perspectives. Agent Based Models and Simulation consist of simulated agents that interact within a simulated environment to explore societal, social, and ethical, among other, problems. Agents generate large volumes of data over time and discerning useful and relevant content is an onerous task. LLMs can help in communicating agents’ perspectives on key events by providing natural language narratives. However, these narratives need to be factual, transparent, and reproducible. To this end, we present a structured narrative prompt for sending queries to LLMs. Chi-square tests and Fisher’s Exact tests are applied to assess statistically significant difference in sentiment scores of the narrative messages between simulation generated narratives, ChatGPT-generated narratives, and real tweets. The narrative prompt structure effectively yields narratives with the desired components from ChatGPT. This structure is expected to be extensible across LLMs. In 14 out of 44 categories, ChatGPT generated narratives which has sentiment scores that were not discernibly different, in terms of statistical significance (alpha level of 0.05), from the sentiment expressed in real tweets. Three outcomes are provided: (1) a list of benefits and challenges for LLMs in narrative generation; (2) a structured prompt for requesting narratives of a LLM based on simulated agents’ information; and (3) an assessment of statistical significance in the sentiment prevalence of the generated narratives compared to real tweets. This indicates significant promise in the utilization of LLMs for helping to connect simulated agent’s experiences with real people.
The Mediterranean Diet for Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes: A Prospective Intervention
Authors: Levran Neriya , Levek Noah , Sher Bruria , Mauda-Yitzhak Elinor , Gruber Noah , Afek Arnon , Monsonego-Ornan Efrat , Pinhas-Hamiel Orit
Published: September 2023

The Mediterranean diet (MED) is highly recommended. Medical nutrition therapy is the cornerstone of diabetes treatment. We assessed adherence to the MED, and resultant micronutrient intake and glycemic control in youth with type 1 diabetes. Twenty adolescents, median age 18 years (interquartile range: 15.5-21), median diabetes duration 9 years (7-14), using continuous glucose monitoring devices, received personalized diet regimes based on MED. At 6 months post-intervention, the caloric intake remained unchanged; however, the carbohydrate proportion was lower (p=0.058) and the intakes of some monounsaturated fats increased (p=0.049). Sodium intake exceeded the recommended daily allowance by 250% (p=0.653), before and after the intervention. For blood glucose, the percent time-in-range 70-180 mg/dL improved from 52% (38-60) to 63% (47-71) (p=0.047). The total insulin dose decreased marginally, from 0.76 u/kg (0.64-0.97) to 0.72u/kg (0.61-0.89) (p=0.067). BMI z-score and waist circumference did not change (p=0.316 and p=0.161, respectively). Diastolic blood pressure percentile decreased from 73% (68-88) to 69% (50-79) (p=0.028), and LDL cholesterol from 114mg/ dl (105-134) to 104mg/dl (96-124) (p=0.059). The Israeli Mediterranean diet screener score increased, from 8 (7-11) to 13 points (12-14) (p=<0.001). The MED-based intervention demonstrated feasibility and improvements in glycemic outcomes and in certain nutritional parameters.
Carbetocin Inhibits Ethanol Behavioral Sensitization in Male and Female Mice Independent of Corticosterone Levels
Authors: Costa Beatriz Yamada , Santos Luana Gasparini , Marianno Priscila , Rae Mariana , Almeida Marina Gomes , Brito Malcon , Eichler Rosangela dos Santos , Camarini Rosana
Published: September 2023

Oxytocin (OXT), a pro-social peptide, is increasingly recognized as a potential protective substance against drug addiction. In the context of ethanol, previous researches have shown OXT properties to reduce self-administration, alleviate motor impairment in rodents, and reduce craving in humans. However, its role in behavioral sensitization, a neuroadaptive response resulting from repeated drug exposure linked to increased drug incentive, remains unexplored. OXT is also associated with modulating the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis, with corticosterone well-known as a significant factor in behavioral sensitization development. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Carbetocin (CBT), an analogue of OXT, on the expression of behavioral sensitization to ethanol and concurrent alterations in plasma corticosterone levels in male and female Swiss mice. We also aimed to confirm previous studies on OXT impact on ethanol consumption in male mice, but with a focus on CBT, using the two-bottle choice model and drinking in the dark (DID) methodology. For the sensitization study, mice received either ethanol (1.8 g/kg, ip) or saline treatments daily for 15 consecutive days, followed by treatment with carbetocin (0.64 mg/kg, ip) or a vehicle for 6 days. Subsequently, on day 22, all animals underwent an ethanol challenge to assess the expression of behavioral sensitization. Plasma corticosterone levels were measured on days 21 and 22. CBT effectively prevented the expression of ethanol-induced behavioral sensitization in both male and female subjects, with no alterations detected in corticosterone levels. In the ethanol consumption study, following an initial phase of ethanol acquisition, mice underwent a 6-day treatment with CBT i.p or saline before being reexposed to ethanol. We also found a reduction in ethanol consumption due to CBT treatment. In conclusion, carbetocin emerges as a promising and effective intervention in mitigating ethanol-induced behavioral sensitization and reducing ethanol intake, highlighting its potential significance in alcohol addiction treatment.
Frequency Shift Monitoring of Optical Filter Based on Optical Labels Over FTN-WDM Transmission Systems
Authors: Li Kaixuan , Yang Tao , Wang Xue , Shi Sheping , Wang Liqian , Chen Xue
Published: September 2023

Optical network monitoring and soft failure identification such as optical filter shifting and filter tightening is increasingly significant in the future complex and dynamic optical networks. Center frequency shift of optical filtering device in optical network has a serious impact on the perfor-mance of multi-span transmission, especially in high spectrum efficiency faster-than-Nyquist (FTN) transmission systems with various optical switching and add/drop nodes. Existing moni-toring schemes generally have problem of high cost, high complexity and the inability to realize multi-channel online monitoring, which makes it difficult to be applied in wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) system with numerous nodes. In this paper, a monitoring scheme of fre-quency shift of optical filtering devices based on optical label (OL) is proposed and demonstrated. The signal spectrum of each channel is intentionally divided into many sub-bands with corre-sponding optical labels loading. The characters of spectrum power changing caused by frequency shift can be reflected on labels power changing of each sub-band, which are used to monitor and estimate the value of frequency shift by DSP algorithm. Simulation results shows that the that the monitoring errors of frequency shift can be kept below 0.5GHz reasonably after 10-span WDM transmission in FTN polarization multiplexing m-ary quadrature amplitude modulation (PM-mQAM) systems. In addition, 250km fiber transmission experiments are also carried out and the similar results are obtained, which further verify the feasibility of our proposed scheme. The characters of low cost, high reliability and efficiency make it a better candidate for practical ap-plication in the future FTN WDM networks.
Microfluidics for Carbonate Rock Improved Oil Recovery: Some Lessons from Fabrication, Operation, and Image Analysis
Authors: Duits Michel H. G. , Le-Anh Duy , Ayirala Subhash C. , Alotaibi Mohammed B. , Gardeniers Han , Yousef Ali A. , Mugele Frieder
Published: September 2023

After the successful implementation of lab-on-a-chip technology in chemical and biomedical applications, the field of petroleum engineering is currently developing microfluidics as a platform to complement traditional coreflooding experiments. Potentially, microfluidics can offer a fast, efficient, low-footprint, and low-cost method to screen many variables such as injection brine composition, reservoir temperature, and aging history for their effect on crude oil (CRO) release, calcite dissolution, and CO2 storage at the pore scale. Generally, visualization of the fluid displacements is possible, offering valuable mechanistic information. Besides the well-known glass- and silicon-based chips, microfluidic devices mimicking carbonate rock reservoirs are currently being developed as well. In this paper, we discuss different fabrication approaches for carbonate micromodels and their associated applications. One approach in which a glass micromodel is partially functionalized with calcite nanoparticles is discussed in more detail. Both the published works from several research groups and new experimental data from the authors are used to highlight the current capabilities, limitations, and possible extensions of microfluidics for studying carbonate rock systems. The presented insights and reflections should be very helpful in guiding the future designs of microfluidics and subsequent research studies.
P-Frames generated by operator actions in Banach spaces
Authors: Ahmadi Elaheh , Mohammad Janfada
Published: September 2023

Motivated by recent research in dynamical sampling and frame properties of systems from iterative actions of operators in Hilbert spaces, we give generalizations of such a Hilbert frame to a large class of frames in Banach spaces, the so-called p-frames. Let X be an infinite-dimensional separable Banach space with dual space X∗. The main purpose of this paper is to investigate the p-frames having the form {Tnφ}∞n=0 for some linear operator T : X∗ → X∗ and φ ∈ X∗. Similar to the frames in Hilbert spaces, we give various characterizations of the p-frames having such representation for a bounded operator T. In particular, we prove that any q-Riesz basis for X∗ has the form {Tnφ}∞n=0 for some injective bounded operator T : X∗ → X∗ with closed range.
The Meteoritics Trial: Efficacy of Methotrexate after Remission-Induction with Tocilizumab and Glucocorticoids in Giant Cell Arteritis: Study Protocol for a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel Group Phase II Study
Authors: Kreis Lena , Dejaco Christian , Schmidt Wolfgang Andreas , Németh Robert , Venhoff Nils , Schäfer Valentin Sebastian
Published: September 2023

• Background:
Glucocorticoids (GC) are the standard treatment for giant cell arteritis (GCA), even though they are associated with adverse side effects and high relapse rates. Tocilizumab (TCZ), an interleukin-6 receptor antagonist, has shown promise in sustaining remission and reducing the cumulative GC dosage, but it increases the risk of infections and is expensive. After discontinuation of TCZ, only about half of patients remain in remission. Additionally, only few studies have been conducted looking at remission maintenance, highlighting the need for alternative strategies to maintain remission in GCA. Methotrexate (MTX) has been shown to significantly decrease the risk of relapse in new-onset GCA and is already a proven safe drug in many rheumatologic diseases.
• Methods:
This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of MTX in maintaining remission in patients with GCA who have previously been treated with GC and at least six months with TCZ. We hypothesise that MTX can maintain remission in GCA patients, who have achieved stable remission after treatment with GC and TCZ, and prevent the occurrence of relapses. The study design is a monocentric, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group phase II trial randomising 40 GCA patients 1:1 into a MTX or placebo arm. Patients will receive 17.5 mg MTX / matching placebo weekly by subcutaneous injection for 12 months, with the possibility of dose reduction if clinically needed. A six-month follow up takes place. The primary endpoint is the time to first relapse in the MTX group versus placebo during the 12-month treatment period. Secondary outcomes include patient- and investigator-reported outcomes and laboratory findings, as well as the prevalence of aortitis, number of vasculitic vessels, and change in intima-media thickness during the study.
• Discussion:
This is the first clinical trial evaluating remission maintenance of GCA with MTX after a previous treatment cycle with TCZ. Following the discontinuation of TCZ in GCA, MTX could be a safe and inexpensive drug.
• Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05623592. Registered 21.11.2022, https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05623592?term=giant+cell+arteriitis&cond=methotrexate&draw=2&rank=1
EU Clinical Trials Register, 2022-501058-12-00
German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00030571
Advancing China's sustainable future: Financial development, carbon emissions, urbanization, and renewable energy production under the Paris Agreement
Authors: Zhang Jinyi , Chen Tianchen
Published: September 2023

The COP26 brought global attention to pressing environmental issues such as carbon emissions, financial development, urbanization, and renewable energy production. This paper employs a nonlinear ARDL model to examine the asymmetric impact of financial development and urbanization on environmental pollution in China from 1970 to 2021. By utilizing the framework of renewable energy within Solow growth model, we assess the effects on environmental quality. The results demonstrate that the financial development and urbanization contribute positively to enhancing renewable energy production that will contribute to controlling emissions level. However, the short-term projections reveal a positive relationship between urbanization, economic growth, and renewable energy production in China. Our findings provide valuable insights for addressing environmental pollution in China and offer precise guidelines for carbon policy. Additionally, we present specific policy recommendations to support the objective of sustainable development.
Enteric parasites and associated factors in cancer patients in Nepal
Authors: Singh Barsha , Dhakal Pitambar , Parajuli Rajendra P
Published: September 2023

Infection with intestinal parasites is widespread worldwide, specially in developing countries. Intestinal parasites are a major cause of diarrhea in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised people, but cancer patients are more prone to infection, which can be fatal. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) among Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy at Nepal Cancer Hospital and Research Center (NCHRC) in Nepal with suppressed immunity. One hundred individuals were selected with a convenience sampling strategy. The stool samples were examined by direct wet mount, sedimentation, flotation, and acid-fast methods to determine the prevalence and intensity of IPIs in this population. The overall prevalence of IPIs was 8% (4% protozoan and 4% helminths). Altogether, three species of intestinal parasites were detected. Cryptosporidium (4%) was predominant followed by Trichuris trichiura (2%) and Ancylostoma duodenale (2%). Multivariable regression analysis revealed that “not using soap for handwashing” was significantly associated with the prevalence of overall IPIs. None of the other evaluated risk factors indicated an association with IPIs infection. In this study, the IPIs were attributable to individual hygiene behaviors, but not to nutritional status or socio-demographic characteristics. Yet, significant numbers of males reported anemia and undernutrition in this study population.
Genomic and immune heterogeneity of multiple synchronous lung adenocarcinoma at different developmental stages
Authors: Chen Haiquan , Zhao Yue , Gao Jian , Wang Jun , Fan Fanfan , Cheng Chao , Qian Danwen , Guo Ran , Zhang Yang , Ye Ting , Augustine Marcellus , Li Hang , Pan Yunjian , Huang Qingyuan , Chen Haiqing , Han Han , Gao Zhendong , Fu Fangqiu , Yan Yueren , Patel Shanila , Vendramin Roberto , Yuan Hui , Zhang Yawei , Xiang Jiaqing , Hu Hong , Sun Yihua , Li Yuan , Litchfield Kevin , Cao Zhiwei
Published: September 2023

Multiple synchronous lung cancers (MSLCs) constitute a unique subtype of lung cancer. To explore the genomic and immune heterogeneity across different pathological stages of MSLCs, we analyzed 16 MSLCs from 8 patients using single-cell RNA-seq, single-cell TCR sequencing, and bulk whole-exome sequencing. Our investigation revealed clonally independent tumors with convergent evolution driven by shared driver mutations. However, tumors from the same individual exhibited minimal shared mutations, indicating independent origins. During the transition from pre-invasive to invasive adenocarcinoma, we observed a shift in T cell phenotypes characterized by increased Tregs and exhausted CD8 + T cells, accompanied by diminished cytotoxicity. Additionally, invasive adenocarcinomas exhibited greater neoantigen abundance and a more diverse TCR repertoire, indicating heightened heterogeneity. In summary, despite having a common genetic background and environmental exposure, our study emphasizes the individuality of MSLCs at different stages, highlighting their unique genomic and immune characteristics.
Knowledge about Glaucoma among Adults in Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Yimam Wondwossen , Anbesaw Tamrat , Seid Muhammed , Kumar Prem , Wolie Hawa
Published: September 2023

Background
Africa is one of the continents with a substantial burden of glaucoma, where it is approximately twice as common as it is worldwide. If left untreated, glaucoma can cause blindness and permanent vision loss if it is not addressed promptly. Good knowledge is essential for preventing glaucoma's irreversible blindness and ocular damage. However, no systematic review and meta-analysis has been done to report the pooled percentage of adults in Africa who have good knowledge about glaucoma. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the pooled percentage of adults in Africa with a good level of knowledge about glaucoma and the determinant factors influencing it.
Methods
Following the PRISMA guidelines, authors systematically reviewed and meta-analyzed studies that investigated the pooled percentage of good knowledge about glaucoma in Africa from PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, PROQEST (PQDT), CINAHL (EBSCO), Google Scholar, African Journal Online, and WHO HINARI databases. Heterogeneity across studies was evaluated using the I² test statistic and P values. Potential publication bias was assessed using Egger’s test and the funnel plots. Subgroup analysis was performed based on publication year, study location, age of participants, and sample size.
Results
In the present meta-analysis, 2781 articles were initially identified and evaluated. Of these, 8 studies that met the inclusion criteria were included in the final analysis. The pooled percentage of good knowledge about glaucoma among adults in Africa was 25% (95% CI: 16.0%, 35.0%). The pooled estimate of good knowledge among adults in Africa was higher in Ethiopia (39.0%) than Nigeria (15.0%) and good knowledge among adults in Africa was higher among participants 35 years of age or more (50.0%) than 18 years of age or more (17.0%). Being literate and having a history of an eye examination were the main determinants of good knowledge about glaucoma among adults in Africa.
Conclusion
This systematic review and meta-analysis found low good knowledge about glaucoma among adults in Africa, with being literate and having history of eye examination were key main determinant factors. Education campaigns and promotion of eye exams are recommended to improve good knowledge about glaucoma.
Systematic review registration:
PROSPERO CRD42023430723
Autoantibodies against Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 and immune molecules are associated with COVID-19 disease severity
Authors: Bradley Todd , Geanes Eric , McLennan Rebecca , LeMaster Cas
Published: September 2023

Increased inflammation caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection can lead to severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and long-term disease manifestations referred to as post-acute sequalae of COVID (PASC). The mechanisms of this variable long-term immune activation are poorly defined. Autoantibodies targeting immune factors such as cytokines, as well as the viral host cell receptor, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), have been observed after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Autoantibodies to immune factors and ACE2 could interfere with normal immune regulation and lead to increased inflammation, severe COVID-19, and long-term complications. Here, we deeply profiled the features of ACE2, cytokine, and chemokine autoantibodies in samples from patients recovering from severe COVID-19. We identified epitopes in the catalytic domain of ACE2 targeted by these antibodies, that could inhibit ACE2 function. Levels of autoantibodies targeting ACE2 and other immune factors could serve as determinants of COVID-19 disease severity, and represent a natural immunoregulatory mechanism in response to viral infection.
Poor postpartum hemorrhage morbidity and menstrual recovery in placenta accreta spectrum patients with placenta previa
Authors: Chen Yihong , Zheng Shan , Chen Shaozhan , Lin Rong , Chen Lihui , Zhang Yi , Huang Xuemei , Hu Jifen , Wei Juanbing
Published: September 2023

Introduction: Placenta accreta spectrum is a complex and dangerous disease during pregnancy. We assessed the risk factors for postpartum hemorrhage and menstrual recovery in palcenta accreta spectrum patients with placenta previa.
Methods: Patients were enrolled between January 2010 and January 2020. Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the risk factors. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of sensitivity and specificity was used to predict the risk of menstrual recovery and postpartum hemorrhage.
Results: Overall, 248 patients with placenta accreta spectrum were enrolled. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that placental grading after delivery (p<0.001), placenta previa with implantation (p<0.001), postpartum D-dimer level (p=0.004), and albumin level (p=0.037) were independent risk factors for postpartum hemorrhage. Placental grading after delivery (p<0.001), blood transfusion (p=0.010), placenta previa with implantation (p=0.002), postpartum hemorrhage (p=0.013), and diastolic pressure (p=0.035) were independent risk factors for menstrual recovery after one year. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of placenta previa with implantation plus postpartum hemorrhage for predicting menstrual recovery after 1 year was 0.783 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.719-0.847, p<0.001), and that of placenta previa with implantation plus D-dimer was 0.717 (95% CI: 0.653-0.780, p<0.001) for predicting postpartum hemorrhage.
Discussion: Postpartum hemorrhage morbidity and menstrual recovery are poor in placenta accreta spectrum patients with placenta previa.
Optimization of the pick and place sequence of a bimanual collaborative robot in an industrial production line
Authors: Méndez Jorge Borrell , Perez-Vidal Carlos , Segura Jose Vicente
Published: September 2023

This paper focuses on optimizing pick-and-place tasks performed by a dual-arm collaborative robot in a specific shoe manufacturing industry environment. The robot must identify the parts of a shoe placed on a tray, pick them up, and place them in a shoe mold for further processing. The shoe parts arrive on the tray in random positions and angles and can be picked up in a different order. Optimizing these tasks could increase the assembly speed of each unit and improve shoe production. To achieve this goal, a mathematical model based on binary integer linear programming (BILP) has been developed. This model determines the optimal sequence for picking and placing the shoe parts in the mold, thus minimizing the time required for picking and decision-making. The effectiveness of this approach has been tested using two 3-piece unit shoe models: one for training and another for validation. These models encompass a total of 500 trays. An analysis of the results reveals that BILP offers advantages for task motion planning in complex environments with multiple trajectories and the potential for collisions between arms. The model's generalizability to shoes with n assembly parts further confirms its robustness for various part counts.
Pre-clinical testing of two serologically distinct chimpanzee-origin adenovirus vectors expressing spike of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Chekaoui Arezki , Novikov Mikhail , Xiang Zhiquan , Hasanpourghadi Mohadeseh , Ambrose Robert , Chekaoui Arezki , Newman Dakota , Giles-Davis Wynetta , Zhou Xiang Yang
Published: September 2023

Two serologically distinct chimpanzee-origin, replication-defective adenovirus (AdC) vectors expressing the spike (S) protein of an early severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) isolate were generated and tested for induction of antibodies in mice. Both vectors induced S protein-specific antibodies including neutralizing antibodies. Levels of antibodies increased after a boost. The effectiveness of the boost depended on vector dose, timing between the two immunizations and the use of homologous versus heterologous AdC vectors. Virus neutralizing antibodies (VNAs) showed only a slight loss of reactivity against variants, which may reflect the pronounced responses against the more conserved S2 subunit of the S protein. Expression of two different S proteins by the AdC vectors used for the prime and the boost did not selectively increase responses against the variants. A vector expressing the fusion peptide of the S2 protein induced highly cross-reactive VNA responses, which, nevertheless, were not sustained.