bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cycling performance of SiOx-Si-C composite anode with different blend ratios of PAA-CMC as binder for lithium sulfur batteries
Authors: Sathya Swamickan , Soosaimanickam Charlin , Bella Federico , Yoo Dong Jin , Stephan A. Manuel
Published: June 2024

Silicon (Si) -based materials have been identified as a potential alternative anode owing to their superior theoretical capacity compared to conventional graphitic carbon. Nevertheless, the huge volume change (approximately 300%) that occurs while cycling still hampers this system from 100% practical applications. Silicon-monoxide (SiOx)-based anode materials, on the other hand, are being explored extensively due to their unique properties such as high theoretical capacity, formation of Li2O and LiSiO4 during initial lithiation process that act as a natural volume buffer matrix to accommodate volume changes and formation of a stable solid electrolyte interphase layer, which improves the cyclability and capacity retention. Although poly (vinylidene fluoride) (PVdF) is widely used as a binder, the weak van der Waals forces between PVdF and silicon-based particles fail to bind particles effectively, when substantial volume change occurs. Herein, we prepare a series of SiOx-Si-C electrodes with different binders poly (acrylic acid) (PAA), carboxyl methyl cellulose (CMC) and their blends as binder. The prepared polymeric blends are subjected to thermal, morphological, mechanical and physico-chemical analyses. The Li/ SiOx-Si-C cell assembled with 100% PAA as binder delivered a discharge capacity of 1908 mAh g−1 on its first cycle and 724 mAh g−1 on its 100th cycle with a fade in capacity of 11.8 mAh g−1 per cycle. Upon the incorporation of CMC in the PAA blend the cycling performance was found to be poor. Among the various investigated compositions, the electrode with sole poly (acrylic acid) as a binder offers the highest discharge capacity and this is attributed to the high concentration of the functional (carboxylic) group which forms strong hydrogen bonds with - OH groups on the SiOx or carbon surface. The interfacial properties of the polymeric binders are thoroughly investigated by spectroscopies and electrochemical tests.

Graphical abstract
Utilization of macroporous beads impregnated with Cyanex 572 for effective separation of Sr(II), Y(III), and Zr(IV) from chloride medium: batch and fixed-bed column study
Authors: Emam Sh. Sh. , Gamal R. , El-Hefny N. E.
Published: June 2024

This work focuses on using a new, inexpensive adsorbent, Amberlite XAD–4 resin impregnated with Cyanex 572 to extract and separate Zr(IV) from its parents Y(III) and Sr(II). The extraction performance was investigated using both batch and continuous flow techniques. The highest separation factor of Zr from Y and Sr was obtained at 0.05 mol L−1 HCl. Zr(IV), Y(III), and Sr(II) were found to have maximal monolayer capacities of 29.1, 9.3, and 6.1 mg g−1, respectively. Chromatography was utilized to effectively separate the relevant metals from their mixed solution in a single step, yielding high recovery values of approximately 99.0%.
Dynamic reduction technique for nonlinear analysis of spur gear pairs
Authors: Bruzzone Fabio , Rosso Carlo , Theodossiades Stephanos
Published: June 2024

In this study the dynamic response of a spur gear pair is analyzed using a novel nonlinear approach. The actual rolling motion and engagement of the system is simulated using a set of reduced order models obtained in a pre-processing phase using the minimal amount of master degrees of freedom without loss of accuracy or generality. The flexibility of the gear bodies is included by a refined finite element model, and no geometry simplification is introduced while also retaining all nonlinearity sources. To reduce the computational cost the time-varying mesh stiffness is also pre-computed and used depending on the instantaneous loading conditions. Contact loss is also taken into account, and reconnection events are treated as vibro impacts. The results are compared against high quality and demanding experimental results with a computational cost several orders of magnitude lower than models with similar accuracy. Different loading conditions are investigated during the sweep-up and down maneuvers. Mainly, the dynamic transmission error is analyzed, showing remarkable agreement with the test campaign’s results. Different nonlinear phenomena such as hysteretic jumps and sub- and super-harmonic resonances are correctly predicted by the proposed model in terms of both frequency and amplitude. This method allows quick and accurate nonlinear analyses overcoming current limitations and is open to further complications to include other components and effects.
Sizes of Flat Maximal Antichains of Subsets
Authors: Griggs Jerrold R. , Kalinowski Thomas , Leck Uwe , Roberts Ian T. , Schmitz Michael
Published: June 2024

This is the second of two papers investigating for which positive integers m there exists a maximal antichain of size m in the Boolean lattice $$B_n$$

B
n

(the power set of $$[n]:=\{1,2,\dots ,n\}$$

[
n
]
:
=
{
1
,
2
,
⋯
,
n
}

, ordered by inclusion). In the first part, the sizes of maximal antichains have been characterized. Here we provide an alternative construction with the benefit of showing that almost all sizes of maximal antichains can be obtained using antichains containing only l-sets and $$(l+1)$$

(
l
+
1
)

-sets for some l.
European banking M&As: The role of financial advisors
Authors: Anagnostopoulos Yiannis , Alexandrou George , Thomas Hardy M.
Published: June 2024

We investigate the puzzle of banks contracting the services of external advisors for deals they can self-manage and the role of financial advisors in mergers and acquisitions among European banking firms. We also study the determinants of the choice by bank acquirers and bank targets to either appoint external advisors or manage in-house, as well as between appointing either top or lower tier advisors. Top tier advisors are more likely to be employed in debt financed and cross-border deals. We also find that most European bank mergers are managed in-house, contrary to prior findings reporting mostly externally managed deals attributed to the certification effect. Targets fail to benefit from deals where they do not match acquirer’s decision to appoint external advisors. However, there is an overall propensity to match the counter party’s tier of advisor.
Hydrogen Production Came from Catalytic Reforming of Volatiles Generated by Waste-Plastic Pyrolysis Over Sepiolite-Based Catalysts
Authors: Martín-Lara M. Ángeles , Moreno R. , Blázquez G. , Calero M.
Published: June 2024

Several sepiolite-based catalysts have been prepared and investigated for pyrolytic H2 production from a post-consumer mixture of residual plastics. The experimental installation involved a two-stage reaction system: first, the plastic mixture was thermally pyrolyzed at 500 ºC; then, the generated volatiles were reformed by increasing the temperature to 700 ºC and 800 ºC in the presence of the sepiolite-based catalysts. The real mixture came from non-separate waste collection streams and contained post-consumer polypropylene (rigid and film), expanded polystyrene, high-impact polystyrene, and polyethylene. The results demonstrated that the two-stage pyrolysis technique using sepiolite-based catalysts successfully generated hydrogen. The effects of the type of polymer, temperature, and catalyst were analyzed. The higher production of hydrogen (27.2 mmol H2/g) was obtained when the mixture of plastic waste was pyrolyzed and then the volatiles were reformed at 800 °C with the SN5-800 12 nickel-modified sepiolite. Additionally, the generation of hydrogen also increased after acidifying natural sepiolite (from 18.2 mmol H2/g plastic for natural sepiolite to 26.4 mmol H2/g for acidified sepiolite at 800 ºC with a plastic/catalyst ratio of 1:2). Finally, the carbon deposited in the catalysts was examined. Approximately, only 20% of the carbon that was deposited in the sepiolite-based catalysts was filamentous carbon; the majority was amorphous carbon.

The results have therefore shown that it is possible to obtain a hydrogen-rich gas from the reforming of the pyrolysis vapors of a mixture of plastic waste using a low-cost catalyst based on nickel-modified sepiolite.
Management of acquired prostatic fistulas in adults
Authors: Garaz Radion , Mirvald Cristian , Amend Bastian , Surcel Cristian , Tsaur Igor
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Acquired prostatic fistula (PF) was defined as a connection between the prostatic urethra and the rectum, symphysis, peritoneum, or ending freely in the periprostatic area. This study aims to report our experience with PF presentation, diagnosis, and treatment.

Methods

From January 2014 to February 2024, we retrospectively analyzed a prospectively maintained database from two urologic university hospitals to identify men with acquired PF. Diagnosis was based on post-intervention symptoms, including pneumaturia, fecaluria, rectal urine leakage, periprostatic inflammation or abscess, completed by radiological assessment using retrograde urethrogram, CT, or MRI. Standard cystoscopy and/or rectosigmoidoscopy assessed bladder and rectal integrity. Patients with post-prostatectomy fistulas were excluded.

Results

Thirteen patients with a mean age of 66.54 ± 7.40 years were identified. The most commonly presenting symptoms were fecaluria/pneumaturia 54%, rectal urine leakage 31%, and recurrent urinary tract infection 31%. The mean time from the initial treatment to fistula development was 22.28 ± 20.53 months (0.1–59 months), and from diagnosis to repair was 3.5 ± 3 months (1–12 months). Cumulative closure rates (success rate) post-first and second attempts were 77% (10 patients) and 92% (12 patients), respectively; one patient declined definitive surgery, maintaining a persistent fistula after bladder drainage.

Conclusion

Clinical suspicion and detailed diagnosis are essential for formulating a tailored treatment plan for prostatic fistulas, which are successfully manageable in many patients. Complex cases benefit from a multidisciplinary approach, with individualized therapy based on etiology, severity, and recurrence of PF, facilitating effective closure.
Hepatitis E virus in wild and domestic rabbits from Portugal: a combined molecular and longitudinal serological study
Authors: Santos-Silva Sérgio , Santos Nuno , López-López Pedro , Nascimento Maria S. J. , Gonçalves Helena M. R. , Van der Poel Wim H. M. , Rivero-Juarez António , Mesquita João R.
Published: June 2024

Hepatitis E virus (HEV), species Paslahepevirus balayani, poses a global public health threat, especially in developing countries, by causing acute enterically transmitted hepatitis. HEV infects various mammalian hosts and belongs to the genus Paslahepevirus in the family Hepeviridae. While swine are recognized as the main hosts of HEV, rabbits, which can also be affected by swine HEV-3 related strains, serve as the primary reservoir for the distinct emerging and zoonotic HEV-3ra subtype. In Portugal, where the European wild rabbit is abundant, their role in HEV epidemiology remains unclear. The primary aim of the present research was to evaluate the circulation and the potential for HEV infection within these species. This study employed a molecular and longitudinal serological approach to investigate HEV in Portuguese rabbits. Among the 205 wild rabbits tested, a seroprevalence of 2.44% (95% CI: 0.80–5.60) was found, with no significant associations with age, sex, localization, or sampling dates. Seropositive animals were found in the south and center regions of the country. HEV RNA was not detected in 120 fecal samples, suggesting a natural, low level, and widespread viral circulation. The study underscores the need for further research to comprehend HEV dynamics in these species, which is crucial for assessing potential transmission risks to humans.
Thermal Stress Analysis for Functionally Graded Plates with Modulus Gradation, Part II
Authors: Baytak T. , Tosun M. , Ipek C. , Mollamahmutoglu C. , Bulut O.
Published: June 2024

Background

The gradation of thermal expansion coefficient was analyzed in the earlier study. The analytical formulation derived here, which is quite different, should be validated to understand the thermal stress distribution in a laminated composite and functionally graded material. Besides this solution, a validated numerical model can also be used to optimize the material gradation of plates in terms of sustainability.

Objective

To validate the analytical formulation derived here, an experimental model is presented to understand the thermal stress concentration for functionally graded and laminated composite plates. A numerical model is also validated to extend to understand the effects of the number of layers, the thickness of a layer, the gradation function, the ratio of elastic moduli, and the coating.

Methods

The experimental problems in the production of the experimental models with layers of different elastic moduli are discussed here. In the experimental analysis, a three-dimensional photoelastic stress analysis of two- and four-layer composite plate was used to mechanically model the thermal expansion. The analytical solution for the thermal stress in a free plate was derived by the strain suppression method based on the principle of superposition. The numerical models were analyzed using finite element software. The step variation in the experiment was used as a reference point for a continuous or multi-layer (> 2) step variation of material coefficients in the models.

Results

The variation of stress concentration is shown for various cases of laminated and continuous gradations of elastic modulus. The four-layer experimental model provides the difference in thermal stress distribution as a result of a layered coating. The validated analytical and numerical models provide reasonable results. An empirical formula to optimize the material gradation in terms of elastic modulus is derived.

Conclusions

The experimental model can be used to analyze thermal stress in functionally graded materials. The gradations of the material in the plate or the coating of the plates can be optimized by the validated analytical and numerical models. The empirical formula can be used to determine the elastic modulus of the coating to minimize the stress concentration.
Impacts of public disclosure on tax compliance using agent-based modeling
Authors: Sano Hiroyuki
Published: June 2024

This study examines the impact of public disclosure of tax information on tax compliance using simulation experiments utilizing agent-based modeling. We investigate two scenarios: (i) partial disclosure, in which tax returns and audit results are made public without taxpayer identities, and (ii) full disclosure, in which this information is publicized with taxpayer identities. Our simulation results reveal that in the partial disclosure scenario, the effect on tax compliance is contingent upon the social state of individual moral values regarding tax payment. Specifically, partial disclosure has a positive impact on tax compliance when taxpayers exhibit a relatively strong moral consciousness and a negative impact when their moral consciousness is weak. In the full disclosure scenario, when the moral consciousness of the population is sufficiently weak, the average reported income decreases despite the positive effect of the naming-and-shaming policy on tax compliance.
Measuring Subjective Well-being Capability: A Multi-Country Empirical Analysis in Europe
Authors: Kwarciński Tomasz , Ulman Paweł , Wdowin Julia
Published: June 2024

The main aim of this paper is to conceptualise and empirically estimate subjective well-being capability. The empirical demonstration of the conceptual framework is applied in a selection of European countries: Poland and its leading emigration destinations the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, Ireland, France and Italy. The paper advances the measure of subjective well-being capability (SWC) as the integration of the subjective well-being measure with the capability approach in a unified measurement framework. Following the development of a conceptual model, the theoretical framework is operationalized empirically to quantify measures of SWC across the selected countries using a Multiple Indicators and Multiple Causes Model. Data from the European Quality of Life Survey is employed. A comparative analysis compares the SWC measures across countries as well as comparing SWC with conventional well-being measures such as overall happiness and GDP per capita. The results of the study reveal a significant correlation between the SWC based on a general model for all countries, overall happiness, and GDP per capita. However, it also suggests that country-specific SWCs, calculated from tailored models, could substantially deviate from traditional well-being measurements. This attribute suggests that SWC could be a practical tool for assessing individual contexts, as reflected in the tailored models, even though it might not serve as the optimal instrument for country ranking (via the general MIMIC model).
Wie entwickeln sich behinderungsbezogene Einstellungen im Verlauf eines Freiwilligen Soziales Jahres? Eine Analyse latenter Wachstumskurvenmodelle
Authors: Meyer Karina , Willems Ariane S.
Published: June 2024

Im Kontext von Inklusion spielen Einstellungen eine wichtige Rolle und das Freiwillige Soziale Jahr ist durch die Kombination von persönlichen Kontakterfahrungen und pädagogischer Begleitung in besonderer Weise geeignet, positive Einstellungen zu Menschen mit Behinderung zu fördern. Vor diesem Hintergrund wurden in der Studie EFBI (Einstellungen von FSJler*innen zu Behinderung und Inklusion) N = 538 Freiwillige zu Beginn, in der Mitte und am Ende ihrer Teilnahme am Freiwilligen Sozialen Jahr standardisiert befragt. Im vorliegenden Beitrag werden behinderungsbezogene Einstellungsentwicklungen mithilfe latenter Wachstumskurvenmodelle analysiert und Zusammenhänge mit relevanten personen- und kontextbezogenen Faktoren geprüft. Die Befunde weisen auf spezifische Subgruppen hin, die sich in Bezug auf ihre behinderungsbezogenen Einstellungen systematisch unterscheiden. Im Verlauf des FSJ bleiben diese Einstellungsprofile jedoch weitgehend stabil. Positivere Einstellungen sind dabei insbesondere mit einer positiveren Bewertung des Kontakts mit Menschen mit Behinderung assoziiert. Die abschließende Diskussion fokussiert Implikationen für die Förderung positiver sozialer Einstellungen in informellen bzw. non-formalen Lernsettings.
The Evidence for Implantable Sacral Neuromodulation in Pediatric Voiding Dysfunction
Authors: Malallah Mariam , Cameron Anne , Sack Bryan
Published: June 2024

Purpose of Review

The purpose of this review is to evaluate the evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of implantable sacral neuromodulation (SNM) in pediatric patients with voiding dysfunction. The aim is to address the lack of substantial supporting data for SNM use in pediatric populations and provide insights into its potential as a treatment option.

Recent Findings

Recent research indicates that SNM can be an effective treatment for pediatric voiding dysfunction when conventional therapies fail. A systematic review of eight studies published between 2008 and 2021, involving 427 pediatric patients, revealed promising outcomes. These included a 68% improvement rate in urinary symptoms, with 39% experiencing complete resolution. Urodynamic improvements were also noted, with reductions in detrusor pressure, uninhibited detrusor contractions, and postvoid residual volume. However, complications such as lead issues, device migration or erosion, pain, and IPG replacement were observed in a notable percentage of cases, necessitating reoperation in some instances.

In conclusion, implantable SNM emerges as a potentially effective treatment for pediatric voiding dysfunction, improving urinary symptoms and quality of life. However, the presence of complications underscores the importance of careful risk-benefit assessment for individual patients. Further research is warranted to address varying success rates and complications, emphasizing the need for improved trial quality in this field. The findings of this review highlight the potential impact of SNM in pediatric populations and underscore the need for continued investigation and refinement of this therapeutic approach.
Exploring CCR5 + T regulatory cell subset dysfunction in type 1 diabetes patients: implications for immune regulation
Authors: Urszula Ławrynowicz , Ulana Juhas , Bartosz Słomiński , Maja Okońska , Małgorzata Myśliwiec , Monika Ryba-Stanisławowska
Published: June 2024

T regulatory lymphocytes (Treg) expressing CCR5 exhibit strong suppression activity in various autoimmune disorders. However, there remains a lack of comprehensive understanding regarding their involvement in the development of type 1 diabetes (T1D). In this study, we examined the role of the CCR5/CCL5 axis in regulating inflammatory response and its impact on regulatory T cells in type 1 diabetes (T1D). We hypothesize that dysregulation of the CCR5/CCL5 axis contributes to the development and progression of T1D through modulation of Treg-dependent immune responses. We analyzed the expression levels of CCR5 on Tregs isolated from individuals with T1D, as well as the plasma concentration of its main ligands. We found that Tregs from T1D patients exhibited decreased expression of CCR5 compared to healthy controls. Additionally, we observed a correlation between the expression levels of CCR5 on Tregs and their immunosuppressive function in T1D patients. Our results indicate the impaired migratory capacity of CCR5 + Tregs, suggesting a possible link between the dysregulation of the CCR5/CCL5 axis and impaired immune regulation in T1D. In line with previous studies, our findings support the notion that dysregulation of the CCR5/CCL5 axis contributes to the development and progression of type 1 diabetes (T1D) by modulating Treg-dependent immune responses. The decreased expression of CCR5 on Tregs in T1D patients suggests a potential impairment in the migratory capacity of these cells, which could compromise their ability to suppress autoreactive T cells and maintain immune homeostasis. Furthermore, our study highlights the importance of CCR5 as a biomarker for identifying dysfunctional Tregs in T1D.
Revolutionizing cultural heritage preservation: an innovative IoT-based framework for protecting historical buildings
Authors: Casillo Mario , Colace Francesco , Gaeta Rosario , Lorusso Angelo , Santaniello Domenico , Valentino Carmine
Published: June 2024

Italy offers a cultural heritage of considerable value that needs to be protected. Indeed, natural deterioration linked to the passage of time affects ancient artifacts and buildings. Sometimes, the deterioration compromises the functionality of cultural assets, pushing them toward decay. In this scenario, effective intervention seems impossible on the various critical points because of the wide variability of factors involved and the wide range of possible treatments. However, the spread of low-cost technologies has led to the possibility of having different devices and sensors able to communicate and interact with each other and humans: the Internet of Things (IoT). In this scenario, the IoT paradigm makes it possible to map reality by defining a coherent virtual representation (Digital Twin), which could help preserve Cultural Heritage. This work introduces an IoT-based system combining monitoring, predictive maintenance, and decision-making regarding the implementable interventions for protecting cultural heritage buildings. For this purpose, deep and machine learning techniques allow for the detection and classification of damages on specific materials. The experimental phase consists of two phases: the first aims to evaluate the accuracy of the proposed architecture, and the second exploits a prototype capable of interacting with expert users. The results of the experimental campaign are promising.
Geometric Description of Some Loewner Chains with Infinitely Many Slits
Authors: Theodosiadis Eleftherios K. , Zarvalis Konstantinos
Published: June 2024

We study the chordal Loewner equation associated with certain driving functions that produce infinitely many slits. Specifically, for a choice of a sequence of positive numbers $$(b_n)_{n\ge 1}$$

(

b
n

)

n
≥
1

and points of the real line $$(k_n)_{n\ge 1}$$

(

k
n

)

n
≥
1

, we explicitily solve the Loewner PDE $$\begin{aligned} \dfrac{\partial f}{\partial t}(z,t)=-f'(z,t)\sum _{n=1}^{+\infty }\dfrac{2b_n}{z-k_n\sqrt{1-t}} \end{aligned}$$

∂
f

∂
t

(
z
,
t
)

=
-

f
′

(
z
,
t
)

∑

n
=
1

+
∞

2

b
n

z
-

k
n

1
-
t

in $$\mathbb {H}\times [0,1)$$

H
×
[
0
,
1
)

. Using techniques involving the harmonic measure, we analyze the geometric behaviour of its solutions, as $$t\rightarrow 1^-$$

t
→

1
-

.
OTUD7B knockdown inhibits proliferation and autophagy through AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in human prostate cancer cell
Authors: Kim Yae Ji , Lee Hui Ju , Kim Kyung Hyun , Cho Sung Pil , Jung Ju Young
Published: June 2024

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second leading disease of cancer-related death in men around the world, and it is almost impossible to treat advanced PCa. OTUD7B is a member of the deubiquitinase family that undergoes a post-translational transformation process, which is essential for cell stability and signaling and is known to play a critical role in cancer. However, its role in PCa has not been discovered. The aim of the study was to investigate the expression and mechanism of OTUD7B in PCa cells. According to the database, high OTUD7B expression showed a poor prognosis. Therefore, we downregulated OTUD7B using siRNA and confirmed the role of OTUD7B in PC3 prostate cancer cells. OTUD7B knockdown effectively induced apoptosis and inhibited the proliferation in PC3 cells. OTUD7B knockdown inhibited autophagy through AKT/mTOR signaling. We also confirmed the relationship between AKT/mTOR signaling and autophagy through rapamycin, an mTOR inhibitor. Taken together, OTUD7B promotes the proliferation, and autophagy, and inhibits apoptosis of prostate cancer cells via the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.
Reporting Only the Good News but Not the Bad? Mechanism of Negative Performance Feedback
Authors: Li Qiufang , Xia Hui
Published: June 2024

The phenomenon of supervisors ignoring or over-implementing negative performance feedback exists in the work environment. Unlike the view on the negative role of negative performance feedback, existing research also suggests that negative performance feedback can produce a facilitating effect. In this study, a theoretical model was constructed based on the feedback intervention theory to explore the mechanism of negative performance feedback from supervisors on the innovative behaviors of employees in light of the influence of regulatory focus on error handling ability. The results of this study show that employees with a high promotion or prevention focus choose to enhance their error handling ability in the face of negative performance feedback from supervisors, which in turn positively affects their innovative behaviors. This study not only expands the field of research on negative performance feedback and innovative behaviors, but also has important implications for supervisors to take measures to improve the ability and competitiveness of employees.
Penicillin removal from the aqueous environment based on AOPs/challenges and outlook. A review
Authors: Goodarzi Shima , Torabideh Masoomeh , Parsaseresht Gholamreza , Abdipour Hossein , Kamani Hossein , Zomorrodi Jangaee Tayebe
Published: June 2024

Today, the deterioration of water quality is still a big concern among researchers, whose essential strategy is to develop water purification processes. The presence of contamination of emerging concerns has become a challenging issue, their toxicity, persistence in the aquatic environment, and their mass accumulation at low concentrations have had adverse effects on human health and aquatic organisms. Biological disposal or improper disposal, these pollutants cause serious damage to the population of non-target groups. Penicillin is a broad-spectrum group of beta-lactam antibiotics that has caused concerns for human health and the environment due to its slow decomposition in water sources. This review article focuses on the application of advanced oxidation processes to eliminate these antibiotics. Several studies have investigated the effects of different parameters on species with both ultraviolet and non-ultraviolet light. The results have been promising, with an average efficiency above 80% for these processes. Despite the limitations of various methods, the knowledge gap in future studies has been addressed by proposing the use of Fenton, ultrasound method and Integrated processes like Synergistic Remediation-Advanced Oxidation Processes.
Deep Learning-Based Automated Analysis of NK Cell Cytotoxicity in Single Cancer Cell Arrays
Authors: Moon Dowon , Kim Seong-Eun , Wang Chuangqi , Lee Kwonmoo , Doh Junsang
Published: June 2024

The cytotoxicity assay of immune cells based on live cell imaging offers comprehensive information at the single cell-level information, but the data acquisition and analysis are labor-intensive. To overcome this limitation, we previously developed single cancer cell arrays that immobilize cancer cells in microwells as single cell arrays, thus allow high-throughput data acquisition. In this study, we utilize deep learning to automatically analyze NK cell cytotoxicity in the context of single cancer cell arrays. Defined cancer cell position and the separation of NK cells and cancer cells along distinct optical planes facilitate segmentation and classification by deep learning. Various deep learning models are evaluated to determine the most appropriate model. The results of the deep learning-based automated data analysis are consistent with those of the previous manual analysis. The integration of the microwell platform and deep learning would present new opportunities for the analysis of cell–cell interactions.
Characterising Parent-Appeal Marketing on Foods for Children: A Scoping Review
Authors: Chung Alexandra , Hatzikiriakidis Kostas , Martino Florentine , Skouteris Helen
Published: June 2024

Purpose of Review

This scoping review examines current evidence on parent-appeal marketing on the front-of-pack of food products for children and the impacts on parents’ perceptions, intentions, and behaviours.

Recent Findings

Thirteen relevant studies were identified. Marketing features on packages of foods for children that appealed to parents include health claims, nutrition claims, non-nutrient claims such as 'natural', healthy-looking product images, images of healthy ingredients, and celebrity endorsements. At the same time, parents were wary of front-of-pack marketing and find it confusing, deceptive, and misleading. Child-appeal marketing features such as cartoon characters and bright colours gave parents the perception that products were unhealthy.

Overall, this scoping review offers important insights into the types of front-of-pack marketing that appeal to parents and offers an inventory of parent-appeal marketing features. These findings support the design and implementation of policies that aim to reduce commercial influences on children’s diets through stronger regulation of marketing of foods for children.
Removal of Ni(II) from aqueous solution using chemically modified cellulose nanofibers derived from orange peels
Authors: Matsedisho B. , Otieno B. , Kabuba J. , Leswifi T. , Ochieng A.
Published: June 2024

Orange peel waste is generally of low economic value even though it contains components such as cellulose which can be utilised to produce nanocellulose adsorbents for wastewater remediation. This study was aimed at improving the chemical and physical properties of cellulose nanofibers derived from modified orange peel (OP) biosorbent. The OP was chemically modified using Phosphoric acid (POP) and Sodium hydroxide (NaOP) and applied for the removal of Ni(II) contained in wastewater. Biosorbent characterisation using Fourier transform infrared spectrometer revealed the presence of acidic carboxyl groups, the principal ligands responsible for metal binding. Increased crystallinity due to chemical treatment was confirmed by X-ray diffraction, while Transmission Electron microscopy and Scanning electron microscopy analyses confirmed the formation of nanofibers. The raw and modified orange peel fibres had surface areas of 0.948 m2/g and 1.428 m2/g, respectively, obtained from the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analyser. From the batch adsorption studies, the optimum pH values were between 5 and 6, equilibrium was reached within one hour and thirty minutes for all the biosorbents, and the optimum adsorbent mass was 4 g/L. The Langmuir equation provided the best fit with maximum uptake capacities of 37.5, 21.08 and 8.4 mg/g for POP, NaOP, and OP, respectively. Compared to the raw orange peel, the adsorption capacities of the chemically modified orange peels were higher, with POP having the highest adsorption capacity of 37.5 mg/g.
Weight change patterns across adulthood are associated with the risk of osteoarthritis: a population-based study
Authors: Cui Aiyong , Zhang Jun , Deng Hongli , Wei Xing , Zhuang Yan , Wang Hu
Published: June 2024

Background

Body weight has been recognized as a driving factor of osteoarthritis. Few studies had investigated the association between weight status across adulthood and risk of osteoarthritis (OA). This study investigates the association of weight change patterns across adulthood (lasting at least 25 years) with the risk of OA from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2013–2018.

Methods

The study assessed the relationship between weight change across adulthood and OA in 7392 individuals aged > 50 spanning a minimum of 25 years. Multivariate linear regression analyses were utilized to detect the association between weight change patterns and self-reported OA. Restricted cubic splines (RCS) were used to examine the nonlinear relationship between absolute weight change and OA risk.

Results

From 10 years ago to survey, the risk of OA was 1.34-fold (95% CI 1.07–1.68) in people changed from obese to non-obese, 1.61-fold (95% CI 1.29–2.00) in people change from non-obese to obese, and 1.82-fold (95% CI 1.49–2.22) in stable obese people compared with people who were at stable normal weight. Similar patterns were also observed at age 25 years to baseline and age 25 years to 10 years before the baseline. The dose–response association of RCS found a U-shaped relationship between absolute weight change and OA risk.

Conclusions

The study suggests that weight patterns across adulthood are associated with the risk of OA. These findings stressed important to maintain a normal weight throughout adulthood, especially to prevent ignored weight gain in early adulthood to reduce OA risk later.
Recommending suitable hotels to travelers in the post-COVID-19 pandemic using a novel FAHP-fuzzy TOPSIS approach
Authors: Chen Tin-Chih Toly , Wu Hsin-Chieh , Hsu Keng-Wei
Published: June 2024

Cities around the world have reopened from the lockdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and more and more people are planning regional travel. Therefore, it is a practical problem to recommend suitable hotels to travelers amid the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it is also a challenging task since the criteria that affect hotel selection amid the COVID-19 pandemic may be different from those usually considered. From this perspective, a novel fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP)-fuzzy technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (fuzzy TOPSIS) approach is proposed in this study for hotel recommendation. The proposed methodology not only considers the criteria affecting hotel selection amid the COVID-19 pandemic, but also establishes a systematic mechanism to simultaneously improve the accuracy and efficiency of the recommendation process. The novel FAHP-fuzzy TOPSIS approach has been successfully applied to recommend suitable hotels to fifteen travelers for regional trips amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Advancements in fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites: an extensive review
Authors: mahboubizadeh Shahram , Sadeq Abdellatif , Arzaqi Zahra , Ashkani Omid , Samadoghli Mobin
Published: June 2024

Recent advancements in material sciences have underscored the increasing utilization of composite materials, notably polymer-based composites, renowned for their exceptional tensile strength and lightweight characteristics. The tailored fiber structures within these composites, and their strategic placement within the polymer matrix, are pivotal in modifying the resultant composite's properties. This review article systematically examines the diverse attributes of Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) composites, including their manufacturing techniques, mechanical properties, and application domains. In this article, the role of natural and artificial fibers in the development of FRP composites is discussed. It has also been observed that new research is being done in the direction of quantum dots (QDs) in order to improve some features of FRP composites. A particular focus is placed on how different fiber weaves and orientations impact the overall performance and utility of FRP components. By aggregating and analyzing current research, this paper aims to elucidate the complexities of FRP composites and forecast trends in their development and use. Also, in the final part, a review of the importance of additive manufacturing in the development of FRP composites has been done.
Neoadjuvant programmed cell death 1 blockade combined with chemotherapy for locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Han Ping , Liang Faya , Song Pan , Wu Taowei , Li Yangyang , Gao Ming , Lin Peiliang , Fan Jianming , Huang Xiaoming
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Anatomical structures and organ preservation concepts of the head and neck are important for patients with locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (LA HNSCC). Neoadjuvant chemotherapy has been applied to improve organ preservation; however, pathological complete remission is still unsatisfactory. The purpose of this study was to explore the pathological complete response (pCR) rate and safety of immune checkpoint blockade combined with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in patients with LA HNSCC.

Methods

Fifty-one patients participated in this retrospective study, and of these, 25 received NAC only (cisplatin+5-fluorouracil+nab-paclitaxel), and 26 received NAC (cisplatin+5-fluorouracil) plus pembrolizumab. Pathological complete remission, the objective response rate (ORR), delayed surgery and toxicity were compared between the two groups.

Results

A significant difference was observed in the pCR rate and ORR between the NAC+ICB group and the NAC group. Delaying surgery and Grade 3 or 4 AEs occurred more frequently in the NAC group. In the NAC-only group, during a median follow-up period of 31.80 months, the recurrence-free survival (RFS) rate was 80.0%, the disease-free survival (DFS) rate was 80.0% and the overall survival (OS) rate was 88.0%. In the NAC+ICB group, during the median follow-up period of 22.99 months, the RFS rate was 96.2%, the DFS rate was 96.2% and the OS rate was 100%.

Conclusion

The combination of pembrolizumab with NAC could improve the pathological response without increasing the risk of toxicity, which provides pathological evidence for the treatment of LA HNSCC patients with NAC+ICB.
X-Model4Rec: An Extensible Recommender Model Based on the User’s Dynamic Taste Profile
Authors: de Azambuja Rogério Xavier , Morais A. Jorge , Filipe Vítor
Published: June 2024

Several approaches have been proposed to obtain successful models to solve complex next-item recommendation problem in non-prohibitive computational time, such as by using heuristics, designing architectures, and applying information filtering techniques. In the current technological scenario of artificial intelligence, sequential recommender systems have been gaining attention and they are a highly demanding research area, especially using deep learning in their development. Our research focuses on an efficient and practical model for managing sequential session-based recommendations of specific products for users using the wine and movie domains as case studies. Through an innovative recommender model called X-Model4Rec – eXtensible Model for Recommendation, we explore the user's dynamic taste profile using architectures with transformer and multi-head attention mechanisms to solve the next-item recommendation problem. The performance of the proposed model is compared to that of classical and baseline recommender models on two real-world datasets of wines and movies, and the results are better for most of the evaluation metrics.
PrimitiveNet: decomposing the global constraints for referring segmentation
Authors: Liu Chang , Jiang Xudong , Ding Henghui
Published: June 2024

In referring segmentation, modeling the complicated constraints in the multimodal information is one of the most challenging problems. As the information in a given language expression and image becomes increasingly abundant, most of the current one-stage methods that directly output the segmentation mask encounter difficulties in understanding the complicated relationships between the image and the expression. In this work, we propose a PrimitiveNet to decompose the difficult global constraints into a set of simple primitives. Each primitive produces a primitive mask that represents only simple semantic meanings, e.g., all instances from the same category. Then, the output segmentation mask is computed by selectively combining these primitives according to the language expression. Furthermore, we propose a cross-primitive attention (CPA) module and a language-primitive attention (LPA) module to exchange information among all primitives and the language expression, respectively. The proposed CPA and LPA help the network find appropriate weights for primitive masks, so as to recover the target object. Extensive experiments have proven the effectiveness of our design and verified that the proposed network outperforms current state-of-the-art referring segmentation methods on three RefCOCO datasets.
Perceptual (roots of) core knowledge
Authors: Scholl Brian J.
Published: June 2024

Some core knowledge may be rooted in – or even identical to – well-characterized mechanisms of mid-level visual perception and attention. In the decades since it was first proposed, this possibility has inspired (and has been supported by) several discoveries in both infant cognition and adult perception, but it also faces several challenges. To what degree does What Babies Know reflect how babies see and attend?
Hydrogen Isotope Fingerprinting of Lipid Biomarkers in the Chinese Marginal Seas
Authors: Li Li , Sachs Julian P. , Yu Meng , Tao Shuqin , Wolhowe Matthew , Eglinton Timothy I. , Zhao Meixun
Published: June 2024

The hydrogen isotope ratio (δ2H) of lipid biomarkers from phytoplankton and terrestrial plants were measured in surface sediments from Chinese marginal seas (CMS), in order to evaluate processes affecting their spatial distribution, and by extension, the controls on organic carbon cycling in these dynamic marginal seas. The dinoflagellate sterol dinosterol and the microalgal sterol brassicasterol had low δ2H values (<−300%) near the mouth of the Yangtze River. Near the mouth of the Yellow River, dinosterol again had low δ2H values but brassicasterol had intermediate (−292 to −281%) δ2H values. This discrepancy in the δ2H values of two phytoplankton sterols may be explained by the timing of dinoflagellate production relative to that of brassicasterol producers (e.g., diatoms). The δ2H values of C16:0 fatty acid, synthesized by all organisms, had intermediate δ2H values (−199 to −178%) near the Yangtze River and lowest δ2H C16:0 values (−216 to −206%) occurred near the old Yellow River delta. The lowest δ2H C28:0 values (<−184%) occurred adjacent to rivers, suggesting that leaf‐wax lipids produced on the loess plateau, which are enriched in 2H, may contribute less to the nearshore environment than the offshore regions. Higher δ2H C28:0 values offshore may be explained by a larger contribution of leaf wax fatty acids from aerosols relative to river‐borne suspended particles. Lipid biomarker δ2H fingerprinting thus provides a new tool for deciphering the controls on organic carbon cycling and accumulation in the dynamic CMS.
Dome Craters on Ganymede and Callisto May Form by Topographic Relaxation of Pit Craters Aided by Remnant Impact Heat
Authors: Caussi M. L. , Dombard A. J. , Korycansky D. G. , White O. L. , Moore J. M. , Schenk P. M.
Published: June 2024

The icy Galilean satellites display impact crater morphologies that are rare in the Solar System. They deviate from the archetypal sequence of crater morphologies as a function of size found on rocky bodies and other icy satellites: they exhibit central pits in place of peaks, followed by central dome craters, anomalous dome craters, penepalimpsests, palimpsests, and multi‐ring structures. Understanding the origin of these features will provide insight into the geophysical factors that operate within the icy Galilean satellites. Pit craters above a size threshold feature domes. This trend, and the similarity in morphology between the two classes, suggest a genetic link between pit and dome craters. We propose that dome craters evolve from pit craters through topographic relaxation, facilitated by remnant heat from the impact. Our finite element simulations show that, for the specific crater sizes where we see domes on Ganymede and Callisto, domes form from pit craters within 10 Myr. Topographic relaxation eliminates the stresses induced by crater topography and restores a flat surface: ice flows downwards from the rim and upwards from the crater depression driven by gravity. When the starting topography is a pit crater, the heat left over from the impact is concentrated below the pit. Since warm ice flows more rapidly, the upward flow is enhanced beneath the pit, leading to the emergence of a dome. Given the timescales and the dependence on heat flux, this model could be used to constrain the thermal history and evolution of these moons.