bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus: An Emerging Threat in Europe with a Focus on Epidemiology in Spain
Authors: Eslava María , Carlos Silvia , Reina Gabriel
Published: September 2024

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a tick-borne disease transmitted by ticks of the genus Hyalomma and caused by a virus of the Nairoviridae family. In humans, the virus can generate different clinical presentations that can range from asymptomatic to mild illness or produce an hemorrhagic fever with a mortality rate of approximately 30%. The virus pathogenicity and the lack of effective treatment or vaccine for its prevention make it an agent of concern from a public health point of view. The main transmission route is tick bites, so people most exposed to this risk are more likely to become infected. Another risk group are veterinarians and livestock farmers who are in contact with the blood and other fluids of animals that are mostly asymptomatic. Finally, due to its first phase with a non-characteristic symptomatology, there exists a risk of nosocomial infection. It is endemic in Africa, the Balkans, the Middle East, and those Asian countries south of the 50th parallel north, the geographical limit of the main vector. Recently, autochthonous cases have been observed in areas of Europe where the virus was not previously present. Human cases have been detected in Greece, Bulgaria, and Spain. Spain is one of the most affected countries, with a total of 17 autochthonous cases detected since 2013. In other countries, such as France, the virus is present in ticks and animals but has not spread to humans. A high-quality epidemiological surveillance system in these countries is essential to avoid the expansion of this virus to new areas and to limit the impact of current cases.
Development of Dual-Targeted Mixed Micelles Loaded with Celastrol and Evaluation on Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Therapy
Authors: Huang Siying , Xiao Simeng , Li Xuehao , Tao Ranran , Yang Zhangwei , Gao Ziwei , Hu Junjie , Meng Yan , Zheng Guohua , Chen Xinyan
Published: September 2024

Considering that the precise delivery of Celastrol (Cst) into mitochondria to induce mitochondrial dysfunction may be a potential approach to improve the therapeutic outcomes of Cst on TNBC, a novel tumor mitochondria dual-targeted mixed-micelle nano-system was fabricated via self-synthesized triphenylphosphonium-modified cholesterol (TPP-Chol) and hyaluronic acid (HA)-modified cholesterol (HA-Chol). The Cst-loaded mixed micelles (Cst@HA/TPP-M) exhibited the characteristics of a small particle size, negative surface potential, high drug loading of up to 22.8%, and sustained drug release behavior. Compared to Cst-loaded micelles assembled only by TPP-Chol (Cst@TPP-M), Cst@HA/TPP-M decreased the hemolysis rate and upgraded the in vivo stability and safety. In addition, a series of cell experiments using the triple-negative breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 as a cell model proved that Cst@HA/TPP-M effectively increased the cellular uptake of the drug through CD44-receptors-mediated endocytosis, and the uptake amount was three times that of the free Cst group. The confocal results demonstrated successful endo-lysosomal escape and effective mitochondrial transport triggered by the charge converse of Cst@HA/TPP-M after HA degradation in endo-lysosomes. Compared to the free Cst group, Cst@HA/TPP-M significantly elevated the ROS levels, reduced the mitochondrial membrane potential, and promoted tumor cell apoptosis, showing a better induction effect on mitochondrial dysfunction. In vivo imaging and antitumor experiments based on MDA-MB-231-tumor-bearing nude mice showed that Cst@HA/TPP-M facilitated drug enrichment at the tumor site, attenuated drug systemic distribution, and polished up the antitumor efficacy of Cst compared with free Cst. In general, as a target drug delivery system, mixed micelles co-constructed by TPP-Chol and HA-Chol might provide a promising strategy to ameliorate the therapeutic outcomes of Cst on TNBC.
Preparation of Glutathione-Responsive Paclitaxel Prodrug Based on Endogenous Molecule of L-Glutathione Oxidized for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Duan Xiao , Wang Qiang , Wang Yue , Liu Xinping , Lu Manman , Li Zhifang , Jiang Xuelian , Ji Jingquan
Published: September 2024

Using an endogenous carrier is the best method to address the biocompatibility of carriers in the drug delivery field. Herein, we prepared a glutathione-responsive paclitaxel prodrug micelle based on an endogenous molecule of L-glutathione oxidized (GSSG) for cancer therapy using one-pot synthesis. The carboxyl groups in L-glutathione oxidized were reacted with the hydroxyl group in paclitaxel (PTX) using the catalysts dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC) and 4-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP). Then, the amino-polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether (mPEG-NH2) was conjugated with GSSG to prepare PTX-GSSG-PEG. The structure of PTX-GSSG-PEG was characterized using infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), and mass spectrometry (MS). The drug release kinetics of PTX within PTX-GSSG-PEG were quantified using ultraviolet spectroscopy (UV-Vis). The size of the PTX-GSSG-PEG micelles was 83 nm, as evaluated using dynamic light scattering (DLS), and their particle size remained stable in a pH 7.4 PBS for 7 days. Moreover, the micelles could responsively degrade and release PTX in a reduced glutathione environment. The drug loading of PTX in PTX-GSSG-PEG was 13%, as determined using NMR. Furthermore, the cumulative drug release rate of PTX from the micelles reached 72.1% in a reduced glutathione environment of 5 mg/mL at 120 h. Cell viability experiments demonstrated that the PTX-GSSG-PEG micelles could induce the apoptosis of MCF-7 cells. Additionally, cell uptake showed that the micelles could distribute to the cell nuclei within 7 h. To sum up, with this glutathione-responsive paclitaxel prodrug micelle based on the endogenous molecule GSSG, it may be possible to develop novel nanomedicines in the future.
Drug Shortage and Ethical Issues: Integrating Multidisciplinary Perspectives with a Shared Ethical Framework
Authors: Wai Maya C.
Published: September 2024

Drug shortages can cause ethical dilemmas when no systematic, equitable allocation, or utilization schema is in place. During the COVID-19 pandemic, an ethical framework outlining moral values was proposed as way to approach allocating limited resources to patients. In addition to an ethical perspective, it is prudent to consider costs. Examining existing economic frameworks and combining them with an ethical perspective may provide a practical, systematic process for decision makers when allocating drugs in short supply. Drug shortages continue to impact multiple areas across different subspecialties of medicine due to multiple factors, including limited manufacturers, regulatory issues, and costs. All of these factors make it difficult to anticipate and manage drug shortages effectively, but developing a combined framework may reduce some of the ethical and equitable ambiguity with regards to patient care.
Decolonial Philosophies and Complex Communication as Praxis
Authors: Jung Colette Sybille
Published: September 2024

Coalitional communication is a dwelling amidst non-dominant differences that requires introspective, complex communicative philosophy and practice. My concern is with differentiation in hierarchies. They are understood and shaped by colonial modernity. They are historical logics and practices of settler colonialism, enslavement, and citizenship. My perspective is feminist, decolonial critiques of modern, capitalist social systems. The analysis is grounded in communicative philosophy in intercultural contexts where folks intend justice and equality. For example, in political democracies, localized social alliances actually harm one another being hegemonic by taking routes of familiarity through structures of linguistic and practical cultural systems. Communicative projects of liberation across oppressions (with monologic and single-axis perceptions) tend to miss intersections of our raced and gendered experiences. The result is unintelligibility among us. In this state, one can sense in the body the space of the liminal—with both a communicative impasse and opening. Rather than aligning liberation and domination in the impasse, I describe the creativity of liminal space as a communicative opening. The opening is a recognition of multiplicity and a refusal to assimilate each other’s lived experiences into familiar, complex codes of habituated thought and action. Examining communication hostilities in oppressed–oppressing relations is a necessary condition for coalition. Thus, coalitional communication is a call to engage a full sense of listening to one another as relevant. Ways that decipher codes and signals of resistance come to constitute the project of creating relevant intelligibility together. Praxis as critical, dialectical, and intersectional thinking is part of this method.
Research on Mitigating Atmosphere Turbulence Fading by Relay Selections in Free-Space Optical Communication Systems with Multi-Transceivers
Authors: San Xiaogang , Liu Zuoyu , Wang Ying
Published: September 2024

In free-space optical communication (FSOC) systems, atmospheric turbulence can bring about power fluctuations in receiver ends, restricting channel capacity. Relay techniques can divide a long FSOC link into several short links to mitigate the fading events caused by atmospheric turbulence. This paper proposes a Reinforcement Learning-based Relay Selection (RLRS) method based on Deep Q-Network (DQN) in a FSOC system with multiple transceivers, whose aim is to enhance the average channel capacity of the system. Malaga turbulence is studied in this paper. The presence of handover loss is also considered. The relay nodes serve in decode-and-forward (DF). Simulation results demonstrate that the RLRS algorithm outperforms the conventional greedy algorithm, which implies that the RLRS algorithm may be utilized in practical FSOC systems.
Effects of Micronutrients on the Growth and Phytochemical Composition of Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) in the Field and Greenhouse (Hydroponics and Soil Culture)
Authors: Aghamirzaei Hamid , Mumivand Hasan , Nia Abdollah Ehtesham , Raji Mohamad Reza , Maroyi Alfred , Maggi Filippo
Published: September 2024

The current research was conducted to compare the growth, yield, and phytochemical composition of basil (Ocimum basilicum) in the open field and the soil and hydroponic cultivation in a greenhouse. Furthermore, the effect of foliar spraying of micronutrients on this crop was also evaluated. In each of the cultivation systems, foliar spraying of one micronutrient, either iron sulfate (Fe), zinc sulfate (Zn), copper sulfate (Cu), manganese sulfate (Mn), or boric acid (B), at a concentration of 0.1% was applied in a randomized complete block design. Plants grown in the hydroponic system had higher yield and biomass. The concentration of the elements K, Ca, Mg, N, P, Mn, Fe, B, and Zn in the leaves of hydroponic plants was higher. Contrarily, plants cultivated in the field showed higher stem dry weight, essential oil content, phenolic and flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity. The level of methyl chavicol was higher in the hydroponic culture, but the level of 1,8-cineole was much lower in this cropping system. Foliar spraying of Cu, Mn, Zn, Fe, or B significantly increased leaf dry weight and anthocyanin content. In field conditions, the highest levels of phenolics, flavonoids, and antioxidant capacity were observed with Zn or Mn application. In the hydroponic system, foliar spraying of Zn or B led to the highest antioxidant capacity, and total phenolic and flavonoid contents. Overall, the basil plants cultivated in the field showed higher bioactive ingredients. However, the essential oil of plants cultivated in the hydroponic system had a higher economic value due to its higher percentage of methyl chavicol.
Metabolism of Malus halliana Roots Provides Insights into Iron Deficiency Tolerance Mechanisms
Authors: Chen You-ting , Zhang Xia-yi , Zhang De , Zhang Zhong-xing , Wang Yan-xiu
Published: September 2024

Iron (Fe) deficiency is one of the most common micronutrient imbalances limiting plant growth globally, especially in arid and saline alkali regions due to the decreased availability of Fe in alkaline soils. Malus halliana grows well in arid regions and is tolerant of Fe deficiency. Here, a physiological and metabolomic approach was used to analyze the short-term molecular response of M. halliana roots to Fe deficiency. On the one hand, physiological data show that the root activity first increased and then decreased with the prolongation of the stress time, but the change trend of root pH was just the opposite. The total Fe content decreased gradually, while the effective Fe decreased at 12 h and increased at 3 d. The activity of iron reductase (FCR) increased with the prolongation of stress. On the other hand, a total of 61, 73, and 45 metabolites were identified by GC–MS in three pairs: R12h (Fe deficiency 12 h) vs. R0h (Fe deficiency 0 h), R3d (Fe deficiency 3 d) vs. R0h, and R3d vs. R12h, respectively. Sucrose, as a source of energy, produces monosaccharides such as glucose by hydrolysis, while glucose accumulates significantly at the first (R12h vs. R0h) and third time points (R3d vs. R0h). Carbohydrates (digalacturonate, L-xylitol, ribitol, D-xylulose, glucose, and glycerol) are degraded into pyruvate through glycolysis and pentose phosphate, which participate in the TCA. Glutathione metabolism and the TCA cycle coordinate with each other, actively respond to Fe deficiency stress, and synthesize secondary metabolites at the same time. This study thoroughly examines the metabolite response to plant iron deficiency, highlighting the crucial roles of sugar metabolism, tricarboxylic acid cycle regulation, and glutathione metabolism in the short-term iron deficiency response of apples. It also lays the groundwork for future research on analyzing iron deficiency tolerance.
Effects of Different Straw Return Modes on Soil Carbon, Nitrogen, and Greenhouse Gas Emissions in the Semiarid Maize Field
Authors: Hua Lu , Yang Zhenxing , Li Wenqian , Zhao Yidong , Xia Jie , Dong Wenyi , Chen Baoqing
Published: September 2024

Returning straw to the field is a crucial practice for enhancing soil quality and increasing efficient use of secondary crop products. However, maize straw has a higher carbon-to-nitrogen ratio compared to other crops. This can result in crop nitrogen loss when the straw is returned to the field. Therefore, it is crucial to explore how different methods of straw return affect maize (Zea mays L.) farmland. In this study, a field experiment was performed with three treatments (I, no straw returned, CK; II, direct straw return, SR; and III, straw returned in deep furrows, ISR) to explore the effects of the different straw return modes on soil carbon and nitrogen content and greenhouse gas emissions. The results indicated that the SR and ISR treatments increased the dissolved organic carbon (DOC) content in the topsoil (0–15 cm). Additionally, the ISR treatment boosted the contents of total nitrogen (TN), nitrate nitrogen (NO3−-N), ammonium nitrogen (NH4+-N), dissolved organic nitrogen (DON), and DOC in the subsurface soil (15–30 cm) compared with CK. When it comes to greenhouse gas emissions, the ISR treatment led to an increase in CO2 emissions. However, SR and ISR reduced N2O emissions, with ISR showing a more pronounced reduction. The ISR treatment significantly increased leaf and grain biomass compared to CK and SR. The correlation analyses showed that the yield was positively correlated with soil DOC, and soil greenhouse gas emission was correlated with soil NO3−-N. The ISR technology has great potential in sequestering soil organic matter, improving soil fertility, and realizing sustainable agricultural development.
The Hole Truth: Why Do Bumble Bees Rob Flowers More Than Once?
Authors: Bronstein Judith L. , Davidowitz Goggy , Lichtenberg Elinor M. , Irwin Rebecca E.
Published: September 2024

Primary nectar-robbers feed through holes they make in flowers, often bypassing the plant’s reproductive organs in the process. In many robbed plants, multiple holes are made in a single flower. Why a flower should be robbed repeatedly is difficult to understand: a hole signals that a nectar forager has already fed, which would seem likely to predict low rewards. We tested three explanations for this pattern in Corydalis caseana (Fumariaceae), a bumble bee pollinated and robbed plant: (1) multiple holes appear only after all flowers have been robbed once; (2) individual foragers make multiple holes during single visits; and (3) it is more profitable for bees to rob older flowers, even if they have already been robbed. We tested these hypotheses from 2014 to 2016 in a Colorado, USA population using data on robbing rates over time, floral longevity, nectar accumulation in visited and unvisited flowers, and the accumulation of robbing holes across the life of flowers. Multiple holes were already appearing when two-thirds of flowers still lacked a single hole, allowing us to reject the first hypothesis. The second hypothesis cannot offer a full explanation for multiple robbing holes because 35% of additional holes appeared in flowers one or more days after the first hole was made. Repeated sampling of bagged and exposed inflorescences revealed that flowers filled at a constant rate and refilled completely after being drained. Consequently, young flowers are of consistently low value to foragers compared to older flowers even if they had previously been robbed, consistent with the third hypothesis. While further studies are needed, these results offer a simple explanation for the paradoxical clustering of nectar-robbing damage in this and possibly other plant species.
Meta-Analysis of the Impact of Far-Red Light on Vegetable Crop Growth and Quality
Authors: Zhang Minggui , Ju Jun , Hu Youzhi , He Rui , Song Jiali , Liu Houcheng
Published: September 2024

Far-red lights (FRs), with a wavelength range between 700 and 800 nm, have substantial impacts on plant growth, especially horticultural crops. Previous studies showed conflicting results on the effects of FRs on vegetable growth and quality. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis on the influence of FRs on vegetable growth, aiming to provide a comprehensive overview of their effects on the growth and nutritional indicators of vegetables. A total of 207 independent studies from 55 literature sources were analyzed. The results showed that FR treatment had significant effects on most growth indicators, including increasing the fresh weight (+25.27%), dry weight (+21.99%), plant height (+81.87%), stem diameter (+12.91%), leaf area (+18.57%), as well as reducing the content of chlorophyll (−11.88%) and soluble protein (−11.66%), while increasing soluble sugar content (+19.12%). Further subgroup analysis based on various factors revealed significant differences in the effects of FR on different physiological indicators, such as FR intensity, plant species, duration of FR exposure, and the ratio of red light to FR. In general, moderate FR treatment is beneficial for vegetable growth. This study provides important references and guidelines for optimizing the application of FR in the future.
The Influence of Mixing Speed on the Physicomechanical Parameters of Polyaddition Poly(dimethylsiloxanes) with Fillers
Authors: Chmielnicka Ewelina , Szymiczek Małgorzata , Chmielnicki Błażej
Published: September 2024

In this article, we present an analysis of the properties of polyaddition poly(dimethylsiloxanes) (PDMS) and their potential applications after modification. The focus is on understanding how different fillers and mixing speeds affect the mechanical and electrical properties of PDMS, as well as the benefits and challenges associated with these modifications. Additionally, the prospects for future development of PDMS-based technologies, which could bring significant innovations in various industrial fields, are discussed.
Test Results of Crystalline Silicon Melting Process from Briquetted Monocharge Obtained from Microsilica
Authors: Baisanov Alibek , Vorobkalo Nina , Shabanov Yerbol , Mussin Azat , Sharieva Symbat , Makishev Amir
Published: September 2024

Currently, enterprises producing crystalline silicon are facing the formation and accumulation of large volumes of microsilica, a technogenic dusty waste formed during the melting of silicon alloys. Due to its chemical composition, this waste can be a significant raw material for metallurgical production. Therefore, this study is aimed to solve the problem of recycling microsilica. For these studies, a technology for the combined briquetting of microsilica and a carbonaceous reducing agent was developed for the production of a pilot batch of briquettes. This paper presents the results obtained from the process of testing the melting of crystalline (technical) silicon from briquetted monocharge obtained from microsilica. The tests were conducted under large-scale laboratory conditions on a 200 kVA ore-thermal furnace, where 30, 50, and 100% replacements of the traditional charge mixture with briquettes were tested. The results of this study showed that briquettes in the melting process of technical silicon can be successfully used in the range of 0 to 50%. The use of briquettes can significantly improve the technological indicators. The maximum extraction of silicon (approximately 83%) was achieved at 30% replacement. The technical and economic indicators of the process also improved. In particular, an increase in productivity was observed in comparison with tests on a traditional charge.
Recent Advances in the Strategies for Developing and Modifying Photocatalytic Materials for Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Dostanić Jasmina , Lončarević Davor , Hadnađev-Kostić Milica , Vulić Tatjana
Published: September 2024

In recent decades, the rising wastewater output from industrial pollution has inflicted severe harm on both surface and groundwater, leading to substantial environmental damage. The elimination of harmful, toxic materials and wastewater remediation are pressing global concerns and pose a formidable challenge for scientists worldwide. Heterogeneous photocatalysis has been recognized as a promising, effective, energy-free, and eco-friendly process capable of completely degrading various organic pollutants. Finding a material that simultaneously satisfies various thermodynamic and kinetic criteria, coupled with good thermal- and photo-stability, is a challenging task necessitating the modification of existing materials or the synthesis of new ones to meet the required standards. This present study comprehensibly elaborates on different approaches to the modification of various photocatalytic systems, both organic and inorganic, in order to obtain more efficient and feasible catalysts for practical applications. In addition, the current status of the application of photocatalysts in dye wastewater treatment is summarized, projecting the future direction for wastewater management by photocatalytic processes.
Experimental Investigation and Numerical Validation of a Roots Pump’s Performance Operating with Gas-Liquid Mixtures
Authors: Qin Kan , Zhang Yuhang , Yan Tianshuo , Guo Qing , Luo Kai
Published: September 2024

To facilitate the high operating pressure of a novel underwater power cycle, the potential of Roots pumps for pressurizing gas-liquid mixtures is experimentally investigated in this paper. The experimental facility is constructed, and the effects of inlet gas volume fractions and rotational speeds on the pump performance are discussed. The results show that the increased inlet gas volume fraction is beneficial to increasing the pump efficiency. This is associated with the increased pressure ratio and the gas-liquid mixture compressibility. In addition, the increases in rotational speed and liquid phase volume fraction negatively affect the pump’s efficiency. These phenomena are caused by the resulting high pressure difference and subsequently the back-flow from the pump outlet, thereby increasing the gap leakage and decreasing the Roots pump’s operating efficiency. The numerical model is further compared against experimental resultsk and the maximum difference is found to be less than 7.53%. This paper experimentally tests the potential of Roots pumps for pressurizing gas-liquid mixtures.
Two-Stage Robust Optimization of Integrated Energy Systems Considering Uncertainty in Carbon Source Load
Authors: Li Na , Zheng Boyuan , Wang Guanxiong , Liu Wenjie , Guo Dongxu , Zou Linna , Pan Chongchao
Published: September 2024

Integrated Energy Systems (IESs) interconnect various energy networks to achieve coordinated planning and optimized operation among heterogeneous energy subsystems, making them a hot topic in current energy research. However, with the high integration of renewable energy sources, their fluctuation characteristics introduce uncertainties to the entire system, including the corresponding indirect carbon emissions from electricity. To address these issues, this paper constructs a two-stage, three-layer robust optimization operation model for IESs from day-ahead to intra-day. The model analyzes the uncertainties in carbon emission intensity at grid-connected nodes, as well as the uncertainty characteristics of photovoltaic, wind turbine, and cooling, heating, and electricity loads, expressed using polyhedral uncertainty sets. It standardizes the modeling of internal equipment in the IES, introduces carbon emission trading mechanisms, and constructs a low-carbon economic model, transforming the objective function and constraints into a compact form. The column-and-constraint generation algorithm is applied to transform the three-layer model into a single-layer main problem and a two-layer subproblem for iterative solution. The Karush–Kuhn–Tucker (KKT) condition is used to convert the two-layer subproblem into a linear programming model. A case study conducted on a park shows that while the introduction of uncertainty optimization increases system costs and carbon emissions compared to deterministic optimization, the scheduling strategy is more stable, significantly reducing the impact of uncertainties on the system. Moreover, the proposed strategy reduces total costs by 5.03% and carbon emissions by 1.25% compared to scenarios considering only source load uncertainty, fully verifying that the proposed method improves the economic and low-carbon performance of the system.
Transforming Clinical Research: The Power of High-Throughput Omics Integration
Authors: Vitorino Rui
Published: September 2024

High-throughput omics technologies have dramatically changed biological research, providing unprecedented insights into the complexity of living systems. This review presents a comprehensive examination of the current landscape of high-throughput omics pipelines, covering key technologies, data integration techniques and their diverse applications. It looks at advances in next-generation sequencing, mass spectrometry and microarray platforms and highlights their contribution to data volume and precision. In addition, this review looks at the critical role of bioinformatics tools and statistical methods in managing the large datasets generated by these technologies. By integrating multi-omics data, researchers can gain a holistic understanding of biological systems, leading to the identification of new biomarkers and therapeutic targets, particularly in complex diseases such as cancer. The review also looks at the integration of omics data into electronic health records (EHRs) and the potential for cloud computing and big data analytics to improve data storage, analysis and sharing. Despite significant advances, there are still challenges such as data complexity, technical limitations and ethical issues. Future directions include the development of more sophisticated computational tools and the application of advanced machine learning techniques, which are critical for addressing the complexity and heterogeneity of omics datasets. This review aims to serve as a valuable resource for researchers and practitioners, highlighting the transformative potential of high-throughput omics technologies in advancing personalized medicine and improving clinical outcomes.
Rectal Spacer Placement for Anorectal Reirradiation of De Novo Rectal or Anal Cancer Following Prostate Radiation Therapy
Authors: Dreyfuss Alexandra D. , Navilio John P. , Kim Neal , Shim Andy , Romesser Paul B. , Reyngold Marsha , Zelefsky Michael J. , Crane Christopher H. , Hajj Carla
Published: September 2024

Background: Pelvic reirradiation of de novo rectal or anal cancer after prior prostate cancer RT poses a significant risk of urinary and rectal fistula. In this report we describe the use of a rectal spacer to improve dosimetry and reduce this risk. Methods: Patients undergoing anorectal radiotherapy (RT) after prior prostate RT who had a rectal spacer placed prior to RT were identified in a prospective database. Patient, disease, and treatment characteristics were collected for these patients. Survival data were calculated from the end of RT. Radiation was delivered with intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) or proton beam therapy (PBT) following rectal spacer placement. Results: Rectal spacer placement with hydrogel injected transperineally under transrectal ultrasound guidance was successful in all five patients. MR/CT simulation 1–2 weeks post-spacer placement and IMRT or PBT delivered to a dose of 36–50 Gy in 24–30 fractions once or twice daily were tolerated well by all patients. The V100% of the PTV ranged from 62–100% and mean rectal and bladder dose ranged from 39–46 Gy and 16–40 Gy, respectively. At the last follow-up, three patients were alive and without evidence of disease up to 48 months out from treatment. There were no acute or late grade 3 or higher toxicities observed, but acute grade 2 proctitis was observed in all patients. Conclusions: The use of a rectal spacer placement to improve dosimetry of IMRT and PBT after prior prostate RT is safe and feasible in appropriately selected anorectal cancer patients.
Perspectives on the Religion–Culture Relationship in a Globalized Secular Culture According to Christopher Dawson
Authors: Herce Rubén
Published: September 2024

This article explores the interplay between religion and culture in Christopher Dawson’s philosophy of history and underlines the relevance of his analysis in today’s globalized culture, which often shows little interest in religion. The discussion begins by examining observable manifestations of religion within any culture, including religious institutions and the intrinsic transcendent aspects of religion. It then highlights religion’s significant impact on cultural evolution, initially as a stabilizing and developmental force and subsequently as a catalyst for cultural renewal. Following this historical analysis, the article addresses the phenomenon of cultural globalization and the diminishing role of religion as a cultural reference point. The conclusion underscores Dawson’s perspective that this historically unusual situation will be resolved by individuals who embody the ideals of faith in their lives and effectively convey these values to society and the difference in the way he understands the role of religion in culture and society, not as something functional but as the soul that animates them. The aim of the article is to present concisely and comprehensively Dawson’s stance on a central theme in his essays, which has not been covered in other articles.
The Evangelical Reception of Mary Magdalene in The Chosen Series, Seasons 1 and 2
Authors: Rodríguez Fernández Lidia
Published: September 2024

The Chosen is a wide-reaching series born within American Evangelicalism in 2019, whose academic interest resides in its value as a cultural product that has been gaining influence after the release of its four seasons. This article discusses the reception of Mary Magdalene in two chapters (S1/E1 and S2/E5) on the basis of two key principles that characterise North American conservative Evangelicalism: biblical inerrancy and its “born-again” model of conversion. The last part presents the difficult compromise between these religious values and filmic fictionalism, which leads to maintaining the traditional image of the repentant prostitute, though with a few particularities: the disappearance of all features of sensuality, an ambiguous interpretation of demon possession that is linked to an episode of sexual abuse and the story of Mary Magdalene’s childhood.
Forage Height and Above-Ground Biomass Estimation by Comparing UAV-Based Multispectral and RGB Imagery
Authors: Wang Hongquan , Singh Keshav D. , Poudel Hari P. , Natarajan Manoj , Ravichandran Prabahar , Eisenreich Brandon
Published: September 2024

Crop height and biomass are the two important phenotyping traits to screen forage population types at local and regional scales. This study aims to compare the performances of multispectral and RGB sensors onboard drones for quantitative retrievals of forage crop height and biomass at very high resolution. We acquired the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) multispectral images (MSIs) at 1.67 cm spatial resolution and visible data (RGB) at 0.31 cm resolution and measured the forage height and above-ground biomass over the alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) breeding trials in the Canadian Prairies. (1) For height estimation, the digital surface model (DSM) and digital terrain model (DTM) were extracted from MSI and RGB data, respectively. As the resolution of the DTM is five times less than that of the DSM, we applied an aggregation algorithm to the DSM to constrain the same spatial resolution between DSM and DTM. The difference between DSM and DTM was computed as the canopy height model (CHM), which was at 8.35 cm and 1.55 cm for MSI and RGB data, respectively. (2) For biomass estimation, the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) from MSI data and excess green (ExG) index from RGB data were analyzed and regressed in terms of ground measurements, leading to empirical models. The results indicate better performance of MSI for above-ground biomass (AGB) retrievals at 1.67 cm resolution and better performance of RGB data for canopy height retrievals at 1.55 cm. Although the retrieved height was well correlated with the ground measurements, a significant underestimation was observed. Thus, we developed a bias correction function to match the retrieval with the ground measurements. This study provides insight into the optimal selection of sensor for specific targeted vegetation growth traits in a forage crop.
A Novel Method and System Implementation for Precise Estimation of Single-Axis Rotational Angles
Authors: Yang Qinghua , Shen Yang , Sun Xuetao , Wang Changfa
Published: September 2024

Accurately estimating single-axis rotational angle changes is crucial in many high-tech domains. However, traditional angle measurement techniques are often constrained by sensor limitations and environmental interferences, resulting in significant deficiencies in precision and stability. Moreover, current methodologies typically rely on fixed-axis rotation models, leading to substantial discrepancies between measured and actual angles due to axis misalignment. To address these issues, this paper proposes an innovative method for single-axis rotational angle estimation. It introduces a calibration technique for installation errors between inertial measurement units and the overall measurement system, effectively translating dynamic rotational inertial outputs to system enclosure outputs. Subsequently, the method employs triaxial accelerometers combined with zero-velocity detection technology to estimate the rotation axis position. Finally, it delves into analyzing the relationship between quaternion and axis–angle, aimed at reducing noise interference for precise rotational angle estimation. Based on this proposed methodology, a Low-Cost, a High Accuracy Measurement System (HAMS) integrating sensor fusion was designed and implemented. Experimental results demonstrate static measurement errors below ±0.15° and dynamic measurement errors below ±0.5° within a ±180° range.
A Combined CNN Architecture for Speech Emotion Recognition
Authors: Begazo Rolinson , Aguilera Ana , Dongo Irvin , Cardinale Yudith
Published: September 2024

Emotion recognition through speech is a technique employed in various scenarios of Human–Computer Interaction (HCI). Existing approaches have achieved significant results; however, limitations persist, with the quantity and diversity of data being more notable when deep learning techniques are used. The lack of a standard in feature selection leads to continuous development and experimentation. Choosing and designing the appropriate network architecture constitutes another challenge. This study addresses the challenge of recognizing emotions in the human voice using deep learning techniques, proposing a comprehensive approach, and developing preprocessing and feature selection stages while constructing a dataset called EmoDSc as a result of combining several available databases. The synergy between spectral features and spectrogram images is investigated. Independently, the weighted accuracy obtained using only spectral features was 89%, while using only spectrogram images, the weighted accuracy reached 90%. These results, although surpassing previous research, highlight the strengths and limitations when operating in isolation. Based on this exploration, a neural network architecture composed of a CNN1D, a CNN2D, and an MLP that fuses spectral features and spectogram images is proposed. The model, supported by the unified dataset EmoDSc, demonstrates a remarkable accuracy of 96%.
Performance Analysis for Time Difference of Arrival Localization in Long-Range Networks
Authors: Daramouskas Ioannis , Perikos Isidoros , Paraskevas Michael , Lappas Vaios , Kapoulas Vaggelis
Published: September 2024

LoRa technology is a recent technology belonging to the Low Power and Wide Area Networks (LPWANs), which offers distinct advantages for wireless communications and possesses unique features. Among others, it can be used for localization procedures offering minimal energy consumption and quite long-range transmissions. However, the exact capabilities of LoRa localization performance are yet to be employed thoroughly. This article examines the efficiency of the LoRa technology in localization tasks using Time Difference of Arrival (TDoA) measurements. An extensive and concrete experimental study was conducted in a real-world setup on the University of Patras campus, employing both real-world data and simulations to assess the precision of geodetic coordinate determination. Through our experiments, we implemented advanced localization algorithms, including Social Learning Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Least Squares, and Chan techniques. The results are quite interesting and highlight the conditions and parameters that result in accurate LoRa-based localization in real-world scenarios in smart cities. In our context, we were able to achieve state-of-the-art localization results reporting localization errors as low as 300 m in a quite complex 8 km × 6 km real-world environment.
Correction: Lilja et al. (2024). Civic Literacy and Disinformation in Democracies. Social Sciences 13: 405
Authors: Lilja Jannie , Eklund Niklas , Tottie Ester
Published: September 2024

In the original publication (Lilja et al [...]
“It’s All about Who You Know”: Investigating the Involvement Process in Regard to Organised Criminal Groups within Australia
Authors: Leiva Adrian
Published: September 2024

Research on organised crime is as diverse and multifaceted as the criminal phenomenon itself, yet comprehensive academic insight on the process by which individuals become involved in organised criminal groups (OCGs) remains limited. Existing scholarly work has explored the involvement mechanisms into specific illicit activities (e.g., drug trafficking), the role of trust within co-offending relationships, and the potential for disengagement from OCGs. With consideration for the current research landscape, the present study examined involvement regarding OCGs through the lens of a conceptual ‘process’ by developing a framework using data obtained from interviews with police officers from three Australian law enforcement agencies and an analysis of transcripts from court proceedings in Australia. The study provided the first comprehensive examination of the involvement process of OCGs within an Australian context. The results of the study contributed to the development of an involvement ‘process’ conceptual framework which comprises the following three key stages: motivations and pathways to involvement, mechanisms for establishing co-offending relationships, and continued engagement with or disengagement from OCGs. The conceptual framework proposed in the present study should be viewed as an ideal process and provide the foundation for future research, with methodological replication in other jurisdictions contributing to a cohesive and comprehensive understanding of the involvement process of OCGs.
Optimizing Technical Training for Wheelchair-User Billiard Players through Modified Equipment Implementation
Authors: Nagorna Viktoriia , Mytko Artur , Borysova Olha , Zhyhailova Liubov , Lorenzetti Silvio R.
Published: September 2024

This study aims to enhance the effectiveness of the preparation process and the performance of wheelchair users in international billiard competitions through modified equipment. The research methods include analysis and synthesis of the scientific and methodological literature, sociological research methods (questionnaires), expert assessment methods, pedagogical research methods (observation, testing, experimentation), and methods of mathematical statistics. The results of our study are significant: Implementing our developed training program for billiards players with musculoskeletal disorders, utilizing the modified equipment (special mechanical bridge and straps for cue fixation during shots) we created in a pedagogical experiment, demonstrated a probable improvement of 36% in the technical and tactical preparedness of the athletes compared to previous years. This led to a 33% increase in players from the Ukrainian team’s competition performance at the national and European Pool Championships (wheelchair division). In conclusion, implementing our developed training program, accompanied by specialized auxiliary equipment, demonstrated promising results in a pedagogical experiment. These findings underscore the potential of the modified equipment and tailored training programs to optimize sports training for individuals with musculoskeletal impairments in adaptive billiards, contributing to the continued humanization of the sport and offering an effective preparation process for the athletes.
Transport-Related Emissions and Transition Strategies for Sustainability—A Case Study of the Fast Fashion Industry
Authors: Matuszak-Flejszman Alina , Preisner Anna , Banach Joanna Katarzyna
Published: September 2024

The fast fashion industry significantly impacts the environment at every stage of a product’s life cycle. The transport of products to wholesalers and stores, as one of the stages of the product life cycle, is often overlooked during the analysis of their carbon footprint. Therefore, research is needed on the impact of fast fashion on the environment through its logistics and transport, especially in relation to air emissions. This article attempts to determine how extensively fast fashion companies disclose the impact of their transport operations on their overall corporate carbon footprint, determine the proportion of total emissions attributed to transport, and evaluate the effectiveness of companies’ efforts to mitigate their transport-related environmental impact. This research used a case study method on selected brands (H&M Group, Inditex, Shein), using secondary data available in non-financial reports for 2023. As a result of the analysis of their non-financial reports on transport emissions, several key findings have been presented. Companies predominantly rely on external frameworks and standards, particularly the Global Reporting Initiative. However, the level of detail of the data presented varies. The priority for the surveyed companies is to reduce emissions from significant sources, such as production processes. The data disclosed in the reports (scope 1, 2, 3) must be clearly formulated and can be used to calculate the level of their CO2 emission reduction or increase. Companies should improve their environmental reporting by including indicators of their transport-related emissions. This approach provides a comprehensive view of their environmental impact, highlighting absolute values and efficiency metrics.
Editorial of “Sustainable Use and Management of Nonconventional Water Resources for Agricultural Development”
Authors: Nasr Mahmoud , Kubiak-Wójcicka Katarzyna , Zeleňáková Martina , Negm Abdelazim Mohmed
Published: September 2024

Water availability is one of the basic factors that constitute a condition for the proper functioning of various ecosystems [...]
An Eye Tracking Study on Symmetry and Golden Ratio in Abstract Art
Authors: Lucia Maria Pia , Salera Claudia , Zivi Pierpaolo , Iosa Marco , Pecchinenda Anna
Published: September 2024

A visual stimulus that is divided in harmonic proportions is often judged as more pleasant than others. This is well known by artists that often used two main types of geometric harmonic patterns: symmetry and the golden ratio. Symmetry refers to the property of an object to have two similar halves, whereas the golden ratio consists of dividing an object in a major and a minor part so that their proportion is the same as that between the whole object and its major part. Here we investigated looking behaviour and explicit preferences for different regularities including symmetry and golden ratio. We selected four Mark Rothko’s paintings, a famous abstract expressionism artist, characterized by two main areas depicted by different colours: one symmetric (ratio between areas: 50–50%), one in golden ratio (38–62%), one in an intermediate ratio (46–54%), and one in a ratio exceeding the golden ratio (32–68%). Thirty-six healthy participants (24.75 ± 3.71 years old) completed three tasks: observation task (OT), pleasantness task (PT), and harmony task (HT). Findings for explicit ratings of pleasantness and harmony were very similar and were not significantly correlated with patterns of looking behaviour. Eye Dwell Time mainly depended on stimuli orientation (p < 0.001), but for the harmony task also by ratio and their interaction. Our results showed that the visual scanning behaviour of abstract arts primarily depends on the orientation of internal components, whereas their proportion is more important for the pleasantness and harmony explicit judgments.
Enantioselective Transfer Reactions of α-Heteroatom-Substituted Carbenes
Authors: Huang Mingyao , Shi Wenjing , Li Lu
Published: September 2024

Metal carbenes are widely acknowledged as a category of highly effective intermediates that facilitate otherwise inaccessible transformations. In recent decades, carbene chemistry has made considerable advances and has demonstrated remarkable abilities in the formation of diverse chemical bonds and the synthesis of structurally distinctive molecules. Nevertheless, the majority of research within this field has concentrated on α-carbon-substituted carbenes, with comparatively little investigation of carbenes that have been functionalized with a wider structural variety, particularly those that have been substituted with heteroatoms (e.g., O, N, P, S, Si, Ge, Sn and B). The objective of this review is to elucidate the advancements in enantioselective transfer reactions involving metal carbenes substituted with these elements, thereby highlighting their contribution to the expansion of the structural diversity and synthetic utility of carbenes in contemporary chemistry.