bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improvement of Electrical and Thermal Properties of Carbon Nanotube Sheets by Adding Silver Nanowire and Mxene for an Electromagnetic-Interference-Shielding Property Study
Authors: Kurilich Matthew , Park Jin Gyu , Degraff Joshua , Wu Qiang , Liang Richard
Published: October 2024

Hybrid carbon nanotube (CNT) sheets were fabricated by mixing CNTs with silver nanowires (AgNWs) and MXene to study their electromagnetic-interference (EMI)-shielding properties. CNT/AgNW and CNT/MXene hybrid sheets were produced by ultrasonic homogenization and vacuum filtration, resulting in free-standing CNT sheets. Three different weight ratios of AgNW and MXene were added to the CNT dispersions to produce hybrid CNT sheets. Microstructure characterization was performed using scanning electron microscopy, and the Wiedemann–Franz law was used to characterize transport properties. The resulting hybrid sheets exhibited improved electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and EMI-shielding effectiveness compared to pristine CNT sheets. X-band EMI-shielding effectiveness improved by over 200%, while electrical conductivity improved by more than 1500% in the hybrid sheets due to a higher charge-carrier density and synergistic effects between nanomaterials. The addition of AgNW to CNT sheets resulted in a large improvement in electrical conductivity and EMI shielding; however, this may also result in increased weight and sample thickness. Similarly, the addition of MXene to CNT sheets may result in an increase in weight due to the presence of the denser MXene flakes.
Development of Graphical User Interface for Link Budget Analysis of Point-to-Point Communications at 5 GHz and 11 GHz
Authors: Zarkadas Konstantinos , Smyrnaios Apollon , Dimitrakopoulos George
Published: October 2024

It is well known that simulation tools are essential for the design and optimization of wireless communication systems. This paper proposes a Python script that can be used for planning and predicting a connection link budget by analyzing its basic parameters. Our proposal consists of an application that calculates the connection budget for point-to-point links operating at 5 GHz and 11 GHz, taking into account all the necessary microwave parameters. For validating the efficiency of the proposed tool, this paper presents comprehensive simulation results derived from comparing our tool to a couple of other simulation tools by means of calculating the same parameters.
Biomarkers of Acute Brain Injury
Authors: Barmpagiannos Konstantinos , Lazaridis Nikolaos , Apostolopoulou Aikaterini , Fyntanidou Barbara
Published: October 2024

Introduction: Acute brain injury is one of the most important causes of morbidity, mortality and disability worldwide. Time is the most important aspect of acute brain injury management. In this context, biomarkers could mitigate the limitations of neuroimaging. Neuro-biomarkers could be used both to diagnose intracranial pathology and to predict the effectiveness of treatment applications. Aim: The aim of this review is to describe the role of various and specific markers of brain damage with particular emphasis on acute brain injury and stroke. Results/discussion: The diagnostic and prognostic value of modern biomarkers remains relatively questionable, although grouping biomarkers into panels is improving their usefulness. The groups of biomarkers that will be analyzed include astrocytic, axonal, neuronal as well as extracellular biomarkers. Conclusion: Future studies will demonstrate the utility of neuro-biomarkers in the diagnosis, prognosis and therapeutic monitoring of patients with acute brain injury in the intensive care unit.
Interdependence of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Myopia
Authors: Mrugacz Małgorzata , Zorena Katarzyna , Pony-Uram Magdalena , Lendzioszek Maja , Pieńczykowska Kamila , Bryl Anna
Published: October 2024

Background: Myopia (also known as nearsightedness), a prevalent refractive error, occurs when parallel rays of light converge in front of the retina, resulting in blurry distance vision. Recently, there has been a marked rise in myopia among the global population. The absence of effective methods of controlling the progression of this visual defect prompts the search for new preventive and therapeutic options. The impact of diet and lifestyle on the progression of myopia is still not fully understood. Therefore, our aim was to examine how these factors might affect the advancement of myopia, based on the existing literature. Methods: This manuscript was prepared through an extensive literature review conducted from June 2022 to September 2024. We searched for pertinent research articles using reputable databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. We included all types of publications, with a special focus on the newest ones. Results: Despite far-reaching examination, the relationship between these factors and myopia control remains inconclusive with varying degrees of evidence supporting their roles. Conclusions: However, promoting a healthy lifestyle, particularly increasing physical activity and outdoor time, is essential. Additionally, emerging research suggests that maintaining a balanced diet is important due to the potential impact of certain nutrients on myopia development. Ophthalmologists should also guide parents on the alternative correction methods beyond single vision glasses, especially for rapidly progressing cases. With the rising prevalence of myopia in children, further research is necessary.
Associations between Barriers to Food Pantry Use, Visit Frequency, Pantry Experiences, and Amount of Food Received
Authors: Zhao Haisu , Overcash Francine , Gold Abby , Reicks Marla
Published: October 2024

Background/Objectives: Barriers to food pantry use have been identified but little information is available regarding how these barriers are related to food pantry use. The purpose of this study was to assess relationships between barriers and (1) user demographic characteristics, (2) visit frequency and amount of food received, and (3) satisfaction with pantry visit experiences. Methods: Data were used from the 2022 Minnesota Food Shelf Survey, which included responses from 288 food pantries across the state with 6267 individuals reporting on barriers to pantry use. Survey barrier statements included limits on frequency of visits allowed, lack of reliable transportation, scheduling difficulties, and other. Survey satisfaction statements included being able to choose food types, being made welcome, having an easy selection process, having different varieties of food available, and foods having a favorable appearance. Chi-square and mixed model logistic regression analyses were used to assess relationships between reporting barriers and demographic characteristics, visit satisfaction, visit frequency, and amount of food received in the past 6 months. Results: Respondents were primarily non-Hispanic White (65%) and female (68%). Regression models showed that reporting barriers to pantry use was not associated with user demographic characteristics, but was associated with greater odds of visiting the pantry more often, and lower odds of getting more food from the pantry or reporting a satisfactory food pantry visit experience. Conclusions: Findings may be useful for food pantry staff to improve pantry access and visit experiences and for public health professionals who advise those who use food pantries to supplement household food supplies.
Nutrition and Glycemic Control in Children and Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Attending Diabetes Camps
Authors: Athanasiadou Kleoniki I. , Papagianni Maria , Psaltopoulou Theodora , Paschou Stavroula A.
Published: October 2024

Background/Objectives: Diabetes camps for children and adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes mellitus (T1DM) offer the opportunity to have a camping experience in a safe and supportive environment where they can receive diabetes skills education, such as glucose self-monitoring, insulin injections, management of hypoglycemia/hyperglycemia, and nutritional recommendations, including meal planning and carbohydrate counting. The ultimate goal of diabetes camps is to educate children to manage their condition independently, without parental involvement. Additionally, attending a diabetes camp is an excellent opportunity to meet peers and share their experiences and concerns about their condition, enhancing their confidence and reducing diabetes-related emotional distress. The aim of this review was to assess whether the nutritional planning and education offered at diabetes camps has a favorable effect on the glycemic control of attending children and adolescents. Methods: A literature search in PubMed and Scopus databases was performed. Eligible for inclusion were studies evaluating the effect of nutritional education offered in diabetes camps on glycemic control of children and adolescents with T1DM. Results: The majority of identified eligible studies supported the beneficial impact of the nutritional education offered in diabetes camps on glycemic control during and after the camp sessions. The favorable effect, though, seemed to be temporarily sustained (<6 months). Conclusions: Continuous nutritional education is required to prolong the duration of these beneficial outcomes. Further interventional studies are required to evaluate the direct effect of nutritional education provided at diabetes camps on glycemic control of children and adolescents with T1DM and the actual duration of favorable outcomes.
Therapeutic Doll Interventions for People Living with Dementia in Care Homes: A Scoping Review
Authors: Henderson Elizabeth , McConnell Hannah , Mitchell Gary
Published: October 2024

Doll therapy is a psychosocial intervention that has been commonly used within dementia care for many decades. The practice of doll therapy involves supporting people with dementia to engage with a therapeutic doll and this has been associated with positive changes in a person’s wellbeing and behavior. While there have been several systematic reviews that have focused on behavioral outcomes, limited reviews have explored the broader psychosocial outcomes associated with doll therapy in care home settings. A scoping review of the literature was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). Four electronic databases were searched systematically (CINAHL Plus, Medline, PsycINFO, and PubMed). Twelve primary research studies from the past ten years (2013–2023) were included in this review. Primary data were synthesized using a narrative synthesis methodology. The three main themes from this review relate to a reduction in levels of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), increased communication skills, and a reduction in caregiver distress. Doll therapy has the potential to be an effective person-centered intervention that can enhance quality of life for people living with dementia in care home settings.
Advances in the Elimination of Viral Hepatitis in Mexico: A Local Perspective on the Global Initiative
Authors: Santos-López Gerardo , Panduro Arturo , Sosa-Jurado Francisca , Fierro Nora A. , Lira Rosalía , Márquez-Domínguez Luis , Cerbón Marco , Méndez-Sánchez Nahum , Roman Sonia
Published: October 2024

Viral hepatitis (A–E) presents a major global health challenge. In 2015, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched an initiative to eliminate viral hepatitis, with the aim of reducing new infections by 90% and deaths by 65% by 2030. Mexico is one of 38 focus countries identified by the WHO, collectively accounting for 80% of global infections and deaths. While hepatitis B and C are commonly diagnosed in Mexico, routine diagnosis for hepatitis D and E is lacking, with no specific epidemiological data available. In 2020, Mexico implemented the National Hepatitis C Elimination Program, focusing on preventing new infections, reducing complications like cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, ensuring access to treatment, and improving patient care. However, this program has not been extended to hepatitis B and E. Addressing the challenges of viral hepatitis control in Mexico requires increased resource allocation, expanded diagnosis, vaccination for hepatitis A and B, and treatment coverage for hepatitis B and C, along with multisectoral engagement. This work provides an overview of Mexico’s response to the global initiative, highlighting its progress, challenges, and areas of opportunity.
Incidence of Chiari-like Malformation/Syringomyelia in a Cohort of Small Dog Breeds Scanned Using MRI over a Period of 8 Years in the Netherlands
Authors: Hoholm Fredrik , Bruining-Staal Karin , Mandigers Paul J.J.
Published: October 2024

Background: Chiari-like malformation (CM), Syringomyelia (SM) and middle ear effusion (MEE) are frequently observed disorders in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (CKCSs), Pomeranians, and less frequently the Griffon. There are a few reports in which small dogs have been identified as suffering from CM/SM. Methods: From all MRI centers based in the Netherlands, MRI scans for small dog breeds performed for various reasons over a period of 8 years were collected. Scans that enabled a CM and/or SM evaluation were included and evaluated. Results: In total, 177 MRI scans were included. CM could be evaluated in 163 out of 177 dogs. In 63 dogs, no CM was observed, while 100 dogs had CM. SM could be evaluated in 144 out of 177 dogs. No SM was seen in 56 dogs and SM was seen in 88 dogs. Both CM and SM were seen in high frequency in the Chihuahua, French Bulldog, Griffon, and Pug but did also occur in lower frequencies in various other small breed dogs and crosses. CM and/or SM does occur in various other small dog breeds and crosses suggesting that it is indeed a type-related disorders. As it can cause serious clinical signs breeders should be aware of the risk of CM/SM when breeding with these small dog breeds.
Neuroprotective Actions of Hydrogen Sulfide-Releasing Compounds in Isolated Bovine Retinae
Authors: Bush Leah , Robinson Jenaye , Okolie Anthonia , Muili Fatima , Opere Catherine A. , Whiteman Matthew , Ohia Sunny E. , Njie Mbye Ya Fatou
Published: October 2024

Background: We have evidence that hydrogen sulfide (H2S)-releasing compounds can reduce intraocular pressure in normotensive and glaucomatous rabbits by increasing the aqueous humor (AH) outflow through the trabecular meshwork. Since H2S has been reported to possess neuroprotective actions, the prevention of retinal ganglion cell loss is an important strategy in the pharmacotherapy of glaucoma. Consequently, the present study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective actions of H2S-releasing compounds against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced oxidative stress in an isolated bovine retina. Materials and Methods: The isolated neural retinae were pretreated with a substrate for H2S biosynthesis called L-cysteine, with the fast H2S-releasing compound sodium hydrosulfide, and with a mitochondrial-targeting H2S-releasing compound, AP123, for thirty minutes before a 30-min oxidative insult with H2O2 (100 µM). Lipid peroxidation was assessed via an enzyme immunoassay by measuring the stable oxidative stress marker, 8-epi PGF2α (8-isoprostane), levels in the retinal tissues. To determine the role of endogenous H2S, studies were performed using the following biosynthesis enzyme inhibitors: aminooxyacetic acid (AOAA, 30 µM); a cystathione-β-synthase/cystathionine-γ-lyase (CBS/CSE) inhibitor, α–ketobutyric acid (KBA, 1 mM); and a 3-mercaptopyruvate-s-sulfurtransferase (3-MST) inhibitor, in the absence and presence of H2S-releasing compounds. Results: Exposure of the isolated retinas to H2O2 produced a time-dependent (10–40 min) and concentration-dependent (30–300 µM) increase in the 8-isoprostane levels when compared to the untreated tissues. L-cysteine (10 nM–1 µM) and NaHS (30 –100 µM) significantly (p < 0.001; n = 12) prevented H2O2-induced oxidative damage in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, AP123 (100 nM–1 µM) attenuated oxidative H2O2 damage resulted in an approximated 60% reduction in 8-isoprostane levels compared to the tissues treated with H2O2 alone. While AOAA (30 µM) and KBA (1 mM) did not affect the L-cysteine evoked attenuation of H2O2-induced oxidative stress, KBA reversed the antioxidant responses caused by AP123. Conclusions: In conclusion, various forms of H2S-releasing compounds and the substrate, L-cysteine, can prevent H2O2-induced lipid peroxidation in an isolated bovine retina.
Leveraging the Aggregated Protein Dye YAT2150 for Malaria Chemotherapy
Authors: Camarero-Hoyos Claudia , Bouzón-Arnáiz Inés , Avalos-Padilla Yunuen , Fallica Antonino Nicolò , Román-Álamo Lucía , Ramírez Miriam , Portabella Emma , Cuspinera Ona , Currea-Ayala Daniela , Orozco-Quer Marc , Ribera Maria , Siden-Kiamos Inga , Spanos Lefteris , Iglesias Valentín , Crespo Benigno , Viera Sara , Andreu David , Sulleiro Elena , Zarzuela Francesc , Urtasun Nerea , Pérez-Torras Sandra , Pastor-Anglada Marçal , Arce Elsa M. , Muñoz-Torrero Diego , Fernàndez-Busquets Xavier
Published: October 2024

Background/Objectives: YAT2150 is a first-in-class antiplasmodial compound that has been recently proposed as a new interesting drug for malaria therapy. Methods/Results: The fluorescence of YAT2150 rapidly increases upon its entry into Plasmodium, a property that can be of use for the design of highly sensitive diagnostic approaches. YAT2150 blocks the in vitro development of the ookinete stage of Plasmodium and, when added to an infected blood meal, inhibits oocyst formation in the mosquito. Thus, the compound could possibly contribute to future transmission-blocking antimalarial strategies. Cell influx/efflux studies in Caco-2 cells suggest that YAT2150 is internalized by endocytosis and also through the OATP2B1 transporter, whereas its main export route would be via OSTα. YAT2150 has an overall favorable drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics profile, and its moderate cytotoxicity can be significantly reduced upon encapsulation in immunoliposomes, which leads to a dramatic increase in the drug selectivity index to values close to 1000. Although YAT2150 binds amyloid-forming peptides, its in vitro fluorescence emission is stronger upon association with peptides that form amorphous aggregates, suggesting that regions enriched in unstructured proteins are the preferential binding sites of the drug inside Plasmodium cells. The reduction of protein aggregation in the parasite after YAT2150 treatment, which has been suggested to be directly related to the drug’s mode of action, is also observed following treatment with quinoline antimalarials like chloroquine and primaquine. Conclusions: Altogether, the data presented here indicate that YAT2150 can represent the spearhead of a new family of compounds for malaria diagnosis and therapy due to its presumed novel mode of action based on the interaction with functional protein aggregates in the pathogen.
Enhanced Cellulose Extraction from Banana Pseudostem Waste: A Comparative Analysis Using Chemical Methods Assisted by Conventional and Focused Ultrasound
Authors: Ardila A. Alba N. , Arriola-Villaseñor Erasmo , González Efraín Enrique Villegas , Guerrero Hegnny Estefanía González , Hernández-Maldonado José Alfredo , Gutiérrez-Pineda Eduart , Villa Cristian C.
Published: October 2024

This study investigates the effectiveness of various chemical methods, both ultrasound-assisted and non-assisted, for extracting cellulose from banana pseudostem (BPS) waste, comparing the results with commercial pine and eucalyptus cellulose fibers. Delignification treatments with NaOH (25% and 30%) and H2O2 (8%) were evaluated, applied with both conventional and focused sonication. Ultrasound-assisted methods, particularly with NaOH, achieved cellulose percentages as high as 99.5%. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed that NaOH treatments significantly increased the cellulose crystallinity index, reaching up to 67.9%, surpassing commercial fibers. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results showed that NaOH treatments, especially at 30%, improved fiber morphology and exposure. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) indicated that methods using NaOH and focused sonication enhanced the thermal stability of the cellulose. Compared to commercial fibers, some samples obtained with the proposed methods demonstrated higher purity, yield, and thermal stability, highlighting the effectiveness of ultrasound-assisted and NaOH methods.
Influence of Poly(Ethylene Glycol) Dimethacrylates’ Chain Length on Electrical Conductivity and Other Selected Physicochemical Properties of Thermally Sensitive N-isopropylacrylamide Derivatives
Authors: Gola Agnieszka , Podżus Borys , Gruszka Kinga , Musiał Witold
Published: October 2024

Thermosensitive polymers P1–P6 of N-isopropylacrylamide (PNIPA) and poly(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylates (PEGDMAs), av. Mn 550–20,000, were synthesized via surfactant-free precipitation polymerization (SFPP) using ammonium persulfate (APS) at 70 °C. The polymerization course was monitored by the conductivity. The hydrodynamic diameters (HDs) and the polydispersity indexes (PDIs) of the aqueous dispersion of P1–P6 in the 18–45 °C range, assessed via dynamic light scattering (DLS), were at 18° as follows (nm): 73.95 ± 19.51 (PDI 0.57 ± 0.08), 74.62 ± 0.76 (PDI 0.56 ± 0,01), 69.45 ± 1.47 (PDI 0.57 ± 0.03), 196.2 ± 2.50 (PDI 0.53 ± 0.04), 194.30 ± 3.36 (PDI 0.56 ± 0.04), 81.99 ± 0.53 (PDI 0.56 ± 0.01), 76.87 ± 0.30 (PDI 0.54 ± 0.01), respectively. The electrophoretic mobilities estimated the zeta potential (ZP) in the 18–45 °C range, and at 18 °C they were as follows (mV): −2.57 ± 0.10, −4.32 ± 0.67, −5.34 ± 0.95, −-3.02 ± 0.76, −4.71 ± 2.69, −2.30 ± 0.36, −2.86 ± 0.42 for polymer dispersion P1–P6. The polymers were characterized by attenuated total reflectance–Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), H nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR), thermogravimetric analysis (TG/DTA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and powder X-ray diffraction analysis (PXRD). The length of the cross-linker chain influences the physicochemical properties of the obtained polymers.
Water Repellent Coating in Textile, Paper and Bioplastic Polymers: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Rungruangkitkrai Nattadon , Phromphen Phannaphat , Chartvivatpornchai Nawarat , Srisa Atcharawan , Laorenza Yeyen , Wongphan Phanwipa , Harnkarnsujarit Nathdanai
Published: October 2024

Water-repellent coatings are essential for enhancing the durability and sustainability of textiles, paper, and bioplastic polymers. Despite the growing use of sustainable materials, their inherent hydrophilicity presents significant challenges. This review explores advanced coating technologies to address these issues, focusing on their mechanisms, properties, and applications. By imparting water resistance and repellency, these coatings improve material performance and longevity. The environmental impact and limitations of current coatings are critically assessed, highlighting the need for sustainable solutions. This review identifies key trends and challenges, offering insights into developing water-resistant materials that align with environmental goals while meeting industry demands. Key focus areas include coating mechanisms, techniques, performance evaluation, applications, environmental impact assessment, and the development of sustainable coating solutions. This research contributes to the development of water-resistant materials that meet the demands of modern industries while minimizing environmental impact.
Improving Water Resistance and Mechanical Properties of Crosslinked Waterborne Polyurethane Using Glycidyl Carbamate
Authors: Kwon Yong Rok , Park Jun Ho , Kim Hae Chan , Moon Seok Kyu , Kim Dong Hyun
Published: October 2024

Waterborne polyurethane (WPU) often suffers from poor water resistance and mechanical properties due to hydrophilic emulsifiers. To address these issues, this study introduces glycidyl carbamate (GC) as a crosslinker to improve WPU performance. Three types of GC were synthesized using aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, and aromatic isocyanates, respectively. The crosslinked network was established through a reaction between the epoxide group of GC and the carboxylic acid and amine groups of WPU. Among these, the WPU film utilizing aromatic isocyanate-based GC exhibited the highest crosslink density, modulus, hardness, and water resistance, due to the rigidity of the aromatic molecular structure. However, the film displayed excessive brittleness, resulting in reduced tensile strength, along with yellowing typically associated with aromatic compounds. The WPU crosslinked with cycloaliphatic GC demonstrated the next best mechanical properties and water resistance, with a 2.7-fold increase in tensile strength, a 1.5-fold increase in hardness, and a 66% reduction in the water swelling ratio compared to neat WPU. This study presents a novel and effective strategy to enhance the water resistance and mechanical properties of WPU films, making them suitable for advanced coating applications.
Characterizing Wall Loss Effects of Intermediate-Volatility Hydrocarbons in a Smog Chamber with a Teflon Reactor
Authors: Ren Zhuoyue , Song Wei , Pang Xiaodie , Zhang Yanli , Liao Chenghao , Zhang Yongbo , Wang Xinming
Published: October 2024

Intermediate-volatility organic compounds (IVOCs) serve as pivotal precursors to secondary organic aerosol (SOA). They are highly susceptible to substantial wall losses both in indoor environments and within smog chambers even with Teflon walls. Accurately characterizing the wall loss effects of IVOCs is thus essential for simulation studies aiming to replicate their atmospheric behaviors in smog chambers to ensure precise modeling of their physical and chemical processes, including SOA formation, yet a comprehensive understanding of the wall loss behavior of IVOCs remains elusive. In this study, we conducted a thorough characterization of wall losses for typical intermediate-volatility hydrocarbon compounds, including eight normal alkanes (n-alkanes) and eight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), using the smog chamber with a 30 m3 Teflon reactor. Changes in the concentrations of gaseous IVOCs with the chamber were observed under dark conditions, and the experimental data were fitted to the reversible gas–wall mass transfer theory to determine the key parameters such as the wall accommodation coefficient (αw) and the equivalent organic aerosol concentration (Cw) for different species. Our results reveal that Cw values for these hydrocarbon IVOCs range from 0.02 to 5.41 mg/m3, which increase with volatility for the PAHs but are relative stable for alkanes with an average of 3.82 ± 0.92 mg/m3. αw span from 1.24 × 10−7 to 1.01 × 10−6, with the values for n-alkanes initially showing an increase followed by a decrease as carbon numbers rise and volatility decreases. The average αw for n-alkanes and PAHs are 3.34 × 10−7 and 6.53 × 10−7, respectively. Our study shows that IVOCs exhibit different loss rates onto clean chamber walls under dry and dark conditions, with increasing rate as the volatility decreases. This study demonstrates how parameters can be acquired to address wall losses when conducting smog chamber simulation on atmospheric processes of IVOCs.
A Novel Approach to Personalized Personality Assessment with the Attachment-Caregiving Questionnaire: First Evidence in Favor of Interpretation-Oriented Inventory Designs
Authors: Gagliardi Marcantonio , Bonadeni Marina , Billai Sara , Marcialis Gian Luca
Published: October 2024

In clinical psychology and psychiatry, personality is usually assessed using questionnaires developed through factor analysis (FA). Essential domains are identified, which correspond to questions/items defining a (sub)scale, and each question is rigidly assigned to one scale, giving the item the same meaning regardless of how the respondent may interpret it. However, this rigidity might hinder the instrument’s assessment capability. We tested this hypothesis using the Attachment-Caregiving Questionnaire (ACQ), a clinical and personality self-report that—through extra-scale information—allows the clinician to infer the possible different meanings that the subjects attribute to the items. Considering four psychotherapy patients, we compared the scoring of their ACQs provided by expert clinicians to the detailed information gained from therapy and the patients. Our results indicated that questions could be interpreted differently—receiving the same score for different (clinically relevant) reasons—potentially impacting personality assessment and clinical decision-making. Moreover, accounting for multiple interpretations requires a specific questionnaire design. Overall, our analysis suggests that a meaning-sensitive, personalized read of a personality self-report may improve profiling and treatment, implying the necessity of more advanced pattern recognition than the one produced by FA or similarly rigid methods, which artificial intelligence may provide. More evidence is required to support these preliminary findings.
Direct Contact Membrane Distillation of Artificial Urine and Its Application in Plasticizing Lunar Regolith
Authors: Tarikuzzaman Mohammad , Gordon Stephen T. , Alam Shaurav , Lynam Joan G.
Published: October 2024

Direct Contact Membrane Distillation (DCMD) uses low heat sources to separate water from urea, which was then used as a plasticizer in regolith-based cement to make it more workable. The work investigated separating potable water and urea from artificial urine using DCMD and then characterizing the products. Water was successfully separated from the artificial urine solution as characterized by density, conductivity, pH, and substance concentrations. The concentrated urine solution was used in regolith-based cement cured under vacuum at temperatures that simulated temperatures that would be expected in construction on the Moon. Workability and other properties were improved by replacing water with concentrated urine solution in the mix.
TreeSeg—A Toolbox for Fully Automated Tree Crown Segmentation Based on High-Resolution Multispectral UAV Data
Authors: Speckenwirth Sönke , Brandmeier Melanie , Paczkowski Sebastian
Published: October 2024

Single-tree segmentation on multispectral UAV images shows significant potential for effective forest management such as automating forest inventories or detecting damage and diseases when using an additional classifier. We propose an automated workflow for segmentation on high-resolution data and provide our trained models in a Toolbox for ArcGIS Pro on our GitHub repository for other researchers. The database used for this study consists of multispectral UAV data (RGB, NIR and red edge bands) of a forest area in Germany consisting of a mix of tree species consisting of five deciduous trees and three conifer tree species in the matured closed canopy stage at approximately 90 years. Information of NIR and Red Edge bands are evaluated for tree segmentation using different vegetation indices (VIs) in comparison to only using RGB information. We trained Faster R-CNN, Mask R-CNN, TensorMask and SAM in several experiments and evaluated model performance on different data combinations. All models with the exception of SAM show good performance on our test data with the Faster R-CNN model trained on the red and green bands and the Normalized Difference Red Edge Index (NDRE) achieving best results with an F1-Score of 83.5% and an Intersection over Union of 65.3% on highly detailed labels. All models are provided in our TreeSeg toolbox and allow the user to apply the pre-trained models on new data.
A Novel Strategy Coupling Optimised Sampling with Heterogeneous Ensemble Machine-Learning to Predict Landslide Susceptibility
Authors: Lu Yongxing , Xu Honggen , Wang Can , Yan Guanxi , Huo Zhitao , Peng Zuwu , Liu Bo , Xu Chong
Published: October 2024

The accuracy of data-driven landslide susceptibility prediction depends heavily on the quality of non-landslide samples and the selection of machine-learning algorithms. Current methods rely on artificial prior knowledge to obtain negative samples from landslide-free regions or outside the landslide buffer zones randomly and quickly but often ignore the reliability of non-landslide samples, which will pose a serious risk of including potential landslides and lead to erroneous outcomes in training data. Furthermore, diverse machine-learning models exhibit distinct classification capabilities, and applying a single model can readily result in over-fitting of the dataset and introduce potential uncertainties in predictions. To address these problems, taking Chenxi County, a hilly and mountainous area in southern China, as an example, this research proposes a strategy-coupling optimised sampling with heterogeneous ensemble machine learning to enhance the accuracy of landslide susceptibility prediction. Initially, 21 landslide impact factors were derived from five aspects: geology, hydrology, topography, meteorology, human activities, and geographical environment. Then, these factors were screened through a correlation analysis and collinearity diagnosis. Afterwards, an optimised sampling (OS) method was utilised to select negative samples by fusing the reliability of non-landslide samples and certainty factor values on the basis of the environmental similarity and statistical model. Subsequently, the adopted non-landslide samples and historical landslides were combined to create machine-learning datasets. Finally, baseline models (support vector machine, random forest, and back propagation neural network) and the stacking ensemble model were employed to predict susceptibility. The findings indicated that the OS method, considering the reliability of non-landslide samples, achieved higher-quality negative samples than currently widely used sampling methods. The stacking ensemble machine-learning model outperformed those three baseline models. Notably, the accuracy of the hybrid OS–Stacking model is most promising, up to 97.1%. The integrated strategy significantly improves the prediction of landslide susceptibility and makes it reliable and effective for assessing regional geohazard risk.
TE-LSTM: A Prediction Model for Temperature Based on Multivariate Time Series Data
Authors: Zhou Kang , Zhang Chunju , Xu Bing , Huang Jianwei , Li Chenxi , Pei Yifan
Published: October 2024

In the era of big data, prediction has become a fundamental capability. Current prediction methods primarily focus on sequence elements; however, in multivariate time series forecasting, time is a critical factor that must not be overlooked. While some methods consider time, they often neglect the temporal distance between sequence elements and the predicted target time, a relationship essential for identifying patterns such as periodicity, trends, and other temporal dynamics. Moreover, the extraction of temporal features is often inadequate, and discussions on how to comprehensively leverage temporal data are limited. As a result, model performance can suffer, particularly in prediction tasks with specific time requirements. To address these challenges, we propose a new model, TE-LSTM, based on LSTM, which employs a temporal encoding method to fully extract temporal features. A temporal weighting strategy is also used to optimize the integration of temporal information, capturing the temporal relationship of each element relative to the target element, and integrating it into the LSTM. Additionally, this study examines the impact of different time granularities on the model. Using the Beijing International Airport station as the study area, we applied our method to temperature prediction. Compared to the baseline model, our model showed an improvement of 0.7552% without time granularity, 1.2047% with a time granularity of 3, and 0.0953% when addressing prediction tasks with specific time requirements. The final results demonstrate the superiority of the proposed method and highlight its effectiveness in overcoming the limitations of existing approaches.
Digital Twins for Research and Innovation in Support of the European Green Deal Data Space: A Systematic Review
Authors: Otsu Kaori , Maso Joan
Published: October 2024

According to the European Data Strategy established in 2020, the European Open Science Cloud (EOSC) is described as “the basis for a science, research and innovation data space… and will be connected and articulated with the sectoral data spaces”, being one of the 14 European Common Data Spaces. While current cross-sectoral interactions with the EOSC are realised through the association’s Health Data Task Force, advancements in other EU priorities, such as the Green Deal and the Digital Strategy, should be accelerated in the green and digital transitions and integrated by reinforcing each other to be climate-neutral by 2050. With this motivation, this paper systematically reviews data spaces and digital twins (DTs) within the context of research and innovation. Specifically, focusing on the relevance of the EOSC to the Green Deal Data Space (GDDS) and DTs of the Earth, the relationship between them is explored using a topic search with various keyword combinations in the Web of Science and CORDIS databases. Based on the selected scientific articles and projects, collaboration opportunities are mapped to connect relevant stakeholders. Furthermore, existing and developing service components that could contribute to technical building blocks for the GDDS are identified. In summary, key findings are highlighted, addressing the current gaps and opportunities among the GDDS initiatives presented in this review.
Spectral Calibration of the Spectrometer on Board the Colombian FACSAT-2 Satellite Mission
Authors: Cárdenas Espinosa Lorena Paola , Mejía-Ospino Enrique , Guarnizo Luis , Prada Mejia Jorge , Gutiérrez Erick Enrique , Alzate Jorge Paiba , Plata Iván , Rodríguez Rubio Efraín , Carvajal Alejandro , Zarate Paola
Published: October 2024

This paper presents the results of the integration, commissioning, and in-orbit calibration of the ARGUS 2000 SWIR wavelength spectrometer onboard the Colombian FACSAT-2 satellite, Colombia’s first satellite used for the measurement of greenhouse gases (GHG). The satellite has been in orbit for approximately one year, gathering spectral signatures in order to characterize the data and perform calibration. The calibration represents a certain behavior following a second-order adjustment. For data analysis, retrieval algorithms have been developed to obtain synthetic spectra using the Genspect 1.2 software code. These synthetic spectra were obtained from the spectroscopic data associated with atmospheric gases (H2O, O2, CO, and CO2), which are stored in the HITRAN database. Attempting to achieve a more accurate simulation of the experimental spectrum, certain instrumental parameters have been incorporated into the synthetic spectrum, including the resolution of the spectrometer, the field of view (FOV) angle of observation, the limited quantum efficiency of detection, and the slit function. As a result, six slit functions were tested, with the Gaussian and the diffraction functions proving to be the most effective. Finally, a profile of Total Carbon Column Observing Network (TCCON) concentrations was used for comparison with a spectral signature acquired by FACSAT-2, resulting in a close match between the synthetic spectrum and the measured spectrum.
Relationship between Physical Demands and Player Performance in Professional Female Basketball Players Using Inertial Movement Units
Authors: Espasa-Labrador Javier , Martínez-Rubio Carlos , Oliva-Lozano José María , Calleja-González Julio , Carrasco-Marginet Marta , Fort-Vanmeerhaeghe Azahara
Published: October 2024

Load monitoring has been identified as a valuable tool for optimizing training planning and minimizing injury risk. This study’s aim was divided into two main objectives: (1) to describe the physical demands during official competition through IMU (inertial movement unit) metrics and (2) to investigate the relationship between basketball statistics and these physical demands. Twelve female highly trained basketballers (26.5 ± 5.3 years, 180 ± 7.1 cm, and 73.6 ± 10.3 kg) were monitored during four official games. Our results indicate that games with more frequent possession changes, particularly those driven by steals and turnovers, exhibit higher physical demands. Additionally, longer game durations were associated with longer recovery time while maintaining similar active time and physical load. Players who assume prominent shooting roles face greater conditional demands, such as increased jumps and impacts, even with equal playing time. These findings suggest that IMUs provide valuable insights into high-intensity actions and patterns, indicating a direct association between physical load and player performance in professional female basketball. This study also highlights the potential for professionals to better manage workload and understand player demands using these insights, even in the absence of in-game sensor data. Our research underscores the importance of contextual analysis in sports performance studies, encouraging future investigations into game phases and their specific physical demands.
Application of Surface Plasmon Resonance Imaging Biosensors for Determination of Fibronectin, Laminin-5, and Type IV Collagen in Plasma, Urine, and Tissue of Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Guszcz Tomasz , Sankiewicz Anna , Gałek Lech , Chilinska-Kopko Ewelina , Hermanowicz Adam , Gorodkiewicz Ewa
Published: October 2024

Laminin, fibronectin, and collagen IV are pivotal extracellular matrix (ECM) components. The ECM environment governs the fundamental properties of tumors, including proliferation, vascularization, and invasion. Given the critical role of cell-matrix adhesion in malignant tumor progression, we hypothesize that the concentrations of these proteins may be altered in the plasma of patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). This study aimed to evaluate the serum, urine, and tissue levels of laminin-5, collagen IV, and fibronectin among a control group and ccRCC patients, with the latter divided into stages T1–T2 and T3–T4 according to the TNM classification. We included 60 patients with histopathologically confirmed ccRCC and 26 patients diagnosed with chronic cystitis or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Collagen IV, laminin-5, and fibronectin were detected using Surface Plasmon Resonance Imaging biosensors. Significant differences were observed between the control group and ccRCC patients, as well as between the T1–T2 and T3–T4 subgroups. Levels were generally higher in plasma and tissue for fibronectin and collagen IV in ccRCC patients and lower for laminin. The ROC (Receiver operating characteristic) analysis yielded satisfactory results for differentiating between ccRCC patients and controls (AUC 0.84–0.93), with statistical significance for both fibronectin and laminin in plasma and urine. Analysis between the T1–T2 and T3–T4 groups revealed interesting findings for all examined substances in plasma (AUC 0.8–0.95). The results suggest a positive correlation between fibronectin and collagen levels and ccRCC staging, while laminin shows a negative correlation, implying a potential protective role. The relationship between plasma and urine concentrations of these biomarkers may be instrumental for tumor detection and staging, thereby streamlining therapeutic decision-making.
Study of Residual Stress Using Phased Array Ultrasonics in Ti-6AL-4V Wire-Arc Additively Manufactured Components
Authors: Walker Joseph , Mills Brandon , Javadi Yashar , MacLeod Charles , Sun Yongle , Taraphdar Pradeeptta Kumar , Ahmad Bilal , Gurumurthy Sundar , Ding Jialuo , Sillars Fiona
Published: October 2024

This paper presents a study on residual stress measurement in wire-arc additively manufactured (WAAM) titanium samples using the non-destructive method of phased array ultrasonics. The contour method (CM) was used for the verification of the phased array ultrasonic results. This allowed for a comparison of measurement methods to understand the effects on the distribution of residual stress (RS) within Ti-6Al-4V samples and the effectiveness of measurement of residual stress using phased array ultrasonics. From the results of the experiments, the phased array ultrasonic data were found to be in good agreement with the CM results and displayed similar residual stress distributions in the samples. The results of the individual elements of the phased array were also compared and an improvement in accuracy was found. From per-element results, anomalies were found and could be mitigated with the ability to average the results by using phased array ultrasonics. Therefore, based on these results, there is a strong case for the benefits of using phased array ultrasonics as a method of residual stress measurement for WAAM Ti-6Al-4V components over other existing residual stress measurement techniques.
Validity and Reliability of Wearable Sensors for Continuous Postoperative Vital Signs Monitoring in Patients Recovering from Trauma Surgery
Authors: van Melzen Rianne , Haveman Marjolein E. , Schuurmann Richte C. L. , van Amsterdam Kai , El Moumni Mostafa , Tabak Monique , Struys Michel M. R. F. , de Vries Jean-Paul P. M.
Published: October 2024

(1) Background: Wearable sensors support healthcare professionals in clinical decision-making by measuring vital parameters such as heart rate (HR), respiration rate (RR), and blood oxygenation saturation (SpO2). This study assessed the validity and reliability of two types of wearable sensors, based on electrocardiogram or photoplethysmography, compared with continuous monitoring of patients recovering from trauma surgery at the postanesthesia care unit. (2) Methods: In a prospective observational study, HR, RR, SpO2, and temperature of patients were simultaneously recorded with the VitalPatch and Radius PPG and compared with reference monitoring. Outcome measures were formulated as correlation coefficient for validity and mean difference with 95% limits of agreement for reliability for four random data pairs and 30-min pairs per vital sign per patient. (3) Results: Included were 60 patients. Correlation coefficients for VitalPatch were 0.57 to 0.85 for HR and 0.08 to 0.16 for RR, and for Radius PPG, correlation coefficients were 0.60 to 0.83 for HR, 0.20 to 0.12 for RR, and 0.57 to 0.61 for SpO2. Both sensors presented mean differences within the cutoff values of acceptable difference. (4) Conclusions: Moderate to strong correlations for HR and SpO2 were demonstrated. Although mean differences were within acceptable cutoff values for all vital signs, only limits of agreement for HR measured by electrocardiography were considered clinically acceptable.
Quantized State Estimation for Linear Dynamical Systems
Authors: Bhaskara Ramchander Rao , Majji Manoranjan , Guzmán Felipe
Published: October 2024

This paper investigates state estimation methods for dynamical systems when model evaluations are performed on resource-constrained embedded systems with finite precision compute elements. Minimum mean square estimation algorithms are reformulated to incorporate finite-precision numerical errors in states, inputs, and measurements. Quantized versions of least squares batch estimation, sequential Kalman, and square-root filtering algorithms are proposed for fixed-point implementations. Numerical simulations are used to demonstrate performance improvements over standard filter formulations. Steady-state covariance analysis is employed to capture the performance trade-offs with numerical precision, providing insights into the best possible filter accuracy achievable for a given numerical representation. A low-latency fixed-point acceleration state estimation architecture for optomechanical sensing applications is realized on Field Programmable Gate Array System on Chip (FPGA-SoC) hardware. The hardware implementation results of the estimator are compared with double-precision MATLAB implementation, and the performance metrics are reported. Simulations and the experimental results underscore the significance of modeling quantization errors into state estimation pipelines for fixed-point embedded implementations.