bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microstructure, Phase Evolution and Mechanical Properties of As-Cast and Quenched Ti-Mo-Fe Alloys
Authors: Moshokoa Nthabiseng , Raganya Lerato , Makoana Nkutwane Washington , Chauke Hasani , Diale Ramogohlo , Phasha Maje , Makhatha Mamookho Elizabeth
Published: January 2024

The present study conducts the phase analysis, microstructural characteristics, and mechanical property evaluation on the as-cast and quenched Ti-15Mo-xFe alloys with high iron content ranging from 4 to 12 weight percent. All the four alloys were produced in a button-arc melting furnace. Heat treatment in the form of solution treatment was performed in a muffle furnace at a temperature of 1100°C, with a 1-hour holding time. The samples were rapidly quenched in ice-brine. Various characterization techniques were used to analyze samples both in the as cast and quenched conditions. X-ray diffractometer (XRD) was used to analyses the phases present in each alloy whereas the optical microscope (OM) was employed to track the microstructural evolution. The mechanical properties of the alloys were evaluated using a tensile test method while the micro-Vickers hardness measurements were conducted to evaluate hardness of the alloys. OM micrographs revealed equiaxed β grains and substructures in as-cast TMF0, dendritic structure, and equiaxed β grains with pores forming around the grain boundaries in TMF1, and micrograph full of dendrites and pores was observed in the as-cast TMF2 and TMF3 alloys. The quenched TMF0 showed only β equiaxed grains whereas TMF1, TMF2, and TMF3 revealed micrographs full of equiaxed grains of β phase with pores throughout the grain boundaries. The XRD patterns of cast TMF0 showed peaks belonging to the β and orthorhombic α″ martensitic phases and the quenched sample showed the bcc β phase only. The TMF1, TMF2, and TMF3 alloys in as-cast condition indicated peaks belonging to β , α″ and intermetallic B2 TiFe phases, however, their quenched samples showed the presence of β and Fe·Ti·O2 phases in TMF2 and TMF3 alloys. The tensile properties such as ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and elastic modulus (E) of as-cast TMF0 were 264 MPa and 79 GPa and these properties changed upon quenching to 411 MPa and 66 GPa respectively. The elastic modulus of TMF1 in as-cast condition was 74 GPa. The UTS and E of TMF1, TMF2, and TMF3 in as cast and quenched conditions were not recorded due to the fragility of the samples that failed prior to yielding any useful data. The micro-Vickers hardness in as cast and quenched conditions showed a similar trend with hardness increasing slightly upon quenching for TMF0, TMF1, and TMF3 alloys but slightly decreased in the case of TMF2. 6). The fracture surfaces of TMF0 exhibited both ductile and brittle fracture in as cast and quenched conditions whereas the only brittle fracture mode was observed in the TMF1, TMF2 and TMF3 alloys in both conditions.
Personalized Federated Learning with Adaptive Feature Extraction and Category Prediction in non-IID Datasets
Authors: Lai Ying Hsun , Chen Shin Yeh , Chou Wen Chi , Hsu Hua-Yang , Chao Han-Chieh
Published: January 2024

Federated learning trains a neural network model using the client's data to maintain the benefits of centralized model training, while maintaining the privacy. However, if the client data are not independently and identically distributed (non-IID) because of different environments, the accuracy of the model may suffer from client drift during training owing to discrepancies in each client's data. This study proposes a personalized federated learning algorithm based on the concept of multitask learning to divide each client model into two layers: a feature extraction layer and a category prediction layer. The feature extraction layer maps the input data to a low-dimensional feature vector space. Furthermore, the parameters of the neural network are aggregated with those of other clients using an adaptive method. The category prediction layer maps low-dimensional feature vectors to the label sample space, with its parameters remaining unaffected by other clients to maintain client uniqueness. The proposed personalized federated learning method produces faster learning model convergence rates and higher accuracy rates for the non-IID datasets in our experiments.
Recessions Precipitated by Unrealistic Optimism
Authors: Doh Hyun Soo , Pan Jiahao
Published: January 2024

In this paper, we consider an economy, in which consumers exhibit unrealistic optimism, and show that such an economy is more likely to undergo early recessions and underinvestment rather than experiencing bubbles or overinvestment. In this model, each consumer incorrectly believes that a negative aggregate preference shock will hit all other consumers, but not herself. When consumers have such an unrealistic optimism, the output price must fall prematurely before the aggregate shock occurs. The reason is that if the price does not plummet today, all consumers would postpone making purchases by falsely expecting that an arbitrage opportunity will arise in the future when the aggregate shock hits the economy, in which case, the output market cannot clear. We also show that the government has the potential to improve welfare of the economy by providing subsidies, if the government judiciously selects the right timing for intervention.
The safety and efficacy of cannabinoids for the treatment of mental health and substance use disorders: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wilson Jack , Langcake Andrew , Bryant Zachary , Freeman Tom P. , Leung Janni , Chan Gary C. K. , Englund Amir , Graham Myfanwy , Stockings Emily
Published: January 2024

There has been a global increase in the use of cannabinoids as a treatment for mental health (MH) and substance use disorders (SUD). In 2016, an Australian government-funded review found that although medicinal cannabinoids accounted for a small reduction in MH symptoms, the results varied according to study design. There has since been a rise in randomised controlled trials (RCTs) aiming to examine the efficacy of cannabinoids for the treatment of MH and SUD. Therefore, the current systematic review will a) identify all RCTs examining the efficacy of cannabinoids in treating MH and SUD, b) provide a quantitative or qualitative synthesis of the evidence examining efficacy, and c) synthesise adverse event data to examine evidence of harm. Electronic databases (Ovid MEDLINE, PsychINFO, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Clinical Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Embase) were searched from 1980 to 24 May 2023. The study adheres to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Guidelines. Articles will be screened to capture peer-reviewed RCTs evaluating the efficacy of plant-based and pharmaceutical cannabinoids in reducing or treating MH and SUD among people of any age. The Cochrane risk of bias tool 2.0 will be used to assess bias, while the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) tool will be used to assess the quality of evidence for each outcome. Study findings will be disseminated through published manuscripts, conferences and health policy guidelines.
PeMYB26, an R2R3-MYB transcription factor, positively regulates Lignin deposition in Moso bamboo
Authors: Hu Shanglian , Wang Boya , Chen Sen , Zhu Ze , Li Yuan , Li Chaopeng , Zhang Yue , Huang Yan , Xu Gang , Zhao Xin , Cao Ying
Published: January 2024

Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) is a highly valuable woody bamboo species. A better understanding of its regulation of lignin deposition would significantly benefit its cultivation and breeding. Here, we identified PeMYB26, an transcription factor gene that is primarily expressed in the vascular system. PeMYB26 encodes an R2R3-MYB transcriptional activator that localizes to the nucleus. Heterologous expression of PeMYB26 under control of the cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter caused widening of xylem, thickening of vessel elements, and deposition of lignin in transgenic tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) plants. Moreover, transcript abundances of the lignin biosynthesis genes PAL（PHENYLALANINE AMMONIA-LYASE）, CAD（CINNAMYL ALCOHOL DEHYDROGENASE）, COMT（CAFFEATE O-METHYLTRANSFERASE） and CCR （CINNAMOYL CoA REDUCTASE ）were markedly higher in N. tabacum lines overexpressing PeMYB26 than in control lines. In particular, the expression of PeCCR was highly promoted by PeMYB26. These results indicate that PeMYB26 plays a positive role in regulating lignin accumulation and xylem formation.
Physicochemical and Antibacterial Properties of Ceramic Membranes Based on Silicon Carbide
Authors: Molchan Yliia , Vorobyova Victoria , Vasyliev Georgii , Pylypenko Ihor , Shtyka Oleksandr , Maniecki Tomasz , Dontsova Tetiana
Published: January 2024

The article is devoted to the synthesis of ceramic membranes based on silicon carbide and the study of their mechanical, electrical, and antibacterial properties. SiC-based ceramic membranes have a few advantages, namely high surface hydrophilicity, good water permeability and negative surface charge, which leads to better performance during their operation. The effect of carbonate type and addition of liquid glass on the physicochemical properties of ceramic membranes was investigated using diffraction analysis and scanning electron microscopy. It was found that regardless of the carbonate type, only two phases can be identified: the main phase in the original mixture is silicon carbide and an additional phase added to the mixture is corundum. The transport properties obtained (9.03–18.66 cm3/(min·cm2)), and the results of electron microscopy indicate the macroporosity of ceramic membranes based on silicon carbide (13–20 µm). Ceramic membranes of high strength (16.3–46.8 MPa) were obtained. Studies on antibacterial properties have shown that SiC-based ceramic membranes do not exhibit antibacterial properties. The additional modification of ceramic membranes with titanium oxide has given ceramic membranes based on silicon carbide antibacterial properties, as evidenced by the inhibition of the growth of gram-negative bacteria, the effectiveness of which depends on the number of selective layers based on TiO2 applied. The results of this study are useful to enrich the knowledge of the production of silicon carbide membranes and are aimed at the future research and development of selective membranes (micro- and ultrafiltration) based on them.
Non-classical CD45RBlo memory B-cells are the majority of circulating antigen-specific B-cells following mRNA vaccination and COVID-19 infection.
Authors: Priest David G. , Ebihara Takeshi , Tulyeu Janyerkye , Søndergaard Jonas , Sakakibara Shuhei , Sugihara Fuminori , Nakao Shunichiro , Togami Yuki , Yoshimura Jumpei , Ito Hiroshi , Onishi Shinya , Muratsu Arisa , Mitsuyama Yumi , Ogura Hiroshi , Oda Jun , Okuzaki Daisuke , Matsumoto Hisatake , Wing James B.
Published: January 2024

Resting memory B-cells can be divided into classical and non-classical groups based on differential expression of markers such as CD27 and CD11c, while activated memory B-cells express a combination of markers, making their ontogeny hard to determine. Here by longitudinal analysis of COVID-19, bacterial sepsis, and BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine recipients by mass cytometry and CITE-seq we describe a three-branch structure of resting B-cell memory consisting of “classical” CD45RB+ memory and two branches of CD45RBlo memory further defined by expression of CD23 and CD11c respectively. Stable differences in CD45RB upon activation allowed tracking of activated B-cells and plasmablasts derived from CD45RB+ classical and CD45RBlo non-classical memory B-cells. In both COVID-19 patients and mRNA vaccination, CD45RBlo B-cells formed the majority of SARS-CoV2 specific memory B-cells and correlated with serum antibodies while CD45RB+ memory was most strongly activated by bacterial Sepsis. These results suggest that diverse non-classical CD45RBlo memory B-cells consisting of branches of CD11c+Tbet+ and CD23+ fractions form a critical part of responses to viral infection and vaccination.
A Review of CSR and ESG Disclosures Determinant Studies: Comparability and Ambiguities
Authors: Seow Richard Yeaw Chong
Published: January 2024

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) are two pertinent concepts in sustainable development and responsible investing. In recent years, companies experienced growing pressure from stakeholders to demonstrate their dedication to sustainability. Scholars have been investigating the factors driving greater transparency in sustainability efforts, leading to a surge in the literature on determinants of CSR and ESG disclosure. However, the relationship between CSR and ESG has created uncertainties in these studies. This analysis, based on 164 articles from Scopus and Web of Science, reveals that 70% of these articles were published after 2018, with 81% focusing on the quantity of disclosures. The most frequently cited theoretical frameworks include legitimacy theory, stakeholder theory, and agency theory. The study identifies determinants at various levels, including country, industry, firm, and individual. Despite similarities in theoretical approaches and determinants, the literature is marked by confusion regarding the concept and proxies for CSR and ESG disclosures. The study concludes by offering suggestions for future research to address these ambiguities.
Electro-chemo-mechanical failure in layered oxide cathodes caused by rotational stacking faults
Authors: Kang Kisuk , Eum Donggun , Park Sung O , Jang Ho-Young , Jeon Youngjun , Song Jun-Hyuk , Han Sangwook , Kim Kyoungoh
Published: January 2024

Electro-chemo-mechanical degradation is one of the most common causes of capacity deterioration in high-energy-density cathodes, particularly intercalation-based layered oxides. Here, we reveal a presence of rotational stacking faults (RSFs) in layered lithium transition-metal oxides, arising from specific stacking sequences at different angles, and demonstrate, for the first time, their critical role in determining structural/electrochemical stability. Our combined experiments and calculations show that RSFs facilitate oxygen dimerization and transition-metal migration in layered oxides, fostering microcrack nucleation/propagation concurrently with cumulative electro-chemo-mechanical degradation upon cycling. We further show that thermal defect annihilation as a potential solution can suppress RSFs, reducing microcracks and enhancing cyclability in lithium-rich layered cathodes. The common but previously overlooked occurrence of RSFs suggests a new synthetic guideline of high-energy-density layered oxide cathodes.
FoldExplorer: Fast and Accurate Protein Structure Search with Sequence-Enhanced Graph Embedding
Authors: Shen Hong-Bin , Liu Yuan , Zhang Ying , Zhou Zhen
Published: January 2024

The advent of highly accurate protein structure prediction methods has fueled an exponential expansion of the protein structure database. Consequently, there is a rising demand for rapid and precise structural homolog search. Traditional alignment-based methods are dedicated to precise comparisons between pairs, exhibiting high accuracy. However, their sluggish processing speed is no longer adequate for managing the current massive volume of data. In response to this challenge, we propose a novel deep-learning approach FoldExplorer. It harnesses the powerful capabilities of graph attention neural networks and protein large language models for protein structures and sequences data processing to generate embeddings for protein structures. FoldExplorer demonstrates a substantial performance improvement of 5% to 8% over the current state-of-the-art algorithm on the benchmark datasets. Significantly, FoldExplorer remains effective when searching low-confidence predicted structures. Meanwhile, FoldExplorer’s time complexity is approximately O(n), which is particularly highly efficient in searching in a large-scale dataset. The accurate embedding space generated by FoldExplorer enables providing a comprehensive protein structure space view, which will provide novel cluster and boundary insights on the protein universe studies.
Association between elevated serum matrix metalloproteinase-2 and tumor necrosis factor-α, and clinical symptoms in male patients with treatment-resistant and chronic medicated schizophrenia
Authors: Yang Haidong , Peng Ruijie , Yang Man , Zhang Jing , Shi Zhihui , Zhang Xiaobin
Published: January 2024

Background: Inflammation has an important role in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. The aim of this study was to investigate the levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) in male patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS) and chronic medicated schizophrenia (CMS), and the relationship with psychopathology.
Methods: The study enrolled 31 TRS and 49 CMS male patients, and 53 healthy controls. Serum MMP-2 and TNF-a levels were measured by the Luminex liquid suspension chip detection method. Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) scores were used to evaluate symptom severity and Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status was used to assess cognitive function.
Results: Serum TNF-a and MMP-2 levels differed significantly between TRS, CMS and healthy control patients (F=4.289, P=0.016; F=4.682, P=0.011, respectively). Bonferroni correction demonstrated that serum TNF-a levels were significantly elevated in CMS patients (P=0.022) and MMP-2 levels were significantly higher in TRS patients (P=0.014) compared to healthy controls. In TRS patients, TNF-a was negatively correlated with age (r=-0.435, P=0.015) and age of onset (r=-0.409, P=0.022). In CMS patients, MMP-2 and TNF-a were negatively correlated with PANSS negative and total scores, and TNF-a was negatively correlated with PANSS general psychopathology scores (all P<0.05). MMP-2 levels were positively correlated with TNF-a levels (P<0.05), but not with cognitive function (P>0.05).
Conclusion: The results indicate the involvement of inflammation in the etiology of TRS and CMS. Further studies are warranted.
Numerical Simulation and Design of Multi-field Coupling for Nonferrous Metals DC Electromagnetic Stirring
Authors: FANG WENHUA , ZHANG JING , FENG JINGXING , WAN ZHONGMIN
Published: January 2024

In the melting process of non-ferrous metals, melt stirring is one of the most important processes. In this paper, a new type of EMS (Electromagnetic Stirring) device with long service life and low energy consumption is designed based on the basic equations of Maxwell electromagnetics combined with finite element method. The effect of the designed EMS on the non-ferrous metal melt is studied. The 3D numerical model of multi-field coupling of DC EMS device is established. The distribution and morphological characteristics of magnetic field and flow field are simulated by ANSYS software. Through the streamline distribution and the volume fraction cloud diagram analysis, it is found that the melt flow state and the Si composition distribution are different under different stirring speed especially for early time, but when the time is long enough, the melt will be stirred evenly. During the stirring, the alternating magnetic field can form the circumferential electromagnetic torque, through which the non-ferrous metal melt can move. It is found that the circulating flow inside the melt and the shear flow near the groove wall are in conflict with each other. This phenomenon creates favorable conditions for the collision, friction and mixing of non-ferrous metals and reinforcement groups.
Landsat Observation of Land Use and Land Cover Change Monitoring and Its Correlation with Land Surface Temperature Through NDBI and NDVI Analysis: A Case Study of Pine Bluff City, Arkansas
Authors: RAHMAN MAHBUBUR
Published: January 2024

While rapid urbanization has been observed worldwide, some U.S. cities are experiencing a declining urbanization rate. For example, Pine Bluff city in Arkansas state has been losing its urban population at a concerning rate. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, this city has lost approximately 10,000 people in the last 3 decades (1993–2023). To observe population contraction resulting from urbanization, this study utilized remote sensing multispectral image analysis to identify whether urban decline accompanied by shrinking built-up areas is occurring in this city through land use and land cover (LULC) change analysis and to monitor the correlation between land surface temperature (LST) and built-up area and vegetation through the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and normalized difference built-up index (NDBI). The focus of the study was to extract the urban class via LULC analysis, which revealed a slight increase in the built-up area. However, the LST analysis revealed a notable increase in temperature, a positive correlation with the NDBI, and a negative correlation with the NDVI.
Striving for Sustainability CSF Measures in Türkiye's Forest Management
Authors: Gençay Gökçe , Birben Üstüner
Published: January 2024

Forests play a key role in mitigating climate change. They are one of the major sinks for carbon, and the idea of how to use these important resources more efficiently and effectively has led to the emergence of a new trend in forestry in recent years. Climate Smart Forestry (CSF) aims to reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHG) and seeks to fortify forests against potential climate change consequences in the future while increasing production and incomes sustainably from forests, in line with the main purpose of other climate smart initiatives. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine the measures, indicators, and criteria that promote CSF. Following this, the strengths and weaknesses of Türkiye’s forestry legislation and practices were analyzed using the nine criteria derived from academic literature for CSF. Thus, the degree to which Turkish forestry practices and legislation are consistent with the CSF and its reflections were assessed. Analysis shows that the adapting forest to the future has the highest positive coverage in the sense of CSF among the Turkish Forestry legislation and practices. Furthermore, defining and establishing standards for CSF will help establish a framework by which other nations may assess their own progress in this area.
Treatment of early-onset scoliosis with Co-Cr-Mo multidirectional sliding growth rod technique
Authors: Zhu Feng , Song Xiangjian , Wang Qinglei
Published: January 2024

Objective To investigate the efficacy and complications of Co-Cr-Mo guided multidirectional sliding growth rod technology (CMSG) in the treatment of early onset scoliosis (EOS).
Methods The clinical and imaging data of 35 EOS patients who received CMSG treatment in the department of scoliosis of our hospital from October 2013 to July 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 20 males and 15 females, aged from 3.5 to 9 years, with an average age of 6.8 years. Follow up every 6 months after operation. During the follow-up, X-ray films of the full length of the standing spine were taken, and the Cobb angle of the scoliosis and kyphosis, the deviation distance of the top vertebra, and the vertical height of T1~S1 were measured to evaluate the surgical effect. The imaging parameters before and after operation were compared by paired t test; Inspection level α The value is taken as 0.05 on both sides.
Results The patients were followed up for (56.4 ± 25.3) months. All patients underwent 54 operations. After the first operation, the Cobb angle of the coronal plane was corrected from 85.6 ° ± 18.5 ° to 26.1 ° ± 10.3 °, the correction rate was 69.5%, and the deviation of the vertex was corrected from 52.1 ± 18.8 mm to 32.5 ± 11.7 mm; The vertical height of T1~S1 increases by 13mm/year on average. There were 2 cases of broken rod, 1 case of screw loosening, 2 cases of borderline kyphosis, 2 cases of decompensation of trunk balance, and 1 case of local infection after operation.
Conclusion CMSG can effectively correct scoliosis and control the progress of scoliosis, while preserving the growth potential of the spine. Compared with the traditional growth rod technique, the number of operations and anesthesia is significantly reduced. The cobalt-chromium-molybdenum material is applied at the sliding interface of the nail bar, which is more wear-resistant and reduces the debris reaction. The incidence of complications is low.
Exploring the molecular mechanisms and shared gene signatures between dermatomyositis and gastric cancer
Authors: Ding Yixin , Leng Chuanyu , Wang Shufei , Wang Kongjia , Qi Weiwei
Published: January 2024

Background:Several studies have reported a clinical association between gastric cancer(GC) and dermatomyositis (DM), but the molecular features and underlying mechanisms between the two diseases have not been investigated.
Methods：We obtained the strongly associated genes of DM and GC and the clinical characteristics from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), The Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD), GeneCards, and DisGeNET databases. We next screened hub genes, constructed co-expression and interaction networks, transcription factor-gene-miRNA regulatory networks, and performed enrichment analysis of cell signaling pathways and candidate drugs prediction. Finally, a single-gene immune infiltration assay was performed on the hub genes.
Results：Our study revealed commonalities at the genetic level between DM and GC. A deep dive into the 8 hub genes revealed the role in immune response, especially cytokines, which were involved in the co-development of the two diseases. The obtained hub genes have the potential to be biomarkers as well as therapeutic targets for DM patients with a potential predisposition to GC tumorigenesis.
The H gene promotes the development of glandular trichomes with long stalks in tobacco through endogenous hormone signaling
Authors: RAN 家俊
Published: January 2024

The HAIRS ABSENT (H) gene encodes the C2H2 zinc finger protein ZFP8, which affects trichome development. Subfamily analysis predicts that its homologous genes have a regulatory role in the development of trichomes in Solanaceous plants. This study found that overexpression of the H gene increased the levels of endogenous hormones cytokinin (CTK), auxin (IAA), jasmonic acid (JA), and gibberellin (GA) in tobacco, leading to plant dwarfism, inhibition of short-stalk glandular trichome (STG) development, promotion of long-stalk glandular trichome (LGT) development, increased trichome density, and enhanced tobacco's ability to resist insect predation. During the flowering phase, the H gene positively regulates NtHEMA, NtHLG2 and NtCAO to promote chlorophyll synthesis, and negatively regulates NtF3H, NtF3, H, NtDRF1, NtANS and NtFGT to inhibit anthocyanin synthesis, altering the contents of chlorophyll and anthocyanin, leading to the appearance of diversified flower colors. Besides, the H gene has a significant impact on plant cell development, causing the epidermal cells of the tobacco corolla to resemble those of the leaf epidermis, which gives the corolla a glossier color.
Delivery of therapeutic RNA by extracellular vesicles derived from Saccharomyces cerevisiae for Medicine Applications
Authors: Yuan Meng , Ma Wenyuan , Liu Bingxin , Zou Xue , Huang Bilian , Tian Xiaoyan , Jin Yu , Zheng Nan , Wu Zhiwei , Wang Yongxiang
Published: January 2024

Employing small extracellular vesicles (EVs) as drug delivery vehicles presents a plethora of advantages over conventional drug delivery methods, including biological compatibility, engineering versatility for targeted delivery, and biodegradability. Therefore, strategies aimed at amplifying their therapeutic potential involve developing efficient, tissue-specific, and non-immunogenic delivery approaches. Despite rapid advancements in the realm of EVs as drug delivery systems in recent years, the availability of a high-yield, reproducible, and cost-effective source for EVs production and isolation remains a limiting factor for practical application. In this study, we isolated EVs from Saccharomyces cerevisiae (S.c) and loaded them with cargoes such as hsa-miR-143 (an apoptosis-inducing miRNA) or miR-H6 (a miRNA targeting HSV-1). We demonstrated the capability of these EVs to deliver microRNAs or even large mRNA to a variety of cell types. The therapeutic potential of S.c-derived EVs (S.c-EVs) was further evidenced by their ability to inhibit tumor growth in animal models. The S.c-EVs proved to be safe and non-immunogenic in vivo. Our results suggest that Saccharomyces cerevisiae represents a cost-effective source of extracellular vesicles, serving as nanocarriers for functional drug delivery in therapeutic applications.
A case report of S1-S3 sacroiliac screw fixation for posterior pelvic ring injury with S1 sacral dysmorphism
Authors: Zhao Bin , Liu Qi , Shen Anjie , Wang Junqiang , Li Hongtao
Published: January 2024

This article reviews the research progress of S1-S3 sacroiliac screw fixation for posterior pelvic ring injury, reports one case of S1-S3 sacroiliac screws fixation for posterior pelvic ring injury with S1 sacral dysmorphism. The clinical data, preoperative preparation, surgical procedure, and postoperative outcomes of a patient with pelvic fracture who underwent treatment of 3 sacroiliac screws(S1-S3) fixation on August 07, 2023, at Weifang City People’s Hospital were summarized. The patient successfully underwent treatment of 3 sacroiliac screws(S1-S3) fixation. Postoperative X-rays and CT scans confirmed that all screws were in good position and located in the bone corridors. For patients with S1 sacral dysmorphism, the traditional S1 corridor is often difficult to place nails, while the S3 is an alternative corridor to easily place sacroiliac screw.
NCABS: A Novel Consensus Algorithm for Blockchain Network Scalability
Authors: Jabbar Sohail , Khalid Shehzad , Ahmad Awais , Raza Umar , Abbas Qaisar
Published: January 2024

The scalability of Blockchain is a significant factor that requires attention for it to compete with traditional solutions. One of the main concerns in the scalability aspect of Blockchain is throughput and latency. The slow transaction verification process is one of the primary causes of this issue in the founding systems and their descendant solutions. Verifying transactions falls on a cluster of transaction validators comprising selected transaction validators’ nodes. One way to improve scalability is to design a solution that offers faster Proof of Work, i.e., at the level of the consensus algorithm. This paper proposes a method for accelerating the consensus process based on parallel rather than solo mining. The objective is to ensure that up to two or more miners exert the same effort in solving a specific block to avoid additional resource utilization. The key components of the proposed method, called NCABS, are the manager selection process, the distribution of work, and the reward system. The idea is implemented and tested using various case scenarios, including varied node densities, throughput, network latency, resource utilization, network scalability, and responsiveness as the key performance evaluation parameters. The results have shown that NCABS provided better throughput, less resource utilization, a higher transaction commit rate, and less latency than Practical Byzantine Fault Tolerance (PBFT).
Pathogenic and clinical features of neonatal bacterial conjunctivitis in southern China: a retrospective study
Authors: Luo Yasha , Gu Chunming , Sun Yuanxin , Guo Junfei , Lai Weiming , Deng Wenyu , Wu Yongbing , Luo Mingyong
Published: January 2024

Background: Bacterial conjunctivitis is one of the most common ocular problems of neonates. The aim of this study was to retrospectively analyse the clinical and pathogenic characteristics of neonatal bacterial conjunctivitis in southern China from 2017 to 2021.
Methods: Clinical and microbiological data of neonates with culture-proven bacterial conjunctivitis in our hospital were retrospectively collected from January 2017 to December 2021. Then, the distribution of the pathogens, the clinical characteristics and the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns were evaluated.
Results: Bacteria was separated from 299 samples (30.9%) out of the 967 samples assessed, and 8 patients were infected by two bacteria. A total of 307 pathogens were identified, of which 211 (67.2%) were Gram-positive, and 96 (30.1%) were Gram-negative. S. aureus (53.7%) was the most frequent causative organism, followed by C. macginleyi (10.7%) and E. coli (10.1%). Only one case of N. gonorrhoeae was isolated. An increasing detection rate during the last five years (χ2=16.68, P<0.001) was observed, and a similar trend was found in Gram-positive bacteria (χ2=9.898, P=0.002). Gram-negative bacteria related neonatal conjunctivitis were common among neonates suffered turbid amniotic fluid. Fifty-two S. aureus isolates (34.2%) were methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and 5 strains (15.6%) E.coli were extended spectrum b-lactamases (ESBLs) producing bacteria. All S. aureus and C. macginleyi strains are susceptible to vancomycin and linezolid, and E. coli are susceptible to imipenem, ertapenem and amikacin.
Conclusion: Although most of neonatal bacterial conjunctivitis are self-limiting disease, investigating the pathogenic characteristics and antibiotics parttern may help to shorten the duration of conjunctival symptoms in neonates with acute bacterial conjunctivitis.
Development and validation of a scale to measure the care needs of Crohn's Disease Patients
Authors: Chen Danlei , Pan Ting , Liu Qing , Yu Zhihui , Zhang Ailing , Chen Yan , Kong Fang , Ding ChengLiang
Published: January 2024

Background
Crohn's disease (CD) patients require varying levels of supportive care. In order to facilitate caregivers and nurses in precisely evaluating the caregiving requirements of these patients, we developed the CD-specific Care Needs Scale (CD-CNS).
Methods
Qualitative interviews were conducted based on the supportive care needs framework and Maslow's hierarchy of needs, and scale items were constructed through a literature search and qualitative interviews. The initial version of the scale with 45 items was obtained after the items were verified and modified by expert consultation. A total of 250 CD patients admitted to the gastroenterology department of a hospital in China were selected for verification of the initial version of the scale. A self-designed general questionnaire was used to obtain patients' medical history and sociodemographic data, and the Chinese version of the IBDQ was used as the criterion. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was performed on the CD-CNS to evaluate the dimensions, factor structure, reliability, criterion validity, and construct validity.
Results
EFA identified 5 dimensions and retained 27 items with strong internal consistency reliability (α = 0.94). The Cronbach's α coefficients for each dimension ranged from 0.824–0.921. Criterion validity was assessed using Spearman's coefficient, which demonstrated a significant correlation with the IBDQ (P < 0.050). The test-retest reliability for each dimension after two weeks ranged from 0.824–0.895.
Conclusions
We developed and validated a new scale that can be used to assess the care needs of CD patients. This new tool can guide the specific supportive care of CD patients.
Trial registration:
This study was reviewed and approved by the Ethics Committee of the Second Hospital of Nanjing (2021-LS-ky-022). It was duly registered and approved online through the Trial Center of the Second Hospital of Nanjing in 2021. Confidentiality was ensured by anonymizing all data. The entire study process was conducted under the supervision of the Ethics Committee of Nanjing Second Hospital. Informed consent was obtained from the patients, and each patient volunteered and agreed to participate.
Designing of Airspeed Measurement Method for UAV Based on MEMS Pressure Sensors
Authors: chen zhipeng , Li Haojie , Yu Hang , Zhao Yuan , Zhang Chuanhao , Zhang He
Published: January 2024

Airspeed measurement is crucial for UAV control. To achieve accurate airspeed measurements for UAV, this paper calculates airspeed data by measuring changes in air pressure and temperature. Based on this, a data processing method based on mechanical filtering and improved AR-SHAKF algorithm is proposed to indirectly measure airspeed with high precision. In particular, a mathematical model for an airspeed measurement system is established, and an installation method for the pressure sensor is designed to measure the total pressure, static pressure and temperature. Secondly, the measurement principle of the sensor are analyzed, and a metal tube is installed to act as a mechanical filter, particularly in cases where the aircraft has a significant impact on the gas flow field. Furthermore, a time-series model is used to establish the sensor state equation and the initial noise values. It also enhances the Sage-Husa adaptive filter to analyze the unavoidable error impact of initial noise values. By constraining the range of measurement noise, it achieves adaptive noise estimation. To validate the superiority of the proposed method, a low-complexity airspeed measurement device based on MEMS pressure sensors is designed. The results demonstrate that the airspeed measurement device and the designed velocity measurement method can effectively calculate airspeed with high measurement accuracy and strong interference resistance.
Mechanism of geraniol against E. coli infection by regulating YDIV
Authors: Long Nana , Dai Min , Wang Yuzhen , Zhang Yanjiao , Guo Wei , Pu Zhonghui
Published: January 2024

Purpose
Geraniol, an active component found in the essential oil of various medicinal plants, possesses a wide range of antibacterial properties, including against E. coli. Nevertheless, the precise inhibitory mechanism of geraniol on E. coli remains elusive.
Methods
Co-cultivation of multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli with geraniol was performed to investigate changes in biomass, gene expression, intracellular iron concentration, phagocytic activity, and complement-mediated killing ability. Additionally, protein expression alterations were assessed to evaluate the regulatory effects of geraniol.
Results
The compound geraniol demonstrated a downregulation of ydiv and iron metabolism gene fepA, fecB and fhuF expression. Concomitantly, it was observed that linalool led to a decrease in intracellular iron ion concentration. Meanwhile, treatment of E. coli with geraniol resulted in a downregulation of ompW gene expression. Additionally, it led to a decrease in the killing ability of antiserum complement and an increase in the phagocytic capacity of macrophages. Furthermore, geraniol demonstrated augmented binding effects, possibly facilitated through hydrogen bonding, relying on structural simulation or MST.
Conclusion
These results suggested for the first time that geraniol by regulating the iron transport-related proteins YdiV, thereby decreasing the ability of antiserum complement, and an increase in the phagocytic capacity of macrophages exerting inhibited E. coli.
Evolutionary and Synteny Analysis of BADH2, GBSS1, GBBS2, and HIS1 in Rice: Insights for Effective Introgression Breeding Strategies
Authors: Lim Insu , Park Yong-Jin , Ha Jungmin
Published: January 2024

The key genes BADH2, GBSS1, GBSS2, and HIS1 regulate the fragrance, starch synthesis, and herbicide resistance in rice. Although the molecular functions of four genes have been investigated in the Oryza sativa species, little is known regarding their evolutionary history in the Oryza genus. Here, we studied the evolution of four focal genes in 10 Oryza species using phylogenetic and syntenic approaches. The HIS1 family underwent several times of tandem duplication events in the Oryza species, resulting in copy number variation ranging from 2–7. At most one copy of BADH2, GBSS1, and GBSS2 orthologs were identified in each Oryza species, and gene loss events of BADH2 and GBSS2 were identified in three Oryza species. Gene transfer analysis proposed that the functional roles of GBSS1 and GBSS2 were developed in the Asian and African regions, respectively, and most allelic variations of BADH2 in japonica rice emerged after the divergence between the Asian and African rice groups. These results provide clues to determine the origin and evolution of the key genes in rice breeding as well as valuable information for molecular breeders and scientists to develop efficient strategies to simultaneously improve grain quality and yield potential in rice.
Time-Frequency Connectedness in Global Banking: Volatility and Return Dynamics of BRICS and G7 Banks
Authors: Dammak Wael , Gökgöz Halilibrahim , Jeribi Ahmed
Published: January 2024

Addressing recent disturbances in the global financial landscape, this paper investigates volatility and return spillovers within the banking indices of BRICS and G7 countries using a time-varying parameter autoregressive model. We analyze daily bank stock indices from January 2018 to October 2023, focusing on the role of interconnectedness in shaping global financial stability, particularly during significant events. Our empirical findings shed light on the dynamic nature of volatility and return spillovers between the banking sectors of these countries. These interconnections are notably influenced by specific countries and are significantly affected by turbulent events. The connectedness among the indices shows varying patterns across different time frequencies, with short-term (1–5 days) and intermediate-long term (5 days to infinity) connectedness displaying distinct characteristics, especially during periods of global shocks. This heterogeneity underscores the complexity of financial market responses over different time horizons during crises. The study reveals that the connectedness among these indices is dynamic, showing considerable changes over time. We find that national banking indices frequently switch roles, oscillating between being net transmitters and receivers of volatility. This finding emphasizes the need to account for the varied impacts of global events on financial markets across different time frames. The research highlights the critical importance of understanding the interconnectedness in global banking markets and advocates for a dynamic approach by investors and policymakers in financial markets, stressing the necessity to adapt strategies to the continuously evolving market scenarios.
The attitude of Maths teachers in England and Egypt towered using E- tools during the School Closure during the Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Harb Mahmoud
Published: January 2024

This research, focused on education, presents a comparative case study investigating the challenges and impacts of teaching math remotely during the COVID-19 lockdown. The study examines math teachers' experiences in schools in Egypt and England, exploring the use of e-tools for remote instruction and its effects on various aspects of the teaching and learning process. Utilising a case study methodology, the research provides a detailed analysis of teachers' experiences in both contexts, capturing their reflections and observations. By comparing teachers' experiences in Egypt and England, the study aims to identify similarities and differences in the challenges and impacts of remote math instruction during the COVID-19 lockdown. The comparative case study sheds light on key challenges teachers faces in both countries, including student attendance, engagement, assessment, incomplete coverage of the curriculum, and deviations from the planned curriculum map. It explores the contextual factors that influence these challenges, such as disparities in technology access, cultural and educational norms, and policy responses to the pandemic. Through the comparative analysis, the research offers insights into the unique challenges and adaptations made by teachers in each country. It highlights the importance of considering local contexts and educational systems when designing strategies for remote math instruction during times of crisis. Findings from the comparative case study contribute to the broader field of education by providing a nuanced understanding of the challenges and impacts of remote teaching and learning in math education. The research underscores the need for context-specific approaches, considering students' and teachers' diverse needs and resources in different educational settings. By examining the experiences of math teachers in Egypt and England, this research informs educational practitioners, policymakers, and researchers about effective strategies and best practices for remote math instruction. It emphasizes the importance of collaboration and knowledge exchange across international borders to enhance the quality of education during challenging circumstances like the COVID-19 lockdown.
Causal association of chronic diseases with herpes zoster and postherpetic neuralgia: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Luan Shuwei , Wang Yan , Li Qing , Zheng Xiaojun , Shang Nan
Published: January 2024

Background
The incidence of herpes zoster and postherpetic neuralgia is higher in people with compromised immune function. This study aimed to explore whether there is a causal correlation between different types of chronic diseases and herpes zoster and postherpetic neuralgia using two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.
Methods
Phenotypic single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with chronic diseases (obesity, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, asthma, hyperlipidemia, depression, stroke, ischemic stroke, coronary heart disease, and chronic kidney disease) and herpes zoster were obtained from publicly available databases or published genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and used as genetic instrumental variables. SNPs were examined for strength, horizontal pleiotropy, and heterogeneity. The results of MR were based on inverse variance weighted (IVW) analysis and expressed as odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI).
Results
Our findings demonstrated that genetically predicted ischemic stroke [IVW: OR = 1.420 (95%CI: 1.044–1.933), P = 0.0256] increased the risk of herpes zoster. Furthermore, genetically predicted obesity [IVW: OR = 1.851 (95%CI: 1.058–3.239), P = 0.0311] and type 2 diabetes [IVW: OR = 1.685 (95%CI: 1.023–2.775), P = 0.0404] were associated with an increased risk of postherpetic neuralgia. No significant causal relationship was observed between genetically predicted other chronic diseases and the risk of herpes zoster and postherpetic neuralgia (P > 0.05).
Conclusion
This study found a causality for ischemic stroke-herpes zoster, obesity- postherpetic neuralgia, and type 2 diabetes-postherpetic neuralgia.
The effects of familiarity, degree of controllability and varying contents of the environment to embodied and emotional experiences in virtual nature
Authors: Lau Joyce S.Y. , Hui Ho Yin , Kwong Ka Long , Lam Wing Tung , Lau Ho Sum , Yeung Cheuk Lam , Zhong Junpei
Published: January 2024

This study aimed to investigate the relations of emotion, relaxation and embodied experiences by providing the Virtual Reality (VR)-based nature. 31 participants without a clinical diagnosis of mental illness were invited to attend VR sessions to view natural sceneries under different levels of controlling the VR equipment. Participants’ mood states, experiences of embodiment and presence, and sickness induced in the sessions were evaluated after the sessions using the profile of mood states scale (POMS), the experience of embodiment scale (EES), the connectedness to nature scale (CNS), the presence questionnaire (PQ), and the simulator sickness questionnaire (SSQ). The results showed a significant difference in mood and experience of embodiment before and after viewing VR sceneries. There was a significant difference in emotions and embodiment before and after the VR sessions. This suggests that VR sceneries have potential to be applied in treatment of mood disorders. In contrast, no significant finding was found in emotions and embodiment when the VR contents or the degree of controllability were changed, nor among groups with different familiarities with sceneries. Overall, the findings show the VR sceneries may be useful for mental health. Future study for a more comprehensive investigation is recommended.