bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social contagion of pain and fear results in opposite social behaviors in rodents: meta- analysis of experimental studies
Authors: Du Rui , Yu Yang , Wang Xiao-Liang , Lu Guofang , Chen Jun
Published: October 2024

Introduction

The study aimed to explore the key factors influencing emotional valence in rodents, focusing on the critical elements that distinguish the contagion processes of fear and pain.

Methods

Through a systematic review and meta-analysis, we examined behavioral outcomes of rodents exposed to painful or fearful catastrophes to see whether they are prosocial or antisocial through three-chamber test and dyadic social interaction paradigm.

Results

Fear contagion, particularly when witnessed, leads to social avoidance behavior, unaffected by sex difference but more pronounced with age. In contrast, pain contagion promotes social approach and caring/helping behaviors.

Discussion

The present study demonstrates that the emotional valence induced by pain contagion is quite different from fear contagion and this difference may result in different motivations and social behaviors, namely, social contagion of pain is likely to be more associated with prosocial behaviors, however, social contagion of fear is likely to be more associated with antisocial behaviors.

Systematic Review Registration

PROSPERO (CRD42024566326).
Primary hepatoid adenocarcinoma of the lung in patient with silicosis: a case report and literature review
Authors: Huang Lipeng , Chen Chaoyang , Sun Qingyu , Yu Zhichen , Wang Xiaoyan , Wang Xinle , Yang Shuoqi , Jin Luming , Bu Liang
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Hepatoid adenocarcinoma of the lung (HAL) is a special type of adenocarcinoma originating from the lung with adenoid- and hepatocyte-like differentiation. HAL is rare in clinical practice. Here, we present the case of a patient with HAL.

Case presentation

A 59-year-old man was admitted to the hospital 4 days because of lung mas observed. Chest computed tomography (CT) revealed a lobulated mass shadow in the right lower lobe, approximately 3.5 × 3.3 cm in size. CT-guided percutaneous biopsy of the right lower lung was performed. The pathological results indicated a moderately to poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. The patient underwent thoracoscopic right middle and lower lobectomy and systematic lymph node dissection. The postoperative pathology was primary HAL, with the staging of T2bN2M0 (stage III A). Recurrence-free survival and overall survival were 6 and 19 months, respectively Preoperatively, the level of alpha-fetoprotein was negative; however, after recurrence, it increased to 87.8.

Conclusion

Pulmonary hepatoid adenocarcinoma is a rare subtype of malignant lung tumor, combined silicosis is more rare. Early surgical intervention can benefit patients in the early stages of the disease, whereas chemotherapy remains the main systemic treatment modality for postoperative and advanced stages. With the increasing popularity of genetic testing, it is important to focus on improving genetic examination.
The effects of maternal voice on pain during placement of peripherally inserted central catheter in neonates
Authors: Flours Audrey , Mons Fabienne , Bedu Antoine , Lauvray Thomas , Blanquart Anne-Laure , Woillard Jean-Baptiste , Mowendabeka Audrey , Guigonis Vincent , Ponthier Laure
Published: October 2024

Background

Peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) are a necessary procedure for preterm newborns care. Despite the use of analgesic treatments, its insertion can be painful. Our objective was to study the effect of maternal voice on pain during PICC insertion.

Method

We conducted a pre post study for 2 years. Pain was compared between the two groups (with/without maternal presence) using a neonatal pain scale (FANS). Infection rate, procedure time, number of failures, mothers’ anxiety and caregivers’anxiety were compared between the two groups.

Results

Ninety neonates were eligible. Finally, 63 neonates were included. Thirty-four placements were realized without maternal voice (first period) and 29 with maternal voice (second period). Mean FANS during PICC placement was lower in the maternal voice group than in the control group (1.15 ± 1.27 vs. 1.41 ± 1.49, p = 0.033). The FANS was also lower in the maternal voice group during the time of the first cutaneous effraction (p = 0.032). There was no significant difference between the two groups concerning the other outcomes.

Conclusion

Maternal voice added to conventional care decreased acute pain during PICC insertion without increasing infection rate, number of failures or procedure time.
Key feature identification of internal kink mode using machine learning
Authors: Ning Hongwei , Lou Shuyong , Wu Jianguo , Zhou Teng
Published: October 2024

The internal kink mode is one of the crucial factors affecting the stability of magnetically confined fusion devices. This paper explores the key features influencing the growth rate of internal kink modes using machine learning techniques such as Random Forest, Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGboost), Permutation, and SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP). We conduct an in-depth analysis of the significant physical mechanisms by which these key features impact the growth rate of internal kink modes. Numerical simulation data were used to train high-precision machine learning models, namely Random Forest and XGBoost, which achieved coefficients of determination values of 95.07% and 94.57%, respectively, demonstrating their capability to accurately predict the growth rate of internal kink modes. Based on these models, key feature analysis was systematically performed with Permutation and SHAP methods. The results indicate that resistance, pressure at the magnetic axis, viscosity, and plasma rotation are the primary features influencing the growth rate of internal kink modes. Specifically, resistance affects the evolution of internal kink modes by altering current distribution and magnetic field structure; pressure at the magnetic axis impacts the driving force of internal kink modes through the pressure gradient directly related to plasma stability; viscosity modifies the dynamic behavior of internal kink modes by regulating plasma flow; and plasma rotation introduces additional shear forces, affecting the stability and growth rate of internal kink modes. This paper describes the mechanisms by which these four key features influence the growth rate of internal kink modes, providing essential theoretical insights into the behavior of internal kink modes in magnetically confined fusion devices.
SMASH as an event generator for heavy-ion collisions
Authors: Sciarra Alessandro , Elfner Hannah
Published: October 2024

In this article we present an overview of the SMASH hadronic transport approach that is applied for non-equilibrium dynamics of hadrons in heavy-ion collisions. We will give an overview about the ingredients of the approach and the applications for the dynamical description of heavy-ion collisions and for calculations of fundamental properties of the hadron gas. The main emphasis of the article will be the infrastructure for sustainable software development that we have developed over the last 10 years including extensive unit tests and continuous integration. We will also provide one section about the performance of the code and how it can be analyzed and improved in the future.
The psychological mechanism of basic psychological need frustration affecting job burnout: a qualitative study from China
Authors: Shi Hairong
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Job burnout is a common issue in most professions, and it can have adverse effects on employees, their families, clients, and organizations. It is essential to address and resolve job burnout syndrome. More research is needed to understand the underlying psychological mechanisms involved in job burnout. This study introduces the concept of primary psychological need frustration to explore its impact on the psychological processes involved in job burnout.

Methods

This study adopted a qualitative research methodology based on purposive sampling and convenience sampling principles. Eight grassroots senior counselors with over 13 years of teaching experience at a Chinese university were selected as the study cases. The data were gathered through semi-structured interviews and analyzed thoroughly via cluster analysis, which involved examining the text data word by word, sentence by sentence, line by line, and fragment by fragment. NVivo 11 software was used to register and code the text data.

Results

The study revealed that the subjects experienced high levels of frustration with their basic psychological needs. This frustration was evident in the coexistence of negative job characteristics and a lack of autonomy, a hostile professional environment and a lack of competence, and the negative behavior of others and relationship frustration. The study also revealed that the four types of primary psychological need frustration were strongly linked to job burnout: A lack of control motivation or motivation, the pursuit of external goals, negative behavior patterns, and the causal orientation of a controlled style. These factors positively predicted various dimensions of job burnout and positively affected the frustration of basic psychological needs.

Conclusion

This study effectively explains the psychological process behind why individuals experience severe job burnout in a controlled organizational environment due to frustration with basic psychological needs. This study also highlights the internal causal relationship between primary psychological needs, frustration, and job burnout. This insight can help employees and organizations prevent and detect early job burnout syndrome and enhance employees’ occupational well-being and organizational vitality.
Classification of recovery states in U15, U17, and U19 sub-elite football players: a machine learning approach
Authors: Teixeira José E. , Encarnação Samuel , Branquinho Luís , Ferraz Ricardo , Portella Daniel L. , Monteiro Diogo , Morgans Ryland , Barbosa Tiago M. , Monteiro António M. , Forte Pedro
Published: October 2024

Introduction

A promising approach to optimizing recovery in youth football has been the use of machine learning (ML) models to predict recovery states and prevent mental fatigue. This research investigates the application of ML models in classifying male young football players aged under (U)15, U17, and U19 according to their recovery state. Weekly training load data were systematically monitored across three age groups throughout the initial month of the 2019–2020 competitive season, covering 18 training sessions and 120 observation instances. Outfield players were tracked using portable 18-Hz global positioning system (GPS) devices, while heart rate (HR) was measured using 1 Hz telemetry HR bands. The rating of perceived exertion (RPE 6–20) and total quality recovery (TQR 6–20) scores were employed to evaluate perceived exertion, internal training load, and recovery state, respectively. Data preprocessing involved handling missing values, normalization, and feature selection using correlation coefficients and a random forest (RF) classifier. Five ML algorithms [K-nearest neighbors (KNN), extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), support vector machine (SVM), RF, and decision tree (DT)] were assessed for classification performance. The K-fold method was employed to cross-validate the ML outputs.

Results

A high accuracy for this ML classification model (73–100%) was verified. The feature selection highlighted critical variables, and we implemented the ML algorithms considering a panel of 9 variables (U15, U19, body mass, accelerations, decelerations, training weeks, sprint distance, and RPE). These features were included according to their percentage of importance (3–18%). The results were cross-validated with good accuracy across 5-fold (79%).

Conclusion

The five ML models, in combination with weekly data, demonstrated the efficacy of wearable device-collected features as an efficient combination in predicting football players’ recovery states.
The relationship between sense of coherence and self-efficacy with well-being and mental health—the situation of students at a typical German university during the COVID-19 pandemic and 1 year after the lifting of social restrictions
Authors: Kösler Lisa-Marie , Bauer Stephanie , Möltner Andreas , Holm-Hadulla Rainer M.
Published: October 2024

Introduction

The present study aims to evaluate the role of sense of coherence and self-efficacy in relation to mental health and well-being, with and without social restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, this study seeks to investigate the differences in sense of coherence, self-efficacy, mental health and well-being depending on the manner in which the pandemic is being handled.

Methods

A total of 27,162 students at Heidelberg University were surveyed via email at two measurement points, once with and once without social restrictions. The survey assessed sense of coherence, self-efficacy, mental health and well-being. To this end, the questionnaires Sense of Coherence Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire, WHO-Well-being-Index and the General Self-Efficacy Scale were employed. A total of 2,398 individuals participated in the initial measurement, while 701 individuals participated in the subsequent measurement.

Results

The lifting of social restrictions has been associated with a notable improvement in well-being and mental health, particularly in the context of depressive syndromes. Further analysis demonstrated a positive correlation between the sense of coherence and self-efficacy at both measurement points, as well as between these two constructs and mental health and well-being. Furthermore, the sense of coherence and self-efficacy were found to account for a notable proportion of the observed variability in mental health and well-being values. Self-efficacy exhibited a significantly higher mean value at the initial measurement time point compared to the subsequent time point. In contrast, no significant difference was observed in the sense of coherence between the two measurement points.

Discussion

The findings presented here illustrate the significance of social interaction, sense of coherence and self-efficacy for mental health and well-being.
Global burden of drug use disorders by region and country, 1990–2021
Authors: Zhang Shuyan , Qi Xiaoying , Wang Yingying , Fang Keyuan
Published: October 2024

Background

This study used data from the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) database to systematically assess the magnitude of drug use disorders (DUD) burden between 1990 and 2021.

Methods

This study used GBD data to analyze the trends in ASIR, DALYs and other DUD indicators from 1990 to 2021, and compared them among different regions and countries. The Estimated Annual Percentage Change (EAPC) and its 95% Confidence Interval (CI) were calculated to assess the temporal and geographical disparities. ASIR and DALYs were used to evaluate the burden of DUDs, and socio-demographic index (SDI) was used to measure the socio-economic development level of each country.

Results

The global ASIR of DUDs showed a slight downward trend (EAPC = −0.26). The age-standardized DALY rate (per 100,000) significantly declined from 1990 to 2021 (EAPC = −1.44). Among the regions, the high SDI region exhibited the most substantial increase in ASIR (EAPC = 0.65). On a regional level, the high-income North America region had the highest EAPC for both age-standardized DALYs and ASIR (EAPC = 4.82, 1.02, respectively). Nationally, the United States of America reported the largest increase in age-standardized DALY rates and EAPC for ASIR (EAPC of 4.88, 1.05, respectively), while South Africa had the most significant decrease in EAPC (EAPC of −3.62, −1.52, respectively). In 2021, the highest ASIR was observed in high-income North America at 520.07; Central Asia had the highest age-standardized DALY rate. Globally, age-standardized DALYs and ASIR for DUDs were generally higher in men than in women, and the burden of DUDs decreased with age.

Conclusion

The global burden of DUDs has shown complex and changing trends over the last decades, with large differences in burden between regions and countries. This highlights the need for targeted public health policies and interventions in High income North America region and Eastern Europe.
Early T-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia: diagnostic pitfalls, genomic alteration, novel therapeutics, and minimal residual disease monitoring
Authors: George Binsah , Chan Kok Hoe , Rios Adan
Published: October 2024

Early precursor T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ETP-ALL) is a rare type of T-cell ALL (T-ALL) that was initially described in 2009. Since its initial description, it has been formally recognized as a distinct entity, according to the 2016 World Health Organization classification. ETP-ALL is characterized by unique immunophenotypic and genomic profiles. The diagnosis and management of ETP-ALL remain challenging. Poorer outcomes, high incidence of induction failure and relapsed/refractory disease demand novel therapies. This review emphasizes the challenges of initial diagnosis, the molecular mechanisms underlying leukemogenesis, and the available therapeutic options. Additionally, it discusses the importance of induction failure, the prognostic value of detecting minimal residual disease, and the implications of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, along with emerging novel therapies.
One-stage surgery by a halo-vest to treat simultaneous double spine fractures–dislocation in a patient with ankylosing spondylitis: case report and review of literature
Authors: Wang Liang , Qiu Youcai , Wang Can , Liu Tielong , Lu Xuhua
Published: October 2024

Study Design

A case report.

Background

In this study, we report the outcome of one-stage surgery using a halo-vest to treat simultaneous double spine fractures–dislocation in a patient with ankylosing spondylitis (AS).

Case presentation

We report a case of a 57-year-old male patient with AS who sustained simultaneous double spine fractures due to a traffic accident. We performed an open approach after successful closed reduction using a halo-vest. At the 1-year follow-up, we finally achieved bone union after postoperative. At the 3-year follow-up visit, he reported a significant resolution of both cervical and back pain and had returned to his routine daily activities.

Conclusion

This is the first report of using a halo-vest to treat simultaneous double spine fractures–dislocation in a patient with AS. The authors included five research studies that situate this case study in the existing literature and highlight a gap in current knowledge. Based on our experience with this case and a review of the literature, one-stage surgery by a halo-vest is an effective option for the treatment of simultaneous double spine fractures–dislocation in patients with AS.
Perspective historique. La Constitution de la Ve République, un esprit, des institutions, une pratique?
Authors: Vidal-Naquet Ariane
Published: October 2024

It can be argued that the Constitution of the Fifth Republic is an asset for France, if only because of its longevity. Besides, given the objective set by its founders in 1958, namely to restore the state around the executive, the Fifth Republic is undoubtedly a success. However, this success has led to an imbalance in the functioning of the institutions, which, despite attempts at reform, remain essentially centred on the head of state. The article addresses this issue through the prism of three fundamental issues: ‘the spirit’ of the Constitution, focused on the reconstruction of the State; ‘institutions’, unequal in favour of the President of the Republic; and ‘practice’, sometimes unconstitutional.
Rola samorządu lokalnego jako stabilizatora funkcjonowania państwa w okresie kryzysu politycznego i systemowego w Polsce
Authors: Kozłowski Sebastian
Published: October 2024

In the 2018–2022 (2023) term of office of local government bodies, numerous cases of transferring problems generated by national policy to local governments can be indicated. The commune self-government, being the entity closest to the citizens in terms of handling most matters, experiences the effects of actions taken at the level of systemic and national regulations, as well as being the object of specific actions initiated at the central level. Among the numerous challenges in which the local government plays a stabilizing role in the state, taking over responsibility for solving problems in emergency situations, it is worth paying attention to the activities related to helping refugees after the outbreak of the Russian-Ukrainian war. The decision of the Polish government to open borders to millions of refugees was not preceded by proper preparation. The assumption of this analysis is based on the claim that without bottom-up activation of the local government and its organizational units as well as inhabitants of communes, accepting the largest number of refugees in the history of Poland could have caused the paralysis of the state and a humanitarian crisis. The main question is whether we can talk about the success of the government or the local government in this matter.
The Reaction of the Central European Initiative and the Bulgarian Government on the Russian Aggression Against Ukraine During the Bulgarian Presidency Held in the CEI in 2022
Authors: Czernicka Marzena
Published: October 2024

The Initiative’s reaction on the war in Ukraine is decisive. The initiative issued a number of statements condemning Russia’s military actions. It also decided to suspend Belarus from CEI membership rights due to the country’s involvement in the war. Moreover, CEI provided material and financial assistance to Ukraine. The activities of the Initiative prove that the Initiative performs many important tasks for the security and stability of Central and Eastern Europe and effectively responds to the challenges that Europe is currently facing. However, Bulgaria’s position on this issue has been divided since the beginning of the Russian aggression. The lack of consensus among political parties at the level of declarations causes some problems with direct aid to this country.
The October Revolution of 2020 in Kyrgyzstan and the Security Problem in Central Asia
Authors: Szukalski Jerzy
Published: October 2024

The subject of the article is the analysis of the causes, course and effects of the October 2020 revolution in Kyrgyzstan. Particular emphasis is placed on the consequences of this revolution, especially on the change of the system of government in Kyrgyzstan and its impact on security in the region of Central Asia. The entirety of the normative provisions of the Constitution of May 5, 2021, and in particular the regulations regarding the mutual relations between the executive and legislative powers, proves that the presidential system of government established on its basis in Kyrgyzstan differs significantly from the classical model of such a system of government. This is evidenced primarily by the right of legislative initiative granted to the President of Kyrgyzstan, the right to participate in parliamentary sessions, and the right to determine the subject of its sessions. The October Revolution did not affect the security architecture in Central Asia directly. However, the adoption of the presidential system of government in Kyrgyzstan, the difficult economic situation, as well as unresolved social problems may result in further mass social protests in this country in the future, which may have a significant impact on the relations, especially with Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.
Empathetic Leadership in Times of ‘War’ as Represented by President Emmanuel Macron
Authors: Zubrzycka-Czarnecka Aleksandra
Published: October 2024

This paper utilises Stephanie Paterson’s empathic policy analysis framework as it explores the discursive co nstruction of political leadership. The research focuses on the empathy French President Emmanuel Macron used during his public speech, delivered on October 12, 2023. The study identifies two emotional discourses that shape this representation of empathetic political leadership. The article analyses the assumptions underpinning this representation and the silences (that which has been left unspoken or implied) associated with it, as well as important implications for people’s lives.
Application of Machine Learning Techniques to Classify Twitter Sentiments Using Vectorization Techniques
Authors: Padhy Manjog , Modibbo Umar Muhammad , Rautray Rasmita , Tripathy Subhranshu Sekhar , Bebortta Sujit
Published: October 2024

The advancements in social networking have empowered open expression on micro-blogging platforms like Twitter. Traditional Twitter Sentiment Analysis (TSA) faces challenges due to rule-based or dictionary algorithms, dealing with feature selection, ambiguity, sparse data, and language variations. This study proposed a classification framework for Twitter sentiment data using word count vectorization and machine learning techniques to reduce the difficulties faced with annotated sentiment-labelled tweets. Various classifiers (Naïve Bayes (NB), Decision Tree (DT), K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), Logistic Regression (LR), and Random Forest (RF)) were evaluated based on accuracy, precision, recall, F1-score, and specificity. Random Forest outperformed the others with an Area under Curve (AUC) value of 0.96 and an average precision (AP) score of 0.96 in sentiment classification, especially effective with minimal Twitter-specific features.
Representing Animals: Moral and Epistemic Limits for Protection Against Cruelty
Authors: Cordeiro-Rodrigues Luís , Duan Demin
Published: October 2024

Some philosophers argue that animals should be included in the democratic system, with people acting as their representatives in voting on issues that concern them. This article contends that, while animals’ rights are fundamentally important, granting people rights to represent animals in democratic processes may lead to the opposite of what we want. Or worse, it may put animals’ interests and rights at significant risk. If animals’ rights are basic and straightforward, as proponents of this proposal assume, then deliberation is either redundant or dangerous in safeguarding the interests of animals.
The Effect of Stress on the Skin Welfare of Lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus Linnaeus, 1758) Broodstock
Authors: Jonassen Thor Magne , Imsland Albert Kjartan Dagbjartarson , Pittman Karin
Published: October 2024

The aim of this study was to build on the work already conducted in optimising lumpfish broodstock temperature, photoperiod and nutrition by providing vital information on the stress relationship between mucosal barrier functions and the sexual development of lumpfish broodstock. From a population of approx. 300 fish of 1587 g (SEM ± 704 g), a sub-population of 20 fish was injected with 30 mg/kg fish cortisol implants on 5 January 2018. The control group was not treated with implants. The stress-induced cortisol implant group showed elevated plasma cortisol over a period of approximately one month. Analyses of mucus cell area and density suggested that induced stress could produce a positive functional response (stimulus) in lumpfish early in the experiment through a gentle increase in the barrier strength of the skin, reduced mucus cell size and increased density of mucous cells, resulting in a strengthening of the respiratory capacity of the gills. Mucous cell density and calculated barrier strength in the skin were significantly negatively correlated with plasma cortisol, while in the gill filaments of females, there was a significant negative correlation between mucous cell density and oestrogen levels. The reduced density of “empty” cells (Q cells) after stress induction indicates that these cells are important for the maintenance of homeostasis (physiological equilibrium). The fish in this experiment were considered more robust compared to previous analyses on smaller lumpfish.
Characterizing the Impact of Physical Activity on Patients with Type 1 Diabetes Using Statistical and Machine Learning Models
Authors: Chushig-Muzo David , Calero-Díaz Hugo , Fabelo Himar , Årsand Eirik , van Dijk Peter Ruben , Soguero-Ruiz Cristina
Published: October 2024

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) represents a significant advancement in diabetes management, playing an important role in glycemic control for patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Despite their benefits, their performance is affected by numerous factors such as the carbohydrate intake, alcohol consumption, and physical activity (PA). Among these, PA could cause hypoglycemic episodes, which might happen after exercising. In this work, two main contributions are presented. First, we extend the performance evaluation of two glucose monitoring devices, Eversense and Free Style Libre (FSL), for measuring glucose concentrations during high-intensity PA and normal daily activity (NDA). The impact of PA is investigated considering (1) different glucose ranges (hypoglycemia, euglycemia, and hyperglycemia); and (2) four time periods throughout the day (morning, afternoon, evening, and night). Second, we evaluate the effectiveness of machine learning (ML) models, including logistic regression, K-nearest neighbors, and support vector machine, to automatically detect PA in T1D individuals using glucose measurements. The performance analysis showed significant differences between glucose levels obtained in the PA and NDA period for Eversense and FSL devices, specially in the hyperglycemic range and two time intervals (morning and afternoon). Both Eversense and FSL devices present measurements with large variability during strenuous PA, indicating that their users should be cautious. However, glucose recordings provided by monitoring devices are accurate for NDA, reaching similar values to capillary glucose device. Lastly, ML-based models yielded promising results to determine when an individual has performed PA, reaching an accuracy value of 0.93. The results can be used to develop an individualized data-driven classifier for each patient that categorizes glucose profiles based on the time interval during the day and according to if a patient performs PA. Our work contributes to the analysis of PA on the performance of CGM devices.
The Effect of Heat Treatment on the Sol–Gel Preparation of TiO2/ZnO Catalysts and Their Testing in the Photodegradation of Tartrazine
Authors: Kaneva Nina , Bachvarova-Nedelcheva Albena
Published: October 2024

This study aims to synthesize TiO2/ZnO powders and to study the effect of heat treatment on their photocatalytic ability against the Tartrazine anionic dye. The as-obtained powders with the following compositions—90TiO2/10ZnO and 10TiO2/90ZnO (mol%)—were obtained by the sol–gel technique. The prepared gels were annealed at 500 °C and 700 °C and subsequently characterized by XRD, UV–Vis, and SEM methods. The single crystalline phase of TiO2, which has been detected at up to 500 °C is anatase, while for ZnO, it is the hexagonal wurtzite structure. Further increases in the temperature (700 °C) led to the appearance of rutile in the samples. The SEM analysis demonstrated that the binary oxide materials had irregular shaped particles with a tendency to agglomerate. The UV–Vis spectra of the gels exhibited a red shift in the cut-off of the 90TiO2/10ZnO sample compared with pure Ti(IV) butoxide. Photocatalytic tests showed that the investigated samples possessed photocatalytic activity toward Tartrazine. Compared with TiO2, the prepared TiO2/ZnO photocatalysts showed superior properties in the photodegradation of a Tartrazine water solution. The target photocatalysts’ enhanced photocatalytic activities can be explained by their reduced band gap energy, improved surface physicochemical characteristics, separation of photo-induced electron–hole pairs, and lowered recombination rate. Higher photocatalytic activity was observed for powders annealed at 500 °C, with the 10TiO2/90ZnO (mol%) sample exhibiting the highest photocatalytic degradation of the used organic dye.
Three-Dimensional Scaffolds Designed and Printed Using CAD/CAM Technology: A Systematic Review
Authors: Pardal-Peláez Beatriz , Gómez-Polo Cristina , Flores-Fraile Javier , Quispe-López Norberto , Serrano-Belmonte Ildefonso , Montero Javier
Published: October 2024

The objective of this work is to review the literature on the use of three-dimensional scaffolds obtained by printing for the regeneration of bone defects in the maxillofacial area. The research question asked was: what clinical experiences exist on the use of bone biomaterials manufactured by CAD/CAM in the maxillofacial area? Prospective and retrospective studies and randomized clinical trials in humans with reconstruction area in the maxillofacial and intraoral area were included. The articles had to obtain scaffolds for bone reconstruction that were designed by computer processing and printed in different materials. Clinical cases, case series, in vitro studies and those that were not performed in humans were excluded. Six clinical studies were selected that met the established inclusion criteria. The selected studies showed heterogeneity in their objectives, materials used and types of regenerated bone defects. A high survival rate was found for dental implants placed on 3D-printed scaffolds, with rates ranging from 94.3% to 98%. The materials used included polycaprolactone, coral-derived hydroxyapatite, biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) and bioceramics. The use of CAD/CAM technology is seen as key for satisfying variations in the shapes and requirements of different fabrics and size variations between different individuals. Furthermore, the possibility of using the patient’s own stem cells could revolutionize the way bone defects are currently treated in oral surgery. The results indicate a high survival rate of dental implants placed on 3D-printed scaffolds, suggesting the potential of this technology for bone regeneration in the maxillofacial mass.
The Story of an Egyptian Cat Mummy Through CT Examination
Authors: Amendola Michela , Ikram Salima , Lippi Donatella , Argenti Fabrizio , Boschin Francesco , Carpi Roberto , Cucci Costanza , Fattorini Valter , Prates Carlos , Zini Chiara , Baucon Andrea , Barucci Andrea
Published: October 2024

Much of the fascination surrounding Egyptian civilization is linked to the practice of mummification. In fact, to ensure the preservation of the body, the ancient Egyptians mummified both human and animal subjects. However, mummified animal remains are less well studied, although they represent a significant part of the material culture and history of ancient Egypt. The introduction of non-invasive imaging methods has allowed researchers to study the material hidden within the wrappings of mummies. In this article, the cat mummy currently exhibited at the Museo Etnologico Missionario di San Francesco di Fiesole (Florence, Italy), originating from Luxor and legally acquired during an expedition in the 20th century, was analyzed using computed tomography (CT). The CT enabled the identification of the casing content, showing the presence of an entire cat skeleton. The cat had several fractures, some of which were identified in the cervical region, possibly related to the cause of death. Furthermore, the zooarcheological analysis allowed the identification of the age at death of the cat, providing further information about the story of the mummy. This research provides a further contribution to the analysis of mummies, with a case study of a cat mummy that emphasizes the importance of CT scans in humanistic studies and museum environments.
A Novel Approach to Transient Fourier Analysis for Electrical Engineering Applications
Authors: Beňová Mariana , Dobrucký Branislav , Šedo Jozef , Praženica Michal , Koňarik Roman , Šimko Juraj , Kuchař Martin
Published: October 2024

This paper presents a detailed investigation into the application of transient Fourier analysis in select electrical engineering contexts. Two novel approaches for addressing transient analysis are introduced. The first approach combines the Fourier series with the Laplace–Carson (L-C) transform in the complex domain, utilizing complex time vectors to streamline the computation of the original function. The inverse transformation back into the time domain is achieved using the Cauchy-Heaviside (C-H) method. The second approach applies the Fourier transform (F-Τ) for the transient analysis of a power converter circuit with both passive and active loads. The method of complex conjugate amplitudes is employed for steady-state analysis. Both contributions represent innovative approaches within this study. The process begins with Fourier series expansions and the computation of Fourier coefficients, followed by solving the system’s steady-state and transient responses. The transient states are then confirmed using the Fourier transform. To validate these findings, the analytical results are verified through simulations conducted in the Matlab/Simulink R2023b environment.
The Dynamic Cause of Volcanic Age Disparity in the Halmahera Arc, Eastern Indonesia, Based on Thermal Simulation
Authors: Fang Gui , Wang Xuefeng , Fan Guozhang , Wang Hongping , Zuo Guoping , Yang Zhili , Zhang Jian
Published: October 2024

A notable feature of volcanic activity in the Halmahera arc since the Middle Miocene is that eruptions have occurred episodically from south to north, rather than simultaneously. However, the dynamic cause of the volcanic age disparity between the northern and southern regions remains unresolved. To investigate this, thermal simulation methods were employed to calculate the temperature structures of the subducted slab and mantle wedge under varying movement rates of subduction and overriding plates. Simulation results indicate that arc magmatism is favored at lower subduction rates or higher overriding plate movement rates. During the Middle Miocene, the northward drift of the Australian plate propelled the Obi microplate southward via left-lateral strike-slip faults, accelerating its movement rate. In contrast, the movement rate of the Halmahera microplate in the north remained lower, unaffected by the Australian plate. The accelerated movement of the Obi microplate resulted in the rapid generation of a higher temperature zone, facilitating arc volcanism on Obi Island in the late Middle Miocene. Meanwhile, the lower movement rate of the Halmahera microplate delayed the formation of a favorable high-temperature zone for arc volcanism, leading to the emergence of volcanism on Halmahera Island in the late Pliocene.
Multi-Disciplinary Optimization of UV-C Filter for Air Disinfection
Authors: Carli Igor , Poloni Carlo , Clarich Alberto , Russo Rosario
Published: October 2024

Because of the recent COVID-19 pandemic, the problem of preventing and containing the diffusion of pathogens spread through air has become a main topic of research. The problem is particularly important for specific environments, such as dental or other medical practices, where the aerosol treatments in open-mouth patients, combined with closed and crowded rooms, raise the risk of infection. As an efficient countermeasure, in this study we propose a solution that is able to remove the risk at the source, through the aspiration of the aerosol and the neutralization of the bacterial load by means of a UV-C LED filter, which releases the sterilized air in the environment. To maximize the efficiency of the solution, in this study we performed a numerical multi-disciplinary optimization (MDO) of the filter, coupling numerical simulations of multiple disciplines (CFD and electromagnetics) by the process automation and optimization environment modeFRONTIER of ESTECO. Geometrical parameters of the filter are updated for each candidate solution proposed by the optimization algorithm, and their performance in terms of viral neutralization efficiency and air mass flow rate are evaluated by the simulations, until the optimal solution is found. The methodology and results of the study are presented.
Prioritization of Personal Protective Equipment Plans for Construction Projects Based on an Integrated Analytic Network Process and Fuzzy VIKOR Method
Authors: Jin Haifeng , Goodrum Paul M.
Published: October 2024

The risk of both fatal accidents and non-fatal injuries in the construction industry is significantly high in most countries. To reduce this construction safety risk, the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is one of the major measures on the jobsite. In this research, in order to comprehensively assess the PPE plans, a three-phase framework was proposed to identify the optimal solution for PPE planning from a set of alternatives. As a result, four main criteria and fifteen sub-criteria were identified based on a systematic literature review, and a decision-making model integrating the analytic network process (ANP) and VIekriterijumsko KOmpromisno Rangiranje was developed. As the assessment information in the survey was incomplete and vague, the fuzzy sets theory was adopted to transform the linguistic terms into fuzzy numbers for evaluation. The model further calculated the weight of each criterion and prioritized the potential PPE plan alternatives. Finally, the presented model was implemented in a case study to verify its feasibility and applicability for practical construction management. The proposed method enables the selection of the most compromising solution as the optimal PPE plan. This research assists decision-makers and safety planners at construction workplaces to improve the overall safety performance and reduce accident risks, which significantly contributes to construction safety management and practice.
A New Algorithm Model Based on Extended Kalman Filter for Predicting Inter-Well Connectivity
Authors: Guo Liwen , Kang Zhihong , Ding Shuaiwei , Yuan Xuehao , Yang Haitong , Zhang Meng , Wang Shuoliang
Published: October 2024

Given that more and more oil reservoirs are reaching the high water cut stage during water flooding, the construction of an advanced algorithmic model for identifying inter-well connectivity is crucial to improve oil recovery and extend the oilfield service life cycle. This study proposes a state variable-based dynamic capacitance (SV-DC) model that integrates artificial intelligence techniques with dynamic data and geological features to more accurately identify inter-well connectivity and its evolution. A comprehensive sensitivity analysis was performed on single-well pairs and multi-well groups regarding the permeability amplitude, the width of the high permeable channel, change, and lasting period of injection pressure. In addition, the production performance of multi-well groups, especially the development of ineffective circulation channels and their effects on reservoir development, are studied in-depth. The results show that higher permeability, wider permeable channels, and longer injection pressure maintenance can significantly enhance inter-well connectivity coefficients and reduce time-lag coefficients. Inter-well connectivity in multi-well systems is significantly affected by well-group configuration and inter-well interference effects. Based on the simulation results, the evaluation index of ineffective circulation channels is proposed and applied to dozens of well groups. These identified ineffective circulation channel changing patterns provide an important basis for optimizing oil fields’ injection and production strategies through data-driven insights and contribute to improving oil recovery. The integration of artificial intelligence enhances the ability to analyze complex datasets, allowing for more precise adjustments in field operations. This paper’s research ideas and findings can be confidently extended to other engineering scenarios, such as geothermal development and carbon dioxide storage, where AI-based models can further refine and optimize resource management and operational strategies.
Attempt to Explore Ozone Mixing Ratio Data from Reanalyses for Trend Studies
Authors: Krizan Peter
Published: October 2024

In this paper, we use ozone mixing ratio data from the MERRA-2, ERA-5 and JRA-55 reanalyses from 500 hPa to 1 hPa in the period 1980–2020 with the aim of assessing their suitability for trend analysis. We found that these data are not suitable for trend studies due to huge differences in trend values and large differences in the variance of the ozone mixing ratio between reanalyses, and due to strong discrepancies between the ozone mixing ratio from reanalyses and that from the reliable ozonesonde at Hohenpeissenberg. These large differences can be caused by satellite replacement or by the assimilation of imperfect homogeneous data.
Reliability Assessment of PM2.5 Concentration Monitoring Data: A Case Study of China
Authors: Duan Hongyan , Yue Wenfu , Li Weidong
Published: October 2024

This study systematically evaluates the reliability of PM2.5 monitoring data across major urban areas, utilizing a comprehensive dataset covering 283 cities in China over a seven-year period. By using Benford’s Law, robust regression analysis, and various machine learning methods, such as Gradient Boosting Trees and Random Forests, the overall reliability of China’s PM2.5 monitoring data is high. These models effectively captured complex patterns and detected anomalies related to both natural environmental and socioeconomic factors, as well as potential data manipulation. Based on the integrated models, the proportion of anomalies in PM2.5 concentration monitoring data across 283 cities in China from 2015 to 2022 was less than 2%, which strongly indicates the overall reliability of China’s PM2.5 concentration monitoring data. Additionally, machine learning models provided a ranking of the importance of different variables affecting PM2.5 concentrations, offering a scientific basis for understanding the driving factors behind the data. The three variables that have the greatest impact on PM2.5 concentrations are population density, average temperature, and relative humidity. By comparing with other related studies, we further validated our findings. Overall, this study provides new methods and perspectives for understanding and evaluating the reliability of PM2.5 data in China, laying a solid foundation for future research.