bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Application of Osmodehydrated Tomato and Spinach in Ready-to-Eat Mixed Salad Products: Design, Development, and Shelf Life Study
Authors: Katsimichas Alexandros , Dimopoulos George , Dermesonlouoglou Efimia , Taoukis Petros
Published: July 2024

Osmotically dehydrated cherry tomatoes and spinach leaves were incorporated into Greek salad-type (including OD-treated and air-dried feta cheese trimmings and air-dried olive rings) and green salad-type (including OD-treated and air-dried feta cheese trimmings and roasted ground peanuts) ready-to-eat (RTE) product prototypes, respectively. The osmotic dehydration of cherry tomatoes and spinach leaves was conducted in a pilot scale setting (100 L) in a 60% glycerol-based solution at 35 °C and 25 °C for 180 min and 60 min, respectively. To quantify the moisture transfer between the three ingredients of different moisture content (and water activity), the moisture equilibrium curves for each ingredient of the RTE product were determined. The equilibrium water activity of RTE products was 0.86 and 0.76, respectively. The quality of the RTE products (more specifically, tomato and spinach color and texture, instrumentally measured and sensorially perceived, sensory characteristics) was evaluated. The shelf life of the prototypes (from 4 °C to 20 °C) was kinetically modeled based on sensory deterioration and microbial growth, using the zero-order kinetic model and the Gompertz model, respectively. In the case of the tomato-based product, a shelf life of 54 days (based on sensory deterioration) was achieved at 4 °C, a shelf-life extension of 40 days compared to untreated, fresh-cut tomato. The shelf life of the spinach-based product (based on sensory deterioration) was 36 days at 4 °C, 30 days longer when compared to untreated spinach. Our results indicate that osmotic dehydration was successful in significantly extending the shelf life of such products, contributing to the increased temperature resilience of their keeping quality and allowing for their distribution and storage in a variable cold chain.
A Knowledge-Driven Approach for Automatic Semantic Aspect Term Extraction Using the Semantic Power of Linked Open Data
Authors: Suwanpipob Worapoj , Arch-Int Ngamnij , Wunnasri Warunya
Published: July 2024

Aspect-Based Sentiment Analysis (ABSA) is a crucial process for assessing customer feedback and gauging satisfaction with products or services. It typically consists of three stages: Aspect Term Extraction (ATE), Aspect Categorization Extraction (ACE), and Sentiment Analysis (SA). Various techniques have been proposed for ATE, including unsupervised, supervised, and hybrid methods. However, many studies face challenges in detecting aspect terms due to reliance on training data, which may not cover all multiple aspect terms and relate semantic aspect terms effectively. This study presents a knowledge-driven approach to automatic semantic aspect term extraction from customer feedback using Linked Open Data (LOD) to enrich aspect extraction outcomes in the training dataset. Additionally, it utilizes the N-gram model to capture complex text patterns and relationships, facilitating accurate classification and analysis of multiple-word terms for each aspect. To assess the effectiveness of the proposed model, experiments were conducted on three benchmark datasets: SemEval 2014, 2015, and 2016. Comparative evaluations with contemporary unsupervised, supervised, and hybrid methods on these datasets yielded F-measures of 0.80, 0.76, and 0.77, respectively.
The Influence of Propolis Nonwoven Scaffolds on Burn Wound’s Heparan Sulfates and Hyaluronan
Authors: Orlińska Kinga Maria , Stocerz Klaudia , Kuczera Mariusz Adam , Stojko Mateusz , Włodarczyk Jakub , Kasperczyk Janusz , Skalicka-Woźniak Krystyna , Kulinowski Łukasz , Tasinov Oskan , Ivanova Diana , Janik Paweł , Kulej Malwina , Pudełko Adam , Gorecka Aleksandra , Komosińska-Vassev Katarzyna , Olczyk Krystyna , Stojko Jerzy , Olczyk Paweł
Published: July 2024

Innovative types of dressings should manifest biodegradability and non-immunogenicity and prevent dehydration. The mentioned technological features are demonstrated by polymeric, nonwoven propolis dressings, which exhibit regenerative properties, produced with the implementation of the electrospinning method. These features are highly needed in the course of burn wound healing. To analyze the dynamics of the changes in content of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), such as heparan sulfates and hyaluronan, a well-known protocol of burn wound healing (the Hoekstra model) was used. Burn wounds were subsequently treated with nonwoven dressings containing either 5% wt or 10% wt propolis. Control groups were treated with either a saline salt solution or nonwoven dressings without propolis. Statistical differences between groups were determined by a multivariate analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey’s post hoc tests. Evaluation of the effectiveness of nonwoven dressings containing 5% wt and 10% wt propolis in healing burn wounds, based on the dynamics and concentration of GAGs, revealed apitherapeutic positive effects on injured tissue healing. This research underscores the advantageous impact of utilizing nonwoven dressings containing propolis for the treatment of burn wounds.
Urban Traffic Mobility Optimization Model: A Novel Mathematical Approach for Predictive Urban Traffic Analysis
Authors: Ulvi Hayri , Yerlikaya Mehmet Akif , Yildiz Kürşat
Published: July 2024

This research introduces the Urban Traffic Mobility Optimization Model (UTMOM), a data-driven methodology for analyzing two distinctive urban traffic datasets through the integration of data mining and mathematical modeling. Designed to decode the complexities of urban mobility patterns, UTMOM meticulously evaluates daily traffic dynamics with a focus on reducing discrepancies and underscoring variations in traffic intensity, particularly during peak times. Our findings unveil pivotal insights into the differences across datasets, providing a substantial contribution to the realms of traffic management and urban planning. UTMOM delves into the intricacies of traffic flow variations, emphasizing the critical importance of comprehending fluctuations in traffic volume across diverse times and locations. By incorporating detailed graphical representations and statistical validations, including ANOVA analysis, our study delivers a comprehensive evaluation of UTMOM’s precision in reflecting real-world traffic scenarios. These insights affirm the value of data-informed strategies in optimizing traffic flow and alleviating congestion. Positioned as a valuable asset for traffic engineers, data scientists, and urban planners, UTMOM advocates for advanced modeling techniques to improve urban mobility. Beyond enriching academic discourse on traffic analysis, UTMOM offers actionable intelligence for enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of urban transportation systems. Through this in-depth investigation, our aim is to catalyze the development of innovative solutions to traffic challenges, steering towards smoother and more sustainable urban environments.
Challenges and Advances in Magnetic Nanoparticle-Guided Delivery of Cultured Human Corneal Endothelial Cells—A Review
Authors: Vilkelyte Virginija , Thompson Polly , Coelho Maria , Woronkowicz Małgorzata , Skopinski Piotr , Roberts Harry
Published: July 2024

The cornea relies on a healthy endothelium to maintain transparency, and damage to endothelial cells can result in corneal oedema and vision loss. Current treatments, which often involve the use of donor corneas, face significant limitations due to a shortage of donor tissue. Although human corneal endothelial cells (HCECs) can be cultured and transplanted, their low attachment rates limit the effectiveness of these treatments. In this review, we examined studies that explore the use of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) to enhance the attachment of HCECs to the cornea. We evaluated the effectiveness, cell viability, and safety of this approach. Findings indicate that MNPs facilitate the targeted delivery of HCECs under a magnetic field, resulting in improved corneal clarity and reduced oedema in animal models. Cell viability remained high, and no significant safety concerns were identified. MNPs present a promising strategy to enhance HCEC transplantation. However, further research, including ongoing clinical trials, is necessary to confirm the safety and efficacy of this approach before it can be adopted for widespread clinical use.
No-Ozone Cold Atmospheric Plasma Makes Distilled Water an Effective Tooth Bleaching Gel
Authors: Nam Seoul-Hee , Kim Min-Kyeong , Choi Jung-Ok , Kim Gyoo-Cheon
Published: July 2024

Background: Tooth whitening with peroxide is linked to a number of negative consequences. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of tooth bleaching and color safety using no-ozone cold atmospheric-pressure plasma (NCP) with distilled water (DW) and to assess the microhardness and mineral composition of the treated teeth. Methods: The enamel of 90 extracted human teeth were randomly assigned to three groups (n = 30): Group 1 (no treatment), Group 2 (NCP + DW), and Group 3 (only DW). The overall color change (ΔE) was observed at 10 min, 20 min, 30 min, 1 day, 7 days, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after treatment and quantified. Six cadavers treated with NCP and DW for 30 min were evaluated for color change using ShadeEye NCC and the VITA Easyshade. Furthermore, the microhardness and mineral composition of the teeth were evaluated using a Vickers hardness tester and an electro micro analyzer, respectively. All statistical data were analyzed at a significance level of 5%. Results: Group 1 showed no color change. The ΔE values of Group 2 were 17.67 and 5.62 times higher than those of Group 3 after 30 min and 6 months, respectively. Methylene blue solution revealed that the concentration of hydroxyl radicals was higher in Group 2. The average ΔE value using ShadeEye NCC for cadaveric teeth was 4.0. Evaluation via VITA Easyshade showed that the brightness was increased by 5 levels. No significant differences were observed among the groups in terms of the microhardness of the enamel and dentin or the Ca, P, Na, Cl, Zn, and Mg values in the enamel and dentin. Conclusions: Tooth bleaching using NCP with DW exhibited high efficacy without inducing damage or demineralization in the dental hard tissue.
Fermatean Hesitant Fuzzy Multi-Attribute Decision-Making Method with Probabilistic Information and Its Application
Authors: Ruan Chuanyang , Chen Xiangjing , Yan Lin
Published: July 2024

When information is incomplete or uncertain, Fermatean hesitant fuzzy sets (FHFSs) can provide more information to help decision-makers deal with more complex problems. Typically, determining attribute weights assumes that each attribute has a fixed influence. Introducing probability information can enable one to consider the stochastic nature of evaluation data and better quantify the importance of the attributes. To aggregate data by considering the location and importance degrees of each attribute, this paper develops a Fermatean hesitant fuzzy multi-attribute decision-making (MADM) method with probabilistic information and an ordered weighted averaging (OWA) method. The OWA method combines the concepts of weights and sorting to sort and weigh average property values based on those weights. Therefore, this novel approach assigns weights based on the decision-maker’s preferences and introduces probabilities to assess attribute importance under specific circumstances, thereby broadening the scope of information expression. Then, this paper presents four probabilistic aggregation operators under the Fermatean hesitant fuzzy environment, including the Fermatean hesitant fuzzy probabilistic ordered weighted averaging/geometric (FHFPOWA/FHFPOWG) operators and the generalized Fermatean hesitant fuzzy probabilistic ordered weighted averaging/geometric (GFHFPOWA/GFHFPOWG) operators. These new operators are designed to quantify the importance of attributes and characterize the attitudes of decision-makers using a probabilistic and weighted vector. Then, a MADM method based on these proposed operators is developed. Finally, an illustrative example of selecting the best new retail enterprise demonstrates the effectiveness and practicality of the method.
Digital Twin-Enhanced Control for Fuel Cell and Lithium-Ion Battery Hybrid Vehicles
Authors: Kang Xu , Wang Yujie , Jiang Cong , Chen Zonghai
Published: July 2024

With the development of lithium-ion batteries and fuel cells, the application of hybrid power systems is becoming more and more widespread. To better optimize the energy management problem of fuel cell hybrid systems, the accuracy of system modeling and simulation is very important. The hybrid system is formed by connecting the battery to the fuel cell through an active topology. Digital twin technology is applicable to the mapping of physical entities to each other with high interactivity and fast optimization iterations. In this paper, a relevant model based on mathematical logic is established by collecting actual operational data; subsequently, the accuracy of the model is verified by combining relevant operating conditions and simulating the model. Subsequently, a three-dimensional visualization model of a hybrid power system-based sightseeing vehicle and its operating environment was established using digital twin technology to improve the model simulation of the fuel cell hybrid power system. At low speeds, the simulation results of the hybrid power system-based sightseeing vehicle have a small error compared with the actual running state, and the accuracy of the data related to each internal subcomponent is high. In the simple interaction between the model display vehicle and the environment, the communication state can meet the basic requirements of the digital twin model because the amount of data to be transferred is small. This study makes a preliminary attempt at digital parallelism by combining mathematical logic with visualization models and can be used as a basis for the subsequent development of more mature digital twin models.
Bioactive Peptides and Other Immunomodulators of Mushroom Origin
Authors: Drzewiecka Beata , Wessely-Szponder Joanna , Świeca Michał , Espinal Paula , Fusté Ester , Fernández-De La Cruz Eric
Published: July 2024

For centuries, humans have used mushrooms as both food and pro-health supplements. Mushrooms, especially those related to the functions of the human immune system, are rich in dietary fiber, minerals, essential amino acids, and various bioactive compounds and have significant health-promoting properties. Immunoregulatory compounds in mushrooms include lectins, terpenes, terpenoids, polysaccharides, and fungal immunomodulatory proteins (FIPs). The distribution of these compounds varies from one species of mushroom to another, and their immunomodulatory activities depend on the core structures and chemical modifications in the composition of the fractions. In this review, we describe active compounds from medical mushrooms. We summarize potential mechanisms for their in vitro and in vivo activities and detail approaches used in developing and applying bioactive compounds from mushrooms. Finally, we discuss applications of fungal peptides and highlight areas that require improvement before the widespread use of those compounds as therapeutic agents and explore the status of clinical studies on the immunomodulatory activities of mushrooms and their products, as well as the prospect of clinical application of AMPs as ‘drug-like’ compounds with great potential for treatment of non-healing chronic wounds and multiresistant infections.
Pathogenesis and Therapy of Neurovascular Compression Syndromes: An Editorial
Authors: Szmyd Bartosz , Wiśniewski Karol , Jaskólski Dariusz J.
Published: July 2024

Neurovascular compression syndromes (NVC) remains a challenging disorders resulting from the compression of cranial nerves at the transition zone [...]
Recovery from Acute Kidney Injury and Long-Term Prognosis following Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Skalsky Keren , Shiyovich Arthur , Shechter Alon , Gilutz Harel , Plakht Ygal
Published: July 2024

We investigated the recovery pattern from acute kidney injury (AKI) following acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and its association with long-term mortality. The retrospective study included AMI patients (2002–2027), who developed AKI during hospitalization. Creatinine (Cr) measurements were collected and categorized into 24 h timeframes up to 7 days from AKI diagnosis. The following groups of recovery patterns were defined: rapid (24–48 h)/no rapid and early (72–144 h)/no early recovery. Specific cut-off points for recovery at each AKI stage and timeframe were determined through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. The probability of long-term (up to 10 years) mortality as a post-AKI recovery was investigated using a survival approach. Out of 17,610 AMI patients, 1069 developed AKI. For stage 1 AKI, patients with a Cr ratio <1.5 at 24 h and/or <1.45 at 48 h were defined as ‘rapid recovery’; for stages 2–3 AKI, a Cr ratio <2.5 at 96 h was defined as ‘early recovery’. Mortality risk in stage 1 AKI was higher among the non-rapidly recovered: AdjHR = 1.407; 95% CI: 1.086–1.824; p = 0.010. Among stages 2–3 AKI patients, the risk for long-term mortality was higher among patients who did not recover in the early period: AdjHR = 1.742; 95% CI: 1.085–2.797; p = 0.022. The absence of rapid recovery in stage 1 AKI and lack of early recovery in stages 2–3 AKI are associated with higher long-term mortality.
An Efficient and Rapid Protocol for Somatic Shoot Organogenesis from Juvenile Hypocotyl-Derived Callus of Castor Bean cv. Zanzibar Green
Authors: Demidenko Danaya V. , Varlamova Nataliya V. , Soboleva Taisiya M. , Shitikova Aleksandra V. , Khaliluev Marat R.
Published: July 2024

Aseptic seedlings of different ages derived from surface-sterilized mature seeds were applied as an explant source. Various explants such as 7- and 21-day-old hypocotyl fragments, 42-day-old nodal stem segments, and transverse nodal segments of stem, as well as leaf petioles, were cultured on the agar-solidified Murashige and Skoog (MS) basal medium supplemented with 0.1 mg/L IAA, 5 mg/L AgNO3 and different types and concentrations of cytokinin (1 mg/L zeatin, 0.25 mg/L thidiazuron (TDZ), and 5 mg/L 6-benzylaminopurine (6-BAP)). Consequently, it was found that 7- and 21-day-old hypocotyl fragments, as well as nodal stem segments obtained from adult aseptic seedlings, are characterized by a high explant viability and callus formation capacity with a frequency of 79.7–100%. However, the success of in vitro somatic shoot organogenesis was significantly determined not only by the culture medium composition and explant type but also depending on its age, as well as on the size and explant preparation in cases of hypocotyl and age-matched nodal stem fragments, respectively. Multiple somatic shoot organogenesis (5.7 regenerants per explant) with a frequency of 67.5% was achieved during 3 subcultures of juvenile hypocotyl-derived callus tissue on MS culture medium containing 0.25 mg/L TDZ as cytokinin source. Castor bean regenerants were excised from the callus and successfully rooted on ½ MS basal medium without exogenous auxin (81%). In vitro plantlets with well-developed roots were adapted to ex vitro conditions with a frequency of 90%.
Predicting Residual Flexural Strength of Corroded Prestressed Concrete Beams: Comparison of Chinese Code, Eurocode and ACI Standard
Authors: Li Hai , Pan Zhicheng , Yang Yiming , Wang Xinzhong , Tang Huang , Ma Fanjun , Zheng Liangfei
Published: July 2024

In the present study, 104 sets of flexural tests on corroded prestressed concrete (CPC) beams were gathered from different publications. A flexural strength database for CPC beams was created by incorporating standardized concrete strength and the corrosion rate of prestressed steel. This database enables the analysis of the impact of different factors on the flexural capacity, such as the beam’s width and effective depth, concrete compressive strength, shear span ratio, the prestressed steel’s corrosion level, prestressing ratio (PPR), and the effective prestress. The findings show that the flexural strength of the CPC beams is notably influenced by variations in beam width, shear span ratio, and the prestressed steel’s corrosion level and prestressing ratio compared to other parameters. Furthermore, a comparison was conducted of the Chinese code, Eurocode and ACI standard for evaluating the flexural strength of CPC beams using the established database. It shows that the three design codes overestimate the flexural strength of CPC beams, and it is unsafe to predict flexural strength using these three codes without taking into account the impact of corrosion. Finally, a practical model based on the ACI standard is suggested to provide precise and reliable predictions across a diverse set of test data.
Enhancing Load-Carrying Capacity of Reinforced Concrete Columns with High Aspect Ratio Using Textile-Reinforced Mortar Systems
Authors: Shewale Manisha , Bahrami Alireza , Murthi P. , Chidambaram R. Siva
Published: July 2024

This research investigates the effectiveness of textile-reinforced mortar (TRM) systems for enhancing the load-carrying capacity of reinforced concrete columns (RCCs) with high aspect ratio. This study focuses on the use of the TRM systems as an alternative to fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) systems, addressing challenges such as high cost, poor performance at high temperatures, incompatibility with substrate materials, and inability to be applied to damp surfaces. It includes a detailed analysis of the TRM systems’ effectiveness through an experimental evaluation, with a particular focus on RCCs having high aspect ratio. The obtained results reveal a significant strength improvement, ranging from 50% to 129%, for RCCs with the aspect ratios decreasing from three to two, with the workmanship contributing to the observed strength enhancement. Achieving a consistent and uniform distribution of the mortar layer, seamlessly aligned with the column surfaces, proves crucial. The study also highlights the importance of the mortar layer thickness, particularly in cases of the reduced aspect ratios. An enhancement of the load-carrying capacity ranges from 3.65% to 8.53%, for the reduction in the aspect ratio from 5 to 4.16 and 3.24, respectively. The confined specimens display varying peak axial strains, exhibiting commendable elastic–plastic behavior with non-linear ascending curves.
Interface Characteristics between Fiber-Reinforced Concrete and Ordinary Concrete Based on Continuous Casting
Authors: Cai Minjin , Zhu Hehua , Rabczuk Timon , Zhuang Xiaoying
Published: July 2024

Economic limitations often hinder the extensive use of fiber-reinforced concrete in full-scale structures. Addressing this, the present study explored localized reinforcement at critical interfaces, deploying a novel synchronized casting mold that deviates from segmented casting interface studies. The research prioritized the flexural, compressive, and shear characteristics at the interface between fiber-reinforced concrete and ordinary concrete with continuous casting. The results demonstrated that polyethylene (PE) fibers significantly enhance anti-cracking capabilities, surpassing steel fibers in all mechanical tests. PE fibers’ high modulus of elasticity and tensile strength considerably augmented the interface’s bending resistance, facilitating better load transfer and capitalizing on the fibers’ tensile properties. Additionally, their low density and greater dispersion negated the sinking behavior typical of steel fibers, thereby strengthening the compressive capacity of the interface. Although a 0.75% PE fiber volume is ideal for ductility, volumes as low as 0.25% or 0.5% are economically viable if dispersion is optimal. Conversely, steel fibers, prone to sinking and clustering, offer inferior shear resistance at the interface than PE fibers, marking a significant finding for structural applications.
Alectinib vs. Lorlatinib in the Front-Line Setting for ALK-Rearranged Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC): A Deep Dive into the Main Differences across ALEX and CROWN Phase 3 Trials
Authors: Attili Ilaria , Fuorivia Valeria , Spitaleri Gianluca , Corvaja Carla , Trillo Aliaga Pamela , Del Signore Ester , Asnaghi Riccardo , Carnevale Schianca Ambra , Passaro Antonio , de Marinis Filippo
Published: July 2024

Various next-generation ALK TKIs are available as first-line options for ALK-positive NSCLC, with alectinib and lorlatinib being commonly preferred. However, no direct comparison between them has been conducted, making it impossible to pick a winner. We performed an analytic, ‘non-comparative’ assessment of the two phase 3 pivotal clinical trials showing superiority of alectinib (ALEX) and lorlatinib (CROWN) in comparison to crizotinib. Overall, the two studies were very similar in the study design and patient characteristics, with the exception of the selection and evaluation of brain metastases. PFS hazard ratios numerically favored lorlatinib, both according to the investigator and to BICR. Notably, the 3-year PFS rate was numerically higher with lorlatinib (64%) than with alectinib (46.4%). Despite similar response rates and overall intracranial response, the rate of complete intracranial response was higher with lorlatinib, with a cumulative incidence risk of CNS disease progression at 12 months of 9.4% with alectinib and 2.8% with lorlatinib. The peculiar toxicities of lorlatinib were related to lipidic profile alterations, peripheral oedema and cognitive effects, with no impact on cardiovascular risk nor impairment in quality of life versus crizotinib. Furthermore, the rate of permanent treatment discontinuation due to adverse events was numerically higher with alectinib (26%) than with lorlatinib (7%). In conclusion, despite the immature OS data for both drugs, the efficacy of lorlatinib appears higher than alectinib while maintaining a manageable toxicity profile.
Treatment and Staging Intensification Strategies Associated with Radical Prostatectomy for High-Risk Prostate Cancer: Efficacy Evaluation and Exploration of Novel Approaches
Authors: Reitano Giuseppe , Ceccato Tommaso , Botti Simone , Bruniera Martina , Carrozza Salvatore , Bovolenta Eleonora , Randazzo Gianmarco , Minardi Davide , Ruggera Lorenzo , Gardi Mario , Novara Giacomo , Dal Moro Fabrizio , Zattoni Fabio
Published: July 2024

The management of high-risk prostate cancer (PCa) presents a significant clinical challenge, often necessitating treatment intensification due to the potential presence of micrometastases. While radical prostatectomy (RP) constitutes one of the primary treatment modalities, the integration of neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapies suggests a paradigm shift towards more aggressive treatment strategies, also guided by new imaging modalities like positron emission tomography using prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA-PET). Despite the benefits, treatment intensification raises concerns regarding increased side effects. This review synthesizes the latest evidence on perioperative treatment intensification and de-escalation for high-risk localized and locally advanced PCa patients eligible for surgery. Through a non-systematic literature review conducted via PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov, we explored various dimensions of perioperative treatments, including neoadjuvant systemic therapies, adjuvant therapies, and the role of novel diagnostic technologies. Emerging evidence provides more support for neoadjuvant systemic therapies. Preliminary results from studies suggest the potential for treatments traditionally reserved for metastatic PCa to show apparent benefit in a non-metastatic setting. The role of adjuvant treatments remains debated, particularly the use of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and adjuvant radiotherapy in patients at higher risk of biochemical recurrence. The potential role of radio-guided PSMA lymph node dissection emerges as a cutting-edge approach, offering a targeted method for eradicating disease with greater precision. Innovations such as artificial intelligence and machine learning are potential game-changers, offering new avenues for personalized treatment and improved prognostication. The intensification of surgical treatment in high-risk PCa patients is a dynamic and evolving field, underscored by the integration of traditional and novel therapeutic approaches. As evidence continues to emerge, these strategies will refine patient selection, enhance treatment efficacy, and mitigate the risk of progression, although with an attentive consideration of the associated side effects.
Selective Hydrogenolysis of Tetrahydrofurfuryl Alcohol to 1,5-Pentanediol over MgAl2O4-Modified Pt/WO3/γ-Al2O3 Catalyst
Authors: Wang Weiying , Chen Changlin
Published: July 2024

Tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol, a cost-effective biomass derivative, offers a sustainable path for synthesizing 1,5-pentanediol through hydrogenolysis. To develop the efficient production of 1,5-pentanediol from this alcohol, we have prepared a series of MgAl2O4-modified Pt/WOx/γ-Al2O3 catalysts with varying compositions via impregnation–calcination methods. The physicochemical properties of these catalysts were subsequently characterized using diverse techniques. Characterization revealed that magnesia–alumina spinel modification enhanced Pt particle dispersion, CO adsorption on Pt/WOx/γ-Al2O3, reduced Pt particle reduction temperature, diminished the acid content in the catalysts, and increased the surface oxygen vacancy concentration. These alterations appear to influence the catalyst performance, though other factors cannot be ruled out. Catalytic activity tests demonstrated that magnesia–alumina spinel modification improved tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol hydrogenolysis activity and the 1,5-pentanediol selectivity of Pt/WOx/γ-Al2O3. Optimal performance was achieved at 12% magnesia–alumina spinel loading, with a tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol conversion of 47.3% and 1,5-pentanediol selectivity of 88.4%.
Photocatalytic Production of Hydrogen Peroxide from Covalent-Organic-Framework-Based Materials: A Mini-Review
Authors: Meng Jiayi , Huang Yamei , Wang Xinglin , Liao Yifan , Zhang Huihui , Dai Weilin
Published: July 2024

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is one of the most environmentally friendly and versatile chemical oxidizing agents, with only O2 and H2O as reaction products. It is widely used in environmental protection, industrial production, and medical fields. At present, most of the industrial production of H2O2 adopts anthraquinone oxidation, but there are shortcomings such as pollution of the environment and large energy consumption. Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are a class of porous crystalline materials formed by organic molecular building blocks connected by covalent bonds. The ordered conjugated structure of COFs not only facilitates the absorption of light energy but also promotes the transport of excited-state electrons. Therefore, the photochemical synthesis of H2O2 from water and oxygen using photocatalysts based on COFs as a green route has attracted much attention. In this review, we provide an overview of recent studies on COFs as photocatalysts and the different mechanisms involved in the photocatalytic production of hydrogen peroxide. Then, we summarize the various strategies to improve the performance. Finally, we outline the challenges and future directions of COFs in practical applications. This review highlights the potential and application prospects of COFs in the photochemical synthesis of H2O2, aiming to provide guidance for the design of COF-based catalysts and the optimization for photocatalytic production of H2O2, in order to promote scientific development and application in this field.
Hardware-Based Implementation of Algorithms for Data Replacement in Cache Memory of Processor Cores
Authors: Titarenko Larysa , Kharchenko Vyacheslav , Puidenko Vadym , Perepelitsyn Artem , Barkalov Alexander
Published: July 2024

Replacement policies have an important role in the functioning of the cache memory of processor cores. The implementation of a successful policy allows us to increase the performance of the processor core and the computer system as a whole. Replacement policies are most often evaluated by the percentage of cache hits during the cycles of the processor bus when accessing the cache memory. The policies that focus on replacing the Least Recently Used (LRU) or Least Frequently Used (LFU) elements, whether instructions or data, are relevant for use. It should be noted that in the paging cache buffer, the above replacement policies can also be used to replace address information. The pseudo LRU (PLRU) policy introduces replacing based on approximate information about the age of the elements in the cache memory. The hardware implementation of any replacement policy algorithm is the circuit. This hardware part of the processor core has certain characteristics: the latency of the search process for a candidate element for replacement, the gate complexity, and the reliability. The characteristics of the PLRUt and PLRUm replacement policies are synthesized and investigated. Both are the varieties of the PLRU replacement policy, which is close to the LRU policy in terms of the percentage of cache hits. In the current study, the hardware implementation of these policies is evaluated, and the possibility of adaptation to each of the policies in the processor core according to a selected priority characteristic is analyzed. The dependency of the rise in the delay and gate complexity in the case of an increase in the associativity of the cache memory is shown. The advantage of the hardware implementation of the PLRUt algorithm in comparison with the PLRUm algorithm for higher values of associativity is shown.
Public Key Protocols from Twisted-Skew Group Rings
Authors: de la Cruz Javier , Martínez-Moro Edgar , Muñoz-Ruiz Steven , Villanueva-Polanco Ricardo
Published: July 2024

This article studies some algebraic structures known as twisted-skew group rings in the context of public key cryptography. We first present some background related to these structures to then specifically introduce particular twisted-skew group rings and show how to utilize them as the underlying algebraic structure to build cryptographic protocols. We closely follow an incremental-like methodology to construct these protocols by putting parts together. As as result, we first introduce a key-agreement protocol and then generalize it to a group key-agreement protocol. We then proceed to construct a probabilistic public key encryption from our two-party key agreement and, finally, introduce a key-encapsulation mechanism from a well-known generic construction applied to probabilistic public encryption. Furthermore, we provide an in-depth security analysis for each cryptographic construction under new related algebraic assumptions and supply a proof-of-concept implementation for various candidate chosen groups.
Combining 2D Planimetry and Yeo’s Index Can Help Accurately Identify Patients with Severe Rheumatic Mitral Stenosis—A Perspective from a 3D Assessment Using Transoesophageal Echocardiography
Authors: Li Tony , Leow Ryan , Chan Meei Wah , Kong William K. F. , Kuntjoro Ivandito , Poh Kian Keong , Sia Ching Hui , Yeo Tiong Cheng
Published: July 2024

Background: Yeo’s index is a novel measure of the severity of rheumatic mitral valve stenosis (MS). It is derived from the product of the mitral leaflet separation index and dimensionless index. This study aims to validate Yeo’s index using a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) three-dimensional (3D) mitral valve area (MVA) as a comparator and to compare the concordance of existing echocardiographic measures of the MVA with TEE 3DMVA. Methods and Results: We studied 111 patients with rheumatic MS who underwent both transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and a TEE assessment of MS severity. Yeo’s index, the MVA determined by 2D planimetry, pressure half-time (PHT) and continuity equation (CE) measured on TTE were compared with the TEE 3DMVA. With a linear correlation, Yeo’s index showed the best correlation with TEE 3DMVA (r2 = 0.775), followed by 2D planimetry (r2 = 0.687), CE (r2 = 0.598) and PHT (r2 = 0.363). Using TEE 3DMVA as comparator, Yeo’s index (ρc = 0.739) demonstrated the best concordance, followed by 2D planimetry (ρc = 0.632), CE (ρc = 0.464) and PHT (ρc = 0.366). When both Yeo’s index and 2D planimetry suggested significant MS, the positive predictive value was high (an AUC of 0.966 and a PPV of 100.00% for severe MS, and an AUC of 0.864 and a PPV of 85.71% for very severe MS). When both measures suggested the absence of significant MS, the negative predictive value was also high (an AUC of 0.940 and an NPV of 88.90% for severe MS, and an AUC of 0.831 and an NPV of 88.71% for very severe MS). Conclusions: Yeo’s index performed well in identifying severe MS when compared with TEE 3DMVA and may be a useful adjunct to existing methods of measuring MS severity. Combining it with 2D planimetry could further enhance its accuracy.
The Association between Marital Status and Obesity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Nikolic Turnic Tamara , Jakovljevic Vladimir , Strizhkova Zulfiya , Polukhin Nikita , Ryaboy Dmitry , Kartashova Mariia , Korenkova Margarita , Kolchina Valeriia , Reshetnikov Vladimir
Published: July 2024

Background: Obesity was included in the International Classification of Diseases in 1990 as a chronic disease characterized by the excessive accumulation of body fat and a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30 kg/m2. Aim: This systematic review was aimed to examine the role of marital status in determining body mass index and the risk of obesity. Methods: We performed a systematic literature search using three databases (PubMed (Medline), Embase, and Google Scholar) with the search query. Results: Of the 105 studies included in the systematic review, 76 studies (72%) reported a greater risk of obesity in married individuals compared to unmarried individuals. A meta-analysis of 24 studies included a total population of 369,499 participants: 257,257 married individuals (40,896 of whom had obesity) and 112,242 comparison subjects (single, divorced, or widowed individuals, 15,084 of whom had obesity). Odds ratios for obesity found a significant pooled odds ratio for obesity in married individuals compared with controls (OR 1.70; 95% CI 1.38–2.10). The socioeconomic environment was not the same throughout the period of studies analyzed. The odds of obesity in married individuals during economic crises was greater than during the period between crises: OR 2.56 (95% CI 2.09–3.13) during crises vs. OR 1.55 (95% CI 1.24–1.95) between crises. Conclusion: The results of this review confirm the importance of considering marital status in determining the risk of obesity.
Clinical Management of Facemasks for Early Treatment of Class III Malocclusion: A Survey among SIDO Members
Authors: Franchi Lorenzo , Nieri Michele , Marti Patrizia , Recupero Annamaria , Volpe Alessandra , Vichi Alessandro , Goracci Cecilia
Published: July 2024

To evaluate whether there are differences among orthodontists in the clinical management of facemask treatment for early treatment of Class III malocclusion, a survey consisting of 16 questions was conducted among members of the Italian Society of Orthodontics (SIDO). Sixty percent of the respondents were Specialists in Orthodontics (S) whereas 40% were General Dentists practicing Orthodontics (GD). Descriptive statistics were calculated to summarize the collected data. Differences in answers between S and GD were assessed with the Fisher’s exact test for dichotomous variables, chi-square test for qualitative variables, and Mann–Whitney test for ordinal variables. A total of 151 clinicians participated in this survey. As for treatment timing, about 80% of the participants reported treating Class III patients with RPE and facemask between 5 and 8 years of age. Most of the participants requested the patients to wear the facemask in the afternoon and at night for a period of 9 or 12 months with recommended forces of 500 g per side. Comparisons between S and GD showed that S preferred the Petit facemask whereas GD favored the Delaire’s type facemask (Fisher’s Exact test, p = 0.0005). S and GD also differed significantly in their judgment of the most critical time of treatment, which for the majority of GD was the initial period but for the S was the final period (Chi-square test p = 0.0188). This survey showed that the facemask is not well received by the patients who, along with their parents, express concerns regarding its tolerability.
The Determinants of Decent Work in Moroccan Cooperatives and Implications for Public Action: Toward Public Action through Determinants
Authors: El Azhari Badr , Bougroum Mohammed , Ait Daoud Lahcen , Lotfi Houmam
Published: July 2024

In a context marked by growing inequalities and sustainable development challenges, Moroccan cooperatives represent an opportunity to reconcile economic objectives with social issues. Rooted in principles of solidarity and democratic participation, these entities play a significant role in promoting decent work in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The main objective of this study is to identify and analyze the determinants of decent work within Moroccan cooperatives in order to propose ways of improving working conditions and worker well-being. A survey of 394 Moroccan cooperatives and a data analysis using RCM regressions were used to assess the influence of employees’ socio-professional characteristics, the organizational specificities of cooperatives, and public action on decent work. The results indicate that factors such as youth, employee level of education, the gender of employees and managers, financial performance, and the quality of cooperative governance are decisive factors in the quality of decent work. Public action, in particular government support combining financial and technical measures, is identified to have a positive impact on working conditions. This research highlights the importance for public policy of supporting education and vocational training, promoting gender equality, improving cooperative management, and effectively structuring government support to maximize its positive impact on decent work. These findings offer concrete avenues for policymakers and cooperative managers to improve worker well-being and contribute to the SDGs. By addressing the challenges identified and implementing targeted strategies, it is possible to move toward more inclusive economic growth and decent work for all within the Moroccan context.
A Frequency-Reconfigurable Dual-Band RF Crossover Based on Coupled Lines and Open Stubs
Authors: Alazemi Abdullah J. , Almatar Danah H.
Published: July 2024

This paper presents a frequency-reconfigurable dual-band radio frequency (RF) crossover based on quarter-wavelength coupled lines (CLs) and open stubs. Initially, an even–odd-mode analysis was conducted for the design, and closed-form equations were found. Then an advanced design system (ADS) was utilized to support and further optimize the theoretical analysis. Afterwards, high-frequency simulation software (HFSS) was used to simulate the proposed design. The proposed device is printed on a 1.524 mm RO4003C printed-circuit board (εr=3.55). The frequency tunability is achieved by employing two varactor diodes connected to the open stubs. When the biasing voltage is altered, the capacitance of the SMV1405 varactor can change from 2.67 pF to 0.63 pF. Accordingly, the two operating frequencies can be continuously tuned from 2.06 GHz to 2.40 GHz and from 5.44 GHz to 5.84 GHz. For the low-frequency range, return loss and isolation are above 15 dB, and the insertion loss is less than 1.1 dB. As for the high-frequency range, the return loss is greater than 20 dB, the isolation is better than 15 dB, and the insertion loss is lower than 1.6 dB. The measurement results agreed well with the simulation results, and the crossover overall size is 45.5 mm × 29.4 mm. The proposed device can be utilized for various application areas, such as 5G smartphone applications and satellite communication.
Chaotic Orthogonal Composite Sequence for 5G NR Time Service Signal Capture Algorithm
Authors: Mao Zhiwei , Wu Huabing , Zhao Dangli , Jiang Xingbo
Published: July 2024

Establishing a national comprehensive PNT (Positioning, Navigation, and Timing) system has become a consensus among major countries worldwide. As a crucial component in completing the entire PNT system, the 5G NR (new radio) time service signal plays a vital role. This paper proposes a 5G NR time service signal that uses a spread spectrum system, shares the 5G signal frequency band, but does not occupy the bandwidth of the 5G communication signal. This timing service signal has relatively low power, making it appear “submerged” within the power of the 5G communication signal. The spread spectrum code for this timing signal employs the chaotic orthogonal composite sequence proposed in this paper. Compared to traditional spread spectrum sequences, this sequence offers better security than m-sequences, improved autocorrelation than Walsh sequences, and an effective suppression of the short-period characteristics exhibited when the Skew Tent-Map chaotic sequence takes special values. This paper simulates the capture of the 5G NR time service signal in an environment with a signal-to-noise ratio of 10 dB using an FFT-based parallel code phase search algorithm, successfully capturing the 5G NR time service signal and verifying the feasibility of the proposed chaotic orthogonal composite sequence as a spread spectrum code.
Object Detection, Segmentation and Categorization in Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Li Hao , Xie Fei , Zhou Jianbo , Liu Jieyi
Published: July 2024

In the field of computer vision, three basic tasks are particularly important: object detection [...]
Grid-Connected Inverter Grid Voltage Feedforward Control Strategy Based on Multi-Objective Constraint in Weak Grid
Authors: Wang Su’e , Cui Kaiyuan , Hao Pengfei
Published: July 2024

In weak grid, feedforward of grid voltage control is widely used to effectively suppress grid-side current distortion of inverters caused by harmonics in point of common coupling (PCC) voltage. However, due to its introduction of a positive feedback loop related to the grid impedance, it results in a significant reduction in the system phase margin. In view of this, in this paper, the output impedance of a three-phase LCL grid-connected inverter under a quasi-proportional resonant (QPR) controller is first modeled. Instead of the traditional grid voltage feedforward control strategy, a band-pass filter is added to the grid voltage feedforward channel. Secondly, a multi-objective constraint method is proposed to make improvements to the feedforward function. Then, a multi-objective constraint function is established with the constraints of base-wave current tracking performance, system stability margin, and low-frequency amplitude, and the feasibility of its function optimization design method is verified. Theoretical analysis shows that the optimized grid voltage feedforward control strategy can effectively reshape the phase characteristics of the system output impedance, which greatly broadens the adaptation range of the system to the grid impedance. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy is verified by building a semi-physical simulation experimental platform based on RT-LAB OP4510.