bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aerobiology of Olive Pollen (Olea europaea L.) in the Atmosphere of the Iberian Peninsula
Authors: Penedos Cláudia , Salamanca Guillermo , Tavares Beatriz , Fonseca João , Carreiro-Martins Pedro , Rodrigues-Alves Rodrigo , Moral de Gregorio Ángel , Valero Antonio , Branco Ferreira Manuel
Published: September 2024

Olea europaea L. pollen is one of the main causes of pollinosis and respiratory diseases in the Iberian Peninsula (IP). The aim of this study was to provide a pollen calendar in different regions of the IP, which could help allergists and allergic patients in the management of Olea europaea allergic diseases, and to update/complement what has already been reported on olive trees’ aeropalynology in this region. Airborne Olea pollen dynamics were analyzed over a period of 8 years in a total of 21 localities, 7 in Portugal and 14 in Spain. Airborne pollen monitoring was carried out using the Hirst-type spore trap method and following the recommendations of the Quality Control Working Group of the European Aerobiology Society. The daily pollen count, the annual pollen profile, the Annual Pollen Integral (APIn), the Seasonal Pollen Integral (SPIn) and the Pollen Peak, all expressed in number of pollen grains per cubic metre of air, together with the main pollen season and its characteristics, the Start Day, the End Day and the length of the pollen season, were calculated for each sampling station. Differences in mean Olea pollen concentration between odd and even years were also analyzed. On average, the main pollen season (MPS) started in April/May and ended in June, with Pollen Peaks recorded in May, except in Burgos, where it was recorded in June. The longest MPS occurred in Lisbon, Oviedo and Valencia (53 days) and the shortest in Vitoria (25 days). A high daily pollen concentration (i.e., >200 grains/m3) was recorded between 1 and 38 days along the year in all sampling stations of the southwest quadrant of the IP and in Jaén. A biannual pattern, characterized by alternating years of high and low pollen production, was found in the southwest of the IP. In conclusion, the study provided a deeper understanding of the pollination behaviour of olive trees in the IP and allowed the establishment of a representative Olea pollen calendar for this region. In addition, our results suggest the usefulness of investigating more detailed relationships between annual Olea pollen, allergen sensitization and symptoms, both for allergists involved in the study and management of allergic respiratory diseases caused by this species and for the self-management of disease in allergic subjects.
A Stepwise Multifactor Regression Analysis of the Interactive Effects of Multiple Climate Factors on the Response of Vegetation Recovery to Drought
Authors: Fan Jingjing , Zhao Yue , Wang Dongnan , Zhou Xiong , Li Yunyun , Zhang Wenwei , Xu Fanfan , Wei Shibo
Published: September 2024

In this study, a stepwise multifactor vegetation regression analysis (SMVRA) approach was proposed to investigate the interaction of multiple climate factors on vegetative growth in the study area from 2000 to 2020. It was developed by integrating the stepwise linear regression method, Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI), Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), and Pearson correlation coefficient. SMVRA can be used to intuitively understand the interactive effects of multiple correlated factors (e.g., temperature, precipitation, potential evapotranspiration, and the drought index) upon vegetation. The results show that the resilience of vegetation in the BLR basin is influenced by the severity of drought. Annual changes in SPEI over the BLR basin show an increasing trend, with rates of 3.12 × 10−2. Precipitation and NDVI had a strong positive correlation (p < 0.05), found for 34.93% of the total pixels in the study area. In the BLR basin, vegetation growth is inhibited in the 4 years following a drought event. The area near 800 m is most sensitive to drought events. It provides a theoretical basis for future drought response and effective vegetation restoration in the region.
Correction: Stambulchik, E. Stark Broadening of Lyman-α in the Presence of a Strong Magnetic Field. Atoms 2023, 11, 120
Authors: Stambulchik Evgeny
Published: September 2024

In the original publication [...]
p-Numerical Semigroups of Triples from the Three-Term Recurrence Relations
Authors: Mu Jiaxin , Komatsu Takao
Published: September 2024

Many people, including Horadam, have studied the numbers Wn, satisfying the recurrence relation Wn=uWn−1+vWn−2 (n≥2) with W0=0 and W1=1. In this paper, we study the p-numerical semigroups of the triple (Wi,Wi+2,Wi+k) for integers i,k(≥3). For a nonnegative integer p, the p-numerical semigroup Sp is defined as the set of integers whose nonnegative integral linear combinations of given positive integers a1,a2,…,aκ with gcd(a1,a2,…,aκ)=1 are expressed in more than p ways. When p=0, S=S0 is the original numerical semigroup. The largest element and the cardinality of N0∖Sp are called the p-Frobenius number and the p-genus, respectively.
Selection of an Appropriate Global Partner for Companies Using the Innovative Extension of the TOPSIS Method with Intuitionistic Hesitant Fuzzy Rough Information
Authors: Attaullah  , Alyobi Sultan , Alharthi Mohammed , Alrashedi Yasser
Published: September 2024

In this research, we introduce the intuitionistic hesitant fuzzy rough set by integrating the notions of an intuitionistic hesitant fuzzy set and rough set and present some intuitionistic hesitant fuzzy rough set theoretical operations. We compile a list of aggregation operators based on the intuitionistic hesitant fuzzy rough set, including the intuitionistic hesitant fuzzy rough Dombi weighted arithmetic averaging aggregation operator, the intuitionistic hesitant fuzzy rough Dombi ordered weighted arithmetic averaging aggregation operator, and the intuitionistic hesitant fuzzy rough Dombi hybrid weighted arithmetic averaging aggregation operator, and demonstrate several essential characteristics of the aforementioned aggregation operators. Furthermore, we provide a multi attribute decision-making approach and the technique of the suggested approach in the context of the intuitionistic hesitant fuzzy rough set. A real-world problem for selecting a suitable worldwide partner for companies is employed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the suggested approach. The sensitivity analysis of the decision-making results of the suggested aggregation operators are evaluated. The demonstrative analysis reveals that the outlined strategy has applicability and flexibility in aggregating intuitionistic hesitant fuzzy rough information and is feasible and insightful for dealing with multi attribute decision making issues based on the intuitionistic hesitant fuzzy rough set. In addition, we present a comparison study with the TOPSIS approach to illustrate the advantages and authenticity of the novel procedure. Furthermore, the characteristics and analytic comparison of the current technique to those outlined in the literature are addressed.
Emerging Capacitive Materials for On-Chip Electronics Energy Storage Technologies
Authors: Jolayemi Bukola , Buvat Gaetan , Roussel Pascal , Lethien Christophe
Published: September 2024

Miniaturized energy storage devices, such as electrostatic nanocapacitors and electrochemical micro-supercapacitors (MSCs), are important components in on-chip energy supply systems, facilitating the development of autonomous microelectronic devices with enhanced performance and efficiency. The performance of the on-chip energy storage devices heavily relies on the electrode materials, necessitating continuous advancements in material design and synthesis. This review provides an overview of recent developments in electrode materials for on-chip MSCs and electrostatic (micro-/nano-) capacitors, focusing on enhancing energy density, power density, and device stability. The review begins by discussing the fundamental requirements for electrode materials in MSCs, including high specific surface area, good conductivity, and excellent electrochemical stability. Subsequently, various categories of electrode materials are evaluated in terms of their charge storage mechanisms, electrochemical performance, and compatibility with on-chip fabrication processes. Furthermore, recent strategies to enhance the performance of electrode materials are discussed, including nanostructuring, doping, heteroatom incorporation, hybridization with other capacitive materials, and electrode configurations.
QA-RAG: Exploring LLM Reliance on External Knowledge
Authors: Mansurova Aigerim , Mansurova Aiganym , Nugumanova Aliya
Published: September 2024

Large language models (LLMs) can store factual knowledge within their parameters and have achieved superior results in question-answering tasks. However, challenges persist in providing provenance for their decisions and keeping their knowledge up to date. Some approaches aim to address these challenges by combining external knowledge with parametric memory. In contrast, our proposed QA-RAG solution relies solely on the data stored within an external knowledge base, specifically a dense vector index database. In this paper, we compare RAG configurations using two LLMs—Llama 2b and 13b—systematically examining their performance in three key RAG capabilities: noise robustness, knowledge gap detection, and external truth integration. The evaluation reveals that while our approach achieves an accuracy of 83.3%, showcasing its effectiveness across all baselines, the model still struggles significantly in terms of external truth integration. These findings suggest that considerable work is still required to fully leverage RAG in question-answering tasks.
Attention-Driven Transfer Learning Model for Improved IoT Intrusion Detection
Authors: Abdelhamid Salma , Hegazy Islam , Aref Mostafa , Roushdy Mohamed
Published: September 2024

The proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices has become inevitable in contemporary life, significantly affecting myriad applications. Nevertheless, the pervasive use of heterogeneous IoT gadgets introduces vulnerabilities to malicious cyber-attacks, resulting in data breaches that jeopardize the network’s integrity and resilience. This study proposes an Intrusion Detection System (IDS) for IoT environments that leverages Transfer Learning (TL) and the Convolutional Block Attention Module (CBAM). We extensively evaluate four prominent pre-trained models, each integrated with an independent CBAM at the uppermost layer. Our methodology is validated using the BoT-IoT dataset, which undergoes preprocessing to rectify the imbalanced data distribution, eliminate redundancy, and reduce dimensionality. Subsequently, the tabular dataset is transformed into RGB images to enhance the interpretation of complex patterns. Our evaluation results demonstrate that integrating TL models with the CBAM significantly improves classification accuracy and reduces false-positive rates. Additionally, to further enhance the system performance, we employ an Ensemble Learning (EL) technique to aggregate predictions from the two best-performing models. The final findings prove that our TL-CBAM-EL model achieves superior performance, attaining an accuracy of 99.93% as well as high recall, precision, and F1-score. Henceforth, the proposed IDS is a robust and efficient solution for securing IoT networks.
Heating Induced Nanoparticle Migration and Enhanced Delivery in Tumor Treatment Using Nanotechnology
Authors: Gu Qimei , Zhu Liang
Published: September 2024

Nanoparticles have been developed as imaging contrast agents, heat absorbers to confine energy into targeted tumors, and drug carriers in advanced cancer treatment. It is crucial to achieve a minimal concentration of drug-carrying nanostructures or to induce an optimized nanoparticle distribution in tumors. This review is focused on understanding how local or whole-body heating alters transport properties in tumors, therefore leading to enhanced nanoparticle delivery or optimized nanoparticle distributions in tumors. First, an overview of cancer treatment and the development of nanotechnology in cancer therapy is introduced. Second, the importance of particle distribution in one of the hyperthermia approaches using nanoparticles in damaging tumors is discussed. How intensive heating during nanoparticle hyperthermia alters interstitial space structure to induce nanoparticle migration in tumors is evaluated. The next section reviews major obstacles in the systemic delivery of therapeutic agents to targeted tumors due to unique features of tumor microenvironments. Experimental observations on how mild local or whole-body heating boosts systemic nanoparticle delivery to tumors are presented, and possible physiological mechanisms are explored. The end of this review provides the current challenges facing clinicians and researchers in designing effective and safe heating strategies to maximize the delivery of therapeutic agents to tumors.
Attenuation of PM2.5-Induced Lung Injury by 4-Phenylbutyric Acid: Maintenance of [Ca2+]i Stability between Endoplasmic Reticulum and Mitochondria
Authors: Ma Zhenhua , Du Xiaohui , Sun Yize , Jia Yunna , Liang Xiaojun , Gao Yunhang
Published: September 2024

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is a significant cause of respiratory diseases and associated cellular damage. The mechanisms behind this damage have not been fully explained. This study investigated two types of cellular damage (inflammation and pyroptosis) induced by PM2.5, focusing on their relationship with two organelles (the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria). Animal models have demonstrated that PM2.5 induces excessive endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER stress), which is a significant cause of lung damage in rats. This was confirmed by pretreatment with an ER stress inhibitor (4-Phenylbutyric acid, 4-PBA). We found that, in vitro, the intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) dysregulation induced by PM2.5 in rat alveolar macrophages was associated with ER stress. Changes in mitochondria-associated membranes (MAMs) result in abnormal mitochondrial function. This further induced the massive expression of NLRP3 and GSDMD-N, which was detrimental to cell survival. In conclusion, our findings provide valuable insights into the relationship between [Ca2+]i dysregulation, mitochondrial damage, inflammation and pyroptosis under PM2.5-induced ER stress conditions. Their interactions ultimately have an impact on respiratory health.
Modern Challenges in Type 2 Diabetes: Balancing New Medications with Multifactorial Care
Authors: Caturano Alfredo , Galiero Raffaele , Rocco Maria , Tagliaferri Giuseppina , Piacevole Alessia , Nilo Davide , Di Lorenzo Giovanni , Sardu Celestino , Vetrano Erica , Monda Marcellino , Marfella Raffaele , Rinaldi Luca , Sasso Ferdinando Carlo
Published: September 2024

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a prevalent chronic metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance and progressive beta cell dysfunction, presenting substantial global health and economic challenges. This review explores recent advancements in diabetes management, emphasizing novel pharmacological therapies and their physiological mechanisms. We highlight the transformative impact of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) and Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Receptor Agonist (GLP-1RA), which target specific physiological pathways to enhance glucose regulation and metabolic health. A key focus of this review is tirzepatide, a dual agonist of the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and GLP-1 receptors. Tirzepatide illustrates how integrating innovative mechanisms with established physiological pathways can significantly improve glycemic control and support weight management. Additionally, we explore emerging treatments such as glimins and glucokinase activators (GKAs), which offer novel strategies for enhancing insulin secretion and reducing glucose production. We also address future perspectives in diabetes management, including the potential of retatrutide as a triple receptor agonist and evolving guidelines advocating for a comprehensive, multifactorial approach to care. This approach integrates pharmacological advancements with essential lifestyle modifications—such as dietary changes, physical activity, and smoking cessation—to optimize patient outcomes. By focusing on the physiological mechanisms of these new therapies, this review underscores their role in enhancing T2DM management and highlights the importance of personalized care plans to address the complexities of the disease. This holistic perspective aims to improve patient quality of life and long-term health outcomes.
Admission Hemoglobin Associated with Increased Mortality in Hip Fracture Surgical Patients: An Observational Study
Authors: Šarić Jadrijev Ana , Bego Ana , Lojpur Borna , Poljak Dino , Žaja Marija , Matas Jakov , Pivalica Božen , Stojanović Stipić Sanda , Čapkun Vesna , Vukojević Katarina , Glavina Durdov Merica , Bratanić Andre
Published: September 2024

In hip fracture patients, who are mostly elderly, preexisting anemia can be worsened when combined with trauma and surgery. To this date, there is no unequivocal approach about transfusion thresholds. We analyzed hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit (Hct) levels at three time points in surgical patients with proximal femoral fractures (PFF) to see which levels were triggers for transfusions and whether transfusions were related to mortality after hospital discharge. A total of 956 patients were operated on from 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2022 at the University Hospital of Split and included in the study. There were more women (74%); 47% patients had admission Hb < 120 g/L. Transfusion was given preoperatively to 88, intraoperatively to 74 and postoperatively to 309 patients. Transfusion thresholds were as follows: Hb 84 g/L preoperatively, 99 intraoperatively and 83 postoperatively. After hospital discharge, 10.79% of patients died within the 1st month and 23% within 6 months. In the group of non-survivors, 60% of patients had admission Hb ≤ 117 g/L and the proportion of patients transfused preoperatively was two times higher. Preoperative transfusion thresholds could be set to higher levels for patients with surgically treated PFF. However, that could increase mortality even more. Further investigation is necessary.
Association of LIN28B Gene Polymorphisms with Intrauterine Adhesions in Patients after Curettage Abortion
Authors: Shen Danting , Li Cong , Liu Shuhua , Lin Anping , Liu Bin
Published: September 2024

Background/Objectives: Intrauterine adhesion (IUA) is characterized by endometrial fibrocyte hyperplasia. The LIN28B gene is associated with many proliferative diseases. However, its association with IUA is entirely unknown. We hypothesized that LIN28B gene polymorphisms are responsible for IUA susceptibility after curettage abortion. Methods: In this genetic association study, We genotyped two common polymorphisms (rs369065 C>T and rs314280 A>G) in 107 patients with IUA and 270 controls without IUA after curettage abortion from a Chinese population between July 2022 and May 2023 and analyzed their associations with IUA risk using multiple logistic regression models. Results: The carriers of genotype rs314280 AA of the LIN28B gene showed an increased risk of IUA (AOR [adjusted odds ratio] = 2.12, 95% CI [confidence interval] = 1.151–3.903), compared to GG+GA genotypes. Further stratification analyses showed that the deleterious role of the rs314280 AA genotype was more evident in patients with fewer than four pregnancies (AOR = 2.740, 95% CI = 1.355–5.540), fewer than two births (AOR = 2.676, 95% CI = 1.300–5.509), and fibrous (AOR = 2.082, 95% CI = 1.084–3.997) and muscular adhesions (AOR = 3.887, 95% CI = 1.116–13.540). However, the rs369065 T>C polymorphism of the LIN28B gene was not significantly associated with the occurrence of IUA. Conclusions: The rs314280 AA genotype of the LIN28B gene is associated with an increased risk of IUA in patients after curettage abortion, especially in those with fewer pregnancies or parities and higher disease severity. Our findings implicate a precise choice of clinical counseling and decision-making of IUA, thereby protecting female reproduction.
Basivertebral Nerve Ablation for Treatment of Lower Back Pain
Authors: Lee Esther , Kim Joaane , Rahman Sadiq , Daksla Neil , Caldwell William , Bergese Sergio
Published: September 2024

Lower back pain (LBP) is a widely prevalent global health issue, affecting over half a billion people and remaining the leading cause of years lived with disability (YLDs). LBP significantly impacts healthcare systems, with substantial costs related to surgical procedures and lost workdays. Vertebrogenic back pain (VBP), characterized by specific clinical symptoms and associated with Modic changes (MC) in vertebral endplates, best seen on MRI, is a significant subset of LBP. This paper explores the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and current reports and studies focusing on VBP and the role of basivertebral nerve (BVN) ablation as a therapeutic intervention. Multiple studies, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses, demonstrate the efficacy of BVN ablation in reducing pain and improving function in patients with chronic LBP associated with MC.
Neutrophil Extracellular Trap Scores Predict 90-Day Mortality in Hepatitis B-Related Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure
Authors: Zhang Yi , Shi Ke , Zhu Bingbing , Feng Ying , Liu Yao , Wang Xianbo
Published: September 2024

Hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is associated with pronounced systemic inflammation, and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are key components of this response. The primary objective of this study was to establish an NET-related scoring system for patients with HBV-ACLF. A prospective training cohort of 81 patients from the Beijing Ditan Hospital was included. The concentrations of NET markers (cell-free DNA, myeloperoxidase DNA [MPO-DNA], and citrullinated histone H3) in peripheral blood were quantified. Random survival forest, LASSO regression, and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to identify prognostic factors associated with 90-day mortality in ACLF patients and develop a nomogram for visualization, which was followed by evaluation in a validation cohort (n = 40). NET-related marker levels were significantly higher in the non-survival group than in the survival group (p < 0.05). The NET score was constructed by combining MPO-DNA, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and age data. The score’s diagnostic effectiveness, assessed by the area under the curve, yielded values of 0.83 and 0.77 in the training and validation sets, respectively, markedly surpassing those of other established models (p < 0.05). In both groups, the 90-day mortality rates were 88.8% and 75.0%, respectively, for patients categorized as high risk and 18.0% and 12.5%, respectively, for those classified as low risk.
Ultrasensitive Electrochemical Biosensor for Rapid Screening of Chemicals with Estrogenic Effect
Authors: Li Ruixin , Li Jin , Lu Xianbo , Meng Fanli , Chen Jiping
Published: September 2024

Estrogenic chemicals are widely distributed and structurally diverse. They primarily disrupt estrogen-related metabolism in animals or humans by mimicking the agonistic receptor effects of natural estrogens, thereby influencing the transcription of estrogen receptors to regulate their quantity and sensitivity. This disruption of estrogen-related metabolism can lead to estrogen-related effects, posing risks to biological health, emphasizing the urgent need for simple and effective methods to screen compounds with estrogenic effects. Herein, a new electrochemical biological effect biosensor based on human estrogen receptor α (hERα) is developed, which uses hERα as the biorecognition element and employs the electroactive horseradish peroxidase (HRP) labeled 17β-estradiol (E2) multifunctional conjugate HRP-E2 as the signal-boosting element and ligand competition agent. Based on the specific ligand–receptor interaction principle between the target and nuclear receptor, by allowing the test compound to compete with HRP-E2 conjugate for binding to hERα and testing the electrocatalytic signal of the conjugate that fails to bind to the hERα estrogen receptor, rapid screening and quantitative detection of chemical substances with estrogenic effect have been achieved. The biosensor shows a wide linear range of 40 pM to 40 nM with a detection limit of 17 pM (S/N = 3) for E2, and the detection limit is 2 orders of magnitude better than that of the previously reported sensors. The biosensor based on ligand–receptor binding can not only quantitatively analyze the typical estrogen E2, but also evaluate the relative estrogen effect strength of other estrogen compounds, which has good stability and selectivity. This electrochemical sensing platform displays its promising potential for rapid screening and quantitative detection of chemicals with estrogenic effects.
Shear Behavior of High-Strength and Lightweight Cementitious Composites Containing Hollow Glass Microspheres and Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Lee Dongmin , Lee Seong-Cheol , Kwon Oh-Sung , Yoo Sung-Won
Published: September 2024

In this study, an experimental program was conducted to investigate the shear behavior of beams made of high-strength and lightweight cementitious composites (HS-LWCCs) containing hollow glass microspheres and carbon nanotubes. The compressive strength and dry density of the HS-LWCCs were 87.8 MPa and1.52 t/m3, respectively. To investigate their shear behavior, HS-LWCC beams with longitudinal rebars were fabricated. In this test program, the longitudinal and shear reinforcement ratios were considered as the test variables. The HS-LWCC beams were compared with ordinary high-strength concrete (HSC) beams with a compressive strength of 89.3 MPa to determine their differences; the beams had the same reinforcement configuration. The test results indicated that the initial stiffness and shear capacity of the HS-LWCC beams were lower than those of the HSC beams. These results suggested that the low shear resistance of the HS-LWCC beams led to brittle failure. This was attributed to the beams’ low elastic modulus under compression and the absence of a coarse aggregate. Furthermore, the difference in the shear capacity of the HSC and HS-LWCC beams slightly decreased as the shear reinforcement ratio increased. The diagonal compression strut angle and diagonal crack angle of the HS-LWCC beams with shear reinforcement were more inclined than those of the HSC beams. This indicated that the lower shear resistance of the HS-LWCCs could be more effectively compensated for when shear reinforcement is provided and the diagonal crack angle is more inclined. The ultimate shear capacities measured in the tests were compared with various shear design provisions, including those of ACI-318, EC2, and CSA A23.3. This comparison showed that the current shear design provisions considerably overestimate the contribution of concrete to the shear capacity of HS-LWCC beams.
Evaluation Method and the Influence of Visual Comfort of Ceramic Tiles in Indoor Environment—A Study Based on the Delphi and AHP
Authors: Chen Jiayin , Cheng Yue , Guo Qingyun
Published: September 2024

People spend most of their time indoors, and the visual characteristics of indoor building materials affect not only the quality of the indoor environment, but also the well-being of individuals. Ceramic tiles are widely used in interior decoration of buildings due to their aesthetic appeal and ease of maintenance. However, there is currently a lack of a comprehensive framework for assessing the visual comfort of ceramic tile design. This study established an evaluation system using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and the Delphi method to collect perceptual words, extract evaluation indices, and calculate weights. A visual comfort scale for ceramic tiles, comprising three dimensions and twelve indices, was developed. A total of 342 questionnaires were analyzed using six types of tiles, and the multidimensional visual comfort scores of the various ceramic tile samples were statistically examined. An analysis of variance was conducted to investigate the effects of tile brightness, texture, and participant gender on visual comfort. The findings indicate that tile brightness and texture significantly affect the overall visual comfort score (p < 0.001; p < 0.001), with light-toned, non-textured tiles providing higher visual comfort (3.949). Although gender did not significantly affect the overall visual comfort scores, it did influence the evaluation scores in certain dimensions. Men rated the aesthetic comfort of tiles lower than women (p = 0.035), but they rated the emotional comfort of medium-toned and non-textured tiles higher (p = 0.003; p = 0.017). In terms of theoretical significance, the establishment of this evaluation model can expand the research content and methods of ceramic tiles, which are crucial architectural decoration materials. In terms of practical significance, this study provides an evaluation method and partial evaluation information for designers, enabling them to assess and enhance the visual experience of tiles based on the specific needs of interior spaces and the characteristics of the visual subject.
Research on the Factors Influencing the Epidemic Resilience of Urban Communities in China in the Post-Epidemic Era
Authors: Cui Peng , You Zhengmin , Shi Qinhan , Feng Lan
Published: September 2024

In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, people are gradually realizing that urban community resilience is pivotal for effectively managing public health emergencies. This study employed grounded theory to establish a theoretical framework for epidemic resilience of urban communities (ERUC) in the post-pandemic era. Subsequently, the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL)-interpretive structural modeling (ISM) method is utilized to discern the significance and hierarchical interrelations among influencing factors. The findings delineate that 14 determinants shaping ERUC are organized into five distinct tiers. Notably, nine determinants emerge as principal: vulnerable group; educational attainment; risk perception; medical insurance coverage; communal norms; community emergency response; community services; resident participation; and government efficacy. Among these, the vulnerable group and government efficiency are identified as foundational factors, while medical insurance coverage, resident participation, and community infrastructure are identified as direct influences.
Effects of Secure Base Leadership vs. Avoidant Leadership on Job Performance
Authors: Laguia Ana , Navas-Jiménez María C. , Schettini Rocio , Rodríguez-Batalla Fidel , Guillén David , Moriano Juan A.
Published: September 2024

Organizations need high performance from their employees to achieve their goals, provide specialized services and products, and ultimately secure a competitive edge. Performance is also a source of satisfaction for employees, as it creates feelings of mastery and pride. Different leadership styles positively influence both employee performance and organizational excellence; thus, the present study aimed to analyze the relationship between a novel leadership style based on attachment theory, secure base leadership, and job performance (i.e., task and conceptual performance and counterproductive work behaviors). Additionally, a passive-avoidant leadership relationship with performance dimensions is analyzed. Using partial least squares structural equation modeling with self-reported data from 422 Spanish employees, the results show that secure base leadership is positively related to task and contextual performance, while it is negatively related to counterproductive work behaviors. The opposite pattern is found for passive-avoidant leadership (except for the link between passive-avoidant leadership and contextual performance, which is not significant). The promotion of secure base leadership within organizations allows for the cultivation of a supportive environment that favors work behaviors that are aligned with organizational objectives, and since leadership can be trained, these results are relevant for practitioners in organizations.
Importance of Transcript Variants in Transcriptome Analyses
Authors: Vo Kevin , Sharma Yashica , Paul Anohita , Mohamadi Ryan , Mohamadi Amelia , Fields Patrick E. , Rumi M. A. Karim
Published: September 2024

RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) has become a widely adopted technique for studying gene expression. However, conventional RNA-Seq analyses rely on gene expression (GE) values that aggregate all the transcripts produced under a single gene identifier, overlooking the complexity of transcript variants arising from different transcription start sites or alternative splicing. Transcript variants may encode proteins with diverse functional domains, or noncoding RNAs. This study explored the implications of neglecting transcript variants in RNA-Seq analyses. Among the 1334 transcription factor (TF) genes expressed in mouse embryonic stem (ES) or trophoblast stem (TS) cells, 652 were differentially expressed in TS cells based on GE values (365 upregulated and 287 downregulated, ≥absolute 2-fold changes, false discovery rate (FDR) p-value ≤ 0.05). The 365 upregulated genes expressed 883 transcript variants. Further transcript expression (TE) based analyses identified only 174 (<20%) of the 883 transcripts to be upregulated. The remaining 709 transcripts were either downregulated or showed no significant changes. Meanwhile, the 287 downregulated genes expressed 856 transcript variants and only 153 (<20%) of the 856 transcripts were downregulated. The other 703 transcripts were either upregulated or showed no significant change. Additionally, the 682 insignificant TF genes (GE values < absolute 2-fold changes and/or FDR p-values > 0.05) between ES and TS cells expressed 2215 transcript variants. These included 477 (>21%) differentially expressed transcripts (276 upregulated and 201 downregulated, ≥absolute 2-fold changes, FDR p-value ≤ 0.05). Hence, GE based RNA-Seq analyses do not represent accurate expression levels due to divergent transcripts expression from the same gene. Our findings show that by including transcript variants in RNA-Seq analyses, we can generate a precise understanding of a gene’s functional and regulatory landscape; ignoring the variants may result in an erroneous interpretation.
Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Therapy in Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: El Masri Jad , Fadlallah Hiba , Al Sabsabi Rahaf , Afyouni Ahmad , Al-Sayegh Mohamed , Abou-Kheir Wassim
Published: September 2024

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a serious condition accompanied by severe adverse events that affect several aspects of the patient’s life, such as motor, sensory, and functional impairment. Despite its severe consequences, definitive treatment for these injuries is still missing. Therefore, researchers have focused on developing treatment strategies aimed at ensuring full recovery post-SCI. Accordingly, attention has been drawn toward cellular therapy using mesenchymal stem cells. Considering their wide availability, decreased immunogenicity, wide expansion capacity, and impressive effectiveness in many therapeutic approaches, adipose-derived stem cell (ADSC) injections in SCI cases have been investigated and showed promising results. In this review, SCI pathophysiology and ADSC transplantation benefits are discussed independently, together with SCI animal models and adipose stem cell preparation and application techniques. The mechanisms of healing in an SCI post-ADSC injection, the outcomes of this therapeutic approach, and current clinical trials are also deliberated, in addition to the challenges and future perspectives, aiming to encourage further research in this field.
Functional Insights in PLS3-Mediated Osteogenic Regulation
Authors: Zhong Wenchao , Neugebauer Janine , Pathak Janak L. , Li Xingyang , Pals Gerard , Zillikens M. Carola , Eekhoff Elisabeth M. W. , Bravenboer Nathalie , Zhang Qingbin , Hammerschmidt Matthias , Wirth Brunhilde , Micha Dimitra
Published: September 2024

Plastin-3 (PLS3) encodes T-plastin, an actin-bundling protein mediating the formation of actin filaments by which numerous cellular processes are regulated. Loss-of-function genetic defects in PLS3 are reported to cause X-linked osteoporosis and childhood-onset fractures. However, the molecular etiology of PLS3 remains elusive. Functional compensation by actin-bundling proteins ACTN1, ACTN4, and FSCN1 was investigated in zebrafish following morpholino-mediated pls3 knockdown. Primary dermal fibroblasts from six patients with a PLS3 variant were also used to examine expression of these proteins during osteogenic differentiation. In addition, Pls3 knockdown in the murine MLO-Y4 cell line was employed to provide insights in global gene expression. Our results showed that ACTN1 and ACTN4 can rescue the skeletal deformities in zebrafish after pls3 knockdown, but this was inadequate for FSCN1. Patients’ fibroblasts showed the same osteogenic transdifferentiation ability as healthy donors. RNA-seq results showed differential expression in Wnt1, Nos1ap, and Myh3 after Pls3 knockdown in MLO-Y4 cells, which were also associated with the Wnt and Th17 cell differentiation pathways. Moreover, WNT2 was significantly increased in patient osteoblast-like cells compared to healthy donors. Altogether, our findings in different bone cell types indicate that the mechanism of PLS3-related pathology extends beyond actin-bundling proteins, implicating broader pathways of bone metabolism.
Potential Therapeutic Interventions Targeting NAD+ Metabolism for ALS
Authors: Lundt Samuel , Ding Shinghua
Published: September 2024

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease affecting both upper and lower motor neurons. While there have been many potential factors implicated for ALS development, such as oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction, no exact mechanism has been determined at this time. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is one of the most abundant metabolites in mammalian cells and is crucial for a broad range of cellular functions from DNA repair to energy homeostasis. NAD+ can be synthesized from three different intracellular pathways, but it is the NAD+ salvage pathway that generates the largest proportion of NAD+. Impaired NAD+ homeostasis has been connected to aging and neurodegenerative disease-related dysfunctions. In ALS mice, NAD+ homeostasis is potentially disrupted prior to the appearance of physical symptoms and is significantly reduced in the nervous system at the end stage. Treatments targeting NAD+ metabolism, either by administering NAD+ precursor metabolites or small molecules that alter NAD+-dependent enzyme activity, have shown strong beneficial effects in ALS disease models. Here, we review the therapeutic interventions targeting NAD+ metabolism for ALS and their effects on the most prominent pathological aspects of ALS in animal and cell models.
Effect of Prosthetic Material and Support Type on Stress Distribution of Fixed Partial Dentures: A Finite Element Study
Authors: Eric Jelena , Bjelovic Ljiljana , Radovic Igor , Krunic Jelena , Milic-Lemic Aleksandra , Gupta Nidhi , Ali Kamran
Published: September 2024

Choosing an appropriate prosthetic material for the superstructure of an implant-supported or tooth-implant supported fixed partial denture (FPD) is crucial for the success of the prostheses. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of prosthetic material type and tooth-to-implant support on stress distribution of FPDs using three-dimensional finite element analysis (3D FEA). Two FEA models were generated, distinguished by their support configurations: Model I representing an FPD supported by implants, and Model II depicting an FPD supported by both a tooth and an implant. Two different restorative materials, porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) and monolithic zirconia, were evaluated for stress distribution under axial and oblique loads of 300 N applied to the pontic. Under both axial and oblique loading conditions, the maximum von Mises stress values were observed to be higher in the implant-abutment complex of both zirconia implant-supported and tooth-implant-supported FPDs compared to PFM FPDs. In the case of axial loading, comparable stress values were found in the cortical bone for PFM (12.65 MPa) and zirconia implant-supported FPDs (12.71 MPa). The zirconia tooth-implant-supported FPD exhibited the highest stress values in the implant-abutment system.
Chemical Transformation of Biomass-Derived Furan Compounds into Polyols
Authors: Gong Qihang , Luo Peikai , Li Jian , Su Xinluona , Cheng Haiyang
Published: September 2024

Polyols such as 1,5-pentadiol, 1,6-hexanediol, and 1,2,6-hexanetriol are crucial chemicals, traditionally derived from non-renewable fossil sources. In the pursuit of sustainable development, exploring renewable and environmentally benign routes for their production becomes imperative. Furfural and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural are C5 and C6 biomass-derived platform molecules, which have potential in the synthesis of various polyols through hydrogenation and hydrogenolysis reactions. Currently, there is an extensive body of literature exploring the transformation of biomass-derived furan compounds. However, a comprehensive review of the transformation of furan compounds to polyols is lacking. We summarized the literature from recent years about the ring-opening reaction involved in converting furan compounds to polyols. This article reviews the research progress on the transformation of furfural, furfuryl alcohol, and 2-methylfuran to 1,2-pentadiol, 1,4-pentadiol, 1,5-pentadiol, and 1,2,5-pentanetriol, as well as the transformation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural to 1,2-hexanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, and 1,2,6-hexanetriol. The effects of the supported Pd, Pt, Ru, Ni, Cu, Co, and bimetallic catalysts are discussed through examining the synergistic effects of the catalysts and the effects of metal sites, acidic/basic sites, hydrogen spillover, etc. Reaction parameters like temperature, hydrogen pressure, and solvent are considered. The ring opening catalytic reaction of furan rings is summarized, and the catalytic mechanisms of single-metal and bimetallic catalysts and their catalytic processes and reaction conditions are discussed and summarized. It is believed that this review will act as a key reference and inspiration for researchers in this field.
Assessing the Muscle–Bone Unit in Girls Exposed to Different Amounts of Impact-Loading Physical Activity—A Cross-Sectional Association Study
Authors: Cavedon Valentina , Sandri Marco , Zancanaro Carlo , Milanese Chiara
Published: September 2024

Background/Objectives: In children, an association exists between muscle and bone, as well as between physical activity and osteogenesis. Impact loading is a factor in increasing bone accrual during growth. In this work, we explored the muscle–bone association in girls exposed to long-term physical activity at different levels of impact loading. Methods: Four groups of girls aged 7–16 were considered. The curricular (C; n = 22) group only had curricular physical activity at school (2 h/w). In addition to curricular physical activity, the girls in the dance (D; n = 21), gymnastics at lower training (GL; n = 14), and gymnastics at higher training (GH; n = 20) groups had 2 h/w, 4 h/w, and 4 h/w < training ≤ 12 h/w additional physical activity, respectively, for at least one year. A visual analysis estimated the respective amounts of impact-loading activity. The bone mineral content (BMC), areal bone mineral density (aBMD), and fat-free soft tissue mass (FFSTM) were assessed with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Results: The results showed that, after adjusting for several confounders, statistically significant correlations were present between muscle mass and several bone mineral variables. A regression analysis confirmed the correlation in the data, and showed the marginal role of other body composition variables and physical activity for predicting BMC and BMD. Conclusion: Skeletal muscle mass is a major determinant of the BMC and BMD of the TBLH, as well as of the Appendicular level, in girls exposed to different amounts of long-term impact-loading physical activity.
Comparison between Thai and Indian Adolescents’ Self-Figure Drawing as Child Abuse Art-Based Assessment
Authors: Jaroenkajornkij Nisara , Girish Meghna , Binson Bussakorn , Lev-Wiesel Rachel
Published: September 2024

Background/Objectives: The current study compared Self-Figure drawings from Thai and Indian adolescents to assess the cross-cultural applicability of a child abuse assessment tool. The research aims to understand the extent to which distinctions or similarities arise in Self-Figure drawings among adolescents from two culturally similar yet distinct backgrounds characterized by differences in religious affiliations, socioeconomic contexts, and political environments. Methods: Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study utilized quantitative measures, including the Traumatic Events Checklist (TEQ-5) and Medical Somatic Dissociation Questionnaire (MSDQ), alongside a qualitative analysis of Self-Figure drawings. Ethical approval was obtained with waived informed consent, and a convenience sample of 386 adolescents aged 13–18 years (193 from Thailand [M = 14.8, SD = 1.73; 135 females (69.9%) and 58 males (30.1%)], and 193 from India [M = 15.2, SD = 1.64; 135 females (69.9%) and 58 males (30.1%)]), who reported experiencing child abuse, participated in the study by completing questionnaires and drawing themselves. Results: The analysis revealed that Thai adolescents had higher MSDQ scores, while Indian adolescents exhibited more prominent pictorial indicators. Indian participants reported experiencing a broader range of event types, whereas Thai adolescents predominantly depicted verbal or emotional abuse. Variations in pictorial indicators were found significant, except for hair, cheek or chin, omitted legs or feet, and omitted eyes. Conclusions: These findings contribute to the understanding of how cultural factors influence adolescents’ self-representations through drawing. The differences in pictorial indicators highlight the nuanced variations within similar cultures, emphasizing the cultural specificity of self-expression.
Neonatal Clinical Pharmacology
Authors: Allegaert Karel , Yalcin Nadir , Flint Robert B. , Simons Sinno H. P.
Published: September 2024

Similar to other populations, care of neonates strongly relies on robust guidance on neonatal pharmacotherapy, covering an age-appropriate drug formulation, an individualized dose, and information on its efficacy and safety for a specific indication in this population, preferably weighted to alternative approaches [...]