bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advanced ENF Region Classification Using UniTS-SinSpec: A Novel Approach Integrating Sinusoidal Activation Function and Spectral Attention
Authors: Li Yujin , Lu Tianliang , Zeng Gaojun , Zhao Kai , Peng Shufan
Published: October 2024

The electric network frequency (ENF), often referred to as the industrial heartbeat, plays a crucial role in the power system. In recent years, it has found applications in multimedia evidence identification for court proceedings and audio–visual temporal source identification. This paper introduces an ENF region classification model named UniTS-SinSpec within the UniTS framework. The model integrates the sinusoidal activation function and spectral attention mechanism while also redesigning the model framework. Training is conducted using a public dataset on the open science framework (OSF) platform, with final experimental results demonstrating that, after parameter optimization, the UniTS-SinSpec model achieves an average validation accuracy of 97.47%, surpassing current state-of-the-art and baseline models. Accurate classification can significantly aid in ENF temporal source identification. Future research will focus on expanding dataset coverage and diversity to verify the model’s generality and robustness across different regions, time spans, and data sources. Additionally, it aims to explore the extensive application potential of ENF region classification in preventing crimes such as telecommunications fraud, terrorism, and child pornography.
Characteristics and Origin of Natural Gas in Yongfeng Sub-Sag of Bogda Mountain Front Belt
Authors: Sun Xiangcan , Chen Yi , Zhou Xingui , Bai Zhongkai , Du Yukun , Wen Lei , Yuan Kun
Published: October 2024

By systematically analyzing the natural gas composition, carbon isotopes, and source rock characteristics in the Yongfeng sub-sag of the Bogda Mountain front belt, natural gas characteristics were determined, and the genetic types and sources of natural gas were investigated. The research results indicate that methane is the main component of natural gas in the Yongfeng sub-sag, with low levels of heavy hydrocarbons and a high drying coefficient. These characteristics make it dry gas, which refers to natural gas with a methane content of over 95%. The ethane carbon isotope δ13C2 of natural gas is −28.5‰ and belongs to oil type gas. The methane carbon isotope δ13C1 of natural gas is −58.6‰~−59.4‰, has a relatively depleted methane carbon isotope value, shows significant differences from the surrounding natural gas methane carbon isotope, and belongs to the category of biogenic gas. The Permian Lucaogou Formation is the main source rock in the study area, with good organic matter abundance. The microscopic components of kerogen are mainly composed of sapropelic formations and the organic matter type is I–II1. The source rock has a high maturity and has reached the mature stage, mainly consisting of oil and wet gas. The ethane carbon isotope of natural gas in the Yongfeng sub-sag shows as oil type gas, which is consistent with the kerogen type of the Lucaogou Formation source rocks, indicating that the natural gas mainly comes from the Lucaogou Formation source rocks. Based on comprehensive data and information on natural gas composition, carbon isotopes, and burial history of the source rocks, it is believed that some of the crude oil generated from the Lucaogou Formation in the early stage underwent biodegradation due to tectonic uplift, resulting in biogenic methane and the formation of crude oil biodegraded gas.
Spatial Heterogeneity of Soil Nutrient in Principal Paddy and Cereal Production Landscapes of Fengtai County within the Huai River Basin, Eastern China
Authors: Jiang Zhiyang , Yin Zheng , Li Xinbin , Chen Daokun , Huang Meiqin , Zhou Yuzhi , Wu Tingsen , Zhao Mingze , Wang Wenshuo , Zhang Yupeng
Published: October 2024

The problem of cultivated land soil quality in the Huaihe River Basin has become increasingly prominent. How to accurately and quantitatively evaluate the soil quality of regional cultivated land and realize its efficient use has become an urgent problem. In order to explore the spatial autocorrelation and variation in soil nutrients in cultivated land in the plain of Fengtai County in the Huaihe River Basin, a total of 306 soil samples and mature wheat samples were collected in the study area to analyze soil pH, total nitrogen (TN), available nitrogen (AN), available phosphorus (AP), available potassium (AK) and slow-release potassium (SK) content and wheat biomass, and combined with geostatistical methods and GIS technology. The Kriging interpolation method and Moram‘s I index method were systematically analyzed. Principal component analysis (PCA) and Pearson correlation analysis were used to establish the minimum data set (MDS) of soil quality, which was used to calculate the soil quality index (SQI) and determine the key factors affecting soil quality. The results showed that the soil pH was in weak variation, and the other nutrient indexes were in medium variation. The spatial variability of soil-available potassium nutrients was affected by random factors such as human activities and structural factors such as soil parent materials. The spatial autocorrelation of organic matter, total nitrogen, alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen, available phosphorus, available potassium and mitigation potassium was weak, which was mainly affected by random factors such as human activities. An unequivocal positive spatial nexus was discerned across all nutrients. Cumulatively, the nutrient dispersion across the investigated territory was somewhat diffuse, manifesting in a mosaic pattern with pronounced zonal nutrient allocation disparities in the meridional, median, and septentrional segments. An explicit latitudinal dichotomy delineating zones of nutrient opulence and paucity was also observed. These insights can pave the way for tailored fertilization strategies and judicious pedological stewardship in Fengtai County.
Simvastatin and Captopril Combined Transdermal Delivery System for Controlling Blood Pressure and Fat: Design, Characterization, and In Vivo Pharmacokinetic Evaluation
Authors: Ni Ya-Jing , Wang Run-Jia , Liu Zhao , Xiao Li-Hui , Liu Yan-Qiang
Published: October 2024

We developed a sustained-release transdermal drug delivery system (TDDS) containing simvastatin (SIM) and captopril (CAP) to treat hypertension and hyperlipidemia and overcome treatment drawbacks, including significant liver first-pass effects, low bioavailability, and the short half-life of SIM and CAP oral tablets. We used a transdermal diffusion meter to preselect the formula of the SIM-CAP TDDS. Based on in vitro permeation experiments, we optimized the formula of the SIM-CAP TDDS to include 24% SIM, 24% CAP, 34% polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), 16% oleic acid (OA)–azone, and 2% polyacrylic acid resin II. We evaluated the optimized SIM-CAP TDDS formula by its appearance, stability, stickiness, drug content, in vivo pharmacokinetics, and skin irritation tests. The results indicated that the patch had good stability and stickiness. The SIM and CAP contents were 5.02 ± 0.41 mg/cm2 in the 1 cm2 SIM-CAP TDDS. The pharmacokinetic results indicated that the system continuously released SIM and CAP for 24 h and significantly enhanced their bioavailability, with a higher area under the curve. The SIM-CAP TDDS exhibits a sustained-release effect with good characteristics and pharmacokinetics. And it is safe and has no irritating effects on the skin; therefore, it is an ideal formulation.
Physicochemical Properties, Organic Acid, and Sugar Profiles in Edible and Inedible Parts of Parsnip (Pastinaca sativa) Cultivars Harvested in Korea
Authors: Shim Hyerin , Kim Young-Jun , Shin Youngjae
Published: October 2024

Parsnip, a root vegetable from the Apiaceae family, is rich in dietary fiber, pectin, and starch but remains relatively unfamiliar in South Korea. This study investigated the physicochemical properties of two Korean-grown parsnip cultivars, ‘Warrior’ and ‘Albion’, focusing on their organic acid and sugar compositions. The ‘Warrior’ cultivar has higher firmness and water content but lower SSC compared to ‘Albion’. In ‘Warrior’, malic and lactic acids were the main organic acids, while ‘Albion’ had predominant oxalic and malic acids. Malic acid was also the primary organic acid in the inedible parts of ‘Warrior’, and oxalic acid in ‘Albion’. In the edible parts of both cultivars, sucrose was identified as the main sugar. In ‘Warrior’, the levels were 88.59%, 90.35%, and 79.13% in the cortex, pith, and skin, respectively, while in ‘Albion’, the levels were 88.56%, 64.40%, and 67.39%. ‘Warrior’ showed higher total sugar content in its cortex (6.66%) compared to ‘Albion’ (3.67%). These results highlight the beneficial compounds in parsnips and suggest their potential for improving dietary strategies and health.
Optical Design Study with Uniform Field of View Regardless of Sensor Size for Terahertz System Applications
Authors: Park Jungjin , Ryu Jaemyung , Choi Hojong
Published: October 2024

The focal length in a typical optical system changes with the angle of view, according to the size of the sensor. This study proposed an optical terahertz (THz) system application where the focal length changed while the angle of view was fixed; thus, the image height was variable and responded to various sensor sizes. Therefore, it is possible to respond to various sensors with one optical system when the inspection distance is fixed. The fundamental optical system was designed by arranging the refractive power, which was determined according to the sensor size using the Gaussian bracketing method. A zoom optical system that changed the image height by fixing the angle of view and changed the focal length by moving the internal lens group was designed. THz waves exhibit minimal change in the refractive index depending on the wavelength. Moreover, their long-wavelength characteristics facilitate the development of millimeter-level pixel sizes. Therefore, the root mean square size of the maximum spot was 0.329 mm, which corrected the aberration to less than 1 mm (smaller than the pixel size). Further, a lighting analysis at 3 and 6 m locations confirmed the expansion of the lighting area by the magnification of the sensor size. After turning off certain light sources, we checked the contrast ratio via lighting analysis and confirmed that the size of one pixel was clearly distinguishable. Consequently, this newly designed optical system performed appropriately as an optical inspection system for THz system applications.
Study on Dynamic Mechanical Properties and Failure Pattern of Thin-Layered Schist
Authors: Peng Yaxiong , Du Zehui , Chen Peng , Yao Yingkang , Liu Guangjin , Wu Li
Published: October 2024

This paper studies the effect of schistosity on the dynamic mechanical properties and failure pattern of thin-layered schist. Wudang Group schist with thin layers is selected as the research object, and the influence of the dynamic mechanical properties and failure pattern of schist under different angles and spacing is studied by combining an SHPB test and numerical simulation. The results indicate that under dynamic loading, the stress–strain curve demonstrates elastic compression, plastic deformation, and strain softening stages. Moreover, it is observed that the dynamic critical failure strength of schist exhibits typical “U”-type strength anisotropy. Specimens with a schistosity angle of 0° or 90° exhibit higher dynamic compressive strength under dynamic loading, with axial splitting and schistosity splitting as predominant failure modes. Conversely, when the schistosity angles are 30°, 45° or 60°, there is a noticeable decrease in compressive strength accompanied predominantly by shear failure along with local compressive shear failure. We additionally noted that as the spacing between schists decreases from 22 mm to 7 mm, there is a gradual reduction in dynamic compressive strength by approximately 20.3%.
Colour Preferences for Surface Shapes on Residential Interior Walls
Authors: Ulusoy Begüm
Published: October 2024

Researchers have explored primary colour–geometric shape associations since Kandinsky’s correspondence theory. However, there is a gap in the literature regarding interior colour applications on surface shapes. To address this gap, an online study was employed to gather data with 100 participants who were asked to choose their preferred colours for shapes on bedroom walls with follow-up questions on the colour–shape semantic associations, their preference of colours and shapes on bedroom walls independently in addition to their favourite colour, their favourite shape, and colour–shape pairs without interior context. The results revealed that colour–shape preferences in interiors differ from those found in psychology studies, other colour applications on bedroom walls, and other preferences, indicating that colour preference is context-dependent. Interestingly, the most popular colour for surface shapes on bedroom walls is purple, followed by brown and blue. The study contributes to the existing literature by providing colour charts for bedroom applications for professionals in the industry, their clients/users, and future studies. The study presents a preliminary exploration of the topic. Further research could compare various demographic properties (such as gender, age, and culture), different colour attributes (including saturation and lightness), and complex geometric shapes.
Inter-Model Spread in Representing the Impacts of ENSO on the South China Spring Rainfall in CMIP6 Models
Authors: Yin Xin , Wu Xiaofei , Niu Hailin , Yang Kaiqing , Yu Linglong
Published: October 2024

A major challenge for climate system models in simulating the impacts of El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) on the interannual variations of East Asian rainfall anomalies is the wide inter-model spread of outputs, which causes considerable uncertainty in physical mechanism understanding and short-term climate prediction. This study investigates the fidelity of 40 models from Phase 6 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6) in representing the impacts of ENSO on South China Spring Rainfall (SCSR) during the ENSO decaying spring. The response of SCSR to ENSO, as well as the sea surface temperature anomalies (SSTAs) over the tropical Indian Ocean (TIO), is quite different among the models; some models even simulate opposite SCSR anomalies compared to the observations. However, the models capturing the ENSO-related warm SSTAs over TIO tend to simulate a better SCSR-ENSO relationship, which is much closer to observation. Therefore, models are grouped based on the simulated TIO SSTAs to explore the modulating processes of the TIO SSTAs in ENSO affecting SCSR anomalies. Comparing analysis suggests that the warm TIO SSTA can force the equatorial north–south antisymmetric circulation in the lower troposphere, which is conducive to the westward extension and maintenance of the western North Pacific anticyclone (WNPAC). In addition, the TIO SSTA enhances the upper tropospheric East Asian subtropical westerly jet, leading to anomalous divergence over South China. Thus, the westward extension and strengthening of WNPAC can transport sufficient water vapor for South China, which is associated with the ascending motion caused by the upper tropospheric divergence, leading to the abnormal SCSR.
High-Precision Experiments with Trapped Radioactive Ions Produced at Relativistic Energies
Authors: Dickel Timo , Plaß Wolfgang R. , Haettner Emma , Hornung Christine , Purushothaman Sivaji , Scheidenberger Christoph , Weick Helmut
Published: October 2024

Research on radioactive ion beams produced with in-flight separation of relativistic beams has advanced significantly over the past decades, with contributions to nuclear physics, nuclear astrophysics, atomic physics, and other fields. Central to these advancements are improved production, separation, and identification methods.The FRS Ion Catcher at GSI/FAIRexemplifies these technological advancements. The system facilitates high-precision experiments by efficiently stopping and extracting exotic nuclei as ions and making these available at thermal energies. High-energy synchrotron beams enhance the system’s capabilities, enabling unique experimental techniques such as multi-step reactions, mean range bunching, and optimized stopping, as well as novel measurement methods for observables such as beta-delayed neutron emission probabilities. The FRS Ion Catcher has already contributed to various scientific fields, and the future with the Super-FRS at FAIR promises to extend research to even more exotic nuclei and new applications.
Evaluating the Performance of Topic Modeling Techniques with Human Validation to Support Qualitative Analysis
Authors: Romero Julian D. , Feijoo-Garcia Miguel A. , Nanda Gaurav , Newell Brittany , Magana Alejandra J.
Published: October 2024

Examining the effectiveness of machine learning techniques in analyzing engineering students’ decision-making processes through topic modeling during simulation-based design tasks is crucial for advancing educational methods and tools. Thus, this study presents a comparative analysis of different supervised and unsupervised machine learning techniques for topic modeling, along with human validation. Hence, this manuscript contributes by evaluating the effectiveness of these techniques in identifying nuanced topics within the argumentation framework and improving computational methods for assessing students’ abilities and performance levels based on their informed decisions. This study examined the decision-making processes of engineering students as they participated in a simulation-based design challenge. During this task, students were prompted to use an argumentation framework to articulate their claims, evidence, and reasoning, by recording their informed design decisions in a design journal. This study combined qualitative and computational methods to analyze the students’ design journals and ensured the accuracy of the findings through the researchers’ review and interpretations of the results. Different machine learning models, including random forest, SVM, and K-nearest neighbors (KNNs), were tested for multilabel regression, using preprocessing techniques such as TF-IDF, GloVe, and BERT embeddings. Additionally, hyperparameter optimization and model interpretability were explored, along with models like RNNs with LSTM, XGBoost, and LightGBM. The results demonstrate that both supervised and unsupervised machine learning models effectively identified nuanced topics within the argumentation framework used during the design challenge of designing a zero-energy home for a Midwestern city using a CAD/CAE simulation platform. Notably, XGBoost exhibited superior predictive accuracy in estimating topic proportions, highlighting its potential for broader application in engineering education.
Pioglitazone as a Possible Treatment for Ataxia-Telangiectasia
Authors: Shackelford Rodney
Published: October 2024

Ataxia-telangiectasia (AT) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by immunodeficiency, progressive cerebellar ataxia, and an increased malignancy risk. Cells derived from individuals with AT show multiple defects, including high oxidant and ionizing radiation sensitivities, poor DNA repair, low iron–sulfur cluster levels, and low reduced glutathione. The clinical course of AT is progressive and unrelenting, with most individuals having a survival time of approximately twenty-five years. Presently, AT has no effective treatments, and most patients receive supportive care only. Recently, pioglitazone, a thiazolidinedione class used to treat type 2 diabetes, has been demonstrated to exert beneficial effects on AT cells and on diabetic individuals with AT. Here, I will discuss the possible molecular mechanisms of pioglitazone’s favorable effects on the AT phenotype and why it may have utility in treating some aspects of AT.
Diabetes Control Status and Severity of Depression: Insights from NHANES 2005–2020
Authors: Basiri Raedeh , Rajanala Yatisha , Kassem Megan , Cheskin Lawrence J. , Frankenfeld Cara L. , Farvid Maryam S.
Published: October 2024

Background/Objectives: Examining the risk of depression among patients with diabetes is crucial for understanding the mental health burden of this chronic condition. This study examined the likelihood of depression severity among participants in the National Health And Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2005 to 2020, based on glycemic control status. Methods: Depression severity was categorized into three levels using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and glycemic control status was categorized into five groups based on prior diabetes diagnoses and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels. Using multinomial logistic regression models, the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) of various severities of depression by glycemic control status were calculated after comprehensive adjustments. Results: Out of 76,496 NHANES participants from 2005 to 2020, 37,037 individuals who met our inclusion criteria were analyzed. The likelihood of depression in individuals with prediabetes was not significantly different from those with normoglycemia. In contrast, participants with diabetes had a higher likelihood of having depression versus individuals with normoglycemia even when they kept their HbA1c within the normal range (lower than 5.7%). Among individuals with diabetes, those with HbA1c < 5.7% had a higher likelihood of mild depression (OR: 1.54, 95%CI: 1.02–2.34), while having HbA1c ≥ 10.0% was significantly associated with a greater likelihood of moderate to severe depression (OR: 1.53, 95%CI: 1.07–2.19) compared to those with HbA1c levels of 5.7–10.0%. Conclusions: Our findings highlight the need for a holistic approach to diabetes care that includes mental health considerations, especially for those who are at the extremes of the HbA1c spectrum.
Two Decades of Progress in Personalized Medicine of Colorectal Cancer in Serbia—Insights from the Institute for Oncology and Radiology of Serbia
Authors: Cavic Milena , Nikolic Neda , Marinkovic Mladen , Damjanovic Ana , Krivokuca Ana , Tanic Miljana , Radulovic Marko , Stanojevic Aleksandra , Pejnovic Luka , Djordjic Crnogorac Marija , Djuric Ana , Vukovic Miodrag , Stevanovic Vanja , Kijac Jelena , Karadzic Valentina , Nikolic Srdjan , Stojanovic-Rundic Suzana , Jankovic Radmila , Spasic Jelena
Published: October 2024

Background: It is projected that, by 2040, the number of new cases of colorectal cancer (CRC) will increase to 3.2 million, and the number of deaths to 1.6 million, highlighting the need for prevention strategies, early detection and adequate follow-up. In this study, we aimed to provide an overview of the progress in personalized medicine of CRC in Serbia, with results and insights from the Institute for Oncology and Radiology of Serbia (IORS), and to propose guidance for tackling observed challenges in the future. Methods: Epidemiological data were derived from official global and national cancer registries and IORS electronic medical records. Germline genetic testing for Lynch syndrome was performed by Next Generation Sequencing. RAS and BRAF mutation analyses were performed using qPCR diagnostic kits. Results: Epidemiology and risk factors, prevention and early detection programs, as well as treatment options and scientific advances have been described in detail. Out of 103 patients who underwent germline testing for Lynch syndrome, 19 (18.4%) showed a mutation in MMR genes with pathogenic or likely pathogenic significance and 8 (7.8%) in other CRC-associated genes (APC, CHEK2, MUTYH). Of 6369 tested patients, 50.43% had a mutation in KRAS or NRAS genes, while 9.54% had the V600 mutation in the BRAF gene. Conclusions: Although significant improvements in CRC management have occurred globally in recent years, a strategic approach leading to population-based systemic solutions is required. The high incidence of young-onset CRC and the growing elderly population due to a rise in life expectancy will be especially important factors for countries with limited healthcare resources like Serbia.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Ferroptosis: Following Ariadne’s Thread
Authors: Geronikolou Styliani , Pavlopoulou Athanasia , Koutelekos Ioannis , Kalogirou Dimitrios , Bacopoulou Flora , Cokkinos Dennis V.
Published: October 2024

Background: Recent literature suggests that ferroptosis (FPT) may be a key player in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) pathogenesis, but the underlying mechanism(s) remain(s) unclear. Aim: Therefore, herein, we made an effort to reproduce the molecular signature of the syndrome by including FPT and exploring novel drug targets for PCOS. Methods: (a) Our previously constructed PCOS interactions molecular network was extended with the addition of FPT–associated genes (interaction score above 0.7) and (b) gene set enrichment analysis was performed so as to detect over-represented KEGG pathways. Results: The updated interactome includes 140 molecules, 20 of which are predicted/novel, with an interaction score of 7.3, and 12 major hubs. Moreover, we identified 16 over-represented KEGG pathways, with FPT being the most overexpressed pathway. The FPT subnetwork is connected with the PCOS network through KDM1A. Conclusions: FPT cell death is involved in PCOS development, as its major hub TP53 was shown to be the most important hub in the whole PCOS interactome, hence representing a prioritized drug target.
YOLO-LFPD: A Lightweight Method for Strip Surface Defect Detection
Authors: Lu Jianbo , Zhu Mingrui , Qin Kaixian , Ma Xiaoya
Published: October 2024

Strip steel surface defect recognition research has important research significance in industrial production. Aiming at the problems of defect feature extraction, slow detection speed, and insufficient datasets, YOLOv5 is improved on the basis of YOLOv5, and the YOLO-LFPD (lightweight fine particle detection) model is proposed. By introducing the RepVGG (Re-param VGG) module, the robustness of the model is enhanced, and the expressive ability of the model is improved. FasterNet is used to replace the backbone network, which ensures accuracy and accelerates the inference speed, making the model more suitable for real-time monitoring. The use of pruning, a GA genetic algorithm with OTA loss function, further reduces the model size while better learning the strip steel defect feature information, thus improving the generalisation ability and accuracy of the model. The experimental results show that the introduction of the RepVGG module and the use of FasterNet can well improve the model performance, with a reduction of 48% in the number of parameters, a reduction of 13% in the number of GFLOPs, an inference time of 77% of the original, and an optimal accuracy compared with the network models in recent years. The experimental results on the NEU-DET dataset show that the accuracy of YOLO-LFPD is improved by 3% to 81.2%, which is better than other models, and provides new ideas and references for the lightweight strip steel surface defect detection scenarios and application deployment.
Investigation of 9 True Weevil (Curculionidae Latreille, 1802) Species for Chitin Extraction
Authors: Mei Zhenying , Vincent Luc , Szczepanski Caroline R. , Godeau René-Paul , Kuzhir Pavel , Godeau Guilhem
Published: October 2024

Chitin, the second most abundant biopolymer after cellulose, is an important resource for biosourced materials. The global demand for chitin is rapidly increasing, however, the majority of industrial chitin is sourced from crustacean shells, which may be less accessible in regions without seafood waste. Therefore, it is crucial to explore alternative chitin sources, such as those derived from beetles and other arthropods. This study investigated chitin extraction from nine species of Curculionidae (true weevils), which are recognized as crop pests. The extraction process and yields were described, and the isolated chitin was characterized by SEM, IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, XRD, and ash and water content measurements. This work highlights the potential of Curculionidae as an alternative chitin source.
Tear-Based Ocular Wearable Biosensors for Human Health Monitoring
Authors: Rajan Arunima , Vishnu Jithin , Shankar Balakrishnan
Published: October 2024

Wearable tear-based biosensors have garnered substantial interest for real time monitoring with an emphasis on personalized health care. These biosensors utilize major tear biomarkers such as proteins, lipids, metabolites, and electrolytes for the detection and recording of stable biological signals in a non-invasive manner. The present comprehensive review delves deep into the tear composition along with potential biomarkers that can identify, monitor, and predict certain ocular diseases such as dry eye disease, conjunctivitis, eye-related infections, as well as diabetes mellitus. Recent technologies in tear-based wearable point-of-care medical devices, specifically the state-of-the-art and prospects of glucose, pH, lactate, protein, lipid, and electrolyte sensing from tear are discussed. Finally, the review addresses the existing challenges associated with the widespread application of tear-based sensors, which will pave the way for advanced scientific research and development of such non-invasive health monitoring devices.
Paper-Based DNA Biosensor for Rapid and Selective Detection of miR-21
Authors: Hunt Alexander , Torati Sri Ramulu , Slaughter Gymama
Published: October 2024

Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally, with 9.7 million fatalities in 2022. While routine screenings are vital for early detection, healthcare disparities persist, highlighting the need for equitable solutions. Recent advancements in cancer biomarker identification, particularly microRNAs (miRs), have improved early detection. MiR-21 is notably overexpressed in various cancers and can be a valuable diagnostic tool. Traditional detection methods, though accurate, are costly and complex, limiting their use in resource-limited settings. Paper-based electrochemical biosensors offer a promising alternative, providing cost-effective, sensitive, and rapid diagnostics suitable for point-of-care use. This study introduces an innovative electrochemical paper-based biosensor that leverages gold inkjet printing for the quantitative detection of miR-21. The biosensor, aimed at developing cost-effective point-of-care devices for low-resource settings, uses thiolated self-assembled monolayers to immobilize single-stranded DNA-21 (ssDNA-21) on electrodeposited gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) on the printed gold surface, facilitating specific miR-21 capture. The hybridization of ssDNA-21 with miR-21 increases the anionic barrier density, impeding electron transfer from the redox probe and resulting in a current suppression that correlates with miR-21 concentration. The biosensor exhibited a linear detection range from 1 fM to 1 nM miR-21 with a sensitivity of 7.69 fM µA−1 cm2 and a rapid response time (15 min). With a low detection limit of 0.35 fM miR-21 in serum, the biosensor also demonstrates excellent selectivity against interferent species. This study introduces an electrochemical paper-based biosensor that uses gold inkjet printing to precisely detect miR-21, a key biomarker overexpressed in various cancers. This innovative device highlights the potential for cost-effective, accessible cancer diagnostics in underserved areas.
Sleep Patterns, Social Media Usage, and Dietary Habits during COVID-19 Lockdown in Mexico: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Acosta Enríquez María Elena , Azzolina Danila , De la Cruz Alvarez Anairotciv , Bezáres Sarmiento Vidalma del Rosario , Gregori Dario , Lorenzoni Giulia
Published: October 2024

During the COVID-19 lockdown, a high prevalence of disruption in lifestyle habits was reported, especially concerning sleep habits. The present study aimed to explore the relationship between lifestyles and the COVID-19 lockdown on subjects living in Mexico. A cross-sectional survey was conducted. An online questionnaire was administered to survey participants. A clustering procedure was performed to identify groups of survey respondents with similar characteristics. There were 155 survey respondents. Most of them were women (83%) of young age. The clustering identified two distinct groups of subjects, i.e., Cluster 1 and 2. The subjects in Cluster 2 were younger, more likely to use social media, and spent much more time watching TV/surfing the internet than subjects in Cluster 1. Furthermore, the prevalence of problems with falling and staying asleep during the lockdown was higher in Cluster 2 than in Cluster 1 (14% in Cluster 2 vs. 4% in Cluster 1) even though nobody from Cluster 2 had sleep problems before the lockdown. The study showed that younger respondents were those more affected by lockdown measures.
Analyses of Physical and Psychological Characteristics of “Squid Game” Characters Using East Asian Biopsychosocial Personality Theories and Body Mass Index
Authors: So Seokyung , Garcia Danilo , Lee Jeongyun , Kim Ji Hwan , Han Sang Yun , Lee Soo Jin , Chae Han
Published: October 2024

Media characters’ physical and psychological traits are crucial for character development and audience engagement. This study examines East Asian perspectives on the audience’s perceptions of the physical appearance and personality, using Eum-Yang biopsychological Sasang theory, of five characters from the Netflix series “Squid Game”. A total of 221 university students assessed the traits of five “Squid Game” characters using the Sasang Personality Questionnaire (SPQ) and a visual Body Mass Index (BMI). ANOVA and Profile Analysis revealed significant and comprehensive differences in the SPQ and its subscales (behavior, SPQ-B; cognition, SPQ-C; and emotion, SPQ-E) as well as BMI among the five drama characters. More specifically, Seong Gi-hun (SGH) and Han Mi-nyeo (HMN) were So-Yang types (high SPQ, moderate BMI), Cho Sang-woo (CSW) and Kang Sae-byeok (KSB) were So-Eum types (low SPQ, low BMI), and Jang Deok-su (JDS) was Tae-Eum type (moderate SPQ, high BMI). Psychological profiling showed two patterns: V-shaped (high SPQ-B, low SPQ-C, high SPQ-E) for SGH, HMN, and JDS, and A-shaped (low SPQ-B, high SPQ-C, low SPQ-E) for CSW and KSB. These results contribute to media psychology by highlighting the relevance of Eum-Yang and Sasang typology for creating and analyzing complex characters, thereby enhancing global understanding for East Asian biopsychosocial theories.
How Cultural Involvement in Different Brand Types Influences Willingness to Pay Premium: The Mediating Role of Brand Happiness
Authors: Zhou Zhimin , He Yuan , Xie Yufeng , Mehmood Shafaqat
Published: October 2024

This study examines the impact of cultural involvement on brand enriching benefits and consumers’ willingness to pay a premium (WPP). Additionally, it explores the underlying mechanisms behind this impact. A partial least squares structural equation model was used to analyze the data collected from a pretest (N = 70) and an online survey (N = 1053) conducted in China. The moderating effect of brand type was examined using a multi-group analysis. The results indicate that cultural involvement has a significant and positive impact on brand enriching benefits, consequently enhancing consumers’ WPP. Additionally, brand happiness mediates the relationship between brand enriching benefits and WPP. Through a multi-group analysis, the impact of brand culture on brand equity is found to be more pronounced in functional brands compared with symbolic brands. Additionally, high perceived quality facilitates the transformation of brand enriching benefits into WPP. Managers value the ability of a brand culture to create brand equity and implement differentiation strategies based on different brand types. It is critical for managers to use a culture and its rich benefits wisely and to consider consumer happiness in the brand experience. Although brand culture and its impact on brands are crucial, previous studies have only focused on qualitative analyses, while empirical research on the direct link between brand culture and equity has been lacking. This study empirically tests a conceptual model that elucidates the relationship between brand cultural involvement, brand enriching benefits, brand happiness, WPP, brand type, and perceived quality. It extends previous research and offers suggestions for academics and brand managers interested in effectively leveraging brand culture for brand building.
The Impact of Insecure Attachment on Emotional Dependence on a Partner: The Mediating Role of Negative Emotional Rejection
Authors: Momeñe Janire , Estévez Ana , Griffiths Mark D. , Macía Patricia , Herrero Marta , Olave Leticia , Iruarrizaga Itziar
Published: October 2024

Previous evidence has demonstrated a relationship between insecure attachment and the development of emotional dependence towards an individual’s partner. However, the possibility that this relationship may be indirect and mediated by individual factors such as difficulties in emotional regulation has not previously been explored. Consequently, the objectives of the present study were to analyze the (i) differences in emotional dependence on an individual’s partner and difficulties in emotional regulation capacity according to secure, preoccupied or dismissing attachment style and (ii) mediating role of difficulties in emotional regulation in the relationship between both insecure attachment styles and emotional dependence on an individual’s partner. The sample comprised 741 participants ranging in age from 18 to 30 years (M = 21.32, SD = 2.93). The mediations were tested with linear regressions with the macro PROCESS v4.0. The results showed that emotional dependence on a partner and difficulties in emotional regulation were greater among individuals who had developed a dismissing attachment compared those with secure or preoccupied attachment. Likewise, the mediation model confirmed the mediating role of difficulties in the capacity for emotional regulation in the relationship between dismissing attachment and emotional dependence, with rejection of negative or discomfort-generating emotions predominating. The findings provide preliminary evidence that rejection of negative emotional experiences may play an important role in the relationship between insecure dismissing attachment style and emotional dependence on an individual’s partner. Consequently, it is recommended that emotional dependence intervention programs include of the management of intolerance to negative emotions.
Behavioral and Psychosocial Dynamics of Engagement: The Digital Divide in Artificial Intelligence [AI]-Driven Sports Podcasts
Authors: Galily Yair , Laor Tal , Azran Tal Samuel
Published: October 2024

The digital divide, particularly within the context of Artificial Intelligence (AI) sport podcasts, presents significant behavioral and psychosocial challenges for student engagement. This study examines the disparities in access to and proficiency with Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) across different demographic groups, focusing on gender, age, and religious level. The advent of the commercial web has heightened the significance of these divides, as the first-level digital divide concerns access to the internet, while the second-level digital divide pertains to the ability to use technology proficiently. The existing literature has consistently highlighted persistent inequalities in these areas, which significantly impact the extent to which students from various backgrounds can engage with AI sport podcasts effectively. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for developing strategies to bridge the gap and ensure equitable access to digital learning resources.
GHB, Chemsex and Chemical Submission: Investigating the Role of Sexuality on Victim Empathy and Blame Attribution in Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault against Men
Authors: Lee Harrison , Labhardt Danielle , Willmott Dominic
Published: October 2024

Literature is sparse regarding men’s attitudes towards male sexual assault and the role that the sexuality of those involved may have. Despite the high prevalence of chemsex and GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate) participation among men who have sex with men, no study has yet investigated attitudes towards such. Utilising a community sample of 141 UK men, participants were randomly assigned into one of six conditions based on victim sexuality (heterosexual or homosexual) and the drug used present during the sexual assault (chemsex, chemical submission, or no drugs). All participants completed the Male Rape Victim and Perpetrator Blaming Scale and Victim-Blaming Empathy Scale to measure victim-blame and empathy attributions. Results of a two-way MANOVA revealed a significant difference between participant gender and empathic ratings, with heterosexual participants significantly less likely to empathise than their homosexual counterparts. A non-significant difference was observed between the conditions alongside a non-significant interaction. Nevertheless, results indicate that victims in the chemsex condition, along with heterosexual victims, encountered the greatest victim-blaming attributions and the lowest rates of participant empathy overall. Findings overall appear to indicate a general decline in victim-blame attitudes towards men who have sex with men, though a level of uncertainty was apparent among the sample. Implications and limitations of the work are discussed alongside the importance of future research and psychoeducation interventions.
In-Plane Mechanical Properties Test of Prefabricated Composite Wall with Light Steel and Tailings Microcrystalline Foamed Plate
Authors: Bian Jinliang , Cao Wanlin , Chen Jianwei , Zhao Lidong , Yu Yuanyuan
Published: October 2024

The tailings microcrystalline foamed plate (TMF plate), produced from industrial waste tailings, has limited research regarding its use in high-performance building walls. Its brittleness under stress poses challenges. To improve its mechanical properties, a prefabricated light steel-tailings microcrystalline foamed plate composite wall (LS-TMF composite wall) has been proposed. This LS-TMF composite wall system integrates assembly, sustainability, insulation, and decorative functions, making it a promising market option. To study the in-plane performance of the composite wall, compression and seismic performance tests were conducted. The findings indicate that the light steel keel, steel bar, and TMF plate in the composite wall demonstrated good working performance. Strengthening the TMF plate enhanced the restraint on the light steel keel and improved the composite wall’s compressive performance. Increasing the thickness of the light steel keel further improved the compressive stability. Under horizontal cyclic loading, failure occurred at the light steel keel embedding location. Increasing the strength of the TMF plate was beneficial for the seismic performance of the composite wall. This structural configuration—incorporating light steel keels, TMF plates, and fly ash blocks—enhanced thermal insulation and significantly improved in-plane stress performance. However, the splicing plate structure adversely affected the seismic performance of the composite wall.
Influence Mechanism of Accelerator on the Hydration and Microstructural Properties of Portland Cement
Authors: Zhang Ge , Li Kunpeng , Like Li , Huawei Shi , Chen Chen , Yuan Chengfang
Published: October 2024

Shotcrete is one of the most important types of concrete used in engineering construction, and its properties are significantly influenced by accelerators. This study investigates the effects of aluminum sulfate series alkali-free accelerator (AKF) and alkali accelerator (ALK) on the strength, hydration process, characteristic hydration products, and microstructure properties of shotcrete. Techniques such as setting time measurement, isothermal calorimetry, simultaneous thermal analysis, scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM–EDS), and mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) were utilized. The results indicate that both ALK and AKF significantly accelerate and increase the early hydration heat release rate and cumulative hydration heat of Portland cement, producing the characteristic hydration products hexagonal plate AFm and rod AFt, respectively. This acceleration notably speeds up the setting process of Portland cement. ALK negatively impacts the later-stage microstructural development and pore structure filling of hardened cement paste, leading to average reductions of 15.3% and 19.9% in flexural and compressive strengths at 28 days, respectively. Specifically, compared to ALK, AKF shows a faster hydration heat release rate during the induction period and a more significant increase in cumulative hydration heat during the hydration process; the cumulative hydration heat is on average 18.2% higher than AKF. Furthermore, AKF does not hinder the subsequent C3S hydration and C-S-H gel densification process. After 28 days of curing, EDS analysis indicates an average Ca/Si ratio of 1.171 for the AKF-treated shotcrete; the average Ca/Si ratio shows minimal variation from the reference group and is classified as the same type of C-S-H gel as the reference group. Therefore, the strength of hardened cement paste with AKF continues to increase steadily in the later stages. At 28 days, the average flexural strength increased by 10.2%, while the compressive strength decreased by only 3.0%. These findings suggest that AKF enhances the microstructural development and strength of shotcrete, making it a more effective accelerator for engineering applications.
Clinical and Technical Validation of OncoIndx® Assay—A Comprehensive Genome Profiling Assay for Pan-Cancer Investigations
Authors: Ramesh Aarthi , Bharde Atul , D’Souza Alain , Jadhav Bhagwat , Prajapati Sangeeta , Hariramani Kanchan , Basavalingegowda Madhura , Iyer Sandhya , Halder Sumit , Deochake Mahesh , Kothavade Hrishita , Vasudevan Aravindan , Uttarwar Mohan , Khandare Jayant , Shafi Gowhar
Published: October 2024

Comprehensive next-generation sequencing (NGS) assays enable the identification of clinically relevant mutations, enhancing the capability for targeted therapeutic interventions. In addition, genomic alterations driving the oncogenic roadmap and leading to resistance mechanisms are reshaping precision oncology. We report the workflow and clinical and technical validation of the OncoIndx® NGS platform—a comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP)-based assay for pan-cancer investigation. We evaluated the concordance between the OncoIndx® test findings and clinically established hotspot detection using SeraSeq reference standards. OncoIndx is a hybridization capture-based NGS assay for the targeted deep sequencing of all exons and selected introns of 1080 cancer-related genes. We show the outcome in the form of tier I and tier II single nucleotide variants (SNVs), copy number alterations (CNAs), and specific gene fusions. OncoIndx® also informs genome-wide tumor mutational burden (TMB), microsatellite instability (MSI), homologous recombination deficiency (HRD), and genomic loss of heterozygosity (gLOH). A total of 63 samples were utilized for validation with reference standards, clinical samples, and orthogonal assessment for genomic alterations. In addition, 49 cross-laboratory samples were validated for microsatellite instability (MSI), and for the tumor mutation burden (TMB), 18 samples as reference standards, 6 cross-laboratory samples, and 29 TCGA samples were utilized. We show a maximum clinical sensitivity of 98% and a positive predictive value (PPV) of 100% for the clinically actionable genomic variants detected by the assay. In addition, we demonstrate analytical validation with the performance of the assay, limit of detection (LoD), precision, and orthogonal concordance for various types of SVs, CNAs, genomic rearrangements, and complex biomarkers like TMB, MSI, and HRD. The assay offers reliable genomic predictions with the high-precision detection of actionable variants, validated by established reference standards.