bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Social Support on Burnout among Lecturers: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Cao Beibei , Hassan Norlizah Che , Omar Muhd Khaizer
Published: August 2024

Background: Interest and concern regarding the social support and burnout of college lecturers have grown over the past decades. Maintaining good mental health is critical for university lecturers. Social support has been identified as an effective resource against burnout. However, few studies have comprehensively examined the connection between social support and burnout specifically among college lecturers. Therefore, this review aims to explore how social support influences the burnout of college lecturers. Methods: This study employed the systematic literature review (SLR) methodology. Results: A thorough systematic review of 20 studies was conducted between 2015 and 2024, drawn from five major databases: Web of Science, Scopus, APA PsycINFO, PubMed, and Eric. The review indicates that burnout is measured through the Maslach Burnout Inventory, Maslach Burnout Inventory—Educators Survey (MBI-ES), Maslach Burnout Inventory—General Survey (MBI-GS), Burnout Syndrome Evaluation Questionnaire, Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI), Shirom–Melamed Burnout Measure (SMBM), and the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (OLBI). While social support is measured through the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) and Perceived Organizational Support (SPOS) survey. Individual and occupational factors contribute to lecturers’ burnout. This study reveals the association between social support and burnout among lecturers and it emphasizes the multifaceted role of social support in alleviating burnout among lecturers. Conclusions: The findings suggest that educational institutions should strengthen support systems and increase the emotional support available among lecturers to relieve burnout.
Discerning Selfiers: Differences between Taking and Sharing Selfies
Authors: Corsbie-Massay Charisse L’Pree , Sargent McLaren Rikki
Published: August 2024

Selfies provide unique opportunities to explore, document, and interact with the self through photography. However, the inherent intrapersonal affordance of self-portraiture becomes a unique manifestation of masspersonal theory when selfies are shared, a step that is often assumed but not unpacked in selfie research. Therefore, it is essential to understand when and for whom these intrapersonal and interpersonal moments evolve into masspersonal moments or communication episodes. This study uses a novel strategy to investigate selfie behavior–the likelihood of taking and sharing selfies–to assess individual differences between selfie-takers, or “selfiers”. Discerning selfiers–people more likely to take than share selfies–report greater control and self-esteem compared to non-discerning selfiers, who are equally as likely to take as share selfies. Furthermore, control mediates the effect of selfier type on self-esteem; discerning selfiers report that others are not in control of their life, resulting in greater security regarding others’ perceptions of them. The current findings reveal the unique effects of differential deployment of selfies.
You Reap What You Sow: Customer Courtesy and Employees’ Prosocial Service Behavior
Authors: Pan Cuicui , Choi Hyung-Min
Published: August 2024

Smooth and effective interactions between customers and customer-contact employees are important for building seamless service delivery. The present study examined the influence of customer courtesy on customer-contact employees’ prosocial service behavior. Additionally, the mediating role of organization-based self-esteem and the moderating role of focus of attention at work are investigated. Data were collected from 401 customer-contact employees from the South Korean hospitality industry. The results demonstrated that customer courtesy positively influenced prosocial service behavior, and organization-based self-esteem mediated this relationship. Furthermore, employees’ focus of attention at work moderated the relationship between customer courtesy and organization-based self-esteem, such that the relationship was stronger for employees with a high focus of attention. Similarly, the focus of attention also moderated the relationship between organization-based self-esteem and prosocial service behavior. The findings have important theoretical and practical implications by demonstrating the role of external resources to promote prosocial service behavior.
Translation and Psychometric Evaluation of the Greek Version of the Attitudes toward Transgendered Individuals Scale
Authors: Lekka Dimitra , Pachi Argyro , Togas Constantinos , Tselebis Athanasios , Toliadis Ilias , Alexias George
Published: August 2024

Numerous investigations have consistently underscored the impact of societal stigma on the well-being of transgender individuals. The primary objective of the current research is to translate and adapt the Attitudes Toward Transgendered Individuals Scale into the Greek language. This scale specifically assesses stigma, excluding components such as discreteness and violence, and is tailored to evaluate individuals within the general populace. Employing confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and assessing gender metric equivalence, the analyses yielded highly favorable outcomes, demonstrating excellent scale fit, reliability, and construct validity, reflecting the robustness of the adapted tool for the Greek population.
Development of a Best Practice Guidance on Online Peer Support for People with Young-Onset Dementia
Authors: Loseto-Gerritzen Esther Vera , McDermott Orii , Orrell Martin
Published: August 2024

This work aimed to develop a Best Practice Guidance on online peer support for people with young-onset dementia (YOD). The Best Practice Guidance was developed through a systematic literature review, focus groups, an online survey, and interviews and consultations with people with YOD and professionals. The Best Practice Guidance consists of two parts. Part 1 contains information for people with YOD about what online peer support entails, what to expect from it, and how to get involved. Part 2 is aimed at those who facilitate or moderate online peer support (professionals or people with lived experience) and includes guidelines on how to optimize online peer support for people with YOD. The Best Practice Guidance on online peer support provides (1) people with YOD with evidence-based, relevant, and accessible information about what online peer support entails and how it could help them, (2) providers and facilitators with guidelines on how to optimize online peer support for people with YOD, and (3) healthcare professionals with a concise and accessible tool for signposting. Future research is needed to implement and disseminate the Best Practice Guidance among dementia organizations and healthcare practices and should include rigorous studies on the implementation and sustainability of online peer support for people with YOD.
How Teachers’ Emotional Leadership Influences College Students’ Learning Engagement
Authors: Wang Shuai , Lu Zhuotao , Li Changjie , Zhang Yuqiang
Published: August 2024

Teachers’ emotional leadership plays a crucial role in influencing college students’ learning engagement. This study, grounded in Affective Events Theory, surveyed 1034 Chinese college students (649 females and 385 males) to examine their perceptions of teachers’ emotional leadership, achievement emotions, emotional susceptibility, and learning engagement. The findings reveal that teachers’ emotional leadership has a significant positive impact on college students’ learning engagement. Specifically, college students’ achievement emotions mediate the relationship between teachers’ emotional leadership and their learning engagement. Additionally, college students’ emotional susceptibility moderates the relationship between teachers’ emotional leadership and their achievement emotions; however, it does not moderate the impact of teachers’ emotional leadership on learning engagement through achievement emotions. This study validates the application of Affective Events Theory in the educational field, deepens the understanding of the mechanism and boundary conditions of emotional leadership’s impact on learning engagement, and offers insights for enhancing college students’ learning engagement.
Evaluating Apartment Satisfaction in Erbil City: The Impact of Interior Space Quality Indicators before, during, and after the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Abdulhamid Nazik Jamal , Hasan Al-Sanjary Hasan Al-Sanjary
Published: August 2024

Human existence and development have always relied on suitable shelter. The dual-directional relationship of human residence has always been a material dealt with to enhance residential living conditions. The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic introduced abrupt and dramatic changes to human life protocols that exerted clear pressure on different sectors within the built environment. Housing experienced a great impact due to the need for social distancing and quarantine obligations to support human life. In this study, in order to measure human adaptation and residence alterations following new residential requirements, the quality of interior space investigations to promote a better built environment for occupants was facilitated using the theory of residential dissatisfaction, already adopted in the current study. Residents’ responses were extracted regarding their dissatisfaction by applying the Likert scale for measurement and evaluation. This study focused on homogenous housing estates in Erbil City. Apartments were precisely selected with different plans and building layouts for widespread use in the city. They were occupied during the three stages of the study to extend beyond investigating the direct impact of the pandemic on the permanence of alterations and adaptation even after the pandemic. The reasons for changed dissatisfaction levels were investigated to improve the reliability of formulating final conclusions and recommendations. The findings showed increased dissatisfaction during the pandemic in most spaces; apartment layout and space design significantly affected responses and demands. The levels of dissatisfaction after the pandemic changed from stable to a slight decline in dissatisfaction. The effect of limited external spaces in apartments limited the possibility of managing pressure. This case might be less demanding in single-family housing due to the availability of private gardens. The results indicate that five distinct spaces were affected by the pandemic: the living room, family dining area, children’s bedroom, laundry room, and storage area. The dissatisfaction with these spaces increased during the pandemic and either remained unchanged or continued to rise afterward.
Building Safety Evaluation and Improvement for Northern Vietnam Mountainous Environments Empirical Study Combining Japanese Experience with Local Conditions
Authors: Zhang Haomiao , Li Yuxuan , Komai Sadaharu
Published: August 2024

This study addressed the insufficient structural strength and inadequate disaster resistance in building designs in the mountainous regions of Northern Vietnam. By integrating Japanese construction experience with local conditions, we proposed optimized building structures and simplified safety evaluation methods. Through an analysis of climate, terrain, geological hazards, soil conditions, and construction material costs, building design and foundation construction were optimized, and these optimizations were validated through wind tunnel experiments and finite element analysis. The results indicated that the optimized structures exhibited superior wind load stability, with external wind pressure coefficients ranging from −1.5 to −0.7, compared with the traditional structure’s range of −1 to −3.5. The redesigned foundation improved landslide resistance, reducing excavation and foundation construction costs relative to Japanese methods. The foundation’s safety factor reached 4.42–5.13, surpassing the standard of 2.5, and the retaining wall’s sliding resistance safety factor reached 1.87, exceeding the requirement of 1.5. These enhancements dramatically boosted building safety under extreme weather conditions. This study provides practical solutions for building design in Vietnam’s mountainous regions and serves as a valuable reference for similar research in other developing countries, underscoring significant practical and social implications.
Research on Construction Risk Assessment of Long-Span Cantilever Casting Concrete Arch Bridges Based on Triangular Fuzzy Theory and Bayesian Networks
Authors: He Zhengyi , Xiang Yi , Li Linshu , Wei Mei , Liu Bonan , Wu Shuyao
Published: August 2024

Considering the complex construction processes involved, there are significant risks during the construction of long-span cantilever casting arch bridges. In this study, a risk assessment method for the construction process of cantilever casting concrete arch bridges was developed. The compositional elements and characteristics of safety risks in the construction of cantilever casting concrete arch bridges were clarified, and a safety risk source list that includes seven major risk sources and thirty-three minor risk sources was formed. Then, a Bayesian model for the risk analysis of cantilever casting concrete arch bridge construction was established, and a method was proposed to determine the prior and posterior probabilities of the Bayesian network using triangular fuzzy numbers. This method fully utilizes the experience of experts while avoiding the subjectivity of expert opinions. A cantilever casting concrete open spandrel arch bridge (Bridge A) with a total span length of 287 m was taken as an example, and a safety risk assessment was conducted during its construction process. The calculation results show that the construction safety risk level of Bridge A was level III. This engineering application verified the feasibility of determining key node parameters of the Bayesian network using triangular fuzzy numbers.
Experimental and Numerical Research on a Sand Cushion Geotechnical Seismic Isolation System in Strong Earthquakes and Cold Regions
Authors: Yin Zhiyong , Zhang Yonggang , Wu Jianqiu , Sun Min , Han Lei , Sun Haifeng , Jing Liping , Dong Rui
Published: August 2024

Masonry buildings in high-intensity seismic and cold regions of China face the dual challenges of frost heaving and seismic hazards. To explore the potential of a sand cushion instead of the frozen soil layer to deal with these problems, a cost-effective sand cushion-based Geotechnical Seismic Isolation System (GSI-SC) was developed in this study, where a sand cushion is introduced between the structural foundation and natural soil, while the space around the foundation is backfilled with sand. Shaking table tests on a one-story masonry structure equipped and non-equipped with the GSI-SC system were undertaken to investigate its effectiveness in seismic isolation, where the input wave adopted the north–south component of the EL Centro wave recorded in 1940, and the peak input acceleration (PIA) was set as 0.1 g, 0.2 g, and 0.4 g. It is found that the GSI-SC system significantly reduced the seismic response of the structure, effectively achieving seismic isolation. For a PIA of 0.4 g, the GSI-SC system reduced the acceleration of the roof panel and the inter-story displacement of the structure by 33% and 39%, respectively. Numerical simulations were performed to evaluate the seismic response of buildings equipped and non-equipped with the GSI-SC system. The simulation results matched well with the experimental results, verifying the effectiveness of the newly developed seismic isolation system. The GSI-SC system can provide the potential to reduce frost heave and earthquake disasters for buildings in high-intensity seismic and cold regions.
Investigating Factors Impacting Power Generation Efficiency in Photovoltaic Double-Skin Facade Curtain Walls
Authors: Zhou Xiaoxuan , Zhou Xue , Zhu Xiangyuan , Liu Jiying , Zhou Shiyu
Published: August 2024

Photovoltaic double-skin glass is a low-carbon energy-saving curtain wall system that uses ventilation heat exchange and airflow regulation to reduce heat gain and generate a portion of electricity. By developing a theoretical model of the ventilated photovoltaic curtain wall system and conducting numerical simulations, this study analyzes the variation patterns of the power generation efficiency of photovoltaic glass for different inclination angles, seasons, thermal ventilation spacing, and glass transmittance in the photovoltaic double-skin curtain wall system. The results indicate a positive correlation between the surface temperature of photovoltaic glass and both ground temperature and solar radiation intensity. Additionally, photovoltaic power generation efficiency is generally higher in spring and autumn than in summer and winter, with enhanced power generation performance observed. At an inclination angle of 40°, photovoltaic panels receive optimal solar radiation and, consequently, produce the maximum electricity. Furthermore, as the ventilation spacing increases, the efficiency of power generation initially rises, reaching a peak at approximately 0.4 m, where it is 0.4% greater than at a spacing of 0.012 m. For a photovoltaic glass transmittance of 40%, the highest photovoltaic power generation efficiency is 63%, while the average efficiency is 35.3%. This has significant implications for the application and promotion of photovoltaic double-skin glass curtain walls.
Experimental and Numerical Simulation Study on Residual Stress of Single-Sided Full-Penetration Welded Rib-to-Deck Joint of Orthotropic Steel Bridge Deck
Authors: Pei Jiangning , Wang Xinzhi , Qin Songlin , Xu Guangpeng , Su Fulin , Wang Shengbao , Li Zhonglong
Published: August 2024

Orthotropic steel bridge decks (OSDs) play a key role in long-span bridges, and full-penetration welding technology is crucial to improve their structural performance. This study proposes an innovative single-sided full-penetration welding rib-to-deck (RTD) joint technology. The accuracy of the numerical simulation in predicting the temperature field and stress field was verified by the combination of an experimental and numerical simulation, and the welding residual stress (WRS) of single-sided full-penetration welded RTD joints was analyzed. In addition, the effects of different welding parameters and RTD joint geometry on the WRS are discussed. The results show that the experimental results are consistent with the simulation results, indicating that the single-sided full-penetration welding technology without a groove is feasible. The WRS shows a peak tensile stress near the weld, which gradually decreases and transforms into compressive stress as the distance increases. In addition, the WRS of the roof surface and the U-rib surface increases slightly with the increase in the roof thickness and the welding speed. The research results are of great significance to optimize the welding process, improve the fatigue performance, and prolong the service life of steel bridge decks, providing a new technical method for bridge engineering.
Nonlinear Analysis of Prestressed Steel-Reinforced Concrete Beams Based on Bond–Slip Theory
Authors: Deng Nianchun , Li Wujun , Du Linyue , Deng Yanfeng
Published: August 2024

In this study, a static load test of prestressed steel-reinforced concrete simply supported beams was carried out utilizing three test beams to investigate the bond–slip effect between the section steel and concrete in prestressed steel-reinforced concrete beams. Finite element models of three beams considering two different bond–slip constitutive relations and without considering bond–slip performance were developed in ABAQUS. The influence of shear bolt nails on the bond slip between the section steel and concrete was analyzed, and the load–slip curves of the three test beams were also computed. Generally, the results showed that the finite element calculations considering the bond–slip effect are more consistent with the experimental calculations, and the bond–slip constitutive relationship proposed by Yang Yong is more suitable for the numerical simulation of prestressed steel-reinforced concrete beams. When the effective prestress is increased from 222.15 KN to 279.61 KN, the ultimate bearing capacity increases by 14.8%. When the concrete strength is increased from 37.21 MPa to 47.97 MPa, the ultimate bearing capacity increases by 15.2%. When the stirrup ratio is 0.50%, compared with 0.25%, the ultimate bearing capacity increases by 7.8%. When the steel content is 5.41%, compared with 3.37%, the ultimate bearing capacity increases by 9.1%. The results of this study can provide a reference for future research and engineering applications of bond slip between section steel and concrete in prestressed steel-reinforced concrete beams in the future.
Data-Driven Interpretable Machine Learning Prediction Method for the Bond Strength of Near-Surface-Mounted FRP-Concrete
Authors: Gao Fawen , Yang Jiwu , Huang Yanbao , Liu Tingbin
Published: August 2024

The Near-Surface-Mounted (NSM) technique for Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) strengthening is widely applied in the seismic retrofitting of concrete structures. The key aspect of the NSM technique lies in the adhesive performance between the FRP, adhesive layer, and concrete. In order to accurately predict the bond strength of embedded reinforced NSM FRP–concrete, this study constructs the relationship between the influencing factors of bonding performance and bond strength based on four machine learning (ML) algorithms: Decision Tree (DT), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Random Forest (RF), and eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGB). A unified and interpretable prediction method for FRP–concrete interface bond strength based on SHAP values and ML algorithms is proposed. The results indicate that the ML models exhibit good predictive performance, with the R2 of the test set ranging from 0.8190 to 0.9621, showing higher accuracy than empirical calculation formulas. Among them, the RF algorithm demonstrates the highest overall accuracy and optimal performance. Additionally, the SHAP (Shapley additional explanations) method quantitatively confirms that the width of the FRP strip has the most significant impact on bond strength. The newly developed hybrid ML model has the potential to become a new choice for accurately assessing the bond strength of NSM FRP strengthening technology.
Spartina alterniflora-Derived Carbons for High-Performance Oxygen Reduction Reaction (ORR) Catalysts
Authors: Hao Xinmeng , Zhou Yougui , Guo Lihua , Li Huipeng , Shang Hong , Liu Xuanhe
Published: August 2024

Being an alien species, Spartina alterniflora has occupied the living space of native animals and plants, causing irreversible damage to the environment. Converting Spartina alterniflora into carbon or its derivatives offers a valuable solution to manage both invasive biomass and an energy shortage. Herein, through a simple activation process, we successfully prepared Spartina alterniflora-derived carbon (SAC) and its N-doped derivative SANC, and used them as metal-free catalysts for an oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). SAC exhibits good electrochemical performance and holds significant potential in catalysis. After N-doping by melamine as a nitrogen source, electronegativity is redistributed in SANC, leading to enhanced performance (a half-wave potential of 0.716 V vs. RHE, and a four-electron transfer pathway with a H2O2 yield of only 2.05%). This work presents a straightforward and cost-effective approach to the usage of obsolete invasive biomass and shows great potential in energy generation.
Anti-Inflammatory Role of the Klotho Protein and Relevance to Aging
Authors: Prud’homme Gérald J. , Wang Qinghua
Published: August 2024

The α-Klotho protein (hereafter Klotho) is an obligate coreceptor for fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23). It is produced in the kidneys, brain and other sites. Klotho insufficiency causes hyperphosphatemia and other anomalies. Importantly, it is associated with chronic pathologies (often age-related) that have an inflammatory component. This includes atherosclerosis, diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease. Its mode of action in these diseases is not well understood, but it inhibits or regulates multiple major pathways. Klotho has a membrane form and a soluble form (s-Klotho). Cytosolic Klotho is postulated but not well characterized. s-Klotho has endocrine properties that are incompletely elucidated. It binds to the FGF receptor 1c (FGFR1c) that is widely expressed (including endothelial cells). It also attaches to soluble FGF23, and FGF23/Klotho binds to FGFRs. Thus, s-Klotho might be a roaming FGF23 coreceptor, but it has other functions. Notably, Klotho (cell-bound or soluble) counteracts inflammation and appears to mitigate related aging (inflammaging). It inhibits NF-κB and the NLRP3 inflammasome. This inflammasome requires priming by NF-κB and produces active IL-1β, membrane pores and cell death (pyroptosis). In accord, Klotho countered inflammation and cell injury induced by toxins, damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), cytokines, and reactive oxygen species (ROS). s-Klotho also blocks the TGF-β receptor and Wnt ligands, which lessens fibrotic disease. Low Klotho is associated with loss of muscle mass (sarcopenia), as occurs in aging and chronic diseases. s-Klotho counters the inhibitory effects of myostatin and TGF-β on muscle, reduces inflammation, and improves muscle repair following injury. The inhibition of TGF-β and other factors may also be protective in diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This review examines Klotho functions especially as related to inflammation and potential applications.
Phospholipid Phosphatase 3 (PLPP3) Induces Oxidative Stress to Accelerate Ovarian Aging in Pigs
Authors: Quan Hongyan , Guo Yixuan , Li Shuo , Jiang Yao , Shen Qingpeng , He Yingting , Zhou Xiaofeng , Yuan Xiaolong , Li Jiaqi
Published: August 2024

Ovarian aging results in reproductive disorders and infertility in mammals. Previous studies have reported that the ferroptosis and autophagy caused by oxidative stress may lead to ovarian aging, but the mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we compared the morphological characteristics between the aged and young ovaries of pigs and found that the aged ovaries were larger in size and showed more corpora lutea. TUNEL assay further showed that the apoptosis level of granulosa cells (GCs) was relatively higher in the aged ovaries than those in young ovaries, as well as the expressions of autophagy-associated genes, e.g., p62, ATG7, ATG5, and BECN1, but that the expressions of oxidative stress and aging-associated genes, e.g., SOD1, SIRT1, and SIRT6, were significantly lower. Furthermore, the RNA-seq, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence suggested that phospholipid phosphatase 3 (PLPP3) protein was significantly upregulated in the aged ovaries. PLPP3 was likely to decrease the expressions of SIRT1 and SIRT6 to accelerate cellular senescence of porcine GCs, inhibit the expressions of SOD1, CAT, FSP1, FTH1, and SLC7A11 to exacerbate oxidative stress and ferroptosis, and arouse autophagy to retard the follicular development. In addition, two SNPs of PLPP3 promoter were significantly associated with the age at puberty. g.155798586 (T/T) and g.155798718 (C/C) notably facilitated the mRNA and protein level of PLPP3. In conclusion, PLPP3 might aggravate the oxidative stress of GCs to accelerate ovarian aging, and two molecular markers of PLPP3 were identified for ovarian aging in pigs. This work not only contributes to investigations on mechanisms for ovarian aging but also provides valuable molecular markers to postpone ovarian aging in populations.
Effects of Continuous Prenatal Low Dose Rate Irradiation on Neurobehavior, Hippocampal Cellularity, Messenger RNA and MicroRNA Expression on B6C3F1 Mice
Authors: Tang Feng Ru , Tanaka Ignacia Braga , Wang Hong , Lau Salihah , Tanaka Satoshi , Tan Amanda , Takai Daisaku , Abe Akiko
Published: August 2024

Epidemiological, experimental, and ecological data have indicated the controversial effect of in utero chronic low dose rate (<6 mGy/h) with accumulative low (≤100 mGy) or high (>100 mGy) dose radiation exposure. Our main goal of this study was to examine if different low dose rates of chronic pre- and/or post-natal radiation exposure with accumulative high doses could induce hippocampal cellular, mRNA, and miRNA changes leading to neuropsychiatric disorders. The comprehensive mouse phenotypic traits, organ weight, pathological, and blood mRNA and miRNA changes were also studied. Using different approaches including SmithKline, Harwell, Imperial College, Royal Hospital, Phenotype Assessment (SHIRPA), neurobehavioral tests, pathological examination, immunohistochemistry, mRNA and miRNA sequencing, and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) validation, we found that in prenatally irradiated (100 mGy/d for 18 days with an accumulative dose of 1.8 Gy) 1-year-old mice, no cellular changes, including immature neurons in the subgranular zone, mature neurons and glial cells in the hilus of the dentate gyrus and development of cognitive impairment, neuropsychiatric disorders, occurred. However, a significant reduction in body weight and mass index (BMI) was indicated by the SHIRPA test. A reduced exploratory behavior was shown by an open field test. Organ weights showed significant reductions in the testes, kidneys, heart, liver and epididymides with no abnormal pathology. mRNA and miRNA sequencing and qRT-PCR validation revealed the upregulation of Rubcnl and Abhd14b, and downregulation of Hspa1b, P4ha1, and Banp genes in both the hippocampus and blood of mice prenatally irradiated with 100 mGy/d. Meanwhile, downregulation of miR-448-3p and miR1298-5p in the hippocampus, miR-320-3p, miR-423-5p, miR-486b-5p, miR-486b-3p, miR-423-3p, miR-652-3p, miR-324-3p, miR-181b-5p, miR-let-7b, and miR-6904-5p in the blood was induced. The target scan revealed that Rubcnl is one of the miR-181b-5p targets in the blood. We, therefore, concluded that prenatal chronic irradiation with a low dose rate of 100 mGy/d and accumulative dose of 1.8 Gy or below might not induce significant adverse health effects on the offspring. Further study of different low dose rate radiation exposures with accumulative high doses may provide threshold doses for authorities or regulators to set new radiation safety guidelines to replace those extrapolated from acute high dose/dose rate irradiation to reduce unnecessary emergency evacuation or spending once a nuclear accident or leakage occurs.
Effects of Antipsychotics on the Hypothalamus–Pituitary–Adrenal Axis in a Phencyclidine Animal Model of Schizophrenia
Authors: Nikolić Tatjana , Bogosavljević Milica Velimirović , Stojković Tihomir , Kanazir Selma , Lončarević-Vasiljković Nataša , Radonjić Nevena V. , Popić Jelena , Petronijević Nataša
Published: August 2024

Schizophrenia (SCH) is a mental disorder that requires long-term antipsychotic treatment. SCH patients are thought to have an increased sensitivity to stress. The dysregulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, observed in SCH, could include altered levels of glucocorticoids, glucocorticoid receptors (GRs), and associated proteins. The perinatal administration of phencyclidine (PCP) to rodents represents an animal model of SCH. This study investigated the effects of perinatal PCP exposure and subsequent haloperidol/clozapine treatment on corticosterone levels measured by ELISA and the expression of GR-related proteins (GR, pGR, HSP70, HSP90, FKBP51, and 11β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-11β-HSD) determined by Western blot, in different brain regions of adult rats. Six groups of male rats were treated on the 2nd, 6th, 9th, and 12th postnatal days (PN), with either PCP or saline. Subsequently, one saline and one PCP group received haloperidol/clozapine from PN day 35 to PN day 100. The results showed altered GR sensitivity in the rat brain after PCP exposure, which decreased after haloperidol/clozapine treatment. These findings highlight disturbances in the HPA axis in a PCP-induced model of SCH and the potential protective effects of antipsychotics. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the effects of antipsychotic drugs on the HPA axis in a PCP animal model of SCH.
Circular Dichroism Reflectance Anisotropy of Chiral Atomically Thin Films
Authors: Tomei Ilaria , Pierucci Filippo , Bonanni Beatrice , Sgarlata Anna , Fanfoni Massimo , Yang Seong-Jun , Kim Cheol-Joo , Goletti Claudio
Published: August 2024

Recently, a technical modification of a Reflectance Anisotropy Spectroscopy (RAS) spectrometer has been proposed to investigate the circular dichroism (CD) of samples instead of the normally studied linear dichroism. CD-RAS measures the anisotropy of the optical properties of a sample under right-handed and left-handed circularly polarized light. Here, we present the application of CD-RAS to measure the circular dichroism of a twisted bilayer of graphene, purposely prepared as a possible substrate for the adsorption of thin molecular layers, in air, in liquid or in a vacuum. This result demonstrates the performance of the apparatus and shows interesting perspectives for the investigation of chiral organic assemblies deposited in solid film.
Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GISTs) in Pediatric Patients: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Popoiu Tudor-Alexandru , Pîrvu Cãtãlin-Alexandru , Popoiu Cãlin-Marius , Iacob Emil Radu , Talpai Tamas , Voinea Amalia , Albu Rãzvan-Sorin , Tãban Sorina , Bãlãnoiu Larisa-Mihaela , Pantea Stelian
Published: August 2024

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are rare mesenchymal neoplasms that primarily affect adults, with pediatric cases constituting only 0.5–2.7% of the total. Pediatric GISTs present unique clinical, genetic, and pathological features that distinguish them from adult cases. This literature review aims to elucidate these differences, emphasizing diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. We discuss the resistance of pediatric GISTs to conventional chemotherapy and highlight the importance of surgical intervention, especially in emergency situations involving intra-abdominal bleeding. The review also explores the molecular characteristics of pediatric GISTs, including rare mutations such as quadruple-negative wild-type GIST with an FGF3 gene gain mutation. To illustrate these points, we conclude with a case from our clinic involving a 15-year-old female with multiple CD117-positive gastric GISTs and a quadruple-negative wild-type genetic profile who required urgent surgical intervention following a failed tumor embolization. This case underscores the critical need for early diagnosis and individualized therapeutic strategies combining oncologic and surgical care to improve outcomes in pediatric GIST patients.
Seasonal Ecophysiological Dynamics of Erythroxylum pauferrense in an Open Ombrophilous Forest of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest
Authors: Ribeiro João Everthon da Silva , Coêlho Ester dos Santos , Figueiredo Francisco Romário Andrade , Pereira Walter Esfrain , Dias Thiago Jardelino , Melo Marlenildo Ferreira , Silveira Lindomar Maria da , Barros Júnior Aurélio Paes , Albuquerque Manoel Bandeira de
Published: August 2024

Seasonal forests are characterized by seasonal dynamics that influence the growth and ecophysiology of forest species. Erythroxylum pauferrense is an understory species endemic to the Northeastern region of Brazil, with a distribution limited to Paraíba, Brazil. In this study, how the physiological characteristics of E. pauferrense vary in response to seasonal changes in an open ombrophilous forest of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest was investigated. Precipitation, air and soil temperature, and leaf area index were monitored and correlated with gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence, chlorophyll indices, and leaf morphofunctional attributes. The results show that E. pauferrense exhibits ecophysiological plasticity, adjusting its photosynthesis rates, stomatal conductance, and water use efficiency according to seasonal changes. During the rainy season, photosynthesis and stomatal conductance were higher than in the dry season, indicating more excellent photosynthetic activity due to increased water availability. Water use efficiency varied, with more efficient use in the dry season, which is crucial for survival in conditions of low water availability. Thus, this study contributes to understanding the ecology of endemic understory species in seasonal tropical forests, such as Erythroxylum pauferrense.
Optimizing Powder-to-Liquid Ratios in Lost Foam Casting Coatings: Impacts on Viscosity, Shear Thinning Behavior, Coating Weight, and Surface Morphology
Authors: Sun Guojin , Qian Cairang , Li Zhenggui , Wang Qi
Published: August 2024

This study explores the effects of the powder-to-liquid ratio on the performance characteristics of lost foam casting coatings. The investigation focuses on how variations in this ratio affect key properties, including apparent viscosity, shear thinning behavior, coating weight, and surface morphology. Through a series of controlled experiments, coatings were prepared with different powder-to-liquid ratios and assessed for their physical and application properties. The results indicate that increasing the powder-to-liquid ratio raises the apparent viscosity and modifies shear thinning behavior. Notably, ratios exceeding 2.0 result in a sharp increase in viscosity that impedes coating application. The optimal powder-to-liquid ratio was determined to be between 2.0 and 2.2, where coatings demonstrated enhanced uniformity, improved particle distribution, and superior surface morphology. Coating weight increased up to a ratio of 2.2 but decreased beyond this threshold due to excessive viscosity. Both microscopic and macroscopic analyses confirmed that a ratio of 2.0 to 2.2 strikes the best balance for coating performance. These findings underscore the importance of precise powder-to-liquid ratio control to optimize the quality of lost foam casting coatings, offering valuable insights for refining coating formulations and application techniques in industrial contexts.
The Effects of the Secondary-Phase Distribution on the Dissolution Rate and Mechanical Properties of Soluble Al-Mg-Ga-In-Sn Alloys
Authors: Zhao Boxian , Zhang Keren , Li Jinguang , Ma Yiwen , Wang Pengfei , Liu Panpan , Guo Yangyang , Zhao Hui
Published: August 2024

The relationships between microstructure, dissolution, and mechanical properties of a soluble Al-Mg-Ga-In-Sn alloy are investigated in the present study. The findings demonstrate that the influence of low-melting-point elements on the dissolution of aluminum alloys can be attributed to the formation of secondary phases composed of Mg2Sn and In3Sn at grain boundaries and their participation in the Al–water reaction. After annealing, the secondary phases at grain boundaries transform from point-like and block-like discontinuous particles to strip-like continuous intergranular phases which envelop the Al matrix, resulting in a 29.8% reduction in the volume. These transformations increase the total contact area of the Al–water interface, amplifying the corrosion current of the annealed alloy to more than 30 times that of the as-cast alloy, thereby accelerating the dissolution rate. Unlike magnesium–lithium alloys, the soluble Al-Mg-Ga-In-Sn alloy exhibits a balanced strength, ductility, and dissolution rate, which presents it as a cost-effective, lightweight, structurally and functionally integrated material for the realm of petroleum exploration.
Controllable Goos-Hänchen Shift in Photonic Crystal Heterostructure Containing Anisotropic Graphene
Authors: Tian Haishan , Wang Huabing , Zhang Jingke , Sun Gang
Published: August 2024

In this study, we investigate the electrically and magnetically tunable Goos–Hänchen (GH) shift of a reflected light beam at terahertz frequencies. Our study focuses on a photonic crystal heterostructure incorporating a monolayer anisotropic graphene. We observe a tunable and enhanced GH shift facilitated by a drastic change in the reflected phase at the resonance angle owing to the excitation of the topological edge state. Considering the quantum response of graphene, we demonstrate the ability to switch positive and negative GH shifts through the manipulation of graphene’s conductivity properties. Moreover, we show that the GH shift can be actively tuned by the external electric field and magnetic field, as well as by controlling the structural parameters of the system. We believe that this tunable and enhanced GH shift scheme offers excellent potential for preparing terahertz shift devices.
Time-Varying Deterministic Volatility Model for Options on Wheat Futures
Authors: Haase Marco , Henn Jacqueline
Published: August 2024

This study introduces a robust model that captures wheat futures’ volatility dynamics, influenced by seasonality, time to maturity, and storage dynamics, with minimal calibratable parameters. Our approach reduces error-proneness and enhances plausibility checks, offering a reliable alternative to models that are difficult to calibrate. Transferring estimated parameters from liquid to illiquid markets is feasible, which is challenging for models with numerous parameters. This is of practical importance as it improves the modeling of volatility in illiquid markets, where price discovery is less efficient. In liquid markets, on the other hand, where speculative activity is high, we find that implied volatility is usually the best measure. Additionally, the introduced volatility model is suitable for pricing options on wheat futures as a risk-neutral measure.
Surface Recrystallization Model of Fully Amorphized C3H5-Molecular-Ion-Implanted Silicon Substrate
Authors: Kobayashi Koji , Okuyama Ryosuke , Kadono Takeshi , Onaka-Masada Ayumi , Hirose Ryo , Suzuki Akihiro , Nagatomo Sho , Koga Yoshihiro , Sueoka Koji , Kurita Kazunari
Published: August 2024

The surface recrystallization model of the fully amorphized C3H5-molecular-ion-implanted silicon (Si) substrate is investigated. Transmission electron microscopy is performed to observe the amorphous/crystalline interface near the C3H5-molecular-ion-implanted Si substrate surface after the subsequent recovery thermal annealing treatment. At a depth of high-concentration carbon of approximately 4.8 × 1020 atoms/cm3, recrystallization from the crystalline template to the surface by solid-phase epitaxial growth is partially delayed, and the activation energy was estimated to be 2.79 ± 0.14 eV. The change in the crystalline fraction of the fully amorphized C3H5-molecular-ion-implanted Si substrate surface is quantitatively evaluated from the binding energy of Si 2p spectra by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Using the Kolmogorov–Johnson–Mehl–Avrami equation, the surface recrystallization of the fully amorphized C3H5-molecular-ion-implanted Si substrate is assumed to proceed two-dimensionally, and its activation energy is obtained as 2.71 ± 0.28 eV without the effect of carbon. Technology computer-aided design (TCAD) process simulations calculate recrystallization under the effect of high-concentration carbon and demonstrate the reach of some crystalline regions to the surface first. In the fully amorphized C3H5-molecular-ion-implanted Si substrate, it is considered that recrystallization is partially delayed due to high-concentration carbon and surface recrystallization proceeds two-dimensionally from some crystalline regions reaching the surface first.
Outcomes for Patients with Diabetic Foot Ulcers Following Transition from Medicaid to Commercial Insurance
Authors: Kwon KiBeom , Brown Taylor A. , Arias Aristizábal Juan C. , Armstrong David G. , Tan Tze-Woei
Published: August 2024

Objective: This study investigates the outcomes of Medicaid beneficiaries with diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) who had transitioned to commercial insurance. Methods: We utilized the PearlDiver claims database to identify adult patients diagnosed with a new DFU between 2010 and 2019. The study cohort comprised 8856 Medicaid beneficiaries who had at least three years of continuous enrollment after DFU diagnosis. Medicaid beneficiaries who transitioned to Medicare during follow-up were excluded. Adjusted comparisons of outcomes were performed by propensity matching the two groups for age, gender, and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) in a 1:1 ratio. We used logistic regression and Kaplan–Meier estimate to evaluate the association between insurance change (from Medicaid to commercial insurance) and major amputation. Results: Among the 8856 Medicaid beneficiaries with DFUs, 66% (n = 5809) had transitioned to commercial insurance coverage during follow-up. The overall major amputation rate was 2.8% (n = 247), with a lower rate observed in patients who transitioned to commercial insurance compared to those with continuous Medicaid coverage (2.6% vs. 3.2%, p < 0.05). In multivariable analysis, Medicaid beneficiaries who transitioned to commercial insurance had a 27% lower risk of major amputation (study cohort: odds ratios [OR] 0.75, 95% CI 0.56–0.97, p = 0.03; matched cohort: OR 0.65, 95% 0.22, 0.55, p = 0.01) compared to those with continuous Medicaid coverage. Conclusions: Transitioning from Medicaid to commercial insurance may be associated with a lower risk of major amputation among Medicaid beneficiaries with DFUs.
Commercial Opportunity or Addressing Unmet Needs—Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) as the Future of Rapid Diagnostic Testing?
Authors: Feddema Jelle J. , Fernald Kenneth D. S. , Keijser Bart J. F. , Kieboom Jasper , van de Burgwal Linda H. M.
Published: August 2024

Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) technology is emerging as a rapid pathogen testing method, potentially challenging the RT-PCR “gold standard”. Despite recent advancements, LAMP’s widespread adoption remains limited. This study provides a comprehensive market overview and assesses future growth prospects to aid stakeholders in strategic decision-making and policy formulation. Using a dataset of 1134 LAMP patent documents, we analyzed lifecycle and geographic distribution, applicant profiles, CPC code classifications, and patent claims. Additionally, we examined clinical developments from 21 curated clinical trials, focusing on trends, geographic engagement, sponsor types, and the conditions and pathogens investigated. Our analysis highlights LAMP’s potential as a promising rapid pathogen testing alternative, especially in resource-limited areas. It also reveals a gap between clinical research, which targets bacterial and parasitic diseases like malaria, leishmaniasis, and tuberculosis, and basic research and commercial efforts that prioritize viral diseases such as SARS-CoV-2 and influenza. European stakeholders emphasize the societal impact of addressing unmet needs in resource-limited areas, while American and Asian organizations focus more on research, innovation, and commercialization.