bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antecedents of Compliance with Anti-Money Laundering Regulations in the Banking Sector of Ghana
Authors: Hoffman Bernardette Naa , Okeniyi Johnson , Samuel Sunday Eneojo
Published: August 2024

This study examines factors influencing Ghanaian banks’ compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) legislation. Drawing upon institutional, compliance, and dynamic capability theories, the study identifies the interplay of organisational, regulatory, and employee factors influencing compliance outcomes. A mixed methods approach was used to collect data from 23 universal banks, 9 local and 14 foreign, in Ghana, focusing on experienced managers and employees in risk, legal, operations, compliance, and business development departments. The findings show that employee characteristics like due diligence and moral involvement have a positive relationship with compliance with AML regulations; however, contrary to expectations, effective AML/CFT programs did not significantly impact banks’ adherence to these regulations. The association between moral engagement, an innovative culture, and AML compliance is weakened by normative power and an innovative culture acting as negative moderators. This study contributes empirical evidence to the literature on AML compliance in emerging markets and offers practical implications for policymakers, regulators, and banking professionals seeking to boost regulatory effectiveness and mitigate financial crime risks. This study provides a foundation for targeted interventions and strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening the AML regulatory landscape in Ghana and other countries.
Study of Effects of Post-Weld Heat Treatment Time on Corrosion Behavior and Manufacturing Processes of Super Duplex Stainless SAF 2507 for Advanced Li-Ion Battery Cases
Authors: Lee Yoon-Seok , Park Jinyong , Ok Jung-Woo , Kim Seongjun , Shin Byung-Hyun , Yoon Jang-Hee
Published: August 2024

Lithium-ion batteries are superior energy storage devices that are widely utilized in various fields, from electric cars to small portable electric devices. However, their susceptibility to thermal runaway necessitates improvements in battery case materials to improve their safety. This study used electrochemical analyses, including open-circuit potential (OCP), potentiodynamic polarization, and critical pitting temperature (CPT) analyses, to investigate the corrosion resistance of super duplex stainless steel (SAF 2507) applied to battery cases in relation to post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) time. The microstructure during the manufacture, laser welding, and PWHT was analyzed using field-emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and electron backscatter diffraction, and the chemical composition was analyzed using dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and electron probe micro-analysis. The PWHT increased the volume fraction of austenite from 5% to 50% over 3 min at 1200 °C; this increased the OCP from −0.21 V to +0.03 V, and increased the CPT from 56 °C to 73 °C. The PWHT effectively improved the corrosion resistance, laying the groundwork for utilizing SAF 2507 in battery case materials. But the alloy segregation and heterogeneous grain morphology after PWHT needs improvement.
On the Strong Composition Dependence of the Martensitic Transformation Temperature and Heat in Shape Memory Alloys
Authors: Beke Dezső L. , Azim Asmaa A.
Published: August 2024

General derivation of the well-known Ren–Otsuka relationship, 1αdTodx=−αβ (where To, x, α and β(>0) are the transformation temperature and composition, as well as the composition and temperature coefficient of the critical shear constant, c′, respectively) for shape memory alloys, SMAs, is provided based on the similarity of interatomic potentials in the framework of dimensional analysis. A new dimensionless variable, tox=ToxTmx, describing the phonon softening (where Tm is the melting point) is introduced. The dimensionless values of the heat of transformation, ΔH, and entropy, ΔS, as well as the elastic constants c′, c44, and A=c44c′ are universal functions of to(x) and have the same constant values at to(0) within sub-classes of host SMAs having the same type of crystal symmetry change during martensitic transformation. The ratio of dtodx and α has the same constant value for all members of a given sub-class, and relative increase in c′ with increasing composition should be compensated by the same decrease in to. In the generalized Ren–Otsuka relationship, the anisotropy factor A appears instead of c′, and α as well as β are the differences between the corresponding coefficients for the c44 and c′ elastic constants. The obtained linear relationship between h and to rationalizes the observed empirical linear relationships between the heat of transformation measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) (QA⟶M) and the martensite start temperature, Ms.
Hexagonal Boron Nitride Based Photonic Quantum Technologies
Authors: Prasad Madhava Krishna , Taverne Mike P. C. , Huang Chung-Che , Mar Jonathan D. , Ho Ying-Lung Daniel
Published: August 2024

Hexagonal boron nitride is rapidly gaining interest as a platform for photonic quantum technologies, due to its two-dimensional nature and its ability to host defects deep within its large band gap that may act as room-temperature single-photon emitters. In this review paper we provide an overview of (1) the structure, properties, growth and transfer of hexagonal boron nitride; (2) the creationof colour centres in hexagonal boron nitride and assignment of defects by comparison with ab initio calculations for applications in photonic quantum technologies; and (3) heterostructure devices for the electrical tuning and charge control of colour centres that form the basis for photonic quantum technology devices. The aim of this review is to provide readers a summary of progress in both defect engineering and device fabrication in hexagonal boron nitride based photonic quantum technologies.
Facile Preparation of Irradiated Poly(vinyl alcohol)/Cellulose Nanofiber Hydrogels with Ultrahigh Mechanical Properties for Artificial Joint Cartilage
Authors: Chen Yang , Yang Mingcheng , Zhang Weiwei , Guo Wenhui , Zhang Xiuqiang , Zhang Benshang
Published: August 2024

In this study, Poly(vinyl alcohol)/cellulose nanofiber (PVA/CNF) hydrogels have been successfully prepared using γ-ray irradiation, annealing, and rehydration processes. In addition, the effects of CNF content and annealing methods on the hydrogel properties, including gel fraction, micromorphology, crystallinity, swelling behavior, and tensile and friction properties, are investigated. Consequently, the results show that at an absorbed dose of 30 kGy, the increase in CNF content increases the gel fraction, tensile strength, and elongation at break of irradiated PVA/CNF hydrogels, but decreases the water absorption. In addition, the cross-linking density of the PVA/CNF hydrogels is significantly increased at an annealing temperature of 80 °C, which leads to the transition of the cross-sectional micromorphology from porous networks to smooth planes. For the PVA/CNF hydrogel with a CNF content of 0.6%, the crystallinity increases from 19.9% to 25.8% after tensile annealing of 30% compared to the original composite hydrogel. The tensile strength is substantially increased from 65.5 kPa to 21.2 MPa, and the modulus of elasticity reaches 4.2 MPa. Furthermore, it shows an extremely low coefficient of friction (0.075), which suggests that it has the potential to be applied as a material for artificial joint cartilage.
Robust Overbooking for No-Shows and Cancellations in Healthcare
Authors: Xiao Feng , Lai Kin Keung , Lau Chun Kit , Ram Bhagwat
Published: August 2024

Any country’s healthcare system is vital for its progress, quality of life, and long-term viability. During the pandemic, many developed countries encountered challenges of differing degrees in the administration of their healthcare systems. The overloading of healthcare services is common, leading to prolonged waiting times for medical services. Thus, the wastage of hospital resources must be taken seriously. In this paper, we examine the problem of no-shows and cancellations in outpatient clinics. By examining the literature and drawing from practical industry experience, we uncover the operational procedures of these clinics. We then suggest a robust optimization strategy for overbooking, incorporating both a conventional overbooking model and a resilient system approach. The proposed model seeks to address the substantial uncertainties in parameters encountered during the pandemic. Taking into account risk aversion, we develop an optimal overbooking policy that considers the associated costs. The primary contribution lies in introducing an alternative approach to manage the uncertainty of no-shows and cancellations through the utilization of an overbooking technique.
MSCF-Net: Attention-Guided Multi-Scale Context Feature Network for Ship Segmentation in Surveillance Videos
Authors: Jiang Xiaodan , Ding Xiajun , Jiang Xiaoliang
Published: August 2024

With the advent of artificial intelligence, ship segmentation has become a critical component in the development of intelligent maritime surveillance systems. However, due to the increasing number of ships and the increasingly complex maritime traffic environment, the target features in these ship images are often not clear enough, and the key details cannot be clearly identified, which brings difficulty to the segmentation task. To tackle these issues, we present an approach that leverages state-of-the-art technology to improve the precision of ship segmentation in complex environments. Firstly, we employ a multi-scale context features module using different convolutional kernels to extract a richer set of semantic features from the images. Secondly, an enhanced spatial pyramid pooling (SPP) module is integrated into the encoder’s final layer, which significantly expands the receptive field and captures a wider range of contextual information. Furthermore, we introduce an attention module with a multi-scale structure to effectively obtain the interactions between the encoding–decoding processes and enhance the network’s ability to exchange information between layers. Finally, we performed comprehensive experiments on the public SeaShipsSeg and MariBoatsSubclass open-source datasets to validate the efficacy of our approach. Through ablation studies, we demonstrated the effectiveness of each individual component and confirmed its contribution to the overall system performance. In addition, comparative experiments with current state-of-the-art algorithms showed that our MSCF-Net excelled in both accuracy and robustness. This research provides an innovative insight that establishes a strong foundation for further advancements in the accuracy and performance of ship segmentation techniques.
Enhanced Structural Design of Prestressed Arched Trusses through Multi-Objective Optimization and Multi-Criteria Decision-Making
Authors: Ruiz-Vélez Andrés , García José , Partskhaladze Gaioz , Alcalá Julián , Yepes Víctor
Published: August 2024

The structural design of prestressed arched trusses presents a complex challenge due to the need to balance multiple conflicting objectives such as structural performance, weight, and constructability. This complexity is further compounded by the interdependent nature of the structural elements, which necessitates a comprehensive optimization approach. Addressing this challenge is crucial for advancing construction practices and improving the efficiency and safety of structural designs. The integration of advanced optimization algorithms and decision-making techniques offers a promising avenue for enhancing the design process of prestressed arched trusses. This study proposes the use of three advanced multi-objective optimization algorithms: NSGA-III, CTAEA, and SMS-EMOA, to optimize the structural design of prestressed arched trusses. The performance of these algorithms was evaluated using generational distance and inverted generational distance metrics. Additionally, the non-dominated optimal designs generated by these algorithms were assessed and ranked using multiple multi-criteria decision-making techniques, including SAW, FUCA, TOPSIS, PROMETHEE, and VIKOR. This approach allowed for a robust comparison of the algorithms and provided insights into their effectiveness in balancing the different design objectives. The results of the study indicated that NSGA-III exhibited superior performance with a GD value of 0.215, reflecting a closer proximity of its solutions to the Pareto front, and an IGD value of 0.329, indicating a well-distributed set of solutions across the Pareto front. In comparison, CTAEA and SMS-EMOA showed higher GD values of 0.326 and 0.436, respectively, suggesting less convergence to the Pareto front. However, SMS-EMOA demonstrated a balanced performance in terms of constructability and structural weight, with an IGD value of 0.434. The statistical significance of these differences was confirmed by the Kruskal–Wallis test, with p-values of 2.50×10−15 for GD and 5.15×10−06 for IGD. These findings underscore the advantages and limitations of each algorithm, providing valuable insights for future applications in structural optimization.
An Interpolation-Based Evolutionary Algorithm for Bi-Objective Feature Selection in Classification
Authors: Xu Hang
Published: August 2024

When aimed at minimizing both the classification error and the number of selected features, feature selection can be treated as a bi-objective optimization problem suitable for solving with multi-objective evolutionary algorithms (MOEAs). However, traditional MOEAs may encounter difficulties due to discrete optimization environments and the curse of dimensionality in the feature space, especially for high-dimensional datasets. Therefore, in this paper an interpolation-based evolutionary algorithm (termed IPEA) is proposed for tackling bi-objective feature selection in classification, where an interpolation based initialization method is designed for covering a wide range of search space and exploring the adaptively detected regions of interest. In experiments, IPEA is been compared with four state-of-the-art MOEAs in terms of two widely-used performance metrics on a list of 20 public real-world classification datasets with the dimensionality ranging from low to high. The overall empirical results suggest that IPEA generally performs the best of all tested algorithms, with significantly better search abilities and much lower computational time cost.
Polynomial Iterative Learning Control (ILC) Tracking Control Design for Uncertain Repetitive Continuous-Time Linear Systems Applied to an Active Suspension of a Car Seat
Authors: Attia Selma Ben , Alzahrani Sultan , Alhuwaimel Saad , Salhi Salah , Ouerfelli Houssem Eddine
Published: August 2024

This paper addresses the issue of polynomial iterative learning tracking control (Poly-ILC) for continuous-time linear systems (LTI) operating repetitively. It explores the design of an iterative learning control law by examining the stability along the pass theory of 2D repetitive systems. The obtained result is a generalization of the notion of stability along passages, taking into account transient performances. To strike a balance between stability along passages and transient performance, we extend our developed result in the discrete case, relying on some numerical tools. Specifically, in this work we investigate the convergence of tracking error with given learning controller gains. The key contribution of this structure of control lies in establishing an LMI (linear matrix inequality) condition that ensures both pole placement according to desired specifications and the convergence of output error between iterations. Furthermore, new sufficient conditions for stability regions along the pass addressing the tracking problem of differential linear repetitive processes are developed. Numerical results are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approaches.
Bayesian Deep Learning and Bayesian Statistics to Analyze the European Countries’ SARS-CoV-2 Policies
Authors: Khalili Hamed , Wimmer Maria A. , Lotzmann Ulf
Published: August 2024

Even if the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic recedes, research regarding the effectiveness of government policies to contain the spread of the pandemic remains important. In this study, we analyze the impact of a set of epidemiological factors on the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in 30 European countries, which were applied from early 2020 up to mid-2022. We combine four data sets encompassing each country’s non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs, including 66 government intervention types), distributions of 31 virus types, and accumulated percentage of vaccinated population (by the first five doses) as well as the reported infections, each on a daily basis. First, a Bayesian deep learning model is trained to predict the reproduction rate of the virus one month ahead of each day. Based on the trained deep learning model, the importance of relevant influencing factors and the magnitude of their effects on the outcome of the neural network model are computed by applying explainable machine learning algorithms. Second, in order to re-examine the results of the deep learning model, a Bayesian statistical analysis is implemented. In the statistical analysis, for each influencing input factor in each country, the distributions of pandemic growth rates are compared for days where the factor was active with days where the same factor was not active. The results of the deep learning model and the results of the statistical inference model coincide to a significant extent. We conclude with reflections with regard to the most influential factors on SARS-CoV-2 spread within European countries.
Ultrasonographic Achilles Tendon Measurements and Static and Dynamic Balance in Prediabetes
Authors: Bakılan Fulya , Kuşcu Sultan Şan , Ortanca Burcu , Mutlu Fezan Şahin , Yıldız Pınar , Armağan Onur
Published: August 2024

Background and Objectives: There is a lack of studies examining balance problems and Achilles tendon thickness in prediabetes despite their common occurrence in diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study was to evaluate Achilles tendon size and static and dynamic balance, as well as the role of the Achilles tendon in balance, in prediabetic patients. Materials and Methods: A total of 96 participants were divided into three groups: (1) the control group, consisting of participants without diabetes mellitus; (2) the prediabetes group; and (3) the diabetes mellitus group. Ultrasonographic measurements of Achilles tendon sizes (thickness, width and area) were performed. Dynamic balance was assessed using the Berg Balance Scale, and static balance (the Fall and Stability Indices) was assessed using a Tetrax device. The Self-Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs was utilized to identify neuropathic pain. Results: In the prediabetes group, the median dynamic balance scores [54.0 (51.0–56.0)] were lower than those of the control group [55.0 (54.0–56.0)] but higher than those of the patients with diabetes mellitus [52.50 (49.0–54.25)]; however, this difference did not reach statistical significance. The ultrasonographic measurements of the Achilles tendon size were similar among the three groups. On the other hand, in the prediabetes group, a positive correlation was observed between the bilateral Achilles tendon anterior–posterior thickness and Fall Index score (p = 0.045), while a negative correlation was found between the left Achilles tendon anterior–posterior thickness and the Berg Balance Score (p = 0.045). Conclusions: In prediabetes, neither Achilles tendon size nor static or dynamic balance appears to be significantly affected. However, in prediabetic patients, increased Achilles tendon thickness appears to be associated with increased risk of falls and decreased balance.
The Impact of SARS-CoV-2 Infection on Sleep, Daytime Sleepiness, and Depression—Longitudinal Cohort Study
Authors: Putenis Klāvs , Strautmane Sintija , Mičule Madara , Kočāne Evelīna , Karelis Guntis
Published: August 2024

Background and Objectives: COVID-19 disease, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has presented significant challenges to global health, with acute and chronic implications for various aspects of well-being, including sleep and quality of life. This study aimed to investigate the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, and quality of life in hospitalised and home-treated patients after three and six months. Materials and Methods: A longitudinal cohort study was conducted, enrolling hospitalised patients from a single clinical university hospital and home-treated participants through a survey spread through social networks. Individuals who had tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the past three months and had a symptomatic course of the disease were included in the study. Participants with previously diagnosed sleep disorders were excluded from the study. Participants were evaluated using internationally validated self-evaluation scales, including the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). Data were collected three and six months after laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, with informed consent obtained from all participants. Statistical analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon signed rank test, Fisher–Freeman–Halton exact, Pearson Chi tests and Spearman correlation. Results were considered statistically significant with p value < 0.05. Results: In total, 66 participants with a mean age of 44.05 ± 21.61 years were enrolled in the study. Most patients (n = 36) were treated at home and 30 at hospital. Six months after SARS-CoV-2 infection, home-treated patients reported a higher prevalence of poor sleep quality (52.8%, n = 19, p = 0.015, PSQI) and hospitalised patients showed a lower prevalence of depressive symptoms (p < 0.001, PHQ-9) as 90% (n = 27) had minimal or no symptoms compared to 30.6% (n = 11) in a home-treated group. Conclusions: These findings mark the importance of the COVID-19 patients’ management settings as people treated at home had worse sleep quality and more depressive symptoms six months after infection indicating worse life quality.
A Comparison of Pre- and Post-Treatment Cranial MRI Characteristics in Patients with Pediatric Epilepsy Receiving Levetiracetam
Authors: Aydin Hilal , Aytac Adil , Bulbul Erdogan , Yanik Bahar , Korkut Oguzhan , Gulcen Burak
Published: August 2024

Background and Objectives: This study was performed for the purpose of assessing whether antiepileptic levetiracetam treatment produces a change in brain volumes in children with epilepsy. To that end, we compared the volumes of the basal ganglia (caudate nucleus, putamen, globus, hip-pocampus, and thalamus) at magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before and after treatment (months 18–24) in pediatric epilepsy patients using levetiracetam. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study involved a volumetric comparison of patients presenting to the Balikesir University Medical Faculty pediatric neurology clinic between 01.08.2019 and 01.11.2023 and diagnosed with epilepsy, and who underwent cranial MRI before and 18–24 months after treatment at the radiology department. The demographic and clinical characteristics (age, sex, family history of epilepsy, type of epilepsy, and EEG features (normal, abnormal, epileptiform)) of the patients included in the study were recorded. Results: The comparison of basal ganglia volumes at cranial MRI before and at months 18–24 of treatment revealed significant differences in the left caudate nucleus, right putamen, left putamen, left globus pallidus, right thalamus, left thalamus, and right hippocampal regions. Conclusions: In conclusion, differing findings are encountered at cranial imaging in patients with epilepsy, depending on the seizure frequency, activity, and the type of antiepileptic drugs used. This study compared basal ganglia volumes on cranial MRIs taken before and 18–24 months after treatment in pediatric epilepsy patients using levetiracetam. A significant increase was observed in the volumes of basal ganglia (caudate nucleus, putamen, globus pallidus, hippocampus, and thalamus) on the MRIs of pediatric epilepsy patients using levetiracetam.
A Comparison of the First 60 Enucleation Cases Using a Thulium Fiber Laser without a Mentor to a Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) and Open Prostatectomy, and the Learning Curve
Authors: Bulut Ender Cem , Elmas Burak , Koparal Murat Yavuz , Coşkun Çağrı , Aydın Uğur , Erten Kadir Şerefhan , Çetin Serhat , Alishov Sabuhi , Atan Ali , Yeşil Süleyman , Küpeli Bora
Published: August 2024

Background and Objectives: In the surgical treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), laser enucleation of the prostate is recommended as an alternative to transurethral resection (TURP) and open prostatectomy (OP). The thulium fiber laser, with its superficial penetration depth, can offer a rapid learning process by causing less heat injury and capsule damage. This study compares the first 60 cases of an endourologist performing thulium fiber enucleation of the prostate (ThuFLEP) without a mentor to the results of OP and TURP performed by experienced surgeons. It also identifies the case number at which the operation time for ThuFLEP starts to plateau. Materials and Methods: Between 1 November 2021 and 1 November 2023, the initial 60 ThuFLEP cases of an endourologist with no prior enucleation experience were compared with TURP and OP operations performed by experienced surgeons. Since the first 60 ThuFLEP cases involved 80–120 cc prostates, TURP and OP operations within this size range performed during the same period were included in the study. The groups were assessed for age, preoperative and postoperative prostate volume, PSA levels, the IPSS, the IPSS Quality of Life (QoL), and maximum urinary flow (Qmax). The 60 consecutive ThuFLEP cases were divided into three groups of 20 (Groups 1, 2, and 3) and compared for operation time, IPSS, and Qmax. Results: The operation time for TURP was shorter than for ThuFLEP and OP (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference between ThuFLEP and OP in postoperative Qmax and IPSS, while TURP had lower values than the other two methods. For ThuFLEP, the operation time was longer in the first 20 cases but plateaued in groups 2 and 3 (p < 0.001). Postoperative Qmax and IPSS values showed no significant differences among the three ThuFLEP groups (p > 0.05). Conclusions: For large prostates, ThuFLEP provides better postoperative results than TURP and offers shorter catheterization and hospital stay times than OP. Its short learning curve makes it a preferable method for treating BPH compared to other laser techniques.
Neurological Impact of Respiratory Viruses: Insights into Glial Cell Responses in the Central Nervous System
Authors: Mora Valentina P. , Kalergis Alexis M. , Bohmwald Karen
Published: August 2024

Respiratory viral infections pose a significant public health threat, particularly in children and older adults, with high mortality rates. Some of these pathogens are the human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV), severe acute respiratory coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), influenza viruses (IV), human parvovirus B19 (B19V), and human bocavirus 1 (HBoV1). These viruses cause various respiratory symptoms, including cough, fever, bronchiolitis, and pneumonia. Notably, these viruses can also impact the central nervous system (CNS), leading to acute manifestations such as seizures, encephalopathies, encephalitis, neurological sequelae, and long-term complications. The precise mechanisms by which these viruses affect the CNS are not fully understood. Glial cells, specifically microglia and astrocytes within the CNS, play pivotal roles in maintaining brain homeostasis and regulating immune responses. Exploring how these cells interact with viral pathogens, such as hRSV, SARS-CoV-2, IVs, B19V, and HBoV1, offers crucial insights into the significant impact of respiratory viruses on the CNS. This review article examines hRSV, SARS-CoV-2, IV, B19V, and HBoV1 interactions with microglia and astrocytes, shedding light on potential neurological consequences.
Enzymatic Stoichiometry Reveals the Metabolic Limitations of Soil Microbes under Nitrogen and Phosphorus Addition in Chinese Fir Plantations
Authors: Ren Yan , Wang Ying , Zhang Xiulan , Liu Xionghui , Liu Pei , Chen Liang
Published: August 2024

Increasing nitrogen (N) deposition alters the availability of soil nutrients and is likely to intensify phosphorus (P) limitations, especially in P-limited tropical and subtropical forests. Soil microorganisms play vital roles in carbon (C) and nutrient cycling, but it is unclear whether and how much N and P imbalances affect the soil’s microbial metabolism and mechanisms of nutrient limitations. In this study, a 3-year field experiment of N and P addition (control (CK), 100 kg N ha−1 yr−1 (N), 50 kg P ha−1 yr−1 (P), and NP) was set up to analyze the extracellular enzyme activities and stoichiometry characteristics of the top mineral soils in Chinese fir plantations with different stand ages (7, 20, and 33 years old). The results showed that the enzyme activities associated with the acquisition of C (β-1,4-glucosidase (BG) and β-d-cellobiohydrolase (CBH)) and P (acid phosphatases (APs)) in the N treatment were significantly higher than those in the CK treatment. Moreover, vector analysis revealed that both the vector’s length and angle increased in stands of all ages, which indicated that N addition aggravated microbial C and P limitations. The P and NP treatments both significantly decreased the activity of AP and the enzymes’ N:P ratio, thereby alleviating microbial P limitations, as revealed by the reduction in the vector’s angle. Stand age was found to promote all enzymatic activities but had no obvious effects on the limitation of microbial metabolism with or without added nutrients in the soils under Chinese fir. Available N, Olsen-P, and pH were the main drivers of microbial metabolic limitations related to C nutrients. These results provide useful data for understanding the change in soil microbial activity in response to environmental changes, and suggest that P fertilization should be considered for management to improve productivity and C sequestration in Chinese fir plantation in the context of increased deposition of N.
Caveolae with GLP-1 and NMDA Receptors as Crossfire Points for the Innovative Treatment of Cognitive Dysfunction Associated with Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Nakashima Moeka , Suga Naoko , Yoshikawa Sayuri , Matsuda Satoru
Published: August 2024

Some neurodegenerative diseases may be characterized by continuing behavioral and cognitive dysfunction that encompasses memory loss and/or apathy. Alzheimer’s disease is the most typical type of such neurodegenerative diseases that are characterized by deficits of cognition and alterations of behavior. Despite the huge efforts against Alzheimer’s disease, there has yet been no successful treatment for this disease. Interestingly, several possible risk genes for cognitive dysfunction are frequently expressed within brain cells, which may also be linked to cholesterol metabolism, lipid transport, exosomes, and/or caveolae formation, suggesting that caveolae may be a therapeutic target for cognitive dysfunctions. Interestingly, the modulation of autophagy/mitophagy with the alteration of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor signaling may offer a novel approach to preventing and alleviating cognitive dysfunction. A paradigm showing that both GLP-1 and NMDA receptors at caveolae sites may be promising and crucial targets for the treatment of cognitive dysfunctions has been presented here, which may also be able to modify the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. This research direction may create the potential to move clinical care toward disease-modifying treatment strategies with maximal benefits for patients without detrimental adverse events for neurodegenerative diseases.
Desmodium intortum (Mill.) Urb. Protein Isolate Aggregates as Pickering Stabilizers: Physicochemical Characteristics and Emulsifying Properties
Authors: Tang Xuemei , Chang Hui , Yao Guanglong , Chen Jian , Dong Rongshu
Published: August 2024

This work aimed to investigate the feasibility of fabricating Pickering emulsions stabilized by Desmodium intortum protein isolate (DIPI) aggregates. The DIPI aggregates were formed using heat treatment, and the effects of ionic strength and pH on their properties were investigated. The heat-treated protein exposes its hydrophobic groups due to structural damage, resulting in rapid aggregation of the protein into aggregates with a size of 236 nm. The results showed that the aggregates induced by ionic strength had larger particle size and higher surface hydrophobicity and partial wettability. Moreover, this study explored effective strategies for bolstering Pickering emulsion stability through optimized DIPI aggregate concentration (c) and oil fraction (ø). The DIPI Pickering emulsion (DIPIPE) formed at c = 5% and ø = 0.7 was still highly stable after 30 days of storage. As confirmed by laser confocal microscopy, DIPI aggregates could be adsorbed onto the oil–water interface to form a network structure that could trap oil droplets in the network. Collectively, the Pickering emulsion stabilized by DIPI aggregates exhibited excellent stability, which not only deeply utilizes the low-value protein resources in the Desmodium intortum for the first time, but also demonstrates the potential of DIPI for the bio-based field.
Highly Efficient Electrospun Silver Decorated Graphene Oxide Nanocomposites on Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF@GO-Ag) Hybrid Membrane for Reduction of 4-Nitrophenol
Authors: Yang Xiaoben , He Zhen , Jin Lei , Chen Huiyang , Li Qianglin , Wu Ling , Huang Zhenghong , Wang Mingxi
Published: August 2024

Graphene oxide-silver poly(vinylidene fluoride) membranes (PVDF@GO-Ag) were successfully synthesized by the electrospinning method, which exhibited a high catalytic activity using the hydrogenation of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) as a model reaction in a batch reaction study. The hybrid membranes doped with 1 wt% GO and 2 wt% Ag (PVDF-1-2) exhibited the most desired performance for the catalytic reduction of 4-NP. Importantly, PVDF-1-2 exhibited excellent cycling stability in 10 catalytic cycle tests and was highly amenable to separation. This property effectively addresses the significant challenges associated with the practical application of nanocatalysts. Furthermore, density-functional theory (DFT) calculations have demonstrated that the GO-Ag nanocomposites exhibit the strongest adsorption capacity for 4-NP− when a specific ratio of GO and Ag is achieved, accompanied by the loading of Ag nanoclusters onto GO. Additionally, the study demonstrated that an increase in temperature significantly accelerated the reaction rate, in line with the van’t Hoff rule. This study provides an effective and environmentally friendly solution for the treatment of 4-NP in wastewater.
Multisensory Technologies for Inclusive Exhibition Spaces: Disability Access Meets Artistic and Curatorial Research
Authors: Fotiadi Sevasti Eva
Published: August 2024

This article discusses applications of technology for sensory-disabled audiences in modern and contemporary art exhibitions. One case study of experimental artistic and curatorial research by The OtherAbilities art collective is discussed: a series of prototype tools for sensory translation from audible sound to vibration were developed to be embeddable in the architecture of spaces where art is presented. In the article, the case study is approached from a curatorial perspective. Based on bibliographical sources, the article starts with a brief historical reference to disability art activism and a presentation of contemporary accessibility solutions for sensory-disabled audiences in museums. The research for the case study was conducted during testing and feedback sessions on the prototypes using open-ended oral interviews, open-ended written comments, and ethnographic observation of visitors’ behavior during exhibitions. The testers were d/Deaf, hard of hearing and hearing. The results focus on the reception of the sensory translation of audible sound to vibration by test users of diverse hearing abilities and on the reception of the prototypes in the context of art and design exhibitions. The article closes with a reflection on how disability scholarship meets art curatorial theory in the example of the article’s case study.
A Self-Powered, Skin Adhesive, and Flexible Human–Machine Interface Based on Triboelectric Nanogenerator
Authors: Wu Xujie , Yang Ziyi , Dong Yu , Teng Lijing , Li Dan , Han Hang , Zhu Simian , Sun Xiaomin , Zeng Zhu , Zeng Xiangyu , Zheng Qiang
Published: August 2024

Human–machine interactions (HMIs) have penetrated into various academic and industrial fields, such as robotics, virtual reality, and wearable electronics. However, the practical application of most human–machine interfaces faces notable obstacles due to their complex structure and materials, high power consumption, limited effective skin adhesion, and high cost. Herein, we report a self-powered, skin adhesive, and flexible human–machine interface based on a triboelectric nanogenerator (SSFHMI). Characterized by its simple structure and low cost, the SSFHMI can easily convert touch stimuli into a stable electrical signal at the trigger pressure from a finger touch, without requiring an external power supply. A skeleton spacer has been specially designed in order to increase the stability and homogeneity of the output signals of each TENG unit and prevent crosstalk between them. Moreover, we constructed a hydrogel adhesive interface with skin-adhesive properties to adapt to easy wear on complex human body surfaces. By integrating the SSFHMI with a microcontroller, a programmable touch operation platform has been constructed that is capable of multiple interactions. These include medical calling, music media playback, security unlocking, and electronic piano playing. This self-powered, cost-effective SSFHMI holds potential relevance for the next generation of highly integrated and sustainable portable smart electronic products and applications.
A Scoping Review Protocol to Map Knowledge and Attitudes about Patient Safety among Students in Healthcare Undergraduate Courses
Authors: Valença Fabricio Renato Teixeira , dos Santos Neto Martins Fideles , Sacardo Yuri , Oliani Denise Cristina Móz Vaz , Santos Emerson Roberto dos , Brienze Vânia Maria Sabadoto , Lima Alba Regina de Abreu , André Júlio César , Paschoal Vania Del Arco
Published: August 2024

Patient safety is a global challenge in healthcare, with adverse events representing a significant concern. The integration of patient safety education in undergraduate curricula is crucial in developing a culture of safety and safe practices among future professionals. However, there is a gap in research assessing the levels of knowledge and attitudes about patient safety among undergraduate students in healthcare using validated instruments. This scoping review aims to map the levels of knowledge and attitudes about patient safety among students in healthcare courses, allowing for national and international comparisons. The review will follow the methodological frameworks proposed by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) for scoping reviews. The search will include published and unpublished studies in six databases, with no date or language restrictions. This scoping review was prospectively registered with the Open Science Framework on 17 July 2024. This scoping review will provide a comprehensive overview of knowledge and attitudes about patient safety among undergraduate students in healthcare, identifying gaps in patient safety education and areas for improvement in curricula. The results may guide teachers in creating teaching strategies to prepare future healthcare professionals, reducing knowledge gaps and improving the quality of care.
Phylogenetics and Mobilization of Genomic Traits of Cephalosporin-Resistant Escherichia coli Originated from Retail Meat
Authors: Iwan Ewelina , Zając Magdalena , Bomba Arkadiusz , Olejnik Małgorzata , Skarżyńska Magdalena , Wasiński Bernard , Wieczorek Kinga , Tłuścik Katarzyna , Wasyl Dariusz
Published: August 2024

Contaminations with cephalosporin-resistant Escherichia coli across the food chain may pose a significant threat to public health because those antimicrobials are critically important in human medicine. The impact of the presented data is especially significant concerning Poland’s role as one of the leading food producers in the EU. This work aimed to characterize the genomic contents of cephalosporin-resistant Escherichia coli (n = 36) isolated from retail meat to expand the official AMR monitoring reported by EFSA. The ESBL mechanism was predominant (via blaCTX-M-1 and blaSHV-12), with the AmpC-type represented by the blaCMY-2 variant. The strains harbored multiple resistance genes, mainly conferring resistance to aminoglycosides, sulfonamides, trimethoprim, tetracyclines. In some isolates, virulence factors—including intimin (eae) and its receptor (tir) were detected, indicating significant pathogenic potential. Resistance genes showed a link with IncI1 and IncB/O/K/Z plasmids. Cephalosporinases were particularly linked to ISEc9/ISEc1 (blaCTX-M-1 and blaCMY-2). The association of virulence with mobile elements was less common—mostly with IncF plasmids. The analysis of E. coli isolated from retail meat indicates accumulation of ARGs and their association with various mobile genetic elements, thus increasing the potential for the transmission of resistance across the food chain.
Polarization Analysis of Vertically Etched Lithium Niobate-on-Insulator (LNOI) Devices
Authors: Wang Chenyu , Liu Yuchen , Qiu Jingyuan , Ye Zhilin , Guo Dongjie , Chen Mengwen , Yin Zhijun , Tian Xiao-Hui , Liu Hua-Ying , Zhu Shi-Ning , Xie Zhenda
Published: August 2024

LNOI devices have emerged as prominent contributors to photonic integrated circuits (PICs), benefiting from their outstanding performance in electro-optics, acousto-optics, nonlinear optics, etc. Due to the physical properties and current etching technologies of LiNbO3, slanted sidewalls are typically formed in LNOI waveguides, causing polarization-related mode hybridization and crosstalk. Despite the low losses achieved with fabrication advancements in LNOI, such mode hybridization and crosstalk still significantly limit the device performance by introducing polarization-related losses. In this paper, we propose a vertically etched LNOI construction. By improving the geometrical symmetry in the waveguides, vertical sidewalls could adequately mitigate mode hybridization in common waveguide cross sections. Taking tapers and bends as representatives of PIC components, we then conducted theoretical modeling and simulations, which showed that vertical etching effectively exempts devices from polarization-related mode crosstalk. This not only improves the polarization purity and input mode transmittance but also enables lower polarization-related losses within more compact structures. As a demonstration of fabrication feasibility, we innovatively proposed a two-step fabrication technique, and successfully fabricated waveguides with vertical sidewalls. Such vertical etching technology facilitates the development of next-generation high-speed modulators, nonlinear optical devices, and other advanced photonic devices with lower losses and a smaller footprint, driving further innovations in both academic research and industrial applications.
Neural Network Equalisation for High-Speed Eye-Safe Optical Wireless Communication with 850 nm SM-VCSELs
Authors: Osahon Isaac N. O. , Kostakis Ioannis , Powell Denise , Meredith Wyn , Missous Mohamed , Haas Harald , Tang Jianming , Rajbhandari Sujan
Published: August 2024

In this paper, we experimentally illustrate the effectiveness of neural networks (NNs) as non-linear equalisers for multilevel pulse amplitude modulation (PAM-M) transmission over an optical wireless communication (OWC) link. In our study, we compare the bit-error-rate (BER) performances of two decision feedback equalisers (DFEs)—a multilayer-perceptron-based DFE (MLPDFE), which is the NN equaliser, and a transversal DFE (TRDFE)—under two degrees of non-linear distortion using an eye-safe 850 nm single-mode vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (SM-VCSEL). Our results consistently show that the MLPDFE delivers superior performance in comparison to the TRDFE, particularly in scenarios involving high non-linear distortion and PAM constellations with eight or more levels. At a forward error correction (FEC) threshold BER of 0.0038, we achieve bit rates of ~28 Gbps, ~29 Gbps, ~22.5 Gbps, and ~5 Gbps using PAM schemes with 2, 4, 8, and 16 levels, respectively, with the MLPDFE. Comparably, the TRDFE yields bit rates of ~28 Gbps and ~29 Gbps with PAM-2 and PAM-4, respectively. Higher PAM levels with the TRDFE result in BERs greater than 0.0038 for bit rates above 2 Gbps. These results highlight the effectiveness of the MLPDFE in optimising the performance of SM-VCSEL-based OWC systems across different modulation schemes and non-linear distortion levels.
Effects of Gamma Irradiation on Changes in Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Euphorbia maculata Callus
Authors: Jeong Gyeong Han , Kaur Shubhpreet , Yoo Youngchul , Ryu Young Bae , Lee Seo Jun , Jung Kwang-Woo , Chung Moon-Soo , Bai Hyoung-Woo , Kim Jin-Hong , Lee Sungbeom , Kim Tae Hoon , Chung Byung Yeoup , Lee Seung Sik
Published: August 2024

In this study, we investigated the effects of gamma irradiation on the antioxidant activity and metabolite profiles of Euphorbia maculata calli (PC3012). Gamma irradiation at various doses (0, 0.05, 0.5, and 10 kGy) significantly enhanced the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS+) radical scavenging activities of the callus extracts of PC3012 in a dose-dependent manner. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight/mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS) analyses revealed that irradiation increased the lysophospholipid content, although no new antioxidant compounds were formed. Furthermore, a PLS-DA analysis revealed evident metabolic differences between non-irradiated and irradiated samples, which were further verified by statistical validation. These findings suggest that gamma irradiation induces specific biochemical modifications that enhance the bioactive properties of PC3012 calli. This technology exhibits potential for utilization in the natural product and food sectors, particularly in the development of functional foods and nutraceuticals with improved health benefits.