bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Celebrating biomimicry: bioinspired layers in optical biosensors
Authors: Wityk Pawel , Kosowska Monika , Kwon Junyoung , Iatsunskyi Igor , Bechelany Mikhael , Viter Roman , Szczerska Malgorzata
Published: July 2024

Optical sensors have seamlessly integrated the progress of materials science, giving rise to a novel class of devices. These cutting-edge sensors incorporate bioinspired sensing layers, coatings, and mechanisms, tailor-made for various specialized applications in fields like medicine, industry, and technology. This advancement paves the way for groundbreaking improvements in biosensor technology, offering enhanced capabilities for detecting and analyzing various substances in diverse settings. In this brief report the recent and future challenges in biosensors applying bioinspired sensing layers, as well as advances in science and technology to meet them, are presented.
Multi-omic applications for understanding and enhancing tropical fruit flavour
Authors: Lomax Joshua , Ford Rebecca , Bar Ido
Published: July 2024

Consumer trends towards nutrient-rich foods are contributing to global increasing demand for tropical fruit. However, commercial cultivars in the breeding pipeline that are tailored to meet market demand are at risk of possessing reduced fruit flavour qualities. This stems from recurrent prioritised selection for superior agronomic traits and not fruit flavour, which may in turn reduce consumer satisfaction. There is realisation that fruit quality traits, inclusive of flavour, must be equally selected for; but currently, there are limited tools and resources available to select for fruit flavour traits, particularly in tropical fruit species. Although sugars, acids, and volatile organic compounds are known to define fruit flavour, the specific combinations of these, that result in defined consumer preferences, remain unknown for many tropical fruit species. To define and include fruit flavour preferences in selective breeding, it is vital to determine the metabolites that underpin them. Then, objective quantitative analysis may be implemented instead of solely relying on human sensory panels. This may lead to the development of selective genetic markers through integrated omics approaches that target biosynthetic pathways of flavour active compounds. In this review, we explore progress in the development of tools to be able to strategically define and select for consumer-preferred flavour profiles in the breeding of new cultivars of tropical fruit species.
Popular autocrats: why do voters support Viktor Orbán’s government in Hungary? A quantitative analysis
Authors: Hajnal Áron
Published: July 2024

Authoritarian populism has become an increasingly prevalent subtype of hybrid regime and is characterized by weakened democratic institutions and a leader who relies on populist appeals. Authoritarian populist regimes limit citizens’ freedom, undermine accountability and the rule of law, and are likely to be more corrupt than democratic regimes. Nevertheless, certain authoritarian populist regimes appear to enjoy broad popular support. Based on the European Social Survey database and my calculations of respondents’ personal income tax rates, I investigate the factors that influenced voters’ support for Viktor Orbán’s government in Hungary from 2010 to 2020, which may be considered an exemplary case of an autocratic populist regime. The analysis shows that voters’ support for the government was influenced by their perceptions of the economy and government performance, political beliefs (i.e., policy congruence and ideology), and basic human values (i.e., self-transcendence and conservation). By contrast, changes in voters’ individual economic conditions were not found to be associated with their support for the government. The findings indicate that, in addition to explanations of government support that specifically focus on hybrid regimes, economic voting theory, which originated from and has typically been applied in democratic contexts, also provides viable explanations for understanding support for authoritarian populist regimes. More broadly, the findings also lend support to the altruistic and expressive voter hypotheses.
Mandevillian vices
Authors: Astola Mandi , Bland Steven , Alfano Mark
Published: July 2024

Bernard Mandeville argued that traits that have traditionally been seen as detrimental or reprehensible, such as greed, ambition, vanity, and the willingness to deceive, can produce significant social goods. He went so far as to suggest that a society composed of individuals who embody these vices would, under certain constraints, be better off than one composed only of those who embody the virtues of self-restraint. In the twentieth century, Mandeville’s insights were taken up in economics by John Maynard Keynes, among others. More recently, philosophers have drawn analogies to Mandeville’s ideas in the domains of epistemology and morality, arguing that traits that are typically understood as epistemic or moral vices (e.g. closed-mindedness, vindictiveness) can lead to beneficial outcomes for the groups in which individuals cooperate, deliberate, and decide, for instance by propitiously dividing the cognitive labor involved in critical inquiry and introducing transient diversity. We argue that mandevillian virtues have a negative counterpart, mandevillian vices, which are traits that are beneficial to or admirable in their individual possessor, but are or can be systematically detrimental to the group to which that individual belongs. Whilst virtue ethics and epistemology prescribe character traits that are good for every moral and epistemic agent, and ideally across all situations, mandevillian virtues show that group dynamics can complicate this picture. In this paper, we provide a unifying explanation of the main mechanism responsible for mandevillian traits in general and motivate the case for the opposite of mandevillian virtues, namely mandevillian vices.
A study of bacteria producing carbonic anhydrase enzyme for CaCO3 precipitation and soil biocementation
Authors: Mwandira Wilson , Mavroulidou Maria , Timmermans Martijn , Gunn Michael John , Gray Christopher , Pantoja-Muñoz Leonardo , Purchase Diane
Published: July 2024

We study the carbonic anhydrase (CA) pathway using autochthonous CA-producing bacteria as a means of inducing calcite precipitation, which acts as a biocement to improve the engineering soil properties. Forty different microbial strains producing CA were isolated from the foundation soil of a railway embankment in Prickwillow, UK. Three of the best CA-producing strains were selected and identified by DNA sequencing as Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus toyonensis and Bacillus pumilus with CA activity values respectively of 1.79 U/ml, 1.42 U/ml and 1.55 U/ml. To optimise the treatments, we investigated the effect of pH, temperature, zinc co-factor and cementation solution molarity on the growth and CA activity and bioprecipitates, with CO2 added in the form of bicarbonate. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis of the bioprecipitates showed that these had characteristic morphologies of calcite and vaterite crystals. The formation of calcite was further corroborated by FT-IR and Raman analysis of bioprecipitates. The precultured bacteria were injected into the fine-grained soil together with cementation solution. Unconfined compressive strength in treated soil increased up to 1 MPa, and its calcium carbonate content increased by 2.78%. This, as well as the stability of the treated soil upon water immersion, proved the biocementation of the fine-grained soil. These findings suggest the potential of employing the CA biocementation route for soil stabilisation pending further development of the technique.
Long-term impact of basin-wide wastewater management on faecal pollution levels along the entire Danube River
Authors: Kirschner Alexander K. T. , Schachner-Groehs Iris , Kavka Gerhard , Hoedl Edith , Kovacs Adam , Farnleitner Andreas H.
Published: July 2024

The Danube River is, at 2857 km, the second longest river in Europe and the most international river in the world with 19 countries in its catchment. Along the entire river, faecal pollution levels are mainly influenced by point-source emissions from treated and untreated sewage of municipal origin under base-flow conditions. In the past 2 decades, large investments in wastewater collection and treatment infrastructure were made in the European Union (EU) Member States located in the Danube River Basin (DRB). Overall, the share of population equivalents with appropriately biologically treated wastewater (without disinfection) has increased from 69% to more than 85%. The proportion of tertiary treatment has risen from 46 to 73%. In contrast, no comparable improvements of wastewater infrastructure took place in non-EU Member States in the middle and lower DRB, where a substantial amount of untreated wastewater is still directly discharged into the Danube River. Faecal pollution levels along the whole Danube River and the confluence sites of the most important tributaries were monitored during four Danube River expeditions, the Joint Danube Surveys (JDS). During all four surveys, the longitudinal patterns of faecal pollution were highly consistent, with generally lower levels in the upper section and elevated levels and major hotspots in the middle and lower sections of the Danube River. From 2001 to 2019, a significant decrease in faecal pollution levels could be observed in all three sections with average reduction rates between 72 and 86%. Despite this general improvement in microbiological water quality, no such decreases were observed for the highly polluted stretch in Central Serbia. Further improvements in microbiological water quality can be expected for the next decades on the basis of further investments in wastewater infrastructure in the EU Member States, in the middle and lower DRB. In the upper DRB, and due to the high compliance level as regards collection and treatment, improvements can further be achieved by upgrading sewage treatment plants with quaternary treatment steps as well as by preventing combined sewer overflows. The accession of the Western Balkan countries to the EU would also significantly boost investments in wastewater infrastructure and water quality improvements in the middle section of the Danube. Continuing whole-river expeditions such as the Joint Danube Surveys is highly recommended to monitor the developments in water quality in the future.
Conversion of rice husks into carbonaceous materials with porous structures via hydrothermal process
Authors: Sugie Sayaka , Maeda Hirotaka
Published: July 2024

Carbonaceous materials hydrothermally produced using waste biomass have small specific surface areas (SSA) and poor porosity properties. In this study, we prepare a novel carbonaceous material with excellent porosity properties by suppressing the formation of a secondary char phase (spheres) and promoting biomass hydrolysis by controlling the hydrothermal conditions. Rice husk powders, as the starting material, are hydrothermally treated using acidic solvents of different types and concentrations at 180 °C. The surfaces of the samples hydrothermally prepared using the acidic solvents have no spheres. In the case of 0.1–0.2 mol L−1 hydrochloric acid (HA), the amorphous carbonaceous materials contain numerous mesopores and exhibit a larger SSA (approximately 100 m2 g−1) than those prepared using acetic acid and distilled water. An increase in the hydrothermal temperature reduces the porosity properties of the materials. Finally, the high-porosity amorphous carbonaceous material showed excellent trimethylamine adsorption ability.
Enhancing middle school students’ computational thinking competency through game-based learning
Authors: Pan Yanjun , Adams Elizabeth L. , Ketterlin-Geller Leanne R. , Larson Eric C. , Clark Corey
Published: July 2024

Computational thinking is acknowledged as an essential competency for everyone to learn. However, teachers find it challenging to implement the existing learning approaches in K-12 settings because the existing approaches often focus on teaching computing concepts and skills (i.e., programming skills) rather than on helping students develop their computational thinking competency—a competency that can be used across disciplinary boundaries in accordance with curriculum requirements. To address this need, the current study investigated how game-based learning influenced middle school students’ learning processes, particularly on the development of computational thinking competency, self-efficacy toward computational thinking, and engagement during gameplay. Additionally, the study examined how these outcomes were moderated by individual differences. We observed evidence that the gaming experience influenced students’ computational thinking self-efficacy, but not computational thinking competency or game-based engagement. Compared to age (grade) and prior gaming experience, gender tended to play a more important role in moderating students’ computational thinking competency, self-efficacy toward computational thinking competency, and game-based engagement. Implications and possible directions for future research regarding using game-based learning to enhance computational thinking competency are discussed.
Effect of Microstructure on Oxidation and Micro-mechanical Behavior of Arc Consolidated Mo-Ti-Si-(B) Alloys
Authors: Paul Bhaskar , Kumar Shubham , Kishor J. , Majumdar Sanjib
Published: July 2024

The present study deals with the development and characterization of Mo-35Ti-10Si and Mo-35Ti-10Si-2B (wt.%) alloy for ultra-high temperature applications beyond the temperature limit of existing super alloys. The microstructural characterization using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS), electron back scattered diffraction (EBSD), x-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed that the Mo-35Ti-10Si-2B alloy was consisted of three phases, namely, (Mo, Ti)ss, (Mo, Ti)5SiB2 and (Ti, Mo)5Si3; whereas, Mo-35Ti-10Si alloy was found to be consisting of (Mo, Ti)ss, and (Mo,Ti)3Si phases. Since quantification of boron is difficult by EDS, Particle Induced Gamma-ray Emission (PIGE), a nuclear reaction analysis technique was used for chemical composition analysis of boron. The oxidation behavior of the Mo-35Ti-10Si-2B alloy in the temperature regime of 825-1250 °C was studied in detail and compared with boron-free Mo-35Ti-10Si alloy. Mo-35Ti-10Si-2B alloy exhibited superior oxidation behavior at intermediate temperatures of 825 °C, and excellent oxidation resistance at higher temperatures between 1000 and 1250 °C due to the formation of the protective borosilica and double oxide layers (TiO2 and duplex borosilica-TiO2), respectively. High-temperature oxidation mechanisms were discussed using detailed microstructural cross section analysis of the oxidized alloy samples. The micro-mechanical behavior of constitutive phases of the Mo-35Ti-10Si-2B alloy were studied by microhardness, nano-indentation and micropillar compression testing. The micropillar compression of (Mo, Ti)ss phase showed fairly ductile behavior with the evidence of activation of dislocation in the form of slip lines revealed through the post-deformation fractography. Deformation studies of (Mo, Ti)5SiB2 and (Ti, Mo)5Si3 phases were also carried out which showed large strain bursts indicating possibility of activation of dislocation activities even at room temperatures imparting low level of ductility.
Debonding of Porous Coating: A Late Failure Mode of Uncemented, Partially Threaded Acetabular Components—Retrieval Analysis
Authors: Łapaj Łukasz , Sulej-Chojnacka Joanna , Rozwalka Justyna , Alaouir Abdulrahim , Markiewicz Tomasz , Chodór Paweł , Kiryluk Jan , Mróz Adrian , Zabrzyński Jan
Published: July 2024

Titanium plasma-sprayed (TPS) porous coatings have been used in total hip arthroplasty for decades. They are considered reliable, and very few failure cases have been described so far. This retrieval study described a series of 20 acetabular components—where total or partial debonding occurred during in vivo use and aimed to explain the underlying failure mechanisms. Implants were examined using optical and electron microscopy (SEM), metallographic sections of retrievals were prepared while pathologic samples of periprosthetic tissues were examined for presence of wear debris. Data from metallographic slides indicated that debonding was initiated at free borders of the coating and tended to progress at the interface between the TPS layer and the shell. In some cases, total debonding occurred leading material wear of both the TPS layer and acetabular shell leading to massive release of metallic debris and accelerated polyethylene wear in third body mechanism. SEM examination demonstrated that splats forming the TPS layer exhibited features suggesting a high temperature gradient between the plasma sprayed layer and the substrate material existed, leading to porosity of splats and suboptimal bonding strength. This study demonstrated that coating application parameters and certain design features (screw holes, fins) may promote long-term failure due to debonding. Surgeons should be aware of this complication as it is most likely underreported, while manufacturers should consider more rigorous pre-clinical testing as suboptimal coating bonding may result in failures during long-term clinical use.
The contribution of E3D imaging integrated with robotic navigation: analysis of the first 80 consecutive posterior spinal fusion cases
Authors: Stewart Jeffrey J. , Asdourian Paul , Moatz Bradley , Soda Mosope , Lemma Mesfin , Cunningham Bryan W. , Brooks Daina M. , McAfee Paul C.
Published: July 2024

Eighty consecutive complex spinal robotic cases utilizing intraoperative 3D CT imaging (E3D, Group 2) were compared to 80 age-matched controls using the Excelsius robot alone with C-arm Fluoroscopic registration (Robot Only, Group 1). The demographics between the two groups were similar—severity of deformity, ASA Score for general anesthesia, patient age, gender, number of spinal levels instrumented, number of patients with prior spinal surgery, and amount of neurologic compression. The intraoperative CT scanning added several objective factors improving patient safety. There were significantly fewer complications in the E3D group with only 3 of 80 (4%) patients requiring a return to the operating room compared to 11 of 80 (14%) patients in the Robot Only Group requiring repeat surgery for implant related problems (Chi squared analysis = 5.00, p = 0.025). There was a significant reduction the amount of fluoroscopy time in the E3D Group (36 s, range 4–102 s) compared to Robot only group (51 s, range 15–160 s) (p = 0.0001). There was also shorter mean operative time in the E3D group (257 ± 59.5 min) compared to the robot only group (306 ± 73.8 min) due to much faster registration time (45 s). A longer registration time was required in the Robot only group to register each vertebral level with AP and Lateral fluoroscopy shots. The estimated blood loss was also significantly lower in Group 2 (mean 345 ± 225 ml) vs Group 1 (474 ± 397 ml) (p = 0.012). The mean hospital length of stay was also significantly shorter for Group 2 (3.77 ± 1.86 days) compared to Group 1 (5.16 ± 3.40) (p = 0.022). There was no significant difference in the number of interbody implants nor corrective osteotomies in both groups—Robot only 52 cases vs. 42 cases in E3D group.

Level of evidence: IV, Retrospective review.
Exploring impact of entrepreneurial orientation on firm performance – moderators’ variability under changing market conditions
Authors: Suder Marcin , Kusa Rafał , Duda Joanna , Karpacz Jarosław
Published: July 2024

Previous research has indicated that the impact of entrepreneurial orientation (EO) on performance is ambiguous. This relationship can be affected by numerous factors – both internal and external. This study aims to examine the moderating impact of inter-organizational cooperation, competitive behaviors, digitalization, diversification, and flexibility on the relationship between EO and performance; it also assesses the impact of market conditions on the relationships that were examined above. The sample was comprised of 150 small printing companies, and the moderating roles were analyzed with PLS-SEM. The results confirmed the strong positive impact of EO on firm performance under both non-crisis and crisis conditions. The results indicated that, under crisis conditions, the impact of EO on market performance is positively moderated by inter-organizational cooperation, digitalization, and diversification. However, these factors do not moderate the examined relationship under non-crisis conditions – they only become moderators during a crisis. When supported with the Welch-Satterthwait statistical test, these observations indicated the moderating role of market conditions on the other factors that were examined in this study. With its findings, this study contributes to the literature on entrepreneurship and crisis management. The originality of the study is two-fold: first, this study examines the moderating impact of several factors that have not been previously tested on the EO–performance relationship; and second, it compares the examined models (and the entrepreneurial behaviors that are reflected in these models) and tests the moderating roles of the examined factors under two different market conditions (non-crisis, and crisis). In this way, the study tests the moderating role of market conditions as it relates to the examined moderators.
The Venezuelan Migrant Population’s Right to Health in the Bucaramanga Metropolitan Area
Authors: Serrano Frattali Juan Pablo
Published: July 2024

Colombia has received the largest influx of Venezuelan refugees and migrants. Since 2015, more than 3 million Venezuelan migrants have entered the country. Those arriving in Cúcuta have several options for entering Colombian territory. One of the main routes involves a difficult and dangerous journey of nearly 200 km to the Metropolitan Area of Bucaramanga, which serves as a key territory for accessing various destinations. Because of its geographical location, this area serves as an important transit city, facilitating travel to other major cities in Colombia, such as Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali; it is also a residence destination for Venezuelan migrants. Among the specific reasons why immigrants choose Bucaramanga over other cities are factors like climate, the existence of various cooperation organizations that provide assistance, and the considerable number of migrant individuals previously settled in this area; thus, many new migrants have family or friendship connections there. Furthermore, for many, it is the safest option or the only place they can go to when the weather turns cold. In this study, we analyze the institutional response and identify barriers that limit the protection of Venezuelan migrants’ right to access to healthcare in this location where Venezuelan citizens have faced economic, legal, bureaucratic, and social barriers. This has profound consequences for migrants’ health and poses a risk to their lives. The article is primarily based on interviews and fieldwork conducted with migrant populations between 2022 and 2023 to identify the barriers and supporting elements they experienced in terms of health care services. Likewise, this study makes a significant contribution by directly examining the experiences of Venezuelan migrants in relation to the right to health in this area. This provides a useful understanding of the social phenomenon at both the academic and institutional levels.
Comparative analysis of SPI, SPEI, and RDI indices for assessing spatio-temporal variation of drought in Türkiye
Authors: Öz Fatma Yaman , Özelkan Emre , Tatlı Hasan
Published: July 2024

This research presents a comprehensive drought analysis using climate data obtained from 219 homogeneously distributed meteorological stations in Türkiye between 1991 and 2022. In this context, Standard Precipitation Index (SPI), Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) and Reconnaissance Drought Index (RDI) drought indices were used and comparative analysis was made. Türkiye. The study demonstrates that below-normal precipitation over extended periods and increasing temperatures have contributed to the increased frequency of meteorological drought events. Türkiye's topographic conditions, particularly its location in the Mediterranean basin, significantly influence drought occurrences. It is noted that over the past 20 years, Türkiye has been trending towards drier conditions, with rising temperatures reinforcing this trend. The study observes that the moderate drought class range is the most frequently recurring in the SPI, SPEI, and RDI methods utilized. Regarding atmospheric conditions affecting the climate in Türkiye, it is observed that increased drought severity stands out prominently in years when the North Atlantic Oscillation is positive. During these years, increased drought severity is evident in the SPI, SPEI, and RDI indices, particularly in winter and autumn, while a wide area experiences drought effects in the summer months. Long-term analyses emphasize that drought periods occur less frequently but have more prolonged impacts, attributed to variations in precipitation patterns from year to year and the influence of rising temperatures due to global climate change. The potential future increase in drought in the Mediterranean basin due to global climate change and Türkiye's vulnerability to this situation could have adverse effects on water resources, food security, energy sources, and ecosystems.
Development and validation of a neoadjuvant chemotherapy pathological complete remission model based on Reg IV expression in breast cancer tissues: a clinical retrospective study
Authors: Wei Jiao-fei , Li Fan , Lin Jia-wen , Dou Zi-ang , Li Shu-qin , Shen Jun
Published: July 2024

Objective

To develop and authenticate a neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) pathological complete remission (pCR) model based on the expression of Reg IV within breast cancer tissues with the objective to provide clinical guidance for precise interventions.

Method

Data relating to 104 patients undergoing NACT were collected. Variables derived from clinical information and pathological characteristics of patients were screened through logistic regression, random forest, and Xgboost methods to formulate predictive models. The validation and comparative assessment of these models were conducted to identify the optimal model, which was then visualized and tested.

Result

Following the screening of variables and the establishment of multiple models based on these variables, comparative analyses were conducted using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, calibration curves, as well as net reclassification improvement (NRI) and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI). Model 2 emerged as the most optimal, incorporating variables such as HER-2, ER, T-stage, Reg IV, and Treatment, among others. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) for Model 2 in the training dataset and test dataset was 0.837 (0.734–0.941) and 0.897 (0.775–1.00), respectively. Decision curve analysis (DCA) and clinical impact curve (CIC) further underscored the potential applications of the model in guiding clinical interventions for patients.

Conclusion

The prediction of NACT pCR efficacy based on the expression of Reg IV in breast cancer tissue appears feasible; however, it requires further validation.
Long-Term Follow-Up before and during Riluzole Treatment in Six Patients from Two Families with Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 7
Authors: Suppiej Agnese , Ceccato Chiara , Tzekov Radouil , Cermakova Iveta , Parmeggiani Francesco , Bellucci Gianmarco , Salvetti Marco , Zesiewicz Theresa , Ristori Giovanni , Romano Silvia
Published: July 2024

Background

Currently no curative treatment exists for spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs). Riluzole repurposing was proposed as a symptomatic treatment in different types of cerebellar ataxia. We report a long-term-follow up under riluzole treatment in SCA type 7.

Methods

Six patients received Riluzole 50 mg twice daily on a compassionate use program for a mean of 4.8 years (range 3.5-9). We measured ataxia onset and progression through the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA), and collected extensive ophthalmological data before and after Riluzole treatment. Electrocardiogram and laboratory profile for drug safety were performed every six months.

Results

Riluzole treatment showed no effect on visual function in two patients with an advanced retinal damage. Improvements of visual function occurred in four patients followed by ophthalmologic stability up to 5 years after starting treatment. Two patients had a less steep deterioration of ataxia after treatment compared to pre-treatment, during the first 2,5 years of therapy. One showed soon after therapy an improvement of the SARA score, and then overall stability lasting 3,5 years, followed by ataxia worsening. One visually impaired patient without neurological impairment did not worse until the last visit after 3,5 years of follow-up. The remaining 2 patients showed an improvement of SARA scores soon after therapy, and an overall stability lasting respectively 5 and 3 years. No adverse event was registered during the observation period.

Discussion

This study suggests a possible beneficial action of Riluzole in SCA7 and provides a detailed description of the ophthalmologic profile of these patients.
Evaluating Human-Care Robot Services for the Elderly: An Experimental Study
Authors: Cho Miyoung , Kim Dohyung , Jang Minsu , Lee Jaeyeon , Kim Jaehong , Yun Woo-han , Yoon Youngwoo , Jang Jinhyeok , Park Chankyu , Ko Woo-Ri , Jang Jaeyoon , Yoon Ho-Sub , Lee Daeha , Jang Choulsoo
Published: July 2024

The increase in elderly population is emerging as a serious social issue. The coronavirus pandemic has increased the number of elderly people suffering from depression and loneliness owing to the lack of face-to-face activities. In this study, we developed an integrated system for the human-care robot service, considering cognitive and emotional support for elderly people, and verified its stability and usefulness in the real world. We recruited 40 elderly people for an apartment testbed environment experiment and two elderly people living alone for a long time participated in the experiment at their homes. Quantitative experimental results were analyzed by comparing service success rates and user satisfaction in two different test environments to verify the stability of the service. Qualitative evaluations were also conducted through surveys and interviews to assess the usefulness of the service.
Effects of Edge Radius and Coating Thickness on the Cutting Performance of AlCrN-Coated Tool
Authors: Malekan Mohammad , Ilvig Charlotte F. , Aghababaei Ramin
Published: July 2024

High-speed machining is a practical way to attain high productivity with lower costs. Under this condition, the tool geometry needs to be optimized to sustain high cutting forces and temperatures. The sharpness of the cutting edge and the coating thickness (CT) are two key parameters that affect the tool’s performance. While a sharp edge eases the cutting process, it causes a high stress concentration, which increases the wear rate and eventual edge fracture. In this study, we use a combination of finite element simulations and experimental testing to evaluate the effects of CT ( 1–3 μm), edge radius ($$r_{\beta }$$

r
β

, 6–15 μm), and coefficient of friction ($$\upmu = 0 - 0.2$$

μ
=
0
-
0.2

) on the stress distribution at the cutting edge. Our simulations showed that the larger the CT, the higher the stress magnitude inside the coating, but the lower the maximum stress depth percentile. Considering an industrial case of cutting steel workpieces using AlCrN-coated tungsten carbide tools under given cutting parameters, our simulations suggested an optimum CT of 3 μm. By manufacturing a series of milling tools with different CTs and edge radii, we validated the simulation results using a set of well-controlled milling experiments. Finally, the edge radius should be selected considering the size of rake/flank angle mainly to control stress distribution over the cutting edge.
Chemotherapy’s effects on autophagy in the treatment of Hodgkin’s lymphoma: a scoping review
Authors: Wahyudianingsih Roro , Sanjaya Ardo , Jonathan Timothy , Pranggono Emmy Hermiyanti , Achmad Dimyati , Hernowo Bethy Suryawathy
Published: July 2024

Background

Classical Hodgkin Lymphomas (HL) are a unique malignant growth with an excellent initial prognosis. However, 10–30% of patients will still relapse after remission. One primary cellular function that has been the focus of tumor progression is autophagy. This process can preserve cellular homeostasis under stressful conditions. Several studies have shown that autophagy may play a role in developing HL. Therefore, this review aimed to explore chemotherapy’s effect on autophagy in HL, and the effects of autophagy on HL.

Methods

A scoping review in line with the published PRISMA extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR) was conducted. A literature search was conducted on the MEDLINE database and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL). All results were retrieved and screened, and the resulting articles were synthesized narratively.

Results

The results showed that some cancer chemotherapy also induces autophagic flux. Although the data on HL is limited, since the mechanisms of action of these drugs are similar, we can infer a similar relationship. However, this increased autophagy activity may reflect a mechanism for increasing tumor growth or a cellular compensation to inhibit its growth. Although evidence supports both views, we argued that autophagy allowed cancer cells to resist cell death, mainly due to DNA damage caused by cytotoxic drugs.

Conclusion

Autophagy reflects the cell’s adaptation to survive and explains why chemotherapy generally induces autophagy functions. However, further research on autophagy inhibition is needed as it presents a viable treatment strategy, especially against drug-resistant populations that may arise from HL chemotherapy regimens.
Efficacy and safety of tislelizumab plus bacillus-calmette guérin with or without chemotherapy as a bladder-sparing treatment for high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder urothelial cancer: a real-world study
Authors: Wu Peng , Zhang Wei , Hu Wei , Cao Yitong , Wang Jia , Yu Lei
Published: July 2024

Background

Despite adequate transurethral resection of the bladder tumor (TURBT) followed by intravesical bacillus-calmette guérin (BCG), high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (HR-NMIBC) is associated with high rates of recurrence and progression. Immune checkpoint inhibitors can improve antitumor activity in bladder cancer, but relevant evidence in HR-NMIBC is limited. Thus, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of the tislelizumab-based combination regimen in HR-NMIBC.

Methods

A retrospective study included 21 patients diagnosed with HR-NMIBC between July 2020 and September 2022. All patients underwent TURBT followed by combination regimens of tislelizumab plus BCG with or without gemcitabine/cisplatin (GC) chemotherapy. Clinical Data on demographics and characteristics, treatment information, outcomes, and safety were collected and analyzed.

Results

Among the 21 patients with HR-NMIBC, the median age was 63 years (range 39–85), with the majority of patients with stage T1 (16/21, 76.19%). The median treatment of tislelizumab was 5 cycles (range 1–12) and the median number of BCG instillations was 12 times (range 2–19). Of the 21 patients, 15 (71.43%) received combination chemotherapy with GC, with a median treatment of 2 cycles (range 0–7); others did not. Overall, after the median follow-up of 25 months (range 7–31), the estimated 2-year bladder recurrence-free survival rate was 78.64% (95% confidence intervals [CIs], 50.79–91.83%), 2-year cystectomy-free survival rate was 83.00% (95% CI 53.53–94.59%), and 2-year disease-free survival rate was 73.39% (95% CI 46.14–88.36%). Sixteen stage T1 patients achieved a distant metastasis-free survival rate of 95.45% (95% CI 71.87–99.34%) at 2 years. Fourteen (66.67%) patients experienced at least one treatment related-AEs (TRAEs), with 9.52% (2/21) of grade 3–4. Grade ≥ 3 TRAEs were hypophysitis (1/21, 4.76%) and myasthenia (1/21, 4.76%). No treatment-related deaths were observed.

Conclusions

The study demonstrated promising clinical benefits and a manageable safety profile of tislelizumab-based combination regimen as a bladder-sparing treatment of HR-NMIBC.
Mitochondrial Adaptation in Skeletal Muscle: Impact of Obesity, Caloric Restriction, and Dietary Compounds
Authors: Jun Lauren , Tao Ya-Xiong , Geetha Thangiah , Babu Jeganathan Ramesh
Published: July 2024

Purpose of Review

The global obesity epidemic has become a major public health concern, necessitating comprehensive research into its adverse effects on various tissues within the human body. Among these tissues, skeletal muscle has gained attention due to its susceptibility to obesity-related alterations. Mitochondria are primary source of energy production in the skeletal muscle. Healthy skeletal muscle maintains constant mitochondrial content through continuous cycle of synthesis and degradation. However, obesity has been shown to disrupt this intricate balance. This review summarizes recent findings on the impact of obesity on skeletal muscle mitochondria structure and function. In addition, we summarize the molecular mechanism of mitochondrial quality control systems and how obesity impacts these systems.

Recent Findings

Recent findings show various interventions aimed at mitigating mitochondrial dysfunction in obese model, encompassing strategies including caloric restriction and various dietary compounds.

Obesity has deleterious effect on skeletal muscle mitochondria by disrupting mitochondrial biogenesis and dynamics. Caloric restriction, omega-3 fatty acids, resveratrol, and other dietary compounds enhance mitochondrial function and present promising therapeutic opportunities.
Artificial neural network for predicting the performance of waste polypropylene plastic-derived carbon nanotubes
Authors: Modekwe H. U. , Akintola A. T. , Ayeleru O. O. , Mamo M. A. , Daramola M. O. , Moothi K.
Published: July 2024

In this study, an artificial neural network model using function fitting neural networks was developed to describe the yield and quality of multi-walled carbon nanotubes deposited over NiMo/CaTiO3 catalyst using waste polypropylene plastics as cheap hydrocarbon feedstock using a single-stage chemical vapour deposition technique. The experimental dataset was developed using a user-specific design with four numeric factors (input variable): synthesis temperature, furnace heating rate, residence time, and carrier gas (nitrogen) flow rate to control the performance (yield and quality) of produced carbon nanotubes. Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm was utilized in training, validating, and testing the experimental dataset. The predicted model gave a considerable correlation coefficient (R) value close to 1. The presented model would be of remarkable benefit to successfully describe and predict the performance of polypropylene-derived carbon nanotubes and show how the predictive variables could affect the response variables (quality and yield) of carbon nanotubes.
An Examination of John Henryism in Adults Living with Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: Abdallah Khadijah E. , Cooper Kayla E. , Buscetta Ashley J. , Ramirez Hasmin C. , Neighbors Harold W. , Bonham Vence L.
Published: July 2024

Background

John Henryism (JH) is a behavioral predisposition for high-effort coping with adversity. JH has been associated with hypertension in Black Americans with low socioeconomic status (SES) and is also found to be associated with psychological well-being. Sickle cell disease (SCD), a rare genetic disease largely affecting Black Americans in the United States, presents as a chronic condition that may benefit from a deeper understanding of the impact of JH on overall health.

Purpose

This study examined the association between high and low JH and diastolic blood pressure, systolic blood pressure, hypertension prevalence, and sleep function. We relied on the biopsychosocial transaction model to adjust for relevant clinical and sociodemographic variables.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional secondary analysis of 274 adults with SCD living in the United States and recruited between 2014 and 2020. Study visits consisted of physical examinations, medical history, demographic, and psychosocial questionnaires. Adjusted linear regressions estimated associations between high and low JH and diastolic and systolic blood pressure as well as self-reported sleep function. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine associations with hypertension prevalence.

Results

High JH was significantly associated with lower diastolic blood pressure (β =  − 2.98; 95% confidence interval =  − 5.92, − 0.04) but higher sleep dysfunction (β = 2.76; 95% confidence interval = 1.45, 4.07).

Conclusions

Overall, we found positive psychological coping resources associated with high JH, with the exception of sleep.

Trial Registration.

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02156102.
Highly Efficient Back-End-of-Line Compatible Flexible Si-Based Optical Memristive Crossbar Array for Edge Neuromorphic Physiological Signal Processing and Bionic Machine Vision
Authors: Kumar Dayanand , Li Hanrui , Kumbhar Dhananjay D. , Rajbhar Manoj Kumar , Das Uttam Kumar , Syed Abdul Momin , Melinte Georgian , El-Atab Nazek
Published: July 2024

The emergence of the Internet-of-Things is anticipated to create a vast market for what are known as smart edge devices, opening numerous opportunities across countless domains, including personalized healthcare and advanced robotics. Leveraging 3D integration, edge devices can achieve unprecedented miniaturization while simultaneously boosting processing power and minimizing energy consumption. Here, we demonstrate a back-end-of-line compatible optoelectronic synapse with a transfer learning method on health care applications, including electroencephalogram (EEG)-based seizure prediction, electromyography (EMG)-based gesture recognition, and electrocardiogram (ECG)-based arrhythmia detection. With experiments on three biomedical datasets, we observe the classification accuracy improvement for the pretrained model with 2.93% on EEG, 4.90% on ECG, and 7.92% on EMG, respectively. The optical programming property of the device enables an ultra-low power (2.8 × 10−13 J) fine-tuning process and offers solutions for patient-specific issues in edge computing scenarios. Moreover, the device exhibits impressive light-sensitive characteristics that enable a range of light-triggered synaptic functions, making it promising for neuromorphic vision application. To display the benefits of these intricate synaptic properties, a 5 × 5 optoelectronic synapse array is developed, effectively simulating human visual perception and memory functions. The proposed flexible optoelectronic synapse holds immense potential for advancing the fields of neuromorphic physiological signal processing and artificial visual systems in wearable applications.
Modelling of phase transformations occurring in the process of austempered ductile iron manufacturing
Authors: Olejarczyk-Wożeńska Izabela , Mrzygłód Barbara , Adrian Henryk
Published: July 2024

The paper presents mathematical models and their implementation in C # language describing the phase transformations occurring in the process of austempered ductile iron (ADI) manufacture. The research includes two main stages: austenitization and isothermal holding at the bainitic range. The influence of free energy of austenite and ferrite on transformations was taken into account. Parameters of models were identified based on inverse analysis and experimental research. As part of the research, verification and validation of the developed models was carried out based on the results of experimental research. The tool developed and implemented enables the analysis of phase transformations occurring during heat treatment with isothermal holding of ductile iron with Ni addition.
Cellular Senescence-Related Long Non-coding RNA Signatures Predict Prognosis in Juvenile Osteosarcoma
Authors: Zhao Peng , Chang Junli , Chen YeKai , Sun Xingyuan , Ma Xiaoping , Zhou Chujie , Zhou Lei , Wang Yongjun , Yang Yanping
Published: July 2024

Osteosarcoma is the most common malignant bone tumor and is frequently diagnosed in juvenile. Cellular senescence is a fundamental hallmark of osteosarcoma and plays a vital role in the initiation and progression of aging and tumorigenesis. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are implicated in tumorigenesis. In this study, six cellular senescence-related lncRNAs with independent prognostic significance in juvenile osteosarcoma patients were identified through univariate Cox regression analysis, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis, and multivariate Cox regression analysis. Prognostic significance was further confirmed by Kaplan–Meier (KM) survival curves, co-expression interaction networks, and sankey diagrams. A prognostic model of cellular senescence-related genes in juvenile osteosarcoma patients was then constructed using multivariate Cox regression analysis based on these six genes. High- and low-risk groups were identified according to the median risk score calculated by the prognostic model. The favorable prognostic significance of this model was demonstrated through survival curves, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, distribution scatter plots and lncRNA expression heatmaps. Furthermore, cellular senescence-related lncRNAs were validated by enrichment analysis, immunological correlation analysis, m6A correlation analysis, and drug sensitivity correlation analysis. These findings are important for improving the prognosis of juvenile osteosarcoma patients and understanding the mechanisms underlying cellular senescence in juvenile osteosarcoma development.
Integrating classical Chinese philosophy with (Kantian) pragmatist metaphysics: comments on JeeLoo Liu’s essay
Authors: Pihlström Sami
Published: July 2024

This paper is a brief comment on JeeLoo Liu’s interpretation of classical Chinese philosophy, especially Wang Yangming’s (1472–1529) views, in terms of pragmatist metaphysics primarily drawn from William James and Hilary Putnam. Liu’s reading of Wang Yangming both in the context of the Chinese tradition and in relation to pragmatism is most welcome as a novel contribution to comparative and intercultural philosophy. However, in such comparisons, we also have to be careful to avoid anachronistically attributing, e.g., Kantian and/or pragmatist ideas to earlier thinkers coming from a very different cultural context.
Carbon materials in current zinc ion energy storage devices towards sustainability
Authors: Yang Yujiao , Xiao Yiyang , Nie Xiaoxin , Yao Meng , Liang Hanfeng , Yuan Du
Published: July 2024

Emerging energy storage devices are vital approaches towards peak carbon dioxide emissions. Zinc-ion energy storage devices (ZESDs), including zinc ion capacitors and zinc ion batteries, are being intensely pursued due to their abundant resources, economic effectiveness, high safety, and environmental friendliness. Carbon materials play their important role in the development of ZESDs, from cathode, electrolyte, to metallic Zn anode. Though thrilling development has been achieved in ZESDs, they still face the challenges of unsatisfactory capacity and kinetics for cathode, and irreversibility and low utilization rate of Zn anode. Hence, the roles of carbon materials in ZESDs are systematically discussed, starting with investigating carbons with different dimensions as cathodes and the corresponding strategies to improve their performance. Also, carbons as coatings or skeletons for other types of cathode materials are introduced. Besides, the functions of carbons in electrolyte development are explored. Further, the influence of carbon materials on Zn anode is elucidated with the corresponding operational mechanisms. Finally, an outlook for carbon materials in ZESDs is provided. We envision the presented minireview can pay way on exploring novel carbon research towards next-generation energy storage technologies.