bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emerging trends in oncology: a comprehensive literature review
Authors: Eskandar Kirolos
Published: September 2024

Recent decades have witnessed remarkable advancements in the field of oncology, with innovations spanning from novel immunotherapies to precision medicine approaches tailored to individual tumor profiles. This comprehensive literature review explores emerging trends in oncology, encompassing diverse topics such as the genomic landscape of cancer, the advent of liquid biopsies for non-invasive diagnostics, and the intricate interplay between cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment. Additionally, this review delves into the transformative potential of artificial intelligence and machine learning in cancer research and clinical decision-making. Furthermore, it addresses critical issues including cancer epidemiology, disparities in access to care, and strategies for optimizing cancer survivorship and quality of life. By synthesizing recent research findings and highlighting key developments, this review aims to provide a holistic perspective on the evolving landscape of oncology, offering insights that may guide future research directions and enhance patient care outcomes.
The Effect of n
Authors:   , Downes Marley , Gogotsi Yury , May Steven J.
Published: September 2024

Since their discovery in 2011, the MXene family has rapidly expanded to include nearly 50 unique MXenes. With each new MXene comes unique combinations of properties including high metallic conductivity, high volumetric capacitance, biocompatibility, along with their excellent electrochromic and plasmonic behavior. However, a question that has been raised since their discovery has been: What is the effect of n? In other words, how does the number of layers affect MXene properties? Despite the wide range of synthesized MXenes, there exists no chemistry than spans more than two configurations, limiting the direct study of structure-property relationships in MXenes. This thesis focuses on the synthesis and characterization of new MXenes with the goal of establishing trends of structure-property relationships. To achieve this, first a protocol is established to ensure uniform synthesis across MXenes for more accurate comparison. Next, MXenes in the (Mo2/3V1/3)n+1CnTx (n = 1, 2, 3) system are synthesized, characterized, and their optical, colloidal, electronic, magnetic, and electrochemical properties are explored. Finally, to establish the smallest group of MXenes, the M5X4 family, two new MXenes, Ti2.5Ta2.5C4Tx and Ti2.675Nb2.325C4Tx, are synthesized, characterized, and the properties of this new system explored. Through this, this thesis will provide an overview of MXene structure-property relationships and help guide the discovery and application of future MXenes.
Production Efficiency in Company with Small Series Production
Authors: Daneshjo Naqib , Malega Peter , Dudáš Pajerská Erika
Published: September 2024

This paper elaborates the manufacturing process and efficiency in detail – what influenced the production systems in the past but also what they expect in the future. Also, the individual criteria according to which we can break down the production and the factors acting on it. The main efficiency calculation technique is the overall efficiency of the OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) and its extension. There are clearly defined terms such as productivity, efficiency and effectiveness. The aim of this work is to make surface treatments more efficient, to increase savings and productivity.
Building a Concept of Entrepreneurial Control
Authors: Hanif Hanif , Rakhman Abdulah , Nurkholis Muhammad
Published: September 2024

This research aims to create a concept of entrepreneurial control with a view to building a concept of management control by interpreting socio-cultural aspects of company organization. An interpretive paradigm by means of ethnographic method was employed in this research. Finding of the research reveals a concept of entrepreneurial control that is a controlling model conducted by entrepreneur-directors by involving the socio-cultural aspects to encourage the employees in order to achieve maximum company performance. This is implemented by creating a unique policy on compensation that a profit sharing has composition of 10:7:3, which is proportionally shared respectively among employees, investors, and entrepreneur-directors.
Design and Performance of an Automatic Egg Sorting System Based on Computer Vision
Authors: Alikhanov Jakhfer , M. Penchev Stanislav , D. Georgieva Tsvetelina , Moldazhanov Aidar , Kulmakhambetova Akmaral , Shynybay Zhandos , Stefanov Emil , Daskalov Plamen I.
Published: September 2024

An automatic system for eggs sorting by indirect weight and shape assessment using computer vision is presented in the paper. Some basic geometric parameters of the eggs, namely: minor and major axis, area and perimeter, shape factor and shape index, are obtained using image processing algorithms. The weight is assessed from the geometric parameters using a regression model. The sorting accuracy of the proposed system is evaluated for two transport conveyors speeds, corresponding to 2 and 3 eggs per second. It is found that the overall sorting accuracy in each case is 94.6% and 90.3% respectively.
Tailoring Empirical Inquiry in Physics to Pupils’ Needs according to their Knowledge about Density and Statistical Literacy
Authors: Valovičová Ľubomíra , Medová Janka
Published: September 2024

In this paper three orchestrations of the pupils’ investigation concerning the concept of density are described. Three different groups of children (pre-school children, pupil of grade 2 and grade 4) were inquired about the differences of densities regarding the various kinds of candies. The substantial environment allowed an experienced teacher to tailor the investigations according to the needs, particularly the knowledge about density and statistical literacy of participating children.
Synchronization of chaotic oscillators by means of periodic modulation of the coupling coefficient
Authors:   Yuri Gagarin State Technical University of Saratov, Astakhov Vladimir , Shabunin Aleksej ,   Saratov State University
Published: September 2024

We investigate synchronization of oscillators with chaos by high frequency periodic modulation of the coupling coefficient. As models we use non—autonomous nonlinear oscillators and Chua’s self—oscillators coupled via а capacity. For the non—autonomous oscillators regions of stability of in—phase oscillations were determined both analytically and in numeric experiment. Phenomena of stabilization of synchronous motions in the self-oscillators were investigated by numeric experiments. Bosides low—dimensional systems we consider the spatial synchronization in а chain of coupled oscillators with periodic boundary conditions. The effect of synchronization is investigated in dependence on the number of elements in the chain. We show that spatial synchronization by parametric modulation of the coupling takes place only in chains of finite length.
Current Issues of Pledge of Exclusive Rights to Intellectual Property Objects
Authors:   Senior Lecturer, Postgraduate Student of the A.S. Griboyedov Moscow University, Samoylov Igor N.
Published: September 2024

Additional financing opportunities for high-tech companies are opened by the pledge of exclusive rights (IP) to intellectual property objects (IPOs). The article describes some problematic issues related to the pledge of IP on the IPO in the Russian Federation when lending. The positive aspects of lending secured by IP on the IPO for a credit institution are considered. The author aims to analyze the reasons for the low interest of banks in providing loans to borrowers secured by IP on the IPO, unlike traditional assets.
Environmental Culture as an Important Component in Exercising Citizens’ Environmental Rights
Authors:   Associate Professor of the Department of State and Legal Disciplines of the Kazan Branch of the Russian State University of Justice, PhD (Law), Yun Larisa V.
Published: September 2024

The article is devoted to the study of environmental culture as one of the key components in the implementation of environmental rights of citizens. The author focuses his attention on the fact that it is necessary to determine the basic criteria in determining the definition of ecological culture with the help of which it will be possible to increase its level in Russian society. Ecological culture cannot be considered separately from ecological consciousness and education of citizens. All three components play an important role in shaping the need to live in a favorable environment.
The effects of electronic word of mouth (e-WOM) on tourists’ decisions to visit the Magetan Refugia Garden (indigenous tree flora) in the COVID-19 pandemic era
Authors: Hapsari Vania Dwike , Riptanti Erlyna Wida , Khomah Isti
Published: September 2024

The internet of things (IoT) era has seen the flow of information evolving from word of mouth (WOM) to electronic word of mouth (e-WOM). One example of e-WOM’s role in the tourism sector is agrotourism in the Magetan Refugia Garden (MRG) in Indonesia. The purpose of establishing this agrotourism site is to control pests in the area, but which has both agricultural and tourism functions. Since the COVID-19 pandemic has lessened the number of visitors, a strategy to enhance the number of visits is required. This study aims to figure out how e-WOM influences visitors’ decisions to come. A basic descriptive-analytical approach was employed in conjunction with a survey technique, with a purposive sampling method utilized to gather the research sample (a total of 140 respondents). The results of the questionnaire were checked using structural equation modeling-partial least squares (SEM-PLS). The findings have revealed that e-WOM has a negligible direct effect on the decision to visit this tourist destination. It is assumed that other factors therefore influence shifts in behavior due to the COVID-19 epidemic, such as uncertain public health and finances which have a negative impact on the number of tourists visiting the Magetan Refugia Garden.
Análisis de la Gestión del Riesgo de Desastres en el departamento de Piura para hacer frente al Fenómeno El Niño
Authors: Prada-Álvarez Aldair Edison , Arrieta-Padilla Hector Lewis
Published: September 2024

La investigación tiene como objetivo describir la gestión del riesgo de desastres del departamento de Piura para hacer frente al fenómeno de El Niño. El enfoque empleado fue cualitativo ya que se basó principalmente en la recolección de información sobre los daños y pérdidas provocados por este fenómeno; la identificación de zonas y elementos expuestos (población, viviendas e infraestructura) susceptibles ante inundaciones y movimientos en masa asociados a lluvias por este evento, así como del gasto público respecto a la reducción de la vulnerabilidad y atención de emergencias por desastres naturales de cada provincia del departamento de Piura en el año 2023; adicionalmente, se propusieron medidas para el fortalecimiento de la resiliencia alineadas a las actividades y proyectos de inversión que puedan llevarse a cabo en Piura. Las provincias que presentaron la mayor cantidad de puntos críticos con mayor potencialidad de ocurrencia de inundaciones fueron Sullana, Morropón, Paita y Piura. Asimismo, en un escenario de riesgo por inundaciones ante lluvias asociadas al fenómeno El Niño, las provincias que presentan elementos expuestos (centros poblados, población, viviendas, entre otras infraestructuras) en nivel alto a muy alto de susceptibilidad frente a inundaciones fueron Piura, Morropón, Sullana y Sechura, mientras que, las provincias de Ayabaca y Huancabamba presentan elementos expuestos en nivel alto y muy alto de susceptibilidad ante movimientos en masa. Adicionalmente, de todas las provincias del departamento de Piura, Talara y Sechura ejecutaron menos del 80% del presupuesto asignado para el año 2023. Respecto a la ejecución del presupuesto en proyectos de inversión, solo las provincias de Piura y Ayabaca han ejecutado más del 80% del presupuesto designado para tal fin.
Diagnóstico da fragmentação florestal da bacia do rio Buranhém – extremo-sul da Bahia: métricas e conectividade da paisagem
Authors: Pinheiro Caroline de Morais , Pinheiro João Gabriel de Moraes
Published: September 2024

O presente trabalho possui o objetivo principal da realizar o diagnóstico ambiental da fragmentação florestal da BH do rio Buranhém localizado no Extremo-Sul do estado da Bahia, utilizando-se das geotecnologias e métricas da paisagem sob a ótica da ecologia da paisagem. Inicialmente, dividiu-se a bacia em três áreas visando quantificar qual área possui maior número de fragmentos. Para análise da fragmentação da paisagem, utilizou-se imagens do satélite Sentinel-2 na qual a partir da classificação supervisionada foi possível mapear e quantificar os fragmentos florestais. Posteriormente calculou-se o Índice de Circularidade (IC) para mensurar os fragmentos mais suscetíveis aos efeitos de borda. Dos 22.453 fragmentos mapeados 94,8% são menores que 5 ha. Na área 2 existe a maior concentração de fragmentos florestais, sendo estes superiores a 250 hectares, relativo ao efeito de borda a maioria (74,2%) dos fragmentos possuem baixa suscetibilidade ao efeito de borda. Dessa forma, conclui-se que a vegetação da mata atlântica se encontra bastante fragmentada na bacia, com a expansão da matriz pastagem, caso medidas de planejamento e proteção ambiental não sejam implementadas, a tendência dos fragmentos maiores é estar mais suscetível ao efeito de borda.
Impact du régime hydrique et de la gestion des récoltes sur la quantité et la qualité du fourrage herbacé dans l’écosystème sahélien au Sénégal
Authors: N'goran Ange-Jokébed Adjoua , Ndiaye Ousmane , Diatta Ousmane , Ngom Daouda , Diatta Sékouna , Gebremedhn Haftay Hailu , Fassinou Cofélas , Bonnal Laurent , Bastianelli Denis , Salgado Paulo , Taugourdeau Simon
Published: September 2024

Le climat et la fauche influencent la production fourragère au Sahel. Cependant, l’effet combiné de ces paramètres reste à évaluer. Cette étude vise à évaluer l’effet conjoint de la pluviométrie et des pratiques de fauche sur la quantité et la qualité des fourrages. Des échantillons de phytomasse ont été prélevés au cours et à la fin de la saison des pluies 2021 par coupe intégrale sur 68 parcelles : 20 parcelles avec différents régimes hydriques et 48 parcelles avec différentes quantités d’eau combinées à différentes hauteurs et périodes de fauche. Les valeurs de la phytomasse sèche étaient respectivement comprise entre 2 932,2 ± 1 672,1 et 6 383,6 ± 2 962,6 kg/ha, 2 397,7 ± 6 263,4 et 15 059,2 ± 9 782,9 kg/ha pour les traitements de régime hydrique et du cumul de phytomasse fauchée. Le taux de cellulose brute (en % de Matière sèche) était compris entre 5,5 ± 0,9 % et 6,4 ± 1,2 %. La matière azotée digestible a varié entre 21,8 ± 67,96 et 67,2 ± 15,8 %. Quelle que soit la quantité d’eau reçue, des quantités et qualités équivalentes de fourrages ont été produites par les parcelles non fauchées et celles fauchées au début du cycle de développement des espèces. Pour une fauche à 0 ou 5 cm au-dessus du sol, la quantité de phytomasse était la même. Les parcelles fauchées au stade de fructification des espèces ont produit des fourrages composés de jeunes plantes en quantités plus faibles et de bonne qualité. La quantité et la qualité de fourrage herbacé en fin de saison des pluies ont surtout été influencées par le stade phénologique. Les programmes de gestion des ressources fourragères devront privilégier des périodes et hauteurs de coupe permettant une couverture optimale du sol afin de réduire les risques d’érosion.
PENGARUH STRATEGI PEMASARAN PASCA PANDEMI COVID-19 TERHADAP MINAT NASABAH MENABUNG DI BANK BSI MATARAM
Authors: Sukmana Abdul Hadi
Published: September 2024

This study aims to determine the influence of product, price, promotion and place factors on customers' interest in saving at Bank BSI Mataram. Data collection using a questionnaire. The analysis model is multiple regression analysis. The results showed that the factors of product, price, promotion, and distribution jointly affect the intention to save customers with a coefficient of determination R Square of 0.596. Product partially influences customer saving intention with a coefficient value of 0.343, price partially influences customer saving intention with a coefficient value of 0.149, promotion partially influences customer saving interest with a coefficient value of 0.208 and location partially influences customer saving intention with coefficient value of 0.200. So this research shows that marketing strategies are an integral part of the banking world to get customers interested in saving in these banks.
A microbial symphony: a literature review of the factors that orchestrate the colonization dynamics of the human colonic microbiome during infancy and implications for future health
Authors: Horwell Edward , Bearn Philip , Cutting Simon M.
Published: September 2024

Since the advent of new sequencing and bioinformatic technologies, our understanding of the human microbiome has expanded rapidly over recent years. Numerous studies have indicated causal links between alterations to the microbiome and a range of pathological conditions. Furthermore, a large body of epidemiological data is starting to suggest that exposure, or lack thereof, to specific microbial species during the first five years of life has key implications for long-term health outcomes. These include chronic inflammatory and metabolic conditions such as diabetes, asthma, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and obesity, with the effects lasting into adulthood. Human microbial colonisation during these first five years of life is a highly dynamic process, with multiple environmental exposures recently being characterised to have influence before the microbiome stabilises and resembles that of an adult at 3-5 years. This short period of time, known as the window of opportunity, appears to “prime” immunoregulation for later life. Understanding and appreciating this aspect of human physiology is therefore crucial for clinicians, scientists, and public health officials. This review outlines the most recent evidence for the pre- and post-natal environments that order the development of the microbiome, how these influences metabolic and immunoregulatory pathways, and their associated health outcomes. It also discusses the limitations of the current knowledge base, and describes the potential microbiome-mediated interventions and public health measures that may have therapeutic potential in the future.
The development and progression of low-grade serous ovarian carcinoma
Authors: Wong Kwong-Kwok , Gershenson David M.
Published: September 2024

Low-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (LGSOC) is found more frequently than high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma in younger women. This rare subtype represents about 5–10% of all serous ovarian cancers and is not as sensitive to chemotherapy as high-grade serous cancer. New alternative treatments are emerging from recent clinical trials, and additional clinical trials confirming the clinical benefit of these treatments are ongoing. However, a lack of deep understanding of the development and progression of LGSOC is a major bottleneck in the development of novel therapeutic strategies. This review summarizes our current understanding of the progression and development of LGSOC, including findings from recent genomic and proteomic studies. Continuing to investigate the origins of LGSOC, including its potential precursors, will enable us to develop strategies to inhibit the development and progression of this devastating disease.
A Systematic Review of Aphantasia: Concept, Measurement, Neural Basis, and Theory Development
Authors: Jin Feiyang , Hsu Shen-Mou , Li Yu
Published: September 2024

People with aphantasia exhibit the inability to voluntarily generate or form mental imagery in their minds. Since the term “aphantasia” was proposed by Zeman et al. in 2015 to describe this, it has gained increasing attention from psychiatrists, neuroscientists, and clinicians. Previous studies have mainly focused on definition, prevalence, and measurement, its impacts on individuals’ cognitive and emotional processing, and theoretical frameworks synthesizing existing findings, which have contributed greatly to our understanding of aphantasia. However, there are still some debates regarding the conclusions derived from existing research and the theories that were constructed from various sources of evidence. Building upon existing endeavors, the current systematic review emphasizes that future research is much needed to refine definition and diagnosis of aphantasia, strengthen empirical investigations at behavioral and neural levels, and more importantly, develop or update theories. These multiple lines of efforts could lead to a deeper understanding of aphantasia and further guide researchers in future research directions.
A Note on Oppermann's Conjecture
Authors: Vega Frank
Published: September 2024

A prime gap is the difference between consecutive prime numbers. The $n^{\text{th}}$ prime gap, denoted $g_{n}$, is calculated by subtracting the $n^{\text{th}}$ prime from the $(n+1)^{\text{th}}$ prime: $g_{n}=p_{n+1}-p_{n}$. Oppermann's conjecture is a prominent unsolved problem in pure mathematics concerning prime gaps. Despite verification for numerous primes, a general proof remains elusive. If true, the conjecture implies that prime gaps grow at a rate bounded by $g_{n}<{\sqrt {p_{n}}}$. This note presents a proof of Oppermann's conjecture using the square root function on inequalities involving prime numbers. This proof simultaneously establishes Andrica's, Legendre's, and Brocard's conjectures.
Anthropic-Induced Variability of Greenhouse Gases and Aerosols at the WMO/GAW Coastal Site of Lamezia Terme (Calabria, Southern Italy): Towards a New Method to Assess the Weekly Distribution of Gathered Data
Authors: D’Amico Francesco , Ammoscato Ivano , Gullì Daniel , Avolio Elenio , Lo Feudo Teresa , De Pino Mariafrancesca , Cristofanelli Paolo , Malacaria Luana , Parise Domenico , Sinopoli Salvatore , De Benedetto Giorgia , Calidonna Claudia Roberta
Published: September 2024

The key towards a sustainable future is the reduction of mankind’s impact on natural systems via the development of new technologies and the improvement of source apportionment. Though days, years and seasons are arbitrarily set, their mechanisms are based on natural cycles driven by Earth’s orbital periods. This is not the case for weeks, which are a pure anthropic category and are known from literature to influence emission cycles. For the first time since it started data gathering operations, CO (carbon monoxide), CO2 (carbon dioxide), CH4 (methane) and eBC (equivalent black carbon) values detected by the Lamezia Terme WMO/GAW station in Calabria, Southern Italy have been evaluated via a two-pronged approach accounting for weekly variations in absolute concentrations, as well as the number of hourly averages exceeding select thresholds. The analyses were performed on seven continuous years of measurements, from 2016 to 2022. Moreso, the two results have been combined into a new parameter: the hereby defined WDWO (Weighed Distribution of Weekly Outbreaks) normalizes weekly trends of CO, CO2, CH4 and eBC on an absolute scale as percentages, with the scope of providing regulators and researchers alike with a new tool meant to better evaluate anthropogenic pollution and mitigate its effects.
Area-Time Efficient High-Radix Modular Inversion Algorithm and Hardware Implementation for ECC over Prime Fields
Authors: Li Yamin
Published: September 2024

Modular inversion on large operands is a time-consuming calculation used in elliptic curve cryptography. Its hardware implementation requires extensive hardware resources such as lookup tables and registers. We investigate state-of-the-art modular inversion algorithms and evaluate the performance and cost of the algorithms and their hardware implementations. We then propose a high-radix modular inversion algorithm aimed at short execution time and low hardware cost. We present a detailed radix-8 hardware implementation based on 256-bit primes in Verilog HDL and compare its cost performance with other implementations. Our implementation on the Altera Cyclone V FPGA chip uses 1227 ALMs (Adaptive logic modules) and 1037 registers. The modular inversion calculation takes 3.67 microseconds. The AT (Area time) factor is 8.30, outperforming other implementations. We also present an implementation of elliptic curve cryptography using the proposed radix-8 modular inversion algorithm. The implementation results also show that our modular inversion algorithm is more efficient in area time than other algorithms.
Observed CO, CO2, CH4, eBC, and NOx Trends during the First 2020 Lockdown at the Lamezia Terme WMO/GAW Station in Calabria, Southern Italy: New Insights on Source Apportionment and Emission Source Differentiation
Authors: D’Amico Francesco , Ammoscato Ivano , Gullì Daniel , Avolio Elenio , Lo Feudo Teresa , De Pino Mariafrancesca , Cristofanelli Paolo , Malacaria Luana , Parise Domenico , Sinopoli Salvatore , De Benedetto Giorgia , Calidonna Claudia Roberta
Published: September 2024

In 2020, the Covid-19 outbreak led many countries across the globe to introduce lockdowns (LDs) that effectively caused most anthropic activities to either stop completely or be significantly reduced. In Europe, Italy played a pioneeristic role via the early introduction of a strict nationwide LD on March 9th. This study is aimed at evaluating, using both chemical and meteorological data, the environmental response to that occurrence as observed by the Lamezia Terme (LMT) GAW/WMO station in Calabria, Southern Italy. The first 2020 lockdown has therefore been used as a “proving ground” to assess CO, CO2, CH4, eBC, and NOx concentrations in a rather unique context by exploiting the location of LMT in the context of the Mediterranean Basin. In fact, its location on the Tyrrhenian coast of Calabria and local wind circulation both lead to daily cycles where western-seaside winds depleted in anthropogenic pollutants can be easily differentiated from northeastern-continental winds, enriched in anthropogenic outputs. Furthermore, the first Italian LD occurred during the seasonal transition from Winter to Spring and, consequently, Summer, thus providing new insights on emission outputs which are normally linked to domestic heating and other forms of season-specific activities.
Long COVID as a Possible Contributor to Rising Suicide Mortality in Bharat (India): An Analysis of Suicide Trends Since the Emergence of COVID-19
Authors: Varshney Karan , Panhwar Mansoor Ahmed
Published: September 2024

Mortality due to suicide is amongst the largest public health concerns across the world today and in Bharat (India). There have been concerns that the COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to worsening mental health outcomes across the world, and in Bharat. Furthermore, long COVID has been proposed to be a major consequence of COVID-19, which can also worsen mental health outcomes. Therefore, our objective in this study was to analyse trends in suicide mortality across Bharat, and to compare these trends to changes prior to the COVID-19 pandemic; as well, we aimed to analyse if long COVID had any role in these changes. It was found that, at a national level, the average annual increase of the suicide rate between 2019 and 2022 was 0.7 per 100,000 people (6.41% increase)., There was also an average annual rise in suicide rates across 27 states/union territories (out of the 33 that were analysed). States/UTs with the highest annual increases since the start of the COVID-19, despite a decrease from 2018 to 2019, were Tamil Nadu (increase by 2.7; 15.17% increase), and Telangana (increase by 1.9; 9.22% increase), Multi-linear regression had shown that the annual suicide rate changes were not associated with COVID-19 deaths per 10,000 people (standardized beta coefficient = 0.077; p = 0.605) but were associated with COVID cases per 100 people (standardized beta coefficient = 0.578; p<0.001). It has been shown that suicide mortality has worsened, and long COVID may have a potential role in this in Bharat.
Real Life Comparative Analysis of Robotic Assisted versus Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy in a Single Centre and Single Surgeon Experience
Authors: Salciccia Stefano , Santarelli Valerio , Di PIerro Giovanni Battista , Del Giudice Francesco , Bevilacqua Giulio , Di Lascio Giovanni , Gentilucci Alessandro , Corvino Roberta , Brunelli Valentina , Basile Greta , Scornajenghi Carlo Maria , Santodirocco Lorenzo , Gobbi Luca , Rosati Davide , Moriconi Martina , Panebianco Valeria , Magliocca Fabio Massimo , Santini Daniele , Di Civita Mattia Alberto , Forte Flavio , Frisenda Marco , Franco Giorgio , Sciarra Alessandro
Published: September 2024

Background: The advantage of a robotic assisted (RARP) over a laparoscopic (LRP) approach in radical prostatectomy (RP) remains to be demonstrated. Aim of the study is to use a homogeneous population in real life and single surgeon surgery, to analyze the oncological and functional results based on the type of the surgical approach. Methods: This is a prospective trial on non-metastatic prostate cancers (PC) patients considered after multidisciplinary decision to RP, using RARP or LRP. A real-life setting was analyzed at our Urological Departments, using homogeneous criteria for the management of PC cases and a one surgeon experience on 444 cases (284 LRP and 160 RARP) .Results: Mean operative time was significantly lower in RARP (173.33±44.3 min) than in LRP (153.21±25.1 min) (p<0.001). In cases submitted to an extended lymph node dissection (eLND), the mean number of lymph nodes removed was 15.16±7.83 and 19.83±4.78 respectively in LRP and RARP procedures (p<0.001), but positive lymph nodes (pN1) were similarly found in 15.8% of LRP patients and 13.6% of RARP patients (p=0.430). Surgical margins (SM) positivity was not significantly higher in RARP group (20.0%) when compared to LRP group (15.9%) (p=0.145). During the postoperative follow-up, a biochemical recurrence (BCR) was detected in 14.4% and 7.5% of cases in the LRP and RARP group respectively (p=0.014). Better results of PAD test at 3-month interval using RARP approach (mean pad weight 75.57±122 grams and 14±42 grams respectively in LRP and RARP (p<0.01)) were described. Conclusions: In the comparison between RARP and LRP approach, a clear advantage of the robotic approach is a significant reduction in operating times, days of hospitalization and postoperative catheterization compared to laparoscopic surgery. It is not possible to describe any certain oncological advantage both in terms of surgical margins and pathological lymph nodes removed. In RARP cases a reduction to the limit of significance is described in terms of biochemical recurrence. RARP produces a more rapid recovery of urinary continence at 3 months postoperatively without significant advantages in terms of erective potency recovery.
Genome Sequencing Reveals the Potential of Enterobacter sp. strain UNJFSC003 for Hydrocarbon Bioremediation
Authors: Castillo Gianmarco , Contreras-Liza Sergio Eduardo , Arbizu Carlos I. , Rodriguez-Grados Pedro Manuel
Published: September 2024

The bioremediation induced by bacteria offers a promising alternative for the contamination of aromatic hydrocarbons, due to their metabolic processes suitable for the removal of these pollutants, as many of them are carcinogenic molecules and dangerous to human health. Our research focused on isolating a bacterium from the rhizosphere of the tara tree with the ability to degrade polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, using draft genomic sequencing and computational analysis. Enterobacter sp. strain UNJFSC 003 possesses 4,460 protein‐coding genes, 2 rRNA genes, 77 tRNA genes, and a GC content of 54.38%. A taxonomic analysis of our strain revealed that it has an average nucleotide identity of 87.8% <95%, indicating that it is a new endemic enterobacterium. Additionally, pangenomic analysis with 15 strains demonstrated that our strain has a phylogenetic relationship with strain FDAARGOS 1428 (E. cancerogenus), with a total of 381 core genes and 4,778 accessory genes. Orthologous methods predicted that strain UNJFSC 003 possesses genes with potential for use in hydrocarbon bioremediation. Genes were predicted in the subpathways for the degradation of homoprotocatechuate and phenylacetate, primarily located in the cytoplasm. Studies conducted through molecular modeling and docking revealed the affinity of the predicted proteins in the degradation of benzo[a]pyrene in the homoprotocatechuate subpathway, specifically hpcB, which has enzymatic activity as a dioxygenase, and hpcC, which functions as an aldehyde dehydrogenase. This study provides information on native strains from the Lomas de Lachay with capabilities for the bioremediation of aromatic hydrocarbons and other compounds.
Jaya-Based Optimization of Active Elements for Hybrid Relay-Reflecting Intelligent Surface-Assisted Secrecy Wireless Communications
Authors: Ayidh Abdulrahman Al
Published: September 2024

In this work, we investigate how to obtain the optimal active elements in Hybrid Relay-Reflecting Intelligent Surface (HR-RIS) systems while considering enhancing the sum rate of the communication system in the presence of malevolent eavesdropper. Therefore, when dealing with numerous elements in the HR-RIS, the complicated optimization task of activating and deactivating the active elements of RIS renders typical exhaustive search methods impracticable. Standard techniques, such as alternating optimization, often frequently converge and unfortunately become trapped in local optima, leading to less-than-ideal results. To address these issues, we suggest performing the Jaya algorithm, which modifies its search strategy in response to historical data to find a compromise between investigating novel avenues and taking advantage of well-established answers. Our simulation findings demonstrate that this strategy outperforms the most recent techniques, yielding higher sum rates with the best possible user location and robust security against eavesdropping. It’s interesting to observe that even at lower total power levels, the Jaya algorithm performs incredibly well and efficiently identifies the optimal amount of active elements. This demonstrates how it can decrease interference, increase signal quality, improve Signal-to-Interference-plus-Noise Ratio (SINR), and increase secrecy rates, opening the door for more efficient and secure wireless communication systems.
Family Functioning and Cohesion Scale: Validation of a Short Instrument for the Assessment of Intrafamily Relations
Authors: Tsoutsi Vagioula , Dikeos Dimitris
Published: September 2024

Existing scales assessing family relations are usually quite long. Our aim was to develop and validate the Family Functioning and Cohesion Scale (FFCS), a self-reported short instrument consisting of 14 items. The validation of the FFCS was based on its administration through an online platform to 481 subjects living in 46 different countries around the world. Cronbach's alpha was 0.85 (ranging from 0.83 to 0.86 if any one item was deleted), signifying high internal consistency. The scale can be considered as a sole factor based on its high consistency, while factor analysis produced three factors corresponding to “communication”, “anger/resentment/aggression” and “values and beliefs”. Test-retest reliability correlation coefficient was found to be 0.88 at a 2-week interval. As far as external validity is concerned, the correlation coefficient of the FFCS with the General Functioning subscale of the McMaster Family Assessment Device (FAD) was 0.83. The high measures of consistency, reliability, and validity of the FFCS, combined with its short length, make it an invaluable tool for use in research as well as in any professional dealing with families in the clinical fields of psychiatry, psychology, social work or any other relevant specialty.
Assessing Passenger Risks and Impact Incidents at the Platform-Train Interface: Insights from Valparaíso Metro
Authors: Seriani Sebastian , Aprigliano Vicente , Toro Catalina , Rojas Gonzalo , Achuthan Kamalasudhan
Published: September 2024

The study focused on assessing passenger risks specifically at the platform-train interface (PTI). The primary aim of this investigation is to analyze how various factors, including station design, passenger flow, and weather conditions, impact the frequency and types of incidents occurring at this critical interaction point. To achieve this, the study utilized a comprehensive data analysis approach, examining records from the Valparaiso Metro for the period of 2022-2023. During this timeframe, a total of 361 incidents were documented, providing a substantial dataset for evaluating incident patterns and their correlations with different influencing factors. The analysis revealed that incidents are notably influenced by peak hour conditions and weekdays. Specifically, the study found that crowded conditions inside the train during peak hours, which typically occur in the morning and evening rush periods, contribute significantly to the occurrence of incidents. When examining incidents occurring on the platform, the study identified that these are closely related to the type of station and the presence of stairs for station access. Conversely, stations designed with more accessible features might experience fewer such incidents. Future studies will focus on incorporating additional factors and analysing new data to provide a more comprehensive understanding of incident dynamics.
High-Resolution Land Use Land Cover Dataset for Meteorological Modelling–Part 2: ECOCLIMAP-SG-ML an Ensemble Land Cover Map
Authors: Rieutord Thomas , Bessardon Geoffrey , Gleeson Emily
Published: September 2024

While the surface of the Earth plays a key role in weather forecasting through its interaction with the atmosphere, in ensemble numerical weather predictions the uncertainty on the surface is only represented with perturbations in the parameterisations representing the surface processes. Data representing the surface, such as the land cover, are not perturbed. As fully data-driven forecasts without parameterisations are growing in importance, sampling the uncertainty on the land cover data brings a new way of making ensemble forecasts. Our work describes a method of generating ensemble land cover maps for numerical weather prediction. The target land cover map has the ECOCLIMAP-SG labels, used in the SURFEX surface model, and therefore is expected to have all relevant labels for surface-atmosphere interactions. The method translates the ESA WorldCover map to ECOCLIMAP-SG labels and resolution using auto-encoders. The land cover ensemble members are obtained by sampling the land cover probabilities in the output of the neural network. This paper builds upon the work done in a companion paper describing the high-resolution version of ECOCLIMAP-SG, called ECOCLIMAP-SG+, used for the training and evaluation of the neural network. The output map presented here, called ECOCLIMAP-SG-ML, improves upon the ECOCLIMAP-SG map in terms of resolution (from 300~m to 60~m), overall accuracy (from 0.41 to 0.63) and the ability to produce ensemble members.
A Review of Plasma Chemical Surface Treatment on Parylene for Deposition on Ionic Polymers
Authors: KHURSHEED SHARA , Moeed Dr. Khawaja , Khan Dr. Zain
Published: September 2024

The field of smart materials is attaining global industrial importance rapidly. The ionic polymer metal metaIl composites withheld there importance in this field. They are not only used as biocompatible devices but also in the field of thin and conformal bio coatings. The nafion 117 is unstable at elevated temperatures and its water intake resistance is low, so the nafion 117 is coated with the noble material to increase its thermal stability and water resistant property. The high cost of noble metal make its too costly to use in day to day applications so parylene has been used as substitute for noble metal in order to reduce the cost. The high thermal stability and water intake property if parylene make its suitable for the same. Multiple chemical treatments like plasma ionization and others have been done on the parylene coated nafion to increase its desirable properties considerably. The low adhesion rate between parylene and nafion 117 has been increased upto the certain extend by the use of ionized plasma. This paper reviewed the plasma chemical treatment of paryelene coatings for the biocompatible devices and provides an insight knowledge on classification, structure and thermal stability of the parylene coatings
Review of Power-to-Liquid (PtL) Technology for Renewable Methanol (e-MeOH): Recent Developments, Emerging Trends and Prospects for the Cement Plant Industry
Authors: Marques Luisa , Vieira Maria , Condeço José , Sousa Henrique , Henriques Carlos , Mateus Margarida
Published: September 2024

The cement industry is a significant contributor (around 8 %) to CO2 global emissions. About 60 % of emissions come from limestone calcination, essential for clinker production, while 40 % result from fuel combustion. Reducing these emissions is challenging due to limestone’s role as the primary raw material for cement. Cement plants are required to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, as outlined in the 13th United Nations Sustainable Goals. One strategy to achieve this goal, involves Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU). Among the options for CO2 utilisation, the Power-to-Liquid (PtL) strategy offers a means to mitigate CO2 emissions. In PtL, CO2 captured from cement industrial flue gas is combined with hydrogen generated by renewable electrolysis (green hydrogen) and catalytically converted into renewable methanol (e-MeOH). In this sense, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the worldwide existing pilot and demonstration units, and projects funded by EU across several industries. It specifically focuses on PtL technology worldwide within cement plants. This work covers 18 locations worldwide, detailing technology existent at plants of different capacities, location, and project partners. Finally, the review analyses techno-economic assessments related to e-MeOH production processes, highlighting the potential impact on achieving carbon neutrality in the cement industry.
Mini-Review on Recent Developments and Improvements in CO2 Catalytic Conversion to Methanol: Prospects for the Cement Plant Industry
Authors: Marques Luisa , Vieira Maria , Condeço José , Henriques Carlos , Mateus Maria
Published: September 2024

The cement industry has significant environmental impacts, stemming from natural resources extraction and fossil fuels combustion. Notably, carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are a major concern associated with cement production. The cement industry emits 0.6 tons of CO2 per ton of cement production, which is around 8 % of the total CO2 emissions in the world. Meeting the 13th United Nations Sustainable Goals, cement plants aim to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, resulting from reduction in CO2 emissions (change in the composition of cementitious materials) and the adoption of carbon capture and utilisation (CCU) technologies. A promising approach involves converting CO₂ into valuable chemicals and fuels, such as methanol (MeOH) through the power-to-liquid (PtL) technologies. In this process, CO2 captured from cement industry flue gas with hydrogen generated from renewable sources through electrolysis of water, catalytically transformed into renewable methanol (e-MeOH), offering a sustainable solution. To achieve this, it is crucial to advance the development of novel, highly efficient catalysts specifically designed for direct CO2 hydrogenation. In this sense, this review discusses recent developments and improvements in CO2 catalytic conversion, emphasizing catalyst performance, selectivity, and stability.
3D FEM Modeling of Polish Apple ‘Chopin’: Elastic vs. Elastoplastic Behavior Across Maturity Stages
Authors: Słupska Monika , Stopa Roman
Published: September 2024

The paper presents two procedures for creating 3D discrete models of apple using the finite element method (FEM). The study focused on a new Polish apple variety, Chopin at development, ripening, and senescence maturity stages. The analysis of the results allowed for the determination that, depending on the desired outcomes, the parenchymal tissue can be considered as a material with either elastic or elastoplastic properties. Model validation was performed using displacement-force relationships and changes in contact area as a function of loading force obtained from compression tests. Elastoplastic models reflect empirical studies much better. The fit of the elastic models, based on force vs. displacement curves, ranged from 79% to 83%, while the fit of the elastoplastic models to empirical data ranged from 91% to 96%. Elastic models, on the other hand, are well-suited to the modified force vs. displacement curves, which reflect the elastic behavior of apples under compression test. Contour plots of pressures for elastoplastic models align much better with the test results than those for elastic models. 4. Similarly, in the case of contact area values, the elastoplastic models outperformed the elastic models, achieving a fit between 92% and 96%, while the elastic models reached only 82% to 83% compliance.
Multimodal Optical Imaging of Ex Vivo Fallopian Tubes to Distinguish Early and Occult Tubo-Ovarian Cancers
Authors: Malone Jeanie , Tanskanen Adrian , Hill Chloe , Zuckermann Cynamon Allan , Hoang Lien , MacAulay Calum , McAlpine Jessica N. , Lane Pierre M.
Published: September 2024

There are currently no effective screening measures to detect early or occult tubo-ovarian cancers resulting in late-stage detection and high mortality. This work explores whether an optical imaging catheter can detect early-stage tubo-ovarian cancers or precursor lesions where they originate in the fallopian tubes. This device collects co-registered optical coherence tomography (OCT) and autofluorescence imaging (AFI). OCT provides three-dimensional assessment of underlying tissue structures; autofluorescence imaging provides functional contrast of endogenous fluorophores. Ex vivo fallopian tubes (n=28; n=7 cancer) are imaged; we present methods for the calculation of and analyze eleven imaging biomarkers related to fluorescence, optical attenuation, and OCT texture for their potential to detect tubo-ovarian cancers and other lesions of interest. We visualize folded plicae, vessel-like structures, tissue layering, hemosiderin deposits, and regions of fibrotic change. High grade serous ovarian carcinoma appears as reduced autofluorescence paired with homogenous OCT and reduced mean optical attenuation. Specimens containing a cancerous lesion demonstrate significant increase in median autofluorescence intensity and decrease in entropy compared specimens with no lesion. Non-cancerous specimens demonstrate an increase in optical attenuation in the fimbriae when compared to the isthmus or ampulla. We conclude that this approach shows promise and merits further investigation of diagnostic potential.