bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sustainable Manufacturing â€“ Architecture for Manufacturing System
Authors: Hussain S. , Jahanzaib M.
Published: January 2025

While research in Sustainable Manufacturing has tremendously been extended along numerous dimensions; it has sparked new needs and requirements for industrial and research community. This research has proposed and elaborated the architecture for Manufacturing System of a firm in relation to sustainability in manufacturing. Architecture is proposed as a set of five interdependent elements: â€˜Contextâ€™, â€˜Purposeâ€™, â€˜Functionâ€™, â€˜Structureâ€™, and â€˜Processâ€™. These elements have been conceptualized, in a wider context, from the perspective of larger containing systems (Enterprise, economic system, social system, and ecosystem). On this concept, essential content under each element has been framed keeping in view the salient requirements pertinent to Sustainable Manufacturing and the enterprise. Sustainability aspects relevant to a manufacturing firm are discussed alongside, in particular, from the perspective of emerging paradigm of Circular Economy. Architecture proposition is guided by research in Systems Thinking, Sustainable Manufacturing, and Manufacturing System. The research would serve as a guideline for manufacturing businesses towards systemic development and operation of a manufacturing system in view of environmentally conscious and economically sound manufacturing.
Hydrocarbon Reservoir Evaluation and Fault Seal Analysis of Balkassar Area, Potwar Sub Basin, Pakistan
Authors: Shakir U. , Abbas M. , Ahmad W. , Mahmood M. F. , Hussain M. , Anwar M. , Sikandar U. , Naseem T.
Published: January 2025

Balkassar oilfield is one of the major hydrocarbon producing field in Potwar Plateau, Upper IndusBasin, Pakistan. This field has been producing oil and gas from fractured carbonate deposits of Eoceneand Paleocene age. So, in order to delineate the hydrocarbon potential of the Balkassar area, 2D seismicinterpretation and petrophysical analysis has been carried out and is represented in the current studyusing five seismic lines and one well. Balkassar field is geographically located in central part of PotwarSub-basin. Geologically it is located in Himalayan foreland fold and thrust belt, which is dominated bythrusting and folding features. The salt tectonics is responsible for the formation of structural traps inBalkassar area. The direction of deformation is in NW- SE direction. The main reservoir formations ofBalkassar area are Chorgali Formation and Sakesar Limestone which are charged by shales of PatalaFormation of Paleocene age. Formations were identified on the seismic section on the basis of timedepthchart and well tops. Petroleum trap is a structural trap where major thrust and back thrust boundthe anticline, and sealing impact is provided by both clays of Murree Formation and faults which isfurther confirmed through fault seal analysis (Allan diagram). One reservoir zone has been identified inChorgali Formation using petrophysical analysis, which indicates effective porosity of 3.08%, 40.5%water saturation and 59.5% hydrocarbon saturation. Based on the statistical analysis performed, it isconcluded that the Chorgali Formation is more economically promising as compared to SakesarLimestone. Volumetric reserves calculation is done to estimate the volume of original oil in place (OOIP)for the Chorgali Formation, which comes out to be 18.6 Million Barrels for P90 case.
Experimental Investigations of Vibrations Induced by Cross-flow in a Bundle of Tubes through Wind Tunnel
Authors: Hayat N. , Rashid M. A. , Bhutta M.M. A.
Published: January 2025

Experimental investigations of vibrations induced by cross-flow in a tube bundle have been carried out in this research work. Vibration behavior of one tube in a bundle of tubes has been examined by placing it to a subsonic wind tunnel having cross-flowing air. The tube bundle consists of seven PVC tubes arranged in a rotated triangular configuration. The target tube is fitted with strain gauges to measure the amplitude response in flow and lateral directions for each value of the upstream velocity. Results show that surrounding tubes cause upstream flow which causes turbulence. Because of that, amplitude of vibrations of the tube under consideration remains small in a low range of velocity. With an increase in flow velocity beyond a threshold-velocity, vibrations amplitudes increase significantly which indicates the start of unstable fluid elasticity. Hence, the occurrence of unstable fluid elasticity can be prevented by either keeping the cross-flow velocities below the critical velocity or by controlling the damping ratio of the tubes
Superparamagnetic Adsorbent for Removal of Uranium in Groundwater, South Korea
Authors: Husnain S. M. , Hm W. , Chang Y- S.
Published: January 2025

The feasibility of magnetic adsorbent (P-Fe-CMK-3) for the removal of uranium usingcolumn based adsorption study has been performed. The synthesized material is efficient tocapture natural uranium from groundwater. The Phosphonate and UO22+ interactions wereresponsible for uranium adsorption. This study confirmed the removal of natural uraniumfrom groundwater (with initial uranium concentration around 107 ppb) within 10 min ofcontact time. However, the uptake values were not as high as compared to the valuesobserved in batch study due to small contact time between adsorbent and the contaminant.Based on these results, the adsorbent material could be used in large scale treatment ofuranium contaminated groundwater and waste streams including domestic uranium filters.
Modeling of an Extraction Steam Turbine and Speed Control System Design
Authors: Abdullah H. M. , Mustafa G. , Chaudri K. S. , Abid M.
Published: January 2025

Steam-driven power plants essentially convert mechanical energy into electrical energy by using steam turbines. It is imperative to control the speed of the turbines as the frequency of the power system depends on it. This paper presents a model of a steam turbine containing three steam extractions from the intermediate-pressure section and four extractions from the low- pressure section. The underlying methodology for modeling is the continuity equation of a steam vessel. As the input variables, the model uses the valve opening degree of different valves, namely high-pressure valve, reheater valve, intermediate-pressure steam extraction valve and low-pressure steam extraction valve. The model behavior is observed against each input variable. It is then subsequently used to design the speed control system of the steam turbine using the proportional and proportional-integral controllers. The response of the speed control system is analyzed for both types of controllers and different valve openings. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed model is suitable to study the dynamic behavior of an extraction steam turbine and for the feedback control system design.
La qualité des soins sous le prisme de l’expérience
Authors: Ouimet Anne-Marie , Breton-Théôret Noémie , Giguère Nadia , Cid Marcela , Laurin Isabelle , Brochu Félicia , Myre Sophie , Benny Nadia , Saint-Jacques LN
Published: January 2025

L’expérience des soins et services occupe une place de plus en plus grande au sein des organisations de santé. Influencé par le mouvement axé sur le partenariat-patient·e, ce changement de paradigme incite à prioriser les intérêts et les besoins des usagers·ères en les impliquant dans l’amélioration des soins et services. Mais comment les usagers·ères de services peuvent-ils et elles contribuer à conceptualiser ce que constituent des soins de qualité? Dans le cadre de notre recherche, un dispositif de co-design a été mis sur pied afin de développer collectivement des outils pour monitorer la qualité des soins et services périnataux reçus par des parents ayant eu une expérience d’accouchement en milieu hospitalier. Cet article présente les résultats de l’évaluation du dispositif de co-design qui a été utilisé.
El contrast interlingüístic al servei de la reflexió gramatical en l’ensenyament de llengües
Authors: Durán Rivas Carme , Martí-Climent Alícia
Published: January 2025

Ensenyar llengües en contextos multilingües implica tenir en compte les llengües de l’escola i les dels escolars. Comporta ensenyar a utilitzar-les com a eina de comunicació i de pensament, però també a observar-les com a objecte d’estudi per entendre les regles del seu funcionament, per comprendre les relacions que s’estableixen entre el significat que vehicula i les formes que adopta. Ara bé, aquest focus en la forma tan sols és eficaç per als aprenents quan es basa en la reflexió i no en la mera transmissió d’un coneixement disciplinar acabat. Aquest article focalitza, especialment, en les investigacions recents sobre el contrast interlingüístic com una eina eficaç al servei de la reflexió gramatical en l’ensenyament de llengües.
Big Data-Driven Risk Analysis of Environmental Grievances in the Southeast Asia Palm Oil Industry for Sustainable Decision-Making
Authors:   Special Interest Group Modelling and Data Analytic (SIGMDA), Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia 21030, Idris M S , Noor M S M , Ali N S ,   Special Interest Group Modelling and Data Analytic (SIGMDA), Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia 21030, Ali N M ,   Agriculture and E-commerce Solution Division, MIMOS Berhad, Technology Park Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 57000, Wai Y S ,   Agriculture and E-commerce Solution Division, MIMOS Berhad, Technology Park Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 57000, Nor M N M ,   Faculty of Business, Economics and Social Development, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia 21030, Muhili M S M ,   Global Sustainability, Government Relations & Public Policy Procter & Gamble (M) Sdn Bhd, 10th Floor, Surian Tower, 1, Jalan PJU 7/3, Mutiara Damansara, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia 47810, Hassim M F N ,   Special Interest Group Modelling and Data Analytic (SIGMDA), Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia 21030
Published: January 2025

The expansion of the palm oil industry affects environmental sustainability. This study aims to assess palm oil's environmental grievances reported pre- and post-Covid-19. A hybrid of data-driven and multicriteria decision-making analyses was used to analyze unstructured data from nine companies' grievance logs. A total of 884 cases with the trend peaking in 2019. Predominantly deforestation, a total of 564 cases affecting ~66,716.23 ha in Indonesia, 312 cases affecting ~49,704.97 ha in Malaysia, 6 cases affecting ~43,500 ha in Papua New Guinea, and 2 cases in the Philippines. Network analysis reveals that the environmental grievances affected multiple companies, with WILMAR suppliers at the center. On average, companies take ~100 days to resolve. Clustering analysis shows Sime Darby Oil, WILMAR, KLK, and Mewah Group have influences on addressing grievances in high-risk provinces. Quantile-quadrant analysis reveals that provinces in Kalimantan, Pahang, and Sarawak are in the high-risk quadrant and therefore require immediate mitigation plans. This finding points toward the need for the formation of a private consortium among identified key players and local government in the high-risk region as a new strategy to improve management of environmental sustainability issues that predominantly involve deforestation.
Formation of foreign language interaction skills of students in the digital educational environment of the university
Authors: Yanova Marina , Ozolina Irina
Published: January 2025

The subject of the study is the specific character of developing foreign language interaction skills in the modern digital educational environment of a university and its transformative influence on the structure and characteristics of foreign language interaction among students.The interaction of subjects of the educational process can be considered as a manifestation of individual methods of action and communication between a teacher and a student in a digital educational environment, aimed at each other, determined by their functional role and personal positions, the consequence of which is mutual changes in the activities, communication, and relationships of participants in the pedagogical process , as well as their personal development. The research methodology included an analysis of scientific literature on the problem of foreign language interaction in the digital educational environment. The results of the analysis were systematized and generalized to create organizational and pedagogical conditions that reflect the characteristics of the subjects of pedagogical interaction in the digital educational environment. The novelty of the study lies in the fact that the types, participants and features of interaction in the digital educational environment are identified. It is noted that foreign language interaction in the context of digitalization has its own characteristics, since it includes the digital educational environment as a mediator between the student and the teacher. The digital educational environment plays a dual role, being an educational environment for organizing learning in a digital educational environment and having specific features that affect the process of educational and pedagogical interaction in the context of digitalization. In conclusion, it is noted that the study made it possible to identify the characteristics of subjects of foreign language interaction in the context of digitalization.
Planar cell polarity coordination in a cnidarian embryo provides clues to animal body axis evolution
Authors: Uveira Julie , Donati Antoine , Léria Marvin , Lechable Marion , Lahaye François , Vesque Christine , Houliston Evelyn , Momose Tsuyoshi
Published: January 2025

Body axis specification is a crucial event in animal embryogenesis and was an essential evolutionary innovation for founding the animal kingdom. It involves two distinct components that coordinate to establish the spatial organisation of the embryo: initiation of cascades of regionalised gene expression and orientation of morphogenetic processes such as body elongation. Intense interest in the first component has revealed Wnt/β-catenin signalling as ancestrally responsible for initiating regional gene expression, but the evolutionary origin of oriented morphogenesis has received little attention. Here, by addressing the cell and morphological basis of body axis development in embryos of the cnidarian
Clytia hemisphaerica,
we have uncovered a simple and likely ancestral coordination mechanism between Wnt/β-catenin signalling and directed morphogenesis. We show that the ligand Wnt3, known to initiate oral gene expression via localised Wnt/β-catenin pathway activation, also has a key β-catenin-independent role in globally orienting planar cell polarity (PCP) to direct morphogenesis along the oral-aboral axis. This PCP orientation occurs in two distinct steps: local orientation by Wnt3 and global propagation by conserved core PCP protein interactions along the body axis. From these findings we propose novel scenarios for PCP-driven symmetry-breaking underlying the emergence of the animal body plan.
Therapeutic benefits of maintaining CDK4/6 inhibitors and incorporating CDK2 inhibitors beyond progression in breast cancer
Authors: Armand Jessica , Kim Sungsoo , Kim Kibum , Son Eugene , Kim Minah , Yang Hee Won
Published: January 2025

The combination of CDK4/6 inhibitors (CDK4/6i) and endocrine therapy has revolutionized treatment for hormone receptor-positive (HR+) metastatic breast cancer. However, the emergence of resistance in most patients often leads to treatment discontinuation with no consensus on effective second-line therapies. The therapeutic benefits of maintaining CDK4/6i or incorporating CDK2 inhibitors (CDK2i) after disease progression remain unclear. Here, we demonstrate that sustained CDK4/6i therapy, either alone or combined with CDK2i, significantly suppresses the growth of drug-resistant HR
+
breast cancer. Continued CDK4/6i treatment induces a non-canonical pathway for retinoblastoma protein (Rb) inactivation via post-translational degradation, resulting in diminished E2F activity and delayed G1 progression. Importantly, our data highlight that CDK2i should be combined with CDK4/6i to effectively suppress CDK2 activity and overcome resistance. We also identify cyclin E overexpression as a key driver of resistance to CDK4/6 and CDK2 inhibition. These findings provide crucial insights into overcoming resistance in HR
+
breast cancer, supporting the continued use of CDK4/6i and the strategic incorporation of CDK2i to improve therapeutic outcomes.
Clinical considerations on antimicrobial resistance potential of complex microbiological samples
Authors: Solymosi Norbert , Tóth Adrienn Gréta , Nagy Sára Ágnes , Csabai István , Feczkó Csongor , Reibling Tamás , Németh Tibor
Published: January 2025

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of our greatest public health challenges. Targeted use of antibiotics (ABs) can reduce the occurrence and spread of AMR and boost the effectiveness of treatment. This requires knowledge of the AB susceptibility of the pathogens involved in the disease. Therapeutic recommendations based on classical AB susceptibility testing (AST) are based on the analysis of only a fraction of the bacteria present in the disease process. Next and third generation sequencing technologies allow the identification of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) present in a bacterial community. Using this metagenomic approach, we can map the antimicrobial resistance potential (AMRP) of a complex, multi-bacterial microbial sample. To understand the interpretiveness of AMRP, the concordance between phenotypic AMR properties and ARGs was investigated by analyzing data from 574 Escherichia coli strains of five different studies. The overall results show that for 44% of the studied ABs, phenotypically resistant strains are genotypically associated with a 90% probability of resistance, while for 92% of the ABs, the phenotypically susceptible strains are genotypically susceptible with a 90% probability. ARG detection showed a phenotypic prediction with at least 90% confidence in 67% of ABs. The probability of detecting a phenotypically susceptible strain as resistant based on genotype is below 5% for 92% of ABs. While the probability of detecting a phenotypically resistant strain as susceptible based on genotype is below 5% for 44% of ABs. We can assume that these strain-by-strain concordance results are also true for bacteria in complex microbial samples, and conclude that AMRP obtained from metagenomic ARG analysis can help choose efficient ABs. This is illustrated using AMRP by a canine external otitis sample.
A Case of Atypical Neurofibromatous Neoplasm of Uncertain Biologic Potential: Unravelling the Enigma
Authors: Pande Apoorva , Shukla Samarth , Acharya Sourya , Gadkari Pravin , Pande Milind
Published: January 2025

Neurofibromatoses are a group of genetic disorders that cause tumours to form on the nerve tissue. These tumours can progress to more proliferative lesions and can also eventually become malignant, giving rise to a Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumour (MPNST). The authors describe a rare case involving a 27-year-old female who presented with swelling on the left forearm in the surgery Outpatient Department (OPD). The swelling measured 6×5 cm and was noted on the left upper forearm. The overlying skin appeared normal, with no evident pulsations. Notably, a scar mark indicative of a previous surgery for a similar swelling was observed at the same site. The patient reported that the previous swelling was operated 2 years ago. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) findings indicated fusiform swelling in the mid-forearm, possibly originating from the ulnar nerve with significant involvement of the adjacent structures. This case underscores the complexity and diagnostic challenges associated with such swellings, necessitating thorough examination and ongoing monitoring for timely intervention. This case highlights the importance of thorough clinical evaluation, histopathological examination, and molecular analysis in accurately characterising such tumours, guiding clinical management decisions, and ensuring optimal patient outcomes. The diagnostic evaluation and analysis of such swellings contribute invaluable information regarding their proliferation rate and propensity for malignant progression. This comprehensive understanding aids clinicians in tailoring management approaches that prioritise minimal invasiveness while effectively addressing the potential for malignancy, thus optimising patient care.
Comparative Evaluation of Intra-articular Ozone and Steroid Treatments in Patients with Coxarthrosis under Ultrasound Guidance: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Karaduman Yilmaz , Muz Arzu , SerÃ§e Azize , Yildirim Servi , Durmus Ismail Eren , Takmaz Suna Akin
Published: January 2025

Introduction: Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common degenerative joint disease characterised by the loss of articular cartilage and synovial inflammation. This condition causes stiffness and swelling in the joint, as well as pain, loss of movement and disability. When performed under Ultrasound Guidance (USG), steroid treatments offer several advantages. On the other hand, ozone therapy accelerates anabolic mechanisms, provides vascularisation of cartilage and bone, and slows down the degenerative process. Additionally, it affects inhibitory cytokines, antioxidant enzymes, and neoangiogenesis.

Aim: To evaluate and compare the effectiveness of USG intra-articular ozone therapy versus corticosteroid injections in managing hip OA (coxarthrosis) in patients who have not responded to conventional treatments.

Materials and Methods: A retrospective comparative study was conducted at Ankara Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Altındag, Turkey, from August 2021 to August 2022. Patients unresponsive to conventional treatments were divided into two groups: Group A (n=30) received intra-articular steroid (triamcinolone acetonide), and Group B (n=23) received three weekly ozone sessions (200 μg/20 mL), both under USG. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain and the Harris Hip Score (HHS) for functional status, both pre- and post-treatment. Monthly analgesic use was monitored before treatment and at the 1st week, 1st month, 3rd month and 6th month. Statistical analysis were conducted using Unpaired t-tests and Chi-square tests. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: A total of 53 patients (mean age 63.23±10.50 years) participated in the study. Analgesic needs decreased in both groups, with no significant differences observed in the 1st week, 1st month, 3rd month, and 6th month (p-value=0.139, p-value=0.724, p-value=0.391, p-value=0.546). The most notable improvement occurred one month post-treatment, particularly in low-stage coxarthrosis. Increases in HHS scores and decreases in VAS values for stages 2-3 were statistically significant in both groups (p-value <0.001).

Conclusion: The effectiveness of steroid and ozone therapy for coxarthrosis varies by disease stage. Both treatments are more effective in the early stages, while ozone is ineffective and steroids offer limited benefits in advanced stages. Thus, treatment planning should consider the disease stage, and alternative strategies should be explored for advanced cases. Clinicians should prioritise early intervention and seek alternative options for better patient outcomes.
Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) for Traveling Salesman Problem: A Review
Authors: Eido Warveen Merza , Ibrahim Ibrahim Mahmood
Published: January 2025

The traveling salesman problem (TSP) is a fundamental combinatorial optimization problem with applications in resource management, logistics, and communications. In order to address TSP and its differences, this paper discusses developments in Ant Colony Optimization (ACO), a biologically inspired algorithm. Inspired by the foraging activity of ants, ACO's decentralized and recursive methodology has proven successful in solving difficult routing problems. ACO's scalability, convergence speed, and solution quality have been greatly enhanced over time through innovations including hybridization with algorithms such as Firefly, genetic algorithms, parallel computing frameworks, and adaptation mechanisms. These developments have given the ACO the flexibility and efficiency to handle dynamic situations, such as real-time vehicle guidance and underwater navigation. Despite its progress, issues remain such as scalability in resource-limited contexts, processing overhead, and reliance on parameter modification. This work summarizes current developments in ACO, noting how revolutionary the TSP solution is, pointing out its drawbacks, and suggesting areas for further study. Leveraging emerging technologies like machine learning and quantum computing, ACO has huge potential to progressively address challenging real-world problems. This review provides a comprehensive framework for developing uses of ACOs and reaffirms their status as a key component of improvement research.
Data Mining in Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) Analysis: An Overview
Authors: Fuseini Ali , Nkyekyer Nana Kweku , Bennin Kelvin Kojo , Essah Richard
Published: January 2025

ESG (environmental, social, and governance) considerations are now essential standards for evaluating the ethical and sustainable effects of investments. This study examines data mining's use in ESG analysis, emphasizing how it may be used to glean useful insights from sizable and varied datasets. It looks at data mining techniques, resources, and applications for trend identification, ESG compliance assessment, and decision support. Future directions, ethical issues, and difficulties in incorporating cutting-edge technologies into ESG analysis are also covered.
A Review of the Botanical, Ethnomedicinal Uses, and Phytochemistry of Dalbergia (Fabaceae) Species
Authors: Isyaka Sani M. , Umar Ahmed , Talatu Adamu , Abdullahi Abdullahi M.
Published: January 2025

Secondary metabolites found in plants are recognized to have medicinal qualities and are utilized in both mainstream and traditional medicine. More than 80% of people on the planet use medicinal plants to treat a variety of illnesses, including fever, malaria, stomachaches, and ulcers. One significant family of flowering plants with therapeutic qualities is the Fabaceae, sometimes referred to as the Leguminoceae. The fabaceae subfamily Faboideae of the pea family includes the large genus Dalbergia, which has over 300 species. It is a tiny to medium-sized trees, bushes, and lianas are found in tropical parts of Central and South America, Africa, Madagascar, and Southern Asia.  Many species of Dalbergia are commonly utilized in diverse communities around the world to treat a variety of diseases. Phytoconstituents commonly found in Dalbergia species, includes isoflavonoids, neoflavonoids, glycosides, cinnamylphenols, quinones, and furans. However, only a limited number of Dalbergia species have been subjected to pharmacological research to validate their traditional uses. Additionally, only a few compounds have been identified based on their phytochemical constituents. Despite the existence of over 300 Dalbergia species worldwide, only a small fraction has been studied in detail. Therefore there is need for more scientific research on Leguminoceae species especially Dalbergia due to tremendous medicinal phytochemicals present in the specie, and can be used to cure multiple diseases affecting global population.
Isolation, Characterization and Plasmid Profiling of Multi-drug Resistant Bacteria Isolated from Automated Teller Machines (ATM devices) in Enugu State, Nigeria
Authors: C Adonu, Cyril , N Adonu, Modesta , I Eze, Precious , C Omeh, Romanus , N Onyi, Patrick , Raymond Offiah , J Ali, Ibeabuchi , C Onwusoba, Restus
Published: January 2025

Background: Due to high frequency of use, many kinds of microbes may contaminate the ATM device resulting in the emergence and spread of infectious agents especially multi-antibiotic resistant (MAR) bacteria.
Aim: This study was conducted to isolate and phenotypically characterize bacteria isolates from ATM devices in Enugu State, Nigeria.
Study Design: This is a prospective, cross-sectional study involving 30 different ATM devices.
Place and Duration: The research was conducted in Enugu State from January 2024 to August 2024.
Methodology: The isolation, phenotypic characterization and plasmid profiling of the test bacteria were carried out using standard methods.
Results: A total of one hundred and twelve (112) bacteria were isolated and they include Klebsiella spp, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter spp, Serratia marcescens, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus spp, Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase negative Staphylococcus spp (CoNS). In the study, CoNS had the highest isolation rate of 20.5 % and Serratia marcescens had the lowest isolation rate of 1.8 %. A total of 20 plasmids with molecular weight ranging from 2322 – 23130 bp were detected from the bacteria tested. The MAR index of the isolates fell within 0.2 to 0.8 indicating a high risk source of contamination where antibiotics misuse exist by the users in this study area.
Conclusion: Therefore, it is high time people started adopting the culture of washing and sanitizing hands before and after using the ATM devices as hand transmission is a major source of MAR infectious agents that can contaminate ATM surfaces.
Lipid dysmetabolism in ceruloplasmin‐deficient mice revealed both in vivo and ex vivo by MRI, MRS and NMR analyses
Authors: Mannella Valeria , Chaabane Linda , Canu Tamara , Zanardi Alan , Raia Sara , Conti Antonio , Ferrini Barbara , Caricasole Andrea , Musco Giovanna , Alessio Massimo
Published: November 2023

Ceruloplasmin (Cp) is a ferroxidase that plays a role in cellular iron homeostasis and is mainly expressed in the liver and secreted into the blood. Cp is also produced by adipose tissue, which releases it as an adipokine. Although a dysfunctional interaction of iron with the metabolism of lipids has been associated with several metabolic diseases, the role of Cp in adipose tissue metabolism and in the interplay between hepatocytes and adipocytes has been poorly investigated. We previously found that Cp‐deficient (CpKO) mice become overweight and demonstrate adipose tissue accumulation together with liver steatosis during aging, suggestive of lipid dysmetabolism. In the present study, we investigated the lipid alterations which occur during aging in adipose tissue and liver of CpKO and wild‐type mice both in vivo and ex vivo. During aging of CpKO mice, we observed adipose tissue accumulation and liver lipid deposition, both of which are associated with macrophage infiltration. Liver lipid deposition was characterized by accumulation of triglycerides, fatty acids and ω‐3 fatty acids, as well as by a switch from unsaturated to saturated fatty acids, which is characteristic of lipid storage. Liver steatosis was preceded by iron deposition and macrophage infiltration, and this was observed to be already occurring in younger CpKO mice. The accumulation of ω‐3 fatty acids, which can only be acquired through diet, was associated with body weight increase in CpKO mice despite food intake being equal to that of wild‐type mice, thus underlining the alterations in lipid metabolism/catabolism in Cp‐deficient animals.
A GPU‐based fast Monte Carlo code that supports proton transport in magnetic field for radiation therapy
Authors: Li Shijun , Cheng Bo , Wang Yuxin , Pei Xi , Xu Xie George
Published: November 2023

This paper presents the effort to extend a previously reported code ARCHER, a GPU‐based Monte Carlo (MC) code for coupled photon and electron transport, into protons including the consideration of magnetic fields. The proton transport is modeled using a Class‐II condensed‐history algorithm with continuous slowing‐down approximation. The model includes ionization, multiple scattering, energy straggling, elastic and inelastic nuclear interactions, as well as deflection due to the Lorentz force in magnetic fields. An additional direction change is added for protons at the end of each step in the presence of the magnetic field. Secondary charge particles, except for protons, are terminated depositing kinetic energies locally, whereas secondary neutral particles are ignored. Each proton is transported step by step until its energy drops to below 0.5 MeV or when the proton leaves the phantom. The code is implemented using the compute unified device architecture (CUDA) platform for optimized GPU thread‐level parallelism and efficiency. The code is validated by comparing it against TOPAS. Comparisons of dose distributions between our code and TOPAS for several exposure scenarios, ranging from single square beams in water to patient plan with magnetic fields, show good agreement. The 3D‐gamma pass rate with a 2 mm/2% criterion in the region with dose greater than 10% of the maximum dose is computed to be over 99% for all tested cases. Using a single NVIDIA TITAN V GPU card, the computational time of ARCHER is found to range from 0.82 to 4.54 seconds for 1 × 107 proton histories. Compared to a few hours running on TOPAS, this speed improvement is significant. This work presents, for the first time, the performance of a GPU‐based MC code to simulate proton transportation magnetic fields, demonstrating the feasibility of accurate and efficient dose calculations in potential magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐guided proton therapy.
Cycle‐generative adversarial network‐based bone suppression imaging for highly accurate markerless motion tracking of lung tumors for cyberknife irradiation therapy
Authors: Mochizuki Zennosuke , Saito Masahide , Suzuki Toshihiro , Mochizuki Koji , Hasegawa Junichi , Nemoto Hikaru , Satani Kenichiro , Takahashi Hiroshi , Onishi Hiroshi
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Lung tumor tracking during stereotactic radiotherapy with the CyberKnife can misrecognize tumor location under conditions where similar patterns exist in the search area. This study aimed to develop a technique for bone signal suppression during kV‐x‐ray imaging.

Methods

Paired CT images were created with or without bony structures using a 4D extended cardiac‐torso phantom (XCAT phantom) in 56 cases. Subsequently, 3020 2D x‐ray images were generated. Images with bone were input into cycle‐consistent adversarial network (CycleGAN) and the bone suppressed images on the XCAT phantom (BSIphantom) were created. They were then compared to images without bone using the structural similarity index measure (SSIM) and peak signal‐to‐noise ratio (PSNR). Next, 1000 non‐simulated treatment images from real cases were input into the training model, and bone‐suppressed images of the patient (BSIpatient) were created. Zero means normalized cross correlation (ZNCC) by template matching between each of the actual treatment images and BSIpatient were calculated.

Results

BSIphantom values were compared to their paired images without bone of the XCAT phantom test data; SSIM and PSNR were 0.90 ± 0.06 and 24.54 ± 4.48, respectively. It was visually confirmed that only bone was selectively suppressed without significantly affecting tumor visualization. The ZNCC values of the actual treatment images and BSIpatient were 0.763 ± 0.136 and 0.773 ± 0.143, respectively. The BSIpatient showed improved recognition accuracy over the actual treatment images.

Conclusions

The proposed bone suppression imaging technique based on CycleGAN improves image recognition, making it possible to achieve highly accurate motion tracking irradiation.
Functionalized EGaIn Electrodes with Tunable Reduced‐Graphene‐Oxide Assembled EGaIn Core–Shell Particles for Soft and Deformable Electrochemical Biosensors
Authors: Lee Dongwook , Park Sunghyun , Seo Jungmok , Lee Won‐Yong , Kim Min‐gu , Kim Jayoung
Published: November 2023

Gallium‐based liquid metal, eutectic gallium–indium alloy (EGaIn), is becoming a leading innovation in soft electronic devices due to its exceptional electronic conductivity and deformability. However, the formation of insulating oxide films on EGaIn surfaces poses a significant impediment to translating electrochemical reactions, thereby limiting its use as an electrochemical biosensor. Here, functionalized EGaIn electrodes with reduced‐graphene‐oxide assembled EGaIn core–shell particles (REGs) for soft and deformable electrochemical biosensors are presented. Exploiting EGaIn's capability as a reducing agent, REGs can undergo further modification with metal nanoparticles through additional galvanic replacement reactions. The REGs and metal‐coated REGs (M‐REGs) provide strong interfacial adhesion with the EGaIn current collector, exhibiting no exfoliation during and after the mechanical deformation. Moreover, RIDE and metal‐decorated RIDE (M‐RIDE) show excellent electrochemical sensing performances by taking advantage of the facile surface tunability of REGs, allowing simultaneous detection of ascorbic acid, dopamine, and uric acid, and enzymatic detection of glucose. The developed RIDE/M‐RIDE paves the way for utilizing EGaIn in the development of soft and deformable electrochemical biosensors.
Swimmable Micro‐Battery for Targeted Power Delivery
Authors: Li Pengzhou , Yang Zhe , Li Chuanfa , Li Jiaxin , Wang Chuang , Chen Jiawei , Yu Sijia , Zhang Yanan , Jiang Yi , Gao Yue , Wang Bingjie , Peng Huisheng
Published: November 2023

The boom of microelectronic devices and their diverse applications has heightened the demand for innovative and effective energy supply strategies. The longevity of contemporary microelectronic devices predominantly depends on direct human intervention power supply methods, encompassing battery replacement or recharging. However, these methods may falter in specific scenarios, such as when facing liquid conditions in vivo. Here, a concept of swimmable micro‐batteries (MBs) for targeted power delivery is presented. This is achieved through the design of a flexible polydimethylsiloxane/Fe3O4 soft‐magnetic substrate for actuation, polydimethylsiloxane/neodymium‐iron‐boron (NdFeB) hard‐magnetic tabs for precise targeting, and quasi‐solid‐state Zn//MnO2 battery for power generation. These swimmable MBs exhibit an impressive areal capacity of 102.3 µAh cm‐2, remarkable waterproofing, adjustable output voltage or capacity, rapid response, and accurate remote magnetic field manipulation, enabling targeted power supply available. This novel swimmable MB design broadens the function of MBs and may open a new avenue for their future development.
Toward Type I/II ROS Generation Photoimmunotherapy by Molecular Engineering of Semiconducting Perylene Diimide
Authors: Zhang Jie , Ma Wen , Luo Haifen , Zhang Kangxin , Lv Jingqi , Jiang Lizhi , Huang Yanli , Song Jibing , Yang Zhen , Huang Wei
Published: November 2023

As prospective phototheranostic agents for cancer imaging and therapy, semiconducting organic molecule‐based nanomedicines are developed. However, near‐infrared (NIR) emission, and tunable type I (O2•−) and type II (1O2) photoinduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation to boost cancer photoimmunotherapy remains a big challenge. Herein, a series of D–π–A structures, NIR absorbing perylene diimides (PDIs) with heavy atom bromide modification at the bay position of PDIs are prepared for investigating the optimal photoinduced type I/II ROS generation. The heavy atom effect has demonstrated a reduction of molecular ∆EST and promotion of the intersystem crossing processes of PDIs, enhancing the photodynamic therapy (PDT) efficacy. The modification of three bromides and one pyrrolidine at the bay position of PDI (TBDT) has demonstrated the best type I/II PDT performance by batch experiments and theoretical calculations. TBDT based nanoplatforms (TBDT NPs) enable type I/II PDT in the hypoxic tumor microenvironment as a strong immunogenic cell death (ICD) inducer. Moreover, TBDT NPs showing NIR emission allow in vivo bioimaging guided phototherapy of tumor. This work uses novel PDIs with adjustable type I/II ROS production to promote antitumor immune response and accomplish effective tumor eradication, consequently offering molecular guidelines for building high‐efficiency ICD inducers.
Single‐Atoms on Crystalline Carbon Nitrides for Selective C─H Photooxidation: A Bridge to Achieve Homogeneous Pathways in Heterogeneous Materials
Authors: da Silva Marcos A. R. , Tarakina Nadezda V. , Filho José B. G. , Cunha Carla S. , Rocha Guilherme F. S. R. , Diab Gabriel A. A. , Ando Rômulo Augusto , Savateev Oleksandr , Agirrezabal‐Telleria Iker , Silva Ingrid F. , Stolfi Sara , Ghigna Paolo , Fagnoni Maurizio , Ravelli Davide , Torelli Piero , Braglia Luca , Teixeira Ivo F.
Published: November 2023

Single‐atom catalysis is a field of paramount importance in contemporary science due to its exceptional ability to combine the domains of homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis. Iron and manganese metalloenzymes are known to be effective in C─H oxidation reactions in nature, inspiring scientists to mimic their active sites in artificial catalytic systems. Herein, a simple and versatile cation exchange method is successfully employed to stabilize low‐cost iron and manganese single‐atoms in poly(heptazine imides) (PHI). The resulting materials are employed as photocatalysts for toluene oxidation, demonstrating remarkable selectivity toward benzaldehyde. The protocol is then extended to the selective oxidation of different substrates, including (substituted) alkylaromatics, benzyl alcohols, and sulfides. Detailed mechanistic investigations revealed that iron‐ and manganese‐containing photocatalysts work through a similar mechanism via the formation of high‐valent M═O species. Operando X‐ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) is employed to confirm the formation of high‐valent iron‐ and manganese‐oxo species, typically found in metalloenzymes involved in highly selective C─H oxidations.
Massively Scalable Self‐Assembly of Nano and Microparticle Monolayers via Aerosol Assisted Deposition
Authors: Cossio Gabriel , Barbosa Raul , Korgel Brian , Yu Edward T.
Published: November 2023

An extremely rapid process for self‐assembling well‐ordered, nano, and microparticle monolayers via a novel aerosolized method is presented. The novel technique can reach monolayer self‐assembly rates as high as 268 cm2 min−1 from a single aerosolizing source and methods to reach faster monolayer self‐assembly rates are outlined. A new physical mechanism describing the self‐assembly process is presented and new insights enabling high‐efficiency nanoparticle monolayer self‐assembly are developed. In addition, well‐ordered monolayer arrays from particles of various sizes, surface functionality, and materials are fabricated. This new technique enables a 93× increase in monolayer self‐assembly rates compared to the current state of the art and has the potential to provide an extremely low‐cost option for submicron nanomanufacturing.
Threshold Reducing via Micro Rhombic Lasing Misalignment Step‐Cavity with a Simple and Universal Use
Authors: Pan Yong , Zhang Yuan , Cao Jianguo , Xu Jie , Xie Haixia , Gao Dongwen
Published: November 2023

Nanolasers with low‐threshold operation have been attracting attention for a long time. However, research on methods to lower thresholds has been stagnant and underreported. To provide a generalizable method for reducing thresholds, a stepped array cavity designed in this study is demonstrated to reduce the nanolaser excitation threshold. In the experiment, the rhomboid array cavity is fabricated by 3D printing and covered with Cu film. The mechanism of two cavity (cavity α and β) and five modes is designed and displayed for systematically illustrating the parameters of the different cavities and principles of the different oscillation modes. The lasing behavior of modes 1, 2, 4, and 5 is proved by the photoluminescence spectrum at room temperature with the threshold of 1.53 kW cm−2, 2.73 kW cm−2, 66.2 W cm−2, and 371 W cm−2. The optimum angle of incidence for obtaining lower thresholds in the range 40°–60° is suggested. The laser generation mechanism and polarization characteristics are provided. Finally, the method developed in this study uses a wide range of materials and gain modes to achieve a universal threshold reduction method. The results indicate that the designed method is effective and scalable for a wide range of typical materials and gain modes.
Photoredox‐Catalyzed Carbon Radical Generation from α‐Keto‐N,O‐acetals: Synthesis of Functionalized Azepino[1,2‐a]indoles and Azepino[1,2‐a]furo[3,2‐b]indoles
Authors: Seefeldt Paul , Villinger Alexander , Brasholz Malte
Published: November 2023

C10a‐Acetoxylated perhydroazepino[1,2‐a]‐indoles, accessible via visible light‐mediated sensitized photooxygenation of cyclo‐hepta[b]indoles, are precursors to structurally elaborate carbon‐centered radicals. Their photoredox‐catalyzed SET reduction by phenothiazine or phenoxazine photocatalysts, followed by fragmentation and C−O bond cleavage, liberates tricyclic α‐amino‐α‐carbonyl radicals that readily engage in radical addition reactions with silyl enol ethers and silyl ketene acetals. The C−C functionalized azepinoindole[1,2‐a]indoles are useful building blocks for the synthesis of polycyclic indole derivatives as shown by the controlled borohydride reduction of a C10a‐methylenecarboxylate derivative, which leads stereoselectively to tetracyclic azepino[1,2‐a]furo[3,2‐b]indoles. The photocatalytic method developed herein is also suitable for the radical functionalization of simple α‐acetoxy acetophenones.
Chemical Approach for Investigation of the Structure‐Activity Relationship of Salmycin and Identification of a Glycan‐based Analogue for Drug Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Chiu Cheng‐Hsin , Huang De‐Yi , Ma Wei‐Hsiang , Chen Yu‐Xun , Yang Sih‐Yu , Chen Yu‐Chie , Tony Mong Kwok‐Kong
Published: November 2023

New synthetic routes were devised for total synthesis of Fe3+‐bound (ferri−) salmycin B (Sal B) (1), glycan‐based Sal analogues 2–5 and their Fe3+‐unbound (desferri−) counterparts 1′–5′ for the structure to activity relationship (SAR) study. The results of SAR study reveal the effective structure of 1 and its desferri‐counterpart 1′ that are responsible for the observed inhibitory activity against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). Among the analogues 2–5 and 2′–5′, glucose‐based analogue 2 and its desferri‐counterpart 2′ exhibited inhibitory potency comparable to 1 and 1′. Chemical modification of 2′ for further antibacterial study enabled us to discover desferri‐Sal analogue 7′ that endowed with a simpler pharmacophore structure but significantly higher antibacterial potency against methicillin‐sensitive and resistant S. aureus than the natural product 1′ and even the clinical vancomycin. Together with a better hydrolytic stability and shorter synthetic route, the analogue 7′ represents an attractive antibiotic lead for further exploration.