bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Myopia Control in Caucasian Children with 0.01% Atropine Eye Drops: 1-Year Follow-Up Study
Authors: Simonaviciute Dovile , Gelzinis Arvydas , Kapitanovaite Laura , Grzybowski Andrzej , Zemaitiene Reda
Published: June 2024

Background and Objectives: Myopia is the most widespread ocular disorder globally and its prevalence has been increasing over the past decades. Atropine eye drops stand out as the only pharmacological intervention used in clinical practice to control myopia progression. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of 0.01% atropine eye drops on myopia progression. Patients and Methods: Healthy children aged 6–12 years with cycloplegic spherical equivalent (SE) from −0.5 D to −5.0 D and astigmatism ≤1.5 D were included. Myopia progression was assessed by changes in SE and axial length (AL) over 1 year and SE changes 1 year before the study enrollment and during the 1-year follow-up. Adverse events were evaluated based on complaints reported by either parents or the children themselves during follow-up visits. Results: The analysis involved 55 patients in the 0.01% atropine eye drops group and 66 in the control group. After the 1-year follow-up, the change in SE was −0.50 (−2.25–0.50) D in the control group compared to −0.50 (−1.50–0.50) D in the 0.01% atropine group (p = 0.935); AL change was 0.31 (0.18) mm in the control group and 0.29 (0.18) mm in the 0.01% atropine group (p = 0.480). The change in SE was −0.68 (−2.0–−0.25) D/year before the study and remained similar −0.50 (−2.25–0.25) D over the 1-year follow-up in the control group (p = 0.111); SE change was reduced from −1.01 (−2.0–−0.25) D/year before the study to −0.50 (−1.5–0.5) D over the 1-year follow-up in the 0.01% atropine group (p < 0.001). In the 0.01% atropine group, ten (16.4%) children experienced mild adverse events, including blurred near vision, ocular discomfort, photophobia, dry eyes, and anisocoria. Conclusions: Compared to the control group, the administration of 0.01% atropine eye drops demonstrated no significant effect on changes in SE and AL over a 1-year follow-up. However, children in the 0.01% atropine group initially experienced higher myopia progression, which decreased with treatment over the course of 1 year. Future studies should explore the long-term effects, rebound effects, potential genetic associations, and efficacy of higher doses of atropine in managing myopia progression.
Doped-Cellulose Acetate Membranes as Friction Layers for Triboelectric Nanogenerators: The Influence of Roughness Degree and Surface Potential on Electrical Performance
Authors: Candido Iuri Custodio Montes , Freire Andre Luiz , Costa Carlos Alberto Rodrigues , Oliveira Helinando Pequeno de
Published: June 2024

The development of more efficient friction layers for triboelectric nanogenerators is a complex task, requiring a careful balance of various material properties such as morphology, surface roughness, dielectric constant, and surface potential. In this study, we thoroughly investigated the use of cellulose acetate modified with different concentrations of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to enhance energy harvesting for the TENG. The results indicate that the roughness degree is influenced by the homogeneous degree/aggregation level of doping agents in cellulose acetate membranes, leading to the best performance of open circuit voltage of 282.8 V, short-circuit current of 3.42 µA, and power density of 60 µW/cm2 for ZnO-doped cellulose acetate membranes.
In the Brain, It Is Not All about Sugar
Authors: Antunes Bernardo C. , Mateus Tomás , Morais Vanessa A.
Published: June 2024

The maintenance of energetic homeostasis relies on a tight balance between glycolysis and mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. The case of the brain is a peculiar one, as although entailing a constant demand for energy, it is believed to rely mostly on glucose, particularly at the level of neurons. Nonetheless, this has been challenged by studies that show that alternatives such as lactate, ketone bodies, and glutamate can be used as fuels to sustain neuronal activity. The importance of fatty acid (FA) metabolism to this extent is still unclear, albeit sustaining a significant energetic output when compared to glucose. While several authors postulate a possible role of FA for the energetic homeostasis of the brain, several others point out the intrinsic features of this pathway that make its contribution difficult to explain in the context of neuronal bioenergetics. Moreover, fueling preference at the synapse level is yet to be uncovered. In this review, we discuss in detail the arguments for and against the brain usage of FA. Furthermore, we postulate that the importance of this fuel may be greater at the synapse, where local mitochondria possess a set of features that enable a more effective usage of this fuel source.
Subsurface Spectroscopy in Heterogeneous Materials Using Self-Healing Laser Beams
Authors: Anderson Benjamin R. , Gese Natalie , Eilers Hergen
Published: June 2024

Self-healing optical beams are a class of propagation modes that can recover their beam shapes after distortion or partial blockage. This self-healing property makes them attractive for use in applications involving turbid media as they can—in theory—penetrate further into these materials than standard Gaussian beams. In this paper, we characterize the propagation of two different self-healing beams (Bessel and Airy) through a solid scattering material with different scatterer concentrations and find that both beams do recover after scattering for samples below a threshold scatterer concentration. Additionally, we test the applicability of both beam shapes for improved sub-surface spectroscopy in heterogeneous materials using fluorescent particles and find that there is an average fluorescence intensity enhancement of 1.3× using self-healing beams versus a standard Gaussian beam.
Editorial for Special Issue “Exclusive Papers of the Editorial Board Members of Oral”
Authors: Campisi Giuseppina
Published: June 2024

In 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) released a landmark report on oral health, emphasizing the staggering global prevalence of oral disorders, which affect approximately 3 [...]
Oral Health and Its Related Factors among Institutionalised and Non-Institutionalised Elderly People in Xiamen, China—A Pilot Study
Authors: Lei Jinghan , Meng Chenjie , Li Dini , Wang Nan , Yang Huizhi , Niu Deli , Li Jian , Gao Shiqian (Sherry)
Published: June 2024

Background: The objectives of this pilot study are to compare the oral health status of institutionalised and non-institutionalised elderly people in Xiamen, China, and investigate oral health-related factors among this population. Methods: One elderly residential centre and one community centre in the same district were invited to join this study. Elderly people who were aged 65 years or older and able to participate in the oral health examination and questionnaire survey were recruited. Their demographic information, oral health-related behaviours, and oral health-related quality of life were collected through a questionnaire survey. The Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index and the Community Periodontal Index were adopted to assess caries experience and periodontal status, respectively. A chi-square test, a t-test, and a correlation analysis were conducted for data processing. Results: Forty-nine elderly people participated in this study. There is no significant difference in the demographic background between non-institutionalised and institutionalised people. The mean DMFT index in the institutionalised group is significantly higher than that in the non-institutionalised group (p = 0.004). In contrast, the non-institutionalised group showed a significantly higher prevalence of gingival bleeding (p = 0.013) and a higher prevalence of periodontal pockets (p = 0.006) than the institutionalised group. Monthly income is also associated with the caries experience in this population. Conclusions: Institutionalised elderly people showed a higher severity of dental caries but a lower prevalence of periodontal symptoms than the non-institutionalised group. It is noteworthy that the generalisation of this pilot study is limited. Future research should be conducted to comprehensively investigate the oral health status of this population.
Gut Microbiome Interactions with Oxidative Stress: Mechanisms and Consequences for Health
Authors: Semenova Natalya , Garashchenko Nadezhda , Kolesnikov Sergey , Darenskaya Marina , Kolesnikova Liubov
Published: June 2024

Understanding how gut flora interacts with oxidative stress has been the subject of significant research in recent years. There is much evidence demonstrating the existence of the microbiome–oxidative stress interaction. However, the biochemical basis of this interaction is still unclear. In this narrative review, possible pathways of the gut microbiota and oxidative stress interaction are presented, among which genetic underpinnings play an important role. Trimethylamine-N-oxide, mitochondria, short-chain fatty acids, and melatonin also appear to play roles. Moreover, the relationship between oxidative stress and the gut microbiome in obesity, metabolic syndrome, chronic ethanol consumption, dietary supplements, and medications is considered. An investigation of the correlation between bacterial community features and OS parameter changes under normal and pathological conditions might provide information for the determination of new research methods. Furthermore, such research could contribute to establishing a foundation for determining the linkers in the microbiome–OS association.
Modeling Study of OH Radical-Dominated H-Abstraction Reaction for Understanding Nucleotides Oxidation Induced by Cold Atmospheric Plasmas
Authors: Jiang Yu-Xuan , Chen Yang , Zhang Yuan-Tao
Published: June 2024

In recent years, plasma medicine, as an innovative and rapidly growing field, has garnered increasing attention. Nonetheless, the fundamental mechanisms of the interaction processes of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) and biomolecules remain under investigation. In this paper, a reactive molecular dynamic (MD) simulation with ReaxFF potential was performed to explore the interactions of reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced in CAP, exemplified by OH radicals, and four distinct oligonucleotides. The breakage of single-stranded oligonucleotides induced by OH is observed in the simulation, which could seriously influence the biological activity of cellular DNA. The base release induced by OH radicals means the loss of base sequence information, and the H-abstraction at nucleobases affects the gene strand complementarity, gene transcription, and replication. In addition, the dose effects of OH radicals on bond formation and breaking of oligonucleotides are also discussed by adjusting the number of ROS in the simulation box. This study can enhance the comprehension of interactions between CAP and DNA, thereby indicating possible improvements in plasma device optimization and operation for medical applications.
The Outcomes for Different Biological Heart Valve Prostheses in Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement before and after the Introduction of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation
Authors: Deblier Ivo , Dossche Karl , Vanermen Anthony , Mistiaen Wilhelm
Published: June 2024

Surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) was the only symptom relieving and life-prolonging treatment until transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) became available. This option was introduced to treat old and high-risk patients. In a series of 2500 consecutive patients referred for SAVR with a biologic heart valve (BHV) prosthesis, their age, comorbid conditions, the complexity of the procedure, postoperative outcome, need for resources, and long-term survival were compared in patients before versus after the introduction of TAVI. Although the Carpentier-Edwards valve was used in most patients, the outcomes with respect to several other BHV types were studied. Patients undergoing isolated SAVR (i-SAVR) were studied separately from those who underwent SAVR with a concomitant procedure (c-SAVR). The number of referrals increased over time until 2016, whereafter the reimbursement for TAVI broadened. Age, prior percutaneous coronary interventions, diabetes, and chronic renal disease increased over time in both groups, while atrial fibrillation, the need for emergent SAVR, and other comorbid conditions increased significantly only in the c-SAVR group. Postoperative acute renal injury, conduction defects, and bleeding increased over time in both groups. The need for renal replacement therapy increased in both surgical groups, but this was more pronounced in c-SAVR; the need for a pacemaker implant (p < 0.001), blood products, and reintervention increased only in the c-SAVR group. There was a moderate but non-significant increase in the 30-day mortality for both groups over time. Furthermore, the long-term survival of both groups did not change after the introduction of TAVI. The Carpentier-Edwards Perimount valve showed good long-term results for durability. The Perceval device was used in older patients and showed good hemodynamic results, but the need for a postoperative permanent pacemaker implant was high. The results seem to indicate that a broader reimbursement for TAVI was warranted after its introduction in 2008. Nevertheless, with the development of newer devices for SAVR, surgery will remain one of the major treatment options for aortic valve disease.
Facial Cellulitis of Unusual Odontogenic Origin
Authors: Perez Alexandre , Cimini Valerio , Lenoir Vincent , Lombardi Tommaso
Published: June 2024

A healthy man in his 40s was referred to the Oral Surgery and Implantology Unit of Geneva University Hospital for diagnosis and management of facial swelling affecting the right side of his lower jaw. The patient’s history revealed that the patient had been hit by several punches to the face a few months earlier. To investigate the swelling, an intra-oral radiograph, an orthopantomographic radiograph, and computed tomography were performed, which revealed no fracture of the lower jaw but the presence of a partly impacted fractured wisdom tooth (third molar). This finding, together with the clinical status, indicated cellulitis most likely related to the presence of a fractured wisdom tooth. The decision was made to proceed with tooth extraction, and follow-up at 3 weeks showed good healing and complete resolution of facial swelling. This case highlights that odontogenic infection can also occur as a result of necrosis following the fracture of an impacted wisdom tooth.
Developing a Five-Minute Normative Database of Heart Rate Variability for Diagnosing Cardiac Autonomic Dysregulation for Patients with Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Chang Li-Hsin , Huang Min-Han , Lin I-Mei
Published: June 2024

Heart rate variability (HRV) is related to cardiac vagal control and emotional regulation and an index for cardiac vagal control and cardiac autonomic activity. This study aimed to develop the Taiwan HRV normative database covering individuals aged 20 to 70 years and to assess its diagnosing validity in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). A total of 311 healthy participants were in the HRV normative database and divided into five groups in 10-year age groups, and then the means and standard deviations of the HRV indices were calculated. We recruited 272 patients with MDD for cross-validation, compared their HRV indices with the normative database, and then converted them to Z-scores to explore the deviation of HRV in MDD patients from healthy groups. The results found a gradual decline in HRV indices with advancing age in the HC group, and females in the HC group exhibit higher cardiac vagal control and parasympathetic activity than males. Conversely, patients in the MDD group demonstrate lower HRV indices than those in the HC group, with their symptoms of depression and anxiety showing a negative correlation with HRV indices. The Taiwan HRV normative database has good psychometric characteristics of cross-validation.
An Improved YOLOv8 Network for Detecting Electric Pylons Based on Optical Satellite Image
Authors: Chi Xin , Sun Yu , Zhao Yingjun , Lu Donghua , Gao Yan , Zhang Yiting
Published: June 2024

Electric pylons are crucial components of power infrastructure, requiring accurate detection and identification for effective monitoring of transmission lines. This paper proposes an innovative model, the EP-YOLOv8 network, which incorporates new modules: the DSLSK-SPPF and EMS-Head. The DSLSK-SPPF module is designed to capture the surrounding features of electric pylons more effectively, enhancing the model’s adaptability to the complex shapes of these structures. The EMS-Head module enhances the model’s ability to capture fine details of electric pylons while maintaining a lightweight design. The EP-YOLOv8 network optimizes traditional YOLOv8n parameters, demonstrating a significant improvement in electric pylon detection accuracy with an average mAP@0.5 value of 95.5%. The effective detection of electric pylons by the EP-YOLOv8 demonstrates its ability to overcome the inefficiencies inherent in existing optical satellite image-based models, particularly those related to the unique characteristics of electric pylons. This improvement will significantly aid in monitoring the operational status and layout of power infrastructure, providing crucial insights for infrastructure management and maintenance.
Self-Powered Acceleration Sensor for Distance Prediction via Triboelectrification
Authors: Ding Zhengbing , Nguyen Dinh Cong , Kim Hakjeong , Wang Xing , Choi Kyungwho , Lee Jihae , Choi Dukhyun
Published: June 2024

Accurately predicting the distance an object will travel to its destination is very important in various sports. Acceleration sensors as a means of real-time monitoring are gaining increasing attention in sports. Due to the low energy output and power density of Triboelectric Nanogenerators (TENGs), recent efforts have focused on developing various acceleration sensors. However, these sensors suffer from significant drawbacks, including large size, high complexity, high power input requirements, and high cost. Here, we described a portable and cost-effective real-time refreshable strategy design comprising a series of individually addressable and controllable units based on TENGs embedded in a flexible substrate. This results in a highly sensitive, low-cost, and self-powered acceleration sensor. Putting, which accounts for nearly half of all strokes played, is obviously an important component of the golf game. The developed acceleration sensor has an accuracy controlled within 5%. The initial velocity and acceleration of the forward movement of a rolling golf ball after it is hit by a putter can be displayed, and the stopping distance is quickly calculated and predicted in about 7 s. This research demonstrates the application of the portable TENG-based acceleration sensor while paving the way for designing portable, cost-effective, scalable, and harmless ubiquitous self-powered acceleration sensors.
Determinants of Maximum Magnetic Anomaly Detection Distance
Authors: Li Hangcheng , Luo Jiaming , Zhang Jiajun , Li Jing , Zhang Yi , Zhang Wenwei , Zhang Mingji
Published: June 2024

The maximum detection distance is usually the primary concern of magnetic anomaly detection (MAD). Intuition tells us that larger object size, stronger magnetization and finer measurement resolution guarantee a further detectable distance. However, the quantitative relationship between detection distance and the above determinants is seldom studied. In this work, unmanned aerial vehicle-based MAD field experiments are conducted on cargo vessels and NdFeB magnets as typical magnetic objects to give a set of visualized magnetic field flux density images. Isometric finite element models are established, calibrated and analyzed according to the experiment configuration. A maximum detectable distance map as a function of target size and measurement resolution is then obtained from parametric sweeping on an experimentally calibrated finite element analysis model. We find that the logarithm of detectable distance is positively proportional to the logarithm of object size while negatively proportional to the logarithm of resolution, within the ranges of 1 m~500 m and 1 pT~1 μT, respectively. A three-parameter empirical formula (namely distance-size-resolution logarithmic relationship) is firstly developed to determine the most economic sensor configuration for a given detection task, to estimate the maximum detection distance for a given magnetic sensor and object, or to evaluate minimum detectable object size at a given magnetic anomaly detection scenario.
Pinpointing Moisture: The Capacitive Detection for Standing Tree Health
Authors: Yao Jianan , Zhen Zonglin , Xu Huadong , Zhao Liming , Duan Yuying , Guo Xuhui
Published: June 2024

Background: the feasibility of the capacitance method for detecting the water content in standing tree trunks was investigated using capacitance-based equipment that was designed for measuring the water content of standing tree trunks. Methods: In laboratory experiments, the best insertion depth of the probe for standing wood was determined by measurement experiments conducted at various depths. The bark was to be peeled when specimens and standing wood were being measured. The actual water content of the test object was obtained by specimens being weighed and the standing wood being weighed after the wood core was extracted. Results: A forecast of the moisture content of standing wood within a range of 0 to 180% was achieved by the measuring instrument. The feasibility of the device for basswood and fir trees is preliminarily studied. When compared to the drying method, the average error of the test results was found to be less than 8%, with basswood at 7.75%, and fir at 7.35%. Conclusions: It was concluded that the measuring instrument has a wide measuring range and is suitable for measuring wood with low moisture content, as well as standing timber with high moisture content. The measuring instrument, being small in size, easy to carry, and capable of switching modes, is considered to have a good application prospect in the field of forest precision monitoring and quality improvement.
Research on Path Planning Algorithm of Driverless Ferry Vehicles Combining Improved A* and DWA
Authors: Wang Zhaohong , Li Gang
Published: June 2024

In view of the fact that the global planning algorithm cannot avoid unknown dynamic and static obstacles and the local planning algorithm easily falls into local optimization in large-scale environments, an improved path planning algorithm based on the integration of A* and DWA is proposed and applied to driverless ferry vehicles. Aiming at the traditional A* algorithm, the vector angle cosine value is introduced to improve the heuristic function to enhance the search direction; the search neighborhood is expanded and optimized to improve the search efficiency; aiming at the problem that there are many turning points in the A* algorithm, a cubic quasi-uniform B-spline curve is used to smooth the path. At the same time, fuzzy control theory is introduced to improve the traditional DWA so that the weight coefficient of the evaluation function can be dynamically adjusted in different environments, effectively avoiding the problem of a local optimal solution. Through the fusion of the improved DWA and the improved A* algorithm, the key nodes in global planning are used as sub-target punctuation to guide the DWA for local planning, so as to ensure that the ferry vehicle avoids obstacles in real time. Simulation results show that the fusion algorithm can avoid unknown dynamic and static obstacles efficiently and in real time on the basis of obtaining the global optimal path. In different environment maps, the effectiveness and adaptability of the fusion algorithm are verified.
The Dynamic Change in the Reliability Function Level in a Selected Fire Alarm System during a Fire
Authors: Paś Jacek , Klimczak Tomasz , Rosiński Adam , Stawowy Marek , Duer Stanisław , Harničárová Marta
Published: June 2024

This article discusses fundamental issues associated with the functional reliability of selected fire alarm systems (FASs) in operation during building fires. FASs operate under diverse external or internal natural environmental conditions, and the operational process of FAS should take into account the impacts of physical phenomena that occur during fires. Their operation is associated with the constant provision of reliability. FAS designers should also consider the system’s reliability when developing fire control matrices, tables, algorithms, or scenarios. All functions arising from an FAS control matrix should be implemented with a permissible reliability level, RDPN(t), prior to, as well as during, a fire. This should be assigned to the controls saved in the fire alarm control unit (FCP). This article presents the process by which high temperatures generated during a fire impact the reliability of FAS functioning. It was developed considering selected critical paths for a specific scenario and the control matrix for an FAS. Such assumptions make it possible to determine the impact of various temperatures generated during a fire on the reliability of an FAS. To this end, the authors reviewed that the waveform of the R(t) function changes for a given FAS over time, Δt, and then determined the fitness paths. The critical paths are located within the fire detection and suppression activation process, using FAS or fixed extinguishing devices (FEDs), and the paths were modeled with acceptable and unacceptable technical states. The last section of this article defines a model and graph for the operational process of a selected FAS, the analysis of which enables conclusions to be drawn that can be employed in the design and implementation stages.
Determinants of Perceived Comfort: Multi-Dimensional Thinking in Smart Bedding Design
Authors: Bai Xiangtian , Liu Yonghong , Dai Zhe , Chen Yongkang , Fang Pingping , Ma Jun
Published: June 2024

Sleep quality is an important issue of public concern. This study, combined with sensor application, aims to explore the determinants of perceived comfort when using smart bedding to provide empirical evidence for improving sleep quality. This study was conducted in a standard sleep laboratory in Quanzhou, China, from March to April of 2023. Perceived comfort was evaluated using the Subjective Lying Comfort Evaluation on a seven-point rating scale, and body pressure distribution was measured using a pressure sensor. Correlation analysis was employed to analyze the relationship between perceived comfort and body pressure, and multiple linear regression was used to identify the factors of perceived comfort. The results showed that body pressure was partially correlated with perceived comfort, and sleep posture significantly influenced perceived comfort. In addition, height, weight, and body mass index are common factors that influence comfort. The findings highlight the importance of optimizing the angular range of boards based on their comfort performance to adjust sleeping posture and equalize pressure distribution. Future research should consider aspects related to the special needs of different populations (such as height and weight), as well as whether users are elderly and whether they have particular diseases. The design optimization of the bed board division and mattress softness, based on traditional smart bedding, can improve comfort and its effectiveness in reducing health risks and enhancing health status.
Study on the Efficiency of Fine Particle Removal in a Single-Tower Dual-Cycle Desulfurization Process Utilizing Heterogeneous Condensation
Authors: Zhang Rui , Mnipela Zulpher Ahmad , Yang Linjun , Si Xiaodong
Published: June 2024

This study investigated a new method for controlling the emission of fine particles through heterogeneous condensation. Specifically, the research focuses on the application of single-tower double-cycle desulfurization technology in the wet flue gas desulfurization process. The establishment of a supersaturation environment necessary for heterogeneous condensation was achieved by reducing the temperature of desulfurization slurry in the oxidation zone. Numerical simulations were used to study the distribution of the supersaturation degree and fluid dynamics characteristics in the desulfurization tower after the cooling of desulfurization slurry. Furthermore, the impact of single-tower double-cycle technology on the removal efficiency of fine particles was examined. The results of the numerical simulations indicate that cooling the desulfurization slurry in the absorption zone could establish a supersaturated vapor environment, with the supersaturation degree and region increasing as the slurry temperature decreases. Under typical operating conditions, a temperature drop of approximately 8~10 °C was found to be most suitable for the desulfurization slurry. Moreover, lowering the temperature of the desulfurization slurry in the absorption zone increases the supersaturation degree from 0.93 to 1.85. Additionally, the use of single-tower double-cycle desulfurization technology is shown to significantly enhance the removal efficiency of fine particles, particularly those within the particle size range of 0.1~1 μm. Ultimately, this method could increase the removal efficiency of fine particles from 39.9% to 57.9%.
A Novel Solvent Microextraction Lab-in-Syringe System Coupled with Atomic Absorption Spectrometry for Thallium Determination in Water Samples
Authors: Skok Arina , Manousi Natalia , Bazel Yaroslav , Vishnikin Andriy , Anthemidis Aristidis
Published: June 2024

Thallium is an accumulative highly toxic metal, that can be present in environmental samples due to industrial pollution and is dangerous for living organisms. Thus, its determination at trace levels is necessary. The lab-in-syringe (LIS) is considered to be a simple, functional, and versatile, technique that combines operational concepts and flow and sequential injection analysis. In this study, a liquid-phase microextraction LIS system was developed as a front-end to flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) for the determination of thallium in water samples. The proposed approach is based on the formation of Tl(III) ammonium–pyrrolidine–dithiocarbamate complex followed by its extraction using di-isobutyl-ketone. These procedures take place within the syringe barrel of the LIS system. The limit of detection of the developed method was 2.1 µg L−1 with a linear range from 7.0 to 400 µg L−1. The relative standard deviation (RSD) was 3.9% (at 50.0 µg L−1 Tl(I)), demonstrating good precision. Moreover, good method accuracy was obtained since the relative recovery values were within the range of 93.4–101.2%. Finally, reliable method applicability and green merits were demonstrated using the blue applicability grade index and green analytical procedure index, respectively. The proposed method was used for the analysis of environmental water samples.
Exploring Circumcision in Australia: A Journey through Time and Culture
Authors: Sitharthan Darshan , Thayanantharajah Keeththana
Published: June 2024

Circumcision, an ancient surgical practice dating back to 6000 BCE, has evolved significantly from a primarily cultural practice to a subject of medical and ethical debate [...]
Blood Transfusion, Radical Cystectomy, and Cancer Recurrence: A New Look at an Old Story. Comment on Ladner et al. Perioperative Blood Transfusion Is Associated with Worse Survival in Patients Undergoing Radical Cystectomy after Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer. Soc. Int. Urol. J. 2024, 5, 202–213
Authors: Dhar Ankur , Siriwardana Amila , Schofield Ella , Catto James WF
Published: June 2024

Radical cystectomy can be a morbid operation [...]
A Review of IoT-Based Smart City Development and Management
Authors: Zaman Mostafa , Puryear Nathan , Abdelwahed Sherif , Zohrabi Nasibeh
Published: June 2024

Smart city initiatives aim to enhance urban domains such as healthcare, transportation, energy, education, environment, and logistics by leveraging advanced information and communication technologies, particularly the Internet of Things (IoT). While IoT integration offers significant benefits, it also introduces unique challenges. This paper provides a comprehensive review of IoT-based management in smart cities. It includes a discussion of a generalized architecture for IoT in smart cities, evaluates various metrics to assess the success of smart city projects, explores standards pertinent to these initiatives, and delves into the challenges encountered in implementing smart cities. Furthermore, the paper examines real-world applications of IoT in urban management, highlighting their advantages, practical impacts, and associated challenges. The research methodology involves addressing six key questions to explore IoT architecture, impacts on efficiency and sustainability, insights from global examples, critical standards, success metrics, and major deployment challenges. These findings offer valuable guidance for practitioners and policymakers in developing effective and sustainable smart city initiatives. The study significantly contributes to academia by enhancing knowledge, offering practical insights, and highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary research for urban innovation and sustainability, guiding future initiatives towards more effective smart city solutions.
Assessment of Mixed Amendments of CaCO3/Na2SO4 Ratio on the pH Buffer Capacity and Exchangeable Sodium Percentage of Soils with Contrasting Properties
Authors: Pinochet Dante , Romero Carolina , Ramírez Fernando , Clunes John
Published: June 2024

Reusing the by-products from wood pulp processing can promote the efficient use of resources. In this sense, the objective of this research was to determine the agronomic efficiency of CaCO3 and Na2SO4 by-products from wood pulp processing to establish criteria for their use and avoid undesirable side effects when applying these materials to the soil. Six treatments in proportions of 1; 0.9; 0.75; 0.5, 0.25, and 0, of CaCO3/Na2SO4, respectively, were incubated at a constant temperature and humidity for 15 days. The first proportion consisted of 100% CaCO3, while M1 mixed 90% CaCO3 and 10% Na2SO4, M2: 75% CaCO3 and 25% Na2SO4, M3: 50% CaCO3 and 50% Na2SO4, M4: 25% CaCO3 and 75% Na2SO4, with the last proportion comprised of 100% Na2SO4. Samples of 40 g from two soil series, Licantén (Inceptisol) and San José (Andisol), were used. The rates applied for each treatment were 0, 1, 2, 4, and 8 g of material per kg of dry soil. At the end of the incubation period, pH in water, pH in CaCl2, exchange bases (Ca2+, Mg2+, K+ and Na+) and extractable sulfur were determined. The results showed that the San José soil had a pH buffering capacity three times higher than that of the Licantén soil. The linear increase in pH was thus explained by the soil type in relation to the applied rate of CaCO3. The analysis of the increase in the exchangeable Na percentage (ESP) showed that the soils increased up to about 70% of their ESP with the highest added rate of Na2SO4. The application of a mixture of 25% Na2SO4 and 75% CaCO3 resulted in an increase in the ESP close to 15%; therefore, it is not recommended to use mixtures with a Na2SO4 content higher than 25% in these soils. Finally, we affirm that for M2 the maximum recommended dose for application should be 4 Mg ha−1, i.e., 3 g of material per kg of soil.
Assessing Spillover Effects of Medications for Opioid Use Disorder on HIV Risk Behaviors among a Network of People Who Inject Drugs
Authors: Puleo Joseph , Buchanan Ashley , Katenka Natallia , Halloran M. Elizabeth , Friedman Samuel R. , Nikolopoulos Georgios
Published: June 2024

People who inject drugs (PWID) have an increased risk of HIV infection partly due to injection behaviors often related to opioid use. Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) have been shown to reduce HIV infection risk, possibly by reducing injection risk behaviors. MOUD may benefit individuals who do not receive it themselves but are connected through social, sexual, or drug use networks with individuals who are treated. This is known as spillover. Valid estimation of spillover in network studies requires considering the network’s community structure. Communities are groups of densely connected individuals with sparse connections to other groups. We analyzed a network of 277 PWID and their contacts from the Transmission Reduction Intervention Project. We assessed the effect of MOUD on reductions in injection risk behaviors and the possible benefit for network contacts of participants treated with MOUD. We identified communities using modularity-based methods and employed inverse probability weighting with community-level propensity scores to adjust for measured confounding. We found that MOUD may have beneficial spillover effects on reducing injection risk behaviors. The magnitudes of estimated effects were sensitive to the community detection method. Careful consideration should be paid to the significance of community structure in network studies evaluating spillover.
Estimation of Standard Error, Linking Error, and Total Error for Robust and Nonrobust Linking Methods in the Two-Parameter Logistic Model
Authors: Robitzsch Alexander
Published: June 2024

The two-parameter logistic (2PL) item response theory model is a statistical model for analyzing multivariate binary data. In this article, two groups are brought onto a common metric using the 2PL model using linking methods. The linking methods of mean–mean linking, mean–geometric–mean linking, and Haebara linking are investigated in nonrobust and robust specifications in the presence of differential item functioning (DIF). M-estimation theory is applied to derive linking errors for the studied linking methods. However, estimated linking errors are prone to sampling error in estimated item parameters, thus resulting in artificially increased the linking error estimates in finite samples. For this reason, a bias-corrected linking error estimate is proposed. The usefulness of the modified linking error estimate is demonstrated in a simulation study. It is shown that a simultaneous assessment of the standard error and linking error in a total error must be conducted to obtain valid statistical inference. In the computation of the total error, using the bias-corrected linking error estimate instead of the usually employed linking error provides more accurate coverage rates.
The Key Sustainable Strategies Criteria for Effective Human Resource Management Practices
Authors: Khalid Alrashedi Ahmed
Published: June 2024

The management of an organization’s human resources is the first stage in the governance process for any operation. This present study examines the strategies employed in Saudi Arabia for establishing effective governance through the implementation of human resource management practices and the key sustainable strategies criteria for effective human resource management practices. This step is considered crucial in governance as it involves the selection of highly qualified individuals who are expected to contribute to the achievement of optimal governance outcomes and the overall well-being of the population within a nation, as well as the key criteria involved. A qualitative research methodology and a decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) were utilized with a sample of 31 participants from eight government ministries and fourteen companies in Saudi Arabia. The study’s findings, from the qualitative interviews, exert four key criteria influencing effective human resource sustainable management practices. “Cultural reflection” is the most important long-term goal of Saudi Arabia’s HRM initiatives, found from the DEMATEL evaluation, with three criteria presenting values of 7.9181, 8.2294, 8.1961, all above the threshold value of 7.783599781. This means that HR professionals should take the time to study and evaluate the cultural dynamics in their workplace in order to promote cultural introspection and understanding of cultural differences.
Spatial Distribution and Type Division of Traditional Villages in Zhejiang Province
Authors: Chen Yinhe , Li Rui
Published: June 2024

Exploring the spatial distribution and type characteristics of traditional villages is crucial for promoting their protection and sustainable development. This article used the average nearest neighbor index, imbalance index, kernel density, standard deviation ellipse, and cluster analysis to analyze the overall distribution characteristics of traditional villages in Zhejiang Province and completed the classification of traditional village types and distribution areas in Zhejiang Province. The results indicate that traditional villages in Zhejiang Province exhibit a clustered and unbalanced distribution in space. They tend to be located below an altitude of 200 m, within 500 m of the river system, with terrain undulations of 20–200 m, 10–30 km away from county-level administrative centers, and 0–3 km away from main roads but with sparse road networks. Based on the comprehensive influence of geographical elements in the geographical environment of traditional villages, traditional villages in Zhejiang Province can be divided into five types. Based on the spatial distribution and type characteristics of traditional villages in Zhejiang Province, distribution areas of traditional villages in Zhejiang Province can be divided into six types. Finally, corresponding protection and development suggestions were proposed. These results can enrich the research content of traditional villages in Zhejiang Province and provide theoretical support for the protection and sustainable development of traditional villages.
Enhancing the Sustainability of Intangible Cultural Heritage Projects: Obtaining Efficient Digital Skills Preservation through Binocular Half Panoramic VR Maps
Authors: Yang Ruixuan , Li Yuzhi , Wang Yiting , Zhu Qiaolian , Wang Ning , Song Ying , Tian Feng , Xu Haojun
Published: June 2024

Intangible cultural heritage is a people-centered living cultural heritage. Preservation, promotion, and talent cultivation are important aspects of intangible cultural heritage protection and also crucial guarantees for sustainable development. However, traditional video recordings lack three-dimensional spatial information, and the high cost of digital scanning and reconstruction still leaves no convenient, efficient, accurate, realistic, and low-cost solution for the preservation and dissemination of intangible cultural heritage projects. Here we introduce the binocular 180-degree panoramic display method, through which a platform for recording, showcasing, disseminating, and teaching intangible cultural heritage projects in the Sanlin Old Street of Shanghai was implemented. The platform requires only VR filming without the need for 3D modeling technology. The participants can freely select intangible cultural heritage projects on the map and immerse themselves in watching the Sanlin “Three Excellence” porcelain carving, local cuisine, and embroidery. They can also enjoy the dragon dance, experience the textile craftsmanship of Sanlin’s “Three Specialties”, and even observe the production process and details of the works from the perspective of the inheritor in the first person. The results show that compared to traditional video recordings and digital scanning reconstruction, the binocular 180-degree panoramic display provides a one-to-one, face-to-face, and low-cost solution for the preservation and dissemination of projects. It allows students to increase their knowledge of intangible cultural heritage and enhance their interest in inheritance.
Interactions between Cetyltrimethylammonium Bromide Modified Cellulose Nanocrystals and Surfaces: An Ellipsometric Study
Authors: Gong Xiaoyu , Ismail Md Farhad , Boluk Yaman
Published: June 2024

The tailoring of the surface properties of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) to meet various requirements in environmental, food, and material areas has always been of great interest. In this study, the surface chemistry of CNCs was noncovalently modified by cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), followed by characterizations and an investigation into its application as a coating material for interfacial interaction over various substrates. Due to the CTAB modification, the surface charge of the CNCs was neutralized, resulting in an increased size of each nanocrystal at the aqueous status and the aggregated microfibers when dried up. The CTAB modification not only decreased the crystallinity of the samples from 48.57% to 9.12%, but also reasonably hydrophobized the CNCs and decreased their total surface energy. Finally, the adsorption behavior of the CNCs and CTAB-CNCs over nonionic, anionic, and cationic polymers was investigated by ellipsometry. Based on the thickness of the CNC and CTAB-CNC layers over 2-Hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), and polyethyleneimine (PEI), we proposed that the adsorption behavior was overall influenced by electrostatic interaction, hydrogen bonding, and van der Waals forces, and the thickness of the adsorbed layers could be impacted by both the surface charge and the size of the crystals.
Ammonia Can Be Currently Considered One of the Best Green Energy Allies
Authors: González Rubén , Gómez Xiomar
Published: June 2024

Ammonia can be considered a relevant compound in the future energy sector, playing a significant role as an energy carrier, storage, or carbon-free fuel. However, the production of this molecule has a high energy demand, and the use of natural gas, which is not free of controversy due to the accidental leakage into the atmosphere produced during extraction and the fact that it is a nonrenewable source, contributes to increasing greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing the process’s energy demand and carbon footprint will be essential to making ammonia a clear alternative for a carbon-free economy. Given the vast research in ammonia production and handling, this gas seems to be the logical step forward in the evolution of the energy sector. However, the current uncertainty in the global market requires cautiousness in decision making. Several factors may impact economic growth and human welfare, thus needing a careful assessment before making any transcendental decisions that could affect worldwide energy prices and raw material availability.
A Review of Miroculis (Ommaethus) Savage and Peters, 1983 (Ephemeroptera: Leptophlebiidae)
Authors: Salles Frederico Falcão , Pantoja Gabriel Martins , Cortes Isabel Cristina Hernandez , Orlando Thales
Published: June 2024

Miroculis (Ommaethus) Savage and Peters, 1983 (Ephemeroptera, Leptophlebiidae) is reviewed based on fresh material from Southeastern Brazil and on type specimens. Miroculis (Ommaethus) cipoensis sp. n. is described based on male and female imagos from Serra do Cipó, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. It can be distinguished from other species of the subgenus based on the following characteristics: forewings with membrane brown and dark brown mark around cross veins; hind wing uniformly brown; forceps segment I light brown, segment II and III lighter; penis lobe long (at least ⅔ of forceps segment I) and apically rounded and curved on apical ¼; length of body between 5.0 and 6.3 mm. Photographs of fresh material belonging to M. (O.) froehlichi Savage and Peters, 1983 and M. (O.) mourei Savage and Peters, 1983 are provided, clarifying the boundaries between the existing species of the subgenus. Based on that, M. (O.) misionensis Domínguez, 2007 is considered a junior synonym of M. (O.) mourei. A key to the male imagos of the subgenus is presented, as well as a distributional map with updated records of the species.