bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of virtual reality and test environment on user experience, usability, and mental workload in the evaluation of a blood pressure monitor
Authors: Hinricher Niels , König Simon , Schröer Chris , Backhaus Claus
Published: June 2023

User experience and user acceptance of a product are essential for the product’s success. Virtual reality (VR) technology has the potential to assess these parameters early in the development process. However, research is scarce on whether the evaluation of the user experience and user acceptance of prototypes in VR, as well as the simulation of the usage environment, lead to comparable results to reality. To investigate this, a digital twin of a blood pressure monitor (BPM) was created using VR. In a 2 × 2 factorial between-subjects design, 48 participants tested the real or VR BPM. The tests were performed either in a low-detail room at a desk or in a detailed operating room (OR) environment. Participants executed three use scenarios with the BPM and rated their user experience and acceptance with standardized questionnaires. A test leader evaluated the performance of the participants’ actions using a three-point scheme. The number of user interactions, task time, and perceived workload were assessed. The participants rated the user experience of the BPM significantly (p< .05) better in VR. User acceptance was significantly higher when the device was tested in VR and in a detailed OR environment. Participant performance and time on task did not significantly differ between VR and reality. However, there was significantly less interaction with the VR device (p< .001). Participants who tested the device in a detailed OR environment rated their performance significantly worse. In reality, the participants were able to haptically experience the device and thus better assess its quality. Overall, this study shows that user evaluations in VR should focus on objective criteria, such as user errors. Subjective criteria, such as user experience, are significantly biased by VR.
QTL Mapping by Chromosome Segment Substitution Lines (CSSLs) Reveals Candidate Gene Controlling Leaf Sucrose Content in Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.)
Authors: Wu Yuheng , He Chenyu , Sun Changheng , Wang Xiangran , Qi Zhaoming , Chen Qingshan , Zhao Mingzhe , Yao Xindong , Zhang Dayong
Published: June 2023

Understanding the genetic basis of leaf sucrose content can provide a novel way in improving soybean yields. To identify the related QTLs, 190 materials of chromosome fragment substitution lines (CSSLs) were used in this study. The CSSLs were developed from the cross between the cultivated soybean Suinong 14 (SN14) and wild soybean ZYD00006. Only one QTL with a high logarithm of odds (LOD) score was detected in 2021 and 2022 among 3780 bin markers (combined by 580,524 SNPs) distributed in 20 chromosomes. Nine candidate genes were screened and Glyma.14G029100 was considered as the hub gene. A promoter difference and CDS mutant was found among the parents and the reference genome, which lead to the relative transcriptional level difference.. Our results lay the groundwork for further research into its genetic mechanism.
A Robot Gripper with Differential and Hoecken Linkages for Straight Parallel Pinch and Self-Adaptive Grasp
Authors: Liu Yankai , Zhang Wenzeng
Published: June 2023

Parallel pinch is an important grasp method. The end phalanx of the traditional parallel pinch and self-adaptive gripper moves in an arc trajectory, which requires the auxiliary lifting motion of the industrial manipulator, which is inconvenient to use. To solve this problem, a novel robot finger is designed and implemented—Hoecken’s finger. In this finger, the Hoecken linkage mechanism is used to realize the straight-line trajectory of the end joint, the differential mechanism set on the surface of the phalanxes is used to realize the shape self-adaptation of the first and second phalanxes, and the parallel four-bar linkage in series is used to realize the attitude keeping, thus comprehensively realizing the underactuated gripper driven by a single motor. After analyzing the grasp force and grasp motion of Hoecken’s fingers, the optimized parameters are obtained, and the Hoecken’s gripper is developed. The experimental results show that the gripper can realize the self-adaptive grasp function of straight parallel pinch, the grasp is stable, and the grasp range is large. It can be applied to more scenes that need to grasp objects.
Advances in Tapered Optical Fiber Sensor Structures: From Conventional to Novel and Emerging
Authors: Zhang Wen , Lang Xianzheng , Liu Xuecheng , Li Guoru , Singh Ragini , Zhang Bingyuan , Kumar Santosh
Published: June 2023

Optical fiber sensors based on tapered optical fiber (TOF) structure have attracted a considerable amount of attention from researchers due to the advantages of simple fabrication, high stability, and diverse structures, and have great potential for applications in many fields such as physics, chemistry, and biology. Compared with conventional optical fibers, TOF with their unique structural characteristics significantly improves the sensitivity and response speed of fiber-optic sensors and broadens the application range. This review presents an overview of the latest research status and characteristics of fiber-optic sensors and TOF sensors. Then, the working principle of TOF sensors, fabrication schemes of TOF structures, novel TOF structures in recent years, and the growing emerging application areas are described. Finally, the development trends and challenges of TOF sensors are prospected. The objective of this review is to convey novel perspectives and strategies for the performance optimization and design of TOF sensors based on fiber-optic sensing technologies.
Global Research Productions Pertaining to Design for Safety: A Bibliometric Analysis Based on WoS Database
Authors: Zhu Yan , Mao Ye , Yuan Ming , Zhang Kai , Lv Congdong
Published: June 2023

Design for Safety (DFS) is a crucial tool that assists humans in paying closer attention to safety and health in project life cycles of buildings and other facilities. Analyzing DFS through a bibliometric perspective can facilitate the development of new theories, promote disciplinary content, and reveal the direction of development in the subject area. This paper presents a systematic, holistic, and comprehensive overview of the global literature focused on DFS, summarizing the number of publications, research hotspots, research methods, and distribution. Scientific publications are a measure of academic level and scientific strength of institutions and individuals, and this article provides an overview of interdisciplinary research on DFS from 1 January 1997 to 31 December 2020, based on literature related to DFS in the Web of Science database (WoS-database). The paper highlights current research hotspots, ideas, and trends around the world, offering a global overview of contemporary and interdisciplinary research in DFS. By utilizing both keyword clustering and co-citation clustering techniques, the paper proposes the 4P framework (i.e., purpose, people, procedures, and phenomena) to better understand current global achievements and to achieve a complex structure for future development. This concise description of DFS trends may provide a logical mechanism for assessing and understanding the development of DFS research.
Optimizing Machine Learning Algorithms for Improving Prediction of Bridge Deck Deterioration: A Case Study of Ohio Bridges
Authors: Rashidi Nasab Armin , Elzarka Hazem
Published: June 2023

The deterioration of a bridge’s deck endangers its safety and serviceability. Ohio has approximately 45,000 bridges that need to be monitored to ensure their structural integrity. Adequate prediction of the deterioration of bridges at an early stage is critical to preventing failures. The objective of this research was to develop an accurate model for predicting bridge deck conditions in Ohio. A comprehensive literature review has revealed that past researchers have utilized different algorithms and features when developing models for predicting bridge deck deterioration. Since, there is no guarantee that the use of features and algorithms utilized by past researchers would lead to accurate results for Ohio’s bridges, this research proposes a framework for optimizing the use of machine learning (ML) algorithms to more accurately predict bridge deck deterioration. The framework aims to first determine “optimal” features that can be related to deck deterioration conditions, specifically in the case of Ohio’s bridges by using various feature-selection methods. Two feature-selection models used were XGboost and random forest, which have been confirmed by the Boruta algorithm, in order to determine the features most relevant to deck conditions. Different ML algorithms were then used, based on the “optimal” features, to select the most accurate algorithm. Seven machine learning algorithms, including single models such as decision tree (DT), artificial neural networks (ANNs), k-nearest neighbors (k-NNs), logistic regression (LR), and support vector machines (SVRs), as well as ensemble models such as Random Forest (RF) and eXtreme gradient boosting (XGboost), have been implemented to classify deck conditions. To validate the framework, results from the ML algorithms that used the “optimal” features as input were compared to results from the same ML algorithms that used the “most common” features that have been used in previous studies. On a dataset obtained from the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), the results indicated that the ensemble ML algorithms were able to predict deck conditions significantly more accurately than single models when the “optimal” features were utilized. Although the framework was implemented using data obtained from ODOT, it can be successfully utilized by other transportation agencies to more accurately predict the deterioration of bridge components.
Noble Metal Modified TiO2 Hierarchically Structured Microspheres with Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Huang Haisheng , Wang Juan , Kong Qi , Xu Yao , Wei Zhishun , Chang Ying
Published: June 2023

Anatase TiO2 hierarchically structured microspheres with co-exposed {001}/{101} facets were prepared by a facile one-pot hydrothermal method. The influences of reaction temperature on the morphology and crystallization of microspheres were investigated systematically. The obtained microspheres possessed better morphology and crystallization when the reaction temperature was 160 °C. Different noble metals (Au, Ag, Cu, Pt, Pd) were used for the microspheres modification, and the experimental results exhibited that the photocatalytic activities of the noble metal modified microspheres were enhanced obviously, especially for the Pt-modified sample (TPt), which showed the highest photocatalytic activity in degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride (the TPt sample showed the largest improvement, i.e., the activity reached 1.47 times higher than that of the bare sample) and hydrogen production (the largest improvement was also observed for the TPt sample, i.e., the activity was more than 30 times as the bare sample, reaching more than 300 μmol·g−1·h−1). Finally, a photocatalytic reaction mechanism involving the synergy of co-exposed {001}/{101} crystal facets with noble metals was proposed according to the as-obtained experimental results.
The Direct Synthesis of Aromatic Hydrocarbons from Syngas over Bifunctional MgZrOx/HZSM-5 Catalysts
Authors: Ma Dong , Sun Laizhi , Chen Lei , Yang Shuangxia , Xie Xinping , Si Hongyu , Zhao Baofeng , Hua Dongliang
Published: June 2023

ZrO2 and catalysts were prepared by a co-precipitate method and coupled with a HZSM-5 zeolite catalyst through a mechanical mixing method; these were applied to the direct synthesis of aromatic hydrocarbons from syngas through an oxygen-containing intermediate route. The physical and chemical properties of the catalysts were characterized by XRD, H2-TPR, CO2-TPD, and SEM methods. The comparative catalytic effects of ZrO2 and MgZrOx catalysts were discussed under different reaction conditions. The reaction results showed that the addition of Mg to a ZrO2 catalyst reduced the selectivity of CO2 by inhibiting the water–gas conversion reaction, and increased the selectivity of aromatics and the proportion of BTX in aromatic products.
Oribatid Mites (Oribatida) Associated with Nests of Hollow-Nesting Birds, on the Example of a Model Species, the European Pied Flycatcher (Ficedula hypoleuca), in the Taiga Forests of the European North-East of Russia
Authors: Melekhina Elena N. , Korolev Andrey N. , Selivanova Natalia P.
Published: June 2023

The authors have obtained original material on the fauna and population structure of oribatid mites inhabiting nests of the European Pied Flycatcher (Ficedula hypoleuca, Passeriformes, hollow-nesting bird) on the territory of the taiga zone of the European North-East of Russia. Long-term research and the collection of nests were carried out in the green zone of Syktyvkar in 2017–2022. Observations were made for artificial nests (hollows) of a box type with a bottom area of 100 cm2. The material of the tray was collected completely. In 135 studied nests of Pied Flycatchers, 1762 specimens were found and identified for 22 species of oribatid mites from 19 genera and 16 families. In the nests of the Pied Flycatcher, a complex of species was found that is known as an arboricolous species for this region; these are Oribatula (Zygoribatula) propinqua, Oribatula (Z.) exilis, Trichoribates (T.) berlesei, and Ameronothrus oblongus. We suggested that arboricolous species, as well as eurytopic species, can actively inhabit bird nests. Highly numerous in our collections were representatives of the Oribatulidae and Scheloribatidae families; they are Oribatula (Z.) propinqua, Oribatula (Z.) exilis, Oribatula (O.) tibialis, and Scheloribates laevigatus. Epigeic species are dominated by the species number. The fauna of oribatid mites mainly included widespread Holarctic species (54.54%).
Role of Circ-ITCH Gene Polymorphisms and Its Expression in Breast Cancer Susceptibility and Prognosis
Authors: Saadawy Sara F. , Raafat Nermin , Samy Walaa M. , Raafat Ahmed , Talaat Aliaa
Published: June 2023

Introduction/Objective: Breast cancer (BC) is the first leading cause of cancer-related mortality in females worldwide. We have investigated the correlation between circ-ITCH gene polymorphisms, circ-ITCH expression, and their effect on β-catenin levels and BC development. Methods: Participants included 62 BC and 62 controls matched in terms of age. The circ-ITCH polymorphisms rs10485505 and rs4911154 were genotyped using whole blood samples. In addition, mRNA expression analysis of circ-ITCH was performed on BC tissues. The β-catenin levels in serum samples were measured using ELISA. Results: The qRT-PCR results demonstrated that circ-ITCH was significantly downregulated in BC compared to normal healthy tissues. The genotype distribution of rs10485505 and rs4911154 were significantly associated with BC risk. For rs10485505, genotype CT and TT were significantly associated with an increased BC risk. In contrast, there was a significant association between rs4911154, genotypes GA and AA, and an increased BC risk. Regarding the rs10485505 genotype, carriers of the T allele frequently have a poor prognosis compared to carriers of the CC genotype. Serum β-catenin in the BC patients’ group was significantly higher than in the control group. The relative expression levels of circ-ITCH were remarkably decreased in the BC samples of patients carrying the A allele at rs4911154 compared to patients with a GG genotype. Conversely, β-catenin protein levels were increased in patients carrying the A allele, while rs10485505 genotype carriers of the CT and TT genotypes showed downregulation of circ-ITCH expression fold compared to the CC genotype. Contrarily, β-catenin levels markedly increased in TT and CT genotypes compared with the CC genotype. Conclusions: Our research showed that the rs10485505 polymorphism (T allele) and the rs4911154 polymorphism (A allele) are associated with the risk and prognosis of BC. This finding may be due to the effect on the level of circ-ITCH mRNA expression in BC tissues as well as the level of β-catenin in BC patients.
Artificial Intelligence Applications in Breast Imaging: Current Status and Future Directions
Authors: Taylor Clayton R. , Monga Natasha , Johnson Candise , Hawley Jeffrey R. , Patel Mitva
Published: June 2023

Attempts to use computers to aid in the detection of breast malignancies date back more than 20 years. Despite significant interest and investment, this has historically led to minimal or no significant improvement in performance and outcomes with traditional computer-aided detection. However, recent advances in artificial intelligence and machine learning are now starting to deliver on the promise of improved performance. There are at present more than 20 FDA-approved AI applications for breast imaging, but adoption and utilization are widely variable and low overall. Breast imaging is unique and has aspects that create both opportunities and challenges for AI development and implementation. Breast cancer screening programs worldwide rely on screening mammography to reduce the morbidity and mortality of breast cancer, and many of the most exciting research projects and available AI applications focus on cancer detection for mammography. There are, however, multiple additional potential applications for AI in breast imaging, including decision support, risk assessment, breast density quantitation, workflow and triage, quality evaluation, response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy assessment, and image enhancement. In this review the current status, availability, and future directions of investigation of these applications are discussed, as well as the opportunities and barriers to more widespread utilization.
User Real-Time Influence Ranking Algorithm of Social Networks Considering Interactivity and Topicality
Authors: Li Zhaohui , Piao Wenjia , Sun Zhengyi , Wang Lin , Wang Xiaoqian , Li Wenli
Published: June 2023

At present, the existing influence evaluation algorithms often ignore network structure attributes, user interests and the time-varying propagation characteristics of influence. To address these issues, this work comprehensively discusses users’ own influence, weighted indicators, users’ interaction influence and the similarity between user interests and topics, thus proposing a dynamic user influence ranking algorithm called UWUSRank. First, we determine the user’s own basic influence based on their activity, authentication information and blog response. This improves the problem of poor objectivity of initial value on user influence evaluation when using PageRank to calculate user influence. Next, this paper mines users’ interaction influence by introducing the propagation network properties of Weibo (a Twitter-like service in China) information and scientifically quantifies the contribution value of followers’ influence to the users they follow according to different interaction influences, thereby solving the drawback of equal value transfer of followers’ influence. Additionally, we analyze the relevance of users’ personalized interest preferences and topic content and realize real-time monitoring of users’ influence at various time periods during the process of public opinion dissemination. Finally, we conduct experiments by extracting real Weibo topic data to verify the effectiveness of introducing each attribute of users’ own influence, interaction timeliness and interest similarity. Compared to TwitterRank, PageRank and FansRank, the results show that the UWUSRank algorithm improves the rationality of user ranking by 9.3%, 14.2%, and 16.7%, respectively, which proves the practicality of the UWUSRank algorithm. This approach can serve as a guide for research on user mining, information transmission methods, and public opinion tracking in social network-related areas.
Coupled Information–Epidemic Spreading Dynamics with Selective Mass Media
Authors: Xian Jiajun , Zhang Zhihong , Li Zongyi , Yang Dan
Published: June 2023

As a pandemic emerges, information on epidemic prevention disseminates among the populace, and the propagation of that information interacts with the proliferation of the disease. Mass media serve a pivotal function in facilitating the dissemination of epidemic-related information. Investigating coupled information–epidemic dynamics, while accounting for the promotional effect of mass media in information dissemination, is of significant practical relevance. Nonetheless, in the extant research, scholars predominantly employ an assumption that mass media broadcast to all individuals equally within the network: this assumption overlooks the practical constraint imposed by the substantial social resources required to accomplish such comprehensive promotion. In response, this study introduces a coupled information–epidemic spreading model with mass media that can selectively target and disseminate information to a specific proportion of high-degree nodes. We employed a microscopic Markov chain methodology to scrutinize our model, and we examined the influence of the various model parameters on the dynamic process. The findings of this study reveal that mass media broadcasts directed towards high-degree nodes within the information spreading layer can substantially reduce the infection density of the epidemic, and raise the spreading threshold of the epidemic. Additionally, as the mass media broadcast proportion increases, the suppression effect on the disease becomes stronger. Moreover, with a constant broadcast proportion, the suppression effect of mass media promotion on epidemic spreading within the model is more pronounced in a multiplex network with a negative interlayer degree correlation, compared to scenarios with positive or absent interlayer degree correlation.
Transforming Foreign Language Education: Exploring Educators’ Practices and Perspectives in the (Post-)Pandemic Era
Authors: Gruber Alice , Matt Eva , Leier Vera
Published: June 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated significant changes in foreign language education, forcing teachers to reconstruct their identities and redefine their roles as language educators. To better understand these adaptations and perspectives, it is crucial to study how the pandemic has influenced teaching practices. This mixed-methods study focused on the less-explored aspects of foreign language teaching during the pandemic, specifically examining how language teachers adapted and perceived their practices, including rapport building and learner autonomy, during emergency remote teaching (ERT) in higher education institutions. It also explored teachers’ intentions for their teaching in the post-pandemic era. An online survey was conducted, involving 118 language educators primarily from Germany, with a smaller representation from New Zealand, the United States, and the United Kingdom. The analysis of participants’ responses revealed issues and opportunities regarding lesson formats, tool usage, rapport, and learner autonomy. Our findings offer insights into the desired changes participants envisioned for the post-pandemic era. The results highlight the opportunities ERT had created in terms of teacher development, and we offer suggestions to enhance professional development programmes based on these findings.
Prospects of Bioethanol from Agricultural Residues in Bangladesh
Authors: Mahbubul Islam Mohammed , Himan Miah
Published: June 2023

Bangladesh is a middle-income country. With the development of the industrial and agricultural sectors, the demand for petroleum-based fuels in the transport sector has been steadily growing. Diesel, petrol, octane (C8H18), liquid petroleum gas (LPG), and compressed natural gas are mainly used as fuels in the transportation sectors of Bangladesh. The government imports LPG as well as refined, crude, and furnace oil from abroad to meet the country’s growing energy demand. Apart from that, Bangladesh has a shortage of natural gas reserves, which is a great concern. As a result, it is essential to find and use renewable fuel sources. Since Bangladesh is an agricultural country, bioethanol could be the best alternative fuel generated from agricultural residues and waste. Every year, a large amount of agricultural residue is generated in this country, from which a vast amount of bioethanol could be produced. Bioethanol derived from agricultural residue and waste can reduce dependency on fossil resources, reduce fossil fuel’s environmental impact, and improve engine performance. This article comprehensively reviews the bioethanol production potential from agricultural residues and investigates the opportunities and possibilities in Bangladesh. The research outcomes reveal that in the fiscal year 2019–2020, approximately 46.5 million tons of agricultural residue were generated from the available major crops, from which about 19.325 GL (gigalitres) of bioethanol could be generated. This current study also investigates the practical methods of bioethanol production from different agricultural feedstocks and identifies the challenges related to bioethanol production in Bangladesh.
The Impact of Resource Endowment on Provincial Green Development: An Empirical Analysis from China
Authors: Liang Shaobo , Song Yan , Li Xichen , Li Jizu , Liu Lin
Published: June 2023

Indepth research on the impact of energy endowment on provincial green development provides a new perspective for achieving high-quality provincial economic development. Based on 30 provinces’ panel data in China from 2009 to 2020, this study first constructs an index system to analyze energy endowment and provincial green development; then it explores the mechanism by which energy endowment affects provincial green development, including the moderating role of environmental regulation and the mediating role of energy efficiency. The results show that energy endowment can significantly curb provincial green development when environmental regulations are not taken into account. Moreover, environmental regulation has moderated the process of energy endowment affecting provincial green development. Energy efficiency has mediated the process of energy endowment affecting provincial green development. From a geographical viewpoint, the moderating effect of environmental regulation has regional heterogeneity but the mediating effect of energy efficiency does not. The conclusions of this research may supply applicable recommendations for provincial green development in China.
Experimental Analysis of Catalyst Layer Operation in a High-Temperature Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell by Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy
Authors: Baricci Andrea , Casalegno Andrea
Published: June 2023

High-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells (HT-PEMFC) directly convert hydrogen and oxygen to produce electric power at a temperature significantly higher than conventional low-temperature fuel cells. This achievement is due to the use of a phosphoric acid-doped polybenzimidazole membrane that can safely operate up to 200 °C. PBI-based HT-PEMFCs suffer severe performance limitations, despite the expectation that a higher operating temperature should positively impact both fuel cell efficiency and power density, e.g., improved ORR electrocatalyst activity or absence of liquid water flooding. These limitations must be overcome to comply with the requirements in mobility and stationary applications. In this work a systematic analysis of an HT-PEMFC is performed by means of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), aiming to individuate the contributions of components, isolate physical phenomena, and understand the role of the operating conditions. The EIS analysis indicates that increases in both the charge transfer and mass transport impedances in the spectrum are negatively impacted by air humidification and consistently introduce a loss in performance. These findings suggest that water vapor reduces phosphoric acid density, which in turn leads to liquid flooding of the catalyst layers and increases the poisoning of the electrocatalyst by phosphoric acid anions, thus hindering performance.
Evaluation of Slag Foaming Behavior Using Renewable Carbon Sources in Electric Arc Furnace-Based Steel Production
Authors: Kieush Lina , Schenk Johannes , Koveria Andrii , Hrubiak Andrii , Hopfinger Horst , Zheng Heng
Published: June 2023

The influence of different carbon sources, including anthracite, calcined petroleum coke, three samples of high-temperature coke, biochar, and a mixture of 50 wt.% biochar and 50 wt.% coke, on slag foaming behavior was studied. The slag’s composition was set to FeO-CaO-Al2O3-MgO-SiO2, and the temperature for slag foaming was 1600 °C. The effect of the carbon sources was evaluated using foaming characteristics (foam height, foam volume, relative foaming height, and gas fraction), X-ray diffraction (XRD), chemical analysis of the slag foams, Mossbauer spectroscopy, observation by scanning electron microscope (SEM), and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) mapping. Different foaming phenomena were found among conventional sources, biochar as a single source, and the mixture of coke and biochar. Biochar showed the most inferior foaming characteristics compared to the other studied carbon sources. Nevertheless, the slag foaming process was improved and showed slag foaming characteristics similar to results obtained using conventional carbon sources when the mixture of 50 wt.% coke and 50 wt.% biochar was used. The XRD analysis revealed a difference between the top and bottom of the slag foams. In almost all cases, a maghemite crystalline phase was detected at the top of the slag foams, indicating oxidation; metallic iron was found at the bottom. Furthermore, a difference in the slag foam (mixture of coke and biochar) was found in the presence of such crystalline phases as magnesium iron oxide (Fe2MgO4) and magnetite (Mg0.4Fe2.96O4). Notwithstanding the carbon source applied, a layer between the foam slag and the crucible wall was found in many samples. Based on the SEM/EDS and XRD results, it was assumed this layer consists of gehlenite (Ca2(Al(AlSi)O7) and two spinels: magnesium aluminate (MgAl2O4) and magnesium iron oxide (Fe2MgO4).
Perception of Prosumer Photovoltaic Technology in Poland: Usability, Ease of Use, Attitudes, and Purchase Intentions
Authors: Zdonek Iwona , Mularczyk Anna , Turek Marian , Tokarski Stanisław
Published: June 2023

This article aims to examine the factors affecting the acceptance of photovoltaic technology in Poland. Questions were asked about the perceived usefulness and ease of use of PV technology, how the attitudes and intentions of using PV technology are shaped, and how activities related to the promotion of PV technology are perceived. An examination was also conducted on which sociodemographic variables influence the above-mentioned constructs. As a result of the analysis, it was found that the economic usefulness of prosumer PV technology is rated the highest from the cost perspective. In terms of perceived ecological utility, the highest ratings were assigned to intentions to increase the production of green energy and to perceiving PV heating as ecological. In both of the above cases, the variables that statistically significantly influenced this assessment were age and the fact of having a PV system. The perceived ease of use of the PV system was also rated highly. The answers provided differed significantly depending on the possession of a PV system, gender, size of the place of residence and whether there was a person with technical education in the household. It was also noted that the attitudes towards the technology of prosumer PV systems are very favorable in terms of all the examined variables defining this construct. The variables that statistically differentiated the answers were experience in using PV systems, age, and size of the town. Furthermore, attention was drawn to ambiguous assessments of the perception of activities related to the promotion of prosumer PV systems. It was established that the only sociodemographic variable that determines statistically significant differences is age.
Synthesis and Biological Properties of Pyranocoumarin Derivatives as Potent Anti-Inflammatory Agents
Authors: Min Su Ji , Lee Heesu , Shin Myoung-Sook , Lee Jae Wook
Published: June 2023

This study aimed to synthesize 23 coumarin derivatives and analyze their anti-inflammatory effects on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in RAW264.7 macrophages. A cytotoxicity test performed on LPS-induced RAW264.7 macrophages revealed that none of the 23 coumarin derivatives were cytotoxic. Among the 23 coumarin derivatives, coumarin derivative 2 showed the highest anti-inflammatory activity by significantly reducing nitric oxide production in a concentration-dependent manner. Coumarin derivative 2 inhibited the production of proinflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin-6, and decreased the expression level of each mRNA. In addition, it inhibited the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase, p38, c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase, nuclear factor kappa-B p65 (NF-κB p65), and inducible nitric oxide synthase. These results indicated that coumarin derivative 2 inhibited LPS-induced mitogen-activated protein kinase and NF-κB p65 signal transduction pathways in RAW264.7 cells, as well as proinflammatory cytokines and enzymes related to inflammatory responses, to exert anti-inflammatory effects. Coumarin derivative 2 showed potential for further development as an anti-inflammatory drug for the treatment of acute and chronic inflammatory diseases.
Attenuation of LPS-Induced Lung Injury by Benziodarone via Reactive Oxygen Species Reduction
Authors: Ishihara Tsutomu , Tanaka Ken-ichiro , Takafuji Ayaka , Miura Keita , Mizushima Tohru
Published: June 2023

As overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) causes various diseases, antioxidants that scavenge ROS, or inhibitors that suppress excessive ROS generation, can be used as therapeutic agents. From a library of approved drugs, we screened compounds that reduced superoxide anions produced by pyocyanin-stimulated leukemia cells and identified benzbromarone. Further investigation of several of its analogues showed that benziodarone possessed the highest activity in reducing superoxide anions without causing cytotoxicity. In contrast, in a cell-free assay, benziodarone induced only a minimal decrease in superoxide anion levels generated by xanthine oxidase. These results suggest that benziodarone is an inhibitor of NADPH oxidases in the plasma membrane but is not a superoxide anion scavenger. We investigated the preventive effect of benziodarone on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced murine lung injury as a model of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Intratracheal administration of benziodarone attenuated tissue damage and inflammation via its ROS-reducing activity. These results indicate the potential application of benziodarone as a therapeutic agent against diseases caused by ROS overproduction.
Comparative Analysis of a Human Neutralizing mAb Specific for SARS-CoV-2 Spike-RBD with Cilgavimab and Tixagevimab for the Efficacy on the Omicron Variant in Neutralizing and Detection Assays
Authors: Passariello Margherita , Esposito Speranza , Manna Lorenzo , Rapuano Lembo Rosa , Zollo Immacolata , Sasso Emanuele , Amato Felice , De Lorenzo Claudia
Published: June 2023

The recent pandemic years have prompted the scientific community to increasingly search for and adopt new and more efficient therapeutic and diagnostic approaches to deal with a new infection. In addition to the development of vaccines, which has played a leading role in fighting the pandemic, the development of monoclonal antibodies has also represented a valid approach in the prevention and treatment of many cases of CoronaVirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Recently, we reported the development of a human antibody, named D3, showing neutralizing activity against different SARS-CoV-2 variants, wild-type, UK, Delta and Gamma variants. Here, we have further characterized with different methods D3’s ability to bind the Omicron-derived recombinant RBD by comparing it with the antibodies Cilgavimab and Tixagevimab, recently approved for prophylactic use of COVID-19. We demonstrate here that D3 binds to a distinct epitope from that recognized by Cilgavimab and shows a different binding kinetic behavior. Furthermore, we report that the ability of D3 to bind the recombinant Omicron RBD domain in vitro results in a good ability to also neutralize Omicron-pseudotyped virus infection in ACE2-expressing cell cultures. We point out here that D3 mAb maintains a good ability to recognize both the wild-type and Omicron Spike proteins, either when used as recombinant purified proteins or when expressed on pseudoviral particles despite the different variants, making it particularly useful both from a therapeutic and diagnostic point of view. On the basis of these results, we propose to exploit this mAb for combinatorial treatments with other neutralizing mAbs to increase their therapeutic efficacy and for diagnostic use to measure the viral load in biological samples in the current and future pandemic waves of coronaviruses.
Human Osteoarthritic Chondrocytes Express Nineteen Different TRP-Genes—TRPA1 and TRPM8 as Potential Drug Targets
Authors: Halonen Leevi , Pemmari Antti , Nummenmaa Elina , Hämäläinen Mari , Moilanen Teemu , Vuolteenaho Katriina , Moilanen Eeva
Published: June 2023

Transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channels are expressed in neuronal and some non-neuronal cells and are involved particularly in pain and thermosensation. We previously showed that TRPA1 is functionally expressed in human osteoarthritic (OA) chondrocytes and mediates inflammation, cartilage degradation, and pain in monosodium-iodoacetate-induced experimental OA. In the present study, we explored the expression of TRP-channels in primary human OA chondrocytes and investigated whether drugs used in the treatment of OA, ibuprofen and glucocorticoids, have effects on TRP-channel expression. OA cartilage was obtained from knee replacement surgery and chondrocytes were isolated with enzyme digestion. NGS analysis showed the expression of 19 TRP-genes in OA chondrocytes, with TRPM7, TRPV4, TRPC1, and TRPM8 having the highest counts in unstimulated cells. These results were verified with RT-PCR in samples from a different group of patients. Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) significantly increased TRPA1 expression, while TRPM8 and TRPC1 expression was decreased, and TRPM7 and TRPV4 expression remained unaffected. Furthermore, dexamethasone attenuated the effect of IL-1β on TRPA1 and TRPM8 expression. The TRPM8 and TRPA1 agonist menthol increased the expression of the cartilage-degrading enzymes MMP-1, MMP-3, and MMP-13 and the inflammatory factors iNOS and IL-6 in OA chondrocytes. In conclusion, human OA chondrocytes express 19 different TRP-genes, of which the significant TRPM8 expression is a novel finding. Dexamethasone attenuated IL-1β-induced TRPA1 expression. Interestingly, the TRPM8 and TRPA1 agonist menthol increased MMP expression. These results support the concept of TRPA1 and TRMP8 as potential novel drug targets in arthritis.
Integrated Bioinformatics Investigation of Novel Biomarkers of Uterine Leiomyosarcoma Diagnosis and Outcome
Authors: Rakic Aleksandar , Anicic Radomir , Rakic Marija , Nejkovic Lazar
Published: June 2023

Uterine leiomyosarcomas (uLMS) have a poor prognosis and a high percentage of recurrent disease. Bioinformatics has become an integral element in rare cancer studies by overcoming the inability to collect a large enough study population. This study aimed to investigate and highlight crucial genes, pathways, miRNAs, and transcriptional factors (TF) on uLMS samples from five Gene Expression Omnibus datasets and The Cancer Genome Atlas Sarcoma study. Forty-one common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were enriched and annotated by the DAVID software. With protein–protein interaction (PPI) network analysis, we selected ten hub genes that were validated with the TNMplotter web tool. We used the USCS Xena browser for survival analysis. We also predicted TF-gene and miRNA-gene regulatory networks along with potential drug molecules. TYMS and TK1 correlated with overall survival in uLMS patients. Finally, our results propose further validation of hub genes (TYMS and TK1), miR-26b-5p, and Sp1 as biomarkers of pathogenesis, prognosis, and differentiation of uLMS. Regarding the aggressive behavior and poor prognosis of uLMS, with the lack of standard therapeutic regimens, in our opinion, the results of our study provide enough evidence for further investigation of the molecular basis of uLMS occurrence and its implication in the diagnosis and therapy of this rare gynecological malignancy.
Personalized Medicine in Thoracic Surgery: The Role and Future of Robotic-Assisted Techniques
Authors: Eguchi Takashi
Published: June 2023

The advent of robotic-assisted thoracic surgery (RATS) has revolutionized the field of thoracic surgery, offering a new paradigm for personalized, precision, and individualized medicine [...]
Energy Harvesting of Deionized Water Droplet Flow over an Epitaxial Graphene Film on a SiC Substrate
Authors: Ohno Yasuhide , Shimmen Ayumi , Kinoshita Tomohiro , Nagase Masao
Published: June 2023

This study investigates energy harvesting by a deionized (DI) water droplet flow on an epitaxial graphene film on a SiC substrate. We obtain an epitaxial single-crystal graphene film by annealing a 4H-SiC substrate. Energy harvesting of the solution droplet flow on the graphene surface has been investigated by using NaCl or HCl solutions. This study validates the voltage generated from the DI water flow on the epitaxial graphene film. The maximum generated voltage was as high as 100 mV, which was a quite large value compared with the previous reports. Furthermore, we measure the dependence of flow direction on electrode configuration. The generated voltages are independent of the electrode configuration, indicating that the DI water flow direction is not influenced by the voltage generation for the single-crystal epitaxial graphene film. Based on these results, the origin of the voltage generation on the epitaxial graphene film is not only an outcome of the fluctuation of the electrical-double layer, resulting in the breaking of the uniform balance of the surface charges, but also other factors such as the charges in the DI water or frictional electrification. In addition, the buffer layer has no effect on the epitaxial graphene film on the SiC substrate.
Microstructures and Mechanical Properties of a Nanostructured Al-Zn-Mg-Cu-Zr-Sc Alloy under Natural Aging
Authors: Shen Gaoliang , Xiang Zhilei , Ma Xiaozhao , Huang Jingcun , Li Jihao , Wang Bing , Zhou Zongyi , Chen Yilan , Chen Ziyong
Published: June 2023

Nanocrystalline (NC) structure can lead to the considerable strengthening of metals and alloys. Obtaining appropriate comprehensive mechanical properties is always the goal of metallic materials. Here, a nanostructured Al-Zn-Mg-Cu-Zr-Sc alloy was successfully processed by high-pressure torsion (HPT) followed by natural aging. The microstructures and mechanical properties of the naturally aged HPT alloy were analyzed. The results show that the naturally aged HPT alloy primarily consists of nanoscale grains (~98.8 nm), nano-sized precipitates (20–28 nm in size), and dislocations (1.16 × 1015 m−2), and exhibits a high tensile strength of 851 ± 6 MPa and appropriate elongation of 6.8 ± 0.2%. In addition, the multiple strengthening modes that were activated and contributed to the yield strength of the alloy were evaluated according to grain refinement strengthening, precipitation strengthening, and dislocation strengthening, and it is shown that grain refinement strengthening and precipitation strengthening are the main strengthening mechanisms. The results of this study provide an effective pathway for achieving the optimal strength–ductility match of materials and guiding the subsequent annealing treatment.
Functionally Graded Additive Manufacturing of Thin-Walled 316L Stainless Steel-Inconel 625 by Direct Laser Metal Deposition Process: Characterization and Evaluation
Authors: Mehrabi Omid , Seyedkashi Seyed Mohammad Hossein , Moradi Mahmoud
Published: June 2023

Direct Laser Metal Deposition (DLMD) is a state-of-the-art manufacturing technology used to fabricate 316L stainless steel/Inconel 625 functionally graded material (FGMs) in this research. For the practical application of these materials in the industry, the effects of process parameters on the geometric characteristics and surface roughness require more investigation. This FGM was additively manufactured in five layers by changing the 316L stainless steel/Inconel 625 ratio in each layer. The effects of laser power on geometric characteristics, height stability, and surface roughness were investigated. The microstructural analysis and microhardness profiles were studied. The results show that despite the high solidification rate, the segregation of alloying elements into dendritic areas occurred. It was also found that increasing the laser power will increase the height, width, height stability, and surface roughness of the gradient walls. The maximum width and height of the deposited layers were 1.615 and 6.42 mm, respectively, at the highest laser power (280 W). At the laser power of 220 W, the least surface roughness (Ra = 105 µm) and the best height stability (0.461 mm) will be obtained. The microhardness values will differ in various sections of the gradient walls in a range of 225–277 HV.
Reduction of Beta Cyclodextrin by Curd Washing in Low-Cholesterol Manchego Cheese
Authors: Alonso Leocadio , Calvo María V. , Fontecha Javier
Published: June 2023

Beta-cyclodextrin (β-CD) is a cyclic oligosaccharide consisting of seven glucose units. β-CD is increasingly used in food research to reduce cholesterol due to its affinity for non-polar molecules such as cholesterol and as a natural additive. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of curd washing in ewe’s milk cheese on the reduction in cholesterol by β-CD from pasteurized ewe’s milk Manchego cheese and the characteristics of its main components: milk, lipids, and flavor. An approximately 98.45% cholesterol reduction was observed in washed experimental cheeses that were treated by using β-CD. The remaining residual β-CD from the effect of curd washing was 0.15% in mature cheese, of the initial 1% β-CD treatment of the milk. The chemical properties (fat, moisture, and protein) did not change as a result of the curd washing with or without β-CD. The curd washing with or without β-CD on the levels of the various lipid fraction (fatty acids, triglycerides, and phospholipids) were comparable in treated and untreated cheeses. The effects of curd washing and the β-CD treatment did not significantly affect flavor components or short chain free fatty acids. The β-CD molecules were edible and nontoxic; as a result, they could be used safely in cholesterol removal processing in cheese manufacturing, improving the reduction in residual β-CD by curd washing by 85%. Therefore, the present study suggests that curd washing combined with β-CD is an effective process for cholesterol removal in Manchego cheese, preserving its desirable properties.