bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optoelectronic Oscillators: Progress from Classical Designs to Integrated Systems
Authors: Liu Qidi , Peng Jiuchang , Yan Juanjuan
Published: December 2024

Optoelectronic oscillators (OEOs) have emerged as indispensable tools for generating low-phase-noise microwave and millimeter-wave signals, critical for a variety of high-performance applications. These include radar systems, wireless communications, satellite links, electronic warfare, and advanced instrumentation. The ability of OEOs to produce signals with exceptionally low phase noise makes them ideal for scenarios demanding high signal purity and stability. In radar systems, low-phase-noise signals enhance target detection accuracy and resolution, while in communication networks, such signals enable higher data throughput and improved signal integrity over extended distances. Furthermore, OEOs play a pivotal role in precision instrumentation, where even minor noise can compromise the performance of sensitive equipment. This review examines the progress in OEO technology, transitioning from classical designs relying on long optical fiber delay lines to modern integrated systems that leverage photonic integration for compact, efficient, and tunable solutions. Key advancements, including classical setups, hybrid designs, and integrated configurations, are discussed, with a focus on their performance improvements in phase noise and frequency tunability. The challenges in achieving fully integrated OEOs, particularly concerning stability and phase noise at higher frequencies, are also explored. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the state-of-the-art in OEO technology, highlighting future directions and potential applications.
Three Year Quantitative Study of Compassion Satisfaction and Fatigue Among Teachers and Educational Workers in Alberta, Canada
Authors: Kendrick Astrid Helene , Tay Mawuli Kofi , Shahin Mohammad Jahedul Hoque
Published: December 2024

Although the psychological workplace hazards of compassion satisfaction and compassion fatigue are a known risk factor for mental and emotional health distress for caring professionals, the extent of these hazards has not been explored in Alberta, Canada. Understanding and tracking the experiences of compassion fatigue and satisfaction of teachers and other educational workers was the primary focus of this three-year, cross-sectional research study. Methods: Multimethod, longitudinal study from June 2020-May 2023. Data were collected at three different time points between 2020 and 2023 to explore the mental and emotional health of teachers and other educational workers, and the quantitative analysis of this data suggests that mental and emotional health distress is widespread and intensifying across Alberta. Findings: This paper discusses the extent of compassion fatigue and satisfaction across Alberta both at a general level and related to years of experience in the education field. Data analysis suggests worsening workplace wellbeing over time in both number and intensity, across gender and job role. Discussion: This article provides further evidence of the deepening crisis in education and contains some suggestions for policymakers, teacher educators, and system decision-makers invested in improving workplace well-being in educational settings.
Profit From Time Decay In Options Using Deep Learning
Authors: Kumar Sumit , Quintero Andrés , Byers Joe Wayne
Published: December 2024

One of the most flexible assets in the financial markets is the options, the flexibility makes it possible to create virtually unlimited strategies among different underlying assets, and combinations, contrary to the stock market, where the mechanism to sell or buy is relatively simple, other elements, like time can play against the trader. The derivative market could be overwhelming considering the broad al-ternatives, with high entry barriers and a steep learning curve. The new traders try to jump these bar-riers without a plan, hurrying to place trades that follow their emotions, and losing money along the process, as the best alternative to learn from trial and error. This research proposes an options trading framework that can help reduce this gap and profit from time decay.
The Effect of Hydrogen-Rich "Truskavetska" Bottled Water on the Swimming Stress Test in Female Rats
Authors: Zukow Walery , Popovych Igor
Published: December 2024

Background and aim. Despite the use of drinking hydrogen rich water both in clinical and sports medicine, further research into the mechanisms of its beneficial effect remains relevant. We found that both Naftussya bioactive water per se and combined balneotherapy have an ambiguous effect on physical performance. It was also found that the preventive use of “Truskavetska” bottled water, the chemical composition of which is somewhat similar to that of Naftussya bioactive water, has both similar and different effects on the post-stress parameters of rats. We set ourselves the goal of finding out the possibility of correcting the effect of "Truskavetska" bottled water on the post-stressor state of the neuro-endocrine-immune complex, as well as the endurance of rats by enriching it with hydrogen.
Material and methods. The experiment is at 26 female Wistar rats purposefully divided into three homogeneous (according to the swimming test and HRV parameters) groups. 5 animals remained intact with free access to regular daily water. Rats of the control group (n=4) for 7 days loaded through a tube with “Truskavetska” bottled table water (2 mL once), while the animals of main group (n=17) received the same water, but enriched with Hydrogen. After completing the preconditioning course, a repeated swimming stress test was performed. The next day after stressing, a number of parameters of the neuro-endocrine-immune complex and metabolism were recorded.
Results. Hydrogen rich water (HRW) minimizes the post-stressor increase in sympathetic tone and adrenal mass, and prevents the increase in catecholamines and corticosterone as well as plasma cells in the blood and rod-shaped neutrophils in the spleen. On the other hand, HRW prevents a post-stressor decrease in the intensity of macrophage phagocytosis and the bactericidal capacity of blood microphages, the content of lymphoblasts in the thymus, the activity of both antioxidant enzymes and vagal tone, and also minimizes the decrease in the content of eosinophils in the blood, non-alpha-lipoprotein cholesterol in the serum, and the mass of the spleen, in addition, the reduced content of plasma cells in the spleen reverses to an excess. Finally, the non-stress-responsive parameters of the control animals: the activity of AlT, CPhK, AsT and diene conjugates of the serum, the content of reticulocytes and Hassal’s bodies in the thymus - under the influence of HRW increase to one degree or another. Importantly, this also applies to the duration of swimming until exhaustion. A strong canonical correlation was found between the activity of antioxidant enzymes, on the one hand, and metabolic-endocrine (R=0.959) and immune (R=0.959) sets, on the other hand.
Conclusion. Enrichment of "Truskavetska" bottled table water with hydrogen generally has a favorable effect on its stress-limiting and actotropic capacity, associated with antioxidant activity.
Procedures for XRD Phase Analysis: The Case of Fine Sediments from Peña Blanca, Chihuahua, Mexico
Authors: Caraveo-Castro Carmen del Rocio , Rodríguez-Guerra Yair , Fuentes-Montero Luis , Fuentes-Cobas Luis E. , Montero-Cabrera María Elena
Published: December 2024

To study uranium transport by surface water from Sierra Peña Blanca to Laguna del Cuervo in the Chihuahuan Desert, sediments from intermittent streams and the lagoon have been extracted and studied. Two samples are sediments from the high area of ​​the Sierra, close to the uranium deposit “El Nopal.” Moreover, 23 segments of a sedimentary core were analyzed to study changes in the fine component concentrations. The techniques of scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, XRD in a conventional diffractometer, and high-resolution synchrotron XRD analysis were applied. The crystallographic objective has been to evaluate the functionality of various methodologies when applied to cases of detailed analysis of many polyphase samples with cryptocrystals. The methods for processing the experimental data have been the Rietveld method, in the current multi-pattern variant of the Fullprof program, and the Degree of Crystallinity method for rapid estimation of the proportion of cryptocrystals in a mixture. This last technique has been developed with an Ad-Hoc software package, which has been deposited in the public repository GitLab.
Scientific Analysis of Contemporary Artworks Made from Food Ingredients: Forcusing on Lee Ungno’s Composition(1967)
Authors: Jo Sangyoon , Kwon Heehong
Published: December 2024

In this study, we used scientific analysis to estimate the materials used in Lee Ungno’s “Composition (1967)”, which is composed of ingredients such as gochujang and rice grains available in the prison, with the aim of establishing durable conservation materials for the artwork. The support material of the artwork was identified as hard pine, and the red-colored layers were identified as epoxy resin and gochujang. The adhesive applied to affix the wooden pieces to the support was determined to consist of rice grains, the translucent layer at the bottom of the artwork consisted of egg whites, and the yellow-colored layer contained eggshells. During the scientific analysis of the artwork, a combination of various other ingredients was identified as a result of the decomposition of ingredients, damage by microorganisms, and contamination. By utilizing control materials for comparison based on interviews and records of the artist, it was possible to estimate the specific type of food ingredients used. This approach provides fundamental information for the conservation of contemporary food-based artworks, and we anticipate that our findings will contribute to future conservation strategies for similar artworks.
Biomimetic Polyurethanes in Tissue Engineering
Authors: Hebda Edyta , Pielichowski Krzysztof
Published: December 2024

Inspiration from nature is a promising tool for the design of new polymeric biomaterials, espe-cially for frontier technological areas such as tissue engineering. In tissue engineering, polyure-thane-based implants have gained considerable attention, as they are materials that can be de-signed to meet the requirements imposed by their final applications. The choice of their building blocks (which are used in the synthesis as macrodiols, diisocyanates and chain extenders) can be implemented to obtain biomimetic structures that can mimic native tissue in terms of mechanical, morphological and surface properties. In recent years, due to their excellent chemical stability, biocompatibility and low cytotoxicity, polyurethanes have been widely used in biomedical ap-plications. Biomimetic materials with their inherent nature of mimicking natural materials are possible thanks to recent advances in manufacturing technology. The aim of this review is to provide a critical overview of relevant promising studies on polyurethane scaffolds, including those based on non-isocyanate polyurethanes, for the regeneration of selected soft (cardiac muscle, blood vessels, skeletal muscle) and hard (bone tissue) tissues.
Towards an Ontology of Wargame Design
Authors: Ouriques Leandro , Barbosa Carlos Eduardo , Kritz Joshua , Xexéo Geraldo
Published: December 2024

Governments rely on military power to address conflicts, manage crises, and adapt to the evolving nature of modern warfare, which is often characterized by uncertainty and disorder. Wargames, traditionally a military tool for simulating conflicts and decision-making, have gained prominence in civilian applications, including business, cybersecurity, disaster management, and critical infrastructure protection. Despite their utility, designing wargames is a time-intensive process with significant challenges, such as scenario creation and decision modeling, necessitating structured and systematic approaches. This research aims to formalize wargame design by proposing using ontology-driven conceptual modeling to organize and represent the key concepts, characteristics, and elements of the wargame domain. Ontologies provide a structured representation of knowledge, facilitating communication, knowledge management, and collaborative design. As a result, we developed core ontologies for wargame design based on the Unified Foundational Ontology (UFO) and implemented them using OntoUML. These ontologies enhance wargame design by fostering standardization, adaptability, and support for intelligent systems, enabling dynamic and responsive scenarios. These contributions offer a systematic foundation for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of wargame design, with potential applications in both military and civilian domains.
Tephrosia purpurea and (-)-Pseudosemiglabrin the Major Constituent; Alleviate Severe Acute Pancreatitis-Mediated Acute Lung Injury by Modulating HMGB1 and IL-22
Authors: Abdel-Kader Maged S. , Soliman Gamal A. , Alamri Mohammed A. , Abdel-Rahman Rehab F , Elbaset Marawan A , Ogaly Hanan A
Published: December 2024

Ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury is a major cause of multiple organ failure. The purpose of this study was to look into the role of Tephrosia purpurea (TEP) and its active constituent pseudosemiglabrin (PS) in allevi-ating severe acute pancreatitis and its associated acute lung injury. We established a rat pancreatic IR model. Rats were treated with TEP (200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg), and PS (20 and 40 mg/kg). In addition to IR-control and sham groups. The results showed that the respiratory parameters including inspiratory time (Ti), expiratory time (Te), duration (Dr), and respiratory rate (RR) were comparable among all groups while peak inspiratory flow (PIF), forced vital capacity (FVC), and forced expiratory volume at 0.1 sec-onds (FEV0.1) were significantly impaired. Notably, PS at 40 mg/kg showed normal PIF, FVC and FEV0.1/FVC compared to IR group indicating an improved lung function. Additionally, TEP and PS showed protective effects on pancreatic and lung tissues by alleviating the pathological damage, reducing serum levels of trypsinogen activation peptide (TAP), lipase, and amylase, decreasing oxidative stress markers MDA, GPx, and MPO, suppressing inflammatory markers TNF-α, IL-6, and NF-κB, downregulating HMGB1 gene in pancreatic tissue, and upregulating IL-22 and Th22 genes in lung tissues compared with the IR control group. In conclusions, the obtained findings demonstrate that oral supplementation of TEP and PS to rats with pancreatic IR alleviates pancreatic and lung injuries by reducing oxidative stress and modulation of inflammatory processes, which offers an attractive therapeutic option for severe acute pancreatitis and its associated acute lung injury.
Co-Cultivation of Komagataeibacter xylinus MS2530 with Different Yeast Strains. Production and Characterization of Bacterial Cellulose Films
Authors: Paronyan Marina , Saghatelyan Lusine , Avetisyan Sona , Haykanush Koloyan , Hovhannisyan Susanna , Bagiyan Valeri , Kinosyan Marina , Akopian Olga , Hovsepyan Anichka
Published: December 2024

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a biocompatible, non-toxic, non-cytotoxic, non-allergenic, biodegradable, chemically pure (which allows to significantly reduce environmental pollution), unique biopolymer with high elasticity, flexibility, plasticity, water-absorbing and water-retaining properties. BC is a promising biopolymer for various applications. However, its high cost and low productivity hinder large-scale production of BC. The mutant strain Komagataeibacter xylinus MS2530 obtained by us reduced the fermentation time from 14 to 5-7 days. In order to reduce the cost of the resulting BC, brewing waste without sterilization was used as a nutrient medium (while costs are significantly reduced under production conditions). The use of this medium led to an increase in the BC yield by 2-2.5 times compared to the classic HS medium. Various BC modification methods are used to increase the yield and improve the most important properties of BC. In order to modify the BC obtained by us, the method of co-fermentation with different yeast strains was used. As a result of co-fermentation, the yield of BC increased by 4-5 times. The obtained BC and modified BC were studied using SEM, IR-Fourier, etc. The study showed a change in the microstructure and physical properties of the obtained biofilms, which can contribute to the expansion of their application areas. The results we obtained can become a prerequisite for organizing large-scale production of BC and BC biocomposites.
Care of HIV Patients in Long-Term Care Facilities: A Growing Concern and a Call to Action
Authors: Liu Minghsun , King William , Butler Derrick , Liu Mitchell
Published: December 2024

As people living with HIV (PLWH) are living longer, they face increased risks of chronic diseases and may require care in nursing homes (NH). Given the complexity of the general NH resident population, NH staff may lack specialized training to provide optimal HIV care, leading to care gaps. This report highlights six cases of PLWH hospitalized from NHs, illustrating these gaps and the need for systemic changes in education and protocols for HIV care in NHs. Addressing these gaps is crucial for improving outcomes for this aging and vulnerable population.
Preparation and Characterization of Paper Mill Sludge-based Co/Fe Composite Catalyst and the Influence of Various Inorganic Anions During the Fenton-like oxidation Process
Authors: Chen Xiaoyang , Yu Jiahua , Xiao Min , Yan Ailan , Lv and Yiyan
Published: December 2024

Sewage sludge, particularly paper mill sludge, is carbonaceous by nature. It can be employed as a heterogeneous catalyst for Fenton-like reactions to attain high catalytic activity and long-term stability. In this paper, the Co/Fe bimetallic composite catalyst was prepared by taking paper mill sludge as the carrier via impregnation and calcination. This catalyst was employed to catalyze peroxymonosulfate (PMS), to produce SO4•−, which has strong oxidizing power. This study focused on determining the optimal preparation conditions, characterization of the catalyst, and investigating the effects of various inorganic anions on the degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) in the Co/Fe-PMS system. The optimal catalyst preparation condition was found to be a 0.5 mol/L impregnation concentration, with the best ratio of Co(NO3)2 to FeSO4 solution being 7:3. The presence of Co and Fe in the catalyst was determined through FTIR and XRD analyses. The catalyst is a porous material with magnetic properties and is capable of degrading more than 95% of RhB within two minutes. It was found that H₂PO₄⁻, Cl⁻, and HCO₃⁻ had negative impacts on the degradation of RhB. Low concentrations of NO₃⁻ had a positive effect, whereas high concentrations of NO₃⁻ had a negative effect. This study presents a novel method for preparing highly efficient Fenton-like catalysts and offers an effective approach for sludge utilization.
The Influence of the Nutritional and Mineral Composition of Vegetable Protein Concentrates on Their Functional Properties
Authors: López-Calabozo Rocío , Martínez-Martín Iván , Rodríguez-Fernández Marta , Absi Yamina , Vivar-Quintana Ana María , Revilla Isabel
Published: December 2024

Vegetable proteins derived from legumes, cereals or pseudocereals have increased in popularity in recent years, becoming very interesting for the food industry. In addition to their nutritional interest, these products have techno-functional properties that allow them to be used in the production of a wide variety of foods. This research has studied the nutritional and mineral composition of 12 samples of rice, pea and soy concentrates. The objective was to investigate the influence of this nutritional composition, mainly mineral components, on the techno-functional properties (water and oil binding capacity, swelling, emulsifying, gelling and foaming capacities) of these concentrates. For this purpose, a Pearson correlation matrix and a GH biplot method have been applied. The results showed that there is a correlation between mineral content and functional properties. Mg, K and Ca were positively correlated with protein solubility index, oil absorption capacity and swelling capacity. Na and P contents are positively related to water absorption capacity and emulsifying capacity. Gelling capacity was positively correlated with Mg contents and negatively correlated with Cu and Fe contents. The preliminary results reported in this study highlight the necessity to further assess the influence of non-protein components on the techno-functionality of protein concentrates.
Antimicrobial Lock Therapy in Clinical Practice: A Scoping Review
Authors: Alfieri Aniello , Di Franco Sveva , Passavanti Maria Beatrice , Pace Maria Caterina , Simeon Vittorio , Chiodini Paolo , Leone Sebastiano , Fiore Marco
Published: December 2024

Antimicrobial lock therapy (ALT) prevents microbial colonisation in central vein catheters and treats existing catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs). Our objective was to assess the current scientific literature on the application of ALT and to address the following key questions:
1. Which patients are candidates for ALT?
2. In what clinical contexts is ALT employed?
3. When has ALT been used, and what are the trends in its application over time?
4. How is ALT administered, including specific agents such as antibiotics or ethanol?
5. Is there sufficient existing literature to support conducting a comprehensive systematic re-view on ALT?
The scoping review followed a five-stage methodological framework, adhering to PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A total of 1024 studies were identified, with 336 ultimately included in the final analysis.
The findings showed that ALT involves the use of ethanol and taurolidine for preventing CLAB-SIs, while ALT is used alongside systemic antimicrobial treatment for CRBSIs when catheter re-moval is not feasible.
In conclusion, ALT demonstrates its potential to improve clinical outcomes, including better post-infection survival rates and prolonged catheter retention. Further systematic reviews are needed to strengthen these findings and provide clearer guidance for clinical practice.
An Investigation of Infrared Small Target Detection by Using the SPT-YOLO Technique
Authors: Qi Yongjun , Yang Shaohua , Jia Zhengzheng , Song Yuanmeng , Zhu Jie , Liu Xin , Zheng Hongxing
Published: December 2024

To detect and recognize small size and submerged complex background target in infrared images, we combine a dynamic receptive field fusion strategy and a multi-scale feature fusion mechanism to improve the detection performance of small targets significantly. The space-to-depth convolution module is introduced as a downsampling layer in the backbone firstly, and achieved the same sampling effect. More detailed information retained at the same time. Thus the model's detection capability for small targets has been enhanced. Then the pyramid level 2 feature map with minimum receptive field and maximum resolution is added to the neck, which reduces the loss of positional information during feature sampled. Furthermore, x-small detection head are added, The understanding of the overall characteristics and structure of the target is enhanced much more, and the representation and localization of small targets has been improved. Finally, the cross-entropy loss function in the original network model is replaced by an adaptive threshold focal loss function, forcing the model to allocate more attention to target features. Above methods base on a public tool, the 8th version of You Only Look Once (YOLO) improved, it is named SPT-YOLO in this paper. Some experiments on datasets such as infrared small object detection (IR-SOT) and infrared small target detection 1K (IRSTD-1K), etc, have been executed to verify the proposed algorithm; and the mean average precision of 94.0% and 69% under condition of threshold at 0.5 and over a range from 0.5 to 0.95 is obtained, respectively. The results show that the proposed method achieves the best performance of infrared small target detection compared to existing methods.
Enhanced Performance of Novel Amorphous Silicon Carbide Microelectrode Arrays in Rat Motor Cortex
Authors: Haghighi Pegah , Jeakle Eleanor Nguyen , Sturgill Brandon Scott , Abbott Justin R , Solis Elysandra Marie , Devata Veda Saivenkata , Vijayakumar Gayathri , Hernandez-Reynoso Ana Guadalupe , Cogan Stuart F , Pancrazio Joseph Jewell
Published: December 2024

Implantable microelectrode arrays (MEAs) enable the recording of electrical activity from cortical neurons for applications that include brain machine interfaces. However, MEAs show reduced recording capabilities under chronic implantation conditions. This has largely been attributed to the brain’s foreign body response, which is marked by neuroinflammation and gliosis in the immediate vicinity of the MEA implantation site. This has prompted the development of novel MEAs with either coatings or architectures that aim to reduce the tissue response. The present study examines the comparative performance of multi-shank planar, silicon-based devices and low flexural rigidity amorphous silicon carbide (a-SiC) MEAs that have a similar architecture but differ with respect to shank cross-sectional area. Data from a-SiC arrays were previously reported in a prior study from our group. In a manner consistent with the prior work, larger cross-sectional area silicon-based arrays were implanted in the motor cortex of female Sprague-Dawley rats and weekly recordings were made for 16 weeks after implantation. Single unit metrics from the recordings were compared over the implantation period between the device types. Overall, the expression of single units measured from a-SiC devices was significantly higher than for silicon-based MEAs throughout the implantation period. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated reduced neuroinflammation and gliosis around the a-SiC MEAs compared to silicon-based devices. Our findings demonstrate that the a-SiC MEAs with smaller shank cross-sectional area can record single unit activity with more stability and exhibit a reduced inflammatory response compared to the silicon-based device employed in this study.
Integrating Sustainability in Aircraft Component Design: Towards a Transition from Eco-Driven to Sustainability-Driven Design
Authors: Filippatos Angelos , Markatos Dionysios , Theochari Athina , Pantelakis Spiros
Published: December 2024

Eco-design is an innovative design methodology that focuses on minimizing the environmental foot-print of industries, including aviation, right from the conceptual and development stages. However, rising industrial demand calls for a more comprehensive strategy where, beyond environmental con-siderations, competitiveness becomes a critical factor, supported by additional pillars of sustainabil-ity such as economic viability, circularity, and social impact. By incorporating sustainability as a primary design driver at the initial design stages, this study suggests a shift from eco-driven to sus-tainability-driven design approaches for aircraft components. This expanded strategy considers per-formance and safety goals, environmental impact, costs, social factors, and circular economy consid-erations. To provide the most sustainable design that balances all objectives, these aspects are rigor-ously quantified and optimized during the design process. To efficiently prioritize different variables, methods such as multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) are employed, and a Sustainability Index is developed in this framework to assess the overall sustainability of each design alternative. The most sustainable design configurations are then identified through an optimization process. A typical air-craft component, namely a hat-stiffened panel, is selected to demonstrate the proposed approach. The study highlights how effectively sustainability considerations can be integrated from the early stages of the design process by exploring diverse material combinations and geometric configurations. This innovative approach enhances the overall sustainability of aircraft components, emphasizing the importance and benefits of incorporating a broader range of sustainability factors at the conceptual and initial design phases.
Multilayered Manufacturing Method for Microfluidic Systems Using Low-Cost, Resin-Based 3D Printing
Authors: Manqueros Aviles Victor Edi , Coto Fuentes Hesner , Guevara Amaton Karla Victoria , Valdés Perezgasga Francisco , Alonso-Chamarro Julián
Published: December 2024

The present work addresses a method, based on multilamination, for the fabrication of microfluidic devices or analytical microsystems using only commercially available 3D printers and photocurable resins. The created devices were used for the colorimetric measurement of copper ions in aqueous solutions, yielding results comparable to traditional cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) systems but with a significant cost reduction. The microfluidic platforms showed stability and functionality over a twelve-week testing period. This study highlights the potential of 3D printing as a flexible, efficient, and cost-effective alternative for the fabrication of customized microfluidic devices, promoting its use in research with limited resources.
Machine Learning Discoveries of BUB1-X Synergy in ETC-1922159 Treated Colorectal Cancer Cells
Authors: Sinha Shriprakash
Published: December 2024

The multidomain protein kinase, budding uninhibited by benzimidazoles 1 (BUB1) is a central component of the mitotic checkpoint for spindle assembly (SAC). It works with many different components. A recently developed search engine ranked combi- nations of mitotic checkpoint serine/threonine-protein kinase BUB1-X (X, a particular gene/protein) at 2nd order level after drug administration. Some of these rankings point to already confirmed wet lab results, while other point to possible BUB1-X syner- gistic combinations that might be working in CRC, but haven’t been tested/explored. In this research work, I cover combinations of BUB1 with spindle checkpoint pro- tein mitotic arrest deficient 2 (MAD2), inner centromere protein (INCENP), zwilch kinetochore protein (ZWILCH), aurora kinase (AURK), ZW10 interacting kinetochore protein (ZWINT), BUB-1B/3, centromere protein (CENP), cell division cycle (CDC), transforming growth factor beta (TGFB), DNA topoisomerase II (TOP), shugoshin (SGO), kinesin family member (KIF) and cyclin dependent kinase (CDK) family.
Stress, Self-Esteem, and Study Strategies: Correlation Analysis of Variables Influencing Academic Performance in Nursing Students
Authors: Pacifico Antonietta , Gorrese Luisa , Sorrentino Carlo , Viciconte Michele , Iovino Paola , Savarese Giulia , Amato Carolina , Carpinelli Luna
Published: December 2024

Background: The psychological well-being of university students, particularly those enrolled in nursing degree programs, significantly impacts their academic performance and future professional preparation. Stress, self-esteem, and study motivation can negatively affect study load management and performance. However, the dynamics of these variables in the nursing context are little explored. Method: The study involved 331 students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing and Ostetrics courses at the University of Salerno (range age |18-40| years; 70.7%F). Standardized instruments for the study approach (QAS-AMOS), stress (PSS-10), and self-esteem (Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale) were used. Results: The results of this study highlight that self-esteem, perceived stress level, and metacognitive skills significantly influence students' academic performance and well-being. Effective metacognitive strategies improve organization and reflection in study, whereas high stress impairs study planning and processing. Conclusions: The findings suggest that stress and low self-esteem are critical factors that negatively affect the academic performance of nursing students. We recommend implementing targeted interventions to support stress management and improve self-efficacy, reducing the risk of burnout and promoting academic success.
Retrospective Comparative Study Between a New Remifentanil–Propofol and Fentanyl–Propofol Total Intravenous Anesthesia (TIVA) for Neurosurgery in Macaques
Authors: Nanni Maria Vittoria , Courbon Cécile , Lambertini Carlotta , Wyss Alexander Felix , Lanz Florian , Schmid Michael , Bergadano Alessandra
Published: December 2024

Remifentanil is routinely administered in human neurosurgery whilst its use in non-human primates is not described. Here we described a new remifentanil-propofol total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) for macaque neurosurgery and we compared it retrospectively to fentanyl-propofol anesthesia. Twelve anesthesias were performed (F=6; R=6). After premedication, anesthesia was induced with 3 mcg/kg fentanyl (F) or 3 mcg/kg remifentanil (R) intravenously (IV) and maintained through propofol and fentanyl [0.17 ± 0.01 mcg/kg/min after induction and 0.13 ± 0.01 mcg/kg/min during maintenance] or remifentanil [0.1 ± 0.02 mcg/kg/min after induction and 0.16 ± 0.05 mcg/kg/min during maintenance] constant-rate-infusion (CRI), respectively. Tracheal intubation in R was characterized by apnea, absence of laryngeal reaction, and cough compared to F. The mean propofol rate administered in F [0.3 ± 0.1 at start to 0.2± 0.1 mg/kg/min for maintenance] was significantly higher than in R [0.17 ± 0.1 at start to 0.16 ± 0.01 mg/kg/min for maintenance].The cardiovascular and respiratory parameters did not differ significantly between the two groups. Extubation time was shorter in R compared to F [8 (6– 10) and 18 (14– 22) minutes respectively]. Finally, the new remifentanil-propofol TIVA proved to be a beneficial refinement for macaque neurosurgery, providing smoother intubation, cardiovascular stability, lower propofol requirements and faster recovery.
Xanthan Gum and Microcrystalline Cellulose as Stabilizers in Emulsions Containing Catalytically Modified Animal and Vegetable Fat
Authors: Kowalska Małgorzata , Woźniak Magdalena , Zbikowska Anna , Okolus Jakub , Molik Artur
Published: December 2024

The aim of the study was to design model emulsion systems based on enzymatic modification fats for shaping the quality of target products in the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. It was assumed to produce stable emulsion products containing modified fat with a sufficient amount of emulsifiers and a variable concentration of viscosity modifier, which was a mixture of xanthan gum and microcrystalline cellulose (XGMCC). The following methods were used in the evaluation of emulsions: evaluation of the stability of systems using the Turbiscan test, evaluation of average particle size, microscopic evaluation of emulsions, evaluation of texture and viscosity. Based on the results obtained for XGMCC-stabilised emulsion systems containing enzymatically modified fats, it was found that some of the systems had satisfactory stability. No correlation was observed between the applied concentration of texture modifier and emulsion stability. However, the type of fatty phase used influenced the stability of the analysed systems. Taking the above relationship into account, emulsion E67, which was characterised by a small degree of destabilisation changes, was evaluated as the best system. This emulsion was characterised by the lowest droplet diameter of the dispersed phase at all measuring points during the storage process. This system can be used as a stable model system as a starting point in the development of a new food or cosmetic formulation.
Exploring Adolescents' Future Time Orientation: The Italian Validation of the Scale and Links to Sustainability
Authors: Santilli Sara , Ginevra Maria Cristina , Coscioni Vinicius
Published: December 2024

Adolescents today face significant exposure to social inequalities and environmental crises, including the impacts of climate change, such as heatwaves, floods, and droughts. In addition, they encounter various forms of inequality, such as job insecurity, lack of affordable housing, and growing mental health challenges. Future perception is an essential variable in understanding how adolescents address these social and environmental challenges. Thus, this study adapted the Future Time Orientation Scale (FTOS) to the Italian context, assessing its validity and reliability for measuring psychological future orientation among Italian-speaking adolescents. Two studies were conducted: the first validated the FTOS through exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, revealing two factors, "Impact" and "Distance." The second study examined the relationship between future time orientation, future orientation in the professional field, and adolescents’ propensity to consider global challenges related to sustainable development. The results indicated that future orientation fully mediates the relationship between future time orientation and the tendency to consider global challenges in career decision-making. These findings underscore the importance of future orientation in shaping adolescents' sustainable career choices and suggest that career interventions promoting future time orientation may enhance their engagement with global challenges.
The Philosophical Perspective in Health Promotion Model to Increasing Adherence of Diabetes Mellitus: A Literature Review
Authors: Bistara Difran Nobel , Pandin Moses Glorino Rumambo , Yusuf Ah
Published: December 2024

Background: Adherence to treatment in diabetes is an important factor in achieving good diabetes control and preventing mortality. Pender’s health promotion model (HPM) offers a theoretical framework for exploring the multiple factors affecting health behaviors, such as treatment adherence. This is why this writing survey was created.Method: Use PubMed, ProQuest, Science Direct, and Scopus to find reviews of previous research. The search criteria that were utilized to locate papers were diabetic, diabetes mellitus, health promotion model, increasing, and adherence. Search parameters for English-language, full-text, open-access publications released between 2019 and 2024.Results: The importance of this study is that factors affecting treatment adherence in diabetes mellitus (DM) patients are identified in different dimensions. So, we can design an effective relevant intervention through needs assessment and using the most appropriate methods to improve adherence to treatment in DM patients based on HPM.Conclusion: Pender’s HPM, have been effective in improving commitment to a plan of action. Moreover, managers, planners and healthcare policymakers and other relevant authorities are advised to consider the implementation of detailed training programs based on Pender’s HPM to improve treatment adherence and other relevant factors and increase patients’ contribution to health promotion.
Statistical Distributions of Genome Assemblies Reveal Random Effects in Ancient Viral DNA Reconstructions
Authors: Antoneli Fernando , Peter Cristina M. , Briones Marcelo R.S.
Published: December 2024

Ancient human viruses have been detected in ancient DNA (aDNA) samples ranging from Anatomically Modern Humans to Neanderthals. Reconstructing genomes from aDNA using reference mapping presents numerous problems due to the unique nature of ancient samples, their degraded state, smaller read sizes and limitations of current methodologies. Spurious alignments of reads to reference sequences (mapping) are a main source of false positives in aDNA assemblies and the assessment of signal-to-noise ratios is essential to differentiate bona fide reconstructions from random, noisy, assemblies. Here we analyzed the statistical distributions of viral genome assemblies, ancient and modern, and their respective random “mock” controls used to evaluate the signal-to-noise ratio. We tested if differences between real and random assemblies could be detected from their statistical distributions. Our analysis shows that the coverage distributions of: (1) real viral aDNA assemblies of adenovirus (ADV), herpesvirus (HSV) and papillomavirus (HPV) do not follow power laws nor log-normal laws, (ADV) and control aDNA assemblies are well approximated by log-normal laws, (3) negative control parvovirus B19 (real and random) follow a power law with infinite variance and (4) the mapDamage negative control with non-ancient DNA (modern ADV) and the mapDamage positive control (human mtDNA) are well approximated by the negative binomial distribution, consistent with the Lander-Waterman model. Our results show that the tails of the distributions of aDNA and their controls reveal the weight of random effects and can differentiate spurious assemblies, or false positives, from bona fide assemblies.
State-Space Curvatures and Self-Organizing Criticalities
Authors: Veening Martijn
Published: December 2024

Self-organizing criticalities are a much studied notion, within disciplines ranging from ecosystems/living systems to economic systems and markets. But there is still no consensus or general framework for explaining the ’spontaneous’ emergence of this kind of ’orderly’ behavior. This paper generalizes the second law of thermodynamics to dynamic state-spaces with increasing dimensionality and introduces the notion of spate-space curvature, in order to provide such a framework.
The Correlation Between Ferroptosis of Brain Tissue and Neu-rological Function Deficit after Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Yang Li , Li Jinglin , Zhou Haimei , Yang Yiran , Zhang Xinyue , Zhang Qiujuan , Qian Chuanyun , Wu Haiying , Qin Dongdong
Published: December 2024

Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a critical condition that significantly endangers hu-man health. Investigating the mechanisms underlying secondary injury in TBI can facilitate early intervention and treatment strategies. The metabolism of intracellular iron is pivotal in the sec-ondary injury process following TBI, with ferroptosis identified as a contributing factor. However, research exploring the relationship between the extent of ferroptosis and the severity of neuro-logical deficits across various TBI models is still limited. Objective: This study seeks to examine the association between ferroptosis in brain tissues and neurological impairments in TBI models with differing injury severities, thereby providing a theoretical framework for understanding the mechanisms and standardizing treatment approaches for TBI. Methods: 36 Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to four groups: a sham group, a mild TBI group (mTBI), a mild-moderate TBI group (mmTBI), and a severe TBI group (sTBI). A rat model of TBI with var-ying injury levels was established using the Feeney free-fall impact method. Neurological function deficits were assessed using the modified Neurological Severity Score (mNSS). Magnetic reso-nance imaging (MRI), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Prussian blue staining were utilized to examine iron deposition and ferroptosis in the cortical regions of the rat brains. Western blot analysis was conducted to evaluate the expression of ferroptosis-related molecular markers, and the correlation between mNSS scores and these markers was analyzed. Results: 1) MRI scans indicated that, in comparison to the sham group, the TBI groups displayed elevated signals in the T2WI and T2*WI sequences, signifying brain injury, edema, and hemorrhage. T2*WI revealed diminished signals surrounding the injured areas, indicating iron deposition. 2) TEM analysis revealed that neurons in the TBI group exhibited morphological alterations, including mitochon-drial atrophy, membrane thickening, and partial rupture of the outer membrane. 3) Prussian blue staining demonstrated a progressive increase in iron-positive cells correlating with TBI severity. 4) Western blot results indicated that the expression levels of ferroptosis-related proteins (FTH1 and GPX4) were significantly lower in the mmTBI and sTBI groups compared to the sham group. 5) MDA levels were markedly elevated in the TBI groups, and mNSS scores increased with the se-verity of injury. Correlation analysis revealed a significant negative correlation between mNSS scores and the expression of ferroptosis inhibitors FTH1 and GPX4, alongside a positive correlation with MDA levels. Conclusion: Iron deposition and ferroptosis occur in brain tissue following TBI, and they are closely linked to the severity of neurological impairment.
A Systematic Review of Nursing Competencies: Addressing the Challenges of Evolving Healthcare Systems and Demographic Changes
Authors: Notarnicola Ippolito , Dervishi Alketa , Duka Blerina , Grosha Eriola , Gioiello Giovanni , Carrodano Sara , Rocco Gennaro , Stievano Alessandro
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: The role of nurses is poised to undergo significant transformations in the forthcoming years due to rapidly evolving sociocultural, environmental, and technological phenomena. Defining and assessing nursing competencies are crucial for ensuring quality nursing care and fostering professional growth. This literature review aimed to explore future nursing competencies and the sociocultural phenomena shaping them. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus and Web of Science databases using keywords such as “nursing competencies,” “future,” “healthcare systems,” and “demographic change.” Studies published within the last 5 years were included and underwent rigorous quality assessment. Results: The findings indicate that phenomena such as environmental sustainability, technology, innovation, globalization, urbanization, uncertain policies, and demographic evolution will significantly impact nursing competency development. Projections suggest that nearly 70% of the nursing workforce will operate in areas marked by high uncertainty and unpredictability. The review underscores the importance of cultivating interpersonal, higher-order cognitive, and system-level competencies, along with complementary competences in personal and customer services, decision-making, technology, creativity, and scientific methods. Conclusions: Addressing future challenges in nursing requires a holistic and strategic approach. This entails a cultural shift within the profession, supported by targeted policies and investments in training and continuous professional development. Education and training systems must prioritize the development of “structural” competencies and lifelong learning capacities.
Croatian Translation and Initial Psychometric Validation of the Negative Behaviors in Health Care Questionnaire
Authors: Bušac Vesna , Kanceljak Nikolina , Žepina Puzić Ana , Ljevak Ivona
Published: December 2024

This cross-sectional study aimed to produce an adapted Croatian version and validate the Negative Behaviors in Health Care Questionnaire. Methods: The translation, cultural adaptation, and psychometric evaluation of the questionnaire were approached. Clinical specialists and qualified bilingual speakers participated in both forward and backward translation. Face validity was tested. The survey's original developer approved the final version. The reliability of the questionnaire was assessed using the test-retest method and Cronbach alpha coefficient. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses and assessments of divergent and convergent validity were conducted for the questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS 21.0 and R program version 3.5.2. for Windows. Results: A 5-factor structure was obtained, just like the original version of the questionnaire, which was confirmed by CFA – although not all fit coefficients were satisfactory. Internal consistency reliability was found to be high and test-retest reliability was satisfactory. Conclusions: The adapted, translated, and validated survey provides a valuable tool for assessing lateral and vertical aggression between and towards nurses regarding contributing factors, frequency, severity, uses of aggression, and fear of retaliation.