bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lameness in Cattle—Etiopathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment
Authors: Urban-Chmiel Renata , Mudroň Pavol , Abramowicz Beata , Kurek Łukasz , Stachura Rafał
Published: June 2024

The aim of this review was to analyse the health problem of lameness in dairy cows by assessing the health and economic losses. This review also presents in detail the etiopathogenesis of lameness in dairy cattle and examples of its treatment and prevention. This work is based on a review of available publications. In selecting articles for the manuscript, the authors focused on issues observed in cattle herds during their clinical work. Lameness in dairy cattle is a serious health and economic problem around the world. Production losses result from reduced milk yield, reduced feed intake, reproductive disorders, treatment costs, and costs associated with early culling. A significant difficulty in the control and treatment of lameness is the multifactorial nature of the disease; causes may be individual or species-specific and may be associated with the environment, nutrition, or the presence of concomitant diseases. An important role is ascribed to infectious agents of both systemic and local infections, which can cause problems with movement in animals. It is also worth noting the long treatment process, which can last up to several months, thus significantly affecting yield and production. Given the high economic losses resulting from lameness in dairy cows, reaching even >40% (depending on the scale of production), there seems to be a need to implement extensive preventive measures to reduce the occurrence of limb infections in animals. The most important effective preventive measures to reduce the occurrence of limb diseases with symptoms of lameness are periodic hoof examinations and correction, nutritional control, and bathing with disinfectants. A clean and dry environment for cows should also be a priority.
Innovative Cosmeceutical Ingredients: Harnessing Selenosugar-Linked Hydroxycinnamic Acids for Antioxidant and Wound-Healing Properties
Authors: Cimmino Giovanna , De Nisco Mauro , Piccolella Simona , Gravina Claudia , Pedatella Silvana , Pacifico Severina
Published: June 2024

Selenosugars are gaining growing interest due to their antioxidant efficacy, and their ability to inhibit glycosidases, repair skin tissue or reduce endothelial dysfunction. Among selenosugars, those in which selenium replaces heterocyclic oxygen in a 5-membered sugar were our focus, and their coupling with phenolic compounds appears to be a strategy aimed at producing new compounds with enhanced antioxidant efficacy. In this context, the Mitsunobu reaction has been advantageously explored to obtain trans-p-coumaroyl-1,4-deoxy-2,3-O-isopropylidene-4-seleno-d-ribose, trans-caffeoyl-1,4-deoxy-2,3-O-isopropylidene-4-seleno-d-ribose, and trans-feruloyl-1,4-deoxy-2,3-O-isopropylidene-4-seleno-d-ribose. These compounds underwent removal of the iso-propylidene group, to provide the corresponding hydroxycinnamoyl-1,4-deoxy-4-seleno-d-ribose. All compounds were characterized by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS). This latter technique was pivotal for ensuing cellular metabolomics analyses. In fact, after evaluating the anti-radical efficacy through 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) methods, which underline the massive role of the phenolic moiety in establishing efficacy, the compounds, whose cytotoxicity was first screened in two highly oxidative-stress-sensitive cells, were tested for their wound healing properties towards human HaCaT keratinocytes cells. Caffeoyl- and feruloyl selenosugars exerted a dose-dependent repair activity, while, as highlighted by the metabolomic approach, they were poorly taken up within the cells.
Examining the Response to COVID-19 in Logistics and Supply Chain Processes: Insights from a State-of-the-Art Literature Review and Case Study Analysis
Authors: Monferdini Laura , Bottani Eleonora
Published: June 2024

This article investigates the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on logistics and supply chain processes through a two-phase analysis. First, a literature review maps the existing studies, published from 2021 to 2023 (101 papers), offering a view of the multiple challenges faced by supply chains during the pandemic emergency. The literature analysis makes use of descriptive statistics, thematic classifications and cross-analyses to provide a detailed overview of the issues raised by the COVID-19 pandemic and of the related implications. Second, a case study targeting a logistics operator was conducted, to derive practical insights into the real-world implications of pandemic disruptions. The study highlights the importance of proactive risk management strategies and the role of Industry 4.0 technologies to improve supply chain resilience and sustainability. Hence, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on logistics and supply chain processes and offers valuable guidance for companies, especially those working in the transport and logistics field.
Rain-Induced Landslide Hazard Assessment Using Inception Model and Interpretability Method—A Case Study of Zayu County, Tibet
Authors: Su Leyi , Gui Yuannan , Xu Lu , Ming Dongping
Published: June 2024

Geological landslide disasters significantly threaten the safety of people’s lives and property. Landslides are a significant threat in Zayu County, Tibet, resulting in numerous geological disasters, including the 1950 earthquake that caused significant casualties and river blockages. More recent landslides have caused substantial economic losses and infrastructure damage, posing ongoing risks to the local population and their property. Landslide hazard assessment is a critical task in geological disaster prevention and mitigation. This study applied the Inception model to assess landslide hazard in the Zayu area. The Inception model excels at capturing multi-scale features efficiently through its architecture. Fifteen disaster-causing factors were selected as the primary indicators for landslide susceptibility assessment. On this basis, the Inception model was used for landslide susceptibility assessment. Combined with daily precipitation data in the Zayu area, the landslide hazard assessment of the “25 April 2010, heavy rainstorm in Zayu, Tibet” was completed. Back Propagation Neural Network (BPNN), Residual Neural Network (ResNet), Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), and Visual Geometry Group-16 (VGG-16) were introduced for comparison of the fitting effects, and SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) was used for interpretability analysis. The comparative experimental results show that the Inception model performed best in landslide susceptibility assessment and is feasible in practical use. The results also show that the most critical factors in the model were topographic wetness index (TWI), normalized difference water index (NDWI), and road density. This study is significant for assessing landslide hazard in geological landslide disaster prevention and mitigation. It provides a reference for further research and response to similar disasters.
Steel Surface Defect Detection Algorithm Based on Improved YOLOv8n
Authors: Zhang Tian , Pan Pengfei , Zhang Jie , Zhang Xiaochen
Published: June 2024

The traditional detection methods of steel surface defects have some problems, such as a lack of feature extraction ability, sluggish detection speed, and subpar detection performance. In this paper, a YOLOv8-based DDI-YOLO model is suggested for effective steel surface defect detection. First, on the Backbone network, the extended residual module (DWR) is fused with the C2f module to obtain C2f_DWR, and the two-step approach is used to carry out the effective extraction of multiscale contextual information, and then fusing feature maps formed from the multiscale receptive fields to enhance the capacity for feature extraction. Also based on the above, an extended heavy parameter module (DRB) is added to the structure of C2f_DWR to make up for the lack of C2f’s ability to capture small-scale pattern defects between training to enhance the training fluency of the model. Finally, the Inner-IoU loss function is employed to enhance the regression accuracy and training speed of the model. The experimental results show that the detection of DDI-YOLO on the NEU-DET dataset improves the mAP by 2.4%, the accuracy by 3.3%, and the FPS by 59 frames/s compared with the original YOLOv8n.Therefore, this paper’s proposed model has a superior mAP, accuracy, and FPS in identifying surface defects in steel.
The Fractal Characteristics of Ground Subsidence Caused by Subway Excavation
Authors: Qin Yongjun , He Peng , Zhang Jiaqi , Xie Liangfu
Published: June 2024

The issue of uneven ground settlement caused by the excavation of subway tunnels represents a significant challenge in the design and construction of subway projects. This paper examined the fractal characteristics of surface settlement caused by subway excavation, employing wavelet transform and fractal theory. Firstly, the noise reduction effects of different wavelet functions, decomposition levels, threshold functions, and threshold selection rules were evaluated using the SNR and RMSE. Subsequently, 291 data points were derived from 18 interpolation points through fractal interpolation, representing a utilization of only 18% of the original data, to enhance the original monitoring data information by a factor of 2.94. The average relative error between the fractal interpolation results and the monitoring data was approximately 13%, which was indicative of a high degree of accuracy. Finally, the fractal dimension of the monitoring curves under different monitoring frequencies was calculated using the box-counting method. The denoising effect of the dbN wavelet function was found to be superior to that of the symN wavelet function in the denoising process of subway construction surface deformation monitoring data. Furthermore, the hard threshold method was observed to be more effective than the soft threshold method. As the monitoring frequency decreased, the fractal dimension of the deformation curves showed an overall decreasing trend. This indicated that high-frequency monitoring could capture more details and complexity of the surface settlement, while low-frequency monitoring led to a gradual flattening of the curves and a decrease in details.
Reduction of Oxygen Production by Algal Cells in the Presence of O-Chlorobenzylidene Malononitrile
Authors: Gheorghe Viorel , Gheorghe Catalina Gabriela , Popovici Daniela Roxana , Mihai Sonia , Dragomir Raluca Elena , Somoghi Raluca
Published: June 2024

Chemical compounds, such as the CS gas employed in military operations, have a number of characteristics that impact the ecosystem by upsetting its natural balance. In this work, the toxicity limit and microorganism’s reaction to the oxidative stress induced by O-chlorobenzylidenemalonitrile, a chemical found in CS gas, were assessed in relation to the green algae Chlorella pyrenoidosa. A number of parameters, including the cell growth curve, the percent inhibition in yield, the dry cell weight, the percentage viability and productivity of algal biomass flocculation activity, and the change in oxygen production, were analyzed in order to comprehend the toxicological mechanisms of O-chlorobenzylidenemalonitrile on algal culture. Using fluorescence and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), the content of chlorophyll pigments was determined. The values obtained for pH during the adaptation period of the C. pyrenoidosa culture were between 6.0 and 6.8, O2 had values between 6.5 and 7.0 mg/L, and the conductivity was 165–210 µS/cm. For the 20 µg/mL O-chlorobenzylidenemalonitrile concentration, the cell viability percentage was over 97.4%, and for the 150 µg/mL O-chlorobenzylidenemalonitrile concentration was 74%. The ECb50 value for C. pyrenoidosa was determined from the slope of the calibration curve; it was estimated by extrapolation to the value of 298.24 µg/mL. With the help of this study, basic information on the toxicity of O-chlorobenzylidenemalonitrile to aquatic creatures will be available, which will serve as a foundation for evaluating the possible effects on aquatic ecosystems. The management of the decontamination of the impacted areas could take the results into consideration.
Development and Validation of a Deep Learning Classifier Using Chest Radiographs to Predict Extubation Success in Patients Undergoing Invasive Mechanical Ventilation
Authors: Tandon Pranai , Nguyen Kim-Anh-Nhi , Edalati Masoud , Parchure Prathamesh , Raut Ganesh , Reich David L. , Freeman Robert , Levin Matthew A. , Timsina Prem , Powell Charles A. , Fayad Zahi A. , Kia Arash
Published: June 2024

The decision to extubate patients on invasive mechanical ventilation is critical; however, clinician performance in identifying patients to liberate from the ventilator is poor. Machine Learning-based predictors using tabular data have been developed; however, these fail to capture the wide spectrum of data available. Here, we develop and validate a deep learning-based model using routinely collected chest X-rays to predict the outcome of attempted extubation. We included 2288 serial patients admitted to the Medical ICU at an urban academic medical center, who underwent invasive mechanical ventilation, with at least one intubated CXR, and a documented extubation attempt. The last CXR before extubation for each patient was taken and split 79/21 for training/testing sets, then transfer learning with k-fold cross-validation was used on a pre-trained ResNet50 deep learning architecture. The top three models were ensembled to form a final classifier. The Grad-CAM technique was used to visualize image regions driving predictions. The model achieved an AUC of 0.66, AUPRC of 0.94, sensitivity of 0.62, and specificity of 0.60. The model performance was improved compared to the Rapid Shallow Breathing Index (AUC 0.61) and the only identified previous study in this domain (AUC 0.55), but significant room for improvement and experimentation remains.
Enhancing Automated Brain Tumor Detection Accuracy Using Artificial Intelligence Approaches for Healthcare Environments
Authors: Abdusalomov Akmalbek , Rakhimov Mekhriddin , Karimberdiyev Jakhongir , Belalova Guzal , Cho Young Im
Published: June 2024

Medical imaging and deep learning models are essential to the early identification and diagnosis of brain cancers, facilitating timely intervention and improving patient outcomes. This research paper investigates the integration of YOLOv5, a state-of-the-art object detection framework, with non-local neural networks (NLNNs) to improve brain tumor detection’s robustness and accuracy. This study begins by curating a comprehensive dataset comprising brain MRI scans from various sources. To facilitate effective fusion, the YOLOv5 and NLNNs, K-means+, and spatial pyramid pooling fast+ (SPPF+) modules are integrated within a unified framework. The brain tumor dataset is used to refine the YOLOv5 model through the application of transfer learning techniques, adapting it specifically to the task of tumor detection. The results indicate that the combination of YOLOv5 and other modules results in enhanced detection capabilities in comparison to the utilization of YOLOv5 exclusively, proving recall rates of 86% and 83% respectively. Moreover, the research explores the interpretability aspect of the combined model. By visualizing the attention maps generated by the NLNNs module, the regions of interest associated with tumor presence are highlighted, aiding in the understanding and validation of the decision-making procedure of the methodology. Additionally, the impact of hyperparameters, such as NLNNs kernel size, fusion strategy, and training data augmentation, is investigated to optimize the performance of the combined model.
Review of Allelopathy in Green Tides: The Case of Ulva prolifera in the South Yellow Sea
Authors: Zeng Yinqing , Yang Xinlan , Xia Zhangyi , Chen Runze , He Faqing , Zhang Jianheng , He Peimin
Published: June 2024

The proliferation of large green macroalgae in marine environments has led to the occurrence of green tides, particularly in the South Yellow Sea region of China, where Ulva prolifera has been identified as the primary species responsible for the world’s largest green tide events. Allelopathy among plants is a critical factor influencing the dynamics of green tides. This review synthesizes previous research on allelopathic interactions within green tides, categorizing four extensively studied allelochemicals: fatty acids, aldehydes, phenols, and terpenes. The mechanisms by which these compounds regulate the physiological processes of green tide algae are examined in depth. Additionally, recent advancements in the rapid detection of allelochemicals are summarized, and their potential applications in monitoring green tide events are discussed. The integration of advanced monitoring technologies, such as satellite observation and environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis, with allelopathic substance detection is also explored. This combined approach addresses gaps in understanding the dynamic processes of green tide formation and provides a more comprehensive insight into the mechanisms driving these phenomena. The findings and new perspectives presented in this review aim to offer valuable insights and inspiration for researchers and policymakers.
Comprehensive Review of Olea europaea: A Holistic Exploration into Its Botanical Marvels, Phytochemical Riches, Therapeutic Potentials, and Safety Profile
Authors: Elhrech Hamza , Aguerd Oumayma , El Kourchi Chaimae , Gallo Monica , Naviglio Daniele , Chamkhi Imane , Bouyahya Abdelhakim
Published: June 2024

Human health is now inextricably linked to lifestyle choices, which can either protect or predispose people to serious illnesses. The Mediterranean diet, characterized by the consumption of various medicinal plants and their byproducts, plays a significant role in protecting against ailments such as oxidative stress, cancer, and diabetes. To uncover the secrets of this natural treasure, this review seeks to consolidate diverse data concerning the pharmacology, toxicology, phytochemistry, and botany of Olea europaea L. (O. europaea). Its aim is to explore the potential therapeutic applications and propose avenues for future research. Through web literature searches (using Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus), all information currently available on O. europaea was acquired. Worldwide, ethnomedical usage of O. europaea has been reported, indicating its effectiveness in treating a range of illnesses. Phytochemical studies have identified a range of compounds, including flavanones, iridoids, secoiridoids, flavonoids, triterpenes, biophenols, benzoic acid derivatives, among others. These components exhibit diverse pharmacological activities both in vitro and in vivo, such as antidiabetic, antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, anticancer, and wound-healing properties. O. europaea serves as a valuable source of conventional medicine for treating various conditions. The findings from pharmacological and phytochemical investigations presented in this review enhance our understanding of its therapeutic potential and support its potential future use in modern medicine.
Silk Sericin and Its Composite Materials with Antibacterial Properties to Enhance Wound Healing: A Review
Authors: Wang Sheng-Lan , Zhuo Jia-Jun , Fang Shou-Min , Xu Wei , Yu Quan-You
Published: June 2024

Wound infections may disrupt the normal wound-healing process. Large amounts of antibiotics are frequently used to prevent pathogenic infections; however, this can lead to resistance development. Biomaterials possessing antimicrobial properties have promising applications for reducing antibiotic usage and promoting wound healing. Silk sericin (SS) has been increasingly explored for skin wound healing applications owing to its excellent biocompatibility and antioxidant, antimicrobial, and ultraviolet-resistant properties. In recent years, SS-based composite biomaterials with a broader antimicrobial spectrum have been extensively investigated and demonstrated favorable efficacy in promoting wound healing. This review summarizes various antimicrobial agents, including metal nanoparticles, natural extracts, and antibiotics, that have been incorporated into SS composites for wound healing and elucidates their mechanisms of action. It has been revealed that SS-based biomaterials can achieve sustained antimicrobial activity by slow-release-loaded antimicrobial agents. The antimicrobial-loaded SS composites may promote wound healing through anti-infection, anti-inflammation, hemostasis, angiogenesis, and collagen deposition. The manufacturing methods, benefits, and limitations of antimicrobial-loaded SS materials are briefly discussed. This review aims to enhance the understanding of new advances and directions in SS-based antimicrobial composites and guide future biomedical research.
GmMYB183, a R2R3-MYB Transcription Factor in Tamba Black Soybean (Glycine max. cv. Tamba), Conferred Aluminum Tolerance in Arabidopsis and Soybean
Authors: Wei Yunmin , Han Rongrong , Yu Yongxiong
Published: June 2024

Aluminum (Al) toxicity is one of the environmental stress factors that affects crop growth, development, and productivity. MYB transcription factors play crucial roles in responding to biotic or abiotic stresses. However, the roles of MYB transcription factors in Al tolerance have not been clearly elucidated. Here, we found that GmMYB183, a gene encoding a R2R3 MYB transcription factor, is involved in Al tolerance. Subcellular localization studies revealed that GmMYB183 protein is located in the nucleus, cytoplasm and cell membrane. Overexpression of GmMYB183 in Arabidopsis and soybean hairy roots enhanced plant tolerance towards Al stress compared to the wild type, with higher citrate secretion and less Al accumulation. Furthermore, we showed that GmMYB183 binds the GmMATE75 gene promoter encoding for a plasma-membrane-localized citrate transporter. Through a dual-luciferase reporter system and yeast one hybrid, the GmMYB183 protein was shown to directly activate the transcription of GmMATE75. Furthermore, the expression of GmMATE75 may depend on phosphorylation of Ser36 residues in GmMYB183 and two MYB sites in P3 segment of the GmMATE75 promoter. In conclusion, GmMYB183 conferred Al tolerance by promoting the secretion of citrate, which provides a scientific basis for further elucidating the mechanism of plant Al resistance.
Preclinical Evaluation of a Novel Series of Polyfluorinated Thalidomide Analogs in Drug-Resistant Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Barton Blaire E. , Collins Matthew K. , Chau Cindy H. , Choo-Wosoba Hyoyoung , Venzon David J. , Steinebach Christian , Garchitorena Kathleen M. , Shah Bhruga , Sarin Eric L. , Gütschow Michael , Figg William D.
Published: June 2024

Immunomodulatory imide drugs (IMiDs) play a crucial role in the treatment landscape across various stages of multiple myeloma. Despite their evident efficacy, some patients may exhibit primary resistance to IMiD therapy, and acquired resistance commonly arises over time leading to inevitable relapse. It is critical to develop novel therapeutic options to add to the treatment arsenal to overcome IMiD resistance. We designed, synthesized, and screened a new class of polyfluorinated thalidomide analogs and investigated their anti-cancer, anti-angiogenic, and anti-inflammatory activity using in vitro and ex vivo biological assays. We identified four lead compounds that exhibit potent anti-myeloma, anti-angiogenic, anti-inflammatory properties using three-dimensional tumor spheroid models, in vitro tube formation, and ex vivo human saphenous vein angiogenesis assays, as well as the THP-1 inflammatory assay. Western blot analyses investigating the expression of proteins downstream of cereblon (CRBN) reveal that Gu1215, our primary lead candidate, exerts its activity through a CRBN-independent mechanism. Our findings demonstrate that the lead compound Gu1215 is a promising candidate for further preclinical development to overcome intrinsic and acquired IMiD resistance in multiple myeloma.
Revolutionizing Brain Tumor Care: Emerging Technologies and Strategies
Authors: Nguyen Trang T. T. , Greene Lloyd A. , Mnatsakanyan Hayk , Badr Christian E.
Published: June 2024

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the most aggressive forms of brain tumor, characterized by a daunting prognosis with a life expectancy hovering around 12–16 months. Despite a century of relentless research, only a select few drugs have received approval for brain tumor treatment, largely due to the formidable barrier posed by the blood–brain barrier. The current standard of care involves a multifaceted approach combining surgery, irradiation, and chemotherapy. However, recurrence often occurs within months despite these interventions. The formidable challenges of drug delivery to the brain and overcoming therapeutic resistance have become focal points in the treatment of brain tumors and are deemed essential to overcoming tumor recurrence. In recent years, a promising wave of advanced treatments has emerged, offering a glimpse of hope to overcome the limitations of existing therapies. This review aims to highlight cutting-edge technologies in the current and ongoing stages of development, providing patients with valuable insights to guide their choices in brain tumor treatment.
Resilience, Coping Self-Efficacy, and Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms among Healthcare Workers Who Work with Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Greece
Authors: Ghafoori Bita , Triliva Sofia , Chrysikopoulou Panagiota , Vavvos Andreas
Published: June 2024

Due to occupational exposure to potentially traumatic events, health care workers (HCWs) may be at risk of developing posttraumatic stress (PTS) symptoms or probable posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This study examined probable PTSD, coping, and resilience among national HCWs working in Greece. A total of 17.9% of the sample of participants (N = 112) met the screening criteria for probable PTSD. Logistic regression models were constructed to assess if trauma coping self-efficacy (CSE) and resilience predicted probable PTSD, and the results indicated that lower trauma CSE significantly predicted probable PTSD in unadjusted models (OR = 0.89, 95% CI, 0.82, 0.96, p < 0.01) and adjusted models (OR = 0.90, 95% CI, 0.83, 0.97, p < 0.01). Our study findings suggest that organizations that employ HCWs may support their workers through ongoing screening, assessment, and training that enhances coping self-efficacy.
Performance of RC Beams under Shear Loads Strengthened with Metallic and Non-Metallic Fibers
Authors: Ghali Mona K. N. , El-Sayed Taha A. , Salah Ahmed , Khater Nora
Published: June 2024

In our investigation, we subjected eleven reinforced concrete beams to a four-point bending system to explore the impact of varying fibre and ferrocement contents on their structural behaviour. These beams, measuring 1.7 m in length, featured a rectangular cross-section with dimensions of 150 mm by 300 mm. Our study focused on three key variables: steel fibre content (at levels of 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5%), glass fibre content (also at 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5%), and ferrocement content (evaluated with one or two layers of welded or expanded wire mesh). Our findings revealed that incorporating fibres with minimal shear reinforcement significantly enhanced the beams’ performance. Specifically: The specimen reinforced with 1.5% steel fibres exhibited the highest ultimate failure load, surpassing the control beam by an impressive 41.87%. The 0.5% glass fibre specimen experienced the least deflection at the ultimate load compared to the control beam. The 1.5% glass fibre specimen demonstrated superior energy absorption compared to the control specimen. Notably, using two layers of welded wire mesh proved most effective in enhancing the ultimate failure load when compared to both the control specimen and other ferrocement-strengthened beams.
Microstructure and Nanomechanical Characteristics of Hardened Cement Paste Containing High-Volume Desert Sand Powder
Authors: Liu Hongxin , Wang Jian , Yao Zhihui , Li Zijun , He Zhihai
Published: June 2024

Desert areas contain abundant desert sand (DS) resources, and high-volume recycling of DS resources as components of cement-based materials can achieve high-value applications. In this paper, DS was processed into desert sand powder (DSP) and replaced with cement in high volumes (20 wt.%–60 wt.%) to produce cement pastes. The mechanical properties, heat evolution, nanomechanical characteristics, microstructure, and economic and environmental impact of cement pastes were studied. The results show that adding 20 wt.% DSP increases the compressive strength of pastes and accelerates cement hydration, compared with the control group (0 wt.% DSP). Meanwhile, incorporating an appropriate amount of DSP (20 wt.%) effectively reduces porosity, increases the proportion of harmless and less harmful pores, and reduces the proportion of more harmful pores. From the perspective of nanoscopic properties, the addition of 20 wt.% DSP increases the C-S-H volume fraction, especially enhancing the transformation of low-density C-S-H to high-density C-S-H. Notably, the sample incorporating 60 wt.% DSP exhibits the lowest values for CI coefficients (13.02 kg/MPa·m3) and Cp coefficients (2.29 USD/MPa·m3), thereby validating the application of high-volume DSP feasibility in cement-based materials.
Exploring miRNA Profiles in Colon Cancer: A Focus on miR101-3p, miR106a-5p, and miR326
Authors: Tâlvan Constantin-Dan , Tâlvan Elena-Teodora , Mohor Călin Ilie , Budișan Liviuța , Grecu Valentin , Mihalache Manuela , Zănoagă Oana , Chira Sergiu , Berindan-Neagoe Ioana , Cristea Victor , Mohor Cosmin Ioan
Published: June 2024

Early diagnosis and prognosis of cancer progression through biomarker profiling are crucial in managing colon cancer patients. Our research aimed to investigate the expression of miR-101-3p, miR-106a-5p, and miR-326 in tumor and adjacent healthy tissues of colon cancer patients and determine their potential diagnostic utility. This study included 40 patients divided into four groups according to the TNM staging classification. MiRNA expression was analyzed using qRT-PCR. The results showed that miR-101-3p, miR-106a-5p, and miR-326 are overexpressed in adjacent healthy tissues but decrease in advanced cancer stages. MiR-106a-5p and miR-326 are strongly correlated with colon cancer severity. These findings suggest that miRNA profiling could be useful for early diagnosis and prognosis in colon cancer management.
Correlation between Early Visual Functions and Cognitive Outcome in Infants at Risk for Cerebral Palsy or Other Neurodevelopmental Disorders: A Systematic Review
Authors: Chorna Olena , Corsi Giulia , Del Secco Sabrina , Bancale Ada , Guzzetta Andrea
Published: June 2024

Early key visual skills, such as tracking objects, sustaining gaze, and shifting attention, rapidly develop within the first 6 months of infant life. These abilities play a significant role in the development of cognitive functions but are frequently compromised in infants at risk of developing neurodevelopmental disorders. This systematic review evaluates the potential of early vision function in the prediction of cognition at or above 12 months. Five databases were searched for relevant articles, and their quality was assessed with the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies tool. Eight studies were suitable, including 521 preterm-born infants at varying risk of developing Cerebral Palsy (CP). Each study showed a significant correlation between vision and cognitive outcome. Predictive analysis including sensitivity and specificity was possible for three studies. Methodological quality was variable. Sensitivity ranged between 57 and 100% in the vision function assessments items, while specificity ranged from 59 to 100%. In conclusion, early vision showed strong correlation with cognition ≥ 12 months. While no single vision assessment was found to be superior, evaluation of specific functions, namely fixation and following, both at term age and between 3 and 6 months, demonstrated strong predictive validity.
Metabolic Bone Diseases Affecting Tooth Eruption: A Narrative Review
Authors: Papadopoulou Christianna Iris , Sifakakis Iosif , Tournis Symeon
Published: June 2024

Tooth eruption is an essential process for the development of the oral and maxillofacial system. Several inherited and acquired diseases might affect this tightly regulated process, resulting in premature, delayed, or even failed tooth eruption. The purpose of this article is to review the literature and the clinical parameters of metabolic bone diseases that affect tooth eruption. It examines the physiological aspects of tooth eruption and the pathophysiological changes induced by metabolic bone diseases, including changes in bone metabolism, density, and structure. The search strategy for this review included an electronic search in PubMed, Google Scholar, Medline, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library using the following keywords: “metabolic bone diseases”, “tooth eruption”, “delayed tooth eruption”, and each reported disease in combination with “tooth eruption disorders”, covering publications up to March 2024 and limited to English-language sources. Understanding the influence of metabolic bone diseases on tooth eruption is crucial for managing both dental and skeletal manifestations associated with these disorders. This review suggests that a multidisciplinary approach to treatment may significantly improve oral outcomes for patients suffering from such conditions. Clinicians should be aware of the specific dental abnormalities that may arise and consider comprehensive evaluations and individualized treatment plans. These findings underscore the need for further research into targeted therapies that address these abnormalities.
Size Effect of Graphite Nanosheet-Induced Anti-Corrosion of Hydrophobic Epoxy Coatings
Authors: Lv Kuilin , Bao Yiwang , Ma Huachao , Liu Xiaogen , Zhu Ying , Wan Detian
Published: June 2024

In order to broaden the selectivity of graphite nanosheet additives on epoxy resin-based coatings and verify the size effect, this work aims to dope graphite nanosheets of different sizes into the three-dimensional structure produced by cross-linking and curing epoxy resin and polyamide resin. In addition, a micro-nano level secondary structure and a surface with special roughness are constructed to obtain the composite epoxy hydrophobic coating. The influence of the size effect of graphite nanosheets on the hydrophobic performance and corrosion resistance of the coating is summarized as well. Among them, the optimized doping size (2.2 μm) of graphite nanosheets in the epoxy coating showed the largest impedance arc of 2.58 × 108 Ω cm2, which could form an excellent nano-network covering the micropores to impede the diffusion of corrosive medium. Through simulation calculation analysis, we also found that the edge site of graphene is more effective in capturing H2O and O2; therefore, a smaller size of graphene with a large edge can be more favorable. This work will be used as a reference for the industrial application of graphite anti-corrosive coating.
Photoresponsive Electrospun Polycaprolactone Nanofibrous Structure Embedding Dithienylethene Molecules
Authors: Aden Mahad Barre , Rault François , Salaün Fabien
Published: June 2024

Photochromic polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofibers were prepared through electrospinning. Various factors, including the solvent system, the concentration of PCL, the viscosity of the solution, and the electrical conductivity, influence the morphology of PCL nanofibers. A binary solvent system can dissolve PCL, control fiber structure and morphology, and allow solvent evaporation. The photochromic properties of electrospun membranes based on PCL and diethienylethene (DTE) were assessed using the CM-3610a spectrophotometer. The study showed that incorporating DTE into the membrane enables photochromic performance, with the photochromic reaction being reversible. The analysis of the color-change kinetics showed that the mechanism of photo cycling during colorization was linked to the amplitude of the fast and slow mechanisms, which depended on the formulation tested. The study showed that the photoreversion of the membrane under visible illumination occurs according to first-order kinetics. This work presented the design and manufacturing of photochromic membranes through electrospinning, which offers rapid color change rates, adjustable color fade times, superior reversibility, and reproducibility over at least 10 cycles. The thermochromic properties are proportional to the DTE concentration used, making it possible to obtain color variations with a delta E of 13 and 38 for concentrations ranging from 0.95 to 11.4 wt.%.
Tribocatalytic Reaction Enabled by TiO2 Nanoparticle for MoDTC-Derived Tribofilm Formation at ta-C/Steel Contact
Authors: Matsukawa Daiki , Park Jae-Hyeok , Lee Woo-Young , Tokoroyama Takayuki , Kim Jae-Il , Ichino Ryoichi , Umehara Noritsugu
Published: June 2024

Tribochemically produced triboproducts are becoming increasingly important in tribosystems and serve to improve system performance by preventing friction or wear. Diamond-like carbon (DLC) is chemically stable, which features a trade-off with tribological pros and cons. Chemically stable DLC is thermally stable and suppresses surface damage in a high-temperature operating environment; however, it causes a detrimental effect that hinders the formation of a competent tribofilm. In this study, we dispersed highly reactive TiO2 nanoparticles (TDONPs) in molybdenum dithiocarbamate (MoDTC)-containing lubricant for adhering triboproducts on the DLC surface. In addition, TDONPs contributed to the decomposition of triboproducts by promoting the decomposition of MoDTC through its catalytic role. Rutile TDONPs were more helpful in reducing friction than anatase TDONPs and improved the friction performance by up to ~100%.
Navigating the Labyrinth of Polymer Sustainability in the Context of Carbon Footprint
Authors: Thomas Jomin , Patil Renuka Subhash , Patil Mahesh , John Jacob
Published: June 2024

The ubiquitous nature of polymers has led to a widespread demand for sustainable polymers in numerous industrial applications. However, a lack of well laid out guidelines, product development pathways and certifications has resulted in a lot of commotions and confusions within the polymer value chain. Herein, a meticulous review is conducted on the topic of polymer sustainability shedding light on the standards, product declarations, biobased-biomass concepts, product carbon footprint, etc. It is critical that companies significantly contribute to such sustainability efforts in lieu of market readiness and competitive advantages. Any discussion within the sustainability horizon references a couple of terms/abbreviations/concepts. In this article, such key terminologies and concepts related to polymer sustainability are reviewed with a holistic outlook on the widespread approaches within the polymer sustainability horizon. In the polymer raw material manufacturers, the mass balance approach has gained more momentum with International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC). Product carbon footprint, life cycle analysis and third-party certifications were noted as the three key factors of sustainability engagement, with polymer manufactures placing sustainability commitments and targets for carbon emissions control. It is foreseen that a collaborative network between academic research, raw material manufacturers and the upstream companies and consumers will drive the sustainable polymer products market.
Characterisation of TiCN Coatings for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Madej Monika , Piotrowska Katarzyna
Published: June 2024

This study aims to characterise TiCN coatings deposited on Ti6Al4V by physical vapour deposition. Findings on surface morphology, geometric structure, adhesion, instrumental hardness, and tribology are presented. Microscopic examination revealed a uniform coating with a thickness of about 1.5 µm and roughness (Sq) equal to 0.13 µm. Mechanical tests showed that the coating deposition increased the hardness of the Ti6Al4V alloy by about 75%. The artificial saliva solution used in the tribological tests reduced the coefficient of friction and the volumetric wear of the tested friction pairs. Microscopic observations of wear tracks after tribological tests allowed for the identification of wear mechanisms: micro-cutting/ploughing wear dominated in both the Ti6Al4V alloy and TiCN coating samples, but wear was much less pronounced overall with the TiCN coating. The study results demonstrate that the deposition of a TiCN coating simultaneously imparts low-friction and anti-wear properties to the surface of titanium alloys.
Human–Object Interaction: Development of a Usability Index for Product Design Using a Hierarchical Fuzzy Axiomatic Design
Authors: Peña-Ontiveros Mayra Ivette , Balderrama-Armendariz Cesar Omar , Rossa-Sierra Alberto , Maldonado-Macias Aide Aracely , Cortés Sáenz David , Hernández Arellano Juan Luis
Published: June 2024

Consumer product usability has been addressed using tools that evaluate objects to improve user interaction. However, such diversity in approach makes it challenging to select a method for the type of product being assessed. This article compiles the concepts used since the origin of usability in product design. It groups them by attributes to formulate a usability index proposal. Due to the nature of the data, fuzzy, hierarchical, and axiomatic tools were applied to a trial group of experts and users. Three questionnaires were designed and administered throughout a five-stage process to collect and select attributes, rank them in importance, assign fuzzy values, obtain their numerical representation of use, and assign a qualitative category. By analyzing a case study, this research demonstrates the value of the index by comparing the use of computer mice. Unlike other approaches to evaluating usability, the proposed index incorporates the hierarchical importance of attributes. It allows for participants to express their opinions, transforming subjective responses into linguistic values represented in triangular areas, resulting in a more accurate representation of reality. Additionally, the complexity of the human–object interaction is treated by an information axiom to compute the usability index on a scale from 0 to 1, which reflects the probability of the product meeting the desired usability attributes.
Completing the Ba–As Compositional Space: Synthesis and Characterization of Three New Binary Zintl Arsenides, Ba3As4, Ba5As4, and Ba16As11
Authors: Watts Spencer R. , Wingate Lindsey M. , Bobev Svilen , Baranets Sviatoslav
Published: June 2024

Three novel binary barium arsenides, Ba3As4, Ba5As4, and Ba16As11, were synthesized and their crystal and electronic structures were investigated. Structural data collected via the single-crystal X-ray diffraction method indicate that the anionic substructures of all three novel compounds are composed of structural motifs based on the homoatomic As–As contacts, with [As2]4− dimers found in Ba5As4 and Ba16As11, and an [As4]6− tetramer found in Ba3As4. Ba3As4 and Ba5As4 crystallize in the orthorhombic crystal system—with the non-centrosymmetric space group Fdd2 (a = 15.3680(20) Å, b = 18.7550(30) Å, c = 6.2816(10) Å) for the former, and the centrosymmetric space group Cmce (a = 16.8820(30) Å, b = 8.5391(16) Å, and c = 8.6127(16) Å) for the latter—adopting Eu3As4 and Eu5As4 structure types, respectively. The heavily disordered Ba16As11 structure was solved in the tetragonal crystal system with the space group P4¯21m (a = 12.8944(12) Å and c = 11.8141(17) Å). The Zintl concept can be applied to each of these materials as follows: Ba3As4 = (Ba2+)3[As4]6−, Ba5As4 = (Ba2+)5(As3−)2[As2]4−, and 2 × Ba16As11 = (Ba2+)32(As3−) ≈ 20[As2]4− ≈ 1, pointing to the charge-balanced nature of these compounds. Electronic structure calculations indicate narrow bandgap semiconducting behavior, with calculated bandgaps of 0.47 eV for Ba3As4, 0.34 eV for Ba5As4, and 0.33 eV for Ba16As11.
Hardware Trojan Dataset of RISC-V and Web3 Generated with ChatGPT-4
Authors: Hayashi Victor Takashi , Ruggiero Wilson Vicente
Published: June 2024

Although hardware trojans impose a relevant threat to the hardware security of RISC-V and Web3 applications, existing datasets have a limited set of examples, as the most famous hardware trojan dataset TrustHub has 106 different trojans. RISC-V specifically has study cases of three and four different hardware trojans, and no research was found regarding Web3 hardware trojans in modules such as a hardware wallet. This research presents a dataset of 290 Verilog examples generated with ChatGPT-4 Large Language Model (LLM) based on 29 golden models and the TrustHub taxonomy. It is expected that this dataset supports future research endeavors regarding defense mechanisms against hardware trojans in RISC-V, hardware wallet, and hardware Proof of Work (PoW) miner.
Speckle-Tracking Echocardiography in Right Ventricular Function of Clinically Well Patients with Heart Transplantation
Authors: Ji Xiang , Zhang Junmin , Xie Yuji , Wang Wenyuan , Zhang Yiwei , Xie Mingxing , Zhang Li
Published: June 2024

Heart transplantation (HT) is the mainstream therapy for end-stage heart disease. However, the cardiac graft function can be affected by several factors. It is important to monitor HT patients for signs of graft dysfunction. Transthoracic echocardiography is a simple, first-line, and non-invasive method for the assessment of cardiac function. The emerging speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE) could quickly and easily provide additive information over traditional echocardiography. STE longitudinal deformation parameters are markers of early impairment of ventricular function. Although once called the “forgotten ventricle”, right ventricular (RV) assessment has gained attention in recent years. This review highlights the potentially favorable role of STE in assessing RV systolic function in clinically well HT patients.