bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dead or Alive: A Lifetime Effect of Pomak Nominal Tense in a Self-Paced Reading Experiment
Authors: Adamou Evangelia , Arslan Seçkin
Published: October 2024

Nominal tense is a cross-linguistically rare and understudied phenomenon, with past vs. non-past being the minimal distinction. In some languages, past nominal tense implies the reading ‘deceased’, while in others, lifetime effects (i.e., implicatures about whether an individual is dead or alive) restrict its use with permanent properties (as with kinship terms). In our study, we investigate for the first time the online processing of lifetime effects in sentences with past nominal tense and kinship terms following contextual information about an individual’s lifetime status (dead or alive). An end-of-sentence acceptability judgment task completes the study. Evidence comes from 25 speakers of Pomak (Slavic, Greece) who use the realis past suffix to form, among others, definite articles, contrasting with a generic suffix for the future, habitual, and irrealis. In collaboration with a local Pomak research assistant, we prepared 80 experimental sentences with past nominal tense in four conditions, manipulating Lifetime Status (dead × alive) and Tense Concord between nominal and verbal tense/aspect (congruent × incongruent). Our results suggest that past nominal tense with kinship terms triggers a lifetime effect which is apparent during online processing. In the sentence final region, dead referents with future verbal tense are read faster, possibly due to the overtness and severity of the violation. Reading disruptions for dead referents while processing nominal tense are also discussed. In the acceptability task, participants rated sentences only based on the agreement of the lifetime status with verbal tense/aspect as the violation is overt and severe. The present study therefore offers support to previous reports of lifetime effects in other languages with nominal tense, highlighting another similarity between nominal and verbal tense.
Definition, Fabrication, and Compression Testing of Sandwich Structures with Novel TPMS-Based Cores
Authors: Vasile Alexandru , Constantinescu Dan Mihai , Coropețchi Iulian Constantin , Sorohan Ștefan , Apostol Dragoș Alexandru
Published: October 2024

Triply periodic minimal surfaces (TPMSs) constitute a type of metamaterial, deriving their unique characteristics from their microstructure topology. They exhibit wide parameterization possibilities, but their behavior is hard to predict. This study focuses on using an implicit modeling method that can effectively generate novel thin-walled metamaterials, proposing eight shell-based TPMS topologies and one stochastic structure, along with the gyroid acting as a reference. After insights into the printability and design parameters of the proposed samples are presented, a cell homogeneity analysis is conducted, indicating the level of anisotropy of each cellular structure. For each of the designed metamaterials, multiple samples were printed using a stereolithography (SLA) method, using a constant 0.3 relative density and 50 µm resolution. To provide an understanding of their behavior, compression tests of sandwich-type specimens were performed and specific deformation modes were identified. Furthermore, the study estimates the general mechanical behavior of the novel TPMS cores at different relative densities using an open cell mathematical model. Alterations of the uniform topologies are then suggested and the way these modifications affect the compressive response are presented. Thus, this paper demonstrates that an implicit modeling method could easily generate novel thin-walled TPMSs and stochastic structures, which led to identifying an artificially designed structure with superior properties to already mature topologies, such as the gyroid.
Effect of Deposition Temperature on Zn Interstitials and Oxygen Vacancies in RF-Sputtered ZnO Thin Films and Thin Film-Transistors
Authors: Muthusamy Sasikala , Bharatan Sudhakar , Sivaprakasam Sinthamani , Mohanam Ranjithkumar
Published: October 2024

ZnO thin films were deposited using RF sputtering by varying the argon:oxygen gas flow rates and substrate temperatures. Structural, optical and electrical characterization of ZnO thin films were systematically carried out using X-Ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV–visible spectroscopy, X-Ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Hall measurements. Film deposited at room temperature and annealed at 300 °C exhibited low O2 incorporation with localized defects and a high percentage of Zn interstitials. A large crystalline size and fewer grain boundaries resulted in a high Hall mobility of 46.09 cm2/V-s Deposition at higher substrate temperatures resulted in improvement in O2 incorporation through the annihilation of localized defects and decrease in oxygen vacancies and Zn interstitials. Urbach tails within the bandgap were identified using the absorption spectrum and compared with the % defects from XPS. Bottom-gate thin-film transistors were subsequently fabricated on a SiO2/p-Si substrate using the combination of RF sputtering, wet etching and photolithography. Variation in the substrate temperature showed performance enhancement in terms of the leakage current, threshold voltage, sub-threshold swing and ION/IOFF ratio. Thin-film transistor (TFT) devices deposited at 300 °C resulted in an O2-rich surface through chemisorption, which led to a reduction in the leakage current of up to 10−12 A and a 10-fold reduction in the sub-threshold swing (SS) from 30 V to 2.8 V. Further TFT optimization was carried out by reducing the ZnO thickness to 50 nm, which resulted in a field-effect mobility of 1.1 cm2/V-s and ION/IOFF ratio of 105.
Magnesium-Titanium Alloys: A Promising Solution for Biodegradable Biomedical Implants
Authors: Sharma Sachin Kumar , Gajević Sandra , Sharma Lokesh Kumar , Pradhan Reshab , Miladinović Slavica , Ašonja Aleksandar , Stojanović Blaža
Published: October 2024

Magnesium (Mg) has attracted considerable attention as a biodegradable material for medical implants owing to its excellent biocompatibility, mitigating long-term toxicity and stress shielding. Nevertheless, challenges arise from its rapid degradation and low corrosion resistance under physiological conditions. To overcome these challenges, titanium (biocompatibility and corrosion resistance) has been integrated into Mg. The incorporation of titanium significantly improves mechanical and corrosion resistance properties, thereby enhancing performance in biological settings. Mg–Ti alloys are produced through mechanical alloying and spark plasma sintering (SPS). The SPS technique transforms powder mixtures into bulk materials while preserving structural integrity, resulting in enhanced corrosion resistance, particularly Mg80-Ti20 alloy in simulated body fluids. Moreover, Mg–Ti alloy revealed no more toxicity when assessed on pre-osteoblastic cells. Furthermore, the ability of Mg–Ti-based alloy to create composites with polymers such as PLGA (polylactic-co-glycolic acid) widen their biomedical applications by regulating degradation and ensuring pH stability. These alloys promote temporary orthopaedic implants, offering initial load-bearing capacity during the healing process of fractures without requiring a second surgery for removal. To address scalability constraints, further research is necessary to investigate additional consolidation methods beyond SPS. It is essential to evaluate the relationship between corrosion and mechanical loading to confirm their adequacy in physiological environments. This review article highlights the importance of mechanical characterization and corrosion evaluation of Mg–Ti alloys, reinforcing their applicability in fracture fixation and various biomedical implants.
A New Performance-Based Test for Assessing Chloride-Induced Reinforcement Corrosion Resistance of Geopolymer Mortars
Authors: Ichimiya Kazuo , Yamamoto Rieru , Ikeda Ko , Nguyen Quang Dieu , Castel Arnaud
Published: October 2024

The widespread adoption of geopolymer concretes in the industry has been slow, mainly due to concerns over their long-term performance and durability. One of the main causes of concrete structures’ deterioration is chloride-induced corrosion of the reinforcement. The reinforcement corrosion process in concrete is composed of two main stages: the initiation phase, which is the amount of time required for chloride ions to reach the reinforcement, and the propagation phase, which is the active phase of corrosion. The inherent complexities associated with the properties of precursors and type of activators, and with the multi-physics processes, in which different transfer mechanisms (moisture, chloride, oxygen, and charge transfer) are involved and interact with each other, have been a major obstacle to predicting the durability of reinforced alkali-activated concretes in chloride environments. Alternatively, the durability of alkali-activated concretes can be assessed through testing. However, the performance-based tests that are currently available, such as the rapid chloride permeability test, the migration test or the bulk diffusion test, are only focusing on the initiation phase of the corrosion process. As a result, existing testing protocols do not capture every aspect of the material performance, which could potentially lead to misleading conclusions, particularly when involving an electrical potential to reduce the testing time. In this paper, a new performance-based test is proposed for assessing the performance of alkali-activated concretes in chloride environments, accounting for both the initiation and propagation phases of the corrosion process. The test is designed to be simple and to be completed within a reasonable time without involving any electrical potential.
Effect of Artificial Saliva Modification on Corrosion Resistance of Metal Oxide Coatings on Co-Cr-Mo Dental Alloy
Authors: Łosiewicz Bożena , Osak Patrycja , Górka-Kulikowska Karolina , Maszybrocka Joanna
Published: October 2024

Surface modifications not only improve the corrosion resistance of Co-Cr-Mo dental alloys (Bego Wirobond® C) but also ensure their long-term performance and reliability in dental applications. This paper describes the preparation of single-layer TiO2-ZrO2 sol–gel coatings on the Co-Cr-Mo dental alloy using the method of dip-coating. The TiO2-ZrO2 sol–gel coatings were sintered at 300 and 500 °C. SEM analysis shows that sintering at 300 °C produces a uniform, slightly dense structure without micro-cracks, while sintering at 500 °C results in a denser structure with micro-cracks due to higher stress and shrinkage. EDS confirms that sintering temperature affects the elemental composition of the coating, with higher temperatures causing the volatilization or diffusion of Ti and Zr. Roughness measurements indicate that the Ra value increases with the sintering temperature, meeting dental application requirements. Electrochemical measurements by open-circuit potential, EIS, and cyclic potentiodynamic curves demonstrate that sintering temperature and saliva composition affect corrosion resistance, with NaF and mouthwashes (Listerine Total Care Teeth Protection® and Meridol®) generally increasing charge transfer resistance and double-layer capacitance. The ceramic TiO2-ZrO2 coatings significantly reduce pitting corrosion susceptibility at physiological and acidic pH, with the 500 °C sintered coating showing better protective properties. These findings highlight the potential of TiO2-ZrO2 coatings in enhancing the performance of Co-Cr-Mo dental alloys.
Capsule Endoscopy Image Enhancement for Small Intestinal Villi Clarity
Authors: Zhang Shaojie , Wang Yinghui , Liu Peixuan , Wang Yukai , Huang Liangyi , Wang Mingfeng , Atadjanov Ibragim
Published: October 2024

Wireless capsule endoscopy (WCE) has become an important tool for gastrointestinal examination due to its non-invasive nature and minimal patient discomfort. However, the quality of WCE images is often limited by built-in lighting and the complex gastrointestinal environment, particularly in the region filled with small intestinal villi. Additionally, the morphology of these villi usually serves as a crucial indicator for related diseases. To address this, we propose a novel method to enhance the clarity of small intestinal villi in WCE images. Our method uses a guided filter to separate the low- and high-frequency components of WCE images. Illumination gain factors are calculated from the low-frequency components, while gradient gain factors are derived from Laplacian convolutions on different regions. These factors enhance the high-frequency components, combined with the original image. This approach improves edge detail while suppressing noise and avoiding edge overshoot, providing clearer images for diagnosis. Experimental results show that our proposed method achieved a 45.47% increase in PSNR compared to classical enhancement algorithms, a 12.63% improvement in IRMLE relative to the original images, and a 31.84% reduction in NIQE with respect to the original images.
Context-Dependent Criteria for Dirichlet Process in Sequential Decision-Making Problems
Authors: Kasianova Ksenia , Kelbert Mark
Published: October 2024

In models with insufficient initial information, parameter estimation can be subject to statistical uncertainty, potentially resulting in suboptimal decision-making; however, delaying implementation to gather more information can also incur costs. This paper examines an extension of information-theoretic approaches designed to address this classical dilemma, focusing on balancing the expected profits and the information needed to be obtained about all of the possible outcomes. Initially utilized in binary outcome scenarios, these methods leverage information measures to harmonize competing objectives efficiently. Building upon the foundations laid by existing research, this methodology is expanded to encompass experiments with multiple outcome categories using Dirichlet processes. The core of our approach is centered around weighted entropy measures, particularly in scenarios dictated by Dirichlet distributions, which have not been extensively explored previously. We innovatively adapt the technique initially applied to binary case to Dirichlet distributions/processes. The primary contribution of our work is the formulation of a sequential minimization strategy for the main term of an asymptotic expansion of differential entropy, which scales with sample size, for non-binary outcomes. This paper provides a theoretical grounding, extended empirical applications, and comprehensive proofs, setting a robust framework for further interdisciplinary applications of information-theoretic paradigms in sequential decision-making.
A Decade of Experience Between Open and Minimally Invasive Hepatectomies for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Park Andrew Min-Gi , Kwon Ye In Christopher , Savsani Kush , Sharma Aadi , Sambommatsu Yuzuru , Imai Daisuke , Khan Aamir , Sharma Amit , Saeed Irfan , Kumaran Vinay , Cotterell Adrian , Levy Marlon , Bruno David , Lee Seung Duk
Published: October 2024

Background and Objectives: Hepatic resection offers promising outcomes for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) but can be constrained by factors like patient suitability. Continuous advancements in laparoscopic and robotic technologies have made minimally invasive hepatectomies (MIHs) a viable alternative to open hepatectomies with benefits in terms of recovery and complications. Materials and Methods: We completed a retrospective review on 138 HCC patients who underwent OH or MIH between 2010 and 2020 at the Hume-Lee Transplant Center. Univariate and multivariate analyses were completed on demographic, clinical, and tumor-specific data to assess the impact of these variables on overall and disease-free survival at 1, 3, and 5 years. Preoperative metrics like length of hospital stay (LOS) and operation duration were also evaluated. Results: Of the 109 OH and 29 MIH patients, MIH patients demonstrated shorter LOS and operative times. However, overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were similar between groups, with no significant variations in 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates. Age > 60 years and a lack of preoperative transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) were significant predictors of inferior OS and DFS in multivariate analyses. Conclusions: MIH is an efficient substitute for OH with comparable survival, even in older patients. The reduced LOS and operation time enhance its feasibility, and older patients previously denied for curative resection may qualify for MIH. Preoperative TACE also enhances survival outcomes, emphasizing its general role in managing resectable HCCs. Both robotic and laparoscopic hepatectomies offer acceptable short- and long-term clinical outcomes, highlighting MIH as the standard choice for HCC patients.
Epstein-Barr Virus and Human Papillomavirus Coinfection in Colorectal Carcinoma: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Prevalence
Authors: Banko Ana , Lazarevic Ivana , Miljanovic Danijela , Cupic Maja , Cirkovic Andja
Published: October 2024

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide. In addition to known risk factors, oncoviruses have attracted exceptional attention from recent research. Numerous hypotheses on interactions between the Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) and Human papillomavirus (HPV) in CRC are still based on sparse prevalence data of these coinfections. The aim of this study was to perform a comprehensive literature search regarding EBV/HPV coinfection in patients with CRC and to provide its prevalence in the target population. Three electronic databases (PubMed, SCOPUS, and WoS) were searched, and after a double reviewer check, six publications were included in the qualitative and quantitative analyses. This systematic review showed the limited number of studies dealing with the prevalence and role of EBV/HPV coinfection in CRC and the heterogeneity of methodology and reported results. However, in a total of 635 patients, it also showed that the identified 15% EBV/HPV prevalence in CRC (15%, 95% CI: 7–23%) could suggest that further investigations are needed. Histopathologically, all coinfected CRCs were adenocarcinomas, from intermediate to intermediate and high grade, reported across four studies. Increased knowledge about the infectious origin of various cancers, including CRC, has the potential to enhance the vigilance of scientists to design future large-scale multicenter prospective studies.
Microbiological and Physicochemical Approach in the Feeding of Superworm (Zophobas morio) with Petroleum-Derived Polymer Diets
Authors: Burgos Brandon R. , Morales Fabiola , Morales-Vera Rodrigo , Valdés Cristian , Faundez Jorge Y. , Souza Eduardo Pereira de , Henrique-Silva Flavio , Arencibia Ariel D.
Published: October 2024

Plastics are very versatile materials that have contributed to the development of society since the 19th century; however, their mismanagement has led to an accumulation of plastic waste in almost every ecosystem, affecting the fauna of the planet. However, recently, some studies have shown that some insects might be able to adapt, consuming a wide range of hydrocarbon base polymers. In this work, the adaptive capacity of Zophobas morio larvae when feeding on different synthetic polymers derived from petroleum was studied. Four different thirty-day larval feeding treatments were carried out with synthetic polymers, including expanded polystyrene (PS), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polyisoprene (PI), and butyl rubber (BR); in addition, a positive control of organic diet was included. Intestinal bacteria were isolated from the treatments and identified by Sanger sequencing. To analyze the chemical composition and physical form of the frass produced, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FITR) was performed, and images of the feces’ surfaces were taken with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. Zophobas morio larvae were able to consume 54% of PS in 30 days, equivalent to 3.2 mg/d/larva. Nine culturable bacterial strains associated with the decomposition of synthetic polymers were identified in the intestine of the larvae. As for the physicochemical analysis of the feces, FTIR spectra showed the scission of bands corresponding to functional groups of the synthetic polymers in the comparison of the plastic diet treatments versus the feces of antibiotic-treated and plastic-fed larvae, while the comparison of spectra of the plastic and control treatments also identified differences in the absorption peaks. SEM imaging demonstrated that superworm feces differed in dependence on the substrate consumed. The findings demonstrated that Zophobas morio larvae possess a gut biological complex that allows them to feed and survive by consuming various petroleum-derived polymers.
Recent Advances in the Utilization of Chiral Covalent Organic Frameworks for Asymmetric Photocatalysis
Authors: Liu Peng , Dai Weijun , Shen Xianfu , Shen Xiang , Zhao Yuxiang , Liu Jian-Jun
Published: October 2024

The use of light energy to drive asymmetric organic transformations to produce high-value-added organic compounds is attracting increasing interest as a sustainable strategy for solving environmental problems and addressing the energy crisis. Chiral covalent organic frameworks (COFs), as porous crystalline chiral materials, have become an important platform on which to explore new chiral photocatalytic materials due to their precise tunability, chiral structure, and function. This review highlights recent research progress on chiral COFs and their crystalline composites, evaluating their application as catalysts in asymmetric photocatalytic organic transformations in terms of their structure. Finally, the limitations and challenges of chiral COFs in asymmetric photocatalysis are discussed, with future opportunities for research being identified.
Insights into the Sex-Related Effects of Dietary Polyphenols and Metabolic Disruptors on Inflammatory and (Neuro) Endocrine Pathways in Obesity: The HEAL Project
Authors: Santangelo Carmela , Scazzocchio Beatrice , Varì Rosaria , Ajmone-Cat Maria Antonietta , Tammaro Alessia , Tait Sabrina , Masciola Irene , Tassinari Roberta , Vincentini Olimpia , Di Benedetto Rita , Berry Alessandra , Cirulli Francesca , Maranghi Francesca , De Simone Roberta , D’Archivio Massimo
Published: October 2024

Background: this study was performed under the umbrella of the Health Extended Alliance for Innovative Therapies, Advanced Lab Research, and Integrated Approaches of Precision Medicine (HEAL ITALIA) partnership and funded under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, Mission 4 Component 2 Investment 1.3, and by the European Union. Objectives: the overall objective of the HEAL project is to identify innovative and effective therapeutic approaches to reduce disease burden. The present research falls within Spoke 7: Prevention Strategies: Integrated and gender medicine approaches for prevention strategies based on environmental, lifestyle, and clinical biometric data. Obesity represents a primary risk factor worldwide for the onset of numerous life-threatening diseases, including metabolic, cardiovascular, and neurological diseases. Environmental and gender-related factors influence obesity development. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of those agents on different organs of the human body are not fully understood yet. Methods: here, we present a study protocol aimed at shedding light on (i) the complex interplays among adipose tissue, brain and gut in obesity, and (ii) the effects of specific dietary components and environmental metabolism-disrupting compounds on those interactions. To this purpose, we combined ex vivo, in vitro, and in vivo approaches to gain additional knowledge about the molecular mechanisms underlying connections between organs. Conclusions: the data provided by this study will contribute to defining new targets for therapeutic and/or preventive interventions, thereby allowing more personalized approaches to nutrition.
Mortality and Years of Life Lost from Diabetes Mellitus in Poland: A Register-Based Study (2000–2022)
Authors: Pikala Małgorzata , Burzyńska Monika
Published: October 2024

Background: The aim of the study was to assess mortality and years of life lost from diabetes mellitus in Poland between 2000 and 2022. Methods: The database was created from death cards made available for the purposes of this study by Statistics Poland. The study used data on deaths caused by type 1 diabetes mellitus, T1DM (N = 33,328), and type 2 diabetes mellitus, T2DM (N = 113,706). Standardized death rates (SDRs) and standard expected years of life lost per person (SEYLLp) and per death (SEYLLd) were calculated. A time trend analysis was performed using joinpoint models. The annual percentage change (APC) and the average annual percentage change (AAPC) were estimated. Results: Between 2000 and 2022, 33,328 people died from T1DM in Poland. The SDR rate increased from 6.0 to 8.8 per 100,000 population in the analyzed period. The APC was 1.3% (p < 0.05). SEYLLp rates per 100,000 population were 79.3 in 2000 and 109.2 in 2022. SEYLLd rates were 22.9 and 17.9 years, respectively (APC = −1.0%, p < 0.05). The mean age of those who died from T1DM increased from 66.1 in 2000 to 72.5 in 2022. Between 2000 and 2022, 113,706 people died from T2DM. The SDR increased from 12.5 to 37.7 per 100,00 (APC = 5.5%, p < 0.05). SEYLLp rates were 88.8 and 296.0 per 100,000 population (APC = 6.4%, p < 0.05). SEYLLd rates decreased from 16.9 in 2000 to 13.4 in 2022 (AAPC = −1.0%, p < 0.05). The mean age of those who died from T2DM increased from 73.1 to 78.1 years. Conclusions: The study showed a growing problem of diabetes as a cause of death and years of life lost.
Magnolol Inhibits High Fructose-Induced Podocyte Inflammation via Downregulation of TKFC/Sp1/HDAC4/Notch1 Activation
Authors: Zhou Ziang , Wang Yumeng , Xing Yu , Pan Shuman , Wang Wanru , Yang Jie , Wu Wenyuan , Zhou Jie , Huang Luyi , Liang Qiongdan , Zhang Dongmei , Kong Lingdong
Published: October 2024

Background/Objectives: High fructose has been implicated as an important trigger of kidney inflammation in patients and experimental models. Magnolol, isolated from Magnolia officinalis, has an anti-inflammatory effect, but its protective role in podocytes remains underexplored. This study explored the protective effects and underlying mechanism of magnolol against high fructose-induced podocyte inflammation. Methods: The effects of magnolol on high fructose-induced podocyte inflammation were assessed in male Sprague Dawley rats administered 10% (w/v) fructose water for 12 weeks and heat-sensitive human podocyte cell lines (HPCs) exposed to 5 mM fructose. Podocyte foot processes were examined using transmission electron microscopy. The expression levels of nephrin, podocin, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), Notch1 intracellular domain (NICD1), triokinase/FMN cyclase (TKFC), specificity protein 1 (Sp1) and histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC4) were determined by Western blot, immunofluorescence and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay was performed to evaluate the interaction between Sp1 and the promoter region of HDAC4. Results: Magnolol mitigated the impairment of glomerular filtration function in high fructose-fed rats. Besides, it significantly alleviated the inflammatory responses in glomeruli and HPCs, evidenced by decreased protein levels of TNF-α and NICD1. Increased protein levels of TKFC, Sp1 and HDAC4 were observed in high fructose-stimulated HPCs and rat glomeruli. TMP195, an HDAC4 inhibitor, reduced TNF-α and NICD1 protein levels in high fructose-exposed HPCs. The increased Sp1 was shown to associate with the promoter region of HDAC4, promoting HDAC4 protein expression in high fructose-exposed HPCs. The knockdown of TKFC in HPCs by TKFC siRNA decreased Sp1, HDAC4 and NICD1 protein levels, alleviating podocyte inflammatory response. Furthermore, magnolol inhibited TKFC/Sp1/HDAC4/Notch1 activation in vivo and in vitro. Conclusions: Magnolol attenuated high fructose-induced podocyte inflammation possibly through the suppression of TKFC/Sp1/HDAC4/Notch1 activation, providing new evidence for its potential role in podocyte protection.
Pharmaceutical Advertising and Public Perceptions in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alnuhait Mohammed A. , Althobaiti Hana A. , Alharbi Meshari H. , Alahmadi Raef A. , Althubaiti Yasser E. , Alsaedi Abdulrahman A. , Alshammari Abdullah S. , Elrggal Mahmoud E. , Alrashed Mohammed A. , Albekery Mohamed A. , Alhifany Abdullah A. , Alotaibi Abdulmalik S.
Published: October 2024

Introduction: As the pharmaceutical advertising landscape evolves with digital advancements, this study examines public awareness and perceptions of medication advertisements in Saudi Arabia. It focuses on the effects of regulatory frameworks and evaluates how they influence public understanding and attitudes toward these advertisements. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted using an electronic survey in Saudi Arabia in December 2023. The survey was distributed on social media platforms and reached a diverse sample of 440 participants. It covered public perception and attitudes toward drug advertisements, knowledge of regulatory laws, and preferences regarding advertising mediums. Results: Out of the 440 participants in the study, who were primarily employees with bachelor’s degrees, there was a clear awareness of drug advertisements. The average age of the group was 33 years, and a significant portion (71.1%) held a bachelor’s degree, with 51.1% being employed. The findings revealed that 25.5% of participants frequently noticed drug ads, while 22.7% saw them very often. Although many found the ads informative, there were significant concerns about unrealistic expectations and the risk of overmedication; 89.8% believed the ads set unrealistic expectations about the effectiveness of medications. Additionally, 60.7% thought that celebrity endorsements might mislead the audience, and 91.1% felt that ads should provide more detailed information about potential risks and side effects. Regarding preferred advertising platforms, mobile apps and websites were favored (47%), followed closely by social media (46.4%). A striking 93.2% of participants believed that drug ads on social media should be subject to stricter regulations, and 96.4% wanted more proactive monitoring of online advertising. Many also reported using other sources, such as medical review sites, to verify medication information. Conclusions: Pharmaceutical advertising in Saudi Arabia must balance ethical transparency with educational value. The influence of digital platforms underscores the necessity for stricter regulation and accurate information dissemination. A collaborative approach is essential to align advertising practices with public health interests and regulatory standards.
Adhesion Energy for Nonideal Cantilever and Its Relation to Casimir–Lifshitz Forces
Authors: Soldatenkov Ivan A. , Svetovoy Vitaly B.
Published: October 2024

The method of the adhered cantilever, borrowed from microtechnology, can help in gaining fundamental knowledge about dispersion forces acting at distances of about 10 nm, which are problematic to access in the usual Casimir-type experiments. A recently presented setup measures the shape of cantilevers with high precision, which is needed for analyzing the involved forces. The first measurements reveal several nonidealities crucial for the data analysis. In this paper, a generalized formula is deduced that relates the parameters of a cantilever to the adhesion energy. The application of the formula is demonstrated using the first test result from the setup, where a silicon cantilever adhered to a substrate sputters with ruthenium. Detailed information of the roughness of interacting surfaces, which deviates significantly from the normal distribution, is emphasized. Although not crucial, the electrostatic contribution can be significant due to the slight twisting of the cantilever. The theoretical prediction of the adhesion energy is based on Lifshitz theory. Comparing theory and experiment yields a contact distance of 45 nm and an adhesion energy of 1.3 µJ/m2, resulting from the Casimir–Lifshitz forces. Significant uncertainties arise from the uncontrolled electrostatic contribution. Factors that need to be addressed to measure weak adhesion between rough surfaces are highlighted.
Control-Oriented Free-Boundary Equilibrium Solver for Tokamaks
Authors: Song Xiao , Leard Brian , Wang Zibo , Paruchuri Sai Tej , Rafiq Tariq , Schuster Eugenio
Published: October 2024

A free-boundary equilibrium solver for an axisymmetric tokamak geometry was developed based on the finite difference method and Picard iteration in a rectangular computational area. The solver can run either in forward mode, where external coil currents are prescribed until the converged magnetic flux function ψ(R,Z) map is achieved, or in inverse mode, where the desired plasma boundary, with or without an X-point, is prescribed to determine the required coil currents. The equilibrium solutions are made consistent with prescribed plasma parameters, such as the total plasma current, poloidal beta, or safety factor at a specified flux surface. To verify the mathematical correctness and accuracy of the solver, the solution obtained using this numerical solver was compared with that from an analytic fixed-boundary equilibrium solver based on the EAST geometry. Additionally, the proposed solver was benchmarked against another numerical solver based on the finite-element and Newton-iteration methods in a triangular-based mesh. Finally, the proposed solver was compared with equilibrium reconstruction results in DIII-D experiments.
Numerical Analysis of Optimising Liquid Desiccant Dehumidification for Sustainable Building Cooling: A Data-Driven Method Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Hilal Mohammed Azeez , Abbas Saleem Jasim
Published: October 2024

Leveraging data-driven methods such as Response Surface Methodology (RSM) has considerable potential for sustainable building cooling via mitigating energy consumption and environmental impacts. This research focuses on using the RSM to improve liquid desiccant dehumidification for sustainable building cooling performance using a D-optimal design. Specifically, the research intends to investigate the actual influence of the inlet air conditions and desiccant concentration on the performance of liquid desiccant dehumidification systems, i.e., the moisture removal rates and dehumidifier efficiency. To systematically conduct this research, a set of experimental data gathered from the open literature is utilised. This includes a specific set of inlet parameters of air temperature (27–34.5 °C), ratio of air humidity (20.5–25 g/kg), and solution temperature (27.5–38.5 °C) as the independent variables. Also, the feedback variables include the moisture removal rates (MRR) and efficacy (ϵ). The associated results of the analysis of variation indicate that the ratio of air humidity has the greatest influence on the moisture removal rate. However, the solution temperature and the ratio of air humidity have the most influence on efficacy. In the event of response optimisation, the result at MRR and (ϵ) are 0.54 g/s and 0.50, respectively, with a minimum desirability of 0.992 and 1.
Analysis and Comprehensive Evaluation of Urban Green Space Information Based on Gaofen 7: Considering Beijing’s Fifth Ring Area as an Example
Authors: Li Bin , Xu Xiaotian , Wang Hongyu , Duan Yingrui , Lei Hongjuan , Liu Chenchen , Zhao Na , Liu Xu , Li Shaoning , Lu Shaowei
Published: October 2024

Urban green spaces constitute a vital component of the ecosystem. This study focused on urban green spaces located within the Fifth Ring Road of Beijing, using Gaofen 7 (GF-7) as the primary data source for analysis. The main objective was to develop a system for extracting and classifying urban green spaces in Beijing by applying deep learning and machine learning algorithms, and further, the results were validated with ground survey samples. This study provides detailed extraction and classification of urban green space coverage by creating a comprehensive evaluation system. The primary findings indicate that the deep learning algorithm enhances the precision of green space information extraction by 10.68% compared to conventional machine learning techniques, effectively suppresses “pretzel noise”, and eventually aids in extracting green space information with complete edges. The thorough assessment of green spaces within the study area indicated favorable outcomes showing the high service capacity of park green spaces. The overall classification accuracy of the final extraction results was 94.31%. Nonetheless, challenges, such as unequal distribution of green zones and a significant fragmentation level throughout the study area, were still encountered. Consequently, the use of GF-7 high-resolution imagery, in conjunction with the collaborative application of deep learning and machine learning techniques, enabled the acquisition of highly accurate information regarding urban green zone coverage. According to the established grading standards of evaluation indices, the landscape pattern of urban green spaces within the study area was comprehensively assessed. This evaluation offers essential data support for monitoring urban green spaces and planning landscape patterns, thereby contributing to the achievement of sustainable development objectives related to urban greening and ecological conservation.
Cognitive Radar Waveform Selection for Low-Altitude Maneuvering-Target Tracking: A Robust Information-Aided Fusion Method
Authors: Feng Xiang , Sun Ping , Zhang Lu , Jia Guangle , Wang Jun , Zhou Zhiquan
Published: October 2024

In this paper, we introduce an innovative interacting multiple-criterion selection (IMCS) idea to design the optimal radar waveform, aimingto reduce tracking error and enhance tracking performance. This method integrates the multiple-hypothesis tracking (MHT) and Rao–Blackwellized particle filter (RBPF) algorithms to tackle maneuvering First-Person-View (FPV) drones in a three-dimensional low-altitude cluttered environment. A complex hybrid model, combining linear and nonlinear states, is constructed to describe the high maneuverability of the target. Based on the interacting multiple model (IMM) framework, our proposed IMCS method employs several waveform selection criteria as models and determines the optimal criterion with the highest probability to select waveform parameters. The simulation results indicate that the MHT–RBPF algorithm, using the IMCS method for adaptive parameter selection, exhibits high accuracy and robustness in tracking a low-altitude maneuvering target, resulting in lower root mean square error (RMSE) compared with fixed- or single-waveform selection mechanisms.
A Review of the Sustainability of Helium: An Assessment of Its Past, Present and a Zero-Carbon Future
Authors: Wilkinson Stephen , Gerth Florian
Published: October 2024

Helium, as a by-product of the natural gas industry, will be impacted by the decline in consumption of fossil fuels as the world moves towards net-zero carbon emissions. In September 2022, all assets relating to the US government’s previous helium industry were sold. In the US, helium is now only available from private suppliers. In June 2022, Russia banned the export of helium to “unfriendly” countries, highlighting the geopolitical issues surrounding the industry. In the past, helium was popularized, and the industry was supported by its military applications (filling dirigible aircraft, welding fighter jets and purging rocket engines). It also plays an important role in supporting present-day technologies (e.g., MRI machines and spectroscopy) and will also be important for a high-tech future (e.g., in quantum computing, fusion power, and space exploration). Shortages of helium will inevitably cause skyrocketing prices and consequently lead to significant challenges for research and development (as has happened in the past) and technological progress, as well as a slowdown in world economic growth and prosperity. Anticipated declines in natural gas production, associated with moves towards net-zero carbon emissions targets, make helium less accessible. While this is problematic for industry in the short term, it perhaps preserves some low entropy helium within the ground, making it more accessible to future generations. Given anticipated limitations to the future supply of helium, technological developments are currently focused on a few areas: the replacement of helium by other gases in industrial applications, changing technological approaches to not require helium, and reducing the cost of obtaining helium from the atmosphere. This paper explores the past, present and future of helium, focusing on the sustainability of the helium industry.
Gamma Dose Rate Measurements in Northern Spain: Influence of Local Meteorological Scenarios on Radiological “False Alarms” in a Real-Time Radiological Monitoring Network
Authors: Alegría Natalia , Hernández-Ceballos Miguel Ángel , Peñalva Igor , Muñoz Jose Miguel
Published: October 2024

The present study characterizes gamma dose rate (GDR) concentrations in Bilbao, located in the northern Iberian Peninsula, utilizing a comprehensive 10-min interval database spanning from 2009 to 2018. This station belongs to the radiological environmental monitoring of the Basque Country network. The daily average GDR was found to be 0.07624 ± 0.00004 µSv/h, with the daily 95th percentile averaging 0.08026 ± 0.00007 µSv/h throughout the entire period. Our analysis specifically addresses the impact of precipitation on GDR, revealing a higher correlation coefficient for daily 95th percentile values compared to daily averages. Additionally, the influence of the Galerna (GL) event, a natural meteorological phenomenon in this region, on GDR was investigated, noting that it can develop both with and without precipitation. Understanding the interaction between GDR and this meteorological scenario is vital for the development of more reliable radiological monitoring strategies and for safeguarding public health. For this purpose, 40 GL events were analyzed. The present results indicate that GDR values frequently exceed alarm levels when a GL is formed. These GDR peaks should be considered natural radiological events, necessitating the classification of such GDR peaks as false alarms within the radiological monitoring network. To explain them in detail, 10-min time series of precipitation and radon outdoor concentrations were analyzed. The results demonstrate that the GL event with precipitation is a meteorological scenario that can be associated with false alarms. The present analysis provides a distinct contrast in radon behavior under the same meteorological event in case of being developed with precipitation or without precipitation. The findings from this analysis are crucial for avoiding and understanding false radiological alarms triggered in the monitoring network, thereby enhancing the accuracy of radiological data interpretation and improving public safety measures.
A Two-Stream Method for Human Action Recognition Using Facial Action Cues
Authors: Lai Zhimao , Zhang Yan , Liang Xiubo
Published: October 2024

Human action recognition (HAR) is a critical area in computer vision with wide-ranging applications, including video surveillance, healthcare monitoring, and abnormal behavior detection. Current HAR methods predominantly rely on full-body data, which can limit their effectiveness in real-world scenarios where occlusion is common. In such situations, the face often remains visible, providing valuable cues for action recognition. This paper introduces Face in Action (FIA), a novel two-stream method that leverages facial action cues for robust action recognition under conditions of significant occlusion. FIA consists of an RGB stream and a landmark stream. The RGB stream processes facial image sequences using a fine-spatio-multitemporal (FSM) 3D convolution module, which employs smaller spatial receptive fields to capture detailed local facial movements and larger temporal receptive fields to model broader temporal dynamics. The landmark stream processes facial landmark sequences using a normalized temporal attention (NTA) module within an NTA-GCN block, enhancing the detection of key facial frames and improving overall recognition accuracy. We validate the effectiveness of FIA using the NTU RGB+D and NTU RGB+D 120 datasets, focusing on action categories related to medical conditions. Our experiments demonstrate that FIA significantly outperforms existing methods in scenarios with extensive occlusion, highlighting its potential for practical applications in surveillance and healthcare settings.
Blockchain Technology and Corporate Performance: Empirical Evidence from Listed Companies in China
Authors: Zhang Jie , Ruan Chen
Published: October 2024

Blockchain technology is widely recognized and adopted by many organizations, as it serves as a fundamental technological infrastructure for the digital economy. This has led to a rapid acceleration of industrial transformation and digital innovation. This study employs empirical data from a substantial sample to investigate the potential applications, strategies, and advantages of blockchain technology. This paper examines A-share listed companies in China from 2015 to 2021, offering valuable empirical insights that demonstrate how the implementation of blockchain technology can markedly improve corporate performance in a major global economy. The research in this paper examines the differential effects of blockchain technology by innovatively integrating financial and environmental performance metrics into an empirical model, revealing that implementing blockchain technology significantly enhances environmental performance. Furthermore, it has been observed that blockchain technology adoption can contribute to corporate performance by improving information transparency. It is worth noting that blockchain technology’s influence on enterprises’ performance exhibits discernible variations based on the ownership structure, environmental sensitivity, and technical features of said enterprises. This paper can be used as a guide for enterprises looking to implement blockchain technology and for governments seeking to develop digitalization legislation.
Strengthening of Masonry Structures by Sisal-Reinforced Geopolymers
Authors: Palizzolo Luigi , Sanfilippo Carmelo , Ullah Sana , Benfratello Salvatore
Published: October 2024

The development of alternative environmentally friendly and sustainable materials in the construction industry has become a fundamental area of research. The current cementitious materials used in existing retrofitting techniques for masonry structures are unsustainable from an environmental point of view. The geopolymer, as a suitable alternative to ordinary Portland cement (OPC), has attracted interest in the last 20 years due to its environmental sustainability and improved properties compared to conventional concrete. To improve the ductile behavior of geopolymers, the adoption of fibers has been widely proposed in the scientific literature for a broad range of applications. The adoption of natural fibers can make geopolymers more advantageous based on their intrinsic environmental sustainability. The aim of this paper is to validate the performance of sisal fiber-reinforced geopolymer plaster as a strengthening material for masonry structures, which will be achieved by modeling the mechanical behavior of geopolymer samples in two different phases. The first phase accounts for the experimental results suitably obtained in the laboratory, while the second phase models the behavior of a masonry panel reinforced with geopolymer plaster using a suitable FEM model in Abaqus.