bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Watching eyes effect: the impact of imagined eyes on prosocial behavior and satisfactions in the dictator game
Authors: Lv Jieyu , Shen Yuxin , Huang Zheng , Zhang Chujian , Meijiu Jiangcheng , Zhang Hongchuan
Published: January 2024

The concept of the watching eyes effect suggests that the presence of eye or eye-like cues can influence individual altruistic behavior. However, few studies have investigated the effects of imagined eyes on altruistic behaviors and the psychological measures of dictators and recipients in the dictator game. This study used a 2 (Presentation Mode: Imagined/Visual) 2 (Cue Type: Eye/Flower) between-subject design and measured the effects of recipients' psychological variables and the communication texts between the dictator and the recipient. The results showed that there was a significant interaction between Presentation Mode and Cue Type. In the imagined condition, the dictator exhibited more altruistic behavior than in the visual condition. However, there was no significant difference in altruistic behavior between the Imagined Eye and Imagined Flower conditions. In addition, the study found that the Cue Type had a significant main effect on the recipients' satisfaction with the allocation outcome. Notably, in the Visual Flower condition, the dictator used more egoistic norm words when communicating with the recipient than other conditions. This study provides novel evidence on the effect of imagined social cues on individual behavior in the dictator game, and to some extent validates the robustness of the watching eyes effect under manipulation of higher-level verbal cognitive processes. At the same time, the study is the first to explore the impacts on recipients' psychological variables and the communication texts. These efforts offer new insights into the psychological and cognitive mechanisms underlying the watching eyes effect.
A dual design thinking – universal design approach to catalyze neurodiversity advocacy through collaboration among high-schoolers
Authors: Schuck Rachel K. , Fung Lawrence K.
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Neurodiversity describes the fact that humans all have different brains with unique qualities that contribute to society. Though understanding of neurodiversity is gaining traction among the general public, there remains considerable stigma and prejudice toward neurodiverse people. One way to combat these issues is to teach individuals about neurodiversity and encourage them to develop advocacy skills. Development of such knowledge is especially important for adolescents, as they have the capacity to make small (e.g., interpersonal interactions) and large (e.g., school-wide) impacts.

Methods

Eighty-nine high schoolers participated in a two-week virtual summer camp in 2022; research consent/assent was obtained from 19 (11 neurodiverse/neurodivergent). Campers learned about neurodiversity, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and Design Thinking (DT) through lectures from researchers and neurodivergent people, as well as group activities and discussions. Campers worked in small groups to design a neurodiversity advocacy project based on the principles of UDL and DT. Each group was facilitated by camp counselors–some of whom were neurodiverse–who were all committed to neurodiversity advocacy. Participants completed questionnaires about autism, ADHD, and dyslexia pre- and post-camp. Some also completed optional post-camp interviews.

Results

Pre-camp stigma toward neurodiverse conditions was generally low. However, autism stigma was significantly higher than dyslexia stigma (Z = −2.24, p = 0.025). After camp, autism stigma decreased (Z = −2.98, p = 0.003;) and autism [t(13) = 3.17, p = 0.007] and ADHD [t(13) = 2.87, p = 0.013] knowledge improved. There were no significant changes in ADHD or dyslexia stigma or dyslexia knowledge. Participants reported enjoying collaborating with other campers and learning about UDL and DT. Thematic analysis of interviews generated four themes: Increased Understanding of Neurodiversity; Increasing Empathy and Becoming Less Judgmental; Creating a Neurodiverse Community; and More Awareness is Needed.

Discussion

This pilot investigation suggests that a virtual summer camp can be effective in improving attitudes toward and knowledge of neurodiversity. Qualitative analysis indicated participants became more accepting after the camp, both in terms of being less judgmental toward neurodiverse people and more self-accepting among neurodivergent campers. Future research should investigate the long-term effects of such a program, particularly with diverse samples of students.
Placebo stimulates neuroplasticity in depression: implications for clinical practice and research
Authors: Seymour Jeremy , Mathers Nigel
Published: January 2024

Neither psychological nor neuroscientific investigations have been able to fully explain the paradox that placebo is designed to be inert in randomized controlled trials (RCTs), yet appears to be effective in evaluations of clinical interventions in all fields of medicine and alternative medicine. This article develops the Neuroplasticity Placebo Theory, which posits that neuroplasticity in fronto-limbic areas is the unifying factor in placebo response (seen in RCTs) and placebo effect (seen in clinical interventions) where it is not intended to be inert. Depression is the disorder that has the highest placebo response of any medical condition and has the greatest potential for understanding how placebos work: recent developments in understanding of the pathophysiology of depression suggest that fronto-limbic areas are sensitized in depression which is associated with a particularly strong placebo phenomenon. An innovative linkage is made between diverse areas of the psychology and the translational psychiatry literature to provide supportive evidence for the Neuroplasticity Placebo Theory. This is underpinned by neuro-radiological evidence of fronto-limbic change in the placebo arm of antidepressant trials. If placebo stimulates neuroplasticity in fronto-limbic areas in conditions other than depression - and results in a partially active treatment in other areas of medicine - there are far reaching consequences for the day-to-day use of placebo in clinical practice, the future design of RCTs in all clinical conditions, and existing unwarranted assertions about the efficacy of antidepressant medications. If fronto-limbic neuroplasticity is the common denominator in designating placebo as a partially active treatment, the terms placebo effect and placebo response should be replaced by the single term “placebo treatment.”
Remote treatment of developmental dyslexia: how ADHD comorbidity, clinical history and treatment repetition may affect its efficacy
Authors: Lorusso Maria Luisa , Borasio Francesca , Mistò Paola , Salandi Antonio , Travellini Simona , Lotito Mariangela , Molteni Massimo
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Tachidino is a web-based platform for remote treatment of reading and spelling disorders. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the possible impact of different clinical conditions on the efficacy of treatment. The focus was on possible ADHD comorbidity-related effects on the outcomes of the Tachidino treatment, and the impact of previous treatments, such as speech and language therapy or the repetition of the same Tachidino program.

Methods

136 children with developmental dyslexia received four-weeks treatment via the Tachidino platform. Improvements in reading and writing scores were compared between different subgroups.

Results

No gross differences emerged in treatment effectiveness between groups of children. Children receiving treatment improved significantly more than untreated children.

Discussion

Treatment with Tachidino brought significant benefits for all children, irrespective of comorbidity, clinical history or treatment repetition. Comparison with an untreated control group (waiting list) made it possible to exclude that improvement was due to test–retest learning effects.
Association between sleep duration and burnout in healthcare professionals: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Saintila Jacksaint , Soriano-Moreno Anderson N. , Ramos-Vera Cristian , Oblitas-Guerrero Susan M. , Calizaya-Milla Yaquelin E.
Published: January 2024

Background

Short sleep duration in healthcare professionals is a recurring concern among researchers. On the other hand, the prevalence of burnout in this population group is experiencing exponential growth. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the association between sleep duration and burnout in healthcare professionals.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study. Data were collected by applying a non-probabilistic convenience sampling, considering a sample of 300 healthcare professionals from the public sector in Peru. The association between variables was explored using multivariate logistic regression. Values of p < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results

The results of the analysis in the crude models revealed that both men and women who slept < 7 h during workdays and days off were 8.33 (95% CI = 2.68–13.99, p = 0.004) and 17.18 (95% CI = 10.50–23.87, p < 0.001) times more likely to have burnout compared to those who reported ≥7 h, respectively. After adjusting for confounding variables, the association remained statistically significant.

Conclusion

The findings of this study underscore the critical importance of sleep duration in the incidence of burnout among healthcare professionals. In the context of the global challenges to the mental and physical health of these professionals, our results highlight the urgent need to implement strategies at the organizational and individual level. This includes promoting a better work-life balance, and effective stress management and improved sleep quality.
Fermented goat milk as a functional food for obesity prevention or treatment: a narrative review
Authors: Andrada Estefanía , Marquez Antonela , Russo Matías , Gauffin-Cano Paola , Medina Roxana
Published: January 2024

Fermentation can potentiate goat milk’s beneficial properties or generate new bioactive ingredients. In this narrative review, we summarize the current knowledge on the potential of fermented goat milk (FGM) products to improve different biomarkers of a modern epidemic: obesity and its comorbidities. In vitro studies have indicated functional properties of bioactive peptides or lipids obtained from FGM, showing potential to prevent Cardiovascular Disease development and anti-inflammatory activity. Probiotic strains derived from goat milk have prevented diet-induced obesity in animal models, and can represent a better techno-functional alternative to ferment this matrix than traditional starters. A small number of studies evaluated the functional properties of FGM in animal models of obesity. The observed in vitro effects of isolated compounds are generally in agreement with in vivo models’ findings. Overall, reports showed a positive impact on the prevention of body weight gain and several metabolic, inflammatory, and oxidative parameters. Nevertheless, evidence is limited and the mechanisms involved are fairly unknown. Comparisons between non-fermented and fermented products in vivo studies are lacking. Functional properties of FGM products aimed at improving the health of obese patients lack support from clinical trials. Considering the current evidence, the administration of complete FGM can be more beneficial to obese patients than the administration of its isolated compounds (lipids, peptides, or microorganisms). The addition of plant by-products with prebiotic or antioxidant properties is a promising strategy to enhance FGM functionality.
Smart haptic gloves for virtual reality surgery simulation: a pilot study on external ventricular drain training
Authors: Boutin Jonah , Kamoonpuri Jafer , Faieghi Reza , Chung Joon , de Ribaupierre Sandrine , Eagleson Roy
Published: January 2024

Smart haptic gloves are a new technology emerging in Virtual Reality (VR) with a promise to enhance sensory feedback in VR. This paper presents one of the first attempts to explore its application to surgical training for neurosurgery trainees using VR-based surgery simulators. We develop and evaluate a surgical simulator for External Ventricular Drain Placement (EVD), a common procedure in the field of neurosurgery. Haptic gloves are used in combination with a VR environment to augment the experience of burr hole placement, and flexible catheter manipulation. The simulator was integrated into the training curriculum at the 2022 Canadian Neurosurgery Rookie Bootcamp. Thirty neurosurgery residents used the simulator where objective performance metrics and subjective experience scores were acquired. We provide the details of the simulator development, as well as the user study results and draw conclusions on the benefits added by the haptic gloves and future directions.
Phenotypical changes in Escherichia coli K12 after prolonged exposure to simulated microgravity
Authors: Chavez Alba , Topolski Collin , Hicks Janelle , Villafania Mitchell , Baez Natalie , Burke Marissa , Castillo Hugo
Published: January 2024

Over the past few decades there has been a steady increase in interest in the study of the role of space environment in the genetic and phenotypical changes of microorganisms. More specifically, there are concerns with astronaut health being compromised during missions to the Moon and beyond from changes in many conditions. These include changes in the physiology of bacteria leading to alterations directly related to human health such as virulence and antibiotic resistance or to the functioning of life support systems such as the increase in biofilm formation in the water supply or treatment components. The effects of space conditions on microorganisms have been studied for more than a decade; however, there is still a need to determine the impact of the physiological effect of microgravity not only of bacterial growth, but also on the different virulence-related phenotypes that might contribute to phenotypic plasticity and microbial adaptation. This study focuses on deciphering the phenotypical changes of the commensal bacterium E. coli K12 after growth under simulated microgravity conditions using a 2D microgravity analog. Using a 2D clinostat, Escherichia coli was grown up to 22 days and used to measure changes in phenotypes commonly related to virulence. The phenotypes measured included cell population growth, biofilm development and the response to acidic pH and oxidative stress. Results from our studies showed the tendency to enhanced biofilm formation and a decreased resistance to oxidative stress and to grow under acidic conditions. These results suggest that microgravity regulates the adaptation and phenotypic plasticity of E. coli that could lead to changes in virulence.
Can Video Games Improve the Ability to Focus?
Authors: Gonzalez Osorio Celeste , Hayat Amaniya , Kim Sunwoo , Nanda Shubhi , Osier Nico
Published: January 2024

Have you heard of ADHD? It stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, a condition that makes focusing difficult. Under the right conditions, video games can be used to treat ADHD. People with ADHD often have a harder time completing tasks than people without ADHD. When playing a serious video game designed as a treatment, a person with ADHD can improve their ability to concentrate on completing a task. This works when video games are designed to reward the player after each success, because it trains the player’s brain to focus on one task at a time. In this article, we will provide an overview of attention and ADHD, discuss the benefits and risks of video games, describe the features of serious games, and highlight the first video game that doctors prescribe to kids with ADHD.
The high energy X-ray probe (HEX-P): sensitive broadband X-ray observations of transient phenomena in the 2030s
Authors: Brightman Murray , Margutti Raffaella , Polzin Ava , Jaodand Amruta , Hotokezaka Kenta , Alford Jason A. J. , Hallinan Gregg , Kammoun Elias , Mooley Kunal , Masterson Megan , Marcotulli Lea , Rau Arne , Wevers Thomas , Younes George A. , Stern Daniel , García Javier A. , Madsen Kristin
Published: January 2024

HEX-P is a probe-class mission concept that will combine high spatial resolution X-ray imaging (<10′′ FWHM) and broad spectral coverage (0.2–80 keV) with an effective area superior to NuSTAR above 10 keV to enable revolutionary new insights into a variety of astrophysical problems, especially those related to compact objects, accretion and outflows. HEX-P will launch at a time when the sky is being routinely scanned for transient gravitational wave, electromagnetic and neutrino phenomena that will require the capabilities of a sensitive, broadband X-ray telescope for follow up studies. These include the merger of compact objects such as neutron stars and black holes, stellar explosions, and the birth of new compact objects. A response time to target of opportunity observation requests of <24 hours and a field of regard of 3π steradians will allow HEX-P to probe the accretion and ejecta from these transient phenomena through the study of relativistic outflows and reprocessed emission, provide unique capabilities for understanding jet physics, and potentially revealing the nature of the central engine.
New insights into semen separation techniques in buffaloes
Authors: Andrei Crina Raluca , Posastiuc Florin Petrișor , Constantin Nicolae Tiberiu , Mitrea Ioan Liviu
Published: January 2024

Male infertility is frequently caused by idiopathic or unexplained reasons, resulting in an increase in demand for assisted reproductive technologies. In buffaloes, more than in other animals due to reproductive hardiness, successful fertilization needs spermatozoa to effectively transit the female reproductive system to reach the oocyte. This mechanism naturally picks high-quality sperm cells for conception, but when artificial reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization, intracytoplasmic sperm injection, or intrauterine insemination are utilized, alternative techniques of sperm selection are necessary. Currently, technology allows for sperm sorting based on motility, maturity, the lack of apoptotic components, proper morphology, and even sex. This study provides current knowledge on all known techniques of sperm cell sorting in buffaloes, evaluates their efficiency, and discusses the benefits and drawbacks of each approach.
Biostimulants Improve Plant Performance of Rosemary Growth in Agricultural Organic System
Authors: Farruggia Davide , Tortorici Noemi , Iacuzzi Nicolò , Alaimo Federica , Leto Claudio , Tuttolomondo Teresa
Published: January 2024

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) is an evergreen and a xerophytic shrub that is frequently employed in culinary, decorative, and industrial applications. It shows significant variations in biomass and essential oil (EO) yield due to effects of biotic and abiotic factors. Biostimulants are widely used in agriculture, and in organic agricultural systems, they may contribute significantly to the stability and/or to the increase in crop yields, ensuring respect for the environment. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of different types of biostimulants on the yield performance of rosemary. Four commercial formulations of biostimulants based on Eklonia maxima, Ascophyllum nodosum, fulvic acids, and protein hydrolysates were used for the tests. Water was used as a control. Six applications were performed. At harvest, several morphological and productive parameters were determined. All parameters were affected by biostimulant application. The highest fresh and dry yields were obtained with the application of fulvic acids (13.1 t ha−1 of fresh biomass and 4.3 t ha−1 of dry biomass) and protein hydrolysates (13.6 t ha−1 of fresh biomass and 4.4 t ha−1 of dry biomass) with values 60% higher than that of the control. Regarding the EO content in the dry biomass, the highest value (1.72% v/w) was found in control plants, whilst the lowest (1.14%) was observed in plants treated with fulvic acids. In the case of the EO yield, the lowest value (46.5 kg ha−1) per unit area was found in the control. The application of Eklonia maxima and protein hydrolysates produced the highest EO yield values, 65 kg ha−1 and 66.5 kg ha−1, respectively. This study highlights the use of biostimulants to increase the yield performance of rosemary when grown in an organic agricultural system.
A Graph Neural Network Approach with Improved Levenberg–Marquardt for Electrical Impedance Tomography
Authors: Zhao Ruwen , Xu Chuanpei , Zhu Zhibin , Mo Wei
Published: January 2024

Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) is a non-invasive imaging method that allows for the acquisition of resistivity distribution information within an object without the use of radiation. EIT is widely used in various fields, such as medical imaging, industrial imaging, geological exploration, etc. Presently, most electrical impedance imaging methods are restricted to uniform domains, such as pixelated pictures. These algorithms rely on model learning-based image reconstruction techniques, which often necessitate interpolation and embedding if the fundamental imaging model is solved on a non-uniform grid. EIT technology still confronts several obstacles today, such as insufficient prior information, severe pathological conditions, numerous imaging artifacts, etc. In this paper, we propose a new electrical impedance tomography algorithm based on the graph convolutional neural network model. Our algorithm transforms the finite-element model (FEM) grid data from the ill-posed problem of EIT into a network graph within the graph convolutional neural network model. Subsequently, the parameters in the non-linear inverse problem of the EIT process are updated by using the improved Levenberg—Marquardt (ILM) method. This method generates an image that reflects the electrical impedance. The experimental results demonstrate the robust generalizability of our proposed algorithm, showcasing its effectiveness across different domain shapes, grids, and non-distributed data.
Quantum Privacy Query Protocol Based on GHZ-like States
Authors: Li Tingyu , Liu Bai , Zhang Jun
Published: January 2024

The rapid development of telemedicine technology has brought great convenience to people’s lives. Alongside generating great convenience, protecting patients’ privacy has become increasingly important. Therefore, to solve the above problems, this paper proposes a quantum privacy query protocol based on GHZ-like states. The protocol first utilizes existing diagnostic information for classification to encode symptom attributes. Then, the correlation after measurement using GHZ-like entangled states is utilized so that the querying party can only obtain a key message with the assistance of a third party. Through the above operation, the database cannot know the address of the message queried by the querying party, and the querying party is also unable to obtain more information. The protocol not only adds decoy factor detection but also adds the process of authentication while checking for illegal eavesdropping. It makes the protocol sufficiently resistant to joint attacks, participant attacks, and external system credit attacks. This database privacy query protocol ensures that the database service is more effective and its environment is more secure.
Robust Detection of Background Acoustic Scene in the Presence of Foreground Speech
Authors: Song Siyuan , Song Yanjue , Madhu Nilesh
Published: January 2024

The characterising sound required for the Acoustic Scene Classification (ASC) system is contained in the ambient signal. However, in practice, this is often distorted by e.g., foreground speech of the speakers in the surroundings. Previously, based on the iVector framework, we proposed different strategies to improve the classification accuracy when foreground speech is present. In this paper, we extend these methods to deep-learning (DL)-based ASC systems, for improving foreground speech robustness. ResNet models are proposed as the baseline, in combination with multi-condition training at different signal-to-background ratios (SBRs). For further robustness, we first investigate the noise-floor-based Mel-FilterBank Energies (NF-MFBE) as the input feature of the ResNet model. Next, speech presence information is incorporated within the ASC framework obtained from a speech enhancement (SE) system. As the speech presence information is time-frequency specific, it allows the network to learn to distinguish better between background signal regions and foreground speech. While the proposed modifications improve the performance of ASC systems when foreground speech is dominant, in scenarios with low-level or absent foreground speech, performance is slightly worse. Therefore, as a last consideration, ensemble methods are introduced, to integrate classification scores from different models in a weighted manner. The experimental study systematically validates the contribution of each proposed modification and, for the final system, it is shown that with the proposed input features and meta-learner, the classification accuracy is improved in all tested SBRs. Especially for SBRs of 20 dB, absolute improvements of up to 9% can be obtained.
Evaluation of Genomic Contamination Detection Tools and Influence of Horizontal Gene Transfer on Their Efficiency through Contamination Simulations at Various Taxonomic Ranks
Authors: Cornet Luc , Lupo Valérian , Declerck Stéphane , Baurain Denis
Published: January 2024

Genomic contamination remains a pervasive challenge in (meta)genomics, prompting the development of numerous detection tools. Despite the attention that this issue has attracted, a comprehensive comparison of the available tools is absent from the literature. Furthermore, the potential effect of horizontal gene transfer on the detection of genomic contamination has been little studied. In this study, we evaluated the efficiency of detection of six widely used contamination detection tools. To this end, we developed a simulation framework using orthologous group inference as a robust basis for the simulation of contamination. Additionally, we implemented a variable mutation rate to simulate horizontal transfer. Our simulations covered six distinct taxonomic ranks, ranging from phylum to species. The evaluation of contamination levels revealed the suboptimal precision of the tools, attributed to significant cases of both over-detection and under-detection, particularly at the genus and species levels. Notably, only so-called “redundant” contamination was reliably estimated. Our findings underscore the necessity of employing a combination of tools, including Kraken2, for accurate contamination level assessment. We also demonstrate that none of the assayed tools confused contamination and horizontal gene transfer. Finally, we release CRACOT, a freely accessible contamination simulation framework, which holds promise in evaluating the efficacy of future algorithms.
Pulmonary Embolism (PE) to Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Disease (CTEPD): Findings from a Survey of UK Physicians
Authors: Pepke-Zaba Joanna , Howard Luke , Kiely David G. , Sweeney Shruti , Johnson Martin
Published: January 2024

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary disease (CTEPD) is a complication of pulmonary embolism (PE). We conducted an online survey of UK PE-treating physicians to understand practices in the follow-up of PE and awareness of CTEPD. The physicians surveyed (N = 175) included 50 each from cardiology, respiratory and internal medicine, plus 25 haematologists. Most (89%) participants had local guidelines for PE management, and 65% reported a PE follow-up clinic, of which 69% were joint clinics. Almost half (47%) had a protocol for the investigation of CTEPD. According to participants, 129 (74%) routinely consider a diagnosis of CTEPD and 97 (55%) routinely investigate for CTEPD, with 76% of those 97 participants investigating in patients who are symptomatic at 3 months and 22% investigating in all patients. This survey demonstrated variability in the follow-up of PE and the awareness of CTEPD and its investigation. The findings support the conduct of a national audit to understand the barriers to the timely detection of CTEPD.
Temple of Death! The Sight of You Chills Our Hearts—Ruminations on Affect in Architecture
Authors: Johnson Eugene J.
Published: January 2024

This essay discusses the affect of a group of well-known buildings and one project from antiquity to the recent past: Pantheon, Rome; Hagia Sophia, Istanbul; Leon Battista Alberti’s Sant’Andrea, Mantua; Etienne-Louis Boullée’s Project for a Newton Cenotaph; Louis I. Kahn’s Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla and Frank O. Gehry’s Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao. Despite the disparities in time, at least two of the works considered have characteristics in common, while others have more.
R-Matrix Calculation of Electron Collision with the BeO+ Molecular Ion
Authors: Mukherjee Nilanjan , Bhattacharyya Abhijit , Chakrabarti Kalyan
Published: January 2024

We report here an R-matrix study of electron collision with the BeO+ molecular ion in its X 2Π ground state and at a single bond length, namely its equilibrium Re=2.7023 a0. Firstly, a good quality configuration interaction calculation is performed for the BeO+ ground and excited states. We then perform scattering calculations using the R-matrix method to yield the cross-section for electronic excitation to several of its excited states. The electron impact dissociation of BeO+ through the two lowest dissociation channels, namely the Be+(2Sg) + O(3Pg) and Be+(2Sg) + O(1Dg) dissociation channels, is estimated using the electronic excitation cross-sections. Rotational excitation cross-sections are provided for the j(=0)→j′(=1,2,3) rotational transitions. Our calculations also yield e + BeO+ neutral Feshbach resonances and their widths which we present systematically categorized by their symmetry and quantum defects, and BeO-bound Rydberg states at the BeO+ equilibrium. The full potential energy curves for the resonant states, their widths and the bound Rydberg states, whose details we propose to give in a subsequent work, can be the starting point of other collision calculations.
Influence of Stress Disturbance on the Deformation of Nearby Cemented Roadways following the Excavation of Chambers
Authors: Zhang Yueying , Zhang Dongxiao , Gong Xufei , Zhang Wei , Liu Zihao , Xiong Feng
Published: January 2024

Based on the engineering background of weakly cemented roadways and adjacent chambers in Western China, a numerical simulation method was used to examine the changes in stress distribution and increment in the surrounding rock of weakly cemented roadways adjacent to chambers. The results show that the surrounding rock stress of the weakly cemented roadway adjacent to the chambers increases by approximately 30%. The vertical stress of the surrounding rock mainly expands along the vertical direction, and the expansion range is 7–12 times that of the chamber height. The horizontal stress of the surrounding rock mainly expands along the horizontal direction, and the expansion range is 3–6 times that of the chamber width. Based on the support idea of “allowable deformation” + “relief pressure” + “maintaining roadway shape”, the support technology of weakly cemented roadways adjacent to chambers is established with “full section U-shaped steel shed + filling flexible materials between the steel shed and surrounding rock + patching the roof bolt + laying concrete on floor”. An engineering test based on the above support technology was carried out, and it was found that the deformation of the weakly cemented roadway adjacent to the chambers was 0 in 20 days.
Field Tests and the Numerical Analysis of a Pile-Net Composite Foundation for an Intelligent Connected Motor-Racing Circuit
Authors: Wang Xiaonan , Pei Qitao
Published: January 2024

In response to the problem of significant post-construction settlement that may occur in a motor racing circuit (MRC), two representative composite foundation testing areas, PHC pile (pre-tensioned spun high-strength concrete pile) and CFG pile (cement fly ash gravel pile), were selected for field tests to obtain the deformation law of pile–soil. Then, finite element numerical simulation was used to carry out back analysis on the geological mechanical parameters of the testing areas. The results showed that the error of soil settlement between the piles in the PHC pile and CFG pile testing areas were 8.2% and 9.6%, respectively, with good inversion precision. The obtained geological mechanical parameters can be used to predict the settlement of the rest of the MRC. On this basis, a finite element numerical model was constructed to analyze the bearing and deformation characteristics of the foundation of the MRC under five types of working conditions that may cause significant post-construction settlement. It showed that the settlement of the embankment was large in the middle and small on both sides after the consolidation of the embankment. The maximum settlement was about 27.0 mm, and the maximum longitudinal uneven settlement ratio of the embankment was 1.3/4000. The axial force of piles in the PHC pile and CFG pile composite foundations increased first and then decreased with depth. The maximum bending moment was located at the foot of slopes or at the boundary of strata, which was relatively small in the middle of the embankment. The deformation of the embankment and the bearing capacity of the piles could meet engineering requirements. This study has certain guiding significance for the design and construction of similar pile-net composite foundations.
Editorial: Special Issue Entitled “Development of g-C3N4-Based Photocatalysts: Environmental Purification and Energy Conversion”
Authors: Guo Feng , Lin Xue , Hong Yuanzhi , Shi Weilong
Published: January 2024

Solar photocatalysis has evolved rapidly over the past few decades and has received significant attention for its green, safe and renewable energy benefits, particularly in the current era of global crisis, being considered as a potential solution to the major problems we face today, such as the shortage of fossil fuels and the impact of human activities on the environment [...]
Comparative Study of Supported Ni and Co Catalysts Prepared Using the All-in-One Method in the Hydrogenation of CO2: Effects of Using (Poly)Vinyl Alcohol (PVA) as an Additive
Authors: Navarrete Luisa F. , Atienza-Martínez María , Reyero Inés , Urroz José Carlos , Amorrortu Oihana , Sanz Oihane , Montes Mario , Garcés Siby I. , Bimbela Fernando , Gandía Luis M.
Published: January 2024

Two series of Ni and Co catalysts supported onto La-Al2O3 were prepared and the CO2 hydrogenation reactions investigated. The catalytic performance was evaluated in terms of the evolution with the reaction temperature of the CO2 conversion and product (CH4 and CO) yields, as well as specific activities (TOF) and apparent activation energies. CH4 was the favored product over both metals while the TOF for CH4 formation was about three times higher for Ni than Co at 240–265 °C. Metallic particle size effects were found, with the TOF for CH4 formation decreasing over both Ni and Co as the mean metallic size decreased. In contrast, the TOF for CO formation tended to increase at a decreasing particle size for the catalysts with the smallest Ni particle sizes. The apparent activation energies for Ni and Co were very similar and significantly decreased to values of 73–79 kJ/mol when the metallic dispersion increased. The catalysts were prepared using the all-in-one method, resulting in (poly)vinyl alcohol (PVA) being a key additive that allowed us to enhance the dispersion of Ni and Co to give very effective catalysts. This comparative study joins the few existing ones in the literature in which catalysts based on these metals operated under strictly the same reaction conditions.
Structure Robustness of Highly Dispersed Pt/Al2O3 Catalyst for Propane Dehydrogenation during Oxychlorination Regeneration Process
Authors: Dong Lu , Sun Yitong , Zhou Yifan , Sui Zhijun , Dai Yunsheng , Zhu Yian , Zhou Xinggui
Published: January 2024

The structure and performance stability of a Pt-based catalyst for propane dehydrogenation during its reaction–regeneration cycles is one of the key factors for its commercial application. A 0.3% Pt/Al2O3 catalyst with a sub-nanometric particle size was prepared and two different types of regeneration processes, long-term dichloroethane oxychlorination and a reaction–oxidation–oxychlorination cycle, were investigated on this catalyst. The fresh, sintered and regenerated catalyst was characterized by HAADF-STEM, CO-DRIFTS, XPS, CO chemisorption and N2 physisorption, and its catalytic performance for propane dehydrogenation was also tested. The results show that the catalysts tend to have a similar particle size, coordination environment and catalytic performance with the extension of the regeneration time or an increase in the number of cycles in the two regeneration processes, and a common steady state could be achieved on the catalysts. This indicates that structure of the catalyst tends to approach its equilibrium state in the regeneration process, during which the utilization efficiency of Pt is maximized by increasing the dispersion of Pt and its intrinsic activity, and the structural robustness is secured. The performance of the catalyst is comparable to that of a single-atom Pt/Al2O3 catalyst.
Interconversion of Cancer Cells and Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Sarker Drishty B. , Xue Yu , Mahmud Faiza , Jocelyn Jonathan A. , Sang Qing-Xiang Amy
Published: January 2024

Cancer cells, especially cancer stem cells (CSCs), share many molecular features with induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) that enable the derivation of induced pluripotent cancer cells by reprogramming malignant cells. Conversely, normal iPSCs can be converted into cancer stem-like cells with the help of tumor microenvironment components and genetic manipulation. These CSC models can be utilized in oncogenic initiation and progression studies, understanding drug resistance, and developing novel therapeutic strategies. This review summarizes the role of pluripotency factors in the stemness, tumorigenicity, and therapeutic resistance of cancer cells. Different methods to obtain iPSC-derived CSC models are described with an emphasis on exposure-based approaches. Culture in cancer cell-conditioned media or cocultures with cancer cells can convert normal iPSCs into cancer stem-like cells, aiding the examination of processes of oncogenesis. We further explored the potential of reprogramming cancer cells into cancer-iPSCs for mechanistic studies and cancer dependencies. The contributions of genetic, epigenetic, and tumor microenvironment factors can be evaluated using these models. Overall, integrating iPSC technology into cancer stem cell research holds significant promise for advancing our knowledge of cancer biology and accelerating the development of innovative and tailored therapeutic interventions.
Tensile Properties of Aircraft Coating Systems and Applied Strain Modeling
Authors: Arcari Attilio , Anderson Rachel M. , Hangarter Carlos M. , Iezzi Erick B. , Policastro Steven A.
Published: January 2024

In this work, we develop a structural model for the fracturing of an aircraft coating system applied to a complex airframe structure that includes aluminum panels and stainless-steel fasteners. The mechanical properties of the coating system, which consisted of an MIL-PRF-85582E, Type II, Class C1, two-part epoxy primer and an MIL-PRF-85285 Rev E, Type IV, Class H, two-part polyurethane topcoat, were measured before and after 8 months of atmospheric exposure. The loads applied to the coating occurred from local deformations of the fastener-panel system in response to flight stresses. Two types of flight stresses, compression dominated and tension dominated, were modeled. The degradation of the mechanical properties of the coating after atmospheric exposure increases the severity of cracking of the coating at a critical fastener–skin interface.
Hypofractionated Radiotherapy for Hematologic Malignancies during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond
Authors: Antony Febin , Dubey Arbind , Skrabek Pamela , Tsang Lung Fung , Lambert Pascal , Bybel Bohdan , Ahmed Naseer
Published: January 2024

Purpose: Radiotherapy is integral in the management of hematological malignancies (HM). Standard radiotherapy dose fractionation regimens range between 20 and 50 Gy in 10–25 fractions over 2–5 weeks. This study presents the outcomes of patients with HM treated with hypofractionation radiotherapy (HFRT) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Patients (n = 36) were treated with HFRT between January 2020 and September 2022. The outcomes measured were the overall response rate (ORR), freedom from local progression (FFLP), and overall survival (OS). Results: The median follow-up was 13.2 months. Thirty-three patients (92%) had non-Hodgkin (NHL) or Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). Eighteen patients (50%) had aggressive and nine (25%) had indolent NHL. Nineteen patients (53%) presented with stage I/II and fifteen (42%) with stage III/IV disease. Twenty-five (69.4%) and eleven (30%) received consolidative and definitive RT, respectively. Twenty patients (56%) received treatment to the neck and/or thorax and nine (25%) to the abdomen or pelvis. The total dose ranged from 18 to 42.5 Gy in 6–17 fractions/2.67–5 Gy per fraction. The median dose in 2 Gy fractions for an alpha/beta (α/β) ratio of 10 amounted to 39 Gy (SD ± 13.86) and 43.6 Gy (SD ± 12) for an α/β of 3. The most commonly used fractionation scheme was 39 Gy in 13 fractions. ORR was 94.4% for the entire cohort, and 100, 94.4, and 83.3% for indolent NHL, aggressive NHL, and HL patients. The two-year FFLP was 76% (95% CI: 34–93%) for the entire cohort and 100, 87 (95% CI: 56.4–96.5%), and 42% (95% CI: 1.1–84.3%) for the indolent NHL, aggressive NHL, and HL patients. Two-year OS for the entire cohort was 80% (95% CI: 59.9–90.5%) and 100, 66.1 (95% CI: 36.4–84.4%), and 100% for the indolent NHL, aggressive NHL, and HL patients. Only one patient presented with grade two pulmonary toxicity. Conclusions: HFRT in HM provides excellent local control to be validated in a larger prospective study.
DeepSpaceYoloDataset: Annotated Astronomical Images Captured with Smart Telescopes
Authors: Parisot Olivier
Published: January 2024

Recent smart telescopes allow the automatic collection of a large quantity of data for specific portions of the night sky—with the goal of capturing images of deep sky objects (nebula, galaxies, globular clusters). Nevertheless, human verification is still required afterwards to check whether celestial targets are effectively visible in the images produced by these instruments. Depending on the magnitude of deep sky objects, the observation conditions and the cumulative time of data acquisition, it is possible that only stars are present in the images. In addition, unfavorable external conditions (light pollution, bright moon, etc.) can make capture difficult. In this paper, we describe DeepSpaceYoloDataset, a set of 4696 RGB astronomical images captured by two smart telescopes and annotated with the positions of deep sky objects that are effectively in the images. This dataset can be used to train detection models on this type of image, enabling the better control of the duration of capture sessions, but also to detect unexpected celestial events such as supernova.
Conventional Radiology Evaluation of Neonatal Intravascular Devices (NIVDs): A Case Series
Authors: Russo Anna , Patanè Vittorio , Faggioni Lorenzo , Pinto Alessandro , Fusco Luigia , Urraro Fabrizio , Neri Emanuele , Reginelli Alfonso
Published: January 2024

Our radiology department conducted an assessment of 300 neonatal radiographs in the neonatal intensive care unit over almost two years. The purpose was to evaluate the correct positioning of intravascular venous catheters. Our case series revealed that out of a total of 95 cases with misplaced devices, 59 were umbilical venous catheters and 36 were peripherally inserted central catheters. However, all of the central venous catheters were found to be properly positioned. Misplacements of neonatal intravascular devices were found to occur more frequently than expected. The scientific literature contains several articles highlighting the potential complications associated with misplaced devices. Our goal is to highlight the potential misplacements and associated complications that radiologists may encounter while reviewing conventional radiology imaging. Based on our experience, which primarily involved placing UVCs and PICCs, we discovered that conventional radiology is the most effective method for assessing proper device placement with the lowest possible radiation exposure. Given the high number of neonatal vascular device placement procedures, it is essential for radiologists to maintain a high level of vigilance and stay updated on the latest developments in this field.
Dedifferentiated Leiomyosarcoma of the Uterine Corpus with Heterologous Component: Clinicopathological Analysis of Five Consecutive Cases from a Single Institution and Comprehensive Literature Review
Authors: Kim Suyeon , Bae Hyunsik , Kim Hyun-Soo
Published: January 2024

Dedifferentiation is a very rare phenomenon in uterine leiomyosarcoma (LMS). The aim of this study was to comprehensively analyze the clinicopathological characteristics of uterine dedifferentiated LMS (DDLMS). We reviewed electronic medical records and pathology slides from five patients with uterine DDLMS and performed immunostaining. The mean age of the patients was 56 years. Two patients presented with abdominal discomfort, while in three cases the uterine tumors were detected on routine medical examination. The mean size of the tumors was 17.0 cm. Four patients underwent hysterectomy. The initial stages were distributed as IB (2/5), IIIC (2/5), and IVC (1/5). Post-operative concurrent chemoradiation therapy, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy were administered in one, one, and two patients, respectively. Despite post-operative treatment, three patients developed metastatic recurrences in the abdominal and pelvic organs. Recurrence-free survival time ranged between 4 and 30 months. Histologically, the differentiated areas demonstrated the classic morphology of malignant smooth muscle differentiation, whereas the dedifferentiated areas resembled undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma and were characterized by large pleomorphic tumor cells admixed with haphazardly arranged atypical cells with marked nuclear pleomorphism. All cases also exhibited heterologous components, including chondrosarcoma (CSA; 3/5) and rhabdomyosarcoma (2/5). In two cases, the heterologous components were initially detected in primary tumors. In three cases, the primary tumors did not exhibit any dedifferentiated or heterologous components. Instead, more than half of the recurrent tumors consisted of heterologous components. Three cases showed a sharp demarcation between the LMS and CSA components, while in two cases the dedifferentiated area imperceptibly merged with the differentiated component. Immunostaining revealed that the dedifferentiated components exhibited a lack of desmin immunoreactivity in three of the four examined cases. A subset of uterine LMS represents various amounts and types of dedifferentiation and heterologous components in both primary and recurrent tumors. Routine recognition of DDLMS and distinction from its mimickers are required for accurate diagnosis and further characterization of these rare tumors.