bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular Diagnostics for Group A Streptococcal Pharyngitis: Clinical and Economic Benefits in the Belgian Healthcare Context
Authors: Panahandeh Mohammad Hossein , Soleimani Reza , Nezzar Yasmine , Rodriguez-Villalobos Hector , Kabamba-Mukadi Benoît , Grimmelprez Alexandre , Schatt Patricia
Published: November 2024

(1) Background: Group A Streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis is common, resulting in numerous ambulatory visits. Accurate diagnosis is challenging. This study evaluated the clinical utility, cost, and performance of a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) for GAS detection, comparing it to a rapid antigen detection test (RADT) and throat culture. Additionally, we assessed the diagnostic stewardship related to these testing methods to ensure appropriate antibiotic use in clinical practice. Methods: Between November 2022 and February 2023, 82 throat swabs were analyzed, with McIsaac clinical scores calculated for each. The Abbott ID NOW STREP A 2 NAAT and Sekisui Diagnostics’ OSOM® STREP A RADT were performed, followed by bacterial culture. Diagnostic performance was compared using culture as the gold standard. Results: Of the 82 samples, 28 (34.14%) tested positive for pathogenic germs, primarily Streptococcus pyogenes (92.85%). RADTs showed a sensitivity of 80.76% and a specificity of 100%, while NAATs demonstrated a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 96.42%. Cost analysis indicated the need for reimbursement adjustments to optimize NAAT’s economic benefits. Clinical data indicated that symptoms alone were insufficient for reliable diagnosis. Conclusions: This study confirmed the superior sensitivity of Abbott’s Strep A2 NAAT over RADT. Given the Belgian guidelines against routine antibiotic treatment for pharyngitis and considering local treatment recommendations and cost, implementing NAAT for GAS detection in Belgian laboratories is less beneficial. However, the role of NAAT in supporting antimicrobial stewardship by ensuring appropriate antibiotic use remains significant.
Advances in mRNA LNP-Based Cancer Vaccines: Mechanisms, Formulation Aspects, Challenges, and Future Directions
Authors: Ramadan Eslam , Ahmed Ali , Naguib Youssef Wahib
Published: November 2024

After the COVID-19 pandemic, mRNA-based vaccines have emerged as a revolutionary technology in immunization and vaccination. These vaccines have shown remarkable efficacy against the virus and opened up avenues for their possible application in other diseases. This has renewed interest and investment in mRNA vaccine research and development, attracting the scientific community to explore all its other applications beyond infectious diseases. Recently, researchers have focused on the possibility of adapting this vaccination approach to cancer immunotherapy. While there is a huge potential, challenges still remain in the design and optimization of the synthetic mRNA molecules and the lipid nanoparticle delivery system required to ensure the adequate elicitation of the immune response and the successful eradication of tumors. This review points out the basic mechanisms of mRNA-LNP vaccines in cancer immunotherapy and recent approaches in mRNA vaccine design. This review displays the current mRNA modifications and lipid nanoparticle components and how these factors affect vaccine efficacy. Furthermore, this review discusses the future directions and clinical applications of mRNA-LNP vaccines in cancer treatment.
Whale Optimization Algorithm-Enhanced Long Short-Term Memory Classifier with Novel Wrapped Feature Selection for Intrusion Detection
Authors: AL-Husseini Haider , Hosseini Mohammad Mehdi , Yousofi Ahmad , Alazzawi Murtadha A.
Published: November 2024

Intrusion detection in network systems is a critical challenge due to the ever-increasing volume and complexity of cyber-attacks. Traditional methods often struggle with high-dimensional data and the need for real-time detection. This paper proposes a comprehensive intrusion detection method utilizing a novel wrapped feature selection approach combined with a long short-term memory classifier optimized with the whale optimization algorithm to address these challenges effectively. The proposed method introduces a novel feature selection technique using a multi-layer perceptron and a hybrid genetic algorithm-particle swarm optimization algorithm to select salient features from the input dataset, significantly reducing dimensionality while retaining critical information. The selected features are then used to train a long short-term memory network, optimized by the whale optimization algorithm to enhance its classification performance. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated through extensive simulations of intrusion detection tasks. The feature selection approach effectively reduced the feature set from 78 to 68 features, maintaining diversity and relevance. The proposed method achieved a remarkable accuracy of 99.62% in DDoS attack detection and 99.40% in FTP-Patator/SSH-Patator attack detection using the CICIDS-2017 dataset and an anomaly attack detection accuracy of 99.6% using the NSL-KDD dataset. These results highlight the potential of the proposed method in achieving high detection accuracy with reduced computational complexity, making it a viable solution for real-time intrusion detection.
Multi-Domain Data Integration for Plasma Diagnostics in Semiconductor Manufacturing Using Tri-CycleGAN
Authors: Kang Minji , Jang Sung Kyu , Kim Jihun , Kim Seongho , Kim Changmin , Lee Hyo-Chang , Kang Wooseok , Choi Min Sup , Kim Hyeongkeun , Kim Hyeong-U
Published: November 2024

The precise monitoring of chemical reactions in plasma-based processes is crucial for advanced semiconductor manufacturing. This study integrates three diagnostic techniques—Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES), Quadrupole Mass Spectrometry (QMS), and Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (ToF-MS)—into a reactive ion etcher (RIE) system to analyze CF4-based plasma. To synchronize and integrate data from these different domains, we developed a Tri-CycleGAN model that utilizes three interconnected CycleGANs for bi-directional data transformation between OES, QMS, and ToF-MS. This configuration enables accurate mapping of data across domains, effectively compensating for the blind spots of individual diagnostic techniques. The model incorporates self-attention mechanisms to address temporal misalignments and a direct loss function to preserve fine-grained features, further enhancing data accuracy. Experimental results show that the Tri-CycleGAN model achieves high consistency in reconstructing plasma measurement data under various conditions. The model’s ability to fuse multi-domain diagnostic data offers a robust solution for plasma monitoring, potentially improving precision, yield, and process control in semiconductor manufacturing. This work lays a foundation for future applications of machine learning-based diagnostic integration in complex plasma environments.
A Method to Determine the Optimal Period for Field-Scale Yield Prediction Using Sentinel-2 Vegetation Indices
Authors: Colonna Roberto , Genzano Nicola , Ciancia Emanuele , Filizzola Carolina , Fiorentino Costanza , D’Antonio Paola , Tramutoli Valerio
Published: November 2024

This study proposes a method for determining the optimal period for crop yield prediction using Sentinel-2 Vegetation Index (VI) measurements. The method operates at the single-field scale to minimize the influence of external factors, such as soil type, topography, microclimate variations, and agricultural practices, which can significantly affect yield predictions. By analyzing historical VI data, the method identifies the best time window for yield prediction for specific crops and fields. It allows adjustments for different space–time intervals, crop types, cloud probability thresholds, and variable time composites. As a practical example, this method is applied to a wheat field in the Po River Valley, Italy, using NDVI data to illustrate how the approach can be implemented. Although applied in this specific context, the method is exportable and can be adapted to various agricultural settings. A key feature of the approach is its ability to classify variable-length periods, leveraging historical Sentinel-2 VI compositions to identify the optimal window for yield prediction. If applied in regions with frequent cloud cover, the method can also identify the most effective cloud probability threshold for improving prediction accuracy. This approach provides a tool for enhancing yield forecasting over fragmented agricultural landscapes.
Quality of Life in the City of Trikala (Greece): Attitudes and Opinions of Residents on Green Spaces and Cycling Paths
Authors: Arabatzis Garyfallos , Malesios Chrysovalantis , Kolkos Georgios , Kantartzis Apostolos , Lemonakis Panagiotis
Published: November 2024

Over recent decades, intense urbanization, city expansion, and unregulated construction have led to a scarcity of green spaces and environmental degradation. Green spaces significantly enhance residents’ quality of life by supporting mental and physical health, improving environmental conditions, and benefiting the local microclimate. However, adding green spaces alone is insufficient for modern cities. Increasing population mobility and demand for sustainable transportation modes highlight the role of bicycles and safe bike lane networks in urban development. This study focuses on the perspectives of Trikala’s citizens regarding the contributions of green spaces to their quality of life and cycling habits, and to the effectiveness of current cycling infrastructure. Using a structured questionnaire, data were analyzed with SPSS through descriptive and multivariate analysis. The results demonstrate a strong public acknowledgment of green spaces and bicycles as essential components for sustainable urban planning. Nevertheless, challenges with bike lane safety and network continuity were evident. This study concludes that enhancing both green spaces and cycling infrastructure is crucial for fostering a more environmentally friendly and healthy urban environment. Policy recommendations include improving bike lane safety and expanding green space access, creating a foundation for sustainable, resilient urban living.
Treating Tropical Soils with Composted Sewage Sludge Reduces the Mineral Fertilizer Requirements in Sugarcane Production
Authors: Silva Rafael dos Santos , Teixeira Filho Marcelo Carvalho Minhoto , Jalal Arshad , Alves Rodrigo Silva , Elias Nathércia Castro , Nascimento Raimunda Eliane Nascimento do , Abreu-Junior Cassio Hamilton , Jani Arun Dilipkumar , Capra Gian Franco , Nogueira Thiago Assis Rodrigues
Published: November 2024

Conventional mineral fertilization (CMF) is a common practice in infertile sugarcane-cultivated tropical soils, increasing production costs and environmental concerns. Combining CMF with composted sewage sludge (CSS) could be a sustainable strategy. We aim to evaluate changes in soil chemical properties, macro- and micronutrient concentrations in the soil surface (Ap1; 0–25 cm) and subsurface (Ap2; 25–50 cm) horizons, after CSS application with or without CMF in sugarcane cultivation (first and second ratoon cane). Eleven treatments, featured by CSS increase rates and mixed with CMF at different concentrations, were tested in the first ratoon; during the second, the CSS residual effect was evaluated. Applying CSS in sugarcane-cultivated soils, improved the following: (i) soil organic matter, pH, the sum of bases, cation-exchange capacity, and base saturation; (ii) overall nutrient concentrations (P, K, Ca, Mg, B, Cu, and Zn). The treatments showing the best performances were those with 5.0 Mg ha−1 of CSS. Composted sewage sludge has the potential for use as an organic natural fertilizer reducing the need for CMF. When applied in infertile tropical soils, additional positive effects can be achieved, such as decreasing production costs and providing socio-economic benefits.
Construction and Empirical Research of an Evaluation System for High-Quality Development of Small Towns in Guangxi Under the New Development Concept
Authors: Hu Chuxin , Liu Binglin , Yan Zhiqiang , Ma Chunxiao
Published: November 2024

The high-quality development of small towns in Guangxi is crucial for regional economic balance and sustainable development. This research conducts an in-depth exploration and systematic construction and validation analysis of the high-quality development of small towns in Guangxi. Guided by the new development concepts of innovation, coordination, green, openness, and sharing, a comprehensive evaluation system is established to assess the development levels of 70 small towns from 2005 to 2022. The research findings are as follows: 1. The analysis revealed significant growth in these dimensions over the study period, highlighting the unique characteristics of different types of small towns. 2. It was observed that small towns in southeastern Guangxi generally demonstrated higher development levels, while those in the northwestern regions exhibited considerable disparities, indicating regional imbalances. 3. The overall gap in the high-quality development level of small towns is gradually narrowing, but the difference is still relatively significant. 4. The findings underscore the advantages of the evaluation system developed, which effectively captures the multidimensional nature of high-quality development and serves as a robust framework for future research.
Is a Rural Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Conducive to the Improvement of Entrepreneurial Performance? Evidence from Typical Counties of Rural Entrepreneurship and Innovation in China
Authors: Zhang Xuhong , Hu Haiqing , Zhou Cheng , Dong Erwei
Published: November 2024

Rural entrepreneurship is an important means to solve the problem of “rural decline” and is also the focus of the “rural revitalization” strategy. The rural entrepreneurship ecosystem directly affects entrepreneurial performance. Based on the configurational perspective, using the fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) method, taking 85 typical rural innovation and entrepreneurship demonstration counties in China as research samples, this study explores the impact path of the rural entrepreneurship ecosystem composed of multiple factors on entrepreneurial performance and the complex causal mechanisms behind it. The results show that market size, human capital, financial capital, infrastructure (both hardware and software), and government scale cannot individually constitute the necessary conditions for high or non-high rural entrepreneurial performance; there exist two pathways driving high entrepreneurial performance in rural areas: a market-driven financing-and-intelligence integration pathway and a government-supported infrastructure-assisted pathway. Under certain conditions, there is a substitution relationship between rural entrepreneurial market allocation and government intervention; there are two paths driving non-high rural entrepreneurial performance, which are summarized into market–financing suppression and market–government suppression according to the core driving factors. By systematically analyzing the impact of the rural entrepreneurial ecosystem on entrepreneurial performance, and explaining the intrinsic logic and path of high and non-high entrepreneurial performance based on the configurational perspective, this paper provides a decision-making reference for further enhancing the entrepreneurial performance in rural China and realizing rural revitalization.
The Prohibition of Forestation on Cultivated Land in China: A Difference-in-Differences Model Analysis of the Effects of Cutting Down Trees on Farmland Transfer
Authors: Li Guanghao , Yin Guanyi , Wei Wei , Sun Qingzhi , Zhang Zhan , Zhu Shenghao
Published: November 2024

The implementation of China’s stringent farmland protection policy has resulted in the compulsory removal of trees from farmland, which has significantly impacted farmers’ willingness to transfer their land. To explain the impact of cutting trees on farmers’ land transfer, this study conducted a two-way fixed-effect difference-in-differences (DID) model based on a survey of 163 households in Daxiapo Village in China during 2020–2023. The results show that cutting trees significantly promotes farmland transfer among farmers. Moreover, the promotion effect of cutting trees is more pronounced when transferring land in than it is when transferring land out. For land plots with poor accessibility and fertility, the effects of transferring land out are more significant than for plots that are fertile and conveniently located. As a result, the prohibition of forestation on farmland has increased the contiguity of some land plots and improved the spatial configuration of farmland, but land fragmentation is still prominent on land owned by large-scale farmers. Therefore, this paper proposes two optimization scenarios to address the issue of farmland fragmentation and compares the feasibility of these plans in the short and long term. This paper suggests that short-term policies prohibiting forestation can trigger abrupt changes in farmland transfer patterns and drive further changes in the spatial configuration of farmland. Though some large-scale farming households were established through land transfer, the problem of plot fragmentation must be solved. This article presents several possible scenarios to aid in the design of more systematic policy systems to balance the protection of cultivated land, farmers’ willingness, and the spatial contiguity of cultivated land.
Toward Smart Urban Management: Integrating Geographic Information Systems and Geology for Underground Bearing Capacity Prediction in Casablanca City, Morocco
Authors: Loukili Ikram , Inabi Omar , El Ghorfi Mustapha , El Moutaki Saida , Ghafiri Abdessamad
Published: November 2024

To effectively manage the sustainable urban development of cities, it is crucial to quickly understand the geological and geotechnical attributes of the underground. Carrying out such studies entails significant investments and focused reconnaissance efforts, which might not align seamlessly with large-scale territorial planning initiatives within a city accommodating more than 3 million inhabitants, like Casablanca in Morocco. Additionally, various specific investigations have been conducted by municipal authorities in recent times. The primary aim of this study is to furnish city managers and planners with a tool for informed decision-making, enabling them to explore the geological and geotechnical properties of soil foundations using Geographic Information Systems (GISs) and geostatistics. This database, initially intended for utilization by developers and construction engineers, stands to economize a substantial amount of time and resources. During the urban planning of cities and prior to determining land usage (five- or seven-floor structures), comprehending the mechanical traits (bearing capacity, water levels, etc.) of the soil is crucial. To this end, geological and geotechnical maps, along with a collection of 100 surveys, were gathered and incorporated into a GIS system. These diverse data sources converged to reveal that the underlying composition of the surveyed area comprises silts, calcarenites, marls, graywackes, and siltstones. These formations are attributed to the Middle Cambrian and the Holocene epochs. The resultant geotechnical findings were integrated into the GIS and subjected to interpolation using ordinary kriging. This procedure yielded two distinct maps: one illustrating bearing capacity and the other depicting the substratum. The bearing capacity of the soil in the study zone is rated as moderate, fluctuating between two and four bars. The depth of the foundation remains relatively shallow, ranging from 0.8 m to 4.5 m. The outcomes are highly promising, affirming that the soil in Casablanca boasts commendable geotechnical attributes capable of enduring substantial loads and stresses. Consequently, redirecting future urban planning in the region toward vertical expansion seems judicious, safeguarding Casablanca’s remaining green spaces and the small agricultural belt. The results of this work help to better plan the urban development of the city of Casablanca in a smarter way, thus preserving space, agriculture, and the environment while promoting sustainability. In addition, the databases and maps created through this paper aim for a balanced financial management of city expenditures in urban planning.
Illegal Deforestation in Mato Grosso: How Loopholes in Implementing Brazil’s Forest Code Endanger the Soy Sector
Authors: Carvalho Raquel , Rausch Lisa , Gibbs Holly K. , Bastos Lima Mairon G. , Bernasconi Paula , Valdiones Ana Paula , Vasconcelos André , Silgueiro Vinicius
Published: November 2024

Brazil’s Forest Code (FC) is a landmark law that, despite dating back to the 1930s, has low compliance. Illegal deforestation continues, and millions of hectares that were set to be reforested remain degraded. Although sector agreements such as the Amazon Soy Moratorium (ASM) have been important in the fight against deforestation, the implementation of the FC represents the key long-term strategy to halt deforestation in the soy supply chain. Here, we used datasets of the boundaries of rural properties, deforestation permits, environmental licensing, and land cover in Mato Grosso to quantify illegal deforestation and analyzed compliance with the Forest Code (FC) on soy farms to explore how loopholes in the implementation of the FC allow deforestation to continue unabated. Our analyses show that between August 2009 and July 2019, soy farms in Mato Grosso State, the largest Brazilian soy producer, were responsible for 15% (or 468.1 thousand hectares) of all land cleared in registered properties. Half of this deforestation was illegal. The FC implementation within these properties has been slow: only 11% of registered soy farms have made it to the final stage of the registration process, thus being considered fully compliant. This novel analysis reinforces that accelerating the implementation of the FC could significantly reduce deforestation and advance the restoration of illegally cleared land particularly in the Cerrado, where 50% of the original cover has already been lost, as well as in the Amazon. By achieving full compliance in the soy sector, Brazil’s position in the international market would be strengthened as a supplier of sustainably produced, deforestation-free commodities.
Research on Multi-Scenario Simulation of Urban Expansion for Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei Region Considering Multilevel Urban Flows
Authors: Hu Jiayi , Liu Dongya , Zheng Xinqi
Published: November 2024

With the development of urban agglomerations in China, the study of the interactions between cities has become a popular and difficult issue. Exploring the interactions between cities can help decision-makers optimize regional resource allocation and improve regional spatial patterns. Combining the urban flow model and the patch-generating land use simulation (PLUS) model, this study simulates and analyzes the process of urban expansion in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei (BTH) region, and investigates the impact of urban hierarchical structure differences on urban expansion. In this study, the role and influence of inter-city economy flow, transportation flow, population flow, and information flow on the development of urban agglomerations are comprehensively considered, and a multilevel urban interaction model is constructed based on a hierarchical generalized linear model (HGLM). Based on the national BTH cooperation and development strategy, a multi-scenario simulation study of urban expansion is carried out using the HGLM-PLUS model. The results indicate the following: (1) compared to the traditional PLUS model, the coupled HGLM-PLUS model, which considers multilevel urban flows, improved the overall accuracy by 0.047, the Kappa coefficient by 0.207, and the figure of merit (FoM) index by 0.051; (2) under different simulation scenarios, the development trend under the cooperation and development policy in the BTH region is more stable, demonstrating a relatively smooth urbanization expansion trend; and (3) under the BTH cooperation and development background, the total area of construction land in the BTH region is expected to be maintained at around 1,164,500 km2 by 2040. The spatial expansion pattern will present a networked expansion with the core driving development, axes and belts connecting, and clusters breaking through.
Application and Prospect of Artificial Intelligence Technology in Low-Carbon Cities—From the Perspective of Urban Planning Content and Process
Authors: Yan Fengying , Qi Xinran
Published: November 2024

In the era of digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI) technology—one of the swiftest growing emerging technologies—when integrated with urban planning, can introduce innovative approaches for low-carbon city development and foster the attainment of dual carbon objectives: carbon neutrality and peak carbon emissions. Current research predominantly investigates the influence and alterations of emerging technologies on urban elements, yet it overlooks a comprehensive examination of the applicable procedures of these technologies and their potential synergy with urban planning. Consequently, this study employs a systematic literature review to delve into the application of AI in sectors such as architecture, transportation, land use, and green space development. It categorizes the specific impact processes into monitoring, identification, simulation, and prediction. By offering an exhaustive analysis of urban planning’s content and methodology, this paper elucidates the role of AI technology in the creation of low-carbon cities. The study found that: (1) Due to the varying degrees of application and integration with professional technologies in different fields, the current research focuses more on architecture, land use, and transportation. (2) Combining the four steps of urban planning, artificial intelligence can be divided into monitoring, recognition, simulation, and prediction types, each with its own characteristics. (3) Overall, AI technology is mainly applied in the identification and simulation of architecture, transportation, and land use. (4) There is still room for improvement in the application of AI technology in waste emissions and other algorithms.
The Influence of Atorvastatin Treatment on Homocysteine Metabolism and Oxidative Stress in an Experimental Model of Diabetic Rats
Authors: Clim Andreea , Maranduca Minela Aida , Filip Nina , Tănase Daniela Maria , Floria Mariana , Pinzariu Alin Constantin , Popa Irene Paula , Nemteanu Roxana , Cozma Tudor Cristian , Faur Flaviu Ionut , Serban Dragomir Nicolae , Scripcariu Dragoș Viorel , Serban Ionela Lacramioara
Published: November 2024

Objective: In our experimental study, we evaluated the influence of treatment with atorvastatin on the antioxidant activity of intracellular and extracellular systems factors, homocysteine levels (Hcy), and lipid profiles in obese and diabetic rats. Method: Twenty-one male Wistar rats, aged 6 months, 450–550 g, were allocated into three groups. From the beginning of the study, the first group (G-I, control) received only standard food, while the second and third groups (G II—obese, G III—diabetic) were administered a high-fat diet (HFD) with 2% cholesterol. After 2 weeks of accommodation, the specimens in G-III were injected intraperitoneal (i.p.) streptozotocin (35 mg of body weight, pH 4.5), intervention followed by the onset of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Following confirmation of diabetes onset, the specimens in G III were administered concomitantly with the HFD a daily gavage of atorvastatin 20 mg of body weight/day for 20 days. We measured, at the beginning and the end of the study, the Hcy levels, lipid profile, vitamin B12, B6, folic acid, and various parameters of oxidative stress (OS)—total antioxidant status (TAS), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Results: After treatment with atorvastatin, the lipid profile in G III significantly improved compared to the other two groups, but enzymatic markers of oxidative stress did not closely parallel this trend. However, after the treatment of statin, we observed an important reduction in Hcy values. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that treatment with atorvastatin can be used not only for its lipid-lowering properties and antioxidant effects but also to reduce Hcy concentration in this experimental model of diabetic rats. Moreover, atorvastatin therapy improves lipid profiles, reduces inflammation, suppresses oxidation, and decreases Hcy levels, potentially preventing major adverse cardiovascular events.
Early Elevated Inflammatory Markers in SARS-CoV-2 Vaccinated Patients Are Associated with Reduced Mortality, Morbidity, and Lung Injury
Authors: Khayat Osama , Basheer Maamoun , Derawy Mayss , Assy Nimer
Published: November 2024

Background The development of vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 has proved to be a highly successful strategy. In this work, the aim is to study the effects of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine on the production of inflammatory markers and how this affect morbidity and mortality. Electronic medical record (EMR) data from 210 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 from November 2020 to June 2021 were collected. The admitted patients were divided into three groups, the one-dose vaccinated, two-dose vaccinated, and the non-vaccinated. All patients were moderate or severe in disease level as defined by the WHO classification. The results show that CRP was 101 ± 5.3, 97 ± 10.8, and 145 ± 17.3 (p < 0.05), fibrinogen 529 ± 16.3, 397 ± 33.8, and 610 ± 15 (p < 0.05), D-dimer 1244 ± 89, 1279 ± 297, and 1615 ± 224 (p < 0.05), ferritin was 1170 ± 122, 999 ± 202, and 1663 ± 409 (p < 0.05), IL-6 was 196 ± 12, 96 ± 5, and 580 ± 402 (NS), for the non-vaccinated, one-dose vaccinated, and two-dose vaccinated groups, respectively. The high level of CRP up to 150–200 mg/dL was more common among the surviving vaccinated patients. Oxygen supplementation, mechanical ventilation, and mortality were higher in the non-vaccinated group. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level was higher in the vaccinated patients, 25 ± 0.14 vs. 33 ± 6.15, respectively (p < 0.05). Inflammation markers were significantly higher in the vaccinated groups compared to non-vaccinated groups. On the other hand, extremely high levels of CRP (>200 mg/dL) were correlated with high mortality incidence.
What We Know So Far About ECG for Pancreatic Pseudocysts
Authors: Kluszczyk Paulina , Jabłońska Beata , Serafin Michał , Tobiasz Aleksandra , Kowalczyk Tomasz , Maślanka Sebastian , Chapuła Mateusz , Wosiewicz Piotr , Mrowiec Sławomir
Published: November 2024

Background: Endoscopic cysto-gastrostomy (ECG) has become the treatment of choice for pancreatic pseudocysts (PPCs). Endoscopic drainage of PPCs requires the creation of an anastomosis between the lumen of the PPCs and the lumen of the gastrointestinal tract. Various types of stents are used for this purpose. The aim of the study is to compare the indications, quantity, and results of using double pigtail plastic stents (DPPSs) and lumen-apposing fully covered metal stents (LAMSs) in ECG. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted of 39 patients (24 men, 15 women) treated for PPCs in the Department of Digestive Tract Surgery and the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology between October 2018 and February 2023. The mean age of patients was 51.13 (28–77). Data about etiology, cyst diameter, type, and complications of the stents were collected. Results: DPPSs were placed in smaller cysts (108 vs. 140 millimeters, p = 0.04) and were maintained for a longer duration compared to LAMSs (106 vs. 34 days, p = 0.001). Cyst recurrence was reported less frequently in patients with a LAMS (0 (0%) vs. 4 (19.05%), p = 0.05) and the therapeutic success was non-significantly higher in the LAMS group compared to the DPPS group (100% vs. 85.71%), p = 0.095. Conclusions: Both DPPSs and LAMSs are characterized by high therapeutic success and low complication rates in patients undergoing ECG for PPCs.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Migraine: The Patients’ Perspective
Authors: Torrente Angelo , Alonge Paolo , Baschi Roberta , Pilati Laura , Di Stefano Vincenzo , Camarda Cecilia , Brighina Filippo , Monastero Roberto
Published: November 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic represents a global health phenomenon that will sadly remain part of our history. It had innumerable consequences for society and people’s lives. With different mechanisms, COVID-19 has been pointed out as a factor in the pathophysiology of several secondary disorders or the deterioration of pre-existing conditions. Migraine is a frequent disorder that can be influenced by several conditions, including psychologically stressful conditions or infectious diseases. The purpose of the present study is to gain insight into the influence of COVID-19 on the clinical characteristics of patients with migraine. A self-administrable questionnaire has been developed, asking for migraine features before and after COVID-19 infection. One hundred and two patients who had been infected at least once were included. After COVID-19 infection, 54 reported the worsening of migraine, 45 noticed no variation, and 3 reported an improvement. After the infection, 21 patients changed preventive therapy due to the loss of efficacy of the previous one. The most effective treatments in this subpopulation were gene-related peptide monoclonal antibodies. The presented data confirm that the influence of COVID-19 is heterogeneous in patients with migraine, but new treatments may be effective in controlling the symptoms among those who report a worsening of the disease.
Fracture Toughness of Short Fibre-Reinforced Composites—In Vitro Study
Authors: Kamourieh Noor , Faigenblum Maurice , Blizard Robert , Leung Albert , Fine Peter
Published: November 2024

The development of dental materials needs to be supported with sound evidence. This in vitro study aimed to measure the fracture toughness of a short fibre-reinforced composite (sFRC), at differing thicknesses. In this study, 2 mm, 3 mm and 4 mm depths of sFRC were prepared. Using ISO4049, each preparation was tested to failure. A total of 60 samples were tested: 10 samples for each combination of sFRC and depth. Fractured samples were viewed, and outcomes were analysed. EXF showed greater toughness than EXP, with a mean of 2.49 (95%CI: 2.25, 2.73) MPa.m1/2 compared to a mean of 2.13 (95%CI: 1.95, 2.31) MPa.m1/2, (F(1,54) = 21.28; p < 0.001). This difference was particularly pronounced at 2 mm depths where the mean (95%CI) values were 2.72 (2.49, 2.95) for EXF and 1.90 (1.78, 2.02) for EXP (Interaction F(2,54) = 7.93; p < 0.001). Both materials performed similarly at the depths of 3 mm and 4 mm. The results for both materials were within the accepted fracture toughness values of dentine of 1.79–3.08 MPa.m1/2. Analysis showed crack deflection and bridging fibre behaviour. The optimal thickness at the cavity base for EXF was 2 mm and for EXP 4 mm. Crack deflection and bridging behaviour indicated that restorations incorporating sFRCs are not prone to catastrophic failure and confirmed that sFRCs have similar fracture toughness to dentine. sFRCs could be a suitable biomimetic material to replace dentine.
Application of Sound Waves During the Curing of an Acrylic Resin and Its Composites Based on Short Carbon Fibers and Carbon Nanofibers
Authors: Uribe Braian , Rodrigues Joana , Costa Pedro , Paiva Maria C.
Published: November 2024

Research into particulate polymer composites is of significant interest due to their potential for enhancing material properties, such as strength, thermal stability, and conductivity while maintaining low weight and cost. Among the various techniques for preparing particle-based composites, ultrasonic wave stimulation is one of the principal laboratory-scale methods for enhancing the dispersion of the discontinuous phase. Nevertheless, there is a scarcity of empirical evidence to substantiate the impact of stimulating materials with natural sound frequencies within the acoustic spectrum, ranging from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, during their formation process. The present work investigates the effect of acoustic stimuli with frequencies of 56, 111, and 180 Hz on the properties of an acrylic-based polymer and its discontinuous carbon-based composites. The results indicated that the stimulus frequency affects the cure time of the studied systems, with a notable reduction of 31% and 21% in the cure times of the neat polymer and carbon-nanofiber-based composites, respectively, after applying a frequency of 180 Hz. Additionally, the higher stimulation frequencies reduced porosity in the samples, increased the degree of dispersion of the discontinuous phase, and altered the composite materials’ thermal, optical, and electrical behavior.
Surface Quality as a Factor Affecting the Functionality of Products Manufactured with Metal and 3D Printing Technologies
Authors: Richert Maria , Dudek Marek , Sala Dariusz
Published: November 2024

Surface engineering is one of the most extensive industries. Virtually all areas of the economy benefit from the achievements of surface engineering. Surface quality affects the quality of finished products as well as the quality of manufactured parts. It affects both functional qualities and esthetics. Surface quality affects the image and reputation of a brand. This is particularly true for cars and household appliances. Surface modification of products is also aimed at improving their functional and protective properties. This applies to surfaces for producing hydrophobic surfaces, anti-wear protection of friction pairs, corrosion protection, and others. Metal technologies and 3D printing benefit from surface technologies that improve their functionality and facilitate the operation of products. Surface engineering offers a range of different coating and layering methods from varnishing and painting to sophisticated nanometric coatings. This paper presents an overview of selected surface engineering issues pertaining to metal products, with a particular focus on surface modification of products manufactured by 3D printing technology. It evaluates the impact of the surface quality of products on their functional and performance qualities.
Machine Learning and First-Principle Predictions of Materials with Low Lattice Thermal Conductivity
Authors: Lin Chia-Min , Khatri Abishek , Yan Da , Chen Cheng-Chien
Published: November 2024

We performed machine learning (ML) simulations and density functional theory (DFT) calculations to search for materials with low lattice thermal conductivity, κL. Several cadmium (Cd) compounds containing elements from the alkali metal and carbon groups including A2CdX (A = Li, Na, and K; X = Pb, Sn, and Ge) are predicted by our ML models to exhibit very low κL values (<1.0 W/mK), rendering these materials suitable for potential thermal management and insulation applications. Further DFT calculations of electronic and transport properties indicate that the figure of merit, ZT, for the thermoelectric performance can exceed 1.0 in compounds such as K2CdPb, K2CdSn, and K2CdGe, which are therefore also promising thermoelectric materials.
Effective Concrete Failure Area for SC Structures Using Stud and Tie Bar Under Performance Tests
Authors: Kim Yeongun , Choi Byong J.
Published: November 2024

Nuclear power plants, where steel-plate concrete (SC) structures are commonly adopted, require large-scale components to withstand significant loads, such as those caused by sudden explosions. As a result, SC modular members used in nuclear power plants must have thicker walls filled with concrete compared to standard-sized ones. These large walls also require additional components, such as tie bars and H-shaped steel sections, to reinforce adhesion and resist shear stresses. This study focuses on tie bars placed adjacent to studs and evaluates their influence on the tensile strength of wall structures. To investigate this, we conducted experimental tests using full-scale specimens, including various combinations ranging from single stud to combined stud-tie configurations. Based on the results of these performance tests, we propose a design recommendation for estimating the tensile capacity of SC structures, considering the influence of tie bars.
Influence of Reclaimed Water on the Visual Quality of Automotive Coating
Authors: Woźniak Piotr , Gryta Marek
Published: November 2024

In the present study, the possibility of recovering water in a car wash station was presented. The resistance of automotive coatings to washing water recovered at 50% and 70% from wastewater generated at car wash was tested. Wastewater treatment was carried out by ultrafiltration (UF) using tubular polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes (100 and 200 kDa) manufactured by the PCI company. The membranes retained oil contamination, suspended solids, and over 60% of surfactants. For comparison, the 0.5% Turbo Active Green solution, used at professional car washes, was also applied in paint resistance studies. The tested solutions washed the painted surfaces of samples taken from car doors for 8 days. The resistance of automotive coatings to washing solutions was assessed by measuring gloss, Log Haze, RIQ, and Rspec parameters. Scratch resistance was also assessed. The results obtained in the current study indicated that the use of water recovered from wastewater did not deteriorate the quality of the car paint coating.
Review of the Anti-Candida albicans Activity and Physical Properties of Soft Lining Materials Modified with Polyene Antibiotics, Azole Drugs, and Chlorohexidine Salts
Authors: Barszczewska-Rybarek Izabela , Kula Patrycja , Chladek Grzegorz
Published: November 2024

This review examined the current state of knowledge on the modifications of commercial soft lining materials (SLMs) with a variety of antifungal compounds: (i) polyene antibiotics, including nystatin and amphotericin B, (ii) azole drugs, including fluconazole, itraconazole, clotrimazole, ketoconazole, and miconazole, and (iii) antiseptics, including chlorhexidine salts to give them anti-Candida albicans properties. The effect of such modifications on the SLMs’ physical properties, such as drug release, water sorption, surface properties, bond strength, tensile strength, and hardness, was also analyzed. In effect, this study provided a unique compilation of research results obtained for numerous properties of SLM modified with antifungal compounds that differ in their chemical structure and mechanism of antifungal action. These results might also be useful for prosthetic dentistry, where SLMs are used to prevent and treat candidiasis, the most common disease among denture wearers.
Hybrid Functional ITO/Silver Nanowire Transparent Conductive Electrodes for Enhanced Output Efficiency of Ultraviolet GaN-Based Light-Emitting Diodes
Authors: Oh Munsik , Jeong Mun Seok , Cho Jaehee , Kim Hyunsoo
Published: November 2024

We investigated hybrid functional transparent conductive electrodes (HFTCEs) composed of indium-tin-oxide (ITO) and silver nanowires (AgNWs) for the enhancement of output efficiency in GaN-based ultraviolet light-emitting diodes (UVLEDs). The HFTCEs demonstrated an optical transmittance of 69.5% at a wavelength of 380 nm and a sheet resistance of 16.4 Ω/sq, while the reference ITO TCE exhibited a transmittance of 76.4% and a sheet resistance of 18.7 Ω/sq. Despite the 8.9% lower optical transmittance, the UVLEDs fabricated with HFTCEs achieved a 25% increase in output efficiency compared to reference UVLEDs. This improvement is attributed to the HFTCE’s twofold longer current spreading length under operating forward voltages, and more significantly, the enhanced out-coupling of localized surface plasmon (LSP) resonance with the trapped wave-guided light modes.
A Pharmacokinetic and Bioavailability Study of Ecklonia cava Phlorotannins Following Intravenous and Oral Administration in Sprague–Dawley Rats
Authors: Shin Hyeon-Cheol , Rosenfeld Clint , Guttendorf Robert J. , Wade Susan B. , Park Yong Ju , Kim Ju Hee , Kim Seong Ho , Lee Bong Ho , Hwang Hye Jeong
Published: November 2024

This study examines the pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of phlorotannins from Ecklonia cava in rats following intravenous and oral administration. Known for their potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and many other bioactivities, these phlorotannins, particularly dieckol, 8,8′-bieckol, and phlorofucofuroeckol-A (PFF-A), were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. Intravenous administration at 10 mg/kg allowed detectability in plasma for up to 36 h for dieckol and 8,8′-bieckol, but only 2 h for PFF-A. Oral administration at doses of 100 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg showed limited detectability, indicating low bioavailability and rapid clearance, particularly for PFF-A. The pharmacokinetic data suggest non-linear increases in the maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) and area under the curve (AUC) with increasing doses, pointing to significant challenges in achieving systemic availability of these eckols through oral administration. This study underscores the necessity for advanced formulation strategies and alternative routes of administration to enhance systemic bioavailability. At the same time, this result also suggests their effects may be through non-systemic pathways such as gut microbiome modulation or lipid-rich tissue targeting. The findings lay a crucial foundation for the further development of Ecklonia cava phlorotannins as therapeutic agents, offering insights into their pharmacokinetic behavior and informing enhancements in future clinical utility.
Study on Mitigation of Interfacial Intermetallic Compounds by Applying Alternating Magnetic Field in Laser-Directed Energy Deposition of Ti6Al4V/AA2024 Dissimilar Materials
Authors: Zhang Dongqi , Du Dong , Xue Shuai , Qi Junjie , Zhang Jiaming , Chang Baohua
Published: November 2024

Brittle intermetallic compounds (IMCs) at the interface of dissimilar materials can seriously affect the mechanical properties of the dissimilar components. Introducing external assisted fields in the fabrication of dissimilar components is a potential solution to this problem. In this study, an alternating magnetic field (AMF) was introduced for the first time in the additive manufacturing of Ti6Al4V/AA2024 dissimilar alloy components by laser-directed energy deposition (L-DED). The effect of the AMF on the interfacial IMCs’ distribution was studied. The results indicate that the contents of the IMCs were different for different magnetic flux densities and frequencies, and the lowest content was obtained with a magnetic flux density of 10 mT at a frequency of 40 Hz. When an appropriate AMF was applied, the IMC layer was no longer continuous at the interface, and the thickness was notably decreased. In addition, the influence of the AMF on the temperature distribution and fluid flow in the melt pool was analyzed through numerical simulation. The simulation results indicate that the effect of the AMF on the temperature of the melt pool was not significant, but it changed the flow pattern inside the melt pool. The two vortices inside the cross-section that formed when the AMF was applied caused different orientations of club-shaped IMCs inside the deposition layer. A sudden change in the streamline direction at the bottom of the longitudinal cross-section of the melt pool can affect the formation of the IMC layer at the interface of dissimilar materials, resulting in inconsistent thickness and even gaps. This work provides a useful guidance for regulating IMCs at dissimilar material interfaces.