bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How Brand Knowledge Affects Purchase Intentions in Fresh Food E-Commerce Platforms: The Serial Mediation Effect of Perceived Value and Brand Trust
Authors: Ling Shuai , Zheng Can , Cho Dongmin
Published: August 2023

The intense competition among fresh food e-commerce platforms in China has reduced the market share of the leading firms. This study aims to establish a model framework based on brand knowledge, perceived value, brand trust, and purchase intention to improve the market competitiveness of fresh food e-commerce platforms. Based on the analysis of 475 questionnaires using SmartPLS software, the results indicate that the established model framework provides an excellent explanation and forecasting (R2 = 45.5%) for consumers’ intentions to purchase fresh food. The path analysis results of this study show that there are significant positive effects among the model variables. Among antecedent variables, brand image has the greatest influence on perceived value, perceived value has the greatest influence on brand trust, and brand trust has the most significant impact on purchase intention. Furthermore, perceived value and brand trust have noteworthy mediating and serial mediating effects on brand knowledge and purchase intention. These findings have important implications for theoretical and managerial practices in the context of fresh food e-commerce platforms, providing insights on how to enhance customer purchase intentions.
Ensuring the Safety of Steel Moment Frames Subjected to Uncertain Impacts
Authors: Alekseytsev Anatoly Victorovich
Published: August 2023

The article addresses the problem of safety evaluation of steel moment frames of civil buildings, e.g., warehouses, shops, garages, and multistory industrial buildings on deformable soil in the relevant case of an emergency impact. The case of accidental emergency impacts is considered when such parameters as the point, direction, and intensity of an impact cannot be predetermined. Such impacts are not expected to trigger the progressive collapse of currently implemented design solutions and the whole structure must maintain the property of survivability. To evaluate this property, several calculations are to be made in the quasi-static statement to identify the stress–strain state under the most dangerous accidental impacts. Further, final calculations are to be made in the dynamic statement. In this case, the problem of search is solved using the criterion of minimizing the integral safety margin of structural elements in a steel moment frame design. Calculations prevent the frame stability loss. The calculation is performed in the quasi-static statement using models made in compliance with the deformation theory of plasticity, while the calculation in the dynamic statement takes into account the associated plastic flow rule. The proposed procedures allow for designing steel moment frames that are resistant to accidental emergency impacts. Impact loading is analysed as pulse loading, which is statically equivalent to the dynamic effect of an inelastic impact of a stiff body on a structural system. The design and the efficiency evaluation of a steel moment frame of a two-story building are considered.
Comparative Study in Design of Fiber-Reinforced Concrete at Elevated Temperatures by Numerical Evaluation through Developed Hybrid Metaheuristic Algorithms
Authors: Chen Lihua , Far Harry , Mortazavi Mina , Ragab Adham E.
Published: August 2023

Fibrous concrete has good properties such as high ductility, high strength, suitable energy absorption and cracking resistance, which can be useful in many applications. This type of concrete is one of the best materials used in the construction of impact-resistant masonries, such as burial masonry structures, and explosive masonry warehouses. In this study, an artificial intelligence assessment based on the experimental test data from a laboratory has been performed on the fibrous concrete to evaluate the behavior of the samples at elevated temperatures and determine the most governing parameter on the mechanical properties of the fibrous concrete at elevated temperatures. For the first time, a hybrid intelligence algorithm has been developed based on the neural network structure using both genetic and swarm optimization algorithms. The ANFIS-PSO-GA (APG) algorithm was trained with experimental data and evaluated the flexural load and deflection of the samples. In order to detect the most prominent feature in the fire resistance of the fibrous concrete, five different subdatasets were designed. The results of the APG algorithm have been challenged with the ANFIS-PSO algorithm, which is a well-known hybrid numerical evaluation algorithm. As per the results, the newly designed APG algorithm has been successfully performed on both deflection and flexural prediction phases. Based on the numerical achievements, fiber features such as the fiber content and fiber mechanical properties are governing factors on the fibrous concrete resistance at elevated temperatures.
PD-1 Inhibitors in Elderly and Immunocompromised Patients with Advanced or Metastatic Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Yakobson Alexander , Abu Jama Ashraf , Abu Saleh Omar , Michlin Regina , Shalata Walid
Published: August 2023

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) of the skin is the second most common form of skin cancer, with aging and prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays being the main causes of the disease. Cemiplimab and pembrolizumab recently gained regulatory approval for the treatment of locally advanced and metastatic cSCC—conditions that are not treatable by surgical resection and/or radiotherapy. Although the results from the clinical trials have been promising, these studies have not included immunosuppressed, elderly patients. In this study, we included all immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients over the age of 75 years diagnosed with locally advanced or metastatic cSCC and treated with cemiplimab or pembrolizumab. The median duration of follow-up from cSCC diagnosis was 35.6 months, 82.9% of patients were male, and the median age was 83 years old. The median progression-free survival was 8.94 months. The incidence of treatment-related adverse events was 85.6%, the majority of which were grades 1 or 2. The disease control rate was 91.4%, the complete response rate was 17.1%, the partial response rate was 51.4%, the stable disease rate was 23%, and the progressive disease rate was 8.7%. Based on this study, cemiplimab and pembrolizumab for the treatment of locally advanced or metastatic cSCC in elderly, immunocompromised patients are efficacious, with acceptable safety profiles.
Multi-Institutional Evaluation of Pathologists’ Assessment Compared to Immunoscore
Authors: Willis Joseph , Anders Robert A. , Torigoe Toshihiko , Hirohashi Yoshihiko , Bifulco Carlo , Zlobec Inti , Mlecnik Bernhard , Demaria Sandra , Choi Won-Tak , Dundr Pavel , Tatangelo Fabiana , Di Mauro Annabella , Baldin Pamela , Bindea Gabriela , Marliot Florence , Haicheur Nacilla , Fredriksen Tessa , Kirilovsky Amos , Buttard Bénédicte , Vasaturo Angela , Lafontaine Lucie , Maby Pauline , El Sissy Carine , Hijazi Assia , Majdi Amine , Lagorce Christine , Berger Anne , Van den Eynde Marc , Pagès Franck , Lugli Alessandro , Galon Jérôme
Published: August 2023

Background: The Immunoscore (IS) is a quantitative digital pathology assay that evaluates the immune response in cancer patients. This study reports on the reproducibility of pathologists’ visual assessment of CD3+- and CD8+-stained colon tumors, compared to IS quantification. Methods: An international group of expert pathologists evaluated 540 images from 270 randomly selected colon cancer (CC) cases. Concordance between pathologists’ T-score, corresponding hematoxylin–eosin (H&E) slides, and the digital IS was evaluated for two- and three-category IS. Results: Non-concordant T-scores were reported in more than 92% of cases. Disagreement between semi-quantitative visual assessment of T-score and the reference IS was observed in 91% and 96% of cases before and after training, respectively. Statistical analyses showed that the concordance index between pathologists and the digital IS was weak in two- and three-category IS, respectively. After training, 42% of cases had a change in T-score, but no improvement was observed with a Kappa of 0.465 and 0.374. For the 20% of patients around the cut points, no concordance was observed between pathologists and digital pathology analysis in both two- and three-category IS, before or after training (all Kappa < 0.12). Conclusions: The standardized IS assay outperformed expert pathologists’ T-score evaluation in the clinical setting. This study demonstrates that digital pathology, in particular digital IS, represents a novel generation of immune pathology tools for reproducible and quantitative assessment of tumor-infiltrated immune cell subtypes.
Real-World Evidence on the Clinical Characteristics and Management of Patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia in Spain Using Natural Language Processing: The SRealCLL Study
Authors: Loscertales Javier , Abrisqueta-Costa Pau , Gutierrez Antonio , Hernández-Rivas José Ángel , Andreu-Lapiedra Rafael , Mora Alba , Leiva-Farré Carolina , López-Roda María Dolores , Callejo-Mellén Ángel , Álvarez-García Esther , García-Marco José Antonio
Published: August 2023

The SRealCLL study aimed to obtain real-world evidence on the clinical characteristics and treatment patterns of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) using natural language processing (NLP). Electronic health records (EHRs) from seven Spanish hospitals (January 2016–December 2018) were analyzed using EHRead® technology, based on NLP and machine learning. A total of 534 CLL patients were assessed. No treatment was detected in 270 (50.6%) patients (watch-and-wait, W&W). First-line (1L) treatment was identified in 230 (43.1%) patients and relapsed/refractory (2L) treatment was identified in 58 (10.9%). The median age ranged from 71 to 75 years, with a uniform male predominance (54.8–63.8%). The main comorbidities included hypertension (W&W: 35.6%; 1L: 38.3%; 2L: 39.7%), diabetes mellitus (W&W: 24.4%; 1L: 24.3%; 2L: 31%), cardiac arrhythmia (W&W: 16.7%; 1L: 17.8%; 2L: 17.2%), heart failure (W&W 16.3%, 1L 17.4%, 2L 17.2%), and dyslipidemia (W&W: 13.7%; 1L: 18.7%; 2L: 19.0%). The most common antineoplastic treatment was ibrutinib in 1L (64.8%) and 2L (62.1%), followed by bendamustine + rituximab (12.6%), obinutuzumab + chlorambucil (5.2%), rituximab + chlorambucil (4.8%), and idelalisib + rituximab (3.9%) in 1L and venetoclax (15.5%), idelalisib + rituximab (6.9%), bendamustine + rituximab (3.5%), and venetoclax + rituximab (3.5%) in 2L. This study expands the information available on patients with CLL in Spain, describing the diversity in patient characteristics and therapeutic approaches in clinical practice.
Unlocking the Potential of Kinase Targets in Cancer: Insights from CancerOmicsNet, an AI-Driven Approach to Drug Response Prediction in Cancer
Authors: Singha Manali , Pu Limeng , Srivastava Gopal , Ni Xialong , Stanfield Brent A. , Uche Ifeanyi K. , Rider Paul J. F. , Kousoulas Konstantin G. , Ramanujam J. , Brylinski Michal
Published: August 2023

Deregulated protein kinases are crucial in promoting cancer cell proliferation and driving malignant cell signaling. Although these kinases are essential targets for cancer therapy due to their involvement in cell development and proliferation, only a small part of the human kinome has been targeted by drugs. A comprehensive scoring system is needed to evaluate and prioritize clinically relevant kinases. We recently developed CancerOmicsNet, an artificial intelligence model employing graph-based algorithms to predict the cancer cell response to treatment with kinase inhibitors. The performance of this approach has been evaluated in large-scale benchmarking calculations, followed by the experimental validation of selected predictions against several cancer types. To shed light on the decision-making process of CancerOmicsNet and to better understand the role of each kinase in the model, we employed a customized saliency map with adjustable channel weights. The saliency map, functioning as an explainable AI tool, allows for the analysis of input contributions to the output of a trained deep-learning model and facilitates the identification of essential kinases involved in tumor progression. The comprehensive survey of biomedical literature for essential kinases selected by CancerOmicsNet demonstrated that it could help pinpoint potential druggable targets for further investigation in diverse cancer types.
Establishment of a 3D Model to Characterize the Radioresponse of Patient-Derived Glioblastoma Cells
Authors: Strand Zoe , Schrickel Finn , Dobiasch Sophie , Thomsen Andreas R. , Steiger Katja , Gempt Jens , Meyer Bernhard , Combs Stephanie E. , Schilling Daniela
Published: August 2023

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common malignant primary brain tumor in adults. Despite modern, multimodal therapeutic options of surgery, chemotherapy, tumor-treating fields (TTF), and radiotherapy, the 5-year survival is below 10%. In order to develop new therapies, better preclinical models are needed that mimic the complexity of a tumor. In this work, we established a novel three-dimensional (3D) model for patient-derived GBM cell lines. To analyze the volume and growth pattern of primary GBM cells in 3D culture, a CoSeedisTM culture system was used, and radiation sensitivity in comparison to conventional 2D colony formation assay (CFA) was analyzed. Both culture systems revealed a dose-dependent reduction in survival, but the high variance in colony size and shape prevented reliable evaluation of the 2D cultures. In contrast, the size of 3D spheroids could be measured accurately. Immunostaining of spheroids grown in the 3D culture system showed an increase in the DNA double-strand-break marker γH2AX one hour after irradiation. After 24 h, a decrease in DNA damage was observed, indicating active repair mechanisms. In summary, this new translational 3D model may better reflect the tumor complexity and be useful for analyzing the growth, radiosensitivity, and DNA repair of patient-derived GBM cells.
Dipeptidyl-Aminopeptidases 8 and 9 Regulate Autophagy and Tamoxifen Response in Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Bettecken Aaron , Heß Lisa , Hölzen Lena , Reinheckel Thomas
Published: August 2023

The cytosolic dipeptidyl-aminopeptidases 8 (DPP8) and 9 (DPP9) belong to the DPPIV serine proteases with the unique characteristic of cleaving off a dipeptide post-proline from the N-termini of substrates. To study the role of DPP8 and DPP9 in breast cancer, MCF-7 cells (luminal A-type breast cancer) and MDA.MB-231 cells (basal-like breast cancer) were used. The inhibition of DPP8/9 by 1G244 increased the number of lysosomes in both cell lines. This phenotype was more pronounced in MCF-7 cells, in which we observed a separation of autophagosomes and lysosomes in the cytosol upon DPP8/9 inhibition. Likewise, the shRNA-mediated knockdown of either DPP8 or DPP9 induced autophagy and increased lysosomes. DPP8/9 inhibition as well as the knockdown of the DPPs reduced the cell survival and proliferation of MCF-7 cells. Additional treatment of MCF-7 cells with tamoxifen, a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) used to treat patients with luminal breast tumors, further decreased survival and proliferation, as well as increased cell death. In summary, both DPP8 and DPP9 activities confine macroautophagy in breast cancer cells. Thus, their inhibition or knockdown reduces cell viability and sensitizes luminal breast cancer cells to tamoxifen treatment.
Genetic Deletion of Thorase Causes Purkinje Cell Loss and Impaired Motor Coordination Behavior
Authors: Li Chao , Zhang Han , Tong Kexin , Cai Menghua , Gao Fei , Yang Jia , Xu Yi , Wang Huaishan , Chen Hui , Hu Yu , He Wei , Zhang Jianmin
Published: August 2023

Thorase belongs to the AAA+ ATPase family, which plays a critical role in maintaining cellular homeostasis. Our previous work reported that Thorase was highly expressed in brain tissue, especially in the cerebellum. However, the roles of Thorase in the cerebellum have still not been characterized. In this study, we generated conditional knockout mice (cKO) with Thorase deletion in Purkinje cells. Thorase cKO mice exhibited cerebellar degenerative diseases-like behavior and significant impairment in motor coordination. Thorase deletion resulted in more Purkinje neuron apoptosis, leading to Purkinje cell loss in the cerebellum of Thorase cKO mice. We also found enhanced expression of the inflammatory protein ASC, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in the Thorase cKO cerebellum, which contributed to the pathogenesis of cerebellar degenerative disease. Our findings provide a better understanding of the role of Thorase in the cerebellum, which is a theoretical basis for Thorase as a therapeutic drug target for neurodegenerative diseases.
Endotoxemia Associated with Liver Disease Correlates with Systemic Inflammation and T Cell Exhaustion in Hepatitis C Virus Infection
Authors: Shive Carey L. , Kowal Corinne M. , Desotelle Alexandra F. , Nguyen Ynez , Carbone Sarah , Kostadinova Lenche , Davitkov Perica , O’Mara Megan , Reihs Alexandra , Siddiqui Hinnah , Wilson Brigid M. , Anthony Donald D.
Published: August 2023

Both acute and chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections are characterized by inflammation. HCV and reduced liver blood filtration contribute to inflammation; however, the mechanisms of systemic immune activation and dysfunction as a result of HCV infection are not clear. We measured circulating inflammatory mediators (IL-6, IP10, sCD163, sCD14), indices of endotoxemia (EndoCab, LBP, FABP), and T cell markers of exhaustion and senescence (PD-1, TIGIT, CD57, KLRG-1) in HCV-infected participants, and followed a small cohort after direct-acting anti-viral therapy. IL-6, IP10, Endocab, LBP, and FABP were elevated in HCV participants, as were T cell co-expression of exhaustion and senescence markers. We found positive associations between IL-6, IP10, EndoCab, LBP, and co-expression of T cell markers of exhaustion and senescence. We also found numerous associations between reduced liver function, as measured by plasma albumin levels, and T cell exhaustion/senescence, inflammation, and endotoxemia. We found positive associations between liver stiffness (TE score) and plasma levels of IL-6, IP10, and LBP. Lastly, plasma IP10 and the proportion of CD8 T cells co-expressing PD-1 and CD57 decreased after initiation of direct-acting anti-viral therapy. Although associations do not prove causality, our results support the model that translocation of microbial products, resulting from decreased liver blood filtration, during HCV infection drives chronic inflammation that results in T cell exhaustion/senescence and contributes to systemic immune dysfunction.
Sirtuin 6 Overexpression Improves Rotator Cuff Tendon-to-Bone Healing in the Aged
Authors: Moon Young Jae , Cui Baoning , Cho Se-Young , Hwang Jae Won , Chung Hee-Chung , Kwon Joseph , Kim Duwoon , Jang Kyu Yun , Kim Jung Ryul , Wang Sung Il
Published: August 2023

Aging is an independent risk factor for recurrent tearing after surgical repair of rotator cuff ruptures around the tendon-to-bone area. However, aging signature factors and related mechanisms involved in the healing of the rotator cuff are still unknown. We hypothesized that differences in proteins involved in the rotator cuff according to age may affect tendon-to-bone healing. The proteome analysis performed to identify the signature aging proteins of the rotator cuff confirmed the sirtuin signal as an age-specific protein. In particular, the expression of SIRT6 was markedly down-regulated with age. Ingenuity pathway analysis of omics data from age-dependent rat rotator cuffs and linear regression from human rotator cuffs showed SIRT6 to be closely related to the Wnt/β-catenin signal. We confirmed that overexpression of SIRT6 in the rotator cuff and primary tenocyte regulated canonical Wnt signaling by inhibiting the transcriptional expression of sclerostin, a Wnt antagonist. Finally, SIRT6 overexpression promoted tendon-to-bone healing after tenotomy with reconstruction in elderly rats. This approach is considered an effective treatment method for recovery from recurrent rotator cuff tears, which frequently occur in the elderly.
Study on Strengthening and Waterproofing Mechanism of Calcium Lignosulfonate in Silty Soil Sites
Authors: Du Xin , Wu Qian , Ma Qingwen , Tian Yang , Zhang Jian
Published: August 2023

Silty sites are affected by natural and human factors, have a low soil strength and strong water sensitivity, and are prone to cracks, soil peeling, and other failures that urgently need to be repaired. Calcium lignosulfonate (CLS) from paper plant waste fluids is a natural bio-based polymer. In this paper, against the background of the reinforcement and protection project of the Qingtai Site in Xingyang, Henan Province, silty soil was modified by adding CLS, and the material ratio with the best restoration effect was determined by carrying out a series of mechanical and waterproof tests. The mechanism of action of the modified materials was analyzed through microscopic tests such as SEM and XRD. The test results showed that a 1.0% mass fraction of CLS in the silty soil was the optimal ratio of the modified material. The mechanical properties of the modified soil first increase and then decrease with the increase of CLS content, and the waterproof properties increase with the increase of CLS content. The lignosulfonate polymer generated by the displacement reaction between CLS and the soil particles was cemented with the soil particles, meaning that the mechanical and waterproof properties of the modified soil were improved. And the content of the main elements and the mineral composition in the modified soil did not change. The research results provide a reference for the restoration and protection of silty sites.
Control of Manganese Oxide Hybrid Structure through Electrodeposition and SILAR Techniques for Supercapacitor Electrode Applications
Authors: Klangvijit Kanisorn , Wongwiriyapan Winadda , Uwanno Teerayut , Obata Michiko , Fujishige Masatsugu , Takeuchi Kenji , Reilly Mayuree P.
Published: August 2023

Manganese oxide has been studied as a promising supercapacitor electrode due to its high theoretical capacitance, low cost, and environmental friendliness. Supercapacitor performance such as specific capacitance, resistance, and cycle life greatly depends on the morphology and crystal structure of manganese oxide. In this study, a Mn3O4 hybrid structure was successfully synthesized using electrodeposition and successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) techniques which are simple, cost-effective, and low-temperature wet chemical processes. It was found that Mn3O4 morphology is different depending on manganese precursors and synthesis techniques. Sea-grape-like and bird nest-like morphologies were obtained via the electrodeposition technique, while flower-like and nanoparticle morphologies were formed via the SILAR technique using manganese acetate and manganese sulfate as precursors, respectively. The hybrid structure of the nanoparticle-decorated bird nest-like heterostructure was prepared using manganese sulfate electrodeposition and subsequent SILAR deposition of manganese acetate. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed the Mn3O4 formation. Electrochemical properties of manganese oxide hybrid structure were systematically studied with cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge–discharge, showing the highest areal capacitance of 390 mF cm−2 at 0.1 mA cm−2 with series and charge transfer resistances down to 4.55 and 4.91 Ω in 1 M sodium sulfate electrolyte.
The Application of Carotenoid-Coated Chitosan Nanoparticles to Reduce the PAHs Stress on Spinach Growth
Authors: Zhang Jin , Cui Menghan , Tao Ran , Yao Yifan , Han Jiangang , Shen Yu
Published: August 2023

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) pose risks to human and animal health, and their accumulation in crops is a concern for the food chain in the environment. Nanoparticles (NPs) have shown potential for chemical delivery and can be used to enhance plant resistance to PAHs. In this study, carotenoid-coated chitosan nanoparticles (CCNPs) loaded with β-carotene were prepared and applied to spinach grown in PAH-contaminated soil. The size of the CCNPs varied based on reaction conditions with temperature, TPP, and pH, with sizes ranging from 260 to 682 nm. After four weeks of treatment, the spinach showed varying growth responses depending on the specific CCNP treatment. The treatment with CCNPs prepared at 20 °C, pH 6, and 10 mg/mL TPP resulted in the best spinach growth, while the treatment at 40 °C, pH 6, and a TPP concentration of 20 mg/mL hindered growth; and the growth ration increased by over 47.4% compared to the normal growing spinach, the final biomass reached 2.53 g per plant. In addition, phenanthrene (PHE) and pyrene (PYR) predominantly accumulated more in the spinach roots, with variations depending on the specific CCNP treatment. The exogenous application of CCNPs can reduce the PAH transfer to the shoots. The bioconcentration factors and transfer factors of PYR and PHE reduced differential movement within the spinach plants, and the spinach prefers PYR to PHE in biological accumulation. This study offers a new understanding of the mechanisms underlying NPs and PAHs interactions and NP’s implications for crop protection and food safety.
Assessment of New Imidazol Derivatives and Investigation of Their Corrosion-Reducing Characteristics for Carbon Steel in HCl Acid Solution
Authors: Fatah Ahmed , Timoudan Nadia , Rbaa Mohamed , Benhiba Fouad , Hsissou Rachid , Safi Zaki S. , Warad Ismail , AlObaid Abeer A. , Al-Maswari Basheer M. , Boutakiout Amale , Zarrok Hassan , Lakhrissi Brahim , Bellaouchou Abdelkabir , Jama Charafeddine , Bentiss Fouad , Oudda Hassan , Zarrouk Abdelkader
Published: August 2023

This study assessed the corrosion inhibitory and adsorption properties of two imidazol derivatives, namely 5-((2,4,5-triphenyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)methyl)quinolin-8-ol (TIMQ) and 5-((2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4,5-diphenyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)methyl)quinolin-8-ol (CDIQ), on carbon steel (CS) in 1 M of HCl using electrochemical methods, including electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), potentiodynamic polarization measurements (PDP), UV–visible spectroscopy (UV–v), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and molecular modeling. The findings showed that TIMQ and CDIQ were potent inhibitors with inhibition efficiencies of 94.8% and 95.8%, respectively. The potentiodynamic polarization experiments showed that the inhibitors worked as mixed-type inhibitors, and the impedance investigations supported the improvement of a protective layer for the inhibitor on the metal surface. Each inhibitor was adsorbed onto the carbon steel surfaces, according to the Langmuir adsorption method. The steel was shielded from acidic ions by an adsorbed coating of the inhibitor molecules, according to SEM. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were used to inspect the results, and a good correlation was found between these results and those of the study. This information can be applied to determine the effectiveness of inhibitors in a HCl acid solution.
Synthesis, X-ray Structure and Hirshfeld Surface Analysis of Zn(II) and Cd(II) Complexes with s-Triazine Hydrazone Ligand
Authors: Soliman Saied M. , El-Faham Ayman , Barakat Assem , Slawin Alexandra M. Z. , Woollins John Derek , Abu-Youssef Morsy A. M.
Published: August 2023

The two group IIB complexes [Cd(DMPT)Cl2] (6) and [Zn(DMPT)Cl2] (7) of the tridentate ligand (DMPT), 2,4-bis(morpholin-4-yl)-6-[(E)-2-[1-(pyridin-2-yl) ethylidene]hydrazin-1-yl]-1,3,5-triazine were synthesized, and their structural aspects were elucidated with the aid of X-ray crystallography. Both complexes crystallized in the monoclinic crystal system, with P21/n as a space group. The unit cell parameters for 6 are a = 14.1563(9) Å, b = 9.4389(6) Å, c = 16.5381(11) Å and β = 91.589(5)° while the respective values for 7 are 11.3735(14), 13.8707(13), 14.9956(16), and 111.646(2)°. The unit cell volume is slightly less (2198.9(4) Å3) in complex 7 compared to complex 6 (2209.0(2) Å3). Both complexes have a penta-coordination environment around the metal ion, where the DMPT ligand acts as a neutral tridentate NNN-chelate via the pyridine, hydrazone, and one of the s-triazine N-atoms. The penta-coordination environment of the Cd(II) in complex 6 is close to a square pyramidal configuration with some distortion. On the other hand, the ZnN3Cl2 coordination environment is highly distorted and located intermediately between the trigonal bipyramidal and square pyramids. Supramolecular structure analysis of 6 with the aid of Hirshfeld calculations indicated the importance of the Cl…H, O…H, and C…H interactions. Their percentages were calculated to be 20.9, 9.1, and 8.7%, respectively. For 7, the Cl…H, O…H, C…H, and N…H contacts are the most important. Their percentages are 20.3, 9.0, 7.0, and 8.4%, respectively. In both complexes, the major intermolecular interaction is the hydrogen–hydrogen interactions which contributed 45.5 and 46.6%, respectively.
Short-Term Thermal Effect of Continuous Ultrasound from 3 MHz to 1 and 0.5 W/cm2 Applied to Gastrocnemius Muscle
Authors: Morales-Hernandez Arely G. , Martinez-Aguilar Violeta , Chavez-Gonzalez Teresa M. , Mendez-Avila Julio C. , Frias-Becerril Judith V. , Morales-Hernandez Luis A. , Cruz-Albarran Irving A.
Published: August 2023

Continuous ultrasound is recognized for its thermal effect and use in the tissue repair process. However, there is controversy about its dosage and efficacy. This study used infrared thermography, a non-invasive technique, to measure the short-term thermal effect of 3 MHz continuous ultrasound vs. a placebo, referencing the intensity applied. It was a single-blind, randomized clinical trial of 60 healthy volunteers (19–24 years old) divided into three equal groups. Group 1:1 W/cm2 for 5 min; Group 2: 0.5 W/cm2 for 10 min; and Group 3: the placebo for 5 min. The temperature was recorded through five thermographic images per patient: pre- and post-application, 5, 10, and 15 min later. After statistical analysis, a more significant decrease in temperature (p<0.05 ) was observed in the placebo group compared with the remaining groups after the application of continuous ultrasound. Group 1 was the one that generated the highest significant thermal effect (p<0.001), with an increase of 3.05 °C at 15 min, compared with the other two groups. It is concluded that to generate a thermal effect in the muscle, intensities of ≥1 W/cm2 are required, since the dosage maintained a temperature increase for more than 5 min.
Autistic Students’ Experiences, Opportunities and Challenges in Higher Education in Singapore: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Lim Elinor , Wong Shawn , Gurbuz Emine , Kapp Steven K. , López Beatriz , Magiati Iliana
Published: August 2023

The number of autistic people entering higher education (HE) is increasing steadily across the globe, yet research on understanding their experiences and support needs still focuses almost exclusively on the perspectives of autistic students attending HE in the U.S., U.K. and Australia. The present study sought to explore and understand (i) the experiences, opportunities, and challenges of autistic students in HE in Singapore; and (ii) non-autistic HE students’ experiences of studying alongside and socially engaging with their autistic peers. Twenty autistic and twenty-two non-autistic HE students in Singapore completed an online survey with open-ended questions. Framework analysis identified themes similar to those in the extant literature (e.g., autistic students enjoyed greater autonomy in HE compared to school, but often found difficulty juggling their numerous academic responsibilities) and novel themes pertaining to Singapore’s unique sociocultural context (e.g., Singaporean autistic people face high pressure to “blend in” due to societal values of conforming to social norms). Participants also noted considerable social isolation of autistic students, likely linked to a double empathy problem between autistic and non-autistic students. Improving inclusiveness both within HE and in the wider society is a necessarily joint effort among many stakeholders. Recommendations include HE stakeholders working together to develop and improve supports (e.g., implementing formal transition programmes) for autistic students and incorporating neurodiversity education into school curricula for all students.
Fine-Grained Management for Microservice Applications with Lazy Configuration Distribution
Authors: Wang Ning , Wang Lin , Li Xin , Qin Xiaolin
Published: August 2023

Service mesh is gaining popularity as a microservice architecture paradigm due to its lightness, transparency, and scalability. However, fully releasing configurations to the data plane during the business development phase can result in noticeable performance degradation. Therefore, fine-grained traffic management of microservice applications is crucial to service performance. This paper proposes a novel configuration distribution algorithm, DATM, which utilizes inter-service dependencies from the service call chain to manage data-plane traffic and dynamically maintain cluster services. The proposed algorithms enable on-demand distribution based on the obtained service dependency relationships by combining monitoring, information processing, and policy distribution. We validate the proposed mechanism and algorithms via extensive experiments. We show that the approach reduces the memory usage of data-plane agents and improves system resource utilization. Additionally, this reduces the time to issue configuration while effectively saving storage space and significantly reducing the number of cluster updates. Consequently, this approach ensures application performance and guarantees the quality of microservice applications in clusters.
Design, Implementation, and Characterization of a Compact Lock-in Add-on for Low-Frequency Impedance Measurements
Authors: Pettinato Sara , Piccardi Armando , Rossi Maria Cristina , Salvatori Stefano
Published: August 2023

Impedance measurements are crucial in a variety of applications, from the characterization of lithium batteries, microbial fuel cells, and biosensors to the study of polymers and material degradation, where strict requirements have to be met in terms of frequency bandwidth and current level. Here, we present a cost-effective compact solution for ultra-low-frequency impedance measurements, operating in a wide range, from 1 mHz to 250 kHz. Coupled to a lock-in amplifier, the designed circuit is based on a Howland current pump cascaded by a precision current divider in order to set the conversion factor at 100 nA/V, 1 μA/V, or 100 μA/V. Therefore, it is possible to generate very low-current signals to measure resistive impedances up to 100 MΩ. In addition, a feedback network is inserted to null the voltage drift induced by leakage currents and offset voltages, thus allowing the measurement of low-capacitance loads, experimentally tested down to 10 nF. Remarkably, the feedback network allows to perform measurements also in the presence of high voltage bias of the load and experimental results performed up to 60 V demonstrate the excellent stability of the designed system, thus a high voltage compliance. The proposed circuit is particularly interesting for the conditioning of both resistive and capacitive sensors and it is likely to be an effective solution for the implementation of a portable instrument for measuring signals from biosensors.
Opportunities and Prospects for the Implementation of Reforestation Climate Projects in the Forest Steppe: An Economic Assessment
Authors: Morkovina Svetlana , Sheshnitsan Sergey , Panyavina Ekaterina , Ivanova Anna , Kuznetsov Denis
Published: August 2023

New methodologies, rules, modalities, and procedures for the mechanism established under Article 6(4) of the Paris Agreement have led to the need to change the national conditions for the implementation of climate projects, including climate projects in forests. However, the issue of evaluating the effectiveness of such projects and their attractiveness to investors remains controversial, as their place and role in the modern economy remain uncertain. Therefore, the aim of the study was to assess the investment attractiveness and silvicultural feasibility of implementing reforestation climate projects in the central forest steppe of Russia. Thanks to mathematical models (including the developed coefficient of carbon intensity of investment costs) and the calculations carried out, it will be possible to develop a differentiated approach to assessing the investment attractiveness of climate projects’ implementation in forests. Reforestation projects including the planting of fast-growing tree species were considered. Maximum carbon sequestration for these projects is expected to occur over a period of 10–30 years. It was found that the coefficient of carbon intensity of investment costs, discounted by the duration of such projects, may become the basis for decision-making on investments in afforestation and reforestation in the central forest steppe.
A Framework for Assessing Trade-Offs and Synergies in Green Space System Services Based on Ecosystem Services Bundles
Authors: Chen Lihua , Ma Yuan
Published: August 2023

Urban green and blue spaces (UGBS) take on critical significance in urban development. In this study, the physical characteristics and landscape-ecology-society-space (LESS) system services of 24 urban parks in 2 greenbelts surrounding Foshan City are analyzed. Five service bundles are proposed based on the four systems, comprising landscape-ecological-social-spatial-composite driving bundles. Subsequently, the trade-offs and synergies (TOS) of the four systems are assessed through principal component analysis (PCA), a self-organization neural network model (SOM), and geographically weighted regression (GWR). As indicated by the results, a high trade-off relationship is identified between the landscape and ecology systems, as well as a low synergy relationship between the ecology system and the society system. Furthermore, there are structural differences in the physical characteristics of the parks in the greenbelts surrounding the city, with parks in the inner ring having higher social and spatial effects, while parks in the outer ring have higher landscape and ecological effects. Lastly, recommendations are presented for planning UGBS around the city. In this study, a feasible framework is developed to achieve high-quality urban living environments based on the multi-objective balanced strategies for UGBS.
Wildfire Risk Assessment Considering Seasonal Differences: A Case Study of Nanning, China
Authors: Yue Weiting , Ren Chao , Liang Yueji , Lin Xiaoqi , Yin Anchao , Liang Jieyu
Published: August 2023

Wildfire disasters pose a significant threat to the stability and sustainability of ecosystems. The assessment of wildfire risk based on a seasonal dimension has contributed to improving the spatiotemporal targeting of fire prevention efforts. In this study, Nanning, China, was selected as the research area. The wildfire driving factors were chosen from both seasonal and nonseasonal aspects, and the datasets were divided into five periods: all seasons, spring, summer, autumn, and winter. The light gradient boosting machine (LGBM) was employed to construct wildfire danger models for different periods, evaluating the spatial distribution of high-wildfire-danger areas during these periods and the predictive performance differences. The SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) method was utilized to analyze the differential contributions of various factors to wildfire occurrence in different seasons. Subsequently, the remote sensing ecological index (RSEI) was calculated using four indicators, greenness, heat, wetness, and dryness, to assess the ecological vulnerability in different seasons. Finally, by integrating danger and vulnerability information, wildfire risk models were developed to systematically assess the risk of wildfire disasters causing losses to the ecological environment in different seasons. The results indicate that: (1) The evaluation of wildfire danger based on individual seasons effectively compensates for the shortcomings of analyzing danger across all seasons, exhibiting higher predictive performance and richer details. (2) Wildfires in Nanning primarily occur in spring and winter, while the likelihood of wildfires in summer and autumn is relatively lower. In different seasons, NDVI is the most critical factor influencing wildfire occurrence, while slope is the most important nonseasonal factor. The influence of factors varies among different seasons, with seasonal factors having a more significant impact on wildfire danger. (3) The ecological vulnerability in Nanning exhibits significant differences between different seasons. Compared to spring and winter, the ecological environment is more vulnerable to wildfire disasters during summer and autumn. (4) The highest wildfire risk occurs in spring, posing the greatest threat to the ecological environment, while the lowest wildfire risk is observed in winter. Taking into account information on danger and vulnerability in different seasons enables a more comprehensive assessment of the risk differences in wildfire disasters causing ecological losses. The research findings provide a scientific theoretical basis for relevant departments regarding the prevention, control, and management of seasonal wildfires.
Sequential Interaction of Biogenic Volatile Organic Compounds and SOAs in Urban Forests Revealed Using Toeplitz Inverse Covariance-Based Clustering and Causal Inference
Authors: Long Yuchong , Zhang Wenwen , Sun Ningxiao , Zhu Penghua , Yan Jingli , Yin Shan
Published: August 2023

Urban forests play a crucial role in both emitting and absorbing atmospheric pollutants. Understanding the ecological processes of biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) and secondary organic aerosols (SOAs) and their interactions in urban forests can help to assess how they influence air quality. Additionally, exploring the adaptation and feedback mechanisms between urban forests and their surrounding environments can identify new pollutants and potential risks in urban forests. However, the relationship between BVOC emissions and SOA formation is complex due to the influence of meteorological conditions, photochemical reactions, and other factors. This complexity makes it challenging to accurately describe this relationship. In this study, we used time-of-flight mass spectrometry and aerosol particle size spectrometry to monitor concentrations of BVOCs and particulate matter with a diameter less than 1 µm (PM1; representing SOAs) at a frequency of 10–12 times per min in an urban forest near Shanghai. We then analyzed the temporal changes in concentrations of BVOCs, SOAs, and other chemical pollutants in different periods of the day by using subsequence clustering and causal inference methods. The results showed that after using this method for diurnal segmentation, PM1 prediction accuracy was improved by 26.77%–47.51%, and the interaction rules of BVOCs and SOAs had sequential interaction characteristics. During the day, BVOCs are an important source of SOAs and have a negative feedback relationship with O3. From night to early morning, BVOCs have a positive, balanced relationship with O3, SOAs are affected by wind speed or deposition, BVOCs have no obvious relationship with O3, and SOAs are affected by temperature or humidity. This study is the first to apply Toeplitz inverse covariance-based clustering and causal inference methods for the high-frequency monitoring of BVOCs and SOAs, revealing the temporal effects and characteristics of BVOCs and SOAs and providing a scientific basis and new methods for understanding the dynamic effects of urban forest communities on the environment.
Cocaine and Ischemic or Hemorrhagic Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Evidence
Authors: Rendon Luis F. , Malta Stephanie , Leung Jacob , Badenes Rafael , Nozari Ala , Bilotta Federico
Published: August 2023

Cocaine consumption has increased over the last decade. The potent sympathomimetic effects of the drug can lead to serious neurovascular complications in the form of ischemic stroke (IS), intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), or subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). This systematic review and meta-analysis were designed to describe the clinical features and outcomes of patients suffering from IS, ICH, or SAH occurring in the context of cocaine use. The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science libraries were queried in December 2022. Studies were included if they provided information regarding the epidemiology, clinical presentation, or outcomes in cocaine-associated strokes. Odds ratios (OR) were pooled using a random-effects model. A total of 36 papers were included. Strokes associated with cocaine use were more prevalent in younger populations and those of African American descent. Cocaine use increased the odds of IS, ICH, or SAH (OR = 5.05, p < 0.001). The odds of mortality (OR = 1.77, p = 0.0021), vasospasm (OR = 2.25, p = 0.0037), and seizures (OR = 1.61, p < 0.001) were also worse when strokes were associated with cocaine use. In addition to counseling patients on the benefits of drug cessation, clinicians should remain vigilant of the potential complications in patients who are hospitalized with cocaine-associated strokes.
Extension of the Medial Approach to the Tibial Plateau via an Osteotomy of the Tibial Insertion of the Superficial Medial Collateral Ligament
Authors: Herbst Elmar , Wessolowski Moritz A. , Raschke Michael J.
Published: August 2023

The treatment of medial tibial plateau fractures can be challenging due to poor exposure of the articular surface. Therefore, a medial epicondyle osteotomy may be needed. Current methods describe osteotomy of the medial femoral epicondyle. However, this method requires additional detachment of the medial meniscus in order to ensure proper visualization. The aim of this study is to present a new technique using distal osteotomy of the superficial medial collateral ligament and to analyze the area of the exposed articular surface area. On each of eight fresh-frozen human cadaveric knees (mean age: 79.4 ± 9.4 years), an osteotomy and proximal reflection of the distal insertion of the superficial medial collateral ligament combined with a submeniscal arthrotomy was performed, followed by a medial epicondyle osteotomy. Using a three-dimensional measurement arm (Absolute Arm 8320-7, Hexagon Metrology GmbH), the exposed area was analyzed and compared to the entire medial articular surface using ANOVA (p < 0.05). Through the medial epicondyle osteotomy, 39.9 ± 9.7% of the anteromedial articular surface was seen. This area was significantly smaller compared to the osteotomy of the distal insertion of the superficial collateral ligament with an exposed articular surface of 77.2 ± 16.9% (p = 0.004). Thus, the distal osteotomy exposed 37.3% more of the articular surface compared to the medial epicondyle osteotomy. None of these techniques were able to adequately expose the posteromedial- and medial-most aspects of the tibial plateau. A distal superficial collateral ligament osteotomy may be superior to a medial epicondyle osteotomy when an extension of the anteromedial approach to the tibial plateau is required. A distal superficial medial collateral ligament osteotomy combines the advantages of better exposure of the medial articular surface with preservation of the blood supply to the medial meniscus. However, surgeons should carefully consider whether such an extended approach is necessary, as it significantly increases invasiveness.