bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Porous cellulose microspheres loaded with dry Nile water algae for removal of MB dye and copper ions from aqueous media
Authors: Moghazy Reda M. , Bakr Ahmed M. , El‐Wakeel Shaimaa T. , El Hotaby Walid
Published: April 2023

Low‐cost‐effective applied technologies for water and wastewater treatment, such as microalgae, have growing attention due to their mutual benefit in wastewater treatment and for valuable algae biomass production. A newly constructed Nile water algae cross‐linked cellulose microsphere (NACS) was applied by functionalization of cross‐linked cellulose acetate with dry Nile water algae forming an efficient adsorptive microsphere. The adsorption capacity of microspheres was evaluated for the removal of basic dye (Methylene blue: MB) and heavy metal copper ions (Cu+2). The molecular structure revealed that the prepared microspheres have several functional groups and elements that have a high affinity for heavy metals and dye removal; furthermore, the morphological structure emphasizes this removal affinity by the presence of micropores at the surface of the microsphere. The results of maximum biosorption conditions showed both MB and Cu through the microsphere were 20 mg/L MB and (10 and 20) mg/L Cu concentrations, 2 g/L of adsorbent dose, pH (MB = 6 and Cu = 5.5), and contact time of 60 min. The maximum adsorption capacities (qmax) were significantly enhanced at 200 and 153.2 mg/g for MB and Cu (II), respectively. The possibility of removal, recovery, and reuse of MB by prepared microsphere was efficiently achieved.
Distributed Bragg Reflector–Mediated Excitation of InAs/InP Quantum Dots Emitting in the Telecom C‐Band
Authors: Musiał Anna , Wasiluk Maja , Gawełczyk Michał , Reithmaier Johann Peter , Benyoucef Mohamed , Sęk Grzegorz , Rudno-Rudziński Wojciech
Published: April 2023

Herein, it is demonstrated that optical excitation of InAs quantum dots (QDs) embedded directly in an InP matrix can be mediated via states in a quaternary compound constituting an InP/InGaAlAs bottom distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) and native defects in the InP matrix. It does not only change the carrier relaxation in the structure but could also lead to the imbalanced occupation of QDs with charge carriers, because the band structure favors the transfer of holes. Thermal activation of carrier transfer can be observed as an increase in the emission intensity versus temperature for excitation powers below saturation on the level of both an inhomogeneously broadened QD ensemble and single QD transitions. That increase in the QD emission is accompanied by a decrease in the emission from the InGaAlAs layer at low temperatures. Finally, carrier transfer between the InGaAlAs layer of the DBR and the InAs/InP QDs is directly proven by the photoluminescence excitation spectrum of the QD ensemble. The reported carrier transfer can increase the relaxation time of carriers into the QDs and thus be detrimental to the coherence properties of single and entangled photons. It is important to take it into account while designing QD‐based devices.
Time‐to‐event calibration‐free odds design: A robust efficient design for phase I trials with late‐onset outcomes
Authors: Jin Huaqing , Yin Guosheng
Published: April 2023

Compared with most of the existing phase I designs, the recently proposed calibration‐free odds (CFO) design has been demonstrated to be robust, model‐free, and easy to use in practice. However, the original CFO design cannot handle late‐onset toxicities, which have been commonly encountered in phase I oncology dose‐finding trials with targeted agents or immunotherapies. To account for late‐onset outcomes, we extend the CFO design to its time‐to‐event (TITE) version, which inherits the calibration‐free and model‐free properties. One salient feature of CFO‐type designs is to adopt game theory by competing three doses at a time, including the current dose and the two neighboring doses, while interval‐based designs only use the data at the current dose and is thus less efficient. We conduct comprehensive numerical studies for the TITE‐CFO design under both fixed and randomly generated scenarios. TITE‐CFO shows robust and efficient performances compared with interval‐based and model‐based counterparts. As a conclusion, the TITE‐CFO design provides robust, efficient, and easy‐to‐use alternatives for phase I trials when the toxicity outcome is late‐onset.
Exponential stabilization of asynchronously switched linear systems with constant time‐delay: Observer‐based event‐triggered control
Authors: Li Wenjin , Huang Xia , Wang Zhen , Xia Jianwei
Published: April 2023

In this article, the exponential stabilization of an asynchronously switched linear system with constant time‐delay is studied by using continuous event‐triggered control. Aiming at reducing the communication and guaranteeing a satisfactory system performance, an observer‐based event‐triggered scheme is proposed with the introduction of an upper bound for the trigger interval. The cases of no trigger and multiple triggers within an interval of system switching are considered, respectively. Taking the system switching interval as a reference interval, the above two cases are modeled to establish a unified augmented closed‐loop system. A set of multiple Lyapunov‐Krasovskii functionals (LKFs) is constructed, the exponential stabilization of the switched system is studied based on the average dwell time (ADT) method and the constructed LKFs. Meanwhile, a LMI‐based design algorithm for the observer gain and the controller gain is given, respectively. In addition, the minimum lower bound of the trigger interval is determined to exclude the Zeno behavior. Two simulation examples are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed results.
Issues with the expected information matrix of linear mixed models provided by popular statistical packages under missingness at random dropout
Authors: Thomadakis Christos , Pantazis Nikos , Touloumi Giota
Published: April 2023

Likelihood‐based methods ignoring missingness at random (MAR) produce consistent estimates provided that the whole likelihood model is correct. However, the expected information matrix (EIM) depends on the missingness mechanism. It has been shown that calculating the EIM by considering the missing data pattern as fixed (naive EIM) is incorrect under MAR, but the observed information matrix (OIM) is valid under any MAR missingness mechanism. In longitudinal studies, linear mixed models (LMMs) are routinely applied, often without any reference to missingness. However, most popular statistical packages currently provide precision measures for the fixed effects by inverting only the corresponding submatrix of the OIM (naive OIM), which is effectively equivalent to the naive EIM. In this paper, we analytically derive the correct form of the EIM of LMMs under MAR dropout to compare its differences with the naive EIM, which clarifies why the naive EIM fails under MAR. The asymptotic coverage rate of the naive EIM is numerically calculated for two parameters (population slope and slope difference between two groups) under various dropout mechanisms. The naive EIM can severely underestimate the true variance, especially when the degree of MAR dropout is high. Similar trends emerge under misspecified covariance structure, where, even the full OIM may lead to incorrect inferences and sandwich/bootstrap estimators are generally required. Results from simulation studies and application to real data led to similar conclusions. In LMMs, the full OIM should be preferred to the naive EIM/OIM, though if misspecified covariance structure is suspected, robust estimators should be used.
Multi‐Responsive Aryl (Indolyl) Methane as a Redox‐Controlled Fluorescent Switch
Authors: Yang Ya‐Hsu , Maranchery Anjali. , Lin Zih‐Syun , Patil Shivaraj B. , Chuang Min‐Chieh , Manjappa Kiran B.
Published: April 2023

A series of symmetrical and unsymmetrical (indolyl)methanes were synthesized using the Ball milling methodology. The redox switching of the prepared compounds was studied by exploiting their multi‐responsive behavior towards oxidants (light/oxygen), reductants (NaBH4, hydrogen with Pd/C or palladium‐doped magnetic nanoparticles) and electrochemical modulation. Coumarin‐derived (indolyl)methane exhibited distinct color variation and emission On/Off during the redox switching which could be useful in materials/biomaterials applications. Overall, this paper describes the design, synthesis and demonstration of the multi‐responsive behavior of (indolyl)methanes towards redox switching.
Enabling rechargeable Li‐MnO2 batteries using ether electrolytes
Authors: Xia Dawei , Gao Hongpeng , Li Mingqian , Holoubek John , Yan Qizhang , Yin Yijie , Xu Panpan , Chen Zheng
Published: April 2023

A low‐carbon future demands more affordable batteries utilizing abundant elements with sustainable end‐of‐life battery management. Despite the economic and environmental advantages of Li‐MnO2 batteries, their application so far has been largely constrained to primary batteries. Here, we demonstrate that one of the major limiting factors preventing the stable cycling of Li‐MnO2 batteries, Mn dissolution, can be effectively mitigated by employing a common ether electrolyte, 1 mol/L lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) in 1,3‐dioxane (DOL)/1,2‐dimethoxyethane (DME). We discover that the suppression of this dissolution enables highly reversible cycling of the MnO2 cathode regardless of the synthesized phase and morphology. Moreover, we find that both the LiPF6 salt and carbonate solvents present in conventional electrolytes are responsible for previous cycling challenges. The ether electrolyte, paired with MnO2 cathodes is able to demonstrate stable cycling performance at various rates, even at elevated temperature such as 60°C. Our discovery not only represents a defining step in Li‐MnO2 batteries with extended life but provides design criteria of electrolytes for vast manganese‐based cathodes in rechargeable batteries.
Thermomechanical Cleave of Polycrystalline CdTe Solar Cells and its Applications: A Review
Authors: McGott Deborah L. , Perkins Craig L. , Reese Matthew O.
Published: April 2023

One of the primary research challenges for cadmium telluride (CdTe) solar cells is addressing its open‐circuit voltage (VOC) deficit. While theoretical studies and single crystal work showVOC > 1 V is possible, devices remain stubbornly low at ≈800–900 mV. As absorber opto‐electronic properties (e.g., hole density, carrier lifetime) are improved, device modeling suggests that interfaces become limiting. Because CdTe‐based devices are typically grown in the superstrate configuration, the back interface is relatively accessible for manipulation and study, while the front interface (i.e., the heterojunction region) is buried under microns of material and inaccessible. NREL has developed a novel technique to thermomechanically cleave polycrystalline CdTe device stacks directly at the front interface, enabling characterization and controlled manipulation of this important region. Herein, recent work, primarily from NREL, will be reviewed, including considerations for achieving successful delamination; key scientific discoveries about the front interface that have been enabled by this technique; and practical applications, such as flexible, low‐cost solar with high power‐to‐weight ratio.
Photocatalytic degradation of perfluorooctanoic acid on Pb‐doped TiO2 coated with reduced graphene oxide
Authors: Chowdhury Nusrat , Choi Hyeok
Published: April 2023

Poor reactivity of extraordinarily strong per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) with TiO2 makes it necessary to advance photocatalytic materials. In this present work, lead (Pb)‐doped TiO2 coated with reduced graphene oxide (TiO2‐Pb/rGO) was prepared using hydrothermal method, and then its photocatalytic activity with various PFAS in water, especially perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), was investigated. PFAS decomposition kinetics by TiO2‐Pb/rGO was compared with neat TiO2, Pb‐doped TiO2 (TiO2‐Pb), and rGO‐coated TiO2 (TiO2/rGO). TiO2‐Pb/rGO (0.33 g/L) under ultraviolet (UV) showed superior removal of PFOA (10 mg/L) at 98% after 24 h, following TiO2‐Pb/UV at 80%, TiO2/rGO/UV at 70%, TiO2/UV at <10%, and UV at <10%. Doping of TiO2 with Pb and introduction of rGO to TiO2 greatly changed the physicochemical properties of TiO2 and the subsequent charge transfer mechanism. Radical scavenger experiments indicated that holes, superoxide radical anion, and singlet oxygen were responsible for the observed PFOA decomposition. Decomposition of PFOA by TiO2‐Pb/rGO under UV led to formation of short‐chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) as reaction intermediates through step‐by‐step removal of CF2 units. Polyfluoroalkyl substance (6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate [6:2FTS]) and long‐chain PFCAs such as PFOA were significantly removed and defluorinated by TiO2‐Pb/rGO, whereas it was ineffective toward perfluorosulfonic acids and short‐chain PFCAs. Removal kinetics decreased in the order of 6:2FTS > PFOA >> PFOS > PFHpA ≈ PFHxS ≈ PFBA ≈ PFBS. Pb doping to TiO2/rGO showed better performance than Fe doping. Overall, this study implied that proper designing of TiO2 photocatalytic materials enables to expedite the decomposition of persistent organic pollutants in water, in particular highly challenging fluorinated chemicals.

Practitioner Points

Photocatalytic decomposition of various PFAS using TiO2‐Pb/rGO was studied.

TiO2‐Pb/rGO shows better photoactivity towards PFAS than TiO2‐Pb and TiO2/rGO system.

Scavenger test indicated that h+, •O2−, and iO2 are responsible for PFOA removal.

Using TiO2‐Pb/rGO, PFOA removal was comparable under UVA, UVB, and UVC, and it can be explained by spanning UV absorption to 415 nm.

Formation of intermediate PFCAs and F− ions confirmed PFOA removal via chemical decomposition.
The clinical progress and challenges of mRNA vaccines
Authors: Yu Meng‐Zhen , Wang Nan‐Nan , Zhu Jia‐Qing , Lin Yao‐Xin
Published: April 2023

Owing to the breakthroughs in the prevention and control of the COVID‐19 pandemic, messenger RNA (mRNA)‐based vaccines have emerged as promising alternatives to conventional vaccine approaches for infectious disease prevention and anticancer treatments. Advantages of mRNA vaccines include flexibility in designing and manipulating antigens of interest, scalability in rapid response to new variants, ability to induce both humoral and cell‐mediated immune responses, and ease of industrialization. This review article presents the latest advances and innovations in mRNA‐based vaccines and their clinical translations in the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases or cancers. We also highlight various nanoparticle delivery platforms that contribute to their success in clinical translation. Current challenges related to mRNA immunogenicity, stability, and in vivo delivery and the strategies for addressing them are also discussed. Finally, we provide our perspectives on future considerations and opportunities for applying mRNA vaccines to fight against major infectious diseases and cancers.

This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Infectious Disease

Biology‐Inspired Nanomaterials > Lipid‐Based Structures
The Impact of Age in the Treatment of Non‐comorbid Patients with Rectal Cancer: Survival Outcomes from the National Cancer Database
Authors: Erdem Suna , Warschkow Rene , Studer Peter , Tsai Catherine , Nussbaum Daniel , Schmied Bruno M. , Blazer Dan , Worni Mathias
Published: April 2023

Background

Multimodal therapy has improved survival outcomes for rectal cancer (RC) significantly with an exemption for older patients. We sought to assess whether older non‐comorbid patients receive substandard oncological treatment for localized RC referring to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines and whether it affects survival outcomes.

Methods

This is a retrospective study using patient data from the National Cancer Data Base (NCDB) for histologically confirmed RC from 2002 to 2014. Non‐comorbid patients between ≥50 and ≤85 years and defined treatment for localized RC were included and assigned to a younger (<75 years) and an older group (≥75 years). Treatment approaches and their impact on relative survival (RS) were analyzed using loess regression models and compared between both groups. Furthermore, mediation analysis was performed to measure the independent relative effect on age and other variables on RS. Data were assessed using the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) checklist.

Results

Of 59,769 included patients, 48,389 (81.0%) were assigned to the younger group (<75 years). Oncologic resection was performed in 79.6% of the younger patients compared to 67.2% of the older patients (p < 0.001). Chemotherapy (74.3% vs. 56.1%) and radiotherapy (72.0% vs. 58.1%) were provided less often in older patients, respectively (p < 0.001). Increasing age was associated with enhanced 30‐ and 90‐day mortality with 0.6% and 1.1% in the younger and 2.0% and 4.1% in the elderly group (p < 0.001) and worse RS rates [multivariable adjusted HR: 1.93 (95% CI 1.87–2.00), p < 0.001]. Adherence to standard oncological therapy resulted in a significant increase in 5‐year RS (multivariable adjusted HR: 0.80 (95% CI 0.74–0.86), p < 0.001). Mediation analysis revealed that RS was mainly affected by age itself (84%) rather than the choice of therapy.

Conclusions

The likelihood to receive substandard oncological therapy increases in the older population and negatively affects RS. Since age itself has a major impact on RS, better patient selection should be performed to identify those that are potentially eligible for standard oncological care regardless of their age.
Sphingosine-1-phosphate levels are inversely associated with left ventricular and atrial chamber volume and cardiac mass in men
Authors: Schielke Jan , Ittermann Till , Groß Stefan , Moritz Eileen , Nauck Matthias , Friedrich Nele , Schwedhelm Edzard , Rauch Bernhard H. , Völzke Henry , Bülow Robin , Chamling Bishwas , Felix Stephan Burkhard , Bahls Martin , Dörr Marcus , Markus Marcello Ricardo Paulista
Published: April 2023

Aims

Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is a signaling lipid, which is involved in several cellular processes including cell growth, proliferation, migration and apoptosis. The associations of serum S1P levels with cardiac geometry and function are still not clear. We investigated the associations of S1P with cardiac structure and systolic function in a population-based sample.

Methods and results

We performed cross-sectional analyses of 858 subjects (467 men; 54.4%), aged 22 to 81 years, from a sub-sample of the population-based Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP-TREND-0). We analyzed the associations of serum S1P with structural and systolic function left ventricular (LV) and left atrial (LA) parameters as determined by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using sex-stratified multivariable-adjusted linear regression models. In men, MRI data showed that a 1 µmol/L lower S1P concentration was associated with an 18.1 mL (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.66–32.6; p = 0.014) larger LV end-diastolic volume (LVEDV), a 0.46 mm (95% CI 0.04–0.89; p = 0.034) greater LV wall thickness (LVWT) and a 16.3 g (95% CI 6.55–26.1; p = 0.001) higher LV mass (LVM). S1P was also associated with a 13.3 mL/beat (95% CI 4.49–22.1; p = 0.003) greater LV stroke volume (LVSV), an 18.7 cJ (95% CI 6.43–30.9; p = 0.003) greater LV stroke work (LVSW) and a 12.6 mL (95% CI 1.03–24.3; p = 0.033) larger LA end-diastolic volume (LAEDV). We did not find any significant associations in women.

Conclusions

In this population-based sample, lower levels of S1P were associated with higher LV wall thickness and mass, larger LV and LA chamber sizes and greater stroke volume and work of the LV in men, but not in women. Our results indicate that lower levels of S1P were associated with parameters related with cardiac geometry and systolic function in men, but not in women.

Graphical abstract
Moderators uncertainty tolerance (UT) in healthcare: a systematic review
Authors: Yap Ana , Johanesen Priscilla , Walsh Chris
Published: April 2023

Uncertainty tolerance (UT) is integral to healthcare. Providers’ responses to medical uncertainty has ramifications on the healthcare system, the healthcare provider and the patient. Understanding healthcare providers’ UT, is important for improving patient-care outcomes. Understanding whether and to what extent it is possible to modulate individuals’ perceptions and responses to medical uncertainty, can provide insights into mechanisms for support for training and education. The objectives of this review were to further characterize moderators of healthcare UT and explore moderator influences on the perceptions and responses to uncertainty experienced by healthcare professionals. Framework analysis of qualitative primary literature was conducted on 17 articles, focusing on the impacts of UT on healthcare providers. Three domains of moderators were identified and characterized relating to the healthcare provider’s personal attributes, patient-derived uncertainty and the healthcare system. These domains were further categorized into themes and subthemes. Results suggest these moderators influence perceptions and responses to healthcare uncertainty across a spectrum ranging from positive to negative to uncertain. In this way, UT could be a state-based construct within healthcare settings and is contextually determined. Our findings further characterize the integrative model of uncertainty tolerance (IMUT) (Hillen Social Science and Medicine 180, 62–75, 2017) and provide evidence for the relationship between moderators and their influences on cognitive, emotional and behavioral responses to uncertainty. These findings provide a foundation for understanding the complex nature of the UT construct, add to theory development, and provide groundwork for future research exploring appropriate support for training and education in healthcare fields.
Oceanic bottom mixed layer in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone: potential influence on deep-seabed mining plume dispersal
Authors: Chen Si-Yuan Sean , Ouillon Raphael , Muñoz-Royo Carlos , Peacock Thomas
Published: April 2023

The oceanic bottom mixed layer (BML) is a well mixed, weakly stratified, turbulent boundary layer. Adjacent to the seabed, the BML is of intrinsic importance for studying ocean mixing, energy dissipation, particle cycling and sediment-water interactions. While deep-seabed mining of polymetallic nodules is anticipated to commence in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ) of the northeastern tropical Pacific Ocean, knowledge gaps regarding the form of the BML and its potentially key influence on the dispersal of sediment plumes generated by deep-seabed mining activities are yet to be addressed. Here, we report recent field observations from the German mining licence area in the CCZ that characterise the structure and variability of the BML locally. Quasi-uniform profiles of potential temperature extending from the seafloor reveal the presence of a spatially and temporally variable BML with an average local thickness of approximately 250 m. Deep horizontal currents in the region have a mean speed of 3.5 cm s$$^{-1}$$

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1

and a maximum speed of 12 cm s$$^{-1}$$

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1

at 18.63 ms above bottom over an 11 month record. The near-bottom currents initially have a net southeastward flow, followed by westward and southward flows with the development of complex, anticyclonic flow patterns. Theoretical predictions and historical data show broad consistency with mean BML thickness but cannot explain the observed heterogeneity of local BML thickness. We postulate that deep pressure anomalies induced by passing surface mesoscale eddies and abyssal thermal fronts could affect BML thickness, in addition to local topographic effects. A simplified transport model is then used to study the influence of the BML on the interplay between turbulent diffusion and sediment settling in the transport of deep-seabed mining induced sediment plumes. Over a range of realistic parameter values, the effects of BML on plume evolution can vary significantly, highlighting that resolving the BML will be a crucial step for accurate numerical modelling of plume dispersal.
Social cost of household emissions: cross-country comparison across the economic development spectrum
Authors: Shershunovich Yauheniya , Mirzabaev Alisher
Published: April 2023

Household consumption accounts for the largest share of the global anthropogenic greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions. The literature assessing the environmental impacts of household consumption is mostly focused on developed economies, thus, leaving a critical gap when it comes to assessing the impacts of household consumption and of related environmental policies in developing countries. Therefore, in order to fill this gap, this study analyzes household consumption-based emissions for high income, upper middle income, lower middle income, and low-income countries from six different geographical regions. It assesses the sector-wise CO2, CH4 and N2O-footprints and evaluates their social costs. The study methodology employs an environmentally extended multiregional input–output model from the EORA26 database which uses a common 26-sector classification for all countries. The findings show that household consumption accounts for 48–85% of the national CO2-footprints. (The values are similar for CH4 and N2O.) Developing economies have lower CO2-footprints of household final consumption than developed economies, but exert a higher pressure on the environment with respect to CH4- and N2O-footprints per capita. That highlights the necessity to focus environmental policies in developing countries on tackling CH4 and N2O on a first-priority basis. The study also identifies those sectors where the social costs of aggregated CO2, CH4 and N2O emissions make up a substantial share of the industries’ output, thus, indicating the level of technological efficiency of the respective economies and the industries where more stringent environmental regulation should be implemented.
Prenatal Cannabis Use and Offspring Autism-Related Behaviors: Examining Maternal Stress as a Moderator in a Black American Cohort
Authors: Nutor C. , Dunlop A. , Sadler O. , Brennan P. A.
Published: April 2023

Prenatal cannabis use and maternal stress have been proposed as risk factors for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Black mothers and mothers of lower socioeconomic status (SES) may be especially likely to experience high levels of stress. This study examined the impact of prenatal cannabis use and maternal stress (i.e., prenatal distress, racial discrimination, and lower SES) on child ASD-related behaviors in a sample of 172 Black mother-child pairs. We found that prenatal stress was significantly associated with ASD-related behaviors. Prenatal cannabis use did not predict ASD-related behaviors and did not interact with maternal stress to predict ASD-related behaviors. These findings replicate previous work on prenatal stress-ASD associations and add to the limited literature on prenatal cannabis-ASD associations in Black samples.
Anticipatory analysis of AGV trajectory in a 5G network using machine learning
Authors: Mozo Alberto , Vakaruk Stanislav , Sierra-García J. Enrique , Pastor Antonio
Published: April 2023

A new generation of Automatic Guided Vehicles (AGV) virtualises their Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) in the cloud deploying 5G-based communication infrastructures to provide ultra-fast and reliable links between the AGV and its PLC. Stopping an AGV can result in a loss of tens of thousands of euros per minute and therefore, the use of machine learning techniques to anticipate AGV behavior seems to be appropriate. This work proposes the application of advanced deep neural networks to forecast AGV trajectory errors even if disturbances appear in the 5G network by capturing the packets of the PLC-AGV connection and not using any sensor in the user equipment (AGV or PLC), which facilitates the real-time deployment of the solution. To demonstrate the proposed solution, an industrial AGV and a virtualised PLC were deployed in a real 5G network. Furthermore, a set of advanced deep learning architectures was selected, and an extensive collection of experiments was designed to analyse the forecasting performance of each architecture. Additionally, we discuss the real-time issues that appeared during the execution of the best models in a 5G open laboratory, that provided a realistic deployment in a controlled scenario.
Traditional Knowledge Protection and Digitization: A Critical Decolonial Discourse Analysis
Authors: Paul Jacqueline
Published: April 2023

Trade treaties and legal agreements generally left Indigenous peoples and colonized communities out of negotiations that directly impacted them. Using Critical Discourse Analysis, informed by decolonial thinking and Nishnaabeg epistemology, this research study analyzed the language of five public documents, published by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the World Trade Organization (WTO), surrounding the protection of Traditional Knowledge (TK) through the sui generis legal figure and its connection to the development of digitization TK. As TK is largely uncommodifiable, the ability to identify and protect TK through Intellectual Property Rights within the WIPO and the WTO is encumbered. The research analyzed and explored how language and knowledge shape policy and ideology against historically marginalized people and communities through discourse enacted by the WIPO and the WTO.
Multi-target Knowledge Distillation via Student Self-reflection
Authors: Gou Jianping , Xiong Xiangshuo , Yu Baosheng , Du Lan , Zhan Yibing , Tao Dacheng
Published: April 2023

Knowledge distillation is a simple yet effective technique for deep model compression, which aims to transfer the knowledge learned by a large teacher model to a small student model. To mimic how the teacher teaches the student, existing knowledge distillation methods mainly adapt an unidirectional knowledge transfer, where the knowledge extracted from different intermedicate layers of the teacher model is used to guide the student model. However, it turns out that the students can learn more effectively through multi-stage learning with a self-reflection in the real-world education scenario, which is nevertheless ignored by current knowledge distillation methods. Inspired by this, we devise a new knowledge distillation framework entitled multi-target knowledge distillation via student self-reflection or MTKD-SSR, which can not only enhance the teacher’s ability in unfolding the knowledge to be distilled, but also improve the student’s capacity of digesting the knowledge. Specifically, the proposed framework consists of three target knowledge distillation mechanisms: a stage-wise channel distillation (SCD), a stage-wise response distillation (SRD), and a cross-stage review distillation (CRD), where SCD and SRD transfer feature-based knowledge (i.e., channel features) and response-based knowledge (i.e., logits) at different stages, respectively; and CRD encourages the student model to conduct self-reflective learning after each stage by a self-distillation of the response-based knowledge. Experimental results on five popular visual recognition datasets, CIFAR-100, Market-1501, CUB200-2011, ImageNet, and Pascal VOC, demonstrate that the proposed framework significantly outperforms recent state-of-the-art knowledge distillation methods.
Social Comparison of Mental Health, Deliberate Self-injury and Help-Negation
Authors: Turner Brie , Miller Leonie , Deane Frank
Published: April 2023

Those engaging in deliberate self-injury (DSI) demonstrate low professional help-seeking rates. Help-negation in the context of deliberate self-injury refers to a relationship where higher levels of self-injury are associated with lower help-seeking intentions. This study aims to investigate whether social comparison processes and other variables contribute to help-negation. One hundred and eighty-three university students completed self-report questionnaires assessing DSI and help-seeking variables. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was used to identify predictors of help-seeking intentions from mental health professionals for suicidal thoughts. A help-negation relationship was observed in that a greater DSI history was associated with reduced intentions to seek help. This effect remained after controlling for psychological distress and distress tolerance. Mental health comparison, specifically the tendency to rate one’s mental health as worse than others, significantly contributed to the prediction of help-seeking intentions. Lower prior help-seeking, higher frequency of DSI and the worse participants saw their mental health in comparison to others were all associated with lower help-seeking intentions for suicidal thoughts, consistent with help-negation. It is speculated that DSI may function as a strategy to protect against suicidality and lower intentions to seek help for suicidal ideation. Prospective longitudinal research is recommended to test this explanation and include a measure of the function of DSI.
Impact of DWI and ADC values in Ovarian-Adnexal Reporting and Data System (O-RADS) MRI score
Authors: Manganaro Lucia , Ciulla Sandra , Celli Veronica , Ercolani Giada , Ninkova Roberta , Miceli Valentina , Cozzi Andrea , Rizzo Stefania Maria , Thomassin-Naggara Isabelle , Catalano Carlo
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Introduce DWI and quantitative ADC evaluation in O-RADS MRI system and observe how diagnostic performance changes. Assess its validity and reproducibility between readers with different experience in female pelvic imaging. Finally, evaluate any correlation between ADC value and histotype in malignant lesions.

Materials and Methods

In total, 173 patients with 213 indeterminate adnexal masses (AMs) on ultrasound were subjected to MRI examination, from which 140 patients with 172 AMs were included in the final analysis. Standardised MRI sequences were used, including DWI and DCE sequences. Two readers, blinded to histopathological data, retrospectively classified AMs according to the O-RADS MRI scoring system. A quantitative analysis method was applied by placing a ROI on the ADC maps obtained from single-exponential DWI sequences. AMs considered benign (O-RADS MRI score 2) were excluded from the ADC analysis.

Results

Excellent inter-reader agreement was found in the classification of lesions according to the O-RADS MRI score (K = 0.936; 95% CI). Two ROC curves were created to determine the optimal cut-off value for the ADC variable between O-RADS MRI categories 3–4 and 4–5, respectively, 1.411 × 10–3 mm2/sec and 0.849 × 10–3 mm2/sec. Based on these ADC values, 3/45 and 22/62 AMs were upgraded, respectively, to score 4 and 5, while 4/62 AMs were downgraded to score 3. ADC values correlated significantly with the ovarian carcinoma histotype (p value < 0.001).

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates the prognostic potential of DWI and ADC values in the O-RADS MRI classification for better radiological standardisation and characterisation of AMs.
Ursodeoxycholic Acid Use After Bariatric Surgery: Effects on Metabolic and Inflammatory Blood Markers
Authors: Guman Maimoena S. S. , Haal Sylke , Acherman Yair I. Z. , van de Laar Arnold W. L. , Nieuwdorp Max , Voermans Rogier P. , Gerdes Victor E. A.
Published: April 2023

Background

In addition to the reduction of symptomatic gallstone disease, ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) might also have beneficial metabolic effects after bariatric surgery. We examined the impact of UDCA on liver enzymes, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), lipids, and inflammation markers.

Methods

Patients in the UPGRADE trial (placebo-controlled, double-blind) were randomized between UDCA 900 mg daily or placebo pills for 6 months after bariatric surgery. Patients without blood measurements pre- or 6 months postoperatively were excluded. The change in liver enzymes, Hba1c, lipids, and inflammation markers after surgery were compared between the UDCA and placebo group, followed by a postoperative cross-sectional comparison.

Results

In total, 513 patients were included (age [mean ± SD] 45.6 ± 10.7 years; 79% female). Preoperative blood values did not differ between UDCA (n = 266) and placebo (n = 247) groups. Increase of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was greater in the UDCA group (mean difference 3.81 U/l [95%CI 0.50 7.12]). Change in other liver enzymes, HbA1c, lipids, and CRP levels did not differ. Postoperative cross-sectional comparison in 316 adherent patients also revealed a higher total cholesterol (mean difference 0.25 mg/dl [95%CI 0.07–0.42]), lower aspartate aminotransferase (mean difference −3.12 U/l [−5.16 – −1.08]), and lower alanine aminotransferase level (mean difference −5.89 U/l [−9.41 – −2.37]) in the UDCA group.

Conclusion

UDCA treatment leads to a higher, but clinically irrelevant increase in ALP level in patients 6 months after bariatric surgery. No other changes in metabolic or inflammatory markers were observed. Except for the reduction of gallstone formation, UDCA has no effects after bariatric surgery.

Graphical Abstract
How Do Scientists Perceive the Relationship Between Ethics and Science? A Pilot Study of Scientists’ Appeals to Values
Authors: Linville Caleb L. , Cairns Aidan C. , Garcia Tyler , Bridges Bill , Herington Jonathan , Laverty James T. , Tanona Scott
Published: April 2023

Efforts to promote responsible conduct of research (RCR) should take into consideration how scientists already conceptualize the relationship between ethics and science. In this study, we investigated how scientists relate ethics and science by analyzing the values expressed in interviews with fifteen science faculty members at a large midwestern university. We identified the values the scientists appealed to when discussing research ethics, how explicitly they related their values to ethics, and the relationships between the values they appealed to. We found that the scientists in our study appealed to epistemic and ethical values with about the same frequency, and much more often than any other type of value. We also found that they explicitly associated epistemic values with ethical values. Participants were more likely to describe epistemic and ethical values as supporting each other, rather than trading off with each other. This suggests that many scientists already have a sophisticated understanding of the relationship between ethics and science, which may be an important resource for RCR training interventions.
Three generations of mTOR kinase inhibitors in the activation of the apoptosis process in melanoma cells
Authors: Ciołczyk-Wierzbicka Dorota , Krawczyk Agnieszka , Zarzycka Marta , Zemanek Grzegorz , Wierzbicki Karol
Published: April 2023

Many signaling pathways are involved in the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and this serine/threonine kinase regulates the most important cellular processes such as cell proliferation, autophagy, and apoptosis. The subject of this research was the effect of protein kinase inhibitors involved in the AKT, MEK, and mTOR kinase signaling pathways on the expression of pro-survival proteins, activity of caspase-3, proliferation, and induction of apoptosis in melanoma cells. The following inhibitors were used: protein kinase inhibitors such as AKT—MK-2206, MEK—AS-703026, mTOR—everolimus and Torkinib, as well as dual PI3K and mTOR inhibitor—BEZ-235 and Omipalisib, and mTOR1/2—OSI-027 inhibitor in single-mode and their combinations with MEK1/2 kinase inhibitor AS-703026. The obtained results confirm the synergistic effect of nanomolar concentrations of mTOR inhibitors, especially the dual PI3K and mTOR inhibitors (Omipalisib, BEZ-235) in combination with the MAP kinase inhibitor (AS-703026) in the activation of caspase 3, induction of apoptosis, and inhibition of proliferation in melanoma cell lines. Our previous and current studies confirm the importance of the mTOR signal transduction pathway in the neoplastic transformation process. Melanoma is a case of a very heterogeneous neoplasm, which causes great difficulties in treating this neoplasm in an advanced stage, and the standard approach to this topic does not bring the expected results. There is a need for research on the search for new therapeutic strategies aimed at particular groups of patients.

Graphical abstract

Effect of three generations of mTOR kinase inhibitors on caspase-3 activity, apoptosis and proliferation in melanoma cell lines.
Climate Change and Fossil Fuels: Impacts, Challenges and Plausible Mitigation
Authors: Sain Kalachand
Published: April 2023

An attempt is made to bring out some important issues related to climate change (CC) and usage of fossil fuels, and their impact on energy and water securities. This also brings out plausible mitigation and some related challenges with special reference to the Himalayan geo-hazards. This article serves the concern on ‘why should one bother about the CC, fossil fuels energy and Himalayan Environment’.
Application of Basin Morphometry for Hydro-geomorphological Implications: A Study of the Indo-Bhutanese Duduya Watershed
Authors: Chakraborty Subhankar
Published: April 2023

A drainage basin morphometric analysis has been carried out for the trans-boundary Duduya watershed located in the marginal parts of the Eastern Himalaya and its foreland of Bhutan and India. The linear, areal and relief morphometric parameters have been estimated based on topographical maps and SRTM DEM data. It is found that the Duduya is a 6th order drainage basin with asymmetric drainage arrangements with a total stream length of 1208.19 km. Almost all of the eleven sub-watersheds of the Duduya are elongated in nature and are characterized by medium drainage related parameters, e.g., density, frequency and texture signifying moderate flood susceptibilities while the presence of permeable soils, good vegetation cover facilitated considerable infiltration and water storage implying good groundwater potentials. The skewed distribution of relief parameters specially total relief, relief ratio and slope are indicators of erosion potential, however, this erosion potential is balanced by the elongated shape of the individual sub-watersheds and medium drainage related parameters. The region receives very high annual rainfall, besides majority of the watershed area is featured with very gentle slopes and flat terrains and therefore has prolonged runoff disposal meaning increased chances of floods in the downstream reaches. Several of the computed morphometric parameters were observed to have varied statistical associations and some of them are impacting each other significantly. A hierarchical cluster analysis suggested two different clusters of sub-watersheds, where SW1 and SW3 of the Eastern Himalayas need proper management for environmental issues like flash flood, channel avulsion and erosion due to high reliefs and moderate slopes, the rest of the sub-watersheds that are draining the lower parts of piedmont and the low-lying southern plain provide ideal conditions for cultivation due to flat terrains, meager slopes, greater infiltration and water storage capacities.
Characterization of Ash Samples from the Kelud (Indonesia) Volcanic Eruption of 2014 and its Environmental Implications
Authors: Sahay Sujesh , Pati Jayanta Kumar , Singh Anuj Kumar , Niyogi Ambalika , Chakarvorty Munmun , Prakash Kuldeep , Dwivedi Mrigank Mauli
Published: April 2023

The eruptions from Kelud (Kelut) volcano, Indonesia on 13 to 14 February, 2014 ejected huge amount of volcanic ash to an altitude of more than 26 km and spread to >700 km, leading to the disruption of flights, collapse of man-made structures, traffic accidents, and large-scale evacuations while leaving indelible signs of ecosystem degradation. To better comprehend the physical and chemical characters and possible environmental implications of Kelud eruption, three unconsolidated poorly-sorted ash samples were collected on February 24, 2014 from roof tops in Yogyakarta, Indonesia and analyzed for their size (0.3 to 300 μm), shape (irregular, columnar and tabular), texture (vesicular with shards and Pele’s hair), mineralogy (andesine + diopside + enstatite + cristobalite + magnetite + glass) and geochemistry (basaltic andesite - andesite). The trace element concentrations, marginally fractionated REE pattern, and the basaltic andesite to andesite affinity of all Kelud ash samples infer their genetic linkage with island arc environment. The fine-grained particulate matter in the inhalable size range, presence of crystalline silica (cristobalite) and chemical toxicity of ash, observed during the present study, shall be useful for disaster preparedness and to create environmental safeguards for similar volcanic eruptions in future.
Studies on Radon Exhalation Rate and Activity of Radioactive Elements in Soil Samples and their Radiological Hazards to the Population of Davanagere District, Karnataka, India
Authors: Hidayath Mohamed , Lavanya B.S.K. , Naveena M. , Chandrashekara M.S.
Published: April 2023

Exhalation rate of 222Rn from soil samples and the activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K were studied in soil samples of Davanagere district, Karnataka state, India. 222Rn exhalation rate was measured using smart radon monitor (SRM). The mass exhalation rate of 222Rn varies from 6.9 ± 1.7 to 38.5 ± 3.3 mBqkg-1h-1 with a geometric mean of 20.1 ± 2.5 mBqkg-1h-1. The surface exhalation rate of 222Rn varies from 0.39 ± 0.1 to 2.15 ± 0.18 Bqm-2h-1 with a geometric mean of 1.12 ± 0.14 Bqm-2h-1. Activity concentrations of the radionuclide in soil samples were measured using HPGe detector. 226Ra, 232Th and 40K concentration varied from 32.0 to 106.1 Bqkg-1, from 19.6 to 78.8 Bqkg-1 and from 20.1 to 968.0 Bqkg-1 respectively. The average activity of 226Ra in the soil samples was 63.2 Bqkg-1 which is higher than the global average and the Indian average value, whereas the activities of 232Th and 40K were found to be 34.9 Bqkg-1 and 458.8 Bqkg-1 respectively and are comparable to global average values. When the structural and physical properties of the soil samples were similar, radon exhalation rate from soil samples shows good correlation with its 226Ra activity.
Just a stopgap for ‘real’ sports? Experiences with digital sport and exercise activities during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Mutz Michael , Jetzke Malte , Göring Arne
Published: April 2023

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to an increase of digitally supported home-based sport and exercise activities. This paper asks how these digital sport and exercise (DSE) offers are experienced by consumers and compares the experiential value of DSE activities with similar on-site, offline sport and exercise (OSE) activities. The paper is based on cross-sectional online survey data from active members of two university sports centers in Germany. Findings reveal that a relative strength of DSE compared to similar OSE offers is the higher degree of autonomy experienced by users. However, this comes at the expense of the social, physical, affective, competence, and motivational experience. DSE courses are somewhat better rated by self-disciplined and healthy individuals, but lower rated by participants with a high motor competence. Overall, data lend support to the notion that DSE was just a stopgap for many during the lockdowns. For becoming a real alternative to on-site sports, DSE offers should be developed further in such a way that emotional and social experiences are enhanced.