bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lutas
Authors: Hirama Leopoldo Katsuki , Joaquim Cássia dos Santos , Queiróz Diego Alves Ribeiro , Montagner Paulo Cesar
Published: October 2024

Objetivos: Objetivo desta pesquisa bibliográfica é apresentar e discutir duas propostas de ensino das lutas, artes marciais e esportes de combate (LAMECs): a primeira propõe o ensino por similaridades e a segunda a partir dos princípios operacionais de cada modalidade. Métodos: Esta investigação é de cunho qualitativo e do tipo propositivo por apresentar alternativa na elaboração de ações, oferecendo exemplos de atuação implantados tanto em componente curricular Lutas, quanto em um programa de extensão universitária que oferece Judô para crianças e jovens. Resultados e discussão: Foram apresentados dois tópicos de discussão. O primeiro disserta sobre o ensino das lutas a partir de suas similaridades e no segundo propomos por meio de exemplos práticos o ensino das LAMECs por suas dinâmicas operacionais. Considerações finais: Conclui-se que as propostas podem ser complementares, abordando-se primeiramente os aspectos comuns e similares das lutas em geral e posteriormente, as dinâmicas operacionais de qualquer modalidade específica a ser tratada, aprofundando-se em suas questões táticas, técnicas, históricas e sociais.
Política educacional e gentrificação escolar
Authors: Girotto Eduardo Donizeti , Oliveira João Victor Pavesi de
Published: October 2024

O artigo analisa a pertinência do uso do conceito de gentrificação escolar na análise dos impactos do Programa Ensino Integral (PEI) na cidade de São Paulo. Para tanto, realizamos estudo de caso com 18 unidades escolares que aderiram ao Programa entre os anos de 2012 e 2019. Na análise, verificamos se houve mudança no perfil socioeconômico e étnico-racial dos estudantes matriculados nas unidades após a adesão ao Programa, considerando duas variáveis: número de estudantes autodeclarados negros e que recebiam Bolsa Família. Os dados indicam que em 88% das escolas ocorreu diminuição dos estudantes negros e em 77,7% houve queda dos que recebiam Bolsa Família, forte indicativo da existência de gentrificação escolar induzida pelo Programa. Estes primeiros resultados indicam a necessidade da constituição de uma agenda de pesquisa a partir do tema da gentrificação escolar, considerando o contexto da política educacional brasileira e tensionando com as evidências produzidas no âmbito internacional.
La sostenibilidad desde la perspectiva del buen vivir
Authors: Pereira Vilmar Alves , Zitkoski Jaime José
Published: October 2024

El objetivo principal de este artículo es problematizar el concepto de sustentabilidad con referencia al horizonte del Buen Vivir. Estudio bibliográfico de horizonte hermenéutico, realiza los siguientes movimientos. En un primer momento, sitúa y problematiza el debate en América Latina a partir de la tensión entre el Buen Vivir y el desarrollo, tomando como referencia pensadores que son exponentes en el área. En un segundo, presenta los contornos de una Pedagogía del Convivir como expresión de la Pedagogía latinoamericana de carácter ambiental popular. El estudio demuestra las apropiaciones que la lógica del desarrollo y las políticas neoliberales hacen de la noción de sustentabilidad que no promueven la emancipación y que solo refuerzan falsas promesas. Reconoce el horizonte del Buen Vivir como una alternativa que amplía posibilidades de otras pedagogías para otros modelos de sociedades posibles. Como perspectiva descolonizadora, se reconoce la necesidad del aprendizaje desde otro lugar, del aprendizaje sobre todo el entorno, del aprendizaje sobre el consumo equilibrado, el aprendizaje ontológico y político, y del aprendizaje sobre la ética del cuidado y el reconocimiento de la alteridad negada.
Üzümsü Meyveler: Sağlıklı Beslenme Üzerine Etkileri
Authors: Konak Göktepe Çiğdem , Akın Nihat
Published: October 2024

Beslenme alışkanlıkları ve sağlık arasındaki ilişki, tüketicilerin nutrasötikler açısından zengin diyetler hakkında daha fazla bilimsel kanıta ulaşma talebini artırmıştır. Üzümsü meyveler, antosiyaninler, flavonoidler, fenolikler, fenolik asitler, tanenler ve stilbenler gibi çok çeşitli besleyici olmayan biyoaktif bileşiklerin yanı sıra mineraller, vitaminler, uçucu yağlar, şekerler ve karotenoidler gibi besleyici bileşiklerin zengin bir kaynağıdır. Üzümsü meyvelerde bulunan biyoaktif bileşikler hem in vitro hem de in vivo olarak güçlü antimikrobiyal, anti nörodejeneratif, antikanser, antienflamatuvar ve antioksidan özelliklere sahiptir. Bu çalışmada, insan sağlığı üzerindeki potansiyel etkileri ile ilgili olarak üzümsü meyvelerin besinsel ve besinsel olmayan biyoaktif bileşikleri hakkında kapsamlı ve eleştirel bir inceleme yer almaktadır.
A global agenda for dignity and health: a personal opinion
Authors: Ivbijaro Gabriel
Published: October 2024

Dignity is central to good-quality health delivery. Every encounter—whether at home, in education, at work, or in health settings—has the potential to be a positive dignity encounter. Dignity is rooted in cultural context and based on values that include holiness, freedom, responsibility, duty, and serving others. It comes from a caring community. We need to work in collaboration with citizens, government, and other organizations to ensure that the conditions and support are in place to make this happen. There is a need to deliver evidence-based care that incorporates human experience in guideline development, rooted in dignity for all citizens. This commentary is based on my own personal experience in the field and provides a basis for a future special issue to continue the discourse on dignity.
In-Situ Fabrication of Ductile Ti-TiCx Metal Matrix Composite by Laser Powder Bed Fusion with Enhanced Elastic Modulus
Authors: Bernard Gaëtan , Pejchal Vaclav , Sereda Olha , Logé Roland E.
Published: October 2024

The production of high stiffness Ti-based Metal Matrix Composites (Ti-MMCs) displaying significant ductility by additive manufacturing technologies is not yet at the level of conventionally produced Ti-MMCs. This study outlines the production process of stiffness-driven Ti-TiC MMCs displaying a remarkable ductility. The process consists in powder Mechanical Blending, Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF), and a heat treatment. A TiC fraction of more than 20 vol% was formed in-situ through the reaction of titanium with carbon during the LPBF process. The as-built sub-stoichiometric TiC dendrites are converted in equiaxed TiC grains during the heat treatment. The TiC C/Ti ratio was found to be close to 0.5 in as-built conditions, and 0.7 in heat treated conditions, resulting in an effective reinforcement content nearly twice the one expected for stoichiometric TiC, leading to stronger reinforcement. The mechanical analysis revealed a Young’s modulus of up to 149 GPa and total elongations of up to 2.8%. The former represents a 27% improvement compared to commercially pure Titanium and the latter exceeds by 115% reported values for LPBF Ti-MMCs with similar Young’s modulus. It is enabled by the in-situ formation of defect-free TiC reinforcements combined with their globularisation through heat treatment.
Sympathetic Innervation of Interscapular Brown Adipose Tissue is not a Predominant Mediator of Oxytocin-Induced Brown Adipose Tissue Thermogenesis in Female High Fat Diet-Fed Rats
Authors: Dodson Andrew D. , Herbertson Adam J. , Honeycutt Mackenzie K. , Vered Ron , Slattery Jared D. , Goldberg Matvey , Tsui Edison , Wolden-Hanson Tami , Graham James L. , Wietecha Tomasz A. , O'Brien Kevin D. , Havel Peter J. , Sikkema Carl L. , Peskind Elaine R. , Mundinger Thomas O. , Taborsky, Jr. Gerald J. , Blevins James E.
Published: October 2024

Previous studies in our lab show that that administration of oxytocin (OT) into the fourth ventricle (4V; hindbrain) elicits weight loss and stimulates interscapular brown adipose tissue temperature (TIBAT) in male diet-induced obese (DIO) rats. What remains unclear is whether chronic hindbrain (4V) OT can impact body weight in female high fat diet-fed (HFD) rodents and whether this involves activation of brown adipose tissue (BAT). We hypothesized that OT-elicited stimulation of sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activation of interscapular brown adipose tissue (IBAT) contributes to its ability to activate BAT and reduce body weight in female high HFD-fed rats. To test this hypothesis, we determined the effect of disrupting SNS activation of IBAT on OT-elicited stimulation of TIBAT and reduction of body weight in DIO rats. We first measured the impact of bilateral surgical SNS denervation to IBAT on the ability of acute 4V OT (0.5, 1, and 5 µg ≈ 0.5, 0.99, and 4.96 nmol) to stimulate TIBAT in female HFD-fed rats. We found that the high dose of 4V OT (5 µg ≈ 4.96 nmol) stimulated TIBAT similarly between sham rats and denervated rats (P=NS). We subsequently measured the effect of bilateral surgical denervation of IBAT on the effect of chronic 4V OT (16 nmol/day ≈ 16.1 mg/day) or vehicle infusion to reduce body weight, adiposity and energy intake in female HFD-fed rats (N=7-8/group). Chronic 4V OT reduced body weight gain (sham: -18.0±4.9 g; denervation: -15.9±3.7 g) and adiposity (sham: -13.9±3.7 g; denervation: -13.6±2.4 g) relative to vehicle treatment (P<0.05) and these effects were similar between groups (P=NS). These effects were attributed, in part, to reduced energy intake evident during weeks 2 (P<0.05) and 3 (P<0.05). To test whether these results translate to other female rodent species, we also examined the effect of chronic 4V infusion of OT on body weight and adiposity in two strains of female HFD-fed mice. Similar to what we found in the HFD-fed rat model, we also found that chronic 4V OT (16 nmol/day) infusion resulted in reduced body weight gain, adiposity and energy intake in female DIO C57BL/6J and DBA/2J mice (P<0.05 vs vehicle). Together, these findings suggest that 1) sympathetic innervation of IBAT is not necessary for OT-elicited increases in BAT thermogenesis and weight loss in female HFD-fed rats and 2) the effects of OT to elicit weight loss translate to other mouse models of diet-induced obesity (DIO).
Biologically Relevant Polyamines, Divalent Metal Cations, and Structure of Poly(ADP-Ribose) All Control Microphase Separation of FUS with Poly(ADP-Ribosyl)ated PARP1
Authors: Sukhanova Maria V , Anarbaev Rashid O , Naumenko Konstantin N. , Hamon Loic , Singatulina Anastasia S , Pastre David , Lavrik Olga I
Published: October 2024

Fused in sarcoma (FUS) is involved in the formation of nuclear biomolecular condensates associated with poly(ADP-ribose) [PAR] synthesis catalyzed by a DNA damage sensor such as PARP1. Here, we studied FUS microphases’ separation induced by poly(ADP-ribosyl)ated PARP1WT [PAR-PARP1WT] or its mutants PARP1Y986S and PARP1Y986H respectively synthesizing (short PAR)-PARP1Y986S or (short hyperbranched PAR)-PARP1Y986H using dynamic light scattering, fluorescence microscopy, turbidity assays, and atomic force microscopy. We observed that biologically relevant cations such as Mg2+, Ca2+, or Mn2+ or polyamines (spermine4+ or spermidine3+) were essential for the assembly of FUS with PAR-PARP1WT and FUS with PAR-PARP1Y986S in vitro. We estimated the range of the FUS-to-PAR-PARP1 molar ratio and the cation concentration that are favorable for the stability of the protein’s microphase-separated state. We also found that FUS microphase separation induced by PAR-PARP1Y986H (i.e., a PARP1 mutant attaching short hyperbranched PAR to itself) can occur in the absence of cations. The dependence of PAR-PARP1–induced FUS microphase separation on cations and on branching of PAR structure points to a potential role of the latter in the regulation of formation of FUS-related biological condensates and requires further investigation.
Advanced Nested Coaxial Thin Film ZnO Nanostructures Synthesized by Atomic Layer Deposition for Improved Sensing Performance
Authors: Lin Pengtao , Zhang Lari S , Zhang Kai , Baumgart Helmut
Published: October 2024

We report a new synthesis method for multiple walled nested thin film nanostructures by combining hydrothermal growth methods with Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) thin film technology and sacrificial films thereby increasing the surface-to-volume ratio to improve the sensing performance of novel ZnO gas sensors. Single crystal ZnO nanorods serve as the core of the nanostructure assembly and were synthesized hydrothermally on fine-grained ALD ZnO seed films. Subsequently the ZnO core nanotubes were coated with alternating sacrificial co-axial 3-D wraparound ALD Al2O3 films and ALD ZnO films. Basically, an ALD 3-D wrap-around Al2O3 sacrificial layer was coating the center nanorod to realize a nested coaxial ZnO thin film nanotube. To increase the surface-to-volume ratio of the nested multiple film nanostructure both front and backside of the nested coaxial ZnO films must be exposed by selectively removing the intermittent Al2O3 sacrificial films. The selective removal of the sacrificial films exposes the front and backside of the free-standing ZnO films for interacting with target gases during sensing operation while steadily increasing the surface-to-volume ratio. The sensing response of the novel ZnO gas sensor architecture with nested nanotubes achieved a maximum 150% enhancement at low temperature compared to a conventional ZnO nanorod sensor.
The phi027 Bacteriophage Influences Physiology and Virulence of the Lysogenic Strain of Clostridioides difficile
Authors: Frankowska Natalia , Szarek Klaudia , Iwanicki Adam , Wultańska Dorota , Pituch Hanna , Kabała Monika , Negri Alessandro , Obuchowski Michał , Hinc Krzysztof
Published: October 2024

Clostridioides difficile, the causative agent of C. difficile infections (CDI), can be naturally infected by bacterial viruses known as bacteriophages. All characterized bacteriophages of this bacterium are temperate, meaning that upon infection their genetic material integrates and replicates with host’s genome. Such lysogenic strains can exhibit altered physiology and virulence, which in turn can be an important factor for epidemiology of CDI. In this study we characterized the phiCDKH02 bacteriophage infecting clinical isolates of C. difficile belonging to hypervirulent ribotypes 027 and 176. The bacteriophage was found to be identical to phi027. To get some insight into the role of this bacteriophage in physiology of its host and interaction with human colon cells, we made use of CRISPR-Cpf1 technology to cure the lysogenic C. difficile of the prophage. The prophage-free strain exhibited altered sporulation efficiency, lowered adhesion and decreased cytopathic effects to-wards human colon cells. These results emphasize importance of prophages in shaping virulence of C. difficile.
Flight Model: New Explorations into the Fundamental Principles of Intelligence and Consciousness
Authors: feng liu , benfu lv , ying liu
Published: October 2024

Constructing the fundamental principles of intelligence and consciousness has become a significant scientific challenge. The literature indicates that current theories of intelligence and consciousness have yet to provide comprehensive answers regarding the unified structure, objectives, and significance of the entities generating intelligence and consciousness, the driving forces, the relationship between intelligence and consciousness, and the distinctions between different types of consciousness.This study extends von Neumann architecture to establish Standard Agent Model as an axiom, proposing that any system (agent) possesses five essential capabilities: Information input, output, storage, creation, and control over the use of these capabilities. By taking the maximum and minimum values for each of these five capabilities, two extreme states and two types of intelligence forces of the agent are derived. Inspired by the principles of flight, the above elements are combined to establish the “Flight Model (FM)” of intelligence and consciousness. Intelligence is defined as the agent’s ability to utilize the five capabilities comprehensively to evolve between the two extreme states under the influence of intelligence forces. Consciousness is defined as the agent’s ability to control the use of intelligence under the influence of the two types of intelligence forces. Based on the relationship between control and being controlled, consciousness is further subdivided into self-consciousness, other-consciousness, mix consciousness, and unconsciousness.This study evaluates the intelligence levels and self-awareness of various agents based on the FM theoretical framework through designed experiments. The results show that current artificial intelligence systems exhibit intelligence close to adult human levels but have not yet demonstrated self-consciousness. This study constructs a theoretical system of intelligence and consciousness, providing a theoretical basis for determining the timeline for achieving AGI and addressing AI self-consciousness issues.
Harnessing Magneto Hydrodynamic Propulsion: A Path Toward Sustainable Commercial Shipping
Authors: Shameem Ahmed Nawal , Coelho Atlanta , Issac Vivek Dani
Published: October 2024

Magneto Hydrodynamic (MHD) propulsion presents an innovative and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional marine propulsion systems. By utilizing electromagnetic fields to generate thrust, MHD propulsion reduces both noise and air pollution, making it an appealing option for the future of commercial shipping. However, the widespread adoption of MHD technology has been limited by several significant challenges. High energy demands, particularly for generating the necessary magnetic fields, require advanced power sources such as nuclear reactors or large-scale batteries, which are impractical for most commercial vessels. Additionally, the cost of installing and maintaining the high-powered electromagnets and energy infrastructure remains prohibitively expensive. Furthermore, material durability is another concern, as system components such as electrodes are exposed to corrosion and wear due to their interaction with seawater and high electrical currents. By addressing these constraints, MHD propulsion has the potential to transform the commercial maritime industry, contributing to more sustainable and less polluting marine transportation. This paper explores the feasibility of overcoming these challenges through advancements in cost-effective energy efficient methods. We identify the primary limiting factor for the practical implementation of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) propulsion systems as the magnetic field strength. Drawing comparisons with similar applications, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technologies, we explore advancements in generating strong, homogenous magnetic fields over large volumes. Insights from these research areas provide a foundation for improving the scalability and efficiency of magnetic field generation in MHD systems.
Human Salivary Microbiota Diversity According to Ethnicity, Sex, TRPV1 Variants and Sensitivity to Capsaicin
Authors: Vinerbi Elena , Morini Gabriella , Picozzi Claudia , Tofanelli Sergio
Published: October 2024

The salivary microbiota of Italian and sub-Saharan African individuals was investigated using Nanopore Sequencing Technology (ONT- Oxford Nanopore Technologies). We detected variations in community composition in relation to endogenous (ethnicity, sex and diplotypic variants of the TRPV1 gene) and exogenous (sensitivity to capsaicin) factors. The results showed that, Prevotella, Haemophilus, Neisseria, Streptococcus, Veillonella and Rothia, are the most abundant genera, in accordance with the literature. However, alpha diversity and frequency spectra differed significantly between DNA pools. The microbiota in African, male, TRPV1 bb/ab diplotype and capsaicin low sensitive DNA pools was more diverse than Italian, female, TRPV1 aa diplotype and capsaicin high sensitive DNA pools. Relative abundance differed at phylum, genus and species level.
Advances in the Synthesis and Biological Applications of Enoxacin Based Compounds
Authors: Suleiman Garba , Brahmi Nabil El , Guillaumet Gérald , El Kazzouli Saïd
Published: October 2024

A comprehensive review of advances in the synthesis and biological applications of enoxacin (ENX) based compounds is presented. ENX, a second-generation fluoroquinolone (FQ) is a prominent 1,8-naphthyridine containing compounds studied in medicinal chemistry. Quinolones, a class of synthetic antibiotics, are crucial building blocks for designing multi-biological libraries due to their inhibitory properties against DNA replication. Chemical modifications at positions 3 and 7 of the quinolone structure can transform antibacterial FQs into anticancer analogs. ENX and its derivatives have been examined for various therapeutic applications, including anticancer, antiviral, and potential treatment against COVID-19. Several synthetic methodologies have been devised for the efficient and versatile synthesis of ENX and its derivatives. This review emphasizes all-inclusive developments in the synthesis of ENX derivatives, focusing on modifications at the C3 (carboxylic acid, Part A), C7 (piperazinyl, Part B), and other positions (Part C). The reactions considered were chosen based on their reproducibility, ease of execution, accessibility, and availability of the methodology reported in the literature. The review provides valuable insights into the medicinal properties of these compounds, highlighting their potential as therapeutic agents in various fields.
Efficacy of KeraVio with Irradiation via Violet Light-Emitting Glasses without the Administration of Riboflavin Drops for Progressive Keratoconus Treatment
Authors: Kobashi Hidenaga , Kumanomido Takashi , Ide Takeshi , Kato Naoko , Shimazaki Jun , Itoi Motozumi , Tsubota Kazuo
Published: October 2024

KeraVio is a new portable corneal cross-linking (CXL) treatment modality in which violet light (VL)-emitting spectacles are used along with topical transepithelial riboflavin. We preliminarily identified endogenous riboflavin in the human cornea without the administration of riboflavin drops, and the relatively low intensity of VL irradiation increased corneal stiffness in porcine corneas (TVST 2021). This study was conducted to evaluate the clinical results of KeraVio without riboflavin drops. Patients with progressive keratoconus were enrolled and randomly divided into the VL irradiation alone group (Group 1) and the no irradiation group (Group 2; control group) (jRCTs032190267). The eyes were exposed to VL (375 nm, irradiance 310 μW/cm2)-emitting glasses for 4.5 hours daily for 6 months. The mean changes in the maximum keratometry value (Kmax) from baseline to 6 months were 0.94 ± 2.65 diopters (D) and 1.76 ± 2.75 D in Group 1 and Group 2, respectively (p=0.705). No differences were found between patients who did and did not receive VL irradiation in terms of the clinical outcomes of keratoconus. VL irradiation alone likely does not halt keratoconic progression, and the administration of riboflavin is necessary.
Effects of Floorball and Strength Training in a Real-Life Setting on Health and Physical Function in Older Men
Authors: Pedersen Mogens Theisen , Bangsbo Jens
Published: October 2024

There is lacking information about the physiological response when conducting training of older men in a real-life setting. Seventy-six sedentary men aged 72.3 ± 0.6 (means ± SE; range: 63–92) years with a height, body mass and body mass index of 178.9 ± 0.8 cm; 92.1 ± 2.2 kg: 28.7 ± 0.6 kg/m2, respectively, were recruited to floorball (FG, n = 29), strength (SG, n = 38) or bowls (BG, n = 9) training 1 h twice a week in municipal activity centers and senior sport clubs. Subjects were tested at baseline, after 12 and 24 weeks. Twelve weeks of floorball and strength training lead to reduced blood Hb1Ac, body mass, fat mass, visceral and android fat. Further, SG had a decrease in gynoid fat and blood total and LDL cholesterol. Both groups decreased heart rate at rest. In SG, systolic and diastolic blood pressure were also reduced. FG increased markers for bone growth. FG and SG improved functional capacity. The improvements in FG and SG were maintained after 24 weeks. BG did not have any changes. In conclusion, older men conducting floorball or strength training twice a week in a real-life setting can improve functional capacity and a high number of health factors, whereas playing bowls does not lead to physiological changes.
Association of Equine Squamous and Glandular Gastric Disease with Dental Status in 54 Horses
Authors: Lensing Rabea , Wirth Caroline , Thuenker Franziska , Merle Roswitha , Barton Ann Kristin
Published: October 2024

Gastric pH seems to be a key factor for the development of Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS). It is influenced by the amount and duration of roughage uptake, as chewing increases the production of alkaline saliva. The protone-pump-inhibitor omeprazole is currently recommended by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine/European College of Equine Internal Medicine (ACVIM/ECEIM) consensus statement for therapy of both Equine Squamous Gastric Disease (ESGD) and Equine Glandular Gastric Disease (EGGD). We hypothesized that dental disorders decrease saliva production due to altered chewing and in consequence gastric pH, therefore predisposing horses to EGUS. In 54 horses, a gastroscopy with measurement of the intragastric pH after 12 hours of fasting and an examination of the oral cavity were carried out. Omeprazole therapy was recommended (n=32), dental disorders were corrected (n=22) and gastroscopy was repeated 4 weeks later (n=9). No influence of moderate-severe dental disorders on ESGD (grade ≥2/4) (p = 0.394) and EGGD (grade ≥2/3) (p = 0.857) could be determined. Nevertheless, there was a trend that moderate- severe dental disorders were associated with a low gastric pH (1-4) (p = 0.100). In conclusion, we found no evidence that gastroscopy should be recommend in horses with dental disorders and vice versa.
Entropies in Electric Circuits
Authors: Cuadras Angel , Ovejas Victoria J. , Martínez García Herminio
Published: October 2024

The present study examines the relationship between thermal and configurational entropy in two resistors in parallel and in series. The objective is to introduce entropy in electric circuits analysis by considering the impact of system geometry on energy conversion in the circuit. Thermal en-tropy is derived from thermodynamics, whereas configurational entropy is derived from network modelling. It is observed that the relationship between thermal entropy and configurational en-tropy varies depending on the configuration of the resistors. In parallel resistors, thermal entropy decreases with configurational entropy, while in series resistors, the opposite is true. The impli-cations of the maximum power transfer theorem and constructal law are discussed. The entropy generation for resistors at different temperatures was evaluated, and it was found that the con-sideration of resistor configurational entropy change was necessary for consistency. Furthermore, for the sake of generalization, a similar behavior was observed in time-dependent circuits, either for resistor-capacitor circuits or circuits involving degradation.
Human-Centred Perception as a Mediator of Environmental Decision-Making: A Study on the Suitability Parameters of Public Underground Spaces – a Case Study of Wujiaochang, Shanghai
Authors: Tianning Yao , Sun Liang , Geng Lin , Xu Yao , Hu Kuntao , Chen Xing , Liao Pan , Wang Jin
Published: October 2024

With the acceleration of urbanisation and the increase in underground space use, how to provide a comfortable and healthy environment in underground space has become an important research topic. This study constructed an environmental decision-making model for underground space by integrating human perception evaluation and physical environment factors. The study analysed the influence of physical environment parameters on users' perceived experience through field data collection and questionnaire surveys. The data were in-depth analysed using single-indicator fitted regression analysis and XGBoost machine learning model. The results reveal the significant influence of physical parameters such as temperature, humidity, illuminance and wind speed on the comfort of users of underground spaces and determine the range of appropriateness of these physical environment parameters. The results provide a reliable theoretical basis for optimising the design and management of underground spaces and help to enhance the environmental quality and user experience of underground spaces.
Granulometry and Functional Properties of Yuca Flour (Yucca decipiens Trel.) for Agro-Industrial and Food Purposes
Authors: Martínez-Betancourt Selena R. , Cadena-Iñiguez Jorge , Loera-Alvarado Gerardo , Ruiz-Vera Víctor M. , Soto-Hernández Ramón M. , López-Padilla Concepción
Published: October 2024

Mexican yuca (Yucca decipiens Trel.) is native to the semidesert region across north-central Mexico. Based on its empirical medicinal uses, the flour produced from leaves and stems of yuca was evaluated to determine its agro-industrial and medicinal uses (food, beer, and mezcal). The flour was characterized based on the granulometry, rheology, texture, and functional properties, which were analyzed with the RStudio software. The results indicate that the water absorption capacity of yuca flour (data here) is similar to wheat flour; however, it absorbs half the volume of oil than wheat flour. Therefore, it has a hydrophilic behavior similar to that of wheat and a lower oil requirement for formulas. The expansion capacity of yuca flour is like that of wheat flour, showing an ideal gluten content for agro-industrial purposes (food) that require this structural component. The flour had a remarkable foam formation, high stability, and low-fat content. These results are particularly important for foods that require foaming properties. Fermentation matched the parameters of the 56-60 Physicochemical Test Methods of the Cereal & Grains Association; consequently, their flours are classified as equal to flours produced from soft and weak wheat, supporting their use for fermentation processes. The internal friction values (0.85-0.92) suggest a limited flow; however, its high density shows a fine granulometry that facilitates the sacking, handling, and storing of the flour, complying with the Mexican standards, and allowing it to be added to combinations aimed to enrich food.
Novel Statistical Analysis Schemes for Thermal Non-Destructive Testing and Evaluation of Hardened Steel Materials Used in Ship Building
Authors: Singh Ishant , Arora Vanita , Babu Prabhu , Mulaveesala Ravibabu
Published: October 2024

In the field of Thermal Non-Destructive Testing and Evaluation (TNDT&E), active thermography gained popularity due to its fast, wide area monitoring and remote inspection capability to assess materials without compromising their future usability. Among the various active thermographic methods, pulse compression favourable frequency-modulated thermal wave imaging stands out for its enhanced detectability and depth resolution. In this study, experimental investigation has been carried out on a hardened steel sample used in ship building industry with a flat-bottom hole simulated defect using the Frequency Modulated Thermal Wave Imaging (FMTWI) technique. And the defect detection capabilities of FMTWI have been investigated from various statistical post processing approaches and compared by taking Signal to Noise Ration (SNR) as a figure of merit. Among various adopted statistical post-processing techniques, the pulse compression has been carried out using different methods: offset removal with polynomial curve fitting, and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) which is an unsupervised learning approach for data reduction and offset removal with median centering for data standardization. The performance of these techniques was assessed through experimental investigations on hardened steel specimen used in ship building to provide valuable insights into their effectiveness in defect detection capabilities.
Saguaro Recognition from Drone Imagery Using Mask R-CNN in Detectron2
Authors: Luo Wenting , Scott Breeze , Cadogan Jacky , Combs Truman P. , Swann Don E , Didan Kamel , Li Haiquan
Published: October 2024

The saguaro cactus (Carnegiea gigantea) plays a pivotal role in desert ecosystems, making its population monitoring essential. Traditional census methods used by the United States Forestry Service are resource-intensive, prompting a need for more cost-effective alternatives. Automated detection methods using advanced object detection models applied to drone imagery present a promising solution. In a proof-of-concept study, 244 drone images of saguaros were captured from a top-down perspective over an undeveloped hill adjacent to Sun Ray Park, Phoenix, Arizona (33.3188° N, 111.9980° W), from altitudes of 486, 507, and 519 meters above mean sea level (AMSL). We employed the Mask R-CNN model from the Detectron2 framework for model training. The images were divided into training, validation, and test sets in an approximate 8:1:1 ratio, with the sets separated by their physical locations within the park: training data was centralized, validation data was positioned to the east, and test data was located in the west. The Mask R-CNN achieved an average precision of 89.8% and an average F1 score of 90.3% in identifying saguaros across 27 test images from 486/507 m AMSL, demonstrating the model's effectiveness in accurately identifying saguaro cacti. Despite the limited sample size, the model's adaptability to diverse scenarios underscores its potential for practical applications in ecological conservation. This research contributes to the field of automated monitoring by offering a viable alternative to labor-intensive methods, thus supporting the sustainability of saguaro in their native habitat.
Electron Tomography as a Tool to Study SARS-CoV-2 Morphology
Authors: Wu Hong , Fujioka Yoshihiko , Sakaguchi Shoichi , Suzuki Youichi , Nakano Takashi
Published: October 2024

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a novel betacoronavirus, is the causative agent of COVID-19, which has caused economic and social disruption worldwide. To date, many drugs and vaccines have been developed for the treatment and prevention of COVID-19 and have effectively controlled the global epidemic of SARS-CoV-2. However, SARS-CoV-2 is highly mutable, leading to the emergence of new variants that may counteract current therapeutic measures. Electron microscopy (EM) is a valuable technique for obtaining ultrastructural information about the intracellular process of virus replication. In particular, EM allows us to visualize the morphological and subcellular changes during virion formation, which would provide a promising avenue for the development of antiviral agents effective against new SARS-CoV-2 variants. In this review article, we present our recent findings using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) combined with electron tomography (ET) to demonstrate the morphologically distinct types of SARS-CoV-2 particles and the application of EM analysis to evaluate genetically engineered viruses.
The Determinants and Growth Effects of Foreign Direct Investment: A Comparative Study
Authors: Yang Sheng-Ping
Published: October 2024

This study examines the impact of foreign direct investment (FDI) on economic growth using panel data from 84 countries between 2010 and 2019. We utilized a two-step system generalized method of moments (GMM) to analyze how FDI affects economic growth through productivity gains and the role of economic freedom in attracting FDI. The findings suggest that FDI has a positive impact on productivity and benefits both OECD and non-OECD countries. Economic freedom plays a significant role in attracting FDI, particularly in OECD countries, and contributes to economic growth in non-OECD countries. However, economic freedom alone does not guarantee strong economic growth in OECD countries, but it significantly enhances growth in non-OECD countries. The results also highlight that only economies with robust economic infrastructure and development levels benefit more from FDI.
Obstetric Outcomes of Endometriosis Treatment or Surgery
Authors: Vastarella Maria Giovanna , Pieretti Gorizio , Gaudino Gennaro , Fasulo Diego Domenico , Mauro Paolino , Ciccarelli Feliciano , Vastarella Vincenzo
Published: October 2024

Endometriosis is a prevalent chronic gynecological disorder. It tends to affect approximately 10% of women of reproductive age. It is characterized by the presence of signs and symptoms of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterine cavity. It often leads to significant pain, inflammation, and infertility. This systematic review aims to explore the obstetric outcomes associated with various treatments for endometriosis including hormonal therapies and surgical interventions. Background/Objectives: Find out relationships, harms and benefit of a pregnancy after endometriosis treatment by surgery. Methods: The analysis involved a comprehensive search of electronic databases adhering to PRISMA standards, focusing on the impact of these treatments on conception, pregnancy, and childbirth outcomes.. Results: The findings indicate that while hormonal treatments like GnRH agonists can modulate ovarian response and pain, they do not significantly improve pregnancy rates compared to placebos. Conversely, laparoscopic surgery shows promising results in enhancing fertility, particularly within the first year post-operation. Conclusions: The review underscores the importance of individualized treatment plans, considering factors such as age, infertility duration, and disease severity, to optimize obstetric outcomes for women with endometriosis.
Targeting CD44 and EpCAM with Antibody Dye Conjugates for the Photoimmunotherapy of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Wolf Isis , Schultze-Seemann Susanne , Gratzke Christian , Wolf Philipp
Published: October 2024

Background/Objectives: Photoimmunotherapy (PIT) is an innovative approach for the targeted treatment of cancer. In PIT, photosensitizer dyes are conjugated to tumor-specific antibodies for targeted delivery into cancer cells. Upon irradiation with visible light, the photosensitizer dye is activated and induces cancer specific cell death. In the present study, we describe the PIT of prostate cancer as novel therapeutic option for the targeted treatment of localized prostate cancer. Methods: We conjugated the new silicon phthalocyanine dye, WB692-CB2, to recombinant cysteine-modified anti-CD44 and EpCAM antibodies via a maleimide linker and tested the antibody dye conjugates for PIT on prostate cancer (PC) and prostate cancer stem cell (PCSC)-like cells. Results: The anti-CD44 and anti-EpCAM antibody dye conjugates showed specific binding and high cytotoxicity against PC and PCSC-like cells following irradiation with red light. Combinatorial treatment with both conjugates led to enhanced cytotoxic effects. Conclusions: WB692-CB2-based PIT can serve as an effective focal therapy, preserving the prostate gland, and minimizing side effects. It can be employed during radical prostatectomy (RP) to treat residual tumor cells or lymph node metastases in areas where further surgical intervention is not feasible. Utilizing multiple conjugates against antigens expressed on differentiated PC and PCSC-like cells, such as CD44 and EpCAM, could be an effective method to eradicate residual cancer cells in heterogeneous tumors. This approach could lead to the prevention of local recurrence after RP and thus to the complete cure of PC patients.
Early Metabolomic Profiling as a Predictor of Renal Function Six Months after Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Viejo-Boyano Iris , Roca-Marugán Marta Isabel , Peris-Fernández María , Amengual Julián Luis , Balaguer-Timor Ángel , Moreno-Espinosa Marta , Felipe-Barrera María , González-Calero Pablo , Espí-Reig Jordi , Ventura-Galiano Ana , Rodríguez-Ortega Diego , Ramos-Cebrián María , Beneyto-Castelló Isabel , Hernández-Jaras Julio
Published: October 2024

Background: Kidney transplantation is the therapy of choice for patients with advanced chronic kidney disease; however, predicting graft outcomes remains a significant challenge. Early identification of reliable biomarkers could enhance post-transplant management and improve long-term outcomes. This study aimed to identify metabolomic biomarkers within the first week post-kidney transplantation that predict renal function at six months. Methods: We conducted a prospective study involving 50 adult patients who received deceased donor kidney transplants. Plasma samples collected one-week post-transplant were analyzed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry in a semi-targeted metabolomic approach. A Partial Least Squares-Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) model identified metabolites associated with serum creatinine >1.5 mg/dL at six months. Metabolites were selected based on a Variable Importance in Projection (VIP) score >1.5, which was used to optimize model performance. Results: The PLS-DA model demonstrated strong predictive performance with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.958. The metabolites negatively associated with serum creatinine >1.5 mg/dL were 3-methylindole, guaiacol, histidine, 3-indolepropionic acid, and α-lipoic acid. Conversely, metabolites positively associated with worse kidney graft outcomes included homocarnosine, 5-methylcytosine, xanthosine, choline, phenylalanine, kynurenic acid, and L-kynurenine. Conclusions: Early metabolomic profiling post-transplantation shows promise in predicting renal function. Identifying metabolites with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as those that are harmful and could be targeted therapeutically, underscores their potential clinical significance. The link between several metabolites and the tryptophan pathway suggests that further specific evaluation of this pathway is warranted. These biomarkers can enhance patient management and graft survival.
Simultaneous Qualitative and Quantitative Analyses of 41 Constituents in Uvaria macrophylla Leaves Screen Antioxidant Quality‐Markers Using Database‐ Affinity UHPLC‐Q‐Orbitrap‐MS/MS
Authors: Xu Xiaoqiong , Li Xican , Chen Shaoman , Liang Yongbai , Zhang Chuanyang , Huang Yuhan
Published: October 2024

No study has focused on Uvaria macrophylla leaves with various traditional efficiencies. This paper therefore applied a database-affinity ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography with quadrupole orbitrap tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC‑Q‑Orbitrap‑MS/MS) strategy, to analyze the lyophilized aqueous extract of U. macrophylla leaves. Through database comparison and MS fragment elucidation, the study has putatively identified 41 constituents belonging to flavonoid, phenolic acid, steroid, saccharide natural product classifications. Significantly, 4 groups of isomers (liquiritigenin vs isoliquiritigenin vs pinocembrin; oroxylin A vs wogonin vs galangin 3-methyl ether; isoquercitrin vs hyperoside; protocatechuic acid vs 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid) have been successfully distinguished from each other. All of 41 constituents were then subjected to a quantitative analysis based on linear regression equation established by the above UHPLC‑Q‑Orbitrap‑MS/MS strategy, and an ABTS+•-scavenging antioxidant assay. Finally, the chemical content was multiplied by the corresponding ABTS+•-scavenging percentage to calculate the antioxidant contribution. It was shown that the chemical contents of 41 constituents varied from 0.003 ± 0.000 to 14.418 ± 1.041 mg/g, and gallic acid showed the highest antioxidant contribution. Gallic acid is considered as a suitable antioxidant quality-marker (Q-marker) of U. macrophylla leaves. These findings have scientific implications for resource development and quality-control of U. macrophylla leaves.
Beyond ChatGPT: A Hybrid Chatbot Model for Reliable Educational Administration
Authors: Al-Jaf Kanaan , Öz Cemil , Rashid Tarik A.
Published: October 2024

The ever-growing student population and limited administrative resources strain traditional communication channels within educational institutions. Chatbot technology offers a promising solution, but current limitations can impede effective student-administration interaction. This paper proposes a hybrid chatbot model to enhance reliability in educational administration by addressing the limitations of generative models like ChatGPT. We investigate three individual chatbot approaches (rule-based, retrieval-based, and generative-based) to handle educational inquiries. An evaluation assessed their strengths, weaknesses, and user experience. Based on these findings, a hybrid model with an intelligent classifier for query routing was developed. This model leverages each approach's strengths and addresses uncertainty in the generative model to achieve increased accuracy and reliability. Our results demonstrate an accuracy improvement compared to individual models. This work contributes to developing adaptable chatbot systems capable of addressing a wider range of user inquiries, which is particularly beneficial in resource-constrained educational settings. Additionally, the proposed model demonstrates competitive performance when benchmarked against existing state-of-the-art administrative educational chatbots. Furthermore, by automating routine inquiries and offering 24/7 access to information and support, this model has the potential to reduce administrative workload and improve the overall student experience significantly. Moreover, the modular design of our hybrid model offers a foundation for future research on personalizing chatbot interactions and integrating domain-specific knowledge for enhanced communication within educational environments.
Review Non-convex Optimization Method for Machine Learning
Authors: Popovich Paul , Fotopoulos Greg , Papadopoulos Nicholas
Published: October 2024

Non-convex optimization is a critical tool in advancing machine learning, especially for complex models like deep neural networks and support vector machines. Despite challenges such as multiple local minima and saddle points, non-convex techniques offer various pathways to reduce computational costs. These include promoting sparsity through regularization, efficiently escaping saddle points, and employing subsampling and approximation strategies like stochastic gradient descent. Additionally, non-convex methods enable model pruning and compression, which reduce the size of models while maintaining performance. By focusing on good local minima instead of exact global minima, non-convex optimization ensures competitive accuracy with faster convergence and lower computational overhead. This paper examines the key methods and applications of non-convex optimization in machine learning, exploring how it can lower computation costs while enhancing model performance. Furthermore, it outlines future research directions and challenges, including scalability and generalization, that will shape the next phase of non-convex optimization in machine learning.